Polk County Pulse January 11, 2023

Polk County Quorum Court sworn in

By Ethan Nahté

The Polk County Quorum Court was sworn in Tuesday evening, Jan. 3. New Polk County Clerk Lisa Standridge swore in all but Tawana Gilbert, who was sworn in on New Year’s Day by the

Hon. Andy Riner.

The Court welcomed two new incoming justices of the peace, Jeremy Jones (far left) and James Looney (far right). With the drop in Polk County’s population in the 2020 census, two of the 11 districts were eliminated

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

and merged. Other JPs include (l-r) Mitchell Tidwell, Tommy Floyd, Troy Lunsford, Levi Ellison, Terry Scott and Chris Daniel.

The next Quorum Court meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Feb. 28 at the Polk County Office Complex Building.

Recall on some Fisher-Price and Kids 2 baby rockers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Fisher-Price are alerting consumers to at least 13 reported deaths between 2009 and 2021 of infants in Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rockers and Newborn-to-Toddler Rockers. Rockers should never be used for sleep and infants should never be unsupervised or unrestrained in the Rockers.

Consumers are encouraged to report incidents involving these or other infant products to CPSC at saferproducts.gov. CPSC investigates incidents and fatalities that occurred while infants were in the products.

CPSC Chair Alex D. Hoehn-Saric said in a statement, “Infant and child safety is a top priority for the CPSC. The agency has been investigating incidents and analyzing the data related to these products. And this work will continue.

“While our investigations into these incidents are underway, we wanted to alert parents and caregivers about safe sleep practices for in-

fants—particularly as they relate to the use of rockers.”

Fisher-Price has sold more than 17 million Rockers worldwide since the 1990s and reviews and evaluates reported incidents that occurred while infants were in the products. Fisher-Price recommends consumers visit Fisher-Price’s Safe Start webpage at www.fisherprice.com/ SafeStart for safety videos, tips and additional safety information, as well as the latest safety warnings for Rockers and other infant products.

Consumers are also encouraged to report incidents to Fisher-Price at 800-432-5437.

Parents and caregivers should

never use inclined products, such as rockers, gliders, soothers, and swings, for infant sleep and should

Hoehn-Saric said, “Your infant’s sleep environment should be the safest place in your home, so we want to remind parents and caregivers: the best place for a baby to sleep is on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet or play yard, without blankets, pillows, or other items. Babies should never be unsupervised or unrestrained in rockers, gliders, soothers, or swings.

not leave infants in these products unsupervised, unrestrained, or with bedding material, due to the risk of suffocation. CPSC recently finalized a rule requiring that infant sleep products have a sleep surface angle of 10 degrees or less. The rule [went] into effect on June 23, 2022.

Consumers are reminded:

• The best place for an infant to sleep is on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet or play yard.

• Parents and caregivers should use a fitted sheet only and never add blankets, pillows, padded crib bumpers, or other items to an infant’s sleeping environment.

• Infants should always be placed to sleep on their back. Infants who fall asleep in an inclined or upright position should be moved to a safe sleep environment with a firm, flat surface such as a crib, bassinet or play yard.

“I also want to highlight the new rule on infant sleep products that will require that sleep products have a sleep surface angle of 10 degrees or less, and that all sleep products conform to the existing bassinet, crib, or play yard standard. The rule goes into effect on June 23, and will be an important step to help parents and caregivers keep babies safer. The CPSC will aggressively enforce the rule in order to protect the most vulnerable among us, our children.

“We are also asking for the public’s help by reporting any incidents with nursery or other consumer products to CPSC at SaferProducts. gov/.”

About Fisher-Price

Fisher-Price is committed to the safety of its products. Founded more than 90 years ago, Fisher-Price’s purpose is to be the most trusted brand for parents and caregivers of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. For more information on Fisher-Price please visit fisher-price.com/.

Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker (left and center), Fisher-Price Newborn-to-Toddler Rocker (right).

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1168 Hwy 71S

Mena, AR 71953

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Letter To The Editor:

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, totaling $1.7 trillion, was flown to President Biden, who was on vacation in St. Croix, on 1229-2022, for his signature. The optics apparently escaped the media. A green-thinking administration flew a document for the president’s signature. Wonder what carbon footprint that created? A big part of that spending bill was aimed at lowering just that, at least for the rest of us, who they want driving electric cars, among other green initiatives.

port illegals is nothing less than honey to bees. Why not flood our country when there is incentive and no deterrent? This spending is not an effort to curb the uncontrolled influx but rather capitulation by our elected leaders.

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In that spending bill is $800 million that got transferred from Custom and Border Protection (CP) to Federal Emergency Management Agency for housing, feeding, transportation, medical, and building new shelters for illegal immigrants. $785 million was earmarked for that purpose and the remaining $15 million is currently unaccounted for. $1.6 million was for suicide prevention and wellness for CBP. I never read any news stories about 14 CBP employees committing suicide in 2022. That is beyond acceptable and needs to be investigated and addressed, not kept quiet.

What is beyond my ability to understand is why we make little to no effort to enforce our borders and the flow of illegals is growing, not slowing. Our politicians do not seem to take seriously the crisis this is creating, here and abroad. Spending $800 million to build housing, feed and provide medical care, and trans-

I remember a saying that “charity begins at home.” I feel personally that not one cent should be spent on any illegal immigrant until every veteran and other homeless citizens of our country are housed and cared for. They have earned that by birth and service. This may sound harsh but I feel these folks seeking a better life should do so legally. They are ENTITLED to NOTHING. They carry childhood diseases we had wiped out years ago, by our effective immunization protocols, that their home countries do not follow. Most have no job skills. The majority will be dependent on U.S. taxpayers for their every need... forever. They will have anchor babies and in less than 20 years could have a voting block to take over this country by voting their benefactors into slavery. Sorry, they already may have by showing up uninvited and demanding care.

Know who your elected representatives are and call or email them your concerns. It is not too much to ask that they do their job and secure our future, our borders, our safety and security. There is no telling how many illegal arms, drugs, and terrorists

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have come in with the flood of illegal immigrants, until it is too late.

As always, I thank you for a forum to air my thoughts peacefully, though we may at times disagree.

With respect and kindest regards,

Ronald Goss, retired, Mena

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From the

State House of Representatives

The 94th General Assembly will convene at noon on Monday, January 9.

The House will have 26 new members taking the oath of office and 74 returning members. The longest-serving members will be serving their 7th term in the House.

