Polk County Pulse May 4, 2022

Pulse THE POLK COUNTY

FREE WEEKLY 1168 Hwy 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600

May 4, 2022

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2022 Chamber Banquet Awards

INSIDE:

The Rachel Norman Memorial Choir Scholarship

By Trey Youngdahl

At the Cossatot River High School (CRHS) choir concert on Thursday, April 28, the Rachel Norman Memorial Choir Scholarship was awarded to CRHS senior Baylee Davis.

In the early morning hours of Feb. 19, 2019, a crash was reported in Howard County on Arkansas Hwy. 84, north of Umpire. A Chevy Traverse ran off the right side of the road, driven by an intoxicated driver. The driver of the Traverse over-corrected, crossing both lanes and overturning several times.

The Arkansas State Police report states the vehicle of the intoxicated driver was traveling nearly 90 mph before the accident.

Five people were reported injured in the crash, three of whom were minors.

Upon arrival at the scene, Traverse passenger Rachel Norman, age 19, of Wickes was pronounced deceased by the Howard County Coroner John Grey.

The news of Norman’s death shocked Polk County. She was a well-known character in the area, being a student at Rich Mountain School of Cosmetology and working at the Chopping Block

Multi-Use Trail Open House

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Early Voting

Special Olympics

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See AWARDS continued on page 13

See CHOIR continued on page 20

2 News

May 4, 2022

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

With the advent of more and more electric-powered cars and their increasing availability in the Polk County area, Aleshire Electric has installed a charging station on Mena Street.

(Photo by Samantha Maechler)

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

May 4, 2022

Radio - Print - Web 1168 Hwy 71S Mena, AR 71953 Phone: 479-243-9600 Fax: 479-243-9603 Email: news@mypulsenews.com

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Our Team: Ashley Smith - General Manager Ethan Nahté - Production Manager Trey Youngdahl - Reporter / Photographer Patrick Massey - Contributing Reporter John Russell - Graphic Design Curt Teasdale - Programmer / On-Air Personality Jim Pinson - Morning Personality Jackye Pruitt - Senior Account Executive Jodi Croft - Account Executive Ariel Varner - Receptionist Distribution & Insertion Staff: Dan & Linda Deramus, Jason Sharp, Edward Werkhoven The Polk County Pulse is the area’s premiere and fastest growing news publication. The Polk County Pulse is FREE and published weekly on Wednesdays, with a distribution of 8,000 and an estimated readership of 10,000.

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May 5 open house to discuss proposed Mena trails project Submitted by Arkansas State Parks (LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) – A community open house is scheduled in Mena from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 5. The open house, hosted

by Arkansas State Parks, the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation, and the City of Mena, will be held at the Historic DeQueen Street Armory at 601 DeQueen Street in Mena.

The purpose of the meeting is to present initial concepts for a trail-focused recreation development project spanning Arkansas State Parks, United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service and City of Mena managed lands. A brief welcome and overview will take place at 6 p.m., followed by time for open discussion, questions and public input. Handouts and maps of the project area will be made available, and the overall process to plan and consider future trail development will be explained.

The project is in the concept phase, and the following vision statement has been developed to guide the project: “To create a unique and inspiring visitor experience with a focus on gravity-fed and backcountry trails that allows for the realization of a higher potential for outdoor recreation, economic vitality, and quality of life by capitalizing on the terrain and relationships between local, state, and federal partners.”

As a part of this project, connec-

News 3

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.

The letter must include a signature to be considered for publication. Signatures will NOT be held out by request.

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

tions to the City of Mena that support recreational access and economic development will also be explored. The public is invited to further explore this vision, identify community connections and provide their thoughts on this opportunity.

Due to portions of the project being located on federally managed lands, there would be a forthcoming environmental review under the direction of the USDA Forest Service prior to implementation. The current trail study is being funded through a grant to the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation from the Walton Family Foundation.

Representatives of each of the host organizations will be available following the welcome and overview to answer questions about the project, provide media interviews and explain how interested individuals and organizations can participate in this process. Interview availability for media will take place at 6:30 p.m.

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 dropbox is provided by the front door for after-hour convenience.

TO SUBMIT: NEWS ITEMS / ANNOUNCEMENTS / LETTERS TO THE EDITOR / SPORTS UPDATES / CALENDAR ITEMS / CLASSIFIED ADS Email: NEWS@MYPULSENEWS.COM

4 News

May 4, 2022

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Livestream on May 5 to promote Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Arkansas books to children from birth to age Submitted by Quality of Life five in participating communities President Bethany Hughes within the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and the Mena, Arkansas (May 2, 2022)– At Republic of Ireland. Each child en6:35 p.m. CST on Thursday, May 5, rolled in the program receives one Arkansas PBS will livestream a brief book per month at no cost to fammusical performance by American ilies. icon Dolly Parton. THV 11’s Craig Inspired by her father’s inability to O’Neill will also interview Parton read and write, Dolly Parton startabout the success of her Imagina- ed her Imagination Library in 1995 tion Library in Arkansas. The lives- to foster a love of reading for chiltream will be available at: myarpbs. dren within her home county. The org/imaginationlibraryevent. program was first available to chilDolly Parton’s Imagination Li- dren in Polk County in 2015. Today, brary is the world’s preeminent ear- the Imagination Library mails more ly childhood book-gifting program. than 1.9 million books each month In partnership with local communi- directly to children’s homes. The ty affiliates like Polk County’s Qual- program’s impact has been wideity of Life Outreach, the program ly researched, and results suggest mails high-quality, age-appropriate positive increases in key early child-

hood metrics.

Currently, more than 57,000 children in Arkansas are enrolled in the Imagination Library.

Since 2005, Imagination Library affiliates in Arkansas have gifted more than three million books. In Polk County, a total of 14,752 books have been gifted to local children.

Online enrollment in the Imagination Library is available to local parents or guardians of children under age five. To enroll your child, visit imaginationlibrary.com.

The books are free to families; however, the local affiliate’s cost to sponsor a child for five years is

$125 – which gifts a total of 60 books.

To sponsor a child, go to: donate. imagin at i on l i brary.com or mail to Quality of Life Outreach, P.O. Box 1135, Mena, AR. For over 26 years, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has demonstrated the power and impact of the simple gift of a monthly book in the mail, helping children and families build home libraries and inspiring a love of reading.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Politics 5

May 4, 2022

From the

State House of Representatives

Teachers are the heart of our legislation increasing the mineducational system. They inspire imum pay for teachers. In the hope and instill a life-long love of most recent Regular Session, we learning. passed Act 680 which seeks to The week of May 2 is National raise the average salary by creTeacher Appreciation Week. It’s a ating the Teacher Salary Equalperfect time to show our appreization Fund. The bill outlines a ciation to the 41,000 teachers in statewide target average salary our state who lend their passion John Maddox of $51,822 for the 2021-2022 and skills to educate our stuand 2022-2023 school years. dents.

This bill would direct the DeThe commitment and innovation of partment of Education to disperse money our teachers have helped lead our schools from the Equalization Fund to districts through one of the most challenging times whose average teacher salary falls below for education in recent years. $51,822.

There are many ways Arkansans can The General Assembly is also consisshow their appreciation such as partici- tently reviewing ways to recruit more pating or planning events with your PTA, qualified teachers. In the 2021 Regular sending heartfelt cards and messages, or Session we passed ACT 646 which prooffering discounts at your place of busi- vides that by August 1, 2022, each public ness. school district and open enrollment pubMaking sure our teachers feel valued lic charter school in the state shall prepare and want to continue the profession are a three-year teacher and administrator reimportant factors in determining fund- cruitment and retention plan. The act proing for education. The House and Senate vides that the Department of Education Education Committees are currently con- shall set goals for increasing the number ducting the Educational Adequacy Study. of teachers and administrators of minority This study evaluates the entire spectrum races and ethnicities in this state. of public education to determine whethWe will continue to explore ways to reer students receive equal opportunity for cruit and retain teachers in the months an adequate education. Members spend a ahead. Meanwhile, let’s all take a moment great deal of time reviewing teacher sala- this week to let our teachers know how ries and recruitment as part of the study. valuable their work has been in our comIn 2019, the General Assembly passed munities.

Contact Your Legislators!

John Maddox

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

Larry Teague

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

John Boozman

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

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

From the

State Senate If other law enforcement The Arkansas Crime Vicagencies paid for the forensic tims Reparations Board is exams, the board would have one of the smallest and least more funds to make true repknown state agencies, but it arations to crime victims. helps thousands of people evOther questions from lawery year. makers concerned mental Last year the board awarded claims to 1,900 crime victims, Larry Teague health. The board pays up to $2,500 each for in-patient 1,335 were victims of sexual and out-patient counseling, assault and 565 were victims but according to crime victims who other crimes. spoke to the committee, the typical When a crime victim applies for six-month delay in awarding claims financial help, it takes about six can be too late for victims who need months to grant an award. It didn’t immediate mental health services. used to take as long, but the board’s The board also makes payments staff was reduced from seven to five a to victims who lose income because couple of years ago. they cannot work. In homicide cases The investigator who verifies sexuthe board can help pay for cleaning al assault claims has more than 1,200 up the crime scene. Also in homicide pending applications pending. There cases, the board can make payouts are 335 claims pending from victims to dependents of murder victims for of other crimes, the board told legisloss of financial support. lators on the Joint Performance ReClaims are not awarded for atview Committee. torneys’ fees, pain and suffering or Examples of payments made last property damage. year include help with funeral exThe board is a payer of last resort, penses for murder victims, help with and is not a substitute for federalmedical expenses for women abused ly subsidized health programs like by their husbands and help with Medicaid or Medicare. medical expenses for people injured The total amount in claims paid in car wrecks caused by drunk drivlast year was close to $1.6 million. ers.

Next year the board will have about Help paying funeral expenses is $2.5 million to pay claims, because the largest category of claims paid its members asked the legislature for out by the board. Almost half of the a steady source of revenue and it repayouts last year for were for funeral ceive $2.3 million in general revenue. expenses. The board can award up to The board also gets revenue from $7,500 for funeral expenses. court costs and restitution paid by Legislators questioned the second convicted offenders, but those sourclargest category, for forensic exams, es of money are not steady. Restituwhich made up almost 36 percent of tion usually brings in from $85,000 payouts. While agreeing that victims to $90,000 a year, and revenue from should not have to pay for forensic court costs have declined over the exams. past several years.

The exams are part of the evidence The board gets federal grants, and kit that has to be presented at crimthe governor and the attorney generinal trials, and legislators questioned al have allocated money from special whether the payouts should be confunds. sidered reparations to victims.

6 Obituaries

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

May 4, 2022

Sherry Lynne Best

Mrs. Sherry Lynne Best, age 67, passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2022, in Mena, Arkansas. She was born March 24, 1955, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to the late Jim Turpin and Rowena Bechtel Turpin.

