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March 4, 2015
THE POLK COUNTY
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1168 Hwy 71 S • Mena, AR 71953 • 479-243-9600
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Gunfire Rang Through the Streets as Mena Woke Up to Military Training Exercise
Cossatot Hosting 3A State Tournament COSSATOT RIVER EAGLES NO. 2 SEED Cossatot River will be hosting the 3A State Tournament, which is set to run from March 3rd to March 7th. The Eagles will be the No. 2 seed from region 4 and will face the No. 3 seeded Flippin Bobcats from region 3, on Thursday, March 5th, with tipoff slated for 2:30 p.m. READ FULL STORY ON PAGE 21
Acorn Tigers Headed to State for the First Time in 39 Years
BY MELANIE BUCK A National Guard military training exercise was held Saturday at the former Mena Middle School building on Mena Street, complete with explosions and machine guns. The training was an exercise in urban-style warfare and included capturing a prime target suspect, caring for the injured, and counting the casualties. The morning started out with snow covered streets and lawns as the Company C 1st Battalion 153rd Infantry / 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Mena’s local National Guard unit, stormed up main street, some on foot, others in Humvees, with guns blazing, albeit they were filled with blanks. Citizens around town got a loud wakeup call when explosions and gunfire rang through the streets of Mena beginning around 9:30 a.m. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
BY NORM BETZ One thing is for sure, when you sit down to watch an Acorn Tigers basketball game, it’s guaranteed to be exciting. The No. 3 seed from District 7W headed to Emerson, Arkansas with the hopes of doing something that hasn’t been done at Acorn in 39 years, make it to the 1A State Tournament. It took an overtime game, but with their backs against the wall, the Tigers stepped up to defeat No. 2 seed from District 7E, Bradley. Knotted at 60-all, the Tigers were determined to win the opening round at regionals, which in turn would READ FULL STORY ON PAGE 20
1020 MENA ST. MENA, AR 71953 | SINCE 1939
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Page 2
NEWS
March 4, 2015
Sheriff’s Dept. Investigating ‘Suspicious Fires’ BY MELANIE BUCK
The Polk County Sheriff’s Department has released a statement suspecting arson in a story first brought to you by The Pulse last week. In a string of seven fires that stretch from Potter to along Highway 270 and into eastern Oklahoma, the Sheriff’s Department says they are all considered as “suspicious fires.” Three fires were reported on February 20 – 21 on Highway 270 near Rich Mountain community. The first call came in around 4 p.m. Friday, February 20, reporting a small structure, possibly a storage shed, on fire near Eagleton. The structure was a complete loss. The next day, Saturday, February 21, around 7:30 a.m., another call was received stating an RV sitting on the side of Hwy. 270 West, between Eagleton and Rich Mountain, was on fire. The RV has been sitting there for many years with no utilities hooked-up. Approximately two hours later, a third call was received, reporting a vacant cabin, just passed Rich Mountain Store on Hwy. 270, was on fire as well. According to Steve Watson, owner of Rich Mountain Store, this cabin was the “old Little house place ½ mile west of the 270/272 junction.” Hours later, a fourth fire was reported in Page, Oklahoma, just across the state line from the Rich Mountain community. The store, formally named Hillbilly Junction, was reported at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. The store sits at the junction of Hwy. 270 and Hwy. 259. Also in Page, a vacant trailer was burnt as well making a total of five fires over the two-day period. During the following weekend, between February 27 and March 1, two more fires were reported, this time in the New Potter area. According to the released statement, a hay barn and a vehicle that has been parked in a wooded area for a number of years in a non-running condition were also burned. The statement said that due to the fact that all structures were vacant, none of the structures had any utilities hooked up, the vehicles were in non-running condition, and it was snowing or raining when the fires occurred, it appears that accelerant was used in all of the blazes. The Sheriff’s Department said, “We are now ready to say that a person or persons are working in Polk County to set intentional fires. Though we are following several leads at this time, we are not ready to share information regarding those leads, as it would compromise the investigation. However, the Sheriff’s Office realizes the importance of public assistance due to the large area that is involved, namely all of the county.” The Polk County Sheriff’s Department would like to encourage citizens that if you see any suspicious vehicle or person in your area, or any suspicious fire, please contact them at 479-394-2511.
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PHONE: 479-243-9600 FAX: 479-243-9603 1168 Hwy 71 South, Mena The Polk County Pulse is the area’s premiere and fastest growing news publication. The Pulse is FREE and published weekly on Wednesdays with a distribution of 8,000 and estimated readership of 10,000. All rights to contents are reserved by D&L Publishing Co. MyPulseNews.com currently has an on-line audience of 31,000 giving us a combined readership of 39,000. POLICY: The Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. All property rights, including any copyright interest, in any advertisement produced by D & L Publishing Co. and/or The Polk County Pulse using art work and/or typography furnished or arranged by D & L Publishing Co. and/or The Polk County Pulse shall be the property of D & L Publishing Co. and/or The Polk County Pulse. No such advertisement or any part thereof may be reproduced without the prior written consent of D & L Publishing Co. & The Polk County Pulse. POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENTS: Advertisements of a political nature must be pre-paid and must also include the name of the entity paying for the advertisement. If an entity other than the candidate the advertisement is endorsing is paying for the ad, a statement must be signed by the candidate verifying the candidate has seen and approved the advertisement.
Page 3
March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
NEWS
Regional Coalition Formed to Promote Bilingual Community for Economic Development
SUBMITTED BY FAITH LYNCH Three Arkansas counties are taking advantage of an untapped resource that could provide employment for many bilingual citizens. Sevier, Howard, and Polk Counties have discovered a way to employ many of their residents who are bilingual in English and Spanish. Tyson Foods has a four-story modern office building in Grannis, and have decided that it is entirely possible that this building could be put to use by a company other than Tyson that could offer employment for these bilingual citizens. In October 2014, Grannis Mayor Dwight Billings hosted a meeting at Grannis City Hall with Kevin Sexton of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) and others. The AEDC maintains a website that lists opportunities within Arkansas for companies throughout the United States to take advantage of. A coalition for the project was formed of Mayor Billings; Noel Bard, a volunteer from Grannis and Executive Vice-President of First State Bank of DeQueen; Faith Lynch, a volunteer from Wickes who is developing the project; Dr. Steve Cole, President of Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas (CCCUA); Dr. Phillip Wilson, President of Rich Mountain Community College (RMCC); Nate Bell, State Representative of House District 20 and his wife Phyllis Bell; DeAnn Vaught, State Representative of House District 4; Justin Gonzalez, State Representative of House District 43; Larry Teague, State Senator of Senate District 10. It is the goal of the coalition to develop a program with the AEDC that will attract a potential company to locate to Grannis and the Tyson office building. “We are optimistic that the large number of bilingual citizens will be one of the biggest attractions for a company to locate to Grannis,” the coalition said in a recent press release. Dr. Cole of CCCUA and volunteer Faith Lynch applied for, and received, a $2100 grant from the Western Arkansas Planning and Development District to conduct a survey to determine the number of citizens who are fluent in Spanish and English and who have a knowledge of correct usage of spelling, grammar, and sentence structure. Computer literacy will be essential for any candidate. With the funding of the $2100 grant, 2000 surveys with envelopes were printed, along with 200 13”x19” posters that they will be displayed in Sevier, Howard and Polk Counties. Faith Lynch and other volunteers will be visiting and distributing copies of surveys at Tyson and Pilgrim plants on all three shifts, the Husquevarna plant, schools, churches, etc., during the month of March. A Facebook group was created named “Grannis Bilingual Employment Survey.” Interested persons can join the group and can take the survey from there in less than five minutes. After April 1, 2015 the data from the survey will be given to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission so they can communicate with companies all over the United (corner of Hwy 71S & Main Street.....Same building as State Farm Insurance George Davis) States that this modern office building is available, along with a very large number of highly qualified citizens who are proficient in Spanish and English and who have highly ethical work standards.
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Page 4
March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
NEWS
Exchange Students Get First Taste of Snow BY MELANIE BUCK -
Something as simple as snow can make us realize how much we take for granted. Two exchange students share their stories of how the snow made their eyes sparkle, their smiles bigger, and their hearts swell. Exchange student Carol Wang of China experienced her first snowfall last week as Polk County was covered in the fluffy white precipitation. Carol has been in the U.S. since September, coming to Mena in November and lives with host family, Brian and Lis Robinson, along with Lauren Standridge and Jeremy Standridge. “This is my first time to see it snowing. My first reaction was to open my mouth to catch it and eat it. It was really frozen but really amazing,” said Carol. Wanting to see more snow, the family drove to Rich Mountain and played in the snow. “I laid down in the snow. I got all wet and it was cold but I didn’t even care. I made a snowball to have a snowfight. It feels really amazing. When I catch it, I don’t want to throw it away. I didn’t want to leave the mountain. My host mom helped me to make a snow angel. Everything was so white and so pretty. It was really quiet, and me and my host family just enjoyed the snow.” Loving the cold, soft snow Carol said as they were coming down the mountain, “I asked them if we can stop again and again. It was just not enough. I could not get enough.” Once back home, her host family made snow ice cream, another first for Carol, “We made snow ice cream and I really like it. They put some sugar in it and it was so much better than ice cream from the store.” Phuong “Finn” Le, exchange student from Vietnam who is staying with host family, Victor and Susan Rowell, along with their girls Tori, Emmye, Bethany, Cassie, and their newly arrived exchange student, Ingrid, enjoyed the snow as well. It was her second snow since arriving in the United States but was a special event. “We don’t have snow in Vietnam so I really like it. It’s cold, obviously, but the first time it snowed, I literally ran outside with shorts and bare feet to catch the flakes. Snow is very pretty, it makes everything look soft and sparkle, and I love taking pictures of it. I also enjoy playing with the snow,” said Finn. She also said, “I spent two hours outside building a snowman. I love my snowman, he’s cute. After one week since I started working on him, he hasn’t melted yet. I guess it was the power of love.” Shown left are Carol Wang and Lauren Standridge at the Fire Tower atop Rich Mountain. Finn Le is at right with her first snowman.
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Page 5
March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
Military Training
(CONT. FROM FRONT PAGE)
NEWS
As off-duty officers from Mena Police Department set up inside the building as insurgents trying to protect the target, the National Guard troops surrounded the two-story building and began their attack. Rushing through the doors, the soldiers began a tactical weaving in-and-out of old classrooms that once rang out with the sound of school bells and pre-teens’ laughter was suddenly filled with the sounds of piercing rounds of ammunition being fired in all directions. As orders were being yelled out by commanders the troops stationed themselves and waited for the next stage while taking care of the injured. Ducking in and out of rooms themselves, Mena Police Department Officers were smiling as they played a real-life game of cat and mouse. As the troops gained ground and eventually made it up the stairs, they were able to take the ‘insurgents’ out in a ‘kill or capture’ style and captured the live target. Never dropping the seriousness of their roles, the troops made their way out of the building in the same weaving fashion while soldiers armed with highpowered rifles laid atop Humvees watching the perimeter to assure their safe departure. Mena Police Chief Brandon Martin said he and his guys enjoyed the drill and had a lot of fun, “It was an honor for us to help them out in any way we can. Our guys enjoyed it and took a lot out of it. I’m sure our guys learned as much as they did. I really appreciate the opportunity to help the National Guard. Hopefully it’s the start of something we can help them out with more in the future. We really appreciate what they do for us as the military. We can’t thank them enough for their service.”
Farmers Feeding Families
Charmed
In recognition of what used to be National Food Check Out Week, where families have earned enough money for the year to purchase their entire amount of groceries for the upcoming year, Polk County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee donated Oatmeal to Acorn and Wickes Elementary School to be used in the Back Pack Program. The new program is known as Farmers Feeding Families. Pictured are Farm Bureau Women’s Committee members Kim Hughes and Rita Keener.
