News

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

Published

3 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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News

Heat Advisory Continues For South Arkansas Region

Published

2 days ago

July 29, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, Ark. — Dangerous heat will continue across South Arkansas on Wednesday as a Heat Advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m., with heat index values expected to reach 105 to 109 degrees during the afternoon and early evening.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport says afternoon high temperatures will climb into the upper 90s to near 100 degrees, while high humidity will make it feel significantly hotter.

The advisory includes all of South Arkansas, including Union, Columbia, Ouachita, Calhoun, Bradley, Ashley, and surrounding counties.

Forecasters warn that prolonged exposure to the heat can quickly lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for those working or exercising outdoors. Older adults, young children, and people with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable.

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.
Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.

With the advisory remaining in effect through the evening commute, anyone spending time outdoors should take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

The National Weather Service says dangerous heat conditions are expected to ease after sunset, but temperatures will remain hot through the remainder of the week.

News

Chamber Holds Grand Opening For Southern Caregivers

Published

2 days ago

July 29, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, Ark. — Southern Caregivers, LTD has officially expanded into El Dorado, celebrating the opening of its new office with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce.

The new office is located at 530 W. Faulkner Street and will serve families throughout Union County and surrounding communities by providing in-home personal care services.

In a social media post following the event, the Chamber welcomed the company to South Arkansas and congratulated its team on the new location, wishing them success as they begin serving area residents.

Southern Caregivers was founded in 2015 in Magnolia and has grown into a family-owned, nurse-led in-home care agency with locations across Arkansas. The company is owned and operated by registered nurses and specializes in helping seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities remain safely and comfortably in their own homes.

Services include personal care, respite care, 24-hour home care, medication reminders, assistance with daily living activities, and specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care. The company says its mission is to help clients maintain their independence while providing families with peace of mind through compassionate, individualized care.

The El Dorado office will serve clients throughout Union, Columbia, Ouachita, Calhoun, Ashley and Bradley counties, making professional in-home care more accessible to families across South Arkansas.

News

El Dorado Schools Set Volunteer Training Sessions

Published

2 days ago

July 29, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, Ark. — Community members interested in volunteering with the El Dorado School District during the 2026–2027 school year will need to attend one of the district’s upcoming volunteer training sessions before serving on campus.

The district has announced three training opportunities designed to prepare volunteers for working with students and staff throughout the school year. All district volunteers are required to attend at least one session.

The scheduled training dates are:

Friday, Aug. 14 at 1 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 22 at 1 p.m.

All three sessions will be held at the South Arkansas Arts Center, located at 110 E. Fifth St. in El Dorado.

District officials encourage anyone planning to volunteer in classrooms, at school events, or with extracurricular activities during the upcoming school year to attend one of the sessions.

The training is intended to ensure volunteers understand district expectations and procedures while helping create a safe and supportive environment for students.

Those interested in volunteering should plan to attend one of the three scheduled sessions before participating in school activities during the 2026–2027 academic year.

News

DIAMOND RIO TO PERFORM AT FIRST FINANCIAL MUSIC HALL

Published

4 days ago

July 27, 2026

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, AR – The Murphy Arts District is excited to welcome Grammy Award winning country music group Diamond Rio with special guest Abbey Cone to the First Financial Music Hall on Friday, October 16th. Doors open at 6:30pm with the concert starting at 7:30pm. Tickets go on sale to the public Friday, July 31st at 10am. Tickets can be purchased at eldomad.com and at the MAD box office at 101 East Locust Street. Ticket prices range from $25- $90 plus additional service fees. “We love giving people another reason to visit El Dorado, and Diamond Rio is the perfect addition to an exciting fall weekend,” said Pam Griffin, MAD President and CEO. “We invite fans from across the region to make a weekend of it in El Dorado and enjoy live music, great local restaurants, shopping, and the Southern hospitality that makes our community such a special destination.”

Originating as The Tennessee River Boys in the 80s, the band evolved into Diamond Rio in 1989. The following year, they signed with Arista Nashville, and in 1991, with the release of “Meet in The Middle,” became the first country music group in history to reach No. 1 with a debut single. The band is also known for their multi-week chart-topper “How Your Love Makes Me Feel,” crossover hit “One More Day,” as well as timeless hits “Beautiful Mess,” “Unbelievable,” “I Believe,” and many more. Selling more than 6.8 million albums and surpassing over 1.05 billion global streams, Diamond Rio has charted 20 Top 10 singles, 15 Top 5 singles, and seven No. 1 singles. Known for playing every note on every album throughout their career, the band’s unwavering commitment to their craft is evident in their instrumental tracks “Big,” “Appalachian Dream,” and “Poultry Promenade,” all of which received Grammy nominations for Best Country Instrumental Performance. Following their Arista Nashville deal, the band released two albums with Word Records – their Christmas album, The Star Still Shines, and their Dove and Grammy-winning Christian Country album, The Reason.

Amassing numerous accolades throughout the years, the band is a member of the Grand Ole Opry, won six Vocal Group of the Year Awards (four CMA and two ACM), received fourteen Grammy nominations, and won a Grammy Award for their album, The Reason. Known for their charitable commitments, including long-time spokespersons for Big Brothers Big Sisters, the band has raised more than $1 million for non-profits and received the Minnie Pearl Humanitarian Award.

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

El Dorado Petsense Closing

Published

6 days ago

July 25, 2026

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, Ark. — Tractor Supply announced it will close 75 of its 209 Petsense locations nationwide as part of an effort to focus on its strongest-performing stores.

During the company’s latest earnings call, executives said the closures are tied to underperforming locations. Six of Arkansas’ nine Petsense stores are expected to close, including locations in Searcy, Beebe, Jacksonville, Pine Bluff, Fayetteville, and El Dorado.

Despite the closures, company officials emphasized that Petsense remains a key part of Tractor Supply’s long-term strategy to serve pet owners and rural communities. Executives pointed to the company’s recent acquisitions of Allivet, an online animal pharmacy, and VIP Petcare, a mobile veterinary care provider, as evidence of its continued investment in pet care, livestock wellness, and rural living services.

Petsense was founded in 2005 with a focus on serving smaller, rural communities. Tractor Supply acquired the company in 2016, later rebranding the chain as Petsense by Tractor Supply.