February 26, 2020

February 26, 2020

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787 Vote Early in Polk County So Far

The Acorn FFA chapter was represented at the Colt's Classic FFA contests at UA Cossatot in DeQueen. The Acorn Ag. Mechanics team placed in second place. The team are Caleb Reynolds, Brady Lyle, Nathan Watts, Kacey Head, Keelan Allen, Damien Pool and Brady Hair. Caleb Reynolds had the 4th highest individual score. Submitted photo.

Area FFA Chapters Compete at Colts Classic The ninth annual Colts Classic Career Development Event was held on February 14th at the University of Arkansas Cossatot campus in De Queen.

Over 700 high school students competed in agricultural competitions. Thirty-four schools from Arkansas and one school from Missouri participated in the event to promote the study of careers in agriculture.

FFA members from Mena, Acorn, Mount Ida, and Waldron schools were among the students competing at the event.

Mena students finished second in the Nursery and Landscape division. Acorn FFA finished second in the Ag Mechanics category. Mount Ida students took second in Farm Business Management and third in the Horse division. Waldron FFA claimed third place in the Milk Quality and Products category.

The event gave high school students the chance to learn about careers in agriculture and develop skills to be successful in these careers.

The Acorn Electricity team placed 6th. The team members are Brody Webb, Jacob Moore, Bradlee Bissell, and Raymond Hannaman. Submitted photo

787 voters have cast their ballots early in Polk County after the first week of early voting. From Tuesday, February 18th through Saturday the 22nd, 787 registered voters stopped by the Polk County Office Complex on Pine Street in Mena to perform their civic duty to vote in the March 3rd Primary Elections in Arkansas.

Turnout is expected to continue to be heavy this week as several races on the ballot are attracting local interest.

Besides the Republican and Democratic Presidential Primaries, there is a hotly contested race for Court of Appeals Associate Judge District Four Position Two between Emily White of Malvern and Stephanie Potter Barrett of Texarkana. District four includes 15 counties in Western Arkansas including Polk, Scott, and Montgomery Counties.

There are several local races that are generating plenty of interest too. Patrick McDaniel and Andy Riner are squaring off in the Montgomery and Polk County Circuit Judge’s race for the 18th West Judicial District of Arkansas. The winner succeeds

Judge Jerry Ryan, who is retiring this year.

Voters in the northern part of Polk County are helping to decide the District 21 Arkansas State House of Representatives race between Marcus Richmond and Jim Reynolds.

There are two School Board races in Mena. For Position One, incumbent Todd Aynes is being challenged by Brandyn Gortemiller. For Position Two, incumbent Robert “Robby” Hines is being challenged by Calvin Cummings.

Early voting at the Polk County Complex on Pine Street in Mena continues weekdays this week from 8:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M. You can also vote early on Saturday, February 29th from 10:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. and on Monday, March 2nd from 8:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. KENA 104.1 will have live election coverage with Chris Daniel and Curt Teasdale when the polls close at 7:30 P.M. on Tuesday, March 3rd.

See sample ballots on page 8, page 9 and page 10.

Walk Across Polk County Kick-Off Early spring, once again, brings life to the Walk Across Polk County program sponsored by the Quality of Life, Inc. and the Polk County Extension Office. This program is an annual effort to promote exercise and fitness among Polk County citizens. Bridgett Martin, County Extension Agent-FCS wants to remind Polk County citizens, “Our organizations’ main goal has always been to promote health and wellness to the citizens in Polk County. Research has proven that 150 minutes of exercise per week decreases risk of major health issues including: depres-

sion, heart attacks, hypertension, obesity, osteoporosis, some cancers and stroke.

This is a great opportunity for individuals to get started with an exercise routine that will increase energy levels and promote health. We are also encouraging our participants to begin making small changes to their diets and focusing on good sleep habits. These are all critical components for healthy, pain-free living. In the past a lot of our teams have come from workforce groups from around the area, but we would WALK ACROSS PC CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

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February 26, 2020

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New Policies, Positive Outcomes LITTLE ROCK – In the past two years, the number of youths in state custody has declined by nearly thirty percent, and today I’d like to discuss some of the changes we have made to achieve that.

During my first campaign for governor in 2014, I became concerned about the quality of care at our state’s juvenile detention centers and pledged to improve the work that we were doing.

Before I took office, I made a surprise visit to the juvenile assessment and treatment center at Alexander so that I could see conditions for myself. I also wanted to assure Arkansans that this issue would be a priority for my administration.

Our goal was to cut the number of youth sent to the Division of Youth Services, and to improve the care and treatment of those who are sent.

We have updated our policies and regulations since 2017, and the latest numbers affirm they have been effective.

As of February 13, there were 235 youths in our five residential treatment centers, 92 fewer than July 2017.

The Division of Youth Services reported that last week there were only six youths in juvenile centers operated by counties, which is an 87 percent decrease compared to the 47 in July 2017.

I directed the Division of Youth Services to take over the day-to-day operations of seven of our eight residential

treatment centers. We established goals that included faster assessment and placement of youth under state supervision.

We began to develop personalized treatment plans that addressed the needs of each juvenile. We also began to engage family members and other care providers to ease a youth’s return to the community.

In November 2018, we announced that we were closing the youth treatment centers at Colt and Dermott. We now operate only five.

Judges are a vital part of our approach because they can help steer youths to the appropriate services that would be more beneficial than spending time in a detention center.

Last year, the General Assembly – to their credit – passed Act 189, which requires the use of a validated risk assessment tool. This tool helps determine the youth’s level of risk for reoffending and to divert youth to group homes or community-based services instead of sending them to a detention center.

Now we are focusing on ways to improve our community-based services.

Our ultimate goal in improving services for youth is to improve their chances of success when they leave the system. I applaud the leaders in the Department of Human Services and the Division of Youth Services for their commitment to our young people.

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February 26, 2020

history

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Reflections from History and Faith: Restoration of Church and State

By Jeff Olson According to Aristotle, metaphor consists in giving the thing a name that belongs to something else. Metaphors, while a primary mode of expression and comprehension, are based on premises and if those premises are false then the success of the metaphor serves only to perpetuate the falsehood.

Such has been the case with the metaphor, “wall of separation between church and state.” This famous metaphor, though nowhere in the U.S. Constitution nor in any other founding document, has been a part of American legal thought, discourse, policy, and jurisprudence now for more than 70 years, ever since Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black (in Everson vs. Board of Education -1947) resurrected and misused it from a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Danbury (Connecticut) Baptist Association in 1802. Taken within its original intent and context, this letter simply communicated Jefferson’s conviction that religion is an essentially private matter and that, as a matter of federalism, the nation's chief executive could not disturb church-state relationships and policies concerning religious liberty in the individual states. This is why he refused to issue proclamations for national days of religious observance while he was president.

Jefferson believed, as this letter and metaphor address, that the First Amendment prohibited the federal government from having any authority in religious matters.

“Congress shall make no law .....” means precisely that and, as such, the president has no authority to execute laws which the legislature cannot make. We must remember that the First Amendment was a part of the Bill of Rights, which was essentially an individual and state’s rights document. So, by definition, every amendment in the Bill of Rights addresses specific areas of jurisdiction where the federal government has essentially no constitutional authority. Jefferson had no reservations about the authority of state governors in declaring religious days of observance because as a member of the House of Burgesses and as Governor of Virginia, he himself declared these days in 1774 and in 1779, respectively.

