Polk County Pulse - April 5, 2023

State officials declare emergency after tornadoes rip through Arkansas

By Patrick Massey and Ethan Nahté

LITTLE ROCK - At least five people were killed and dozens injured in Arkansas on Friday afternoon after a devastating tornado ripped through portions of the state capital. It was one of three confirmed tornadoes that hit Arkansas on Friday.

In all, some 32 people were killed across the nation as a series of storms and tornadoes that stretched from Arkansas to Delaware on Friday. As of Monday morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported 14 tornadoes had been confirmed, with expectations to reach between 20-30. Some unofficial reports have that number as somewhere between 59 to 81 tornadoes as of Monday

2023 Chamber Banquet Awards

By Ethan Nahté

An Entergy lineman surveys damage to homes in the Wynne area. At least five were killed and more than 50 injured after a storm system resulted in two tornadoes in Arkansas. More than 1,500 utility poles, 435 transformers and nearly 2,000 spans of wire were damaged or destroyed in the Little Rock, Jacksonville, Sherwood and Wynne areas.

(Photo courtesy of Entergy)

The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce Membership Appreciation Banquet was held at The Ouachita Center on the UA Rich Mountain campus on Thursday, March 30. The theme was “Tour de Ouachitas.” See who won.

A fundraising auction was all part of the evening’s events. (Ariel Varner/Pulse)

Food commodities distribution on April 18

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) commodities will be distributed Tuesday, April 18 at the Polk County Fairgrounds from 1:30 -3:30 p.m. The information for the Commodity Distribution is listed below. We are still following all safety precautions therefore this will be a drive through only distribution.

The above income guidelines are based on 130% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Add $512 for each additional family member. You cannot pick up commodities for more than two households.

Rules for acceptance and participation in the program are the same for everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, or handicap.

1168 Hwy 71S

Mena, AR 71953

Phone: 479-243-9600

Fax: 479-243-9603

Email: news@mypulsenews.com

KENA 104.1 - KQOR 105.3

MyPulseNews.com

Our Team:

Ashley Moore - General Manager

Ethan Nahté - Production Manager/Editor

Patrick Massey - Contributing Reporter

John Russell - Graphic Design

Josh Barker - Account Executive

Alexis James - Account Executive

Curt Teasdale - Programmer / On-Air Personality

Ariel Varner - Receptionist/On-Air Personality

Distribution & Insertion Staff: Danielle Stewart, Chaz Welch & Sahil Bahn

I am writing in response to the letter written by Lynn and Sue Cowden in the March 15th paper. You mention your religious beliefs and emphasize that the keyword is “children” in your issue with what you call the “agenda” of pro-homosexuality. It appears we are mutually vested in the best interest of children, however, you made a lot of unsubstantiated claims about the LGBT+ community.

One outrageous claim insinuated the grooming of children by LGBT+ people when in fact the Southern Baptist Convention released a list of over 700 entries of cases of sexual abuse of children committed by pastors and church personnel from 2000-2019 alone.

Not to mention the historic settlement from the Boy Scouts to their child sex abuse victims. What’s that verse about the plank in your own eye again?

Truth be told the biggest threats to children are within their own families. How about we protect children from things that we know actually harm them like school shootings, domestic violence, food insecurity, and lack of healthcare? Oh wait, our new governor just vetoed a republican led bill that would have raised the asset limit for food stamps so people could use their money to lift themselves out of poverty and still eat.

You mentioned parents rights and I wholeheartedly agree so how about you let me worry about whether I want a man dressed in drag to read my children a book about two gay penguin dads and you worry about your own grandchildren?

Have a blessed day,

Ashley Midgette, Mena

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. MyPulseNews.com has hundreds of visitors daily and KENA and KQOR have thousands of listeners hourly.

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Want to share your opinion?

above, honey is the most fraudulent food that is sold in the world. Tainted honey products are dangerous because consumers are most likely unaware of the risks associated with the hidden chemicals and even prescription drug ingredients that can interact with other drugs and supplements that the consumer may take. Education in terms of honey traceability and authenticity will help consumers to choose reliable local honey of high quality and to avoid tainted honey.

In 1883, Dr. Harvey Wiley became the first chemist at The United States Department of Agriculture to analyze commercial honey. He found, to his surprise, that products claiming to be honey were often just corn syrup plus additives. He used a polariscope from Germany to help him analyze honey and test it for purity. He became a crusader and coalition builder in support of The National Food and Drug Regulation. This work earned him the titles of “Father of the Pure Food and Drugs Act” and Father of The Food and Drug Administration.

China is the world’s largest producer of honey. Chinese honey is diluted with high amounts of fructose com syrup, and it is high in heavy metals. It is also tainted with dangerous chemicals and antibiotics. One of those antibiotics is a carcinogenic antibiotic called chloramphenicol. It is currently banned by the United States FDA.

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. Letters do not reflect the viewpoints or opinions of Pulse Multi-Media.

The letter must include a signature to be considered for publication. Signatures will NOT be held out by request. Letters will be restricted to 500 words. Any letters longer than 500 words will require purchase of advertising space.

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.

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.

Letter to the Editor

I was reading an article in the “American Bee Journal” and I was shocked to find out about honey fraud. The article was written by: “M.E. Mcneal” [Eds. Possibly M.E.A. McNeil]. This article was about how the honey that is being imported by other countries such as: China and Vietnam are not the same type of honey that American Beekeepers produce. It doesn’t contain the same nutrients that the American Honey does.

There is very little that is known about honey fraud. Honey that is made by honest, American beekeepers is very nutritional. It contains antioxidants that protect the body from inflammation as well as antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. So, I am not talking about these beekeepers.

As a local beekeeper in Mena, I was appalled when I found out what the Inspectors found when they inspected honey that was being imported into the U.S.A. from other countries. According to the article listed

In 2013, a federal investigation called “Operation Honeygate” was the first thing that gave honey fraud national attention. This operation discovered the largest food fraud in United States history. By the time the investigation was over, eleven people and two of the United States’ largest honey producing companies (Honey Solutions of Baytown and Groeb Farms in Michigan) were charged with dumping honey imports from China, including honey that contained chloramphenicol.

According to the FDA and The World Health Organization, the one test that authenticates real honey is the presence of pollen. If the liquid gold doesn’t contain pollen, it isn’t real honey.

So, the next time you want to buy honey remember that there is a lot of honey fraud continuing today.

If you want real honey that can contains a lot of nutrients, I would buy it from farmers’ markets, co-ops, locally owned farms, herb stores and any local friends that are beekeepers. All of these places will guarantee that you are buying real honey that is good for you and not something that is fake and dangerous. Don Cost, Mena

April 18 tax deadline

This year, the filing deadline is April 18 for most taxpayers, but automatic six-month extensions of time to file are available for anyone for free. See Extension of Time to File Your Tax Return for instructions.

Taxpayers should be aware that filing Form 4868 only extends the time to file tax returns. Those who owe taxes should still pay by April 18 to avoid late payment penalties. IRS Free File is available to any person or family who earned $73,000 or less in 2022. For taxpay-

ers who are comfortable completing their own tax forms, Free File Fillable Forms may be a good option. MilTax is a free tax resource available to the military community, and it’s offered through the Department of Defense. Qualified taxpayers can also find free one-on-one tax preparation help nationwide through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs.

Visit IRS.gov for links and more information for filing your taxes.

The Hatfield Lions Club and the Hatfield Masonic Lodge had an Easter egg hunt for children 12 and under at the Hatfield Lions Club Park on April Fool’s Day.

(Ariel Varner/Pulse)

From the State House of Representatives From the State Senate

When the House reconvenes on Monday, members will likely be entering the last week of the 2023 Regular Session. Currently, the General Assembly is expected to adjourn on April 7.

Before members adjourn, they will be addressing education funding, tax cuts, and amending the Revenue Stabilization Act which prioritizes spending for the next fiscal year.

On Thursday, the House Education Committee advanced HB1688. This bill amends public school funding. It increases per-pupil funding from the current amount of $7,413 to $7,618 for the 2023-2024 school year. The bill would increase the amount to $7,771 for the 2024-2025 school year. This bill will now go to the full House for a vote.

Also on Thursday, several legislators and the Governor announced the introduction of a proposed tax cut. SB549 would reduce the state’s top income tax rate from 4.9% to 4.7%. It would also reduce the corporate income tax rate from 5.3% to 5.1%. The reductions would be retroactive to January 1, 2023. SB549 will be before the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee on Monday.

One of the last items of legislation before House members every session is the Revenue Stabilization Act (RSA). The RSA outlines general revenue spending. Once a proposal for the budget is released, it will be posted at arkansashouse.org.

Meanwhile, the House passed a number of bills during the 12th week of the session including the following:

SB248-This bill creates the Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship Program. The bill states that a student is eligible to receive an

John Maddox

Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship if the student receives the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship and demonstrates financial need as determined by FASFA. The Plus Scholarship would be awarded in $1,000 increments per student per academic year.

HB1503-This bill creates the offense of operating a chop shop and makes the offense a Class C felony.

HB1468-This bill prohibits requiring employees of public schools and state-supported institutions of higher education to use a person’s preferred pronoun, name, or title without parental consent.

HB1610-This bill amends the law relating to public meetings under the Freedom of Information Act. It defines a public meeting as onethird or more of the members of a governing body of all municipalities, counties, townships, school districts, boards, bureaus, or commissions of the State of Arkansas.

SB377-This bill creates a misdemeanor offense concerning initiative petitions if a person knowingly changes a signature on a petition, erases or destroys a signature, pays a person in exchange for not signing a petition, or misrepresents the purpose and effect of the petition.

HB1617-This bill would require an autopsy in the case of a suspected drug overdose.

HB1502-This bill creates the offense of sexual solicitation of a minor and classifies the offense as a Class B felony.

The House will convene on Monday, April 3, at 1:30 p.m. You can watch all committee meetings and House floor proceedings at arkansashouse.org.

