Polk County Pulse - January 20, 2021

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Highway Improvements Pending

ATHENS BIG FORK MARATHON

Pothole Problems to yield to Pavement Project Photo by Trey Youngdahl

Page 16

BODY FOUND IN FREEZER

By Jeri Pearson

Page 11

TRAIL PLAN PROGRESSES

January 20, 2021

US Hwy 71 through Mena is slated for an overlay project, and ARDOT is asking for public input on passing lanes through Polk and Scott Counties.

Read the story on page 10.

Sources have confirmed that a body was found in a freezer near Acorn in Polk County Friday, Jan. 15.

Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer said he could not comment on the case, because the investigation is open.

Multiple agencies are working on the incident and the name of the individual found is being withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation.

As details become available this story will be updated at mypulsenews.com and KENA 104.1

COUNTY HEARS COMPLAINTS OF GROWTH

Growing Pains Noted Near Wolf Pen Gap, Tourism on Up-Tick

By Jeri Pearson

BUCKS TAKE TO THE FIELD

Page 12-13

The future of Wolf Pen Gap and impacts to the environment and local residents were brought to the attention of Polk County Quorum Court at the regularly scheduled December meeting.

Karan Mather emailed Judge Brandon Ellison requesting to be placed on the agenda to bring her concerns to the

county district officials.

In her letter she said she has sold her home and it will be turned into a rental cabin. This follows two other residents selling homes recently that have also been made into rental cabins.

The complaints include rescue calls for ATVs and claims “The rescues are usually at night and they are usually drunk... I have yet to see anyone ar-

www.lelanordykephotography.com 479.234.9032

rested for DUI on county roads around Wolf Pen Gap.�

Mather also claims the increased building of cabins is problematic, and noted in her letter that 44 cabins are being built on Polk 61 and 612, while 200 acres has been acquired to build an RV campground and additional cabins.

Complaints of the road conditions on

See COUNTY page 2

2 News

THE POLK COUNTY

January 20, 2021

From the

US Senate

Paycheck Protection Program Updates

Small business owners sures, allowing them to continue have faced unprecedented paying their employees, rent and challenges for nearly a year utilities. We know the PPP has as a result of COVID-19. been a lifeline for small businessLast March, Congress develes, so strengthening the program oped the Paycheck Protecto ensure it continues to deliver tion Program (PPP) to help vital support was absolutely necthese businesses survive and essary. continue paying their emJust as importantly as providployees. More than 43,000 John Boozman ing funds to small businesses, PPP loans were approved for Congress has a role to oversee Arkansas last year. Now, more help is the implementation of the program on the way. so these critical resources only go to Last month, President Trump signed qualified recipients. For instance, last into law COVID-19-relief that extends year we learned Planned Parenthood the PPP, allocating more than $284 bil- received PPP loans despite being inellion to expand the program. This will igible to participate in the program. I allow additional businesses to partic- joined my Arkansas colleague Senaipate and provide those experiencing tor Tom Cotton in calling on the Desevere revenue reductions an opportu- partment of Justice to investigate this nity to apply for an additional forgiv- misuse of taxpayer dollars. As the SBA able loan, particularly restaurants and reopens the PPP, we’ve requested that hotels. These updates to the program agency officials take precautions to prewill help prevent small business clo- vent this from happening again.

COUNTY continued from 1

Pulse

Polk 61 and Hwy 8 East are due to de- deputy out there. Having a deputy ride terioration caused by increased traffic. out there and write a few tickets would Mather also mentioned increased likely help, but we need to be strategic.” trash in the area and said, “The county Ellison said he and Sawyer will come will not pick up trash and expects local up with a policy and plan residents to take care of this problem.”

“This is an economic development isOther complaints include private sue,” he said. “If anyone in a leadership property is not being respected, ATV position has a problem with developtrails are being used during the off sea- ment, I don’t know why they are in a son and at night. leadership role.

“Residents like myself are fed up and “Tourism is what we do,” Ellison it is only going to get worse with continued. “Yes, we raise live the increase in tourism,” stock and cut logs, have said Mather, the former the motor plant and “This is an economic resident. manufacturing. We Though Quorum development issue. If anyare set up with a diCourt members did one in a leadership position versified economy not ask any quesand that is a good has a problem with tions at the time of thing - and tourMather’s presen- development, I don’t know why ism is part of that.” tation, discussion Ellison attributthey are in a leadership role. was held latter in ed a portion of inTourism is what we do.” the meeting, with creased tax revenue quorum members -County Judge to the tourism indusagreeing there is a Brandon Ellison try. problem.

“Sales tax has been Polk County Sheriff looking really good,” he Scott Sawyer told the court said. “ The county portion was laws have changed over the past cou$167,000 over last year, and last year ple of legislative sessions and said ATV was a good year. I think some of it was riders are no longer prohibited from riding on county roads or even cross- internet sales tax and other reason is ing state highways on ATVs to get to a economic growth.”

Ellison said he wants to respond to trail head. issues without making knee jerk reacSawyer explained his office and deptions. uties patrol as much as possible in the “We need to make well thought out area, but often only two or three depdecisions, ” Ellison said. “I understand uties are on duty covering 800 square many of the folks who have lived out miles. there a long time are experiencing Sawyer said his office responds to call change.

Every community that sees from concerned individuals in the area often, but unless the riders are breaking growth has problems, but we need to the law, there is not much that can be remember that indicates we are doing well. done.

“I’ve never seen Polk County growHe said for $25,000 to $30,000 he ing the way it is right now,” Ellison concould have a part-time deputy patrol tinued. “ I think the growth is a prodthat area on weekends, similar to what uct of the trail system, crime is low, is currently being done to patrol the property prices are low. We want to be south of the county. welcoming to tourists and people that County Judge Brandon Ellison said the problems indicate growth and solu- are relocating. Most of those folks are 60 years old and have retirement. They tions can be sought.

“We have a bit of a problem. We can spend their money here and it opens fix it ,but we need to address it in a well- up a huge opportunity for service busithought out way,” he said. “We need to nesses. We have an opportunity and probably get a side by side to look like there are gaps to be filled here for folks a county vehicle and put a part time with an entrepreneurial spirit.”

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 20, 2021

Radio - Print - Web 1168 Hwy 71S Mena, AR 71953 Phone: 479-243-9600 Fax: 479-243-9603 Email: news@mypulsenews.com

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Ashley Smith- General Manager Jeri Pearson - Editor Tori Stockton - Production Manager John Russell - Graphic Design Trey Youngdahl- Digital Producer Curt Teasdale - Programmer/ On-Air Personality Jim Pinson - Morning Personality Jackye Pruitt - Senior Account Executive Brooke Rose - Account Executive Justin Richmond - Receptionist Distribution & Insertion Staff Dan & Linda Deramus, Jason Sharp & Paeton Fryar The Polk County Pulse is the area’s premiere and fastest growing news publication. The Polk County Pulse is FREE and published weekly on Wednesdays, with a distribution of 8,000 and an estimated readership of 10,000.

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Your Pulse!

The Salvation Army Says Thank You to the Community Despite the continued effects of COVID-19 which resulted in decreased retail foot traffic, the Salvation Army Family Store of Mena raised $17,633.99 during this year’s Kettle Campaign. This represents a significant contribution from the generous citizens of Polk County, and along with an overall increase in monetary donations, gifts in kind, and sales, will enable us to expand the assistance we provide to Polk Country residents who are in need.

erously gave of their time and energy.

They helped us continue the one hundred thirty-year tradition of “Ringing the Bell” during the Christmas season.

As COVID-19 continues to present challenges for all of us, and with one out of six people in the United States living in poverty, The Salvation Army will be there, standing in the gap. Your ongoing generosity will help the Family Store fulfill our mission to serve anyone in need without discrimination.

We are also grateful for the continued support of local retailers who invited Therefore, THANK YOU! It seems too simthe Red Kettle bell ringers to their front ple, but there is no better way to express doors and for the volunteers who gen- our gratitude.

Want to share your opinion?

The Polk County Pulse welcomes letters to the Editor addressing any topic of interest to our readers. To be published, letters must not contain obscene or libelous language.

The letter must include a signature to be considered for publication. Signatures will NOT be held out by request.

The following contact information is required when the letter is submitted: NAME, AGE, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER. Letters are published at the discretion of the Editor and Publisher.

Your Pulse!

Response to COVID It was a very sobering moment to see the County Judge’s statement that there could have been possibly 300 people who died during the past year because of the COVID19 virus.

Editorial 3

number of people from not only getting the disease, but in some instances dying from the disease.

I also appreciate all of those people who obeyed the CDC guidelines by wearing I am so very thankful to God that he gave marks and social distancing, etc. the doctors and scientists the knowledge to advise us on what to do in such We are all in this pandemic together and a pandemic. looking our for each other and caring for I am also thankful to WalMart for putting each other is just a part of who are. in the mask mandate in their stores. This action undoubtedly saved an uncounted Betty Wiles.

Letters may be submitted by e-mail to news@mypulsenews.com; mailed to P.O. Box 1450, Mena, AR 71953 or dropped off at 1168 Hwy. 71 South, Mena, AR. A drop-box is provided by the front door for after hour convenience.

TO SUBMIT: NEWS ITEMS / ANNOUNCEMENTS / LETTERS TO THE EDITOR / SPORTS UPDATES / CALENDAR ITEMS / CLASSIFIED ADS Email NEWS@MYPULSENEWS.COM

4 State Editoral

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 20, 2021

From the

State House of Representatives

House members are now the next 2 years ready to begin the second ·Reduce the used car sales week of the 2021 Regular Sestax sion. ·Reduce income tax for new Nearly 200 bills have been Arkansas residents filed so far in the House and ·Appropriate $30 million more than 135 have been filed for increased broadband in in the Senate. rural areas House members elected to ·Implement a computJohn Maddox serve in the 93rd General Aser science requirement for sembly took the oath of office in the high school graduation House Chamber on Monday. Upon ·Increase sentencing for hate crimes swearing-in, members then voted to On Thursday, the House passed name Rep. Matthew J. Shepherd of El resolutions outlining new rules Dorado as the Speaker of the Arkan- and changes to procedure due to sas House. This will be his second full COVID-19. These include mask reterm to serve as Speaker. quirements, changes to committee Speaker Shepherd announced the agendas, and remote voting options chairs for all House committees. You for members. can find a complete list of committee The House will not meet on the assignments at www.arkansashouse.