There has been some excellent scholarship on Jefferson’s letter and its use of the metaphor, a metaphor which in fact did not even originate with Jefferson. It is unfortunate and irresponsible that more such scholarship, as well as the early congressional records of the drafting of the 1st

Amendment, haven't been been referenced and accurately and contextually interpreted nearly enough or even at all by educators, lawmakers, the courts and the media.

Nevertheless, our nation’s court system has, through misreading or incomplete research of the historical record and false assumptions and ideology (and perhaps an agenda), given the metaphor authoritative gloss on the First Amendment thus re-defining church-state relations in America. Ironically, it was Jefferson who, more than any other Founder, warned us about the potential dangers of a Supreme Court venturing beyond its constitutional authority. It has in fact been the Court’s premise, not Jefferson’s intent, of the metaphor which has essentially re-written the 1st Amendment. Even so, Jefferson was not even in America when the Constitution was written nor when the First Amendment was drafted.

He was Minister (Ambassador) to France at the time and later renounced to his historian, Joseph Priestly, his alleged status as an authority on the Constitution. The primary authorities, the men who were there such as James Madison, John Adams, Gouverneur

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Caitlin & Ty Phillips of Cove, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born Feb. 18th Brandy & Justin Mallett of Cove, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born Feb. 18th

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Morris, Fisher Ames and others, are rarely referenced. Madison was the father and chief architect of the Constitution, and in his words, “there is not a shadow of right in the general (federal) government to intermeddle with religion.” Morris spoke more frequently (173 times) than anyone else at the Constitutional Convention. Ames provided the exact wording for the First Amendment, “respecting the establishment of religion” which was to prevent the establishment of any single Christian denomination as a national church. Do we hear anything of or from these men? Their writings are available if only we will take the time and initiative to search and to learn for ourselves and not let others continue to mislead us down a very dangerous road. All of us; especially parents, teachers, and church and civic leaders must bear this in mind as we work to develop a generation with the knowledge, character, and moral compass to carry the torch of their heritage; a torch which must light the way for Church and State to serve effectively in their divinely-ordained, complimentary and distinct roles in a journey back to our nation's roots.

The “wall” has become a treasured symbol for a strict separationist policy that champions a secular order in which (certain) religious influences are systematically removed from public life. The First Amendment's text imposed explicit restrictions on Congress only and was designed to facilitate the encouragement of religion and positive religious influences, not to isolate the interests of religion behind a “high and impregnable wall” of separation. Reparation of Church and State must continue with a reparation of re-written American history; a history which has victimized generations of Americans.

We need to return to the writings of our Founders and to our founding documents; to learn and perpetuate the transcendent biblical truths that set our nation on a foundation, course, and success in self-government unrivaled by any other nation in history.

Today, more than ever, this is a choice and a choice that can’t wait any longer for the sake of both Church and State. Righteousness exalts a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 14:34).

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police

February 26, 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 ARRAIGNMENTS All criminal information is merely an accusation and the Defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Prosecuting Attorney Andy Riner, within and for the 18th-West Judicial District of the State of Arkansas, of which Polk County is a part, in the name and by the authority of the State of Arkansas, on oath, do hereby accuse the defendants of committing in Polk County, Arkansas the following crimes: State of Arkansas Vs. Aaron Marcus Shores, White Male, age 29, Count I: Failure To Appear, a Class "C" Felony. Count II: Failure To Appear, a Class "C" Felony.

State of Arkansas Vs. Kevin L. Smith, White Male, age 30, Count I: Failure To Appear, a Class "C" Felony.

State of Arkansas Vs. Jefferey D. Dollarhyde, White Male, age 32, Count I: Theft Of Property, a Class "D" Felony. Count II: Theft Of Property, a Class "A" Misdemeanor. The State of Arkansas intends to pursue enhanced penalties since he has been convicted of four (4) or more felonies.

MENA POLICE REPORT February 16, 2020 Shawn Fender, 49, was arrested on a warrant during a traffic stop.

February 17, 2020 Matthew Hackworth, 35, was arrested on a warrant behind a motel.

Jeffrey Dollarhyde, 32, was arrested on a warrant at a convenience store.

February 18, 2020 Garrett Puerto, 24, was arrested for Domestic Battery 3rd Degree after officers responded to a disturbance call at a residence.

February 19, 2020 A complaint of unauthorized use of a fuel card was taken. The case is under investigation.

February 21, 2020 Billy Fletcher, 33, was arrested for Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct after a suspicious person call at a laundry mat.

February 22, 2020 A complaint of harassment was taken at a drive-in.

Jarrod Hudson, 33, was arrested for DWI after a traffic stop.

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT February 17, 2020 Report from complainant on Hwy 71S near Mena of a missing family member.

Family member was later located.

Report from complainant on Polk 301 near Cherry Hill of a domestic disturbance.

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

February 18, 2020 No reports were filed.

February 19, 2020 Report of an 18-wheeler off the road on Polk 62 near Board Camp. Deputies responded.

Report of inappropriate behavior led to two Juvenile females being issued Juvenile Citations for Terroristic Threatening.

Arrested was Dallas C. Pettigrew, 26, of Horatio on Charges of Residential Burglary, Theft of Property, and Criminal Mischief 1st Degree.

February 20, 2020 Report from complainant on Rodgers Drive near Cove of being harassed by an unknown individual.

Arrested was James L. Smith, 51, of Cove on two Warrants for Failure to Comply with a Court Order.

Arrested was Joseph C. Hale, 20, of Oden on a Body Attachment Warrant.

February 21, 2020 Arrested was Aaron J. Miller, 27, of Mena on a Warrant for Domestic Battery 3rd Degree.

February 22, 2020 Report from complainant on Polk 16 near Vandervoort of an unauthorized person on their property. Deputies responded.

Arrested was Jeremy M. Youngdahl, 43, of Cove on a Body Attachment Warrant.

Arrested was Gerald E. Watkins, 42, of Wickes on a Body Attachment Warrant.

February 23, 2020 Report from complainant on Rex Lane near Potter of damage done to a mailbox

valued at $200.00.

Investigation continues.

Report from complainant on Polk 35 near Hatfield of a domestic disturbance.

Deputy responded.

Report of an accidental shooting involving two Juvenile males. Investigation continues.

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Arrested was Melissa L. Stanley, 40, of Hatfield on a Body Attachment Warrant.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 24 Incarcerated Inmates , with 14 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Larry Teague LITTLE ROCK – Last year the legislature voted to conduct an extensive review of the operations of the Arkansas Department of Transportation, to identify areas where improvements could be made.

Act 298 of 2019 mandates that the Legislative Council hire an independent consultant to perform the review. The consultant is Guidehouse, of McLean, Virginia. It will focus on the bidding procedures, purchasing methods and overall finances of one of the largest agencies in state government. It will recommend legislation for the General Assembly to consider during the 2021 regular session.

One purpose is to ensure responsiveness to the needs of citizens. In other words, if members of a community are concerned about the number of accidents on a particular stretch of highway, such as a sharp curve with a low shoulder, their concerns should not be ignored.

