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THE POLK COUNTY
February 4, 2015 Stay Connected!
1168 Hwy 71 S • Mena, AR 71953 • 479-243-9600
MyPulseNews.com . . . Your DAILY News Source!
Arms Landmark Conviction Upheld
Prosecutor & Appellate Judge Plea for Legislators to Provide Clarity in the Law
Valentine’s Day Specials pg15-17
Local Violinists Selected for Ft. Smith Junior Symphony
BY MELANIE BUCK The Arkansas Court of Appeals upheld the decision of a Polk County jury in the landmark case of Melissa McCann-Arms who was convicted on January 13, 2014, of one count of Introduction of a Controlled Substance into the Body of Another Person, for which she was sentenced to 20 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections. McCann-Arms’ newborn baby was born at Mena Regional Health System addicted to methamphetamine. In the appeal, McCann-Arms was (1) challenging the sufficiency of evidence to support her CONTINUED ON PAGE 4-5
Missing RN Student Found
BY LEANN DILBECK Callie Morris, the 21-year old RN student that went missing Thursday evening, January 29, was found on Sunday, February 1, in her vehicle under a bridge in Buffalo Valley along Hwy 63 in Oklahoma. Morris did not survive the single vehicle accident, according to a press release issued Sunday evening by LeFlore County Law Enforcement. Morris was last heard from Thursday evening leaving Hot Springs, Ark. enroute to McAlester, Okla. by way of Mena, Ark. Polk County
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Mercy and Josiah Chiapparo, violin students of Merribeth Christopher, auditioned and were selected for the prestigous honor of performing with the Ft. Smith Junior Symphony. See complete story on page 8.
Ouachita River School & RMCC Partnership Provides Unique Opportunity for Those Willing to Take Advantage of it Zach Abler Set to Graduate High School & College in Same Week
BY MELANIE BUCK A partnership between RMCC and the local Ouachita River School District (Acorn and Oden) combined with the ambition and tenacity of students willing to take advantage of it is opening opportunities for students to not only get a jump start on their college education but at no cost to the student. Ouachita River School District is investing in their students by way of this partnership by not only providing dual credit but also paying the bill for students. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6-7
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