Polk County Pulse - May 24, 2023

INSIDE:

Special Olympics Arkansas special for the Stouts

By Ethan Nahté

SEARCY, AR — Harding University was the host for the 2023 Special Olympics Arkansas Summer Games on May 19 and 20. More than 1,400 athletes and coaches were anticipated to attend the event. Special Olympics Arkansas Area 14, which encompasses the counties of Polk, Scott, Yell and Logan, had 35 athletes, 16 coaches and three partners attended the event.

Athletes competed in a variety of sports including track and field, boccie, swimming, flag football, power-lifting and tennis.

Like the Olympic Games most people are familiar with, the Special Olympics Arkansas (SOA) events began in advance with the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The run began Monday, May 15, commencing

a three-day journey in which officers carried the “Flame of Hope” from all four corners of the state.

Thursday, May 18, Guardians of the Flame converged on the steps of the Arkansas State Capitol, located at 500 Woodlane St. in Little Rock, to join their flames in a ceremonial lighting of the Final Leg Torch. The Final Leg is a 50-mile continuous run to Searcy which officers completed by running the Flame of Hope into the opening ceremonies.

Mena Police Officer Steven Stout was unable to participate in the event. Stout was recently assisting a driver of a stalled vehicle, helping to push their vehicle out of the road when he tore something in his leg. It landed him in a walking boot, which was removed Wednesday, the day before the awards cer-

Bluegrass at The Blue

By Ethan Nahté

Summer may not be for another four weeks, but many consider the Memorial Day weekend as the unof-

ficial kick-off to summer. For some camping, food and music are all a part of the weekend. In this instance, it’s live music with some pro bands.

For those of you out of town

or out of state who enjoy all of the above, make your way to the Ouachita Mountains this weekend.

See BLUEGRASS continued on page 14

The Stouts were chosen as the 2023 Special Olympics Arkansas Family of the Year. (Photo courtesy of Steven Stout)

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I would like to make some comments about a recent article by Rhonda Peppers, LPC, on Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). Some brief credentials for my credibility: Ph.D. Counseling Psychology from Florida State University, worked in schools, community mental health, psychiatric wards, private clinical practice, several universities and retired from the University of Central Oklahoma where I was head of school and LPC counseling program.

I was trained by Dr. Francine Shapiro and her team in EMDR in the aftermath of the Murray Federal Building bombing in Oklahoma City in 1997. By this time, I had been providing pro bono counseling since 1988, and I continued to do so until I retired from the university.

Besides treating individuals dealing with problems as a result of the bombing, I used EMDR with victims of car wrecks, sex abuse, childhood bullying and I found EMDR particularly helpful in the treatment process with Dissociative Identity DisorderDID (more commonly known as multiple personality disorder).

One point that I think is important about EMDR is it is generally a much shorter treatment than people realize including some therapists. Also due to its nature, EMDR appears to be overly simplistic and has in the past been rejected by some training programs and clinicians.

I think Rhonda did an excellent job of outlining the basics of EMDR. In some cases, PTSD can be treated in 5 to 6 sessions. In other more complex situations such as DID, it will be part of a larger treatment protocol.

I do not know Rhonda, but if I had a loved one or friend dealing with these issues, I would encourage them to call Inspired Counseling at 479-4377967 to discuss scheduling an assessment.

One final note: During training we went through the treatment process ourselves. My one session resolved my issue. I had witnessed a couple of fighter planes crash on the runway while in the service. Thirty years later I saw a twin-engine Cessna aircraft crash in a field just down from our place. My son and I were first on the scene. I saw two individuals inside the burning plane and had my 13-year-old son drive the truck back to the highway before he could see what was happening. I watched helplessly as they died in the fire. As a result, that, combined with the old memories, would cause emotional panic when I smelled jet fuel exhaust at the airport. Since that session I have had no more problems. Don’t wait. Take care of yourself now.

Jerry Chandler, Mena

Letter to the Editor

I would like to express my appreciation for the regular contributions made by Ronald Goss to Pulse. His letters are thought provoking, well written and his topics well researched.

Conversely, I find it odd that anyone would chastise him for exercising his right to his opinion and expressing same in his letters to the editor. The topics don’t seem to be the issue but rather the fact that he submits letters to Pulse. I have also been the target of his detractor’s tirades.

Mr. Goss’ submissions are far more productive and positive than those of Ms. Lay. Brings to mind the expression “if you can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all.”

Thank you,

Ginny Topley, Mena

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 SUBMIT:

Company C 1/153rd Infantry Regiment needs your support

By Ethan Nahté

Armed Forces Day occurred last Saturday. Memorial Day Weekend, as well as the day itself is happening May 29. Active military, as well as veterans and those who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms are on the minds of many if not most of the United States population.

Many in this area either served, or knew someone who served, in Company C 1/153rd Infantry Regiment. The veterans of Charlie Company did quite a bit for the good ol’ USA. They are now requesting a little support to honor the brave individuals who served in 1/153rd Infantry Regiment Veterans trained and deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II during the time period of 2003-2005.

Company C 1/153rd Infantry Regi-

ment was assigned to the 3rd “Greywolf” Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division Combat Team conducting combat operations attached to 1st Cavalry Di-

insurgents on and around Haifa Street in Baghdad, Iraq.

One hundred and seventy-six Purple Hearts were awarded to task force

members of Charlie Company to various causes since returning home. Many of the veterans have faced multiple physical and mental hardships.

A Charlie Company Reunion was designed as an opportunity to fellowship, check in with each other and continue to recognize and support the group’s heroic efforts.

The reunion will be held once again at the Mt. Harbor Resort & Spa on Lake Ouachita in Mount Ida, Arkansas, October 19 - 21.

vision 9th Battalion with one platoon being attached to the Battalion 153rd Task Force.

During the year-long-plus deployment, the Task Force conducted over 2,200 combat patrols and 42 Task Force Level operations against enemy

members with 78 being awarded to Charlie Company service members related to injuries received during combat operations.

They lost five task force members to injuries, one being their own, during this deployment. They have lost several

Activities will include a BBQ social, Lake Ouachita boat tour, horseback riding and banquet. Representatives from the DAV and VA Health System will be on hand for company unit members to ask questions and for assistance as needed.

Suggestions of what they need from those willing to sponsor this event and these veterans: items for giveaways, monetary donations to cover food, lodging and event costs, items to go in gift bags for veterans, etc. Your donation will go a long way in ensuring that this event can be held, providing a chance for the veterans to check in with each other, to be honored, and appreciated.

Your support for this event will not go unnoticed. They will recognize the generous sponsors in their promotional materials and at the event itself.

They will be selling tickets for door prizes like muzzleloaders and crossbows. The meal for the banquet in 2017 was bigger than they anticipated with 210 veterans, spouses and family members, costing $6,800.

They do not charge the veterans and their families for the meal, but they do have to pay for their own lodging.

For more information or to donate, contact retired 1st Sgt. Russell C. Carmack at 479-216-1445.

Employment in Arkansas has increased for seven consecutive months. The latest report from the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services shows the unemployment rate at 2.8%. By comparison, the national unemployment rate is 3.4%.

Compared to this time last year, there are 12,869 additional employed Arkansans.

While low unemployment rates are indicative of a healthy and growing economy, our efforts for economic development don’t end there.

The General Assembly is continuing to work on ways to foster innovation, encourage technological advances, and increase wages across the state.

In the 2023 Regular Session, we passed several pieces of legislation designed to continue increasing economic growth.

Act 746 creates the Rural Economic Development Initiative. The Rural Economic Development Initiative is established to provide funds to planning and development districts for distribution to projects in rural areas to further rural economic development and revitalization. If funding permits, a planning and development district may apply to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for funds.

