2009 Tornado - 1 Year Anniversary Supplement

APRIL 7, 2010

APRIL 9TH

A YEAR OF REBUILDING AND PROGRESS A SUPPLEMENT OF THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

The Polk County Courthouse, which has served as a refuge for so many during tornadoes, was hard hit.

Century old trees that once flanked the courthouse lawn are now gone...forever changing the landscape of one of Polk County’s landmarks.

1020 Mena St. • Mena, AR 71953

479.394.4332 or TOLL FREE 1.888.394.4332

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POLK COUNTY PULSE

TORNADO 2009 • A YEAR OF REBUILDING & PROGRESS

A Letter from the Publisher It is hard to believe that we are at the one year anniversary of the April 9 tornado that devastated our community. It is inspiring to me as a life-long resident of Mena to see how our community pulled together in the face of such destruction and the progress that has been made.

We always take our role seriously as your only locally-owned community newspaper and feel our role in this has been to record the extraordinary events of this last year. This publication features the astounding progress that has been made. Tornado related stories from the past year are being republished in hopes we may showcase the strength, resilience, and faith of a community that came together in the face of tremendous tragedy. Many of the stories have had to be edited due to space constraints. While we know this won’t include every success story, we do hope it reflects the triumphs of so many.

I want to commend the local support that we received in the form of advertisers who stepped up to make this publication a reality. As a FREE newspaper, without their support, this publication would not have been possible for the people of Polk County.

Neighborhoods are no longer familiar standing in the midst of destruction or by air.

The storm ravaged entire blocks for miles as it ripped through the heart of downtown Mena destroying older homes and shredding century old trees.

Aerial views compliments of US Forest Service show the magnitude of destruction.

We anticipate that this supplement will be one that will be preserved to share with generations to come. All will see and recognize the support of these advertisers in making this historical supplement possible. All will see how a community came together in the face of tragedy to rebuild and inspire so many across the country.

LeAnn Dilbeck

Owner/Publisher THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

Thank You Volunteers!!!

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APRIL 7, 2010

POLK COUNTY PULSE

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TORNADO 2009 • A YEAR OF REBUILDING & PROGRESS

F3 TORNADO STRIKES HEART OF MENA But the heart of the people beats with resilience and spirit

PUBLISHED APRIL 15, 2009

by LeAnn Dilbeck At approximately 8 pm April 9, under the cover of darkness, a monster tornado roared through Polk County.

At the epicenter of the storm was Mena. Eye witness accounts describe the vortex of the storm as a “black V.” The storm claimed the lives of three along with inflicting damage to 600 homes/business, and havoc on thousands of lives.

Killed in this storm were Albert Shaw, Judy Lobner, and Anna Cress all of Mena.

The storm traveled 14.5 miles beginning .7 miles South / South East of Potter and traveling through downtown Mena before lifting 3 miles North East of Ink. Following the storm, there were multiple gas leaks along with hundreds of power poles and live electric lines on the ground adding to the difficulty of rescue efforts.

Officials immediately set up road blocks on

the perimeter of the hardest hit areas.

According to James Reeves, Office of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service has declared the storm an EF3. While rumors circulated early that multiple tornadoes had caused the catastrophic damage, the NWS confirmed that it was one tornado that hit the downtown area.

Reeves stated that the area is still waiting on a Presidential Declaration of a Disaster Area before FEMA funds will be available for individuals.

FEMA teams combed Mena Saturday and Sunday. Once their report is compiled, it will be sent to Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe who will then make a State Declaration and forward to the President for consideration of a Federal Declaration of a Disaster Area.

Governor Beebe flew into Mena Friday and surveyed the damage via Blackhawk helicopter before stopping and doing a tour on the ground.

Beebe assured all of the public officials that “We’re here today and we’ll be here the next day...and the next day ... and the next day.”

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel along with several staffers joined the Governor’s caravan.

County Judge Ray B. Stanley described the scene Friday as, “it looks like a bomb went off!”

This tree that stands on the corner of Miller and Reine Streets became one of the most photographed following the storm.

As the picture [ABOVE] illustrates, metal and other debris are twisted and mangled around the branches. The current picture [RIGHT] shows the clean up and new growth symbolizing the rejuvenation and rebirth of a community.

Emerson Motors Says: “WE ARE HERE TO STAY!”

PUBLISHED APRIL 15, 2009

by LeAnn Dilbeck According to Emerson Motor Technologies (U.S. Motors) Plant Manager Mark Kinder, “We are here to stay ... no question about it.”

Kinder said that a dollar figure is not available yet on the damages. We are assesing all the damage and going through the process of getting the repair moving very quickly. The objective is to be back in operation in two weeks.... that is a very ambitious goal considering the amount of damage but we do feel is very doable. We’ve gotten support from the CEO in St. Louis all the way through the organization.

Current photo of same area Shown to the left, Kinder stands in one of the areas hardest hit.

Emerson is working all three shifts to assist with the assessment and clean up efforts and says that crews have arrived from three other Emerson facilities.

Kinder said that just over 30 employees were working when the tornado struck. “We have a great crisis management plan and they quickly put that into play.” As a result of their prompt response, no injuries were sustained by any on that shift.

Wendy Martin of Sterling Machinery also reported that they would be up and running by Wednesday morning.

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POLK COUNTY PULSE

APRIL 7, 2010

TORNADO 2009 • A YEAR OF REBUILDING & PROGRESS

RMCC Takes Major Hit From Tornado

PUBLISHED APRIL 15, 2009

By Judi White-RMCC Rich Mountain Community College in Mena took a direct hit from last week’s tornado, but has made good progress in a short period of time, and plans are made to re-open as soon as possible. Dr. Wayne Hatcher, RMCC President, stated, “The efforts to move forward on campus are amazing. Our staff and faculty jumped in and proved that organized teamwork makes an immediate positive impact. The College has some serious damage and we are in the process of assessing.”

Dr. Hatcher continued, “We are also well aware that our community has been dealt a near-devastating blow by the storm and is hurting. Members of our RMCC family have also lost their homes along with scores of others in the area. We also know we have many students suffering from the storm’s effects—and this is of great concern to us.

This could be the thing that stops them from achieving their educational goals...and prevents our community from having the qualified workforce we need for our local economy. “

Pictured above: The interior of the Spencer Building at RMCC. (Photo by Ron Bristow)

REINE STREET “Despite our property damage, we have much to be thankful for when evaluating the situation. We had students and employees on campus when the storm struck, and all made it through with no serious injuries, and I appreciate the bravery exhibited by our faculty in protecting our students.

Also, when surveying the rest of town, even though our damage is significant, we know it could have been much worse.”

Dr. Hatcher shared, “We know our RMCC employees came to help us tend to the campus despite everything going on around them in their neighborhoods and in the lives of their friends and families. We now have professional cleanup crews to help and this gives members of our RMCC family the opportunity to get back to helping the community deal with the clean up throughout town.”

RMCC is awaiting word from structural engineers to determine the damage to the buildings.

Classes offered at all locations excluding the Mena campus continued as normal on Monday, April 13.

Dr. Hatcher went on to say, “I met with the academic division chairpersons on Saturday to look at the needs to complete the semester as close to normal as possible. Of course we all know it will be a challenge, but RMCC will not back down -we move forward. We will continue to educate the citizens of the area. Don’t be surprised when RMCC and the community come out of this stronger than we were before.”

Feeding the Masses

Pulse Photo by LEANN DILBECK PUBLISHED APRIL 15, 2009. First National Bank and Union Bank of Mena showed up in full force at the Command Center grilling burgers and hot dogs for those displaced, volunteers, and emergency personnel. Tyson and many churches took their meals on wheels and combed the streets passing our water and meals.

“Thank you to all the volunteers who help make this such a great place to live!”

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POLK COUNTY PULSE

TORNADO 2009 • A YEAR OF REBUILDING & PROGRESS

PAGE 5

SWEPCO Promptly Responds “Rebuilding the Backbone”

PUBLISHED APRIL 15, 2009 As of Tuesday afternoon, SWEPCO had restored power to all but 342 customers.

Immediately following the storm over 3,500 customers were without power according to Peter Main of SWEPCO. By Friday afternoon power had been restored to 1,500 customers and by Monday all but 796 were restored.

According to Main, approximately 130 employees are in the field working as linemen, service personnel, and tree clearing.

