HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (GCHH) - On Saturday, March 1st, Garland County Habitat for Humanity will partner with the Home Builders of Hot Springs to construct two homes during the 2014 Blitz Build. Both homes will be “in the dry” (walls, roof, windows and doors will be constructed and set) in one day! Approximately 100 volunteers from Hot Springs and Hot Springs Village will be on hand to help construct the two houses.

The Garland County Habitat for Humanity has partnered with National Park Medical Center to provide the volunteers with lunch. The Junior Auxiliary of Hot Springs will provide the volunteers with breakfast. In addition to breakfast and lunch, the volunteers will receive a variety of great door prizes donated by local companies.

HOT SPRINGS — In a year where state and national ACT scores dropped across the board, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts students improved their scores.

In 2013, ASMSA students received an average composite score of 28.6, according to a report released Wednesday. The average composite score for the state was 20.2, and the national average was 20.9. Both the state and national scores dipped from the previous year. ASMSA’s score rose by almost 2 points.

The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, with 36 being the highest possible score. Students also receive scores in four individual testing areas, which are combined for the composite score. The individual testing areas are English, mathematics, reading and science.

Magic Springs Water and Theme Park continues its Character Series on Friday, July 12, with an appearance by SpongeBob SquarePants. Those in the park will be able to have a free "meet-n-greet" at 2 and 4 p.m. at Cool Zone.

"Lunch with SpongeBob" is from Noon to 1 p.m. for $13.99 for kids 12 and under and adults for $16.99.  Kids 3 and younger eat free with an adult meal purchase.  The meal charge is in addition to admission to the park and there is limited number of tickets.  Tickets are sold on line only at MagicSprings.com.

“We are excited to bring these popular cartoon characters to Magic Springs and have received a great response from our guests,” said Steve Honeycutt, general manager of the park.

Other Character Days scheduled for the 2013 season are: Hello Kitty, August 17 and Scooby Doo, October 19. The park will also host “Merry and Bright,” a visit by Santa  on Friday, July 26.