Polk County Pulse - June 7, 2023

Article and photos by Ethan Nahté

Laurel Taylor is a crossover country pop artist, who performed onstage Friday evening for the Lum & Abner Music & Arts Festival. She did not stick to country music… or even to music as she played the soundtrack to her life in a way.

“I grew up listening to oldies with my dad,” which became evident during her performance of The Beatles’ “Come Together” as part of her storytelling when she wove a tale of how she got her start in Nashville after packing her bags and leaving Ala-

bama to move to the “Music City” at age 18. She began her performance with her rendition of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” the first song she had to perform as part of a Nashville audition.

Her style fit right along with some of the programs where a performer will take the audience on a journey and tell a story, be it their own tale or someone else’s, with a bit of comedy thrown in as she described some of the people she met along the way. It may even harken back to the days of bards and troubadours.

Taylor’s journey extended beyond

Lum & Abner Music & Arts Festival had plenty of both

Article and photos by Ethan Nahté

The 46 th Annual Lum & Abner Music & Arts Festival has come

and went. Besides the bounce houses and other inflatable rides, as well as the gyroscope that made plenty of its riders dizzy, paddleboats, and the Canines in the Clouds performance, there were the food and drink vendors, not to mention the vendors selling their arts and crafts. Blacksmiths were showing how they do their magic with metal, wood artisans had everything from signs and fancy bowls and plates to a carved life-size statue of guitarist.

(Ethan Nahté/ Pulse)

Yes, you can go home again

There is a saying taken from a book title which says, “You can’t go home again.” Well, actually you can.

My name is Jamie Hammack and I am the new general manager of Ouachita Broadcasting and this publication, the free weekly newspaper, The Polk County Pulse.

I couldn’t be more excited to be here. In large part because Polk County, and more specifically Mena, is home. Like many, I wasn’t born here. That would be Texas. Before my time here in Polk County my Mamaw’s (grandmother’s) family had lived in the Posey Hollow area around 1915 and left during WW1 and returned to Louisiana. My father believed it had something to do with the two combined sides of his mother’s family and their accents being Cajun and German and folks in the area being leery of them during

a time of war against Germany. Flash forward 60 some odd years and I at 15 moved with my sister and parents to Potter from Missouri City, Texas.

I lived here through my teen years and beyond until I left the area to work on drilling rigs in Louisiana, Texas and offshore in the Gulf. I was a roughneck for many years before changing careers to radio. Over 20 years in radio sales, on-air and as general manager had me living in Shreveport/Bossier City, Dallas and most recently Fayetteville.

Each stop has been on a road leading back home. I have been blessed with great experiences in many places, but Mena has been my refuge and some of the closest friends I have in life are here and to me are more like brothers.

My position here as GM is to continue and expand what has been

done by outgoing manager, Ashley Moore. To have radio stations and a newspaper under one roof, let alone be connected in any business way, is a rare thing. In fact, I know of no other radio/newspaper pairings anywhere else in the country. This unique business model brings many different challenges that Ashley has done an outstanding job with here. Our team and I look to keep that positive momentum moving in the right direction.

Speaking of the team. We have a top-notch staff. They put in long hours doing multiple jobs. A typical radio station is at times semi-organized chaos. Throw in a newspaper with a hard deadline each week and you can turn the volume on the chaos up to a Spinal Tap level of 11. The staff here, which works in our two buildings, are a plus to the community.

Every manager has their passion projects. Ashley and I share one in common — a love for the Ouachita Mountains. I will work to tell its stories and promote our area to the visitors who come here for the various activities on offer. I will work with the cities, towns, county, businesses, organizations and others to accentuate the positives of Polk County. We will tell the news of the day, entertain and inform readers and listeners and help our advertisers reach more customers.

104.1 KENA-FM, Classic Hits

KQOR 105.3-FM, KENA 1450-AM and The Polk County Pulse are the most powerful ways to reach the people of Polk County. It’s my honor to represent this business. It is my privilege to live in this county and mountain town.

I’m proud to be back home.

1168 Hwy 71S

Mena, AR 71953

Phone: 479-243-9600

Fax: 479-243-9603

Email: news@mypulsenews.com

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Our Team:

Jamie Hammack - General Manager

Ethan Nahté - Production Manager/Editor

Patrick Massey - Contributing Reporter

John Russell - Graphic Design

Josh Barker - Account Executive

Alexis James - Account Executive

Curt Teasdale - Programmer / On-Air Personality

Ariel Varner - Receptionist/On-Air Personality

Distribution & Insertion Staff: Danielle Stewart, Chaz Welch & Brittany Doyal

The Polk County Pulse is the area’s premiere and fastest growing news publication. The Polk County Pulse is FREE and published weekly on Wednesdays, with a distribution of 8,000 and an estimated readership of 10,000. MyPulseNews.com has hundreds of visitors daily and KENA and KQOR have thousands of listeners hourly.

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Recently, I saw a headline that said what is going on in many of our bastions of socalled “higher learning.” The headline said that 673 professors at the University of North Carolina signed a letter opposing courses on the founding of America and the U.S. Constitution. This kind of prejudice and hostility to history is almost universal on the college campuses of America.  We have abandoned our roots, and we have established an environment that is opposed to the free sharing and discussing of ideas. America’s universities used to be places in which people could disagree and discuss their disagreements, but now they have become factories of inculcation that repudiate disagreement and discussion. Our universities are ruled by legalism dressed up as scholarship.

I have been a college professor for 50 years. I loved disagreement and discussion in my classes. When divisive questions arose, it gave all of us—student and faculty alike—opportunities to learn and to teach. When students asked questions that were against what was being taught, these questioned fostered more insight and clarity. “Agreeing to disagree agreeably” is part of the growth of the mind. We were encouraged to chase down all the rabbit trails that happened to come up. We had no “set pattern of absolutes.”  There are absolutes, but each person has to arrive at them by their own reasoning, rather than forcing cookie-cutter ideology down students’ throats.

Today Marxist professors can force their ideas on unsuspecting students; they mock and show contempt for any disagreement. Today humanist professors dominate classrooms of students, humiliating those who disagree, and refusing to brook any questioning of their ideologies. Students who enter college with vast ignorance and many questions are forced into the strictures of a professor’s philosophy, without any chance of open debate or discussion.

Here is an example: Professor Phillip E. Johnson, a professor of law at Berkeley University, wrote a book on the logic of evolution (“Darwin on Trial” and other books). As he studied the writers of evolutionism, he said, “Something about the Darwinists’ rhetorical style made me think they had something to hide.” As a law professor, he knew how liars thought and spoke. The scientific community did not ignore this. But his professor colleagues never read the book; rather they attacked and contemned him and tried to drive him from the university. Because his book showed the lie of what many of them believed—and did so in a purely logical way—their faith in evolutionism caused them to revolt strongly against him. But he retained the title “professor” to his death. A festschrift in honor of Johnson was written, entitled “Darwin’s Nemesis.”

What can we do to change this legalism in our universities? I have no idea. The only thing I can think of is the Intelligent Design (Michael Behe and others) movement gaining momentum. I only wish these professors would rethink their aprioris, re-examine their own thinking—and try to determine why they think as they do. Going back fifty years, universities were clearing houses of information, discussion, debate, and dissention. Today there is no chance of dissention, no chance of any real discussion. Orwell’s “thought-control police” run the universities of America!

Dr. Mark D. Berrier Minister Christ’s Church at Mountain Fork KiamichiMission.org Minister at Large

Want to share your opinion?

