Polk County Pulse November 16, 2022

Sanders to be first female Arkansas governor

Polk County votes to allow alcohol

By Ethan Nahté

Arkansas will have its first female governor as Sarah Huckabee Sanders gained more votes than Chris Jones in last week’s general election. The total votes so far are Sanders with 567,475 (63.08%) and Jones with 315,507 (35.07%), while Ricky Dale Harrington Jr. had 16,576 (1.84%). As of Tuesday, 98.67% of the votes had been counted. In Polk County, Sanders received 5,629 votes to Jones’ 1,121 votes.

All provided totals remain unoffi cial and uncertified at this time with the exception of Grant County. Re sults are taken from the Arkansas Secretary of State’s (SOS) election re

sults. All but Phillips County in east ern Arkansas have completely report ed. Viewing the Facebook page of the Helena World news site, it would ap pear that the county is still finishing the counts of absentee votes and will have six run-off elections for the may ors of Helena and Elaine, as well as for two Helena school board and two alderman positions. Most of the SOS results remain between 96%-99%

Another first, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge will now be the first female lieutenant governor. Rutledge has received 573,640 of the votes to Kelly Ross Krout’s 285,213 while Frank Gilbert received 32,949. In

Annie Cannon-preemie to level 10

By Ethan Nahté

Getting a good start in this world may seem like the way to go, but as a newborn, a per son has no say in whether she gets a good, or even fair start. So many factors can be against her, including geography, financial, environment or genetics. Those are a few of the potential factors for a child born full term with at least 37 weeks of complete gestation, if not 39-40 weeks.

What about a child born preterm (34-36 weeks), moderately preterm (32-36 weeks) or very preterm (<32 weeks)? Do you think that may only occur in third-world countries where

living conditions are poor, medical facilities are few and far between, and food or water is scarce? Think again.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 15 million babies are born preterm annually. That’s one in 10 babies born too early, and the United States is in the Top 6. According to the March of Dimes, one in nine babies are born preterm in Arkansas (Feb. 2020). Risk factors include lack of insurance and proper medical care, obesity, smoking, alcohol, drugs, and STDs.

Assuming a preemie baby survives, they are at an increased risk of disability if born premature. Some of the most common dis See ANNIE continued on page

Governor-elect Sarah Huckabee Sanders to become Arkansas’ first female governor (File Photo)

Meeting between Governor Hutchinson and Governor-elect Sanders

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—Follow ing an in-person meeting between Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Gover nor-elect Sarah Huckabee Sand ers on Nov. 9, Sanders’ spokesman Judd Deere released the following readout:

Today, Governor-elect Sand ers met with Governor Hutchin son at the Governor’s Mansion to discuss the transition. Governor Hutchinson congratulated the Gov ernor-elect on her historic victory and committed his administration to full cooperation with her and her team to ensure a seamless transi tion.

Governor-elect Sanders thanked the Governor for his years of ser vice to Arkansans, his support

during the campaign, his hospital ity, and for his assistance to ensure an orderly transition.

With this being Arkansas’ first Republican to Republican guber natorial transition, the two agreed

that it presents incredible opportu nities to continue to move the state forward and unleash new, bold re forms.

The Governor and Governor-elect agreed to stay in regular contact and for their staffs to begin the work of a transition immediately.

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:

Letter to the Editor,

I’ve never seen this issue ad dressed publicity, so here goes. Ever wonder about these stores who try to force you to check out your items? These stores that do that force employ ees who have worked years even de cades to lose their jobs!

If these stores expect you the custom er to check out your items, why don’t you receive a discount for doing someone else’s job?

Yes, myself and my hubby use self-checkouts most of the time! We also have gone back to using the reus able bags instead of the plastic bags the stores provide. Don’t use the plastic bags PLEASE!!

Thanks for your consideration.

Donna Lay, Mena

Letter to the Editor

Recently I read an article that said the secret to a good relationship was to establish who was alpha by being a little rough. I tried it this morning before I left the house and sure enough, I had my wife on her hands and knees begging me. Yep, she was begging me to come out from under the bed and fight like a man.

daily, wondering if the cancer gene was passed to her three children. Awareness and early detection are crucial and de monizing that area of the anatomy is not helpful.

The article was well thought out and written, and I found it touching. I respect the unselfish act of Mandy Parks and applaud her strength. Full disclosure, my wife is a cancer survivor, and I would say to those who are overly sensitive as to find this offensive, walk a mile in the shoes of a survivor, then maybe you would not complain.

It must be tough when the first thought you have every morning when your feet hit the floor is, “What can I find to be of fended by today?”. May I save you a few steps and suggest you look in a mirror and consider how fortunate you are to awaken each day and live a full life, un like those who live with the uncertainty of a deadly disfiguring disease like breast cancer?

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 lan guage.

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

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

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

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

POLICY: The publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. All property rights, including any copyright interest, in any advertisement produced by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse using art work and/or typography furnished or arranged by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse shall be the property of Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse. No such advertisement or any part thereof may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Pulse Multi-Media and The Polk County Pulse.

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Now, if you only read a few sentences and made your mind up I belong in jail as an abuser, then I feel sorry for you that you jumped to conclusions before read ing the entire story. Sadly, too many do exactly that and pass judgment before finding the facts. Things are not always as they seem at first glance.

I found recently that the Pulse article dated 10-12-2022, authored by Ethan Nahté picturing Mandy Parks on the cov er, drew complaints from a few that found the picture offensive.

Personally, I did not, but then I do not reduce everything to be sexual in nature, and I read the article in its entirety, twice.

I wonder if those complaining read the article at all and appreciated the strength and courage it took for Mandy Parks to speak out about her near-death experience and her desire to help others no matter the cost or embarrassment to her personally.

I wonder if the complainers stopped to think about the angst she must feel

Also, take a moment to read the article and know this is not about sex but about someone trying unselfishly to save lives by speaking out. When you look in that mirror, ask yourself if you want that same rush to judgment to be how you want others to judge you without the benefit of your story being told.

As always, I thank you for a forum to address my thoughts, though you may not agree.

With respect and kindest regards, Ronald Goss, retired, Mena

Letters may be submitted by e-mail to news@mypulsenews.com; mailed to P.O. Box 1450, Mena, AR 71953 or dropped off at 1168 Hwy. 71 South, Mena, AR. A drop-box is provided by the front door for after-hour convenience.

Ashley Moore - General Manager

Ethan Nahté - Production Manager/Editor

Patrick Massey - Contributing Reporter

John Russell - Graphic Design

Curt Teasdale - Programmer / On-Air Personality

Trey Youngdahl - Reporter / Photographer/ Morning Personality

Jodi Croft - Account Executive

Ariel Varner - Receptionist/On-Air Personality

Distribution & Insertion Staff: Dan & Linda Deramus, Jason Sharp, Edward Werkhoven

75th Toys for Tots anniversary

By Ethan Nahté

Toys for Tots is celebrating 75 years, with Polk County families being a part of the program for a third of that time, both as givers and receivers.

Toys for Tots Coordinator Ed Anderson said, “I’m real proud to be involved with Toys for Tots. It is our 75th year. It started back in 1947 around Camp Pendleton, California, where a lieutenant colonel’s wife knew of a child whose parents didn’t have the means to support them over Christmas. She made a doll, and that sparked interest. The Ma rine Corps adopted the program, and it became part of the Marine Corps Reserve. We’ve carried it over to Mena. It’s been in Mena and Polk County over 25 years. I’m just proud to be a part of it. We typically

gest part of our organization. We like to give back to them for everything they did for us.

“The Youth Committee is partnered with the Toys for Tots and the Marine Corps. This year, we’ve got over 500 bags of toys for over 500 children to put together for Polk County. We’re going to make it a big year, this year, I hope. We’re going to need a lot of volunteers.”

Anderson said, “They provide the chil dren’s Christmas party, which we’re glad to be having back this year. Because of COVID, we’ve had to do the last two years as a drive-thru distribution. We’re going back to the children’s Christmas party here at the Elks. Santa will be here. Lots of treats; lots of goodies. We’ll hand out the toys and food boxes.”

provide Christmas to over 500 children ev ery year. We do need support. Toys aren’t free, just like freedom isn’t free. We run a budget of about $14,000 per year. We ap preciate everyone who does donate.”

Anderson will be handing the reins to Santa’s sleigh to Lisa Walker.

