Polk County Pulse - September 28, 2022

Voter registration deadline is October 10 for November general election

By Patrick Massey

With the November general election quickly approaching, this is a good time to go over a few key dates ahead of Election Day on Nov. 8.

The most important date for those who aren’t registered to vote is the registration dead line of Monday, Oct. 10, accord ing to the Polk County Clerk’s of fice. They have stated they will be open despite the Columbus Day holiday. Anyone who has not reg istered to vote and plans to cast their ballot this year must be reg istered by that date. Voter regis tration can be done in person or through the mail. Either way, that must be done by Oct. 10, or post marked by that date if registering by mail.

Early voting begins Monday, Oct. 24 and will continue through Monday, Nov. 7. Early voting is held from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. the two weeks before the election and from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. both Sat urdays in the early voting period

(Local times could vary).

Polls will be open from 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Arkansas voters can verify their registration by visiting  www.sos. arkansas.gov.

Arkansas voters are reminded they will need to provide an ap proved photo ID when they vote. The ID cannot be expired for more than four years. Accepted forms of photo ID include a driv er’s license, U.S. Passport, mili tary ID or an ID from an Arkan sas college or university.

For more information on reg istering to vote, or the upcoming election in general, visit www.sos. arkansas.gov  or contact your lo cal county clerk’s office. In Polk County, call (479) 394-8123.

Ribbon cuttings for two Chamber members

By Ethan Nahté

The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce had two ribbon cut tings last week. One event was for the re-opening of the Mena Silver Screen movie theater. The week included two different showings of the film “Somewhere in Time,” one each for Peachtree and Green House Cottage residents.

They also held a screening for preschool classes.

The official ribbon cutting was held Thursday, Sept. 22 with a show ing of “The Neverending Story.”

The theater’s grand opening was the following night.

Although open, the theater does have some issues with both projec tors being in need of parts, resulting in only Cinema 1 being operational at the moment. According to a post by general manager Renee Hendrix on the Mena Silver Screen Face book page, “At this time, we will only be able to play old movies. We will not be able to show box office movies until later in the year. We are working toward fixing this problem. So once again, no new box office

Stanley Craig seeks election to Mena City Council

Third generation Polk County na tive Stanley Craig has announced his bid for Mena City Council Posi tion 2 Ward 1. Craig owns and op erates multiple businesses in Mena and has spent the last three decades improving Mena’s landscape pri marily through custom residential construction/subdivision develop ment.

Craig graduated Mena High School in 1981 and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he proud ly served his country for three years and in the Reserves for another three years. After a brief stint in the Dallas area, Craig returned home and began building custom homes. “Many city voters actually live in one of my custom homes or one that I have framed.”

Craig’s name is synonymous with quality craftsmanship and style. He recently remodeled a 1920 historical building on Dequeen Street, now the home of another of his fami ly’s business ventures, Lottie Da’s Salon. The Craigs were the recipient of the Mena Polk County Renova tion/Beautification Award in 2017.

He and his wife of 32 years, Lau rie, also own multiple rental prop erties. Following the 2009 tornado, the Craigs converted much of the devastated downtown area into rental properties/duplexes, person ally investing into the beautification of his hometown.

Craig wants to bring progress and growth to Mena. “I have gone through the process of developing and building streets and under ground utilities. My experience and knowledge with the development of my latest project, the new subdivi sion on south Mena Street, The Vil lage at Prairie Creek, would be very beneficial and an asset for the city of

Craig understands what makes Mena unique and wants to devel op a comprehensive strategic plan for sustainable growth. “I obvious ly want Mena to continue to grow and more businesses to thrive in the future. I feel that my hometown of Mena has such potential to be an amazing place to raise a family and a place where you can make a liv ing. Mena has an awesome school system, and I am a supporter of U of A Rich Mountain. I actually got my start in the building trades in the mid-eighties when it was Rich Mountain Vocational Technical School.”

Craig’s children have opted to stay in Mena to raise their families. He and his wife share two daugh ters and sons-in-law along with six grandchildren, who are also local small business owners.

“I have always believed you should leave things better than you found them. Mena has always been my home. I’ve spent most of my life with a vision and then building it… and I’ve loved every minute of it. I want to use all of that experience toward building opportunities for other young people who also want to raise their families in Mena. I re spectfully ask for your vote on No vember 8.”

Mena to serve as a councilman.”

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1168 Hwy 71S Mena, AR 71953

Phone: 479-243-9600

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Email: news@mypulsenews.com

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Ashley Moore - General Manager

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Letter to the Editor,

I appreciate that you pro vide a place for people to ex press their opinion!

Everyone may not agree with my opinion & that’s OK.

I feel that politics & religion are things that family/friends shouldn’t discuss.

My husband & I don’t discuss either one! Some men think their wives should/must vote as they do since they are the boss. I am a registered voted & I will vote the way I want to. In fact, the way I vote may not be the way my husband votes.

I am a member of 1st United Meth odist church but don’t attend any more due to my disability. My hus band doesn’t attend church but his mother took him to church when he was young. A person doesn’t have to attend church to be a good person, it’s the way you treat other people!!

ple were ‘tricked & lied to’ in order to obtain their signature. The petition itself was very clear in its intent and purpose. If you don’t know or under stand what you’re signing that’s not trickery, it’s foolishness. As to the claim people from ‘other counties’ signed the petition, I would suggest one to read Mrs. Harris’ statement re garding the rejected signatures. But what I find most concerning is the claim of “voter fraud”.

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.

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Letter to the Editor

I know this has been a highly con tentious issue for some Polk Coun ty residents and I do believe we all have the right to express our own opinions. That is the beauty of direct democracy; every eligible voter in Polk County will have the opportunity to vote on the issue come November. Rarely do Americans get to partici pate in a referendum that will have a direct effect on their daily lives. While we elect local, state, and federal rep resentatives and rely on those repre sentatives to act in our best interest, rarely is a referendum put directly before the voters. I applaud those who have worked tirelessly to get this is sue on the ballot. I commend anyone who engages their community in the political process. But I do think we need to have an honest conversation about some claims that have been made about the petition.

