Polk County Pulse - July 19, 2023

By Ethan Nahté

Music on Main had their largest audience of 2023, and possibly in the two years the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce events have been occurring, with their ‘80s rock edition concert on Saturday night. Performing both years was L.A. ROXX, who are on their Long Live Rock and Roll tour.

The kids escaped some of the heat, having fun playing in the water-cooling station the Mena Fire Department had set up. Not to mention there were plenty of food and drink vendors to satiate one’s hunger and quench one’s thirst.

The band gave a nearly threehour performance, hitting the stage with Poison’s “Nothin’ but a Good Time,” as the sun was still

Hatfield man leads police on high-speed chase

A Polk County deputy attempted to stop a stolen truck on Hwy. 71 north of Hatfield at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 16. The driver of the truck, later identified as Steven A. Weinert (36) of Hatfield, fled southbound on Hwy. 71 at a high rate of speed.

The pursuit went west on Hwy. 246 into and through McCurtain

LA ROXX hung out for over an hour after their performance, signing autographs and posing for photos with several fans. (Ethan Nahté/ Pulse)

Submitted by Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Food commodities distribution on July 20 Beekeepers challenge quilters

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) commodities will be distributed Thursday, July 20, at the Polk County Fairgrounds, Polk Road 43, Mena, from 10 a.m.-noon. The information for the Commodity Distribution is listed below. We are still following all safety precautions therefore this will be a drive through only distribution. Please do not exit your vehicle. An application will be completed at the distribution site.

Submitted by the Ouachita Beekeepers Assoc. and the Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild

The above income guidelines are based on 130% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You cannot pick up commodities for more than two households. Rules for acceptance and participation in the program are the same for everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, or handicap. For more information call the local ARVAC, Inc. office at 479-394-4707 located at 606 Pine Ave, Mena.

The Ouachita Beekeepers Association has challenged the Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild to help promote pollinator and honeybee awareness by making pollinator-related quilt blocks to be featured in a Block Challenge at the 2023 Ouachita Quilt Show. The guild officially extends the challenge to all area quilters.

Pollinators include bees, butterflies, hummingbirds,

continued on page 18

Tommy Payne, president of the Ouachita Beekeepers and Joyce Sanden, chair of the Ouachita Quilt Show. (Submitted photo)

1168 Hwy 71S

Mena, AR 71953

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On June 2, 2023, I read an article published by the Washington Examiner headlined “How George Soros is Spreading Addiction, Death, and Chaos Across the US.” A group known as the Drug Policy Alliance has received millions in funding from Soros to “create cutting edge policies that have fundamentally transformed the direction of drug policy in the U.S.” The alliance has been instrumental in legalizing marijuana in 11 states and Washington, D.C. Take a moment and Google organizations funded by George Soros and his Open Society Institute. A few are Move On.org, Tides Foundation, Media Matters For America, Human Rights Watch, Priorities USA Action, America Coming Together, and America Votes. There are many more, but their stated objectives have a common theme. Do not be fooled by an innocent sounding name for a group. Read and draw your own conclusions.

The article suggests that marijuana is addictive and as time goes by its strength increases and the side effects become greater. “It is particularly dangerous for young users if used habitually causing brain damage (in particular to the frontal cortex) and has been linked to schizophrenia.”

The benefits of tax revenue where marijuana is now legal have not met expectations and the reverse has happened. An illegal market, not burdened by regulations and taxes, has flourished. Law enforcement has had to deal with the increase in marijuana growing operations and crime with little, if any, additional funding. Funding for addiction rehab has not met the increase in demand. The advertised benefits have not been realized. The article was eye opening, but sadly like so

Want to share your opinion?

many, did not get the national spotlight or coverage it deserved.

There are those who are quick to argue that marijuana is no worse than alcohol or tobacco. Neither of those are good for you. It has always been tedious hearing that argument to justify a point of view. To argue something shown to be bad for you is somehow less bad by comparing it to something also bad for you is an insult to your intelligence.

Maybe we should ask what part drug use plays in the uptick in violence. Do you know anyone who lost a loved one to drug use/ abuse/addiction? I do. It was heart wrenching to watch the decline and be helpless to intervene.

I am not talking big cities, but here in Mena. Sadly, the problem is everywhere. It crosses all lines of race, economics, social status, community, age, and sex. The impact is not limited to family and friends, but to the victims of an addict’s crimes as they seek money to fund their addiction.

In my mind accepting marijuana use only sends us further in decline as a society. It is an escape that is more a trap than a solution. It leads to other drugs and weakens rather than strengthens the minds of our future, our young people. Is it possible that is what is being planned to begin with?

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

With respect and kindest regards, Ronald Goss, retired, Mena

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

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

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In 2022, the Arkansas State Crime Lab reported 457 drug overdose deaths. Fentanyl was a contributing factor in 251 of those deaths.

And from January to March of this year, the crime lab reported 87 drug overdose deaths. Once again, fentanyl was a contributing factor in more than half of those cases.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S.

This year, the 94th General Assembly passed legislation aimed at preventing overdose deaths and legislation to hold drug traffickers accountable.

Act 584, titled the Fentanyl Enforcement and Accountability Act, creates death by delivery felony offenses, including aggravated death by delivery, death by delivery in the first degree, and death by delivery in the second degree, that apply when a person delivers or conveys fentanyl or another controlled substance that causes the death of another person. The act provides that trafficking of fentanyl is an unclassified felony that carries a penalty of 25 to 60 years or life imprisonment and a

fine of $1,000,000. The act creates the felony offense of predatory marketing of fentanyl to minors that applies when the packaging, shape, color, or other appearance of fentanyl is created in a way that appeals to minors. The act also decriminalizes fentanyl testing strips.

Act 739 creates the offense of knowingly exposing another person to fentanyl as a Class A felony if the victim is a first responder or employee of a correctional facility and a Class B felony otherwise.

Act 811 requires that by January 1, 2024, each public high school campus have a clearly visible and labeled opioid overdose rescue kit and requires that the location of each opioid overdose rescue kit be registered with the school nurse and school resource officer of each public high school.

Overdose numbers are more than just data. Each number represents an individual who lost their future, and families, friends, and entire communities left in devastation. If you or a family member is struggling with opioid addiction you can find a list of resources available at www.artakeback.org.

The governor announced that the state would provide about $11 million to local school districts to help them pay the steeply rising costs of property insurance premiums.

In her announcement, the governor said premiums are going up for schools by an average of 130 percent, and the state aid would help them pay for about 30 percent of the increase.

The Legislative Council will consider the governor’s proposal, which was developed with input from lawmakers over the past several weeks.

An insurance plan purchased by the Arkansas School Boards Association covers 179 districts and a plan purchased by the state Insurance Department covers 78 districts, according to news reports.

Part of the dramatic increase in premiums is attributed to the cost of repairing damage caused by severe weather events such as tornadoes, flooding and sudden freezes. The increased insurance costs are not limited to Arkansas, but are being experienced nationwide. Not only schools but also homeowners are seeing increases in the cost of insuring property.

Education Week, a national news magazine that focuses on issues affecting schools, reported that in Davis, Oklahoma, the cost of liability insurance has increased more than threefold percent since the 2019-2020 school year, when the cost of insurance to the district was about $68 per student. It is now $167 per student and is going up to $290 per student.

According to the superintendent, the district pays $261,000 for property insurance. That amount would cover the pay of two teachers, or an entire grade level of math and science text books, he said.

The article in Education Week said that other factors, in addition to se-

vere weather events, are causing rates to go up. New laws allowing more lawsuits over sexual abuse have contributed to rate increases.

Cybercrimes were cited also. The Little Rock School District was victimized last year by computer hackers who demanded and received $242,000 in extortion payments. They had stolen sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and other types of identification.

