Polk County Pulse February 1, 2023

Winter weather blankets Polk County

By Trey Youngdahl

The wintry weather the weather models predicted for Tuesday, Jan. 24 came to fruition and blanketed most of Polk County with rain turning quickly to snow just before noon. A Winter Weather Advisory went into effect at noon and remained in effect through 6 a.m. on Wednesday.

Snowfall from Winter Storm Kassandra varied by several inches across Polk County, with the National Weather Service Little Rock office announcing on their site that the first noticeable problems on Arkansas roads was in the Ouachita Mountains in Polk and Scott counties.

The snow fell until sunset with a brief lull, turning to mixed precipitation. The snow picked up again later in the evening, finally stopping sometime around midnight.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), some areas of the county like Bogg Springs were reported to have gotten as little as 1 inch, while other places such as Big Fork received up to 5 inches of snow. Mena was in the middle, reporting 4 inches of snow.

Queen Wilhelmina had the most snowfall for Polk County, with NWS reporting up to 8 inches. This

Several vehicles slid or spun off into ditches, signs and yards beginning within an hour of the snowfall. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

was due to the elevation and is not uncommon in events like this.

Mt. Magazine in Logan County received the most accumulation in Arkansas with 16 inches of snow.

Area temperatures dropped to 24 degrees. NWS reported had it been 5 degrees colder, there would have been significantly higher amount of snow — closer to 10 inches. Due to

moisture levels, 1 inch of rain was equivalent to 5-6 inches of snow during this storm.

Electric companies were experiencing power outages throughout the area. Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative reported that the outages began around 12:40 p.m. on Tuesday and continued into Wednesday. Northern Polk County suffered the majority of those outages, but linemen managed to get the power back on for most customers relatively quickly.

According to their Facebook page, the Co-op sent crews to northern Arkansas to assist other electric co-ops on Thursday.

Entergy had over 36,000 customers without power throughout Arkansas. They estimated they would have 90% of their customers back with power by 10 p.m. that Wednesday. More freezing precipitation fell Monday, Jan. 30 and is predicted to continue through Wednesday, Feb. 1 as Winter Storm Mara moves through, with lows back in the midto-high 20s.

Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas offer 2023 Legislative Guide

Little Rock, Ark. — Jan. 30, 2023 —

The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas recently launched the 2023 digital version of its popular Arkansas Legislative Directory. The digital directory is free and offered to iPhone and Android users.

“The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas Legislative Guide provides an easy-to-use tool to allow Arkansans to contact their state and federal elected officials,” said Buddy Hasten, president/CEO of the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas. “It is important that electric cooperative members stay in contact with their elected officials, and our app simplifies the process.”

The digital application provides names and detailed profiles of state and federal officials, interactive contact links with telephone numbers and e-mail addresses, detailed district maps and other pertinent information.

“Arkansas’ electric cooperatives are advocates for our members,” said Bill Gossage, vice president of governmental affairs with the cooperatives. “As always, by working with our members, we ensure that policies and laws are fair and in the best interest of Arkansans.”

The directory may be downloaded at:  https://aecc.com/government-affairs/legislative-guide/

The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas comprise 17 electric distribution cooperatives; Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Inc. (AECI), a Little Rockbased cooperative that provides various services to the distribution cooperatives; and AECC, a generation and transmission cooperative. The distribution cooperatives provide electricity to more than 600,000 members, or customers, in Arkansas and surrounding states.

AGFC and Polk County clean up Lake Wilhelmina

Submitted by AGFC

AGFC staff and Polk County recently gave Lake Wilhelmina in Polk County a thorough cleaning after wildlife officers were informed of a growing trash problem accumulating around the 200acre AGFC-owned lake.

Chris Crawford, a wildlife officer in Polk County, received complaints from a homeowner who lived near the picturesque Ouachita Mountain lake about a large quantity of trash left behind by campers. Upon further inspection, five locations around the lake had accumulated not only garbage left be-

hind by campers but also materials that were illegally dumped on the property. Crawford contacted fisheries staff in the AGFC’s Hot Springs Regional Office as well as Polk County Judge Brandon Ellison about the situation. Ellison offered the use of a front-end loader, dump truck and two county personnel to help with a cleanup effort.

After several hours, AGFC staff Brett Hobbs, Andy Yung, James Rogers and the two Polk County workers worked with officer Crawford to remove nearly ¾ of a large dump truck from the land surrounding Wilhelmina.

Wilhelmina Cleanup – Arkansas wildlife officers and Polk County workers recently cleaned up Lake Wilhelmina following a growing trash problem around the lake. The group cleaned up nearly an entire dump truck’s load of trash from the area.

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1168 Hwy 71S

Mena, AR 71953

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Boys and girls! Listen!

If you do stupid stuff, sooner or later you are going to be caught.

If the police pull you over, exercise your RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT! (In other words, don’t let your alligator mouth overthrow your mockingbird butt!

Smile. Be nice. Answer the officer’s questions with “Yes, Sir/Mam or No, Sir/ Mam” unless he/she specifically asks for another response. DO NOT EXCUSE YOUR GUILT! You can do that later in court if you dare. In court you will most likely not take a beating unless you are stupid in there.

Nine times out of ten you will be warned not to repeat your behavior that got you pulled over and allowed to go on your way.

NEVER ARGUE WITH THE POLICE! They have training and tasers and batons and GUNS! YOU WON’T WIN! The time and place to argue is, again, IN COURT!

NEVER RUN! There are no good outcomes if you cause more trouble than you are worth. If you run, you are going to piss them off and you don’t want a pissed off police officer! Expect a punch or more if they catch up to you or they don’t just shoot you.

Want to share your opinion?

who turn, repent, and fall into the arms of Jesus. He is waiting.

Elaine Roth, Mena

The Bible states in Romans 1:18 that His Word speaks against ALL sin. It also gives us the solution for forgiveness of ANY and ALL sin… to repent and turn from it.

Because there is so much talk concerning the LGBTQ community, I felt to address the truth of God’s word, publicly, with our community. I first need to say that I have no malice or animosity toward the LGBTQ community. We are to love them as Christ loved them. And HE loves them SO much… to SUCH a GREAT extent…that HE is not willing to lie to them.

His Word speaks truth concerning the sin that occurs within the LGBTQ community in Romans 1:24-27. God’s love, mercy and forgiveness gives hope to those who are led astray… in no matter what sin they are in.

The Polk County Pulse welcomes letters to the Editor addressing any topic of interest to our readers. To be published, letters must not contain obscene or libelous language. Letters do not reflect the viewpoints or opinions of Pulse Multi-Media.

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The following contact information is required when the letter is submitted: NAME, AGE, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER.

Letters are published at the discretion of the Editor and Publisher.

