The Polk County Pulse - December 20,2023

Pulse THE POLK COUNTY

FREE WEEKLY 1168 Hwy 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600

December 20, 2023

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

Mena Regional Health System opens UAMS Milk Bank Depot

INSIDE:

Baby’s First Christmas

Pages 14-15

Follow Santa!

2nd Grade Christmas Letters

Page 11

LITTLE ROCK — The Mena Regional Health System, in support of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Milk Bank, has opened a milk depot in its health center in Mena, Arkansas.

The Mena Milk Depot is a designated space for women to donate milk, which will be sent to the UAMS Milk Bank for screening, pasteurization and nutritional analysis. After processing, milk will be sent to hospitals throughout Arkansas.

“Our team at Mena Regional Health System is excited to partner with the UAMS Milk Bank in support of women and infants in our area,” said Amber Williams, RN, clinical director of Women Services for Mena Regional Health System.

“We are proud to be the first milk bank donation point in our region,

Mena Regional Health System and Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the new UAMS Milk Bank on Friday. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

providing a critical service for our shared commitment to the well-becommunity. Our new milk depot ing of our community’s youngest will not only nourish infants but members.” also foster a culture of support and The Mena Milk Depot is in the care, where every drop symbolizes a See MILK continued on page 8

Mena property tax millage decrease

Umpire Campus Decision

Page 23

The City of Mena has announced a significant reduction in property taxes, signaling a commitment to financial relief for its residents.

Mena City Council, in collaboration with Mena Mayor Seth Smith, has successfully lowered property taxes from 2 mills to 1 mill, with plans to eliminate the city millage

entirely by next year.

This decision comes as a result of diligent financial management and a robust local economy. This reduction is expected to provide relief to homeowners and local businesses, putting more money back into the pockets of Mena residents.

Smith expressed his enthusiasm

for the tax cut, stating, “This reduction shows our fiscal responsibility and our belief in supporting the local economy. By reducing property taxes, we aim to stimulate economic growth, attract new businesses, and enhance the overall quality of life for the people of Mena.”

2 News

December 20, 2023

Jingle Bell Rock 2023 found

By Ethan Nahté

William Riggins of Mena found the Jingle Bell Rock after only two clues.

“As soon as I heard [the second clue], I knew right where it was. It just popped into my head it’s at the fairgrounds.”

The rock was hidden outside the gate of the fairgrounds’ property, beneath a shrub near the ditch.

Riggins said that he and a co-worker had known the correct location for the rock the previous two years but never went to find it.

This year, Riggins decided to locate the rock and win the prizes: - Gabriel Clothing Co. - $75 gift card - Teeter Motor Co. of Mena - $50 gift card

Polk County Births

Mena Regional Health System DECEMBER 10, 2023 TO DECEMBER 16, 2023 Jessica Gonzalez & Lorenzo Munoz of Gillham, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born Dec. 10th Cara Diggers & William Mann of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born Dec. 11th

The Ouachitas - $50 prize pack Freedom Pharmacy - $107.92 gift box

Mena Fire Department still has free Kidde smoke alarms for Mena residents within city limits who qualify (low-income families, handicapped, and senior citizens) The alarms are sealed 10-year lithium battery models.

Get applications at the Mena Fire Station No. 1 located at 603 Dequeen St. or the form can be downloaded at https://mypulsenews. com/mena-fire-department-to-install-smoke-alarms-in-homes-ofthose-that-qualify/.

For questions or additional information, contact the Mena Fire Department at 479-394-1234.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

December 20, 2023

Radio - Print - Web 1168 Hwy 71S Mena, AR 71953 Phone: 479-243-9600 Fax: 479-243-9603 Swap Shop-479-394-2800 Email: news@mypulsenews.com

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Jamie Hammack - General Manager Ethan Nahté - Production Manager/Editor Patrick Massey - Contributing Reporter/ On-Air Talent Logan McCourtney - Contributing Reporter John Russell - Graphic Design Curt Teasdale - Programmer /On-Air Personality Ariel Varner - Office Manager/On-Air Personality Matt Allen - On-Air Personality Crystal Reed - Account Executive Distribution & Insertion Staff: Chaz Welch, Deanna Wright, Steven Hart, & Sandra Orthman The Polk County Pulse is the area’s premiere and fastest growing news publication. The Polk County Pulse is FREE and published weekly on Wednesdays, with a distribution of 8,000 and an estimated readership of 10,000.

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In the Oct. 11, 2023, edition of the Pulse was a letter by Dr. Mark Berrier that shared some insights into his 50-year career as a college professor. His article was well written in terms I understood with my high school education. His letter was a testament to his dedication to teaching our younger generation as well as his frustration with the indoctrination of young impressionable minds who once came to learn. When the letter was printed it was four days after the horrific attack on the people of Israel perpetrated by the terrorist group Hamas.

It was alarming to see how accurate his insights were when mindless college students on several campuses turned hatred and violence towards the victims, who were Jewish and students as well.

There was no peaceful discourse or respect for difference of opinion. They turned a blind eye to the Jewish victims who have suffered so many atrocities over time and condemned their right to defend themselves. Witness testimony of rape and videos of murder were dismissed as a hoax. Those terrorists who attacked Israel would seem to be blameless. The loss of innocent civilian lives in Palestine should fall on the cowards hiding behind them.

Efforts to supply Palestinians with food and supplies goes awry as these terrorists steal the supplies. I am not sure how you can build 300 miles of underground tunnels and bring in weapons, ammunition, rockets, and other weapons of war and no one notices? Perhaps not everyone is innocent and possibly even complicit? Maybe they were fearful of the threats of the terrorists and

Letters 3

Want to share your opinion? had little choice? Still, these college students stand with the brutal actions of a terrorist group like mindless robots unwilling to believe facts and make up their own minds on what is truthful. There is no respect for the rights or lives of others. It appears Dr. Berrier’s insights were spot on.

It shows an agenda that the media wants to make an issue of the Hamas terrorists being stripped to their underwear. Do they not realize suicide bombers conceal their explosives? The Israeli soldiers would be remiss not to be thorough by removing the clothing used to conceal any weapon.

They were not totally naked, and I saw nothing to indicate any desire to humiliate. College students wear less on spring break in Florida.

“River to the sea” being chanted by demonstrators, including college students, is a call for the complete annihilation of the Jewish people. Your parents must be proud. It must be blissful to be so naive. I pray you never are a victim of violence firsthand. It will forever change who you are.

Someone once said something about common sense and higher education. It went like this... someone can be book smart but could not pour urine out of a boot if the directions were on the heel.

Thank you for a forum to express my thoughts though we may peacefully disagree.

With respect and kindest regards, Ronald Goss, retired, Mena

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

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4 Religion

December 20, 2023

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Reflections from History and Faith:The innkeeper’s decision

By Jeff Olson

We are now amid that time of year when the customary seasonal activities surrounding Christmas occupy much of our personal time. You know — things such as shopping for that perfect gift, finalizing plans for the kids (and perhaps grandkids too) to come home so the family can be together, attending or participating in the Christmas program with your church, attending the Christmas parties with friends, co-workers or church family, buying the ingredients for that special Christmas dinner, looking forward to some of the post-season bowl games and maybe a little more hunting. And, most important of all — having that special time of worship which centers on the reason for the season.

Oh, and be sure to thank poor ole Dad who has made his annual pilgrimage into the attic and with pretty much the same results as last year... hauling down the decorations and then up again to try locating that one box that has the special ornaments that we cannot do without. Then, back for the Christmas lights and knowing better than to expect them all to light up.

After tinkering with them for too long he thought — no problem... As cheap as these lights are we can just buy a new set the next time we are in town.

Wasteful? Maybe, but he rationalizes that his time is more valuable than the nominal expense. Naturally, even with the new set there are one or two bulbs

which refuse to cooperate. No one will notice... Wrong! Oh well, Dad thinks it is still a beautiful tree and after all, according to Andy Williams: “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!” I get exhausted just thinking about it… .

It is interesting to see how this special season of the year reveals much about each of us, especially our priorities and our treasure. It is a vivid illustration of how we tend to take the time or, if you will, make the room for those activities and those people who are most important to us. The key phrase here is “make the room.” In being keepers of our own lives, whom and what occupies our time and our space may tell us something. This is not only true during the Christmas season, but throughout the year as well.

I cannot help but think about this when reading Luke, chapter 2, in the account of Jesus’ birth. In verse 7, we read that there was no room for them in the inn. For so many years I never gave that

verse much thought, never considering the innkeeper and his response.

While it is true that no innkeeper is actually mentioned in the biblical account, it is likely that one did exist.

On this assumption I will continue with my analogy. I have often wondered why the innkeeper could not have somehow found some room or arranged for Mary, Joseph and Jesus to stay at another inn or in a home. Why do you think this extra effort may never have been done? Why do you think that the innkeeper apparently took the easy way out? Was there really no room in the inn, or was there a refusal to make room for Jesus? Does this not strike a personal chord in your life? — In mine? If not, it is certainly time that it did.

There is a contemporary song of the season from the 1980s called, “There’s a New Kid in Town.” I have news, and it is good news! Jesus is no longer new in town, and He is not a kid anymore.

If Jesus’ entry into our lives has made it no further than a seasonal baby in a manger, then in reality He is no more than just an annual stranger.

When it is all said and done, what it all boils down to is a decision. Like our innkeeper in Bethlehem, each of us has a decision to make with Jesus, but first we must understand that this life-changing, world-changing event is only part of the Christmas story. Jesus is no longer the baby in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes, nor the great teacher and miracle worker, nor the suffering servant, nor the crucified sacrifice for our sins. He is the risen King of Kings and Lord of Lords who stands at the door and knocks (Revelation 3:20). The question is: Will the innkeeper — will you — open the door and let Jesus in or will the answer continue to be as it was in Bethlehem so many years ago.

So, before moving any further along with the festivities of the season, just maybe we should decide that Jesus does indeed have a place in all this and then follow through by making room for Him. This He wants so very much, and not for only a season but for a permanent stay.

However, even more than making room for Him, maybe we should take it a step further and give Him His own room. Or… perhaps it would be a kind and generous gesture to give Jesus the best and biggest room you have.

Better yet — why not just humbly open your heart and sign the title over to Him and allow God to convert that old shabby run-down inn into a temple where God can dwell and have total control of your life (1 Corinthians 3:16).

This way, instead of being treated as a seasonal transient or as only one resident among many, He would become the owner — the landLORD. What a much-needed change that would be for some of us, and more importantly — what better a birthday present could we give Jesus!

Most importantly to remember though is that whether or not we make room for Jesus, Jesus always makes room for you and me. Will your heart be a Bethlehem this Christmas? Like the innkeeper, each of us must decide.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Politics 5

December 20, 2023

From the

State House of Representatives

in services aimed at ensurThis week marked the 8th consecutive year of a ing the safety of their children. The primary objective heartwarming Christmas celebration at the Capitol. of foster care is reunification, wherein a foster parent cares Legislators, Capitol staff, for a child until they can be state agencies, and lobbyists gathered to spread holiday returned home or until an John Maddox alternative permanency decheer by bringing gifts for children in foster care. cision is made. Placement durations Year after year, this event is eager- vary, ranging from a few weeks to ly anticipated by participants as it several months.

