FEB. 2012 NEWS -

STATE WINNERS

Eleven students from Mena High School joined the state art club and attended
the Arkansas Young Artist Association show in Little Rock. The artwork is from all over the state and judged by professors from colleges and art institutes not only in Arkansas but from surrounding states. There were 1158 students competing and each student could take up to 5 pieces of work. State Winners from Mena High School:McKayla Smallwood, Carrie Squire and Ashlyn Fox.

ACORN HIGH STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

ACORN HIGH SCHOOL FACILITY HAS CHOSEN THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS FOR
THE FEBRUARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
7TH GRADE….BROOKE BATES
8TH GRADE…RACHEL WALLACE
9TH GRADE…ADRIANNA HOWARD
10TH GRADE…KRYSTEN FAGAN
11TH GRADE…RYAN FAUGHT
12TH GRADE….KATELYN STAGGS
STUDENTS RECEIVE AN ACADEMIC PLAQUE
AND WILL HAVE THEIR LUNCH FURNISHED BY SIMPLE SIMONS PIZZA OF MENA

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POLK COUNTY CORONER BRIAN BOWSER HAS ANNOUNCED HE WILL BE SEEKING HIS SECOND TERM IN OFFICE—HE STATED HE HAS ENJOYED WORKING WITH ALL THE DIFFERENT AGENCIES IN OUR COUNTY AND FEELS HE HAS A GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP AND HOPES TO CONTINUE TO SERVE THE COUNTY AS POLK COUNTY CORONER—MR BOWSER OWNS AND OPERATES THE BOWSER FAMILY FUNERAL HOME IN MENA WITH HIS WIFE STACEY, AS CORONER HE HAS PROVEN THAT HE IS COMPASSIONATE TOWARDS FAMILIES NEEDS DURING DIFFICULT TIMES IN THEIR LIVES—MR BOWSER WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE CITIZENS OF POLK COUNTY FOR ALLOWING HIM TO SERVE AS YOUR CORONER AND ASKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT IN THE UP COMING ELECTION

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STATE REPRESENTATIVE NATE BELL ANNOUNCES HIS RE-ELECTION BID BELOW (PRESS PLAY TO HEAR MORE)

STEVE " WILDMAN " WILSON GIVES HIS OUTDOOR AUDIO REPORT BELOW, THIS WEEKS SUBJECT IS ABOUT THE ARKANSAS STATE TURKEY CALLING CONTEST COMING UP THIS WEEKEND

4TH DISTRICT REPUBLICAN DEBATE

STATE CHAIRMAN FOR ARKANSAS,DOYLE WEB OF THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE ,SPOKE WITH K.E.N.A. NEWS LAST NIGHT BEFORE THE 4TH DISTRICT GOP CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICAN PRIMARY AT RICH MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MR WEB ACTED AS MODERATOR AND EXPLAINS WHAT WAS TO TAKE PLACE DURING THE DEBATE (LISTEN BELOW FOR DETAILS)

THE FOUR REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES IN THE DEBATE WERE ,MARCUS RICHMOND,TOM COTTON, BETH ANN RANKIN AND JOHN COWART THEY ARE RUNNING FOR THE 4TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

ACORN PRE-SCHOOLERS LOVE TO LEARN

Arkansas Game and Fish officers visited Acorn Preschool during their study of animals last month. The pet they brought was very unique, it was a baby alligator. The children were taught facts about alligators and watched a video of alligator rescues that have taken place in our state. Despite the fact that alligators normally are scary to children this age, the preschoolers loved their visitor and asked that the officers please bring it back again for another visit.

VOLUNTEERS HELP ACORN PRESCHOOLERS

Andy Boyd of the Acorn community recently visited Acorn Preschool during their study about construction. He brought all kinds of tools for the students to look at and practice using. Andy has visited and been involved with several activities that the preschool has planned over the past couple of years.

LEARN NEW THINGS.

Randy Burgess, his wife Kita, along with their Yorkie Gracie, from Ouachita Equine Clinic visited Acorn Preschool during their study of farm animals. Randy talked to the students about what it takes to be a veterinarian. He explained to them the importance of being successful throughout their school years in order to be able to go to veterinarian school in the future. Randy also discussed the different tools that veterinarians need to care for sick and injured animals.

!!!!WAY TO GO!!!!