“Lisa Walker is a wonderful lady, mostly involved with the Elks. She’s not a veter an,” Anderson said, “but she’ll be taking over as coordinator. It’s a five-year com mitment and my five years are up. I’ll still be involved with Toys for Tots, just not as a coordinator. Lisa will do a real fine job.”

In addition to the Marines, another or ganization is involved with the drive. Jared Williams is the chairperson in charge of the Youth Committee with The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE). He took over with the Youth Committee in 2021 and has a been a member of BPOE for nine years, doing a lot with the Elks Lodge.

Williams said, “The veterans are the big

If someone would like to help, they should get in touch with Williams, Ander son or Walker.

“We’ve got a Facebook page with Elks’ happenings. They can send a message to that, and Lisa will get it or people can get our numbers through The Elks Lodge.”

The Elks Lodge phone number is 479-3943740.

The deadline for families to send in the application for a needy child is Dec. 1. The application is for Polk County children ages 12 and under, but, Anderson said, “We typ ically serve children infant to 12 years old. If there’s an instance where the family has, say a nine-year old, a 12-year-old and a 15-year-old, we try to accommodate the 15-year-old, but we typically don’t have toys for someone that age. Make sure you get your applications in so we can make sure every child in Polk County has some thing under their tree.”

From the

State House of Representatives

Committees are an essential part of the legislative process. While in committee, a bill is re viewed, researched, and sometime revised. Committee meetings also provide an opportunity for public comment.

Committee selection is one of the first orders of business for newly elected members and re turning members of the House.

A House Caucus is currently scheduled for 9 am on November 17.

During the caucus, newly elected mem bers will draw for seniority and all mem bers will select their seats for the 94th General Assembly. After seat selection, the committee selection process will begin.

The vast majority of legislation consid ered during a legislative session begins in a standing committee.

There are 10 standing committees in the House. These include 5 class “A” commit tees and 5 class “B” committees.

Each member serves on 1 “A” committee and 1 “B” committee.

Class “A” committees include:

•Education

•Judiciary

•Public Health, Welfare and Labor

•Public Transportation

•Revenue and Taxation

Class “B” Committees include:

•Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs

•Agriculture, Forestry and Eco nomic Development

•City, County and Local Affairs

•Insurance and Commerce

•State Agencies and Govern mental Affairs

Each standing committee con sists of 20 members including 5 members from each of the 4 House district caucuses.

Pursuant to a House Rules, the most se nior member of the House of Representa tives will select first and will choose a posi tion on a Class “A” standing committee. The seniority rotation procedure will continue until the member with the least seniority makes his or her selection. After the mem ber with the least seniority makes his or her Class “A” standing committee selection, the most senior member will select his or her Class “B” standing committee. The seniori ty rotation will continue until the member with the least seniority selects his or her Class “B” standing committee.

Selection for the House Budget Commit tee, Arkansas Legislative Council, and Leg islative Joint Auditing will take place after standing committee selection.

You can watch the committee selection process live at arkansashouse.org.

Funds are now available from the settlement of a massive lawsuit against opi oid distributors, and will be awarded to projects that have demonstrated effectiveness in combating the abuse of painkillers.

The Arkansas Opioid Re covery Partnership has set up a website with information about how to apply. It has an advisory board that will review applications. The Partnership’s director previous ly served as state Drug Director for five years.

The Partnership is a combined ef fort of the Arkansas Association of Counties and the Arkansas Munic ipal League, which joined in the lit igation against opioid distributors.

Arkansas was awarded $216 mil lion in the settlement. That money will be divided evenly between cit ies, counties and the state and will be gradually paid out over the next 18 years. The settlement was an nounced a year ago, after four years of litigation that resulted in a $26 billion settlement that will be dis tributed nationally.

From the State Senate Contact

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

So far, Arkansas has received about $10 million from the first stage of the settlement. At a recent news conference the Partnership director said that more settlements with other pharmaceutical compa nies may increase the total amount Arkansas gets from lawsuits over opioid sales.

Bruce Westerman

101 Reserve St. Suite 200 Hot Springs, AR 71901

Phone: (501) 609-9796

Fax: (501) 609-9887

The dispensing rate for opioids is very high in Arkansas. In Arkansas in 2022, for every 100 people in the state more than 80 prescriptions were filled. That is an improvement over 2018, when more than 93 pre scriptions for painkillers were pre scribed for every 100 Arkansas res idents.

The dispensing rate was even higher in some counties. In 2018,

in Garland County 126 pre scriptions were dispensed for every 100 residents.

The number of people who have died from an overdose increased from 180 in 2019 to 261 in 2020 and 371 in 2021.

The fatal overdoses are not caused just by abuse of ille gal drugs, but are commonly from abuse of legal prescriptions. Arkan sas is second in the nation, behind Alabama, in the overprescribing of prescription opiods.

After states and local govern ments joined in lawsuits against ma jor drug companies, the prescribing of opiods tapered off between 2012 and 2020, when dispensing rates fell to the lowest level in 15 years.

However, even after the decline, 3.6 percent of all counties in the United States had a dispensing rate of more than one prescription of painkiller for each resident in the county.

Nationwide, the dispensing rate has gone down from a peak in 2012 of 81.3 prescriptions for every 100 people. In 2020 the national rate was 43.3 prescriptions for every 100 people.

One announced goal of the Part nership is to make Naloxone more available among first responders and groups that work to abate opi oid abuse. It is a drug that reverses the effects of an overdose.

The 12-member advisory board includes a school board president, a county judge, a mayor, a physician whose specialty is pain medicine, a retired police chief, sheriff, a grant writer, staff and former staff of opi oid abatement projects and an attor ney knowledgeable about the settle ment of the opioid lawsuit.

The board also has representatives from the Municipal League and the Association of Arkansas Counties.

John Maddox Larry Teague

Obituaries

Nicholas Kendall Strother

Nicho las Kendall Strother, age 59 of Vander voort, passed from this earth on November 7, 2022, in Mena, Arkansas.

Born the son of James Roland and Bonnie Virginia Boles Strother on August 17, 1963, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

He was a truck driver, having spent the last 17 years employed by Tyson Foods, the last 8 as the De Queen Truck Shop Manager. He farmed his whole life, from growing up soybean farming to later being a contract hen grower for Tyson. An avid outdoorsman, Nick loved hunting and fishing, especially with his boys. He had a passion for peo ple and daily looked for opportuni ties to help others, while serving in many volunteer roles including the Cossatot River School Board.

A devoted follower of Christ, he was a member of Vandervoort First Baptist where he served as a deacon. Above all Nick Strother was a de voted husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, John Wat kins and Janell Waldrop Watkins. He is survived by:

His wife, Gloria Watkins Strother of Vandervoort

Four sons, Jared of Vandervoort, Kevin (Whitney) of Keota, Okla homa, Jordan (Karlie) of De Queen and Brian(Kaylin) of Vandervoort.

Five grandchildren Kashlyn, Ade line, Nicholas, Jake and Nolan.

Two brothers, James (Juanita) of Donaldson and Luke Strother of Hot Springs.

One sister, Maria (John) Hillsbery of Arcadia, Missouri.

Many nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Services will be held on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 2 p.m. at the Cossatot River High School gymna sium, with Bro. Roy Brooks and Bro. Aaron Anglin officiating. Interment will follow in Center Cemetery at Hartley. Arrangements are under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena. Visitation will be Thursday evening, Novem ber 10th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Nick and Glo ria’s sons: Jared, Kevin, Jordan, and Brian

Online obituary at beasleywood funeralhome.com

Donna Hankins

Donna Hankins, age 71, of Mena, Arkansas passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at the CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born on Saturday, December 16, 1950, to Robert Ervin Martin and Margaret Roppolo Martin in Fort Smith, Ar kansas.

Donna was a passionate woman with a shining personality. She was a very outgoing and caring person, she always had time to talk and get to know people. Donna loved tak ing care of people, everyone left her house with their stomach full and feeling better about life. She

often would feed any homeless or help anyone that was down on their luck. Donna had a gift of love and compassion for everyone she met, and it was impossible not to feel incredibly lucky to know her. Donna’s love was never ending for everyone, but especially her fami ly and friends. She cherished every laugh, phone call, hug and second spent with her beautiful family.

Donna was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend and will be missed by all who knew her. Her family wishes to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the ICU staff at CHI St. Vincent Hospital for their loving and com passionate care they gave to Donna and the whole family.

She is preceded in death by her parents; a son-in-law, Keith Span gler; and one niece, Sally Wigger.

