Polk County Pulse December 28, 2022

Recycle trees, help fish

Horatio suspect accused of sexual assault

By Patrick Massey

An international investigation into a child pornography case has resulted in the arrest of a Southwest Arkansas man accused of sexually assaulting a child in Polk, Sevier and Howard Counties and distributing the act on film.

According to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, investigators with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security contacted members of the Howard County Sheriff’s Office in late November in reference to case originally investigated in London, England. In that case, a suspect had been arrested in London on charges related to possession of child pornography.

Agents with Homeland Security were reportedly able to identify a potential victim in that video as a resident of Southwest Arkansas. During questioning of the potential victim, investigators say they were able to determine the individual was not the victim but the perpetrator of the illicit act and material.

Arkansas Department of Agriculture cautions horse owners following recall of alfalfa product

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture cautions horse owners and handlers in Arkansas following a voluntary recall of alfalfa cubes from Manzanola Feeds due to a possible Clostridium botulinum health risk.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a notice on Dec. 17 advising horse owners not to feed Top of the Rockies alfalfa cubes with the date codes 111222, 111322, 111422, 111522, and 111622.

This product has been recalled by Manzanola Feeds of Manzanola, Colorado, which distributes directly to feed stores and co-ops in the following states: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana,

STAY ALERT. STAY INFORMED. STAY SAFE.

Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin. Further distribution is possible, so it is important to check the date codes located on the front of the bag.

The FDA is aware of at least 98 horses in four states that showed neurologic symptoms. These cases of illness and death in horses are being investigated in cooperation with state departments of agriculture in Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas.

The symptoms in the cases reported are consistent with botulism, and further testing is underway. At least 45 of these horses have died or were euthanized due to declining health.

Clostridium botulinum is an organism that can cause severe and potentially fatal toxicity in animals eating the contaminated food or encountering areas that have been exposed to the product. Horse owners and handlers should take precautions to protect human and animal health and immediately consult a veterinarian if your horse ate this product and shows signs of neurologic illness, such as muscle tremors, difficulty eating or swallowing, difficulty standing, or collapse.

To read the full FDA release visit  fda.gov/animal-veterinary/ outbreaks-and-advisories/fdacautions-horse-owners-not-feedrecalled-lots-top-rockies-alfalfacubes-due-reports-illness-and/.

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1168 Hwy 71S

Mena, AR 71953

Phone: 479-243-9600 Fax: 479-243-9603

Email: news@mypulsenews.com

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Letter To The Editor:

I’m sure people are tired of me writing in but someone needs to do it, isn’t anyone else brave enough besides Ronald Goss?

A lot of my letters has to do with volunteer fire personnel/1st responders. That’s because my husband is both a VOLUNTEER fire/1st responder. Volunteers do not get paid!! But it costs a LOT of money to operate this service. Fuel, keeping the trucks/building in service, utilities, turnout clothing, training and insurance are just some of costs involved.

Some volunteer fire departments have gone back to having fundraisers. Our department does not think it is safe yet due to Covid, the flu & RSVP.

We have MANY people who live in our district (Shady Grove) that have NEVER donated to the fire department but we have given them service either with a fire or 1st responder run. We have a few people who often need transported to the hospital & the ambulance must call for lift assist since

of their weight.

Do we get a Thank You or donation? The answer is NO. How do I know this you may ask. It’s because I’m the treasurer! I pay all the bills.

In the past we had several very well-off elderly people who gave very generous donations each year but they have moved away. Some people who donated yearly have not donated this year. Maybe they think it’s not necessary any more, but it is! I’m positive other volunteer departments will agree with me.

Please if you live in the Shady Grove Fire District PLEASE consider making a donation at least yearly. Mail to 224 Polk Road 49, Mena, AR 71953. Thank-You!

Thanks for allowing me to speak my mind.

Donna Lay, Mena

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From the

State House of Representatives

Earlier this month, many of us gathered in the Old Supreme Court Chamber at our Capitol to celebrate Christmas with some of the children currently in our state’s foster care system. This is an annual event that distributes thousands of gifts and brings countless smiles.

Our goal as a state is to make sure these children have the best care available year-round. At the end of the State Fiscal Year 2022, there were 4,524 Arkansas children in foster care. That is a decrease of 7% from the previous year.

In 2021, the General Assembly passed Act 574 which directed the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs and the Senate Committee on Children and Youth to conduct a study of the best practices for reducing the number of children in foster care. That study was conducted and the final report was submitted to the Arkansas Legislative Council this month.

The study included an assessment of the number of children in foster care, an examination of the state’s current practices and policies aimed at reducing the number of children in foster care, an examination of the methods other states use, and the formulation of a plan for the state to implement to reduce or eliminate the

number of children in foster care. The reports details staffing challenges in the most recent years presented by the health emergency. But despite those challenges, the DHS Division of Children and Family Services has continued to implement a variety of strategies to reduce the number of children in foster care. Those strategies include incentive programs to recruit and retain quality staff and prevention programs focused on inhome services.

The reports also note that DCFS staff have worked hard over the last several years to ensure children are placed with relatives and fictive kin when safe and appropriate. Close to 41% of children were placed with relatives statewide as of September 30, 2021, as compared to the 28.1% of children who were placed with relatives statewide as of March 30, 2019.

Children whose first placement was with a relative or fictive kin have consistently shown to have more placement stability, fewer instances of maltreatment while in foster care, and have achieved permanency more quickly than their counterparts.

This report will help guide members when considering legislation in the 2023 Regular Session. We’ve posted the study on our website arkansashouse.org.

The legislature’s list of accomplishments in 2022 is lengthy and significant.

During a special session in the summer, legislators reduced income taxes for about 1.6 million Arkansas taxpayers by moving up the effective date of the tax cuts adopted last year. The tax cuts will save Arkansans an estimated $500 million a year.

During the fiscal session in the spring, lawmakers approved $5,000 salary supplements for police officers, parole officers and probation officers. State troopers received $2,000 supplements. Also, starting salaries for state troopers were increased from $42,357 to $54,000.

Also during the fiscal session, legislators approved using $37.6 million to eliminate a waiting list for people with developmental disabilities.

Over the next three years about 3,200 Arkansans with disabilities will get Medicaid services at home or in their community. Previously, they could only get care in an institution.

From the State Senate Contact

John Maddox

john.maddox@ arkansashouse.org

520 Church Avenue Mena, AR 71953

Call: 479-394-6060

Larry Teague

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

John Boozman

1120 Garrison Ave.

Suite 2B

Fort Smith, AR 72901

Phone: (479) 573-0189

Fax: (479) 575-0553

Bruce Westerman

101 Reserve St. Suite 200

Hot Springs, AR 71901

Phone: (501) 609-9796

Fax: (501) 609-9887

The state Medicaid program also expanded services for some of the most vulnerable citizens, including about 12,500 women with high-risk pregnancies.

More Medicaid benefits will be available to veterans aged 19 through 30, and to people in rural areas who have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness or a substance abuse disorder. Medicaid expanded eligibility to include young people from 17 through 27 years of age who have been in foster care, young people 19 through 24 who have been incarcerated and young people aged 19 through 24 who have been in the custody of the state Youth Services Division.

In 2022 the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and Arkansas immediately began enforcing Act 180 of 2019 to make abortion illegal

in Arkansas except to save the life of the mother. The attorney general said that Act 180 made Arkansas the most pro-life state in the nation.