There have been claims that peo

Calling the certification of the peti tion “voter fraud” is absurd. How can there be “voter fraud” when there hasn’t been a vote? Anyone who did or didn’t sign has the opportunity to go vote on the issue. Using charged language like that just because one didn’t get a desired outcome is an tithetical to the democratic process. Not only does it undermine the legal process of the petition, it undermines the Office of the County Clerk, and it undermines the voters of Polk Coun ty. This isn’t the first time this issue has come up on the ballot in Polk County. In 2014 when a statewide referendum was on the ballot, over 50% of Polk County voters voted yes to go wet. It wasn’t voter fraud then and it never will be.

There is no nefarious conspiracy to deprive the citizens of Polk County their day at the polls. Claiming vot er fraud before there is even a vote suggests that one simply did not like the outcome of the petition. There is absolutely no proof of any fraud. And when we vote yes on November 8th, claiming voter fraud will not change the outcome. But I bet we won’t hear anything more about voter fraud if the referendum doesn’t pass. Odd how that works.

Alexandra Coberly Dolak, Mena

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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.

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Donna Lay, Mena

AHS Writers Earn Top Awards for Peace Essays

Submitted by Tammy L. Young

Each year, Arkansas Peace Week hosts a variety of events hosted by numerous organizations throughout the great state of Arkansas. The events feature education, service and outreach activities pro moting peacemaking, non-violence, so cial justice, ecological stewardship and community building.

One of the events is the Peace Week Youth Essay Contest for Arkansas stu dents in grades seven - 12. Cash priz es were awarded to first, second and third place winners in each category and

award winners were invited to read their essays at the Arkansas State Capitol on Saturday, September 24.

• First Place - Meera Henry, Acorn High School Junior Essay: “How to Accomplish Peace”

• Third Place - Kailee Branson, Acorn High School Sophomore Essay: “Peace Within Empathy”

Acorn High School English instructor for grades 10-12, Kelly Slaten, provided assistance and guidance with the regis tration process for student submissions for the essay contest.

RIBBON CUTTING continued from page 1

movies, only older movies will be shown.”

“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and “The Fast and the Furious” were shown opening weekend.

The sec ond ribbon cutting was Living Tree Therapy at 409 Eagle Gap, located at the corner

of S. Cherry Street. The day spa offers var ious massages: deep tissue, Swedish, and chair massag es. They also offer foot de tox, chakra balance, cra niosacral ther apy, aroma therapy and reflexology services. Ser vice descrip tions, rates, and how to book are listed at https://www.massagebook.com/ Mena~Massage~Livingtreethera py/.

2022 Peace Essay winners (left) Kailee Branson and (right) Meera Henry with AHS English instructor Kelly Slaten. (Photo courtesy of ORSD)

From the State House of Representatives From the State Senate

According to the Arkansas Department of Health, sui cide is the leading cause of violent death in Arkansas.

In 2020, 583 Arkansans died by suicide. That same year, close to 46,000 individuals died by suicide nationwide. That is one death every 11 minutes.

The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher. In 2020, an estimated 12.2 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.2 million attempted suicide.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. By working to gether to recognize the signs, raise awareness of suicide and open the conversation with each other, you can make a difference and save Ar kansas lives.

If someone you know is strug gling emotionally or having a hard time, you can be the difference in getting them the help they need.

In 2017, the legislature passed an act that ensured Arkansans were

answering calls made from Arkansas to the crisis ho tline. Now when someone calls the hotline, they are speaking to someone with knowledge of local resourc es available.

In the 2021 Regular Ses sion, we passed Act 640. This act ensures that the crisis line employs individuals who have experience working with vet erans.

Every month, the Arkansas 988 crisis call centers answer an aver age of 965 calls. Arkansans who are thinking about suicide or experienc ing a mental health or substance use crisis can now call an easily remem bered number – 988 – to speak with a trained, experienced crisis coun selor who will talk to the individ ual, listen to and understand their situation, explore options, help the individual create a safety plan, and direct the individual to additional resources or facilities if needed.

You can call or text. You can also chat online with a trained crisis counselor at 988lifeline.org.

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

Over the next three years about 3,200 Arkansans with disabilities will be able to get Medicaid services at home or in their community, rather than in an institution.

The Legislative Council ap proved the expansion of eligi bility, submitted by the state Division of Developmental Disabilities Services.

The division doesn’t have sufficient staff to care for the additional 3,200 people. A provision in the new rules approved by legislators will allow the division to make up for the shortage of labor. Basically, Medicaid will now be able to hire, train and pay family members and legal guardians.

Currently, 5,400 children and adults receive Supportive Living ser vices, which brings support staff to their homes and communities.

The program is called the Com munity and Employment Supports (CES) waiver. It costs about $300 million a year, with the federal gov ernment paying 71.62 percent and state government paying 28.38 per cent.

it agency that provides care and services for people with disabilities. The spokesman said there is a “very real crisis in the home and communi ty-based service system,” spe cifically a shortage of direct care professionals.

He said the division should pay higher reimbursements to providers for competitive salaries, because “nothing short of that will fix the problem.” He also asked for funding for training and workforce development of direct care staff.

Director of DHS Resigning

Cindy Gillespie, the secretary of the Department of Human Services, announced that she would resign af ter six years. Her final day is sched uled to be October 7.

The department has more than 6,600 employees who administer a wide variety of social services.

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

During the 2022 fiscal session earlier this year, legislators voted to dedicate an additional $37.6 million for the CES waiver program, with the intention of eliminating the current waiting list for services.

The Legislative Council also signed off on a Department of Human Ser vices proposal to add 200 more slots for children in foster care, and to in crease the allowable bed capacity of group homes from four to eight.

