Polk County Pulse September 15, 2021

Pulse THE POLK COUNTY

FREE WEEKLY 1168 Hwy 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600

September 15, 2021

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Recovery Awareness Month

Drug Court Offers Second Chance

By Trey Youngdahl/ Jeri Pearson

Livestock Show

SPECIAL SECTION

Gillham FD Grant

Constitution Week

Page 3

Page 14

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MOTOR COMPANY IN MENA, ARKANSAS

On Wednesday September 8, 2021, the Mena drug court program graduated four participants, one of which with honors.

Shelby Ashcraft, Arkansas Department of Corrections Advisor, said the program is changing lives and the program and participants should be celebrated.

“As drug court advisors, we appreciate the community support to encourage those in recovery,” she said. “It means the world to our drug court participants when they know our community is supportive and respects them as productive members of our society.”

Of the four Drug Court graduates this month, one individual has gone through the program with no positive drug screens, meaning the individual graduates with honors.

“All four have worked diligently to build a new life of recovery,” Ashcraft said.

Two of the four graduates were willing to share their experience and hopes the community continues to support the program.

Gary Dillard came into the Mena Drug Court program June, 3 2020.

Pictured from left to right: Circuit Judge Andy Riner, Advisor Steven Free, Graduate Garry Dillard, Advisor Shelby Ashcraft, and Graduate Jesaca Warner. (Two graduates requested to remain anonymous) On the day of graduation he will celebrate 414 days clean.

“I recommend anyone that comes into the program to try New

Vision detox center in Mena. I’m a firm believer in it.”

-Gary

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September 15, 2021

DRUG COURT continued from page 1

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“I thank God for my drug court program; it truly saved my life. A big thank you to Steven Free, Shelby Ashcraft, Terry Ford and Judge Riner for all the support and love for this program.”

-Jesaca Warner It is estimated that 78% of property crimes and 77% of public order offenses are related to drug or alcohol abuse, which costs the United States $74 billion a year (ebpsociety.org).

In an effort to lower these rates and lower costs, the drug court was implemented. The drug court program was designed by the National Institute of Justice to put a focus on rehabilitation for addicts as opposed to punishment to reduce relapse and criminal recidivism among defendants and offenders.

According to The US Department of Justice, “the program targets criminal defendants and offenders, juvenile offenders, and parents with pending child welfare cases who have alcohol and other drug dependency problems.”

There is also a specialized drug court for families and juvenile offenders.

The drug court treatment process is typically divided into three parts: the stabilization phase, an intensive treatment phase, and a transition phase.

The first phase, stabilization, usually involves treatment for medical or psychological disorders in addition to detoxification from substances. The

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intensive treatment phase usually lasts for several months, or even up to a year.

During this phase, offenders will participate in substance abstinence treatments offered by the program.

This phase may also provide participants with education and job assistance in an effort to help them maintain their sobriety. Also during the phase, the participant will have regular status hearings with the judge, or possibly a case manager.

The program will end with the transition phase to help the participant stay sober once the period of intense supervision is over. As part of this treatment, drug court participants are required to abstain from substance use, and are to be held accountable for their behavior and to fulfill the legal responsibilities of the offenses they have committed.

There is a reward system for participants who follow those rules. While this is the basic structure of the program, everybody is different and requires different levels of care, so the program aims to be as individualized as possible.

National Recovery Month National Recovery Month (Recovery Month) is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible.

Visit samhsa.gov for more information about recovery and substance abuse.

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September 15, 2021

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News 3

Right to left State Representative John Maddox, Chief Marc Rosson, Assistant Chief 1 Josh Pannell, Firefighter Robert Manley.

Gillham VFD receives $75,000 grant

Marc Rosson, GVFD Chief, announced the Gillham Volunteer Fire Department has received a $75,000 grant.

In November 2020 the Gillham Volunteer Fire Department was notified it would receive a $75,000 grant, which was applied for with the assistance of State Representative John Maddox and State Senator Jimmy Hickey.

“From this grant we were able to get battery operated extrication tools that can be used up to 11 feet underwater and they will be handy for any accident no matter how far from a road it is,” Rosson said. “Since they don't have hoses, we won't be limited as to how far we can go and should save some time since they are ready at a push of a button.”

The department will also be receiving all new turnouts and boots.

“Our turnouts, like many departments, were expired. We also purchased a Scotts SCBA Mask with thermal imaging to be able to see in a fire and rescue if needed,” Rosson said. “We will have other thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint fires and hotspots in a structure. We will have enough hose to re-hose our trucks. The hose we are using now is very old. When we bought the newest truck it came without hoses, so we put old hoses on it and now we will not worry about leaks.”

Appreciation for Maddox and Hickey was expressed.

“As many of you know it's hard to keep equipment up in a fire department.

Everything is so expensive and there is very little funding coming in. It would have taken years to purchase this stuff without a grant,” Rosson said. “As with all our equipment and man and woman power, we are here to assist any other department when asked to.”

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4 News From the

State House of Representatives

will be taken up by the comThere are three legislamittees. tive meetings scheduled this The committees will take no month to review proposals for action during these three meetcongressional redistricting. ings.

Arkansans are welcome to It is anticipated that leaderattend these meetings and ship will call members back comment on the proposals. into the extended session of The proposals will be outlined in bills drafted by leg- John Maddox the 93rd General Assembly on September 29. That date is islators. We have provided a link to the bills at www.arkansashouse. subject to change, and we will continue to update you on any developments. org.

The General Assembly is tasked with The House and Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committees only drawing the boundaries of the will be meeting jointly in the MAC U.S. House of Representatives districts building located directly behind the in Arkansas. The Board of Apportionment is tasked with drawing the state State Capitol. legislative boundaries.

The schedule will be as follows: Our state’s population increased by September 20, 2021 (1 p.m.) -Any congressional redistricting bills that 3.3% since 2010 when we last drew have been filed by September 17, 2021, congressional boundaries. Some areas of the state have increased in populawill be taken up by the committees.

September 23, 2021 (1 p.m.) - Any tion more than others. Our task is to congressional redistricting bills that redraw those boundaries now to enhave been filed by September 21, 2021, sure they are as equally populated as possible. will be taken up by the committees.

All meetings will be live-streamed September 27, 2021 (1 p.m.) - Any congressional redistricting bills that and recorded at www.arkansashouse. have been filed by September 24, 2021, org.

Contact Your Legislators!

John Maddox

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

Larry Teague

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September 15, 2021

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

lower income taxes.

The legislature is preparing to convene again on SeptemA separate process of reber 29, to redraw boundaries districting is taking place. of the four Congressional disThe boundaries of the 135 tricts in Arkansas. districts in the state legisIn late August the legislature will also be redrawn, lature received official data by the three-member state from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Board of Apportionment.

Using the most recent popu- Larry Teague They are the governor, the lation figures, legislators will attorney general and the secmap out four new districts of equal retary of state. Their staff will do much population. of the heavy lifting.

The President Pro Tem of the SenThere are 35 state Senate districts ate and the Speaker of the House sent and 100 state House districts. a schedule to all legislators. The Senate and House Committees on State Rental Assistance Agencies and Governmental Affairs Arkansas got $173 million in federwill review redistricting bills before al relief funding for rental assistance, the Senate and House vote on them. to help people who lost their jobs due The Senate President and the House to the pandemic and are at risk of Speaker cautioned legislators that eviction. It also helps people whose the September 29 starting date may medical bills put them at risk of loschange. ing their homes. So far, $10 million Redistricting occurs every ten years, has been awarded, benefiting 3,200 after the Census Bureau releases new households. population data. Normally, the legisThere is an income threshold belature completes the task during the cause the program is meant to help regular session that begins in January and ends in April, but this year census low-income and middle-income taxdata was late. The delay affected all 50 payers. The threshold can vary from county to county, depending on the states.

