Polk County Pulse April 6, 2022

Pulse THE POLK COUNTY

FREE WEEKLY 1168 Hwy 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600

Your DAILY News Sources: KENA 104.1 FM & MyPulseNews.com INSIDE:

Page 12

McCurtain County Sheriff ’s Office (MCSO) is currently searching for a missing person.

Ronnie Toon age 29, 6’2” - 170lbs, black hair, green/blue eyes was reported missing Friday evening.

According to MCSO’s Facebook page, Ronnie was last known to be in the Hochatown area on Thursday morning at approximately 2 a.m. His vehicle has been recovered in an area known as the Narrows at Mt Fork River. North of Broken Bow Lake

Golden Easter Egg Winner

Page 4

Youth Show 2022 Winners

Page 2

The CALL offering help to foster families

by Trey Youngdahl

By Ethan Nahté

Cody Cooke Coming To Mena

April 6, 2022

Ronnie Toon has been missing since early morning, March 31. His vehicle was found at a low-water bridge in an area known as The Narrows.

(File Photo)

See TOON continued on page 3

After being inactive for several years, Polk County is now welcoming back an Arkansas-based non-profit organization devoted to serving foster families.

The CALL is a faith-based non-profit organization that mobilizes area churches to serve local children and youth placed in foster care in the Christian community. The group started in 2007 in Pulaski County when a group of concerned citizens came together to look for a way to help provide for children in foster care in their area. They did so by working together with the Division of Children and Family Services.

From there, the group spread to other counties in Arkansas. In 2010, the CALL became a statewide organization that is now active in 44 counties.

Families recruited by The CALL make up over half of all foster families in the state. Since 2007, these families have cared for over 10,000 children, and created forever families for over 800 children. The CALL is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, funded by contributions from individual donors, churches, foundations and corporations. They provide their services to families and churches at no cost.

“I knew that if foster parents are going to either succeed or not succeed, it’s going to be from the support system

See CALL continued on page 27

2 News

April 6, 2022

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Youth Show 2022 awards ceremony

By Ethan Nahté

STAY ALERT. STAY INFORMED. STAY SAFE. Some severe weather events are predictable, others may happen with little or no warning.

Keep yourself and your family safe and healthy in any weather emergency by visiting the CDC Natural Disasters and Severe Weather information site.

www.cdc.gov/disasters/ Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative, Inc. Owned By Those We Serve

515 Janssen Ave, Mena, AR 71953 (479) 394-4140 W W W. R M E C . C O M

pastel. She was awarded an honorable mention for her 3D pottery “Melon in Spring Yellow.”

The Young Artists Competition 2022 was “I wasn’t expecting anything,” Cox said. She a tight race with plenty of competition. The claimed her pottery, a pinch pot, isn’t perfect. judge chose the winning pieces Wednesday af- This is the first year that she has been learning ternoon. A reception was held Saturday, April pottery, but she’s been in art a long time. Her 2 from 1-3 p.m. Lynn Greenwade, executive piece was created all by hand during one class director of Southwest Artists, Inc. and Mena period and then an additional three days for Art Gallery, announced the winners halfway the glazing, through the Her other event. pieces were a Waldron High flower and a pair School student of foxes, which Olathay Dala almost had an took the Best of Asian art style.

Show prize with Embarrassed and her “Chinese laughing, Cox Flower” paintsaid, “I just found ing. There were a picture and four winners in painted it. I think each category, it’s supposed to ranging from be a mom and first through her baby. I don’t third place as really have any well as honorable influences. If I mention, with like it, I go for it.” age groups 5-8, F.W. Booher, 9-12 and 13-17 14, is a homesfor both 2D and chooled student 3D art. who was strickG r e e nw a d e en with a bit of a said, “There was hoarse throat and so much orignot up to talking. inal artwork Olathay Dala of Waldron won first place in the 3D cat- The young phofrom all the ages egory in her age group and won Best of Show for her tographer placed represented. Late 2D painting, “Chinese Flowers.” (Ethan Nahté/Pulse) second in his age last year, Tonya group in the 2D Thacker, councategory with selor at one of the Mena schools, told me she “Lake Tahoe.” His other two entries were quite heard far too many of the youngsters say they nice, as well, especially his photo of want to ‘Be an artist when I grow up.’ She, and “The Gallery board is extremely supportive the Mena Art Gallery, are intent on impressing of this show,” Greenwade said. “There are no upon them they can be an artist ‘now,’ and this entry fees. Many of the board members conshow represents that beautifully.” tributed personally to the fund for prizes.”

Dala, 17, who has submitted work in previBest of Show was awarded $60. Each firstous years, according to her art teacher Kathy place winner was awarded $50; second-place, Powell, also won first place in the 3D category $25; third-place, $15; honorable mention, $5. for her piece “Golden Pottery,” which is a pot- (See winners, page 7.) tery piece, of course.

“The story about honorable mention is, our Dala, excited, said the Best of Show award board is very supportive,” Greenwade said. made her feel nervous. “I didn’t think I was “The last time we had the contest, it’s been a going to win Best of Show. When she [Pow- couple of years because of COVID, the honell] told me, I was like ‘Oh my goodness. I’m orable mentions didn’t get checks. In the art shocked for that.’ I didn’t think about that at world, you don’t normally get money for honall.” orable mention. The grown-ups know that, Abigail “Abby” Cox, 16, is another Waldron See WINNERS HighSchoolstudentwhohadtwopiecesentered in the 2D competition with a watercolor and a continued on page 7

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Letters 3

April 6, 2022

Radio - Print - Web 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 Smith - General Manager Ethan Nahté - Production Manager Trey Youngdahl - Reporter / Photographer Patrick Massey - Contributing Reporter John Russell - Graphic Design Curt Teasdale - Programmer / On-Air Personality Jim Pinson - Morning Personality Jackye Pruitt - Senior Account Executive Jodi Croft - Account Executive Ariel Varner - Receptionist Distribution & Insertion Staff: Dan & Linda Deramus, Jason Sharp, Edward Werkhoven 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.

POLICY: The publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time.

All property rights, including any copyright interest, in any advertisement produced by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse using art work and/or typography furnished or arranged by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse shall be the property of Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse. No such advertisement or any part thereof may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Pulse Multi-Media and The Polk County Pulse.

POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENTS: Advertisements of a political nature must be prepaid and must also include the name of the entity paying for the advertisement. If an entity other than the candidate the advertisement is endorsing is paying for the ad, a statement must be signed by the candidate verifying the candidate has seen and approved the advertisement.

TOON continued from page 1 As of Tuesday afternoon, there was no word on his location. The search is continuing in the area and includes MCSO, McCurtain County Emergency Management, Choctaw Nation Emergency Management and Tribal Police, Oklahoma Highway Patrol - Lake Patrol, the United Cajun Navy (UCN), area firefighters, numerous family and community members.

Individuals are searching by foot, as well on horseback, with kayaks, and via aircraft and drones.

Any information please contact MCSO, 580-286-3331 Perry Toon sent out a message stating there will be an account set up for the Family of Ronnie Toon at McCurtain County National Bank and Union Bank of Mena.

The message states, “Ronnie’s pickup was washed of the Narrows low-water bridge early Friday morning around 4 a.m. Since then, there has been several law enforcement and rescue teams throughout the state. Also, hundreds of family, friends and generous volunteers.

We have been fortunate to have the Cajun Navy, Arkansas working dogs and the coordination under the McCurtain County Emergency Management. All donations will be used

for expenses and future expenses.”

Meanwhile, as the massive search continues, Eddie Bohanan, councilman for Choctaw Tribal Council District 3, posted on his Facebook page Sunday and Monday morning, “They are feeding around seventy-five people a day, so another table as well as additional food and water would be very much appreciated. Supplies can be delivered to the command post on the East side of US 259 at the narrows.”

Since that time, Ronnie’s brother Donnie has announced they have more than enough food, but it goes to show how much the community is willing to help in the search effort.

The weather has also not been very cooperative, with high winds, the potential for tornados, and thunderstorms rolling through late Sunday evening and early Tuesday morning. Rain and swift, rising waters could make for a more difficult search and increase the dangers for rescuers.

Monday morning, the UCN posted, “We currently have a need for additional volunteers in Smithville, Oklahoma in the search for a missing man. If you or anyone you know can assist our UCN Team on the ground there send us a [Facebook] message or go to www.UnitedCajunNavy.org/ to volunteer, donate or request assistance.”

394-1938

TIRES • BRAKES • CUSTOM EXHAUST • SHOCKS & STRUTS

Winter Hours: Mon - Fri 8 am - 5 pm

1500 Hwy 71 South, Mena

Owners: Stacy & Julie Nash

Want to share your opinion?

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

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

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

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 dropbox is provided by the front door for after-hour convenience.

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

4 News

April 6, 2022

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Second Golden Easter Egg winner

Melissa Carroll found the second Golden Easter Egg, earning herself a check for $250. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

by Ethan Nahté

Teagan Beaty, who found the first Golden Easter Egg, said another group was searching for an hour before they arrived.

Beaty said a woman told them it was nowhere to be found, and she had already looked.

It turns out Melissa Carroll was that woman. She was parked right in front of the bush where the egg was hidden and had been searching for the first egg for approximately an hour when Beaty arrived.

“I’m sure she was not happy,” Beaty said.

Laughing, Carroll said, “It made me mad. On top of that, I had the three guys y’all had in there,” referring to the clue about Ethan, Wes and Ben, “helping me look for it.”

It had taken Beaty and her friends an hour to find the egg once they got to the park., discovering the golden prize around 11 a.m.

The second egg did not take that

long for Carroll to find once she had collected the majority of the clues.

The contest began with a clue given on the KENA 104.1 FM morning show to start listeners in the right direction at one of the sponsors, which had a clue at their location that would lead them on the trail to the next clue. Sponsors included Freedom Pharmacy, Allbaugh’s Florist, Pleasant Hills Animal Clinic, Skyline Café, Don’s E-Z Pay and the Coffee Vault. Carroll discovered the egg at the Cove Volunteer Fire Department.

“The second to last clue said, ‘You’re getting warmer.’ I drove right past the fire station. I didn’t recognize the ‘alarm,’ because the alarm was the first part of a clue.

I drove past it and said to myself, ‘I guarantee it’s right there, because what else is warm down here?’

“There’s a well garden thing outside the fire department. It was right there,” she said with a smile.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Politics 5

April 6, 2022

From the

State House of Representatives

state prison inmates will be released On Monday of this week, the at some point in their sentence. It House and Senate Judiciary Comgoes on to say that because high mittees met jointly with the Charrecidivism increases the cost of coritable, Penal, and Correctional rections and puts Arkansas citizens Institutions subcommittee of the at greater risk of becoming victims Arkansas Legislative Council. of crime, it is imperative that ofMembers reviewed reports from fenders returning to the commuthe Department of Corrections concerning the current prison John Maddox nity have the programs, services, and support they need to become population and recidivism rates. productive citizens of the state.

