Polk County Pulse June 29, 2022

Pulse THE POLK COUNTY

FREE WEEKLY 1168 Hwy 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600

June 29, 2022

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

Train quiet zone

INSIDE:

Police on guard against drunk drivers before and during long July 4th holiday Submitted by Arkansas State Police

Ozark Chinquapin

Page 14

Vehicles wait at the crossing gate as signals flash and a horn sounds as the KCS travels through the intersection of Mena Street and Hwy. 71 South in Mena.

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

By Ethan Nahté

Updated 4th Of July Events

Page 12

Martin-AHSCA Hall Of Fame

Page 8

How many times have you been near the railroad tracks in Mena— in a business, parking lot, event or at home, attempting to rest or have a conversation, when the loud, and seemingly nonstop blast of a train horn blasts?

For its size, Mena has several public highway-rail crossings in relative proximity to one another, so the horn is almost one continual roar.

Sometimes it seems as if it passes at least twice per hour.

The railroads helped to build Mena, but are the horns preventing growth?

Trains are essential to our economy, and quite inexpensive when it comes

PART 1 of 2

down to it, using on average about a gallon of diesel fuel per 500 miles per ton of cargo. In comparison, a semitruck gets 10 ton-miles per gallon, (i.e., 10 mpg per ton of cargo).

New technology is making trains more and more environmentally friendly, not to mention increasing fuel efficiency while moving products and supplies cross-country and intercontinental. But what if they could safely move through town without the horn? Sure, they are large and still make noise, but what vehicle doesn’t?

Brion Dickerson, owner of 10-Minit Lube on Hwy. 71 South in Mena, has been tracking down information to try and put an end to the

See HORN continued on page 2

The Independence Day holiday will be a prolonged celebration this year, as the nation’s birthday occurs on a Monday. Many Arkansas families will start their travel plans Friday with varied destinations over the following three days. With increased traffic volume anticipated, comes the risk of tragedy often attributed to a drunk driver.

Law enforcement officers across the

See DRUNK continued on page 3

2 News

THE POLK COUNTY

June 29, 2022 HORN continued from page 1

LaDon Copelin was the winner of the fifth week’s Let Us Make Your Day promotion. He signed up at Jerry’s Fish Camp. He won a $25 gift card for Jerry’s Fish Camp, a $25 gift card for Little Italy, and a purse from Freedom Pharmacy.

There is still one more opportunity to win in our weekly Let Us Make Your Day drawing.

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

train horns when the locomotives come through Mena, which could make Mena the first in Arkansas to do so.

In accordance with a Congressional mandate, Federal Railroad Association (FRA) issued regulations which took effect in 2005 that require locomotive horns be sounded in advance of all public highway-rail crossings, but also providing local communities the option of silencing them by establishing quiet zones. The 2005 regulation states the horn must sound a minimum of 15 seconds and maximum of 20 seconds (with a few exceptions), and wherever feasible, in a pattern of two long, one short, and one long and continue to sound until the lead locomotive or train car occupies the grade crossing. The minimum volume for locomotive horns is 96 decibels and a maximum of 110 dB. Dickerson said, “What I’m trying to get accomplished is the train to stop blowing its horn, all the way from the Walmart crossing at Pickering, all the way across town to the old Subway at Highway 8 and Reine Street. They do not have to blow their horn if the town requests them not to blow their horn.”

Arkansas is one of only six states, plus the District of Columbia, without a quiet zone. The other states without a quiet zone are Delaware, Hawaii, New Hampshire and Rhode Island according to the current information on the Federal Railroad Association (FRA) site, Code of Federal Regulations “49 CFR Part 222.”

“If we get it, Mena will be the benchmark (in Arkansas) for no train horn.

So…they’ll refer back to Mena to see

Pulse how it’s done. We’ll be the standard moving forward.”

The FRA website railroads.dot.gov/ provides the train horn rules, as well as the guidance on how to create the quiet zone. Under the Train Horn Rule (49 CFR Part 222), localities have the option to establish a quiet zone in which horns are not routinely sounded in advance of highway-rail crossings. Once a quiet zone is formally established, routine sounding ceases at the location in perpetuity and the railroad and its train crews are relieved of any legal duty or obligation to sound the horn at the crossings included within it, even during emergency situations to avert a collision (e.g, a person or vehicle is spotted on the tracks). Instead, emergency sounding in those situations is at the discretion of the engineer.

Only public authorities may establish quiet zones by making necessary safety engineering improvements to compensate for the loss of advance warning provided by locomotive horns. Individuals and communities wishing to establish a quiet zone must work through the appropriate public authority responsible for traffic control or law enforcement at the crossings, typically local elected officials or municipal government.

Localities desiring to establish a quiet zone are first required to mitigate the increased risk caused by the absence of a horn.

Dickerson said, “If the town requests (that), they come out and say you have to put these safety supplemental measures in to keep the safety of the community.

See HORN continued on page 4

394-1938

TIRES • BRAKES • CUSTOM EXHAUST • SHOCKS & STRUTS

Winter Hours: Mon - Fri 8 am - 5 pm

1500 Hwy 71 South, Mena

Owners: Stacy & Julie Nash

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

June 29, 2022

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DRUNK the 2020 Independence Day holiday continued from page 1 period, of the 201 people who died in

state are aware of these risks and know firsthand what can happen when a driver mixes alcohol with a holiday celebration. All too often the end result is injury or death. This is why Arkansas State Troopers, sheriff ’s deputies and local police officers will increase their patrols to be on guard against impaired drivers, getting them off the roadways before anyone can be hurt.

“We want Arkansans to enjoy our nation’s birthday celebration, but not at the expense of making state highways, county roads, and city streets unsafe,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative.

“Unfortunately, far too many drivers make the wrong decision to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming one or two alcoholic drinks, or using drugs, placing other motorists in harm’s way. Our state troopers along with other law enforcement officers will be prepared to stop and arrest these dangerous drivers to ensure the safety of all.”

From 2016 to 2020, there were 1,390 drivers killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the July 4th holiday period. Thirty-nine percent (542) of the drivers killed were alcohol impaired (with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher), and more than half (51%) were between the ages of 21-34.

With many holiday festivities wrapping up late in the evening, nighttime hours are especially dangerous. Over

alcohol impaired motor vehicle traffic crashes, 85% of the crashes were at night (6 PM - 5:59 AM).

This Fourth of July, the Arkansas Highway Safety Office and NHTSA are working together to urge drivers to designate a sober driver before drinking any alcohol. If you plan on drinking, do not plan to drive.

The Arkansas Highway Safety Office recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving: • Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.

• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 9-1-1.

• If you know someone who is about to drive or operate a motorcycle or any other vehicle while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.

• Buckle up, always. Your seat belt is your best defense against the drunk driver.

For more information on impaired driving, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/ risky-driving/drunk-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136.

Learn more about Arkansas’ ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign intended to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit highway safety office web site https://www.tzdarkansas.org/

News 3

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4 News

June 29, 2022

HORN Pearce, an engineer for KCS. The result continued from page 2 of their efforts has moved them through

“We have petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration, Kansas City Southern, and the City of Mena,” Dickerson said. “The Federal Railroad Administration has come out and done an evaluation of Mena, and they’ve deemed it plausible. They won’t give a final ruling until Kansas City Southern looks at it.”

Doniele Carlson, the AVP Corporate Communications & Community Affairs for The Kansas City Southern Railway Company, said in an email to the Pulse, “KCS is working with the City’s Engineer on the proposed Mena quiet zone.

The City has not yet requested a diagnostic review of the crossings, so we are still in the preliminary stages.”

City leaders first discussed this in a February meeting. Dickerson, meanwhile, has been doing his homework.

He has a binder that’s easily 3-4 inches thick with the rules and regulations, his proposals and so forth that he has been working on since mid-summer 2021 along with Mena resident Donnie

the process quicker than most other towns or cities. The procedure generally takes years, and they have gotten much further along than they ever expected.

