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Contour Airlines, City Of El Dorado Aiming For December Start

Published

10 months ago

October 2, 2025

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO – Members of the El Dorado Airport Commission confirmed what some suspected on Thursday – it is going to be a while before we see the jet service to South Arkansas Regional Airport that had been originally announced to start on Wednesday.

Commissioners met in a special meeting in the Murfree Terminal, Thursday, to discuss a number of issues related to the launch of the anticipated jet service between South Arkansas Regional and Dallas-Fort Worth announced last month by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Contour Airlines agreed to begin service after winning a bid for an Essential Air Service contract with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Essential Air Service (EAS) contracts are U.S. Department of Transportation agreements that pay regional airlines to provide scheduled flights to small, rural communities that would likely lose air service after airline deregulation. Through a competitive bidding process—usually for two-year terms—the DOT selects a carrier and defines minimum service levels (e.g., number of weekly round trips, aircraft type, and the larger hub(s) to be served). The subsidy simply covers the gap between the airline’s reasonable operating costs and its expected ticket revenue. When choosing a proposal, DOT weighs reliability, connectivity to the national network (interline/baggage agreements), community preferences, and overall cost to taxpayers.

Flights were originally announced to be available to the public beginning on October 1st. However, as of Thursday, commissioners and the City of El Dorado still have not finalized a contract with the airline. Also at hand, the airport terminal still has to be updated to meet TSA specifications.

According to members of the commission who spoke to South Arkansas Now following the meeting, the city’s contract with Southern Express Airways was set to expire in February of this year. Because of delays on the part of the Department of Transportation, the bid process was finally settled in August, leaving Contour Airlines and the City with a DOT-mandated contract start date of Wednesday.

When the flights do start, commissioners were told that while the government shutdown is still intact, the City of El Dorado might have to pay the costs normally paid by the EAS contract, with expenses running between $500,000 and $600,000 a month. Those costs are expected to be reimbursed to the city within 10–14 days.

Joining the meeting by phone, Mayor Paul Choate indicated that the city has around $1,200,000 in the airport fund, which operates both South Arkansas Regional Airport and the smaller Stevens Field El Dorado Downtown Airport, noting that those funds could be used to float the costs for the service before the federal government would provide reimbursements.

Despite not having a firm date for Contour’s service to start, commissioners voted to terminate the current EAS contract with Southern Express Airways, which currently operates flights to both Dallas-Fort Worth and Memphis with eight-passenger Cessna 208 Caravan airplanes. That contract is set to expire on November 30th.

Commissioners noted that if logistical arrangements and airport renovations are not finalized by that date per the TSA specifications, the airport could be without commercial air service for an unspecified amount of time, potentially over the holidays. As of Thursday, those renovations had not been started, as commissioners voted on the selection of a construction firm during their meeting.

The head of Contour Airlines tells South Arkansas Now that they are still fully planning to take over on December 1st, provided that the work has been completed. Contour Airlines CEO Matt Chaifetz said, “The grant for Contour service begins December 1st, although the exact start date will depend on how soon TSA can be in place at the airport. With the shutdown, it’s unclear when exactly the facility will have everything in place for us to begin service.”

In filings with the Federal Aviation Administration, members of the El Dorado Airport Commission expressed disdain for the service that Southern Airways Express has provided since 2017.

“Based on Southern’s precipitous decline in performance under the current EAS contract and the concurrent decrease in passenger traffic during the last two years, the Airport has no confidence that Southern can or will improve its operations or that it can reverse the damage that it has inflicted on the ELD market,” the filing stated.

“Although Southern has provided the least expensive proposals, there is no subsidy level that could possibly justify the community’s recommendation or DOT’s selection of Southern given their track record of performance in ELD, as well as other markets. Therefore, the Airport cannot endorse Southern’s proposal.”

In choosing the Contour contract, the commission had specified a number of things that were attractive to the city.

“Contour’s service with regional jet equipment configured to bring 30 passengers per flight to the main passenger terminal at DFW justifies the federalization of ELD and the return of TSA. The Airport has already updated and submitted its Airport Security Plan and met with TSA officials to begin preparing for the provisioning of equipment and personnel,” the Commission stated.

“The service would continue to connect to the American Airlines network at its large DFW hub, offering one-stop connections to more than 100 cities across the country. The service would be available for single-ticket booking on the American Airlines website and through other online services; Contour has a well-documented history of reviving damaged markets; and Contour has demonstrated its commitment to the community in its pledge of a $25,000 annual advertising budget, and low ongoing fares that reflect an understanding of the community’s demographics.”

Another provider, Boutique Airlines, was in the running for the contract, but their bid was frowned upon by commissioners due to a perceived reputation of problems in other markets. That airline has served other EAS markets in the region, including Greenville, Mississippi. Boutique disagreed, saying the City of El Dorado did not contact airports that were satisfied with their service.