John Boozman

1120 Garrison Ave. Suite 2B

Fort Smith, AR 72901

Phone: (479) 573-0189

Fax: (479) 575-0553

Bruce Westerman

101 Reserve St. Suite 200

Hot Springs, AR 71901

Phone: (501) 609-9796

Fax: (501) 609-9887

The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved legislation that lengthens prison sentences for violent offenders and requires prison inmates to work harder to qualify for parole.

The legislation is Senate Bill 495. One goal is to provide juries in criminal trials with more accurate information about the length of time that convicted criminals are truly going to serve behind bars after their sentencing.

Criminals convicted of rape and capital murder would serve 100 percent of their sentences. The 100 percent sentence requirement also will apply to aggravated robbery, human trafficking, Internet stalking of a child and more serious categories of aggravated residential burglary.

Offenders would serve 85 percent of their sentence after conviction for a long list of violent felonies, including second degree murder, negligent homicide, manslaughter, encouraging someone to commit suicide, first degree battery, first degree sexual assault and sexual indecency with a child.

Other felonies on the list include permitting abuse of a minor, serious categories of arson, advocating overthrow of the government, treason, making a terrorist threat, arming a terrorist and exposing the public to toxic, chemical or radioactive substances.

Making offenders serve longer sentences would bring Arkansas sentencing guidelines more in line with those used by federal prisons, where people convicted of federal crimes serve almost all of their sentence.

The sponsor of SB 495 told senators on the Judiciary Committee about inmates being released after serving only a sixth of their sentence because of Arkansas laws.

In some cases, they were released before completing drug rehabilitation or other programs designed to help them transition back to the outside world.

A goal of SB 495 is to create incentives for inmates to complete rehabilitation, anger management, skills training and other courses that improve their chances of success in society. Instead of automatically earning “good time” just for being in prison, they would not begin to accumulate credits for early release until they complete rehabilitation programs.

The bill creates a task force to work on recidivism, and expands mental health treatment for inmates.

Along with SB 495, the legislature will consider appropriations to pay for an additional 3,000 prison beds and the hiring of additional security officers and prison staff. One goal is to put a stop to the “revolving door” that allows dangerous offenders to be released early due to lack of prison capacity. Those new beds will be in addition to the 400 beds recently approved by prison officials.

Another goal is to free up space in county jails, which house convicted offenders when there is no space in state prisons. Sheriffs have told legislators that conditions are becoming more dangerous for jail staff and minimum security prisoners, as county jails fill up with serious offenders.

A growing number of people charged with misdemeanors are being released because county jail space has to be reserved for dangerous felony offenders. By making space available again in county jails, supporters of SB 495 say they want to re-establish the importance of punishing misdemeanors.

Representatives of prosecuting attorneys and county sheriffs told senators that they support SB 495.

John Maddox Terry Rice

Robin Lang

Robin Lang (MAC USN RET), age 76, begat to Alden Dame (US Army WW1 Vet) and Myrtle Wright Dame on Tuesday, July 23, 1946, in Lynn, Massachusetts, went to her eternal home on Saturday, April 1, 2023, while in Chi St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

As one of the pioneers for women in the United States Navy for 20 years, Robin enjoyed places such as Italy, Hawaii and several US states. She has only missed visiting two states (Alaska and Maine). Her Naval career began in the field of communications as radioman (RM), and then changed to law enforcement (Master-at-arms - MAA). Although born in Massachusetts, she was easily attracted to Mena in 1994, when searching for a permanent home. After settling here, she also simultaneously enjoyed her mountain cabin home in the Kiamichi Wilderness near Moyers, Oklahoma.

After retirement the Navy Chief became an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs football team. Robin was a member of many organizations such as the Girl Scouts, WWI Auxiliary, Fleet Reserve Association, American Legion, Ouachita Humane Society, Special Olympics volunteers, Queen Wilhelmina branch of the Good Sam RV Club, and Christ’s Church at Mountain Fork. The chief was also proud to be able to serve as a member of the Polk County Honor Guard. Some activities of special interest to her

were camping, RV travel, fishing, crafts, bowling, artwork, gardening, church activities and riding around in her blue BMW convertible.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill Gutierrez; one brother, Lynwood Dame; and one sister, Margaret Grant.

Robin is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Shirley Lang of Mena; two brothers, Alvin Dame of Florida and Ernest Dame of New Jersey; three grandchildren, Leah Johnson, Alicia Lang, and Donnie Lang; seven great-grandchildren, Brady Johnson, Lacie Johnson, Lincoln Johnson, Eli Lang, Emmett Lang, Kaylie Lang, and Jordyn Lang; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Memorial Services for Robin Lang will be announced at a later date. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home.

In Lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to the Ouachita Humane Society.

John Kenneth Vaughn

John Kenneth “Ken” Vaughn, 82, of Fort Smith, AR, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023 in Fort Smith. He was born July 27, 1940, in Antlers, OK. He was a retired from the U.S. Navy and a veteran of the Vietnam Era, an electronics technician for Martin Marietta and a member of the Cavanaugh United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his mother Ollie Kate Vaughn and one son, Michael Vaughn.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Dee; two daughters Deanna Marie Vaughn of Lawton, OK and Melissa Anne McArthur of Idaho Springs, CO; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 11 :30 AM Wednesday March 29, 2023, at Cavanaugh United Methodist Church with burial in U.S. National Cemetery with full Military Honors under the direction of Ocker-Putman Funeral Home of Fort Smith.

Pallbearers will be Nathen Vaughn, Andy Clark, Ben Pacheco, Doug Kelly, Mike Thopham and Ken Norton.

Viewing will be from 11 :00 AM until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Christopher Daniel Brown

Christopher

Daniel Brown, 39, of Mena, Arkansas passed away on Monday, March 27, 2023, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born on December 11, 1983, in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Daniel Brown and Vickey Smiley.

Christopher was known as the Grill master by everyone who was privileged to have his BBQ. He loved being outdoors, fishing, camping, and playing his guitar. He also loved music, but what he loved most was his family and his friends. He had one of the biggest hearts and was very humble in nature.

He is survived by one sister, Kizzie (Aaron) Brandon, from Mena, Arkansas; one niece, Janice Gonzalez; and a host of relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jeremiah Brown.

Funeral services for Christopher are tentative at this time, but will be at Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Mena, Arkansas, with Zack Johnson officiating. Interment will be at Boardcamp Cemetery in Boardcamp, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Rodney Brown, Shane Brown, Justin Davis, Deirek Davis, and Aaron Brandon. Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Matchmaking event for minority- and women-owned businesses to be held May 18

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (April 4, 2023) – The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) will host its annual matchmaking event in partnership with the Arkansas District Office of the Small Business Administration and the Arkansas APEX Accelerator (formerly Arkansas PTAC) on Thursday, May 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock. Registration for the event is now open to owners of minority- and women-owned businesses and to vendors.

Business owners will have 15-minute scheduled matchmaking appointments with various private and public sector vendors to discuss possible contracts for their goods and services. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with other local business owners and listen to a variety of guest speakers at the event. Edward “Ted” James, the SBA Regional Administrator for Region 6 – South Central, will be the keynote speaker.

“The Matchmaking Event is the Minority and Women-Owned Business Division’s signature event,” said Esperanza Massana Crane, director of AEDC’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Division. “Last year, we were fortunate to host more than 200 meetings between buyers and sellers, creating many opportunities for small businesses to expand their networking base.”

By promoting networking opportunities and pre-arranging one-oneone “speed-dating style” appoint-

ments, the annual Matchmaking Event can serve as a useful tool for both businesses and vendors seeking to secure contracts. Business owners are matched with buying representatives based on information provided during the registration process.

“Minority and women-owned businesses bring significant value to our state’s economy, creating new jobs and opportunities throughout Arkansas,” said AEDC Executive Director Clint O’Neal. “The Matchmaking Event provides a great opportunity for these business owners and for procurement leaders from the public and private sectors to expand their networks and learn from the excellent lineup of speakers at the event.”

Select buyers include Arkansas Children’s Hospital; Arkansas Department of Health; Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism; Central Arkansas Water; Pulaski County Government; Tyson Foods, University of Central Arkansas; and USACE Little Rock District.

Sponsors include lunch sponsor Minority Business Development Agency, presenting sponsor Arkansas Capital Corporation, and the workshop sponsors: Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Little Rock Regional Chamber, Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority, and the National Institute for Government Procurement (NIGP).

Click here to register: www.arkansasedc.com/matchmaking2023.

Mena to receive matching grant for Tapley Park improvements

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism announced Friday, March 24, it’s awarding a total of $6.5 million in Outdoor Rec-

and sidewalks at Tapley Park.

Mike Mills, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, said that not

reation grants in 35 counties across the state. The grants help local communities complete outdoor recreation projects or improve existing facilities.

The City of Mena will receive a $250,000 matching grant for Tapley Park enhancements. The grant will be used for a splash pad, parking,

only do these projects improve the quality of life for the people in these communities, they also boost tourism amenities to draw visitors who will shop, dine, and may even stay overnight. More than $64.6 million in grants have been awarded since this program was launched in 1988.

Arkansas law enforcement to ramp up efforts to combat distracted driving

Distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes on our nation’s roadways. The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office (HSO) is working with state and local law enforcement agencies to encourage drivers to put down their phones while driving as part of the statewide “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” high-visibility enforcement effort Apr. 3 - 10.

The effort will involve Arkansas State Troopers, local sheriff’s deputies, and local police officers. The operation will target drivers who are texting and driving as well as violating other distracted driving laws.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], between 2011 and 2020, more than 32,400 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver. In 2020, there were 3,142 deaths linked to driver distraction, or 8% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities. This is an increase of 23 fatalities compared to 2019. Research shows that Millennials and Generation Z are the most distracted drivers, often using their cell phones to talk, text, and scroll through social media while behind the wheel. According to NHTSA research from 2017, young drivers 16 to 24 years old have been observed using handheld electronic devices while driving

at higher rates than older drivers since 2007. In 2020, 7% of drivers 15 to 20 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted.