Jewelry, Handbags, Accessories & Much More
Northside Shopping Center • Mena, AR • 479-394-1992 Hours: 10 am - 6 pm Monday - Saturday
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Page 6
March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
NEWS
FCC Raises Concerns with Passage of Net Neutrality
BY MELANIE BUCK
As the FCC passed new regulations last week preventing Internet service providers from deciding whether to allow faster downloads on certain sites, the term ‘net neutrality’ has become the newest in an ever-growing vocabulary category of ‘what does that mean and how does it affect me?’ Statistics show that in 2014, around 40% of the world’s population had an internet connection. In 1995, less than 1% of the world population had internet. The number of internet users has increased tenfold from 1999 to 2013. The first billion users was reached in 2005; the second billion in 2010; and the third billion in 2014. The United States has almost 280 million users, accounting for almost 87% of the population, but less than 10% of the world’s internet use. The Pulse sought the expertise of local broadcaster, Chris Daniel, who has been in the business and working in conjunction with the FCC for close to four decades. Daniel opposes the FCC’s net neutrality and says that control is just what the government will take. “There is just so much information, how it’s going to affect the consumers is different than how it’s going to affect heavy users.” Daniel said, “It reminds me a lot of Obamacare, it’s about control. Net neutrality doesn’t seem to me like it’s a fair component. There’s all kinds of arguments out there. At the very least, it’s confusing. Everyone has a different take on it. The White House has been pressing this situation for a long time. I personally think it’s a huge slam on free speech.” The easiest way to describe net neutrality is to say, it’s the idea that all internet traffic be treated equally. In layman’s terms, some sites pull more ‘juice’ than others and it can bog down servers and slow down upload and download speeds. Popular sites such as Netflix tend to pull a much greater amount of ‘juice’ than say, a blog. Currently, there are no restrictions on what content you can access, view, download, or upload. However, service providers such as AT&T and Verizon believe that sites that pull a vast amount of service should have to pay extra for that service, or be slowed down to allow other sites to function faster. This comes on the heals of Comcast, who provides digital TV, high-speed internet, and home phone services, losing a court case in which they were found to have violated Federal Communications Commission (FCC) policy by restricting traffic requiring large amounts of bandwidth from passing through their network. Net neutrality requires service providers to be a neutral gateway instead of handling different types of internet traffic in different ways and at different costs. Or, as Damon Beres of The Huffington Post put it, “The regulations aim to ban Internet service providers (ISPs) from giving preferential treatment to companies that would pay extra to get their content to consumers.” Comcast challenged the FCC’s authority to regulate the internet to which the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit agreed. After the Court of Appeals released their decision, the FCC vamped up their efforts to reclassify broadband internet as a telecommunications service in order to assert its authority to regulate the use of the internet. Not all bedroom sizes and locations are immediately available. According to Wendy Boswell, Web Search Expert, “Basic public infrastructure, MAXIMUM RENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS: such as subways, buses, telephone companies, etc., are not allowed to discriminate, restrict, or differentiate common access, and this is the core concept behind net neu3 BEDROOM $571.00 trality as well.” An example given by Boswell was, “a mom talking about her kids has 2 BEDROOM $423.00 the exact same opportunities to be heard online as the millionaire giving a talk to his 1 BEDROOM $323.00 stockholders via podcast. Without net neutrality, this opportunity would be limited at
The Polk County Housing Authority has apartments located in MENA, HATFIELD, COVE AND WICKES APPLICANTS ARE NEEDED
CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
Potter RVFD would like to give our heartfelt appreciation to George Muns, his family and members of the Liberty Ambulance Service, for giving the Potter community 4 new first responders. Thank you for the over and above education and equipment you provided. God bless you all.
Efficiency $309.00 The Housing Authority pays the following expenses: Natural Gas, Water, Sewer and Garbage pickup.
ACTUAL RENT IS BASED ON INCOME
WE CONDUCT A CREDIT AND CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECK AND APPLICANTS MUST MEET INCOME GUIDELINES. POLK COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES ARE “SMOKE-FREE”
479-394-7301
1102 Crestwood Circle Mena, AR 71953
ALL APPLICANTS ARE ACCEPTED ON TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS PHONE: 479-394-1565 or 479-394-1569 APPLY AT: Polk County Housing Authority 509 South Morrow Street, Mena, AR 71953
Page 7
March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
BY LEANN DILBECK Michael W. Laws, age 28, of Mena has been arraigned on Sexual Assault in the First Degree, a Class A Felony, this week in Polk County Circuit Court. Laws is accused of on several occasions beginning September 27, 2013 and continuing until September 25, 2014 of engaging in multiple acts of both deviate sexual activity and sexual intercourse with a minor female, who was not his spouse, and over whom he had a position of trust or authority, specifically as a church leader at The Crossing Church, constituting a Class A Felony. The Crossing’s Pastor Victor Rowell told The Pulse, “Because the students of this community have been the focus of my life for the last 30 years and the focus of the Church for over the last 10, this situation breaks my heart. “First and foremost, we are praying for everyone that is involved. Children are a priority to us and child safety is of the utmost importance. We go out of the way to provide a safe environment with background checks and safety training with all who work with students. “Michael was not a paid staff member at the church. He was a volunteer but when the situation was discovered, he was removed as we do hold those working with students to a high standard. We have been and will continue to work with the authorities, but because it is an open case, I am not at liberty to discuss any further details.” Laws entered a “not guilty” plea and has been released on a $10,000 bond. The file in the case has been sealed. The trial is set for June 25, 2015. All defendants are to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Net Neutrality (CONT. FROM PAGE 6)
NEWS
Laws Charged with Sexual Assault of a Minor
best, and completely throttled at worst.” Since the FCC passed net neutrality on Thursday, February 26, broadband is considered a public utility, like electricity or phone service. Republicans have launched an investigation into whether it’s legal for the FCC to have such authority. Opponents of net neutrality like Comcast, Verizon, and AT&T, companies that provide broadband services, say that companies such as Netflix should have to pay more money for the amount of bandwidth that they use. Beres points out in his article that, “Netflix accounts for over one third of downstream internet traffic” during peak use hours in North America. Beres summarized by saying, “With net neutrality protections, everything must be sorted and delivered in equal measure. Without them, Netflix could, in theory, outbid Hulu for premium delivery on your Internet provider, slowing rival services to a halt and giving Netflix’s streaming program a leg up in the marketplace simply because it was able to pay for it.” Netflix is a proponent of net neutrality because to them, “a free and open internet is key to allowing innovation.” So what does all of this mean to you? Right now, not too much, as the regulations are staying in place. However, in the future, if the FCC loses the battle, you could be paying a fee to watch YouTube videos at full speed, or to download music. Or, you may be choosing channels just like you do for cable or satellite TV. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said the policy will ensure “that no one — whether government or corporate — should control free open access to the Internet.” Although the government says that there won’t be any cost to the new regulations, Daniel argues that there has to be money to enforce the regulations. “They say there won’t be fees or taxes involved but where will the money come from? Small town radios, TV stations, and internet service providers, all have real serious concerns about what they’re going to have to do to comply, such as reports, those things cost money. It could turn into a charge on your bill, because the cost will be passed on to the consumer. It will be built in to rate increases. They have already farmed out their services to third party call centers in other countries to save money. It’s just going to be one more thing to cost them and the consumers’ pockets.” Daniel said, “I would encourage people to take a hard look at it. It’s going to slow down rural broadband growth. For a new business that wants to locate in Mena, they need good, fast dependable broadband and if they can’t get that, then they’ll go somewhere else until they see how this is going to affect places.” As is with new legislation, the debate will continue and the long-term effects to the consumer will only be revealed in the years to come. You are invited to the
Annual Banquet & Membership Celebration
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of the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce
on Tuesday, March 17, 2015
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A silent auction will kick off the evening at 6 o’clock in the Carver Grand Hall of The Ouachita Center at RMCC The evening’s guest speaker will be Craig O’Neill. Community Awards will be presented with dinner catered by Paisano’s. Tickets are on sale now at the chamber office for $30.00 per person or $220.00 for a table of eight. Seating is limited, so get your tickets now before they sell out. Proceeds benefit the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce 2015 Scholarship Program.
Page 8
NEWS
March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
State Passage of Bill Could Give Tax Benefits to Families with Disabled Children BY MELANIE BUCK
On February 10, 2015 the Arkansas REALTORS® Association hosted REALTOR® Day at the Capitol Building in Little Rock. Almost 200 REALTORS® attended the event and spent time meeting with representatives in the Arkansas General Assembly to discuss the importance of protecting private property rights and encouraging homeownership. Hot Springs REALTOR® Chris Polychron was recognized by both the Arkansas State Senate and the Arkansas House of Representatives for his service as 2015 President of the National Association of REALTORS®. Representative Laurie Rushing presented Bill Ladd, Jonathan Moore, and Ronald B. Stinchcomb with Arkansas flags that were flown over the State Capitol. Currently serving as Past President, President, and President-Elect, respectively, of the Arkansas REALTORS® Association, Representative Rushing recognized the men as the past, present, and future of the Association. The Mena Area Board of REALTORS® was represented by Nancy Wright of Re/Max Mena Real Estate and Diana Dugan of Vision Realty.
The ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Act of 2014 was recently signed into federal law by President Obama and is making its way through the House of Representatives in the state of Arkansas. The ABLE Act will allow families that have children with disabilities to save for college and other expenses in tax-deferred accounts. The ABLE Act changes the Internal Revenue Service Code to allow use of tax-free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. Families will be allowed to use the money in the savings accounts to pay for education, housing, medical, and transportation expenses. However, it will be up to the individual states to enact the bill. Arkansas House Representative of District 27 Julie Mayberry (R) has filed HB 1239 titled ABLE or, “To Create the Achieving a Better Life Experience Program and to Provide New Avenue for Financial SelfSufficiency for Arkansans with Disabilities.” The bill is currently making its way through the House before being sent on to the state Senate. Before the bill, families had no incentive to save for their disabled child’s post-secondary education or transporation. If they had saved more than $2,000 for college, an apartment, or transportation to work, they would lose critical benefits for their children, including medical and supplemental coverage. The Autism Society said, “This piece of legislation is an important step toward empowering people with disabilities to achieve independence and affirms self-sufficiency. The Autism Society is proud of our affiliate network and advocacy organizations across the country that took a leadership role in advocating for this bill and for all people with disabilities.” One local family, P.T. and Christy Plunkett, have two sons, Drew and Jake. Jake is diagnosed with autism. The Plunketts, and families like theirs, will benefit from the ABLE Act of 2014. Christy said of the Act, “Several years ago we set up 529-Plans (an education savings plan operated by a state or educational institution designed to help families set aside funds for future college costs) for the boys. In the years since we have had to rewrite goals for Jake. The 529-Plan could not be used for any of those plans for Jake without a penalty and tax implications. Last year our financial advisor helped us get that money transferred to Drew’s name to be used for his education. We are As I looked out at winter’s wonder out my front door, today excited about the ABLE Act and what it will mean for Jake and our goals for him brings another blessing. I was able to get up and go about another day. beyond high school. It is our hope that one day he will be able to function in a group home for men with autism and learn skills that will enable him to have a better life. I thank God for each day. Recently I mailed thank you cards to The ABLE Act will help us to plan and save to make those dreams a reality.” people, people who took time to just simply write a card, bring To help the passage of this bill in Arkansas, you can contact your local represenflowers and food. There was such a long list of people who just called, tative to let them know your thoughts. Arkansas District 20 Representative Nate came to the viewing and to John’s funeral. I don’t want to leave Bell can be reached at 479-234-2092 or by searching Representative Nate Bell on anyone out. In our fast moving day we tend to forget the small things Facebook. Arkansas District 10 State Senator Larry Teague may be reached at 870in life that might mean a lot to someone else. My family and myself 845-5303 or by emailing at larry.teague@senate.ar.gov.
A Simple Thank You
Thank you to the ladies of the First Methodist Church who provided food, to Pastor Tom Frase who conducted the service, to Louise Buchanan who sang so beautifully, to Ladonna Mohr who compiled the memorial video, and to all those who sent flowers, cards of prayer and sympathy and the phone calls. All these are helping us through this difficult time after the death of our daughter,
Lisa ReNae Sunderman Kelly. Thank you.
