Polk County Pulse August 18, 2021

FREE WEEKLY 1168 Hwy 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600

Pulse THE POLK COUNTY

August 18, 2021

Your DAILY News Sources: KENA 104.1 FM & MyPulseNews.com

CRSD starts school year with new superintendent

school year Tuesday and is reminding parents and caregivers that thanks to a federal waiver impacting WICKES – Students and all school districts in the counstaff were greeted by a new try, students at Cossatot Rivface at Cossatot River School er School District will receive District during the Back-toschool breakfasts and lunches at School Meet and Greet Saturno cost. day.

Broyles has clearly embraced The event, held at the high being the districts new leader school, was organized to welcome students back to school Tyler Broyles and has made attempts to engage and communicate with commuand give the community an CRSD opportunity to meet the new Superintendent nity members, students and parents.

Superintendent, Tyler Broyles.

Broyles shared a back to school upFree food, giveaways and activities including water slides and kids games date to the Cossatot River School Disas well as a live radio remote with mu- trict through a video on You Tube, sic and a Treasure Chest filled with which was shared by the district’s Facecash and prizes were available to those book page.

“We are looking forward to an outin attendance.

Cossatot School District started the See CRSD continued on page 2

By Jeri Pearson

Photo courtesy CRSD Games and festivities are enjoyed Saturday at Cossatot River School District during the Back-to-School Meet & Greet event. CRSD thanks KDQN, The Walking Dog, Selenas, Jazlyn’s Inflatables, The Coffee Vault, and all the individuals who helped make it a great time.

Redistricting considers census data

By Jeri Pearson

Over the next few months, 100 House and 35 Senate Districts will be redrawn so that each district meets various legal criteria, including each district being about the same size in population.

Redistricting is required by law once every 10 years after the Federal Census. The Board of Apportionment is

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responsible for the process and only redistricts the Arkansas House & Senate Legislative Seats, not Congressional Seats – which is the responsibility of the Arkansas General Assembly.

The Board of Apportionment, consisting of the Governor, Secretary of State and Attorney General, was created in 1936 by Amendment 23 to the Arkansas Constitution.

A hearing is scheduled from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 19 in Jonesboro.

Another hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, August 24 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Jack Stephens Center, 2801 S. University Ave. in Little Rock.

For comments, questions or suggestions, comment forms will be provided at each meeting, or one may be filled out online at arkansasredistricting.org.

The hearings will also be live streamed on ARCAN at the following link: https://www.myarkansaspbs.org/ arcan/home Past Public Hearings were held in Fort Smith, Helena, Hope, Bentonville, Mountain Home, and Monticello.

Videos of the Public Hearings and public comments can be viewed on the website arkansasredistricting.org.

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2 News

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

August 18, 2021

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Photo courtesy Polk County Housing Authority Polk County Housing Authority is excited to announce it received a grant from Walmart Community Grants to assist in the purchase of school supplies for our resident families. Mena Walmart Store Manager, Scott Brown, is pictured with Rhonda Anderson, Housing Specialist/Purchasing Agent and Executive Director, Dixie Shrader of PCHA. For many years, Polk County Housing Authority has been able to purchase needed school supplies for students of all ages that are residents of public housing in Polk County as well as participants in the rental assistance program.

CRSD continued from page 1

standing school year and are excited to have all of you back,” Broyles said.

In the video he highlighted how the school will handle COVID positive cases and exposures and directed parents to a FAQ document which was released recently through email, the districts website and social media as well as through text.

Highlights included: Mask are optional and are not required, but are highly encouraged when social distancing is not possible.

Mask are available for students who want to use them.

The district will continue to sanitized regularly, provide and encourage the use of hand sanitizer, provide touchless water dispensers.

Broyles said as a new superintendent in the community, he receives questions frequently.

“One consistent question I get is, do I plan to close down any of our district

buildings,” he said. “I want to reassure everyone that I have no plans of closing down any of our district buildings. In fact, I want to build up each campus to be even stronger than what it already is because I am proud of what each campus has to offer.”

Another question on the minds of community members is what is the status of the athletics field project.

“I am excited to share with everyone that right now we are in communications with a general contractor,” Broyles said. “If we can reach an agreement we hope to get the athletics field project complete as soon as possible.”

Broyles said he appreciates the warm welcome and participation from community members and parents.

“We are looking forward to everyone returning to campus, it is going to be a great year at Cossatot River School District,” he said.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

August 18, 2021

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

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

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Your Pulse!

Dear Editor,

How does the Mena City council justify an entertainment district of one business? I feel Mr. Campbell has schmoozed enough with the members that they fail to see any down side. Has anyone surveyed the folks who live up the hill? Do they want live entertainment in the front/back yard on a semi or regular basis? Does anyone care what they think? They need to speak up before it is too late. It is much harder to fight a done deal.

Mena is not without an outdoor venue that serves liquor and provides music. Mr. Campbell should have bought more wisely if he wanted an outdoor venue. The city of Mena should not close down a city street so that Mr. Campbell can line his pockets.

Always the argument is tourist and taxes. Most tourist do not plan their trips around night spots. The draw for Polk County is our scenery, camping and the trails at Wolf Pen Gap. Consumption of alcohol is now common in many of our eateries. The county did not pass a referendum, just the Mena City Council. Have you guys checked with the local law enforcement to see if DWIs or other alcohol related calls are on the increase? Do you care?

The City Council is looking at other cities and wants to see Mena as an up an coming city. They need to look closer at what happens as cities grow and welcome more and more freedoms. A downside to this is more petty crime and then more major crimes. There foes all that tax revenue. Being conservative is not a bad thing.

Barbara Gibbons Cove, Arkansas

Your Pulse!

Dear Editor, On August 6 of this year my wife of 41 plus years was feeling really bad and had to get medicine filled at a local drug store.

She called it in and because of her being sick, parked in the pick up parking and called to get it delivered to her car. When they came to deliver it our debit card did not work.

The man that brought the medicine replied that she should not order medicine that she could not afford and went back in.

A week later I had to get two meds filled and told the check out lady about it and she told me that I was threating her and needed to leave. I thought this very rude. Any body that knows me and my wife knows we are honest folks and we do not try to cheat people. The bank made a mistake and cancelled our debit cards before they mailed our new ones.

Kenneth Watkins Vandervoort, Arkansas

Editorial 3

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4 State News

Pulse

August 18, 2021

From the

State House of Representatives

across the state, and the list of The House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs these events is found at www.

Committee met on Monday to arkansasredistricting.org. begin the discussion on the reOn Thursday, the U.S. districting process for CongresCensus Bureau released its sional districts in Arkansas. numbers. It shows the popRedistricting is the periulation of Arkansas is now odic redrawing of district John Maddox 3,011,524, an increase of boundaries that elected rep3.3% since 2010. Northwest resentatives who serve specifArkansas saw the most amount of ic geographic areas.

The periodic updating of districts growth in the past decade.

Receiving this data is the first step. must be done because, in a series of A software vendor contracted by the 1960’s cases, the U.S. Supreme Court held that districts must be equal in General Assembly will now begin enpopulation. This is known as the tering the data in a format to allow “one-person, one-vote” requirement. members to draft potential maps. We Arkansas code establishes that Ar- expect to return to the Regular Session kansas is divided into four congressio- soon after that process is complete. nal districts, and the responsibility for The maps ultimately adopted by the the delineation of congressional dis- General Assembly must be as nearly tricts of the substantially equal popuequal as possible and must not limit lation is given to the Arkansas General the right to vote of any racial minority.

