The Polk County Pulse - February 7, 2024

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FEBRUARY 7, 2024

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1 0 5 . 3 T H E M O U N TA I N

Our patients come first at Mena Regional Health System

INSIDE:

By Ethan Nahté (Part 2 of 2)

In the Jan. 31 edition of The Pulse Michael Wood, the official new CEO of Mena Regional Health System (MRHS), spoke a little of his history and things that are happening at MRHS, including approval by the Arkansas Legislative Council for $2.7 million grant from federal America Rescue Plan funds.

Wood also spoke about the conversion from being a prospective payment system (PPS) hospital to a critical access hospital (CAH).

We left off with Wood saying that MRHS will be losing 20 beds. What See MRHS continued on page 12

ABF Trail Marathon

Page 2

Wagner Promoted

Page 15

Gentry Schools hires Cossatot’s Broyles to be next superintendent

By Patrick Massey

Special Olympics

Page 21

WICKES – The Cossatot River School District will soon be looking for a new superintendent.

Last week, the Gentry School Board voted unanimously to hire Dr. Tyler Broyles as its new superintendent.

Broyles currently serves as the superintendent for Cossatot River School District. He’s served in that role since 2021.

During his time with Cossatot River, Broyles oversaw the completion of

an ongoing project to construct new sports fields at Cossatot River High School. He also spearheaded an expanded communications system for students and family members, helped launch a new football program and focused on bringing a vision of unity to the separate campuses which make up the district.

Broyles also led a recommendation to close the Umpire campus due to financial concerns and declining enrollment. However, the 3-2 decision by the

Cossatot River School Board to close the Umpire campus was overturned by the State Board of Education in December.

Broyles obtained his doctorate in 2023 and holds degrees in business and law. He is also a licensed attorney in Arkansas. As an educator, he previously taught math and history.

He will officially take over as superintendent of the Gentry School District on July 1. The current superintendent is reportedly stepping down from the position due to health reasons.

2 News

February 7, 2024

South African native breaks women’s course record

By Ethan Nahté The Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon results are in, and a new course record was set for the women’s division.

The morning started out gloomy and extremely chilly, although the runners, many of them wearing shorts, warmed up soon enough while the volunteers were probably feeling the cold a bit more despite having coats and layers of clothing.

Stacey Shaver-Matson, ABF director and Arkansas Ultra Running Association (AURA) president, said “When you are running one warms up very fast. Our rule of thumb for trail running is to dress for 20 degrees warmer than the forecasted temps. I think it is always the volunteers who suffer the most because they aren’t able to move much. Warming tents make volunteering in the cold tolerable and actually enjoyable.”

2024 marked the 25th year of the full ABF marathon and 26th for the event.

In 2015 an alternate route had to be ran due to flooding as the nearby Little Missouri River flooded, reaching approximately 15 feet in depth. A total of 179 runners finished between the two races, and 12 plus one dog Holly, owned by George Peterka, ran a shorter out-and-back distance.

“Holly is very well-known in the Arkansas trail scene. Her dad is at every race either running or volunteering,” Shaver-Matson said.

Shaver-Matson said, “The finish line was such a joyful place with cheers for every runner coming in. The men’s finish was fun to watch as Daniel Evans and Matt Pruitt came speeding down Hwy 8. Daniel finished first with Matt less than a minute behind.”

That was in the 26-Mile Marathon, which had 91 finishers.

Daniel Evans placed first for the men with a time of 4:27:00 (hours:minutes:seconds) with Pruitt attempting to close on him.

“Chantel Pennicott’s finish also invoked much excitement,” Shaver-Matson said. “She broke Zoe Rom’s female course record with a time of 4:56:00!”

Rom set the record in 2021 with a time of 4:58:11.

“Chantel is originally from South Africa but currently lives in Farmington, Arkansas,” Shaver-Matson said. “She is a member of AURA. She is a strong

runner, and I don’t think her record will be broken anytime soon.”

This was her first time running the ABF and only her fifth AURA race.

The 17-Mile Fun Run had 88 finishers. Jake Anderson won with a time of 2:46:00 and Cheryl Matson won with a time of 3:28:00.