This body will range in age from 27 to 81. There will be 26 women serving in the House.

Occupations of members vary widely. There will be 9 farmers, 9 attorneys, and 10 members who are either currently teaching or are former educators.

The House will have 11 members who work in either real estate or property management. In addition, there will be 4 medical professionals, 6 business owners, and 2 pastors. Other professions of members include engineering, contracting, communications, and information technology.

The partisan composition of the House will be 82 Republicans and 18 Democrats.

The one thing every member has

in common is the number of Arkansans they represent. Each House member represents approximately 30,000 Arkansans. Due to redistricting, every district has a new number this year. Changes in boundaries could also mean you have a different representative this year. You can find your representative and his or her contact information by using the “Find My Rep” tool at arkansashouse. org.

On Tuesday at 10:30 am, the House and Senate will convene for a Joint Session. On this day, all constitutional officers will be sworn into office and the newly elected Governor will make an address.

On Wednesday, committees will begin meeting. More than 80 bills have been pre-filed in the House so far.

As the session progresses, we will continue to update you on the legislation moving forward. The House streams all committee meetings and House floor proceedings at arkansashouse.org.

John Maddox

john.maddox@ arkansashouse.org

520 Church Avenue Mena, AR 71953

Call: 479-394-6060

Larry Teague

Larry.Teague@senate. ar.gov

P.O. Box 903 Nashville, AR 71852 870-845-5303

John Boozman

1120 Garrison Ave.

Suite 2B

Fort Smith, AR 72901

Phone: (479) 573-0189

Fax: (479) 575-0553

Bruce Westerman

101 Reserve St. Suite 200

Hot Springs, AR 71901

Phone: (501) 609-9796

Fax: (501) 609-9887

From the State Senate

School choice, prison expansion and tax cuts are expected to be the highlights of the 2023 regular legislative session that convenes on Monday, January 9.

Also on the agenda will be legislation to improve the reading skills of elementary school students. Legislators will consider plans to better prepare workers with the job skills most in demand by Arkansas manufacturers. Industry spokesmen have said that companies would like to locate in Arkansas if they can hire enough skilled workers.

Legislators say that Arkansas would be more competitive with neighboring states if individual and corporate income tax rates were lowered further. In the past eight years the legislature has approved reductions in state income taxes that now save Arkansas taxpayers about $750 million a year.

The top rate for individual income taxes has gone down from seven percent to 4.9 percent and the top rate for corporate income taxes has gone down from 6.5 percent to 5.3 percent.

The state’s strong fiscal position has prompted debate about tax cuts, prison expansion and higher teacher salaries.

Even with the recent tax reductions, the state will end the current fiscal year with an estimated surplus of almost $600 million, and the governor’s proposed balanced budget for next fiscal year projects another surplus of $255 million. Also, the state has about $2.7 billion in various reserve funds.

The Senate and House Committees on Education have recommended raising teacher pay by $4,000 a year. The two bodies differ on how quickly to implement the higher salaries.

Proposals to expand prisons have not been finalized. Some call for building space for 1,000 inmates and other legislators prefer a more aggressive building plan.

More prison space for violent offenders would relieve pressure on county jails, which at times can house up to 2,000 state inmates because there are no available beds in state prison units. County sheriffs have told the legislature that violent offenders in county jails are a danger to staff and to people in jail on minor offenses.

Truth in sentencing is another public safety issue that will likely come before the Senate and House Judiciary Committees.

Now, when a jury sentences a convicted offender, that person can accumulate good time and be released on parole before the end of his sentence. Inmates out on parole have committed serious offenses, including murder. That has generated public support for longer sentences and stricter parole policies.

School choice can take several forms, such as more charter schools or more flexible policies that provide parents more options to home school their children. Legislation is expected that would create tax saving accounts for parents to help pay to send their children to a private or parochial school.

The pandemic affected students across the nation, and in Arkansas the impact has shown up in standardized test scores. However, legislators were beefing up literacy programs in elementary schools even before the pandemic. Expect a renewed effort to improve young children’s reading skills.

Lawmakers will be in session for at least 60 days, as mandated by the state Constitution, but more than likely it will last for about 90 days.

John Maddox

Terry Rice

Discovering your genealogical history with SWAR Regional Archives

By Patrick Massey

WASHINGTON – History may not have been everyone’s favorite subject in high school, but there’s one way to get more personally involved in the topic these days: the history of your family.

Americans have shown a growing interest in genealogy in recent years. As demonstrated through booming services like MyHeritage, 23andMe and Ancestry.com, Americans want to know more about themselves by researching their family history.

For the aspiring genealogist in our corner of the state, there is perhaps no resource as important as the Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives (SARA). Melissa Nesbitt is the archival manager of the agency, based in Washington. Specifically, that is Washington, Arkansas, the Confederate-era capital of Arkansas now home to Historic Washington State Park.

When it comes to researching family history, Nesbitt encourages Arkansans to include the regional archives as part of their journey.

“That’s exactly our mission, to preserve history through the collection of materials and artifacts that tell not just the story of our area, but its people as well,” explained Nesbitt. “You might be able to find out a lot about your own family by using the resources we offer.”

Founded in 1978, SARA offers a variety of research resources within its 12-county region, which includes Polk County. Those resources include primary documents such as letters, diaries, maps, photographs, newspapers and broadsides. Books and other print resources also help create a general Arkansas history reference library. Among SARA’s collections is the Robert B. Waltz Photograph Collec-

tion. This collection boasts more than 2,500 images of people and places around Southwest Arkansas dating back to the 19th century. Research services and staff are also available to help guide patrons on their hunt for genealogical information.

Nesbitt stresses the importance of genealogy not just as a way to learn about history, but to discover your own personal connection to Arkansas’ past.

“Genealogy is so important because it shows the history of how one generation connects to the next by looking at specific people, places and times and how those events led to what we see around us today,” she explains. “It can also help us understand our own family history or other families’ histories and how it all connected to create who we are now.”

Nesbitt adds that there are a number of tips to keep in mind for the beginner genealogical researcher.

“Start with yourself and your immediate family and then move on to older generations,” she says. “Connect with an archivist, like those here at SARA, who can help you research specific times and locations. And use the vast amount of online resources available to help expand what you consider as records, such as voter registrations, property information, etc.”

Finally, Nesbitt encourages Arkansas genealogists to record all the information they collect for future use.

