Polk County Pulse January 12, 2022

Pulse THE POLK COUNTY

FREE WEEKLY 1168 Hwy 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600

January 12, 2022

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

Wade named new Chamber director

INSIDE:

Submitted

Hampton Legacy

MRHS’s 2022 First Baby

Page 12

Page 14

Board members announced

Melanie Wade has been named the new Mena Polk County Chamber of Commerce executive director beginning January 10. Wade brings with her extensive experience in event planning, communications, and a strong spirit of community volunteerism.

Wade is no stranger to the local area, relocating here from Oklahoma in 2012. She quickly became embedded in the community through volunteering and her role as News Director for Pulse Multi-Media from 2013-2015.

“Melanie has an impeccable work ethic. She has a vast network

throughout our community and has built many strong relationships based on trust, love of community, collaboration and a vision of how everyone can work together to promote and grow Mena/Polk County,” said 2022 Chamber President LeAnn Dilbeck.

The Chamber board will welcome three new members for 2022: Jessica Smith, Mena Regional Health System; Tanner Hooper, Chambers Bank; and Brooke Hines, SouthWest EMS. Holly Henry of Meadow Pine Cabins was also re-elected for her second term. The full 2022 Melanie Wade has been named as the Board of Directors are: new executive director for the Mena Polk See CHAMBER County Chamber of Commerce.

(Submitted photo) continued on page 2

Wild Hare hosts Paint Your Pet event for HSO

by Trey Youngdahl

A&P Meeting

Page 11

the Ouachitas (HSO), Wild Hare will be hosting an event where particiWild Hare Art Glass Studio & pants can be coached as they paint a Gallery is offering an opportunity picture of their pet(s). to commemorate your pet, while “People kind of overlook the Husimultaneously supporting a good mane Society. I think if you give cause. people something fun to do that Aiming to give the majority of the they appreciate, they’ll appreciate proceeds to the Humane Society of the HSO, too,” shop owner Linda

Ostman said.

The event will take place at the Gallery located at 609 Main St. (across from the Ouachita Little Theatre) on Friday evening, Jan. 21 at 5:30. This will be the second See PAINT continued on page 10

2 News CHAMBER continued from page 1 LeAnn Dilbeck, president; Brad Castor, Mike Godfrey, Greg Goss, Terri Harrison, David Maxwell, Sara Mitchell, Nina Moore, Jessica Smith, Tanner Hooper, Brooke Hines, Pilar Fowler (past president, but no voting rights). A new executive board will be elected during the Jan. 20 board meeting.

The Chamber office will also be temporarily relocated to 601 Mena Street while the City of Mena addresses some necessary renovations at the Mena Depot Center. “We anticipate returning once the repairs are complete,” Dilbeck said. She also expressed the Chamber’s appreciation for the continued partnership with Mayor Seth Smith and the City of Mena.

Fowler said that the last couple

January 12, 2022 of years have been challenging for the Chamber and its members, but the board already has some very exciting events and member development plans slated for 2022. “We strongly believe that Melanie is the perfect fit for this renewed focus and energy that the Chamber has for 2022.”

Wade is enthusiastic to take the lead at the Chamber. “I am very honored and excited to take on the role of executive director of the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce. I absolutely love this community and I can think of no better way to give back the warm welcome my family has received while living here. To plan, promote and preserve this beautiful area is something that is close to my heart, and I look forward to working for, and with, all involved.”

Wade will assist the board in reviewing applicants for an administrative assistant with hopes of being fully relocated and fully staffed by Feb. 1. Until then, the Chamber offices at the depot are closed. Wade can still be reached at 479-394-2912 or at director@chambermenapolkchamber.com.

The Chamber of Commerce is an integral part of a growing and thriving community and Dilbeck is optimistic for 2022. “The Chamber is like most businesses in Mena… a small business. We are membership driven and in 2022 will strive to not only promote our area for economic growth, relocation and tourism, but to create value for our members.

Our mission is to be a resource for our members and our community.

So stay tuned… more announcements are coming!”

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Acorn schools receives grant for construction technology program Submitted by Tammy Young Ouachita River School District received notification for approval of start-up grant funding for the 20222023 school year in the amount of $44,402.95 for Construction Technology Program for Acorn High School.

Congratulations on a job well done and appreciation to AHS Construction Technology Program Instructor Ricky Dollar, ORSD Administration, DMESC Career and Technical Education Coordinator Stacey Southerland, De Queen/Mena Education Service Cooperative Staff, and area business and industry partners for grant assistance and support.

The Construction Technology Program of Study course offerings include: Construction Fundamentals, Carpentry, Plumbing and Electrical for our students on the Acorn High School campus. Students earn high school credit and gain valuable soft skills, hands-on training, industry recognized certifications, knowledge and experience to prepare them for gainful employment and equip them for careers in the industry.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 12, 2022

Radio - Print - Web Family of three found dead 1168 Hwy 71S Mena, AR 71953 Phone: 479-243-9600 Fax: 479-243-9603 Email: news@mypulsenews.com

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in Pike County

Arkansas State Police and Criminal Investigation Division investigating

GLENWOOD, Ark. (Jan. 10, 2022) The Arkansas State Police are investigating the deaths of three Pike County residents.

The investigation is underway at the request of the Pike County Sheriff ’s Department.

Early Sunday afternoon family members discovered the bodies of David Sawyer Claborn, 25, his wife Meredith Claborn, 24, and the couple’s 23-month-old daughter, Sadie Dawn Claborn inside their home at 169 Baker Road, east of Glenwood.

Pike County Sheriff Travis Hill says it appears to be a double-murder, suicide. It is believed to be an isolated incident, and Arkansas State Police say they are not searching for any suspects at this time.

Mayor Billy Smith says this type of tragedy is rare for the area and has hit the entire community hard. The family was well known in

the recreation industry and many people in the city had interacted with them.

“It just reaches up and grabs your heart,” Smith said, adding that many community families have reached out looking for answers or wanting to send their condolences to relatives. “It’s something no one should have to deal with.”

Police Chief Clark Kinzler adds that in his years of law enforcement, this particular case hit hard.

“This kept me awake,” Kinzler said. “All that really matters is just making sure you find out what happened and what the truth is. We owe this to our victims, and we owe this to our families.”

The bodies have been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab to determine a cause of death.

News 3

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

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4 News

The Mena Salvation Army Store will have it’s grand re-opening on Thursday, Jan. 13, and attendees will have the opportunity to win prizes.

Founded by British evangelist couple William and Catherine Booth in 1865, The Salvation Army’s mission was to reach out to people who were villainized by the church at the time.

It has since developed into an inter-

cohol find help, hope, and a second chance at life,” the official website states.

Now in their newly remodeled store, Mena’s Salvation Army Store is holding a grand re-opening with lower prices on reclaimed items such as clothing, furniture, home decor, wedding dresses, electronics and more. The celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Prizes include $5 bag sales, where

Come check out the great deals, prizes and KENA 104.1’s live remote (10 a.m. to noon) at The Salvation Army’s grand re-opening Thursday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Photo by Trey Youngdahl)

national charity organization that reports a membership of 1.7 million, spanning across 132 countries.

Today, they help people with rehabilitation, disaster relief, homeless shelters, food pantries, job training and much more. Stores like the one here in Mena are donation-based, and the profits received go towards funding their charity work.

