August 20, 2014
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THE POLK COUNTY
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Judge Ellison Nixes Prison Proposal
BY LEANN DILBECK What some viewed as an economic opportunity quickly turned into a hot topic issue that has caused much debate and controversy concerning the possibility of a new $100 million state funded and state run maximum-security prison being located within Polk County. However, Judge Brandon Ellison said he has carefully researched the opportunity and carefully considered if the issue is beneficial or not to Polk County and released his official position on the issue Monday afternoon. “While performing due diligence in this matter, I have discovered that several million dollars will need to be pledged by our local governments for us to even prepare a competitive proposal. Because this is an important economic opportuni-
Mena Proudly Welcomes 39th Annual Queen Wilhelmina Rod Run
Approximately 200 hot rods are expected again for Street & Performance’s 39th Annual Rod Run, one of the area’s longest-standing and much anticipated events for car enthusiasts. This file photo, courtesy of Plane Crazy USA, shows the cars as they are displayed on Arkansas’ second highest peak. The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce is hosting Friday night’s “Show ‘n Shine” and the Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission will host a street dance Saturday night.
MRHS Welcomes New Physician to Mena Medical Associates CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
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LABOR DAY GOING ON NOW
Burr Sentenced in Arson Case
BY MELANIE BUCK Alisha Burr, who pled “no contest” to Arson {5-38-301}, a Class A Felony, three counts of Aggravated Assault {5-13-204}, a Class D Felony, and Criminal Mischief in the First Degree {5-38203a1}, a Class D Felony in June, was sentenced on Monday, August 18, by Polk County Circuit Court Judge J.W. Looney. The sentence imposed on Burr will be 10 years probation with more than 20 conditions including: refraining from the use of alcohol and not associating with convicted felons. Any violation to the conditions of probation can cause any part of the full sentence to be imposed. One of the felonies Burr was charged with carries a 30-year sentence. Looney also ordered full restitution to be
High-Speed Pursuit Ends in Crash
ALL OF THOSE DETAILS AND GREAT ROD RUN DEALS CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE 13-15.
BY LEANN DILBECK Tim Bowen, MRHS Administrator has announced the addition of a new family physian joining Mena Medical Associates, a division of Mena Regional Health System. Dr. Richard Eccles, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, an Arkansas native is
ROD RUN THIS WEEKEND!
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BY MELANIE BUCK & LEANN DILBECK Law enforcement officials have now captured the suspect that evaded and led multiple agencies through LeFlore County in Oklahoma and Polk and Scott Counties in Arkansas. CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
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