June 10, 2020

June 10, 2020

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THE POLK COUNTY

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Black Lives Matter Holds Protest in Mena

Crowds gathered in Janssen Park this last Sunday in support of the anti-racist group known as ‘Black Lives Matter’. As the mass of over 100 people settled in, several local speakers shared their stories or stories of their loved ones. They spoke about past experiences and about future hopes for our small town of Mena and for Polk County as a whole. The messages

where powerful and uplifting as the peaceful protest proceeded into a march around Janssen Park.

After a few laps around the park, the crowd headed to the Polk County Court House where they sat in silence on the court house lawn for 8 min and 46 seconds, to respect and honor George Floyd and others who have passed away.

Photos and Story by Tori Stockton

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June 10, 2020

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Polk County Pulse This week, we want to remind you of a quickly approaching deadline for incoming and returning college students.

The deadline to apply for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship is July 1.

The Academic Challenge Program provides scholarships to Arkansas residents pursuing a higher education. Funded in large part by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, the Academic Challenge Scholarship is available to students just graduating from high school, currently enrolled in college, enrolling in college for the first time, or re-enrolling after a period of time out of college.

In the ten years since its inception, the lottery has raised Representative John Maddox more than $945 million to help provide more than 542,000 scholarships for college students. More than 92 cents of every dollar of lottery revenue goes to prizes, scholarships, retailer commissions, and other expenses in Arkansas.

Eligibility requirements for Arkansas high school students include a minimum composite score on nineteen (19) on the ACT or the equivalent score on an ACT equivalent test.

Students who were originally awarded prior to the 2016-17 school year are awarded at the following rates: Four Year College Two Year College Year 1 $2000 $2000 Year 2 $3000 $2000 Year 3 $4000 Year 4 $5000 Starting with the 2016-17 school year students are awarded at the following rates: Year 1 $1000 $1000 Year 2 $4000 $3000 Year 3 $4000 Year 4 $5000 Eligibility requirements have been modified due to COVID-19. For students who are receiving Arkansas Challenge, if they were on track to have enough hours and earned satisfactory academic progress until March 27, they are automatically eligible for the Fall 2021 Semester.

To apply, visit the Department of Higher Education’s website, scholarships.adhe.edu, and complete the Arkansas YOUniversal Scholarship Application or download the free YOUniversal app for your smart phone. The online YOUniversal application is your onestop shop for state and lottery funded financial aid.

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Reflections from History and Faith Happy Birthday, Old Glory!

By Jeff Olson Two hundred forty three years ago this Sunday, June 14, 1777 during America’s War of Independence, John Adams introduced a resolution before the Continental Congress in Philadelphia mandating a United States flag, stating, “...that the flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

Subsequently, the Stars and Stripes were adopted as America’s official national flag.

According to legend, in 1776 George Washington commissioned Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross to create a flag for the new nation. Scholars, however, credit the flag’s design to Francis Hopkinson, who also designed the Great Seal and first coin of the United States. Even so, Ross most likely sewed early American flags in her family’s Philadelphia upholstery shop.

The Congress assigned no specific meanings to the flag’s colors in 1777, but the Great Seal of the United States gave some indication of the symbolism. Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, stated that the seal’s colors “are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence; Red, hardiness and valor; and Blue....signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice.” A book published by the House of Representatives in 1977 states that “the star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun.” To date, there have been twenty-seven official versions of the flag. The current version dates to July 4, 1960, after Hawaii became the fiftieth state on August 21, 1959.

The first official large scale celebration of our flag came about on June 14, 1877 on the flag’s centennial anniversary. From this time on, celebrating “Old Glory” became an annual event over much of the country. In 1885 Bernard J. Cigrand, a Wisconsin schoolteacher, began encouraging his students to observe June 14 as “Flag Birthday.” He later wrote an essay published in a Chicago newspaper that urged Americans to proclaim this date as the day to celebrate the flag. For more than forty years, Cigrand persistently continued his crusade to have June 14 designated for

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June 10, 2020

the national observance of the birth of the American flag. During this period, in May 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation calling for a nationwide observance of Flag Day on June 14. It wasn’t however until 1949, seventeen years after Cigrand’s death, that congressional legislation was signed into law by President Harry Truman officially designating June 14 as National Flag Day. Bernard Cigrand is widely recognized as the “Father of Flag Day.” He was also a practicing dentist, the dean of a dental school, an investigative journalist, an expert on heraldry and seals, a lecturer and an author.

So, where did “Old Glory” get her name?

William Driver, a shipmaster from Salem, Massachusetts, received a homemade flag with 24 stars in 1824, sewn for him by his mother and young lady admirers to celebrate his appointment, at the age of just 21, as a master mariner and commander of his own ship, the Charles Doggett. According to legend, when Driver raised the flag up the main mast, he lifted his hat and exclaimed, “My ship, my country, and my flag, Old Glory.” However, no evidence has been found to substantiate such a pronouncement. More likely he named the flag when reflecting on his adventurous 20-year career as an American merchant seaman who sailed extensively throughout various parts of the world. He kept his flag for many years, protecting it during the Civil War, until it was flown over the Tennessee capital.