“Distracted driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads, and most of this distraction is attributed to texting while driving,” said Colonel Mike Hagar, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “People know texting and driving is dangerous and often illegal, but they do it anyway, and it puts others at risk. Beginning Apr. 3, drivers will see increased law enforcement efforts, as officers will be stopping and ticketing anyone who is caught texting while driving. If you text and drive, you will pay.” In addition to being unsafe, violating Arkansas’ distracted-driving laws can also be costly.

Arkansas law prohibits the use of a hand-held cell phone for texting, typing, emailing or accessing the internet while driving, regardless of the driver’s age. It is also a “primary offense” law, which means a state trooper, police officer or sheriff’s deputy can initiate a traffic stop without observing any other violation. Fines can range from up to $250 for a first offense and up to $500 for any subsequent offense.

Many drivers are guilty of a “double standard” when it comes to distracted

driving. In its 2018 Traffic Safety Culture Index, the American Automobile Association (AAA) Foundation reported that while nearly 96% of drivers believed it was very or extremely

stopped is it safe to text. Ask your passenger to be a “designated texter.” Allow the passenger access to your phone for responding to calls or messages.

dangerous to read a text or email while driving, four out of ten drivers admitted to doing so within the previous 30 days.

“These drivers give themselves a personal exemption to ignore the law while unfairly putting others at risk,” said Colonel Hagar. “State troopers and other law enforcement officers will increase enforcement of distracted driving laws as part of the ‘U Drive. U Text. U Pay.’ enforcement operation.”

The Arkansas Highway Safety Office and NHTSA urge drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel. Drivers are encouraged to follow these suggestions to ensure a safe driving experience:

· If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Only after you are off the roadway and

· Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving. Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.

Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal. Help break the dangerous habit of distracted driving. Remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay

For more information, either visit  https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/ distracted-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136.

Also learn more about Arkansas’ ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit www.TZDArkansas.org/ .

BANQUET

continued from page 1

In addition to a fundraising live auction and a silent auction, there was a cocktail hour with entertainment by Brothers & Sons. The meal that followed was catered by Chicollo’s Food Emporium.

The guest speaker, promoting the possibility of the mountain bike trail system that may come to Mena, was Gary Vernon. He is the director of outdoor recreation and trail innovation for Runway Group. Vernon is considered one of the leading experts in developing mountain bike trail systems.

The banquet also honored the winners out of their nominees in each category, who were voted on by the chamber members. The winners:

Citizen of the Year - Rick Chrisman

Rick Chrisman may not have grown up in the Mena/Polk County area, but visiting it often was a part of his family’s life considering his father lived here until graduating high school and enjoyed returning regularly. Because of the time spent here, Rick and his wife, Donna, decided to purchase property in Hatfield in 1980 and officially relocated in 1995, bringing their wood products business with them. Rick has been the co-owner/operator of that business, Revolutionary Designs, since 1986 and co-owner/operator of American Artisans Eatery & Gallery since 2013.

Rick is involved in many community projects and organizations. He is the current Chair of the Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission, founding member and current treasurer of Mena Downtown Partners, past Chair of the Mena Art Gallery Board, and past board member of Rich Mountain Community College. One of his current projects include coordinating a local volunteer group to revitalize the Old Mena High School building on North Mena Street.

Rick has been an instrumental piece in the forming of a bike trail system that Mena hopes to see constructed in the near future. “In all of these projects Rick provides inspired and steady leadership,” stated one nomination. “It’s hard to imagine Mena without such a selfless champion making our economic future brighter and improving the quality of life.”

Non-Profit of the Year - PCDC

The Polk County Developmental Center has been serving individuals with disabilities for over 30 years in Mena. Since 1976, PCDC has added adult and preschool services, physical therapy services, the PCDC Resale Store, which provides work-training skills for their adult clients, a residential facility for developmentally disabled women, an adult work center, Jumpstart Daycare, and the “Just for Kids” Resale store.

In November of 2021, the Adult Wellness program moved into the former Mena Manor building located at 100 9th Street. This new location provides a lot more room and helps provide greater learning and training opportunities.

As of December of 2021, The Polk County Developmental Center serves 47 adults with disabilities and 31 preschoolers. The Polk County Developmental Center has 71 employees.

In their nomination form it was said, “There is no other place in the county that pours such heart into our disabled community.”

Business of the Year - UA Rich Mountain

The University of Arkansas Rich Mountain carries the tradition of being a comprehensive community college providing a broad range of educational programs and learning opportunities in the three-county service area. In 2017, when the merger with the University of Arkansas System was finalized, the college’s name changed to the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain. With over forty years of presence in the service area, UA Rich Mountain has been at the forefront of progress. Its mission to provide educational opportunities for the region continues to guide programming, services, and involvement in its communities.

In 2020, UA Rich Mountain expanded with a brand new, state-of-the-art student

union, which includes full food services, and on-campus student housing. UARM has added several athletic programs including men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, and baseball, as well as an indoor practice facility, a training center, baseball and softball fields, and a soccer field. On the Academic side, several academic degrees and technical programs have been added, such as Arkansas Trucking Academy, EMT, phlebotomy, aesthetics, chemistry, and biology just to name a few.

In the Fall of 2023, UA Rich Mountain will be adding two more programs to its list of offerings, Competitive Livestock Judging and Esports.

UA Rich Mountain provides transformative education to all learners. UA Rich Mountain faculty and staff are committed to student success. During the 2014 Higher Learning Commission visit, the visiting team commented that it was evident to them the College “lives the mission.” In the 2004 HLC accreditation report, the College was recognized as “a model rural community college.”

Their nomination stated, “In the last 3 years, the college has transformed this community in terms of diversity with the addition of international students. They have transformed McMillan Park into one of the NJCAA’s top athletic facilities. And with the addition of on-campus student housing, they transformed the once vocational college to provide for a true “authentic” college experience. Because of said housing, they have been able to broaden their recruitment efforts beyond Polk, Scott, and Montgomery counties and bring families from across the country into Polk County to support their students and athletic competitions.”

Another company and an individual were recognized during the evening’s ceremony.

See BANQUET continued on page 16

Member of the Year - Mena Regional Health System

Past-President Award - LeAnn Dilbeck

Entergy Arkansas earns ENERGY STAR® Excellence Award Spring clean your

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Entergy Arkansas Entergy Solutions Point of Purchase Solutions (POPS) Program is proud to announce that it has received the 2023 ENERGY STAR® Excellence in Marketing Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The program has been awarded for five consecutive years for its exemplary work and ongoing commitment to energy efficiency in Arkansas.

The Entergy Solutions portfolio is made up of energy-efficiency programs administered by Entergy Arkansas that help both residential and business customers save energy and money by reducing the upfront cost of a variety of power-saving upgrades. The programs work with participating partners, local trade allies and retailers to help customers find ways customers can save energy through the implementation of energy efficiency measures.

Cumulatively, the Entergy Solutions residential and commercial programs have achieved evaluated energy savings of 2,825,891,591 kilowatt hours through 2022. This is the equivalent of saving the carbon dioxide emissions from 389,667 homes’ electricity use for one year or saving the greenhouse gas emissions of 431,512 gasoline-powered vehicles driven for one year.

“Our Entergy Solutions programs play an integral role in helping Entergy provide safe, affordable, and reliable energy to our customers,” said Denice Jeter, energy efficiency manager for Entergy Arkansas. “These programs help customers manage their energy usage efficiently, and we are certainly proud to have the success of these programs recognized by the EPA for five consecutive years.”

The Entergy Solutions Programs for residential customers include compre-

hensive home assessments, air conditioner tune-ups, smart thermostats, and discounts on lighting and appliances. Deeper energy efficiency measures, like insulation, air sealing and duct sealing, are also available through Entergy Solutions. For businesses, Entergy Solutions provides solutions for companies and organizations of all sizes to increase their efficiency. From customized programs that set a schedule for energy used to incentives for improving the facility’s energy efficiency, the Entergy Solutions Programs identify ways to save energy and increase the bottom line for small and large businesses, agricultural businesses, and public institutions.

POPS provides ways for Entergy Arkansas customers to save money on energy-efficient products for their homes. Whether customers buy a product that is eligible for a rebate or purchase directly from the  Entergy Arkansas Marketplace, they can save on products that use less energy and save money. From smart thermostats to dehumidifiers and advanced power strips, there are discounts and rebates that allow Entergy customers to make their homes brighter and more comfortable, for less.

Cumulatively, the Entergy Solutions POPS Program has achieved evaluated energy savings of 96,446,519 kilowatt hours through 2022. These hours equate to saving the carbon dioxide emissions from 13,299 homes’ electricity use for one year, or from 7,691,005 gallons of gasoline used.

In 2022, Entergy Solutions POPS helped increase the sale of ENERGY STAR certified LED lighting at participating retailers and giveaways to low income, discounting 15% more LED lightbulbs than in the previous year. Entergy Arkansas launched their online marketplace in 2020 -  https://

entergysolutionsar-marketplace.com/ entergyarkansas/ -  which sells discounted products such as LED bulbs, smart thermostats, advanced power strips, dehumidifiers and air purifiers. 536 customers made a purchase on the marketplace in 2022.

In total, over 400,000 Arkansans were served by POPS offerings in 2022. The program also provided 43,042 free energy efficiency kits to customers through partnerships with schools and other nonprofits.

“ENERGY STAR provides valuable tools and resources that the Point of Purchase Solutions program needs to support customers and projects across the state,” said Jeter. “ENERGY STAR’s testing processes and warranties also give us complete confidence that the products we support with incentives will serve our customers well.”

As summer approaches, now is a great time to take advantage of  Entergy Solutions programs. The warmer months are considered high energy usage months, and one of the best ways to save energy is by having a home energy audit to help with energy efficiency.

