Polk County Pulse January 19, 2022

Pulse THE POLK COUNTY

FREE WEEKLY 1168 Hwy 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600

January 19, 2022

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

COVID-19 at-home testing kits

INSIDE:

By Ethan Nahté

Students Recognized

Pages 20-21

Mena Disc Golf Club Tourney

Page 22

Demand is high

The State of Arkansas has purchased 1.5 million iHealth at-home tests for distribution across the state. These tests will be available at no cost to all Arkansans.

Availability will be two tests (one kit) per individual per day or six tests (three kits) per family per day.

There are two tests in each kit.

Tests will be available starting Jan. 11, from the first shipment received by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). Additional shipments will be arriving in the future.

It was reported on the Pulse and County Mena Regional Hospital Mena Radio Facebook pages that and the Polk County Library, had neither of the two locations in Polk the at-home testing kits.

“We do not have them yet,” Mary Renick with the Polk County Library said Wednesday, Jan. 12.

Once the library has the tests in-hand, Renick said, “It would be helpful if people call in advance to let us know they are coming so we’ll be prepared. When they arrive, come to the door and phone us (again) to tell us they are there to pick up a test kit. We will bring it out to them.”

See TESTING continued on page 8

Patient’s son takes ambulance joyride

By Trey Youngdahl

Photography Contest

Page 2

Emergency medical personnel were in for quite the shock when one of two ambulances was taken by an unauthorized person.

On Monday, Jan. 10, Southwest EMS responded to a call on Miller St., sending two ambulances to the scene. With all emergency staff working in one am-

bulance on the patient, the second ambulance was left vacant. The patient’s son, 23-year-old Nathaniel James, chose to get behind the wheel and drive away.

“They just thought they were moving the ambulance,” Southwest EMS owner Robbie Hines said. “The next thing they knew, it was gone.”

The vehicle was recovered shortly, as

it was driven straight to Mena Hospital from the scene. Mena Police Department estimates that the ambulance is worth upwards of $25,000. While there were no damages to the vehicle, an arrest has been made and James is currently in custody.

Because this is an ongoing investigation, details are subject to change.

2 News

January 19, 2022

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Mena Art Gallery Photography Show

The Mena Art Galthe following month.

“Glade Creek Grist Mill” lery will be conducting Pricing should take

by Lowell Thomas the 2022 Photography this into consideration.

Show, which will inAll entries must be clude an adult and a youth division. brought to Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena Work may be in any photographic style St., on Saturday, February 19, between 10 (e.g. black and white, infrared, HDR, pan- a.m. and 3 p.m. Please contact the Gallery oramic, etc.) All photographic media is ac- if you need to make other arrangements. ceptable. Entries must be original and the The reception will be Saturday, Feb. 26, photographer’s own work. from 1-3 p.m. Prize awards will be preMena Art Gallery is a family friendly sented at 2 p.m. environment. Please consider this when you bring art for exhibition. Acceptance of Prize Awards: questionable subject matter must meet the Adult approval of the exhibits committee.

• Best in Show $150 Any work that has been previously • First Place $100 shown in any Mena Art Gallery judged • Second Place $ 75 show may not be entered again.

• Third Place $ 50 • Honorable Mention Ribbon Entry Fees: • People’s Choice $25 • Adult Members $8.00 per piece • Adult Non-Members $10.00 per piece Youth • Youth $5 per piece • Best in Show $75 • First Place $50 All work must be framed and ready • Second Place $ 30 to hang. Gallery wrap is acceptable. All • Third Place $ 20 frames must be wired (no saw tooth or • Honorable Mention Ribbon pop out hangers). No framed or unframed • People’s Choice $25 artwork larger than 36”X 36” will be acThere are additional rules and an entry cepted. Limit of three entries by one artist. form, which must be completed and subAll entries must be for sale, no NFS (Not mitted with entry. The forms are available For Sell) will be accepted. The gallery will at the gallery, email@menaartgallery.org handle sales and each artist will be paid or https://southwestartists.org/photogra75% of the sale price by the second week of phy-show-2022/

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 19, 2022

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

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Our Team: Ashley Smith - General Manager Ethan Nahté - Production Manager Trey Youngdahl - Reporter / Photographer Patrick Massey - Contributing Reporter John Russell - Graphic Design Curt Teasdale - Programmer / On-Air Personality Jim Pinson - Morning Personality Jackye Pruitt - Senior Account Executive Jodi Croft - Account Executive Ariel Varner - Receptionist Distribution & Insertion Staff: Dan & Linda Deramus, Jason Sharp, Edward Werkhoven The Polk County Pulse is the area’s premiere and fastest growing news publication. The Polk County Pulse is FREE and published weekly on Wednesdays, with a distribution of 8,000 and an estimated readership of 10,000.

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Your Pulse!

Could there be a simple solution to lowering the carbon footprint of the USA and,, at the same time, the whole world? A large number of container ships sitting off the coast of California waiting to be unloaded are from China. There is no telling how many containers those ships carried that were full of goods that American owned companies had manufactured in Chinese plants. They are there because of cheap labor. Their goods are manufactured in China and shipped back here for a lower cost, even after tariffs and taxes. That is corporate greed.

The fuel needed to run those ships and the resulting emissions staggers the mind.

The waste dumped in the ocean, both human and trash, is not helping the ecology of our oceans. I saw an article about the “plastic patch,” a floating patch of plastic that is growing in the Pacific, some of which I am sure comes from those same ships. If we truly are concerned about global warming and pollution, we should address all the origins, not just those in our country.

If American companies brought back ALL the manufacturing facilities to our country, the ships polluting our oceans and burning fossil fuel would be drastically reduced.

Of particular interest to me and numerous others is the supply to our pharmacies that rely on dispensing lifesaving drugs or ingredients that are made in China. Drugs that are needed daily by many Americans to live their lives.

To be able to stop the flow of drugs is a powerful weapon at their disposal. If our leaders had an ounce of common sense and any real desire to protect the citizens of this country, they would immediately enact laws forcing the drug companies to bring back their plants to the USA. These same politicians block efforts for large companies

to buy drugs from Canada or Mexico at lower prices, but freely allow those same drugs to come here from China. Politicians rely on our apathy. Smell rotten? They could declare medications essential to the safety and well-being of Americans. In time of conflict there are some commodities that are essential to a free America that, without a steady and uninterrupted flow, could cripple our country. We need to be self-reliant.

To bring back our drug manufacturing would not only lower fuel consumption or make a reliable source for those much-needed medications but would also bring back jobs lost to China. Seems to me those are three really good reasons to take another look at overseas dependency on cheap labor.

That anything may actually happen is laughable. The lobby for drug companies is apparently stronger than the will of law makers in our country that give in to special interest groups. Money talks.

In a previous letter to the Pulse, I addressed the importance of your vote. This is yet another example of the need to let our elected officials know we are watching and are wise to the greed that often drives policies.

Aside from your vote, your wallet is the next best thing to get the attention of retailers that rely on cheap imports. I am a label reader. I will pay more for things made in the US. In the long run it is less expensive than government unemployment benefits that we all pay for.

With kindest regards, Ronald Goss, Mena, U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran, Retired Virginia Beach Police Department

Letters 3

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4 Politics

THE POLK COUNTY

January 19, 2022

From the

State House of Representatives

Pre-fiscal budget hearings began ing per student. this week with the Governor outlinIn February, the committees will ing his balanced budget proposal callreview state-level and district-level ing for a 3.3% increase in spending. funding and spending.

We will be reviewing the proposal In April, committee members will while we continue to hear requests review teacher recruitment, retenfrom state agencies and commistion, and salaries and well as professions in the days ahead. sional development and facilities.

John Maddox As we prepare for the 2022 Fiscal In May, they will review educaSession, we want to remind you of tional programs and waivers, and another series of legislative meetings with a in June, they will review student achievement significant impact on our state. and achievement gaps.

Earlier this month, the House and Senate A report presented to the education comEducation Committees met to begin the 2022 mittees this month shows that 40.4% of our Adequacy Study.

4th graders were ready or exceeding in readPublic education is the largest spending cat- ing. And 43.1% of 4th graders are ready or exegory in state government. ceeding in math.

The Adequacy Study statute requires the It also showed ACT composite scores and House and Senate Education Committees to college-going rates in Arkansas are below the evaluate the entire spectrum of public edu- national average. cation to determine whether students receive The adequacy study process takes an inequal opportunity for an adequate education. depth look at what our schools need to help Committee members research everything improve these scores and enable our students from teacher salaries to technology needs. Ar- to succeed. kansas uses a specific formula, known as the The final report on the study is due Novemmatrix, to arrive at the per-student funding ber 1. Members use this report to guide deciamount. sions on funding for the following year.

The current foundation funding for public The House and Senate Education Comeducation in Arkansas is $7,182 per student. It mittees will meet again on February 7 and is scheduled to increase to $7,349 per student February 8. You can watch live-streamed and for the 2022-2023 school year. recorded committee meetings at www.arkanArkansas ranks 38th in the nation on spend- sashouse.org/.

