April 29, 2020

April 29, 2020

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Your DAILY News Sources: KENA 104.1 FM & MyPulseNews.com Mena School Board Makes Several Personnel Changes The Mena School Board held their April meeting Tuesday night & a number of personnel changes were addressed.

Board members approved Superintendent Benny Wesson’s recommendations to hire Jamie Grasman as a 1st grade teacher, Markie Blocker as a 2nd grade teacher and Abigail Sims as the GT Coordinator and ESL Coordinator.

The board also approved Wesson’s recommendation to transfer the follow staff members within the distrist.

Robin Castor was transferred from 2nd grade teacher to Lousie Durham PE teacher.

Paula Cox was transferred from 3rd grade teacher to Holly Harshman Elementray Library Media Specialist.

Christy Harrison was transferred from Mena Middle School Self-Contained teacher to SPED Director and 504 Coordinator.

Randy Peters was promoted from junior high head bsketball coach and teacher to senior high head basketball coach and PERSONNEL CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

MSD Updates Community on Prom and Graduation

April 23, 2020 - Mena Public Schools wants to thank our students, parents, staff members, and community for your continued dedication and support to education.

We understand that many of you have questions. We appreciate your patience and understanding during these unprecedented times.

Guidance and answers will be given as Governor Hutchinson’s Task Force on reentry works through the three phases of release which are being handed down from the President.

We will continue to communicate information to you as we receive guidance.

At this time, we are releasing information that relates to our Seniors and Juniors PROM AND GRADUATION CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Hatfield Solar Garden Goes Live!

The solar garden project for the City of Hatfield has been completed and is now operational.

Hatfield Mayor Linda Deaton reported the energy that is generated by the solar garden will power the city's library, City Hall, the Hatfield gym and auditorium, the Hatfield city shop and the Hatfield volun-

teer fire station.

The project did not cost the City of Hatfield anything to construct.

Mayor Deaton said the city entered into a lease/purchase agreement. The solar garden was designed and installed by AREA Solar, Inc. The basic lease agree-

ment will take 15 years to complete then the solar garden will be the property of the town of Hatfield.

Deaton stated they started working on the project in January, but due to a wet winter and the COVID-19 pandemic, the project wasn't completed until April 17th.

Mena High School Senior Egger Awarded Musical Excellence Award The Governor's Award for Musical Excellence is presented to an outstanding high school senior each year.

The 2020 Mena High School recipient is Hope Egger.

Hope has been a member of the Spotlight Singers throughout her high school career. She was an all region honors choir member each year from seventh grade through her senior year. She was an all state choir member her junior year. She currently serves as president of the Spot-

light Singers and was recently voted Spotlight Singers student of the month.

Students are nominated for the award based on the highest standards of musicianship, teamwork, dedication, character, and attitude. "Hope definitely embodies all these standards and more. It has been an honor to work with her the past 4 years.

She is a very special young person," states choir director, Ferroll "Tammy" Taylor.

Hope is the daughter of Scott Egger and the late Jayme Ozanich.

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April 29, 2020

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Child abuse does not stop during a pandemic. But since many of the state’s mandated reporters such as teachers and pastors are not interacting face to face with Arkansas Representative John Maddox children right now, the number of reports coming into the hotline have decreased by 50% The director of Children Advocacy Centers of Arkansas, Elizabeth Pulley says that during times of isolation, child abuse happens in secrecy because signs of abuse go undetected. When school starts back, the number of cases is expected to rise.

April is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, a time to place a special emphasis on increasing awareness and providing education and support to families to help prevent child abuse and neglect.

This week, Arkansas First Lady Susan Hutchinson and DHS Director of the Division of Children and Family Services

Polk County Pulse (DCFS) Mischa Martin asked for the help of Arkansans to report suspected abuse in their communities. Since the health emergency began, there have been 3,148 calls to the hotline. That is nearly half the number of calls that came in this time last year.

DCFS continues to provide services to families in need and they continue to serve and support the 4,400 foster families in Arkansas.

In addition, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas, with 17 centers located across the state, remain open and are continuing to serve children in person and through telemedicine.

Child abuse and neglect can have a tremendous impact well into adulthood.

Exposure to violence in childhood increases the risks of injury, future violence victimization, substance abuse, delayed brain development, lower educational attainment, and limited employment opportunities.

Nationwide, it is estimated that 1 in 7 children have experienced abuse or neglect in the past year.

The number to the hotline is 1-844-SAVE-A-CHILD. Professionals are there to answers calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Board of Corrections Votes for Early Release for 1,244 Inmates The Board of Corrections voted unanimously Friday to invoke the expanded Emergency Powers Act and certify a list of 1,244 inmates to be eligible for release, pending the Parole Board’s decision.

Dina Tyler, the Director of Communications with the Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC), said Friday the list of inmates is larger than usual because the requirement that inmates must spend at least six months in ADC before being considered has been suspended, which was authorized by Governor Asa Hutchinson’s executive orders regarding the public health emergency.

According to Tyler, all inmates under consideration have been convicted of

crimes that are not sexual and not violent.

In order for the inmate to be released, according to ADC, they must be granted an early release by the Parole Board and must have an acceptable parole plan.

According to ADC, all inmates will receive a COVID symptoms screening before they are released and all symptomatic inmates will be tested for the virus.

ADC says no inmates who are known are presumed to be positive for the virus will be released into the community until they are medically cleared.

Tyler says the Parole Board will work with ADC to delay parole until the inmate is no longer contagious.

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April 29, 2020

Reflections from History and Faith Celebrating the Zipper

By Jeff Olson Yes, you are reading this correctly.

This week we recognize an invention which should be near and dear to just about every one of us - the zipper. While it may be true that there are more interesting subjects from America's history to remember this week, we would be hard-pressed to find one that has contributed more to our daily lives. Like you, I have never known life without this handy little device and have always taken it for granted, not giving it much thought other than enjoying its convenience and utility in helping us to keep things together... So, it’s time that we give this mechanical wonder its past due recognition through a brief look at its history on the occasion of its 107th birthday.

Elias Howe, an American mechanic and machinist who invented the sewing machine, originally birthed the idea and received a patent in 1851 for an Automatic, Continuous Clothing Closure. Perhaps because of the success of the sewing machine, he didn't pursue marketing or improving his closure device any further.

