Polk County Pulse December 22, 2021

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December 22, 2021

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Manhunt ends in capture

INSIDE:

By Patrick Massey

What Christmas means to me

Christmas Letters

Baby’s First Christmas

Page 9

Page 16

The search for a Polk County man who assaulted a Sevier County investigator, stole his gun and vehicle and then led officers from multiple law enforcement agencies on an hours-long chase has ended peacefully with the suspect in custody on Wednesday, Dec. 15.

Justin Thomas Keaster, 39, was located and arrested mid-afternoon by Sevier County deputies following a multi-agency manhunt which began Wednesday morning. The search for Keaster began after he fled in a stolen truck from an Arkansas Highway Patrol officer, leading them on a highspeed pursuit.

Later, he ambushed Sevier County Sheriff ’s Investigator Jeff Wahls, stealing his gun and patrol vehicle. The patrol vehicle was later found wrecked and abandoned in an area around Jefferson Ridge on Dierks Lake.

Wahls was injured during the altercation and transported to a nearby medical center.

Authorities say he is in stable condition.

Law enforcement agents utilized tracking dogs, horses and drones to locate Keaster and bring him into custody. Fortunately, no one else was injured during the incident or subsequent arrest.

Agencies involved in the search included Sevier County Sheriff ’s Office, DQPD, South Central Drug Task Force, Arkansas Highway Patrol, Nashville PD, Dierks PD, Howard Co. Sheriff ’s Office, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Department of Corrections and Arkansas Game & Fish wildlife Covered in mud, the hunt for Keaster comes to officers, as well as McCurtain an end. (submitted photo) County OEM.

Forest Service Issues Final Decision on future of Albert Pike Recreation Area

Jr. Barrel Racing winners

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HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Dec. 16, 2021 — Ouachita National Forest officials released a Final Decision Notice on the future use of the Albert Pike Recreation Area located near Langley, Ark., today.

The decision outlines the type of changes that will be implemented at the recreation area, which includes removing facilities.

“The decision provides a safe, well-maintained facility with yearround sustainable Day-Use recreation

opportunities including swimming, picnicking, and fishing,” said Caddo-Womble District Ranger, Amanda Gee. “The Day-Use area will be opened to the public once a vault toilet has been installed.”

The recreation area will continue to be Day-Use only, with no overnight camping permitted. Infrastructure will be decommissioned in some areas and allowed to return to natural conditions.

Other changes that will be implement-

ed include the adaptive reuse of Loop D to provide Day Use parking facilities.

Loops are smaller camping spots within a campground.

The Final Decision can be found on the Ouachita National Forest website at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/AlbertPike.

For more information, call the Caddo-Womble District office at (870) 8672101 or by email to: christopher.ham@ usda.gov.

2 News

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December 22, 2021

Gas prices soar

By Trey Youngdahl

As COVID restrictions let up and drivers get back on the road, worldwide energy shortages and domestic supply interruptions are causing fuel prices to rise.

The American Automotive Association (AAA) reported a year ago the national average of fuel was $2.172 per gallon. Now, gas prices are the highest they’ve been in seven years with the current national average standing at $3.318 per gallon. According to consumer reports, patrons are having to make difficult cuts and budget decisions, as a result of rising demand and constrained supply.

As Americans get back to driving as COVID-19 restrictions continue to let up, the demand for fuel is higher now than when the pandemic began.

The numbers reflect there was an incredibly sharp decline in the national number of miles driven by Americans. According to The U.S. Federal Highway Administration, pre-pandemic April of 2019 saw approximately 277 million vehicle miles traveled. A year later, that number abruptly dropped to 166 million vehicle miles.

Now, as businesses reopen and people travel again, those numbers are at an incline, July of 2021 seeing 290 million vehicle miles driven.

According to Business Insider, domestic supply interruptions have also contributed to making crude oil more expensive. One factor responsible for supply constraints is Hurricane Ida, which hit a large portion of U.S. oil drilling and refining capacity in the Gulf of Mexico late August 2021.

Though the oil refineries and rigs have recovered, crude oil inventories remain low.

Oil stored in Cushing, Oklahoma,

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which is one of the main crude oil depots in the U.S., was down 40% from the start of 2021 according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

This lack of supply paired with the rising demand has helped lead to inflated fuel prices.

Foreign energy markets aren’t helping resolve the situation either.

According to CNBC, President Joe Biden’s administration has previously called on OPEC, and its allies to boost oil output to help remedy the jump seen in gasoline prices.

India, another big consumer of oil, has pleaded the same to OPEC. While OPEC did agree to raise their production by 400,000 barrels a day, some members’ response to world leaders call for more supply was to essentially hoard their stock, keeping fuel prices high.

Biden tweeted on Dec. 9, “Two weeks ago, I announced new actions to help bring down gas prices.

“I was in Kansas City yesterday, where the average price of gas is down 20 cents compared to a month ago. Nationally, prices are down 7 cents and falling.

“We’re making progress, and we’re going to keep at it.”

According to Bloomberg, Biden ​​ ordered a 50 million barrel release from U.S. oil reserves in November, in conjunction with several allies, to combat rising prices his administration blamed on oil-exporting countries’ reluctance to pump more crude.

The president’s efforts were unexpectedly helped by oil prices taking a nosedive after the discovery of the omicron variant sparked fears of renewed Covid-related lockdowns. On what is now referred to as “Black Friday,” crude fell more than 11%, suffering one of the largest ever one-day plunges.

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December 22, 2021

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December 22, 2021

Local teens earns top honors at national barrel-racing events in Las Vegas Hadlie Dixon of Lockesburg won the 2021 Western Legacy Tour A pair of Arkansas teens Junior Hooey Patriot showed Las Vegas how for barrel racing riding barrel-racing is done this Vegas French Boy, also month. held in Las Vegas the Eden Blaise “Ziggie” first week of December.

Parks of Wickes competShe won second place ed her way to become the in the first round and, 2021 Vegas Tuffest World as a top-ten finalist, will Champion 19 & Under compete in the Junior Champion Barrel Racer.

Patriot semi-finals in The Cossatot River High Fort Worth, Texas, takSchool sophomore stuing place Feb. 25- March dent won $20,900 and a 6, 2022. The Junior Pasignature saddle Dec. 6 triot has the largest for her accomplishment payout of junior rodeo at the event held in Las Vegas from Dec. 1-6. The Sherrylynn and Mike Johnson present prizes to Ziggie Parks, the competitions with over $1 million in payouts.

15-year-old was racing her 2021 Vegas Tuffest World Champion 19U Barrel Racer. horse, Grayman. Ziggie (submitted photo) Hadlie is the daughter of Sam and Allison Dixon. is the daughter of Mona Barrel racing must run in the Parks, and Josh and Mandy Parks. showcases the top junior rodeo The annual Vegas Tuffest Junior contestants in the nation with over genes, as Parks and Dixon happen to World Championship is held by $100,000 in cash, prizes and schol- be cousins. The pair joined KENA’s sister station KDQN 92.1 program Mike and Sherrylynn Johnson and arships.

By Patrick Massey

The Morning Brew on Dec. 15 to discuss their recent performances at the two national events.

In the meantime, they are surely preparing for their next competitions.

Taking time to be interviewed at the KDQN 92.1 FM studio, (l-r) Allison Dixon, Hadlie Dixon, Ziggie Parks and Mandy Parks.(Photo courtesy of KDQN)

479.394.4248

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Politics 5

December 22, 2021

From the

State House of Representatives Assembly in determining legisFrom filling out a job applilation needed to ensure Arkancation to completing a homesans have affordable access in work assignment, the vast years to come. majority of our day-to-day Currently, the group is gathlives are dependent on internet ering data to assess the state’s access. It is no longer a luxury, needs. and now is a critical time for By the end of this year, the our state to close the digital John Maddox group will have held forums in divide.

34 counties. They will hold foArkansas ranks 41st in state broadband access rating according to rums in all 75 counties before their work is complete in April.

Broadbandnow.com.

At these meetings, the group is hearThe FCC currently defines broadband internet access as an always-on connec- ing from small business owners, stution that provides 25Mbps download dents, teachers, farmers and others speeds and 3Mbps upload speeds. While about what their needs for broadband most Arkansans living in the most pop- are and what obstacles they are encounulated counties have access, there are tering. We encourage you to attend one still counties in the state where less of these meetings if they are held in your than half of the residents have access to county.

The group is also asking every Arbroadband.

Recently, the Arkansas Legislative kansan to fill out an online survey. The Council approved a contract for the survey asks 12 questions regarding your Broadband Development Group to cre- internet usage, importance in your daily ate a master plan for broadband devel- life, and the current speed of your service. opment.

ARBroadbandNow on Facebook and The group will submit a report with their research and recommendations in Twitter will post information about upcoming town halls. We’ve provided a April.

This report will not only help guide link to those pages and a link to the surthe state in directing federal funds but vey on our website www.arkansashouse. will also assist members of the General org.

Contact Your Legislators!