In September, Guidehouse submitted to the Department a lengthy and detailed list of requests for data. Since then, Guidehouse has also been talking to key staff at the Transportation Department.

Staff spent 3,220 hours working with Guidehouse to provide the requested data.

As of December, the consultant had uploaded more than 1,150 files. The consultants made a progress report to legislators.

The Transportation Department has 3,724 full time employees working across the state, with an annual budget of $425.4 million, according to the Guidehouse report.

Legislators also received a detailed report from the Transportation Department itself, on the progress of 34 projects that were under construction at the beginning of the year. Each project will cost more than $10 million to complete.

The largest project, in terms of cost, is a $187 million widening of Interstate 30 in western Saline County, where Highway 70 turns off toward Hot Springs. The interstate is being widened from four to six lanes for

5.9 miles. It is scheduled for completion in late 2022.

The second largest project is in Prairie County, along Interstate 40. It is a $100 million project to replace the bridge over the White River.

The estimated completion date is the middle of 2020, but delays may result because of disputes between the Department and building contractors. High water and heavy rains interfered with construction schedules. Contractors and the Department do not agree on who should foot the cost of those delays.

The director of the Department, Scott Bennett, announced that he intended to step down on March 20. He worked at the Department for 32 years and has been its director since 2011.

At a recent meeting of the Highway Commission, he outlined the projects that the Department has worked on during the past ten years. They amount to 1,100 projects covering 5,600 miles of highway and costing $7.2 billion.

Last year the legislature approved two highway-funding measures. One measure, Act 416, will generate an estimated $95 million annually.

The other measure is a resolution that refers to voters a proposed constitutional amendment. If it passes in the November general election, it will provide an additional $205 million a year to the Department by permanently extending the current halfcent sales tax dedicated to highways and bridges.

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February 26, 2020

news

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Local DAR Chapter Celebrates George Washington Birthday BY: Brenda Cunningham The first event that five members of the James K Polk Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, recently attended was the 16th Annual George Washington Birthday Observation and Luncheon held

on February 20, 2020, at the Hot Springs Country Club. Twenty four Colonial Organization were represented at this annual event, some of which include The Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, National Society

Leighanna Guillet with her aunt, Cortez James Copher.

United States Daughters of 1812, Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, General Society of Mayflower Descendants and Society of the Decedents of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge, just to name a few. Dr. Terry Carter, Associate Dean of the Pruet School of Christian Studies at Ouachita Baptist University delivered an intriguing speech on “George Washington’s Religious Beliefs”.

George and Martha Washington, Charles and Pat McLemore, formerly of Mena, but now of Mt. Ida, took time from their busy schedule to visit with the DAR group.

Their second event the Mena DAR attended was a George Washington Tea given by the Diamond DAR Chapter in Ashdown on February 22. The entertainment for the tea was bagpipe music and a "visit

by George Washington" who had a lot to say about how the government should to be run. He had led the new nation to victory in York Town, and presided over the Continental Congress to make sure the Constitution was written and ratified. He reminded everyone that without the U. S. Constitution, we would have no country...

NO United States of America. Attending were Leighanna Guillet, First Vice Regent and Regent, Cortez James Copher

From left to right: “Maratha Washington”, Pat McLemore, “George Washington”, Charles McLemore, along with DAR members: Brenda Cunningham, Jane Simmons, Era Looney, Shelly Collins and Ann Garrett.

Submitted photos.

“George Washington” being played by Josh Morris, Texas District Judge.

Bagpipe entertainer, Dr. George English M.D., Texarkana.

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obituaries

A. J. Cole

A.J. Cole, age 82, of Mena, died Sunday, February 16, 2020 at Springfield Rehabilitation in Springfield, Missouri. He was born on Thursday, August 17, 1937 to James Argle and Dovie Lucille Standridge Cole in Mena, AR. A.J. was a southern Baptist pastor in Polk County for over forty years, most recently at the Salem Baptist Church in Nunley. He enjoyed getting to know people and spreading the good word. Every church that he pastored became like family, and nothing was more important to A.J. than God and family. He served in the United States National Guard and was a longtime member of the NRA and the Southern Baptist Convention. A.J. really loved being in nature and having hunting and fishing adventures. He was passionate about NASCAR and even did some race car driving in California in his younger years. A.J. was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sherry Cole; one son, Tracy Cole; one brother, Steve Cole and one sister, Ginger Cole.

A.J. is survived by one son, Troy Cole of Springfield, Missouri; one daughter and son in law, Mitzi and Sam Pearl of Watson, Oklahoma; two brothers, Farrell Cole of Mena and Jerry Cole of Wrightwood, California; four grandchildren, Dalton Pearl of Mena, Jenna Pearl of Watson, Oklahoma, Bryce Cole and Charli Cole both of Springfield, Missouri; two great grandchildren, Kaden Pearl and Krystal Pearl both of Mena; several nieces and nephews, and a

Caring for your family since 1928

Locally owned & operated 479-394-1310

611 Janssen Avenue - Mena, AR

BeasleyWoodFuneralHome.com

February 26, 2020

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host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Friday, February 21, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. at the Concord Baptist Church in Ink with Brother Ron Ladd and Brother Jerry Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in the Concord Cemetery under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. There is no visitation planned.

Pallbearers will be Troy Cole, Bryce Cole, Farrell Cole, Jerry Cole, Sam Pearl, and Dalton Pearl.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

Honorary pallbearers will be Ted Brumbelow, Keith Brumbelow, David Fisher, Justin Fisher, Phillip Cecil, Terry Plunkett and Brent Gorden.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

Beasley-Wood Funeral Home 611 Janssen Ave. Mena, Arkansas 71953 Ph# 479394-1310 bwfuneralhome@yahoo.com

Charles F. (C.F.) Brumbelow

Ruth Marie Campbell, age 99 of Mena, AR passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2020.

She came into this world on May 28, 1920 in Nunley, Arkansas to James Poole Wagoner and Clara Bell Brumley Wagoner, and the oldest of 5 children.

Our mother Ruth always looked forward to the new day, especially when it was warm and the sun was shining. She was an excellent cook and of generous disposition, and never turned down a hungry face. She even managed to make people love greens, but was especially famous for her homemade bread that she made every week until she turned 95! She loved antiques and was a talented quiltmaker and made all of our beautiful clothes and quilts.

Mom loved to entertain and always enjoyed playing Bridge with her dear friends, Helen Dillinger, Mary Jo Abernathy, Paula Brotherton, Elsa Pause and Ida Pitchford. She left this world in a most beautiful and peaceful way, surrounded by her loving family. She would have celebrated her 100th birthday in May, but instead, lay down and shut her eyes among the people she loved the most. She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her daughters, Becky Borovac and Ellen Campbell, grandchildren, Anjali Carreras and Sesa Carreras, a great grandchild, Bella Carreras, her friend and caretaker, Tony Bunch and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Clara Bell Wagoner, a brother, J.P. Wagoner and 3 sisters, Helen Masters, Mildred Sherran and Ruby Lou McCoy. Ruth was sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home. No services are scheduled at this time.

Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfu-

Charles F. (C. F.) Brumbelow age 85 of Mena, AR passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2020 in

Mt. Ida. C.F. was born on August 15,1934 in Mena, AR to Terrell and Eula Spencer Brumbelow. He was married to Donna Woll on November 18, 1954. C.F. (as he was known) was an avid cattleman, it wasn’t a hobby; it was his life. He knew the words to every John Wayne movie ever made!

He loved the land, his family, his dog and a good steak! He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend.

He will be dearly missed.

C.F. was survived by: Daughters, Brenda Fisher and husband David of Hatfield, AR, and Pam Huff of Mena, AR; Sons, Ted Brumbelow and wife Vickie of Fayetteville, AR, and Keith Brumbelow and wife Amanda of Bentonville, AR; Grandchildren, Justin Fisher, Alisa Huff, Nikki Cecil, Taylor Brumbelow, Morgan Brumbelow, Bailey Brumbelow, and Dani Brumbelow; Great-Grandchildren, Jozlyn Cecil and Malik Fisher; Nieces, Ann Quinn and Jean Lybrand; Nephew, Eddie Rostollan; A host of friends, both young and old; and Katie, his faithful 4- legged companion of 10 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Terrell and Eula Brumbelow, his wife, Donna Brumbelow, brother Waylon, and sisters Melba and Bertha.

Graveside service will be Saturday, February 22, 2020, 2:00 p.m. at Nunley Cemetery with Brother Ron Tilley officiating under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Family and friends visitation will be Friday, February 21, 2020 at 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Beasley Wood.

Ruth Marie Campbell

neralhome.com.

Michael James Vieira Michael James Vieira, age 30, of Mena, died Tuesday, February 18th, 2020 at St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was born on Monday, October 2nd, 1989 to Jessie James Vieira and Carrie Florene Kelton in Sacramento, California.

To those who knew Mike, he was a great all-around guy, always there to lend a hand when needed, and was a pleasure to be around. The stories and jokes he would tell, will never be forgotten and will be forever cherished. He will forever be known for his thoughtful gestures. He graduated from Acorn High School in 2008 and went on to work at Hatfield Lumber driving a forklift. Many who knew Michael knew him from the Bus Barn for Acorn Schools as well as a manager for AutoZone. He enjoyed working on cars and practiced blacksmithing in his spare time. He loved his family and took comfort in being with them, making them laugh and picking on everyone. Michael was a loving fiancé, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend and will be missed by all.

He is preceded in death by his father, Jessie Vieira; his sister, Jessica Vieira-Kizzar; and his grandmother, Charlotte Morgan.

Michael is survived by his loving fiancé, Brandi McMellon of Mena; his maternal great grandmother, Dovey Thomas of Roanoke, Texas; his mother, Carrie Kelton of Ink; stepfather, Tim Kelton of Ink; one son, Blaine Davy of Mena; one daughter, Kara Vieira of Athens, Texas; two brothers, James Vieira and Joey Severns of Atwater, California, four sisters, Kristin Munger of Mena, Dawn White of Alvord, Texas, Jeralyn Ramzy of Mena, Sabrina Vieira of Atwater, California; and father figure, Jerry Whalen of Mena; several nieces and nephews, and several other relatives and friends that will miss him dearly.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 22nd, 2020 at 2:00pm, at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Stacy Strother officiating. Interment will follow in the Canaanland Church Cemetery under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. There will a viewing during the service on Saturday as well as

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dinner after graveside services. Please feel welcomed to come and share your condolences with the family.

Pallbearers will be Josh Baker, George Kilsby, Michael Ramzy, Jeff Smith, Ben Sterner, Lee Lane, and Leon Heath. Honorary Pallbearers are Robert Morgan, Clint Morgan, Charles Kizzar, and Jerry Whalen.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

Earline George Liner Smith

Earline George Liner Smith age 89, of Sherwood, AR passed away to her Heavenly home Tuesday, February 18, 2020.

On March 26, 1930 Earline was born to Daisy Nona Shimpock and Earl Edward George in Cove, AR. Earline loved to laugh and cut up with her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and anyone else who would rise to the challenge. She was a Certified Dietician, a great cook, loved to go “junkin”, a great seamstress and most importantly, knew the Lord.

Survived by: Daughters, Marcy Eckolls and husband Thad of North Little Rock, AR, and Susan Wilcher and husband Larry of Wickes, AR; Son, Dwight Liner and wife Cindy of Arlington, TX; Grandchildren, Dawn Wilcox, Geoff Wilcher, Andrea McElveen, Penny Dedmon, Trent Handley, Kenneth Liner, Christy Pruitt, and Taylor Kouba; Great-Grandchildren, Jacob, Lorin, Patrick, Hunter, Olivia, Marlie, Henry, Juston, Brock, Tony, Colton, Brittany, Beckham, and Bowen; and one great-greatgrandchild Nora Lynne.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Kenneth Liner, daughter Marcella Liner, grandson Michael Liner, sisters Dovie, Pearl, Guy, Laverne and brothers John, Pete, and Grover.

Honorary pallbearers are Kenneth Liner, Dylan Liner, Trent Handley, Henry Handley, Juston Handley, and Mike Wilcox.

Graveside service will be Friday, February 21, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Witherspoon Cemetery in Vandervoort, AR with Reverend Chris Burke and Brother Larry Wilcher officiating under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena. General Visitation.

Beasley-Wood Funeral Home 611 Janssen Ave. Mena, Arkansas 71953 Ph# 479394-1310 bwfuneralhome@yahoo.com

Fort Smith to host award-winning Arkansas Tourism photography exhibit

The Fort Smith Convention Center will host a new photography exhibit, “Arkansas’s Scenic Tourism Landscapes,” beginning Sunday, March 1, with a meet-andgreet event for the public at 2 p.m. that day. The opening coincides with the annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism, March 1-3.

The exhibit will run through mid-May at the convention center and then travel to various locations across Arkansas throughout 2020.

Recently recognized by AAA Southern Traveler as an “Official Southern Travel Treasure,” the exhibit highlights the scenic beauty of The Natural State as captured in decades of photography by Arkansas Tourism.

“Tourism is a major economic driver in Arkansas’s economy, and photography

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February 26, 2020

plays an important role in inspiring visitation to the state,” said Kristine Puckett, interim director of Arkansas Tourism. “The work of our photographers has been featured in publications across the globe, and we’re so pleased to share their images with all Arkansans through this new exhibit.”

Kirk Jordan, chief photographer, and Casey Crocker, multimedia specialist, curated the exhibit and will be sharing photography tips and insights during the event.

“I have two audiences in mind as I snap photos,” said Jordan. “Those people who will be encouraged to venture to the spots we cover, and those who, for various reasons, cannot make the trip.”

For more information, contact Leah DiPietro at leah.dipietro@arkansas.gov or 501-682-7606.

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“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. or visit our website at www.polkarhousing.com

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Vote for

Calvin Cummings

Mena School Board Position 2 in the

March 3rd Primary Election

"Change Starts W ith Y our Vote"

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Fin, Jasper and Jax Fin is the toy Australian shepherd and Jax is a miniature schnauzer.