Anticipating that the Supreme Court ruling would result in greater numbers of unplanned pregnancies in Arkansas, the legislature appropriated a million dollars for pregnancy resource centers. Grants are available for centers that traditionally have been known as crisis pregnancy organizations.

Also, adoption agencies, maternity homes and social service agencies qualify if they provide material support and assistance to pregnant women, in order to help them with delivery of their babies.

Legislators approved funding for a 498-bed expansion of the North Central Prison Unit at Calico Rock. The state wants to build more space for serious offenders. County sheriffs have said they now have to hold more violent offenders in their jails, endangering staff and other prisoners who are in jail for minor offenses.

Thanks to legislative action, county jails will receive higher state reimbursements for housing state inmates when there isn’t enough space in state prison units. Now the state pays counties $32 a day per inmate. That will increase to $40 a day.

The legislature provided $10 million for body cameras, bullet proof vests and other equipment that protects officers.

The legislature authorized the state Education Department to use $50 million from reserve funds for grants to school districts that need school safety upgrades.

Also in 2022 the legislature approved funding for statewide upgrades in broadband access, for local drinking water and wastewater systems and for child care centers to cover expenses caused by the pandemic.

John Maddox

Larry Teague

Improvements to veterans benefits headed to president’s desk to be signed into law

WASHINGTON– The Senate advanced a trio of bills strengthening veterans benefits championed by U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

“We made a promise to the men and women who wore our nation’s uniform. I’m proud to advocate for veterans and fulfill our promise to them. I urge the president to quickly sign these bills into law,” Boozman said.

Boozman and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) led measures to ensure veteran survivors of military sexual trauma (MST) have access to trained peer support specialists within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and to make it easier for veterans with service-related conditions to receive the clothing allowance benefit they earned.

The “VA Peer Support Enhancement for MST Survivors Act” requires the VA to modernize how it cares for survivors of MST by assigning a trained peer support specialist to every individual who files a claim relating to MST to help them through the process.

The “VA Clothing Allowance Improvement Ac”t will reduce the annual claim filing burden for veterans whose use of prosthetics, orthopedic devices or medications causes irregular wear or damage to their clothing and authorize automatic renewal of the benefit. This legislation was included in a larger veterans package included in the “Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023.”

Boozman also joined Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) to successfully expedite disbursement of veterans’ life insurance benefits. The Senate approved the “Faster Payments to Veterans’ Survivors Act of 2022” which will ensure veterans’ surviving family members or beneficiaries will receive the VA benefits their loved ones earned through their service to our country in a timely fashion.

These bills are among several veterans-related measures headed to the president’s desk to be signed into law.

As a result of Boozman’s leadership, a number of additional significant improvements were made to veterans benefits during the 117th Congress including:

Bridging the Gap: Helping Arkansans navigate federal agencies

Sen. John Boozman

• The “Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022,” landmark legislation expanding VA health care to toxic-exposed veterans of all eras.

• The “Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act,” legislation requiring the VA to conduct mammograms for all women veterans who served in areas associated with burn pits and other toxic exposures.

• “Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options (MAMMO) for Veterans Act” which will require the VA to develop a strategic plan to improve breast imaging services, create a telemammography pilot program for veterans in areas where the VA does not offer in-house mammography and expand veterans’ access to clinical trials through partnerships with the National Cancer Institute. The legislation would also require the VA to upgrade all in-house breast imaging to 3D mammography, which is considered the gold standard of imaging technology.

• “Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act of 2021,” a measure providing the VA Office of Inspector General with the authority to subpoena testimony from former VA employees who have left federal service, former contractor personnel who performed work for the department, or other potentially relevant individuals during its inspections, reviews and investigations.

• The “Strengthening and Amplifying Vaccination Efforts to Locally Immunize all Veterans and Every Spouse (SAVE LIVES) Act” to provide nocost vaccination services at the VA to all veterans, veteran spouses, caregivers and Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA (CHAMPVA) recipients.

It’s common to hear from Arkansans all over the state about their friends and family members in need of help regarding a problem with a federal government agency. Issues such as securing emergency passports for a family to attend an overseas wedding, obtaining a grave marker to honor a WWII veteran or ensuring a small business gets paid for its government contracted work all represent the type of outreach my office receives over the course of a year. I’m proud of the work my staff provides in getting questions answered and resolving these impasses for constituents.

2022 was a record year in my office. In addition to thousands of calls, letters and emails we fielded concerning legislative issues, we heard from more than 3,800 Arkansans who needed direct help on matters involving the U.S. government – 50 percent more than just a few short years ago 2019.

Many of the problems were related to COVID-19 backlogs that continue to plague the federal programs so many rely on.

Annually, the IRS is one of the top agencies Arkansans request help with, usually due to unacceptable processing times for tax returns and terrible customer service. More than 300 Natural State residents requested assistance this year, and we were able to make a difference.

Just weeks ago we learned one Arkansan would be getting a refund check worth more than $31,000. Reports like that are good to hear, and while we were able to help many people obtain overdue refunds or overcome problems with identity theft, too many taxpayers are still waiting for basic services from the agency. These is-

sues are why I will continue pushing to spur change and accountability.

We were also able to help right wrongs made by unfortunate agency mistakes. Several involved Arkansans who were mistakenly reported as deceased, resulting in their monthly benefits being canceled.

One Social Security recipient found her monthly check fraudulently re-routed to a different bank account. The agency re-issued her check, but then mistakenly took the money back thinking she had been overpaid. Fortunately, we were able to shine a light on this case and help correct the costly error. Another incident impacted a widow’s VA benefits after department personnel delayed updating her paperwork. After our intervention, the agency discovered the misstep, restored her full benefits and sent back pay.

One of my most important duties as a U.S. Senator is to be a voice for the people of Arkansas when they’re dealing with the federal government.

In addition to that being an important responsibility, learning of the difficulties our family, friends and neighbors face also helps me understand where resources are needed and what federal agencies need reform. This outreach helps bring important systemic problems to light and, ideally, prompts more permanent solutions.

I am blessed with a tremendous team working in my offices in Arkansas and Washington, D.C. that shares my dedication to our state, has experience navigating these situations and never stops using the tools and resources available to us for good.

I look forward to the calls, visits and emails in 2023 as we continue working to make a difference for Arkansans.

Obituaries

Eddie Donald Thompson

Eddie Donald Thompson, age 71, earned his Heavenly reward at his home in Hatfield, Arkansas, on December 20, 2022.  He was born August 31, 1951, in Hillsboro, Oregon, to the late Murray Donald (MD) Thompson and the late Elma Louise Ritter Thompson.

Eddie lived much of his young life in California before moving to Mena, Arkansas, where he graduated high school and joined the Arkansas Army National Guard. He was a Repel Master and Jungle Expert and served 21 years before retiring as an E-7 Sergeant First Class. Eddie was a certified scuba diver and helped with water search and rescue. He was a tree trimming foreman by trade and a carpenter in which he held great pride in his work.

He loved living his dream of being a cowboy and rancher and raised some of the finest paint horses. After retirement, he took great pride on his ranch and worked to keep it immaculate at all times, building and improving on it constantly. He loved riding his good horse King on trail rides and was often seen riding around the town of Hatfield along with his faithful trail dog, Festus. He was also an avid hunter and his trophy deer grace all of the walls in his home.

Eddie’s pride and joy were his children and his four grandchildren and he was so proud of them. He was faithful to his Lord and Savior and had a big servant’s heart. He was known for his humorous stories and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. His sickness plagued him for ten long years and although it wasn’t the healing we had prayed for, he has been healed in the very best way. He’s taken his last ride and no doubt was greeted

by family and friends who had gone before him, along with his special loved dog, Sweetie.

