Polk County Pulse - December 21, 2022

More alcohol questions answered

By Ethan Nahté (Part 2 of 2)

Continuing the article on what Polk County can expect once the law takes effect and the county becomes “wet,” we begin with a big question regarding how many bars will be allowed within Polk County. Scott Hardin, spokes-

person for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration explained more about what the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) does in allowing permits. First of all, there will not be a bar or liquor store on every corner. The businesses applying to sell alcohol have a very thorough process they must go through and the

Brace for a cold lead up to Christmas Day

By Patrick Massey

Polk County, brace yourself: it’s about to get cold. Really cold.

In fact, the National Weather Service is expecting the thermometer to hit its coldest point of the year this week. That’s thanks to a strong cold front entering Arkansas on Thursday that will see temperatures drop to the single digits.

Forecasters predict a low of just two degrees Thursday night. It’s been a wet and warmer-than average December, but that will come to a quick end just a day after the official start of winter on Dec. 21. The cold front is expected to move so quickly that Thursday will begin with a high of 40 degrees before dropping to less than half that by the afternoon.

There is a small, 30% chance for snow on Thursday.

Thursday night’s low of 2 degrees will be a blisteringly cold one. Temperatures are expected to gradually rise in the following days and into next week, but the region can expect a few days without above-freezing temperatures.

State broadband office urges Arkansans to verify federal broadband map

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (December 14, 2022) – The Arkansas State Broadband Office is urging all Arkansans to verify the newly published federal broadband map.

Recently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a new national broadband map showing high-speed internet availability across the country. The Na-

tional Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will use this new map to guide the distribution of funding for building broadband infrastructure through the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. To make sure that Arkansas receives its maximum available funding, and that funding reaches areas of the state that need broadband the most, all Arkansas residents and businesses are being asked to visit the new map and verify the information is correct.

The three-step process is simple:

• Visit broadbandmap.fcc.gov and type in your address.

• Verify your address’ location.

If it’s wrong, submit a location challenge.

• Validate your available internet speeds. If it’s wrong, submit an availability challenge.

By taking these three steps, Arkansans can do their part to help get funding to the areas that most need broadband infrastructure. Residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to submit their challenges by Friday, January 13, 2023.

“This local mapping verification effort is important as the state moves into its next phase of broadband infrastructure buildout, beginning next year,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “Not only does this process impact the amount of funding Arkansas may receive, but it may also impact which areas of the state remain eligible for funding.”

While the new federal map is similar to previous broadband availability maps, there are several important differences. Previous maps used Census blocks, but this new map uses address-level data, which provides a more specific and accurate look at broadband availability. The new map also offers a way to verify the data through the challenge process.

“This is an opportunity for local communities to be empowered and have a voice in national and state broadband mapping efforts,” said Glen Howie, State Broadband Director. “Any Arkansan who is unsatisfied with the availability or quality of their internet service should challenge the new federal broadband map as soon as possible. The time to act is now.”

The NTIA will use the new federal map to determine state funding allocations for the BEAD program by June 30, 2023. All challenges must be submitted by January 13, 2023, to impact the distribute of BEAD funding.

After verifying or challenging the information listed on the new federal map, residents and businesses can help in this effort by spreading the word about this map and helping others to complete this process. The more who participate, the more input the FCC has to create an accurate and reliable map to direct funding.

For additional information and direction regarding the challenge process, residents and businesses are encouraged to visit  broadband. arkansas.gov/verify/.

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:

The Humane Society of the Ouachitas is a “no kill” shelter. We are able to function because of grants, adoption fees and donations. We have a small dedicated staff and dedicated volunteers. I am one of those volunteers.

Because we are a “no kill” shelter we are always filled to capacity with active waiting lists. If you call the shelter or bring in one or more animals that have come into your life because either you’ve found them, or worse, they have been dumped on your property, we are normally not able to take those animals into the shelter immediately.

Please be patient with us. We do have waiting lists—we will gladly put you on one of these lists. As soon as possible we will contact you about bringing the animal(s) to the shelter. To do this another animal must leave our care either by adoption or transport to another city for adoption.

We understand your feelings of anger, but harsh words directed at the staff or threats against the animals only serve to increase the frustration. We do this work because we care—not just about the animals but about you.

tainable? There are experts that look at a fund’s solvency. They also factor in the current labor force paying in not only for current retirees but for their future retirement as well. This is a private retirement fund that did not live up to promises made. As best as I can tell, no one questioned how this happened or if the influx of taxpayer money would prevent future shortfalls. There was no expectation of oversight or accountability or anything to keep the fund from mismanagement again. No expectation of repayment. Just the government throwing money at a problem hoping to fix it, but sadly, only in the short term. This reeked of payback for union support at the expense of taxpayers.

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We understand the anxiety of wanting to resolve the problem but our hands are tied. In a perfect world all God’s creatures would have the food, care, comfort and love they need. Our hope is that one day this will happen.

Denie Westphal, vice president, Humane Society of the Ouachitas,

Letter to the Editor

On December 8th, 2022, President Biden signed a bill to bailout some union pension funds. Not all of them, just a few. The cost to US taxpayers will be $36 BILLION Dollars. The money comes from the Covid-19 relief package. Was this even legal? Why was that funding not directed to Social Security that benefits all Americans and not just the $350,000 this pension fund serves? What did this pension fund have to do with Covid-19 relief?

Did anyone look at the benefits paid out and if they were in line with some kind of norm or if the benefits are sus-

I am retired. Part of my income is from my employer who paid into a state retirement fund that many cities, counties, and state agencies contribute to. Another part is from social security, which I paid into while working, not only for my future, but for those already retired. My third income is monies I invested for retirement in the event the other two funds failed. I try to avoid the “all your eggs in one basket” retirement investment strategy. My point is each of us must make some of our own plans for the future.

For the U.S. Government to set a precedence of bailing out private retirement funds is dangerous and throws good money after bad. It opens the door to every private pension fund in this country to cry for help if they over deliver and continue to under fund.

Every citizen of this country will now pay for the mismanagement of a union fund. How many more will follow? That is but the tip of a big financial iceberg waiting to sink our economy. To our politicians I would say if you needed to bail out a retirement fund try Social Security. Stop the influx of illegal aliens flooding our country looking for free food, healthcare, and housing. Sorry,

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

it’s not free. You and I are paying for it. Are these politicians deliberately trying to bankrupt us or are they just incompetent? Are these the same politicians that would not approve $5 billion for a border wall?

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

With respect and kindest regards, Ronald Goss

retired, Mena

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From the

State House of Representatives

This week, the Arkansas Legislative Council received a report regarding the state of mental and behavioral health in Arkansas.

This report was months in the making. It makes clear that medical professionals are facing a mental health crisis in our state but the collaborative efforts involved in this study also provide a path forward to improving care.

Act 802 of 2021 required a study of Mental and Behavioral Health conditions in Arkansas.

The purpose of the study was to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the mental and behavioral health resources and care currently available and to recommend legislation to the General Assembly.

For the last several months, legislators, mental health providers, medical professionals, and behavioral health stakeholders have been meeting to discuss various services offered to persons suffering from mental health issues. The group has also been discussing the current difficulty is providing these services without a professionally trained workforce.

Representatives of the Arkansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics testified that many pediatricians in the state are spending the majority of their day on working behavioral health right now and struggle to find access to proper care for their patients.

Arkansas Children’s Hospital reported seeing a 25% increase in mental health and behavioral health cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

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

And medical professionals testified that more than 36,000 adolescents in Arkansas had a major depressive episode in the last year.

Arkansas is not unique in facing these challenges. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year. The CDC also states that 1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.

The Department of Human Services participated in these working groups and discussed what could be changed by policy. As a result of the concerns raised in the working group, DHS agreed to several policy changes which will allow Medicaid providers to be reimbursed for more preventive care and provide more oversight for at-home care.

In the 94th General Assembly, we could see several pieces of legislation introduced as a direct result of this study.

The final report states that legislation is being drafted, studied, and considered which will address several concerns raised including increasing the number of Psychological Examiners practicing in the state, enhancing the availability of intensive treatment for young children and adolescents, and advocating for school counselors to be trained on suicide awareness and prevention.

We have posted the study on our website www.arkansashouse.org.

We want to remind anyone struggling with a mental health crisis to call 988 to be connected to resources near you.

Legislators finished the calendar year with a final round of recommendations for spending federal relief funds and reserve funds.

The recommendations include using another $93.8 million for broadband projects and $20 million to upgrade computerized case management for the state court system.

Also, $6.25 million was recommended to help cover the expenses of opening the new Sevier County Medical Center.

The subcommittee also recommended using $75 million from reserve funds for expansion of a prison unit in Calico Rock. It would add space for 498 beds.

Sevier County has been without a hospital since 2019, when the previous one at DeQueen closed. Since then, voters in Sevier County approved raising their sales tax by half a cent to back a bond issue for new hospital construction.

From the State Senate Contact

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

Rural hospitals have been hard hit by the pandemic and have submitted numerous requests for financial aid. The subcommittee decided to recommending hiring an independent firm to analyze requests from as many as 26 rural hospitals.

The state Administrative Office of the Courts has been installing a computer system over the past two years, and will be able to accelerate the process with the $20 million allocation. Updating technology used in Arkansas courtrooms should improve collection of fines, fees and restitution. It will make enforcement of court orders more efficient, an official at the courts told legislators.

A modern digital system can send messages to people reminding them of scheduled dates in court and due dates for fines and other payments. In Arkansas more than 1.2 million court cases are processed every year.

The funding of broadband projects is part of a massive state investment to provide highspeed Internet access to all areas of Arkansas. Almost $400 million in grants have been awarded for 163 projects by the Arkansas Rural Connect program. The actions were taken by the Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review Subcommittee (PEER) of the Legislative Council. Its agenda has been lengthy and its meetings well attended since it became the legislative panel that considers requests for federal relief aid.