Mrs. Best was a respiratory therapist by profession and loved spending time outdoors, she enjoyed fishing and camping, among other outdoor activities. Additionally, she loved sewing, working crossword puzzles, crocheting, needle work, animals, card games, and bible studies. But above all else she loved spending time with friends and family.

Sherry is preceded in death by her parents, Jim Turpin and Rowena Bechtel Turpin, and by her brother, Larry Ballard. She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Roy Best; daughters, Leah Vanderkamp and husband Larry of Cove, Arkansas, Rachel O’Connor and husband Aaron of Whitewood, South Dakota; grandchildren, Tabitha Baum, Kimberlee O’Connor, Elizabeth O’Connor, Haylee O’Connor; brothers, James Turpin and wife Dottie; as well as by her sister-in-law, Cordelia Ballard.

Mrs. Best was sent for cremation under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. There will be a celebration of life, Sunday, May 1, 2022, after church, at the family home.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Laverne Smith

Mrs. Laverne Smith, age 82, passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2022, in Mena, Arkansas. She was born December 25, 1939, in Austin, Texas, to the late Albert Golden and Floyce Pate Golden.

Mrs. Smith was a meat packer by

profession and enjoyed cooking. She loved to visit with friends and family.

Laverne is preceded in death by her parents, Albert Golden and Floyce Pate Golden; her husband, Allen Smith; son, David Smith; and by her daughter, Tammy Pierson. She is survived by her son, Shawn Smith and wife Brandi of Mena, Arkansas; grandchildren, Brenna Smith of Mena, Arkansas, Brittany Smith of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, Sarah Porch of Amarillo, Texas, Jessica Clark of Amarillo, Texas, Rachel Pierson of Amarillo, Texas, Amber Smith of Massachusetts; a number of great-grandchildren; brothers, Allen Ray Golden of Lockesburg, Arkansas; sisters, Anna Matthews of Watson, Oklahoma, Marlene Bailey of Cove, Arkansas; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family, and friends too numerous to mention.

Mrs. Smith was sent for cremation under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. There are no services planned at this time.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Johnnie Faye Kinkade

Mrs. Johnnie Faye Kinkade, age 87, passed away Sunday, May 1, 2022, in Mena, Arkansas. She was born April 21, 1935, in Highland, Arkansas, to the late Jack Martin and Clemmie Barber.

Johnnie Faye was a customer service representative by profession; however, she was also a Sunday school teacher.

She adored being around children. She loved her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren very much. She was a devoted Christian and was a member of the Pleasant Grove Church of the Nazarene. Additionally, it was said that she grew the most beautiful lilies and loved to sing. Mrs. Kinkade was also a proud member of the coffee club.

Mrs. Kinkade is preceded in death by her parents, Jack Martin and Clemmie Barber; her beloved husband, Jack Kinkade whom she was married to in 1953; as well as her sister, Jackie Pitts. She is survived by her daughters, Kathy Rusert and husband Jerry of Mena, Arkansas, Colleen Rosson and husband Terry of Mena, Arkansas; grandchildren, Dusty Rusert and wife Samantha, Toby Hollin and husband Eric, Johnathan Rosson and wife Sondra, Christine Smith and husband Jeremy; great-grandchildren, Shelby and Cody Rusert, Kooper and Kashlyn Hollin, Kensey and Kaison Rosson, Heather Rosson, Deanna Frady, and great-great-grandson, Bryant Smith; brother, Billy Ray Martin; sisters, Juanita Wiles, Carolyn Pearce; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Services for Mrs. Kinkade will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 6, 2022, at Beasley-Wood Chapel in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Raymond Dees and Brother Steve Bradley will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Cherry Hill Cemetery in Cherry Hill, Arkansas. There will be a formal visitation one hour prior to the service.

Pallbearers will be Dusty Rusert, Jonathan Rosson, Eric Hollin, Donnie Pearce, Ronnie Pearce, and Hoover Willard.

Honorary pallbearers will be Emmett Pearce and Jimmy Jones.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Sorrow is so easy to express and yet so hard to tell. ~ Joni Mitchell

B. Edward Terman

Mr. B. Edward Terman, age 85, passed away Friday, April 29, 2022, at his home in Cove, Arkansas. He was born August 30, 1936, to the late Ben E. Terman and Evelyn Ingles.

Edward graduated from East Bakersfield High in Bakersfield, California, he retired as a maintenance supervisor for the Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area, in Bakersfield, California. He moved to Cove, Arkansas in April of 1998, and was a volunteer fireman for the Cove volunteer fire department for several years.

Mr. Terman is preceded in death by his parents, Ben E. Terman and Evelyn Ingles; daughter, Terri Davidson; brother, George Murphy, and by his sister, Dorothy Dobson. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mrs. M. Euvonne Terman; sons, Edward E. Terman of Clarksville, Tennessee, Kirk L. Terman of Bakersfield, California, David S. Pettit of De Queen, Arkansas; daughters, Doravon Norton and husband Jim of Cove, Arkansas, Robin R. Lipcovitz of Alma, Arkansas, Cheri Davidson and husband Doug of Bakersfield, California, Bonnie Kelly of Cove, Arkansas; 18 grandchildren; 34 greatgrandchildren; and by his brother, Fred and Karen Murphy.

Mr. Terman was sent for cremation under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home; there will be a memorial service announced at a later date.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

May 4, 2022

News 7

New indictment brings additional charges Wildlife and Habitat Preservation Bill approved by key Senate Committee to owner of healthcare clinics, family members Submitted Sportsmen’s Foundation.

by Sen. John Boozman

By Patrick Massey

HOT SPRINGS - Additional federal charges have been filed against the owner of a number of healthcare clinics based in Southwest Arkansas alongside several of her close family members.

According to a superseding indictment issued by a grand jury last week, Tawnya Lansdell and several members of her family are accused of misusing federal funds acquired through the Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP. That program was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist businesses in keeping their employees on staff.

The new federal indictment claims Tawnya Lansdell and her husband, Michael, received $325,000 in assistance in 2020 through the PPP. Of that, federal prosecutors say more than $230,000 was misused on the purchase of a boat and for loan payments for property located in Little River County. Count three of the superseding indictment filed last week includes both Lansdells as well as Lansdell Farms and the Lansdell Family Clinic, PLLC. The superseding indictment also adds additional members of the Lansdells’ family to the federal case. In addition to the eight healthcare providers charged in the original indictment, Tawyna Lansdell’s husband, Michael; her brother, Rusty Lynn Griffin; and her nephew, Michael “Mick” Wallace Martin, are also now accused of healthcare and wire fraud.

The federal indictment issued earlier this year against Tawyna Lansdell and employees at her clinics accuse the defendants of overcharged for services and charged for services that were never performed. Federal prosecutors allege both Martin and Griffin conspired to commit healthcare fraud through management roles they held at Lansdell

Family Clinics.

The investigation into Lansdell Family Clinics 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.

In last month, the five nurse practitioners and three pharmacists were arraigned in federal court in Texarkana.

All eight healthcare providers are facing charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose.

The individuals charged in the DEA investigation include Tawnya Lee Lansdell, Claire Terece Russell, Wendy Wynette Gammon, Shelly Rae Eastridge, Bonita Louis Martin, Candace Micheele Whitely, Gina Robinson and Stephen Haden Sullivan.

Federal prosecutors claim the eight defendants “knowingly and intentionally conspired to possess with intent to distribute Scheduled II controlled substances, hydrocodone and oxycodone, and other Schedule II, III and IV controlled substances, without an effective prescription.”

The dates these offenses are alleged to have occurred range from January 2019 to May in 2021 at Lansdell Family Clinics and partnering pharmacies in De Queen, Dierks, Lockesburg and Texarkana.

Prosecutors are seeking prison time in addition to asset forfeiture of property obtained as a result of the alleged drug trafficking, healthcare fraud and wire fraud charges.

All eight defendants entered a plea of not guilty and were released on a $5,000 bond. A May 16 trial date has been set within the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas.

WASHINGTON – Legislation backed by U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) to invest in conservation work in Arkansas and support some of the best stewards of our natural resources – farmers and ranchers – advanced through a key Senate committee last week and is one step closer to Senate passage.

The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee approved the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA), legislation to safeguard the long-term health of fish and wildlife habitat in the Natural State and all across the country.

“Arkansas is home to some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the country. Investing in the preservation of wildlife and habitat ensures future generations can participate in these popular pastimes through collaborative conservation efforts. I’m pleased to have bipartisan support for the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act and will work to secure Senate passage,” said Boozman, a senior member of the EPW Committee.

Wildlife agencies across the country have identified more than 12,000 species in greatest need of conservation assistance. Arkansas is home to 377 of those endangered and threatened wildlife. This legislation would make Arkansas eligible for more than $15 million annually to fund habitat restoration and conservation.

At Boozman’s urging, the EPW Committee held a hearing on this legislation in December.

The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is supported by more than 1,500 organizations including the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Ducks Unlimited and the Congressional

“RAWA is the biggest conservation opportunity in at least a generation. For a state known as “The Natural State” and with $9.7 billion in annual consumer spending in outdoor recreation, the benefits would be tremendous.

RAWA would benefit not only at-risk threatened and endangered species, but also our hundreds of thousands of sportsmen for generations to come.

We are proud and grateful for Senator Boozman’s leadership in the Senate to ensure this bill bolsters the Arkansas outdoors as much as possible and eventually becomes law,” said Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Director Austin Booth.

“The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act will have a significant impact on the recovery of threatened and endangered species everywhere,” said Dan Wrinn, Ducks Unlimited National Director of Government Affairs. “Senator Boozman’s efforts to help guide this important legislation through the Environment and Public Works committee have been instrumental in reaching this important step for wildlife conservation, and we look forward to seeing this historic legislation pass the House and Senate soon.”

“The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act represents a pragmatic, cost-effective effort to conserving nearly 12,000 fish, wildlife, and plant species before more burdensome measures are necessary. This legislation is a win-win for America’s sportsmen and women, businesses, private landowners, and other stakeholders,” said Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) President and CEO Jeff Crane. “CSF applauds Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Vice Chair Sen. Boozman for cosponsoring and helping champion this landmark legislation.”

8 Letters

May 4, 2022

Your Pulse!

Letter to the Editor The Polk County Growth and Advancement Committee (PCGA) is touting the need for Polk County to become a wet county. The reason, they and their supporters say, is to retain the revenue that is lost to surrounding counties and states, and to help local business “operate a little bit easier and save money.”

There are several reasons I oppose this referendum. I resent the move to change the climate and culture of Mena and Polk County by prostituting our community to the almighty dollar. People knew when they moved here that we are a dry county. I agree with Don Cloud (quoted in the April 20 Pulse article) that if those pushing for a wet county wanted to live in and profit from a wet county, they should have located elsewhere.

There are considerations of which those pushing for a wet county are either unaware or choose to ignore. One is the supposed benefit, expressed by Mr. Campbell in last weeks pulse article, that going wet will give the community “the option to stay within the county and travel a lesser distance in order to purchase the drinks that thy are already consuming in their home.” Evidently, he has never lived near a package liquor store or a bar and had to pick up the cans and bottles, thrown from passing vehicles, littering the roadside and his front yard.