Eddie is preceded in death by his parents, MD and Elma Thompson; sister, Sharon Louise Thompson Cochrane; brother, David Lee Thompson.

He is survived by his loving wife and cowgirl of 22 years, Janice Hood Thompson of Hatfield; daughter, Heather Thompson Grenier and husband, Rodney of Mena, Arkansas; son, Cory Thompson and wife, Candace of Mena, Arkansas; grandchildren: David Grenier, Sarah Grenier, Jackson Thompson and Grant Thompson all of Mena, Arkansas; brother, Michael Dale Thompson and wife, Niecie of Barling, Arkansas; stepmother, Bobbie Sue Booth Thompson of Pine Ridge, Arkansas and a host of relatives and friends.

Pall Bearers will be: Chris Moody, Matt Walston, Trea Blair, Jon Foster, Michael Looney, and Danny Smedley.

Honorary Pall Bearers will be his grandsons David Grenier, Jackson Thompson, and Grant Thompson; his best friend, Steve Golden; Gary Garrett and his National Guard unit buddies.

Online obituary can be found at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Allon D. Anderson

Mr. Allon D. Anderson, 73, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on December 20, 2022. Allon was born on August 27, 1949, to Travis B. Anderson Sr. and Vonetha (Summit) Anderson in Mena (Ink), Arkansas.

Allon enjoyed being outside whether it was hunting, fishing, or camping. He loved talking to and being surrounded by his family and friends.

He is survived by two sons; Allon

Dale Anderson (Luquatta) and Benny Anderson; two brothers, Joel Anderson (Connie), and Jerry R. Anderson (Deborah); one sister, Judy Collins (Mark); eight grandchildren, Danyal and Tia, Chell and Drew, William and Cora, Jasmine Cunningham, and Haley Cowan; Bently, and nine other great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, friends, and the mother of his children, Linda Davis.

Allon is preceded in death by; his parents; brother, Travis Anderson Jr., and wife, Letha Anderson.

Graveside service will be held 10:00 am Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at Nichols Cemetery near Hatfield with Bro. Donnie Jewell officiating. Services are under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary can be found at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Vernon Lee Wilhite

Vernon Lee Wilhite, age 64, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at his home. He was born on Thursday, December 26, 1957, to Alfred Vernon and Dollie Mozelle Wilhite in Mena, Arkansas.

Vernon was a man of the Baptist Faith who always trusted in the Lord and attended the Bible Believers Baptist Church. He was a very hard-working talented mechanic and ran his own shop, Vern’s Place. Vernon enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and automobiles. He liked to listen to country music, but most of all he loved his wife and the family they had built together. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Chloe. Vernon was the greatest husband, father and grandpa and he cherished every moment spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. He

was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Betty Wilhite.

Vernon is survived by his loving wife, Annette Wilhite of Mena; three daughters and son-in-law and son, Rachel and Patrick Burns of Fort Smith, Hannah Wilhite of Mena, Russell Powell of Mena, and Malissa Smith of Mena; one sister, Judy Jones of Mena; eleven grandchildren, Emma Burns, Anna Burns, Leah Burns, Karis Burns, Cora Burns, Samuel Wilhite, Gabriel Wilhite, Caleb Jones, Wesley Smith, Austin Smith, and Makaylee Smith; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 30, 2022, at 2:00 PM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas, with Brother Jerry Musgrove officiating. Visitation will be general on Friday before the service starting at 9:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Concord Cemetery in Mena under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Patrick Burns, Caleb Smith, Wesley Smith, Austin Smith, Russell Powell, Ronnie Pearce, James Taylor, and Danny Cusher.

Honorary Pallbearers are Dave Anderson, Ronnie Cusher, Dezi Bowles and Andy Jones.

Services will be live streamed at  https://bowserffh.com/obituaries/ vernon-wilhite

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

There is a joy in sorrow which none but a mourner can know.

~Jean Paul, author

Beauford Haskell Humphrey

Beauford Haskell Humphrey, age 85, of Mena, Arkansas was born May 12, 1937, in Poplarville, Mississippi, to Ruby (Landry) Humphrey and Basil Haskell Humphrey. He passed from this life on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. Beauford was the oldest of three siblings.

After leaving school at 13, Beauford worked in the log woods until getting permission to join the U.S. Army at age 17. After three years in the Army and a tour in Germany, he switched branches of service and joined the U.S. Air Force. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam earning several medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross. Following the war, he became a flight engineer on the C-141 aircraft and after numerous promotions, retired in 1976 as a master sergeant.

Beauford married Patricia Abernathy of Mena, AR, in 1959, and they made their first home in Jacksonville, Arkansas, before moving to Alaska and multiple locations throughout the United States while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Together they had three children.

After serving in the military, he trained as a carpenter and was involved in multiple construction projects and worked for Brown and Root. He had a wandering nature that led him to work as a long-distance truck driver and as an owner/operator of his own logging truck business. After retiring from this work, he moved to Mena, where he married Frances (Pryor) Humphrey and finished his working career with the state highway department.

In retirement he was known to be on his tractor, either cutting hay or growing okra, which worked really well until it came time to pick it. Here he often

enjoyed the help of his wife Frances. They grew peas, okra, and tomatoes until his health forced him off the tractor. His hobbies included singing gospel in local churches and “singings” and was organizing a group at the Homewood Cottages at the time of his death.

Beauford was predeceased by his parents, one brother, Connieway, and two sons, Brian Haskell passed in 2019, and Timothy Hampton in 2022.

He is survived by a sister, Uintia Roberts of Lufkin, Texas, his daughter Krystal Thrailkill Ross (Mike) of Mena, AR, and Danny Thrailkill of Mena, AR. He is also survived by grandsons, Christopher Daniel Thrailkill and Travis Daniel Thrailkill of Mena, AR, and Blake Humphrey of Dallas, TX, and grandaughters Spencer Thrailkill Miller (Preston) of Fayetteville, AR, Courtney Maravilla (Alex) and Kaitlin Humphrey, both of Dallas/Fort Worth, TX. He is also survived by five great-granddaughters, several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Beauford was a storyteller, not all of them credible, but was known to laugh and enjoy a good joke.

Special thanks to the caregivers at Peachtree and Homewood Cottages as he made his way to the end of his journey. He and the family appreciate all that you did.

Funeral services are Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Beasley Wood Chapel with the Reverend Ron Tilley officiating.

Interment will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C., with full military honors.

Wordsworth

That though the radiance which was once so bright be now forever taken from my sight. Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, glory in the flower. We will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind.

~William

Gov. Hutchinson announces first state partnership with EducationSuperHighway

LITTLE ROCK–Nov. 30, 2022—

Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced an innovative, first-in-thenation partnership with the national non-profit, EducationSuperHighway, to develop programs and implement best practices to address broadband affordability in the state.

An estimated 214,760 Arkansas’ households have access to a home broadband connection but are offline because they can’t afford to connect. This “broadband affordability gap” is the number one cause of the nation’s digital divide, keeps 18 million U.S. households offline, and disproportionately impacts low-income, Black, and Latino Americans.

“Affordable high-speed broadband is not a luxury in our high-tech society, it is necessary for our students to remain at or above grade level in their education and for our businesses to compete in the global economy,” said Governor Hutchinson. “For that reason, getting access to all Arkansans has been a top priority of my administration since Day One. We must do everything we can to eliminate the digital divide, and we are committed to ensuring that Arkansans who are eligible for the federal Affordable Connectivity Program are aware of the program and are encouraged to apply.”