John Maddox

john.maddox@ arkansashouse.org 520 Church Avenue Mena, AR 71953 Call: 479-394-6060

Larry Teague

Larry.Teague@senate. ar.gov P.O. Box 903 Nashville, AR 71852 870-845-5303

John Boozman

1120 Garrison Ave. Suite 2B Fort Smith, AR 72901 Phone: (479) 573-0189 Fax: (479) 575-0553

Bruce Westerman

101 Reserve St. Suite 200 Hot Springs, AR 71901 Phone: (501) 609-9796 Fax: (501) 609-9887

From the

State Senate poor people and children in In large part because of low-income families in which the Covid-19 pandemic, the the parent works, but cannot state Human Services Deafford private health insurpartment has a backlog of ance. Medicaid also pays for applications for Medicaid. care and treatment of people Not only has the pandemic with disabilities. has caused layoffs and forced The backlog is affecting some businesses to close, it Larry Teague long-term care facilities such has reduced manpower at the as nursing homes and assisted department. That’s because quarantines have required state em- living centers, according to a DHS ofployees to stay away from the office ficial. The facilities are getting delayed temporarily. Also, while turnover is reimbursements from the government always an issue, during the pandem- when they treat Medicaid recipients, ic DHS has experienced similar diffi- which negatively affects their financial culties as some private businesses in condition and worsens their staffing shortages. filling staff shortages.

The Senate and House co-chairs of It has reached the point that DHS is contracting with a private compa- the Legislative Council said they are ny to help alleviate the backlog in particularly concerned about the efMedicaid applications and provide fect on rural long-term care facilities “surge protection” in the event there when Medicaid reimbursements take is another swell of applications in the a long time in processing.

Now, Medicaid applications are near future.

Legislators on the Review Subcom- being considered under rules of the mittee signed off on the proposed federal government’s declaration of a contract, which was to be considered public health emergency. It is schednext by the full Legislative Council. uled to expire at the end of March, and It is the panel of senior lawmakers when it does it will affect many recipithat meets during the interim be- ents’ eligibility. DHS expects a swell of tween legislative sessions to monitor casework caused by people having to re-apply for Medicaid services. state government operations.

About a million Arkansas residents The contract was for $29 million, with a Virginia-based firm. The com- have received services paid for by the pany will help eliminate the backlog Medicaid program.

State legislators on the Performance of applications for Medicaid, which had reached 50,000 in November. Evaluation and Expenditure Review Part of the work involves determin- Committee signed off on sending ing whether or not applicants are el- $6.39 million in federal emergency relief funds to assisted living facilities, igible to receive services.

The private company will recruit to help the centers hire and maintain and train specialists in Medicaid eli- staff.

The amount of relief funding that a gibility. It has done similar work for facility gets will depend on the numthe state in the past.

Medicaid is the state’s major pro- ber of Medicaid patients it serves.

Legislators have already approved vider of health coverage. It pays for care for most of the people in long- the use of federal relief funds to help term care facilities and nursing hospitals and nursing homes meet staff shortages, and address costs rehomes.

Medicaid pays for medical care for lated to the Covid-19 pandemic.

6 Obituaries Tommy “Governor” Stark Mr. James Thomas Stark, known to most as “Tommy,” passed from this life on Sunday, December 12, 2021, at his home in Gillham. He was 76.

Tommy was born the oldest of seven children to the union of James Monroe and Margaret Lucille Martin Stark on August 6, 1945, in Gillham, Arkansas.

He was a 1963 graduate of Gillham High School and faithfully served with the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Tommy began a nearly life-long truck driving career. During his many years on the road, he received the CB handle: “Governor.” He married the love of his life, Mary Rebecca “Maxine” Cunningham, on February 14, 1970, in Gillham. He was an accomplished mechanic and enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and sharing his produce, working on things, and spending time with loving family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of over 51 years, Maxine Stark; two brothers, Floyd Stark and Fred Stark; one sister, Lillie Mae Stark; sister-in-law, Virginia Stark; his best friends, Udell Loyd, David Whisenhunt, Phillip Vann, and Donnie

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December 22, 2021 Vann; as well as other relatives and dear friends.

Tommy leaves to cherish his loving memory, two sons and daughters-inlaw, Thomas and Tamara Stark of De Queen, and Rodney and Aimee Stark of Wickes; two daughters and sonsin-law, Kimberley and Jessie Vaughn, Jr. of Gillham, and Brandy and Jason Gore of Gillham; eleven grandchildren, Brooke Scott, James Stark, Megan Stark, Hailey Carter, Grant Stark, Caitlyn Carter, Eli Stark, Rebecca Vaughn, Braelynn Vaughn, Garrett Gore, and Hannah Stark; three brothers, Paul Edward Stark and wife Mary of Watson, Oklahoma, Lawrence Stark of Gillham, and Alfred Stark and wife Penny of Haworth, Oklahoma; and a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral Services for Mr. Tommy Stark will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, December 16, 2021, at the Wickes Pentecostal Church of God with Bro. Chris Burke officiating. The family will receive friends following the service on Thursday. Arrangements are entrusted to Chandler Funeral Home of De Queen. You may send an online condolence at chandlerfuneral.com.

Geraldine Bailey

Geraldine Bailey, age 70, of Acorn, Arkansas, died Thursday, December 16, 2021, at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born on Wednesday, December 27, 1950, to Nelson Trahan and Rosalie L. Barthelemy in Golden Meadow, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana.

Geraldine was raised on Grand Isle, Louisiana, and graduated from Grand Isle High School in 1968. She graduated from bookkeeping school in 1971.

She was married to Preston Granger in 1969 and later divorced. She was married to Tex Perez in 1978 and later divorced. She was married to Phil Bailey in 1990 and he survives of the home.

She retired with her husband in 2005 and moved to Mena, Arkansas.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and her sister, Carolyn.

Geraldine is survived by her husband of the home, her daughter Katrina Darden and husband Robie of Charenten, Louisiana; two stepsons, Byron Bailey of California and Loren Bailey of Nashville, Tennessee; one granddaughter, Erica Perez; and two great-grandsons, Avery and Wyatt; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the DAV, Disabled American Veterans.

Cremation has taken place and no service is planned at this time. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Grady Lowell Sherwood

Mr. Grady Lowell Sherwood, age 48, passed away Monday, December 13, 2021, in Ashdown, Arkansas. He was born May 23, 1973, to Grady Kelton Sherwood and Barbara Dean (Manasco) Miller, in De Queen, Arkansas.

Mr. Sherwood was a truck driver by profession and was a regular country boy. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking and smoking food. He enjoyed life and loved having fun, especially with his children, whom he loved very much.

Grady is preceded in death by his father, Grady Kelton Sherwood; sister, Paula Sherwood; paternal grandparents, Charles and Bessie Sherwood; maternal grandparents, Dewel and Lulabelle Manasco.

He is survived by his mother, Barbara

Miller; sons, Joseph Randall and wife Mariana, Seth Matthew Sherwood, and Jacob Lowell Sherwood; daughter, Leigha Harp and husband Dawson; one grandchild, on the way; brothers, Wayne Sherwood and wife Monica, Farolyn Sherwood and wife Jonnie; sisters, Pam Brown and husband Bob, Michelle Broach and husband Chad, Denice Jewell and husband Tommy; as a well as a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and other family and friends too numerous to mention.

Graveside services for Mr. Sherwood will be held Sunday, December 19, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Manasco Cemetery in Umpire, Arkansas. Brother Don Youngblood will be officiating, under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Scheduled visitation will be held Friday, December 18, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Pallbearers are Seth Sherwood, Joseph Randall, Jacob Sherwood, Harrell Sherwood, Farolyn Sherwood, and Lawton Sherwood.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Norma Stricklin

Mrs. Norma Stricklin, age 86, passed away Tuesday, December 14, 2021, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born October 24, 1935, in Hatfield, Arkansas, to the late King Henry Miller and the late Iva Jewell Brewer Miller.

Norma, an awarded businesswoman, was the owner and co-founder of Rose Aircraft in Mena, Arkansas. She was a very devoted member of the Dallas Avenue Baptist Church, where she

Stricklin Obituary Continued on Page 7

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taught special needs Sunday school, sang in the choir, and went on many mission trips. She loved camping, traveling, bowling, and gardening. Norma was very family oriented and adored her family greatly. She especially loved spending time with and teaching her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren about their family history.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents, and her husbands, Jack Rose, Bob Fields, and Charles Stricklin; infant son, Steven Ray Rose; brother, Donald Wayne Miller; sisters, Wanda Stricklin McDaniel, Billie McDaniel, Verna Mae Snitker Stricklin; and grand daughter, Michelle Lunsford.

She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Sloan and husband Doug; sons, Keith Rose and wife Lisa, Kent Rose and wife Julie; her stepdaughter, Janet Shreve and husband Kelly; grandchildren, Jennifer Brewer and husband Daniel, Jaclyn Rose, Brittany Rose, Jonathan Rose and wife Sierra, Sarah Jo Rose, Nera Polkinghorn and husband Adam, Stephanie Laney and husband John Mark, Chris Rose, Adrienne Wallace and husband Taylor, Nick Rose, Nathan Sloan and wife Jessica, Nikki Sloan, Marie Fields-Chism and husband Jason, James Lunsford, Taylor Lunsford and wife Alyssa, Dalton Lunsford, and Angel Lunsford; brother, Kenny Miller and wife Lynn; sister, Linda Owens and husband Richard.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Stricklin will be held Friday, December 17, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the Dallas Avenue Baptist Church in Mena, Arkansas. Interment will follow at the Six Mile Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas. Brother Roy Conaster will be officiating, under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, December 16, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Obituaries 7

December 22, 2021 Pallbearers are Nathan Sloan, Jonathan Rose, Chris Rose, Nick Rose, Daniel Brewer, and John Mark Laney Honorary Pallbearers are her nephews.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Keith Haines Roberts

Mr. Keith Haines Roberts, 52, of Cove, Arkansas passed away Thursday, December 16, 2021, in Cove.

