Polk County Pulse May 19, 2021

Pulse THE POLK COUNTY

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The Ouachita Portrait

INSIDE:

May 19, 2021

M.A.D.E receives non-profit status

By Jeri Pearson

Police Week

An organization that aims to help people overcome obstacles has successfully leapt over a hurdle of its own, securing a non-profit status.

Polk County M.A.D.E. is a community organization with a local board that acts as a conduit connecting people with resources and assistance to build a better life.

“This is huge for us,” Keena Ashcraft,

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See MADE continued on page 2

Mena FFA

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Collection displayed at college

Photo Courtesy UARM

What’s a Podcast?

Page 26

Henry Moreno visits with Monta Philpot at the University of Arkansas at Rich Mountain during the reception featuring Philpot’s acclaimed "The Ouachita Portrait" Collection. Her collection will continue to be on display and open to the public Monday - Thursday inside the Ouachita Center on the UARM Mena Campus through the end of the month. See story page 4

Courtesy photo Shelby and Keena Ashcraft announce Polk County M.A.D.E.’s non-profit status on social media.

2 News

May 19, 2021

MADE

continued from page 1

a MADE founder and volunteer, said.

“As we continue to pursue developing this, getting our non-profit status has put us in a much better place to receive monetary donations and continue our efforts.”

One big ticket item M.A.D.E is searching for is a home.

“We need a place that allows us to meet, counsel, train, advise, teach skills, while also storing donations,” Ashcraft explained. “We need to be able to have access to a kitchen, washing and drying clothes and a place to meet in large groups, and also a place to quietly meet with a person or family in private.”

The ideal facility would be a home or a building that allows for daily living task and has multiple rooms, she said.

“We are hoping to find a suitable location at the right price for a non-prof-

it,” Shelby Ashcraft said. “Because the individuals coming to us are asking for help, which is a huge first step, we want to be able to have an environment that shows we respect their effort. It should be a place where, when someone comes in, they feel valued – not like a second class citizen or an afterthought.”

Once a location is found, MADE will offer a clothes closet, household items, cleaning products, toiletries and such items that are essential to functional living.

About Polk County M.A.D.E. Overcoming obstacles after life knocks an individual down is no easy feat. Though several entities across the community offer assistance, many services are left underutilized.

However, M.A.D.E. hopes to change outcomes and increase access to assistance.

Polk County MADE (Making a Difference Every Day) aims to give people

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a hand up and point the direction to services that can positively impact individuals, families and, ultimately, the community.

“Many people may find out about one place they can get help, but are still struggling in another area,” Keena said.

“With this, we want to partner with organizations, pull resources together, and be able to identify all the areas a person or family needs assistance.

While there are many areas of ministry and charity throughout the county, MADE aims to bolster those efforts rather than replace.

“So many people are doing great things to lift our community up, but it can be overwhelming to a person who is struggling to go find all the resources available. It is also really difficult for people to ask for help.”

Polk County MADE offers a no judgment approach to lending a helping hand.

“Once an individual is referred to drug court, they find out about resources that may have helped them during the time they were making poor choices. When you feel helpless, or judged, it can cloud judgment and make it seem like all hope is lost,” said Shelby. “We want to affect that positive change before people feel that way, if possible. It doesn’t matter where someone is at on their journey. We want to show kindness and help people feel like there are options and help.”

The feeling of worthiness MADE hopes to cultivate in those seeking help is also a central focus of the programs they aim to offer, including assistance with mock job interviews, job applications, filling out forms for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), health insurance, and other task that can inhibit a person from taking steps to change or improve situations.

Organizers also hope for a facility that can have a play area for children when parents come in for assistance.

“That stuff is scary for a lot of people because it can be unknown and terrifying,” Shelby said. “Also, if one person in

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse a family unit, no matter their age, has an issue – with access to health care, needing a job or training, needing counseling or struggling with substance abuse or addition – typically those struggles affect the entire family unit.”

Currently MADE does not offer monetary or shelter assistance, but can assist with establishing shelter in a nearby county, as well as working to get individuals set up for detox assistance.

MADE can also help by connecting people with food pantries and other resources.

The organization’s mission is to lend a hand up to those in need in our community through facilitating community connections, providing resources and providing a safe place for those to improve their lives.

According to MADE, “Someone on your side, who believes in you, can be the difference in your success story.

And that extra support can help you to be a necessary member of society. We hope to continue the chain of giving back within our community.”

Facilitating community connection and bridging the gap.

After the goals of establishing a physical location and resource center have been met, the group hopes to establish a sober living facility and emergency shelter.

“It is such a good feeling to be able to help,” Shelby continued. “None of this would have been possible without the loving community members who donated.”

Monetary donations can be made through VENMO account, by searching polkcountymade, or make a deposit to the Resource Room at Union Bank.

Organizations, donors and those seeking help are also encouraged to contact MADE on Facebook (POLKCOUNTYM.A.D.E.) or by emailing shelby.ashcraft@polkcountymade.org or keena.ashcraft@polkcountymade. org.

THE POLK COUNTY

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News 3

May 19, 2021

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Your Pulse!

A MESSAGE FROM UARM CHANCELLOR, Phillip Wilson Although mask mandates for campus will no longer be in effect, they are strongly encouraged if you are not vaccinated.

UARM is committed to the overall health and safety of all Buck stakeholders.

The response from all of our stakeholders has been tremendous during this fight against COVID – 19. As has been from the onset of the pandemic, UARM has been committed to following the ever-evolving science. We are all trying to move in the same direction and that is to return to normal.

Effective immediately, we will incorporate the newly revised recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC.) We will implement these new recommendations so that our transition to normal occurs as smoothly and safely as possible. We are determined to have a fall semester that is as normal as the new normal can be. As we have since the onset of this pandemic, UARM will continue to monitor guidelines recommended by the CDC for recommended safety protocols in the workplace and classroom and adapt as needed.

Although mask mandates for campus will no longer be in effect, they are strongly encouraged if you are not vaccinated. As well, to continue campus community safety, all UARM students, employees, and visitors are encouraged to maintain a 3’ social distancing space, frequent hand washing, and continued cleaning and disinfecting routines. Campus facilities have also begun to re-open to the public for rentals allowing non-college events back on campus, i.e., reunions, weddings, day camps, banquets. Lastly, the College will start the process of opening back common areas, break rooms, water fountains, ice machines, updating website and relevant signage removal, etc. to be completed by June 1.

Please do not think that these releases are implying that the COVID – 19 has become old news. Quite frankly, that is “fake news” and the College’s commitment remains the same…UARM is committed to the overall health and safety of all Buck stakeholders.

Please remain committed to taking care of yourself AND your neighbor.

Your Pulse!

Letter to the Editor On behalf of myself and the Town of Hatfield I would like to send out a big thank you to the ladies of the Hatfield branch of the Union Bank. The Hatfield Branch of the Union Bank has always been an option for our water and sewer customers to make their payments.

When the pandemic hit us last year we did not have the facilities to social distance and to take payments in person. We asked our customers to use our drop box or to pay at the Union Bank’s drive-thru window. Payments made at the bank more than doubled in number and for their help and extra efforts we are truly grateful. Kathy, Linda and Laura, you are all very much appreciated.

Mike Callahan, City Clerk

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4 Community

May 19, 2021

Philpot Collection on exhibit in UARM’s Ouachita Center

Mena’s own, Monta Philpot’s acclaimed Ouachita Portrait collection was welcomed to the campus of UA Rich Mountain and on exhibit in the Ouachita Center with a reception honoring Philpot that gave art appreciators an opportunity to hear from the artist.

The collection was a heartfelt project of Monta’s, who wanted to chronicle her home community through her artistry using the colorful personalities, and their skillsets, who helped to mold and shape the Ouachita Region. The collection has been showcased throughout

Arkansas in a variety of exhibits but it has also prestigiously adorned the walls of the Russell Senate Rotunda in our Nation’s Capitol.

Through her masterful artistry with Prismacolor, she has expertly preserved a way of life that is all too quickly fading, while simultaneously sharing their individual stories… stories that much like the patchwork of a quilt that, when stitched together, have become the folklore of the Ouachita Region.

Stories like “Rooster” Cogburn who sat on his front porch in the Shady com-

munity, always with a wave for passers-by, while he whittled rolling pins and other utensils; Dean Egger who pastored multiple generations from a

got medicare???

THE POLK COUNTY

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small country church in Cherry Hill; or Delta Meador whose handmade quilts that are now prized heirlooms… and this is just a small sampling.

The exhibit includes a brief description to accompany each work of art that better explains the significance of the setting for the portrait’s subject.

One example being a portrait of John L. Faulkner alongside a pasture of cows that is bordered by a line of electrical poles and lines that signify his more than thirty-year seat on the board of directors for the Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. The description ends by crediting his contribution toward rural electricity as bringing about “one of the greatest economic and lifestyle impacts in the Ouachita Mountains.”

Monta said that visiting with each of the people featured in her collection was as much her favorite part as the art itself and critical to bringing the art to life. Philpot holds a degree in art from Texas A&M University and now only does commission pieces.

THE POLK COUNTY

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State News 5

May 19, 2021

From the

State House of Representatives

When an officer is killed, it is We also addressed the mental not only a loss to the agency, it’s health of our officers by passa loss to our entire state. ing Act 747. This bill states law National Police Week is May enforcement agencies must as9-May 15. May 15 has also been sist a law enforcement officer designated as Peace Officers Meinvolved in a critical incident morial Day to honor the service in obtaining services that may and sacrifice of those law enhelp the officer recover from forcement officers killed in the John Maddox psychological effects. line of duty while protecting We passed legislation that our communities. Sadly, Arkansas lost was recommended by the Governor’s five officers in the line of duty last year.

Task Force to Advance the State of Law An estimated 7,000 officers are pro- Enforcement in Arkansas. Act 218 limtecting and serving 3 million Arkansans. its a law-enforcement agency to two We recognize that a single week is not part-time officers for every full-time a sufficient amount of time to honor the officer. The task force report noted that sacrifices our law enforcement and their the higher ratio of full-time officers families make daily. We hope the legisla- would strengthen in-house training and tion enacted in the most recent session enhance stability. helps to support them throughout the And we passed legislation making year. sure K-9 units get the necessary medical We strengthened the budget for Ar- services they need if injured in the line kansas State Police and reduced the of duty with Act 790 titled Gabo’s Law. amount of time they need to serve beFrom patrolling morning rush hour fore they can retire. to responding to a domestic call late at We passed Act 714, which requires a night, we ask a great deal from our men city of first-class to establish a city po- and women in law enforcement. We lice department and provide the depart- thank them for the selfless service to the ment with proper resources. communities they serve and our state.

