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Jones’ Highlights El Dorado’s Contribution To Energy Sector In Washington Times Op-Ed

Published

5 months ago

April 30, 2026

Grant Merrill

This opinion column originally appeared in The Washington Times on April 29, 2026, titled “Small-town refineries play big role in U.S. energy security.” You can read the original article by clicking here

It’s easy to forget that energy markets are global until they are disrupted, sometimes very far from home.

The unprecedented closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting oil shock have triggered one of the most severe energy disruptions since the 1970s, delivering a reminder that America’s energy security cannot be taken for granted.

American families continue to anxiously watch the fallout in their gas prices.

I remind my neighbors in El Dorado, Arkansas, that we do play a role in this global energy market, thanks to our local refineries. Though they are considered “small refineries,” they couldn’t play a bigger role in our community as our county’s top employers.

Yet proposed policies would devastate small refineries across the country, including those in El Dorado. These refineries are essential to maintaining America’s energy security. A combination of legislation that permits year-round blending of ethanol (up to 15% or “E15”) and removes small refinery exemptions from ethanol mandates could trigger widespread closures of small refineries.

That could escalate the energy affordability crisis precisely when Americans can least afford it.

Events in the Middle East should be a wake-up call. When supply chains collapse and international tensions flare, America’s energy security depends on one critical asset: a strong, diversified domestic refining sector capable of reliably producing the affordable fuel U.S. families depend on every day.

Thirty-seven small but mighty refineries scattered across rural communities nationwide provide 1.8 million barrels per day of U.S. refining capacity. To put this into perspective, that’s enough fuel to meet the daily needs of millions of American families.

This is a capacity we simply cannot afford to lose amid the global energy volatility we are witnessing today.

These aren’t just energy facilities; they are economic lifelines to more than 385,000 direct and indirect high-quality American jobs in communities that depend on them. We’re talking about plant operators, maintenance workers, truck drivers and countless others whose livelihoods are tied to these facilities.

Hundreds of employees and contractors make their living at El Dorado’s refineries. That easily makes them some of the top employers in Union County, home to about 40,000 people.

When small refineries such as those in El Dorado close, entire towns suffer the consequences.

American communities understand what happens when manufacturing jobs leave town. Refinery jobs averaging $120,000 per year, many of them union positions, could disappear overnight. Closures would reduce local tax revenue that funds schools, public safety and infrastructure. Local businesses that partner with refineries will lose a steady stream of business.

The consequences are severe.

We know from numerous studies that compliance with the Renewable Fuel Standard can add approximately $10 per barrel in costs, expenses that could be passed directly to consumers at the pump.

Lawmakers face a choice in this unprecedented moment. They can either reinforce America’s domestic refining capacity or bow to special interests with policies that will weaken it, leaving our nation more vulnerable to the next global crisis.

The path forward is clear: Congress must preserve the Small Refinery Exemption and reject mandates that would force closures of facilities critical to American energy production, jobs and affordability.

These aren’t abstract policy debates. They are decisions that will directly affect whether American families can afford to fill their gas tanks and maintain their quality of life.

The Iran conflict has reminded us that energy security is national security. We cannot allow short-sighted policies and special interests to dismantle the domestic refining infrastructure that insulates American families from global turmoil.

Our small refineries are not expendable; they are essential. Let’s make sure they stay open.

• Steven Jones is president and CEO of the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce in El Dorado, Arkansas. This opinion column originally appeared in The Washington Times on April 29, 2026, titled “Small-town refineries play big role in U.S. energy security.” It is republished here with permission from the author.

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Flatland Cavalry to Perform at First Financial Music Hall on Oct 10

Published

5 hours ago

September 15, 2026

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, AR – Texas Country-Americana favorites Flatland Cavalry with special guests Aiden Logsdon & the Outlaws are set to roll into the First Financial Music Hall on Saturday, October 10th. Doors open at 7:00pm with the concert starting at 8:00pm. Tickets can be purchased at eldomad.com and at the MAD box office at 101 East Locust Street. Ticket prices range from $40- $125 plus additional service fees. “Flatland Cavalry is one of my favorite bands right now and having them come to El Dorado is really exciting for us,” said Pam Griffin, MAD President and CEO. “We are always encouraged to see visitors travel in for shows at the Murphy Arts District, stay downtown, and enjoy the energy of our city. This is going to be a special night, and I hope people will make plans to join us.”

Critically acclaimed country-roots six-piece Flatland Cavalry has blazed their own trail on the Americana and country music circuit, sharing their hearty brand of homespun tunes the world over – easy on the ears, heavy on the heart. The “straightforward, upbeat electrified country-rock band” (Wall Street Journal) continue with relentless momentum on their journey from the heart of West Texas to the center of country culture, earning a myriad of outstanding accolades along the way: seven #1 singles at Texas Country Radio, back-to-back nominations for ACM Group of the Year, syncs across TV and film including Twisters, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Paramount’s “Yellowstone” and “Landman,” and Netflix’s “The Ranch,” and well over 1 billion streams worldwide.