Main explained that their primary objective is to repair the primary lines first that feed Crews here are shown repairing a line that secondary lines and ultimately rebuilds the backbone of the entire system. Main said was so low to the railroad tracks on the back that they had hundreds of power poles on side of Emerson Motors that KCS had trains backed up all the way to Kansas City. the ground and miles of wire.

Accepting the Citizens of the Year Award:

Victor and Susan Rowell

The home of Victor and Susan Rowell suffered tremendous damage but no one sustained any injuries. Victor serves as the Pastor of The Crossing church and although he suffered personal tragedy, he hasn’t stopped helping others. The Crossing has been combing the streets since Friday serving meals and water to victims or volunteers assisting with the clean up.

(Photo submitted by LAURA WILSON)

Tornado Strikes Mena Hospital; Hospital Stands And Strikes Back

Pulse Photo by LEANN DILBECK PUBLISHED APRIL 15, 2009 Mena Mayor George McKee, City Councilman James Earl Turner, and City Clerk/Treasurer Regina Walker met Saturday afternoon in the Command Center to discuss vendor permits of all contractors. “We want to protect our people,” said McKee. They also heard from Michael Parette, the Emergency Service Operations Officer of Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) who advised them on the proper disposal of the debris left in the wake of the F3 tornado that roared through Mena April 9.

PUBLISHED APRIL 15, 2009 When the tornado hit Mena, the local hospital stood strong. In the chaos that followed, the staff of Mena Regional Health System pulled off a magnificent feat. Despite being in the path of the storm and receiving some damage, the hospital remained open for the community’s needs. Within minutes of the tornado, MRHS had implemented their disaster plan.

According to Bill McCourtney II, MD, Emergency Department Medical Director, the plan went almost flawlessly. “There can’t be enough said about the staff of MRHS.” McCourtney stated.

“They came together and worked in an extremely difficult situation.”

Dr McCourtney was at Rich Mountain Community College when the tornado came through town. He immediately went to MRHS and joined on duty ER physician David Ureckis.

“When I got to the ER, the ER nurses were already setting up our disaster plan.

McCourtney reported that MRHS had to transfer one critical patient and admit four people plus seeing another 30 or so people. “I just can’t say enough good things about our staff,” McCourtney continued. “Without boring you with the little details, there is no way for the public to understand the signif-

icance of the response.” McCourtney reported that every department had off duty personnel responding.

“Housekeeping, admissions, maintenance, lab, XR, surgery, Senior Behavioral Health, rehab, pharmacy, kitchen staff, respiratory, the chaplains, administration and material management were all there. Some of them had their spouses with them which provided extra help. I have probably forgotten someone and I am sorry for that. They all need recognition.”

“Carol Allen and Pam Posey, both RNs, deserve extra praise,” McCourtney said. “They were the incident commanders, the bosses. They kept things running Thursday night and into the early morning hours.”

According to McCourtney, another individual that deserves extra praise is Welch. “This would have been an absolute nightmare a couple of years ago,” McCourtney continued.

“Our disaster plan was a disaster itself.” The hospital is mandated to have periodic disaster drills for times like this. “I knew from previous drills that I didn’t want to be anywhere close to the hospital for a real disaster. Elise brought this system to us and we used it in the last drill. It worked pretty well and we identified areas to fine tune. In general, it went pretty much flawlessly.”

Northside Church of Christ and the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort were pleased to be of help during this crisis.

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POLK COUNTY PULSE

TORNADO 2009 • A YEAR OF REBUILDING & PROGRESS

R&D Industries of Mena Vows To Recover and Go On

PUBLISHED APRIL 22, 2009

By Michael Reisig R&D Industries, which is the pride of Mena Industrial Park, took a direct hit from the recent tornado, destroying much of the main building, tearing up and depositing another of their buildings 200 yards away, and damaging most of its equipment. But owner Larry Dunaway is a resilient fellow and a prime example of the spirit of this community. Disaster will not stop him – he is rebuilding as this article is being written.

R&D Industries has been in business over 19 years – 13 of those years in its present location at the Industrial Park – located across from Brooks Ice Company (which is also rebuilding from the blow).

“We were hit hard, but we’re going to rebuild,” Dunaway said. “We’re starting with a smaller building about 40’ by 60’ to set up our presses, and hope to have that done in about two weeks. Then we’ll put in another large building in about three months.

“Mena has pulled together in an extraordinary fashion and people from all over have come in to help – you don’t see anyone looting, or standing around waiting on the government to help them. We’ve

Area Churches Unite In Time Of Crisis

shown the world that this is Mena, not New Orleans, and I’m proud to be an Arkansan.

Watching everyone working so hard and so well together makes me very proud to be a part of this community as well.

“It’s a bad thing that’s happened, but out of this disaster we have shown the country how people in the heartland of America respond to tragedy – it’s a great lesson for our children,” he continued.

“We’re coming back and the Industrial park is coming back, and we will be stronger than ever in the future.”

Mena Middle School Takes Brunt of Tornado

PUBLISHED APRIL 22, 2009

By Michael Reisig Mena Schools Superintendent Diann Gathright said the recent tornado has taken its toll on area education as well, but the school system will recover.

Gathright said Mena Middle School was hit hard. The tornado took off the roof over the cafeteria, the auditorium, and the science library, also damaging the band room and multiple other rooms throughout the structure, especially the sixth grade wing, and there is general roof damage throughout the structure.

Gathright said the school system has hired a reclamation company to do most of the cleaning and moving out of Mena Middle School.

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PUBLISHED APRIL 22, 2009 Out of all this disaster one thing has been made abundantly clear-- the faith that this community shares in God and in each other has been a deciding point in our survival and recovery. Our religious institutions have united to serve all those in need and help secure a future for the rest of us.

The following is a compilation on the courage and dedication, and continued service of our spiritual community.

Mena First Assembly of God has become the matrix for disaster relief during this difficult time for our community. Pastor Ron Tilley and assistant Debbie Todd, spoke with The Pulse, explaining their mission of relief for the community. Pastor Tilley said as soon as the storm had passed, the assembly began to respond immediately, going from home to home, checking on people.

“By the next morning we had already begun to feed people – the volunteers and those who were struck by the disaster,” Tilley said. “We have stayed with the same program or pattern since then, but we have a number of organizations that have come to the assistance of the community, including Samaritan’s Purse, Convoy of Hope, and the Mississippi Disaster Relief. All of these groups and hundreds of local volunteers have been supplying food, water, and cleanup supplies.”

God’s Pit Crew Another of the organizations that has been helping through the entire spectrum of this tornado disaster – from food and supplies to hands-on cleaning and recovery — has been God’s Pit Crew, based out of Danville, VA. This week, two of the people in charge of the operation, David Willis and Al Robey, took time to speak with The Pulse in regard to their efforts and their group.

Al Robey added, “We are a religiousbased organization but we are non-denominational in our service to communities in need. We help everyone regardless, that’s our mission.”

God’s Pit Crew arrived in Mena last

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Tuesday, bringing with them two tractor trailers with supplies and clean-up equipment.

They had another coming in on Thursday which continued the aid. All the items are being dispensed out of the parking lot of Southside Church of Christ on Dallas Ave. “We work with the authorities in whatever fashion they need us,” Robey said. “We came here with 15 people and there are others still coming in.”

The Crossing Victor Rowell, director of “The Crossing” in Mena has a unique philosophy. He believes it is the spirit of Christ that resides in each of us that should provide help when it’s needed to communities – not so much the government. He and his organization have lived up to his philosophy during Mena’s recent disaster.

When the devastating tornado struck Thursday, April 9, he and his people immediately went to work in relief.

“We began checking on people right away, going door to door, and by Friday morning we were up and running on relief and assistance,” Rowell recalled. “Friday and Saturday we had crews covering houses with tarps and plywood to preserve contents.

In that time Rowell and his people covered 60 houses that were salvageable – most of which had no insurance.

“We also began to deliver food on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We delivered 4,200 meals from our very meager kitchen in that time. I have to tell you these folks were the heroes – cooking meals nonstop, working day and night to get supplies to people – it was just amazing.”

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POLK COUNTY PULSE

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TORNADO 2009 • A YEAR OF REBUILDING & PROGRESS

Obama Declares Polk County Federal Disaster Area FEMA Aid Approved - Disaster Recovery Center is Now Open

PUBLISHED APRIL 29, 2009

by Michael Reisig This Monday evening, April 27, at about 6:30 pm, a storm-battered Polk County finally received news regarding government assistance in the form of FEMA. President Obama had declared Polk, among others, a Federal Disaster Area with early estimations of damages totaling $10.7 million in uninsured public damages. This declaration will provide FEMA money for ‘Individual Assistance.’