For more information on beginning your journey into genealogy here in Southwest Arkansas, visit  www.archives.arkansas.gov or contact SARA directly by calling (870) 983-2633.

Arkansans are also welcome to visit the archives in person by making an appointment. The Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives are located at 201 AR-195 in Washington.

Governor announces appointments

Includes Polk and southwestern counties

Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced appointments on Friday, Jan. 6. Included amongst those 100-plus appointees were residents of Polk, Hempstead, Howard and Little River counties:

Representative John Maddox, Mena, to the Southern Regional Education Board Legislative Advisory Council. Serves at the will of the Governor. Open Position.

Karrie Jamison, Nashville, to the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners. Term expires on Septem-

ber 1, 2027. Reappointment.

Will Montgomery, Hope, to the Arkansas Public Defender Commission. Term expires July 1, 2027. Reappointment.

Dr. Christine Holt, Hope, to the Criminal Justice Institute Advisory Board. Term expires January 14, 2025. Replaces Dr. Margaret Ellibee.

Keri Cody, Ashdown, to the Arkansas Board of Podiatric Medicine.  Term expires on August 31, 2025. Reappointment.

Accident claims life of Dierks man

By Patrick Massey

DIERKS – A single vehicle accident claimed the life of a Dierks man over the weekend.

According to the Arkansas State Police, 50-year-old Jerry Dale Jones was traveling eastbound on Highway 278 in Howard County Saturday morning when his 2011

Buick Enclave left the roadway, struck a tree and overturned. The accident occurred around 9 a.m., according to the preliminary crash report. Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigating state trooper Ernesto Echevarria reported road conditions as clear and dry at the time of the accident.

Obituaries

Mrs. Sandra Mae Carter Brooks, age 84, of Mena passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at her home in Mena.

Sandy was born November 2, 1938, to the late Henry and Jewell Carter in Brady, Texas. She loved to dance and was a very good at it. Sandy traveled and worked on a dance circuit for many years. She enjoyed the Spanish dance styles such as the Cha-Cha, she also enjoyed country dancing and the waltz. Later in life she really enjoyed traveling with her late husband, Lou Brooks. During which they loved to go on cruises.

Sandy is survived by, sister Jo and husband Doug Cogburn of Mena, AR. Sister-in-law, Lynnda Carter Mullin of Austin, Texas. Numerous great-nephews, nieces, cousins and a host of relatives and friends. Caregivers, Jeanie Henry, Presley Robertson, and Mandy Huber all from Mena, Arkansas. Avery special friend, Paul Meisler of Austin, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Brooks, and her parents. Her three brothers H.C. Carter Jr., Travis Carter, and Marcus Dodson.

Chapel Service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023, at the Beasley Wood chapel in Mena, Arkansas, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be Monday, January 9, 2023, at the Fort Smith National Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Hosanna

Katherine Barnes

Hosanna Katherine Barnes was born April 5th, 1999, in Mena, AR to her parents, Jason and Katherine Barnes. She went home to be with the Lord on November 29th, 2022, in Conway, Arkansas, surrounded by her family.

Hosanna was a member of the Canaanland Church in Mena, Arkansas, and attended school in Mena, before graduating from the Pulaski Public School system. She resided at the Conway Human Development Center for the past two years in Conway, Arkansas.

Hosanna was a constant ray of sunshine to her family. Although she faced many health issues throughout her life, she never stopped bringing joy to all who had the privilege of being around her. Hosanna was a definite “Daddy’s girl” and enjoyed worship music and being around her family and nursing staff. Her nurses, Julie Moe of Mena, Arkansas, and Cindy Jordan of Smithville, Oklahoma, supported her family in the care of Hosanna before she moved to Little Rock, and then on to CHDC in Conway to receive better therapies.

The testimony of God’s miracle working power in her life was heard around the world through various radio broadcasts, television interviews with her parents and social media websites. The lessons learned from applying faith for her to overcome the various health challenges she faced, birthed two churches and

Faith Bootcamp Ministries.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Reverend Perry and Sue Hart of Mena, Arkansas; and one aunt, Lydia Charlie of Minto, Alaska.

Hosanna is survived by her parents, Jason and Misty Barnes of Pryor, Oklahoma, and Katherine Hart of Conway, Arkansas; her brothers, Elijah, Israel, and Jedidiah Barnes of Conway, Arkansas, and her brother and sister-in-law, Zion and Emma Barnes of Stillwater, Oklahoma; her sister, Genesis Barnes of Conway, Arkansas; her grandmother, Clara Golding of Mena, Arkansas, and her grandfather, James Michael Barnes of Keyes, California; She is also survived by her loving nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins located around the world.

A private family gathering will be held in Blossom, Texas, with internment following at the Knights of Honor Cemetery in Blossom, Texas.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking those who would like to honor Hosanna’s memory to donate to Sarah Hart’s (Hosanna’s cousin) mission trip to El Salvador. Once you click on the link provided for Chi Alpha,  https://app.managedmissions.com/Donations/Donate/63450, donations can be designated for “Sarah Hart” in the drop down box.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook:  bowserffh. com

Mikeal Ambrost Alexander

Mr. Mikeal Ambrost Alexander, age 71, passed away Sunday, January 8, 2023, in Hatton, Arkansas. He was born December 12, 1951, in De Queen, Arkansas, to the late Ambrost and Berta Mae Alexander.

Mr. Alexander was a log cutter by profession and was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved deer hunting and listening to the dogs and hanging out with family and the guys.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Ambrost and Berta Mae Alexander; brother, Stan Alexander; as well as by several nieces and nephews. He is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca Alexander; brothers, Steve Alexander and wife Carolyn; Shelby Alexander and wife Johnna; sister, Judy Oliver and husband David; by his cousin who was more of a brother, Chanie Alexander; several nieces and nephews, other family and friends too numerous to mention.

Graveside services for Mr. Alexander will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at the Witherspoon Cemetery in Vandervoort, Arkansas. Brother Donnie Jewell will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. There is a scheduled visitation Tuesday, January 10, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Pallbearers are Steve Alexander, Shelby Alexander, Waymon Alexander, Charlie Alexander, Davis Alexander, and David Oliver

Honorary Pallbearers are Jesse Oliver and George Broach.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Sandra Mae Carter Brooks

By Richie Lawry

I will be traveling to the Oregon coast for a family reunion in a couple of days. My brother and sister-in-law provide the family with beautiful condos on the ocean. I have been to several family reunions at these condos at Gleneden Beach. I always enjoy my time on the beautifully rugged Oregon coast.

