EL DORADO – 7 Brew Coffee will officially open Monday at 2100 N. West Ave. in El Dorado, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce earlier this week.

The drive-thru coffee chain, which began in Rogers, Arkansas, in 2017, has expanded across multiple states and offers a menu that includes coffee, teas, smoothies and energy drinks. The company emphasizes quick service through its drive-thru model.

During the ribbon cutting, 7 Brew presented a donation to the South Arkansas Children’s Coalition. The organization was named as the local charity partner for the El Dorado location.

Chamber officials welcomed the business to the local commercial community, noting its customer-focused operations and commitment to local engagement.

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The El Dorado site is one of several in the state as the company continues to grow its presence across the region.

The location will open to the public on Monday.

HOUSTON – Murphy Oil Corp. on Wednesday reported first-quarter net income of $73 million and announced a new offshore oil discovery in Vietnam, along with a $100 million stock repurchase and strategic asset acquisition in the Gulf of Mexico.

The El Dorado-based energy company posted earnings of 50 cents per diluted share for the quarter ending March 31. Excluding discontinued operations and other one-time items, Murphy reported adjusted net income of $81 million, or 56 cents per share.

First-quarter production averaged 157,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, including 78,500 barrels of oil per day. The company reported adjusted EBITDA of $339 million.

Murphy also repurchased 3.6 million shares during the quarter, totaling $100 million. The company declared a quarterly dividend of 32.5 cents per share, or $1.30 on an annualized basis.

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Oil discovery in Vietnam

A major highlight for the quarter was an oil discovery at the Lac Da Hong-1X (Pink Camel) exploration well in Block 15-1/05 in the Cuu Long Basin offshore Vietnam. The well encountered 106 feet of net oil pay and achieved a flow rate of 2,500 barrels of oil per day. It is the second discovery in the region, following the Hai Su Vang (Golden Sea Lion) find.

Murphy’s subsidiary, Murphy Cuu Long Bac Oil Co., Ltd., operates the block with a 40% interest. PetroVietnam Exploration Production Corp. holds 35%, and SK Earthon Co., Ltd. holds 25%.

Asset acquisition and operational updates

During the quarter, Murphy acquired the BW Pioneer floating production storage and offloading vessel for $104 million. The vessel supports operations in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to deliver a two-year payback.

In onshore operations, Murphy delivered new wells in the Eagle Ford Shale and Tupper Montney regions. Offshore, the company brought its Mormont #4 well online in the Gulf and completed work on the Samurai #3 well early in the second quarter.

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In Canada, Murphy produced an average of 9,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, all oil. In Vietnam, construction continued on infrastructure for the Lac Da Vang (Golden Camel) project, which has now surpassed 1 million work hours without a lost time injury.

Guidance and capital spending

Murphy’s first-quarter capital expenditures totaled $403 million, including the FPSO acquisition. Full-year 2025 production is projected between 174,500 and 182,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day, with capital expenditures estimated at $1.135 billion to $1.285 billion.

Winter storm delays in the Gulf of Mexico affected some production timelines, placing output near the lower end of guidance. Second-quarter production is forecast between 177,000 and 185,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, with 48% from oil.

Capital returns and outlook

Murphy has repaid 35% of its long-term debt, repurchased $550 million in stock, and increased its dividend by 30% since adopting a new capital strategy in 2022. The company plans to continue allocating at least 50% of adjusted free cash flow to shareholder returns through buybacks and dividends.

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Murphy will host its first-quarter earnings call on Thursday, May 8, at 9 a.m. EDT. The webcast will be available at ir.murphyoilcorp.com.

CAMDEN – The Camden Board of Aldermen will convene Monday night, May 6, to consider updates to the city’s electrical code and continue deliberations on an ordinance involving the Camden Airport Commission.

The meeting will begin with an invocation from Rev. Johnny L. Jackson, Associate Pastor at New Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church. Following the pledge of allegiance and roll call, aldermen will review and vote on minutes from the April 8 regular meeting.

The board will then receive the financial report for April 2025 and open the floor for public participation.

Public Works Director Earl Porchia is scheduled to deliver the mayor’s report, which will include the annual update on department and division activities.

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Under old business, aldermen will hold a second reading of Ordinance No. 04-25. The ordinance, if passed, would permit an official of the Camden Airport Commission to enter into contracts with the City of Camden.

In new business, the council will introduce Ordinance No. 05-25, which proposes amending Section 9 of the Camden Code of Ordinances to adopt the 2020 National Electrical Code by reference. The amendment would revise Section 9-1 to reflect current electrical standards.

The meeting will conclude with discussion of other business and formal adjournment.

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HAMPTON – The Hampton City Council will meet on Monday, May 13, at 5:00 p.m. to address a number of administrative and departmental updates during its monthly session.

The agenda includes approval of the minutes from the March 2025 meeting as well as the city’s March 2025 financial statement. Council members will then move on to unfinished business before turning their attention to new items.

Under new business, the council is expected to hear updates on the city’s computer systems, discuss the implementation or expansion of direct deposit for city employees, and receive a report on current police matters.

Following departmental and administrative updates, aldermen will have the opportunity to share comments, followed by remarks from the mayor.

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The meeting will conclude with approval of May 2025 payments and official adjournment.

The public is encouraged to attend and stay informed on issues impacting city operations.

CAMDEN — Children and teens in Camden will have a unique opportunity to shine on stage this summer as The Event Center at Fairview Park hosts a series of theatre camps, all centered around a production of Lion King, Kids.

The camps will run throughout June and are open to students in grades 3 through 12. Programming begins June 9-13 with two concurrent sessions: a Special Needs Camp for actors with special needs and peer mentors, and a Theatre Dance Camp designed to teach participants choreography and movement fundamentals related to theatre performance.

The final session, a general Theatre Camp, will be held June 16-20 and is open to the same grade levels. All camps will take place at The Event Center located in Fairview Park.

Organizers encourage early registration and note that space may be limited. For more information or to sign up, families can call 870-510-9332 or email TheEventCenter37@gmail.com.

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Camp participants will work on scenes, songs, and choreography from The Lion King, Kids, a condensed adaptation of the beloved Broadway show.