The Polk County Pulse - April 17, 2024

1168 Hwy 71S Mena, AR 71953

Phone: 479-243-9600

Fax: 479-243-9603

Swap Shop-479-394-2800

Email: news@mypulsenews.com

KENA 104.1 - KQOR 105.3

MyPulseNews.com

Dear Editor:

Decoration Day first occurred in the rural South’s calendar after spring planting. Because the burial sites were “spruced up” and flowers were placed on the graves as “decorations,” the day was called Decoration Day.

a feeling of peace to see the clean, neat grounds that are now their homes, at least temporarily.

Families and even whole churches came out to honor the dead, sometimes holding complete church services on the grounds of the cemetery. Decoration Day would occur anytime in the late spring or early summer.

Memorial Day, once popularly called “Decoration Day” by many, grew out of the older observance by Southern Christians of remembering deceased family and church members. Memorial Day has now become a day to honor our fallen military personnel and the traditional “Decoration Day” has been forgotten except by those of us of the older generation.

Unfortunately, Decoration Day, and the corresponding clean up days, will soon fade away without more participation from the younger generation, the community and the local churches. This is a day that has been set aside to remember and honor our loved ones, friends and church members. As a woman who has lost a son and husband, cleaning and decorating their graves is the only thing I can do for them. It also brings me

Another problem facing our community cemeteries is not just the lack of concern for the care of the gravesites is the lack of monetary donations for the maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery. So, I am asking you to come out on clean up day and bring your family then again on Decoration Day to honor and remember our loved ones.

I am also asking you to consider making regular donations to the Cherry Hill Cemetery for the maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery.

Again, we never forget our loved ones, but these days gives us a way to honor their memories. After my son died, I would go up to the cemetery to check on things and would occasionally find beer bottle caps lining the top of his headstone. At first, I didn’t like this and asked one of his friends to find out who was doing it and ask them to stop. I have since come to realize that in their way they were remembering him and “decorating” for him.

Vickie Robbins, Chairperson, Cherry Hill Cemetery

ROBINSON continued from page 1 at 10 a.m., Friday, April 19. There is no admission charge.

If you’re unfamiliar with her documentaries on AETN, she talks about all kinds of food — not just

ting together the day after Christmas 2017 and finished on March 6, 2018.

Robinson will be a guest of the Extension Homemakers Club for their monthly meeting, which they are inviting the public to come out,

pie — and travels the state visiting independently-owned restaurants and cafes to discuss their restaurant culture and perhaps some local food history.

Some of her books are actually travel guides for a variety of foods throughout several towns and eateries. Not to mention, some of her works are filled to the brim. Her longest book is 322 pages in length. It is a travel guide she started put-

the way to modern times. There are 248 different recipes for pie and pie crust.

“I keep coming back to pie. My very first book was ‘Arkansas Pie: A Delicious Slice of The Natural State,’ which came out in 2012.” That book is now out of print, but she has several more pie-based books to select from.

Her first documentary was the Emmy-nominated “Make Room for Pie” with Arkansas PBS. Robinson features pie bakers from the Delta to the Ozark Mountains as she tours old-time diners and off-the-beatenpath cafes.

Between the publishing of her first book and her fourth book, she was receiving requests for doing a book of recipes. “The Great Arkansas Pie Book” is a culmination of essays with chefs and bakers, as well as recipes.

“I actually spent a full month of time at the Writer’s Colony at Dairy Hollow up at Eureka Springs testing every single pie recipe that I could. I can honestly say I tried every single pie that was in the book,” Robinson said with a laugh. If there were other writers there at the time, I’m sure she had a lot of new friends during that month of research.

Some recipes she had designated for the book, but some were contributed by others.

“They’re all recipes that have appeared in the state of Arkansas. Every recipe is specific to location and has Arkansas ties. It even includes savory pies, which I hope is something that will eventually come back. Savory pies were the norm here in Arkansas up until about The

See ROBINSON continued on page 11

listen to Robinson speak about Arkansas cooking, and she’ll be doing a meet-and-greet with copies of several of her books, including her latest collection of recipes she has whipped up for “The Great Arkansas Pie Book.”

“It’s a collection of recipes from different restaurants over time, as well as different individuals… everything is from historic sources dating back to the 18th century all

Author and Arkansas food historian Kat Robinson will be coming to the Ouachita Center in Mena at 10 a.m. on April 19. (Used by permission)

WILHELMINA

continued from page 1 dam. In 2020, AGFC contractors dropped about a dozen large 1,800-pound sandbags over the two holes to slow the leak for inspection.

Tommy Laird, AGFC fisheries chief, said, “The dam has not leaked enough since then to repeat that low water level, but the sandbags were not meant to be a permanent fix.”

Contractors inspected the leak from the downstream end of the discharge pipe once the flow had slowed and discovered the source of the problem.

“This structure has been underwater since 1958 and has gone well past its expected lifespan,” Laird said. “Holes in the 30-inch outflow pipe have formed, letting water flow through the structure between the control tower gates and the dam. We’ve been able to secure funding and develop a plan for a renovation, and we’re ready to implement a more permanent solution.

“Several road improvements are planned to provide more locations to pull alongside the lake and fish,” Laird said. “We’re working with (Polk) County Judge Brandon Ellison to try and get those road im-

provements, and he’s been great to work with.”

Creek,” Laird said. “The watershed is very large, and we may see times

Repairs are expected to be complete by the end of summer 2025 and the lake is expected to fill quickly post construction.

The AGFC is planning to lift all size restrictions and harvest limits from the lake before the drawdown to allow anglers to enjoy as many fish as possible before the construction begins.

“Local anglers are going to be without this lake for a little while, so we want to make sure the fish are used by anglers instead of being trapped in shallow pools or pulled through the dam and into Powell

transfer from the Restricted Reserve Fund Game and Fish Grants Set-Aside authorized by the Arkansas General Assembly in 2023. AGFC Director Austin Booth said the authorization of this money was critical in moving forward with the project.

“Lake Wilhelmina is a legacy fishery for the people of Polk County, an area of the state where infrastructure dollars can be tight,” Booth said. “We are extremely grateful to the General Assembly for helping us provide this much needed improvement for the people of Mena and the surrounding area.”

when the lake fills substantially even when the renovation is taking place, but it will drain quickly, too. Once we’re finished with work, the lake will refill and we’ll stock forage species, followed by game fish

Lake Wilhelmina is a 200-acre reservoir built on Powell Creek 6 miles west of Mena. The lake’s dam was constructed in 1958. The lake is well known for good populations of bluegill as well as largemouth bass and channel catfish. The lake also is home to Arkan-

like bluegill, catfish and bass.”

The project is expected to cost roughly $1.4 million, with $1 million of that coming from a special

sas’s state record black crappie, a 5-pound giant caught in 2011 by then 11-year-old Donivan Echols of Mena.

About a dozen sandbags weighing 1,800 pounds a piece were placed over two holes to slow a leak for inspection in 2020. (Photo courtesy of AGFC)

Hopefully, the road improvements that are mentioned will include widening the one-lane drive across the dam. (Photo courtesy of AGFC)

From

the State House of Representatives

The 2024 Fiscal Session is now underway.

The House and Senate convened for a Joint Session on Wednesday to hear an address from Governor Sanders.

The Governor told members she would sign a budget that funds critical services for Arkansans while slowing the growth of government.

The Governor’s proposed budget calls for a 1.76% spending increase. The proposed increases prioritize education. Additional funding is also proposed for public safety and human services.

On the second day of the session, the House passed HB1003, the General Appropriation Act for the 20242025 Fiscal Year.

The House also passed HB1001 which allows for session expenses. There is no increase in either appropriation.

Fiscal sessions are limited to only the consideration of appropriations

John Maddox

john.maddox@ arkansashouse.org

520 Church Avenue

Mena, AR 71953

Call: 479-394-6060

Terry Rice

Terry.Rice@senate.ar.gov

P.O. Box 2195

Waldron, AR 72958

479-637-3100

unless 2/3 of both the House and Senate vote in favor of a resolution substantially describing a bill for introduction.

