Pulse THE POLK COUNTY
FREE WEEKLY 1168 Hwy 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600
April 28, 2021
Your DAILY News Sources: KENA 104.1 FM & MyPulseNews.com
Drug TakeBack ticks up during drive
Prodigal Neighbors Offered Second Chance
INSIDE:
Lum and Abner Update
By Jeri Pearson
Page 4
Photo Courtesy City of Mena
Mena Prom
Mayor Seth Smith, from left, Mena Police Chief Tommy Stueart, Carrie Williams, Arkansas Community Corrections Assistant Director of Reentry, Wendi Phillips, Area Manager of Area 5 ACC and Paula Cox, Career Planning and Placement Specialist support a proclamation for Reentry Awareness Week Page 21-
Returning Home Made Easier with Awareness
By Jeri Pearson
Mena Senior Night
Page 22
Mayor Seth Smith was joined by leaders to declare Mena as a community aimed at raising awareness for citizens who are working towards becoming good neighbors after being incarcerated. Proclamations were signed, not only by Smith but also around the state, recognizing April 26 – 30, 2021 as Reentry Awareness Week. Reentry Awareness Week highlights the importance of reentry assistance for those reentering the community after being incarcerated and for those on parole or probation. State-wide, more than 80,000 offenders are currently in the custody or under the supervision of the Department of Corrections. Arkansas Corrections Secretary, Solomon Graves, kicked off 2021 Reentry Week and thanked Department of Corrections staff and partner agencies and
See AWARENESS page 2
Polk County tossed in the ante, placing a bet on keeping prescription drugs from being abused in the community. During the Arkansas Drug Take Back Day last week Sheriff Scott Sawyer said participation from residents was outstanding. “Our Drug Take Back was a huge success. It’s part of our ongoing effort
See TAKE-BACK page 12
Philpot Collection to be exhibited Submitted by UARM
Mena’s own Monta Philpot’s acclaimed Ouachita Portrait collection will be welcomed to the campus of UA Rich Mountain and on exhibit in the Ouachita Center. The collection was a heartfelt project of Monta’s, who wanted to chronicle her home community through her artistry
In the event of rain, ceremonies are cancelled. Social distancing and mask usage are required.
@ 5pm & 7pm
479.394.7622 1100 College Drive, Mena UARichMountain.edu
See EXHIBIT page 2