Polk County Pulse August 11

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FREE WEEKLY 1168 Hwy 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600

August 11, 2021

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Boozman praised for veterans advocacy WASHINGTON– U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, met with Arkansas veteran Bill Rhodes who inspired legislation to ensure former servicemembers who served in Thailand during the Vietnam War-era get the benefits they’ve earned.

Rhodes was stationed in Thailand during 1973. After developing illnesses linked to herbicide exposure, the former U.S. Marine turned to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for help with his health care. His claim was initially denied and he’s been working with

lawmakers to correct this problem and ensure other veterans are able to get the benefits they are owed.

“Once I gathered documentation, I realized it was no longer about me and it was a larger problem that needed legislation to be corrected. I appreciate Senator Boozman’s leadership to break down the barriers that exist for veterans like me who served in Thailand and were exposed to Agent Orange,” said Rhodes, a Mena, Arkansas veteran and director of veterans of Southeast Asia for Military Veterans Advocacy.

Boozman has been a cham-

pion of legislation to allow veterans the ability to prove toxic exposure in order to qualify for VA benefits in light of the Department’s current policy to only award service-connected benefits for exposure to toxic chemicals to veterans whose duties placed them on or near the perimeters of Thai military bases until May 7, 1975. This restrictive and arbitrary policy disqualifies former servicemembers who were exposed to Agent Orange while assigned to other areas on the base.

Veteran Bill Rhodes, right, presents U.S. Senator John See BOOZMAN Boozman with a pen made with black walnut from the region continued on page 2 during a visit to Washington, D.C. on August 5.

Land Commissioner announces Polk County tax auction LITTLE ROCK, Ark – Commissioner of State Lands Tommy Land announced that his office will auction tax-delinquent land in Polk County on Thursday, August 26, at 10:00 a.m. The auction will be held at the Polk County Extension Office in Mena, with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m.

“Since we were unable to hold public auctions in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, we are auctioning properties that were scheduled for sale last year,” Land said. “These are properties whose taxes have been delinquent since 2015.”

Next year, during the 2022 auction

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season, the COSL office will auction two years’ worth of properties. “That will catch us up so that we’re current on all sales,” Land said.

Prospective bidders can find an online Public Auction Catalog, including a buyer’s guide; statutes governing sales; auction date, time and location; and a complete listing of parcels offered. This resource is on the Commissioner’s website, www.cosl.org, and is regularly updated.

The website also includes an instructional video demonstrating how to research information about each

parcel available for sale.

“We open the bidding at the amount of taxes, penalties and interest due,” Land said. “Anyone who has delinquent property going up for auction should be aware they only have 10 business days after the auction to redeem property sold there.”

Bidders must register for the auction, but the registration is free. The first $100 of any parcel’s purchase price must be paid in cash, while the remainder may be paid by cash, check or credit card.

“Property taxes help fund schools,

roads, libraries and public services including ambulances,” Land said. “Everyone benefits from paying those taxes — and the property owner benefits from paying on time, by avoiding interest and penalties on delinquent taxes.”

Properties that do not sell at auction will appear on the COSL’s post-auction sales list 30 days after the auction date. From there, they can be purchased through an online auction system. Another instructional video on

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See SALE continued on page 2

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2 News BOOZMAN continued from page 1

the COSL website demonstrates that process to bidders.

Owners of delinquent parcels may redeem those delinquent taxes online at www.cosl.org using a credit or debit card. Those who prefer to pay by check or money order can print a Petition to Redeem from the website or call the office at 501-324-9422 to request the petition, which must accompany their payment.

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August 11, 2021

Boozman’s bill removes these barriers and extends the eligibility period to June 30, 1976 in order to cover all veterans who served in Thailand during the Vietnam War-era.

“Bill Rhodes has done a great job advancing this cause and educating others about the need for this legislation. Having input from Arkansas veterans is crucial to developing policies that meet their needs. Bill has said this legislation gives him some hope, and I’m optimistic we can get this across the finish line to ensure veterans get the care they need,” Boozman said.

In May, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee advanced Boozman’s legislation as a provision in the Comprehensive and Overdue Support for Troops (COST) of War Act of 2021, legislation that expands access to VA health care and benefits to veterans living with the effects of toxic exposure.

In recognition of Boozman’s advocacy for veterans, Rhodes presented the senator with a token of appreciation from Military Veterans Advocacy that was made in Mena. The black walnut was the gift of a local pastor and a local business made the pen.

SALE continued from page 1

THE POLK COUNTY

Mena’s Advertising & Promotions Commission holds August Meeting Pasha Watson’s Administrative Assistant report: New businesses have been identified and provided with A&P permit and tax reporting info; delinquent businesses have been contacted; vacation rentals operating from residential sites have been notified of the need for a variance from the City; Pasha discussed the Mayor’s formation of an Eclipse 2024 Task force that will coordinate city/county entities in their efforts to prepare for an influx of tourists.

A job description for this new position was approved.

Phillip Lance presented the Tapley Park report: 5 new scoreboards were approved for $14525 plus removal and

installation by Aleshire Electric for $3990. There was a unanimous vote to approve the purchase of gravel and parking bumpers to better control traffic and organize parking during events.

The purchase of 2 new soccer goals was approved. The new sand volley ball court is almost complete. UARM has begun work on two tennis courts. The need for a regulation field for 15 year old players was discussed. Options discussed are modifying an existing baseball field or waiting for a grant application to construct a new field.

Marisa Johnson, Marketing and Festival report: Marisa presented graphics for the Hochatown Tourist publication.

There was discussion about what should be on the bottom billboard of the double board in Broken Bow. Graphics will be designed and presented. Updated rack cards have arrived and brochures are at the printer.

New business: Brooke Hines was approved for recommendation to the City Council to fill the unexpired At Large seat vacated by Gar Eisele’s resignation.

Approved moving $65,647.26 being held in the Tapley Park Development Fund to the Tapley checking to be used on identified improvements.

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THE POLK COUNTY

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August 11, 2021

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TROOPERS FIRED ON DURING HIGHWAY TRAFFIC STOPS

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An Arkansas State Trooper on patrol along Interstate 40 near Conway was fired on by a gunman during an attempted traffic stop and foot pursuit involving a motorist exceeding the speed limit today. The incident is the second this week involving Arkansas troopers who've been fired-on by speeding drivers. Neither of the troopers were injured.

Trooper Tyler Langley initiated a traffic stop in Faulkner County along I-40 (westbound) at 1:43 this afternoon as a speeding violator neared Conway. The driver of the vehicle refused to stop and began to accelerate and flee the area by exiting the interstate, westbound, along Dave Ward Drive.

During a short vehicle pursuit that ended near the Donaghey Avenue and South Mitchell Street area where the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, there was an exchange of gunfire when the suspect fired a rifle at Trooper Langley who returned fire.

The suspect was quickly apprehended by state troopers and transported to a local hospital to be examined, however he was not wounded.

The suspect is being held at the Faulkner County Detention Center for questioning by Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division. The identity of the suspect will be released once he is formally charged.

On Tuesday (July 27th), about 10:30 AM, Arkansas State Police Corporal Steve Roberts initiated a traffic stop along Interstate 40 (eastbound), west of Forrest City.

The driver of the speeding vehicle, Stevie Maxwell, 37, of Greenville, Mississippi refused to comply and stop the vehicle. As Corporal Roberts pursued the suspect, Maxwell allegedly fired a gun from inside the car.

Maxwell later exited the interstate onto the median east of Forrest City and surrendered to Corporal Roberts.

Maxwell is charged with aggravated as-

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

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sault, driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and speeding.

1 DEAD IN WYNNE; 3 ARRESTED; STATE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES A St. Francis County man is dead and another wounded, following a gunfight that played out along West Mulberry Street in Wynne (Cross County) late yesterday afternoon (*August 5th).

Wynne police officers found Daniel Smith, 31, of Forrest City about 5:45 PM lying next to a sport utility truck outside 321 Mulberry Street where he had died. Officers found Douglas Miller, 32, also of Forrest City, inside the truck. Miller was transported to a nearby hospital, treated, and later released.

Authorities within the Wynne Police Department have requested the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division to investigate the homicide.

As state police CID special agents began their investigation last night, they learned Christopher Scott, 29, of Wynne had also been in the same truck with Smith and Miller. Agents believe the three men had driven to 529 West Mulberry Street a short time earlier where Denzel Mason, 29, of Wynne was targeted by gunfire.