In his words, “It has ever been my staunch companion and protection. Savages and heathens, lowly and oppressed, hailed and welcomed it at the far end of the wide world. Then, why should it not be called Old Glory?”

Old Glory is much more than a symbol.

It is a reminder to US of the journey of a nation, of a people historically and traditionally united for the cause of individual freedom, liberty under law and justice for all. In 2020, we need Old Glory more than ever as a reminder of our heritage and inheritance and of the sacrifice in blood and treasure it has taken to preserve them. Perhaps a fitting and sobering question to ask ourselves on this occasion would be: Am I the kind of American worthy of this sacrifice? This will be answered in the coming months and years, and the answer will determine whether or not the American Republic endures.

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SAU students named to Spring 2020 Dean's President’s List MAGNOLIA, AR (06/04/2020)-- 586 students earned a 3.5 GPA for the spring 2020 semester, earning recognition for the Southern Arkansas University Dean's List.

Josey Webb is a senior Agricultural Science major from Mena, AR. Presli Saddler is a sophomore Elementary Education K-6 major from Wickes, AR. A total of 586 students were honored on this semester's Dean's List, ranking as one of the highest numbers of students to make the dean's list in recent years.

SAU students named to Spring 2020 President's List 465 students earned a 4.0 GPA for the spring 2020 semester, earning recognition for the Southern Arkansas University President's List.

Brianna Peters is a senior Elementary Education K-6 major from Cove, AR. Kara Richardson is a senior Exercise Science major from Grannis, AR. Jacquelyn Speight is a senior Elementary Education K-6 major from Grannis, AR. Lorena Tena is a senior Elementary Education K-6 major from Grannis, AR. Elizabeth Baker is a senior Nursing major with a minor in Criminal Justice from Mena, AR. Brooke Bates is a senior Exercise Science major from Mena, AR.

Hope Cannon is a senior Elementary Education K-6 major from Mena, AR. Alexander Cude is a sophomore Music Performance major from Mena, AR. Jasmine Johnson is a senior Elementary Education K-6 major from Mena, AR. Reagan Sikes is a senior Elementary Education K-6 major from Mena, AR. Brooke Howell is a senior Elementary Education K-6 major from Wickes, AR. Karlie Rodriguez is a senior Elementary Education K-6 major from Wickes, AR. Liliana Trinidad is a senior Elementary Education K-6 major from Wickes, AR. Kimberly Zarate is a junior Elementary Education K-6 major from Wickes, AR. A total of 465 students were honored on this semester's President's List, breaking last year's record of 379.

SAU "feels like home" and continues to build on its dedication to student achievement and success in a caring atmosphere, both on campus and online. With more than 80 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit the needs of career and professional trends of today. A few of the latest additions include new programs in International Business, Game Design, and Cyber Criminology.

MENA REAL ESTATE

Farrell & Sharon Cole The Cole Team

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

479-394-7301

1102 Crestwood Circle Mena, AR 71953

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police

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The following information was received from Polk County law enforcement agencies. The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts. Individuals charged and whose names appear in this column may submit documentation to us at a later date that the charges have been dismissed, or that they have been found innocent, and we will include that information in this space in a timely manner.

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT The following information was received from Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer for the week of June 1, 2020 – June 7, 2020.

June 1, 2020 Report from complainant on Rushing Lane near Shady Grove of a burglary with items missing in the amount of $30,000.00.

Investigation continues.

Report from complainant on Polk 238 near Shady Grove of a theft by deception involving a storage building. Investigation continues.

Report from complainant on Hwy 88E near Ink of the theft of a generator valued at $5000.00. Investigation continues.

Report from complainant on Polk 482 near Vandervoort of suspicious items found at a residence. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Polk 287 near Cove of having items that did not belong to them. Deputy responded.

Arrested was Thomas L. Kidwell, 41, of Mena on Warrants for Failure to Appear and Failure to Comply.

June 2, 2020 Traffic stop on Hwy 71S near Mena led to the arrest of Stacie L. Shores, 29, of Mena on a Warrant for Failure to Appear and a Citation for No Driver’s License, and the arrest of Monica Ehret, 40, of Mena on a Warrant for Violation of the Arkansas Hot Check Law. Report from complainant of a runaway juvenile. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Hope Lane near Acorn of several damaged mailboxes.

Deputy responded.

June 3, 2020 Report from complainant of a stolen backhoe. Backhoe was recovered. Investigation continues.

Report from complainant on 88E near Ink of a vehicle doing damage to a fence.

Investigation continues.

June 4, 2020 Report from complainant of two missing male juveniles. Juveniles were located and returned to the custody of a parent/guardian.

Report from complainant on Polk 289 near Cove of receiving unwanted texts and emails from an unknown individual. Deputy

responded.

Request for a welfare check on a family member.

Report from complainant of Polk 136 near Cove of a break-in and theft of a grinder valued at $100.00. Investigation continues.

Arrested was Justin F. Chicago, 22, of Mena on a Warrant for Forgery 1st Degree.

June 5, 2020 Report from complainant on Polk 164 near Rocky of a domestic disturbance.

Deputy responded. Complainant refused to press charges.

Report of a juvenile making threatening statements. Juvenile was cited.