Over the past year, closing the broadband affordability gap has become a national priority. “The Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act” (IIJA) allocated $65 billion to expand high-speed internet access. This includes $14.2 billion for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal broadband benefit that provides eligible households with a monthly discount of up to $30 per month (up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands) and a onetime $100 discount toward a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Over 600,000 Arkansas households are eligible for the ACP, yet only 124,000 (20% of those eligible) have enrolled. EducationSuperHighway recently released its second No Home Left Offline report on the action needed to accelerate Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) adoption. A key component of the new partnership will be developing statewide programs to overcome complex awareness, trust, and enrollment barriers that prevent households in the nation’s most under-resourced communities from enrolling in this critical program. Alongside the report, EducationSuperHighway launched new tools and resources to support statewide efforts, including GetACP.org, a virtual mobile assistant that simplifies the

ACP enrollment process by providing real-time support to help eligible households determine the easiest way to qualify.

“Arkansas is once again leading the way in closing the digital divide by addressing broadband affordability and prioritizing Affordable Connectivity Program adoption,” said Evan Marwell, Founder and CEO of EducationSuperHighway. “We applaud Governor Hutchinson’s bold leadership and are ready to work with Governor-elect Huckabee Sanders to ensure eligible Arkansans know about the ACP, can easily enroll, and then sign up for high-speed internet service.”

EducationSuperHighway will partner with the Arkansas State Broadband Office, housed within the Arkansas Department of Commerce, to plan, implement, and execute the Affordable Connectivity Program awareness and engagement campaign.

“Affordability is a key component to ensuring that all Arkansans are connected,” said Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “The Department of Commerce and Arkansas State Broadband Office are honored to lead this statewide effort aimed at positively impacting the hundreds of thousands of Arkansas families that

depend on high-speed internet to live and work in the 21st century economy, yet remain unconnected.”

Arkansas State Broadband Director Glen Howie, who worked with leaders at EducationSuperHighway to secure the partnership, noted the significance of today’s announcement. “With over $1 billion invested in broadband infrastructure since 2020, the creation of the innovative Arkansas Connectivity Coalition dedicated to digital opportunity efforts, and as the first state in the country to partner with EducationSuperHighway to address the critically important need of affordability, Arkansas continues to position itself as a national leader in the broadband space.”

Today’s announcement is the second time the Hutchinson Administration has partnered with EducationSuperHighway. From 2012-2020, the non-profit led the national effort to upgrade the Internet access in every public school, successfully connecting 47 million students to close the K-12 classroom connectivity gap. With their support, Arkansas became the first state to meet the Federal Communication Commission’s school broadband goal of 1 Mbps per student-providing enough bandwidth to make digital learning a reality in every classroom, every day.

By Richie Lawry

It’s Christmas Eve, and the house is a bustle of activity. The kitchen has been busy all day as my wife and daughter have been preparing our Christmas Eve feast. The tradition in our family is to have Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve, followed by a special Christmas breakfast the next morning. Flour covers the kitchen table as homemade rolls, pumpkin pie, and apple pie are prepared. Even though it is a cold day, it is hot in the kitchen as both ovens, and the stovetop are in use.

When we sat down to eat, there was so much food that it would not fit on the table. On the sideboard were roast beef, dressing, creamed corn, mounds of mashed potatoes, gravy, homemade cranberry sauce, rolls, and pies. Because I lack even a tiny amount of self-control when it comes to food, I ate until I was stuffed.

I had been eating way too much all week. It is a Christmas hazard. I baked cookies and made almond bark to give as gifts. I had to sample a large amount of both to ensure they were high-quality enough to give away.

Friends and customers brought goodies to my shop, and it would be impolite not to eat them.

My brother-in-law sent a box of his wonderful homemade candy. As I popped another piece of candy into my mouth, I thought, “When New Year’s gets here, I am going to start being careful what I eat.”

I am not the first person to make a New Year’s resolution. I imagine you have made resolutions. Making resolutions at the beginning of the New Year has a long history. Over 2,500 years ago in Babylon, people would make promises to their gods at the beginning of each year. Popular promises were things such as paying debts and returning borrowed items. Interestingly, we make resolutions on January 1 because January is named after the Roman God Janus. The Romans traditionally

An Arkie’s Faith Happy New Year

made annual promises to Janus.

What about the God that you serve? Does He want you to make promises to Him? Is there a right and wrong way to make resolutions? Christians should be committed to the idea that people can change for the better. We should hope for such a change in our lives and the lives of others.

Suppose you ask the average person about their resolutions for the New Year. They will probably tell you things such as cutting down on their eating, exercising more, stopping doing unhealthy things, and starting doing healthy things, etc.

While these things are good, they all focus on and rely on self. These kinds of things are self-serving and rely on the power of one’s self to accomplish them. Self-improvement for most people means making themselves more attractive, healthier, and happier. They depend on the power of the human will to bring about the changes.

My favorite cartoon when I was a kid was Peanuts. I remember one comic strip in particular. It is January 1, and Charlie Brown tells anyone who will listen, “The

best way to keep New Year’s Resolutions is in a sealed envelope in a bottom desk drawer.” Charlie Brown knew what every person who has ever made a New Year’s resolution knows. Making and keeping resolutions is a troublesome business, usually filled with failure and shame.

How have your past resolutions worked out for you? I don’t even want to talk about mine. If you have made and broken resolutions on many previous New Year’s days, you may feel that you might as well seal them in a bottom desk drawer and forget them. That is the experience I have had.

Look at how different our typical resolutions are from the words of Paul in Colossians 3:12-14 (NCV). “God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So you should always clothe yourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you. Even more than all this, clothe yourself in love. Love is what holds you all together

Joke of the Week:

Santa left his sleigh at my house. I called the tow company to see what it would take to move it. “Eight bucks,” they said.

in perfect unity.”

Notice how Paul’s words are focused on others. If we are to use resolutions wisely, we need to turn our attention away from ourselves and toward others. Instead of focusing on ourselves, we need to focus on God and the strength that comes only from him.

John was called the disciple that Jesus loved. It appears that Jesus had a best friend. I want my resolution to be the words that the best friend of Jesus wrote in 1 John 4:7,8 (NCV). “Dear friends, we should love each other, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has become God’s child and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

I don’t know of a better resolution that you could make. If we would all resolve to love one another, imagine how different the world would be. Jesus knows you’re busy and cares about the many things you have to do. So, He promises that time spent with him will make you more productive: “But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

Gentle Reader, New Year’s resolutions aren’t worthless. People who set goals are 10 times more likely to succeed than those who don’t. Everything that we accomplish in life is because we resolve to do it. There is no need to be discouraged if you’ve failed before. We all will fail at some point in our life. Failing is a learning experience so that we can do better next time. “A righteous person may fall seven times, but he gets up again.” Proverbs 24:16 (GW)

This year, instead of focusing on personal performance, how about focusing on a relationship with God and showing his love to others. Happy New Year!

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Christmas Eve dinner (Photo by Richie Lawry)

Polk County to become a work-ready community

Submitted by Mark Hobson

The Mena School Board met for their regular December meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the District Administration Building.

The meeting began with the superintendent’s report. Dr. Lee Smith began by informing the board that the charter for the Polk County Virtual Academy had been renewed for five years.

Smith then recognized Candace Thompson for her actions during a recent bomb threat. Thompson’s actions lead to the prompt arrest of the perpetrator and she received a round of applause from all those in attendance.