Mason, who was uninjured, then pursued the truck a short distance to 321 West Mulberry where an exchange of gunfire occurred involving Mason and those in the truck.

Miller, Scott and Mason were taken into custody by state police last night on orders from the Cross County prosecuting attorney. Earlier today Mason was charged with murder (1st degree). Miller and Scott have been charged with charged with committing a terroristic act and criminal attempt to commit murder (1st degree).

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August 11, 2021

From the

State House of Representatives This week, House members ferred to as PUA. convened in the House ChamIn response, to the call the ber for two orders of business.

House considered two pieces In accordance with ACT of legislation 403 of the Regular Session, the HB1001 outlines the GenHouse convened as a committee eral Assembly’s concurrence of the whole on Tuesday, Auwith the termination of PUA gust 4, to consider whether to in Arkansas. terminate the Governor’s July John Maddox This bill passed in the 29, 2021 declaration of a stateHouse with a vote of 74-17-0 wide public health emergency.

HB1003 stated that a public When it was determined that no con- school district can mandate the use of a current resolutions had been filed in face mask, shield, or other face covering the House and that one resolution filed only with approval of the school board in the Senate had been withdrawn, the and if the district or area served by an House adjourned its committee of the open-enrollment charter school has a whole. Since no resolution was adopt- fourteen-day COVID-19 infection rate ed by the General Assembly, the Gov- of at least 50 new known infections per ernor’s declaration remains in effect for 10,000 residents of the public school 60 days. district based on the most recent data The House convened on Wednesday, published by the Department of Health August 4, for an Extraordinary Session. or the Arkansas Center for Health ImThe Governor called for the session provement. Currently, 100 school disprimarily for two purposes. tricts meet that criteria.

The first item on the call was to alHB1003 outlined certain exemplow public school boards and open en- tions and limits such mandates to 60 rollment charter schools to implement days. This bill underwent Commitmasking protocols for children under tee review, but did not advance to the 12. Children under 12 are currently House floor. The House adjourned the not eligible to receive the vaccine for special session on Friday, August 6.

COVID-19.

We will continue to update you on The second purpose listed on the the actions of the General Assembly recall was to concur with the Governor’s garding the current emergency. decision to terminate the state’s particiAll of our meetings are streamed live pation in federal pandemic unemploy- and archived on our website arkansasment compensation program often re- house.org.

Contact Your Legislators!

John Maddox

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

Larry Teague

THE POLK COUNTY

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

John Boozman

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

Bruce Westerman

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

From the

State Senate

heard numerous conflicting Legislators gathered at the statements on the effectiveCapitol in Little Rock to afness of masks, and whethfirm the governor’s declaraer school boards should be tion of a public health emerable to pre-empt parental gency for 60 days. authority on health deciThe governor declared sions that affect children. the first emergency due to The committee defeated the Covid-19 pandemic last year, on March 11, 2020. He Larry Teague bills that would authorize school boards to impose renewed it several times and mask mandates. it finally expired on May 30, 2021.

Adding urgency to the debate Earlier this year, in the regular session of the General Assembly, law- was the fact that Arkansas is being makers approved Act 403 to grant hit with the Delta Variant of the the legislature veto power over the Covid-19 virus. Children appear to be more susceptible to this year’s governor’s emergency declarations.

Act 403 gives the legislature the Delta Variant than they were to the power to terminate a state of disaster original Covid-19 virus last year.

According to the state Health Deemergency. The Senate and House must meet within eight days of the partment and the governor, the rapid rise in cases of the Delta Variant governor’s declaration.

The governor issued a declaration is causing an unsustainable strain on of a public health emergency on Arkansas hospitals. Declaration of a Thursday, July 29, and both cham- public health emergency allows Arbers of the legislature affirmed it on kansas officials to recruit additional hospital staff from other states, unTuesday, August 3.

The legislature then met in special der an interstate compact.

Also, the Health Department is session to clarify that the state Department of Workforce Services may ordered to identify any regulatory choose not to participate in a federal statutes that hinder the licensing of program that awards supplemental health care professionals. They will be suspended during the 60 days of unemployment benefits.

The federal program was awarding the emergency.

Revenue Report: unemployed workers an additional July’s state revenue report must $300 a week. Business leaders and legislators have said that the added be viewed from a different perspecbenefits encouraged people to stay tive than usual. Revenue in July of home and not seek work, at a time 2021 was well below revenue in July when some businesses are having of 2020, but that does not reflect a downturn in the state economy. trouble finding enough staff.

Rather, the decrease of almost 22 The main topic of the special session was whether to amend Act 1002 percent happened because last year of 2021, which was approved by the the state and the federal governlegislature earlier this year. It pro- ment moved the tax filing deadlines hibits schools from requiring that from April 15 to July 15 due to the pandemic. students and staff wear masks.

State revenue officials anticipated Allowing schools to require masks was the first item on the governor’s the decline and budgeted for it, so even though revenue was below last call for a special session.

Members of the House Committee year’s levels it was 9.4 percent more on Public Health, Welfare and Labor than forecast.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Obituaries 5

August 11, 2021

Mina Jane Anderle

Mina Jane Anderle, age 49, of Mena, died Sunday, August 8, 2021, at the Mena Regional Health System. She was born on Thursday, January 27, 1972, to James Darrel McMellon and Reba Faye McMellon Stanfield in Mena, Arkansas.

Mina was a woman that loved her family above anything else in this world. She enjoyed spending time with her children, Zac and Cooper, and going on adventures with them. She loved working in her flower beds and the garden and reading. Mina worked for 9 years at Southwest EMS in Mena. She was a member of the St. Agnes Catholic Church. Mina was a loving wife, mother, sister, daughter-in-law, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Mina is survived by her loving husband, Ron Anderle of Mena; two sons and daughter-in-law, Zachary and Erin Anderle of Mena, and Cooper Anderle of Mena; two brothers and sister-in-law, Cecil McMellon and companion, Misty Martin of Mena and Archer and Shlinda McMellon of Mena; one sister, Cindy Hill and companion, Greg Tarkinton of Mena; her father and mother-inlaw, Roy and Cathy Anderle of Mena; brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Jennifer Anderle of Colorado Springs, Colorado; two nieces, Shiloh Taylor and Adileigh McMellon, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral mass will be Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Agnes Catholic Church with Father Joseph Shantiraj as celebrant. A visitation will be Tuesday, August 10, 2021, from 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary service beginning 7:00 p.m. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel. Cremation services are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

Pallbearers will be Robby Hines,

Clint Sharp, Mike Hines, Cody Boehler, Tim Ryals and Raymundo Ortiz.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Glancy Wise Schmidt

Glancy Wise “P.O.” Schmidt, Jr. left this world peacefully at his home in Mena, Arkansas, Thursday, August 5, 2021, surrounded by his family.

He was born Thursday, September 9, 1948. P.O. lived the majority of his life in Clinton, Louisiana, and graduating in 1966 and later retiring as a boiler maker. His greatest love was his family including his puppy “Baby” who lived most of its life in P.O.’s lap. Among his other interests were racing, collecting coins & stamps. He never met a stranger and loved kidding and joking with anyone that would listen. P.O. was a member of Board Camp Baptist Church. P.O. was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents Glancy Schmidt, Sr. and Florence Erwin, a brother, Randy Keith Schmidt.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Shelia Williamson Schmidt; two sons, Glancy Wise “Sonny” Schmidt, III and wife, Dallas of Crosby, Texas, and Robert Louis “Robby” Schmidt, Sr. & wife, Tracy of Bee Branch, Arkansas; his grandchildren are Theresa Wood and husband, JB, of Zachary, Louisiana, Cherie Jarreau and husband, Jeremy of New Roads, Louisiana, Robert Louis Schmidt, Jr., of Mena, Arkansas, Maranda Schmidt, Covington, Louisiana, Kaileigh Schmidt of Soso, Mississippi, Joey Schmidt of Bee Branch, Arkansas, Dalton Schmidt of Central Louisiana, Kylee Schmidt of Bee Branch, Arkansas; three step grandchildren listed as Sidney, Keagan & Summer Wilson all of Crosby, Texas; twelve great-grandchildren; his sister, Brenda Stevens and husband, Ronnie Stevens, his brother, Bernie and wife, Katie, sister-in-law,

Darlene and husband, James Branscum, brothers-in-law, Robert Williamson Jr. and wife, Pamela and Garney Williamson; several nieces and nephews; dear friends, Steve and Debbie McMellon must also be mentioned.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 13, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena with Brother Brett Lee officiating. Cremation services are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Laurel M. Miller

Laurel M. Miller, age 84, of Alexander, Arkansas, died Friday, August 6, 2021, at Southern Trace Rehabilitation and Care Center in Bryant. Laurel was born April 12, 1937, in Wickes, Arkansas. She and Joel were married September 9,1956, at the Wickes Church of the Nazarene.