Currently, the recidivism rate for Committee members were also presented the entire department is 46.1%. That breaks down to 47.8% for the Division of Correction with information showing that roughly twoand 37.5% for the Division of Community fifths of individuals entering prison do not have a high school degree or GED. Research Correction.

In Arkansas, recidivism is defined as ei- presented also showed that incarcerated peother an arrest, conviction, or re-incarceration ple who participate in postsecondary educawithin a 3 year time period from an individu- tion in prison are 48% less likely to recidivate than those who do not. al’s release from a correctional facility.

The inmate population for the Division Arkansas’ definition of recidivism makes it difficult to compare to other states, but of Correction is currently 15,089. There are Corrections Secretary Solomon Graves told 1,528 inmates in county jails waiting to be members Arkansas’ recidivism rate is “unac- transferred.

In the most recent Fiscal Session, the ceptably high.”

Secretary Graves told members they will General Assembly increased county jail rebe reviewing current programs to evaluate imbursements by $6.4 million. The General their effectiveness. He added that this is an Assembly also approved the transfer of $150 issue that government cannot solve alone. It million for various one-time funding projects will take a collaborative effort from advocacy including prison construction.

In the months ahead, the members will groups and faith-based organizations.

To bring attention to the issue, the Gover- continue to consult with the Department of nor has proclaimed the week of April 26 as Corrections regarding the inmate population, recidivism, and ways we can improve on Reentry Awareness Week.

The proclamation states that at least 90% of this crucial issue.

Contact Your Legislators!

John Maddox

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

Larry Teague

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

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

From the

State Senate lature’s decision to pass an apThe recidivism rate for Arpropriation for an expansion kansas prison inmates is 46.1 at the Calico Rock unit. percent, a rate which the head At the end of March, more of state prisons called unacthan 1,500 inmates were beceptable. ing held in county jails. SherPrison officials appeared iffs have appeared before before a joint meeting of leglegislative hearings to voice islators to discuss estimates Larry Teague concerns about the increasing of growth in the state’s innumber of violent and dangermate population. They also ous offenders in their jails. discussed reentry programs to betThe director of state prisons told ter prepare inmates for productive lawmakers that about 55 percent of careers after they are released from new inmates are legally classified as prison. violent offenders. Sentences are deThe legislature passed an approtermined using a grid that compares priation during the recent fiscal sesthe seriousness of criminal offenses, sion for a 498-bed expansion of the on a scale of one through ten. The North Central Unit in Calico Rock. director said 55 percent of new ofSome legislators, county sheriffs and fenders are in the eight, nine and ten law enforcement officers argue that categories.

Arkansas needs more maximum seAlso, about 67,000 inmates are on curity beds. probation or parole, under superThe number of inmates behind vision by officers. About 24,000 of bars is a little more than 15,000, but those are on parole and the others they represent only a fraction of the are on probation. total number of people under the Recidivism rates measure the perjurisdiction of the state Correction centage of inmates who return to Division. prison within three years of being Another 1,371 inmates are in released. The director of Arkansas housed in residential centers run by prisons was hesitant to compare the the Division of Community Correcrate in Arkansas with other states betions. They house inmates referred cause Arkansas uses different stanfrom drug courts, and are licensed dards and definitions, therefore any to provide alcohol and drug abuse comparisons would be “apples to watreatment. termelons,” he said.

The centers also offer education The Board of Correction recently and job training, as well as therapies invoked the Emergency Powers Act to help inmates transition to the outto grant parole to almost 400 inside world, such as parenting classes mates. The decision does not create and courses on how to improve relanew eligibility criteria for their retionships. lease, but it moves up the time periState inmates also are housed in od in which they become eligible for county jails, because of a lack of early release. space in state prison units. When ofThe governor has proclaimed the fenders are convicted, they normally week of April 26 through April 30 as would be transferred to a state unit.

Reentry Awareness Week, to help foHowever, due to the lack of space cus public attention on ways to better there is a permanent backlog of inprepare inmates for life outside prismates in local jails. on after they are released.

The backlog of state inmates in county jails was a factor in the legis-

6 Community

The City of Mena Annual Spring Clean-Up is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 3. City trucks will pick up items you want to dispose of at no charge. This Clean-up service is free for residences within the city limits of Mena only.

Please follow the below listed regulations to ensure that the pick-up runs smoothly.

Materials will not be picked up unless they are placed at the curb-side and separated.

Street Department personnel can not go onto private property to assist in moving items. However, the Crossing Church will have volunteers available on April 30 and May 1 to help senior adults needing assistance in moving items to the curb. Please call the Crossing Church at (479) 3947600 in advance to place your name on their list.

It is very important to separate any items that you want to keep away from those that are to be discarded, such as trash cans.

The following items cannot be picked up: concrete, brick, rocks, dirt, shingles, batteries, and construction debris.

Pulse

April 6, 2022

City of Mena spring clean-up Submitted by the City of Mena

THE POLK COUNTY

Please separate your items to be discarded into 5 distinct piles as follows: 1. Furniture--couches, chairs, televisions, window frames, etc.

2. Household trash--paper items, etc.

(Please place trash cans, that you wish to keep, to one side so that they will not be disposed of inadvertently) 3. Metal material--hot water heaters, stoves, appliances, etc.

4. Yard waste--tree limbs, shrubs, grass, etc.

5. Tires Note - it is required that all small yard debris, such as small limbs, gum balls, leaves and grass, be placed in garbage bags.

The Mena Street Department will begin pick up in the northwest part of the city and work their way across town following the same routes as Southern Disposal. Trucks will run one to three days after the day of your normal trash pick-up. The response to this Clean-Up is usually overwhelming, so please be patient if the trucks are running somewhat behind the posted schedule; however, each route will only be covered one time.

It is not necessary to call City Hall in order to receive this service.

Around Town Spring Revival at the Vandervoort First Baptist Church, 107 Fourth Street, beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, April 7 and 8. There will be a fish fry Saturday at 5 p.m. with a service to follow at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

The Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes has re-opened. All meals and activities have reverted to their original schedules. If you need to make delivery arrangements or changes call 870-385-2373.

Trinity Lutheran Church invites you to celebrate the beginning of Holy Week on Palm Sunday!

We begin our worship at 10 a.m. with a Procession with Palms! All are invited as we read and hear the Passion of Our Lord from John’s Gospel! This service will conclude with the Stripping of the Altar. Trinity is located at 1010 Dequeen Street in Mena. For more information, please call (479) 394-1290.

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m., Monday; at 7 p.m., Thursday; at 7 p.m. Friday; and at 6 p.m.

Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call Erica at 479-216-7249.

The Polk County Social Seniors will be meeting at La Villa Restaurant on April 12, 2022, at noon.

Bring a friend and have a good time. Any questions call Linda Johnson at 956-241-2633 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 479-234-8366 or 479-216-3786.

Live Country & Gospel Music, Tuesday nights at the Daisy Room. Starting at 7-10 p.m. Come “Pick-N-Grin” with us. Everyone welcome.

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.

St. Agnes Catholic Church will have a food distribution on Thursday, April 7, 10 a.m.-noon, 203 Eighth St., Mena. Follow the signs to the church office.

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.

Disabled American Veterans and auxiliary will be having their monthly meetings on Thursday April 7 at Veterans Park in Acorn. There will be a potluck at 6 pm with meetings to follow.

The Mena/Polk County Senior Center is putting together a bean bag baseball team, having an Easter hat contest on April 15 and celebrating our seniors birthdays every 3rd Tuesday of the month.

Contact Trena Hodge with questions (479) 394-5459.

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.

Donkey Basketball fundraiser! Acorn High School will hold the event in the Acorn High School gym, Friday, April 15th at 7 p.m.

2 regular games will be followed by a championship game Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door, Sponsored by the Acorn Athletic Boosters. Tickets can be purchased through the Acorn High School Office (479) 394-5544.

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 Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 8 p.m. Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for information call 479243-0297.

The Democrat Party meeting will be at The Housing Authority, Community Center, 136 Stevenson Dr., Wickes, April 11, 6:30 p.m. Come early, starting at 5 p.m. for light snacks. For more information contact Linda Johnson at (479) 234-7666. Bring a friend or two.

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.

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 479243-9600 and let us know about your event! To have it in the Polk County Pulse newspaper, we need to know

by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!

Community 7

THE POLK COUNTY

April 6, 2022 Pulse Hatfield Easter egg hunt

By Trey Youngdahl

Hatfield Lions Club in conjunction with Mountain Meadow Masonic Lodge No. 218 will be hosting an Easter egg hunt open to everyone.

The Lions and Freemasons will work together to hide eggs for children to hunt, Saturday, April 9, starting at 10 a.m. The event is for children ages 12 and under. Children must be able to hunt the eggs on their own, without the accompaniment of parents. There will be cookies and punch available to all who attend. The hunt will be held at the Hatfield Lions Clubhouse located at Lions Park Lane.

Mountain Meadow Masonic Lodge joined up with the Lions after finding they were also interested in doing a

community Easter egg hunt.

“They’ve done this for several years, but haven’t been able to because of the pandemic,” Hatfield Mason Jim Fry said. “This is a good way to get everybody back out and involved in the Hatfield Community.”

Bobby Brewer, who was elected Worshipful Master of the Hatfield Lodge for 2022, shared his enthusiasm for the two organizations working together. “We are excited that they agreed to allow us to help and get out in the community.”

Former Mason president Carol Fields said, “This is to draw the community together. Through the years, the Lions Club has tried to do things to enhance the community. We also help with Hatfield’s Jubilee in June event, and we do everything we can to help.”

Hop on down for the April Cash Mob Submitted by Judy Thompson

The Corner Shoppe, 822 Mena Street will host the Cash Mob, Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m. This month will be the Bunny Mob with Mob’sters enjoying refreshments, door prizes, games and other fun prior to drawing the name of the shop to be “mobbed.”

Judy Thompson, mob coordinator, advises that even though The Corner Shoppe is a retailer, they will not be in the drawing as they have been mobbed in recent months. She noted that the Mob’ster gathering will be in the rear of the store. She also added that if anyone prepared something special to wear at the canceled St. Patrick Mob last month, to feel free to wear it. Bunnies love green!

The Cash Mob is a project of the Mena Downtown Partners to promote their “Buy Local” campaign and provide an opportunity for fun and socializing. A Cash Mob is a community effort that joins people together to support local businesses.

In this effort, the Cash Mob converg-

es on a participating downtown shop that is a member of the Downtown Partners. Cash Mobs bring an immediate economic impact to a locally owned business with long-term positive results.

The Mob meets the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at a predetermined place for morning refreshments. All participating MDP retailers who have not yet been selected on this round will have their business names placed in a container.

One of the Mob’sters will draw the name and then the Mob will proceed to the selected business for a fun shopping experience.

Rules are simple: 1) Commit to spend at least $20 at each Cash Mob. 2) Have fun. You do not have to be pre-registered as a Mob member. Just show up and sign in at the door. Help the local economy and indulge in that all-American pastime of shopping. Greet old friends and make new friends. Hop on over to The Corner Shoppe on Saturday and be a part of the Bunny Cash Mob.