The Polk County Pulse is the area’s premiere and fastest growing news publication. The Polk County Pulse is FREE and published weekly on Wednesdays, with a distribution of 8,000 and an estimated readership of 10,000. MyPulseNews.com has hundreds of visitors daily and KENA and KQOR have thousands of listeners hourly.

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Another good lesson is, IF YOU ARE STUPID ENOUGH TO GET HIGH ON METH OR COKE, STAY WHERE YOU ARE AND DON’T DRIVE ANYWHERE! If you drive high, you will only do stupid stuff, get caught, get a beating or get shot.

DON’T DO STUPID! SAVE YOUR OWN LIFE!

Not satire.

Ron Lyon, Mena,

Letter to the Editor

I would like to respond to the article written by Ms. Thanos-Wade on January 25, 2023.

To be clear, I have no ill feelings toward any homosexual. God loves these people and desires for them to turn from their sin and come to Him. In Romans 1:18-32 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, God warns those who suppress the truth and He has made it very clear that homosexuality is a perversion and sinful.

To perceive it any other way is a lie from the devil. There is victory for those

The Bible speaks of confession in 1 John 1:9 Confession includes true repentance. And Repentance is re-aligning ourselves to His truth.

Respectfully,

Sandy Lunsford

Eds: See page 5 for related letter

Letter to the Editor

Thanks for allowing me to speak my mind. This time I want to talk about the poor shape most people keep their mailboxes in. Some don’t keep the lids shut then blame the postal service for their mail getting wet or stolen.

A lot of people don’t even have their address on the boxes.

I know of one person who has kept the mailbox flag hanging upside for many years!

I keep my letters short unlike some people. This is all I have to say for this time. I’d like to challenge more people to write in, guess some are just plain chicken!!

Donna Lay, Mena

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.

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Email: NEWS@MYPULSENEWS.COM

On the third week of the 2023 Regular Session, the House passed legislation that could impact everything from car tags to the start of the school year.

HB1150 which would extend the time period Arkansans have to register a vehicle. This bill would give Arkansans 60 days from the purchase date of the car or if they’ve moved to Arkansas from out of state. Currently, Arkansans have 30 days to register.

The House also passed HB1125 which prohibits level 3 and level 4 sex offenders from owning or operating a drone.

In addition, the House passed HB1091. This bill states that for purposes of employment in Arkansas, a GED shall be treated the same as a high school diploma.

Other bills making their way to the Senate now include HB1123. This bill would allow an individual who voluntarily seeks mental health treatment in a mental health institution or facility to petition the court for a license to carry a concealed handgun two years after treatment.

HB1098 would allow volunteer fire

departments to operate a newborn safety device under the Safe Haven Act if they are staffed 24 hours a day. The Safe Haven Act allows a parent to anonymously relinquish custody of an infant. HB1098 would also allow a parent to leave a newborn child with a medical provider staff member after delivery of the newborn.

The House passed HB1101 which amends the law concerning the issuance of a special license plate for disabled veterans. It changes the qualifications for a special license plate to a veteran who is at least 10% disabled. Currently, a veteran must be 30% disabled to qualify.

And the House passed HB1122 which amends the law concerning dates for the beginning of the school year. It states the first day of the school year for public elementary and secondary schools shall be on or after the Monday of the week in which August 19 falls, not earlier than August 14, and not later than August 26.

The House will enter the 4th week of the session on Monday, January 30th.

You can watch all House proceedings at arkansashouse.org

The first three weeks of the 2023 legislative have session have been remarkable for the wide variety of issues the Senate has addressed.

Public schools will get more flexibility in setting their academic calendar, thanks to Senate passage of legislation that widens the window of dates in which the school may begin.

Good Samaritan legislation passed by the Senate will add protections for individuals and organizations that try to prevent suicides.

Like other government employees, school staff will be allowed to take up to 15 days of leave if they’re for emergencies if they’re in the Civil Air Patrol.

Environmental regulations will be loosened slightly, to allow the burning of vegetation as a method of disposal.

People who want to become massage therapists will be able to start at the apprentice level, thanks to legislation that allows licensing of student and apprentice therapists.

Almost every local and state government in Arkansas flies the American flag every day. Legislation approved by the Senate will require those flags to be made in the United States. The requirement applies to Arkansas flags too.

An obscure statute, which most people were not aware of, will be repealed. It required motorists to turn off the ignition of their motor vehicle when they left it unattended. In effect it made outlaws of everyone who started their car in the driveway on winter mornings to warm up while they step back indoors to finish getting ready for work.

Senate Bill 47 is a bill of one paragraph that deletes the section in the Arkansas code that required drivers to always turn off their ignitions when leaving the car.

The Senate approved legislation to classify drag shows as adult entertainment if they appeal to the audience’s prurient interest. The sponsors say it will prevent sexualized performances in front of children.

The Senate Education Committee endorsed legislation that encourages schools to dedicate the final week of January as Holocaust Education week. Beginning in the fall, all public schools must teach courses on the causes and effects of the Holocaust, which refers to the systematic murder of more than six million Jews and other people by the Nazi regime of German during the 1930s and 1940s.

A purpose of the requirement is to teach children about the effects of bullying, stereotyping, bigotry and discrimination. Designating the last week of January as Holocaust Awareness Week will be encouraged, but not mandated.

The Senate will soon vote on legislation to clarify that a GED is the equivalent of a high school diploma when people apply for a job.

The Senate also will consider legislation to prohibit serious sex offenders from owning or operating unmanned aircraft, such as drones.

By late in the week, 131 Senate bills and 262 House bills had been filed. In past regular sessions, it’s usual for more than 2,000 bills to be introduced. Between 200 and 300 of those will be budget bills for state agencies, institutions of higher education and public schools. Typically, regular sessions last for 90 to 100 days.

John Maddox Terry Rice

AARP Arkansas accepting 2023 Community Challenge grant applications

LITTLE ROCK, AR — AARP Arkansas invites local eligible organizations and governments across the state to apply for the 2023 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 15 at 4 p.m. Central. Grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable in the long-term by improving public spaces, transportation, housing, civic engagement, diversity and inclusion, and more.

Now in its seventh year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older.

“AARP Arkansas is committed to helping communities across the state become great places to live for people of all ages with an emphasis on the 50-plus population,” said Ashley McBride, State Director. “The Community Challenge has proven that quick-action projects can lead to long-lasting improvements enhancing the quality of life for Arkansans.”

Previous Community Challenge grants have led to impressive results with nearly half of grantees leveraging their projects into additional funding support from private and public sector partners and eight in ten overcoming barriers and advancing change.

In 2023, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities, two of which are new this year. All projects must be consistent with AARP’s mission to serve the needs of people 50 and older along with other eligibility criteria. AARP will prioritize proposals that are inclusive, address disparities, and directly engage volunteers age 50 and older.

• New this year, the program will provide capacity-building microgrants paired with additional resources, such as one-on-one coaching, webinars, cohort learning opportunities and more for improving walkability and starting or expanding a community garden.