She was a loving wife and a wonderful mother. She was a teacher in various private schools over the years and ended her career as an employee of USDA Veterinary Services in Little Rock, Arkansas. In retirement, she worked in volunteer services for the Red Cross in Little Rock.

Laurel had an infectious laugh and a beaming smile. She loved doing jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles. She had a beautiful alto voice and enjoyed listening to and singing Southern gospel music. She loved babies, puppies, and kittens, not necessarily in that order.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Joel Miller; her parents, Nolan and Ora Jenkins; her two brothers, Loyd Jenkins and Lacey Jenkins and two of her sisters, Lady Jenkins and Lily Bell.

Laurel is survived by her son, Paul Miller; her daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Scottie Jones; two sisters, Lora Taylor and Lila Jenkins and many other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at the Wickes Church of the Nazarene, immediately followed by a funeral service.

Interment will follow in the Duckett Cemetery near Wickes, Arkansas, under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Benny Allen McCown

Benny Allen McCown, Ben, as he was known to family and friends, was a resident of Mena, Arkansas.

He was born Nov. 13, 1947, in Longview Texas, to Calvin and Helen McCown of McKinney, Texas and El Dorado, Arkansas.

He entered Heaven on July 27, 2021.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Carol of 18 years, son Kyle, brother Dan of Oklahoma City, grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Calvin and Helen, and brother Calvin Jr. of Ocean Springs, Missouri.

Ben was a retired commercial painter and a Vietnam Vet; he served his country proudly in the 101st Airborne Division.

Hunting, fishing, visiting with family and friends were his hobbies. He was the “King of one-liners” and always had a story about his childhood, and sharing his life’s adventures. He will be truly missed, Forever loved.

6 Obituaries

THE POLK COUNTY

August 11, 2021

William Wayne Wright

William “Bill” Wayne Wright, age 77, of Hatfield, Arkansas, died on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at the Mena Regional Health System in Mena, Arkansas. He was born on Tuesday, July 18, 1944, to Harold Wayne Wright and Mary Grapes Wright in Dalhart, Texas.

Bill was a hard-working man who made a living providing for his family in the HVAC business. He loved an honest day’s work and could often be found working on someone’s heating and air units when you couldn’t find him at home on the farm. His work brought him great joy as he was a sociable man who loved to help others while showing them the kindness of a true friend. Bill was passionate about his horses and loved his antique gun collection. He enjoyed listening to old country music and being a cowboy. Bill was proud of his business that he built as well as his own home. He served in the Air Force during Vietnam where he mastered the skill of being an aircraft mechanic. Bill loved his family and his friends and took great pride in being able to help them out in any way he could. To know Bill was to love him. Bill was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

A Memorial Service for Beckie Duer will be held on Saturday, August 14 10:00 a.m.

Christ Episcopal Church 803 Church Ave. Mena, Arkansas MASKS REQUIRED

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mary Wright; one brother, Randy Wright.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Glenda Wright of Hatfield; one stepson; three adopted daughters; one brother, Edward Wright and wife Nancy of Hatfield; two sisters, Jeannie Downs and husband Jay of Maryland, and Shirley Sanden and husband Bill of Colorado Springs; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A local memorial service will be held at the Hatfield Auditorium on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon, August 8, from 2-4 p.m. at Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel. A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 9, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the Fort Smith National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas, under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Fannie Marie Raymond

Fannie Marie Raymond, age 82, of Watson, Oklahoma, died on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at the Mena Regional Health System. She was born on Saturday, August 6, 1938, to Percy Lucas Hawthorne and Reathal Marie Gray Hawthorne in Roxton, Texas.

Marie always followed the golden rule, treat others how you would like to be treated. She treated her family and friends with utmost love and care.

Marie was a great mother and kept a happy home while raising her children on the family farm. Her grandchildren gave her such joy, she loved to spend any time she could with them. Marie was a talented acrylic painter as well as crafting, sewing, and canning. She enjoyed country music and old hymns and spending time with her family. She

was very proud of her family’s milestones and was always a loving supporter. Marie was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend and she will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vincent Cyril Raymond; and one great-granddaughter, Teal Lowery.

Marie is survived by one son, Mark Raymond of Watson; one daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Roger Herring of Cove; one brother, Ronnie Hawthorne of Canyon, Texas; one sister, Dolores Rollins of Amarillo, Texas; four grandchildren, Larissa and Riley Johnson of Hatfield, Kayla Lowery of Cove, Vanessa Toon of Cove, and Samantha Jordan of Cove; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at 10 a.m. at the Buffalo Cemetery in Cove, Arkansas, with Brother Ron Ladd officiating.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 6, 2021, from 6-8 p.m. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

George Edward Tilley

Mr. George Edward Tilley, age 95, of Hatfield, Arkansas, passed away Friday, August 6, 2021, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born in Cove, Arkansas, on July 11, 1926, to the late Burton Gilbert Tilley and Minnie Avants Tilley. Mr. Tilley was a telephone and telegraph lineman and sharpshooter in the Army, stationed in the Philippines during World War II. He worked in the timber industry most of his life. He was a board member of Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative for 38 years and was a faithful member of the Mena First Assembly of God. George is survived by his wife, Lou Dee Ashcraft Floyd Tilley; children,

Pulse

Bill Tilley, Wayne Tilley and wife Carolyn, Linda Tilley Denton and husband Larry, Ron Tilley and wife Pamela, Lori Tilley Lyle and husband Mark; stepsons, Larry Floyd, Tommy Floyd and wife Judy, and Ronny Floyd; grandchildren, James Tilley, Michael Tilley, Amy Tilley Ludwig, Christopher Denton, Barry Denton, Carrie Denton Anderson, Daxx Chambers, Steven Tilley, Kristen Tilley, Leah Tilley, Lydia Tilley, Caleb Tilley, Joshua Tilley, Meagan Lyle Blake, Trenton Lyle, Jordan Lyle, Larry Gene Floyd, Jerry Dean Floyd, Amanda Floyd, Paula Floyd Jewell, Stacey Floyd Spears, Brandon Floyd, Pete Floyd and Argus Lee Floyd; 23 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Tilley is preceded in death by his parents, Burton Gilbert Tilley and Minnie Avants Tilley; first wife, Dosha Stricklin Tilley; son, Randy Tilley; granddaughter, Courtney Ann Tilley; brother, Bob Tilley and wife Wanda Davis Tilley, infant brother, Billy Tilley; sisters, Ellen Tilley Parsons, Flossie Tilley Waldrop; daughters-in-law, Lorraine Tilley and Marie Dahle Tilley.

Funeral services will be held, with military honors, at the Mena First Assembly of God in Mena, Arkansas, Saturday, August 7, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Ron Tilley and Pastor Mark Lyle officiating. Interment will follow at Lone Valley Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, James Tilley, Michael Tilley, Christopher Denton, Barry Denton, Steven Tilley, Caleb Tilley, Joshua Tilley, Trenton Lyle, Jordan Lyle and Daxx Chambers.

Honorary Pallbearers are the board members of the Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Pulse

August 11, 2021

Bobby Ray Kuykendall

Mr. Bobby Ray Kuykendall, age 60, of Vandervoort, Arkansas, passed away Friday, August 6, 2021, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was born in Mena, Arkansas, on April 6, 1961, to Raymond Alfred Kuykendall and Betty Mae Williams Jones. Mr. Kuykendall was a truck driver by profession. He loved gardening and canning, hunting, fishing, woodworking, and was a jack of all trades! He was very particular about his grass and yard. Bobby loved the outdoors and watching Westerns; Gunsmoke and the Virginian to name a few.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Carla Kuykendall; children, Victor Kuykendall and wife Tracy, Monica Ralls and husband Jamie, Bobbie Sue Hinsley and husband Darrell, Valerie Cureton and husband Trevan; grandchildren, Gavin Ralls, Dayton Ralls, Megan Kuykendall, Braylen Ralls, Adan Garcia, Bryce Cureton, Kacey Kuykendall, Carter Cureton, Harper Cureton; brothers Donald Gene Kuykendall and Jerry Kuykendall; sister Joyce Groves and a host of other family and friends.