One day while we were there, we visited Newport. We spent our time in the Historic Bayfront district. Bayfront is a working waterfront that services Yaquina Bay, home to Oregon’s largest commercial fishing fleet. The turn-ofthe-century historic buildings of Bayfront house shops, art galleries, chowder houses, restaurants, and tourist attractions. I enjoyed taking a step back in time and trying to imagine this bustling port in times past.

My favorite activity of the day was watching the sea lions that completely covered the docks. Sea Lions can be loud and raucous or adorably lazy. Many sea lions tried to sleep while others were barking to show dominance. A small juvenile was swimming in the water near the docks. He kept trying to find a place to haul out of the water onto the docks, but every time larger males kept him from getting on the docks.

He kept trying and trying to find a place to rest on the docks, only to be rebuffed at every turn. Finally, he could haul himself onto a cable between two floating docks. Once on the cable, he kept slowly and carefully inching his way onto the attached dock. After a while, he could get his front flippers onto the dock. He could get most of his body onto a corner of the dock by carefully maneuvering. As he was trying to get enough room to lie down, he drew the ire of a couple of occupants of the dock, slowly moving closer to the edge and forcing him back into the water.

As I watched the little sea lion trying to find a resting place, I felt sorry for him. The rest of my time watching the

An Arkie’s Faith Don’t be a sea lion

dens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)

No invitation could be more inclusive, more welcoming. Those who customarily feel shut out are told they are welcome to come to Jesus. The love of God is inclusive. God’s salvation is offered to everyone, no matter what their background is or what they have done in the past.

Henri Nouwen wrote, “For Jesus, there are no countries to be conquered, no ideologies to be imposed, no people to be dominated. There are only children, women and men to be loved.”

sea lions, he could never find a place to haul out of the water. No one would make room for him.

Watching the sea lions and their interactions with the youngster who wanted to join them reminded me of how I have seen many people act. Many people feel shut out from society. They don’t seem to be able to get a seat at the table. Sometimes Christians remind me of the sea lions who had a place on the docks. They want to keep certain groups of people from joining them. They won’t associate with them.

Almost everyone remembers being excluded as a kid; I know I do. It seemed like I was excluded more often than I was included. I was the weird kid, the chubby kid, the unpopular kid. But exclusion doesn’t stop as children grow into adults. People of all ages exclude others from acceptance, love, and affection.

But Jesus was different. He went out of his way to extend love where it wasn’t expected; to society’s outcasts. Jesus consistently included the people the re-

ligious leaders had left out.

In Luke chapter 15, Jesus tells three stories: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. If we read the first three verses of the chapter, it tells us why Jesus told the stories. “The tax collectors and sinners all came to listen to Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to complain: ‘Look, this man welcomes sinners and even eats with them.’ Then Jesus told them this story.” Luke 15:1-3 (NCV)

With these stories, Jesus wants us to understand that He loves and cares for everyone. He demonstrated that all people are welcome at the table of God’s kingdom. When you study the life of Jesus, you see that no one ever opened a wider door of hope and love to the human race. In Jesus, the outcasts of society have hope. Those the religious community marginalizes can find Jesus extending a hand, inviting them back into the community with dignity and affection.

“Come to me, Jesus said, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy bur-

Paul wrote, “In Christ, there is no difference between Jew and Greek, slave and free person, male and female. You are all the same in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 (NCV)

The kinds of divisions between people that are normal in human society should not be found in the church of Jesus Christ. Neither race, ethnicity, economic status, gender, or any other human distinction should exclude people from the church.

Gentle Reader, if you study the example of Jesus, you will see that he was a champion of the oppressed. His example was unconditional love, and He was against all exclusionary practices. He did not follow his society’s exclusions. He often surprised those who were familiar with being excluded. When Jesus talked to the woman at the well, “The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, ‘You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?’” John 4:9 (NLT)

Don’t be a sea lion keeping others from joining you in your resting place. Be like Jesus, inviting everyone to rest.

Replacing windshields in Polk County for over 40 years.

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

Joke of the Week: My wife calls me “The Computer.” Nothing to do with my intelligence or my encyclopedic knowledge— I go to sleep if left unattended for 15 minutes.

A young sea lion seeking acceptance. (Photo by Richie Lawry)

2022-2023 Farm to School Grant application deadline extended

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has extended the deadline for applications to the Arkansas School Garden Grant Program and the Arkansas Taste Test Grant Program through January 25, 2023.

The Arkansas School Garden Grant Program is available to help schools start or expand gardens on school grounds. The Department will award $500 grants to 50 schools to purchase soil, specialty crop seeds and plants, and gardening equipment. More information about the Arkansas School Garden Grant Program can be found at https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-programs/ farm-to-school/school-gardens/ arkansas-school-garden-grant-program/ or by contacting Erica Benoit at  erica.benoit@agriculture.arkansas.gov

The Arkansas Taste Test Grant Program is available to help schools lead cafeteria taste tests of locally grown specialty crops. The Department will award $250 grants to 20 schools to purchase kitchen equipment and utensils, serving materials, and specialty crop seeds and plants.

“School gardens and taste tests have proven to be valuable tools in teaching children about agriculture, nutrition, and a variety of skills,” said Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “The lessons learned through these programs can have a lasting impact on children, their families, and entire communities.”

More information about the Arkansas Taste Test Grant Program can be found at  https://agriculture. arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-programs/ farm-to-school/local-procurement/ arkansas-taste-test-grant-pro -

gram/ or by contacting Lindsey Cartwright at  lindsey.cartwright@ agriculture.arkansas.gov.

[Eds. Bobby Barrett Elementary in Mount Ida was a 2021-2022 recipient of the Taste Test program.]

The grant programs are available to public and private K-12 schools, early care facilities, and alternative learning environments. All eligible schools are encouraged to apply, whether they already have existing farm to school activities or they are just getting started with school gardens and local procurement. Technical assistance is available to all

grantees.

The application for both programs can be found at  https://bit.ly/3TlLT7d. Applicants are welcome to apply for one or both grant opportunities within the same application.