Smith then yielded the floor to Mena High School counselor/career coach Mr. Tim Walston. Walston informed the board about the ACT WorkKey Assessment and Polk County becoming a work ready community. ACT Work-

Keys is a nationally recognized workforce solution for identifying, certifying and strengthening core workplace skills.

Next on the agenda was project updates. A bid was received on the construction of an awning from Louise Durham Elementary to the gym. The bid was $30,897. The bid was accepted and approved by the board.

The board was then updated on bus information. A bid has been received on a new trip bus. A bid of $121,000 was received. The district has applied for a Go Red Grant that will help with the purchase and the purchase is pending the results of that application.

The board quickly approved the financial report and the restructuring of the contract of Rebeccah Sprague from a “C” to a “D” bus route.

The meeting adjourned.

Submitted by Tammy L. Young

Acorn High School Food, Safety & Nutrition and Food Production classes hosted a special guest speaker to share his military experience and knowledge about MREs (Meals Ready to Eat).

Sergeant First Class Brandon House presented a lesson on nutritional needs of soldiers both in the field and at home, nutritional information and history of MREs and why they are utilized to meet daily nutritional requirements.

Each student was given their own MRE to taste test and sample.

Thank you Sergeant House for your service to our country and for presenting to our FACS.

AHS students learn about MREs

Nidec donates to Holly Harshman

Daniel Wood of Nidec, pictured with school counselor Tonya Thacker, delivered hygiene items and $400 for shoes for Holly Harshman Elementary students.

Achieve New Year’s Resolution success with helpful planning tools

(StatePoint) The new year is often a time to set new goals. However, statistics show that very few people are successful in keeping their resolutions. Why? Likely, because they don’t have a realistic, longterm plan. And, as Ben Franklin said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”

This year, create “SMART” goals—as in Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely. Here are a few ideas on how to set yourself up for success with some of the most common New Year’s resolutions.

1. Focus on Fitness

According to a survey of adults who made a New Year’s resolution, the most popular goal (48%) was to exercise more. The best way to stick to it is to do something you enjoy. So whether it’s running, biking or yoga, find a way to make it fun. That might mean purchasing new workout clothes or equipment or finding a friend to join in to socialize with and to keep you going. Just remember to start slow, track your progress and you’ll soon

be getting fit in your favorite way.

2. Connect with Family and Friends

With busy schedules, staying connected with friends and family can be difficult. Resolving to keep in touch can be easy though, thanks to new digital tools. Luckily, a subscription service like AmericanGreetings.com allows you to send a variety of digital greetings for any holiday or occasion. To ensure you keep in touch, the personalized greeting cards can be pre-scheduled for delivery by email up to one year in advance or can be sent via text or social media. Plus, you can even include a gift card. Best of all, one subscription unlocks access to the entire American Greetings’ online library, including SmashUps video greetings, Creatacard digital cards, and Pics & Wishes multi-media messages. Subscriptions are $6.99 per month or $29.99 per year.

3. Improve Finances

If improving your finances is one of

your goals, the best place to start is to track your previous year’s expenses and categorize them. You might be shocked how those daily lattes or online impulse buys add up! Then, find a financial system that works for you. This could be as simple as a spreadsheet outlining and recording your set expenses and discretionary funds; or syncing your data to your online accounts utilizing a budget-tracking app. Once your system is in place, you’ll be able to find areas for improvement and set new financial goals for the future.

4. Get Organized

Getting organized is always a top resolution for the new year—and managing your schedule is a simple way to relieve stress and improve productivity. Start by outlining your daily, weekly or monthly commitments with a planner or online calendar. Google Calendar, for example, is a free option that allows you to view and color code appointments by category. Plus, by recording and prioritizing

your responsibilities, you’ll also be able to see your free time, so you can make time for things you enjoy.

5. Make Time for Mental Health

In addition to improving physical fitness, managing mental wellness should be at the top of the resolution list. According to Mental Health First Aid, Americans cited enhanced self-confidence (64%), increased productivity (67%), and increased happiness (71%) as the top benefits of mental self-care. So, start your year by adding “mental break” moments to your daily and weekly schedule (maybe on your new calendar). Self-care can be anything from meditation and sleep, to cooking or reading, as long as it helps you decompress, unwind and find your mental zen.

New Year’s resolutions can feel overwhelming; but by using available tools to plan ahead and keep you on track, you’ll have realistic ways to achieve your goals.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office spreading Christmas cheer

By Ethan Nahté Photos courtesy of PCSO

Through the generous donations of Polk County residents, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) was able to spread a little Christmas cheer as they adopted and provided Christmas gifts for 36 Polk County kids.

Sheriff Scott Sawyer said, “What started a few years ago with the goal of providing gifts for 10 kids has grown. This was the best year the department has had.”

The department could not do all of it without

some assistance.

“It’s definitely a team effort,” Sawyer said. “The kids are nominated mainly by Polk County school staff. The department also took some nominees from CASA, the Juvenile Office, and a couple of local churches. Once the family is chosen, someone is assigned to get lists of all the children in the home, their ages, clothes and shoe sizes, and what type of things they

are into.”

Once the lists are compiled, Sawyer said he has a great group of shoppers, usually school or PCSO members who go out and buy the gifts for all the children. They also

have some great wrappers that wrap and label all the presents. This year a local church donated all the wrapping supplies, which Sawyer said was a huge help.

PCSO then schedules the deliveries. Sawyer said, “This is the most rewarding part because seeing the reactions and the excitement on the kids’ faces is truly moving. The Adopt a Kid for Christmas program has been a blessing for us up here at the PCSO. Being able to make Christmas a little brighter for Polk County kids makes the months of planning worth it.”

Outdoors

Arkansas State Parks introduces Club 52 program

(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) – Arkansas State Parks is introducing Club 52, a rewards program that encourages people to visit all 52 state parks. Club 52 is an extension of the Arkansas State Parks Passport Program, which helps guests document trips to state parks by receiving a stamp (or stamp rubbing) in an Arkansas State Parks Passport. Club 52 members get their passports stamped when they visit a state park and earn rewards for visits of five parks, 25 parks and 52 parks.

Club 52 is free and open to anyone who wants to “Get Out to Get In,” as the program’s slogan states.

“Club 52 is a fun way to explore Arkansas state parks and make your own adventure,” said Shea Lewis, director of Arkansas State Parks. “Whether you have been to a park before or this is your first visit, Club 52 gives you another way to mark your journey.”

A free passport can be picked up at an Arkansas State Park visitor center. Passports can be stamped at a visitor center, or a rubbing of the stamp can be made in parks where there is not a visitor center. To redeem rewards, Club 52 members can take their passport

to an Arkansas state park visitor center during normal business hours (call before) and have staff check their passport stamps.

With five park stamps, guests receive a Club 52 sticker. With 25 park stamps, the reward is a set of Club 52 playing cards. Those who collect 52 park stamps receive a Club 52 T-shirt. Stickers and playing cards can be redeemed immediately. T-shirts will be ordered and mailed to the member. Stamps must all be in one Arkansas State Parks passport and cannot be combined in different passports.

“There is something for everyone to experience at our state parks,” said Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “Club 52 gives an extra incentive to discover something special at each park while making memories to last a lifetime.”

Arkansas State Parks encourages Club 52 members to share the excitement of their journey by uploading photos and videos at  ArkansasStateParks.com/passport  and on social media using the hashtag #ARStateParks.