Mr. Kuykendall is preceded in death by his parents Raymond Kuykendall and Betty Mae Jones and uncle, Frank Kuykendall.

Graveside services will be held at Daniels Cemetery in Wickes, Arkansas, Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor Don Youngblood officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation is general.

Pallbearers will be Mike Harwood, Dale Baker, Ron Winger, Monty Reagan, Leon Harwood, Chad Broach, Jasper Hartley and Mark Hoyle.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Sam Breshears, Tommy Daniels, Dayton Ralls, Gavin Ralls, Garry Dutton, Roger Harwood and Bruce Cureton.

Online obituary and guestbook atbeasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Clyde Allen Rife

Clyde Allen Rife, age 68, of Watson, Oklahoma, died on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at his home. He was born on Sunday, November 2, 1952, to Carl E. Rife and Madeline Ann Stropes Rife in Muscatine, Iowa.

Clyde was of the Christian faith and was an incredibly hard worker. He worked at Tyson foods for thirty-four years. Clyde loved the outdoors, and really enjoyed being outside on his cattle farm. He liked country music and loved spending time with his family. His grandchildren and wife were always a great source of joy for him. Clyde was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Karen Fields and Baby Ann Rife; and two grandchildren, Mathew Salinas and Emma Kugler.

Clyde is survived by his loving wife, Teddy Rife of Watson, Oklahoma; two sons and daughter-in-law, Michael and Ericka Salinas of New Boston, Texas, and David Rife of Cove; three daughters and son-in-law, Brandy and Jason Sparks of Grannis, Patricia Ashley of Broomfield, Colorado, and Bonnie Sue Rife of Aurora, Colorado; two brothers and sister-inlaw, Carl and Janice Rife of Letts, Iowa, and Dirk Rife of Anabel, Missouri; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Cherri and Dave Morrison of Andalusia, Illinois, and Theresa and Gerald Hubler of Macon, Missouri; fifteen grandchildren, Jason C. Sparks, Chloe Sparks, Dakota Ashley, Brendan Ashley, Lillian Ashley, Sarai Stockton, Erika Williams, Christopher Salinas, Sophia Salinas, Ericka Sturtz, Natasha Kugler, Graceland Kugler, James Kugler, Jake Kugler, Paige Rife; numerous great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Obituaries / Education 7

EDUCATION NEWS

During the JAG Virtual National Training Seminar - July 12-15, 2021 Mena High School was recognized by National JAG for - exceeding the "5 of 5" Performance Outcome Standards for the Class of 2020 including Graduation Rate, Employment Rate, Positive Outcome Rate, Further Education, and Full-

time Employment Rate and 2021 Peak Performer - Karen Purvis JAG Specialist at Mena High School.

Sarah Grenier, an MHS senior, has been

recognized by Certiport's Microsoft Office Specialist Championship Team for

earning 1st place in Arkansas for her

score on the Microsoft Excel 2019 test this past spring. Not only did she earn Excel certification, she also is certified in Word, PowerPoint and Access.

The MOS test is a nationally recognized

certification exam which students can take in the Survey of Business class at Mena High School. They are provided

training and then are given the opportunity to test in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Access.

Not only can they earn certifications, but there are several colleges in Arkan-

sas that award college credit for their

basic computer applications course if a student shows proof they have passed

the certification test for all four of the tested programs.

Email your school news to news@ mypulsenews.com

8 History

August 11, 2021

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Reflections from History and Faith: Making a Big Splash!

By Jeff Olson As I was watching the parade of nations on the opening day of the 2020 Summer Olympic Games a few weeks ago, I was reminded of the importance and scope of this event for the countries, the athletes and the world for that matter. While not so equal in size nor numbers of athletes, each country was equal in importance in taking their place among the competitors for the same goal. It was truly their time to remind the world that not only did they exist but they came to stand toe-to-toe with their competitors - to declare that “I am”, “we are!” I also was reminded of the athletes who for years made sacrifices to invest practically all of themselves in time and preparation. And, some of these young men and women did so in a sport which receives little to no exposure or publicity on a regular basis, so their opportunities to shine are few and far between. This is why I was glad these Olympic Games were not canceled, though there may have been some compelling reasons to do so due to Covid.

Since their inception in 1896, the Olympics have been canceled three times and only because of world wars: 1916, 1940, and 1944. One in particular is part of my story this week. Over eighty years ago, Tokyo was the first choice to host the 1940 Olympic Games, but due to Japan's escalating military hostilities and the probable boycotts of the games if Japan was chosen as the host, the venue was changed to Helsinki, Finland. As it turned out, World War II intervened and the Olympics were canceled for that year. I think the greatest casualty of this was the years of training invested by the athletes which was lost, as was a once in a lifetime opportunity for most of them. The remainder of my column this week highlights one such athlete, a lady and a swimmer from the

United States.

Jane was born in Englewood, California. She was taught to swim by her older sister Maurine and found it was quite to her liking and nature. By age 16 she was recruited by the Los Angeles Athletic Club swimming team where she won a total of three U.S. national championships in freestyle and breaststroke and was part of a record-setting 880-yard relay team. So, it should come as no surprise that she qualified for both the 1940 Pan American Games and the U.S. Olympic Team. Like hundreds of other athletes, disappointment didn't begin to describe her feelings and sense of loss in the cancellation of the Olympics that year.

However, this wasn't the end of the story for Jane. In some ways it was the beginning. To make ends meet, she took a job as a stock girl at the upscale I. Magnin department store where she also modeled clothing for customers and appeared in newspaper advertisements. Not long afterward, showman Billy Rose (1899-1966) saw a photo of her in Life magazine and determined that she should be Aquabelle opposite Olympian and screen Tarzan Johnny Weissmuller (1904-1984) as Aquadonis in his Aquacade Review at the San Francisco World's Fair in 1940.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) studio scouts saw her in the show, and Louis B. Mayer offered her a contract.

She initially turned him down, but later reconsidered and accepted in 1941.

After appearing in several small roles, Esther Jane Williams resumed the role of her life but this time in a series of what would become known as “aquamusicals.” Between 1944 and 1954 Williams made more than a dozen motion pictures, but none like any ever before or since. In her words about her first film, “Bathing Beauty”: "No one had ever done a swimming movie before, so we just made it up as we went along.

I ad-libbed all my own underwater movements." As one writer expressed it: “MGM spent the following decade hiring writers to invent scripts which allowed Esther to get wet.” So it began with “Bathing Beauty” and ended with “Jupiter's Darling.” However, this wasn't the end of Esther's movie career, but it was the end of her making movies getting wet. She tried films with more dramatic roles, but to the American moviegoer she would always be the “Hollywood Mermaid.” In the early 1960s she retired from acting, but remained active as a passionate promoter of swimming. In 1966, during her induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame, it was stated that “Her movie career played a major role in the promotion of swimming, making it attractive to the public, contributing to the growth of the sport as a public recreation for health, exercise, water safety -- and just plain fun.”

Esther Williams' talent and contributions went beyond swimming on the big screen. For many years she was an inspiration and example for untold numbers of swimmers, some who had Olympic aspirations and successes of their own. Her film “Bathing Beauty” introduced synchronized swimming to the American public, and about a year after its release the first synchronized swimming competition in the U.S. was held in Chicago. Early fans of the sport contacted Williams and asked for her advice in starting their own synchronized swimming team.

With the help of her mother, she put together instructional packets to send to them. In little more than a decade, synchronized swimming's first official global scale competition took place in the Pan-American Games in Mexico in 1955 and in 1956 it became an Olympic demonstration sport. It finally made its debut as an Olympic sport in the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games.

Williams attended those games as a television commentator and as an honored guest at many of the special events celebrating the occasion.

Esther Williams became the first celebrity to have a product endorsement and was also an innovator, creating new designs of women's swim suits which were as much functional as they were attractive. In 1958, she embarked on a new career with the establishment of Esther Williams In-Ground Pools and in 1967 she licensed her name for a new line of swimming pools and accessories. Up until the last several years, the Esther Williams/ Johnny Weissmuller line of pools were still being manufactured. She launched her own "Swim, Baby, Swim" video series, instructing parents on how to teach swimming to their children.

This past Sunday marked not only the end of the 2020 Summer Olympic Games, but also what would have been Esther Williams' 100th birthday.

Though denied an Olympic appearance and perhaps two (1944), she nevertheless touched more lives through the course her life took than she could ever have dreamed of otherwise. Yes, Esther Williams did indeed make a big splash, actually quite a few of them - and the ripples are still being felt in 2021. She passed away on June 16, 2013 at the age of 91, survived by her husband Edward Bell, a daughter Susan and a son Benjamin.