Each year, the ENERGY STAR program honors businesses and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through energy achievements. Winners are selected from a network of thousands of ENERGY STAR partners. For a complete list of 2023 winners and more information about ENERGY STAR’s awards program, visit  energystar.gov/awardwinners. For more information about Energy Star products and programs, visit  https:// www.energystar.gov/about. For more information about residential and customer Entergy Solutions programs, visit  https://www.entergy-arkansas. com/energy_efficiency/main/.

home office with these easy tips

(SPM Wire) In the pursuit of worklife balance, you may mentally compartmentalize your home office from the rest of the house. But that doesn’t mean this space should get a pass where spring cleaning is concerned. Here are three easy ways to spruce up your workspace this season:

1. File: Make time to finally tackle that growing stack of paperwork. Decide what needs to be filed away, what needs to be shredded, and what can simply be recycled. (This would be a good time to manage those digital files as well.) If you don’t already have a dedicated filing system, put one in place to keep things organized moving forward. Short on floor space? Use a wall-mounted paper organizer instead of a traditional filing cabinet.

2. Dust: Improve indoor air quality for healthier, happier working hours. Periodically dust your desk, your computer and monitor, the baseboards, lamps and the tops of ceiling fans. Vacuum the carpet and rugs and sweep the floor. Also, consider using an air purifier to reduce dust, allergens and other air pollutants. If you’re not sensitive to pollen, invite a fresh breeze by cracking open a window on warmer days.

3. Disinfect: After a rough cold and flu season, it’s a good idea to reset your workspace by disinfecting the items you touch most frequently, such as doorknobs, cabinet handles, light switches, your keyboard, your mouse, landline receivers and handheld devices. This is especially important to add to your checklist if your home office is visited by clients or colleagues.

Multi-agency operation seizes $30,000 in fentanyl and other dangerous street drugs in Polk County

Submitted by Debra Buschman

(MENA, Ark. — March 29, 2023) Prosecuting Attorney for the 18 th West Judicial District, Debra Buschman, announced today that on March 22 the 18 th West Drug Task Force, in conjunction with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Mena Police Department, and Arkansas

Probation and Parole seized quantities of the drugs fentan -

yl, methamphetamine, hydrocodone, Xanax, Suboxone, and marijuana, valued at approximately $30,000, from a group of individuals dealing drugs in the area.

The bust came after a month-

long investigation targeting a local counterfeit oxycodone medication ring. The counterfeit pills, sold as 30 mg oxycodone to unsuspecting users, actually contained the dangerous drug fentanyl, which is much deadlier than oxycodone. The bogus pills were blue in color and had “M30” stamped on them.

Law enforcement has noted this type of fake pill usually contains between .2 mg and 5 mg of fentanyl, with dosages varying from pill to pill, making the risk of overdose more likely. For reference, just 2 mg of fentanyl is likely to be fatal to a person. Overdose by

inadvertent contact with fentanyl has developed as an emerging hazard to law enforcement due to the intense strength of the drug and its increased prevalence on the street.

In addition to selling locally, the suspects were smuggling these drugs and other contraband into prisons. Equipment and records for the smuggling operation were also confiscated, as well as the mobile devices used to facilitate the transactions. Two individuals have been arrested and warrants are being sought for other individuals involved.

TORNADOES

continued from page 1

morning.

Southwest Arkansas was spared any significant damage from Friday’s storms. However, damage was widespread in Little Rock and in Wynne in northeast Arkansas following the deadly storm system. Neighboring Tennessee has recorded at least 15 deaths and widespread damage.

Pulaski County tornado

According to the (NWS) office in Little Rock, As the storm closed in on the Little Rock area, a Tornado Warning was issued at 2:03 p.m. CDT. It went downhill from there. A tornado quickly spun up and began causing destruction about two miles west-northwest of the intersection of Interstates 430 and 630. When it was clear the situation was becoming catastrophic/life-threatening, a Tornado Emergency was posted at 2:28 p.m. CDT.

The tornado tracked roughly 32 miles, with a maximum width of 600 yards, from west Little Rock through North Little Rock, Sherwood and Jacksonville (all in Pulaski County) before finally weakening on the south side of Cabot (Lonoke County). There were at least 60,000 power outages, many of these in Pulaski County. More than 50 people were injured and admitted to hospitals. Miraculously, only one person was killed.

Video and photographs from Little Rock and Wynne show catastrophic damage to communities with wide swaths of flattened homes and trees. A packed event venue in Little Rock collapsed during the storm. Fortunately, no one was killed.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders quickly instituted a state of

emergency Friday and mobilized Arkansas National Guard members to assist with recovery efforts. Around 13,000 Arkansas residents remained without power as of Sunday evening.

Sanders said, “Today has been a very hard day for the state of Arkansas,” Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said at a briefing with Little Rock officials Friday night. “The goodness of this is that Arkansas and Arkansans are tough - and we are resilient. No matter what comes our way, we will get back up the next day and keep moving. We will help our neighbors. We will ensure that every Arkansan who needs assistance has it. Our message and our mission is really simple: The people come first and the paperwork will come second.”

Sanders’ request for a Major Disaster Declaration from President Joe Biden to support ongoing recovery efforts in communities impacted by the tornadoes on Friday, March 31, was approved Apr. 2.

“I’d like to express my thanks to President Biden and our federal partners for their speedy approval of my Major Disaster Declaration request. It’s clear that the damage caused by Friday’s tornadoes is significant and widespread,” Sanders said. “I will continue to work with our first responders, law enforcement, volunteers, and state and local leaders to help Arkansans recover. Arkansas stands strong. I know we will come back from this.”

The Major Disaster Declaration provides Arkansas with the following federal assistance:

• Individual assistance and public assistance categories A and B for Cross, Lonoke, and Pulaski Counties

• Direct federal assistance

• Hazard Mitigation statewide Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr.

said nearly 3,000 structures were either destroyed or damaged in Little Rock, mostly in the west and north of the city. The tornado – since rated by the National Weather Service as an EF3 – tore a six-and-a-half mile swath through western Little Rock and North Little Rock. Winds were recorded as high as 165 mph. If the winds had reached 166 mph, the rating would have been EF4. Many areas of North Little Rock were under curfew Apr. 1-3, and several roads in areas throughout the damaged portions of the cities were closed as crews worked to clear debris, restore power and make other repairs.

Eastern Arkansas tornado NWS stated on their site a separate supercell spawned a tornado, rated at least EF3, carved a path through Wynne (Cross County) around 4:45 p.m. CDT. Structures were obliterated, and at least four fatalities resulted. Farther downstream, it appears the same tornado wreaked havoc (i.e. homes damaged or destroyed and trees uprooted or snapped) just west of Parkin (Cross County) and north of Earle (Crittenden County). South of Turrell (Crittenden County), a truck was overturned on Interstate 55.

Four deaths were attributed to the tornado in eastern Arkansas.

Stone County tornado

A third tornado (EF2) was confirmed Monday afternoon in Stone County.

One-stop website for tornado recovery Sanders launched a one-stop website for tornado recovery on Monday.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today launched  helparkansas.com, a one-stop website for tornado recov-

ery resources. This website includes information on federal, state, local, and charitable resources for tornado victims, as well as volunteer and charity opportunities for Arkansans seeking to help.

“Now that Arkansas is getting federal, state, local, and nonprofit assistance, we need a one-stop website where storm victims can find the resources available for their recovery. My administration just launched helparkansas.com to offer that information in one easy place,”  Sanders said. “Tornado victims will be able to find the assistance they need, and those looking to help will find a way to volunteer or donate. We will continuously update this site as information changes.”

Visit  helparkansas.com for more information.

FEMA

FEMA released the following statement: FEMA’s Individual Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Roland W. Jackson has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if warranted by the results of damage assessments.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance by registering online at  DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800621- 3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.

See TORNADOES

continued on page 13

TORNADOES

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weather.

More storms

Another storm system rolled through Southwest Arkansas Sunday night but no major damage was reported. Tuesday night into Wednesday saw even more severe weather with Polk County being part of the state considered a moderate risk for severe

Given the dangerous storm systems throughout the region the past few weeks, it’s certainly not too late to develop or refresh a safety plan for your home and family. That includes identifying the safest areas in your home to shelter from strong winds or a tornado, and ensuring you have access to weather reports. You should also keep food, flashlights and blankets handy and ensure your cellphone is charged before a storm system approaches.

If you live in a community that has a tornado shelter, plan your route, and an alternate route, if necessary.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders surveys tornado damage in Jacksonville, Arkansas, on Saturday, Apr. 1, 2023.

(Photo by Randall Lee)

By Richie Lawry

My daughter’s family loves to be on a river. They own rafts, kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes. Over the past few years, I have taken trips with them on the Caddo, Ouachita, and Buffalo Rivers in Arkansas. The river has a relaxing, hypnotic quality. You can see the beauty of nature while floating a river that you can’t see any other way. I love the serene tranquility and peacefulness of a river float. It is like everyday life doesn’t exist while floating on a river.

I always look forward to our family river adventures. My son-in-law planned a spring break raft trip on the Mulberry River this year. I was excited to see the Mulberry as I had never been on it.

My wife and I have spent time in Eureka Springs most years for the past 40 years. Our route to Eureka Springs would take us up Highway 23 and the Pig Trail Scenic Byway. The Pig Trail winds through the Ozark National Forest with almost every kind of scenery imaginable, from rivers to waterfalls to mountain views.

One stop we always made on the Pig Trail was the Turner Bend Store on the Mulberry River. The Turner family opened the Turner Bend store in 1911 on the banks of the Mulberry River. Whenever we stopped at Turner Bend, I would see all the canoes and kayaks at the campground, and I thought it looked like fun. The milky blue-green water of the Mulberry, its lush, forested banks, and its gorgeous Ozark scenery are exquisitely beautiful. But we never explored the area because we were going to Eureka Springs.