Henry, Betty and Wes Sunderman
want to thank everyone who helped us to celebrate the life of John Bender. We were so blessed to know you cared enough to come by or call, bring flowers, visits, bring food, and comfort or a simple card. We are so blessed by a community of caring people. DeDe Bender Debbie and Kyle & Family Gwen and Mike & Family Andi and Brad
Page 9
March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
Virl Wanker Walters, age 90, of Mena, passed away Saturday, February 28, 2015 in Mena. She was born December 25, 1924 in Hill City, Kansas to the late Elva Wanker and the late Sarah Parks Wanker. She was married to the late Glenn Walters and was in the grocery warehouse business by profession. She was a loving and kind mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, great-great-grandmother and friend to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed by all. She is survived by daughter, Barbara Hedges and husband Charlie of Mena; granddaughters, Kandy Ortgies and husband Cal of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Annette McDanel and husband Tommy of Winnsboro, Texas, Renee Murphy of Arlington, Texas; nine great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elva and Sarah Wanker; husband, Glenn Walters; daughter, Lottie Ann Camack; grandson, Steve Carlson; four brothers and one sister. Funeral service will be Friday, March 6, 2015 at Beasley Wood Chapel, 2:00 p.m. with Brother Lynn Chiles officiating under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena. Interment will be in Wichita, Kansas.
Charles R. Kincaid Charles R. Kincaid, age 86, of Mena passed away Thursday, February 26, 2015 in Mena, Arkansas.
Rebecca Rhea Von Lienen
keeping by profession. She was a loving and kind wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed by all. She is survived by husband, Dwight Powell of the home; children, Shelby and Jennifer Sullivan, of Mena, Arkansas, Joseph Powell of Burlington, North Carolina, Violet and Brendan Gibbons, of Mena, Arkansas, DeAnna Skipper of Mena, Arkansas, Duane and Sherri Powell of Mena, Arkansas, Dennis Powell of Mena, Arkansas; sister, Rosemary and husband Terry Crabtree of Fouke, Arkansas; fifteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services were Saturday, February 28, 2015, 11:00 a.m. at Beasley Wood Chapel with Brother Orval Heath and Brother James Spradlin officiating. Interment followed in the Gann Cemetery in Potter under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena. Visitation was Friday, February 27, 2015 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena. Pallbearers were Shelby Sullivan, Duane Powell, Dennis Powell, Joseph Powell, Skip Skipper, and Colton Powell.
Dale Ponder
Powell
Rebecca Rhea Von Lienen Powell, age 60, of Mena, passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2015 in Mena. She was born September 28, 1954 in Tampa, Florida to Ray Von Lienen and Mary V Murphy Bain. She was married to Dwight Powell and worked in book-
Dale Ponder, age 79, of Mena passed away Friday, February 20, 2015 in Mena. He was born February 19, 1936 in Norman, Arkansas to the late Alvin Ponder and the late Etta Jane Driggers Ponder. He married Janet (Jett) Petty in 1956. After their three children
were born, Dale and Janet moved to Washington State where they resided for the next forty years, with the exception of a short stint back in Arkansas. While in Washington, Dale worked hard and eventually had his own underground cable construction company. His wife Janet passed away in 2001. After much consideration Dale dissolved the business and decided to move back to Arkansas. He later met and married Opal Zedlitz from Mena, Arkansas. They were able to travel to Washington State every summer until Dale’s health began to deteriorate finally disabling him completely. Dale loved life and had a great sense of adventure. His family meant the world to him. He loved people and if you weren’t smiling after an encounter with Dale, well, you just weren’t listening. Dale is survived by wife, Opal Ponder of the home; son, Dennis Ponder and wife Rosetta of Longview, Washington; daughters, Tammy Epperson and husband Alan of Longview, Washington, Terri Magazine and husband Rick of Paradise, California; step-sons, Scott Zedlitz and Ricky Zedlitz of Tyler Texas; grandchildren, Kevin, Kristen, Bryan, Derrick, Jason, Justin, and Rachel; step-grandchild, Logan Zedlitz; several great-grandchildren; brother, Jimmy Ponder and wife Iva of Norman, Arkansas; sister, Lucille Varnell of Norman, Arkansas; sister-in-law, Louise Ponder of Norman, Arkansas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Ray Ponder; sisters, Billie Jo Scott and Nelex “Sis”Ponder. Mr. Ponder was sent for cremation and services will be announced later by the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.
OBITUARIES
Virl Wanker Walkers
He was born May 3, 1928 in Oilton, Oklahoma to the late James Joseph Kincaid and Nancy Lavada Davis Kincaid. He was a veteran of WW2 and the Korean War. He served two tours in the United States Navy from 1945-1953 on the USS Iowa, USS Atlanta, and the USS Owen. He loved God and his family. He was a member of the Church of Christ and served as an Elder at multiple congregations for many years. He was an avid sportsman who loved to hunt and fish and will be missed by all who were blessed to know him. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Melva Ver-Na Kincaid and seven children, Robert Kincaid and wife Sally, David Kincaid, Brenda Rush, Cindy Adame and husband Manuel, Mark Kincaid and wife Dana, Randy Kincaid and wife Debbie, John Kincaid and wife Lisa. Twenty-five grandchildren, twenty-nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be Friday, March 6, 2015, 10:00 a.m. at Beasley Wood Chapel. Interment will follow in the Gann Cemetery in Potter, Arkansas under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena. Family and friends visitation will be Thursday, March 5, 2015 at Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Obituaries are available online @ Mypulsenews.com
Page 10
THE POLK COUNTY PULSE
March 4, 2015
Community Award Nominees
• Telle ra Wickes t Union Bank in • Spou se: Bra ndon F • Has loyd 3k • Direc ids tor of E agles N and Po es lk Membe Co. Basketba t Fdn. r of Po ll A lk Board County ssoc. Fair
owe R a n i r t Ka
h obacco throug s the T • Run on Program . c n ti I Preven Connections e w y Health : Landon Ro rs se • Spou twin daughte ard o 2 b s r a e b H • Cham a is e • Sh er memb
Larry & Linda Dunaway • Owns R & D Industries Inc. • Larr y ser ved in the National Guard • Cooks for various churches, fire departments, and others in need
James Ea r
Shanae F loyd
n
nso Joh
e Pet hnson ouse: Linda Jo
You areto theinvited Annual Banquet & Membership Celebration
of the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce on
Tuesday, March 17, 2015.
A silent auction will kick off the evening at 6 o’clock in the Carver Grand Hall of The Ouachita Center at RMCC The evening’s guest speaker will be Craig O’Neill. Community Awards will be presented with dinner catered by Paisano’s.
Tickets are on sale now at the chamber office for $30.00 per person or $220.00 for a table of eight.
Seating is limited, so get your tickets now before they sell out. Proceeds benefit the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce 2015 Scholarship Program.
• Owns Glennair e Constr u ction • Spous e: Ewan ta Tur ner • Work s for the M Fire De par tmen ena t& assists the Depar tm Ink Fire e • Has 2 nt kids
l Turner
Volunteer of the Year
• Sp Depar t• Retired from Ser vices an um H of ment s after 38 year e board of • Ser ved on th PCDC, & y, Salvation Ar m CASA • 2 Kids
h t r o W s a l o h Nic • Co-Founder & Co-Presid ent of Mena Gaming Associatio n • Ouachita Little Theatre Volunteer • Actively involved with fun draising for Toys for Tots, Relay for Life, Arkansas Childr en's Hospital, Polk County Ani mal Shelter & Tor nado Relief
Renovation/Beautification Sonic Dr lfieldi , AR e D ive-In & s ’s Ga Hat
TJ
March 4 , 2015
THE POLK COUNTY PULSE
Page 11
Community Award Nominees
Jeanne J
ordan
• Foun der of F re Pregna ncy Cen sh Star t ter • Mem ber of T he Cros Foursq sing uare Ch urch • Has 2 kids • A CM A Mem ber
• Andy is Prosecuting Attorney for 18 West Judicial District • Covenant House board member • Candace is Marketing Director for Mena Adver tising & Promotion Commission • Founder of Princess in His Image
Roy Vail
• OLT Donor of the Polk • Past President ub Cl um ss County Po MN KR for r ee nt lu • Vo Jazz ru for his • Honored by Pe rare e th ef for ts to save y Dr l Tropica Forest in the District of San Mar tin
New Construction
014 4Ans 2 s t a c y d io Mena LVaolleyball Champ erton, cy Broth State iffee, Ma oke Hines, D e c ti s u J ro
John Vacc
a
• Spou se: Joly nn • Co-O wns Jan Vacca ssen Pa • Has 2 rk Plac k e • Board ids membe r of AR (Arkans CO as Regio nal Coa the Oua li chitas) and A& tion of Commis P sioner & RMC Founda C tion of Directo rs
• Spouse: Junior Ledbetter • Co-Owner of The Outback Bar n • Has 2 kids • Recovering from donating her kidney to her brother
Amy Ledbetter
cal i d e M Ouachi na ta Cent MeAssociateatsMRHS er at RMC C
in, B ood, chael W rix, Kenzi Spurg eeley Jones, o unch, Ra K Bailey B erton, Daryan T Maddie Morris, mith, th r, rittany S Madi Bro ard, Allie Sessle Abbie Smith, B sby, Kensie , W le th mie Og Jordan on Boo l, mons, Ja ade, Allis McDanie Kelsey W gua, Ansley Sim Sikes, Courtney mith ania on S gan Arriella P exi Brooks, Rea iffee, and Addis D L Sawyer, Harrison, Jozsa Brandie
Guest Speaker
Young
CC s at RM • Work : David se • Spou as 3 kids ;h g n u o Y rd ber boa m a a • Ch n e r&M rd membe Hospital Boa l a n Regio ctors of Dire r of Rotar y be m • Me ess n io L &
Andy & Candace Riner
Tammy
Citizen of the Year
Craig O'Neill
• Graduated from Little Rock's Central High School & Arkansas State University in Jonesboro • given his time and talents to help many organizations including The American Cancer Society, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Arkansas Children's Theatre, etc.
Page 12
AT THE CAPITOL
March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
Bids Open for Largest Highway Construction Program in State History
BY STATE SENATOR LARRY TEAGUE LITTLE ROCK – The largest highway construction program in state history got off to a good start when the Highway Commission opened bids for a $52.7 million project in northwest Arkansas. The project is the next phase in the Bella Vista bypass. It will relieve congestion in that city and eventually become part of the route of Interstate 49 between Canada and New Orleans. It’s the first project in the Connecting Arkansas Program (CAP), which will be paid with revenue from a half cent sales tax collected for 10 years. The tax was approved by voters in a 2012 state election. It will finance an investment of $1.8 billion in 31 separate highway construction projects extending 180 miles. Those projects will be concentrated in 19 heavily traveled corridors. A new Internet web site tracks the progress of the CAP projects. It has various maps and it will update information about lane closures in construction zones. It is at ConnectingArkansasProgram.com You also can access the web site through IDriveArkansas.com The half cent sales tax for highways generated almost $13.3 million in January, which is 4.4 percent below forecasts. At the Highway Commission meeting, a finance officer reported that February revenue also was on pace to come in below estimates. Initial estimates were for the half cent sales tax to generate $160 million a year for the state Highway and Transportation Department and $35 million a year for counties and cities. That represents the traditional division of highway revenue in Arkansas, under which the state receives 70 percent, counties get 15 percent and cities get 15 percent. The constitutional amendment approved by voters last year also created a permanent fund for city street projects, similar to the aid for counties fund. The city street aid fund is replenished with revenue from one cent of existing motor fuels taxes collected on sales of gasoline. It will generate about $20 million a year. Cities apply for funding from that account and must put up 10 percent of the cost of a project. The state aid fund will match it with 90 percent. Act 1032 of 2011 creates a committee of nine mayors to determine how money from the state aid fund is to be distributed. The mayors are appointed by the governor, the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tem of the Senate, each of whom must appoint at least one mayor from a city of more than 25,000 residents. Tourism Tax Revenue The state tourism tax is a 2 percent sales tax on items related to tourism, such as hotel rooms and boat rentals. In 2013 the tax generated $12.7 million, a record. That money will pay for advertising and promotions of Arkansas as a tourist destination. Arkansas tourism is rebounding after a national economic slump in 2009 had a negative effect on tourist destinations in every state. In 2009 the state tourism tax generated $11.3 million. Tourism officials reported that 103,400 people worked in the leisure and hospitality businesses in Arkansas in December. The economic impact of tourism in Arkansas is an estimated $5.7 billion a year.