Assembly.

All legislative meetings regarding The Board of Apportionment is responsible for drawing the boundaries redistricting are open to the public, of state legislative districts. The Board and there is time set aside for public of Apportionment is comprised of comment.

You can also watch the meetings live the Governor, the Attorney General, and Secretary of State. The Board of and recorded on our website www.arApportionment is holding meetings kansashouse.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

said.

The Arkansas Legislative Those closures would Council approved a funding create severe disruption request of more than $245 in access to health care, million to help hospitals and with reduced availability nursing homes recruit and reof nursing care for famitain staff, and to cope with exlies and individuals. Local traordinary expenses caused economies would suffer, by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The money comes from a Larry Teague especially in rural areas.

“The human impact will massive federal act known as the American Rescue Plan, which be considerable,” the DHS request sends about $1,573 billion to Ar- said.

Nursing homes must comply with kansas state government and an additional $1 billion to Arkansas cities detailed government regulations, and counties. Other ARP funds will which have changed frequently since go to schools and for capital projects. last year as medical officials learned The Legislative Council is the main more about the pandemic and how body of lawmakers who meet in the it spreads. To meet the specific and interim between legislative sessions complex requirements of regulators, to oversee state government opera- nursing homes have added staff while tions. The Council met soon after the maintaining nursing services.

Hospitals also have seen increased conclusion of the recent special session to consider the health emergen- costs due to the pandemic. They’ve bought protective equipment and adcy funding requests.

The pandemic has strained the ditional medical equipment. They are capacity of Arkansas health care fa- constantly testing staff, patients and cilities in numerous ways. Staff are the general public. They have partiworking long hours. So many beds tioned and updated rooms to meet are occupied by Covid patients that the growing demand for beds for other units in hospitals sometimes Covid patients.

According to the Human Services lack space for patients with other ailment and injuries. Testing of staff is Department request for ARP fundconstant, and continues to add to the ing, the factor limiting hospitals ability to respond to the health emercost of operations.

According to the request for fund- gency is a lack of frontline staff. In reing from the state Department of cruiting available nurses and medical Human Services, the 226 skilled staff, Arkansas hospitals must comnursing facilities in Arkansas are in pete with other states where hospitals unsustainable financial jeopardy. In pay higher salaries.

Hospitals propose to spend the ordinary times they rely heavily on government programs, such as Med- ARP funding recruiting additional icaid to reimburse their costs for pa- staff and retaining their existing staff, the department said in its funding retient care.

Since last year the nursing homes quest.

The funds will be disbursed to hoshave spent most of the emergency government funds they received to pitals and nursing homes according help them weather the pandemic, to formulas that take into account their accounts are being depleted and how many beds they have and how their unreimbursed costs continue to many people they have on staff already. climb.

Hospitals that don’t accept MedicWithout additional help, “thousands of residents and staff face a real aid or Medicare will not receive any risk of multiple closures,” the request of the emergency funding.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Obituaries 5

August 18, 2021

Betty Miller

Mrs. Betty Miller, age 69, passed away Thursday, August 12, 2021, in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

She was born in Columbus, Georgia on October 4, 1951, to Erwin Chiles and Betty Jane Danforth. She was happily married to Mr. Arnold D Miller for many years until his passing in 2017.

She was a proud member of the Board Camp Assembly of God. Mrs. Miller was an outdoors enthusiast who greatly enjoyed fishing and camping. She was also a very talented seamstress and musician who could play accordion, piano, organ, and loved to sing as well. Her motherly love knew no bounds as she was a babysitter for many, many local children. But above all else, Mrs. Miller loved her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her sons, Franklin Sears and wife Sherry, Kevin Sears and wife Kimberly; daughters, Angela Kilpatrick, Janet Cook and husband Keith; grandchildren, Jason Sears, Jarred Sears, Jessica Sears, Joshua Jordan, Adam Jordan, Kalyn Jones, Christopher Cook, Ryan Cook, Schyler Cook, Issac Cook, Aaron Cook, Madeline Sears, Zachary Sears, and Lillian Sears; mother, Betty Jean Danforth; brothers, David Danforth and Joe Danforth; sisters, Sandra Harris, Becky Strong, and Beverly Bridwell; special niece, nurse, and caregiver, Beverly Ann Bridwell, as well as a host of family, friends, and neighbors.

Services will be held at Beasley-Wood Funeral Chapel, Monday, August 16, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. with Brother Tim Rose officiating. Interment will follow at the Saline Cemetery in Athens, Arkansas, under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation is general.

Pallbearers are Joshua Caleb Jordan, Adam Nicholas Jordan, Christopher Daniel Cook, Ryan Keith Cook, Schyler Blake Cook, and Zachary Kevin Sears.

Honorary pallbearers are Kenneth Dale Bridwell and William Wesley Bridwell.

Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Curt L. Hansel

Curt L. Hansel, age 49, of Mena, Arkansas died on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at the Mena Regional Health System.

He was born on Monday, November 15, 1971 to LaVere G Hansel and Sarah Dorlee Higley Hansel in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

Curt was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was married to his loving wife Karen for 25 years. Together they raised two boys and it brought Curt great joy to see them grow into the wonderful men they had became. Curt was proud of his sons and his grandchildren. It brought him joy to watch them grow and develop.

His family was the most important thing to him and he wanted to help them all no matter the circumstance. Curt was an energetic man with a big laugh and an even bigger heart. His presence controlled the room and he used that to make everyone feel important and included.

He enjoyed riding his motorcycles with his sons when he needed “wind therapy” and playing video games. Curt loved super heroes and their values of morality, responsibility, and duty. He tried to instill those values into his kids and grandkids.

Old cartoons and listening to old country music brought him joy.

He enjoyed listening to Glenn Campbell, Johnny Cash, and Merle Haggard.

Curt was passionate about the humane society and veterans. He loved his animals and the innocence they represented. He was an extremely patriotic man and was proud of our country and those who have fought for our freedom. Curt made his living as a long haul truck driver and got to see a lot of the country with his family.

He was a talented mechanic as well and worked as an engineer for the railroad. Curt was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

The world is a lesser place without him here and the void he leaves behind will forever be vacant.

He is preceded in death by his mother,

Sarah Dorlee Hansel.

Curt is survived by his loving wife, Karen Hansel of Mena, Arkansas; two sons and daughters in law, RJ and Courtney Hansel of El Paso, Texas and Kyle and Caitlyn Hansel of Mena; three sisters and brothers in law, Sarah Knutson and Monty of Orting, Washington, Kristen Corbett of Mena, and Annetta and Eric Richards of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Jacob Harder, Quinten Hansel, and R.J. “Jax” Hansel of Mena; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at White Oak Cemetery in Mena, Arkansas at 10:00 a.m. with Brother Douglas King officiating. Services are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Pallbearers are RJ Hansel, Kyle Hansel, Johnny Corbett, Glenn Erickson, Brian Erickson, and Jeff Jones.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Humane Society of the Ouachitas, 366 Polk Rd 50, Mena, AR 71953, in memory of Curt Hansel.

