Polk County Pulse - April 26, 2023

Alcohol sold and Polk County still stands

By Ethan Nahté

Friday morning was another historical day for Polk County, Arkansas, as the first packaged retail alcohol was sold in the county in several decades. Kess’s Korner was possibly one of the first beer sales, a six-pack of Love Honey from Lost Forty Brewing out of Little Rock, Arkansas. Big Fork Mall in Big Fork believes it might have been a tie for the first sale. TJ’s Country Store also had a fuller-than-usual parking lot first thing Friday morning.

If some numbers thrown out by retailers are not an exaggeration, there are places that had a delivery bill in excess of $25,000. It will be interesting to see Polk County’s April and May sales tax number comparison for 2022 and 2023.

Before readers on either side of the issue decides to comment before reading the entire article, or believes this article to be one-sided, the following information is but a few examples of what has been

witnessed based on comments by the general public and information gathered from law-enforcement and government sources.

The response to a photo of the sale at Kess’s Korner, taken by general manager Ashley Moore of the Polk County Pulse, resulted in a deluge of comments on Facebook. Moore did not plan the photo. She simply happened to be there as the purchase occurred and obtained permission to take and use the photo.

In addition, a few people asked why the photo and post was even newsworthy. Let’s begin with the definition of “newsworthy”: an adjective defined as “Interesting enough to the general public to warrant reporting.” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

If the people questioning why it is newsworthy did not find it worth mentioning, it begs the questions of why did they read the post or comment on the matter? Still, they had the right to question it. Perhaps to some, the selling of alcohol is

See ALCOHOL continued on page 8

ASP investigates officer-involved shooting in Mena

(MENA, Ark.) — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office asked the Criminal Investigation Division of the Arkansas State Police to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Saturday, April 22, 2023, on 1317 Highway 71 South, Mena.

Officers with Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Mena Police Department were attempting to locate Joseph Gonzalez, 27, of Cove, who

was wanted for outstanding warrants out of Texas. A deputy encountered Gonzalez in the parking lot of a Mena restaurant and attempted to take Gonzalez into custody. Gonzalez attempted to flee and struck a deputy with his vehicle.

A Mena Police officer fired two rounds into the vehicle as Gonzalez continued to flee. Less than a mile away, Gonzalez lost control of the ve-

hicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The deputy struck during the encounter was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released.

An investigative case file will be presented to the Polk County prosecuting attorney, who will determine whether the use of deadly force by officers was consistent with Arkansas law.

Local stores, such as Kess’s Korner, are carrying a variety of imports, domestics and some even sell Arkansas craft brews and wine or wine coolers. (Ariel Varner/Pulse)

Preparing for the eclipse and a population boom

By Ethan Nahté

Mena hosted its second Eclipse Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, Apr. 19, holding the gathering at the Ouachita Center on the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain campus. The meeting was an opportunity for the community, businesspeople and citizens alike, to learn more about the eclipse and how Mena and surrounding areas can plan for an influx of visitors to the state, as nearly two-thirds of Arkansas will be within the path of totality for The 2024 Great North American Solar Eclipse.

Local public leaders and Chris Thode and Carl Freyaldenhoven of the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society (CAAS) were present to discuss what to expect and answer questions.

If the celestial event is anything like the 2017 event, the number of tourists could number in the high thousands when Apr. 8, 2024, comes around. Mena/Polk Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Melanie Wade reported that a study suggested the 2017 event was “the largest mass migration of humans in the planet’s history.” The 2024 event is expected

to be an even bigger migration.

One of the interesting things about this next total solar eclipse is that Arkansas’ time of total darkness will be nearly twice that of the 2017 event. The eclipse will begin at 12:30 p.m. in Mena. After 77 minutes, totality will commence at 1:47 p.m. and last 4:04 as the moon makes its way between the sun and earth. That will give onlookers and those taking photos in a safe manner with the proper protective equipment to get a good look if the weather cooperates. At 1:51 p.m. the totality will end. For another 78 minutes, the moon will con-

tinue onward. The eclipse will end at 3:09 p.m.

The next total solar eclipse across the United States won’t be until Aug. 23, 2045. Many scientists believe the 2024 eclipse will be the most viewed eclipse in history with the entire continental U.S. having at least 16% coverage of the sun. Arkansas will have between 94%-100% coverage.

The impact will be more than just additional people in Polk County. It will require preparation for more lodging, eateries, sanitation and restroom facilities, and vendors, of course. Gas stations will more than likely be doing stellar business, as will the charging station for electric vehicles. Some hotels, such as Queen

1168 Hwy 71S

Mena, AR 71953

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It seems to me there is a reasonable solution to the “Slaughter Culture” we are experiencing in America. Unless I’m way off base the Insurance Industry holds the key. They certainly have the funding to buy off the politicians and even Justice Thomas and the rest of his ilk. They can easily get legislation passed to require all firearms be licensed and insured. That will solve the issue of the people with gun fetishes buying hundreds of guns unless they can afford the liability insurance. This would no doubt deter hundreds of thousands of guns being nonchalantly added to their collections for their toddlers and using guns for raffles at church. Make it make sense! And this way the crooks in office won’t feel the pain in their pocketbooks.

That being said, I am a gun owner and would use one if I felt that I would die if I didn’t. That doesn’t mean I would shoot a delivery person or someone who is lost and trying to get directions. Girl Scouts would survive knocking on my door.

I was married to an avid gun collector for several years and watched his interest turn into compulsion and separate him from reality. Years after our divorce he became unable to function and took his own life with one of his guns.

I have family members who own lots of guns and they are very responsible. I have a favorite cousin who gives me venison every year. All this does not mean that we should ignore the fact that we don’t have proper gun laws in place to protect everyone’s freedom to live in a country with reasonable protections against being slaughtered in church, school, parades, fairs clubs, knocking on a door needing assistance, or not liking the way someone is driving.

I’m surprised that some responsible gun-owning Americans haven’t formed a new organization for us that practices Safety and Responsibility with firearms. The NRA is no longer doing what they said they would do. They are only about their bottom line now. And unfortunately, we keep sending people to D.C. whose sole purpose is to take bribes and become wealthy.

My hope lies in those young people who are reaching voting age now and recently.

Respectfully,

Jan Titsworth, Mena Letter to the Editor

In my news feed recently was an article about church closings. I went to Google to find more on the subject. The amount of information was eye opening, as well as the reasons for the closings.

As a general rule the churches in the U.S. were closing at a rate of roughly 4,500 per year. New churches were opening at a rate of

roughly 3,000 yearly. The biggest demographic experiencing closings were minority communities. The biggest decline in attendees were younger people. Of those surveyed the most common reason for their absence was the church not being in line with their social values. I can only imagine what that might be, but figure young people felt the church should align with their values, even if they conflict with the teachings of the Bible.

Most articles mentioned COVID-19 as a one cause for the drop in attendance. I think at this point more people are out and about, yet attendance seems to have not rebounded.

There has to be a correlation between young people leaving the church and the uptick in violent crime in minority neighborhoods. It is hard to remember the last time I watched the local evening news only to see yet another homicide in Little Rock or North Little Rock. The biggest demographic of victims seems to be minorities and the same for suspects, many young.

Admittedly, my church attendance has stopped for some time. A good friend sends me a daily devotional and reading them helps me navigate life’s many challenges. We share that devotional with our friends. I am not sure if we will go back to church in a conventional sense, but we worship and give thanks in our own way every day.

My letter is not meant to judge anyone. I am trying to understand how we got to this point and is it where we want to be? Can we be better, or are we lost and need to find our way again? I do not have the answers to those questions, only for what is right for my spiritual life and actions towards others.

If our young people are our future, what does that look like? If it is violence, emotional detachment, anger, entitlement, laziness, being self-centered, social media, no personal interaction, or accountability, then we are in trouble. How does a 6-year-old want to set his teacher on fire to watch her burn then takes a gun to school and shoots her, and his parents did not notice his anger?

Sadly, this was not an anomaly, but an almost daily occurrence in our society. It is not recent but has been festering for some time. Hopefully we are not beyond saving and can find our way back to better times.

Thank you for a forum to express my thoughts though we may peacefully disagree.