There are 435 members of the Unit- average rent.

The governor announced a change ed States Congress. Arkansas has in the application process, in order to only four seats in Congress, because of our relatively small size. Tennes- ease the awarding of funds. Previoussee has nine Congressional districts ly, the landlord had to sign off on the and Texas has 36. Due to its popula- application, but under the new rules tion growth, Texas will gain two more if the landlord doesn’t respond in 10 days the assistance goes directly to the Congressional seats.

After the legislature has finished tenant. The money can also be used to redistricting, it will officially adjourn pay utility bills.

The state Human Services Departthe 2021 regular session. We went into ment is handling the grants. Search on extended recess in late April.

The governor has announced that the Internet for Arkansas rental assisafter the work of redistricting is com- tance, and the first link that pops up plete and the regular session is offi- will be for the DHS page that explains cially over, he would call a special ses- the process. sion to consider tax cuts. Legislators Applicants will need to show proof have been working on measures to of income.

THE POLK COUNTY

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Michael ‘Mike’ Michael Richard Ward, 64, Richard of Mena, Arkansas Ward passed away, Thursday, September 9, 2021, surround by his family after a long battle with cancer. Mike was born October 30, 1956, in Yuba City, California to Floyd and Betty (Weatherby) Ward. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Mike is survived by his sons, Michael John & Travis; his daughters, Jessica Hurliman and Crystal (Michael) Huff; grandchildren, Whitney (James) Bunyard and Clayton Clearley; great grandson, Noah Bunyard; brothers; Gary (Debbie Balko) Ward, Duke (Lyndsay) Ward, Jason Ward, Brian (Brenda) Ward; sisters, Karen Ward and Ellen Thacker; several nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

Mike was protective of his siblings; you did not mess with his family. He liked music and his church. Mike loved the NFL team, Atlanta Falcons #dirty birds.

Services will be Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at 1:00 PM at Cornerstone Church in Mena, Arkansas with graveside immediately following at Rocky Cemetery in Polk County, Arkansas with Scott Jones, and Mark Ward officiating.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Atkinson Funeral Home of Malvern, Arkansas. Guest may register at www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net

Obituaries 5

September 15, 2021

Bill Edward Dillard Bill Edward “Eddie” Dillard, passed away suddenly on September 7th, 2021 after a short battle with Covid.

He was born July 31, 1957 and was a young 64. He retired last year from a very successful career with his own company, providing safety eyewear to industrial communities in Texas. He was an avid sportsman, enjoying many trips over the years, hunting and fishing with close friends and family. He was a jokester, and thoroughly enjoyed teasing his nieces and nephews. He was a 1975 graduate of Hatfield Highschool, and received a business degree from the University of Arkansas. He loved living in Central Texas, where he enjoyed cheering the Hogs on at every opportunity.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Audrey Liles Singleton, father, Bill Dillard and sister Deborah Ann Dillard Varner.

He is survived by his daughter Jaclyn Dillard Duke and husband Clinton of Nashville, TN, brothers William “Billy” Dillard and wife Tamra of Mena, Terry Martin and wife Rhonda of Hatfield, and one sister, Pamela Dillard Oliver and husband John of Royal, Arkansas, lifelong friend, Donnie Johson of Watson, Oklahoma and his aunt, Flossie Parnell of Pencil Bluff, Arkansas. He had 10 nieces and nephews, and 12 great-nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins and friends who will miss him terribly.

We are holding an informal service at the Lower Big Fork Cemetery in Big Fork, Arkansas on Saturday, September 18th at 5:30 for everyone that knew and loved him. Feel free to bring potluck, a chair, and pictures and stories to celebrate his life.

Jeannette Helen Austin Jeannette Helen Austin, age 96, of Wickes, Arkansas went to be with her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, Monday, August 30, 2021 in her home surrounded by family. She was born on Tuesday, January 20, 1925 to Casmier and Nellie Drace Piotrowski in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Jeannette was a member of the Wickes United Methodist Church. She loved the Lord. She faithfully helped with various jobs and activities within the church. She was the church treasurer for many years. She had a servant’s heart and was a caregiver to many.

Jeannette worked diligently at various jobs throughout her life. She and her husband, Elbert, raised poultry and cattle for many years. She belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary. Jeannette loved her family and spending time with them. She enjoyed games, puzzles, crocheting, reading, and loved to travel. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, daughter, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, and friend.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Casmier and Nellie Drace Piotrowski, her husband, Elbert Austin, her brother, Vic Piotrowski, and her sister, Betty (Bobbie) Gross.

She is survived by two daughters and son-in-law, Shelley and Jimmy Hunter of Grannis, Sheila Johnson of Wickes; five grandchildren and their spouses, Jeff and Gina Hunter of Grannis, Jerry and Shelly Johnson of Grannis, Jill Hunter of Grannis, Jana and Bryan Richardson of Wickes, and Jordan and Tara Hunter of Benton; twelve great-grandchildren, Chance, Ryan, Carson, Hunter, Raegan, Macie, Easton, Dillon, Aspen, Gunnar, Kinleigh, and Chayni and four great-great-grandchildren.

Memorial graveside service will be held 10:00 AM, Wednesday, September

1, 2021 at Daniel Cemetery in Wickes with Jordan Hunter and Bryan Richardson officiating, under the direction of Wilkerson Funeral Home in De Queen, Arkansas.

You may leave a condolence online at www.wilkersonfuneralhomes.com

Barbara Jean Fox Barbara Jean Fox, 78, from Mena, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 9, 2021, surrounded by her family. She was born in Corpus Christi, TX to the late Clyde and Margaret Ward Kingsland.

Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was a woman of deep faith and her relationship with Jesus Christ was her top priority. With an incredible sense of humor and warm heart, she had a knack for making everyone close to her feel like they were special. She was greatly loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She continually kept in touch with family members across many miles, and truly was the lifeblood of the family. She was best known for her made from scratch delicious meals and desserts prepared with love.

Barbara enjoyed spending time in her pool, sipping coffee on the front porch and loving on her precious dog, Emmy. Her happiest place was on a beach, toes in the sand, listening to waves and searching for seashells. She worked alongside her husband, Bill in the lab at Mena Medical Center for over twenty years and participated in a myriad of community outreach ministries spanning several decades.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Fox; her children, Joy Madjerich (Richard) of Atlanta, GA, Gena Curtis of Chesapeake, VA, Pamela Mozley (Michael) of North Ft. Myers, FL, and Benjamin Fox (Tina) of Springdale, AR;

Continued on page 6

6 Obituaries Continued from page 5 her grandchildren: Matthew, Tony, Sara (Eric), Rebekah, Rachel, Libby (Joel), Hannah, April, Katie (Eric), Ashlyn, and Daniel; great-grandchildren Alison, Casen, Kaizley, Beatrice, Vivianne, Audrey, Wesley, and Walker; sister, Jody Spencer; niece, Robin Spencer; cousin, Ann Smith; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers are Matthew Harvey, Daniel Fox, Kevin Fox, Jim Fox, Tyler Bailey, and Matthew Coccaro.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Fox will be held Saturday, September 18, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the Beasley Wood Funeral Home Chapel, internment will follow at Dierks Cemetery in Dierks, Arkansas. Under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena. Visitation will be general.