For those interested in making a brings much-needed joy and smiles to the faces of children in foster lasting impact by becoming a foster care. Moreover, it serves as a poi- parent, we encourage you to explore gnant reminder of the pressing need everychildarkansas.org. Every Child Arkansas is a collaborative initiative for loving homes to provide care.

As of now, Arkansas has over designed to connect Arkansans and 3,800 children in foster care, each address the needs of the state’s most with their unique backgrounds, cul- vulnerable children. In partnership tures, and families. These children, with the Department of Children spanning various age groups from and Family Services (DCFS), Evinfants to teenagers, possess distinct ery Child Arkansas strives to offer personalities, abilities, interests, and love, care, and support to vulnerable children and families. It serves potential.

Typically, children spend approxi- as a valuable resource to connect mately 12 months in foster care. The individuals with the right people in duration of their stay is often tied to their community to initiate the fostheir biological parent’s engagement ter parent certification process.

Contact Your Legislators!

John Maddox

John Boozman

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

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

Terry Rice

Bruce Westerman

Terry.Rice@senate.ar.gov P.O. Box 2195 Waldron, AR 72958 479-637-3100

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

From the

State Senate

A subcommittee of the of service for more than 120 Legislative Council recomdays. Students still receive mended almost $5.9 million training in emergency mediin funding for the Arkansas cal treatment, but a classroom Fire Training Academy, the setting cannot duplicate the primary training ground for same environment as being in firefighters from across the the back of a vehicle moving state. rapidly down the road.

Terry Rice Southern Arkansas UniThe largest component of versity Tech at Camden made the the funding request was $4.05 million funding request, which would pay for for an Emergency Services Medical needed repairs to the administration Training Building. It actually would building. The HVAC is old and doesn’t be a series of facilities to include classwork well, so the air inside the build- rooms and simulation laboratories. ing is constantly musty and humid, To demonstrate the need for new and may be causing students and staff space, the academy noted that recentto have allergy issues due to mold, ly its cardiopulmonary resuscitation according to documents provided by training has taken place in the dining SAU Tech in its funding request. room.

The building was constructed in The funding would pay for a re2004 and has been through a tornado. stroom on the drill field. Now fireThe carpeting is original, and has been fighters who’ve gotten dirty during wet. It has a dingy, rancid and unclean training exercises must use the refeel. Also, the building has issues with strooms in the administration buildmice, rats and snakes, according to ing. the request.

The funding request was reviewed The academy also will get two new and recommended by the Legislative fire trucks. One truck will be used Council’s Subcommittee on Perforat the satellite campus in Jonesboro mance Evaluation and Expenditure to replace a 1996 model. Firefighters Review. Due to the length of its name, who attend training at the campus are it is always referred to as the PEER often asked to bring equipment with committee. them from their home department, so Its duties and its purview make they can undergo training in reliable PEER one of the most influential of vehicles. It will cost about $500,000. legislative committees. Under the The new truck at the Camden cam- state Constitution, the legislature has pus will replace a 2003 model. It will the sole power to approve spending cost about $700,000 because it is built tax revenue. PEER has the authorion a custom chassis. Like the new ty to review fiscal operations of state truck for the Jonesboro campus, this agencies to ensure accountability and model is prevalent among fire depart- efficiency. ments in Arkansas.

The $5.9 million for the Fire TrainThe operation of the Camden model ing Academy was part of about $1.57 is drastically different than that of the billion in federal funds that ArkanJonesboro model. Firefighters need to sas received in the 2021 American be trained in the operation of both, Rescue Plan. The PEER committee according to the SAU Tech request. has been reviewing applications and The legislative subcommittee also making recommendations, which are recommended funding for an am- later considered by the full Legislative bulance for training at the academy. Council.

The current ambulance has been out

6 Obituaries

THE POLK COUNTY

December 20, 2023

William Earnest Roberts

William Earnest Roberts, 98, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on December 8, 2023, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born on November 16, 1925, to William Charlie Roberts and Elizabeth Jane Whisenhunt in Cleveland, Oklahoma. He was known as “Ruthberry Man,” a tall yarn spinner, a mason, and a joker. He loved fishing and camping. He worked until he was 83 years old.

Earnest was a WWII Navy veteran; he was aboard the battleship USS West Virginia. He was in the south Pacific around the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, to name a few places. When Japan surrendered, the West Virginia led the way into Tokyo Bay for the battleship Missouri. The two battleships were anchored next to each other. Earnest saw the signing of the peace treaty on the Missouri from the deck of the West Virginia.

Earnest is survived by his son Gene and wife Rene Roberts, of Mena, Arkansas; Daughters Janet and husband Kelsey Moran of Mena, Arkansas, and Cynthia and husband James Looney of Mena, Arkansas; eleven grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Kathryn; sister, Lala Hopper; two brothers, Raymond Roberts and Clifford Roberts.

The funeral service for Earnest will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Beasley Wood Funeral Home with Brother Rodger Bishop officiating. Interment will be held at Gann Cemetery in Mena, Arkansas.

His grandsons will be the pallbearers and the honorary pallbearers will be his granddaughters and The Homewood Cottages caregivers.

Visitation will be held on Friday, De-

cember 15, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Patricia Gaylene Blake

Mrs. Patricia Gaylene Blake, age 77, passed away Sunday, December 10, 2023, in Elks City, Oklahoma. She was born December 29, 1945, in Mena, Arkansas, to parents, Dale Crockett Warren and Freda Lucille (Dugan) Ewell.

Patricia was a homemaker by profession, she enjoyed sewing, travel, going to the casino and camping. But above all else she loved being around and spending time with her family and grandkids.

Mrs. Blake is preceded in death by her parents, Dale Crockett Warren and Freda Lucille (Dugan) Ewell; loving husband, Don Blake; brother, Bob Warren; her sister, Doris Jean Graves; great-grandson, Bronx Rion Bruns; and by her nephew, Bradley Dale Warren.

She is survived by her daughters, Donna Blake, Gina Billy and husband Justin; grandchildren, Donald Melton, Bethany Piercy, Marty Blake, Sarah Crosby; great-grandchildren, Tyler Don Blake, Garrett Lee Blake, Jaxon Bruns, Gentry Bruns; brother, David Warren and wife Beverly; as well as by a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends too numerous to mention.

Graveside services for Mrs. Patricia Blake will be held, Friday, December 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at the Watson Cemetery, in Watson, Oklahoma.

Brother, Ed Rogers will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Keith Wall, Gene Wall, R.E. Hudson, Mark Wilson, Waylon Fairless, and Stryker.

Honorary Pallbearer is Lloyd Crosby.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Joe Dale Head

Joe Dale Head, age 82, of Mena, Arkansas, passed from this life to his heavenly home on Sunday, December 10, 2023, on his farm doing what he loved. He was born on Tuesday, June 17, 1941, to Arthur Ervin Head and Anna Lee Beasley Head in Mena, Arkansas.

Joe was a devoted family man, esteemed educator, and cherished member of the community. Joe led a life marked by unwavering dedication to his faith, family, and service to others.

A cornerstone of the Dallas Avenue Baptist Church, Joe was not only an active member but also served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher for over 40 years. His commitment to his church community left a lasting impact on the lives of those he touched, as he shared his wisdom and faith with a passion that resonated with all.

During the Vietnam Era, Joe bravely served his country in the United States Army, exemplifying the values of duty and honor. His service was a testament to his deep love for his country and his willingness to sacrifice for the greater good.

As a high school and college math teacher for an impressive 35 years, Joe left an enduring mark on the minds and hearts of countless students. His tenure was characterized by a genuine passion for teaching and a commitment to nurturing young minds. Joe took great pride in his role as an educator, recognizing the profound impact teachers can have on shaping the future.

Beyond the classroom, Joe found joy in his family, with his children and grandchildren being a source of immeasurable happiness. He loved showing them around on the farm and seeing who could catch the most fish.

His love for them was evident in every interaction.

Joe reveled in the tranquility of his farm. His days were spent tending to

Pulse his cows and garden, embracing the joys of agricultural life, and finding solace in the beauty of nature. A passionate deer hunter, Joe appreciated the solitude of the outdoors and the thrill of the hunt.

Joe’s legacy is one of faith, service, and a deep love for family and community. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life well-lived—a life dedicated to sharing the gospel of his Savior and making a difference in the lives of others.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 62 years, Melba Lewis Head; seven brothers, James Head, Henry Head, Tom Head, Bill Head, Otho Head, Dan Head and Judson Head and one sister, Frances Watt.

Joe is survived by his son, Johnny Head of Dallas, Texas; his daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Chad Humphrey of Bedford, Texas; his four grandsons, Dallas Head (Ryelle) and Brandon Head of Phoenix, Arizona, Carter Humphrey and Chase Humphrey of Bedford, Texas; several brothers- and sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews; his church family at Dallas Avenue Baptist Church and a host of other relatives and friends. He had a very special connection with several of his neighbors in Old Dallas, who loved, helped and supported him in his life on the farm.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 15, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at the Dallas Avenue Baptist Church with Brother Justin Leonard and Brother Rusty Lewis officiating. Interment will follow in the Board Camp Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 14, 2023, from 6-8 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Travis Youmans, Jake McCauley, Russell Myers, Jimmy Driggers, Edward Kennedy, Steven McNeeley and Greg Watt. Honorary pallbearers will be Roy Rowell, Al Hadaway, Ken Dodgen and Randy Burgess.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Obituaries 7

December 20, 2023

Robert “Bob” Cooney Robert “Bob” Cooney, age 86, of Wickes, Arkansas, died Monday, December 11, 2023, at his home. He was born on Monday, February 22, 1937, to Robert Arthur and Theresa Marguerite La Motte Cooney.

Bob Cooney, a man of unwavering faith, leaves behind a legacy of courage, determination, and a life rich in accomplishment and service. He was a devoted member of the St. Agnes Catholic Church in Mena, where his faith flourished, and his compassionate spirit found expression in service to others through the Knights of Columbus and becoming a Sir Knight Fourth Degree just like his father.

Bob was a trailblazer in every aspect of life, always the first to embark on new ventures. His goal-oriented and compassionate nature propelled him to make a positive impact in the world around him. Serving in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958, Bob answered the call to duty during a pivotal moment in history—being deployed to Little Rock during the school integration of Central High School. His commitment to duty and principles showcased his bravery and dedication.

Family was at the core of Bob’s heart, and he loved his family deeply. He loved to traverse across his homestead towing the grandchildren and great-grandchildren with his tractor. Most of the grands learned to drive later on that same tractor. His passion for travel, gardening, and flying airplanes were expressions of his adventurous spirit and his appreciation for the beauty of the world. As a HAM Radio operator with the handle K1TU, Bob connected with others across the airwaves, fostering communication and camaraderie with fellow enthusiasts.

