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Murphy USA Defies Analysts With $142M 4Q Profit

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EL DORADO – Murphy USA (NYSE:MUSA) defied the analysts and odds makers when they announced this week they have addded $142M in Net Income for the fourth quarter of 2024. That profit comes from revenues of $4.71 Billion and has earned a per-share earnings of $6.96, easily eclipsing the forecasted earnings of $6.43. While outpacing expectations, Murphy USA slipped slightly when compared to the same time one year earlier, where they had a profit of $150M. In a statement released by the company, President and CEO Andrew Clyde said, “strong performance in 2024 demonstrates the resilience, durability and effectiveness of our advantaged business model.” News of the better than estimated earnings sent Murphy USA stock up, trading at one point for $515.95 before settling down and opening today at $513.53. The 52 Week High for the stock came in November of 2024 when shares were trading for $555.48 and the 52 week low was this week last year, as shares were trading at $361.74 each. For the year, Murphy USA posted profits of an amount just north of $502 Million.

• WHERE DID THE MONEY COME FROM?

Accodring to the company, profits were led by fuel sales where they saw 32.5 cents per gallon go to the bottom line in the 4th Quarter. Behind fuel, Nicotine product sales were strong helping to push that net income number even higher. Clyde said, “Strength in our core areas, particularly our fuel and nicotine categories, continued to drive significant value, with retail fuel margins up 50 basis points year-over-year, despite lower volatility and a flatter price profile,” He also added, “Total merchandise margin dollars increased nearly 4% year-over-year, despite challenges in our Northeast market especially for food retailers,”

• WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE?

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In a press release from the company they said they had planned on building NTI (new to the industry) between 30-35 stores in the past year. They built 32. The company also had planned to raze-and-rebuild more than 40 locations, they completed 47. In his statement, Clyde anticipates further growth in 2025 and 2026 “as we focus on long-term growth opportunities,” Clyde said. For this year, they want to build (new to the industry) up to 50 locations while razing and rebuilding as many as 30 locations. “New store additions and investments in raze-and-rebuild sites reflect our expectation of being able to sustain a higher level of growth into 2025 and beyond. Our disciplined capital approach combined with a more robust NTI pipeline will allow us to prioritize NTI construction while managing a similar number of total projects” The company said in the statement.

A full copy of the company’s release can be found by clicking here.

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Chamber Cash Mob Heads To Gabe’s Cave Saturday

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EL DORADO – Residents are encouraged to show their support for local business at the upcoming Cash Mob event happening this Saturday, April 19, at Gabe’s Cave, located at 2101 N College Avenue in El Dorado. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., giving shoppers a chance to rally around one of the city’s most unique and community-driven small businesses.

A “Cash Mob” is a grassroots event aimed at boosting small businesses by encouraging residents to spend locally. Shoppers are asked to commit to spending at least $25 at Gabe’s Cave during the event—and in return, they’ll be eligible for door prizes just for showing up.

This event is more than just a shopping trip—it’s a community celebration. Attendees will have the chance to meet the Easter Bunny between 10 a.m. and noon, making it a perfect stop for families with young children. The store will also have plenty of Easter basket fillers, collectibles, and pop culture merchandise available for purchase.

Organizers hope the event will provide a strong show of support for Gabe’s Cave, a local favorite known for its comics, collectibles, and welcoming atmosphere.

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“Whether you’re a comic book fan, a collector, or just someone who loves to shop local, this is your chance to help a small business thrive,” said event organizers. “It’s easy, it’s fun, and it truly makes a difference.”

Mark your calendars and come be part of something that directly impacts the El Dorado community. Support small business. Shop local. Make a difference.

For more information, visit the Gabe’s Cave Facebook page.

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Severe Weather Expected In Easter Forecast

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EL DORADO – The National Weather Service in Little Rock is warning residents across South Arkansas to stay weather-aware this Sunday, April 20, as a powerful storm system moves across the region. Forecasters say the system could bring large hail, damaging winds, and even isolated tornadoes during the afternoon and evening hours.