With respect and kindest regards,

Ronald Goss, retired, Mena

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Clean energy helps strengthen Arkansas’ economy

By Jay Bunyard

Arkansas must continue to foster a positive business environment that encourages economic development in order to create new jobs and support stronger, more resilient communities. We can achieve this by investing in and expanding our clean energy economy. Surveying the growing sectors of the economy and the potential for our state to expand and grow into new levels of prosperity requires we lead and not lag in the new energy sector.

Clean energy and job creation are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they go hand in hand. By continuing to develop and expand our clean energy resourc-

es — like wind, solar, hydropower, and natural gas — as well as clean energy technologies, like carbon capture and energy storage, we will

be able to create new opportunities to advance critical climate and job creation goals. Arkansans have long understood the importance of

conservation. In fact, no one takes better care of our environment and the beauty of the Natural State than our farmers and hunters. Arkansans also has a long history of innovation. Arkansas business leaders have embraced and pioneered new economies before in trucking, food, retail, defense, finance and more. New energy jobs are no different. The innovative leaders in Arkansas’ private sector will forge successful paths in the new, unfolding economy in the energy sector and we must all support their efforts.

Nationwide, 3.2 million Americans work in clean energy — including renewables, energy efficiency, clean-energy vehicles, and more.

See ENERGY continued on page 18

The solar farm on U.S. Hwy. 88, near Mena Lake, is one example of clean energy in Arkansas. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

In the most recent legislative session, the Arkansas General Assembly made several changes to our laws regarding transportation.

The new laws impact everything from distracted driving to getting your car tags.

Below is a list of acts signed this year regarding transportation:

Act 445 seeks to strengthen our laws regarding distracted driving. It states if a distracted driver causes an accident that results in serious physical injury or death of another person, the driver upon conviction is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. In addition to penalties assessed, the court may order the defendant to 100 hours or less of public service work.

Act 41 extends the time period authorized for the registration of a motor vehicle from 30 days to 60 days from the purchase date or from the time an individual becomes a resident of Arkansas.

Act 396 limits the time period during which restricted driving permits are valid for those on probation or parole to one year from the date it was issued.

Act 94 amends the law concerning truck platooning systems.

Act 50 repeals a law that prohibits leaving a running vehicle unattended.

Act 261 would require the Department of Finance and Administration to offer drivers the option of a digitized driver’s license by February 2025. The bill states a digitized driver’s license may be accepted by a public entity for all state purposes authorized for a driver’s license. It does not require any public or private entity to accept a digitized driver’s license.

Act 264 classifies the theft of a catalytic converter as a Class C felony. It states a person commits unauthorized possession of a catalytic converter if the person knowingly possesses a catalytic converter that has been removed from a motor vehicle and is not permanently marked.

Act 211 allows the distribution of revenues from the additional registration fee for electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles under the Arkansas Highway Revenue Distribution Law.

Act 714 allows law enforcement to impound a vehicle if the driver committed the offense of drag racing on a public highway for a second time in a five-year period.

You can find more acts passed by the 94th General Assembly and watch recorded meetings of the 2023 Regular Session at arkansashouse.org.

During the 2023 session the legislature enacted a series of bills designed to protect children from exposure to sexually inappropriate literature, live performances and Internet sites.

Act 372 gives parents more options to have offensive material removed from local libraries and school libraries.

After making an objection to the librarian and if necessary making an appeal to the library board, parents would be able to appeal to the county Quorum Court or City Council. Both are composed of people elected by voters.

Act 372 removes the current exemption that protects librarians from criminal prosecution. If librarians knowingly maintain material that is deemed obscene, they could be prosecuted.

Even before passage of Act 372, parents had challenged material available in libraries at Jonesboro and Crawford County. Also, challenges have been reported at Siloam Springs and in Saline County.

Act 131 began as a Senate bill that originally would have banned drag shows in public places and performances for children by classifying them as adult entertainment.

However, it was amended in the House of Representatives, and now it adds restrictions to existing laws on adult-oriented shows. As enacted, it specifically prohibits adult oriented shows on public property and prohibits minors from attending. It also prohibits public funding of adult entertainment.

Act 612 makes pornography websites liable for harm they cause to minors, and requires them to make reasonable efforts to require age verification. For example, they can re-

quire a digital ID before allowing viewers to access the site.

Act 689 would require social media sites to verify the age of users, and users under the age of 18 would need parental permission. Prosecutors could seek fines of $2,500 per violation against the social media companies. Act 689 takes effect on September 1 of this year.

Act 619 makes it a crime for an adult to knowingly enter and stay in a public bathroom assigned to the opposite sex. It does not apply to parents and guardians of children under seven years old.

Act 317 requires schools to designate bathrooms for the exclusive use of students according to the sex indicated on their birth certificate. If a student doesn’t want to identify as a male or female, the school shall provide a reasonable accommodation, such as a bathroom or locker with space for only one person at a time.

Act 274 allows more medical malpractice lawsuits against physicians who perform gender transformation procedures on children. It allows lawsuits up to 15 years after the minor turns 18. For most medical malpractice suits the limit is two years after the injury.

Act 542 prohibits schools and colleges from requiring teachers and staff to use a student’s preferred pronoun, such as they/them. Teachers and staff would have to call students by “he” or “she,” and “him” or “her.”

Act 733 applies to people of all ages. It prohibits state and local governments from burdening a person’s religious liberty unless it shows a compelling public interest, e.g. public health measures that might conflict with church activities.

A person whose religious exercise has been burdened may seek compensatory or declaratory relief in court.

John

Terry Rice

Carolyn Ann Quinn

Mrs. Carolyn Ann Quinn, age 77, passed away Saturday, March 11, 2023, at her home in Mena, Arkansas. She was born February 5, 1946, in Pleasanton, Texas, to the late Marion Daniel “M.D.” Mitchell and Eulan Janie Popham Pahmiyer.

Carolyn was a retail worker by profession and enjoyed listening to Christian music and reading. She loved attending church and seeing her church family and her church grandchildren. But above all else Mrs. Quinn loved the Lord.

Mrs. Quinn is survived by her loving husband, Lee Quinn; son, Lee. A. Quinn “Tony” and wife Virgin-

ia; daughter, Michelle Quinn and husband Horace Gandy; sisters, Patricia Lee and husband Ron, Kristi McClesky and husband Howard, Regina Perez and husband Paul. She is preceded in death by her parents, Eulan Janie Popham Pahmiyer and Charles Pahmiyer, her father M.D. Mitchell, as well as by her brother, Danny Mitchell.

Funeral services for Mrs. Quinn will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Jack Smith will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Mt. Gilead Cemetery in Rocky, Arkansas. There will be no visitation.

Pallbearers are Duane Ezell, Jacob Ezell, Horace Gandy, Jacob Haddox, Lucas Gandy, and Darrol Summit.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

His biggest joy and greatest accomplishment in life was his daughter, Scarlett. They loved each other fiercely and unconditionally and she was a true Daddy’s Girl.

Jason was a kindhearted, giving soul who gave amazing hugs and had the sweetest laugh, and his memory will live on through Scarlett, his family, and friends.

Jason is survived by his precious girl, Scarlett Penelope Simms and her mother, Ashley, of Mena, AR, his parents, Jackie and Darlene Simms of Water Valley, MS, two sisters, Amy Knight (Alex) of Collierville, TN, and Lauren Gregory (Brian) of Jonesboro, AR, niece Alice Gregory, nephew Jack Knight, several Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and one Grandmother.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for the family at a later date. Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Aileen Ora Lynch

dren was unconditional with her home always open as a safe haven for them in times of need. All her children enjoyed the benefits of her exceptional cooking, sewing and gardening. She lived through times most of us only read about in history books. The Great Depression, World War II, Korean War, 25 presidential elections, and seeing 5 generations of her legacy.

Mrs. Lynch is preceded in death by her husband, John Thomas Lynch; parents, Charley and Ara Sloan; brothers, Loyd Sloan, Russell Sloan, Merle Sloan, and Roy Sloan; sisters, Ona and Mabel; and by her sons-in-law, Tom Roberts and Doug Greer.

Jason Alan Simms, age 41, passed away unexpectedly on April 6, 2023. Jason was born in Kennett, MO, on April 26, 1981, to Jackie and Darlene Simms.

While Jason grew up in Holcomb, MO, he eventually settled in Mena, AR. Throughout his life, Jason developed a love for cooking while working for various restaurants and had a dream of one day owning his own. In 2019, with the opening of Fully Baked Cafe, that dream came true.

