MENA MIDDLE SCHOOL EAST JUST RECEIVED $10,000 FROM EAST
UPGRADE GRANT FROM THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF
EDUCATION.   THE EAST INITIATIVE IS PLEASED TO BE ABLE TO OFFER
THE EAST UPGRADE GRANT PROGRAM TO ELIGIBLE SCHOOLS THAT MEET SELECT CRITERIA. THIS PROGRAM LEVERAGES THE COLLECTIVE SUPPORT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MATCHING LOCAL FUNDS TO ENSURE THE TECHNOLOGICAL CAPACITY OF LOCAL EAST PROGRAMS.

 


MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR SATURDAY,OCTOBER 29TH TO ATTEND THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS OKTOBERFEST THEY WILL HAVE ALL THE GERMAN GOODIES POLKA MUSIC,DANCING
BRATWURST,POTATO SALAD ,DESSERTS, TEA AND DRINKS!!! TO BE HELD AT THE ST AGNES PARISH  HALL GET ADVANCED TICKETS AT  THE NEIGHBORHOOD BARBER SHOP FOR $12.00 OR CALL 394-5532 OR 216-4209 FOR MORE INFO.SEE YA THERE!

 

ON SATURDAY AT THE COURTHOUSE LAWN FROM 10AM TO 2PM  MENA WILL AGAIN PARTICIPATE IN THE  NATIONWIDE PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY AN INITIATIVE  SPONSORED BY THE U.S. DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION, BACK IN APRIL ARKANSAS COMMUNITIES COLLECTED MORE THAN 10.3 MILLION PILLS THUS REMOVING THEM AS POTENTIAL SOURCES OF DRUG ABUSE AND CRIME, LETS ACHIEVE OR SURPASS THAT LEVEL OF EXELLENCE AGAIN

     ORIENTATION TO TEACHING IS A NEW PROGRAM THIS YEAR AT MENA HIGH SCHOOL. THE COURSE IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH INFORMATION AND EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION.  ONE OF THE MANY ACTIVITIES THAT O.T. STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN IS RECOGNIZING OUTSTANDING TEACHER OR STAFF MEMBERS AT MENA HIGH SCHOOL.  THIS MONTH OT STUDENTS ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE OUTSTANDING TEACHER/STAFF MEMBER OF THE MONTH FOR SEPTEMBER IS MR. BILLY MCLAIN. MR. MCLAIN IS ON OUR JANITORIAL STAFF HERE AT MENA HIGH SCHOOL AND IN HIS NOMINATION ESSAY IT WAS STATED THAT “HE IS VERY NICE, CARING AND FRIENDLY”.    STUDENT BRIANNA ANDERSON NOMINATED MR. MCLAIN AND IS PICTURED ABOVE PRESENTING HIM WITH HIS PLAQUE AND A $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM SPURGINS SOUTHERN AUTO AND DINNER AT CHIQUITA’S.  CATHY MARSHALL, INSTRUCTOR FOR THE COURSE STATES,” I AM VERY PLEASED THAT MY STUDENTS RECOGNIZE AND VALUE THE SUPPORT STAFF TO OUR SCHOOL.  LEARNING TO TEACH EXTENDS WELL PAST THE CLASSROOM WALLS.”

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO SEE RECORDING ARTIST GENA ROBERTS PERFORM LIVE AT 730PM AT THE OUACHITA LITTLE THEATER LOCATED AT 610 MENA STREET—ALSO PERFORMING WILL BE DEE BELL TICKETS ARE $10.00 AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR AT 630PM, ADVANCED RESERVATIONS MAY BE MADE BY CALLING 479-243-0186

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BEARCAT MARCHING BAND!  THE BEARCAT BAND TRAVELED TO FT. SMITH NORTHSIDE ON TUESDAY, OCT. 25 TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ANNUAL REGION VIII MARCHING ASSESSMENT.  THE BAND, COLORGUARD, DRUMLINE, AND DRUM MAJOR JACEY HOLLAND RECEIVED AN OVERALL RATING OF 1ST DIVISION SUPERIOR.  THE MENA BEARCAT MARCHING BAND FINISHES THE YEAR BY RECEIVING 1ST DIVISION SUPERIOR IN ALL MARCHING COMPETITIONS.  WAY TO GO BAND!