Thousands of students every year compete for the honor of being called an All-State band member. To make the all-state band a student must first audition against band students from our region to make the All-Region Honor Band. Students who make the highest chairs in the first all-region band go on to compete for a spot in the All-State
Band.This year Mena had three students who scored high enough to make the All-State band. Allison Austin, daughter of Lamar and Becky Austin, made the All-State Concert Band on tenor saxophone. Nathan Smallwood, son of Kevin and Rebecca Smallwood, made the All-State Concert Band on tuba. Race Hobson, son of Mark and Tyra Hobson, made the 1st alternate in the All-State Jazz Band on trombone.Congratulations to these Mena Band students for being recognized as the top musicians in the state.

ARCHERY TIME

The polk county archers associations 3-d 2012 season archery shoots are scheduled for the 1st Sunday of every month from 8am to 130pm …the shoot will be located off of hwy 71 at the south end of Mena across from subway…for more info call 394-4539 or go by Tim's Yamaha.

OUTSTANDING TEACHER CHOSEN

Orientation to Teaching class at Mena High School is proud to recognize its Outstanding Teacher/staff Member for the month of January. This month OT students voted and chose Mrs. Julie Gordon. Mrs. Gordon teaches in the Social Studies Department and is Cheer Coach here at Mena High School and in her nomination essay it was stated that, “She is Awesome!” OT student Ethan Heath nominated Mrs. Gordon for the award. Pictured above is OT student and MHS Cheerleader, Alexa Craig presenting her with a plaque, a $25 gift certificate from Charmed, and a dinner meal for 2 from Papa Pablanos. Cathy Marshall is the instructor for the course would like to congratulate Mrs. Gordon on being an outstanding teacher here at Mena High School.

OFFICERS OF THE MENA POLICE DEPARTMENT ARRESTED TWO SUSPECTS LAST WEEK WITH A SUSPECTED METH LAB.....
FRANK DENNIS (DENNY) PATE AGE 64 AND EDWINA NOBLE AGE 45 BOTH OF MENA WERE ARRESTED LAST WEDNESDAY (FEB.15TH)AFTER OFFICERS WENT TO 300 SOUTH POLK STREET IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE AN ARREST ON AN OUTSTANDING WARRANT…OFFICERS AT THE RESIDENCE BEGAN TO SMELL A STRONG CHEMICAL ODOR THAT WERE RECOGNIZED AS A POSSIBLE METH LAB,THE OFFICERS CLEARED THE OCCUPANTS FROM THE HOME AND CALLED THE DRUG TASK FORCE TO THE SCENE,MENA OFFICERS OBTAINED A SEARCH WARRANT FOR THE RESIDENCE AND OFFICERS OF THE DTF WEARING PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND MASKS SEARCHED THE RESIDENCE, DURING THE SEARCH, OFFICERS LOCATED A SUSPECTED WORKING METH LAB AND DISMANTLED IT, BOTH FRANK PATE AND EDWINA NOBLE WERE ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH POSSESION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA WITH INTENT TO MANUFACTURE METHAMPHETAMINE,BOTH SUSPECTS WERE GIVEN A 10,000 DOLLAR BOND , EDWINA NOBLE POSTED THE BOND AND FRANK PATE REMAINS IN JAIL

FRANK DENNIS PATE AGE 64 (BELOW)

EDWINA NOBLE AGE 45 (BELOW)

FIRST FISHING TOURNAMENT

TEAM BASSMASTERS HELD THEIR FIRST TOURNAMENT OF THE SEASON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH AT LAKE GREESON, SPONSORED BY CURTS TIRES AND MUFFLE,MOUNT IDA TRUE VALUE,POLK COUNTY FARMER,ACCI AND PAGE ENTERPRISE,FIRST PLACE WENT TO THE TEAM OF MICKEY AND CHASE WITH 16.64 POUND,SECOND PLACE WENT TO THE TEAM OF RONNIE COGBURN AND JEFF HEIFNER WITH 14.73 POUND,THIRDPLACE WENT TO THETEAM OF RICK MORSE AND JERRY WHITE WITH 13.40 POUNDS AND 4TH PLACE WENT TO THE TEAM OF GARY BOONE AND DALE POWELL WITH 13.19 POUNDS,THE BIG BASS AWARD WENT TO THE TEAM OF RONNIE COGBURN AND JEFF HEIFNER WITH A 5.17 POUND BASS,THE SMALLEST CATCH OF THE DAY SPONSORED BY E AND E INSULATION AND ROOFING WENT TO THE TEAM OF BOBBY BROOKS AND CHRIS AMASON WITH 1.03 POUNDS