Martin Luther King Jr. holiday or on org.

Wednesday during the Presidential On the second day of the Regular Inauguration.

We will meet on TuesSession, Governor Asa Hutchinson addressed the General Assembly and day and Thursday next week. Schedoutlined his legislative goals for this ules and agendas will be available on our website. session.

As a reminder, the House live He said he will be asking the Genstreams all of our meetings on the eral Assembly to affirm the current website.

We also posted the guidelines health emergency order and direct for members of the public who wish federal COVID-19 relief funds for to participate in the process at the vaccine distribution.

The Governor’s legislative agenda Capitol.

We will continue to update you in also includes the following: ·Increase teacher pay by $2,000 over the weeks ahead.

Contact Your Legislators!

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

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

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

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

From the

State Senate

The 93rd General Assembly SB 107 was referred to the convened with a traditional Senate Education Commitday of swearing in ceremonies tee, which in the past has for new members, followed always been crowded with by the governor’s speech in a spectators and people wantjoint session of the legislature. ing to comment, such as Then lawmakers immediately parents, patrons, superingot down to business. tendents and school board More than 400 bills were Larry Teague members. filed in the first three days, and This year Senate Education the public was able to participate as will meet in the Old Supreme Court usual when they were heard in com- Room rather than its traditional lomittee. cation in Room 207, because the Old The governor proposed raising Supreme Court Room is larger and teacher salaries by $2,000 a year. It people can more easily maintain safe would take two years to phase in the social distancing. increase, and would cost about $25 The public and people waiting to million annually. A spokesman for the speak on bills will wait in Room 272, Department of Education said that which is just across the hall from the the average teacher salary last year Old Supreme Court Room.

The Senate Judiciary Committee was $49,822.

Also, the governor proposed an ad- also tends to draw a crowd, due to ditional $50 million a year in tax cuts the nature of legislation it considers. for middle class and low income fami- When the committee considered and lies. One specific proposal was to low- gave a favorable recommendation to er the state sales tax on the purchase SB 24, commonly known as the “Stand of used cars valued between $4,000 Your Ground” bill, the public was aland $10,000, from 6.5 to 3.5 percent. lowed to voice opinions as always.

The Judiciary Committee met in Now, used car purchases of less than $4,000 are completely exempt from Room 171, as always, while the public watched on live television monitors the sales tax.

Legislators have questioned anoth- from Room 207.

The public can sign up to speak on er of the governor’s tax cut proposals, to lower income tax rates for new Ar- legislation, as always, but this year kansas residents in the top bracket, they can also sign up online.

When a member of the public signs from 5.9 to 4.9 percent for the first five years they live in the state. The goal is up to speak, they wait in a nearby to attract people to Arkansas who will room. When it is their turn to testify, a legislative staffer will escort them invest and create jobs here.

Lawmakers expressed support for from Room 207 to the Judiciary Comthe governor’s proposal to spend $30 mittee meeting in Room 171, or from million to continue expanding broad- the waiting area in Room 272 to the Education Committee in the Old Suband access across Arkansas.

Senate Bill 107 would require high preme Court Room.

All waiting rooms for the public are school students to pass a computer science course in order to graduate, very close to the committee rooms, beginning with students who will and they are clearly marked. Employbe in the 9th grade in the 2022-2023 ees at the Capitol will help anyone with questions about where to go. school year.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Obituaries 5

January 20, 2021

Kum Sun Alvis

Mrs. Kum Sun Alvis, age 87, walked thru the gates of Heaven on January 17, 2021 in Mt. Ida, AR. She was born January 4, 1934 in Daejon City, South Korea. Kum Sun was united in marriage to Charles Alvis on May 1, 1968 in Seoul, South Korea. She enjoyed farming, crocheting, knitting, shopping, raising her family, and celebrating every holiday with all her children. She was an extremely loving wife, mother, and grandparent. If you came to her house, she would make sure you always left full.

Kum Sun was preceded in death by her husband Charles, infant grandson Albert Alvis. She is survived by her children; Jerry Alvis of Florida, Michael Alvis of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Dennis Alvis and wife Kathy of Birdeye, Arkansas, Susan Copelin and husband Richard of Mena, Arkansas, Calvin Alvis and wife Amy of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Karen Copelin and fiancé Sky of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Elizabeth Dotson and husband Thomas of Malvern, Arkansas; grandchildren, Bruce, Desarie, Taylor Roberts and husband Mark, Colton and fiancé Dakota, August, Rachael, Declan, and Nolan; and 9 great grandchildren.

Private graveside service will be held Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at Norris Cemetery in Yocana, AR. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Emmett Roy Coleman

Emmett Roy Coleman, age 81, of Hatfield, Arkansas passed from this world to the hands of our Lord on Monday, January 11, 2021 at Mena Regional Health System. He was born on Sunday, February 26, 1939 to Roy and Mildred Coleman in Modesto, California.

As a very young man he learned to work hard in the sugar beet fields to help support his family. All of his life he valued hard work and taught it to his children and grandchildren. A strong patriot Emmett joined the US Navy at the age of 19. Emmett was a self taught early entrepreneur and ran several very successful businesses in various industries from harvesting to real estate. He owned and operated Emmett Coleman Trucking and Beet Harvesting in Wilcox, Arizona; Coleman Equipment in Chandler, Arizona; Sunbelt Truck Sales in Phoenix, Arizona; National Service Systems in Fort Worth, Texas and Coleman Properties in Mena, Arkansas. In 2001 Emmett and the love of his life Evelyn moved to Mena, Arkansas in happy retirement where he loved to fish, spend time with his grandchildren and ride his tractor.

Emmett was the strong patriarch of his family, an employer that inspired loyalty from his employees, and a good friend who was loved by all. He was the man who would give you the shirt off of his back and as importantly would teach you where to source the materials to create your own shirt at the absolute lowest cost. Emmett was a strong, proud and loving man who will be missed by many.

Emmett is preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers, Roger Coleman, Lawrence Coleman and Wayne Coleman.

Emmett is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn Coleman of Hatfield; two sons, Aaron Coleman of Hatfield and Jason Easley of Tucson, Arizona ; two daughters, Tammy Nichols of Cove, Arkansas and LaDonna Allen of Nashville, Ten-

nessee; one brother, Don Coleman of Modesto, California; five grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held Friday, January 15, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena with Brother Russell Threet officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena. Visitation will be general. Arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Mavis Dale

Mavis Dale, age 73, of Mena, passed away Monday, January 11, 2021 in Mena, Arkansas.

She was born December 21, 1947 in Breathitt County Kentucky.

She was a long time member of the Extension Homemakers Club of Pottsville Arkansas. She was also a long time volunteer for the Arkansas Red Cross bloodmobile blood drives. Some of her favorite hobbies included reading, playing Sudoku puzzles, and going to yard sales.

She is preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Joyce and Betty and one brother, Carl.

She is survived by her three children: Stanley Terry and wife Tanya of Clay City, Kentucky; Paula Rogers of Beattyville, Kentucky and John Dale with wife Abigail of Mena, Arkansas. Also survived by one sister Brenda Deaton of Beattyville, Kentucky and two brothers: Willard Deaton of Beattyville, Kentucky and James Floyd Deaton and wife Linda of Mena, Arkansas. Also, one step-brother, Rollie Thomas Mullins with wife Kim of McGhee, Arkansas and one half-brother Ike Deaton of Middletown, Ohio. Also a host of grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Also a special friend of the family, Jessie Cooley.

Graveside Services will be held on Friday, January 15, 2021 at the Mt. Gilead Cemetery in Rocky, Arkansas under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

James Fletcher McCool

James Fletcher McCool, Jr., age 80, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Saturday, January 9, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born January 27, 1940 in Augusta, Georgia to the late James F. McCool, Sr. and Hilda Hee Foy McCool. He was united in marriage to Barbara Boblitt. James was a lifelong member of Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA), serving as the State Representative, he served in a prison ministery, a Mason, and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Mena. He served in the United States Coast Guard as a Lighthouse Keeper at Kilauea Point Kaua’I. He was the last living Lighthouse Keeper.

After serving in the Coast Guard, he worked for NASA in both Hawaii and Houston, Texas. Later in life he retired from Tyson. James enjoyed photography, music, singing, hunting and target shooting as just a few of his favorite past times. He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend.

James was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Maxine Rogers, Peggy Scott and Carol Dukes. He is survived by his wife of 8 years, Barbara; sons, James Ikaika Mikioi McCool and Jason Christopher McCool; daughter, Elvira Makanalanikia; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family members too numerous to mention.

Mr. McCool will be sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Obituaries Continued on Page 6

6 Obituaries Melinda Jean Smith

Melinda Jean Smith, 46, died Monday, January 11, 2021 in Nacodoches, Texas. She was born August 23, 1974 in DeQueen, Arkansas to Tommy and Debra Smith.

Melinda loved animals, being outdoors, and flowers. She enjoyed helping people anytime they were in need and taking care of her family. Melinda worked in the food prep industry in her professional life. Anyone that knew Melinda knew of her love for her dear cat, Raptor.

Melinda is survived by her husband, Donald Smith of Timpson, Texas; sons, Donald Thomas Smith of Timpson, Texas, Brandon Lee Smith and wife Haley of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, William James Smith of Timpson, Texas; her parents, Tommy Douglas and Debra Smith of Cove, Arkansas; sister, Jennifer Belknap and husband Steve of Cove, Arkansas; grandmother, Ramona Moller of Cove, Arkansas; a host of family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her grandfather, Tommy Smith; grandfather, Frank Fox; grandmother, Darlene Fox. A graveside service will be held Friday, January 15, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Cove, Arkansas with Brother Reggie Fryar officiating. Interment to follow under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Visitation is general.

