July 23, 2014
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THE POLK COUNTY
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State Parks Commission Requesting Dept. of Insurance to Launch Investigation into Travelers Insurance for Continued Delays on Queen Wilhelmina Lodge Renovation BY LEANN DILBECK The State Parks & Tourism Commission gathered last week for their regular monthly meeting at DeGray State Park; whereupon, they heard a formal request from District 20 State Representative Nate Bell for the Commission to “take action” regarding the ongoing renovation project at Queen Wilhelmina State Lodge that has suffered numerous delays. Sources close to the construction process said a Project Meeting was held yesterday in which it was revealed that the exterior of the building is nearing completion but continuing issues with mold spores have caused the project timeline to now be off, and although it is early, it is speculated the project will once again be delayed. One of the main issues, sources say, is trouble receiving authorization of pay-
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ment from Travelers Insurance, the surety of the bond. Bill Barnes, a member of the Commission, commended Bell for his report during today’s meeting and told The Pulse, “I’m extremely frustrated at the progress and disappointed that we are continuing to find deficiencies inside the building left from Wade.” Barnes said he and all the Commissioners agree that “this can’t continue.” Barnes explained that one reason for the delay in payments from Travelers is that there are unexpected expenses due to what Barnes said was weather deterioration as a result of how “Wade left the building uncared for and exposed.” For example, Barnes cited damage to windows that had to be replaced from not being installed correctly and problems with the fire suppression CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
Look Who’s Turning 100!
Rath Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sexual Abuse of a Minor
BY LEANN DILBECK A former Mena man and Fort Polk soldier was sentenced last Thursday, July 17 in Lake Charles, Louisiana to 210-months in prison and five years of supervised release for sexually abusing a minor under 12-years-old. According to U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley, Emil Roland Rath, 39, of Mena, Ark., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi for one count of felony abusive sexual contact with a minor under the age of 12. He is CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
Janssen Park’s timeless ‘Boy & Girl Fountain’ turns 100years old July 23, 2014! This couple has been the backdrop of generations of photos, survived countless storms and tornadoes, and been the source of great wishes made, as generations of children and adults for 100 years have thrown coins into their pool. SEE FULL STORY ON PAGES 6 - 7.
Buddy Jewell to Headline 2nd Annual Crystal Music Festival
Jewell. Tickets will be sold at the gate and festival ticket prices are $10 each age 12 and up, and kids
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[BOARD CAMP, Ark.] The 2nd Annual Crystal Music Festival is coming up, July 26, noon to 8 pm, at the Board Camp Crystal Mine in Board Camp, Arkansas, near Mena featuring the headline performance of N a s h v i l l e country/Christian recording artist Buddy
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