BE A PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL

The American red cross is forming a new local chapter here in polk county, if you are interested in becoming a red cross volunteer, please attend the organizational meeting
at the dallas avenue Baptist church family life center on Friday at 6pm—bring your favorite food for a pot luck meal before the meeting –for more information, please call Betty at 234-1170

SUPPORT GROUP

THE FACE TO FACE SUPPORT GROUP IS SEEKING PEOPLE AFFECTED BY CANCER TO JOIN THE FACE TO FACE SUPPORT GROUP AT THE UNION BANK ON THURSDAY FROM 530PM TO 7PM ..THIS IS FOR PEOPLE DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER AS WELL AS FOR CAREGIVERS OF PEOPLE WITH CANCER FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT KATRINA AT 437- 3449 EXTENSION 137

DWIGHT DOUGLAS , MANAGER OF K.E.N.A. RECEIVES A PUPPY GRAM FOR VALENTINES FROM SUSAN SEBREN (PICTURED LEFT) , TINA BALL (PICTURED RIGHT) AND THE PUPPY OPHELIA OF THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE OUACHITAS.

FREE FOOD

THE BOARD CAMP BAPTIST CHURCH IN COOPERATION WITH FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD ACTS OF LOVE WILL DISTRIBUTE FOOD TO ANYONE IN NEED ON THURSDAY FROM 10AM TO 1PM IN THE FAMILY LIFE CENTER . THE BOARD CAMP BAPTIST CHURCH IS LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF HWY 8 EAST AND POLK COUNTY ROAD 63, APPROXIMATELY 9 MILES EAST OF MENA

K.E.N.A. VALENTINE WINNERS

HERE ARE YOUR THREE K.E.N.A. VALENTINE SWEETHEART WINNERS. FROM THE SHOP ,LINDA PILGRIM OF MENA WINS $100 IN GIFT CERTIFICATES . FROM HERODS DEPARTMENT STORE .LUCY CANNON OF MENA WINS $100 IN GIFT CERTIFICATES AND THE VALENTINE SWEETHEART FIRST PLACE WINNER IS HEATHER BOEHLER (PICTURED TO LEFT) WHO REGISTERED AT INDULGENCE AND WINS $ 250 IN GIFT CERTIFICATES FROM OUR PARTICIPATING SPONSORS ..THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED AND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS
THANK ALL THAT ENTERED AND THE SPONSORS THAT MAKE THIS POSSIBLE...... the shop..herods…washburns…joes doghouse…kathys home décor…indulgence salon…mrhs gift shop…miners a&b tire and sunkissed tanning salon…three winners will be announced on valentines day

RUNNER UP LINDA PILGRIM RECIEVES $100 IN CERTIF.

RUNNER UP LUCY CANNON RECIEVES $100 IN CERTIF.

TRAGIC AUTO ACCIDENT

ARKANSAS STATE POLICE OFFICER CHRIS SPURLING TOLD K.E.N.A. NEWS TUESDAY BRETT ALAN WHEELER AGE 28 AND HIS DAUGHTER LILY-AHNA (LILLY) AGE 5 PASSED AWAY IN A HEAD ON CRASH TUESDAY MORNING NEAR PINE RIDGE .THE FACTS OF THE CRASH HAVE BEEN CLARIFIED AFTER THE ARKANSAS STATE POLICE INVESTIGATION WHERE AS A VEHICLE DRIVEN BY 25 YR OLD , SAVANNAH TODD OF MENA WAS HEADING EAST ON HWY 88 JUST WEST OF PINE RIDGE WHEN HER VEHICLE WAS STRUCK HEAD ON BY MR WHEELERS WEST BOUND VEHICLE THAT WAS OUT OF CONTROL AND SLIDING SIDEWAYS INTO MRS TODDS LANE,FOLLOWING THE CRASH MR WHEELERS CAR BURST INTO FLAMES TRAPPING MR WHEELER AND HIS YOUNG DAUGHTER INSIDE .MRS TODD SUFFERED A BROKEN LEG AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO MENA REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT

QUEEN WILHELMINA STATE PARK CLOSING

QUEEN WILHELMINA STATE PARK LODGE is now CLOSED FOR REMODELING. all other facilities at queen Wilhelmina state park including the campgrounds and trails remain opeN. park offices ARE temporarily located near entrance to the park campground.