Shakeout within the insurance industry is also a factor. In markets where some companies have stopped writing policies, there is less competition and therefore less pressure to hold down rates.

Major companies have stopped issuing new homeowner policies in California because of the prevalence of wildfires. Spokesmen for the insurance companies attributed their decisions in part to inflation and the higher costs of re-building homes and structures.

New Drug Laws

Earlier this year the legislature approved Act 584, which creates a new felony of “death by delivery” for dealers who lace their illegal drugs with fentanyl, resulting in the death of users. The penalties range from 20 years to life.

Prosecutors in Searcy relied on Act 584 when they filed felony charges recently against a couple who allegedly sold drugs laced with fentanyl to two people who died from overdoses.

Last year 487 people in Arkansas died from a drug overdose, and so far this year 133 Arkansans have died from fatal doses of drugs. In the past few years fentanyl has become the leading cause of fatal overdoses.

So far this year, emergency medical personnel and first responders have administered almost 2,000 doses of Naloxone to Arkansans at risk of death from an overdose.

John Maddox Terry Rice

LA ROXX

continued from page 1

high enough to add to the heat. Once the sun set, the evening was clear and the temperature relented.

They lit a fire under the crowd of approximately 500-600 people.

Lead singer Kriss D. Deville said, “Mena sounds a whole lot louder than L.A. right now, I’ll tell you that. Everybody brought it tonight.”

“They did,” bassist J.J. Savage agreed.

The audience age ranged from children to several adults who were probably 70-plus like rockers such as Ozzy Osbourne and David Coverdale whom L.A. ROXX paid tribute to performing “Crazy Train” and “Still of the Night.”

The latter song saw Brandon Blaze Micheals emulating Whitesnake’s music video with the guitar being played with a violin bow. He shares lead guitar duties with his brother Gabriel, who also plays keyboards.

Drew Dye plays drums, including playing a solo while blindfolded during the Van Halen medley. He remained blindfolded while playing Van Halen’s “Unchained.”

The only break was about 45 minutes into the band’s set when children and adults competed in ‘80s garb for the costume contest, ranging from aerobic outfits and side-high tails to rocking concert T-shirts, leather and spandex, mullet wigs and some even strapping on a guitar. The audience voted by cheering for their favorites. Children’s category winners:

• First - Brinlee Basehar

• Second - Chandler Howard

• Third - Lily Arender

Adult category winners:

• First - Vince Rudman

• Second - Leah Taylor

• Third - Yvonne Newland

The band performed quite a few

hits from Poison, Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe and Van Halen. They also threw in some Ratt, Night Ranger, Warrant, and finished with Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

“We came in here last year and we didn’t know what to think,” Deville said. “We were trying not to be stinkers about it, hoping the night wasn’t going to be a drag. We were outside, it was hot, and there might be a couple of people in chairs clapping. Man, last year everybody exploded and this year it doubled. It was awesome!”

“They brought the power,” Savage said.

The band hung out for another hour signing autographs and doing photo ops with some of the fans, cracking jokes and being accommodating.

The Mena performance was L.A. ROXX’s last live show before going into the studio to record all-original material with the ‘80s arena rock feel. They were scheduled to start recording on July 17.

Deville said, “We’re going in the studio Monday through Friday, then we’re going back on tour, headed toward Louisiana. We want it to sound like it will fit right between your Whitesnake albums and your Def Leppard albums, or your iTunes collection or whatever.”

“It’s going to be an EP to start,” Savage said. “We’re hoping to have it released by the end of the year.”

“We’re going for five songs,” Deville said. “We’re going to test the waters and see how people respond with purchase, play, streams… however it works in 2023. We’ll put a couple of songs out and if people respond, maybe we’ll do a whole album next year.”

You can keep up with them by searching L.A. ROXX Band on various social media platforms.

More photos of LA ROXX continued from page 12

Arkansas Farm Bureau Officers and Leaders Conference in Hot Springs

Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 75th annual Officers and Leaders Conference is set for July 20 - 21 at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

Themed “Navigating the Future,” the event will feature professional development sessions, commodity division meetings, recognition of outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher families, and wrapping up with a keynote from Steve Roberts, a former football coach. The annual event is expected to draw more than 500 Farm Bureau leaders to Hot Springs.

Workshops at the conference will cover topics and issues important to the agriculture industry such as sustainable production practices, net metering and demand rates, among others. ArFB’s summer commodity division meetings will be held to discuss potential policy issues impact-

ing every commodity produced in Arkansas.

“The future of agriculture is essential for every citizen of our state and we must work together to ensure our industry is prepared to take on the challenges that lie ahead,” said Rich Hillman, president of Arkansas Farm Bureau and a sixth-generation farmer from Carlisle. “In order to be prepared, we’ve asked ArFB leaders from all 75 Arkansas counties to take a short break from their operations and focus on the future of our industry for the greater good.”

ArFB will also announce winners of its Young Farmer & Rancher competitions, which identify and highlight successful farm and ranch operations and the young farmers who are engaged in those efforts.

Patsy June Jenkins

Mrs. Patsy June Jenkins, age 89, passed away Saturday, July 8, 2023, in Livingston, Texas. She was born June 22, 1934, in Mena, Arkansas, to the late Homer Ford Meridieth and Iona Lola (Medford).

Mrs. Jenkins was known as a family oriented and godly woman who always made church a priority, she enjoyed ceramics. She was united in marriage to her husband Burrel Jenkins on September 23, 1951, and married for 53 years until his passing July 4, 2004.

Mrs. Jenkins is survived by her son, Michael Jenkins and wife Ressie; grandchildren, Brigitte Gonzalez and husband Eddie, Patti Jo Selph and husband Michael, Heidi Cronin and husband Clayton, Tiffany Jenkins and partner Bob Loshelder; great-grandchildren, Asa Selph, “Jocie” Jocelyn Selph, Kip Cronin, Kate Cronin, Edie and Jill Loshelder; as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, other family and friends too numerous to mention.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Burrel Jenkins, mother and father-in-law, Cashus and Josie Jenkins; daughter, Karen Marcantel; sisters, Mary Sue Varner and husband Sam, Coy Jean Quinn and husband Perry.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Jenkins will be held, Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., at the Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Doug Quinn will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Brent Tibbs, Douglas Quinn, Asa Selph, Dusty Tibbs, Quinn Dahlem, and Dylan Brown.

The Honorary Pallbearer is Brien Quinn.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Eugene Paul Wenner

Eugene Paul Wenner (Papaw), 90, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2023. He was born on April 18, 1933, to the late Eugene Paul Wenner and Dorothy Irene Hague, in Sidney, Ohio. He was a graduate of Sidney High School when shortly after he joined the Air Force and served as an airplane Mechanic and Jet Engine Tech. He worked at Ford for 30+ years till he retired and then moved to Mena, Arkansas, in 1991.

Paul was a jack of all trades, but he was known for his gardening skills and had some of the best tomatoes and peppers. He was a welder, hunter, and a fisherman. When you went to visit Papaw he always had the news or weather on the TV while sorting through his mail, and always finding time to take a break to eat Reese’s cups.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Mary Lou Wenner; one brother, Ron Wenner, of Homosassa, Florida; one sister, Linda Wenner, Wood Island, Washington; one son, Gordon and Bryan Wenner, of Ellenton, Florida; two daughters, Becky Hughes of Lima, Ohio, and Gina and Yankton Lawrence of Mena, Arkansas; three Grandchildren, Brian and Brandi Townsend of Lima, Ohio, Courtney Lawrence of Mena, Arkansas, and Ashton Lawrence of Conway, Arkansas.