Joseph Kelly Haynes

Joseph Kelly Haynes, age 46, of Hatfield, Arkansas died on Friday, August 13, 2021, at his home. He was born on Saturday, October 26, 1974 to Billy Ray Haynes and Alice Patricia Echols in De Queen, Arkansas.

Joe was very fun to be around and loved to make people laugh. He worked at the Dollar General in Wickes for nine years and even his customers loved him.

Joe was down to earth and as easy going as anyone can be. He attended the Catholic Church and the Grannis Baptist Church with his wife Rachel. Joe liked anything outdoors and could often be found out working in his garden or mowing the lawn. He enjoyed good food, hunting, and watching wrestling and NASCAR. Joe loved his four dogs and other animals and spending time with his family. He liked listening to country music, and had a passion for guns even working as a gun-

smith for a while. Joe took pride in taking care of his family and marrying the love of his life, Rachel. Joe was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Jimmy Richard, and Jeffrey Haynes.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 6 years, Rachel Haynes of Hatfield; step-mother Deborah Haynes of Lafayette, TN; three brothers and sisters in law, Thomas and Leah Ryan of Fort Towson, Oklahoma, Bobby and Angela Haynes of Wickes, and Michael Winkley of Hatfield; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Six Mile Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas with Brother John Risin officiating. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Ronald Allan Patterson

Pastor Ronald Allan Patterson, pastor of the Mena, DeQueen, and, and Umpire Seventh-Day Adventist Churches, fell asleep in the Lord Jesus on August 11, 2021, at the age of 63 from various health- related complications. Pastor Ron was sent for cremation under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home. A memorial service to be at Mena Seventh- Day Adventist church on Fairgrounds Road on August 18, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

6 Obituaries

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

August 18, 2021

Eddie Franklin Lunsford

Eddie Franklin Lunsford, age 84, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Monday August 9, 2021, in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

He was born May 17, 1937, in Mena, Arkansas, to Ealy F. and Annie Merle (Mos) Lunsford.

Eddie worked as a mailman for the United States Postal Service and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his kids and grandkids. He served as a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America and was in scouting for 50 years. Under his leadership his two sons, Jonathan, and Josh, as well as one grandson, Bradley, became Eagle Scouts. Mr. Lunsford was the last charter member of the Hollybriar Hunting Club, a loyal member of Christ Community Fellowship Church and enjoyed drinking coffee with his friends at Country Express. Mr. Lunsford was well known and respected throughout Polk County.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife; Sue Lunsford on June 5, 2021; parents; mother and father inlaw, H.L and Myrtle Irene (Plunkett) Johnson; brother, Ulysses Lunsford; and brother-in-law, Bill Burgess. Eddie is survived by his children, Susan Busch and husband Bruce, Jonathan Lunsford and wife Penny, Josh Lunsford, and wife Jennifer; grandchildren; Bradley Busch, Dustin Lunsford, Adyson Lunsford, Nic Cannon, Micah Cannon and wife Tiffanie, Dylan Blundell, and wife Caitlyn; great grandchild, Ava Blundell; sisters-in-law, Hilda Burgess, and Ruby Lunsford; brothers-in-law, Ronnie Johnson and wife Margie, and Donnie Johnson; and a host of other family, friends, and special cousins.

Graveside services will be Thursday August 12, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the Pinecrest Memorial Park, with Brother Bobby Blasingame and Brother Jerry Musgrove officiating, under the di-

rection of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation is general.

Pallbearers are Don Brewer, Danny Spencer, Loren Whisenhunt, Jamie Bartow, Delwin Reed, Harold Coogan, Ray Hale, and Stokes Herod.

Honorary Pallbearers are Alan Bradley, David Brewer, and the Country Express Coffee Club.

Online obituary and guestbook at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Ralph Edward Rexroad

Ralph Edward Rexroad, age 72 of Mena, Arkansas passed away on August 9, 2021 in Mena, Arkansas. He was born August 7, 1949, in Dodge City, Kansas to Warren Rexroad and Elsie Rexroad Donaldson.

After graduating from Emporia High School (Emporia, Kansas) in 1967, he attended Electronic Computer Programming Institute in Dallas, Texas. He had a long career in computer programming and information technology. He travelled around the world several times and lived in and worked in such far-flung places as Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Orlando, Florida; Dallas, Texas; Toledo, Ohio: and Reston, Virginia.

Ralph was a friend to everyone he met, and he endeared friends and family with his sense of humor, joke-telling, and stories. He was a car and motorcycle enthusiast, movie and music buff, and a photographer, but his family was most important in his life.

Ralph is survived by his two daughters, Lisa Rexroad Godbold and husband Joe Godbold of West Virginia, and Andrea Rexroad and partner Mike Zimmerman of Florida, his two granddaughters Kayleigh Miller and Brooke Godbold of West Virginia, his two sisters Linda Rexroad and Sherry Balkenhol of Mena, Arkansas, his niece Sarah Josey, his nephews Aaron and Brandon Balkenhol and their families, and his uncle Col. Ralph McGrew, USAF, Ret. of California.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents.

Talanda Latisha Anglin

Talanda Latisha “Tisha” Anglin, age 43, passed away on Friday, August 6, 2021 at her home in Van Buren, Arkansas. She was born May 24, 1978, in Mena, Arkansas to Landon and Cynthia (Venable) Anglin.

Tisha was a strong soul with a passion for education and life. She was a teacher who helped many of her students surpass expectations and improve their lives. She loved hiking, camping, and traveling to new locations. She encouraged everyone to experience the beauty of nature and take the road less traveled. Her presence had a special way of making everyone feel welcomed. She strived to ensure no one felt left-out or alone when she was around.

Tisha was a devoted mother, loving sister, beloved daughter, affectionate partner, and steadfast friend who will be sorely missed.

Tisha is survived by her daughter, Kaitlind Bryant; her parents, Landon and Cynthia Anglin; her siblings, Chris, Joey, Joshua, and Meghann Anglin; and her partner; Chris Worthey.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Bill and Bonnie Anglin, and Richard and Dorothy Venable.

Online obituary and guestbook at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Donald Powell. She is survived by her sons, Jerry Roy Roberts and wife Rachel, Michael Anderson Roberts and wife Lisa; daughters, Cindy Faye Watkins, Amy Ruth Betz and husband David; grandchildren, Catelin Watkins, Jackson Watkins, Heather Henderson, Cordell Roberts, Mark Roberts, Logan Roberts, Haden Roberts, Gloria Roberts, Vivian Roberts, Ayla Lingafelt, Ivy Powell, Gabriel Betz, Olivia Betz and Amelia Betz; 5 great-grandchildren; 3 step-great-grandchildren; brother, Steve Golden; sister, Zeda Baker; and a host of other family and friends.

Graveside Services will be Friday, August 13, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. with Brother Donnie Jewell officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be general.

Pallbearers will be Jackson Watkins, Gabriel Betz, Cordell Roberts, Mark Roberts, Michael Henderson and Logan Roberts.

Honorary Pallbearer is Haden Roberts.

Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Edith Faye Roberts

Edith Faye “Jo” Roberts, age 77, passed away Monday August 9, 2021, in Mena, Arkansas. She was born on February 11, 1944, in Athens, Arkansas to Henry Anderson and Violet Dulene (Ralls) Golden.