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

Pulse

State Senate The legislature has begun The budget proposal would budget hearings in preparareduce the waiting list of famtion for the 2022 fiscal sesilies who need home care or sion, which begins on Februcommunity care for loved ary 14. ones with developmental disLegislators will considabilities. Now, there are a little er the governor’s proposed more than 3,000 people on the balanced budget of about $6 waiting list. The governor and Larry Teague billion for Fiscal Year 2023, legislative leaders are trying to which officially begins on July eliminate the need for a waiting 1. list by 2025.

The governor’s proposal would inFour-year universities would receive crease state general revenue spending an additional $12.2 million in state aid by 3.3 percent over this year’s budget. under the budget proposal. That is a 2 This year’s budget is about $5.85 bil- percent increase over the $612 million lion and the governor proposes to in- that universities get this year. crease it to $6.04 billion.

Two-year colleges now receive about The governor’s proposed budget is $118 million in state aid. The proposed a starting point, and the legislature budget would increase that to $119 will finalize all financial decisions, million. The increase would be 0.69 because under the Arkansas Consti- percent. tution the legislature has the power to The State Police would get a 10.6 authorize state government spending. percent increase, from $70.6 million No matter how the legislature to $78 million. The governor said that changes the governor’s spending raising pay for State Troopers would be plans, the final version of next year’s an incentive for local law enforcement budget will be balanced. Arkansas agencies to make their salaries more does not deficit spend. If tax revenue competitive. declines due to an unforeseen ecoThe Division of Correction, which nomic downturn, state spending will operates state prison units, would get be reduced proportionately. an increase of $3.9 million, or 1 perThe governor proposes to increase cent, bringing its annual spending level the Public School Fund by $69.6 mil- to $379 million. lion, 3.08 percent. That would bring The Division of Community Correcthe fund to $2.33 billion. tion has residential treatment centers, The governor proposes an increase and is in charge of probation and paof $66.3 million in the Department of role. Its annual budget would increase Human Services budget. That is a 3.72 by 0.78 percent, or $753,000, to $97.7 percent increase, and would bring the million for Fiscal Year 2023. state’s share of the DHS budget to About 55 percent of the state’s gen$1.85 billion. The federal government eral revenue fund goes for education. provides matching funds for services That includes institutions of higher offered by DHS. Medicaid is the main education, which get 13 percent, and one.

K-12, which gets 40 percent. The state The Children and Family Services Education Division gets 2 percent.

Division within DHS administers About 32 percent of state general revefoster care, child welfare and adop- nue is spent on health and human sertion services. The governor’s proposal vices, and about 8 percent on prisons would increase funding for child pro- and correctional institutions. Various tective services. smaller agencies receive the rest.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Obituaries 5

January 19, 2022

Sheila Lisa Lynn Holliday Mrs. Sheila Lisa Lynn Holliday, age 54, of Mena passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at Mena Regional Health Systems, in Mena.

Lisa was born May 20. 1967 in Lewisville, Arkansas, to the late Bobby Ray Daugherty and Ollie Lee Frances Woodell. Mrs. Holliday was a CNA by profession and loved her job. She also enjoyed many things in life such as gardening, and animals, she was even said to have a green thumb. Lisa was very open minded and loved to sing. She loved her family and caring for them.

Lisa graduated from Pilgrim Christian School in Las Angeles, which is why she was so devoted to God. Sheila is survived by her husband of 11 years Danny Allen Holliday, of Mena.

Two sons, Nathaniel Shane James and Cody Raven-Lee James. Three stepsons, Shawn Allen Holliday, Jerry Daniel Holliday and wife Natalie, and Lukas Matthew Holliday. One daughter, Tiffany Lauren Daugherty; grandchildren, Brookelyn Hope Julian, Enid Faye Holliday, Bentley Daniel Holliday, Andrew Allen Holliday, and Bryan Robert Holliday; brother, William Lee Nimith Parsons and wife Alisha May Parsons.

Sister, Sandra Kay Storar. Nephews, Roger Shannon Storar, Rocky Orion Daugherty, Donnie Ray Daugherty, William Sullivan Parsons, Donavin James Pryor, and Dravin Lee Parsons.

Niece April P. Manley; great-nieces and nephews; Madyson Manley, Adeline Manley, Charlotte Manley, Nevaeh Daugherty, Darcie Daugherty, Leelyn Daugherty, Kyzer Daugherty, Erica Bennett, Nathan Bennett, Joshua Duncan, and Dominic Daugherty; sister-inlaw, Carol Chamberlin, and a special

friend Linda Morgan.

She was preceded in death by her father, and stepfather, Ivey William Parsons, brother, Bobby Ray Daugherty, Jr. Sister-in-law Mary Lena Daugherty.

And Mother-in-law Donna Holliday.

Mrs. Holliday was sent for cremation under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Janice Ann Evans

Janice Ann Evans, age 65, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, January 15, 2022, at her home.

She was born November 29, 1956, in Mena, Arkansas, to Elgie “L. D.” Strother and Opal Crabtree Strother.

Janice was united in marriage to David Evans, her husband of 47 years. Janice enjoyed traveling and camping when she was able. Her greatest love was her family and grandchildren. She adored time spent with them and was a loving homemaker.

Janice is preceded in death by her parents, Elgie “L.D.” and Opal Strother; mother and father-in-law, Bill and Dorothy Shelton; her infant brother and infant sister. She is survived by her husband, David Evans; son, Elgie “Razz” Evans and wife Shonda; daughters, Cindy Scoble and husband John, LeAnn Vekre and husband Nicholas; grandchildren, Kacey, Mikala, Cooper, Dallas, Nathaniel, Matthew, Jonathan, Matt, Andrew, Zeb, Rylen, and Walker; great-grandchildren, Reed, A.J. and Lacy; brothers, Eddie Strother and wife Colleen, J.B. Strother and wife Gayle, Freddie Strother and wife Beverly, Ronnie Strother and wife Liz, Jerry Strother and wife Kathy; sisters, Lou Henry and husband Billy, Carolyn Marquardt and husband Michael; a host of nieces,

nephews and other family members too great to mention.

Graveside services will be Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Concord Cemetery in Ink, Arkansas with Stacy Strother officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Lawrence Philpot

Lawrence Philpot, age 84, passed away Thursday, January 13, 2022, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born, August 29, 1937, in Hawley, Texas, to the late Odis and Blake Philpot. Lawrence lived his life on his own terms. He was an adventurer, mentor and leader with a desire to help others achieve which led him to coaching and education. He left his beloved Cherry Hill home to attend Fresno State College with a double major in Social Studies and Physical Education. He met his wife, who was also a teacher, at a Fresno high school. He and Nancy raised a family while traveling and working across the world. In California and Arizona, he advanced his career moving from high schools to community colleges to Cal Western University. He is now a Hall of Fame Inductee at Scottsdale CC. Overseas adventure brought him great years well spent in the military communities of Japan, Turkey, and Germany. In those 20 years with the Department of Defense, he rose from teacher/coach to the Superintendent of DoDDs Europe and influenced the lives of countless students, teachers, and administrators along the way. Larry also never failed to engage with the people of our host countries making lifelong friends with Turks, Germans, and Czechs alike. His world was the world.

He retired in Mena where he spent several decades giving back to the people and community that brought him up. Leading and working with others, he devoted his time and talents to the Board of Trustees at RMCC, Cherry Hill Gospel Church, the Gideons, and Cherry Hill Cemetery all while still travelling the world as a consultant for the education giants AVID and QSI. He worked for them well into his late 70’s. Larry supported his three children with love, pride, and encouragement to achieve their goals in life, and they did just that—mostly by following the examples of their parents.

And somewhere in there he managed to go fishing, a lot. There were decades of fishing with his Uncle Bob, his children, his grandchildren, and friends. He was a patient and jolly boat pilot while pulling his family on their tubes, skis, and wakeboards. He found true peace and a twinkle in his eye on those Arkansas lakes and rivers, those sunny and rainy days, those cold early mornings and humid evenings, the eagles soaring with deer on the banks, the homemade sandwiches from a cooler.

Larry Philpot was a great man to his family and friends…a man who did and lived so much in his life.

But maybe Larry on his bass boat was the best Larry of all.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Odis and Blake Philpot, as well as his brother, Jim Philpot. He is survived by his wife of almost 59 years, Nancy; children: daughter, Lisa Simmons; sons, Daniel and wife Karina, James and wife Kathi; grandchildren, Zackary Simmons, Katelyn Philpot, and Jackson Philpot; brother, Nelson and wife Doris; sister, Odessa Dann and husband Robert.

Graveside Service will be announced at a later date. Cremation services are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

6 Obituaries Elizabeth Sue Taylor Elizabeth Sue “Liz” Taylor, age 78, of Hatfield, Arkansas, died Thursday, January 13, 2022, at her home in Hatfield, Arkansas.

She was born on Monday, August 30,1943, to David McVicker and Mildred (Munsinger) McVicker in McKinney, Texas.