“It’s a big deal to these kids, hopefully, to be WINNERS in the gallery,” Greenwade said. continued from page 2

but the kids don’t. They handed out checks to everybody and got to honorable mention and said, ‘Congratulations, you got a ribbon’ The kid’s faces fell.

“Some of our board members who were here that day said that’s not happening again.

They might only get a check for $5 for honorable mention, but they’re getting a check, because they don’t understand the difference and they shouldn’t have to at age five.”

Greenwade said, “Pamela Bennett is on the Gallery board and was the heart behind this show. She has been working on it for months!

It would not have happened without her.”

The gallery showing will be up through April 29, open to the public Wednesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Images of the attending winners with their art will appear on The Polk County Pulse Facebook page.

Best in Show Name: Olathay Dala Age: 17 School: Waldron Teacher: Kathy Powell Title: “Chinese Flower” 2D, Ages 5 – 8 Name: Anzlie Strothers Age: 7 School: Mena 1st Teacher: Title: “Terry the C Turtle” Name: Grayson Vongplakoly Age: 6 School: Waldron 2nd Teacher: Woolsey Title: “Untitled” Name: Kyelee Horn Age: 8 School: Acorn 3rd Teacher: Howard Title: “Somewhere Out There” Honorable Mention Name: Willie Sorrels Age: 8 School: De Queen Teacher: Ayers Title: “Macaw Sunset” 2D, Ages 9 - 12 Name: Brooklyn Elliott Age: 13 School: Home 1st Teacher: Ezell Title: “Pretty Lady” Name: Camilla Booher Age: 12 School: Acorn 2nd Teacher: Title: “Saphire the Collie” Name: Summer Elliott Age: 12 School: Home 3rd Teacher: Ezell Title: “Sadly Alone” Honorable Mention Name: Lexi McCarley Age: 12 School: De Queen Teacher: Ayers Title: “Melanie the Fish” 2D, Ages 14 – 17 Name: Holly R Maseman Age: 18 School: Home 1st Teacher: Homeschool Title: “Tranquility” Name: F.W. Booher Age: 14 School: Home 2nd Teacher: Homeschool Title: “Lake Tahoe” Name: Grace E Maseman Age: 16 School: Home 3rd Teacher: Homeschool Title: “Full Armour of God” Honorable Mention Name: Aaron McDonald Age: 18 School: Home Teacher: MacMahon Title: “Waterfall” 3D, Ages 5 – 8 Name: Gregory Singleton Age: 5 School: Mena 1st Teacher: Ezell Title: “T. Rex Footprint” No Further Entries 3D, Ages 9 - 12 Name: Summer Elliott Age: 12 School: Home 1st Teacher: Ezell Title: “Snug as a Bug” Name: Jamlynn Labout Age: 14 School: De Queen 2nd Teacher: Ayers Title: “Geronimo the Girraffe” Name: Kailynn Klitz Age: 13 School: De Queen 3rd Teacher: Ayers Title: “Ellie the Elephant” Honorable Mention Name: Estebon Morales Age: 13 School: De Queen Teacher: Ayers Title: “Crabby Ocean” 3D, Ages 14 – 17 Name: Olathay Dala Age: 17 School: Waldron 1st Teacher: Powell Title: “Golden Pottery” Name: Astraya Ellsworth Age: 14 School: Mena 2nd Teacher: Title: “Dream Catcher” Name: Tazanna Haggard Age: 14 School: Acorn 3rd Teacher: Haggard Title: “Mushroom House” Honorable Mention Name: Abigail Cox Age: 16 School: Waldron Teacher: Powell Title: “Melon in Spring Yellow”

8 Obituaries Judith Ann Sanders Campbell

Judith Ann Sanders Campbell, 80, of Spiro, Oklahoma, formerly of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2022, in her home. She was born on October 15, 1941, in Mena, Arkansas, to Gene and Reva (Gibson) Sanders. She was a retired clerk for a Moving and Storage Company, as well as a member of Haven Heights Baptist Church and the Willing Workers Sunday School Class.

Funeral services are 1:30 PM; Wednesday March 30, 2022, at Haven Heights Baptist Church in Fort Smith with Reverend Steve Young officiating, burial will follow at Spiro City Cemetery under the direction of Ocker-Putman Funeral Home of Fort Smith.

Mrs. Campbell may be viewed Tuesday from 12-7PM at the funeral home.

She is survived by her husband Charles Campbell of the home; three sons, Michael (Amy) Crawford of Spring Hill, FL, Mark Crawford of Mena, AR and George (Kim) Campbell of Marble City, OK; one grandson, Joe Dale Crawford of Cadiz, KY; two sisters, Jane Edwards and Nancy Emerson both of Mena, AR; one brother, Jolin (Charmaine) Sanders of Little Rock, AR; one special friend, Ann Smalling Garrett and many other good friends.

Online condolences may be made at ockerput manfuneralhome.com

THE POLK COUNTY

April 6, 2022

Elton Edd Carney

William Earl Henry

Elton Edd Carney, age 73, passed away We d n e s d a y, March 30, 2022, at his home in Smithville, Oklahoma.

He was born May 9, 1948, in Talihina, Oklahoma, to the late Edmond and Laura Cusher Carney.

Mr. Carney worked for the Choctaw Nation. He enjoyed gambling, fishing, and playing cards and dominos with his friends on Sundays. He was an avid fan of the Oklahoma Sooners football team.

Elton is preceded in death by his parents, Edmond and Laura Cusher Carney; grandson, Damion; and by his sister Leila. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Rozetta Carney; son, Jerome Carney of Smithville, Oklahoma; daughters, Michelle Carney of Smithville, Oklahoma, and Heather Carney of Ft. Smith, Arkansas; grandchildren, Derek, Clarissa, Chasity, Trent, Brinley, and Summer; 11 great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Services for Mr. Carney will be held 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 4, 2022, at Smithville Cemetery in Smithville, Oklahoma, with Brother Brandon White officiating, under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation is general.

A meal will be served after the services at the Choctaw Nation Recreation Center in Smithville, Oklahoma, 39618 Highway 259, Smithville, OK 74957 Pallbearers are Trent, Jerome, Doug, Smoke, R.E., and Kenny.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

William Earl “Billy” Henry, age 64, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Monday, March 28, 2022, in Mena, Arkansas.

He was born November 2, 1957, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to William Harmon Henry and Joyce Ann (DeVore) Henry. Billy was united in marriage to Lou Strother, his wife of 43 years. He was a self-employed heavy machinery operator by profession. Billy loved classic country music and enjoyed listening to it loud. You could hear him coming from miles away blaring his music. He loved hunting, fishing and just about anything outdoors. He liked working on anything and his family coined the term “Billy rigging it” referring to his knack for fixing things. Above all, Billy was a devoted family man and dearly loved each and every one of them.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Joyce Henry and his great grandchild, Jalen Phillips. Billy is survived by his wife, Lou Henry; daughters, Lisa Kincaid and husband John, Linda Ennis and husband Derek, Billie Jo Hendrix and husband Bryon; grandchildren, Mariah and Anthony Dominguez, Tyler and Bridget Kincaid, Johnny Kincaid, Brittany and Kyle Burtenshaw, Brooklyn Ennis and Baily Ennis, Breeanna Hendrix and William Hendrix; great-grandchildren, Maverick Burtenshaw, Cruz Dominguez, Madilyn Kincaid and Echo Phisaisawat; brother, Larry Hejduck; sister, Sherry Lee; numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

Graveside service will be Thursday, March 31, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Concord Cemetery in Ink, Arkansas, under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be general.

Pulse

Pallbearers will be Josh Johnson, Jeremy Elder, Clayton Davis and Josh Davis.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Geraldine Roach Rowsey

Geraldine Roach Rowsey, age 85, passed away Thursday, March 31, 2022, in her home in Mena, Arkansas, surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 19, 1936, in South Charleston, Ohio, to the late Okey Roach and Alma Massey Roach.

Mrs. Rowsey was a homemaker, she was a loving and kind wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed bowling and joking with friends and family, she was also known to be a great cook. Her family was her life.

Geraldine is preceded in death by her parents, Okey Roach and Alma Massey Roach; a beloved daughter, Terrie Rowsey White; brother, Okey Roach Jr.; and by her sister, Joanne Dunkel. She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, James Rowsey; sons, Thomas Rowsey and wife Mindy of North Carolina, and Christopher Rowsey of Mena, Arkansas; grandchildren, Ashley, Lacey, Robert, Christopher James, Tinesa, and Christian; as well as several nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Cremation is entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home, there are no services for Mrs. Rowsey planned at this time.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Obituaries Continued on Pages 9-10

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

April 6, 2022

Melvin Cody Hicks

Mr. Melvin Cody Hicks, age 86, passed away Sunday, March 27, 2022, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. He was born November 14, 1935, in Cove, Arkansas, to the late William and Minnie Colley Hicks.

Mr. Hicks was an upholsterer by profession and worked at Rose Aircraft. He also started the Sunshine House Daycare in Mena, Arkansas. Melvin enjoyed puzzles, solitaire, playing games with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, reading, and singing in church.

He was a member of the Pleasant Grove Nazarene Church in Cove, Arkansas.

He loved to watch the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Dallas Cowboys.

Mr. Hicks is preceded in death by his parents, William and Minnie Colley Hicks; his first wife, Lilly Rose; son, Rickey Hicks; and by his great-grandchild, Kyler Williams; brothers, Dwayne and Clovis Hicks; sisters, Rodena Bailey, Eveline Cornelius, Loreda Daniels, and Anita Baker. He is survived by his wife, Janie Hicks; sons, Lonnie Hicks Sr. and Ronnie Wagner and wife Lisa; daughters, Carolyn Calaty and husband Russell, Kathi Miner and husband Gary, and Diana Hicks; grandchildren, Lonnie Hicks Jr. and wife Michelle, Clifford Hicks and wife Erica; Ashley Crow and husband Robert, Corey Hicks and wife Logan, Michaela Wood and husband Daniel, Jason Hicks and wife Michelle, Kimmy Williams and husband Rodney, Martin Wagner, Jennifer Folds and husband Jason, Randall Doxsee and wife Chantal, Kristi Gorman and husband Aaron, and Aaron Miner; 31 great-grandchildren; brothers, Marion Hicks and wife Ada, and Foy Hicks; sister, Lorene Smalley; and by a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends too numerous to mention.

Services for Mr. Hicks will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Cove, Arkansas, with Brother Steve Bradley officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. He will receive Military Honors.

There will be a visitation at 2:00 p.m. prior to service at the Pleasant Grove Nazarene Church in Cove, Arkansas.

Pallbearers are Lonnie Hicks Jr., Aaron Miner, Randy Doxsee, Jason Hicks, Rodney Williams, and Aaron Gorman.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Donald Ray Armer

Donald Ray Armer, age 62, passed away at his home in Mena on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. He was born July 30, 1959, in Ft. Smith to the late P.A. and Mary Jane Armer.