She worked as a farmer and enjoyed gardening and raising her chickens.

She was a wonderful seamstress with quilting as her passion. She also loved cooking and problem solving and was an avid reader. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. She will be dearly missed.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Alva Roberts; parents, Henry and Violet Golden; brother, Jimmy Golden; sister, Sylvia Jane Dees; sons-in-law, Phill Watkins and

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August 18, 2021 History 7 Pulse Reflections from History and Faith: “What a Wonderful World” THE POLK COUNTY

By Jeff Olson

After all, he wasn't really all that ornery a boy. Of course he could be from time to time but not in a serious and consequential way- well, at least until New Year's Eve 1912. The boy fired his stepfather's shotgun in the air during a New Year's Eve celebration and was promptly arrested on the spot. He was then remanded to the Colored Waif 's Home for Boys. So, they didn't give him a break – or did they....?

Daniel was born in New Orleans one hundred twenty years ago this month on August 4, 1901. He was raised in a neighborhood so rough it was called “The Battlefield.” His father was a factory worker and abandoned the family soon after Daniel's birth. His mother would often turn to prostitution and leave him with his maternal grandmother. He had little choice but to leave school in the fifth grade to find a job to survive.

Young Daniel had developed an interest in music and enjoyed harmonizing on street corners. He also found a second home with a local Lithuanian-Jewish family who hired him to do odd jobs for their business. The Karnofskys treated him as though he was their own child, often giving him food and even helping him purchase his first cornet. As a sign of his gratitude to his second family, Daniel began wearing a Star of David pendant around his neck.

This he wore for the remainder of his life.

However, all this got interrupted by the shotgun incident, so now what

479.394.4248

104 Port Arthur Ave. Mena, AR 71953-3344

would become of Daniel? What kind of future would he have? Well, it so happened that the Colored Waif 's Home for Boys had a band and an instructor named Peter Davis.

Under Davis' tutelage, Daniel learned how to properly play the cornet, eventually becoming the leader of the Waif ’s Home Brass Band. That was where Daniel later claimed, “me and music got married. I do believe that my whole success goes back to that time I was arrested as a wayward boy because then I had to quit running around and began to learn something. Most of all, I began to learn music.” Daniel was released from the Waif ’s Home in 1914, but continued playing in New Orleans’ honkytonks.

Joe “King” Oliver, the greatest cornetist in town, began mentoring the young Daniel, occasionally using him as a sub. It wasn't long before Daniel became one of the most in-demand cornetists around. In 1918, he replaced Oliver in Kid Ory's band, then the most popular band in New Orleans.

Beginning in 1919, Daniel spent his summers playing on riverboats with a band led by Fate Marable.

It was on the riverboat that he honed his music reading skills and eventually had his first encounters with other jazz legends, including Bix Beiderbecke and Jack Teagarden. In 1922, at Oliver's invitation, Daniel moved to Chicago where eventually he had great success playing with Oliver with whom he made his first recordings in April 1923.

That was also when he made his first recorded solo on "Chimes Blues."

Daniel soon began dating the female pianist in Oliver's band, Lillian Hardin.

After they married in 1924, Hardin encouraged Daniel to leave Oliver and join Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra, the top African American dance band in New York City at the time. Daniel made some great contributions to Henderson's band, essentially transforming it into what is generally regarded as the first jazz big band.

While in New York. he also cut dozens of records as a sideman, creating

inspirational jazz with other greats of the day. Still, he wasn't happy there so after a year he returned to Chicago and started playing with his wife's band at the Dreamland Café.

It was also during this time that Daniel started recording under his own name for a change and switched from the cornet to the trumpet. In case you haven't figured it out by now, his own name was in fact Daniel - Louis Daniel Armstrong. With OKeh Records, between 1925 and 1928, “Louis Armstrong and his Hot Five” made more than 60 records, including some with the “Hot Seven.”

Today, these are generally regarded as the most important and influential recordings in jazz history. Throughout the 1920s, he was one of the most sought-after musicians in Chicago and New York. His improvised solos helped transform jazz from an ensemble music to a soloist's art and his vocals on these recordings popularized wordless

HISTORY continued on page 10

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8 Faith

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

August 18, 2021

An Arkie’s Faith: The Foxhole Surgeon

By Richie Lawry

It was a cold, murky, November day, and nineteen-year-old Duane was knee-deep in the mud of a French beet field. He was bandaging men and dodging bullets as the only medic with a machine-gun platoon of Patton’s Third Army. Machine-gun rounds and intense mortar fire filled the evening air as the young medic worked, rapidly bandaging the lacerated chest of a sergeant.

Suddenly a burst of gunfire split the air, and Duane saw a rifleman about fifty feet ahead slump into the mud, desperately grasping his throat. He saw that the man was thrashing violently, and immediately started crawling through the mortar barrage and machine-gun rounds. When Duane reached the rifleman, he found that his throat was ripped open, and his windpipe slashed. The injured man fought frantically for air, but his face was turning blue from suffocation.

Duane quickly examined the wound, then took out his pocketknife. He had no surgical equipment but realized that a tracheotomy was the man’s only hope.

Duane remembered a training lecture from more than a year ago. He had to try the procedure, or in a few minutes, the man would be dead. Even under the floodlights of modern hospitals with anesthetics, sterilized scalpels, and retractors for holding open the wound, the tracheotomy is a delicate surgical procedure. In the mud of the battle and the semi-darkness of dusk, it seemed impossible.

“I don’t like to do this, Mac,” Duane told the rifleman, “But it’s the only way you’re gonna live.” Crazed by pain and not able to breathe, the man fought wildly. A lieutenant quickly came to Duane’s aid and held down the patient, while with a swift motion, Duane cut

an up-and-down slit 1-1/2 inches long in the windpipe below the fracture. He knew that a crosswise incision might sever the jugular vein. Now Duane needed a rigid tube to keep the trachea from reclosing. He took the cap of a fountain pen in the wounded man’s pocket, punctured the end, and slipped it into the windpipe. Color trickled back into the rifleman’s face, and he began to breathe again through the hole in the top of the pen.

“Now hold the fountain pen in your windpipe, and you’ll be okay, Mac,” Duane told him. “You can’t breathe through your nose or mouth,” he warned, “but your lungs will work.

Twiddle the pen around and keep the hole open. You’ll pull through all right.”

The man’s breathing improved, and in a few minutes, he was able to stand. Supported by his two rescuers, he was able to walk to a nearby tank that took him to the battalion aid station. The doctors and aids stood open-mouthed when they saw the fantastic battlefield operation. They sent him on to the clearing station, where a tracheotomy tube replaced the fountain pen. When newspaper correspondents wrote about the incredible story of the successful battlefield tracheotomy, they called Duane the “Foxhole Surgeon.”

Surgeons who later heard the rifleman’s story were amazed that Duane, even though he was just nineteen years old and only knew about the tracheotomy procedure from one training lecture, could successfully save the rifleman’s life. One of them wrote a letter, commending Duane for his presence of mind, resourcefulness, and skill.

Surgeon General Norman Kirk, Major General LeRoy Irwin of the Fifth Division, and several other Army authorities wrote of their appreciation and commendation to the young medic.