Aileen Ora Lynch, 104, of Cove, Arkansas, died April 23, 2023, born December 7, 1918, to Charles Noah Sloan and Ara Adilee Henderson in Jasper, Arkansas. Married John Thomas Lynch October 15, 1953, in Las Vegas Nevada.

Aileen lived in California for most of her life, enjoyed the natural beauty and abundant sunshine of the Central Coast. A faithful servant of God, she was active in her church, where she served as the leader of the Woman’s Missionary Council for many years. Her love for her chil-

She is survived by her son, John Steven Lynch of Cove, Arkansas; daughters, Nurene Roberts of Cove, Arkansas, Kathleen Greer of Sacramento, California, Janell Meister and husband Bruce of Santa Barbara, California; grandchildren, Vickie Phillips and husband Rodney of Cove, Arkansas, Glenn Roberts and wife Sheri of Cove, Arkansas, Emily Penquite and husband Darren of Medford Oregon, Bethany Guerena of Santa Barbara, California, Steven Thomas Meister of Santa Barbara, California, Jasmine Wurlitzer and husband David of Sacramento, California; 10 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held in Arrayo Grande, California.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Jason Alan Simms

Bolstering recycling

We all know recycling is a commonsense way to be responsible stewards of our environment – but recycling also strengthens our economy and creates hundreds of thousands of well-paying jobs nationwide. This is something I believe everyone can agree is truly a “win-win.” Since 1970, we’ve recognized April 22 as Earth Day. In the spirit of this occasion, we’re working to strengthen recycling and composting to better protect our planet.

Sen. John Boozman

Embattled McCurtain official resigns following recorded meeting

By Patrick Massey

Most Arkansans are familiar with traditional recycling efforts in their communities that encourage citizens to recycle household or business goods such as paper, soda cans and bottles. However, recycling is much broader than these common practices. It is a $200 billion industry that has created more than 680,0000 jobs in our country and entails much more than just traditional municipal recycling programs.

And there’s even more good news –it’s a bipartisan solution. Waste reduction is not a red state issue or a blue state issue. Nor is it a big city problem or a rural problem. That’s why I’m a proud co-chair of the Senate Recycling Caucus. Alongside Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-DE) and other members, we’ve engaged with the recycling industry to create opportunities to improve and increase our ability to cut down on waste and reuse materials.

We’ve hosted numerous events to help our colleagues as well as the public and private sectors understand how recycling is commonsense and why it’s good for the economy, job creation and the environment. We’ve learned about sustainability practices that corporations and manufacturers have implemented.

We can be proud some of the leaders in the recycling industry are here in Arkansas. Businesses such as steel producer Nucor, Walmart and Bryce Corpora-

tion have developed some great examples for others to follow.

One of the biggest obstacles facing the industry is the sheer lack of reliable, consistent data that is critical for formulating policy solutions to address our nation’s recycling challenges. With upwards of 10,000 individual recycling systems in the U.S. at local and state levels, it’s difficult to fix the recycling problem in America without baseline data to work with. We’re working to change that with the “Recycling and Composting Accountability Act.”

This legislation would require the U.S. Environment and Protection Agency (EPA) to collect and distribute data on recycling and composting rates across the country to provide an accurate reflection of performance both nationwide and on the state level. This information is critical to form meaningful, long-term solutions to improve recycling throughout the country.

We’re also aiming to expand participation among families and businesses in rural, underserved areas so they can play an active role in preserving our resources and improve our nation’s recycling and composting capabilities. The Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act would allow the EPA to create a pilot program to improve recycling services within these communities.

I appreciate the leadership of Chairman Carper and EPW Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) who are committed to building off the momentum from last year to advance these legislative initiatives.

As we mark the 53rd anniversary of Earth Day, we are committed to maintaining the beauty of Arkansas and throughout the country by reducing landfill waste, preserving natural resources and saving energy through recycling.

IDABEL, Okla. - A McCurtain County commissioner has resigned following the release of audio earlier this month in which he and several other officials are allegedly caught making racist remarks and discussing the murder of two local reporters.

District 2 Commissioner Mark Jennings submitted his resignation on April 19. The resignation has since been accepted by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt. Jennings is one of several embattled officials in McCurtain County – including Sheriff Kevin Clardy – after the audio was recorded by the publisher of “The McCurtain County Gazette” during a March 6 commissioners meeting.

The widely-circulated audio records several individuals discussing killing and burying two McCurtain Gazette reporters and lamenting their inability to lynch a Black man in 2023. The Gazette identified those in the recording as Clardy, Jennings, sheriff’s investigator Alicia Manning and jail administrator Larry Hendrix.

In a statement, Oklahoma State Senator George Burns said he is calling on Clardy, Manning and Hendrix to submit their resignations along-

side Jennings. Burns, who resides in McCurtain County, said the horrible comments allegedly made by the officials “do not represent the heart and spirit of our citizens.”

He added that the incident has damaged the county and state and that innocent people are being impacted.

The comments sparked protests in Idabel on Monday with those in attendance calling for the immediate resignation of the accused officials. Gov. Stitt is also calling for those involved to resign.

Last week, the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Association voted to suspend the membership of Clardy, Hendrix and Manning.

During a news conference held over the weekend, Gov. Stitt reiterated his call for those officials to resign. He added that he was directing the state’s attorney general to investigate whether Clardy is failing to “keep and preserve the peace” of McCurtain County.

In a post on its Facebook page earlier this week, the McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office claims the recordings were altered and illegally obtained. That position has done little to quell the uproar following the release of the audio.

ALCOHOL

continued from page 1

not a big deal in the area. Some of those chiming in may not be from the area and realize all of the debate or history of Polk County.

Facebook metrics show that the subject is definitely of interest to the public, regardless of which side of the issue readers are on. Within the first four hours of posting, there were 34,534 impressions; a post reach of 32,899; and a post engagement of 13,429.

By Monday at noon, those numbers had risen to 133,403 impressions; 154,291 posts reach, and 64,818 who had engaged. It had received in excess of 1,300 comments, 3,100 reactions ranging from love to anger, and 350 shares at that time.

The comments were the same rhetoric… more of what’s been argued time and again either during the petitioning to get the option to sell alcohol in Polk County on the ballot, or the results of the election, or during the recent beer fest.

On the side supporting alcohol, the arguments included the purchases at local stores kept sales tax dollars in Polk

County; or that those who would purchase alcohol regardless of whether it was sold here or there, could now do so without traveling as far, and more than likely would take it straight home versus the potential for popping the top on a cold one as they drove home from a location outside of Polk County or Arkansas.

On the opposing side were several statements on how there will be increased crime, traffic accidents, tickets, littering, and the potential for drunken and disorderly conduct; a few comments of people claiming Polk County does not have a drug or crime problem; and a few people commenting on alcohol being a gateway to other drugs.

During the beer festival, there had been one reported charge of public intoxication and disorderly conduct at the event. The Mena City Police had stated reports from the April 8 event did not seem more than normal for the weekend regarding traffic stops or arrests.

As for this past weekend when retail liquor was first sold, Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer stated, “We did not notice an uptick in crime, disturbances or alcohol related incidents over the weekend I’m going to check our arrests over the

next few months to see if we have any increases.”

The Mena Police Department was also asked if they had any incidents they would attribute to the stores selling beer and wine, as well as any change in traffic stops or disturbance calls compared to a typical weekend. They replied, “No.”

Besides local law enforcement, there is a governing body that oversees that all rules are being followed for those granted a permit to sell alcohol in any manner.

Section 6.3 of the State of Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division rules states, in part, “When a permit is issued, the permit may be disciplined according to various code provisions contained in the Acts of the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas and Regulations adopted by the Board. Discipline of a permit can include, but is not limited to, administrative sanctions of revocation, cancellation, suspension, levying of a monetary fine, the imposition of more restrictive hours of operation, placement of a warning letter in the file, or an order of reprimand… .”

It is likely there will be incidents when people break the law involving liquor being purchased in Polk County. That is no more surprising than stating a person will break the law when purchasing a vehicle in the county, even if it’s for speeding or having a busted headlight.

Regardless of what statistics people want to present on accidents while under the influence vs. not under the influence, the point is that there will always be someone who is doing something dangerous and/or illegal. It’s unfortunate some people cannot act responsibly and their actions either causes harm or sheds bad light on others, but it’s a reality. Regardless of where or how a product is purchased, be it a vehicle, alcohol, prescription drugs, etc. it will be misused at some point.