Donna is survived by her lov ing husband, Henry Hankins of Mena; three daughters and sonsin-law, Mariah Fender of Mena; Lia and Dewayne Bell of Cabot; Marie and Richard Hartman of Freder icksburg, Virginia; two sons and daughters-in-law, Jason and Heath er Hankins of Alabama, Bubba and Wendy Hankins of Alabama; one brother and sister-in-law, James and Cindy Martin of Mena; seventeen grandchildren; nine great-grand children; numerous nephews and nieces, two aunts, and a host of oth er relatives and close friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at 2:00 PM at the Board Camp Baptist Church in Board Camp, Arkansas, with Brother Bill McCourtney offi ciating. A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022, from

12:00 - 2:00 PM at the Board Camp Baptist Church in Board Camp, Ar kansas. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Fu neral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Linda Faye Lebow, age 73, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at her home.

She was born in Talihina, Okla homa, on February 13, 1949, to Lee and Clara Catherine Henry, who both preceded her in death, as well as her son, Daniel Ray Lebow and her brothers and sisters.

Her love of family was never in doubt and her love of and faith in her God, Jehovah was without ques tion. She loved cooking and quilt ing, however her every thought was to help others draw close to God.

She is survived by her husband, Willie; son Joseph; daughters, Kar en, Sarah, and Mercedes; grand children, Rachael, Russell, Levi and Kyle; sister Minnie Reed; brothers Hershel and Kenny Henry as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Lebow was sent for cre mation under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home. Me morial services will be held Sunday, November 20, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Wit nesses in Mena, Arkansas.

Online obituary at beasleywood funeralhome.com

Linda Faye Lebow

Mary Turn

Mary Turner by Ralph Turner; three brothers, Martin Anglin, Marvin Lee Anglin, and Benny Anglin; and two sisters, Nancy Evelyn Joplin and Samanthia Evans.

er, age 86, of Cove, Arkan sas, passed away on Sat urday, November 12, 2022, at her home surrounded by family. She was born on Saturday, September 19, 1936, to Willie and Bonnie Little Anglin in Rich Mountain, Arkansas. Mary was very funny, always tell ing jokes and making people laugh. Mary loved her family and Jesus very much. She really enjoyed fish ing on the river as well as hiking in the woods. Mary enjoyed traveling; Hawaii was a favorite of hers that she always talked about. She got to see many different places while serving proudly in the United States Air Force.

After the military she became a registered nurse, and it was definite ly her calling. She was stationed at West Palm Beach, Florida and loved the environment. She took great pride in being a good and compas sionate nurse, always doing her best to care for people. She retired from Mena Regional Health System after many years of being an Intensive Care Nurse.

Mary was always taking pictures and really loved to be out in nature, watching birds and wildlife. She cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and loved them with all her heart. Mary was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grand mother, aunt, cousin and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Bob

Mary is survived by two daugh ters and son-in-law, Bonnie An glin of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Becky and Ajay Bhan of Cove; two sons and daughters-in-law, Bobby Ralph Turner Jr. and wife, Cynthia, of Raceland, Louisiana and Billy Martin Turner and wife, Jeanne of Heavener, Oklahoma; two brothers and sister-in-law, Landon Anglin of Mena, and William Frosty and Bev erly Anglin of Mena; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Debbie and Mike Jackson of Rich Mountain, Bar bara and Douglas Powell of Oden; grandchildren whom she lived with, Sahil Bhan, Sid Bhan, Neelam Bhan and many other grandchildren; great-grandchildren; several neph ews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.

No services are planned at this time. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

De Queen man charged with murder after double shooting Bail

set at $1M

By Patrick Massey

DE QUEEN – A De Queen man is facing felony charges after authorities say he shot his two sons, one of whom died from his injuries.

According to court records, 66-yearold Armando Arce of De Queen has been charged with first-degree murder as well as attempted murder stemming from an incident that occurred the evening of Nov. 8. The charges were formally filed within the Sevier County Circuit Court last week.

According to the De Queen Police Department, officers were dispatched around 6 p.m. the night of Nov. 8 to 223 Bobby Lane on the north side of De Queen in ref erence to a double shooting. Upon arrival, officers found two men suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Both men were transported for emergency medical treat ment. Authorities stated one of the victims

died en route to the hospital.

Arce developed as a suspect in the case. A manhunt for Arce began that eve ning and he was apprehended near the residence less than 24 hours later.

The victims were identified as Alexan der Tom, age 32 of De Queen, and John Tom, age 34, also of De Queen. Alex ander Tom’s injuries were fatal, and he was pronounced deceased that night. John Tom was treated at an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been discharged.

Arce was identified as the father of both victims.

Arce entered a plea of not guilty during a Nov. 10 arraignment. Bail was set at $1,000,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for March of next year.

If convicted, Arce could face up to 40 years or life in prison for the first-degree murder offense.

~Marlo Thomas

I think loss of loved ones is the hardest blow in life.

ELECTION

continued from page 1

Polk County, Rutledge received 5,602 votes to Krout’s 981.

For the first time in several decades, it appears as if Polk County will offi cially be a “wet” county. Local Option Question (Wet/Dry) received a total of 4,107 votes “FOR the Manufacture or Sale of Intoxicating Liquors” and 2,756 votes “AGAINST.”

Pulse Multi-Media will have more information about the “wet” vote. For the moment, Mena Mayor Seth Smith said, “I’m trying to learn more before I start answering questions. I don’t know enough about the law from ABC yet. I have been talking to the De Queen mayor Jeff Brown because he went through this two years ago. He’s been a wealth information.”

According to The Ouachitas own er Derek Campbell, restaurants can re-permit in the next 40 days. The

liquor permit application will open sometime in January or February. Only one application per person will be allowed. The land/building owner must be a part of the con versation at the time of applying. Campbell was not certain how many permits will be allowed.

The Pulse has also been in contact with the state and is awaiting their full response before reporting on what will and will not be allowed.

Of the other four issues on the bal lot in the state race, Polk County vot ers voted as follows:

• Issue 1-Against: 3,901-2,698

• Issue 2-Against: 3,685-2,954

• Issue 3-For: 3,427-3,294

• Issue 4-Against: 4,224-2,640

Similar to Polk County, the major ity of Arkansans voted against Issues 1, 2, and 4.

Issue 3, the “Arkansas Religious Freedom Amendment,” was a tight

race in both Polk County and across the state, with the results differing on Wednesday morning. Unlike Polk County voters, who voted for Issue 3 with a 1.98% majority, the bulk of Arkansans voted against Issue 3 in a very tight race with less than a 0.88% difference with 436,240 against vs. 428,576 for with 98.67% of the votes accounted for.

In the local races, Michelle Heath Schnell was unopposed for circuit clerk.

Jeremy Jones is the newly elected justice of the peace for district 2.

Mena

Mayor Seth Smith ran unopposed. The new city clerk-elect will be Kacie Rose. The city council ward 1, posi tion 2 winner was Stanley D. Craig.

Cove

Joshua Hagler was elected consta ble, while Joan Headley was re-elect ed mayor. Barbara Vallee ran unop posed as Cove’s recorder/treasurer.

Hatfield

Mayor Linda Denton ran unop posed, as did recorder/treasurer Mi chael Callahan.

Vandervoort

Terisia Hartley ran unopposed for mayor, as did Samantha Boyette for recorder/treasurer.

Wickes

Melinda Kight ran unopposed for mayor and Tracy Morris ran unop posed for recorder/treasurer.

Grannis

Dwight Billings ran unopposed for mayor and Barbara Frachiseur was unopposed for recorder treasurer.

The Republican Party won the oth er big races around the state that Polk County voters could cast their ballot. The winning candidates: Sen. John Boozman, Rep. Bruce Westerman, Secretary of State John Thurston, Treasurer of State Dennis Milligan, and Commissioner of State Lands Tommy Land retained their positions. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin has been elected as attor ney general and State Representative Mark Lowery has been elected as the state treasurer.

State Senators John Maddox and Tommy Rice were both unopposed. Supreme Court Associate Justice Robin Wynne was re-elected to the State Supreme Court for position 2, barely gaining the majority of votes in Polk County, but winning by a wider margin overall.

Arkansas had 1,799,136 registered voters for the 2022 general election and nonpartisan runoff elections ac cording to the election results page from the Secretary of State’s office. Of those, Polk County has 12,183 regis tered voters with 6,946 ballots cast as of midnight on Election Day.