Sue was a loving Christian lady. She loved her family and enjoyed being with her grandchildren. Sue liked to crochet as well as do beadwork. She was proud of her ability to play a mean game of pool. She enjoyed bowling and listening to old country western music. Sue was passionate about anything she was doing at the moment and would give it her all. She made her living early on in life as an Avon sales lady. Sue was proud to be the top Avon saleslady in Arkansas in the 80’s resulting in earning a trip to see the unveiling of the new Statue of Liberty. She was a member of the VFW and a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary. Sue was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband of 35 years, Bill Taylor.

Sue is survived by her son, James Taylor and wife Carrah; daughter Nina West and husband Cecil; seven grandchildren, Crystal, Justin, Morgan, Destiny, Sierra, James Jr. and Elizabeth; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena with

611 Janssen Street Mena, AR 71953

(479) 394-1310

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 19, 2022 Brother Mark Lyle officiating. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

M.L. Keeney

M.L. Keeney, age 89, of Cove, died Monday, January 10, 2022, at the Mena Regional Health System in Mena, Arkansas. He was born on Wednesday, February 3, 1932, to Pearl and Ethel Keeney in Cove, Arkansas.

M.L. served his country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict where he was assigned to guard the prisoners of war. M.L was a member of the Midway Pentecostal Church in Cove where he served faithfully for many years. He worked 30 years at U.S. Motors on second shift before his retirement. M.L loved to work on his farm and run his tractor. He loved to cut firewood and delivered the wood to family and friends. M.L. was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

M.L. is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ollie Faye Barrett Keeney; one son, Danny Keeney; three brothers, Raymond Keeney, Earl Keeney and Cleo Keeney and one sister, Ila Mae Sanders.

M.L. is survived by his one daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Mark Hoyle of Hatton, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Daniel and Johnnie Bell Keeney of Vandervoort, Arkansas, Jessica and Steven Bailey of Hot Springs, Arkansas; Joshua and Gisele Hoyle of Eagle Mountain, Utah, and Amanda Long and Pat Branagan of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; great-grandchildren, Austin, Rhiley, Michaela, Saulo, Melissa, Hadleigh and Olivia; several aunts and uncles and a host of other relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. at the Witherspoon Cemetery in Vandervoort with Brother Tim Smedley officiating. Visitation will be Friday, January 14, 2022, from 6-8 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Hoyle, Daniel Keeney, Steven Bailey, Austin Bailey, Mitchell Gatlin and Tony Gatlin. Honorary Pallbearers will be Gary Gatlin, Rodney Jones and Michael Jones.

Patti Lucille Hampton

Patti Lucille Hampton, age 77, of Smithville, Oklahoma, passed away Sunday, January 9, 2022, at National Park Medical Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born on Thursday, December 14, 1944, to Walker and Dee (Cook) Lane in Clarendon, Texas.

Patti was a loving and devoted Christian of the Baptist faith. She dedicated her time and heart to helping her church. Patti was involved with Awana and would help cook at day camp during the summers. She was passionate about her church and community. Patti was opinionated and sassy. When her children and grandchildren would come over to eat, she would tell them every meal is a two-course meal and you can take it or leave it. Patti was not one to sit idle. She was a hard worker, and she could be found in her flower gardens or fishing.

Patti was a member of the Bass and Belles.

She enjoyed listening to audio books when traveling as well as reading. Patti loved her family and her dogs. She raised wired hair fox terriers as well as other breeds. Patti raised four children and later went back to school to obtain a Bachelors Degree of Science in surveying. She was proud to be the first licensed female surveyor in the state of Arkansas. Patti was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her youngest son, Vernon Hampton; and two grandsons, Johnny Lee Dodd and Wayne Dodd.

Patti is survived by her son, Mark Hampton; two daughters and son-in-laws, Vickie Smith and husband Larry and Leslie Dodd and husband Matt; six grandchildren, Brenda Smith, Clint Smith, Wade Hampton, Aaron Hampton, Angela Jones, and Jennie Ashworth; nine great-grandchildren

and one great-great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at the Octavia Baptist Church in Octavia, Oklahoma, with Brother Ed Rogers officiating.

Interment will follow at the Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patti Lucille Hampton please visit our Tribute Store.

Roy Marvin Smallwood

Mr. Roy Marvin Smallwood, age 50, passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2022, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born August 19, 1971, in Springfield, Oregon, to the late Roy Lee Smallwood and Margie Catherine Dugan Smallwood.

Roy was a self-employed man by profession, working a variety of different fields.

Mr. Smallwood was known for being a hard worker. He loved watching football; however, he was an avid fan of the Atlanta Falcons. He faithfully attended church at the Covenant of Life in Mena, Arkansas.

Roy is preceded in death by his father, Roy Lee Smallwood; aunts, Bonnie Long and Trudy West; and by his maternal grandparents, Harley Dugan and Elizabeth Dugan.

He is survived by his mother, Margie Catherine Dugan Smallwood; brother, James Lee Smallwood; sister, Elizabeth Cassell; uncle, Chester Dugan; nieces, LaTonya Brumbelow and Candice Creekmore; cousins, Diane and Linda; special friends, Latecia Glover, Roy Sanders and Kristal Kidwell; as well as a host of other great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

Graveside services for Mr. Smallwood will be held at Brushy Cemetery in Oden, Arkansas, Friday, January 14, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Brother William Bowen will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 19, 2022

Clara Marie (Moller) Clark

Clara Marie (Moller) Clark, age 83, of Cherry Hill, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, January 15, 2022, at her home.

She was born March 21, 1938, in Ogalla, Nebraska, to Fredrick Robert Moller and Ruth (Richardson) Moller.

She was united in marriage to Cleo Albert Clark in Carson City, Nevada.

Clara was a Trailer Park manager by profession. She was also an ordained minister for Sunshine Fellowship. She enjoyed traveling and doing ministry work along with her husband, Cleo.

Clara was a loving mother and homemaker and took pride in raising her family.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents, Fredrick and Ruth Moller; husband, Cleo Albert Clark; son, Cleo Anthony Clark, Debra Lynn Dickerson; brothers, Bob Moller and Art Moller.

She is survived by her; daughters, Rebecha Ann Sorensen and husband Mitch of Cherry Hill, Arkansas, Deborah Elaine O’Neal of Mena, Arkansas, Elizabeth Dianne Brice of Mena, Arkansas; grandchildren, Ryan Todd Casten, Ashley Dianne Casten, Jamie Ezit, Christina Elliott; numerous great and great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Cherry Hill Cemetery with Brother Donnie Jewell officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Jerry Madison Liles

Mr. Jerry Madison Liles, age 73, passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2022, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born April 29, 1948, to the late Guy and Ethel Bates Liles. Mr. Liles was a mechanic by profession and enjoyed fishing, playing pool and dominos, although his greatest love was cars.

Mr. Liles is preceded in death by his mother and father, Ethel Bates and Guy Liles; sister, Francis; and by his brother, Thomas. He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Woods; beloved granddaughter, Gillian Ellis; and by his brother, Gerald Liles.

Memorial services for Mr. Jerry Liles will be held at Pine Ridge Cemetery, Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., Brother Donnie Jewell will be officiating. Cremation services entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the local humane society.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Helen Marie Lindgren

Helen Marie Lindgren, age 94, passed away Sunday, January 16, 2022, in Mena, Arkansas. Helen was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1927 to the late Carl and Blanch Farral. She graduated Gozer Tech High School in Dallas, Texas, 1944. Helen worked for Bell Telephone Co. as a secretary for 25 years after working for many clothing departments stores. She met the love of her life, Bill, in 1945, at the Cotton Bowl ice rink. She married Bill in 1946 after

his honorable discharge from the Navy.

Helen and Bill gave to and loved many in their long marriage, including unofficially “adopting” Bruce Rudinger as their “son” in 1974 and caring for extended family. They both developed a TV repair shop in 1955, in Waxahachie, Texas, until closing shop in the late 70’s. Helen made a lovely home there on Lake Waxahachie and handled bookkeeping and general office duties for the TV business. Once they sold the shop, they moved back to Bill’s home area of Lindsborg, Kansas, near Salina where Bill took loving care of an elementary school, and both were very popular.

In 1987 they moved from Kansas to Austin, Texas, to work in real estate with Bruce Rudinger. In 1988, they moved to Athens, Texas, where they both enjoyed going to the Community Senior Center to dance. They loved traveling also.

Shortly thereafter, they moved to Cleburne, Texas. Where they enjoyed gardening beautiful flowers until 1998, when they moved to Mena, Arkansas, for the rest of their lives. After Bill’s sudden passing in 1993, Helen stayed busy with volunteer work as a foster grandparent at Acorn School District.

And was active for years with her senior exercise class and the Senior Center.

In 1997, Helen met and unofficially “adopted” Gloria Phelps while shopping at Cornerstone Christian Bookstore and relished their close relationship.

She enjoyed worshipping at several churches here, including Calvary Baptist, First Baptist, and Faith Missionary Baptist, where she loved going to Sunday School and listening to her teacher, Steven Free. She had many great friends and relationships and loved them all up to her final day.