A steering committee appointed by the governor makes initial recommendations, but the legislature has the ultimate authority under the state Constitution for government spending.

Arkansas received more than $1.5 billion in American Rescue Plan relief funds. In addition, hundreds of millions of dollars in other categories have been designated for Arkansas recovery projects. The PEER subcommittee has seen its workload grow significantly due to the amount of relief funds flowing into Arkansas and the number of proposals for spending it.

At the final PEER meeting of the year, legislators expressed differences of opinion about how to prioritize the remaining applications for relief funds. State finance officials estimate that less than $300 million in relief funding is left to allocate. However, PEER has more than $700 million in requests for funding.

Some of the most heated comments were made when legislators discussed funding requests that were not approved. Some senators on PEER disagreed with proposals to fund localized projects based on negotiations among influential legislators, because it would not be fair to applicants and lacks transparency.

The senators prefer a grant system that allows communities to apply for grants, and the applications are awarded on merit or need.

John Maddox Larry Teague

Frankie Brewer

Joe Frankie Brewer, 72, of Mena went to be with the Lord Thursday, December 15, 2022. Joe was born on May 12, 1950, in Sulphur Springs, AR to Ben and Rosie Brewer. He was a U.S. Army veteran and received two bronze stars for his service in the Vietnam War. He was a lifelong mechanic by trade and received national recognition and vocational awards for his skill in small gas engine building, but his greatest accomplishment was his family, and he was named Papa Joe by his grandkids who dearly love him. He was preceded in death by both parents and one sister, Wilma Singleton.

Survivors include his wife Rachael Brewer of Mena; two sons and one daughter, Jeremiah and Susan Brewer, Daniel and Jennifer Brewer, Jerusha and Jeff Neufeld, all of Mena; ten grandchildren, Noah and Selah Brewer, Sophie, Grace, Ellie and Caleb Brewer, Fisher, Justice, Holiday and Levi Neufeld; four stepchildren, Anthony Duval of New Hampshire, Toni Duval of Mena, Nicole Nunn of Mena, and Howard Nunn of New Hampshire; brothers Gerald Brewer of Mena and Leon Brewer of Springdale, one sister Alma Abernathy of Mt Ida.

A memorial service celebrating Joe’s life is Wednesday, December 21st at 2 pm at Beasley Wood Funeral Home in Mena with pastor Victor Rowell officiating. Military honors will immediately follow at Pinecrest Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 pm Tuesday, December 20th at Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jeremiah Brewer, Daniel Brewer, Matt Mooneyham, Jeff Neufeld, Fisher Neufeld, Justice Neufeld, Levi Neufeld, Noah Brewer and Caleb Brewer. Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Leiann L. Barron

Mrs. Leiann L. Barron, age 69, of Mena, Arkansas, went to be with her Lord

on Saturday, December 17, 2022, in Little Rock.

She was born September 22, 1953, in Wichita, Kansas, to the late Patrick J. Reamy and the late Luella Fern Cherry Reamy. She was happily married to her best friend, Michael Barron and worked in daycare. Leiann enjoyed watching Hallmark movies and the Price is Right and would help warm up the horses before the horse races. She was also a barrel racer and was crowned the McAllister, Oklahoma Rodeo Queen! Her favorite thing to do though was spend time with her grandchildren, particularly her running buddy, Maybree. She loved the Lord and her church family and she will be missed by them and her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Barron; sons Michael W. Barron and B.J. Barron (Rachel); grandchildren Michelle L. Barron, Jackson Blaze Barron, Merissa A. Canoe (Kenny), Shaylei Barron, Messina Woolridge (Peter) and Makala Wells (Tyler); great-grandchildren, Maybree Bates, Mollie Marie Barron, Makenzee Don Barron, Malachi Canoe, Tosha Marie Woolridge, Mayzlee Canoe and Lucas Wayne Wells; sisters, Sherry Lynn Reamy and Jan Wenke and her aunts, the “Charlie’s Angels”, Joan Gail Tanner, Charlotte and Sandra.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 22, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Cove First Baptist Church with Brother Ron Ladd officiating. Interment follows in the Muse Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be Wednesday evening the 21st from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be B.J. Barron, Gary Reamy, Gary Wenke, Jr., Skip Smith,

Kenny Canoe and Terry Lunsford. Honorary pallbearers will be David Reamy, Michael W. Barron, Sammy Davidson, William Hensley, Brody Hensley and Pete Rose.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Charles Mitchell Capps

Mr. Charles Mitchell Capps, age 74, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2022, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born October 4, 1948, in Orange, Texas, to the late Elbert Lee Capps and Juanita Ruth Smotherman.

Mr. Capps was a plumber by profession, he was a student and teacher of the word of Jehovah\God. He enjoyed trail riding, working the land and playing with the tractor.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Elbert Lee Capps and Juanita Ruth Smotherman, and by his sister, Rita Schmidtberger. He is survived by his loving wife, Charlotte Rae Capps; sons, Cameron Mitchell Capps, Charles “Chase” Michael Capps, Cory Mark Capps; daughter, Rebekah Luann Capps; stepdaughter, Kala Berg Laughlin; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other friends and family too numerous to mention.

There are no services planned at this time. Mr. Capps was sent for cremation under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

It’s absolutely vital during this period of subfreezing temperatures to ensure outside animals have a warm place to shelter and access to icefree sources of water. Cold-sensitive plants will also need to be brought indoors or otherwise protected from the potentially damaging temperatures.

In addition, it’s important that steps are taken to prevent freezing and possible bursting of water lines. Exposed pipes should be wrapped, drained or allowed to drip slowly if a faucet is attached. In-ground sprinkler systems should be drained and above-ground pipes covered to protect them from freezing.

Most importantly, allow water to drip from inside faucets, especially the faucet furthest from the home’s supply point. Allowing faucets to drip during below-zero temperatures will help prevent lines from freezing. A dripping faucet will also help prevent lines from bursting due to excessive pressure if they do freeze. It’s a simple step that can save thousands in messy and costly repairs.

Homes with pipes prone to freezing should also open cabinet doors to allow heat to access portions of the home’s water lines.

~Luke 2:14

Joe

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Paula Carlene Dickerson

Mrs. Paula Carlene Dickerson, age 68, passed Monday, December 12, 2022, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. She was born December 15, 1953, in Eunice, New Mexico, to the late John Milburn and Imogene (Gentry) Tidwell.

Mrs. Dickerson graduated from the Wickes High School, in Wickes, Arkansas in 1972, as an honor student. She would go on to graduate from Henderson State University and would obtain her degree in Elementary Education as well as a master’s in Counseling. Paula had a very fulfilling career, working as an Elementary counselor at De Queen Schools, an admissions counselor at CCCUA in De Queen, Arkansas, a counselor for Batesville School System, as well as working for the Arkansas Department of Education at Little Rock, Arkansas, and as the Federal Program Coordinator for Alma/Van Buren.

She was a wonderful piano player and a great athlete at Wickes High School, earning 60 points in one night as well as 59 points in a separate night, under the Coach Sherman Price. She was a dedicated member of The Heritage United Methodist Church in Van Buren, Arkansas. Paula had written and published her own book, “Glory came in Amber Rays”, about surviving the loss of her daughter. She enjoyed photography as well as butterflies, RV’ing and Camping, and loved visiting the beautiful beaches of Destin, Florida.

Mrs. Dickerson is preceded in death by her parents, John and Imogene Tidwell; daughter, Amber Carleigh Davis Morris; paternal grandparents, Deloma and William Tidwell; maternal grandparents, Inez and Carl Gentry; and by her sister-in-law, Bettie Ann Johnson.

She is survived by her loving husband, Merle Dickerson; daughters, Maralyn

Faulkenberry and husband Stacy, Melissa Birchfield and husband Micah; grandchildren, Brentley Morris, Asher Morris, and Brylee Morris, Carter Faulkenberry and wife Kennedy, Kane Faulkenberry, and Kyleigh Faulkenberry; nephews, Brad Lyle and wife Linda, Scott Johnson and wife Karla, Jon Tidwell, and Brad Gentry; nieces, Shauna Gilbraith and husband Scott, Amy Tadlock; and Briony Jenkins and husband Chad; brother, Mitchell Tidwell and wife Laurie; sister, Pat Towry and husband Charles; special friend and caretaker, Christa Nishmuta; as well as numerous other family and friends too great to mention.

Graveside services for Mrs. Paula Dickerson will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 17, 2022, at Crystal Hill Cemetery, in Wickes, Arkansas. Brother Lonnie Myers will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Honorary Pallbearers are Michael Gentry, Scott Richardson, and Sherman Price.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Dwight “Red” Williams

Dwight “Red” Williams, age 60, of Glenwood, passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2022.

He was born on May 13, 1962, in Bakersfield, California, the son of Arvil Lee Williams and Lila Lucille Spurgin Williams. He was preceded in death by his father; his paternal grandparents, Floyd and Ethel Williams; and his maternal grandparents, Walter and Connie Spurgin.

Red was Baptist in his faith. He was a truck driver for many years. He was always watching and looking forward to the next NASCAR race, watching TV, eating, and watching football. Red was the self-acclaimed “rooster in the hen

house” that he jokingly called the nurse’s station at Glenwood Nursing Home. Red was loved by all, making friends wherever he went. Everyone that knew Red loved him and will miss him.

He is survived by his mother and step-father, Lila and Gerald Brewer; his daughter and her husband, Kandace and Randy Poteete of Fort Wayne, Indiana; his son and his wife, Bradley and Danielle Williams of Newport, California; his brothers and their spouses, Martin and Nancy Williams of Mena, Michael and Krisann Williams of Bakerfield, California, and Kenny and Tosha Williams of Mena; his grandchildren, Tascol, Thomas, and Elvey Poteete; all of Fort Wayne, Indiana; the mother of his children, Becky Williams; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, December 20, 2022, in the Nunley Cemetery in Mena with Dr. Dan Hill officiating.

Visitation will be held at 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM prior to service at the Salem Baptist Church in Mena.