I have to close with a recommendation that you see at least one Esther Williams movie. Two in particular, "Million Dollar Mermaid" (1952) and "East To Love" (1953), are the most spectacular and breathtaking in scope.

Hers was not just a skill. It was an art form, and one unequaled to this day.

Her autobiography, "The Million Dollar Mermaid," was published in 1999.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

August 11, 2021

History 9

10 Faith

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

August 11, 2021

An Arkie’s Faith: Kindergarten Kindness

By Richie Lawry

The little girl with curly golden hair carefully made her way down the steep stairs the went from the kitchen to the basement. She had asked Mommy if she could go downstairs to see Grandma. She loved spending time with her Grandma and could not remember a time when Grandma didn’t live in the basement at the bottom of the stairs.

When the little girl with curly golden hair stepped into the dimly lit basement, she saw Grandma sitting in a chair, sewing quilt blocks together.

Grandma’s eyes lit up as she looked up and saw her granddaughter.

Setting down her sewing, Grandma said, “come here and let me pick you up.” She set the little girl on the very high bed with two mattresses. The girl loved Grandma’s bed because it was so high that she felt like a princess when she was on it. Sometimes Grandma asked the little girl to spend the night, and she looked forward to sleeping with Grandma on the very high bed with two mattresses.

Grandma got a cornhusk doll down off a shelf and let the little girl hold it if she promised to be careful. The doll’s name was Cornelius, and the little girl with curly golden hair loved to hold it.

She was so proud that Grandma trusted her to hold Cornelius. Sometimes Grandma would go into the closet and bring out the old Japanese parasol. Her son, Huck, had given it to her when he came home from Japan. She would show it to the little girl, opening it up and then letting her twirl the parasol.

Each morning, the little girl with curly golden hair would wait for Grandma to come upstairs. Before breakfast, they liked to go outside together and look at the morning glories and roses that climbed the trellis sep-

arating the lawn from the garden. Grandma would pick one rose and one morning glory to bring inside and put on the breakfast table. Some days, after breakfast, Grandma would get the big red book, Golden Treasury of Bible Stories, from the old bookcase by her bed and read to the little girl with curly golden hair. She loved snuggling on Grandma’s lap and looking at the pictures in the big red book while Grandma read.

On special days, Mommy would drive Grandma and the little girl to church, where Grandma was a part of the Dorcas Society. The Society is named after the New Testament Christian woman who “was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.” Acts 9:36 (NLT) Grandma and other women from the church would make quilts and mend clothes to give to people who needed them. The little girl with curly golden hair liked being at the Dorcas Society.

One day Mommy drove the little girl with curly golden hair to school. It was her first day in kindergarten. As they were leaving, Grandma got a jar down from the shelf and said, “you be a good girl, and every day you are good at school, I will put a penny in the jar for you.” When they got to school, Mommy took her to the classroom and told her, “You be a good girl. I will come back

and get you at lunchtime.” The little girl loved kindergarten, but she missed her Mommy and Grandma. Before long, she made many friends, but her best friend was Debi. They did everything together at school.

Grandma was not feeling well and needed to go to the doctor.

Before she went to see the doctor, Grandma told the little girl with curly golden hair, “don’t worry, I will be back soon.” But the doctor sent Grandma to the hospital.

Grandma didn’t get better, and she died in the hospital. When the family told the little girl that Grandma had died and wouldn’t be coming back, the girl said, “no, she didn’t, she would have told me.” And then she added, “she said she was coming back.”

The little girl with curly golden hair didn’t understand what was happening. But she knew that she missed her Grandma. When she went back to kindergarten, everyone in her class knew that her Grandma had died. Her friend, Debi, felt unhappy that the little girl was so sad. She tried to cheer her up.

The next day, Debi came to school with a gift for the little girl with curly golden hair. It was a book about a girl and her Grandma. The little girl loved her gift but thought, “I wish my Grandma could read my new book to me.”

Debi’s kindness made the little girl feel better.

The little girl with curly golden hair was my wife. She has vivid memories of her Grandma. She still remembers the book that Debi gave her. And she still remembers how much her friend Debi’s kindness meant to her. When we are kind to someone, we never know what impact it will have on them.

Kindness is underrated. We equate it with being friendly or pleasant, as though it’s mainly about smiling, getting along, and not ruffling feathers.

It seems a rather mundane virtue. But the Bible places a lot of importance on kindness. Colossians 3:12 (TPT) says, “You are always and dearly loved

by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others.”

Kindness is love in action. It is visible and active, not just emotional.

Gentle Reader, many Christians believe that we must do great and mighty things to change the world. The truth is that a simple act of kindness can have a long-lasting effect. Christians should aim to have so much of Jesus’ love and kindness in them that they can’t help but share it with others. Being kind and loving others should be the natural outgrowth of living as a Christian.

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” Proverbs 12:25 (NIV) So make a conscious effort today to be kind to everyone you meet.

God will put someone in your path who needs to be cheered up. You may never know the positive impact of your kindness, but “let love and kindness be the motivation behind all that you do.”

1 Corinthians 16:14 (TPT)

Joke of the Week: I just found out that the company that makes my favorite yardstick won’t be making them any longer.

Replacing windshields in Polk County for forty years.

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

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

August 11, 2021

Community 11

AUGUST CASH MOB CANCELED

Submitted by Judy Thompson Judy Thompson, Mena Downtown Partners’ Downtown Business Liaison & Cash Mob Coordinator, announced that the MDP Executive Committee voted to cancel the August Cash Mob. This decision was made because of the rising number of Covid cases and hospitalizations. Thompson noted that the safety and well-being of those attending the Mobs was of utmost

importance. She added that the Cash Mob is not only a shopping opportunity, but also a social gathering. As such, there is frequently up-close interaction among the attendees. Although the Cash Mob is an important effort of the Mena Downtown Partners’ “Buy Local, Shop Small” effort, the decision to ensure the welfare of the participants was more important. The Cash Mob for September is still scheduled for September 11.

12 Community

August 11, 2021 Photo by Samantha Maechler

THE POLK COUNTY

Giddy Up!

Pulse

By Trey Youngdahl

The 68th Polk County Rodeo will be held August 13 and 14 at the Polk County Fairgrounds, 8:30 nightly. The show, produced by Wing Rodeo Co. out of Bogata, Texas, touts performances from the Texarkana Drill Team, and Dan “The Man” Foster from Klondike, Texas, as well as nightly, mutton bustin’ and junior barrels.

The event is supported by local advertisers and is hosting several vendors, the majority of which are local. “We’ve had a lot of local sponsors this year,” said Wendy Strother, event organizer. “Even though the businesses themselves were hurt by COVID, the community really pulled together to make this happen both this year and last year.” The vendors will include saddles, caps, western decor, soap, food and more.

This year’s rodeo will be adding a steer dressing event to it’s lineup. Six teams of three competitors will compete against each other to literally dress a steer with human clothes. Competitors will be given the opportunity to win buckles in the event.

“Everything seems to be much more expensive these days and it would really help for us to raise the prices,” Wendy went on to say. “We’re not going to do that though. We want this to be as fun and affordable as possible and for this to be a family event that everybody can enjoy.” Pricing is seven dollars for an adult, children 6-12 years are five dollars, and children 5 and under get in for free. On Friday only, senior citizens’ admission will be lowered to 4 dollars.

For a fun, family-friendly, frugal event, catch the 68th annual Polk County Rodeo, held August 13 and 14, 8:30 nightly at the Polk County Fairgrounds.

RIDE LIKE A COWBOY TO THE

2021 Polk County

Rodeo!

(479) 394-4140

515 Janssen Ave, Mena, AR 71953

THE POLK COUNTY

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Community 13

August 11, 2021

The deadlines are approaching!

Friday, August 13 is the deadline to register for the Miss Polk County Pageant, including for Jr. Miss, Miss and any younger contestants wanting to ride in the parade this Friday.

There are currently low registration numbers in all divisions! The two oldest divisions have the opportunity to win scholarship money! $1,400 will be awarded in scholarships as well as hundreds of dollars in prizes!

Welcome Rodeo Fans!

4793945844

MULTIPLE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

&

SMALL ANIMAL MEDICINE & SURGERY

DR. TYLER FRANS DR. GORDON MCDONALD

DDDDD HWY S. MENA, AR STAFFFPHACMENA.COM

Ride 'Em Cowdog! at the Polk County Rodeo

14 Community

THE POLK COUNTY

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August 11, 2021

Snap shots of Polk County Rodeo Royalty

Shelter is here for you.