 
THE MUCH ANTICIPATED HALLOWEEN TRAIN RIDE STARTS THE WEEKEND OF OCT 28TH AND 29TH ,  AT THE SOUTHERN BELLE DEPOT IN MENA,  LOCATED INSIDE THE QUEEN WILHELMINA STATE PARK . THE RIDES WILL START AROUND DARK AND THE LAST RIDE IS AROUND 930PM , THE COST IS ONLY $6.00 DOLLARS A PERSON

THE ELKS LODGE OF MENA IS  HAVING  THEIR ANNUAL HAUNTED HOUSE ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY FROM 6PM TO 8PM THERES GOING TO BE  GAMES, PRIZES AND A CHILDREN’S COSTUME CONTEST THE COST IS ONLY $1.00 DOLLAR PER PERSON,  AND DON’T MISS THE HALLOWEEN DANCE FEATURING RONNIE BEAR AND THE DREAM CATCHERS FOR MEMBERS AND INVITED GUESTS TICKETS ARE $6.00 DOLLARS  OR $10.00 DOLLARS PER COUPLE. ALL THE PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE ELDERLY FOOD BASKET PROGRAM

THE POLK COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD HAS RECOGNIZED THE WORK OF LONG-TIME LIBRARIAN SHIRLEY PHILPOT WITH A CHANGE OF TITLE.  HER NEW TITLE IS COUNTY LIBRARIAN. ACCORDING TO THE BOARD PRESIDENT, SUSIE MOSLEY, THE NEW TITLE BETTER REFLECTS THE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE LIBRARIAN OF THE POLK COUNTY LIBRARY.  MOSLEY STATED THAT THE POLK COUNTY LIBRARY SERVES ALL OF THE COMMUNITIES OF POLK COUNTY, NOT JUST MENA. THE LIBRARY STAFF AND THE BOARD ARE MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO PROVIDE LIBRARY SERVICES AS CLOSE TO HOME AS POSSIBLE FOR ALL OF THE PEOPLE IN POLK COUNTY.  AT THIS TIME THERE ARE BRANCH BOOKCASE LIBRARIES IN BIG FORK, BOARD CAMP, HATFIELD, AND SHADY.  A BRANCH VIRTUAL LIBRARY WITH FREE WI-FI IS BEING ESTABLISHED IN GRANNIS.MOSLEY ADDED, “THE LIBRARY BOARD MEMBERS ARE STRETCHING THE MONEY AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO PROVIDE THE BEST WE CAN AFFORD.  WE ARE MAKING SLOW BUT STEADY PROGRESS IN TAKING THE LIBRARY TO THE PEOPLE.”

THE MENA JR LADYCATS WON THE 4A WEST DISTRICT TOURNAMENT SATURDAY BY DEFEATING BOONEVILLE 2 GAMES TO 0 AND ASHDOWN IN THE FINALS 2 GAMES TO 0—THEY ENDED THE SEASON WITH A RECORD OF 24 WINS AND 5 LOSES—THE MENA LADYCATS VOLLEYBALL TEAM ARE DISTRICT RUNNERS UP,  THE LADYCATS DEFEATED ASHDOWN IN THE SEMIFINAL MATCH 3 GAMES TO 0,  BUT LOST TO WALDRON IN THE FINALS,  THE LADYCATS WILL PLAY BROOKLYN ON OCTOBER 25TH AT NOON IN THE STATE TOURNAMENT AT VALLEY VIEW UPDATE THE LADYCATS SEASON CAME TO AN END IN THE STATE TOURNAMENT AT VALLEY VIEW WHEN PULASKI ACADEMY ILLIMINATED MENA 3 GAMES TO 0 , 

THE CITY OF MENA POST OFFICE HAS A NEW POSTMASTER-- WYATT D
BLANKENSHIP , THE PREVIOUS POSTMASTER ERNIE SAXTON AND HIS FAMILY
HAVE MOVED TO MALVERN.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind our residents of the abundance of scams that are ever-present in our communities today.  These come by way of telephone, mail and internet.  If you receive a communication of any sort that requests that you provide them with money or information, or both, before any prize can be awarded, IT IS A SCAM!   Please be very wise when giving out money or personal information  of any kind.  If you have a question or concern about a matter that you believe may be a scam, call the Sheriff’s Office at 479-394-2511 and we will be happy to assist you.