Pallbearers will be Kenny Williams, Martin Williams, Christian Williams, Daniel Nessmith, Kevin Spurgin, Rodney Lay, and Steve Cook.

Arrangements are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home, 209 North 3rd Street, Glenwood, AR, 71943.

Guest registry is at  smithfamilycares. com.

Ella Mae Lightfoot

Ella Mae Lightfoot, age 93, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2022, at her home surrounded by family. She was born on March 30, 1929, to Amiel Patrick and Lois Victoria Boyce in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Ella Mae loved the Lord and her faith was very important to her. She was a very active member of the Cornerstone Pentecostal Church and adored listening to Gospel music. Ella Mae’s favorite things to do were to go fishing and play Yahtzee. She enjoyed watching game shows on television and reading spiritual books. Ella Mae liked to garden and bake desserts. Her cinnamon rolls were a favorite of the family. She liked listening to her son Ron play guitar and she absolutely adored her two dogs, Banjo and Bentley. Ella Mae raised seven children whom she loved very much. Ella Mae was a loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank Elite Hospice for their excellent care and compassion they showed to Ella as well as their very attentive sister, Renita, who was Ella Mae’s exceptional caregiver for the past two years.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one son, Glen Kimball; two brothers, Ronald Boyce and Darrell Boyce; and two sisters Arlo Dean Boyce and Cheryl Lynn Boyce.

Ella Mae is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Ron Kimball of Mena, Harry and Ruth Kimball of Lebanon, Missouri, Michael and Brittany Kimball of Shellsburg, Iowa; three daughters and sons-in-law, Claudia and James Horton of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Renita Thomas of Mena, and Sheila and James Risner of Watson, Oklahoma; two brothers and sister-in-law, Joseph and Joan Boyce of Bonner Springs, Kansas, and DeWayne Boyce of Dale, Texas; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

NSDAR and Walmart help veterans this holiday season

Submitted by Kathy Hagler

The James K Polk Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), continued their service to local veterans in December.

With help from the local Walmart and the Walmart Community Grant program, NSDAR ladies were able to pack and wrap 50 shoeboxes for local veterans.

Each box included a throw blanket, a hat, a pair of gloves and personal care items. These gifts were then delivered to

Peachtree Assisted Living, The Cottages and the local veterans clinic.

Several chapter members then met at Old Dallas Cemetery for a

brief memorial service and laid a wreath to honor the veterans who rest there.

Merry Christmas from the James K. Polk Chapter, NSDAR!

ALCOHOL

continued from page 1 application meets qualifications).”

costs vary.

“[There are] very specific requirements of each applicant,’ Hardin said. “The fee varies depending on the type of license that they are pursuing. In addition, the complexity of the process can vary depending on the type of permit.

“The type of permit that is limited and most competitive is retail liquor. This is the permit required to operate a liquor store. When a county goes wet, ABC issues one retail liquor permit for every 7,500 citizens (in the county).

“For example, if a county has 15,000 citizens, two retail liquor permits would be made available. There is a unique process to determine who receives the retail liquor permits. Applications are submitted to ABC. A public meeting is held at which a blind draw takes place. Everyone that submitted an application attends and initially draws a number. That number determines the order for the actual draw. The second draw then takes place. One by one applicants draw numbers and those that draw 1 and 2 would be permitted (ABC must still review the application and ABC Enforcement agents also conduct on-site inspections, etc. to be certain the

Polk County’s population was just over 19,200 according to the 2020 census, meaning that only two retail liquor permits will be allowed.

Hardin said, “While retail liquor permits are limited based on the county’s population, there is not a limit to the number of beer and wine permits. That includes off-premises beer and wine (sold at convenience, grocery stores, etc.) and beer and wine permits for restaurants. Applications are submitted to ABC and reviewed. ABC’s director determines if the permit is awarded or denied. If the permit is denied, the applicant may appeal that decision to the full ABC Board. If the Board agrees with the Director and denies the permit, the applicant’s next option is a lawsuit in Circuit Court.

“Hypothetically, every convenience and grocery store in town could obtain a beer and wine permit if approved by ABC.

“The only way hard liquor/spirits may be sold for off-site consumption is through the retail liquor permits (liquor stores). This is why these permits are normally very competitive.”

Hardin believes it will be early spring before any decisions are issued by ABC on beer and wine

permits. The same time frame will probably apply to the retail liquor draw.

If a restaurant or establishment wants to sell spirits, that is alcoholic beverages other than beer or wine, they will have to apply for a Private Club permit. There is not a limit to the number of Private Club permits, but again, each restaurant will be evaluated and checked up on. It’s not uncommon for ABC to inspect an establishment to see if the business is following rules and guidelines. Failure to do so could result in hefty fines, suspension or loss of said permit.

Microbreweries and craft breweries will also be allowed to operate, without a limit to the number allowed in the county. Although this means a brewer can produce alcoholic beverages, it does not necessarily mean the business can sell direct to the public unless they have a Microbrewery-Restaurant Permit. In addition, they are prohibited from selling to non-members or for off-premises consumption.

There are other options, such as a Microbrewery-Restaurant Distribution Permit with authorizes the sale of its own manufacture to a wholesale dealer for the purpose of resale to a retail licensee in Arkansas under the three-tier system of distribution and is limited to 45,000 barrels per year. It can also be delivered outside of the state to licensed and qualified business entities.

These are only a few of the rules in a rulebook 150 pages-plus in length, which can be found on the dfa.arkansas.gov website.

Some of the counties mentioned in part one of this article have shown

an increase in tax revenue and claim to have seen little or no increase in crime, accidents or violence. Some counties even claim that the numbers have decreased, partly due to the claims that those purchasing beverages locally from a retail store are not driving 30 miles or more to purchase alcohol. In return, there are not as many drivers having accidents, being pulled over for traffic violations and such when they can purchase alcoholic beverages much closer to home and take it straight home before opening a container.

It is still a criminal offense to possess an open alcoholic beverage container within an area of a motor vehicle designated to seat the driver or passenger in a motor vehicle and the motor vehicle is in operation; or readily accessible to the driver or passenger in the motor vehicle while seated in a position and the motor vehicle is located on a public highway or the right-of-way of a public highway.

There will always be those who will believe strongly either for or against the legal sale of alcohol within the county. There will always be that one bad egg who will do something illegal while under the influence of alcohol, though it could be argued that such people will break the law whether or not alcohol is legalized within Polk County or it requires said person to drive to another county or state. The potential for fewer accidents is to be seen, as is a positive impact on the economy.

Hardin said, “While the economic impact will vary, it would be surprising if a county did not see increased revenue as a result of alcohol sales.”

Biden-Harris administration awards more than $5.8M to Arkansas in ‘Internet for All’ planning grants

WASHINGTON (Dec. 8) – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that Arkansas received its first “Internet for All” grants for deploying high-speed Internet networks and developing digital skills training programs under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All initiative. Arkansas is receiving $5,843,671.85 in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed by President Biden, to plan for the deployment and adoption of affordable, equitable, and reliable high-speed Internet service throughout the state.

“High-speed Internet connectivity enables residents of Arkansas to access education, workforce opportunities, and healthcare,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “I thank Governor Hutchinson for their commitment to the Internet for All initiative and delivering Internet service to all in Arkansas.”

All 50 U.S. states and six territories applied for planning grant funding for the Internet for All initiative’s Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and the Digital Equity Act program. Grant awards for all 56 eligible entities will be announced on a rolling basis.

“For the past eight years, getting Arkansans connected and using broadband has been a top priority of my administration,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “Broadband is no longer a luxury, it is necessary infrastructure for our economy to move forward, for our students to stay educated, and for all citizens

to function in everyday tasks from staying connected to friends and family to paying bills. The grants being provided through the Internet for All program will allow Arkansas to reach another 100,000-plus households and bring us closer to our goal of getting every Arkansan connected with affordable internet and closing the digital divide in our most vulnerable populations.”

“Today marks a tremendous milestone for the state of Arkansas as we continue the work of connecting the unconnected, prioritizing broadband affordability, and ensuring digital opportunity for all Arkansans,” said Glen Howie, director of the Arkansas State Broadband Office. “With the approval of these planning funds, the state can now begin the process of developing innovative solutions that will provide for lasting positive impacts in education, healthcare, small business, and agriculture for generations to come.”

About Arkansas’s Planning Grants Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program

The BEAD Program provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed Internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs.

Arkansas will receive $4,999,998.75 to fund various activities including:

• Creating a five-year action plan that decreases the digital illiteracy rate in Arkansas by 50%, and enhances economic growth and job creation within the state;

• Identifying unserved and underserved locations;

• Increasing capacity and staffing of the Arkansas broadband office;

• Cataloguing high-speed Internet access and equity activities across the state;

• Surveying unserved, underserved and underrepresented communities to better understand barriers to high-speed Internet service adoption.

Digital Equity

The Digital Equity Act provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs to ensure that all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy. The first part of NTIA’s execution of the Digital Equity Act is to fund digital equity planning efforts.

Arkansas will receive $843,673.10 to fund various activities including:

• Creating an Arkansas Digital Equity plan;

• Deploying a planning team that will collect and analyze data to better understand digital inequities in Arkansas;

• Engaging with stakeholders in multiple languages;

• Training stakeholders to devel-

op local digital equity plans to be incorporated into the State’s plan.

Internet for All

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a historic $65 billion investment to expand affordable and reliable high-speed Internet access in communities across the U.S. NTIA recently launched a series of new high-speed Internet grant programs funded by the law that will build high-speed Internet infrastructure across the country, create more low-cost high-speed Internet service options, and address the digital equity and inclusion needs in our communities.

Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Visit  AffordableConnectivity.gov to learn more.

For more information on the Biden-Harris Administration’s high-speed Internet service programs, please visit  InternetforAll. gov.

