Happy 2012, everyone. I’m hearing about a few new construction projects, in addition to a few we already know about, so here’s a rundown for you.

First, let me get one thing out of the way. For a while, a rumor had been going around that Hardee’s would open another location on Dave Ward Drive. Sure enough, I put off looking into it, and a sign went up on the spot last week while I was out of commission with some type of flu-like plague. The sign is right next to Taco Bueno. 

I have been saying for months that would be a great place for someone to locate. I kept hoping Dunkin’ Donuts would catch on, hello? Or a certain coffee place that shall remain nameless. Anyway, welcome Hardee’s.

I understand Bank of America has plans to tear down its existing structure on Harkrider Street and rebuild in the same spot. The plan is to reorient the building and presumably also to build an edifice with all the latest and greatest in architecture.

Also, Mapco is apparently about to rebuild on the same spot as well. The convenience store is at Dave Ward Drive and Exchange Avenue — kind of a “last chance for gas” before you get on Interstate 40 East if you happen to be coming from the west.

Acupuncturist 

opens in downtown

Here is something you don’t hear every day. Markus Bergman, a licensed practitioner of Oriental medicine and acupuncture, has opened a business at 1060 Front St., right across from the Log Cabin Democrat. Longevity Acupuncture offers acupuncture, acupressure, herbal medicine consults and health and wellness counseling.

According to a press release from Longevity Acupuncture, the World Health Organization has recognized acupuncture as a treatment for 70 specific diseases or conditions, based on research from controlled trials. 

Bergman is licensed to practice acupuncture in Arkansas and Washington and previously practiced in Texas. He holds a terminal degree in the field of Oriental medicine, having learned both the Chinese and Japanese style of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine at the New England School of Acupuncture in Boston.

For more information, go to the website at www.longevityacu.com.

(Rachel Parker Dickerson is a freelance columnist/journalist. Send your questions and comments to rachelpdickerson@gmail.com)