The argument between those for and those against will likely never cease. The minds of a few on either side might be changed for any number of reasons, but there will always be an abundance of pro and con advocates. Perhaps there will be a point in the near future when the subject is no longer newsworthy, when there will be less vitriol, and Polk County will still stand and not become a modern-day Sodom and Gomorrah as some have predicted. Time will tell.

ECLIPSE

continued from page 2

Wilhelmina State Park, have a fourday minimum stay and have already reserved all of their lodging. It should bring in a significant amount of revenue.

The meeting explained what to expect with viewing parties such as the festival that will take place at Janssen Park, along with the live music downtown every night, because people will arrive early and stay late (as in a few days) for the event; the population surge; traffic management; infrastructure stresses; emergency operational support for public works, law enforcement, supplies and cellular communications; health, safety and welfare; and the April weather and cloud cover. Texas, southeast Oklahoma, Arkansas and southeast Missouri are the locations meteorologist Matt Standridge (KFSM-TV) believes will be the best locations to avoid cloud cover.

Arkansas Tourism is providing guidance and assistance with many things related to the eclipse. It’ll also be a great opportunity for local small businesses to show off their crafts and wares for tourists enjoying the scenic beauty of Mena and the surrounding mountains and creeks. It’s a perfect reason to start painting and sprucing up your businesses and homes, because once first-time visitors see what Mena and the Ouachitas area all about, the goal is to make it such a memorable and pleasant visit they’ll want to return, which will be great for the local economy in the long run.

For more information, search Mena Eclipse 2024 on Facebook, or go to the VisitMena.com website.

Caasastro.org also has information on the eclipse and other astronomical events around the state.

Earth Day 2023: Every little bit helps

By Ethan Nahté

Earth Day had a bit of nip in the morning air as the day began down in the 40s and the breeze, although light, was constant. It was especially noticeable at clean-up events around Mena Lake and atop the mountain at Queen Wilhelmina State Park (QWSP).

A small local group from Human Rights Mena began at the old fireworks stand at Mena Lake early Saturday morning.

Johnson said the reason they chose Mena Lake was because they noticed it “had a lot of litter in the area. We decided we’d do something about it.”

Kynleigh said, “The animals that live around here [might be] eating the trash, and I don’t like that. She also recently planted a tree sapling at her home that was given to her at school as part of a program. This year, Arbor Day was Apr. 17 in Arkansas.

and bottles, fishing items like line and bait, cigarettes and tobacco products.”

They also picked up broken glass and sharp, rusty wire in the parking lot, a highway reflector and roofing material.

Ashley reported in the first hour their group had picked up three-to-four bags worth of trash. “Our small group picked up going down the gravel road where the firework stand is by the lake access. The trash was concentrated to the roundabout before the lake and in all of the brush in the area. We picked up primarily cans

Families visiting from outside of Polk County assisted at QWSP, picking up trash along the trails, in the campground and the Talimena Scenic Byway within the park’s boundaries. The Patrick family were first-time campers at QWSP. Hayden Patrick said, “Wanting to just get outdoors and enjoy everything. We love it. Beautiful scenery so far and had a good time walking the trails.” Hayden is an environmental manager at Tyson Foods in Nashville, Arkansas. “It’s what I do every day. It’s nice that we came up here on the same weekend as Earth Day and do our part in trying to keep the earth clean.”

QWSP Interpreter Ivory Detter wondered if there would be anything to pick up as she praised the work of the park’s maintenance team. “Our maintenance

guys do fantastic work here keeping it clean all of the time. [Earth Day] clean-up just really help get that additional boost. It lets the people come out and help. The park is for the people.” This is Detter’s first Earth Day Spring Clean-up. She does a clean-up in September, as well. The September 2022 event resulted in approximately 50 pounds of trash being collected within the QWSP boundaries. The importance is more than just preserving the beauty of the park. Detter said, “Up here on Rich Mountain, we have a lot of rare species that you don’t find anywhere else. We’re kind of like our own little island in the sky up here. We have specialized species like the Rich Mountain salamander and the Means’ giant earthworm. Because their population is so limited to a certain spot, litter really does terrible things for them. They need a clean, healthy environment. Even the smallest thing — just leaving a bag of trash on the trail can do harm to these creatures. Especially their tiny little habitat ranges.” Trash that ends up near the waterfalls and ravines that quickly fill during storms are also a potential for spreading litter not just on the mountain, but it flows down the mountain and into streams and rivers.

The wind is another hazard. “Things just get carried right off the mountain into the valley.”

Cigarette butts are another issue. “Those are some of the worst. It’s not just the paper from the butts, it’s also the chemicals that go along with that. Those take decades to go away. Even when you don’t see it anymore, the chemicals left behind from the cigarette butts are still there and still in the environment. We talk all the time about what cigarettes do to people — it does the same thing to the animals and the environment.” Wildfires from a cigarette butt are another threat. “It’s terrifying to me because we do have such specialized species up here, it would take only one really catastrophic event to completely alter our ecosystem and do a lot of harm to our critters. Controlled burns are absolutely essential; wildfires are terrifying.”

Detter was surprised that her 11 volunteers managed to find 20 pounds of litter Saturday. She said, “All together, a fantastic day to be out in the park, keeping it protected for future generations.”

To learn more about Earth Day, visit earthday.org/.

MORE IMAGES continued on pages 12-13

Linda Johnson with Carter, Kynleigh and Ashley Midgette. They represented Human Rights Mena, choosing to clean up part of Mena Lake. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

The Patrick family, (l-r) Hayden, Dale, Alicia and Zachary grabbed some Earth Day goodies from park interpreter Ivory Detter (second from right) before going off to a trail not already being picked up to gather litter during the Earth Day clean-up at Queen Wilhelmina State Park. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Human Rights Mena picked up a little over three bags of trash this Earth Day 2023. (Photo by Ashley Midgette)

By Richie Lawry

I sat in the high school auditorium, waiting in anticipation for the play to begin. I had been hearing about the play for several weeks. My oldest granddaughter, a junior in high school, had written the play over the last month. She also directed the play, with 15 of her fellow high school students performing all the roles.

When it was time to begin, my granddaughter made her way to the front of the auditorium and began to speak. “My name is Autumn Grant,” she began. “I am the writer and director of ‘The Unlikely Messenger.’ I am very nervous and excited to have you all watch the play that the drama class has worked hard on for so many hours for your enjoyment. I have a few little requests for you in the audience. Number one is, please silence your cell phones because this play takes place in the 1840s, so they did not have cell phones. It would add to the realism if no cell phones went off during the play. Just silence your cell phone so the actors don’t realize that they’re actually in 2023.”

After the introduction, the lights dimmed and faded to black. The audience was silent as a spotlight appeared on the center aisle, and three young girls walked toward the stage, happily chatting. Another girl soon appeared, and there was an altercation. When the three girls ignored her and walked away, she picked up a rock and threw it at them, hitting Ellen in the head. Her sisters pick Ellen up and carry her home.

The following scenes show the doctor visiting Ellen, her mother pleading with God for Ellen’s life, and her father not recognizing her because of her injuries. After her family listens to William Miller, a famous preacher of the era, they are excited that Jesus is coming soon. They are very disappointed when Jesus doesn’t come when they thought he would.

God calls teenage Ellen to comfort the followers of William Miller who have been disappointed, but she doesn’t feel like she can and stays away from church meetings, so she won’t have to share what God has told her. She tells God, “I know what you showed me. I know you want me to share

An Arkie’s Faith The Unlikely Messenger

enon while watching his flock. The Bible says that “Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up. ‘This is amazing,’ Moses said to himself. ‘Why isn’t that bush burning up? I must go see it.’” Exodus 3:2,3 (NLT)

When Moses inspected the burning bush, God called to him from the middle of the bush. “’The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.’ But Moses protested to God, ‘Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?’ God answered, ‘I will be with you.’” Exodus 3:9-12 (NLT)

But just like Ellen, Moses didn’t feel like he could do the job God asked him to do. He pleaded with God, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” Exodus 4:10 (NLT)

God wasn’t going to take no for an answer. He told Moses, “’Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.’ But Moses again pleaded, ‘Lord, please! Send anyone else.’” Exodus 4:12-13 (NLT)

this with others, but how can I? What if I’m too sick, God? I’m only seventeen. I can tell my family, but I won’t tell others. Look at me; I’m not fit to share your message. Pick someone else.”