We got up early Saturday morning and headed to the Mulberry River. My son-inlaw had rented the rustic Riverside Retreat cabin on its banks. After the terrible storms of the day before with tornadoes that devastated Little Rock and other areas of Arkansas, the day was bright and sunny. The skies were a deep blue, and the scenery was beautiful. Lush green pastures and hillsides with dogwoods and redbuds told us it was spring.

When we arrived at the cabin, there was a flurry of activity. Kids and adults were preparing for a day on the river. When ev-

An Arkie’s Faith The Mulberry River

in the little town of Oark. When I saw the Oark General Store, I immediately recognized it from an article on the website, Only in Arkansas:

“The Oark General Store opened for business in 1890 in order to supply the small community with groceries and necessary supplies. It has been in business ever since and proudly claims the title of the oldest, continually operated store in the state of Arkansas. When visitors step inside the store, they are immediately immersed in history. Old pictures of the area line the wall depicting ways of life before pavement. If floors could talk, these original wood planks could take us back to a time when the general store was a hub of activity for the isolated people of the area. Now, over a century later, this unique sense of history seems to make people stop, relax and take time to visit.”

As I sat in the quaint little store and enjoyed my butter pecan ice cream, I thought about how much I enjoyed the afternoon even though I had been disappointed earlier when the rafts floated away down the Mulberry River without me. I could hear Mick Jagger singing in my head, “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometime, you just might find, you get what you need.”

eryone had packed their lunch and filled their dry bags, they picked their paddles, put on their life jackets, and prepared to launch the rafts from the cabin’s private put in. I watched and took photos as the two rafts floated into the Mulberry River. I would not make the nine-mile float trip to the Campbell Cemetery takeout.

I was disappointed as I watched the rafts float out of view. But I had made the decision not to float the river. I have bad knees and am often in pain. Our last float trip had been on the Buffalo River, and I struggled with pain in my legs as I paddled my kayak. I was in a lot of pain, but seeing the stunning views along the Buffalo was a bucket list experience.

Since the Buffalo River float trip, the pain in my knees has increased. As much as I wanted to float the Mulberry River, I knew it would be too painful. I pushed away the disappointment as I left the riverbank and headed to my car. I wouldn’t

sit at the cabin all day and wallow in selfpity. I was going to go exploring.

The cabin was on a gravel road named Shores Lake Road. I surmised that if the road was called Shores Lake Road, it must go to Shores Lake. So, I headed down the road to see what I could find. After driving for half an hour, I came to an overlook pullout. I parked the car, exited, and walked to the rock wall. A beautiful milky green lake spread below me as I looked over the wall. “That must be Shores Lake,” I thought. After taking photos, I climbed back in the car and continued down the steep road to the lake below. “I may not be out on the river enjoying the float,” I thought, “but I am seeing this beautiful lake.”

In my explorations, I drove along the Mulberry River on Hwy 215. With bluffs on one side of the road and stunning views of the river on the other, it is one of the most beautiful drives in Arkansas. I ended up

Over the years, I’ve often thought of Psalm 30:5 (NKJV), which says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” This verse is an excellent reminder that no matter how disappointed or sad we may feel, it won’t last forever. We don’t have to let that disappointment keep us living in grief or regret.

Gentle Reader, disappointment is a powerful emotion that can keep us stuck focusing on what we have lost and yearning for dreams that didn’t come true. It prevents us from believing God has good plans for us and suppresses our ability to let go of what we thought was supposed to be. We can allow disappointment to make us unhappy, or we can trust that God has good plans for us. “’ I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” Jeremiah 29:11

(NLT)

Our raft at the put-in on the Mulberry River. (Photo by Richie Lawry)

Himes residence chosen as April Yard of the Month

Submitted by Judy Petty

The Polk County Master Gardeners were proud to present Ron and Karen Himes of Mena, Arkansas,

the April “Yard of the Month” award.

Ron and Karen live at 209 10 th St. They moved to Mena five years ago from Washington state and were

by the Master Gardener Yard of the Month Committee chairman, Rebecca Thornton, and the Polk County Extension Agent, Sherry Beaty-Sullivan.

This new project presented by the Polk County Master Gardeners will be accepting more nominations for future Yard of the Month recipients, to be turned into our Polk County Extension Office, 211 Dequeen St., Mena.

If a person is looking to improve the aesthetic of their property, perhaps the Polk County Master Gardeners Plant

Sale on May 13 at the Polk County Fairgrounds will be of interest.

nominated by a Polk County community member.

A Yard of the Month sign was put up in their yard to be displayed for the month of April. The couple were also presented an award certificate signed

Rebecca Thornton (left) presents an award to Karen and Ron Himes for the April 2023 Yard of the Month. (Photos courtesy of Polk County Master Gardeners)

Photos

LeAnn

Dilbeck

Past-President Award

Mena Regional Health System

Duckett Outdoor Classroom groundbreaking

By Ethan Nahté

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on a blustery, overcast Thursday afternoon, March 30, for the new Ronnie and Mitzi Duckett Outdoor Classroom at the Mena Public School’s Natural Resource Lab. The construction was made possible through a generous donation by Mr. Ronnie Duckett.

The donation was strictly through Duckett’s benevolence according to Superintendent Lee Smith. “He called and said he’d like to build an outdoor classroom for the school. This was before the current 80 acres was purchased. We had nothing on the drawing board when Mr. Duckett called in. I was exploring with all of the principals. We had some ideas but nothing as grand as it turned to be.”

Duckett told the crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony, “I contacted Dr. Smith about a year-and-a-half ago, wanting to make a donation for an outdoor classroom. He put it before the Board. They agreed it was a good idea. Through that, Mr. Maye and the Ag teachers were work-

ing on this 80-acre outdoor classroom that’s going to include several things. I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for the entire school to use, all the way from kindergarten through the seniors and provide opportunity for them that might not happen in the classroom.”

Duckett was the head teacher of Mena’s Agriculture Department for several years beginning in 1986. Before that, he was the head teacher of the Agriculture Department at Hatfield starting in 1974. It is named for himself and his late wife, Mitzi.

Agri Science Teacher Brian Maye at Mena High School said, “Mr. Duckett is contributing money to the construction of the outdoor classroom, which is located on the Natural Resource Laboratory for the Mena Ag Department. It’s a laboratory for our Natural Resource program of study. There’s going to be a lot to it. We’re going to focus primarily on the wildlife habitat management, and forestry and timber management. It’s for the kids to be able to get out there and get practical experience in how to manage the land according to

those two objectives.”

The school just acquired the property back around the beginning of the 20222023 school year. Maye confirmed that the school district recently placed a notice in the Pulse accepting timber harvest bids for thinning and select cutting of hardwood and softwood timber on the back 40 acres of the 80-acre property.

“Our goal is if the kids are interested in natural resources and they possibly want to pursue a career in forestry, wildlife biology, and those kinds of things,” Maye said. “I just feel like this will give them a leg up and some added experience going

into college.”

Maye feels like they’ve already accomplished a lot with the new property, thanks in part to their partners Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the USDA Forest Service.

“Steve Swall with NRCS is helping us

Around Town

The Polk County Social Seniors will be meeting at noon, Apr. 11, at the Charbroiler Restaurant, 58 Hwy. 71 North, Waldron, Arkansas.

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 in Mena parking lot by gasoline pumps before 11 a.m. for carpooling. Will leave at 11.

Applications for lifeguard positions at McMillan Pool may be picked up at City Hall, 520 Mena Street, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Polk County Farm Bureau Insurance will be closed for Good Friday, Apr. 7.

The Democratic Party of Polk County Arkansas will meet at PaPa’s Mexican Café, 1317 Hwy. 71 South, Monday, Apr. 10. Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. 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

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 Facebookgroups.

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.

Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary of Polk County will be holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, Apr. 6, at Veterans Park in Acorn. Potluck will begin at 6 p.m. with meetings to follow.

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.

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!

Easter weekend services and events

First Baptist Church of Mena

You are invited to join us on Easter Sunday!

Service times:

• Sunrise Service - 7 a.m.

• Breakfast - 7:30 a.m.

• Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.

• Worship Service - 10:30 a.m.

Calvary Baptist Church

All are welcome to the weekend events:

• Good Friday, Apr. 7

7 p.m.- Free Showing of “The Jesus Film Movie.” Refreshments offered.

• Easter Sunday Service, Apr. 9.

Sunrise Resurrection Celebration Service, 7 a.m. followed by a free Easter Celebration Breakfast .

• Easter Morning Worship Service - service starts at 10:30 a.m.

Mena Area Ministerial Alliance is hosting The Community Easter Sunrise Service, Sunday, Apr. 9, at 7 a.m. at the first overlook on the right going up Rich Mountain. There will be prayers, music and a message of hope. For more information, please call 479-280-8245.

First United Methodist Church

501 Ninth St., Mena

Easter Sunday, Apr. 9.

• Fellowship Time - 8:30 a.m.

• Sunday School - 9:00 a.m.

• Worship - 10:00 a.m.

Mountain View Methodist Church

Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt will be the first Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt. Friday, Apr. 7, 7:45 p.m.

The first 300 kids will receive a flashlight. Four age groups: Toddler - 3, 4 - 7, 8 - 12, “Special” teen hunt 13 - 18. Golden Egg for each group. Refreshments following. If the weather is bad, the event may be canceled.

Mt. View Methodist Church

1711 Sutherland

• Sunday School - 9:45 a.m.

• Services - 11:00 a.m.

Performance Realty

First Easter Egg Hunt At Janssen Park, Mena

Saturday, Apr. 8, 1 - 3 p.m.

Event is free but families should RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/Easter-PerformanceTeam

Thousands of eggs, for children ages 0-12

Healthy Connections, Inc

2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt, 10 a.m., Friday, Apr. 7 at Healthy Connections, 136 Health park Lane, Mena. The free event is for ages 0-12. There will be snacks and refreshments, and prizes donated by local businesses. A grand prize if you find the HCI Egg.