 

  CONGRATS TO THE BEARCAT MARCHING BAND.  THEY TRAVELED TO LITTLE ROCK  TO COMPETE IN THE ARKANSAS SHOWCASE OF BANDS, THE COLOR GUARD, BAND AND DRUM MAJOR JACEY HOLLAND RECEIVED STRAIGHT 1ST DIVISION RATINGS FROM ALL OF THE JUDGES,  THE BAND WILL COMPETE ON OCT 24TH AT FT. SMITH NORTHSIDE IN THE ANNUAL REGION MARCHING ASSESSMENT

  THE DECORATE MENA FOR SPIRIT WEEK IS WHERE  LOCAL BUSINESSES DECORATE THEIR  STORE FRONTS  WITH BEARCAT SPIRIT---ALL BUSINESSES THAT CHOOSE TO PARTICIPATE MUST HAVE DECORATIONS COMPLETED BY MONDAY SEPT 19TH AT 3PM THERE WILL BE AWARDS FOR 1ST 2ND AND 3RD PLACE FOR SMALL AND LARGE BUSINESSES—SHOW YOUR SUPPORT TO THE BEARCATS

October 7, 2011

LITTLE ROCK – Legislators got a double dose of good news last week - enrollment is on the increase in Arkansas colleges and universities while the number of juveniles getting in trouble and being sent to lockups has gone down.

To top it off, state government revenue for September was up slightly from last year.  Budget officials remain cautious, but an increase in revenue indicates economic growth and is welcome.

When juveniles get in trouble, unless they commit a serious offense and are charged as adults, they come under the jurisdiction of the state Division of Youth Services.  Most of them receive counseling and supervision in a community program, but some offenders are committed to a secure detention facility.

Last year 480 juveniles were placed in a secure lockup, down from 631 commitments two years ago.  Youth services officials attribute the decline to the fact that juvenile judges are sending more youths to the counseling and intervention programs, which are run by 13 organizations that contract with the state.

The decline is also due to the fact that fewer adolescents were brought into court for delinquency.  The number of juvenile cases has fallen from 11,534 in 2008 to 9,773 last year.

Another positive development is attributable to the success of the community programs.  The recidivism rate over a three year period, in other words the percentage of repeat offenders who get in trouble again after they are released from custody, has dropped significantly for Arkansas juveniles.

From 1997 through 2007 about one in four juveniles were arrested again within three years of their release. For the past three years the recidivism rate has declined to 27.8 percent, according to the director of the Youth Services Division.

College Enrollment

The Higher Education Department reported that enrollment in Arkansas colleges and universities is up 2.1 percent this school year, compared to 2010.  The total number of students earning credits in an institution of higher education is 176,114.

Several campuses have seen a decline in enrollment and several others experienced only slight gains.  One reason was that they had raised admission standards.  Although higher admission standards results slows enrollment growth in the short term, in the long term it should improve retention rates.  All Arkansas colleges and universities are trying to increase the number of graduates. 

Arkansas is on a par with other southern states in terms of high school graduates going to college.  However, too many Arkansas students never finish college.  The four-year universities in Arkansas are improving their retention rates, according to the director of the Higher Education Department. They awarded 9,392 degrees in 2009, which was 10.5 percent more than the previous year.

State Revenue in September

In September the state collected $462.8 million in net available revenue.  That is 5.5 percent more than was collected in September last year. For the first three months of the fiscal year, net revenue is up 2.7 percent over last year.

State budget officials project that the state will collect total net revenue of $4.57 billion in the current fiscal year.