If those pushing for this referendum think alcohol sales will be beneficial to the people of Polk County, they have never sat with a wife whose drunken husband beat her and took grocery money to purchase his booze.

They have never counseled a family that has been negatively impacted by an alcoholic family member. They have never felt the grief of the young woman whose two family members were killed and a young child critically injured when their automobile was hit, head-on, by a drunk driver east of Board Camp. One doesn’t have to drive 40 miles to be a danger when they drive under the influence. Two miles is enough distance to cause mayhem.

PCGA paints a rosy picture of millions of dollars coming into the county coffers without any adverse results to going wet. They point to stats from various Arkansas wet counties that everything remained just fine when they went from dry to wet. The “Guide to Community Preventive Services” of the CDC, in a systematic review that was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, disagrees.

Scientists at the CDC found sufficient evidence of a “positive link between outlet density and excessive alcohol use and related harms.

The following articles present the findings of this study: (PDF-82kB).AmJPrevMed

2009; 37(6):510-571, and (PDF-455kB).AmJPrevMed 2009; 37(6):556-569.

Also, in a report entitled, “Community Strategies to Reduce Excessive Alcohol Use”, published by the CDC (www.cdc.gov), it is stated that one of the most important measures is to reduce the number of alcohol outlets (restaurants, bars, and liquor stores). The PCGA wants to increase the number of outlets in Polk County and make it “easier” for businesses to sell alcohol to their customers. To suppose that alcohol consumption will not increase in the county is naive.

Other “related harms, in addition to those experiences I’ve outlined above, include the following. A report entitled, “Per Capita Alcohol Consumption and Suicide Rates in the U.S.”, indicates that an increase in consumption of alcohol results in a corresponding increase in the suicide rate, especially among females.

Data also shows increased aggression, especially from men, including domestic violence.

While the money may roll in from going wet, the untold harm to families stays hidden. The PCGA would be more accurately called “Committee Promoting Greed and Alcoholism”.

Please reject this bid to make our community and country a wet area.

Vernon Payne, Mena Letter to the Editor I wish to disagree with Mr. Cowden’s long letter in the April 27th edition. Regarding concentration on “NEW MONEY” and increased tourism, he might find it surprising the number of residents of Polk County and Mena who like it here just as it is.

I enjoy a glass of wine, or two, with my meals, but his letter has persuaded me NOT to support the Wet County petition.

Bill Pollen, Mena Letter to the Editor To the voters of Mena and Polk County, it’s very important to consider both sides of the issue of voting our town wet. The older people knew that when permits were issued for alcohol sales in our city that the next thing they would push for is a wet city or county—to profit, of course, the people who are selling liquor.

It’s been quite a long time since it was a wet county, and although we miss out on some revenue, most people who live here are okay with the way things are.

If you knew the history of Polk County and Mena, you would understand why. At one time, there were saloons and brothels from one end of Mena to the other. One was located exactly where 1st Financial Bank is, several along Main Street and near where Walmart is now.

It was a very violent and crime-ridden time

for Mena—many shootings, robberies and broken homes and families.

When Mena-Polk County went dry is when this town became a decent, safe place to live and raise kids.

If we go back to wet, your town is going to change, and the good people will very much regret it and probably leave. If you think the drug problem is bad, just wait and see what alcohol will do. I have seen alcohol destroy many lives, including some in my own family.

Alcoholics usually die young—lose and waste all their money, alienate friends and family, and have problems getting and keeping jobs. I wouldn’t wish that sad life on anyone.

Just so a couple of profiteers can make more money.

This information came from people who lived it and is true to the best of my knowledge.

Your friend and neighbor, Jo L. Rogers Letter to the Editor Back in the early 1980’s I read an article that said a U.S. silver dollar would buy the same then as it would in the 1880’s. The rationale was that a U.S. silver dollar had the same buying power 100 years later due to the increase in the value of silver metal verses the decreased value of paper dollars. That made sense to me and, as my finances allowed, I began buying a few silver dollars. Now, I wish I had purchased more.

I am not a financial planner and do not pretend to be. My decisions on finances are based on my needs and what outcomes I hope to achieve. My individual investments are lower yield but have a guaranteed return. I try to spread out what I have to invest in savings and annuities. I do not have any digital currencies. But I do think there is a place for precious metals and have my own reasons for that thought.

Our national debt is beyond what I can fathom and is growing. Sooner or later our debt must be paid. Right now, we barely pay the interest. In 1933 President FDR took the U.S. off the gold standard. Private ownership of any gold coins, bullion, or gold notes was banned and was exchanged at a rate of $20.67 an ounce.

A few months later our government set the gold price at $35 an ounce. The government held all the gold and the increase in value added 69% to the Federal reserve balance sheets and allowed the U.S. government to inflate the money supply.

That held until 1971 when President Nixon took the U.S. completely off the gold standard and, in 1974, President Ford allowed the private ownership of gold by U.S. citizens.

In 1964 we stopped issuing coinage in

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse silver and went to clad coins (although you can purchase U.S. silver and gold coins put out yearly by the U.S. Mint). The Federal Reserve chair once said the U.S. would never monetize our debt (the practice of the government borrowing money from the central bank instead of selling bonds to private investors or raising taxes) but we have done exactly that.

The central banks who buy government debt are essentially creating new money in the process to do so. Later, when the principal payments are due, the government prints money and pays it off. The increase in money supply results in decreased value of the money held by other people but pays off the government debt.

This sounds complicated and I would bet our government likes it that way. It is one reason I think precious metals are an attractive supplement to paper money and investments. Yes, the value fluctuates in the markets for metals as well, but it always seems to rise. I started buying silver at around $3 an ounce and today it is over $25 an ounce spot price. Aside from coin and bullion silver and gold, there are uses for the metals in the manufacturing sector, further increasing their value.

The latest numbers I could find for the debt versus GDP (Gross Domestic Product) shows our debt vs. GDP in the U.S. at 137.2% for the year 2021. GDP is a measure of the monetary value of final goods and services (that is those that are bought by the final user) produced in a country in a given period of time.

What all this means is that for a very long time we have lived beyond our means. We are spending way more than we can make and sell here and abroad. Money our government pays out in foreign aid, expenses for illegal immigrant care and feeding, never ending wars, too many social welfare programs, and military aid to other countries is money we do not have to spend.

Yet our government spends like there is no tomorrow.

I like to think that living within my means and not racking up huge debt was the right move. Unfortunately, when our system has to pay the piper, we may all find ourselves in the same boat. What concerns me is that our government (politicians) are at the helm of that boat and it is leaking badly. These are the same folks that have gotten us in excess of $30 trillion of national debt.

Thank you for allowing me a forum to express my thoughts. With respect and kindest regards...

Ronald Goss...Retired, Mena

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

News 9

May 4, 2022

UARM tourism conference announced Submitted by UARM UA Rich Mountain has announced that it will be hosting a tourism conference May 17 in the Ouachita Center.

Noting the rapidly increasing local tourism industry, Director of Marketing, Public Relations and Business Outreach LeAnn Dilbeck said that the conference was designed specifically to 1.) bring all of the tourism stakeholders, both private and public, together to network; 2.) increase awareness of various entities and services that can bring added exposure to help grow their business; 3.) to educate the community, as a whole, of multiple large tourism developments/events in the local area over the next couple of years.

“Mena is poised to see phenomenal growth in the tourism industry in the coming months and it is important that the community be well informed and have working relationships with each other to fully capitalize on upcoming opportunities as well as establish a foundation that will allow us to maintain a thriving tourism industry,” Dilbeck added. “As a college, we want to support that growth and be a resource to our community.”

Napper to be keynote speaker

This conference will be ideal for anyone with short-term rentals through Air BnB, VRBO, cabin owners, restaurants, traditional B and B’s, or any retail/ service business. “Anyone interested in the growth of the local community can benefit from the content shared in this con-

ference. We will have local, regional, and state speakers presenting,” Dilbeck said.

Travis Napper, the Arkansas director of tourism, will be the keynote address at UA Rich Mountain’s upcoming tourism conference slated for May 17.

Napper took the lead of the department in 2020. He had previously led the Ruston Lincoln Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau in Ruston, Louisiana, as the president and CEO. Prior to that he was director of orientation and special programs at

Louisiana Tech University, also in Ruston. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Louisiana Tech University and earned the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation in 2016.

“We are thrilled to have the Director of Tourism join us for the conference. Clearly, it is a testament of the significant developments coming to our area that will bolster an already thriving and growing tourism industry,” Dilbeck said.

Napper will discuss the strength Arkansas tourism exhibited during the height of the pandemic, much unlike other tourism destinations who suffered record loss in tourists. He will also discuss the importance of preparing for the upcoming Solar Eclipse coming in 2024, in which parts of Polk County will experience a 100% total eclipse.

He will discuss the departments efforts to bring tourist to the state as well as share valuable free resources available to local business owners in the tourism industry.

Also joining the conference as a presenter is Suzanne Grobmyer, the executive director of the Arkansas Parks Foundation.

She will be discussing a possible significant upcoming devel-

opment that could be transformational to our local tourism industry.

We will have a number of other local speakers that will share local resources, branding, building an audience with social media, etc.

This conference will be beneficial to anyone in the local tourism industry, hotels, motels, cabin rentals, AirBnBs, VRBOs, restaurants, retail, event venues/planners but is certainly open to anyone interested in community development and the positive economic impact brought through tourism dollars.

Mayor Seth Smith encourages the community to participate with the conference. “I am grateful to UA Rich Mountain for bringing all of these speakers together for a one day event.

It’s a great way to bring awareness to multiple projects and developments coming to our area as well as educating those in the industry of all the resources available to them.”

The event is $25/person and open to the community. It will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude by 3 p.m.

Participants will need to register by May 12. Register by calling (479) 394-7622 ext.

1220 or by emailing ldilbeck@ uarichmountain.edu.

10 Community

By Clet Litter as told to Bob Simpson Larry’s Assisted Living Facility and Funeral Home, has found another medicine to replace the homemade Duct Tape In A Bottle. Larry said, “Manipulol does the same thing as DTIAB, but it doesn’t have the industrial adhesive aftertaste. It’s also cheaper than serving those special mandatory brownies for bedtime snacks every night.”

Mumford Pickens, who has been married five times, has some advice, “Irreconcilable differences in a married man and woman should not be a reason for divorce. There were already irreconcilable differences even before their ‘I Do’s Its.’ One was a male and the other was a female.”

Mother’s Day is coming. There’s a difference between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. You don’t need to re-

Pulse

May 4, 2022

Hogspore News:

Irreconcilableanddifferences woes over his life, leaving out the

member that since it won’t be in any exam cept maybe a test on the mighty obvious. Moms don’t have to pretend to be extra nice ahead of their Day, cause they’re always gonna get great gifts. It won’t matter if the pappy tries to seem pleasant before his Day, cause he will still get another tie or something ironic like a tee-shirt that says, “The World’s Greatest Dad.” Old Man Grimely is becoming grumpier. He was recollecting his past whilst eating at Maude and Freddy’s COGUOMCD. I used the initials, so I wouldn’t have to spell out Come-OnGive-Us-One-More-Chance Diner. I asked him about his childhood, “Who taught you to ride a bicycle?”