“When you donate goods to The Salvation Army, those items are then sold at our Thrift Stores. And the proceeds are used to fund our Adult Rehabilitation Centers, where those struggling with drugs and al-

Pulse

January 12, 2022

The Salvation Army grand re-opening

By Trey Youngdahl

THE POLK COUNTY

people can fill a bag full of merchandise and only pay $5 for the contents; drawings for Salvation Army gift certificates throughout the day; free gourmet hot dogs from The Walking Dog will be available for the first 50 people who attend. Also, visitors who bring two canned items for their food pantry will receive a dollar off any purchase.

Tune into 104.1 KENA from 10 a.m. to noon this Thursday where The Ouachita Chronicles podcast host Ashley Smith will be doing a live broadcast at The Salvation Army Store to partake in the celebration.

Writer’s group extends invitation to monthly meeting Submitted by Vinita Eggers Green Country Ruff Riters (GCRR) was established about 1980 (anecdotal evidence suggests either the fall of 1979 or 1980 as the inception of GCRR). The two main people behind the creation of the group were Kim McGeehee and Tommy Hughes.

Published authors who were once GCRR members include Kim Riley, Tabitha Shay, Modean Moon, Paula Gorgas, Pat Kelley, and Joe Harwell. Published authors and present members include Debra Martinez, and John Pontius.

GCRR meets on the second Saturday of the month at the Patrick Lynch Public Library, in Poteau, OK from 2-4pm CST. Each meeting includes a fifty minute workshop on the craft of writing, fifty minutes for critiques, and twenty minutes for the group’s business.

In addition, GCRR hosts a virtual write-in each Saturday via Facebook Messenger from 2-4pm CST. The virtual write-in started out as a stop gap arrangement during April 2020 after the library in Poteau instituted lockdowns due to Covid-19. However, the write-in was such a success that the once-a-month activity was increased to twice a month, and then increased again to its present iteration.

Our November 2021 meeting was a combined virtual and in person meeting, with our speaker and one of our members joining us virtually via Google Meet while the rest joined us in person at the public library in Poteau. Our speaker, Staci Mauney, is a freelance editor who

walked us through various mini exercises to help us self-edit our manuscripts.

Our December 2021 meeting included an hour and half of a writing round robin, followed by a half hour social.

Our January 2022 meeting will include a workshop about writing historical, futuristic and not-you contemporary characters as explained in Chapter 15 of Dwight V. Swain’s book Creating Characters: How to Build Story People.

Once a year, usually in the summer, GCRR hosts a writing workshop for school children, ages 12 and up, at the Patrick Lynch Public Library in Poteau, OK. GCRR is an affiliate of the Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc,(OWFI) and sponsors a contest category each year.

President Vinita Eggers represents GCRR at OWFI Board Meetings as a Delegate of GCRR. OWFI organizes a contest, and a conference each year. The Oklahoma Arts Council sponsors the keynote speaker for OWFI’s conference.

Members develop a unique bond based on our dedication to our craft, no matter how new or experienced we may be.

If you are looking for writing support, more information about the group, our next meeting or volunteering as a speaker, please contact us at one of the following: Debra Martinez, PR and Program Director, 918-721-4056 Vinita Eggers, President and OWFI Delegate, 2kwl2bagirl@gmail.com GCRR Facebook Page: https://www. facebook.com/GreenCountryRuffRiters/

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THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Politics 5

January 12, 2022

From the

State House of Representatives January is known as Human electronic media, and an agreeTrafficking Awareness Month. ment by the defendant to abide It is a time for us to educate by certain rules. ourselves about human traffickAct 1106 establishes an affiring and learn to spot the signs of mative defense for victims of trafficking. human trafficking accused of Human trafficking, also certain offenses. known as trafficking in perAct 1098 creates the offenses John Maddox sons or modern-day slavery, is of grooming a minor for fua crime that involves compelture sex trafficking and travelling or coercing a person to provide la- ing for the purpose of an unlawful sex bor or services or to engage in commer- act with a minor. cial sex acts. The coercion can be subtle In 2019, the Polaris Project worked on or overt, physical or psychological.

11,500 situations of human trafficking It endangers the lives of millions of reported to the Polaris-operated U.S. people, and it is a crime that knows no National Human Trafficking Hotline. borders.

These situations involved 22,326 indiIn the 2021 Regular Session, we passed vidual survivors, nearly 4,384 trafficklegislation strengthening our laws to ers, and 1,912 suspicious businesses. combat human trafficking in Arkansas. Human trafficking is notoriously unAct 798 provides heightened con- derreported. Shocking as these numbers ditions for release on bail for persons are, they are likely only a fraction of the accused of human trafficking and hu- actual problem. man-trafficking related offenses. Under To report suspected human traffickthe act, the conditions imposed may in- ing, call the National Human Trafficking clude an ankle monitor or GPS-enabled Hotline toll-free hotline at 1-888-373tracking device, restricted movement 7888 or text the hotline at 233733. limited to the person’s residence except You can also chat the National Human in the case of a medical emergency, a re- Trafficking Hotline via www.humantrafstriction on internet access and access to fickinghotline.org/chat/.

Contact Your Legislators!

John Maddox

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

Larry Teague

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

John Boozman

1120 Garrison Ave. Suite 2B Fort Smith, AR 72901 Phone: (479) 573-0189 Fax: (479) 575-0553

Bruce Westerman 101 Reserve St. Suite 200 Hot Springs, AR 71901 Phone: (501) 609-9796 Fax: (501) 609-9887

From the

State Senate This year marks the 20th showing that 40 percent of anniversary of the Arkansas fourth graders are proficient Supreme Court’s landmark in reading and 43 percent are decision in the Lake View proficient in math. school funding case.

Arkansas fourth graders In 2002 the court ruled that and eighth graders are still the state’s system of funding below the national average in public school was unconstimath, reading and science.

Larry Teague tutional. The legislature apAfter the Lake View case Arproved massive increases in kansas high school students school funding, and enacted tougher caught up to the national average school standards. on the ACT college entrance exams.

One result of the Lake View deci- However, their average scores began sion is that the legislature now reg- to drop again in 2017. The decline ularly conducts an assessment of the probably was due to the fact that more adequacy of school funding. The students were taking the ACT. With purpose is for students to be aca- college entrance exams, it’s generally demically proficient for their grade true that when more students take the level. test, the lower their average scores will The Senate and House Education be.

Committees have begun the curArkansas is 42nd in the nation in rent adequacy study. During a two- high school graduation rates, up from day meeting, the committee heard 46th in the year 2000. In rankings that a report on academic progress that compare the number of adults with a Arkansas students have made since college degree, Arkansas is still 49th. the state initiated a series of educa- The most recent surveys indicate that tion reforms to comply with the Lake 23.3 percent of adults in Arkansas View ruling. have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Arkansas students showed acaAverage teacher salaries have gone demic improvement during the first up by $16,000 since 2000. Arkansas ten years the Lake View ruling, but was ranked as high as 46th in 2019, those improvements have not been but went down to 48th in 2020. consistent.

Legislators on the Education ComAn analysis of academic indicators mittee expressed disappointment with shows that “progress … has stalled the lack of continued academic progor, in some cases, declined since ress, considering the size of the state’s around 2013. When current data is investment in public schools. compared with other states, ArkanThe Lake View case began 30 years sas often ranks among the lower per- ago, in 1992. The Lake View School forming states.”

District was a small, rural district in It was difficult to draw conclusions Phillips County that sued the state in several categories because Ar- over disparities in how it funded edkansas has changed its standardized ucation. testing multiple times. More than 20 Public schools represent the single years ago a judge in the Lake View largest spending category in state govcase cited test scores indicating that ernment. Last year the state distribonly 44 percent of fourth graders uted $2.2 billion through the Public were proficient in reading, and only School Fund. That accounted for 40 34 percent were proficient in math. percent of all state general revenue Recent test results are mixed, spending.

