John Chambers, CEO of the bank's holding company, said a loss of about $5.5 million in 2011 should be "the end of the red-ink years."

Lauraetta McBride Edgar, founder of Star Bolt & Screw Co. of North Little Rock, died Jan. 24 at the age of 81.

The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board has approved funding for construction projects requested by Arkansas State University campuses in Newport and Jonesboro.