KELLER WILLIAMS

THE TURNER TEAM “TURNING YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITIES”

® AUTO • HOME • LIFE

Bridgett Kesterson Atkins Realtor 479.234.6006

Welcome to the

POLK COUNTY RODEO!

Lucas Turner

Realtor 479.234.8546

Licensed Drone Pilot Free drone footage for listing clients

Telissa Montgomery Agent 205 N Morrow, Mena, AR 479-394-1181 tmontgomery @shelterinsurance.com

Ke l l e r W i l l i a m s R e a l t y M e n a 114 2 H w y 71 S u i t e C ● 4 79 - 3 8 5 - 5 0 8 0

WELCOME RODEO FANS!

710 4th Street • Mena, AR Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 am-6 pm • Sat. 9 am-12:30 pm • Sun. Closed

THE POLK COUNTY

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August 11, 2021

Wanna Ride in the Rodeo?

Polk County Rodeo- August 13th & 14th.

Your One Stop Shop for Food, Fuel and Frozen Favorites!

Conveniently Located at

901 Hwy 71 N. Mena, Arkansas

A ou

We’ll Se eY

WELCOME RODEO FANS

Jr Barrels nightly-$25 entry fee Mutton Bustin nightly-$20 entry fee Steer Dressing nightly-$20 team entry fee. 3 person team. Age-17 and under. We can take up to 6 teams a night. You can only be on 1 team a night.

Fastest team out of both nights wins buckles.

Pre-entry will be Monday, August 9th from 5-9pm.

Call or text. (479)216-4303. You can also enter each night at the rodeo.

t

odeo !

Th e R

Community 15 IT'S ALMOST PARADE TIME! The annual Polk County Rodeo and Fair Parade will ride in Mena Friday, August 13, at 6:00 p.m.

Time to get your floats, horses, Miss Polk County Pageant Contestants, baseball teams, 4-H groups, antique cars, and marching bands ready!

Floats must be no smaller than a standard size pickup bed - 6' x 8', not including the cab.

Trailer drawn by a tractor or other means must be no smaller than 8' x 8 ½'.

Flat-bed truck must be no smaller than 6' x 8 ½', not including the cab.

THEME: POLK COUNTY STRONG FLOAT PRIZES: 1st Place $50.00 2nd Place $30.00 3rd Place $20.00 For more info contact Phyllis Caldwell at 479-243-6212.

Wild Hare Art Glaa Art Supplies, Gifts, Classes & Workshops 609 Mena St., Mena, AR 71953

479-234-4927 wildhareglass@aol.com www.wildhareglass.com

Welcome Rodeo Fans!

Up y o b w o C Time toat the o! e d o R y t n Polk Cou

479-216-2055

Experience the Difference: FREE Loaner Vehicles NO Job Too Small FREE Mobile Estimates

James & Jodi West Owners service@dbcollision.com

1000 B. Hwy 71 N Mena, AR 71953

WEʼLL SEE YOU AT THE In Business Since 1981

479-394-2141

711 Petros, Mena, AR Across from Mena Middle School

www.todayscoop.com 318 Hwy 71 S - Mena 479-394-3373

POLK COUNTY RODEO!

16 Community

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

August 11, 2021

Exploring the Connection Between Math and the Arts

(StatePoint) While often thought of as two completely distinct subjects, art and math are intrinsically entwined.

Not only can learning the fundamentals of one subject help a student excel in the other, but combining the subjects can make the traditionally intimidating field of math more accessible and approachable.

As more attempts are being made to integrate the arts into STEM learning at school, you can reinforce the intersection at home in the following ways: • Explore history: Encourage your child to read books that explore the collision of art and math, such as “The Golden Ratio: The Story of Phi, the World’s Most Astonishing Number.”

While authored by an astrophysicist, it’s meant for readers of all backgrounds to enjoy.

• Say cheese: Photography incorporates many mathematical principles.

Take a photography course together to

y We’ll suppl the energy,

ly they ’ll supp the future!

examine how focal length, aperture and shutter speed affect images.

• Visualize it: Be sure your child is equipped with a top notch graphing calculator that provides visual support for mathematical exploration. Using a graphing calculator, students can apply mathematical formulas to create their own designs, art and even drawings.

Check out Classpad.net, a free, all-encompassing online calculator alternative, with all the functionality of a handheld calculator.

• Enjoy fine arts: From the Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher and his world famous lithographs, woodcuts and wood engravings, to the contemporary American sculptor Bathsheba Grossman who uses 3-D printing and computer programming to design mathematical sculptures, there are many visual artists for whom math is the very basis of their work. Take time to explore their collections and get inspired.

e m o c l e W o t k c a B Scho o l!

Pandemic Disrupts Critical Early Childhood Education (StatePoint) While young children have been less vulnerable to COVID-19 health dangers, a new study finds that they’ve been tremendously impacted by the disruption to preschool activities triggered by the pandemic.

The National Institute for Early Ed-

It’s the sign of success!

e m o c l e W Back to Scho o l!

“Helping your dreams become a reality!”

1161 Hwy 71 S. Mena, AR · 479-394-7676

Tests may be the least of your child’s fears.

(479) 394-4140

515 Janssen Ave, Mena, AR 71953

Learn more about school safety at SCHOOLSAFETY.GOV

ucation Research study finds that pre-K participation has tumbled during the pandemic. What’s more it finds that children are spending less time outdoors and on certain key learning activities at home with parents and caregivers, and more time in front of screens.

Education experts say early learning opportunities are critical for young children’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development, as well as their mental health. New resources can help fill the preschool void and make this an enriching time for young children. To learn more, visit www.pncgrowupgreat. com.

While the pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for families with young children, building a love of learning early on can help pave the way for a great future.

Mena Ford, Inc. 1103 Hwy 71 North Mena, AR 71953 (479) 394-2214 www.menaford.com

THE POLK COUNTY

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Classifieds 17

August 11, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS

- SERVICES -

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

T1006

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

(870) 490-1191 T0811

Land Management, Tree Service—.

RC Customz can handle your construction needs, mulching and more. Military discounts available. Insured. Call (479) 216-2976. Free estimates T0911

- EMPLOYMENT Restaurant Manager, Position #22092459 Salary $36,155, Queen Wilhelmina State Park, Mena, AR, closing date 08/15/2021.

Provides daily supervision to skilled and unskilled food service workers, oversees food quality, and ensures customer service standards are met. Inspects restaurant for cleanliness, safety, and maintenance needs, coordinates repairs, develops/monitors budget, food costs, menu planning and food preparation, coordinates special activities or accommodations for groups and handles customer complaints.

Full benefit package provided. The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma; plus five years of experience in restaurant or catering management or a related field, including six months of cooking experience and one year in a supervisory capacity. Criminal background check required. EOE/ADA/AA employer. Minorities and women encouraged to apply. Applications online ONLY https://arcareers.arkansas.gov/ T0811

Polk County Births Mena Regional Health System JULY 30, 2021 TO AUGUST 6, 2021 Summer Raines & Bryor Loyd of Cove, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born Aug. 3rd Savannah & Adam Beck of Hatfield, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born Aug. 3rd Erin & Jedadiah York of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born Aug. 5th

479-394-7301

1102 Crestwood Circle Mena, AR 71953

MENA REAL ESTATE

- LEGAL The Cossatot River School District will accept sealed proposals for the purchase and installation of 2 marquee type signs along with other informational signage to be placed within the district. All bids over $35,000.00 will require a bid bond for 5% of the bid amount or a company check in an amount equal to 5% of the bid amount at the time the bid is submitted.

If an award is made, successful bidders will be required to provide and record at the county courthouse a 100% payment and performance bond.

All bids shall be submitted in a sealed envelope “marked sign bids” All questions and inquiries should be sent to Tyler Broyles, Superintendent, at 870-3857101. Bids will be due no later than August 27, 2021. All late bids will be returned unopened and will not be considered. All women and minority owned businesses are encouraged to submit.

T0811

www.MenaRealEstate.com

18 Puzzles

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

August 11, 2021

08.11.21

08.11.21

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 08.04.21

Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Hello! My name is Mr. Tom. I am a young kitty looking for a happy home. I am about 8 months and weigh in at about 9 pounds. I am a gorgeous orange tabby with a bit of white on my chest. I am very active and love to climb. I am a bit shy around new people. I do take some time to warm up. I am looking for a home willing to go slow with love and understanding. I am litter box trained and I get along with other cats too. So, Come by HSO and ask for Mr. Tom today.