Arrested was Joshua Davin Tyler Heifner, 18, of Hatfield on Warrants for Theft of Property, Terroristic Threatening 2nd Degree, Criminal Trespass, and Fleeing on Foot, and Charges of Fleeing in a Vehicle, Aggravated Assault, Speeding, Careless and Prohibited Driving, No Drivers License, No Proof of Insurance, No Vehicle License, and Possession of Drug Paraphernailia.

June 6, 2020 Report from complainant on Polk 76E near Acorn of being struck by an object while walking. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Polk 412 near Potter of issues concerning child visitation.

Report from complainant on Polk 76E near Acorn of a disturbance. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Butler Circle near Hatfield of a hit and run accident.

Deputy responded.

Report of a one vehicle accident led to the arrest of Melissa J. Williams, 44, of Gillham on Charges of Driving While Intoxicated and Careless and Prohibited Driving.

Report from complainant on Polk 32 near Cove of a break-in and theft of a truck, hunting gear and fishing tackle, a generator and a chainsaw , totaling losses in the amount of $8180.00. Investigation continues.

June 7, 2020 Report from complainant on Hwy 71N near Acorn of inappropriate photos and texts. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration.

Report from complainant on Trailwood

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Lane near Shady Grove of a domestic disturbance. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration.

Report from complainant on Hwy 8W of being threatened. Deputy responded.

Report from a business on Hwy 71S near Cove of the receipt of counterfeit money. Investigation continues.

Report from complainant on Hwy 71S near Potter of a disturbance. Deputy responded.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 17 Incarcerated Inmates , with 8 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORT Mena Police Department Reports for the Week of May 31, 2020 through June 6, 2020 follow: May 31, 2020 A report of rape was taken from a walkin complainant.

June 1, 2020 A dog bite report was taken at a residence.

A cruelty to animal’s report was taken at a store parking lot.

June 2, 2020 Elva Bruce, 39, and Rachel McCauley, 37, were charged with Theft of Property (Shoplifting) after a call to a department store.

A report of financial identity fraud was

taken from a walk-in complainant.

Christian Kieren, 20, was charged with Domestic Battery 3rd Degree, and Devyn Purcell, 25, was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia after a disturbance call to a residence.

June 3, 2020 A report of breaking or entering was taken at a government office.

June 4, 2020 Teiona Kimbrough, 41, was charged with Possession of Schedule 6 Controlled Substance, and James Lane, 41, was charged with Possession of Schedule 4 Controlled Substance after a traffic stop.

Kyle Williams, 25, was served with a warrant.

Marty Henry, 53, was served with a warrant.

A report of harassment was taken at a school.

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

A report of theft (shoplifting) was taken from a department store.

June 5, 2020 A report of theft (shoplifting) was taken at a department store.

June 6, 2020 A report of a disturbance was taken at a residence.

A report of harassment was taken at a residence.

A report of theft (shoplifting) was taken at a department store.

A report of breaking or entering was taken at a residence.

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June 10, 2020

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Mena Athletic/Extra Curricular General Guidelines for Re-Entry Per the Governor’s Directive, Arkansas Dept of Health and AAA Guidelines

Starting June 8th: - All activity is strictly voluntary. The number one priority will be safety for all of our students and staff. Any student athlete that chooses to miss because they do not feel comfortable with the current Covid-19 situation will not be reprimanded in any way.

- Minimum Distance of 6 ft between participants at all times regardless of activity.

- All coaches, staff and athletes will be screened prior to any activity. They will be excluded from any activities if they answer yes to the following: Have you had fever of 100.4 or greater in the last 2 days?

Do you have cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat or loss of taste and smell?

Have you had contact with a person known to have Covid-19 within the previous 14 days?

- All coaches, staff and student athletes will have their temp checked by a digital thermometer prior to entry. Those whose temp are higher than 100.4 will be excluded.

- Face coverings are required for athletes when they are not actively participating in activity. Athletes will be expected to provide their own face covering (covering nose and mouth). If a student does not have a face covering, they will not be permitted.

- All doors that can be propped open, will be.

- Coaches must wear face covering at ALL times (covering nose and mouth) - All showers and locker rooms will be off limits.

- Alcohol based hand sanitizer and adequate handwashing facilities will be readily available.

- All equipment will be sanitized during/ after each session (by coaches).

- Avoid non-sport related touch at all times (huddles, high fives, hand shaking, fist bumping, chest bumping, etc.)

- For training held indoors, the facility will follow the directives for gym, fitness center, athletic club and weight room (including gyms and weight rooms) - All weight room equipment must be sanitized after each use and there must be a 12ft space between each person when exercising.

- Conditioning and training can occur as long as there is a 12 ft distance between

each participant during any activity, 6 ft distance during no activity.

- Athletes will provide their own water.

No use of water fountains will be permitted.

- Athletes will come dressed and ready to go. No changing area or locker rooms will be available.

- Band/Cheer may practice as long as they maintain 6 ft distance, 12 ft when actively participating. Wind instruments are not permitted at this time. Staff must wear mask at all times.

- No team meals or food.

- Restroom usage will be scheduled and all restrooms will be disinfected regularly.

- Transitions between groups will be limited to avoid any type of close contact and will be coach supervised.

- All athletes must have physical on file.