He was born September 20, 1969, in Folsom, California, to John and Celia (Munson) Roberts. He was married to DeAnne House and was a mechanic by profession as well as being a jack of all trades. Keith loved riding his Harley and enjoyed fishing with friends. He occasionally grew a garden and loved to share his bounty of produce with his family. He was especially generous and was always ready to help those in need. He was a natural landscaper of the forest, cleaning fence rows and keeping it beautiful. His biggest passion was to teach and pass on his knowledge of life to his boys and he had a special place in his heart for Kyle and Clayton. He was a loving husband, son, father and a friend and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by, his wife, DeAnne Roberts, his parents, John and Celia Roberts and his sons, Pack Roberts and Garrett Barton. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Elmer Roberts and Ethie Ham Roberts and his maternal grandparents, Vernon and Millie Munson.

No services are scheduled at this time, cremation will be entrusted to Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Juanita L. Shipman

husband of 32 years, George Shipman; son Jeff Vaughn and his wife Patty; daughter Janice Vaughn-Sanchez and her husband Daniel; brothers John and Robert Jacobsen; sister Juanita L. Marion Knight; grandchildren, niecShipman, age es, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial con79, of Mena, tributions can be made to the ArArkansas, passed away Friday, December 17, kansas Baptist Children’s Home in her memory at arkansasfamilies.org.

2021.

A memorial service will be held Juanita was a beautiful Christian at a later date. Cremation arrangesoul who loved the Lord. She attended Bethel Baptist Church where she ments are entrusted to Bowser Famwas honored to be the pastor’s wife. ily Funeral Home.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com She enjoyed singing in the choir and teaching Sunday School to share the message of salvation. She had a giving spirit and generous heart.

Juanita made many cherished, lasting friendships while working at Blue Cross and Blue Shield. She retired after almost 30 years.

Juanita is survived by her loving

Complete Up-to-Date Obituaries at

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8 Faith

December 22, 2021

Reflections from History and Faith: The Innkeeper’s decision

By Jeff Olson We are now in the midst of that time of year when the customary seasonal activities surrounding Christmas occupy much of our personal and family time. You know— things such as shopping for that perfect gift, finalizing plans for the kids (and perhaps grandkids too) to come home so the family can be together, attending or participating in the Christmas program with your church, attending the Christmas parties with friends, coworkers or church family, buying the ingredients for that special Christmas dinner, looking forward to some of the post-season bowl games and maybe a little more hunting.

And, most important of all—having that special time of worship which centers on the reason for the season.

Oh, and be sure to thank poor ole Dad who has made his annual pilgrimage into the attic and with pretty much the same results as last year... hauling down the decorations and then up again to try locating that one box that has the special ornaments that we cannot do without. Then, back for the Christmas lights and knowing better than to expect them all to light up.

After tinkering with them for too long he thought—no problem... as cheap as these lights are we can just buy a new set the next time we are in town. Wasteful? Maybe, but he rationalizes that his time is more valuable than the nominal expense.

Naturally, even with the new set

there are one or two bulbs which refuse to cooperate. No one will notice. Wrong! Oh well, Dad thinks it is still a beautiful tree and after all, according to Andy Williams: “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!”

It is interesting to see how this special season of the year reveals much about each of us, especially our priorities and our treasure. It is a vivid illustration of how we tend to take the time or, if you will, make the room for those activities and those people who are most important to us.

The key phrase here is “make the room.” In being keepers of our own lives, whom and what occupies our time, and our space, may be revealing. This is not only true during the Christmas season, but throughout the year as well.

I cannot help but think about this when reading Luke, chapter 2, in his account of Jesus’s birth. In verse 7, we read that there was no room for Him in the inn. For so many years I never gave that verse much thought, never considering the innkeeper and his response. While it is true that no innkeeper is actually mentioned in the biblical account, it is likely that one did exist.

On this assumption I will continue

with my analogy. I have often wondered why the innkeeper could not have somehow found some room or arranged for Mary, Joseph and Jesus to stay at another inn or in a home.

Why do you think this extra effort may never have been done? Why do you think that the innkeeper apparently took the easy way out? Was there really no room in the inn, or was there a refusal to make room for Jesus?

Does this not strike a personal chord in your life? In mine? If not, it is certainly time that it did.

There is contemporary song of the season from the 1980s called, “There’s A New Kid in Town.” I have news, and it is good news! Jesus is no longer new in town, and He is not a kid anymore. If Jesus’s entry into our lives has made it no further than as a seasonal baby in a manger, then, in reality, He is no more than just an annual stranger.

When all is said and done, what it all boils down to is a decision.

Like our innkeeper in Bethlehem, each of us has a decision to make with Jesus, but first we must understand that this life-changing, world-changing event is only part of the Christmas story. Jesus is no longer the baby in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes, nor is He the suffering servant, nor the crucified sacrifice for our sins. He is the risen King of Kings and Lord of Lords who stands at the door and

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Pulse knocks (Revelation 3:20). The question is: Will the innkeeper—will you —open the door and let Jesus in? Or will the answer continue to be as it was in Bethlehem so many years ago, “There is no room for Him.”?

So, before moving any further along with the festivities of the season, just maybe we should decide that Jesus does indeed have a place in all this and then follow through by making room for Him. This He wants so very much, and not for only a season or a day but for a permanent stay.

Perhaps it would be a kind and generous gesture to give Jesus the best and biggest room you have.

Better yet why not just humbly open your heart and sign the title over to Him and allow God to convert that old shabby rundown inn into a temple where the Holy Spirit can dwell and have total control of your life (1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19). This way, instead of Jesus being treated as only an occasional transient or as only one resident among many, He would become the owner—the landLORD. What a much-needed change that would be for some of us, and most important of all: What better a birthday present could we give Jesus?

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December 22, 2021

Letters 9

Area second graders were asked what Christmas meant to them. Here are their unrevised letters…or as closely as our elves could figure.

The Polk County Pulse Presents “What Christmas means to me.”

Christmas Messages written by Polk County second graders:

Acorn Elementary We celebrate Christmas. We love friends.

We get gifts from Santa. It is Teacher: Willborg Christmas means family and Troys birthday. We are cheerful for Papa is safe. presints at Christmas.

-Unknown - Brydon Christmas is special to me beI like Chrismas because it is Jesuses Birthday. And Jesus cause the King was born on Christand God is the boss on this mas. That is why it is special.

-Kriton earth.

- Ema I Love Christmas Because you see Christmas means to me SNOW aND you get preseNts aND family and friends. And I love you Spend time with your family. aND ON ChristMas we selaBrat JeChristmas! sus birthday.

-Alex -Emma It is not just gifts it is spendSpend time with family, Presents, ing time with Family and love. family and friends, Jesus birth, gifts Christmas is god birthday. and family.

-Soni -Hunter Christmas is about Jesus Christmas means to me that we being on the cros to wash are celebrate when Jesus was born and sins away. died to wash away our sins. This is -Rayven why we celebrate Christmas. I Love It is about jesus is birthday. Christmas all my life.

-Makenzie Its about the Loving. its about how God died. Its about jesus Birth.

Its all about God and jesus.­ -Faith Christmas is special because it is Jesus birthday on Christmas. Christmas is on the 24 or on 25 but it is my favorite because its not a bout the presents. It is a bout family and frens too. But you Died for us and you took our sin a way and it is special.

-Jazlynn I love Christmas. My family celebrates Christmas. My family makes Christmas presents.

-Dapple

Follow Santa!

10 Letters Acorn Elementary Teacher: Howard To me, Christmas means spending time with my family , having fun and eating figgy pudding. It’s also the presents and Jesus birth. It’s leving cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. I hope Santa has a great year. “merry Christmas.”

- Kyelee Have family time. Make a snowe man. Play with uthrs - Braylon To me Christmas means joy, happyness family and friends.

- Eli spend time with Family and Jesus birthday. I Love Jesus.

- Tessa I love spending time with my Family, Pop and JinJin, grama Sharay and May, Popol Greg and Popol Brad.

- Jax Christmas is special because Jesus’ birth.

- Dalaney To me, Christmas means spending time with my family. Jesus’s birthday. The gifts.

- Summer I Love Christmas because sometimes it will snow. Santa gives us umasing gifts. I have a great time with my famaly.

- Madi What Christmas means to me is family and God’s birthday. But most I like the gifts. Be good.

- Jeremiah I love Christmas. I love snow.

- Gabe

December 22, 2021

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Louise Durham Elementary Christmas is a time to spend with family. Christmas is a time to spread Teacher: Martin During christmas families gather cheer.

-Brentlee around the Christmas tree to open My family and my friends my dog presents. Christmas is a time for celChristmas is a time to celebrating and my cat and God and Jesus I love ebrating Jesus birthday.