He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Larry, Jerry, and Joe Wenner; and three grandchildren Randy Kelly, Jo Kelly, and Raymond Kelly.

Graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 17, 2023, at Pinecrest Cemetery in Mena, Arkansas. Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Adrian Gunn

Adrian Gunn, age 45, of Mena, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at his home. He was born on Wednesday, October 5, 1977, to Anthony Gunn and Cathy Breedlove in Denver, Colorado.

Adrian loved fishing, snowboarding, and airplanes. When Adrian moved to Mena, he and Adam and Jonathan built the kind of relationship with each other that only brothers have.

Adrian spent several years working for Family Fun Pools, Scott Kiersey Heat and Air, and most recently again working as an electrician with Randy Varner. He was taking classes and working toward his own electrician license when he passed away. Adrian was most proud of buying his own home. He was working so hard to fix it up.

Adrian was baptized at Grace Bible Church. He had a beautiful smile and an infectious laugh that can never be replaced and will forever be missed. Rest high on that mountain brother.

Adrian is survived by his mother and step father, Cathy and Nick Austin of Grand Junction, Colorado; his father, Anthony Gunn of Phoenix, Arizona; his only brother and sister-in-law, Adam and Delta Gunn of Mena; his nephew (but really more like a brother) Jonathan Gunn of Fayetteville; two nieces, Ivy Gunn of Fort Smith, and Maddison Gunn of Mena; lifelong friends, Maria and Michael Kirchner of Oklahoma; and the most absolute precious thing on this earth to him, his cat, Meow Meow.

A memorial service will be held at the Grace Bible Church in Mena on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 10:00 AM with Dr. Lamar Austin officiating. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Arron Ray Harris

Mr. Arron Ray Harris, age 46, passed away Saturday, July 8, 2023, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born October 24, 1976, in De Queen, Arkansas, to Ray Harris and Glenda Allene (Saylors) Gregory.

Mr. Harris was known as a loyal and dependable man; he enjoyed fishing and spending time with his daughter.

Mr. Harris is survived by his daughter, Elayna Harris; stepfather, Chris Gregory; brother, Allen Salls; sister, Sabrina Davis; and uncle, Charles Saylors.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Glenda Gregory, and by his grandparents, Genevieve Saylors and Charles Allen Saylors.

Cremation services for Mr. Harris are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home, there are no services planned at this time.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living.

~Marcus Tullius Cicero

Albert Authur Steven Mason

Mr. Albert Authur Steven Mason (Steve), age 70, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, July 12, 2023, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Steve was born in Mena, on March 8, 1953, to Albert (Fritz) Mason and Sylvia Mason.

Steve graduated from Van-Cove High School in 1972. Steve moved to Wenatchee, Washington, where he met Suzie Trapp. Steve and Suzie had two children, Nicholas Mason and Camie Mason. Steve was always involved in or doing something outdoors. He was involved in Nascar racing, boat racing, and dirt bike motorcycles. What time he was not involved in racing, he loved going hunting and fishing. Which helped bring him back to Mena, after retiring from Chelan Fruit.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Albert (Fritz) Mason and Sylvia; his wife Suzie; sisters, Debbie and Mary; and brother, Joe.

Steve is survived by children, Nicholas, Camie and husband Anthony; grandchildren, Kaydence and Poria; sister, Sandra Mason and Delilah Hampton; brothers and their wives, Rick and Erma Mason, and Doyle and Diana Mason.

There will be a celebration of life gathering at Steve’s home on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. through 5:00 p.m., located at 703 Meadowbrook Drive Mena, Arkansas, 71953. Cremation services for Mr. Mason are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

The Testing of Our Faith in Jesus

327 new area code coming to 870 region

The geographic region currently served by the 870 area code is projected to exhaust its numbering supply during the first quarter of 2025. To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the Arkansas Public Service Commission (Commission) has approved 327 as a new area code for this region. All existing 870 area code customers will retain their current area code in the overlay area and their telephone numbers will not be changed, however the addition of the new area code will require 10-digit dialing for all local calls.

To receive forgiveness from Him and not extend it to others is hypocrisy.

The new dialing procedure, for the Commission approved overlay plan, will require 10-digit dialing for local calls. A six-month permissive dialing period will begin July 21, 2023. During this period, local calls can be made with either 7 or 10 digits, and all calls that are local will continue to be local even though you dial 10 digits. Beginning January 19, 2024, you must dial the area code plus the telephone number on all calls, including calls within the same area code. On February 20, 2024, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the new 327 area code. The 501 area code region has already transitioned to 10-digit dialing.

The 870 area code covers the northern, eastern, and southern portions of Arkansas. The 870 area code serves communities including, but not limited to El Dorado, Mountain Home, Jonesboro, Pine Bluff, Monticello, and Magnolia. The new 327 area code will serve the same area currently served by the existing 870 area code. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA), who serves as the federal designee, assigned 327 as the number for the Commission approved overlay plan.

PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF JESUS

The Arkansas Public Service Commission originally adopted an overlay plan for the 870 area code in an order issued on December 11, 2009. However, on June 22, 2012, the Commission delayed the implementation of the area code overlay relief plan due to the effectiveness of telephone number conservation efforts.

Which is the worst sin? To offend someone or to refuse to forgive the offender?

Any relationship* can be healed in five minutes or less by simply following Jesus’ example.

To call ourselves Christian and do not honestly forgive is to disgrace the word “Christian.”

*Marriage, Friendships, Churches

The true test of one’s Christianity is the eagerness to forgive; to refuse to forgive is a denial of one’s relationship to Jesus.

MRHS installs the world’s first deep learning reconstruction MRI from Canon Medical Systems

Submitted by Jessica Smith

To make MRI exams as fast, safe, and accurate as possible for patients, Mena Regional Health System has purchased an Orian 1.5T MRI system with Deep Learning Reconstruction Technology from Canon Medical Systems. The Orian 1.5T MRI provides faster exams, while producing highest-quality images required for accurate diagnoses.

“The speed of the Orian 1.5 MRI enables our clinicians to obtain critical patient information for enhanced diagnoses faster than before, the average patient times are less than 15 minutes in the magnet,” explained Todd Laing, Director of the Radiology Department. “The design of the Orian MRI ‘Widest and Quietest Gantry’ allows us to successfully image a range of patients, from pediatric to bariatric, to further improve patient safety and comfort in our community.”

The Orian’s large bore opening offers a more spacious feeling for patients, while a higher table weight limit (550 pounds) expands the range of patients who can be imaged. In addition, the Orian 1.5T comes standard with industry-leading Deep Learning software AiCE (Advanced Intelligence Clear-IQ Engine) that’s been trained to reduce noise and boost signal to deliver clear, sharp, and distinct images at some of the fast-

est times in the industry.

“The Orian 1.5T MRI with AiCE is an example of Mena Regional Health System’s commitment to developing advanced technology designed for today’s hospitals, enabling them to perform fast, very short time exams that are safer and more comfortable for the patient,” said Mark Tortina, Senior Manager, Canon Medical Systems.

Mena Regional Health System will use the Orian 1.5 MRI to do traditional MRI exams at a much higher resolution and the shortest possible time. The new technology of the Orian 1.5 will bring new, high-resolution exams to evaluate the heart, brain, neck, back, joint, and vascular anatomy with metal artifact removal.

CEO Robert Rupp added, “We are thrilled to be able to bring this technology to our hospital. MRHS is passionate about providing quality, patient-centered care close to home and updated tools and equipment such as this MRI allow us to provide the best possible care for our community.”

Lonesome mountain region seeks love and attention…

By Jamie Hammack

That could be the classified ad Mena and Polk County could run in The Pulse if we had singles ads seeking love. We just can’t seem to get the attention we need — and we need it from the state.