In an interview with The Pulse, County Judge Ray B. Stanley explained the parameters of this disaster and the

parameters of the assistance forthcoming.

“We had 165 homes and businesses totally destroyed, and over 700 homes severely damaged (roofs, front porches, water damage, etc.), and there were many more businesses and residences that suffered minor damages,” Stanley estimates Mena and Polk County will need $60$80 million to rebuild.

Governor Beebe originally submitted a federal disaster declaration request on April 14, 2009, and Ross and the other members of the Arkansas Congressional delegation wrote letters in support of the Governor’s request to FEMA

and to the White House.

“Like many residents in these damaged areas, I was frustrated by the length of time it took to receive a federal declaration,” Ross said. “In times of emergency and need, we should be able to cut through the bureaucratic red tape and ensure critical federal aid gets to the impacted communities and states as quickly as possible.

Information is included in the Governor’s request to show that the disaster is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and the local governments and that federal assistance is necessary.

Assistance Arrives from All Across the Nation

PUBLISHED APRIL 29, 2009

by Michael Reisig Mena Schools Superintendent Diann Gathright (left) reviews the damages done to Mena Middle School with insurance agencies. Jim Huff, owner of The Big Bear Saturday Night Opry, said his show suffered a major setback with the extreme damage done to the Mena Middle School Auditorium, but they will return with special presentation on May 9 at the Old National Guard Armory.

“But, in the interim, we are planning a big benefit show for all the people in the area who suffered damage from the tornado,” he explained. “All the proceeds of this show will go to area storm victims, and anyone who has suffered severe or catastrophic damage can attend the show as our guests. Again, all money raised will go to storm victims.”

Pictured above is Tom Stanton from Grand Rapids, Minn., who embodies the spirit of disaster relief in our area. Stanton travels across the country from disaster to disaster just to sharpen chain saw blades for volunteers. Only those volunteers and homeowners with a dull chain saw blade can really appreciate what a contribution this man makes.

Pulse Photo by LEANN DILBECK FEMA staff began their assessment of the damage in Polk County on April 11 following the April 9 tornado. Requests to be declared a federal disaster area were immediately submitted

by County Judge Ray B. Stanley and Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe. President Obama ultimately signed the federal declaration April 27.

Above is Don Baggett, one of the first members of FEMA that arrived to do the initial assessments as he met with Mayor McKee in the Command Center on April 12.

One Year Later... still Standing Strong!

The April 9, 2009 tornado was devastating to the community. After that tragic event, people came from all directions and pulled together to begin rebuilding. Now, a year later, Mena is stronger and more united than before.

Mena Regional Health System stood strong then and has continued to stand strong to care for you and your family.

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POLK COUNTY PULSE

TORNADO 2009 • A YEAR OF REBUILDING & PROGRESS

The

BIG Clean Up

Janssen Park Cabin...

Weathered A Lot of Storms

Pulse Photos by RON BRISTOW Volunteers and county crews have been working diligently clearing storm debris from curb sides. Currently, all of the debris is being hauled to the former MidSouth Wood Products and much of the timber is being made into mulch. As of last week, over 3,000 loads have been hauled.

Mennonite Disaster Service Aids County

Quill Hostetler & Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe

PUBLISHED APRIL 29, 2009

By Michael Reisig

Quill Hostetler, who is in charge of the Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) in Polk County, said his group worked 13 days straight providing relief for area residents in the wake of the devastating April 9 tornado.

Hostetler explained that the MDS is a nation-

APRIL 7, 2010

al first response organization designed to come in and assist first, then help to reorganize after disaster.

“I was assigned the role of coordinator by the Arkansas unit of MDS after the storm hit,” Hostetler explained. “For 13 days we went door to door, like so many other organizations, cleaning up debris and helping people straighten up their homes and their lives.

“We had 76 workers in the beginning and there were dozens that stayed on and helped with the recovery process,” he continued. “These folks came from Arkansas, Missouri, Ohio, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania, just to help us reorganize. It was a terrible thing that happened, but I watched this disaster bring people together – neighbors helping neighbors – bringing people closer together with The Lord. We just wanted to be the helping hands and feet of Jesus – the honor and the reward goes to him.”

PUBLISHED MAY 6, 2009

by Michael Reisig Janssen Park was created from a four-city block donation

by Arthur Stilwell and his associates (the original founders of Mena in 1896), to be used exclusively as a park. Near the center of the park stands a log cabin built in 1851 by William Shelton as his home. This cabin was used by the original town site company as an office during the time Mena was being laid out as a city and land was sold to the first residents. The cabin later served as an inn, hospital, club house, civic center, museum and as the city hall for Mena. It was also featured in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not as being the only log cabin city hall in the Nation.

The park was largely devastated by a tornado on November 13, 1993. A great number of the large trees were destroyed as well as the deer pen which had been a featured attraction for years and the roof of the cabin was torn off. The deer pen was found to be prohibitive to replace due to newer regulations that had not affected the old pen and the new playground now occupies that space. The cabin was restored to near original condition and a large number of new trees were planted shortly after the tornado.

Many said the park would never be the same – at least the way the older citizens of Mena remember it, but it flourished once again and for over 15 years it became a gathering place for meetings, festivals, and other civic events.

Of course, this year on April 9, Janssen Park was once again torn asunder by a devastating tornado, but the citizens of Mena are a tenacious breed, and repairs and replanting are already in the works. Mena City Clerk/Treasurer Regina Walker said the city has already hired local craftsman Loren Hellam to restore the historic log cabin and little rock house, and replace a few shingles on the gazebo and pavilion.

“All the destroyed trees have been removed and the damaged ones have been pruned,” Walker said. “The stumps have been removed and new topsoil has been put in and the ground has been leveled. The decorative lights are also being replaced, along with those that were damaged on Mena Street. At some point in the near future we will replace the trees and start again. “Mena has done this before and we will recover again this time,” she added.

Loren Hellam remembers this drill well – he was here in 1993 when the first tornado destroyed the park and wrecked the old cabin.

We rebuilt it then with loving care and that’s what we’re going to do this time, Hellam said. “I love working on old log homes and I care about the people of Mena so this is a labor of love as well.”

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TORNADO 2009 • A YEAR OF REBUILDING & PROGRESS

PAGE 9

Mayor Offers Encouragement

FEMA and SBA staff set up headquarters at St.Agnes Catholic Church to begin assisting individuals and families to rebuild their lives.

RMCC Trustees Learn Damages Estimated at $2 Million

PUBLISHED MAY 6, 2009

by LeAnn Dilbeck In a special called meeting, Monday, May 4, the Rich Mountain Community College Board of Trustees received a full presentation illustrating the scope of damage the campus received during the April 9 tornado.

What was described as “heroic” by board member Lawrence Philpot, the board learned that due to the prompt response of the administration of the college, along with dedicated faculty and staff and many volunteers, no injuries were sustained by those on the campus, not one student record (academic or financial aid) was compromised, no equipment was lost, the website was back up fully functioning with photos of the damaged campus within 24 hours, and the semester would not be prolonged with graduation proceeding on May 16 but relocated to the CMA Facility.

Two insurance adjusters have estimated total damages at $2 million but that number could have been at $3 million if it were not for the prompt response of the college administration and dedicated staff. The Spencer building suffered a major blow but it was the Abernathy building that was deemed a “total loss.” The Abernathy building housed the Student Services of the college. Brenda Gillogly, CFO, reported that all expenses will be covered by insurance or by the state.

Seeing the forecasts for torrential rains, teams secured the building, removed equipment, furniture, and other assets. A call was made immediately following the storm to the Arkansas Risk Management Office and Metro Builders were on site the following day, Friday, April 10, to begin securing the campus from further damage by the rains.

Contractors were on site the day of the storm to begin work on the parking lot, a renovation that had been scheduled prior to devastation, was back on site Friday, clearing trees and debris.

The entire fleet of vehicles were hit which was a high priority to Dr.

WE

PUBLISHED MAY 6, 2009

by Michael Reisig Mena Mayor George McKee said preliminary figures are in for the tornado disaster that shook our community to its roots. Over 600 homes were damaged in the city – 299 of them had no insurance or were underinsured.

The number of destroyed homes has been set at 165, but McKee said he feels it will be closer to 200 at final count.