If they are incoming 7th graders, they must have physical to participate. Physicals are currently good for 12-15 months.

Coaches will be reaching out to the players/parents to let them know their group assignments and answer any questions about when/where to report. Workouts will resume on June 10th.

Arrival/Pickup procedures: Boy athletes will enter through the bus loop in their vehicle to be screened. Once they finish the screening, boys will be led to a waiting area behind the fieldhouse.

Please have the athlete there at least 10 minutes before their designated start time.

Any student drivers will be screened in their vehicle and then park behind the Senior High Fieldhouse.

Girl Athletes will enter through the HS parking lot towards the baseball/softball fields to be screened in their vehicle and then led to a waiting area. Please have the athlete there at least 10 minutes before their designated start time. Any student driers will be screened in their vehicle and then park in the HS parking lot.

For pickup, female athletes will have.

Designated waiting area the high school parking lot. Male athletes will have a designated waiting area behind the Senior High Fieldhouse.

It is very important that students arrive on time and leave on time. There will be no congregating before, during or after workouts. Prompt arrival and departure is necessary to achieve this goal. If a student is late, they will not be permitted to join on that day.

At this time, the facilities are only to occupied by students and staff. Any guardian who wishes to stay during their athlete’s

workout, must stay in their vehicle. Guardians of male athletes can park in front of the football field. Guardians of female athletes can par in the high school parking lot.

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obituaries

Freddie Jo House

Freddie Jo House, age 85 of Vandervoort, AR, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2020 in Mena, Arkansas.

Mrs. House was born January 24th, 1935 in Vandervoort, AR to the late Leonard McDaniel and Emma Ralls McDaniel. Freddie Jo was married to Benjamin House for 60 loving years. She served as the Church Secretary for the First Baptist Church of Vandervoort and loved spending time with her church family. Her hobbies consisted of gardening, reading and was a huge fan of the Detroit Tigers. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to all. She will be dearly missed.

Survivors are: Sons: Dan House and wife Lynette of Vandervoort, AR and James House of Vandervoort, AR; Grandchildren: Sean House and wife Kendra, DeAnne Roberts and husband Keith, Sarah Ventris and husband Michael, and Dana Crawford and husband Mark; Great-Grandchildren: Amber House, Aubrie House, Allyson House Archibald and husband Colton, Garrett Barton, Pack Roberts, and Kacie Crawford; and Nephew, Will McDaniel.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin House; father, Leonard McDaniel; mother, Emma Ralls McDaniel; brother, Wade “Dub” McDaniel.

A private graveside service will be held under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. General visitation will be held Friday, June 5th at Beasley Wood Funeral Home from 8 am to 8 pm.

Honorary Pallbearers are Sean House, Mark Crawford, Keith Roberts, Will McDaniel, Pack Roberts, Garrett Barton, Michael Ventris, and David Vespie.

Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

June 10, 2020

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Choosing Unity, Empathy and the Better Way We've witnessed a lot of frightening and discouraging scenes over the last few weeks. Already in the midst of a pandemic, our nation has been further gripped by turmoil and grief in the aftermath of the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and others whose lives were cut short under tragic circumstances.

The result has not just been private lamenting or muted pleas for change. Instead, we’ve seen protests, vigils and other actions in public settings that have caused many Americans to reflect on these lost lives and what that means for our society.

Right now, it would be easy to make this another moment of political polarization that sadly seems to mark much of our public discourse these days.

Retreating into our ideological corners and further entrenching ourselves in the persuasiveness of our own arguments won’t help honor these men and women.

Neither will it help bridge the divide between us. Nor will violence, anarchy and lawlessness, which we’ve seen play out in cities across the country.

America faces a choice at this moment in our history, just as it has many times before. We can choose the path of unity and empathy, or go down a road that leads to further discord and division. It is here, at this crossroads, that we will learn to what extent we really believe in our founding principles.

I believe we are able to meet this moment with the compassion and respect that, deep down, each of us knows is the only meaningful way forward.

My faith teaches me that we are all children of God, created in His image, and that we are capable of coming together despite

Caring for your family since 1928

Locally owned & operated 479-394-1310

611 Janssen Avenue - Mena, AR

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whatever differences might exist between us. This is what we need more of in our communities, our nation and the world.

I have been encouraged to see that in Arkansas, we have already provided striking examples of how to listen to one another and acknowledge our shared desire for understanding, dialogue and progress.

From an iconic photo of a Conway Police Officer bumping the fist of a passing peaceful protestor, to the Fayetteville Police Department showing solidarity with a crowd of citizens practicing their First Amendment rights on the square, or the Fort Smith Police Chief’s encouraging message about community policing and the responsibility of law enforcement officers to make peace –– we can take great pride in the fact that our communities are rejecting divisiveness and embracing a better way forward.

Peaceful protests, which have always been part of our nation's history, are the lawful and constitutionally-protected way to

make your voice heard. At the same time, our society entrusts law enforcement officers with the duty to uphold and enforce the rule of law, which includes keeping the peace and restoring order when necessary.

The death of George Floyd is shocking, disturbing, and has resulted in a massive failure of the sacred trust placed by the public in those sworn to protect and serve.

The anger and frustration this tragedy, and others like it, have brought to light is justifiable and needs to lead to reforms.

