Polk County Pulse July 14, 2021

Pulse THE POLK COUNTY

FREE WEEKLY 1168 Hwy 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600

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

Senior Center Opens Doors

INSIDE:

July 14, 2021

County Officials:

Patrol Deputy needed at SO

By Jeri Pearson

Roy Vail

Page 3

Courtesy photo Mena-Polk County Senior Center opened Monday after being closed for 16 months. Above, seniors enjoy the activities and lunch provided at the center on Monday.

See page 24 for more information

Nominations for Community Awards to Close Thursday

By Jeri Pearson

Life Lost at RR Crossing

National Guard

Page 4

Page 22-23

Community members have until Thursday, July 15 to nominate the individuals, businesses and organizations they feel deserve recognition of the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce Community Awards.

The awards are given at the annual Chamber Banquet each year. Anyone is welcome to nominate. Winners are voted upon by the Chamber membership.

“Participation from our chamber members is vital to helping us recognize the efforts of businesses, organizations and individuals in our community, said Whitney Horne, chamber director. “We want to encourage everyone to take a few moments to let us know who needs to be considered for these honors.”

Categories include: Volunteer of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Best New Construction, Best Renovation/Beautification, and Business of the Year.

The Volunteer of the Year is a person who is always volunteering their time for any type of function in the county.

Citizen is a person who has represented the area to make Polk County a better place to live, work, and play.

Best New Construction is any new construction during 2020. Best Renovation/ Beautification includes any business or industry renovations made during 2020.

Business of the Year can include any business in Polk County.

The nomination forms can be found on the Chamber’s website: menapolkchamber.com or requested via email at: secretary@menapolkchamber.com.

When complaints of the effects of growth reached the Polk County Quorum Court late last year, justices asked County Judge Brandon Ellison and Sheriff Scott Sawyer to bring solutions to the court to be considered.

The complaints include rescue calls for ATVs and that private property is not being respected and ATV trails are being used during the off season and at night.

Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer told the court laws have changed over the past couple of legislative sessions and said ATV riders are no longer prohibited from riding on county roads or even crossing state highways on ATVs to get to a trail head.

Sawyer explained his office and deputies patrol as much as possible in the area, but often only two or three deputies are on duty covering 800 square miles.

Sawyer said his office responds to calls from concerned individuals in the area often, but unless the riders are breaking the law, there is not much that can be done.

Last year Sawyer told that court that for $25,000 to $30,000 he could have a part-time deputy patrol that area on weekends, similar to what is currently being done to patrol the south of the county.

After consideration and reviewing options, Sawyer presented the justices at the June meeting with a request to add a full time deputy to his office at

See DEPUTY page 2

2 News

July 14, 2021

Terrible Truth: Child Abuse Happens Lions learn how to prevent and respond Jeri Pearson

Overcoming the taboo of topics thought best to not be discussed in public, the Mena Lions Club warmly embraced hearing about a tragic subject - child abuse and how to raise awareness and prevent it in the community.

Holly Heer, Development Coordinator for Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center, spoke to the Mena Lion’s Club Friday about what community members can do to prevent child abuse.

The Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center’s mission is to utilize a multidisciplinary team approach to providing a safe, child-friendly and caring place where children are assessed when allegations of child abuse arise.

“Before this program, a child would have to talk to many agencies and go through multiple examinations, multiple interviews and thats a scary experience - interrogation rooms, and have to go to the principals office and that type of thing,” Heer explained.

“Many times the child would feel like they were in trouble.”

The CAMCAC offers a safe, child-friendly environment, where a comprehensive and coordinated approach is taken in response to allegations of child abuse. The CAMCAC is one of 14 advocacy centers in the state of Arkansas and has the unique distinction of being the only hospital-based child advocacy center in the state. The CAMCAC serves approximately 600 clients annually and has offices located in both Hot Springs and Mena.

“Now called the Child Advocacy Center, one person stays with the child through the entire process,” Heer said. “It is a child-friendly environment, where non-leading questions are asked and the interview is observed by other agencies outside the interview room, and interviewers are fed questions suggested by agencies.”

In 2012, the CAMCAC was awarded the highest level of membership with National Children’s Alliance, which is the accrediting agency for Children’s Advocacy Centers.

The CAMCAC provides essential services to Arkansas’ youngest victims of abuse ranging from birth to 18 years of age. These services include forensic interviews, child advocacy, medical exams, and mental health

THE POLK COUNTY

therapy. The CAMCAC also provides education and training regarding child abuse in the communities we serve, including a child abuse prevention and body safety program for children.

The CAMCAC utilizes a multidisciplinary team approach to reduce trauma placed on children during child abuse investigations, while offering a neutral child-friendly environment. The CAMCAC’s services are individualized to meet the needs of each specific child and family while still meeting the needs of the multidisciplinary team. We collaborate with agencies in 11 counties including representatives from the Arkansas State Police (Crimes Against Children Division), local law enforcement, Prosecuting Attorney’s office, Division of Children and Family Services, mental health, medical personnel, and other local and/or state agencies. Strong coordination and communication between these disciplines make case investigation less traumatizing for child victims and their families.

The Child Advocacy Center utilizes trauma-based cognitive therapy, have Arkansas State Police in offices, has a prevention team that teaches a body safety program to 22,000 students a year in schools and teaches mandated reporters - which includes individuals working in schools or day cares, law enforcement, and other businesses that come into contact with children.

Heer said all services are free.

“It cost the agency about $2,800 per child,” she said, noting the center is dependent on grants and donations.

“We did not close during pandemic. Our team is on call 24-7,” she said, noting an office is located in Mena.

“Our main point of contact is the hotline, but we also work the prosecutor's office and law enforcement agencies.”

Heer said she is available to speak to groups, businesses or others who are interested in being mandated reporter training, advocacy and donating to the Child Advocacy Center.

For more information, contact Holly Heer at 501-622-2531, email holly.heer@mercy.net or visit the Child Advocy Center on Facebook, #camcac.

If you suspect child abuse and neglect in Arkansas, please call 1-844-SAVE-A-CHILD (1-844-728-3224).

DEPUTY continued from page 1

the annual cost of $63,000 per year, which includes salary and benefits.

If the court approves the position at the July meeting, the cost to add the position to this year’s budget from August through December would be approximately $27,000, however with some funds currently available in the budget the new position would only increase the line item at a cost of $14,000 to the county.

“At the end of year last year, and again at beginning of this year, we talked about adding patrols at Big Fork and Board Camp,” Sawyer said at the meeting. “I requested time to review needs. We currently have a contract with the Forest Service for two shifts a week, and that is just in camp grounds, two nights a week. That keeps us from going out to Shady Lake, which is a 45 minutes drive out from Mena.

We have had a contract with them since the late 80s, early 90s and it has been a good deal.”

“The problem is, it’s only two shifts a week in south Polk County and Shady and I don’t have enough deputies to put out on patrol. If we added three more ATV patrols in there that would increase to 12 to 15 more shifts.

To accomplish that, I would like you to consider to allow me to add a new full time deputy.”

Sawyer said by adding a full time, certified officer to his roster of 16 full time deputies.

“I would get more patrols sooner out of a certified officer,” Sawyer explained. Plus, we don’t have to pay for them to go to the academy.”

The justices requested an ordinance be prepared for the July meeting so that it can be adopted and a full time deputy be added to the sheriff ’s office on August 1.

Sawyer said he did consider adding a part time patrol.

“It is cheaper, but manpower

Pulse

wise, it really takes 2 to 5 years where I feel comfortable setting them out there alone.”

Sawyer told the justices the sheriff ’s office has not had a new full-time patrol deputy added since 2003.

“My guys work hard and are very busy,” he said. Since 2003, call volume has gone up exponentially. Folks are adding RV spots and building new cabins and rentals. The area is blowing up, and it is good for our local economy, but we need more patrols and manpower.”

Sawyer said deputies have written tickets and responded to calls.

“However, I can’t always send one deputy out there for six hours on a Thursday night,” he said. “This is the only option I feel comfortable with and I wouldn’t ask for it if it wasn’t necessary.”

Justices agreed that the Sheriff ’s Office has been fiscally responsible and that adding the position is needed.

Last year, Ellison said the complaints that have been received indicate growth and solutions can be sought.

“We have a bit of a problem.

We can fix it, but we need to address it in a well- thought out way,” he said. “This is an economic development issue. Tourism is what we do. Yes, we raise livestock and cut logs, have the motor plant and manufacturing.

We are set up with a diversified economy and that is a good thing – and tourism is part of that.”

Ellison said he wants to respond to issues without making knee jerk reactions.

“We need to make well thought out decisions,” Ellison said. “I understand many of the folks who have lived out there a long time are experiencing change. Every community that sees growth has problems, but we need to remember that indicates we are doing well.”

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

July 14, 2021

Radio - Print - Web Loss of Roy Vail felt in big way 1168 Hwy 71S Mena, AR 71953 Phone: 479-243-9600 Fax: 479-243-9603 Email: news@mypulsenews.com

KENA 104.1 - KQOR 105.3 MyPulseNews.com

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, Jamie Beckwith The Polk County Pulse is the area’s premiere and fastest growing news publication. The Polk County Pulse is FREE and published weekly on Wednesdays, with a distribution of 8,000 and an estimated readership of 10,000.

MyPulseNews.com has hundreds of visitors daily and KENA and KQOR have thousands of listeners hourly.

POLICY: The publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time.

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

POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENTS: Advertisements of a political nature must be prepaid and must also include the name of the entity paying for the advertisement. If an entity other than the candidate the advertisement is endorsing is paying for the ad, a statement must be signed by the candidate verifying the candidate has seen and approved the advertisement.

By Jeri Pearson

A pillar of the stage was removed in a motor vehicle accident Saturday evening.

Roy Vail, long time supporter of the Ouachita Little Theater, was exiting the theater’s production of the musical “BIG”, which he poured much of his time, energy and passion into, when he was struck by a vehicle, resulting in his passing.

Rudi Timmerman, former OLT President, said Roy will be missed.