The Governor is also requesting the legislature to approve a temporary pay plan for state employees which would authorize a one-time 3% increase and raise the minimum pay to $15/ hr by July 1.

A resolution requesting the introduction of that legislation has been filed and assigned to the House Rules Committee.

Several resolutions requesting the introduction of legislation regarding digital asset mining have also been assigned to the House Rules Committee.

We will continue to update you throughout the Fiscal Session.

You can find the daily agendas for committees and House floor proceedings as well as links to the live-stream of meetings at arkansashouse.org.

John Boozman

1120 Garrison Ave. Suite 2B

Fort Smith, AR 72901

Phone: (479) 573-0189

Fax: (479) 575-0553

Bruce Westerman

101 Reserve St. Suite 200

Hot Springs, AR 71901

Phone: (501) 609-9796

Fax: (501) 609-9887

From the State Senate

The legislature convened the fiscal session and will spend the next month working on a $6.3 billion budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

The legislature has always approved conservative budgets, and the balanced budget proposed by the governor is very conservative even by traditional standards.

Politics

It calls for growth in state agency spending of only 1.76 percent, compared to traditional growth of about 3 percent in recent years.

The growth amounts to increased spending of about $109.3 million. The majority of that amount, about $65.7 million, would go to the Education Freedom Account program created last year. Also, the governor proposes an increase of $38.2 million in the state’s Public School Fund.

The State Police would get an increase of about $3.8 million for its trooper school, allowing the agency to add 100 troopers.

State-supported institutions of higher education will receive about $781 million this year. The governor proposes to reduce that amount by $2.45 million next year.

In a speech to a joint session of the Senate and House on the first day of the fiscal session, the governor said that her reason for holding down growth in state government is to make room for future tax cuts. She repeated her pledge to responsibly phase out the state income tax.

We are currently in Fiscal Year 2024, which ends on June 30. Forecasters at the state Department of Finance and Administration predict that the state will end the fiscal year with a budget surplus of about $240.5 million.

The proposed surplus for Fiscal Year 2025, which we’ll finalize during this

year’s fiscal session, is predicted to be about $376.6 million.

For the most part legislators will consider budget bills. However, there will be efforts to add non-budget bills to the agenda, which is allowed by the state Constitution if twothirds of both the Senate and House approve a resolution for their introduction.

The Revenue Stabilization Act, which is the Arkansas balanced budget law, is actually considered a non-budget bill because it doesn’t specifically appropriate tax funds. It sets spending priorities and states the purpose of various funds, but it doesn’t have specific dollar amounts as appropriation bills do.

In past fiscal sessions the Revenue Stabilization Act has been introduced and approved without controversy.

This year some legislators have filed resolutions declaring their wish to file bills affecting the regulation of data centers and crypto mines. They would amend Act 851 of 2023, known as the Arkansas Data Centers Act, which defines how local governments may regulate data centers and crypto mines.

People who live near crypto mines have voiced complaints about the constant noise levels, and local communities have expressed concerns about the amount of electric power and water used by the centers.

Senate Resolution 5 would allow legislation to create noise reduction techniques. The proposed legislation also would prohibit certain foreign entities from owning a controlling interest in an Arkansas data center. The prohibitions also would apply to agents of foreign interests.

Seven other Senate resolutions have been filed seeking to allow introduction of bills to further regulate crypto-mines and data centers.

John Maddox

Terry Rice

Bill Wells

Bill Wells passed away April 9, 2024. Born on January 11, 1937, to Livy and Lilybel Wells, Bill was the youngest of seven children. He graduated from Mena High School in 1955 and soon after, he served his country with honor in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1962. His service included 13 months in South Korea.

In 1967, he married Patsy and their union spanned 56 years. Bill had a varied career after the Air Force, starting with installing telephone equipment around the country, working on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, and serving as a DJ for the KENA radio station in Mena. Later, he worked as a rural carrier with the Postal Service until here he retired in 2002.

Bill had a lifelong enthusiasm for art and taught classes at UA Rich Mountain from 2004 to 2014. He loved music, was a voracious reader, and a dedicated Razorback fan. However, painting was Bill’s true passion. His subjects were varied, including his children and grandchildren, but he couldn’t resist old barns or scenes from the Ouachita Mountains. Some notable achievements include one of his works gracing the cover of the statewide phone book, having a picture chosen by the governor’s office for publication in an Arkansas calendar, and in 2003 Senator Blanche Lincoln displaying one of his paintings in the U.S. Capitol. Just last week, three of his paintings were selected for the Southwest Artists 2024 Small Works National Competition that begins in May.

Bill was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Katelyn Wells. He is survived by his wife Patsy, his son Brian Wells and wife Ronda, daughter Carla Whisnant, grandchil-

dren Brandon Baker and Ashton Baker, and great-grandson Cainan Dixon. His legacy will live on within the hearts of those that knew him and through the art he passionately created. Memorial services for Mr. Bill Wells will be held, at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 12, 2024, at Beasley-Wood Chapel, in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Donnie Jewell will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Cremation services for Mr. Bill Wells are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Beverly Liles

Beverly Liles, age 80, of Mena passed away April 8, 2024. She was born September 19, 1943, to Garrett Shaddon and Edna (Carpenter) Shaddon in Scott County, Arkansas.

She was a homemaker the majority of her life. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, raising cattle and watching Razorback football and basketball.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years Ivan Liles; daughter Bevona Williams and husband Monty of Mena; son Kevin Liles and wife Charlotte of Little Rock; grandson Jonathan Liles and wife Eva of Lehi, Utah; granddaughter Morgan Liles of Fayetteville; brother Bill Shaddon and wife Faye of Y-City; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Garrett and Edna Shaddon; her sister Cleo Copelin and brothers Leon Shaddon and Leonard Shaddon; and nephew Billy Shaddon.

A graveside service will be held Friday, April 12th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park with Brother Mike Shaddon and Brother Mark Lyle officiating under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jon-

athan Liles, Morgan Liles, Monty Williams, Josh (JJ) Johnson, Randall Woodard and Jordan Shaddon.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Solid Rock Pentecostal Church of God or the Solid Foundations Christian Academy, 16820 Highway 71 South, Boles, Arkansas 72926. A special thanks to the staff of Elite Hospice.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Thomas Clements Wells

Mr. Thomas Clements Wells, age 93, passed away Monday, January 8, 2024, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born March 6, 1930, in Alexandria, Louisiana, to the late Herbert H. and Audie N. (Melder) Wells.

Memorial services for Mr. Thomas Clements Wells will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Beasley-Wood Chapel, in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Mark Lyle will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Cremation services are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

James Arthur Monigold

James Arthur Monigold, Jr (Jimmy) was born September 3, 1949 in Malden, Missouri, to Hilda Boyt (Ganzinotti) and James Arthur Monigold and passed away April 2, 2024, at his home in Mena, AR.

Jimmy served in the United States

Army from September 1966 until he was honorably discharged in December 1969 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal in marksmanship.

Jimmy loved the outdoors, enjoyed fishing and camping, and was a longtime Harley-Davidson lover.

In addition to his parents, Jimmy was predeceased by two sisters, Shirley Brown and Sandy Hill.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, LeDoris Monigold of Mena; his son, James Arthur Monigold, 3rd, and wife Cindy, and their children, Ashley Monigold and Brandon Monigold of Burney, California; his daughter, Gina Monigold and her children, Anthony Harris and Kamie Harris of Redding, California; his son, Jeremy G Monigold and his children, Jeremy P Monigold and Silence Monigold of Redding, California; his daughter Shonna Colbert and her children, Katie Smallwood and Sammy Colbert of Mena; as well as his great-grandchildren, Emma Harris, Aria Harris and Blu Rose Marie Monigold.

