Some good news for Maumelle on the jobs front.

Last year, Target closed its 852,000-SF distribution center that employed about 500 people. Arkansas Business is reporting that Dillard's will renovate and reopen the facility.

Gov. Mike Beebe will be in town Wednesday (Dec. 22) to help make the formal announcement. Dillard's is expected to hire roughly 400 employees for the renovated facility.

This good news comes on the heels of the state unemployment rate rising one-tenth of a percentage point to 7.9 percent in November.

Meanwhile, the U.S. rate rose two-tenths to 9.8 percent. (Some of the unemployed, at least in Arkansas, may be former loggers.)

Economic recovery continues to lag, but the news of a Dillard's investment in Maumelle sure helps.

So, a little Christmas present for the New Town. Speaking of which, here's wishing everyone a merry Christmas and happy holidays.