The 94th General Assembly also passed Act 485, an Act to Enhance Economic Competitiveness by Phasing Out the Throwback Rule. A throwback rule mandates that sales into other states or to the federal government that are not taxable will be “thrown back” into the state of origin for tax purposes. The Arkansas Tax Reform and Relief Legislative Task

Force recommended the repeal of the throwback rule as it harmed economic competitiveness with other states that did not impose the rule. The General Assembly also passed the following acts concerning economic development during the recent session:

Act 34

This act eliminates the requirement for municipalities to collect a gross receipts tax on food or hotel stays to create an entertainment district.

Act 477

This act requires the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of developing a spaceport by 2024 if funding become available.

Act 517

This act increases the tax incentive for production and post-production costs for a state-certified film project.

Act 196

This act reduces the maximum potential unemployment compensation benefits from 4 months to 3 months and reduces unemployment insurance tax rates for employers.

Act 106

This act disqualifies a person from collecting unemployment compensation for any week he or she fails to respond to a job offer or fails to appear for a job interview.

We will continue researching ways to improve the economy in every area of our state. You can find more information about economic development in our state by visiting arkansasedc.com

The Arkansas Medicaid program is re-examining the cases of hundreds of thousands of recipients to determine whether or not they remain eligible for services.

By the end of April 72,802 cases were closed. People who no longer are eligible for Medicaid can get health coverage through the federal market place. Information is available at healthcare.gov

The state Department of Human Services (DHS) administers Medicaid, which is funded primarily with federal dollars.

Since 2013, until the national public health emergency caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, federal dollars paid for almost 71 percent of standard Medicaid spending in Arkansas and state government provided the remaining 29 percent. Individual programs within Medicaid can vary in how much the state matches federal funding.

Federal authorities increased the percentage of federal Medicaid funding by 6.2 percent during the designated health emergency. However, as a condition for accepting the increased funding states had to pledge to keep their Medicaid rolls intact.

Now that the national emergency has been declared over, states can review their rolls and determine who is no longer eligible. In Arkansas the process began in April.

While DHS dropped 72,000 people from Medicaid in April, the department also renewed the cases of 61,236 people who remained eligible after a review.

Three years ago about 921,000 people in Arkansas were enrolled in Medicaid. The rolls increased by 230,000 people during the pandemic. Medicaid officials expect the numbers to continue going down as DHS continues to review the eligibility of everyone in the program.

People on Medicaid should take care to respond to questionnaires and letters from DHS. Some people have been dropped from the rolls because their income has gone up, but some people have been dropped because they failed to fill out paperwork required by DHS.

Anyone on Medicaid who needs help with the process can call 855372-1084 or visit the website at this Internet address: ar.gov/accessanywhere

Homeowner Assistance

A federal program to help Arkansas homeowners impacted by the pandemic will end soon, according to state officials who administer the grant program.

Aid is available through the Arkansas Homeowner Assistance Fund to people who are behind in their mortgage payments due to hardships caused by the pandemic.

The Arkansas Development Finance Authority runs the program, which has helped more than 2,749 Arkansas households. The program has paid out $30,131,864 million and committed another $5,351,910.

Eligible homeowners must have a total annual household income below 150 percent of the Area Median Income or 100 percent of the United States Median Income, whichever is greater.

Participants must prove that the pandemic caused financial hardships after January 21, 2020. They must be past due on two or more consecutive mortgage or utility payments.

Hardships include job loss, income reduction or increased family expenses due for healthcare or the need to care for a family member. People may use the grants to prevent delinquent mortgages, to prevent home loss of their home due to foreclosure or to prevent the cutting off of utilities, including Internet access. For more information and to apply, go to ArkansasHAF.com.

John Maddox Terry Rice

Obituaries

Louella Mary (Anselmi) Dardar

Louella

Mary (Anselmi) Dardar, 79, passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023, in Mena, Arkansas. Louella was born on March 20, 1944, to the late Clayman

Andre Anselmi and Helen (Falgoust) Anselmi in Golden Meadow, Louisiana. She was a homemaker all her life towards her family, but she also owned a small thrift store in her early years.

She loved to play bingo and she and Raleigh had a twice-a-week bingo date night, but what brought her the most joy is her grandchildren and family.

Louella is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Al and Kurt Anselmi, and one daughter,

Alyce Marie Corkran.

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Raleigh Dardar; one son, Donald Corkran, Jr.; one stepson, Raleigh P. and wife Phebe Dardar; one daughter, Wanda Plaisance; one stepdaughter, Lisa and husband Thomas Tegart; one sister, Louverda Terrebonne; one brother, Gary Anselmi; ten grandchildren, Jordon, Jacie, Jaclyn, Sarah, Lori, Jett, Dustin, Devin, Austin, and Lucas; 14 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Beasley Wood Funeral Home with an interment at Six Mile Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. –7:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Preserving a serene symbol

Article and photos by Ethan Nahté

If you live in Polk County, especially in and around Mena, odds are you have attended a funeral or visited a gravesite

was a local dentist, police judge, architect and designer, as well as the publisher of one of Mena’s earliest newspapers called New Era. He was also the first Noble Grand of Lodge No. 152, IOOF, being one of the original 22 charter members for No. 152 when it was created circa 1898. Lindsay served as manager of the Odd Fellows Cemetery for approximately 10 years.

According to the IOOF site, “Burying the dead was taken very seriously by early Odd Fellows, and most lodges purchased land and established cemeteries as one of their first activities in a new town or city. In many areas all phases of burial (sometimes including services now provided by undertakers) were provided by Odd Fellows in the earlier days. Cemeteries were often open to the public, and plots were sold for a few dollars each… .”

at Pinecrest Cemetery. It is alternately known to some as either Pinecrest Gardens or Pinecrest Memorial Park, which is the name on the sign at the cemetery entrance (not to be confused with the cemetery of the same name in Alexander, Arkansas.). Regardless of the appellation or spelling variation you use, it is Polk County’s largest cemetery, containing approximately 4,500 graves,

The name and an in-depth history are a story for another day, although a bit of background is a necessity. In 1904, a parcel of land was obtained to be used as a cemetery for residents of Mena and surrounding areas. This land became known as the Odd Fellows Cemetery, named for the purchasers, Mena Lodge No. 152, Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF).

Solomon Lucien (S.L.) “Old” Lindsay

As a matter of fact, there were several across Arkansas. Some cemeteries still retain the Odd Fellows name while others, like Pinecrest, changed with ownership.

According to a July 31, 1970, historical report by Lilliam W. Burtch, Margaret R. Ogden and Rachel I. Ritchie (“Odd Fellows Cemetery 1904-1933 Pinecrest Memorial Park 1933-1969, Mena, Arkansas”), many early improvements to the cemetery were done, such as the bridge entrance and the erection of the stone wall across the front.

Gazebo

Another improvement occurred in 1930 when a shelter house or chapel was built in the middle of the original plot of land, surrounded by hundreds of trees. The gazebo structure was intended to be used as a place to either See PINECREST

continued on page 13

Arkansans receive fake mortgage company solicitations

(Little Rock, AR) Tuesday, May 16, 2023 - Arkansas homeowners are confused by multiple notices that appear to be from their mortgage company. According to numerous BBB Scam Tracker reports, the letters are a deceptive solicitation for a home warranty service.

How the scam works

You receive a letter that appears to come from your mortgage provider. It’s allegedly from the company’s “Home Warranty Dept,” and claims that your home warranty must be renewed.