He is also survived by his sister, Cathy Doyle of Payson, Arizona; his brother, Edward Ganzinotti and his wife, Lori, of Houston, Texas; his sister, Lisa Ganzinotti of Fresno, California; his uncle, Marion Boyt of Mena; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena, Arkansas, with Brother Max Deaton officiating under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. Visitation will be general from 9:00 AM5:00 PM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home on Thursday, April 4, 2024.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Sally Eubanks Beam

Sallye Eubanks Beam went home to join the Lord on March 13, 2024. She was born December 19th, 1940, to Richard “Dub” Eubanks and Eva Francis White Eubanks. She was the baby of 3 siblings born to Dub and Eva. Although Sallye was the smallest of the children, she had a huge heart. She was an avid lover of travel, sailing, and most importantly Elvis Presley.

Sallye attended school at Oliver’s Chapel until her 3rd grade year when the chapel was engulfed by a fire. The chapel was a total loss. Sallye was then sent to Mena Public Schools where she continued her education and met her future husband, Johnny Smith. Sallye and Johnny were married in 1958 and had two children: Mitch Smith in 1958 and Karla Smith in 1961. Unfortunately, the marriage ended in 1963. In search of a new start Sallye moved to Dallas, Texas, where she met the love of her life, Dale Slade whom she would marry in 1966.

In 1966 Sallye set out to find the adventures of a lifetime, and oh boy did she! Over the years her travels took her across the U.S. and down to the ocean. Sallye spent 3 years living on and co-navigating a 65-foot Gulf Star sailboat through the warm waters of the Caribbean. She would often reflect on her days aboard the sailboat as she shared stories of her great adventures with her beloved Salty Dog and Sailor Cat.

After her travels through the Caribbean Sallye began a new adventure where she traveled the U.S. and into Canada riding on a Gold Wing motorcycle with her husband. Stories of crazy weather and crazy people would keep us laughing until our bellies hurt.

At the end of her adventures riding in 1972 Sallye wanted to settle down and place her kids in a permanent school. Although she had seen and lived in a great many places such as Dallas, Texas; Miami, Florida; North Platte, Nebraska and Gillette, Wyoming, nowhere felt safer to raise the children than her hometown Mena, Arkansas.

Sallye worked a variety of jobs over the years but was most remembered from Walmart from 1972 to 1981 and Dallas Avenue Dental Clinic from 1996 to 2016. Everyone loved Sallye with her beautiful smile, wickedly funny sense of humor and her spit fire temper. One thing was certain, you always knew where you stood with Sallye and never had to wonder as she was always firm in her stance on right and wrong. She was a fixture in our family that will always be remembered and never forgotten. Sallye spent the last 20 years of her working career managing the Dallas Avenue Dental Clinic before retiring in 2016.

Although retired, Sallye enjoyed organizing and attending what she fondly called “The Burger Bash.” Each month she would schedule a lunch for the class of 1958 and select a local establishment where they would all meet and converse about the good ole’ days. One of her favorite places to eat was at The Lime Tree, where she raved about the Friday night catfish. As the years passed on the family expanded with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. With each arrival her heart would swell with pride as she was able to shower each one with love.

While there was an abundance of children to love over the years Sallye deeply missed her parents Dub and Eva who had proceeded her in death, as well as both of her siblings Karma Eubanks Olsen and Jim Eubanks. Also gone before their time her favorite Aunt and Uncle Bes French and Jack Eubanks.

Sallye was 83 when she joined the Lord in her heavenly home, a celebra-

tion that was long awaited. Sallye had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure earlier in life and although there was no “fix” for her condition she would tell everyone “I am gonna live till I die” and “if the Lord is ready to call me home then it is my time to go, not a second before or after.”

Sallye left behind 2 children Karla Smith Webber and Mitch Smith both of Mena,

7 grandchildren: Jeff Smith, John Smith, Amber Cowan, Connar Cowan all of Mena, Arkansas, Brian Bardaga and Donovan Bardaga of Florida, Beverley and Buster Beam of LaMarque, Texas, and Malissa Smith of Mena, 13 great-grandchildren: Dylan Smith, Madison Smith, Alexis Smith Jaimes and husband Emmanuel, Haley Smith, Caleb Jones, Wesley Smith, Austin Smith, Makaylee Smith, Bailee Smith, Schelbe McCain, Karli McCain, AJ Urdiales, and Khole Beam, and 2 great-great-grandchildren Ivy Lynn Smith and Astrid Faye Jones.

Niece Missy Olsen Williams and Husband Dale and Nephew Mike Olsen as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Services for Mrs. Sallye Eubanks Beams were held, Monday, April 1, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., at the Crossing Church in Mena, Arkansas. Pastor Victor Rowell will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow the services at Pinecrest Memorial Park, in Mena, Arkansas. Visitation was held Sunday, March 31, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Beasley-Wood Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Cherry Hill Cemetery workdays on April 20 and 27

Submitted by Vickie Robbins

Cherry Hill Cemetery Workdays this year will be Saturday, April 20, and Saturday, April 27, with Decoration Day being Sunday, May 5th.

All old flowers will be removed at this time, we will pick up limbs, rake/burn leaves, fill in holes and other necessary upkeep items as well as clean some of the headstones.

If someone can’t make the work day but would like their family headstones cleaned, a donation would be appreciated to cover the cost of the cleaning material.

Donations can be made anytime by using one of the addressed envelopes

located in the Visitor Center at the cemetery, or you may give your donation to any member of the Cherry Hill Cemetery Board.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public School Choice in Arkansas allows students to attend a public school in a district other than the one in which they reside. The applications must be made by May 1, 2024, to qualify for provisions under the Arkansas Public School Choice Act of 2013.

Pursuant to standards adopted by a nonresident district may reserve the right to accept or reject applicants based on capacity of programs, class, grade level or school building. Likewise, a nonresident district’s standards may provide for rejection of an applicant based upon the submission of false or misleading information to the above listed request for information when that information directly impacts the legal qualifications of an applicant to transfer pursuant to the School Choice Act. However, a nonresident district’s standards shall not include an applicant’s previous academic achievement, athletic or other extracurricular ability, handicapping conditions, English proficiency level, or previous disciplinary proceedings, except that an expulsion from another district may be included pursuant to Ark. Code Ann 618510.

Priority will be given to applicants with siblings attending the district. The nonresident district shall accept credits toward graduation that were awarded by another district and award a diploma to a nonresident district’s graduation requirements. Applications postmarked or delivered to the Superintendent of Schools no later than May 1 for a child to be able to enroll for the fall semester. Transfers shall be granted on a nondiscriminatory basis. Students who have been accepted and enrolled in previous years do not have to reapply as approved transfers remain valid for as long as the student attends public school.

The following districts comply with this public school announcement: Ashdown, Caddo Hills, Cossatot River, De Queen, Dierks, Foreman, Horatio, Mena, Mineral Springs, Mount Ida, Nashville and Ouachita River. (DMESC:22;w288)

Don’t risk it on 4/20: Drive high, get a DWI (LITTLE ROCK) The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with Arkansas law enforcement to urge drivers to stay sober behind the wheel. This upcoming Saturday, April 20, marks the unofficial marijuana “holiday,” and there will likely be an increase in marijuana use. Marijuana laws are changing constantly across the country, but one thing remains: Impaired driving is illegal and deadly. NHTSA is reminding all drivers: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DWI.

their lane. Whether the drug is legally obtained or not, drug-impaired driving poses a threat to everyone on the road.

If you are impaired, give your keys to a sober driver who can safely drive you home or to a safe place. Remind your

friends to never get in the vehicle with an impaired driver. If you have a friend who is about to drive while high, advise them not to drive and help them get to their destination safely. They’ll thank you later.

“If you are impaired, do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “We are asking our community members to use good judgement, obey the law, and make safe choices when driving a vehicle. Your decisions don’t just affect you — they affect everyone on the road.”

If you think being high won’t affect your driving, you’re wrong. It has been proven that marijuana can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in

By working together, we can save lives and help keep Arkansas’ roadways safe. Please join the Arkansas Highway Safety Office in sharing the lifesaving message: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DWI.