Voter turnout across the state was 50.39% at press time with 906,525 ballots cast. Reports indicate 57.01% of Polk County cast their ballot in the 2022 general election. That is more than double the voter turnout during Polk County’s primary election in May of 2022.

By Richie Lawry

Ehrich Weiss was a remarkable man. By the time he died, he was famous around the world. But until recently, I had never heard of him. He was born to Hungarian-Jewish parents in Budapest, Austria, in 1874. In 1878 his family came to America, settling in Appleton, Wisconsin. Ehrich’s father was a Rabbi and served the Zion Reform Jewish Congregation in Appleton.

When he was 13, Ehrich moved with his father to New York City. There, he became interested in the trapeze, calling himself “Ehrich, the Prince of the Air.”

Ehrich also tried his hand as a profes sional magician and renamed himself, Har ry Houdini. I am sure you are familiar with the name Houdini. He was not successful as a magician, but he soon drew attention for his feats of escape using handcuffs. In 1893, he married fellow performer Wil helmina Beatrice Rahner, who would serve as his lifelong stage assistant, Bess Houdini.

Ehrich, as Harry Houdini, became the highest-paid entertainer of his day. He drew tremendous crowds across America and Europe. Houdini’s feats would involve the local police, who would strip search him, place him in shackles and lock him in their jails. He constantly upped the ante from handcuffs and straightjackets to locked, water-filled tanks and nailed pack ing crates. He was able to escape because of both his uncanny strength and his equally uncanny ability to pick locks.

On March 10, 1904, the London Daily Il lustrated Mirror challenged Houdini to es cape from a unique pair of handcuffs they had prepared. There were six locks on each cuff and nine tumblers in each one. Seven days later, 4,000 spectators gathered in the London Hippodrome to witness Houdini attempt to escape from the handcuffs.

As the show began, Houdini was hand cuffed, then stepped into an empty cabi net that came up to his waist. Kneeling, he was out of sight for a full 20 minutes. Then Houdini stood up, smiling. The crowd ap plauded wildly, thinking he was free. But Houdini was still in handcuffs. He asked for more light. The lights came on brighter as Houdini knelt out of sight. Fifteen min

An Arkie’s Faith Ehrich the Enthusiastic

a pocketknife in his vest. Opening the knife with his teeth, Houdini held its handle in his mouth and bent forward until the tail of his coat fell over his head. He grasped the coat, pulled it over his head, then slashed it to ribbons with the knife between his teeth. Throwing aside the strips of his heavy coat, he jumped back into the box as the audience roared its approval and cheered him on.

Down went Houdini, but this time for only 10 minutes. With a dramatic flourish, he jumped from the box, showing the crowd that his wrists were free, and waving the bulky handcuffs over his head in triumph. Once again Houdini had achieved what seemed impossible.

brings success. A genuinely enthusiastic person can be more productive and dedi cated to whatever he does.

I think enthusiasm is one of the most re markable words in the English language! It is derived from two Greek words, en and theos. Theos is the Greek word for God, so “enthusiasm” literally means “full of God.” Maybe that’s why enthusiastic people are so often creative and joyful! I’m convinced that one of the reasons God gives us so many personal promises in the Bible is to stir up our enthusiasm.

God wants enthusiastic followers. “He gave himself for us to set us free from every sin and to cleanse us so that we can be his special people who are enthusiastic about doing good things.” Titus 2:14 (GW)

But often, we find ourselves in an en vironment where our enthusiasm gets siphoned off. For example, if you are con stantly in the company of negative people, your outlook will become negative, and your reactions to people and events will be negative.

utes later, he stood to his feet. Applause broke out, but again it was premature. The handcuffs were still on his wrists. Houdini told the crowd that he just needed to flex his knees.

Houdini went down into the cabinet again. Twenty minutes passed slowly for the murmuring crowd before he stood to his feet with a broad smile. Loud applause quickly stopped as the audience saw Hou dini was not yet free. Because the bright lights made the heat so intense, he leaped from the cabinet and twisted his manacled hands in front of him until he could reach

Afterward, Houdini agreed to an interview. Everyone wanted to know why he had to interrupt the process of his escape as often as he did. With a twinkle in his eyes, the magician admitted that he didn’t have to interrupt the pro cess. The interviewer asked why he kept standing up before he was loose. Houdini confessed it was because he wanted the audience’s applause to keep up his enthusiasm!

Enthusiasm is powerful. Athletes feed on it. Salespeople are motivated by it. Teach ers count on it, and students fail without it. Enthusiasm is essential to athletes and performers and is also necessary for ordi nary people like you and me. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”

Few characteristics are more contagious and more magnetic. An enthusiastic person believes in his ability to transform things and make them work. It is not success that brings enthusiasm. It is enthusiasm that

Joke of the Week:

I checked my home insurance policy and, apparently, if my quilt is stolen in the middle of the night, I’m not covered.

God wants to fill us with enthusiasm that isn’t affected by the economy, politics, the weather, negative people, or our cir cumstances. He wants us to be enthusias tic about our relationship with Him. Paul tells us how to do this in Romans 12:10-12 (NLT), where he writes, “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiasti cally. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be pa tient in trouble, and keep on praying.”

Gentle Reader, we can choose enthu siasm. We can stop saying discourag ing, hateful, negative, and critical things. Choose enthusiasm! Talk it, live it, pray it, act it! The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NLV), “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”

Whatever you do, “Work with enthusi asm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Ephesians 6:7 (NLT)

God wants terrific things for us. Let’s show our enthusiasm!

Replacing windshields in Polk County for over 40 years.

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

Boozman assembles 2022-2023 Congressional Youth Cabinet from across Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK––U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) launched the sixth year of his Congressional Youth Cabinet on Thursday, meet ing with 52 Arkansas high school students selected from public, pri vate and charter schools across the state.

“It is exciting to again convene young leaders who are interested in getting involved and making a dif ference in their schools and com munities,” Boozman said. “We had a record number of applicants this year and I am pleased so many stu dents want to learn about public service and how to help shape the future of Arkansas and our country.”

The Congressional Youth Cabinet is a non-partisan program that gives students insight and experience

in the legislative process. The high school juniors will attend meetings throughout the year and work in teams to research national issues they select. In April, the groups will present their policy recommenda tions to the senator.

Students submitted applications to participate and were chosen with an emphasis on community involve ment and leadership. The following students were selected for the 20222023 school year:

First Congressional District

• Mercuriah Vance – Osceola

• Eli Ezekiel – Wilson

• Blair Booker – Osceola

• Breann Fultz-Foster – Osceola

• Coalton Powell – Diamond City

• Garrett Gardner – DeWitt

• MacKenzie Ballinger – Ward

• Kadan Newson – Osceola

• Chandra Suda – Bentonville

• Alisha Kahloon –

Second Congressional District

• Yahya Younus – Little Rock

• Haley Tancinco – Searcy

• Wade Moore – Searcy

• Annie Mae DiFlorio – El Paso

• Belle Irby – Conway

• Vivian Tomlinson – Searcy

• Ayushi Patel – Little Rock

• Claire Cornwell – Benton

• Diego Dominguez – Searcy

• Naomi DiFlorio – El Paso

• Chance Stewart – Benton

• Matthew Lamb – Little Rock

• Benjamin Ino – Bald Knob

• Savannah Straessle – Little Rock

Third Congressional District

• Bianca Arana – Decatur

• Elisa-Tram Vu – Rogers

• Ayden Jowers – Gravette

• Eric Suarez – Springdale

• Chrisalin Moore – Lavaca

• Aya Alzufari – Fort Smith

• Stella Garton – Fayetteville

• Zachary Gardner – Fayetteville

• Madison Schluterman – Ben tonville

• Duc Pham – Fayetteville

• Harrison Henry – Fayetteville

• Garrett Lindley – Farmington

• Peter Belin – Bentonville

• Hemali Gauri – Fayetteville

Fourth Congressional District

• Anna Sutton – Amity

• Chelsee Jeronimo – Hot Springs

• Psalm Wistrand – Mena

• Fallon Johnson – Pine Bluff

• Bannon Price – Ashdown

• Alexandra Logan – Sheridan

• Taylor Nelson – White Hall

• Bethany Phillips – Pine Bluff

• Emilee Young – Arkadelphia

• Ajaiah Harris – White Hall

• Hudson Vacca – Mena

• Jocelyn Hernandez – Hatfield

• Anaiya Ford – Arkadelphia

• Mychia Leatherwood – Arka delphia

Senator Boozman speaks to Congressional Youth Cabinet participants in Little Rock.