One BBB Scam Tracker report noted: “At the very bottom of the letter in small print is the comment, ‘Not all consumers have previous coverage. We are not affiliated with your current mortgage.’”

Another homeowner  reported: “The mailing is made to look like a check: it has the tear-away sides and inside is a ‘Renewal Fee Voucher’ for $199.00. It’s

Public survey to report pine tree discoloration and mortality

not a check: it’s an attempt to get you to sign up for a home warranty.”

If you don’t read the fine print (or it doesn’t appear in the letter you receive), you’ll likely be concerned your home warranty has lapsed and your mortgage is at risk. You won’t be dealing with your mortgage lender if you call the number and “renew” your warranty. Instead, you will have given money and personal information to a company that employs deceptive advertising tactics.

Recent examples submitted to BBB vary widely in appearance and presentation. Still, they have two things in common — they all ask the homeowner to take urgent action on their home warranty, and they all appear to come from the homeowner’s mortgage company.

New homeowners may be particularly at risk for buying into these deceptive claims.

Continuance granted for woman charged in accidental death of former state trooper

By Patrick Massey

DE QUEEN – A continuance has been issued in the Sevier County Circuit Court for a Lockesburg woman charged for her involvement in the 2021 death of a former law enforcement officer.

According to court records, Kayle Helms, 35, was charged last year with a single count of manslaughter following the death of Chris Brackett, 50, in 2021. Brackett was a former Sevier County Sheriff’s deputy and Arkansas State Trooper.

Helms, who has pleaded not guilty, appeared in the Sevier County Circuit Court on Thursday for a pre-

trial hearing.

On Apr. 27 the court accepted a motion by Helms’ defense counsel to postpone the trial. That has been rescheduled for this July.

According to the arrest affidavit, Helms said she and Brackett were practicing self-defense techniques the night of Aug. 12, 2021, when the handgun she was holding accidentally discharged. The incident occurred at Brackett’s home near Lockesburg.

Helms was formally charged in March 2022 with one count of manslaughter, a Class C felony. Upon a conviction, the offense carries a sentence of three to 10 years in prison.

LITTLE ROCK  – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division (Forestry Division) has released a survey for members of the public to report pine tree discoloration and/ or mortality, specifically in southeast Arkansas. The survey can be found at arcg.is/1HyHCu0.

The increase in pine tree discoloration and mortality is an issue that has been observed in Arkansas and neighboring states. No specific cause has been identified and several possible causes are being considered.

This survey will provide Forestry Division staff and partners with data to further investigate this issue. The survey will collect information about the date and location of the observation,

the environment where the observation occurred, and other general observations.

To analyze the causes of pine tree mortality and identify solutions, the Forestry Division is working with multiple partners, including the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources; the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service; and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Plant Industries Division.

For more information about pine tree discoloration and/or mortality, visit  agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/ arkansas-forestry-health/arkansas-loblolly-pine-decline/

U.S. Sen. Boozman discusses debt, physician shortage and VA benefits

By Patrick Massey

We recently had the chance to speak with U.S. Senator John Boozman (RAR) to discuss a broad range of national issues, from rising debt and a growing shortage of doctors to efforts he’s spearheading to assist the nation’s veterans.

The conversation began with a discussion on U.S. debt levels and the perennial battle over the debt ceiling. The U.S. Department of the Treasury places the national debt at more than $31 trillion - or about $94,000 per U.S. resident.

Earlier this year, the nation hit its debt ceiling, kicking off an ongoing debt-ceiling crisis along with a political battle to address it.

Boozman identified two significant risks associated with the nation’s debt

and the debt ceiling issue - the risk of defaulting on debts both within and outside the United States, as well as the $1 trillion-a-year cost to service it.

“We really have two threats going on: we do need to lift the debt ceiling so we can meet our debt obligations within our nation and to other countries,” Boozman said. “The other threat that we have is servicing the debt. This $31 trillion debt has high interest rates and we continue to add to that deficit every year. It’s not like this debt is stable - it increases every year. Something’s going to have to give.”

Boozman also lauded efforts by GOP members of the House of Representatives to meet with the Democrat-led Senate and the White House to negotiate an effort to address the

debt issue.

“I’m pleased that they’re going to meet,” Boozman said. “Both Republicans and Democrats have to negotiate. [House Majority Leader] Kevin McCarthy will be taking the lead and he’s put out a bill and said this is our marker. Let’s find common ground so we can address the debt ceiling and also this really serious problem we have with the debt and the deficit.”

Boozman also took a moment to discuss a bill he introduced this month titled the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act. As its name suggests, the bill identifies the nationwide shortage of a well-trained physician workforce — particularly in rural states like Arkansas.

Boozman’s bill seeks to address the issue through the relatively simple expedient of increasing hospital residency opportunities for physicians in training.

“You work hard, you get into medical school, you graduate and then sadly there’s not enough residency programs,” Boozman said. “So, you have to wait and wait until you finally are eligible. So, it makes no sense to increase the size of the classes of medical schools and then not have any place to put the students.”

Boozman admits his legislation won’t alone fix the nation’s shortage in healthcare workers. The bill, he explains, needs to be part of a broader and bipartisan effort to meet the demands posed by the country’s declining birthrate and its aging population.

“When you look at the demographics, 40 percent of Arkansas healthcare providers are 60 or older,” Boozman explained. “Not only do we have a problem now, but we have a huge problem looming in front of us. That’s exacerbated by the fact that young

people are now getting married much later and having fewer children. Not only do we have an aging problem, we have fewer people coming into the pipeline.”

One final topic brought up during our discussion focused on various bills spearheaded by Boozman to assist the nation’s veterans and their families. He’s advocated for expanded benefits for veterans exposed to toxins during their service, expanded mental health services and increased educational opportunities. Most recently, Boozman championed legislation to expand burial benefits and introduced a bill to study factors that best prevent veteran suicide.

Specifically, Boozman’s latest legislation would provide desperately needed options for veterans in end-of-life care and their families.

Boozman joined Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) in introducing the legislation, titled the Gerald’s Law Act. The act is named after a Michigan veteran who was denied the $900 VA burial benefit because he was not hospitalized with the VA at the time of his death.

Boozman said his legislation would allow veterans the choice to pass away at home and receive the burial benefit rather than being forced to spend their final days in a VA facility.

“If you elect to go home to be with your family in your final days, then you’re not entitled to that payment,” he said. “That makes no sense. Let’s make it fair. If a veteran wants to be at home with their loved ones, rather than in a hospital bed, they should get their benefits.”

For more information on this bill, and others Boozman has introduced to support the nation’s fighting men and women, visit www.boozman.senate.gov

STOUTS

continued from page 1 emony at the school. The group left immediately for Searcy following

the ceremony to arrive in Harding in time for registration. They were led by head coach and Area 14 Di-

rector Aarika Cox.

Steven was able to award medals both days of the event. His wife Angela, was one of the chaperons and volunteers, assisting the preparation of the medals as each group came forward for the officers to award the athletes.

A couple of those awards included their son Matthew, who was the focus of this year’s Polk County Pulse Autism Awareness Month article (March 29). Matthew had a great weekend, winning two bronze medals at SOA. One medal was in the mini-javelin throw and the second was in the 100-meter run.

Matthew and his parents were also surprised by another award presented to the entire family — the Special Olympics Arkansas Family of the Year Award 2023.

Steven said, “Apparently, your ar-

ticle made its way to Little Rock and Special Olympics Arkansas. A local member of the executive council shared [the Pulse] article with them. We were surprised and deeply humbled by this award.”