THE BETHEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ANNUAL FUN FESTIVAL IS THIS FRIDAY (OCT 21ST) LOCATED AT POLK COUNTY ROAD 74 OFF  OF HWY 71 BY DUKES JUNCTION THERE WILL BE  GAMES, HORSE RIDES, CAKE WALK AND A CHILI COOK-OFF FROM 4PM TO 6PM.  BEST CHILI WILL WIN A $100.00 DOLLAR PRIZE, THERES ALSO A DESSERT AUCTION AND SINGING TO FOLLOW THE COOK-OFF EVERYONE IS INVITED

  JOIN THOUSANDS OF CMA’RS ON IRON MOUNTAIN FOR THE ANNUAL CHANGING OF THE COLORS HOMECOMING IN THE SCENIC WEST CENTRAL ARKANSAS AND  OUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY MORNINGS AND EVENINGS WITH PRAYER—WORSHIP AND ENCOURAGEMENT  FROM THE CMA NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM ---ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY THERE WILL BE SEMINARS ,FRIDAY THERE WILL BE A CONCERT  WITH THE GROUP BRANDED, THEN ON SATURDAY ENJOY A PARADE AND BIKE GAMES AND THE GLORY BOUND DRILL TEAM, CAMPING ,VENDORS AND CONCESSIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE  AS WELL AS WI-FI FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES  CALL
870-389-6196 OPTION 7 OR GO TO  WWW.GOMENA.COM

  THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SPONSORED WHEELS & WINGS  ALL DAY FESTIVAL WILL BE THIS SATURDAY AT THE MENA INTERMOUNTAIN  MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  THE FUN BEGINS AT 7AM WITH A 5K RUN AND PANCAKE BREAKFAST,  BBQ DINNERS GO ON SALE AT 11AM ,   THE CMA MOTORCYCLES WILL ARRIVE AT 1PM    FOR A  MOTORCYCLE SHOW, THERES GOING TO BE VENDORS, FOOD, AIRPLANE RIDES, BBQ COOK-OFF, FACE PAINTING AND BOUNCY HOUSE FOR THE KIDS AND  LIVE ENTERTAINMENT FEATURING NASHVILLE RECORDING ARTIST, TYLER BOYDSTUN...AND MUCH MORE! CONTACT THE MENA/POLK COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR MORE INFO. 479-394-2912

 

  Arkansas officials are currently debating whether or not to proceed with the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act commonly known as Obamacare.  House and Senate conservatives have consistently opposed establishment of the federally mandated health insurance exchanges which are a key component of the law.

In a recent letter to Gov. Mike Beebe and Insurance Commissioner Jay Bradford, Republican legislators expressed opposition to applying for a $3.8 million federal grant to plan for a health insurance exchange. Despite personally supporting the Obamacare exchange, Gov. Beebe decided against applying for the grant, citing legislative opposition. It’s important to note that the Governor is the only person with the authority to move forward with applying for additional grants, and he does not need legislative approval.  Despite the Governor’s decision, the state Department of Insurance held a taxpayer-funded “summit” this week to continue pushing for the implementation of the health insurance exchanges that are necessary to establish Obamacare in our state. There are supporters of Obamacare who will attempt to present this issue as one of state run exchanges versus federally run exchanges.  They threaten citizens and legislators by claiming that if Arkansas doesn’t immediately implement exchanges the federal government will simply take over and forcibly create them for us without our input.  The threat is hollow for many reasons, but two are of key importance.  The PPACA does not provide adequate funding to set up federal health insurance exchanges nor for their initial operation.  Additionally, Section 1311 of the law provides for federal premium subsidies (tax credits) only in state exchanges.  No such funding exists for the federally run exchanges established by Section 1321.  Funding of these key components of the law will require Congress to pass new appropriations for them.  This is extremely unlikely with the current Congress.  If Arkansas continues to refuse to enact a health insurance exchange, implementation of Obamacare will essentially be halted in our state.

There is a 26 state lawsuit pending before the U.S. Supreme Court that challenges the constitutionality of the President’s health care law.  To date, only 13 states have chosen to establish exchanges.  More than 20 have returned or refused the planning grants.  Arkansas is in good company if we maintain our current position.