Siloam Springs

AHS National Honor Society Inducts New Members

Submitted by Tammy L. Young

On Nov. 8, Acorn High School National Honor Society held an induction ceremony to welcome new members.

National Honor Society is a prestigious honor organization recognizing members for academic achievement, leadership, and service.

The program included: Welcome by President Reed McGee, Pledge of Allegiance by Parliamentarian Kenzie Daniels, Invocation by Glynda Pearce, Speech by guest speaker Kelly Slaten, description of NHS characters by each current NHS Officer, and Ceremony Closing by Michelle McGee, AHS National Honor Society Advisor. Refreshments were served at the close of the ceremony.

The 2022-2023 AHS National Honor Society Officers and Members At-Large:

• President: Reed McGee

• Vice President of Service: Paige Parnell

• Vice President of Scholarship: Shay Allen

• Secretary: Ava Smith-Hawley

• Treasurer: Payton Davis

• Historian: Lori Richardson

• Parliamentarian: Kenzie Daniels

• Rachael Weddle

• Sarah Tedder

• Noah Holland

• Emily Whorton

• Bella Tedder

• Rileigh Husted

• Sophie Strasner

• Charish Hill

• Jayden Willborg

• Daisy Dollar

• Cyrus Auer

• Nehemiah Auer

• Rebecca Bloodworth

• Kohlea Carmack

• Kora Carter

• Christian Christiana

• Damon Cruz

• Meera Henry

• MaryClaire Laing

• Michael Laing

• Addyson Prewett

• Hailee Shores

• Caden Tarkinton

The 2022-2023 Inductees:

Thank a veteran when you can

Article and Photos by Ethan Nahté

A Veterans Day Appreciation Lunch was held at The Elks Lodge in Mena on Friday, honoring veterans and their families, thanks to the Mena Polk/County Chamber of Com merce and several sponsors.

A meal of cheeseburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, a birthday cake celebrating the 247th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps on Nov. 10, and cobblers made by the Mena Middle School Family and Consumer Science class, was served by members of the Acorn’s school wrestling team and the Mena students.

The tables were decorated in a pa triotic theme and filled with hand

made cards from Mena Middle School students, thanking the vets. There were several vets there, pri marily those who saw action in the 20th century, but there were a few from wars that took place in the 21st century.

The luncheon, according to re tired Cpl. James Scott, “A thank you to the veterans from the civil ian population for what we did to protect them is basically what this is for.” Scott was with the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1965-1969, and did two-and-a-half tours in Vietnam.

Although some attendees felt the turnout was decent, there were still a few empty seats at tables—and fewer friends who were here just a day or two before Veterans Day. But there’s always room for more.

Scott said, “There are plenty of veterans out there, current wars and older ones, but it just seems like our veterans’ focus is changing to some thing else. Of course, the younger ones are busy with their own lives… getting married, getting jobs, kids. By the time they’re done with all that stuff during the day they’re just worn out and don’t have time to get in the veterans’ organizations. Most

of the veterans’ organizations have retired people in them. We have a hard time getting the younger ones because of that.”

One of the oldest, if not the oldest veteran in attendance, was World War II veteran Thomas Earhart, who turned 100 three weeks earli er on Oct. 18. Earhart, who entered service a private and left as a buck sergeant, was with the Fifth Air Force (5 AF). He was in the U.S. Army Air Corps, which became the U.S. Air Force right after World War II. He was overseas for two years, until the end of the war, returning home around Christmas in 1945.

Earhart’s daughter, Treva Sawats ki, was at the table with him. She said, “He went over to take care of airplanes. They were moving air planes between locations, and he

was on a Norwegian tanker that was taking care of 22 airplanes that were bringing them over. He worked as a tinsmith. He repaired airplanes that had been shot. He had experi ence doing that before he went over. That’s the reason he got put there in stead of the infantry or on the front lines.

“He came back here and worked as a tinsmith. He had a sheet metal business for a long time.” He owned Earhart Sheet Metal Shop at 524 Dequeen St.

Retired Sgt. Ed Anderson was with the U.S. Marine Corps, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, 1975-1979, stationed primarily on Okinawa, Japan, as a radio man. As he looks back over 40 years ago, he recalls a

Treva Sawatski and her father, retired World War II veteran Thomas Earhart, who celebrated his 100th birthday Oct. 18,2022. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

change in how the public viewed the the military between Earhart’s time at war and his own.

Anderson said, “Understandably, there was a lot of protests against the [Vietnam] war. The citizenry tended to take it out on the people serving in the military. Now, there’s been a big change. Never heard a thank you until about 2000. It makes you feel good. It makes you feel a little prouder of your service and that it’s appreciated by your population. We are free because of our military.”

Scott agreed, “I’m from the Viet nam era, so we didn’t have much of the population coming out, but in the last 20 or 30 years, the civil ians have gotten behind the veter

ans 110%. It’s really kind of uplifting and nice.”

Both men do take pride in their ser vice.

Scott said, “[I was] Proud to be in the Marine Corps and proud to serve my country. I con sider it to be a privilege and honor to be allowed to serve the country and try and protect it.”

“I would say the job I did,” An derson said, “It’s a difficult job, not only the separation from home, but being attached to an infantry. There’s a lot of walking involved, a lot of running involved, to be able to accomplish that and to be re warded with rank.

Earhart said he had never thought about what he was proud est about regard ing his military service. “You didn’t have much choice. You were

inducted in and placed in a certain group. We worked on converting B-25s to low-level strafers. They couldn’t do any good at 10,000 feet. They had to get down low where the war was to drop their bombs.”

Still, Earhart was once a member of the Pine Crest Cemetery Board, serving for 29 years. He worked with monument companies to ensure proper place ment of markers as part of his duties. He also placed cylinders to hold flags that were placed at veterans’ graves.

Probably the most im portant lesson is to thank

Veterans Day

a veteran, or an active-duty soldier, before they are no longer here to be honored.

ANNIE

continued from page 1

abilities or health issues include cere bral palsy, developmental delay, vision or hearing problems, asthma, recurrent infections, or intestinal problems.

Every year, Nov. 17 is recognized as World Prematurity Day and November is Prematurity Awareness Month.

In 2018, Luci and Mark Cannon were expectant parents with their first child to gether. Mark had one son, Hunter, when he and Luci met. As a first-time mother, Luci was nervous, but unaware of ques tions she might have asked their doctor. Even so, when Luci was only 26 weeks pregnant, her doctor did not even sus pect that the couple’s day was about to become a fight for life or death a few hours after they visited Luci’s doctor be cause she was not feeling well that day.

“When Annie was born, she was 2 pounds, one ounce and 14 inches in length. She was very premature and very unexpected. There are different things to be aware of as you’re pregnant, going in and getting scans or things like that. In our case, we didn’t know why she came early—she just did.

“When I went in, it wasn’t showing I was in labor. One of the things they can do if you’re having a baby early is giving a mother steroids to get the ba by’s lungs ready. When they’re in the womb, they don’t need lungs. When they come out and get that first breath at full term, their lungs are ready to start doing that.

“Hers weren’t. They were just sticky and collapsed. That was a major thing to not have that beforehand. We weren’t pre pared for any of that. She was born in the middle of the night. The respiratory therapist had to come in. Our local [Mena] hospital did a really good job of everyone getting in, getting things done in preparation to get her sent off to Little Rock.”

Due to concerns, complica tions, and how quickly Annie was trying to enter the world, an emergency C-section was required. Russell Lockhart, the director of respiratory ther apy at Mena Regional Health

System, had to intubate Annie to give her any chance at survival. A baby’s lungs are one of the last organs to develop. Annie was born near the end of the sec ond trimester. A fetus’ body fat generally fully developed at that time, nor is the brain, lungs, or even all the internal sys tems. Sound, pain and light are typically entering the fully developed stage during weeks 25-28.

“Her eyes were still fused shut. Her skin was really thin—almost you could see through. To intubate her, they had to put a lot of tape. There’s not enough skin there to hold it on. That tore a lot. Even on her belly where they had to put tape, that came off and she had these little bit ty scars. Now, she’s grown, and these scars have grown with her.”

