Updated 12:00 a.m., Sun May 19, 2013
PHOTO BY: Nick Hillemann

Scott Farrar, the production superintendent of Acme’s Ouachita Plant in Malvern, shows the quality- control area of the facility.

Better time for bricks

Malvern celebration more than a day of fun

On June 28 and 29, Malvern will celebrate its title as Brick Capital of the World, a dubious designation created by Roy Renfro, director of the Malvern/Hot Spring County Chamber of Commerce around 1980, when the community was home to three brick plants. After several years of hard times for the brick business, this year’s bigger Brickfest reflects the growth of the Acme Brick Co., which operates two large plants in the county. “We are... READ MORE

LATEST NEWS

NPCC 1 of 7 schools to assist state, train health care guides

At the last minute, the 2013 session of the Arkansas Legislature created the Health Insurance Marketplace, a private insurance option for expanding government-subsidized health care coverage to more than 250,000 additional Arkansas residents. Starting in the fall, special health care guides will gather in libraries and with civic clubs and even go door to door to spread the word about the new plan available under the national Patient P...

THAT'S LIFE

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    Things will happen, but life goes on

    Those of us who grew up watching Saturday Night Live like to quote Gilda Radner’s crazy-haired character Roseanne Roseannadanna, who said, ‘It’s always something.” It is. Always. Something. My husband and I were meeting our younger son and his girlfriend for dinner to celebrate her college graduation and her new job. We got there, and as we waited for a booth to be cleared, we wondered what was taking them so long. I got a phone ca... READ MORE

FRONT & CENTER

    Gangster museum opens doors for Hot Springs man

    Some people have a collection of stamps or coins, but Robert Raines of Hot Springs has a collection that’s a little bit different. Raines has a collection of gangster memorabilia. Raines is executive director of the Gangster Museum of America in Hot Springs. He grew up in Little Rock and Pine Bluff, where he worked in advertising and computers. Raines is an alumnus of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he graduated with ... READ MORE

TRI-LAKES OUTDOORS

    Smoking fish a time-tested method

    Smoking is one of the oldest methods of preserving fish. Long before there were refrigerators and freezers, our fishing ancestors learned to use a combination of salt and smoke to keep fish from spoiling. Today, smoking is no longer necessary, but it remains a popular method of preparation to add flavor to fish such as salmon, tuna, trout, sturgeon and catfish. In pre-refrigeration days, smoked fish were heavily cured and smoked fairly... READ MORE

FLAVOR

    Locally grown strawberries can’t be beat

    Arkansans are gifted in the spring and summer with strawberries, one of the most widely loved fruits on any plate. The juicy heart-shaped berry is so versatile, it is featured in salads, soups, side dishes and a plethora of desserts. Although modern farming techniques produce the ruby-red orbs year-round, the quality of locally grown strawberries can’t be beat. Tender and naturally sweet, the crop is usually ready in mid-April, and the ... READ MORE

CALENDAR

    This week's events

    May 19 Saline Crossing Rendezvous BENTON — The Benton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Saline Crossing Annual Rendezvous and Spring Celebration will continue from 1-5 p.m. today at the Old Saline County Airport. This free event will feature members of the Early Arkansas Re-enactors Association and guided tours of the future Saline Crossing Park and Recreation Area. A variety of activities and demonstrations will be available. For more infor... READ MORE