You see, there are television commercials promoting Arkansas tourism that air in other states. If you have lived elsewhere or have done some traveling you may have seen them with their fantastic views of Hawksbill Crag in the Ozarks and of the Delta region with video of row upon row of rice fields. Of course, the shot of Old Main on the U of A campus is and should be shown. It’s majestic and beautiful. But as is our region.

When I lived in Dallas and in Louisiana, I would see the commercials expounding the beauty of Arkansas and telling viewers to come visit. But something I never could find in those commercials was anything to do with Mena or Polk County. Perhaps I missed it. But for the life of me there was no Queen Wilhelmina State Park. No Lodge. None of the beauty of the Ouachita Mountains (except for around Hot Springs). No Wolf Pen Gap Trails. No mention of the Ouachita or Moun tain Fork rivers with kayakers or great shots of people fish ing. No hikers on the nationally known Ouachi ta Trail. You would think this

area didn’t exist! Well, perhaps that may change. Soon.

Bob Dylan wrote, “Times They are A-Changin’,” and boy howdy are they. Polk County is now wet. Look, we were probably the wettest dry county in Arkansas, but now we’re O-fficial and that will boost tourism here. More and more people have discovered Mena and added us to their weekend getaway destination

list. How did they find us? Word of mouth for some. Mena Advertising & Promotions as well as the Mena Polk County Chamber do loads to help, but maybe it’s also the frustration people have of an overly-touristed Hochatown that has helped Mena gain some new visitors to go along with those who ride the trails here.

The numbers coming here are shown in the log cabins in the mountains and refurbished homes that are popping up on rental sites online to

help fill the lack of rooms as more people discover the hidden gem that is our area.

Now, with the eclipse next year and the Trails at Mena project coming as well, Mena and Polk County are poised to have record numbers of visitors. It is my hope that those in Little Rock who make the marketing decisions for tourism in Arkansas will throw us a bone and include us in their marketing campaigns. It’s past time that we are featured along-side all those famous landmarks and locations around the state.

We are getting the deserved attention from tourists and the backers of the trails project, but it is time for the state do their part. Let Mena and Polk County share the spotlight and let us shine.

By Richie Lawry

The ringing from the bag phone in the 1994 Honda Accord startled me. We had purchased the phone just a couple of months before. The size of a briefcase, the phone was portable but not easy to carry. Like most people at that time, the phone stayed in the car. Our phone plan came with 10 minutes a month of call time in our small local area. Any time we were out of our area, high roaming fees applied.

The phone call came from Porter Memorial Hospital in Denver, Colorado. My wife and I were racing along Interstate 70 in Kansas, headed to Denver. My fatherin-law was in the hospital, and the prognosis wasn’t good. On our way across Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado, we made and received four phone calls to get updates on Dad’s condition. I still remember opening the cell phone bill the next month and being shocked at the additional charges of over $100 for those four calls.

I recounted this story to my teenage granddaughters while we discussed the advances in technology. They had never heard of a bag phone. I told them how we upgraded from the bag phone to a handheld Nokia phone that was almost as big as a brick and seemed heavy. When we upgraded from the Nokia to a Motorola Razor flip phone, we thought we had achieved the pinnacle of phone technology.

But the part of my cell phone history story that shocked my teenage granddaughters was when I told them they had both been born before I saw my first iPhone. They had never considered that they had been born before there were iPhones. Smartphones have become such an integral part of our lives that they couldn’t imagine life before them.

A few days after my conversation with my granddaughters, I watched a documentary about the inventor Alexander Graham Bell. Although Bell is best known for inventing the telephone, he pursued hundreds of projects throughout his life. He created early versions of the metal

An Arkie’s Faith The Photophone

Its Time,” Mary Bellis wrote, “Although the photophone was an extremely important invention, the significance of Bell’s work was not fully recognized in its time. This was largely due to practical limitations in the technology of the time.

“That changed nearly a century later when the invention of fiber optics in the 1970s allowed for the secure transport of light. Indeed, Bell’s photophone is recognized as the progenitor of the modern fiber optic telecommunications system that is widely used to transmit telephone, cable, and internet signals across large distances.”

Long before Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone and the photophone, there was wireless technology that worked flawlessly. The 19th-century Canadian minister A.B. Simpson said, “Prayer is the link that connects us with God.” And the apostle Peter wrote, “The Lord watches the righteous, and he pays attention to their prayers.” 1 Peter 3:12 (ISV)

detector, built hydrofoil boats, and giant tetrahedral kites. He served as president of the National Geographic Society and made the first aircraft to fly in the British Empire. But Bell considered his most important invention the first wireless voice transmission technology that he dubbed, Photophone.

In 1878, two years after patenting the telephone, Bell read an article by scientist Robert Sabine on how the electrical resistance of the element selenium changes with exposure to light. He realized that this effect could transmit the human voice via light beams. Bell soon began work on a device he called the photophone.

The transmitter of Bell’s new device consisted of a parabolic mirror like a satellite dish and gathered and focused the sunlight beam from the transmitter onto a piece of selenium which was connected to a battery and telephone headset. The light falling on the selenium changed its resistance, creating a modulated current that the headset converted into sound. In 1880, after a couple of successful messages were relayed indoors, Bell and his

assistant transmitted a message from a rooftop to the window of the laboratory, 700 feet away. It was the first demonstration of wireless communication, predating the development of radio by over 20 years.

After the demonstration, Bell told his father, “Well, I have heard a ray of the sun laugh and cough and sing. I have been able to hear a shadow, and I have even perceived by ear the passage of a cloud across the sun’s disc. You are the grandfather of the photophone, and I want to share my delight of my success.”

Wireless communication and fiber optics are so crucial to our modern ultra-connected way of life that Alexander Graham Bell was not exaggerating when he declared, “Photophone is the greatest invention I have ever made; greater than the telephone.” The invention he considered his most important was so advanced that it would take nearly 100 years for the technology to catch up with the concept of the photophone.

In her article, “Alexander Graham Bell’s Photophone Was an Invention Ahead of

Christians always have a wireless connection available. We can talk to God anytime and don’t need a tower, receiver, or transmitter. We simply need to talk to Him anytime and anywhere.

Through prayer, we voice our requests and concerns to God, giving Him thanks for His many blessings and praising Him for His incredible love. Through prayer, we get to know God better. God promises that if we pray, He will answer. King David wrote of his experience in Psalms 66:19 (NKJV); “Certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.”

Gentle Reader, God will certainly hear you. There is nothing too trivial to talk to him about. Corrie Ten Boom, who survived a Nazi concentration camp, said, “Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.”

Jesus told his disciples, “Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matthew 21:22 (NKJV)

The best thing about prayer is that we don’t need to use Alexander Graham Bell’s photophone because God is always listening.

A drawing of Alexander Graham Bell’s Photophone, circa 1880.

Vandalized Janssen Park fountain repaired

By Ethan Nahté

When visiting Janssen Park, visitors entering from the intersection at Maple Avenue and Seventh Street will find several iconic landmarks that capture the eye such as the 1851 log cabin and the twin 12-pound, bronze, 1835 mountain howitzer cannons, which flank the flagpole, were donated by Congress in 1915. One cannon was produced by Cyrus Alger and Company on June 29, 1849, the other by Ames Manufacturing Company on Feb. 16, 1863.

There is also an 87mm – M4 field gun with a carriage from the 25th Division, used in the South Pacific in 1945. The memorial clock to George L. Lochridge, erected by his wife and daughter, a sentry over the evergreens and a fountain.

The beautiful fountain is nestled

within the park’s circular drive. The artistic piece, known as the Boy and Girl Fountain, was purchased and placed in the park in 1914. The bronze-painted sculpture of the two barefoot children on a grassy island is surrounded by a low octagonal wall that doubles as a bench for visitors to sit and relax or chat. They hold an umbrella over their head, where water once sprang from the umbrella’s finial, flowing over into a pool below where well-wishers tossed coins and fish swam.