Online register available at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Thomas MacMahon Thomas MacMahon, age 75, was born on January 14, 1946, in Halesowen, England, to Peter and Freda MacMahon.

He got the call to Christian ministry as a teen and went to Elim Pentecostal Bible College in London. After pastoring some English village parishes, he heard God’s direction to go to America to preach, so he arrived in the US with literally $5 and God’s promise to supply his needs. The rest of his life he devoted to full time ministry and studies.

He studied to get his bachelors, masters, and doctorate of ministry over 15 years , then went on to get a Masters in Counseling after taking early retirement from pulpit ministry. The last ten years he did Christian counseling, first at Fort Smith Central Mall, then at his country home, Willowbrook, where he enjoyed tending his English flower gardens.

He loved ministering and served many churches in many states. He

THE POLK COUNTY

September 15, 2021 brought many into the Christian faith.

He was also a talented singer and songwriter and enjoyed leading worship and giving Christian concerts.

He achieved many things in the academic world and in ministry, but the family agrees that his greatest achievement was being a devoted husband and father. He rescued a single mom and family of four small children, raising them as his own, and helping them to achieve their individual goals. His later years were filled with the joys of his many grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Carolyn MacMahon of Mena; his children, Andy McDonald of Vancouver, Washington, Heather Vera of Springdale, Arkansas, Dr. Gordon McDonald of Mena, and Greg McDonald of Mena; eighteen grandchildren; his sisters, Grace Jones, Margaret Westwood, Freda MacMahon, and Clodagh Brown all of Birmingham, England; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. He will be missed down here, but we know he is finally rejoicing in the presence of his Lord.

A graveside service will be Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at the Old Dallas Cemetery with Brother Charley Grosse officiating. Arrangements are entrusted Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh. com

Patricia Ann Peek Patricia Ann Peek, age 63, of Hatfield, died Thursday, September 9, 2021 in Hatfield, Arkansas. She was born on Wednesday, July 2, 1958 to Isaac and AnnaMae McDaniel Taylor in Wichita, Kansas.

Patricia was an extremely sweet and

loving person. She would do anything for anyone and had a very generous spirit. She was always a hard worker and an animal lover. She always had candy for her grandchildren. She enjoyed watching old tv shows and westerns. Bonnie Tyler was her favorite musician. More than anything, Patricia loved her husband and family with all her heart. Patricia was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend and she will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents and two granddaughters, Kirstie Peek and Megan Peek.

Patricia is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Sonny Peek of Hatfield; one son, Antonio Peek of Hatfield; two daughters and son in law, Stacy Peek of Hot Springs Village, Jennifer and Eric Elerson of Arlington, Texas; one brother and sister in law, Larry and Ricki Taylor of Hatfield; two sisters and brother in law, Mary Taylor of Cove, and Wanda and Steve Englert of Wichita, Kansas; ten grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Derek Baumgardner of Charleston, South Carolina, Madison Elerson of Arlington, Texas, Braeden Elerson of Arlington, Texas, Lillian Elerson of Arlington, Texas, Gabrielle Peek of Hot Springs, Derek Peek of Springfield, Missouri, Zachary Trotter of De Queen, Jacob Dinger of Texas, Caleb Dinger of Nevada, Dustin Dinger of Dierks; ten great grandchildren; several nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 15th at 1:00 PM at the First Freewill Baptist Church, located at 411 Petros in Mena, with Brother Donnie Jewell officiating.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh. com

Pulse Steven John Rodriguez Steven John Rodriguez, age 41, of Mena, Arkansas died on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. Steven was born on Sunday, August 24, 1980 to Johnny and Phyllis Rodriguez in Vernon, Texas.

Steven was one of the kindest people you could ever meet. He was very outgoing and goofy, and loved to make people laugh. Steven served proudly in the United States Army as a heavy wheeled mechanic and specialized in transporting troops and vehicle retrieval in Iraq.

His wife, Crystal, was the love of his life and his best friend. After many years of hard work they moved to Mena and achieved their dream of opening and operating their own Truck Driving and UTV rental business together. Steven loved his family very much, and even when on the road he would always call and talk to his wife, children, and parents for hours on the phone and was snapchat buddies with his daughter. Steven was a very generous man, he often helped strangers and anyone he saw who was in need. He loved to ride motorcycles with his brother and dad, and had a passion for cooking for his family. Everyone loved his crawfish and other Cajun seafood dishes he prepared. Steven was very intelligent and liked all kinds of different music and was never afraid to sing along with the radio. He was so proud of his children, and constantly bragged about them to his friends. The love he had for his wife, children, parents, and everyone close to him was impossible to match. Steven was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

Steven is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Crystal Rodriguez of Mena; his parents, Johnny and Phyllis Rodriguez of Frederick, Oklahoma; one son,

Continued on page 7

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Obituaries 7

September 15, 2021

Continued from page 6 Johnny LeRoy Rodriguez of Mena; one daughter, Angel Jean Rodriguez of Mena; four brothers and sister in law, Rodney Marrow of Florida, Roy Gene and Emma Graves of Dallas, Texas, Michael Rodriguez of Florida, and Adam Rodriguez of Frederick, Oklahoma; several nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas with Brother Jim Beasley officiating. Interment will follow at the Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh. com

Bonnie Blackburn Ms. Bonnie Blackburn, age 83, of Mena passed away Saturday, September 11, 2021, in Mena, Arkansas

surrounded by family.

She was born on December 19, 1937, in Mena, Arkansas, to Charles E. Cogburn and Alcie Masters Cogburn. Bonnie had several occupations but spent the last several years of her career as an insurance secretary for Farm Bureau Insurance Company. Bonnie was a member of Southside Church of God. She enjoyed many hobbies with gardening being one of her favorite past times. Bonnie absolutely loved her friends and never forgot a special occasion to write them a card. She had a knack for making each and every friend who knew her feel special.

Bonnie is survived by sister-in-law, June Cogburn; nephews, Mike Rodgers and wife Debby, Tim Rodgers and wife Tammy, and Tommy Fowler, nieces; Charlotte Blair and husband Steven, Kathy Prenger and husband Norm, spe-

cial cousin; Kathryn Thomas; 3 great nieces, 4 great nephews and a host of cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Alcie Cogburn; brother, Bobby Cogburn; sister, Charlene Rodgers; brother-in-law, Bob Rodgers.

Graveside service will be Monday, September 13, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the Pinecrest Memorial Park with Brother Kenny Posey, Brother Billy Dunahoo, and Brother Jack Smith officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Visitation will be general with visitation hours being Saturday, September 11th until 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, September 12th from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tony Hooper, William Deramus, Tommy Fowler, Don Cearley and Ronnie Johnson.

Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Ralph Wayne Hobbs Ralph Wayne Hobbs, age 68, of Mena, Arkansas, died Sunday, September 5, 2021, at the Mena Regional Health System in Mena, Arkansas. He was born Monday, January 26, 1953 to Leonard and Faye Hobbs in Guyana, New Mexico.

