New federal law could make local bonds more attractive   Arkansas’ usury laws, which have in recent years made municipal bonds for things like roads and parks almost unmarketable, according to city officials, are set to be overridden by a new federal law signed last month by President Barack Obama.

The new executive director of the United Way of Central Arkansas started work Tuesday. Amy Blaylock of Conway started her day meeting with the United Way board of directors and is looking forward to tackling the challenges ahead, she said.

The United Way of Central Arkansas received a $10,000 donation recently from Southwestern Energy that will help the nonprofit organization make the Faulkner County area a better place to live. 

The United Way of Central Arkansas will host an Arkansas 2-1-1 conference from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. next Monday at the United Services Center at 1301 North Museum Road in Conway.

Shelley Mehl has been appointed the University of Central Arkansas' interim vice president for institutional advancement. The appointment took effect on Jan. 1, 2009, and Mehl will remain in the position until a permanent replacement is selected.

Samantha Huseas, executive director of the United Way of Central Arkansas, began the group's annual meeting and awards gala with an interesting twist Tuesday she apologized for the food.

On May 15, the United Way of America presented the Kimberly-Clark Corporation with the Summit Award in recognition of the company's generosity to communities.

Community members who participated in the community needs assessment conducted last year by the United Way of Central Arkansas identified a lack of public transportation as the number two need in the community.

Community volunteers on Thursday attended the inaugural meeting of the Community Vision Council of the United Way of Central Arkansas.

The United Way of Central Arkansas held its annual Pillars Party on Friday night at the home of Bryan and Christy Adams in Westin Estates.