Beauty vandalized

Now, the Mena Police Department and City of Mena wish to find the vandal(s) who decapitated the statue this spring, sometime before the Lum & Abner Music & Arts Festival.

At the June 13 Mena City Council meeting, parks superintendent Wes

Kemp reported to the city council the Boy and Girl Fountain had been removed and transported to Sparks Welding Service for repairs.

John House, owner of Sparks Welding, described the damage. “It was the little boy’s head and the umbrella. It split the shoulder a little bit, but it’s fixed. I didn’t hear much about what the [vandal] did because it was under investigation.”

In an interview following the meeting, Mena Mayor Seth Smith confirmed the damage had occurred due to vandalism. “I believe they found one of the heads in a yard across from the park. When I talked to Wes, it looks like they had to take a rod or wooden handle off a hand tool and knocked the head off. I don’t have a clue how they got it. If

See FOUNTAIN continued on page 14

The Boy and Girl Fountain after recent repair. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Photos by Ethan Nahté

Photos by Ethan Nahté

Women’s Weekend Prayer Camp Meeting

By Ethan Nahté

An opportunity for women to congregate over a 24-hour period for a non-denominational gathering will occur Sept. 29-30 near Muse, Oklahoma. The Women’s Weekend Prayer Camp Meeting will be held on the beautiful grounds of The Christ’s Church at Lenox, located at HC 63 Box 5929.

The church has a modern metal building, but the grounds are also the location of a church house built in the Kiamichi Mountains around the 1940s out of area rock. This will be the prayer chapel for the meeting, put on by Women for Jesus.

well in front of the prayer chapel, built at the same time. The well will be the well of the water of life.

“The well is a dug well, old-timey with a bucket and the bar to wind it up and down,” she said. “We’re using that as focal point.”

Perkins is also an author, schoolteacher for vocal music education, a minister and educator at the church.

Purpose

The total purpose is to study: 1) what happens when women pray, 2) God’s Sovereignty at work through the true story of “Keepers of the Secret Code,” and 3) how to serve others as Christ taught us to serve by the study of apron strings.

Women for Jesus began in March of 2023. The group tries to meet once a month in as many churches they can get in.

Cynthia Perkins said, “It’s to get together to pray about our country, community and schools. Mena has had some suicides this year and there are other situations we want to God to help us with prayer. We’re learning about fasting.”

In addition to the monthly meetings, the Prayer Camp is a first for the group, but Perkins hopes to have an annual gathering every September as fall begins. The event does not take place throughout the entire weekend, though.

Russell Forehand of Hatfield had a pleasant birthday surprise. He was the third winner of the family four-pack of Magic Springs Theme and Water Park tickets. His name was selected from our eight sponsors. Forehand signed up for the contest at Jordan Tire in Hatfield. See the Magic Springs ad on the back page for details and sponsor locations. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Dr. Cynthia Perkins of Women for Jesus said, “The old church is small, but it even has a balcony. It was dirt roads when they built it. It is very pretty. That will be something very special.”

The property also has an old rock

“It’s only happening for 24 hours. It’s kind of unique,” Perkins said.

Perkins will teach on what happens when women pray and the total fast.

“There’s a book out by Evelyn ChrisSee CAMP

continued on page 23

FOUNTAIN

continued from page 11

there’s a will there’s a way.”

Mena Assistant Police Chief Tod Cannon said the crime is still an ongoing police investigation as of July 11 and that no one has been charged yet.

Fountain history

The fountain’s surroundings have undergone a handful of changes over the decades, from being readily open to a fenced-in enclosure with plants that surrounded the fountain and the structure well out of reach of unauthorized personnel.

A smaller enclosure with mesh wire went around the immediate fountain several decades ago while providing a bench encircling the fountain. Now, there is the decorative painted metal bars currently in place with a mesh wire backing.

The protective barriers were dual-purpose, to keep people from getting into the fountain, potentially

slipping and hurting themselves; to prevent damage to the statue and the pump equipment.

Why someone would be so keen on destroying the statue is the obvious question. Why would the perpetrators ditch the head instead of mounting it like a trophy? Perhaps they had no option because they met up with someone as they were carrying it away from the park and quickly tossed it aside. May-

be they decided holding onto the evidence would make it easier to incriminate them.

The fountains were generally manufactured by prominent ornamental iron works companies. Still, impurities in the metal or during casting could occur.

While working on the Janssen Park fountain, House said, “I’ve never run into anything with that kind of contamination in the metal.”

He found it had porosity, which are microscopic holes, basically like a tooth cavity. The biggest impact porosity can cause is corrosion.

Sculptor Joe Van Wolf frequently works with metal. He spoke about the possibility of electrolysis where you have different metals contacting one another and they corrode. “You have the same problem if you have galvanized iron with a zinc coating on it. The zinc will corrode, especially when you have copper pipe and the iron. It

becomes very brittle. A guy with a hammer, cane or something to hit it, it would easily come apart.”

Considering the metal cage that encompasses the statue, it surely took some effort to extract the head from the enclosure. The mesh wire may have been pulled free, leaving enough room to squeeze the head and umbrella through with some considerable effort.

To repair, House said, “It took several hours of work over about a week. I had to do a little bit then back off — a lot of cleaning. You couldn’t extract it because it is a small head and hard to clean from the inside. We got it cleaned with a weld and some epoxy was used. It’s paint we got from Mike’s Home Specialties. It’s a bronze paint color and I matched it perfectly.”

Sparks Welding has been in business 20 years. House worked in boiler maintenance for 19 years with TI Construction and has been welding 35-40 years.

“I was very upset that it happened,” House said. “I was glad to take on the job. It was a challenge. It was like an honor they asked me to do it.”

House has been utilized by the city on other occasions. When the tornado came through in 2009, he did the rings for the Christmas trees in the park. House also did the sign at the new police station with a flag for the Mena Police Department.

Van Wolf said, “I was asked a long time ago if I wanted to repair it by Mayor McKee. You have a fountain and have water… the copper on the bronze corrodes. That’s where you get that green color. If you don’t seal it properly, it corrodes.”

Fountain’s arrival

This Sunday will mark 109 years the fountain has been a part of Mena’s history. According to The Mena Evening Star, “the statue first arrived at Janssen Park on July 23, 1914, ordered by See FOUNTAIN continued on page 15 (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

FOUNTAIN

continued from page 14

city park commissioner J.S. Kelly… arrangements are now being made to install it in the park fountain. The fountain is the statue of a boy and girl holding an umbrella and will be quite an addition to the park… .”

It was to be surrounded by flowerbeds, have a 3-foot iron railing encircling it and a citizen offered to stock it with goldfish.

Coincidentally, on July 29, congressman Otis T. Wingo introduced a bill authorizing the secretary of war to donate two cannons and several cannon balls to the city of Mena for use in the park.

Mischief was not limited to the fountain. Kelly was also a judge. It was reported on Aug. 21, 1914, that Judge Kelly was “on the warpath this morning when he found that during last night someone had unlocked the wolf den and liberated the wolf.”

Fountain creation

It’s possible that E.T. Barnum Iron and Wire Works out of Detroit, Michigan, created the piece. Around the turn of the 20th century, at least eight Arkansas towns or cities were using Barnum’s products. The company began in 1866 and was well-established for manufacturing ornate lattice work, fences, fire escapes, spiral staircases, fancy cano-

pies for office buildings and hotels and more, including heavy-duty jail cells. They had an entire catalog dedicated to steel cells.