Ralph was a man that loved his country and his family. He loved to spend time with his family and teach them about life. You could count on Ralph to make you laugh and he always enjoyed exchanging stories. He loved to tinker with and invent different things in his shop. For most of his life, he was a drywall finisher. Ralph was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting deer, fishing, gunsmithing, leather work, archery, and working with horses. Ralph was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend who will be missed and loved by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his par-

ents; Leonard and Faye Hobbs, his brother, Larry Hobbs and two sisters, Thelma and Wanda.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Melody “Dee Dee” Hobbs of Mena; his son, Ralph Hobbs II and Katina of Mena, Arkansas. Daughter, Talina Dedmon of Mena; sisters, Dottie Sehnert of Williams Arizona and Delma Perry of Mesa, Arizona; one brother, Glen Hobbs of New Mexico, five grandchildren, Tre’ Hobbs of Board Camp, Arkansas, Melody Dedmon of Littleton, Colorado, Savannah McCauley of Big Fork, Arkansas, Montana Dedmon of Haw Creek, Oklahoma and Nick Rose of Mena; five great grandchildren, Kriton Hobbs, Phoenix Hobbs, Jacob McCauley, R.J. McCauley, and Rhiannon Rose; several other nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 10, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at the Gann Cemetery with Brother Dana Kinsey officiating. Visitation will be general with arrangements entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Tre’ Hobbs, Nick Rose, Justin Fuller, Kaleb Birtcher, Robert Doty and James Kelsay.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh. com

Erma Jean Dilbeck Mize Erma Jean Dilbeck Mize, age 87, of Mena, fell into the arms of Jesus, Sunday, September 5, 2021 at Mena Regional Health System, surrounded by her loving husband, Bernie and her three favorite children. She was born September 29, 1933 to Alvin & Argie Dilbeck of Mena, Arkansas.

Erma was born in Spanish Fort, Texas but they returned home to Polk County when she was a few months old. By school age, home was a white house on “old highway 71” on the banks of Two Mile Creek at the old iron bridge. She

was raised to love her Savior and she walked closely with Him all her life!

She left a wonderful legacy for her family!

Erma’s smile would light up a room as soon as she entered. She was a nurturer and wanted to help meet the needs of all she met. She touched many lives over the years and rarely met a stranger.

Erma was a force to be reckoned with and her spunk and determination endeared her to those who knew her.

In her earlier years Erma was an accomplished artist and many of her friends and family were recipients of one of her oil paintings. She also painted a lot on commission. Erma loved to volunteer and has numerous accolades as “Volunteer of the Year” at Mena Regional Health System and the Chamber of Commerce. She was one of the founding members of Ninth Street Ministries along with Dr. Rick Lochala. When Erma was 80, she authored the first of her two children’s books, “Ermadilla Goes to Austin” and at 81 wrote, “Ermadilla Goes to Bethlehem.”

Erma was active her entire life with the Republican Party. In the mid 60’s she took her 2 little girls, dressed in green dresses, white boots and topped with white cowboy hats, that were autographed by Winthrop Rockefeller, Footsie Britt and John Paul Hammerschmidt to name a few. She loved President Donald J. Trump and began to decline significantly when he lost the 2020 election.

Erma was preceded in death by both parents, Alvin and Argie Dilbeck of Mena and Son-in-law, Hubert Eugene McCoy of Houston, TX. Erma is survived by her loving husband, Bernard W. Mize; sister, Carolyn Bitterlich of Pueblo, Colorado; children, Donna Lewis & Jack Winn of Marquez, Texas, Vicki McCoy of Houston, Texas, Russell Steed and daughterin-law, Tane Steed of Benton, Arkansas; grandchildren, Mason McCoy and his wife Kendra McCoy of Houston, Texas, Brittney Lewis Hufield of The Woodlands, Texas, Ashley Lewis Perera and husband Mike Perera of The Woodlands, Texas and Declan Steed of Benton; great-grandchildren, Ethan Rhett,

Continued on page 8

THE POLK COUNTY

8 Obituaries

September 15, 2021

Continued from page 7 Cadence McCoy, Ryleigh McCoy and Landon McCoy. Celebration of Life Services are Friday, September 10, 2021, at 10:00 AM at Christ Community Fellowship, 2837 AR-88, Mena, AR 71953. Visitation is Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 6-8PM at the Bowser Funeral Home Chapel at 2608 Highway 71 South, Mena, AR, 71953. Pastor Bobby Blasingame and Pastor Rob Morris of Houston will officiate.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Mom’s memory to Christ Community.

Johnnie Ray Allen Johnnie Ray Allen, age 69, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Friday, September 10, 2021, in Lit-

tle Rock, Arkansas.

He was born February 1, 1952, in Nella, Arkansas to John and Bertha Allen. Johnnie was a forklift driver for Nidec for 48 years. He enjoyed deer hunting and watching Allen Boys Racing. Johnnie was very attached to his Jeep lovingly referring to it as “his baby”. Above all, he was a well provider for his family whom he loved dearly.

He will be missed.

Johnnie is survived by his son, Steve Allen and wife Renea; daughter, Jessica Austin and husband Johnny; sister, Nadine Smith; grandsons, Dakota Allen and fiancé River Carbone and Jarrett Smith; several nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and a host of friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Bertha Allen; wife, Brenda Allen; sisters, Reba Watts and Faye Curry; brother, Tommy Allen; granddaughter, Breanna Allen.

Graveside service will be Wednesday, September 15, at 10:00 a.m. at the Owens Chapel Cemetery in Acorn, Arkansas with Brother Scott Jones and Brother Jon Daniels officiating. Interment

will follow under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. In case of rain, services may be moved to the Beasley-Wood Chapel.

Family request that mask be worn.

Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Larry Del Slinkard Larry Del Slinkard, age 67, of Mena, Arkansas died on Sunday, September 5, 2021 at Waldron Nursing and Rehabilitation in Waldron, Arkansas. Larry was born on Thursday, March 18, 1954 to Delmar and Opal Jones Slinkard in Lawton, Oklahoma.

Larry was a witty, quick witted man who recently said, “The date has been moved up, wipe the tears and get out the balloons!” Larry’s dry humor was accompanied by an endearing smile and a loving heart. He attended the Crossing Church in Mena, and was very active, always doing mission trips to South America helping the less fortunate. Larry loved to help people. He took great pride in caring for children through the Covenant House and volunteering to help other Veterans. Larry served proudly in the United States Navy and was trained in many different areas in the military, including retrieving torpedoes. He spent thirty years working for the United States Postal Service and over twenty-five years as a paramedic. Larry achieved many awards during his career and always went above and beyond, such as training new parents how to properly transport newborn children. He participated actively in the Christian Motorcycle Association, Compassion International, National Association of Emergency Medical Services, NRA, and many other ventures. Larry was an avid fisherman and collected stamps, coins, and had a passion for rebuilding and collecting International Scout Vehicles. He enjoyed listening to praise and

worship music as well as Classic Rock.

Larry loved his family very much, and felt very fortunate to be reunited with his biological family members as well.

His two cats, Bandit and Max, and his dog Toby were very special to Larry.

He was a very generous, compassionate man who seemed to have a never ending source of love for everyone he knew and even ones he didn’t. Larry was a loving brother, uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Bobby McLaughin.

Larry is survived by two brothers, Billy Radford of Lawton, Oklahoma, and Jimmy McLaughin of Idabel, Oklahoma; three sisters and brother in law, LeAnn and Carl Kriz of Irving, Texas, Rhonda Huffman of Lawton, Oklahoma, and Beckey Watkins of Lawton, Oklahoma; cousins, Sylvia and Michael Mitchell of Talala, Oklahoma, and Keith and Diana Martin of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; lifelong friend, Victor Rowell; numerous other cousins, nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, great greats, and a host of other relatives and friends.