Grimely said, “Gravity.”

He plowed on to tell of his hardships

National Travel and Tourism Week 2022: Polk County Celebrates the Future of Travel

National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), the annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, will spotlight the critical role that travel will play in driving economic growth and building the path forward through the theme Future of Travel.

This year’s theme elevates how the travel industry can restore the workforce, help communities recover, foster sustainability,

THE POLK COUNTY

usher in new innovations and reconnect travelers in the U.S. and around the world.

Celebrated annually the first full week in May, NTTW was created by Congress in 1983 to elevate the economic power of travel in the U.S. The 39th annual NTTW (May 1-7) arrives as the industry looks ahead to future growth and success following the challenges of the past two years.

“NTTW has special significance this

Mena Mayor Seth Smith signed a proclamation on May 2 declaring May 1-7 as National Travel and Tourism Week (Trey Youngdahl/Pulse)

part about him rolling in the dough from his tractor sales and service business for thirty years. So, I asked him if he had any last thoughts of what he’d learned in his days. Grimley offered, “Beauty fades with age, but Ugly just keeps getting worse.”

National News: May is Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month. Folks spend the time highlighting the troubles people get into when they move to a new country.

Mumford Pickens has a riddle for you. What did Mother Earth ask Father Time? “Does this ocean make me look flat?”

Contact at Bobsimpson1947@yahoo.com. You know you wanna. year as the travel industry looks ahead to a bright future,” U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow said. “This NTTW is an opportunity to recognize the collective strength of the U.S. travel industry and how we are rebuilding to be more dynamic, innovative, sustainable and inclusive in the months and years to come.

“Before the pandemic, travel generated $2.6 trillion in economic output, supported 17 million American jobs and delivered a $51 billion trade surplus to the U.S.—evidence of the out-sized role the industry will play in driving America’s recovery and future economic growth,” Dow added.

Melanie Wade, executive director of the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce, said, “We are planning for a future that will strengthen Polk County’s tourism industry and economy. This National Travel and Tourism Week, we are spotlighting how travel benefits our workforce, supports our local economy, fosters sustainability and innovations, and reconnects Americans to each other and the world.”

Please visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week.

Master Gardeners plant sale reminder Submitted by Ann Glenn Still looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Come to the Polk County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 7, for the Annual Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale. Free admission and the doors open at 8 a.m.

You’ll find plenty of healthy plants: trees, shrubs, flowers, herbs, ground covers, and house plants. They will be labeled “Annual” or “Perennial,” “Sun” or “Shade.” Master Gardeners will be standing by to help with your choices and answer your questions.

There will be demonstrations by a Master Gardener at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.

There will be information provided about the Master Gardeners organization, and a sign up sheet for anyone interested in the new class planned for the fall. Everyone is invited to join.

Funds received from the sale are returned to the community, usually in the form of educational programs and local scholarships.

Please bring cash or check only. No credit or debit cards will be accepted.

Governor reappoints Gilbert Gov. Asa Hutchinson reappointed David Gilbert, of Mena, to the Commission on Water Well Construction.

Gilbert’s term expires on January 14, 2024. Gilbert is with Gilbert’s Hard Rock Drilling located on Fourth Street in Mena.

The Arkansas Water Well Construction Commission (AWWCC) was formed by the Arkansas General Assembly in 1969 to protect the general health, safety, and welfare of Arkansans by regulating water well construction and pump installation. The AWWCC’s rules provide a framework for proper development of underground water in an efficient, orderly, sanitary, reasonable and safe manner.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

May 4, 2022

Community 11

Around Town The Owens Chapel Cemetery Spring Cleanup week will be May 1st through the 7th. Decoration day will be May 8. The Annual Public Meeting will be the first Sunday of December at 2 p.m. at the cemetery. Public welcome.

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

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

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.

Mollie Gann Cemetery Decoration Day, Sunday, May 8. We’ll have a board meeting at 10 a.m. Upkeep donations will be taken at that time. If you cannot make the meeting, donations can be deposited to our account at Union Bank or mailed to Jackie Hook, 405 Polk 40, Hatfield, AR 71945.

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 The Crossing Church, 3 p.m., Sundays; at 5 p.m., Tuesdays; and at 8 p.m.

Saturdays at the old bus barn. For information call (479) 234-8366 or (479) 216-3786.

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

Everyone welcome.

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

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

Large selection of good, used clothing & a limited supply of non-perishable food items. Free to anyone in need.

National Day of Prayer, noon on Thursday, May 5. Due to rain, the event has moved to the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church in Mena.

St. Agnes Catholic Church will have a food distribution on Thursday May 5th. Distribution will be from 10 - noon at 203 8th Street St. in Mena. Follow the signs to the Church office.

The Disabled American Veterans and auxil-

iary will be holding their monthly meetings on Thursday, May 5, at Veterans Park in Acorn. There will be a potluck at 6 pm with meetings to follow.

Ink-Concord Cemetery Decoration Day, May 15, with annual meeting at 2 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Concord Baptist Church. Bring your maintenance donations at this time or mail them to P.O. Box 696, Mena, AR 71953.

The Polk County Democrat will be meeting on Monday 9, 2022, at Papa’s Mexican Café on Hwy 71. Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. Come early for a meal and socializing. Bring a friend or more. Everybody is welcome. If any questions or concerns call Linda Johnson at 479 234 7966.

The Polk County Social Seniors will be meeting at the American Artisans, 615 Mena Street on Thursday, May 12, 2022, at noon. Bring a friend or more and have a good meal and socializing. Please call Linda Johnson for any questions at 956-241-2633. See you there.

The Mena/Polk County Senior Center is putting together a bean bag baseball team and celebrating our seniors birthdays every 3rd Tuesday of the month.

They’ll have a breakfast fundraiser, sponsored by 1st Freewill Baptist Church, Saturday, May 14, 8:30-9 a.m., for the cost of a donation. Breakfast will be pick-up or dine-in.

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

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

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

The Polk County Housing Authority has Rental Vouchers available. They are also in need of Applicants and Landlords. Contact them at 509 S. Morrow, Mena, (479) 394-1565 or polkarhousing.com Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 8 p.m. Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for information call 479-243-0297.

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.

Our Little Savers Are Graduating Get them ready for college with a new Kasasa Account. With the convenience of online banking, e-statements, and mobile deposit, they will have banking tools at their fingertips wherever they go.

Speak with one of our representatives today!

Ouachita Little Theatre will hold its annual membership meeting May 11, 5 p.m. at the OLT. The meeting is for all members. In addition to reports, there will be an election of new officers and a vote on changes in the OLT constitution. Please note, this is a new meeting date.

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!

In the Business of YOU. Member FDIC | www.ffb1.com | @FFBank1 600 HWY 71 S | Mena, AR | 479-394-3552

12 News

By Ethan Nahté

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

May 4, 2022

2022 Special Olympics Track and Field Day

The 2022 Special Olympics Track and Field Day was held once again at Bearcat Stadium in Mena on April 28.

The day started out overcast, but soon cleared for a beautiful backdrop of mountains and puffy clouds.

The event began with music blasting across the stands and field to entertain the athletes and the dozens of students, friends and families there to cheer the athletes on. Delta Dental was on hand with a booth to provide educational information on dental hygiene and some giveaways.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run began at the Homewood Cottages, complete with emergency vehicles blaring sirens and lights while officers ran, carrying a torch, entering the field and circling the track.

Next up was the Parade of Athletes

with athletes representing Mena High School, Mena Middle School, Holly Harshman, Acorn, Magazine, Polk County Developmental Center and the Booneville Human Developmental Center.

The Presentation of the Oath was read by one of the participants, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” The Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem performed by the MHS band followed before the events got rolling.

The boys participated in a variety of races, including a 440yard dash. The girls competed in a variety of field events.

Students, educators, law enforcement and firefighters all assisted with the events and awards.

On hand was Krista Carsons, who will appear in the World Games in Duabai. Three athletes from Mena will be going to the USA Games, June 5-12.

Plenty of medals were awarded for first-third place in several categories and age groups.

The event was hosted by Area 14, directed by Ann Hudson. The venue director was Aarika Cox, Sped paraprofessional for Mena High School.

The Special Olympics has approximately 19,000 athletes across the United States.

(Photos by Ethan Nahté)

394-1938

TIRES • BRAKES • CUSTOM EXHAUST • SHOCKS & STRUTS

Winter Hours: Mon - Fri 8 am - 5 pm

1500 Hwy 71 South, Mena

Owners: Stacy & Julie Nash

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Banquet

May 4, 2022

13

Chamber of Commerce is back with first in-person banquet since pandemic began

2022

Submitted by The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce

The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce held their annual Membership Appreciation Banquet on Thursday, April 28, at the Ouachita Center on the campus of UA-Rich Mountain. The event was the first in-person banquet held by the Chamber since 2019. There was a “We are Back” excitement in the room of energized attendees.

The night began with a networking cocktail hour before continuing to dinner, awards, guest speakers, and an auction. James’ Super Save provided ingredients for the charcuterie boards that were prepared by Marleen McIntyre of Homelife Academy. The dinner of Poblano Pasta was created by Papa’s Mexican Café and served up by students from Mena High School.

The 2022 Chamber of Commerce Community Awards were presented following dinner. There were some new awards presented in this year’s Community Awards, while some other categories were combined, and others remained.

Mena Mayor Seth Smith was the first guest speaker of the evening. Smith spoke about proposed multi-use trail systems in the area and encouraged everyone to attend a public meeting on Thursday, May 5, at the old Armory on Dequeen Street, from 5-8 p.m.

Chair of the Arkansas Recreation and Travel Commission, Eric Jackson, who is also vice president of Oaklawn Gaming & Resorts, was the night’s main speaker. He

Those presented with the well-deserved awards:

(Trey Youngdahl/Pulse)

provided valuable insight to the tourism industry including how each citizen in the area is affected and benefited by local tourism dollars. Jackson, as well as others, are excited about all the great things proposed in Mena and the surrounding area and his enthusiasm was quite apparent.

The evening ended with an auction presented by Shannon Hunter and crew of Hunter’s Auction Service. It’s always a great show with Hunter at the helm and this year was no exception. The banquet auction provides funding for local scholarships and much needed funding for the Chamber.

“We are so pleased with the outcome of this year’s banquet,” said Melanie Wade, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.

“We had a full house, and everyone had a great time. We truly appreciate all members, attendees, speakers, and donors. Without the support of the community, the Chamber would not exist. Thank you all.”