By Richie Lawry

The rain beating down on my shop’s metal roof was so loud that conversation wasn’t possible. The downpour was so heavy that I could not see the highway in front of my shop. A flash river was running down my driveway. Water streamed from the ceiling in several places in the shop bay where I was trying to work. “I hope this downpour will be over soon,” I thought. But it wasn’t over soon. The deluge continued. After hours of hard rain, an inch of water was on my shop floor.

By the time the rain ended, nine inches of rain had fallen. Rainwater flooded the floor throughout the shop. I knew that my old shop building had several leaks, but it had never flooded before. I realized that I was going to have to get my roof repaired. But we did not have another heavy rainfall for a few months, and I put it out of my mind. It was the year 2020, and it seemed that there were always more pressing things.

In November of that year, I had the roof replaced. Hearing the rain on my new roof and no leaks in my shop was delightfully satisfying. While I was reading the book of Ecclesiastes, I found this little gem; “When you are too lazy to repair your roof, it will leak, and the house will fall in.” Ecclesiastes 10:18 (GNT) “That is a little bit too close to home,” I thought.

I started working on my cold, drafty shop in the spring of last year. The building was old and needed updating. In several places, the ceiling had fallen. Some of the siding had rotted away, and you could see outside. The old, ill-fitting garage doors left significant gaps. I would stuff old blankets into the cracks to try and keep some heat in the shop. It wasn’t easy trying to keep the shop warm.

This winter, I worked in a warm, dry shop. After replacing many rotten studs and installing new insulation and siding, the project was complete with new garage doors and foam sprayed on the ceiling. I decided to continue the shop renovation this spring by repairing and remodeling the office and bathroom.

When Terry began the project, he immediately ran into problems. Every wall was out of square and out of plumb. I jokingly told him, “The original builders must not have had a square or a level.” The project

An Arkie’s Faith Building renovation

you know. Who stretched a measuring tape on it? On what were its footings sunk; who laid its cornerstone.” Job 38:4-6 (CEB)

Jesus explained the importance of building correctly in Luke 6:47-49 (CJB) “Everyone who comes to me, hears my words and acts on them — I will show you what he is like: he is like someone building a house who dug deep and laid the foundation on bedrock. When a flood came, the torrent beat against that house but couldn’t shake it, because it was constructed well. And whoever hears my words but doesn’t act on them is like someone who built his house on the ground without any foundation. As soon as the river struck it, it collapsed and that house became a horrendous wreck!”

Here are three areas of construction God has assigned to us. First, the Bible instructs us to build up ourselves spiritually. “But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:20 (MSG) God also calls us to build up the church. “Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.”

1 Corinthians 14:12 (NIV) Today, too many Christians seem to be tearing down the church instead of building it up.

proceeded slowly as he dealt with the compromises necessary to deal with the poor original construction.

When Terry had completed the walls, he and his dad began laying out the tile floor. They did a masterful job of laying the tile to look square even though the rooms were out of square. Watching them work, I thought of Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 3:10 (VOICE). “Like a skilled architect and master builder, I laid a foundation based upon God’s grace given to me. Now others will come along to build on the foundation. Each serves in a different way and is to build upon it with great care.”

Whoever built my shop all those years ago was not a skilled architect or master builder. Whether new construction or reno-

vations, building is a process that requires vision, planning, investment, and time. You must know what you want to build, prepare plans, and use proper construction tools and methods. If you don’t, anyone who has to work after you will have problems.

The same principles hold true as we build our lives. “Without the help of the Lord it is useless to build a home or to guard a city. It is useless to get up early and stay up late in order to earn a living. God takes care of his own, even while they sleep.” Psalms 127:1,2 (CEV) God wants us to be builders, but without his help, we will do a poor job.

If we try to build our lives without his help, God asks us, “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundations? Tell me if you know. Who set its measurements? Surely

Finally, God wants us to build up each other. “Don’t let any unwholesome words escape your lips. Instead, say whatever is good and will be useful in building people up, so that you will give grace to those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 (NTE) “So support one another. Keep building each other up as you have been doing.” 1

5:11 (VOICE)

Thessalonians

Gentle Reader, are you fulfilling your responsibility as a builder? Are you building up your spiritual strength, Jesus’ church, and the people God has placed in your life?

“As others build on the foundation (whether with gold, silver, gemstones, wood, hay, or straw), the quality of each person’s work will be revealed in time as it is tested by fire. If a man’s work stands the test of fire, he will be rewarded.” 1 Corinthians 3:12-14 (VOICE)

With God’s help, you can be a quality builder.

After much work and working around issues, there is new tile. (Photo by Richie Lawry)

PINECREST

continued from page 6

hold services and memorials or as a serene place of reflection.

According to Judith Roberson, cur rent president of the Pinecrest Board of Directors, “As needs for the ceme tery changed through the years, the ga zebo was enclosed to provide a meet ing place for the board of directors and to house cemetery documents and plat maps. Later, a maintenance garage was added to the structure to house tools and equipment used to maintain the appearance of the cemetery.”

The garage may be the same addition referenced in the historical report mentioning an addition was made to the small tool house originally built by Albert Middleton.

Odd Fellows Cemetery was renamed Pinecrest Memorial Gardens by a vote of the cemetery Board and recorded by the Polk County circuit clerk in Jan. 1933. Somewhere along the way, it was possibly shortened for accounting rea-

sons to Pinecrest Memorial Park. According to an obituary for Lindsay in the Jan. 3, 1939, edition of The Times newspaper from Shreveport, Louisiana, his interment was in the Pinecrest Memorial Park. His wife Dora was interred there in 1914 while it retained the original name. The property was sold in Oct. 1925.

Upkeep

Originally a plan was established that when a burial plot was purchased, a small portion of that fee was set aside for upkeep of the grounds.

Lot owners were asked in 1922 to make annual donations for upkeep of the cemetery, most being willing to do this. It was a necessity to make payments on the cemetery property, upkeep and to make improvements.

Roberson said, “In 1975, families were given as opportunity to purchase a $100 CD to be given for a lifetime contribution to Pinecrest Cemetery for upkeep and maintenance. The interest from these CD’s, plus selling burial spaces, along with occasional donations is how current expenses are paid. Sadly, sales of plots have greatly diminished mainly due to increased cremation.”

Dilapidated structure

“The gazebo is old,” Roberson said. “The roof is leaking and nearly completely covered in moss. The side panels that were used to enclose the structure have shifted, shrunk and pulled away from the rock supports allowing moisture, wind, birds and whatever else access to our records. We are one storm away from all the contents being destroyed.”

Despite the cemetery approaching 120 years old, it does not qualify for grant aid or protection from the Arkansas Register of Historic Places or National Register of Historic Places. In part, the addition of the maintenance building, along with the panels and doors to enclose the original structure, prevent the once-beautiful gazebo from obtaining those grants.

Roberson said, “Other grant options have so much red tape that, that is not a See PINECREST

continued on page 15

The gazebo early-to-mid 20th century (left) and May 2023 (right).

BLUEGRASS

continued from page 1

For the local folks, you might not want to camp, but then again, maybe you’re itching to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors while watching the sun set behind the peaks and looking up into a starry night sky while cattle low in the background. All of the above will be taking place at The Blue Zipline & Farm’s Bull Pasture Amphitheater. If you’ve not been out to the Ink location in a while, Shelly Alston and crew built a good-sized stage around the time of their Ouachita Bigfoot Festival last year. Slowly, but surely, they’ve been improving upon it.