Jesues birthday. Christmas is a time my brother. I want to spend time -Andrew to spread cheer. with my dad and Makayla. This is -Cora what Christmas means to me.

Christmas is a time to spread - Keaton love and joy. Christmas is a time to During Christmas families gather spread cheer. Christmas is a time for around the Chrismas tree to open Christmas is so special To me celebrating Jesuses birthday. presents. Christmas is a time for celbecause me and my family Gets -Joseph ebrating Jesus birthday. Christmas toghther. Giving, Loving others and caring is important. But The most Christmas is a time to sprend is a time to be thankful.

-Madison P. specialist Thing about Christmas is Love, Joy. Christmas is a time to celfamily and Jesus & God and Jesus ebrating Jesus birthday. Christmas Christmas is the spirit of Santa.

Birth & the World. Also friends and is a time to sprend gifts around the family and Santa. world. Christmas is time to Love Christmas is that we are tgether - Bristol Jesus, God. Christmas is a time to And we get gifts.

-Thira Give Gifts to kids, PeoPle. Christspend time with family: It is jesus mas is a time SPend time with FamChristmas is a time to spend time birth and gifts. ily. Christmas is Love. with family and spread love. Christ- Killian -Willow mas is a time to be thankful and Christmas means that you can git Christmas is Time To be Thankful spread love and joy.

-Nicolette a toy in a present. Christmas is a to be Loved. Christmas is a time for speshle holiday. You can get presins celebrating Jesus birthday.

Christmas is a time to be around from Santa.

-Jolene your family. Chrismis is a time to be - Caleb Christmas is a time to spin time thankful.

-Joshua What Christmas means me is with friends. Christmas is a time let about my grandpa. He was vere nis your joy all a around.

Christmam is a time to spend to me. He wod give me good gifts.

-Aleah with family. Christmas is a time to - Blayden Christmas is a time to spend time spread cheer. Christmas si a time to Why I like Christmas is because I with family. Christmas is a time to be thankful.

-Grace spind time with the pealpol I love. spread cheer.

Why I like Christmas is because I -Zayden Christmas is a time to spend with get presens. I like Christmas because I get to snugel with my kitChristima is a time to spend with family. Christmas is a time for celebrating Jesus birthday. Christmas is ten. I love Chrismas because I get to family. a time to spread cheer. decorate the Christmas tree and see -Zachary -Karsyn the stars at night.

- Astoria Christmas is a time to show love Christmas is a time to with fame. and compassion. Christmas is a spinding time with family. tims to get to gether. Christmas is a Christmas is a time for celebrating Jesus.

-Damion - Oliver time to give and to celebrate Jesus— Christmas is a time to be kind.

Christmas spreads Love, and Joy. -Sophia Christmas spreds cheer.

-Presley To me, Cristmas means spending time with Family and friends.

- Greyson

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December 22, 2021

ing Presents. Spending time with Wershiping Jesuse and eting my family.

-Christopher James NaNa food and snoow fite and seinge my famuli.

We Celebrate Jesus birthday on -Rayelyn May Christmas day. We string up lights Teacher: Bentley on the big tree. We opin a present Christmas means a lot to me. I get the day before Christmas. presents.

-LeAnn Kelems -Taylea Beggs The real meaning of Christmas is joy. The real meaning of Christmas Family, friends, presents. Gods is to be thankful. The real meaning birthday and the baby Jesus and the of Christmas is to be kind. mom Jesus.

-Elliot Hobson -Ryker Carter What Christmas means to me is My Famley and friends and my it’s Jesus’s birthday. It is about what classmats. My class Room and Jesus gave us. I am thankful for my Evreythang. I am in a class Room Family. I Love Christmas because it That I Love. really means to me you et to open -Brilee Denton presents with your family.

-Rayden Marshall I like Christmas because God was born. It’s about family and eating I think the real meaning of Christdinner. It’s about presents. mas is Jesus’s birthday. And spend-Gunner Denton ing time with family. And giving things to others.

What Christmas means to me is -Maddox Mitchell to be thankful for our famly. What Christmas means to me is to be able Playing with my brother and havSpending Time with My family to feel joy. What Christmas really ing joy and happeynes. Be nise and and My big sister and Jeses birfday. means to me is to be a good cheer. Joyful.

What cristmas means to me is to be -Brantley Phillips -Caylee Britt good forever.

-Aaron Jax Erickson The best part of Christmas is Spending time with family. Celehanging out with your family. The brate the day Jesus was Born. IF you Spending time with my family. first Christmas with my little sister get coal don’t be sad. Maybe you will I get to open presents. I have fun. was the best. I love to spend time get a present next year.

Sharing the story of Jesus. with my cousins.

-Ava Wells -Koleman Goodnight -Albany Powell Christmas means that you should Because it’s Jesuses birthday! And I care about famiLies and Joy. MY celebrate Jesus and your Grampalls you get to play with cousins! And Friends, and everybody I know. and nanas and your mom and dad. my grandma makes the best feast!

-Jordan Stipe -Jase Green And decorating the tree! And hangI think Christmas is about spending with family!

And praising God! ing Jesus birthday, being with famiSpending time with the people that you love and worshiping BaBy And opening presents with the ly and frends.

-Dallas Powell Jesus. Spending time with your cou- Family! And that God is right beside me! isins. Opening presents with My -Parker Hostetler I thank it means Jesus’s birthday.

Family, having Fun, having a good And spending time with ure family. time, and Being gratefull.

Celebrating Gods birthday. Open- And spending time with friends.

-Arabella Hunter

Christmas is a time to spend with I like spending time With My family. Christmas is a time to wak up in the mordin in have a mere ki- Family. My frens. My Teacher.

-Emma mis.

-Andy I Play Snow Balls and sowball fiht ChRISTMAS IS about Being in the frunt yord and play with my WiTh your family. ChRISTMAS is Fammliy.

-Orion Aucoin about SPReading love.

-Cruxion I like Christmas because I have My Favarit is spending time with fun with my cousins and I git to My Family. Christmas is a time for spend time with my family here are some names of my cousins: adcelebrating Jesus birthday. die carder, peytten, hank, destdany, -Madison Wells surrenty, and much more but I like Teacher: Warren Christmas because you can you can Spending time with family and have cool presents. frinds worshipping Jesus’es Birthi-Alexis Hogan day and having fun.

-Oakley Shores Whut Christmas Means to Me Is spendIng time WhIth my cousin Spending Time with your Family Alexis. and Jesus.

-Addie Carter -Adalynn Bevis It means a lot to me. I like spendWhat it means to me is worship- ing time with my family on Christping Jesus. mas and I injoy gitting presents.

-Titus Thomas -Callie Dowdy Spending time with Famley. Presents.

-Aaron Cude I celebrate for Presents and baby Jesus birthday and to spend time who you love.

-Walker Vekre family & frends. Jesus. Worshipping being grateful for Jesus. Prezents. Leaving cookies.

-McKenna Kimberlin Spending time with my family.

Celebrating Jesus birthday, giving to my friends and celebrating Jesus birthday and opening presents and eat yummy food! I’m gonna leave Santa milk and cookies and the raindeer carots.

-Liliana Kay Youmans

Letters 11

12 Letters

December 22, 2021

labrat for Jesus birthday. And we sprend time with your famaliy. Its Being whith my famlee. Having not about the presents.

Christmas means Love and joy -Bobbie Sue and good. Christmas means thank- pesintss. Decrabenee for Christmas.

-Zayden ing god for every thing you have.

Teacher: Redfearn Christmas means to much stuf that Christmas means celebrating JeSpindeg timi with Mis Crafton.

I can’t exsplain. Christmas means sus’ birthday, being thankful, and celebrating Jesus and God and fam- Aan My dad and me. praying.

-Adileigh ly and frinds.

-Cooper Crees -Trevor Thomas -Lainey Sharp

I love my family and Christmas and God. -Avery Utley

-Joseph

My mom’s family and My Dad’s Christmas means to be spending family to and the Birth of Jesas! time with friends and family, like -Addie Andrew and Hayes.

-Fletcher Alley Christmas is all about baby Jesus.

I thank the real meaning of Christ- It is not about the gifes or the lights mas is thanking of God. I thank it and I love god and Jesus.

-Cadence is about giving and sharing. Christmas is about caring and loving.

Chrismas is all about Jesus and -Will Wright his birthday. Sum gifts may matter Teacher: Crafton to udr kids but the gifts do not madJesus is the Lordes Sun! He is are er to me. On chrismas it is all about saveyer is Chrismas about Jesus? family and friends.

What does Christmas Mean to you -Payton -Parker Its not about presenst its about Christmas is all about Jesus and frends and family. his birthday. The gift do not make -Malikai them. It’s all about family.

-Lilly We sellubrate chrismas because.

It is also a baut family and friends.

Christmas is all about Juses and And sometimes Elfs come over. his birthday. Christmas is all about -Niome your famliey.

-Gabe Christmas is Jesus birthday. On Christmas we put up a teey and orChristmas is all a balt famly and dimns. fris. And we ety casdi.

-Tripp -Jaxxon Christmas means about family The meaning of Christmas is that and frans. What Christmas means Jesus birthday. is that god birthday.