• Also new this year, the Community Challenge will also offer demonstration grants. A portion will be focused on transportation improvements with funding support provided by Toyota Motor

North America. Another portion of demonstration grants will focus on promoting greater awareness of the benefits of accessory dwelling units as a housing solution.

• AARP will also offer grants under a flagship opportunity to support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; diversity, equity and inclusion; digital connections; community health and economic empowerment; and new this year community resilience; and civic engagement.

Since 2017, AARP has awarded more than $12.7 million to over 1,060 projects — including 2022 Arkansas grant winners Main Street Blytheville, City of Corning, Fayetteville Housing Authority, and Conway County Center for Exceptional Children ACTION Services — through the Community Challenge to nonprofit organizations and government entities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The program provides direct support to all community types, including rural, suburban and urban communities with a special focus on the needs of those 50 and older.

The Community Challenge is open to eligible nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-bycase basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects.

The application deadline is 4 p.m. Central, March 15, 2023. All projects must be completed by Nov. 30, 2023. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge/.

AARP Arkansas works in collaboration with communities across the state, bringing people together, and providing resources and expertise to help make Arkansas counties, towns and cities great places to live for people of all ages. Past Community Challenge Grants in the state have ranged from public art to creating more livable communities through curb ramps, as well as community park improvements that make natural spaces more accessible for those 50-plus.

In the 8/10/2022 Pulse there was a letter by Cynthia Thanos-Wade. In general, her article concerned Roe v Wade being overturned. It seems she felt killing innocent babies was acceptable. She painted herself a victim in that she had recent surgery for a pacemaker but went to protest the Supreme Court decision anyway. She complained of heat and a headache and I was concerned for her well-being and felt her overzealous actions may have endangered her health. But in reading her letter found she brought those pains on herself and it was hard to be sympathetic for her suffering. She referred to our town as a “ Bible belt town”. I took exception to much of her rhetoric and spoke to that in a letter to the Pulse dated 8/17/2022.

Then on 1/25/2023 she again wrote to the Pulse maligning our newly elected governor who has taken steps regarding influence the LGBTQIA+ may have on our youngest. The letter went on to lament the leaving of her friend as a result of this. I wish him well in his new home.

The left has destroyed the livelihood of a business that would not bake their cakes for samesex weddings due to their strongly held religious beliefs.

There have been efforts to destroy the business and reputations of businesses like Chickfil-A, also with strong religious beliefs. I am so happy for you. It seems you have found Jesus and now know what he would want. It is good you no longer support abortion.

As a PS to her letter, she calls me out and says my uncompassionate stance promotes starving people to die at the border and that our selfish behavior needs to change. Baseless hyperbole. My letter of 1/11/2023 suggested nothing of the sort.

My letter asked we put our veterans and American citizens first. That our government wants to spend $800 million for illegal immigrants when we have our own in need of help seems misdirected. Ms. Wade seems to be of the mindset that problems experienced by others are ours to solve and I disagree. There is a legal process to come to this country. Follow it and be welcomed. Her concern for someone who starves and dies at the border seems hypocritical to me when she so willfully promoted the abortion of unborn children.

I wonder if Ms. Wade would feel so generous if someone broke into her home and stole her food, money, the future of her children, or her life. That is precisely what is going on in our country now.

The bottom line is this country is my home and I have spent my entire adult life defending it in the U.S. Navy and in my community as a police officer. I did both with dignity, pride, and purpose. I ask what the hordes of illegal immigrants have done for this country and when they manage to bankrupt us, then where do they run?

While a police officer in Virginia Beach, Virginia, I was blessed to have police chaplains ride along with me. I learned from them and respected their caring ways towards those having the worst day of their life. Many times, their presence made the difference to so many in need. They had an impact on how I conducted myself and I will forever be thankful for that.

Ms. Wade seems to think she knows me and passes judgment on how I treat others. As brief as I can be let me tell you about a program I started in Virginia Beach as an officer. My patrol area was the southern part of the city. That area has commercial farms and some of the most giving and generous people I had the privilege to serve. I witnessed waste of fresh produce that was usable. I found a closed 7-11 store in an older neighborhood and rented it for $10 a month. All my staff were volunteers, including me. The community was quick to bring clothing, furniture, food, and life’s necessities as donations. We networked with local churches to try and make sure our efforts went where needed. More than once I was called out after hours to help families whose homes burned that needed clothing to get going the following day until they could buy what they needed. We helped anyone with a genuine need. Our organization was called COPS an acronym for Chaplains Organization, Police, and Sheriffs. For almost two years I worked daily at this effort, to the exclusion of things I enjoyed. I did so without regrets. I expected no rewards or accolades.

I have tried to learn from experiences in my life and my biggest lesson was that you cannot help people that are not willing to help themselves. The money became insufficient to continue our efforts and the doors closed. I felt a sense of regret as there are always those in need.

My reason for sharing this with you is in the hopes that Ms. Wade will take into account my past efforts and rethink if I would starve anyone. I treated the criminals I arrested with respect and dignity and if I were still working as an officer, would do no different with illegal immigrants. That being said, breaking the law requires enforcement, and we need to quit encouraging people to come here illegally, and enforce our laws.

I would ask Ms. Wade what, if any, efforts has she made to alleviate the suffering of those at the border? As she so eloquently put it, “walk the talk”.

My apologies for being long-winded. I thank you for a forum to express my thoughts, though we may peacefully disagree.

With respect and kindest regards, Ronald Goss, Retired U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran and Retired Virginia Beach Police Officer

Geraldine Elizabeth Lewis

Geraldine Elizabeth Lewis passed away Monday, January 30, 2023, at the age of 87. She was born December 16, 1935, in Amarillo, Texas, to Henry Columbus Yeager and Ranie L. Lillie Yeager.

Geraldine most recently resided in Austin, Arkansas. She lived in Oden and worked in the Mount Ida glove factory for many years. After moving to Mena, she worked as a CNA at the local hospital and nursing homes.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Jerry “Jack” Lewis, her parents; her 2 brothers, Clifford Yeager and Leonard Yeager; 2 sisters, Cora Elen Hickman and Ruby Lee Moore all of California.

She is survived by 2 sons, Joseph Lewis (Mary) and Elzie Lewis (Becky); 4 grandchildren, Jennifer Halpain (Chris), Adam Lewis (Michelle), Brandi Harbour (Bryan) and Cari Overstreet (David); and 7 great-grandchildren Scarlett and Jacob Lewis, Jackson and Jeremiah Halpain, Ever Harbour, Samantha Watts and Kayla Parker.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Beasley Wood Chapel with Brother Donnie Jewell officiating. Interment follows in Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. prior to service.

Pallbearers will be Joe Lewis, Elzie Lewis, Chris Halpain, Bryan Harbour, David Overstreet, Jackson Halpain and Jeremiah Halpain.