For more information on impaired driving, please visit nhtsa.gov/ risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at 501-618-8127, and go to https://tzdarkansas.org/ to learn about Arkansas’ Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities.

Summit earns Elks’ Citizen of the Year Award

Submitted by Lisa Walker

It is my honor to present this year’s Citizen of the Year Award for 2023 to McKenzi Summit. This award recognizes outstanding contributions and dedication to the community by volunteering at the Mena 781 Elks Lodge and

casket and pretend she was dead during the event!

Summit helped load and deliver food baskets to the elderly for Thanksgiving. If you have ever helped with that, you know how heavy the boxes are and how appreciative the elderly are to receive them.

other organizations within the community. Summit has volunteered for several events held by the Elks.

At our Elks Annual Easter Egg Hunt last year, she brought 100 stuffed eggs to add to the eggs we had. She also helped hide the eggs and helped with the event.

Summit helped serve sno-cones at our annual July 4th celebration. She put in many hours at our annual Haunted House (which is one of our big events to help raise money for the elderly). She helped decorate the Haunted House and was even brave enough to lay in a

During the Christmas season she went above and beyond. She worked countless hours and came in to assist the local Toys for Tots coordinator organize the project. There were many days it was just her and the coordinator organizing toys, shoes, clothes and coats for the Children’s Christmas party. Unfortunately, the day of the Children’s Christmas party she was sick and unable to attend. She also helped with the toy drive for the Children’s Christmas party that was held by the CMA Riders of the Son and local motorcycle riders. Summit works at PCDC cleaning. She helps with all their special events such as parades and proms. She attends college and has gotten her CDL for truck driving. She is now taking a twoyear business course so she can work in the office at PCDC.

She has even volunteered to clean our ballroom floors and make them look like new. I think we should take her up on that!!

Summit is only 19 years old and should be a role model for all of us. Her impact on our community is immea-

surable and we can’t thank her enough for all her help throughout the year.

Other members received awards and offices were installed. (See accompanying photos) Jared Williams was chosen as the new Exalted Ruler for 20232024. He was also awarded Officer of the Year.

Lisa Walker was awarded “Elk of

Year.”

Ken Whisenhunt was awarded the Outstanding Service Commendation Award.

Brian Thompson was presented with a Past Exalted Ruler medallion.

The new officers for the

(l-r) Jared Williams, McKenzi Summit and Lisa Walker

Ken Whisenhunt (left) and Brian Thompson Brian Thompson (left) and Jared Williams

the

2024-2025 year: (seated l-r) Brian Thompson, Jared Williams, Ken Whisenhunt, Chad Goodner (second row) Mel Evans, Mike Hooper, Curt Teasdale, Phyllis Caldwell, Martin Caldwell, Christopher Logan (back row) Christopher Schell, Pete Hillard, Walt “Skeets” Williams, Mike Burnett, and Mark Williams

Arkansas State Broadband Office receives NTIA approval for Digital Skills and Opportunity Plan

Little Rock, Ark. (April 3, 2024)

– The Arkansas State Broadband Office has received approval for its Digital Skills and Opportunity Plan from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

In 2022, the NTIA awarded the State Broadband Office $843,673.10 to develop its Digital Skills and Opportunity Plan. This funding was awarded as part of the Digital Equity Planning Grant Program – one of three broadband grant programs created in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.

“Expanding broadband infrastructure in Arkansas is critical to ensuring the success of our residents in the new digital economy,” said Glen Howie, director of the Arkansas State Broadband Office. “Infrastructure is only one piece of the larger broadband issue. Arkansans need access to digital devices and the digital skills to operate those devices properly to self-determine their success. This Digital Skills and Opportunity Plan lays the founda-

tion for providing these skills in the Natural State.”

The Arkansas Digital Skills and Opportunity Plan outlines the state’s vision for empowering Arkansans with the skills, technology, and capacity needed to self-determine success in the 21st-century digital economy. The Arkansas Digital Skills and Opportunity Plan was created to complement and build upon the State Broadband Office’s BEAD Five-Year Action Plan and Initial Proposals, which are focused on building out the state’s broadband infrastructure.

The Arkansas State Broadband Office developed the plan by leveraging partnerships in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, in addition to conducting 32 in-person focus groups, holding roundtable discussions in all 75 Arkansas counties, and organizing a digital opportunity survey that gathered more than 12,000 responses across the state.

To learn more about the plan, visit broadband.arkansas.gov.

Montgomery and Polk County drug courts to receive funding award and Naloxone kits

Administrative Office of the Courts officials will present a $43,788 award to the Montgomery and Polk County Adult Drug Courts on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. in Judge Andy Riner’s courtroom. Montgomery County Adult Drug Court will receive $15,891. Polk County Adult Drug Court will receive $27,896. The AOC officials will also deliver a supply of Naloxone so that every courtroom in Montgomery and Polk County has the life-saving medication on hand.

“These funds will better equip the Montgomery and Polk County Adult Drug Courts with the resources it needs to address the ongoing opioid epidemic within the community,” Chief Justice Kemp said in announcing the award. “As a former drug court judge and as chair of the Specialty Court Program Advisory Committee, I understand that the state’s drug courts, and other specialty courts, play a critical role in addressing the cruel impact the opioid crisis is having in our communities.”

The funds are part of a $1 million award to the Administrative Office of the Courts by the Arkansas At-

torney General’s Office and must be used to provide restorative services for drug court participants, including transitional and chemical-free housing, substance abuse and mental health services, peer support recovery services, childcare assistance, and educational services and programming.

Marty Sullivan, Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, will also deliver Naloxone kits to equip each courtroom at the courthouse with a supply of Naloxone. The Naloxone medication helps overdose victims survive by blocking and reversing the effects of opioid drugs on a person’s body. Funding for the Naloxone kits was provided by the U.S. Department of Justice.

“Given their close work with those suffering from opioid addiction, it is important that our courts and court personnel have a readily available supply of Naloxone on hand,” Sullivan said.

According to data from the Arkansas Department of Health, there were 487 deaths from overdose statewide in 2022, the most recent full year for which data is available.

ROBINSON

continued from page 3

Civil War. They were a great way to reutilize whatever was left over after a meal. They were very common in the Ozarks and Ouachita regions of the state.”

For anyone wondering if she’s simply a big fish in a small pond, Robinson has appeared in regional and national publications, including Food Network, Forbes Travel Guide, Serious Eats and AAA magazines. Her expertise in food research and Arkansas restaurants has been cited by USA Today, Saveur, Eater, The Wall Street Journal and the Southern Foodways Alliance’s Gravy podcast.

She also has hundreds of articles on her website TieDyeTravels.com. In addition to her site, she posts on Instagram and Facebook, where she is most active. She attempts to give one or two previews per day and interacts.

She also has her publishing company Tonti Press. “I am a registered micro-press. I publish books for other people as well.”

Historian

“I specialize in Arkansas food history. I found a niche I feel is very underrepresented. We could have a better representation outside of our state. We’re not really Southern. We’re not really Mid-Western. We’re definitely not Texan. We’re a unique set of individuals with a very different outlook than other states around us and our cuisine reflects that.

“I have a background where, a a hobbyist, I have been researching food around the world since my teenage years. I began professionally doing this in 2007, writing as a restaurant writer, then eventually putting all of the little bits and piec-

es together.”

Robinson’s background is as a journalist, getting her degree from Arkansas Tech University where she studied journalism and radio. She has spent four years in radio, 12 years in television before “starting over” as she took up print journalism.

Her cuisine training is from her own research, which she jokes makes her sound terribly humble. “The State of Arkansas has identified me as a historian just because of the sheer amount of work that I’ve put in. Mind you, I’ve studied with types of chefs across the state. I’ve spent hours — probably weeks’ worth of time doing my research, whether it’s at State Archives or working at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum (in New Orleans).”