“We also lost 10,600 large trees in our area, which is a significant loss,” McKee said. “As of this week, 4,700 truckloads of debris have been hauled away – in just three weeks. And there was a good number of days that Quinn Gardner was among those volunhad rain and we couldn’t gather and haul.”

McKee said the last few weeks seem like a bad dream teering for the storm clean up with the and he still has trouble sleeping with all the images, and AmeriCorps. She is shown here with her all the work yet to be done. chainsaw sporting a 30” bar clearing “We started the night of the tornado, checking house debris from the home of Bernie Mize. to house, looking for injured and helping people,” he recalled. “After reviewing the damage and the devastation, I was just amazed that more lives weren’t lost. But I think that can be contributed to our excellent warning system, and I think it could have been worse if it had taken place late at night without warning.

The great sadness is that so many people were uninsured and so many were elderly – they lost everything,” he continued. “But there is hope – with FEMA, SBA and other organizations, and our churches. They fed our community through this disaster. We had tremendous help from The Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse, and many private groups. The Salvation Army told us they had never seen a disaster relief run this smoothly. It’s been heartwarming to see all the support that has come from so many directions.”

McKee said there are so many things to keep on top of with a recovery effort as large as this, but he intends to do all he can to make this recovery happen.

“The state and federal government had to declare Mena a disaster area before certain types of assistance could begin, and the process is beginning,” McKee explained.

“Our first major meeting with FEMA (including the mayor, the county judge and the Office of Emergency Management) will take place Wednesday, May 6. This is when we will get an idea of what they will do for us, and how we can use those resources to our benefit.

“Much of what has been done to this point has been accomplished by volunteers, to whom we owe a lot,” McKee added. “The residents of this community are maintaining Different departments from RMCC were forced to a positive, can-do attitude, but many are relocate. Shown here are the staff of Student going through some very rough times.

Services that temporarily relocated to the “old” Many people just need to know you care, so ACE Hardware Building. they don’t feel so all alone, and that there is hope. We need to just continue towards the

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Master Gardeners Help Repair Courthouse Grounds

APRIL 7, 2010

National Day of Prayer Held at Courthouse

PUBLISHED MAY 6, 2009 Polk County’s Master Gardeners are once again reshaping the courthouse grounds – this time after the disastrous April 9 tornado destroyed so much of the real estate surrounding the center of the community. Pictured to the left, Master Gardeners clear and prepare soil for a new start.

A&P Reviews Tornado Damage to Complex

PUBLISHED MAY 13, 2009

by Roy Vail The May Mena Advertising and Promotion Commission (A & P Commission) learned from engineer D. C. Spencer that 600 to 800 feet of fencing at the Recreational/Cultural Complex were downed by the tornado. They are standing now, but need repair. Two scoreboards were blown down.

Both are now standing and working, but Tom White, of the Complex Ad-Hoc Committee, was concerned they might not weather the test of time. Bent backstops have been straightened. Two dugouts have been rebuilt. The baseball infields are in “good shape.”

Pulse Photo by MICHAEL REISIG PUBLISHED MAY 13, 2009. Last Thursday, residents of Polk County gathered together at the county courthouse for a National Day Of Prayer. After a prayer led by Pastor David McCord of First Baptist Church in Mena, individuals separated into groups to pray for all facets of America, including Government, Education, Business, Church, and Family.

Historical Building in Mena Falls

Big Bear Benefit Show Donates to Disaster Relief Fund PUBLISHED MAY 13, 2009 Jim Huff of Big Bear Saturday Night Opry presents a check for $1,300 to Mena Mayor George McKee for the proceeds of the recent Big Bear Tornado Benefit Show. Huff said it was a fantastic night with outstanding performers and a crowd of over 200 people, despite the weather.

Mena Mayor George McKee and Jim L. “Big Bear” Huff.

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PUBLISHED MAY 13, 2009 Formerly the original location of The Polk County Pulse, and several other businesses, the building at DeQueen and Maple, currently owned by Skip and Vicki Smith, was torn down this week because of extensive damages by the April 9 tornado. More significantly, that building was one of the oldest structures still being occupied in Mena — the original building in the interior of the present complex dated back to 1897 and has seen many owners, including John and Susan Herring and Tom Earhart of Mena.

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Masonic Lodge Crumbles Around Eastern Star

Masons Purchase New Building

One story of survival

PUBLISHED MAY 13, 2009

by LeAnn Dilbeck

The Dallas Masonic Lodge #128 announced their purchase of the “old post office building” at 701 Port Arthur. According to Fred Key of the organization, “the roof needs to be replaced and the building cleaned, but the lodge is excited to call this building home.” RCI Construction has replaced the roof with a metal hip roof system. Key added, “The masons want to thank everyone for their input and support during this difficult time and look forward to moving into the building.”

Marilyn Davenport recalls sitting on her deck at her home on Hwy 8 West and visiting with her daughter Kelly and husband Jumper while watching the developing weather overhead. She remembers not being too terribly concerned until a herd of deer ran across their yard and then hail began to fall. Marilyn said that was a sign. Jumper then saw the roaring twister in the distance and said it was larger than any other tornado he had ever seen. Jumper, who had lived in Oklahoma, had witnessed many tornados.

Marilyn remembered her mother, Lavena Rackley, was attending a meeting of the Eastern Star at the Masonic Lodge and they immediately drove to Mena. Despite her pleas with emergency personnel, the closest the Davenport family could get to the Masonic Lodge was Louise Durham School. They walked in and when they got to the collapsed building, “Kelly and I were devastated and bawling,” said Marilyn, “and crying Mom!” Finally, Kelly began yelling “Lavena Rackley!” They heard a weak voice say “over here.” Lavena was laying on a stretcher with a head injury that was bleeding profusely. The responders on the scene said with the number of trees and debris in the roads, they didn’t know how long it would take to get an ambulance on scene. The Davenports also found JoAnne Allbaugh sitting nearby dazed.

The Davenports decided to transport her mother to the hospital themselves. Marilyn said the hospital looked like a scene from the television series E.R. Marilyn couldn’t say enough good things about the nurses, staff, and volunteers at the hospital.

Marilyn recalls sitting with Rene Roberts whose mother, Anna Cress, was killed in that same building.

DJ’s Grocery - An Icon Falls to Disaster

FEMA Trailers Arrive for Tornado Victims

PUBLISHED MAY 13, 2009

by Michael Reisig John and Donna Montgomery have always loved their business – DJ’s Grocery on Reeves and Reine. It was a real American success story – they had worked hard, lived honestly, raised a family and become a respected part of the community, but on the evening of April 9, all that changed.

The recent tornado in Mena damaged the building that housed DJ’s sufficiently for the structure to have to be taken down, and an icon in the community suddenly ceased to exist.

As was the Montgomery’s hope for a young couple to buy and rebuild a similar store, the property was purchased by Brian and Sonja Kesterson and re-opened in a similar fashion...now known as Kess’ Korner.

PUBLISHED MAY 13, 2009

by Michael Reisig Mena and Polk County have finally received the long-awaited FEMA trailers – to be provided to those who have lost their homes.

The trailers began to arrive on Friday, and according to County Judge Ray B. Stanley, we will be receiving 35 initially, and more as they are needed. The mobile homes are being set up at Heavenly Acres Trailer Park off Highway 8 East.

Genuine Mexican Imports Gifts • Souvenirs • Pottery • Novelty Mon. - Fri. 11am-7pm • Sat. 10am-7pm 479-243-0716 • 479-394-7778 2571 Hwy. 88 East

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TORNADO 2009 • A YEAR OF REBUILDING & PROGRESS

Polk County Long Term Committee Organized & Moving

PUBLISHED JUNE 3, 2009

by Roy Vail It is rare, in a community of any size, to attend a meeting of all volunteers who are faced with an extremely difficult task, who are both willing to learn from the experiences of others, and totally dedicated to accomplishing their goals. Such was the case with the latest meeting of the Polk County Long Term Recovery Committee, at 12:30, Thursday May 28 at the Lime Tree. The meeting was chaired by Keith Rose. Among the twenty present were; Mena Mayor George McKee, RMCC President Wayne Hatcher, and FEMA staff Richard Bradley and Ricardo Garcia Rodriquez. During previous meetings, a “solar system” of subcommittees was organized. Each reported at this meeting.