6 Obituaries

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 12, 2022

Darell David Bruce Darrell David Bruce, age 67, passed away November 23, 2021, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born November 12, 1954, in Mena, Arkansas, to the late Alfred Edwin and Nadine Webb Bruce.

Mr. Bruce was a truck driver by profession and served in the United States Air Force. Dave loved building and fixing things, cars, trucks, motorcycles, anything he could “tinker” with. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and spending time outdoors; his favorite activity was fishing with his family.

Mr. Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Edwin and Nadine Webb Bruce. He is survived by his daughter, Cassandra (Cassie) Bruce-Tucker and husband Chris; former spouse, Marilyn Bruce; grandchildren, Sloan Hicks and fiancé Elijah Dominguez, Kaylyn Hicks, Jacob Tucker, and Megan Owens; great-grandchildren, Miles Jay Tucker, and Emmie Owens; sisters, Alice Lavonn Pate and husband Tommy, Shirley Ann Werst and husband Kenny; brother, Henry Bruce and wife Revia; nieces, Debbie Fairless and Tamara Towery; nephews, Henry Jr. Bruce, Edwin Bruce, Brandon Bruce, and Todd Pate; great-uncle, Barney David Bruce and wife June; and by his partner, companion, and friend, Danna Burris.

Memorial services for Mr. Bruce will be held Saturday, January 8, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. in Cicel Chapel Cemetery in Cove,

Arkansas, with Brother Tim Smedley officiating.

Cremation services are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Services are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

John Wayne Hickenbottom

John Wayne “Jack” Hickenbottom, age 80, passed away Friday, January 7, 2022, in his home at Hodgens, Oklahoma. He was born September 26, 1941, in News Comers Town, Ohio, to Roy Hickenbottom and Leoda Clark Hickenbottom.

Jack was a truck driver by profession and truly enjoyed his job. It is believed that he had “diesel in his blood.” He served his country in both the United States Army and Navy with the Navy being his favorite. Jack had a passion for old cars and vehicles, and he enjoyed gold mining. Jack loved to eat and enjoyed visiting and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was good at arguing about politics with anyone who would participate. One of his favorite TV programs was Arnold Murray, tele-evangelist. Above all, Jack loved the Lord and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Hickenbottom; son, David Hickenbottom and wife; adopted son, Clayburn and wife Cathy Pickens; daughters, Deidra Hickenbottom, Cora (Cookie) Shrouder, Censi Childs and husband Matthew Trammell; grandchildren, James Pickens, Steve Hickenbottom, Amy Hickenbottom, Matthew Gurnick, Michael Gurnick, Sydney Arnold, Cody Arnold, Kirsten Pittsinger, Charles Pittsinger; adopted grandchildren, Harley Becker, Desiree Becker, and Kevin Morondy; 4 great-grandchildren; brother, Mike Hickenbottom; special dog, Jill and a host of other friends and family.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Leoda Clark Hickenbottom; brothers, Bud Hickenbottom, Gene Hickenbottom, Allen Hickenbottom,

and Dean Hickenbottom; mother-in-law, Pat Boag; father-in-law, Jim Boag.

Mr. Hickenbottom will be sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Gracie L. Parnell

Mrs. Gracie L. Parnell, age 95, passed away Friday, January 7, 2022, in Vian, Oklahoma. She was born October 12, 1926, to the late Thomas Benton and Lorena Hicks Brock. She was joined in marriage to the love of her life, Omer J. C. Parnell on January 2, 1945, they were married 37 years until his passing in 1982.

She was a homemaker by profession and enjoyed quilting, canning, and cooking.

She was a loving mother and raised her children and grandchildren with a loving hand. She worked in the Renova shirt factory as well as chicken houses and was a dedicated member of the Octavia Baptist Church. She was a model Christian who loved the Lord.

Mrs. Parnell is preceded in death by her husband, Omer J. C. Parnell; daughter, Marie Davis; and by her grandchildren; Stephanie Ross and Donald Vaught.

She is survived by her son, Archie Parnell; daughters, Ardis Keiss, Patricia Chambers, and Doylene Vaught; grandchildren, Jessie, Regina, Ray, Clifton, Brian, Delbert, Debbie, Scott, Amanda, Nikki, Brice, Chad, and Bridget; 25 great-grandchildren; and 23 great-great-grandchildren.

Services for Mrs. Parnell will be Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at Watson Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Brother Ed Rogers will be officiating under the direction of BeasleyWood Funeral Home. Visitation is general.

Pallbearers will be Jessie Smith, Chad Hudson, Clifton Vaught, Brian Vaught, Delbert McBroom, Scott McBroom, Brice Parnell, and Ray Davis.

Services are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Dr. David Paul Brown

Dr. David Paul Brown (Doc) Beloved husband, father, g r a n d f a t h e r, great-grandfather, neighbor and Doctor.

A highly respected man who cared deeply for everyone around him. He lived life with passion, positivity and leadership. Doc had a unique ability to make meaningful connections with those around him and make others feel just how much he valued their relationship. This was most evident in the love he had for his patients. Dr. David Paul Brown Jr., (Doc) 68, of Mena, Arkansas, was born in Victoria, Texas, on May 16, 1953. He was a leader in Geriatric Medicine who inspired many to follow in his footsteps, died January 8, 2022, at his home, (with courage and strength) after a battle with Renal Cell Carcinoma.

He will be greeted in heaven by his father David Brown Sr. and mother Elsa Brown.

He is cherished by his adoring wife of 26 years, Melissa. His daughter Sherrie and husband Tim Case, sons, Bradley Laughlin and wife Syndy and Christopher Laughlin and late wife Melanie.

His brothers Randy Brown and wife Monica, Charlie Brown and wife Tamra, his sister Bonita Flowers and husband Bob, grandchildren, Clint, Crystal, Candace, Ryder, Paisley, Maverick, Sean and Elizabeth. Great grandchildren, Chloe, Corbin, Westin and S.J., nieces Brandy, Joy, Jill, Cheri and Larry and nephews Jimmy, Judson, Lawson, Cason, Kolson Joe. Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 2:00 PM at the First Assembly of God in Mena with Brother Ron Tilley officiating.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 22, 2022, from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the First Assembly of God in Mena. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

By Richie Lawry

Have you ever noticed that “garage” and “garbage” are only one letter different? Many of us have garages filled with things other than those intended for a garage. My two-car garage has just enough empty space to hold one car. I sometimes wonder why I keep all the things cluttering my garage. An old expression says, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” I’m not sure of the origin of the phrase. Sometimes it’s written as “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”

I did an internet search of the phrase, and the earliest example I could find was in the book from the 1860s, “Popular Tales of the West Highlands.” The book is a four-volume collection of fairy tales, collected and published by John Francis Campbell and often translated from Gaelic. The introduction to the collection reads, “Practical men may despise the tales, earnest men condemn them as lies, some even consider them wicked. But one man’s rubbish may be another’s treasure, and what is the standard of value in such a pursuit as this?”

The phrase seems to have taken off since the 1960s. Maybe that’s because we have become a much more consumer-based society.

My Daddy and I have been in business in the same location for over forty years. Junk, or treasure, depending on your viewpoint, has been collecting here for all those years. Behind my shop were mountains of car parts and other treasures we had saved over the years.

A few months ago, I made a new friend, and for some time, he has been helping me clean up around my shop.