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February 22-29

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COSSATOT RIVER

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Left to Right 1st row: Reagan Bills, Kelcy Frachiseur, Rendi Warren, Hannah Bell, Landrie Tadlock, Braylee Jewell, Kalli Smith 2nd row: Sage Evans, Zaide Morgan, Kolby Frachiseur, Koty Martin, Trayton Johnson, Marissa Hammer 3rd row: Aiden Thomas, Hannah Mclain, Lily Macintyre, BreAnna Hutson, Pate Taylor, Rudy Arce, Cyzer Mallard, Cody Bagley.

4th row: Monte Fain (Teacher), LaBrayla Robb, Shayla Reel, Erin Tidwell, Brycelynn Raines, Dakota Swift, Jacey Whisenhunt , Jasey Holmes, Jacob Richardson Top row: Scott Morgan (Teacher), Cora Morgan, Kylee Johnson, Bethany Harper, Brynleigh Smith, Noah Richardson, Brody Dickerson, Justin Bell Submitted Photo

Jacie Allen, Jaylene Amason, Cooper Anderie, Allison Bates, Travis Beck, Madison Blair, Charles Brown, Jarrett Burger, Saira Castillo, Brendon Catlett, Sam Cude, Ivy Curtis, Dusty Davis, Vivi Denton, Lexi Dilbeck, Addi Dollar, Cierra Dulaney, Mikala Evans, Paige Evans, Aaron Ferguson, Josh Ferguson, Makori Gaborel, Bethany Godwin, Jadelynn Goodner, Zach Grafton, Evan Graves, Breanna Hall, Jayden Harris, Shylea Head, Blade Hebert, Breanna Hendrix, William Hendrix, Cori Hilton, Cauy House, Madison Howard, Trace Huff, Aslynn Jackson, Macie Johnson, Hope Lott, Justice Mauk, Maddy Mauk, Dalton McCourtney, Davy McDonald, Morgan Miller, Cylie Moody, Navya Morris, Taylor Nance, Drey Ozanich, Dustin Poor, Ranessa Ricker, Austin Rose, Kenley Ruskin, Jacob Short, Sarah Simmons, Layla Spenser, Aubrey Sterner, Taylor Thacker, MacKenzie Vincent, JR White, Jake Wiles

MENA

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Acorn Girls Win District Tournament

Mena High School senior, Marc David Wilson, signed a National Letter of Intent to play football at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia as a preferred walk-on. Wilson carries a 3.9 GPA and plans to study business administration. He was a member of the National Honor Society as well as many other local clubs.Wilson is expected to play on the defensive side of the ball at HSU. Wilson stated he was excited to be a part of one on the most successful D2 football programs in Arkansas led by Coach Scott Maxfield. Submitted photo.

Mena Bearcats of the

The Acorn girls and the Dierks boys claimed the team titles Saturday night at the 2A Region 7 Conference Tournament in Mount Ida. The Lady Tigers defeated the Cossatot River Lady Eagles 55-35 to win the girls conference tournament championship.

The Lady Tigers reached the finals with a 67-38 victory over Horatio in the semifinals Thursday night. The Acorn girls, coached

by Mike Jackson, will take a 28-4 record into the 2A South Regional Tournament this week at Fordyce. The Lady Tigers tangle with Lafayette County's Lady Cougars in the opening round Wednesday at 4:00.

The Cossatot River girls defeated Murfreesboro in Thursday's semifinals 51-42.

The Lady Eagles, coached by Tyler Timms, will take a 22-11 record into regionals. Cossatot River's girls will battle Camden Harmony Grove's Lady Hornets Thursday at 7:00 in Fordyce.

ACORN CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

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Lady Cats Advance to Regionals as 2 Seed from 7-4A District The Mena LadyCats made a nice run in the 4A Region 7 Conference Tournament last week in Malvern. The Mena girls brought home the runners-up trophy Saturday night after dropping a hard fought 3326 decision to the De Queen Lady Leopards in the championship contest heard live on KQOR 105.3.

The LadyCats took their only lead of the night at 3-0 after Ali Wright connected on a three pointer to open the game. De Queen outscored Mena 13-2 during the rest of the opening quarter to take a 13-5 lead. Gracie Lyle knocked down a three pointer to open the second quarter to pull the LadyCats to within five. However, De Queen took an 18-10 lead into the locker room at the half. The Lady Leopards led 29-17 at the end of the third quarter. Mena outscored De Queen 9-4 in the fourth quarter. But it wasn't enough as De Queen defeated the LadyCats 33-26.

Hannah Stockton and Ali Wright led Mena with six points each. Gracie Lyle and Kiara Kesterson had five points each.

The LadyCats reached the finals of the tournament with a thrilling 48-46 victory over Nashville on Thursday. Kiara Kesterson hit a pair of clutch free throws to tie the game at 46 with less than a minute to play.

After Nashville missed two free throws, Hannah Stockton hit the winning shot with 3.9 seconds to play. Grayson Fairless led the LadyCats in the semifinal win with 11 points.

The Mena girls won their opener in the

conference tournament on Tuesday by a final score of 51-44 over Hope. Paige Evans had a dozen points to lead Mena. Hannah Stockton pitched in with nine. Emily Wagner added eight.

Coach Scott Wright's LadyCats take a 15-13 record into the 4A South Regional Tournament this week at Crossett. The Mena girls meet the Magnolia Lady Panthers Thursday at 4:00.

Meanwhile, the Mena boys saw their

season come to an end in the opening round of the conference tournament in Malvern after a hard fought battle against De Queen. The Leopards came out on top 43-40. Sam Efird led the Bearcats with 19 points. David Grenier scored 10, all in the first half. Free throws hurt Mena as the Bearcats missed their first ten shots from the charity stripe. The Bearcats finished the season with a 5-18 record.

Acorn Archery Teams Compete at Regionals

By Corryn Holland The Acorn Archery team competed at Regionals Saturday, February 8th in Delight. The high school team received 1st place. The boy's high school team performed excellently with five archers placing in the top 10 with excellent scores: Brody Webb (1st-295), Tyler Lyle (2nd-288), Matthew Nance (3rd-281), Jacob Moore (4th278), and Raymond Hannaman (6th-276).

The girl's high school team did excellent as well, each one placing in the top 20: Jaden Miller (4th-281), Sarah Wallace (9th266), Emmy Goss (11th-257), Faith Harvey (15th-254), and Abigail Nance (20th-249).

The middle school team placed 3rd in the region. The middle school girls team had three places in the top 10: Kenzie Daniels (1st-268), August Alvis (2nd-267),

and Kayleigh Pool (9th-259). The middle school boys had four archers place in the top 30: Kaden Carter (14th-253), Kaleb Sullivan (20th-249), Matt Lyle (23rd-248), and William Bloodworth (30th-243). All of the archers performed exceptionally well with the hard work and dedication of themselves and their coaches, Sean and Valerie Couch.

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Fourteen Complete Firefighter Course in Polk County Fourteen people completed Personal Protective Equipment training February 17th and 18th in Mena, the second of three courses required to become firefighters.

The other courses are Introduction to Fire Protection and Wildland Fires.

For more information about these courses or about becoming a firefighter for one of our excellent area volunteer fire departments, contact James Hale at the Polk County Office of Emergency Management at (479) 394-8141.