Richard Bradley presented FEMA Declaration 1834 AR which showed that 708 registrations for home repair or replacement have been made in Polk County. Of these, 11 have received the FEMA maximum grant of $30,300. These cases alone leave over $500,000 in unmet needs.

Keith Rose, Chair, and Alicia Terrell, Secretary, of the Although it was brought out that Polk County has learned it needs far more disaster preparation in place for the future, Richard Polk County Long Term Recovery Committee, stand on Bradley of FEMA commented, “All disasters are local. They start local. They end local.” How this one ends depends on us.

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North Mena Also Received Blow

each side of the "solar system" of sub-committees.

KCS & Telcoe Federal Credit Union Respond To Needs Of Mena Citizens

Pictured above: (L-R) David Starling, KCS President and CEO, Mayor George McKee, Michael Haverty, KCS Chairman, and Scott Arvidson, KCS Executive Vice- President, presenting a check for $10,000 for resident disaster relief.

Mena Regional Health System recently received significant donations to its employee relief fund for April 9th tornado victims. Above, Eric Johnson with Telcoe Federal Credit Union is presenting two $5,000 checks to CEO Bob Ellzey. One $5,000 check is from Telcoe Federal Credit Union and the other $5,000 check is from Arkansas Credit Union League. Also Barbara Brooks from QHR presented a $1,000 check.

PUBLISHED JUNE 3, 2009

By Michael Reisig Last summer, The Mena Depot commissioned Colorado photographer Jennifer Stewart to update the original book of historic homes and businesses in our community (which was published in 1996).

Kaye Stewart, who operates Fare Finders Travel Agency from within the Depot, said the original publication was somewhat of a self-guided tour of all the homes and businesses in Mena, with a map in the center, assisting visitors and locals alike, in finding each structure.

“My daughter-in-law was Kaye Stewart displays pictures of Mena homes. commissioned to recreate the photos in color – to re-photograph all the houses and businesses so the visitors and tourists could see first-hand the quality and history of our area,” Stewart said. “It was great to preserve history. But after the April 9 tornado, I spoke with my daughter and LeAnn Dilbeck, publisher of The Polk County Pulse, and they offered the suggestion of creating ‘before and after’ pictures of buildings in the area.

The Bath House Don’t forget Secretary’s Day Apr. 21st

Thanks for everything you have done for the community and Polk County Long Term Recovery Committee.

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479-437-3676 S T R E N G T H

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FULL LANDSCAPING SERVICE

Country Express

KATHY COOK

1146 Hwy 71 S, Mena

234-2400 WISHING MENA WELL

FA I T H

PICTURED ABOVE: (L-R) Mena Fire Chief John Puckett, Lieutenant Joe Duboise of the Ouachita River Unit, Warden Dale Reed of the Arkansas Department of Corrections; Ouachita River Unit, Roy Harris of the Mena Street Department, Melvin Harrison, City Clerk Regina Walker, and Mena Mayor George McKee. Pulse Photo by RON BRISTOW

Depot Offers Before & After Pictures of Mena

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394-7310

PUBLISHED JUNE 17, 2009 According to Fire Chief John Puckett, the prisoners who have been doing community service here in Mena since the April 9 tornado will be finishing their service this week. Last Friday, a fish fry at Janssen Park was held for the 30 who remain to show appreciation for their hard work.

Puckett said that up to 90 prisoners have been in Mena working 5 days a week since the devastating storm struck Mena. They have cleaned up after houses that have been torn down, cleared timber from Ward Creek, cleaned White Oak Cemetery and Janssen Park as well as many other tasks.

City Addresses Concerns of Demolition of Historic Downtown Buildings

PUBLISHED JUNE 17, 2009

by Roy Vail If the discussion at the June Mena Planning Commission was sparked by any one event, it was probably the destruction of the very historic brick building on Mena Street, directly across from City Hall. City Clerk/Treasurer Regina Walker commented, “We have lost an anchor, when you loose a corner building on your main street, you have lost an anchor.”

Ashley Vacca originally brought up the topic. She had researched what had been done in Van Buren and other cities. These cities established an “historic district.”

The commission voted to recommend to the City Council to create an “historic district.”

Located on the corner of Mena and Maple Streets, another of Mena’s historic buildings falls as a result of damage from the April 9 tornado that ripped through the heart of town.

Neighbor Helping Neighbor...

That’s the Spirit that characterized our community when disaster struck April 9, 2009. We are blessed to live in a community with heart.

Thanks to all who helped!

CITY OF MENA

George L. McKee, Mayor •• Regina Walker, Clerk/Treasurer •• Danny Thrailkill, City Attorney Council: Andy Brown, Darla Martel, Mary Alice head, Walter J. Gray, Sr. James E. Turner and Dwight Douglas S T R E N G T H

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Tornado Cleanup, the City of Mena, and the Money

McDonald’s Receives New Golden Arches

PUBLISHED JUNE 24, 2009

by Roy Vail Part of the documentation that Mena City Council members receive are monthly disbursements. The June packet included six pages of checks the city had written for “Tornado Debris Removal.” Samples of the larger ones include: $23,375 $25,519 $32,058 $44,000 $31,534 $38,637 $24,309 $33,492 $28,000 $40,656.

FEMA and the State of Arkansas, help defray the tornado expenses, once the community is declared both a state, and a federal disaster. FEMA pays 75 percent; the state pays 12.5 percent; and the City pays the other 12.5 percent of eligible costs. The city’s portion can be cash and “in kind.”

Early on, the decision was made to keep the money local and put people to work, rather than following the more simple path of contracting with one big company, then handing them one giant check.

Regina Walker explained that, at the

One of the most recognized signs in the country suffered damage from the April 9 tornado. Last week, the golden arches of McDonald’s in Mena received their new sign.

peak of the cleanup, the city had approximately 90 pieces of rented equipment and temp hires, in addition to the city crews, and volunteer labor of 70 inmates from the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Walker said the long list of checks in the council packet were for actual amounts Mena spent. Walker said the total paid out from city funds was around $1.5 million. On that date, June 16, the City of Mena had received no money from FEMA; however, she said the first check was expected “this week.” The state will not pay their 12.5 percent “until the project is completed.”

Walker described paying the bills since the tornado as a “financial challenge.” She commented Mena was very lucky to have both “capital reserves,” and “capital improvement funds” that could be accessed.

One was the Mena “Streetscape” project. Those accounts must be paid back when the city receives payments from FEMA and the State.

Fraternal Order of Eagles Mena Disaster Relief Benefit And Concert Is Huge Success PUBLISHED JUNE 24, 2009 Special Submission by Cliff Wherley On Saturday, May 23, the Aerie held a benefit and concert for the City of Mena’s Disaster Relief. Despite the weather, it was a smashing success. The Benefit started at 12:00 noon with a Memorial Service. A new U.S. Flag and a new POW/MIA Flag were raised to Taps played by Adam Matejek and Todd Roberts. A prayer by Worthy Chaplin Terri Clark remembering our sick and disabled, fallen soldiers and our fallen Aerie members was given.

The concert started about 1:00 pm and lasted until about 10:00 pm.

Special guests on hand for the event were Mena Mayor George McKee, Polk County Sheriff Mike Oglesby, Arkansas State Senator Larry Teague, Southwest Regional Worthy President Tilford Thorkveen and Gene Higginbotham from U.S. Representative Mike Ross’ office in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. (Story submitted)

Pallets of sod began arriving at the Polk County Courthouse early Tuesday morning.

Century old mature trees were uplifted like toothpicks during the April 9 tornado and destroyed the front lawn of the historic building.

Pulse Photo by

LEANN DILBECK

MENA ELECTRIC our business is electrifying GENERATOR SALES, SERVICE, REPAIRS •• CERTIFIED GENERAC SERVICE CENTER George and Sherry Humphries, Owner 189 Carter Creek Lane, Mena, AR 71953

479.394.3911 •• 800.280.6741

We are proud to be an American and a part of this awesome town!

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TORNADO 2009 • A YEAR OF REBUILDING & PROGRESS

Helping Hands from Colorado

Colorado Youth Group is Led to Mena for Mission Work

Pulse Photo by LEANN DILBECK Demolition began Monday on the Mena Middle School Auditorium. The Mena Middle School Cafeteria was demolished last week. No final decision has been made by the Mena School Board regarding the remainder of the building.