January 20, 2021

CHURCH? WHY?

Pulse

I have just finished listening to two excellent sermons about Jesus Christ and His Gospel. Many things came into my mind as I listened, but one thing stands out for me: Why would anyone attend church services when they could stay at home and hear sermons like these? I had to think about it for a while, but then the answer began to come to me. I found many reasons why, if necessary, we should choose church over TV preaching, if we have to make a choice.

We have allowed many deceptions to come into our minds and hearts over the years, and one of the most dangerous is that we are supposed to attend church to hear the sermon, and everyone knows ‘we have a wonderful preacher.’ Hearing the sermon is important, yes, certainly, but if that is all that we get then we ought to change churches, or perhaps, we should turn the TV on. Here is why: 1. Christians are to take care of one another, and that presents a major reason for the church. As good as the TV preachers are they can’t be beside the bed of a dying brother or sister in Christ. As good as they are they do not contribute to the material needs of members who are in trouble with finances. They do not sit down with us and pray with us individually. The ministry of comfort is very, very important. And it is true that the Word of God from a TV sermon can bring comfort at certain times, but there are times for all of us when we need a brother or sister to be with us for a while...all of us (I Thes. 4:18, 5:11) 2. It is in the local Church where the works of apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers takes place (Ephesians 4:11). And those ‘works’ are the ‘equipping the saints for the work of ministry.’ It doesn’t happen outside the local assembly.

3. God has opened major means of reaching out with the Gospel, and television evangelism is one of them, and no doubt has reached untold numbers of people for Christ. However: 4. Now that they have been told how to be born, they must now be told, and shown, how to live. They must learn what is theirs in Christ, and that is where the church MUST come in. We Christians are called disciples almost 250 times in the NT. A disciple is a student. Students require teachers. It is the church of Jesus Christ that, by God’s design, helps new Christians to ‘grow up’ in Christ. It is called discipleship, and by God’s design, it happens in the local assembly, the church. Teachers are called of God; students are also. In Matthew’s statement of the ‘Great Co-mission’ we are told to ‘go and make disciples...’

5. There are literally hundreds of ministries that can only be performed by the local church, and when the church is doing it by His design that happens.

6. But, having said all that we might say about the ‘why’ of the Church, there is one reason that overshadows all others: the Church was/is His design, His means of inundating a community with the true Christian witness. It is the will of God that we express our oneness, our love for each other, by being intimately united with other believers, and that is what the church truly is.

And without that expression our words have little meaning. We treat Jesus just like we treat His Church. Jesus said ‘I came to build my Church’ (Mt. 16:18). That should be enough of an answer to the ‘why.’

The true Gospel is (1) preclamation of The Truth, (2) discipling, training believers, (3) ministry/serving, this is the proof of our message.

My name is Gene Stacks and I approve this message.

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THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 20, 2021

Reflections from History and Faith

Roe Revisited

By Jeff Olson Forty-eight years ago this week, January 22, 1973, the "Roe v. Wade" Supreme Court decision was issued.

The court ruled that a state law that banned abortions (except to save the life of the mother) was unconstitutional. The ruling made abortion legal in many circumstances. The history of abortion in our country, before and since, has been strewn with conflict, greed, confusion, emotion and pain.

Of course there are good people on both sides of this issue, but it became polarizing in a way and to an extent it never should have.

According to common law tradition inherited by United States from England, abortion before “quickening,” (or when the baby's movements could be felt) was not a crime. In 1821, Connecticut adopted a portion of a British law and passed the first U.S. law banning abortion after quickening. At the time of the adoption of the 14th Amendment in 1868, twenty states (out of thirty-seven) restricted abortion. By the 1950s, almost every state banned all abortions except when necessary to save the mother's life.

In the 1960s, a shift began. Thirteen states opened access to abortion and thirty-one states allowed it only to save the life of the mother. In 1970 a young Texas woman, Norma McCorvey (under the pseudonym Jane Roe), was used to challenge her state abortion law on the basis of a right of privacy.

The U.S. Constitution does not include a right of privacy. However, the Court held that the Bill of Rights protections of free speech, assembly and religious exercise, freedom from forced quartering of troops, unreasonable searches and seizures, and forced self-incrimination cre-

ate “zones of privacy.” And, the 9th Amendment’s protection of unenumerated rights could be said to protect privacy. These “zones” the Court held are places into which the government cannot unreasonably intrude.

Roe claimed that the law robbed her of her right of privacy as protected by the combination of Bill of Rights amendments and of her liberty as protected by the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment.

The subject of rights was at the forefront of America’s founding and has been in much of America's social and political discourse and activism in the public square since, especially over the past 50 or 60 years. However, the classical/traditional concept of rights was simply the freedom to act by your conscience without interference, and it was understood that with each right came a corresponding duty. A right had originally never been understood as a positive conveyance. Today, the language of rights is used to give moral force to what are often merely personal desires. Among the plethora of claimed rights in recent history include reproductive rights and the exclusive right to one's own body, but here is some food for thought: All human rights are predicated first and foremost on the right to life, and it is the sanctity and dignity of human life which provide the cornerstone upon which all justice and freedom stand.

However, there can be neither justice nor freedom if life has no source, value or meaning beyond what only humans subjectively define as acceptable and legitimate.

In Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court rejected this fundamental moral premise, and in addition: marginalized the federalism inherent in our constitution, disregarded cultural/ community norms and moral sensibilities, failed to consider shifting social trends inherent in a free society, and circumvented the legislative process. The result: a decision based

not on original constitutional intent or principle nor on historic jurisprudence or precedent but on a highly flawed interpretation and adjudication of six of the ten amendments constituting the Bill of Rights. Therefore the Court created a national law re-defining a right of privacy as an avenue for the elimination of a God-given right to life. Perhaps it would have been prudent for the Court to take a closer look at (among other things) the Bible, the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

The Court's ideological and explicit rejection of the fetal "right to life" argument also failed to consider the ethical and medical aspects of human conception and pre-natal life. And, in the years since, also largely rejected the medical scientific and technological advances which have only confirmed the truth of when human life actually begins. This has had fatal consequences for tens of millions of unborn babies and left an untold and immeasurable void that only their presence, love, and unique gifts could have filled in the lives of families and friends and contributed to society and culture. And beyond this, the emotional, psychological and medical consequences of abortion for untold numbers of young girls and women is incalculable.

History has shown that the value of human life is the thread that connects virtually all humanitarian causes and it is at the root of most every major question facing humanity today. As President Ronald Reagan expressed it in 1988, "We cannot diminish the value of one category of human life - the unborn - without diminishing the value of all human life..." In 1995 Norma McCorvey revealed that she became a Christian and consequently pro-life. In her testimony to Congress in 1998 in an effort to have Roe v. Wade overturned she stated "It was my pseudonym, Jane Roe, which had been used to create the "right"

History 7

to abortion out of legal thin air.” “I signed the affidavit that brought the holocaust of abortion onto this nation...I'm just really grateful I'm in the kingdom of God now, and all is forgiven.” She documented much of her conversion story in her 1997 autobiography, "Won by Love." As a part of her pro-life work, she started the ministry "Roe No More" in 1997.

McCorvey passed away in 2017.

In looking back, there have been approximately 62 million babies aborted in the United States since Roe v.

Wade. In looking ahead, we must be attentive and proactive to what kind of society we will be and what kind of government we will choose and tolerate. Do we want a culture of life, one which is responsible in protecting the rights of human beings - unborn, “abnormal”, infirmed and unwanted, and whose dignity and worth depend not on their convenience to individuals, utility to the state, “quality of life”, or profits for a reprehensable industry but on their inherent value from and to the God who created each and every one of them in His image and for His glory.

Beyond what many people believe to be a matter of only personal choice, the right to life is a foundational determinant and safeguard for all unalienable human rights, individual freedom, an enduring moral order, and stable self-government. And, it will continue to define who we are – individually and as a nation.

8 Faith

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 20, 2021

Arkie’s Faith: The Harp Glissando

By Richie Lawry The lighting was dim, and Megan joined in the noisy chatter as the elementary students streamed into the cafeteria. The tables were against the walls, and the chairs in the middle of the room faced an impromptu stage.

The children were entranced by what they saw under the lights of the stage.

An impressively large and ornate harp seemed to magically rise from its small pedestal base to a height taller than the students.

Megan found a seat near the back of the room and waited for the assembly to begin. After a couple of announcements, the principal introduced the woman with the harp. Beautiful music filled the room as the woman started to play. Megan listened intently.

“That is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard,” she thought. After a few songs, the woman stopped playing and started telling the students about the harp.

Megan had noticed that some of the harp strings were colored and some were not. She wondered why. Her ears perked up when the woman began to explain.

“The strings of a harp are color-coded for quick reference,” she said. “On my harp, all the C strings are red, and all the F strings are black, although, on some harps, the F strings might be dark blue. All of the other strings are not colored.” She continued, “why are the strings colored? It is simply so we harpists can find our place at a glance.”

“Do I have any volunteers who would like to come up and play the harp?” Almost every hand in the room shot up.

Megan wanted to see the harp up close and to touch the strings, but she was a quiet, timid little girl, sitting in the

back. She was sure that the student chosen would not be her.

“I will choose one boy and one girl,” the woman said. After selecting a boy from the front of the room, she looked towards the back and pointed directly at Megan. Megan slowly walked up to the front of the room, with her heart beating fast. She could not believe that the woman chose her. She was shy about being in front of all her classmates but excited about the harp.

When Megan reached the front, she forgot about everyone in the audience.

Her only focus was the beautiful harp in front of her. The woman with the harp said, “ladies first,” and Megan found herself directly next to the harp.

“Do you remember when I talked about the colored strings?” the woman asked. “C is red, and F is black. Find a C and play it for me.” Megan reached out and plucked a red string. With that first note, it was a done deal; she wanted to play this instrument.

