Skywatchers in  the western United States should circle Sunday (May 20) on their calendars. That's when a solar eclipse will block out most of the sun, leaving a spectacular "ring of fire" shining in the sky for observers located along the eclipse's path. The event is what's known as an annular solar eclipse -- from the Latin "annulus," meaning "little ring" -- and its full glory should be visible from much of Asia, the Pacific region and some of western North America, weather permitting. At its peak, the eclipse will block about 94 percent of the sun's light.

Other parts of the United States and Canada will still see a partial solar eclipse, without being treated to the ring of fire effect, though the East Coast will miss the event since the sun will have set before it begins. The eclipse will occur in the late afternoon or early evening of May 20 throughout North America, and May 21 for observers in Asia. Check out this eclipse skywatching guide to learn more about viewing locations and times.

Solar eclipses occur when the moon comes between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on our planet. When the moon lines up perfectly with the sun and blots out all of its light, the result is a total eclipse. Partial eclipses cover only part of the sun's face. [Annular Solar Eclipse of May 20, 2012 (Photo Guide)]

Annular eclipses are similar to total eclipses in that the moon lines up with the sun dead-on. But in this case, the moon is close to apogee -- the farthest point from Earth in its elliptical orbit around our planet -- so it's a smidge too small in the sky to cover the solar disk completely. As a result, a ring of bright sunlight will still blaze around the moon's circumference.

Like other types of solar eclipses, annular eclipses are spectacular but potentially dangerous skywatching events. Care must be taken to observe them properly, or serious and permanent eye damage -- including blindness -- could result.

Warning: Never look directly at the sun, either with the naked eye or through telescopes or binoculars without the proper filters.

Motorists who choose not to use seat belts may want to take notice.
The seat belt enforcement mobilization effort known as Click It or Ticket begins  Monday (May 21st) and will involve law enforcement officers across the country cracking down on motorists who don’t buckle up.
The Arkansas State Police will join other state and local law enforcement agencies by more closely watching for seat belt violations, day and night.
While this year’s Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization runs from May 21st through June 3rd, motorists should never forget law enforcement officers are enforcing seat belt laws year round.

In Holbert Auditorium, Wickes High School faculty recognized two outstanding students.  Student of the Year for grades 10-12 is Leland Wiederhoeft. Leland is a junior and is the son of Wesley Wiederhoeft and Paula McBroom of Gillham. His teachers describe him as being cooperative and dependable.  Leland is active in his church; he enjoys mixed martial arts and playing video games and the guitar.  He plans to attend a technical college and major in game design and programming.
Student of the Year for grades 7-9 is Eduardo Medina. Eduardo is in the 8th grade and is the son of Rusbel and Elodia Medina of Wickes. His teachers describe him as being dedicated, responsible, polite, and exhibiting a good attitude.  Eduardo plans to work hard while in school in order to achieve his goal of working in the medical field.
Wickes High School students and faculty congratulate and applaud Leland and Eduardo for their hard work and dedication.

THE CHURCH WOMEN OF POLK COUNTY HOLD THEIR  QUARTERLY POTLUCK ON MONDAY AT NOON AT ST. AGNES CATHOLIC CHURCH LOCATED AT 203  8TH STREET.  ALL WOMEN OF POLK COUNTY ARE CORDIALLY INVITED.   BRING YOUR FAVORITE COVERED DISH.  ALSO BRING CANNED GOODS FOR VARIOUS FOOD PANTRIES. THE SPEAKER IS SALLY HATCH.

IT IS TIME FOR SIGN UP DAY FOR THE 2012 SEASON FOR CHEERLEADERS AND FOOTBALL PLAYERS THIS SATURDAY, MAY 19TH AT ALESHIRE ELECTRIC FROM 9AM TO NOON.  ANY CHILD ENTERING THE 3RD GRADE THRU THE 6TH GRADE IS ELIGIBLE.   FOOTBALL PLAYERS MUST HAVE A PHOTOCOPY OF THEIR BIRTH CERTIFICATE AS PROOF OF AGE TO PARTICIPATE.   THE SIGN UP FEE IS $40 TO COVER EQUIPMENT AND INSURANCE.

THE SECOND ANNUAL COMMUNITY  HEALTH EXPO WILL BE HELD AT THE SEVENTH DAY  ADVENTIST CHURCH ON FAIRGROUNDS ROAD ON SUNDAY, MAY 20TH FROM 2 TO 5PM.  THERE WILL BE DOOR PRIZES, HEALTH SCREENINGS, BMI READINGS, HARVARD STEP TEST, SKIN DAMAGE ASSESMENTS, FOOD SAMPLES AND MUCH MORE.  THEY CAN EVEN DETERMINE YOUR HEALTH AGE. EVERYTHING IS FREE SO STOP OUT SUNDAY AND  JOIN  THE FUN!