When Ellen finally decides to speak to others, she travels around New England speaking to groups, encountering interested listeners and detractors. It wasn’t easy for a female, especially a teenage girl, to be taken seriously, but after her initial hesitancy, Ellen dedicated her life to God and preaching His message.

At the end of the hour-long play, the audience cheered as the performers came out for a curtain call, showing their appreciation for the hard work of everyone involved. As my granddaughter came onto the stage and held hands with the performers, her face broke into a big smile. Now there were no more late nights writing, no more hours and hours of practice,

and no more anxiety and nervousness. There was now relief and happiness, knowing that the play was a success and the audience loved it.

The play tells the historical story of Ellen Harmon, who Smithsonian Magazine named one of the “100 Most Significant Americans of All Time.” For the next 70 years, she preached across the U.S. and Australia and wrote over 5,000 periodical articles and 40 books. She is the most translated female non-fiction author in the history of literature and the most translated American non-fiction author of either gender. Historian Randall Balmer has described her as “one of the more important and colorful figures in the history of American religion.”

Ellen’s story as an unlikely and hesitant messenger reminded me of another hesitant messenger’s story. Moses is a shepherd who encounters a strange phenom-

When Moses was finally convinced to go to Egypt and confront the Pharaoh, one of the most powerful men on the planet, God was able to use him to free over 600,000 enslaved people. He is remembered today as one of the most important prophets in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Gentle Reader, the stories of Moses and Ellen show us that God has always used ordinary men and women to carry out his plans if we are willing. Have you felt God asking you to do something, but because you feel inadequate, you have resisted Him? God has a plan for you. Whatever God has in store for you, remember His words of encouragement: “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) You may be the next unlikely messenger.

Katherine Grant, stage manager; Rebekah Grant, actress; and Autumn Grant, writer/director.

(Photo by Richie Lawry)

Music on Main goes country in May

By Ethan Nahté

The Tailgate Poets will be the headliners at the ‘90s country edition of Music on Main, Saturday, May 13, on South Mena Street. Based out of northern Louisiana, Tailgate Poets (not to be confused with the band out of the Dallas, Texas, area) are a four-piece band that plays a mixture of old and new country music.

Discover more about them and hear some of their music at https://www.facebook.com/tailgatepoetsband

Polk County’s Cullen Corley will open the free show at 6 p.m.

The family-friendly concert is

brought to you by Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce. Bring your lawn chairs. As usual, there will be food and beverage vendors on site.

Photos by EthanPhotosNahté by EthanPhotosNahté by Ethan Nahté

Emotional healing with EMDR therapy

By Rhonda Peppers, LPC

As a mental health professional for the past 28 years, I have had the opportunity to see many changes in the field. One that I find most revolutionary is the development of EMDR which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

EMDR is not really a new approach. It was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. Since then, it has become an evidence-based practice and has even been adopted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for the treatment of PTSD. It is becoming more common practice as the documented benefits are rising and it is being successfully used for many mental health issues in addition to PTSD.

The therapy approach has gotten recent exposure as celebrities such as Prince Harry, Sandra Bullock, and others have spoken publicly about their positive experiences with EMDR. It has even been referenced on popular TV shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy.”

If this article is the first time you have been introduced to EMDR, don’t feel alone. Until recently, there have been very few trained providers in Polk County area, or Arkansas for that matter. I’m hoping to bring awareness to our community about its benefits and how you might access services for yourself or someone you love.

When I entered the mental health profession, the primary treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was to ask the client to talk about the traumatic event in depth, over and over, until the mem-

ory was no longer causing an emotional reaction. Unfortunately for many people, it continued to be “traumatizing” no mat-

The most exciting thing about EMDR is that you don’t have to talk about it. PTSD is not a requirement to utilize this thera-

ping.

Eye movements are the gold standard and are similar to watching a game of ping pong. This back-and-forth eye movement imitates the eye movements that occur when we are in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. This stage of sleep is considered a time when the brain is highly active and organizes information from the day. Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night and remembered where your lost keys were? If so, you were probably solving that problem in REM sleep. We can now use that natural healing process while we are awake.

There are several theories about why EMDR is effective. A popular theory proposes that the brain stores memories differently when faced with a highly stressful event. Part of the memory may get stored alone, isolated from the brain’s natural ability to digest that information. Our brain needs to digest memories similar to the way our stomach digests food. Digestion breaks down food and absorbs the things that are useful, filtering out what isn’t needed.

ter how much it was discussed. And that technique has kept many people from seeking treatment because the thought of having to talk about it makes them uncomfortable. And let’s face it, some of us have experienced things that we never want to verbalize, much less share with a therapist we have just met.

py. In my experience, most people don’t come into the clinic and say, “I need help with the bad things that happened to me.” Instead, they tell me they are miserable, and they don’t really know why. Common complaints are sadness, anxiety, irritability, chronic feelings of anger, extreme guilt, or feelings of shame. An EMDR therapist works with a client to find the root cause of those symptoms rather than just teaching ways to cope. The underlying issue may not be something that most people would consider to be a traumatic event. To an EMDR therapist, the definition of trauma is “anything that causes you to feel ‘stuck’ in life”.

EMDR uses a process called bilateral stimulation (BLS), which means activating both the right side and the left side of the brain in a rhythmic and alternating manner. This can be accomplished with eye movements, auditory tones, or tap-

The brain digests memories by breaking them down into useful, manageable pieces of information. The memories that don’t get digested remain in their raw form and can cause you to relive negative experiences through body sensations, emotions, visual images, smells, thoughts, or beliefs related to the past event.

For example, if you were in a bicycling accident, and now every time you see a person riding a bicycle your heart begins to race and you relive that accident.

EMDR opens the memory network, allowing the brain to reprocess it and store it correctly. So now when you see a person riding a bicycle, your body doesn’t respond negatively because the brain identifies it as something that happened in the past and understands that there doesn’t need to be a physical or emotional response.

If you are interested in learning more about EMDR and whether it is a right fit for you, please call Inspired Counseling at 479-437-7967 to discuss scheduling an assessment.

Around Town

Ladies Fashion Show and Light Lunch honoring Military Women and Women in American History. All ladies welcome, Saturday, Apr. 29. Begins at 11 a.m. at the First Assembly of God Church, Hwy. 8 West (just past Louise Durham Elementary School). RSVP (479) 394-8001.

The next Van-Cove High School Alumni Meeting is April 20 at the Alumni Building at 156 School Street in Cove, 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

2800 Craftsy meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m., 2800 Jerry Lee Dr., Mena. Free to all who are interested in crafting. (501) 617-7261. Visit 2800 Craftsy on Facebook groups.

The Polk County Social Seniors will be meeting at noon on May 9 at La Condesa, 7532 Hwy. 71 South, Wickes. New to Polk County? Come and meet with other social seniors and have fun. Any questions? Contract Linda Johnson at (956) 241-2633. Bring a friend or more and enjoy socializing and eating. Need a ride? Meet at Walmart at Mena parking lot by gasoline pumps before 11 for carpooling. Will leave at 11:15 a.m.

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, noon - 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 7 p.m. on Thursday, 7 p.m. on Friday, and 6 p.m. on Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call Erica at (479) 234-5289 or Candice at (501) 356-8300.

The Polk County Housing Authority has Rental Vouchers available. They are also in need of Applicants and Landlords. Contact them at 509 S. Morrow, Mena, (479) 394-1565 or polkarhousing.com

First Presbyterian Church will be presenting a study, “The Evolution of the Bible”, in its Adult Sunday School Class on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:45. The class will be conducted by Earl Harrell. Anyone with an interest in this study is invited to attend. Classes will be at the church in the parlor, 904 Church Ave., Mena.

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

The Hatfield Branch Library is open every Tuesday and Friday from noon - 4 p.m. The library is located at 121 Cemetery Rd. (old Agri building) in Hatfield.

The Cove Branch Library is open Monday and Thursday from noon - 5 p.m. The Library is located next to Cove Town Hall at 5568 Hwy. 71 S.

The Mena/Polk County Senior Center will have The Gator and Friends band performing in Mena every Thursday, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

The Center has an exercise class on Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Contact Trena Looney with questions, (479) 394-5459.

The Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes has meals

and activities for seniors. If you need to make delivery arrangements or changes call (870) 385-2373.