“Next,” the woman said, “we are going to play a glissando. It is one of the most beautiful sounds that the harp makes, and you will be able to do it. It is played by rapidly sliding your finger along the strings like this.” The sound seemed magical to Megan. “Now you do it,” the woman said. As she drew her

finger along the strings and heard the glissando, Megan knew that she wanted to learn to play the harp and make beautiful music.

Megan talked to her parents about playing the harp for a year before they agreed, saying, “we will find you a harp teacher.”

From that moment on, playing the harp was a priority for Megan.

She did not know what that would look like, but she just knew that she wanted to play the harp. She received a Bachelor of Music in harp from the University of Arizona and a Master of Music from the University of Texas at Austin.

She gained a Premiere Prix from the music conservatory in Grasse, France, under Alessandra Magrini and Elisabeth Fontan-Binoche’s tutelage.

Megan’s music showcases a mix of jazz, folk, contemporary, and classical styles that always drive after authentic, meaningful expression. She is an accomplished performer and avid collaborative artist, working with numerous artists in other disciplines, including songwriters, composers, dancers, choreographers, visual artists, poets, and studio musicians.

I heard Megan’s story in her interview on the podcast, Instrumental with JJ Heller. After telling the story of her life

pursuing excellence on the harp, even moving to France to learn from the living legend Elisabeth Fontan-Binoche, Megan recounted the story of her first experience with a harp. That day in the cafeteria at her elementary school profoundly changed her life.

In retrospect, her future hinged on that seemingly unimportant moment.

During the interview, Megan said, “we can never really guess what God has in store for us.”

In his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul wrote, “No one has ever seen, no one has ever heard, no one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (ERV) I know that Christians usually quote this verse in connection with heaven. I do believe that we can not imagine the wonders of living eternally with God. But I think that the verse also contains an essential lesson for our lives here on this earth. When young Megan walked into her school assembly that day, she could not imagine her future life as an accomplished performer on the harp who teaches in her private studio in Cabris, France. But God had plans for her.

Gentle Reader, just like God had plans for Megan Metheney to make beautiful music on the harp, He has plans for you.

In Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV), God says, “I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

What are God’s plans for your life? I don’t know. But I do know that he has a plan. You can be just as sure as David was when he said, “the Lord will work out his plans for my life; for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.”

Psalms 138:8 (NLT)

Joke of the Week: Donʻt yell into a colander. You might strain your voice.

Replacing windshields in Polk County for forty years.

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

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Humor 9

January 20, 2021

Hogspore News

Dough Punchers Prep for Pie Week

By Clet Litter from the Ozarks The town celerbrates National Handwriting Day on January 20. Sorry, if this is not much notice. I’ll have to mention it earlier next year, once I find a blank piece of paper, and maybe a quill and ink … and a book on Calligraphy.

Pie Week starts on Friday, January 29. Local livestock are getting skittish, specially the ones that are living on a farm with a baker. Dough punchers are storing lard for the tasty upcoming piecrusts. If we run out of lard, we’re gonna have to sacrifice a few animals for the good of Muleberry County pie-loving citizens.

A high-speed chase of a wheelchair hijacking occurred on the grounds of Larry’s Assisted Living Facility and Funeral Home. Sheriff Reilly Combover come up with some Sherlocking supposing. He reckoned that the perp who stole the wheelchair would be heading downhill to promote his getaway.

The sheriff found him at the bottom of a holler. The feller musta had a fair clip going when he ran off the edge of Winslow’s Slope. They call it a slope cause it ain’t a full 90-degree drop, more like 85 degrees. If the drop was only three feet, the ruthless rascal coulda walked away with no injuries. Too bad that the plunge goes on for five hundred yards before it ends at Winslow’s Used Wrought Iron Fence Storage Pit. That’s a pure fall of five football fields, if you play football on the side of a cliff.

Real estate ads are reflecting the current culture. Here's one listing for a ten-acre homestead near the southern border of the county. “Nice Ranch style home, four large bedrooms, two baths. Three-car garage. Upgraded heavy-duty electrical system. No window treatments, but there is new aluminum foil in all the windows, plus a Bonus Meth Room.”

Reducing the size of the font on the latest positive number of pandemic cases ain’t the same as reporting smaller numbers this month.

Hardy Barkins was complaining about his finances. He said, “My income bracket is so small that it forms a square.”

Hope folks took time to speculate on Martin Luther King Jr. Day how much more we have to do, before we get to the “I Have a Dream.”

“He reckoned that the perp who stole the wheelchair would be heading downhill to promote his getaway.”

You can contact Clet Litter at bobsimpson1947@yahoo.com.

Happy New Year!

During the Holiday Season, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and on those who have helped us grow our business in Polk County and the surrounding area. We value our relationship with you and look forward to serving you for many years to come. We wish you a New Year filled with Peace and Prosperity.

Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

www.ffb1.com

THE POLK COUNTY

10 Community

January 20, 2021

Pulse

Attention sought for Highway 71 projects

By Jeri Pearson Residents and travelers through Polk County have experienced issues with the conditions of US Highway 71, and those issues are being addressed.

Representative John Maddox said the pavement will soon get a face lift, with the project bid having been awarded to a contractor.

“There has been a delay,” Maddox said. “The contractor flagged the highway, but for reasons related to COVID, the project was temporarily suspended and then weather and season concerns made it necessary to wait a little longer for the project to fully begin in earnest.”

In addition to the pavement, passing lanes in Polk and Scott County are also on the Arkansas Department of Transportation’s (ARDOT) radar.

The public is asked to show their interest in the addition of passing lanes by participating in a virtual conference or expressing opinions online.

The

The virtual meeting pertains to proposed plans to construct northbound and southbound passing lanes on Highway 71 between Mena and “Y” City in Polk and Scott Counties.

The public is invited to listen, view meeting materials, and provide written comments. The website will be available for comments until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 29.

The web address to virtual meeting is: https://vpiph01-040787-mena-ycity-passing-lanes-hwy-71-ardot.hub. arcgis.com/ A link to the virtual meeting will be available at mypulsenews.com and on the Pulse Facebook.

The link will take you to the online neighborhood public meeting website.

This website will provide project materials and handouts that would have been shown at the in-person meetings.

A separate link (on that page) will provide a Spanish version of the presentation. There will also be an option to send online comment forms to AR-

DOT staff, or you can print the form and mail it to, Environmental Division, 10324 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR 72209.

If you do not have internet access, please contact Karla Sims at 501-5692000 to ask questions about the proposed project and how to access project information at karla.sims@ardot.gov.

“Please remember if you agree with me and you think we need more passing lanes on Hwy 71 in Polk and Scott counties please do the survey - it does not take long,” Maddox said.

One of Maddox’s main reasons for running for office was the condition of HWY 71.

“It appeared to me 71 through Polk County is one of the worst highways in state,” he said. “Through Mena is the worst part.”

Maddox said he gave the ARDOT engineer a tour through Mena after taking office to show the condition of the highway.

“Ever since that time, every week I

follow up with him and the highway commissioners and the executive of ARDOT about Hwy 71,” Maddox said.

“I feel there is not enough passing and safe passing areas in Polk and Scott county as you’re are headed north on 71,” he continued. “It’s not efficient and not safe. We have all seen people who want to pass, get impatient and take a risk they shouldn’t. Adding separate passing lanes is a critical need.

“I think it sends the wrong message to people who are here visiting or thinking about relocating.”

Maddox said because the highway is a state responsibility, residents should communicate their opinions to ARDOT at this time.

“By filling out the questionnaire and offering comments, it allows the state to understand the needs of the area,” Maddox said. “They are asking the public if they feel it is necessary. I think it’s is.”

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THE POLK COUNTY

Community 11 Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon held with numerous successes

Pulse

By Jeri Pearson The 2021 Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon opened the new year with one very challenging marathon, bringing in participants from across Arkansas and several states.

Stacey Shaver-Matson, event participant and volunteer, said this year’s annual race presented more than just trail obstacles to overcome.

“This year there were more hoops to jump through, it was more expensive, and required more from our volunteers but it was all worth it in the end,” she said.

The event was a success, with 155 runners toeing the line, 9 of those finishing in less than 5 hours, and both the male and female records broken.

TJ David, from Carbondale, CO was the first male, finishing in 4:07, breaking a 10 year old record held by Tom Brennan.

Shane Poland, from Vilonia, AR was only 7 minutes off the winning time.

“If we hadn’t had to enforce a staggered start this year there is no telling how that finish might have played out,” Stacey said. “It would have been something to see for sure.”

The winning female was Zoe Rom from Aspen, Co, finishing in 4:58:11.

She is the first female to break 5 hours at ABF. Aside from the fast times, there were two big stories that came out of this year’s event. 17 year old twins from Mena, Angelina and Christianna Moe, completed their first marathon.

“Not many people would choose to run their first marathon on the toughest course in the south,” Stacey said. “They have completed the fun run a couple of times, with their dad Malcolm, so I have had the privilege of witnessing these young ladies and their running abilities grow over the years.”

Angelina and Christianna said they have been participating in ABF for three years, but this was the year they finished the marathon.

The ladies credit their participation and accomplishment to their father sharing his love of running with them.

“Our dad is very much obsessed with running,” Angelina said. “He wanted to

January 20, 2021

do it as a family.”

The twins said they have participated in other runs and races, but that the ABF is one of the toughest trail marthons in the south.

“You go over eight mountains and the hardest part is going back over the second one,” Angelina said. “I was not expecting it to be this hard. Going back over the mountain the second time was insane. My legs kept cramping up. I stopped counting how many times, but dad kept encouraging me. I didn’t think I was going to finish.”

The pair said their moments of doubt were overcome with encouragement from their father and another runner.

“My hopes for finishing the run were slim, so when I got to the halfway point, I said I wanted to stop,” Christianna said.

“But Angel wanted me to finish and another runner told me how happy I would ABF Trail is Monster of a Marathon be and encouraged me to finish.”