In an essay provided to the Pulse via Michael Reisig, Pearce wrote, “The legwork with the FRA has been laid as each crossing from Pickering to Reine and all in between have been analyzed and evaluated.

“Personnel from the FRA came to Mena and looked at each railroad crossing and giving a calculated risk index for each. Most of what the city needs that the FRA recommends are signs located at each crossing simply stating, ‘No Train Horn.’ No expensive medians or curbs—just some signs. Other traffic signs may also be included to bring the crossings into compliance with safety standards.”

Dickerson said Pearce operates from Heavener, Oklahoma, to Pittsburgh, Kansas. His route takes him through Neosho, Missouri, which has a quiet zone. Pearce told Dickerson Neosho

doesn’t have a problem with safety.

“I wanted Donnie to help,” Dickerson said, “because he’s in the train every day.

He sees things. All of us can talk about it, but he actually lives it. He brings a very good dynamic viewpoint to this project.”

Dickerson said, “Kansas City Southern needs a proposal, which I’m forwarding to them, and they will come up and do the same evaluation that the federal guys did. They will make their recommendations. It’s not up to Kansas City Southern. It’s up to the Federal Railroad Administration.

“They take all of that and present it to the City. Then the City suggests ‘Do we want to do this?’ or ‘Do we not want to do this?’.”

The authorities also look at statistics of those considered legally blind, deaf or in a wheelchair in the area, according to Dickerson, and they take that into account.

Merger KCS and the FRA both have to take into consideration the possibility of

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse federal approval of a merger between KCS and CP (Canadian Pacific), possibly as early as early 2023. It is predicted to double the number of trains coming through Polk County. That may impact safety measures, but it will certainly increase the noise pollution.

If it comes to fruition, the train will still blow its horn outside the Mena city limits, but not in town unless under special circumstances. In a quiet zone, railroads have been directed to cease the routine sounding of their horns when approaching public highway-rail grade crossings. Train horns may still be used in emergency situations or to comply with other federal regulations or railroad operating rules such as malfunctioning grade-crossing warning devices.

In addition, FRA regulations do not address the sounding of horns at other locations in accordance with railroad operating rules such as within the confines of rail yards, for passenger trains approaching or departing from stations, which would not apply to Mena,

See HORN continued on page 20

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Politics 5

June 29, 2022

From the

State House of Representatives

Dementia Disease State Plan.

If you are someone you know Under the Respite Program, is caring for a loved one with families can receive two grants Alzheimer’s or other dementia, during a calendar year (with you may be interested in a new at least six months between program launched this week. approved dates). To qualify, The Arkansas Legislative care recipients must live in Council recently approved the creation and funding for John Maddox Arkansas and have a primary or secondary diagnosis of the Dementia Respite Care Alzheimer’s or other demenPilot Program.

This program provides $500 respite tia. Additionally, the diagnosis must grants to enable caregivers to take a state that the patient requires daily assistance. break from caregiving.

Respite Program grants come from a It is estimated that more than 93,000 Arkansans are caring for a loved one $200,000 investment, funded through with dementia. Full-time caregiving the Social Services Block Grant.

The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Recan take an emotional and physical toll on anyone. This program is designed spite Care Pilot Program is administo give those care-takers time to rest or tered by the DHS Division of Provider just get out of the house to do routine Services and Quality Assurance.

These grants are available now and activities many of us take for granted.

The program is the first of its kind interested parties can apply starting in Arkansas. It was established by the today.

To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia Advisory Council, which was created as a result and Dementia Respite Care Pilot Proof Act 391 in the 2021 Regular Session. gram and to apply for assistance, please In addition to authorizing the Re- visit www.ALZark.org/grants, email spite Program, the Council has worked grants@ALZark.org, or call 501-224to update Arkansas’s Alzheimer’s and 0021, extension 210.

Contact Your Legislators!

John Maddox

John.Maddox@ arkansashouse.org 520 Church Avenue Mena, AR 71953 Call: (479) 394-6060

Larry Teague

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

John Boozman

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

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

From the

State Senate When people call the state ly killed. One allegation of a hotline to report suspected child fatality that was reportchild abuse or neglect, about ed to the hotline was deter80 percent are assigned to mined to be unsubstantiated. the Division of Children and Of the cases that came Family Services. through the hotline, the DiThe other 20 percent are vision of Children and Famconsidered more serious, and ily Services determined that are assigned to the State Po- Larry Teague 1,163 merited a differential lice, which has a Division of response, which is an alterCrimes Against Children. native to a criminal investigation.

The Division presented a report to The most common findings in those the Senate Committee on Children cases were of environmental neglect. and Youth about the most recent In 36 percent of the cases the child’s quarter. A total of 7,808 reports were home lacked basic cleanliness and received during the three-month pehygiene. riod. Of those 1,531 were assigned The second most common finding, to the State Police and 6,277 to the in 30 percent of the cases, the child Division of Children and Family Serwas inadequately supervised. The vices. third most frequent finding, in 20 Of the reports assigned to DCFS, percent of cases, the child’s education 24 percent were found to be true. Of was neglected. Fourth in frequenthose assigned to the State Police, 33 cy was that the child was not given percent were found to be true. enough to eat. Inadequate food was The investigations concluded that a reason for a differential response in 2,215 children were victims of sub13 percent of the cases. stantiated allegations of maltreatIn six percent of the cases, the child ment. Of those, 55 percent were girls. lacked shelter. In five percent the The most common type of malchild had been locked out of his or treatment was neglect. Investigators her home. In four percent the child found that 70 percent of the substanwas not provided medical attention. tiated cases reported to the hotline Also in four percent of cases, the involved children who had been nechild lacked sufficient clothing. glected. That is 1,549 children.

The Division opens a protective The second most common form services case, or a supportive serof maltreatment was physical abuse; vices case, when it substantiates 20 percent of the substantiated casan allegation of abuse or neglect. es, involving 445 children, were for During the most recent quarter, case physical abuse. workers found that eight percent of Investigators found 408 children the children in a protective services who had been victims of sexual case were abused within a year after abuse. That was 18 percent of the the case had been opened. substantiated cases. Of the remainIn supported services cases, three ing cases, 23 children were abanpercent of the children were neglectdoned and 21 children were victims ed or maltreated within the year after of sexual exploitation. the case had opened.

An individual child may have been The Division has 428 family serthe victim of more than one type of vices workers. Their average caseload abuse or neglect. During the threein March was 23.3, which is down month period, investigators substanfrom 25.5 last October. The state’s tiated that four children were killed goal is to bring it below 20. and another four children were near-

6 Obituaries

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

June 29, 2022

Keith Willard Aleshire

Keith Willard Aleshire embraced his complete and total healing on June 23, 2022. Keith was born March 9, 1952, to Johnny and Louise Aleshire.

He married his sweetheart Sharon Towry Aleshire on May 15, 1971.

From an early age, Keith was a hard worker. Being an Aleshire must include a natural draw to any sort of tractor, bulldozer, or piece of heavy equipment and Keith was no exception. Many family stories have been shared about his understanding at an early age of how to start tractors and dozers.

One of the favorite stories is when he, at age 3, convinced Granny Aleshire to pick him up and put him on his daddy’s dozer, which he started immediately and caused Granny to bail off the side with him and run screaming down the hill.

Then there’s the time he was about 12 when he and his cousin Garry stumbled across a county road grader when they were running around the back roads of Board Camp. He climbed on the grader, started it and started moving all the levers much to the surprise, and likely delight, of Garry.

His knowledge was used for good when he was riding the school bus and it became stuck in a ditch of water but next to the road was a piece of county equipment so he went over and started it to help dislodge the bus. The superintendent said to keep it a secret. The secret is safe with us.

