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September 23, 2015
THE POLK COUNTY
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1168 Hwy 71 S • Mena, AR 71953 • 479-243-9600
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Wheel A’Mena Tour to the Top Attracts Cyclists From Across the Region
Eighty-one cyclists, representing six different states, took off from Mena’s Janssen Park in the Wheel A’Mena Tour to the Top but it was Timothy Palyuch of Dallas, Tex. that came in first for the 70-mile journey with a time of 3 hours and 37 mins. The event is hosted each year by the Polk County Rotary Club and is responsible for an influx of tourism dollars as many of the cyclists bring their families with them and spend the weekend. FOR THE COMPLETE STORY & LIST OF WINNERS, SEE PAGE 8.
Mena Native Among State’s “New Influentials”
BY LEANN DILBECK Entrepreneur, buyer, designer and model, Laci Bonner, has been recognized by a state-wide publication for being among the state’s “top 20 in their 20’s” and considered the state’s “New Influentials.” The list, just published online by Arkansas Business, is similar to the “40 Under 40” feature but according to Editor-In-Chief, Gwen Moritz, “We’ve long recognized that the younger nominees for 40 Under 40 rarely make the final cut because they are CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
Multiple Vehicle Accident Claims Life of Mena Man
BY LEANN DILBECK A multiple vehicle accident on Hwy 8 West, near Polk 41, on Sunday afternoon has claimed the life of a 48-year old Mena man. According to the Arkansas State Police Fatal Crash Summary filed by Trooper Bo Hayes, Lee Burdon was driving a 1995 Suzuki traveling east as he came upon another accident, lost control and struck a 2002 Ford Ranger, causing both to leave the roadway after impact. Burdon was ejected from the vehicle. The driver of the 2002 Ford Ranger was 71-year old Francine Willis who sustained injuries and was transported to Mena Regional Health System.
Closing at 1 pm on Wednesday, September 23rd, in preparation of a special event!
Simmons Announces She will not Seek Re-Election
BY LEANN DILBECK After seven terms and 14 years of service, Polk County Circuit Clerk Sharon Simmons has announced that she does not plan to seek re-election in 2016 and plans to retire, “It’s been a big decision especially because I enjoy everyone I work with so much… the courthouse is kind of like one big family.” Simmons admitted that she is very much looking forward to more time with her children and grandchildren but especially her husband of 27 years, Arkansas State Trooper CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
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