Courtesy Photos “The other runner said if I stopped now I would regret it for weeks, but if I Angelina and Christianna Moe (top right and background photo) and Stacey Shaver-Matson (bottom finished I will feel so much satisfaction,” photo) tackle the challenges at the 2021 Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon.

Christianna said. “The other runner said I could definitely do more than I thought I could.”

Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon and 17 mile Fun Run were first held in 1999 with 4 runners, and it has since grown to 200 runners.

“We cap the event at 200 now for safety and ecological reasons,” Stacey said.

“Despite the growth, we were not only able to maintain the feel of a small event but we were able to keep the event safe.”

“Safety is a big priority for me because made possible by your friends at this event is so remote and the course so difficult. Keeping the race safe this year was especially difficult with Covid.”

She said she felt extra pressure to get this year’s event done right.

Posh Pet Salon “I had to have knee surgery, due to a fall while trail running, just 11 days before the race, as well as a stress fracture in my foot on the opposite side,” she explained. “It was a challenging year to say the least, but the end results were oh so sweet! The Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon and Fun Run brought joy to a lot of people in a time where joy is hard to come by. I was happy to be a small part of that.”

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(479) 216-1896 Visit us on Facebook!

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pulsemmnews@mypulsenews.com

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12 Sports

THE POLK COUNTY

ATTENTION PARENTS AND ATHLETES:

Registration for Spring sports at Aubrey Tapley Park, baseball and softball, are set to begin as soon as information can be distributed. Approval has been received from Arkansas Dept. of Health.

- From the Mena Adevertising and Promotion Comission

Basketball Round up!

Mena basketball on Saturday Sr. JV Boys / Mena-51 Waldron-48 7th grade Boys / Mena-21 Mansfield-19 7th Grade Girls / Mena-18 Mansfield-9 Jr. JV Boys / Mena-26 Mansfield-20 Sr. Girls / Idabel-63 Mena-58 Sr. Boys / Idabel-43 Mena-33

Pulse

January 20, 2021

Mena at DeQueen on Monday.

7th Girls / DeQueen-26 Mena-12 Jr. JV Boys / Mena-24 DeQueen-13 Jr. Girls / Mena-37 DeQueen-10 Jr. Boys / Mena-42 DeQueen-15 The Mena at Malvern on Friday.

Sr. Girls / Mena-68 Malvern-22 Sr. Boys / Malvern-51 Mena-37

Mena High School Band

Region 8 All Region Concert Bands: Jaci Allen- 3rd band, 2 nd chair Flute Katie Benefield-3rd band, 8th chair Flute Ranessa Ricker-3rd band, 11th chair Flute Annika Thompson-1st band, 2nd chair Oboe Lexi Williams-2nd band, 4th chair Clarinet Lexi Dilbeck-2nd band, 15 h chair Clarinet Suzanne Lawrence2nd band, 18th chair Clarinet Breezy Hendrix-3rd band, 3rd chair Bass

Clarinet Emily Holloway-Alto Saxophone Alternate Kate McDonald-2nd band, 2nd chair Tenor Saxophone Cadence Barnes-2nd band, 3rd chair Tenor Saxophone Shylee Head-2nd band, 1st chair Bari Saxophone Levi McIntyre-2nd band, 13th chair Trumpet Esmerelda JohnsonTrumpet Alternate Gage Gorden-Trom-

Mena High School’s Arkansas All-State Band Try-Out: Annika Thompson, Lexi Williams, Kate McDonald, Shylee Head, Ayden Ludwig, and Samuel Cross

David Henderson M.D.

Holly Springs Real Estate, LLC

Now accepting Patients.

1114 A Highway 71 S, Mena, AR 71953 Keith Aleshire Principal Broker

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Recent major renovations to the home created a stunning open concept great room w/Stone Fireplace, custom built Staircase and Kitchen Cabinetry of American BlackWalnut. The home's 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 baths include a downstairs Suite & a beautiful upstairs Suite w/stone fireplace, cathedral ceiling & back stairway. 20'x40' Salt-water inground pool and 12'x12' tanning ledge, gazebo, deck & screened porch are perfect for entertaining. There are 3 Barns, 2 ponds, fenced pasture land great for horses and/or cattle. MLS20031765 $795,000

bone Alternate Ayden Ludwig-2nd band, 3rd chair Baritone Layla Spenser-3rd band, 2nd chair Baritone Samuel Cross-2nd band, 1st chair Tuba Daniel McDonald-3rd band, 6th chair Tuba Alexia Minzel-2nd band, 8th chair Percussion Summer Loar-3rd band, 4th chair Percussion

Call 394.7301 to make your appointment!

Adult Patients Age 18+

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 20, 2021

Sports 13

Bucks prepare for first season Newly formed baseball and softball teams take to the practice field

By Trey Youngdahl

UARM has just launched their baseball program and with the Bucks’ first game on Jan. 29 against Paris Junior College, they’ve been working hard in preparation for their first season. The practicing window opened Jan. 4.

With the team being new, Coach Spigner has been grinding to whip his boys into shape for the coming season.

The team is made up of mostly freshmen, with the exception of a handful of players that the Bucks picked up from four-year schools.

They aren’t discouraged by their ex-

perience level however, considering they were able to effectively compete with the other teams in the thirteen pre-season games in the fall.

Coach Spigner is well known for his time in the late 1980s when he played for the UCA Bears. During that time, he was named All Conference.

After his four years with the Bears, he coached baseball for 28 years and brought the Horatio Lions 18 conference/district championships and five state championships. That experience and the credibility that comes along with it made him the perfect choice to lead the Bucks into their first season.

Preparing with Practice Photos by Trey Youngdahl

The University of Arkansas at Rich Mountain Bucks Baseball team practices Monday as they prepare for the season to begin. Games are scheduled for January Friday 29 at 6 p.m.; Saturday 30 at 1 p.m. and Sunday 31 at 4 p.m. at Paris Junior College:

TRANSCENDENCE energy + body work

THE POLK COUNTY

14 Around Town

January 20, 2021

Vandervoort Elementary School Perfect Attendance

1st Semester (2020-2021) Kindergarten: Wyatt Vaughn First Grade: Ember Davis, Madison Holbrook, Audrey Sellers, Gwen Sellers Second Grade: Cara Cumpton, Bryce Cureton, Cedric Rogers, Max Rye, Brody Ward Third Grade: Evan Baxter, Smitty Baxter, Falynn Ward Fourth Grade: Aspen Boldrey Fifth Grade: Izaiah Dixon Sixth Grade: Lilly Long 2nd 9 Weeks (2020-2021) Kindergarten: Honesty Joream, Wyatt Vaughn

First Grade: Grayson Clark, Gunner Clark, Ember Davis, Madison Holbrook, Jaxon Mullen, Audrey Sellers, Gwen Sellers, Rebekah Vandegrift Second Grade: Cara Cumpton, Bryce Cureton, Katie Gibbons, Cedric Rogers, Max Rye, Brody Ward Third Grade: Evan Baxter, Smitty Baxter, Amelia Espinola, Falynn Ward Fourth Grade: Aspen Boldrey, Joslyn Watkins Fifth Grade: Izaiah Dixon Sixth Grade: Natalie Bailey, Jamey Johnson , Lilly Long

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

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

Around Town

Pulse

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 3 p.m. Sunday, at 5 p.m. Tuesday and at 8p.m.

Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call 479-234-8366 or 479-216-3786 Narcotics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m. Monday, at 7 p.m. Thurday, at 7 p.m.

Friday, and at 6 p.m. Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call 479-216-5812.

The Mena Lioness Club is asking the community to make donations to the Backpack Program, which sends food home with children during the school year. It cost $126 to sponsor one child for the year, or $14 a month. To help assist the program and help a food insecure child through this program, drop off donations at UnionBank, to the BackPack program or mail donations to Mena Lioness Lions, PO Box 688, Mena AR 71953.

OLT Presents “Love Letters” OLT hopes to bring their regular schedule back as soon as possible, but in the meantime, the theatre group will continue to bring socially distant smaller productions to the stage.

There is much excitement for the next play entitled “Love Letters”, which will take place February 13 and 14. Robby and Gini Burt will perform this readers theater style show on Valentineʼs Day weekend. Their excellent acting skills will bring to life this touching story of two lifelong friends whose complicated relationship is observed through letters to one another. CDC guidelines, including masks and limited audience size, are still in effect.

Watch social media and this newspaper source for details of this and other upcoming shows this spring.

The Board of Ouachita Little Theatre recently declared January to be a “dark” month, which means the theater was closed to all public events during the first month of 2021.

Since our patronsʼ safety is paramount to us, this time was used to execute a deep cleaning and professional disinfecting regimen to the building. Repairs and modifications also took place to enhance a comfortable and safe environment.

The OLT office will be open only on Fridays from 10:00 – 2:00 until further notice. You can purchase season tickets at 610 Mena Street. The Memory Maker service is also located there where you can turn your old VCR tapes into DVDʼs for long lasting preservation at a very reasonable cost.

The staff and players at OLT hope to see you soon!!

ARVAC, Inc. will be distributing commodities Wednesday, January 20th at the Polk County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. For more information call the local ARVAC, Inc, office at 479-394-4707.

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

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 20, 2021

Art & Culture 15

Photos awarded at Mena Art Gallery

By Trey Youngdahl The Mena Art Gallery hosted their annual Photography Show, where photographers from across the country competed for various cash prizes.

There was discussion on how the show was going to be conducted or if the show was even going to be able to take place because of covid precautions. The board decided to do the show online, by way of the gallery’s website and social media, with only two of the competing works in the physical gallery. The works that were featured in the show can still be viewed on The Mena Art Gallery’s website, southwestartists.org, and also on their social media.

Winning Best in Show was Brittney Matthews’ work “Angel Kissed”. Though the judged voting is complete, works may still be viewed, and votes can be cast for People’s Choice. To vote for your favorite piece for the People’s Choice award by Jan. 30, you can either vote from Clockwise from top left: Angel Kissed- Best in Show by Brittney Matthews; God’s Reflection- Second the gallery’s Instagram or Facebook pages, or email Lynn Place by Levi Holmes; Flying Brown Pelican- Honorable Mention by Lowell Thomas; The Scattering Greenwade at email@menaartgallery.org.