There will be two small gatherings to honor Larry, one local and one out of state. Details provided below.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, September 13, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma with Pastor and longtime friend Victor Rowell officiating. General visitation will begin Thursday, September 9, 2021 during office hours at Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas.

Larry will be escorted to his final resting place by family and loved ones.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh. com

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151 years Join us for a CELEBRATION OF THANKS to our LORD for 151 years of WORSHIP and PRAISE at

CONCORD BAPTIST CHURCH SATURDAY, SEPT. 18, 2021 11:00 AM: ♦ Serving Lunch 12:00 PM -2:00 PM: ♦ Presentation to the Church ♦ Speakers ♦ Special Music CONCORD BAPTIST CHURCH 3467 Hwy 88 E Mena, AR 71953 QUESTIONS? Please contact us: Sara Hale ♦ 479-243-7391 Daren Ross ♦ 479-243-5364

got medicare???

THE POLK COUNTY

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Faith 9

September 15, 2021

An Arkie’s Faith: The Ephraim Bales Place

By Richie Lawry After a long day of driving across Arkansas and Tennessee, Daddy and I were rewarded with the beautiful scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To avoid the heavy traffic in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge, we took the scenic route into Gatlinburg. We were traveling on the Little River Road, a gorgeous winding road meandering alongside Little River. It had been many years since I had visited the Smoky Mountains, and I was excited to be there.

We traveled to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to attend a weekend seminar hosted by the It Is Written television program. It Is Written has been a staple on American television since premiering in 1956. The -weekly program, currently hosted by John Bradshaw, applies timeless truths to everyday life, with many episodes dealing with loneliness, fear, low self-esteem, and spiritual principles. Daddy is a longtime supporter of the ministry and has attended many seminars in the past. Earlier this year, he asked me to take him to the seminar, and I agreed.

The seminar was at the Park Vista hotel in Gatlinburg. It is set 1,000 ft. above Gatlinburg, and with fourteen floors, the hotel has sweeping views over the city and Smoky Mountains. The hotel is a circular building, and every room has an outside view and balcony. Our room was on the side of the hotel that faced the mountains, and our view was spectacular.

After attending the morning seminar and eating lunch, Daddy and I headed back into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to explore. We drove a couple of miles from the hotel to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The road twists and turns for six miles in a one-way loop that ends up back in Gatlinburg. We stopped a couple of times to enjoy the beauty of the Roaring Fork River. It was a perfect day with moderate temperatures and sunny skies.

One of the stops that we made was at the Ephraim Bales Place. The main feature on the site is the original “dog-trot” cabin; two cabins placed side by side with space between them and a common roof connecting them. The larger cabin was the living area, while the other was the kitchen. The open area served as a covered walkway between the two cabins, a sit-

ting area during warm or stormy weather, and a passageway for air to flow through to help keep the place cool in the summer.

The cabin remains as it was when the Bales family lived here in the early 1900s. Ephraim, his wife, Minerva, and their nine children called this small cabin home. It is hard to imagine eleven people crammed into this tiny home, but they managed. The family lived here from around 1890 until the government purchased the land in 1930 for inclusion in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The original corn crib, barn, and pig pen remain standing as well.

As I walked around the cabin site, I tried to imagine the life of this mountain family. I thought about what it was like growing up here as one of Ephraim and Minerva Bales’ nine children. I tried to visualize what it was like to live in this tiny cabin with ten other people. Ephraim Bales owned 72 acres here. He farmed thirty acres, while the rest remained wooded.

Ephraim’s farm was one of many along the Roaring Fork, where families scratched a hard living from a very rocky land.

I wondered why someone would want to live here.

It’s not like today, where you can buy a mountain cabin and get everything you need at the store. These people had to get everything they needed out of the land.

The valley of the Roaring Fork, where the Ephraim Bales cabin is located, is an extremely narrow, rockstrewn hollow. Rock is more common than soil. The small fields where Ephraim and his family once planted corn remind us of these mountain people’s difficult lives and how hard they worked. Some abandoned

fields’ slope is so steep that it is difficult to believe that anyone farmed them. There is an old mountain saying, “oft times a handful of soil was placed between the rocks so the corn could be planted.”

As I thought about the back-breaking work of growing crops on these rocky mountainside fields, I remembered a parable that Jesus taught. “He said: ‘A farmer went out to plant his seed. While he was planting, some seed fell by the road. The birds came and ate all that seed. Some seed fell on rocky ground, where there wasn’t enough dirt. That seed grew very fast, because the ground was not deep. But when the sun rose, the plants dried up because they did not have deep roots. Some other seed fell among thorny weeds. The weeds grew and choked the good plants.

Some other seed fell on good ground where it grew and became grain.’” Matthew 13:3-8 (ICB) Many Christian preachers and writers have discussed this parable of Jesus. It seems that there is often a negative connotation in the discussions. We must not be like the road, the rocky ground, or be among the thorny weeds. I don’t disagree with these applications, but I think that we are missing the bigger picture. The parable is not about the ground; it is about the farmer planting the seed. And the farmer spreads his seed everywhere. The seed represents the good news that Jesus wants to save us. As modern-day farmers, we want the best yield, so we are selective about who we choose to share our good news with. But the farmer in the parable planted seed everywhere.

Gentle Reader, modern farming techniques produce much higher yields than how Ephraim Bale farmed on his rocky fields on the steep hillsides of his farm over 100 years ago. But Ephraim grew crops in a place that modern farmers could not and would not. Were his harvests bountiful? No, they were not.

But they were enough to raise a family. We, as Christians, are given the job of planting the seeds of the good news about Jesus. But we are often very selective about who we share our good news with. Jesus tells us to “go into every part of the world. Tell the good news to everyone.” Mark 16:15 (WE) Who will you share your good news with today?

Joke of the Week:

I’m attending a meeting about the theft of time. I’m taking minutes.

Replacing windshields in Polk County for forty years.

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

10 Outdoors

THE POLK COUNTY

September 15, 2021

Pulse

OUACHITA BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL

By Steven E Stillwell

Welcome Emily Turner APRN to the team!

Accepting Patients May 3rd

Call 394.7301 to make your appointment!

Seeing All Patients

479.394.4248

104 Port Arthur Ave. Mena, AR 71953-3344

Many of you who are reading this column are also subscribers to our Facebook page, OUACHITA BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL. I’d like to thank each and every one of you, because you’re helping us build a unique and fantastic gathering place on social media that’s really outstanding! I can’t brag on our members enough. I’ve never seen so much knowledge and talent in one place in my life. HERE’S MY TESTIMONIAL, it never fails, every day, someone will ask me a survival question, and I usually tell them to visit our page, because someone’s already posted an article, reference materials, or a video regarding this topic.

BREAKING NEWS: Our PODCAST SHOW is gaining lots of recognition and notoriety, but I’d like to interview more people from our area, SO CONTACT ME. I’m easy to find, my name is in the paper almost every week, and I want to promote our local talent like no one has ever seen. If you have an interesting story you’d like to share, I’d like to hear it, especially if this information is beneficial to our listening audience!

BUSHCRAFTERS UNITE: On Sunday, I saw a sign on Highway 88 East, across the road from Campbell’s Dairy promoting, {A KNAPPIN} which is a flint-knapping event or gathering.