He has hauled dozens of trailer-loads of scrap metal to the recyclers. Cleanup is slow when there have been 40 years of accumulation, but we have slowly pro-

January 12, 2022

An Arkie’s Faith Deep Cleaning

gressed. I upgraded my dumpster to a larger size to have more room to dispose of things we no longer needed.

With the colder winter weather arriving, we have started cleaning up my shop building. I haven’t used one side of my shop for the last few years. During that time, it filled up with so many “things” that I couldn’t bring a vehicle inside.

Around 2,500 years ago, the Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote, “Nature abhors a vacuum.” The phrase expresses the idea that unfilled spaces go against the laws of nature and physics and that every space needs to be filled with something. My shop certainly seemed to prove Aristotle correct.

After spending several days moving treasures, things I couldn’t bring myself to throw away, to another storage building and discarding a lot of trash, we could finally get a vehicle inside. But there is still much cleaning to be done.

Shelves line the walls with 40 years of accumulation of parts. We need to save some things, but much of it is no longer useful and needs to be thrown away. I plan to redo the ceiling, repair the water pipes shattered in last year’s record cold, and add more lights. When I complete

the project, it will be a more comfortable place to work.

But before I can move ahead with my plans, I must finish cleaning out the shop.

The beginning of a new year gets us thinking about what we want to accomplish in the future. Many of us have plans for our life. We may make New Year’s resolutions. But it seems like New Year’s resolutions are hopeless. In the comic strip Peanuts, Charlie Brown says, “The best way to keep New Year’s Resolutions is in a sealed envelope in a bottom desk drawer.” If we are so bad at keeping our resolutions, how can we ever expect to improve our lives? How can we hope to grow and become the person Jesus wants us to be?

New Year’s resolutions aren’t worthless. People who set goals are 10 times more likely to succeed than those who don’t. Everything that we accomplish in life is because we resolved to do it.

There is no need to be discouraged if you’ve failed before. We all will fail at some point in our life. Failing is a learning experience so that we can do better next time. “A righteous person may fall seven times, but he gets up again.” Proverbs 24:16 (GW)

Joke of the Week:

I would never buy odorless deodorant. It makes no scents.

Faith 7 Before we can accomplish the goals we have set for ourselves this year, we have to clean out the clutter in our lives.

Just like the first step in my shop renovation is to clean out the trash, junk, and mess, we have to clean out the clutter before succeeding in life. But just like I have spent years avoiding the deep cleaning that I knew my shop needed, we often avoid cleaning the junk out of our lives.

Christian author, Laurie McClure, writes; “I think sometimes we avoid cleaning out our hearts because it means we have to look at junk that causes us to feel embarrassment and shame. Jesus paid for our shame, so we don’t have to wear it anymore!”

King David wrote in Psalm 51:10 (ESV), “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” When we know that we have things that we need to get rid of in our lives, we don’t have to do it alone. God will help us if we ask.

I’m not sure that I would ever get my shop cleaned out if it wasn’t for the help of my friend. It seemed such an overwhelming task that I never started the project until my friend was there to help me. Without him, the job seemed impossible, but with his help, we are making the cleanup a reality.

Gentle Reader, when we make an effort to bring our hearts to God, asking Him to give us a clean heart, He will forgive our sinful attitudes and actions and make our hearts new again. Then we can clean out the clutter and junk from our life and uncover some treasures we thought were lost, such as “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

Galatians 5:22 (NCV) This year, make a resolution to ask God to help you do a deep cleaning in your life.

Replacing windshields in Polk County for forty years.

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

8 History

January 12, 2022

Goingsnake Massacre:

By Ray Shelley

Zeke Proctor

Goingsnake District Indian Territory was located 63 miles northwest of Fort Smith, Arkansas, in the Cherokee Nation. (Now part of Adair County, Oklahoma).

On April 15, 1872, 11 people were killed at a schoolhouse being used as a courtroom for the murder trial of Cherokee citizen Polly Beck.

History portrays this event as the Goingsnake Massacre. It was actually a tragedy.

The killings were recorded as the “Deadliest Day” in the United States Marshal’s service.

Ezekiel “Zeke” Proctor, a Cherokee citizen, was on trial for the murder of Beck.

There were several versions of what led to the shooting; most believe Zeke Proctor confronted Jim Kesterson, a white man, and husband to Beck. The most feasible reason was Kesterson had been married to Proctor’s sister Susan and left her and their children destitute to marry Polly.

On February 23, 1872, Proctor went to the Hilderbrand Mill owned by Beck.

Beck and Kesterson were standing outside when Proctor arrived. Proctor and Kesterson had words, things started to escalate, and both reached for their

guns. Proctor was quicker on the draw and fired a round at Kesterson; at the exact moment (according to Proctor), Beck stepped between the men, being hit by the round intended for her husband. She fell to the ground, mortally wounded. Kesterson turned and started to run away. Proctor fired two more rounds. The first missed; the second, wounding Kesterson. Proctor then left and surrendered to the local sheriff. He was held for trial.

A provision in the treaty of 1866 between the Cherokee Nation and U.S. Federal Government stated the Cherokee court would prosecute crimes committed between American Indian citizens. The U.S. Federal Court system would prosecute crimes committed by a Cherokee and a White.

A court date was set with Judge Blackhawk Sixkiller presiding on April 15, 1872. Sixkiller felt the Goingsnake (I-na-du-na-I in Cherokee) District Courthouse would not be secure enough because it sat in the middle of Beck’s clan territory. So, he moved the trial to the Whitmire Schoolhouse near Christie, Oklahoma. The schoolhouse was a log building and had fewer windows.

In the meantime, Kesterson recovered from his wounds and went to the federal courthouse in Van Buren,

Arkansas, filed an affidavit for felony assault on Zeke Proctor. The U.S. Commissioner issued a warrant and gave it to U.S. Deputy Marshals Jacob Owens and Joseph Peavey, with the understanding that if the Cherokee court acquitted Proctor, he would be arrested

by Owens and returned to Van Buren.

An interesting side note on deputy Owens is the year previous, Owens had a warrant for two-horse thieves.

He chased them for 21 days, made the arrest, returned them to Van Buren, where they both bonded out. One of them did not show for trial. The next time he was heard from was when he was a lawman in Dodge City, Kansas.

His name was Wyatt S. Earp of Tombstone fame.

The deputies and 15 possemen, including four of Beck’s relatives, arrived at the Whitmire School as the trial was in session. There is no clear understanding of what transpired next. One version is the Beck boys from the posse marched into the schoolhouse, and shots rang out. Then all heck broke loose. When the shooting stopped,

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse seven possemen were dead.

Owens was severely wounded and died the next day. Peavey and several other possemen were wounded. Zeke Proctor and his brother Johnson were wounded. Proctor’s defense attorney Moses Alberty, and a friend and Civil War veteran Andrew Palone were killed.

Several others were wounded, along with Judge Sixkiller.

Most of the Beck posse were killed and the others were wounded.

The next day Zeke Proctor was acquitted by the Cherokee Court.

Marshal James Huckleberry immediately sent U.S. Deputy Marshal Charles Robinson and 21 possemen with warrants for the killing of eight deputies.

Several Cherokee citizens were arrested and brought back for trial. The Cherokee court also issued arrest warrants for Cherokee citizens involved in the April 15 tragedy.

Eventually, both the Cherokee court and U.S. District Court dropped all charges. No one was ever held accountable for all the killings.