“Roy Vail’s volunteerism was boundless,” Timmerman said. “While projecting an image of frugality, his generosity was beyond believable. Among other things, he donated the land next to the theatre to the city for the parking lot we now have. I could go on and on about what an asset he was to the theatre, the city, the state and even the world. He will be deeply missed.

Scotty Jenkins, President of OLT, recalls many memories of Roy. “Roy was one of OLT’s original founding members. He was always willing to help in any way he could, from being in a show to pointing out a loose doorknob that needed attention,” Jenkins said. “In the last several months I have worked closely with him. We performed “Who’s On First” together during our show “Return to Radioland” which was our effort to bring people safely into the theater early on during the pandemic. And Roy was active with us right until the end. I will miss my friend more than I can say.”

Bill Hays said his 41-year friendship with Roy was fulfilling.

Roy Vail receiving the Leda Benson Lifetime Award, above, and Roy in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” (top photo).

Community 3

Want to share your opinion?

The Polk County Pulse welcomes letters to the Editor addressing any topic of interest to our readers. To be published, letters must not contain obscene or libelous language.

“I have known Roy for 41 years and have shared many experiences with him.

In the choir of First Presbyterian Church and Mena community chorus his voice was unmistakable,” Hays said. “Roy and I shared a passion of solar energy and went on a mission trip to Honduras to very poor coffee raising villages with no power to begin the process of installing solar power for basic lighting and refrigeration.

He helped our church with donation of 30 solar panels of the 55 installed. His many roles in O L T productions were always memorable. To say Roy was a great citizen of Mena is a huge understatement. Many gifts of his time, talents and treasures have made progress for the City. All this by a very loving, humble and caring person who was a world renowned expert on Peru’s Staghorn fern, having many trips there for research and lecturing. What a wonderful friend I have.”

Roy was recognized in 2018 with a lifetime achievement award, the Leda Benson Lifetime Award, by the Ouachita Little Theatre. There have only been a handful of recipients.

Full obituary is available online at mypulsenews.com and will be in next week’s issue.

Visitation will be at noon and Memorial Service at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 15 at First Presbyterian in Mena. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian.

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

The following contact information is required when the letter is submitted: NAME, AGE, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER. Letters are published at the discretion of the Editor and Publisher.

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

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

4 News

July 14, 2021

Life lost at Railroad Crossing

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Photos by Jeri Pearson

A Mena truck driver was killed when his Peterbilt truck collided with a train in New Potter Friday morning, according to the Arkansas State Police. 62-year-old Jerry Price of Mena was eastbound on Polk County Road 48 when his Peterbilt was hit by a southbound train. The accident occurred Friday, 7:28 a.m. at Arkansas 375 West and Polk 48 in New Potter. According to the State Police report, the weather was clear and the road was dry at the time of the accident. The Polk 48 crossing and the Hwy 375W crossing immediately north of Polk 48 was blocked for most of the day.

NEED HELP PAYING THAT LATEST UTILITY BILL?

POLK COUNTY ENERGY ASSISTANCE Salvation Army 479-437-3110 ARVAC 479-394-4707 Nin Ninth Street Ministries 479-394-2541

Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative, Inc. Owned By Those We Serve

515 Janssen Ave, Mena, AR 71953 (479) 394-4140 W W W. R M E C . C O M

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

State News 5

July 14, 2021

From the

State House of Representatives

ons" and reconnect with family Arkansans know that no and friends. Now, in its 40th summer barbecue is complete year, the watermelon festival is without fresh watermelon. the largest festival in the region.

Our state may not be the largResearchers are now finding est producer of watermelon, out that watermelons are even but Arkansas communities lay more nutritious than previousclaim to being the home of the ly known. The USDA's Agworld’s largest and the world’s ricultural Research Service sweetest.

The month of July is known John Maddox recently identified over 1,500 small molecules of diverse as National Watermelon Month. July is typically the largest ship- chemical characters in the fruit, known ping month of the year, with over 15 as phytochemicals. They concluded that eating watermelon is an excellent states harvesting simultaneously.

The United States currently ranks 7th way to increase your intake of antioxin the worldwide production of water- idants, non-protein amino acids, and melon. Over 1,200 varieties of water- lycopene. This means that every time melon are grown across 96 countries you eat watermelon, you’ll be improvworldwide. But the impact the crop ing the health of your cells, organs, and has on communities here in Arkansas nervous system.

In addition to farmer’s markets and has been a cause for celebration for defruit stands across the state, you can cades.

In Arkansas, we have more than 200 find Arkansas watermelons and any Arfarms harvesting more than 1,500 acres kansas grown produce at supermarkets of watermelons. Crops are valued at by looking for the “Arkansas Grown” label. The “Arkansas Grown” logo is a more than $5 million.

The city of Hope annually celebrates registered trademark of the Departits claim as the home of the world’s ment filed with the Arkansas Secretary largest watermelons with a yearly wa- of State. It may appear in black and termelon festival. The event first orig- white or black and green versions.

We’ve posted more information, inated in 1926 and has been ongoing, including recipes and expert tips on though not continuous, since 1977.

And since 1980, the residents of Cave finding the perfect watermelon, on our City have been coming together to cel- website www.arkansashouse.org. ebrate the "World's Sweetest Watermel-

Contact Your Legislators!

John Maddox

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

Larry Teague

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

John Boozman

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

Bruce Westerman

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

From the

State Senate

the state, in eastern and The state Department northern Arkansas, will of Human Services has get the new system. installed a new system for The technology will alfilling out applications for low applications 24 hours social services. a day, on numerous types It is designed to be more of devices. People who user friendly, both for peowish to can still visit a ple applying for services and for staff at DHS coun- Larry Teague county office in person to fill out a paper application, ty offices.

DHS officials told legislators and they can still telephone their on the Senate and House Public county office.

DHS officials hope the new sysHealth, Welfare and Labor Committees that the new system should tem will cut down on the number of hold down costs, and make it easier in-person visits and phone calls to for applicants to find the benefits county offices. Staff will no longer have to enter as much data manualfor which they are eligible.

For example, in filling out the ap- ly. Applicants will be able to downplication digitally, they can click a load documents digitally, which button that refers them to services will eliminate the need to mail docfor veterans. They can also access uments or bring them in person to other resources such as child care, a county office and wait in line.

It is the Arkansas Integrated Eltransportation and housing.

Previously, an applicant for social igibility System, and officials are services could fill out as many as calling it ARIES for short. A DHS eight applications. The new system official told legislators that it would eliminates the need for separate ap- make a “huge” difference in how plications. Also, one application is people apply for Medicaid, food stamps, welfare and other services. good for an entire household.

Lawmakers specifically asked if Also, the state will have more acthe new system was linked to agen- curate and timely access to democies that could help applicants find graphic data about social programs, a job or sign up for adult education she said.

ARIES will provide translations classes. There is a link to those resources, DHS officials told the leg- into Spanish and Marshallese. The language of the English original has islative committee.

All the department’s medical been simplified, compared to previservices, including Medicaid, have ous application forms. It is written been set up in the new system since to be understandable at the fifth to April. Just last week the system be- seventh grade level.

One legislator thanked the DHS gan a pilot project in five Arkansas counties to take applications officials for staying within their for food stamps and welfare. The budget when they installed ARIfive counties represent six percent ES. That doesn’t always occur when of the department’s total caseload. state agencies implement new inThey are Carroll, Hot Spring, In- formation technology, he said.

The department spent $111.1 dependence, Lafayette and Pope million in Fiscal Year 2020 on ARCounties.

In November, DHS county of- IES, and $88.3 million in Fiscal fices in about half the state will Year 2021. During Fiscal Year 2022, install the system. They’re roughly which started on July 1, the departin southern and eastern Arkansas. ment estimates it will spend $68.3 In December the remaining half of million on the system.

6 Obituaries

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

July 14, 2021

Stan Alexander

Jewell, Waymon Alexander, Nick Cains, Donald Burk, Charlie Alexander, and Jesse Oliver. Honorary pallbearers are Steve Alexander, Shelby Alexander, Mr. Stan Mike Alexander, Loyd Milham, David Alexander, age Oliver, and Allen Briggs.

67, of Wickes, General visitation will be held at Arkansas, passed the funeral home. The family will also away on July receive visitors at the home.

5, 2021, at the Arrangements are entrusted to BeasMena Regional Health System. The ley-Wood Funeral Home. Online obitson of Ambrost Alexander and Birta uary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuMae (Jewell) Alexander, Stan was born neralhome.com on January 12, 1954, in De Queen, Arkansas.

Jimmy Stan was an outdoorsman; he loved hunting and camping. He enjoyed Wayne all sports and was an avid Razorback Yates fan. He was known for making people Jimmy Wayne laugh. Stan loved spending time with Yates, age 66, of his family, especially his grandchildren.

Mena, Arkansas He will be dearly missed. died on WednesHe is survived by his wife of thirtyday, July 7, 2021, nine years, Terry Alexander; son, at the Mena ReWaymon Alexander and wife Bridget of Wickes; daughter, Rebecca Alexander- gional Health System in Mena, ArkanCains and husband Nick of Wickes; sas. He was born on Tuesday, Novemgrandchildren, Story Alexander, ber 30, 1954, to Walter Isaac Yates Jr. River Alexander, Sterling Alexander, and Bivian Dorene Frith Yates in Basand Ian Anderson; brothers, Mike trop, Louisiana.

Jimmy loved the Lord and always Alexander and wife Becky of Hatton, put God first in his life. He received the Steve Alexander and wife Carolyn of greatest joy from attending the First AsVandervoort, and Shelby Alexander sembly of God Church in Mena, where and wife Johnna Arlene of Vandervoort; sister, Judy Oliver and husband David he served as a deacon. Jimmy served of Gillham; and a host of nieces, proudly in the United States Army as nephews, relatives, and friends. He was a Motor Pool Sergeant. He was a weldpreceded in death by his parents, and a er for most of his life and did a lot of work in shipyards. He also did purniece, Darlene Oliver.