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, 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

In next year’s statewide received information about general election in Novempublic benefits for which she ber, voters will decide whethmay be eligible, as well as er or not the three amendhelp with application forms. ments are written into the The offer of free resources state Constitution. will include planning for a Two of the proposed healthy pregnancy, and help amendments originated in with postpartum care and the Senate; the third origi- Larry Teague prenatal care. The mother nated in the House of Reprewill receive information about sentatives. alcohol and drug abuse treatment.

Senate Joint Resolution 10, if apThe mother is not required to comproved by voters next year, would plete any of the services in order to get allow the General Assembly to call an abortion. The Health Department itself into session in the interim be- will set up a toll-free telephone line tween regular sessions. Currently, the for pregnant women to get the offer legislature meets every year in regular of free services. The Department also session. After regular sessions have will set up a database. Abortion proadjourned, the le The Arkansas leg- viders must register on the database islature enacted several new pro-life each abortion request, and the regislaws during the 2021 regular session. tration must verify that the mother One of the first bills approved was received an offer of free services.

Act 309, which prohibits abortions Within two days after the abortion except in cases when it’s necessary to is performed, the provider must resave the life of the mother in a medi- port to the Health Department the cal emergency. date and time it was performed.

The act does not authorize the filThe abortion provider may contract ing of any criminal charges against with an agency to make the offer of the mother. However, the person free services to the pregnant women. who performs the abortion could That agency must report on the numbe charged with a felony and fined ber of requests for help it gets from $100,000. victims of abuse, coercion or sex trafIf a physician is providing medical ficking. treatment to a pregnant woman and The agency also must report how accidentally or unintentionally harms many women asked for help with the unborn baby, the physician has an health pregnancy planning, and how affirmative defense. many women asked for help paying Act 309 does not prohibit the sale for housing, getting a job, getting or use of contraceptive drugs and child care and putting the child up for chemicals, as long as they are taken adoption. before the mother could reasonably The reports will also include the know, through conventional medical number of requests for financial help, testing, that she is pregnant. medical care, mental health treatThe legislature also passed Act 949, ment, substance abuse treatment, which requires abortion clinics to be help writing a resume and help getlicensed by the state Health Depart- ting health insurance. ment. It also prohibits hospitals from To confirm that abortion providers performing an abortion unless it is to are offering free services, or hiring an save the life of the mother in a medi- agency to offer services, the Health cal emergency.

Department will audit the providAct 90 does not allow an abortion ers. Abortion providers can be fined to be performed until the mother has $5,000 for each procedure performed

See STATE SENATE page 10

6 Obituaries Joyce Ann Alexander

Joyce Ann Alexander, of Cherry Hill moved to Heaven May 10, 2021, her age being eighty-four years, four months, and eight days. She was born in Cherry Hill January 2, 1937, to Ivan and Bertha Deramus. She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Mitzi Duckett, infant son, Todd, and stillborn twin boys.

She was a member of Cherry Hill Gospel Church where she taught Sunday school for over 30 years, in which the oldest “young adult” in the group was nearly 70 years old because she was such a wonderful teacher the members didn’t want to graduate out of her class!

She had a strong gift of faith and was a powerful prayer warrior. She led many to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior through her personal testimony that she shared in her sphere of influence and through a telephone ministry she had for several years. She served as Polk County Assessor for 16 years.

She was known for her lively laughter, sense of humor, and spunky personality, which showed in things like playing basketball with her teen-aged grandson when she was in her 60’s. “Mimi” and “Papa” went to hundreds of local and out-of-town baseball, football, volleyball games and track events with Mitzi to cheer on the grands they adored during their high school years.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 31 years, Paul Alexander; sister,

THE POLK COUNTY

May 19, 2021 Sue Egger and husband, Arvin; stepson, Monte Alexander and wife, Eileen; son-in-law, Ronnie Duckett; grandchildren, Clay Knighten and wife, Hayden; Whitney Milum and husband, Michael; Rhonda Bensen and husband, John; Kyle Duckett and wife, Heather; great-grandchildren Kate, Easton, Hudson, and Kinley Diane Knighten; Cooper Mac and Conley Grace Milum; Maddie, Lauren, and Charlie Bensen; Trever Pierce; niece, Duana Hawkins; nephew, Scott Egger; and numerous friends and relatives.

A private family service will be held with Brother Mark Lyle and Brother Tom Hartley officiating. A public graveside service will be Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at the Cherry Hill Cemetery with services entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

No visitation is planned.

Pallbearers will be Clay Knighten, Michael Milum, Scott Egger, Johnny Miner, Kris Lyle, Brad Fountain, and Kyle Duckett.

Charles Maxwell Scott, Jr.

Charles Maxwell Scott Jr., age 79, of Board Camp, Arkansas died on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at his home. He was born on Wednesday, May 6, 1942 to Charles Maxwell Scott Sr. and Grace Leona Roberts Scott in Hon, Arkansas.

Charles a hard working and friendly man of the Baptist Faith. He was a truck driver for over 20 years and Camp High Point Park Ranger from 1991-2007 and was known by his camp nickname, “George”. He was very proud of his work at the Girl Scout Camp. Charles had a friendly nature and loved to socialize with friends and his family, whom he cared deeply for. He enjoyed fishing and listening to Country Western music.

Charles was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his par-

ents.

Charles is survived by his loving wife, Frances Scott of Board Camp; one son, Ricky Scott of Oregon; two daughters and sons in law, Kimberly and Chris Dilbeck of Board Camp, and Christi and Jason Head of Mena; one brother, Almus Scott of Waldron; one sister, Charlene Crase and husband Lynn of Waldron; four grandchildren, Justin Drager of Board Camp, Lyndie Drager of Mena, Kalie Clibrey of Mena, and Jarrett Clibrey of Russellville; And step grandchildren Addam, Christian and Clayton Dilbeck , one great grandson, Brayden Clibrey; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena with Brother Tim Rose officiating.

Interment will follow at the Hon Cemetery in Hon, Arkansas under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Lance Drager, Shaun McCauley, Justin Drager, Jarrett Clibrey, Larry Eades, and Glen Erickson.

Honorary pallbearers Brayden Clibrey and Clayton Dilbeck.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Darrell Lee Titsworth

Darrell Lee Titsworth, age 84, of Mena was called home to the Lord on Friday, May 14, 2021.

Darrell was born on January 3, 1937 in Nunley to Newton and Marie Ellison Titsworth.

He proudly served his country in the U. S. Navy. Darrell was united in marriage to Vicky LaRue Cook on August 18, 1984. He was active in Real Estate and was an insurance broker. Darrell also was a Real estate appraiser and owner/ manager of apartments. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing with family and friends. Darrell enjoyed working and watching plants grow in his garden. Above all Darrell loved God and his family.

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He is survived by his wife Vicky Titsworth; sons, Garland Titsworth and wife Aree, Keith Titsworth, Russell DePriest and wife Kristy, Adam DePriest and wife Carol, Lee Titsworth and wife Katie; daughters, Tammy Turner, Tonya Petet and husband Stan, Amanda McMellon and husband Rob; brothers, John Titsworth, Buck Titsworth and wife Sarah; sisters, Geneva Titsworth, Jan Titsworth, Kathy Stephens; grandchildren, Ashley Daniel and husband David, Trenton Turner and wife Melissa, Landon Turner and wife Katelyn, Autumn Christenberry and husband Levi, Nichole Sullenger and husband Kent, Paige Titsworth, Megan Petet, Kelsey Petet, Seth DePriest, Sophie DePriest, Eliza DePriest, Cole McMellon, Dax McMellon, Ella DePriest, Wylie DePriest, Ally DePriest, Zane DePriest, Thomas DePriest and Crosby Lee Titsworth; great grandchildren, Lexi Daniel, Layni Daniel, Andrew Daniel, Kelton Turner, Koleane Turner, Kelly Turner, Addison Turner, Treyson Turner, Zoey Turner, Lauren Titsworth, Carsen Titsworth, Kalyn Sullenger, Ava Sullenger, Kadon Turner, and Brandon Turner.

Several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends too numerous to count.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Newton and Marie Titsworth; sisters, Helen Harvey, Shirley Titsworth; brothers, Jimmy Lee Titsworth, N.C. (Nute) Titsworth; grandson, Kyle Titsworth.

Funeral service will be Monday, May 17, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Mena Freewill Baptist Church with Brother Donnie Jewell officiating. Visitation will start at 10:00 a.m. at the church. No Public service will be at the graveside. Services are under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Honorary pallbearers are Earnest Jordan, Tony Parker, Ronald Ryan, Ladell Ryan, Tracy Westbrook, and Jerry Boschert.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com.

THE POLK COUNTY

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Faith 7

May 19, 2021

An Arkie’s Faith: Cutting Down Trees

By Richie Lawry

I love trees. I always have. When I travel in areas that do not have trees, I wonder how people can live there. One of the reasons I love the place where I live in Western Arkansas is that we have so many trees.

When spring comes each year and the trees leaf out; it lifts my spirits. The various shades of green that cover the hillsides are beautiful. And I find autumn to be a magical time of year when the leaves on the trees change from green to many shades of orange, red, yellow, and brown.

Last week I had several trees taken out of my backyard. It was painful for me. Remember, I love trees. When I first saw the building lot where my house now stands, the thing that impressed me the most was the trees. Almost immediately, my wife and I knew that this was where we wanted to build our house. When we started building, it pained me to take out trees to have room for our house, but I knew it was necessary.

The story of the trees in my backyard started over a year ago. Our house is almost thirty years old, and the deck at the back of the house had deteriorated.

I decided to replace the deck with Trex composite decking. I chose composite decking because composite materials offer outstanding durability and low maintenance. After removing the old decking and installing the composite, I needed a railing. My old deck had wooden planters and benches, but I wanted a proper railing on my new deck. Trex offers composite railing, but the cost was high, and I was not crazy about the way it looked. I investigated cable railing systems, but once again, the price was high, and I wasn’t sure that I could make it look nice when I installed it.

Another part of my plan was to pour a cement patio below the raised composite deck. I called several concrete finishers but could not get anyone to make a bid on the project. For several months, my project was on hold. I enjoyed the deck and the new outdoor furniture we purchased, but the lack of a railing made me nervous. While looking at my Facebook feed, I saw where someone had a local craftsman, John, build a beautiful gate. I contacted John and asked him if he could build a custom rail for my deck. He said that he could and came out the next day to make a bid on the job. Within a couple of weeks, I had a beautiful

new railing on my deck.