  I hope you’ll join me in asking Gov. Beebe to continue to reject planning funds and in asking Attorney General Dustin McDaniel to join the lawsuit filed by the 26 states who oppose the mandate.  As your Representative, I will not stand with Washington bureaucrats to establish a system opposed by nearly 70 percent of Arkansans, and I will not rush to implement this federal law that places additional job-killing burdens on the backs of Arkansas’ families and businesses. You deserve solutions that work.
As I continue to serve you and your family in the Arkansas House of Representatives, my focus will remain on improving our economy, promoting job growth and building a better Arkansas. Please contact me with any issues, questions or concerns you may have. My email is repnatebell@gmail.com

 

  MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THURSDAY THE ROTARY CLUB
INTERNATIONAL IS
HOSTING ,READY TO GRILL, A SMOKED BEEF BRISKET FUNDRAISER  FROM 11A,M TO 2PM  GET A SMOKED BEEF BRISKET SANDWICH—POTATO CHIPS PICKLE SPEAR BOTTLED WATER AND A A COOKIE FOR 7.00 DOLLARS OR THE HEARTY MEAL WITH 2 SANDWICHES FOR ONLY 10.00 DOLLARS  ADVANCED ORDERS ARE PREFERRED  BY CALLING 479-243-7136 OR 479-234-0225 ON THURSDAY CALL 479-394-2211 ALL TAKE OUT ORDERS MAY BE PICKED UP AT THE BACK ENTRANCE  OF THE UNION BANK OF MENA---THERE IS FREE DELIVERY AVAILABLE TO
BUSINESSES WITH 5 OR MORE ORDERS—ALL THE PROCEEDS BENEFIT POLK COUNTY ROTARY CLUB PROJECTS

  RICH MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE WILL BE HOSTING AN OPEN HOUSE ON THURSDAY, FROM 4 – 6 P.M. AT THE NEW RMCC MONTGOMERY COUNTY CENTER IN MOUNT IDA. THE CENTER IS LOCATED AT 31 INDUSTRY DRIVE IN THE MOUNT IDA INDUSTRIAL PARK ON HWY 270. THE 4,500 SQ. FT. FACILITY HAS NEW CLASSROOMS, COMPUTER LAB WITH IMACS, GED/ADULT ED.  PROGRAM, AND A HOST OF SUPPORT SERVICES TO ASSIST WITH STUDENT FINANCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL NEEDS.

October 14, 2011

LITTLE ROCK –  Arkansas is joining a growing list of states seeking a waiver from the testing requirements in federal education standards known as the "No Child Left Behind" law.

No Child Left Behind is the main law that sets out the federal government's role in public education.  A version of the law has been on the books since the 1960s, but it was a major overhaul enacted by Congress 10 years ago that has caused headaches for local and state education officials.
Educators in many western states, such as Utah and Montana, have been the most outspoken in their criticism of No Child Left Behind.  However, it's possible to find state and local officials in every region of the country who are critical of the federal law.
At issue are the law's requirements that all students must perform at proficient levels on standardized tests by 2014.  That is a reasonable goal for the vast majority of students, but it is extremely difficult for the bottom five to 10 percent.  It also is a difficult goal to meet for schools with non-English speakers, students from poor families and students with disabilities.
The requirements and penalties in the law are being phased in, and schools that have not met the goals so far are labeled as failing.  According to a recent report, almost a third of the nation's schools are branded as failing.  In some states the percentage is much higher.
A fundamental issue raised by No Child Left Behind is how great of a role Washington, D.C. should have in determining education policy in local schools.  The law has spurred many local schools to do more to raise academic achievement of minority students in reading and math.  On the other hand, No Child Left Behind has raised concerns that schools are now pressured to concentrate too much on preparing students for standardized tests, at the expense of teaching subjects that are not tested.

Drug Court Stopgap Funding
The state Health Department has released $393,000 to pay for drug court operations temporarily.  Legislative supporters of the drug court program will seek a stable and permanent source of funding during the Fiscal Session that begins in February of 2012.

Drug offenders can avoid prison if they agree to the intensive supervision and testing required by drug courts.  By avoiding prison they can keep their jobs and continue supporting their families and paying taxes.

Land Commissioner Accepts Cards
The state Land Commissioner now accepts credit and debit card payments for delinquent property taxes, but only from those who personally visit the office.  The office has plans to expand its plans to include payments by telephone and over the Internet.  Information is available at the Land Commissioner's web site at www.cosl.org.