A graveside funeral service for Stan chasing for his brother-in-love’s comwill be held 10:00 am Thursday, July pany, Dumas International. Jimmy was 8, 2021, at Baker Cemetery in Wickes, an energetic person who liked to tease Arkansas. Officiating the service will his friends and family. He always tried be Brother John Gilbert and Brother to raise everyone’s spirits and loved to Kevin Jewell. Pallbearers are Terry spread the word of the Lord. Every day he would have breakfast with his wife, Sandra, after their morning devotional and later he would study his bible.

He truly loved God with all his heart.

Jimmy liked to listen to Gospel music and ride in his friend’s airplane. He was a great husband and father who loved to play baseball with his kids in their youth. He enjoyed grilling and was known for his delicious ribeye steaks.

Jimmy was a member of the National Rifle Association. Jimmy was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend and

will be missed by all who knew him.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Sandra Lee Yates of Mena; three sons and daughters in loves, James and Erica Miller of Austin, Texas, Phillip Wayne Yates of Virginia, and Robert Yates and fiancé, Charisse Yates of San Diego, California; six daughters and sons in loves, Rachel Stevens of Houston, Texas, Jamie and Mark Munter of Clanton, Alabama, Tina and Donny Hayward of Nolanville, Texas, Kimberly and David Truelove Oglesby, Texas, Ambre and Gary Wilson of Bayou Vista, Louisiana, and Sage Hunsinger of McGreggor, Texas; two brothers and sister in law, Walter and Retha Yates of Bullard, Texas, and Johnny Yates of Tyler, Texas; one sister and brother in law, Toni and James Dumas of Patterson, Louisiana; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Assembly of God in Mena. Visitation is general. Interment will be at the Fort Smith National Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to Warriors for Christ International at 301 CR-3914, Bullard, TX 75757.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Mark Lloyd Gerleve

Mark Lloyd Gerleve, otherwise known as Max Rushmore, went to be with his Heavenly Father and meet Noah on Tuesday, July 6, 2021.

Mark was born to Herald F. Gerleve and Janice M. Gerleve on Sunday, March 6, 1949 in Chicago, Illinois where he grew up in the suburbs.

Mark was a world class artist as well as musician and was known for being loyal, honest, and loving. He was handy in many trades. Mark loved the Lord and spent most of his life studying the word. He strived for adventure and

freedom and tried to make the world a smarter place.

Mark is survived by his wife, the love of his life and best friend of 51 years; one brother; one sister; one daughter; and his little furry princess Maytag.

No services are planned at this time.

Cremation services are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Bland O’Neil Kelems Sr.

Bland O’Neil Kelems Sr., age 65, of Cove, Arkansas passed away on Monday, July 5, 2021, in Pleasant Hills, North Carolina. He was born on Tuesday, May 1, 1956, to Earnest Kelems and Betty Stephens Kelems in Monette, Arkansas.

Bland was married to the love of his life, Sandy. His family was the center of his world and becoming a grandfather was considered to be one of his greatest accomplishments in life.

Throughout life Bland would tell others he dreamed of becoming a truck driver. He made that dream come true when he obtained his CDL and became an over the road truck driver for KLLM Trucking. In Bland’s younger years he raced muscle cars and loved his ‘68 Dodge Charger. Bland enjoyed music of all sorts but especially oldies, classic rock, and anything sung by Conway Twitty or Elvis Presley. In his free time Bland enjoyed playing vintage arcade style games like Pac-Man and Mario Bros. and riding his Goldwing. He had a love of stories, both written and told.

His favorite author was Edgar Rice Burroughs and he enjoyed the “John Carter” books the most. He loved to see smiles and hear laughter, sharing his favorite corny jokes. Bland was a loving husband, son, father, brother, papa, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his father, Earnest Kelems; his mother, Betty Stephens Kelems; one brother, Dane Kelems; one sister, Carol Lynch; one sister-in-law, Carolyn Burkett; one

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Obituaries 77

July 14, 2021

brother-in-law, Lalo Herrera; and one nephew Jerry Shouse.

Bland is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Sandy Kelems of Cove; three sons, Bland “Neil” Kelems Jr. of Cove, Tony Kelems and wife Linda Neer of Mena, and Steven Kelems and wife Brook of Mena; three daughters, Betty Kelems and husband Junior of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Susan Kelems of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Tiffanie Cannon and husband Micah of Mena; one sister, Mary Penny Baker and husband Steve of Steamboat Springs, Colorado; two special brothers, Duane Isaacs of Cove and Chuck Burkett and wife Charity of Cove; three special nephews, Kevin Burkett and wife Jessica Burkett of Cove, Josh Shouse and wife Jesica Shouse of Cove, Donovan Shouse and wife Tatiana Shouse of Cove; ten grandchildren; two great grandchildren and another on the way; numerous nephews, nieces and cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 12, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas with brother Brian Cross officiating. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

In lieu of flowers please make any donations to Sandy Kelems at Union bank of Mena.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Vivian Addie Oates

Vivian Addie Oates, age 100, of Hatfield, Arkansas, died Thursday, July 01, 2021, at the Greenhouse Cottages in Mena, Arkansas. She was born on Thursday, October 14, 1920, to William Champion Saxton and Mary Addie Brent Saxton in Tadmor, Texas.

Vivian loved her Savior, the Lord Jesus, with all her heart, and she loved God’s Word. Though she was a humble, gentle woman, Vivian was nonetheless a powerful prayer warrior, and only heaven knows what a wonderful and eternal impact all her many years of

faithful praying have had on her family, her friends, and the world at large. She was a member of the Hatfield United Methodist Church where she served many years as a Sunday School teacher.

Vivian loved her family dearly. She enjoyed working in her yard and gardening while providing for her family as a homemaker. Vivian was a member of the Lady Lionesses in Hatfield as well as the Eastern Star. Vivian was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, James Alvro Oates; three brothers; four sisters; and one grandson, Jeremy Rounkles.

Vivian is survived by her son, David Oates of Hatfield; two daughters and sons in law, Marian and Bennie Norwood of Hernando, Mississippi, and Ruth and Bob Radcliffe of San Marcos, Texas; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the Six Mile Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas, with Rev. Dan Williams officiating. Services are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Macular Degeneration Foundation, P.O. Box 515, Northampton, MA 01061-0515, or to St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in memory of Vivian Oates.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Duane Bowling

Mr. Duane Bowling, age 73, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away July 11, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family. The son of Lawson Bowling and Beatrice (Blackwell) Bowling, Duane was born on April 1, 1948, in Pratt, Kansas.

Duane served our country in the United States Army during the Viet-

nam War. He was a cowboy and rancher by profession and loved what he did.

He worked on ranches all his life and lived by the Cowboy Creed. Meeting John Wayne at a bull sale was a highlight of his life. Duane was a loving husband and father and will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife of twenty seven years, Reba Bowling; son, Joseph Bowling and wife Laura of Mena; daughters, Sharon Maechler and husband Derek of Mena, and Charlotte Craig and husband Dale of Mena; grandchildren, Taylor Jones and husband Bobby, Kaitlyn Rowland and husband Kyle, Lauryn Maechler, Trent Vaught, Dillion Vaught, Addison Gibbs, Morgan Bowling, Avery Bowling, Cason Bowling, Colton Bowling, and Drake Dollar; great-grandchildren, Olen Ray Jones, Evie Laine Jones, and Ella Kate Rowland; brother, James Bowling and wife Amadene; niece, Jamie Williams and husband Pinkey; two great nieces; and very special friend, Kirk Sours and wife Denise of Kansas.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, and his son, David Anthony Sterner.

A graveside funeral service will be held 10:00am Thursday, July 15, 2021, at Cherry Hill Cemetery in Cherry Hill, Arkansas. Services are under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Allen Eugene Stewart

Allen Eugene Stewart, age 79, of Board Camp, Arkansas died on Friday, July 9, 2021, at the Mena Regional Health System. He was born on Sunday, September 21, 1941, to Howard Silas Newt Stewart and Bertha June Holman Stewart in Comanche, Oklahoma.

Allen was an extremely patient man and hard worker. He served honorably in the United States Navy for six years.

Allen worked for US Motors as an industrial engineer for thirty-three years.

Aside from work he lived rancher lifestyle, raising cattle, and hunting and fishing. He enjoyed Country Western music. Allen was a founding member of the Board Camp Fire Department as well as the President and State Board member of Farm Bureau for thirty years. He also was a member of the Soil Conservation Board and the National Beef Council. His family and grandchildren made him very happy, and he loved them all very much. Allen was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle and he will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Rodney Emry and Jerry Emry Sr. Allen is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Stewart of Board Camp; one son and daughter in law, Glynn and Lesa Stewart of Board Camp; one daughter, June McMillan of Board Camp; three brothers and sisters in law, Dan and Carla Stewart of Healdton, Oklahoma, Dennis and Tammy Stewart of Healdton, Oklahoma, and Dale and Susie Stewart of Long Grove, Oklahoma; one sister, Virginia Kay White of Healdton, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Nikel Provost of McKinney, Texas, Emily and Chad Roles of DeKalb, Texas, Buck Provost of Arlington, Texas, Jennifer and Clay Philpot of Mena, and Travis and Emily McMillan of Board Camp; eleven great grandchildren, Braxton Philpot, Hadley Philpot, Ryker Philpot, Madison Philpot, Lane Philpot, Finley Roles, Quentin Roles, Zander McMillan, Falyn McMillan, Madison Soto, and Ashton Carr; nephew, Jerry Emry Jr and wife Manuela of Mena; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at the Board Camp Baptist Church with Brother Dan Stewart officiating. Interment will follow in the Lower Big Fork Cemetery under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 13, 2021, from 6-8 p.m. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers memorial can be made to Board Camp Fire Department at 4154 Highway 8 East, Mena, Arkansas 71953, or dropped off at Union Bank.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

8 Obituaries

THE POLK COUNTY

July 14, 2021

Beckie Kent Duer

Beckie Kent Duer, a Tyler native and graduate of the 1970 class of Robert E Lee High School, died unexpectedly in her home in Mena, Arkansas, on July 2, 2021.