The VFW Service Day is May 6 at the American Legion in Veteran’s Park. Open to the public. Begins at 2 p.m. They will be making care packages to send to guards being deployed and need volunteers.

Also, if you’d like to donate items for the packages, contact Linda Johnson at (956) 241-2633 to see what items are still needed.

The Democratic Party of Polk County Arkansas will meet Monday, May 8 at PaPa’s Mexican Café, 1317 Hwy. 71 South. Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., so come early if you plan to socialize and eat. We welcome newcomers and all residents of Polk County. Any questions or concerns call Linda G. Johnson at (479) 234-7966.

Hatfield First Baptist Church “Shepherd’s Closet” Open Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - noon. Large selection of good, used clothing & a limited supply of non-perishable food items. Free to anyone in need.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at The Crossing Church, 3 p.m., Sundays; at 5 p.m., Tuesdays; and at 8 p.m. Saturdays at the old bus barn. For information call (479) 2348366 or (479) 216-3786.

The Food Pantry at the Mena Seventh Day Adventist Church is open every first and third Monday of each month, 4 6 p.m., located at Fair Grounds Road. For more information, call (479) 437-4018.

American Legion meets every 2nd Tuesday at the Legion Hall in Acorn. Potluck at 6 p.m., meeting follows. Come play Bingo, Saturdays and Mondays, starts at 6 p.m., doors open at 4 p.m.

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

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m. Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, Ninth Street and Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for information call (479) 243-0297.

Bluegrass Jam Session is open to musicians and fans alike. Bring your instruments for an unplugged session to the Daisy Room (behind Janssen’s Avenue Florist & Gifts) the first and third Thursdays of each month, starting at 6:30 p.m. Free event. Some snacks are provided.

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

Community

Paint Your Pet 2023

By Ethan Nahté

Wild Hare Art Glass Studio is having another Paint Your Pet fundraiser for the Humane Society of the Ouachitas. Nothing could be more personal than you painting a portrait of your own pet, be it a dog, cat, ferret, bird, lizard or goldfish. The event is at Wild Hare, located at 609 Mena Street, across from the Ouachita Little Theatre, on May 12 at 6 p.m. The class is $65 per person to participate, but the money goes to helping animals.

Owners Greg and Linda Ostman will be your hosts and helpers. Linda said, “The medium is acrylics on canvas. They would send me their clear picture of the animal to  laostman@verizon. net before May 8th and I transfer it to the canvas.

“The event lasts 3 or so hours, it depends on them. You don’t have to be an artist to participate. I give advice and help during the painting. We supply everything.

“They can bring what they would like to bring to drink. There are always some sweet treats to nibble on.” Greg said, “People get so caught up in their paintings that they sometimes forget the food is there.”

“It’s a fun event and they get a great picture of their beloved pet. They always look so awesome when they are finished,” Linda said.

To RSVP either call (479) 234-4927 or stop by their gallery and sign up. They are open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday -Friday, and 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Seating is limited.

If you’ve never been to Wild Hare, not only are there pieces of glass art such as decorative spheres and eggs, as well as wall art, fused and stained glass and more, but there is also custom jewelry. It’s a neat, clean gallery. The gallery also carries art supplies and gives classes. You might even meet the dachshunds, one of which is an HSO rescue.

Spring-like weather is finally back, as is the annual Master Gardener Plant Sale

Submitted by Ann Glenn

After the winter we’ve just had, Polk County Master Gardeners, like so many folks, are eager to get their hands in the dirt. Their efforts are tuned to preparations for their annual spring plant sale. April includes numerous potting days, as they dig healthy plants from their own yards and transplant them. They are planting mixed selections for attractive ready-made gifts. The plant sale is strategically scheduled on Saturday, May 13, the weekend of Mothers’ Day.

Individual plants are potted for your flower beds and vegetable gardens. As always, there will be a variety of plants to choose from, including trees and shrubs, succulents, bulbs, and herbs. The plants will be separated and presented as annual or perennials, suitable for sun, partial shade, or shade. Master Gardeners will be present to help you make your choices and answer questions.

The doors are open 8 a.m. - noon at the

Polk County Fairgrounds. Admission is free. Boxes as well as a few wagons, will be available to help carry your plants to your vehicle. Feel free to bring your own wagon if you wish.

Payment must be made by cash or local check. No credit or debit cards will be accepted.

The annual plant sale is the only fundraising activity of the Master Gardeners, and proceeds are returned to the community, in part, through scholarships awarded to Polk County high school seniors electing a college major related to agriculture or horticulture, or to the Single Parent Scholarship Fund.

Although Master Gardeners share a common interest — gardening for the joy of it —they are not a gardening club. They are an international organization of volunteers dedicated to providing educational opportunities and hands-on projects aimed at beautifying their communities, one project at a time.

The University of Arkansas Co-oper-

ative Extension Service started a Master Gardener volunteer program in 1988 with a class of 30 people from four counties. Today the program has grown to more than 3,200 volunteers in 65 Arkansas counties.

Polk County’s history began in 2000 with an initial class of 7. Polk County currently has 30 members. A community outreach program, new this year, is the Yard of the Month, and the public is invit-

ed to make nominations for that award.

Individuals who have attended 40 hours of Master Gardener training and passed an exam earn the title of Master Gardener. After completing the training, in the first year, each individual must take an additional 20 hours of education, and “pay back” 40 hours of service to the community. To maintain the status of Master Gardener in subsequent years, members volunteer at least 20 hours of work on sanctioned community projects and accumulate another 20 hours of continuing education.

Our distinctive green and white signs identify our current sanctioned projects at the Courthouse — front beds and the rose garden — and at the Mena/KCS Historic Depot, the Polk County Fairgrounds, and the pollinator garden at the Polk County Co-operative Extension Office.

We hope you enjoy the fruits of Master Gardener volunteer labors, and that you find inspiration for your own beautification projects at our May 13 Plant Sale.

Sons of Confederate Veterans to reinstall marker

By Ethan Nahté

The local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) will be reinstalling their historic marker on Sherwood Ave. near the Mena/KCS Historic Depot & Museum at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Apr. 29.

Marker No. 130 was originally erected in 2016 by Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, Polk County Genealogical Society, Shirley Manning, Harold Coogan and David Dingler, SCV Polk County Invincibles No. 646 and the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program.

The original marker was thought to have been damaged by vandals. A spokesman for the group said this time the SCV believed it to be due to the strong winds the area has had

this spring.

SCV is an American neo-Confederate nonprofit organization of male descendants of Confederate soldiers that commemorates these ancestors. The group’s site states that SCV “neither embraces, nor espouses acts or ideologies of racial and religious bigotry, and further, condemns the misuse of its sacred symbols and flags in the conduct of same. Each member is expected to perform his full duty as a citizen according to his own conscience and understanding.”

SCV will also be holding its 128th Annual Reunion of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans in Hot Springs, July 19-22.

For more information about SCV, visit https://scv.org/ .

ENERGY

continued from page 4

Clean energy workers account for more than 40% of America’s entire energy workforce. If we continue to invest in expanding our state’s own clean energy economy, then we can help attract new businesses in this rapidly growing industry in order to continue creating 21st century jobs for hardworking Arkansans.

As the booming clean energy economy continues to grow and create new economic and job opportunities, it is critical that Arkansas not get left behind. Advancing our clean energy capabilities will not only help attract new businesses and create new clean energy jobs, but it will also help strengthen and support our entire economy—from manufacturing to agriculture to transportation equipment to aerospace and defense. As a member of the state’s economic development commission, I am very encouraged by Governor Sanders proactive approach on all fronts. Her determination to see Arkansas lead the nation in every category is exactly the kind of energy and leadership we need at a time that new markets and tectonic shifts are happening in our economy. It isn’t a time for passive efforts but a time for bold leadership and strong efforts.

At the same time, further building out our clean energy economy and workforce will help support an allof-the-above approach to energy production for our state. That, in turn, will help increase domestic energy production in order to strengthen our nation’s energy independence, reduce our reliance on foreign nations to meet our energy needs, and enhance America’s national security. This allof-the-above energy strategy will also help keep energy prices lower and more stable for Arkansas businesses

and consumers. Our nation’s reliance of foreign energy is an unsustainable burden we mustn’t saddle the next generation with.