Arkansas State Parks to celebrate the new year with First Day Hikes

(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) – Arkansas State Parks encourages Arkansans to start the new year on the right foot with First Day Hikes on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Led by America’s State Parks, First Day Hikes encourage everyone to celebrate the new year with time spent outdoors, focusing on healthy habits and life long memories.

“Visiting a state park is a great way to get outside, enjoy nature and welcome the new year with family and friends,” said Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

This nationwide annual tradition targets the first of January and the start of a new year to promote year-round recreation and healthy lifestyles that can be experienced locally in state parks.

“First Day Hikes have become a family tradition for many Arkansans,” said Shea Lewis, director of Arkansas State Parks. “Some families visit the same park every year while others pick a new park to visit each year. We applaud their efforts and challenge all Arkansans to join in and start a First Day Hikes tradition of their own.”

Visitors to Arkansas State Parks can participate in the initiative by taking a self-guided hike or going on a ranger-led hike on the first day of the year or “First Weekend” (Dec. 31- Jan.2). Participants can get a free sticker commemorating Arkansas State Parks’ cen-

tennial this year in one of two ways: going on a guided hike at a state park on Jan. 1 and receiving the sticker from the park or completing a self-guided hike at a state park and logging their miles at  ArkansasStateParks.com/ FirstDayHikes.

“Whether visitors explore on their own or go on a guided hike, guests will have the opportunity to help us celebrate our centennial year,” said Kelly Farrell, chief of interpretation. “Our hope is that 2023 is a year of discovery and exploration and our guests’ curiosity fuels their connection to state parks and their lifelong memories.”

Visitors can find scheduled guided hikes, tips to recreate responsibly, what to bring and how to share your First Day Hike photos and/or videos at  ArkansasStateParks.com/FirstDayHikes.

Cossatot River State Park will have a 2-mile hike on the Harris Creek Trail, from 1-4 p.m. on Jan. 1

Queen Wilhelmina State Park will have two different hikes. The first will be the 1-mile hike on the Spring Trail from 10-11 a.m. The second will be the 1.3 mile Lover’s Leap hike from 2-3:30 p.m.

Participants can also use #ARStateParks and #FirstDayHikes to share on social media. Please note, a few park locations are closed on the Jan. 1 holiday but will reopen on Jan. 2.

Build some habitat for the holidays

LITTLE ROCK — Once the wrapping paper has been thrown away and the last drop of eggnog has been consumed, few people have a use for that evergreen tree that graced their home during the holiday season. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has a new job for those leftover trees: fish habitat.

ments, lights and tinsel before they are dropped off. Artificial Christmas trees should not be used as fish habitat, either.

Trees can be dropped off at any of the following locations until the end of January:

Public, private partners sign agreement to explore trail expansion in Mena area

(MENA, Ark.—Dec. 13, 2022) – Earlier today at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain in Mena, representatives of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, the Ouachita National Forest, the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation and the city of Mena

Queen Wilhelmina State Park is located atop Rich Mountain, Arkansas’s second highest peak, and offers breathtaking views. Visitors can travel the Talimena National Scenic Byway to arrive at the park, which includes 41 campsites, picnic areas and trails.

The AGFC has drop-off locations across the state to let your old Christmas tree have a second life as underwater cover. The small spaces and dense cover offered by fresh Christmas trees make excellent nursery habitat for small fish as well as great places to fish.

Anglers are welcome to remove trees from drop-off locations to create their own fish attractors. Tying the trees to cinder blocks with parachute cord is a popular option to weigh the trees down. Sandbags also are a popular option. By the time the bags and cord deteriorate, the trees will be waterlogged and no longer need the weight to stay on the bottom.

The small branches will deteriorate quickly, so it’s best to sink the trees in groups. The trunks of the trees will last much longer, offering some woody cover long after a single tree’s attractiveness wanes.

Trees should be clean of all orna-

Southwest Arkansas

• Bois d’Arc Lake – Kidd’s Landing or Hatfield Access

• Millwood Lake – Cottonshed, White Cliffs Recreation Areas and the Millwood State Park ramp on the point

• Dierks Lake – Jefferson Ridge South Recreation Area

• De Queen Lake – Any U.S. Army Corps of Engineers boat ramp

• Gillham Lake – Any U.S. Army Corps of Engineers boat ramp

• Lake Greeson – New Cowhide Cove and Self Creek Recreation areas

• South Fork Lake – South Fork Lake Access

• Terre Noire Lake – Terre Noire Lake Access

• Hope – AGFC Regional Office on U.S. Highway 67 East

• Lake Dieffenbacher – Bobby Ferguson Park Pavilion

formalized a memorandum of understanding to begin exploration of a trail expansion project in the Mena area.

The memorandum outlines the group’s intent to cooperate to explore expanding trail opportunities within and adjacent to Queen Wilhelmina State Park, the Ouachita National Forest and the city of Mena.

“This cooperative effort creates exciting possibilities for future outdoor recreation in this beautiful corner of our state,” said Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “So much potential exists for expanding the current recreational opportunities and tourism attractions.”

Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism; Felipe Cano, acting deputy forest supervisor for the Ouachita National Forest; Mitchell Allen, trail project manager of the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation; and Seth Smith, mayor of Mena, signed the agreement.

“We are committed to exploring this project alongside our partners,” Cano said. “The Ouachita National Forest is a natural treasure in Arkansas. Finding new ways for people to enjoy its beauty and recreational opportunities while maintaining a commitment to conservation are top priorities.”

The Ouachita National Hiking Trail (National Recreation Trail) is an east-west corridor which extends from Pinnacle Mountain State Park near Little Rock to Talimena State Park near Talihina, Oklahoma. A portion of the trail is open for mountain biking and is an International Mountain Bicycling Association Epic Trail.

“The majestic nature of the terrain along with the area’s existing trail system, such as the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, have attracted countless visitors over the years,” Suzanne Grobmyer, executive director of the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation, said. “If completed, this trail development would be the type of system that would be a beacon for mountain bikers, trail runners, hikers and other recreational enthusiasts across the globe.”

Mena was founded in 1896 as a railroad town at the eastern foot of Rich Mountain and is the eastern terminus of the Talimena National Scenic Byway.

“We’re proud of what we have in Mena, but we are also looking to the future,” Smith said. “Our residents are eager to see the area grow, and I think this project has the potential to be a game-changer for our city.”

Event photos can be accessed at: https:// tourismarkansas.mediavalet.com/portals/MenaMOUsigning

(l-r) Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation Trail Project Manager Mitchell Allen, Mena Mayor Seth Smith, State Rep. John Maddox, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Sec. Stacy Hurst, Ouachita National Forest Acting Deputy Forest Supervisor Felipe Cano, Queen Wilhelmina State Park Superintendent Dru Edmonds, Arkansas State Parks Deputy Director Jeff King and Arkansas State Parks Director Shea Lewis.

Bill designating Butterfield Trail as a National Historic Trail headed to president’s desk

WASHINGTON— Legislation authored by U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) to designate the Butterfield Overland Trail as a National Historic Trail passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday, Dec. 16, and is headed to the president’s desk to be signed into law.

The route, operated from 1858-1861 by the Butterfield Overland Mail Company and also known as the Butterfield Stage, was used to transport U.S. mail and passengers between St. Louis, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee; and San Francisco, California, serving as the route of the longest stagecoach operation in history. It became known as the “ox-bow route” due to its curved path comprised of approximately 3,553 miles of trail routes in eight states: Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.