In 1893 Whitcomb Judson, an American machine salesman and mechanical engineer from Chicago and an inventor of the Pneumatic Street Railway, patented a 'Clasp Locker' (later known as the Judson C-curity Fastener), a complicated hookand-eye shoe fastener. Its public debut was at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. In 1894 Judson launched the Universal Fastener Company to manufacture his invention, but he met with little commercial success.

In 1906, electrical engineer Gideon Sundback went to work for the Universal Fastener Company where he became the head designer. He made several advances

in the development of the fastener, building upon the previous work of Howe and Judson. Sundback's first patent for the "Hookless Fastener" (Hookless #1) was issued on April 29, 1913. After more improvements, he amended his first patent for the "Separable Fastener" (Hookless #2) in March 1917. Sundback also created the manufacturing machine for the new fastener. The name zipper wasn't officially registered until 1925 when the B.F. Goodrich Company used the device on their new boots (galoshes).

Early on, gloves and tobacco pouches were the primary uses for zippers. One of its first customers was the US Army, which applied zippers to the clothing and gear of the troops of World War I. Within the next thirty years zippers would achieve wide acceptance in the garment and fashion industries, initially for the flies of trousers and openings of skirts and dresses.

Today, there are three main types of zippers used in a multitude of products which have played an important part in the lives of millions of people around the world. In 2006, Gideon Sundback was honored by induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his work in the development and production of the zipper.

So - the next time we zip and unzip our pants, jacket, tent, duffle bag, purse, gun case, life-preserving device, and perhaps leave our “fly” or “barn door” open, we now know who to thank for the good old-fashioned American perseverance, ingenuity, and even some occasional humor. As comedian George Burns (1896-1996) once quipped, referring to the aging process, "First you forget names, then you forget faces. Next you forget to pull your zipper up and finally, you forget to pull it down."

history

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AGFC Hears First Reading of 100 Proposals The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission heard the first reading of 100 changes to the AGFC Code of Regulations during their regularly scheduled meeting.

Although concerns for the current coronavirus emergency prevented the normal formal meeting at one location, a teleconference was held and was made publicly available through the agency’s YouTube page and a special emergency proclamation was issued to carry forward with the meeting.

Many of the regulations changes proposed today were the result of staff looking to simplify, clarify or eliminate codes that were outdated or confusing to the public. A special task force has worked for the last year to identify such codes, and presented 16 changes. The AGFC’s Wildlife Management Division proposed an additional 84 code changes.

Many proposals were focused on wildlife management area regulations and changes to captive wildlife codes; others proposed would affect most hunters.

A few of the more notable changes proposed include: • Adding Independence and Jackson counties to the AGFC’s Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone following a positive detection in Independence County.

• Moving the private land Antlerless-only Modern Gun Deer Hunt to Dec. 29-31, immediately following the Christmas Modern Gun Deer Hunt.

• Increasing the bear quota in Bear Zone 1 (Ozarks) from 340 to 500 bears.

• Instituting a quota system for private land alligator hunting similar to that used for private land elk hunting. Public land

alligator hunting would still be conducted via draw.

• Reducing the number of turkey zones from 18 to two, and base turkey zone lines on county lines.

• Allowing hunters to harvest only one turkey during the first seven days of turkey season and allow youth hunters only one turkey during the youth turkey hunt.

• Reducing bag limits for wild turkey on each WMA to one bird.

• Prohibiting the take of bearded hen turkeys.

• Combining deer zones 8 and 8A; deer zones 1A, 6 and 6A; deer zones 4 and 4B, and deer zones 5 and 5B to reduce zones.

• Increasing deer bag limits in deer zones 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 13 to five deer.

• Reducing deer bag limits in deer zones 12 and 17 to five deer.

• Create Cedar Mountain Leased Land WMA within the existing Winona WMA. This 14,000-acre WMA would require a $40 leased land permit to hunt, trap or camp and would be composed of all land the AGFC currently leases from private landowners to provide these areas for public hunting.

• Allowing all-day waterfowl hunting on WMAs only during the last day of regular duck season and during special youth and veteran waterfowl hunts.

• Restricting boat access all day on waterfowl-focused WMAs for five days before waterfowl season and during splits in season segments to reduce disturbance to ducks using the areas outside of hunting times.

• Implementing a draw hunt at the Red Cut Slough Tract of Cypress Bayou WMA AGFC CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

MENA REAL ESTATE

Farrell & Sharon Cole The Cole Team

479-394-7301

1102 Crestwood Circle Mena, AR 71953

816 S. Mena St. Mena, AR 71953 Office: (479) 394-5000 www.FarrellCole.com www.MenaRealEstate.com

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police

April 29, 2020

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.

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT April 20, 2020 – April 26, 2020.

April 20, 2020 No reports were filed.

April 21, 2020 Report from complainant on Hwy 980 near Dallas Valley of an altercation between juveniles. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Hwy 88E near Ink of a domestic dispute. Deputy responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further review.

Report from complainant on West Boundary near Mena of a dispute causing damage to a vehicle in the amount of $250.00. Deputy responded.

April 22, 2020 Report from complainant on Treasure Lane near Acorn of missing medication.

Deputy responded.

Traffic stop on Polk 18 near Hatton led to Citations for No Driver’s License, Careless and Prohibited Driving, and Driving Left of Center being issued to James A. Miller,38, of Cove.

Report from complainant on Polk 17 near Vandervoort of runaway juveniles.

Deputy responded.

April 23, 2020 Report from complainant on Polk 14 near Bogg Springs of a break-in and theft of property valued at $560.00. Investigation continues.

April 24, 2020 Report from complainant at Shadow Mountain RV Park of a domestic dispute led to Citations for Domestic Battery 3rd Degree being issued to Sabrina Ward, 21, of Mena and Jeana Smith, 44, of Mena.

Report from complainant on Union Street near Hatfield of being threatened by an acquaintance. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration.

Report from complainant on Polk 17 near Vandervoort of a stolen bicycle. Investigation continues.

Report from complainant on Polk 129 near Rocky of an unknown person on their property. Deputy responded.

April 25, 2020

Report from complainant on Hwy 71N near Acorn of a domestic disturbance.

Deputy responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration.

Report from complainant on Polk 159 near Potter of unauthorized use of their Side By Side. It was later returned and complainant refused to press charges.