The cost of the rule change will be $132 million next fiscal year. The state will provide $34 million and the federal government will provide $94 million, with a premium tax on care providers accounting for the remain der.

During a public comment period on the new rule, the division heard from a spokesman for a non-prof

Its annual budget is more than $10 billion in state and federal rev enue. The largest program is Medic aid, a health care program for peo ple with disabilities, senior citizens and low-income families. More than 470,000 Arkansas children benefit from Medicaid services. Statewide, more than 1.2 million Arkansans re ceived some type of service through Medicaid.

The department subsidizes child care and runs meals programs for senior citizens. It also investigates al legations of abuse or neglect of chil dren and elderly people. It finalized 732 adoptions last year. At the end of the year DHS was responsible for 4,854 children in foster care.

DHS also administers welfare and food stamps programs. It operates secure facilities for troubled youths and contracts with non-profit or ganizations that diagnose and treat abuse of alcohol and drugs.

John Maddox

Larry Teague

Obituaries

Mrs. Lano ra Fay Aulds, age 78, passed away Wednes day, Septem ber 21, 2022, in De Queen, Arkan sas. She was born August 22, 1944, in Conroe, Texas, to the late James Fran ces Curtin Sr. and Alphia Mae Kester.

Mrs. Aulds was a homemaker by profession, she enjoyed gardening and crocheting, but above all else she loved her family and the Lord.

Mrs. Lanora is survived by her sons, James E. Ewing, Henry William Ew ing, Darrell Ewing; daughters, Fran ces M. Slawinski, Linda Lamoreaux, Cheryl A. Ward; grandchildren, Nao mi Sanders, Jacob Ewing, Lydia Ewing, Willy Ewing, Isaac Chambers, Brittany Chambers, Nathan Chambers, Bran don Ward, Jordan Ward, Justin Ewing, and Jeannette Kyle; 18 great-grand children; sister, Mattie Dean; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, friends and other family. She is preceded in death by her parents, James Frances Curtin Sr. and Alphia Mae Kester; her be loved husband, Powell Aulds; brother, James Curtis; and by her sister, Alphia Curtis.

There are no services planned at this time. Cremation services are en trusted to the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfu neralhome.com

Lorene Lois Williams

Mrs. Lo rene Lois Wil liams, age 95, passed away

Friday, September 23, 2022, in Po teau, Oklahoma. She was born April 1, 1927, at her family home in Honobia, Oklahoma, to the late King Martin and Martha H. (Akins) Mowdy.

Mrs. Williams was a church secre tary by profession; however, she was also the first female bus driver for Smithville Public Schools. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, 4- wheeling, she was a known ani mal lover, and an avid OU fan. She was a very devoted Christian. On November 9, 1945, she married the love of her life, Melvin Williams. She loved her children and was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Mrs. Williams is survived by her sons, Gene Williams and wife Trea sa, Keith Williams and wife Cathy, Monty Williams and wife Bevo na; daughters, Glenda Brown and husband David, Kathy Scarberry; grandchildren, Lisa Mourton, Pa tricia Hopper, Julie Fuller, Janet Barnes, Glendon Williams, Am ber Henry, Aaron Williams, Joshua Williams; 18 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren with 2 on the way; sister, Connie Williams and husband LeeRoy; as well as nu merous nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends.

Services for Mrs. Lorene Williams will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at the Smith ville Assembly of God Church, in

Smithville, Oklahoma. Her son, Keith Williams will be officiat ing, under the direction of Beas ley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Ludlow Cemetery in Honobia, Oklahoma. There will be a visitation held Monday, Sep tember 26, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Beasley-Wood Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Pallbearers are Glendon Williams, Aaron Williams, Joshua Williams, Stan Mourton, Keith Fuller

Honorary Pallbearers are beloved great-grandchildren.

Online obituary at beasleywood funeralhome.com

Adam Doughten Emerson

Adam Doughten Emerson, age 44, passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2022, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born on September 24, 1977, to Sam and Nancy Emerson in Mena, Arkansas.

Adam really loved music and was a talented guitar player. He was a hard worker and very intelligent and had a charming personality. He enjoyed time with friends and his children. Adam liked to write and draw and had a real talent for pen cil drawings. He was very outgoing and had a great sense of humor and a tender heart. Adam was a loving husband, son, father, brother, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Sam and Mary Em erson and Gene and Reva Sanders.

Adam is survived by his wife of

19 years and mother of his children, Emily Emerson of Mena; his daugh ter, Hailey Renee Emerson of Mena; his son, Alexander James Emerson of Mena; his father, Sam Emerson and wife, Sue of Fayetteville; his mother, Nancy Emerson of Mena; his sister, Marla Milligan; several aunts, uncles and cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.

A private memorial will be held at a later date. Cremation arrange ments are entrusted to Bowser Fam ily Funeral Home in Mena, Arkan sas.

Online guestbook: bowserffh.com

~Emily Dickinson

Lanora Fay Aulds

Unable are the loved to die, for loveis immortality.

Scarecrows are running to downtown

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Halloween sponsors and volunteers needed at High Point

By Ethan Nahté

Camp High Point is seeking volunteers and sponsors to help with their free Halloween at High Point community trick-or-treating event on October 15.

Volunteers will be handing out candy supplied by the camp. Dressing up in a spooky costume is optional.

Sponsors come in many forms.

There are $100 sponsorships that pay to sponsor a cabin. Camp High Point will provide a worker, a sign with the sponsor’s logo/name, and candy for the cabin.

dining hall renovations.

Felice hopes to have volunteers for the majority of the day to help prepare for the actual event, which is open to the public from 5-8 p.m.

Volunteers or sponsors can call 903280-4798, email coniferareaprop@ gmail.com or scan the QR code. There will also be a free haunted house at the camp being ran by another party.

Submitted by Judy Thompson

Tom Byrd, Mena Downtown Partners

president, exclaims that everyone had better be on the lookout: Scarecrows are running to downtown to be a part of the 2022 Pick of the Patch Scarecrow Competition.

