March 18, 2020

Page 1

March 18, 2020

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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 Mena City Council Approved Two Resolutions Last Week The Mena City Council met Tuesday evening for their regular monthly meeting and dealt with a unusually long agenda and heard Mayor Seth Smith's State of the City address. City Council members tended to routine business, heard reports from department heads and committees. Airport manager Fred Ogden reported that there had been an accidental death at one of the airport businesses last week. Hospital administrator Jay Quebedeaux spoke briefly about Coronavirus concerns, and also said that talks with Baptist Health about a possible takeover of the Mena hospital were nearing the due diligence stage. Two resolutions were passed, one concerning a Streetscape project for Mena, the other authorizing the Mayor Seth Smith and Mena Water Utilities Manager Charles Pitman to explore funding opportunities for COUNCIL CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Arkansas State Parks Cancel All Scheduled Programs Until At Least May 13th Arkansas State Park scheduled programs, including those at Queen Wilhelmina State Park and Cossatot River State Park-Natureal Area, have been canclelled until at least May 13, 2020 to protect guests and staff from the coronavirus. The statement below is from the Arkansas State Parks website. "Arkansas State Parks remain open as we monitor COVID-19 and the impact of coronavirus in our state. We are taking the CDC’s recommended precautions as we work to provide a safe environment for our visitors. Parks continue to be your gateway to hiking, kayaking and canoeing, golf, mountain biking, fishing and boating, and other outdoor experiences. To protect our guests and staff, scheduled programming is canceled through May 13, 2020. This could be extended if

STATE PARKS CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

City of Mena and Polk County Dealing with COVID-19 Mena Mayor Seth Smith reported the City of Mena is actively monitoring the COVID-19 situaion in close coordination with Mena Regional Health System, the Arkansas Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Smith stated rest assured, every precaution is being taken to ensure the health and safety of all the citizens of Mena. Smith said the City of Mena staff has been meeting regularly with Mena Regional Health Systems. MRHS CEO, Jay Quebedeaux, reported that extraordinary measures have been implemented to protect their patients, staff and community. He said any individual that believes they have been exposed to COVID-19 or currently experiencing shortness of breath, fever greater than 100 degrees, and/or cough is encouraged to go to Mena Medial Associates at 1103 College Drive to receive a respiratory symptom evaluation. Temporary waiting rooms have been appropriately divided for the protection of patients and the community. Quebedeaux stated Mena Medical Associates has extended their hours of operation to seven days a week from 8am-midnight. He said please do not present to the Emergency Department with symptoms relating to the Coronavirus. Smith said as of now, the City has postponed the spring soccer season two weeks to coincide with the local public schools

closing. Smith said the City is taking recommended precautions and is following the guidelines outlined by MRHS, ADH, and the CDC. Smith also suggested residents limit their travel outside of the area, however there may be occasions requiring out of town travel and encourages residents to take precautionary steps that are listed below in an effort to prevent the spread of ANY virus: Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. For more information please visit http:// www.healthy.arkansas.gov/ Mena Public Schools Superintendent Benny Weston announced Monday afternoon that all Mena Public School facilities will be closed to the public. This includes all buildings as well as Bearcat Stadium, Union Bank Park, playgrounds, etc. Deep cleaning will be taking place over the next few days and all facilities will remain closed until March 30th.

Weston said all buildings will be off limits and if a student or district patron has a need they should call ahead. For the Mena High School and Middle School call 479394-1144; for Holly Harshman or Louise Durham Elementary schools, call 479*3942943. You may also contact the central office at 479-394-1710. Cossatot River School District Superintendent Jim Tankersley said the district is offering a grab-and-go lunch to students from 11 am to noon at the Wickes Elementary cafeteria through Friday, March 20th. On March 15, UARM Chancellor Phillip Wilson issued the following statement concerning the Coronavirus. “Again, let me once again thank everyone for their patience as myself and our Crisis Response Team has continued to closely monitor the very fluid coronavirus pandemic. Earlier today Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson made an announcement to close all K12 schools beginning Tuesday through March 30. While no member of the UARM community has been diagnosed with COVID-19, we do value our relationship with our K12 schools and recognize that we share many of the same students; therefore, we will follow the same mandatory closings for our students as issued by Governor Hutchinson beginning COVID - 19 CONTINUED ON PAGE 15


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