Mrs. Lindgren is survived by her sister, Gloria Jean “Jeanie” Short; nephew, Tony Williamson; niece, Robin Wil-

Obituaries 7 liamson; nephew and wife, Thomas and Amber and their children, Maddie, Gracie, Max, Haddon, Hannah, and Ben; great-niece, Amanda Cottle; and unofficially “adopted” Bruce Rudinger and family, and Gloria Phelps and family. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, William “Bill” Lindgren; brother, Howard Farral; mother and father, Carl and Blanch Farral; and by her brother-in-law, Thomas “Bud” Short Sr. Services will be held Friday, January 21, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Mark Lyle will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Sorrow is so easy to express and yet so hard to tell.

—Joni Mitchell

8 News TESTING continued from page 1 Since that time, the library did receive four cases (300 boxes per case). By Friday, the library was down to their last case and were uncertain when they will receive more.

MRHS reported Monday they had received an allotment of at home COVID-19 test kits. They are available for pick up during clinic hours at Mena Medical Associates, 1103 College Drive, while supplies are available.

If you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath or if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 call your health care provider. Testing is also available by appointment at Local Health Units and can be scheduled by calling any location. The Polk County Health Unit location at 702 Hornbeck in Mena is open 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 8 a.m.–6 p.m. every Tuesday and can be reached at 479-394-2707.

Additionally, the January news for the Healthy Connections website reads, “Due to supply shortages, the Monoclonal Antibody Treatment (both infusions and subcutaneous injections) is no longer available at Healthy Connections Community Health Network locations. When/if we are able to receive more supplies, we will update this page with the information.” They are still offering tests, although another post reads, “Covid-19 rapid testing is no longer available. All tests will now get sent to the lab and you will receive results in 2-5 days.”

As the situation is in a constant state of flux, it is recommended that you contact any of the locations mentioned beforehand relative to your needs.

January 19, 2022

Prescribed Burns Begin on National Forests in Arkansas and Oklahoma

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Jan. 13, 2022) — The Ouachita and OzarkSt. Francis National Forests will be conducting prescribed burns in Arkansas and Oklahoma over the next several months.

Prescribed burns are conducted when the conditions indicate that natural resource management objectives will be met and there will be minimal impact to the public.

Land managers use prescribed fire to promote natural ecological processes. Also known as controlled fires, these fires are intended to meet several objectives. “The first objective of prescribed burns is to reduce the potential for large, costly catastrophic wildfires,” said Joshua Graham, Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests fire and aviation staff officer. “With urban development continually spreading into the forests, we are no longer able to allow natural ignition to roam freely across the states as it did in prehistoric conditions. Instead of allowing wildfire to move across the landscape unrestricted, land managers use controlled fire to meet similar objectives.”

Fire managers have two seasonal windows to conduct prescribed burns: dormant season (in the winter) and growing season (beginning mid-March). “During the winter, dormant season burns are very effective at reducing threats to forest health, such as wildfires, droughts, insects and disease, Graham said.

“Other important objectives include improving habitat for a wide

variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, endangered Indiana Bats or Red Cockaded Woodpeckers and others, which are all essential in the balance of natural processes.”

Many conditions must be met before a prescribed fire can be ignited.

The day chosen must be a combination of the correct humidity, wind speed and direction, temperature, fuel moisture, and atmospheric conditions. Factoring in all these requirements limits the number of days in which a prescribed fire can take place.

The Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests will notify local media outlets and smoke sensitive residents on days when prescribed fires are scheduled in their area.

Daily updates on prescribed fires across the forests can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/osfnf or www. fs.usda.gov/ouachita, or by calling 888-243-1042. People with smoke sensitivities who are not already on the Forest Service’s prescribed burn notification list should contact their nearest Forest Service Ranger District office.

If you fly, we cant! Flying drones over a wildfire or prescribed burn puts our pilots in danger. This violation of federal, state, and local laws may subject the offender to civil penalties, including fines of up to $25,000, and potentially criminal prosecution.

The public is asked to report any unattended wildfires by calling 911 or the Forests’ fire dispatch center at 501-321-5232.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Trust But Verify Internet Sales and Auctions Attorney General’s Office Many Arkansans enjoy saving money after the holidays by shopping after-Christmas sales online, including social media marketplaces, internet classifieds and internet auction websites. While these platforms allow for ease of commerce and often feel like shopping from a friend instead of a retailer, they are also a hotbed for scammers who exploit that sense of community. Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is urging Arkansans to use caution on auction-style sites, classifieds and in marketplaces because they may present opportunities for scam artists.

“Arkansans should be vigilant when making online purchases,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “There are many bad actors around the world seeking to steal and defraud hardworking individuals who do not research the site or item being purchased.”

Consumers looking to make online purchases from social media, online auction platforms or online classifieds can follow these tips to ensure that they are safe when online shopping: Know the website that you are using.

Know the terms and conditions.

Know what you are bidding on or purchasing before you make your offer. Beware of counterfeit goods.

Ask for additional photos of the item to make sure the seller has the item.

Purchase the item through a website that offers protections to buyers and sellers.

Use the most secure payment option for the transaction. Debit cards and credit cards offer more security than cash, check, wire transfers, or other online payment methods. Many payment methods offer buyer protections or allow users to dispute charges.

Keep all copies of your transaction

See SCAMS continued on page 11

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

By Richie Lawry

Faith 9

January 19, 2022

What is your favorite color? Most of us have colors that we prefer over others. My favorite color is blue, and if it tends towards teal or turquoise, that is even better.

Because I work on cars almost every day, I have noticed a trend in car colors. There are very few colorful cars from the past 20 years. Over 70% of vehicles built were painted either white, black, or silver during these 20 years. It wasn’t too long ago, from the 1950s through the 1970s, when cars of all shades of the color spectrum filled U.S. highways. You could see Tropical Turquoise on a ‘57 Chevy, Tahitian Bronze on a ‘59 T-Bird, Coral on a ‘61 Plymouth, Big Bad Green on a ‘69 AMX, or Plum Crazy Purple on a ‘71 Dodge Challenger. But the bright, colorful cars of that era are now a thing of the past.

During the heyday of the Ford Model T, Henry Ford said, “A customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.” Early Model Ts came in various colors, but in 1914, Henry decided to produce only black cars to simplify his new assembly line. But by 1926, the Model T was available in other colors such as green, blue, maroon, brown, beige, and grey.

An executive at Volkswagen recently described the current color situation on United States’ roads this way, “If you drove down an American street and looked only at the new vehicles, you might be forgiven for thinking you’re in a black-and-white movie.” Between the 2014 to 2020 model years, 24% of the vehicles sold in the U.S. were white, and 23% were black. The next two most popular paint colors, at 16% and 15%, were gray and silver. Almost 80% of all cars sold in the past decade were these grayscale colors. Before 1980 less than 30% of new vehicles sold were “colorless.”

Automotive analyst, Karl Brauer, complains about the lack of color choices. He says, “I joke that I’ll never order a silver car because I wouldn’t want to be responsible

An Arkie’s Faith My favorite color

for creating another one.”

He offers a ray of hope, h o w e v e r.

“I think we’re shifting back to a bit more individuality and diversity,” he said. “Color is becoming more of a focus point. For me, if a car is offered in black, white, and seven shades of silver, I’m not interested.” He adds, “Other people are starting to tire of the dominance of those colors.” In 2022, you will see more color on dealership lots as manufacturers add more color to their palettes.

I recently ran across a story about color written by Kathy Schultz. “Pink is my granddaughter’s favorite color,” she wrote.

“She had been telling me this since she first discovered colors. The other night as she chatted away, she added that yellow was another one of her favorite colors.”

Kathy explained why her granddaughter had added yellow as a favorite color. Her granddaughter told her that when she went to music class, Mrs. Cooke, the music teacher, told her she was a bright yellow crayon, bright as the sun.

Kathy wrote, “This is a wonderful description of my grandchild! The teacher was right. She is a bubbly, cheerful child. Truly, she is a bright ray of sunshine.” She concluded by saying, “Words have such power. A small statement made by her teacher

had truly inspired my granddaughter. It made her even list yellow as her favorite color. I doubt she will ever forget the teacher’s kind remarks. This made me think of the words I say. Do I say kind, encouraging, inspiring words to others?”

What is the color of the words you speak to others? Do you use red, angry words?

Or aloof, condescending purple comments. Maybe you use calm, green words, or cheerful yellow words. As we go through life, one constant seems to be criticism. I’m sure everyone has received criticism and has more than likely been critical of others. I have been criticized on many occasions and have been critical of others. Still, recently I have had some experiences that made me stop and think about the impact of criticism and its opposites, affirmation, approval, and encouragement.

When a customer comes back with a complaint or criticism of an issue unrelated to my work, it puts me in a blue mood.