April 26, 2020 Report from a Mena woman of an altercation during a child custody exchange.

Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s office for further consideration.

Report from complainant on Polk 73 near Ink of malnourished cows. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Hwy 375W near Mena of a stolen vehicle. Investigation continues.

Report from complainant on Polk 125 near Rocky of a minor vehicle accident.

Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Edwards Street near Vandervoort of a dispute over cashing a check.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked no vehicle accidents this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 12 Incarcerated Inmates , with 11 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORT April 19, 2020 through April 25, 2020 follow: April 19, 2020 A theft report was taken at a residence.

Steven Self, 40, was arrested for Criminal Trespass, Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct after a disturbance call to a residence.

April 20, 2020 Laura Giesel, 49, was arrested for Disorderly Conduct, Fleeing and Resisting Arrest after a disturbance call to a residence.

April 21, 2020 A report of harassment and violation of a court order was taken from an individual at a gas station.

April 22, 2020

No reports taken.

April 23, 2020 A theft report was taken at a residence.

A theft report was taken at a department store.

April 24, 2020 A report of a disturbance was taken at a residence.

A report of criminal mischief was taken at a residence.

A report of harassment was taken from a walk-in complainant.

A theft report was taken from a depart-

mypulsenews.com

ment store.

A theft report was taken from a department store.

April 25, 2020 A report of battery and disorderly conduct was taken at the hospital.

Tristen Canada, 19, was arrested for Theft of Property (Shoplifting) at a department store.

A theft report was taken from a department store.

(All subjects should be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law).

ASP Offering Kids Virtual Field Trip Calling all parents!!

The commanders of the Arkansas State Police know it is hard to keep kids entertained during theses days of homeschooling and being in the house. The Arkansas State Police if offering parents a few minutes of peace and quiet, by taking your kiddos on a Virtual Field Trip to the Arkansas State Police Headquarters with some troopers from the Arkansas State Police!

Each Monday at 8am the Arkansas State Police will post a new virtual field trip to Headquarters and show off some of the

Arkansas State Police equipment that students alway ask us about.

Parents and young people might even learn something about themsleves.

The Arkansas State Police hopes you enjoy the videos, and invite you to comment under the videos if you and your kids enjoyed them!!

This week, everyone will visit the Arkansas State Police Aircraft Hangar and learn about all the parts of the Arkansas State Police helicopter! #virtualfieldtrip

mypulsenews.com

April 29, 2020

Program Created to Lift Rural Broadband in Arkansas During its brief legislative session recently, the Arkansas General Assembly authorized the creation of a program to provide grants for efforts to deliver broadband to rural areas.

The new program has spending authority of $2 million in fiscal year 2021 that starts July 1st.

Act 139 of 2020 creates the Rural Broadband I.D. Expenses Trust Fund to be used for one-time grants to entities to defray expenses for broadband due-diligence business studies. Those studies would be done for prospective applicants for funding from federal broadband programs, including the Federal Communications Commis-

sion’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program.

The Governor’s office says that funding has not been allocated for Act 139 of 2020, and that will be a future decision.

Arkansas lags behind in broadband based on access to low-cost plans and wired networks. According to the website www.broadbandnow.com, Arkansas ranked 41st in broadband access. The problem has been highlighted by the coronavirus pandemic that has forced students and numerous employees to do their work from home.

The website says 77.7% of Arkansans

have access to wired broadband speed of 25 megabits per second or faster, while 65.2% have access to 100 megabits per second or faster.

In August of last year, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced his own broadband plan, the Arkansas Rural Connect Broadband Grant Program. That $25 million plan was intended to get high-speed broadband service to rural areas.

The Legislative Council approved the transfer of $5.7 million from the state’s restricted fund to provide startup funding for Arkansas Rural Connect. Both counties and unincorporated communities are eligible to co-apply for grants from the program.

Stimulus Help on the Way from Small Business Administration The Small Business Administration resumed accepting Paycheck Protection Program loan applications Monday morning from approved lenders on behalf of any eligible borrower. This will ensure that SBA has properly coded the system to account for changes made by the recent legislation.

Congress agreed last week to pump more money into the Paycheck Protection Program after the initial funding ran dry in two weeks.

Small businesses can apply through any

existing SBA lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, Farm Credit System, or non-bank lending institution that is participating. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating in the program.

Meanwhile, the Internal Revenue Service says that the direct deposit processing of stimulus checks paid out to individuals is mostly done. Beginning this week, the tax

agency says it will mail checks on a weekly basis to all other individuals who are eligible to receive the coronavirus stimulus checks. As for the wait: it could be September before all checks are delivered via mail.

The IRS has said that it will first deliver paper checks to the lowest earners who are eligible, and the agency estimates it will mail about five million checks each week until all who qualify receive the federal aid that’s intended to stimulate the economy.

Selfie Contest to Help Plant Trees Statewide in Honor of Arbor Day Launching its first #SelfieTree contest, the Arkansas Urban Forestry Council (AUFC), in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division, will be giving away trees for the best tree selfies over the next month.

The #SelfieTree is a Facebook contest

by AUFC and the Forestry Division in honor of Arbor Day in an effort to promote tree planting across the state. Arkansans are encouraged to go outside and take a sel-

fie with a tree, post it to Facebook using #SelfieTree and tag the Arkansas Urban Forestry Council.

Though tree planting community events have been cancelled this year due to COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines, we still want to actively encourage Arkansans to learn about tree conservation,” said Anthony Whittington, AUFC president.

Arkansans with the most likes on the #SelfieTree post will win either a four-to

five-foot-tall potted tree or 10 pin oak saplings. Winners will be announced on May 1, 8, 15 and 22.

Studies have found that people who have access to trees, whether in their own yards or nearby in their communities, feel more empowered, less stressed, and better able to cope with illness and anxiety,” said Kristine Thomason, Urban & Community Forestry Coordinator.

Find Your Local News at MyPulseNews.com

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Illegal Ponzi Schemes will only Steal Arkansan’s Hard-earned Money

LITTLE ROCK – The COVID pandemic has sparked concern about more than just your personal health. It has created economic hardships for many Arkansans. As many seek to ensure they can pay their bills, illegal Ponzi schemes disguised as goodwill gestures such as so-called “Blessing Looms” are freely shared on social media that will ultimately steal money from those who fall prey.