Bob’s professional journey was marked by excellence in the field of

computer sciences. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree from the University of Houston, he contributed his skills and knowledge to notable companies such as RCA, United Technologies, Hughes Aircraft, Exxon, Ford Aerospace/Loral, Cisco, and then promoted himself to boss by creating his own company TPSS. His work in this dynamic field showcased his intellectual prowess and commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and led to adventures on an international scale.

As we bid farewell to Bob, we celebrate a life filled with achievement, service, and love. His legacy of courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication to family and community will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. Though he may no longer physically be with us, the memories of his remarkable life will forever be etched in the hearts of those who shared in his journey. Bob Cooney will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were touched by his extraordinary presence.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Catherine Sherman Cooney, and one son, Michael Kintas.

Bob is survived by wife of 36 years, Dorothy Cooney of Wickes; one daughter and son-in-law, Pamella and Charles Pitman of Houston, Texas; two brothers, Mel Cooney of Wolcott, Connecticut and Bernie Cooney of Tewksbury, Massachusetts; two sisters, Marilyn Smith of Brooklyn, Michigan and Elaine LaTulip of Billerica, Massachusetts; five grandchildren, Carrie and Tyler McCord, Sean and Krysten Pitman, Christopher Pitman, Thomas Pitman and Grace Pitman; five great-grandchildren, Stella Pitman, Catherine Pitman, Mae Pitman, Hayden Pitman, Korah McCord and one coming in August 2024; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Mena, Arkansas with Father Joseph Shantiraj as celebrant. Interment will follow at

the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Mena. A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 17, 2023, from 2:00 - 3:00 P.M. and a Vigil/Rosary from 3:00 -4:00 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Sean Pitman, Christopher Pitman, Tyler McCord, Thomas Pitman, Kendall Wilson, and Paul Tadlock. Honorary Pallbearers will be Brian Cooney and Robert White.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Tony John Dutra

Tony John Dutra, 45. of Cove, Arkansas, passed away at his home in Cove on December 17, 2023. Tony was born on May 3, 1978, in Long Beach, California, to Tony Lorenco Dutra and Sandra Lee Longowa Miller. He had a passion for music and when he was younger, he played in a band. His greatest accomplishment was graduating college at University of California Riverside, California, and becoming a pharmacy Technician.

Tony is survived by; his mother, Sandra Lee Miller; two brothers, Gregory Lee Dutra and Cody Floyd McLain and wife Polly; one nephew, Lawson Ray McLain; one niece, Chloe Jane McLain; one aunt, Barbara Filarey and husband Race; cousins, Sarah Filarey and Jason Filarey, along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mena, Arkansas, with Reverend Timothy Hennings officiating. Interment will be at Liberty Cemetery in Boardcamp, Arkansas. There will be a general visitation at Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Gregory Dutra, Cody McLain, Race Filarey, and Steve Golden.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Umpire woman sentenced after fake cancer diagnosis

By Patrick Massey An Umpire woman has pleaded guilty to faking a cancer diagnosis and fraudulently collecting tens of thousands of dollars through a fundraiser held in her benefit.

Nancy Myers, 38, entered the guilty plea on one count of felony theft of property during the Nov. 29 session of the Howard County Circuit Court.

Myers was sentenced to 180 days in jail in addition to a $1,000 fine and five years of restitution.

In addition, individuals who provided donations at the community fundraiser and who can be located will receive restitution. The remainder of the falsely-obtained money will be donated to the Umpire Volunteer Fire Department.

Myers was initially charged Apr. 19 in Howard County. According to the arrest affidavit, beginning in 2021 Myers claimed she was diagnosed with cancer. Numerous people in her community reportedly provided Myers money to assist with medical expenses. A benefit held in June 2022 raised approximately $32,000.

In early 2023, numerous concerned citizens reported they did not believe Myers actually had cancer. The Howard County Sheriff ’s Department opened an investigation and Myers was interviewed.

“During the early stages of the interview Myers stated that she had been diagnosed with cancer and had received several cancer treatments,” according to case information. Myers eventually told investigators she had not been diagnosed with cancer and had not received any chemotherapy treatments, a fact she said she knew before the benefit was held for her cause.

Myers reportedly admitted to still possessing some of the money raised for her but had spent around $10,000 on car payments and other normal expenses.

8 News

December 20, 2023

Pizza 4 Paws a success

By Ethan Nahté

Lifeline Service Dogs of Cove had a fundraiser on Wednesday, Dec. 13, they called Pizza 4 Paws. They began the day selling baked goods in front of Pizza Hut at noon and stayed out there past dark and in the chilly weather.

From 4-8 p.m. Lifeline earned 20% of all purchases made at the Mena Pizza Hut that were accompanied by a special flyer for the event to give them credit. This was the first time the 501 (c) (3) non-profit had done such a fundraiser and they were quite pleased with the results.

Executive director Tina Anderson said, “We raised almost $400 between donations, bake sale and Pizza Hut percentages. That will be matched by our generous sponsor,

who’s matching dollar for dollar all donations until Dec. 31, which brings the total to just under $800.”

Anderson and her volunteers were very grateful for the donations and purchases.

In September, a Facebook post on Lifeline’s site broke down their expenses for food, supplies, operation costs, etc. at $13,101. That does not include the billable hours in the training of the dogs or the people receiving the service dogs.

The organization trains and provides service dogs at no cost to qualified veterans and children with specific medical diagnosis. This includes autism, PTSD, and alert dogs for cardiac, seizure, or diabetic conditions.

You can find out more about the organization at lifelineservicedogs. org/.

MILK continued from page 1 Women’s Center at the Mena Regional Health System building, located at 311 N. Morrow St., Mena, and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If making donations after 5 p.m. or on the weekends, please enter through the hospital’s main entrance. For more information or to schedule a drop off, please call 479-394-6100, ext. 2409 or 6401.

The first facility of its kind in Arkansas, the UAMS Milk Bank helps ensure a ready supply of donor milk for sick and vulnerable infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) around the state, shortening the time it takes for regional hospitals to receive critical milk supplies and improving outcomes for babies.

“We are very excited to be able to partner with the folks at Mena Regional to open a Milk Bank Depot in the area — this builds very important connections between UAMS and the Mena community to support breastfeeding mothers and make donation to the milk bank easier,” said Misty L. Virmani, M.D., executive medical director of the UAMS Milk Bank, associate professor of pediatrics and neonatology and director of breastfeeding medicine at UAMS. “We hope this partnership shows the community and partners in health care all around the state how important breastfeeding is to the health and well-being of both mothers and infants,” she added.

“Supporting breastfeeding women helps reduce the burden of maternal and infant mortality in our state and creates a foundation for a healthier Arkansas. We hope that we can continue to build on this relationship in

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse the future to continue to improve breastfeeding support and help all new mothers meet their breastfeeding goals.”

Previously, Arkansas hospitals relied on donor milk purchased from milk banks in Texas, Michigan, Illinois and Oklahoma, costing more than $1 million a year. In 2021, the Arkansas Legislature passed Act 225 establishing the creation of the milk bank and a special fund to help support the bank.

For information about how to donate milk to the UAMS Milk Bank, please visit uamshealth.com/uamsmilk-bank. To contact the Milk Bank, please call 501-686-5355 or email milkbank@uams.edu.

About Mena Regional Mena Regional hospital, a full-service health system providing inpatient and outpatient services since 1936. Offering a dynamic healthcare team that specializes in individualized patient-centric care. Mena Regional Health System offers a diverse complement of inpatient and outpatient services to the communities of Polk County, Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma.

Inpatient services include: acute care medical/surgical services, a six bed ICU, labor and delivery, a 12 bed geriatric psychiatry unit (Mena Senior Behavioral Health Center) and a 12-bed acute care physical rehabilitation unit (Mena Rehabilitation Center). Outpatient services include; Ouachita Rehabilitation Center, dermatology, cardiology, ophthalmology and urology clinics.

Mena Regional Health System is accredited by the Arkansas State Department of Health and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid.

December 20, 2023 News 9 Pulse Attorney General Griffin honors Arkansas’ Tis the season to drive sober: sober or get pulled over Top Law Enforcement Officers of 2023 Dec. 12,Drive 2023 – It’s hard to have a ways make a plan before heading out THE POLK COUNTY

BENTON – Attorney General Tim Griffin honored law enforcement officers from across Arkansas at the 2023 Officer of the Year Awards luncheon, Tuesday, Dec. 12. At the conclusion of the event, Griffin issued the following statement: “The Officer of the Year Awards honor the bravery, service and unwavering commitment to others that law enforcement officers provide Arkansans every day through their noble and often thankless work.

“This year’s state Officers of the Year are Special Agent Matt Foster and Senior Corporal David Smothers of the Arkansas State Police. These two officers were responsible this year for saving a victim of human trafficking and bringing her trafficker to justice. Their courage, discernment and compassion led to a life being saved from a horrible circumstance.

“Each of our state, regional and county honorees display the very best of law enforcement. All Arkansans are indebted to our police for their steadfast commitment to keeping our communities safe—especially those we honor today who paid the ultimate price this year.

“My office remains committed to supporting and working with Arkansas’s law enforcement community to ensure they can continue to protect and serve our citizens at the highest levels of excellence and professionalism.”

Honorees are officers from each of the state’s 75 counties, five regional winners, one recipient of the Dwayne Yarbrough Distinguished Service Award, four valor tributes (officers who died in the line of duty) and a pair of co-statewide Officers of the Year.

This year’s honorees were: - Statewide Officers of the Year: Special Agent Matt Foster & Se-

-

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nior Corporal David Smothers, Arkansas State Police Northeast Region: Lieutenant Rodney Myers, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Southeast Region: Senior Special Agent Aundrae Mack, Arkansas State Police Southwest Region: Sargeant Dusty Townsend, Hope Police Department Central Region: Sargeant Corey Wilfong, Pine Bluff Police Department Northwest Region: Special Agent Matt Foster & Senior Corporal David Smothers, Arkansas State Police Valor Tributes: Officer Kaylen Jacobs, Earle Police Department Detective James “Mike” Lett, Benton Police Department Detective Paul Daniel Newell, Benton County Sheriff ’s Office Seargent Donald Scoby, Stuttgart Police Department Dwayne Yarbrough Distinguished Service Award: Officer Robyn Shoptaw, Fort Smith Police Department

Polk and surrounding areas: - Howard County: Chief Deputy Joey Davis, Howard County Sheriff ’s Office - Montgomery County: Chief Deputy Mike May, Montgomery County Sheriff ’s Office - Pike County: Lieutenant Jason McDonald, Pike County Sheriff ’s Office - Polk County: Game Warden Chris Crawford, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission - Sevier County: Lieutenant Chad Bradshaw and Deputy Chris Turner, De Queen Police Department

happy holiday when you’re arrested for drunk driving. Keep the season merry and bright by following the law and refusing to drink and drive.

During this busy winter holiday season, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with Arkansas law enforcement to urge drivers to think twice before drinking and driving.