She is survived by her loving husband Bill, her sister Carolyn Hugley of Tyler, her niece Jennifer and husband Chuck Cleboski of Montgomery, TX, 19 first cousins, and her dear friend Debbie Davenport Hartung of Tyler.

She was preceded in death by her father William E. “Bill” Kent (1916-1984) and mother Doris Ruffner Kent (19212017).

Lucy Rebecca Kent was born on February 20, 1952. She was an avid tennis player in high school and studied piano for twelve years, graduating from SFA in 1975 with a degree in music.

Beckie learned to play the guitar and loved all music from country to classical. She finished her career working in the accounting department of MBCI in Houston. Two of her favorite experiences were working on the paddle steamer “Delta Queen” in the mid1970s and at the YMCA Camp of the

Rockies. Beckie attended Marvin United Methodist Church until she moved to Houston in the early 1980s. After she and Bill married in 1986, they lived in Splendora, Texas. In 2002 they moved to Mena, Arkansas, where they enjoyed their life in the country. One of her favorite pastimes was collecting crystals on her walks with their dogs. She was very involved with the Christ Episcopal Church in Mena and was currently on a committee planning her Covid delayed 50-year high school class reunion to be held in September of this year.

Beckie and Bill both participated in triathlons for a while and finished many marathons including Houston, Boston, Pike’s Peak, and New York. They both placed in the top ten amateur categories for their age groups in Houston in the 1990s and were still participating in local races.

Though Beckie had dealt with Addison’s disease and essential thrombocythemia for over 25 years, her enthusiasm for life never waned. She will be dearly missed by her many friends and relatives.

A memorial service will be held in Mena and one in Tyler later this month with the dates to be announced. Cremation services are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

Online guestbook: bowserffh.com

Donald Lee Davis

Mr. Donald Lee Davis passed away, at the age of 67, at the Murfreesboro Nursing Home in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, on July 11, 2021.

He was born October 5, 1953, in Mena, Arkansas, to the late Felix Jefferson Davis and the late Angelina Birdie Stipe Davis. His life began when he was catching chickens, he then went to work at U.S. Motors. After that, he worked for around 40 years for the Polk County Farmers until he retired. During this time, he spent over 40 years drumming for the Talimena Drive Band playing music throughout Arkansas. He loved his family, and enjoyed hunting and fishing, and doing both with his wife and grandchildren. He really loved his Aunt Othea and Uncle Loyd and their children. He thought the world of his nieces and nephews. Donald always looked forward to coming home from work to a good fresh meal and his wife waiting for him.

Donald is survived by his wife of 49 years, Barbara Mae Dees Davis; daughter, Lori Jean Davis Rose; son-in-law, Michael Rhodes; grandsons, Brandon

Pulse Wade Rhodes, and Nathan Rhodes and wife Maci; granddaughters, April Marie Rose, and Lydia Rhodes; great-grandson, Oliver Rhodes; and one sister, Patsy Davis Westbrook. Gene Lance is the last surviving member of his band.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Dona Mae Davis Rhodes in August of 2018; brothers, Danny Ray Davis, and (Bud) Felix Jefferson Davis Jr.; two sisters, Wanda Jean Davis Tilley, and Angeline Monette Davis Meyer; band mates, Don Thompson the singer and guitar player, and Lloyd Schoolfield the guitar lead.

A funeral service for Donald will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 17, 2021, at Beasley Wood Funeral Home Chapel in Mena. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena.

Visitation is general.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Death is not the

opposite of life, but part of it.

- Haruki Murakami

Reflections from History and Faith: The Northwest Ordinance

By Jeff Olson

America's founding documents are a direct result and reflection of a peoples's journey through successes and failures over several centuries. In the early years of the American experiment, trial and error informed by the lessons of history and the reality and consequences of the human condition often characterized the gradual unfolding of liberty under law. Then, in time grew a normative culture guided by the lamp of experience and established custom, tradition and prescription rooted in the Judeo/Christian metaphysic and personal faith. From our religious heritage came our nation's ethi-

cal underpinnings for self-government which gave moral legitimacy to our founding documents from which came our codified legal framework rooted in natural law. Today, these are as relevant as ever and still have much to teach us in an age when knowledge and respect for the the tried and true is too often disregarded and replaced with ideologies, abstract theories and laws which are merely human constructs, having no basis in the transcendent or in longterm experience of success - but fueled by human arrogance and lust for power.

Recently, we celebrated our Declaration of Independence and soon we will celebrate our Constitution, two of

our most well-known founding documents. Along with the Articles of Confederation and the Northwest Ordinance, these four venerable documents comprise our nation's “organic law.” Organic law is the fundamental law or body of laws of a state or nation and its constitutive principles, written or unwritten. In America it is the legal foundation upon which all statutes and decisions are to be grounded.

It is time-tested, time-honored and as such should be respected and not subjected to efforts of invalidation, elimination, or re-writing. It represents the best learned and applied lessons and wisdom from human experience tempered by the moral restraints of biblical

principle and spiritual guidance. Our nation's organic law is officially documented in the United States Code Annotated. This week we take a closer look at one of the documents of that Law. Two hundred thirty-four years ago, July 13, 1787, the third of three ordinances, An Ordinance for the Government of the Territory of the United States North-West of the River Ohio, was enacted by the Second Continental Congress. Also referred to as the Ordinance of 1787 and eventually as the Northwest Ordinance, it was patterned after principles outlined by Thomas Jefferson in the Ordinance of 1784 which

HISTORY continued on page 9

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

History 97

July 14, 2021

HISTORY

continued from page 8 essentially declared that states would one day be formed within the Northwest Territory; and the Land Ordinance of 1785 which provided for the scientific surveying of Territory lands and for a systematic subdivision of them into sections and townships. The Northwest Ordinance was authored primarily by Massachusetts delegates Nathan Dane and Rufus King. King also served as one of the framers of the U.S. Constitution during this same time period.

The Northwest Ordinance articulated a plan that provided the means by which a territory could eventually apply for statehood, stipulated requirements to qualify for statehood, and included the provision for the government of the region which today is the modern states of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota. The following three principal provisions were ordained in the document: (1) a division of the Northwest Territory into "not less than three nor more than five States"; (2) a three-stage method for admitting a new state to the Union—with a congressionally appointed governor, secretary, and three judges to rule in the first phase; an elected assembly and one nonvoting delegate to Congress to be elected in the second phase, when the population of the territory reached "five thousand free male inhabitants of full age"; and a state constitution to be drafted and membership to the Union to be requested in the third phase when the population reached 60,000; and

(3) a bill of rights protecting religious freedom, the right to a writ of habeas corpus, the benefit of trial by jury, and other individual rights. In addition the ordinance encouraged education, fair treatment of Native Americans, and forbade slavery.

Article I of the Ordinance stated: "No person, demeaning himself in a peaceable and orderly manner, shall ever be molested on account of his mode of worship or religious sentiments, in the said territory." Article II states: “The inhabitants of the said territory shall always be entitled to the benefits of the writ of habeas corpus, and of the trial by jury; of a proportionate representation of the people in the legislature; and of judicial proceedings according to the course of the common law.” In Article III, Congress stated: "Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged."

Therefore, the Ordinance set aside one section in every township for the maintenance of public schools and also allotted one section for the purpose of religion. Article III also states, "The utmost good faith shall always be observed towards the Indians; their lands and property shall never be taken from them without their consent; and in their property, rights, and liberty they never shall be invaded or disturbed unless in just and lawful wars authorized

by Congress; but laws founded in justice and humanity shall, from time to time, be made, for preventing wrongs being done to them and for preserving peace and friendship with them.”

DUGAN

Article VI states, "There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said territory, otherwise than in the punishment of crimes, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted...."

In light of Thomas Jefferson's contributions and the support of George Washington and others of our founding generation (who were unable to officially condemn slavery in the Declaration of Independence or make it illegal in existing states through the Constitution), the Northwest Ordinance must have provided them with some sense of peace and satisfaction in knowing that the evil institution of slavery would not find a home in any new states formed from within the Northwest Territory.

Undoubtedly, they hoped this anti-slavery path would continue to be followed as new states were formed from other territories in the years to come.

The Northwest Ordinance was the most important piece of legislation enacted by Congress under the Articles of Confederation and it set several unique precedents in American and

Holly Springs Real Estate, LLC

1114 A Highway 71 S, Mena, AR 71953

479-394-4200 hollyspringsrealestate.com

RESIDENTIAL ● COMMERCIAL LAWN CARE ● LANDSCAPING PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

479-394-2699

Polk & Sevier Counties #1 CHOICE for complete ground maintenance.

Keith Aleshire Principal Broker

479-243-5341 kaleshire@aol.com

world history: Territories would be regarded as essentially autonomous, unlike the American colonies which were held in subordination to a mother country; The principle of granting new states equal rather than inferior status to older ones was firmly established; The relationship of government and religious freedom wisely encouraged the incorporation of religion, morality and justice into the infancy of new states to help ensure that the nation maintained a strong moral and ethical foundation. Many of the concepts and guarantees, including the Natural Rights provisions, were later incorporated into the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Like the Northwest Ordinance , the First Amendment presented Government's role in religion as one not of neutrality nor hostility but one of favorability, accommodation and encouragement. This helped to create and sustain a civil atmosphere and moral order where liberty of conscience and freedom of religious expression could live and flourish.

3876 - Office Building and Land on Highway 71 South in Mena. Front reception area and an office with space for file cabinets. Side hall connects exam rooms with a restroom at the end. An extended lab area, plus office and storage/ work area is located on the other side of the exam rooms creating a convenient work environment. At the back of the building there's a restroom and storage with a washer-dryer hookup.