All selected Pet of the Week animals come with a gift package. This special starter pack for cats includes a collar, toys, shampoo, and litter box liners.

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

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

THE POLK COUNTY

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August 11, 2021

Around Town

The Polk County Social Seniors will be meeting for their monthly meeting at Papa’s on August 11, 2021 at 12 Noon. Everybody over the age of 55 years is invited.

Hatfield First Baptist Church “Shepherd’s Closet” Open Wednesdays, 10 am - Noon. Large selection of good, used clothing & a limited supply of non-perishable food items. Free to anyone in need. We kindly ask that non-vaccinated individuals wear masks.

Reynolds Gardner Community Men’s Breakfast every Tuesday, Mena First United Methodist Church, 8:00 am (full breakfast for small donation). All men from the community are invited to attend.

The Mena Art Gallery is hosting its annual Folk & Fiber Show through August 27. The Gallery is open Wed – Sat from 10am - 3pm. Come by and see the show! 607 Mena Street, across from the Ouachita Little Theater.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 8pm Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. Discussion/ Book Study For information call 479-243-0297 The Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes will be temporarily closed for the entire month of August due to the increase in Covid cases. Drive-thru and Home Delivery services are suspended until further notice.

UARM Fall Registration is on-going all week at all three campuses at Mena, Waldron, and Mt. Ida. It is open through Friday, August 13. First day of classes is August 16.

GriefShare continues to meet every Thursday from 10am -noon at First Presbyterian Church Mena for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

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.

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 7pm Monday, at 7pm Thursday, at 7pm Friday, and at 6pm Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call Erica at 479-

216-7249.

Walkers & Runners, Women Run Arkansas, 10-week free clinic beginning August 31, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30pm, Mena High School Track. Sign-up@ womenrunarkansas.net, Mena WRA 5k Training Clinic on Facebook, for more info contact: teddi_sullivan@yahoo.com Polk County Republican Committee meets the 3rd Monday of each month, 5:30pm in the Polk County Library.

The next meeting is August 16.

GriefShare continues to meet every Thursday from 10am -noon at First Presbyterian Church Mena for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 3pm Sundays, at 5pm. Tuesdays and at 8pm Saturdays at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call 479-234-8366 or 479-2163786 Thursday Night Thunder, Bring out your classic cars, muscle cars, rat rods, etc. Free Event the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month, 5 pm-until whenever, weather-permitting at Solo’s Speed Paint & Marine, Corner of 11th and US Hwy 71.

Bring a cooler and a chair. Bringing the car community back together. (631) 276-2482 for more info.

The Humane Society of the Ouachitas next monthly meeting is August 19, 5:30 pm, at LaVilla Restaurant in Mena. All animal lovers welcome!

Ouachita Little Theater’s Little Women the Musical will have performances Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM, Sunday at 2:30 PM. More shows next week, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 PM. Advance tickets on sale at the OLT office Thursday and Friday from2-6pm and Saturday from 10am-2pm.

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!

Community / Humor 19

Hogspore News: National Left Handers Day

By Clet Litter from the Ozarks I seen Sara Suspenders eating at the Come-On-Give-UsOne-More-Chance Diner. I sez, “Where’s Jimmy, your better half?”

“If you mean my better 1/16th, a judge sent him away for a while.”

“Did he get convicted or something?”

She said, “No, it was family court. You know Jimmy had a lotta bad habits before our marriage. I couldn’t break him of them, so I had to file a re-training order on him. He’s spending 9 weeks living in a women’s prison.”

I sez, “Yeah, that sounds about right. Course, it’s always possible he might wanna just stay there.”

Sara said, “Either way… I win.”

National Left Handers Day happens this Friday. Nobody pays it any heed here in Hogspore cept for the employees down at the sawmill. They used to call them hired hands, but the foreman, Nub Taylor, changed it to workers when the new hires started losing hands. The number one question that Nub Taylor gets is not how he got his nickname, but how he come to be the foreman. He says, “After I lost both hands above the wrists in a work-related incident, I couldn’t run the machinery anymore. You might say that I just fell into the job. They shoulda called me the forearm man.”

This Sunday, the Non-Denominational Church of Backsliders and Mid-Week Sinners is featuring an outdoor morning service. Preacher don’t say, “Church grounds.” He named them the Worship Campus after he heard a TV Parson call it that. He says, “It’s all about getting the Word out there, bringing in more sheaves.”

You ever hear the phrase, “If I had my druthers.” Some folks lose them from accidents or old age. I feel lucky still to possess a working set of druthers.

Mumford Pickens was explaining some European culture. He said, “There were two French pantomime artists that had been seeing each other for three years, when one of them motioned to the other, ‘I think we should stop dating and start not talking to other mimes.’”

Mumford wanted to add more, but if you think it’s too much, tell him about it. I know the media is sposed to be unbiased, but I don’t wanna lose my discount on untaxed adult beverages. Mumford added, “When a mime in America is arrested, he has the right to remain silent.”

Contact Clet Litter at bobsimpson1947@yahoo.com.

You know you wanna.

20 State

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

August 11, 2021

Governor Hutchinson's Weekly Address: Special Session and Vaccines

This week, I issued a call for a special session of the General Assembly, and today I’d like to explain why my action was necessary.

In the spring, I signed Act 1002, a law that prohibits a government agency from establishing a mask mandate.

That made sense to me at the time because I oppose any government-issued statewide mask requirement. And now we have vaccines available. Also, at the time, the number of COVID-19 cases and related deaths and hospitalizations was very low. In other words, we were coming out of the pandemic nicely. But

as happens in life, everything changed.

The Delta variant, which is more transmissible than previous variants, arrived, and our cases, hospitalizations, and COVID-related deaths increased. It became clear to me that the law needed to change, and I actually said I regret signing the bill. That statement created somewhat of a firestorm, but it is important for leaders to adapt and change strategies when the facts change – particularly when you are in an emergency.

With public schools opening for in-person instruction this month, I de-

cided we needed to enact exceptions to Act 1002 to give schools some flexibility regarding face masks in congregate settings, and this should be limited to those students under twelve years of age. This was necessary because those under twelve are not eligible for a vaccine.

I convened the General Assembly to make this limited exception in order to provide more protection for those under twelve, and the law would leave the final decision in the hands of the local school board.

Pursuant to my call, the General

Assembly met and considered the exception but failed to act. This leaves us all with the urgent need to get more of our students, teachers, parents, and community vaccinated. If we can’t provide life-saving vaccines to those under twelve, then we have to form layers of protection around them.

So that will be my focus in the coming days. Perhaps you will join me in one of my Community COVID Conversations – or Town Halls – to respectfully discuss how we can stop this virus with more vaccinations.

The Right Way to Address Climate Change From Senator John Boozman Climate change has taken center stage in Washington. Nearly every committee in Congress has been tasked with exploring ways to protect our natural resources, reduce our carbon footprint and implement more sustainable practices.

On its face, the focus on this issue is a very positive development. But there is a right and a wrong way to go about effectuating change.

The Senate Agriculture Committee, on which I serve as ranking member, recently demonstrated the correct way in which to approach this issue with passage of the Growing Climate Solutions Act. This innovative legislation provides farmers, ranchers and private forest land owners interested in participating in emerging voluntary environmental credit markets the tools needed to determine if getting involved in these markets is the right direction to take.

When it was originally introduced, the bill lacked adequate farmer protections and threatened funding of vital existing U.S. Department of Agriculture programs. I worked with my colleagues—both Democrat and Republican—to make numerous improvements that helped us get this significant piece of climate leg-

islation across the Senate floor, with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote.

If this bill were to become law, it would assist farmers, ranchers and private forest land owners in exploring opportunities for compensation in private markets for making verifiable contributions on the carbon sequestration front. We listened to stakeholders and incorporated changes to protect the private information of farmers and ranchers and to alleviate other concerns raised prior to committee consideration of the legislation.

By working together on the front end, we strengthened the bill’s appeal to reach a broader base of support and a wide-range of stakeholders from across the agriculture community. This collaboration is a continuation of the long-standing tradition that is expected of the Senate Agriculture Committee to develop practical, bipartisan policy.

Our approach should serve as a model that can be emulated to advance additional initiatives in the climate space. Unfortunately, the tack which President Joe Biden and his allies in Congress are taking is the exact opposite of the course we followed.