Duane continued to serve as a med-

ic in the Army and was wounded three times. While helping others at the Battle of the Bulge, a barrage of bullets sliced his pack from his back, and one tore into him. But he survived the injury, and after the war, he attended college. He resolved not to be just a “foxhole surgeon,” with a jackknife and a fountain pen, but a first-class surgeon.

Because of his heroism and the notoriety he received in the press, Duane Kinman, the foxhole surgeon, was given a premedical scholarship from Walla Walla College in his hometown.

He also received a full scholarship covering a medical education at Western Reserve University. Duane Kinman is a true American hero.

We hear the word hero a lot in our culture, but do we know what it means?

Today’s culture is obsessed with superheroes. Movies and television shows about superheroes are very popular.

My granddaughters can tell me all about the latest superhero movies. But superheroes are fictional. Are there any real heroes out there? Many people make heroes out of politicians, movie stars, and musicians. But what have these people done that would make them a hero? Popularity doesn’t make you a hero.

In America, we seem to have a lot

of celebrities but very few heroes. Historian Daniel Boorstin compared the two this way: “Celebrities are people who make news, but heroes are people who make history. Time makes heroes but dissolves celebrities.” A hero is someone who does something selfless, something sacrificial. A hero is someone who puts the needs of another above their own. Most true heroes receive no accolades or adoration.

Gentle Reader, who are your heroes?

Who do you look up to and want to emulate? In Psalms 16:3 (NLT), David tells us who his heroes are: “The godly people in the land are my true heroes!

I take pleasure in them!” Godly people who put others first are true heroes.

Look up to those heroes. You, too, can be a hero. You may never get any recognition, but helping someone else in a selfless, sacrificial way is heroic. To be a hero, follow this advice from the Apostle Paul. “Don’t do anything only to get ahead. Don’t do it because you are proud. Instead, be humble. Value others more than yourselves. None of you should look out just for your own good. Each of you should also look out for the good of others.” Philippians 2:3,4 (NIRV) The world needs more true heroes.

Joke of the Week: Before Mt. Rushmore was carved, its natural beauty was unprecedented.

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

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August 18, 2021

Humor 9

Hogspore News: Mowey Goes For A Walk

By Clet Litter from the Ozarks

Junior Bickum bought himself a rechargeable battery operated automatic robot lawn mower for his one-acre front yard. He got it wholesale through his hardware store business. He said, “The Blade and Ducker Auto 3,000 model comes with two batteries and

a charger. I can set it to run whenever I want. When it gets low on juice, it returns to the charger to take a nap. If I don’t wanna wait, I shove in a spare battery in Mini Mowey and send him back to the frontlines.”

Junior continued, “My wife has grown fond of it and takes it out for walks after supper. Every so often, the

mower stops and drops a mass of grass on the side of the road. She picks it up and puts it in his duty box. She said, ‘Our Mini Mowey is so cute when he’s taking a Clump.”’

The Equally Challenged Rodeo comes to town this weekend. They match the rider’s flaw to rodeo animals with the same weakness. This year’s

theme is Hemorrhoids. There’s a star field of your favorite buckaroos and beasts. The owners have even signed the famous bull, Pile Driver. Co-Owner and previous barrelman Ben Tupp said, “It was fairly easy to find bulls with hemorrhoids, especially the ones that

HUMOR continued on page 10

10 History

THE POLK COUNTY

August 18, 2021

HISTORY

continued from page 7 "scat singing." By the end of the decade, the popularity of the Hot Fives and Sevens brought Armstrong back to New York, where in 1929 he appeared in the popular Broadway revue, “Connie's Hot Chocolates.”

From there, Louis Armstrong was on his way to becoming an American institution. In the 1930s and 1940s, he toured extensively and continually, first in Europe and then throughout the U.S. It was what many consider to be one of the most grueling tour schedules in American music history. After about a one year hiatus to recuperate from the tour, He began recording again, fronting a big band and appearing regularly in movies.

Armstrong set several “firsts” for African Americans. He was the first to have featured billing in a major Hollywood movie with Pennies from Heaven (1936). That same year he became the first jazz musician to write an autobiography: Swing That Music. He was also

the first to host a nationally sponsored radio show. In 1937 he took over Rudy Vallee's Fleischmann's Yeast Show for 12 weeks. Armstrong continued to appear in motion pictures, but with the mid-1940s came the decline of both the swing era and that of the big bands which gave him pause about which direction to take next.

While he had been singing for many years already, it wasn' t until the 1950s that audiences really began to appreciate his unique artistry as a singer. His signature “scat” style of singing became the international signature of jazz itself and his recordings during this decade are among the most popular of his career and the genre itself.

He also was cast in several motion pictures during this decade, including two big band era biographies where he played himself: The Glenn Miller Story (1954) and The Five Pennies (1959).

During the mid-'50s, Armstrong's popularity overseas soared which gave many fans the idea to alter his longtime nickname, Satchmo, to "Ambassador Satch."

The late 1950s saw the civil rights

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movement accelerate and it impacted Armstrong in some negative ways.

Many blacks saw him as an “uncle tom” playing for primarily white audiences.

However, Armstrong was actually a pioneer whose career opened the door for other blacks in the entertainment world, giving them more opportunity and respectability. During the height of the Cold War in the late 1950s, the U.S. State Department developed a program to send jazz musicians and other entertainers on goodwill tours to improve America’s image overseas.

He was already known as “Ambassador Satch” for his concerts in far corners of the globe, but in 1960 he became an official cultural diplomat after he took off on a three-month, State Department-sponsored trip across Africa.

In late 1963, Armstrong and his All Stars recorded the title track for an upcoming musical called “Hello, Dolly!”

Surprisingly to Armstrong, it soared to the top of the charts, displacing two songs by The Beatles who were then at the height of their popularity.

At age 62, Armstrong became the oldest musician in American history to have a number one song. He had received many accolades during his long career, including three Grammy Award nominations, but his vocal performance of Hello, Dolly! earned him that Grammy in 1964. He was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1972 and in 2017 was inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. Both were posthumously.

In 1967, Armstrong recorded a song which was first offered to Tony

HUMOR

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Bennett, but Bennett turned it down.

While it met with a less than enthusiastic response in its first release it, has since become what many consider to be a classic and one of Armstrong's signature songs.

The many years of constant touring and not taking care of himself began to exact a toll on his health. In 1959 he suffered his first heart attack and nine years later returned to intensive care at Beth Israel Hospital for heart and kidney trouble.

Doctors advised him not to play, but Armstrong continued to practice every day and returned to performing in 1970. This was when he recorded for us a special introduction to that signature song I mentioned earlier, “What a Wonderful World.” Pops' return to his music however was too much, too soon.

He passed away on July 6, 1971, but this new recording left us with an even richer song, one which reminds us that our world is mostly what we make of it – through love, our relationships with others, our priorities in life, and our appreciation for the simple, common everyday blessings that we too often take for granted.

Fifty years after his death, this song still reminds us that at the heart of Louis Armstrong's legacy are his indelible, enduring and priceless treasures of music and love he left to us that made our world more wonderful - and even so now as I am reminded when I play one of my favorites of his records, “What a Wonderful World.”

Thank you, Pops!

continued from page 9

ate a lot of wheat straw. It makes them real mean with a lotta try.