He later went to state in FFA for tractor competitions three years in a row. As an adult his knowledge of this equipment helped him in many areas of his life as a farmer/rancher, bulldozer operator, volunteer firefighter, and business owner. He excelled in all he did, with his intelligent and witty personality, his listening and communication skills, his willingness to help others, and his “never give up” attitude.

He always just seemed to know whatever we asked, from any kind of question about life, to where a certain county road was located, or what was happening on the scanner. He had a tremendous memory and to the very end he could rattle off all kinds of figures, detailed instructions about how to do something, and ways to take care of Mama to make sure she was a “happy camper.”

With all of his roles, none was more important than his role as husband, daddy, PawPaw, and great-PawPaw! He and his wife Sharon married young and jumped right into building their life and legacy together. By modeling a tremendous work ethic, he set an example that his kids and grandkids will always hold as a mark to match.

He always had a way to bring a smile with his stories, silly jokes, and pranks.

When the grandkids came along, he became the “go to” for tractor and 4-wheeler rides, introducing them to every Little Debbie treat imaginable, and being the ice cream treat delivery boy. He was so patient with them and would hold them for hours as they looked through a tractor or gun magazine and picked out which one they wanted or when they challenged him to a game of checkers. We anticipate that he is already in Heaven giving tractor rides to his unborn son Justin, his unborn grandson Jacob Andrew, and any other little Aleshire offspring.

The absence he will leave will definitely be felt by, not only his family, but many throughout Polk County who loved him.

Survivors include his sweetheart of over 51 years Sharon, his children Greg (Melissa) Aleshire, Julie (Chris) Gordon, and Kristy (Jeremiah) Hall; his grandchildren Ginger (Stephen) Pittman, Nick (April) Ryan, Christopher (Angela) Gordon, Carissa Gordon, Nate Aleshire, Keira and Kinley Hall; his great-grandchildren Lettie and Amelia Ryan, and Brady, Tyler, and Tanner Pittman; his sisters and brother Karen Miller, Brenda Huff, and John Karl Aleshire, and brother-in-law Charles Towry; uncles and aunts, Lenard Aleshire, J M Aleshire, Jean Wanger, June Susag, Virginia Edwards, and his aunt and best buddy Veda Ann who he renamed Deedle Dan as a child; a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Chris Gordon, Jeremiah Hall, Christopher Gordon, Nate Aleshire, Nick Ryan, Stephen Pittman.

We would also like to thank Dr. Fred Divers and the staff of Genesis Cancer Center for their many years of care and trust, LaDonna and the staff of nurses, aides and chaplain of Area Agency on Aging who we think are angels in disguise.

Service for Mr. Aleshire will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at the First Christian Church in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Phillip Hatley and Brother Andy Philpot will be officiating, under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena, Arkansas. Visitation is general.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Byron Leslie Wood

Byron Leslie Wood, age 77, parted from this life into eternity with our Lord Jesus Christ on June 17, 2022, in Springfield, Missouri, with his son, Korey and future daughter-in-law, Chrystene at his side. He was born on April 14, 1945, in Monroe, Michigan, to Leslie Tellus Wood and Juber Wimberly Wood. He married Chelsea Baker in 1983.

Byron was a graduate of Mena High School Class of 1963. Byron had been a truck driver in his early years but went to nursing school at age 45 to become an RN in Portland, Oregon. Upon graduation he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he worked in numerous areas of the hospital until his retirement. He lived a life full of adventure, traveling and backpacking through Europe with his wife. He became a river whitewater certified guide and rescuer, floating many rivers in the Pacific Northwest. He loved camping, skiing, mountain climbing, hiking and fly fishing. He shared his adventures with his family and friends.

Byron was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Chelsea Baker Wood; brothers, Jimmy Wood and Ronnie Wood; brothers-in-law, Rick Stipe and R C Gilbert; nephews, Greg Stipe and Chris Wood; and niece, Leah Settle.

Byron is survived by his son, Korey Billington-Wood and fiancée, Chrystene Mallett of Springfield, Missouri; his daughter, Karen Brehm of Ventura, California; his brother, Maurice Wood of Van Buren; three sisters, Donna Wood Stipe, Lynda Wood Settle, and Julia Wood Gilbert all of Mena; numerous nieces, nephews, other family and many friends.

A graveside celebration of Byron’s life will be held at the Cherry Hill Cemetery at a later date. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Earth hath no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. ~Thomas Moore

Peggy Jean Myers

Peggy Jean Myers, age 86, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at The Green House Cottages of Homewood surrounded by loved ones. She was born on Thursday, April 30, 1936, to Judson Vanator and Jettie Thompson Vanator in Warsaw, Indiana.

Peggy married the love of her life, Verlos Gene Myers, on December 20, 1954.

Peggy worked as a florist at Krogers in Hot Springs for ten years and even won Florist of the Year with her talents. She loved to spend time gardening in her flower beds and crocheting. Peggy enjoyed going dancing with her friends, traveling, and doing ceramics. Most of all, her children and family were always most important to her, and she strived to always give them a happy loving home. Peggy was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Verlos Gene Myers; and two sisters, Betty Baugher and Sue Bolinger.

She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Chris and Gary Devahl of Garden Grove, California; three sons and daughters-in-law, Carey and Jan Myers of Houston, Texas, Russell and Lisa Myers of Mena, and Scott and Sherie Myers of Mena; grandchildren, Natalie and Steven Del Angel of Houston, Texas, Tali and Mike Dulog of Costa Mesa, California, Savannah and Robert Todd of Mena, Candace Rowe and fiancé Brett Fountain of Mena, Dalton and Autumn Myers of Mena, and Jill and Chris Golden of Houston, Texas, Amy Ann and Jason Vanwinkle, and Brandon K. and Melissa Devahl; eighteen great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2022, at 10:00 AM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas with Brother Andy Kennedy officiating. Interment will follow at the Hillside Cemetery in Big Fork, Arkansas, under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Robert Todd, Dalton Myers, Brett Fountain, Mike Dulog, Chris Golden, and Steven Del Angel.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

By Patrick Massey Arkansas is unfortunately host to a number of invasive and detrimental species, from feral hogs to giant salvinia. While those two examples grab most of the attention, there is one smaller critter than nonetheless poses a threat to the ecology of not just Arkansas, but the entire country.

That is the hammerhead worm.

Although small compared to a feral hog or a giant salvinia infestation, the hammerhead worm is nonetheless big for its family. Reaching lengths of up to 12 inches, the hammerhead worm is an instantly recognizable invader. They feed primarily on earthworms, which, as any nature expert will tell you, are a vital part of the ecosystem. In times of need, however, hammerhead worms aren’t averse to cannibalizing one another.

Hammerhead worms have been in Arkansas for at least a decade.

Native to parts of Asia, experts suspect they arrived here through shipments of tropical plants for sale in the United States.

Jon Zawislak, extension apiarist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said hammerhead worms tend to prefer climates like those found in Arkansas.

“The worms are thought to have been accidentally transported in soil through the global horticultural trade,” Zawislak said. “These flatworms prefer warm climates and feel right at home in the southeastern United States.”

Because they require moist conditions, the worms are uncommon in the drier western deserts and

June 29, 2022

Invasive hammerhead worm found in Mena

News 7

night before disposing of it—just to be sure. is required.

Anyone who spots one of these H a m m e r - writhing, slimy and invasive creahead worms tures—or, in fact, any invasive specut into cies—is encouraged to report it to pieces – by the Arkansas Department of Agrisay, a gar- culture’s Cooperative Agriculture den trowel Pest Survey office at www.agricul– will form ture.arkansas.gov/plant-indusseparate in- tries/regulatory-section/ag-pestd i v i d u a l s survey-program/. from each of Zawislak said that while rethose piec- searchers are aware that hammeres. The best head worms are present in ArA Mena resident recently posted a photo of a hammerhead flatworm way to dis- kansas, residents have yet to reto the Facebook page, Critters of Arkansas. Recognized in at least 10 pose of one, cord many sightings. https://www.