Scammers use the “Blessing Looms” scam by posting it on social media and ask unwary readers to pay an entry fee (e.g., $100) with the promise that, as more people pay to build the pot of money by paying the entry fee, the participant will also get a payout (as much as $800) of that money. The surest way to identify these scams is if they promise large payouts in return for small investments, if they tell factually unsupported “success stories” of happy customers, or if they explain that future results rely on bringing in new participants to the scheme.

Attorney General Rutledge.has identified several tips for Arkansans to use in protecting themselves against Ponzi schemes: • If something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Know that large sums of money generally do not result from small investments.

• Consult the terms of use for Facebook and other social media platforms and report such scams as these platforms may prohibit schemes like this one.

• Safeguard banking and financial information in order to prevent theft due to scams.

• When using the internet, ensure that you are using a verified, secure, and encrypted website when sharing any personal or financial information online. Instead of clicking embedded links, consider typing the company’s actual URL website address in the search bar.

• Do not disclose personal information to an unknown person online because it could result in identity theft or the opening of other accounts in their name.

For more information, call (800) 4828982 or visit ArkansasAG.gov.

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obituaries

Dr. Richard Carver

Dr.Richard Carver, age 80 of Mena, Arkansas passed away April 22, 2020 at his home.

Rick was born March 28, 1940 in Mena, Arkansas to Richard Addison Carver and Frances Finks Carver. He grew up in Mena but was a 1958 graduate of Lake Village High School, as his parents moved there for a short time. Rick grew up in a large loving family with 5 brothers and 1 sister. After graduation, he joined the Army National Guard for 6 years, which delayed his college career for 2 years. He attended Henderson State University before attending S. C. O. (Southern College of Optometry) in Memphis. His practice began with Dr. H. H. McRee in the Philpot Building before building his own office on Mena Street. The practice continued for 50 years before retiring due to illness. Rick served on the Mena Water Commission and the Union Bank Board for many years. He was a member of the Mena Lions Club, Elks Club, and the Mena Corvette Club. Rick considered his patients his friends. He was a Razorback fan, but the biggest fan of his family. He was married to Beth for 41 years and had 4 beautiful children: Kristi Wilson, Jonathon Carver, Dr. Adam Carver and London Pitchford. Lake Ouachita was his favorite place to go and he spent many years there with his parents and then his own family. Working on his home and yard, in his shop and keeping all the vehicles, tractors and mowers like new was his way of relaxing.

Rick was known for being a kind, loving, generous gentleman. To know him was to love him, he will be missed.

Caring for your family since 1928

Locally owned & operated 479-394-1310

611 Janssen Avenue - Mena, AR

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April 29, 2020 Survivors are; Wife Elizabeth “Beth” Carver of Mena, AR; Sons, Jonathon Carver and wife Virginia of Reeds Spring, Missouri and Adam Carver and wife Angela of Nixa, Missouri; Daughters: Kristi Carver Wilson and husband Dr. Phillip of Mena, AR and London Carver Pitchford and Darron of Maumelle, AR; Grandchilden: Aaron Pasquinzo, Marc David Wilson, Rachel Wilson, Katherine Wilson, Leea Carver, Bodhie Carver, William Carver, Carver Pitchford and Lawson Pitchford; Brothers: David Carver Woodside of California and Steve Carver of Fayetteville, AR; and Special Caregiver: Ann Hughes of Mena, AR. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Addison Carver and Frances Finks Carver, Brother Bill Carver, Bob Carver and Mike Carver, sister Clayta Scott and a special nephew Win Warlaw.

Graveside service will be Saturday, April 25, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Pinecrest Memorial Park with Brother Victor Rowell officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Travis Davis Travis Earl Davis, age 50 of Mena, AR, passed away Monday, April 27, 2020 in Mena.

Travis was born March 5, 1970 in Mena to Herman and Pauline Davis. He was married to Mary Davis until her passing. Travis worked as an aircraft detailer for Crider Aircraft in Mena. He loved deer hunting, fishing, and Arkansas basketball. Travis will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors are; Sons: Logan Alexander Davis and Matthew E. Davis; Grandchildren: Hank Davis and Maryann Davis; Mother, Pauline Davis; Brothers: Johnny Davis, James Davis, and Kenny Davis; and Sister Cindy Weatherford.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary, and his father Herman.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena Arkansas with Brother Roger Bishop officiating.

Honorary pallbearers are his co-workers at Crider Aircraft.

Services are under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

mypulsenews.com

Norman Manson Mr. Norman Manson, age 84, of Mena passed away Sunday, April 19, 2020 at the Montgomery County Nursing Home in Mt. Ida, AR. Norman was born on August 27, 1935 in Wooster, Ohio. He served our country proudly in the United States Navy. Norman was also a member of the Elks for over 40 years. His greatest love was his family, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend to all that knew him, and he will be dearly missed by all.

He is survived by; Daughter, Jamie Pringle of Mena; Grandchildren Michael, Christopher, Lindsay, and Kayla Pringle; Great grandchild Vanessa Pringle; and Brother Dean and wife Donna Manson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife: Linda Manson.

Mr. Norman Manson was sent for cremation under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Deane Forrest Schuller

Deane Forrest Schuller, age 88, of Mena was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on June 25, 1931 to John William and Celia Hana Cox Schuller. He was the seventh child of a family of nine. Deane and his family lived in Minnesota and Illinois before moving to Fennimore, Wisconsin. He worked after school at the Gamble Store and later at a full time job at Kroger. Upon being transferred to Darlington, Wisconsin, he worked as the head produce clerk until called to service to the U.S. Army in 1952.

After being honorably discharged from the service, he returned to Kroger for a total of

17 ½ years.

Deane met his future wife, Susan Marlene Mathews, in 1951 in Fennimore, and they were married November 28, 1954.

Deane was offered a position managing the Ben Franklin store in Darlington, which he accepted. He worked in this position for four years. After a brief time, he was offered the opportunity to run the Ben Franklin store in Mena, AR, and the family moved in 1974. He worked in this capacity for 3 ½ years, then he went into carpentry work until retirement. Deane made many wonderful friends along his way. He was an avid Green Bay Packers and Arkansas Razorbacks fan. He enjoyed woodcrafts and was a jack of all trades. Deane was a member of the Nazarene Church and loved the Lord. A father, grandfather, and great-grandfather - - he will be greatly missed by all.