Proctor returned to farming. In 1877 he was elected Cherokee Senator for the Goingsnake District. He was hired as a U.S. Deputy Marshal under Judge Isaac C. Parker from 1891-1894. In 1894, Proctor was elected sheriff of the Flint District, Cherokee Nation. All accounts show Proctor was an excellent lawman.

Zeke Proctor died of pneumonia at the age of 76. Dates vary, but his monument and marker have July 4, 1831February 28, 1907, etched in the stone, as well as Sgt. 2 Cherokee Home GDS Indian Wars. Proctor is buried in the Proctor plot at the Johnson Cemetery in Delaware County, five miles west of Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 12, 2022

New Heights Gymnastics Team competed in the Snow Globe Classic 2022, bringing home first place for Mena. See the full story in the Jan.

(Submitted photo) 19 issue of the Pulse.

Sports 9

10 News PAINT continued from page 1 time that Wild Hare has hosted an event like this, the last being conducted in August 2021. The event costs $65 per person. The registration deadline is Jan. 19.

The gallery opened in March 2019 after owners Linda and Greg Ostman moved to Mena from Plano, Texas. Being big pet enthusiasts themselves, they have a slew of pets that cohabitate their shop during business hours, one of which is a rescue pup.

“Missy is a poodle and terrier mix. We found her running out on Mena Street and she’s been with us ever since,” Ostman reminisced. “It’s one of the reasons we like to donate to (the Humane Society).”

Wild Hare Art Glass Studio &

January 12, 2022 Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Those interested in participating can contact them at 479-2344927 or stop by the gallery.

“I just want people to come out and have some fun,” Ostman continued. “It’s not about talent. It’s about having a good time.”

Tina Ball, director of HSO, also spoke about the event.

“I was at the last one they did, and everybody had a fantastic time! I appreciate Greg and Linda Ostman for taking the Humane Society in,” Ball commented.

“Fundraisers like this are incredibly valuable to the Humane Society. The money will be used to care for the almost 800 cats and dogs that the Humane Society takes in annually.”

The high population of cats and

dogs kept at HSO is due in part to the number of pets in Mena that are not fixed. To remedy this, the HSO will once again be hosting the Ozark Mountain Mobile Spay/ Neuter Clinic at the Mena Elks Lodge, Tuesday, Jan. 25 through Thursday, Jan. 27. Clinic costs will be lowered to have your pets either spayed, neutered or vaccinated for rabies. Cats will cost $40, dogs will be priced based on their weight starting at $65. Rabies vaccinations will be offered at only $5 per pet.

Ball said, “This is a great opportunity to spay or neuter your pet at an incredible low cost.”

Appointments are required and must be made prior to event dates as there are a limited number of spots available. To schedule an appointment, call 479-394-8001.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 12, 2022

News 11

Should Lum & Abner stay or go

By Ethan Nahté

The Mena Advertising and Promotion Commission (A&P) convened Thursday, Jan. 6. Several major events and updates were discussed following the approval of the Dec. 7, 2021, minutes and the various reports presented by Pasha Watson, A&P administrator.

Watson began with the November financial reports, A&P business permit discussions and the marketing report, which showed nearly a double uptick in likes and engagements for Facebook and the official website, as well as slight increase in the Lum & Abner Festival on Instagram.

385 events, which provides photography and video for the various online outlets promoting Mena, was discussed, the quorum approving of the overall results.

The 2024 solar eclipse, which has the potential of making Mena a go-to destination for the chance at one of the best views of the total eclipse was briefly discussed.

Watson reported on an executive meeting attended, which will now allow the A&P to branch out with other meetings regarding branding and marketing.

The first big item discussed was the No Drop Tours OK Freewheel cycling group that will be pedaling through Mena June 6 and 7, immediately following the weekend of the Lum & Abner Festival. There was some doubt, at first, about a projected large crowd making Mena their overnight stop following so closely on the tail of the festival, but the A&P has learned there will be very little required of them or the City of Mena. For the most part, several dozen, if not hundreds of cyclists will be riding into

town on June 6. The First Baptist Church will be allowing the cyclists usage of their facilities. The church also offered to cook supper, as part of a fundraiser, for those cyclists who do not want to venture about to the several nearby restaurants. The Masonic Lodge will be providing breakfast before the cyclists leave out to complete their week-long tour across Oklahoma and parts nearby.

The board also elected to continue membership in the Arkansas Festivals & Events Association (AFEA) to help promote area events. They chose not to attend the AFEA 2022 Conference being held in February.

Following was a lengthy discussion regarding the branding, and the continued usage of the name of the Lum & Abner Festival. A change to the Lum & Abner Music & Arts Festival seems to be the direction the A&P is heading, but some members want to consider dropping the Lum & Abner name all together or, at the very least, minimizing the Lum & Abner association, arguing that most of today’s youth outside of the Mena area are unaware of who Lum & Abner are.

Other members pointed out the festival is in its 44th year. Renaming the festival would be nearly the equivalent of launching a new festival and having to build it up compared to people outside the 60-mile radius who are familiar with the name and make the effort to attend the Lum & Abner Festival.

The board voted to have a committee meeting Jan. 18. solely for discussing the festival. Watson urged them to move quickly due to the need to begin promoting, as the event takes a lot of time, effort, organization and resources. The discussion led to the subject of the board’s Request for Qualification (RFQ) for a qualified person to assist in providing festival/event planning for the A&P. Tapley Park director Phillip Lance gave his report. The scoreboards have finally made it in. The park is awaiting Aleshire Electric to install them.

The spring soccer registration will open Feb. 1.

The grant for a new field was not approved. The park will be extending a field

100 feet instead.

The pads for the tennis courts are near completion.

The Parks Department has a job opening at the workforce center.

In other news, two of the three grants for the bike trails were not granted. The board expects to hear about the third grant soon.

If it is not approved, they will be forced to seek other options.

An ordinance was voted on to maintain Patrick McDaniel as the A&P legal counsel.

Members of the A&P board will attend the Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

The 2022 Advertising Fund Requests was voted on, providing a maximum grant of $1,000 per organization/event and a total budget of $4,000 to distribute overall.

The nominations and elections of the 2022 A&P officers were chosen. All members kept their current positions with the exception of James Earl Turner, who was elected as the new vice-chair.

That concluded the meeting.

12 Profile Note from the writer: So, as you have probably noticed, this is something that I’ve been trying to do for the Pulse since I took up being the lead reporter back in November (as well as heading the sports section!). One of the things I love about writing for a community newspaper is it gives me the opportunity to really focus on our amazing community. Polk County has a plethora of incredible people, and I want to use my platform to highlight them and their stories.

When Vernon Hampton passed, I think the community kind of felt it all together. I feel memorializing him is a wonderful way to introduce For the Record.

If you have feedback or any suggestions of people you’d like to see highlighted in the community, email me at t.youngdahl@mypulsenews.com!

January 12, 2022

The Legacy of Vernon Hampton with the airplanes that his father Fred Hampton made his living refurbishing. He was enthralled in everything from the physics to the mechanics of planes and aviation. It was in 1982 that, at the age of only 16 years old, Vernon took his first solo flight.

Vernon Hampton (left) with his father Fred Hampton.

(Photo courtesy of the Hampton family.)

A longtime Mena resident and community member, Vernon Lane Hampton was born on Feb 6, 1966. Growing up, he quickly became fascinated

Besides his love of aviation, he was also a very dedicated and loving father to his son, Aaron, and two daughters, Angela and Katy. Though Katy wasn’t

his biological daughter, he took her in and raised her as his own—right alongside his other two children. He was known to be very generous and loved to help people.