The Arkansas Highway Safety Office wants all drivers to remember this lifesaving message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. From Dec. 13, 2023, through Jan. 1, 2024, drivers will see officers working on a special high-visibility enforcement campaign to get impaired drivers off the road and spread the message about the dangers of drunk driving.

Tragically, December can be a dangerous time for people on the road. During the 2017-2021 December months, there were more than 4,500 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. In December 2021 alone, 1,013 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.

Additionally, male drivers are far more likely to be impacted by drunk driving: In December 2021, male drivers who were alcohol impaired were involved in fatal crashes at a much higher rate (721) compared to female drivers (208).

Overall, young drivers ages 21-34 accounted for the highest percentage (27%) of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes in December 2021. The increased parties and festivities celebrating the season tend to bring out more drunk drivers. Arkansas law enforcement officers want to remind drivers to al-

to a celebration.

Designated drivers are a valuable tool for reducing impaired driving, and can even be the difference between life and death. If you are a designated driver, be sure to stay hydrated with water and other non-alcoholic beverages and actively support other designated drivers. Being a designated driver can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that many people are counting on you to stay sober behind the wheel, particularly other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the roadways.

“Drunk driving isn’t just dangerous, it’s illegal,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “The holidays are a special time of year and it’s our job in state and local law enforcement to keep the highways and local streets safe for everyone. Drivers have a choice to make: Follow the law and respect your fellow drivers by refraining from drunk driving. Or, make the choice to drive drunk, put others at risk, and risk your own mortality and wellbeing. We need a commitment from every driver to keep the roads free of drunk drivers so that everyone can have a safe holiday.”

Remember: A few dollars spent on a sober ride is a lot cheaper than a DWI, which can cost up to $10,000.

Something else to consider: Don’t ever be too proud or embarrassed to ask for a ride. Allowing a sober driver to help you get home safely keeps you and others safe. What’s more embarrassing than drunkenly asking for a sober ride home? Spending the night in jail. Having your car imSee TZD continued on page 23

10 News

December 20, 2023

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Awards presented at VFW's Annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner VFW Post 4451 held their Annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner on Nov. 21. Awards were presented for the VFW's Voice of Democracy and the VFW's Patriot's Pen Contest.

Voice Of Democracy winners: - Rebecca Lynn Bloodworth $600 - Matilda M. Grant $500 - Kaitlynn Nichole Ledbetter $400 Patriot's Pen winners: - Nathan Williamson $300 - Hailey L. Kha $200 - Aubom Andrew Mabry $100

Additional awards were presented for Teacher, Emergency Medical Technician, Fire, and Law Officer Of The Year Awards. A new category for Employer of the Year was added this year.

- Fire: Chaton G. Sharp $100 - EMS: Christy Hattabaugh $10 - Law Officer: Chris B. Crawford $100 - Teacher: James Spradlin $10 - Employer: Skyline Cafe $100

Two of Santa's elves, (above) Deb Carter and Cindi Hernandez, brought some recognition for service, and some Christmas gifts to veterans at The Green House Cottages of Homewood and the veterans at Peachtree to thank them for their service to our country.

Lisa Doughty, president of Women of the Ouachitas (formerly Beta Sigma Phi Preceptor Alpha chapter) recently donated gifts and $700 in gift cards to CASA for their children’s Christmas Angel tree.

Doughty is shown here presenting the gifts and gift cards to Cynthia Martin, Director at CASA of the Ouachita Region.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

December 20, 2023

The Polk County Pulse Presents “What Christmas means to me...”

Christmas Messages written by Polk County second graders:

Christmas 11

Area second graders were asked what Christmas meant to them. Here are their unrevised letters… or as closely as our elves could distinguish. sus’ Birthday. I like Chistmas becuse I Acorn Elementary help my mom decorate the christmas Teacher: Howard Chritmas is The Best because we tree. I like christmas because I like to play get to spend Time with our famle. with my bruther in the snow. Christmas Chritmas is speshll beceus we have is the best.

— Addis Other with our frens and famlee. I like Chritmas Becouse of the snow.

On Christmas all I want is one big hug — Emmy for my mom and don’t forget Jesus.

— Dax Christmas is my fave time of the year, my fave presents, family And I Love Christmas because I get to jesus. I love Jesus. Merry Christmas! spend time with my Grandparents and — Penelope Parnell people that I don’t get to see mutch.

— Aleya Stearman What Chistmas mean to me celebateing Jesus’s Birthday and makeI like Christmas because the king was ing cokkys with my mom and my born. sistirs for Santa and geting to spend — Caleb time with my famly.

— Tanner Davis I Love Christmas and Jesus birthday because being kind is nice.

Dear Christmas to me. Christmas — Ella is speshle Because I and my family celebrate Jesus Birthday. I Love I Love Chrismes. It is the best time ever Christmas and Jesus Birthday.

Because I LOVE The Snow.

— Serenity Mitchell — Abby Christmes is not aobut presents.

Christmas is about Jesus and we thank It is about bringing pepole together Jesus.

We get gifts. We give traditions. and Jesus birthday.

— Caiden — Aviea I like to make cookies. Also I see my family and open presents.

— Aiden What Christmas means to me: Jesus Birthday is on December on Christmas Eve and we celbrate His Birthday and we eat Dinner and we go to church.

— Jaidyn Christmas is a day for Christians.

A time for joy. And a time for love! cookeis and toys and Santa! Christmas is the best time of year!

— Valerie I love Jesus because it’s His birthday. Merry Christmas — Liam I like Christmas because it is Je-

Follow Santa!

12 Christmas Christmas is my faverit time of the year. It’s my birthday and Jesus birthday too. What I like to do is I like to spend time with my family and hanging Christmas lite’s together. time to be greatful.

— Katie I like christmas because I get to spend time with my family and I get to see people that I miss.

— Aleya Christmas is about my family. We do tradishans and we hang ornamins.

— Jayson I Love spiding time with my Famly so much and I Love the, to so I Just want to wish you a merry chismas to my Famly and you!

— Brooklyn

Acorn Elementary Teacher: Willborg I Love Christmas because I get to spend Christmas whith my family merber that’s why I Love Christmas.

— Alanis May What Christmas is to me is love, songs, Heart. Jesus Died For us ON the cross so we shud pray to him! aND I! want to Be SUrOUNDiD By love.

—Phoenix Why I like Christmas I Love Christmas becase it is Jesus birthday. I also get to go to my Nanys house and get a candy cane from her Chrismas tree. The elves apoligize — Lilly What Christmas Means To Me is win

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

December 20, 2023 we git to play Beengo and git To opin presents because it is fun.

— Kyzer

are sins, and showing joy to others, and spending time with others.

— Canyon

I Love Christmas because I can show joy all day. I like to celebrate Christmas cause thats the day whin Jesus was born.

I like Christmas cause I can visit family members.

— Alizabeth

I Love Christmas bikus Christmas is fun and we bake cookes then we open presents and we eat candy.

— Londyn Wilson

I Love Christmas because you visit your family and you get lots of presents.

I love Christmas because you can make snow ice cream with chocolate.

— Aubrey

I Liki chrismes becus I get to be with my femle.

— Laidon I Love Christmas because Jesus died to wash our sins so we could live longir.

— Mason

Christmas means getting presents and hanging aout with my family.

— Ethan

What Christmas is to me is my cousins and my famle and it is Jesus Birthday.

— Ryelynn

I Love Christmas because we get candy and toys. We get to have fun and to celabrate the snow, Jesuses Birthday and to have fun and laph and to open presents and to pray.

— Eli L.

I love christmas because you get to celebrate family mambrs that died. But the most thoing that is importnt is Jesus’s Brthday. and Jesus’s birth. And the most of all is spinding time with family and my baby brother Jesse.

— Maddie

Christmas is the time to celebrate Jesis Birthday.

— Jayson Lyle What Christmas Means to me is I get to see my family and it is Jesus berthday. and we are kind to others.

— Mary Jane

I Like to see my cusins and my family. I Like to get presents. I Like to spend time with my cat.

— Shelby

Christmas is fun. I like Santa Clos.

— Aaron Huff

I Like going to Branson for Christmas.

I Like the lights Because they are pretty.

I like to get presents. I like to spend time with my family.

— Penelope W.

I love Christmas becuase it is Jesus birthday, for him dieing on the cross for

Christmas MeAns having MOM And DAD with me. I Also Like spending time

with my Ant And Cusins.

— Autumn I like Christmas because I get to go see the Chrismas lights by the lake.

— Kai

Cossatot River Elementary Teacher: Speight Christmas is a special time of the year because it’s the time of year for being with family! Christmas is Jesus’s birthday, giving, and opening presents!

— Story Christmas is a special time of the year, celebrating Jesus’s birthday is fun.

Spending time with my family is the best.

Having fun with my family awsome. This is what Christmas means to me.

— Kamden Christmas is a special time of the year.

I think that Santa is cool. Jesus Brthday on Christmas. Jesus has a good day at his Brthday. I like to go to my Popas home to open presits.

— Logan Christmas is a special time of the year!

It is Jesus’s birth and I love him so much.

I miss my Mom and Carl. I hop they hav a grat time.

— Autumn Christmas is a special timf of the year.

Christmas is going to my popos and spending time with my famly and seeing presints under the tree.

— Henry Christmas is a special time of the year.

Christmas means to me too see presents under the tree. Christmas is makeing cookies for Santa with my mom. This is what Christmas means to me.

— Tinley Christmas is a special time of the year.

We celabrate Jesus is birthday. We get to get to see our cousins and open gifts.

This is what Christmas means to me.

What does Christmas mean to yoo?

— Clyde Chrismas is a special time of the year beacuse we can spend time with your

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

famliy and Chrismes is the best holday of the year. This is what Chrismas means to me.

— Allison Christmas is a special time of the year because I love celebrating Jesus’s birthday and I love seeing Santa’s milk gone too! It is the best holiday of the year because I get to see my cousins! This is what Christmas means to me.

— Montse Christmas Is a special time of the year.

We can celebrate Jesus’s birthday. Christmas is a special holiday. I like to make snowman cookies. This is what Christmas means to me. What does Christmas mean to you?

— Keishae Christmas is a special time of the year.

Christmas is the time of year I like to celbrate. I like to sing Christmas carols every year. My favorite part is putting up the Christmas tree. This is what Christmas means to me. What does Christmas mean to you?

— William S. Christmas is a special tome of the year!

It is a celebration with family, waking up and seeing Stanta’s cookies are gone.

It is a celebration Jesus’s bithday, going to my nana’s house, spending time with my family makeing a gigerbread house with my family. Seeing presnts under the Christmas tree.

— Wyatt Christmas is a special time of the year!

Christmas is the best holday of the year

December 20, 2023 to me and I get to see my cousins. I like to go to my poppol’s house. Christmas is a good time to mayk gingerbread houseis. This is what Christmas means to me.

What does Christmas mean to you?

— Brynn Christmas is a speshl time of the year we celbrayt Jesusis brithday. I love to play in snow. It is beder to give gigts thin gite gifts.