The Elks Lodge

Annual Easter Egg Hunt

124 Elks Lane, Hwy. 375 East Saturday, Apr. 8 at 10 a.m.

Age groups 0-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12. Lots of prizes, open to the public, rain or shine.

Temporary one lane closure across Gillham Lake Spillway Bridge

GILLHAM LAKE – Officials

with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have announced one lane across the Gillham Lake Spillway Bridge in Polk County is scheduled to be closed from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Apr. 12 for a routine bridge inspection.

Flaggers will be present to assist with the flow of traffic, but motorists may want to plan

alternate routes and allow extra time to reach their destinations.

The closure is being coordinated with emergency services and law enforcement agencies.

Officials at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers say they regret any inconvenience this may cause and ask for the public’s cooperation until the work is complete.

CLASSIFIEDS

- FOR SALE -

Beautiful recliner swivel rockers. Sturdy leather-like cover, dark brown w/saddle stitching trim. Like new condition $400 each o.b.o. (479) 234-5281 T0412

- ESTATE SALE -

- SERVICES -

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. T0405

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0405

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 T0405

Estate Sale April 7-8, 1200 10th St, Mena. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Shop inside, rain or shine. No holds/Cash only. Curio cabinets, collector dolls, crystal, teapots, household items, dishes, towels, bedding, furniture, two armoires and clothing.

- HELP WANTED -

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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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.

T0426

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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LEGAL NOTICE

Kevin Williams; Jason Sullivan; Emily Bevill of UNION BANK OF MENA and Theresa Young of Arvest Bank; you have less than 30 calendar days upon receipt of the four Affidavit of Status and the Affidavit of Complaint to controvert and overcome them IN WRITTEN SWORN AFFIDAVIT FORM UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY to the correct address submitted. Your silence stands as consent to, and tacit approval of, the factual declarations therein contained being established as fact as a matter of law.

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NO. 57PR-2023-29 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF POLK COUNTY, ARKANSAS. IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT SEXTON, DECEASED. LAST KNOWN ADDRESS OF DECEDENT: 304 Ridge Ave., Mena, AR 71953. DATE OF DEATH: February 4, 2023.

A probate of the decedent’s estate by Dallas Sexton was filed on March 14, 2023. All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, properly verified, to the undersigned within six (6) months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in the estate.

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

March 27, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 647 near Mena in reference to a physical domestic dispute leading to the arrest of Joseph Stubbs, 46 of Mena on a charge of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery and Charles Shelton, 41 of Mena on a charge of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery and 3rd Degree Battery.

Clayton Kesterson, 29 of Wickes was arrested on a Violation of Suspended Imposition of Sentence.

Deputies were dispatched to an area on Hwy 71 S near Hatfield in reference to Harassment. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies responded to a report of a break-in at a residence on Oak Street near Wickes.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 47 near Mena in reference to a hit and run.

March 28, 2023

Deputies responded to a residence on Polk 74 near Acorn in reference to a structure fire.

James Jewell, 32 of Vandervoort was arrested on multiple Failure to Appear Warrants.

Anastasia Jennings, 38 of Waldron was arrested on a Body Attachment Warrant.

March 29, 2023

Michael Thomas, 36 of Mena was arrested by an officer with Probation Parole on a Body Attachment Warrant as well as warrants for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Martin Dollarhyde, 48 of Mena was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Rebekah Stanley, 39 of Mena was arrest-

ed on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

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

Deputies responded to a report of littering at a campground near Shady.

March 30, 2023

Shannon Smith, 58 of Cove was arrested on warrants for Harassment and Disorderly Conduct as well as charges of Video Voyeurism and to be held for another agency.

Hunter Sheeley, 21 of Mena was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

March 31, 2023

Christopher Cox, 39 of Mena was arrested on a Body Attachment Warrant and three misdemeanor warrants.

Joshua Bolton, 52 of Mena was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Christopher Chesser, 37 of Hatfield was arrested on a Body Attachment and a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Kara Bone, 37 of Cove was arrested on a Hold for Another Agency and two Failure to Appear Warrants.

A traffic stop led to the arrest of Laura Flores, 19 of Wickes on charges of Driving Left of Center and Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 8 E near Mena in reference to a Break-In.

Bradley Verba, 25 of Mena on ten Failure to Appear Warrants.

Dawnylle Boutwell, 53 of Cove was arrested on four Failure to Appear Warrants.

Jesse Cheshire, 57 of Mena was arrested on a warrant for Criminal Contempt, two Failure to Appear Warrants and a Felony Failure to Appear Warrant.

Deputies responded to a report of a theft of property.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 42 near Mena in reference to a possible Domestic Dispute leading to the arrest of Bradley Brumfield, 32 of Mena on

charges of Public Intoxication, Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest.

April

1, 2023

Garet Tadlock-Wilson, 20 of Cove was arrested on charges of DWI, Careless and Prohibited Driving and Refusal to Submit to Arrest.

Deputies were dispatched to the West Trail Head in reference to an ATV Accident.

A traffic stop on Hwy 8 W near Mena led to the arrest of Jeffrey Parnell, 62 of Mena on warrants for Possession of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance, Careless and Prohibited Driving and Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License, five Felony Failure to Appear Warrants and a Misdemeanor Failure to Appear Warrant.

Colby Miles, 33 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Theft of Property by Deception.

Jennifer Johnson, 45 of Grannis was arrested on a Body Attachment Warrant.

A traffic stop led to the arrest of Jeffrey Murphy, 56 of Mena on charges of DWI, Driving Left of Center and Open Container.

Loyd Bolton, 52 of Mena was arrested on a warrant for 2nd Degree Terroristic Threatening.

April 2, 2023

William Copelin, 28 of Hatfield was arrested on a warrant for Disorderly Conduct and 1st Degree Criminal Mischief.

Mark Blehm, 36 of Mena was arrested on charges of Criminal Trespassing and Disorderly Conduct.

Bobby Peek, 46 of Hatfield was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Violation of Suspended Imposition of Sentence and Bond Revocation.

Johnathan Falkner, 38 of Grannis was arrested on two Failure to Appear Warrants.

Bradley Roberts, 24 of Cove was arrested on charges of DWI and Open Container.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked 0 vehicle accidents this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail

Population: 37 Incarcerated Inmates with 18 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

March 26

Shawn Fender, 52, and Joy Reed, 34, were both served with warrants after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

Michael Williams, 41, was served with warrants at the detention center.

Joy Reed, 34, was served with warrants at the detention center.

March 27 No report.

March 28 No report.

March 29

A report of criminal mischief was taken at a residence on Ransome Road.

March 30

Charles Solo, 50, was charged with Driving on Suspended License after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

Casey Adams, 30, was served with a warrant at a residence on Hidden Valley Road.

A report of criminal trespass, breaking or entering, and harassment was taken from a walk-in complainant.

March 31

A report of harassment was taken from a person at Walmart.

April 1

Bradley Moss, 47, was served with warrants after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

A report of theft of property was taken from Walmart.

Allon Anderson, 51, was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and Driving on Suspended License after a traffic stop on 7th Street.

Reflecti ons from History and Faith: The Civilian Conservation Corps - A proud heritage and continuing legacy

By Jeff Olson

During my career in natural resources inventory and conservation, I covered untold miles and acres over a variety of lands and waters and in all seasons of the year. In this memorable journey, I saw first-hand not only some of man’s neglect of our natural resources but also much of his stewardship in providing restoration, preservation and productivity to those resources.

This journey also included many historical sites which represent some of America’s rich conservation heritage. Among these are the remnants of Civilian Conservation Corps camps which are subtle but stirring reminders of a very consequential era of our history.

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the federal government under President Franklin Roosevelt’s administration implemented programs to improve the nations fledgling economy. One of these was the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Also called, “Roosevelt’s Tree Army,” “Tree Troopers,” “Soil Soldiers,” and the “Three-Cs Boys,” the CCC was the result of Senate Bill S.598 which was signed into law on March 31, 1933, by the President under the authority of the Emergency Conservation Work (ECW) Act as part of his New Deal program.

Ninety years ago this week (and at this publication), April 5, 1933, President Roosevelt issued Executive Order 6101 which officially established the CCC as an agency and provided for its administration. The CCC provided employment for young unmarried men from families on public relief roles while at the same time addressing the nation’s natural resource conservation needs.

Enrollees also included veterans of World War I, Native Americans and African Americans.

Local experienced men, called “LEMs,” were chosen to provide the needed expertise in specific fields, particularly those areas related to conservation and construction.

CCC jobs were directly related to the conservation and development of nat-

ural resources in rural lands owned by federal, state and local governments.

To participate, young men had to be in good health and between the ages of 18 and 26, though it was later expanded from 17 to 28. Enlistment was for a duration of six months, although many re-enlisted after their allotted time was up. Camps were set up in all states, as well as in Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

CCC companies were typically housed in 40-man barracks. Camps resembled small villages and included bathhouses, electric lighting plants, kitchens, storage, infirmaries, recreation halls (later, educational buildings), a softball or baseball diamond, and sometimes a football field.

Cash allowances were $30 a month, and mandatory allotment checks of $25 were sent back to families of the men. Of the $5 each man kept, $1 went into the company fund, and they could buy $1 worth of coupons (20 at five cents each) for the canteen. Promising young men showing more potential were promoted to assistant leaders and leaders at $36 and $45 respectively. The workload was eight hours a day, five days a

week.

The camps were supervised by reserve officers from the U.S. Army. CCC workers performed over 100 types of work, including planting trees, fighting forest fires, disease and insect control, wildlife habitat improvement, forest improvement, erosion control, constructing roads and trails, development of recreational facilities in national, state, county and metropolitan parks, building dams to control flooding and observation towers for forest fire detection, running telephone lines and carrying out emergency work which saved countless lives and much property threatened by flooding. The CCC also offered members courses that ranged from basic literacy to first aid to vocational skills and college-level courses, usually taken on their own time.