“As the great Southern food historian himself John T. Edge has said, ‘I preach the gospel of Arkansas.’ That’s how he’s introduced me to individuals,” she said, laughing. “I’m very passionate about what we’ve got.”

For the event at the Ouachita Center, Robinson said, “I go all over the place with things. I’ll be talking about the pie book and the women in Arkansas Foods. They aren’t recognized. Most of the chefs you hear about at restaurants are the guys. Without the women, they wouldn’t have had that.”

She likes to talk about Eliza Ashley who spent 30-plus years as the cook in the Arkansas Governor’s mansion, serving the administrations from Francis Cherry to Bill Clinton. She gained national attention for her book “Thirty Years at the Mansion” (1985). She died in 2020, a month after her 103rd birthday.

Robinson also mentions Ruby Thomas, co-founder of Red Apple Inn at Heber Springs and her book “Feasts of Eden: Gracious Country Cooking from the Red Apple Inn” (1990). “It actually shows what food looked like in mid-century Arkansas,” Robinson said. “It’s one of the particular books that shows this in our state.”

Robinson looks at such history as building for the future. “It’s like a house with a foundation. This is what we build on and build our communities in general today with this generation. I hate that we have a gap and it’s all about what’s new. Here’s what, where, and when it came from.”

She has visited all 75 counties within Arkansas and knows many of the places to get a good meal on and off the main strip.

The apple doesn’t fall far… She’s also considering writing a book together with her teen, Hunter.

I homeschooled Hunter for 2-3 years when she was younger. We did onsite education.

Her daughter Hunter has been doing some traveling with her and seems to have a knack for conducting interviews. After one interview where Hunter began asking a few questions, it ended with Hunter asking all of the questions. Robinson laughs as she said, “Okay, kid, you’ve got skills, but don’t take away my job.”

Robinson will have some of her titles for sale at the event. She’ll take check, cash, card and Cash App.

By Richie Lawry

The young Danish boy waited in anticipation of the big event. An eclipse of the sun was predicted for Aug. 21. Such a prediction seemed bold and miraculous to the 14-year-old student. But when Tycho witnessed the eclipse in 1560, he saw and believed. The fact the event had been accurately predicted based on celestial observations profoundly impacted him. It inspired him to become an astronomer.

Tycho quickly realized the science of astronomy could only progress if it had systematic, accurate, and, above all, nightly observations. He refined old instruments, built new ones, and spent the rest of his life assembling one of human history’s most significant bodies of astronomical data.

Tycho Brahe was a friend of King Fredrik II of Denmark. The king gave Tycho an island and practically unlimited funds to design, build, and operate an observatory. Tycho made many observations of the stars. Over his lifetime, Tycho completed a star catalog providing the positions of 1000 stars. His observations, the most accurate possible before the invention of the telescope, included a comprehensive study of the solar system. His work supported the idea the Earth revolved around the sun, which Copernicus had developed earlier. Tycho made his observations using a compass and a sextant. He invented many instruments that helped with his work, which were copied and improved by other astronomers.

On Nov. 11, 1572, he suddenly saw a new star in the constellation Cassiopeia, where no star was supposed to be. He carefully observed the new star, brighter than Venus, and showed it was a fixed star beyond the moon. This phenomenon, a supernova, was an unsettling discovery to the scientific world. They regarded the stars as perfect and unchanging. The news that a star could change as dramatically as the

An Arkie’s Faith Tycho and the solar eclipse

supernova described by Tycho, and the Copernican theory that the sun, not Earth, was the center of the universe, shook their confidence in the immutable laws of Greek antiquity. The new information challenged the prevailing belief in how the universe was organized.

Tycho’s discovery of the new star in Cassiopeia and his publication of his observations in “De Nova Stella” in 1573 marked his transformation from an unknown, to an astronomer with a European reputation.

Tycho’s lifetime of observational data was used by his assistant, Johannes Kepler, to develop Kepler’s laws of planetary motion. In his scientific works, Kepler described the orbits of planets around the sun and helped sway scientific thought away from an Earth-centered universe.

Many people may think of scientists as stodgy academics, but Tycho’s flamboyant lifestyle would have made some of today’s wild celebrities look like choirboys. His life ended with as much craziness and intrigue as the life he led.

At the age of 20, he lost part of his nose in a duel with another Danish nobleman. The duel started over a disagreement about a mathematical formula. The only solution they could devise was to try to kill each other. So, the pair engaged in a drunken duel at night, in the dark. For the rest of his life, Tycho wore a prosthetic nose. His fake nose was made of copper, although he probably also had gold and silver noses for special occasions.

One day, Tycho saw a moose and instantly decided to get one. Since he was wealthy, he bought a pet moose. The moose liked him and would walk alongside him like a dog. It lived in the castle and joined in on Tycho’s parties.

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

The moose would regularly get drunk with him. When people invited Tycho to a party, they asked him to bring his moose. Unfortunately, the moose’s drinking was ultimately its undoing. It got drunk at a party and fell down a flight of stairs in the castle. That was the untimely end of the moose.

Tycho lived in a castle, keeping a rather unusual group of regular entertainers. He employed a little person called Jepp as his court jester. Tycho believed that Jepp possessed psychic powers and often consulted him on decisions. Jepp spent most dinners under the dining table.

But Tycho’s life seems almost mundane compared to his mysterious death. He died of a sudden bladder disease in 1601 while at a banquet in Prague. He was unable to urinate except in the smallest of quantities, and after eleven days of excruciating agony, he finally died. At least, that’s the official story.

Before his death, Tycho wrote his own epitaph and summed up his life by saying, “He lived like a sage and died like a fool.” His final words were, “May I not seemed to have lived in vain.”

Nobody likes to live their lives in vain. To live lives to the fullest, some people work hard to make money, build a successful career, and gain social status. Others focus on a happy family life. No matter what, people want to have a fulfilling life.

Anne Frank wrote in her diary, “I don’t want to have lived in vain like most people. I want to be useful or bring enjoyment to everyone, even those I’ve never met. I want to go on living even after my death!”

God created our lives, so only when we restore a relationship with our Creator and his intended purpose for giving us life can we find a satisfying meaning to our existence. “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” I Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

Sometimes, we all have days when we feel that our lives are in vain. You may think that your job is mundane. However, it’s an opportunity to be God’s light in your workplace. Maybe you feel that you don’t make a difference as a homemaker or caregiver.

Author Stacey Pardoe writes, “As you rock your newborn, you are establishing a secure attachment that will be a foundation of strength for the rest of this little one’s life. You embody God’s love as you tend to an elderly loved one, a noisy room of preschoolers, or a cantankerous client. Additionally, your hidden work is shaping your heart. God is testing your faithfulness in the darkness of obscurity. He is examining your willingness to serve others without applause.”

Gentle Reader, “We don’t know the results of our efforts for the Lord, but in faith, we can trust that obedience is never in vain. In other words, there is no real failure, properly understood, when the Lord is on our side. Our labor for Him will never come up empty.” - Dr. Bradley Baurain.

Astronomer Tycho Brahe

AGFC discovers invasive giant snail in live crawfish shipments

Submitted by Randy Zellers/AGFC

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) needs the public’s help in preventing the spread of giant apple snails, an invasive aquatic species native to South America, recently found in shipments of live crawfish from Louisiana.

Giant apple snails have not yet been found in the wild in Arkansas but have been established in Louisiana for many years. The AGFC has worked with the state of Louisiana to prevent the spread of this invasive species through many potential pathways of introduction, including aquarium pet releases and educational campaigns on cleaning of boats and recreational equipment. Additional vigilance by Arkansans through inspections of any live crawfish shipments (no matter the source), will help prevent further spread of this invasive species that could affect native wildlife and Arkansas’ rice industry.

Apple snails are popular in the aquarium trade due to their large size and handsome shells, however they can quickly exceed the capacity of their enclosure. Irresponsible aquarium dumping is believed to be the main means of apple snail introduction in the United States. Apple snails, as with any exotic plant or animal, should never be released into the wild.