The cast-zinc fountain in Janssen Park looks very similar to either item No. 280 or No. 28-B—Out-in-the-Rain Fountain located on page 66 of Barnum’s 68-page No. 650 General Catalogue from 1924. Granted, that’s 10 years after Mena received the statue, but the fountain’s original design dates back to 1876.

Van Wolf said, “I saw that design and I knew it was around that era. It had that feel to it. It’s unfortunate that someone would do something stupid like that. Unfortunately, it’s a different world in which we live in.”

According to Smithsonian Gardens, a division of the Smithsonian Institution, the fountain was originally known as the Centennial Group Fountain. It was first manufactured by J.W. Fiske Iron Works out of New York, and displayed at the Philadelphia Centennial International Exposition of 1876, hence where the name was derived. It received high praise and was recreated by a number of cast iron, terra cotta and cast zinc manufactories with minor variations.

In 1904, a Mena delegation visited the World’s Fair in St. Louis. There they saw the Centennial Fountain and decided it would be perfect for Janssen Park.

The cost for the fountain, shipping and installation to Mena in 1914 is unknown. The painted version, with one coat of paint, was priced at $115 in 1924. The version finished in bronze was $125, approximately $2,200 in today’s money.

On Oct. 26, 1935, only a year after being repainted, it was reported in The Mena Evening Star that someone had damaged the statue, smashing the um-

brella with some sort of club. The arms and both children were pounded off and the remains thrown “into the park lake” (pond). At the time, a $10 reward was offered “for the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who committed the depredation.”

At that time, the children could still wade and play in the pool surrounding the fountain.

After the tornado that hit the park in 1993, the statue had to be restored once more, though it took several years and was finally unveiled on Oct. 16, 2001.

Mayor Smith said he believed it was in 2017 the last time the statue was damaged.

Why an innocuous fountain that’s such a mainstay of Mena and Janssen Park has to constantly battle for survival is mind-boggling. If you have information regarding the most recent vandalism, contact the Mena City Police

The mayor stated, “Whenever we do catch them, restitution will be sought.”

Road construction in Hatfield on First Street and Buddy Bean Drive began Tuesday and will continue throughout the next several weeks. Please be mindful of road closure and detour signs and please be on the lookout for workers and construction equipment.

The Humane Society of the Ouachitas next monthly meeting will be Thursday, July 20, at 5:30 p.m. at LaVilla Mexican Restaurant in Mena. All animal lovers are welcome.

The Back Country Extension Homemakers Club meets the second Friday of each month at 1 p.m. at the UA Extension’s Education Building, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. We are a service organization affiliated with UA’s Division of Agriculture with a mission to have fun and learn new things while enriching our community and creating a more contented family life. We believe the greatest force that molds character comes from the home. Come join new friends and old as we together grow. For more info, contact Ginger at Gingerkm@protonmail.com.

Free sack lunch each Tuesday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., for all ages, at Janssen Park pavilion. Bubbles, chalk, free books, games, and music. Sponsored by First Presbyterian Church. Meals will be available all summer, May 30 through August 15.

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, noon - 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 7 p.m. on Thursday, 7 p.m. on Friday, and 6 p.m. on Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call Erica at (479) 2345289 or Candice at (501) 356-8300.

The Polk County Housing Au-

Around Town

thority 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

First Presbyterian Church will be presenting a study, “The Evolution of the Bible”, in its Adult Sunday School Class on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:45. The class will be conducted by Earl Harrell. Anyone with an interest in this study is invited to attend. Classes will be at the church in the parlor, 904 Church Ave., Mena.

The Ouachita Beekeepers Association is now meeting on the second Thursday of the month, 7 p.m. in the Education Building of the UA Extension Office, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. Come early and enjoy refreshments and bee talk with other beekeepers.

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

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

The Cove Branch Library is open Monday and Thursday from noon5 p.m. The Library is located next to Cove Town Hall at 5568 Hwy. 71 S.

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

The Center has an exercise class on Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Contact Trena Looney with questions, (479) 394-5459.

Free meal and a message at Living Word, 171 W. Johnson, Hatfield, Wednesdays @ 6 p.m.

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

Concerned citizens will be at the Library Monday, July 24, 9-11 a.m., and Wednesday, July 26, 9-11 a.m., gathering signatures to put the “LEARNS Act” on the ballot.

Christ’s Church of Cove, 5234 Hwy. 71 S, Cove gathers every Tuesday, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m., for free coffee and conversation.

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.

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

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

American Legion meets every 2nd Tuesday at the Legion Hall in Acorn. Potluck at 6 p.m., meeting follows. Come play Bingo, Saturdays and Mondays, starts at 6 p.m., doors open at 4 p.m.

Reynolds Gardner Community

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

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

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

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

Classifieds - CLASSIFIEDS -

- SERVICES -

Carter’s Excavating - Licensed Contractor: Heavy and light dozer work, heavy excavation, soft ground to rock excavation, heavy off-road hauling, road design and construction

50 years in trade, 40 years in area. Subsidiary of RCI Construction (479) 394-9227

T0809

Tree services, forestry mulching, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate. T0830

Carter’s Excavating - Licensed Contractor: Roads, bridges, house pads, building pads, basements, land clearing, small lots to large tracks, ponds, stream crossings, farm roads, building demolition, site planning & prep.

50 years in trade, 40 years in area. Subsidiary of RCI Construction. (479) 394-9227

T0809

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. T0726

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0719

Construction, steel buildings, welding, pads, ponds, and roads. Military discounts. Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0830

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T0726

- PETS FOR SALE -

- HELP WANTED -

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.

T0726

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.

T0726

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for a technical/phone sales position. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, answering technical inquiries, providing product information and recommendations, troubleshooting with potential and current customers, and processing orders in a fast-paced office setting.

Parts, automotive, and computer experience would be helpful.

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.

T0726

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

T0726

CHALLENGE

continued from page 2

moths, wasps, flies, beetles, and bats, too. The pollinator-inspired quilt blocks will be displayed during the quilt show November 3-4, 2023, and all visitors can vote to choose the winners. Favorites will be announced during closing ceremonies with sweet rewards of local honey and bee-related prizes provided by the members of the Ouachita Beekeepers, plus bragging rights, of course.

2023 Ouachita Quilt Show Pollinator-Inspired Quilt Block Challenge Rules and Dates

• Quilt blocks must be submitted during the intake period for quilts:

* Tuesday, Oct. 31, between noon5:30 p.m. at the Polk County Fairgrounds.

* The entry form will be available at intake.

• The pollinator-related theme is required, but the quilt block can feature either

* pollinators (bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths, wasps, flies, beetles, bats);

* honeybee or honey-related images (beehives, “Bee Sweet” phrases, a bee hive, etc.); or

* plants they pollinate (flowers, fruits, vegetables).

• Unfinished block size must be 12 ½” square. Other sizes will not be accepted.

• Yellow must be included in each qualifying block for the quilt blocks to blend. Pre-selected yellow fabrics are available for free and distributed during guild meetings which are open to the public and are on fourth Mondays, 1-3 p.m., at UA Extension Education Building located at 211 DeQueen Street, Mena.

• No restrictions set for techniques used to make the block. Regular piecing, paper pieced, applique, etc. are examples of acceptable techniques.

Submitted blocks become the property of the Ouachita Beekeepers Association for the purpose of making a pollinator-inspired quilt for use by the beekeepers for educational presentations and community awareness events.

Contact Joyce Sanden at 479-2343414 for more information about the block challenge, guild, or quilt show.

Beekeepers and the quilters work with the Polk County Extension to help promote pollinator community activity which brings educational opportunities and awareness to the plight of honeybees and pollinators. For example, the Ouachita Beekeepers are working with Mena High School’s new Natural Resources Lab, an outdoor classroom where students can learn about raising and keeping honeybees with direct hands-on experience in the school’s apiary. Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild is helping create a visual aide by building this pollinator-inspired quilt one block at a time.