Honorary pallbearers are Adam Lewis and Jacob Lewis. Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Edna Louise Cearley

Edna Louise Cearley (Granny), 93, of Hatfield, Arkansas, passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on June 17, 1929, to Ira Lee Simmons and Bessie Hazel Robinson, in Bradley, Oklahoma. She was a homemaker all her life.

Edna was a frequent visitor at PCDC and everyone knew her as “momma”. She loved flowers, it didn’t matter which ones, quilting was a lifelong passion for her, and going to the lake to pick up fishing weights.

She is survived by: one sister, Nadine Kennedy of Lindsey, Ok; five daughters, Thelma Hammond (Paul) of Mena, Ruby Thacker of Hatfield, Arlene Wells (Vernon) of Alder Springs, Mary Hill (Jeff) of Hatfield, and Bessie Murphy (Ronnie) of Wyoming; twelve grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews, and her four-legged companion Lilly.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Albert Cearley; and two grandsons James Hursh and Bobby Wells.

A memorial service will be announced on the Beasley Wood website.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Sevier County Medical Center opens

By Patrick Massey

Monday was a long-awaited and much-anticipated day for Sevier County with the opening of the region’s newest hospital.

The Sevier County Medical Center officially opened its doors to patients Monday morning, Jan. 23. The cover over the emergency room sign was taken off and the first patients were admitted that day to the brand-new county-owned hospital.

The opening has been delayed on several occasions due to vandalism at the construction site as well as shortages in construction materials, laborers and other issues related to the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 15-bed Sevier County Medical Center offers a broad range of medical services including general procedures and patient rehab services. In addition, the facility will provide the first 24-hour emergency care unit in Sevier County since the closure of the De Queen Hospital in the spring of 2019.

That year, Sevier County and three employees of the De Queen Hospital filed

a lawsuit against the hospital’s owners, Jorge Perez and his brother, Ricardo Perez, both of Miami. The suit alleged financial mismanagement on behalf of the owners.

Jorge Perez also faced claims of fraud in a lawsuit filed by more than a dozen Blue Cross & Blue Shield health insurance plans. In all, Perez closed 10 of the hospitals owned by his company, Empower Group of Florida, in 2019. In April of that year, Perez filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization for the De Queen Hospital. That request was later dismissed and the hospital was placed into receivership.

The county-owned hospital is overseen by a board of governors with further accountability established through the Sevier County Quorum Court. Construction of the $24 million facility was funded through a one-cent sales tax approved by a vast majority of voters in late 2019.

Last month, the hospital was awarded a $6.25 million federal grant through the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. Those funds aided in the purchase of equipment and other start-up costs ahead of today’s opening date.

By Richie Lawry

“Hello Americans; this is Paul Harvey. Stand by for news!”

For many years I tried to arrange my workday so that I could be near the radio when Paul Harvey would start his daily newscast with those familiar words. Paul Harvey’s voice and style made him seem like a friend was telling you what had happened that day. His voice is one of the most recognizable in the history of radio. Over 20 million Americans regularly listened to Paul Harvey each week. One thousand six hundred radio stations carried his broadcast.

Paul Harvey was an innovator in the news business. He was a pioneer in the blending of news and opinion. Harvey never tried to hide that his “news” broadcasts included his personal views and conservative bias. While he personalized the radio news with his conservative opinions, he did it in a friendly way with heart-warming tales of average Americans, and folksy observations that made people feel at ease.

In 1945, when he was 27, Harvey began reporting the news on the Chicago radio station WENR. Soon, his broadcasts were topping the ratings in the greater Chicago area. In November 1950, the station debuted the 15-minute “Paul Harvey News & Comments” program. The following year the program was nationally syndicated by the American Broadcasting Company. His distinctive delivery was heard regularly over ABC for almost 60 years until his death in 2009. He was the most listened-to man in broadcasting.

“I have a strong point of view, and I share it with my listeners,” Harvey told the American Journalism Review in 1998. Known for his staunch conservatism, he supported McCarthyism in the 1950s and George Wallace’s segregation in the 1960s. In his later years, Harvey veered to the left by supporting the Equal Rights Amendment and abortion rights and criticizing the Christian right for attempting to impose its views on others.

An Arkie’s Faith Stand by for news

The Los Angeles Times described his program this way: “Harvey’s typical broadcast included a mix of news briefs, humor, celebrity updates, commentary, and the kind of human-interest stories he

the Friday night, we were there?” “Yes,” I answered. “You didn’t finish the story. I was wondering what happened to the boy in the story.”

In 2018, the Alumni Association of Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, asked me to speak on Friday night of the alumni weekend. My wife and I were graduates of Campion Academy’s Class of 1973. We planned a week-long vacation in Colorado, spending time in Denver, Cedaredge, Leadville, and Loveland before attending the alumni weekend. We invited our granddaughter on the trip.

on for preaching about Jesus. “Suddenly, the ground begins to shake, and the prison foundations begin to crack. You can hear the sound of jangling chains and the squeak of cell doors opening. Every prisoner realizes that his chains have come unfastened. The jailer wakes up and runs into the jail. His heart sinks as he sees the doors have all swung open. He is sure his prisoners have escaped, and he knows this will mean death for him, so he pulls out his sword to commit suicide.

“At that moment, Paul sees what is happening and shouts out at the top of his lungs, ‘Wait, man! Don’t harm yourself! We’re all here! None of us has escaped.’ The jailer sends his assistants to get some torches and rushes into the cell of Paul and Silas. He falls on his knees before them, trembling.” Acts 16:26-29 (VOICE)

loved to tell in order to satisfy the public’s hunger for a little niceness.”

On May 10, 1976, Paul Harvey premiered a new radio series, “The Rest of the Story.” The new program consisted of stories presented as little-known or forgotten facts on various subjects with some key element of the story, usually the name of some well-known person, held back until the end. The broadcasts always concluded with the tagline, “And now you know the rest of the story.”

The tagline, “the rest of the story,” reminded me of a story about my granddaughter. One day, while I was at work, the phone rang. When I answered the phone, my granddaughter said, “Papa, do you remember when we went to Colorado?” “Yes,” I replied. She continued, “Do you remember when you preached

My wife and granddaughter were in the audience Friday night when I gave my talk. I opened and closed my speech with this story: One night a house caught fire, and the flames forced a young boy onto the roof. A fireman stood on the ground below with outstretched arms, calling to the boy, “Jump! I’ll catch you.” He knew the boy had to jump to save his life. All the boy could see, however, was flame, smoke, and blackness. As you can imagine, he was afraid to leave the roof. The fireman kept yelling: “Jump! I will catch you.” But the boy protested, “I can’t see you.” The fireman replied, “But I can see you, and that’s all that matters.”