Janssen Park Tree Inventory

PUBLISHED JULY 29, 2009 The Arkansas Forestry Commission personnel and Mena Parks Superintendent, Bruce Vance, are inventorying trees at Janssen Park in Mena, AR. for the ReGreen Mena program. Pictured left to right Jeremy Schoonover, Jerry Huff, Eric Smith and Bruce Vance.

Pulse Photo Submitted by PETE CHAMBERS

PUBLISHED JULY 15, 2009

by LeAnn Dilbeck Three months after the devastating EF3 tornado ripped through the heart of Mena groups are still arriving to offer their assistance. Last Tuesday, four car loads carrying 14 teenagers and five adults from Colorado arrived in Mena and volunteered their labor for five days.

These 14 teenagers are all entering seniors and have been doing mission work for the last six years. They are members of the First United Methodist Church of Berthoud, CO, just 45 minutes North of Denver. Also members of the congregation are Scott and Jennifer Stewart who were both raised in Mena. Because of the Stewart’s ties to Mena, the youth group learned of the tragedy and immediately began offering assistance. The youth group was responsible for sending over $700 in gift cards, supplies for the animal shelter, and supplies to The Crossing Church.

STANLEY CRAIG CUSTOM HOMES Proudly restored corner of Hickory and Tenth Streets

479-394-2975 or 479-243-7347 S T R E N G T H

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Historic 1909 Home Demolished

1922 Skyline Cafe Set to Re-Open Next Week

PUBLISHED AUGUST 26, 2009 Special to the Pulse

by Larry Block There’s good news and bad news about the long-awaited re-opening of the Skyline Cafe, and the good news is – there’s no bad news! This coming Tuesday, September 1st, the little breakfast and lunch place at 618 Mena St. that has been a gathering place for the movers and shakers as well as everyday folks of Polk County since 1922, will reopen at 5:30 AM, its customary time.

The reason I say there is no bad Pulse Photo by LARRY BLOCK news is that unlike some restaurants John Fagan of Fagan Plumbing does last minute stove that reopen after being closed for whathookups for the re-opening of Skyline Cafe on Mena Street. ever reason, like remodeling, which of course is not the case here, as the Skyline was severely damaged by the tornado that struck Mena on April 9th, many things change.

That’s not happening at the Skyline. The menu will be the same, and better yet so will the prices for the delicious items owner Candon Burrell’s customers have loved the place for, for years!

Pulse Photo by LEANN DILBECK PUBLISHED AUGUST 12, 2009 Historic homes hit hard by the April 9 tornado all across Mena continue to be demolished in an effort to begin restoring the City. What was once the offices of the Polk County Extension Service on the corner of Hickory and DeQueen Streets was demolished last Friday, August 7, by county crews.

The Extension Service does plan to rebuild on that site.

The home was built in 1909 and its first residents were James A. Thornton, Sr. and his wife Lena.

Pulse Photo by LEANN DILBECK Congressman Ross met with Emerson Motors employees who had lined up for an opportunity to visit with him.

Mena Police Department Receives Donation

Pulse Photo by LEANN DILBECK PUBLISHED AUGUST 12, 2009 Chief J.R. Wilson, the Southwest Region Vice President for the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP) presented Mena Police Chief Jimmy Doster of the Mena Police Department with a Disaster Assistance Grant in the amount of $7,495.60 last Thursday, August 20. The grant was awarded to assist in recovering from the tornado that damaged the city earlier this year.

Joining Chief Doster in accepting the check include: FRONT ROW L-R - Mena Mayor George McKee, City Council Member Darla Martel, Doster, Wilson and his wife along with fellow officers and reserve officers of the Mena department in the back row.

Joey Cathey, Agent 1311 Highway 71 North, Mena, AR 71953 www.JoeyCathey.com

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Congressman Ross Praises Mena’s Tornado Recovery Visits Emerson Motors, Brodix and Holds Town Hall Meeting PUBLISHED AUGUST 19, 2009

by LeAnn Dilbeck U.S. Congressman Mike Ross toured Mena’s tornado recovery efforts last Wednesday, August 12. The first stop on his tour was one of the area’s major employers and hard hit by the April 9 tornado, Emerson Motors (aka: U.S. Motors).

“This is a remarkable success story,” Ross commented after learning from Mark Kinder, Plant Manager, that the plant returned to operational capacity after only two weeks.

Kinder credited the local employees and support received from Emerson from the corporate level on down for the quick turn around.

“This simply speaks volumes about Emerson,” said Ross.

Ross also stopped off at Brodix, Inc. locally owned and operated by the J.V. Brotherton family.

Brotherton showed Ross areas of the facility that had been hit by the tornado and showed where the flooding had occurred.

Ross viewed first hand the incredible structural damages but also learned that Mena had lost well over 10,000 mature trees,

forever changing the landscape of many neighborhoods and the town.

At the town hall following the tour, Ross shared with those in attendance that $1 million in federal assistance, $2.5 in public assistance, and $2.5 million in loans had been pumped into Mena since the tornado.

County Judge Stanley credited the efforts of Ross for his assistance in getting the federal declaration as a disaster area.

Ross stated that he was most impressed by the spirit and dedication shown by the people of Mena in the face of such tremendous loss and devastation. He credited them for pulling themselves up by the bootstraps and not waiting on help to arrive but rather neighbors helping neighbors to put the town back together. Stanley commented that only minutes after the storm left the area, “you could hear chainsaws firing up.”

Kevin Hannes of the Federal Emergency and Management Agency (FEMA) credited the strong city leadership and teamwork locally for bringing Mena so far in the recovery efforts and that in many ways, Mena was further ahead than most communities experiencing such loss.

Pulse Photo by LEANN DILBECK Mark Kinder, Plant Manager of the local Emerson Motors, gave Congressman Ross a tour of the Mena plant. The tour included photos of the devastating damage that the plant received during the April 9 tornado as well as highlighting the current expansion project, adding 52,000 square feet to the facility.

A team of Baptist Builders from Marion, AR last weekend put new roofs on three Mena homes suffering tornado-related damage. In the photo, Rob Dixon, Johnny Couples and Bobby Wheeler replace a room damaged by hail associated with the April tornado.

The three projects were identified by and the work coordinated by the Polk County Long Term Recovery Committee.

Sonlighters Card Shop re-opened at its new location on Hwy 8 West (formerly R/C Nursery) after the building they were in took a major hit from the April 9 tornado.

3 LOCATIONS MENA NORTHSIDE SHOPPING CENTER 479.394.4215 • 800.364.6151 DEQUEEN

404-D East Collin Raye Drive (behind Diamond Bank)

870.642.6900 • 800.364.6161 WALDRON

72 West Second Street, Across from Courthouse

479.637.5598 • 800.609.5598

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Wal-Mart Makes Donation to Mena Middle School

(Pulse Photo by LEANN DILBECK) PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 23, 2009 Steve McMellon demolishes the home that once stood at 1206 Port Arthur as the City finally receives the required approval from FEMA and ADEQ. This home is one of nine but more approvals are anticipated soon. All part of the City’s continued efforts in the clean up and restoration of Mena now over five months following the April 9 tornado.

Labor for Your Neighbor a Success!

PUBLISHED OCTOBER 7, 2009 The Mena Wal-Mart Supercenter recently made a $5,000 donation to the Mena Middle School to assist with their needs following the April 9 tornado.

Cathy Gorden, co-manager for the local Wal-Mart, explained that its part of a program called “Volunteerism Always Pays (VAP).”

Mike Hobson, who accepted the donation on behalf of Mena Middle School, expressed the school’s sincere appreciation and added that every day they continue to discover items that were lost ... many of which won’t be covered by insurance. He said they had assembled a leadership team that will meet and determine the best way to use the funds.

Vail Donates over $2,100 From DVD Sales to PCLTRC

PUBLISHED OCTOBER 14, 2009 Keith Rose, Chair of the Polk County Long-Term Recovery Committee, thanks Roy Vail for raising over $2,100 for recovery work. Vail raised the funds by providing DVDs of the storm damage in exchange for donations. Vail made the DVDs in the days immediately following the April 9 tornado. Rose said, “We’re very appreciative of the work Roy has done. Citizens like Roy, citizens who really care for Polk County, are making huge differences in our ability to help residents recover from the tremendous damage caused by the tornado.”

Pulse Photo by LEANN DILBECK

PUBLISHED OCTOBER 14, 2009 According to Lori Harrison, volunteer with the Polk County Long Term Recovery Committee, the Labor for Your Neighbor project last week raised much needed funds and were able to complete twelve projects. Inclement weather forced the Community Picnic to be moved to the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church but still brought out an estimated 250 people. All five area banks volunteered their grills and “cooks” for the event.

