Rick Fahr, who has been acting publisher of the Log Cabin Democrat for the past year, is the new publisher. 

He succeeds Scot Morrissey, who in late 2008 was named publisher of the Athens (Ga.) Banner-Herald. 

Fahr’s appointment was announced by William S. Morris IV, president of Morris Communications, which owns both newspapers. 

Fahr, 39 and a native of Weiner, joined the Log Cabin as editor in May 2007. He has continued in that role while also serving as acting publisher.  

“Rick has done an outstanding job leading the Log Cabin Democrat over the last nine months in one of the most difficult economic periods in our history,” said Jim Currow, executive vice president of Morris. “I am very proud of Rick and all he has accomplished.” 

A native Arkansan, Fahr is a graduate of Lyon College in Batesville. He has held a number of news positions during his career, serving as editor of The Courier in Russellville and managing editor of The Jonesboro Sun. 

As a sergeant in the Arkansas Army National Guard, Fahr served active-duty tours at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2003-04 and in Iraq in 2008. 

Fahr is on the board of Conway Downtown Partnership and is vice president of Arkansas Associated Press Managing Editors. 

“I can’t thank enough the Morris Family and all the fine folks with Morris Communications and the Log Cabin who made this possible,” Fahr said Thursday. “I have been incredibly fortunate to work with many great people, and I look forward to this fantastic opportunity. I can’t imagine a better place to live and work than right here.” 

Fahr said the staff of the Log Cabin shares his goal of producing the best daily newspaper, niche publications and online news and information products possible for the residents of Faulkner County and beyond and the business partners who use the Log Cabin for their advertising needs. 

“We have lots of goals here, and it’s because of this team that I have every confidence that we’ll reach them. As always, we thank all of you for your support, and we look forward to serving you going forward.” 

Fahr said he has begun a search for an editor and hopes to fill the position in coming weeks.