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Westerman Votes for Continuing Resolution, Conference with Senate
BY U.S. REPRESENTATIVE BRUCE Westerman WASHINGTON – Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-Hot Springs) issued the following statement following his vote Friday (February 27) for a continuing resolution that funds the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the next one week: “My vote today for the continuing resolution ensures that the president’s illegal executive action remains unfunded following the ruling of a federal judge in Texas. My vote also allows the hardworking men and women of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to have financial security while Congress works to craft a bill that upholds the Constitution and protects the United States. “It is my hope that the House and Senate are able to work together, in good faith, to find a solution during the next week. The House was able to pass a long-term Homeland Security funding bill six weeks ago that also fulfilled the will of my constituents by stopping the president’s unlawful action. “With this short-term extension, along with my vote today to conference with the Senate, we should find a solution for the long-term that prevents the president’s unconstitutional rewriting of our immigration laws and continues the tasks delegated to this government agency.”
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Page 13
March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
Kindness
OPINION
BY MICHEAL REISIG Kindness is a universal language – it doesn’t matter what race you are or what religion you adhere to, you are in tune with it. The blind can see it and the deaf can hear it. The concept of kindness is simply the act of offering a benevolence – nothing asked, nothing expected. But the strange thing about charity of any sort, is that it has a unique way of finding its way back to the bestower. When I first got into the book-writing business, none of the authors further up the food chain wanted to help me. I remember speaking with a fairly successful writer – someone I held in esteem. I began to ask him questions and basically he told me that, he wished me the best of luck, but he just didn’t have time to help me. He was just too busy. That made a remarkable impression on me – realizing, that to him, I represented an interruption at best, or a possible rival... I swore I would never be like that – I would share what I learned. I can say honestly I’ve helped dozens and dozens of authors over the years, and the odd thing is, I’m absolutely amazed at how many times I’ve benefited from it. I can’t remember once when it harmed me. The example that stands out most took place a couple of years ago. He was a new writer just getting into amazon.com. He contacted me via email and in the process I willingly gave him the tricks of the trade, and sent him a free copy of the writer’s handbook I had written. It turned out that he was somewhat of a genius regarding marketing. He soon became remarkably adept at amazon.com book promotions and became a top seller practically overnight. Because I had helped him when he was green, he shared much of his knowledge with me, and my profits increased commensurately. Kindness – you never know where it will take you. I was reminded that in life you have to know how to treasure kindness – to give it without hesitation, how to lose it without regret, and how to acquire it with grace. Sometimes kindness is just going the extra distance and loving people more than they deserve – what have you got to lose, really? A lot of times, what folks need are not the suggestions of a remarkable intellect, but a good heart that listens, or a random, inexplicable act of kindness. You never know when you might be the single fortuity that tips the scales of life for someone. Be reminded that everyone you meet is fighting a battle of some sort, and that there is a magic in kindness that offers strength without payment. More often than not, it is witnessing a few remarkable moments of courage, selflessness, or kindness that redirects the future for individuals. I’ll leave you with a quote from the ancient Greek fabulist, Aesop: “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Letters to the Editor are not edited for grammar or spelling and are printed exactly as they are received.
Dear Editor, My comments on Mena Bearcat football team playing in state playoff at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock against Warren. We had maybe 7,000 fans. Take 4 or 5 plays out, we could have had a much different outcome. Mena Bearcats team played hard, never giving up. Bearcat fans were very vocal, sounded loud, and good. “Thanks”. The cheerleaders and the band gave it their all in support through thick and thin, everyone there gave it their all. Very proud of our Mena Bearcat team and coaches for giving their “all”. We were blessed with an overall healthy team, thank God for that. We named my section “Rowdy Bunch!” As leader I apologize for being obnoxious to the Refs. Some calls were probably wrong sometimes, this still gave me no right to be mean spirited toward them. My section will still be Rowdy, vocal, noisy, and supportive in whatever to completely back our team. The Bearcats give it their all on the field so we as fans should give our all in yelling for the Bearcats. Lets all get “Rowdy” in support of our Bearcats and coaches. Cheering for Bearcats can be like a wave washing over the crowd then over the field giving the coaches and team reason to give it an extra effort. Bearcats Runner Up in State is something to be “Proud Proud Proud” of. Hold your heads high, work extra hard on your grades, work hard all the time as a football “team” always give it everything you have saving nothing back and we will see Little Rock again. Thanks fans, coaches, band, cheerleaders and a “Great Bearcat Team”. Last but not lease thank you Lord for blessing “our team”. Once again I apologize to the refs and everyone for my obnoxious actions. Ben Hogan Mena, AR Letters to the Editor Policy - The Polk County Pulse reserves all rights to reject submissions. Anonymous letters are not permitted. All letters to the editor must be signed, include author’s town of residence, and be free of the threat of libel. Letters must be 300 words or less. We prefer they stay in the bounds of sensibility and good taste. We reserve the right to authenticate letters before publishing.
Senators Introduce Resolution Honoring Nemtsov, Calling for Action
Washington, D.C.— Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and a bipartisan group of 15 Senate cosponsors called Monday for strong action after the murder of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov Friday in Moscow. Johnson, Shaheen and their cosponsors introduced a resolution laying out the known facts not only relating to Nemtsov’s work on behalf of freedom and human rights but to the violent deaths suffered by other critics of the Putin regime. The resolution calls for a swift, transparent investigation of Nemtsov’s murder, and it calls on the Obama administration to take specific steps to bolster American support for Russian activists in the cause of liberty. It calls on the administration to follow Nemtsov’s recommendation to add specific names to the visa ban list provided for under the “Magnitsky Act.” Nemtsov was a strong partner and ally as the groundbreaking Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act was becoming U.S. law. The resolution also encourages the administration to send a high-level American delegation to Nemtsov’s funeral and to significantly increase its support for like-minded partners in Russia. The senators made these comments after the resolution was introduced: “Boris Nemtsov truly dedicated his life to the cause of freedom and human rights, seeking to rid Russia’s government of the corruption that fuels authoritarianism. This courageous work in support of the universal and inalienable rights of the Russian people to freely choose their leaders and live according to democratic standards deserves our recognition.”
Page 14
March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
CITIZEN
Shanea Floyd - A Heart for Helping
BY JACLYN ROSE Born and raised in south Polk County, Shanea Floyd is a dedicated citizen, always ready to lend a hand to her neighbor and better her community. After graduating from Wickes High School in 1999, Floyd married her husband Brandon, who at the time was active duty Army, and the couple moved to Fort Hood. “Being an Army wife wasn’t easy. I would relive just about anything, except that. Brandon went to Iraq between the 2003-2005 time frame and it was hard. He works off now, but nothing compares to him being over there. My husband and I had some issues years ago, like all couples do, and my dad told me to be sure that I knew what I was doing because someone else could be rocking my sick babies and that is all it took for me to tell him, ‘get in here and let’s work this out.’ I want to be the only one rocking my babies. For us, that is the main drive to make our marriage work,” explained Floyd. As soon as possible, the Floyds moved back to Polk County where they now live on a farm in Hatfield. “My daddy told my husband that we better be back home before we had our children or else my husband would be coming to visit them here,” Floyd said with a laugh. The couple has three children, Makaya, a 12-year old 7th grader at Cossatot River High School, and 9 year old twins, Luke and Lacy, who are 3rd graders at Wickes Elementary. “I love watching my kids become who they are going to be. At three years old I could already tell my twins’ personalities, Luke was like a laid back older man, while Lacy is me made over, she just gets things done, and Makaya is just her own person and is really protective of her brother and sister,” Floyd explained. After moving back to Polk County, Floyd began her career in banking and worked for 11 years at First National Bank in Mena. “You name it, I did it,” said Floyd with a laugh. “Technically though, I was a loan processer for Bobby Sanders and Greg Goss. I loved Bobby like a dad, he was such a great man and I really enjoyed working for Gary Newcomb.” Three years ago, Floyd was able to move her career back to south Polk County by accepting a job as a teller for the Union Bank Wickes Branch. “I’ve always seen and heard how Union Bank employees are so well respected by the company and they are, they really treat their employees wonderfully. I think one of the things I like so much is that they are hometown to the bone. My co-workers and my boss, Kyle Cannon, are so wonderful about letting me work on community events. For Relay for Life, we sold 140 dozen chocolate covered strawberries for Valentine’s Day, out of this branch. We had customers even coming in to help us, because they believe in the cause. So much of the work I did for the Ty Thacker Family Fun Day, I did at my desk and it takes them caring about the cause and their community, to let me do that,” Floyd explained. “I also own a photography business, Memory Lane Photography by Shanea Floyd, which is a wonderful creative outlet.” Aside from her work and her family, Floyd stays very busy with community events. A member of the Polk County Fair Board and part of the Fair and Rodeo Committee, Floyd oversees concessions at any event held at the Fairgrounds. She also serves as a director for the Eagles Nest Foundation, the Cossatot River Booster Club, which provides the necessities for athletes and other functions from the quiz bowl to the band and choir. Floyd is also a director and a coach for the Polk County Basketball Association and she and her family are active members of the Zafra Church of Christ. When a member of her community is in crisis and needs help, Floyd is one of the first to step up to the plate. “I like to help the different families in the community with their events and when Ty Thacker was diagnosed I just felt like God laid it on my heart to help and I’m a firm believer that when God lays things on your heart, you need to do it. I think He gave me the ability to be able to organize those types of events, so I feel like I should use it. And we live in such a generous community and that helps so much,” explained Floyd. The Ty Thacker Family Fun Day went on to raise $17,000 to assist the Thacker family during Ty’s ongoing battle with Leukemia. “I couldn’t do half of what I do without this wonderful Get’s you back where you belong. community and the generosity of the people and the businesses in it. Their support is so important,” Floyd explained.