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.

The letter must include a signature to be considered for publication. Signatures will NOT be held out by request. Letters will be restricted to 500 words. Any letters longer than 500 words will require purchase of advertising space.

The following contact information is required when the letter is submitted: NAME, AGE, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER.

Letters are published at the discretion of the Editor and Publisher.

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. TO

News Special Olympics fundraiser

By Ethan Nahté

There will be a Special Olympics Fundraiser at the Polk County Fairgrounds Education Bldg., 6 p.m., Thursday, June 8.

Gifts to elevate dad’s morning routine this Father’s Day

prepared by the Mena Area Board of Realtors. Please RSVP by calling or texting (479) 234-8130 to help them get an estimate on the amount of food to supply. The fundraiser will have an auction,

(StatePoint) A great morning routine makes getting out of bed more pleasant and sets the tone for a successful, happy day. Whether your Dad is a morning lark or a night owl, he will appreciate gifts that help him start his days on the right foot. With that in mind, here are three fun Father’s Day gift ideas to consider, all of which would also make great gifts for the newly-graduated:

goodbye to nicks and patchy facial hair. Offering a close shave, even on a dense beard, Braun’s Series 9 Pro Electric Shaver features sensors that adjust power to beard density, and a precision switch to capture tricky hair.

The event is sponsored by First Financial Bank. Entry is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. The fee includes the meal, which be hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, dessert and drinks

games and a raffle. Shannon Hunter of Hunter’s Auction Services will be the auctioneer. To donate items or cash, call or text (479) 216-1932, (479) 243-5613, or (479) 243-3407.

1. The perfect cup of coffee: Most people think they are satisfied with their morning cup of coffee, that is, until they try Nextmug, a smart, self-heating mug that keeps beverages warm (130 degrees F), hot (140 degrees F) or piping hot, (150 degrees F) depending on the setting selected. Lab testing has shown that liquid in a standard ceramic mug loses 52% of its heat over a two-hour period. Nextmug loses no heat over that same time frame, making it possible to savor coffee or tea for as long as it takes to drink it.

If Dad has ever resorted to microwaving a forgotten morning brew, which can turn even the best drink bitter, or has simply slugged it down tepid, he will appreciate this sleek, ergonomic, easy-to-use mug. Plus, its optional spill-resistant lid means that Dad can take his cup of joe throughout his home or office, on the back deck, or wherever he would most enjoy it.

Perfect for a dorm or first apartment, this makes a useful high school or college graduation gift as well. For more information, visit https://nextmug.com/.

2. A closer shave: Help Dad say

Because its built-in sonic technology yields a more efficient shave, and its docking station automatically charges and cleans the razor, you’ll be giving Dad the gift of more time for himself in the morning.

3. Music and podcasts on-thego: Add entertainment and motivation to Dad’s morning workouts with comfortable, durable headphones. Just be sure to consider his needs when selecting the right pair.

Whereas bone conduction headphones offer the safety of being able to hear surrounding sounds, which is great for morning jogs and commutes, air conduction offers the best shock-free comfort.

Finally in-ear style headphones can isolate outside noise when it’s desired, such as at the gym. The X9-pro, allows users to switch between these three modes.

It’s also completely waterproof and Bluetooth-connected, so Dad can listen to his favorite jams and podcasts, even when swimming laps at the pool.

And thanks to its 32G storage, he won’t get bored with his listening options.

This Father’s Day (and graduation season) put a smile on the face of your honoree by looking for gifts that help elevate morning routines.

Agriculture has long been the backbone of our state’s economy. Currently, the industry contributes more than $19 billion annually to our economy. The ripple effect of agriculture reaches far beyond the farm. It stimulates rural economies and supports local businesses. The industry supports more than 240,000 jobs statewide.

Every legislative session, the General Assembly introduces several bills aimed at addressing the needs of our farmers and surrounding communities.

The 2023 Regular Session was no exception. The following acts were signed into law this year:

Act 243 creates a fact-based agricultural education program for elementary school students in Arkansas. Starting in the 20252026 school year, the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education will collaborate with industry stakeholders to establish a pilot program to introduce young students to the principles and practices of agriculture.

Act 706 creates the Agri Scholarship Program Fund to be used by the Department of Agriculture to create and maintain the Agri Scholarship Program. The act expands the uses of funds in the Veterinary Examiners Board Fund to include requiring the department to fund the Agri Scholarship Program and the Rural Veterinary Student Scholarship Program.

Act 746 creates the Rural Economic De-

velopment Initiative.

Act 161 authorizes a collaborative practice agreement between a veterinarian and a veterinary technician specialist and sets up procedures for the collaborative practice agreement.

Act 591 exempts from the licensure requirements for a pharmacist and a pharmacy the sale or shipping of antibiotics and microbials for veterinary medical use directly from a wholesaler, distributor, pharmacy, or farm store to a client if based on a prescription from a licensed veterinarian.

Act 367 places the burden of proof on a party bringing an action against an agricultural operation as a public or private nuisance.

Act 636 prohibits certain foreign parties from acquiring any interest in Arkansas agricultural land, provides penalties for violations, creates the Office of Agricultural Intelligence for information analysis and enforcement.

Act 824 transfers the authority to manage liquid animal waste systems from the Department of Energy and Environment to the Department of Agriculture.

Act 530 amends the Arkansas Soil Nutrient Application and Poultry Litter Utilization Act to provide that nutrient management plans and poultry litter management plans are not public records.

You can learn more about our state’s agriculture industry by visiting agriculture. arkansas.gov .

The state Division of Workforce Services will close nine offices around the state.

The closings are part of an overall restructuring of state offices that used to administer welfare programs known as Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA).

Under Act 832 of 2023, approved by the legislature earlier this year, people who need TEA will apply at local offices of the Department of Human Services.

The legislature transferred the TEA offices to streamline the process of determining whether applicants are eligible for assistance. The Department of Human Services administers several other programs to benefit low-income families, such as Medicaid and food stamps.

Workforce Services is the state’s main employment agency, helping people find jobs and file for unemployment insurance. The Division hosts job fairs and operates adult education to teach skills.

The transfer of TEA from Workforce Services to DHS will take effect July 1, which is the beginning of the new fiscal year. It will require the transfer of 164 employees from Workforce Services to DHS. Those employees will keep their current salaries.

A spokesman for Workforce Services said that the nine offices being closed are “underutilized.” The offices are in Arkadelphia, Batesville, Benton, Blytheville, Camden, Helena, Magnolia, Mountain Home and Rogers.

Workforce Services will continue to help people in those cities with eight mobile centers and by using more thorough and efficient technology. The Workforce Services Division has created a job seeker data base, which

allows Division staff to contact people directly.

It is part of a national trend to maintain fewer “bricks and mortar” buildings and instead rely on technology, the Division’s director said.

The legislature enacted another new law that will affect people who apply for public assistance. It is Act 266, which reduces the lifetime limit for cash benefits from two years to one year, for households with adults who are able to work. It takes effect on August 1.

More than half of the people receiving cash benefits from the state have been doing so for more than 18 months. The act will not affect children who live in a household in which no adult is able to work.

Act 675 of 2023 will affect people who qualify for food stamps, which is known as SNAP. That stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The act raises the threshold for eligibility known as the asset limit, which could be in the form of a savings account, a motor vehicle or other type of property.

