August 3, 2016

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FREE WEEKLY

August 3, 2016

THE POLK COUNTY

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1168 Hwy 71 S • Mena, AR 71953 • 479-243-9600 ...............................................................................................................................................................................

Your DAILY News Sources: KENA 104.1 FM & MyPulseNews.com

Putting Faith into Action

Queen Enjoys Official Record Breaking Year BY MELANIE BUCK • news@mypulsenews.com

Since the late 1800’s, there has been a lodge atop Rich Mountain inside Queen Wilhelmina State Park where countless visitors have enjoyed scenic views, picnics, family gatherings, and so much more. Following an extensive renovation that lasted from December 2012 until June 2015 and cost $9.6 million, the Queen has shown that her wait was more than worth it and she has the record numbers to prove it. In her first year after reopening on July 1, 2015, Queen Wilhelmina generated $2,056,252, with an overall lodge occupancy rate of 77.16%. The record numbers far exceed any prior year the Queen has seen. In 2008, the previous record year, the park generated $1,545,171, with a 63.11% lodge occupancy rate. “It’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

New Creative Arts Center to Open in Downtown Arts District BY LEANN DILBECK• editor@mypulsenews.com

Emmye Rowell of Mena has purchased the vacant building at the corner of Mena and Maple Streets and has announced her plans to open a new Creative Arts Center. Rowell explained that this has always been a dream for her but it has come into fruition much sooner than she expected. Rowell purchased Beautiful Soles, a Christian dance company, from Candace Riner earlier this year with the plans of someday owning her own studio and hopes of

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

As the nation watched the Dallas police shootings unfold, one local south Polk County teen went into action to raise money for the families of the fallen officers. Taylor Fortner, a 16-year old junior at Cossatot River High School, and also a police officer’s daughter, knew she had to do something to help. “I just felt like I needed to do something,” said Taylor. “So I prayed about it and I talked to my mom and a youth leader at church, and they said, if this is something I felt led to do, then do it.” Taylor held a yard/bake sale on July 23 and then traveled to Dallas in person, Monday, August 1, to present a $1,200 check to Dallas Police Officer Steve Myers of the Dallas Police Association. Polk County Sheriff-Elect Scott Sawyer has also reported that the local community continues to rally around the local law enforcement, “I am very thankful that I live in a community that supports their public servants. We have been inundated with cakes, cookies, cupcakes, etc... recently from citizens showing their support.”

Real Estate Symposium Hosted by RE/MAX Mena BY LEANN DILBECK• editor@mypulsenews.com

RE/MAX Mena Real Estate hosted a Real Estate Symposium for community leaders last Tuesday, July 26, to review past and current trends in the local real estate market. The event was held at American Artisans in downtown Mena. With the housing market and real estate industry, many times, reflecting the overall health of the area, Sales Associate John Forsyth kicked off the symposium sharing with attendees unemployment trends, national and local economic engines, the real estate industry’s ‘train wreck’ and closed with the very positive CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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