Violence, however, is never the answer. It has been heartening to see that destructive, violent behavior has not been widespread in Arkansas, but rather, appropriate displays of unity and empathy have prevailed.

I pray the nation follows this example, and that it will lead us to become the best versions of ourselves. There is much work to do as we constantly strive to form a more perfect union.

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COVID-19 Testing Approved for Commercial Truck Drivers in Arkansas As commercial truck drivers have continued to deliver hope and essential services, it is important they have confidence in their health while they pick up and deliver loads across the country and return to their homes and communities. Arkansas Trucking Association has worked with the Department of Health to identify 30 local health units in the state where professional truck drivers can receive a COVID-19 test.

The clinic locations shown below are open Monday-Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. It is recommended to call ahead and make an appointment, but it is not required. Drivers should bring theirCDL and insureance card and expect to wear a mask while visiting the clinic. TAhere is no out-out-pocket expense for the test. Result times vary but average 2 to 3 business days.

Please note, a negative test result is a snapshot in time and only means that you did not have the virus at the time of the test.

Individuals can still get sick and should

continue to follow distancing guideline, wear face coverings in public, and wash hands often. A positive COVID-19 test means you currenlty have the virus, even if you have no symptoms. You should take every precaution to keep from spreading to others. Positive test results will be reported to the Arkansas Deparment of Health who will contact you to give proper isolation instructions, assist in monitoring symptoms, and help get medical help right away if you have problems due to COVID-19, such as trouble breathing, confusion, or blush lips or face.

The Arkansas Trucking Association is proud of our commercial truck drivers and advocated to make this testing avaliable. If you have any questions, contact Shannon Newton at 501-372-3462 or shannonnewton@arkansastrucking.com.

In Polk County, the health unit is located at 702 Hornbeck. The phone number is 479-394-27.7

UARM Receives Grant for Historic Armory Renovation The Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council distributed $27.3 million last week in conservation and historic preservation grants to fund 22 requests from six state agencies, 11 colleges and universities, and the treasurer’s office for fiscal year 2021, which starts July 1st.

The ANCRC awarded $237,000 to the University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain for the second phase of the renovation of the historic armory in Mena.

The State Parks division was awarded $9 million for park improvements, including

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June 10, 2020

$900,000 for War Memorial Stadium renovations and upgrades, and $9 million to the Division of Arkansas Heritage for various improvement projects around the state.

State law directs the council to use its funds from a real estate transfer tax for the acquisition, management and stewardship of state-owned lands or the preservation of state-owned historic sites, buildings, structures, or objects. The council can spend money on objects determined to be of value for recreational or conservation projects.

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Mia

Having some down time.

It’s so hard being a dog.

Submitted by Kayla Hill

Equine Clinic Serving All Your Samall & Large Animal Needs

479-394-7185 Randy J. Burgess D.V.M.

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HOURS: Mon. Tues. Wed. & Fri. 8am-5pm Closed on Thurs.

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June 10, 2020

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Mena Middle School Students All A’s & B’s Spring Semester Honor Roll Announced 6th Grade Travis Benefield Grace Brewer Mallori Brotherton Brooklyn Carls Lynnlee Cook Breanna Crider Gabrielle Cross Trinity Cude Quinn Dahlem Kaylynn Davis Riya Desai Astraya Ellsworth Elizabeth Farriell Grayson Farringer Anna Ferguson Sky Floyd Jimmy Glenn Willam Gorsuch Ryder House Briley Kleinman Savannah Levering KayLa Lott Sean Maechler Zane McMellon Shaela Monahan

Dylon Morris Addison Nash Levite Neufeld Matthew Nicholson Olivia Perez Anabelle Peters Nayeli Pinon Trinaty Richmond Haden Roberts Katie Rowe Kilee Rowe Kathryn Russell Caleb Seitz Aaden Self Stella Smith SaVanna VanFleet Daniel Venable Shaun Waid Nevaeh Wallstrom Denton Warner Darius Whitehead Abram Wooden

7th Grade Lauren Beck Braxton Bradley

Cooper Plunkett Kaden Ray Jaden Roberts Lily Rowland Janey Smedley Patrick Spenser Michael Sullivan Clara White Richard Willeford Nicholas Williams

Kamo Breeden Judah Brewer Brakiah Burk Jolina Butterfield Hunter Cannon Dallas Castillo Madison Cottman Kalib Cox Isabel Cross Jorden Davis Taliyah Defrenchi Ishnakaya Denton Emma Ferguson Bailey Heald Katelyn Hendricks Elizabeth Henry Jair Hernandez Destiny Hogan Jackson Howard Alexis KeomoungKhoune Jacquelin Kirkendoll Greyson Kremers John Logan Briannon Martin Nathaniel Needham Kayleigh Noble

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June 10, 2020

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ARKANSAS AG LEADS NATIONAL FIGHT AGAINST ROBOCALLS Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge filed comments June 4th regarding proposed rules under consideration by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that would facilitate continued collaboration among state attorneys general and telecom companies in tracing back illegal robocalls to their source. Rutledge, along with the North Carolina Attorney General, is leading the State Attorneys General Robocall Technologies Working Group to submit these comments to the FCC. “I urge the FCC to swiftly enact these proposed rules which are critical to identifying, investigating and stopping illegal robocallers,” said Attorney General Rutledge.