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Page 15
March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
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Broadening Polk County’s Healthcare
Mena Regional Health System (MRHS) has a long standing tradition of service to the community in Polk County, as well as its neighbors. Beginning in 1980, MRHS has been providing acute inpatient and outpatient services from their original building located on North Morrow Street which was then renovated in 2006 to add additional space, as well as updating the existing facility. Beginning four years ago, MRHS began employing physicians, which were housed in various clinics around Mena. The Board of Commissioners and hospital administration had a vision to create a centralized environment, owned by the hospital that was convenient, and cost efficient to house all of these physicians. This expansion would also provide a central location that would be appealing to potential physicians and specialists and aide MRHS in their task of recruiting quality physicians and specialists for the area. On June 27, 2013, the final construction agreement was approved and Mena Medical Associates, located at 1103 College Drive, next to the hospital, opened in September 2014. Mena Medical Associates offers wonderful and diverse services to the community and surrounding areas. With the addition of several new physicians and several more negotiations with new specialists in the works, the idea that a patient can have all of their medical records in one place, is an important benefit of the new clinic. “We think when a specialist can review what the primary care doctor has provided, it will improve the patient’s outcome,” explained Lori House, Director of Clinic Operations. Richard Eccles, MD has a focus on pediatrics, adolescent medicine, primary care sports medicine with concussion management, internal medicine for adults including diabetes, hypertension and COPD. Stephen Luker, DO has a focus on family medicine, urgent care medicine, sports medicine and orthopedics, occupational medicine, workman’s comp injuries, Osteopathic Manipulative treatments, and sports physicals. Steve Forrest, MD has a focus on family medicine, well child care, emergency medicine, preventative medicine, respiratory disease, hospice care, and cardiovascular health. Kent Schnetzler, MD is an Orthopedic Surgeon and has a focus on comprehensive orthopedic care, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger and other hand surgeries, arthritis care including: Hyaglan and Corticosteriod injections, fracture care both surgical and non-surgical, and children’s orthopedics and fracture care. Sharon Webb, MD has a focus on family medicine, emergency medicine, well woman care, well child care, and workman’s comp injuries. Eric Webb, PA.C has a focus on family medicine, urgent care and minor injuries. Thomas Sullivan, MD is a double board certified, General Surgeon and Colorectal Surgeon. In addition to the impressive line-up of physicians, Mena Medical Associates rotates phycians from the Hot Springs Cardiology Clinic on Tuesdays. They also employ eight nurses and a team of seven office staff. Mena Medical Associates is accepting new patients and is offering same day appointments. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 am until 5 pm and accept most insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid. “Mena Medical Associates, as a division of Mena Regional Health System, allows us to provide a continuum of health care services from primary care, specialty ambulatory care, to acute care hospital services to residents in our community within the same organization. Our staff, physicians, nurses and clinic employees are available to assist members of the community in scheduling initial follow-up appointments, to establish primary care services and schedule referral to specialty services in our new ambulatory clinic facility,” states Rick Billingsley, Interim CEO. “Our professional physicians and office staff that offer compassionate, patient centered healthcare to residents of Polk County and the surrounding areas. We look forward to expanding our specialty services in the future and continuing to provide excellent care for the entire family,” states House.
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Page 16
THE POLK COUNTY PULSE
March 4, 2015
March 4, 2015
THE POLK COUNTY PULSE
Page 17
Page 18
FAMILY
March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
#LOL The Hamster and The Frog
A mangy looking guy walks into a very classy restaurant and orders a steak. The waitress says: “I’m sorry, but I don’t think you can pay for your meal.” The guy admits, “You’re right. I don’t have any money, but if I show you something you haven’t seen before, will you give me my supper?” The waitress, both curious and compassionate, says, “Only if what you show me isn’t risque.” “Deal!” says the guy and reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a hamster. He puts the hamster on the ground and it runs across the room, directly to a piano. The hamster then proceeds to climb up the piano, and starts playing Gershwin songs. The waitress says, “You’re right. I’ve never seen anything like that before. That hamster is truly good on the piano.” The guy sits back and enjoys a fine steak supper with all the trimmings. Shortly thereafter, he asks the waitress, “Can I have a piece of that fine blueberry pie I see on the dessert cart over there?” “Only if you got another miracle up your sleeve”, says the waitress. The guy reaches into his coat again and pulls out a frog. He puts the frog on the table, and the frog starts to sing up a storm! A stranger from a nearby table runs over to the guy and offers him $300 for the frog. The guy says “It’s a deal.” He takes the three hundred and gives the stranger the frog. The stranger runs out of the restaurant with dollar signs in his eyes and a big smile on his face. The waitress says to the guy “Are you some kind of nut? You sold a singing frog for $300? It must have been worth millions!” “No”, says the guy. “The hamster is also a ventriloquist.”
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Page 19
March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
Lady Tigers No. 3 Seed for 1A State Tourney
SPORTS
BY NORM BETZ The Acorn Lady Tigers secured the No. 3 seed for the 1A State Tournament, coming out of the 1A Region 4 Tournament with a 52-48 victory over conference opponent, Caddo Hills. Senior Jessica Looney led all scorers in the contest with 20 points. The Lady Tigers got off to a slow start and trailed early, 4-0, before tying the game and going on to lead, 10-8 at the end of the first quarter. Looney and senior Misty Oglesby split the points in the opening quarter. Looney had a pair of buckets and added one-of-two from the line, while Oglesby knocked down a 15-footer and then added a three-pointer. The Lady Indians outscored the Lady Tigers, 12-8, in the first five minutes of the second quarter to grab their second lead of the game, 20-18. Looney hit a 12-foot jumper, junior Teagan Vann added a 10-foot rebound jumper, junior Ashley Long grabbed a rebound and took it coast-to-coast for a lay-up, while Oglesby converted the one and bonus. Acorn finished out the second making four-of-seven from the charity stripe, while Caddo Hills added a pair of buckets to make the halftime score, 24-22 favoring the Lady Indians. Looney hit two-of-three from the line, senior Tara Warrington and sophomore Morgan Fagan each hit one-of-two from the stripe to round out the opening half scoring. The lead changed hands six different times in the third quarter with Caddo Hills holding on to a 41-35 lead as the horn sounded to end the third. The Lady Indians outscored the Lady Tigers 17-13 in the quarter. Looney drilled a three-pointer to start off the scoring, added one-of-two from the line and then converted a three-point play the old-fashioned way to lead the Lady Tigers in the third. Oglesby also made a lay-up and added a free throw for the three-point play, while senior Adrianna Howard added a 14-foot floater from the paint. Fagan rounded out the third quarter scoring for the Lady Tigers hitting one-of-two from the charity stripe. Acorn started off the final quarter on a 7-1 mini run to lock the score at 42-all with 5:13 left to play. Looney connected on four-of-four from the line on the run before fouling out of the game. Howard drained one from beyond the arc to round out the mini run. The Lady Tigers grabbed a 48-45 lead with 1:42 to play and Acorn would not relinquish that lead for the remainder of the contest. The Lady Tigers ultimately went on to win the game, 52-48. Warrington put a rebound back up and in and
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
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Page 20
SPORTS
March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
Tigers Go to State (CONT. FROM FRONT PAGE)
qualify them for the state tournament. Acorn outscored Bradley 10-6 in overtime to thrust them into the 1A State Tournament, for the first time since 1976, with a 70-66 victory. Acorn outscored Bradley in the opening quarter 16-6. Senior Sky Jackson led the Tigers with 10 points, hitting four buckets from the field and adding two-of-two from the line. Senior Morgan Hair drained a three-pointer, while sophomore Aaron Bissell added a bucket of his own. Senior Justin Hogan rounded out the opening quarter scoring hitting one-of-two from the charity stripe. The Tigers were outscored by the Bears in the second quarter, 24-16, but Acorn took a 32-30 lead to the locker room at halftime. Five different Tigers put their names in the score book in the second. Hair tossed in a basket and added a pair from the line, while Hogan and junior Ashton Pardun each added buckets and made two-of-three from the charity stripe. Sophomore Daniel Cottrell added a bucket, while Jackson made one from the field, but missed one from the line. Bradley outscored Acorn for the second straight quarter, 18-13, and took a 48-45 lead at the end of the third. Pardun led the Tigers with six points, Hogan added four points, while Jackson was good for a bucket and a free throw. With their eyes set on the goal of being the team to do something that hasn’t been done in 39 years, the Tigers outscored the Bears in the fourth quarter, 15-12, thus locking the score at 60-all as regulation time expired. Jackson led the Tigers with seven points, three buckets and one-of-four from the line. Cottrell added a pair of buckets, while Hair and Hogan each added a basket. Jackson, once again took a leadership role in the OT, guiding the Tigers with a bucket and hitting three-of-four from the stripe. Hogan added a bucket and made one-of-two from the line, while Bissell rounded out the free basketball quarter with a bucket. Acorn outscored Bradley 10-6 in the OT to secure the coveted spot in the 1A State Championship. Sky Jackson led all scorers with 27 points, while Bradley’s Jack Cornell finished with 26 points. Justin Hogan finished with 14 points, Ashton Pardun added 10 points, Morgan Hair finished with nine points, Daniel Cottrell finished with six points, while Aaron Bissell rounded out the Acorn scoring with four points. Acorn shot 52% (15-of-29) from the line, while the Bears shot 36% (4-of-11) from the charity stripe. With the win, Acorn advanced to the 1A Region 4 Semifinals against Kirby.
MENA PUBLIC SCHOOL’S BREAKFAST MONDAY 3/09 Pizza bagel, applesauce, juice, milk TUESDAY 3/10 Breakfast chicken biscuit, pear halves, juice, milk WEDNESDAY 3/11 Sausage & biscuit, diced peaches, juice, milk THURSDAY 3/12 Pancake, sausage link, raisins, juice, milk FRIDAY 3/13 Cereal, toast, bananas, juice, milk MENA PUBLIC SCHOOL’S LUNCH MONDAY 3/09 MAIN: Mini corndogs, French fries, baby carrots, mixed fruit, rice krispy bar, milk; CHOICE: Meatball sub sandwich, French fries, baby carrots, mixed fruit, rice krispy bar, milk TUESDAY 3/10 MAIN: Chicken nuggets, rice pilaf, winter blend vegetables, hot roll, peaches, milk; CHOICE: Chicken stir fry, rice pilaf, winter blend vegetables, hot roll, peaches, milk WEDNESDAY 3/11 MAIN: Chili, crackers, celery & cucumbers, cinnamon roll, oranges, milk: NO CHOICE LINE THURSDAY 3/12 MAIN: Baked ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, anfel biscuit, strawberries, milk; CHOICE: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, angel biscuit, strawberries, milk FRIDAY 3/13 MAIN: Chicken pattie, macaroni & cheese, broccoli, baby carrots, hot roll, fruit, milk; NO CHOICE LINE ACORN SCHOOL’S BREAKFAST MONDAY 3/09 Breakfast pizza, fruit, juice, milk TUESDAY 3/10 Morning sausage roll, fruit, juice, milk WEDNESDAY 3/11 Cereal, fruit, juice, milk THURSDAY 3/12 Breakfast bagel, fruit, juice, milk FRIDAY 3/13 Super donut, fruit, juice, milk ACORN SCHOOL’S LUNCH MONDAY 3/09 Chicken sandwich, French fries, lettuce/tomato, pickles, tropical fruit, milk TUESDAY 3/10 BBQ on a bun, baked beans, coleslaw, peaches, milk WEDNESDAY 3/11 Oven fried chicken, sweet potatoes, green beans, roll, applesauce, milk THURSDAY 3/12 Beef and noodles, broccoli, tossed salad, pineapple, garlic bread, milk FRIDAY 3/13 Pizza, tossed salad, assorted fresh fruit, milk COSSATOT RIVER SCHOOL’S BREAKFAST MONDAY 3/02 Muffin, applesauce, orange juice, milk TUESDAY 3/03 Pancake on a stick, craisins, apple juice, milk WEDNESDAY 3/04 Cereal, apple wedges, cherry juice, milk THURSDAY 3/05 Egg and cheese muffin, pineapple orange juice, milk FRIDAY 2/20 Super donut, yogart, orange wedges, apple juice, milk COSSATOT RIVER SCHOOL’S LUNCH MONDAY 3/09 Hamburger, French fries, lettuce/tomato, pickles, mandarin oranges, cookie, milk TUESDAY 3/10 Chicken noodle soup w/ crackers, cheese toast, tossed salad w/ dressing, peaches, milk WEDNESDAY 3/11 Pork roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, blackeyed peas, fruit cocktail, roll, milk THURSDAY 3/12 Chicken fajitas, lettuce/tomato, cheese, salsa, pinto beans, pears, milk FRIDAY 3/13 Sub sandwich, lettuce, tomato, pickles, broccoli w/ dressing, corn, strawberries/bananas, milk
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Page 21 Weekly Publication
(CONT. FROM FRONT PAGE)
BY NORM BETZ The Cossatot River Eagles headed to the 3A Region 4 Tournament as the No. 3 seed out of District 7 and left Fordyce, Arkansas with a No. 2 seed heading to the 3A State Tournament. Cossatot River lost to McGehee in the Regional Championship, 45-40, to finish as the regional runner-up. The Eagles battled their way to the championship by defeating teams that were ranked higher than them coming out of the district tournament. Cossatot River’s first-round match-up was against the No. 2 seed out of District 8, Smackover. The Eagles defeated the Buckaroos, 54-50 to advance to the semifinals and thus securing a spot in the 3A State Championship. The Eagles next opponent was the No. 1 seed out of their own District 7, Prescott. Once again the underdog roll fit Cossatot River, as they defeated the Curley Wolves, 65-59, to advance to the 3A Region 4 Championship. The Eagles ultimately fell to McGehee in the Championship, 45-40, but locked up a No. 2 seed for the 3A State Tournament. Five Eagles put their names in the score book, with senior Joshua Jordan leading the way with 13 points. Senior Ben Counts finished with 12 points, Sophomore Cody Baker tossed in nine points, senior Edgar Gonzalez added four points, and sophomore Marco Ramirez was good for two points. Cossatot River scored the first basket of the contest, when Gonzalez grabbed a rebound and put it back up and in for the Eagles only lead of the opening quarter. McGehee lead by two at the end of the first, 13-11. Baker drilled his first of three threepointers in the game to cut the Owls’ lead to one, 6-5 with 4:10 to play in the quarter. One minute later, Ramirez grabbed his only points of the contest on a lay-up to cut the lead to 9-7. Counts provided the last two buckets for Cossatot River, the first a driving lay-up and then a 15-foot jumper. McGehee led by four points three different times in the first, but the lead was just two, 13-11, when the quarter expired. The Eagles outscored the Owls 11-6 in the second quarter to take a 22-19 lead to the locker room at halftime. Baker stated off the scoring hitting one from beyond the arc to cut the Owls lead to one, 15-14. Jordan knocked down a pair from the line to give Cossatot River their second lead of the game, 16-15 with 5:27 left in the second. The Eagles held onto the lead for the rest of the quarter as Counts drilled a 14-foot baseline jumper and later added a driving lay-up. Gonzalez snatched a rebound and laid it in off the glass to round out the second quarter scoring for Cossatot River. Unfortunately, the Owls came out in the third quarter and flipped the second quarter scoring, outscoring the Eagles 11-6, to take a 30-28 lead at the end of the third. Cossatot River led on two different occasions, 25-23 and 26-25. Jordan provided both leads, one was from three-point land, and the other was from the charity stripe. In fact, Jordan was the only Eagle to score in the third, as he later threw in a lay-up to cut the lead to two points as the horn sounded. The Eagles grabbed the lead twice in the final quarter but just couldn’t contain the Owls as they went on to defeat Cossatot River, 45-40. Baker drilled a pair of threes that gave the Eagles the lead both times in the quarter. Counts added a pair of buckets during that time frame, one on a 14-foot turnaround jumper and the other via a lay-up. Baker’s second trifecta of the quarter put Cossatot River up 38-37 with 3:40 to play. The Eagles last points of the game came with 1:17 to play, when Jordan made a pair of free throws to cut the Owls’ lead to 41-40. McGehee closed out the game hitting a lay-up and making two-of-four from the charity stripe to win the championship, 45-40. Joshua Jordan led the Eagles with 13 points. Ben Counts added 12 points, Cody Baker finished with nine points, Edgar Gonzalez finished with four points, and Marco Ramirez rounded out the Cossatot River scoring with two points. The Eagles only went to the line six times in the contest, while the Owls shot 20 free throws. Cossatot River (Jordan shot all six free throws) shot 83% from the line, while McGehee shot 60%, hitting 12-of-20 from the stripe.