Maximum enrollment in the CCC peaked at over 500,000 in over 2,600 camps in 1935 and during the life of the program over 2.5 million men participated. CCC work was administered by several federal agencies, including the National Park Service, Soil Conservation Service and the U.S. Forest Service. The Forest Service administered more

than 50% of all public work projects for the CCC. It was the most rapid peacetime mobilization in American history.

CCC accomplishments included planting nearly 3 billion trees, constructing more than 3,470 fire towers, building 28,000 miles of hiking trails, 97,000 miles of fire roads and 47,000 bridges, completing tens of millions of acres of erosion control work, and establishing more than 800 new state parks.

In addition to all of this and other work, the CCC provided a greater public awareness and appreciation of the great outdoors and America’s natural resources. After nine years and three million enrollees, the CCC was dissolved by Congress on July 1, 1942, primarily to redirect much needed resources toward World War II. Many of the enrollees subsequently entered the war.

In our own back yard, on the Ouachita National Forest, the first CCC camp in the state of Arkansas was established in Polk County at Eagleton and the first campsite occupied in the state was at Crystal Springs. By the mid-1930s, there were up to 64 camps in Arkansas, employing 13,000 men and we still enjoy the fruits of their labor in recreation areas and campgrounds such as Shady Lake, Bard Springs, Charlton, Collier Springs, Iron Springs, and Cedar Lake; and picnic areas, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks such as Sugar Creek Vista (pictured); and Arkansas state parks such as Devil’s Den, Petit Jean, Lake Catherine, Mount Nebo, and Crowley’s Ridge. Vestiges of other CCC achievements are still with us today, and much of their workmanship is still in operation to the benefit of our enjoyment and the continuation of a proud heritage.

So, on our next trip to the national forest, state park or other place where the CCC left a part of its enduring legacy, what do you say we pause for a moment and remember with gratitude and respect those young Americans who gave much of their prime to make the beauty of God’s creation a more special place for you and I and our families to enjoy, care for, and pass on to future generations.

Sugar Creek Vista - Sept. 1936 (Photo from Encyclopedia of Arkansas)

State education secretary visits DMEC to speak with teachers about new ‘LEARNS Act’

By Patrick Massey

GILLHAM - State education officials are touring Arkansas to share more information with educators on the recently passed “LEARNS Act.”

The education bill, championed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and signed into law earlier this month, includes the most sweeping changes to education in Arkansas in decades. From a statewide voucher program to teacher salary increases and literacy funding, the “LEARNS Act” introduces a number of changes to how education is offered to Arkansas families.

The state’s new education secretary, Jacob Oliva, visited the DeQueen-Mena Educational Cooperative on March 29 to discuss the new law and how it would impact educators in the public school system.

Oliva said the comprehensive plan was crafted based on discussions Sanders held with educators across the state during her bid for the governor’s office.

“Making reforming education in the state of Arkansas a prior-

ity was something she truly embraced,” Oliva said. “Out on the trail for about two years, she met with educators, parents, principals, business executives to get some ideas and listen from them on what are some best effective strategies. Through those conversations the ‘LEARNS Act’ was born.”

Through its voucher program, Oliva said the “LEARNS Act” seeks to provide lower- and middle-income families with educational choices outside of the public school system by offering resources that open up private and homeschool opportunities. The legislation also removes the 3% cap on school choice transfers unless a desegregation order.

“Part of these additional opportunities,” Oliva said, “is ensuring they are held accountable to educational standards.

“The reality that a one-size fitsall approach meets the needs of all families isn’t real. The LEARNS bill empowers parents to have additional options available to them. One thing we want to make sure is clear, is that choices need to be of value. We’re going through the

rules-making process to determine how we’re going to hold homeschooling and private schools accountable to make sure their children are learning as we expect them to learn.”

One of the most highlighted aspects of the “LEARNS Act” is the huge increase in starting pay for Arkansas teachers — from the previous starting rate of $36,000 per year to $50,000 under the new law. Veteran teachers already earning more than $50,000 will be eligible for a one-time $2,000 raise. The “LEARNS Act” states these raises will be covered by state funds.

Oliva said these salaries are meant to recruit quality educators into the field.

“School district funding is not impacted at all by the LEARNS bill,” Oliva said. “All of the dollars to implement the initiatives in the LEARNS bill is coming from a different category in the state budget.”

Other aims of the “LEARNS Act” include more resources for literacy improvements, including through the use of reading coaches across the state. Reforms

to early learning are also implemented through the act.

The “LEARNS Act” also prohibits the use of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and other similar controversial topics as required educational topics in the classroom.

“A teacher is not there to impart their own personal bias or belief,” Oliva said. “It’s not the role of a teacher. We want to teach students how to think, not what to think.”

The “LEARNS Act” has faced heated criticism from many educators and families across the state. Its widespread changes are set to impact the education of every student in Arkansas. Criticisms have focused in part of the brief period of debate for the bill’s passing in the state house and senate.

Opponents also question the voucher program and raise concern that home and private schools are not held as accountable for the education they provide as are public schools.

The 145-page law by searching for the “LEARNS Act” on the Arkansas State Legislature’s website at  www.arkleg.state.ar.us/ .

Cossatot River Primary School perfect attendance

Perfect attendance for the 3rd 9 weeks (2022-2023)

Kindergarten: Andrew Goethals, Leilani Gonzalez, Maeliegh Goodner, Emma Jenkins, Leah Munoz, Bayla Rodriguez, Jackson Speight

First Grade: Maggie Davis, Annabelle Hall, Xander Leach, Brayden Patton

Second Grade: Mason Davis, Yiana Decasez, Jesus Delgado, Kade Denton, Jaxson Knopp, Ely Loyd, Bentley Moss, Kaleigh Peek, Magaly Salgado, Dani Toon, Sophia Williams

Josey Webb among Mississippi State student winners

MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS (03/31/2023)-- Josey Webb, of Mena, AR, is among Mississippi State students whose work was recognized at the 2023 Spring Graduate Research Symposium.

Webb, a student in School of Human Sciences, won Second place in the Master’s-level Agriculture and Life Sciences category for the Oral Presentation titled “Is agriculture being implemented in private school classrooms? The impact of teacher willingness and availability of resources.”

The Graduate Research Symposium is an interdisciplinary forum featuring graduate students’ work. It serves as an opportunity for graduate students to gain experience

giving presentations while receiving meaningful feedback from an evaluative panel of established MSU faculty members and researchers.

Mississippi State University is a national STEM-focused, doctoral degree-granting, land-grant university offering a wide range of educational experiences for learning and growth to a diverse student body of approximately 23,000 students. Among the National Science Foundation’s Top 100 research universities, MSU provides access and opportunity to students from all 50 states and 86 countries. MSU is committed to its comprehensive research university mission, addressing complex local and global issues with innovative ideas and solutions.

DUCKETT

continued from page 19 with applying for grants,” Maye said. Swall is a district conservationist for Polk and Montgomery counties.

The City of Mena also helped the school with building a road to the acreage. $till, the property is probably a quarter mile away, requiring the school to utilize a mode of transportation to get the students to and from instead of spending a halfhour roundtrip walking to the outdoor classroom. Maye is hoping they can get a minibus or van that the school has at the ready on a permanent basis.

There are plenty of things that will need to be done to get the outdoor classroom going and maintaining it.

“I don’t know how much that project is going to cost but it’s a substantial amount of money,” Maye said. “The Ronnie Duckett family, from what I understand, is contributing all the money towards that to get it built.

“We have already erected two wood duck nest boxes on the pond back over on the north side of the property. We have planted food plots for deer. We’ve had the state forestry service come out and do quite a bit of prescribed burning, which improves habitat for wildlife. We plan on doing a lot of thinning and forest stand improvement to facilitate better habitat for wildlife as well.

“We’ve just got a lot of projects and things we want to do. We’ve got some beehives that the local beekeepers association is helping us with. We’ll probably be planting some more wildlife blends this spring in our food plots, and maybe some pollinator blends out in an old field there by the shooting range.”*

The shooting range is used by the school’s trap team as part of the Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program (AYSSP).

Maye is also wanting to have the property posted and a fence put around it, as well as a lockable gate at the entrance to

protect the resources.

“The classes would be primarily sophomores through seniors,” Maye said. “The purpose of that outdoor classroom is to provide a place on the lab to cultivate learning, to host events from time to time, and a place for our students to be outside and enjoy creation.”

The classroom can be utilized by the other teachers and grades outside of the high school, such as the middle school’s Project Lead the Way Program for STEM. Smith said, “I think the outdoor classroom is something that all of our STEM teachers can use, or any of our teachers could to some degree. Our fine arts should be able to take advantage of coming out here for inspiration, for example.”

Maye said, “If other classes want to get out there and use it, they can use it too. The Forest Service plowed out some firebreaks and made units within the timber. There would be some good walking trails.

A program such as the outdoor classroom could also help draw more students and families to the area based on what Mena Schools will have to offer.

“I think it would be very attractive because of the variety of the teaching approach it lends itself to,” Smith said, “One of the lines in the FFA model is Learning by Doing. Its programs like this, being in nature seeing the results of their work and the experience to use a skill to create a positive outcome. I think that’s what parents are looking for is so their kids gain skills that are applicable in the outdoor world and that’s what this outdoor classroom gives them.”

“It’ll be an on-going process from now on,” Maye said, “because land management is a continuation of what you’ve done in the past.”

“I think this is one more thing that will make Mena Public Schools an attractive option to anybody moving into the area,” Smith said.

Ronnie Duckett speaks to an audience at the groundbreaking for the Ronnie & Mitzi Duckett Outdoor Classroom. (Photo courtesy of MPS)

Mena School District seeks community service partnerships

Submitted by Mark Hobson

The Mena School Board met for their regular March meeting on Monday, March 27, at the district administration building. The meeting began with Mena High School Principal David Maxwell addressing the board about community service hours. He asked the Board to approve a plan that would allow students to earn hours and graduate with a community service credit. MHS currently has no community service partnerships recorded and legal with the state. Maxwell presented the Board with a list of organizations willing to partner with the schools that will need to be submitted by May 1. That list included:

1. Special Olympics Arkansas

2. The Crossing

3. Green House Cottages

4. The Ouachita LIttle Theatre

5. The Salvation Army

6. ARVAC

7. The Call

8. CASA of the Ouachitas

9. UA Kids College

The Board approved the plan.