WHAT IS FLINT-KNAPPING; it’s an ancient, STONE AGE technique that’s used for making arrow heads, spear tips, knife blades and lethal killing implements out of stone? Who knows, learning a skill like this might come in handy one day? It never hurts to learn something new, but in this case, it would be categorized as historic.

A couple of months ago, producer Trey Youngdahl, Naked and Afraid contestant Ryan Eacret, his wife Elizabeth, and I traveled to Yellville Arkansas for such an event, and we weren’t disappointed. We met a lot of exciting

people who shared some of the same passions as we do, and it was a great place to network. If you’d like to meet Ryan, I was just talking to him while writing this article, and he’s planning on attending. Hopefully we’ll make the time to record a podcast show too! I’d like to do an in depth interview and discuss both of his African excursions, and some of the dangers he faced, especially the blood thirsty, LAUGHING HYENAS. According to him, these animals posed the greatest threat to all of the contestants, because of their vicious, nocturnal habits. It was imperative to keep a fire burning after dark, because the circling pack would find a way to enter your camp if it fizzled out, and this caused a lot of sleepless hours.

Every region and continent is different, and this is why it’s so important to discuss various survival tactics and techniques, because you never know where you’ll end up. I was talking to someone who was planning a vacation overseas, and the thought entered my mind; could they survive if their plane crashed in the jungle?

If you’re interested in survival and learning more, we invite you to become a member of our growing Facebook group. How about talk shows; be sure to tune into the Ouachita podcasts, where you’ll find lots of entertaining programs?

Your comments and suggestions are always welcome!

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

September 15, 2021

News 11

Vendors and Volunteers needed for Bigfoot Festival

There is a call, coming from the Ouachita Mountains, which catches the attention of skeptics and believers alike.

It’s the call of Bigfoot, which echoes reverberate from Blue Zipline & Farm next weekend during the 2021 Ouachita Bigfoot Festival and Conference.

There is still an opportunity to be included in the three-day event as a vendor or as a volunteer.

Shelly Alston said she is also offering an opportunity for free vendor space to a non-profit group that would like to sell hamburgers or other plates as a fundraiser.

Working the gate or volunteering in another capacity includes entrance into the festival and conference for free.

This three day festival will have live music, numerous vendors, food, games, activities, door prizes, antiques show, chili cookoff, and a conference with re-

nowned researchers and speakers.

Onsite Camping will also be available.

Water & electric hookups will not be available for campsites. RVs and tents are welcome. Generators are welcome and portable toilets are onsite.

Campground stories will be offered exclusively for campers on Friday and Saturday nights: 8:30 to 10pm with popcorn and hot cocoa.

Ten names will be drawn from registered campers to attend the late night mini-expedition, 10:30 to midnight on Saturday night. This will only be open for 10 people, ages 18 and up.

Festival: Friday, September 24th, 10am to 7pm.

Saturday, September 25th, 9am to 7pm.

Sunday, September 26th, 9am to 2pm.

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BLUEZIPLINEFARM.COM

Conference: Friday, September 25th, 6pm to 8pm.

Saturday, September 26th, 6am to 8pm.

Festival tickets are available at the gate, and festival admission per day, also includes admission to conference.

The costs is $2 per person, and ages 3 and under are free.

12x12 vendor outdoor booth space rental is available for the festival. Antiques vendors, commercial vendors, arts and crafts, and non-profits are welcome.

For more info call The Blue Zipline & Farm at 479-216-8639 or visit blueziplinefarm.com Conference schedule subject to change.

Vendors and Campers may register online at the ticket link or call to register by phone between 9am and 2pm.

Eudell Head recounts his Bigfoot experiences to a crowd at the 2020 Bigfoot Festival and Conference.

12 News

THE POLK COUNTY

September 15, 2021

Pulse

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Polk County was recently awarded a $2000 grant from Walmart Community Grants Team and Facility #67.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income. In Polk County, it is championed by Quality of Life, Inc. Pictured left to right: Quality of Life President Bethany Hughes, Carol Miller, Rose Tedder, Marsha Riley, DPIL committee members, Walmart Store Manager Scott Brown, Judy Newcomb, and Brenda Miner, DPIL committee members.

For more information about the Walmart Foundation, Quality of Life, or Dolly Parton Imagination Library, please visit the following websites: https:// walmart.org/, http://qoloutreach.org/, or https://imaginationlibrary.com/.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

September 15, 2021

13th in Road to Key West series released by local author

Bestselling author Michael Reisig has just released a new novel — the 13th book in his "Road To Key West” series.

This one promises to be as wildly entertaining as the earlier reads. Here’s a little information — to whet your reading appetite.

Once again, The Hole In The Coral Wall Gang is up to their eyeballs in wild misadventure and incredible circumstance.

The hundred-year-old Coiba Penal Colony off the coast of Panama is an island swarming with convicts, inside and outside the prison walls, and yet, by the strangest of fates, this extraordinary tropical isle possesses an ancient, incredibly valuable secret that could change the world.

Kansas and Will along with their team, find themselves challenging this strange island while trying to dodge wild desperadatos, prison soldiers, and a crazed island commandant.

If that weren’t enough, there’s the South Florida mafia, who also want what the team has discovered. Then

MENA REAL ESTATE

there are the two hired crazies from the bizarre “Last Resort” chasing Will and Kansas because they failed to die in a timely fashion, and didn’t pay their bill.

Startling! Clever! And very funny in places.

For those of you who follow his series this is a "must read” and for those of you new to Reisig’s writings, this is also a good “Stand Alone” read.

All of Reisig’s novels are available through Amazon.com The electronic “Kindle version” of this book on Amazon will be available at a special introductory price of only 99 cents through September 20.

OF THE WEEK

#61 JETT BABER Mena Coaches have selected # 61, Jett Baber, as the Farm Bureau Insurance Player of the Game vs. Hot Springs. Jett is a Senior and starts both ways for the Bearcats this season, playing at Center and Defensive Tackle. Jett had 6 tackles and one QB sack on defense and graded out at over 90% at Center for the night.

He is the son of Nicholas and Jennifer Baber and the grandson of Ellen Baber. Jett’s hobbies include hunting, fishing, and hanging out with his girlfriend, Sara Dozier.

After high school, Jett plans to attend UA Rich Mountain and pursue a degree in the medical field, eventually becoming a Physical Therapist or a Sports Medicine Trainer.

Je Jett and the Bearcats will try to redeem their loss last week, this Friday night, when they will host the undefeated, Booneville Bearcats.

Shown presenting Jett with his game ball are Bearcat Assistant Coach, Ryan Luttmer, and Farm Bureau Agent, Nathan Fowler.

479-234-6207

Farm Bureau Insurance is a proud supporter of Bearcat Athletics!!

AMANDA AND DAVID DIXON  OWNERS

www.MenaRealEstate.com

News 13

♦ WOOD ♦ ACRYLIC ♦ GLASS ♦ LEATHER ♦ GRANITE ♦ PHOTO ENGRAVING ♦ AND MORE

309 S. MORROW, MENA, AR

479-394-3650

THE POLK COUNTY

14 News

September 15, 2021

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U. S. CONSTITUTION WEEK PROCLAIMED

394-1938

TIRES • BRAKES • CUSTOM EXHAUST • SHOCKS & STRUTS

Winter Hours: Mon - Fri 8 am - 5 pm

1500 Hwy 71 South, Mena

Owners: Stacy & Julie Nash

The Mayor of Mena, Seth F. Smith, signed a proclamation declaring that United States Constitution Week will be celebrated September 17 through the 23. Members of the James K. Polk Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, witnessed the signing. Pictured with Mayor Smith are: Deonna Williams, Ann Garrett, Linda Evans, Cortez Copher, Brenda Cunningham, and Shelly Collins.