Bring your lawn chairs out for an evening of great music with headliners Finley River Boys out of Branson. Banjo picker Gary Shipley is in the Missouri Bluegrass Hall of Fame. The quartet regularly performs

shows for the demanding audience that comes from around the world to enjoy what Branson has to offer, and the Finley River Boys give them a taste of what bluegrass music is all about. Alston said they perform on occasion at Silver Dollar City and tour nationally.

The opening act is the trio known as The Smooth Jaspers. If you

guessed they are from the general area of Harrison/Jasper area of Arkansas, then you are correct. When they perform as a five-piece, they are known as Greenland Station and also perform in Branson. There will also be two days of bluegrass jams around the area where the HSO will be working a concession stand, cooking hot dogs,

burgers and nachos to raise money, the fire pit and storytelling take place, and the campsites are an easy walk across fields and pastures.

Tickets are $17, available via phone at 479-216-8639, or online at BlueZip LineFarm.com/. You can also pay $20 at the gate, but if you are planning to camp, calling ahead is suggested. Camping is $8 total for both nights. See the website for details.

The Blue is located at 142 Polk Road 185 in Ink. Turn by their sign by the old Ink store and carefully make your way down the narrow road. When it comes to a T-intersection, turn left onto the dirt road and follow it around for a half-mile or so and there will be another T-intersection. Turn right and you can’t miss the signs and parking area.

The Finley River Boys out of Branson will be headlining May 27 at The Blue.

PINECREST continued from page 13 have so much red tape that, that is not a good way to go.”

Options

How to rectify the situation?

“There are currently two trains of thought,” Roberson said. “One is to repair what there is in place — put a new roof on, replace the inserted panels (which included door and windows) and replace the exterior with new siding.

“A second option would be to select a new site and erect a metal building to house the maintenance needs in one end and place an office for business, records and meetings in the other end. The gazebo would be restored to its original structure which is for memorial services and a place of meditation.”

It’s not only the gazebo that is at risk, but all of the vital records within. “A metal file cabinet, maps and plats are just standing along the wall that are open to the elements,” she said. “If the doors or windows were knocked out, or a hole forms in the roof to allow water to get in, they’re just open.” The maps and plats contain the cemetery’s records of various burial sites.

Either option to salvage and restore the gazebo and contents will require funding, but the Board is not certain of the amount. “About five years ago, or longer than that, we did have people come and appraise what it would take to replace the roof,” Roberson said. “At that time, we needed $7,500 to replace

the roof. It would probably cost $12,000 - $15,000 now. I really don’t think it would be that difficult to restore it to the original, but the roof is going to be a booger to replace.”

Although the non-profit organization has CDs they hope will help in the interim period, in the current economy, who’s to say whether the interest rates will nosedive or gain? They are having to come up with an alternate plan, which might include major donations or a charitable gift with a memorial fund from the estate of a deceased

donor. It could be all at once or a continuous payment for regular upkeep and repairs made through a will.

The 1970 report stated, “Entire families are buried here with no one left to help financially.”

Roberson said, “You never know who might be sitting somewhere and they’re thinking of distributing some of their estate. If they’ve got family members buried at Pinecrest may write us a check for half of what a need. If the word doesn’t get put out there and people don’t know of our needs, how could we ever expect to get donations? It’s time to pass the collection plate.”

Visitation

If you go to visit a gravesite, which many people will possibly do with Memorial Day quickly approaching, take notice of the

moss covering the shingles leading up to the cupola of the gazebo. Mentally strip away the attached building and paneling covering the areas that were once openings and doorways. Take in the wood and stone building surrounded by ancient trees and imagine what the gazebo used to be — what it can be again.

“Memorial Day is a Decoration Day,” Roberson said as a reminder. “Lots of people do visit the cemetery. The guys are working to get it weedeated and mowed. We’ve been very fortunate in getting workers who are very conscientious and take pride in their work and do their darndest to keep it looking nice.”

All donations are tax deductible. The association requests that if you are led to help this endeavor, mail your donation to Pinecrest Cemetery, P.O. Box 864, Mena, AR 71953.

“Pinecrest is special to a lot of us.,” Roberson said. “Let’s ensure it stays that way.”

Western Governors University offers scholarships for military community

each valued at amounts ranging from $2,500 to $10,000.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.– (MAY. 03, 2023) May is Military Appreciation Month and Western Governors University’s (WGU) is offering an array of scholarships for the military community, including the Military Appreciation, Active-Duty, Honoring Our Heroes, Military Spouse, and Gold Star Family Scholarships,

WGU is committed to supporting our military community and is proud to offer over 60 career-focused degree programs in business, education, IT, and healthcare for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their spouses. No matter how often you travel or where you’re stationed, these scholarships can help you learn where you live.

“Our service members and their families have sacrificed so much for our country,” said Linda Battles, Regional Vice President, WGU.

“At WGU, we honor their dedication by offering flexible, affordable, and high-quality degree programs designed to fit their unique needs and schedules. We’re helping more military students and their families achieve their goals of higher education.”

For 12 consecutive years, WGU has been recognized as one of the “Top Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities” by Military Advanced Education and Transition Magazine and more than 15% of WGU students are veterans, active-duty personnel, or military dependents. Going beyond military friendly, WGU provides a dedicated military tuition assistance team to help applicants review their benefits, including scholarships, career

coaching, and exclusive support to veterans, transitioning service members, and their spouses to build a community of support and real-world advice.

New and enrolled students may apply for these scholarships valued at up to $10,000. Each scholarship will be credited to the student’s account per six-month term, renewable for up to four terms. Scholarships will be awarded based on a candidate’s academic record, financial need, readiness for online study, current competency, and other considerations. The application deadline is June 30, 2023.

To learn more about WGU and how to join the military-friendly university, visit wgu.edu/military.

Wickes Trade Day

Saturday, May 27, 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

Wednesday, May 24, 6 p.m.

The annual business meeting and officer election meeting will take place at OLT at 6 p.m. on May 24. Only OLT members can vote or run for office, but anyone in the community who is interested in OLT is invited to attend and give input on entertainment suggestions for the upcoming seasons.

Around Town

The Polk County Housing Authority Office will be closed Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day.

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) 2345289 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.

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) 394-5459.

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

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

Hatfield First Baptist Church “Shepherd’s Closet” Open Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - noon. Large selection of good, used clothing & a limited supply of non-perishable food items. Free to anyone in need.

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

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

American Legion meets every 2nd Tuesday at the Legion Hall in Acorn. Potluck at 6 p.m., meeting follows.

Come play Bingo, Saturdays and Mondays, starts at 6 p.m., doors open at 4 p.m.

Reynolds Gardner Community

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

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

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

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

Elks to hold annual Memorial Day service

By Ethan Nahté

Mena Elks Lodge is planning for the annual Memorial Day Service held on the Polk County Courthouse lawn at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 29.

Phyllis Caldwell said, “They will accept wreaths up to approximately 10:45 Monday morning. But to be listed on the program, I need to know they are coming.”

If your business or organization

would like to present a wreath to honor those made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, please contact the Lodge at 479-394-3740 or Phyllis Caldwell at 479-243-6212.

- FOR RENT -

For Rent: 3 bedroom/2 bath in City of Mena beautiful view $800 (479) 234-3335

T0524

- YARD SALE -

Yard Sale - Downsizing 604 N. Bennett Street, De Queen, AR, Friday - Saturday, May 26 - 27, 8 a.m. - ???. Furniture, carpentry tools,purses dishes, cookware, men & women’s clothing, and more. T0524

- SERVICES -

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. T0531

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0524

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

Daniel’s carpentry and painting and handyman service. Deck and privacy fences, gutters cleaned, etc. Call (479) 216-1101 or (479) 216-2299. 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

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T0531

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

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

T0809

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

T0531

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

- HELP WANTED -

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

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

T0531

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.