-Carea -Dylan Christmas means being whith I can fil clm with mom and dad your family! Christmas is abut love and I can opn a prsz. Christmas is for familys! Chrismas is abut ciring all about Jesus and belief of… abut your family!

-Kayleigh -Ben The fact that Christmas was made Is not about gifts. Is about family. is because baby Jesus was born on Is also about your grlefriend.

Christmas. And that why we se-

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Christmas means seeing my favorte brother I dont get to see him. I love doing secrit santa to my brother and sister. Being thankful for Baze for letting me play on pop Dale side by side. I love his side by side.

-Lillian Cude Christmas means seeing my family, having fun, and being grateful for what i got.

-Caitlyn Wilcher Christmas means celebrating Jesuses birthday and getting to spend time with family.

-M. Trammel

Having fun with my mom, dad, cousin, friends, and celebrating Jesus’ birthday. I enjoy having fun on Christmas means opening jifts Christmas. and making cookies.

-Bailey Vick -Alicia Ruiz Christmas means loving my family and geting presents.

-Everlynn Aaron

Christmas means giving presents to my family.

-Elaina Pochmara

Christmas means spending time Christmas means spending time with my family, celebrating Jesuses with my family. birthday, and giveing back.

-Vivian Roberts -Brylee Titsworth Christamas means getting present and celebrate Jesus’ Birthday and spending time with my family also giving away my favorite toys away.

-Nevaeh Aucoin

Christmas means celebrating Jesues brthday and giving gifts to my family.

-Jayden Wentz

Christmas means to me frinds and family because we can eat cookChristmas means helping and ies and sing songs. spending time with my family and -Brooklyn Kesterson presists and being thankful.

-Zoey Hunter Christmas means riding my side Spending time wifth family.

-Ashton Mallard-Wecker Christmas means spending time my famle celebrating Jesus brthday.

-Cooper Spurling Christmas means spending time with frinds and family and with my bff Andrew and Fletcher.

-Hayes Baron

by side spending time with my mom and dad and opening presents.

-Andrew Ayres Christmas means spending time with dad and family.

-Emily Manley

Christmas Letters Continued on Page 21

THE POLK COUNTY

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December 22, 2021

Angel Fagan and Erin Lawrence missing from Mena area Candlelight vigil held at Polk County Courthouse

Heather Hildebrand speaks at a candlelight vigil held at the courthouse for missing persons Angel Fagan and Erin Lawrence on December 18. More information can be found on the Facebook page “Justice for Angel June Gilbert and Erin Lawrence.”

(Photo by Trey Youngdahl)

News 13

14 News

December 22, 2021

Porch Pirates

By Patrick Massey

Tis the season for porch pirates.

With online shopping being the increasing norm, thieves are looking to strike this holiday season.

Even households with doorbell cameras often don’t deter porch pirates, as time after time cameras catch the thieves in action. This holiday season, it’s expected that a record number of packages will be delivered before New Year’s Day. When it comes to protecting your packages, the Better Business Bureau suggests the best practice is tracking your packages. It doesn’t matter where you are shopping, on any website, there is a good chance you may be able to track your package through the carrier or the company that you purchased it from.”

Also, try and get a notification when the package is delivered and get it right away, or have a neighbor grab it. It’s also a good idea to consider requesting a

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse signature. While this package delivery feature will likely come with a fee, the delivery service won’t be able to leave a package exposed on a doorstep without your signature.

Also, ask yourself if you want to insure your package. If valuables are inside, this will protect you against loss or damage. If you know you won’t be home, consider picking up the package in the store or curbside. Another option is to have it delivered to your workplace.

When making purchases online, use your credit card rather than a debit card or another form of payment. Credit card companies are more likely to offer refunds in the event of theft.

THE POLK COUNTY

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December 22, 2021

15

16 First Christmas

THE POLK COUNTY

December 22, 2021

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Baby’s First

Ember Arnett - 5 Months Daniel & Danielle Arnett

Clayton Bircher - 9 Months Katy & Lance Birtcher

Erin Jade Henry - 8 Months Jesse & Ashley Henry

Adelynn Grace Drewry 8 Months Caleb & Lindsey Drewry

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December 22, 2021

First Christmas 17

Christmas

Brylee Jane Willis - 6 Months Jamie Crump & Steven Willis

Osiah Hicks- 9 Months William Hicks & Veronica Vanbuskirk

Wesley Ann Watts - 4 Months Ward & Ashlyn Watts

Landry Saige Metcalf - 2 Weeks Kristin & Brance Metcalf

18 News

December 22, 2021

THE POLK COUNTY

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Beverly Siegfried Inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi BATON ROUGE, LA (12/16/2021) for graduate degrees may also qualify, -- Beverly Siegfried of Mena, Arkan- as do faculty, professional staff and sas, was recently initiated into The alumni who have achieved scholarly Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the distinction. nation’s oldest and most selective Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 all-discipline collegiate honor society. under the leadership of undergraduSiegfried was initiated at University ate student Marcus L. Urann who had of Arkansas at Little Rock. a desire to create a different kind of Siegfried is honor society: among approxone that recogimately 25,000 nized excellence students, faculty, in all academic professional staff disciplines. Toand alumni to be day, the Society initiated into Phi has chapters on Kappa Phi each more than 325 year. Membercampuses in the ship is by inviUnited States, its tation only and territories and requires nomithe Philippines. nation and apIts mission is “To proval by a chaprecognize and ter. Only the top promote aca10% of seniors demic excellence and 7.5% of juin all fields of niors are eligible higher education for membership. and to engage Beverly Siegfried said, “I am not your Graduate stuthe community of typical student studying for a new career dents in the top scholars in service at 66.”

(Photo courtesy of Sigfried) 10% of the numto others.” ber of candidates

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OLT Supporters Submitted by Bill Hays

As treasurer of the Ouachita Little Theatre (OLT), I would like to thank the many community-minded supporters of the arts, particularly the performing arts so important to helping development of teamwork, confidence and talents in so many areas. We offer anyone interested in joining our nonprofit theatre the opportunity to grow their abilities as we strive to produce high quality entertainment at reasonable prices.

December 22, 2021 The mortgage on our building and other necessary monthly utilities continue to need to be paid as well as insurance.

Royalties for rights to perform shows are not cheap even for older shows. We strive to appeal to a wide audience with entertainment of varied types and to include as many young people as are interested. Keeping the doors open and the lights on while keeping our patrons and volunteers safe are our top priority.

In short, we desperately need your support both financially and by enjoying quality entertainment. Thank you for your donations.

News 19

20

December 22, 2021

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Christmas Letters Continued from Page 12 Louise Durham Elementary (continued) Teacher: Trammell

December 22, 2021 day. I Love spnding. That is why it with my dog cat. It is Jesus Birth day. Chrismas. is special.

-Jacob W. -Trinity

I like to spend time with femquleiI decorate a tree! I am spending time with friends and family. We ly, friends, and people of the world celebrate Jesus birthday. This is why merry Christmas.

It is a special time of the year. I I like Christmas.

-Crelyn spend time with my mom, dad, -Natalie E. brother, and sissy! I like to open It is a specil holiday to spend time presents. Do you like Christmas?

It means spending time with my with my family. I love getting and -Grayson family. I love opening presents, dec- giving presents. I love hot chocolate. orate the Christmas tree and play Do you like a Chrismis.

It is a speshool time of the year games. That is why I like Christmas.

-Nikko when Christmas is around. I like -Corben Christmas because it’s Jesus’ birth, I love Christmose because I get to being glad for what you get, and I like Christmas. I spend time with spin time with my family. I love god friend, and famly.

My Family, Jesus and God. We Like who mad the Unevrs. Im happay.

-Cooper Read to dekorute the tree I love. Eating I miss my mom. What Chistmas all the food I Like Presente. I Like means to me.

Christmas means to me spening Cookies.

-Mason time with my family friends and -Jaxon Teacher: Plunkett people. I haven’t seen in a long time and Jesus’ birthday. Love, Judilee To me, Christmas means I get to A time to see your family. Christ-Judilee mas come once a year. Be thankfiul see my family. Christmas means everybody is happy, for what you get for Christmas.

Seeing friends, family and cas-Taylor Cox -Nat. C ens. I like Cristmas because there is snow. You can make snow aingels. I To me, Christmas means luvIt is the best time of the year. Belove Cristmas. Jesus was born 2000 cause it is Christmas. I Love spend- ing caring, and giving. Christmas year ago. ing time whith family and friends. means celebrating Jesus birthday.

-Julie -Eli Eato I also really like decorating the Christmas tree. But most of all is Jesus and God! Also Spending about Jesus’es birth ou Savoir. That To me, Christmas means a time time with my family and friends. is why it is specail. about famly and gifts. To me ChristIt is a special time of the year when mas means a time of joy.

-Camille Christmas comes around. Most of -Ben Buschman all it is about Jesus’ birth. Christmas It is a special tim oof the year. I is about spending time with family. get to chill with emy family. It is a To me, Christmas means Gods We get to see the people we haven’t ubout God and Jesus. Nad I like to birthday, and I like presints. seen for a Long time.

-Casten Nash decorating a tree. This is why I like -Ellayna H. Christmas.