Lockhart prepped the very preterm baby for the helicopter, which included putting her in something similar to a Zip loc bag. Annie admits it sort of freaked her and Mark out seeing that and had them a bit concerned. They learned that the bag helped keep the baby’s body temperature regulated because they can’t do it themselves at that age. The

See ANNIE

Mark Cannon’s watch face is as large as preterm baby Annie’s head.

Volunteers needed to support The Salvation Army Christmas programs

Submitted by The Salvation Army

Despite the lingering pandemic, more than 2 million people of all ages volunteered their time, talents, and resources in 2021 to assist The Salvation Army’s work in the USA. This Christmastime, The Salvation Army right here in Mena is appeal ing to prospective volunteers like you to help raise much-needed funds and to assist the most vul nerable men, women and children in our community.

Volunteers are critical partners in helping the organization ful fill its mission and accomplish all that needs to be done, especially during the Holiday season. “If you have never volunteered with The Salvation Army before, come and give it a try. Be part of something

special by helping make a difference in the lives of so many this hol iday season,” said Brandy Benner, Service Center Director of The Salvation Army in Mena. “We’ve got a volunteer op portunity just for you, whether you can give an hour, a morn ing, or an entire day.”

Volunteer as a Bell Ringer

Did you know that every vol unteer hour of bell ringing raises enough money to put food on the table for 13 people? The Salvation Army needs volunteer bell ringers

from Nov. 25 through Dec. 23, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Every dollar col lected in the red kettles support the wide range of services and pro grams provided throughout the year in Mena, including food, clothing, and offering emergency fi nancial assistance.

“For more than 125 years, The Salvation Ar my’s red kettles have been a sym bol of goodwill during the holiday season,” Benner said. “It’s easier than ever to sign up as a volunteer bell ringer. Simply call the Mena Salvation Army to sign up, and

you’re ready to ring! You can ring with a friend, bring your family, or split your shift with co-workers or your church group. All are wel come!”

“We are so grateful to our com mitted volunteers,” Benner said. “We hope everyone will consid er giving even just a few hours of their time this season and give back to the community through The Sal vation Army. We can’t do it without you. Our volunteers are truly the army behind the Army.”

Call 479-437-3110 to sign up as a volunteer bell ringer, to donate, or learn more about how you can support The Salvation Army this Christmas. The Mena Salvation Army store hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday.

Christmas magic is in the air

Submitted by Pasha Watson

The Mena Advertising and Promotion Commission invites you to join us, as we officially welcome the holiday season, with the annual Mena Christmas Festival on Dec. 2, at 7 p.m., in Janssen Park. The festival will immediately follow the Mena/ Polk County Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Parade of Lights.

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors, and spread holiday cheer at this treasured event. The sounds of joy, music, and laughter will fill the air, as we gather to celebrate Christmas, our community, and the holiday season.

Lana Gail and her band perform a Christmas Music Concert, featuring your favorite holiday songs, beginning at 7 p.m.

At 7:30, the skies will be filled with the dazzling, shimmering lights of a spectacular fireworks display.

Carrying on one of Mena’s favorite traditions, the City of Mena’s Official Lighting of Janssen Park Ceremony, immediately follows the fireworks display.

Come celebrate this time of togetherness with us. We are excited to kick off the 2022 holiday season and look forward to seeing you.

Around Town

Breaking the smoking habit. Ready for a new lease on life, free from the bondage of that nicotine habit? Why not begin this new year feeling good about yourself? Live free and quit nicotine for good! Through a unique free program to be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Farmhouse Store, 819 Mena St. in Mena, Nov. 11-20. Each night is a different session, but if you miss one, they’ll get you caught up. Every one welcome.

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

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

Cossatot River FFA Thanksgiving Dinner, Thursday, Nov. 17, during both lunches. All Dues-paid FFA members welcome.

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

Extension Homemakers DIY Learn Something New will meet Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m.2 p.m. at the Extension Education Building at 211 De queen St. Do you have a pretty blouse in your closet that you can’t quite button any longer, but you can’t bring yourself to give it away? Come learn what you can do with it to give it new life.

The Mena/Polk County Senior Center will have The Gator and Friends band performing in Mena every Thursday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

The Center has an exercise class on Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Contact Trena Looney with questions, (479) 394-5459.

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

Hatfield First Baptist Church “Shep herd’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.

Holiday Bazaar at The First Presbyterian Church of Mena, at the corner of Ninth and Church Streets, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Nov. 19. They will have baked goods, hand-crafted items ad a white el ephant table with items for sale. There will also be complimentary refreshments, door prizes and music.

The church will also have an open house and giving sanctuary tours. Proceeds will go toward youth proj ects.

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

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

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

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

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m. Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for information call (479) 243-0297.

Veteran’s Thanksgiving Dinner for single, homeless, and veterans with no family. The dinner will be 1-3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 24 at the First Assembly of God Church, Mena. For questions call Linda Johnson at 956-241-2633.

The Mena Area Ministerial Alliance (MAMA) will host the Annual Community Thanks giving Drive-through Celebration on Sunday, Nov. 20, at First Assembly of God, 2111 Sutherland Ave nue, serving from 5-7 p.m. We will serve till the food runs out! There will also be a prayer drive-through for those who need special prayer! MAMA wishes our community a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving! Ques tions: Please call (479) 280-8245.

The Hatfield Branch Library is open ev ery Tuesday and Friday from noon-4 p.m. The library is located at 121 Cemetery Rd. (old Agri building) in Hatfield.

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.

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 news paper, we need to know by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!

CLASSIFIEDS

- SERVICES -

Wendell’s Tree Service - Tree Removal and Trimming. Experienced and fully insured for ALL your tree-trimming needs. Call (479) 394-0227 or (479) 216-4328. T1116

Handyman services - small jobs pre ferred. Plumbing, electrical, small engine re pair. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T1116

Construction, pads, ponds, roads and more. Military discounts. Insured. Just give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0104

Daniel’s carpentry and painting and handyman service. Deck and privacy fences, etc. Call (479) 216-1101 or (479) 216-2299. T1116

Tree services, forestry mulching, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light re placement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate. T0104

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergen cy appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T1109

Assisted or Full Care available in my home or yours. Long term or short term. 20+ years experience. Located in Mena Call (479) 234-0461. T1123

- HELP WANTED -

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 ben efits available.

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

T1123

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. Competi tive 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

T1123

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

Applications may be picked up at the Bro dix 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.

T1123

F.M. Dix Foundry is accepting applica tions 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.

T1123

‘A Seussified Christmas Carol’ cast chosen

Junior Ouachita Little Theatre is per forming the OLT holiday play this sea son. It is a delightful rendition of the famous story, “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. This version contains dialogue written in the humorous rhyme and unique pentameter of famed author, Dr. Seuss.

T1116

Mena ARVAC Headstart is hiring for Early Headstart/Headstart teachers and program aides. Come by 606 Pine Ave. in Mena for an application.

This play is sure to be a holiday treat for local families to enjoy, featuring young performers and energetic directors Makayla Ortiz and Lexie Payne. Cos tumes and sets will reflect the Dr. Seuss genre, and performances will cover two weekends. Dates are December 2,3,4 and 9,10,11.

Advanced tickets are now available online and at the OLT office on Thurs days, Fridays and Saturdays during of fice hours as posted on the OLT website, oltmena.com for $10 each. Season tick ets are accepted for this show.

The directors announce their cast as follows: Jocelyn Biard and Crissie Wom ack as narrators; Omar Cecillo–Scrooge; Abigail Felix as Marley, Cratchet and Belle’s husband; Lily Loyd-Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future; Jacob Kenyon-Ortiz as Fred and Young Scrooge; Zoe Hamilton as Belle, Mrs. Cratchit and Fred’s wife.

Filling out the cast playing carolers, Skateboard posse, band members, and various supporting roles are Rener Melson, Addyson Melson, Natalee Fail er, Kynnleigh Midgette, Ashlynn Lingo, Emma Vieira, Hudson Hughes, Tiffa ny Lawrence, Avori Gortemiller, Katy Goodnight, Savannah Goodnight, Charis Seitz, Gracie Baker, Marynelle Thoma, Johanna Diffee, Macy Adams and Pay ton Adams.

Police

November 12

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

November 7, 2022

Deputies responded to a report of a dog being shot at a residence on Polk 74 near Mena.

Deputies were dispatched to a res idence on Polk 35 near Hatfield in reference to a verbal altercation. In formation has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further con sideration.

November 8, 2022

No reports.