The competition is open to all busi nesses and organizations in the Mena area. Although the scarecrows will be set up in downtown, any business or organization in the area may enter. Businesses in downtown will have their entries set up on the sidewalk in front of their businesses. When registering, other businesses or groups will be as signed a downtown location.

Scarecrows should be “family friend ly.” The custom-designed scarecrows may match the feel of the business, have some type of theme or simply be of traditional design. No political scarecrows, please. In addition, a tradi tional fall display with hay and fall dec orations may be set up as long as it has at least one type of scarecrow included.

To advise interest in being a part of the Pick of the Patch, send email to: scootiejudy@gmail.com. Give business or group name and contact individual’s name and phone number. Complete information will then be forwarded.

If outside of the downtown district, sidewalk setup location will be assigned before setup date. Deadline for replying is Oct. 3. Scarecrows will be on display from Oct. 17 through Nov. 5.

There is no fee to enter. There will be two types of judging: People’s Choice with voting on Discover Downtown Facebook and Judges’ Choice. Winners will receive Bragging Rights trophies. This competition is another downtown project of Mena Downtown Partners.

Judy Thompson, MDP Downtown Business liaison, encourages all busi nesses and organizations in the Mena area to be a part of the Pick of the Patch Scarecrow Competition and make downtown a really fun place to stroll this fall.

Camp Registrar Kacy Felice said, “For monetary donations less than $100 or to donate goods such as dec orations, food items for the snack bar, bottled water, candy, and other items they have on their list of needs, spon sor names will be included on print-out maps.”

The snack bar items vary in price and will be cash only. Proceeds benefit the

STAY ALERT. STAY INFORMED. STAY SAFE.

By Richie Lawry

Along with many other Americans, my wife and I watched with viewers worldwide as Great Britain paid a final farewell to Queen Elizabeth II with a state funeral and

An Arkie’s Faith Queen Elizabeth II

as her coffin was carried up the aisle.

During the funeral service, The Archbish op of Canterbury Justin Welby said, “People of loving service are rare in any walk of life. Leaders of loving service are still rarer. But in all cases, those who serve will be loved and remembered when those who cling to power and privileges are long forgotten.”

He also spoke of how the Queen had declared on her 21st birthday, “That her whole life would be dedicated to serving the nation and Commonwealth.”

The Archbishop add ed, “Rarely has such a promise been so well kept. Few leaders re ceive the outpouring of love we have seen.”

end, she belonged to the world, and the world mourned her passing.” But most people don’t feel that they can make a dif ference. What can just one person do?

A few years ago, a friend of mine was upset about a situation, and through his ac tions made a big difference, even though he was an ocean away. I found out what one person can do.

The narrative started back in 1916. The Battle of the Somme was one of the big gest battles of the First World War. Fought near the Somme River in France, it was also one of the deadliest battles in histo ry. On July 1, 1916, 19,240 British soldiers lost their lives. It was the bloodiest day in the history of the British army.

July 1, 2016, marked the 100th Anniver sary of the start of the Battle of the Somme. As a tribute to these soldiers, the British Royal Legion issued 19,240 hand-crafted solid brass limited edition golden poppy la pel pins, one for each British soldier who lost his life that day. Each pin came with a certificate featuring details of the individual soldier it commemorated.

that had such meaning. He told me, “My grandfather was in the cavalry in the great war. The slaughter was incredible as hu mans fought the first real mechanized war. It was supposed to be the ‘War that ended Wars.’ Sadly, as we know, this was a for lorn dream.”

My friend decided to contact the press in Great Britain. He was nervous when he called the papers, but the British newspa per Mirror published an article about resell ing the golden poppy lapel pins, mentioning my friend. He was delighted when the BBC reported on it, and soon eBay removed the golden poppy lapel pins.

One man made a difference. Jude 1:22 (NKJV) says, “And on some have compas sion, making a difference.”

You can make a difference. You can have compassion. You may not contribute to making a change an ocean away, but you can make a difference to someone. John F. Kennedy said, “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.”

In Zechariah 7:9 (GW), God tells us to “…be compassionate and kind to each oth er.”

military procession. Her reign of 70 years and 214 days is the longest of any British monarch and the longest verified reign of any female sovereign in history.

Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin was taken in a solemn procession to Westminster Abbey on the State Gun Carriage of the Royal Navy, drawn by 142 sailors. King Charles III walked alongside his siblings, Princess Anne, Princes Andrew and Ed ward. The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex followed behind. As the funeral procession entered the abbey, world lead ers, politicians, and foreign royalty stood

A while ago, I came across a quote by the American author, his torian, and Unitarian minister, Edward Ever ett Hale. He said, “I am only one, but I am one. I can’t do everything, but I can do some thing. The something I ought to do, I can do. And by the grace of God, I will.” It is an excellent motto for your life.

Queen Elizabeth II was in a position of power and influence to make a difference in the world. An article in the online maga zine The Conversation stated it this way. “Her wisdom and unceasing sense of duty meant she was widely viewed with a com bination of respect, esteem, awe, and af fection, which transcended nations, class es, and generations. She was immensely proud of Britain and its people, yet in the

The intricate golden pins were made from the brass of melted-down shell fuses found on the Somme battlefields and fea ture a prominent red center, painted with paint mixed with soil from the same fields. The British Royal Legion sold the pins for £39.99, with all proceeds being used to provide care and support for members of the British Armed Forces and their families. Unsurprisingly the poppies sold out within hours.

My friend, whose grandfather fought during World War I, tried to purchase one but was unsuccessful. He looked on the British Legion site, but they had all sold out very quickly. He thought, “I bet someone is trying to profit off that,” so he looked on eBay and found that there was already one listed, selling for nearly £400.