—Brayden Christmas is a special time of the year.

Making cookies with my mammaw and pappaw and making cookies for Santa too. I like to celebrating Jesus’s birthday becasus Jesus’s brithday is in Christmas.

— Lakota W. Christmas is a special time of year!

Christmas is a celebration for Jesus’s birthday. It is a celebration with my family and making Ninga bread men with my family this is what Christmas means to me. What does Christmas mean to you?

— Liam W.

Cossatot River Primary Teacher: Sullivan Christmas is a special time of the year.

Christmas is for baking cookies with mom. me and my mom like to baking cookies when it Chrismas and put the cookies on the table. my dad comes to my house so we go to sleep for tommorw. this is what Chrimtmas means to me.

— Eduardo Christmas is a special time of the year.

Christmas means to me bing srounded

by Loved ones. I eat dinner with my fam-

ily at my grandmall house. I like to Bake cookys with my mom.

— Gunner Cristmas is a special time of the year!

Cristmas means to spend time with my family. I love my family. They give me presents on Cristmas eve. Cristmas means a lot to me.

— Makenzie Christmas is a special time of the year!

Christmas means to me spending time with my family we open predents and play with them. We eat bacon and chicken. This is what Christmas mean to me.

What does Christmas mean to you?

— Calvin Christmas is a special time of year!

Christmas means celebrating Jesus birth.

The reason I am celebrating Jesus’ birth is because he is the Lords son. The Lord is the king to me.

— Jessie Christmas is a special time of the year!

Christmas means celebrating with a good

Christmas 13 meal to me. We’ll make cookies and a Cristmas cake. Then we’ll cook green beens, tocoas, salid, and chickin nugits, then we eat. This is what Chistmas means to me. What does Chistmas mean to you?

— Raymond Christmas is a special time of the year!

Christmas means being surround by loved ones. Spending time with loved ones means a lot to me. Baking a good meal that has meat, corn, and mashed potatos is good for Christmas Eve dinner. This is what Christmas means to me.

What does Christmas mean to you?

— Aedan Christmas is a special time of the year!

Christmas means baking cookies with my dad. I like to make Christmas trees and snow mans. My dad helps me roll the dough. We bake the cookies. After the cookies are done, we decratid them.

— Adeline

See Letters continued on page 16

14 Christmas

December 20, 2023

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

December 20, 2023

Christmas 15

16 Christmas

December 20, 2023

THE POLK COUNTY

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LETTERS with my family. First we wait for everyChristmas is celbrating Jesus’s bithday! lighs and do the tree. I love bing with our continued from page 13 one to get there. then when everyone is I get to deckrate the Chrstmas tree with family. This is what Christmas means to

Christmas is a special time of the year!

Christmas means we bake cookies for are family. We put them in the oven. And when they come over we eat the cookies and have a good time. This is what Christmas means to me.

— Christian

there, we cook a little meal. We go home.

Sleep all night . then we open gifts! this is what Christmas means to me. What does Christmas mean to you.

— Isabel

my family. Singing Christmas careoils with my family I love it so much. this is what Christmas means to me What does Chistmas mean to you.

— Kendryck

Christmas is a special time of the year! Christmas means celebrating Jesus’ brirth. At cherch I celebrate Jesus’ brirth. I pray to him. This is what Christmas means to me. What does Christmas mean to you?

— Angel

Cossatot River Primary Teacher: Tena

Christmas is a special time of the year.

We get to eat ginger bred houses. We get to look at all of the lights. We put on all of the lights on the tree. this is what Christmas means to me.

— Ronnie It is to think about Jesus and family. It is also about gitting presis and spending time with your family. It is wondenderfut because we help people. This is what Chritstmas means to me.

— Nick

Christmas is about Jesus’s birth. It was the best thing ever. Spending time with your family is good. Getting to make gigerbread houses with my family and I love it! This is what Christmas means to me. What does Christmas mean to you?

— AJ Christmas is a special of the year!

Christmas is wonderful bekus we have fun. Christmas is getting presents. This is what Christmas means to me.

— Giovanni

Christmas means spending time with my family. We play games together. Next my family and me have a meal for the morning. My family makes cookies. then, we go to sleep for the night and wake up to open presents with each other. This is what Christmas means to me!

— Kailee Christmas is a special time of the year!

Christmas means to me spending time

It is a bout Jeesus buerthday and giving munee to people in need. It is won derful be cause we have fun with our family. This is what Christmas means to me.

What does mean to you?

— Reiner

It means to celebrate about Jesus because he was born on Christmas. I like giveing Santa cookies and milk. I like to watch Christmas movies. This is what Christmas means to me. What dose Christmas mean to you?

— Skyler I like looking at the Christmas lites with my family and it is all about Jesus. I like getting presents from my family and Santa. I like spending time with my family. This is what Chrismas means to me.

What does Chrismas mean to you?

— Javen Christmas is spending time with your family and haveing a best day ever with family. It is all about Jesus like his birthday and it is aslo haveing fun. It is also about being nice to others. This is what Cristmas means to me. What does Christmas mean to you?

— Isabella Christmas is celebrating Jesus’s birthday. I get to spend time with my family.

I get to walk and look at the pretty lights with my family. This is what Christmas means to me. What does Christmas mean to you?

— Xander Christmas is special day because you spend time with your family and is about Jesus. I love Christmas you get to see the

me. What does Christmas mean to you?

— Melissa

Christmas is making ginger bred houses and setting up the Christmas tree while watching Christmas movies. I love to spend time with my family by puting up the Christmas tree. It is about Jesus getting born and celibrating his birthday.

This is what Christmas means to me.

— Maggie It means celebrating the birth of Jesus, puting up my chrishmas tree. eating yummy food. Looking at the christmas lights is wonderful. because we have fun whith our family. sometimes I get to help my meme and papa puting up their christmas tree. This is what christmas means to me.

— Kynlie Christmas is special because I get to spend time with my family and decerat the tree. It is special because we get lots of presins. It is special because we get lots of Toys. This is what Christmas means to me. What does Christmas mean to you?

— Parker Christmas is wonderful because we have fun with our family. It is all about Jesus birthday and he is our father. I get to sing with my baby brother or sister. This is what Christmas means to me. What does Christmas mean to you?

— Genesis

Louise Durham Elementary Teacher: Warren Christmas is spending time with family. Celebrating Gods’ birthday. Making cookies with my mom.

— Piper Christmas is spending time with family. Celebrating Jesus’ and Gods’ birthday.

Making cookies with my family. That is what Christmas means to me!

— Aubrey Christmas is speding time with my family. Christmas is oponing presits from Santa. Christmas is haveing a fun time.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

that is what Christmas means to me!

— Brynleigh Christmas is Making cukese Thet is what Christmas means to me!

— Lilly Ann CHRIStMAS is opeming poreseants thAt is whAt CHRIStMAS MeAns to me.

— Xander Christmas is speending time with my famly Jesus’ Birthdat opening presints. thats what Christmas means to me.

— Zayden ChrIstMas is speding time with fAMily, God’s birthday. Speding time with my cousin that is what CHrIsTMas means to me.

— Tucker Christmas is Selebrating Jesus’ Birthday! And reading the Bible and Toking to Jesus. thats what Christmas means to me!

— Unknown Christmas is selubratug jesus brth and spideg tim with famles. and spideg tim with Mrs. Warren. and helpeg my dad with the lits on crismas ev. ats haw my Christmas is mes to me — Francesca F. Christmas is god’s brthday Love and gifts. that is what CHRISTMAS mense to me.

— Axel Chistmas is playing games and no school. that is what Christmas means to me!

— Dresden Chrismas is celebrating God’s birthday.

Spening time with family. haveing fun.

Christmas means to me — Ruby R. ChristMAS is abult Gods Birthday.

ChristMAS is abult my famly. ChristMAS is abut my pisesits.

— Braxton Christmas is celbrading Jecis brthday with my Famly. that is what Christmas means to me!

— Ellie Christmas is Jesus Chirst was born.

Christmas is famly time. Selbrading the

December 20, 2023 Lords day. That is what Christmas means to me.

— Parker Chritsmas is food to et, parents for kids, and cokkse for Santu. That is what Christmas Means to me.

— Josh ChRISTMAS is spined time with famle and even sum spind the Nite and we get cooes.

— Kennon Christmas is spending time with family.

Makeing cookies with my dad. geting presens. that is what christmas means to me.

— Amelia Christmas Means to me is breeneeng joy and love open gifst from frend’s and famliy Stoockeen’s and happy.

— Eleanor Christmas is… spinding time with my famliy. makeing cookies with my familie.

Puting up a tree, eating cookies, and puting up nutcrackers in my liveing room. puting ChrisTmas deckerashens in my liveing room.

— Sophia

Louise Durham Elementary Teacher: Beck I like to spind time with mom, and at school I love to spind time with Liam, and at Grandma’s house, I play with Thomas and be with the teacher. That is what Christmas means to me.

— Charlie i Like doeng StUFF WiTh my famiLy. decoraTine is my Favorite. I Liuke makine gingerBread houses. That is what Christmas means to me.

— Jace I like to play in the snow with my famliy. I like to make gingerbread houes. My famliy is the best famliy ever. That is what Christmas means to me.

— Winter I Love to play in the snow and spend time with my family and at school I will spend time with friends and open pres-

Christmas 17

ent with my family. I Love family. Thay are the best family I ever had. That is what Chrismas means to me.

— Liam

cookies. I like to go out sid and build a snoman. I like to jump on my trampoline. that is what Christmas means to me.

— Addison

Christmas is fun and exciting. I like playing fun games. I like making cookies with mimi. I like Christmas because I Love my mom and dad. What Christmas mean to me.

— Hayleigh

i like to speND time with my fenly. I like to make cookies with NeNy. i like to upinN presits. That is what ChRisTMAS MeaNs to Me. — Kyleigh

I like makeing ginger bread houesis wth family. I like makeing cookies with family. Christmas is jesus’is birthday. I like decorating a CHristmies tree with family. I like giving presints. I like celebrateing the holiday with family. That is what Christmies means to me.

— Cole I like to make cookies with my mom. I like to play in the snow if have and sometimes I like to go to the stores to see Santa.

Sometime I go ice skateing. We go to vacation. that is what Christmas means to me!

— Carlin I like to have slep ovrs. I like to make

i Like to Be with My FaiMLY. i Love To PLAY MiNCRAFT DURiNG THe HOLiDAY BREAK. i Like to PLAY WiTH LeGOS. i LiKe TO READ Pete THe CAT. THAT is WHAT CHRISTMAS MEAN,S To Me. — Carson G. I like to do scavenger Hunts and play games. I also like building snowmans.

I also like sculpting builds in the snow.

That is what Christmas means to me.

— Hank My favorite time of the year is CHRISTMAS! I like to celebrate Jesus! At my house, ChRISTMAS is all abaoot Jesus!

