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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.”

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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.

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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.

EL DORADO – Business leaders, entrepreneurs and community members will have an opportunity to expand their professional networks this week during the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce’s July Business Hour.

The monthly networking event will be hosted by South Arkansas College on Tuesday from 4 to 5 p.m. at the college’s Health Sciences Building, located at 401 W. Wesson Street in El Dorado.

The Business Hour is designed to bring together Chamber members and local professionals for an informal hour of networking, conversation and relationship building. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour SouthArk’s Health Sciences Building while connecting with fellow business leaders, community partners and area professionals.

Chamber officials say the event is a chance for attendees to make new business connections, strengthen existing relationships and stay engaged with the local business community. The networking event is open to Chamber members and those interested in becoming more involved in the area’s business community.

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EL DORADO — Communities in Union, Ouachita and Columbia counties will receive more than $1.5 million in state grant funding as part of a statewide investment announced Monday by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

The funding is part of more than $12.5 million awarded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Rural Services Block Grant and Rural Community Grant programs to support infrastructure improvements, public facilities, fire protection and community development projects across Arkansas.

Locally, Junction City in Union County received a $498,635 Community Development Block Grant, while Louann in Ouachita County was awarded $499,999 and McNeil in Columbia County received $499,606 through the same program.

Additional funding was awarded through the Rural Community Grant program. The Junction City Volunteer Fire Department received $15,000, Mount Holly Volunteer Fire Department received $12,705, Chidester was awarded $10,990.50, and the Town of Emerson received $14,986.26.

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Gov. Sanders said investing in local communities helps improve quality of life while supporting long-term growth across the state.

“Arkansas’ success starts with our local communities,” Sanders said. “These funds help local leaders build the places that bring neighbors together, improve quality of life and build on what Arkansans already know: there is no better place in America to live, work and raise a family than the Natural State.”

Arkansas Economic Development Commission Executive Director Clint O’Neal said the grants provide communities with resources to strengthen infrastructure and expand economic opportunities.

The Community Development Block Grant program helps fund projects such as public facilities, senior centers, childcare centers, health facilities, drainage improvements and economic development initiatives.

Meanwhile, the Rural Services Block Grant and Rural Community Grant programs provide funding for projects including community centers, fire stations, fire equipment, parks, walking trails and storm warning sirens.

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In total, the state awarded 88 grants totaling $12,522,736 to cities, counties and rural communities across Arkansas. Locally, the awards will support community improvements, public safety and infrastructure projects throughout Union, Ouachita and Columbia counties.