Polk County Pulse March 9, 2022

Pulse THE POLK COUNTY

FREE WEEKLY 1168 Hwy 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600

March 9, 2022

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Pregnant mother and baby escape fire

INSIDE:

Lansdell Providers Indicted

Page 16

Trails hot for Mena Trail Runners

By Trey Youngdahl

Lum & Abner Still A Go

Spring Safety Tips

Page 5

A fire destroyed the Elliott house early Thursday morning during near-freezing temperatures. Pregnant mother Christine Elliott and her 11-month-old daughter escaped.(Photo courtesy of Yvonne Rogers)

Page 7

See FIRE continued on page 19

Trail running has been steadily gaining popularity in the United States, and Mena is no exception. Still in its infancy stage, Mena is home to the newly formed group, The Mena Trail Runners.

According to Wikipedia, “Trail running is a sport-activity which combines running, and where there are steep gradients, hiking, that is run ‘on any unpaved surface.’

“It is similar to both mountain and fell running, also known as hill running. Mountain running may, however, include paved sections. Trail running normally takes place in warm climates, or on good paths, or tracks which are relatively easy to follow, and does not necessarily involve the significant amounts of ascent, or need for navigat-

See TRAIL continued on page 5

2 News

March 9, 2022

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

54th Annual Jonquil Festival Submitted by Arkansas State Parks

Create memories and celebrate the arrival of spring at Historic Wa s h i n g ton State Park on March 1819, 2022.

Thousands of jonquils welcome craftspeople, entertainers, and visitors to the town of Historic Washington.

The free festival will have unique crafts and delicious foods as part of the attractions. Tours of the park, historic homes, and muse-

ums are available at regular price.

Parking is $5.

In addition to our crafters and food concessions, festivities

will include the Four States Iron Munchers, 5K run, and car show.

The Hope Lions Club will be cooking fish at the Washington Volunteer Fire Department Friday, March 18, from 3-6:30 p.m. to raise money for the department.

Tickets are $15 for three fish fillets, French fries, coleslaw, pinto beans, and hushpuppies.

Once you pick up your food at the fish fry, stroll across the road to the large green and yellow tent for a free concert featuring Dillan Cate, a country/rock artist from Northeast Arkansas, beginning at 6 p.m.

Williams Tavern Restaurant will be open serving a buffet both days from 11a.m.–3 p.m.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

March 9, 2022

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Your Pulse!

Letter to the Editor: Russia’s attack on Ukraine has sent prices at the pump to almost record highs, and by the time this is printed, maybe beyond records.

Some records are meant to be broken but I doubt you will find many that feel this is one they wanted to see broken.

Prices at the pump are only the first pain we feel, followed by the rising costs of everything we consume that must be shipped. The thefts from gas stations will increase as it always does when gas gets expensive. Thieves will look for gas tanks to siphon from under the cover of darkness.

This war in Europe is but one element contributing to this expensive crisis. Do not forget that one of the first official acts of the current administration was to shut down the construction of the Keystone pipeline, not only costing jobs for Americans, but also stopping the flow of oil from a country we get along with for the most part, Canada. Russia is to blame in a large part, but our own government is not without fault.

I personally think it is naive to believe we can rely solely on electric vehicles to go about our daily lives.

To those on the left, I ask how you think our farmers will plant, harvest, and get their food to our supermarkets? How do you think a rancher can cut and bail hay to feed his livestock and get them to market?

Poultry, pork, and turkey depend on grains, again requiring tractors and combines. Not to mention emergency services like fire, police, ambulances, and our military. Not sure we can defend our country and its citizens on battery power. Someone has been watching too many Energizer Bunny commercials. Living in a city where not everyone has to rely

on themselves for transportation and has public transportation available is not indicative of life in the whole country. To impose your lifestyle on others is selfish and shortsighted.

To not understand where your food comes from and what is required to grow and harvest it, is sad.

Even electric generation requires some sort of fuel, whether it be solar, coal, or maybe nuclear. Each of them has its own downside. Think nuclear power is safe? Look at the nuclear plant the Russian Army just shelled in Ukraine. Remember Three Mile Island (1979), Chernobyl (1986), and Japan’s Fukushima (2011)? Every nuclear power plant in this country is an accident or terrorist act waiting to happen. We must be ever vigilant.

The events of 9/11 should never be forgotten. At this point in history, we are closer to a nuclear war than perhaps during the Cuban missile crisis in 1962, which I remember, though I was 12 years old. People were building bomb shelters and preparing for the worst. We came to the brink, but cooler heads prevailed and our President, John F. Kennedy, showed strength.

We have now been threatened by nuclear war again and we can only hope our leaders show that same strength. Personally, I am not sure they are able to, and I am concerned.

Now is not a good time to show weakness.

President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Speak softly, and carry a big stick.”

That was his foreign policy and maybe is worth another look.Again, I thank you for allowing me a forum to share my thoughts.

- Ronald Goss, Mena, U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran, Retired Virginia Beach Police Department

Letters 3

Want to share your opinion?

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4 Politics

THE POLK COUNTY

March 9, 2022

From the

State House of Representatives

The Revenue Stabilization will assist in raising the salaries Act (RSA) is typically one of for state troopers. the last items passed every sesIt is anticipated members sion. It categorizes and prioriwill vote on the RSA next week. tizes state spending.

On Wednesday, the House Members are now reviewing voted to amend HB1034, an the proposed Revenue StabiAct for the Department of lization amendment schedule John Maddox Corrections-Division of Correflecting the allocation of rection Appropriation. The general revenue funds for Fisamendment includes an apcal Year 2023. propriation of up to $75 million for The proposed amendment outlines costs associated with prison expansion. $6.02 billion in spending. That is less The House passed SB103 which prothan a 3% increase in spending from vides a one-time stipend of $5,000 to the current fiscal year. full time certified city and county law The state fiscal year begins July 1. enforcement officer as well as probaThe largest increases in spending can tion and parole officers. be found in education and human serIt also provides for a $2,000 one-time vices. stipend for state troopers.

The proposed budget outlines a $70 The House also passed one time apmillion increase for elementary and propriations for pregnancy center resecondary education. source grants, the School for the Deaf It includes an $11 million increase for and Blind, the UAMS breast milk bank, DHS Children and Family Services and and the Northwest Arkansas Veterans a $23.5 million increase for DHS grants Home. which includes Medicaid spending.

You can find the proposed budget for County jail reimbursement is in- Fiscal Year 2023 as well live-streams creased by $6.4 million in the proposed of all committee meetings and House budget. proceedings on our website www.arThe RSA calls for a $7.4 million in- kansashouse.org/. crease for Arkansas State Police. This

Contact Your Legislators!

John Maddox

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

Larry Teague

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

John Boozman

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

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

From the

Pulse

State Senate convicted but for whom there Certified law enforcement is no space in a state prison officers will get a $5,000 salaunit. The current rate is $32 ry stipend this year, thanks to per inmate per day and legisa Senate bill approved by the lators are working to increase Arkansas legislature. it to $40 a day.

To qualify for the stipend, Sheriffs have voiced conofficers must have completed cerns about the backlog of a basic training program apLarry Teague state inmates in county jails. proved by the Arkansas ComFirst, they say that reimbursemission on Law Enforcement ments of $32 a day are not enough Standards and Training. They must to pay for the cost of housing an inwork at least 24 hours a week. mate.

Under Senate Bill 103, the stipends Secondly, they are concerned that will go to officers employed as of July they are housing more serious of1. If they are hired after July 1 they fenders than in the past. This leads can still qualify if they are hired beto more attacks on jail staff, they say. fore January 31, 2023.

It also means they often must reState troopers will get a stipend of lease minor offenders who commit$2,000. In separate legislation they ted misdemeanors, in order to make are due to get significant pay raises, room for the dangerous offenders. from an average starting salary of The Senate also approved SB 102, about $42,000 to about $54,000. to create a new grant program for Legislators budgeted $50 million to Pregnancy Resource Centers. The pay for the stipends, but don’t expect bill appropriates $1 million to the to spend all of that amount. Stipends centers, where women with uninto about 7,300 law enforcement offitended pregnancies receive counselcers and 542 State Police officers will ing about adoption and help in getcost about $40.6 million. ting social services.

The House of Representatives addThe Senate also approved SB 54, an ed $75 million to the budget of the appropriation for the Arkansas MedCorrection Department for possible icaid program. It is in the Division of expansion of the North Central prisMedical Services within the Human on unit at Calico Rock, to add 498 Services Department. beds to the 800-bed unit.