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The Basscats competed in the Trader Bills High School Tournament on Lake Greeson on Sunday. Jarret Burger and Trent Head took 4th place while Austin Johnston and Cason Cannon took 7th place in the High School Division. Mena Basscats Pictured from left to right - Trent Head, Jarret Burger, Austin Rose, Evan Graves, Braxton Page, Colton Quebedeaux. Not pictured - Austin Johnston & Cason Cannon. Submitted photo.

UARM & OLT Announce

Directed by Robby & Gini Burt

Ouachita Little Theatre February 21, 22, 28, 29 at 7:30 pm February 23 & March 1 at 2:30 pm $12 / Adults $8 / Seniors & Students

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Tickets are available in advance at OLT office for reserved seating or at the door.

Season tickets are valid on this show.

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AUDITIONS FOR OLT SPRING MUSICAL “BIG” SCHEDULED Dates are set for Ouachita Little Theatre’s spring musical production of “BIG.” Based on the 1987 motion picture fantasy, this musical bursts on the stage as an unforgettable theatrical experience. Lead character Josh Baskin, a young teen, makes a wish on the Zoltar machine at a local carnival to skip this this awkward stage of life and become “big.” The musical production highlights all the memorable movie moments, including Zoltar and a giant floor piano. There are stand out roles for adults as well as young people. This family-friendly show is full of high energy singing and dancing, but you don’t have to necessarily sing or dance well to be part of the ensemble action on stage. There are also lots of fun backstage jobs. You could assist costumer Jane Buttermilk, or help with props, construct or move sets,

and perform many other tasks.

Director Jessica Kropp and Music Director Judy Kropp along with choreographer Gini Burt will be looking for all ages to fill roles (males and females) and there is a need for a large cast. This is a great time to try out for the first time for an OLT musical! Consider participating together as a family to make special memories.

Performance dates are May 14, 15, 16, 22, 23, and 24, 2020. Because there will be no show Sunday, May 17, due to the MHS graduation, the May 14 date is a Thursday. Rehearsals will be scheduled in the early evenings, beginning in March.

Auditions are scheduled for Wednesday, February 26th from 7:00 – 9:00 PM and Thursday, February 27th from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Tryouts will be held at OLT unless otherwise announced.

WALK ACROSS PC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 also like to encourage all Polk County families and schools to exercise together and participate as a team!”

The 2020 WAPC will begin with the Team Captain meeting on Monday, March 9 at the Extension Education Building at 5:30 p.m. A team leader, or an appointed individual, are required to be present at the Team Captain Meeting. Each team member present will earn 50 points for their team total. The beginning date for walking will be March 16. Teams are encouraged to “kick off” the program at an individual team event on their own, perhaps following the team captain meeting. Blood draws will take place March 9-13 each day from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Mena Regional Health Center.

This year, each team will be competing for a monetary donation to their fa-

vorite Polk County charity. The monetary amount will be determined by the number of teams competing in this year’s event and will be presented to the charity of choice by top winners of each competitive category-Competitive and Let’s Get Moving.

The WAPC event consists of 8 member teams and has both “Competitive” and “Let’s Get Moving” categories. There is a $10 registration fee which includes pre- and post- blood draws at Mena Regional Health System. All participants are encouraged to get the blood work done so they can report on improvements related to exercise at the post-evaluation. This year, teams are competing for a monetary donation to their designated Polk County charity.

For a team packet or for more information, contact Bridgett Martin at the Polk County Extension Office at 394-6018.

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Acorn High School Receives Grant for Water Bottle Filling Station

By Corryn Holland at the Ouachita River School District Acorn Campus.

Acorn High School received a grant to place a water bottle filling station in the high school in November.

The filling station was placed in the New Gym. The grant was worth $1,000 from the Innovate Solutions for Educational Partnerships (ISEP).

The District hopes this encourages students and faculty to drink more water and stay hydrated.

More students seem to be bringing their water bottles since the fillers were installed.

It restrains the germs of the typical water fountain, which is usually one reason many students refuse to drink from the water fountains.

Another cool feature included is it totals the number of water bottles it fills.

Since the school possesses many competitive students, this is another way to stimulate the kids to drink more water and stay healthy.

St. Agnes Catholic Church 203 8th Street Mena, Arkansas

Submitted photo of Acorn High School student, Kiersten Larucci, using the filling station.

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ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 02.19.20

Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Which dog will you pick? Stitch of course! This tricolor boy is on the smaller side at 26 pounds.

Stitch is very social and friendly. He likes treats, being praised (easy to do!) and loves to be petted. Stitch likes dogs too. He is easy to handle, knows the sit command and uses a dog door.

Celebrate his birthday in June (06/10/16). Adopt Stitch, the perfect fit!

Stitch is currently under medical treatment that can be continued in his new home.

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

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Wednesday February, 26th

• 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Shepherd’s Closet open at First Baptist Church 4802 Hwy 71 S Hatfield, AR 870-389-6412. Accepting and distributing clothing/usable household items/and nonperishable food items.

• 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Humane Society of the Ouachitas is open at 368 Polk Road 50.

• 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Mena Art Gallery Art Group meeting.

• 12:00 p.m. - The Emergency warning sirens will be tested in Mena.

• 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – The Polk County Library Cove Branch is open.

• 5:30 p.m. – Dinner at Christ Community Fellowship followed by services at 6:15 p.m. services for Youth, Children’s Activities, Young Adult and Adult Bible studies.

• 5:30 p.m. – Dallas Avenue Baptist Church Bible Study Service.

• 6:00 p.m. – Warriors for Christ will meet at the Southside Church of God. • 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Trek and Varsity for Middle and High School students at Grace Bible Church, 1911 Highway 71 North Mena. All Area Middle and High School students are welcome.

• 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club, 1159 Highway 71 South, Mena. (479)216-4606 or (479)243-0297.

• 7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.- OLT holding auditions for ‘Big’ there spring musical

Thursday February, 27th

• 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Humane Society of the Ouachitas is open at 368 Polk Road 50.

• 11:30 a.m. – Rotary Club of Mena/ Polk County will meet at Papa’s Mexican Café. Contact Sue Cavner at (479)2345844 or Linda Rowe at (479)234-2575 for more info.

• 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Good Vibes Art Day at the Mena Art Gallery. All mediums welcome, from fiber art, painting and crafting. Open to public.

• 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. - The Cove Branch of the Polk County Library is open.

• 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Salvation Army Family Store helps families with utilities.

• 4:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Women’s Meeting at the ABC Club at 1159 Highway 71 South, Mena. (479)2164606 or (479)243-0297.

• 4:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.- OLT holding auditions for ‘Big’ there spring musical

February 26, 2020 • 5:30 p.m. – Weight Watchers meets at Dallas Avenue Baptist Church Education Wing, West End. Call (479)234-2297 for more information.

• 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club, 1159 Highway 71 South, Mena. (479)216-4606 or (479)243-0297.

• 7:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous meets at the old bus barn, next to The Crossing Church.

Friday February, 28th

• 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Humane Societ y of the Ouachitas is open at 368 Polk Road 50.

• 12:00 p.m. – PCDC Board of Directors will meet in the MRHS Conference Room A. • 12:00 p.m. – The Lions Meetings are held in the Lions Club House on Highway 71 South.