FCCLA happenings

ORSD

Acorn FCCLA had six members compete at FCCLA Region VI Star Events on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at National Park College in Hot Springs. These students put a tremendous amount of time and effort into their projects. Students competed in the following events: Focus on Children: Shelby Rusert; Repurpose & Redesign: Emma Arnold & Paige

Parnell; Sports Nutrition: Eilam Holland; Sustainability Challenge: Damon Cruz & Lyndsey Powell. Congratulations to the following students who will advance to the FCCLA State competition in April: Shelby Rusert, Eilam Holland, Damon Cruz, and Lyndsey Powell

CRHS

Six Cossatot River students will be advancing to the state FCCLA com-

petition next year after receiving top honors at the regional contest this month.

On Dec. 7, a total of 10 Cossatot River High School FCCLA members presented projects at the Region 6 FCCLA STAR Events that took place at National Park College, in Hot Springs.

Six of the members will be presenting their projects in April at the State STAR Events during the Arkansas FCCLA State Conference.

The results of Region 6 FCCLA STAR Events are as follows:

• Jennifer Arce received a Silver Medal for Interpersonal Communications

• Sabera Land received a Silver Medal for Career Investigations

• Mairany Marrufo received a Bronze Medal for Focus on Children Level 2

• -Breonna Cecil and Johana Gutierrez received Bronze Medal for Chapter in Review Display

• -Maria Salgado received Bronze Medal for Fashion Construction

• Lyniya Treadway and Elizabeth Turnbough received Bronze Medal for Focus on Children Level 3

• Montana Higgins received Bronze Medal for Repurpose and Redesign

• Alexis Brown received Bronze Medal for Entrepreneurship

Jennifer Arce, Sabera Land, Mairany Marrufo, Breonna Cecil, Johanna Gutierrez and Maria Salgado will be advancing to compete at the State STAR Events during the Arkansas FCCLA Conference in April.

Mena Jr High band success

Mena Jr. High band students competed at the Region VIII Concert Auditions in Fort Smith on Saturday, Dec. 10. Congratulations to the following students.

Junior High All Region:

* Tristan Hansen - Tenor Sax1st Band 1st Chair

* Ivan Sanchez - Alto Sax1st Alternate

* Nayeli Pinon - Flute - 2nd Band 11th Chair

* Frank Smudrick - Trombone3rd Band 8th Chair

Junior High All Region:

* Jazz Tristan Hansen - Tenor Sax 2nd Band 2nd Chair

* Ivan Sanchez - Alto Sax2nd Alternate

* Jaron Hadley - Trombone2nd Band 4th Chair

Acorn students competing at FCCLA Regions VI Star Events. (Submitted by Mindy Lyle)

Submitted by Mark Hobson

RN Class of 2022 pinning ceremony held

Submitted by LeAnn Dilbeck

In a tradition that dates back to the mid-1880’s, UA Rich Mountain held its pinning ceremony for the college’s RN Class of 2018 on Thursday, December 8, in the Ouachita Center on campus. The time-honored pinning ceremony signifies membership in a proud and loyal society of nurses. Nurses are an important part of the global healthcare workforce.

Representing the RN Class of 2018 were: Amber Bissell, Alice Gilley, Emily McCarley, John McIntyre, Keene Osura, Renee Perkins, Teaira Sims, Maeghan Vaughn, Ana Victoriano, Brittany Ward, Skiliera Ward, Tiffany Williams, Caylee Young.

The UA Rich Mountain is a member of the Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium (ARNEC), which is comprised of five community and technical colleges located in rural areas of Arkansas. ARNEC

was created to provide LPN’s/LVN’s with the opportunity to take the next step towards advancing their careers in nursing by earning an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree, which prepares them to sit for the RN licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN. Many LPN’s/ LVN’s have not taken this step because they were not able to stop working and travel to colleges that offered Registered Nurse (RN) completion programs. ARNEC was created to help rural nurses meet this need. ARNEC provides a way for Arkansas’ higher education institutions to serve LPN’s/ LVN’s who want to become RN’s without leaving the communities in which they live and work.

Charla Hollin, UA Rich Mountain’s Allied Health Division Chair, noted how sentimental the pinning ceremony is not only tradition and symbolic, but also more intimate for the students, and their friends and

families, even beyond the graduation ceremonies.

Maeghan Vaughn was selected as the Class of 2022 recipient of the coveted Florence Nightingale award. Hollin said instructors and clinicians noted her positive spirit and eagerness to improve and learn.

This year’s class selected ARNEC instructor Brooke Baldridge, RN to be the speaker for the ceremonies. It was Baldridge’s first year as an instructor for the program.

As part of the ceremony, they have a lamp lighting, inspired by Florence Nightingale, who used a lamp to light her way as she made her rounds to the sick. To the injured, her visits brought feelings of comfort and friendliness. The bright flame has come to symbolize knowledge, enlightenment, experience and hope.

This time-honored pinning ceremony signifies membership in a proud and loyal society of nurses, who are an important part of the global healthcare workforce.

UA Rich Mountain’s mission is to provide transformative education to all learners.

The RN Class of 2022 with ARNEC faculty. (Photo courtesy of UARM)

Maeghan Vaughn was selected as this year’s recipient of the distinguished Florence Nightingale Award. (Photo courtesy of UARM)

Stop before driving impaired

The festivities of Christmas and New Year holidays is often mixed with good cheer leading to tragedies on Arkansas roadways.  This year the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) is partnering with law enforcement agencies across the state to share the message about the dangers of drunk driving.

Beginning this weekend (Dec. 16–Jan. 1), Arkansas State Troopers and law enforcement officers from local departments will be working together to get impaired drivers off the road. The Arkansas Highway Safety Office asks everyone to remember, “Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over”.

According to NHTSA officials, 11,654 people were killed during 2020 in motor vehicle crashes that involved alcohol impaired drivers. Averages from that year show one person was killed in a drunk driving crash every 45 minutes. Between 2016–2020, on average, more than 10,000 people died each year because of drunk driving crashes.

To reduce the chances of future drunk driving crashes, Arkansas law enforcement officers are working together with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal but also a matter of life and death.

“It’s so important that drivers act responsibly, and refrain from driving if they’ve consumed a beverage containing alcohol,” said Col. Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “The holidays are a special time of year for everyone and it’s our job in state and local law enforcement to keep the highways and local streets safe for everyone by arresting anyone who is driving while impaired.”

Federal law, as well as laws in most states around the country, make it illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08 or higher and the penalties for impaired driving can be severe.  If a driver is convicted of driving while intoxicated, the person could face jail time, lose their driver’s license and pay up to $10,000 in attorney’s fees, court fines, higher insurance premiums, and experience lost wages. Designated drivers are a valuable tool

for reducing impaired driving. If you are a designated driver, be sure to stay hydrated with water and other non-alcoholic beverages and actively support other designated drivers. Being a designated driver can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that many people are counting on you, particularly other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the streets. A designated driver should remain sober and drive safe while on the road.

“We need a commitment from drivers to stay off the roads if they’ve been drinking alcohol,” Bryant said. “This will help ensure everyone can safely enjoy their holiday celebrations when traveling across the state.”

The stepped-up holiday enforcement period allows law enforcement to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and deadly. The Arkansas State Police and its Highway Safety Office recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

• It’s never okay to drink and drive.  Even if you’ve had one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get to your destination safely. Plan a safe way home before you leave.

• If you’ve been drinking, call a taxi, ride-share service, or a designated driver to drive you home.

• If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 9-1-1.

• If you know someone who is about to drive or operate a motorcycle or any other vehicle while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.

• Always buckle up.  A properly secured seat belt is the best defense against a drunk driver.

For more information on impaired driving, visit  https://www.nhtsa.gov/ risky-driving/drunk-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. For more on Arkansas’ ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit www.TZDArkansas.org

By Richie Lawry

As I sit at the computer this evening writing, the lights on the Christmas tree are sparkling in the window, and Christmas music is playing. We have just returned home after a day of Christmas shopping. During the Christmas season, we focus on giving good gifts. We spend a lot of money and time finding the right gifts for people who are essential in our lives.

Did you have any great gift ideas this year? Was there a gift that you are particularly excited to give? Sometimes we fail in our gift-giving. Have you had any gift-giving disasters?

One Christmas, when my son was a young boy, we nearly ruined his Christmas with one of his gifts. One of his jobs was sweeping the kitchen floor. That Christmas, we bought a stick vacuum cleaner and thought it would be funny to give it to him as a gift. The vacuum, wrapped in beautiful paper, was the biggest present under the tree. When my son saw that the biggest present had his name on it, he was excited. His imagination went wild. What could that present be? His whole Christmas revolved around the biggest present gift under the tree and speculating what it could be.

When Christmas morning arrived, all he could think about was that present. When he opened it, he was so disappointed that the rest of his Christmas presents couldn’t make up for the vacuum cleaner fiasco. His disappointment was so apparent that I felt terrible.

Have you ever been disappointed by a gift? Has someone been disappointed by the gift you gave them?

What about great gifts? What is the best gift you have ever received? What made it so special? Was it the value of the present? Was it the person who gave it to you?

An Arkie’s Faith Good gifts

What is the best gift you have ever received? As I think about this question, I find it hard to narrow down one particular gift as the best. But many years ago, I received an ex ceptional gift that is still precious to me even though it is not valuable. Let me tell you the story.

In February 2004, my family and I went on a mission trip to San Pedro, Belize, to help build a church. While we were there, we made lots of friends. The following year we made plans to go back to San Pedro.

Our return trip to Belize was terrific. We met with friends we had made the year before and made many new friends while we were there. Often, friends would stop by our room with gifts such as fresh coconut water, papaya, or some small trinket. On our last day in San Pedro, there was a steady stream of visitors to our room. Many of them brought a small gift. They wanted to tell us goodbye.