They spend most of their time in water and can survive in low oxygen environments. They lay bright pink egg masses just above the water on tree stumps and other objects. Each cluster contains on average 1,500 to 2,000 eggs, and females can lay a new cluster every 5 to 14 days.

Apple snails consume large quantities of aquatic plant material, damaging important habitat for native fish and wildlife. They cause significant damage to rice crops in Asia and are considered a serious rice crop pest in the U.S., affecting rice production in Texas, Louisiana and Florida.

In addition to being an agricultural pest and damaging aquatic ecosystems, these snails can also threaten human health. Apple snails are known to carry rat lungworm, a parasite that can infect mammals (including humans) through the consumption of uncooked snail meat or contaminated produce. People with mild infections usually recover fully, but severe infections of the parasite can cause eosinophilic meningitis. Additionally, the snail’s eggs contain a neurotoxin that can cause skin and eye irritation if handled.

State and federal agencies continue to work with the Louisiana crawfish industry to help mitigate the spread of these pests. However, the continued range expansion and high abundance of apple snails increases their risk of hitchhiking in crawfish shipments.

AGFC is coordinating with other state and federal agency partners and the aquaculture industry to increase public awareness of apple snails coming into Arkansas through live crawfish shipments and monitor crawfish shipments coming into the state.

All live crawfish should be inspected for snails, their eggs and other debris. Anyone spotting an apple snail, pink egg mass or aquatic snail larger than a quarter in diameter in purchased live crawfish or in the wild should take a picture, note the location and report it immediately.

If found in live crawfish shipments, please use the Apple Snail Reporting Form available at www.agfc.com/ans.

If found in the wild, please report them on the Aquatic Nuisance Species Reporting Form found on the same web page.

You may also contact Matt Horton, Aquatic Nuisance Species Program coordinator at 501-604-0485.

Dispose of any snails by double-bagging in a garbage bag and taping the bag closed to seal it. If available, place in a freezer for 24 hours and throw away in a trash receptacle. Do not discard apple snails onto the ground, in a ditch, pond, or other natural environment,

Apple snails lay thousands of eggs in pink clusters just above the water and can overpopulate an area quickly.

Giant apple snails, also known as island apple snails, are among the largest freshwater snails with shells typically between 2 to 4 inches tall and large specimens reaching 6 inches tall. They were first documented in Florida in the 1980s and have since established wild populations in Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina.

According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, giant apple snails were first discovered in New Orleans in 2006 and have since spread to nearly 30 parishes in the southern half of the state. Louisiana is the number one producer of crawfish in the United States. For more than a decade, apple snails have infested Louisiana crawfish farms, clogging crawfish traps, competing with crawfish for food, and resulting in the loss of entire crops.

or keep them as a pet. Wear gloves and thoroughly wash hands with hot soapy water after handling snails.

According to the Arkansas Code of Regulations, crawfish imported for human consumption may not be released, stocked in ponds or used as bait.

Contact Horton or visit www.agfc. com/ans for more information on giant apple snails and other aquatic nuisance species in Arkansas.

These were just a few of the giant apple snails recently found in live crawfish shipments from Louisiana. AGFC photo. (Photo by AGFC)

(Photo courtesy of Jess Van Dyke, Snail Busters, LLC. Bugwood.com.)

Moon Mountain Sanctuary’s offering limited-edition prints of their horses

By Ethan Nahté

If you recall the series that appeared November through December 2023 about Moon Mountain Sanctuary and Rescue, you may have noticed the photos taken by Samantha Maechler. If that name sounds familiar, Maechler has been the official photographer with the Polk County Rodeo, as well as taking photos at the fair, homecoming games and royalty, weddings, and several other events, both public and private, throughout Polk County and beyond.

Deb, creative director of Moon Mountain said, “Dawn met Samantha last year (2023) when she did her first pick up of rescues.”

For those unfamiliar with the

rescue project, it’s a ranch intent on saving horses that may have otherwise gone to kill pens. It’s ran by actor Dawn Olivieri, and she calls the mares and foals her Momma Baby Army.

“Sam is our in-house Moon Mountain photographer and she’s always been there to shoot those very special moments for us!”

The Sanctuary is offering five of Maechler’s prints of rescued horses in series one, with a limited edition of 20 per photo. The images can be viewed and ordered in the shop on the Moon Mountain Sanctuary and Rescue website. The purchase of a print goes towards the supplying of all hay, alfalfa, medicines, and care of every kill pen rescue horse brought into Moon Mountain

Sanctuary and Rescue.

“Hopefully there will be future sets,” Deb said. They are sticking

with just the prints and no special items with imagery. “No plans for that type of stuff. If someone wants a larger print, they can email us and do a special order on a caseby-case basis.

Moon Mountain also has worked on their website as well as with their vets to imrpove the health and sociability of some of the rescues.

“We also have put the horses that are available for adoption on the site as well.”

There are several horses on the adoption page, including a few success stories that have been adopted. They are being responsible with their adoptions. One look at the adoption form and it’s obvious that they aren’t just adopting the equines to just anyone. Experience, references and a space to properly raise a horse are among the pre-requisites.

Discover more about Moon Mountain at https://moonmountainsanctuaryandrescue.com/

Photo One of Series One of Samantha Maechler’s photos available as limited-edition prints to help raise funds to feed and take care of the horses rescued by actor Dawn Olivieri. (Photo by Samantha Maechler)

IPad grants to aid special needs children at Mena schools

Article and photos by Ethan Nahté

Karen Parnell, the Independent Living Teacher for Mena Middle School (MMS), submitted and was awarded a $3,000 grant from the Rural Tech Fund. The grant was written to provide iPads with designated communication programs to identified students enrolled at both Louise Durham (LDE) and Holly

a lot of faith in getting the grant, her laughter and response were, “Absolutely not! I’ll tell you something, I shot for the stars. I wrote it for $10,000 because I wanted to meet every student’s need that we had.”

Rural Technology Fund’s COO Claire Copps responded to Parnell and said, “That’s an awful lot. Do you think you could possibly do $3,000?”

Harshman Elementary (HHE) schools who are non-verbal, but who would greatly benefit from a communication device.

Parnell said, “The grant that I wrote is from Rural Tech Foundation out of Kentucky. Mena Middle School Assistant Principal Teresa Warner let me know about that opportunity. I wrote the grant and they have been wonderful. If you get the opportunity to look them up, they realize that rural areas do not have access to a lot of technology that urban areas do. That’s their whole goal is to close that divide.”

The Rural Tech Fund was founded by Chris Sanders, who recognized the very real “digital divide” between rural and non-rural areas. The Rural Tech Fund recognizes that talent is distributed equally, but opportunity is not. The Rural Tech Fund is a non-profit organization and donations can be made at ruraltechfund.org.

When Parnell was asked if she had

Parnell said she could. She got with Nathan Stone and Lorrie Henry from Mena School District’s Tech Department, assistant superintendent Bridget Buckley, and SPED director Christie Harrison. “We discussed what we could purchase. Then we got together with the speech therapist, and I presented it back to Ms. Copps and they approved it.

“Dr. Smith was very gracious and said that if we were able to get them funding, that they would pay for the programs, because the programs are not cheap. I think the starting cost is like $300, and that’s for one student, because it is individualized.

The grant was used to purchase nine iPads with protective cases; Mena Public Schools paid for the recommended communication programs for each device.

The grant allowed the Mena School District to obtain nine devices. Mena Middle School received one, while Hol-

ly Harshman Elementary and Louise Durham Elementary split the remainder based on need.

Parnell said, “We have a large number of students who are autistic or non-verbal due to other reasons. This allows them to communicate… along with our speech therapist or teachers, and consultation with the parents we determine which program to put on each iPad because it’s individualized to the student. Each of those students — teachers and the speech therapist have worked with them intensively — to determine which communication program would work the best. The goal is that these iPads will track with those students through our school system, and they will become more and more proficient which will allow them to engage socially and academically with their peers and in classrooms and continue to grow by leaps and bounds.