History buffs can find fascinating images of early land records, including Spanish land grants and records of property granted to veterans of the War of 1812, under the "History and Archives" link on the Land Commissioner's web site.

It also has a catalogue of parcels available at public auctions throughout the state. Besides the catalogue, the Land Commissioner publishes legal notices in local newspapers.  The parcels of land are available because they were forfeited for non-payment of real estate taxes.

Annette Hays (Acorn advisor) and Susan Hughes (Oden advisor) along with ten  FCCLA members from Ouachita River School District attended the FCCLA District 6 Planning and Election Meeting.  The meeting was held on October 13th at the Family Life Center, First United Methodist Church in Dardanelle, AR.  Students from Acorn attending were Erica Goss, Kate Aleshire, Krysten Fagan, Jared Standridge, and Lydia Tilley.  Attending from Oden were Elizabeth Mayo, Preston Ellis, Rebecca Ryan, Claire Smith, and Priscilla van der Werve.

 Student leaders planned and implemented the meeting centered on the theme “FCCLA is a Knock Out!”  Memorable components of the meeting included presentations of the district, state and national outreach programs for the year. Presentation s covered such issues as childhood hunger, poverty, illiteracy, obesity, teen pregnancy and dropouts.  District officers encouraged attendees to develop local programs benefiting the Arkansas Rice and Diaper Depots, serving the entire state. 

Arkansas District 6 members from Two Rivers School and recent winners in national STAR Events competition shared their presentations and encouraged all District 6 members to get involved in November STAR Events competition at HSU in Arkadelphia.  Following prepared three-minute speeches and impromptu interview questions from current officers.  Officers for the next school year were elected and will be installed at the District 6 Spring meeting in February. Acorn student Erica Goss was elected president.  Acorn student Krysten Fagan was elected secretary.  Oden student Elizabeth Mayo was elected vice president of programs.  These students will be part of the officer team responsible for planning next year's fall and spring district meetings.

  EVERYONE IS INVITED TO THE COSSATOT RIVER STATE PARKS  AUTUMN HARVEST FESTIVAL!  ON SATURDAY FROM 10AM TO 10PM ENJOY GAMES, HAY RIDES, A CANNED AND BAKED GOODS AUCTION, HAUNTED CAMPSITES, CHILI SUPPER, COSTUME CONTEST , FACE PAINTING, LOTS OF DOOR PRIZES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! THE GRAND PRIZE IS A 2 NIGHT STAY AT AN ARKANSAS STATE PARK!  FUNNEL CAKES, COTTON CANDY, AND OTHER REFRESHMENTS WILL BE FOR SALE FROM LOCAL VENDORS. CONTACT THE PARK FOR A SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES AND FURTHER DETAILS. MEETING PLACE: VISITOR CENTER
Admission: Free

  ON SUNDAY , AT THE COSSATOT RIVER STATE PARKS THERES A NATURE WALK
DISCOVER NATURE WITH PARK INTERPRETER FLANARY ON THIS EASY GUIDED 2-MILE WALK AND INVESTIGATE WHAT IS ALONG THIS UNIQUE TRAIL. WEAR APPROPRIATE SHOES (NO FLIP FLOPS OR SANDALS), BRING WATER, AND DON’T FORGET YOUR WALKING STICK. MEETING PLACE: PARKING LOT AT THE LOW-WATER BRIDGE BELOW THE VISITOR CENTER.
ADMISSION: FREE