SB 54 appropriates $9 billion for If the North Central Unit adds 498 health care for about a million Arbeds, its costs for salaries and operkansas residents who at some point ations will increase by $13 million during a typical year will be eligible a year, according to a representative for Medicaid. The services include who spoke on the expansion. prescription drugs, long-term care, The governor said the state could doctor visits and hospital stays. afford one-time expenditures such Legislators have been working for as the stipends, and the capital projmonths to add about $37.6 million ect, based on the favorable revenue for home care and community serreport for January that indicates Arvices for people with intellectual and kansas is on track to end the fiscal developmental disabilities. Within a year with a sizeable surplus. few years, the additional funding is The Joint Budget Committee recexpected to eliminate the waiting list ommended an increase in the fund for those services. About 3,200 peofor reimbursing county jails when ple are on the list. they hold inmates who have been

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

March 9, 2022 TRAIL active, they held the Lum & Abner 5k continued from page 1 and the Rich Mountain Classic, which

ing skills, normal in fell running.” started at Janssen Park and ended at Trail running is gaining popularity Queen Wilhelmina Lodge atop of Rich due, in part, to our beautiful mountain Mountain. vistas and several trails. According to Eventually, the group started to a 2010 special report on trail running gradually disperse, the final nail in the published by the Outdoor Industry coffin being the 2009 tornado. PCDC, Foundation, “4.8 million Americans with Powell’s help, has since revived the ages 6 and older participated in trail Rich Mountain Classic and Powell is as running in 2009.” active as ever with the new MTR group.

The Mena “It gives us Trail Runners a connection (MTR) was to runners not first organized only in the a year ago by state, but in Kyle Marother states as tin, with the well. It gives co-operation us the abiliof a few othty to promote ers. health and fit“I started ness and runrunning trails ning…as well about seven as promotyears ago,” ing the local Martin said. Mena Trail Runners at the Cossatot River Half trails… .”

“At the time, Marathon trail run. (l-r) Kyle Martin, Johnny Vacca, With spring I was living in & Erin Step approaching, (Photo by Scott Vacca) Tulsa, and it MTR plans was very intimidating to get involved on hosting weekly meets, as well as with the running groups.” organizing bigger runs. In the past, After moving to Hot Springs, Martin the group has also been active in volgot involved with Hot Springs running unteering. Last year they hosted the group, The Spa Pacers. That experience Hickory Nut Mountain Aid station at laid the groundwork for the organiza- the LOViT 100, which is a 100-mile tion of MTR. race overlooking Lake Ouachita. For 34 “They were all nice and gave me all hours, the group worked, serving food sorts of training tips,” Martin said. and drinks, and aiding runners as they “When I moved back to Mena, I want- came through their station. The group ed to start a group that was friendly and also volunteered at the Lum & Abner helpful like that and utilize Mena’s trail 5K in that same year. systems.”

“Our goal, ultimately, is to host a Now, MTR boasts 74 members. trail race in Mena,” said Martin. “We’re Among those members is seasoned missing quite a few opportunities to runner Dale Powell. Powell had a have a really cool run in Mena. We’re health club for 12 years that started in kind of a running mecca.” the 1980s called Arkansas Health and There is no cost to join MTR. To get Fitness. It was there that the original involved, all you have to do is join the group, The Ridge Runners Running Facebook group, Mena Trail Runners.

Club, would be founded.

“It’s welcome to everyone,” Mar“I got into running because a cou- tin said. “You don’t even have to be a ple of my members at the health club runner to join. Our goal is to promote were runners,” Powell said. “I liked the a healthy lifestyle and promote friendcrowd. The runners are just great peo- ships among like-minded people in the ple.” community.”

When the Ridge Runners were still

News 5

Lum & Abner still a go

by Trey Youngdahl

There have been a few rumors in the air that the annual Lum & Abner festival may have met its doom, but it appears as though the event will still be a go.

The March 7 meeting of the Mena Advertising and Promotion Commission was called to order at 5:02 p.m. After roll was called, parks director Phillip Lance spoke about soccer at Tapley Park. Lance commented that this was his best year for soccer to date, having over 250 kids signed up to play. There was discussion about the new scoreboards, which are provided by Aleshire Electric.

They will also be taking baseball teams, looking to hopefully have the same attendance as last year. 2021 was also Lance’s best year to date, having nearly 400 kids. This may be dampened

by Cossatot River School District, as they have announced that they are not bringing any teams.

Lance also spoke about new hire Scott Sharp, the new tennis court pad, new gravel and bumpers for the parking lots. There was approval on new uniforms, a temporary fence at Tapley Park, a new spray rig for the four-wheeler, and a new fuel tank and fuel pump.

A&P Administrator Pasha Watson gave reports on budget and web statistics. Watson also announced that she has continued planning for the Lum & Abner Festival. An application has been made for the Arkansas Department of Heritage, Parks and Tourism (ADHPT) grant, which offers $2,000 for advertising for the 2022 event.

Watson also announced that the 2024 eclipse town hall is scheduled for April 6 at 3 p.m. and a report was given for the digital advertising campaign.

A&P Chair Rick Chrisman mentioned a grant for the bike trail project was likely on its way, even citing the parks director he spoke with at the Governor’s tourism conference. But, as they haven’t yet been approved it, it’s too early to make an announcement.

Due to space being limited at Mena City Hall, Chrisman proposed Watson’s office be moved back to the Train Station Depot. This would also allow constant monitoring of the visitor’s center.

The decision to move Watson’s office was supported by fellow board member James Earl Turner, who moved to approve the change. It was seconded by board member Brooke Hines.

An events committee was scheduled, then the meeting then adjourned.

6 Obituaries Ray Charles Smith Jr.

Mr. Ray Charles Smith Jr. “Junior”, age 53, passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born November 10, 1968, to the late Ray Charles Smith Sr. and Regaina Elizabeth Chambers.

Mr. Smith was a truck driver and scrapper by profession. Ray was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting, riding through the mountains, and sitting on the beaches of Galveston, Texas. He collected model cars and airplanes. Ray was known as a total prankster who loved to joke and tell scary stores. He loved to play with his grandkids. He enjoyed setting up at flea markets and on the side of the road. He was known for his ability to sell an Eskimo snow!

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Ray Charles Smith Sr. and Regaina Elizabeth Chambers; sister, Marie Cathey; and by his nephew, Dewayne Smith. He is survived by his loving wife, Connie (Fairless) Smith; sons, Henry Smith and Daniel Guffey; daughter, Rachelle Guffey; brothers, Bill Smith, Tyke Smith, Marty Fairless, and Pete Fairless; and by his sister, Ruby Thacker; honorary children, Mischa Young, Melissa Williams, Rychie Fairless, Caleb Fairless, Lanie Lewis, Joshua Smith,

THE POLK COUNTY

March 9, 2022 Sarah Oney, Ray Smith, and Mark Thacker Jr.; and by his grandchildren, Helen Leona Elizabeth Guffey, Emory Young, Elsa Young, Arora Young, Conner Williams, Clara Williams, Karen Oney, Clayton Oney, Joshua Smith Jr., Abbygail Smith, and Jacob Smith.

Services for Mr. Smith will be held Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas. Brother Victor Anglin will officiate under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation is general, starting Thursday, March 3, 2022, through Friday, March 4, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you wish to participate in his last ride, meet at Beasley-Wood Funeral Home at 12:30 prior to the service.

Pallbearers are Daniel Guffey, Joshua Smith, Floyd Fairless, Bub Fairless, Kody Korrin, Jesse Oney, Caleb Fairless, and Mark Thacker Sr. Honorary Pallbearers are Henry Smith, Charles Fairless, Tyke Smith, and Bradley Grogan.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Roberta Lenora Cole

Roberta Lenora Cole, 77, passed away We d n e s d a y, March 2, 2022, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. She was born February 8, 1945, in North Little Rock to the late Robert Smith and Hazel Harvey.

Mrs. Cole was the assistant manager at Wal-Mart McDonald’s for 20 years.

Roberta was a very active member of the Dallas Avenue Baptist Church and loved to spend time with her family.

She could often be found coloring with her grandchildren, doing crossword puzzles, or cruising around Walmart.

Mrs. Cole loved her grandchildren and her dogs deeply.

Mrs. Cole is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Owen Cole; her parents, Robert Smith and Hazel Harvey; and by her sister, Wanda Culbreth.

She is survived by her son, Rick Cole and wife Rita of Hot Springs, Arkansas; daughters, Tina Cole of Mena, Arkansas, and Sherri Benson and husband Clark of Lonoke, Arkansas; grandchildren, Shawna Howard, Jacob Cole, Justin Cole and wife Kasey, John Richmond, Jr. and wife Robbie, Kaitlyn Cook and husband Richard, Rachel January, Brandy Shultz, Ashley Knight, Beka Cole, Ryle Cole, Nathan Cole, Mica Vincent, Mandi Vincent, and Mason Vincent; 20 great-grandchildren; brother, Bobbie Smith and wife Susan; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends too numerous to mention.

Services for Mrs. Cole will be held Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 10 a.m., at the Beasley-Wood Chapel. Interment will follow at Concord Cemetery in Ink, Arkansas, with Brother Donnie Edwards officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be Monday, March 7, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Pallbearers are John Richmond, Justin Cole, Jacob Cole, Ryle Cole, Nathan Cole, and Mason Vincent.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Donna Lee Yuronka

Donna Lee (Clement) Yuronka passed away peacefully on March 17, 2021. She was born at 400 8 Street in Mena to Ora Mena (Rabb) and Don Clement on March 10, 1929. She loved Mena and enjoyed the lifestyle and friends she experienced along the way.