But thankfully, that is a rare occurrence for me. Anyone in business knows that a satisfied customer seldom lets you know that he is satisfied, but a dissatisfied customer will tell you that he is unhappy. But over the past couple of weeks, I have had many customers tell me, “Thank you.” Affirma-

Joke of the Week:

tion, approval, and encouraging words always lift my spirits.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV), Paul wrote, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Elizabeth Harrison, a pioneer in early childhood education in America, wrote, “Those who are lifting the world upward and onward are those who encourage more than criticize.”

Are you encouraging those around you, or are you criticizing? “Sharp words cut like a sword, but words of wisdom heal.”

Proverbs 12:18 (CEV) In the classic devotional, “My Utmost for His Highest,” Oswald Chambers wrote, “Jesus’ instructions with regard to judging others is very simply put; He says, ‘Don’t.’

The average Christian is the most piercingly critical individual known. Criticism is one of the ordinary activities of people, but in the spiritual realm, nothing is accomplished by it.” He continues, “It is impossible to enter into fellowship with God when you are in a critical mood. Criticism serves to make you harsh, vindictive, and cruel, and leaves you with the soothing and flattering idea that you are somehow superior to others.”

Gentle Reader, the choice is yours. Either you can criticize, or you can encourage. How will you color the world around you? Will you use colors of faith, hope, and love for others? Or will you dip your brush into harsh colors of judgment and criticism? Will you encourage others or use sharp words to cut them down to size and put them in their place?

I hope that your choice will be to encourage and inspire others. When we encourage and help others, we are showing God’s love. Show someone today how much you value them for who they are.

Let the true colors of genuine Christianity shine through.

A new rubber airplane has been developed that cannot crash, it will just bounce.

The plane will be marketed by Boeing, Boeing, Boeing.

Replacing windshields in Polk County for forty years.

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

10 History

January 19, 2022

History & Faith

Sixty-five years of spin

By Jeff Olson

Those of us in the Baby Boomer generation grew up during some interesting times in America.

Compared to ours, today’s younger generations live in a society so much more complicated and with more opportunity for less savory competition for their time, attention and energies. Our generation can remember a simpler time when distinct lines of right and wrong, and clear and enforced parental boundaries gave us a strong sense of moral clarity, love and security.

It was also a time when as kids we could entertain ourselves for hours at a time or with friends, both real and imaginary. Imaginations were needed in those days and were expressed in ways such as cowboys and Indians, military battles with toy soldiers and guns, racing cars and operating Tonka dump trucks—just to name a few.

For girls, it was often playing nurse or house with Barbie and Ken, and maybe with one of those talking dolls that required only a pulled string to invite a repetitive

but comforting voice and perhaps some bodily functions as well... Of course, some of the girls did pretty well at keeping up with the boys at their own games, and a few excelled beyond!

And, we rarely went anywhere in the neighborhood without our bikes. If you didn’t have a skinnedup knee as a badge of honor, well then you were obviously a rookie or maybe something even worse….

Of course, most of us had a favorite pet growing up. Mine was Casey, a wonderful mutt who would ride standing up in my red (Radio Flyer) wagon as I pulled him as fast and furious as I could until he could no longer stay on as I rolled the wagon. But he never failed to land on his feet. What a dog! If PETA had been around back then, I might still be doing time—but for Casey and I, it was all just a fun game.

My stroll down Memory Lane wouldn’t be complete without including a special part of my childhood that is still around. About the time I was eight or nine years old, I learned through one of my

buddies of a plastic, round disc that was really fun to throw and catch. After spending time with him and his Frisbee, I knew right away that I had to have one, too.

So, I saved my money and before long bought my own from the local Ben Franklin Five and Dime store. My Frisbee and I were best friends, as I could often be found giving it a spin to a friend or even by myself since it would come back to me if I threw it a certain way.

I always tried to remember…it is mostly in the wrist action and follow through to get the right spin and direction.

What has prompted this reflection from history? It was 65 years ago this Sunday, January 23, 1957, that the Wham-O Company first marketed the “Pluto Platter.”

In 1958, the company modified the platter and trademarked the name Frisbee. While certainly a milestone, this was by no means the beginning of the phenomena of the flying disc. In the 1920s, Yale students discovered the fun of throwing pie tins from the Frisbee Baking Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut.

In 1948, Fred Morrison, a California carpenter, building inspector and former World War II POW, manufactured the first plastic flying disc, calling it the Whirlo-Way. It was later renamed the Flyin-Saucer. In 1955 Morrison was invited to join Wham-O, and in 1964 Edward Headrick was hired as general manager and VP in charge of marketing. From there, the Frisbee’s flight soared in popularity and into a household word in the American lexicon and on the store shelf.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Today, what began as a simple idea rooted in the lives and imagination of the young has grown beyond just a past time and into a well-recognized, widely played recreation activity for about all ages. In addition, the Frisbee has inspired and spawned sports such as Flying Disc Freestyle, Ultimate and Disc Golf, requiring new disc designs and spurring the construction of courses and the growth of associations, leagues and tournaments all over America. Good old fashion American creativity and entrepreneurship has given us countless benefits, some admittedly more consequential than the Frisbee but for thousands of kids in my generation and others since the Frisbee has left us with some of our fondest memories of more innocent times when a youngster’s imagination carried him or her to heights well beyond the Frisbee’s range.

And, in reminiscing about my favorite dog Casey, I can’t help but believe that had I owned a Frisbee back then he would have loved to catch it as much as I would have loved to have thrown it for him.

That would have given the two of us even more untold hours of fun together.

I for one am convinced that the Frisbee is needed today more than ever to help give us a break from the relentless servitude we are subjected to under demands and addictions from modern technology. Occasionally swapping the disc drive on our computers for a disc drive in the back yard or on the course seems like a pretty good trade-off that may need to be considered more often.

THE POLK COUNTY

January 19, 2022 Pulse The Salvation Army remodels, re-opens and cuts the ribbon

The Mena Salvation Army held a Grand Re-Opening Celebration on Thursday, Jan. 13. The Mena/ Polk County Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to honor their re-opening and the recent remodeling the organization has done to their premises, including a fresh coat of paint on the exterior of the building.

The Salvation Army is an international organization that assists communities in a variety of ways including emergency assistance, food pantry, disaster services, family stores, and Christmas assistance.

Mena’s Salvation Army is located at 401 Sherwood Avenue, or you can reach them at 479-437-3110.

Pictured (l to r): Chris Hoover, Office of Senator Tom Cotton; Cindy Fuller, Divisional Communications Director, Salvation Army; Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce Board Members Tanner Hooper and Sara Mitchell; Toney Ellis, Divisional Director of Service Extensions, Salvation Army; Brandy Benner, Service Center Director, Salvation Army; LeAnn Dilbeck, President Mena/Polk Chamber of Commerce; Melanie Wade, Exec. Director Mena/Polk Chamber of Commerce; Mike Godfrey, Board Member, Mena/ Polk Chamber of Commerce (Photo courtesy of the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce)

News 11 SCAMS continued from page 8

information, including correspondence with the buyer or seller.

Do not give out your social security number, driver’s license number, or your date of birth.

Beware of cashier’s checks. Often fraudulent cashier’s checks are used in scams.

If buying a product locally, meet at a designated public location. Often times, police departments and Sheriff ’s offices serve as well-lit and safer public exchanges.

Beware of work-from-home opportunities and “business opportunities” listed in online classified ads. If you are told that you will make a lot of money without much effort, it is likely a scam.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, visit ArkansasAG.gov, email Consumer@ArkansasAG.gov, or call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 482-8982.

12 News

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Wanderlust & Arkansas Dust

January 19, 2022

By Lacey Yoakem

Deep in the Ouachita Mountains, hidden in plain sight, there is a graveyard with an interesting history. In this ominous graveyard rests a man named Sam Swindle. At the tender age of twelve, Sam developed osteomyelitis in his leg. Osteomyelitis is inflammation caused by an infection in the bones, generally effecting arms, legs or spine.

Using a saw, Dr Steuart amputated Sam’s leg on the kitchen table in 1922.

Sam’s leg was then buried with its own gravestone in the Scott-Wehunt Cemetery in Montgomery County, Arkansas.

As a thank you for saving his life, Sam bought the good doctor a recliner and carried on with his farm work until 1973, when he was laid to rest in the

See SAM continued on page 13

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

News 13

January 19, 2022 SAM pedition and to actually find what we continued from page 12 were looking for, plus some. But I always

same cemetery as his leg.

There’s been an article circulating on social media the past few years about Sam’s leg but with little information on where the graveyard is located. So off we went... to find this unmarked graveyard.

Or so said the article. We drove way outta the way, overthinking the location of this place. We found an old homestead in the middle of nowhere on a strange dirt road, no leg. We found an old cellar, still no leg.

My team of explorers and I decided to head back to Polk County... but wouldntyaknowit... on our way out, the VeRy LaSt PlAcE wE lOoKeD... there it was. A small, iron fenced-in graveyard tucked off the road, hidden by Mother Nature and Father Time. Back in the far corner of the cemetery, rests Sam and Sam’s leg.

We found it.