Donald leaves to cherish his memory his brothers, Tom Armer and wife Donna, Albert Armer and wife Dianne, and Jim Armer and wife Cindy; and sisters, Lou Shanks, Ann Rostollan and husband Edward, Shirley Loftin and husband Johnny, Joy Cogburn and husband Dean, and Gay Wolfe and husband Benny Ray. No services are planned at this time.

Arrangements are under the care of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Harold Edgar Simpson

Mr. Harold Edgar Simpson, age 72, passed away Tuesday, March 29, 2022, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. He was born August 2, 1949, in Mena, Arkansas, to Kelly Edgar Simpson and Mae Dean Deramus Simpson-Hoover.

Mr. Simpson loved country music and going to new places, but above all else he loved his family, and was responsible for teaching his nieces to love the Dukes of Hazzard and Western movies. Harold’s mother, Mrs. Mae Dean was inspired by Harold to be a founding member of the Polk County Developmental Center, where he was a client for over thirty years. He was fiercely proud of this work.

He was preceded in death by his father Kelly E. Simpson; paternal grandparents, Charley and Myrtle Simpson; maternal grandparents, Millard and Dollie Deramus; stepfather, J.C. Hoover; and by his stepbrother, Chris Hoover.

He is survived by his mother, Mae Dean Hoover; his favorite sister, Debby Gann and husband R.D.; special nieces, Rolana Lee and husband Shawn and Rochelle Jenkins; great-nieces, Madelyn Adair, Emery Lee, Avery Lee, Ava Jenkins, and Oliva Jenkins; half-brother, Jack Simpson and his children; Kellie Shelly and husband Jamie and Shannon Simpson and wife Melissa, stepsister, Cindy Moore; as well as a host of family and friends too great to mention.

Memorial Services for Mr. Simpson will be held Monday, April 4, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. in the Beasley-Wood Chapel with Dennis Philpot as officiant under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday, April 4, 2022, at Beasley-Wood Chapel.

Cremation services are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena, Arkansas Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Obituaries 9

Lydia Young

Lydia Young, 79, of Mena, Arkansas, formerly of Oswego, Illinois, died Friday April 1st, 2022 in Mena after a long and courageous battle with lung disease.

She was born November 19th, 1942, in Oswego to Lester and Elva (Campbell) Foss. She married Stanley Young on December 5th, 1970, and they spent the next 51 years together until her passing.

Together, Lydia and Stan owned Scotty’s Restaurant in Oswego for many years until 1986 when they moved to Mena. After moving to Mena, she continued in the restaurant business and worked for Wal-Mart for many years until her retirement. Her work ethic was unmatched except by her compassion for her employees and co-workers alike.

Lydia was an animal lover to say the least. She never met a stray horse, dog, or cat that she wasn’t willing to take in and love as her own. She was a very accomplished endurance and trail rider, competing in numerous events throughout the area.

Lydia is survived by her husband of 51 years, Stanley, of Mena. Three sons Herb (Theresa) Young of Mena, Tim (Patty) Young of Overland Park, Kansas and Darren (Leslie) Young of Sandwich,lllinois. One daughter Marie (Pat) McNelis of Morris, Illinois. Two stepsons Glenn (Sandy) Young of Oswego, Don (Sue) Young of Asheville, North Carolina and a stepdaughter Anita (Randy) Gilmour. A sister Shirley Pozzi of Aurora, Illinois and a caregiver and friend Joyce Dean of Mena. Many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

According to her wishes there will be no services. Lydia was greatly loved and will be missed by all. Donations in Lydia’s name can be made to your local animal shelter.

10 Obituaries LaDonna Suzanne Maxwell

THE POLK COUNTY

April 6, 2022

Farthing will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Monday, April 4, 2022, at the BeasL a D o n n a ley-Wood Chapel from 6:00 p.m. to “DeDe” Su- 8:00 p.m. zanne MaxPallbearers are Jeff Johnson, Coowell, age 48, per Maxwell, David Goodner, Ranpassed away dy Myers, Marcus Goodner and March 30, 2022, in Bryant, Arkan- Travis Erickson. sas. She was born August 22, 1973, Honorary Pallbearers are Parker to Dwight Kermit Goodner and Iva Crow and Tate Hunter Mae Doris Stroud, in Mena, ArkanOnline obituary at beasleywoodsas. funeralhome.com DeDe attended Paul Mitchell Orval School and Nursing school. She enDean joyed listening to music and riding Heath in her son’s Camaro with the top down. Additionally, she enjoyed Orval Dean watching red birds, going to the Heath, age beach and lying in the sun, and she 90, passed loved her fur babies Kizzi Mae, her away Tuesdog, and Michael Jo, her cat. Howday, March 29, ever, she loved her children and 2022, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He grandchildren above all else. was born October 5, 1931, in Heath DeDe is preceded in death by her Valley, Arkansas, to the late Dalt mother, Doris Stroud and by her and Edna Parker Heath. mother-in-law, Marilyn Maxwell.

Mr. Heath was a minister by proShe is survived by her husband, fession, receiving 2 doctorate deScott Maxwell; children, Jordan grees. He enjoyed teaching and Hunter and husband Chance, Jac- coaching at Acorn School and his quelyn Romine and husband Jus- favorite hobby was hunting deer tin, Nicholas Myers and wife Cadie, and turkey. Above all else, he loved Cooper Maxwell, and Molly Max- to preach the gospel. He became an well; grandchildren, Parker Crow, ordained minister in 1960, and for Haydyn Hunter, Averie Romine, the last 40 years of his career, he was Tate Hunter, Colter McReynolds, the pastor of the Lakeview Baptist Kendal Davis, Hunter Davis; father, Church until his retirement in 2011.

Dwight Goodner; stepmother, Lori Orval is preceded in death by Goodner; brothers, David Goodner his parents, Dalt and Edna Parker and wife Cheryl; sisters, Sheila Bai- Heath; brother, David Heath and ley and husband T. Wayne, Shelly wife Lois; and by his sisters, Mary Goodner; as well as a host of nieces, Frances Heath, and Elaine Heath nephews, other family and friends. Liles and husband Roland. He is Services for Mrs. Maxwell will be survived by his loving wife of 63 held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday April 5, years, Ladatha Gay Thorn; daugh2022, at Pleasant Grove Cemetery ters, Denise Heath Gilchrist and in Cove, Arkansas. Brother Jason husband Jeff, and Linda Heath;

son, Kenny Heath; grandchildren, Tawana Carmack and husband Billy, Jeremy Gilchrist and wife Shelley, and Ladatha Hobson and husband Britt; great-grandchildren, Grace Carmack, Hope Carmack, Sky Carmack, Laney Gilchrist, Jordyn Gilchrist, Gia Hobson, Adalee Hobson and Heath Hobson; nieces and nephews, Frances Heath McCarthy, Teresa Liles Tucker, Virginia Heath Hamrick, Renae Liles Leone, Steve Heath, Cyndy Liles Kosemund, and Susan Heath Bodey; as well as a host of great nieces, nephews, other family and the members of Lakeview Baptist Church.

Services for Mr. Heath will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 1, 2022, at the Beasley-Wood Chapel in Mena, Arkansas. Interment will follow at the Board Camp Cemetery in Board Camp, Arkansas. Brothers Steve Raines, Pat Horner, and Larry

Pulse

Youngblood will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, March 31, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Beasley-Wood Chapel in Mena, Arkansas.

Pallbearers are Jeff Gilchrist, Jeremy Gilchrist, Billy Carmack, Sky Carmack, Britt Hobson, Heath Hobson, and Keith Willsey.

Honorary Pallbearers are Steve Heath, Cody McCarthy, Kenny Bodey, Thomas McBride, Bo McBride, Billy Ridgway, Mark Ridgway, Jerry Torix, and Bill Waddell.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Complete Up-to-Date Obituaries at

MYPULSENEWS.COM

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

April 6, 2022

Jerry’s Fish Camp lures applicants

By Ethan Nahté

A new seafood restaurant is coming to Mena, and a call for applicants lured in people at a group interview for Jerry’s Fish Camp on Friday. April 1 was the first round of Jerry’s Fish Camp restaurant will be opening on Cinco de applications be- Mayo. Several people applied for jobs.. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse) wait staff, chefs/cooks, food prep ing taken at the moment, but approximately 20 and dishwashers.

“We might run one more [round applicants or more, sat elbow to elbow, filling out paperwork of applications] if we need to hire and awaiting an interview while more. We’re probably looking to construction and utility workers hire around sixteen, or close to worked in an effort to have the it.”

The family-owned restaurant restaurant ready to open by May is a dream that spawned in 1969 5—Cinco de Mayo.

Natasha van Meter, general manager, said, “Today, we’re doing group interviews to catch the vibe of people around here to see what we can bring it to make it super fun, diverse and quirky.”

Management was also seeking punctual, responsible, positive, drama-free people with a professional appearance and attitude.

Open positions ran the gamut of

and has taken 53 years to hatch.

Jerry’s Fish Camp is located in The Old Meat Works building, 816 Dequeen St., across from the First Financial Bank drive-thru.

They intend to be open lunch and dinner, operating 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Jerry Moore and his children Jason and Jeri Dee hope to bring delicious seafood, a family-friendly atmosphere, and, potentially, an indoors bar in addition to an outdoor bar area for dining and events.

Jason stated that the bar will not be in operation when they first open, but he’s hedging his bets that the petition needing 4,700 certified Polk County signatures

by July 2022 will officially place the wet/dry vote on the November ballot. If the vote goes in favor of Polk County becoming wet, then the restaurant will apply for their

News 11 liquor license. If the petition fails to obtain enough legal signatures, or if the measure makes it to the ballot and does not pass, then, Jason stated, they will have to look at other options.

Polk County has been in dire need of a good seafood restaurant ever since the Fish Net closed years ago. For a short time, there was Mama Nell’s Cajun restaurant in Mena and the Pier 49 in Cove that each specialized in seafood, but the region finds itself without any local seafood restaurant options.

Van Meter said, “It’s everything from down-home cooking to fresh catfish and finer culinary dishes with seafood. We’ll have good food, good parties, good events—all kinds of fun.”

12 News

April 6, 2022

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Cody Cooke & the Bayou Outlaws coming to Mena

By Trey Youngdahl The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce will be throwing a big shindig, hosting their debut “Music on Main” event. The first family-friendly concert will take place Friday, May 20, on South Mena Street.

There will be a stage, food vendors, and the streets in the immediate area will be blockaded so citizens can safely dance Cody Cooke & the Bayou Outlaws will bring their brand of and browse the ven- “Outlaw Country” to Mena for the first Music on Main event (File Photo) dors. Cody Cooke & media shout-outs on all platforms, the Bayou Outlaws will be the musical and recognition throughout the guests for the night, providing “100% event.

Outlaw Country.” Country music fans • Silver tier - $1,000: All of the above, might recognize their single “Buck plus a larger logo on promotional Wild” from their debut release “Gitcha’ materials.

Country On,” which made it to No. 7 on • Gold tier - $2,000: All of the above, the Billboard Music Heat Seeker chart plus repeated social media shoutand was nominated for two Grammy outs and a large logo on promoawards. tional materials.