ACORN ELEMENTARY JANUARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

ACORN ELEMENTARY JANUARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTH ARE
Kindergarten – Daisy Dollar and Meghan Armijo
1st grade –Michael Laing, Dakoda Echols and Clayton Hobbs
2nd grade –Kaylee Tedder and Robert Morgan
3rd grade –Michael Lickly and Stephanie Lua
4th grade –Brody Webb and Jacob Moore
5th grade –Kyntlie Wiles and Stran Strother
6th grade –Kailey Posey and LaShay Rios
These students have displayed excellent citizenship, exceptional academic effort or improvement, and good attendance. Special thanks to Simple Simon’s and Goss Electronics for providing lunch and games.

Wickes High School Students of the Month for January.

January student of the month for grades 10-12 is Danielle Frachiseur. Danielle is a junior and is the daughter of Chris and Ann Frachiseur of Grannis. Her teachers describe her as hardworking, friendly, and intelligent. January student of the month for grades 7-9 is Jessica Abarca. Jessica is in the 9th grade and is the daughter of Simeon and Juana Abarca of Wickes. Her teachers describe her as dedicated and responsible. Students are chosen based on attitude, attendance, overall performance, and for displaying
the pride and positive spirit of a Wickes Warrior.

ARRESTED

MENA POLICE ARREST LOCAL MAN ON CHARGES OF SEXUAL INDECENSY WITH A CHILD...MENA POLICE ARRESTED DOUGLAS ALLEN QUEEN, 25 (PICTURED TOP) OF MENA ON CHARGES OF SEXUAL INDECENCY WITH A CHILD ON JANUARY 25TH..2012 .THE MENA POLICE DEPARTMENT RECIEVED A COMPLAINT OF IINAPPROPRIATE CONTACT WHICH DOUGLAS QUEEN HAS MADE WITH THREE CHILDREN AGES 12 AND UNDER. OFFICERS OF THE MENA POLICE DEPARTMENT INITIATED AN INVESTIGATION THAT RESULTED IN QUEEN BEING ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH THE OFFENSE. --DOUGLAS QUEEN IS CURRENTLY OUT OF JAIL ON $10,000.00 BOND

JOHN MARC RYAN (PICTUED BOTTOM) AGE 50 OF MENA WAS ARRESTED ON JANUARY 14TH 2012 FOR POSSESION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY, OFFICERS OF THE MENA POLICE DEPARTMENT ARRESTED JOHN RYAN FOR A WARRANT ISSUED BY THE PROSECUTORS OFFICE AFTER THE MENA POLICE DEPARTMENT CONDUCTED AN INVISTIGATION OF A COMPLAINT OF RYAN POSSESSING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY. DURING THE INVISTIGATION, OFFICERS SEIZED NUMEROUS ITEMS OF DIGITAL MEDIA THAT WAS SENT TO THE ARKANSAS STATE CRIME LAB FOR DIGITAL ANALYSIS..JOHN RYAN WAS ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH 246 COUNTS OF POSSESION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND ACCORDING TO PROSECUTOR ANDY RINER, CHARGES MAY BE AMENDED WHEN THE ANALYSIS IS COMPLETE FROM THE CRIME LAB, RYAN IS CURRENTLY IN JAIL ON A $52,000.00 BOND

DOUGLAS ALLEN QUEEN

JOHN MARC RYAN

K.E.N.A. ANNOUNCES WINNER

OUT OF OVER A THOUSAND ENTRIES IN THE K.E.N.A. SUPER BOWL FOOTBALL FRENZIE CONTEST, ONE NAME CAME OUT VICTORIOUS, DWIGHT DOUGLAS MADE THE CALL TO THE LUCKY WINNER OF A 50 INCH FLAT SCREEN T.V. FROM SEARS OF MENA LISTEN BELOW TO THE PHONE CALL