“Through the trace back process, illegal robocallers and the telecoms that facilitate these illegal calls will finally be exposed and held accountable for the harm they cause Arkansans.”

For the last few years, the State Attorneys General Robocall Technologies Working Group has encouraged the telecom industry to increase the number and speed of trace back investigations. Many telecom companies have joined this effort

and are working hard to stop illegal robocallers. Recently, trace back investigations have become more urgent than ever because of coronavirus-related robocall scams, including scams related to coronavirus relief checks, pitches for coronavirus test kits, health plans offering coronavirus testing, work-from-home offers preying on job-seekers, and scams offering relief on utility bills, student loans, taxes, or other debt.

In May, Rutledge also submitted comments to the FCC on proposed rules regarding the implementation of the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act (TRACED Act). Rutledge’s comments urged the FCC to impose the mandate to implement the caller ID authentication technology, STIR/ SHAKEN, on all types and sizes of telecommunication providers, to establish robust standards for any exceptions to this obligation, and that the costs to implement this technology should not be passed on to the consumer.

Rutledge has actively called for telephone carriers to aggressively block illegal

robocalls before they reach consumers through ongoing collaborations with the FCC, telecom industry representatives and a coalition of state attorneys general. Rutledge was also instrumental in developing the Anti-Robocall Principles for telecoms to reduce the number of unwanted and illegal robocalls reaching the American people, which was adopted by 51 attorneys general and 12 major telecom providers in August 2019.

In Arkansas, Rutledge continues to lead

the fight against robocalls by working with stakeholder to implement Acts 677 and 1074 of 2019 that requires telecommunication providers to submit annual reports to the Arkansas Public Service Commission to certify that all available and applicable technology is being employed to identify and block illegal robocalls and spoofing.

Arkansas is joined in submitting today’s comments by the attorneys general of all 50 states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

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June 10, 2020

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AGFC Seeks Help with Annual Wild Turkey and Northern Bobwhite Quail Population Survey Help Wanted!

The Annual Wild Turkey and Northern Bobwhite Quail Population Survey opened to observations on Monday, June 1st. If you're concerned with the status of these game bird populations, help managers have the best information they can by reporting all Wild Turkey and Quail (not just females with young) you see as you're out and about this summer and throughout the year.

New this year: 1) The Survey will be left open year round.

2) Observers will be asked to record an estimate of their time in the field. This will be used to inform models attempting to estimate density and distribution of these important game bird populations in Arkansas.

3) Observers can now indicate if they heard Quail calling and how many they heard. This may help managers identify new areas that may otherwise go unreported if quail aren't physically seen.

4) We are testing the addition of Trail Camera observations for Wild Turkey to

Dr. Tyler Frans Dr. Gordon McDonald

staff@phacmena.com

see if this data can be used in addition to the standard incidental visual observations.

Observers are asked to limit these observations to a single image from a series of photos that appears to be the same group of turkeys. Observers will need to use their best judgement to only submit photos that appear to be independent from others.

Meaning, if your trail camera has a 5 sec delay between photos and captures 100

photos of a group of turkeys feeding over a short time period, don't submit every photo that has a turkey in it. Pick the photo that you can see the most turkeys and submit it with your observation. If there are hours between photos, it is probably safe to say they are independent observations.

Survey: https://www.agfc.com/en/hunting/turkey/turkey-quail-surveys/annual-brood-surveys/

MHS Sets Tentative Dates for Prom and Commencement Mena High School Principal DAvid Maxwell announced the district has tentatively set the dates for the 2020 Sr/Jr Prom and the Spring Commencement ceremony.

Maxwell said at thgis time, Mena School officials have tentatively scheduled the prom for July 10. He said they are making arrangements and setting guidelines for the safety of students prior to the event.

Maxwell said the tentative date for the 2020 Commencement is scheduled for July 18. He said the district will make all neces-

sary safety protocols and limitations available to district patrons as soon as possible.

Maxwell said both events are contingent upon the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education approval and an allowance from the Governor’s office during his planned June 30th update.

Maxwell said you can follow the Mena School District on socal media for more updates and information, including protocols that will be required in order to attend either or both events.

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June 10, 2020

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Canceled hatchery fishing derbies result in bonus catfish stockings throughout Arkansas LITTLE ROCK — Precautions to limit the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 have forced the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to cancel the annual fishing derbies held at its five fish hatcheries in June, but anglers throughout the state will still be able to enjoy some quality time chasing catfish. AGFC hatcheries are delivering thousands of pounds of catchable-sized catfish to small, publicly accessible ponds throughout Arkansas to prepare for Free Fishing Weekend, June 12-14.

“We didn’t want to cancel our hatchery derbies, but we really didn’t see a way to do them without breaking social distancing precautions,” said Tommy Laird, assistant chief of fisheries for the AGFC. “We host thousands of participants each year on that day, and there just isn’t space for people to spread out properly on the ponds we can designate for the derby.”

Laird says all hatchery staff are disappointed with the cancelations but are working hard to make sure everyone has a good time on Free Fishing Weekend.