Much later, my granddaughter was worried about the boy on the roof. She wondered what had happened to him. She was so curious that she called me. In my sermon, I left the story open because the boy represents each of us, and we have to decide what we will do.

In the book of Acts, there is a story about Paul and Silas. They were in pris-

When the jailer realized that the prisoners were all accounted for, he brought them out and asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.” Acts 16:30,31 (NLT)

When my granddaughter asked me what happened to the boy in the story, I told her that the boy trusted the fireman and jumped, so he was saved. The question I need to ask is, what must I do to be saved? I need to believe in Jesus so much that I will trust him and jump into his arms. He can’t save me if I don’t trust him enough to jump. He can’t save me if I am busy trying to save myself. It’s time for us to really believe in Jesus Christ: Believe enough to surrender our will and jump into his arms.

Gentle Reader, we are in the same situation as the young boy on the roof. If we stay in our current situation, fire will destroy us. The most critical question in our lives is, what must I do to be saved? In the little boy’s situation, the answer was to jump. What is the answer in your life? Will you make that leap of faith? “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.” Acts16:31 (NLT)

Joke of the Week:

I was told that alligators can grow up to fourteen feet, but all of them that I have ever seen have only four.

Paul Harvey… with the rest of the story.

Pulse Multi-Media is celebrating Women's History Month, highlighting local women who have been successful in their career or endeavors.

Community members are asked to nominate women who currently, or in the past, work or volunteer in Polk County at a place of business, a non-profit or an organization.

A third p art y wil l review the nominations, eight nominees will be chosen to be highlighted in a special section of the Pulse. Nominations should be submitted to Pulse Multi-Media by F rid ay, Feb. 17.

The form can either be found on-line at MyPulseNews.com or use the form to the right. Forms may be dropped off at the Pulse Multi-Media office, 1168 H wy 71 in Mena; mailed to P.O. Box 1450 Mena, AR 71953; or emailed to news@mypul senews.com

NOMIN ATION FORM FOR PULSE MULTI-MEDIA'S WOMEN IN BUSINESS INCELEBRATIONOFWOMEN'SHISTORYMONTH

YOURNAME:___________________

YOURPHONENUMBER:______

NOMINEE'SNAME:

NOMINEE'SPHONENUMBER:

NOMINEE'SEMAILADDRESS: _

NOMINEE'SPLACEOFBUSINESSORORGANIZATION: ________

DESCRIPTIONOFNOMINEE'SACCOMPLISHMENTS/EFFORTSWHICHMAKETHE NOMINEEAGOODCANDIDATETOBERECOGNIZED:

Dilbeck named Senior Vice-President for Union Bankshares, Inc.

Submitted article

Jarrod Yarnell, CEO for Union Bankshares Inc., has announced the addition of Mena native LeAnn Dilbeck as Senior Vice-President for Marketing and Engagement. Union Bankshares serves as the holding company for Union Bank of Mena, which is under the leadership of President Kevin Williams, with branches in Hatfield and Wickes, as well as First National Bank at Paris with branches in Waldron, Booneville, Caulksville, Ozark and Clarksville.

Dilbeck is a graduate of Henderson State University with a degree in marketing and a minor in communications. Her 25-plus year career actually started at Union Bank and she is thankful that her career path has brought her full circle.

“The banking industry has been ever-changing but Union Bank has always stayed true to its roots and that’s what I think sets community banks apart. It’s local people making local decisions for local markets. Union Bank is a major and

integral part of this community’s history and the same can be said of all the other branches in their respective communities. The commitment to its customers

is unparalleled. It’s in the bank’s DNA,” Dilbeck joked. “It’s who we are.”

Dilbeck is a board member of CASA of the Ouachita Region (Court Appointed Special Advocates); has served numerous terms on the Mena Polk County Chamber of Commerce, serving as president in 2022; a member of the Arkansas Regional Coalition of the Ouachitas; and The Crossing.

Her past community involvement includes serving on the Mena Depot Commission, Mena Lioness Club, consulting for the Mena Advertising/Promotion Commission, Mena Regional Health System Foundation, and Arkansas Community Colleges (ACC).

She was honored as the B.P.O.E 2007 Citizen of the Year, 2006 AHA Diamond Award, 2015 RMCC/ACC Alumnus of the Year, and is a 2019 graduate of the ACC Leadership Institute. She was most recently the Vice-Chancellor for External Affairs at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain.

She and her husband, David, previous-

ly owned and operated The Polk County Pulse before selling to Bunyard Media Group in 2015.

“It’s been a privilege to have represented a variety of industries, locally and nationally, throughout my career. I am humbled to be able to use all that experience at a bank that is not only financially invested but firmly entrenched in our local communities.”

The Dilbecks have two children. Their son Dustin will graduate the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in May and will be commissioned as a lieutenant in the United States Air Force as a nuclear missileer. Lexi is currently a freshman at UA Rich Mountain and will transfer to UA Fayetteville in August to pursue a degree in Ag Communications.

“We are excited to add LeAnn to our growing team,” Yarnell said. “She understands who we are and our commitment to our team as well as our local communities. She brings with her a wealth of experience and a contagious energy and enthusiasm as we plan for the future.”

Tahoe catches fire following snowstorm

By Pulse Staff

Dallas Valley Rural Volunteer Fire Department responded to an automobile fire in a ditch along Hwy. 8 East around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25. Despite the ongoing snowstorm, the weather conditions reportedly did not have any effect on the response time. Seven volunteer firefighters fought the blaze while deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Department directed traffic.  Reports from the fire department say that the fire was extinguished very quickly, as the fire had been burning for some time before authorities were notified.

The vehicle, a 2004 Chevy Tahoe, was abandoned and there were no reports of injuries at the scene. Some witnesses posted on the fire department’s Facebook page the vehicle had been there since at least 9 p.m. Tuesday and was not burning as of 10 p.m. The fire de-

partment stated the source of the fire is unknown.

The sheriff’s department has contacted the owner. Sheriff Scott Sawyer said the cause is still under investigation.

Meanwhile, the sheriff’s department responded to approximately 30 weather-related accidents Tuesday, Jan. 24, with approximately five minor injuries. Wednesday, the department worked four accidents with no injuries.

More inclement weather hit the area Monday as Winter Storm Mara made its way beginning in Texas and across through Arkansas and other states east and northeast. The storm began icing some bridges and overpasses Monday morning. The precipitation and freezing temperatures will last through at least Friday, causing more potential for unsafe roadways, sidewalks and steps. Make sure that plants, people, pipes and pets are safe and warm.

E-Z Mart awning not damaged by weather

By Trey Youngdahl

Drivers on U.S. Highway 71 South may have noticed that the awning over the gas pumps at E-Z Mart has been removed.

Speculation spread across social media that the dangling pieces were a result of the winter weather affecting the area Tuesday, Jan. 24. E-Z Mart staff reports that the removal

was actually planned months ahead and it was coincidental that the removal happened during the snowstorm.