You have a Choice!

VOTE IN THE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY MAY 18, 2010 AD PAID FOR BY THE POLK COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY.

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Atwoods Donates 200 Mature Trees to City of Mena

PUBLISHED OCTOBER 21, 2009

BY LEANN DILBECK A truckload of 200 mature trees arrived in Mena last Thursday courtesy of Atwoods.

According to Mena Mayor George McKee, they were donated to the citizens of Mena affected by the April 9 tornado.

“There are 5 different species of trees available: October Glory Maple, Red Autumn Blaze Maple, Cleveland Select Pear, Seedless Sweetgum, and Bald Cypress and we have 40 of each kind,” McKee explained.

“The trees will be distributed by the Mena Fire Department at 603 DeQueen Street and more information about planting, delivery, etc. will be available to individuals when they sign up there to have your name and the property location added to the list, McKee continued.

The location the tree will be planted must be in the tornado affected area.

Pulse Photo by LEANN DILBECK McKee stated, "This is just another example of the wonAssisting with the delivery and unloading of the 200 trees were Steven McMellon, Ivan derful community spirit we have seen time and time again Bates, Jeremy Cearley, Tiara Smith, Scott Horner, Ben Vincent, Mike McCormick, Jesse since the tornado. We are very grateful to Atwoods for Bass, Steven Ferguson, Aaron Rice, Cody Gibbs, Steve Egger, and John Puckett. their assistance."

Master Gardeners continue working to restore the Polk County Courthouse lawn after the destruction from the April 9 tornado.

New trees are also being planted to replace the century old trees that once surrounded the historic building.

Governor Returns to Mena to View Progress PUBLISHED OCTOBER 28, 2009

BY LEANN DILBECK

Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe arrived at the Polk County Courthouse at 1:45 p.m. last Wednesday, October 21.

The Governor was greeted by State Representative Bill Abernathy and both city and county officials.

Accompanying Beebe to Mena was Senator Mary Ann Salomon. While in Western Arkansas, Beebe had also visited Waldron.

Sheriff Mike Oglesby led the Governor’s caravan through some of the hardest hit areas of Mena which included Church, Reine, Reeves, Eve, West Boundary, Miller and Hickory Streets.

In an interview with The Pulse, Governor Beebe praised the progress that has been made in such a short time. Beebe had toured Mena on ground and by helicopter when he first arrived in Mena on April 10.

Beebe was very quick to give the credit to the people, saying, “I’m very proud to see the extensive progress that is occurring here in Mena. It just goes to show all the positive things that can happen when people are willing to work together. I give the people here of this community all the credit.”

Mena Mayor George McKee expressed his gratitude to the Governor for all of the support received from the state level.

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479-394-5152 S T R E N G T H

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APRIL 7, 2010

Re-Green Mena Project Executes Phase I: Janssen Park

PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 18, 2009

by LeAnn Dilbeck In a city that continues to rebuild from the storm that ravaged it earlier in the spring and forever changed the landscape of Mena, the Re-Green Mena project is seeking to restore many of the thousands of trees that were lost.

According to Chief Retail Banking Officer of Diamond Bank, Kirby Williams, their staff and the Bainum family were very eager to do their part in rebuilding. Shortly after the tornado, they visited with city officials and emergency personnel and determined that most of the immediate needs were being met. It was their goal to assist with a project that would be sustaining and lasting, and after visiting with officials and citizens, determined that the loss of trees was staggering.

“So much of the feedback that we received from people throughout the community was the loss of trees, particularly hardwoods. Others explained that Janssen Park had been hit twice...by the tornado in 1993 and then the most recent one so we decided to focus phase one on it,” Williams said.

Mena Police Chief Pleased With New Facilities

Salvation Army Proudly Re-Opens

Pulse Photo by IAN SULLIVAN PUBLISHED DECEMBER 2, 2009 Members of the Mena Polk County Area Chamber of Commerce joined members from the Salvation Army for a ribbon cutting on Tuesday.

Their facilities were hard hit by the April tornado.

PUBLISHED DECEMBER 30, 2009

By Michael Reisig Mena Police Chief Jimmy Doster said it has been a rough year for the city and his department, but in the end, he feels both are coming out of it well.

“The first of this year was just fine and we were well into a good year when the tornado hit,” Doster recalled. “That changed everything. Our department and much of the building it was in was damaged or destroyed -- we had to move out of what was left of our department and set up at the fire department, and that was a tough few months. But there has been some good come out of all this. We had an opportunity to redesign our facilities. Ultimately, we were really blessed – now we have a completely redesigned, updated, and modern police department, which allows us to serve the community more effectively.

“We’re back home now and we want to thank all of the people who helped us – the city council, the mayor, and other city officials,” Doster added. “We’re looking forward to 2010.”

PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 25, 2009 As one historic building comes tumbling to the ground, another has finished restoration.

Both the Mena Star and Studebaker buildings sustained heavy damage during the April tornado. Above, the historic Mena Star building is being demolished with a new facility to be constructed while, below the Studebaker building appears to have been fully restored.

Pulse Photos by LEANN DILBECK

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TORNADO 2009 • A YEAR OF REBUILDING & PROGRESS

Lioness Unveil New Tornado Memorial

Mayor McKee Applauds City’s Recovery PUBLISHED DECEMBER 30, 2009

by Michael Reisig Mena Mayor George McKee said this has been a hard year for the city and surrounding area, but Mena and the people accomplished most of what they needed to do.

“The economy took a sharp fall and the tornado hit us in the spring, but I felt we had not choice but to put our town together and start again. I want to add that the people of Mena did a remarkable job – we needed the town back together quickly, so we wouldn’t lose any more revenue, and they did it.”

“FEMA was extremely impressed with us,” he added. “Their director said most places would be two years in recovering to the point that we had in just four months. I was also pleased with the job FEMA did for us, but there is no question it was the people of this community helping each other right away that made the difference.”

McKee said the town has recovered

and is moving forward well now.

“We planted 300 new trees this year, thanks to Atwoods and other groups, and our tax revenues have continued to increase year by year, including this year.

Most of the towns in Arkansas are down, but we’re rising. I’m pleased with how well we’re doing, but I will continue to try to bring in new industry and business to Mena.

“Whether it’s in our daily lives or in a disaster, as long as the people have hope and know there are those who will help them, they survive,” McKee added. “That’s what we will continue to do – give people hope and the means to recover.”

McKee also added that the churches in our area have played a major role in our successful recovery.

“The First Assembly of God, The Crossing, Dallas Avenue Baptist, First Baptist, and many others, have all been instrumental in bringing Mena back,” he said. “They really came through for us.”

PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 3, 2010 The Mena Lioness Club held a ceremony unveiling a new monument at the Polk County Courthouse lawn. The monument is to serve as a reminder to future generations the loss that occurred that day.

Inscribed on the memorial are words written by LeAnn Dilbeck: This monument serves as a humble reminder of a tornado that struck our county on April 9, 2009 forever changing our landscape. While this may serve as a reminder of how vulnerable we are to the forces of mother nature, may it also serve as a reminder of the strength of a community who arose together to rebuild in the face of tremendous tragedy and loss. May we never forget: 3 precious lives lost: Anna Cress, Judy Lobner, and Albert Shaw, 165 houses destroyed and the families that called them home, 700 homes suffered major damage, over 11,000 mature trees with diameters of 2+ feet.

New York Firefighter Helping to ‘Pay It Forward’

Pulse Photo by LEANN DILBECK New York Firefighter Mark Medina helps Kindergartner Sarah Grenier with her “Star of HOPE.”

PUBLISHED DECEMBER 16, 2009

By LeAnn Dilbeck As previously reported in The Pulse, Louise Durham Elementary was the site for a program called Stars of HOPE last week. Brightly colored stars now decorate Mena. The program is made possible by the New York Says Thank You Foundation, an organization that helps to rebuild communities around the U.S. affected by disaster as a way of saying “thank you” for all the love and support Americans gave to New Yorkers in the days following September 11.

Volunteers from Kansas, Texas, and New York came to assist with the project. All have been impacted by the program in some way. Two New York firefighters, Mark Medina and Jimmy Sands, were among them.

Medina is with Engine 10, Ladder 10 and his station is at 124 Liberty Street which is located directly across from what is now known as Ground Zero.

