News

SUNDAY ALCOHOL SALES? IN EL DORADO?

Published

7 months ago

December 9, 2025

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, AR – There certainly could be if one group has their way. The State of Arkansas Ethics Commission confirmed that a local option ballot question committee has been formed for El Dorado, Arkansas. The committee, “Keep Our Dollars In El Dorado,” was formed to, “support petition and election to support Sunday sales of alcohol.” Per the Ethics Commission, the group filed their paperwork on November 14th of this year, listing Kevan Fenderson as the chairman of the group. Fenderson also happens to be the Director of Government Affairs for Brookshires Grocery Company in Tyler, Texas. According to the Arkansas Grocers & Retail Merchants Association website, Mr. Fenderson is listed as the current Secretary of that organization as well.

Per Arkansas State Law, for a ballot measure to be approved for the City of El Dorado voters to decide on, the petitioners would have to gather signatures from Registered Voters in the City Limits of El Dorado equal to or greater than fifteen percent of the number of people who voted in the last mayoral race. For El Dorado, that was in 2022 and the total number of votes cast was 4,480. Which means, for the measure to be considered for placement on the ballot, the committee would need at least 672 signatures.

The exact wording on the petition is: PETITION TO AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FOR OFF PREMISES CONSUMPTION ON SUNDAY WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF EL DORADO, ARKANSAS BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 10:00 A.M. AND 12:00 – MIDNIGHT. Because Arkansas State Law 3-5-1901 defines “ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES” as any beverage containing more than five tenths of a percent (0.5%) alcohol by weight. The measure, if approved by voters, would allow for Beer (fermented grain liquors between 0.5% – 5% alcohol by weight), Malt Liquors (fermented grain liquors between 5% – 21% alcohol by weight), Hard Cider (fermented fruit juice from 3% – 21% alcohol by weight), Spiritous (distilled liquors over 21% alcohol by weight), and Vinous (fermented fruit juices over 5% alcohol by weight.) to be sold on Sundays and consumed somewhere other than the location where it was purchased.

The paperwork filed with the State of Arkansas also lists John and Rebecca Hatch of Buda, Texas (a suburb of Austin, Texas) as other members of the committee. The Hatches are well known in Texas political circles for their successful campaigns on local option ballots. Their company, Texas Petition Strategies (TPS), has a client list of heavy hitters in the grocery and C-Store markets. That list includes clients like 7-Eleven, Albertson’s Grocery Company, Walmart USA, Kroger Grocery Company and others. John Hatch founded Texas Petition Strategies (TPS) in 2003. TPS is considered the leading expert on local option alcohol campaigns in Texas and Louisiana, conducting efforts in over 250 communities. His wife, Rebecca, is a graduate of Texas Tech University with degrees in Political Science and English. She also is a founding board member of both the Buda Area Chamber of Commerce Board and the Friends of the Hays County Family Justice Center Board.

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration says in 2022, the state collected more than $42 Million in excise taxes on beer, wine and spirits, as well as mixed drink taxes. In a speech to the United Beverage Retailers of Arkansas, Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Arkansas, Mervin Jebaraj said any legal sale of alcohol in Arkansas is part of a sound economic strategy, “I think in general, when you think of the kind of economic development that is popular today, it has a lot to do with building places where people want to live. You need the amenities people are looking for, including social places like restaurants and bars. Those are harder to operate in dry counties than wet counties. I think in people’s minds, the legal framework around dry counties is a bit archaic in 2023. Liquor is still being consumed. You just aren’t getting the economic benefit of it because the sales and sale taxes are being transferred to neighboring counties where their cities, counties and schools benefit.”

Should the committee get the required number of signatures, they would then present the petition to Heather McVay, the City Clerk for El Dorado. Once the petition is deemed to be valid and has the correct number of signatures, she will then have the measure placed on the ballot for the next election, which will be March 3rd, 2026.

(Publisher’s note: We have reached out to TPS for comment and will update the story once that conversation concludes.)

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El Dorado School District To Offer Free Breakfast, Elementary School Supplies

Published

3 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, Ark. — As families prepare for the start of a new school year, the El Dorado School District is working to ease some of the financial burden by providing free meals and classroom supplies for students.

District officials announced that all El Dorado School District students will receive free breakfast during the upcoming school year. In addition, students in kindergarten through fourth grade will receive free instructional school supplies, helping ensure they have the materials they need on the first day of class.

The district says the initiative is part of its ongoing commitment to supporting families, removing barriers to learning and helping every student begin the school year ready for success.

By providing essential resources such as breakfast and classroom supplies, school leaders hope students can focus on learning rather than worrying about basic needs.

The district encourages families to take advantage of the programs as they make final preparations for the new school year.

“At ESD, Every Student Deserves a great start,” the district said in announcing the back-to-school support initiatives.

News

City of El Dorado Seeks Applicants For Airport Commission

Published

3 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — The City of El Dorado is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on the El Dorado Airport Commission.

City officials are seeking qualified applicants to fill a position on the commission, which helps provide oversight and guidance for the operation and future development of South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field.

Those interested in serving are encouraged to submit an application before the 5 p.m. deadline on Thursday, Aug. 20.

Residents who would like more information about the position or the application process can contact City Clerk Heather McVay at 870-881-4877 or by email at [email protected].

The City of El Dorado encourages community members who are interested in contributing to the future of local aviation and economic development to apply.

News

Heat Advisory Continues For South Arkansas Counties

Published

3 hours ago

July 22, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Dangerous heat will continue across South Arkansas today, with the National Weather Service warning that heat index values could climb as high as 109 to 115 degrees in some locations.

Much of Union County and the surrounding South Arkansas region, including El Dorado, remains under a Heat Advisory, while areas farther south and west across East Texas and northern Louisiana are under an Extreme Heat Warning.

Afternoon high temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s to lower 100s, but the combination of heat and humidity will make it feel significantly hotter.

The National Weather Service says prolonged exposure to these conditions can quickly lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions and anyone working or exercising outdoors.

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 if spending time outside.

Officials also remind residents to check on neighbors, relatives and pets during the prolonged stretch of dangerous heat and never leave children or animals unattended in vehicles.

The heat advisory remains in effect through this evening, with forecasters expecting another round of dangerously hot conditions later this week.

News

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

Published

22 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

1 day 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.