• • • • • • • • •

Non-Profit of the Year – CASA of the Ouachitas Law Enforcement Officer of the Year – Elena Cannon Healthcare Professional of the Year – Brian Erickson Teacher of the Year – Leo Mabry Business of the Year – The Ouachitas Citizen of the Year – Seth Smith Member of the Year – Aleshire Electric Ambassador of the Year – Steve Guin Past-President Award – Pilar Fowler

14 Banquet

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

May 4, 2022

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May 4, 2022

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THE POLK COUNTY

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THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

May 4, 2022

News 17

Call 811 before digging, excavation As part of National Safe Digging Month, Entergy Arkansas is reminding people to call 811 before digging into your list of spring projects. This easy process helps prevent injuries, property damage and inconvenient utility outages to homeowners and other residents, officials said, by talking briefly with Arkansas One Call representatives.

“Spring is a good time to start home improvement and landscaping projects, so it’s also the right time to remind customers of the importance of safe digging practices,” said Ventrell Thompson, Entergy Arkansas acting vice president of customer service. “Everyone – homeowners, business owners and contractors – should call

811 to determine the location of existing lines in order to limit the chances of striking underground utility lines, including gas, water and electric. Not only is it the safe thing to do, but it’s also the law.”

The focus of National Safe Digging Month each April is on preventing serious consequences that could occur from digging without knowing what’s below the surface – not only now, but year-round.

Arkansas One Call representatives provide direction on how to submit requests to learn what utilities may be buried beneath the ground, such as natural gas pipelines, electric power lines and other services, he said.

Regardless of what you plan to do, how deep you plan to dig or

even if you’ve called before for a similar project, every job requires a call first, as experts say erosion, settling and other factors can change the depth and location of utilities over time.

After you make the call to 811, professional locators will mark the approximate locations of underground lines at the requested digging site with flags, paint or both.

Markings show the location of underground lines and help prevent undesired consequences such as injury, service disruptions or costly fines and repair costs.

In accordance with 811 color codes, electric power lines and lighting cables are identified by the color red; gas, oil and steam lines are be identified by the color

yellow; and telecommunication, alarm and signal lines are identified by the color orange.

The depth of underground utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in one common area, and the risk of striking underground utility lines exists even when digging only a few inches. If digging activity comes within 18 inches of a utility line or pipeline, people should exercise extreme caution.

If you suspect utility damage of any kind, leave the area immediately and call 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) or call 911. For more information, visit Arkansas811.com, Entergy.com/safety/ dig/ or call 800-482-8998.

18 Faith

By Richie Lawry After a long day’s drive to Houma, Louisiana, our GPS took us to the corner of Bayou Black Drive and Barrow Street, where we spotted the quaint old building that housed A-Bear’s Café. We were meeting my brother-in-law and sister-inlaw from Washington state. They were in Houma to attend the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Terrebonne Parish as members of Team Relay Nation. We pulled into the crowded parking lot, and I finally found a place to park behind the old building.

As we walked into the old house converted into a restaurant, we told the hostess we were here to meet the group from Relay For Life, and they pointed toward the back room of the crowded restaurant.

The room was packed, barely leaving room for the waitresses to serve. We were cramped as people made room for us at the long table. The restaurant was alive, with a down-home, country, family vibe.

Live music filled the restaurant with the sounds of oldies. The vocalist began singing Neil Diamond’s, “Sweet Caroline.”

“Where it began, I can’t begin to knowing.

But then I know it’s growing strong.”

It seemed like the conversations at our table stopped as everyone listened to the music. There’s something about the way the song’s bridge builds to a soaring chorus that seemed to grab everyone’s attention. “Hands, touching hands, reaching out, touching me, touching you. Sweet Caroline,” Then, as if by magic, the group spontaneously filled the musical fill with, “ba, ba, ba,” and the vocalist continued.

“Good times never seemed so good.”

And it did seem like good times. The next time the chorus came around, the entire restaurant chimed in with, “ba, ba, ba.”

A-Bear’s Cafe has been owned and operated by the Hebert family since 1963.

In the 2014 article in the digital magazine Country Roads, Alex V. Cook writes, “Jane Hebert and her husband bought the place that had been the family home of Judge Edward ‘Jimmy’ Gaidry. I think there were eight or nine kids raised in

May 4, 2022

An Arkie’s Faith A-Bear’s Cafe

A-Bears Cafe—Cajun, Creole, family and friends. (Photo courtesy of Steve Dutcher)

here,” said Hebert. And with a modicum of changes, it remains. A bustling lunch crowd trod the same hardwood floors as have countless hungry Houmans at A-Bear’s for half a century.

“Fifty-one years, actually,” Hebert said.

“My husband did all the cooking until about five years back.” Hebert is a common enough name in the area that I wondered about the outsider-friendly spelling. “That’s what it sounds like,” she flatly replied. When Alex asked her how she and her husband got in the business she responded, “My husband was born legally blind, and he was cooking on the quarter boats up in Cameron, around there, and in the early ‘60s they started enforcing the insurance, and he couldn’t pass the regulations. His dad was working at the water plant just around back and saw this for rent, so we took it over. I mean, he could have chosen to settle on disability, but we’ve always worked.”

Albert Hebert cooked in A-Bear’s kitchen from the day the cafe opened its doors in 1963 until he was no longer able to in 2010. However, Albert loved the restaurant so much he continued to visit until

2014 to continue his tradition of sneaking away to talk and joke with the customers.

What is unique about A-Bear’s Restaurant is the family-like environment and its relaxed atmosphere. As we were eating, a man in a white shirt walked through the restaurant. He was stopping at tables to visit with people. When he came to our table, I could see that his shirt read, “Mayor of ABears Cafe.” As the mayor made his way to our end of the table, he stopped to visit with each person. He asked where I was from, and when I replied, “Mena, Arkansas,” he told me of the time he visited Mena and Queen Wilhelmina State Park almost 40 years ago.

As the mayor recounted the story of his visit to the Queen Wilhelmina lodge to attend a truck show, he talked about his wife’s fear as they drove up the mountain.

The Houma, Louisiana area is very flat, you must drive 100 miles north to reach an elevation of 100 feet, and she had never experienced a road like the Talimena Drive. As he talked, it was easy to see that he loved his hometown and the surrounding area. His historical knowledge of the area is impressive. He always has an

Joke of the Week:

I lost my wife’s audiobook. Now I’ll never hear the end of it!

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse anecdote for any situation. He is proud of his son, Travis, a boat captain who charters fishing expeditions. His clients have included Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, and country music singers Chris Young and Jimmy Allen.

Along with probably everyone else at our table, I invited the mayor to attend the Relay For Life the following afternoon. When we were ready to leave, I told him that we were now friends since he had visited Mena and I was visiting Houma. He told me, “No, we are more than friends; we are brothers.”

The next afternoon the mayor, Nat, messaged me, “We will try to head that way in a little while.” Nat is the kind of friendly guy to whom it is easy to talk.

He is a true ambassador for South Louisiana. He and his wife stopped by the Team Relay Nation booth, and I had another chance to visit and learn more about the area.

In Ephesians 5:1,2 (AMP), Paul writes: “Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.”

It is possible for us to imitate Christ, to represent and communicate His desires and will while we are here on earth. “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 (KJV) Gentle Reader, as a Christian, you are an ambassador for Christ. You represent Christ in your sphere of influence. Your actions speak volumes more to people around you than what you say. We can think that we represent Christ if we often speak of Him to others. But our lives, decisions, what we do, and what we don’t do in daily situations genuinely speak to others the most. Be an ambassador like Nat, the mayor of A-Bear’s Cafe. Be an ambassador for Christ.

Replacing windshields in Polk County for forty years.

Give Richie a call at 479-3949938 Located at 3008 Hwy 71 South

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

May 4, 2022

WGU provides opportunities to ease tuition costs with $4,000 Scholarships Western Governors University (WGU) understands that careers in healthcare and education are rewarding and challenging. At a time in our country when the need and demand for these essential workers continues to rise, WGU is committed to helping teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, nurses, nurse educators, and healthcare workers pursue their goal of advancing their education with less financial burden associated with going back to school.

Educators represent 12 percent of all frontline workers and healthcare workers represent 17 percent. They give their time, energy and sometimes their health to help others. But in every state across the country, shortages in these critical professions require solutions, such as educational opportunities and career advancement. That’s why WGU is celebrating and honoring Teachers Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week by offering its WGU Loves Teachers and Nurse Appreciation Scholarship, each valued up to $4,000.

Each WGU Loves Teachers Scholarship is designed to help current teachers improve their skill set in the classroom or move into administration, or to assist professionals in obtaining the required credentials for a rewarding future career as an educator. WGU’s Teachers College programs are accredited by both the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a prestigious combination of accreditations. To learn more about WGU’s Teachers College and

its academic programs, visit wgu.edu/ online-teaching-degrees. New and enrolling students may apply for the scholarship at wgu.edu/wgulovesteachers.

Nurses who are ready to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree can apply for the Nurse Appreciation Scholarship. WGU’s CCNE-accredited BSN and MSN programs are the perfect fit for the unpredictable and demanding schedules of working nurses. WGU has been named a 2021 Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Apply by June 30 for the scholarship at wgu.edu/nurseappreciation.

WGU has been doing its part by actively working to help fill those positions, even as those gaps worsened during the pandemic. WGU’s Teachers College graduated more than 12,500 students in 2020 and an additional 800 in 2021. With more than 60,000 alumni across the U.S. and more than 30,000 active students, it is now the largest college of education in the nation.

In the nonprofit’s diligence in maintaining lower costs reduces the need for student borrowing, resulting in average graduate debt that is about half the national average. These scholarships will provide students with significant assistance as they pursue an affordable, high-quality degree in education or healthcare. WGU’s flexible, online programs were designed with working adults in mind. Students can complete coursework wherever and whenever works best for their schedule and earn their degree faster, which gives more control over how much the degree will cost.

Education 19

RMEC Selects McGee for Washington DC Youth Tour

Submitted by Tammy L. Young, ORSD

Acorn High School junior Reed McGee has been selected to participate in the 2022 Rural Electric Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative chose McGee among a host of applicants to represent this region of Arkansas on the youth tour in June 2022.

Instrumental in starting the Youth Tour Program in Arkansas is credited to Mr. Alton Higginbotham, former president and chief executive officer of First Electric Cooperative Corp. Mr. 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 for Arkansas youth. Approximately 40 high school juniors with chaperones attend the event and are selected by the state’s electric distribution cooperatives through essay con-

(l-r) John Larucci, Reed McGee, Margo Kimp & Brad Castor (Submitted photo)

tests and an interview process.

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

20 Education

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

May 4, 2022

CHOIR Brewer was a very positive influence in continued from page 1 her life.”

This was very timely for Brewer, who Restaurant in Mena. Before graduating was already working on setting up a in 2018, Norman was a cheerleader at memorial scholarship for Norman. The CRHS and was an exceptional public $1,500 was enough to fund the scholarspeaker, winning awards in FCCLA for ship for three years.

There was some question about how her speaking skills. Along with this, she was a very talented singer and a promi- the scholarship would be funded for 2022. Unbeknownst to CRHS, Tyson nent member of the CRHS choir.

