October 15, 2014
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THE POLK COUNTY
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512 Seventh Street • Mena, AR 71953 • 479-243-9600
City of Mena Welcomes Fowler as New Tapley Park Director BY MELANIE BUCK William Rainey of the M e n a Advertising a n d Promotion Commission (Mena A&P) h a s announced Nathan Fowler as the new Director of Aubrey Tapley Park, which boasts baseball and soccer fields, walking CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
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Severe thunderstorm warnings and two lightning delays couldn’t keep die hard Bearcat fans from weathering last week’s Friday Homecoming game as Mena’s undefeated boys of Fall continue their winning streak. Now 6-0 for the season and 3-0 in conference play, the Bauxite win demonstrates the team’s strength offensively and defensively as 21 of the 42 Bearcat points were scored by defenders. The team will travel to Arkadelphia Friday, October 17 and the game will be broadcast LIVE online at MyPulseNews TV.
SEE PAGES 15-19 FOR A FULL HOMECOMING PICTORIAL.
Bowen Resigns as CEO from MRHS
BY LEANN DILBECK The Mena Hospital Commission has accepted the resignation of its CEO/Administrator Tim Bowen, effective January 7, 2015. Bowen has accepted a president’s position with the Integris Health System based out of Oklahoma. David Gilbert, vice-chairman for the commission said that it was a tremendous loss for the hospital. “We are very disappointed to be losing Tim. We were very blessed to have had him for as long as we did but he is accepting an opportunity that no intelligent, bright, articulate and well-educated man would pass up.” Bowen admitted that it has been a very difficult decision, citing that he has passed up other opportunities but this was one that more than peaked his interest and ambition. “It has been my privilege to serve my hometown of Mena and MRHS. My time here has been richly rewarding and I owe all my success to the hospital staff, physicians and CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
Roberts Receives Another Continuance in Death Penalty BY LEANN DILBECK Karl D. R o b e r t s appeared in Polk County Circuit Court Wednesday, October 8, but his defense team argued and received another continuance, claiming that they had not received notice of the hearing, and their witnesses were CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
39th Annual CMA Changing of the Colors Rally & Fall Foliage Festival
BY MELANIE BUCK The thunderous roar of thousands of motorcycles can be heard around the county this week as the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA) welcomes approximately 3,000 of its members from across the world to the 39th Annual Changing of the Colors Rally held at their International Headquarters on Iron CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
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