• 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. – Indian Taco Sale $7 (Taco, dessert, drink) Auction, Smithville Choctaw Community Center 39618 North HWY 259. AlI proceeds will go to benefit Jimmie and Kisha Crawford who lost their home to a fire. Auction begins at 6:30 p.m. To donate desserts for dinner or items for auction, please contact: MaRissa (580)298-7807, Tarin (918) 815-7600, Lory (580) 306-2230 or Justin (580) 6128562. Auction will include a gun (Mossberg 350 Legend), Homemade Knives, Fire Pit, Baked Goods and more.

• 7:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous meets at the old bus barn, next to The Crossing Church.

• 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Hatfield Auditorium Country-Western Dance Admission is $6 and 50/50 drawing.

• 7:30 p.m.- OLT presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ • 8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club, 1159 Highway 71 South, Mena. (479)216-4606 or (479)243-0297.

Saturday February, 29th

• 10:00 a.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Men’s Meeting – ABC Club, across form Chopping Block, 1159 Highway 71 South, Mena – (281)387-0400.

• 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Humane Society of the Ouachitas is open at 368 Polk Road 50.

• 6:00 p.m. – PCVO Bingo at American Legion Building, Hwy 71 N., Acorn.

• 7:30 p.m.- OLT presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ • 8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club 1159 Hwy 71 S., Mena.

479-243-0297 or 479-216-4606.

Sunday March, 1st

• 2:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club, 1159 Highway 71 South, Mena. (479)216-4606 or (479)243-0297.

• 2:30 p.m.- OLT presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ • 3:00 p.m. – Worship Service is held at Sulphur Springs Church.

Monday March, 2nd

• 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. – The Cove Branch Library will be open.

• 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Mena Seventh Day Adventist Church Food Pantry at 149 Polk Road 43, across from Fairgrounds.

Non-perishable food, personal care items, and nutritional help. Everyone will be served.

• 6:00 p.m. – Polk County Fair & Rodeo meets at the Fairgrounds.

• 6:00 p.m. – PCVO Bingo at American Legion Building, Highway 71 North, Acorn.

• 6:30 p.m. – Boy Scouts of America Troop 92 meets at First United Methodist Church, Mena. Everyone is welcome.

• 6:30 p.m. – Shady Grove RVFD Business and Training meeting.

• 6:30 p.m. – Mena Community Choir practice at the First Methodist Church.

• 6:30 p.m. – Mountain Meadow Chapter #22 Order of The Eastern Star will meet for refreshments followed by their chapter meeting at 7:30 p.m. at The Mountain Meadow Masonic Lodge Hall in Hatfield • 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club, 1159 Highway 71 South, Mena. (479)216-4606 or (479)243-0297.

• 7:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous meets at the old bus barn next to The Crossing Church.

• 7:00 p.m. – Potter RVFD meeting at the Fire Station.

• 7:00 p.m. – Acorn RVFD meeting will be at the Fire House.

Tuesday March, 3rd

• 8:00 a.m. – The Reynolds Gardner Community Men’s Breakfast at the First United Methodist Church in Mena.

• 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. The written portion of the drivers test will be given at the Morrow Street Housing Authority, and as long as road conditions are optimal the driving portion of the test will be given.

• 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Polk County Family Mission is open in the 9th Street

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Ministries Building.

• 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Humane Society of the Ouachitas is open at 368 Polk Road 50.

• 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – The Hatfield Branch Library will be open.

• 5:00 p.m. - T.O.P.S. will meet in the Union Bank Community Room for weighins, followed by a meeting.

• 6:00 p.m. – Sons of Confederate Veterans meet at the Limetree Restaurant for their monthly meeting.

• 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Hatfield Jam Session at the Hatfield Auditorium. All muscians/singers and listeners welcome.

Refreshements served, cookies or fingerfoods accepted.

• 7:00 p.m. – Dallas Valley RVFD meets for training at the Fire House.

• 7:00 p.m. – Acorn Fire & Rescue meets at the Fire Department.

• 8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous meeting at First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. (479)234-2887 or (479)234-3043.

Wednesday March, 4th

• 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Shepherd’s Closet open at First Baptist Church 4802 Highway 71 South. Hatfield, AR (870)3896412. Accepting and distributing clothing/ usable household items/and nonperishable food items.

• 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Humane Society of the Ouachitas is open at 368 Polk Road 50.

• 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Mena Art Gallery Art Group meeting.

• 12:00 p.m. - The Emergency Warning Sirens will be tested in Hatfield, Wickes, Grannis, Vandervoort, Cove, and Mena.

• 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – The Cove Branch Library is open.

• 5:30 p.m. – Dinner at Christ Community Fellowship followed by services at 6:15 p.m. for Youth, Children’s Activities, Young Adult and Adult Bible studies.

• 5:30 p.m. – Dallas Avenue Baptist Church Bible Study Service.

• 6:00 p.m. – Warriors for Christ will meet at the Southside Church of God. • 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Trek and Varsity for Middle and High School students at Grace Bible Church, 1911 Highway 71 North, Mena. All Area Middle and High School students are welcome.

• 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club, 1159 Highway 71 South., Mena. (479)216-4606 or (479)243-0297.

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classifieds CLASSIFIEDS - SERVICES -

Need your land cleared? Let me mulch it for you! RC Customz Land Clearing, Mulching & More. Some services (but not all) include: Fence lines, cleaning of lots, bush-hogging & fencing. This is a great solution for clearing overgrowth while leaving desirable trees. We service both residential & commercial customers. Military discount available. For more info & estimates contact Russell Lane at (479) 216-2976 T040120 For Rent: 1 Bedroom House for rent, fully furnished, washer & dryer, wifi, satellite TV, all utilities paid. No pets please, security deposit required.

Call for information/appointments.

(479)234-7150 T030420

Bro. Raymond Dees will be preaching at the

PLEASANT GROVE NAZARENE CHURCH Saturday, Feb. 29th @ 6PM Come worship with us in Singing & Fellowship Food & Refreshments will be available.

mypulsenews.com

February 26, 2020

46th Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism begins March 1 in Fort Smith Tourism partners from across the state will gather at the 46th Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism March 1-3 at the Fort Smith Convention Center. This year’s conference theme is “Tourism Takes Grit.”

The annual meeting of Arkansas’s tourism industry offers sessions on a variety of topics such as building tourism in local communities, marketing the 2024 eclipse in Arkansas, and targeting travelers interested in heritage and sports tourism. Other topics include website accessibility, highway infrastructure and outdoor recreation.

The featured keynote speaker will be Jamie Clarke, a renowned adventurer who has summitted the world’s highest peaks.

Using lessons learned from his travels, Clarke will draw parallels to the dynamic environments found in the office and in nature during his session titled “The Adventure of Business” at 3:45 p.m. on Monday, March 2.

The opening keynote speaker will be Lynette Xanders, CEO and chief strategist of Wild Alchemy, who will inspire attendees to harness the key elements that drive success during her session titled “From Grit to Glory” on Monday, March 2, at 9 a.m.

A highlight of the conference will be the ArkTank startup pitch competition Tuesday,

March 3, at 11:15 a.m. The winner will walk away with a cash prize of $5,000 and guaranteed mentorship from Arkansas Tourism and InnovateArkansas, which helps technology entrepreneurs turn startup companies into viable commercial enterprises.