Both grant programs were developed with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to increase the production and consumption of specialty crops in schools. Specialty crops as defined by the USDA are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, floriculture, and nursery crops.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. Visit https:// agriculture.arkansas.gov/. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Diverse five joining Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame

LITTLE ROCK — Leadership and service that brought distinction to the state’s largest business is the hallmark for five new inductees into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame.

Inductees include Arkansas Century Farm owner/operator and philanthropist Ellis Bell of Forrest City; Arkansas State University professor of agricultural economics Bert Greenwalt of Jonesboro; innovative rice farmer Chris Isbell of Humnoke; veteran cotton farmer and industry leader Steve Stevens of Tillar; and the late Jessie (J.D.) Vaught of Horatio, a pioneer in contract livestock production.

Class XXXV induction ceremonies are set for 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 3 at the Little Rock Convention Center.

“It’s an outstanding class of inductees reflecting the broad and diverse impact of agriculture across Arkansas,” says the Hall of Fame’s commit-

tee chair Debbie Moreland of Roland. “These five include many different areas of agriculture.

“Agriculture is one of the great success stories of our state and that is sometimes overlooked. We’re pleased to bring recognition to these individuals who have impacted our state’s largest industry in such a positive way.”

The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame began in 1987 to promote awareness and honor those who helped local communities and the state prosper. This year’s five inductees up the organization’s number of honorees to 181.

Luncheon tickets to this year’s induction ceremony are $80 each. Individual tickets and tables of 10 are available by calling (501) 228-1609 or emailing  aghalloffame@arfb.com/. Tickets can be purchased online here.

Vaught (above) has ties and family in Polk County. He was a pioneer in contract livestock production, Vaught adapted early in both chicken and swine production and used technology like performance records and artificial insemination to improve purebred Charolais (early 1970s) and

Angus cattle (1980s). He built chicken houses in the early 1960s and a contract hog facility in the mid 1970s, produced poultry from 1964-1999 and was a partner in Poultry House Cleanout Service from 1968-74. Vaught was a member of the Arkansas Farm Bureau state board of directors from 1991-99, a Sevier County Cattlemen’s Association officer and was instrumental in founding regional pork producer associations and the Grannis Trail Riders. He owned and operated a 400-acre family farm from 1963 until his death at age 82 on Dec. 26, 2022. In early November 2022, Vaught had 150 cattle and 520 swine sows. He served on the Horatio School Board for more than 20 years and was a founding member of the school’s Ag Booster Club. He and his late wife of 50-plus years, Linda, loved the life of agriculture and raised four children.

2023 Mena Art Gallery/Southwest Artists Photography Show

be found on the Mena Art Gallery page at https:// southwestartists. org/2023-photography-show/.

Prizes:

Adult Division

Best in Show$300

Submitted by Lisa Keeling

The 2023 Mena Art Gallery/ Southwest Artists Photography Show will be bigger than ever as there will be an additional youth division, ages 14-18, added for 2023.

Photo submissions for the 2023 Mena Art Gallery/Southwest Artists Photography Show are due Feb. 18 and the photos will be exhibited at the gallery show Feb. 22 through March 15. The awards reception will be held Feb. 25 at which time winners will receive their prizes. Rules and submittal form can

First Place - $200

Second Place - $100 Third Place - $50 Honorable MentionRibbon, People’s Choice - $25

Youth Division

First Place - $200 Second Place - $100 Third Place - $50 Honorable Mention – Ribbon People’s Choice - $25

Additional Youth Division“Bikes of our Lives”

First Place - $500 Second Place - $150 Third Place - $100 Honorable Mention – Ribbon People’s Choice - $25

When you stop by, please take some time, and choose your favorite as you vote for People’s Choice.

This is a spectacular show with impressive works of art. You do not want to miss it.

Mena Art Gallery will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for this show. The gallery is located at 607 Mena Street.

(Photo by Lisa Keeling)

(Photo by Levi Holmes)

(Photo by Joe Corcoran)

(Photo by Lisa Keeling)

Reflections from History and Faith: National Religious Freedom Day

By Jeff Olson

Jan. 16 is Religious Freedom Day in America. This day was chosen because it is the anniversary of the passage of the “Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom,” drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1777 and introduced to the Virginia legislature and carried through to passage by James Madison in 1786. It would do well for each of us to read this document as it is a remarkable declaration of intellectual and spiritual independence and one of the most dramatic and influential documents in American history. It was also very prominent in our nation’s journey to the First Amendment of our Constitution and in the disestablishment of state churches in the American colonies.

The approval of the Declaration of Independence not only signaled political autonomy of the American colonies from the English crown, but also severed the colonies’ formal legal ties with the mother country. It was therefore necessary to bring the laws of the individual colonies into conformity with republican principles and to remove the existing legal code of any remaining vestiges of Monarchical rule. Thus, in the fall of 1776, a committee of prominent Virginians under the chairmanship of Thomas Jefferson was commissioned by the Virginia legislature to “revise, alter, amend, repeal, or introduce all or any of the said laws” of the Commonwealth.

This “Revisal of the Laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia” was composed of a total of 126 bills. Bill Number 82 of the Revisals, Jefferson’s “Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom,” was only the first of five consecutive bills (82-86) dealing with religion. Jefferson himself assumed responsibility for drafting the bills. Bill 82 in its essential parts enacted four things: no person shall (1) be compelled by civil government to attend or support any religious worship, place, or ministry, nor (2) be punished or restrained by the Commonwealth on account of his/her religious opinions or beliefs; but, on the contrary, every person shall (3) be free to profess and contend for his religious opinions and beliefs, and (4) such activity shall in no way affect his/her civil capacities. Here you can sense that the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom proclaimed a cooperative connection between religion and the state. These bills, if read in their entirety, would seem extreme and overreaching to

many of us today, but they need to be understood within the context and circumstances of history. They essentially suggested a flexible church-state model which promoted an

Freedom” to substantiate it. For the record, the First Amendment’s original intent was to delineate the constitutional jurisdictions of the national and state governments on

states remained free to either retain their established churches or abolish them. However, it wasn’t until well into the 19th century when the last of them was disestablished (Massachusetts, 1833).

Having shared all of this, I will add one more thing-and this is probably the most important of all. Religious freedom at its core is a fundamental unalienable God-given human right which is pre-political, pre-government. It is not conferred upon man by man. Government’s role is to protect and preserve this sacred right, and it is this truth that is the foundation for religious freedom and should be acknowledged in its celebration.

