APRIL 10, 2019
FREE WEEKLY
THE POLK COUNTY 1168 Hwy 71 S • Mena, AR 71953 • 479-243-9600
Your DAILY News Sources: MyPulseNews.com & KENA 104.1
Stay Connected!
Carstens Honored At State House of Representatives
(LITTLE ROCK) Medal winner Krista Carstens of Mena, was honored on the floor of the Arkansas State House of Representatives, as a guest of State Representative John Maddox of Mena. Carstens was there on Thursday to receive a Resolution congratulating Krista on her accomplishments at the World Special Olympic Games in Abu Dhabi. Carstens stated “what an amazing day, we had lunch with Representative Maddox, toured the Capital Building, met lots of State officials, sat in the gallery during afternoon session, and of course the best part of the day, Representative Maddox’s speech honoring Krista. Thank You to everyone who made this day possible!!!” On Friday, Mayor Seth F. Smith issued
a Proclamation honoring Carstens with her own special day of recognition in the City of Mena. Carstens acquired two bronze medals at the 2019 Special Olympic games for the United States. Carstens was the ONLY athlete from Arkansas that participated at the event. This Friday, the Area 14 Special Olympics
will be holding its annual games at Mena High School track and field area. There are many activities through out the day and host of volunteers who help bring this event to our area athletes. The public is encouraged to attend and support all of the area athletes. Concessions are also available through-out the day. Picture at left provided by Verla Kinsey during the parade honoring Krista’s return home.
Picture at right provided by PCDC while at the capital.
Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Members at Appreciation Banquet
(MENA) The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce will hold its Membership Appreciation Banquet on Tuesday, April 23rd, at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain Ouachita Center. This year’s banquet theme is “Masquerade at the Comedy Club.” The event will begin at 6:00 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 p.m., and the program to follow. A delicious dinner will be catered by Papa’s Mexican Café with 385 Events providing lighting and sound to bring the evening alive. Comedian Byron Trimble will provide entertainment for the event. Trimble’s high energy and hilarious blend of comedy and music are sure to deliver a great show.
The auction items are incredible again this year. There is an Eric Church concert package and Chris Stapleton tickets, overnight stays in our beautiful state parks and area accommodations, gift certificates to local businesses, and much more. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Mena/ Polk County Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund. During the program, the Chamber will be honoring Chamber Members who have gone above and beyond during the year. An awards presentation will be presented by the Chamber for the following awards: Tina Ball, Pete Chambers, Polk County Veterans Service Organizations are nominated for Volunteer of the Year, John Maddox and Special Olympics Area 14 are nominated for Citizen of the Year, CMA Cabins at Iron Mountain and Santa’s Outback Barn are nominated for Best New Construction, The Fish Net Lodge, Papa Pablano’s Mexican Café and The Mercantile are nominated for Best Renovation/
Beautification, and First Financial Bank, The Outback Barn and Washburn’s Home Furnishings are nominated for the Business of the Year. Tickets may be purchased at the event but, advanced ticket purchase is encour-
aged. Tickets are $35.00/person for members, $40.00 for non-members, and tables for eight may be reserved for $300.00. For tickets, table reservations, or additional information, please contact the Chamber of Commerce at (479) 394-2912.
Storm Related Accident Claims The Life of a Grannis Man (GRANNIS) A Polk County man became the 106th automobile related fatality in Arkansas for the year on Saturday when he was killed in a two truck crash that occurred on US Highway 71 South within the city limits of Hatfield. The Arkansas state police say that 37-year-old Roy McMahan was killed when the 1992 Chevrolet pick-up he was driving was struck by a northbound 2003 Ford F-250 as he attempted to make a left onto the highway from a private drive. The impact was on the drivers side of
the McMahan vehicle according to the report by the Arkansas State Police. Trooper Michael R. Summitt noted that conditions were rainy and the road was wet at the time of the accident, which occurred at 1:52 p.m. McMahan is the second Grannis resident killed in just six months on US Highway 71. Maria Guadalupe Zarate, 69, of Grannis, died from her injuries when the driver of the 2005 Chevrolet, Jesus Meza of Grannis, lost control of the vehicle due to rainy weather conditions on the roadway.