The asset limit had been $2,250 for most families, and $3,500 for families with someone older than 60 years or a family member with a disability. Act 675 allows the asset limit to go up to $5,500.

The act was approved with bipartisan support in both the Senate and House of Representatives. Legislative supporters of Act 675 say that it recognizes the impact of inflation on low-income families.

For example, they can now save up for a car valued at $5,500 and still remain eligible for food stamps. In most parts of Arkansas, access to a decent car is a necessity for getting to and from work.

John Maddox Terry Rice

Robert Wayne Doty

Robert Wayne Doty, better known as Robby D., passed away on June 3, 2023, at the age of 49. Born in Santa Rosa, CA, on May 30, 1974, Robert lived a life that was as charismatic and exciting as the man himself. A longtime resident of Mena, Arkansas, Robert was known for being a loving father, a compassionate friend, and a funny and entertaining presence in the lives of everyone he met.

As the owner of Doty Construction, Robert was immensely proud of his achievements in the industry, including the prestigious Charlie Daniels award he received in 2010 from the Arkansas State Senator. His dedication to his work was matched by his passion for his hobbies, which included kayaking, boating, golfing, camping, and fishing. He loved to sing karaoke and often would sing Boyz-N-The-Hood. Robert was also an active member of the Mena Country Club, where he frequently spent time on the golf course. What mattered most to Robert, however, was his family and children who he loved with every ounce of his being. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Doty Sr.

Robert is survived by his lifelong companion, Lonita Doty; his mother and stepfather, Mary and Doug Jones; children, Robert and wife Brandi Doty III, Cynthia Doty and husband Rocky Stone, Zechariah Doty, and Jacob Doty; granddaughter, Millie Doty; siblings, Michael Durant, Sharlene Balkenhol, Me-

lissa Doty, Anna Doty, and Randi Lopez; best friends, Alex Escobar, Randy Elliot, Lorenzo Valdovinos, Roy Weber, Jason Baker, Justin Messenger, Cam Demar, and Teresso Marrufo; Nephew, Kaleb Birtcher; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be Robert Doty III, Jacob Doty, Zechariah Doty, Lorenzo Valdovinos, Kaleb Birtcher, and Alex Escobar.

A graveside service for Robert Doty will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Gann Cemetery in Potter, Arkansas, with Brother Stanley Dreyer officiating under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home.

Rickey Lee Goss

Mr. Rickey Lee Goss, age 68, passed away Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at his home in Mena, Arkansas. He was born October 14, 1954, in San Antonio, Texas, to the late Robert Luther Goss and Patsy Ann Simms.

Rick was a diesel mechanic by trade. He graduated from Red River Vo-Tech in June 1973. He went on to Caterpillar School in Peoria, IL, where he graduated with the highest of honors. He moved back to Mena in the late 80’s and ran a diesel mechanic shop for many years. His son, Robert Goss, followed in his footsteps and became a mechanic as well. Rick was very proud of the man and mechanic that Robert has become. He was always happy when he got to spend time with Robert, his wife Kim, and his granddaughter Haley.

Out of all the people who knew Rick, I don’t think anyone would argue that

he was one of a kind. There are many truckers and mechanics that would say he was the best mechanic in the state. Some would even go further and say the best in all the surrounding states too! He was that good. There were even some that would bring their trucks from states away for him to fix! He had lots of trucker and mechanic friends who are going to miss him dearly. He had lots of friends from everywhere. But no one meant more to him than his family. He could always be counted on to be there; Or to fix whatever was broken. He could fix just about anything. Rhonda was the love of his life and everyone who knew them knew that. They were married for 29 years, and even though bickering back and forth was their love language, he loved her fiercely! He loved to cook for her, take her fishing, or out to Jim and Cheryl’s for a drink and darts! He was really good at darts too!

Rick was really good at lots of things, but he was the best at being a granddad! His grandboys loved him so much that they would rather have been in his company than anywhere else in the world. He took them fishing and to the crawdad creek and to their own personal frog pond out behind his house. He only started teaching them things here recently because he always did everything for them. He changed the oil in their trucks, fixed their flats, or any engine problems. They never wanted for anything when they were with their Granddad! He was a huge part of their lives and they have turned out to be some pretty great young men because of him.

Rick played a lot of different roles in many people’s lives, and we are all better people for knowing him. There is no way he could have ever known just how much he’s going to be missed.

Mr. Goss is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Luther Goss and Patsy Ann Simms; Father-in-law, Frankie Heifner; and by his sister-in-law, Cher-

yl Heifner.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rhonda Goss; daughter, Michele Rouse and husband James, and their children, Ashley, Amber, and Drew; son, Robert Goss and wife Kim, and their daughter, Haley Goss; daughter, Kimella Wagstaff and husband Brandon, and their children, Trey and Seth; daughter, Amanda Wright and children, Jaren Dillard, Baylen Wright, and Breken Wright; son, Bradley Dillard and wife Nikki, and their children, Nicholas Dillard, and Mason Dillard; daughter, Jamie Romine and grandson Clayton Cude; mother-in-law, Margie Heifner; brothers, David Goss, Darrell Goss and wife Karen; sisters, Linda Weathersby and husband James, Phyllis Scott and husband Stan Lawrence, Patty Brown and husband Jerry; as well as by a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends too numerous to mention.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 5:00 p.m., at the Hatfield Auditorium in Hatfield, Arkansas. There will also be a luncheon held at 4:30 p.m., and a benefit auction held at 6:00 p.m., also at the Hatfield Auditorium. Cremation services are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary and guest book available at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

If you suppress grief too much, it can well redouble.

~Moliere

continued from page 1

There were booths for kids and adults to paint pottery or draw and paint on other mediums.

There were all sorts of jewelry made from quartz molds then hand painted. Some items were knitted or crocheted, while others were stuffed and dressed.

The Festival also had 3-on-3 basketball once more, although the competition was held between The Crossing church and the old Mena Middle School. There was also the RE/MAX Baby Crawl races, and the 5K race early Saturday morning.

Then there was the music, beginning with Mena’s Holiday Neufeld singing the national anthem as the flag was raised Friday morning. Other performers on the Aleshire Stage on Friday included the Shady Oak Tribadours, Backroad Revival, Laurel Taylor coming to Mena for her visit all the way from Nashville, Tennessee, and Sam Allbright & Southern Heat closed out the evening with a nearly full strawberry moon.

Saturday’s weather started out much like Friday’s. As it neared noon and the start of the talent showcase, thunder rolled across the sky and lightning began to strike up around the peak of Rich Mountain in the background, causing the talent show to finish and be judged a little sooner than anticipated for safety’s sake. The rain moved in. Although it wasn’t heavy, it became a constant drizzle that forced Nash Moore to cancel. Magnolia Brown band began to set up as the rain let up,

then it began to drizzle again, forcing them to cancel their performance.

Meanwhile, most of the cars in the Lions Club Car Show left the grounds before getting stuck in it. Some vendors left as well.

The children playing at the Youth Firefighter Challenge course were already wet and having a blast. Some made 30-40 trips or more according to the firefighters, running and crawling through obstacles, dragging hoses, and spraying a pair of flame cutouts.

Fonkey Donkey out of Little Rock arrived. Their start time was delayed and their show cut short due to inclement weather, but they did get to jam with their bluesy style of rock. I think many in the crowd wished they had gotten to perform longer.

