Acorn student Mabry helps raise awareness

Submitted by Tammy L. Young

Acorn Elementary Student Drew Mabry along with his family and a host of others participated in the Arkansas Developmental Disability Awareness Month event in Little Rock on March 1.

The event included an introduction and overview of Arkansas’ March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month by the Secretary of Arkansas AR Department of Human Services Kristi Putnam and Director of the Division of Developmental Disability Services Melissa Weatherton.

The event also included interviews and spotlight banners unveiled highlighting the theme, DON’T “DIS” OUR ABILITIES!

tive in partnership with Acorn High School is “to provide an environment that fosters relevant, individualized life-changing experiences through service and technology”. Through this partnership, the vision is also realized - “to transform the educational experience so innovative thinkers can drive positive change for their future, community, and world”.

Drew was interviewed and featured in a spotlight of the different services offered by Developmental Disability Services and is featured on banners displayed on the building.

Drew and his family expressed their appreciation and being honored to participate in Arkansas Developmental Disability Awareness Month. “People want lots of things in life. Today, I just thank God that he allowed me to be the walking, talking miracle I am and to- day made me proud to celebrate what makes me unique.” Drew said.

“We are extremely proud to be a part of a month full of wonderful celebrations of what the State of Arkansas is doing to help those who are differently able. Many people are working in various programs within the State that are changing the lives of children and their families. This event was a celebration of their successes.” Drew’s mother, Jennifer Mabry stated.

A video interview featuring Drew and his story will be released later in March.

Jackson announced as December 2022 UCA graduate

CONWAY, AR (03/07/2023)-- The University of Central Arkansas conferred nearly 500 undergraduate and more than 180 graduate degrees and certificates through the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Business; College of Education; College of Health and

Behavioral Sciences; College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; and Graduate School.

Sophie Rose Jackson of Cove, Arakansas, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies.

Anttila named coach of new Collegiate Livestock Judging Team

Submitted by Ilana Burk

UA Rich Mountain proudly announces Walker Anttila as coach of the new Collegiate Livestock Judging Team, set to begin Fall 2023.

Anttila is originally from Joliet, Montana, and grew up raising sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle. After high school, he joined the judging team at Casper College and received an Associate of Animal Science and Agriculture Communications. Anttila then transferred to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where he was part of the Razorback collegiate judging team while pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science. He plans to obtain a Master’s Degree in Animal Science with a focus on Genetics. Anttila currently runs Ozark Show Goats with his family.

When asked about the livestock judging position, Anttila stated, “I’m super excited about the opportunity at Rich Mountain to start the program and represent UARM and the state of Arkansas at the highest level.”

Walker is currently recruiting for the 2023-2024 school year. UARM Chancellor Phillip Wilson commented that “Walker is a tremendous addition to our campus. He has the knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to build and lead the only two-year college competitive judging team in the state of Arkansas.”

Students who are interested in joining the first UARM Livestock Judging Team should visit bit.ly/livestockrecruit.

City of Mena spring clean-up

The City of Mena Annual Spring CleanUp is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, March 28. City trucks will pick up items you want to dispose of at no charge. This Clean-up service is free for residences within the city limits of Mena only

Please follow the below listed regulations to ensure that the pick-up runs smoothly.

Materials will not be picked up unless they are placed at the curb-side and separated. Street Department personnel cannot go onto private property to assist in moving items.

It is very important to separate any items that you want to keep away from those that are to be discarded, such as trash cans.

The following items cannot be picked up: concrete, brick, rocks, dirt, shingles, batteries, and construction debris. Please separate your items to be discarded into 5 distinct piles as follows:

• Furniture — couches, chairs, televisions, window frames, etc.

• Household trash — paper items, etc.

(Please place trash cans, that you wish to keep, to one side so that they will not be disposed of inadvertently.)

• Metal material -- hot water heaters, stoves, appliances, etc.

• Yard waste — tree limbs, shrubs, grass, etc.

• Tires

Note-it is required that all small yard debris, such as small limbs, gum balls, leaves and grass, be placed in garbage bags.

The Mena Street Department will begin pick up in the northwest part of the city and work their way across town following the same routes as Southern Disposal. Trucks will run one to three days after the day of your normal trash pick-up. The response to this Clean-Up is usually overwhelming, so please be patient if the trucks are running somewhat behind the posted schedule; however, each route will only be covered one time. It is not necessary to call City Hall in order to receive this service.