Winds- First Place by Brittney Matthews; Heya - Third Place by Danette Steele.

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16 Community

THE POLK COUNTY

January 20, 2021

Pulse

Preliminary trail designs presented to AP Commission

By Jeri Pearson Plans for a bike trail to be developed by the Mena Advertising and Promotion Commission are making tracks.

A preliminary design, developed by Progressive Trail Design, was submitted to the commission.

“This is a preliminary report for Mountain Bike/Hiking trails at the Ward Lake property with a map and description,” AP Chair Rick Chrisman said. “This is only 10% of their work toward a Master Trail Plan. The Commission will have considerable input as future plans and meetings take place.”

Chrisman said he is hopeful a partnership with Mena Open Trail Alliance (MOTA) can be developed.

“MOTA has worked for years maintaining and developing trails in our area,” Chrisman said.

According to the Progressive Trail Design report, “the Ward Lake property is an excellent amenity for trails development and possible connection to

the city center. It was also mentioned that the lower area below the dam may be improved for camping. Currently there is a gun range on property and that will need to be relocated for trail user safety on the southwest end of the property.

“The forest condition is healthy, and the terrain is excellent for trails development. PTD walked the entire property 3 times to gain a holistic view & to ground truth areas of potential concern/points of interest. In general, it was concluded that the Ward Lake Basin would not be the best location for trails so our designs do not utilize that zone. Furthermore, much of the design is a bike-optimized contour-flow trail, as it is the most appropriate for the site and will be used by a wider demographic of users.”

The Progressive Trail Design philosophy behind the design is to create unique experiences by having several zones. The system can be experienced as a whole or as smaller loops.

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There is a main loop (green trail) that will be a more multi-use experience and circumnavigates the lake basin with the north dam being a nice point of interest.

The west bank has room for two trails above the main loop.

The blue trail on the map sits midway up the western slope acting as a connector to the yellow trail that will have much more elevation change.

Any opportunity on sections with

sustained descent will have flow elements and features to enhance the experience while keeping this trail dual direction.

The yellow trail also connects to the camp area below the dam.

The pink trail navigates the eastern slopes above the northern dam climbs up the natural shelves into a very pretty section of forest full of large boulders and old growth trees. It connects the main lake loop near the northern dam, joins to cross a wet weather drain and then rejoins the lake loop trail close to the trailhead on the eastern side of Ward Lake Dam. The last trail is the orange in color and connects the trailhead and the campground area below the dam.

“This field report represents 10% of our design,” the report states. “We are still working on many aspects and revising our ideas. The connection to Earthquake Ridge Trail and other considerations utilizing the MOTA design

THE POLK COUNTY

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January 20, 2021

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

POLK COUNTY ARRAIGNMENTS Tony Caldwell, white male, age 66, is accused of one count of possession of a shedule I or II controlled substance, a Class ‘D’ felony on November 3.

Justin Gleen Heflin, white male, age 34, is accused of one count of domestic battery in the second degree, a class ‘C’ felony; one count of endangering the welfare of a minor, third degree, a class ‘B’ misdemeanor; one count of interference with emergency communication, firt degree, a class ‘A’ misdemeanor; and one count of aggravated assault on a family member or household member, a class ‘D’ felony on January 7.

Anthony M. Robertson, white male, age 30, is accused of one count of aggrvated assault, a class ‘D’ felony; one count of residential burglary, a class ‘B’ felony; and one count of criminal mishief in the 1st degree, a class ‘A’ misdemeanor on January 6.

Michael C. Martin, white male, age 37, is accused of one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, a class ‘D’ felony on January 7.

Troy Caleb Denton, white male, age 29, is accused of one count of aggravated assault, a class ‘D’ felony; one count of violation of an order of protection, a class ‘A’ misdemeanor; one count of criminal mischeif in the first degree, a class ‘D’ felony on January 7.

Troy Caleb Denton, white male, age 29, is accused of one count of aggravated assault, a class ‘D’ felony; one count of terroristic act, a class ‘B’ felony; a count of violation of an

order of protection, a class ‘A’ misdemeaner on January 7.

Justin Ashley, white male, age 27 is accused of one count of criminal mischeif in the first degree, a class ‘B’ felony on January 7.

Justin Ashley, white male, age 27 is accused of one count of failure to appear, a class ‘C’ felony on January 7.

Dustin Trevor Swinney, white male, age 31 is accused of one count of possession of drug paraphernalis, a class ‘D’ felony; one count of fleeing, a class ‘A’ misdemeanor; one count of possession of firearms by certain persons, a class ‘D’ felony; one count of possession of methamphetamine wiht the purpose to deliver, a class ‘B’ felony; simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, a class ‘Y’ felony; one count of possession of drug paraphernalis, a class ‘A’ misdemeanor; one count of possession of a controlled substance, a class ‘A’ misdemeanor; and one count of possession of a scheduled I or II controlled substance, a class ‘D’ felony on January 7.

Barbara Greer Braun, white female, age 20 is accused of one count of possession of drug paraphernalis, a class ‘D’ felony; one count of possession of methamphetamine with the purpose to deliver, a class ‘B’ felony; one count of simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, a class ‘Y’ felony; possession of drug paraphernalia, a class ‘A’ misdemeanor; one count of possession of a controlled substance, a class ‘A’ misdemeanor on January 7.

Trae A. Clouse, white male, age 29 is accused of one count of possession of a schedule II controlled substance, a class ‘D’ felony; one count of endangering the welfare of a minor in

the first degree, a class ‘D’ felony; and one count of fleeing, a class ‘D’ felony on January 7.

Casey Nicole Trantham, white female, age 23 is accused of one count of possession of a schedule II controlled substance, a class ‘D’ felony; one count of possession of a schedule IV or V controlled substance, a class ‘A’ misdemeanor; one count of possession of a controlled sustance, a class ‘A’ misdemeanor; and one count of drug paraphernalia, a class ‘D’ felony on January 7.

Jacob L. Baker, white male, age 36 is accused of one count of internet stalking of a child, a class ‘Y’ felony; and one count of computer child pornography, a class ‘B’ felony on January 7.

Allen Timothy Starr, white male, age 48 is accused of one count of domestic battery in the third drgree, a class ‘D’ felony; two counts of endngering the welfare of a minor in the first degree, a class ‘D’ felony; one count of possession of firearms by certain persons, a class ‘D’ felony; one count of aggravated assault upon a certified law enforcement officer, a class ‘D’ felony; and one count of refusl to submit to arrest, a class ‘B’ misdemeanor on January 7.

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S LOG The following information was received from Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer for the week of January 11, 2021 – January 17, 2021.

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

Police Reports 17 this space in a timely manner.

January 11, 2021 Report of a disturbance led to a juvenile female being issued a Juvenile Citation.

Arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department was Debbie Bennett, 45, of Spiro, Oklahoma on Charges of Fleeing in a Vehicle, Careless and Prohibited Driving, and DWI. January 12, 2021 No reports filed.

January 13, 2021 Report of receiving inappropriate text messages. Deputy responded.

January 14, 2021 No reports filed.

January 15, 2021 Report from complainant on Polk 54 near Dallas Valley of the theft of three ATV’s valued at $8,000.00.

Deputy responded. Investigation continues.

Report of a disturbance led to a juvenile male being issued a Juvenile Citation. The juvenile was released to the custody of a parent/guardian.

Report of suspicious activity at a jobsite. Deputy responded.

January 16, 2021 Report of a domestic altercation on Doris Lane near Mena. Deputy responded. Complainant refused to press charges.

Report of a possible forged check.

Deputy responded.

January 17, 2021 No reports filed.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 17 Incarcerated Inmates, with 13 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

18 News

THE POLK COUNTY

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January 20, 2021

State Crime

ASP Sgt. injured in pursuit An Arkansas State Police sergeant sustained injuries Saturday night while pursuing a suspect, said the agency in a press release.

Sergeant Brown was patrolling in Little Rock along Interstate 30. Briefing after 9 p.m., he tried to stop a suspected stolen vehicle. Authorities said the driver of the car attempted to flee along Roosevelt Road and Sgt. Brown followed. The suspect abandoned the car near the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Springer Street fled into the National Cemetery.

While chasing the suspect on foot, Sgt. Brown was injured as he scaled

a wrought iron fence. Brown called for help on his radio, then other state troopers and Little Rock police officers arrived at the cemetery and began to render medical aid to the trooper.

Later Little Rock police found the suspect, identified as Shaun Eddings, 41, of Malvern, and arrested him.

Eddings faces charges of felony fleeing, reckless driving, possession of an instrument of a crime, first-degree criminal mischief careless and prohibited driving, second-degree assault, and use of another person’s property to facilitate a crime.

From the

US House of Representatives

un-American. We can – we must – be better than this.

Through some of our country’s darkWhile members of Congress est days, we’ve maintained a were peaceably and constitupeaceful transition of power. tionally debating the electoral This year should be no differvotes on Jan. 6, rioters violently ent. We cannot flirt with undostormed the U.S. Capitol, reing the very foundation of our sulting in death, destruction Constitution and pretend that and a national disgrace. This is it will all work out in the end. unacceptable, and I condemn My oath was not to defend these actions in the strongest Bruce a party or a person, it was to terms.

The Constitution explicitly Westerman defend the Constitution of the outlines that federal elections are state United States. I will never stop fighting legislatures’ responsibility, giving Con- for the Constitution and conservative gress a final check with a provision to ideals in Congress, and I know many object to electors. I’ve said all along that of you feel as though your voice isn’t we should let our court system work, being heard. It is, but changes must be and I supported a variety of legal chal- done through the appropriate chanlenges to investigate election fraud alnels. Now, more than ever, we need legations. However, I did not object to to demonstrate strong leadership and the final count of electors.