One such story of his love of helping others is that of Robert Watkins. After earning his ‘A’ skydiving license in 2014, Watkins scoured the area looking for a pilot that would be willing to remove their door and allow him to dive over his hometown. Of all the pilots he contacted, Hampton was the only one who agreed.

“We just trusted each other that we knew what we were doing,” Watkins said. “It was just the beginning of an incredible adventure and friendship with him.”

The two of them became fast friends, and the skydiving led to Vernon letting Watkins take the controls of the plane and introducing him to aviation.

Watkins fell in love with it, and Hampton continued to foster that fondness, leading to him teaching Watkins how to fly.

“He wanted to see me become a pilot for reasons that I will probably never understand.”

Though Watkins had later taken classes from an official instructor, he always valued the knowledge he gained from his early flights with Hampton.

“Vernon taught me what flight instructors won’t teach you,” he ex-

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse plained. “He told me what was important to pass flight school and showed me what I was going to actually use.”

Because of his encouragement, Watkins started leasing planes for a skydiving business in Clarksville called Skydive River Valley, which Hampton would pilot for, as well as work on with his mechanical expertise. He credits the help Hampton gave him for the success he’s found in aviation.

“It’s only possible through Vernon that I got here,” he said. “I trusted Vernon with my airplane—and that means I trusted him with my life.”

Now acquiring hot air balloons, Watkins has expanded into areas of aviation that even Hampton hadn’t explored.

“He was a very unique person. I’ve never met anybody on this earth like him,” Watkins remembered. “Vernon was my best friend. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for him.”

He wasn’t without his eccentricities though. Seemingly always playing pranks, Hampton was a joker and loved to pick on people—always in good fun of course.

“He was always joking and laughing and playing around,” his daughter, Angela Jones reminisced. “He was always picking on someone. Everybody had a nickname.”

Unfortunately, on Dec. 3, 2021, Hampton said his last goodbyes to his children before taking a flight back from Louisiana. He was found dead in the wreckage of a Cessna 182L airplane near the unincorporated community of Bonnerdale, in Hot Spring County, roughly 65 miles southwest of Little Rock.

“Vernon was a brilliant and successful man, but more importantly, he was generous and kind,” said his sister, Melissa Ham. “I’ll always be thankful for the years I got to work with my brother and the time we spent together. His passing has left a giant hole in the hearts of so many and I pray for each of them.”

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 12, 2022

Hogspore News High school class ring

By Clet Litter as told to Bob Simpson

Tony’s Barbershop conducted another Think Tank session. Mumford Pickens kicked it off by saying, “I still wear my high school graduation ring.”

This made Lester Sommerstone, who was sitting in the barber chair, mad cause his class ring won’t fit on any of his remaining fingers. He’s foreman down at the sawmill. Nobody was concerned that he was mad, since he can’t make a fist with either hand, and he won’t pick a fight.

Jimmy Suspenders added his piece, “I always sport my female high school wresting coach’s ring. I remember the day she pinned me with it.”

Jury duty is coming up next month.

I guess I can’t complain about things occasionally without also doing my civic responsibility of serving on a jury or voting. Last time, when I said that I was retired from the CIA, the judge dismissed me for being crazy. I tried to explain that I was a sleeper cell for twenty years. I got escorted out of the courthouse. You’d think they’d have my file marked with that information already. Well, it’ll be good for a laugh before I get sent back home again.

Folks are trying to cope with the

higher food prices. Smartins Grocery installed a hole in the roof to accommodate the rising costs. They’re now accepting empty corn cobs as tradeins toward the purchase of fresh corn.

Even the Children’s Orphanage of Muleberry County is coping with inflation by watering down the evening meal of gruel.

This has nothing to do with big prices, but there was a representative from the Watermelon Commission out front of Smartins conducting a survey.

He asked, “Do you eat watermelon with salt or sugar?”

My answer was, “No, there ain’t a saltshaker or sugar bowl around when you steal a watermelon.”

Old man Grimely was telling about his experience getting a package delivered to his home. He said, “I received my order from Amazon for some underwear. I asked the delivery driver to wait while I tried them on to see if they fit. He wouldn’t come in the house, so I had to try on all 14 pair of underdrawers while he waited on the porch with me.”

Hollywood News, some day: “Britney Spears, Age 65, Breaks Hip, Oops.”

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

Humor 13

14 Community

Pulse

January 12, 2022

2022 welcomes a baby boy

Mena Regional Health System is thrilled to welcome the first baby of 2022! Proud parents are Travis and Audrey Youmans of Mena, Arkansas. Baby Derek Eriberto Youmans was born on Friday, January 7, 2022 at 9:35 p.m., weighing 7 pounds, 10 ounces and measuring 19.5 inches at the time of his birth. Baby Derek was delivered by Dr. Rocha. They

THE POLK COUNTY

are pictured with the New Year Baby welcome gifts, an MRHS tradition.

Thank-you to local businesses who donated items to help welcome the New Year Baby: Allbaugh’s Florist, Gabriel Clothing Co., Janssen Avenue Florist, Mena Regional Auxiliary, Lela Nordyke Photography, Stitch Chick & Gifts and Washburns.

Around Town

Christ’s Church at Mountain Fork Dr. Mark D. Berrier, Minister at Large. Located at 5540 Hwy 8 W, Mena, Sunday Worship @ 11 a.m., Wednesday Women’s Prayer Meeting @ 6 p.m., Bible Study @ 7 p.m. For more information, email mberrier@dallas.edu/. Visit KiamichiMission.org/

Van-Cove Alumni quarterly meeting postponed due to no immediate business on the agenda, and the prevalence of Covid/flu in the community.

The Van- Cove alumni and supporters quarterly business meeting, that was previously scheduled for January 20, will be postponed until February 17.

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. We kindly ask that non-vaccinated individuals wear masks.

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

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m., Monday; at 7 p.m., Thursday; at 7 p.m. Friday; and at 6 p.m. Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call Erica at 479-216-7249.

The Cossatot Senior Center will be open for take out dining only through Jan 7. Home Deliveries will continue as normal.

Travis and Audrey Youmans are the parents of Baby Derek Eriberto Youmans, the first baby of 2022 at MRHS. (Photo courtesy of MRHS)

Polk County Births Mena Regional Health System

December 23, 2021 – December 30, 2021 Kaitlynn Vaughn & Cornelio Cruz of Cove, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born Dec. 26th

Hannah & Malachi Harper of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born Dec. 28th

Erin & Cody McCoy of Hatfield, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born Dec. 28th

Alexandrea Kersey of Texarkana, Texas is the proud parent of a baby boy born Dec. 28th

Sophie & Cody Baker of Cove, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born Dec. 28th

Taylor & Joseph Miller of Cove, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born Dec. 29th

The Mena Polk County Senior Center will be closed for dine-in until Friday, January 14.

Home delivery will continue and grab and go meals will be available from 11a.m.-12 p.m. Please call ahead.

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

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.

Polk County Housing Authority will be closed Monday, Jan. 17th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

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.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 8 p.m. Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for information call 479-243-0297.

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.

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.

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

Pulse

Classifieds 15

January 12, 2022

CLASSIFIEDS - EMPLOYMENT - 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.

T0223 Land Management, Tree Service, RC Customz can handle your construction needs, mulching and more. Military discounts available. Insured. Call (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate.

T0223 Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries.

(870) 490-1191 T0222 Tree services, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate.