Donna was a teacher in Wicks at an early age and moved to Hobbs, NM, th

Pulse

where she met the love of her life, John Yuronka. They moved to Midland where they raised their two girls. After John’s retirement from the Oil and Gas Business, they returned to Mena.

Donna did not retire. She opened Fare Finders Travel Agency at the Depot.

Then she changed careers and became a realtor. Donna moved around to get a taste of all the agency in town and settled with her favorite, Century 21.

She achieved many accolades while working in real estate. She always had fun stories to tell about clients, many of whom became friends.

Donna’s celebration of life will be officiated by Bishop Larry Maze at Christ Episcopal Church on March 12, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. where her ashes will be placed next to John. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ora and Don Clement, her husband, John, and her sister, Glenna Harrington. She is survived by her daughters, Ann Hollingsworth (Jay) and Sarah Yuronka (Brian Feinsilber), her grandchildren, James and Julia Hollingsworth, Hannah Avalon (Billy) and Andrew Walsh, and her nieces and nephew, Jane, Drew, and Don Harrington. Her life was a blessing to many.

A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.

~ Maya Angelou

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

March 9, 2022

Eugene May

Eugene May passed away March 5, 2022, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Eugene was 68 years old. He was born July 8, 1953, in Gustine, California, the son of Otis May and Lucille (Bailey) May, one of three boys. He was married to Debbie (Curry) May on July 11, 1971.

Eugene is survived by his loving wife of 50 years and 8 months, Debbie; son, Timmy May and partner, Brandon Holligan; daughters, Brandie Simpson, Brittany Smith and husband Zak; mother, Lucille May; grandchildren, Chase Pyle, Alexa Brewer and husband Billy, Christian Field, Brendan Field, Kennedi Cooke, Jase Cooke, Tenley Smith, Emery Smith and Chevelle Smith; great-grandchildren, Gracie Pyle, Reese Brewer, Levi Pyle, Kailie Brewer and Bentley Brewer; aunt, Allie Walters; nephew Chris May; sister-inlaw, Yvette May. Along with a host of family and friends and special companion, his black German Shephard, Ellie.

Eugene is preceded in death by his dad, Otis May; brothers, James and Jerry May. Eugene was a loving husband, father and grandfather to all the ones who loved him the most.

Funeral service will be Thursday, March 10, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Beasley-Wood Chapel with Brother Roger Bishop officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 9, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Beasley-Wood Chapel.

Pallbearers will be Chase Pyle, Brendan Field, Zak Smith, Kenny Henry, Roy Harris and Colby Philpot. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Dunaway and the S & M Crew, Brandon Holligan

and Billy Brewer, Jeff Field, Roger Gilbert, Ron Lyon and Jimmy Martin.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhom.com

Spring safely into the new season with these tips Enjoy warmer, longer days with these safety tips for home and outdoors

Combat veteran shot in suspected homicide

Submitted

Daylight saving time is approaching, meaning the days are getting warmer and longer. Whether you want to start your spring cleaning or simply enjoy nice weather in the great outdoors, staying safe is important.

As you set the clocks forward and soak in the sun, here are some ways to protect yourself and your home this spring:

Submitted by Arkansas State Police A 17-year-old Lincoln County juvenile is being held in connection with a homicide that occurred Sunday, March 6. Lincoln County sheriff ’s department authorities have requested the Criminal Investigation Division of the state police to handle the case.

Timothy Foster, 50, of the Garrett Bridge community, southeast of Star City, was shot and killed Sunday about 10 a.m. when the teenage suspect entered the home with a rifle and began shooting.

Foster was transported to a Dumas hospital where he later died.

The suspect fled from the residence before sheriff ’s deputies arrived at the crime scene. He was taken into custody about 8:15 Sunday night and is being held at the Lincoln County jail.

Earlier Monday, Dylan Scott, 17, of the Garrett Bridge community was charged as an adult with one count of capital murder.

Special agents of the Arkansas State Police are continuing their investigation today and will submit an investigative file to the Lincoln County prosecuting attorney.

Obituaries 7

Keep an eye on your surroundings Look up and out for overhead power lines. Staying away from power lines is one of the most important ways you can stay safe when you are outdoors. Overhead power lines carry thousands of volts of electricity and are not insulated, making them deadly to touch. If you encounter a power line through your body - or an object you are holding, like a tree limb, ladder or even a kite – you will become a path for the electricity to find the ground.

• Always assume power lines are electrified, even if they are down or underground and do not spark or hum. If you see a downed line or a tree branch that is close to a power line, the safest thing to do is call 1-800-ENTERGY. • Remember, water and electricity do not mix. Keep electrical appliances and power cords away from wet areas. And never touch electrical cords or appliances if you’re wet or standing in water.

•

Work with nature, not against it Plant the right trees in the right place. When adding new trees to your landscaping, consider placement and tree height at maturity, and avoid planting trees that will grow tall under power lines or in an area where they could damage your home in a storm.

• Believe it or not, many power outages are caused by wildlife. Squirrels like to travel along power lines and tree limbs, which can give them access to make your attic their home sweet home and potentially short out transformers in the process.

Do not invite them over; keep tree limbs trimmed away from power lines and buildings.

•

Remember what you cannot see can hurt you •

•

Call before you dig. It is important to know what is underground before you begin any project that requires digging. Hitting an electric line can shock or kill you and cause power outages. When you call 811, the local one-call utility locator service, they will mark the location of underground utilities so you can carry on with digging safely.

Let the light shine. Make sure your outdoor lighting adequately illuminates walkways to prevent tripping hazards after dark and that your bulbs are intended for outdoor use. If you need to replace them, opt for energy efficient bulbs to help light the way to lower bills.

In addition to outdoor safety, the National Safety Council suggests addressing indoor safety is just as important during a time change. Consider replacing batteries in smoke detectors and covering your home emergency plans with family. Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years and carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every five years, but batteries for both should be replaced every year.

Visit our website for more safety tips for residential or outdoor projects, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook - @EntergyArk.

8 News

March 9, 2022

Annual chamber banquet date is set

Submitted by Mena/Polk County couple of years. We want to foster collaboration among all of our busiChamber of Commerce ness and industry partners so all Chamber of Commerce Exec- can capitalize and grow.”

Wade said, “It will be a ‘glitzy’ utive Director Melanie Wade has announced the return of an in-per- event that will honor outstanding son banquet for 2022. The Annual community members. We will also Chamber of Commerce Banquet raise money for scholarships with is a time for the Chamber to thank the banquet favorite auction event and honor their members for their with the always fun and entertaincontinued support. This year’s ban- ing Shannon Hunter. We want our quet is set to be held on Thursday, members to feel like diamonds for April 28, at the Ouachita Center on the hard work and sacrifices they have endured over the course of the the campus of UA Rich Mountain.

“We are BACK” is the theme of pandemic. They truly are rock stars this banquet, focusing on upcoming for hanging in there.”

More details will be announced as positive developments coming to the date gets near, but go ahead and Mena and Polk County.

“The last couple of years have been mark your calendar for the black-tie challenging for all. We want to cele- event of the year.

For more information on the banbrate and to emphasize commerce as well as be a valuable resource to quet or other Chamber events and our members,” Chamber President activities, follow them on Facebook LeAnn Dilbeck said. “There are at Mena/Polk County Chamber of multiple positive developments in Commerce or online at menapolkthe pipeline for our area in the next chamber.com/.

AND SHOP

KEEP

CALM

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THE POLK COUNTY

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Abandoned Pesticide Collection Events Scheduled

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Abandoned Pesticide Program has scheduled four Abandoned Pesticide collection events from April 4-7 for the following seven counties: Arkansas, Howard, Little River, Montgomery, Pike, Polk, and Sevier.

Collection event are from 8:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the follow dates and locations: • April 4 – Sevier County/Little River County - Sevier County Road Shop, 1155 Highway 70/71 East, De Queen, AR • April 5th – Howard County/Pike County- Howard County Fairgrounds, 1567 US 371, Nashville, AR • April 6th – Polk County/Montgomery County – Polk County Fairgrounds, 156 Polk Road 43, Mena, AR • April 7th – Arkansas CountyStuttgart Municipal Airport, 2000 State Highway 980, Stuttgart, AR Participation in a collection event is free and anonymous to anyone. Commonly collected items include old/outdated pesticides such as calcium arse-

nate, 2,4,5-T, sodium cyanide, lindane, and chlordane, as well as registered pesticides unusable because they have been exposed to the elements or have been held over from previous growing seasons such as glyphosate products and 2,4-D. Since the program began in 2005, 5,351,431 pounds of unwanted pesticides have been collected in counties across Arkansas.

The Abandoned Pesticide Program is conducted in cooperation with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation, Inc., the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the State Plant Board. Representatives from these agencies make up the Abandoned Pesticide Advisory Board.

The Abandoned Pesticide Advisory Board selects county sites for collection events and moves locations by region within the state seasonally. Priority watersheds are a large consideration factor for the Advisory Board in choosing counties/regions for site collection.