He said, “One of the sellers I contact ed first was so mean and arrogant it just got me angry. It upset him to see oppor tunists making huge profits off something

Joke of the Week:

Imagine what a difference you could make by simply being kind to others. Sev eral years ago, my young granddaughter walked up to a woman at church and gave her a big hug. This woman lived alone and had a prickly personality. She kept people at a distance. All day long, she kept telling people, “That child hugged me. No child has ever done that before.” A simple hug made a difference in her life.

Gentle Reader, small acts of kindness have changed the hearts and minds of others. You can make a difference even if you do not have the power and influence of a monarch. You can influence some one even if you are not a social media influencer. You may be only one, but the power of one can be significant. You can’t do everything, but you can do something. Look for opportunities to serve others and find opportunities to thank those that are of service to you. Your gratitude is an act of kindness toward others and can profound ly impact someone. The power of one can change the world! Let kindness and com passion be your superpowers.

Replacing windshields in Polk County for over 40 years.

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

I accidentally handed my wife a glue stick instead of her lipstick. She still isn’t talking to me.

(Image by WikiImages from Pixabay)

Miss Polk County Pageant winners

Agriculture Hall of Fame seeks nominations

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Agri culture Hall of Fame is seeking nomina tions from the public for its next class. The nomination deadline is Nov. 1.

The official nomination form is avail able at https://www.arkansasaghall offame.org/pages/member-nomina tion-form/.

The Agriculture Hall of Fame recog nizes Arkansans who are or have con tributed significantly to the state’s larg est industry, while spotlighting their contributions to the state’s economic development. Since its first class was se lected in 1987, a total of 176 men and women have been inducted.

Debbie Moreland, chairman of the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame, says anyone can nominate a person be lieved worthy of the honor.

tory of our great state,” said Moreland.

“Those who have been successful in Ar kansas agriculture are fine examples of hard work, dedication, and ingenuity.

Some of the world’s best farmers and ranchers have come from Arkansas.

“The role of the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame is to honor the worthy in dividuals who made an impact on our state’s largest industry, agriculture.”

The Farm Bureau Center in Little Rock houses the Agriculture Hall of Fame display.

Additional information and online nomination forms are available at www. arkansasaghalloffame.org. Forms can also be requested by calling Cindra Jones at 501-228-1609.

By Ethan Nahté

The Miss Polk County Pageant occurred Saturday at the Polk County Fairgrounds with 70 contestants across all divisions.

It was the last official day for the 2021 winners, such as Jr. Miss Polk County Fair Queen Brickie Sachs and Miss Polk County Junior Fair Queen Kenzie Daniels. A couple of their last official appearances were Thursday morning at the Sunshine House Daycare and the ribbon cutting of the Silver Screen Theater.

The newly crowned Miss Polk County Queens for 2022:

• Miss - Addi Dollar

• Junior Miss - Carmindy Ashcraft

• Petite Miss - Brynlee Bahr

• Young Miss - Henley Kate Frachiseur

• Little Miss - Brinlee Basehar

• Tiny Miss - Vivian Garrido

• Baby Miss - Whitley Mae Runyon

“Agriculture is the backbone of our state’s economy, and has shaped the his

The induction ceremony for the next class will be March 3, 2023, in the Wally Allen Ballroom at the Statehouse Con vention Center.

(Photo by Andy Philpot)

Bigfoot Festival

Bigfoot remains a mystery

Article and Photos by Ethan Nahté

If you missed the Ouachi ta Bigfoot Festival and Conference, you missed out on some great food fresh drinks, and snow cones from the various food vendors, some really well-crafted wood, stone and other items from the other vendors, and some wonderful accompanying music to go along with all the ac tivities.

Not to mention, Keith Crabtree, one of the two men to play the

Monster in “The Legend of Boggy Creek” was on hand, talking indepth with fans and selling related items.

encounters, true-believers, those who were just get ting started in squatch ing… and those who were dragged along but seemed to find the storytelling, photos, videos and audio interesting none-the-less.

For the most part, the festival went well. There seemed to have been some confusion on prices, with some people online inflating the amount of admission, but there

for the next few days, a pop-up storm from Mena to Hot Springs appeared hard and heavy over the region and shut the concert down as Huntley was five songs in. King had just arrived when the bottom fell out and the concert was canceled.

Regardless, the rain passed af ter a short while and the storytell ing continued. Then came more squatching under a cloudy sky with the stars and Jupiter occasionally

peeking through as bats flew overhead and large drops of water dripped off the autumn leaves in the dark woods as we trekked through and searched for Bigfoot. No luck on finding the big guy, but it was cool er temperatures and fun stories.

Fouke

Tasty fundraiser for the Ink Fire Department

Article and Photos by Ethan Nahté

Ink Fire & Rescue was at the Northside Shopping Center Sat urday, doing a fundraiser with enough pulled pork for approxi mately 400 BBQ sandwiches pre pared by the director of the fire department, Larry Dunaway. Cus tomers could get a sandwich, chips and a drink for $8. There was also a bake sale with homemade goods such as cookies available for a do nation.

James Hale works for Polk Coun

for the expense of running the fire department—our general fund to pay the payment on our new build ing that we built.”

Loyd Shrum, a 21-year-Ink fire fighter, said, “We’ve had [the build ing] for the past two to three years, but we’re still trying to get every thing finished up in it. We’ve still got plumbing to do.”

Hale added to the list of things needed, “We’ve still got bathrooms, the kitchen and the training room.”

Anyone wanting to still assist the Department with donations can call Hale at the OEM office, 479-

Shrum added, “We’re always looking for volunteers. Like all firefighters in Polk County, we need new firefighters, also. We need young blood into the fire de partment.”

They said that most of their cur rent volunteers average in their 30s and 40s.

Shrum said firefighters would need basic training and personal protective equipment training are done in-house or throughout the county. Contact Hale at OEM for more information.

agement.

Training such as CPR and first aid either goes locally through Southwest EMS or a paramedic certified to train in-house at the fire department.