“This is a long-overdue recognition for

the Butterfield Trail. Designating it as a National Historic Trail will preserve the story of westward expansion and Arkansas’s significant role in the growth and development of our country. This is the result of the vision of Arkansans passionate and determined to achieve this designation. I’m proud to champion this initiative and get it across the finish line,” Boozman said.

“Senator Boozman’s persistent efforts will help preserve the Butterfield Trail for Arkansans in the decades to come. I’m pleased to join him and support its passage in the House to preserve this historic national treasure,” said Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR).

“I am proud to support this effort led by Senator Boozman to designate Butterfield Trail as a national historic trail. The 170-year-old trail, reaching 3,000 miles from Arkansas to California, is steeped

in history, and this designation will ensure that future generations learn about its importance,” Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR04) said.

Boozman amended the original legislation to specifically preclude any potential effect on energy development, production or transmission as a result of the trail designation and has worked with every senator that would see this trail pass through their state to ensure they support the effort.

In 2018, after conducting a study to

evaluate the significance, feasibility, suitability and desirability of designating the routes associated with the Butterfield Overland Trail as a National Historic Trail, the National Park Service (NPS) announced they meet the requirements. The study was required by a provision of Public Law 111-11 authored by Boozman during his tenure as Congressman for the Third District of Arkansas in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The routes from St. Louis and Memphis merged in Fort Smith, and the Butterfield Overland Mail Company’s stagecoaches traveled through much of Arkansas. Stagecoaches made stops between Memphis and Fort Smith in St. Francis, Prairie, Lonoke, Faulkner, Conway, Pope, Yell, Logan and Franklin counties. The northwestern route that came out of Missouri included stops in Benton, Washington and Crawford counties.

Four segments of the Butterfield Trail in Arkansas have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Potts home, a well-preserved Arkansas way station along the path, is still standing in Pope County and is maintained as the Potts Inn Museum by the Pope County Historical Foundation.

Senator Boozman viewed an authentic Butterfield stagecoach, a piece of the trail’s history earlier this year.

Reflections from History and Faith: The counsel

By Jeff Olson

Some of our annual celebrations, particularly those of Thanksgiving and Christmas, and perhaps even New Years, provide many of us with quality family time, which we know is too much of a rarity these days. These special times also bring back some wonderful memories of days and celebrations past, even as far back as childhood. And with these holidays and other occasions, the meal is usually a major (if not the central) part of our celebrations.

As I take these walks down memory lane, my recollections often include my childhood days and our family meal times when we were all together sharing in some wonderful food and conversation. The more I thought about this the more I realized just how much of a role this setting and environment played, not only on special occasions but often as a major part of our daily lives throughout the year. This was also true of my wife’s childhood, so she and I tried very hard to continue this commitment in our home as we raised our own children.

When I was growing up, our family time around the supper table was typically about the only time and place that we had the opportunity not only to eat together but to visit with one another. This time together I believe contributed to the strengthening of our family bonds, to a deepening of our relationships, and to a stronger contentment, commitment and stability. Whenever there was an individual or family issue, it was often at the supper table where it was discussed and sometimes even solved. Whenever there was something joyous to share, it was often shared first with our family at the supper table. This made many of life’s victories and setbacks a family event where each of us had both an interest and a stake. Sure,

not everything made it to the table but those things requiring family support, prayer, and counsel often did. In addition, we tended to eat regularly and more balanced meals, which kept us healthier and I believe happier. Sure, our family wasn’t always able to eat together every day of the week, but we did as much as we could.

The family table was also an effective classroom for me. There I learned how to engage in conversation and how to listen and be interested in what others had to say. I received guidance in manners and good habits, which encouraged mutual respect. And, the family table was usually a place where we as a family could recharge to face the outside world once more after a hard day at work or school. And, I still remember that table as the first home of Wahoo, Checkers, Monopoly, Dominoes, Yahtzee and other family games which provided not only fun but also lessons in competition, good sportsmanship and teamwork. The counsel of our family table depended for its ultimate value on the faithfulness and perseverance of my mother, as was also true of my wife in our home as we raised our children.

Over the past several decades, things have changed. Today’s lifestyles and choices have resulted in our eclipsing the supper table for other alternatives. For instance, many of us find ourselves eating more meals in front of the television, more of us eating out than ever before and social media sometimes preoccupies us even during family time. How many times have you seen a couple at a restaurant sitting across the table from one another and both texting on their cell phones? With more mothers in the workforce and some of them (and fathers) leading single parent households, it is very difficult to develop and maintain any consistency with family meals. And, it’s probably true

that not as many women cook today as did in the past (though more men may). In many instances, it has likely come to the point that the urgency of getting the family fed as a necessity has overshadowed the focus of quality family time around the table.

Is the family table a lost cause? Is it a dead institution? Well, it might be a dying institution but I think it’s too early to close the coffin. To some extent, its future will depend upon choices we will make. We now live in a culture so much defined by personal autonomy, instant gratification and self-fulfillment that we’ve too often allowed these to undermine our family life. We parents have chosen at times to see our roles too much as simply providers of material needs, wants, and opportunities, and less as nurturers and teachers. Think about it: our homes are the first family, first school, first church, first society, first economy and first government that our children experience. Therefore, their vital initial impressions and future participation in these important institutions lay for the most part in our hands. Plus, it is the role of parent(s) to pass on to their children the norms, values and traditions which serve to perpetuate family heritage and legacy. These are the building blocks for not only our culture and nation but for civilization itself.

This all may seem a bit too Utopian to become a reality these days, but it can probably happen if only to a greater degree than it presently does. Since some aspects of our life are a matter of choices, why don’t we choose to prioritize certain times to turn off the TV, set aside the cell phone, leave the computer alone, and sit down and eat a meal or snack together or maybe just play a game as a family. It just may be that the counsel we need and some other special moments we’ve been missing can be found around

of the family table

that table that’s covered up with bills, magazines and who knows what else.

And, by the way, there is also much to be said about the family table for us empty nesters who have our own unique challenges once the kiddos have flown the coop. Of course, this includes us older/retired folks as well. While not any longer a factor in child-rearing, fidelity to the family table still contributes to sustaining and strengthening marriages and even relationships among friends and neighbors as we get together for cookouts, dinners, and games where we enjoy and support one another.

This also may go in tandem with other activities and hobbies we may enjoy, such as golf, tennis, softball, pickleball, cards, music and others. There is simply no substitute for being together, face-to-face in communication, fellowship, camaraderie and perhaps in competition... friendly, that is! These activities and the clubs and organizations they reside in are an important part of the intermediate institutions which are essential and fundamental to having a strong and resilient community and culture.

So, for 2023 shall we resolve to give the family table and/or a related and supportive venue a try, or perhaps just an overdue boost? It’s an opportunity full of treasure and future memories, and one which will all too soon pass us by.

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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.

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- HELP WANTED -

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

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

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

Hogspore News: Christmas at the Litter house

By Clet Litter as told to Bob Simpson

Hogspore had themselves a fine and joyous Christmas. I hope you did the same or even better, with batteries included. At the Litter house, we had family and friends here all day, and never ran out of food and fun. Punkin caught me trying to hide part of the food and beverages for later, but she forgave me. She said, “I don’t wannna start over and have to retrain someone else.” But, she got mad again when I agreed with her wise decision.

high school Marching Band of Various Alloys sounded bad. The members traded instruments with each other that represented the instrument they truly identified with. The worst part in the parade happened when the float drivers veered off in diverse directions. Turns out float drivers are the same guys that wear mascot costumes for sports games and children’s amusement businesses like Up Chucky Cheese.