“This is the one time of year where we get thousands of visitors to show them all the work we do to produce fish for Arkansans,” Laird said. “The events are just as important to us as they are to the people who come to fish. They even compete for bragging rights on what hatchery has the most visitors and best response from surveys taken during the derbies.”

Each of the AGFC’s four warm-water hatcheries has a surplus of catchable-sized catfish that were raised with these derbies in mind. Those catfish now will be delivered to small ponds throughout the state for anglers everywhere to enjoy. Staff worked hard to distribute the 24,000 pounds of catchable catfish evenly throughout the state.

“We are stocking 6,000 pounds of catfish to each of the four quarters of the state,” Laird said. “The amount stocked per pond will be determined by the size of that pond and the number of people who normally fish it, but we worked hard to divide this surplus evenly.”

These stockings are in addition to the

normal stockings the AGFC conducts through its Family and Community Fishing Program.

“Those locations all will receive their normal stockings, these are just some additional locations that normally don’t get these extra stockings,” Laird said.

Anglers are advised to continue practicing social distancing while enjoying all fishing locations. Maintain a 6-foot distance (one fishing rod’s length) from your nearest neighbor who is not in your immediate family and wash your hands thoroughly after touching any surfaces that someone else may have touched.

“It’s always a good idea to have some latex gloves, a hand towel and some hand sanitizer or water with you while catfishing anyway,” Laird said. “Most anglers probably already carry some of these items to clean up after they unhook a fish.”

The following list of ponds will receive extra stockings before June 12: Southwest Arkansas Arkadelphia — Youth Sports Complex Pond Camden — Camden Fairview High School Pond Columbus — Grandview Prairie Education Pond Jesseville — Jesseville Work Center Pond Mena — Rich Mountain Community College Pond Mt. Ida — Womble-Mt. Ida Work Center.

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June 10, 2020

06.10.20

06.10.20

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 06.03.20

Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Featuring Vinnie of the adorable and playful kitten siblings that want to move to your house and other good homes! Vinnie, Mell, and Jake are their names but they need a last name!

Celebrate their birthday in February (02/17/2020) They are litter box trained. Bring home one, two or even three of your favorites!

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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June 10, 2020

CANCELLATIONS CLOSINGS AND CHANGES...

Wolf Pen Gap Trail system is OPEN. Forest visitors are asked to avoid congregating at trailheads and parking areas and refrain from gathering in groups of 10 or more. The trail system does close when heavy rain is predicted. For more information, contact the Mena-Oden Ranger District at 479-394-2382 Queen Wilhelmina State Park has announced that all park-driven special events will be canceled through June 30th, with the exception of fishing derbies.

Due to health department guidelines concerning social distancing during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the City of Mena feels it is in the best public interest for McMillan Park Swimming Pool to remain closed until further notice.

American Legion will meet Tuesday, June 9th at 7pm. Masks and Social Distancing is encouraged.

Healthy Connections is offering COVID-19 testing regardless of symptoms. For more info go online to www. healthy-connections.org The Farmer's Market in Mena, located at the Historic KCS Depot on Sherwood Street in downtown Mena opened for the season Saturday, May 23rd. The Farmer's Market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. until sold out.

Some area restaurants are open with limited seating allowed. Also some Barber shops and beauty salons and exercise gyms are open in Arkansas with limited patronage.

The Polk County Library offers book pickup. You can reserve a title by calling 479-394-2314 and pick up your books the next day. Follow them on Facebook for new arrival announcements.

Fresh Start Pregnancy Center is now operating with normal business hours and activities.

Mena Art Gallery is open by appointment. You can contact them to schedule a visit by calling 479-394-3880, texting 479-234-5440, or send an email to email@

menaartgallery.org. They are also now accepting entries for the Folk Art and Fiber Art Show. For more information, call the gallery, visit their website, or check them out on Facebook.

Mena Elks Lodge 781 of Mena opened on Tuesday, May 26th. There is a complete guide to what needs to be followed on the Mena Elk’s Lodge Facebook page. w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / M e n a - E l k s Lodge-781-134750103260123 Bingo at American Legion resumed Monday, June 1st. No food will be served, social distancing required, along with face masks.

Freedom Water office is open as of Wednesday, May 20th. If you need to know your balance or have any questions you may call office at 479-394-7500 during business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Acorn Rural Water Office is now open to the public and customers. For more information call 479-394-1025.

The District Court Clerk's office IS open to the public. Please remember when you visit the office to respect the social distancing guidelines of maintaining a 6 ft. distance. If you have any questions please call 479-394-3271 or you can email info. distctplkcoar.net For more information and updates, visit websites of the Ouachita National Forest at www.fs.usda.gov/ouachita or the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests at www.fs.usda. gov/osfnf/.

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

The Mena ARVAC office is closed to the public. We are still able to help individuals with utility assistance. For more info call 394-4707.

Hatfield Town Hall is closing the Lobby.

All payments can be put in the Dropbox or pay at Hatfield Union Bank. Attach your Bill that is mailed out to you with your payment.

The office personnel can be reached at 870-389-6611. Also, during the Covid-19 social distancing time no Reservations can

be taken for Use of the building.

Hatfield Jubilee in June cancelled this year.