We did have more trouble getting enough broncobusters with hemorrhoids that were younger than 40, but we did it. These boys have major saddle time, and are ready to ride. They put in a mess of preparation, and we’re not expecting any of our fellers to sit this one out. They’re itching to get started.

Grab some tickets for the formal dinner and line dancing after the last show.

Remember, it’s white tie duds, so that means evening gowns for the ladies and Tucks for the gentlemen.”

Mumford Pickens says, “I finally got around to reading The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy. It’s basically just a subplot.”

Contact Clet Litter at bobsimpson1947@yahoo.com. You know you wanna.

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August 18, 2021

Community 11

12 Outdoors

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

August 18, 2021

OUACHITA BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL

BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS

By Steven E Stillwell

If you’ve ever wondered what a BLACK WIDOW spider bite feels like and the potential affects it can have on your body, keep reading, because I have firsthand experience. Imagine being stung in the same spot by seven hornets, and someone plunging a searing, red- hot needle into the wound. According to statistics, TAKE MY WORD FOR IT, this spider inflicts the most painful bite out of all the arachnids in North America. Her venom is neurotoxic, drop for drop, it’s 15 times more lethal than a rattlesnake’s and it affects the central nervous system. Fortunately, this spider can’t inject as much toxin as a pit-viper, because of its miniature size, but it can potentially kill someone if they go into anaphylactic shock. Death is rare, but infants, toddlers, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to succumbing.

DISCLAIMER: If bitten, and in doubt, seek medical attention immediately.

THIS IS HOW MY STORY BEGAN. A couple of weeks ago, I was inspecting one of my deer hunting, ground-blinds, and I was being extremely cautious looking for any snakes that might have taken up residence inside. When I pulled the tarp door back to inspect the interior, my assailant was nestled on the opposite side of the fabric, patiently waiting for her next victim. Black Widows love to lurk

in dark, shady places, and I should have known better, but I had tunnel vision, because I was expecting something else; I NEVER SAW THIS COMING. The pain was intense! I was so angry that I’d acted recklessly, but I was also aware that I’d made a serious and potentially, life threatening mistake. I turned loose of the tarp, yanked my right hand back, and the swelling was almost instantaneous. I observed an elongated, bright red, blister forming in the web of my hand, between my thumb and index-finger.

DON’T PANIC, BECAUSE IT’S TIME TO THINK. I took my Buck-knife out of its sheath, deployed the blade, and carefully lanced the blister, squeezing the wound as hard as I could. To my surprise, there was no blood, only clear fluid, and possibly venom. Some of you might be thinking, suck on the wound and spit out the juice; this is the worst thing you can do, because you’re introducing more toxins directly into your mouth. If you have cavities, cankers, or small oral cuts, this could exacerbate the problem, because your orifice is in close proximity to your brain; AVOID THIS TEMPTATION. Chances are, the bite won’t kill you, but frivolous actions will, so remain calm and stay focused!

THESE ARE RECOMMENDATIONS; and this is what I did. It took me approximately 15 minutes to ride home on my 4-wheeler, and I had to operate the throttle with the palm of my hand, because it’s positioned on the right handlebar.

When I walked through the front door, my wife said, “You weren’t gone very long.”

I raised my arm, held up my hand, and she shouted, “My God, what happened?”

“BLACK WIDOW,” I replied.

FIELD EXPEDIENT FIRST-AID CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE. Our first course of action was to clean the wound with soap and water, and sterilized it with some antiseptic. Next, we applied a drawing balm called, “PRID”, and Maureen placed a Band-Aid over the lesion. She also gave me a Benadryl to counteract any possible allergic reactions. I waited approximately an hour, and we changed the dressing again. I did this four times, within a 24 hour timeframe, to ensure that the solution would draw as much venom out of the wound as possible. I NEVER WENT TO THE DOCTOR, OR THE EMERGENCY ROOM. My hand had a considerable amount of fever, and moderate swelling, but it never spread, or extended beyond my wrist. All of my fingers and joints ached, and the residual pain extended into my elbow, but this only lasted for a couple of hours. A nice, cold ice-pack helped ease the pain. A couple of beers and several shots of premium whiskey took the edge off. Four days of extreme fatigue followed, but the swelling subsided, and I reapplied the PRID SOLUTION until the bite formed a scab. Our bodies are resilient, and the healing process is amazing!

I don’t recommend taking unnecessary chances, but having a little knowledge of first aide techniques, homeopathic remedies, and studying the old ways, just might keep you out of the doctor’s office!

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

Learn more about school safety at SCHOOLSAFETY.GOV

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

THE POLK COUNTY

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Old West 13

August 18, 2021

True Tales from the Old West

Western District Federal Court Fort Smith, The Early Days Of Bass Reeves

By Ray Shelley I have been fascinated with the old west as far back as I can remember. In 1954 I purchased a new magazine on the market called 'True West.' Over the years, my magazines were thrown out or misplaced, with many documented histories lost. Since my earlier days, I have changed my habits. Now I'm a packrat. There is no telling how many True West, Frontier Times, and Wild West magazines I have, plus several hardback books with more information than a guy from Mena, Arkansas, needs.

My main interest in law enforcement officers and outlaws centers around 1875 -1896, Judge Issac C. Parker's tenure, and the Western Arkansas Federal Court system. I have read several accounts of the Earp Brothers of Tombstone, AZ, the Masterson Brothers of Dodge City, Kansas. Still, I find the Bill Tilghmen, Chris Madsen, Heck Thomas, and James 'Bud' Ledbetter are far more fascinating while bringing law and order to Indian Territory. Another lawman who up until recently did not receive a lot of press. His name is Bass Reeves.

While researching Bass Reeves, I have found several versions of his life story.

Bass was a big man for the times. He stood 6'2" and weighed approximately 180 #, and he rode a horse that was 19 hands high. Average man's height

in those days was around 5'6" to 5'9".

He must have been a rugged-looking individual riding down Garrison Ave in Fort Smith. Garrison Avenue used to be the parade grounds where troops drilled under the command of Zachary Taylor, Commander of the Fort, who later became the President of the United States.

Western District Federal Court Fort Smith bordered Indian Territory ( present-day Oklahoma) between the 30 counties of Western Arkansas and all of Indian Territory. The court had to keep a handle on federal crimes committed in 75,000 square miles. Be-

fore 1875 the Western District Federal Court many illegalities were occurring from mismanagement under the tenure of Judge William Story. Judge Story, accused of overcharging the government and taking bribes, resigned from the pressure of impending impeachment.

On May 2, 1875, the irresponsibility of the court changed when President Grant appointed Isaac C. Parker as Judge of the Western District Federal Court of Fort Smith at the yearly salary of $3500.00 a year. Parker became the youngest judge appointed to the federal bench at the age of Thirty-six years of age.

Judge Parker did not waste time dispensing justice. Eight days after his arrival as the new federal judge, he held his first trial. Eighteen murderers faced his bench, and fifteen were convicted.

Eight of these he sentenced to hang.

Out of the eight convictions, one was shot and killed trying to escape. The President commuted one sentence because of his youth. ( incidentally, for fourteen years, there were no appeals to the supreme court, Judge Parker had complete control over his decisions.

Except when appealed to the President.)

Judge Parker commissioned the first black. United States Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi when Bass Reeves took the oath of office in 1875.