To find out more, the Depart ment holds their meetings the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the new fire station, which is a big red and white building in Ink, out by Graves Propane.

ty Office of Emergency Manage ment (OEM). He is also a member of the Ink Fire Department. He said the money being raised is, “Going

394-8141.

Hale said, “The Ink Fire Depart ment is always here to help the community.”

Wildland training is handled through the Arkansas Department of Forestry.

HazMat training is completed through the state and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Man

Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry as archery season opens

By Patrick Massey

Deer season began Saturday, Sept. 24, for most zones, including zones 11 and 13 in Polk County with archery. (Visit AGFC.com/en/hunting/biggame/deer/deerzones/ for hunting zones and regulations.) During this much-anticipated time of year one statewide organization is reminding hunters in Arkansas how they can join the fight against food insecurity.

Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry helps families in need by providing food pantries with fresh protein sourced right here in Arkan sas’ deer woods. “The group’s mis sion,” President Ronnie Ritter said, “is to transform a renewable resource into food for the hungry.”

“Primarily what we do is, we get hunters to donate their deer to par ticipating processors, they field dress it, they grind it into burgers, and

then we give it to local food pantries, homeless shelters,” Ritter said. “We’re trying to infiltrate this area down here and get more hunters and pro cessors involved.”

Deer can be dropped off at any participating facility, processed and then picked up by the organization and distributed to local food pan tries. T-N-L Meat Processing in Polk County is a participant.

All donated meat is distributed free and is usually donated to food pantries in the same county. It is served at churches, children’s shel ters, rescue missions and communi ty food banks. Ritter said he works with many feeding agencies across the state and the number one com modity they need is protein.

“If you ask food pantries what they need, it’s meat,” Ritter said. “It’s been harder lately for them to get it, too.”

Ritter hopes to encourage more

hunters in Arkansas to consider do nating one or more of their legally harvested deer to Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry. He particularly addressed those hunters who aren’t always interested in filling all their tags.

“Somebody that wants just a deer for their family, go out and shoot an other and donate because there’s a lot of needly folks out there all across the state,” Ritter said.

Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry has provided more than four

million servings of meat for food pantries across the state since its founding in 2000. The group, he said, has received tremendous financial support over the years in its mission to transform an abundant whitetailed deer population into a renew able food source for the hungry.

For more information on Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry, and to find out how to join the fight against food insecurity, visit www.arkan sashunters.org or call 501-282-0006.

Cossatot River Homecoming Court

Cossatot River High School Home coming will be held Thursday and Friday, Oct. 6-7, in the CRHS gym nasium as part of the annual Black and Silver Spirit Week. More details and a schedule of events will be an nounced soon.

2022 CRHS Homecoming Court:

Seventh GradeAshlyn Richardson

Eliana Villarreal

Eighth GradeRylee Manning

Yesenia Vasquez-Antunez

Ninth Grade/Princess CandidatesKinzy Hernandez Vaness Flores

Mairany Marrufo

10th GradeJennifer Arce Laci Dixon

Karley Loveless

11th GradeMadalyn Dixon

Savannah Velez

Kaylee Williams

12th Grade/Queen CandidatesBreonna Cecil Kasey Dinwiddie Maria Salgado Emily Ugarte

Tiffany Williams is a Scholastic choice

Submitted by Mark Hobson

Tiffany Williams has been selected by Scholastic to be featured as the Li brary Media Specialist to booktalk their Book of the Week:

Scholastic features a book of the week on the Judy Newman Blog and Williams was asked to book talk that book along with teaching how it could be integrated into the class room or library to teach literacy skills and strategies.

You can watch at the link below. http://www.judynewmanatscholastic. com/blog/2022/09/teacher-review-vid eo-tiny-rabbits-big-wish/.

Mrs. Williams was also asked by Scholastic to do a read-aloud/ mini-lesson with the book on their StoryVoice Website Live with children all over the world Thursday, Sept. 22.

Storyvoice is a Scholastic Read Aloud Show where classrooms and families can tune in live for week ly read-alouds at www.sto ryvoice.live/ from all over the world. Kindergarten and first-grade students tuned in from NewYork City, Illinois all the way to Leb anon to listen to how to bring a read-aloud to life.

Mena Middle School recently held Student Council Elections. The MMS Student Council for the 2022 – 2023 school year:

Sixth Grade Representatives:

Hank Rose

Lynda Maechler

Francesca Vacca

Kinley Cox

Seventh Grade Representatives:

Jakob Hostetler

Vaungh Vacca

Paeyton Hostetler

Brynlee Bahr

Eighth Grade Representatives:

Tycen Baber

Serenity Ehret

Parker Koppein

Leah Rexrode

The Revelation of Hope Prophecy Seminar

The Revelation of Hope Proph ecy Seminar with speaker Tommy Blount opening night presentation

“Hope Beyond Tomorrow” begins at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, at the Mena Seventh-day Adventist Church, 149 Polk Rd. (Fairgrounds Road). The seminar continues Satur day, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m. with the first of two presentations.

The starting time for the remain

ing presentations begins at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 10--Nov.5. There will be no pre sentations on Sundays and Wednes days.

Admission is free. A free Bible will be given to those who attend the first 10 nights, Oct. 7-17. A freewill offer ing will be accepted.

More information and to register can be found at AttendSeminar.Live/ Mena/.

Ladycats volleyball runner-up at Rams Invitational

No. 1 in 4A West

By Ethan Nahté

The Ladycats volleyball con quered the Waldron Bulldogs Thursday. Game results: Sr. La dycats, 3-0; Jr. Ladycats, 2-0; Sev enth grade Ladycats, 1-1. The Sr. Ladycats followed that up with quite a showing at the Rams Invitational at Lakeside. They shutout each of the fol lowing teams 2-0: (pool play) Vilonia, Bryant, and Morrilton; (bracket play) Van Buren and Lakeside.

They finally succumbed to Brookland in the finals, losing 0-2. The Ladycats took runner-up in the tourney.

The Ladycats are currently ranked No. 1 with a 9-0 record in the 4A-West Conference, and 13-2 overall.