Further common-sense permitting reforms will help expedite all of these efforts. The EPA and other federal agencies have an important role to play but they shouldn’t be allowed to unnecessarily stand in the way of innovation, investment, and job creation in the private sector. The permitting process for almost every kind of project from infrastructure to agriculture is too cumbersome. I’m thankful our federal congressional delegation understands this and is working towards critical improvements.

It’s critical that Arkansas always looking ahead to identify new ways to create economic opportunities in our state by attracting higher-paying jobs, expanding and diversifying our state and local economies, increasing incomes and investment, and generating positive growth in communities throughout the state. Continuing to invest in and expand clean energy across the state can help us achieve these critical goals.

Arkansas cannot afford to miss out on the new clean energy economy that is growing rapidly and creating new jobs nationwide. We live in the Natural State, after all, and we can continue protecting the precious natural resources and attractions that make our state great while creating new opportunities for all Arkansans by expanding and developing our clean energy capabilities and resources. It’s time we seize the day.

Jay Bunyard, of De Queen, is a commissioner on the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and an Arkansas broadcaster, who owns 18 radio stations, a newspaper, and five online media outlets in the state.

The Polk County Road Department will be accepting sealed bids for 2023 culvert purchases. Bids are to be opened in the Polk County Judge's office at the Polk County Courthouse at 507 Church Avenue in Mena, Arkansas at 2:00 PM May 4, 2023.

All interested parties should contact Polk County Judge Brandon Ellison at 479-394-8133 for complete specifications and instructions.

2018 Catalina Legacy camper, like new. Bumper pull, sleeps 6, full hookups, has tub/ shower/toilet (479) 234-2795 T0426

- GARAGE SALE -

Two-family garage sale, Saturday, April 29. Open @ 8 a.m. off Hwy. 8 East. Right on Airport Road. First house on right @ top of the hill, A-frame. Antique furniture, nice pie safe, musical instruments, lot of guitar cases, young men’s clothing (med.) Some collectibles will be out, some china, lots of pictures, misc. household items, New Body punching bag, 10-person tent, corn hole boards, baby stroller and car seat. Lots of unique stuff. T0426

The Polk County Road Department will be accepting sealed bids for (3) new Ford 2023 F250 extended cab pickups. Bids are to be opened in the Polk County Judge’s office at the Polk County Courthouse at 507 Church Avenue in Mena, Arkansas at 3:00 PM May 4th, 2023.

All interested parties should contact Polk County Judge Brandon Ellison at 479-394-8133 for complete specifications and instructions.

Wendell’s Tree Service - Tree Removal and Trimming. Experienced and fully insured for ALL your tree-trimming needs. Call (479) 394-0227 or (479) 216-4328. T0503

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0426

Construction, steel buildings, welding, pads, ponds, and roads. Military discounts. Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0426

Daniel’s carpentry and painting and handyman service. Deck and privacy fences, gutters cleaned, etc. Call (479) 216-1101 or (479) 216-2299. T0426

Tree services, forestry mulching, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate. T0426

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T0503

Apex Home Services: Yards mowed, light home maintenance, quality work, dependable service. (479) 216-6634 T0503

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE: Kevin Williams, Jason Sullivan, Emily Bevill of UNION BANK OF MENA and Jim Walton, Kevin Sabin, Theresa Young of ARVEST BANK are in DEFAULT for failure to CEASE AND DESIST, failure to prove jurisdiction, failure to answer the four Affidavits of Status and Affidavit of Complaint.

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- HELP WANTED -

F.M. Dix Foundry is accepting applications for general labor positions. Applications may be picked up at the office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

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

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Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced TIG Welder for a permanent day shift position. The applicant must be proficient in welding aluminum.

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

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

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Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for a technical/phone sales position. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, answering technical inquiries, providing product information and recommendations, troubleshooting with potential and current customers, and processing orders in a fast-paced office setting. Parts, automotive, and computer experience would be helpful.

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

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Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced CNC Machine Operator. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

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

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Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for general labor positions. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

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

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Therefore, you have agreed to the terms of compensation.

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

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S LOG

April 17, 2023

Rowdy Davis, 20 of Mena was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas State Parks on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Jarad Miller, 24 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Probation Violation Warrant, two Felony Warrants for Failure to Comply with Registration and Reporting Requirements and two Misdemeanor Failure to Appear Warrants.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 94 near Mena in reference to an unattended death.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 40 near Mena in reference to a possible theft.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 42 near Mena in reference to a disturbance.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Treasure Lane near Acorn in reference to vandalism.

April 18, 2023

Barbara Braun, 22 of Mena was arrested on a Body Attachment Warrant.

Deputies took a theft report from a walk-in complainant.

Doug Gross, 64 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Possession of a Firearm by Certain Persons and a Felony Warrant for 3rd Degree Assault on a Family or Household Member.

April 19, 2023

Anna Denton, 29 of Wickes was ar-

MENA POLICE REPORTS

April 16

April 21 No report.

April 22 No report.

rested on two Failure to Appear Warrants.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a theft of property.

April 20, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to Hwy 8 W for an accident with property damage.

April 21, 2023

Paul Langston, 33 of Long Beach, MS was arrested to be held for another agency.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 71 S near Mena in reference to a burn victim.

April 22, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 302 near Cherry Hill in reference to a verbal domestic dispute leading to the arrest of Doug Gross, 64 of Mena on charges of Violation of a No Contact Order, 2nd Degree Terroristic Threatening and Disorderly Conduct.

April 23, 2023

Deputies responded to a report of a damaged fence.

Deputies responded to a report of issues with a neighbor’s dogs.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked 2 vehicle accidents this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail

Population: 40 Incarcerated Inmates with 12 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

Rodney Morrison, 37, was charged with Criminal Trespass and Violation of a No Contact Order after a prowler complaint on Oak Grove Avenue.

Joseph Davidson, 22, was charged with Theft of Property at James’ Food.

A report of rape was taken at a residence on Walnut Avenue.

April 17

William Pierce, 39, was served with a warrant on Janssen Avenue.

April 18

Aaron Renard, 47, was served with a warrant at the court house.

Wendy Morse, 50, was served with a warrant at the court house.

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

A report of fleeing and hindering apprehension was taken at Walmart.

April 19

Spencer Powell, 34, was served with warrants after a traffic stop on Pickering Avenue.

Leslie Gillaspy, 45, was served with a warrant at a residence on Dallas Avenue.

Frankie Reynolds, 63, was charged with Possession of Firearm By Certain Persons after a traffic stop on Pickering Avenue.

Patrick Tosta, 38, was served with warrants at the police department.

Joseph Lane, 61, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Disorderly Conduct after a disturbance call at Executive Inn.

April 20

Christian Kahn, 19, was served with a warrant at Executive Inn.

Scott County accident claims life of Mena man

By Patrick Massey

A Mena man was killed last week following a two-vehicle accident in Scott County.

According to the Arkansas State Police, Christopher L. Lawrence, 50, of Mena was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 71 between Acorn and Y City near Johnson Creek Road the morning of April 17 when his 2005 Toyota crossed the center line and struck a semi-truck in a head-on collision. The accident occurred around 5 a.m.

Lawrence was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the 2019 Freightliner, Eric Scott Jones, 50, of New Boston, Texas, was transported to Mercy Hospital in Waldron for treatment of minor injuries.

The investigating state trooper described road conditions as clear and dry at the time of the accident.

Michael Laing awarded scholarship

The Preceptor Alpha Beta Sigma Phi recently presented Michael Laing with our 2023 Scholarship that is warded to a senior who is continuing their education.

Graduating with honors, Acorn High 2023 Senior, Michael Donavon Laing is the son of Todd and Amy Laing, and brother of Mary Claire Laing.

As a drummer, Laing has been a very active member of the Acorn Concert Bands for seven years; an active sixyear participant in the Acorn choir; an active member of the National Honors Society; and he plays outfielder for the Acorn fighting Tigers baseball team.

Presently, he is striving to obtain his pharmacy technician certification while attending the Medical Professions Educational Program at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain, where in the fall, Laing plans to further

Samantha Sellers to be new Louise

Durham Elementary principal

tot River School District. She has also worked for CRSD as the Kindergarten through sixth-grade literacy coach and the district’s English as a Second Language Coordinator.

Earning her Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education from Southern Arkansas University (SAU), Sellers carried on her formal education earning an additional master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and an educational specialist degree in administration, all from SAU.

his medical science education while pursuing a degree in pharmacy.