Instead of working together, the administration and congressional Democrats are using a “go-it-

alone” process to enact the most extreme elements of their environmental policy. Remember the Democrats’ radical Green New Deal proposals? Well, that is what we are talking about here.

Under the guise of climate, and without the input of stakeholders or Republicans, the president and congressional Democrats want to spend trillions to expand the size of government in a way that will eliminate jobs and result in higher energy costs for hardworking Arkansans. It gets worse when one takes into account this strategy’s failure to consider the negative impact an abrupt transition of our energy sources will have on the lives of every American, including the massive land grab needed to pull it off.

Our farmers, ranchers and foresters are the greatest stewards of the land, and many have been working for a long time to preserve natural resources and protect the environment through on-farm practices.

Engaging these stakeholders is how we create meaningful change, as the best solutions come from the ground up. Taking this advice and working in a bipartisan manner to turn that into sound policy is the right way to address climate change. Ignoring their voices, and forcing legislation written by progressive activists through Congress, is the wrong way.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Community 21

August 11, 2021

Downtown Grants to be awarded by Mena Downtown Partners Submitted by Judy Thompson

Mena Downtown Partners will be providing financial incentives for downtown property owners or tenants 1) to make exterior improvements to existing downtown properties or 2) purchase signage for their downtown business.

Three grant awards up to $500 each will be made. These are not matching fund grants.

The purpose of this grant program is: To strengthen downtown business potential by retaining and attracting businesses.

To restore the economic vitality of Mena’s downtown through increased sales, promotion, services and valuation of property.

To improve the aesthetics of the downtown district.

Projects to be considered must be within the boundaries of the downtown commercial district. The district includes the streets of Mena and DeQueen from Hickory to Oak and all intersecting streets between DeQueen and Mena from and including Hickory to Oak along with Sherwood Street from Seventh to Fourth Street. Deadline for application submission is Tuesday, August 31, 2021. Applications and

Guidelines may be picked up at American Artisans and Wild Hare Art Glass Studio. These will be reimbursable grants that will be paid after the project is completed and paid invoices and proof of payment are submitted.

Grant award recipients will be notified by September 15. All projects must be completed with appropriate paperwork, photos, etc. submitted to Mena Downtown Partners no later than December 15, 2021.

Linda Ostman, president of the Downtown Partners, advises that this is another effort of the program to promote and revitalize downtown Mena.

Ostman encourages any of the downtown businesses to apply.

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Fri-Sun August 6,7,8 & Thurs-Sat12,13,14 Showtimes 7:30 PM for all except for Sunday, August 8, 2:30 PM. Tickets for reserved seating are on sale now at 610 Mena St., Suite B Thursdays and Fridays 2-6 PM and Saturdays 10 AM-2 PM. $15 adults and $10 adults and students. Tickets are also available at the door.

22 Police Reports

August 11, 2021

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

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.

MENA POLICE REPORTS August 1 No reports August 2 Bruce Huber, 33, was served with a warrant at a residence on Reeves Street.

A report of theft of property (shoplifting) was taken from Walmart.

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August 3 Melissa Stanley, 41, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

Patrick Owens, 25, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

Jason Rosson, 39, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

Michael Phillips, 53, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

Rodney Morrison, 35, was served with six warrants at the county jail.

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

August 4 Darrell Sanders, 51, was served with four warrants after a traffic stop on Pine Avenue.

Michael Williams, 39, Abram Abernathy, 24, Windal Loyd, 40, were charged with Criminal Trespassing after a complaint from a residence on 1st Street.

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

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

A report of criminal trespass was taken from a residence on Cherry Street.

August 5 A report of harassment was taken.

A report of terroristic threatening was taken.

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

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

Abram Abernathy, 24, was charged with Criminal Trespass after a complaint from a residence on 9th Street.

Veronica Maddox, 24, was charged with Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia after contact at Atwood’s’.

Justin Keaster, 38, was served with two warrants after a disturbance call to a residence on Cherry Street.

August 7 Donald Armer, 62, was charged with Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting Arrest and Carrying a Knife as a Weapon after a report of a suspicious person at the corner of 12th Street and Hamilton Avenue.

Danial Malin, 48, was charged with Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct after a disturbance call to Mena Regional Health Systems.

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S LOG The Polk County Sheriff ’s Log was unavailable at press time and will be printed in the next issue of The Polk County Pulse and be made available online as soon as it is available.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

True Tales 23

August 11, 2021

True Tales from the Old West: United States Marshal Service

By Ray Shelley I'm standing on the banks of the Arkansas River, next to the Garrison Ave. Bridge in Fort Smith, Arkansas. I start daydreaming about the 1800s.

The ground around me served as a camping ground for the Osages, Quapaws, Shoshones, and Comanche's. This spot was a good staging area for their river trips to the Northwest or their Eastern route to the South.

I almost visualize what this area looked like in the early days, with its tall native pines, hickory and oak trees, a forest that supported ample game, such as deer, buffalo, and wild turkey, plus the river, that supplied an abundance of fish.

In 1682, the southwest part of the United States that included Fort Smith was under the jurisdiction of France. Spain took jurisdiction from France in 1763. Spain ceded the area back to France in 1800. In 1803 Napoleon sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States for 15 million dollars, equivalent to about 344 million dollars in 2021, consisting of approximately 828,000 square miles.

Wow, what a deal President Jefferson made; he doubled the size of the United States for less than 3 cents an acre.

In 1812 Missouri Territory was established, and its Governor was William Clark (Lewis and Clark Expedition). Missouri Territory jurisdiction extended over the Fort Smith area. Arkansas didn't become a territory until 1819.

The migration of Indian tribes westward from the Southeastern States had put pressure on the hunting activities of the Osage

Indians, who occupied the Southwest area since the 1500s.

Around 1810, the Cherokee were about 2000 strong, which led to conflicts between the Osage and Cherokee for hunting grounds. The Indian problem intensified over the years culminating in total war.

As I move up the riverbank, I come to Belle Point, where the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers intersect. The land for the Fort was on a fifty-foot bluff overlooking the Arkansas River in 1817.

General Thomas A. Smith ordered Major William Bradford to establish an Army Post to keep the peace between the Indians. Major Bradford named The Post "Camp Smith" after General Smith.

Between 1817 and 1836, the year Arkansas became the 25th state of the United States, there continued upheaval between the Indians, white hunters, and the locals.

A good book that put those years in contexts is; "Fort Smith, Little Gibraltar on the Arkansas" by Edwin C. Bearss and Arrell M. Gibson.

The United States District Court for the District of Arkansas was established with a single judge, June 15, 1836 Arkansas was divided into Eastern and Western Districts in 1851. President Millard Fillmore appointed George Washington Knox as the first United States Marshal for the Western District Court, Crawford County. Before 1851, the marshal's office was in Little Rock. Deputies would have to travel 160 miles before entering the Indian Territory.

In 1870 the only authorized permanent residents of the Territory were some

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50,000 Indians. The larger groups consisted of the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole. The U.S. Government recognized them as self-governing nations. Each tribe had its laws, court, and police force known as "The Lighthorse," named for their ponies used on patrol. Indian court would only adjudicate Indian committed crimes. The federal court in Fort Smith judged white and Indian conflicts.

William Story became the Federal Judge for the Western District Court of Arkansas in 1871. Also, the Federal Court House was moved from its current location in Van Buren to the city of Fort Smith, Judge Story resigned his Judgeship in 1874 after facing impeachment proceedings.

This same year, President Grant appointed William Harrison Clayton, United States District Attorney for the Western District Court of Ark. Clayton held that position for 14 years.

In 1875, Clayton felt the Western District Court needed a strong Judge. He

knew Isaac Charles Parker would fit the bill. Parker was a member of Missouri's 7th congressional district. His speeches supported the Bureau of Indian Affairs and gained national attention.

However, President Grant had nominated Parker (confirmed by the U.S. Senate) as Chief Justice of the Utah Territory to replace James B. McKean. With the help of President Grant and the United States Senator Powell Clayton, former Governor of Arkansas and brother to William, they were able to undo that appointment, and Parker was redirected to Fort Smith.

Judge Parker's salary was $3,500.00 a year.

Judge Isaac Parker presided over approximately 14,000 to 17,000 cases in his twenty-one-year career. He sentenced 160 to hang. Of those, 79 were executed at the gallows.

I'm suddenly snapped back by a blast from an air horn of an 18 wheeler, crossing the Garrison Ave river bridge, heading towards Oklahoma. The same direction the U.S. Deputies headed in the 1800s, into Indian Territory.

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24 Community

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

August 11, 2021

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