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                                           Announcing
                        WHEEL A’ MENA
                   September 22nd, 2012
A Bicycle Tour of the Ouachita Mountains and the Talimena Scenic Drive.
The Wheel A’ Mena Bicycle Tour will be staged out of Mena, Arkansas which is located at the foot hills of Rich Mountain. Two Tour Distances will be offered of either a 70 mile route or a 30 mile route We will be presenting profiles of this ride so that you will be able to best choose the course that suits your capabilities. This ride provides some of the best scenic views in Arkansas with much of the ride being high atop the Ouachita Mountains on the Talimena Scenic Drive. The ride also will prove to be quite a challenge as there are multiple steep climbs. There will be multiple rest stops and feed stations available on course, and both routes will take you through the Queen Wilhelmina State Park on top of Rich Mountain. More information will be provided soon. Request to be on the E-mail Newslist at wheelamenainfo@gmail.com  and we will provide timely updates as to when how to register, when registration opens and more. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Polk County/Mena, Arkansas

THE CARS WE DROVE IN THE 50'S AND 60'S

CLICK ON
ENTER HERE
SIGN TO SEE ....

WINNERS

Mena Elks Lodge #781 had two state winners at the State Elks Hoop Shoot held in Hot Springs Saturday, . Ashton Shores, 13 year old daughter of Christie and Brad Chandler is in the 7th grade at Acorn. She tied for first place and in the shoot off got 5 of 5 to make her the state champion for her age group. Sophie Jackson is the 9 year old daughter of Mike and Becky Jackson and is in the 4th grade at Acorn. Both girls will advance to the Elks Central Region Semi-Finals to be held March 10, 2012 in Paris, TN. The Central Region Semi-Finals includes shooters from Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee. There are twelve regional semi-finals and winners from the semi-finals will compete in the National Finals on April 28, 2011 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

HOUSE FIRE ---TOTAL LOSS---NEEDS HELP REBUILDING LIVES

!SUNDAY AFTERNOON JASON TOMBLIN WAS AT HOME WATCHING HIS 4 CHILDREN , AGE 7MO TO 12 YRS OLD ,AT THEIR HOME ON HWY 63 ACROSS FROM SNAPPY MACBAR ---JASON WAS ALERTED BY HIS 12 YEAR OLD THAT THE HOUSE WAS ON FIRE --–ALL OCCUPANTS ESCAPED WITHOUT INJURY , MR TOMBLINS WIFE TAMMY WASN’T HOME AT THE TIME --EMERGENCY PERSONELL WERE DELAYED GETTING TO THE FIRE DUE TO CONFUSION ABOUT THE LOCATION OF THE HOME –--FIRE FIGHTERS WERE NOT ABLE TO SAVE THE HOME AND IT WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS—AN ACCOUNT HAS BEEN SET UP AT UNION BANK FOR JASON TOMBLIN AND HIS WIFE TAMMY AND THE KIDS AS THEY ARE HAVING TO START COMPLETELY OVER

ACORN STUDENTS CERTIFIED

Two Acorn Students BecAme ServSafe Certified Completing over 20 hours of rigorous training using the ServSafe Food Safety® curriculum available from the National Restaurant Association, two students from the Acorn Food Production Class have passed a national online test, yielding them the prestigious ServSafe®Certification status. Students learned a wide spectrum of information to prevent food borne illnesses, including pathogen identification and safe food handler practices. They also learn how to establish a HACCP food safety management system, food temperature control and pest management. Successful completion of the program results in a five year certificate, increasing employment opportunities.

FREETHROW WINNERS ADVANCE

THE MENA KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS . HELD A FREETHROW CONTEST ON FEBRUARY 4TH HERE ARE THE WINNERS IN EACH AGE GROUP
10yr old girlS Makayla Anderson
11yr old boyS ---Tyler Banks
12yr old girlS--- Faith Hill
12yr old boy--Traven Lane
13yr old girlS --Ashlee Long
13yr old boyS--Austin Wagner
14yr old girlS --Shayla Vaught
They will be headed to the District contest on Feb. 18th at the Acorn Gym. If they win they will be headed to the state conetest to be held in Conway in March.

Governor Mike Beebe has declared February 7-10th Earthquake Preparedness Week.