We received one gift that was very special to me. My wife made a unique friendship with a little two-year-old boy who spoke only Spanish. Whenever he would see her, his face would light up. He didn’t understand English, but he understood the language of love. The day we were leaving, he and his four-

year-old sister came to our door with a gift. They gave us a well-worn 1935 Walking Liberty half dollar. I have no idea how this little family had come into possession of this coin or why they gave it to me. Even though the coin’s monetary value is only a few dollars, it is one of the most precious gifts I have ever received.

The people I met in San Pedro taught me an essential spiritual lesson. They had such a desire to do something for us. Even though they had only meager possessions, they wanted to please us. Our newfound friends needed to see us before we left and bring us a gift.

I saw a great object lesson in the way they treated me. It showed me how I should relate to God. I should come to God and say, “I don’t have much, but I want to give you something.” “God, let me know what I can do to please you.” “God, I want to be with you.”

God is the very best gift giver. His love is an extravagant gift to us. God promises us a gift more incredible than we can imagine or ask for. 2 Corinthians 9:15 (VOICE) describes Jesus this way; “Praise God for this incredible, unbelievable, indescribable gift!”

With the gift of Jesus and all the other

large and small ways we are blessed in this life, God wants to instill in us reciprocal generosity. All we are, all we have, is a gift from God. He is our Provider, Sustainer, Creator, and Good Father. Gift-giving allows us to keep the circle of generosity flowing to people God has placed in our lives.

Gentle Reader, I know you have given good gifts at Christmastime. Jesus knows that too. In Matthew 7:7-11 (VOICE), Jesus said “Just ask and it will be given to you; seek after it and you will find. Continue to knock and the door will be opened for you. All who ask receive. Those who seek, find what they seek. And he who knocks, will have the door opened. Think of it this way: if your son asked you for bread, would you give him a stone? Of course not—you would give him a loaf of bread. If your son asked for a fish, would you give him a snake? No, to be sure, you would give him a fish— the best fish you could find. So if you, who are sinful, know how to give your children good gifts, how much more so does your Father in heaven, who is perfect, know how to give great gifts to His children!”

God is the ultimate giver of good gifts. No matter how fantastic the best gift you open this Christmas is, it can’t compare to the gift of Jesus that we celebrate at Christmas.

In Romans 6:23 (KJV), the Bible tells us, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

God has given you the best gift ever; how will you reciprocate? Who could you bless this Christmastime with your time or attention, with a gift, large or small? Find a way to be a gift to someone today.

Replacing windshields in Polk County for over 40 years. Give Richie a call at 479-394-9938 Located at 3008 Hwy 71 South

Joke of the Week:

I’m not convinced about the popularity of Advent calendars. I think their days are numbered

The1935 Walking Liberty half dollar. (Photo by Richie Lawry)

Arkansas Department of Agriculture collects over

500,000

pounds

of unwanted pesticides

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Abandoned Pesticide Program collected 509,133 pounds of unwanted pesticides in 16 counties during 2022 collection events. Since 2005, the Agricultural Abandoned Pesticide Program has overseen the collection of 5,860,843 pounds of unwanted pesticides in counties across Arkansas.

“The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is proud to work with our partners in administering the Agricultural Abandoned Pesticide Program,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Events like these, held annually throughout the state, help ensure safe and proper disposal of unwanted pesticides and prevent them from potentially polluting our environment.”

The totals for each event were:

• Sevier/Little River County: 581 pounds

• Howard/Pike County: 488 pounds

• Polk/Montgomery County: 3,798 pounds

• Arkansas County: 142,000 pounds

• Saline/Grant County: 79,132 pounds

• Hempstead/Nevada County: 7,623 pounds

• Hot Spring/Garland County: 39,643 pounds

• Miller/Lafayette County: 14,504 pounds

• Lawrence County: 220,364 pounds

Participation in collection events is free and anonymous to farmers and other non-industrial landowners. The program is funded through pesticide registration fees. Pesticide collection events have taken place in every county in the state.

Commonly collected items include old or outdated pesticides such as calcium arsenate, sodium cyanide, lindane, chlordane, and 2,4,5-T. Registered pesticides, like glyphosate products and 2,4-D, that are unusable because they have been exposed to the elements or have been held over from previous growing seasons also can be collected.

The Abandoned Pesticide Advisory Board selects county sites for collection events and moves locations by region within the state seasonally. Priority watersheds are a large consideration factor for the Advisory Board in choosing counties/regions for site collection.

The Agricultural Abandoned Pesticide Program is conducted in cooperation with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas Farm Bureau, and the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment. Representatives from these agencies make up the Abandoned Pesticide Advisory Board. This board selects county sites for collection events. Priority watersheds are a large consideration for the Advisory Board in choosing counties/regions for site collection.

Hogspore News:

Morton Trubletoof said it best

By Clet Litter as told to Bob Simpson

What a Christmas Parade we had Monday. Morton Trubletoof said it best, “It was the finest Christmas Parade all year.”

Santa was up front in the procession on his sleigh float with his reindeer, played by elementary school children who won a contest to find eight kids who looked the most like reindeer.

Rudolph was fifth grader Aubry Picklestomp who suffers from chronic hay fever.

The elves throwing candy come from a competition to discover boys and girls who could hurl treats. It was probably a bad choice to pick the starting left-handed pitcher from the girls’ softball team. Sandy Fireball Kofacts beaned a few unwary kids with jawbreakers. Those elves get away with that kind of stuff every year. Probably cause the Mayor thinks it’s funny.

Mean Harley Spears, what lives outside of town, has raised one tough boy. He said, “I started when he was a baby, right after his mother deserted us. I made his first cuddle toy to sleep with. It was a brick with a little bear’s face that I painted on it. I used the last can of lead paint I had. He’s not the smartest feller around, but that boy is tough as barn nails.”

The city clerk bought a Bible with her own money for the occasional swearing

in of a political official. The Bible has a special cover made with Asbestos. She said, “The Good Book is for the swearing in of politicians into office. It keeps the new job holders from burning their hand.”

Old Man Grimely is buying manure for his barn, one that he don’t ever use. He wants it to smell like his neighbors. He don’t raise livestock or horses. He says, “The only horse I’ll ever have is the one pulling my funeral wagon.” Some folks thought that he might be growing food organically with the poop. If that word offends you, pretend I said doo-doo. They knew that he could afford to buy the factory-made fertilizer. Everybody else in Muleberry County grows naturally cause we can’t waste our money. Seems silly to spend hard cash for something free that drops to the ground every day.

Mumford Pickens has a science update for you. He says, “China scientists have artificially inseminated a house cat with an African lion. The litter were all normal size kittens. When they became adults they looked like regular domesticated pets and did cats things. But, when they wanted to show appreciation to their master, they would leave a present on the doorstep, a dead antelope.”

You can contact Clet Litter at bobsimpson1947@yahoo.com. You know you wanna.

CLASSIFIEDS

- SERVICES -

Wendell’s Tree Service - Tree Removal and Trimming. Experienced and fully insured for ALL your tree-trimming needs. Call (479) 394-0227 or (479) 216-4328. T0111

Handyman services - small jobs preferred. Plumbing, electrical, small engine repair. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T1221

Construction, pads, ponds, roads and more. Military discounts. Insured. Just give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0104

Daniel’s carpentry and painting and handyman service. Deck and privacy fences, etc. Call (479) 216-1101 or (479) 216-2299. T1228

Tree services, forestry mulching, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate. T0104

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T0111

PUBLIC NOTICE

Please be aware that parking will be closed along both sides of Mena Street between Highway 71 and Martin Avenue beginning January 3, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. and ending January 6, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.

Drilling for an environmental assessment will be conducted along the centerline of Mena Street during that time.

T1228

- HELP WANTED -

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

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

T0125

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

HEATING OR COOLING Not working? Call today! Killenair heating and cooling (479) 699-5979. Family owned and operated, serving Polk, Scott and surrounding counties T0104

- FOR RENT -

1 Bedroom For Rent, 400 Ridge Ave., Remodeled, large storage building, backyard fire pit. $500 plus Deposit (479) 243-5292

- FOR SALE -

For Sale - A.K.C. English Bulldog puppies. Only two girls left! Born October 1st. Championship pedigree. Ready for their new homes just in time for Christmas! Raised by the owners of the radio stations.

Call (870) 642-3104 for pricing and details. For pictures, visit: www.arklatexbulldogs.com or facebook: arklatex bulldogs. TFN

Firewood For Sale Seasoned oak and hardwood mix. Local delivery available call Donita (479) 216-6417 T1214

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

T0125

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

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

T0125

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

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

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

T0125

Around Town

Fund for Bill Davis at Union Bank. If anyone wants to donate to assist with shelter and food. Bill is going through chemo and radiation. He does not have transportation between Mena and Hot Springs and will be required to stay in Hot Springs for treatment.

Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 1010 Dequeen Street in Mena, invites you to their Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service beginning at 6 p.m. this Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. Trinity Lutheran Church wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year! Please call (479) 394-1290 if you have any questions.

Calvary Baptist Church, located at 2100 Hwy. 375 W in Mena, will be observing a special Christmas Eve Service on Saturday, Dec. 24 from 5-6 p.m. Pastor Max Deaton states special music will be brought by Sharie Boyd. Sunday, Dec. 25, services will be held from 10:30-11:30 a.m. All are invited to share with Calvary as we worship the Savior and our Lord, Jesus Christ.

The First United Methodist Church in Mena, 501 Ninth St., will have a candlelight service/communion at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve with the Reverend Scott Stewart.

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

Everyone is welcome to attend the Christmas gathering at the Big Fork Community Center on Saturday, December 17th at 6:30 PM. Come see Santa & join the fun!

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

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

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

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

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

The Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes has meals and activities for seniors. If you need to make delivery arrange-

ments or changes call (870) 385-2373.

All UARM campuses will be closed for the holidays beginning Wednesday, Dec. 21 and will reopen Jan. 4, 2023.

Polk County Farm Bureau Insurance will be closed Friday, Dec. 23, and Monday, Dec. 26, for the Christmas holidays.

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.