November 9, 2022

Deputies were dispatched to a resi dence on Polk 286 near Hatfield in ref erence to the theft of a side by side.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a violation of a no contact order.

Deputies were dispatched to a res idence on Polk 31 near Hatfield in reference to threats being made. In formation has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further con sideration.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to harass ment.

November 10, 2022

Deputies were dispatched to a resi dence on Polk 24 near Cove in refer ence to sheep being attacked by dogs.

Kyle Fairless, 33 of Cove was arrested on a Felony Rape Warrant.

November 11, 2022

Deputies were dispatched to a resi dence on Polk 37 near Potter in refer ence to gunshots being heard leading to the arrest of Zachary Bryan, 30 of Mena on charges of Aggravated Assault Upon a Certified law Enforcement Of ficer, Resisting Arrest and Possession of a Firearm by Certain Persons.

A traffic stop on Hwy 8 West near Mena led to Laura Emry being charged with No Proof of Insurance, No Regis tration and Open Container.

Michael Moore, 26 of Mena was ar rested on a Felony Rape Warrant.

November 12, 2022

Deputies were dispatched to a res idence on Martin Lane near Cove in reference to an unattended death.

November 13, 2022

A traffic stop on Hwy 71 near Mena led to the arrest of Carla Dorn, 45 of Crestview, Florida on charges of DWI and Driving without Headlights.

A report of a physical domestic dis turbance at a residence on Polk 29 near Hatfield led to the arrest of Matthew Esser, 43 of Hatfield on a charge of Pub lic Intoxication.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to domestic violence. Information has been for warded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 21 Incarcerated Inmates, with 14 Inmates currently on the Wait ing List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

November 6

Lessley Hunt, 42, was charged with Driving on Suspended License and served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Reine Street.

A death investigation report was tak en at a residence on 9th Street.

A report of theft and unauthorized use of a vehicle was taken at a residence on Deridder Avenue.

November 7

Charles Solo, 50, was charged with Driving on Suspended License after a traffic stop on Bethesda Road.

November 8

A report of unsafe load and fleeing was taken on Racetrack Road.

A report of theft of property was tak en from Walmart.

November 9 No report.

November 10

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

November 11

William Parsons, 26, was charged with DWI, Possession of Open Con tainer, Driving on Suspended License and No Liability Insurance after con tact at EZ Mart.

A report of theft of property was tak en at Walmart.

A report of theft of motor fuel was taken at Citgo.

Timothy Hooks, 37, was served with a warrant at the police department.

Elizabeth Ward, 25, was served with a warrant at the police department.

Michael Davis, 47, was charged with Theft of Property at Walmart.

A report of violation of a protection order was taken from a walk-in com plainant.

A report of criminal mischief was taken at a residence on Dallas Avenue.

Jeremiah Franklin, 28, was served with a warrant at Walmart.

Click It or Ticket: Ramped-up enforcement of seat belt law set for Thanksgiving week

Arkansas law enforcement officers plan to bolster their patrol assignments aimed at violators who are not buckled-up while trav eling on local streets and state highways during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday period.

State troopers, local police and sheriff’s deputies are following the lead of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Nation al Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) high visibility Click It or Ticket seat belt awareness campaign which is intended to reduce the number of fatalities that occur when motorist fail to buckle-up. The con certed campaign by law enforcement be gins next Monday, Nov. 21, and continues through Sunday night, Nov. 27.

During the Thanksgiving holiday week end of 2020 (6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, to 5:59 a.m., Nov. 30), there were 333 passenger vehicle occupants killed in traf fic crashes across the nation. More than half the victims (52%) were not wearing a seatbelt. Additionally, nighttime has proven to be more deadly than daytime, with 67% of Thanksgiving weekend fatal crashes oc curring at night. The deaths were needless tragedies for families across America that may have been prevented with the simple click of a seat belt.

“Properly using a seat belt in a moving vehicle isn’t just a suggestion, it’s the law,” said Col. Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkan sas State Police, and the Governor’s High way Safety Representative. “Wherever you travel, short distances or long, you must wear a seat belt. It’s your best defense if in volved in a crash and may mean the differ ence between life and death. This Thanks giving, and every day of the year, remem ber, Click It or Ticket.”

For more information about highway safe ty during this Thanksgiving holiday, please visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/ seat-belts or contact the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at 501-618-8136.

Bearcats out while Lions remain on the hunt

By Pulse Staff

The first round of the 2022 AHSAA Centennial Bank State Football Play offs (Arkansas) took place Friday evening during some cold, dreary weather that saw sleet and even a few flakes of snow across portions of the state.

In 4A action, the Mena Bearcats traveled to Ozark to take on the Hill billies. Ozark scored 7 in the first quarter and scored an additional 31 in the second. They scored a final touchdown and the extra point in the third. The Bearcats scored 7 in the fi nal quarter, losing 45-7, resulting in Mena’s elimination.

In 2A action, Dierks played En gland at home. They, too have been eliminated, losing 42-28 in the first round.

The Mount Ida Lions, on the other hand, came out with a win in 2A ac tion, beating the Little Rock visitors Episcopal 40-14. The Lions will be hunting for another win against the Des Arc this coming Friday night.

On Friday, there will be six hours of the most comprehensive high school football coverage on the airwaves getting underway shortly after 6 p.m. with the High School Football Game

Day Preview Show as Kelly Blair previews every second-round play off contest from around the state on KQOR 105.3.

At around 6:30, KQOR goes live to Des Arc where the Mount Ida Lions battle the Des Arc Eagles in the sec ond round of the Class 2A State Play offs. Trey Fiorello will have the playby-play with kickoff scheduled for 7 on 105.3 KQOR.

Then from 10 til midnight, Rex Nelson and Nate Olson have all the scores from around the Natural State on the Simmons Bank High School Football Scoreboard Show on KQOR.

Meanwhile, in basketball, the Cossatot River Eagles and Lady Ea gles travel to De Queen to battle the Leopards and Lady Leopards Friday. Following a junior varsity boys game at 5, Phillip Fields will have the playby-play of the senior action starting at around 6 on KENA 104.1.

On Saturday afternoon, the unde feated Ouachita Baptist University Tigers host Northwest Missouri State in the opening round of the N.C.A.A. Division Two college football play offs at Cliff Harris Stadium in Ark adelphia at 1 p.m. Airtime with Rex Nelson and crew is set for noon on KQOR 105.3.

Austin Rose amongst Major League Fishing qualifiers

MARSHALL, Texas – Hosting the Major League Fishing Abu Garcia College Series presented by YETI on Lake O’ the Pines, East Texas Baptist University had 11 com pete on Friday. ETBU had three boats finish in the top 15 with two in the top 10.

pounds.

Ross then reeled in five fish for 16 pounds, four ounces and was less than a pound from the top five

Dylan Benson and Austin Rose came in sixth place while  Cody Ross  took ninth place as both teams qualified for the MLF Abu Garcia College Series Nation al Championship tournament in February on Lake Toho in Kis simmee, Fla. It will be the fourth year in a row that ETBU has qual ified for the MLF national cham pionship tournament.

Benson and Rose were just a pound off of the top three and six ounces from fourth place bringing in a five-fish total of 17

Kaden Proffitt  and  Cason Rags dale  rounded out the top 15 in 13 th  place with a total of 15 pounds and 15 ounces.

Cannon Bird  went solo to cap ture 13 pounds and seven ounces for 26 th  place.

Brayden Merson and  Ethan Thurston  brought in 13 pounds and two ounces finishing in 31 st .

Coming in 42 nd  to finish up the top 50 boats, Corey Morris and Cade Nettles were 42 nd  at 11 pounds and 12 ounces.

ETBU will next fish on the Col legiate Bass Trail of Texas (CBTT) series on Nov. 19 at Caddo Lake.

ETBU results: Austin Rose (left) and Dylan Benson (right) came in sixth place with their five fish totaling 17 pounds.

Cody Ross (not pictured) came in ninth place with five fish totaling 16 pounds, 6 ounces. (Photo courtesy of ETBU)

ANNIE

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not want her to fly. Mark could’ve flown with Annie, but he knew they would need a car in Little Rock, so he drove. Luci was dis charged the next day since MRHS knew she was going to another hospital. They end ed up staying in Little Rock for 86 days.

Luci works for the Christian Motorcyclists Association in Hatfield. Mark is a Polk Coun ty Deputy Sheriff. She stated both of their jobs were very supportive.

bag helped keep her warm.