Arkansas counties, the hammerhead worm is considered an invasive according to inaturalist.org/ is a citizen science species and special care is needed to properly dispose of them.

(Photo courtesy of UofA Extension Service) experts with project attempting to catalog all the Univer- living things. Arkansans can upmountain regions but can thrive in sity of Arkansas Extension Service, load observations and be among greenhouses anywhere that maintain the right conditions, Zawislak is to place it in a container with salt the first to help track the spread of and vinegar. Then, freeze it over- this invasive worm. added.

Reports of these invasive worms to country agents have become increasingly more common in the last year.

Locally, renewed attention to the invasive species was raised recently after a Mena resident posted a picture of one he found outside his home. A photo was posted to the popular Facebook page, Critters of Arkansas.

At this time, they’re recognized in at least 10 Arkansas counties. Like many other species in their family, hammerhead worms are toxic.

They can cause illness in pets that happen to consume them as well as irritation to people who handle them. That’s why it’s always best to handle them with gloves.

Like any invasive species, it’s best to dispose of them whenever the chance arrives. But, when it comes to hammerhead worms, a little care

8 Sports

By Trey Youngdahl

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

June 29, 2022

Martin to be inducted into the AHSCA Hall of Fame

Former Wickes coach Lendall Martin will be inducted into the Arkansas High School Coaches Association (AHSCA) Hall of Fame.

In a ceremony at the Hot Springs Convention Center on July 15, Martin will be inducted alongside five other coaches from around the state. The banquet will be held in the Horner Hall at 6 p.m. Tickets are $40 per attendee.

Martin is being recognized for over 30 years of dedication to coaching in Arkansas, 13 of which were at Wickes.

He coached several different athletics, including football, baseball and track, but he was most wellknown for his basketball coaching.

In his career spanning three de- Coach Martin and his 1990 champion basketball team. (Submitted photo)

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cades, Martin garnered 21 district championships, eight trips to state and two state finals.

Also in that time, he coached the all-star basketball team in 2004, and the all-star baseball team in 1995.

Martin served as the superintendent of the Cossatot River School District for several years before his resignation at the end of the 2021 school year.

“I was fortunate enough to have a lot of great players,” Martin reminisced. “The thing that I’m most proud of is that over 30 of the kids that I’ve coached are now coaches.”

Among these coaches is Mena volleyball and basketball coach Brad Lyle, who has been teaching and coaching for over 25 years.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

June 29, 2022

Coach Zen Valencia

By Trey Youngdahl

Zen Valencia has been hired to coach the Bearcats wrestling team’s inaugural year.

Hailing originally from Hackett, Arkansas, Valencia went to college at Arkansas Tech University. Upon graduating in 2021, he worked at Lafayette, Arkansas, as their assistant baseball coach, offensive and defensive line football coach, and taught U.S. history, world history, civics and economics.

“I was working about four hours away from my family, and I’m a very family-oriented person. I just opened up my Bible one day and prayed to God for an opportunity,” Valencia said. “My coach that I was working under at the time knew Craig Bentley.

They told me about the wrestling program, and I thought it was perfect. I’m only an hour away from my family.”

He pursued a coaching career after being inspired by his junior high football head coach, Jeff Richardson.

“I admired him so much and it looked like a lot of fun. I’ve loved sports my whole life and I’m really competitive,” Valencia said. “I have always had a drive for teaching and helping others.”

Because the 2022-2023 season will be the Bearcats’ first season, Coach Valencia is essentially going to be building the team and program alike from the ground up. There are an estimated 15-20 students interested in

joining the program. The program will be open to both boys and girls in senior high, with the possibility of junior high competitions and meets.

Because the team is still in its development stage, details are subject to change.

The University of Arkansas Rich Mountain (UARM) is currently working on starting a wrestling program in the near future. With Mena’s wrestling

program, alongside Acorn just finishing up their first year with a wrestling program, students in the community have an entirely new avenue for scholarship opportunities.

“I’m looking forward to getting feedback from the kids and community as a whole. I don’t expect us to go and win a state championship our first year, but I want to make progress,” Valencia said. “I’m excited to give these

Sports 9 kids another opportunity to go to school and to teach them individual responsibility.

In wrestling, you can point fingers at anybody but yourself.”

In addition to coaching wrestling, he will be the assistant football coach and teaching eighth grade U.S. history.

Coach Valencia is going into the first season with high hopes for the team’s future. “I am really excited to be coaching at Mena. I have nothing but good things to say about this program so far. All of the coaches I’ve worked with here have been great and I’m excited to see the future. Go Bearcats!”

10 Faith

By Richie Lawry

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

June 29, 2022

The weather outside was hot and muggy as I packed for my summer vacation. Bright and early the next morning, Daddy and I were driving to Dallas to catch a flight to Berlin, Germany. Earlier this year, Daddy had asked me if I would go on an overseas tour with him. He showed me a tour company brochure and told me to pick any tour I wanted. I chose a history tour of Germany.

After months of waiting, it was finally time to go. When my suitcase was packed and I was sure that I had everything I needed, I was able to relax.

Before I left, the plants and flowers needed to be watered. When I went outside to water, the dogs went with me; my two dogs, Maggie and Tucker along with my granddaughters’ dog, Jake. Jake is a large, hairy, white dog with a black head and lots of black spots.

His size and bark are intimidating, but he is a lovable, goofy, gentle dog who considers himself a house pet and spends as little time as possible outside. If he thinks there is the smallest chance of a raindrop, he refuses to go out.

Jake was staying with us while his family vacationed in Colorado. In just a few hours, they would be here to pick him up.

As I started to water the plants, I could hear the rumbling of thunder in the distance. I said, “Jake isn’t going to like this.” Jake is extremely traumatized by storms and will find a place to hide when he hears thunder. A few raindrops began to fall, and I put my dogs in the house. But Jake wasn’t there. I walked around to the backyard looking for him, but he wasn’t there. I expected to find him at the back door wanting in the house. “Jake, here Jake, come on Jake,” I called. But he didn’t come. “Where can he be,” I wondered.

My wife and I looked through the house.

Maybe he came back in the house. We looked in every room, and in every closet and hiding place, but he was nowhere to be found. By this time, the thunder was louder and there were streaks of lightning in the distance. I knew that Jake had a history of becoming frantic during storms and run-

An Arkie’s Faith Finding Jake

ning from them. We knew that again. By now we had been he wasn’t in the house, searching for two hours and he wasn’t in our and we began to give yard. I walked up up hope. Where and down the could Jake be? street calling There confor him, tinued to but he be occawas nosional where thunto be der and found. lightI ning, started a n d driving n o w up and it was d ow n raining. the streets A friend in our area. who lives As I slowa couple of ly drove past miles from us each house and saw our Facelooked in the yards, book post and let me I wondered what people know that he was going to thought. I kept looking, search the area between (Photo courtesy of Richie Lawry) slowly expanding the rahis house and Bethesda dius around our house, Road. We appreciated all but there was no Jake. While I was driving the help that friends and neighbors were the car and looking, my wife went to neigh- giving us, but it seemed we were no closer bors’ houses and was looking under decks to finding Jake. and anyplace she imagined Jake could hide.

As night fell, we knew that it was pointless When our neighbors learned that Jake was to continue the search. I continued to drive missing, they helped us look for him. Some up and down each street between Hwy. 71 were on foot, and some were driving. The and south Bethesda Road, but I didn’t see whole neighborhood was looking for Jake Jake. About the time I returned to the house but with no success. with a heavy heart and a feeling of hopelessAfter searching for an hour, we took a ness, my friend who had been helping me few minutes to post on Facebook and ask search called and told me he had called the for anyone who might have seen Jake to call search on account of darkness. He held out us. There was one comment from someone hope by telling the story of a dog of his that who thought they might have seen him on was also afraid of thunderstorms. In a simiBethesda Road. I had searched that area lar circumstance, his dog ran away during a several times, and I knew that the neighbors storm, and he couldn’t find her. When night had looked there, but I drove back to look fell and he had to give up the search, he

turned on every light on his property. When the storm subsided, his dog found her way home. “Don’t give up hope,” he said.