MLS18032226 PRICE REDUCTION- $125,000

10 History

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

July 14, 2021

An Arkie’s Faith: One Foggy Morning

By Richie Lawry I woke up with a start as my alarm played its all too familiar tune. It seemed like I had just gone to bed, so why was my alarm going off? It was 3:00 A.M., and I needed to be on the road in a few minutes. Because there are no auto glass deliveries in our area, I travel to Little Rock twice a week to pick up my glass. I wipe the sleep out of my eyes and quickly get dressed, then head out the door.

A warm cocoon of fog greets me as I open the door. The porch lights try valiantly to pierce the hazy whiteness. I can feel the moistness of the air as I get into my shop truck. The cool, dewy sensation against the skin of my face and arms helps me wake up. The sound of the engine breaks the stillness of the night as I back out of my driveway.

“Great,” I thought. “Just what I need.” I was not looking forward to driving on the winding, curvy, twisting roads in the fog. My street was dark and alien. The fog was so thick that I couldn’t see my neighbors’ houses. As I drove towards town, I was mentally calculating how much extra time my trip would take. I knew that the fog would slow me down.

The downtown streetlights glowed eerily with a soft yellow glow as I made my way down the empty street. I didn’t encounter another vehicle for many miles as I clutched the steering wheel and peered into the strange combination of total blackness and the billowing whiteness illuminated by my headlights.

Occasionally I would turn on my high beams to try to see better but then turn my headlights back to low beam as the high beams did nothing but illuminate the thick, blinding fog.

Occasionally as I gained elevation, the fog would become thin and luminous. I would relax my grip on the steering wheel and breathe a sigh of relief. But as soon as I went downhill, I could see the thick, impenetrable fog slowly creeping around me and filling the valley like a moist blanket. During one of the times when the fog was less intense, I spotted three deer beside the road. I realized that I would not have seen them if the fog was heavy and intensified my grip on the steering wheel.

Highway 270 between Pencil Bluff and Mt. Ida is very twisty and curvy. Sections of the road have

recently been resurfaced, and there are no pavement markings. Without the white line beside the road to guide me, I drove very slowly. I breathed a sigh of relief when my thin white guide would reappear. The roadside was strange and gloomy, blurring spaces between the trees and blanketing the world in a milky mist. Mt. Ida was quiet and shrouded in mystery. A few lighted signs tried to penetrate the fog but only accomplished a few inches of soft light.

As I neared Hot Springs, there was more traffic. The fog wrapped each vehicle in a glowing cocoon of light. The night was slowly inching its way toward morning. The skies began to lighten, almost imperceptibly a first. But I relaxed as the fog started to dissipate slowly, and my visibility improved. By the time I merged onto Interstate 30, I could see patches of clear sky and a paper-thin crescent moon. I agreed with Jack Kerouac; “When the fog’s over and the stars and the moon come out at night it’ll be a beautiful sight.” Yes, Jack, I thought, “It is a beautiful sight.” I was relieved that the fog had lifted. Before long, the warm tones of the sunrise envelope the sky, and everything is right with the world.

I enjoy a bit of fog; it turns the world into a surreal landscape. But driving in a heavy fog can be frightening. You must slow down and be very alert. Faith is like driving in the fog. As we go through life, we don’t always see what’s right in front of us. Like a drive on a foggy night, life is revealed to us little by little. We can’t see into the future. God wants us to slow down and to make each action carefully and deliberately.

He doesn’t want us to get in a hurry. That’s when accidents happen. We must have faith that we will get to where God wants us to be when His timing is right.

“Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.” Hebrews 11:1 (NCV) When you have to drive in heavy fog at night, and it is so thick that your headlights can only light a few feet in front of the car, it creates tension and fear.

What if there’s something I can’t see? What if the road turns and I miss it?

High beams that help you to see farther when it’s clear only make the situation worse. You have to drive slow to feel safe. You have to take your time in getting to your destination. True faith is finding certainty in uncertain times. It is learning to trust God in the patches of fog that happen in everyone’s life.

Faith is believing that God is with you, whatever your circumstances are. Whether life is going smoothly, or you are experiencing the foggiest night of your life. When the foggy night comes, we are not alone. In Psalms 32:8 (NIRV), God makes this promise to you; “I will guide you and teach you the way you should go. I will give you good advice and watch over you with love.”

Gentle Reader, in our lives, we need to stay constantly connected to God. If we put our faith in God, we will be okay. A foggy night can be confusing, but we can trust that God will guide us through it. Don’t panic because you can’t see into the future. Don’t let the fear of the unknown unnerve you. God knows your future. He has promised to guide you. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) Trust God to guide you through the storms of life and to get you where you’re going right on time.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.”

Psalms 119:105 (NAB/)

“When the fog’s over and the stars and the moon come out at night it’ll be a beautiful sight.”

- Jack Kerouac

Joke of the Week: The most groundbreaking invention of all time is the shovel.

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

Outdoors 11

July 14, 2021

OUACHITA BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL

FUNNY OUTDOOR STORIES

By Steven E Stillwell HAVE YOU HEARD THE OLD SAYING; THE TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN FICTION? This happened to me back in 1986 when I lived in Southwest Missouri. One day I was piddling around in the backyard, and I saw a two-headed lizard. I couldn’t believe my eyes! I knew if I could catch him, someone would want this mystical looking reptile. Visions of carnivals and freak-shows flashed though my mind.

THIS WILL FETCH A HEFTY PRICE

got medicare???

I THOUGHT. I couldn't fake him out, because when I tried to distract him with one hand, the other head saw what I was doing. I ended up running around in circles until he gave me the slip. I said to myself, “Ain’t no one gonna believe this.”

If you spend enough time in the outdoors, I can guarantee that you’re going to see some amazing things, and some of them will be utterly unbelievable! 20 years ago, I was bow hunting in Wisconsin, and I decided to use a fawn bleat call to lure any does that were in the immediate area within range. Up until that point, the woods were virtually quiet, except

for a few birds. After a couple of light puffs on my call, I could hear something that sounded like a stampede of animals coming in my direction. I was using a self-climbing tree-stand, so I was safely perched about 25feet in the air. Whatever it was, I could tell by their steady cadence, that they were very interested in the noise t h e y ’d just heard.

When the phantoms came into view, it was an entire pack of coyotes, totaling seven. I sat motionless, as they started circling my stand. I was high enough in the air that they couldn’t pick up my scent. The rubber boots I was wearing worked, because they crossed the trail I’d used earlier, and they didn’t spook. With all of those eyes, ears and noses darting around, I don’t know how I managed to do it, but I stood up without any of these cagey canines seeing me!

Finally, the moment of truth presented itself, as I guesstimated the range to be approximately 40 yards. I thought to myself, Ain’t no one gonna believe this!

479.394.4248

104 Port Arthur Ave. Mena, AR 71953-3344

When I came to full-draw, I was laughing so hard that it affected my concentration. This distance was within the limitations of my comfort zone, so I decided to take the shot. When I released, the Rocky Mountain, broad-head cut hair, it passed right underneath the song-dog’s belly. With a resounding yip, he looked like a cartoon character with springs on his legs, as he leaped vertically into the air. IT WAS ONE OF THE FUNNIEST THINGS I’D SEEN IN MY LIFE. When he hit the ground, his legs were churning, and the pack took off in the direction they came from. Immediately, I grabbed my game call, and started bleating again. To my surprise, they came back, but this time they stayed about 75 yards away. After a few minutes, the gig was up, and their natural instincts kicked in. The leader gave a bark, and they retreated deeper into the woods, and out of sight.

If you’re interested in survival and other outdoor topics, I invite you to join our Facebook page, OUACHITA BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL. Do you like podcast shows; then you can find us on the OUACHITA PODCASTS where you’ll also find other interesting, and extremely entertaining shows.

12 True Crime

July 14, 2021

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

True Crime Tales: The Great Calaboose Escape

By Ray Shelley Looking out my window, I see large oak trees surrounding my home.

The trees brought to mind a story of the first jail (Calaboose) In Coal Hill, Arkansas, constructed out of oak logs.

Coal Hill, Johnson County, is located 53 miles East of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Sebastian County, and 14 miles south of Clarksville. In 1840 Coal was discovered in Spadra Creek. By 1888 less than ten years after the railroad's arrival, 47 million tons of coal had been shipped from the area.

On January 8, 1880, the town of Coal Hill was incorporated, with Ray Shelley around 200. There were a couple of General Stores and four Saloons, but no jail. The folks of Coal Hill wanted a jail, raising 40.00 dollars; Uncle Smith Cantwell volunteered to build the jail/calaboose.

Cantwell cut and hewed oak trees into four to six-inch square logs and constructed the jail. The walls, floor, ceiling, and door, consisted of the hewed logs.

The town selected a Saturday for a celebration upon completing the new jail.

That morning a large crowd gathered in the saloons, and the drinks were plentiful.

CutestPet made possible by your friends at

Ouachita

Foxy

Equine Clinic

394-1938

SERVING ALL YOUR SMALL & LARGE ANIMAL NEEDS

479-394-7185

TIRES • BRAKES • CUSTOM EXHUAST • SHOCKS & STRUTS

Winter Hours: Mon - Fri 8 am - 5 pm

Randy J. Burgess D.V.M.

1500 Hwy 71 South, Mena

2920 Hwy. 71 N, Mena, AR 71953

HOURS:

Mon. - Wed. 8am-5pm Fri. 8am-3pm Closed on Thurs.

Submit your cute pet to

pulsemmnews@mypulsenews.com

One fellow, in particular, George Tears, had more than enough of the spirits for his own good. He walked into a store owned by the Bench Brothers and started causing trouble. Johnson County Deputy Sheriff Bud Ledbetter, the first Town Marshal of Coal Hill and later United States Deputy Marshal of Indian Territory, was called to help control Tears.

When Ledbetter attempted to arrest Tears, he produced a long knife and attempted to stab Ledbetter. Tears would have succeeded if it wasn't for the quick action of Henry Bench, one of the store owners who used an ax handle to knock the knife out of Tear's hand. It took Ledbetter and several men to subdue George.

He fought them every inch of the way to the new jail. Bud sent one of the men to the blacksmith shop to obtain a piece of metal to place in the hasp until he could send uptown for a lock.