Enjoy the spirit of the leprechaun at March Cash Mob Submitted by Judy Thompson

Judy Thompson, downtown business liaison and Cash Mob coordinator, grins and says that if you’re looking for the leprechaun’s pot of gold, you need to visit downtown Mena, because the shops in downtown are truly a treasure.

Thompson invites everyone to the monthly Downtown Cash Mob. The Cash Mob meets the second Saturday of each month.

The March Mob is being hosted by the Mena Star at 501 Mena Street,

March 12.

Cash Mobs continue to be popular throughout the country and are an entertaining way to encourage shoppers into businesses where they not only normally shop, but also to stores that they are not familiar with. The monthly Mobs provide an opportunity to shop at various businesses and promote the “buy local” effort of Mena Downtown Partners.

Through Downtown Partners’ member businesses, door prizes and special incentives are given to Mob’sters. In addition to the door

prizes, the host provides complimentary refreshments. After fun ways to get to know each other, the name of the shop to be mobbed is drawn. The Mob’sters then converge as a group on the shop.

Rules to participate are very simple: Commit to spend at least $20 at each Cash Mob and have fun.

It is not necessary to be pre-registered as a Mob member. Just show up and sign in at the door.

Everyone is invited. Help the local economy and indulge in that all-American pastime of shopping.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

By Richie Lawry Last week’s sunshine and warm temperatures signaled that spring would be arriving soon. Daffodils are blooming, and their bright yellow faces, reaching towards the sun, make me smile. From the first thoughts of spring, daffodil blossoms prophesy that winter will soon be over and better days are coming. While daffodils are some of the earliest flowers to bloom, tulips are not far behind. This weekend I saw my first tulip, a deep scarlet red, announcing that many more tulips would be arriving soon.

One of my favorite springtime activities is to visit Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs during the peak tulip viewing times. Garvan Woodland Gardens are beautiful any time of the year, but I think that the tulip season is quite possibly the best. Walkways lined with the spectacular sight of over 150,000 breathtaking tulips in a wide variety of colors cover the gardens.

When the Turks discovered tulips in the mountains of Kazakhstan, they were very impressed with their beauty. Some tulips were brought to present-day Turkey and planted in the gardens of the most influential people in the Ottoman Empire. In the 16th century, Constantinople was known for its beautiful gardens, where many people admired the flowers. Rare and valuable tulips were grown in the interior gardens of the Sultan’s palace.

A Flemish merchant was unintentionally one of the first to introduce the tulip to northern Europe in 1562. Among the bales of cloth he had purchased in Constantinople, he found a package of tulip bulbs. Ignorant of their identity, he roasted them and ate them for supper.

The rest he planted in his garden next to the cabbages. When the tulips bloomed in the spring, the botanist Clusius was impressed by the vibrant red and yellow flowers. He recognized their importance,

March 9, 2022

An Arkie’s Faith Tulip Mania

growing, studying, and giving bulbs to so high, some people decided to sell and fellow horticulturalists. In 1593, Clusius reap their profits. A domino effect of came to teach at Leiden University in the progressively lower and lower prices occurred as Dutch Reever yone public and tried to sell brought while not his vast tumany were lip collecbuying. tion.

The price Soon, began to t u l i p s dive, causbecame ing people popular to panic in Leiden, and sell reand their populari- Tulips are popular, but at one point in history, they were gardless of losses. ty spread the impetus for Tulip Mania.

(Photo by Richie Lawry) M a n y throughout Dutch culture. Many paintings be- people lost everything in the Tulip Mania gan to feature tulips, and merchants held crash of 1637. Dealers refused to honor festivals to show off new varieties. Tulips contracts, and people realized they had became so popular that they created the traded their homes for a tulip bulb. The first economic bubble, known as “Tulip government attempted to step in and halt the crash by offering to honor contracts Mania.”

In 1634, the world’s first recognized in- at 10% of the face value, but then the vestment bubble began when Dutch spec- market plunged even lower. Today, we ulators frantically bought tulip bulbs. The wonder, why would anyone pay 10 years’ bulbs were a highly prized status symbol, salary for a single flower bulb?

As we look back on Tulip Mania, it all and the most desirable varieties saw their value surge. Soon, prices were rising so seems silly. But modern investors are not fast that people were trading their land, immune to market bubbles. According life savings, and anything else they could to Forbes.com, “A stock market bubble liquidate to get more tulip bulbs. Every- is driven by raw speculation. A bubble one began to deal in tulip bulbs, essen- begins to form when there’s a gathering acceleration in price for an asset that far tially speculating on the tulip market.

From 1634 to 1637, an index of Dutch outstrips the asset’s intrinsic value. That tulip prices soared from approximately means people are willing to pay more one guilder per bulb to 60 guilders per and more for a security or another asset, bulb. By the peak of tulip mania in Febru- above and beyond what’s expected based ary of 1637, a single tulip bulb was worth on things like demand, earnings, revenue about 10 times a workers’ annual income. or growth potential.”

Former Federal Reserve Chair Alan The prices were not an accurate reflection of the value of a tulip bulb. With prices Greenspan used the term “irrational exu-

Joke of the Week:

I looked up the word opaque in the dictionary.

The definition wasn’t clear.

Faith 9 berance” to describe the collective enthusiasm among traders and investors that fuels rapidly increasing prices. Whether you call it the crowd mentality, herd bias, the bandwagon effect or FOMO, there is a self-perpetuating cycle where people want to buy an asset because its price is increasing, driving the price even higher and making even more people want to buy it.

Tulip Mania and other market bubbles remind me of the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT) Here Jesus tells us not to place too much value in the things of this world.

If you treasure them as the most important things in your life, one day, you will find yourself very disappointed when they are devalued, destroyed, or stolen. Is Jesus telling us that we should not have any possessions here in this world? Of course not. But He tells us that treasures on earth are subject to being devalued, destroyed, or stolen. Treasures in heaven are secure. They are a safe investment.

Gentle Reader, the Bible says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2 (NKJV) The most significant investment we can ever make in our lives is to invest in God. No investment that we make in our life compares with the blessing of eternal life.

“The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (KJV) Remember that investments may fail and the bubble may burst, “but the word of the Lord endures forever.” 1 Peter 1:25 (NKJV)

Replacing windshields in Polk County for forty years.

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

10 Community

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

March 9, 2022

Coming together for Coffee & Connections

The first Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce Coffee & Connections of the year will be held on Wednesday, March 16, hosted by Union Bank of Mena. The networking event will begin at 9 a.m. State Representative John Maddox will be the guest speaker.

Coffee & Connections is a great opportunity for the business communi-

ty to meet one another, have a cup of coffee, and share visions for the area.

Refreshments and coffee will be provided by Union Bank of Mena.

Coffee & Connections is held once per quarter and is hosted by Chamber of Commerce members. For more information, contact the Mena/ Polk County Chamber of Commerce at (479) 394-2912.

Open auditions for Roald Dahl’s musical version of “Matilda” are being held two days this week, Thursday March 10 from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, March 12 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Ouachita Little Theatre, 610 Mena Street.

Directed by Jessica Kropp and musical direction by Judy Kropp, this delightful Broadway musical has delighted audiences for several years and will make it to the OLT stage May 13-15 and 20-22.

The various roles needed: • Matilda Wormwood An imaginative girl who is clever and wise far beyond her years. She has a thirst for learning that cannot be quenched.

• Miss Agatha Trunchbull The tyrannical headmistress at Matilda’s school who despises children.

• Miss Honey Matilda’s kindhearted teacher. She is tired of living in fear under Miss Trunchbull.

• Mr. Wormwood Matilda’s uncaring father. A slimy, greedy used-car salesman.

• Mrs. Wormwood

Matilda’s self-absorbed, negligent mother and an amateur ballroom dancer.

• Michael Wormwood Matilda’s older brother. He is not very bright and favored by their parents.

• Bruce Matilda’s classmate. He is subject to extreme punishment by Miss Trunchbull.

• Lavender Matilda’s classmate and friend.

• Mrs. Phelps A nice librarian.

• The Escapologist A character in a story Matilda tells to Mrs. Phelps, who comes to life in their imagination.

• The Acrobat A character in a story Matilda tells to Mrs. Phelps, who comes to life in their imagination.

• Rudolpho Mrs. Wormwood’s ballroom dance partner.

• Doctor Mrs. Wormwood’s Doctor when she goes into labor with Matilda.

Auditions for OLT spring musical Matilda

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

Around Town The Family of Cathy Youngblood, who passed away Feb. 12, would like to inform her clients they will be at the Cathy Youngblood Tax Office in Potter from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Through March 11 for people to pick up their tax paperwork.

For questions, call Nancy Youngblood at (479) 2161537.

Hatfield First Baptist Church “Shepherd’s Closet” Open Wednesdays, 10 a.m.

- Noon. Large selection of good, used clothing & a limited supply of non-perishable food items. Free to anyone in need. We kindly ask that non-vaccinated individuals wear masks.

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.

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m., Monday; at 7 p.m., Thursday; at 7 p.m. Friday; and at 6 p.m.

Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call Erica at 479-216-7249.

The Ouachita Strings and Friends present “A Celtic Celebration,” at the Ouachita Little Theatre, March 17 and March 19, 7:30 p.m.

Revival! Please join us for nightly services at Living Word Pentecostal with Brother Caleb Sherrill in Hatfield, Monday-Saturday at 7 p.m., Sundays at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

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

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.

Mena Polk County Senior Center will be closed this week, March 7-11, for installing insulation.

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.

The Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes has re-opened. 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 Housing Authority has Rental Vouchers available. They are also in need of Applicants and Landlords. Contact them at 509 S. Morrow, Mena, (479) 394-1565 or polkarhousing.com The Food Pantry at the Mena Seventh Day Adventist Church is open every first and third Monday of each month, 4-6 p.m., located at Fair Grounds Road. For more information, call 479-437-4018.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 8 p.m. Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur.

Discussion/Book Study for information call 479-243-0297.

The Democratic Party of Polk County will be meeting at Papa’s Mexican Café, Monday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m. Come early for ordering dinner. Please, bring a friend.

For more information contact Linda G, Johnson at 479234-7966.

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.

Live Country & Gospel Music, Tuesday nights at the Daisy Room. Starting at 7 p.m.-10 p.m.

Come “Pick-N-Grin” with us. Everyone welcome.

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 479243-9600 and let us know about your event! To have it in the Polk County Pulse newspaper, we need to know by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

March 9, 2022

U.S. Marshal Heck Thomas

By Ray Shelley We left Henry Andrew “Heck” Thomas forming a posse to capture two stagecoach robbers from an isolated cabin close to Muskogee, Indian Territory. When the posse arrived, the culprits were gone, but robberies of the mail run ceased.

The following year, Heck spent long hours in the saddle hunting and arresting felons in Indian Territory. The Elevator, a Fort Smith newspaper, stated, “Deputy Marshal Heck Thomas arrived today with several prisoners that included murderers and whiskey peddlers.” It also said, “Thomas didn’t give his saddle time to cool off, and he was gone again.”

When Heck left for his trips, he would take a chuck wagon, a prisoner’s wagon (known as a tumbleweed wagon), a cook, a couple of guards, and as many possemen and deputies as necessary. One posseman was a 27-year-old named Ed Stokley. Heck and Stokley became fast friends.

Stokley worked for Heck about six months; then, he was arrested on a murder warrant out of Hunnewell, Kansas. In 1881, Stokley was a foreman on a cattle ranch in Hunnewell.

One night at a local saloon, Stokley and Fred Kuhlman got into an argument. Words got heated and they both reached for their guns. Stokley was quicker on the draw, and Kuhlman lay dead on the floor Stokley was returned to Kansas, stood trial, was found guilty of manslaughter, and sentenced to six months in jail. Stokley returned to Fort Smith and resumed his duties as a posseman for Heck when he was released. Eventually, with Heck’s help, Stokley became a full-time deputy marshal.

On December 2, 1887, Heck, Stokley, and several deputies and guards transported 40 captured felons to Fort Smith. They were informed that U.S. Deputy Marshal Frank Dalton

(part 4)

had been killed five days prior trying to serve a warrant on Dave Smith.

Heck was also told that the killer William Towerly was seen at his father’s farm in Stringtown, Indian Territory.

Stringtown wasn’t that far away from where they were camped. Stokely and three other deputies volunteered to arrest Towerly. Heck and the rest of the deputies could continue to Fort Smith.

Unfortunately, Stokley was killed trying to bring Towerly in alive. Heck told marshal Carroll: “Ed could have killed Towerly on site. By trying to save the life of that brute, he lost his own. I should have handed Ed the responsibility of seventeen prisoners and gone after the killer myself.” That decision bothered Heck for a long time.

The Elevator noted that made 15 deputy marshals had been killed in Indian Territory in two years. (Eds: William Leech, April 10, 1884 – E.A. Stokley, Dec. 3, 1887, totaled 15 over a three years and nine months period. A dozen of those 15 had been killed in Indian Territory in approximately two-and-a-half years, dating back to May 1, 1885) Most of the posse’s difficulties arose from bringing the prisoner to the U.S. jail in wagons.

That got Heck thinking, and he submitted a proposal to marshal Carroll.

He wrote that they would save money if they could transport prisoners by train. For example, “By rail, the total board on the seventeen prisoners [from Indian Territory to Fort Smith] would have amounted to but $35… .”

The example was for a two-day rail trip, in comparison to the 22-day wagon trip that occurred. Heck pointed out using wagons and horseback cost for the same amount of prisoners was $279. The railways would have provided a savings of $244. Marshal Carroll officially endorsed the letter. Judge Parker added a note, stating, “I concur with the within request and recommendation… .”

The letter was sent to Washington. The proposal was rejected. Heck dropped the matter and moved on.

Late In 1887, Marshal Carroll asked Heck to move to Pauls Valley, Indian Territory. Carroll went on to say that Heck had developed a good reputation as a lawman, and the Pauls Valley area was getting out of hand. Heck had spent a lot of time in that part of the territory and knew it well.

He accepted the move but was reluctant to tell his wife of his new plans.

Heck had promised his wife he would build them a house near Fort Smith.

When Heck broke the news to Isabelle, she wasn’t pleased but agreed to go with him. They loaded a wagon and, with the kids, moved to the small town of Whitebread Hills, 15 miles west of Pauls Valley.

It didn’t take long for Isabelle to get fed up with the frontier life and take the kids back to Georgia under the pretext of visiting her folks.

Shortly after the move, she wrote to Heck and told him she had enrolled the kids in school and she was staying.

Heck wrote back, understanding her frustration but told her to return immediately. Her short reply was, “Henry, not until you resign.” He knew that wouldn’t happen. Manhunting was in his blood. They eventually divorced.

Henry Andrew “Heck” Thomas went on to experience many more adventures as a deputy marshal. Later, he married another preacher’s daughter, Mattie Mowbray, who worked as a schoolmarm. He met her in Tulsa while recovering from wounds in 1888 from a gunfight with the Purdy gang.

Heck was struck in the right arm, breaking his wrist. Another bullet tore a hole eight inches long in his left side, knocking him from his horse. Still, the

History 11 raid on the gang was successful.

Heck also teamed up with deputy marshals Bill Tilghman and Chris Madsen. They became known as the Three Guardsman, making numerous

arrests in Indian Territory.

He ended his law enforcement career as the first chief of police of Lawton, Oklahoma (Eds: Oklahoma Territory, as Oklahoma did not receive statehood until Nov. 16, 1907.), serving seven years, from 1902 to 1909 when he suffered a heart attack at age 59 and retired. Heck died of Bright’s disease in 1912. Tilghman and Madsen wrote a condolence letter to “Mrs. Heck Thomas and Children” on Aug. 17, 1912.

Heck’s tombstone, in Lawton, reads: Born Jan. 3, 1850. Died Aug. 15, 1912.

Deputy U.S. Marshal 1886-1892.

Deputy Marshal Oklahoma Territory 1893-1900. Chief of Police Lawton, Oklahoma 1902-1909.

Heck led an exciting life from age 12 until he died in 1912. He was instrumental in bringing law and order to Indian Territory, arresting more than 300 men.

12 Education

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

March 9, 2022

ORSD a 2022 Every Kid Outdoors Transportation grantee Submitted by Tammy Young

The National Park Trust announced the first round of grantees for the Every Kid Outdoors Transportation Grants Program and has selected Ouachita River School District (ORSD) in the first round of grant awards. In partnership with the USDA Forest Service, the National Park Trust developed the Every Kid Outdoors grant to support schools and organizations focused on connecting elementary school-aged youth to public parks, lands and waters.

This opportunity was made available to 501(c)3 non–profit organizations and schools from all over the United States. National Park Trust (NPT) and USDA Forest Service awarded 28 grants, up to $5,000 each, to qualified applicants, totaling more

excellent classroom and hope the exthan $110,000.

For over a decade, NPT has been a periences provided by this grant proleader in youth outdoor programming and has been actively addressing the lack of transportation to outdoor spaces—one of the most significant barriers to kids getting outside and experiencing nature.

This grant supports the Every Kid Out- A pair of American Bald Eagles hunting from a tree doors program, a above Lake Dardanelle.

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse) federal youth initiative designed to provide every fourth gram will help kids establish lifelong grader in the United States the oppor- connections with nature and become tunity to visit public lands and waters the next generation of park stewards.

ORSD received a $5,000 award to for free with their families. The NPT and the USDA Forest Service under- support our work in engaging our stand that the great outdoors is an fifth and sixth grade students (ap-

proximately 100 students) in handson learning experiences about our bald eagles and other native birds in the state of Arkansas. Students will be participating in activities in class to get geared up to go to Dardanelle State Park to learn even more about eagles, as well as other birds of prey and mammals native to our area.

They will also be hiking trails to discover other natural habitats.

“We are delighted to expand our partnership with the USDA Forest Service by providing numerous nonprofits and schools across the country with Every Kid Outdoors Transportation Grants. These critical resources will allow thousands of children from underserved communities to discover our public lands and waters. For many of these students, it will be their first opportunity to explore the great outdoors,” said Grace Lee, executive director of NPT.