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SPORTS
Cossatot River Eagles No. 2 Seed
March 4, 2015
Page 22
March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
Tigers Fall to Trojans in Semifinals
SPORTS
By Norm Betz
The Acorn Tigers never really gelled in the 3A Region 4 Semifinals against Kirby, in fact, the Tigers never led, and ultimately fell to the Trojans, 79-55. Kirby outscored Acorn in the opening quarter 19-13 and led by as many as 12 points with less than three minutes to play, but the Tigers fought back and outscored the Trojans 8-4 in the final two and a half minutes. Senior Justin Hogan led the Tigers with a three-ball and a rebound bucket. Senior Sky Jackson hit a contested 15-foot jumper and later added a 12-foot floater, while senior Morgan Hair drained one from beyond the arc with 1:25 to play. Junior Ashton Pardun rounded out the first quarter scoring hitting one-of-two from the line. The Trojans doubled up the Tigers in the second quarter, 19-8 and led 37-22 at the half. Hair led the Tigers hitting his second and third three-pointers of the game, while Jackson was the only other Tiger to make a basket from the field. Hogan hit one-of-two from the charity stripe to round out the second quarter scoring. Kirby continued to add to their lead in the third quarter, outscoring Acorn 17-14, to lead 54-36, headed into the final quarter of play. Hair led the Tigers for the second straight quarter with seven points, including his fourth trifecta of the contest. Jackson scored five points, including a three-point play the old-fashioned way. Hogan rounded out the scoring for the second straight quarter with a baseline lay-up. The Trojans outscored the Tigers in the final quarter 25-19 to advance to the championship game with a 79-55 win. Both teams elected to go to bench players with five minutes left in the contest, as Kirby was leading by 25 points, 6944. Sophomore Matt Davis led the Tigers in the final stanza with eight points, hitting a pair from the field and knocking down four-of-four from the stripe. Hair added a pair of fast break lay-ups earlier in the quarter, while sophomore Logan Frost put his name in the books hitting three-of-four from the line. Jackson dropped in the first bucket of the quarter, nailing a 14-footer that he kissed off the glass, while junior Ethan Bird rounded out the scoring with a 12-foot bank shot of his own. Morgan Hair led the Tiger scoring with 20 points, including four from three-point land. Sky Jackson finished with 11 points, while Justin Hogan and Matt Davis each added eight points. Logan Frost finished with three points, while Ethan Bird and Daniel Cottrell each finished with two points. The Tigers shot 71% (12-of-17) from the line, while the Trojans shot 67% (10-of-15). With the loss, Acorn played Nevada in the consolation third place game. The Tigers fell to the Blue Jays, 51-36 and will be the No. 4 seed in the 1A State Tournament. Acorn battled Wonderview in the first-round of the state tournament on Tuesday, March 3rd at 2:30 p.m. The 1A State Tournament is hosted by Kirby, with games being played at Nashville High School.
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Page 23
March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
Three Bearcats Score Football Scholarships
WE DO
SPORTS
BY NORM BETZ Three of the Mena Bearcats that were instrumental in the run to the 4A State Championship game this past season, have signed letters of intent to attend college and continue to play football at the next level. “I’m so proud of these young men,” exclaimed Mena Bearcats head coach Tim Harper. “They’ve really worked hard and are now being rewarded for all their hard work.” Mena Bearcats quarterback, Sage Kesterson, has signed his letter of intent to play at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Kesterson, 6’ 0” and a 180 lbs, finished his high school career with 3,143 passing yards and 1,079 rushing yards . Kesterson threw 30 touchdown passes over his four years at Mena High School. Kesterson was named All-Conference three times and was also named to the AllState Team. Kesterson was recruited as a quarterback. Kesterson will join a program rich in tradition and headed in the right direction. Ouachita finished last season with a perfect 10-0 regular season for the first time in school history and won the Great American Conference outright. The program boasts a 90% graduation rate of football players that play out their eligibility. The Tigers are the only university in the state of Arkansas to have six consecutive winning seasons, as well as, the only Division II University in the state to have been ranked in the AFCA Top 25 five of the last six years. Sage Kesterson is the son of Brian and Sonja. It doesn’t get much better than two high school football teammates being able to play together in college. That’s exactly what seniors Luke Bowser and Jackson Daugherty will be doing next year, as they both have signed letters of intent to attend and play football for Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. “It’s great that Luke and Jackson will be standing on the same sideline and continue to be teammates at the next level,” said Harper. “We’re not done here either, I want to get more of these young men on the college sidelines in the future.” Bowser, the 6’0” 225 lbs. senior was recruited to play tight-end for the Bisons. While at Mena, Bowser had playing time at tight-end, defensive end and defensive tackle but will concentrate on the tight-end position for Harding University. Bowser has a 23.8” vertical, benches 300 lbs and squats 375 lbs. Luke Bowser is the son of Brian and Stacy. Jackson Daugherty, the 5’9” 180 lbs senior was recruited to play running back for the Bisons. While a Bearcat, Daugherty played running back and defensive strong safety. Daugherty has a 29” vertical, runs a 4.5 40-yard dash, benches 240 lbs and squats • Commercial/Residential 340 lbs. • Contract Work Jackson • Service Work Daugherty is the • Provide Bucket Truck son of Roger and and Backhoe Work Tina. • Generac Generator Dealer Bowser and Daugherty are joining a team that received their highest • 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICES year-end ranking this past season since joining the NCAA in 1997. Harding finished No. 17 in the final season poll with a record of 9-2. The Bisons reached the NCAA Division II Playoffs for the second time in the last three seasons. Since 2012, Harding University sports an overall record of 27-6 and has played in the postseason three consecutive years. One of the coolest things for these three young men will take place on October 3, 2015, when Harding University travels to Ouachita Baptist University to do battle in the Great American Conference.
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Page 24
SPORTS
March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
Lady Tigers State Tournament
(CONT. FROM PAGE 19)
later added one-of-two from the line in the final two minutes. Oglesby tossed in a lay-up, while Long and Howard each connected on one-of-two from the line, to round out the fourth quarter scoring. Jessica Looney led all scorers with 20 points, Misty Oglesby finished with 12 points, Adrianna Howard finished with six points, Morgan Fagan added five points, Tara Warrington added four points, Ashley Long finished with three points, and Teagan Vann was good for two points for the Lady Tigers. Acorn shot 58% (19-of-33) from the charity stripe, while Caddo Hills connected on 57% (8-of-14). With the victory, the Lady Tiger grabbed the No. 3 seed from region 4 and will play the No. 2 seed from region 3, Wonderview on Thursday, March 5th at 1:00 p.m. The 1A State Tournament will be held at Nashville High School, but will be hosted by Kirby High School.
Lady Tigers Punch Ticket to 1A State Tournament By Norm Betz The Acorn Lady Tigers punched their ticket to the 1A State Tournament with a 64-35 victory over Trinity Christian in the first-round of the 1A Region 4 Tournament. Senior Jessica Looney almost single-handedly defeated the Lady Warriors, as she went off for 31 points on the night. Trinity Christian’s leading scorer, Scarlett Leeper finished with 14 points. Looney was on fire in the opening quarter putting 20 points on the board. Looney knocked one down from three-point land, made seven buckets from the field, and added three-of-five from the line. Seniors Misty Oglesby and Tara Warrington, along with sophomore Morgan Fagan each had buckets, while senior Adrianna Howard connected on two-of-two from the charity stripe. Acorn led Trinity Christian 28-6 after the opening quarter. Howard grabbed the reigns and led the Lady Tigers with five points in the second quarter, including a trifecta. Looney added a bucket and two-of-two from the line, while Warrington and juniors Teagan Vann and Taylor Deramus each added buckets to round out the first half scoring. Acorn led Trinity Christian 43-20 at the half. The Lady Tigers doubled up the Lady Warriors, 14-7, in the third quarter to enjoy a 30 point lead, 57-27, heading into the final quarter. Looney led Acorn with seven points, including another three-ball. Torrie Barrett added four points, while Howard added a bucket. Fagan rounded out the scoring hitting one-oftwo from the stripe. Trinity Christian did outscore Acorn in the final quarter but was eliminated from post season action with a 64-35 loss to the Lady Tigers. Macie Adams converted a three-point play the old-fashioned way to lead the Lady Tigers scoring in the final stanza. Deramus and Faith Hill each contributed two points in the fourth. The Acorn Lady Tigers and the Lady Raiders of Jessica Looney led all scorers with an impressive Sparkman were pretty evenly matched and the game 31 points. Adrianna Howard finished with nine points, really came down to who would have the last poswhile Taylor Deramus, Tara Warrington, and Torrie session. Ultimately, Acorn fell to Sparkman, 65-62. Barrett each finished with four points. Macie Adams Acorn senior Jessica Looney led all scorers with 28 and Morgan Fagan each added three points, while points. Sparkman’s Alexis Pigg led the Lady Raiders with 20 points. Faith Hill, Misty Oglesby and Teagan Vann each fin“We played hard,” said Lady Tigers head coach ished with two points. The Lady Tigers shot 56% (9Mike Jackson. “Sometimes it’s just hard to stop a of-16) from the line, while the Lady Warriors shot 53% girl with her size.” (9-of-17) from the stripe. The loss sent the Lady Tigers to the consolation The Lady Tigers next opponent was the Lady Raidthird place game against the Caddo Hills Lady Iners of Sparkman. dians.