Saturday night’s headliner was The Zac Dunlap Band, out of Little Rock, but Dunlap has also toured the country and recorded in Nashville. Despite the rain, the crowd cheered him on from beneath umbrellas, trees, or just let the rain fall on them. Dunlap complimented and thanked the Mena crowd on his Facebook page for hanging in there.

He returned to Little Rock for the Arkansas Country Music Awards. He and his band have won four awards back in 2018, including Entertainer of the Year. He and his band were up for the Video of the Year for the song “Santa Rosa” on Monday evening.

Janssen Park was overflowing with talent this weekend. If you missed the festival, then you missed quite a show.

Polk County extension agent named to 2023 LeadAR classrooms

By Patrick Massey

MENA – Polk County will be well-represented in the 2023 LeadAR class with the announcement that Sherry Beaty-Sullivan has been selected for the program.

Beaty-Sullivan serves as the Polk County extension staff chair for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. She is one of just 21 Arkansans selected from around the state to enroll in the 20th class of LeadAR. Offered through the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, LeadAR is an 18-month leadership program that aims to provide an in-depth learning experience about economic and social issues impacting Arkansas.

Operated by the Division of Agriculture’s Cooperative Extension Service, LeadAR was founded in 1984 and originally modeled after the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s leadership training program. LeadAR now has more than 500 alumni serving as leaders in their communities throughout Arkansas.

Members of Class 20 will participate in a team-building and goal-setting seminar at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center in Little Rock to kick off the program. Over the next 18 months, they will travel to two-day seminars around the state, covering topics such as infrastructure and public health, natural resources, agriculture, livestock

and community and economic development.

“The overall goal of LeadAR is to equip leaders with the knowledge, skills and network they need to make a difference in their communities or organization,” said Julie Robinson, extension associate professor for Community, Professional and Economic Development for the Division of Agriculture. “They will learn about issues affecting rural and urban areas of Arkansas and how the state is interwoven.”

The program includes a national study tour to Washington, D.C., where participants will learn about policy development and meet with their congressional delegation to discuss issues impacting their communities. Members will also travel on an international study tour, where they will learn how international issues and policy decisions impact the United States and Arkansas. The location of the trip will be decided in 2024.

The members of LeadAR Class 20 include county extension agents with the Division of Agriculture — such as Beaty-Sullivan — as well as directors of Arkansas non-profits and leaders of Arkansas businesses.

To learn more about LeadAR, visit  uaex.uada.edu/business-communities/leadership/leadar/ or contact Julie Robinson, LeadAR director, at LeadAR@uada.edu.

OLT announces cast for ‘The Fantasticks’

THE GRACE OF FORGIVENESS

An exemplary statement regarding forgiveness is this one: “deciding to live with the consequences of another’s sin, or mistake.” Christ forgave us while we were yet sinning (Romans 5:8) and continues to forgive us. He expects us to repent of our sin or our action and does not wait for sinners to be good enough for His Grace and Mercy. The moment we confess our sin is the moment of forgiveness

It is not perfection that makes relationships work. Not even close. None have even come close to reaching that blissful state. We all make mistakes, mistakes of all sorts. Some worse than others, but we all do it. Some mistakes are simply thoughtlessness; some are actually sinful. Some hurt a little bit, some hurt a great deal ... but they all hurt. To err is human, to forgive divine.”

We all need it from time to time, even devout Christians, We all slip, and sometimes our slips hurt someone... sometimes big time. Can it be fixed? Yes. First, remember how God has dealt with us. We have all sinned and done things that are offensive in His sight. If He dealt with us out of what we deserve we would be lost to Him for all of eternity. If He refused to forgive us there would be no Heaven, no washing by the blood that was shed on Calvary.

Submitted by Julie Ulmer

On the successful heels of “Little Shop of Horrors” this spring, Ouachita Little Theatre is producing another summer musical. “The Fantasticks”, music by Harvey Schmidt with book and lyrics by Tom Jones, is a 1960’s musical that has retained its popularity through the decades. The plot revolves around two neighboring fathers who hope to

“trick” their children into falling in love by pretending to be in a feud with each other.

Rehearsals are underway, and the cast and crew are excited to bring this popular and revered musical to audiences in our community.

Director April Renée Burt announces her cast for this show. They include Jonah Rogan (The Narrator, El Gallo), Miranda Burt (The Girl, Luisa), Eric Decker (The Boy, Matt), Tommy Myers (The Girl’s Father, Bellomy), Tom McClanahan (The Boy’s Father, Hucklebee), Linda G. Johnson (The Old Actor, Henrietta), Joey Decker (The Man Who Dies, Mortimer) and Alex Night (The Mute.)

Performances will run July 28, 29, 30, and Aug. 4, 5, and 6. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are now available online at oltmena.com.

When the apostles of Jesus asked Him to teach them to pray, a part of that prayer goes like this “and forgive us our debt AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS” (Mt. 6:12). True forgiveness from God is not earned, it is given on the singular basis of the price Jesus paid on the cross. And it is the example the Jesus set that is to guide us in our relationships to others; no other example will do.

The word for Grace in the New Testament is the exact same as the word for gift. A gift is something that requires no repayment; it is just given, never earned. So it is with God’s love; “For God so loved the world that He gave...” God’s giving is of Grace; so must ours be to others.

And remember that Jesus said “For if you do not forgive men their offenses God will not forgive yours.” This is so serious that our relationship to God is hindered if the Grace of forgiveness does not characterize our dealings with those who offend us. And nothing could be worse for a Christian than to have his fellowship with God broken. But, according to Jesus it is just that serious a matter

As He has forgiven us, means that we are to extend that same quality to those who may offend us, be it sin or simple mistake. That is a major part of what it means to be a Christian ... And this is a major test of our faith, perhaps more than any other single thing. And it can be done! Philippians 4:13 says “...all things through Christ.” All things.

This ad is paid for by the Friends of Jesus

Jonah Rogan, Joey Decker, and Tom McClanahan in early rehearsal for the musical “The Fantasticks.” (Photo courtesy of OLT)

Sterling Machinery is proud to announce they have partnered with Komatsu. (l-r) Justin Payton, Charles Youngblood, Austin Warren, Toby Koprovic, Erick Martin, Jason Restine (Komatsu) and Kevin Dye

Six Chinook helicopters stopped at the Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport Monday afternoon for a scheduled fuel stop. Each iconic Boeing bird has a fuel capacity around 1,034 gallons. The Chinook prototype YCH-1B first flew on Sept. 21, 1961. The newer H-47s look very similar to the prototype on the exterior, but a lot has changed everywhere else. (Photo by Linda Davis)

By Richie Lawry

The older Chevy van pulled into my driveway as I installed a windshield. The van’s owner, Tom, climbed out of the van and came over to talk with me. He had a problem with the windshield and wanted to see what we could do. We discussed the issue and scheduled a time to work on the van. Tom was very friendly, and we visited for a few minutes after scheduling the work. As we talked, Tom told me he had spent 30 years as a conductor on the Southern Pacific and the Union Pacific railroads. When he spoke about his job as a conductor, it was apparent that he loved it. When he was ready to leave, I told Tom I had a gift for him. I gave him a copy of my latest book. The book’s cover features a photo by Whitley Lind Photography of a Kansas City Southern train traveling on the tracks at the Mena depot just before sundown. I thought that he would like the photo, and he did. As he left, Tom thanked me and said he would see me for his appointment in a few days.