My son was with me and, as I’ve said before, he loves creepy stuff... so it was pretty cool to go out on this creepy ex-

preach to be respectful of the dead and of the living. We don’t enter onto these grounds with anything other than honor and respect.

Since writing about this adventure on my social media platform, Wanderlust and ArkansasDust, it was shared over 900 times which ended up reaching the granddaughter of Dr. Steuart, Paula Brockman Jester. Paula commented on the original post, telling the whole audience the steps her grandparents took to perform the surgery, shared a photo of the kitchen they used and even shared with us a photo of the original saw that cut off Sam’s leg, that she now has possession of.

I just love when things come full circle.

To read about the whole story unfold and to see the photos Paula shared with us, follow me on Facebook or Instagram at Wanderlust and Arkansas Dust and check out the comments section... You won’t regret it!

from First Financial Bank 600 HWY 71 S | Mena, AR | 479-394-3552

In the Business of YOU. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender www.ffb1.com | @FFBank1

14 Outdoors

January 19, 2022

Ouachita Bushcraft and Survival Explore the outdoors with eagles

By Trey Youngdahl

Did you know that Arkansas has a thriving population of eagles?

Though they were once considered nonexistent in Arkansas in 1930, the American bald eagle was reintroduced in 1982 to the White River National Wildlife Refuge. Now, statistics show Arkansas has a very healthy population of eagles. The Center for Biological Diversity states there were 80 breeding pairs in the state as of 2007 and there are around 1,700 eagles wintering, or spending the colder months, in The Natural State. The New York Times reported that as of June 2021, the U.S. eagle population had quadrupled what it was in 2009.

Arkansas wasn’t the only place that had issues with the wavering population. At one point, the birds were considered endangered in all of the lower 48 states. Objectively, they came dangerously close to extinction. However, due to increased awareness, protective legislation and widespread conservation efforts over the past 50 years, the bald eagle population has made a remarkable comeback. Now, there are eagle populations found in all states except for

Hawaii.

Eagle watching is becoming a popular pastime for nature lovers across the country, especially in Arkansas as well as parts of Missouri. Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa, located in Mount Ida, Arkansas, for instance, will present their 20th annual Eagles Over Harbor event, where they will host a weekend to “…highlight the natural beauty of Lake Ouachita and in particular its cherished Bald Eagles,”(mountainharborresort.com).

This event will be held at Mountain Harbor, right on the shores of Lake Ouachita on Feb. 19. It A pair of American bald eagles on the lookout above the lake for food during wintertime. will feature a presenta(Photo by Ethan Nahté) tion from Rusty Scarstated Mountain Harbor owner/opborough and his eagles.

“Sharing the eagles and other birds erator Bill Barnes. “There’s nothing of prey with our customers, friends quite as inspiring as seeing the Bald and neighbors is our way of giving Eagles in the wild, diving for fish or enjoyment and sharing fellowship soaring overhead.”

Some folks may enjoy hiking to with nature and our community,” search for eagles instead. Late winter is considered the best time to do this. The Lovit Trail, short for Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, is located close to Mountain Harbor and could be an option for hikers hoping to see eagles wintering in their natural habitat. Built by the Trail Dogs over a 12-year-period from concept to finish in 2014, this award-winning trail is 45-miles long and ideal for eagle watching and sightseeing. The fallen

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse leaves open up a perfect view of the lake and surrounding areas.

Winter hiking safety is absolutely paramount to consider. As far as keeping warm during a winter hike, the hiker motto “Be bold, start cold” rings true when preparing your outerwear. Start with layers that would work if you were relaxing in temperatures 20 degrees above the current conditions. That adjustment will account for the amount that your body temperature will rise while hiking.

As you hike, adjust the amount of layers you’re wearing as needed.

It’s essential that you remove layers as your body temperature rises and causes you to sweat. The extra moisture will make it difficult for your body to retain heat and stay warm, which could lead to hypothermia.

In case of ice, wear hiking boots or shoes that have plenty of traction.

Do not be afraid to double up your socks. Not only will this keep your feet warm, but it will also keep your feet from sliding around in your footwear as you traverse the trail.

It’s important to note that cold temperatures wear batteries down faster than moderate temperatures.

Because of this, you should pack extra batteries for any battery powered devices such as a GPS, as well as extra charging units and a map.

Also important is the food that you carry and the amount. As you hike, you may be working harder during the cold, leading to more calories being burned, calling for more food. Be sure to pack something that is easy to store and eat, and extra to offset the amount of calories being burned.

Join us on our Facebook page, Ouachita Bushcraft and Survival. We invite you to join our growing group.

Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 19, 2022

2022 Arkansas Public Service Internship Applications Now Open Little Rock, Ark. – The application period is now open for interested college-aged students to apply for the Arkansas Public Service Internship Program (MyARInternship). The Department of Transformation and Shared Services (TSS) launched the program in the summer of 2021 to provide opportunities to learn about state government.

TSS and other state executive-branch departments will host students for eight weeks this summer, June 6 through July 29. Students will meet with elected officials, visit state facilities, and work on department-level projects. This transformative program gives students the chance to enhance their educational goals and shape their career choices. Students will have fun, earn income, and build key relationships.

“My goal for this program is to serve as a recruiting tool for the State of Arkansas,” TSS Secretary Amy Fecher said.

“Students will get to experience public service and get a real-world experience

working for the state. Last summer, some interns were offered to extend the internship, while others were offered full-time positions. That is what this internship is all about,” Fecher said.

To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years of age on or before the first day of the internship, and meet at least one of the following criteria: • • •

•

Completed the first year of college and enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program Graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program no more than two (2) years before the internship; or A veteran with a high school diploma and/or equivalent and served on active duty in the two (2) years preceding the internship

Applications for the 2022 MyARInternship Program are now open. Interested students can apply on the ARCareers website at www.ARCareers.arkansas.gov.

News 15

16 Community

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 19, 2022

Around Town

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.

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.

REALTOR® Leadership Retreat at Heifer International in Little Rock, Jan. 10.

The leadership retreat provided an excellent speaker panel and interactive learning. Ending the event on January 11, attendees were invited to the Junior League of Little Rock where the 2022 slate of officers were installed.

Pictured: Attendees from Mena Area Board of Realtors (back, l-r) Luke Alston, Kevin Smallwood, Nancy Wright of RE/MAX Mena Real Estate, and Sandra Thomas of Select Realty (front, l-r) Misty Miller and Bobbi Himel of Select Realty and Deedee Alston of RE/MAX Mena Real Estate. (Photo courtesy of Deedee Alston)

The Humane Society of the Ouachitas (HSO) meeting for January 20 is canceled.

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.

Mena Polk County Senior Center will be closed for dine in until further notice. Home deliveries will still be made.

Grab and go meals are available from 11:00 to 11:30. Please call ahead.

The Cossatot Senior Center will be closed for congregate dinners through Jan. 31. Drive-thru and Home deliveries will continue uninterrupted.

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.

The Polk County Housing Authority has Rental Vouchers available. They are also in need of Applicants and Landlords.

Contact them at 509 S. Morrow, Mena, (479) 394-1565 or polkarhousing.com The 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 479-2439600 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

January 19, 2022

CLASSIFIEDS - EMPLOYMENT - SERVICES -

Classifieds 17 - INVITATION TO BID -

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.

T0202 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 T0223 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

- FOR SALE -

New fold-up bicycle, never been used $100.

Bedroom suite with new mattress, chest of drawers, 2 night stands $75.00.

Full-size electric bed, adjust to your choice.

New, make offer. Paid $800. Take $500 or less.

Mena area, 479-394-1206.

T0119

- RELIGION Fire & Brimstone - The Catholic Church, September 1, 1923 Sunday is our mark of Authority, the Church is above the Bible, and this transference of Sabbath observance is proof of that fact.

T0119

CLASSIFIEDS

Help us build our Classified Section.

Get your word ads out to 8,000+ viewers a week for a minimum cost. If you have a listing, sale item(s), job opening, tradewe can put it in an ad for you!!

Place Your Ad in Our Office

1168 Hwy 71 So - Mena, AR You can call, fax or email BUT all ads must be pre-paid.

Deadline

Friday at Noon

Must Pre-Pay CASH / VISA / MC

Cost per Ad

Words 1-20 $ 4 Extra words +$ .25 Add a border +$ 1

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

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

T0222 Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced CNC Machine Operator.

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

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

T0222 F.M. Dix Foundry is accepting applications for general labor positions. Applications may be picked up at the office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment.

T0222

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.

18 Puzzles

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 19, 2022

01.19.22

01.19.22

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 01.12.22

Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Hello! My name is Gloria. I am a little over 6 months old and weigh in at about 6 pounds. I am a sweet girl who loves to play and cuddle. I am housetrained. In fact, I have been indoors all my life and would need to go to an indoor only home. I enjoy other cats but I can also like to be independent at times. I am mostly white with silver patches and one beige stripe by my chin. I know I will be a glorious addition to your home and family! I enjoy cuddling and meeting new people too. So, stop by HSO and meet me today!