Bass Reeves (Early Days)

To understand Bass Reeves's impact on taming of Indian Territory, you have to start from his beginning.

Bass was born a slave in Paris, Texas, the date varies, but most historians think Bass was born in 1838. Colonel George Reeves owned Bass's mother and father, Sam and Sara Reeves, (There has been much debate among scholars and historians if the enslaved African Americans used the surnames of their last or previous owners. Sam and Sara chose to take the Reeves name ) Historian researcher and College professor Art Burton's book, Black, Red, and Deadly, writes, "Colonel Reeves owned a small plantation, also seven slaves, of whom Bass was one.

The slaves lived in the same house as Reeves and his family but in a different

See OLD WEST page 14

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August 18, 2021

OLD WEST continued from page 13

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location.

One of Bass's first jobs was to bring water to the pickers in the fields. While keeping their palates wet, he would also sing, a gift he acquired from his father, who also loved to sing. Sam and Sara were good parents, teaching their children responsibilities, ethics, honesty, and fairness while living in bondage.

There are a couple of versions of how Bass ended up as a Deputy Marshal. Burton writes Oral history recorded by the Bass Reeves family stated that Bass was picked to be his master's companion or Body servent. Oral history also says Bass was with Col. Reeves at the battle of Pea Ridge Ar and had a disagreement over a card game. The two got into a fight, with Bass beating Col. Parker to within an inch of his life. Bass fled to Indian Territory and hid out until President Lincoln signed the Emancipated Proclamation Act in 1863 that made Reeves free, then he waited until the conclusion of the Civil War in 1865.

Another version ( BASS REEVES: DEPUTY U.S. MARSHAL 1875-1902 By Mary Wyche Estes ) I find more colorful, but again not provable. The author claims Col. Reeves son, Jonathon, befriended Bass, as they were roughly the same age. Through the years of friendship, Bass was allowed to exercise the Reeves horses. Also, the boys would shoot pistols and rifles. Bass became very proficient at both.

Jonathon went off to college, and on his trips home, he would teach Bass the card game of poker and showed Bass all the signals for Jonathon to win. Bass wasn't very uncomfortable with this arrangement because he knew cheating was wrong. Then he told Bass he was bringing some college kid home for the weekend and wanted Bass to play cards with them and use the cheating techniques he had acquired. Bass refused and made the owners' son very angry. Jonathon told Bass if he didn't comply with his wishes, Bass would be sorry.

Bass went home and told his mother what Jonathon had in mind. He said, "I can't cheat; you taught me better than that." Sara tried to comfort Bass, but being slaves, nothing she could say would ease his pain.

A little while later, Sara asked Bass if he had seen his sister Rose. Bass said she was at the big house. They both thought she should have been home by now. Bass found Rose running down the road toward him and was crying. He asked why, and she said Jonathon had pushed her around, scared her, and ripped her dress.

Bass sent Rose home then proceeded to the big house, where he found Jonathon and beat him to a pulp.

Bass found his father and told him what he had just done to Jonathon. Sam told his son to saddle the best horse the Colonel owned and head for Indian Territory; he said people wouldn't ask you anything, and you can hide out without too much worry. So, off Bass rode for Indian Territory and unbelievable life.

Like I said, a colorful version and exciting reading, but without factual evidence, who's to know.

Part two of Bass Reeves's exploits will post in a future article.

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Puzzles 15

August 18, 2021 08.18.21

08.18.21

Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Hello! My name is Jeri and I might just be the dog you have been searching for! I am a lovely tricolor 11 year old super senior. I weigh in at about 47 pounds and I am comfortable using the dog door. I enjoy other dogs and cats. I am a sweet beautiful girl who loves to be loved and petted. I will sit and allow you to love me for hours! I am a low-key girl who enjoys taking it easy. I would need to be kept on a monthly heartworm preventative to ensure my best health.

So, come by HSO today and ask for Jeri!

All selected Pet of the Week animals come with a gift package. This special starter pack for dogs includes a collar, toy, clothing, and harness selection.

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

16 Puzzles

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August 18, 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

Tree Service. Storm Cleanup, Stump grinding. Signs and Lights replaced. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 T0929 Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries.

(870) 490-1191 T0908

- FOR SALE -

SEASONED FIREWOOD - for sale $35$65 a rick. Pine, oak, and mixed. Call 870784-3443 T0901

Polk County Births Mena Regional Health System AUGUST 6, 2021 TO AUGUST 13, 2021 Alison & Dylan Carbone of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born Aug. 10th

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www.MenaRealEstate.com

Has Your

- RELIGIOUS These Verses Belong to Everyone They are Our Salvation Issues -------------------Matthew 22:37-38 Matthew 19:17 Revelation 22:14 John 14:15 John 14:21 1John 2:3-4-5-6-7 -------------------Revelation 3:2-3:5 Revelation 20:15 2Corinthians 7:1 2 Corinthians 13:11 Hebrews 6:1 Matthew 5:48 Luke 6:40 -------------------If you won’t obey the above scriptures, God sends 2Thessalonians 2:10-11-12 You don’t want this to happen, Although, you will never know it.

-------------------The 4th Commandment is the true Sabbath.

Friday sundown to Saturday sundown.

-------------------When we love God and Jesus with all our heart we then love truth as if set in stone!

-------------------Mathew 7:21-22-23 -------------------When grace is used improperly, salvation issues are difficult to achieve.

-------------------Your perfection is not the responsibility of your mate or your church, it’s yours, thats why you must study with the Holy Spirit.

-------------------Now is the time for you to ask three questions!

(1) What does eternity mean to you?

(2) Do you know where you be spending it?

(3) Are you doing everything you can to become Holy?

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Sports 17

August 18, 2021

Mena School Board holds August Meeting Submitted by Mena Public Schools The Mena School Board met for their August meeting on Thursday evening in the Mena High School Library with many district patrons in attendance.

The first item addressed was the district ready for learning plan. Superintendent Dr. Lee Smith recommended no changes at this time. In person and the Polk County Virtual Academy will remain the two learning options for students.

This also means that the mask policy will remain as it was amended on April 13 th and the wearing of masks will be optional for students and school employees but is still highly recommended by the board.

Next on the agenda was the approval of changes to the school handbooks for each campus. Those changes were presented by administrators from each school. The LDE, HHE and PCVA handbooks were approved with minor changes. The main change at Mena Middle School was the cell phone policy and Mena High School had the most changes. They included some curriculum changes as well as several items that were required due to changes at the state level. The updated handbooks will be posted on the district website soon. Be watching social media for info on when that happens.

Minor changes in the athletic handbook and the athletic administration guidebook were also approved after a brief discussion.

Next Assistant Superintendent Bridget Buckley presented the board with information on the district’s “American Rescue Plan”. This details how the district intends to distribute Elementary

and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds. The ARP Plan was approved as presented.

Since the July meeting bids were received on installing new HVAC systems at Holly Harshman and Mena Middle Schools. The low bid by Wilson Heating and Air for $635,000 was approved.

These upgrades are a major part of the district’s plan to slow the spread of COVID among students and staff.

It will be paid for with ESSER II federal funds and will increase fresh air exchange in the two buildings at a rate ten times higher than the current systems.

Louise Durham Elementary and Mena High School currently have this technology installed.