Tom drove the Chevy van to my shop for his appointment two days later. It was a dreary, drizzly day, and had rained most of the morning. I told Tom that because of the rain, I would be unable to seal the windshield on his van, and we would have to reschedule. Even though I could not work on his van, Tom stayed and visited. He said he enjoyed my book and had a gift for me. Tom gave me a DVD of a song titled “The Conductor,” written and performed by Sherry Lovan. The song came about from Tom’s writing while he was on the railroad. Sherry wove his words and story into a beautiful song. While visiting, I asked Tom about his duties as a conductor. As a kid, I always

An Arkie’s Faith Conductor Tom

company, and the engineer. He must know the train schedules for the railroad to coordinate the loading and unloading of freight. Communicating these things with the engineer is also crucial since the engineer moves the train from one stop to the next.

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13 (NLT)

liked watching a freight train go by and waiting for the little red car to appear at the end. I knew that the conductor was in that little red caboose.

But today’s trains don’t have a caboose, so I didn’t realize they still had conductors. Tom explained to me that the conductor reviews schedules and shipping records. They ensure that cargo is distributed evenly along the train and maintain communication with the train’s engineer and traffic control personnel. The conductor monitors any equipment issues or mechanical problems, arranges for repairs, and stops when necessary. Tom said forcefully, “The engineer only drives the train, but the conductor controls the train. He is the boss.”

Tom’s words made me think about the Christian life. The old song, “Life is Like a Mountain Railroad,” came to me. “Life is like a mountain railroad. With an engineer so brave. We must make this run successful. From the cradle to the grave.”

Sometimes Christians teach us to let

God be the engineer in our lives. But I don’t think that is a good analogy. The song’s metaphor is a better one. We are the engineer in our lives. We are the drivers. God has set us free to drive our own lives. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

If God has given us the freedom to drive our lives, what part does He play? If we are in charge, does that leave God out?

Tom’s explanation of the conductor’s job is also a good explanation of God’s role in our lives. “The engineer only drives the train, but the conductor controls the train. He is the boss.” God wants us to drive, but we must remember He is in charge.

On a train, the conductor ensures cargo is loaded, unloaded, and accounted for properly. He is responsible for the train, the freight, and the crew. The conductor coordinates relationships among the railroad, the shipping

God has given you the freedom to drive your train. Sometimes we look at someone who has made bad decisions and say, “Their life is a train wreck.” God has given you the freedom to be the engineer of your life’s train, but we need to remember that God is the conductor.

In Psalms 119:44,45 (NCV), David wrote, “I will obey your teachings forever and ever. So I will live in freedom, because I want to follow your orders.” Living in freedom and then wrecking the train because we won’t listen to the conductor isn’t much freedom.

Gentle Reader, everyone craves freedom, but what is freedom? I once heard a preacher say, “Freedom is being able to do what you please without considering anyone except your spouse and your kids, the company and the boss, neighbors and friends, the police and the government, the doctor and the church.”

In human society, chaos results if we consider just our interests. We are the engineers of our life, but we need a conductor. Don’t kick the conductor off your train. “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Live as servants of God.” 1 Peter 2:16 (NCV)

“The conductor controls the train. He is the boss.”

(Photo by Richie Lawry)

Oden kindergarten GT class exploration project

Submitted by Tammy L. Young

The last week of school at Oden K-12 Schools involved a special exploration project with the Gifted and Talented (GT) kindergarten class.

Oden GT Teacher Allison Still described the project involving using skills such as exploration, innovative thinking, forecasting and predictions. Students created and utilized a “treasure map” with riddles and clues that connected the past with the future. The students were excited to find a treasure chest that included letters from the past.

By Ethan Nahté

It’s time for the Mena Boots & Badges Community Challenge Blood Drive.

It is predicted that every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. When summertime hits and people go on vacation, water levels aren’t the only thing that tends to go down. Blood reserves tend to go dry with people going on vacation.

Many times, law enforcement, EMTs, paramedics and firefighters are often the first to find people in need of blood before they arrive at an emergency room. Mena’s local law and emergency personnel are challenging to schedule an appointment with Our Blood Institute using either of the QR codes for blood drives to be held at the fellowship hall in the First Baptist Church across from Janssen Park. The event will take place Thurs-

day, June 22, and Friday, June 23, from noon – 6 p.m. each day. Potential donors can also call 877340-8777 or visit obi. org to schedule an appointment. Donors receive a Boots & Badges T-shirt and one free entry to Magic Springs Theme & Water Park.

The Blood Institute is the sixth-largest independent blood center in the nation, with 16 donor centers in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. OBI is the nonprofit blood provider for patients at more than 240 hospitals, medical facilities, and air ambulances across all three states.

OBI has five donor centers in Arkansas and provides blood products for patients in more than 40 Arkansas hospitals, medical facilities, and air ambulances. OBI’s donor centers are located in Ft. Smith, Hot Springs, Little Rock, North Little Rock and Russellville.

EthanPhotosbyNahté

Baby Crawl: RE/MAX

Mena Real Estate

10:15 Race

• First - Julianna Osborne

• Second - JK Scrimshire

• Third - Navi Collier

10:45 Race

• First - Violet Scott

• Second - Nora Deramus

• Third - Maverick Scott

TAYLOR

continued from page 1 her audition and through a few trials and tribulations as she tried to find her style and identity. She took the audience through her audition and behind-thescenes look at when she was on Season 14 (2015) of the popular TV program “American Idol.”

She has played plenty along the famous Broadway in Nashville, a street known for its live music venues, honkytonks and nightlife. One famous venue she’s played is Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, across the alley from Ryman Auditorium. She’s performed a lot of open mic nights to get her chops down.

“I also listened to worship [music] on my mom’s side. Like deep Black gospel,” which makes sense considering Taylor was born and raised around Montgomery, Alabama. “I had a very wide range of genres. I like Vince Gill and Loretta Lynn.”

Taylor mainly learns and plays by ear, but she does have formal training. “I took piano for 10 years. I was the type

who quit everything. I didn’t quit piano.” She told her dad she wanted to take guitar lessons, but being accustomed to her habit of quitting, he refused, so Taylor taught herself after her parents bought her an $80 guitar.

“I taught myself everything from ‘Smoke on the Water’ to original music I wanted to play. I taught myself the notes and I watched videos and learned a song called ‘Mr. Bojangles.’ Now today, being in Nashville has taught me to hone my craft by watching other guitarists.”

Her musical tastes and genres she performs have ranged from the oldies to Christian, country to rap, metal to pop. And sometimes, a mash-up of genres.

When she found she was asking herself, “Who am I?” she had an idea she had talent that needed honing. “I knew I could sing. I knew I could play guitar. I could not write [songs] at the time. I just started out singing Carrie Underwood’s ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’ at every festival.”

Afterwards, she was still attempting to find her style and what would gain her a larger audience. Today’s musical environment has changed so much compared to the early days when a musician or band would travel around, hand out a copy of their single to one of several DJs at a radio station in hopes they’d give it a spin to raise awareness of who they are and hopefully sell a few 45s or albums. Many current artists don’t even have a physical album. They stream a song or video on social and entertainment media platforms because many of the younger generation eschew owning physical media — although vinyl is making a comeback.

It may have taken some time to discover her musical and personal journey, but she said, “I don’t have to try to be who I am. Yes, to be in my faith, I have to walk morally correct, but me on a daily… I’m just me. I can’t apologize for being my real self… . It’s been a really long journey, but a good one.”

Taylor has had success with “One Step,” which has over 2 million streams

since it’s 2019 release. That’s quite a feat for an indie artist.