T0531

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

T0531

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.

T0531

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.

T0531

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 15, 2023

Timothy Palmer, 40, of Mena was arrested on a failure to appear warrant.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Wild Rose Lane near Acorn in reference to a theft.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 71 S near Grannis in reference to a verbal dispute.

Ebay McCain, 45, of Shreveport was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas Highway Patrol to be held for another agency.

Thomas Summers, 74, of Gillham was arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department on charges of 1st Degree Terroristic Threatening, 3rd Degree Domestic Battery and Possession of a Firearm by Certain Persons.

Deputies responded to a business on Hwy 71 N near Mena in reference to a stolen vehicle.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 278 E near Wickes in response to a domestic disturbance.

Brandon Rose, 25, of Mena was arrested on charges of Possession of a Firearm by Certain Persons, Residential Burglary and 1st Degree Criminal Mischief.

May 16, 2023

Tiffany Marschall, 26, of Mena was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

David Milam, 56, of Hatfield was arrested on a Felony Failure to Appear Warrant.

May 17, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 659 near Board Camp in reference to a theft.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 14 near Wickes in reference to a theft.

May 18, 2023

Johnathan Neal, 34, of Hatfield was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Aggravated Assault.

Clyde Neal, 58, of Vandervoort was arrested on a Felony Warrant for 1st Degree Terroristic Threatening and Aggravated Assault.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 136 near Cove in reference to a theft.

Deputies responded to a residence on Hwy 71 S near Hatfield in reference to an unauthorized use of a vehicle. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies responded to Earth Lane near Mena in reference to an ATV accident.

May 19, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to the North Trailhead of Wolf Pen Gap in reference to an ATV accident. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies were dispatched to a pedestrian hit by a vehicle on Hwy 8 W near Mena.

May 20, 2023

Benjamin Murray, 44, of Wickes was

arrested on a Body Attachment Warrant as well as warrants for 1st Degree Criminal Mischief and Criminal Trespass.

Robert Bush, 40, of Mena was arrested on Felony Warrants for Breaking or Entering and 1st Degree Criminal Mischief as well as a charge of Theft of Property.

Royce Green, 47, of Mena was arrested on warrants for Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Deputies responded to a report of a runaway juvenile. The juvenile was located.

An incident on Holly Lane near Hatfield led to Michelle Raven being issued a citation for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

May 21, 2023

Randy Dill, 39, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Eddrick Pouncy, 22, of Shreveport was arrested to be held for another agency.

Monica Quillin, 41, of Mena was arrested on a Body Attachment Warrant.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail

Population: 44 Incarcerated Inmates with 14 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

May 14

A report of robbery was taken from Tobacco Super Store.

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

May 15

A report of theft of property was taken from Walmart.

A report of theft of property was taken from Walmart.

Rodney Morrison, 37, was charged with Violation of a Protection Order at a residence on Oak Grove.

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

Kaleena Burt, 25, was served with a warrant at Walmart.

May 16

Brad Norman, 25, was charged with DWI and Possession of Open Container Containing Alcohol in a Vehicle after a traffic stop on Mena Street.

Melissa Hartin, 47, was served with a warrant at a residence on Janssen Avenue.

May 17

A report of theft of property was taken at a residence on 9th Street.

May 18

A report of criminal trespass was taken at Walmart.

A report of fraudulent use of a credit card was taken from a walk-in complaint.

May 19

Crystal Garrett, 41, was served with a warrant at a residence on Highway 71.

Amanda Stewart, 39, was charged with Disorderly Conduct after a disturbance call to Sun Country Inn.

A report of defacing objects of public respect was taken at Janssen Park.

Matresa Stokes, 40, was charged with Public Intoxication and Possession of Marijuana on Reeves Avenue.

May 20 No report.

AHS junior Shay Allen selected for study tour

Submitted by Tammy L. Young

Acorn High School Junior Shay Allen has been selected to participate in the 2023 Rural Electric Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative chose Shay among a host of applicants to represent this region of Arkansas on the youth tour of Washington, D.C. in June 2023.

Shay is an honor student at Acorn High School and truly has a love for

Program in Arkansas is credited to Mr. Alton Higginbotham, former president and chief executive officer of First Electric Cooperative Corp. Higginbotham stated that the program attracts the “best and brightest” of Arkansas’ youth and believed that in addition to learning about the federal government, the program gives our youth a better understanding of the important role of the electric cooperatives.

The annual tour has been sponsored by Arkansas’ electric cooperatives since 1990

ORSD Career Connect

Partnering for student success

Submitted by Tammy L. Young

Ouachita River School District hosted their Inaugural ORSD Career Connect event on May 1 in

Career pathways were grouped by occupational clusters to help our career partners more effectively target and identify students for interviews to facilitate opportunities for em-

history, completing all social science requirements for high school and also enrolled in Advanced Placement U.S. History this year. Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative leaders Brad Castor, RMEC President & CEO and John Larucci, RMEC Member Services/ Safety Coordinator & Lead Lineman complimented Shay on her interview, application, and accomplishments that demonstrated her commitment to this program and opportunity to learn about our nation’s history.

Instrumental in starting the Youth Tour

for Arkansas youth. Approximately 40 high school juniors with chaperons attend the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas’ Youth Tour and are selected by the state’s electric distribution cooperatives through essay contests and an interview process.

During the tour, the group visits historic sites such as Mount Vernon, the Smithsonian Institution, Arlington National Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial, the U.S. Holocaust Museum and the U.S. Capitol. They also visit and meet with members of the Arkansas Congressional Delegation.

partnership with Western Arkansas Planning & Development District for Acorn and Oden High School seniors.

The event was held in the Mary Davis Gym from 9 - 11:30 a.m. with over 60-plus career representatives from business, industry, agencies, organizations, military branches, and higher education institutions.

The Ouachita River School District Career Connect event for seniors included seniors identifying their post-secondary plan and career pathway, completing a career profile and resume, and participating in job interviews with our career partners.

ployment, internships, apprenticeships, education, and training based on students’ career pathways, skills, and career goals. Students also learned about potential career and occupational pathways to explore as a result of this experience. The event was a huge success for students, career partners and our District.

Ouachita River School District would like to extend our gratitude to the career representatives and partners that participated in this year’s event. Thank you for sharing your time, talents and important information with our students in helping them be better prepared for life.

(l to r) Chance Allen, Brandy Allen, Shay Allen, Brad Castor and John Larucci (Photo courtesy of ORSD)

ORSD students visited a variety of tables to discuss and learn about career possibilities. (Photo courtesy of ORSD)

Mena Public Schools meets two of its three goals for 2022-2023

Submitted by Mark Hobson

The Mena School Board met for their regular May meeting on Tuesday, May 16, in the district administration building.

The meeting began with the superintendent’s report. Dr. Lee Smith recognized Chelsea Johnson as a High-Impact Teacher for Mena Public Schools. The state department has started recognizing High-Impact Teachers around the state based on improving student growth scores and Smith was notified of this designation earlier this month. Johnson teaches math at Mena Middle School.

Smith then told the board that the district will end the year having met two of its three goals. The attendance goal was not met this year. The attendance rate was 93% but that was still above the state average.

The district did meet its discipline goal with a referral rate 15% below last year.

The reading goal was also met with 74% of the student body on grade level. The final ACT Aspire scores will not be released until this summer so the reading goal results may be adjusted at that time.

Smith concluded by inviting board members to the End-of-Year Celebration on Wednesday, May 24, at 11 a.m. in the Performing Arts Center.