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 T1228

- PETS -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Course, it’s always been nice to have a big family and friends. The friends don’t have to be large and overweight, but skinny friends don’t bring the best desserts, (If you don’t know the difference between desserts and deserts, you could end up eating a dry Dromedary camel pie). There’s a lotta children scurrying around. That works cause they help the adults figure out how to work the electronic gifts.

There wasn’t a Diversity Week Parade this year. The last one in December 2021 didn’t go well. The

A few more days and we enter 2023. Nobody is gonna say, “Show us what you got. Bring it on.” We’re gonna keep on doing what we’ve been doing, doing the best we can. There will be a lot more grumbling and shaking our heads at the guvernment.

Morton Trubletoof has another take on 2023. He says, “Happy New Year. Seems like it comes round about this time every year. Me and my wife Portia wish everyone good fortune in 2023. Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that it always gets colder this time of year?”

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

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 19, 2022

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

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 21 near Cove in reference to a break-in.

December 20, 2022

Deputies responded to a report of stolen property from an area on Ransom Road.

Deputies responded to a report of stolen property from a local school.

December 21, 2022

Deputies responded to a report of Financial Identity Fraud.

Joshua Bland, 30 of Louisville, KY was arrested by an officer with the Highway Patrol on a hold for another agency.

Deputies responded to a vehicle in the ditch on Polk 70.

December 22, 2022

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 99 near Vandervoort in reference to a structure fire.

December 23, 2022

Deputies were dispatched to a wrecked vehicle on Hwy 8 West. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies responded to a residence on West Johnson near Hatfield in reference to a physical domestic disturbance leading to the arrest of Bobby Peek, 46 of Hatfield on a charge of Possession of Firearm by Certain Persons.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Blossom Lane near Board Camp in reference to a Verbal Dispute. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies responded to a residence on Polk 41 S near Mena in reference to an unresponsive person.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence near Wickes in reference to a prowler.

December 24, 2022

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 41 near Mena in reference to a structure fire.

December 25, 2022

Deputies responded to a residence on Hwy 8 E near Mena in reference to a domestic disturbance leading to a citation being issued to Brittiany Mendel for Disorderly Conduct.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 19 Incarcerated Inmates with 17 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

December 18

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

Tanner Milham, 24, was charged with DWI, Refusal to Submit to BAC, Possession of Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle, and Disorderly Conduct after a traffic stop on Reine Street.

December 19

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

December 20

Ginger Acquaah, 41, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

Morgan Waller, 59, was served with warrants at the county jail.

A report of theft was taken from Wal-Mart.

December 21

Alicia Wolcott, 46, was charged with Disorderly Conduct after a call from McDonald’s

December 22

A report of Domestic Battering and Criminal mischief was taken from a residence on 3rd street December 23

No reports were filed

December 24

A report of aggravated assault was taken from a residence on Mountain View Drive

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Authorities then placed the suspect under arrested and identified him as 20-year-old Marcus Wester. Although Wester was stated as a resident of Nashville, court records show him residing in Horatio. It was at a home in Horatio where Wester was arrested by local authorities before being transported to the Sevier County Jail where he was being held on $250,000 bail.

The arrest affidavit states Wester admitted to sexually abusing an underage male on numerous occasions at various residences in Sevier, Howard and Polk Counties. He then allegedly sent recordings of the acts to the suspect arrested in London, England, through his Playstation 4.

A rape charge was filed against Wester in the Sevier County Circuit Court on Dec. 3. Upon a conviction, the Class Y felony carries a sentence of 25-40 years, or life imprisonment.

Wester is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on April 6, 2023.

In a statement regarding this case, Sevier County Sheriff Robert Gentry said those who commit acts of abuse against children will be found and prosecuted. He also praised the law enforcement agencies that worked together during the investigation and arrest.

Youth hunters take notice, marathon may affect you

By Ethan Nahté

Marathon runners will be hitting the trail for the 24th Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon Saturday, Jan. 7. Although the marathon is over a week away, youth hunters might want to be made aware in case they need to alter their hunting plans for both the safety of all involved, as well as the difficulty hunting with 500 feet repeatedly beating a path through the forest.

Event organizers Arkansas Ultra Running (AURA want to notify local hunters 200-plus runners will be traversing the Athens Big Fork (ABF) Trail on the same weekend as the Youth Hunt.

AURA president and ABf director Stacey Shaver-Matson said, “The event has always been the first Saturday in January and has never overlapped with a scheduled hunt until now.”

AURA does have a USDA Forest

Service Permit for that date. They have warned the runners signed up for the marathon and are requiring all runners and volunteers to wear bright orange, red, or yellow. However, they want to take every precaution they can in order to ensure runner safety.

The free event will be held on Saturday, Jan. 7 from 5 a.m.5 p.m. Although there is no entry fee, a $20 donation per runner is encouraged to support the Big Fork Community Center and to cover the cost

of aid station supplies.

According to the official site abftrailmarathon.com, the 250-runner limit has been met and registration is full. In an effort to be green, ABF will be cupless this year for aid stations and the post-race party.

The course utilizes the roads Hwy. 8, Polk County Road 83, and Forest Road B15. Registered runners begin at the Big Fork Community Center, run to the Athens Big Fork Northern Trailhead, run the full

length of the Athens Big Fork Trail to the Southern end, turn right off the trail and traverse a half mile on Forest Rd B23F to the aid station.

Runners turn around and retrace their steps back to the Big Fork Community Center where they will have food catered by IDC BBQ.

Shaver-Matson said, “AURA is grateful to the towns of Big Fork, Mena, and Athens for hosting us and our runners. This tradition of testing our metal is something those of us in the trail community look forward to every year.

All donations brought in by the event goes back into the community that serves them.

Check out runarkansasrun.com for more information on the Ultra Trail Series, which encompasses a number of AURA races and fun runs. Interested runners can also find them on Facebook by searching for AURA Ultra Trail Series.

The Athens Big Fork Trail as seen from the top of Brush Heap Mountain on the Eagle Rock Loop Trail in April 2022. (Photo by Amy Bult)

Hoop Shoot time for the boys and girls

By Ethan Nahté

If you have children ages 8-13, either boys or girls, who need something to do while on the Christmas break, hand them a basketball. It’s that time of year for the annual Elks Hoop Shoot sponsored by the Mena Elks Lodge No. 871.

Lisa Walker with the Elks Lodge said, “Whoever gets the most free throw hoops is the winner. It’s pretty intense. Once they win here, they go to Hot Springs. If they win there, they go to the semi-finals, and then finals. We had one boy that made it to the finals in Chicago.”

That boy was Luke Floyd, who won the overall 12 & 13-year-old division in the semi-finals in Kentucky in 2019.

Walker said, “Last year we had a guy who went to Paducah, Kentucky. They treat them like royalty. They put

up their rooms and have all kinds of events for the kids. It’s totally sponsored by the Elks.”

The Elks National Hoop Shoot is a free throw program has been going on for 50 years. The Polk County competition is At the Jim Rackley Gym at Mena Middle School. Signups begin at noon and the Hoop Shoot begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023.

Gym shoes are required. No boots or hard-sole shoes on the gym floor.

The division winners will continue to the quarter finals in Hot Springs, which will take place at the Park Magnet School Gym on Feb 4.

The semi-finals for the Central Region 9 Hoop Shoot is in Paducah, Kentucky.

The winners from around the country will compete in the 2023 National Finals in Chicago on April 22.

For more information contact Ronnie Cook at 479-234-1120.