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Light Display on the Way
Photo by Trey Youngdahl
Christmas decor adorns Mena City Hall and downtown, as a “bigger and better” Christmas light display is planned for Janssen Park amid the cancellation of the Christmas Festival. Lights are scheduled to be turned on, and observers will have the ability to tune in for the timed lighting display. Page 11
By Jeri Pearson
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The finance committees of the City of Mena and the Advertising and Promotion Commission have each met to review 2021 budgets and make proposals to the city and commission. City Treasurer Linda Rexroad said the city’s budget for 2021 will look similar to 2020. “I went with basically the same budget for city based on county sales tax projections, which have been higher this year than in the past.” Rexroad attributes the increase in sales tax to people shopping locally, rather than traveling outside the area due to COVID precautions, as well as
See BUDGET page 2
Commitment to CASA changes outcomes for children
15-year volunteer shares love through service
Students make Regionals
City, AP prepare budgets for approval By Jeri Pearson
Toys for Tots Application and Request for Donations
DAR awards bestowed
December 2, 2020
During the holiday season, we are often reminded to be thankful for what we have and seek opportunities to give to those less fortunate. One volunteer in the community has lived those sentiments through efforts with CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates. Rene Roberts, who donates her time
with bookkeeping and other services to the program, also serves as an advocate for children who need someone to speak for them in court. Roberts, who has been volunteering with CASA for 15 years, said she is so thankful for her family, both growing up and as an adult, that to extend her blessing of a positive family to others has always been part of her. “I can remember when I was a child the first time I had a friend who wanted to invite me over, but she had to ask her mom first, to make sure there was enough food to feed an additional per-
www.lelanordykephotography.com 479.234.9032
son,” she said. “That was the first time I realized not every family was like my family. We were blessed and always had enough - not that there were not tight times, but there was never a question of our needs being provided.” Because not every child lives in an environment such as the one Roberts grew up in or has been able to provide for her family, she said it is important to serve others. “So many of the cases we see through CASA are so much more drastic than food insecurity. These children have of-
See CASA page 2