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July 26, 2017
THE POLK COUNTY
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1168 Hwy 71 S • Mena, AR 71953 • 479-243-9600 ...............................................................................................................................................................................
Your DAILY News Sources: KENA 104.1 FM & MyPulseNews.com
Celebrating Clarice’s Room of Hope Day
Alleged Suspect Apprehended Following Shooting BY MELANIE WADE • news@mypulsenews.com
A male suspect has been apprehended following a shooting that occurred on Friday, July 21, 2017. Just before 6 p.m. that day, 911 dispatch informed officers that a “car had been shot up” at 114 East Street in Cove. Deputies Jim Smith and Clint Bell responded to the scene where they made contact with a 44-year old female. The victim stated that a vehicle pulled into her yard CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Choices, Economics Play Part in Student Enrollment BY MELANIE WADE • news@mypulsenews.com With the consolidation of schools several years ago and the School Choice Act of 2013, school districts across the state have seen their enrollment numbers fluctuate. Sometimes up, sometimes down, sometimes stable, it’s hard to guess how many students a district may have in any given year. More choices for education have caused some district numbers to decline, while others have soared. From choosing your preferred school no matter what CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
Fresh Start Announces New Director BY MELANIE WADE • news@mypulsenews.com Teena Brown, daughter of Clarice Tisher, sits with Mena Mayor George McKee as he signs the official proclamation claiming July 28, 2017 as Clarice’s Room of Hope Day. There will be a celebration on Saturday, July 29 from 5 - 8 p.m. at the Mena Train Depot. See the story on page 5 of this edition for details on the event and on the mission of the non-profit organization that benefits cancer patients. PHOTO BY LOGAN MCCCOURTNEY
Millie Ratzloff has been named the new Executive Director of Fresh Start Pregnancy and Resource Center in Mena. Candace Riner has served as interim director of Fresh Start for the past ten months. Riner said she is excited to continue to serve on the board of directors and volunteer to assist the center and staff with special events, fundraising, marketing and community relations. Fresh Start is an affiliate of Care Net, which supports one of the largest networks of pregnancy centers in North America and runs the nation’s only real-time call center providing pregnancy decision coaching. CONTINUED ON PAGE 8