Constitution Week is the commemoration of America's most important document and is celebrated annually. The United States Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights.

This celebration of the Constitution was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1955, DAR petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into public law on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The aims of the Constitution Week celebration are to: Emphasize citizens' responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution; Inform people that the Constitution is the basis for America's great heritage and the foundation for our way of life; Encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.

WE HAVE IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

LOC ATED IN MENA , ARKANSAS

( 4 7 9 ) 3 9 4 - 3 5 11

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for CNAs ($14.40/hr starting pay) as we build our team in preparation to open a new Cottage!! Don’t have your certification? New (FREE) classes forming now! Next class starts September 7th!! The benefits for working with our team include ability to get paid daily, working in a home like environment, free meals, vacation accrual and insurance options, as well as competitive wages for the surrounding area! Stay close to home and work!! Come by the administrative building to apply in person!

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

September 15, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS - EMPLOYMENT -

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

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

T09152021 F.M. Dix Foundry is accepting applications for general labor positions. Applications may be picked up at the office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available. Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment.

T09152021 Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced CNC Machine Operator.

Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available. Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment.

T09152021

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for a part-time or full-time office position. Accounts payable, accounts receivable, bookkeeping, business letter typing/drafting, and computer experience (accounting/inventory software, email/internet, spreadsheets, etc) would be helpful. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available for full-time positions. Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment.

T09292021

- SERVICES -

Land Management, Tree Service, RC Customz can handle your construction needs, mulching and more. Military discounts available. Insured. Call (479)216-2976 for Free estimate.

T10272021 Tree services, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479)216-2976 for Free estimate.

T09292021 Tree Removal and Trimming. Experienced and fully insured for ALL your tree-trimming needs. Call Wendell’s Tree Service (479)394-0227 or (479)216-4328 T10062021

- PETS -

Kittens - to a good home. Three have Sianese markings. Call 479-234-6773 T09292021

- FOR SALE Howard (Baldwin) Grand Piano - 5’ 2” 50+ years old $500. Call 479-234-3669 T09152021

- TO CONSIDER FIRE & BRIMSTONE Ignorance Of Salvation Issues

Will Cost You Everything Only Because You didn’t Study ------------------------No Spot Or Blemish Ephesians 5:27 -----------------------Be Ye Perfect In Scripture 55 times T09152021 Want to Help Make Biden resign?

Call 800-2925903 - VOTE Want to hear the real, Honest news?

Not the Biased Versions!

Watch Newsmax Dish CH 216 Direct CH 349 -The Messenger T09292021

News 15

THE POLK COUNTY

16 News

Pulse

September 15, 2021

09.15.21

09.15.21

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 09.08.21

Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Help Hulk the Houdini Cat get a home! This escape artist kitty is determined to outwit the HSO staff. Hulk has even figured out how to escape cages here! Sheer determination combined with a genius on par with Einstein means that this feline really WANTS TO GET ADOPTED! Hulk is a big guy at 13 pounds and has a handsome gray coat with a white chest. He likes both cats and dogs. It's been said Hulk is good with chickens too in case you have a more rural setting for him to roam in! Let Hulk know that you are adding his birthday to your calendar (03/25/2016). Cat treats would make his day! Don't settle for your typical cat with a normal IQ when selecting your you new pet. Demand excellence! And Hulk would insist that you are at least as bright as he is!

All selected Pet of the Week animals come with a special gift package.

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

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

THE POLK COUNTY

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Van-Cove Alumni & Supporters will have their quarterly meeting at the Alumni Building in Cove on Sept. 23 at 6:30.

The members, fire fighters and board of directors of the Dallas Valley Rural Volunteer Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to extend an invitation to join us for our Annual Business Meeting and BBQ dinner. The Meeting will be held at the fire station on Old Airport Rd. or 229 Polk 52, Saturday, October 2nd, 2021, starting at 5pm. There will be a donation boot available for any non-members who wish to attend. Please join us if you can.

The Ouachita Strings Ensemble and Friends presents the Sounds of Stage and Screen Saturday, September 18 at 5 p.m. and Saturday, October 2 at 4 p.m. at Janssen Park pavilion, unless there is inclement weather, in which case the event will be held at the Ouachita Little Theatre. Free and open to the public.

Suicide Prevention Awareness presentation by We Are The 22 will be held September 18 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the American Legion Building in Acron. Everyone

Around Town 17

September 15, 2021 is welcome. All military organizations will be present. Event sponsored by VFW Post 4451.

Mena FFA is holding their annual meat sale fundraiser. They are selling Blue and Gold Sausage, Bacon, and Chicken Tenders. To purchase, contact any Mena FFA member or order at these supporting businesses; Freedom Pharmacy or the Farmerʼs Co-Op. The sale is happening now until September 24.

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

Mena Water Utilities is required to construct a new water treatment facility to comply with Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality regulations. To qualify for partial federal funding, water rates must be increased. Beginning November 1, 20210, the Mena Water Utility rates will increase by a $2 base fee for each customer, plus an extra $0.25 per 1,000 gallons of water. Customers will start to see the rate increase on their November water bills that will be received in December.

TRANSCENDENCE energy + body work

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 8pm Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study For information call 479-243-0297 The Food Pantry at the Mena Seventh Day Adventist Church is open every first and third Monday of each month, 4pm - 6pm, located at Fair Grounds Road. For more information, call 479-437-4018.

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 7pm Monday, at 7pm Thursday, at 7pm Friday, and at 6pm Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church.

For information call Erica at 479-216-7249.

Walkers & Runners, Women Run Arkansas, 10-week free clinic beginning August 31, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30pm, Mena High School Track. Sign-up@ womenrunarkansas. net, Mena WRA 5k Training Clinic on Facebook, for more info contact: teddi_sullivan@yahoo.com Polk County Republican Committee meets the 3rd Monday of each month, 5:30pm in the Polk County Library. The next meeting is August 16.

GriefShare continues to meet every

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

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 3pm Sundays, at 5pm. Tuesdays and at 8pm Saturdays at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call 479-234-8366 or 479-216-3786 Thursday Night Thunder, Bring out your classic cars, muscle cars, rat rods, etc. Free Event the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month, 5 pm-until whenever, weather-permitting at Soloʼs Speed Paint & Marine, Corner of 11th and US Hwy 71. Bring a cooler and a chair. Bringing the car community back together. (631) 276-2482 for more info.

Itʼs easy to have your event listed in Around Town, which will be read on radio stations KENA and KQOR daily. Simply send your Around Town announcement to news@mypulsenews. com or call 479-243-9600 and let 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!

BAYWASH CAR WASH $10 CAR WASH FOR $5

WENDYʼS LARGE BREAKFAST BACONATOR COMBO FOR $5

THE SHOP $45 UNLIMITED $ TANNING FOR $25

TRANSCENDENCE ENERGY & $ BODYWORK

479-394-7301

1102 Crestwood Circle Mena, AR 71953

$

CHIQUITAʼS $5 FOOD SERVICE FOR $3

$60 MASSAGE FOR $45 $30 FACIAL FOR $20

AND A VARIETY OF BRANSON TICKETS

THE POLK COUNTY

18 Police Reports

September 15, 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.