Christmas feels like hot cocoa. It -Gina It means Jesus’s birthday, family, means to me like siting by a fire. friends, presents. Chrismas is a spe-Grayson Clark It means to spend time with my cial holiday because Jesus is born on family we walk around to look at all Christmas.

To me Christmas means the birth the lights we get presents. Do you -Seraphina of Jesus. Christmas means presints. like Christmas?

-Rainey Patten -April I am thakful for Jesus and what every people get me. I Love spendTo me Christmas means to get toIt means Love, fun and spening ing the whith my family Jesus birth- time with my familye I also time gether. Christmas means to me to

Letters 21 celebrate Gods birthday.

-Daelyn Broach To me, Christmas means oveing and mom and dad and family.

-Natalee Fowler To me Christmas means it means to give. Presents. Whut Christmas means to me is my elfs.

-Carter Mcelveen To me, Christmas means to get together. Christmas means to me to meet people I havent met.

-Collin Newbolt To me, Christmas means getting to se my family. To me, Christmas means celebrating Jesus birth.

-Eleanor Bradley To me, Christmas means love. To me, Christmas means God. -Ozlynn Surber To me, Christmas means abalt Jeesus.

-Brastyn Vespie To me, CHristmas means putting up the Christmas tree.

-Wade Maechler To me, Christmas means all about Jesus. It also means family.

-Kenneth Threet To me, Christmas means abot my family. To me, Christmas means about the presents.

-Haezleigh Rose To me, Christmas means Jesus was born on Christmas family is also important to me.

-Bevin Busch To me, Christmas means spending with family. Also is present are the best part.

-Sawyer Ford

22 Letters

December 22, 2021

means being kind celebrating Jesus’s birthday. You can also celebrate Christmas by singing Christmas carols, giving out presents, sharing you toys and giving toys to kids that can’t afford any.

-Adaya Lindsey Christmas is fun i open presents at home. Then i play with them. I Christmas means it brings your play with my brothers. family together to open presents.

-Christian Maldonodo -Payton Foster Teacher: Maddox Christmas means spending time Christmas means families spendwith your family and you friends. It ing time together. This is fun! also means celebrating Jesus! It also -Zaria Cameron means giving thanks for the things you do have. Last of all, giving presChristmas means getting presents, ents to the kids without presents spending time with your family, and and giving presents to the ones you having decorations. love best.

-Jarrett Smith -Zoey Werkhoven Christmas means love. It means Christmas means to me that your spending time with my family and family gets together and celebrates getting presents. Christmas makes when Jesus was born, spread joy, people happy. and have a good time.

-Mairah Ortiz -Blair Mendoza Christmas means to me Having Christmas means to me friend- fun with your family, Having fun ship, love, sharing, family time, and with your friends, and family time! celebratin Jesus’s birthday.

-Patsy Edwards -Caleb Brewer Christmas means to me that My Christmas Means to me your cel- family celebrates when Jesus died ebrating Jesus’s birthday! Christmas on the cross for every person in the Means to Me your spending time world. Also opening presents and with family and friends! think about people that don’t have McKinlee Hall presents.

-Avery Mullen Christmas means sharing love and caring about other people.

Christmas means to me is my -McKenna Holtzclaw family. It also means to me is the Christmas spirit.

Christmas means love, giving, -Hunter Wagner family, and sharing. It also means Jesus’s birthday! Spending time with Christmas means spending time family and singing carols with my with my mom and dad and family. church.

Also it means getting presents for -Savannah Goodnight your family.

-Jozylee Smedley Christmas means bringing peace and joy to other people. It also Celbrating Jesusiss Birthday, To me, Christmas means about family, friends, your dad, and also Jesus. Santa Clauus has been watching you.

-Blake Parmen

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Christmas is about be good. spending time with my family, Having my family, give love to the other Christmas is about kindness. people and having my family to love Christmas is about hanging fun and happiness. I love Christmas. me.

-Mia Juarez -Kashlynn Howell Christmas means you celebrate Jesus.

-Dalton Hendricks What Christmas Means to me is getting to spend with my family.

-Alvin Richardson

Christmas is Jesus birthday, Christmas is when we wrap presents. Christmas is my favorite time of year. This is what Christmas means to me. What does Christmas mean to you?

-Yaritza Quintana

What does Christmas mean to me? Christmas is the best holiday.

Christmas is Jesus birthday! Christmas is fun because we get pressints.

Christmas is fun because theres Christmas means to me spend- snow. This is what Christmas means ing time with my family, watching to me.

-Daniel Flournoy movies, spending time together, and making cookies. That is what What does Christmas mean to Christmas means to me. me? It is fun cause we get to spend -Gunner Clark time together. Christmas is when Wickes Elementary we build snowmans and throw Teachers: Speight & Tena snowballs. It is watching a christChristmas is to sellerberate Jesus. mas movie with my family. ChristChristmas is making cookies with mas is drinking hot choclate. This is my mom and dad. Christmas is what Christmas means to me. What spending time to together. Christ- does Christmas mean to you?

-Aria McGough mas is tha parfeck holiday. This is what Christmas means to me. What It is about family. Christmas is does Chistmas mean to you. awesome because its about Jesus -Sadie birthday And its very cold. This is It means when Jesus was born. what Christmas means to me. What It is time to spend with family and does Christmas mean to you?

-Zion Tena make memories. It is fun to sing Christmas with family. This is what Christmas is fun because we get Christmas means to me. to decrate tree. It is fun because we -Kambri Speight get presents. It is fun because i get Christmas is giving my dogs to out the cookies and milk on the and cats gifts, it is me helping my table. I is fun because i get to pick Grandma Rosue baking cake. It’s out the wrapping paper.

-Autumn M Sappington having fun with my family. It’s also having gun with my nane. This is Christmas is about Jesus birthwhat Christmas means to me. What day Christmas is celubrating with does Christmas mean to you? family christmas is helping dad and -Alejandor Garca Christmas means to me to spend time with my family, make people happy, and giving Christmas spirit.

-Peyton Nordyke

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse mom put up the christmas tree.

-Angle Pend

December 22, 2021 day it is a good holiday. Christmas ing presents. Spending time with my family is fun. is making cookies with mom.

-Avery Watkins -Ikey Molnuel

Christmas is fun because we wear Jesus was brn. Christmas is spinfunny sweaters. It is Jesus birthday.

It is when we make snowman and din time with my family. Christmas snowballs. Spending time with fam- is so fun. Christmas is very cold.

-Kason Price ily.

-Jesilyn Brummel Christmas is the best year because It’s fun because it’s Jesus birthday. Jesus was born. Christmas is the It is the best houluday. It is fun be- best you can give to the homeless. cause me and my brother get to go Christmas is the best because you get to be with your family. shopping.

-Amber M Jeanes -Caseyn Woods

The best day of the year because Jeus was born on Christmas. Christmas is good because you can give to families that are homeless. Christmas is fun because we bake cookies for Santa and give the raindeers carrots. Great because you get to be When we get together and cook, with your families.

-Emma Graig it is fun.It is about giving prerints to the ones that need and i whunt to Christmas is about when Jesus is make thim happ. It is fun when it is my gamall barday. When we spind born. Christmas is fun because my elf does funny things like wrapping time together with family. our tree in toilet paper. Christmas is -Maloree Ward fun because theres snow and presChristmas is a speshell holiday. ents.

-Harper Jayd Davis Christmas is very fun. Christmas is opening presents under the christChristmas is fun because we make mas tree. Christmas is making cookies for Santa. Christmas is the cookies withfamily. best holiday because we spend time -Kylaa Provence with family. Christmas is the best Christmas is getting presents. It holiday because we spend time with is helping deckreat with mom. It is family. Christmas is about Jesus when he was born. Christmas is fun fun. It is fun when it snows. because you get elfs.

-Tucker Dale Merlonel -Mia Sullivan Christmas is a holiday that celIt brings happiness and joy to the ebrates God and Jesus. Christmas is about being good. Christmas is world. It is a time for giving. Christthat we love Christmas. Christmas mas is for everyone in the hole is about the people who love Santa. world.

-Nathan Hibbs -Jayson Z Trotter Christmas is spending time with our family Christmas is making cookies for Santa helping mom put up the Christmas tree making hotcoclet fo the family.

-Bentely Hexamer

It means when Jesus was born. Its Christmas is speshell because its very fun. Christmas is Jesus birth- the best time of the year. I like open-

Christmas is a time to give.

Christmas is not all about presents.

Christmas is a time to spend time with family. Christmas is very fun.

-Alexander Broyles Christmas is a time to spend it with your family. It is very snowy. It is not all about presents. Christmas is cold and cool.

-Shelby Baily Jesus birth we celebrate Jesus birth because it good. And spend time with with your family because if you dont sometime your family will be sad. Helping poor people if your poor they will help you back.

-Christopher Marrufo Christmas means elf was on my fan. Christmas is the best holiday!

Christmas is God birthday.

-Lam Brondon That my elf movis and i like to find him. That you can side down the hill. That you can help the homeless people.

-Andrea Becerril Christmas is Jesus birthday.

Christmas is about spending time with family. Christmas is the best time of year.

-Reeanna Caudill It is the best day of the year. It is fun because ther is snow. The day we get presens. The day we sing Christmas songs.