Hogspore News:

Grandson Benny got married

By Clet Litter as told to Bob Simpson

Grandson Benny in the air force got married. His bride ain’t the cleverest amoeba in the septic tank. She got lost on her wedding day walking down the aisle. When Benny and her were dating, here’s the ques tions she asked him, “How much allotment does a wife get a month? Could I use the grocery store on base?”

He said, “It’s called the Commis sary.”

“Whatever. Do I get free medi cal care? Can I call my mom every night?”

I can’t remember my granddaugh ter-in-law’s name. Probably won’t till I see if she’s gonna be here for awhile. Recently, she was complain ing about hard it was to get rid of the nourishing extra bacon grease. After it’s cooked, she covers it with a paper towel to sop up the delicious lard, Nature’s Crisco. There’s still too much left on the bacon.

Benny suggested setting a gal lon-bottle of tap water on top of

the paper towel. It worked, but she complained that the jug was too heavy to lift. He offered to ponder the problem. Between them, they never thought of pouring some of the water out to make it lighter. They might be a perfect match after all.

Jimmy Suspenders sez, “When I visited or stayed with my Scottish grandparents, my sippy cup was al ways full of vinegar.”

Let’s talk meek. A cockroach is a meek critter, but it can survive a nuclear disaster. They’re one of the most prolific critters, too. Prolific is what scientists say. It just means they get around, not the scientists, but the cockroaches. When one that identifies as an egg-laying insect is dying, she, or whatever pronoun she uses, or maybe she doesn’t know what a pronoun is, will express her remaining eggs out into the world. This is hope. Besides cockroaches being everywhere, so is hope. For you sport’s fans, a pronoun is a noun that gave up its amateur standing.

Contact at Bobsimpson1947@ya hoo.com. You know you wanna.

Classifieds

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. T0921

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0928

Construction, pads, ponds, roads and more. Military discounts. Insured. Just give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T1026

Daniel’s carpentry and painting and handyman service. Deck and privacy fences, etc. Call (479) 216-1101 or (479) 216-2299 T1005

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. T1026

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergen cy appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T1012

- EMPLOYMENT-

Help Wanted: Pharmacy Technician, Ex perience and license required. Apply in person at MediShop Pharmacy, 204 Hwy. 71 South in Mena. T1003

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. Com petitive 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. T1005

Mena Mountain Resort - Help Wanted for housekeeper/general assistant. 24 hours per week. Weekends required. Call Denni 479394-3110 T0928

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. Com petitive 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. T1005

32nd Annual Hurrah Festival in De Queen

The Sevier County Museum in De Queen proudly presents the 32nd Annual Hurrah Festival & Car/ Truck Show on Saturday, Oct. 1, in Herman Dierks Park. This year’s theme honors our healthcare workers and facilities. Start your day right with the Ro tary Club Breakfast in the Senior Citizens Center from 7:30 - 9:30. a.m.

There’ll be a Veteran’s Parade at 9 a.m., knifemaking and black smithing demonstrations, food and craft booths, free medical screenings, local talent, and the popular car and truck show, run ning from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information, call Kar en Mills at the Museum at 870784-0039.

West Central Health Clinic grand opening

Healthy Connections Inc. and the City of Little Rock Department of Parks and Recreation will host a Fall Festival and Grand Opening for the West Central Health Clinic on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022.

The West Central Health Clinic will provide primary care and behavioral health services on the campus of the West Central Community Center and Sports Complex in the John Barrow neighborhood of Little Rock.

The event will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 29, at the clinic, which is located at 4511 John Barrow Road in Little Rock. The free event will include fun, food, games, prize draw ings, activities, and tours of the clinic. The Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon cutting at 3 p.m. and members of the community will speak about the project. Also onsite for the event and broadcasting live will be KWCP 98.9 LPFM – West Cen tral Community Radio and KABZ-FM 103.7 The Buzz.

“We are excited to finally open the West Central Health Clinic, which we believe will be important in filling healthcare gaps in the community,” said Healthy Connections CEO Tony Calandro. “We want to thank the City of Little Rock Parks and Recreation Department for their partnership and support. And we look forward to pro viding primary care/family medicine

and behavioral health services to the John Barrow Neighborhood.”

Appointments can be made by call ing 888-710-8220. Clinic hours are still to be announced. More information about the clinic can be found at  www. wchhealthclinic.com

Healthy Connections is a Mena-based nonprofit Community Health Network with locations throughout central and western Arkansas. Since its founding in 1998 as a home-visiting program, Healthy Connections has been able to provide much-needed medical, dental, behavioral health, and social services to families of all lifestyles. As a Feder ally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), the West Central Health Clinic will ac cept most health insurance, including Medicaid, ARKids 1st, and Medicare. There is also a sliding-fee scale for pa tients without health insurance who qualify according to their total house hold income.

The clinic will be staffed by a Family Nurse Practitioner (APRN) who will be named soon. Also providing services at West Central Health Clinic will be the team of Evolve Behavioral Health Ser vices and Medication Management. Angela Cartwright, LCSW, will provide individual, family, and group mental health therapy. Eric Luster, PMHNP, is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who will provide medica tion management services.

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S LOG

September 19, 2022

Deputies were dispatched to the area of Polk 65 and Polk 67 in refer ence to damaged mailboxes.

September 20, 2022

Deputies responded to a report of theft from a residence on Polk 98 near Grannis.

September 21, 2022

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 647 near Mena in reference to a break-in.

Deputies responded to a domestic dispute. Information has been for warded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

September 22, 2022

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 298 near Mena in reference to a death.

September 23, 2022

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to battery. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for fur ther consideration.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 375 East near Mena in reference to harassment. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for fur ther consideration.

Deputies responded to a resi

dence on Medlin Lane near Hatfield in reference to a child custody dis pute.

September 24, 2022

Bobby Hedrick, 52 of Wickes was arrested on a Felony Probation Vio lation Warrant as well as three Mis demeanor Failure to Appear War rants.