U of A Extension Office offers spring courses

Submitted by Sherry Beaty-Sullivan

March 17. Topics will include weed ID, poisonous weeds, and weed control.

Annie’s Project March 29 topics will include soils, Annie’s Project is a six-session fertility, and water quality. program designed to empower The March sessions will be held women in agriculture to be suc- at the Wickes Community Center. cessful through education, netThe April sessions will be held in works and resources.

Mena at the Extension Education The program will be held March Building.

28, April 4, 11, 18, 25, and 28. Cost April 5 topic is extending grazing is $50 per person. and April 7 topics are forage ID, forIt will start with a meal at 5:45 age quality, and pasture inventory. p.m. Participants must pre-register All sessions start at 6 p.m. The

by March 15. cost is $10 per session or $30 for all four sessions.

Forage Short A meal will be served at each sesForage Short course is a four-ses- sion. Please pre-register by calling sion program that will be held 479-394-6018.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

March 9, 2022

13

14 Politics

March 9, 2022

Polk County 2022 candidates for the primary election

The following is a full list of all candidates filing for office for the 2022 PolkCounty Primary Elections. The Primary Election will be May 24, with early voting beginning May 9.

Some offices have not had a candidate file. Those offices are listed as Vacant.

County Judge • Brandon Ellison Sheriff • David Scott Sawyer County Clerk • Tammie Minton • Lisa Standridge Circuit Clerk • Michelle Schnell Treasurer • Tanya K. Fretz Assessor • Jovan Thomas Coroner • Brian Bowser Jp District 1 • Chris Daniel

Jp District 2 • Jim Neugent • Jeremy Jones Jp District 3 • Levi Ellison Jp District 4 • Steve Bell • James Perry Looney Jp District 5 • Troy Lunsford • Jimmy E. Lovell Jp District 6 • Tommy Floyd Jp District 7 • Tawana Gilbert Jp District 8 • Terry L. Scott Jp District 9 • Mitchell Tidwell Constable, Center • Vacant Constable, Fulton • Vacant Constable, Eagle • Vacant

Constable, Gap Spgs • John Deming Constable, Potter • Edward E. Price Jr. Constable, Cove Twp • Joshua Hagler • Jim Corrazo Constable, Acorn • Kristopher Lyle Constable, White • Duane Isaacs Constable, Mtn. • Donald D. Davis Constable, Freedom TWP • Debbie Hughes Mena School Board, Zone 1 • Robert Bradley • Greg Philpot • Kyle Cannon Mena School Board, Zone 2 • Edward C. Puckett Mena School Board, Zone 3 • Todd Aynes Mena School Board, Zone 4 • Vacant Mena School Board, Zone 5 • Susan Rowell

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Ouachita River School Board, Z1 • Jason Neugent Ouachita River School Board, Z2 • Rhonda Anderson Ouachita River School Board, Z3 • Chris Tedder Ouachita River School Board, Z4 • Cheryl Boyd Ouachita River School Board, Z5 • Annette Hays Ouachita River School Board, Z6 • Lana Philpot Ouachita River School Board, Z7 • Gene Monk Cossatot River School Board, Z1 • Mark Duggan Cossatot River School Board, Z2 • Josh Tadlock Cossatot River School Board, Z3 • Brian Rusty Youngblood Cossatot River School Board, Z4 • Nick Strother Cossatot River School Board, Z5 • Alex Wade Cossatot River School Board, Z6 • Leona Scott Cossatot River School Board, Z7 • Vacant

Controlled burn blankets Ouachitas

By Ethan Nahté

The smoke was difficult to miss last week as it poured throughout the Ouachita Mountains, stemming from a controlled burn located in McCurtain County.

The thick layer spread to the Hot Springs area and beyond Tuesday and

Wednesday the first week of March. The Oklahoma Ranger District released a burn notification for McCurtain County Wilderness Area (MCWA) West involving 3,345 acres. The general vicinity was just north of Broken Bow Lake: 5 miles south of the Narrows, 5.5 miles east of Hwy. 259, west of Broken Bow Lake, south of Cooperville, Oklahoma.

Rich Mountain is nearly hidden by the smoke from a controlled burn.

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

March 9, 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 February 28, 2022 Christopher Chesser, 36 of Wickes was arrested on a Body Attachment.

Deputies responded to a report of a broken light in a cell at the Polk County Detention Center leading to a citation for 2nd Degree Criminal Mischief being issued.

March 1, 2022 Neisha Wikel, 29 of Hatfield was arrested on a Felony Failure to Appear Warrant.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 59 near Board Camp in reference to an altercation. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Bunyard Lane near Ink in reference to a Criminal Trespass complaint.

March 2, 2022 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 87 near Ink in reference to an unknown person on their property. This led to Cody James being given a Criminal Trespass citation.

March 3, 2022 Deputies responded to a report of a housefire on Hayhurst Lane near Acorn.

Deputies were dispatched to the local hospital in reference to a dog bite victim.

Deputies responded to a report of a break-in at a residence on Polk 32 near Cove.

Deputies were advised of a dog bite victim at a residence on North Hornbeck near Vandervoort.

March 4, 2022 While on patrol, deputies observed a vehicle at an abandoned vehicle on Polk 48 near Potter leading to the arrest of Troy Bear, 55 on charges of DWI and Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test.

MENA POLICE REPORTS February 27 Aidan James, 19, was served with a warrant in the Northside Shopping Center.

Noah Johnston, 20, was charged with Theft of Property at Walmart.

Lenard Barnett, 33, was charged with Disorderly Conduct at a residence on Jolie Way.

March 5, 2022 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 689 near Mena in reference to an attempted forced entry.

This led to the arrest of Jeremy Burns, 44 of Conway on charges of Residential Burglary, Assault 3rd Degree, Criminal Trespass, Criminal Mischief, and Fleeing on Foot.

Jeremy Burns, 44 of Conway was additionally charged with Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct, Furnishing Prohibited Articles and Possession of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance.

Deputies responded to a report of a possible stranded motorist on Eagle Mountain.

Deputies were notified of an individual lying in a ditch on Hwy 375 E near Mena leading to the arrest of Michal Rogers on charges of Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

February 28 Mamie Stinson, 43, was served with three warrants at the police department.

Michael Harper, 43, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Reine Street.

March 6, 2022 No reports filed.

March 4 Andrea Main, 32, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

A report of theft was taken at a residence on Grandview Heights.

A report of theft was taken at Walmart.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 17 Incarcerated Inmates, with 6 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

Police 15 March 5 A report of theft and criminal mischief was taken at Mena Stone.

Windal Loyd, 41, was charged with Public Intoxication at Janssen Park.

A report of criminal mischief was taken at Pinecrest Cemetery.

A report of a disturbance was taken at James’ Food. Kaylie Stroud, 26, was charged with Possession of Marijuana and Disorderly Conduct. Cody Thorton, 30, was charged with Disorderly.

Sergeant Jim Smith honored as County Officer of the Year

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge today hosted the 19th annual Officer of the Year awards and recognition luncheon at the Benton Event Center, where she announced Polk County Sheriff ’s Office Sergeant Jim Smith as the Polk County Officer of the year.

March 1 Joshua Tucker, 39, was served with a warrant at the police department.

Cheyenne Smith, 27, was charged with criminal trespass at Walmart.

March 2 A report of criminal mischief was taken from a person at Southern Auto.

A report of theft was taken from a person at Executive Inn. March 3 A report of harassment was taken from a person at Walmart.

“The dedication of Sergeant Jim Smith to protect and serve keeps Arkansans safe,” Rutledge said. “Arkansas is lucky to have men and women in blue who put their lives on the line to protect, often sacrificing so much for our communities.”

Every year, Rutledge honors Officers of the Year from all 75 Arkansas counties, in addition to statewide and regional winners. She also recognizes law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty with Valor Tributes.

To read more about the statewide officers of the year, https://arkansasag. gov/news_releases/rutledge-announces-officer-of-the-year-regional-winners/.

16 News

By Patrick Massey

THE POLK COUNTY

March 9, 2022

Healthcare providers indicted

DE QUEEN – A federal grand jury has handed down indictments against a number of area healthcare providers following an investigation into several clinics and pharmacies in De Queen, Lockesburg and elsewhere in Southwest Arkansas.

Several members of the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Diversion Control Division held a press conference in De Queen on Monday to announce the federal criminal charges. In all, a grand jury of the Western District of Arkansas passed down eight indictments on March 1 for the charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances without a medical purpose. A DEA spokesperson said those charged

include five nurse practitioners and three pharmacists.

All eight individuals have received federal summons to appear before the Western District of Arkansas on March 9 for arraignment.

The sealed indictments to not include the names of those facing charges.

However, DEA Special Agent Jarad Harper said the indictments were issued following investigations

Pulse

at clinics and pharmacies in De Queen, Lockesburg, Dierks and Texarkana. All of these locations were operated by the Lansdell Family Clinic.