Sponsors or patrons who would like • Platinum tier - $5,000: All of the to assist in funding the event may conabove, plus the largest logo on tact the Chamber at (479) 394-2912 or promotional materials, their logo info@menapolkchamber.com/. printed on promotional materials • Bronze tier - $500: A small logo and advertising, a banner with the on promotional materials, social sponsor logo at the event.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

CASA going above and beyond for children

By Ethan Nahté

Each year, approximately 4,900 children in Arkansas (approximately 1% of the U.S. total) experience abuse or neglect. That’s just the cases that are actually reported. The number is probably much higher. 270 of those Arkansas cases fall into the counties of Polk, Sevier and Montgomery for 2021.

Children will be temporarily placed in foster care until the courts determine their outcome, whether it is safe for them to return home, be taken in by another relative, or be placed for adoption.

Many times, those children will remain silent, or they attempt to speak up for themselves but

may be ignored or not heard. That is where CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) steps in. CASA has trained citizens specially appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of an abused or neglected child in court.

They become the child’s eyes and ears,

See CASA continued on page 24

Herbicide approved for use in all Arkansas counties LITTLE ROCK, AR – Following an announcement by EPA today, Enlist technology is now approved for use in all Arkansas counties. Enlist One and Enlist Duo are two herbicides used to control weeds in conventional and genetically modified corn, cotton, and soybean crops.

In January 2022, Corteva Agriscience received a seven-year registration from the EPA for its Enlist technologies. The registered labels for the Enlist herbicides included endangered species restrictions which prohibited the use

News 13

April 6, 2022

Earn More With FREE Kasasa Cash Back Checking Also, grow your savings balance faster by automatically transferring your Kasasa rewards into a Kasasa Saver account.

of the products in 11 Arkansas counties: Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Little River, Logan, Montgomery, Polk, Scott, Sebastian, Sevier, and Yell.

The expansion into additional counties was the result of the review of additional information for a proposed label amendment. An official EPA announcement and additional information can be found at epa.gov/pesticides/ epa-expands-use-enlist-products-134additional-counties-2022-growingseason/.

In the Business of YOU. Member FDIC | www.ffb1.com | @FFBank1 600 HWY 71 S | Mena, AR | 479-394-3552

14 Education

April 6, 2022

Vandervoort Elementary School Third nine weeks Honor Roll 2021-2022

First Grade- All A’s: Melody Ashcraft, Benz Dees, Emma Hulliberger, Honesty Joream, Ruger Lyle, Benjamin Silzell, Jaxton Thomas, Wyatt Vaughn, Ashlyn Wilhite, Sophia Williams First Grade - All A’s & B’s: Mason Davis, Landen Gertiser, Bryson Harwood, Ava Rogers, Dani Toon Second Grade- All A’s: Stiles Alexander, Bella Barrett, Zechariah Bennett, Lailiah Colbert, Bryce Cureton, Stephen Dau, Ember Davis, Jayne Johnson, Blayze McCoy, Bryson Richardson, Audrey Sellers, Gwen Sellers Second Grade - All A’s & B’s: Madison Holbrook, Conner Lyle, Briar Meredith, Jaelynn Smith Third Grade- All A’s: Dakota Barrett, Cara Cumpton, Max Rye, Joey Wade, Brody Ward Third Grade - All A’s & B’s: Jace Butler, Sarah Davis, Kimber Green, Easton Owens, Jared Phillips, Cedric Rogers, Kimberly Stephens Fourth Grade- All A’s: Adelyn Barton, Alleigh Bennett, Vivi Brewer, Amelia Espinola Fourth Grade - All A’s & B’s: Kadence Broach, Carmen Buck, Makenzie Butler, Jasmine Dunn, Kaden Erwin, Savanna Hutson, Shaelynn Manning, Madison Squires, Jeliza Turner, Jolena Turner, Max Watkins Fifth Grade- All A’s: Lely Anglin, Emily Finley Fifth Grade - All A’s & B’s: Makenzie Arthur, Eli Lawrence, Cambree Manning, Adisen Meredith, Ava Parker, Ariana Shaver, Joslyn Watkins, Saphina Zimmerman Sixth Grade - All A’s: Charlee Fortner Sixth Grade - All A’s & B’s: Lillyann Bennett, Chloe Buck, Brody Creel, Autumn Dunn, Beaudy Lile, Abagayl Pollard, Kaydence Squires, Shiloh Taylor

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Acorn Students Attend Arkansas FCCLA State Conference Submitted by Mindy Lyle, ORSD

Acorn FCCLA won a Gold Star Chapter award for their overall work Acorn FCCLA attended the Ar- this year in the areas of community kansas FCCLA State Conference service, chapter growth, Star Events, on March 29-30. Arkansas FCCLA and meeting attendance.

State President and Acorn FCCLA They were also awarded a Platim e mb e r, Kenzie Daniels and the State Officer team put on an amazing conference.

Daniels will complete her term as president on May 1.

Daniels’ National Officer can- The Acorn FCCLA took both a Platinum and a Gold Star Chapter award at this year’s state conference.

(Photo courtesy of ORSD) didacy was announced by the state on March num Chapter Award for their work 30. She will compete in San Diego on the state project. Congratulain June for a National FCCLA Offi- tions to all members on a job well done! cer position.

Colten Quebedeaux and Emma Arnold competed in Star Events while at the conference.

Quebedeaux earned a gold medal in his event, Job Interview.

Arnold earned a silver medal in her event, Career Investigation.

Event competitors Emma Arnold won the silver medal for Career Investigation andColten Quebedeaux won the gold for Job Interview.

(Photo courtesy of ORSD)

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Be Pro Be Proud brings Mobile Workshop to Ouachita River School District The Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Workshop will visit Acorn High School on Wednesday, April 6th and Oden High School on Thursday, April 7th beginning at 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. The Arkansas State Chamber and its public and private partners launched Be Pro Be Proud in 2016 to address an expanding skills gap in professional trades across the state. Arkansas’s future will depend on changing the perception of these career options and efforts highlighting the many opportunities available within these sectors.

“Since launching Be Pro Be Proud in 2016, Arkansas has been leading the nation in supporting skilled trade and professions allowing us to better compete in the global marketplace,” said the Hon. Asa Hutchinson, Governor of Arkansas. “I encourage everyone to be a part of the Be Pro Be Proud movement. It shows that we are serious about educating parents and young people about these career paths that are essential to our state’s economic growth.”

The 12 in-demand professions that con-

Education 15

April 6, 2022

tinue to be represented include truck driver; diesel tech; locomotive engineer; welder; machinist; computer numerical control (CNC) operator; tool and die maker; computer programmer; computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) drafter; heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) tech; plumber; electrician and carpenter.

“This is an exciting opportunity for our stakeholders. Ouachita River School District high schools are proud to be a collaborative partner in this movement to host the Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Workshops on each of our high school campuses –Acorn in Polk County and Oden in Montgomery County. Our students gain valuable information and experience relevant to careers and professions represented in the simulations. The information and experiences will help them to be better equipped in making decisions that impact their future career plans”, stated Jerry Strasner, ORSD Superintendent.

Acorn Tigers post-season basketball honors ORSD Athletic Director, Mike Jackson announced the following post-season basketball honors for Acorn High School 2021-2022 year: Senior Girls All-Conference Daisy Dollar Madi Ellis Sophie Strasner Damian Bohlman made All-State and AllHonorable Mention Harlei McCourtney

State Tournament this season.

(Samantha Maechler Photography)

Senior Boys All-Conference Damian Bohlman Braylan Bohlman Jacob Cottman Tyler Lyle

Honorable Mention Noah Holland Westen McEntire All-State & All-State Tournament Damian Bohlman

16 News

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Wreaths Across America will make Mena stop

April 6, 2022

by Ethan Nahté

CELEBRATING AMERICA’S HEROES THERE WILL BE A SPECIAL “WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS” PRESENTATION AT 10AM

THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

HONOR A HERO AT:

WWW.WREATHSACROSSAMERICA.ORG/AR0073

Wreaths Across America (WAA) is proud to announce that its Mobile Education Exhibit (MEE), will be stopping in Mena to honor those who served and welcome home Vietnam veterans.

The MEE will open Tuesday, April 12, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for a scheduled event that is both free and open to the public. This event is presented by James K. Polk Chapter, NSDAR, and will take place at the Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium parking lot, 901 Geyer Drive.

Cortez J. Copher, regent for the James K. Polk Chapter NSDAR said, “We will be having a presentation inside the stadium at 10 a.m. The theme is ‘Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans’ but it’s open to all veterans from all branches of the military and the general public.”

Tuesday, March 29, was the national observance of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, honoring the military who served in the Vietnam War. March 29, 1973 was the day U.S. Military Assistance Command and the last U.S. combat troops departed. It was made official by President Trump through the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017. Americans are encouraged to display the U.S. flag in honor of Vietnam veterans.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Billy R. Wood will be the guest speaker. Wood will recognize reflect upon March 29 and have words of welcome to all vets, but especially to the Vietnam Veterans.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army Field Artillery as an enlisted soldier in 1963.

The event will include patriotic musical performances, the Pledge of Allegiance and a presentation.

The MEE will stop outside of Mena

on Hwy. 8 E, approximately 3.5 miles outside of town at the pull off just before the silos at what is known as either Smith’s or Bogart’s Corner Monday, around 2 p.m., then arrive at the football stadium around 2:30, possibly with an escort..

The MEE has interactive exhibits, short films, and veterans can share their stories. The exhibit serves as a mobile museum, educating visitors about the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes as well as serving as an official “welcome home” station for

our nation’s Vietnam Veterans.

When the MEE pulls into your area, all veterans, active-duty military, their families, and the local community members are invited and encouraged to visit, take a tour and speak with WAA representatives and volunteers.

They can also share more about the national nonprofit, and the work its volunteers do to support our heroes and their communities year-round.

The public tours for the MEE are free and open to the public with social distancing, sanitation and COVID-19 safety procedures in place to protect the health of all visitors in accordance with the CDCs recommendation for large gatherings stemming from concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the media, dignitaries, veterans and other interested groups are urged to come, ask questions, share stories and experience this one-of-a-kind exhibit.

You can sponsor a veteran’s wreath anytime for $15 at wreathsacrossamerica.org/.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

By Richie Lawry The weather alert blared on my phone as I ate my breakfast. A tornado warning was in effect for areas of Polk County. I pulled chairs into our downstairs hallway safe place, the only place in our house without exterior walls and windows. We sat in the hallway, watching the live feed from KATV. The path of the storms seemed to be heading right towards us. With the memories of experiencing two tornadoes in the back of our minds, tornado warnings are always a stressful time.

As the winds intensified, lightning flashed, and heavy rain began to fall, we could hear the tornado siren wailing in the distance. The storms were very fast-moving, and before long, they raced through Mena and pushed on to the northeast. We breathed a sigh of relief when the weatherman assured us that the storms had moved past us, and we were in the clear. When the tornado warnings expired, I headed to work, arriving a few minutes late.

When I heard a crash that seemed to rattle the sheet metal on my shop building, my nerves were still a bit on edge from the morning's storms. "What could that be?"