“She was very loud, boisterous, quite had raised more money toward the blunt and funny. I don’t know that I’ve scholarship through a fundraiser and ever laughed as much as I did during the money awarded to them through her senior year with her,” CRHS choir the De Queen Christmas parade this teacher Susan Brewer said. “In my 21 past December.

“All of our family appreyears of teaching, I had ciates Mrs. Brewer and never lost a student that the people at the Tyson I was close with like I Plant. We enjoy bewas with her.” ing able to see what On days when the scholarship Brewer was abdoes each year sent from school, in our commuNorman would nity,” Norman serve as choir said.

“They president. In are my second that role, she family here at would lead the the plant. I don’t choir in place of think I could’ve gotthe choir director. ten through it without “I don’t know how them.” much they really acThis year, the scholarc o m p l i s h e d ,” ship was grantBrewer laughed. Susan Brewer (left), CRHS choir director, with student Rachel Norman. ed to Davis, who “But they defi(Photo courtesy of Susan Brewer) earned this scholnitely had a great arship by meeting the requirements of time.”

Rachel’s father, Tim Norman, is the having at least a 2.5 grade point averplant manager at Tyson Foods in Gran- age, being a member of the choir for at nis. After her passing, the staff at Ty- least three of the four high school years son all pitched in and donated a sum of and writing an essay about what the choir program means to her. $1,500 to the Norman family.

Davis, a six-year choir member, will Tim said, “When everything happened, I was only off of work for 10 be attending UCA next year, majoring days. In that time, the folks who work in English education.

“I am so thankful to receive the here had already collected a pretty significant amount of money. We did not Rachel Norman memorial scholarneed the money at the time, so they ship. Choir has meant so much to me came up with the idea of a scholarship throughout high school and this honor in my daughter’s name. Choir was a means so much to me,” Davis said. “I very important thing to (Rachel) each am thankful for the opportunity that year. She had a very special relation- this scholarship will provide to me to ship with Mrs. Brewer. Choir and Mrs. further my education.”

Oden students to attend Scholastic Honors Day Submitted by Tammy L. Young, ORSD Oden High School has announced that two of its seniors have been given the honor of attending the 2022 Arkansas Governor’s Scholastic Honors Day. Emily Owens, daughter of Barry and

Owens and Meaders will represent Oden High School along with other top, high-achieving, and outstanding seniors represented from high schools in Arkansas.

Come fall 2022, Meaders plans to attend the University of Arkansas Fayetteville. Owens plans to attend the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain.

Emily Owens (Submitted photo) Amy Owens, and Brooke Meaders, daughter of Dustin and Bethany Meaders, have been selected to attend this annual prestigious event in May at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock.

Brooke Meaders

(Submitted photo)

A video highlighting seniors represented will be available at a later date this spring and a link will be provided and shared.

Acorn bands spring concert

Submitted by Tammy L. Young, ORSD

The Acorn High School band grades 7-12 will present their spring concert on Friday, May 6 at 7 p.m. in the Mary Davis Gym. Admission is free. Please come out and support these talented musicians!

In more music news, the Acorn High School choir will be performing “Kilroy Was Here” on May 13, 14, and 16 in the Mary Davis Gym on the Acorn High School campus.

This musical comedy takes place in the U.S.O. Club in 1942 where Private Joe Kilroy is drawing a curious cartoon everywhere. You won’t want to miss this

patriotic musical salute to all the brave men and women serving in our military.

The doors open at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday with the show beginning at 7. The Monday program begins earlier, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the show beginning at 6:30.

Tickets are $5 at the door. There will be popcorn and soda concessions available. Come out and support the Acorn choir in their third full-length theater production.

This musical is written by Tim Kelly.

The lyrics and music were written by Bill Francoeur. It is produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Englewood, Colorado.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

May 4, 2022

Education 21

22 Education

May 4, 2022

Louise Durham principal retires

By Trey Youngdahl

at home to raise her children until they were old enough to attend After a decade-long career school. She then enrolled at the Unias Louise Durham Elementary versity of Arkansas Rich Mountain, School’s (LDE) principal, Jimma formerly Rich Mountain CommuHolder has made the decision to nity College, and later transferred retire. to Arkadelphia. She graduated with Holder, a Mena native, gradu- a degree in early childhood educaated from Mena High School in tion and returned afterwards to get 1978. Upon graduation, she stayed her degree in school counseling.

This was not the end of her education, as she returned to school again at Texas A&M at Texarkana to earn her degree in administration.

“To be honest, I wanted to be off when my children were off,” Holder said. “I love kids, I love helping others, and it gave me the opportunity to be with my kids more.”

Her teaching career began when she started working at Hatfield High School, now closed, teaching

seventh-12th grade special education.

From there she changed positions, teaching elementary school, was a K-12 librarian, an elementary counselor, but ultimately ended up teaching at LDE as a literacy coach in 2013. From there, she worked her way up to becoming the principal.

Now, after a successful career as principal, Holder has decided to retire. That doesn’t mean her love for helping children is gone, however. In fact, she is leaving because of that passion.

“I have a granddaughter that is blind. She is going to Kansas City to attend an independent living

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse school called Alpha Point, and I am going to go with her,” Holder said. “We just didn’t feel really comfortable with her being in downtown Kansas City at the beginning of this training, so until she gets established on her own, I am going to go with her.”

Once her granddaughter is able to continue on her own, Holder has a bucket list she is planning on completing in her retirement. This bucket list includes traveling to all of the national parks and several historical sites, kayaking Antelope Canyon, and other nature-related activities.

Though this is a welcomed retirement for Holder, she shared that she will miss her staff at LDE. “(LDE) has the best teachers in the world and the best families and students. It’s an amazing school where amazing things are happening. The kiddos, of course, are my absolute favorite, but all of the LDE family are fantastic,” Holder said. “I am so thankful to Mena Public Schools and Hatfield Public Schools for the experiences that I’ve had, and the people that I’ve gotten to get to know. It’s been an amazing experience.”

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

May 4, 2022

Preserving history

By Patrick Massey The Gillham Alumni Association has announced a new partnership with the De Queen-Mena Educational Cooperative in an attempt to save the old Gillham School building.

That process began last year after De Queen Public Schools said it would likely not renew its lease of the building once the current term expires in the summer of 2024. De Queen Public Schools owns the building but has provided it to the Gillham Alumni Association with the association responsible for its maintenance and insurance premiums.

In a letter to members, Association board members said the building is deteriorating and that the association does not have the funds available to make needed repairs.

Those include plumbing and HVAC concerns.

In September of last year, board members were approached by De Queen Public Schools and the De Queen-Mena Educational Cooperative with a proposal to help remedy the situation. The Coop offered to take over the building’s lease and make necessary repairs and install new HVAC components within the building. In addition, the coop agreed to paint the front of the building and refinish the floor of the auditorium.

In exchange, Association members said the co-op will lease the group a building across the street between the home economics and science buildings that had been the kindergarten. Half of the building

will house the Gillham branch of the Sevier County Library while the other half will be used for memorabilia and meetings. In addition, the Association will have access to the Gillham School Building for future activities and reunions.

After being presented with these options, the board voted to accept the offer. This, members said in the letter, will result in the long-term viability of the building and continue to serve its purpose of providing teachers and students a place to learn. It will also provide the association with the use of a well-maintained building with heat and air at no cost. Someone will be there daily and be able to monitor the condition of the building, as well.

The letter continues by stating that membership in the Association is dwindling and that in 10 to 15 years, there will likely be no one left to operate the organization. This solution, members said, will allow Gillham School to live on for years to come.

The group said it is planning on a reunion this year on June 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the old kindergarten building across the street.

The Class of 1972 will host its 50th year reunion in 2022. More information on this reunion can be found by calling Sevier County Museum Director Karen Mills at (870) 784-0039.

For more information on the Gillham Alumni Association, contact Noel Bard at (870) 784-2696 or by email at nbard1957@hotmail. com. Present Reva Kitchens can be reached by calling (870) 584-8014.

Education 23

UARM Sees Largest Graduating Class in a Decade Ceremonies Relocated to Ouachita Center Submitted by UARM

The University of Arkansas Rich Mountain will see its largest graduating class in over a decade. Commencement ceremonies are scheduled for Thursday, May 5. Traditionally, the ceremony is held on the pristine front lawn of the Mena campus, one of the only outdoor ceremonies within the UA System.

However, with rain forecasted, UARM Administration has made the difficult call to move graduation to the Ouachita Center.

There will now be two ceremonies at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Because of limited seating available in the Ouachita Center, guests attending the 7 p.m. ceremony are encouraged to not arrive until 6:30 p.m. to allow the 5 p.m. ceremony attendees to exit the facilities. Graduates must still arrive one hour prior to their ceremony.

Graduating during the 5 p.m. ceremony will be all Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, Certificate of General Studies, Associate of Science in Business Administration, Associate of Applied Science / Certificates in Business & Information Technology with IT emphasis, Associate of Applied Science / Certificates in Business & Information Technology with Business Administration emphasis, Associate of Applied Science / Certificates in Business & Information Technology with Office Technology emphasis.

Graduating during the 7 p.m. ceremony will be Cosmetology and related certificates, Associate of Applied Science / certificates for Massage Therapy, Associate of Applied Science in General Technology, Associate of Applied Science and/or certificates in Health Information

Billing & Coding, Phlebotomy certificate, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA certificate), Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN certificate), Registered Nursing – Associate of Applied Science, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT certificate), Associate of Applied Science and/or certificates in Machine Tool, Associate of Applied Science and/or certificate in Welding, and GED graduates.

The college will have a total of 376 graduates, including 42 General Educational Development (GED) graduates. There will be 74 completing their Associate of Arts and 76 earning their Associate of General Studies. The remaining graduates will be receiving their certificates.

Jerod McCormick, Assistant Athletic Director, stated that 20 of the current Buck athletes have signed letters of intent to continue playing their respective sport while finishing their education at 4-year universities.

Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs Chad Fielding stated, “We regret having to relocate our ceremonies this year due to weather, but graduation is the ultimate celebration at UARM, and we won’t let the weather spoil the joy of the occasion.”

UA Rich Mountain’s mission is to provide transformative education to all learners.

24 Police

May 4, 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 April 25, 2022 Gacxil Trujillo, 21 of Mena was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas State Police on a charge of DWI. April 26, 2022 Cody Dees, 36 of Mena was arrested on two Felony Failure to Appear Warrants and Bond Surrender.

Deputies took a report of possible stolen property at a residence on Mullen Street near Hatfield.

April 27, 2022 Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to financial fraud.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 246 W near Hatfield leading to the arrest of Codie Shifflett, 28 of Hatfield on a charge of 3rd Degree Battery.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 67 near Big Fork in reference to a Domestic Assault.

Michael Martin, 38 of Pencil Bluff was arrested by an officer with Probation Parole on a Felony Warrant for Possession of a Firearm by Certain Persons.