Mid-afternoon the prisoner had sobered up a bit and knew he was in deep trouble. With serious charges against him and the possibility of penitentiary time, Tears sent a friend to see attorney J.D. Hunt. Hunt told the friend the only way Tears would escape the penitentiary time was to get out of the Calaboose and leave the county. Hunt suggests George have his wife visit him that evening, and before she leaves the jail, they would change clothes, leaving his wife in his place.

Now I don't know if that was a tongue-in-cheek suggestion or if Hunt was serious. In any event, Tears took Hunts' advice and had his wife visit him that evening. George was a small man, so fitting into his wife's clothes was not a problem.

Around midnight, Tear's wife called the guard to let her out, at which time George himself, dressed in his wife's clothing, with his head bowed and sunbonnet hiding his fake-sobbing face, plus the fact of the dark moonless night, passed the guard undetected.

Around sunrise, you can imagine the amazement and embarrassment David Smith felt when Mrs. Tears asked Smith to let her out.

The plan was for George to meet his wife and young daughter at George's mother's house, then the three of them would leave for Kentucky. When George arrived at his mother's, snow was falling, and it was bitter cold. So. George decided he would go to Kentucky and then return in the spring for his wife and daughter.

As it turned out, George did not return in the spring; it wasn't until 13 years later that Tears returned to Coal Hill. His daughter, then 13, lived with his mother-in-law, or I should say, former mother-in-law. George's wife had left Coal Hill and remarried. Tears visited with his daughter before returning to Kentucky, where he died a couple of years later.

So now you know the true story of the first jail/calaboose break, or to be more accurate, the first jail switches, in Coal Hill, Arkansas.

Submitted by

Desiree Dore

Owners: Stacy & Julie Nash

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

News 13

July 14, 2021

Dicamba Rule Reminder

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is reminding farmers and applicators about the State Plant Board’s 2021 rule amendments that prohibit the in-crop application of dicamba after June 30.

The federal law that applies to labeling and use of pesticides allows states

to enact rules for pesticide use that are more restrictive than the federal label.

While the federal label may indicate that dicamba can still be applied to cotton, and that smaller buffer zones are in order, the more restrictive provisions of the Arkansas rule are controlling.

Farmers and applicators who fail to

comply with the Arkansas rule may be subject to civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation and possible suspension or revocation of their applicator license.

The rule may be viewed on the Department website at www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/plantindustries/ rules-and-regulations.

Producers with suspected dicamba symptomology on soybeans may request an investigation by the Department’s Plant Industries Division at www. cognitoforms.com/ArkansasAgriculture1/RequestForSuspectedDicambaInvestigation or by calling 501-225-1598.

14 Community

July 14, 2021

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

EDUCATION BRIEFS Siegfried Graduates from UA Little Rock LITTLE ROCK -- Beverly Siegfried of Mena, AR, graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock during the spring 2021 semester. Siegfried graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work in Social Work.

UCA HONORS Spring 2021 Dean’s List CONWAY-- The University of Central Arkansas congratulates more than 1,350 students who were named to the Spring 2021 Dean’s List including: Nathaniel Aleshire of Mena, AR Rachel Murr of Mena, AR

Kara O’Donnal of Mena, AR April Rose of Mena, AR Noah Swall of Mena, AR

Spring 2021 President’s List CONWAY-- The University of Central Arkansas has announced that more than 1,200 students have been named a spring 2021 Presidential Scholar.

To qualify for Presidential Scholar honors in a given semester, a student must earn a 4.0 GPA on a minimum of 12 hours of undergraduate degree credit with no incomplete (X) grades.

The following local students have been named Presidential Scholars: Sumer Brown of Mena, AR Charity Cameron of Mena, AR Whitley Cline of Mena, AR Makenna Goss of Mena, AR Emiley Sorge of Mena, AR

James K. Polk DAR Attends District Meeting

Submitted by- Cortez Copher, Photo- by Brenda Cunningham

Four members attended the Arkansas Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Caddo District Flag Day Meeting in June. They were: Era Looney, Parliamentarian; Brenda Cunningham, Recording Secretary; Kathy Hagler, member; and Cortez Copher, Regent. The meeting was held at the Hurricane Lake Estates Clubhouse in Benton, Arkansas and hosted by the Provincia de La Sal Chapter Arkansas Society Daughters of the American Revolution. To help celebrate the first district meeting in person since the pandemic, each chapter was asked to create "Pandemic Fascinator" hats. The patriotic James K. Polk Fascinator hats were designed and made by Kathy Hagler who was recognized for her work during the meeting.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Community 15

July 14, 2021

ART & CULTURE

Reception held for Folk & Fiber Winners Submitted by Lynn Greenwade

EHC CLUB DONATES ACTIVITY APRONS Submitted by Polk County Extension Office Back Country, a University of Arkansas Extension Homemakers club, was busy this past spring sewing activity aprons. Activity aprons protect individuals’ clothing from messy recreational activities or meals. Members who participated in making aprons were Shelly Collins, Linda Ray, Nancy Philpot, Jane Buttermilk, Eleanor Marosy-Gerlach, Nancy Jo Baker, Linda Fink, and JoAnn Moreno. The ladies made over 30 aprons which they presented to Melissa Harmon, Activity Director, at Peachtree. Melissa commented that they ‘sure could have used these aprons yesterday when they were making fudge’.

Pictured from left are: Shelly Collins, EHC; Carmen Siemon, resident; Melissa Harmon, Activity Director; Linda Ray, EHC; and Don Payton, resident.

Extension Homemakers are committed to improving lives within their counties through community service, leadership development, and education. Five EH Clubs are active in Polk County. If you would be interested in joining an Extension Homemaker Club, call Bridgett Martin at the Polk County Extension Office at 479-3946018.

Clubs meet at various times and various days to accommodate members.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

The reception for the 2021 Folk & Fiber Show was held Saturday, July 10.

Winners from the show, held at Mena Art Gallery, include: 1st place: Bridget Sigler for Merino / Silk Shawl, 2nd place: Penny Brickman for “Dance to the Beat” drum, 3rd place: Jim Brace for metal Prehistoric Fish.

Honorable Mentions: Jane Brace for Black Agate Pine Needle Basket, Niki Dempsey for “Abstract in Blue” Twinning, Niki Dempsey for “Sunflower and Bee”, Bridget Sigler for “Cotton Rag Rug”.

The public is invited to view shows and displays at Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena Street, which can be contacted by calling 479394-3880

OLT Announces Changes to Office Hours and Little Women Musical

Alexa Night, director of Little Women the Musical, has announced a cast change as well as a change in performance dates.

Meg March is now being played

by Lexi Williams, and James Taylor will play John Brooke. Both actors are fresh off leading roles in BIG, the Musical. Performance dates for opening weekend will remain the same, August 6-8 (Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM through Sunday at 2:30 PM). But the second weekend will be Thursday,

August 12 through Saturday, August 14, all evening performances at 7:30 PM. In addition, OLT office hours have also been adjusted since the recent change. The office at 610 Mena St., Suite B, will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM, but Saturdays will now be open from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM to conduct business and sell advance tickets for shows.

Tickets are now available for Little Women, the Musical.

16 Community

Around Town

Hatfield First Baptist Church “Shepard’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 a.m. (full breakfast for small donation). All men from the community are invited to attend.

Ouachita Little Theatre’s Wednesday Night at the Lyric is this week, showcasing “West Side Story” on July 14 at 6:30 PM. Admission is free and cheap concessions are available.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

July 14, 2021 The Mena Art Gallery is hosting its annual Folk & Fiber Show through August 20th. The Gallery is open Wed – Sat from 10am - 3pm. Come by and see the show!

607 Mena Street, across from the Ouachita Little Theater.

Free snow cones. Live music. Yard games. Chill Out at the Park this Saturday, July 17, 2 - 4 pm at Janssen Park. Sponsored by First Presbyterian Church Mena.

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

The annual Jewell reunion will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021, beginning at 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Vandervoort Baptist Church in Vandervoort, Arkansas. Potluck meal will begin around noon. Come with an

DogDays Days Dog Summer ofofSummer COOLDOWN DOWN COOL 2021!

2021!

Six Lucky Winners!

Will each receive a 4-pack of tickets to Magic Springs Theme & Water Park REGISTER AT ONE OR MORE OF THESE LOCAL SPONSORS then listen to 104.1 KENA every Friday during the noon hour between July 2nd and August 6th to see if you are a lucky winner!

TJ's Convenience Store - E Hornbeck Ave, Hatfield Davis Brothers Collision - 1000 Hwy 71 N, Mena Gabriel Clothing - 601 Hwy 71 N Suite P, Mena Freedom Pharmacy - 710 4th St, Mena Miller Signs & Graphix/Quicksilver - 1100 HWY 71N Ste.E, Mena Allbaugh's Florist and Gifts - 709 Mena St, Mena Also Sponsored by: ACCI - Mena & Area Solar - Hatfield (these boxes are available at The Polk County Pulse 1168 Hwy 71S Mena)

appetite and your favorite dish. Enjoy the good food, family and fellowship.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 8pm Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study For information call 479-243-0297 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.

Saturdays at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call 479-234-8366 or 479-216-3786 Free Summer Lunch Program, Janssen Park pavilion, Tuesday’s July 6-Aug 10, 11:30 - 12:30 or until meals are gone.

Drive-thru and pick-up sack lunch, or stay and eat at the pavilion. Sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church Mena.

To donate, volunteer, or for more information call 479-234-3419 or 214-212-8012.

Thursday Night Thunder 1st & 3rd Food Distribution, Thursday, July Thursdays of each month, 5 pm-until whenev15, from 10am - Noon, Board Camp Baptist er, weather-permitting. At Solo’s Speed Paint & Church, 107 Polk 63 at the corner of Hwy. 8 Marine, Corner of 11th and US Hwy 71. Bring a East and Polk 63, approximately 9 miles east cooler and a chair. of Mena.