CITY OF HATFIELD WITH HATFIELD LIONS SPONSOR THE 1ST ANNUAL DOROTHY ARTHUR DAY.  DOROTHY L. ARTHUR WAS A LADY  WHO DID A LOT OF CLEANING UP TRASH ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROADS  IN AND AROUND HATFIELD.  SHE DID SUCH A GREAT SERVICE.  TO HONOR HER CITY OF HATFIELD AND HATFIELD LIONS CLUB HOLD A COMMUNITY CLEANUP SATURDAY, MAY 19TH AT 9AM AT HATFIELD PARK.  ALL CLUBS, CHURCHES AND INDIVIDUALS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE.  PLEASE BRING  YOUR OWN GLOVES AND DRESS FOR WEATHER.  BAGS WILL BE SUPPLIED.  HOT DOGS, CHIPS AND  WATER WILL BE PROVIDED.

ACORN ELEMENTARY KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION IS UNDERWAY THROUGH  MAY 23RD AT THE ELEMENTARY OFFICE FROM 8AM TO 3PM.   YOUR CHILD MUST BE 5 YEARS OLD ON OR BEFORE  AUGUST 1ST.  WHEN REGISTERING YOUR CHILD PLEASE  BRING CHILD'S BIRTH CERTIFICATE, SOCIAL SECURITY CARD, IMMUNIZATION RECORD AND KINDERGARTEN PHYSICAL TO THE ELEMENTARY OFFICE.

A team of 8th grade students from Acorn High School in Mena, Arkansas were recently named finalists in the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. Team Acorn Junior Science Club created a project to raise awareness of a near-extinct tree species and the team is now in the running for $50,000 in scholarships and prizes.  – the challenge is a national effort to encourage students to create environmental solutions.
The Siemens Foundation provides more than $7 million annually in support of educational initiatives in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the United States. Its signature programs include the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology, Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement, and The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, which encourages K-12 students to develop innovative green solutions for environmental issues. In February 2010 the Siemens Foundation launched its newest initiative, The Siemens STEM Academy, a national STEM education program for teachers designed to support educators in their efforts to foster student achievement in these fields. By supporting outstanding students today, and recognizing the teachers and schools that inspire their excellence, the Foundation helps nurture tomorrow's scientists and engineers. The Foundation's mission is based on the culture of innovation, research and educational support that is the hallmark of Siemens' U.S. companies and its parent company, Siemens AG. For further information, visit www.siemens-foundation.org.

The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce is having a gun raffle for a DPMS AR-15.  It will also include 2-30 round mags and a Bulldog tactical case.  Tickets prices are $1 ea, 6 for $5, or 25 for $20.  Tickets can be purchased at First National Bank, Union Bank, Tim's Yamaha, Washburn's Home Furnishings and at Chamber of Commerce office.  The winner will be announced on stage at the Lum & Abner Festivities on Saturday night, June 2.  Proceeds benefit Chamber of Commerce.



(MELONY SPEER EXPLAIN THE CONTEST BELOW)

IF  YOU LOVE FISHING AND TOURNAMENTS THEN  YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THE 23RD ANNUAL TRI-LAKES BIG BASS FISHING FESTIVAL, THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND MAY 26TH FROM 6AM TO 1PM AT 3 area lakes: De Queen, Dierks and Gillham LAKE , THERE WILL BE   OVER 10,000.00 DOLLARS IN CASH AND PRIZES.  BOAT CHECK BEGINS AT 5AM.  FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION CALL 870-584-3225. YOU CAN ALSO DOWNLOAD THE ENTRY FORM AT  WWW.DEQUEENCHAMBEROFCOMMERCE.COM

THE POLK COUNTY FARMERS MARKET IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS EACH TUESDAY, THURSDAY AND SATURDAY BEGINNING  AT 7AM.   YOU'LL FIND THE MARKET NEXT TO KCS DEPOT.  ALSO ON WEDNESDAYS AND  SATURDAYS  AT 7AM  THE MARKET WILL BE IN  HATFIELD NEXT TO THE UNION BANK HATFIELD BRANCH.  ENJOY LOCALLY GROWN AND PRODUCED  FRUITS , VEGETABLES, EGGS ,  HONEY , BAKED GOODS AND TOO MUCH MORE TO MENTION.  THE POLK COUNTY FARMERS MARKET IS SPONSORED BY UNION BANK.