JUNE 26, 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
Child Abduction Case Goes Nationwide
(MENA) A child abduction of four minor children by the parents on May 13th, has led to a nationwide manhunt for the parents. Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer said that the father was charged with Rape. The father, Chad Voelkel failed to appear for his court date and immediately a warrant was issued for his arrest. The mother of the children were awarded custody of the four youngest children, two males and two females, were taken prior to the hearing by both parents, who
allegedly were taken out of state. The United States Marshal’s Service are in charge of the case and are not releasing any other information at this time. The mother is also wanted for failure to report abuse and subsequently was issued a warrant for arrest as well. If you have any information on the whereabouts of the children, you are encouraged to contact Polk County Sheriff’s Department at (479) 394-2511 or by contacting the United States Marshal’s Service in Fort Smith.
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ORSD Board Met June 24th
(ACORN) Members of the Ouachita River School Board met on Tuesday evening met to discuss employment matters and approve changes to the Student Handbook for the upcoming school year. The board also approved the bid submitted by CDW-G for the purchase of Smart TV’s that will be placed in Old Main, in the amount of $14, 050.75. Members also approved moving any monies that were above $737,000 to the building fund for designated projects, as well as any money needed to comply with Act 1105. The parking lot addition behind the Acorn Gymnasium was approved by the board from a bid submitted by B & L Paving, in the amount of $34,900. The contribution to Health Insurance by the district will go up from $159.10 to $161.87, beginning in July of fiscal year 2020. The board also held a brief executive session to discuss personnel matters, before reconvening for the full board session.
Mena School Board Restructures
(MENA) The Mena School Board met Tuesday evening at the District Administration Building in downtown and accepted the resignations of Mena High School Assistant Principal Stephen Breedlove. Breedlove will become the new Principal at Harding Academy near Searcy. Breedlove will be replaced by Bridget Buckley, in an inter-district transfer. The high school front office will also see a new Secre-
tary, in Lauren Frost. The board also reorganized its self at the meeting. Board members chose Todd Haynes as its new board president, Kyle Cannon was re-elected as board vice president and Clint Powell was chosen as board secretary. Immediately following the votes, former board president Ed Puckett, graciously turned the meeting over to Haynes and swapped seats at the table. In financial matters, the board approved upon recommendation from Superinten-continued on pg. 5
Severe Storms Hit Area
Officials are looking for Chad and Stephanie Voelkel and their four minor children. If you have information as to their whereabouts, contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 479-394-2511. Submitted photo.
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(MENA) Wednesday, June 19th, the National Weather Service said official measurements showed winds peaked as high as 64 mph in Little Rock, though one trained storm spotter in central Arkansas recorded a gust of 70 mph. Large hail was also seen, including some that measured an estimated four inches in diameter in Vandervoort in Polk County. The strong winds downed numerous trees, including some that fell on homes and vehicles. -continued on pg. 5
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