Bring out your classic cars, muscle cars, rat rods, etc. Free Event Bringing the car The July Sociable Senior Lun- community back together. (631) 276-2482 cheon is at Stillwell Restaurant in De- for more info.

Queen, Arkansas, at 12:00 pm, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. We will meet at the church It’s easy to have your event parking next to Bowser Family Funeral Home listed in Around Town, which will in Mena. If you need a ride or want to follow be read on radio stations KENA someone to the restaurant meet in the parkand KQOR daily. Simply send ing lot at 11:00 AM to be there by noon. your Around Town announceGriefShare continues to meet ment to news@mypulsenews.com every Thursday from 10am -noon at First Pres- or call 479-243-9600 and let us byterian Church Mena for anyone in the com- know about your event! To have it munity who is grieving the loss of a loved one. in the Polk County Pulse newspaper, we need to know by FIVE on Alcoholics Anonymous meet at FRIDAY. We look forward to con3pm Sundays, at 5pm. Tuesdays and at 8pm tinuing to serve the community!

Morning Coffee for your

Ears!

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

July 14, 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 June 28, 2021 Report from complainant on Polk 24 near Cove of damage done to a yard in the amount of $1000.00. Deputy responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration of charges.

Report from complainant on Hwy 8W near Rocky of the theft of a power washer valued at $349.00. Deputy responded.

Request for a welfare check on 134 Rogers Drive near Cove. Deputy responded.

June 29, 2021 Report from complainant on Hwy 71S near Hatfield of attempted arson.

Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Farmer’s Lane near Hatfield of the violation of an Order of Protection. Deputy responded.

Report of a domestic disturbance on Polk 44 near Dallas Valley led to the arrest of Eric T. Cannon, 29, of Mena, on a Warrant for Disorderly Conduct and Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree.

June 30, 2021 Arrested was Timothy S. Woods, 45, of Grannis, on a Warrant for Delivery of Meth or Cocaine, and Possession of Meth or Cocaine, and four Warrants for Failure to Comply, and a Warrant for Failure to Appear.

July 1, 2021 Traffic stop on Hwy 278E near Wickes led to the arrest of Jennifer D. Johnson, 43, of Grannis, on a Warrant for Posses-

sion of Drug Paraphernalia, and Charges of Possession of Meth or Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Arrested was Jason L. Cox, 35, of Mena, on three Warrants for Failure to Appear.

July 2, 2021 Report of the theft of tools valued at $3000.00 on Longfellow Lane near Ink. Deputy responded.

July 3, 2021 No reports filed.

July 4, 2021 Report from complainant on Polk 18 near Vandervoort of a stolen truck.

Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Polk 44 near Dallas Valley of a domestic altercation. Deputy responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration of charges.

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

ther consideration of charges.

Report from complainant on Polk 32 near Cove of various items stolen from a vehicle. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Polk 61 near Board Camp of damage done to a fence. Deputy responded.

Report of an altercation on 375E near Dallas Valley. Deputy responded.

Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration of charges.

July 6, 2021 Report from complainant on Polk 646 near Dallas Valley of being harassed. Deputy responded.

Report of child neglect. Deputy responded.

Report of a domestic dispute on Hwy 8E near Board Camp. Deputy responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration of charges.

Report of an incident involving child custody exchange. Deputy responded.

July 7, 2021 Report involving child custody exchange issues. Deputy responded.

Arrested was David W. Howell, 39, of Waldron, Arkansas, on two Warrants for Failure to Appear.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 17 Incarcerated Inmates, with 5 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

July 8, 2021 Report from complainant on Polk 652 near Dallas Valley of a scam. Deputy responded.

Report of threats being made by telephone. Deputy responded.

July 5, 2021 Report of a domestic altercation on Polk 68 near Cherry Hill. Deputy responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration of charges.

Report of a water meter being tampered with on Hwy 8E near Board Camp. Deputy responded.

Report of threats being made over the telephone. Deputy responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for fur-

July 9, 2021 Report of an accident on Polk 48 near Potter. Deputies responded.

Report from complainant on Polk 414 near Hatfield of identity fraud.

Report of a juvenile receiving threats.

Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Polk 70 near Cherry Hill of a scam involving gift cards. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Hwy 8E near Big Fork of the theft of a dryer.

Deputy responded.

Arrested was David E. Milam, 54, of

Police Reports 17 Hatfield, on a Warrant for Threatening a Judicial Official, and Terroristic Threatening 1st Degree.

July 10, 2021 Report of reckless driving on Hwy 71S near Hatfield. Deputy responded.

Report of a gas skip at a business near Cove. Deputy responded.

Report of a juvenile being harassed.

Deputy responded.

July 11, 2021 Traffic stop on Hwy 71S near Hatfield led to the arrest of Derrick P. Lester, 46, of Cove, on a Charge of DWI and two Warrants for Failure to Comply.

Report from complainant on Polk 44 near Dallas Valley of being threatened and the theft of a truck led to the arrest of Jason L. Cox, 35, of Mena, on a Charge of Theft Greater than $5,000.00, Terroristic Threatening 2nd Degree, and Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License, and the arrest of Brandy L. Crawford, 47, of Hatfield, on a Warrant for Failure to Appear.

Report of an abandoned side by side on Hwy 8E near Board Camp. Deputy responded. Owner was later located.

Arrested was Noel A. Myers, 36, of Grannis, on 2 Warrants for Failure to Appear, and Charges of Criminal Trespass, Violation of an Order of Protection, and Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons.

Arrested was Brandon A. Duncan, 30, of Mena, on a Warrant for Theft $25,000.00 or More, a Warrant for two counts of Theft $5,000.00 or Less, Theft Greater than $5,000.00, and Breaking or Entering, and a Warrant for Theft $5,000.00 or Less, and a Warrant for Obstructing Governmental Operations.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 22 Incarcerated Inmates, with 6 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

18 Police Reports

MENA POLICE REPORTS June 27 Jordan Schmitz, 22, was charged with Possession of Schedule 6 Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Disorderly Conduct, and Public Intoxication after a disturbance call to McDonalds.

June 28 Elva Bruce, 40, was served with a warrant at the police department.

July 14, 2021 July 6 A report of a cell phone being found at the corner of Pine Avenue and 10th Street.

James Jewell, 30, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

A report of criminal mischief was taken at a residence on Bonner Circle.

Garrett Puerto, 25, and Laurie Pecora, 23, were both charged with Disorderly Conduct after a disturbance call to a residence on Rodgers Avenue.

July 7 A death investigation report was taken at a residence on Jansen Avenue.

A report of battery was taken at a residence on Oak Grove Avenue.

June 29 A report of unauthorized use of a debit card was taken from a walk-in complainant.

A report of breaking or entering was July 8 taken from the Northside Laundromat.

A theft report was taken at a resiA report of theft was taken from a dence on Sarah Way. walk-in complainant.

A report of forgery was taken at A report of possession of drug paraphernalia was taken at a residence on Union Bank.

Church Avenue.

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

June 30 Vicki Fussell, 53, was served with a No report. warrant at the county jail.

July 1 A report of theft of property (shopRichard Silverman, 48, was served lifting) was taken from Walmart. with a warrant at a residence on 7th Street.

July 9 A report of criminal mischief was July 2 Michael Lance, 57, was served with taken from Country Express. a warrant after contact on Highway 71.

A report of criminal mischief was A report of a prowler was taken at a taken from the Northside Laundromat. residence on Cordie Drive.

A report of theft was taken from a A report of Breaking or Entering was walk-in complainant. taken at a residence on Evans Circle.

David Heard, 34, was charged with Cheyenne Smith, 27, was served with Criminal Trespass after a complaint on a warrant at the police department.

Edwards Street.

A report of harassment was taken at a residence on Oak Grove Avenue.

July 3 Stacey Burnett, 35, was served with July 10 two warrants at the Limetree Inn. Officers were dispatched to a disturJuly 4 A report was made of a welfare check bance call at Walmart. Jimmy Wright, on a person at a residence on Hickory 36, was charged with Disorderly ConAvenue. duct, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and served July 5 A report of criminal mischief was with two warrants. Christina Wright, taken at Salvation Army.

29, was charged with Disorderly Conduct.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

LAKE VILLAGE SHOOTING INCIDENT GRANT COUNTY MAN LEAVES ONE MAN DEAD; SUSPECT DEAD FOLLOWING SURRENDERS OFFICER INVOLVED STATE POLICE BRIEFS

SHOOTING AT UAMS A Grant County man died July 12 following a law enforcement officer involved shooting incident that occurred about 12:40 PM outside the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences Hospital Emergency Department.

UAMS police officers had approached Bobby Hollingshead, 59, of Sheridan, as he exited a truck near the hospital emergency entrance. Hollingshead was reportedly brandishing a gun and directed police officers to stay away. As Hollingshead raised the gun, one officer fired his weapon wounding Hollingshead who was then taken inside the hospital for medical treatment, but later died.

Hospital staff stated they had received reports prior to the shooting that Hollingshead may have had intentions to harm himself or others at the hospital.

Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division were requested by UAMS police to investigate the officer involved shooting.

Hollingshead’s body has been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory where the manner and cause of death will be determined.

Once the investigation is completed, the case file will be delivered to the Pulaski County prosecuting attorney who will decide whether the use of deadly force by a police officer was consistent with Arkansas laws.

Derrick Wilson, 43, of Lake Village surrendered to local police officers July 6 following a day long search for the suspect following a shooting incident that left one man dead July 5.

Special Agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division were asked by Lake Village Police to investigate the homicide. Agents obtained warrants charging Wilson with murder (1st degree) and possession of a firearm by certain persons. He is being held at the Chicot County Detention Center pending a first appearance hearing.

James Harden, 53, of Lake Village was shot Monday afternoon, about 1:30, while outside a residence at 423 Lee Street. Witness say Harden fled from Wilson who arrived at the residence shortly before the shooting occurred. Harden died while being transported to a nearby hospital.