I wondered. "Did a branch from a tree hit this shop?" I walked outside but couldn't see anything that could have caused the sound. A few minutes later, I heard it again.

It sounded like a dull thud that rattled the tin siding. "That is very strange," I thought, but I was too busy to investigate.

The mystery was solved when I walked past the shop window just as a robin crashed into it. The crash was so violent that I looked out the window to see if the robin was hurt, but he was sitting on a branch near the window. He would fly from the tree and crash into the window every so often.

When I arrived at work the following day, the robin was sitting in the tree just outside the shop window. He spent the day repeatedly flying into the glass. All through the day, I heard the robin hitting the window.

Four days later, he was still sitting in the

April 6, 2022

An Arkie’s Faith Red, red, robin

tree outBitterness side the begins to shop winconsume dow and me if I can't att a ck i ng get my the glass. feelings in When I check. researched When I the reason find myself for the robcrashing in's behavinto the ior, I found window that "…the of anger, root of this bitterness behavior is and hatred, territorial," I rememaccording The red, red robin reflects upon its reflection in the window. ber Paul's (Photo courtesy of Richie Lawry) c o u n s e l to the Mass Au d u b o n found in website. "When birds select a nest site, the Ephesians 4:26,27 (NIRV). "When you are surrounding area becomes their territory, angry, do not sin. Do not let the sun go and they defend it vigorously. Bird territo- down while you are still angry. Don't give ries vary in size depending on the bird spe- the devil a chance." cies and available resources. A typical subSome things make us angry. People misurban songbird such as an American Robin treat us. We witness injustice in the world. needs only a small backyard. When a bird, But when we dwell on these things and searching for a nesting site, accidentally hold a grudge, it gives the devil a foothold sees its image in a reflective surface on its in our lives. When we continue to bash into territory, it mistakes it for a rival and tries the window of our anger, it can consume to drive the ‘interloper’ away. This activity us, and if we can't control it, it will destroy may continue throughout the breeding sea- us. son."

Paul continues his counsel in Ephesians As I watched the robin battering the win- 4:31,32 (NIRV); "Get rid of all hard feeldow day after day, I thought about my own ings, anger, and rage. Stop all fighting and experience and the times that I have at- lying. Don't have anything to do with any tacked a phantom menace repeatedly. An- kind of hatred. Be kind and tender to one ger and bitterness seem to make me irratio- another. Forgive one another, just as God nal. I beat myself up by constantly crashing forgave you because of what Christ has into the window of these emotions. It feels done." like my life is spinning out of control, and I People hurt us, and life can be unfair. can't make sense of it anymore. When I feel Sometimes anger is justified. But when we like I have been wronged, my feelings of- hang on to the anger and bitterness, it can ten intensify as I dwell on the situation. The be like repeatedly bashing our head against more I think about it, the angrier I become. a window. God asks us to forgive to help

Joke of the Week:

Someone stole my headlamps, but I’m not upset...I’m delighted.

Faith 17 us heal. But too often, we perceive forgiveness as condoning the behavior. Does forgiveness eliminate accountability or the need for restitution? If I have forgiven, can I still hold the person accountable for their actions? Some Christians teach that forgiveness and accountability are mutually exclusive. That holding someone responsible means that I haven't forgiven them. But that is not the message of the Bible. Even when God forgives us, there are still consequences. He still expects us to make things right as best we can.

Forgiveness doesn't mean you're obligated to stay in a relationship with someone who has destroyed the foundation of everything you've built. Forgiveness doesn't mean you keep a close friendship with the person who betrayed you. Forgiveness doesn't mean you continue to engage with people who have repeatedly proven their disloyalty.

Forgiveness means you accept the wrongs against you, let go of those wrongs, calm your heart with God's love and patience, and begin again—with or without that person, it's up to you. You are no less of a person for knowing when you need distance from people who have broken you.

You are not spiteful, hateful, bad or evil for removing yourself from a toxic relationship and taking time to heal. You are not wrong for setting boundaries and leaving that person in your past.

Gentle Reader, "Try to understand other people. Forgive each other. If you have something against someone, forgive him.

That is the way the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13 (NLV) God wants us to let go of our anger and forgive. He doesn't want us to hold a grudge because he knows it is toxic. But he permits us to remove ourselves from unhealthy relationships and situations. Don't be like the robin and continually crash into the window of anger. "Walk away from the evil things in the world—just leave them behind, and do what is right, and always seek peace and pursue it." 1 Peter 3:11 (VOICE) Replacing windshields in Polk County for forty years.

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

18 Humor

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

April 6, 2022

Hogspore News: Definition of a woman

by Clet Litter as told to Bob Simpson

Evangeline, my granddaughter, showed up on April one and tried hanging out in the kitchen without me.

Finally, I gave her some time alone, so she could set up her sneaky April Fool’s joke. She come out, trying not to grin. After a few minutes, I went in the kitchen to “surprise” myself by getting wet from the taped-up end of the hose sprayer in the sink.

She heard me yell, but she came in early and caught me still purposely spraying my shirt with water. Then I discovered the definition for a woman that apparently is stumping everyone at confirmation hearings for a new Supreme Court judge.

Evangeline was mad at me for ruining her prank. So, the meaning of a woman is a human being who will get mad at a man cause he tries to do something nice for her.

The month of April is like playing Monopoly with hotels on Boardwalk and Park Place, and you don’t own them. The first thing is the weather. It’s not safe to say the real worry word; it could jinx me. I say, “I don’t want to see a rowboat blow past my window, when the passengers’ hats don’t fly off in a Gale.”

The second reason for April is income

taxes. Filing taxes gives me the same grief that 13-year-olds feel when changing clothes and showering for Physical Education classes. I typed “Physical Education” instead of P.E., cause I’m paid by the word, plus I get bonuses for using quotation marks. If you did favor changing clothes and showering at 13, you’d enjoy smuggling something through a TSA screening search. I didn’t say “Transportation Security Administration” since the editor might get wise.

Third argument for avoiding April; it’s my wife’s birthday on April 14. I gotta think of a great present and party. I can’t ask anybody for advice, cause in this town, she’s gonna find out that I asked for help.

There’s welcome news to celerbrate.

We’re into spring and folks and plants are thawing out. It’s time for the Hot Air Balloon Dog Fight Competition on Saturday, April 16. We have a few out of state contestants, Missouri, Ohio, and Kentucky. Nebraska and Washington, D.C. applied, but they aren’t eligible due to the rules. Hogspore don’t trust any Nebraska hot air balloons, specially from Omaha. District of Columbia is out. The politicians cheat cause they carry extra hot air with them.

Mumford Pickens says, “I don’t have anything to say.”

Contact at Bobsimpson1947@yahoo. com. You know you wanna.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

News 19

April 6, 2022

Arvest Bank to help First Assembly of Lansdell clinic trial date set God Church food pantry fight hunger

by Patrick Massey

Arvest Bank, (Mena), will partner with First Assembly of God Church Food Pantry for its 12th annual Million Meals campaign, a two-month, bank-wide effort to provide one million meals or more to those in need within the bank’s footprint.

Launched in 2011, Arvest’s Million Meals campaigns have raised

an 11-year total of 18.7 million meals, which includes more than $3.3 million in funds given directly to the bank’s dozens of local food partners.

First Assembly of God Church will receive monetary donations made in Mena from April 1-May 28. Mena residents can support Million Meals by making monetary donations at the Arvest branch and drive-thru in Mena or calling (866) 952-9523. Additionally, customers can donate via the Arvest Go mobile app and Arvest Flex Rewards™ credit cardholders can log in to arvestflexrewards.com to redeem and donate rewards points.

Every dollar raised through Million Meals provides the equivalent of five meals for local, hungry families. While Arvest is unable to

accept food donations in branches this year, customers and community members can donate directly to the bank’s food partners.

Last year, Arvest raised more than 1.6 million meals in the form of direct monetary donations for its food partners and this year’s campaign will benefit more than 75 organizations in the four states – Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma – the bank serves.

In 2020 – the most recent year statistics are available – 10.5% of American households surveyed were food-insecure, meaning they had difficulty at some time during the year providing enough food for all their members due to a lack of resources. Additionally, Arkansas ranks ninth among the most food-insecure states in the nation, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

TEXARKANA, Ark. - A May 16 trial date has been set for eight area healthcare providers and pharmacists charged following an investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

In March, the five nurse practitioners and three pharmacists were arraigned in federal court in Texarkana. All eight healthcare providers are facing charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose.

The individuals charged in the DEA investigation include Tawnya Lee Lansdell, Claire Terece Russell, Wendy Wynette Gammon, Shelly Rae Eastridge, Bonita Louis Martin, Candace Micheele Whitely, Gina Robinson and Stephen Haden Sullivan.

Federal prosecutors claim the eight defendants “knowingly and intentionally conspired to possess with intent to distribute Scheduled II controlled substances,

hydrocodone and oxycodone, and other Schedule II, III and IV controlled substances, without an effective prescription.”

The dates these offenses are alleged to have occurred range from January 2019 to May in 2021 at Lansdell Family Clinics and partnering pharmacies in De Queen, Dierks, Lockesburg and Texarkana.

That investigation came to light in May of 2021 after the DEA received information from the Sevier County Sheriff ’s Office over the potential illegal distribution of opioids at these locations. DEA agents raided several area Lansdell Family Clinic locations as well as Pruett’s Pharmacy. No arrests were made at the time but agents seized computers, documents and other items related to the investigation.

Prosecutors are seeking prison time in addition to asset forfeiture of property obtained as a result of the alleged drug trafficking.

All eight defendants entered a plea of not guilty and were released on a $5,000 bond.

THRIFTY THURSDAY CHIQUITA’S

$5 FOOD SERVICE FOR $3

BAYWASH CAR WASH $10 CAR WASH FOR $5

WENDY’S

LARGE BREAKFAST BACONATOR COMBO FOR $5

THE SHOP

$45 UNLIMITED TANNING FOR $25

Listen EVERY Thursday Morning

For More Info Call 479-243-9600

20 News

April 6, 2022

Mena Fire Department organizes local fire safety program for students

A major key in keeping our community fire safe is awareness and education!

With this thought in mind, the Mena Fire Department is working with the National Fire Safety Council, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to provide fire prevention materials for our community through their Annual Fire Prevention Program for the children of Mena and Polk County. These materials will be extremely effective in providing important information and valuable resources for our community.

Some of the materials we have carefully selected include activity manuals, brochures, booklets and other valuable teaching aids. A broad range of critical topics are addressed in these materials, including How to report a Fire: 9-1-1, Home Fire Safety, Crawl Low Below the Smoke, Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Fire Extinguisher Awareness, Burn Prevention, and other community concerns.

The Mena Fire Department will distribute these materials through presentations, activities and

programs in our community. “This information is a great tool to help children, parents, teachers, and our community better understand and respond to the challenges and education needed to help protect our citizens every day,” said Chief

Steve Egger.

The department is asking for the support of local businesses, by donating to help cover the cost of the materials they will be distributing.