Did you know?

• At least 75% of flowering plants depend on pollinators.

• Pollinators help create one in every three bites of food you eat!

• Honeybees are the primary pollinator for most wildflowers and crops in temperate North America.

Literature for the research was provided by the Polk County Extension office. The Ouachita Beekeepers meet the second Thursday at the UA Extension Education Building at 7 p.m. and they will host Dr. Zawislak, the entomologist from UA, at 7 p.m. on Oct. 12. His presentation, “Beyond the Waggle Dance: How Honeybees Communicate with Each Other” is expected to be a big gathering.

Upcoming USDA webinars include Sept. 15, “Planning & Establishing Pollinator Habitat” and Oct. 6, “Maintaining Pollinator Habitat.” For more information call your Polk County Extension office at 479-394-6018.

For sale - AKC English Bulldog puppies. Merle, black-tri, and standard colors all in the same litter, and ready for their new home. Facebook Arklatex Bulldogs to see these beauties. Call 870-642-3104 for more information. TFN

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

July 10, 2023

Bradley Brumfield, 33, of Mena was arrested on thirteen Failure to Appear Warrants and a charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 8 W in reference to an unattended death.

Bryan Terry, 41, of Mena was arrested on a Body Attachment.

Whitney Reynolds, 33, of Gurdon was arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department on a Body Attachment.

July 11, 2023

Deputies responded to a report of a theft of property.

Julian Craig, 40, of Mena was arrested on a Body Attachment.

Lawrence Smith, 68, of Caddo Gap was arrested to be held for another agency.

Robert Treat, 43, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for Theft of Property.

Ashley Clem, 30, of Mena was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

July 12, 2023

Deputies responded to a report of a property dispute.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 20 near Cove in reference to a break-in.

Tyler Cornelius, 29, of Mena was arrested on a Body Attachment and a Failure to Appear Warrant.

July 13, 2023

Ronald Wagner, 43, of Waldron was arrested on a Felony Failure to Appear Warrant.

July 14, 2023

Deputies were notified of a runaway juvenile. The juvenile was later located.

Deputies responded to a report of a physical altercation leading to the arrest of Kailyn Terry, 20, of Cove on a charge of Domestic Battery.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Treasure Lane near Acorn in reference to a dispute..

Patrick Billings, 73, of Hatfield was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution.

Falicity Kelly, 28, of Wickes was arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Raymond Sutterfield, 20, of Wickes was arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department on charges of Disorderly Conduct and 2nd Degree Terroristic Threatening.

July 15, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Roach Avenue near Mena in reference to a property dispute.

Nicholas Brewer, 35, of Hatfield was arrested on a 3rd Degree Domestic Battery Warrant.

Jade Buck, 35, of Hatfield was arrested on a 3rd Degree Domestic Battery Warrant.

July 16, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 8 West near Mena in reference to a trespasser.

Caici Hannaman, 23, of Mena was arrested on a charge of DWI and Driving Left of Center.

Timothy Palmer, 40, of Mena was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas State Police to be held for another agency.

Michael Wilkinson, 36, of Hatfield was arrested on a Felony Warrant for 2nd Degree Domestic Battery.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked 2 vehicle accidents this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 49 Incarcerated Inmates with 19 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

July 9

A report of burglary and criminal trespass was taken at a residence on Gillham Avenue.

A death investigation report was taken at a residence on Janssen Avenue.

July 10

Griffin Head, 45, was served with warrants at the county jail.

Heather Hilderbrand, 48, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

July 11 No Report.

July 12

Justin Adams, 33, and August Hollins, 31, were both charged with Domestic Battery and Disorderly Conduct at a residence on Church Street.

July 13

Matthew Owen, 27, was charged with Theft at Walmart.

Christopher Brown, 47, was charged with Driving on Suspended License

and served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

A report of theft was taken at 911 Pine Avenue.

July 14

William Pierce, 39, was served with a warrant on 11th Street.

A report of theft was taken from Walmart.

July 15

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

County, LeFlore County, Lattimer County, and was finally ended when Oklahoma State Police (OSP) troopers executed a PIT maneuver in Pushmataha County, Oklahoma, at Sardis Lake.

During the pursuit, the suspect stopped and backed into one of the pursuing units. He also deliberately drove into oncoming traffic numerous times and fired multiple rounds from a handgun out the window of the vehicle.

Steven Alexander Weinert was transported to the Pushmataha County Detention Center in Antlers, Oklahoma. He is facing several felony charges in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer stated, “This was a desperate individual that led authorities on a dangerous pursuit. If not for the courage, skill, and professionalism of my deputies, the Oklahoma State Police, the Pushmataha County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tribal Police, this could have had a tragic ending.”

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

WEINERT continued from page 1

Trivia Night to benefit The CALL of Polk County

By Ethan Nahté

What American television series finale had the most viewers? What is the longest charting album of the Billboard 200? What color was the Hulk in his first appearance?

Those questions may or may not be a part of Trivia Night, a fundraising event for The Call in Polk County, but it’s a possibility as they challenge teams to test their knowledge of music, television, movies, sports, the Marvel and DC Universes, and more.

Alyssa Green, The CALL of Polk County church coordinator, said, “The age limit is 10 and up for teams with three to five people on each team. We are still looking for five more teams to sign up as well.”

The CALL is a Christian non-profit organization that mobilizes area churches to serve local children and youth placed in foster care. Families recruited by The CALL make up over half of all foster families in the state. Since 2007, these families have cared for over 10,000 children, and created forever families for over 800 children. The CALL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, funded by contributions from individual donors, churches, foundations and corporations. They provide their services to families and churches at no cost.

Green said, “The funds will go to our local chapter of The CALL in Polk County to support our families and children affected by foster care.

The entry fee is $50 per team. The sign-up deadline is Tuesday, July 25. The fundraiser is being coordinated by Theresa Anderson and Rachel Lance. Teams will be competing for a championship trophy and more. “The prizes are a $250 Visa card and three-foot tro-

phy, a $100 Visa card and a $50 for last,” Green said. “We plan on this being an annual event and teams can come back and defend their title each year!”

There will also be door prizes and a meal for attendees, including those who are not playing but want to come enjoy the fun. “We are having door prizes, dinner and dessert and we are serving plates for $10 with chicken, potato salad, and deserts. It is open to the whole community and we would love to have everyone’s support.”

There is still time for businesses or individuals who would like to donate door prizes. “We would love to have any donations anyone is willing to give and they can contact us and let us know what they would like to do. We are also still needing potato salad donated as well.”

Trivia Night will take place at The Crossing Church, 106 Mena St., 6:309 p.m., Friday, July 28. To donate door prizes or to sign your team up, call 479234-3594. To learn more about The CALL, visit https://thecallinarkansas. org/polk/.

Green said, “We truly appreciate all of the love and support we are shown daily and we rely on the support of our community and churches in order to support these families. We not only train and open foster homes but we continue to support them before, during and after the process. We know everyone is not equipped to be a foster family, but God has equipped and commanded us all to wrap around these children and families in their time of need.”

Oh, in case you were wondering –M*A*S*H (105.9 million viewers), Pink Floyd “Dark Side of the Moon” (1,000 weeks come Sept. 2023), and Gray.

Select Realty supports Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Polk County

Submitted by Select Realty Firm

As a means to promote education in the area, realtors at the Mena Select Realty Firm have committed to supporting the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) in Polk County. For every real estate sale that is made by their realtors, a donation of $26 will be made to DPIL. All proceeds will go directly to providing an enrolled child in Polk County with a book each month.