That night when my granddaughters arrived, Jake was still missing. They and their Daddy searched for Jake, calling his name.

But we had to call off the search and go to bed. When we got up in the morning, Jake still wasn’t home. We discussed options such as making fliers and notifying the police.

There were sad faces and heavy hearts as we discussed what our options were.

My wife was preparing breakfast when she let out a squeal and exclaimed, “It’s Jake!”

There he was limping across the back yard. The back two-thirds of his body was wet and dirty, and the pads of his feet were raw. When he walked into the house, Jake was immediately smothered with hugs of affection. The mood in the house changed in an instant.

Are you looking for the lost? Are you celebrating and rejoicing when they are found?

In Luke 19:10 (NRSV) Jesus says that He “… came to seek out and to save the lost.”

And the same Jesus who came to seek out and save, tells us in John 20:21 (NIV), “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

The focus of too many Christians is pointing out the sin in others. Daniel Darling states, “We must not allow our protest against values with which we disagree to overshadow our responsibility to show Christ’s love for the world. It may very well be the person who offends us the most whom God is in the process of saving. And our gracious response might be the bridge that the Spirit uses to usher him from death to life.”

Gentle Reader, do you have compassion on those who are lost? Many people who claim to love God don’t have genuine love for other people. But 1 John 4:8 (NKJV) tells us, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

I challenge you today to see the lost the way that Jesus sees them and to rejoice with Him whenever one of his lost sheep comes home!

Joke of the Week:

My boss said he is going to fire the employee with the worst posture.

I have a hunch it’s going to be me.

Replacing windshields in Polk County for forty years.

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

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Miss Hatfield’s Jubilee in June Pageant Queens (l-r) Lanie Meredith, Ivy Jo Cummins and Landri Bass.

(Jodi Croft/Pulse)

Summer Events 11

June 29, 2022

Jubilee in June fireworks and Mena Walmart’s 2nd Annual Car Show photos by Ariel Varner. (except where noted).

12 July 4th Events Friday - Saturday, July 1-2

Vandervoort will be having a two-day event at the Vandervoort Picnic Grounds, located at 405 Hwy. 246, celebrating their 133rd Annual 4th of July festivities.

There will be a cakewalk and auction Friday, July 1, 6:30 p.m. Baked goods are still needed. Contact Valerie 870-7846766 for details or to donate.

The Friday night dance begins at 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 2, 8 a.m., the 3-on-3 basketball tournament registration begins as well as the parade line-up. The tournament is $10 per person or $40 per team.

Following the parade, other events will follow on the baseball field.

The Little Miss & Mister Vandervoort 2022 competition will occur at 7 p.m.

The Saturday night dance begins at 8, followed by fireworks at 10 p.m.

Donations are greatly appreciated. The concession stand will be open.

Sunday, July 3

Sugar Creek Lodge will have their annual fireworks event Sunday, July 3. The fireworks will be after sunset. It’s recommended you arrive early. Sugar Creek Lodge is located off Hwy. 375 just past

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

June 29, 2022

4th of July festivities

the south trailhead entrance to Wolfpen Trails at 135 Polk Road 602. A map to their location can be found on their website: https://cossatotriver.com/

The Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission’s 4th of July Fireworks Celebration!

Free event on Sunday, July 3, at Tapley Park. Grab your blankets, friends, and family and be awed by this incredible spectacle of fireworks. Festivities will kick off at 5 p.m. with a homerun derby (there is a fee), bouncy houses, concessions, youth firefighter games, volleyball tournament, 5k Run/Walk – Endurance Race, dunking booth and more. The incredibly talented Marissa Dawn will be performing, beginning at 8 p.m. The fireworks display will begin around 9:30 p.m.

Derby details and other information available at https://visitmena.com/ events/4th-of-july-firework-celebration/ Veteran Community Picnic, Veteran’s Park, 3253 Hwy. 71 N, noon-5 p.m. Free for all veterans and their families. Fun for

kids and adults. Burgers and hot dogs!

Free bingo!

Monday, July 4

The Elks Lodge of Mena, 124 Elks Lane, Hwy. 375 East. events begin at 4 p.m. They will have live music with Mike Mayberry & the Slowhands, hotdog and pie-eating contests, a rock climbing wall, waterslide, bounce house, hotdog and hamburger meals, sno-cones—all free with the exception of food and drink purchases. Fireworks begin at dusk. Bring a lawnchair and enjoy the fun.

Outside Polk County

By Patrick Massey

Saturday, July 2

Communities across Southwest Arkansas are gearing up to present their annual fireworks show in celebration of the United State’s 246th birthday.

Those celebrations include the City of De Queen’s 24th annual Freedom Fest fireworks show and Independence Day celebration on Saturday, July 2.

The event will begin at the De Queen Sportsplex at 6 p.m. with the fireworks show to begin after dark. As in previous years, Freedom Fest will include DJ music, food vendors and a water cannon provided by the De Queen Fire Department. There is no cost to attend.

For more information or to request vendor space at the event, call the De Queen Parks and Recreation Department at (870) 642-4140.

The Nashville Chamber of Commerce will present its annual Fourth of July celebration on Saturday, July 2. Gates open at 6 p.m. with a patriotic show starting at 6:30 p.m. Billstown will take the stage at 7:30. The event will be held at the Nashville City Park on 1301 West Johnson St. Those aged 12 and under get in for free while admission for those 13 and up is $5. Those who purchase an event T-shirt will receive free entry.

Monday, July 4

The Little River County Chamber of Commerce will present its Fourth of July Fireworks show on Monday, July 4 at Ashdown Junior High School. Live music and food will be just part of the fun with prizes, games and giveaways also set to be part of this year’s celebration. Activities begin at 4 p.m. with the fireworks show to start at dark. For more information call the Little River County Chamber of Commerce at (870) 898-2758 or email director@littlerivercoc.org.

The City of Lockesburg will present its annual Fireworks in the Park event on Monday, July 4. The event will be held in the Ida Margaret Coulter Stone Park. Activities kickoff at 1 p.m. with a cornhole tournament. Entry fee is $20 per couple.

Bingo starts at 4 p.m. at a cost of $10 per card. That evening, Marlon Sharp & Cowboys at the Cross will take the stage for a live musical performance. There will be a band intermission before a recognition for veterans in attendance.

The always popular fireworks show begins at dark.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

June 29, 2022

Around Town Giles Parker 50th Reunion will be July 2, 2022 at the American Legion Building in Acorn, starting at 9 a.m. with registration and visiting. Lunch will be provided at noon with business meeting and auction to follow. Bring white elephant items for the auction, records and pictures to share, and ant talent such as music, jokes and stories.

Everyone is invited.

The Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes has reopened. All meals and activities have reverted to their original schedules. If you need to make delivery arrangements or changes call (870) 385-2373.

The Polk County Growth & Advancement Committee meets every Wednesday at 5 p.m. at The Ouachitas located at 821 Mena Street. All interested community members are invited to attend.

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.

Free summer lunch program for all ages, every Tuesday through August 16 at Janssen Park pavilion from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sponsored by Mena Presbyterian Church.

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.

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 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.

Live Country & Gospel Music, Tuesday nights at the Daisy Room behind Janssen Ave. Florist, 800 Janssen Ave. Starting at 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Come “Pick-NGrin” with us. Everyone welcome.

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.

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.

St. Agnes Catholic Church will have a food distribution on Thursday, July 7. Distribution will be from 10 - 12 noon at 203 8th Street in Mena. Follow the signs to the Church Office.

Vacation Bible School for ages 4 – 12 at the First Christian Church – Mena, 1010 Port Arthur, July 25-29.