For 30 years, since 1993, Religious Freedom Day has been officially proclaimed on Jan. 16 in an annual statement by the President of the United States. In one of those statements by a former President, “On Religious Freedom Day, we celebrate our Nation’s long-standing commitment to freedom of conscience and the freedom to profess one’s own faith. The right to religious freedom is innate to the dignity of every human person and is foundational to the pursuit of truth.”

accommodation between the interests of the church and the civil government and prohibited governmental interference with the freedom of religious beliefs. The bills also shed more light on Jefferson’s actual views on religious freedom which have contributed substantially to our nation’s unique balance between the claims of authority and the claims of freedom. The bills also clearly helped to correct the Supreme Court’s argument that the First Amendment’s original intent was to erect a “high and impregnable” wall of separation between church and state per the landmark case of Everson v. Board of Education (1947), and especially the Court’s historical reference to Jefferson’s use of the “separation” metaphor in a personal letter (1801) and the “Virginia Statute of Religious

religious concerns. In other words, the First Amendment prohibited religious establishments by the federal government only. The

The week of Jan. 16 presents several good opportunities to celebrate an important cornerstone of our nation’s history of religious freedom. I encourage you to find a way to do so within the classroom, your church or perhaps just passing it along to others. I hope hometown America will pay special homage to our religious freedom this Monday. And… I hope Sunday will include at least a special mention of it within our houses of worship in an environment of praise and honor to Almighty God for his gift of freedom and other blessings in our nation, and to seek His face and forgiveness in healing our troubled land (2 Chronicles 7:13-14).

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Image by Reto Stöckli

Fall 2022 Chancellor and Vice Chancellor lists released

The University of Arkansas Rich Mountain has announced the students named to the Chancellor’s List and Vice Chancellor’s List who were enrolled for the Fall 2022 semester.

Chancellor’s List:

Students named to the Chancellor’s List are full-time, current students who complete 12 semester credit hours or more, excluding developmental coursework, and earn a 4.0 grade point average or higher.

Michaela Bazar – Mena

Vivian Blake – Smithville

Lauren Bollmeyer – Hatfield

Shiley Cartinez – Many

Mindi Cox – Smithville

Paige Craig – Mena

Brianna Crowley – Springdale

Dusty Davis – Mena

Mary Duncan – Bauxite

Tiffany Ellwood – Mena

Lawrence Erickson – Mena

Janice Gibson – Cove

Tyreek Gilkey – Fort Smith

Preston Harris – Mena

Altarra Higgins – Mena

Nicole Hill – Newhope

Marli Huddleston – Bee Branch

Ian Hughes – Mena

Lauren Hughes – Pencil Bluff

Paul Kaelin – Mena

Guadalupe Lemuz – Grannis

Madilyn Lyle – Mena

Christina McCarley – Grannis

Kaylin McKee – Wickes

Miriam Mendez – Mena

Jaiden Milam – Mena

Morgan Miller – Hatfield

Luke Montgomery – Mena

Kimberly Morriss – Cove

Madelyn Muller – Little Elm

David Nichols–North Richland Hills

Emily Owens – Sims

Larissa Ozuna – Waldron

Kayla Page – Mena

Madison Parnell – Mena

Kymberleigh Richardson – Mena

Jonas Rodriguez – Wickes

Michelle Salgado – Horatio

Amanda Schultz Coppeti – Ijui

Yahir Silva-Valdez – Waldron

Elise Trautman – Conway

Connor Wachtel – Grapevine

Skyllar Wade – Mena

Kylee Ward – Lowell

Abigail West – Ida

Criskim Yang - Norman

Jorden Brewster – Gloster

Kathryn Cameron – Stephenville

Kenzie Daniels – Mena

James DuPre – McKinney

Valente Garay – Stilwell

Maddison Gunn – Mena

Ava Harris – Mena

Mandy Harrison – Mena

Brianna Hendrix – Mount Ida

Pablo Hernandez – Springdale

Alyssa Holland – Alvord

Nalea Holliday – Pea Ridge

Letty Holloway – Waldron

Cauy House – Mena

Travis Hughes – Mena

Jaden Hutchens – Waldron

Tabry Jordan – Little Rock

Hayden Koller – Texarkana

Savanna Koop – Paris

Christina Lawless – Mount Ida

Kirk Martinson – Shreveport

Caitlyn Mayo – Greenbrier

Christopher Moore – Grannis

Cora Morgan – Wickes

Micaela Nunes – Johannesburg

Allison Ogden – Hatfield

Chloe Ray – Fort Smith

Trysten Richey – Mena

Madalyn Rohre – Whitewright

Kendra Rose – Mount Ida

Bailey Sawyer – Angus

Vice Chancellor’s List:

Students named to the Vice Chancellor’s List are full-time, current students who complete 12 semester credit hours or more, excluding developmental coursework, and earn a 3.5 to 3.99 grade point average.

Jennifer Adams – Mena

Yahya Al-Asmi – Mena

Kayleigh Anderson – Forrest City

Steven Armstrong – Glasgow

Brenna Aynes – Mena

Layla Baker – Minden

Lyla Baker – Mena

Casey Shipley – Prairie Grove

Carleigh Smart – Mena

Trenton Smith – Longview

Lusanne Starr – Oden

Christopher Tarr – Durban

Pate Taylor – Wickes

Londyn Wagner – Mena

Sarah Wallace – Mena

Rendi Warren – Grannis

Hattie Watson – Mena

Salem Weston – Oden

Silas Weston – Oden

Brinkley Williams – Alvarado

Kara Wyman – Mena

Mena musicians make All-Region and try outs for All-State bands

Rhodes honored by DAV for persistence

By Ethan Nahté

Retired U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Bill Rhodes of Mena, Arkansas, was awarded a plaque for his tireless work Thursday, Jan. 5 by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 46.

Commander James Scott of the DAV Chapter 46 presented Rhodes with the plaque. The plaque speaks of Rhodes’ “…Bulldog persistence & dedication to our veterans to get the Pack Act passed into law… .”