Lady Tigers Get Raided, 65-62
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Page 25
March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
Wellness is Key to Health and Happiness
HEALTH
BY LARRY WOOD Wellness! What is it and where am I on the wellness continuum? Wellness is basically defined as the highest level of health possible, especially when it comes to functionality. One question I bet you are asking is what are the dimensions of wellness? Good question! There are six primary dimensions of wellness: physical, social, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and environmental. All of these dimensions are interrelated and interrelated so when one area is good or bad all areas of the wellness continuum will be affected. Let’s take a look at the dimensions. Physical wellness encompasses all aspects of a sound body including body size, shape and composition, sensory sharpness, body function, strength, flexibility and endurance. Also, immune function and your recoverability is all so important for wellness. Another dimension is social wellness - the ability to have satisfying interpersonal relationships and maintaining connections in a diverse range of social networks. In other words, do you get along with most out there in a diverse group of people. Social health is a vital part of our human makeup and we depend on it for sound mental thinking. Intellectual wellness is yet another player in the wellness continuum. This part of wellness is the ability of one to use the brain to effectively solve problems and meet life’s challenges clearly, quickly, critically and creatively. Just because you go to college doesn’t mean you are intellectual. I have learned more from doctors of life than many of my college professors. Emotional wellness is one I think most of us can understand easier because all of us have had real good times and all of us have had heart breaking episodes and we know how we feel in each of those cases. Have you had someone close to you go through a divorce or the death of their significant other? Did you witness the weight loss or big weight gain they experienced through these troubling times? Emotional health left unchecked can kill you but, kept in order can serve you well. Oh now, here is a big one, how about spiritual wellness? For some spiritual wellness involves being tied closely to our creator and believing in this supreme being or way of life while for others it is a feeling of oneness with others and with nature with a sense of meaning or value in life. We all need spiritualism for no other reason than to deepen one’s understanding of life’s purposes. I will add that if you keep your goals and purposes centered around Jesus, you will be complete in all that you do. Last, but not least, is environmental wellness, which is where you learn how the environment can positively or negatively affect your health. It is vitally important to know what you are breathing, drinking, and using in your home to cook with in order for you to make wise decisions for your wellness state. Example, do you use a microwave oven? Is that wise? Do the research and come over to Ouachita Wellness and Sports Center and tell me about it. Understanding these dimensions of wellness is so very important for you to come and understand and if you are a believer in true Christian principles then you will know all of these dimensions are biblical and that we are responsible for keeping them in order. One thing we can all do is to give it our best effort to be our best in each category and that means we have to get off the couch and do something positive for ourselves and someone else.
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Page 26 Thursday 3/05 * 11:30 a.m. – Rotary Club of Polk County/ Mena meets at Papa’s Mexican Café. Contact Lisa Martin at 216-3383 or Charles Pitman at 2164882 for more info. * 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Son Lighters In Action Card Shop, 3671 Hwy 8 West. For more information, call 216-0719. * 5:30 p.m. - Weight Watchers - meet at Dallas Avenue Baptist Church Family Life Center. Call 479-234-2297 for more
information. * 6:30 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous – meeting at Saint Agnes Church Parish Hall. * 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting – ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159 Highway 71 S., Mena.
LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS
For information call 394-7396 or 2164606. Friday 3/06 * 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Fiber Group will meet at Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena Street. Come and bring your project and join this group working with a variety of fibers. * 7:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous Meeting - 812 Hwy 71South, Mena. * 8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting – ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159 Hwy 71 S., Mena. For information call 394-7396 or 216-4606. Saturday 3.07 * 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. The Wickes Masonic Lodge will host their monthly breakfast at the Masonic Lodge in Wickes. All proceeds go to the scholarship program. * 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Double Elimination Guitar Hero Warriors of Rock Tournament. K.O.P.S. Thrift Store, 901 Mena Street. 50% of proceeds to Relay For Life American Cancer Society. Entrance fee $5; 13 & under ½ price. For more information, call MGA Head of Public Relations. Nick 479-216-8961. * 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.-Children’s Art Show Reception, Mena Art Gallery, Awards will be presented at 2:00 p.m. Everyone welcome. * 2:30 p.m. – OldeLyric Players (Seniors Readers’ Theatre) meets at the OLT, 610 Mena Street. Participants 50 years of age and older are welcome. * 6:00 p.m. – PCVO Bingo at American Legion Building, Hwy 71 N., Acorn. * 8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159 Hwy 71 S., Mena, For info, call 394-7396 or 216-4606. Sunday 3/08 * 2:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous, ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159 Hwy 71 S. For information call 3947396 or 216-4606. * 6:30 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous meeting at Saint Agnes Church Parish Hall
Monday 3/09 * 5:00 p.m. – Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), Hatfield City Hall. For more information call 870-389-6678. * 6:00 p.m. – PCVO Bingo, American Legion Building, Hwy 71 N., Acorn. * 6:00 p.m. – FREE Weightloss Warriors – First National Bank across from Depot. For information call 437-3560. * 6:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, 812 Hwy 71 S., Mena. * 6:30 p.m. – Boy Scouts of America Troop 92 meets at First United Methodist Church, Everyone is welcome to attend. * 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous – 12 +12 Study at ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159 Hwy 71 S., Mena. For information call 394-7396 or 216-4606. Tuesday 3/10 * 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Polk County Family Mission will be open in the 9th Street Ministries building. * 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. –“Art Day”, Mena Art gallery, 607 Mena Street. Bring your current project and join other artists working in the classroom at the gallery. * 1:00 p.m. – Polk County Sociable Seniors luncheon at Papa’s. Anyone over the age of 50 is welcome. We will eat, have a few laughs, and meet some nice people. Question for the month is What is the hardest thing you have ever done? For more info, call Diane at 2430191. * 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – FREE Delicious Lunch at Vegetarian Soup Kitchen, Mena Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 149 Polk Rd 43 (Fairground Road), Mena,, 479-394-7404. Take –out is available. All are welcome! * 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Son Lighters in Action Card Shop, 3671 Hwy 8 West. For more information, call 216-0719. * 5:30 p.m. – Second Tuesday Book Club Meeting, Christ Episcopal Church Annex Building, 809 Church Street. If you enjoy reading good books, The Club is looking for additional members. For
Weekly Publication
* Mena Head Start is taking applications for preschool children 3-5 and Early Head Start Children, birth – 3. The program is free to those who qualify. For an application, come by Mena Head Start at 606 Pine Avenue, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday. For more information, call 479-437-3733.
BEATS
CALENDAR
March 4, 2015
more information and details, call 3941482 or 394-6221. * 6:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, 812 Hwy 71 S, Mena. *8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous, First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. For information 479-2342887 or 479-234-3043. Wednesday 3/11 * 11:30 a.m. – The MHS Class of ’59 monthly meeting at The Branding Iron. Spouses and friends are welcome. Questions or more information, call 3946221. * 12 Noon – Mena Lioness Lions Club monthly meeting at The Branding Iron. For more information, call 243-3752. Guests Welcome. * 6:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, 812 Hwy 71 S., Mena. * 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous – Book Study, ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159 Hwy 71 S., Mena. For information call 394-7396 or 2164606.
Check out our online calendar of events at MyPulseNews.com
Page 27 Weekly Publication
March 4, 2015
Agriculture
Mother Nature Forcing Rescheduling for Pruning & Pond Management
by carla vaught, county extension agent Like everyone else, Mother Nature has caused a lot of changes in events hosted and sponsored by the County Extension Office in the past 2.5 weeks. We are working to get things rescheduled and publicized so everyone has an opportunity to participate in our programs. The orchard pruning demonstration we postponed due to low temperatures and then freezing rain has been rescheduled for Monday, March 9th at 2:00 pm. This will be held at the Avalon Keep Botanical Garden on Miller Street in Mena. Most people know Miller street as the street where the “tornado tree” is located on the corner of Reine and Miller. Participants are asked to park in the old city equipment yard on the right as you go down the hill on Miller. The Orchard is about a half block off of Reine at 1750. Michael Cate is the owner of the orchard. Mr. Clay Wingfield, horticulture technician for the U of A Division of Agriculture’s Southwest Research and Extension Center at Hope will be on hand to conduct the demonstration and answer questions about fruit production. This orchard has over 100 trees consisting of peach, plum, nectarine, apricot, apple, and pear. We will also be discussing blueberry, blackberry, grape, and muscadine production and management. The other demonstration we cancelled due to icy weather was the rose pruning demonstration at the courthouse rose garden on Mena street. The shrub roses at that location will be pruned on Wednesday, March 11 at 2:00 pm. This garden is maintained by the Polk County Master Gardeners as one of their projects. Bring your hand pruners and some heavy gloves and you can get firsthand experience learning to properly prune roses. Although these are all shrub type roses, we will discuss pruning and managing all types of roses. There is no need to pre-register for either of these demonstrations. Be sure to dress appropriately for weather and wear sturdy shoes. For more information, contact the County Extension Office at 479-394-6018. Pond Management Workshop The Farmers Coop and Purina will be hosting a pond management seminar on Friday, March 13 from 3:00 to 4:30 at the Lime Tree Restaurant meeting room in Mena. In addition to information on growing big fish, vegetation control, and other management tips, County Agent Carla Vaught will also be on hand to inform participants of services the U of A Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service can provide to pond owners. We spend a lot of time helping landowners troubleshoot fish/pond problems. If you are interested in attending this pond management workshop, contact Farmer’s Coop and register for the event. They would like to hear from all who would like to attend by Wednesday, March 11th. Pre-register and get more information by calling Farmer’s Coop at 479-394-3373.
Supporting Agriculture We sell the best and work on the rest! 2642 Hwy. 71 N., Mena, AR 71953 (479) 243-9494 Open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. • Sat. 8 a.m.-Noon
MENA, HATFIELD & WICKES 479-394-2211 • www.unionbankofmena.com
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March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
Moments From American History Triumph or Healing?