The failed votes in Congress did work to restore trust in our election nothing to change the outcome of the process through independent audits, Nov. 3 election, nor could they have oversight and more.

This much is clear: what happened changed it had they passed. As much as at the Capitol on many different levels we may not like the results of an election, resorting to mob rule is wholly must never happen again.

A NATIONAL DISGRACE

THE POLK COUNTY

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January 20, 2021

Puzzles 19 01.20.21

01.20.21

E M M A

Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Hello! My name is Emma and I was nicknamed "Elegant Emma" because of my gorgeous and rare look for a female cat. I have soft striped orange and white fur with beautiful eyes. I am about 3 years old and weigh in at about 8 pounds. I am good with children and cats. I am a very confident girl who will come to greet you at the door for love. I am housetrained with a litter box and also comfortable with being outside too. I do enjoy meeting new people. So, come by HSO and ask for Emma.

All selected Pet of the Week animals come with a gift package. This special starter pack for cats includes a collar, bed, toys, shampoo, and litter box liners. All animals at the Humane Society of the Ouachitas are current on their vaccinations and spayed/neutered prior to adoption.

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

20 Classifieds CLASSIFIEDS - EMPLOYMENT CNA class forming now! We’ll sponsor you and provide your training and prepare you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a primary caregiver in our new GreenHouse Cottages! Come fill out application for our CNA class and we’ll be announcing the actual start dates soon. Not Just a CNA — A Shahbazim! Green House Project Shahbazim are changing the face of skilled nursing care by redefining and expanding the role of the certified nursing assistant (CNA).

The Shahbaz (plural form is Shahbazim), is charged with the honor of nurturing, sustaining and caring for the 12 elders who live there in that cottage. A shahbaz is a universal worker who provides a wide range of assistance, including personal care; activities; meal planning, preparation, and service; and laundry care for up to 12 elders. The Shahbazim also perform light housekeeping duties. Through deep knowing, strong relationships, and an organizational structure that keeps much decision making power in the home, the shahbazim are able to create a meaningful life for and with the elders who call The Green House their home. Call Rich Mountain Nursing & Rehabilitation at 479-394-3511.

THE POLK COUNTY

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January 20, 2021

We are looking for more energetic, dependable CNAs and LPNs to join our team as we prepare to move over to the cottages! We offer very competitive pay, benefits and flexible hrs. Come grow with us as we make our residents lives worth living. Applications available for day and night shifts for both CNAs and nurses, and interview can be scheduled for same day. Contact Rich Mountain Nursing & Rehabilitation at 479-394-3511.

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

T12302020 Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also lite deliveries. (870)4901191 T120220

- NOTICE JANUARY 14, 2021

INVITATION TO BID The Polk County Housing Authority will receive sealed bids under HUD procedures for lawn and grounds maintenance services until 3:00p.m.

Thursday, February 11, 2021.

Bid packets are available upon request at the Housing Authority office at 509 South Morrow Street, Mena, AR; Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Ring doorbell for service.

The Authority desires to enter into a contract for these services for a period of two (2) years with the option to renew for two (2) additional one-year periods.

This bid will be to provide lawn and grounds maintenance services at six sites within Polk County. Complete description of services requested and requirements are included in the bid packet.

The Polk County Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids and to waive informalities.

Sealed bids must be received at the Housing Authority office no later 3:00 p.m. Thursday, February 11, 2021 CLEARLY LABELED- LAWN CARE BID 2021.

- FOR SALE Land for Sale, 74 acres - good hunting, lots of timber. 3 ponds, 4 miles east of Story 298 turn left on whippoorwill road, .25 mile on left. (870)867-3653 T012721

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SWEPCO’ offers payment options as delays of mail delivery are experienced SHREVEPORT, La. – Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO) bills are sometimes being delivered past their due dates because of unprecedented delays in mail delivery. As a result, customers may be at risk for late fees, additional deposits and possible disconnections.

SWEPCO’s digital payment options ·Paperless Billing: Enroll in Paperless Billing at SWEPCO.com/Paperless to have SWEPCO bills delivered by email. Customers can view their accounts securely with 24/7 access. ·Billing Alerts: Customers enrolled in billing alerts will receive a text or email alert with a bill's due date and when payment is received. Once the alert is received, customers can visit SWEPCO.com/Account and view the month’s bill. ·Mobile App: Through the SWEPCO mobile app, customers can make a bill payment using a bank account, credit or debit card, or find an in-person payment center. A service fee of $1.85 is collected by BillMatrix when payment is made with a credit or debit card. ·Immediate One-Time Payment: Customers can pay a bill by phone or online using a credit card, debit card, ATM card or checking account. A service fee of $1.85 is collected by BillMatrix when payment is made with a credit or debit card. ·Checkless Payment: This payment option is available for qualifying residential and commercial customers with satisfactory credit history. The amount owed is automatically transferred to SWEPCO from a checking or savings account on each bill's due date. Customers receive the bill beforehand, allowing time to review it before payment is deducted.

Customers can enroll in a bill payment option online at SWEPCO.com or by phone at 1-888-216-3523. Customer Service Agents are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

THE POLK COUNTY

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January 20, 2021

Ouachita Bushcraft & Survival

SURVIVALIST EXTRAORDINAIRE

By Steven E. Stillwell

IT’S TIME TO FIND OUT: Do you possess the necessary skills to call yourself a survivalist? Reality television programs such as; Naked and Afraid, Man verses Wild, Survivor Man, Dual Survivor, and Alone have been captivating audiences for approximately a decade now, and the viewer subscribership is continually gaining momentum, with millions of Americans and Canadians watching! Two of the most popular social media hubs, YouTube and FaceBook, are being flooded with skilled and amateur outdoorsmen alike, who are promoting and showcasing their Bushcrafting skills. Some of these individuals are teaching professional classes, while others are just posting their adventures for fun. So the question remains; are you a survivalist who can sustain yourself with minimal provisions in a wilderness setting for a prolonged period without succumbing to the elements?

I recently had the privilege to interview the SEASON SIX winner of ALONE, Jordan Jonas, and needless to say, I was impressed. HARCORE SURVIVAL isn’t something that should be approached with a haphazard attitude, so Jordan and I spoke on several different occasions so we could convey a positive message!

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the ALONE CHALLENGE, thousands of people apply for this annual program by sending pictures, videos, and resumes, but only TEN make the cut. All of the contestants are allowed to pick 10 essential items from a preapproved list, and trust me; it’s a complicated process! When the survivalist picks one tool, they’re foregoing another, and this mandates having a solid strategy.

BUSHCRAFTING IS CREATIVITY IN ITS PURIST FORM. Many of the former contestants have displayed

incredible ingenuity by crafting additional tools from scavenged and natural resources! Fishing lures, rods and reels, spoons, bowls, small boats, game snares, deadfalls, and hunting implements are just a few of the items that I’ve observed on previous shows.

WHEN THE SELECTION PROCESS IS COMPLETE, the candidates are taken to a remote location with the program’s expert support team where they receive additional training.

HANDS-ON DEMONSTRATIONS, ensure that each contestant is up for the task. When this phase is complete, all of the backpacks are loaded, and the cast members are transported via helicopter or boat to their predetermined spot. Everyone is dropped off in a separate location, hundreds of miles from civilization, and approximately ten, to seven miles from one another, hence the title, ALONE. The one who survives the longest receives a grand prize of $500,000 dollars!

Before I interviewed Jordan, I compiled a specific, bullet-point list of questions to ask, so we could analyze and learn from his experience. When you read his responses, I’m confident that many of you will recognize some of the common traits that we all share!

SOME OF THE MOST DEFINING QUALITIES ARE; you can never learn enough, being versatile, and constantly striving to become more proficient.

Jordan survived for 77 days in Northern Canada, and he was only 70 miles south of the Arctic Circle in an area known as, GREAT SLAVE LAKE. He was also the first contestant in the history of the ALONE program to harvest a big game animal, a BULL MOOSE, with his recurve bow, which counted as one of his 10 items! This feat of endurance also entailed being exposed to severe temperatures that plummeted to -10 degrees, and the season was only late fall.

Steve Stillwell: Tell me about yourself? Where are you from, what’s your background, and do you have a profession?

JORDAN JONAS: Wow, that’s a broad question. I was actually born in

Illinois, but I grew up on a farm in Idaho. I consider myself to be {a jack-of-all trades} in the construction realm. I’ve done everything, including electrical, plumbing, demolition, remodeling, and carpentry. I also love animals, big and small, bee-keeping, tending goats and cows, things like that.

Steve Stillwell: What are your hobbies and passions? Tell me what motivates you?

JORDAN JONAS: I enjoy several things that are outdoor related, like hiking, foraging for mushrooms, and camping in the mountains, especially out West where you can get some inspiration. I also enjoy deer hunting, but I’ve never used a rifle to kill one in the United States, it’s always been with a bow!

Steve Stillwell: So you’re telling me in a roundabout way that you’ve hunted with a rifle in a foreign country?

JORDAN JONAS: Yah, I hunted with the native Evenki, when I lived in Siberia, but mainly, I just tagged along.

Steve Stillwell: Please elaborate on your deer hunting? What’s the best animal you’ve taken on this continent?

JORDAN JONAS: I don’t consider

Outdoors 21

myself to be a trophy hunter; I just like to fill my freezer up with meat to feed my family. The largest thing that I’ve taken so far was that moose in Canada.

TALK ABOUT SETTING THE BAR HIGH, we both began to laugh when I told Jordan that he couldn’t harvest anything bigger than that incredible Bull Moose. He used a technique that he’d learned in Siberia to funnel the animals into a corridor, enabling him to get within archery range to pull off his shot. After identifying their travel routes, by scouting for tracks, droppings, and other distinguishable signs, he used his camp ax to chop down some smaller trees, thus creating several barriers to alter their course! He also found some old, rusted tin-cans when he was exploring on another occasion. These were most likely discarded by Canadian trappers, decades ago, and they factored into his equation.