Members of the Mena band traveled to Fort Smith, Saturday, Jan. 7 to audition for the Region VIII All-Region Band. Congratulations to the following students for making All-Region:

• Eric Decker- Bassoon; Symphonic Band, 2nd Chair

• Logan Shone- Clarinet; Concert Band, 4th Chair

• Andrew Schnell- Clarinet; Concert Band, 11th Chair

• Emma Johnson- Clarinet; Concert Band, 15th Chair

• Kate McDonald- Tenor Saxophone; Symphonic Band, 3rd Chair

• Emily Holloway- Baritone Saxophone; Symphonic Band, 2nd Chair

• Scottie Gragg- Trumpet; Concert Band, 11th Chair

• Daniel McDonald- Tuba; Symphonic Band, 2nd Chair

• Alexia Minzel- Percussion; Symphonic Band, 1st Chair

• Gabe Cunningham- Percussion; Concert Band, 9th Chair

• Layla Spenser- Baritone; Symphonic Band, 5th Chair

• Antonio Sanchez- Baritone; Concert Band, 2nd Chair

Congratulations to these students for qualifying to try out for the Arkansas All-State Band:

• Eric Decker

• Emily Holloway

• Daniel McDonald

• Alexia Minzel

Rhodes worked for seven-plus years convincing legislators at the federal level that our veterans had suffered many valid service-recognized exposures in areas other than those the military already had recognized, namely Agent Orange, the burn pits, and several radiation exposures. The “PACT Act,” championed by U.S. Senator John Boozman (RAR), was signed into legislation by President Biden on August 10, 2022. (See Winning a toxic battle for vetsPulse Aug. 17, 2022.)

The PACT is estimated to benefit an additional 200,000-300,000 veterans presumed to have been exposed to toxic chemicals or radiation during their service, providing the veterans and their survivors with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserved.

If you haven’t met Rhodes, you should. If you need someone who will stand with you and for you, you’ll appreciate that bulldog spirit.

Plaque presented to William Rhodes for his diligence in getting the PACT Act passed. (Submitted photo)

Submitted by Mark Hobson

(Photo courtesy of Mena Public Schools)

Around Town

The Polk County Republican Committee will meet Monday, January 16th, at 5:30 p.m. This month’s meeting will be held in the conference room in the Polk County Courthouse basement. Please note the change in location for this month’s meeting.

The Polk County Social Seniors will be meeting at New China restaurant in February. New to Polk County? Come and meet Seniors (55+ and up) and make new friends. Any questions call Linda Johnson at (956) 241-2633.

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

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

The Polk County Housing Authority has Rental Vouchers available. They are also in need of Applicants and Landlords. Contact them at 509 S. Morrow, Mena, (479) 394-1565 or polkarhousing.com

Military Veterans are needed to serve with the Polk County Veterans Honor Guard. Interested? Come to the training on January 12 at 4 p.m. at the American Legion in Acorn. Or, contact Denie at (479) 394-8001.”

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

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

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

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at The Crossing Church, 3 p.m., Sundays; at 5 p.m., Tuesdays; and at 8 p.m. Saturdays at the old bus barn. For information call (479) 234-8366 or (479) 216-3786.

OLT announces an additional evening performance of the Roy Orbison Tribute concert, now at 2 an

7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21. Information and tickets can be found at OLTMena.com in Plays and Events or purchased at the Ouachita Little Theatre office Thursdays and Fridays, 2-4 p.m. or Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

Hatfield First Baptist Church “Shepherd’s Closet” Open Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-Noon. Large selection of good, used clothing & a limited supply of non-perishable food items. Free to anyone in need.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s easy to have your event listed in Around Town, which will be read on radio stations KENA and KQOR daily. Simply send your Around Town announcement to news@mypulsenews.com or call (479) 243-9600 and let us know about your event! To have it in the Polk County Pulse newspaper, we need to know by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!

Thank-you

Every child begins the world again.

~Henry David Thoreau

Mena Regional Health System is thrilled to announce the first baby of 2023! Baby Madilynn Triana was born Jan. 1 at 4:06 p.m., a New Year’s Day baby. Proud parents are Macee Ballance and Miguel Triana of Waldron, Arkansas. They are pictured with the New Year Baby Welcome Gifts, an MRHS Tradition.

to local businesses who donated items to help welcome the New Year Baby! Allbaugh’s Florist, Cheaper Than Therapy, Janssen Avenue Florist, Mena Regional Auxiliary, Lela Nordyke Photography, Union Bank, Mena Laundry and Washburns.

CLASSIFIEDS

- SERVICES -

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

Handyman services - small jobs preferred. Plumbing, electrical, small engine repair. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0111

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. T0111

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 T0111

- HELP WANTED -

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced CNC Machine Operator.

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

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

T0125

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

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

T0125

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

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

T0125

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

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

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment. T0125

Hogspore News:

Repeat what you told me, loudly

By Clet Litter as told to Bob Simpson

For the last month, nothing that Jimmy Suspenders tried had worked. He saw Doc Spicer to help shock his heart to make it stop, and then hit him with electricity paddles to restart his ticker. He figured he should try what some folks do to their computers. Reboot them and start them over. Usually works for a slow computer. He related how he felt to Doc Spicer. Doc opened the exam room, so the waiting area folks could hear what’s going on. They knew Jimmy Suspenders

Doc says, “Repeat what you told me, loudly, so I can figure out how to proceed.” He repeated the symptoms and requested to get his heart rebooted. Doc walked over, hauled off, and give him a Will Smith across the mouth. The entire lobby responded at the same time. “Thanks. He needed that!”

Maybe Too Soon Department: On May 1, 1915, an ocean liner

left New York for Britain. It was a passenger cruise ship that secretly carried ammunition for the European war effort against Germany. Also on board was a ton of tea out of Ceylon, (now Sri Lanka), headed toward England for the afternoon tea effort. Hundreds of travelers were enjoying the luxury voyage.

The RMS Luzianne sunk in the cold ocean off the southern coast of Ireland, (now Ireland). As the Luzianne rolled under from a German torpedo attack, the cargo hold of dried beverage spilled out into the icy waters. 1,198 passengers and crew died. Most victims drowned, but many met their deaths from the Lemon Sharks that were there, cause of the tea.

Bumper sticker seen in Winslow’s Holler. “No college fund required. School has labeled my children Almost Foolishly Stupid.”

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

January 2, 2023

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

January 3, 2023

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to Identity Fraud.

January 4, 2023

John Starr, 31 of Mena was arrested on charges of 3rd Degree Battery and Criminal Trespass after a report of a physical domestic disturbance at a residence on Polk 703 near Mena.