“We also had some long time ABF’ers hit milestones” Shaver-Matson said.

“Stan Ferguson finished his 20th “official” (2015 was on the rain route), Josh Snyder finished his 15th consecutive ABF. Jon Bitler and PT finished their 13th, Natalie McBee and Will Landreth finished their 10th. We also had five people complete their fifth year. It was a pretty impressive year.”

Kenny Garner returned to race this year. Garner had a fall in last year’s race and had to be taken out on a stretcher to get 14 stitches up from his eyebrow and into his scalp. There were zero medical issues this year.

Proceeds from the 2023 race paid for all of the repair work and supplies for the flooring and busted pipes in the bathrooms and back half of the Big Fork Community Center building, as well as assistance in the purchase of new repeater for the OARA HAM operators.

See RACE continued on page 3

Daniel Evans was the first place winner of the 26-Mile Marathon with a time of 4 hours 27 minutes. The arrow behind him indicates Matt Pruitt coming in second place less than a minute later.

(Photo courtesy of AURA)

February 7, 2024

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Want to share your opinion?

RACE continued from page 2

This year the proceeds will be equally divided between OARA and the Big Fork Community Center, as both have equipment needs.

“OARA is working to add solar to their club trailer,” Shaver-Matson said.

“They need more solar panels and battery backup. They also need a controller. This will help if power goes down or when power is unavailable.

“The Community Center hopes to add a stove to the back of the building so they can cook at their monthly gatherings. They also need supplemental help with their annual cost of upkeep and general maintenance. Membership from the community covers a portion of that and we try to provide the rest if not all.” Shaver-Matson said, “AURA really strives to get people moving outdoors as well as making a positive impact in every community in which we host our races.”

The 2025 Athens Big Fork Trail Mar-

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.

Letters do not reflect the viewpoints or opinions of Pulse Multi-Media.

Daniel Evans and Matt Pruitt congratulate one another on a close race.

(Photo courtesy of AURA)

athon & Fun Run will be held at 8 a.m. on Jan. 4. Registration opens to AURA members only on July 18, and to the general public at 6 a.m. on Aug. 1. We fully expect to fill up within an hour of opening registration so eager participants need to be at the computer early.

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News 3

NEWS@MYPULSENEWS.COM

Chantel Pennicott set a new ABF Trail women’s record, running 26 miles in 4 hours 56 minutes.

(Photo courtesy of AURA)

4 Politics

February 7, 2024 From the

State House of Representatives

Food traditions often serve had a significant impact on the as cultural landmarks, prefood industry in Arkansas. serving culinary heritage Food-themed Event honors a community food-themed event and connecting generations. or festival that preserves a comLong-standing food establishments carry the flavors munity’s unique food history. and techniques passed down Gone But Not Forgotten through time, offering a taste John Maddox honors the collective culinary legacy of past establishments of history on each plate.

That is why in 2016, the Division of that have influenced the food tastes and Arkansas Heritage launched the Ar- preferences we have today. kansas Food Hall of Fame. The ArPeople’s Choice honors restaurants kansas Food Hall of Fame celebrates or food trucks, new or old, that we can’t the state’s unique food traditions and get enough of.

Winners will be chosen by the Arserves to educate Arkansans about our diverse food culture and heritage. The kansas Food Hall of Fame Committee, program recognizes Arkansas’s legend- a group of Arkansans who are historiary restaurants, proprietors, and food- ans, chefs, foodies, and food authors. themed events across the state.

Honoring Arkansas food traditions Arkansas Heritage is now accepting and restaurants with longstanding hisnominations for the 2024 awards. The tory is a way to pay homage to the recategories are as follows: silience, commitment, and flavors that Arkansas Food Hall of Fame recog- have defined the state’s culinary landnizes long-standing Arkansas restau- scape over time.

The deadline for nominations is Febrants that have helped create our food culture. These are the places with dish- ruary 29. The division will announce es we crave constantly and drive out of the finalists in May and induct the honour way for just because the food is that orees at a special event in September. good.