Conference attendees also have the opportunity for one-on-one conversations with conference speakers and other industry professionals to collaborate, brainstorm and learn.

The Arkansas Tourism Development Foundation’s annual auction will take place Monday, March 2, beginning at 4:45 p.m.

The money raised from the silent and live auctions funds scholarships for individuals seeking careers in the hospitality and tourism industries.

The conference will culminate with the presentation of the 2020 Henry Awards at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3.

Regional Tournament Action This Week 4A South Regional at Crossett High School Wednesday, February 26th: 4:00 Star City versus Bauxite Girls 5:30 Magnolia versus Bauxite Boys 7:00 De Queen versus Crossett Girls 8:30 Malvern vs Camden Fairview Boys Thursday, February 27th: 4:00 Mena versus Magnolia Girls 5:30 Nashville versus Warren Boys 7:00 Warren versus Nashville Girls 8:30 Monticello versus Arkadelphia Boys 3A Region 4 Tournament at Drew Central in Monticello Wednesday, February 26th: 4:00 Drew Central versus Ashdown Girls 5:30 Central versus Genoa Central Boys 7:00 Centerpoint versus Dumas Girls 8:30 Prescott versus McGehee Boys Thursday, February 27th: 4:00 Prescott versus Central Girls 5:30 Centerpoint versus Dumas Boys 7:00 Lakeside versus Fouke Girls 8:30 Drew Central versus Ashdown Boys 2A South Regional at Fordyce Wednesday, February 26th: 4:00 Acorn versus Lafayette County Girls 5:30 Dierks versus Parkers Chapel Boys 7:00 Fordyce versus Horatio Girls 8:30 Junction City vs Murfreesboro Boys Thursday, February 27th: 4:00 Spring Hill versus Murfreesboro Girls 5:30 Harmony Grove vs Foreman Boys 7:00 Cossatot River vs Harmony Grove Girls 8:30 Acorn versus Fordyce Boys 1A Region 4 Tournament at Caddo Hills in Norman

479-394-7301

1102 Crestwood Circle Mena, AR 71953

Now Open On Fridays Mon - Fri 7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Wednesday, February 26th: 4:00 Emerson versus Blevins Girls 5:30 Bradley versus Mountain Pine Boys 7:00 Kirby versus Dermott Girls 8:30 Kirby versus Strong Boys Thursday, February 27th: 4:00 Caddo Hills versus Strong Girls 5:30 Caddo Hills versus Dermott Boys 7:00 Hermitage versus Ouachita Girls 8:30 Nevada versus Ouachita Boys

mypulsenews.com

February 26, 2020

Since its inception in 1965, the Arkansas River Valley Area Council (ARVAC), Inc. has been dedicated to building a diverse portfolio of services to meet the needs of low-income families in the region. ARVAC, Inc. promotes self-sufficiency and provides pathways out of poverty for individuals, families, and communities. For information, please contact ARVAC, Inc. at 479.394.4707 or visit them at 606 Pine Street in Mena. Assisting with the ribbon cutting are Jodie Wylie, Jess Neal, Phillip Hatley, Abear Russell, Opal Chaney, Dexter Worth, Lori Allen, Allen Rector, Mary Rector, Mike Cassell, Amanda Smallwood, Mandy Dunlap, Sheila Heath.

Submitted photo.

Acorn FFA held its annual Big Buck contest in the fall during deer season. Sarah Wallace, pictured on left, was the 1st place winner. Her big buck was harvested during modern gun season and it scored 120 4/8 on the Boone and Crockett scoring system. Dakota Sullivan, pictured on right, harvested 2 nice bucks that placed 2nd and 3rd. They scored 94 5/8 and 90 5/8. Submitted photo.

ACORN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 In the boys championship contest Saturday night in Mount Ida, the Dierks Outlaws defeated the Acorn Tigers 70-54. Acorn defeated Foreman 83-75 in Thursday's semi-

final round action. The Tigers, now 22-9 on the year, will meet the Fordyce Redbugs in the regional tournament at Fordyce on Thursday night at 8:30.

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February 26, 2020

mypulsenews.com

DECISION 2020 ANDY RINER

Who: Prosecuting Attorney Andy Riner What: Andy Riner for Circuit Judge When: Election Day is Tuesday, March 3rd Where: Montgomery and Polk Counties How: Keeping the communities that I love safe so that every citizen can pursue excellence has been my goal since I was elected to serve as your Prosecuting Attorney in 2011. We have grown together over the last nine years. Because of the insights I have gained and my love for this community, I want to serve as your next Circuit Judge. I ask for your vote on March 3.

Vision 2020: I look forward to seeing what 2020 holds for Montgomery and Polk Counties. When Candace and I moved here in 2005, we felt richly blessed just to be able to live in such a wonderful and beautiful place. Now, since my parents joined us here in 2012, we certainly could not imagine living anywhere else. The quality of life here is already fantastic, but, for many reasons, I believe that 2020 is going to be an extraordinary year.

We are already off to a great start in this new year. From what I can tell, the overall economy appears to be improving, and people seem to be more optimistic than they have been in the past few years.

New businesses are coming to town, and the real estate market appears to have stabilized. It also looks like the labor market is unusually strong.

Even though our area is growing, we must remain true to our roots. What I love about the character of this area is that when tragedy strikes one of our neighbors, we rally together. I believe that the reason we care so deeply about our neighbors is because we are a community with a strong Christian heritage. We should not be ashamed to be a people who will stop what we are doing and pray for one another.

While we are concerned about the well-being of our neighbors, we also love our individual freedom and tranquility. Because of our love for freedom and tranquility, we often pause to appreciate the sacrifices that our military veterans have made to keep our country safe and free. We want the next generation to experience the same blessings that we have enjoyed.

From the way we have lived our lives, I hope that it is evident to everyone that Candace and I love the people and the culture of the Ouachitas. Whenever we visit other places, we are proud to tell anyone who asks that the Ouachitas are “our home.” We love it here, and we look forward to what this year has in store.

From andyriner.com Andy has over 19 years of Circuit Court trial experience. Since 2011, he has served the citizens of Montgomery and Polk Counties as their elected Prosecuting Attorney. As prosecuting attorney, he manages the largest law firm in this judicial district with offices in both Montgomery and Polk Counties. He supervises a staff of 12 employees. He also serves as project Director of the 18th West Judicial District Drug Task Force, and is a member of the 18th West Judicial District Drug Court Treatment Team. Riner holds a law enforcement instructor’s certificate from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy, and enjoys training part time and reserve officers. Over the course of Andy’s career, he has intensively prepared for and successfully tried numerous felony and misdemeanor jury trials. His broad range of trial experience has included homicides, violent crimes, property crimes, sex crimes, drug distribution, and domestic abuse.

It is this trial experience that uniquely qualifies him to serve as Circuit Judge.

“I am a passionate defender of our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These immutable, time tested documents set out the God-given rights that we Americans hold dear. If it were not for the sacrifice of many patriots who have fought wars in diverse places all over the world to preserve our freedoms, we would not have remained a free society. Because of this heritage of freedom, our courts should never inscribe the current notions of our society’s law-trained elite into our basic law.” - Andy Riner