“It is extremely hard for parents to get insurance approval for a communication device. It’s almost impossible. With these donations, we’re going to be extremely blessed. Our numbers continue to grow, but we’re going be providing these students a voice. They’re going to be able to participate, share their thoughts, and grow academically and socially.

The students go through an evaluation to figure out what the individual needs. Parnell said, “It’s very intensive. The speech therapist would have to try

them on different programs and devices. It’s just like I love MS Word. I think Dr. Smith likes Google Docs. Every child has a unique learning style. They kind of help match that up to what works best for that student. Are they able to handle more icons? less icons? A lot of these programs they will be able to build sentences and then paragraphs. Based upon that students’ need is where we go.”

University of Arkansas’ involvement Madison Maddox, currently enrolled

Acorn FCCLA wants your shoes Local artists sought for the scene

By Ethan Nahté

Acorn FCCLA wants to know if you’re cleaning out your closets, such as with spring cleaning. All throughout the month of April FCCLA will be collecting shoes, either at Acorn High School or they will arrange to pick them up. Contact Mindy Lyle at 479-394-5544 for details.

The shoes are to help raise funds just by donating gently worn, used and new shoes. They not only help the FCCLA, but they will be reused and given a second life by those in need through Micro-Enterprise and their Shoe Drive Fundraiser.

For more details visit https:// fcclainc.org/engage/fundraising-and-grants/funds2orgs.

By Ethan Nahté

Local artists of any art form, all ages, skill levels and walks of life are invited to meet up at the Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena St., at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26.

With some of the new and upcoming things going on in the area, artists are wanting to meet and collaborate, exchange contact information, discuss ideas about upcoming art events, pop-ups, and the growing art scene in the area. There’s no charge. Just come and socialize. If you have questions, contact MenaArtScene@gmail.com

OLT announces auditions for ‘The Little Mermaid’

Submitted by Julie

Ulmer

Ouachita Little Theatre (OLT) has considered doing a Disney musical production for several years. It is finally going to happen! This will be a full-length musical play with adults and children being cast. It will require serious commitment from those choosing to audition. The cast will be fairly large, and actors will need to attend rehearsals as scheduled by the director. Summertime will facilitate evening practices, particularly for children of school age. Most likely, there will be Sunday afternoon music rehearsals for the first half of the rehearsal process in addition to regular evening rehearsals. Adults and children receiving parts will be asked to schedule their summer vacations around rehearsals and performances.

The following information is directly from Director April Renee Burt of OLT’s summer production of “The Little Mermaid.” Auditions for Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” will be held on Monday, May 13, and Tuesday, May 14 from 6-8 p.m. at OLT, 610 Mena St. Information regarding callbacks will be sent out after auditions. Performances will run July 26, 27, 28, and Aug 2, 3, 4. This will be an open call audi-

tion, but we ask that the auditioners not sit in the audience to observe others auditioning. The director wants everyone to have a respectful and undisturbed audition experience. The lobby will be used as a waiting room. In order to not crowd the space, once you are finished with your audition, please do not stay at the theatre.

You will be asked to sing a 1632 bar cut of a song you have prepared, preferably something in the style of the show. This can be performed acapella, or with a backing track you provide. This will count as both your singing and acting audition. Please demonstrate your acting abilities as well as your vocal skills in your song.

Character descriptions and other details can be found on the OLT website at oltmena.com. Check our OLT Instagram and Facebook pages for updates.

Area 14 Special Olympics track and field events will be at Bearcat Stadium in Mena on Thursday, April 18. Opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. and games begin around 9:45 a.m. Come cheer on athletes from several schools and organizations.

2024 Lifeguard Applications are available at Mena City Hall until April 25.

Country, Western, gospel singing and music in the Daisy Room (behind Janssen Ave. Florists), 800 Janssen Ave., Mena, 6:30-9:30 p.m. every Thursday. Free event. Bring finger food. For information call Lloyd Knight (479) 234-3547.

The Democrat meeting for April 8 is cancelled due to the Eclipse. Democrats will be meeting on May 13 at Papa’s Mexican Cafe, 1317 Hwy. 71 South. Come early to eat and socialize before the meeting starts 6:30 p.m. Any questions, call Linda Johnson at (479) 234-7966. Bring a friend.

GriefShare at First Presbyterian Church Mena meet every Wednesday at 1 p.m. for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

GriefShare at The Crossing in Mena meets every Thursday from 6-8 p.m. for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

Christ’s Church of Cove, 5234 Hwy. 71 S, Cove, gathers every Tuesday, 8:30-9:30 a.m., for free coffee and conversation.

Around Town

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

First Presbyterian Church will be presenting a series on the Book of Revelation in its Adult Sunday School class on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:45.

Earl Harrell will be the presenter and will focus on the titles of Jesus as revealed in the Book of Revelation. The public is invited to attend. Classes will be in the Helen Barham Room at the church, 904 Church Avenue, Mena.

Join the Ouachita Beekeepers Association on the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. (new time) in the Education Building of the Polk County Extension Office, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. Enjoy bee education, door prizes, and socialization with other beekeepers. Contact: Tommy Payne (903) 521-4611.

Jam session every Tuesday night, 6-9 p.m. at Shady Mountain Events, 428 Hwy. 375 East, Mena. No charge, everyone is welcome. All genres of music. Bring your own instrument, come watch or dance. Call (479) 234-7174 with questions.

The Back Country Extension Homemakers Club meets the second Friday of each month at 1 p.m. at the UA Extension’s Education Building, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. We are a service organization affiliated with UA’s Division of Agriculture with a mission to have fun and learn new things while enriching our community and creating a more contented family life. We believe the greatest force that molds character comes from the home.

Come join new friends and old as we together grow. For more info, contact Ginger at Gingerkm@protonmail.com.

The Polk County Housing Authority has Rental Vouchers available. They are also in need of Applicants and Landlords. Contact them at 509 S. Morrow, Mena, (479) 394-1565 or polkarhousing. com.

Hatfield First Baptist Church

“Shepherd’s Closet” Open Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon. Large selection of good, used clothing & a limited supply of non-perishable food items. Free to anyone in need.

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, noon - 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 7 p.m. on Thursday, 7 p.m. on Friday, and 6 p.m. on Saturday at the old bus barn at The Crossing church. For information call Erica at (479) 234-5289 or Candice at (501) 356-8300.

The Hatfield Branch Library is open every Tuesday and Friday from noon4 p.m. The library is located at 121 Cemetery Rd. (old Agri building) in Hatfield.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at The Crossing Church, 3 p.m., Sundays; at 5 p.m., Tuesdays; and at 8 p.m. Saturdays at the old bus barn. For information call (479) 234-8366 or (479) 216-3786.

The Cove Branch Library is open Monday and Thursday from noon-5 p.m. The Library is located next to Cove Town Hall at 5568 Hwy. 71 S.

The Mena/Polk County Senior Center will have The Gator and Friends band performing in Mena every

Thursday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

The Center has an exercise class on Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Contact Trena Looney with questions, (479) 394-5459.

The Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes has meals and activities for seniors. The hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday-Friday. If you need to make delivery arrangements or changes call (870) 385-2373.

American Legion meets every 2nd Tuesday at the Legion Hall in Acorn. Potluck at 6 p.m., meeting follows.

Come play Bingo, Saturdays and Mondays, starts at 6 p.m., doors open at 4 p.m.

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

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m. Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, Ninth Street and Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for information call (479) 243-0297.

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!

- SERVICES -

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0417

Carter’s Excavating - Licensed Contractor: Heavy and light dozer work, heavy excavation, soft ground to rock excavation, heavy off-road hauling, road design and construction

50 years in trade, 40 years in area. Subsidiary of RCI Construction (479) 394-9227 T0529

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T0424

Construction, steel buildings, welding, pads, ponds, roads, tree services, and mulching. Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0430

Need your yard mowed? Free estimates. Referrals available. Call (479) 234-0509. Leave a message. T0710

Carter’s Excavating - Licensed Contractor: Roads, bridges, house pads, building pads, basements, land clearing, small lots to large tracks, ponds, stream crossings, farm roads, building demolition, site planning & prep.