IN THE NEWS One Year Ago
HISTORY
BY JEFF OLSON LOCAL As I mentioned in this column several weeks ago, the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. includes 1. Lady Tigers Win Regionals two of President Abraham Lincoln’s most notable speeches incribed on an inner wall. One is the Get2. Nelson to be Featured Speaker tysburg Address and the other is his Second Inaugeral Address. at Upcoming Chamber Banquet President Lincoln gave his Second Inaugural Address at the U.S. Capitol 150 years ago this week, 3. Ouachita Theological Training March 4, 1865. At this point in time the Civil War was in its last few months, and it was all but certain that Institute Launches the Union would be victorious. What an opportunity the president had to enter the Capitol in a posture of triumph and claim victory, mission accomplished, job well-done, and perhaps some other boastful selfserving phrases. So, did he? Not hardly - and not even close. Instead in his message, delivered just over a month before his death, Mr. Lincoln spoke most NATIONAL emphatically and eloquently about healing a broken nation. He spoke of mutual forgiveness and ac1. Economy Hits Dems, GOP “Out Of countability, North and South, and his immortal words of reconciliation and healing set the tone for Touch” – Pushing Anti-Incumbency reconstructing the South and restoring the nation. Mr. Lincoln encouraged his countrymen to maintain To A 25 Year High their faith in God’s wisdom as they began to “bind up the nation’s wounds.” The transcendent and eternal 2. Obama Budget Urges Expanding principles of truth in this address still speak relevantly to us today. Following is an excerpt: Earned Income Tax Credit “Fondly do we hope -- fervently do we pray -- that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass 3. Top Russians Face Sanctions By away. Yet, if God wills that it continue, until all the wealth piled by the bond-man’s two hundred and fifty U.S. For Crimea Crisis years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash, shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said “the judgments of the Lord, are true and righteous altogether.” With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan -- to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.”
we are always on at Mypulsenews.com
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March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
Ouachita Little Theatre’s Benson Awards
ARTS
by Rudi Timmerman Hollywood and New York have nothing on Mena when it comes to award ceremonies. Voting by the OLT membership for the biannual Benson awards is now going on. In 1979 Leda and Richard Benson founded the Ouachita Little Theatre. In their honor, the now 35-year old organization holds an awards ceremony recognizing the folks who participated in OLT productions during the past two years. This year’s extravaganza covers productions from the 2013 and 2014 seasons. The shows, as well as their cast and crews, eligible this year are: DIAL M FOR MURDER, MURDER IN THE MAGNOLIAS, BELL BOOK AND CANDLE, GLASS MENAGERIE, LITTLE WOMEN, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, and WILLY WONKA. A complete list of nominees and video clips from their shows can be found on the OLT web site, OLTMENA.COM. Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 pm in the theatre are the date and place set for the celebration. LaDonna Van Wolf (Vooodoo Woman in “Murder in the Magnolias”) and her committee have been working hard on organizing a show that promises to be a fun filled evening. There will be music, reenactments of show scenes, and video clips from shows in addition to the presentation of the awards. Everyone is invited to attend this gala event, members and non-members alike. For admission there is a $5 charge. Valid season passes will also be accepted. If one buys a membership at the Bensons, there will be no admission charge.
Children’s Show at Mena Art Gallery
Find Mindsets That are Imperative for Frugal Living
VISITING THE ABC ISLANDS: ARUBA • BEACHES • BOATING • BONAIRE • CARIBBEAN • CARNIVAL • CASINOS • CAVES • CHAMELEONS • CORAL REEFS • CUISINE • CURACAO • DIVIDIVI • DIVING • DUTCH • FLAMINGOES • HIKING • HOTELS • IGUANAS • KRALENDIJK • LESSER ANTILLES • ORANJESTAD • RESTAURANTS • SNORKELING • TOURISM • WHITE SAND • WILLEMSTAD
HOME & GARDEN
by barbara m. tobais On Saturday, March 7, from 1 to 3 pm, there will be an opening reception for the annual Children’s Art Show at Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena Street. One of the most amazing things about children’s art is the range of imagination they show; unfortunately, most of us lose that somewhere in the teen years, but it is good to be reminded of it. This is the children’s chance to shine! In an effort to encourage this imagination, the gallery offers monthly classes for children aged 6 to 12, from 1 to 3 pm on the second Saturday of each month. Niki Dempsey does a great job of that. Classes are limited to 10 children in order to give each individual attention; there is a $2 per child per class fee to help cover the cost of supplies. We would like to thank McDonald’s of Mena for again funding the awards for this show.
BY KIM HUGHES, COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT, FCS Frugality is a lifestyle, right? It sure is. It is a lifestyle that involves thinking against the flow. Here are five mindsets that I believe are imperative to living the frugal “against the flow” lifestyle: Simplicity – Simplicity in meals means less exotic ingredients you have to buy. Simplicity in lifestyle means less gadgets you have to buy and care for. By embracing simplicity and remembering to enjoy the journey instead of rushing through it we can save money on all those gadgets that really do not make our life easier and all the equipment we do not need for a slow and simple life. Patience – It is tempting to go get something the moment I have the money for it, or see the need for it. But, sometimes a little patience is rewarded. It often takes time to find a good deal, so sit on it for a while. Often someone is actually giving away the thing that we need, so spending money on it was not even necessary. Check with friends and neighbors to see if you can borrow something that you may only need once or twice. Contentment – This one is huge! We live in a culture of stuff. Be willing to be different and choose to be content. Before buying something, train yourself to think, “Do I really need this?” Contentment saves far more money than being deal savvy. A person can go broke buying good deals. If you buy something you don’t really need, then you are not saving money no matter how great the deal. Student – Have the attitude of the student and always be willing to learn. Seek counsel from those wiser and more experienced than you. Making Do – Have a need? Look around your house and see what can meet it. Don’t be afraid of a little elbow grease. Look for things you can re-purpose instead of buying something else you have to clean and store. Embracing these mindsets will save you an incredible amount of money, and can help you pay down any debt you may already have accrued.
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March 4, 2015
POLICE
The following information was received from Polk County law enforcement agencies. The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts. Individuals charged and whose names appear in this column may submit documentation to us at a later date that the charges have been dismissed or that they have been found innocent and we will include that information in this space in a timely manner.
Mena Police Department February 22, 2015 A local woman reported that she believes her former husband damaged her vehicle. Case is pending. February 23, 2015 A local woman reported that her wallet was missing. The wallet was located and returned to her. Everything was still in the wallet when found. Employees at a local retail store reported a theft from their store. Suspects were identified and interviewed. Citations for theft-of-property (shoplifting) have been issued to Charles Morgan, 37, and Michael Trivette, 33, both of Mena. February 24, 2015 Joshua Amos Lee, 35, of Mena was charged with DWI, no vehicle license, and no proof of insurance. The arrest followed a call to an accident. February 25, 2015 Officers responded to an alarm call at a local bank. A key-holder arrived, and the building and surrounding area were checked. Nothing amiss was found. February 26, 2015 Anthony L. Frey, 49, of Mena was arrested on an outstanding warrant. February 27, 2015 Christopher D. Brown, 19, of Mena was arrested and charged with possession of liquor by a minor, leaving the scene of an accident, and careless driving. Tonya Brazel, 21, of Mena was
Weekly Publication cited for theft-of-property (shoplifting) for an incident that happened previously at a local retail store. The charges follow an investigation and review of surveillance tapes. February 28, 2015 A 20-year-old Mena man was charged with disorderly conduct after a call to a local residence. Officers completed an additional six reports and worked seven accidents. Polk County Sheriff’s Department February 23, 2015 Report from complainant on Highway 270 West near the Acorn community of a shed on fire. Investigation continues into the origin of the fire. Report from complainant on Highway 270 West near the Acorn community of a suspicious fire. Investigation continues into the origin of the fire. February 24, 2015 No reports were filed. February 25, 2015 Report of a domestic disturbance on Polk 61 in the Big Fork community. Arrested was Robert E. McElveen, 22, of Mena, on Charges of Domestic Battery 3rd Degree, Careless/Prohibited Driving, Violation of a Protection Order and Criminal Trespass. February 26, 2015 Arrested was Joshua B. Crow, 35, of DeQueen, on a Warrant for Probation Violation. February 27, 2015 Arrested was Elijah P. Sullivan, 19, of Mena, on a Warrant for Failure to Appear. February 28, 2015 Report of a structure fire on Polk 48 near the Potter community. Investigation continues into the origin of the fire. March 1, 2015 Report of a vehicle on fire on Polk 37 near the Potter community. Investigation continues into the origin of the fire. Request for a welfare check on Taylar Lane near the Acorn community. Report of the theft of motor fuel from a business in Hatfield, totaling losses at $49.51. Investigation continues. Arrested was Edward J. Yahn, 21,
of Mena, on a Charge of Possession of an Instrument of Crime. Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked four vehicle accidents this week. Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 24 Incarcerated Inmates;
13 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility, of which 2 are currently out of jail on a monitoring system.
Police Reports Are Always Available At MyPulseNews.com
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March 4, 2015
Weekly Publication
ALL CLASSIFIEDS MUST BE PREPAID. Ad deadline is 5 p.m. on Monday. Payment is due with ad. Publishing and distributing 8,000 copies weekly. Clean & Comfortable Housing since 1969, J Ray & Maria’s MH Park and Rentals, Hwy 71 N., Mena, 479-394-1252. TFN Daniel’s Carpentry and Painting. Home repair and painting. Small to medium jobs. Also lawn and garden work. Call 870-334-2068
3/11
Books & Stuf, 704 Mena Street, Mena, Arkansas – we sell & trade paperbacks, hardbacks, & audio books. Come & see. 3/11 For Sale: Solid Wood Espresso Console/Sofa Table with drawer and bottom shelf. In good condition. Asking $200. Call or text 479-216-3091. TFN/INH Experienced flat bed truck driver needed: home most weekends, good pay, good company. Must have 3 years of verifiable experience and clean CDL driving record. Apply in person to Moore Transportation of Arkansas, 1408 Hwy 71 North, Mena. 3/04
Rocky Service Center General Service on Ford Tractors & New Holland Equipment Vermeer Balers/Kuhn Mowers Bush-Hog Cutters & Mowers Tires Repaired Automotive/AG New Tires Available Oil Changes & Scheduled Maintenance on most equipment Round Baler Belts Relaced/Welding Call for Appointment
479-234-1396 Winter Hours: 9 am - 3 pm Pick up and Delivery on most equipment
I buy gold jewelry, scrap, dental and sterling silver. Also buying U.S. pre 65 Silver Coins one ounce silver and gold rounds and bars. Check with the rest, but sell to the best. Dan’s CashN-Gun. 100 Hwy 71 S at 1st Street, Mena. 479-394-5515. TFN For Rent – 3 bedroom, 2 bath, mobile home. No Pets. Call 394-4037 or 234-6062. INTFN J & N Dozer - Trackhoe, Backhoe, Dumptruck, Ponds, Pads, Clearing, Roads, Hauling. Rich Top Soil, Fill Dirt, Shale, Gravel. Dozer Operator Randy Egger, over 30 years experience. We appreciate your Business! Call 479-234-1357. TFN For Rent mobile home, 2 bedroom, 1 bath. No Pets. Call 394-4037 or 234-6062. INTFN Garden Plowing, discing, tilling. Call for estimates, 479 216-5204. 3/11
CLASSIFIEDS
UP TO 20 WORDS - $4 PER WEEK, $0.25 EACH ADDITIONAL WORD • BORDER $1
For Sale: Caterpillar D5N (Hightrack) Dozer with heavy duty three shank vail ripper. Local owner, six way blade/120 horsepower/ rear & side screens/all maintenance parts & operator manual books included. Call 479234-1357 for price and more information. 3/11 Mena Public Schools is seeking the following position: District Business Manager Contact Person: Carla Myers (479-3941710), Send application/resume to Mr. Benny Weston, Superintendent. Address: 501 Hickory Avenue, Mena, AR 71953. Telephone: (479-394-1710). Fax: (479-394-1713) Application Deadline: Until Filled. Salary: Per Salary Schedule, depending on degree and experience. Length of Contract: Full Time –245 days. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field preferred, Arkansas Public School Computer Network Financial System and Payroll/Human Resource experience. See Mena Public School website for detailed job description. 3/11
Need a career change? Select School of Realty classes will begin soon. Classes will be for 3 weeks and will meet from 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on: April 10-11, April 17-18, April 24-25. The cost of the class is $285. A $50 deposit is required. Call Select Realty today to reserve your place. 479-394-7676 3/25
We’re always on @ mypulsenews.com Publisher’s Notice: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising, including the right to do so after the ad has been accepted for publication but before the publication occurs. The Advertiser’s sole remedy for such refusal shall be the refund of the funds paid to purchase the ad. Advertisements are accepted by the Publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or Advertiser is authorized to publish the contents and subject matter of the advertisement and that it is no libelous or does not infringe on the privacy of the individual or entity. All advertisements are accepted and published by the Publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or Advertiser will indemnify and hold harmless the Publisher from any loss or expense, including the cost of defense and settlement and/or judgment resulting from claims based upon the contents of any advertisement including claims or suits for defamation, libel, violation of right of privacy, plagiarism or copyright infringement. All advertisements created by the Publisher are not considered a “work made for hire” and the Publisher retains the copyright to all advertisements created by the Publisher for the Advertiser. The advertisement may not be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.
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THE POLK COUNTY PULSE
March 4, 2015
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