The pumps were hit by a grocery truck in July of 2022 and posed a safety risk. The franchise opted to take the awning down. It is uncertain when a replacement will be installed.

(Photo by Richie Lawry)

Mena school attendance needs improvement; reading levels progress

Submitted by Mark Hobson

The Mena School Board conducted their January meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 18 in the district administration building. Dr. Lee Smith began the meeting with the Superintendent’s Report. He updated the board on Governor Sander’s education plan Arkansas LEARNS as well as the legislative session.

Smith then stated that the district continues to lag behind their attendance goal. The attendance rate for the first semester was 92.3% but Mena Middle School (MMS) and Mena High School (MHS) have increased their percentage rate.

Attendance continues to be an issue for Louise Durham Elementary (LDE) and Holly Harshman Elementary (HHE).

On a positive note, the number of discipline incidents in the first semester is down significantly over last year. From 503 incidents last year to 398 this year.

Smith then recognized Assistant Superintendent Bridget Buckley for an update on the district’s reading fluency. MMS was led by the eighth grade. Of those who were reading below grade level, 66% are now reading at grade level.

MHS was led by the ninth grade with 63% of those below grade level having made progress in the first semester.

Meanwhile HHE had a total of 43 students improve to grade level.

LDE is currently underway with NWEA Testing and those results will be available soon.

Buckley added that HHE and MMS are doing exceptionally well in the “Great Reading Games” with Learning Ally. HHE is currently third in the nation, having read over 100,000 pages and MMS is 12th in the nation, having read over 23,000 pages. According to Learning Ally there are 17,500 schools nationwide who use this resource

for struggling readers.

In new business, Dr. Smith acknowledged the board’s hard work over the past year and each board member was given a gift package from the Sassafras Bakehouse for School Board Appreciation Month.

Next was the school board member training report. Dr. Smith informed the board whether they had met all the yearly training requirements. This information is reported to the state each year.

The board was informed that their statement of financial interest is due Jan. 31.

Approval was given for the renewal of the school board legal liability insurance with a premium of $9,977.

Buckley then provided an update on 2023 model policy updates:

1. COVID-19 leave policies for both certified and classified staff have been repealed.

2. School choice applications will only be accepted between Jan. 1 and May 1 through either electronic timestamp submission or postmark. Schools can decline to accept due to having to hire additional staff for a grade, program or building capacity.

3. Schools will provide age-appropriate education regarding breastfeeding as well

as providing support and space for employees, students or volunteers who are breastfeeding mothers. Break time will be provided according to the employee, student or volunteer needs.

4. Visitors are directed to not use devices to record audio or video or take photographs when a general expectation of privacy exists. Visitors will not post, create, send, share, capture audio, video, or photographs of students unless permission is granted by the guardian or the student who is 18, is authorized by the district or is required to do so as a part of the job duties.

Next on the agenda was the proposed budget of expenditures for July 1, 2024June 30, 2025. It was approved with a total budget of $12.6 million dollars.

The board approved the latest financial report. With Dr. Smith saying that expenses did outpace revenue this past month which is normal for December. The board then approved the renewal of Dr. Lee Smith’s contract as superintendent of schools to extend to the 2025-2026 school year with a raise to $125,000.

Finally in personnel the board accepted resignations:

• Samantha Breedlove, seventh grade and junior high cheer coach-effec-

tive Dec. 21, 2022

• Alexa Brewer, paraprofessional MHS-effective Dec. 22, 2022

• Kelly Bowen, bus driver-effective Jan. 9, 2023

• Donna Golden, third grade teacher, HHE-effective March 3, 2023

• Alyssa Hostetler, MHS secretary-effective no later than June 30, 2023

Restructure:

• Kristine Albin, from MHS ELA to journalism/yearbook

Hire:

• Shawna Powell, MHS ELA-replacing Kristine Albin-effective Jan. 9, 2023

• Amber Hendricks, MMS AE paraprofessional-replacing Tiffany Sims-effective Jan. 16, 2023

• Misty Mullen-junior high cheer coach-replacing Samantha Breedlove for the remainder of the 20222023 school year

• Chad Pettigrew, C-route bus driver-effective Jan. 9, 2023

• Alyssa Hostetler, bookkeeper-replacing Suzanne Bentley-effective no later than June 30, 2023

Fall 2022 UCA Presidential Scholars

CONWAY, AR (01/26/2023) —The University of Central Arkansas congratulates nearly 1,200 students who were named a fall 2022 Presidential Scholar.

(Eds. The following Polk County residents made the list:)

• Sumer L Brown, of Mena

• Baylee J Davis, of Grannis

• Makenna S Goss, of Mena

• Alexis P Hall, of Grannis

• Sophie R Jackson, of Cove

Founded in 1907, the University

of Central Arkansas is a premier student-focused public university located in Conway, Arkansas.

UCA has more than 160 academic programs and certificates with the colleges of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Behavioral Sciences; and Natural Sciences and Mathematics; and the Graduate School. To learn more about UCA, visit  uca.edu, or through social media at  Facebook,  Twitter,  YouTube or Instagram

UA Little Rock announces Fall 2022 Chancellor’s List

LITTLE ROCK, AR (01/25/2023)

— UA Little Rock announces its Fall 2022 Chancellor’s List, recognizing students with superior academic performance in a semester.

To be eligible for the Chancellor’s List, students must earn at least nine credit hours and at least a 3.9 GPA.

Local UA Little Rock students who made the Chancellor’s List include:

• Justice Neufeld of Mena

• Chloe Speight of Mena

Speight was also named to the Dean’s List. UA Little Rock students must earn at least nine credit hours and maintain at least a 3.5 GPA.

About 650 UA Little Rock students were named to the Chancellor’s List for the Fall 2022 semester.

With about 9,000 students and 100 programs, UA Little Rock offers learning, research, service, social and career opportunities that can only be found at a metropolitan university located in Arkansas’s capital city.

Acorn student essay winners

In Dec. 2022, the Mena Elks Lodge 781 conducted their annual Americanism Essay Contest for students in grades five through eight. The theme for this year’s essay contest was, “What is Your American Dream”.

Acorn High School seventh and eighth grade history teacher Andy Arnold coordinated the essay writing activity with Phyllis Caldwell of the Mena Elks.

From Acorn High School, 11 students submitted essays and will receive certificates. Four of the students will be advancing to the state competition with their essays. The Acorn High School students that will be competing at state include: (L-R) Madelynn Auer, Taylar Kesterson, Addi Ledbetter and Owen Wasif.

(Photo courtesy of ORSD)

Recipe for reaching children in need

By Sen. John Boozman

Americans have long called on Washington to cut inefficiencies in federal programs and modernize them for the 21st century. Yet rarely, are those calls heard on Capitol Hill.