Deputies were dispatched to a business near Rocky in reference to a theft. Information has been for warded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies were dispatched to a res idence on Polk 41 North near Mena in reference to an altercation.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 129 near Mena in reference to stolen property.

September 25, 2022

Policarpio Rios, 50 of Wickes was arrested on a Misdemeanor War rant for harassment.

Codie Shifflett, 29 of Hatfield was arrested by and officer with the Ar kansas Highway Patrol on charges of Public Intoxication and Endan gering the Welfare of a Minor.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked 0 vehicle accidents this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 22 Incarcerated In mates, with 12 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

September 18

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

A report of theft was taken on Jansen Avenue.

September 19

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

Aaron Morse, 48, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

A report of theft was taken at a residence on 7th Street.

Wanda Haffelder, 77, was served with a warrant at Walmart.

September 20

A report of theft was taken at Walmart.

Brittainy Mendel, 32, was served with a warrant at District Court.

Tatum Veal, 32, was served with a warrant at District Court.

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

September 21

No report.

September 22

Douglas Gross, 63, was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Public Intoxication, Fleeing, and Resisting Arrest on 7th Street.

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

September 23 No report.

September 24

James Deweese, 51, was charged

with Disorderly Conduct after a disturbance call at Sonic.

A report of theft was taken at a residence on 3rd Street.

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

A report of theft was taken at United Country Real Estate.

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.

Brainerd to do book signing at Polk County Library

Mary Lou Brainerd, local author, has published two new books in 2022 and she will attend a book-signing at the Polk County Library on Satur day, Oct. 1, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Books featured at this signing will include her latest releases, “The Big Slide” and “Why Go There?” pub lished by Christian Faith Publishing.

Brainerd has an impressive num ber of published works, including 11 stories, a study guide, and numerous songs and poems. Her first story was “The Camping Trip,” published in 1995.

Brainerd also penned a series, “The Adventures of Chuck,” which was published monthly for 15 months.

Around Town

Mike and Sue Filisky perform as Grace Harmony. They are Christian singers and songwrit ers. Their soft harmonies with a great message can be heard at 6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 2, at First Christian Church, 1010 Port Arthur St. in Mena. You won’t want to miss it.

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.

Help raise money for Shoeboxes! Bring the family out for food, fun & fellowship. 100% of proceeds go toward Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry. Spa ghetti lunch, pie/cake auction, and cupcake walk. Cove First Baptist Church, 114 N. Middle St., Satur day, Oct. 1 at noon.

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

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

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

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

Brainerd lives in Mena (since 1973) with husband Phil. She enjoys her extended family with two adult sons (Brad and Richard Castor), 10 grand children and 13 great-grandchildren.

She will be reading “The Big Slide” at the library’s Story Time scheduled for 10a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28.

Admission to both the Story Time event and the book signing is free.

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, noon - 1 p.m. on Wednes day, 7 p.m. on Thursday, 7 p.m. on Friday, and 6 p.m. on Saturday at the old bus barn at the Cross ing Church. For information call Erica at 479-2345289 or Candice at 501-356-8300.

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

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) 2163786.

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 any one in need.

The Members, Firefighters & Board of directors of the Dallas Valley Rural Volunteer Fire Department will have their Annual Business Meeting and meal Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. The Meeting will be held at the Fire station on Old Airport Rd. or 229 Polk 52, starting at 5 p.m. There will be a donation boot available for any non-mem bers who wish to attend. Please join us if you can.

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, 8:00 a.m. (full breakfast for small donation). All men from the community are invited to attend.

The Living Word Pentecostal Church in Hatfield would like to invite you to supper every Wednesday at 6 p.m. We are serving a free meal to our community. Everyone is wel come. We would love your company. Located at 171 Johnson in Hatfield. Turn at Jordan’s Tire.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 8 p.m. Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for informa tion 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.

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!

Cross Country

10/04 - Mena @ Waldron Tri-County

Football

9/30 - Mena @ Arkadelphia

Volleyball

9/29 - Mena vs. Magnolia

10/01 - Mena @River Valley Tournament (Jr. V)

10/03 - Mena @ Arkadelphia

10/04 - Mena @ Foreman

Mena High School golf represented at state

By Ethan Nahté

It was a good day for Mena Golf at the district match played at the Magellan Golf Couse. Fountain Lake hosted the district match at the Magellan Golf Course in Hot Springs Village, Tuesday, Sept 20.

The course is a par 72. The Ladycats finished as the runner up in district: Madi Lyle, 47-53—100; Emmi Hines, 55-56—111; Carmindy Ashcraft, 6777—144; Stella Smith, 82-83—165 for a team total of 355.

Bearcat Evan Leonard qualified for the state match with a 43-39—82. Re sults of Leonard’s teammates: Rhett Brotherton, 48-42—90; Brody Peters,

Baseball

10/01 - UARM @ Harding University

Soccer

9/28 - UARM @ Rose State College

10/02 UARM vs. Redlands Community College (Women)

10/04 - UARM vs. Murray State College

Softball

10/01 - UARM @ Texas A&MTexarkana

10/02 - UARM vs. Arkansas Platinum

56-45—101; Eli Swall, 52-62—114 for a team total of 273.

The Ladycats team played at the same course for the state match on Monday, but failed to place.

Leonard will be playing the Magellan course again during his state tourna ment appearance.

Coach Ray Hunter said, “I am proud of the golf team this year. They had a tough final match at district because of the conditions. Magellan is a tough

course with high Bermuda rough and rolled greens but when you compound it with having to walk the course, no

carts allowed, in 100-degree heat, it re ally speaks to the mental toughness our team possesses.”

(l-r) Coach Ray Hunter, Carmindy Ashcraft, Madi Lyle, Emmi Hines, Stella Smith and Evan Leonard (far left) competed in distrcit and went on to state. (Photo courtesy of Mena Public Schools)