Deane is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and two sisters, and a son, Dale.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sue, two daughters, Debbie Schuller and Sandra Pruitt, both of Mena, and five sons, Jim and wife Judy, Mike and wife Terri, Bill, Brian and wife Lisa, and Steven and wife Kristi, all of Mena, and a dear son/friend, Steven and wife Ethel Sherill. He is also survived by two brothers, Gary of Fennimore, Wisconsin and Dick of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, along with one sister, Phyllis Ann Jerett of Hazel Green, Wisconsin.

Also surviving Deane are 15 grandchildren and their spouses and 14 great-grandchildren.

A private family memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 28, 2020 with arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

mypulsenews.com

April 29, 2020

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Pleasant Hills Animal Clinic remains open and ready to serve all of your animal care needs! We are currently operating on a drop-off only basis in order to provide safety to both our clients and our staff. Just give us a call at (479) 243-9200 to make an appointment. We will come to your car to pick up your pet and/or deliver to your car any medications. We are still offering all of our routine services which include dental cleanings, spays and neuters, vaccinations, baths, and boarding in addition to our regular examinations and treatments.

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April 29, 2020

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We’re here for you Take advantage of our Online Banking and Mobile Deposit. You can deposit your check from anywhere using your smartphone. Our Online Banking gives you access to services such as making loan payments, checking balances, transferring funds, reordering checks, paying bills, and more.

FFB continues to offer FULL SERVICE at our Drive Thru.

Stay Healthy. Stay Safe. Support Local.

Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

www.ffb1.com

April 29, 2020

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THANK YOU POLK COUNTY HEALTH CARE WORKERS! National Nurses Week is May 6-12, 2020. The Pulse Multi-Media would like to express our thanks to all health-care workers in the April 29th issue. Health care workers do a lot for their patients; from assisting in medical procedures, advocating for patients’ rights….to administering medications, providing bedside care, and so much more!

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Tori Tackett and Tammy Harrison are two Polk County RNs working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 battle in New York City.

April 29, 2020 news Mena Public School Announcements: Yearbooks to be Distributed

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mypulsenews.com

Mena Public Schools wants to thank our students, parents, staff members, and community for your continued dedication and support to education.

We understand that many of you have questions. We appreciate your patience and understanding during these unprecedented times.

Guidance and answers will be given as Governor Hutchinson’s Task Force on reentry works through the three phases of release which are being handed down from the President.

We will continue to communicate information to you as we receive guidance.

At this time we are ready to release the following information.

Thursday, April 30th

*11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Sophomores Yearbook Distribution drive-thru at bus loop *2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Freshmen Yearbook Distribution drive-thru at bus loop

Friday, May 1st

*Senior Video (created by Journalism 2 Student Zane Stephens) to be posted on

YouTube and Facebook

May 4th-8th

*Slide Shows of MHS Students highlighting the 2019-20 school year posted on YouTube and Facebook

May 11th-15th

*Slide Shows of MHS Students highlighting the 2019-20 School Year posted on YouTube and Facebook *2020 Scholarship Recipients slideshow posted on YouTube and Facebook *MHS Student Awards slideshow for 2019-20

Thursday, May 7 as follows A - H 10:00am-11:00am I - P. 11:00am-Noon Q-Z 1:00pm=2:00pm Due to the virus, it will be curb side pickup in front of the Middle School entrance.

Please do not get out of your car. It is "drive through" only through the circle drive.

If, due to your work schedule, you need a different time, contact Mrs. Lunsford byTuesday, May 5 for special arrangement. Melissa.Lunsford@MenaSchools.

org or text to 479-637-6599. Please provide the student's name and grade in your message.

Yearbooks remaining can be purchased: Tuesday, May 12 11 am - 1 pm (1st Come / 1st Served) Limited Available Middle School entrance circle drive, curb side, drive-through Checks only accepted.

Made payable to Mena Middle School Yearbook. Price is $29.

Sunday, May 17th

*3:00 p.m. MHS Senior Class of 2020 Cap & Gown Recognition Video to be posted on YouTube and Facebook Please continue to follow our Facebook page and your child’s individual campus page.

Mena Middle School Yearbooks Distribution

Middle School Yearbooks that were pre-ordered (you have a receipt) will be distributed

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news

April 29, 2020

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Arkansas celebrates the ‘Spirit of Travel’ National Travel and Tourism Week May 3-9 Arkansas will celebrate the “Spirit of Travel” during National Travel and Tourism

Week, May 3-9. This year, the week will highlight travel’s ability to provide resilience

Pawparazzi Fashion Show-First Presbyterian Church, May 1

by Judy Thompson First Presbyterian Church invites you to have a fun time during their first ever Pawparazzi Fashion Show.

Pastor Bill Seitz acknowledges that the idea came initially with finding something for their church youth to do and then spread to the congregation and finally to youngsters of all ages in the community.

So many of us have beloved pets that are like family. This is a chance to outfit them and let others see how lovable they are. Then get camera ready! After outfit is determined for pet or pets, everyone participating is encouraged to write a description or commentary to be read while pet struts it stuff down the imaginary runway. Seitz says funny and witty is definitely encouraged. Those reading or leading are invited to be a part of the video or still photo, both children and adults. Videos should be no

more than a minute and a half. Afterwards, please text video or photo to Garrett at 479 216-3737 along with your name and pet(s) name(s). If there is more than one pet in the family, all pets may be in one video/ photo or a different one may be submitted for each pet.

The church tech guy will then post to the website of First Presbyterian (www.firstchurchmena.org) on May 1 for the enjoyment of those in the community. They will be judged by a few of our community and gift certificates given for the best videos/ still photos. However, Pastor Seitz advises that the primary reason for the Pawparazzi Fashion Show is to provide a fun venue in costuming and filming the pet(s) and in viewing the videos and photos. First Presbyterian Church invites all the community to be a part of this effort.

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103 Pellet Lane, Mena, Arkansas

and hope.

“There’s no doubt this has been an incredibly challenging time,” said Travis Napper, director of Arkansas Tourism, “but National Travel and Tourism Week is an opportunity to remind our visitors and our residents of the incredible spirit and resiliency of the travel industry and our workforce. It’s only a matter of time before we all get moving again, and Arkansas will be more ready than ever to welcome travelers with open arms.”