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

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night Crusaders for Christ will be announced later. The Church is located at 101 Dallas Ave. First United Methodist Church is holding church services on Sundays at 10am in the Church parking lot.

Faith Missionary Baptist Church Sunday morning service continues to air on 104.1FM KENA each Sunday from 11am to Noon. And you can NOW attend service inside the Church. Also, service is streamed online on their Facebook page.

FROM THE EXTENSION SERVICE OFFICE: We are having to suspend all 4-H, EHC, Master Gardener, & educational activities for the time being due to COVID-19.

Dallas Avenue Baptist Church will be having a service inside at 10:30am. Please wear masks. They will also be streaming service.

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

Bible Believers Baptist Church will be having church service Sunday morning at 11am inside the church building.

Congregate meals at Cossatot Senior Center will be closed until further notice.

Will do drive up/pick up from 10am-11am.

Also, will ontinue home delivered meals as normal. Contact 479-234-3503 to e included or for more details.

Christ's Church at Mountain Fork will be holding service at the Churches Activity Center at 10:45am. Social Distancing foll

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

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

Trinity Lutheran Church at 1010 DeQueen Street resumes Sunday morning services on Sunday, June 7th at 10am.

The Southside Church of God schedule Sunday Morning services in the Sanctuary At 10:45 AM Sunday Evening services in the Sanctuary At 6:00 PM Wednesday

Grace Bible Church is now holding their service inside the building. To contact the church dial (479) 394-4092.

Christ Community Fellowship will officially open Sunday, June 7th at 10:30 am!

No Sunday School, or Children Services will be offered until further notice! There will still be LIVE STREAM, and also be on FM 88.3 for those who still want to Drive In!! Please follow the following guidelines!

(Subject to change) If you are at high risk, have been in contact with a person who has tested positive for Covid-19, or have run a fever within the last week, PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND! Sunday School lesson will be available on the Mena First Baptist Church Facebook page. Also, Children’s Chat recording will be on Mena FBC Facebook page. Sunday sermon is streamed on the FBC Facebook page and recording played on KAWX radio. Also there will be a Bible Study each Wednesday at 6pm at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall and it will be streamed on the Mena FBC Facebook page. The Sunday service will be held in the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall at 10:30am. And it will be streamed on the Mena First Baptist Church Facebook page.

First Presbyterian church services are being filmed and put online.

No in person service until further notice.

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Service, repair, and sales on all door brands, specializing in operator sales, services, and repairs. Free estimates.

Call Ron at (479)216-9852 T062420 Polk County Verterans Org aniza tion will reopen the bingo games on the 1st of June at the Acorn American Legion Hall.

For the past patrions if you want food to eat during the games please bring your own.

We will not share food with each other.

Please wear a mask, limited seating. open at 5:00 pm. There will be other changes posted in the hal. See you all there! The bingo crew??

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For the Protection and Safety of Peaceful Protests LITTLE ROCK – We saw peaceful protests, and unfortunately, some violence and criminal behavior across Arkansas this week. Today, I’d like to talk about our duty to protect free expression and the proper response of law enforcement when there is violence or destruction of property.

The death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer is a travesty and a crime. The image of him lying face down on the street as an officer pinned him there with a knee on his neck is deeply disturbing.

His cries of “I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe.” will rightly haunt our collective conscience for a long time.

I understand the anger that compelled people to take up posters and march to the state capitol and in various cities in Arkansas. We share in their sorrow and acknowledge their anger and their demand for justice.

I’ve listened to members of the community. I hear their cries for change. We will continue to talk and seek solutions. As governor, I will protect your right to march and

express yourself in whatever peaceful and lawful way you choose.

Ninety-five percent of the protesters in Little Rock this week marched peacefully.

The police officers who were standing by were there to make sure the protesters were safe. When they blocked the interstate and put themselves and others in harm’s way, officers encouraged them to move.

Each night, as the hour grew later, a few in the crowd did things that put others at risk. They poured flammable liquids on the road and set them afire. They threw fireworks. They threw rocks and bottles at police. They broke windows, beat a journalist, and destroyed property. That’s when the police responded.

On Saturday, I activated the National Guard. On Tuesday, I declared a state of emergency, which directed the State Police to form a Unified Command structure so that all levels of law enforcement could work together. The Unified Command respects the chain of command from the city police departments to the state police to

the National Guard. It simply created and defined a chain of command for a specific need in a troubled time in our state.

Three nights in a row, police had to disperse the crowd. Many protesters ignored the curfew that Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. had put in place. Even then, officers showed restraint. But as some in the crowd grew more aggressive and began to set fires and throw rocks through store windows, police had to act. They had to stop the lawbreakers and protect the peaceful protesters.

When I saw the violence increase on Monday night, I knew we couldn’t let that happen again. The rule of law is important to us all. Tuesday night, nine agencies from all levels of government participated in the patrol, and officers quickly contained the elements of the crowd who were there only to coordinate and motivate destructive behavior. They were there to confront police and destroy property. They didn’t care that their violence might overshadow the message of the peaceful marchers.

When protesters march in Arkansas to express their grief and anger, we must protect them and their right to peacefully speak their mind.

When the protest turns into violence and vandalism, we must protect everyone else.

That’s what we did this week.

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June 10, 2020

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