That is what ChrSTMAS Means to Me. — Liberty

18 Christmas I like to spend time with my flamle. I like helping my mom make hot chlocit.

I like to play in the snow. I like to make cookies for Santa. That is what Christmas means to me.

— Krystal When ther is no school, I like to slep in. I like making gingerbread houses.

I like making cookies with mom. I like making fire plas with dad. That is what Christmas means to me.

— Parker I like Hot Cocw. I like to open presits with my farme. I like the Brake from school. I luv my famele. That is what Christmas means to me.

— Brayden I like haviNg fuN. aND SPendiNg tiMe with Family. Christmas is about Jesus’ birThDay. I love to hang STockiNgs. That is what Christmas MeaNs to Me. — Trayton Christmas means to me is learning about jesus with my family. I like to spend time with my family. I like to make gingerbread houses with my family. I love makeing cookies for Santa with my family.

— Preston ChristMas Means spending time with famile. I Love Makeng a snowman. and hope you are ok. I Drink Hot Chocolate.

It is My favorite. I like to hage the stockings. I like to Make cookies. Christmas is about Jesuses Birthday. I hope you are ok.

— Sofia I love playing in the snow! I love making hot chocolate! I want to spend time

December 20, 2023 whith famlit. I love spending time whith my friends. I love makeing gingerbread houses. I love the holiday because it is fun. That is what Chrismas means to me.

— Maci I like to Make gingerbred whith My Family I lke to decorate the Christmas tree. I like to have snow fight. I like to make snow men whith family and most of all, spind time whith My Family. I am thank full For God he DiDe on the cross For us. That’s what I like to do.

— Mikayla

Louise Durham Elementary Teacher: Auer

Christmas is a time of the year wen we selubrate the brth of Jesus. Christmas is making cookies with famile. Christmas is decrateg the Christmas tree. Christmas is haveg a Christmas porte! That is what Christmas means to me.

— Rose Chirstmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus. Christmas is speeding time with my family. Christmas is makeing ginger bread mans. Christmas is deckorateing the Christmas tree. Wakeing up my mom and my Borthers. Christmas is opening Christmas present’s. Christmas is — Kinsley Mak cooches woch Chrismas movs spid Tim weth my mom and dad Play weTh my beruthrs get cookes and meLk for Santua Spn Time weTh my mom and dad wat is what Chrestmas means to me!

— Jase Christmas is Makinggeiger has. Christmas is spideg tim with my flemle. Christmasis is put cakes and milk for Senae.

Christmasis is opeg pesis with my femle.

Christmas is is I lik to eteg. Christmasis is deolade the chee. Christmasis is sebag Jesis brathay. That is what Christmas means to me.

— Lila Clirgpres Tme Jesis. Spendpim with my elaf. Putd the Angl. That is what Christmas means to me.

— Marynell Christmas is celedrating the birth of Jesus Christmas is famliy Christmas is haveing fun Christmas is be cool Christmas is making cookies Christmas is making dog cookies Christmas is that is what Christmas means to me!

— Rilyn Christmas is seeing my famale open prasents haveing fun wheth famales my famaley having fun! Santa coming thats what cristmasis mens to me — Bradley Chritmas is celerating teeb of Jesus Chritmas is opening preasent Chritmas is spending time with my family Chritmas is decoroting the CHritmas tree Chritmas is baking cookies for Santa Chritmas is I love preasent Chritmas is I love my family That is what Christmas means to me.

— Reizley Ma King geiger has. Mak cooces and micl. crismis chre. My mom sade I cood go to the norpoe howday. I im on my crismis brace. hochoclit. having prizes. having fun. Thats what christmas means to me.

— Braxlee Christmas is celebrating the birth of baby Jesus. Christmas is geting with family. Christmas is decorating a tree. Christmas is cookies and milk under a blanket and watching T.V. That is what Christmas means to me.

— Love, Sophia Christmas is celebrating the brth of Jesus. Christmas is spending time with my family. Christmas is goeing to the Chrismas prad with my sis. Christmas is baking cookies for Christmas is Santa. That what Christmas means to me.

— Layken

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Christmas is spending time with my famla making gingerbread hoases baking cookies far Santa making kres. Plas with my now tows not Goweg to school spin tim with my mom spin time with my dad spin thim with my Addison spinthim withn my famley — Serenity Celebrating the of Jes. baking cookes. turkei and mashed potetes on Chhristmas Dog. Spendng time w the my faml.

That is what Christmas means to me.

— Alek Christmas is spending. Christmas is seend famliys I haved not seen in a loing time. Christmas is baing cookies wif famliy for Santa. not gitin code!!! that is what Christmas means to me.

— Raelynn is amsuneng. hte bast holda. Fun. it is so Fun to opin prosts. My Favrit. macs me happe. i luv it. that wat mens to me.

— Kross Jesus has brthday. Feame. Pst doesge the gidee marcfo mrch win it is not riee in the moreg seel eeg 2 ceez ad upas it razncez.

That is what Christmas means to me.

— Heath Spending time with my family. baby jesus Birthday on dec 25. Opening present. Opening Claus present. Spending time with my Elfs. not going to school. get what I want. geting too open present from my family. Seeing people in forever.

I get to see frends. That what Christmas meas to me.

— Sam Christmtmas is Pop Pop and ne nae.

Old meigh my mate. Hteigh opnin presis making cookies with Nana baseigh sign Chistmas songs. that is what Chistmas means to me.

— Gregory Opneing presis going out with my frnds makeing coockes Woching move That is what Christmas means to me.

— Elias Christas is thanck jeessis. Christas is Senta! Christas is femily and frens.

Christas is baking cook with mGemee

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and moma and yaya. Christas is heping femily. Christas is luving mom and dad.

That is what Chrstmas means to me.

— Delylah Waking up early to see Sant on Chrismas night Playing with my dog and my cat and my snak Opening presents on Chrismas morning That is what Christmas means to me.

—Jarret

Louise Durham Elementary Teacher: Trammell

Christmas is something happy for evryone like girls or boby grils or boby boys or boys or moms and dad. Christmas is sohtening for evreyone. Christmas is the birthday of jesus. Christmas is something beautiful. Christmas is Santa gigving presents. Christmas is weniris snowing. Christmas is Sainta giving candy.

— Arlyn Christmas is celebrating Jesus birthday.

Christmas is opening presens. Christmas is hoping to see Duke my dog.

— Sophi Is we docroate a Christmas tree whith lits ornments and a brit star to repsent Jesus mare and Joseuof and spinding time whith famliy and opening presents seeing your elf and that is why I Love chrismas.

— Zavery Christmas is having a party. Sleding Behind a 4 wheeler. Santa breene gifs to kids.

— Wyatt

December 20, 2023 Christmas is opening presents.

— Rosalie Spnd time wif mi family. I opin presents and Jesus birth.

— Jay

spending time with My familly Chrimas Means to Me present’s Chimas Mean to me Joy Chimas Mean’s to Me Chimas is Jolly and Chimas is fun and Jolly Chrimas Mean’s to me Joy. — Kye

Playing games wih my family baking cookies for Santa. playing with snowballs outside, visting family like my pawpaw ohyng farm.

— Lanoron

Making Ninja bread man with my faimley. Jesus birth. Seeing your elf, presents, whatching Christmas movies, caring and faimley.

— Knox

Santa deliver presents we open presents together We Eat dinner. We watch tv.

— Jett

Christmas is a time to see your family.

It is a time to celaBraTe Jesus’ Birth.

— Riley Wayne

Christmas is about spending time with your famly. Christmas is about being Happy. Christmas is about opening presins to gether. Chistmas is about going to my famlys homs.

— Alaina

it means Jesus birth. it is about spending time with famle. ti is a good time to baeck cookes. it is perfict for trees. it is good for decerashans.

— Mila

Celdbrating Jesus birth. Spending time with your faimly. Makeing cookies with your dad opening presents. to haved fun time decrateing the Chistmas tree. for Santa Claus to give presents to peeple.

— Brook S Christmas means giving toys. Christmas to me being with family.

— Ava It is inging with my Mom and dad. I making koockes wiTh Mom I open gifts with my mom I open The presents after Christmas eve.

— Desean

is spening time with family/ Jesus birth, Santa bringing presents. Seeing an elf. Opening presents. Drekering the tree.

Have joy.

— Ebb

Christmas means Santa bringing presents. It means spending time with family and singing Christmas songs. Christmas is celebrating Jesus’ birthay at church. It means playing outside in the snow. That’s what Christmas means to me.

— Owen

Eating cookies with your famliy/ haveing fun try to catch Santa/ Haveing peple over. celebrate geazes brithday. Have fun with the snow.

— Cason

Cristmas is, spending time with family, Cristmas presents, Jesus’s birth, making cooies, playing with cousins, decorating the tree, opening presents.

— Bode

Christmas is spending time with family and drend’s. Christmas is Jesus birth

Chrimas Means to Me spending time will My Frend’s Chrimas Mean’s to me

Louise Durham Elementary Teacher: Redfearn Christmas means to me celebrating jesus birday. Christmas means to me spending time with my family. That is what Christmas means to me.

— Lilly Christmas is about spending time with famly. Christmas is about makeing cokies with ganddady. That is What Christmas means to me.

— Maddie Cristmas means to me cellebrat Jesus is birth day. Makeing geinger bred housis also Cristmas means to me spending time with my famlly. Thatouhat Cristmas means to me.

— Annabel Christmas is fun. Christmas is food.

Christmas is MOM and DAD. Thet is wut Christmas meze to my.

— Gus What Christmas to mme is going to the parad and taken down the Christmas tree. That what Christmas means to me.

— Weston What my faverit things to do is to get to open one present on Christmas eve

Christmas 19 and spending time with my family. That is what Christmas means to me.

— Hadley Christmas means to me celabrating Jesus birthday. Christmas means to me spending time with my femil That is what Christmas means to me.

— Jaydon Christmas means to me cebading Jeses Birtday and seeing my dad. That is what Christmas means to me.

— Ember Christmas is a time to selabrate Jesuses brthDay. and Santa is ril. Do you bleven Santa. I do and I hope you have a wanderfle Christmas. Mary Christmas!

— Lyla Christmas is seeing my friends and faimly and giving faimly their presents to be respectful and hope my faimly will let me go to the park. That is what Christmas means to me.

— Cutter Christmas means to me is I will friends my hoos and I get to go to play at the park. Christmas means to me.

— Braydon T. Christmas is playing with my friends and eating good foods! My family and being good That is what Christmas means to me.

— Zander

20 Christmas Christmas means to me Christmas is giving presents. Christmas is building snowmans. Christmas is seeing the elfs.

Christmas is spending time with family.

Christmas is making gingerbreads. Thats is what Christmas means to me.

— Makenzie Christmas is Elf hunting and celebrating Christmas and geting presents from Santa Klas. Christmas means to me.

— William Christma mens macen ginger bred hawsis. Chrismas means opening presens. Chrismast means spending time with my famile. Chrism mens bildeing snow man. That is wut Christmas mens to me.

— Autumn Christmas is spinding time with famle.