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 19, 2022

Hogspore News

Spelling Bee Sorts Out the Overachiever

By Clet Litter as told to Bob Simpson

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhirley, the head librarian, was talking to a customer at the reference desk, when someone overheard the conversation. The librarian said, “I keep a humidifier in my bedroom during the winter. The mist keeps my sinuses and throat from drying out.” A day later, the gossip around town is that Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhirley is keeping a hot Mister in her house.

Pie Week is coming soon. Preacher mentioned it Sunday. He hinted, “Any pie donated to the church would certainly be looked on as a sign that a righteous flock member was living right, and surely receive a blessing soon. All crusty concoctions are welcomed to the house of worship, but it would be especially appreciated to have a generous grouping of Good Shepherd’s Pie.” Old Man Grimely says, “I’m finally at the

age where I forgot what cavort means, but I still remember how to frolic and mollycoddle, if Molly says yes.”

The elementary school compared student records to see who the worst underachiever was. It was a tie among 115 students. The highest overachiever was easier to figure out.

It was Darnelly Spoonstering, who won the spelling bee on Friday night when he correctly spelled the word moonshine. It had been a battle between him and Susie Clepperwroth most of the bee until she incorrectly sounded out the letters as moanshine.

One teetotaler judge thought that Susie was correct, cause it was a better way to accurately spell what it does.

Mumford Pickens says, “Humor and kindness remove the sharp edges of reality.”

I think he left out moonshine, course I don’t have the learning that he does.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Rest in Peace Contact at Bobsimpson1947@yahoo.com.

You know you wanna.

Humor 19

20 Education

Pulse

January 19, 2022

Vandervoort Elementary Honor Roll Second nine weeks (2021-2022)

First Grade - All A’s: Benz Dees, Emma Hulliberger, Honesty Joream, Ruger Lyle, Benjamin Silzell, Wyatt Vaughn, Sophia Williams First Grade - All A’s & B’s: Melody Ashcraft, Mason Davis, Landen Gertiser, Bryson Harwood, Creeden Lyle, Ava Rogers, Jaxton Thomas Second Grade - All A’s: Bella Barrett, Zechariah Bennett, Lailiah Colbert, Stephen Dau, Ember Davis, Jayne Johnson, Blayze McCoy, Audrey Sellers, Gwen Sellers Second Grade - All A’s & B’s: Stiles Alexander, Bryce Cureton, Madison Holbrook, Conner Lyle, Jaxon Mullen, Bracyn Richardson, Karma Rogers, Rebekah Vandegrift Third Grade - All A’s: Max Rye, Cara Cumpton, Brody Ward Third Grade - All A’s & B’s: Dakota Barrett, Kimber Green, Aiden Romine, Joey Wade Fourth Grade - All A’s : Adelyn Barton, Amelia Espinola, Max Watkins Fourth Grade - All A’s & B’s: Alleigh Bennett, Vivi Brewer, Kadence Broach, Makenzie Butler, Jasmine Dunn, Kaden Erwin, Maddison Squires, Jolena Turner, Kristina Wilkinson Fifth Grade - All A’s: Emily Finley Fifth Grade - All A’s & B’s: Lely Anglin, Cambree Manning, Adisen Meredith, Joslyn Watkins Sixth Grade - All A’s: None Sixth Grade - All A’s & B’s: Lillyann Bennett, Brody Creel, Autumn Dunn, Charlee Fortner, Beaudy Lile

First semester (2021-2022)

THE POLK COUNTY

First Grade - All A’s: Melody Ashcraft, Benz Dees, Emma Hulliberger, Honesty Joream, Ruger Lyle, Benjamin Silzell, Jaxton Thomas, Wyatt Vaughn, Sophia Williams First Grade - All A’s & B’s: Mason Davis, Landen Gertiser, Bryson Harwood, Ava Rogers, Xavier Rundel, Dani Toon Second Grade - All A’s: Bella Barrett, Zechariah Bennett, Lailiah Colbert, Stephen Dau, Ember Davis, Jayne Johnson, Blayze McCoy, Bracyn Richardson, Audrey Sellers, Gwen Sellers, Rebekah Vandegrift Second Grade - All A’s & B’s: Stiles Alexander, Bryce Cureton, Madison Holbrook, Karma Rogers, Autumn Smith Third Grade - All A’s: Cara Cumpton, Max Rye, Brody Ward Third Grade - All A’s & B’s: Dakota Barrett, Kimber Green, Aiden Romine, Kimberly Stephens, Joey Wade Fourth Grade - All A’s: Adelyn Barton, Vivi Brewer, Amelia Espinola, Max Watkins Fourth Grade - All A’s & B’s: Alleigh Bennett, Kadence Broach, Makenzie Butler, Jasmine Dunn, Kaden Erwin, Maddison Squires, Jolena Turner, Kristina Wilkinson Fifth Grade - All A’s: Emily Finley Fifth Grade - All A’s & B’s: Lely Anglin, Cambree Manning, Adisen Meredith, Joslyn Watkins.

Sixth Grade - All A’s: None.

Sixth Grade - All A’s & B’s: Lillyann Bennett, Brody Creel, Charlee Fortner, Beaudy Lile

Polk County students make SAU lists Submitted MAGNOLIA, Ark. (01/13/2022)

Southern Arkansas University has announced that 554 students earned a 3.5 GPA or higher for the fall

2021 semester and have been named to its Dean’s List.

432 students earned a 4.0 GPA for the fall 2021 semester and have been named to its President’s List.

SAU Dean’s List - Fall 2021

Makori Elizabeth Gabourel is a freshman Agricultural Business major from Mena, Ark. Jordan Lee Powell is a senior Elementary Education (K-6 STEM) major from Mena, Ark. Trenton Jeremiah Rosson is a senior Wildlife and Conservation Biology major from Wickes, Ark. James Aaron Stark is a junior Computer Science major from Wickes, Ark. Kimberly Aza Zarate is a senior Elementary Education (K-6 STEM) major from Wickes, Ark.

SAU President’s List - Fall 2021

Blake Aaron Castor is a freshman Pre-Nursing (BSN) major from Mena, Ark. Tessa Gyann Chaney is a senior Elementary Education (STEM) major from Mena, Ark. Jamie G. Copelin is a senior Elementary Education (STEM) major from Mena, Ark. Macie Ann Johnson is a junior Elementary Education (STEM) major from Mena, Ark. Misty Marie Mullen is a senior University Studies major from Mena, Ark. Lisa Sue Roberts is a senior Elementary Education (STEM) major from Mena, Ark. Josey Mae Webb is a senior Animal Science major with a minor in Mass Media from Mena, Ark. Presli Kate Saddler is a senior Elementary Education (STEM) major from Wickes, Ark.

SNHU Announces Fall 2021 President’s List It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Fall 2021 President’s List.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits; undergraduate day students must earn 12 credits in the fall or spring semester, and online students must earn 12 credits in either EW1 & EW2, EW3 & EW4, or EW5 & EW6.

• Jody Whitaker of Mena • Kimberly Howard of Hatfield

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Acorn schools nationally recognized for outdoor learning activities with the history-making celebration of National School Choice Week 2022, which will feature tens of thousands of school choice celebrations across all 50 states.

“The Ouachita River School District promotes outdoor education programs for all our students. Our 15-acre outdoor classroom on the Acorn Campus provides a rich learning environment where teachers can incorporate content to make learning meaningful and relevant”, stated Kathy Rusert.

ORSD Superintendent Jerry Strasner shared, “This is a great opportunity and celebration for our District to promote outdoor learning and enrich student learning experiences. Ouachita River School District’s purpose is to SERVE (See Everyone Receive Victory Everyday). Learning at its best!”

The Ouachita River School District has been chosen as one of 70 schools to be a “spotlight” school for this nation-wide event. National School Choice Week shines a spotlight on

effective K-12 education options for children, focusing equally on traditional public, charter, magnet, online, private, and home education options.

Each January, participants plan tens of thousands of celebrations—such as school fairs and open houses—to raise awareness about school choice across all 50 states. School Choice Week also develops resources and guides to K-12 education for families. As a not-forprofit effort, the Week is nonpolitical and nonpartisan and does not advocate for legislation. For more information visit schoolchoiceweek.com.

For more information relating to outdoor learning activities on the ORSD campuses, contact Kathy Rusert at (479) 394-4833 or krusert@orsd.k12.ar.us.

Congratulations to Acorn Schools, Kathy Rusert, teachers and staff for coordinating outstanding learning activities and programming for students to celebrate National School Choice Week!

Grant Facilitates UARM to ‘Break the Mold’

Career & Technical Education of DESE sent out a notice that there were grant funds available for CTE Coordinators to apply for funding for projects focused on Non-Traditional Career Exploration/Activities, “and so ‘Be The Model, Break The Mold’’ became our project idea. Since we work together often, and our areas share some of the same resources myself, CTE Coordinator at Southwest Coop, Shannon Puckett and CTE coordinator at SouthCentral Coop, Katie Robertson decided to try a combined effort to meet the need for non-traditional career exploration in our areas, thinking that the bigger the event and the more students we could involve we had a better chance of being funded.”

