EL DORADO, AR – South Arkansas has lost one of its most respected public servants with the passing of retired Union County District Judge George E. Van Hook Jr., a man whose decades of service left a lasting impact on the community and the local judicial system.

Ironically, Van Hook’s original career ambition had nothing to do with the law. His dream was to become an engineer and build bridges. That path changed when he learned of the critical shortage of Black attorneys in Arkansas, particularly in South Arkansas. Motivated by the opportunity to make a difference, he shifted his focus to law, a decision that would shape the lives of countless people for more than four decades.

Van Hook earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas in 1970. He was immediately accepted into the University of Arkansas School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1973. Later that year, he was admitted to the Arkansas Bar.

After graduation, Van Hook began his legal career in private practice in Pine Bluff. Although the opportunity was promising, his heart remained in El Dorado, the community where he was raised and graduated from Washington High School. Affectionately known as the “original Hornet,” a nod to the school’s former mascot, Van Hook returned home to begin what would become a remarkable career in public service.

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Upon his return, the newly established Union County District Court was presided over by Judge Edwin B. Alderson Jr., who recognized Van Hook’s talent and potential. Alderson invited him to serve as the court’s clerk and frequently entrusted him with presiding over court proceedings during his absence, providing invaluable experience that would prepare him for the bench.

Following Judge Alderson’s retirement in 1991, George E. Van Hook Jr. was elected to the position of district judge. Over the next 25 years, he became a familiar and respected figure in the courtroom, overseeing misdemeanor cases, traffic citations, small claims matters, bond hearings, and first appearances with fairness, professionalism, and compassion.

In 2016, citing his age and declining health, Van Hook announced he would not seek another term. As he concluded a distinguished judicial career, the City of El Dorado honored his legacy. On December 15, 2016, then-Mayor Frank Hash proclaimed the day as George E. Van Hook Jr. Day, recognizing his quarter-century of dedicated service to the citizens of South Arkansas.

Judge Van Hook passed away this week at his residence.

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Funeral arrangements are being handled by Sims Mortuary and were still pending at the time of publication.

His legacy will be remembered not only through the thousands of cases he adjudicated, but through the integrity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to justice that defined his life and career.

EL DORADO, Ark. — As families prepare for the start of a new school year, the El Dorado School District is working to ease some of the financial burden by providing free meals and classroom supplies for students.

District officials announced that all El Dorado School District students will receive free breakfast during the upcoming school year. In addition, students in kindergarten through fourth grade will receive free instructional school supplies, helping ensure they have the materials they need on the first day of class.

The district says the initiative is part of its ongoing commitment to supporting families, removing barriers to learning and helping every student begin the school year ready for success.

By providing essential resources such as breakfast and classroom supplies, school leaders hope students can focus on learning rather than worrying about basic needs.

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The district encourages families to take advantage of the programs as they make final preparations for the new school year.

“At ESD, Every Student Deserves a great start,” the district said in announcing the back-to-school support initiatives.

EL DORADO — The City of El Dorado is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on the El Dorado Airport Commission.

City officials are seeking qualified applicants to fill a position on the commission, which helps provide oversight and guidance for the operation and future development of South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field.

Those interested in serving are encouraged to submit an application before the 5 p.m. deadline on Thursday, Aug. 20.

Residents who would like more information about the position or the application process can contact City Clerk Heather McVay at 870-881-4877 or by email at [email protected].

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The City of El Dorado encourages community members who are interested in contributing to the future of local aviation and economic development to apply.

EL DORADO — Dangerous heat will continue across South Arkansas today, with the National Weather Service warning that heat index values could climb as high as 109 to 115 degrees in some locations.

Much of Union County and the surrounding South Arkansas region, including El Dorado, remains under a Heat Advisory, while areas farther south and west across East Texas and northern Louisiana are under an Extreme Heat Warning.

Afternoon high temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s to lower 100s, but the combination of heat and humidity will make it feel significantly hotter.

The National Weather Service says prolonged exposure to these conditions can quickly lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions and anyone working or exercising outdoors.

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Residents are encouraged to:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the afternoon.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible, as fans alone may not provide enough cooling during extreme heat.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing if spending time outside.

Officials also remind residents to check on neighbors, relatives and pets during the prolonged stretch of dangerous heat and never leave children or animals unattended in vehicles.

The heat advisory remains in effect through this evening, with forecasters expecting another round of dangerously hot conditions later this week.

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Throughout his career, Madison Murphy has earned a reputation as one of Arkansas’ most respected business leaders, with decades of service spanning corporate leadership, education, philanthropy, and the arts. This fall, that legacy will be recognized on a statewide stage.

The El Dorado native has been named one of two recipients of the Leadership in Free Enterprise Award, presented by Economics Arkansas, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing economic and personal finance education across the state.

Murphy graduated from Hendrix College in Conway in 1980 with a degree in economics and business administration before returning to El Dorado to begin his career with Murphy Oil Corporation as a junior accountant. He quickly advanced through the company’s ranks, serving as a junior auditor and associate auditor before accepting international assignments in London, England, with Murphy Eastern Oil and in New Orleans, Louisiana, with Murphy’s Ocean Drilling and Exploration Company.

Despite opportunities abroad, Murphy chose to return home in 1988, joining Murphy Oil as vice president of planning. Over the years, he held several executive leadership positions, including treasurer, chief financial and administrative officer, and ultimately chairman of the board. He continues to serve as a member of the Murphy Oil Board of Directors.

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Beyond Murphy Oil, his leadership has extended across Arkansas’ business and civic landscape. Murphy served for a decade on the Arkansas Highway Commission, spent more than 11 years on the board of BancorpSouth, and also served on the board of Deltic Timber Corporation.

He is a founding member of the Murphy Arts District (MAD), co-owner of Presqu’ile Winery, president of the Murphy Foundation, and has served as chairman of the board of Murphy USA since the company’s 2013 spinoff from Murphy Oil.

Economics Arkansas selected Murphy for the Leadership in Free Enterprise Award in recognition of his commitment to promoting the principles and success of free enterprise throughout Arkansas.

Formerly known as the Arkansas Council on Economic Education, Economics Arkansas equips PreK-12 educators with the training and classroom resources needed to teach economics and personal finance. The organization believes that preparing teachers creates a multiplier effect, allowing generations of Arkansas students to gain practical financial knowledge and a stronger understanding of the marketplace.

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Murphy will be honored during the organization’s annual awards ceremony on Nov. 4 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock. Also receiving recognition that evening will be Walter Hussman Jr., chairman of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Tickets for the event are $125 and may be purchased online or by calling 501-682-4230.