Christmas is selabrat Jesus berthday. That is wat Chrismas means to me.

— Rafaella What Chritmas means to me is Jesus Birth day and Haven fun. Christmas is making cuoces for Santa, play gams, and spendid time with family. Christmas is ginge bred houss and that is what Christmas means to me.

— Emmery Christmas is makeing cookies and spenDing time with your familys. It is makeing gifts and playing games and haveing fun. It is building igloos and seeing the elFs. That is what CHristMAS means to me.

— Sawyer We all love to celebrating Jesus birthday and having fun eating goo yummy food and making ginger bread house I Love Christmas eve.

— Kayla

December 20, 2023 Opnein presnt with My famule. I like dreing hot tlocLit with my famule. I like macenge Jinjrbred hawsis with my famuley. Selabradeng gesusis Brthday. That is wut Christmas Mins abawt my.

— Reese Christmas is my tooLBag whith the tools in it. Christmas is the Christmas wraping color. Christmas is the car that has flashing lites with a track the tint that is blue. that is what Christmas means to me.

— Xavier B

Louise Durham Elementary Teacher: Mendoza What Christmas means to me when I unwrap presents with my family and my grandparents.

— Zoe What Christmas means to me. Making cookieng my NaNa and papa. Going to texa and open spesent with family in Texas opening spenent and playing with your toy geting toy’s in your stokeng.

— Zaydyn What Chsitmas Means to Me. Chistmas is a time to spend with your family and your friends and to have fun. your family always treats you well. I hope you have a nice Chistmas!

— Jaxon What Christmas Means to me is Geting Present’s From Santa. Giveing cookies For Santa. Dekerating the Christmas tree.

— Avonley What Christmas to me. The birth of Jesus. Elf on the Shelf. Time Spent with family. Enjoying CHRiStMaS liGHts. Baking cooking. Deckering the Christmas tEEE. Making gifts.

— Myla The prest and family. We watch movies. The elF. I eat CHRitstMAS Cookies.

— Gunner What Christmas means t thanks for lights preesents I Love the Cristmas tree and the

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

lights at the park. I Like to bake delish cookies for Santa.

— Kamryn

What christmas means to me spending time with my family and playing chess.

— Vincent

What Christmas means to me Christmas is happy to because I get Christmas presents I like to try to catch Santa and elf on the shelf. And I Like Visiting my family and making gifts.

— Maci What Christmas means to my is celebrating Jesus’s birthday on Christmas and on hcristmas I get to go to my anuts first to open my presents.

— Quinten

What Christmas means to me opening presents with my famly and plaing with my Brothrs and making cokes Seeing My DaDy I Love you so so so so so so so so so so so mutch — Kylie What Christmas means Jesus Birth.

Making gifts. Time SPEnt whit my family. and watching Christmas moives.

— Hannah

What Christmas means to me it means like we will get to gether and make snow angls and celerate with my family We open gifts and give gifts to each other We celeprate jesus’s Bithday also spending time with my mom and dad — Love, Bailey What Christmas Mean to me celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ and helping dad and makeing cookies and helping morgan and listening.

— Annaleigh What Christmas Means to Me that it is Got’s birthay and I get to see my family and I get to celebrate Christmas and it’s really fun. I love to open presents.

I love love that every yery I get a bike!

— Izzy What christmas means to me making cookies with my mom. I put my elf no the shelf on my tree. I try to catch Santa. Giving preesents. Making presensts.

Enjoying Christmas. The birth of Jesus.

— Lela What Christmas Menas to Me… to spend time with family. to celeberate jesus’s birth/birthday. It also means to bake and decorate cookies.

— Alyssa

What Chrismas to me. A Chrismas tree. and lights. and haveng fun. and opening presents.

— Daxen What Christmas means to me. I like christmas because of the ginger bread man most importantly the elf on the shelf and Santa.

— Tucker What Christmas means to me to be whif my frix and femle. To seubrat jeesis Brthday. to put the cukes udr the christmas. to thiy to ceth Santa.

— Love, Lilly

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December 20, 2023

Community 21

Around Town The Polk County Housing Authority will be closed Monday, Dec. 25, and Tuesday, Dec. 26, in observance of Christmas.

Come enjoy bee education, door prizes and socialization with other beekeepers.

Call president Tommy Payne at (903) 521-4611 for details.

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.

Firewood at Tony’s sawmill in Hatfield has free firewood for veterans and the elderly while supplies last, and they load it: Pine, green and seasoned bundles. Good for fire pit.

Hardwood, $20 a bundle, green and seasoned. (479) 434-7223

Humane Society of the Ouachitas will not hold a meeting in December due to the Christmas holiday.

The next monthly meeting will be Jan. 18, 2024. Merry Christmas to all!

First United Methodist Church congregation invites you to their Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 501 Ninth St., Mena, at 6 p.m., Dec. 24. Come worship with them.

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.

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

The Ouachita Beekeepers Association is now meeting on the second Thursday of the month, 6 p.m. in the Education Building of the UA Extension Office, 211 DeQueen St., Mena.

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.

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.

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.

The Hatfield Branch Library is open every Tuesday and Friday from noon-4 p.m. The library is located at 121 Cemetery Rd. (old Agri building) in Hatfield.

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) 3852373.

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.

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!

22 Puzzles

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ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 12.13.23

A Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Do you have room in your heart and home for a shelter pet?

Meet LOUISE!

Hello, I'm Louise. I've got an independent streak a mile wide, and I'm not afraid to show it. I prefer to keep to myself, tucked away in a cozy corner, observing the world from a distance. I'm a bit of an introvert, you see. But don't mistake my quiet demeanor for disinterest.

I've got sass to spare, and I'm not shy about expressing my opinions. I might not be the first to greet you at the door, but give me time. I promise, I'm worth the wait. Adopt me, and you'll have a loyal, sassy companion who will keep you on your toes.

All animals at HSO are current on their vaccinations and will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption.

If not already spayed/neutered, there may be a short delay between when you select this pet and when they are ready to go home.

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

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December 20, 2023

- CLASSIFIEDS - SERVICES -

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

T1227 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 T1227 Tree services, forestry mulching, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for free estimate.

T0103 Handyman Service - Electrical and plumbing. Prefer small jobs. For more details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204.

T1220 Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries.

(870) 490-1191 T1227 Construction, steel buildings, welding, pads, ponds, and roads. Military discounts.

Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976.

T0103 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 T1227 A to Z mobile handyman services. Licensed/certified in Arkansas/Oklahoma/Texas. Offering everything from brush cleaning, plumbing, electrical, light remodeling, hanging/removing Christmas lights and more. Free quotes available. Inquire at (940) 597-4171 T0103

- HOMES FOR SALE 1994 Mobile Home, 1216 sq. ft. 3 bed/2 bath $55,000. Jolly Hollow Mobile Home Park.

For sale by owner. (479) 216-6153 T1220

- PETS FOR SALE -

For sale - AKC English Bulldog puppy, female, standard colors, and ready for her new home. Facebook Arklatex Bulldogs to see this beauty. Call (870) 642-3104 for more information.

TFN

$$$$$

- FOR SALE -

Nice gun cabinet, wood with glass door and lower cabinet, 74” tall, great Christmas gift $150. (479) 243-0405 T1227 4x5 bales of hay for sale. Pick up only. In Ink area/community Call (479) 216-0155 T1227

- BUSINESS -

Gifts! Unique, handmade with love by local artists - an entire store full. Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena St., extra opendays/hours: Tues 11–2. Wed–Sat 10-3, Sun 1-4, Thu 10-7.

(479) 394-3880 T1220

- HELP WANTED 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.

T0110 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 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 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

Classifieds 23

Request to close Umpire campus is denied by State Board

The Arkansas State Board of Education on Friday, Dec. 15, denied a petition by the Cossatot River School District (CRSD) to close its kindergarten-12th grade campus in Umpire.

The State Board became the decision maker on the fate of the isolated, 92-student campus after the Cossatot River School Board voted 4-2 in October to close it. That was short by the unanimous vote that’s required by state law for closing a campus that’s designated as isolated. As a result of the divided vote, CRSD appealed — as allowed by law — to the State Board of Education for a decision.

Cossatot River Superintendent Tyler Boyles told the State Board Friday that closing the Umpire campus would not only save the district money, but it would also provide greater learning opportunities for Umpire students who would be assigned to other schools, including single-grade elementary classrooms, more classes taught in person rather than online, more academic se-

lections, and more extracurricular activities.

In the ruling Friday to deny the closure, State Board member Jeff Wood of Little Rock said the Umpire campus has a state-applied B letter grade for student achievement and growth. Given the academic success of the Umpire students, Wood said that it would be a travesty if this community lost its schools. Wood added that Umpire should be a model on how to deliver high-quality education in rural communities.

Board member Anne Keener of Little Rock agreed, saying the petition to close Umpire seemed to be premature and was submitted before all other options were considered.

Umpire was once an independent school district but consolidated with Wickes in 2004 when consolidation was required by state law for districts with fewer than 350 students. Wickes, Umpire, and the Van-Cove districts combined in 2010 to form the Cossatot River School District.

TZD continued from page 15 pounded. Losing your job. Take your pick or choose to drive sober.

The Arkansas Highway Safety Office recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving: It’s never okay to drink and drive.

Even if you’ve had one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get to your destination safely. Plan a safe way home before you leave.

If you’ve been drinking, call a taxi, ride-share service or a designated driver to drive you home.

If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 9-1-1.

If you know someone who is about

to drive or operate a motorcycle or any other vehicle while impaired, help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.

Always buckle up. Your seat belt is your best defense against a drunk driver.

For more information about the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement period, visit nhtsa.gov/ risky-driving/drunk-driving/ or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at 501-618-8136. Also learn more about Arkansas’ ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit TZDArkansas.org/ or follow TZD Arkansas on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (X).

24 Police

December 11, 2023 An incident near Cove led to the arrest of Jacob Rowe, 26, of Mena on a Body Attachment and Latonia Siler, 20, of Mena on four charges of Possession of Methamphetamine or Cocaine and four charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Dare Garrison, 29, of Mena was arrested on four Failure to Appear Warrants.

Deputies responded to a report of a structure fire on Polk 15 near Vandervoort.

Deputies responded to a residence on Hwy 375 E near Mena in reference to an unattended death.

December 12, 2023 Larry Bowren, 70, of Horatio was arrested on a warrant for Rape and 2nd Degree Sexual Assault.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 49 near Mena in reference to a physical domestic dispute.

Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies responded to a structure fire on Kings Lane near Acorn.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to harassment.

December 13, 2023 Jackie Craddock, 29, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for Disorderly Conduct, 2nd Degree Criminal Mischief, four counts of 2nd Degree En-

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December 20, 2023

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

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S LOG

THE POLK COUNTY

dangering the Welfare of a Minor, and Rape.

Deputies were dispatched to a vehicle fire at a residence on Polk 38 near Hatfield.

December 14, 2023 Hana Hunter, 28, of Mena was arrested on charges of 3rd Degree Battery.