  THE MENA CITY COUNCIL MET  LAST NIGHT AND CONSIDERED BIDS RECEIVED FOR THE PURCHASE OF A 20 CUBIC YARD TRAILER WITH SELF CONTAINED VACUUM LEAF COLLECTOR  FOR THE MENA STREET DEPARTMENT --THE LOWESTBID WAS 29K , DUE TO THE FACT THE CITY HASN’T SEEN IT OR KNOWS IF IT RUNS, THE COUNCIL VOTED TO WAIT AND REVIEW ALL FACTS , AND WILL HAVE ANOTHER MEETING NEXT WEEK TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER.--- THE COUNCIL ALSO REVIEWED AND DISCUSSED AUDIT
FINDINGS FROM THE THE CITY FOR THE YEARS 2008 AND 2009. --- A RESOLUTION WAS PASSED AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK/TREASURER TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR TRAILS FOR LIFE GRANT  IN THE AMOUNT OF 35 THOUSAND FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM THAT WILL CREATE TRAILS  FOR THE AUBLEY TAPLEY PARK WHERE AS THE CITY WONT HAVE TO MATCH ANY MONIES TO THE PROPOSED GRANT---—ANOTHER RESOLUTION WAS PASSED  AUTHORIZING THE CITY  TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE STATE OF ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF AERONAUTICS IN THE AMOUNT OF 15,000 THOUSAND DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE BEACONS AT THE MENA AIRPORT WITH A 3000 DOLLAR MATCH FROM THE CITY .----.THE COUNCIL REAPPOINTED DR. CARLOS ROCHA  TO THE CITY HOSPITAL COMMISSION FOR A TERM OF 5 YEARS TO EXPIRE ON 8-31-2016, IN ADDITION ALL THE DEPARTMENT HEADS GAVE THEIR MONTHLY REPORTS AND THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED     (AUDIO IS BELOW , FEATURING MARY TIMMONS OF THE WATER DEPARTMENT, LISA MARTIN THE PARK MANAGER AND TIM BOWEN OF THE MENA REGIONAL HOSPITAL)
UPDATE
THE CITY COUNCIL MET AT A SPECIAL CALLED MEETING  FRIDAY TO DISCUSS AND REVIEW THE BID FOR A 20 CUBIC YARD TRAILER MOUNTED SELF CONTAINED VACUUM LEAF COLLECTOR  FOR THE MENA STREET DEPARTMENT , IT WAS STATED BY ROY HARRIS THE STREET DEPARTMENT FOREMAN  “THAT IT WOULD NOT STOP THE FLOODING DURING A VERY HEAVY RAIN FALL OF CERTAIN STREETS IN MENA” , YET IT WILL CUT DOWN ON MANPOWER AND LABOR IT WAS ALSO STATED BY THE COUNCIL THAT RESIDENTS WOULD BE ABLE TO PLACE THERE LEAVES CURBSIDE FOR THE CITY TO PICK UP, ONCE A PLAN IS PUT IN PLACE AND OR A SCHEDULE OF PICK UP COULD BE DETERMINED— CURRENTLY THERE IS NO LEAF PICK UP AVAILABLE IN THE CITY OF MENA---- A VOTE WAS TAKEN TO ADD MORE MONEY TO THE 30,000.00 DOLLARSALLOCATED SO THAT TAX COULD BE ADDED TO THE WINNING BID ---–THE CITY COUNCIL VOTED 4 TO 2 IN FAVOR OF THE BID TO PURCHASE THE NEW LEAF VACUUM

 

THE CHRIST CHURCH AT MOUNT FORK IS HAVING THEIR ANNUAL PIE AND CAKE
AUCTION SATURDAY AT 7PM –THE EVENT  IS USED TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE
BENEVOLENT NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AROUND MT FORK THEY ARE LOCATED 13 MILES WEST OF MENA ON HWY 8 WEST

 

THE US ARMY CORPS  OF ENGINEERS IS HAVING THE GREAT ARKANSAS CLEAN UP AT GILHAM LAKE SATURDAY TO CLEAN UP ROADSIDES AND SHORELINE AROUND LAKE GILHAM—FOOD AND PRIZES WILL BE GIVEN OUT AFTER CLEANUP  AT THE COSSATOT REEFS PAVILION FOR MORE INFO CALL 870-584-4161

 

THIS SATURDAY  AT 9AM  AT THE HATFIELD LIONS CLUB PAVILLION  THE LIONS CLUB WILL BE HAVING A BENEFIT AUCTION TO HELP RAISE MONEY FOR THEIR SCHOLARSHIP FUND—DONATIONS OF ANY ITEMS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED ---PLEASE CALL 216-2022 FOR MORE INFORMATION---THE AUCTIONEER WILL BE JIMMY MARTIN OF MARTINS AUCTION SERVICE—EVERYONE IS ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND

  DON’T MISS OUT ON YOUR CHANCE TO WINN IN THE NASCAR TICKET GIVEAWAY SPONSORED BY K.E.N.A AND THE  OUACHITA BROADCASTING STATIONS 105.3 KQOR—AND 104.1 K.I.L.X--YOU CAN WIN TICKETS PLUS PIT PASSES TO THE TRUCK NATIONWIDE AND SPRINT CUP RACES  ON NOVEMBER 4TH 5TH AND 6TH AT THE TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, SIMPLY
REGISTER AT JORDAN CAFÉ, NAPA AUTO PARTS IN HATFIELD—FREEDOM PHARMACY WASHBURNS AND SUBWAY, THE WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON OCTOBER 14TH

THE MENA HIGH SCHOOL HAS STARTED REHEARSALS FOR THE FALL MUSICAL GREASE   IF ANYONE  HAS ANY VINTAGE  1950 OR EARLY 1960 DRESSES OR ANY LEATHER JACKETS IN GOOD CONDITION THAT THEY ARE WILLING TO DONATE OR LEND TO THE SCHOOL IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.  PLEASE BRING THEM BY THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND PLEASE SPECIFY IF YOU ARE LENDING OR DONATING THE ITEMS

  THE OUACHITAS FINEST ARTISTS ARE OPENING THERE STUDIOS ON ,SATURDAY AND SUNDAY  FOR THE OUACHITA ART TRAILS TOURS,SO YOU MAY MEET  THEM WERE THEY WORK .SIMPLY REGISTER AT THE MENA ART GALLERY LOCATED AT 607 MENA STREET.YOU WILL BE GIVEN A GUIDEBOOK WITH DIRECTIONS TO EACH OF THE 17 ARTISTS STUDIOS,  PLAN YOUR WAY THRU THE MOUNTAINS  TO FIND HIDDEN TREASURES .THIS YEAR WILL BE A VERY DIVERSE TOUR .ARTISTS WILL ANSWER QUESTIONS,  YOU WILL LEARN NEW TECHNIQUES AND WATCH THEM CREATE THEIR ART,SEE POTTERY,FINE ART,PEN AND INK,NATIVE ART,LEATHER WORKS,SCULPTURES,STAINED GLASS,WOOD WORK,HAND CRAFTED NEEDLE BASKETS,BLOWN GLASS AND SO MUCH MORE—PLAN ON 2 DAYS TO SEE ALL THE STUDIOS AND ARTISTS DURING THIS UNIQUE AND FUN EVENT ---FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 394-3880  OR PREREGISTER AT WWW.OUACHITAARTTRAILS.COM

  THE LITTLE MISS AND MISS POLK COUNTY PAGEANTS WERE HELD SATURDAY---THE LITTLE MISS POLK COUNTY IS 4YR OLD REESE MONTGOMERY THE DAUGHTER OF CLINT AND TELISSA MONTGOMERY FIRST RUNNER UP IS GRACIE NASH THE 5 YR OLD DAUGHTER OF CHRIS AND AMANDA NASH---THE SECOND RUNNER UP IS 5 YR OLD CAROLINE CANNON THE DAUGHTER OF KYLE AND GRETCHEN CANNON,THE NEW MISS POLK COUNTY FOR 2011 IS ASHLYN NICOLE GODFREY THE DAUGHTER OF SHERIFF MIKE AND MANDY GODFREY THE FIRST RUNNER UP IS ADRIENNE ROSE,THE DAUGHTER OF KENT AND JULIE ROSE  AND SECOND RUNNER UP IS SASHA SAVALA THE DAUGHTER OF ELSO AND CRESCENCIOSAVALA,MISS CONGENIALITY  IN THE MISS POLK COUNTY CONTEST IS TIFFANY SIDES ,THE REIGNING MISS POLK COUNTY  HOLLY BREWER WERE ON HAND  TO ASSIST WITH THE CROWNING OF THE NEW MISS POLK COUNTY FAIR QUEEN ASHLYN GODFREY