Maxwell also submitted a plan to make the free ACT Test for MHS Seniors an annual event. The Board had earlier approved the test being made available this school year. A total of 72 seniors took advantage of the free exam. The board approved of making the test available on a yearly basis and it will be administered in the first two weeks of October.

Assistant Superintendent Bridget Buckley then spoke to the Board about the district’s ongoing efforts to address literacy shortcomings in the elementary schools. A new program has been instituted and students are already showing growth and making unit gains.

Superintendent Dr. Lee Smith then updated those in attendance on the LEARNS Act. Specifically, how LEARNS will impact teacher pay and classified salaries. Smith outlined the following points to the board: The Good Things

*The minimum teacher salary will now be $50,000 per year.

*Any teacher at or above $50K will receive at least a $2000 raise.

*Mena is receiving approximately $900,483 in new funding to cover these in-

creases.

The Dangerous Things

*Our salary schedule is based on a minimum of $37,500 for 190 days of work. It is built to provide a yearly cost of living increase or step, pays increased amounts for advanced degrees, pays increased amounts for added duties through a multiplier, and pays increased amounts based on days above 190. The increased funding does not cover this type of salary schedule.

*Should MPS keep its current salary schedule, we will have an unfunded increase of $424,462 in the first year and this does not include benefits, which is an additional $97,626.

*Mena spends 80-85% of our state funding for salaries on salaries, which indicates little cushion to absorb this cost and we are always over budget for maintenance and operations, which is where this little cushion does go.

*The LEARNS Act did nothing for classified salaries; therefore, we must fund an increase for these employees from our foundation funds.

*The new funds do not account for employees paid with federal or categorical funds and I do not want to reassign anyone.

Other Information

*Foundation funding will increase by $205 per student and this amount will generate an additional $305,237.

*There will be an additional $153 per student funded in 2024-2025 generating approximately $260,000

*Increasing classified salaries by at least $2000 to compare to the teachers will cost approximately $290,000.

*We will have to pay an additional $105,000 employee insurance contribution next year. We had a $105,000 increase this year for a total of $210,000.

*Most, if not all, other schools are in this same situation.

*This is an event like COVID being unprecedented and there’s no guidance on how to proceed.

*We do not know how many of our students will take advantage of the educational voucher program.

The Plan

*Add $2000 to all employees’ salaries who are currently at $48,000 or above and freeze them there for FY24.

*Add enough to all salaries below $48,000 to meet the $50,000 minimum and freeze those salaries for FY24.

*Work with the PPC throughout the 20232024 school year to build a new and suitable salary schedule and gain more understanding of how LEARNS will impact the district financially.

*Teachers still have the other half of our retention bonus to come at the end of this school year.

Smith agreed to keep the Board posted as more information became available.

Dr. Smith then recommended a student expulsion. The student is to be expelled for 365 days with a virtual option being made available for the student to continue their education during this time. The Board approved.

Next on the agenda was the 2021-2022 Audit. Dr. Smith was happy to report that the district received a clean audit and that there were no negative findings.

Board Member Clint Montgomery then read a pair of resolutions. The first was the School Choice Capacity Resolution and the second was the Board Member Election Resolution. Both were approved with no discussion.

District Maintenance Supervisor Danny Minton then updated the board on projects. The gym floors will be resurfaced in May. He is looking for a way to keep the cost down on painting the baseboard area around the district. These areas were damaged when the hallway floors were resurfaced recently. Work is to be done on the baseball scoreboard this week and he asked the board to approve the purchase of a new dishwasher at Holly Harshman Elementary. The Board approved the low bid of $18,069.69 by Markham Restaurant Supply.

Dr. Smith added that the district had received a safety grant that would pay for the installation of a new higher fence at Louise Durham Elementary, a one key lock system at HHE, door alarm across the district as well as signage for security.

The board next approved the latest financial report with Dr. Smith stating that expenditures in February outpaced revenue but the district was still on target for a positive balance at the end of the year.

Next the topic of season passes for athletic events was brought up for discussion. After some debate the board directed Dr. Smith to research the topic and report back to the Board.

Finally, the Board accepted the retirement of Brent Tibbs as Custodian at LDE and the resignation of Abigail Denton as Para at LDE.

Acorn students recognized in Elks Essay Contest

Submitted by Tammy L. Young

The Mena Elks Lodge 781 conducted their annual Americanism Essay Contest in December 2022 for students in grades fifth - eighth. The theme for this year’s essay contest was, “What is Your American Dream?”.

Students submitted essays and the following Acorn High School, students were awarded certificates: Nick Long, Kimberly Cline, Mackenzie May,

Destiny Stearman, and Ruby Dewitt.

In addition to receiving certificates, the following students received gift cards and will be advancing to State competition with their essays: Madelynn Auer, Taylar Kesterson, Addi Ledbetter & Owen Wasif.

Seventh and eighth grade history teacher Andy Arnold coordinated the essay writing activity with Phyllis Caldwell of the Mena Elks Lodge 781.

The Acorn High School students, pictured with Phyllis Caldwell, who will be competing at State include: (l-r) Madelynn Auer, Taylar Kesterson, Addi Ledbetter and Owen Wasif. (Photo courtesy of ORSD)

The Acorn High School students, pictured with Phyllis Caldwell, who awarded certificates: (l-r) Nick Long, Kimberly Cline, Mackenzie May, Destiny Stearman, and Ruby Dewitt.

(Photo courtesy of ORSD)

Special Olympics Arkansas spring games are here

Special Olympics Arkansas hosts the Area 14 Spring Games Track and Field at Mena Bearcat Stadium.

The games begin at 9 a.m. on April 12 with the Parade of Athletes followed by the Law Enforcement Torch Run which will start from The Green House Cottages of Homewood. Officers from the Mena Police Department, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas State Police (Troop K and Troop G), Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, 18th Judicial West Prosecutors Office, 18th Judicial West Drug Task Force, Nashville Police Department, and Arkansas State Parks (Cossatot River State Park) will carry the Flame of Hope into the stadium to officially start the 2023 Area 14 Spring Games.

Athletes will be coming from Holly

• Standing long jump and running long jumps

• Motorized and manual wheelchair races

Special Olympics Arkansas is an organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport everyday around the state. Through programming in sports, health, education and community building, Special Olympics Arkansas is changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, solving the global injustice, isolation, intolerance and inactivity they face. Special Olympics Arkansas is providing opportunities for more than 19,500 athletes and 16,000 volunteers in all counties across the state of Arkansas.

Harshman Elementary, Mena Middle School, Mena High School, Acorn High School, Cossatot River Schools, and also adults from Polk County Developmental Center and Booneville Human Development Center.

Approximately 200 athletes ranging from elementary to adult will participate in traditional track and field competitions including:

• Walk and Run events from 50m to 4X100m relays

• Throwing events such as softball throws, shot put, and mini javelin throws

Special Olympics Arkansas supports 19,500 athletes across the state that compete and train year-round in 15 different Olympic-type sports. In addition to their 240 competitions throughout the state Special Olympics Arkansas offers programming in education and health and wellness. For more information about Special Olympics Arkansas, visit SpecialOlympicsArkansas.org/ .

The vision of Special Olympics Arkansas is to transform communities by changing lives through sports.

One of several races held at the 2022 Area 14 Spring Games Track and Field. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Baseball

4/08 - Acorn vs. Magazine

Softball

4/05 - Acorn @ Mountainburg

4/08 - Acorn vs. Magazine

First Ladycat Basketball Night

The Mena Ladycats held their first Ladycat Basketball Night on Tuesday, March 28.

Freethrow champions

Senior high: Payton Clark

Ninth grade: Makenley Sullivan

Eighth grade: Brynlee Bahr

3-on-3 champions:

Payton Clark

Violet Andrews

Mollee Sharp

5-on-5 champions:

Payton Clark

Baseball

4/10

4/11

Soccer

4/06 - Cossatot vs. Center Point

4/11 - Cossatot @ Harmony Grove

Softball

4/10 - Cossatot vs. Mt. Ida @ Bucks Field - Mena

4/11 - Cossatot vs. Caddo Hills

Baseball

4/06

4/11

Soccer

4/05 - Mena vs. Hope

4/11 - Mena vs. Malvern

Softball

4/06 - Mena vs. Waldron

4/07 - Mena vs. Vilonia

4/11 - Mena @ Dardanelle

Baseball

4/13

Madi Fowler

Ava Fields

Laynie Powell

Gracie Deramus

Elliott Dugan

5-on-5 champions:

Jaylynn Miller

Mollee Sharp

Ravyn Wilson

Violet Andrews

Desirae Flores

Mena football announcements

Spring practice

Mena will be holding it’s spring practice beginning in May. The schedule is as follows:

May 8-12, May 16-17, and May 22. All practices will be held from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 23, will be the spring game at 7 p.m.

FASTCATS

Any current first-sixth grader in all surrounding areas.

May 2, 4, 9, 11, and 16 from 6-7 p.m. for the five dates at the Southern Sports Indoor Facility, 121 Industrial Lane, Mena.

Participants will be organized by grade level and will participate in a variety of activities, including speed/skill/agility develop -

ment and football fundamentals.

Cost is $5 for each session attended or $25 for all five sessions. Please bring exact change as the organizers will not have cash on hand. Checks can be made out to Mena Bearcat Football.

For more info, email craig.bentley@menaschools.org .

Prize sponsors for the event were Shelter Insurance – Telissa Montgomery, Simple Simon’s Pizza, Farm Bureau Insurance, and Wendy’s.

(Photo courtesy of Mena Public Schools)