But I still wanted a concrete patio. I learned about someone who did concrete work, and I hired him to pour the slab and build steps. The job that he did was terrible. Several people who saw the finished product told me it was the worst workmanship they had ever seen. I was devastated. Once again, my project was on hold, and I didn’t know what to do. After several weeks of feeling discouraged and helpless, I decided to call a local builder of fine homes and talk to him about my problems. He gave me the name of the concrete finisher that he used and told me that if anyone could figure out what to do to repair my terrible concrete job, Sam could. When I called Sam, he made an appointment to look at the concrete. He told me that the only thing he could do was cap the entire slab with another four inches of reinforced concrete.

When Sam gave me the bid for the job, I told him that I wanted him to do it. He told me that he would put me on the schedule, but It would be spring before he could get to it. Just in time for Easter, I had an attractive professional concrete patio. It had taken almost a year, but I was excited and happy to have

my project almost finished. There was just one more thing that I needed to do to make it complete. Because I had caped the bad concrete with four more inches, I now had an eight-inch drop-off. I needed to bring in topsoil and raise the level of my backyard.

If I were going to do dirt work in my backyard, I would need to plant grass. When we called Kathy to ask her about doing the work for us, she told us to get grass to grow, we would need to take out some trees.

Grass needs a minimum of four to six hours of sun a day. I resisted at first. I love my trees and the beautiful shady yard. But after thinking about it, I realized that I had a decision to make. I could have my trees or a nice lawn. But I could not have both. The trees are now gone, and my backyard is much more open.

I know that when my yard has beautiful grass, I will be happy. But for now, I am a bit sad that my trees are gone.

The loss of my trees reminded me of a story I once read about Robert E. Lee. After the Civil War, the General visited a widow in Kentucky. She took him to see the remains of a once beautiful tree in front of her house. There the widow cried for the tree destroyed

by Federal artillery fire. She looked to Lee for a word condemning the North or at least sympathizing with her loss. After a brief silence, Lee said, “Cut it down, my dear Madam, and forget it.”

The beautiful old tree in the widow’s front yard might symbolize something in your life. It might be something that an enemy damaged. You feel justified in your hate. Our nature is to hold on to offenses, to desire justice, repayment, or even revenge. If that “tree” is still standing in your life, it is a constant temptation to nurture hate and unforgiveness. Is this how you want to live? General Lee’s words apply here: “Cut it down, and forget it.”

Gentle Reader, forgiveness does not mean you are to ignore that someone has wronged you. Forgiveness does not mean that you close your eyes to moral atrocity and pretend that it didn’t hurt. Forgiveness means that you determine in your heart to let God be the avenger. He is the judge, not you. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31,32 (NIV) It is time to cut down the tree.

Joke of the Week: Yesterday I spotted an albino Dalmatian. It was the least I could do.

Replacing windshields in Polk County for forty years.

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

8 History

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Reflections from Faith and History Religion or Relationship?

By Jeff Olson

A question of utmost importance facing mankind for centuries has been: Do you have a religion or a relationship where God is concerned? Maybe neither, and if so then perhaps it is in order to reconsider and take a closer look. This is a very important distinction - actually an eternally important distinction and making it within the context of the Christian faith is indispensable and living it is non elective. Here, I hope to spur some thought, personal reflection and hopefully some resolve.

For years, the word religion, from both a legal and a cultural aspect, has been trending more and more as a repository for a multitude of belief systems. To my knowledge, the word religion and the concept thereof is not found in the original languages of the Scriptures. Its formation and use didn't come about until the sixteenth century to distinguish the domain of the church from that of civil authorities. Historically in America, the word religion was synonymous with Christianity. The two words were interchangeable. In those days

May 19, 2021

when a person was thought to be religious, it was understood what that meant. In our day and time it’s often difficult to distinguish between religion, faith and ideology.

The commonality between religion and Christianity can no longer be assumed, which I personally believe is not necessarily a negative thing. Religion, even at its very best, is still a man-made institution. Even some dictionaries indicate this when their definitions of religion involve the words, quest and/or pursuit. This strikes at the heart of true religion which, in essence, is man’s attempt or quest to reach GOD, an attempt which most often succeeds only in fabricating a god of our own making.

French author and philosopher Voltaire once said that, “If God did not exist, it would be necessary for us to invent Him.” Well, He does exist but we are nevertheless still trying to invent Him – or I should say reinvent him in our own image. This process knows no limits through both the creation of new systems of faith and the corruption of existing faiths. Why is this?

At the dawn of any civilization, people unite in search of communion with a higher

power. Man is created in the image of God and as such he has within an inherent capacity and compulsion to search for that power. This can be expressed in terms of a God-shaped void. Man by nature is designed to worship and is therefore driven to search, to quest for what will fill that void, and in doing so he too often finds a substitute which doesn’t fit. Our unsuccessful religious efforts in this journey breed discontentment and frustration accompanied by more searching and substituting, with the turning over of new leaf after new leaf, making resolution after resolution, and all at times with good intentions. Some of us will finally come to the end of ourselves, end up flat on our backs with nowhere to look but up, and eventually turn it over to God. However, some of us, even after coming to the end of ourselves, stubbornly continue to choose a life with self as god and church (if at all in the picture) as a social club trying in vain to fulfill our own sense of duty and self-worth.

Are we to assume then that all faiths are, by definition, religions? No, we should not.

As we study the Bible in it’s entirety and context throughout, we discover that man didn’t have to go looking for God. God came to man, through faithful servants, leaders and prophets, and ultimately incarnate in Jesus Christ. Why did God plan it this way? He knew that through humanity's fallen (sin) nature, men and women would seek their own religions with their own gods on their own terms to satisfy their own desires. Give me god we say, but I want Him on my terms, not His. It doesn’t work that way. God has layed out his avenue, principles and plan and He came to us offering it as a free gift (Romans 6:23); a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship serves as the source of a Holy Spirit-led life where the character and disposition of Christ can live and be expressed through each of us. In the religious life, self-fulfillment, self-esteem, social significance, personal holiness, accomplishment and just doing good are of the utmost. Here, we try to be godly rather than converting to a holy nature, a Godly life. Self-realization trumps Christ-centeredness. We desire to do extraordinary things for God rather than be extraordinary in the ordinary things of life.

Even well-meaning folks who are members of a church will sometimes commit to the things of God more than to God himself.

The impartation and receiving of the holy

qualities of Jesus Christ, not imitating Jesus, is the key to a Christian life (Galatians 5:2223). In religious life we are like the Dead Sea; always taking but never giving out, manifesting ourselves above God (James 1:26, 1 Corinthians 13:1). In relationship with Christ, as we receive from Him, He pours out to others through us. Jesus says “come unto me” (Matthew 11:28) before he ever says to come follow Him. While it is true that those who have applied the moral tenets of their faith from a strictly pragmatic and/or practical motive have contributed to a better society, this approach was too often more the exception than the rule when it came to sustaining society's social fabric and an enduring moral order. Succumbing to the human temptation of providing a superficial brand of social significance and respectability and an authoritative embellishment of personal motives would prove to be too much to overcome. Religion's futility has also proven itself within the Church where it is most destructive and its effects so strong, detrimental and encompassing. American Founding Father James Madison commented that even “religion itself may become a motive to persecution and oppression” as human sin and pride can find expression in doctrinal and spiritual forms.

God has given us the option of relationship over religion, and it’s a choice each of us has to make. Remember, religion has been and still is at the core of most of the world’s current crises and it was the primary expedient of Jesus’ road to Calvary. This is a vital point for us of the Church because the tendency for self-proclaiming Christians to portray religiosity over relationship is rampant today, contributing more to the problems than the solutions of our marriages, homes and society. Author Max Lucado put it this way. “Give a man religion without reminding him of his filth[sin], and the result will be arrogance in a threepiece suit.”

So, the next time that we dress up in our “Sunday go to meetins’,” perhaps we should take stock and make a conscious decision on whether we will choose to be religious or to begin or strengthen a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Only through Him and His love and power can Christians and the Church become real again and boldly engage and impact a culture which we have for much too long blended into.

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May 19, 2021

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10 True Crime

May 19, 2021

True Crime: Waiting for Your Return

By Ray Shelly Looking out my window, I started thinking about all the violence surrounding our police officers lately. That has to take a toll on the families of each officer who wears a badge.

I can only wonder what goes through the mind of the loved ones as they kiss the officer goodbye. I mused for a moment about my own experience, giving her a goodbye kiss .as she is hoping for my safe return hoping.

Prayers for a loved one's safe return go back to the creation of policing, which was established in Boston, April 1631. It was called "The Watch" and consisted of six watchmen, one constable, and several volunteers who patrolled at night.

On September 24, 1789, President George Washington signed into law the Judiciary Act, which established the federal court system.

Two days later, Washington appointed 13 U.S. Marshals, one for each young colony, to carry out the court's orders. Justice . be enforced.

And, of course, many didn't like justice. It didn't suit their needs, creating a further need for prayers for a safe return.

Let's fast forward from 1789 to 1883 and the U.S. Deputy Marshals working out of the Federal Court of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Their area of responsibility included Western AR, and Indian Territory, encompassing 74,000 sq. miles. When a Deputy kisses his wife goodbye, he may be gone for a week, a month, or possibly longer. I cannot fathom the aching heart the wife and children endured, during the absence of their husband/father, for that period.

One example of what I'm talking about is U.S. Deputy Marshal. Addison Beck. He was a Deputy for three years and lived with his wife and two children in Muskogee, Indian Territory (currently Oklahoma). I have copies of an original letter written to his wife, where he tells her this trip for the Marshal's service will be his last. He has an opportunity to fill an opening at the Federal Jail. Also, he told her

he'd purchased a life insurance policy for her and the children, costing $1.25. He was sure longing to give her as much peace of mind as possible.

Unfortunately, Deputy Beck wouldn't make it home from his last trip. After several weeks of serving warrants, three Deputies (Beck, Lewis Merritt, and William Moody) were near Webbers Falls, Indian Territory, on their way back to Fort Smith with prisoners in tow. The Deputies were informed that Johnson Jack, a wanted fugitive, worked in a cornfield not far from Deputy Beck's camp.

Deputies Beck and Merritt decided they would make the arrest while Moody stayed in camp with the prisoners.

As Beck and Merritt found and approached Johnson Jack, they noticed he was with another fellow named John Bark. Johnson must have known why the Deputies were there. He pulled his pistol and fired twice, killing Beck instantly. Merritt returned fire, hitting Jack in the chest. At the same time, John Bark fired two rounds at Merritt, who hit the ground and died. Jack and Bark took off as the two Deputies lay mortally wounded.

Notified of the shooting, Deputy Moody went to the cornfield, retrieved the bodies, and brought them back to Fort Smith.