Deputies were dispatched to a single vehicle accident on Polk 32 near Cove. Information has been

May 1, 2022 Deputies responded to a report of a gas drive off from a business near Cove.

Deputies responded to a report of a structure fire on Polk 6 near forwarded to the Prosecuting AtWickes. torney for further consideration.

Deputies were dispatched to a April 28, 2022 Deputies responded to a walk-in residence on Stoker Lane near complainant in reference to ha- Rocky in reference to a damaged rassment. Information has been vehicle. forwarded to the Prosecuting AtPolk County Sheriff ’s Office torney for further consideration.

Deputies responded to a walk-in worked 1 vehicle accident this week. complaint of harassment.

Deputies took a report of a posPolk County Detention Center sible Domestic Battery. Information has been forwarded to the Jail Population: 19 Incarcerated Prosecuting Attorney for further Inmates, with 11 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State consideration.

Deputies responded to a walk-in Facility. complainant in reference to a stolen mailbox.

April 29, 2022 Patrick Warren, 42 of Mena was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas State Police on a Body Attachment.

Michelle Hogan, 40 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Probation Violation Warrant.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Woodland Lane near Potter in reference to a verbal domestic leading to the arrest of Stanley Foster, 56 of Mena on a charge of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Cherry Street.

A report of commercial burglary and criminal mischief was taken from a walk-in complainant.

Kaylie Stroud, 26, was charged with Public Intoxication, Criminal Trespass, and served with a warrant after a disturbance call to South Eve Street.

April 26 Heath Spencer, 25, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

A report of criminal mischief was taken at Budget Inn. April 27 A report of breaking or entering and theft was taken at a residence on Stephens Drive.

April 28 A report of battery was taken from a person at Davis Brother’s Collision Repair.

April 29 April 24 Zachery Shurley, 18, was charged Heather Hilderbrand-Judd, 47, with Domestic Battery at an adand Amanda Hilderbrand, 39, dress on Marion Avenue. were charged with Domestic BatWindal Loyd, 41, was charged tery after a disturbance call to Ev- with Disorderly Conduct and ans Circle.

Public Intoxication after a disturGary Smith, 44, was served with bance call at the hospital. a warrant at Exxon.

A report of battery was taken April 30 from a person at Sonic.

Jessie Zamora, 39, and Heather Pesina Leonardo, 58, was Turbeville, 27, were served with charged with DWI after a traffic warrants at an address on Dixon stop on Highway 71.

Road.

A report of breaking or entering was taken at a residence on Reine April 30, 2022 Deputies responded to a report Street. of an altercation at a residence on April 25 Polk 39 near Potter.

Brittany Mendell, 32, was served with a warrant after contact on

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Classifieds 25

May 4, 2022

CLASSIFIEDS - SERVICES -

- WANTED TO BUY -

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

T0504

I buy broken desktops and laptops.

Mitchell Computer Services, 717 Mena St. T0608

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.

T0601

- FOR SALE -

Land Management, Tree Service, RC Customz can handle your construction needs, mulching and more. Military discounts available. Insured. Call (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate.

T0629 Jeremiah’s lawn care. Friendly service & reasonable rates. Call (479) 394-7599.T0427 Tree services, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate.

T0629 Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T0427

CPR Registered Chihuahua puppies for sale. Blue bloodline. First shots given, dewormed, 8 weeks old. Adorable. Call (870) 648-5149 for more info.

T0518

WANTED YOUR ADVERTISEMENT TO BE PLACED IN 8000 COPIES OF A FREE WEEKLY PAPER AND DISTRIBUTED TO 200 LOCATIONS IN AND AROUND POLK COUNTY. CONTACT THE POLK AT

479.243.9600

- EMPLOYMENT 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.

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.

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.

COUNTY PULSE

The Crossing held their annual block party this past weekend. They also assisted in cleaning and maintaining the yards of local residents.

(John Russell/Pulse)

- INSERTER JOB OPPORTUNITY

at The Polk County Pulse Are you trustworthy and punctual?

This is a team-based, physically demanding position in a fast paced environment.

Part time - 2 Tuesday Nights per Month apply at The Pulse/KENA office: 1168 Hwy. 71 S - Mena no calls please Ouachita Broadcasting is an Equal Opportunity Employer; women and minorities invited to apply.

LEGAL NOTICE In the matter of the Estate of Michael Adair, deceased.

No. 57PR-22-42 Name of Decedent: Michael Adair Last known address: 228 Polk Rd 710, Mena, Arkansas Date of death: 7/23/2021 On 3/10/2022 a small estate by distributee was filed with respect to the estate of Michael Adair, deceased, with the clerk of the probate division of the circuit court of Polk County, Arkansas, under Ark. Code Ann. § 28-41-101.

Persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, to the distributee within three (3) months from the date of the first publication of this notice or they shall be forever barred from any benefit of the estate.

This notice first published 5/4/2022

FIRST 20 WORDS $5 EXTRA WORDS +25¢ BORDER $1 CASH/CHECK/DEBIT/CREDIT ACCEPTED

5% PROCESSING FEE ADDED FOR DEBIT/CREDIT

26 Puzzles

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

May 4, 2022

05.04.22

05.04.22

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 04.27.22

A KEEBLER NEEDS A LOVING HOME JUST LIKE YOURS! This kitty is mostly orange with white. He is good with cats. Keebler is litter box trained. He would love a birthday party in August (08/18/2015).

KEEBLER IS A KEEPER! All animals at HSO are current on their vaccinations and will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption.

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

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

by Ray Shelley A widower with three children, William Erwin, had only been a U.S. Deputy Marshal for a little over three months when he was killed in the line of duty. October 1885, Sam Starr, Richard Hays, and Felix Griffin robbed a store and Post Office in Blain, Indian Territory. Warrants were issued for the three men.

Hays, Griffin, and Griffin’s brother Looney were arrested by the Lighthorsemen (Indian police) on an unrelated charge of horse theft. In December 1885, Hays and Starr were sentenced to four years in the Cherokee Nation Prison at Tahlequah, Indian Territory. On January 14, 1886, all three escaped. Cherokee lawman Billy Robinson and Erwin were on the hunt.

Felix was captured in Webber Falls, I.T. by Robinson. Erwin took charge of the prisoner at Webber Falls and transported Felix the 65 miles to Fort Smith.

They crossed the Canadian River on Squirrel Fields Ferry between Webber Falls and Pheasant Bluff.

Late in the afternoon, shots rang out near Pheasant Bluff and Erwin lay dead. Jack Spaniard, who was one-fourth Cherokee, was raised in the Cherokee Nation. Spaniard was accused of killing Erwin. He was arrested, tried, and sentenced to hang at the age of 36 years old.

Spaniard was no stranger to the U.S. District Court of Western Arkansas. In 1879, Spaniard was in front of Judge Issac C. Parker on a charge of assault with intent to kill Tobe Johnson “a negro not an Indian.”

There is insufficient evidence

May 4, 2022

The death of William Erwin

for the W e b Webber Falls, Oklahoma o u t ber Falls come of this case but apparently, with the intent of rescuing their Spaniard’s attorney challenged partner in crime, Griffin. When the court’s jurisdiction and pro- Spaniard, Palmer, and Palmer’s duced witnesses that Johnson was dog arrived at the ferry to cross a “Cherokee citizen, an Indian in the Canadian River, the ferryman law, and not a negro.” The attor- who knew the both of them, said ney argued both Spaniard and Erwin and Griffin were ferried Johnson were from the same tribe across about an hour ago. and the crime was committed in In Pheasant Bluff, about a quarthe Cherokee Nation and should ter of a mile from the Harris be tried in a tribal court. Appar- home, a shot rang out that ended ently, Spaniard was never con- the life of Erwin. The next mornvicted and continued his lawless ing, Harris found a horse in his ways. field and upon further investigaOn the afternoon of April 12, tion he found the body of Erwin, 1886, Erwin and his prison- his pistol still holstered. er Griffin were headed to Fort Erwin’s body was wrapped in Smith. Griffin asked if he could blankets and transported to Fort have dinner with his mother who Smith. It didn’t take long before lived close by. After dinner, Er- evidence pointed to Spaniard and win and Griffin left the Griffin Palmer as the killers. About the home with the intent of spending same time that Erwin was found, the night at the Harris farm be- Griffin and Palmer crossed the fore proceeding to Fort Smith.

Canadian River near Belle Star’s That afternoon Spaniard, Frank home and ate breakfast there.

Palmer, and Palmer’s dog left Palmer’s dog did not cross with

History 27 the two men but stayed with the ferryman W.W. Wagner.

In 1886, for the first time, the U.S. Attorney General authorized a $500 bounty for the capture of the criminals.

U.S. Marshal Carroll of Fort Smith wasted no time in placing bounties on the heads of Spaniard and Palmer, the accused killers of Erwin, and also a bounty for Felix Griffin, the prisoner rescued by Spaniard and Palmer.

A year after Erwin’s death, Felix was killed trying to steal horses. On March 18, 1888, Spaniard surrendered to deputy marshal James Pettigrew. On April 29, 1889, Judge Parker sentenced Spaniard to death by hanging.

After a couple of delays, Spaniard was hanged on August 30, 1889, on the gallows of Fort Smith.

It is interesting to note that no one witnessed Erwin’s shooting. But there was plenty of witness testimony as to Spaniard and Palmers following Erwin on the day he was murdered. Spaniard was convicted on purely circumstantial evidence. Wagner brought Palmer’s dog to court for the jury to see. I’m sure the dog played a sufficient role in the Spaniard’s conviction.

Palmer disappeared and was never heard from again.

The National Park Site in Fort Smith periodically holds mock trials of men convicted by Judge Parker during his tenure. On June 9, 2017, the trial of Jack Spaniard was reenacted with a hung jury outcome. Historically, Ol’ Jack wasn’t as lucky. You have to wonder, if Spaniard was tried in our current judicial system, would the verdict be the same as in 1889?

28 Voting

Pulse

May 4, 2022

Primary election voting only opportunity in some locally contested races

By Ethan Nahté

THE POLK COUNTY

Harrison retiring as Polk County Clerk

Don’t wait for the November general election to cast your vote. Some locally contested races will be the only opportunity voters will have in 2022. Due to the candidates in the Polk County Clerk race and the Justice of the Peace, District 4 race all being Republican, the May primary election will be voters’ only opportunity to vote for (in alphabetical order) either Tammie Minton or Lisa Standridge in the county clerk race; either Steve Bell or James P. Looney in the JP, District 4 race.

Polk County Clerk Terri Harrison said, “There will be a winner for each of those in the primary election.

There’s nobody else to run in the November election.”

Harrison is approaching her 29-year

By Ethan Nahté Do you have questions about voting? There are several websites out there that provide information, including official federal, state and county sites. The Arkansas Secretary of State website sos.arkansas.gov/ elections/ is a good place to gather much of the legal information you will need or provides links to related sites. The “Voters Guide” provides a downloadable PDF providing current Arkansas voting laws.

anniversary working for Polk County.