Harper said the investigation was conducted as part of a nationwide law enforcement response to the ongoing opioid epidemic.

That investigation came to light in May of 2021 after the DEA received information from the Sevier County Sheriff ’s Office over the potential illegal distribution of opioids at these locations. DEA agents raided several area Lansdell Family Clinic locations as well as Pruett’s Pharmacy. No arrests were made at the time, but agents seized computers, documents and other items related to the investigation.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

March 9, 2022

Classifieds 17

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T0427 Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries.

(870) 490-1191 T0330

One-bedroom house, gas appliance, sanitized, interior repainted, nice! Call Randy at (479) 243-5292 T0316

- FOR SALE -

House For Sale by owner, 1103 S. First Street, Mena. 2 BR/1 Bath, brick (479) 2164531 or (479) 234-2103 T0309

Polk County Births Mena Regional Health System FEBRUARY 25, 2022 TO MARCH 4, 2022

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

T0427

Jennifer & Charles Broach of Cove, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born Feb. 27th

Handy-man services! No job too small.

Plumbing and electrical. Call Bill Duff for details (479) 216-5204.

T0302

Brittany & Josh Dyer of Wickes, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born Mar. 1st

- LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE

The Mena School District will accept qualifications statements from qualified Construction Management firms until March 14, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.

Mena Administration Office 501 Hickory Avenue Mena, AR, 71953 In general, the district is interested in retaining the services of a CM firm for the construction of various projects throughout the district. Qualification should, at a minimum, show previous k-12 experience, familiarity with the area and the available sub-base.

Statements shall include available staffing for the project and their experience with k-12 projects. All statements shall be sent or delivered to the address above by the date and time noted above.

T0309

Angelica Martinez & Gerson Carranza of De Queen, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born Mar. 2nd

THRIFTY THURSDAY CHIQUITA’S

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THE SHOP

$45 UNLIMITED TANNING FOR $25

Listen EVERY Thursday Morning

For More Info Call 479-243-9600

18 Puzzles

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

March 9, 2022

03.09.22

03.09.22

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 03.02.22

A Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Hello! My name is Elsie. I am 9 months old. I feel the most comfortable laying in the sunshine or sleeping in my bed. People are good, but I prefer my own space. I like to be with other cats. I have not been tested with dogs or kids. I am litter boxed trained, and must be an indoor only cat. I have been spayed and I am up to date on all vaccinations. Come to the shelter and meet me today. I want to go home with you!

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

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

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

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

March 9, 2022 FIRE John and Roxann. continued from page 1 Rogers was a park interpreter at

By Ethan Nahté

A fire broke out during the near-freezing darkness on Hay Hurst Lane early Thursday, consuming the house and most of a young couple’s earthly possessions between 2-2:30 a.m. Although the temperature had made it to the mid-70s the previous afternoon, it was close to 32º F when Christine Elliott awoke and noticed something was wrong.

Looking out the window from the second story, the young mother of an 11-month-old daughter named Michelle, stated in a post on her Facebook page, “It is only by the grace of God that I woke up to a bright light just outside the window between my bed and Michelle’s crib. I looked out the window and realized the whole front of the house was on fire, so I grabbed Michelle out of bed.”

The fire apparently started on the front porch, directly outside the second-floor bedroom. When the mother and daughter got downstairs, the fire was not inside the house. But, due to the front porch being engulfed in roaring flames, they were forced to exit through the back door. The house had no steps, requiring the pregnant mother to safely navigate a three-tofour-foot drop. Christine, who is eightmonths pregnant, escaped barefooted into the cold, wearing just her pajamas, with her child and cellphone in hand to call for help. Her husband of twoand-a-half years, Andrew Elliott, was at work at Sterling Machinery.

Christine posted, “[I] got us out of the house. We got up the hill to my inlaw’s house safely and were completely unharmed.”

Her in-laws are John & Roxann Elliott, owners of Hwy. 71 Flooring in Mena.

According to Christine’s mother, Yvonne Rogers, “They have lived there forever, and they go to Abundant Life where Jack Smith is pastor,” referring to

an adult, especially if you had a young child and another on the way.

Rogers said, “I just know they need Queen Wilhelmina State Park. She used all the to bring support many edthey can ucational get to reprograms furnish a to the new home c o m once the m u n i t y. appraisal Christine and conis her oldtract is est child. all done.

Rogers T h e y said, “She c o u l d n’ t called me afford inat 2:35 surance, a.m. after she made The remains of the Elliott house. A portion of the stone so didn’t have any it to her structure smolders amongst destroyed appliances. on home in-laws (Photo courtesy of Yvonne Rogers.) or conhouse.”

Christine told her mother, “Yeah, the tent.”

Items that many people either don’t whole house and everything is gone… burnt to the ground. The fire depart- think anything about or take for grantment is working on putting it out, so it ed are needed, ranging from washrags doesn’t spread to the woods.

“I know it was God, because I had just randomly woken up and saw it out the window. That’s the only reason we were able to get out when we did.”

Rogers posted on her Facebook page, “Today could’ve been so different…I am so thankful for every single one of you that have contacted and helped, even those dealing with their own loss have reached out. You know who you are, and God knows who you are.”

The residence is located a considerable distance from town, a few miles past the Rich Mountain Country Store located at the intersection of US Hwy. 270 and 272, and a short distance from the state line.

Rogers said, “Kristopher Lyle said the house was already engulfed in flames by the time the fire department had arrived.” Lyle is the Polk County emergency management coordinator.

Most people surely remember what it was like when first venturing out on their own or as a couple, and how lean times could be getting a start as

News 19 and towels to plates, bowls and cutlery.

Kitchen appliances (large and small), cleaning supplies, sheets, furniture, and toys for 12+ for Michelle.

As for baby items Michelle is tiny, wearing size 6-9 months and size 3 diapers. She drinks Nutramigen formula and is eating baby food.

Christine’s shoe size is 9.5-10. The mother-to-be wears medium to large shirts and stretchy pants.

Andrew wears medium shirts and size 29-32 pants. His shoe size is 10.

There is a benefit account at Union Bank. The account number is 1201948 and the routing number is 082900982.

Donations can also be made to Christine’s cash app: $CElliott629 The family states, “Please note all donations as ‘Gift’ so as it’s not considered income by the IRS.” Though material items are needed, family and friends have been expressing how happy they are that the young family is safe and suffered no physical harm from the fire.

20 Tourism

March 9, 2022

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Crater of Diamonds celebrates 50 years as an Arkansas State Park

(MURFREESBORO, Ark.) – Crater of Diamonds State Park celebrates its 50th year as an Arkansas state park this year and will hold an anniversary celebration on Friday, April 22, and Saturday, April 23.

Crater of Diamonds State Park, in Murfreesboro, Ark., has managed North America’s only public diamond mine since the State of Arkansas purchased the 37.5acre deposit of diamond-bearing ore and 800 surrounding acres in March of 1972.

Over the past 50 years, more than 4.5 million people have come from all over the world to search for diamonds in Arkansas. Celebration activities on April 22-23 will include guest speakers, treasure hunts, games, prizes and a special exhibit of Crater diamonds. All activities are free with purchase of admission to the diamond search area.

“Crater of Diamonds State Park has become one of the most recognizable ambassadors for Arkansas,” said Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “In many cases, if people outside our state know little else about us, they know that you can come to Arkansas and search for diamonds. We are proud of this unique feature and look forward to celebrating this important milestone for the park in April.”

Shea Lewis, director of Arkansas State Parks, said he is looking forward to celebrating the past 50 years of the state park and looking

ahead to the future.

“All of our 52 state parks are unique,” Lewis said, “but Crater of Diamonds offers an experience that you literally can’t find anywhere else in North America. I am extremely proud of the staff we have and their commitment to

and appraised at $1 million. A diamond marker and informational plaque will be unveiled in the approximate location of the original find on the south end of the diamond search area.

Finding a diamond is a thrilling experience for those guests fortu-

making that experience special for each of our park guests.”

On Friday, April 22, the park will also unveil a new display commemorating the discovery of the 8.52-carat Esperanza Diamond. Park Interpreter Waymon Cox said, “The Esperanza is the sixth-largest gem discovered at the Crater of Diamonds in the past 50 years and has an exceptional quality and beauty.”

In September 2015, the diamond was cut into a triolette shape weighing 4.6 carats. It was graded as colorless (D) and internally flawless (IF) by the American Gem Society

nate enough to uncover a hidden gem during their visit, but that experience alone doesn’t capture the full value of visiting Crater of Diamonds State Park.

“Part of a diamond’s value comes from its rarity,” Park Superintendent Caleb Howell said. “Few visitors find diamonds at the park, but most leave happy because they find something more valuable here: the chance to reconnect with family and friends in a natural setting.

We’re celebrating a half-century of providing a place for people to do just that.”

More details about the park’s

50th Anniversary Celebration will be released in the coming weeks.

For more information, contact Crater of Diamonds State Park at 870-285-3113, or email CraterofDiamonds@arkansas.com.

