Special 2-Week Christmas Issue - Next Issue December 31, 2014 • MyPulseNews.com
December 17, 2014
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THE P LK C UNTY
512 Seventh Street • Mena, AR 71953 • 479-243-9600
Revitalization Continues in Mena’s Downtown
BY MELANIE BUCK & LEANN DILBECK Mena Street is experiencing a resurrection, as one by one, buildings are being restored and bringing new life to the center of town that doubles as the gateway to the Talimena National Scenic Byway. Once the retail hub, the downtown area, like many rural communities, saw a decline and, one by one, these grand historic buildings rich in character and architecture, became vacated and empty. Flanked by Washburn’s Home Furnishings on the south end for over 75 years, and the Polk County Courthouse on the north for 170 years, the buildings between are, one by one, being restored, returning a variety of retail and the arts. When combined with great food, it’s a recipe for success. The decline didn’t happen overnight and neither has the resurrection. One of the sparks in the overall feel began in 1999, when the City invested an average of $500,000/block for the streetscape project, repairing sidewalks and adding lampposts for a majority of Mena Street and the DeQueen Street block surrounding the historic armory. The Janssen to Maple block of Mena Street that didn’t receive the improvements are, according to Mena Mayor George McKee, slated for next year as he explained the FEMA funds designated for the area have now arrived. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 The Cossatot River Cheerleaders have been chosen to perform in the half-time activities at the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida on January 1. The game between Minnesota and Missouri will be broadcast on ABC with kickoff at 12:00 p.m. (CST). Front Row: Karli Underwood, Caylee Mitchell, and Carissa Dowdy. 2nd Row: Karlie Tinkes, Brooke Howell, and Courtney Manning. Back Row: Haley Polk, Hayley Case, and Jacie Tinkes.
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Harper Named Coach of Year BY LEANN DILBECK After leading the Mena Bearcats to the 4A State Championship game for the first time in 38 years, Head Football Coach Tim Harper has been honored statewide as Coach of the Year by both Simmons Bank and Farm Bureau. Following the awards, Harper told The Pulse, “I’m just so honored that our team of coaches’ and players’ work ethic and commitment continue to be recognized at a statewide level. No one coach gets this award on their own, it is always a team effort. I’m so blessed to work with such great coaches as Craig Bentley, Kevin Bledsoe, Pete Rose, Aaron Pennington, Cody Alexander, and Lantz Castleman. I also want to thank all of the Bearcat fans for their support at the State Championship. Our students and fans were amazing! All of my players and coaches wish we would have played better for you.” [RIGHT]: Junior D’Wayn Grinder was
selected to receive the prestigious Brandon Burlsworth Award for his outstanding defensive
play
during
the
State
Championship. Grinder finished the game
with 14 tackles including six solo tackles. [PHOTO BY RHONDA ELIZABETH]
1020 Mena St. • Mena, AR 71953
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