She worked for the county seven years before becoming the Polk County clerk. She has held that office for 22 years. She believes it’s always important for people to get out and vote. For the upcoming election she said, “In this primary, you are electing two local people that are going to be working for your county. This is the only chance you get to have a say in who does that.”

Due to a decline in population during the 2020 census, Polk County had a loss of two districts. Merging 11 districts to nine has forced restructuring, which affected everyone, voters and politicians alike, including District 4.

“Margo Kimp was in that district, and she has decided to not run again,” Harrison said.

Voting questions

• • • • •

•

A U.S. citizen Arkansas resident Age 18 or will turn 18 before the next election Not be a convicted felon whose sentence has not been discharged or pardoned Not be presently adjudged mentally incompetent as to your ability to vote by a court of competent jurisdiction Must not claim the right to vote in another county or state

Identification, rules and new Acts Are you registered?

Identification requirements can In Arkansas, you must be a reg- be found at the SOS site beginning istered voter at least 30 days prior with the link “Register to Vote.” to Election Day. Registration can There’s an abundance of informabe completed in person or through tion that should be looked over the mail and recorded by the county before standing in line at the polls clerk. only to discover you do not have the proper identification and be turned To register, you must be: away.

Early voting will begin Monday, May 9. (See sidebar for more voting details.)

The county clerk position has many facets, including maintaining call county records, working closely with the various aspects related to voting and voters, candidates, and administering elections. This may be Harrison’s last Election Day to officially work an election, a job she clearly loves. “I’ve enjoyed it. It’s been fun and the people have been so good to me. I just appreciate the people of Polk County because they’ve placed their trust in me and they’ve let me do this all these years. It hasn’t really felt like a job because I’ve enjoyed coming and doing it.”

Another handy page is the “Check Registration Status...” link that takes you to the Voter View page. There, you can supply basic info based on either name and date of birth to see if you are registered. You can type in your residential address to find your polling location.

There is much more information on subjects such as how to find your local elected officials, election dates, how to vote, and more.

Another site that covers the newest election laws that took effect July 28, 2021, can be found at the Arkansas Senate webpage https:// senate.arkansas.gov/senate-news/ posts/2021/july/long-list-of-newelection-laws-taking-effect/.

It’s not as lengthy as it sounds, but there are 10 new laws that range from identification to absentee and provisional ballots, for example, amongst other changes.

Where to vote in Polk County Early voting begins at Vote Center No.1, Monday, May 9, and continues through Monday, May 23.

Hours for early voting will be Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4p.m. Early voting will end at 5 p.m. on Monday, May 23.

On Election Day, May 24 each voting center will be open from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Voting centers for Polk County, Arkansas in the 2022 primary election: Vote Center No. 1 Election Day and Early Vote Site Dequeen Street Armory 601 Dequeen Street Mena, AR 71953 Vote Center No. 2 (Election Day Only) First Baptist Fellowship Hall 811 Port Arthur (8th Street Side) Mena, AR 71953 Vote Center No. 3 (Election Day Only) American Legion Building 3253 Hwy 71 N. Mena, AR 71953 Vote Center No. 4 (Election Day Only) Concord Baptist Church 3467 Hwy 88 E. Mena, AR 71953 Vote Center No. 5 (Election Day Only) Salem Baptist Church 115 Polk Road 56 Mena, AR 71953 Vote Center No. 6 (Election Day Only) Hatfield Auditorium 117 Cemetery Road Hatfield, AR 71945 Vote Center No. 7 (Election Day Only) Cove Town Hall 5568 Hwy 71 S. Cove, AR 71937 Vote Center No. 8 (Election Day Only) Wickes Community Center 136 Stevenson Dr. Wickes, AR 71973 Vote Center No. 9 (Election Day Only) Grannis Town Hall 132 Frachiseur Road Grannis, AR 71944

THE POLK COUNTY

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May 4, 2022

Americans deserve a healthy future Submitted by Rep. Bruce Westerman When my eldest son was born, he suffered from a life-threatening respiratory disease that would not respond to traditional treatments. His doctors offered us the option of an experimental treatment that was not covered by insurance. For my wife and I, it didn’t matter how much it cost.

We would make sure our son got better and figure out how to pay for it later. Thankfully, the treatment was successful, and my son is now 26 years old. I am so grateful for the American ingenuity that allowed such life-saving treatments to be developed in time to save my son’s life.

Years later, I found myself at the center of a health care crisis once again. I served in the Arkansas State Legislature during Medicaid Expansion, and, after that, on the House Budget Committee during the failed repeal of Obamacare. These experiences showed me firsthand the consequences of poorly structured health care policy. Health care drastically affects each of our lives, and I am passionate about ensuring Americans can affordably access the lifesaving treatments they need.

That’s why I’m so proud that Republican House Leader Kevin McCarthy recently launched the Healthy Future Task Force to develop an advanced health care agenda for America. I specifi-

cally joined the Treatments Subcommittee to help develop policy to lower drug costs, fast track the innovation of medicines, devices, and diagnostics, and promote American made medicines.

The U.S. is a global leader in innovation. Patients benefit the most when they quickly access new treatments without onerous and unnecessary government interference. Unfortunately, it can take years for government-insured patients on Medicare, Medicaid, or in the VA health system to gain access to new, breakthrough treatments and devices after FDA approval. Privately insured patients, however, generally have access to these treatments much earlier. For some on the left, the answer is always more money, but more money won’t solve the problem of slow government bureaucracy.

Instead, the government should be removing barriers to access and burdensome regulations that prevent innovative therapies from coming to market New treatments won’t mean anything, however, if we don’t secure our nation’s medical supply chains. The COVID-19 pandemic made clear we are far too dependent on our greatest strategic competitors. We never should have become reliant on China and other strategic adversaries for the majority of our nation’s personal protective equipment (PPE), pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Amer-

ica can and should continue to be the world’s leader in medical innovation and advanced medical manufacturing, and my colleagues and I on the Health Future Task Force are committed to making that a reality.

In the coming year, our subcommittee will address the root problems that plague our health care system. I look forward to presenting common-sense legislation to lower drug costs for all Americans, secure domestic medical supply chains, unleash American manufacturing and production, and supercharge American leadership in medical innovation, cures, and treatments.

Politics 29

30 Sports

THE POLK COUNTY

May 4, 2022

Talimena 13.1 runs smoothly

By Trey Youngdahl

Soccer May 2-7 - State Meet May 5 - Mena @ Hope Track May 11 - Meet of Champions

Baseball May 4 - Murray State College @ UARM May 6 - UARM @ Murray State College Track May 6 - Arkansas Twilight in Fayetteville

Christian non-profit organization The CALL in Polk County hosted a half-marathon last Saturday to raise funds to support foster care families.

The route started at Janssen Park, traveled northeast on Maple Avenue toward Suzy Q’s, then turned left on Mena Street and continued straight

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up the Talimena Scenic Byway to hours in a very close race, with first the Lodge. through fifth place finishing with “We were expecting a 70% chance only a 14 second difference. of rain, but it actually ended up be1, Burton Bledsoe 2:2.2 ing perfect running weather,” The 2, Philip Lance 2:2.10 CALL program coordinator Renee 3, Sarah Blinkenstaff 2:2.12 Hendrix said. “There was a slight 4, Paul Tidwell 2:2.13 mist in the air. I think the runners 5, Zachary Casson 2:2.16 really enjoyed that.”

The winners this year was Burton “We are proud of the participants, Bledsoe with a time just over two the many volunteers, and local businesses that supported us. This was a group effort and a group success,” Hendrix said. “Our day started out with a rainy forecast but ended up with clear skies and a beautiful view that only Queen Wilhelmina State Park can provide. The CALL in Polk County is looking forward to next year’s event.”

Morning Coffee for your

Ears!

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May 4, 2022

Outdoors 31

Visitor finds 2.38-carat diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park Submitted by Arkansas State Parks

(MURFREESBORO, Ark.) — A regular visitor found a 2.38-carat brown diamond on April 10 at Arkansas’s Crater of Diamonds State Park. It is the largest diamond found at the park this year.

After more than a decade of searching and hundreds of diamond finds at the park, Adam Hardin found his first diamond weighing more than two carats. Hardin was wet-sifting soil from the East Drain of the park’s 37.5-acre search area when he found the gem.

“It was right in the middle when I flipped my screen over," Hardin said. "When I saw it, I said, ‘Wow, that’s a big diamond!’”

Park Interpreter Waymon Cox said many visitors wet sift using a screen set to wash away soil and separate the gravel by size. Smaller gravel is then sorted by weight, sending heavier material to the bottom of the screen.

"When it’s flipped upside-down, the heavier gravel—and sometimes a diamond—can be found on top of the pile,” Cox said.

Hardin carried his gem in a pill bottle to the park’s Diamond Discovery Center, where staff registered it as a 2.38-carat brown diamond.

“Mr. Hardin’s diamond is about the size of a pinto bean, with a coffee brown color and a rounded shape," Cox said. "It has a metallic shine typical of all diamonds found at the park, with a few inclusions and crevices running all along the surface.”

Hardin, who first learned of Crater of Diamonds State Park more

than a decade ago, said competition builds camaraderie among the park’s regular visitors.

“One of the other guys and I have been going back and forth, seeing who can find the biggest diamond," Hardin said. "I found a big one, then he got a 1.79-carat, and we were joking about who would find the next big diamond and be ‘king of the mountain.’ As soon as I found this one, I had a feeling I had him beat.

Now he's trying to find a bigger one, but I'm planning on staying on top!”

Hardin’s diamond is the largest found at the park since last September, when a visitor from Granite Bay, Calif., discovered a 4.38-carat yellow gem on the surface of the diamond search area. Hardin's is the largest brown diamond since the 9.07-carat Kinard Friendship Diamond was discovered on Labor Day 2020.

Finders of large Crater diamonds often choose to name their gems.

Hardin named his diamond Frankenstone.

“I thought of the name because it has a pretty and kind of not-sopretty look to it," Hardin explained.

"Us diamond miners call that 'character!'"

Hardin typically sells his diamonds locally and said he also plans to sell this one.

As of this publication, 260 diamonds have been registered at Crater of Diamonds State Park in 2022,

weighing a total of more than 44 carats. An average of one to two diamonds are found by park visitors each day.

Quick Facts about Crater of Dia-

monds 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, over 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.

Another well-known diamond from the park is the Strawn-Wagner.

Found in 1990 by Murfreesboro resident Shirley Strawn, this 3.03-car-

at white gem was cut into a round brilliant shape weighing 1.09 carats.

It graded as ideal cut, D-colorless, and flawless and was set in a platinum and 24-carat gold ring. In 1998 the State of Arkansas purchased this diamond for $34,700 in donations and placed it on permanent display at the park visitor center.

On Labor Day 2020, Kevin Kinard, of Maumelle, Ark., found a large, brown gem weighing 9.07 carats. It is the second-largest diamond found at Crater of Diamonds State Park.

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.

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May 4, 2022

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