6 – 8 p.m. It’s all about Jesus. Come and see, it’ll be fun.

The Mena/Polk County Senior Center will have The Gator and Friends band performing in Mena every Thursday, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. The Center will also start having a jamboree on Mondays in June. Contact Trena Hodge with questions, (479) 394-5459.

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.

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.

The Mena/Polk County Senior Center will be having a fund raiser on July 9th from 4-7 to help raise money for our home delivered meal program, which provides meals to our home bound seniors. We will be having smoked pork butt donated by Beasley-Wood Funeral Home, potato salad, rolls and a desert for $15.

We are also raffling off a cedar chest donated by Jerry Head and some knifes donated by Mountain Archery, gun and pawn. There will be a silent auction the evening of the fund raiser on several other items. Award winning entertainer, Dewayne Hodges, will be volunteering his entertainment for the event.

Homesteading Today – A public monthly forum for sharing growing, canning, animal husbandry and prepping for the future. All ages welcome. First Monday of each month at the Farmhouse Store, 819 Mena Street, 5:30 p.m.

The First United Methodist Church in Mena is doing a project to help the Humane Society of the Ouachitas. If you would like to help with “The Dog and Cat Days of Summer” project, drop off a bag or two of dry dog or cat food at the church, Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. before August 7th.

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 Van-Cove alumni memorabilia building, 156 School St., Cove, AR, will be open to the public on July 2, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Drop by and take a stroll down memory lane and have conversations with former classmates.

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!

Community 13

14 Outdoors

June 29, 2022

ASP’s quest to save the Ozark chinquapin

Jill Rohrbach, travel writer Arkansas Tourism

the Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma forest ecosystems,” Stolarz explains.

The recent training from the foundation covered the basics of where and how to plant the Ozark chinquapin and how to care for it so that staff can go back to their respective parks and plant seeds.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

nuts,” Chyrchel explains. The training includes the proper orientations and placement of the seeds. It has to be The Ozark chinquapin once stood south-facing, well-drained soil. some 65-feet tall and two to three feet A four-foot grow tube supportin diameter as a superfood tree in the ed by rebar with a mesh cap Arkansas Ozarks and beyond. It covered with rocks stacked around it the forest, feeding wildlife, Native Americans, and early settlers protects the nut from animals. with its prolific nut crop. Today, “If you don’t plant the seed however, mainly blighted stumps properly, you’re in trouble,” remain. he adds. “The taproot must be “This once widespread species planted the right way.” of tree was thought to be forced to Training also covers how A freshly fallen Ozark chinquapin nut.

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse) extinction by the chestnut blight,” to care for the growing seed.

31% more carbohydrates, 230% more Arkansas State Parks Regional Su“Don’t overwater it because protein and 380% more fat, according pervisor Tom Stolarz says. if they have wet feet they will die,” to Chyrchel.

Additionally, it does not The number of surviving stumps Chyrchel says. “It will have to be babied bloom until late May or early June when and the historic range of the tree until it’s about five years old when the all chance of frost is gone.

Seeds drop continues to shrink as this importtree is old enough to take care of itself.” from September to the end of October. ant tree loses its battle against the The staff also keeps track of seed sourc“Right now, our number one food es, maintenance and other data collecdebilitating fungus that hit it in source in our woods is acorns,” explains tion to document the plantings for betthe 1900s. But there is hope for the Chyrchel.

“Then think of all the critters ter success. chinquapin. Arkansas State Parks who don’t eat the acorns but eat the critIn addition to the training, the Ozark staff with help from the Ozark ters that do eat the acorns. The bottom Chinquapin Foundation provides Chinquapin Foundation are tryline is that if we have a late frost, for ing to save it from the chestnut groups such as Hobbs State Park-Conexample, we have a bad acorn crop and servation Area with seeds that have evblight through a new management there are fewer squirrels, chipmunks, er-increasing blight-resistant genetics. plan. fox, hawks, coyotes, etc. etc. ” He adds Hobbs has established an Ozark ChinEleven state parks participated that as more homes and condos are built quapin Restoration Plot to produce in an April training, provided by there is also going to be less habitat. seeds that are blight-resistant and can Steve Bost, founder of the Ozark “This tree produces nuts of unexbe planted anywhere in the original naChinquapin Foundation, and his Planting trees in LDSP plot. celled quantity and food value making it (Photo courtesy of ASP) tive range of the tree, and have that tree daughter Leslie. uniquely suited to upgrading the health grow, reproduce seed, and survive.

“Their continuing research of our forest ecosystems,” Stolarz says. “I “In Missouri and Arkansas, we’re up “I think it’s amazing that the first trainand fieldwork have helped isolate very don’t want to overblow it, but my closblight-resistant seed stock, which will ing session has 21% of all Arkansas State to about 21 plots. These are restoration est analogy for restoring the chinquabecome the springboard to reintroduc- Parks participating when they don’t have plots where we’re planting right where pin would be akin to bringing back the ing this very important species back into to,” Steve Chyrchel interpreter at Hobbs there’s blighted trees, restoring the Whooping Crane or California Condor, State Park-Conservation Area and Ozark Ozark chinquapin species back to our only that the Ozark chinquapin will have Chinquapin Foundation board member, forest where it’s been missing from for a much bigger impact on the ecosystem. ” says. “It is not mandated because they about 80 years,” explains Steve Bost.

Plus, people enjoy chinquapin nuts didn’t want to put another burden on Re-establishing these trees to their nasuperintendents or interpreters, but ev- tive range will benefit wildlife, people, too. “The chinquapin nut to me tastes eryone understood how important it is.” and the general ecosystems in which like a macadamia nut. They’re absolutely delicious,” Chyrchel says.

Stolarz says he looks forward to expand- these trees grow.

The general public can get in on the ing the program within the state park “We have a lot less wildlife today bemission to save this American legacy cause we don’t have the nutrition out system in coming years. tree.

The foundation makes seeds availSuccessfully reintroducing the Ozark there in the forest,” Chyrchel says. able and shares information for sucThe Ozark chinquapin was a reliable chinquapin to its native range is a many cessful planting.

If you are interested in and super nutritious food source for years’ process. joining the effort and obtaining seed, “We’re not planting trees. We’ve found forest animals. Compared to the white visit ozarkchinquapinmembership.org. that that doesn’t work. We’re planting oak acorn, the Ozark chinquapin has

THE POLK COUNTY

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

T0629 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.

T0727

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.

T0831

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

T0831

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T0720

- HOUSE FOR SALE For Sale - 8’x20’ tiny house frame, ready to build on. $625 obo. Mena area. Leave message (870) 828-1900.

T0629 1 BR, 2 BR & 3 BR Houses for rent in Mena. Call (479) 216-1308, (479) 243-5292 or (479) 216-4039 T0629

$Sell$Your $$ $ Stuff With The Pulse!

A

Classifieds 15

June 29, 2022

- EMPLOYMENT -

Help needed at the Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes. Duties will include helping prepare for lunch, driving a meal-delivery route, and misc. cleanup. Hours: 7 a.m. - 2 p.m., Monday - Friday, $12/hour. Apply in person.

T0629 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.

T0629 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.

T0629 Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced TIG Welder for a permanent day shift position. The applicant must be proficient in welding aluminum.

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

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

T0629 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.

T0629

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Polk County Births Mena Regional Health System JUNE 17, 2022 TO JUNE 24, 2022 Briley Robey of Dierks, Arkansas is the proud parent of a baby girl born June 17th Jasmine & Caleb Breeze of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born June 21st Kelley & Dalton Pierce of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born June 21st Kathrine Willis of Horatio, Arkansas is the proud parent of a baby girl born June 22nd Kala & Caleb Belknap of Cove, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born June 22nd

USACE reminds everyone to be water safe this Independence Day weekend LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reminding everyone to practice good water safety habits over the upcoming Independence Day weekend.