-Unknown

y r r e M ! s a m t Chris

Letters 23

Hogspore News

Christmas cavalcade candy consequences

By Clet Litter as told to Bob Simpson The Christmas Parade come through town Saturday, the way Chicago celerbrated in 2005 when Ozzie Guillen took the White Sox to the World Series, winning 4-0. That sounds like I’m familiar with sports, but I really don’t follow football that much. I do know Santa though, he was tossing candy at children, whilst pretending to throw an elf off the lead float. By the time the parade ended, all the youngins with candy in their systems were running wild and were just a blur. The grandparents that drove their sugar-crazed grandchildren home wished that they could still buy Paregoric without a prescription.

I’ve got my shopping done, cept for my wife’s Pomeranian dog, Tugboat. He’s hard to shop for, cause Tugboat is too small for a lot of jackets or sweaters, and he can’t abide flannel or plaid. I can’t pick out a new leash without testing it first to make certain it don’t weigh much. Trouble is, he’s gonna learn what the present is before Christmas if he tries one on in the Dogs Are More Important Than People Store. I won’t buy him a bed from the L.L. Bean catalog, since Punkin will think that’s showing off. Maybe I should get him another Chinese Communist tasting chewy toy.

Larry’s Funeral Home is adding a residence wing for old nuns. It’s a sistered living facility. The next project is a retirement community for priests. Both facilities will share a lounge featuring a cloister bar.

Diversity Week starts today, not that there’s anything wrong with starting it on a different day. On Tuesday, the celerbration continues with “Bring a Pot of Ethnic Grub to the Court House” for sharing with your neighbors. We’re bringing a Macaroni-Termite-Octopus casserole. I hope someone brings the Barbequed Blubber Platter again this year.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, cept for Jimmy Suspenders who thought we were celerbrating Perversity Week.

Contact at Bobsimpson1947@yahoo. com. You know you wanna.

24 Faith

By Richie Lawry

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

December 22, 2021

It was a cold, windy day in December 1903. Orville Wright stands on the beach in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, staring at the sky. His brother Wilbur is flying overhead in the machine they had built together. It was their fourth flight of the day in their hand-built flying machine. Wilbur Wright succeeded in flying their homemade machine for 59 seconds, covering 852 feet at a speed of 7 mph. Orville had piloted the first flight of the day that lasted just 12 seconds and traveled only 180 feet, but it proved that human flight was possible.

Orville wrote in his diary about the first attempted flight that morning. “I found the control of the front rudder quite difficult. As a result, the machine would rise suddenly to about ten feet and then as suddenly, on turning the rudder, dart for the ground. A sudden dart when out about 100 feet from the end of the tracks ended the flight. Time about 12 seconds.”

The brothers realized that a successful flight depended on their ability to learn how to handle the machine. Each attempt showed improvement. They were pleased enough with Wilbur’s 59-second flight but knew they could do better.

Unfortunately, there was not going to be another flight that day. Orville explains in his diary. “We set the machine down a few feet west of the building, and while standing about discussing the last flight, a sudden gust of wind struck the machine and started to turn it over. All rushed to stop it. Will, near one end, ran to the front, but too late to do any good. Mr. Daniels and myself seized spars at the rear, but to no purpose. The machine gradually turned over on us. Mr. Daniels, having had no experience in handling a machine of this kind, hung on to it from the inside, and as a result was knocked down and turned over and over with it as it went.

His escape was miraculous, as he was

An Arkie’s Faith Home for Christmas

in with the engine and chains. The engine legs were all broken off, the chain guides badly bent, a number of uprights, and nearly all the rear ends of the ribs were broken.”

That day, Orville and Wilbur became the first to demonstrate a heavier-than-air machine’s sustained flight under the pilot’s complete control. What did the brothers do after their exciting success and the heartbreak of damaging their flying machine? They had an unhurried lunch and then walked four miles to send a telegram to their father. The telegraph read, “Success four flights Thursday morning all against twenty one mile wind started from level with engine power alone. Average speed through air thirty one miles. Longest 57 seconds. Inform press. Home for Christmas.” With their machine wrecked by the wind and flying done for the season, the Wrights immediately thought of going home for Christmas. They returned home with their broken machine on the evening of December 23.

According to their niece, Ivonette Miller, who was 7 in 1903, the children were excited that Wilbur and Orville would be home for Christmas. She recalled that they said something like:

“Oh, goody, Uncle Will will be home in time to carve the Christmas turkey!”

Amanda Wright Lane, the great-grandniece of Wilbur and Orville, said: “The Wright family was thrilled to learn about that first flight, but they were happier yet to know that meant the boys, great cooks, would be home in time for Wilbur to stuff the Christmas turkey and for Orville to make his cranberry bunny, served at holiday meals.”

Orville and Wilbur Wright had just accomplished something that no human being before them had ever done.

What they accomplished that cold, windy December day would change humankind forever. But their thoughts were with their family and making it home for Christmas.

The family is important to God because it is an institution He has created, and it is one of His blessings. Families come in all shapes and sizes. Every family is different, unique, and every

person within each family is essential.

When God created the family, he simultaneously gave us an extraordinary gift and a unique challenge. Family requires an unshakable commitment to each other even when everyone involved is intimately aware of each other’s flaws.

If you are committed to your family, they should always come first. Even if you are working on something significant, like the first powered, heavierthan-air flight, you should never forget your commitment to your family.

As a Christian, you are a part of two families, your earthly family and your heavenly family. 1 John 3:1 (GW) tells us, “Consider this: The Father has given us his love. He loves us so much that we are actually called God’s dear children.

And that’s what we are.”

And Romans 8:15-17 (ICB) says, “The Spirit that we have makes us children of God. And with that Spirit we say, ‘Father, dear Father.’ And the Spirit himself joins with our spirits to say that we are God’s children. If we are God’s children, then we will receive the blessings God has for us. We will receive these things from God together with Christ.”

Gentle Reader, there is no doubt that God loves His children. He shows it by His words, His actions, and His promises. He longs for His children to be with him. Like we want our children and grandchildren to come home for Christmas, God wants us to come home and be with Him. Jesus says, “I will be there to greet you personally and welcome you home, where we will be together.” John 14:3 (VOICE) There is nothing in this life that is more important than for us to be a child of God and come home for Christmas.

Let’s tell God, “I’ll be home for Christmas. You can plan on me.”

Joke of the Week:

When I play golf, I always wear two pairs of pants; In case I get a hole in one.

Replacing windshields in Polk County for forty years.

Give Richie a call at 479-394-9938 Located at 3008 Hwy 71 South

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

December 22, 2021

Around Town Polk County Social Seniors Meeting, January 11, Noon at the Chopping Block.

Question of the month: What’s your idea of a perfect date?

Please let Linda Johnson at 956-241-2633 know if coming.

Chopping Block would like to know the head count a week before.

Feel free to invite anyone to the luncheons. The more the merry.

Any questions or concerns call Linda Johnson.

Come play Bingo, Saturdays and Mondays, starts at 6pm, doors open at 4pm.

Hatfield First Baptist Church “Shepherd’s Closet” Open Wednesdays, 10 am - Noon. Large selection of good, used clothing & a limited supply of non-perishable food items.

Free to anyone in need. We kindly ask that non-vaccinated individuals wear masks.

The Polk County Fair & Rodeo Association will be having their annual Officers Election and Membership meeting on January 3, at 6:00 pm in the Association meeting room. This meeting is open to the public.

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 7pm Monday, at 7pm Thursday, at 7pm Friday, and at 6pm Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call Erica at 479-216-7249.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Dequeen Street, in Mena will hold its annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service on Friday, December 24th at 7:00 p.m.! Everyone is invited to come and worship with us! The Christmas Eve message is, “His Presence!” For more information, please call (479) 394-1290!

Pre-registration is now open for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) courses at UA Rich Mountain. The classes will be offered on the Mena campus beginning January 10 through February 18 Monday through Friday from 8 am until noon. A drug screen, TB skin test and background check must be completed before January 9. Contact instructor Sherri McCourtney, 479.234.3605 for more information.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 3pm Sundays, at 5pm. Tuesdays and at 8pm Saturdays at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call 479-234-8366 or 479-216-3786.

American Legion meets every 2nd Tuesday at the Legion Hall in Acorn. Potluck at 6pm, meeting follows.

The Polk County Housing Authority has Rental Vouchers available. They are also in need of Applicants and Landlords. Contact them at 509 S. Morrow, Mena, (479) 394-1565 or polkarhousing.com The Food Pantry at the Mena Seventh Day Adventist Church is open every first and third Monday of each month, 4pm - 6pm, located at Fair Grounds Road. For more information, call 479-437-4018.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 8pm Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for information call 479-243-0297.

The Mena Art Gallery will have their third monthly meet & greet, 607 Mena St., Thursday, Dec. 16, 4:30-6:30 p.m. For more information, contact 479-394-3880 or email@menaartgallery. org.

GriefShare continues to meet every Thursday from 10am - noon at First Presbyterian Church Mena for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

Reynolds Gardner Community Men’s Breakfast every Tuesday, First United Methodist Church, Mena, 8:00 a.m. (full breakfast for small donation). All men from the community are invited to attend.

It’s easy to have your event listed in Around Town, which will be read on radio stations KENA and KQOR daily. Simply send your Around Town announcement to news@mypulsenews. com or call 479-243-9600 and let us know about your event! To have it in the Polk County Pulse newspaper, we need to know by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!