With his fishing line, Jordan rigged up some trip wires that would sound a noisy, rattling, can-clanking alarm. HIS PLAN WORKED PERFECTLY, and a few days later, he bagged his quarry after it stumbled into the killing zone!

BUSHCRAFT continued on page22

22 Outdoors BUSHCRAFT continued from page 21

Steve Stillwell: When did you become seriously interested in Bushcrafting and survival?

JORDAN JONAS: I’ve always been interested in the outdoors, even at a young age. When I traveled to Russia and lived with the natives in Siberia, this was a practical learning experience, because these people did things that worked. I’d consider this to be AN ABOVE, AND BEYOND lesson in survival.

Steve Stillwell: Can you tell me what your goals are, both long-term and short?

JORDAN JONAS: I was thinking about starting a survival school, and possibly writing a manual. I’d also like to spend more time with my family and work on some personal projects, like remodeling our home!

Steve Stillwell: Now it’s time to get down to the proverbial nitty-gritty, what would you consider to be your strongest survival skill?

JORDAN JONAS: Most certainly, the mental aspect and staying positive! Being {a jack of all trades} helps, because you’ve got to be well rounded and have a broad range of knowledge. I wouldn’t consider myself to be an expert at any one particular skill, but knowing how to do a lot of things adds up. There’s always room for improvement, and we can always learn more.

Steve Stillwell: Let’s talk about self evaluation. Is there a particular skill that needs improvement?

JORAD JONAS: I’d like to improve on my fishing skills. That Northern Pike I caught on the show, was the big-

THE POLK COUNTY

January 20, 2021 gest fish that I’d ever landed in my life.

We did a lot of fishing when I lived in Russia too, and I learned a few tricks, but there’s one thing that really worries me, and that’s pollution.

CONSERVATION IS VITAL. I respected the fact that Jordan was concerned about the environment, and in my opinion, all of us should be. When he mentioned pollution, he was talking about everyone being good stewards on a global scale, and taking care of our rivers, streams and waterways! Numerous cultures sustain their families and villages by harvesting edible resources from the oceans! If we’re not careful, mercury, crude oil, radioactive waste, garbage and other hazardous materials could take their toll on the planet’s aquatic life. Red tide is also a viable threat, killing everything in its wake.

IT’S COMMON KNOWLEDGE that cold weather burns calories, therefore people living in subzero temperatures must ingest a sufficient amount of fat to sustain themselves. Following his moose harvest, Jordan was plagued by marauding wolverines that were craving his stockpile! To counter these nightly raids, he constructed an elevated food cache, reset his tripwire alarms, and patiently waited to catch his culprits. A few nights later, his efforts paid off, and he was able to dispatch one of these gnarly, growling predators with his ax, but shortly thereafter, more raids would follow, because bandits usually run in pairs.

IT’S THE FOURTH QUARTER, SO DON’T QUIT. In spite of these setbacks, and a few others, Jordan managed to stay focused and positive. THIS IS A LESSON WE CAN NEVER FORGET. When others would have conceded, he used his wits, and fought with all

of his strength to stay in the game. Survival is the ultimate mental challenge!

Steve Stillwell: You’re a very upbeat, and positive guy, let’s delve into this topic. Can you tell me how you managed to do this?

JORDAN JONAS: Being multifaceted, helps, and having some food was great. I don’t have a lot of, skeletons in the closet, and things to distract me. I tried to stay busy, and when I did this, it kept me mentally occupied. When you’re living in cold weather, you’ve got to move around to stay warm. I’d work on a project, like that fishnet I made, until my hands and feet were numb, and then I’d go back inside of my shelter to warm up.

FRESH AIR TANTALIZES THE TASTE BUDS. Another topic that Jordan elaborated on was how tasty everything was, especially the moose steaks and fresh fish. Most of us who consistently eat in the outdoors can attest

479.394.4248

104 Port Arthur Ave. Mena, AR 71953-3344

www.todayscoop.com 318 Hwy 71 S - Mena 479-394-3373

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to this experience. Campfire cooking yields some of the most delicious tasting cuisine a person can eat, especially if they know how to manipulate and bank their coals, to control the heat.

BE FOREWARNED, an inexperienced camper can also scorch a meal in a hurry, if they lack these cooking skills.

HYPERTHERMIA AND FROSTBITE ARE THE GREATEST ARCTIC THREATS. The survival triangle is pretty straightforward; food, shelter, and water are the basic necessities! Personal hygiene and staying healthy are also at the top of the list. Jordan’s knowledge of construction enabled him to build a warm, sturdy enclosure that wouldn’t cave-in when the snow storms and gusting winds prevailed. Even though Jordan pushed his body to the limit, he recognized what his threshold was, and he never went beyond that point.

IT’S IMPERATIVE TO KNOW YOUR PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS. Steve Stillwell: Would you consider another challenge such as this?

JORDAN JONAS: Yes, but it would have to be in an area where there’s plenty of resources and game. I wouldn’t want to compete in a starving contest, because I’m too skinny.

In closing, Jordan offered some excellent advice. There are a lot of folks who would love to embark on an experience like this, but for some reason they don’t. He’s right, because North America is brimming with wilderness areas that are accessible to the public at little, to no cost.

JORDAN JONAS: You can’t let anything hold you back. TEST YOURSELF, AND JUST GO OUT AND DO IT. DOES SOCIAL MEDIA INTEREST YOU? You can follow Jordan’s adventures by visiting the author’s FaceBook page, OUACHITA BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL. There, you’ll find links to his YouTube channel, and FaceBook pages. Jordan recently harvested a black bear, and whitetail deer with his Matthews compound bow! He also posted footage of two mature bucks sparring underneath his stand.

THE POLK COUNTY

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State 23

January 20, 2021

Gov. Hutchinson delivers State of the State

By Jeri Pearson

Governor Asa Hutchinson gave the State of the State Address to the 93rd General Assembly on Jan. 12 and opened by acknowledging the “historic challenges besetting our nation, [and the] global pandemic that has impacted every aspect of life…”

He also noted the “violent mob assault on our nation’s capital,” and said, “They attacked the foundations of our democracy… And when the election is over, then we need to come together, united to strengthen our democracy and heal our land.”

Hutchinson said while we all have our political principles and convictions, that we dare not abandon, we can still find solutions and ways to work together for the common good.

He also he supports legislation that supports healthcare workers and public tools needed to defeat the pandemic and boost the economy, as well as assure police officers have the highest standards and are fully funded, trained and supported.

He said he also want laws to increase accountability and oversight, and he wants action taken to reward teachers.

“In each regular session, we have lowered taxes on-hard working Arkansans, and this year the individual income tax rate has been reduced to 5.9%,” Hutchinson said. “In total, as a result of our all of our income tax cuts, we have moved $800 million from the government checkbook into the hands of individuals across our state.”

Hutchinson also noted teachers’ pay has been increased and the state has become a nationally recognized leader in computer science education.

“We have, for the first time, devoted state resources to expand high speed internet in unreached areas of our state. $86.8 million has been invested in the Rural Connect Grant program.

This has provided internet access to over 70,000 Arkansans, who previous-

ly lacked service.”

Another boon to the state is the equalization of sales tax collections, now that online transactions are treated the same as sales from Main Streets small businesses.

The reduction of state employees by restructuring some government organization resulted in 1,700 fewer state employees than in 2015, an estimated annual savings of $77 million. Legislators begin the session with, “the best budget position in more than a decade… and an unallocated surplus of over $200 million. And after six months into our current budget year, we have exceeded our revenue forecasts by more than $300 million,” Hutchinson said, and noted more than 53,000 more Arkansans are employed today than in January of 2015.

The Governor said several letters were received asking the state to support hate crime legislation. “The main objection that I hear from my conservative friends is that it gives some people more protection than others.

Or it has been phrased, ‘if you’re going to do it for one group of people, why wouldn’t you do it for another?’

Hutchinson said the legislation applies equally and hopes the legislature will move to pass the act. “If you are Hispanic, and you are targeted, it applies. If you’re a Jewish, it applies. If you’re a Caucasian, it applies. Or African American or any other race, it applies equally. It enhances the penalty for targeting regardless of the race that is targeted.” “The only way we can come together on this issue is for us to listen to each other, and to step into other’s shoes who live in a different world than ours. When we do this, then we can come together and find the best solution. … Let’s not be the last to enact it.

But let’s lead and do what is important for so many.”

Hutchinson said he would continue supporting children suffering from abuse, support for foster children, and

noted the state is the number one prolife state in the nation.

The Governor also commented on the state’s tax rate and the effects of lowering the income tax.

“Six years ago, we started cutting the income tax rate in Arkansas… because of our measured approach and our emphasis upon private sector growth, we have lowered taxes, fully funded K-12 education, increased funding for higher education, and created not only a surplus, but the first Long-Term Reserve Fund in history. And now we are poised to do more.”

Hutchinson said $100 million in his proposed budget has been set aside for the Long-Term Reserve Fund increase.

“And we have set aside over $50 million for tax cuts for middle- and lower-income Arkansans,” he said. “Let’s work together to determine the best way to get this done.”

Hutchinson has asked for two specif-

ic tax cuts proposals as part of his budget package.

“Let’s reduce the sales tax on used cars that sell from $4,000 to $10,000.

Currently, the sales tax rate is 6.5%.

We can reduce that to 3.5% and give relief to thousands of Arkansans who depend upon used vehicles for getting to work and school.”

Hutchinson said to pay for tax cuts, we need to continue to grow our economy and bring people to Arkansas.

“If we can lower our tax rate for new residents to 4.9% for five years, then we will attract new Arkansans who will create jobs, spend money, and pay taxes,” he said. “By just lowering our tax rate to 5.9%, we have seen people return to our state and invest in our future.”

According to one study, Arkansas ranked number 10 in the nation for the number of people moving into our state.

870-387-2021

5607 Hwy 71 l South Cove, AR

Can't believe it's been 3 years!

Celebrate our 3 year anniversary by registering for a $100 gift card or a $50 gift basket!

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THE POLK COUNTY

January 20, 2021

Pulse