According to the NWS’s latest Severe Weather Outlook map, much of Arkansas—including El Dorado, Camden, Magnolia, and surrounding communities—falls under a Level 2 (Slight Risk) for severe weather. The risk is part of a broader area of concern stretching across central and northern Arkansas, where the chances for significant weather activity are even higher due to the proximity of an upper-level disturbance and frontal boundary.

“While the more organized severe weather threat is expected across northern Arkansas, South Arkansas is still under the gun for severe thunderstorms,” the National Weather Service stated. “This system has the potential to produce hail up to one inch in diameter, wind gusts up to 60 mph, and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.”

The storm system, described by meteorologists as “compact but powerful,” will pass to the north and west of the state on Sunday, dragging with it a trailing cold front. This front will interact with warm and unstable air across Arkansas, helping to trigger storm development throughout the afternoon and into the nighttime hours.

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Residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially as storms are expected to linger into the evening. Outdoor events or church services planned for Sunday afternoon could be affected by rapidly changing conditions.

Emergency officials are urging residents to review their severe weather safety plans, secure outdoor items, and stay tuned to South Arkansas Now  throughout the weekend.

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Grand Opening Scheduled For 7Brew Coffee

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EL DORADO – The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony for the city’s newest coffee destination, 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee, on Wednesday, May 8, 2025, at 10 a.m. The event will take place at the new location at 2100 N. West Avenue and is open to the public.

Founded in Rogers, Arkansas, in 2017, 7 Brew has quickly become one of the fastest-growing drive-thru coffee chains in the nation. Known for its energetic service and expansive menu of over 20,000 customizable drink combinations, 7 Brew offers a unique coffee experience designed for speed, friendliness, and flavor.

The company was launched with a mission to “cultivate kindness” through both customer service and community involvement. With locations now spread across multiple states, 7 Brew continues to grow through a combination of franchising and corporate stores, all built around its signature double-lane drive-thru model.

The grand opening will feature a formal ribbon cutting, and local officials and community members are encouraged to attend and support the launch. The event will highlight 7 Brew’s arrival as part of El Dorado’s ongoing commercial growth.

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For more information on the event, contact the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce.

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El Dorado Schools Conducting Needs Assessment Survey

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EL DORADO — The El Dorado School District is asking parents, students, and community members to participate in a Comprehensive Needs Assessment Survey as part of an effort to shape the future of local education.

The survey is designed to gather feedback on the district’s strengths, priorities, and areas for improvement. Responses will help inform decisions on programs, resources, and planning for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.

District officials say the input collected from the community will be vital in identifying key areas for academic and operational growth. The survey is open now and will remain available through Friday, May 9, 2025.

“We want to ensure every voice is heard,” the district shared in a public message. “Your feedback plays an essential role in helping us improve and build a stronger educational environment for all students.”

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The survey is available online and can be accessed by clicking here.

Community members are encouraged to complete the survey as soon as possible to ensure their voices are included in the district’s planning process.

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Clean Harbors To Accept Hazardous Household Waste

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EL DORADO – In a continued effort to promote environmental responsibility and community cleanup, Union County Judge Mike Loftin announced that Clean Harbors El Dorado will offer free monthly drop-off services for household hazardous waste beginning this Saturday, April 19.

The service, timed to coincide with Earth Day celebrations, will be available on the third Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. through September. Residents can bring qualifying hazardous materials to the Clean Harbors facility located at 309 American Circle in El Dorado.

The program is free to the public, courtesy of Clean Harbors El Dorado. Items must be brought in sturdy, disposable containers. Accepted materials include:

  • Used oil and filters

  • Batteries

  • Paints

  • Antifreeze

  • Degreasers

  • Dry cleaning fluids

  • Herbicides and pesticides

  • Pool chemicals

  • Fluorescent bulbs

  • Over-the-counter medicines

  • Butane and propane cylinders

Community members with questions can contact Clean Harbors El Dorado at (870) 863-7173 for more information.

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Officials encourage residents to take advantage of the service as part of a broader countywide effort to enhance environmental stewardship and keep Union County clean.

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