A posse of eleven men was put together and left Fort Smith in pursuit of the killers. Receiving information that John Bark's brother was tending the wounded Johnson Jack, they surrounded the Bark cabin and forced a surrender.

Johnson Jack was returned to Fort Smith, where he succumbed to his wounds. Before his death, he confessed to Marshal Boles that he'd killed Deputy Addison Beck. But, he refused to tell where John Bark was hiding. Bark was never arrested for his involvement in the deputy's murder.

Looking out my window, I think of Addison Beck's wife and see her merging with the wives of present-day law enforcement.

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State Senate continued form page 5

without first offering free services to the mother.

If more than five percent of the audited cases are not in compliance with the law requiring an offer of free services, the Health Department shall revoke the license of the abortion clinic. gislature does not convene again until the regular session of the following year.

In the interim between regular sessions, the only time the legislature convenes is when the governor calls a special session.

SJR 10 would allow legislators to call themselves into special session without a call by the governor. It could happen by two possible methods. The President Pro Tem of the Senate and the Speaker of the House could issue a joint proclamation. Or, a proclamation could be issued by legislators, if two-thirds of each body signed it.

Similar to the calls for a special session that are issued by the governor, the legislative proclamation would have to list the items that can be considered. SJR 10 would not affect the governor’s power to call a special session.

SJR 14 is the second measure that originated in the Senate. Its title is “The Arkansas Religious Freedom Amendment.”

It would provide that the government shall not burden a person’s freedom of religion, except under limited circumstances when there is a compelling government interest in doing so, and the government chooses the least restrictive method of achieving that compelling interest.

SJR 14 states that “Governments should not burden religious exercise without compelling justification,” and that in a 1990 ruling “the United States Supreme Court virtually eliminated the requirement that the government justify burdens on religious exercise imposed by laws neutral toward religion.”

The 1990 case was out of Oregon, called “Employment Division v. Smith.” The two plaintiffs were members of a Native American church and also worked at a private drug rehabilitation facility. They were fired for ingesting peyote, a hallucinogenic drug, during a church ceremony.

The plaintiffs were denied unemployment benefits and they sued, arguing that the government had infringed on their First Amendment rights to freely exercise religion.

The majority opinion upheld the state government of Oregon and was delivered by Justice Antonin Scalia.

The third proposed amendment is in House Joint Resolution 1005. If approved by voters, it would require a 60 percent majority for approval of future proposed constitutional amendments.

In Arkansas, proposed amendments are placed on the ballot in two ways. The legislature can refer them, such as it did with SJR 10, SJR 14 and HJR 1005.

Also, citizens can place proposed amendments on the ballot by gathering on petitions enough signatures of registered voters. The minimum number of valid signatures is 10 percent of the number of votes cast in the prior election for governor.

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Outdoors 11

May 19, 2021

OUACHITA BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL

THAT SPECIAL TOOL

By Steven E Stillwell

If you had to choose one survival tool, excluding weapons; what would it be?

The television survival program, NAKED AND AFRAID is a good example, because the contestants can only bring one item. Some of the popular choices I’ve seen are machetes, knives, hatchets, Ferrocerium rods, aka fire-starters, pots for boiling water, and duct tape.

I’ve spent a considerable amount of time in the mountains, woods, desert and various settings, and narrowing it down, I’d have to pick a premium quality knife. The selections are numerous, and most often very personal and sentimental.

Buck, Boker, Case, Cold-Steel, Kershaw, K-bar, Mora, Puma, Uncle Henry-Old Timer, Solingen and Swiss army knives are some of the most popular brands sold at various outlets or in catalogs. These blades come in many shapes, sizes and configurations with various types of stainless, and carbon steels. Specific numerical designations such as 440 stainless or 1095 high carbon indicate the metallurgical content of each knife. The Rockwell test is one of the most commonly used standards to determine the hardness of different metals. A 440 blade has a heat-treated level of 58-60 HRC. Speaking from experience, a full tang knife is more durable in the field, but a folding pocket knife is easier to tote, and you’re more likely to carry it with you at all times. Those who personally know me, often notice the Buck, model 110 folding knife that I always have on my belt. I’ve had this particular knife for approximately nine years, and I’ve cleaned more fish, deer, turkey and hogs than I can count the reason being, it’s always with me. Every morning when I get dressed, I slide the sheath onto my belt out of habit, because it’s an integral part of my wardrobe. If you’re curious, it’s made from

440 stainless steel.

MAINTAIN YOUR SURVIVAL GEAR. Taking care of your equipment is vital to your survival in the outdoors, and knowing how to clean, oil and sharpen your knife is part of this equation. Over the years, I’ve seen more sportsmen than I can count who have abused, chipped, or snapped their knife blades by using them improperly. Your knife isn’t a pry-bar, hammer, screwdriver, or digging implement, it’s a cutting tool, and it should be used accordingly. I cringe when I see someone thrusting their blade into the rocky soil. If you need to dig, use your knife to fashion a digging stick.

In a survival scenario, you can Bushcraft a lot of vital gear with your knife, such as cordage, spoons, forks, bows, snares, traps, and fishing poles, to name a few. The limits are endless, if you have a good imagination. THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE FURTHER YOU CAN GO. FOCUS ON THE EDGE. DON’T MAR YOUR BLADE. Sharpening your knife isn’t a complicated process, but for some reason this skill seems to elude more sportsmen than I can count. Let’s keep it simple, by breaking this process down. If you have a dull blade, you need three types, or grades of sharpening stones; coarse, medium, and hard. A company known by the name of Smith’s, makes a nice one that’s called the Tri-stone, and all three levels of coarseness are integrated into one easy to use sharpening system that sits in a small stand. When you study the arrangement, it resembles a triangle. If your knife is extremely dull, start with the coarse stone, progress to the medium, and finish sharpening with the hard one. Proceed with caution, don’t scuff-up the entire blade, and only apply pressure to the edge of your knife.

The proper method is to employ a 1520 degree angle, and pretend like you’re slicing the stone while sharpening. The objective is to maintain a steady angle,

using consistently uniform and equal strokes! If you apply three on one side, apply three on the other. IN OTHER WORDS, DON’T USE A LOPSIDED TECHNIQUE. When finished, a leather strop can be used to polish the microscopic burrs, using a reverse or backwards motion, focusing on the edge. The end result will be a razor sharp knife if you follow these instruc-

tions. DISCLAIMER; if you’re careless and cut yourself, it’s not my fault.

If you’re interested in survival, I invite you to listen to our podcast program, The Ouachita Bushcraft and Survival Show. You can also look us up on FaceBook, so feel free to join our exciting and interactive page today. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.

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May 19, 2021

Hogspore News Taking Grimely’s Goat For A Walk

By Clet Litter from the Ozarks

$7,000 in scholarships awarded by Farm Bureau Courtesy Photo The Polk County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, awarded seven $1,000 scholarships to local area graduates on May 5th. These scholarships are for $500 per semester, during their Freshman year, to their respective college or university.

Cossatot River High School recipients included, Kayla Richardson – National Park College in Hot Springs, Jacey Whisenhunt – UofA Rich Mountain, and Hannah Bell – UofA Rich Mountain. Mena High School winners included, Makori Gabourel – Southern AR University, Shylee Head – UofA Monticello , Gaven Hooper – UofA Rich Mountain, and Cauy House – Ouachita Baptist University.

Photo (L-R) PCFB Board Member, Bill Hoek, Kayla Richardson, Jacey Whisenhunt, Hannah Bell, PCFB Board President, Allen Stewart, Shylee Head, Makori Gabourel, Gaven Hooper, Cauy House, and Agency Manager, Tony Hooper.

Holly Springs Real Estate, LLC 1114 A Highway 71 S, Mena, AR 71953 Keith Aleshire Principal Broker

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In Timber Ridge (approx 1.7 acres) including a pond! Vaulted ceilings, wall alcoves, and double fireplace between living room and the master suite. Spacious kitchen with abundant cabinetry, 2 pantries and a home office/crafting space, laundry, half bath & ample storage closets. 26x30 3 bay attached garage all convenient to the back door. A Storm Cellar is steps away from the garage. 2 bay, 28x34 Garage, w/1/2 bath and side entrance provides extra space for vehicles, a boat and your own awesome workshop.

MLS20013369 $339,500

Here’s an update on the big doings last week in Winslow’s Holler. Tommy Smuckerhead found the largest worm in the composted Hayride. It weighed in at 20 pounds, 4 ounces. He won 50 dollars. I know some of you out there are wondering what that worm brought per pound. It come to $2.50 a pound.

It’s a might less, but I got a headache before I could work out what to do with the 4 ounces.

There weren’t no official prizes for the rest of the worms that the children captured, but them kids didn’t go home losers. All of Hogspore’s bass anglers bought all that juicy wiggling bait for a dollar a worm.

The boys in Tony’s Barbershop were reminiscing about how they grew up.

Junior Bickum told about his time in college. I couldn’t relate too much about his excess learning. The Bickum family sent him off to college for a while, at least till the sheriff closed out the 12 unsolved vandalism cases. Junior said, “I remember my English professor was so proud when he published a book on grammar. It didn’t sell well though, cause there were all kinda mistakes in it.

The university review board held a hearing, and they all agreed on the judgment. He didn’t go to jail for bad grammar, but they did give him a suspended run-on sentence.”

Science has since proven that a lot of publishing errors come from folks with blood Type O. Junior dropped out of college. He come back to town and got a Technical school degree in Explosives, Magna Cum Louda with a minor in Hardware Store Management.

Old Man Grimely was next, “Our mother never washed our clothes. She used to spray us with the garden hose and then hang us on the line to dry. My ears still hurt from those clothespins.”

Jimmy Suspenders tried to take Grimely’s goat for a walk, when he asked, “Did you have inkwells at your desks when you were in school?”

Grimely knew what was going on. “We certainly did not have ink wells in my time.” Then he laughed and said, “There weren’t any ink wells in desks till long after I got outta school.”

Old Man Grimely’s story reminded me of what happened right often in my house. Momma would sprinkle the outdoor line dry clothes with a water bottle, and put them in the fridge to iron them the next day. She did the same to me. But, I weren’t ever ironed. She just folded me and left me in the double door avocado green Kenmore for a few days cause I’d messed up. I probably deserved it.

Mumford Pickens says, “Clet’s dog, Ol Slump, is a mix of about 7 breeds.

Course, everybody in town knows that so, I guess my point is mutt.”

Contact Clet Litter at bobsimpson1947@yahoo.com.

Police Appreciation 13

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In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726 designating May 15 as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, and the week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. While the actual dates change from year to year, National Police Week is always the calendar week, beginning on Sunday, which includes May 15. Main events are hosted for law enforcement, survivors, and the supporting public by three organizations: National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Fraternal Order of Police and Auxiliary, and Concerns of Police Survivors.