Until then, you can visit Arkansas from the comfort of your own home. Discover puzzles, Zoom backgrounds, virtual tours and other fun activities for all ages at ar-

kansas.com/arkansas-home-activities.

“I’m so proud to celebrate the spirit of Arkansas this week. From the mountains of the Ozarks and Ouachitas, to the rich cultural heritage of Arkansas’s Delta region, to our beautiful waterways, The Natural State has proven its moniker time and time again,” said Napper.

Celebrated annually the first full week in May, National Travel and Tourism Week was created by Congress in 1983 to underscore the economic power of travel in the U.S. For more information about Arkansas or to read travel planning articles for the future, visit www.arkansas.com.

PERSONNEL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

teacher.

Deedra Hooker was promoted from Paraprofessional to Secondary English teacher.

Board members accepted the resignations of Norma Foster and Jim Pennington.

Board members also accepted the resignations for retirement from Mike Collins, Paulette Crawford, Freda Moore, Marsha Riley, Penny Smedley, Paulette Sherrer and Rose Tedder.

Polk County Housing Authority 509 South Morrow Street, Mena, AR

“Smoke Free” and well maintained. The cooking and heating in most apartments is natural gas which is paid by the housing authority. Water, sewer and garbage pick-up are also paid by the housing authority. You will be responsible for your own electric service. Rent amount is based on income. Lawn mowing service is provided to elderly/disabled residents and available for a fee to all other residents. Apartments have washer and dryer hook-up and are equipped with a range and refrigerator as well as central heat and air conditioning. PCHA also has an income based rental assistance program for housing anywhere in Polk County.

Call For A Custom Quote Today

Rickey & Donna Morse Certified Specialists

Serving Our Community Since 1981

479•394•1840

or visit our website at www.polkarhousing.com

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mypulsenews.com

April 29, 2020

04.29.20

04.29.20

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 04.22.20

Humane Society of the Ouachitas

PET OF THE WEEK Tydus has 24 karat golden eyes! So handsome in his yellow and orange striped tabby coat with white accents! Tydus is good with children and cats. Get him some cat treats for his birthday in November (11/17/2017). Your family will say "Tydus is the cat for us!"

ALL ANIMALS AT HSO ARE SPAYED/NEUTERED AND ARE CURRENT ON THEIR VACCINATIONS PRIOR TO ADOPTION.

HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE OUACHITAS TUES. THROUGH SAT. 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. 368 POLK 50, MENA, AR 479 3945682 WWW.HSOMENA.ORG

mypulsenews.com CANCELLATIONS CLOSINGS AND CHANGES OLT ELECTIONS IN MAY: Due to social distancing we are having to conduct election a little....OK a lot different. We need to elect officers and 5 board members.

So far we have Lamar Austin, Jackie Biard, Robby Burt, Gayle Krahn, Jessica Kropp, and Alexa Night for board and Rudi Timmerman for President, John Byers for Vice-President, Judy Kropp for Secretary, and Bill Hays for Treasurer. We would like to open online nominations for others wishing to nominate someone for one of the offices mentioned. Nominations will be accepted until May 1. The actual election will be online also with details announced later. Turn in your nominations through our website, oltmena. com, through the “contact us” option. You can also email me at ruditimmerman@hughes.net You must be a current member to nominate or vote.

The Mena ARVAC office is closed to the public. We are still able to help individuals with utility assistance. Also, ARVAC, Inc. will issue commodities at Polk County Fair Grounds on Polk Road 43 Mena, AR on Tuesday April 28th , 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until 1pm. Due to Covid-19 Concerns this will be drive through only distribution. For more information call 394-4707.

Attention Vandervoort Elementary Faculty and families: AMI packets are available now on the porch in the filing cabinets as usual.

Those that have completed packets for Pre K Can drop them in the tub outside front doors at Louise Durham Elementary. New applications will also be in the tub or they can be emailed to you.

Call 479-243-3813 to have an application emailed to you. Please have packets in an envelope or a large ziplock bag and marked with the student name. The Tub will be available on Monday-Thursday 8:00 am until 3:00 pm, April April 27- May 1.

April 29, 2020 For a list of closures, more information and updates, visit websites of the Ouachita National Forest at www.fs.usda.gov/ouachita or the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests at www. fs.usda.gov/osfnf/.

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

Fresh Start Pregnancy Resource Center Classes are canceled, but we are still meeting essential needs by appointment.

Mena Elks Lodge 781 closed.

All Arkansas schools closed rest of school year due to coronavirus.

The Cove branch of the Polk County Library is closed.

Updated on PCDC’s closings: Adult Services, Kids Store, Resale Store, Donation, and Recycling will be closed until further notice in effort to help stop the spread of Corona Virus.

We appreciate your understanding in this.

The Mena Art Gallery is closed until further notice.

Hatfield Town Hall is closing the Lobby. All payments can be put in the Dropbox or pay at Hatfield Union Bank. Attach your Bill that is mailed out to you with your payment. The office personnel can be reached at 870-389-6611.

Also during the Covid-19 social distancing time no Reservations can be taken for Use of the building.

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

Dispersed camping is still available in both forests. At the Ouachita National Forest, all restrooms are shut down.

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

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

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (April 13, 2020) — Ouachita National Forest officials announced today that, effective immediately, the Wolf Pen Gap Trail Complex located in Mena, Ark., is temporarily shut down until further notice.

Acorn Rural Water office is closed to the public until further notice.

You can drop your payment into the drop box, mail it or pay it at the Union Bank of Mena.

For more information call 479-394-1025.

The Spring Sports season at Tapley Park is cancelled. This includes Soccer, Baseball and Softball or any event that consists of more than ten people. For more go to Tapley Sports Facebook page or website.

Freedom Water office is closed until further notice. You may drop your payment in the drop box at the office, mail it or pay at First Financial Bank. If you need to know your balance or have any questions you may call the office 479-3947500 during business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

All activities at Queen Wilhimena State Park & Cossatot River State Park cancelled until May 13th.

All OLT shows and activities cancelled or postponed due to Covid-19 Pandemic. The OLT office will also be closed until further notice.

