Richard Duke, who has served as interim editor for the past three months, will take over the position permanently, Log Cabin Democrat Publisher Alan English announced Thursday.

“Ricky is approachable and dynamic, seeing new ways of reporting to keep readers informed,” English said. “His understanding of what a community newspaper can and should do to thrive in print and in a digital world is exactly what we need.”  

Duke has 16 years of experience in publishing, working in various roles for the Benton Courier, the Cabot Star-Herald and the Pine Bluff Commercial. He has been with the Log Cabin for a year. He had primarily been covering city and county government for the Log Cabin.

Duke is from Jonesboro and is a graduate of Baylor University.

"I welcome the challenges that this position brings," Duke said. "I love Conway and the way this community has grown. I also see growth in the paper through so many avenues, and it is my job to see that we do our best to provide Faulkner County with information that is newsworthy, accurate and above all important.

"What excites me most is how forward-thinking everyone is at the Log Cabin. We have been at the forefront in digital information, and we will continue to pursue new ways to provide news in a timely and accurate fashion as well as remember our traditional packaging."