Arkansas Children’s Week at Mena pre-K

Submitted by Mark Hobson

Mena Public Schools is pleased to announce Samantha Sellers as the latest addition to its leadership team.

Sellers was hired to serve as the Louise Durham Elementary Principal for the 2023-2024 school year.

Sellers is a 2008 graduate of VanCove High School and began her teaching career in 2011 as a second-grade teacher at Vandervoort Elementary School in Vandervoort. She is currently serving as the principal of Vandervoort Elementary and the curriculum coordinator for the Cossa-

Having eight years of classroom experience, Sellers understands the pivotal role that pre-K through second grade will play in the future of our state indicated in the new “LEARNS Act.” However, her mission has always been to ensure that all students have a physically and academically safe learning environment that is motivational, data-driven, and above all conducive to student learning within every facet of education.

Sellers stated that through the development of a collaboratively created school vision and organizational focus on improving student learning, Louise Durham Elementary School can continue to flourish.

She also stated that early childhood education is her love and where her heart and expertise are focused.

Arkansas Children’s Week (ACW) has been a statewide tradition for more than 30 years. ACW is a celebration of children of all ages and their educators and families. Apr. 15-21, Mena’s pre-K had a glow in the dark party, outdoor centers,

Presenting the scholarship is Diane Rotter, member; Michael Laing, recipient; and Lisa Doughty, treasurer. (Submitted photo)

a butterfly release, a movie and popcorn, and a concert by Kindersongs. (Submitted photo)

Cossatot River High School choirs to present spring concert

Submitted by Susan Brewer

The Cossatot River High School Choral Dept will present their spring concert, 80’s Rewind, on Thursday, May 4, in the Holbert Auditorium in Wickes. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. with the seventh and eighth grade Eagle Choirs.

Following will be the combined Sr. High Choirs made up of students in choirs One Voice, Cantabile, and Noteworthy.

End of the year choir awards will be given and senior choir members will be recognized. The Rachel Norman Memorial Choir Scholarship recipient will also be

announced and awarded.

2023 Choir Seniors are Reagan Bills, Angelie Castrejon, Ashley Castro, Mia Dixon, Kim Hackworth, Jessica Harris, Braylee Jewell, Hannah McClain, Lily McIntyre, Autumn Raines, David Ramos, Grant Stark, Aiden Thomas, Giselle Trejo, and Elizabeth Turnbough.

Cossatot River Sr. High Choirs are under the direction of Susan Brewer.

Jr. High Eagle Choirs are under the direction of Susan Brewer and Jacob Talamantez.

Come out May 4 to hear outstanding performances from the best hits of the 80s.

Cossatot River Primary School honor roll

3rd 9 Weeks

Honor Roll (2022-2023)

First Grade- All A’s: Story Alexander, Raymond Ashcraft, Kamden Baker, Kynlie Barton, Aedan Brummel, Brooklyn Crook, Maggie Davis, Tinley Davis, Henry Dixon, Genesis Esquivel, Isabel Gomez, William Jeanes, Wyatt Jenkins, AJ Lowrey, Calvin Mayo, Brynn Parker, Brayden Patton, Logan Pennell, Kye Sellers, Jaxen Shouse, Adeline Strother, Skyla Tipton, Liam Walker

First Grade - All A’s & B’s: Nicholas Aaron, Angel Alarcon, Lhiam Alexzander, Kailee Carter, Clyde Craig, Jessie Denton, Nataleigh Harper, Skyler Head, Heidi Holbrook, Xander Leach, Kendryck Moran, Edwin Perez, Christian Quintana, Reiner Thomas, Parker Watkins

Second Grade- All A’s: Kade Denton, Landen Gertiser, Emma Hulliberger, Cooper Jester, Jaxton Thomas, Wyatt Vaughn, Ashlyn Wilhite, Sophia Williams

Second Grade - All A’s & B’s: Melody Ashcraft, Starla Ashcraft, Mason Davis, Benz Dees, Jesus Delgado, Matthew Dixon, Rebecca Goethals, Bryson Harwood, Isaac Hernandez, Zaily Hernandez, Haydyn Hunter, Honesty Joream, Mia Juarez, Jaxson Knop, Ely Loyd, Christopher May, Alejandro Maya, Kamden Meredith, Bentley Moss, Nathan Murray, Avanlei Rogers, Magaly Salgado, Brandon Teodoro-Marroquin, Dani Toon, Braxleigh Williams, Lucas Wray

Mena hosting Arkansas State Junior Olympics Boxing Championships

By Ethan Nahté

A sport that Polk County residents don’t get to see in a live setting very frequently will be coming to Mena the end of April.

Defender’s Boxing coach Richard Hexamer announced on March 27 that Mena will be home to the 2023 Arkansas State Junior Olympics Boxing Championships. The tournament will be held at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall at 811 Port Arthur Ave. on Apr. 28 and 29.

Boxers from across the state, as well as western Memphis and eastern Oklahoma, will converge on Mena to compete in this two-day championship tournament. The boxers will be competing for chances to advance to the National Championship Tournament being held in Lubbock, Texas, later this spring.

Hexamer said, “Having Mena chosen to host this yearly tournament is huge for the community and speaks highly of the past experience both state and national USA Boxing officials have had in our community.

“It also shows the hard work and dedication our local boxers have put into shows and tournaments throughout Arkansas and on the national level.

“We will have both tournament and non-tournament bouts. I have a very special match setup for a young girl who has had a dream to become a boxer that has trained nine months just to find out two weeks ago in May they are putting an implant in her head for her ears and once that’s done, she can never box again. So, I have set up a ‘Dreams do Come True’ special championship belts match for her. No loser in this one.”

The female boxers known collectively as the Attitude Angels have been racking up some major wins over the past few months. Some of the male boxers from the Polk County area have also been doing well.

This tournament will be a chance for local residents to watch their own compete against boxers from all over Arkansas and adjacent states. Tickets are $10 for adult and $5 for children 12 and under.

“I would love to see our community leaders embrace this opportunity,” Hexamer said.

Arkansas to move duck season opener back to traditional date

son - Oct. 28-Nov. 10, Nov. 18-26, Dec. 9-23, Dec. 27-Jan. 31

• Special Youth Waterfowl Hunt - Dec. 2 and Feb. 3

• Veteran and Active Duty Military Waterfowl Hunt - Feb. 3

Other statewide regulatory changes for 2023 include the creation of a $500 lifetime hunting and fishing license from children under the age of 10. The Commission is also proposing an

increase to nonresident license fees. That includes bumping up the cost of a nonresident annual fishing license to $60 and to $500 for a fishing guide license. The annual hunting license for a nonresident would, if approved, raise to $410.

These and other proposed changes will be open for public comment for the next 30 days. The Commission is expected to vote on the proposed changes at its May 18 meeting. Comments may be submitted via email at AskAGFC@agfc.ar.gov/

For a full list of proposals for the 20232024 seasons, visit www.agfc.com/.

By Patrick Massey

Arkansas’ duck season will begin a little earlier this year than in 2022 following a unanimous decision by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission last week.

During the April 20 commission session, the board voted to set the 20232024 duck season to begin Nov. 18.

The decision to move the season back to the traditional opener of the weekend before Thanksgiving was made following public input, according to Commission Chairman Bobby Martin.

“We did get overwhelming [feedback],” Martin said in a statement. “The thing that I see as encouragingly interesting, one of the big reasons that I think the public, particularly waterfowlers, fought to try to hold it before Thanksgiving was the emphasis and priority around family and young hunters. The fact that so many people hang on to that is a signal that [the traditional opening day] is a legacy of a generation that we do not want to let go of in any way at all.”

Specklebelly, Canada and light goose seasons also will change with this modification, as will the Special Youth Waterfowl Hunt and Special Active-Duty Military and Veteran Hunt.

The 2023-24 waterfowl season dates:

• Duck, Coot and Merganser - Nov. 18-26, Dec. 9-23, Dec. 27-Jan. 31

• White-fronted Goose - Oct. 28-Nov. 10, Nov. 18-26, Dec. 9-23, Dec. 27-Jan. 31

• Canada Goose - Sept. 1-Oct. 15, Nov. 18-26, Dec. 9-23, Dec. 27-Jan. 31

• Snow, Blue and Ross’s Goose Sea-

Mena High School senior Toby Watkins signed his letter of intent to play basketball at Champion Christian College in Hot Springs on Friday, Apr. 21.

(Submitted photo)