American Legion Bingo Saturday and Monday Cancelled TFN. FROM THE EXTENSION SERVICE OFFICE We are having to suspend all 4-H, EHC, Master Gardener, & educational activities for the time being due to COVID-19.

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

Congregate meals at Cossatot Senior Center will be closed until further notice. Will do drive up/pick up from 10am-11am. Also will continue home delivered meals as normal. Contact 479234-3503 to be included or for more details.

The Mena Polk County Senior Center NOT open for daily activities through April 17th. If you are senior citizen 60 years of age or older and would like to be pick up a meal to go at the center, call for more information at 479394-5459. If you are currently a participant and would still like a meal, you may call the senior center between 9 and 11:00 to place an order to be picked up. We will continue serving meals to go every day form 11:30am thru 12 Noon. The Grab & Go meals are still the suggested donation price of $3.00 each. Any extra monetary donations are greatly appreciated!! The number to call is 479-394-5459 to order a meal. No meals after 12 noon. Stay tuned to facebook page and alocal radio stations for further info.

First Christian Church at 1010 Port Arthur in Mena will hold a service in their Fellowship Hall at 10:45am on Sundays.

You can also sit in the parking lot and listen on the radio. This will be done each Sunday throughout the Pandemic restrictions.

Trinity Lutheran Church in Mena is closed.

They do have recorded video on their website:https://trinitylutheranmena.weebly.com Wednesday Warriors For Christ youth service and Sunday evening service is cancelled at The Southside Church of God cancelled until further notice. Church is at 101 Dallas Avenue.

Sunday morning services are not cancelled.

Sunday Morning service begins at 10:30. It is

closings

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drive up service outside WEATHER PERMITTING. It is streamed on Southside Church of God Facebook page & video put there.

Mena 1st United Methodist Church suspended all church activities.

All services at Hatfield Methodist Church cancelled TFN. Faith Missionary Baptist Church Sunday morning service continues to air on 104.1FM KENA each Sunday from 11am to Noon. And you can attend service in Parking lot WEATHER PERMITTING. Also service is streamed online on their Facebook page.

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

Bible Believers Baptist Church has no in the church building events.

They will be having drive-in church Sunday mornings at 11am in the parking lot weather permitting. There is no Sunday School.

Christ’s Church at Mountain Fork will not be holding services at the church until further notice. However, We invite you to visit our Facebook page: Christ’s Church at Mountain Fork where you can view Bible Study lessons each week, and you may also visit You Tube sermons by typing in Mark Berrier you will have a selection of sermons to listen to.

Grace Bible Church has cancelled services until further notice.

There will be a video posted on social media.

To contact the church dial (479) 394-4092.

Christ Community Fellowship is offering a Drive In Service Sundays at 10:30am. Drive In and tune into 88.3FM on your radio to hear the service. It will also be live-screened on Facebook.

First Baptist Church of Mena will not have in person Sunday worship service until further notice. Sunday School lesson will be available on the Mena FBC Facebook page. Also Childrens Chat recording will be on Mena FBC Facebook page. Sunday sermon is streamed on FBC Facebook page and recording played on KAWX radio. Also there will be a Bible Study each Wednesday at 6pm Drive-In style at the Ninth Street Ministries Parking lot Weather Permitting and it will be streamed on the Mena FBC Facebook page. Also, weather permitting Sunday Morning service at 10:30am will be held in Ninth Street Ministries Parking Lot. Whether the service is done in Ninth Street Parking Lot or not it will be streamed on the Mena First Baptist Church Facebook page.

First Presbyterian church services are being filmed and put online.

No in person service until further notice.

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T07292020 Land Clearing, Tree Service and Lawn Care. RC Customz land clearing, mulching and more. Services include: Fence lines, clearing of lots, brush-hogging, trenching, fencing, tree services, mowing and more. Mulching is a great solution for clearing overgrowth while leaving desirable trees. We service both residential and commercial customers. Military discount available. Insured.

Please call (479)216-2976 for a free estimate.

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- MISCELLANEOUS Decoration Day at Center Cemetary will be held on May 17th, located in Hartly on 246 E, 16 miles from Vandervort Juntion.

T05132020

Has Your

Weekend Project Become A

5 Year Lawn Ornament?

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Polk County Pulse Classifieds

April 29, 2020

mypulsenews.com

Polk County EHC Clubs helping to raise 1 million meals

By Bridgett Martin-CEA-FCS/4-H U of A System Division of Agriculture MENA, AR — Members of the Polk County Extension Homemakers have been working since last fall to raise money as part of a statewide effort to provide one million meals for food-insecure Arkansans.

Now they’ve taking their food drive online, beginning April 23.

Donations can be made via uaex.edu/ EHC. Donations made in Polk County will go to the River Valley Regional Food Bank, who provides meals for our area of the state and local food banks where $1 provides as many as 5-10 meals.

The Polk County Extension Clubs make up part of the 320 clubs in the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council, one of the state’s largest volunteer groups with 3,700 members. The clubs are partnering with six Feeding America Food Banks across

Arkansas, which can buy food in bulk for pennies on the dollar.

“By partnering with the area food banks, we can leverage our buying power,” said EHC member Roberta Shankle, who is coordinating the statewide project. “Ten dollars can buy a few items at your local store, but food banks can use that same $10 to purchase much more food, and that means more meals for needy families.”

Though face-to-face events are being cancelled for now, the EHC members hope Polk County residents will still give online to help others who may be struggling.

According to the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, 17.3 percent of Arkansans were at risk of not knowing where to get their next meal, and 23.6 percent of children were food insecure before the pandemic.

“The need is now more critical than ever,” Shankle said. “We know many peo-

ple are making do with less, and we ask people to just give as they feel led to give.”

Donations are routed to the food bank of the donor’s choice. Partnering food banks include the Arkansas Food Bank, Food Bank of North Central Arkansas, Food Bank of North East Arkansas, Harvest Regional Food Bank, Northwest Arkansas Food Bank and the River Valley Regional Food Bank.

The fundraising effort comes at a critical time, as food banks are seeing a surge in requests for services, especially among those who have experienced job loss or a reduction in work hours, senior citizens and others who have difficulty accessing food through their local grocery stores and markets.

The EHC clubs will continue fundraising through 2021, said Karen Bell Fox, AEHC president.