With last years tremendous support the department provided 1,533 Official Fire Safety Manuals for not only Mena students but also the

Cossatot River School District and the Ouachita River School District.

Your tax-deductible contribution will be used to provide fire prevention education materials for our local community. All donations are appreciated! In recognition of their generosity, the name or business name will be listed on the materials distributed in our community. Nikki Murdock, state safety coordinator for National Fire Safety Council, Inc., will fully coordinate the program including materials, donations, and delivery, along with Chief Steve Egger. I would like to point out that this is the only educational program that the Mena Fire Department has endorsed this year. If you are contacted by a similar program, please call me immediately.

Please accept my sincere thanks and appreciation for your consideration of this worthwhile project. Through our partnership, we will be able to work toward providing a safer community for all of our citizens.

If you have any questions, or need additional information, please contact Chief Steve Egger at (479) 394-1234.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Larger Outpatient Clinic Will Better Serve Veterans FORT SMITH – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) celebrated the expansion of Department of Veterans Affairs health care services in Fort Smith at the Friday ribbon cutting for the new Community-Based Outpatient Clinic.

“Community-Based Outpatient Clinics are an important tool within the VA system. Facilities like this offer veterans more options to get the care and support they deserve, no matter where they live, but it’s important to improve and update our clinics to meet patients’ needs and give providers the tools and resources necessary to deliver quality care.

We must continue making investments in VA health care because so many veterans rely on it and deserve it. That’s what we’re achieving here,” Boozman said in remarks at the ceremony.

Boozman, a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, was instrumental in securing a larger space to better accommodate the health care needs of the region’s veterans.

The new state-of-the-art primary care clinic provides an additional 18 exam rooms and expands its services to include eye care, audiology, women’s health and other high-demand specialty care.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

April 6, 2022

CLASSIFIEDS - SERVICES -

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

T0406 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.

T0406 Land Management, Tree Service, RC Customz can handle your construction needs, mulching and more. Military discounts available. Insured. Call (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate.

T0427 Jeremiah’s lawn care. Friendly service & reasonable rates. Call (479) 394-7599.T0427 Tree services, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate.

T0427

- YARD SALE -

5-Family Yard Sale, April 8-9, 3089 Polk 54 (Ransom Road), Mena, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

T0406 Yard Sale, Friday - Saturday, April 8-9, 1/2 mile east of Pine Ridge on Hwy. 88 at the Northside Fire Station, , 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

T0406 Multi-Family Yard Sale, Thursday - Saturday, April 7-9, 2708 Doris Lane off West Boundary Rd, Mena, Dead end street,. Park across the street at the church.

T0406

- WANTED TO BUY -

I buy broken desktops and laptops.

Mitchell Computer Services, 717 Mena St. T0608

- LOST & FOUND -

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T0427

MISSING - 1 female German shepherd & 1 female small reddish-brown dog. Last seen near Polk Road 20 West in Cove. $500 reward for return of dogs. Please call with any information regarding to disappearance (479) 216-4731 T0406

- CROWD FUNDING -

- EMPLOYMENT -

Benefit account set up for Bill Frank, who had a wreck on Hwy. 71N. He has over $10,000 in medical bills, with more to come, and is unemployed until doctor’s release. For more information, contact Union Bank or Frank Bill at 870828-4150 T0406

Preacher Wanted Christ’s Church Cove wants a preacher to fill in twice per month.

For information, call Larry at (405) 406-4727 T0413

Classifieds 21

Public comment period on 2022 Annual Action Plan

Submitted by Arkansas Economic Development Commission

The State Consolidated Plan Committee is hosting a public hearing to obtain citizen comments on the draft 2022 Annual Action Plan for the period of July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.

The hearing will be held Thursday, April 14, 2022, from 1011:30 a.m.

During this meeting, state agencies will obtain public comments regarding the allocation of approximately $36 million in funds for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), and National Housing Trust Fund (HTF) programs for the 2022 program year beginning July 1.

A draft of the proposed 2022 Annual Action Plan may be viewed online at www.arkansasedc.com/grants.

A virtual public hearing to obtain citizen comments on the draft 2022 Annual Action Plan will be held Thursday, April 14, from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

• Date: April 14, 2022 Location: Virtual

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Platform: Zoom (Registration required) Meeting ID: 862 1080 4530 Meeting Link: https://tinyurl. com/2tx4vvds

The comment period will extend for 30 days beginning April 3, 2022, and ending 4:30 p.m., May 3, 2022. Public comments will be considered in the final draft of the Action Plan, which will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on May 30, 2022.

To be considered in the final plan, written comments must be received during the 30-day public comment period and may be addressed to: Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Attn: Grants Division, 1 Commerce Way, Suite 601, Little Rock, AR 72202, or may be sent by e-mail to JNoble@ArkansasEDC.com/.

The deadline to submit comments is 4:30 p.m., May 3, 2022.

The Action Plan may be provided in alternative formats (i.e.

Braille, large print, audio tape) for the disabled upon request.

Persons needing interpreters or other accommodations are requested to telephone the Arkansas Economic Development Commission at 501-682-7682 so arrangements may be made in advance.

22 Puzzles

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

April 6, 2022

04.06.22

04.06.22

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 03.30.22

A Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Hello. I’m Hankie ! I am such a sweet girl, believed to be a Shepherd / Mountain Cur mix. I am 3 years old.

I love to be with other dogs, cats and kids. I’m leash trained. I am not house trained. But I have been through alot in my life, and I am special needs. I need a patient and understanding home. You can come to the shelter to meet me. I have been fully vaccinated and spayed. I am ready to go home with you!

All animals at HSO are current on their vaccinations and will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption.

If not already spayed/neutered, there may be a short delay between when you select this pet and when they are ready to go home.

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

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

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 28, 2022 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on North Street near Cove in reference to a Domestic Altercation and an Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle.

Police 23

April 6, 2022

April 1, 2022 Kelly Watson, 35 of Wickes was arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department on charges of Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct.

Trae Clouse, 30 of Mena was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas State Police on charges of DWI, Disorderly Conduct, No Proof of Insurance, Endangering the Welfare of a Minor 3rd Degree, Open Container, Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test, No Driver’s License, No Child Safety Restraint and Speeding.

March 29, 2022 Rickey Morse, 68 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Harassing Communications, Terroristic Threatening 1st Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor 2nd Degree.

April 2, 2022 George Trivette, 29 of Mena was Deputies responded to a report of arrested by an officer with Proba- a vehicle fire at a residence on Polk tion Parole on a Felony Failure to 129 near Rocky.

Appear Warrant and a Parole Hold.

April 3, 2022 March 30, 2022 Joseph Lunsford, 27 of Mena was Deputies responded to a report of arrested by an officer with the Ara tree falling on a vehicle that was kansas Game and Fish on a charge traveling on Hwy 71 S near Cove. of DWI. Kenneth Chaney, 27 of Mena was arrested by an officer with ProbaPolk County Sheriff’s Office tion Parole on a Felony Warrant worked 1 vehicle accident this week. for Theft of Property and a Parole Hold.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 20 Incarcerated March 31, 2022 Inmates, with 8 Inmates currently Deputies responded to a report on the Waiting List for a State Faof a land dispute on Gardenia Lane cility. near Mena.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

March 31 Gary Smith, 44, was charged with Criminal Trespass at James’ Food.

A report of criminal trespass was taken at Phillip 66.

March 27 A report of possession of a con- April 1 trolled substance was taken on A report of unauthorized use of Marion Avenue. a vehicle was taken at a residence on Sarah Way. March 28 A report of breaking or entering April 2 was taken on Eagle Gap. A report of theft was taken from A report of identity fraud a walk-in complainant. was taken from a walk-in comA report of theft was taken from plainant. a walk-in complainant.

Timothy Hooks, 36, was charged March 29 with Possession of MethamphetA report of stalking was taken amine, Possession of Drug Parfrom a walk-in complainant. aphernalia, and served with five Michael Trivette, 30, was served warrants after a traffic stop on Eawith three warrants at a residence gle Gap. on Fink Street.

March 30 Jerad Haarmeyer, 30, was served with a warrant for Stalking.

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

A report of criminal mischief was taken on Deridder.

Mario Caramez, 40, was served with a warrant at the police department.

A report of criminal mischief was taken from a person at the Dallas Avenue Baptist Church parking lot.

A report of disorderly conduct was taken at a residence on Holly Street.

WANTED YOUR ADVERTISEMENT TO BE PLACED IN 8000 COPIES OF A FREE WEEKLY PAPER AND DISTRIBUTED TO 200 LOCATIONS IN AND AROUND POLK COUNTY. CONTACT THE POLK AT

COUNTY PULSE

479.243.9600

24 News CASA continued from page 13 advocating and speaking up on a child’s behalf.

CASA of the Ouachita Region’s executive director Cynthia Martin said, “Polk and Montgomery share one judicial district, 18th West. Sevier County is part of the 9th West.

The Texarkana program, which is a huge program, covered eight or nine counties. They weren’t able to serve Sevier County because they were spread too thin. Six or seven years ago, I was asked to take over.”

CASA is not part of the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the Department of Human Services (DHS), or any other state or government service agency. They do collaborate with other child-service agencies but have nothing to do with investigations. CASA helps ensure the children don’t fall through the cracks of the foster care system.

DHS has moved away from group homes (orphanages) and temporary shelters. “They want all of these children placed in a more family-like setting if at all possible,” Martin said.

The agency neither removes children from the homes nor makes decisions regarding placements. They do not provide shelter or housing.

They are not caregivers, mentors or service providers for the children, but as advocates, they do ensure the

April 6, 2022 children gets what they need “We get appointed at the probable cause hearing, which is the very first hearing that is held within three days of a child being removed from their home. At that hearing, DHS has to show the judge why the child or children were in danger. At that point, the majority of times, the judge will agree with DHS and officially open a court case. They will also assign a CASA volunteer at that time.”

The local CASA employees include Martin and volunteer coordinator Amanda Baker in the Polk County office. Espe Mosqueda is the volunteer coordinator in the Sevier County office. The remainder are trained volunteers, some who work full time and some who work part time. Once approved, trained and pass the security clearance, volunteers are matched with a case and a child or children.

“We stay with them, no matter where in the state they may be placed. They might get removed from a home here. If there’s no available foster homes or they just struggle and the foster parents asked that they be moved, they may bounce all over the state. They will have one consistent CASA volunteer that visits them no matter where they are to make sure they are doing well, will advocate anything that we feel they

need if they’re not doing well. We attend every court hearing, and we write a short report to the judge to let the judge know how we feel the children are doing, as well as the parents.

“We follow up with the parents to make sure they are complying with the case plan. At the end of that year, we will make recommendations based on the best permanency for the child. We can recommend the child can go back home because we feel safe that they can. We can recommend that permanent custody go to a grandparent or another relative. Or, in worst-case scenario, we can recommend termination of parental rights. Once the termination occurs, we remain as an advocate for that child until they get adopted or age out of foster care.

We have some children we’ve been advocating for, for years.”

