CBS Evening News

(CBS) "Just like first graders anywhere, the kids in El Dorado, Ark., have started thinking about the big question.  

"What do you want to be, Allison, when you grow up?" CBS News correspondent Richard Schlesinger asked. 

"Half veterinarian, half artist," Allison said. 

But unlike most first graders outside El Dorado, when it comes time to pick a college that teaches half-veterinarians-half-artists, Allison's tuition will be paid for by … the oil company just down the road.  More..

Point of Grace

"I have traveled to many cities during my 15 years on the road with Point of Grace. Main Street El Dorado is as charming, beautiful and friendly as it gets! Originally being from Little Rock, I'm just sorry I didn't discover downtown El Dorado sooner! Wonderful food and great shopping-what more do you need?!"      

Shelley Breen, Point of Grace

Regional News Coverage 

As part of the KATV Roadtrip, reporter Kristen Fisher provides insight to El Dorado's past and future. Her report on the history of the oil industry in Union County and the prospects for the future in the "El Dorado Promise." This segment ran on KATV Daybreak on May 8, 2007.

 When KTBS in Shreveport, Louisiana, made a stop in El Dorado as part of the station’s “50 Cities in 50 Weeks” Tour, Reporter Rick Rowe was impressed with what he found. Click the image below to watch the video.

El Dorado Residents

Some of the biggest fans of the city of El Dorado are the leaders of the business, healthcare and education sector, who are proud to discuss what the town is offering its residents.  

Claiborne Deming, President/CEO of Murphy Oil Corporation, on recruiting and retaining workers in El Dorado:

"I want the most powerful and talented workforce I can get for Murphy Oil Corporation. One of the ways I can do that is to tell people that we have an education system that is second to none in the state of Arkansas."

Dr. Steve Smart, a surgeon at the Medical Center of South Arkansas, on hospital ownership in El Dorado:

"We have partnered with a major hospital company which has allowed, through the selling of 50% of our hospital from our local interest, a foundation called the SHARE Foundation to emerge. This foundation began with a minimal amount of money and has grown to a tremendous amount of money. Through this money we are able to invest in the community...giving of grants for worthy missions and projects."