Arkansas is among nine states across the central U.S. that participated in The
Great Central U.S. ShakeOut yesterday it also MARKED the 200th anniversary of
the last of the powerful earthquakes that shook the central United States, when
at least three magnitude 7.0 or greater earthquakes struck northeastern Arkansas
and the Bootheel of Missouri in the winter of 1811-12, destroying the town of
New Madrid, Mo., creating Reelfoot Lake in northwest Tennessee, and being felt
as far away as Washington, D.C.This second annual central U.S. ShakeOut was a
public earthquake drill organized and coordinated by the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium and its Member and Associate States, FEMA, the U.S. Geological Survey, and dozens of other partners.

CLICK ON PICTURE TO LEARN MORE

If your spine tingles at the sight of an eagle soaring majestically, then you're
aware of the unique combination of beauty and efficient design that sets these
birds apart from other winged creatures. The bald eagle's keen vision and skill
in flight are legendary. While soaring at 500 feet, it can spot a fish from a
mile away, then swoop down to it at 100 miles per hour. It's hard to top an
outdoor lover's first close-up glimpse of an eagle in the wild for thrills and
a lasting impression.

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MARY TIMMONS, MENA WATER UTILITIES MANAGER,HAS A WORD OF CAUTION FOR MENA CUSTOMERS
AND
      CAN
           BE
              HEARD
                  BELOW

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MENA HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR BRENDEN DANIELS HAS SIGNED WITH ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY---TECH COACH STEVE MULLINS SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED WITH DANIELS PERFORMANCE ON OFFENSE AS WELL AS DEFENSE WITH THE BEARCATS ON THE LINE AND AS CENTER, BRENDEN RECIEVED BOTH ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS...HE IS THE SON OF AUDRIA AND DAVID DANIELS

DWARFS KIDNAPPED
(update)

AN OWNER OF A LOCAL BUSINESS HAD REPORTED THAT FOUR GARDEN STATUES HAD BEEN STOLEN IN EARLY JAN. FROM THE FRONT OF HER STORE. ONE OF THE ITEMS WAS A CONCRETE MUSHROOM, THE OTHERS WERE THREE OF THE SEVEN DWARFS, GRUMPY,DOPEY AND BASHFUL,THEY WERE MADE OF CONCRETE AND ABOUT ONE AND A HALF FEET TALL,(UPDATE) GRUMPEY AND DOPEY HAVE FOUND THEIR WAY BACK HOME , BUT BASHFUL AND THE MUSHROOM REMAIN MISSING!! IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THIS , PLEASE CALL THE MENA POLICE DEPARTMENT, 479-394-1212 , LETS REUNITE SNOW WHITE WITH HER LOST DWARF AND MUSHROOM

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!STILL MISSING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

20 JOBS RESTORED

Arkansas lawmakers are backing a proposal to restore 20 firefighting jobs to the financially troubled Arkansas Forestry Commission, even though the recommendation doesn't include a way to pay for them.The Joint Budget Committee voted Tuesday to include the proposal in the commission's proposed budget bill being drafted for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The commission laid off 34 employees to close a $4 million shortfall.A legislative panel recommended restoring the jobs but declined to back an increase in the fire protection tax. State Forester John Shannon has proposed increasing the tax on private timberlands from 15 cents an acre to 20 cents.Legislative leaders say they don't expect the tax hike to win support in the fiscal session that begins Feb. 13. listen to state rep. Nate Bell below for more

CLICK ON PIC BELOW

Groundhog Day FEB 2ND 2012
The Prognosticator of Prognosticators, Punxsutawney Phil, will once aga
appear at sunrise on February 2 at Gobbler's Knob in the Pennsylvania Wilds to
make his annual prediction. (CLICK ON PICTURE ABOVE TO WATCH IT )

PHIL SEES SHADOW--6 MORE WEEKS OF WINTER?

CLICK PIC BELOW FOR SCHEDULE, LIVE BROADCAST STARTS AT 625AM ARKANSAS TIME...WE ARE ONE HOUR BEHIND THEM..LOL

KIDS MAKE THEIR OWN BOOKS

STUDENTS IN GRADES 4TH THROUGH 6TH AT ODE MADDOX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SPENT MANY HOURS ON PRINTING AND ILLUSTRATING BOOKS THAT WERE PUBLISHED FOR THEM BY http://www.studentreasures.com/index.html
(due to laws,without parents permission K.E.N.A. cannot publish childs pictures)