The Polk County Housing Authority will be closed Friday, Dec. 23 and Monday, Dec. 26 in observance of Christmas, and closed Monday, Jan. 2 in observance of New Years.

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

American Legion meets every 2nd Tuesday at the Legion Hall in Acorn. Potluck at 6 p.m., meeting follows.

Come play Bingo, Saturdays and Mondays, starts at 6 p.m., doors open at 4 p.m.

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

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m. Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for information call (479) 243-0297.

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

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 (479) 243-9600 and let us know about your event! To have it in the Polk County Pulse newspaper, we need to know by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!

Beta Sigma Phi recognizes quilter

Beta Sigma Phi sorority picked a quilt at the annual Ouachita Quilt Show for the Wyona Abbott Memorial $150 award.

Wyona loved quilting. This was the second year that members of the sorority looked for a quilt hanging at the show that reminded them of Wyona.

This year, the winner was Elizabeth Nunley. We recently presented her with a check at Coast to Coast in downtown Mena.

Submitted by Joyce Sanden

Pictured with the winner and her quilt (l-r) Donna Montgomery, vice president; Sue Powell, president; Dianne Rotter, member; Elizabeth Nunley; Lisa Doughty, treasurer; and Wyona’s husband, Jim Abbott. (Photo courtesy of Joyce Sanden)

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

December 12, 2022

John Robertson, 48 of Mena was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas Drug Task Force on a Felony Failure to Appear Warrant.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 72 near Cherry Hill in reference to a welfare check.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 17 near Vandervoort in reference to a vehicle fire.

December 13, 2022

Deputies responded to a residence on Buffalo Creek Lane near Cove in reference to a structure fire.

December 14, 2022

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Tilley Road near Hatfield in reference to a trespasser.

December 15, 2022

Deputies responded to a report of a dog bite victim.

December 16, 2022

Justin Velazquez, 22 of DeQueen was arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department on charges of Disorderly Conduct, Public Intoxication and Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 270 W in reference

to a break-in.

Deputies responded to a report of Forgery.

Deputies responded to a report of an issue with a child custody exchange.

December 17, 2022

Danielle Sackett, 39 of Cove was arrested on a Felony Failure to Appear Warrant and two Misdemeanor Failure to Appear Warrants.

A traffic stop on Reine Street led to the arrest of Sunshine Butterfield, 19 of Mena on a charge of DWI.

December 18, 2022

A traffic stop on Hwy 8 West near Mena led to the arrest of Nicole Renard, 43 of Mena on charges of DWI and Driving Left of Center.

Eric Cearley, 29 of Mena was arrested on a charge of Obstructing Governmental Operations.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked 1 vehicle accident this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 22 Incarcerated Inmates with 18 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

December 11

A report of criminal trespass and theft of property was taken at Walmart.

Edward Kilcollins, 48, was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia after a traffic stop on Griffith Park Road.

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

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

December 12

A report of theft of property was taken from Walmart.

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

December 13

A death investigation report was taken at a residence on Hickory Avenue.

A report of theft of property was taken from Walmart.

December 14

No report

December 15

A report of criminal mischief was taken from a person at Valero.

A report of theft of property was taken from Walmart.

Joy Reed, 34, was served with warrants at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Riley Jackson, 28, was charged with Possession of Schedule 6 Controlled Substance, and Laura Flores,

19, was charged with Possession of Alcohol by Minor and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at Tapley Park.

December 16

No report.

December 17

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

Arkansas State Police investigating another Mena death

Submitted by Mena Police Department

The Mena Police announced on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, at about 9 a.m., the Mena Police Department responded to a call at a residence on Hickory Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered Layman J. Hughes, 47, deceased.

The Arkansas State Police was notified and will be investigating.

More information will be available at a later time.

Tigers capture basketball championship

By Jay Bunyard

The Acorn senior teams advanced to the finals of the Nashville Banker’s Classic with impressive semi-final wins Wednesday night, Dec. 14. The Acorn girls outlasted previously undefeated Arkadelphia 67-64 in double overtime, while the Tigers tamed the De Queen Leopards 68-55.

The Lady Tigers improved to 16 and 1 on the season with the 67-64 win. The game was tied at 55 at the end of regulation. The game remained tied at 61 at the end of the first overtime period.

Acorn outscored Arkadelphia 6-3 in the second overtime to pull out the 3-point victory.

The Acorn boys outscored De Queen 23-8 in the second quarter to take over the contest as the Tigers rolled to the

68-55 victory.

Braylan Bohlman led the Tigers with 26 points. Westen McEntire added 12 points.

With the win, the Acorn boys improved to 11 and 5 on the year.

Local girls jabbing their way to the Silver Gloves

By Ethan Nahté

The Attitude Angels female boxing team from Mena sent five of its youth boxers to the Arkansas State Silver Gloves Tournament held in Pine Bluff on Nov. 18-19.

Each boxer brought back the championship in their respective division, an impressive feat.

Jasmine Parker, 13, won the 106 lb. female championship.

Sally Davison, 14, won the 110 lb. female championship.

Victoria Stearman, 15, won the 138 lb. female championship.

Carolina March, 16, won the 145 lb. female championship.

Augustine Frost, 15, won the 175 lb. female championship.

In addition to the five championship medals, the squad collectively earned the tournament’s female team trophy, making it their third straight such award at this tournament.

All five ladies will now take part in the regional Silver Gloves Tournament to be held in Searcy, Arkansas, Dec. 27-29. If they advance in Searcy, they will compete in February at the National Silver Gloves Championship in Kansas City.

Coach Richard Hexamer said, “I am extremely proud of the work and dedication these young ladies devote to the team and sport.”

The Acorn teams returned to Nashville for the Banker’s Classic championship contests Saturday night, claiming the championships. The Tigers defeated Smackover 43-35, while the Lady Tigers turned back De Queen 43-38.

The Tigers improved to 12 and 5 on the season with the victory over the Buckaroos of Smackover in the boys’ championship.

Wrestling

12/21 - Acorn @ Lonoke Tournamen

Wrestling 12/21 - Mena @ Lonoke Tournament

Meanwhile, the Lady Tigers improved to 17 and 1 on the year after the victory over the Lady Leopards of De Queen in the girls’ title game.

The Acorn girls shot a blistering 58% from the floor, while holding De Queen to only 28%. The Lady Tigers jumped out to a 15-10 lead after the opening quarter, and never relinquished the lead. Daisy Dollar led Acorn with 14 points. Chanity Hall pitched in 13. Sophie Strasner added 10.

The Acorn Tigers and Lady Tigers basketball teams took home the championship trophies in the Nashville Banker’s Classic. (Photo by Kayla Davis)

The Polk County Pulse Presents “What Christmas means to me...”

Area second graders were asked what Christmas meant to them. Here are their unrevised letters… or as closely as our elves could distinguish.

Louise Durham Elementary Teacher: Auer

is being with my family. On Christmas it’s opening presents, eating breakfast and playing video games.

— Rylee

is being joyful. Also opening presents and spending time with my family.

— Qualin

is having snow ball fites, spining time with my famly and frens. It also means Jesus’s birthday, going to chrch, opning presints, plaing bord games and eating Christmas dinr. Love, Ayleigh

— Ayleigh

Spendeng tim with my family and oping presins.

— Mia

Christmas means spending time with my family and singing Chrst songs. Setting out cookies and milk and a carrots for the reindeer and Santa.

— Ryder

going to chirch in my PJ. Also opening my persists and playing my video game.

— Aaron

because snowmen ad play in the snow.

— Jase

To spend the say at my sisters house! I get to go to my gramalls to! We always go to gramalls on the 24! Do you go to your gramalls?

— Kynzlee

Wot Christmas means to me. Evre1 haing out example is soending time with my family.

— Noah

Playing videogames with my famle and frens. Eten with my famle. Spendeing time with my famle.

— Tyrial

Jesus’s birthday. God’s birthday. I also enjoy snowball fights and opeding presents.

— Maryann

Christmas is the best day of the year because you get to spend time with your famley! Also have a snow ball fite. Also open your prestenst. Also go sleding.

— Case

Opin prsnts, haf a snow bl fght, wat for sancos, selapating Christmas.

— Isaiah

I wak up and go to my living room and open presis, spend iome with my famile. No skoowl!

— Kai

Is the day Jesus was born. Going to Hollywood to see my gran mol.

— Preslee

Is going sqwll hunting by mi self. Spinding time with my famly and eating breggfist. No sshool.

— Trevor

travling ararad wth my famle. Next year we are gong to Disney World.

— Braylynn

is spending time with flame and frinds. I like make snow bols. It is Jesus’s birthday. Christmas is also about having fun.

— Aubrey

Teacher: Warren Christmas for me isn’t about presents, It’s about family time. And Jesus birthday.

— Jaxson

To me Chrismas is about going to family’s house and eating Chrismas dinner and opening presents and loving Jesus birthday on Chrismas.

— Dawn

For me Christmas means not getting presnts. It means giving joy for everyone and making spirits brite. I love Christmas.

— Nathan

I love Christmas so much. It’s about sending time with family and celerateing Jesus’ birthday.

— Travis

Christmas is a time of joy and a season of giving.

— Kendrick

for me Christmas is the night that the son of god was born. To me Christmas is not about presents it’s about family, celebrating the son of god, spending time with family which represents how the son of God spent his time with his family on this night.

— Levi

Hi my name is Jayden. I love Christmas because I get to spend time with friends and family. That’s Christmas to me.

— Jayden

For me, chritsmas is about giving presents not about getting presents and spending time with your family that is Christmas to me.

— Kaydence

Christmas is very special to me. Christmas is abawt food and giving presents. Merry Christmas.

— Kinsley

Christmas is a time of joy and a season of giving. I love spending time with my family.

±— Delilah

I love spending time with my family. Christmas means spending time with family and celebrating.

— Braxton

Christmas means spending time with family and celebrating Jesus’ birthday.