“It blew my mind,” she said. “People were tagging me from all over the world saying, ‘I’m just going to take one step at a time.’ That was one of the first songs I put out. That came from out of nowhere. I’m an independent artist and never been signed to a label.”

Taylor did have some luck with “One Step” playing on secular radio, and she’s not against radio airplay. She just finds that most of her audience tends to listen through streaming services such as Apple, YouTube or Spotify for instance.

Another single she performed was “We All Make Mistakes,” which lyrically and thematically, fit with Johnny Cash. She co-wrote the song with Don Goodman, who is known for writing songs such as “’Ol’ Red” for Blake Shelton.

“When I moved to Nashville at 18-years-old, he actually taught me to write [songs]. It was crazy how I ran into him. It was on a Sunday and a friend of his told him he needed to come check out this girl at Tootsies.” She said Goodman was less than enthused to get out on a Sunday to come check out any performer, but he relented and came down to check out her performance. “From that day we’ve been best friends. He’s older, he’s like my grandfather, but he has taught me to write stories in every way possible, in every genre.

“I said I’m not going to write about cussing. I’m not going to write about drinking. I wanted to be pure about this. He said, ‘How do you feel about going to jail?’ I was like, ‘alright.’” That’s where “We All Make Mistakes” was born from.

She has a new song entitled “Clarity” coming out with Christian hip-hop artist Tedashii. He has had songs in the Top 10 on the Billboard Rap Charts and the Billboard Christian Album Charts. She wrote the song a couple of years ago that was demoed by another vocalist and she didn’t think much of it.

Her manager Lauren Hammett heard “Clarity” and talked her into recording it. When she heard her own vocal on it, she was hyped. She reached out to Te-

dashii on a chance, not even knowing him. A friend had his contact info. He was hep to what she was doing and they met up and finally recorded.

“It’s so fun. I’m trying to reach the younger generation and I believe I can. We’re going to release it July 21. We’re going to do a music video in August or September. I’m excited. It’s me. I have chased so many sounds. I just got the master [recording], I wanted to cry. It’s positive. It’s hopeful music, but it’s fun and encouraging. That’s what I want do.”

The single will drop under Taylor’s name and featuring Tedashii.

“On the way to Arkansas, I said ‘Clarity’ is what people really need to hear, because it’s what I needed to hear, but I didn’t know I needed to hear it until I cut it. When I was writing it, I was lost and confused and didn’t know what I believed anymore, just in general. I wanted to quit everything. Now, hearing it back, there’s going to be someone who needs clarity… someone looking and searching. I hope this song brings them purpose.”

Taylor plans to drop a full-length eponymous album on Jan. 1, 2024. It’ll include some solo performances and it will probably include some other musicians she uses onstage for live performances every now and then. It’ll be interesting to see what stories her music and lyrics will tell come next year.

You can keep up with Taylor and find all of the platforms for her music at laureltaylormusic.com/.

Wickes Trade Day

Saturday, June 10, 9 a.m. - TBD

Located in Wickes on Hwy. 278 on the lawn between Union Bank and the fire station. Vendor set-up is at 8 a.m.

Support local businesses. Enjoy Hispanic food, BBQ, baked goods, tumblers wood works, items from Double R Forge, freshies, homemade cards, floral arrangements, key chains, clothes, jewelry, pony rides, face painting, and more. Vendors are not guaranteed to be present as unforeseen circumstances may arise. Call 479-216-8234 for any questions.

Ouachita Little Theatre

“The Fantasticks”

“The Fantasticks” musical, directed by April Renée Burt, is scheduled to run July 28-30 and Aug. 4-6 at the Ouachita Little Theatre.

The allegorical story concerns two neighboring fathers who trick their children into falling in love by pretending to feud.

As always, tickets will be available online at OLTMena.com or at the OLT box office. Look for more details closer to the performance dates.

See more about the cast and musical on page 8.

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.

The Democratic Party of Polk County Arkansas will meet Monday, June 12 at PaPa’s Mexican Café, 1317 Hwy. 71 South. Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. so come early if you plan to socialize and eat. We welcome newcomers and all residents of Polk County. Any questions or concerns call Linda G. Johnson at (479) 234-7966.

Polk County Social Seniors will be meeting at the Fish Nest in Glenwood at a new time, noon, for the June 8, meeting. If you need a ride, meet at Mena Walmart parking lot by 11 a.m. For questions call Linda Johnson at 956-241-2633 or e-mail at gijanejohnson@gmail.com

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

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

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

Around Town

of the month, 7 p.m. in the Education Building of the UA Extension Office, 211 DeQueen St. in downtown 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 noon - 5 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) 3945459.

Polk County Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary will be hosting their meetings at the American Legion building in Acorn on June 1. Potluck begins at 6 p.m. with meetings to follow.

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.

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) 2439600 and let us know about your event! To have it in the Polk County Pulse newspaper, we need to know by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!

- EVENTS -

- SERVICES -

- HELP WANTED -

The Mena Fire Department will be hosting the Arkansas Forestry Commission 8 hour Wildland Class on June 12 -13, from 6 - 10 p.m. both nights at Station 1 at 603 Dequeen Street. Interested folks please RSVP emailsegger@cityofmena.org or call Steve Egger at (479) 216-6127

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. T0628

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.

T0607

The WOMEN FOR JESUS Prayer group will meet for a Brunch, Saturday, June 17, at the Union Bank of Mena conference room. All women thirteen years of age and up are welcome. Questions call (918) 755-4462 LL, Cynthia Perkins or text (918) 429-8538 Cell T0614

- EDUCATION -

Solid Foundations Christian Academy

The Solid Rock Church at Y-City will open a Christian school in the fall of 2023 for students entering grades K-8. The first day of school will be August 21.

For more info call pastors Mike and Jan Shaddon. Mike’s cell - (479) 207-0616 , Jan’s cell - (479) 207-2813 T0614

- YARD SALE -

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0607

Construction, steel buildings, welding, pads, ponds, and roads. Military discounts. Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0628

Apex Home Services: Yards mowed, light home maintenance, quality work, dependable service. (479) 216-6634 T0531

Tree services, forestry mulching, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate. T0628

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

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

T0628

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.

T0628

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

T0628

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.

T0628

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.

T0628

T0607

Carport Sale, Friday & Saturday, June 9 – 10, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., 171 Polk 91, Hatfield. New twin bed/trundle/3 drawers/mattress (in the box), dining room furniture, electronics, Toyota Tacoma transmission, pet supplies and much more.

Yard Sale, June 8, 9, & 10, 3231 Hwy. 71S, Apt. C. Collectibles, picture frames, ladies’ dress shoes, misc. cookie jars, clothes, Pez-plush key rings. T0607

Garage Sale, June 9 - 11, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., 1401 Eve St. South. China cabinet, dining table, dishes, furniture, men & women’s clothing, cookware, doors, computer games, artificial flowers & décor, tile, gardening supplies, refrigerator & stove. T0607

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T0628

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

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- PUBLIC NOTICE -

REQUEST FOR BIDS CITY OF MENA, ARKANSAS

The City of Mena, Arkansas, is seeking sealed bids from interested and qualified individuals/contractors for the purpose of clearing and disposing of all vegetation and debris from the property located at 206 10th Street, Mena, Arkansas.

Project specifications may be picked up between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm at Mena City Hall, 520 Mena Street, Mena, Arkansas.