The weather on May 28 was so bad the helicopter with a physician on board had to return to Little Rock. At that point, they were going to dispatch an ambulance, but it was determined Annie’s health was too critical. They had a plane called in to fly to the airport in Mena, where they put Annie in a new Ziploc-type bag and trans ported Annie to Arkansas Children’s Hos pital. Luci could not go with her newborn as she just had a C-section and they did

“At first, it was very touch and go,” Luci said. “The doctors weren’t going to give any false hope. It could go either way.”

Annie was going to need at least five blood transfusions, there was a possibili ty of surgeries, and more. Annie was one of the lucky ones. She did not require any major surgeries. Her biggest problem was breathing.

“They would have to up her liters of ox ygen, then she would get down to as little as an eighth of a liter. We couldn’t really

feel that, but for her it was needed. We actually went home on oxygen.”

Even being at the hospital daily, holding her small child didn’t come easy. “It was over a week. It was a very big ordeal to hold her because she was still intubated. She was intubated for about three weeks. With that, any kind of moving could make her heart rate spike. Of course, moving with that many tubes plugged in—some thing could come unplugged.” Annie was fragile and her weight had also dropped to 1 pound, 10 ounces.

“We had about seven nurses hand ing me a baby. The magic with a parent when that happens, skin to skin, once they can get her to you safely you start seeing the baby’s heart rate getting bet ter. That baby lived in you. It recognizes the mom.”

It was still a few more days before Annie’s father got to hold her. They did make certain that the bond between mother and child occurred. Even when feeding her, the nurses put a little breast milk on a sponge and dabbed Annie’s tiny mouth with it.

“We were there probably two months before we knew she was going to live. Then, it was up to two years before we knew if she would walk good, or talk good, if we’ll have problems with her eyes—things like that.”

Annie, who was the winner in our Hal loween contest this year in the youngest

age group, loves to smile, is very attentive and extremely active, in cluding playing soccer, gymnastics and Girl Scouts. She’s now 4 and Hunter is 15.

“She is 100% fine. That’s not al ways the case. Several people in the hospital we made friends with— there’s a delay in all the children [we knew]. Annie doesn’t seem to show any kind of learning delay. She’s running, doing sports—gym nastics.”

They have not noticed any breathing issues with Annie’s activ ities. Diseases and viral problems such as COVID-19 or the current RSV that is making its way around are a concern.

Luci is very religious. When An nie was first born, Luci said, “The only thought is you’re very help less. I just said, ‘God, she’s yours.’ In that moment I had accepted that if God took her to heaven, then God took her to heaven, but she was his.

“I would be here to do what God wants me to do to be a mother for her. We prayed a lot. We took all of the therapy options we could. We did occupational therapy with her those two years. Any extra help we could get—we had a good support system and knew that God was in control of it.”

After her trials, Luci’s advice to moth ers-to-be is simple. “I think asking ques tions to your doctor… and don’t be shy about it. There were things I didn’t know to look for or ask. I was a first-time mom. Ask the questions if you’ve had trouble getting pregnant. Maybe that’s a sign that something is wrong with your body that may make your body go into a preterm labor.”

Luci describes Annie saying, “She’s extremely happy. She’s a level-10, good or bad. She doesn’t meet a stranger. She’s in her second year of pre-K. She’s a very high-energy person, so we try to keep her busy.”

Luci believes strongly in a support sys tem, much like she had, which included a case worker at Arkansas Children’s and the March of Dimes. “If you see some body who’s had a premature baby, sup port them, even if it’s just a card. Mon ey—people who are away from their homes and jobs—things like that are good. Any support is good.”

Reflections from History and Faith: Smitty, Jake and The Wall

By Jeff Olson

He was a tall, handsome man of about 30 years old I would say. He and his wife lived across the street from us when I was in junior high school. She spoke with a German accent, which is what I remember most about her, though she was a very pretty lady as well.

The couple met in Germany where he was stationed with the U.S. Army. He was still in the service when they moved to our neighborhood around 1969 or 1970. I remember he was gone much of the time, but when home, he came over occasionally and visited with us.

I forget his first name, but his last name was Smith, so my parents start ed calling him Smitty. As I recall most, Smitty was an avid baseball fan and had played extensively in his school years. At the time, I was playing base ball in school and was one of the pitch ers. Smitty saw me practicing one day and asked me if I would mind if he gave me some pointers. “Sure,” I said, so he proceeded. He taught me a lot, for which I will always be grateful. My parents thought a lot of him and his wife, Ingrid. He was such a likable guy with a great personality, but more than that, he was a patriot in every sense of the word.

During those times he was gone, he was in Vietnam. I forget what his job was, but I do remember he was part of a field fighting unit and an officer. How many tours he did I don’t remem ber either, but what I do remember is that he served more tours than what was required. One of those tours was his last, not by choice but by a severe wound which left him paralyzed from the waist down.

But guess what... you wouldn’t have known his situation if you were just talking to him on the phone. On the outside, even in his wheelchair, he was at heart the same ol’ Smitty and with no

regrets he said. What a man! Oh, I’m sure he had a pity party or two and like ly what we would call PTSD today, but it was kept inside, behind closed doors. We heard later that he and his wife di vorced. We’ll never know the full story or the real depth of his wounds.

The next part of my story is about Jake. I met Jake in 1979 in the course of my job, but I never actually got to work with him on a regular basis. Jake, a man in his early sixties at the time I’d say, was kind, interesting and very in telligent. He never went to college, or at least never graduated, but had he done so, there is no telling how far he would have gone up the career ladder.

But, as I remember it, that wasn’t the most important thing in life for Jake. He made a decent living with the good job he had, loved where he lived, and had a good wife and raised a family. Jake’s ambitions were for his children

and their future. I believe Jake served in the military during either World War II, the Kore an War, or perhaps both.

Jake’s son served in the military also—in Vietnam. He spoke seldom of his son, but when he did it was with a strong sense of pride and a deep sense of pain. I eventually learned that his son did come home, but not in the way his parents had hoped and prayed for. I remember my struggle to hold back tears as he spoke misty-eyed of his son’s return home... in body parts. I cannot even begin to imagine how a parent could deal with such a loss of that nature, depth and magnitude, but then again, perhaps I can to some small degree. Jake and his wife were people of a deep and abiding faith in God.

I haven’t seen Smitty or Jake for many years and don’t even know if either is still living, though I’m sure Jake isn’t. What I do know is that they represented tens of thousands of Vietnam veterans and their families who, for years, were not afforded the well-deserved respect and gratitude from a country they served so selflessly, faithfully and sacrificially.

Finally, in the late 1970s and initial ly through the vision of Jan C. Scruggs who served in Vietnam (in the 199th Light Infantry Brigade) from 19691970 as an infantry corporal, that re spect and gratitude began to take the form of a memorial.

On July 1, 1980, in the Rose Garden, President Jimmy Carter signed the leg islation (P.L. 96-297) to provide a site for a Vietnam memorial in Constitu tion Gardens near the Lincoln Memo rial. It was a three-and half-year task to build the memorial. Forty years ago this week, November 13, 1982, the Viet

nam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C. All of the names on the Wall are servicemen classified as KIA (Killed in Action) or MIA (Miss ing in Action—about 1,200 to date) beginning in October 1957. Names of Veterans, whose lost records of war time death were found later and those who died after the war as a direct result of injuries suffered in the combat zone, continue to be added.

When I think of the Vietnam War, I can’t help but remember a song that came out back in 1989 titled “The Wall.” Written by Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers and sung by them, it told of a mother’s visit to the Wall where she found her son’s name. How many mothers, fathers and other fam ilies have lived these words?

“I saw her from a distance, as she walked up to the wall. In her hand she held some flowers, as her tears began to fall. She took out pen and paper as to trace her memories. She looked up to heaven, and the words she said were these. She said, ‘Lord my boy was special, and he meant so much to me. And Oh, I’d love to see him just one more time you see. All I have are the mem’ries and the moments to recall. So Lord could you tell him he’s more than a name on a wall.’”

Yes, all 58,276 are more than just names on a Wall. They remind us that while some gave all—all gave some, in cluding the Jakes and the Smittys who paid a heavy price not just in this war, but in those throughout our nation’s history.

To all our Veterans, deceased and living, you deserve our highest hon or, respect and gratitude—not only on Veterans Day but every day. Thank you!

(Photo by Ryan Stone on Unsplash)