50 years in trade, 40 years in area. Subsidiary of RCI Construction. (479) 394-9227 T0529

- WANTED TO BUY -

Buy and sell U.S. pre-65 silver coins. Paying top prices. Also buying scrap gold, rings, teeth and coins. Come see Dan every Friday and Saturday at the Duke’s Junction Flea Market-booth 76 from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. Call during the week (479) 234-3409 T0508

For Sale- 2015 Harley Tri-Glide, under 32,000 miles. $22,500 - Located in Mena, Arknasas. Call Rod (843) 504-9386 T0417

“Junk Silver” coins for sale at Duke’s Junction Flea Market, booth 76, this Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (479) 234-3409 T0417

- HOUSE FOR RENT -

Three 3-bedroom houses for rentin great shape Call (479) 243-5292 or (479) 2342585 T0424

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 T0424

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for a CNC Programmer/Machinist.

The CNC programmer will utilize CAD/CAM software to develop programs to control contour-path machining of aluminum parts on CNC mill machining centers. Responsible for reading and interpreting technical blueprints, inputting design specifications, adjusting machine cutting paths, performing quality checks on final products. Must be able to troubleshoot issues that arise during the manufacturing process, ensure conformance to established procedures and engineering specifications, and pay close attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

• High Competence in Fields of CNC Machines, Tooling, and Programming

• 5 Years CNC Set-up and Programming Experience

• Proficiency in Programming Software (Mastercam) and CAD.

• Ability to Lift or Maneuver up to 50 lb.

Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple in Mena, Arkansas 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. T0424

- HELP WANTED -

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. T0424

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for a technical/phone sales position.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, answering technical inquiries, providing product information and recommendations, troubleshooting with potential and current customers, and processing orders in a fastpaced office setting.

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

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

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

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment. T0424

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced TIG Welder/Manual Machinist for Cylinder Head Repair. This is for a permanent day shift position. The applicant must be proficient in welding aluminum and have manual machining experience. 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.

April 2024 programs at Cossatot River State Park - Natural Area

Saturday, April 20

- Wildflower ID Hike

1:30 p.m.

Meet at Cossatot Falls

What’s blooming out on the trails?

Join a park interpreter on this 2-mile section of the beautiful River Corridor Trail to look for and identify wildflowers ~4 mi. roundtrip.

- Reptile Residents

3 p.m.

Visitor Info Center

Discover your inner herpetologist and get ready for a memorable experience with reptiles! Explore snakes, frogs, and other species with a park interpreter and enjoy an up close and personal look at some of our reptile friends!

Sunday, April 21

- Skins & Skulls

1-3 p.m.

Visitor Info Center

Are you ready to discover the wild side of Cossatot River State Park?

Stop by to investigate the diverse animal life of the area with a park interpreter!

Every Sunday

- Snake Feeding

1 p.m.

Visitor Information Center

Stop by the center to see the park interpreters feed our Speckled Kingsnake and Rat snake and learn all about reptiles in the park!

Saturday, April 27

- Color Wheel Hike

2 p.m.

Meet at Waterleaf Trailhead

Embark on an exhilarating journey through nature for a one-of-a-kind treasure hunt! Join a park interpreter to match items found in flora and fauna to corresponding shades on the classic color wheel while walking off excess energy with your family and leashed furry friends. All materials will be provided.

- Owl Pellet Dissection

2 p.m.

Visitor Information Center

Join the park interpreters in the classroom as we investigate the life of an owl. Hands on and fascinating for all ages!

Sunday, April 28

- Skins & Skulls

1-3 p.m.

Visitor Info Center

Are you ready to discover the wild side of Cossatot River State Park?

Stop by to investigate the diverse animal life of the area with a park interpreter!

For more information about these programs, call 870-385-2201. Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area, 1980 Hwy. 278 W, Wickes, AR 71973.

2024 Arkansas Century Farm Applications Due May 31

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The

Arkansas

Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 2024 Arkansas Century Farm Program. This program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. The program is voluntary and there is no cost to apply.

“Since it began in 2012, the Arkansas Century Farm Program has inducted 604 farm families,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “It is an honor to recognize families across Arkansas who have persevered challenges and contributed greatly to the success of our state’s largest industry over the last century.”

To qualify, Arkansas farms must meet the following criteria:

- The same family must have owned the farm for 100 years by December 31, 2024. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grand-

children, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage and adoption.

- The farm must be at least ten acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.

Qualifying Arkansas farms will receive a personalized Arkansas Century Farm certificate and metal sign listing the farm name and year established.

Online and printable applications are available at agriculture.arkansas. gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-services/arkansas-century-farm-program/. Applications must be received via email at beth.moore@ agriculture.arkansas.gov or postmarked on or before May 31, 2024, to be eligible for designation as a 2024 inductee.

Please contact Beth Moore at 501539-4027 with questions.

Hot Spring County sheriff arrested

By Patrick Massey

MALVERN – The sheriff of Hot Spring County was arrested April 10, according to a release issued by the Arkansas State Police.

As a result of a probe by the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division, Hot Spring County Sheriff Scott Finkbeiner was charged on Wednesday, April 10 with misdemeanor sexual solicitation and felony unauthorized use of the Arkansas Crime Information Center. He surrendered to the Hot Spring County Detention Center.

His bond was set at $10,000.

Online court records show the charging document was initially sealed due to concerns over “pretrial publicity regarding other matters involving this Defendant.”

The Arkansas State Police has not released any additional information at this time.

Finkbeiner is also facing charges stemming from November of 2023 in which he is accused of obstructing a FBI narcotics investigation. He posted bond following his arraignment and a trial is scheduled for July.

Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest accepting entries

Entries are being accepted for the annual Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest, sponsored by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas. Applicants may be any school, early childhood education facility, or alternative learning environment that had a school garden during the 20232024 school year or is planning to start a garden in the 2024-2025 school year.

“School gardens are valuable educational tools that help students develop healthy eating habits, participate in hands-on activities, and learn about Arkansas agriculture,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “We are grateful for the generosity of Farm Credit and their continued support of this program.”

Entries for the contest will be accepted through June 14, and the application can be found at cognitoforms.com/ArkansasAgriculture1/ArkansasGrownSchoolGardenOfTheYearContest2024. Winners will be announced in the fall of 2024.

“As a farmer-owned cooperative, we are excited to continue our support of teachers and projects that engage Arkansas students in food production and agricultural sustainability. Through these partnerships, we can ensure that the valuable role of Arkansas agriculture remains top-of-mind for the next generation,” said Farm Credit of Western Arkansas President and CEO, Brandon Haberer, on behalf of the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas. Applicants are eligible to apply for the following categories:

- Best Start-Up School Garden Proposal - $500 Award

- Best Education-Based School Garden - $500 Award

- Best Harvest Partnership School Garden - $500 Award

- Best Community Collaboration School Garden - $500 Award

- Best Overall School Garden$1,000 Award

- Champion of School Garden Sustainability - $1,000 Award

More information about the Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest can be found at agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-programs/farm-to-school/ school-gardens/arkansas-grownschool-garden-of-the-year-contest/ or by contacting jessica.chapman@agriculture.arkansas.gov.

The Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas are locally owned and managed financial cooperatives that are part of the national Farm Credit System. They are dedicated to making a significant and positive impact on agriculture, rural communities, and youth in agriculture through their statewide partnership. Three independent associations come together to form Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas – Farm Credit of Western Arkansas, AgHeritage Farm Credit Services, and Farm Credit Mid-America. The Farm Credit System has supported rural America since 1916 and remains committed to its original mission of providing reliable, dependable credit to farmers, ranchers and rural homeowners.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture, forestry, and natural resources conservation to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while sustaining natural resources and ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. Visit agriculture. arkansas.gov/. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.