MENA POLICE REPORTS Mena Police Department reports for August 29th through September 4th, 2021: August 29 A report of violation of a protection order was taken at a residence on Petros Avenue.

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

August 30 Jaime Arellano, 36, was charged with DWI, Refusal to Submit to BAC, No Driver’s License, and Careless or Prohibited Driving after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

A report of theft of motor fuel was taken at Murphy USA. A report of violation of an order of protection was taken.

August 31 A report of breaking or entering was taken at a residence on 9th Street.

No reports.

September 1

September 2 A death investigation report was taken at a residence on Meadowbrook Drive.

No reports.

September 3

September 4 A report of battery and theft was taken from a walk-in complainant.

September 5 Abram Abernathy, 24, was served

with a warrant at Mena Regional Health System.

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

Wilton Lipscomb, 39, was charged with Driving on Suspended License, Public Intoxication, and served with a warrant September 6 A Juvenile was charged with Possession of Alcohol by a Minor and Possession of a Schedule 6 Controlled Substance after contact on Dequeen Street.

A report of burglary was taken at the Northside Laundromat.

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

September 7 Norma Adams, 74, was served with four warrants at the police department.

Leslie Morgan, 34, was charged with Dog Running at Large after a dog bite complaint on Kenwood Way. September 8 A report of forgery was taken at Walmart.

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

September 9 A report of theft was taken September 10 Abram Abernathy, 24, was charged with Theft of Property (Shoplifting) and Inhaling an Intoxicant after a complaint at Walmart.

September 11 A report of theft was taken from a walk-in complainant.

A report of theft was taken at a residence on Kenwood Way.

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S LOG The following information was received from Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer for August 30 through September 12, 2021. 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.

August 30, 2021 Deputies responded to a walk-in complaint of property damage.

Deputies responded to a report of an unattended death on Polk 48 near Rocky.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant of theft.

Tony Foster, 35 of Hatfield was arrested on two felony failure to appear warrants and three contempt of court warrants.

August 31, 2021 Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant of a dog being injured by a neighbor’s dog on Hatton Lane near Wickes.

Charles Morgan, 44 of Mena was arrested on a body attachment and a failure to appear warrant.

Deputies responded to a report of a house fire on Polk 11 near Wickes.

Deputies responded to a harassment complaint on Rodgers Street near Cove.

September 1, 2021 David Evans, 65 of Wickes was arrested by an officer with the Drug Task Force on a felony warrant for delivery of methamphetamine.

Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance on Polk 136 near Cove leading to the arrest of Matthias Aviles, 31 of Cove on a body attachment, a warrant for contempt of court, two warrants for domestic battery and a charge of second degree battery.

Pulse September 2, 2021 Michael Elmore, 37 of Gillham was arrested on warrants for possession of a controlled substance and delivery of methamphetamine.

September 3, 2021 Deputies responded to a report of property damage at a business in Cove.

Deputies responded to a land dispute.

Deputies were advised of and responded to a report of possibly intoxicated juveniles at a school campus.

Douglas Manley, 39 of Hatfield was arrested on charges of driving on a suspended drivers license, no proof of insurance, violation of the Arkansas hot check law, failure to appear and failure to register a vehicle.

September 4, 2021 Deputies responded to a report of a physical domestic disturbance on Polk 18 near Vandervoort. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies responded to a report of bullet holes being found in the walls of a mobile home on Polk 231 near Cove.

Deputies responded to a report of criminal trespassing on Polk 69 near Big Fork.

Deputies responded to a report of child neglect.

September 5, 2021 Deputies responded to a report of a possibly intoxicated person on Polk 252 near Grannis. This led to the arrest of Francisco Zepeda, 30 of Amity on a charge of DWI. Deputies responded to a report of battery.

Michael Lance, 58 of Mena was arrested on a bond revocation and three warrants for failure to appear.

Deputies responded to a report of an abandoned vehicle on Polk 78 near Potter.

Other Information for week of Aug 30 - Sept 5: Polk County Sheriff ’s Office worked 0 vehicle accidents this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 17 Incarcerated Inmates,

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Police Reports 19

September 15, 2021

with 5 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

September 6, 2021 While on patrol on 5th Street near Cove, deputies made a traffic stop leading to the arrest of Michael Elmore, 37 of Gillham on charges of Possession of Schedule I or II Controlled Substance, Driving on a Suspended License, Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance and No Proof of Insurance.

September 7, 2021 Deputies responded to a report of Harassing Communications.

Deputies responded to a complaint of a home being entered on Polk 178 near Acorn. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

September 8, 2021 Deputies responded to a walk-in complaint of a social media scam resulting in the loss of approximately $2,000.00.

Deputies responded to a complaint of a vehicle that had been broken into while at the fairgrounds.

Deputies responded to a report of mailboxes being run over on Polk 53 near Dallas Valley.

A traffic stop on Polk 34 near Hatfield led to the arrest of Veronica Smith, 42 of Cove on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

September 9, 2021 Deputies responded to a report of an unattended death on Polk 34 near Hatfield.

Deputies responded to a report of a car fire on Polk 283 near Hatfield.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complaint of Harassment.

missing.

Noel Myers, 36 of Hatfield was arrested on a charge of Violation of a Protection Order, two Failure to Appear Warrants and a Felony Failure to Appear Warrant.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Firearm by Certain Person.

Deputies responded to a property dispute among neighbors on Polk 269 near Vandervoort.

September 12, 2021 A traffic stop on Polk 16 near Vandervoort led to the arrest of Waylon Broach, 22 of Cove on a charge of DWI. A traffic stop on Hwy 375 E near Dallas Valley led to the arrest of Jesse Saxour, 33 of Mena on three charges of

Other information for week of Sept 6 - Sept 12: Polk County Sheriff ’s Office worked 1 vehicle accident this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 15 Incarcerated Inmates, with 6 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

September 10, 2021 Deputies responded to a walk-in complaint of Theft.

Deputies responded to a report of an altercation on Polk 626 near Dallas Valley. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

September 11, 2021 Deputies responded to a report of a possible break-in with medications

SUMMER ENERGY CONSERVATION TIPS TO HELP AVOID HIGH ELECTRIC USAGE :

KELLERWILLIAMS REALTY MENA

• TRY TURNING YOUR HOUSEHOLD THERMOSTAT UP A COUPLE OF DEGREES. • AVOID USING LARGE APPLIANCES DURING PEAK HOURS OF THE DAY. • KEEP THE SHADES CLOSED WHEN YOU CAN. • TURN OFF ANY UNNECESSARY LIGHTING. • ABOVE ALL, CHECK AND REPLACE ANY DIRTY AIR FILTERS. AND, AS ALWAYS, CONTACT US AT RICH MOUNTAIN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE IF WE CAN HELP. REMEMBER, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.

(479) 394-4140

515 Janssen Ave, Mena, AR 71953

Great location for your forever home in a quiet neighborhood. 1900 sq ft cinder block shop with electricity and multiple drive in entrances (used for building cabinets), enclosed RV/Motorhome garage. A must see. Will have to be surveyed. $75,000 MLS 21011677

Rhonda Tims

Realtor 479-216-8645 rhondatims@kw.com

KELLER WILLIAMS REALT Y MEN A 114 2 H w y 71 S u i t e C

● 4 79 - 3 8 5 - 5 0 8 0

20 News

THE POLK COUNTY

September 15, 2021

Pulse