OPINION - Editorial

On the rebound

Two years ago, the southern Arkansas town of Magnolia was on the verge of losing one of its most storied businesses, Amfuel. If that news came as a shock to those outside Columbia County--Magnolia and Amfuel are as linked as El Dorado and Murphy Oil--the news of Amfuel's closure must've been an earthquake closer to home. Hundreds of people were to be put out of work. Because the suits had decided to move much of its business to another location in Wichita Falls, Texas.

The move didn't work out. For a variety of reasons. (See the in-depth story by Stephen Steed in last Sunday's paper.)

Now Amfuel is back up and running, and it plans to stay in Magnolia, where it belongs. The rest of the state, but especially Columbia County, can sigh in relief.

Not only that, but the company is soon to start an internship type of program for local kids in high school, paying them to learn how to make all those fuel cells and bladders for aircraft. The better to have a workforce of the future lined up.

Things are turning up roses in Magnolia. Or at least turning up jonquils. Here's to good news!

Editorial on 05/02/2018

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