November 6, 2019
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THE POLK COUNTY
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1168 Hwy 71 S ● Mena, AR 71953 ● 479.243.9600
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Wiles Family Farm Inducted Into Arkansas Century Farm Program
Governor Asa Hutchinson and Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward have inducted 46 Arkansas farms into the Arkansas Century Farm Program in 2019, including the Wiles Family Farm in Polk County. The Arkansas Century Farm Program recognizes Arkansas farms of 10 acres or more owned by the same family for at least 100 years. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture began the Century Farm Program in 2012 to highlight the contributions of these families to the agriculture industry as well as their overall
contributions to the state. The Wiles Family Farm in Polk County was established in 1889. Also on the 2019 induction list were two Scott County Farms. The Beaty Old Homeplace, established in 1889, and the Highfill Family Farm, established in 1915, were also among the inductees. Agriculture is Arkansas’ largest industry, contributing more than $21 billion to the state’s economy annually and providing one in every six jobs in the state. Arkansas
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Friends of the Ouachita Trail Gains Big Sponsor
In an announcement on the social media page, Friends of the Ouachita Trail (FoOT) announced they have entered a partnership with outdoor outfitter REI. If you’ve never heard of REI think Bass Pro Shops for campers, hikers, kayakers and those serious about being in the outdoors. REI is opening a new store in Oklahoma City has been in search of forming partnerships with outdoor groups. According to the post, FoOT has submitted a grant to REI for the Ouachita Trail. The partnership of FoOT and REI will look at different areas such as trail needs and conservation. FoOT currently has corporate sponsorship from Mountain Valley Spring Water. Also in their release FoOT has received approval from the Arkansas Highway Department on a trail grant request to remodel eight of the older shelters along the Ouachita Trail. An Eagle Scout Troop has remodeled and upgraded the
Oak Mountain Shelter as a part of a project. The shelters along the trail offer hikers places to rest and get out of the weather. The Ouachita Trail is 223 miles long and runs from Talimena State Park through Queen Wilhelmina State Park
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Photo Coutesy of FoOT
Submitted photo by Mena Public Schools
Bearcats Show No Mercy To Subiaco Academy
Friday was senior night for the Mena Bearcats Football team. Mena continued winning ways as they welcomed Subiaco Academy to Bob Carver Mena Bearcats Stadium in class 4A-4 play. The Trojans came into this matchup as underdogs with a 1-7 win loss record. Subiaco won the toss and elected to receive first. From there things did not go well for the Trojan’s. Subi had to punt from deep in their own territory after a Mena put up a defensive wall. This gave the Bearcats a good position to begin their first drive of the game. It didn’t take long for Mena to start firing away when at the 7:50 mark in
the 1st quarter when running back Evan Graves put six on the board with a Touchdown run. A Luiz Pessoa PAT made it 7 and the Bearcats never looked back. Subiaco’s next possession didn’t fare any better when on 3rd down Mena Linebacker Logan Yang sacked the Subi quarterback which led to another punt in as many possessions for the Trojans. Once again Mena would start with great field position at their own 48. Junior Running Back Jake Wiles showed he still has jets attached to his shoes when ran for
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