Ava Dixon, 29, of Gillham was arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department on a charge of Violation of a No Contact Order and warrants for Probation Violation and a Body Attachment.

Deputies responded to a report of a theft from a residence on Polk 35 near Hatfield.

December 15, 2023 Matthew Hackworth, 38, of Mena was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Charles Duff, 36, of Mena was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 238 near Mena in reference to a physical domestic disturbance leading to the arrest of Justin Petsch, 38, of Mena on charges of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery, Public Intoxication, and Disorderly Conduct.

Deputies were dispatched to a vehicle accident near Polk 50 near Mena leading to the arrest of Jack Klaus Jr., 65, of Bedford, TX on a charge of DWI. December 16, 2023 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Treasure Lane near Acorn in reference to a physical altercation.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 18 near Vandervoort in reference to a dog killing livestock and

a trespasser.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 30 near Hatfield in reference to harassment. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

December 17, 2023 Deputies were dispatched to a report of an unattended death at a residence on Polk 18 near Vandervoort.

Polk County Sheriff ’s Office worked 6 vehicle accidents this week.

MENA POLICE REPORTS December 10 Lawrence Day, 40, was charged with DWI, Careless Driving, and Driving Left of Center after a traffic stop on Texas Street.

James Lane, 44, was charged with Driving on a Suspended License, No Liability Insurance, and served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

A report of Criminal Trespass and Criminal Mischief was taken on Morrow Street.

Robert Owens, 46, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Bethesda Road.

December 11 Jeremy Mckinney, 47, was served with warrants at the county jail.

December 12 A search warrant was served at a residence on 11th Street. Thomas Adams, 54, was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia,

and Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms. Vickie Ramirez, 46, was served with warrants.

A report of breaking or entering was taken at a residence on Church Avenue.

December 13 A report of criminal trespass was taken from Walmart.

Linda Denton, 73, was charged with Theft at Walmart.

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

Country Hendershot, 33, was served with a warrant at a residence on Smith Street.

December 14 Officers attempted to make a traffic stop on 1st Street. The vehicle eventually stopped at a residence on Highland Drive. Robert Jones, 39, was charged with Fleeing in a Vehicle and Possession of Methamphetamine. Joy Reed, 35, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Dalton Sanders, 22, was charged with Domestic Battery, Endangering the Welfare of a Minor, and Interfering with Emergency Communication after a disturbance call to a residence on Reeves Avenue.

December 15 No report.

December 16 Curtis Parnell, 39, was charged with Domestic Battery and served with a warrant after at a residence on Hamilton Avenue.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

December 20, 2023

DKG’s Alpha Kappa Chapter treats Polk County teachers and staff

At the December meeting of the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International,

are former or current educators, and our organization is education focused.

(l-r) President Mysti Gates, Beverly Higgins, Era Looney, Kathy Adams, Paulette Crawford, Judy Newcomb, and Cynthia Henderson (Submitted photo)

members prepared holiday snack platters for teachers and staff employed by Polk County schools.

According to president Mysti Gates, Alpha Kappa wanted to express appreciation to the schools for their efforts in teaching Polk County students.

Gates stated, “All DKG members

Education 25

Acorn FCCLA hosts area schools

Submitted by Mindy Lyle

Acorn FCCLA hosted five area schools on Nov. 8 for their FCCLA Leadership Blast Off! One hundred fifty FCCLA members and their advisers from Acorn, Caddo Hills, Cossatot River, Mena Middle, Mena High, and Waldron came together to work on the Cakes for CASA community service project.

State FCCLA First Vice President Colten Quebedeaux from Lake Hamilton High School spoke on being a student leader, improving your public speaking skills, and teamwork.

Chapters were challenged to bring items for the community service project, Cakes for CASA. The project was developed by Acorn FCCLA to provide

birthday cake kits for children in the local foster care system. Our local CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) serves Polk, Sevier, and Montgomery counties.

The school that brought the most items for the project was Mena FCCLA. They were awarded the Acorn FCCLA Community Service award. In total, all chapters brought 1,390 items. The chapters worked together to assemble 175 birthday cake kits.

Mena Mayor Seth Smith and CASA representative Amanda Baker were in attendance. Baker spoke to the members about what CASA does for our local children and how these kits will have an impact.

Union Bank of Mena provided a hot dog lunch for all those in attendance.

“Be on the lookout for our annual scholarship this spring. Scholarships are awarded to female students pursuing an education related to the teaching profession. The deadline to apply is March 1st.”

For more information about DKG, visit dkg.org.

Members of six FCCLA schools met on Nov. for the FCCLA Leadership Blast Off! Part of the event involved a community service project, Cakes for CASA, which will benefit foster children in Polk, Sevier and Montgomery counties. (Photo courtesy of Ouachita River School District)

26 Faith

By Richie Lawry

The six-year-old boy stood shyly in line with the other boys and girls. It was his first Christmastime in the big city of Denver, and everything seemed exciting, wonderful, and a little bit scary. It had only been a short time since he, his mom, and his little sister moved from his grandparents’ house on the plains of eastern Colorado to live with his daddy, who had found work in Denver.

The little family lived in a motel room as Daddy struggled to save enough money to find a proper house for them to live in. At 6 years old and having grown up during the Depression, Duane knew that there was not much money for Christmas presents that year. But as he stood in line waiting to see Santa Claus, he knew what he would ask for. He wanted an electric train set. It was all he could think about. He spent hours imagining his train chugging around the track.

When it was his turn to see Santa, Duane timidly walked forward and sat on Santa’s lap. When Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas, Duane answered, “I want an electric train set.” After a moment of hesitation, Duane continued, “But I know that my Daddy can’t afford one, so a wind-up train would be okay.”

As they drove home, Daddy decided that no matter what happened, there would be an electric train under the tree. On Christmas Eve, Daddy set up the electric train in the little room after the kids were in bed. When morning came, he started the little train chugging around the tracks, blew the train whistle, and yelled, “Merry Christmas.”

That Christmas morning of 1940 is still a precious memory for Duane, even though he is now nearly 90 years old. From that Christmas morning until this day, the electric train has been one of his most prized possessions.

When his children and grandchildren were growing up, they had fond

THE POLK COUNTY

December 20, 2023

An Arkie’s Faith The electric train

Duane’s train from 1940 in its original box.

memories of the little antique electric train running around the Christmas tree. The train was part of the family’s Christmas tradition.

Today, before writing this story, I called Duane to ensure I had the details correct. I asked him if he still put the train under the tree, and he told me it had been several years since the train had made its Christmas appearance. The family has gotten so large with grandkids and great-grandkids that there isn’t enough room in his small house. But as I was on the phone with him, he got his train out and sent me a photo. The top of the original box is no longer there, but the train is still in good condition in its original box.

When Duane’s daddy heard him ask Santa for an electric train all those years ago, I don’t imagine that he could have had any idea of the impact his decision to buy Duane an electric train for Christmas would have. For every Christmas for 80 years, his love for his son has been on display every

(Photo by Wanda Ready)

Christmas.

The Bible tells us that “every good act of giving and every perfect gift are from above, coming down from the Father of all light.” James 1:17 (NCB) Even though I understand that Christmas has become very commercialized, giving gifts is a way to become more like God, the ultimate gift giver. I know the danger of celebrating Christmas with cultural trappings and commercial glitz. But giving good gifts is a way we honor God, the giver of gifts.

Amy Carmichael, who spent her life as a Christian missionary in India, wrote, “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.”

When you select Christmas gifts this year, make sure that love is the overriding reason for your gifts. The miracle of giving is that it ripples. Your one small gesture can affect hundreds.

The smallest gift given with love and compassion is priceless.

God is the very best gift giver. His love is an extravagant gift to us. God

Joke of the Week:

Odorless candles don’t make any scents.

Pulse promises us a gift more incredible than we can imagine or ask for. 2 Corinthians 9:15 (VOICE) describes Jesus this way; “Praise God for this incredible, unbelievable, indescribable gift!”

With the gift of Jesus and all the other large and small ways we are blessed in this life, God wants to instill in us reciprocal generosity. All we are, all we have, is a gift from God. He is our Provider, Sustainer, Creator, and Good Father. Gift-giving allows us to keep the circle of generosity flowing to people God has placed in our lives.

Gentle Reader, I know you have given good gifts at Christmastime.

Jesus knows that, too. In Matthew 7:7-11 (VOICE), Jesus said, “Just ask and it will be given to you; seek after it and you will find. Continue to knock and the door will be opened for you.

All who ask receive. Those who seek, find what they seek. And he who knocks, will have the door opened.

Think of it this way: if your son asked you for bread, would you give him a stone? Of course not—you would give him a loaf of bread. If your son asked for a fish, would you give him a snake? No, to be sure, you would give him a fish—the best fish you could find. So if you, who are sinful, know how to give your children good gifts, how much more so does your Father in heaven, who is perfect, know how to give great gifts to His children!”

God is the ultimate giver of good gifts. No matter how fantastic the best gift you open this Christmas is, it can’t compare to the gift of Jesus we celebrate at Christmas. In Romans 6:23 (KJV), the Bible tells us, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

God has given you the best gift ever; how will you reciprocate? Who could you bless this Christmastime with your time or attention, with a gift, large or small? Find a way to be a gift to someone today.

Replacing windshields in Polk County for over 40 years.

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

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

December 20, 2023

Sports 27

Former Razorback and Cardinals catcher to be special Bucks guest

By Ethan Nahté

Basketball

12/21 - Acorn @ Mansfield

Basketball

12/22 - Umpire @ Foreman

Basketball

12/20 - Mt. Ida vs. Foreman

The UARM Bucks baseball are having their First Pitch Banquet, and they’re bringing a three-time Gold Glove Award winner off the bench for the event.

Tom Pagnozzi is an Arkansas Razorback baseball alumnus. He then moved on to play for the St. Louis Cardinals in ‘87, spending his entire MLB career as a catcher for the Cardinals until August 1998. He won the Gold Glove in 1991, 1992 and 1994. He was also selected for the 1992 All-Star team. He also placed within the top five in Cardinals franchise history in catcher defensive categories.

Pagnozzi’s career stats: .253 AVG, 44 homeruns, 320 RBIs and a .658 OPS. He will be the special guest at the banquet to help support Bucks baseball, and guests are invited to “hang around” afterwards for autographs.

Although the event is not until Jan. 20, the deadline for table and ticket reservations is Jan. 12. Tables are $100, a table plus eight tickets is $250, and individual tickets are $25.

The event will take place at the Ouachita Center on the UARM campus, 5 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 20.

To purchase tickets and tables call Yanel at 479-394-7622 ext. 1210 to pay by cash or check; scan the QR code to pay by credit card.

For more information, contact Jerod McCormick at jmccormick@ uarichmountain.edu or 479-3947622 ext. 1430.

The First Pitch Banquet is sponsored by Aleshire Electric.

28

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

December 20, 2023

Wishing you a

MERRY

600 Hwy 71 South | Mena 479-394-3552 | www.ffb1.com | @FFBank1 Member FDIC