Medina was on duty that infamous September 11 day and spoke of the terror he felt that day. “I thought the world was coming to an end.”

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A few tears welt in his eyes and his voice ever so slightly cracked as he spoke of the overwhelming feeling and the enormity of the site. “Thirteen stories of rubble and another five down below…there were screams, bodies everywhere…some on fire…it felt like hell on earth. You just wondered “where do we start?”

He said they just had to start digging, literally, on their hands and knees. “When we slept, we slept at the site.” Medina said after a couple of days, the reality of finding someone alive began to sink in but it didn’t stop their efforts, “It’s a code with us…no one left behind…there was always that hope that you might could reach someone in time.”

Medina has never forgot the “hopeless and overwhelming” feeling of that day and hopes that with the Stars program, they can help others who have suffered such loss feel that they, too, are not alone.

“It’s about paying it forward,” Medina said. “We gain volunteers from every city we go to.”

Medina said that it is simply by random choice that sites are selected. Being involved with such a healing program, Medina said, helps him to deal with what he saw that day. “We want to bring hope to others ... we know how it felt that day … we don’t want anyone to feel alone. It’s just about paying it forward.”

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APRIL 7, 2010

Mena Selected to be Recipient of “Stars of HOPE”

Photo SUBMITTED

Students of Louise Durham Elementary will decorate their Stars of HOPE this week. Shown above are students from Greensburg, Kansas as they were recipients of the program in 2008.

PUBLISHED DECEMBER 9, 2009

by LeAnn Dilbeck As Louise Durham students are winding up their first semester and anxiously counting the days until Christmas, they will be participating in the “Stars of HOPE.” The Stars of HOPE was born from the ashes of September 11 by the suggestion of a 5 year old boy in New York. It is a non-profit foundation made up of Texas homeowners, Kansas school teachers and students, Philadelphia school children and teachers and New York school kids. It is sponsored by the New York Says Thank You Foundation, an organization that helps to rebuild communities around the U.S. affected by disaster as a way of saying “Thank You” for all the love and support Americans gave to New Yorkers in the days following the infamous September 11.

According to Pat Samuels of the program, “We have all, in some way, been the recipient of a helping hand from others after experiencing a disaster in our own homes or commuities or have been positively impacted by the idea of Americans helping Americans. Our foundation’s basis is one of paying forward the hope of a future and empowering the children of communities who have been devastated by disasters.”

The program selects a community who has been hit by some type of disaster, (i.e. tornado, hurricane, flood, wildfire, etc.) for its three day project. Each project requires weeks and even months of planning.

On Thursdays, Louise Durham students will begin painting. The floor will be tarped and students will work in groups of eight or ten. The children are encouraged to paint uplifting messages (i.e. hope, faith, love, rebuild) on their stars but originality and ownership are highly desired. Once the paint is dry, the stars are affixed to the stakes and displayed around town.

Other cities who have been recipients of the project include Greensburg, Kansas which was hit by an EF-5 tornado in May 2007, destroying about 95 perent of all structures in the city. Rosenberg Elementary in Galveston which was hard hit by Hurricane Ike was the site for 2008.

Mena Selected As Site for New York Says Thank You Memorial Weekend

PUBLISHED JANUARY 24, 2010

by LeAnn Dilbeck “I was completely blown away,” was ‘New York Says Thank You’ Founder Jeff Parness’ reaction to the overwhelming community interest shown at last Friday’s organizational meeting held in Mena. According to Lori Harrison of the Polk County Long Term Recovery Committee, approximately 54 people attended the meeting. Mena has been selected as the site for what has become their annual 9/11 Memorial Weekend.

The New York Says Thank You Foundation was born from tragedy with on a every simple concept: ‘Pay It Forward.’ This is the same organization responsible for bringing the “Stars of HOPE” to Mena in December. Parness said that New Yorkers were overwhelmed with the tremendous acts of extraordinary kindness shown to them in the days following 9/11, “People from all across the United States poured into New York City to volunteer, to pay their respects, and to be with us in our darkest moment…we will never forget that.” The group was drawn to Mena following the destruction of the April 9 tornado.

The mission of The New York Says Thank You Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 tax deductible organization, is to send volunteers each year on the 9/11 Anniversary to help rebuild communities around the country affected by disasters. “It is our way of commemorating the overwhelming kindness, generosity, and love that Americans gave to New Yorkers in the days, weeks, and months following September 11,” Parness explained.

Parness went on to say that there was a unique connection that put Mena on the organization’s radar. The Vincent family, whom they assisted in Texas, contacted Parness following Mena’s April 9 tornado because they had family in Mena. “Mena is unique, too, based on topography and how spread out everything is. This tornado just ripped through the heart of it

all,” Parness said.

Parness said that his organization will bring in 200 to 300 volunteers from September 2 through September 5. It is his hope though, by inspiring the spirit of volunteerism, that they can have close to 1,500 volunteers from those who respond from within the community and across Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. “We want to make a broad impact,” Parness said.

Parness said a team will be on site for about three and a half weeks total but said it will feel like two to three months for the community. “It’s pretty intense. We’re like Extreme Home Makeover…on steroids. It will be overwhelming for your community but in a very positive way. We want to inspire volunteerism and bring the whole community together. We do that through our rebuilding projects but also with wacky events. We’ll also have an emotional memorial service on that Sunday.”

The group will also be bringing a 30 foot American Flag that once hung on the south tower of the World Trade Center. The flag was brought down tattered and shredded and kept in a bag for several years. Then it was stitched back together but still had gaps and holes. The flag was then taken to Greensburg, Kansas, another site the organization assisted with, and flags that had survived that tornado were stitched into the holes that remained. Now the flag will come to Mena.

Parness said he didn’t know what to expect coming to Arkansas and said he was completely taken aback by the turnout for the meeting. “I’m your typical loud and obnoxious New Yorker but I continue to be humbled by communities who have been devastated as Mena has.” As their website says, “If we can keep this tradition going through September 11, 2011, that will serve as the greatest testament to the resilience and compassion of the American people.

From one day of terror, ten years of kindness.”

For more information, visit www.NewYorkSaysThankYou.org or contact Lori Harrison of the Polk County Long Term Recovery Committee at 479-216-3155.

1325 Hwy. 71 S Mena, AR

Walmart Mena, AR

394-2510

394-7734

Still here after all these years!

It will take more than a tornado to blow Subway away.

Way to Go Mena!

THE SUBWAY CREW

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Mitchell Computer Services

Telissa Montgomery

SERVICE • REPAIR • MANTENANCE • UPGRADES 717 Mena ST., • 479-234-7698 www.mitchellcomputerservices.com

205 N Morrow, Mena 479-394-1181 • 479-394-4981

Kathy’s Home Décor 822 Mena St.

394-2566 As a life long resident of Mena, and having served as your city clerk/treasurer for six terms, I’ve seen and experienced our community’s caring response in time of tragedy, because we are a community with “heart,” but never to the magnitude that followed the April 9 tornado. When reliving these past twelve months, and trying to recognize specific groups or individuals that have been involved, from the night of the disaster to now, the outreach would fill a book.

I applaud those “heroes.” Through team work and a united effort, each using your God given talents, our community has made a tremendous come back for which we “all” can take pride.”

500 North Morrow • Mena, AR

Regina Walker

POLK COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS RAY B. STANLEY, COUNTY JUDGE MIKE OGLESBY, SHERIFF/COLLECTOR TERRI HARRISON, COUNTY CLERK SHARON SIMMONS, CIRCUIT CLERK PAM MILLER, TREASURER JUNE WILES, ASSESSOR JERRY RYAN, DISTRICT JUDGE

J.W. LOONEY, CIRCUIT JUDGE TIM WILLIAMSON, PROSECUTING ATTORNEY RICHARD MYHAND, CORONER BEN FINLEY, JP DISTRICT 1 JIM NEUGENT, JP DISTRICT 2 HAROLD COOGAN, JP DISTRICT 3 MARGO KIMP, JP DISTRICT 4 S T R E N G T H

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FRANKIE DAVIS, JP DISTRICT 5 TERRY TERRELL, JP DISTRICT 6 TOMMY FLOYD, JP DISTRICT 7 TERRY SCOTT, JP DISTRICT 8 BASIL KESTERSON, JP DISTRICT 9 JERRY WATKINS, JP DISTRICT 10 TAWANA GILBERT, JP DISTRICT 11 •

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479-394-1332 S T R E N G T H

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