Community 25

Notice of Extension of Scoping Comment Period for railroads

The Surface Transportation Board’s (Board) Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on Nov. 12, 2021 and published it in the Federal Register on the same day.

In the NOI, OEA invited public comments on the scope of the EIS by Dec. 17, 2021. OEA has received requests for an extension of the scoping comment period and is issuing this Notice to advise the public and all interested parties that the comment period will be extended until January 3, 2022. No further extensions of time will be granted. OEA will issue a Final Scope of Study for the EIS after

the close of the scoping comment period.

Scoping comments may be submitted electronically on the Board-sponsored project website at CP-KCSMergerEIS. com or the Board’s website at stb.gov by clicking on the “E-FILING” link. Please refer to Docket No. FD 36500 in all correspondence, including efilings, addressed to the Board. Any comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted.

Scoping comments are now due by January 3, 2022.

For additional information about the Board’s environmental review process for this proposed acquisition please visit the Board-sponsored project website at CPKCSMergerEIS.com.

26 Puzzles

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

December 22, 2021

12.22.21

12.22.21

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 12.15.21

Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Trooper is really a trooper! This big silver and white pup has 3 legs and doesn't let that affect his attitude or his activities! He is a happy and loving guy! He likes kids and other dogs, but does not get along with cats! Trooper js housetrained and crate trained. Currently, he weighs 40 pounds and is just at about 11 months. He is an active guy who loves to play and be active. Bring gift-wrapped toys and treats!

Trooper would love to become someone's treasured best friend!

All selected Pet of the Week animals come with a gift package.

All animals at the Humane Society of the Ouachitas are current on their vaccinations and spayed/neutered 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

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

December 22, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS - FOR SALE - SERVICES GIFTS! Handmade by local artisans. An entire store full! Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena Street.

Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

(479) 394-3880 T1222

Wendell’s Tree Service - Tree Removal and Trimming. Experienced and fully insured for ALL your tree-trimming needs. Call (479) 394-0227 or (479) 216-4328.

T0222

CLASSIFIEDS

Land Management, Tree Service, RC Customz can handle your construction needs, mulching and more. Military discounts available. Insured. Call (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate.

T1222

Get your word ads out to 8,000+ viewers a week for a minimum cost. If you have a listing, sale item(s), job opening, tradewe can put it in an ad for you!!

Tree services, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate.

T1222

Help us build our Classified Section.

Place Your Ad in Our Office

1168 Hwy 71 So - Mena, AR You can call, fax or email BUT all ads must be pre-paid.

Deadline

Friday at Noon

Must Pre-Pay CASH / VISA / MC

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries.

(870) 490-1191 T0105

Cost per Ad

Words 1-20 $ 4 Extra words +$ .25 Add a border +$ 1

PUBLIC NOTICE

Cossatot River School District will accept bids for the stripping and waxing of floors at the Wickes, Vandervoort, High School, and Umpire campuses. Bids will be accepted until January 14, 2022.

Bids may be faxed to 870-3852238, emailed to hburk@cossatot. us, or mailed to Attn: Superintendent, 130 School Drive, Wickes, AR 71973.

For more information, call 870385-7101 opt. 1 and ask for Hanna.

T1229

- EMPLOYMENT -

Part• Time Residential Aide Needed for Avants Group Living Center. C. N. A or Personal Care Certificate Preferred but not required.25 years old, having valid driver license, High School Diploma or GED. In order to comply with state regulations we conduct thorough background investigations, driving record check and drug testing. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located beside the PCDC Resale Store. 201 South Morrow Street, Mena AR, 71953 EOE Must be willing to work occasional night shifts.

Enjoy working with adults with disabilities is a must. T1229 Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for a technical/phone sales position. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, answering technical inquiries, providing product information and recommendations, troubleshooting with potential and current customers, and processing orders in a fast-paced office setting.

Parts, automotive, and computer experience would be helpful.

Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment.

T1222 PCDC has a job opening. Administrative Assistant /Billing Office Part Time 30-35 hours per week Experience with Medicaid billing or insurance billing a plus.

Must have the ability to work independently, while following a detailed schedule. Responsibilities: Assist with following, as instructed: Answer phone, takes messages, and make requested calls.

Make copies, fax information as needed.

Run errands.

Filing Picks up register bags, counts and refills registers.

Monitors Medicaid files for adult and preschool clients.

Assist with public relation events.

Secures documents for billing Medicaid and PASSE’s weekly.

Completes billing sheets with totals of units and dollars amount weekly.

Enter amount in billing systems in computer weekly.

Submit billing electronically weekly.

Record amount billed in correct file.

Give copies of billing to Bookkeeper & Assistant Bookkeeper.

Record billing received in proper files weekly, or as in PASSE, when received, make copies as needed.

Monitor recorded income to ascertain all deposits have been entered correctly.

Determines what, if any billing needs corrected and resubmitted.

T1229

Classifeds 27 Polk County Births Mena Regional Health System DECEMBER 10, 2021 TO DECEMBER 17, 2021 Kourtny & Chris Croson of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born Dec. 11th Presley Ashcraft & Nick Robertson of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born Dec. 13th Bianca Ralls & Devin Belknap of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born Dec. 13th Maegan & Jeremy Roberts of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born Dec. 15th Rachel Zarate & Marcus Gutierrez of Grannis, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born Dec. 16th

MENA REAL ESTATE

www.MenaRealEstate.com

28 Police

December 22, 2021

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 LOG

reference to an unknown person inside the residence.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 71 South near Potter in reference to a welfare check.

December 13, 2021 Jeremiah Smith, 38 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons.

Deputies responded to a call of a Theft near Cove.

Deputies took a report from a walk-in complainant of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a stolen chain saw.

December 17, 2021 Nathaniel James, 23 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Failure to Appear.

Charles Dees, 72 of Cove was arrested on a Felony Failure to Appear Warrant and a Misdemeanor Failure to Appear Warrant.

Monica Shores, 36 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Probation Violation.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 76 W near Acorn in reference to a prowler.

December 14, 2021 Waylon Broach, 22 of Cove was arrested on a Misdemeanor Warrant for Negligent Homicide.

December 15, 2021 Deputies responded to a report of a stolen vehicle from a business on Hwy 71 North. After a pursuit, the vehicle was recovered leading to the arrest of Justin Keaster in Sevier County.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 46 near Mena in reference to a Break-In. Deputies responded to a report of Criminal Trespassing.

Aaron Ollar, 34 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Failure to Appear Warrant.

Deputies were dispatched to a church on Hwy 71 near Hatfield in reference to a Break-In. December 16, 2021 William Pate, 50 of Mena was arrested on two Felony Failure to Appear Warrants.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Rogers Street in Cove in reference to a Break-In. Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 274 near Vandervoort in

December 18, 2021 Deputies responded to a residence on Polk 73 near Ink in reference to property damage. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Strawberry Lane near Potter in reference to a Physical Domestic.

Deputies took a report of Harassment from a walk-in complainant.

December 19, 2021 Deputies responded to a report of a house fire on Polk 164 near Rocky.

Deputies took a report of tires being slashed on a vehicle at a residence on Polk 73 near Ink. Deputies took a report of someone being threatened.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked 3 vehicle accidents this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 20 Incarcerated Inmates, with 10 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS December 12 A report of harassment was taken from a walk-in complainant.

Randi Fields, 35, was served with three warrants after a disturbance call to Wendy’s parking lot.

A report of theft by receiving and fraudulent use of a credit card was taken at Walmart.

A report of breaking or entering was taken from a walk-in complainant.

December 13 Jordan Garcia, 27, was charged with Possession of Schedule 2 Controlled Substance, Fleeing in Vehicle, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Felony Theft of Property, Misdemeanor Theft of Property, Theft by Receiving, Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree, Careless/Prohibited Driving, Driving on Suspended License, and served with a warrant out of Crawford County after contact on Cherry Street.

Kayla Allbright, 24, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Felony Theft of Property, Misdemeanor Theft of Property, Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree, Fleeing in Vehicle, Theft

by Receiving and served with a warrant out of Sebastian County after contact on Cherry Street.

December 14 A theft report was taken from Walmart.

A report of criminal mischief was taken at a residence on 12th Street.

A theft report was taken from a walkin complainant.

A theft report was taken from a walkin complainant.

December 15 A missing person report was taken at a residence on Dequeen Street.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse December 16 Officers made a traffic stop, that led to arrests, on Highway 71 at the EZ Mart. Matthew Miller, 39, was charged with Possession of Meth, Possession of Meth with Purpose to Deliver, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, Fictitious Vehicle Tag, Driving on suspended license, and No liability insurance. Cheryl Smith, 32, was charged with Possession of Meth and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Diana Morgan, 48, was charged with Theft of Property, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at Dollar General.

December 17 A report of assault was taken from a walk-in complainant.

December 18 Glen Busch, 71, was charged with Internet Stalking of a Child, Computer Child Pornography, and Sexual Indecency with a Child after an investigation.

Matthew Miller, 39, was charged with Theft of Property, Criminal Trespass, and Possession of Marijuana at Walmart.

THE POLK COUNTY

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December 22, 2021

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THE POLK COUNTY

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