T0223

- WANTED -

Wanted: Clean Karaoke Machine, good working condition. Call Ray (479) 477-0576

T0119 Want to Rent or Buy in the country, 3 Bedroom/2 Bath, fenced backyard, paved road, community water for 2 retired adults, no children, 2 or 3 car garage, workshop or storage building for side-by-side. Call (479) 234-2530

T0112

Comprehensive Juvenile Services seeking Mentoring Coordinator/Case Manager. Seeking a qualified person to recruit adult mentors for multiple counties in western Arkansas area. Bachelor’s degree in human services field, strong oral presentation and communication skills required.

Send updated resume and three letters of reference: Personnel Manager 1606 South J Street Fort Smith, AR 72901 Deadline: January 14 No phone calls please. EOE

T0112

CWD found in four more Arkansas counties

State biologists are confirming the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in four more Arkansas counties.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission announced on Friday it had received positive samples from Randolph County in Northeast Arkansas as well as first-ever cases in Crawford, Franklin and Van Buren Counties. These three counties, located in Northwest Arkansas, were already included in the Chronic Wasting Disease management zone but had not previously confirmed the presence of CWD. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, caribou, and moose. It was first detected in Arkansas Feb. 23, 2016. Since the first detection, AGFC has tested more than 40,670 deer and elk from across the state. To date, 1,260 deer and 38 elk have tested positive for the disease in Arkansas.

Infected animals begin to lose weight, lose their appetite and develop an insatiable thirst. They may separate from

INVITATION TO BID

PROJECT: Cossatot River Schools Athletic Facilities Improvements BID DATE: Tuesday January 25th, 2022 BID EMAIL: leslie.beckham@nabholz.com or josh.thessing@nabholz.com BID FAX: 501-228-6616 BID TIME: 2:00 p.m.

NCS-LR is accepting subcontractors/supplier pricing for the Cossatot River School District on the above referenced project. We invite you to bid on your scope of work. Please see below for ways to access the documents or contact Leslie Beckham at 501-217-5596.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT IS AS FOLLOWS: Construction and completion of a new soccer, softball, and baseball field. Project also includes site demo and grading, backstop netting, chain link fencing, athletic equipment, masonry dugouts with a standing seam roof, etc.

Copies of plans, project manual and proposed contract documents will be available for reviewing at the office of Nabholz Construction Services’ Little Rock Aldersgate Office & digital document can be accessed through a Building Connected Invitation Notice from Josh Thessing.

SEALED BIDS will be received at Nabholz Little Rock Office, 1718 Aldersgate Rd. Little Rock, AR 72205 to the attention of NABHOLZ CONSTRUCTION until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25th, 2022. EMAILED OR FAXED BIDS MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE NOON. Public Bid Opening: The bids will be read aloud in the lower conference room of the Nabholz 1718 Aldersgate Road, Little Rock, AR office. Bids received after the above stated closing time will be returned to the bidder. Bids are to be on a lump sum basis and must be filled out on the provided bid form. Fax number is 501-228-6616.

Proposals shall include all labor, material, applicable taxes, insurance, equipment, etc., for a complete job. If your bid or proposal on this project exceeds $50,000, please send a copy of your current Arkansas Contractors License or subcontractor registration certificate. A bid bond is required for all bids exceeding $20,000. Faxed proposals received before noon on bid date at the Nabholz Construction office are acceptable, if a hard copy is received within 24 hours. Once bids are received, they will be reviewed for completeness, the responsible lowest bidder will be notified. All bids will be taken under advisement.

PRE-BID MEETING: Will be held at the site on Tuesday, January 18th at 10:30 am at 6330 US-71, Cove, AR 71937. It is important that every bidder is present as vital information about the project will be discussed.

Bidders must comply with regulatory and licensing requirements of the State of Arkansas and other applicable Arkansas statutes. To be considered, bidders must be licensed on day of bid opening. Nabholz and the Owner reserve the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informality or irregularity in any bid.

Nabholz is an equal-opportunity employer. All Women Owned Businesses (WBE), Minority Owned Businesses (MBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) including women, minority, disabled or veteran-owned business, are encouraged to submit a proposal or bid. Should you have any questions concerning this project, please email them to josh.thessing@nabholz.com.

their herds, walk in repetitive patterns, carry their head low, salivate, urinate frequently and grind their teeth.

Friday’s announcement comes just weeks after a positive case was confirmed in Union County – the first-ever case detected in South Arkansas.

In keeping with the AGFC’s CWD Management and Response Plan, there will be no changes to deer-hunting regulations for the remainder of the 202122 deer hunting season.

The AGFC said it will evaluate the need for any expansion of the CWD Management Zone and regulations concerning deer hunting during the hunting regulations-setting process once the season is over.

Hunters who wish to have their deer tested for CWD can voluntarily take the head of the deer, with 6 inches of neck still attached to one of the AGFC’s network of participating taxidermists to have a sample tested for free.

They also may drop off the head at one of dozens of CWD-testing collection stations positioned throughout the state, including in Dierks, De Queen and Ashdown. A full list of CWD-testing facilities is available at www.agfc.com/cwd. Local landowners near Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge also may contact the AGFC to participate in surveillance efforts in the area. For more information, call 501412-5434. Those who submit a sample, whether positive or not, will be entered into a drawing for one of two lifetime Arkansas fishing and hunting licenses.

Visit www.agfc.com/cwd/ for more information.

16 Puzzles

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 12, 2022

01.12.22

01.12.22

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 01.05.22

Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Hello! My name is Patches and and I am a LOVER!! I love people and I love to play! I am just about a year and half and I still have a bunch of that puppy energy. I need a good place to expend all my energy. I would love to have a large yard or area to run and play. Do you enjoy jogging/running/hiking? I love to explore and would make a great exploring partner. I am leash trained but I am still working on pulling. I just get so excited! However, I am eager to please and do well with guidance. I weigh in at about 68 pounds and sometimes I don't know my own strength. So, I would probably do best in a home with children over the age of 5.

Howeve I am super sweet and have never shown any aggression. I do need to be pre-adopted. Please contact HSO to learn about However, the pre-adoption process. I am a just a sweet, friendly, waggy-tail boy looking for my furever home!

All selected Pet of the Week animals come with a gift package.

All animals at the Humane Society of the Ouachitas are current on their vaccinations and spayed/neutered prior to adoption.

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

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 12, 2022

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 03, 2022 Elizabeth Finley, 22 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance.

Michael Thompson, 40 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Possession of Firearms by a Certain Person, two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with Purpose to Deliver to a Minor and Possession of Methamphetamine or Cocaine with Purpose to Deliver. Thompson was also arrested on a Body Attachment.

January 08, 2022 January 04, 2022 Deputies were dispatched to a Brianna Ramirez, 22 of Mena report of a structure fire on Polk was arrested on a Felony War- 48 near Potter. rant for Theft by Receiving and Deputies were dispatched to a Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card. residence on Polk 168 near Hatfield in reference to a verbal arJanuary 05, 2022 gument.

Deputies were dispatched to an address on Polk 35 near Hat- January 09, 2022 field in reference to a theft.

Deputies were dispatched to Deputies responded to a walk- a residence on Frachiseur Road in complainant in reference to a near Grannis in reference to scam resulting in losses of more cattle being attacked by dogs. than $4500.00.

Charles Morgan, 44 of Mena Polk County Sheriff ’s Office was arrested on charges of Pos- worked 2 vehicle accidents this session of Methamphetamine week. or Cocaine and Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled SubPolk County Detention Censtance. ter Jail Population: 21 IncarcerJanuary 06, 2022 No reports were filed.

January 07, 2022 Deputies were dispatched to a structure fire on Hwy 8 West near Rocky.

ated Inmates, with 12 Inmates

MENA POLICE REPORTS

January 2 No reports.