We Appreciate Our Local

Police

 Mon-Thurs 10am - 9pm  Fri & Sat 10am - 10pm  Sun 10am - 4pm

They’re always there when we need them

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So we’re here when they need us!

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We thank our

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14 Police Appreciation

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In the American colonies, law enforcement initially took the form of “the watch,” a group of adult males that patrolled cities on the lookout for fires and crimes. Originally, all male citizens of a city were expected to take their turn American law enforcement as watchmen, but gradually it beagents only solve around 21% of came a paid professional position. all reported crime.

During the early years of AmerAlthough law enforcement agen- ica, many southern states created cies were organized in England in “slave patrols” meant to prevent the 13th century, the first modern slave revolts and catch runaways. police officers operated in London The Charleston slave patrol emstarting in 1829. ployed around 100 officers—far more officers than any northern The United States has roughly police force of the time.

18,000 separate law enforcement agencies, all of which operate In colonial America, law enlargely independent of each other. forcement officers were not very effective at apprehending crimi-

FAST FACTS

Only around 1/3 of a police officer’s time is spent actually enforcing criminal law; most of the work of a police officer involves peacekeeping, order maintenance, and problem solving.

Most people run from danger,

nals, due to a lack of authority and personnel. It was far more common for a church congregation to hold a trial in order to “catch” criminals.

Many American police forces were initially created in the 1830s in response to a wave of riots that broke out in Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Cincinnati, Detroit, and several other cities.

There are currently 900,000 law enforcement officers serving in the Unites States. This is the largest number of officers ever employed at one time.

Over 21,000 law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty since America’s founding.

Thank you Forall area Keeping Us Safe!

Police

309 S. MORROW, MENA, AR

4793943650 other people are cops!

We appreciate our local law enforcement.

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Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 am-6 pm • Sat. 9 am-12:30 pm • Sun. Closed

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Police Appreciation 15

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In 2017, 129 law enforcement officers were killed in the United The city having the most officers States. lost in the line of duty is New York City, with a total of 833 deaths.

The year 1930 was the deadliest year in American history for law Over the past decade, Friday enforcement officers; 310 officers has been the most common day were killed in the line of duty. for felonies to be committed that resulted in officer deaths. Tuesday The most officers to die in a sin- is the day with the fewest fatal ingle day in America died during cidents. the September 11 attacks of 2001.

Seventy-two officers died respondPolice report receiving far more ing to the emergency. violent threats over the last several years than ever before.

The state with the fewest law enforcement officer deaths is VerAccording to the Supreme Court mont, at a total of only 23. Texas of the United States, only another has the most officer deaths, having officer with similar training is in a lost 1,731 officers since becoming position to judge whether an offia state. cer has used excessive force.

True Heroes Teach!

Real

Heroes Don’t Wear Capes

Holly Springs Real Estate, 1114 A Highway 71 S, Mena, AR 71953

479-394-4200

hollyspringsrealestate.com

LLC

Hershel Bell

Executive Broker

479-243-5613

hbell.hollysprings@gmail.com

In Appreciation of our

local Police

The first recorded American police officer to die in the line of duty was killed in 1791.

While police in the United States cannot make an arrest without probable cause and the intent to prosecute, police in most European countries are empowered to make arrests based solely on suspicion.

Police officers are at a higher risk for suicide than the general population.

Police agencies in the Southern United States and those that employ a large number of women report more police officers being murdered by violent felons.

We Honor

Sergeant

Eudell Head

OC 16 Police Appreciation

The

Ouachita Chronicles

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IF YOU COULD SEE If you could see what I have seen, maybe you’d understand, It takes a special kind of person, who opts to make a stand.

If you could see what I have seen, you’d have a ringside seat to life, It is not always full of sugar and roses, often there is strife.

If you could see what I have seen, the holidays aren’t always merry, We labor day in and day out, always to protect your family.

If you could see what I have seen, you’d understand the cost, That consumes a loving mother, when her 2 year old is lost.

If you could see what I have seen, you’d understand their pain, When you tell his parents in the middle of the night that his death was not in vain.

If you could see what I have seen, you’d understand the grief, The entire family suffers from what he injects underneath.

If you could see what I have seen, you’d opt to go in, Because you know that someone is trapped from within.

If you could see what I have seen, you’d know a family’s care, Reading the last message on her cell phone, knowing she is not there.

In this episode of

The Ouachita Chronicles

If you could see what I have seen, you’d recognize it in her eyes, When that child speaks, you’re the only one not surprised.

If you could see what I have seen, you’d chase him near and far, For what he did to that little boy, left a huge emotional scar.

If you could see what I have seen, you’d understand the truth, The media paints a picture that is erroneous and uncouth.

we pay tribute to the men and women of our local law enforcement with a special visit from

If you could see what I have seen, you’d experience the uncertainty, While my family waits to hear from me, knowing it’s often dirty.

SHERIFF SCOTT SAWYER

If you could see what I have seen, you’d help to lead the way, Hoping to ensure that everyone goes home that day.

CATCH THIS EPISODE’S PREMIERE FRIDAY, MAY 21

If you could see what I have seen, you might choose other work, Because you’d feel that this one takes much more than it is worth.

If you could see what I have seen, you’d know there are miracles all around, And realize your daily sacrifice, helps communities abound.

If you could see what I have seen, you’d understand his will, When a 9 year old loses his father, the impact is forever still.

THEOUACHITAPODCASTS.COM

If you could see what I have seen, the stories are all true, But the scars are not always visible, not even to you.

NOW STREAMING ON ITUNES, SPOTIFY, AMAZON, GOOGLE PLAY, AND STITCHER

If you could see what I have seen, you’d understand what I do, It’s not in vain, the reason is simple; I do it all for you.

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May 19, 2021

Community 17 Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

A Year Without Knocking on Doors It’s been one year since Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide adjusted their hallmark methods of sharing comfort and hope from the scriptures due to the pandemic. In March 2020, the some 1.3 million Witnesses in the United States suspended their door-to-door and faceto-face forms of public ministry and moved congregation meetings to videoconferencing.

“It has been a very deliberate decision based on two principles: our respect for life and love of neighbor,” said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “But we are still witnesses and, as such, we must testify about our faith. So it was inevitable that we would find a way to continue our work.”

For many, the change from knocking on doors to making phone calls and writing letters expanded and invigorated their ministry.

For the past 50 years, Chloe Crouch of Mena, Arkansas found great satisfaction in being able to help her community, by visiting with them at their homes.

But during the pandemic, she adjusted her methods and has regularly participated in virtual ministry groups, writing letters and making phone calls to share the Bible’s message of comfort.

“The challenges brought on by the pandemic have prompted me to spend more time thinking about people’s feelings and concerns. This has helped me in considering what may help each individual to better cope with stress, anxiety,

or discouragement.”

Across town, Karen Mitchell can relate to those feelings. She has been knocking on doors in Mena for 46 years.

“Love of God and my neighbors has motivated me to search for those who need comfort,” says Mitchell. “The pandemic has only changed the way my ministry is carried out, not the motivation. It is a real blessing for me to hear someone say, ‘You’ve made my day!’, or ‘This has helped me more than you’ll ever know!’”

Although they are ready to go back to knocking on doors when it is safe to do so, Crouch and Mitchell have come to realize the value of these alternate avenues of the ministry. Crouch explains, “Adapting to these new methods has enabled me to better reflect God’s care and love for people.”

Nearly 51,000 people in the United States last year made a request for a Witness to contact them, either through a local congregation or jw.org, the organization’s official website, according to Hendriks. Since the outbreak, the Witnesses have followed up on these requests via letters and phone calls instead of in-person visits.

“Our love for our neighbors is stronger than ever,” said Hendriks. “In fact, I think we have needed each other more than ever. We are finding that people are perplexed, stressed, and feeling isolated. Our work has helped many regain a sense of footing – even normalcy – at a very unsettled time.”

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600 HWY 71 S | Mena, AR | 479-394-3552

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18 Community The Mena Future Farmers of America Banquet was held on Tuesday evening in the Ouachita Center on the campus of the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain. Those who earned a scholarship were: Breeanna Hendrix - Mike Collins Scholarship Cooper Anderle - Rich Mountain Cooperative District Scholarship Makouri Gabourel - Southern Arkansas University Scholarship Makouri Gabourel - Chris Jones Memorial Scholarship Arkansas FFA License Plate Scholarship - Cooper Anderle Cauy House - Farm Credit Services Scholarship Brendon Catlett & Shylee Head - Phillip Stanley Speer Memorial Scholarship Polk County Farm Bureau Scholarship- Makouri Gabourel, Cauy House & Shylee Head Award winners include: Agriculture Discussion Meet Shylee Head 1st Subarea, 6th District Cooper Anderle 3rd Subarea Cierra Dulaney 4th Subarea Creed Speaking - Lauren Beck Parliamentary Procedure Madison Blair Cooper Anderle Ivy Curtis Aaron Ferguson Cierra Dulaney Bethany Godwin

THE POLK COUNTY

May 19, 2021 Navya Morris Lexi Dilbeck Job Interview - Hope Lott Conduct of Meetings Kiylee Hughes Claire Walston Lacy Floyd Gracie Fairless Brenden Ricker Case Wiles Brayden Blake Food Science Addi Dollar-Team High Point Individual Aslynn Jackson Lexi Dilbeck Lauren Beck Vet Science Layla Spenser-Team High Point Individual and District High Individual Madison Blair Ranessa Ricker Jaci Allen Chloe Sullivan Taylor Thacker Ag Mechanics Cody Short-Team High Point Individual Brody Peters John Murphy Patrick Spenser Kaleb McCoy Caleb Simmons Electricity Evan Graves Trace Huff Taeyon Anderton Zachary Grafton Meats Evaluation Makori Gabourel-Team High

Point Individual Sarah Simmons Breezy Hendrix Will Hendrix Navya Morris Horse Judging Case Wiles-Team High Point Individual Emma Ferguson Janey Smedley Gracie Fairless Vivian Denton

Nursery & Landscape Cooper Anderle- Team High Point Individual and State Champion High Individual Ivy Curtis Shylee Head Allison Bates Forestry Aaron Ferguson-Team High Point Individual

Joshua Ferguson Cauy House Jake Wiles Ty Thacker Livestock Hope Lott- Team High Point Individual Claire Walston Lacy Floyd Kiylee Hughes Bethany Godwin Rylee Wiles Honorary Chapter FFA Degree - Mr. Benny Weston Discovery Degree Ty Thacker Lauren Beck Emma Ferguson Janey Smedley Patrick Spenser Kaleb McCoy Evan Leonard John Murphy Cody Short Brody Peters State FFA Degree Breezy Hendrix Navya Morris Sarah Simmons Taylor Thacker Star Chapter Farmer Award Cooper Anderle Greenhand Degree Carter Allen Nick Vincent Nathan Philpot Luke Floyd Lacy Floyd Zackary Grafton Chloe Sullivan Claire Walston