In new business the board approved the Budget of Assurance Agreement for special education and related services. Special Ed Supervisor Christy Harrison explained that passage certifies that MPS is spending state and federal funds for the education of children with disabilities.

The board also renewed the contract with Horizon Software which is used in the child nutrition program at a cost of $8,101.

Next on the agenda was the renewal of the Student Accident Insurance. The rate was actually reduced by some $1300 with a cost for 2023-2024 at $26,700. The renewal was approved.

The board approved a 10 cent increase in meal prices and milk prices for the 2023-2024 school year.

Assistant Superintendent Bridget Buck-

ley then spoke to the board about new policies. Most of which were due to bills passed recently by the state legislature. These changes affected personnel and student policies. As well curriculum and instruction, community engagement and finances. The board approved.

One of the policy changes was to appoint a member to the DeQueen/Mena COOP Board of Directors for a two-year term. The board elected Dr. Lee Smith as its representative.

Next on the agenda was the district’s investments. To take advantage of the rise in interest rates Smith had recommended at the April meeting to seek new CD rates from financial institutions. The Union Bank of Mena responded with the highest rate of 5.15% and that was approved by the board.

District Maintenance Supervisor Danny Minton then updated the board on projects around the district. He stated that the sound system and scoreboards at Jim Rackley Gymnasium have been installed. The home bleachers at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium have been power washed. Bulbs in the Performing Arts Center are in process of being converted to LED and work on the sound system in the PAC will take place this summer. The district recently received a security grant that will be used in part to pay for a new six-foot security fence and automatic gates at Louise Durham Elementary. Leon Perry Fencing had the low bid of $54,440 and the board approved that bid. New door locks for Holly Harshman Elementary have been ordered. A grant through the summer feeding program will pay for the installation of a new cooler and milk box.

Smith added that the district had received a bill for architectural fees for the new activity center from Architecture Plus in the amount of $163,708.29. The board approved the payment.

Next on the agenda was the topic of athletic passes. Again, this had been a point of discussion at past meetings. Smith recommended that season passes for fall sports be made available to the public for $150 and that season passes for spring

sports be made available for $100. The board approved.

The board then updated the salary schedule to include provisions for 195and 235- day contracts.

The board passed a school choice capacity resolution which dealt with accepting or declining of school choice students. A notification letter will be sent by July 1st.

Next was the Freedom of Choice Act. Smith informed the board that the school choice window closed on May 1 with a total of nine applications to attend MPS and 12 leaving the district.

The financial reports were quickly approved with Smith stating that revenue outpaced expenses by $497,000 for the month.

Finally, in personnel:

Retirement

• Patty Oglesby - RTI Facilitator at LDE

• Malea Ellison Fields - Math Teacher at MMS

• Staci Brooks - Library Media Specialist at MMS

Resignation

• Reagan Black - Fifth Grade Teacher at HHE

• Stephanie Hoyle - Art Teacher at MHS

• Stacy Salisbury - Dyslexia Interventionist

• Tabitha Baxter - Paraprofessional at HHE

• Lisa Falls - LPN at HHE

• Amber Hendricks - AE Paraprofessional at MMS

• Trevor Humphry - Head Baseball Coach/PE/Health

Restructure

• Katie Thomas - From First Grade Teacher to Elementary Reading Intervention Coach

• Jamie Copelin - From Preschool lead teacher to Paraprofessional.

• Heather Goss - From Special Education at MMS to Physical Education

• Rebecca Sprague - From Special Education at LDE a.m. to Special Edu-

cation at MMS a.m. and at LDE p.m.

• Brad Lyle - Assistant Athletic Director/Dean of Students at MHS

• Rachel Dover - From Jr. Girls Track to Indoor Track/Heptathlon/Decathlon.

• Chad Arnold - From Head Jr. High Football to assistant Jr, High Football.

• Ryan Luttmer - From Sr. Special Team Coordinator to Head Jr. High Football.

• Tia Fryar - From Assistant Girls Basketball to Assistant Sr. High Volleyball.

• Zen Valencia - MMS and MHS Social Studies and PE.

• Shanda Craig - From Student Success Planner to MHS Behavioral Interventionist, Alternative Education Assistant Director as well as District Family and Community Engagement Coordinator.

• Linda Shelley - From Secondary Behavior Interventionist to Special education Teacher and Behavior Interventionist at LDE.

Hires

• Cynthia Shelli Chaney - Library Media Specialist at MMS

• Emily Jacobs - MMS Literacy

• Kristopher Clark - MMS Math

• Amanda Mershon Beck - Teacher LDE

• Misty Mullen - HHE Teacher, 7th Grade and Jr. High Cheer Coach.

• Macie Johnson - HHE Teacher

• Allison Hughes - HHE Teacher

• Olivia Ward - HHE Teacher

• Jenny Robertson - MHS Art

• Cody Koch - MHS Social Studies, Assistant Jr. High Football, Assistant Sr. High Football, Junior Girls Track.

Contract Change

• Curtis Black - Last day of employment will be May 31, 2023.

• Samantha Sellers - Principal LDEOne Month Contract beginning June 1, 2023.

Local students named to Spring Dean’s List in U of A’s Fulbright College

FAYETTEVILLE, AR (05/22/2023)

— Local students were named to the Spring 2023 Dean’s List in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas.

To qualify for the Dean’s List, the following local students achieved at least a 3.75 grade-point average for the semester while completing at least 12 credit hours.

Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year

Contest entries accepted through June 11

About the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences: The  Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is the largest and most academically diverse unit on campus with three schools, 16 departments and numerous academic programs and research centers. The college provides the majority of the core curriculum for all University of Arkansas students. Get the inside scoop on all things Fulbright College by subscribing to the digital Fulbright REVIEW publication.

Polk County students named to SNHU academic lists

MANCHESTER, NH (05/16/2023) — Kimberly Howard of Hatfield has been named to  Southern New Hampshire University’s Winter 2023 President’s List. The winter terms run from January to May.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum gradepoint average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring,

and summer.

Jonathon Daniels of Mena has been named to  Southern New Hampshire University’s Winter 2023 Dean’s List. The winter terms run from January to May.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum gradepoint average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

LITTLE ROCK — Entries are being accepted for the tenth annual Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest, sponsored by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas. Applicants may be any school, early childhood education facility, or alternative learning environment that had a school garden during the 2022-2023 school year or is planning to start a garden in the 2023-2024 school year.

“School gardens are valuable educational tools that help students develop healthy eating habits, learn about Arkansas agriculture, and participate in hands-on learning,” said Wes Ward, Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture. “We are grateful for the generosity of Farm Credit and their continued support of this program.”

Entries for the contest will be accepted through June 11, 2023, and the application can be found at cognitoforms. com/ArkansasAgriculture1/arkansasgrownschoolgardenoftheyearcontest2023. Winners will be announced in the fall of 2023.

“As a farmer-owned cooperative, we are excited to continue our support of teachers and projects that engage Arkansas students in food production and agricultural sustainability. Through these partnerships, we can ensure that the valuable role of Arkansas agriculture remains top-of-mind for the next generation,” said Farm Credit of Western Arkansas President and CEO, Brandon Haberer, on behalf of the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas.