Currently, reservations are available through November for existing service on Southern Airways Express.

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El Dorado Business Leader Madison Murphy to Receive Statewide Leadership in Free Enterprise Award

Published

12 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Sandy Sanford

Madison Murphy being honored as tourism person of the year at the Governor's Conference on Tourism. Photo from GoElDorado.com

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.

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.

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.

Featured

Murphy-Pitard Jewelers Joins Downtown El Dorado’s Christmas in July Celebration

Published

15 hours ago

July 21, 2026

Jax Sanford

EL DORADO, Ark. – Christmas is coming early to historic downtown El Dorado as Murphy-Pitard Jewelers invites the community to celebrate the Christmas in July festivities, taking place Thursday, July 23, through Saturday, July 25.

Following the success of last year’s event, Murphy-Pitard is bringing the celebration back with an even greater focus on festive fun, holiday planning, and the excitement of brand-new jewelry arrivals.

Throughout the three-day event, customers will have the opportunity to get a first look at the store’s newest collections, recently hand-selected at market, while shopping the best selection before the holiday season begins.

“The response to Christmas in July last year was incredible, and we couldn’t wait to bring it back,” said Amanda Pitard, owner of Murphy-Pitard Jewelers. “It’s such a fun way to celebrate with our community, introduce the new pieces we found at market, help customers start their Christmas wish lists early, and remind everyone it’s never too early to start planning for the holidays. Whether you’re beginning your Christmas shopping or simply enjoying the festivities downtown, we hope you’ll stop in and celebrate with us.”

Guests can enjoy holiday treats, festive decorations, Christmas music, and plenty of Christmas cheer while exploring the store’s newest arrivals. Murphy-Pitard Jewelers is proud to join the Downtown Business Association and Main Street El Dorado, celebrating Christmas in July as downtown businesses spread holiday cheer with festive activities and create a fun shopping experience throughout historic downtown El Dorado.

Customers are encouraged to create their Christmas wish list during the event for a chance to win a $500 Murphy-Pitard Jewelers shopping spree through a special Christmas in July Wish & Win giveaway.

For the first time, Murphy-Pitard Jewelers is introducing a special Christmas layaway program during Christmas in July. The three-day offer allows customers to reserve gifts with 0% down, NO interest, and five equal monthly payments, making it easy to plan ahead for the holidays while securing the store’s newest arrivals. (Restrictions apply. See store for complete details.)

Additional highlights include Santa Savings, featuring select merchandise specially marked for the event, as well as a visit from Summer Santa on Saturday.

Murphy-Pitard Jewelers’ Christmas in July will take place during regular business hours:

Thursday- Friday, July 23- July 24: 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 25: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For more information about Murphy-Pitard Jewelers, visit the store in historic downtown El Dorado, call (870) 863-8818, or follow Murphy-Pitard Jewelers on Facebook for event updates and sneak peeks of the newest arrivals.

News

Chamber To Hold Business Hour On Tuesday

Published

2 days ago

July 20, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO – Business leaders, entrepreneurs and community members will have an opportunity to expand their professional networks this week during the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce’s July Business Hour.

The monthly networking event will be hosted by South Arkansas College on Tuesday from 4 to 5 p.m. at the college’s Health Sciences Building, located at 401 W. Wesson Street in El Dorado.

The Business Hour is designed to bring together Chamber members and local professionals for an informal hour of networking, conversation and relationship building. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour SouthArk’s Health Sciences Building while connecting with fellow business leaders, community partners and area professionals.

Chamber officials say the event is a chance for attendees to make new business connections, strengthen existing relationships and stay engaged with the local business community. The networking event is open to Chamber members and those interested in becoming more involved in the area’s business community.

News

South Arkansas Communities Receive More Than $1.5 Million In Funding

Published

2 days ago

July 20, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Communities in Union, Ouachita and Columbia counties will receive more than $1.5 million in state grant funding as part of a statewide investment announced Monday by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

The funding is part of more than $12.5 million awarded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Rural Services Block Grant and Rural Community Grant programs to support infrastructure improvements, public facilities, fire protection and community development projects across Arkansas.

Locally, Junction City in Union County received a $498,635 Community Development Block Grant, while Louann in Ouachita County was awarded $499,999 and McNeil in Columbia County received $499,606 through the same program.

Additional funding was awarded through the Rural Community Grant program. The Junction City Volunteer Fire Department received $15,000, Mount Holly Volunteer Fire Department received $12,705, Chidester was awarded $10,990.50, and the Town of Emerson received $14,986.26.

Gov. Sanders said investing in local communities helps improve quality of life while supporting long-term growth across the state.