Busy with summer fun? We

help you get things done. Call us for your affordable and efficient housecleaning needs. (501) 3064783. T0607

- WANTED -

Wanted AOD automatic transmission 1990 Ford Ranger. Must hook up to 2.3 4-cylinder. One from ‘88 thru ‘91 will work. Does not need to be good. Just need core.

Ray (479) 477-0576 T0614

John

(479) 243-5715 T0614

- FOR RENT-

2 bedroom/1 bath mobile home for rent. Call (479) 394-4037. T0607

Bids must be submitted in written form in a sealed envelope clearly marked with the individual’s or contractor’s name, date of response, and the words “VEGETATION AND DEBRIS REMOVAL 206 10th STREET PROJECT”.

A Mena City Hall representative must receive any and all responses not later than 3:00 pm CDT on June 21, 2023, at the Mena City Hall, 520 Mena Street, Mena, Arkansas 71953. All Bids received in response to this notice will be reviewed and presented to the Mena City Council for consideration.

Questions on the foregoing may be directed to Seth Smith, (479) 394-4585.

No bidder may withdraw their bid within thirty (30) days after the actual date of the opening thereof without written consent of the owner.

The City of Mena reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive all formalities, and to award the contract deemed most advantageous to the City.

This is an Equal Employment Opportunity project and all licensed small, minority, and women businesses are encouraged to apply.

Seth Smith, Mayor City of Mena

June 7, 2023

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Deere 468 round baler for sale. In use now.

can

Everyone can prevent Medicare fraud

Little Rock, Arkansas (June 1, 2023)

– Fraud costs Medicare an estimated $60 billion per year. It costs Medicare beneficiaries in time, stress, their medical identities, and even their health.

It costs families, friends, and caregivers in worry and lost work when helping their loved ones recover from falling victim to Medicare fraud.

“Medicare fraud has a devastating impact on both beneficiaries and the Medicare program,” said Kathleen Pursell, Arkansas Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program director.

“We teach people how to avoid expe-

riencing Medicare fraud,” Pursell said. “By preventing fraud from happening, this program helps individuals and protects the Medicare program for generations to come.”

Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones by joining the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) and their partners for Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, held June 5-11, 2023. The start date is June 5, or “6-5,” because most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 years old. Learn more about Medicare Fraud Prevention Week at www.smpresource.org/

Former Mena paraprofessional arrested for Class A misdemeanor

By Ethan Nahté

A warrant was issued May 31, 2023, for Amber Hendricks, 40, applied for by Mike Hamby, deputy prosecuting attorney for the 18 th -West Judicial District. There was enough information for reasonable and probably cause to believe that Hendricks had provided a minor(s) with tobacco and cigarette papers in violation of A.C.A. 5-27-227, a Class A misdemeanor.

Hendricks was also to not contact Teresa Warner, Todd Coogan, four minors, Mena Public Schools or anyone who may be called as a witness.

During the Mena School Board’s monthly meeting on May 16, Hendricks was one of several personnel whose resignation was accepted by the school district. The reasons for her resignation were not provided. Hendricks was an AE paraprofessional at

Mena man killed in motorcycle accident

By Ethan Nahté

Mena resident Robert W. Doty, 49, was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident around 1:21 a.m. Saturday, June 3.

Doty was traveling westbound on Hwy. 8 West near Polk Road 131, which is between Rocky and the Arkansas/Oklahoma state line. According to a report by the Arkansas State Police, Doty was negotiating a

left curve when his 2007 Kawasaki left the southwest side of the road and struck a boulder.

Investigating trooper Seth Smedley reported that weather conditions were clear and road conditions dry.

Doty owns Doty Construction, LLC, on Ransom Road, which has been in business since January 2002 and incorporated Jan. 12, 2010, according to the Better Business Bureau.

Mena Middle School. She had been hired Jan. 16 of this year to replace Tiffany Sims.

Hendricks turned herself in the morning of June 2 according to the Polk County Sheriff’s log. She was released on a $500 bond.

Hendricks is scheduled to appear before the Hon. Danny Thrailkill to enter her plea and be arraigned at 9:20 a.m., Thursday, August 8.

The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.

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

May 29, 2023

A traffic stop on Hwy 71 N led to the arrest of Eric Revels, 39, of Mena on a Felony Failure to Appear Warrant, a Parole Hold, a Misdemeanor Failure to Appear Warrant and a charge of Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies were dispatched to a report of a physical domestic altercation at a residence on Hwy 71 S near Wickes leading to the arrest of Miguel Arizpe, 48, of Wickes on a charge of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery.

Charles Alexander, 19, of Vandervoort was arrested by an officer with the State Parks on warrants for Theft of Property and Criminal Trespass.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a violation of a no contact order. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Farmers Lane near Hatfield in reference to criminal mischief.

May 30, 2023

Donita Smith, 54, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for Violation of the Arkansas Hot Check Law.

Jaythan Starr, 30, of Oden was arrested by an officer with the Drug Task Force on a Failure to Appear Warrant and a Body Attachment.

Deputies responded to a business

near Hatfield in reference to abandoned animals.

May 31, 2023

Deputies responded to a report of a theft of property from an area on Polk 402 near Mena.

June 1, 2023

Karen Young, 31, of Mena was arrested by an officer with Probation Parole to be held for another agency.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 125 near Mena in reference to a theft. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Edward Kilcollins, 48, of Mena was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Stacey Rudder, 38, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for Criminal Trespass.

Richard Cheshire, 61, of Mena was arrested on a Felony Failure to Appear Warrant.

Shannon House, 56, of Grannis was arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department on a Felony Failure to Appear Warrant.

June 2, 2023

Deputies responded to a report of a theft of property.

Tonya Heath, 50, of Hatfield was arrested on a warrant for Theft of Property.

Amber Hendricks, 40, of Pencil Bluff was arrested on a warrant for Providing Tobacco to a Minor.

Clinton Clark, 30, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for 3rd Degree Assault and Disorderly Conduct.

Michael Denton, 21, of Smithville was arrested on charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Jacquelyn Hillis, 18, of Honobia was arrested on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Parphernalia.

June 3, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 136 near Cove in reference to a physical domestic dispute leading to the arrest of Brandon Riddle, 31, of Cove on charges of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery and 2nd Degree Terroristic Threatening.

Rodney Wafford, 36, of Mena was arrested on a Body Attachment.

June 4, 2023

Deputies took a report of a dog bite victim.

Deputies responded to a report of a theft of property at a property on Polk 9 near Wickes.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail

Population: 44 Incarcerated Inmates with 19+ Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

May 28

A report of theft of vehicle was taken at a residence on Bonner Circle.

Billy Powell, 41, was served with a warrant on Sherwood Avenue.

May 29

Daniel Whitehead, 39, was charged with Animal Cruelty at an address on Bert Street.

A report of theft of property was taken from Walmart.

May 30 No report.

May 31

Holly Robinson, 31, was charged with Criminal Mischief at the Budget Inn.

A report of criminal trespass was taken from Walmart.

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

A report of a missing person was taken at a residence on Oak Grove Avenue.

June 1

Rodney Morrison, 37, was served with a warrant on Highway 71. Shannon King, 28, was served with a warrant at the detention center.

June 2

A report of assault and disorderly conduct was taken at KFC/Taco Bell. Shane Hogan, 34, was served with a warrant on 4th Street.

June 3

A missing person report was taken at a residence on Blake Circle.