“The Fourth of July is one of the busiest and unfortunately most dangerous weekends on the water across the region,” said U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District Commander, Col. Eric Noe. “We’re asking visitors to be patient and courteous at boat launch ramps, and to slow down and watch out for other boaters on the water.”

Water levels are high at many of the Little Rock District lakes. High water can pose safety hazards such as underwater obstacles or floating debris, exercise caution if on the water this weekend.

“Park Rangers will be out on the water and in the parks this weekend to assist visitors and help everyone have a safe and memorable holiday,” Noe said.

Please remember to wear your life jacket, don’t drink alcoholic beverages and operate a boat, never swim alone and stick to designated swim areas. Following these safety tips can help make your family’s holiday a safe and enjoyable one.

Recreation information can be found on the Internet at www.swl.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ littlerockusace and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/usacelittlerock.

16 Puzzles

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

June 29, 2022

06.29.22

06.29.22

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 06.22.22

A Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Do you have room in your heart and home for a shelter pet?

Meet Espresso, Latte and Macchiato!

Hi! We are Espresso, Latte and Macchiato! We are super cute litter mates, but we are available separately. We love to explore our world, but would really like a lap to cuddle up in! You can call the shelter at 479-394-5682 to find out more about us!

All animals at HSO are current on their vaccinations and will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption.

If not already spayed/neutered, there may be a short delay between when you select this pet and when they are ready to go home.

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

June 29, 2022

Hogspore News No more monkey bars

By Clet Litter as told to Bob Simpson The Barbershop Think Tank come up with new names to replace unfashionable ones and phrases. Monkey Bars are Metal Trees or Banana Bars. Going Ape Poop is Mime Mania. A Barrel of Monkeys turns into a Keg of Mischievous Mammals. Monkey Pox becomes Primate Pox. Junior Bickum was complaining about his mother-in-law to me, but he looked around first like he was gonna tell an off-color joke.

He said, “My wife and I were over to her mother’s house for Sunday dinner. An hour later, we started to say goodbye and leave. Here’s

what Mamma said, ‘Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. You all go on home. You have a family to take of. I’ve got my memories, books, and a lotta pictures of my dead cat, Whiskers, to keep me company.’ She can make a truck stop waitress cry.’”

Folks are setting aside somewhat legal fireworks for Independence Day. Bickum’s Hardware has already sold out its special blend of TNT Stump-Be-Gone. Old Man’s Grimely’s 14-year anniversary is on the same day. He’s older than Borax, and his not-so-young-anymore wife is getting impatient. He has a cane he uses, but she won’t let him use it in public cause she’s

embarrassed. She especially likes taking long walks with him alongside Clear Creek in the spring when the water is running fast and deep.

Hogspore is gonna be busy in July, what with it being Baked Bean, National Hot Dog, and National Ice Cream months. We love our beans, hot dogs, and ice cream. We don’t favor tourists, but if you do visit, don’t be spouting off on your Vegetarian or Keto diets. It’s considered blasphemy in these parts.

Cheyenne Frontier Rodeo Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming start on July 23 and end on the 31st. We have a party bus with two restrooms and an emergency window between them in case there’s a slow line at the back of the bus.

The Greyhind coach has party favors and a full bar. The driver has

Humor 17 his own private mini bar next to his seat. We got reserved seats at the event, right alongside a few of last year’s rodeo regulars sitting out this season in body casts.

I can’t give out details, cept one of the big events one night is Professional Bull Riding. These guys are the real deal, not a congressman/woman/whatever or senator among them. Here’s a dress code reminder: Only boots allowed on your feet. This is a classy event, so if you don’t have boots, they’ll offer to rent you a pair of cowboy/ girl/whatever boots. Don’t show up wearing bowling shoes and expect to get in. You’ll regret it.

Mumford Pickens says, “In my life, I’ve always done the very best I could … except when I didn’t.”

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

18 Police

June 20, 2022 Deputies responded to a complaint of a dog bite at a residence on E Boundary Road near Mena.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 32 near Cove in reference to a trespasser leading to the arrest of Windal Loyd, 41 of Mena on charges of Criminal Trespass, Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a child custody dispute.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 34 near Hatfield in reference to a physical altercation. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

June 21, 2022 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Wright Lane near Hatfield in reference to a trespasser. This led to the arrest of Leon Jordan, Jr. on a Misdemeanor Warrant and a charge of Possession of Marijuana.

Windal Loyd, 41 of Mena was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas State Police on charges of Theft of Property, Criminal Trespassing and Disorderly Conduct.

June 22, 2022 Deputies responded to a report of terroristic threatening. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

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June 29, 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

THE POLK COUNTY

June 23, 2022 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 659 near Board Camp in reference to a theft. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

June 24, 2022 Jason Lovett, 47 of Waldron was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Probation Violation.

A traffic stop on Hwy 71 South near Mena led to Jearl Wilkinson being issued a citation for Expired Tags and No Insurance. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

June 25, 2022 Rodney McQueen, 44 of Mena was arrested on a Body Attachment.

Michael Thompson, 40 of Mena was arrested on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine or Cocaine and Resisting Arrest as well as a Body Attachment.

June 26, 2022 Deputies located a runaway juvenile.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 24 Incarcerated Inmates, with 8 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

June 19 John Fagan, 54, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

Joseph Hale, 22, was served with a warrant at EZ Mart.

A report of harassment was taken at EZ Mart.

A report of found property was taken on Ransom Road. If you have lost a firearm, contact the Mena Police Department.

June 20 Ethan Donelson, 21, was charged with Driving on Suspended License, No Liability Insurance, No Vehicle License, and served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Mena Street.

June 21 A report of a disturbance was taken at a residence on 2nd Street.

David Fraser, 54, was charged with Disregard Stop Sign, Driving on Suspended License, No Liability Insurance, and served with seven warrants after a traffic stop on Ridge Avenue.

June 22 Brent Sockey, 27, was charged with Driving on Suspended License and served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

Clay Breeden, 43, was charged with Dog Running at Large after a call to 2nd Street.

A report of disorderly conduct and battery was taken from a walk-in complaint.

June 23 Bradley Brumfield, 32, was served with seven warrants on Bethesda Road.

Joy Reed, 34, was charged with Theft at Factory Connection.

A report of a vehicle striking a gas pipe on Edwards Street was reported and the gas company was notified.

June 24 A report of forgery was taken at James’ Food.

June 25 A report of theft was taken at Wal-Mart.

Horatio teacher pleads guilty

By Patrick Massey

A former Horatio teacher arrested last year on charges that she and another former teacher attempted to organize a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl has entered a guilty plea to the offense.

According to court records, 41-year-old Lori Marshall of Lockesburg entered a plea of guilty to attempted internet stalking of a child during the June 23 session of the Sevier County Circuit Court. She entered the guilty plea after initially pleading not guilty to the felony charge.

The second defendant in the case, 32-yearold Ryan Smith of Conway, has maintained a plea of not guilty. He is scheduled to appear before the Sevier County Circuit Court for a pre-trial hearing in August.

Marshall and Smith were both charged in June 2021 following an investigation into the internet stalking allegations. Prosecutors are alleging Smith and Marshall had discussed arranging a sexual encounter with a 15-yearold girl. The incident in question was reportedly committed between May 20, 2020, and June 30, 2020, according to court records.

Attempted internet stalking of a child involves the pursuit of online communications with a child aged 15 or younger with intent to engage in sexual activity.

Marshall was a first-grade teacher at Horatio Elementary School while Smith was a basketball coach who left the Horatio School District in 2016.

Both Smith and Marshall posted $50,000 bonds following their initial court appearances in June. Smith was being represented by the Bennett and Williams Law Office in Texarkana while Marshall is being represented by the Young Pickett law firm of Texarkana.

Smith is also facing 35 counts of possession of child pornography in Faulkner County. He was initially arrested on those charges in May of last year.