Van Deest is hopeful that this is the first of an annual event and that the concept can lead to other career exploration events that allow students this one on one, hands on experience.

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

Acorn Elementary and High Schools will “kick-off ” a week of outdoor learning beginning on Monday, Jan. 17 as part of the National School Choice Week celebrations. The week’s themes will include: Project Wild, where students will learn about Arkansas wildlife; Project Learning Tree, where students will learn about the outdoors; and Pause for Inspiration, where students will learn to use nature journaling to make good choices. Many activities will be conducted on the 15-acre Acorn Outdoor Classroom on campus.

Throughout the week, students will learn from speakers and presentations conducted by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission which include: Southwest Regional Educator Casey Hardaway; Project Wild Coordinator Sheila Connerly; Arkansas Project Learning Tree Director Rob Beadel; and Cossatot River State Park Interpreter and Ozark Chiquapin Board Member Victoria Young.

This event is planned to coincide

Submitted

The University of Arkansas Rich Mountain (UARM) hosted 43 female students from Acorn, Mena, Cossatot River, Mt. Ida, and Caddo Hills High Schools for a “Be the Model, Break the Mold” event [Nov. 2021] showcasing non-traditional career exploration/activities. The program was made possible through a $38,400 grant from the Division of Career and Technical Education and facilitated by the DeQueen-Mena Education Service Cooperative (DMESC).

Besides UARM, the program was also hosted at Southern Arkansas University, UA Cossatot, UAHT Texarkana, and UAHT Hope.

Education 21

January 19, 2022

The students were welcomed by Dr. Krystal Thrailkill, Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs before dividing into groups to visit the various technical programs including welding, machine tool, and information technology. The program was strategically designed to have students “hands-on” in each department with projects. Stacy Southerland is the CTE Perkins Coordinator from DMESC and was impressed with UARM’s event, “Rich Mountain was fabulous, so very well organized and provided t-shirt specific to the event. Girls went home with projects they made themselves…so far, no one else has done that!”

Southerland explained the Division of

Mena resorts to AMI days Submitted The Mena Public Schools announced the latest COVID spread has taken its toll on the schools and are resorting to AMI (Alternative Methods of Instruction) days for Tuesday and Wednesday. The extended holiday did not help the number of staff absences. Currently, the schools are only able to cover 59% of the adult absences for Tuesday and Wednesday. On Friday afternoon, all of our campuses except for Holly Harshman had a full one-third of their students absent due to illness or being quarantined as a close contact. Mrs. Bunch was still getting calls Monday and has not finished entering all of the new names to the list of quarantined and isolated.

The Mena School District has looked at the numbers that had been reported Monday and last week. They anticipate more teachers and staff being able to return to school on Thursday, Jan. 20 to resume normal classes.

It is very important that students and staff keep distant from each other so illness does not spread, and school may return to the normal schedule on Thursday.

Thank you for your understanding, patience, and cooperation and we continue to adjust to the situation.

22 Sports

January 19, 2022

Shooting the breeze with CRSD basketball coaches

By Trey Youngdahl

Cossatot River High School basketball coaches are working hard with their teams, and continually impress with the progress they have made.

The boy’s team, averaging 43 points per game, is led by coach Wendell Cartwright. Cartwright has been coaching basketball for 28 years; celebrating 7 years with the Cossatot River Eagles.

His current lineup consists of some very talented athletes. Among these is senior Ben O’Neal. “(O’Neal) is new to the team this year,” Cartwright explained. “He has been an excellent addition.”

Also on the roster is Hunter Burke, the Eagle’s leading shooter, averaging 19 points a game.

Senior Victor Trinidad, has been playing since seventh grade. Cartwright commented on Trinidad, and his goals for the rest of the season. “His experience is vital. Our main goal for this year is to make the regional tournament.”

Cartwright also boasted about his team as individuals, and why he loves his career.

“My guys are great kids and represent our school and community well. They have great attitudes and are fun to work with. All of these young men will go on to be great fathers, hus-

bands and community members. And that’s what makes this profession so rewarding.”

Lady Eagles coach Blake Alexander also spoke about standout players on his roster. Among those mentioned is senior Shanell Brito. Brito is the Lady Eagle’s sharpshooter, successfully shooting an astounding 35 3-pointers this season.

Then there’s Sophomore Landrey Richardson. “(Richardson) is our post girl inside,” Alexander said. “She is leading us in rebounds and has scored more and more as the season has gone on.”

This is Alexander’s second year coaching the girls basketball team, coming to them after coaching Cossatot River’s Jr. team for four years.

Last season, Alexander’s team won the 3A-4 District Championship. At the end of that season though, the Lady Eagles lost nine Seniors from the team. Despite being an essentially new team this year, they are sitting at second in conference so far.

“One of the things I’m most proud of is how our kids come to work every single day. Our goal is to be playing our best basketball at the end of the season and to do that we have to get a little bit better every day.”

The Eagles are scheduled to play at Charleston on Thursday, Jan. 25.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Mena Disc Golf Club hosts tournament

By Trey Youngdahl

“I’ve enjoyed being able to administrate my first events and hope to be able to improve on things and become even more active as the weather gets warmer this year, so stay tuned!” Beaty said in a public announcement to the group.

To get involved with the club, join them in their Facebook group Mena Disc Golf Club. Membership is free except for

Mena Lions Club Disc Golf held their first annual Lions Club League tournament.

Disc golf is a hybrid sport of traditional golf and ultimate frisbee. The object of disc golf is to throw a plastic disc, or frisbee, into a target in as few throws as possible.

The club was first formed in April 2021

by Michael Beaty when he created a Facebook group for local disc golf enthusiasts, and they began meeting at the disc golf course at the Lions Club.

On Jan. 12, players lined up at the tee boxes ready to throw themselves to victory. Tro- (l-r): BJ Kempf, Michael Beaty and Robert Lanham hold their awards phies were after the first event in Mena. (Photo courtesy of Mena Disc Golf Club) awarded to a couple of the players who participated league play games, which costs $5 to enand performed well. Winning first place ter. The club meets every Sunday at 9 a.m. was BJ Kempf; second place was Robert at the Lion’s Club disc golf course, 500 LiLanham. ons Club Road.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 19, 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 10, 2022 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 287 near Cove in reference to a disturbance leading to the arrest of Vergeina Thornton, 50 of Cove on a Misdemeanor Warrant for Third Degree Battery.

Darius Sims, 22 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Aggravated Assault, Third Degree Battery and Intimidating a Witness.

Jereme Baughman, 44 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance.

Eric Williams, 45 of Cove was arrested on a Body Attachment.

Deputies responded to a walkin complaint in reference to being Harassed via Text Message.

January 13, 2022 Deputies were dispatched to and address on Mills Lane near Mena in reference to a land dispute.

MENA POLICE REPORTS January 9 No report taken.

January 10 A report of dog running at large January 14, 2022 Shaon Watts, 43 of Mena was ar- was taken at a residence on Dickrested on a Felony Failure to Ap- son Road.

A report of theft of vehicle was pear Warrant, two Misdemeanor Warrants for Contempt of Court taken at a residence on Miller Avand one Misdemeanor Warrant for enue.

Failure to Appear.

Annette Hubbard, 56 of Cove January 11 A report of criminal mischief was was arrested on a charge of DWI. taken from a walk-in complainant.

A report of violation of a protecJanuary 15, 2022 Deputies were dispatched to a ve- tion order was taken from a walkhicle in the ditch on Hwy 8 West in complainant. leading to the arrest of John E Burnett, 62 of Mena on a charge of January 12 A report of violation of a protecDWI. tion order was taken from a walkin complainant.

January 16, 2022 Kristina Hannaman, 48, was Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 91 near Hatfield served with two warrants at the poin reference to an altercation lead- lice department.

Audre Simmons, 35, was served ing to the arrest of James Taylor, 46 of Hatfield on a charge of 3rd De- with four warrants on Pine Avenue.

A report of criminal trespass was gree Domestic Battery. taken at a residence on Oak Grove Polk County Sheriff ’s Office Avenue.

A report of assault was taken worked 2 vehicle accidents this from a walk-in complainant. week.

January 11, 2022 David Sinyard, 46 of Wickes was arrested on three Felony Failure to Appear Warrants and five Misdemeanor Failure to Appear Warrants.

Dewayne Quirin, 35 of Branson, Polk County Detention Center MO was arrested by an officer with Jail Population: 23 Incarcerated Probation Parole to be held for an- Inmates, with 13 Inmates currently other agency. on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

January 12, 2022 No reports were filed.

January 13 A report of theft was taken from Walmart.

A report of possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia was taken after a traffic stop

Police 23 on Highway 71.

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

January 14 A report of criminal mischief and theft was at a residence on North Adams Street.

January 15 A report of breaking or entering was taken at a building on Highway 71.

A report of violation of a protection order was taken at a residence on Cole Avenue.

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January 19, 2022

THE POLK COUNTY

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