SPEEDING DRIVERS BE WARNED: CLAMPDOWN UNDERWAY Arkansas law enforcement officers have launched a speed enforcement blitz with additional patrols to stop speeding drivers. Operating under the tagline, “Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine”, state troopers, sheriff’s deputies and local police officers have committed to confront the safety threat caused by drivers who choose to ignore the posted speed limit on Arkansas highways and local streets.

Starting July 12 and continuing through Sunday, July 18, the intensified enforcement operation will involve law enforcement officers from state and local

STATE continued on page 20

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Puzzles 19

July 14, 2021

07.14.21

07.14.21

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 07.07.21

Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Hello! My name is Ms. Penguin and I am simply purrfection. I am a petite girl, who weighs in at about 7 pounds. I am good with children and other cats. I might be a bit shy at first but I warm up quickly. I am a big lover of people and petting time. I am about 3 years old and have a stunning black and white fur coat. That is right! Just like a penguin! I am litter box trained. In fact, I have been indoors all my life and would need to go to an indoor only home.

No need to plan a trip to the south pole, you can add this sweet penguin to your family by visiting HSO 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

20 Classifieds

July 14, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS - SERVICES FOR RELIGION SALE

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

(870) 490-1191 T0714 Tree Service, Storm Cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and Lights replaced. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 T0721

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 -

Now hiring dependable, skilled and unskilled construction workers. Top pay for the area.

No phone calls please. Must apply in person. RCI Construction , 504 Dequeen St., Mena, AR 71953 T0714 Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for general labor positions. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

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

F.M. Dix Foundry is accepting applications for general labor positions. Applications may be picked up at the office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

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

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced CNC Machine Operator.

Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

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

THE POLK COUNTY

2005 Yamaha V-Star 1100 Custom.

7,700 miles, garaged, one owner, new tires, $3,900. (479) 234-5898 T0714 For Sale; 1990 Isuzu Trooper 2, 4-wheeldrive, 5-speed manual, running condition, $1,000. Call (479) 394-3901.

T0714

RELIGION

End Time Bible Questions?

He will pour out His Spirit on His servants in the last days. Acts 2:17-20 And I will give power unto my two witnesses (Revelation 11:3) (two candlesticks, representing 2 churches, Smyrna & Philadelphia).

How long shall it be to the end of these wonders (portents)? Daniel 12:6 He shall accomplish to scatter the power of the Holy people. (Daniel 12:7) Do you believe they are the witnesses that have power in the last days?

Do you believe we must follow these scriptures below if we are to be chosen for exploits (portents) in end times?

Matthew 5:48, Luke 6:49, John 17:23, 2 Corinthians 7:1 & 13:11, Ephesians 4:12, Collosians 4:12, Hebrews 6:1 & 10:26 Matthew 7:14, You can find it if you try.

Phillippians 2:12, Do you have enough fear?

Revelation 3:2 & 3:5 & 20:15, Try as if your life depended on it.

Revelation 3:21 Beyond amazing. T0714

Polk County Births Mena Regional Health System JUNE 2, 2021 TO JULY 9, 2021 Summer & Brandon Backenstow of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born July 5th Michelle & Devin Taylor of Prairie Grove, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born July 6th

MENA REAL ESTATE

www.MenaRealEstate.com

STATE

Pulse

continued from page 18 departments, big and small.

“Speeding violations across Arkansas have been trending upward over the past 18 months, correlating with an increase we’ve witnessed in total fatalities from motor vehicle crashes,” commented Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative.

“When a driver increases the speed of a vehicle, it reduces the reaction time the driver has to safely react to unexpected hazards and too often the end result is serious injury or death to drivers and passengers,” Colonel Bryant said.

During calendar year 2019 the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) documented 26 percent of all traffic fatalities, or 132 lives lost, in speeding related crashes.

Nationally, about 15 percent of the speeding related fatalities occur on interstate highways annually.

Speed also affects safety even when a vehicle is being driven at the speed limit but too fast for road conditions, such as during bad weather, when a road is under repair or in an area at night that is not well lit.

NHTSA considers a crash to be speed related if a driver was charged with exceeding the posted speed limit or if the driver was driving too fast for conditions.

For more information on the “Obey the Sign, or Pay the Fine” mobilization, please visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov or contact the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. For more on Arkansas’ ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit www.TZDarkansas.org

- YARD SALES -

3-family yard sale, Friday and Saturday July 16th and 17th, 74 Evans Circle Clothes, household goods, items to numerous too mention.

T0714 Huge outside/inside yard sale, rain or shine! Friday the 16th 8-5, Saturday the 17th, 8-?. 206 Morrow Street in Mena. China cabinet, Antique secretary, dining chairs, kingsize bed with Jameson mattresses and custom bedding set, living room chairs, lamps, china, pictures and other household items.

Plus, several commercial clothing racks.

479-394-7301

1102 Crestwood Circle Mena, AR 71953

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

July 14, 2021

My Pulse Hogspore News:

Humor 21

The Running of the Belles

By Clet Litter from the Ozarks We celerbrated the Running of the Belles on Monday. The event falls on the second Monday in July to allow the women of Hogspore to chase after their husbands and boyfriends in a reserved course through town.

If a woman overtakes her man before he tags in at the Courthouse sidewalk, she has a license to instill a little respect into her husband or boyfriend for all the psychological and mental abuse or indifference from the last 12 months.

Physical abuse doesn’t count, cause the widow always handles it when it happens. If there is a husband AND a

boyfriend for the same lady, she can only go after one, a sorta reverse Sophie’s Choice.

We canceled 2020’s year’s run cause no feller wanted to be running for his hide sporting a facemask. Now, there’s a lot of pent-up anger dwelling in the females. Reports are coming in from throughout the city of excessive walloping of husbands and boyfriends.

Jimmy Suspenders was telling about his folks. He said, “I never met my father or mother. They left me on the steps of an orphanage. I kinda think that my mommy mighta been a hippie and my daddy was a rodeo clown, cause I was placed on those doorsteps wearing tie-dyed swaddling clothes in

a barrel.”

Old Man Grimely told his young wife, “I’m gonna start gradually becoming grumpier so no one will miss me when I’m gone.”

She come back with, “Nobody’s gonna notice you getting any grumpier. Don’t worry about anybody’s feelings. Trust me; I know that, somehow, I think I’ll be able to push on.” Grimely knew she meant it since she used a semicolon and two commas.

Anybody out there got nicknames for their grandparents?

I figure names like Gada, (for Granddad), Grammy, Gramps, Memaw, Mimi, and Pop Pop are just grown children’s way of getting back

at their own parents. My Grandpappy demanded that we call him, Mr. Litter, so that’s what we called him to his face. My Granny called him an old fool.

Grandpappy and Granny are the real deal in these parts. Thems the formal legal titles.

Mumford Pickens says, “The trouble with always looking the other way is that someday there won’t be anywhere to look.

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

LOC ATED IN MENA , ARKANSAS

( 4 7 9 ) 3 3 7 - 7 115

WWW.HOMEWOODGHC.COM

JUNE KESTERSON

LOVED THE GOATS COMING TO VISIT SO MUCH THAT SHE WANTED HER PICTURE IN THE PAPER. THE VISITING GOATS WERE COURTESY OF JAMES AND MONA DAVIS.

22 Community

THE POLK COUNTY

July 14, 2021

Greetings to the Guard!

Pulse

Photos by Trey Youngdahl The Arkansas National Guard was given a warm welcome as they passed through Polk County, stopping to refuel at the fairgrounds in Mena last week.

Four days of convoys from Ft. Chaffee headed to Fort Polk, Louisiana for training were met with a comfort station made possible by community members.

Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer said, “One of the many reasons I love living in Polk County is the generosity of our community. The Arkansas National Guard had close to 1000 soldiers stop in Mena over four days. We’ve set up a comfort station for the soldiers providing drinks, snacks, and a place to cool off while they refuel. All of the refreshments were provided by local people and businesses, including the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Mena Police Department, Dean Boyd and Boyd Interiors, Jeff Brotherton and Brodix, Bobby Brooks and Brooks Ice, Crystal Geyser water, Ouachita Rock, Union Bank, Scotty’s, Roger and Cynthia Crider and Crider Aircraft, Jason Barrett and Debra Buschman from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Mena Regional Health systems, the Mena Fire Department, the Polk County Fair and Rodeo Association, and Mayor Seth Smith and Jessica Smith; and a special thanks to my wife, Cindi Sawyer, for helping put this all together. Thank you all for your generous donations and for supporting our troops.”

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Community 23

July 14, 2021

Donations and Service honor the Arkansas National Guard

Photos courtesy Scott Sawyer

National Guard members at a comfort station at the Polk County Fair Grounds, where troops stopped to refuel on their way to Ft. Polk, Louisiana. Sheriff Scott Sawyer said, “I’ve learned several things about the men and women of the Arkansas National these past few days. They’re all very polite and professional. They don’t litter and they clean up after themselves (we haven’t picked up one piece of trash). They appreciate everything our community did for them. They could live off honeybuns, pop tarts, rice crispy treats, and coffee. The men and women of the Arkansas National Guard are an outstanding group and are a credit to the uniform.”

$ $

$

CHIQUITAʼS $5 FOOD SERVICE FOR $3

BAYWASH CAR WASH $10 CARWASH FOR $5

WENDYʼS LARGE BREAKFAST BACONATOR COMBO FOR $5

THE SHOP $45 UNLIMITED $ TANNING FOR $25

AND A VARIETY OF BRANSON TICKETS

24 Community

July 14, 2021

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Senior Center opens doors and welcome activity again Photos courtesy of Mena-Polk County Senior Center The Mena-Polk County Senior Center had a good turnout Monday when it opened its doors for the first time in 16 months. Grab and Go meals will continue to be served to people who prefer it, however the pick up time has changed to accommodate both dining needs. The new schedule is: Grab N Go Pick up from 11:00am to 11:30am and Dine-In meals will be served at 11:45am. Orders for meal pick up will need to be called in prior to pick up.

Senior Center Hours are Monday through Friday from 8am to 2pm and to place orders of for more information call 479-394-5459.