Pulse THE POLK COUNTY
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December 7, 2022
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Former Mena teacher arrested
INSIDE:
Andy Philpot, now a former teacher with the Mena School District, has been placed under arrest. Philpot is a former newspaper editor for the Mena Star, as well as a Mena High School teacher. The affable instructor
by the Polk County Sheriff ’s Office on Thursday, Dec. 1, on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, representatives from the Mena School District notified the Polk County Sheriff ’s Office about allegations of an inappropriate relationship between a Mena High School teacher and a student.
taught journalism, yearbook, creative writing, oral communications, and sports promotions. According to a statement released
The Polk County Sheriff ’s Office and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office opened an investigation into the allegations.
By Ethan Nahté
Wreaths For Veterans
Judy Thompson Retiring
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Holiday Parades & Toys
Pages 14-17
See PHILPOT continued on page 22
Mena School Board calls special meeting By Ethan Nahté A special meeting of the Mena School Board was called for Monday, Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the Administration Building located at 501 Hickory. On the agenda for board members to consider was a Christmas bonus for Aramark employees and personnel. After opening the meeting, the board went into executive session for approximately an hour. When they returned to the public meeting, no items discussed in executive session required action. The board then voted to give a onetime bonus of $1,000 to each of the 27 Aramark employees, to be paid out of the Food Service Fund. The only other agenda item was to accept the resignation of Michael Andrew Philpot, effective Nov. 29, 2022. The board then adjourned. Their next regular meeting will be held Dec. 14 instead of Dec. 20 due to scheduling conflicts and the upcoming holiday break. Mena schools are out for Christmas Break Dec. 22, 2022, and are scheduled to return to class Jan. 9, 2023.