Come this summer, we will get a good glimpse at what happens when Congress follows through with rhetoric and puts change into motion, as a lot of hungry children will be helped as a result.

A long overdue modernization of our summer meals program, based on ideas I have championed for years, recently became law.

These reforms update rules that have been in place for over 60 years. Generations of families have struggled with the challenges these restrictive regulations presented while Washington sat idle.

Those difficulties arose from the requirement that children travel to a central location and eat at that site during the summer. This may work well in some communities. However, in rural areas, it can be difficult for children to reach a meal site, if one even exists.

Continuing down this antiquated path left many families scrambling to find access to nutritious meals for their children during the months when classes are not in session.

The solution I have long advocated for, and successfully incorporated in the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding package, is to give states more options to reach hungry children during the summer. There are proven ways to achieve this goal, but until now, states have been powerless to employ commonsense approaches like off-site meal options or the issuance of electronic benefits cards.

These options do not replace congregate feeding sites, which as I previously noted, work well in many communi-

ties. But the one-size-fits all approach is outdated, and states have needed additional ways to fill the void in communities where it is not feasible for children to gather in a central location to eat.

Moving forward, states will be allowed to provide non-congregate meal options, such as grab-and-go or home delivery, to eligible children, and issue Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, capped at $40 per child per month, to eligible families on a permanent basis.

These options proved to be quite effective during the pandemic. When social distancing mandates were in place, Congress waived the requirement for children to travel to a central location and eat their meals onsite. In turn, this spurred innovation with public-private partnerships that provided access to nutritious meals for young Arkansans.

We already had evidence to show summer EBT works. Pilot programs conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture prior to the pandemic showed summer EBT successfully reduced child hunger by over 30 percent among participants.

A handful of my colleagues and I had been pushing for these changes for many years. The success of these options during the pandemic convinced the rest of Congress it was time to act. While I am pleased to see these much-needed reforms are now law, it really should not be this difficult for Congress to act when a solution is staring us in the face.

While government is almost always behind the curve on innovation, we can show the American people that we are serious about fixing the way Washington works. It just takes a willingness from policymakers to focus on solutions, rather than punditry. Ending food insecurity is a great place to start that commitment.

Linda Terry, with Martin Marietta, presents a check to UA Rich Mountain Bucks Athletics. UARM Director of Development Diann Gathright is pictured accepting the donation. (Photo courtesy of UARM)

Walmart Community Grants awards UA Rich Mountain Foundation to assist the Johnson Learning Commons with the purchase of a virtual reality station. Pictured is Executive Assistant to the Chancellor Yanel Rios accepting on behalf of the UARM Foundation and Walmart Store No. 67 Manager Scott Brown.

(Photo courtesy of UARM)

Around Town

The Polk County CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) Distribution for Feb. 1 has been canceled. These Commodities are only for persons 60 years of age and older who have completed the application process. Please contact the Polk County Outreach office at (479) 394-4707 for the rescheduled date.

The Polk County Disabled American Veterans and auxiliary will be holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, Feb. 2, at Veterans Park in Acorn. Potluck will be at 6 p.m. with meetings to follow.

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.

Henry Classic Lever Action .22 Carbine Rifle to be given away Feb. 25 at the Gillham fire department at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 each or five tickets for $20. All proceeds will go to Rebecca (Burris) Alexander to help with funeral and other expenses. Her husband Mikeal Alexander died suddenly Jan. 8. There will be a pulledpork sandwich dinner by donation from 4-6 p.m. and an auction from 6-8 p.m. Any items can be donated for the auction. Call Judy Oliver at (870) 584-8254 or Maude Burris at (870) 386-2530 for any questions or to buy tickets.

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.

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

The 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) 234-8366 or (479) 216-3786.

The Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes has meals and activities for seniors. If you need to make delivery arrangements or changes call (870) 385-2373.

The Polk County Social Seniors will meet at the New China Chinese Restaurant, 409 Hwy 71 N, on Feb. 14 at noon. The Entertainment will be the Lyric Readers from OLT. Newcomers are always welcome. Any questions? Call Linda at (956) 241-2633.

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 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.

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!

The Polk County veteran organizations presented Theresa Judkins with a plaque Jan. 26, which recognizes her service with the Veteran Service Office. Judkins retired on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023.

(L-R) Tom Detters, Eddie Cross, Denie Westphal, Linda Johnson, Theresa Judkins, and Jim Scott (Photo submitted by Ed Anderson)

CLASSIFIEDS

- HELP WANTED -

Hogspore News:

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. T0208

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

T0201

Construction, steel buildings, welding, pads, ponds, and roads. Military discounts. Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0301

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

T0208

Tree services, forestry mulching, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate. T0301

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T0208

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.

T0222

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

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

T0222

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.

T0222

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.

T0222

Don’t worry, he doesn’t bite

By Clet Litter as told to Bob Simpson

Me and Punkin took a stroll. We met our neighbor lady, Girtha Widebody, out walking her little dog, Pastry. We were admiring Pastry, when Girtha said, “Don’t worry, he doesn’t bite, but he may lick you to death”.

I sez, “Well, I really don’t want Pastry to kill me, so are there any other options.” I heard about that all the way home. Punkin pointed out that I shoulda known what Girtha meant. I ought to go back and make it right. I caught up with Mrs. Widebody, (it wasn’t hard to do), and I apolergized to her dog.

The Barbershop Think Tank come up with the assorted wheel levels of Extreme Roller Blading, kinda like Karate belts or Feng Shui belts.

On a dirt road. One

On a muddy dirt road. Two

Up a muddy dirt road in the mountains. Three

Up a muddy dirt road in the mountains blindfolded. Four

Up a muddy dirt road in the mountains blindfolded with rusty wheels. Five

Morton Trubleltoof was bragging that he baked a cherry pie. “Portia helped mix the flour and butter and set it in the re-

frigerator. When the dough was cold, she rolled it on her special floured canvas pastry mat. I opened the can of cherry pie filling by myself and added some cinnamon. I called out to Portia to see if I should add more sugar to the canned filling. She said, ‘It’s already sweetened, but I like it a little sweeter. Go ahead and throw a tablespoon in.’

Clet, the pie turned out great. Portia had a slice and she liked it. She asked me if I had added the extra tablespoon of sugar. Well, sort of, I said. I did what you told me and threw in a tablespoon, but you might wanna be careful when you wedge out the other pie pieces, so you don’t hit the tablespoon.”

Old Man Grimely was holding court in the Come-On-GiveUs-One-More-Chance Diner. He was saying that his young bride wished that she coulda been there with him to experience the old days. Grimely said, “I don’t have to worry about that. When I look in a mirror, I see that my real old days are here now.”

Jimmy Suspenders says, “I never dated anyone that was ugly, but all my former girlfriends say that they did.”

You can contact Clet Litter at bobsimpson2007@AOL.com You know you wanna.