With over 30-plus years’ experience as real estate professionals, the Select Realty team is highly respected, expertly trained, and extremely motivated real estate brokers and agents. The REALTORS recognize the importance of reading to children at a young age and want to support DPIL’s efforts to promoting early childhood literacy.

“We want to give back to our community by supporting our youngest residents,” stated LeAnn Holmes at Select Realty.

Bobbi Himel agreed, “Some of REALTORS have children who love getting their DPIL books so we understand the benefits.”

DPIL was launched in 1995 in Tennessee by The Dollywood Foundation, providing free books to children in Dolly Parton’s home area of Sevier County, Tennessee. It has grown into a worldwide movement providing a book each month to every enrolled child

who is under the age of 5.

In Polk County, Quality of Life Outreach, Inc. (QOL) is the local 501c3 partner of DPIL. QOL President Bethany Highes commented, “I am thrilled to have Select Realty support our efforts to promote literacy and a love of reading.”

Carol Miller, Polk County’s DPIL Committee member went on to say, “DPIL has proven to have a significant impact on school readiness.”

Qualty of Life Outreach and DPIL members expressed sincere appreciation to Select Realty for contributing to the improvement of early childhood literacy and helping our community to grow and prosper. Research indicates that for every $1 a community invests in early childhood education, it yields a 13% return on investment per child annually through education, health and social outcomes.

For more information about Select Realty, call 479-394-7676, email le-annholmes@outlook. com or menaselectrealty@gmail. com, or visit http://www.menaselectrealty.com.

For more information about DPIL, visit https://imaginationlibrary.com or email dpilpolk@ gmail.com

(Eds. See related donation images on page 21.)

Pictured (clockwise from top) are Select REALTORS Brittany Roberts, Sandra Thomas, Deana Dixon and Annette Cammack making a donation to Polk County’s Imagination Library commemorate a sale.

Le-Ann Holmes and Bobbie Himel make a donation to commemorate two sales.

Polk County school announcements

Acorn

• All school supplies for Acorn Elementary students will be provided for the upcoming school year. Students will only need to purchase backpacks. If families would like to donate Kleenex and Clorox wipes, these items can be dropped off at Acorn Elementary office any time and will be distributed to the classrooms.

Cossatot

• CRSD’s open house is Aug. 10 from 4-6 p.m. There will be a clinic on site at the primary school to provide immunizations.

Mena

• All Kindergarten through second grade school supplies at

Louise Durham Elementary will be provided. All students need is a backpack.

• Mena Public Schools will be having their No Sale Yard Sale at the Mena High School parking lot, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday, July 21. Everything will be free, including clothes for the family, lunch boxes and backpacks.

• Mena’s Open House:

1. Mena High School - Ninth and 12th grades, Wednesday, Aug. 9, 4-7 p.m.

2. Mena High School - 10th and 11th grades, Thursday, Aug. 10, 4-7 p.m.

3. Mena Middle School - Thursday, Aug. 10, 4-7 p.m.

4. Louise Durham Elementary and Holly Harshman Elementary, Monday, Aug. 14, 2-6 p.m.

CRSD to implement Illustrative Mathematics

This year, CRSD is implementing the IM program that will align K-12 mathematics learning across the district. The new program aligns with the new math standards formulated by the Arkansas Department of Education

By Ethan Nahté

The Dequeen Mena Education Service Cooperative hosted a professional development course. Andria Miller introduced Illustrative Mathematics (IM) to educators. They got to experience a lesson from both the student and teacher perspectives, engage in a resource scavenger hunt, and develop a process to plan using IM for this next school year.

Cossatot River School District (CRSD) posted on their Facebook page that they will be utilizing IM in their new mathematics curriculum program.

Over the last two years, CRSD also implemented new literacy curriculum programs that align K-12 as well. The programs correlate from grade-to-grade and provide teachers will resources they need to teach the standards.

They are proud to be advancing their math and literacy curriculum programs to offer high quality education to CRSD students.

Founded in 2011 at the University of Arizona, Illustrative Mathematics is guided and inspired by educators who work in spirited teams to do extraordinary things. The result is a comprehensive suite of math curricula, designed to encourage engaging mathematical discussion, supported by tasks, lesson plans, professional learning, and community.

CAMP continued from page 13 during the antebellum South.

tenson called ‘What Happens When Women Pray,’” Perkins said. “It’s a research study she did in the ‘70s. It’s how to pray and how God directs you to pray and what’s important.

“And we’ll learn about fasting and the relationship of prayer and fasting. Why did Jesus talk about that and why he thought it was important to do?”

Don’t worry, Perkins laughed and said, “We’re going to be cooking on the campfire. We’ll have cowboy stew, cornbread, homemade pies. That’s not very fasting is it?”

The Women for Jesus team will present testimony concerning serving others by Jesus’ example by the study of apron strings.

“We’re going to make an analogy between a bib and apron strings. We wear a bib to be served and apron to serve. There are aprons in everything women do. How we, as Women for Jesus, are servants for Jesus, our need to serve and how important it is to serve others and not be afraid of that.”

Keepers of the Secret Code

“Keepers of the Secret Code” (Doodle and Peck Publishing) is a book co-authored by KJ Williams and Teresa R. Kemp. The authors will be guest speakers. They will bring quilts telling the true story of how African Igbo designs were sewn into quilts conveying messages on how to get to safe houses

“Kemp’s great aunt Ozella Williams broke the story in the early ‘90s about Kemp’s great-grandmother, who had the quilts.”

Kemp is also the great-granddaughter of a plantation owner. Her ancestors, Eliza and Peter Farrow, are the real-life main characters of the middle grade novel. They were slaves on the plantation located in Glynn County, Georgia. According to the authors, the Farrows used and passed down the secret quilt codes used in the Underground Railroad.

Perkins said, “These codes show through the faithful prayer of those in slavery. God’s sovereignty led them to freedom. Twelve of these quilts will be on display during the Prayer Camp.

“All women should be there to hear of these extraordinary true events of the making of these quilted codes, especially all the quilters of this generation. That’s how they made their notes to keep it hidden from the slave owners.”

KJ Williams is from Florida. She came across this story through research. She found that Kemp was a part of the history and was wanting to write. She contacted Kemp in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, to collaborate on the book. Both authors are also teachers.

The book will be available to purchase.

Quilts

Kemp’s mother, an octogenarian, is using some of these secret patterns and bringing 12 quilts to the Prayer Camp, where they will be displayed for attendees. She’ll be talking about quilting and her era.

“There are great quilting groups in Mena and Polk County,” Perkins said. “This is going to be a great story for them.”

Registration and camping

The Prayer Camp registration will open at noon on Friday, Sept. 29. The session will begin at 2 p.m. and continue through 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30.

“We started it at 2 so people could work in the mornings. When people want to get off work for other events, they can normally get off work. This is for every age of girls and women. We’re not charging for the event. We’re going to have an offering.

“Bring your tent and blow-up mat-

tresses; or stay in the dorm. These are offered at a first come, first serve basis. We have a place with three or four bedrooms and bathrooms. Available are three hookups, so some women are bringing RVs. Some of us are going to sleep on the ground. We aren’t going to do much sleeping. We’ll have a big bonfire. It’ll be beautiful out there in the fall.

Cell service is spotty in the Kiamichi Mountains. If you need directions in advance or more information, you can contact either Nancy Wright at 479243-7199 or nwright@remax.net, or Perkins at 918-755-4462 or cperkinsphd@yahoo.com /

Perkins said, “Remember, this is only a 24-hour event. Our time will be spent in fellowship and corporate prayer, binding together learning about faith, and that God’s desire for us to get down on our knees in prayer, and get up off our knees to serve!”