Marshall has been sentenced to four years of probation in addition to a $1,500 court fine. She will also be required to register as as sex offender.

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June 29, 2022

History 19

The American Indian Police: Lighthorse and Sam Sixkiller

By Ray Shelley In 1830, President Andrew Jackson signed an order on May 28 removing all-Southeastern Indian tribes to be relocated to Indian Territory (currently Oklahoma). This was the “Indian Removal Act.” The Cherokee Nation won an appeal for their removal but it was ignored by President Jackson. This led to one of the dark days in American history. The forced removal was known as the “Trail of Tears,” in which thousands of Indians died—Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole.

Lighthorse Historians cannot agree on how the word Lighthorse came about to identify the Indian police. Some say the term evolved from Revolutionary War Hero Henry Lee, “Lighthorse Harry,” for his rapid cavalry movements.

Others claimed the name was after the men themselves. They packed their horses lightly and moved swiftly.

Each tribe would designate men to enforce their tribal law. The Lighthorsemen would have total enforcement power; they would be the policemen, judge, jury, and executioner. In the early years, the tribe followed the eye-foran-eye standard.

With this system, if a murder was committed within the tribe, the following male relative of the victim—a brother—was designated to execute the offender. The American Indian police would investigate whiskey peddling, rape, and murder. If found guilty, a punishment was rendered for each crime.

For example, if convicted of rape, the accused would receive 50 lashes, and his left ear would be chopped off close to the head. The second offense, if convicted, brought 100 lashes and the right ear chopped off. The third offense was death by hanging. Following the old tradition, if a person was sentenced to death, he would be allowed a year to go home to his family and get his affairs in

order. Then he would return to a predetermined location for completion of his sentence. Very few did not return.

For petty crimes, the accused were brought before the Green Corn Ceremony, an annual ceremony practiced among Native American people associated with the beginning of the yearly corn harvest. The offender would ask for forgiveness, which was usually given, and it would never be mentioned again. On occasion, petty crime was settled within the family.

Samuel Sixkiller was born in 1842 in the Going Snake District of Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory. He is the son of Redbird Sixkiller, a Cherokee, and Pamela Whaley, a white woman.

According to legend, the name Sixkiller comes from one of his ancestor’s fights between the Cherokee and Creek in which the ancestor killed six of the enemy before being killed. The name Sixkiller was passed down.

At 18, Sixkiller joined the Confederacy during the Civil War. Then at 19, he switched sides to the Union Army and fought alongside his father, 1st Lt. Redbird Sixkiller.

In 1875, Sixkiller was appointed high sheriff of the Cherokee Nation, the warden of the national penitentiary, and a U.S. Deputy Marshal.

In 1880, Sam Sixkiller became captain of the Indian Police (lighthorsemen). He had 40 Lighthorsemen in his employ. Sixkiller took on another job as a special agent for the railroad. To say Sixkiller represented many law enforcement agencies would be an understatement.

During that time, Muskogee was a wild town. There were more murders within a 50-mile radius of Muskogee than anywhere west of the Mississippi River.

As captain of the Indian Police, Sixkiller earned $8 a month. The men under him earned $5 a month.

The citizens of Muskogee were getting their fill of all the riffraff the bordellos were bringing in. They com-

plained loudly, and Sixkiller heard their concerns.

On July 12, 1880, The Indian Journal published an article stating that Capt.

Sixkiller and seven deputies marched through the streets of Muskogee to the red-light district, stopping in front of the Hotel de Adams occupied by the most sought-after working women in town.

Sixkiller sent a couple of men to the rear of the hotel. He and the remaining deputies entered through the front door. They were met by some pretty upset women, who started throwing mirrors, chamber pots, and anything handy. After more screams, scratches, and heavy objects were thrown, they were marched down the street to the jail.

Sixkiller gave the girls an option, leave town or stay in jail. They chose to go, much to the approval of the local citizens.

Later, Sixkiller told family and friends he “…would have rather gone up against a band of desperate outlaws.”

During Sixkiller’s six-year tenure as a Lighthorsemen, high sheriff, railroad

agent, and U.S. Deputy Marshal, he made numerous arrests. The March 11, 1881, edition of the Indian Journal praised the captain’s ability to perform his job so efficiently and courteously that the [journalist] went on to say, “Sixkiller occupies a position for which he is well-qualified captain of the Indian Police and is a terror to evil-doers.”

Christmas Eve, December 24, 1886, Capt. Sixkiller was off duty and unarmed upon leaving M.F. Williams’ drugstore, where he picked up some medicine for his headache. He stepped into the street where he was confronted by Dick Vann and Elf Cunningham drunk. Cunningham was carrying a shotgun, and Vann a pistol.

Both men had previous run-ins with Sixkiller and decided to even the score. Unafraid when the men approached, Sixkiller knocked the shotgun aside, but Vann fired four bullets into Sixkiller’s body, killing him instantly.

The two men fled, leaving Capt. Samuel Sixkiller’s body bleeding out in the street of Muskogee.

Cunningham was captured in 1887 and taken to the Fort Smith jail, where he escaped and was never heard from again. The same year Vann was killed while resisting arrest.

The Indian Police did as much as the U.S. Deputy Marshals to bring law and order to Indian Territory but did not receive the credit they deserved.

20 News HORN continued from page 4

but sounding during track and roadway maintenance is a distinct possibility.

“When the people initially hear that the train will stop blowing its horn, that’s partially true,” Dickerson said. “If this goes into effect, if someone’s on the train tracks…or a cat, or dog, or snake or bird, or somebody’s working near the tracks, they have to blow their horn because it’s a safety of life. So, if there’s no train horn in effect and someone is parked at the gate, they’ll blow their horn to get them off the gate. It’s not like they’re going to just fold their arms and allow an accident to happen.”

The location of quiet zones is generally communicated to train crews through bulletins, orders and notices contained within railroad operating rules. In other words, crews qualified to operate trains

June 29, 2022 over a specific geographic territory are instructed that horns are not to be sounded at particular crossings once a quiet zone is formally established, and under 49 CFR Part 222 penalties, may be assessed against those who violate that requirement.

Quiet zones must also be maintained and if one previously established is found to be noncompliant, it is subject to cancellation or temporary revocation; imposition of civil penalties and/or the initiation of individual liability actions; and/or the issuance of Emergency Orders suspending operations as a quiet zone and requiring the sounding of horns until such time that it is in compliance with the applicable law and regulations.

The FRA states quiet zones provide the option for localities to enhance quality of life by eliminating routine locomotive horn sounding. By design, quiet zones are

intended to be as safe as places where train horns are routinely sounded to warn motorists and pedestrians of an approaching train. In general, FRA will inspect a quiet zone prior to it taking effect. However, FRA may inspect a highway-rail crossings at any time to assess compliance with federal safety requirements, especially if a community uses a risk-based approach to create a quiet zone.

Dickerson said, “They took five Ph.D.s and they did a study on this very topic in towns all across the country to pull data.

I want to say for 18 months or two years.

They found that towns that had a quiet zone were safer than towns without a quiet zone.”

Appendix G to part 222 is the Excess Risk Estimates for Public Highway-Rail Grade Crossings. The summary table does show an increased risk for the various types of crossings but does not appear

THE POLK COUNTY

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to be a comprehensive list. Although there are no increases of 100%, there are some increases, especially in Florida, where the percentage exceeds 90%.

The table does not break down other factors such as age, intoxication, disabilities, or distractions (e.g., texting, other non-driving activities, etc.)

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported in 2017 that although no research had been quantified, the benefits of quiet zones according to most stakeholders interviewed by GAO, were the reduction in noise and an increase in economic development.

The report points to data analyzed by FRA, resulting in quiet zones being generally as safe as they were when train horns were sounded. However, it also stated certain variables were not accounted for.

Part 2 to be continued in the Pulse, July 6, 2022 issue.