Quick Facts about Crater of Diamonds State Park • Diamonds come in all colors of the rainbow. The three most common colors found at Crater of Diamonds State Park are white, brown and yellow, in that order.

• In total, more than 75,000 diamonds have been unearthed at the Crater of Diamonds since the first diamonds were discovered in 1906 by John Huddleston, a farmer who owned the land long before it became an Arkansas State Park in 1972.

• The largest diamond ever discovered in the United States was unearthed here in 1924 during an early mining operation. Named the Uncle Sam, this white diamond with a pink cast weighed 40.23 carats. It was later cut into a 12.42-carat emerald shape and purchased by a private collector for $150,000 in 1971.

Crater of Diamonds State Park is located on Arkansas Highway 301 in Murfreesboro. It is one of 52 state parks administered by Arkansas State Parks, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

March 9, 2022

Hogspore News:

Mumford Pickens was in the Come-OnGive-Us-One-More Chance Diner reminiscing over his five ex-wives. He mused, which is the same thing as said, “Number three was the one that got away. I shoulda tied her up better. She wasn’t more beautiful or smarter, and she had a mean side to her, putting me down and rolling her eyes.

But, there was something about her. From the beginning, it was love at first slight.”

In Tony’s Barbershop, Morton Trubletoof was giving us an update on how his house renovations are going. He said, “I started the work and then Portia suggested we get a contractor to do the job, cause of my ineptness, whatever that means. Just cause I put together a tall walk-in tub without a door; it was really more of a climb-in tub.

We had a loooong discussion on the matter and we both agreed to get a professional. Portia did offer another choice, but the contractor is gonna be way cheaper than her brother, the divorce lawyer.

The guy is getting the job done, and he’s finished the bathroom and is halfway through the kitchen. His crew keeps everything neat in the work area, and they’re on

The one that got away schedule. My wife thanked Thor a couple of times, and for some funny reason, she asked him if he was married. Thor is real perlite and always calls me Mr. Trubletoof.

Finally, I said, ‘Call me Morton. Mr. Trubletoof is my mother’s name.’”

Toyota won’t be offering an electronic key when you buy a car. They’ll lease a fancy key to you. Toyota owners have to pay 8 dollars a month to keep using their key fob for remote start. The brochure calls it the Showing Off to the Neighbors Option.

Some new TV’s come with a built-in advertising screen with no ability to cancel it. Banks have fees for administering accounts. Utility companies insist on convenience fees to pay bills online.

There’s fees for over-due E-books. I still don’t understand the rewind fee for returning CD’s, DVD’s, and BVD’s. Welcome to America, The Land of the Fee. At least, there’s no tolls for Rent-to-Own Brides.

You’ll pay extra later.

Remember the time change on Sunday.

Set your politics ahead one hour.

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

NEED HELP PAYING THAT LATEST UTILITY BILL? POLK COUNTY ENERGY ASSISTANCE Salvation Army 479-437-3110 ARVAC 479-394-4707 Nin Ninth Street Ministries 479-394-2541

Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative, Inc. Owned By Those We Serve

515 Janssen Ave, Mena, AR 71953 (479) 394-4140 W W W. R M E C . C O M

Humor 21

22 Sports

March 9, 2022

Bearcats on the Diamond Pulse Staff

Track

March 17 - @ Mena

Soccer

March 10 - Heavener @ Mena March 14 - Mena @ Cossatot

Baseball

March 10 & 12 - Mena Tournament March 15 - Fountain Lake @ Mena March 16 - Mena @ Horatio

Softball

March 11- Malvern @ Mena March 14- Mena @ Dardanelle March 15- Fountain Lake @ Mena March 17- Mena @ Bauxite

Baseball

March 10- Acorn @ Cossatot March 11- Hackett @ Cossatot March 15 - Cedarville @ Cossatot

Softball

March 10 - Acorn @ Cossatot March 11 - Hackett @ Cossatot March 12 - Cossatot @ Poyen March 15 - Cossatot @ Cedarville

Soccer

March 11-12 - Cossatot @ Texarkana Tournament March14 - Cossatot @ Mena

The Bearcats baseball team competed March 3-5 at the 3rd Annual Leopards Invitational Baseball Tournament in De Queen, going 1 and 2 over the three days of play.

The Bearcats dropped a 6-2 decision to the eventual tournament winner, the Horatio Lions, on Thursday. Rhett Brotherton started on the mound for the Bearcats and worked the first four innings. He allowed three runs on two hits, while striking out

Track March 12 - Hendrix Invitational Conway Baseball March 10 - Northern Oklahoma College @ UARM March 12 - UARM @ Northern Oklahoma College March 14 - Arkansas Tech Developmental Team @ UARM Softball March 10 - Murray State College @ UARM March 12 - Eastern Oklahoma State College @ UARM March 13 - Arkansas State Club Team @ UARM March 15 - UARM @ South Arkansas Community College Soccer (boys) March 10 - UARM @ Mountain View Soccer (girls) March 10 - UARM @ Richland

two. Reliever Brody Brown took the mound for Mena.

Mena defeated Waldron 13-5 at Horatio on Friday.

The Bearcats lost to the Mansfield Tigers 6-2 in De Queen on Saturday to finish in sixth place in the eight-team field.

The Bearcats are now 2 and 2 on the season. They have a conference game at Hope against the Bobcats on Wednesday. The Ladycats softball also play in Hope on Wednesday.

The Ladycats did well at the Ashdown Tournament, on Friday, tram-

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse pling the Waldron Bulldogs 13-0.

The schedule for the 2022 Mena Bearcat Baseball Tournament at Union Bank Park has been updated. Due to the weather prediction, no games will be played on Friday, March 11. An attempt will be made to host some games on Saturday if weather permits and the field isn’t too damaged. As of press time, the schedule: Thursday, March 10 • 7:00pm-Mena vs Malvern Saturday, March 12 • 11:00am-Huntsville vs Murfreesboro • 1:00pm- Huntsville vs Horatio • 3:00pm- Mena vs Murfreesboro • 5:00pm- De Queen vs Horatio Check out the Mena High School Facebook page for updates.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Outdoors 23

March 9, 2022

Ouachita Bushcraft and Survival The good ol’ days

by Steven E. Stillwell

Do you know what it feels like to sleep on top of a dead raccoon? Keep reading, because I’m going to tell you all of the specific details.

Years ago, back in the good ole days, before the grass-roots movement MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) existed, a close friend of mine and I decided to go to our deer camping spot so we could go bow hunting.

We’d been drinking beer all day, and lots of it, but it was still legal to drive an automobile if you could maintain your composure and not kill anyone. Common sense dictated that the least intoxicated one should drive, so I handed the keys to my friend, and started barking orders. “Head North,” I said.

Several hours later, we were exiting the interstate, and my buddy noticed that a squad car was following us. A minute later, the officer activated his blue lights, initiating a traffic stop.

As he approached the car, Nick rolled the window down and greeted the officer.

“The reason I pulled you guys over was because your license plate is missing,” he sternly said.

I piped up and told the official we had one, but it probably slid down the back window. He asked to see it, and I kindly obliged, reaching over the backseat to prop it back up again.

In his next breath, he asked my friend, “How much have you had to drink?”

“Within the last hour, or all day,” my silly buddy replied.

The officer scratched his head, started laughing and blurted out, “I’m so sick of hearing ‘Two beers.’ That’s the funniest answer I’ve ever heard.”

I thought to myself, if it wasn’t for our missing license plate, he never would have pulled us over.

Once upon a time…

“Where are you guys headed?” was his next question.

“About more five miles, to the national forest,” was my response.

After checking my friend’s driver’s license, he told us to have a nice day, good luck, and to be careful “You’re free to go!”

By the time we reached our destination at the end of the forest service dirt road, the sun was setting, and the light was fading fast. We had another case of cold beer in the ice chest. WE WERE PREPARED, so we guzzled a couple more while setting up camp. I collected the firewood, while Nick pitched our tent.

After sitting around the firepit for an hour or two, we decided to retire for the evening. The weather was nice, and we both had high hopes of tagging a deer the next morning.

As soon as Nick stretched out on his old blanket, he started complaining about something lumpy underneath his side of the tent. In spite of all the beer he’d consumed, and the half-pack of cigarettes he’d smoked, he stated, “I swear, I’m part animal, because I can

(Photo by Steven E. Stillwell)

smell things out here, and this place stinks.”

The following morning when we woke up, the interior of our humble

abode smelled like a rotting carcass, minus all of the farts. With fresh noses and sharp minds, we exited the tent, pulled up the stakes, and moved our shelter to the side. Lo and behold, to our surprise, we found a half-flattened, dead raccoon on the forest floor.

I looked at my bewildered friend and protested, “Next time I’ll pitch the tent, and you can collect the firewood.”

Needless to say, we never saw a deer the entire weekend because we both smelled like, THE STENCH OF DEATH. We did manage to finish all of the beer.

We invite you to join our Facebook page, OUACHITA BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL. If you enjoy interviews, you can listen to our podcast programs by visiting, THE OUACHITA PODCASTS. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not the Pulse multimedia group.

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March 9, 2022

THE POLK COUNTY

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