Call Sam (757) 639-5984 T0201

Police

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

January 23, 2023

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

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hidden Lane near Mena in reference to a domestic altercation.

January 24, 2023

Michael Thompson, 41 of Hatfield was arrested on four Felony Failure to Appear Warrants, a Body Attachment and to be held for another agency.

While patrolling, deputies located an abandoned vehicle in the ditch on Hwy 88 E leading to a citation being issued to Christopher Chesser for leaving the scene of an accident. Steve Hedrick, 55 of Wickes was arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department on a Body Attachment Warrant.

January 25, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to a vehicle fire on Hwy 8 E near Mena. Deputies responded to a residence on Polk 97 near Acorn in reference to a burglary.

January 26, 2023

Michael Thomas, 36 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance with Purpose to

Deliver.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Dover Street near Hatfield in reference to an altercation. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

January 27, 2023

No reports.

January 28, 2023

No reports.

January 29, 2023

Leon Jordan, 36 of Hatfield was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 27 Incarcerated Inmates with 20 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

January 22

Dillion Turner, 24, was charged with Public Intoxication and Obstruction of Government Operations at EZ Mart.

Dare Garrison, 28, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

Dawnylle Boutwell, 53, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

January 23

A report of unauthorized use of a vehicle was taken from a walk-in complainant.

Tabitha Ferguson, 37, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

January 24

Martin Rodriguez, 21, was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Harassment, Public Intoxication, Possession of Open Container in a Motor Vehicle, and Carrying a Weapon after a disturbance call at Dollar Tree.

January 25 No report.

January 26 No report.

January 27

Landon Ragain, 18, was charged with Possession of Marijuana and Speeding after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

A report of theft was taken from Walmart.

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

January 28

Matresa Stokes, 39, was charged with DWI, Violation of Ignition Interlock Device, and Speeding after a traffic stop on Reine Street.

Rocquel Priser, 43, was charged with Theft of Property at Walmart.

Chenoweth ordered to undergo mental evaluation

By Patrick Massey

MADISON COUNTY – A De Queen man accused of killing three family members in Madison County in 2021 has been ordered to undergo a mental evaluation to determine if he is capable of standing before a jury trial.

According to court records, the Circuit Court of Madison County ordered the mental health evaluation last month for 25-yearold Hunter Chenoweth of De Queen. Chenoweth is accused of killing his mother, Tami Lynn Chenoweth, 51; his stepfather, James Stanley McGhee, 59; and his sister, Cheyenne Chenoweth, 26. All three were found deceased inside a home in Madison County on Feb. 23, 2021, according to the Arkansas State Police.

The evaluation will determine if Chenoweth, who has pleaded not guilty to the three counts of capital murder, is capable of appearing in court for a jury trial.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in Chenoweth’s case. His attorneys filed a motion early last year seeking to prevent the death penalty as a possible sentence in his case. Chenoweth asked the court to hold a hearing to present evidence suggesting that prosecutors are denying him the opportunity to enter a plea and thereby avoid the death penalty. The motion described the lack of a plea deal from prosecutors as “abritrary, capricious and standardless.”

That motion was defeated and the Madison County Circuit Court upheld the prosecution’s intent to seek the death penalty. The notice of intent originally filed by prosecutors states the murders for which Chenoweth has been accused were committed in an “especially cruel and depraved manner.”

Chenoweth’s defense was unable to prove its claim that nothing in his case distinguishes it from other cases in which the State of Arkansas has agreed to a plea bargain for a sentence of less than death. A further defense motion sought to proclaim the death penalty as “cruel and unusual” and prohibit it as a sentence in Chenoweth’s case.

The court order filed last year denied Chenoweth’s claim and makes him eligible for the death penalty upon his conviction. Defense attorneys then filed a notice of intent to raise lack of criminal responsibility as a defense due to mental health issues.

Chenoweth has been repeatedly scheduled to appear in court for a jury trial over the past year and a half. However, the trial has been continued on several occasions due to incomplete reports from the Arkansas State Crime Lab. The jury trial is now on hold pending completion of the mental health evaluation.

The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Rich Mountain Fiber Co. on Friday, Jan. 20. Rich Mountain Fiber Co. is located at 700 Mena Street. They sell a multitude of yarns, host classes on various crafts, and even offer kits.

(Photo courtesy of Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce)

2/07 - Cossatot @ Two Rivers

Cossatot River Eagles prepare to launch football, volleyball this spring

By Patrick Massey

WICKES – Get ready Eagles fans, the Cossatot River School District is preparing to launch two brand new athletic programs beginning this fall.

Cossatot River announced last year its decision to build a football and volleyball program from scratch. Both programs now have coaches:

Coach Dakota Barrett was hired last year to lead the district’s softball program. Now he will serve in an additional capacity as the Eagles head football coach.

Coach Preston Pope will come to the district this summer, where he will lead the volleyball program in addition to track in the spring.

Superintendent Tyler Broyles said the district will launch its senior and junior high volleyball programs this coming school year. He stresses that Cossatot River students already participating in an existing athletic program are encouraged to join the new programs.

ed programs,” Broyles said. “Thus, eligible players are current sixtheighth graders who will field a seventh-ninth junior high team next year for each program. Coach Barrett has sent home junior high football sign-up forms to sixth graders. There are also forms in the CRHS office and on social media.”

Cossatot River recently hosted an informational meeting to gauge the community’s interest in forming a pee-wee football program within the district’s boundaries. The program would be independent of the school — like other pee-wee sports — and be led by a youth association made up of parents.

Broyles said the district hopes it can facilitate the creation of a peewee football program to help build the future of the district’s junior and senior varsity programs.

“We’re starting our football and

2/03 - Mena vs. Dardanelle

“Students who choose to play football or volleyball can still play basketball — they do not have to choose one or the other since basketball starts after football and volleyball seasons are over,” Broyles explained. “In fact, we encourage students to participate in multiple sports and activities. The only way a student will have to choose is if the sports fall in the same season, like softball/ baseball and soccer, for example.”

Cossatot River’s new football program will begin this fall at the junior high level. Broyles said the program will phase into the senior high level as junior high students advance to high school and as the program grows.

“This is the approach advised by outside officials to ensure viability of the programs based on precedent from other schools who have start-

volleyball programs later this year, but pee-wee football, as with any sport, is so crucial to the success of your older teams,” Broyles explained. “But the success of the peewee football program will depend on parental involvement and fundraising for the upfront costs.”

Cossatot River parents who are interested in their student playing — or are interested in coaching a pee-wee football team for the 20232024 school year — are encouraged to contact Coach Barrett at  dakota. barrett@cossatot.us.

“Although the pee-wee football program will be led by a youth association independent of the school, Coach Barrett is happy to provide some guidance as needed,” Broyles said. “This is a new and exciting time for CRSD as we advance forward under our vision of unity and growth.”