January 3 A harassment report was taken from a walk-in complainant.

January 4 James Jewell, 31, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

Donavan Hunt, 30, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

Mary Smith, 32, was charged with DWI, Speeding, and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor after a traffic stop on Westmoreland Drive.

Police 17

Mena Police promotions

Submitted by Tod Cannon, City of Mena Mena Police Chief Tommy Stueart announced the promotion of two Mena PD Officers to the rank of Sergeant, effective Friday, Jan. 14.

The two positions were vacated by Sergeant Mike Wolf and Sergeant Ronnie Richardson, who retired last year.

January 5 Mark Southwick, 47, was served with a warrant at the police department.

A theft report was taken at a residence on South Eve Street.

January 6 John Fagan, 18, was served with a warrant at the police department.

January 7 A report of forgery was taken from a walk-in complainant.

Martin Dollarhyde, 46, was served with a warrant.

Perouz Daemi, 68, was charged with Public Intoxication, Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting Arrest after a complaint at Wendy’s.

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

A report of assault and disorderly conduct was taken at a residence on Ransom Road.

January 8 No reports.

Sergeant Dalton Myers will assume the position of shift supervisor D2, day shift.

Sergeant Allen Walker, will assume the position of shift supervisor N2, night shift.

18 Sports

January 12, 2022

Mena Opens Up 2022 At Home To Mixed Results Basketball Jan. 14- Malvern @ Mena Jan. 15- Waldron @ Mena Jan. 18- Mena @ De Queen

Basketball Jan. 14- Cedarville @ Cedarville

Basketball Jan. 14- Mountainburg @ Acorn Jan. 18- Acorn @ Mansfield Wrestling Jan. 13- Acorn @ Russellville

By Loki DeWitt The first week back to school after the holidays and the Mena Bearcats and Ladycats returned to their homecourt Friday, Jan. 7, with each team looking to return to their winning ways.

The Ladycats were coming off a rough 3-game road stretch that saw them come up empty-handed in the win column. The girls looked to leave all that misfortune behind as they faced off with the Arkadelphia Lady Badgers.

Brooklyn Pennington set the stage for the fast-paced affair, opening the game with an impressive 3-pointer.

She managed to keep up the pace and knock down another basket while their opponents tried their best to keep pace.

Emily Leonard and Grayson Fairless pushed the Ladycats’ early lead out further with buckets of their own. The Lady Badgers would finally manage to

strike back and put up a score of their own around halfway into the first quarter. The Ladycats were not about to allow that to go unanswered as Leonard scored another basket. Arkadelphia managed to score once more leading to an 11-3 score heading into the second quarter.

The second quarter saw the Lady Badgers began to put pressure on the Ladycats, coming from behind to tie the game. Eventually, the intensity of their opponents caused the Ladycats to have to play from behind for the first time in the game. This setback wouldn’t last long though as Madi Lyles managed to score twice and retake the lead.

Arkadelphia wouldn’t be so easily vanquished and tied the game at 18 going into half-time.

The Ladycats opened the second half in a big way as Leonard quickly put three points up on the board. The score was tied back up when Arkadelphia responded with a 3-pointer of their own.

The tie didn’t last long as Brooklyn Pennington scored two and Fairless added one more with a free throw.

Arkadelphia quickly surged back with another 3-pointer to tie. The Ladycats responded as Lyles and Pennington both scored. The Lady Badgers would score once more, but the Ladycats held on to the lead to make it 29-26 at the end of the third quarter.

Mena would open up the last quarter with a basket to extend their lead. The opposing team would quickly answer.

Pennington then scored two, followed by one additional point from a free throw to seal the lead. After that, it was simply a matter of keeping the pressure until time expired. The Ladycats were victorious, 34-28.

The Bearcats The Bearcats were also coming off a road loss and looking to start the new

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse year. Both teams were very aggressive in what proved to be a scrappy, foulheavy affair. The first few points of the game for both teams occurred as a result of free throws. The Arkadelphia Badgers would be the first to score outside of free throws. The first Bearcat to hit a 2-pointer was junior Silas McIntyre. Arkadelphia wasted no time in responding. The Badgers would continue to swarm the Bearcats defensively, quickly taking the lead. The Bearcats did manage to answer with several baskets of their own coming from players such as Caleb Peters. The first half saw both teams make several trips to the free throw line, ultimately ending with a score of 18-27.

The Badgers continued to dominate, sinking the first two baskets in the second half. Brody Brown finally scored for the Bearcats. The Bearcats continued to struggle against the defensive pressure as the Badgers widened their lead.

The Bearcats pushed on with Peters putting two on the board. Robert Wallis and Alex Rocha also scored.

Arkadelphia scored several more times before Aaron Lay put Mena back on the board once again. The Bearcats struggled hard against the continued onslaught of their opponents with scores by Brown, Lay, and Malachi Floyd. The Bearcats’ efforts were not quite enough, falling 66-46.

The previous day, Jan. 6, saw the Junior Varsity squads face off in Arkadelphia. The result of those games were the Junior Bearcats defeating Arkadelphia by a score of 36-28 and the Junior Ladycats falling to Arkadelphia with a final of 42-35.

The Junior squads will be in action again at Malvern on January 13 at 4:30 PM. The Varsity squad will also face Malvern, in Mena the following day, January 14 at 4:30 PM. The games for Jan. 11 and 15 were canceled due to COVID-related issues in the other school districts.

THE POLK COUNTY

January 12, 2022 Pulse Vandervoort Elementary perfect attendance

Second nine weeks (2021-2022)

Kindergarten: Kynlie Barton, Micha London, Hayden Neal, Kye Sellers, Jaxen Shouse, Adeline Strother First Grade: Melody Ashcraft, Sophia Williams Second Grade: Madison Holbrook, Audrey Sellers, Gwen Sellers Third Grade: Madelyn Ashcraft, Cara Cumpton, Joey Wade, Brody Ward, Kayisen Weisinger, Timothy Williams Fourth Grade: Adelyn Barton, Kadence Broach, Will Rogers, Falynn Ward Fifth Grade: Daniel Madrid, Jace Shouse Sixth Grade: Brody Creel, Chelsea Creel, Angel Miller

First semester (2021-2022)

Kindergarten: Micha London, Kye Sellers, Jaxen Shouse, Adeline Strother First Grade: Sophia Williams Second Grade: Madison Holbrook Third Grade: Cara Cumpton, Joey Wade, Brody Ward, Timothy Williams Fourth Grade: Falynn Ward Fifth Grade: Daniel Madrid Sixth Grade: N/A

Autumn Strother of Mena named to Harding University Dean’s list

SEARCY, Ark. (01/06/2022) -Autumn Strother, a sophomore studying interior architecture and design, is among more than 1,200 Harding University students included on the dean’s list for grades achieved during the fall 2021 semester.

The dean’s list is published each semester by Dr. Marty Spears, University provost, honoring those who have achieved high scholarship.

To be eligible, a student must be carrying 12 or more hours with a 3.65 or higher grade-point average and no incompletes.

Harding University is a private Christian,

liberal arts university located in Searcy, Arkansas. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, it is the largest private university in the state. Harding’s student body represents students from across the U.S. and more than 50 nations and territories. The University offers more than 100 undergraduate majors; more than 15 pre-professional programs; more than 40 graduate and professional programs; as well as numerous study-abroad opportunities including locations in Australasia, Peru, England, Greece, Italy and Zambia. For more information, visit harding.edu.

Education 19

20 News

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 12, 2022

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

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