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February 10, 2016
THE POLK COUNTY
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1168 Hwy 71 S • Mena, AR 71953 • 479-243-9600 ...............................................................................................................................................................................
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More than 90 Acres of Woodlands Lost to Monday Fire Judge Issues County-Wide Burn Ban BY MELANIE BUCK • news@mypulsenews.com
A Dearly Beloved Way to Spend this Valentine’s Weekend
Crews responded to two different fires in the county on Monday, after a burn ban had been issued by Polk County Judge Brandon Ellison. The burn ban went into effect at 8 a.m. on Monday, February 8, 2016, until further notice. The ban was put into place due to low humidity, dead winter vegetation, and high winds that when combined cause a large increase in fire activity. Polk County Emergency Management Coordinator James Reeves said the first fire was called in around 12:15 p.m. from the Board Camp CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
Early Voting Begins Next Week
Sheriff Candidates State Positions on Jail Issue BY LEANN DILBECK • editor@mypulsenews.com
Early voting would typically begin 15 days prior to the election; however, this year, early voting will begin on Tuesday, February 16. Arkansas Law States that early voting shall not be available on state or county holidays. Monday, February 15 is President’s Day; therefore, early voting will begin Tuesday, February 16. Early voting is held at the Polk County Office Complex at 606 Pine Street in Mena, commonly referred to as the “old hospital.” Hours for early voting will be each weekday at 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 20th CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Engineer Deems Crack Poses ‘No Threat’ to Water Quality at Irons Fork Clearwell BY MELANIE BUCK • news@mypulsenews.com
In late January, engineers from Craig L. Beckham Engineers (CLB) out of Texarkana, Arkansas, inspected a 600,000 gallon clearwell at Mena Water Utilities at Iron’s Fork Lake and found a large crack in the concrete structure. Water Utilities Manager Charles Pittman said the structure is 27 years old and the crack is from natural wear from over the years. Since the
[PHOTO BY MELANIE BUCK]
The OLT’s production of Dearly Beloved opens this weekend and would be the perfect addition to a date night with your Valentine! See the full story and details of this hilarious production directed by Judy Thompson on page 29. Or if you are searching for other unique Valentine gift ideas, check out our complete Valentine Gift Guide on pages 15-18.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 1020 MENA ST. MENA, AR 71953 | SINCE 1939
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