Some of the hurdles that abused or neglected children have to contend with, according to Martin, is a lack of drug rehabs. “A vast majority of our cases deal with substance addiction.”

She also said there is a lack of homeless shelters, available affordable housing for low income and foster homes.

“If the child is placed far away, it makes it so much harder to arrange visits with the parents. The children don’t have stable schooling; they’re away from their friends, which can cause more trauma to the child.”

Baker added, “They may go just for a short amount of time somewhere and then not have the follow up to successfully complete the program. They may start well and mean well, but then there’s nothing to back up.”

To become a foster parent, Martin said parents have two routes: Go through The CALL, the faith-based

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse program, or they can go through DCFS/DHS. Martin said, “A lot of new foster parents open their home thinking I just need to give them lots of love.

Unfortunately, children who have suffered a lot of trauma…it just takes more than that. They can be very difficult to take care of. I feel there’s just a special place in heaven for our foster parents. They go above and beyond.”

Like most non-profit groups, there’s more demand than supply— in this case, more children in need of a foster home or advocate and not enough of either.

“We don’t have enough CASA volunteers. It’s a struggle throughout the state. We’re currently serving fifty-one children. We have fifty-five children right now in the counties we serve that don’t have an advocate.”

Baker said, “It’s important for them to know that we are with them every step of the way, as much or as little as they want.”

Martin said, “We’ll go on home visits with volunteers to visit the parents. We’ll go with them to visit the children. We’re at every hearing and every meeting at DHS. We have some that appreciate and really want to work their case with us, ensuring they’re not missing anything.

We’ve got some who go through the training and hit the door running.

They’re passionate about it and they don’t need anybody holding their hand.”

They do plan on starting a training soon. They are located at 812 B Dequeen St., Mena, but if someone is interested in volunteering with the CASA of the Ouachita Region area, it is suggested they contact (479) 243-9277 or CasaOuachita71953@ gmail.com/.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

By Ray Shelley In today’s society, we are advised to have a bug-out bag available in case of emergencies, like tornadoes, flooding, earthquakes, and hurricanes.

Also, just in case your car breaks down in an isolated area.

For deputy marshals in the Old West, they had the same thing. Only, their bug-out bag was called a saddlebag.

The past year I’ve been writing about the deputy marshals and their exploits; mainly the deputies who worked for the Western District Federal Court in Fort Smith.

Today, let’s look at what their need is to accomplish their mission.

Over the years as a docent for the Fort Smith Historic Site, I had acquired reproduction articles of what a deputy would most likely carry in his saddlebag.

I would start my talks by explaining how the deputies were paid. (6¢ a mile, $2 every warrant served, and 10¢ a mile for each of the prisoner’s return trips, plus 75¢ per prisoner per day for food).

When they left Fort Smith for Indian Territory, they would bring a chuck wagon, a prisoner wagon known as a “tumbleweed wagon,” a couple of guards, posseman, plus another deputy of two, depending on how many warrants were to be served.

In their saddlebags, you might find what is called a tinder firebox (these dates back to the mountain man era) it included flint, flint striker, tinder, and flux (a substance, such as borax or salt, that gives a low melting-point mixture with a metal oxide.)

This particular container was brass and had a magnifying glass on the lid for starting campfires using the sun.

(You remember, using the sun and magnifying glass to burn the hairs off your arm when you were a kid. Or was that just me?)

Next, you would find metal eating utensils, including a plate, knife, fork, and cup. A canteen. Also, a bone handle toothbrush with pigskin bristles,

April 6, 2022

Deputies’ bug-out bag

thought about toothpaste toilet paper. powder, a I told him I straight razor was stumped, with shaving and I would soap, and a research it for bar of soap future toilet for creek paper quesbathing.

A tions.

Barlow knife, You folks some Lucifers are now going (that’s what to be the rethey called cipients of my matches). toilet paper A notepad research. and pencil to keep track Toilet Paper of the day’s According events and a to the histobeeswax canry website, dle for night in the early writing.

14th century You may also find a the Chinese horseshoe were manuand nails with The saddle bag was the Old West version of a bug- facturing toi(Photo courtesy of Ray Shelley) let paper. In a nail puller out bag. and a horse the western hoof pick. The one I had was a small world commercially available toihammer, nail puller and hoof pick all let paper didn’t originate until 1857, in one. It was folding and fit nicely when Joesph Gayety of New York in the saddlebag. An extra shirt and marketed a “Medicated paper, for pants would be rolled up in their bed- the water closet.” Interesting to note, roll. in the 17th-century, corncobs were a Extra handcuffs and cooking uten- common alternative. Then the Sears sils were usually carried in the chuck catalog could be found in outhouswagon. The deputies probably car- es until they started to be printed on ried other things but the above-men- glossy paper. The replacement was tioned is what I used for display. the “Farmers’ Almanac” nailed to the I remember giving a slide show outhouse wall, leading the company presentation at the historic site on a Saturday. My slide show explained the starting of the marshal’s service in 1789 and finished at the end of Judge Parker’s tenure in 1896. At the end of the presentation, I would ask if anyone had questions. There were a lot of questions about the origin of the contents in the saddlebag. Luckily, I researched a lot of the items and usually could answer the questions halfway intelligently. One guy said, “You didn’t mention toilet paper.” That one stopped me in my tracks. I never

History 25 to predrill holes in their publication starting in 1919.

If I was ever asked about toilet paper again, I would sound like the top salesman for Charmin.

A couple of other historical items were the toothbrush and Barlow knife.

Toothbrush According to the toothbrush timeline, in 1600, the Chinese designed the first natural bristle toothbrush from pig hair and bone or bamboo.

In 1780 William Adds invented his version of the toothbrush from cattle bone and horsehair and sells it in Europe.

Barlow Knife The Barlow knife was invented in late-1600 in Sheffield, England. Most sources agree that Barlow became a genuine Barlow in 1785, made by John Russell Mfg. Co., Southbridge, Massachusetts, who improved on the knife and made it affordable for the public.

Abe Lincoln and George Washington carried a Barlow. Mark Twain mentioned the Barlow in his Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn novels.

Most deputy marshals carried a Barlow, not for self-defense, but for everyday chores that required a knife.

The Barlow was the Band-Aid of early pocketknives.

These are some of the items you would most likely find in the U.S. Deputies’ bug-out bag when he headed for Indian Territory.

26 Sports

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Ladycats softball shutting out opposition April 6, 2022

by Trey Youngdahl

Soccer April 8 - Bauxite @ Mena Track April 7 - Mena @ Waldron Baseball/ Softball April 8 - Hope @ Mena April 12 - Mena @ Malvern

The 2021-2022 Mena Ladycats softball team has been blanking the competition this season.

(Photo courtesy of Mena High School)

Track April 7 - Acorn @ Waldron Baseball April 7 - Acorn @ Magazine April 11 - Lavaca @ Acorn Softball April 7 - Acorn @ Magazine April 11 - Lavaca @ Acorn April 12 - Acorn @ Dierks

Baseball/Softball April 8 - Cossatot @ Waldron April 12 - Cossatot @ Danville Soccer April 12 - Cossatot @ Harmony Grove

Baseball April 8/9 - Western Oklahoma State College @ UARM Softball April 7 - Seminole State College @ UARM April 9/10 - UARM @ Western Oklahoma State College April 12 - Northern Oklahoma College @ UARM Track April 9 - UARM @ Texas A&M-Commerce East Texas Invitational Soccer (Men) April 9 - UARM @ Central Baptist College Soccer (Women) April 9 - UARM @ Central Baptist College April 9 - UARM @ University of Central Arkansas

The Mena Ladycats softball team is currently running a 2-game streak with a 4-2 win-loss ratio.

Though the season started off bleak on March 5 with a 12-5 loss to De Kalb, the Ladycats came back two days later with a stunning 13-0 win against Waldron. They followed up with another brilliant 10-0 win against Hope. Then, on March 11, they suffered another unfortunate loss to Malvern. However, the Ladycats came back with a close 6-4 win against Pottsville. Most recently, they had their best score ratio of the season so far with a 15-0 win against De Queen.

The Ladycats have a 0.67 win percentage, 52 runs for and 28 runs against. The girls are currently second in the conference behind Malvern.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

News 27

April 6, 2022

Mayor signs Child Abuse Prevention proclamation Submitted by Cynthia Martin, Executive Director, CASA of the Ouachita Region

an underestimate. A child in foster care, on average, will move into multiple homes and attend multiple schools. All this chaos and inconsisApril is National Child Abuse tency has long-term effects.

Prevention Month. Each year, nearToday, Mayor Seth Smith signed ly 408,000 children in the United a proclamation declaring April as States, with 4,900 in Arkansas, and Child Abuse Prevention month.

270 in the combined counties of Representatives from CASA of the Polk, Sevier, and Montgomery, ex- Ouachita Region, The Children’s perience abuse or neglect, ushering Advocacy Center, The CALL of Polk them into the dependency of court County, the Department of Chiland foster care systems. dren and Family Services, the counAccording to the CDC, at least ty Prosecutor’s Office, and the Mena one in seven children have experi- Police Department were present for enced child abuse and/or neglect the signing. in the past year, and this is likely

(seated) – Mayor Seth Smith, (front row, l-r) Prosecutor Jason Barrett, Amanda Sloan Baker, Cynthia Martin, Shelby Ashcraft, Brandi Cannon (Children’s Advocacy Center), Kimberly Lopotsky (DHS), Alana Cannon, Assistant Chief of Police Tod Cannon, Chief of Police Tommy Stueart, Renee Starr Hendrix, (back row, l-r)– Brandy Pearson, Debra Wood Buschman, Alyssa Green, Christy Hunter (Trey Youngdahl/Pulse)

CALL continued from page 1

that they have,” The CALL Program Coordinator Renee Hendrix said. “I want to be able to equip them and enable them to be able to do a job that is both hard and fulfilling.”

Hendrix, a Mena native, worked for the Department of Human Services (DHS) before taking the role of program coordinator for The CALL. Additionally, she was also involved with child advocacy group Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for nearly a decade.

The CALL’s vision is to have no waiting children in foster care in Arkansas.

Their mission is to educate, equip and encourage the Christian community to provide a future and a hope for children in foster care in Arkansas.

Currently, The CALL in Polk County website states they are working with 69 churches, and have 42 children in foster care with 11 families. That averages out to nearly four children per home.

According to their site, there are roughly 100 churches in Polk County. If one family from every church stepped up to care for a child as they heal from abuse or neglect, they would have enough homes.

For Easter, The CALL is doing a program called “Egg My Yard.” Families who sign up for this program will have Easter eggs hidden in their yard, taking the work out of it for the families. All orders must be turned in by April 10.

For more details, visit their Facebook page.

The group has also taken on hosting the Talimena Run, which was previously hosted by PCDC. “I am very excited to bring this back to Polk County,” Hendrix said. “We’re honored to be able to take it over from PCDC and to bring it into a new era.”

To get involved with The CALL, contact (501) 813-6480, visit their office at 1311 B Hwy. 71 N, Mena, or email them at polkcounty@thecallinarkansas.org/.

28

April 6, 2022

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse