CANCELLATIONS AND CLOSINGS

To protect public health and safety and align with federal, state and local guidance, Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests officials has announced the temporary shutdown of recreational areas and campgrounds for the safety of visitors and staff.

Effective immediately, some recreation areas and campgrounds are temporarily shut down. Dispersed camping is still available on both forests. On the Ouachita National Forest, all restrooms are shut down.

For a list of closures, more information and updates, visit websites of the Ouachita National Forest at www.fs.usda.gov/ouachita or the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests at www.fs.usda.gov/osfnf/.

Updates can also be found at the Ouachita National Forest Facebook site at www.facebook.com/ouachitanf and Ozark-St. Francis National Forest at www.facebook.com/ozarkstfrancis/.

Visitors will receive a full refund for their reservation.

By closing campsites and group recreation sites, the USDA Forest Service is taking necessary measures to safeguard the health of employees and the public. The health and safety of employees and the nearby communities is always our top priority at the USDA Forest Service.

Visitors are primarily responsible for their own safety. Keep in mind, trails and roads may be open for use, but please recreate responsibly and follow public health guidelines regarding social distancing while you recreate in National Forests. Law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited due to COVID-19 issues. High risk activities such as rock climbing or motorized activities that increase your chance of injury or distress should be avoided. For the most current and accurate information about COVID-19, contact your local health officials or visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.

Information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is available at: www.usda.gov/coronavirus.

Mena Elks Lodge 781 Governor Hutchinson has mandated closure for 30 days effective March 20, 2020.

The Second Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast at the Ross Tunnell American Legion Post in Wickes has been cancelled.

All schools in Arkansas closed until April 17th due to coronavirus.

The Cove branch of the Polk County Library is closed.  They will reopen April 20th unless conditions dictate otherwise.

Art Day at the Mena Art Gallery is closed until further notice.

Hatfield Town Hall is closing the Lobby. All payments can be put in the Dropbox or pay at Hatfield Union Bank. Attach your Bill that is mailed out to you with your payment. The office personnel can be reached at 870-389-6611. Also during the Covid-19 social distancing time No Reservations can be taken for Use of the building. Thank you Mayor Linda Denton and Council.

Even though Polk County Housing Authority has closed the lobby due to COVID-19, we are still accepting applications for public housing and Section 8.  You may request an application by calling the office at 479-394-1569 or go to our website polkarhousing.com and print an application.  Completed applications with required documentation should be mailed to Polk County Housing Authority at 509 South Morrow Street, Mena, AR  71953.   Rent  payments can be made at any Union Bank location or mailed to the housing office.  Our staff is working to provide your housing needs and can be reached at 479-394-1569 with questions or concerns.

The Mena ARVAC office is closing to the public as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mandy Dunlap, the Polk County Family Support advocate siad today that “I just wanted to update our community partners regarding our office closing to the public, keeping in line with what the Governor has mandated for public schools; our Polk County ARVAC, Inc. office will be closed to the public until Monday April 20th. We are still able to help individuals with utility assistance.  At present we will still be distributing Commodities to the general public Tuesday April 28, 10:00 am to 1:00pm at the Polk County Fairgrounds.

The health and safety of the community is always our focus, therefore, for this distribution no one will have to leave their vehicle. If possible please post this updated sign where it may be visible to the public”.

Acorn Rural Water office is closed to the public until further notice. You can drop your payment into the drop box,  mail it or pay it at the Union Bank of Mena.  For more information call 479-394-1025.

Freedom Water office is closed until further notice.  You may drop your payment in the drop box at the office, mail it or pay at First Financial Bank.  If you need to know your balance or have any questions you may call the office 479-394-7500 during business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

All activities at Arkansas State Parks at Queen Wilhimena State Park and Cossatot River State Park cancelled until May 13th.

Hatfield Lions Club is cancelling their Easter Egg Hunt.

In keeping with state and national guidelines regarding COVID 19, Board Camp Annual Pancake Breakfast has been postponed until further notice.

All OLT shows and activities cancelled or postponed due to Covid-19 Pandemic.  The OLT office will also be closed until further notice. All scheduled shows will ultimately be performed at dates compatible with the current health emergency.

American Legion Bingo Saturday and Monday Cancelled TFN.

FROM THE EXTENSION SERVICE OFFICE: We are having to suspend all 4-H, EHC, Master Gardener, & educational activities for the time being due to COVID-19.

The Mena Federal Credit Union is temporarily closing their office.

First Christian Church of Mena has canceled their worship services until further notice.

Trinity Lutheran Church in mena is closed until April 19th.   They do havea recorded video service on their website: https://trinitylutheranmena.weebly.com

The  Warriors for Christ youth service At the Southside Church of God has been cancelled for this week.

The Mena 1st United Methodist Church has suspended all church activities like mens breakfast,  youth group,  kids club and Sunday services until further notice as per the CDC.

All services at Hatfield Methodist Church cancelled TFN.

Christ Community Fellowship has cancelled weekly Wednesday and Sunday Services from March 18th through March 29th.  Sunday Services will be “Live Stream” via CCF Facebook each Sunday morning around 10:45am.  Will resume normal schedule as soon as possible.

Dallas Avenue Baptist Church  will be live streaming Sunday service at 10:30am.   All services cancelled on campus.

Bible Believers Baptist Church has cancelled services Sunday.

Christ’s Church at Mt. Fork has cancelled services until April 5th.

Grace Bible Church has cancelled services until further notice. There will be a video posted on social media later in the week and at least weekly afterwards. To contact the church dial (479) 394-4092.

First Baptist Church of Mena will not have Sunday worship service. sermon will be streamed on FBC Facebook page only and on KAWX there will be a sermon broadcast.   All events at FBC are cancelled through the coming week.  We will not have Sunday School, Children’s Church, nursery, or evening activities. We will also not be running vans until further notice.

First Presbyterian church services are being filmed and put online. No in person service until further notice.

The St. Ages Church will host a drive-through food distictuion on Thursday, April 2 from 11 am to 1 pm in th curch parking lot at 203 *th Street in Mena.

The DAV and Auxiliary meetings scheculed for April 2nd have been canceled.

The Union Bank lobby. First Financial Bank lobby and other banks lobbies in the area are closed until further notice.

Announce – Congregate meals at Cossatot Senior Center will be closed till further notice.  Will do drive up/pick up from 10am-11am. also will continue home delivered meals as normal. contact 479-234-3503 to be included or for more details.

The Mena Polk County Senior Center will NOT be open for daily activities thru March 31.  We will still be serving the current home delivered meal participants as usual.  We are going to stay operational with meals as long as possible.  The building will be closed for activities and in house dining.  If you are currently a participant and would still like a meal, you may call the senior center between 9 and 11:00 to place an order to be picked up. The Grab & Go meals are still suggested donation price of $3.00 each. Any extra monetary donations are greatly appreciated!! The number to call is 479-394-5459 to order a meal.  No meals after 12 noon.  Stay tuned to this facebook page and also local radio stations for further announcements.

Prescribed Fire activity temporarily suspended by USDA Forest Service in southern states.  This includes the Ouachita National Ozark-St Francis National Forests.

Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative office lobbies are closed to protect health of members and employees.  We will operate business as usual through the drive through.  Members may report outages by call toll-free 1-877-828-4074 or call the Mena office at 479-394-4140.  Payments can be made at the Drive Thru, Night Deposit or website www.rmec.com of by phone at 1-844-849-1513.

Fresh Start Pregnancy Resource Center classes are canceled for the week, but they will still meet essential needs by appointment.

Due to concerns with Covid-19, Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church has postponed their Annual Homecoming Services on Easter Sunday.

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