Dr. Smith then updated the board on the status of bids on several CD’s held by the district. The board gave the administration the liberty to accept the highest rate offered once all have been received.

The board next discussed a bid from Southern Disposal for use of an indoor practice facility. Dr. Smith spoke briefly on his negotiations and the board agreed to pay $1400.00 a month for unlimited use of the facility with no long term contract.

A number of changes in personnel were brought before the board including the resignation of Catlynn Haynes and Casey Adams. The transfer of Samantha Breedlove from MMS to Mena High School. The hiring of Linda Willard, Ashley Pregon, Grace Minton and Alexa Brewer. Dr. Smith recommended that Tommy Johnson be officially added to the high school football staff and that Tim Walston’s contract be extended to 12 months. All actions were approved.

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THE POLK COUNTY

18 Police Reports

August 18, 2021

The following information was received from Polk County law enforcement agencies. The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts. Individuals charged and whose names appear in this column may submit documentation to us at a later date that the charges have been dismissed, or that they have been found innocent, and we will include that information in this space in a timely manner.

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S LOG August 2, 2021 Arrested was Matthew Miller, 39 of Mena on a charge of theft of property.

Report from a complainant on Polk 30 near Hatfield of receiving inappropriate messages via social media. Investigation continues.

Report from a business near Acorn of a threat. Deputy responded.

August 3, 2021 Report from a complainant on Hwy 88 E near Cherry Hill of a possible scam totaling losses of approximately $10,000. Deputy responded.

Report from a walk-in complainant of an altercation. Deputy responded.

Arrested by an officer with the Drug Task Force was Jacob Anzaldua, on 3 counts of theft of property and one count of breaking or entering.

August 4, 2021 Report from a complainant on Polk 35 near Hatfield of a possible stolen vehicle. Deputy responded.

Walk-in complaint of the unauthorized use of a vehicle. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on West Boundary Road near Mena of vandalism to a travel trailer. Deputy responded.

Report of a verbal altercation. Deputy responded.

August 5, 2021 Report from Mena Regional Hospital of a dog bite victim. Deputy responded.

August 6, 2021 Report of a runaway juvenile. Deputy responded.

Report of a break in and theft of tools and paint from a complainant on Polk 77 near Acorn. Deputy responded.

Report from a complainant near Hatfield of being attacked. Deputy responded.

Billy Joe Rodger, 41 of Mena was arrested on a warrant for domestic battery.

August 7, 2021 Report from complainant on Napier Lane near Mena of fuel lines being cut on a vehicle. Deputy responded.

Report of a disturbance on Treasure Lane near Acorn. Deputy responded.

Information forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney.

Report of an altercation on Polk 78 near Mena led to the arrest of Willis Jay Simpson on a charge of aggravated assault.

Report from complainant near Hatfield of a borrowed vehicle not being returned.

August 8, 2021 Report from complainant on Polk 59 near Board Camp of someone trespassing. Deputy responded.

Polk County Sheriff ’s Office worked 3 vehicle accidents this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 17 Incarcerated Inmates, with 4 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS August 8 No report.

A juvenile was charged with Cruelty to Animals and Littering after at Janssen Park.

August 10 Aaron Tyler, 28, was charged with Domestic Battery 3rd Degree, Battery 3rd Degree, Domestic Assault 3rd Degree, Criminal Trespass, and Criminal Mischief after a disturbance call to Executive Inn. David Sinyard, 45, was charged with Inhaling an Intoxicant after a suspicious person call to Atwood’s.

August 11 Christa Holliday, 31, was served with two warrants at the county jail.

August 12 A report of theft was taken at a residence on 12th Street.

William Robison, 38, was served with two warrants and Aaron Tyler, 28, was served with a warrant after officers responded to a trespassing complaint at the Executive Inn. Chrystal Garett, 39, was served with three warrants after a disturbance call to a residence on Highway 71.

August 13 Westley Seals, 21, was charged with DWI, and Careless/Prohibited Driving after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

August 14 Shawn Fender, 50, was charged with possession of meth or cocaine, driving on a suspended driver’s license, no liability insurance, and no vehicle license after a traffic stop on Hwy 71 and Cherry Street

August 9 A report of breaking or entering was taken from Homewood Cottages of Rich Mountain.

Johnathan White, 35, was served with 3 warrants and charged with driving on a suspended driver’s license after a traffic stop at McDonalds.

A report of unauthorized use of a vehicle was taken.

Brandy Crawford, 47, was served with 4 warrants at the Polk County Jail.

Pulse

Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over Arkansans Prepare For Final Summer Holiday, Law Enforcement Plans Aimed At Drunk Drivers As Arkansans begin looking forward to plans of a final summer getaway, law enforcement officers are preparing to saturate the highways with additional patrols during the Labor Day holiday. The mission is to keep streets and highways safe by identifying and arresting drunk drivers.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over impaired driving awareness campaign begins Friday, August 20th and will remain active through September 6th.

Arkansas State Troopers, sheriff ’s deputies and city police officers will be unified during the operation designed to arrest drunk drivers who threaten the safety of others traveling on Arkansas road.

Lives lost in highway crashes across the nation involving alcohol impaired drivers during 2019 totaled 10,142, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That’s one person killed every 52 minutes in a drunk driving crash. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed in drunk driving crash each year from 2015 to 2019.

“The statistics left behind from these deaths each year represent thousands of sad and troubling stories from the families of each victim,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “That’s why law enforcement agencies in Arkansas are working together with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, but also a matter of life and death for those who count on us to keep the highways safe by arresting drunk drivers.”

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Polk County Fair entries for Potted Plants, Fruits, Vegetables and Farm Crops are August 31 from 1 until 7 p.m. and for Flower Bouquets and Arrangements, Fresh Cut Flowers, Fruits, Vegetables and Farm Crops on September 1 from 7:30 to 10 a.m.

The Polk County Extension Office is actively searching for volunteers to help with the Polk County Fair check-in and judging on August 31 and September 1. The Home Economics/ Education building does not currently have sufficient help in all departments, but especially need volunteers in Baked Goods, Needlework, and Photography. If you are interested in these areas and could help one or both days, please contact the Extension Office at 479-394-6018.

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

Hatfield First Baptist Church “Shepherdʼs 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 Menʼs 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.

Community 19

August 18, 2021

Around Town 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. We will still serve hot meals daily, starting at 11:45am, via drive-thru only. Home Deliveries will continue as normal.

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 479-4374018.

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

Ouachita Little Theaterʼs Little Wom-

Sundays, at 5pm. Tuesdays and at 8pm Saturdays

en the Musical will have performances Friday and

at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For infor-

Saturday at 7:30 PM, Sunday at 2:30 PM. More

mation call 479-234-8366 or 479-216-3786

shows next week, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

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 Soloʼs 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.

at 7:30 PM. Advance tickets on sale at the OLT office Thursday and Friday from2-6pm and Saturday from 10am-2pm.

Itʼs 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

The Humane Society of the

us know about your event! To have it in the Polk

Ouachitas next monthly meeting is August

County Pulse newspaper, we need to know by FIVE

19, 5:30 pm, at LaVilla Restaurant in Mena. All

on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve

animal lovers welcome!

the community!

20 Community

THE POLK COUNTY

August 18, 2021

Pulse