“Arkansas’ success starts with our local communities,” Sanders said. “These funds help local leaders build the places that bring neighbors together, improve quality of life and build on what Arkansans already know: there is no better place in America to live, work and raise a family than the Natural State.”

Arkansas Economic Development Commission Executive Director Clint O’Neal said the grants provide communities with resources to strengthen infrastructure and expand economic opportunities.

The Community Development Block Grant program helps fund projects such as public facilities, senior centers, childcare centers, health facilities, drainage improvements and economic development initiatives.

Meanwhile, the Rural Services Block Grant and Rural Community Grant programs provide funding for projects including community centers, fire stations, fire equipment, parks, walking trails and storm warning sirens.

In total, the state awarded 88 grants totaling $12,522,736 to cities, counties and rural communities across Arkansas. Locally, the awards will support community improvements, public safety and infrastructure projects throughout Union, Ouachita and Columbia counties.

News

El Dorado Native and Arkansas Business Leader Emon Mahony Jr. Dies at 85

Published

2 days ago

July 20, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — El Dorado native and longtime Arkansas business leader Emon Mahony Jr., whose leadership at Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corp. and decades of public service helped shape communities across the state, has died at the age of 85. TalkBusiness.net first reported Mahony’s death.

Mahony, who was born in El Dorado on May 5, 1941, built a distinguished career spanning business, government and conservation before returning to his hometown after retirement to manage his family’s timber, oil and natural gas interests.

He served as president of Fort Smith-based Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corp. (AOG) from 1977 to 1996 and remained chairman of the board until 1998. During his tenure, Mahony helped transform the company into a customer-focused utility while also becoming one of the Fort Smith region’s most influential civic leaders.

Perhaps his most enduring legacy was his leadership in expanding Lake Fort Smith, a project that secured the region’s long-term water supply. Mahony championed the effort to raise the lake’s dam and win voter approval for a half-cent sales tax that helped fund the more than $200 million project.

Completed in 2006, the expansion tripled the reservoir’s capacity, increasing water storage from about 8.4 billion gallons to nearly 28 billion gallons while more than doubling daily water production from 21.5 million gallons to 45.5 million gallons. The project also led to the creation of the modern Lake Fort Smith State Park, which features cabins, hiking trails, campgrounds, a marina and visitor facilities.

Throughout his career, Mahony held leadership roles on numerous corporate and public boards. He served on the board of what was then City National Bank in Fort Smith, was a longtime director and former chairman of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, and served on the board of Alltel Corp. before the telecommunications company was acquired by Verizon in 2009.

Mahony also dedicated years to public service. He worked as a senior aide to longtime U.S. Sen. John McClellan from 1968 to 1975, served on the Arkansas-Oklahoma River Compact Commission, was appointed by Gov. David Pryor to the Arkansas Soil and Water Commission, and later became part of Gov. Mike Beebe’s transition team. He also served as one of the first members of the U.S. Marshals Museum board of directors.

Beyond business and government, Mahony was a passionate conservation advocate. He served as a trustee of The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas, supported the creation of the one-eighth-cent conservation sales tax benefiting the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and worked to establish conservation easements protecting natural ecosystems.

On Sunday, former Gov. Mike Beebe remembered Mahony as “a good friend and great Arkansan.”

Former colleagues also reflected on Mahony’s leadership and mentorship.

Mike Callan, who served as AOG president from 2008 to 2014, said Mahony hired him in 1984 and remained his mentor and friend for more than four decades.

“He was my boss for 12 years, my mentor and friend for 42 years,” Callan said. “One of his many traits I admired was that when we discussed any subject he had already thought about it more than anyone else involved.”

Fred Kirkwood, who retired from AOG earlier this year after a 40-year career, credited Mahony with changing the company’s culture by emphasizing customer service at a time when that philosophy was uncommon in the utility industry.

Attorney Ben Shipley III, whom Mahony recruited to AOG as vice president and general counsel, said Mahony consistently encouraged community involvement and always focused on projects that benefited the public.

David Olive, founder of Catalyst Partners and a longtime Fort Smith attorney, said Mahony’s greatest gift was improving every community he served.

“Emon Mahony’s legacy is that he had the ability to make communities better wherever he lived,” Olive said. “His contributions were immense and the Fort Smith area is better because of the time he lived here.”

According to his obituary, Mahony was preceded in death by his parents, Emon Armstrong Mahony Sr. and Mabel Farmer Mahony; his brothers, Mike and Jodie; daughter Terry Donathan Julian; and son Paul Donathan.

He is survived by his wife, Kay; daughter Liza Nevenhoven and husband Scott; son Emon Ossian Mahony and wife Esther Teo; son Trent Donathan; and eight grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 24, at Young’s Funeral Directors in El Dorado. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25, at First Presbyterian Church in El Dorado.