Pulse

Kiylee Hughes Case Wiles Natasha Breeden Dominic Williams Taeyon Anderton Caleb Simmons Brayden Blake Caysen Morgan Gracie Fairless Brenden Ricker Rylee Wiles Star Greenhand Award - Claire Walston, Lacy Floyd & Kiylee Hughes Chapter FFA Degree Ranessa Ricker Lexi Dilbeck Addi Dollar Bethany Godwin Vivian Denton Cierra Dulaney Aaron Ferguson Joshua Ferguson Aslynn Jackson William Hendrix Layla Spenser Star Discovery Award - Lauren Beck 2020-2021 Mena FFA Officer Team President-Cooper Anderle Vice-President-Ivy Curtis Secretary- Shylee Head Reporter-Madison Blair Treasurer-Breezy Hendrix Jr. Advisor-Hope Lott Sentinel- Makori Gabourel

394-1938

TIRES • BRAKES • CUSTOM EXHUAST • SHOCKS & STRUTS

Winter Hours: Mon - Fri 8 am - 5 pm

1500 Hwy 71 South, Mena

Owners: Stacy & Julie Nash

479.394.4248

104 Port Arthur Ave. Mena, AR 71953-3344

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Applications are being accepted for kindergarten age students who will attend Vandervoort Elementary next year.

Kindergarten students must be 5 on or before August 1, 2021. Pre-Kindergarten screenings for Kindergarten students will be May 4th and May 5th from 8am-12pm. It will take approximately 30 minutes for your child to be evaluated. Pre-Kindergarten day will be May 7th from 9:00-11:30am. Students who will attend kindergarten next year can get acquainted with the teachers and classrooms.

Parents are responsible for transportation. If your child is not currently enrolled in the ABC Program or Van Cove Preschool, please send $3.75 for lunch or send a sack lunch with them.

Van-Cove Preschool is now taking applications for the 20212022 school year. Our program offers a fun learning environment in which students develop their social, physical, cognitive and emotional skills. Children ages 3 to 5 years, that are not enrolled in Kindergarten, may attend. We offer full and part time slots for your convenience. Students are charged a fee of $16.00 a day that includes breakfast, lunch, and a snack. Enrollment forms may be picked up at the office or contact Sharon Sellers 870-584-9826 for more information.

Women – 40 and Over Have you had your mammogram this year? The UAMS Mobile MammoVan will provide on-site mammograms at the Polk County Health Department in Mena. This service is provided by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. May 19th 2021 at 9am at Polk County Health Department , 702 Hornbeck Avenue in Mena Contact: UAMS Mobile Mammography at 1-800-259-8794 * Mammograms are by appointment only. Please call the office to schedule. With or Without

May 19, 2021

Around Town

Insurance. Pre-registration is required.*Must invitation to anyone who has or is currently be 40 and older serving in the military. We wish to honor and thank you that day.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 3 p.m. Sundays, at 5 p.m. Tuesdays and at Polk County Republican Com8p.m. Saturdays at the old bus barn at the mittee Meeting. We meet on the 3rd Crossing Church. For information call 479- Monday of every month at 5:30pm in the 234-8366 or 479-216-3786 Polk County Library.

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m. Monday, at 7 p.m. Thursday, at 7 p.m.

Friday, and at 6 p.m. Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call Erica at 479-216-7249.

Polk County Library will be closed on Wednesday, May 26, to prepare for and host a community meeting with a focus on Information Access for Senior Citizens. This meeting will begin at 2:00p.m. at the library.

All interested individuals are invited to atUofA Rich Mountain has an- tend. nounced two upcoming summer courses to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

OLT HOLDS AUDITIONS FOR “LITEach course will be held on the Mena campus. TLE WOMEN; THE MUSICAL” OuachiClasses will be Monday through Thursday 8 ta Little Theatre will be producing two musiam until 3 pm beginning May 24. A TB skin cals this summer. Following, “BIG” which will test, drug test, and background check must be performed the first two weekends in July, be completed before the first day of class. a musical version of “Little Women” will be Instructor Sherri McCourtney will be on the showcased on August 6th, 7th, 8th, and 13th, Mena campus to register students May 13 and 14th, and 15th. Auditions for “Little Women: 17. For more information, contact McCourtney The Musical” are Monday, May 24th and Tuesat 479.234.3605. day, May 25th. To avoid unnecessary crowding as much as possible, these will be private Grief Share is starting a new 13 week auditions, with a ten minute time slot for series at First Presbyterian Church in Mena. each actor. Those who are interested should Meetings are each Thursday from 10 am until schedule a time slot with Director Alexa Night noon and are open to anyone in the commu- at emmeline.clove@gmail.com or 479-234nity grieving the loss of a loved one. For more 1142 (TEXT ONLY if possible, please.) Night information call 479-234-3419. is looking for the following cast members: 5 young women who are strong actors and The Wickes Daniel Cemetery singers who can play from 12 to early 20s. 3 will be open for Memorial Day, May 31, but young men, strong actors and singers as well, this year we will NOT have a meeting or a ranging from teens to mid thirties. 1 man potluck lunch.

50s-70s, decent singing abilities. 1 woman 50s to 70s, decent singing abilities and good On Tuesday, May 25th, at 2:00 comedic skills. 1 woman, 40s, strong singer in the Mary Davis Gym the 5th and 6th grade and actor. Actors should prepare at least 16 students of Acorn Elementary will be present- bars of a musical theatre song similar to the ing a patriotic musical. All family and friends material of the show, or better yet, a selecare invited. We would like to issue a special tion from the show itself. The recording of

Around Town 19 “Little Women the Musical” can be found on Spotify. You may also choose to do a “cold reading” which requires no preparation.

FBC Basketball Date: May 31st – June 02nd, Monday – Wednesday, 8:00 – 11:30 AM, Begins on Memorial Day, Limited to 50 players. $10 per student for first family member. $5 per student for additional brother or sister!! *Basketball Camp is open to boys or girls, 7 years old to 12 years old. *Camp will be held in the old Hatfield High School gym, Monday through Wednesday. *Sports Ministry Outreach has over 35 years of experience in recreation ministry, Sports Ministry of North TX. Come Join Us! Sponsored by: First Baptist Church of Hatfield.

Christian coaches coaching basketball basics with Christian ethics and sportsmanship. For more information or to register call First Baptist Church of Hatfield 870-389-6412 or email: fbchhatfield @ gmail.com, You may mail your completed registration form & entry fee to: FBC Hatfield, Attn BB Camp, P O Box 108, Hatfield, AR 71945 OLT Business Meeting open to the public at 5:30 PM on Thursday, May 20.

It will be followed by a short program and reception honoring retiring president Rudi Timmerman around 6:00 PM. It’s easy to have your event listed in Around Town, which will be read on radio stations KENA and KQOR daily. Simply send your Around Town announcement to news@mypulsenews. com or call 479-243-9600 and let us know about your event!

To have it in the Polk County Pulse newspaper, we need to know by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!

20 Police Reports

May 19, 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

May 10, 2021 Report from complainant on May Lane near Acorn of a trespasser. Deputy responded.

Report of a juvenile being bullied.

Report from complainant on Polk 42 near Potter of trespassing. Deputy responded.

Report of two intoxicated juveniles led to two Juvenile Citations for Possession of Alcohol by a Minor being issued. Juveniles were released to the custody of a parent/guardian.

Arrested was Loyd D. Bolton, 50, of Mena, on a Hold for Other Agency.

May 11, 2021 Report from complainant on Polk 44 near Dallas Valley of a broken house window. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Polk 21 near Cove of a domestic disturbance.

Deputy responded.

Report of an unattended death on Windmill Lane near Board Camp. Deputy responded.

Report of an incident between coworkers.

Arrested was Anthony W. Hinkle, 22, of Cove, on a Warrant for Possession of Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

May 12, 2021 Report from complainant on May Lane near Acorn of harassment. Deputy responded.

Report of trespassing on Polk 89 near Ink. Deputy responded.

Report of a possible missing person.

Deputy responded. Individual was later located.

Report from complainant on Polk 41S near Potter of a dog being killed. Deputy

responded.

May 13, 2021 No reports filed.

May 14, 2021 Report from complainant on Hwy 88E near Cherry Hill of two stolen four wheelers valued at $2500.00. Deputy responded.

Report from Mena Regional Health System of a dog bite victim. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Polk 720 near Shady Grove of identity fraud.

May 15, 2021 Traffic stop on Polk 188 near Acorn led to the arrest of Samuel L. Bissell, 40, of Mena, on Charges of Possession of Meth or Cocaine with Purpose to Deliver, Possession of Firearm by Certain Persons, Possession of Schedule I or II, Possession of Schedule IV or V, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Schedule VI, Speeding, and a Parole Hold.

Report of an incident at a park near Hatfield. Deputy responded.

Report of trespassing at a residence near Hatfield. Deputy responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration of charges.

Report of a disturbance on May Lane near Acorn led to the arrest of Stephen P. Copelin, 68, of Mena on a Warrant for Harassment.

May 16, 2021 Report of an altercation led to a juvenile male being issued a Juvenile Citation for Battery 3 rd Degree.

Report from complainant on Hwy 71S near Hatfield of being threatened. Deputy responded.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 17 Incarcerated Inmates, with 6 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

May 9 A report of financial identity fraud was taken from a walk-in complainant.

Morgan Waller, 57, was served with a warrant at Walmart.

Marsha Denton, 37, was charged with Criminal Trespass, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and served with three warrants after a complaint from Walmart.

Marsha Denton, 37, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

MENA POLICE REPORTS May 10 David Heard, 34, was served with a warrant at a residence on Edward Avenue.

May 11 Donnie Dollarhyde, 47, was served with a warrant after a disturbance call to Lisa Way. A report of theft was taken from a resident at Peachtree.

A report of financial identity fraud was taken from a walk-in complainant.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Chad Aucoin, 36, was served with a warrant at the police department.

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

May 14 A report of violation of a no contact order was taken from a walk-in complainant.

May 15 Donavan Hunt, 29, was served with eleven warrants at the county jail.

Laine Barber, 26, was charged with Dog Running at Large, and served with a warrant after a complaint on Reeves Avenue.

Jennifer Williams, 50, was served with a warrant at the police department.