— Joycelyn

for me Christmas means opening Christmas presents and spending time with my family. And Christmas means to me celebrating Jesus’ birthday and spending time with my grama. Christmas to me is a time of joy and I love my family.

— Kinley

I like to open my presents and play with my toys.

— Jack

We celebrate Christmas with family and celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Christmas is a season of giving.

— Lee

Christmas means to me celebrating Jesus birthday. Christmas is a time for giving gifts and being happy.

— Hayden

For me Christmas means much more then getting presents. I would have family more then presents.

— Novalie

Teacher: Redfearn getting presents and getting to see my family.

— Izzy

Christmas is about eating cookies and making cookies and milk for santacllos.

— Isaiah

is about God and Jesus.

— Rhett about presents and playing in the snow and friends and family and pets and santa eating cookies and santa drinking milk.

— Leroy

spending time with family.

— Neveeh

celebrating god and jesus.

— Keyan

Christmas means to me because Jesus got born.

— Adalynn

family, god, food, frins, presins, decracen, chre jowy.

— Braxtten

I thack Christmas me time with friends and cousins.

—Mikenna

It is about God and Jesus. Seeing your family.

— Anzlie

For Christmas I get to go to my dad’s housem and I get to open my presents and I get to ride my bike.

— Thoryn

seeing my Grammom.

— Emily

The presints!

— Noah

To spend time with my famley. Opening gifts. Celebrating Jesus.

— Arista

I celebrate Jesus birthday.

— Mallory

To have fun to be happ to have a good time to opin presents.

— Brylee

geteng toys. Being good. Lagheing. Celebrating Chismi, getting candy.

— Mason

Spending time with family.

— Grayson

to catch Santa Claus and spending time with my family.

— Alexis

to spend time with my family. Santa Claus is ben nice.

— Maxxwell

Merry Christmas!

Christmas means to me femly. Playing with mi friends. Having fun.

— Andrew

is my family and presents. It also means eating also celebrating Jesususes Birth.

—

Lanari Kay

sounding time with my famle. Santa giving gifs. Spendeng time with my frends.

—

Koraline

I lik to sipn time with my famile. I hav to wait for mi famile to wack up on Christmas for we can opn pes. I lik to hide in mi Christmas tree.

— Josie

Christmas means famly! Christmas means snow! Christmas means Santa! Christmas means god! Christmas means everything!

— Zaria

Christmas is the toy to me. I like to throw snoballs at thim. I like to shar love.

— Tatum

I think it means means Jesus brthday. Christmas mens time to be with my famle. On Christmas Santa kums to or haws.

— Ridge

Christmas means to me giving stuff to other people. We git together. We open presins.

— Ezra

Christmas means to me win all of my femle get to gethr. Christmas means to me is win Santa cums to my hamse. Christmas mean to me to open presits.

— Ryden

Christmas means bakeing cookies with my mom. Christmas means giving for me. Christmas means Santa is coming to my house.

— Eliza

Geting to see faemly. It is fun to get time with faemly. I love my faemly so so so much.

— Hadley

Spinding time with my femley. I opine presise with my femley. I go look at Crismise Lits.

— Stella

Emma - Playing in the snow with my famly. Going to cherch. Stay in hope with my gramol.

is the food. What Christmas means to me is famly and frinds. What Christmas means to me is opening presints whith famly.

— Ty

Christmas means spending time with my family. Christmas means giving to each other. Christmas means I get to play in the snow.

— Brennan

What Christmas means to me is giveing gifts. What Christmas means to me is when Jesus was born. What Christmas means to me is famle.

— Delilah

What Christmas means to me is tradishins. What Christmas means to me is giving presits. What Christmas means to me is givng food.

— Steven

Christmas means to me is famly. Christmas means to me is the fest. Christmas means to me is the presits.

— Dawson

Christmas means famly to me! On Christmas night you feast. On Christmas you open presints!

— Damian

is that I get to play in the show. I get to celabrate the birth of Jesus. I get to be with my family.

— Ava

My family and the snow. It also means I like hot chocolate.

— Willow

is Family and Friends. Im thankful four presents, and Food and Jesus’ birthday.

— Dax

To me, Christmas means thankful for family and gifts, I am thankful for my frins, and thankful for Jesus birthday.

— Jaxon

to me Jesus birthday. Also Christmas carols and I am thankful for family and gifts and friends.

— Kash

I like snow because it is Fun and I like Christmas because it is Jesus is birthday and hot chocolate.

— Selah

Christmas means to me... Jesus birthday. I am thankful for family and gifts. And friends like Caiden.

— Braeden

to me Christmas, Jesus birthday, thankfull for family and gifes and family because I love them, and I mess my dad he is stell and cherch and I love hem.

— Caiden

To me, Christmas means to me Jesus birthday. I am Thankful for family and gifts and friends.

— Sophia

to me Christmas means family and friends, Jesus Brithday, and my teachers Because They Halp me and They love me.

— Dallas

to me, Christmas means Jesus birthday, Christmas carols, family and friends and techrs.

— Faith

To me Christmas means making Christmas cookies with my mom. Jesus birthday, watching Christmas movies with family. I am thankful for family and gifts, and time with friends.

— Julia

To me, Christmas means Jesus birthday, thankful for family and friends. I am also thankful for my dog and my grandma and grandpaw.

— Maddox

What Christmas means to me is Jesus birdhday, and fiends and family, and Christmas carols.

— Aaliyah

to me, Christmas means Jesus birthday, thankful for family and gifts, Christmas carols, and friends.

— Eli

To me, Christmas means Jesuses birthday. I’m thankful for my Family and gifts. I’,m thankful for Christmas carols. I’m thankful for my friends.

— Gracie

Teacher: Martin Teacher: Bentley

Christmas means to me that it is the best holiday and I get presints and I get to paly and I get to sleep in.

— Malakai

It is good because it is Jesus birthday and I Love him.

— Layla

What is I thannks for is the present, God and Christmas Lights.

— Grace

What Christmas means to me is that im thankful for all the gifts I get and I love Jesus.

— Jake

To me Christmas means my fres and famly and Christmas carols but most of all I am thankful for cookies, milk and hot chocolate.

— Gemma

Im Thankfle for My frends.

— Madison

Teacher: Estes

Pirived to wilow a hapy Marey Christmas. A Birthday too my sistir.

— Nicole

Christmas means a hole lot to me but the most that means to me is Jesus’ is birthday!

— Blake

Christmas day is God’s birthday. I open gifes on Chirstmas day.

— Matthew

Thank you Santa my gifte. I’m haveing fun with my family.

— Traven

It is fun at Christmas. It is fun withe my flamle.

— Behany

means to me is God. Means to me is it’s exciting.

— Carson

It means love and spendeg tim weth my fomule and fusse to.

— Brooklynn C.

Merry Christmas!

I thank you for given our gifts. I will have a Gabby’s dream house. And wake me up so I can hug you. Love, Harley.

— Harley

It’s a time of jlooe and joyfl, halle and nice. It’s a time to hango out with famly and grand pairints and cusins.

— Logan

it means chieerfoll to me and it mens shiring.

— Brooklynn B.

it means to me as love from Santa and love from my dad and mom.

— Aimee

It’s my fvarit hallofday and all of the gifts hes gives me it mast me happy!

— Victoria

It means to me Love and to spitine with me famle and farins at scool and me famle.

— Averee

be nice. Be nice to Santa.

— Connor

It means a lot because me and my family come together and open presents.

— Isaiah

It is a Joy full time to spend with family! You gt gifts and get to bake cakes!

— Raeden

my family beceuse my Family is osum. My grine becaese efre morneg she cookt il mil.

— Anthony

Teacher: Trammell

It means I get presents. My mom will be home soon.

— Izaac

My family, Jesus’es birthday, having fun, Rudolf, Gifts, love, Chistmas tree, Jesus’es birth, Jesus, Santa, lights. I love Chistmas.

— Aidan

It is about family and having fun. We are having preseints and I remebr the wons I lost and it is Jesus birthday.

— Elliot

Christmas means Love. And I have fun. Jesus born.

— Gracie

Christmas mens to me being with friends and family, we have food. I like my cusein. It is Jesus’s birthday. I Love

mom and dad, Dogs and cats. I like hot chocolate. Moshmelos. I watch TV all nith. we have a Christmas tree.

— Colson

Christmas means family and friends you spend time with them. You get them gifts. Family members exchange gifts to be kind.

— Tristyn

It means gifts and toys. Christmas also means spending time with my family. Christmas also means fun, love and food. Christmas also means Jesus was born. Christmas also means lights and cheer.

— Mangsian

Christmas to me for I also have a chrrsmas fo mee. I get to spend time wi my famyly. I get toys. I listen for Rudolph.

— Layden

My family and it snows. Love. I know santa’s job is to give presients. But I dont’ care about presents I care about Love.

— Jacie

It is a bout jesus. On christmas I get to be wifh my family. Christmas means to me I get to love fame. I get to sled. That is it.

— Jonathan

I am geting presents. I love the food, oping presents is so much fun. I decorate th christmas tree.

— Silver

It means you love someone. I get presents. You care for family and friends. It also means Jesus birthday. It’s love and laughter. Be sweet.

— Kairah

I have a tree. It is about Christ! It is about Jesus is birthdard. To have diner together. And haveing milk for you, Santa. I have lights.

— Brentley

Crismas meanst o me gifts. Crismas means to me Gods birthday. Crismas means to me is to have a Crismas tree. I get to spend time with my family. I get new guns. I get Pokemon cardes. I get a airsoft gun.

— Harper

Cristmas means to me that me and my family have fun. We are eating food. I like gifts. It’s Jesuse’s bifday. I love my cristmas tree. I love Rudolf. I love cookis, gift’s.

— Jakson

It means that Jesus was born. Then the pepols that I Love. We can see our familes. We can eat food that is so good. We vist our famlies. We can be fira from school. We can see our cosins.

— Abishag

Chritsmas means to me that I get to spend time with my family, like my cousin Kevin. I get to open presents and get toys. At Kevin’s house, we have fun.