Master Gardeners dig out rewards

By Ethan Nahté

Aslynn Jackson, a 2023 graduate of Mena High School, receiving the first portion of her Polk County Master Gardener Scholarship. Jackson said, “My Ag teacher Brian Maye told me about it. He had me contact Tamara Fields and she told me how to fill it out.”

farm, but she’s had an interest in the field, primarily horticulture, and spent the past four years in the agriculture classes.

Jackson had to write a letter of her own and have two recommendation letters.

Petty and Risenhoover.

20-year pin

Master Gardener Judy Petty said the award is given out annually to, “… a high school senior who will be majoring in either Horticulture or Agriculture starting in the fall semester following their graduation. We have a scholarship committee which consists of Catherine Conner and LaRayne Risenhoover. They advertise the scholarship and the interested party picks up an application at the Polk County extension office.”

Jackson did not grow up on a

“Mike Collins taught me a lot about the agriculture field and he pushed me to most likely become an Ag teacher. If not, then I’m just going to go into the Ag industry. I’m not 100% sure on what I’m going to do yet.”

Collins is a recently retired Mena High School Ag teacher.

Jackson received $500 Thursday evening. She will receive the second half sometime in January 2024 if she meets the criteria. Jackson said the money will more than likely go to pay for her Ag text books for her first year at SAU in Magnolia. She said she was shocked to win. “I didn’t know what to think. I said, ‘Whoa, I got this!’”

In addition to her application,

“The committee goes over the applications and makes sure all of the criteria are met and then they recommend a recipient,” Petty said. “The criteria include their high school transcripts; three character references confirming moral character, integrity and a need for the scholarship funds; a listing of high school activities, offices held, and community church activities; a letter stating reasons for applying for this scholarship and goals for the future. The scholarship is $500 per semester and is renewable for the second semester if a minimum 2.5

Afterwards, Petty asked Risenhoover to remain front and center at the monthly meeting held at the UAEX Education Bldg. Risenhoover was surprised and quite elated to discover they were awarding a 20-year pin to her.

“It is not common for a Master Gardener to make it to 20 years,” Petty said. “They have to stay active and complete their hours of service each year, which is recorded with the University of Arkansas.

“The first year 40 hours of volunteer hours and 20 education hours are required. After that, 20 hours

GPA is maintained the first semester. The committee also was in contact with the school counselors in the area to encourage recipients of this scholarship.”

Jackson accepted her award from

of volunteer hours and 20 education hours are required each year. There are approximately 3,000 Master Gardeners in Arkansas and this year only 44 Master Gardeners have received their 20-year pin.”

Aslynn Jackson (center) accepts a $500 check for her scholarship from the Master Gardeners. LaRayne Risenhoover (left) and Judy Petty presented the check. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

LaRayne Risenhoover (left) poses with Judy Petty after receiving her 20-year pin as a Master Gardener. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Arkansas Monument Trails named Best Mountain Biking in the US

(LITTLE ROCK) – Monument Trails and Arkansas have won Outside’s 2023 Travel Award for best mountain biking in the United States. Outside announced the award today in its annual Travel Awards article appearing on Outside Online. The Outside print magazine with the news hits newsstands May 16. This year’s Travel Awards celebrate the 18 best trips in the U.S.

The Monument Trails are a collection of world-class, mountain biking destinations within Arkansas State Parks. These

Free Fishing Weekend is June 9-11

Fishing derby in Polk County this Saturday

By Patrick Massey

shared-use trails are professionally crafted by some of the world’s best trail builders to showcase the natural iconic beauty of the parks they are within while exemplifying the highest quality in craftsmanship, innovation and sustainability. Monument trails are seamlessly woven into the beautiful landscape of Arkansas State Parks to highlight unique terrain, historic landmarks and scenic vistas.

Arkansas State Park’s Monument Trails systems are found at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, Mount Nebo

State Park, Devil’s Den State Park and Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

The Monument Trail network offers users of all skill levels meaningful and enduring experiences in nature. The trails are accessible to everyone seeking an outdoor adventure. On these trails, hikers, bikers and trail runners will connect to a sense of extraordinary place and history while building lasting memories from each visit.

Monument Trails are created through a partnership with the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation (APRF), a 501(c)

One weekend each year the State of Arkansas hosts a free fishing weekend. This year, Free Fishing Weekend will fall on June 9, 10 and 11.

Residents and nonresidents may fish the entire state this weekend without a fishing license or trout permit. If you’ve been considering a new hobby this is the weekend to try your luck in many of Arkansas’ fish filled waters. Regulations for waters still apply such as daily, slot, and length limits. If you decide hitting the water is for you, you can purchase a Resident Fish License for $10.50 and a Trout permit for $10. That’s a cheap investment for a good time and a reason to make up some big stories.

An annual tradition sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and approved by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Free Fishing Weekend gives many people the opportunity to enjoy the amazing angling The Natural State has to offer.

start at 8 a.m. The derby continues through 10:30 a.m. that morning.

This event is designed for ages 2 to 15-years-old. No fishing licenses will be required as youth under the age of 16 can fish without a license. Prizes will be awarded following the event.

For more information call the Mena/Oden Ranger District Office at 479-394-2382.

The Caddo-Womble Ranger District will also present a youth fishing derby this weekend at the Womble Pond. That event, scheduled for Saturday, June 10, kicks off with registration at 8 a.m. and the start of the tournament at 8:30 a.m. The derby will continue until 11 a.m. This event is being held for youth aged 12 and under in partnership with Arkansas Game and Fish and several Mount Ida-based businesses.

Prizes and awards will be presented at 11 a.m. For more information, contact David Probasco by calling 870-867-2101.

(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing parks and recreational opportunities throughout The Natural State. The foundation is funded through private donations and has been the recipient of several grants allowing the work to begin on Monument Trails. A grant from the Walton Family Foundation supported the development of the Monument Trails at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area, Pinnacle Mountain and Mount Nebo state parks.

In celebration of Free Fishing Weekend in Arkansas, a number of fishing derbies are planned across the state. That includes here in Polk County.

The fishing derby has been scheduled for Saturday, June 10 at the Oden Rifle Range Pond. Registration kicks off that morning at 7 a.m. with the event to

Mountain biking on the Monument Trail at Mount Nebo State Park in Dardanelle.

(Photo by Will Newton, ADPHT)

Hines and Leonard 2023 BFI scholarship recipients

Submitted by Mark Hobson

The Bearcat Foundation continues to pursue goals of partnering with the Mena Public Schools with assistance in areas of equipment, facilities and supplies. Thanks to the generous members and supporters, since 2007, BFI has gifted over $521,500 to the Mena Schools. A very important part of their mission is to provide a scholarship for graduates of Mena High School, and today, they are happy to present the BFI scholarship for the 11th year.

The Foundation scholarship differs from others in that it is scored and judged on a blind basis. All applicant’s names, family names, and commonly identifiable accomplishments are omitted from the application once received in an effort to eliminate any possible bias in the scoring process. The applicants are scored based on:

• academic achievement;

• community involvement;

• extracurricular achievement;

• and the compelling nature of the essay that is written for the scholarship.

The committee is anonymous and does not consist of any foundation board members. All scoring is done separately by each member of the committee. The scholarship is $2,000 per student.

This 2023 winners of the Bearcat Foundation Scholarship are Emmi Hines and Emily Leonard.

Emily Leonard ( left center ) and Emmi Hines ( right center ) are the recipients of the 2023 Bearcat Foundation Scholarships. (Photo courtesy of Mena Public Schools)