A report of breaking or entering was taken at the Northside Laundry Mat. Dax Wood was served with three warrants after a traffic stop on Highway 71. Joshua S. Smith, white male, age 29, is accused of one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, a class “D” felony on July 13th (2020)

POLK COUNTY ARRAIGNMENTS

Michael Lee Thompson, white male, age 39, is accused of one count May 12 A death investigation report of of possession of methamphetamine taken at a residence on Warner Av- with the purpose to deliver, a class enue.

“A” felony and one count of possesA report of harassment, terroristic sion of drug paraphernalia, a class threat ant disorderly conduct was “B” felony on April 11th. taken from a walk-in complainant.

Jamie M. Crider, white female, age 32, is accused of two counts of May 13 failure to appear, a class “C” felony

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse on February 3rd.

Jamie M. Crider, white female, age 32, is accused of one count of delivery of methamphetamine or cocaine, a class “C” felony on October 22nd (2020) Alexis D. Simon, white female, age 20, is accused with one count of commercial burglary, a class “C” felony, and one count of theft of property, a class “A” misdemeanor on or between February 6-7th.

Christopher Hoover, white male, age 39, is accused of one count of possession of scheduled I or II with the purpose to deliver, a class “B” felony and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, a class “D” felony on May 1st.

Mykos D. Pierce, white male, age 21, is accused of one count of failure to comply with sex and child offender registrastion and reporting requirments, a class “C” felony on April 7th.

Stacie Shores, white female, age 30, is accused with four counts of failure to appear, a class “C” felony on November 9th (2019) Stacie Shores, white female, age 30, is accused with one count of possession of scheduled I or II with the purpose to deliver, a class “B” felony, and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, a class “D” felony on May 1st.

Kendra Dawn Davis, white female, age 36, is accused of one count of possession of a schedule II controlled substance, a class “D” felony, and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, a class “D” felony on October 10th (2020) Nickolaus E.W. Sorel, white

May 19, 2021 male, age 21, is accused of one count of possession of a schedule II controlled substance, a class “D” felony, and one count of possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, a class “A” misdemeanor on April 19th.

Waylon C. Carter, white male, age 49, is accused of one count of commercial burglary, a class “C” felony, and one count of theft of property, a class “A” misdemeanor, on or between February 6-7th.

Paul D. Geurin JR., white male, age 40, is accused of one count of possession of a schedule II controlled substance, a class “D” felony, on April 29th.

Neisha F. Wikel, white female, age 28, is accused of one count of possession of drug paraphernalia a class “D” felony, and one count of possession of a schedule III controlled substance, a class “A” misdemeanor, on April 17th.

Neisha F. Wikel, white female, age 28, is accused of one count of possession of a schedule II controlled substance, a class “D” felony and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, a class “D” felony, on September 2nd (2019).

Gloria J. Clovis, white female, age 34, is accused of one count of delivery of methamphetamine or cocaine, a class “C” felony, on April 9th.

Gloria J. Clovis, white female, age 34, is accused of one count of possession of scheduled I or II with the purpose to deliver, a class “B” felony, and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, a class “D” felony on May 1st.

Arraignments 21

22 Classifieds

May 19, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS - SERVICES - NOTICE Mowing, weedeating, and hedge trimming- When you need an extra hand in Mena/Polk County call 479-234-0509. Please leave a message 070721

I Robert Wayne Dunn, DOB 08-01-1937 to here by cancel my guardian ship and power of attorney for Diana Bevill Taylor DOB 0408-1965. I will not be responsible for any actions or dept by Ms. Taylor.

T0526

- FOR SALE Ducks, Chicks, silver pheasant chicks, adult silver pheasants, red and gold and gold silver pheasants & goslings & adult peacocks India blue and rabbits, Call Jimorerdy Martin (479)394-0134 T0402

- EMPLOYMENT Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for a full-time office position. 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; benefits available for full-time positions. Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment.

T0602

Waitstaff 22092110, Queen Wilhelmina State Park, Mena, AR, Closing date 05/23/202. This position is the lead wait person on shift, with a heavy emphasis on a team approach to all duties. Applicant will take food and drink orders and serve guests. Job duties also include preparing for all guests and keeping the restaurant clean and well stocked all while prioritizing guest service.

This position has additional duties of assisting with training and solving guest issues and communicates with management. Must be able to work in a busy environment and be able to communicate well with the public.

This position will work a flexible schedule and will work most weekends and major holidays.

A criminal background check is required.

This position offers a full benefit package including paid holidays, annual and sick leave, health insurance, and retirement pension.

EOE/ADA/AA employer. Minorities and women encouraged to apply. Please apply: https:// arcareers.arkansas.gov/ T0519

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Polk County Housing Authority will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at 10 a.m.

The meeting will be in the Community Room at the office of the Housing Authority 509 South Morrow St., Mena, AR. Meeting is to allow interested persons to comment on the proposed adoption of the Annual Plan for the year 2021 pursuant to the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998. A copy of the proposed Plan will be available for public inspection and copying at the Housing Authority office at 509 South Morrow St. beginning Wednesday, May 12th, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The public may submit written comments to Dixie Sh Shrader, Executive Director of the Polk County Housing Authority, 509 South Morrow Street, Mena, AR 71953, no later than 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 29th, 2021.

- RELIGIOUS END TIME BIBLE QUESTIONS? KING JAMES BIBLE MENA P.O. BOX 645 #1 The Two Witnesses in Rev. 11:3 are not Enoch, Elijah or Moses Question; Who are the Two Witnesses ?

First clue is in Daniel 12:1-13. Second clue Daniel 12:9 (Go thy way Daniel: for the words are closed up till the end). [The conversation was about the Two Witnesses, and, this is the end of days).

Each week, verses will be given until the Two Witnesses are revealed Next week’s verse, if you do as Jesus says, you are able to reveal a 2,000+ year old mystery. But, you must study!

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

BUCKLE UP ARKANSAS: STATEWIDE CLICK IT OR TICKET CAMPAIGN SET State and local law enforcement officers across Arkansas are sending a reminder. Drivers who aren’t already in the habit of using a seat belt need to start. Without it, drivers will be stopped and ticketed. Much worse, someone not buckled-up stands a greater chance of losing their life in a traffic crash.

operation will be placing an emphasis on increased patrols during the evening hours.

Starting next week, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Click It or Ticket high-visibility enforcement operation gets underway. State troopers, local police officers and sheriff ’s deputies will heighten their vigilance to be on the lookout for seat belt violators. The operation coincides with the Memorial Day holiday and runs May 24th through June 6th.

Arkansas state law requires all front seat passengers, not just drivers, to be properly buckled up. The state law also requires all children less than 15 years of age to be properly secured in the vehicle. Children less than 6 years of age and weighing less than 60 pounds should be restrained in a child passenger safety seat. Additionally, drivers with restricted licenses and all occupants in the vehicle must be properly buckled up.

“We want the practice of buckling up to become something that’s instinctive for drivers and their passengers,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “It’s not just a safe way to travel, it’s the law.”

“Help us share the message,” Colonel Bryant said. “Tell your friends and family members to make it a habit to buckle-up. Your advice may save someone from injury or death.”

Almost everyday law enforcement officers in Arkansas see firsthand what happens when someone involved in a traffic crash wasn’t wearing a seat belt.

During the Click It or Ticket campaign, law enforcement officers nationwide will be working overtime to ensure the message gets out to drivers and their passengers.

According to the 2019 records from NHTSA, 9,466 drivers and passengers who were unbuckled died in crashes nationwide. During the same year, 55% of passenger vehicle occupants involved in crashes were not wearing seat belts and lost their lives during nighttime hours (6 PM – 5:59 AM). As a result, law enforcement authorities participating in the Click It or Ticket

State troopers and local officers and deputies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt enforcement, writing citations day and night.

For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/ciot or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 6188136. For more on Arkansas’ ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit www.TZDArkansas.org.

479-394-7301

1102 Crestwood Circle Mena, AR 71953

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Puzzles 23

May 19, 2021

05.19.21

05.19.21

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 05.12.21

Why am I here?

Did I do something wrong?

There are too many homeless pets in our area and they are in desperate need of your help. They have come to the shelter for reasons that are not their fault and because they can not survive on their own.

Will you please consider giving one the loving home that they so greatly deserve? You can visit them at...

HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE OUACHITAS

I just want to be loved.

TUES. THROUGH SAT. ● 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. 368 POLK 50, MENA, AR

(479) 394-5682

WWW.HSOMENA.ORG

24 State

May 19, 2021

Governor Hutchinson's Address

Nurses Make A Difference

This is National Nurses Week in Arkansas, and today I’d like to talk about how the pandemic has highlighted the value of our nurses and about the laws the General Assembly passed this year that allow nurses to offer more services.

Over the past year, nurses have risked their health to care for COVID patients in hospitals, private homes, nursing homes, and prisons and jails.

Susie Marks, executive director of the Arkansas Nurses Association, says that many nurses, especially bedside nurses, have worked in settings they never thought they’d work in.

Some Arkansas nurses served in COVID hot spots in New York, Texas, and Louisiana. Nurses don’t run from danger, Ms. Marks said, they run towards it. Those who worked in other places returned to Arkansas with innovative solutions for patient care and to minimize risk to health care workers.

Registered nurses are the largest health care profession in the United States, and 60,000 of them work in Arkansas. The theme for this year’s National Nurses Week is “You Make a Difference,” a nod to the unparalleled care and service they have provided during the pandemic.

Professional nursing is an indispensable link in the care of hospitalized patients, and the demand for registered nurses is growing as Baby Boomers age, and as the quality of health care and medicine helps Americans live longer than ever.

The cost-effective safe and high-quality health care services that registered

MENA REAL ESTATE

www.MenaRealEstate.com

nurses provide will play an ever-more important role in our health care delivery system.

The General Assembly passed several laws this year that expand the services that nurses can offer. Act 569 allows Advance Practice Registered Nurses to serve as a primary care provider in the Medicaid Program without a physician agreement. This allows people who live in rural areas to see an advanced practice registered nurse for certain care and prescriptions rather than drive to a city.

Act 412 creates the Full Independent Practice Credentialing Committee, which can grant full practice authority to certified nurse practitioners.

Act 449 allows a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist to work in consultation with licensed physicians, dentists, and others who are licensed to order anesthesia.

And Act 607 grants full practice authority to Certified Nurse Midwives, which allows them to evaluate patients, diagnose medical conditions, and order diagnostic tests, and initiate and manage treatment and care plans.

These new laws expand access to medical care and allow nurses to work to their education level.