Supplemental Security Income Recipients, Act Now – Go to IRS.gov A Message from Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul Action Needed for People Receiving SSI with Dependents and Who Do Not File Tax Returns to Receive $500 Per Child Payment “Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who don’t file tax returns will start receiving their automatic Economic Impact Payments directly from the Treasury Department in early May. People receiving SSI benefits who did not file 2018 or 2019 taxes, and have qualifying children under age 17, however, should not wait for their automatic $1,200 individual payment.

They should immediately go to the IRS’s webpage at www.irs.gov/coronavirus/nonfilers-enter-payment-info-here and visit the Non-Filers: Enter Your Information section to provide their information. SSI recipients who have dependent children and did not file 2018 or 2019 taxes need to act by Tuesday, May 5, in order to receive additional payments for their eligible children quickly.

By taking this proactive step to enter information on the IRS website about them and their qualifying children, they will also receive the $500 per dependent child payment in addition to their $1,200 individual payment. If people in this group do not pro-

vide their information to the IRS soon, their payment at this time will be $1,200 only.

They would then be required to file a tax year 2020 tax return to obtain the additional $500 per eligible child.

I urge SSI recipients with qualifying children and who do not normally file taxes to take action now. Immediately go to IRS. gov so that you will receive the full amount of the Economic Impact Payments you and your family are eligible for.

Lastly, a word of caution. Be aware of scams related to the Economic Impact Payments. There is no fee required to receive these payments. Don’t be fooled.

2020 U.S. Census Affects Funding In Our Polk County Communities, Be Counted!

Every 10 years the U.S. Census Bureau counts the number of people living in the United States and U.S. territories.

Each home has or will receive information regarding how to complete the 2020 Census. Because funding for many things in Mena, Hatfield, Cove, Vandervoort, Wickes, Grannis and Polk County, including schools, school lunches, turn back funds for our communities used for roads and other important things in all our lives, census data is extremely important. It is very important that every household complete the census to ensure schools and other entities receive accurate funding.

The COVID-19 pandemic has distracted many of us and caused some hardships, so while always important, it is more important than ever to be counted!

Completing the census online is safe.

To learn more about how the census

matters in Arkansas: https://arcounts.org/ To complete the census: https://2020census.gov/ For more information, visit https://www. census.gov.

mypulsenews.com

PROM AND GRADUATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 involving the discussions of a 2020 Mena High School Prom and the 2020 Mena High School Graduation Ceremony.

When it comes to prom and graduation each year, we know that this involves several hundred people being together in one venue, which is expected in the times of celebrating our students. With current restrictions of gatherings not being permitted to exceed ten people, we know that holding our 2020 prom and graduation events at their originally scheduled dates is not possible, yet we also are not dismissing these events from happening once we receive guidance that large gatherings are once again allowed.

The health, safety, and welfare of our community and our students are top priority at this time. Our intentions are to still hold the 2020 Junior/Senior Prom and the 2020 MHS Graduation Ceremony once clearance is given from our state and national leaders.

While the country patiently waits on this pandemic to descend and mandates to be lifted on large gatherings, this does keep Mena Public Schools from scheduling any specific dates for these events yet, but rest assured that our intentions are to still hold these events when the opportunities become available.

The Mena Public Schools and Mena High School administration teams are keeping up with the latest news and guidance of officials when it comes to all things relating to our schools and community, so rest assured that while the pandemic may have interrupted the flow of routines, regularly scheduled events and traditions, and on-site learning during the 2020 spring semester, is has not canceled the major events of prom and graduation; it has merely postponed them. Mena High School intends to celebrate these students when the opportunity becomes available, and information will continue to be communicated and made available as we proceed forward.

Please continue to follow the Mena Public Schools Facebook page and your child’s individual school campus page as we continue to monitor and make plans, which will give everyone time to make plans of their own.

news

April 29, 2020

on weekends during waterfowl season.

A summary of all changes is available on the recording of the meeting at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=sidnUGjqlyU beginning at the 42-minute mark.

All proposals were posted on the AGFC’s digital code public comment form April 6. Additionally, a public comment survey was posted March 26 and circulated widely through the AGFC’s newsletters, website, social media and licensing system to gather input on these proposals. The survey received responses from 8,515 individuals during the open survey period.

Two of the 100 original proposals saw changes during today’s meeting.

A proposal to end duck hunting at 11 a.m. with hunters to leave inundated areas by noon on all waterfowl-focused wildlife management areas was modified by Commissioner Joe Morgan of Stuttgart. The new proposal only affects Dave Donaldson Black River WMA and George H. Dunklin Bayou Meto WMA. It now proposes waterfowl hunting and access to inundated areas both end at noon.

An additional proposal to reduce the number of dogs per trainer allowed at the AGFC’s Pepper’s Pond retriever-training area on Camp Robinson Special Use Area was tabled. Commissioner Anne Marie Doramus of Little Rock said she and other commissioners received many comments from waterfowl retriever trainers concerning the proposed regulation and the lack of general knowledge regarding regulations currently in place.

“I think it is in our best interest and the public’s best interest to put this off for the time being and take a closer look at the current rules that are there,” Doramus said.

“Before we move forward we need to make sure that everyone is on the same page.

The current rules are especially hard to find, and I think it is unfair of us to put this new one when the first ones are not clear.”

Chairman Ken Reeves of Harrison said a similar issue among horseback riders and quail-hunting trials came about years ago and also was resolved through less drastic measures than regulations changes, and Reeves suggested a roundtable discussion be headed up to resolve any

15

AGFC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 confusion about usage of the area.

Commissioner Bobby Martin of Rogers proposed a motion to pause the implementation of CWD zone regulations for Independence and Jackson counties, but it failed for lack of a second.

Additional comments to each proposal can be made at https://apps.agfc.com/ regulations/out-for-comment. The Commission is expected to vote on these regulations at its May 21 meeting.

In other business, the Commission: • Approved a budget increase of $300,000 to repair a large washout below the dam of Lake Elmdale in Springdale to prevent future degradation of the dam and possible catastrophic dam failure.

• Awarded retiring AGFC Wildlife Officer Capt. Ron Aaron his service sidearm after 34 years of service.

• Clarified the permitting process for 3-year permits for boathouses and fishing piers constructed by landowners bordering Commission-owned lakes.

A video of the meeting is available at https://www.youtube.com/user/ArkansasGameandFish.

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16

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