Whether it’s been hot-trotting in a 12-passenger van, caravanning on colossal treks with Willie Nelson, Luke Combs, and Lainey Wilson, or headlining their own months-long tours with a Who’s Who of historic venue sellouts along the way, Flatland Cavalry remains “at the forefront of the red dirt renaissance” (Rolling Stone). With their debut single to country radio, “Never Comin’ Back,” spinning nationwide now, Flatland Cavalry continues to broaden their own sonic horizons while keeping a clear, firm grasp on their foundational and endearing sound. Flatland Cavalry is Cleto Cordero (vocals, acoustic guitar), Jason Albers (drums, percussion), Jonathan Saenz (bass, background vocals), Reid Dillon (electric guitar), Wesley Hall (fiddle), and Adam Gallegos (piano, organ, keys, mandolin, banjo, acoustic guitar, Wurlitzer, Mellotron). Based in both Texas and Nashville, the band just released their fifth studio album, Work of Heart.

The MAD box office is open Monday – Friday from 9:30am – 5:00pm and is located at 101 East Locust Street in El Dorado. Tickets may be purchased by web, on location, or by phone at 870-444-3007. Please visit eldomad.com for additional information.

News

Wildfires Prompt Mandatory Evacuations Near Hampton

Published

19 hours ago

September 14, 2026

Grant Merrill

HAMPTON — The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office has issued an immediate evacuation order for residents in part of the county as emergency crews respond to an ongoing fire.

Authorities are ordering anyone living north of Arkansas Highway 278, from Calhoun Road 10 to Calhoun Road 95, to evacuate their home or other structure immediately.

The Sheriff’s Office is urging residents in the affected area to leave now and avoid the area to allow firefighters and other emergency personnel unrestricted access.

Temporary shelters have been established in Hampton for residents displaced by the fire and evacuation.

Shelters are available at Victory Baptist Church, 320 S. Second St.; the Hampton High School Library, 419 E. Main St.; and Hampton First Assembly of God Church, 248 Sixth St.

Anyone who has been ordered to evacuate or who does not feel safe remaining at home is encouraged to go to one of the temporary shelter locations.

Residents evacuating the area should take essential medications, identification, important documents, mobile phones and chargers, and necessary supplies for children and pets if they can do so without delaying their departure. Residents should not attempt to enter closed or threatened areas to retrieve belongings.

Drivers are also urged to stay away from the affected area unless they are evacuating. Keeping roads clear will allow fire crews, law enforcement and other emergency responders to move equipment and personnel where they are needed.

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to immediately share the evacuation information so residents who may not have received the initial warning can be notified.

This is a developing situation. South Arkansas Now will provide additional information on the fire, evacuation area and shelter operations as it becomes available.

News

OVERTURNED 18-WHEELER PROMPTS LANE CLOSURE

Published

1 day ago

September 14, 2026

Sandy Sanford

UNION COUNTY, AR – Sheriff Charlie Phillips, at 10:03 this morning, activated an emergency notice to citizrens of Union County, Arkansas. The notice says, “Please exercise caution when traveling on Oakland Road near the Stateline. There is an overturned 18-wheeler and traffic is down to one lane at this time.”

There is no mention of injuries or hazards beyond the single lane closure. As more information becomes available, South Arkansas Now will pass it along.

News

Heat Advisory Remains in Effect Across South Arkansas Through Tuesday Evening

Published

1 day ago

September 14, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Dangerous heat will continue across South Arkansas as a Heat Advisory remains in effect through 7 p.m. Tuesday, with afternoon heat index values expected to climb as high as 109 degrees.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport says high temperatures across the region will range from the middle 90s to near 100 degrees. When combined with high humidity, conditions could make it feel between 105 and 109 degrees during the hottest portions of the afternoon.

The advisory includes portions of southwest and south-central Arkansas, including the El Dorado area, as well as southeast Oklahoma, East Texas and northern and central Louisiana.

Anyone spending time outdoors is urged to take precautions, particularly during the afternoon. Those working outside should take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas and drink plenty of water. Strenuous outdoor activities should be postponed until cooler parts of the day when possible.

Residents should also wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing and never leave children or pets unattended inside a vehicle. The National Weather Service notes that fans alone may not provide adequate protection during extreme heat, and those with access to air conditioning are encouraged to use it.

People should also know the warning signs of heat-related illness. Heat exhaustion can include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps and cool or clammy skin. Anyone experiencing those symptoms should move to a cooler location, drink water and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Warning signs can include confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures and extremely high body temperature. If heat stroke is suspected, call 911 immediately and begin cooling the person while waiting for emergency help. Do not give fluids to an unconscious person.

Older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions and those who work or exercise outdoors can be especially vulnerable to heat-related illness. Residents are also encouraged to check on relatives, friends and neighbors who may not have reliable air conditioning.

The Heat Advisory is scheduled to remain in effect through 7 p.m. Tuesday.

News

El Dorado Orchestra Program Holding Mattress Fundraiser

Published

1 day ago

September 14, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — The El Dorado School District Orchestras are turning mattresses into music with a special one-day fundraiser benefiting the district’s orchestra programs.

The El Dorado School District Orchestras will host a Mattress Sale Fundraiser from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, in the El Dorado High School cafeteria.

Organizers say the event will feature a selection of mattresses from major brands along with other sleep-related products. Shoppers will also be able to purchase items including pillows and mattress toppers.

A portion of each purchase made during the event will benefit the El Dorado School District Orchestras, providing an opportunity for residents to shop for products they may already need while supporting local student musicians.

Organizers are encouraging members of the community to spread the word about the fundraiser, particularly to friends and family members who may be planning to purchase a new mattress or other sleep products.

The fundraiser will be held for one day only, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the El Dorado High School cafeteria. Proceeds from purchases will benefit the El Dorado School District Orchestras.