As we add nursing programs at the high school and community college level, and increase the ability of nurses to provide services, Arkansas is poised to increase the number of nurses. As we have seen during the pandemic, we can’t live without them. Nurses make all the difference. Thank you, nurses, for choosing this profession.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Thank You, Law Enforcement State Senator John Boozman

Law enforcement professionals from local police forces to sheriff ’s departments, state police and federal law enforcement agencies leave home each day not knowing what challenges they will experience, but ready to face danger head on in order to make the communities they serve safer.

Sadly, last year proved to be particularly dangerous for law enforcement. The COVID-19 pandemic is one reason 2020 was one of the deadliest years for officers in recent memory. To honor the service and heroism of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, the names of theses fallen officers are etched into the walls of the National Law Enforcement Memorial.

This year, 394 officers killed in the line of duty have been added to the memorial including four Arkansans who we hold close to our hearts.

Sergeant James Dancy of the North Little Rock Police Department was a 35-year veteran of the police force who helped mentor young officers at the department. He contracted COVID-19 while performing his job.

Officer Travis Wallace of the Helena-West Helena Police Department gave his life while attempting to apprehend a suspect wanted in connection with a violent crime.

Pine Bluff Detective Kevin Collins had a lifelong dream to serve as a police officer. He made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while conducting an ongoing investigation.

Hot Springs Police Officer Corporal Brent Scrimshire, who had earned recognition as the Arkansas Southwest Region Officer of the Year in 2016, lost his life while conducting a traffic stop.

We honor these Arkansans and law enforcement officers all across the country who courageously gave their lives to uphold law and order. Their deaths are tragic and call us to acknowledge their tremendous heroism and selflessness.

They also invite us to appreciate the reality that the stakes of this occupation are a lot higher than most others – they are life and death. The perilous nature of policing and law enforcement is something we simply can’t underestimate or fail to respect.

Over the past year, we’ve witnessed increased calls for defunding or abolishing police forces across the country. Instead of this misguided approach, we need to improve investments and resources for the men and women in blue.

That’s why it’s important that Congress fund programs like the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant program, which has proven vital to helping states and local law enforcement agencies purchase equipment and support training for officers. We should also pass the Back the Blue Act and Protect and Serve Act to help strengthen laws that protect police officers and hold those who perpetrate attacks against law enforcement accountable.

In addition to those important steps, we should also help police prepare for the encounters they are having in communities nationwide. I’ve joined efforts to craft a bill that would provide police with better strategies and procedures to respond to calls involving a mental health crisis and I’m hopeful that with additional tools and improved training officers will be able to identify how to best serve the needs of the entire community.

On behalf of all Arkansans, I thank all of our law enforcement officers for making sacrifices to keep us safe. I will continue advocating for improved tools, resources and training for officers so they can prepare for unpredictable circumstances.

Our safety and peace of mind come at a cost, and our police officers need our support and gratitude for being the first ones to pay it. We honor them continually for what they do and what they represent.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Community 25

May 19, 2021

Mascot draws attention

After many years of service, our time and temperature display stopped working here at the Cooperative in Mena. We have acquired a new sign, and with the new sign many of you have been asking about the mascot being displayed. So, we wanted to take the opportunity to let you Meet the Mascot: Willie Wiredhand Not many workers are still on the job when they turn 71, but Willie Wiredhand isn’t your ordinary employee. Willie is the long-time mascot of America’s rural Electric Cooperatives, and he’s been working hard for us since 1950.

The nation’s first Electric Cooperatives were established in 1936: the same year that the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) began offering rural Electric Cooperative loans. In just a short few years, there were hundreds of Cooperatives across the United States. By the 1950s, our Cooperatives were networked together through the well-established National Rural Electric Association (NRECA).

NRECA decided that Cooperatives needed a mascot: someone to be the face of rural electricity. In 1950, Willie Wiredhand was created by freelance artist Andrew “Drew” McLay to fill that role. He was born on October 30th, 1950, and by 1951 he was selected by NRECA’s membership to be the official mascot of Cooperatives nationwide.

Everything about Willie was symbolic of rural electricity. He was small and wiry; a hard-working, friendly icon with a big, determined smile. One magazine story described Willie as, “the friendly and inspirational golden boy who symbolizes dependable, local, consumer-owned electricity.”

His bottom and legs were an electrical plug, and his body was made of wires.

His head was a light socket, and his nose was a push button. Even Willie’s name was symbolic — a confident nod to Cooperative history.

NRECA says Willie was given the last name “Wiredhand” because the electricity that was brought to rural America by Cooperatives in the 1930s and 1940s was “the never-tiring, always available hired hand to help the nation’s farmers.”

Courtesy Photo Congratulations to Colten Quebedeaux (Career Investigation Level 1), Lulu Quebedeaux (Career Investigation Level 3), Kenzie Daniels (Job Interview Level 2), Corryn Holland (Culinary Arts Level 3), Keagan Jennings (Repurpose & Redesign Level 3), and Macy Pyron (Repurpose & Redesign Level 3) for each earning a silver medal at Arkansas FCCLA State Star Events. Colten, Kenzie, and Corryn will each be advancing to compete at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Nashville, TN this summer. These students are members of Acorn Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America.

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

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The Beginner’s Guide to Podcasts

By Trey Youngdahl As technology changes, consumers are presented with several options for new kinds of entertainment and media. Be it social media, or even video streaming services, there has been a constant stream of exciting innovation pushing the boundaries of entertainment and media options. Podcasts are arguably becoming the fastest growing form of entertainment.

What is a podcast?

Podcasts have been described as ‘talk radio on demand’. They are recorded conversations uploaded to the internet for instant and convenient consumption. Imagine the possibilities of radio legends such as Larry King or Howard Stern in your pocket ready to be streamed at any time.

Some podcasts are made with a

centralized theme, like local podcaster Steve Stillwell’s ‘The Ouachita Bushcraft and Survival Show’, which covers specifically topics relating to the outdoors.

Others are more broad conversations like ‘The Ouachita Chronicles’, another local podcast which shares interesting stories from people in or around the Ouachitas. With a broad assortment of hosts and topics, the podcast market has been quickly flooded with creators ready to make their voices heard.

How do I listen to a podcast?

Most major music streaming platforms host podcasts. Google, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and Pandora all have a myriad of podcasts from a wide assortment of creators and topics.

Some podcasts, like The Ouachita Podcasts, even stream from their website, theouachitapodcasts.com. At any given moment, there’s a podcast easily acces-

sible for you to enjoy.

What podcast should I listen to?

If you are wondering if there is a podcast fit for you, you can guarantee that there’s one out there. Whether you want something funny, interesting, informative, or even true crime- it’s definitely been done. Here are ten of the most popular podcasts: 1. The Joe Rogan Experience- “The Joe Rogan Experience podcast is a long form conversation hosted by comedian Joe Rogan with friends and guests that have included comedians, actors, musicians, MMA fighters, authors, artists, and beyond.” (joerogan.com) 2. The Daily- “a daily news podcast and radio show by the American newspaper The New York Times. Hosted

by Times political journalist Michael Barbaro, its episodes are based on the Times' reporting of the day with inter-

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views of journalists from the New York Times.” (Wikipedia) 3. Crime Junkie- “Crime Junkie is a weekly true crime talk show podcasts dedicated to stories about solved and unsolved murders, missing people, serial killers, and wanted fugitives.”

(IMDb) 4. This American Life- “This American Life is a weekly public radio program and podcast. Each week we choose a theme and put together different kinds of stories on that theme.” (thisamericanlife.org) 5. My Favorite Murder- “My Favorite Murder is the hit true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark.” (myfavoritemurder.com) 6. Stuff You Should Know- “If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look

L O C A T E D I N M E N A , A R K A N S A S • ( 4 7 9 ) - 3 37 - 7115 • W W W . H O M E W O O D G H C . C O M

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no further. Josh and Chuck Have you covered.” (iheart.com) 7. Office Ladies- “The Office costars and best friends, Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, are doing the ultimate The Office re-watch podcast for you. Each week, Jenna and Angela will break down an episode of The Office and give exclusive behind-the-scenes stories that only two people who were there, can tell you.” (officeladies.com) 8. Pod Save America- “Four former aides to President Obama—Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer and Tommy Vietor—are joined by journalists, politicians, activists, and more for a no-holds-barred conversation about politics.” (podcasts.apple.com) 9. Planet Money- “Imagine you could call up a friend and say, "Meet me at the bar and tell me what's going on with the economy." Now imagine that's actually a fun evening.” (npr.org) 10. Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!“NPR's weekly current events quiz.

Have a laugh and test your news knowledge while figuring out what's real and what we've made up.” (npr.org) Or, you could listen to our very family of podcasts, The Ouachita podcasts! The shows are as follows: The Ouachita Chronicles- “Everyday people often have remarkable stories that go untold. The Ouachita Chronicles uncovers those interesting tales and talents. Join Ashley and Jeri as they learn the story behind the people who live in or originate from the Ouachita Mountains region and get to know their amazing stories and personalities.”

The Ouachita Bushcraft and Survival Show- “The Ouachita Bushcraft & Survival Show aims to be your go to for tips and tricks when it comes to staying alive in the great outdoors. With notable guests, and a knowledgeable host, you are sure to be entertained and informed. And who knows, you might just find yourself in a similar situation as Steve and his guests have!”

Regrettable- “A dynamic showcase between 3 differing personalities, displaying opinions on topics they probably shouldn't be talking about.

Sometimes brutally honest, occasionally thought provoking, but always in the spirit of what we think is funny.”

Hosting Hochatown- “Host Jay Wesley Lindly with Shilo Brock Martin, bring you along on their travels through Hochatown Oklahoma. Featuring guests from local businesses including: restaurants, outdoor and indoor entertainment, vacation rentals, retail establishments, wineries, breweries and more. It’s a glimpse of Hochatown at it’s finest!”

Wednesday on Trivia Tracks is Rasslin’ Wednesday, a look at the people, places, and promotions in wrestling from largely pre-9/11.”

Why listen to podcasts?

Because of the broad range of hosts and topics, there is a podcast for everybody! Also, you can listen to podcasts

Welcome Emily Turner APRN to the team!

Uncle John’s Remember When“Resident historian and all-around crazy guy John Guess recalls some of the good ol’ days of yesteryear in his own unique and funny way.”

Trivia Tracks- “Trivia Tracks is a weekly show featuring trivia on just about anything you can imagine. No call-ins, no prizes…just random trivia delivered to you by the Treasurer of Trivia himself, Pryce Robertson. Every

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in several different scenarios. On a long car ride, cooking or cleaning your house, or maybe have it on in the background while you work. Furthermore, because podcasts are streaming-based and not broadcasted, they can be broken down into bite-sized pieces for a busy schedule. No matter who you are or what your interests are, there’s a podcast for you!

Call 394.7301 to make your appointment!

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To register or for additional details visit us in the Northside Shopping Center.

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