Kenneth Siler, 45 of Mena was arrested on Felony Warrants for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 375 W near Potter in reference to a break-in leading to the arrest of Zackery Summit, 30 of Mena on a charge of Breaking or Entering and Justin Ashley, 29 of Mena on a charge of Breaking or Entering.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 290 near Cove in reference to a trespasser. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

January 5, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Galaxy Lane near Big Fork in reference to a grass fire.

January 6, 2023

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a break-in

on Hwy 375 W near Potter.

January 7, 2023

No reports.

January 8, 2023

Asa Dixon, 24 of Cove was arrested on charges of Careless and Prohibited Driving and DWI.

Deputies responded to a residence on Polk 16 near Vandervoort in reference to an unattended death.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 24 Incarcerated Inmates with 18 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

December 25

No report.

December 26

A report of battery was taken at a residence on Mena Street.

December 27

Laura Flores, 19, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Intoxication Liquor by Minor, Public Intoxication, and Disorderly Conduct after a disturbance call on 3rd Street.

December 28 No report.

December 29

Curtis Smith, 30, was charged with Driving on Suspended License, No Liability Insurance, and No Registration after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

December 30

A report of sexual indecency with a child was taken from a walk-in complainant.

A report of forgery was taken at James’ Food.

Matthew Simmons, 38, was served with a warrant at the police department.

December 31

Paul Davis, 32, was charged with Arson, Criminal Mischief, Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting Arrest after a disturbance call on 7th Street.

A report of dog running at large was taken at a residence on Hamilton Avenue.

Rachel Crow, 42, was served with a warrant at a residence on Evans Circle.

Jeremiah Wells, 25, was charged with Domestic Battery, Public Intoxication, and Disorderly Conduct after a disturbance call at a residence on Oak Grove Avenue.

January 1

Robert Doty, 48, was charged with Dog Running at Large on Ransom Road.

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

Howard Blume, 27, was charged with Public Intoxication, Disorderly Conduct, and resisting arrest after a disturbance call to a residence on Church Avenue.

January 2

A report of theft of property was taken from Walmart.

A report of harassment and assault was taken from a person at Wendy’s.

January 3

A report of theft of property was taken from Walmart.

Roger Rose, 19, was served with warrants at Municipal Court.

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

A report of terroristic threatening and assault was taken at a residence on Walnut Avenue.

January 4

Richard Martinez, 52, was charged with theft of property and possession of drug paraphernalia after a stop at Bunch’s Laundromat.

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

Codie Shifflett, 29, was served with a warrant at the police department.

Audrey Simmons, 36, was served with warrants at the police department.

Kathy Harper, 43, was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest after a disturbance call to a residence on Mountain View Avenue.

January 5

A report of criminal mischief, harassment, endangering the welfare of a minor, and violation of a protection order was taken at a residence on Rogers Avenue.

A report of theft of property was taken from Walmart.

January 6

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

A report of criminal trespass was taken from Walmart.

January 7

A report of theft of property was taken from Walmart.

The Attitude Angels did well at the Region 6 Silver Gloves Championship in Searcy. They will head to the National Silver Gloves Tournament, Feb. 8-11, in Independence (Kansas City), Missouri. (Submitted photo)

Elks Hoop Shoot a ball of fun

Wrestling

1/12 - Acorn @ Central Arkansas Christian Tri-meet w/Episcopal Basketball 1/13 1/17 Wrestling 1/17 - Mena @ Episcopal

The Elks Hoop Shoot had 13 youth competing in the free throw contest Sunday, Jan. 8. Besides warming up before the contest, each contestant shot 10 practice free throws then was judged on an additional 15 shots in the first round, and another 10 shots in the second round. Amongst all of the boys, Asher Cook sunk the most baskets with made 20/25. Overall in the girls division Jaylynn Miller made 16/25 shots. The first-place winners (bolded) will advance to the quarter finals in Hot Springs.

(Front row; l-r) Trey Stampley, Wyatt Kesterson, Jeremiah Perez, Emma Duvall (Back row; l-r) Isaiah Ortiz, Asher Cook, Ryan Denton, Mollee Sharp, Jaylynn Miller, Ravyn Wilson, Adelyn Barton, Genesis Fabian.

More photos are in our Facebook album section.

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Dollarhyde overcomes obstacles in the round circle

By Ethan Nahté

This past Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, Maxwell Dollarhyde, 14, from Mena, Arkansas, competed at the Showdown in Sugatown boxing show in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Dollarhyde competed in the 150 pounds youth male division. Dollarhyde boxed a very well-rounded fight. He worked his long range outside boxing to near perfection, made adjustments as needed and listened to his coaches to bring home the well-deserved unanimous decision victory over a tough Stuttgart opponent in his hometown.

Dollarhyde is the son of Amy and Travis Dollarhyde of Mena. Dollarhyde started coming to hang around the gym to watch the other kids box around seven years ago. He was a quiet, shy and withdrawn young man who just stayed in the background using the treadmill, bikes and just hanging out with the coach,

helping him when needed.

His life outside the gym in the past was not the greatest to say the least, so coach Richard Hexamer just took Dollarhyde under his wing and let the young man come and go as he wished. Hexamer had no plans at that time to let Dollarhyde spar, let alone compete, mainly due to his eye issues at the time. Dollarhyde has a form of strabismus, according to his coach, who just went with what Dollarhyde was comfortable with.

Strabismus is a misalignment of the eyes, causing one eye to deviate weither inward or outward while the other eye remains focused. Then during the COVID-19 slow down something amazing happened. Dollarhyde pleaded with Hexamer to at least give him a chance to spar just to see if he liked it. To everyone’s surprise, Dollarhyde turned out to be a natural. They started working him in regularly with competition kids. He was given an early shot at a match at

Silver Gloves in Pine Bluff a year ago. Dollarhyde lost the match. Some felt it was due to the referee not really giving him a chance, but Dollarhyde did not let that stop him. He went on to compete at Mountain Mayhem II This year Dollarhyde competed again in Mena and showed tremendous improvement proving he definitely deserved to be in the ring. Fast forward to the first weekend of 2023 in Stuttgart at what is known as the Showdown in Sugatown, karma prevailed and Dollarhyde drew his opponent, Tristan Robinson, 15, from the past silver gloves. Sweetness prevailed as Dollarhyde showed what he knew then—he rightfully deserved the cheers and applause of the crowd. Hexamer said, “Dollarhyde I am extremely proud of you my little gym buddy. Hold your head high young man, you are truly an example of the saying lifes harshness does not make the person.”