Applicants are eligible to apply for the following categories:

• Best Start-up School Garden Proposal - $500 Award

• Best Education Based School Garden - $500 Award

• Best Harvest Partnership School Garden - $500 Award

• Best Community Collaboration School Garden - $500 Award

• Best Overall School Garden$1000 Award

• Champion of School Garden Sustainability - $1000 Award

More information about the Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest can be found at  agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-programs/ farm-to-school/school-gardens/arkansas-grown-school-garden-of-the-yearcontest/ or by contacting Jessica Chapman, Farm to School and Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator, at  jessica.chapman@agriculture.arkansas. gov

With more than $5 billion in assets, the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas support rural communities and agriculture across Arkansas with reliable, consistent credit and financial services today and tomorrow. In Arkansas, the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas are owned by the more than 21,000 customer-owners they serve. Through the cooperative structure, members have a voice and vote in the associations’ governance. Members also share in the cooperatives’ financial success through cooperative returns which total more than $317 million since 1997.

• Lakelin Ashley of Mena

• Cathlene Holmes of Mena

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Cowart selected as new Cossatot River Primary School principal

Lisa Wolf Cowart will be the next principal at Cossatot River Primary School. Cowart is currently the special education teacher/RTI coordinator at Centerpoint School District, where she taught kindergarten the previous 8 years. She did her student teaching at Lake Hamilton. She has been in education for 10 years, receiving her BSE from Henderson State University in 2012 and MSE in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University in 2020.

Cowart said, “I enjoy spending time with my family, camping and being outdoors. I am excited to fill the role of Primary School Principal in a growing and innovative district that promotes student success.”

Good attendance has its advantages. Aidan Brockwell will be having some fun during summer break. He won the attendance award at Louise Durham Elementary as well as a new bike from Matt Thomas State Farm Insurance. (Photo courtesy of Mena Public Schools)

She and her husband Graig reside in Lodi and own a chicken and cattle farm.

Mount Ida Lions 1A State runners-up

By Ethan Nahté

The Mount Ida Lions made it to the 1A State Finals championship for the first time in school history on Thursday, May 18. Their opponents were the Taylor Tigers, who are the defending state champs, winning the 2022 AHSAA Centennial State Baseball Championships in Class 1A baseball.

In 2022, Taylor beat Mount Ida in the semi-finals 11-1, then went on to beat Nemo Vista 10-4.

This year, Mount Ida won their previous seven games, taking the 7-1A District Championship in the process, then beating Bearden and Hampton in Regionals, only to lose to Taylor 13-2. The Tigers won the Regional Championship and Mount Ida placed as runners-up.

In the semi-finals, The Lions took out County Line, West Side (Greers Ferry) and Viola to make it to the finals, where they once again faced their nemesis, Taylor.

The Lions came out swinging at UCA’s Bear Field in Conway, ready to

play. They got runners on with bases loaded in the first inning, but could not capitalize, only scoring a single run.

The next inning, Taylor scored a run with Caleb White pitching. White would pitch the entire game for a to-

picked up by Cane McCullough, who threw it home to Carter Rowton. Committing a rare error, Rowton missed the throw, which allowed two more runs. The third ended 5-1 in Taylor’s favor.

Still time to enter Tri-Lakes Big Bass Festival this Saturday

By Patrick Massey

tal of 106 pitches. Taylor, on the other hand, went through a couple of pitchers.

The third inning was where things went awry. Mount Ida still only had one on the scoreboard. Between the Tigers hitting a stand-up double to outfield, and walks, the bases were loaded. A line drive down the left field line plated two. Another hit to third base was

With Tyler Petty and Chandler Perkins were on base with walks in the fourth. With Jacob Woodfield up to bat, Petty managed to steal third then home on a wild pitch. Perkins made it to third. Jacob fouled out, ending the inning with Mount Ida trailing 5-2. White hit the next two batters, walking them. The bases were soon loaded. A fly to center field plated another run before the fourth inning closed 6-2.

Rowton was walked at the beginning of the fifth. McCullough hit a single, then Ramsey Gilbert slammed a ball to center field, allowing Rowton to score. The Lions held the Tigers through the fifth, ending it 6-3.

The Lions wouldn’t score again, despite getting on base, stealing bases and some hard hits. Taylor plated three more in the sixth, making it 9-3. With Mount Ida runners on first and third, Lane Nolan was the last at bat, hitting a ball straight down the first base line, ending the Lions’ season, as well as ending the high school careers of seven players who are all graduating.

Coach T.J. Wilson and his Mount Ida Lions ended their stellar season 17-9, coming in as the 2023 1A AHSAA Centennial State Baseball Runners-up.

The 33rd annual Judge Greg Ray Memorial Tri-Lakes Big Bass Festival is scheduled for this Saturday on De Queen, Dierks and Gillham Lakes.

The event is scheduled for 6 a.m. - 1 p.m. on May 27 at all three lakes. The early registration fee is $65 and enters each angler

into a chance to win some of the more than $20,000 in cash prizes for this year’s bass tournament. On-site registration is $70. Anglers can take advantage of the $75 registration bundle which includes the chance to win an extra $50 if your catch takes first place during the hourly weigh-in.

This year’s cash awards include the $10,000 Snag the Bass presented by De Queen Auto Group. The prize will go to whoever catches the tagged bass during the event. The bass will be released secretly before the tournament at one of the three featured lakes.

This year’s cash award for the overall biggest bass has been increased to $2,000. Organizers are also offering a $200 bonus for hourly winners.

The tournament is hosted each year by the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce. Last year, the chamber renamed the event in honor of the late Sevier County Judge Greg Ray. Ray, who passed away in 2022, was an instrumental organizer of the annual fishing tournament.

Registration forms can be obtained by calling the chamber at 870-584-3225. Also, call the chamber if you or someone you know would be interested in serving as a volunteer for this weekend’s tournament. Volunteers are needed to help register anglers, perform boat checks and conduct the hourly weigh-ins.

For more information, contact Jarod Lyon at 870-582-5719 or the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce at 870-584-3225.

The Mount Ida Lions baseball team and coaches “roaring” to go to the state tournament for the first time in school history. (Photo courtesy of Mount Ida Schools)

Mena seniors recognized as outstanding for athleticism

Submitted by Mark Hobson

Two senior athletes from Mena have been recognized for being outstanding not only for their athleticism, but in other areas as well.

These athletes must be involved in multiple sports and display great character in the sport, their school and the community.

The award is voted on by the head coaches from each sport, the athletic director, the assistant athletic director, high school principal and a Mena Public School Staff Member. This impact that this year’s winners had on Mena athletics will be felt for many years to come.

Frank Mosley Award

The Frank Mosley Outstanding Girl

Athlete is a longstanding award given to our most outstanding and deserving senior girl athlete.

This year’s Frank Mosley award winner is a 4-sport athlete who excelled on the field, court and in the classroom. She not only is a leader

within each athletic program that she participates in but she is also involved as a student leader on the campus on Mena High School involved in FBLA, NHS, NEHS, Student Council and JAG.

She will also be continuing her athletic career at the next level, signing a letter of intent to play collegiate softball.

This year’s Frank Mosley award winner is Emmi Hines

James C. Copher Award

The James C. Copher Outstanding Boy athlete is a longstanding award given to our most outstanding and deserving senior boy athlete.

The James C. Copher Outstanding Boy athlete is a longstanding award given to our most outstanding and deserving senior boy athlete. This year’s James C. Copher award winner excelled in both football and soccer all while maintaining a strong GPA at the

top of his class.

He is also a member of the JAG competition team, which competed in Orlando this spring.

This year’s James C. Copher Award winner is Jayden Felix.

Bearcat football spring scrimmage and alumni tailgate

By Ethan Nahté

The annual Mena Bearcat alumni tailgate party begins at 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 23, near the front entrance of the stadium. The get together is for all former Bearcat football players, cheerleaders, band and staff to come enjoy some free food and fellowship.

At 7 p.m., the spring football scrimmage is scheduled to begin.