— Jacob

Christmas means to be with my loved ones. I get to have gift with family. And to have teh Christmas tree. I Love my popee.

— Lexi

Chrismas is importnat. Chrimas is about family. On Chrisas you don’t just get presents you get love and family. On Chrismas you get good food you alsoe get to put a tree up. And decerate the house. On Chismas it’s Jesuse’s birthday.

— Emmolily

Jingle Bell Rock 2022 found

By Ethan Nahté

An excited Danica Taylor from Mena found this year’s Jingle Bell Rock at

the same general area the evening before.

Taylor won several items from the contest sponsors, totaling over

the Talimena Scenic Drive East End Visitor Center the morning of Dec. 14. The painted rock was located on a deck along the walking trail.

Taylor said, “First there was the loblolly [clue] and I found the sign. Then today’s clue with the 1,320 feet, I knew it definitely had to be around the information center. I didn’t go yesterday because of how stormy it was, so I went today.” Taylor was worried someone would get there before her. Judging by some of the comments on the Pulse Facebook page, it appears that at least two other people had been searching in

$1,000. Some of the items she said she planned to wrap and give as Christmas gifts, which means we won’t list the items here just in case her family is taking inventory.

A thank you to the sponsors:

Teeter Motor Company

Rocky Mercantile and Bait Shop

The Ouachitas

Freedom Pharmacy

Miller Signs & Graphix

Lela Nordyke Photography

Gabriel Clothing Company

Don’s E-Z Pay

DLR Offroad

Danica Taylor found the 2022 Jingle Bell Rock. (Trey Youngdahl/Pulse)

Baby’s First

Arrow Nalls - 4 Months Cierra & Wayne Nalls

Birdee Lou Fowler - 4 Months

Brittany & Ty Fowler

Evren Willson Meier - 1 Week

Raven Netroe & David Meier

Charli Rose Luttmer - 6 Months Tiffany & Ryan Luttmer

Brody McCoy - 11 Months Erin & Cody McCoy

Kayden Louis Zamora - 1 Week

Heather Turbeville & Jessie Zamora

Jolene LeAnn Sanders - 4 Months

Rachel & Joseph Sanders

Wren Pierce - 5 Months

Kelley & Dalton Pierce

Waylynn Hannaman - 4 Months Emily & Conner Hannaman

Violet Elaine & Maverick Scott6 Months Taylor & William Scott

Savannah King- 11 Weeks Laura & Cameron King

Wrenlee Rae Phillips - 1 Month Alexa & Colton Phillips

Zayne Embry - 10 Months

Kendra & John Embry

Nora Grace Deramus - 2 Months

Monica & Brad Deramus

Holden Quade Meredith - 5 Months Taylor & Quentin Meredith

Weston Noah Peters- 3 Months Sadie Potter & Ethan Peters

Elliana Mayson Godfrey - 1 Months Michaela & Justin Godfrey

Blair Hexamer - 3 1/2 Months

Jordan Bingham & Jeremiah Hexamer

Buster Jay Hill - 1 Week Kayley & Jacob Hill

Hudson Alexander Blake - 3 Months Meagan & Chantry Blake

Lettie Klaire Lawson - 8 Months

Tiffany Simpson & Dylan Lawson

Natalie Holman - 6 Months Cheyenne & Van Holman

Riggin Rowe - 2 Months Micah Browning & Jake Rowe

Octavia Grace Nichols - 3 Months

Timmery & Tony Lee Nichols

Ella Kay Blake - 3 Months Meagan & Chantry Blake

Derek Youmans - 11 Months

Audrey & Travis Youmans

Joanna Belle Gilbert - 3 Weeks Miranda Burt & Richard Gilbert

Hazel - 2 years & Janelynn - 8 Months Mile & Eli West

Mason Thomas Skipper - 9 Months Dyllon & Bobby Skipper

Jonah Christie - 6 Months Johnathan & Rebecca Christie

Colter Belknap - 6 Months Kala & Caleb Belknap

Magnolia Doughty - 6 Months Adrienne & Ryan Doughty

Amelia Carter - 10 Months

Kaylynne & Riley Carter

Raelyn Nicole Peabody - 11 Months

Heather Jaynes & Kevin Peabody

Meredith Murphy- 11 Months

Raychel Woody & Tyler Murphy

Emma Hayes Miller - 4 Months Velina & Joel Miller

Souther Hendricks - 8 Months Rhyen & Colton Hendricks

Beau Lawson Newman - 3 Weeks

Leigha & Damon Newman

Kaden Eugene Burkett - 4 Months Jessica & Kevin Burkett

Anders Nault - 10 Months Allyn & Cody Nault

Holiday Spirit

The Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary took Christmas presents to veterans at Homewood and Peachtree on Friday, Dec. 16.

New electric razors, warm socks and a Christmas toy were some of the gifts presented by Commander Carol Burns and Cindi Hernandez.

Shoe Sensation as of Wednesday, Dec. 14, has donated over 900 pair of socks for local veterans in nursing homes. They picked up those bags yesterday Wednesday 14th. They are still gathering more this month.

(l-r) Will Rios; Roger Herring; Eddie Cross; Robyn Ashworth, Shoe Sensation manager; Linda Johnson, VFW commander; and James Scott (Submitted photo)

Merry Christmas from

Toys for Tots and Elks assisting Polk County

Article and Photos by Ethan Nahté

The Polk County Toys for Tots campaign celebrated Saturday at the Elks Lodge by giving away very large gift bags filled with toys, along with boxes of food to get families through the holidays. Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves and a gingerbread woman were also on hand for the children, as well as snacks and treats. Santa chuckled but refused to give up the secret how he got so much on his sleigh to bring to Polk County.

Phyllis Caldwell, secretary of the Lodge, said, “We’ve been doing this for more years than I know. I’ve

that, getting the toys to us.” In addition to the aforementioned Angel Trees, another was located at Family Dollar. There were donation trees for local veterans, as well.

been doing this for 14 and they’ve done it for at least 25.” Caldwell is also the past exalted ruler and the district deputy for Arkansas of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE).

She said, “This year we’ve got 540 kids receiving toys; 239 families receiving food boxes. The angel trees at Walmart and Chicollo’s. People were really great on helping out with

Caldwell added, “We put applications in the newspapers and they send them in. We didn’t have anybody we refused this year. Everybody is in need with the economy the way it is. We’re looking forward to a good time. It’s all volunteers. Nobody gets paid for doing this. We’ve got probably 800 [man] hours of labor in this. It’s a partnership of the Marine Corps, who put out the boxes and help supervise to help keep things in line with the national organization. We help with the distribution and making sure the toys get to the right kids for the right age groups, bagging them up. We’ve got hundreds of hours in this every year, and this year with the increase in numbers, it’s even more.”

Lisa Walker, who has been an Elks member for several years, said, “Last year we did 474 and this year we’ve got [540] bags of toys. Last year we had COVID and had the drive-thru, so nobody got to come in to see Santa. This year, we’re very excited because everybody gets to come.”

Walker is taking over for Ed Anderson, who is retiring. “He’s been a blessing. People in the community love him.” Anderson was recognized with an award presented to him before the volunteers began handing out the toys.

“I’m going to take his position this next year as the Toys for Tots coordinator,” Walker confirmed.

The Saturday event took place following another event the previous evening at Susie Q’s, where they received lots of toys and money. Santa, Mrs. Claus and their helpers were on hand for the children to visit

with as well.

“Every time you put a toy in for the Toys for Tots boxes, or the angel tree for the Elks at Walmart and Family Dollar,” Walker said, “it goes to this event.”

More than toys

Food was also donated to the el-

derly who had applied for assistance.

“Today, the Mena Elks Lodge partnered with Toys for Tots, but Toys for Tots is only allowed to give out toys, so the Elks organization gives out food. We give a food basket to every family with children. We fundraise all year. It was $17,000 for this food, plus Tyson donated chickens to this event.” Approximately 200 “baskets,” which were actually boxes practically overflowing with food.

“The elderly can apply for food baskets as well,’ Walker added. “We’ve got chicken, hamburger— all of the staples for when children are on vacation. We’ve got mac and cheese, spaghetti, canned vegetables, tuna, loafs of bread, butter, cereal… the boxes are full. They get bags of food and bags of potatoes. They get a lot of food.”

There were approximately two dozen volunteers Saturday morning who assisted taking the packages and food out to vehicles using shopping carts and utility carts, braving the cold, with the wind chill factoring in at 20º with a brisk wind.

Fundraising year-round

Walker said, “This community is pretty amazing. It’s raised through things such as the Halloween haunted house, the fish fry, anything we have… even if people come out to a dance and pay $10 for entry. We raised $17,000 in food from people going to any Elks event. For Thanksgiving we did 130 boxes of food. That’s always in this community.

“The Elks is non-profit. There are only two paid positions within the Elks, [such as] the secretary. Everything else is donated.”

New members and volunteers might find themselves unaware of what all the Elks do.

Walker said, “We’ve had some volunteers come out and say, ‘I didn’t

have a clue what y’all were doing.’ We’ve got volunteers bringing in toy boxes, sorting toys for four or five weeks, separating toys by age groups… it takes a lot.”

Other fundraising events the Elks do include a big Easter egg hunt, their Fourth of July is free for everyone in the county and the members raise money for that.

“For Mother’s Day and Father’s Day we take a gift to all of the nursing homes,’ Walker said. “We do the

elderly food baskets at Thanksgiving. We also do a basketball Hoop Shoot coming up in January.”

To become a member, anyone can join if they’re over 21 according to Walker. “It’s a very worthwhile organization. There’s a membership fee, but all of that money goes to different funds. Some of it goes to national headquarters.”

There are several nonprofit organizations in the area that help with various community causes, but if your heart is set on seniors, veterans, children or all of the above, BPOE might be worth your consideration.

Walker said, “Elks is very worthwhile, as well as the Toys for Tots.”