To make a nomination visit www.

Proprietor of the Year honors a chef, ARKFoodHOF.com cook and/or restaurant owner who has

Contact Your Legislators!

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

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

John Boozman

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

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

From the

State Senate

The families of about 20,000 Also, the state is developelementary students will soon ing a universal high-quality be notified that they are eligiscreening test to better ensure ble for a $500 grant to pay for that all young students get tutors to help their children help if they’re struggling to learn to read at grade level. learn how to read.

The Legislative Council In 2017 the legislature apapproved emergency rules, proved the Right to Read Act, Terry Rice clearing the way for literacy tuand legislators enhanced the act toring grants to be awarded. in 2019 to require schools to teach The grants will go to students in reading with materials and curricula kindergarten through the third grade that are supported by the science of who have trouble learning to read. reading. Teaching strategies for chilSpecifically, kindergarteners qualify dren with dyslexia must be based on if they score in the lowest 10th per- evidence and grounded in scientific centile on tests that assess their read- methodology. ing skills. First graders qualify if they The state’s goal is for 100 percent score in the lowest 15th percentile and of school districts to use materials second graders if they score in the based on the science of reading, and lowest 20th percentile. for all teachers of young students to be Third graders are eligible if they trained in those scientific methods of scored in the lowest 25th percentile teaching literacy. on the previous end-of-year literacy The Legislative Council is the group assessment. Also, they will be eligible of lawmakers who meet in the interim if they are not promoted at the end of between sessions to monitor the operthis school year. ations of state agencies.

The state Division of Elementary When the Council approved the and Secondary Education (DESE) has emergency rules for the literacy tutordeveloped a list of qualified tutors. ing grants, it also passed a motion diEducation officials told legislators that recting education officials to prepare tutors underwent a “stringent pro- annual reports on the effectiveness of cess” in order to get on the approved the grant program. Lawmakers want list. to know how many children improve Parents can pick a tutor from the their reading scores after they get the list, and the state will pay the tutor $500 worth of tutoring. directly. Depending on the type of To be on the approved list of tutors, lessons used by the tutor, $500 will be you must be a certified teacher in elenough for 10 to 25 sessions. ementary education or reading, or The literacy tutoring grants are just have a degree in education, English or one element in a sweeping overhaul of another subject requiring expertise in public education proposed by the gov- reading and literacy. All tutors must ernor and enacted by the legislature have training in the science of readlast year. It is called the LEARNS Act, ing. and it also includes hiring 120 specialThe $500 grants will be for students ists, or literacy coaches, to teach K-3 in public schools and open enrollstudents in schools that received a “D” ment charter schools. or an “F” on school report cards.

February 7, 2024 Americans left, this dishonesty and ing and doing your own subversion of this Republic will be homework!

Jeff Olson’s column on religious called out and opposed for the lying Mr. Lewey’s reference freedom [The Pulse, Jan. 17, 2024] nonsense that it is. to David Barton’s extencontinues his habit of publishing sive research as garbage contra-factual propaganda. The Michael Lewey, Hot Springs demonstrates two things: “history” that does not appear in his lack of in-depth knowledge The Author’s Response modern history books is because it of the body of Mr. Barton’s work, is not history. Olson is peddling the I rarely respond to any challeng- much of which is based on origisame made-up garbage that David es or criticism of my newspaper nal source; and his preference for Barton fabricates to try to tear down articles for the simple reason that instant ideological dogma over the vital wall between our secular very few are substantive enough to well-researched history. His referrepublic and any group whose only merit a response. Michael Lewey’s ence to Mr. Barton’s latest book beclaim to authority is religious doc- challenge to my January 17 article ing pulled by the publisher (likely trine held by a part of the populace. in the Pulse is such - but with one under intense pressure) evidently The “scholarship” backing these exception. His brief narrative ap- finds its source in the Southern claims is so shoddy Barton’s latest pears to serve as much a critique of Poverty Law Center, a far-left acbook was so full of provable lies the me (“dishonesty and perversion” tivist group which smears its popublisher had to pull it from the in his words) as it was on what I litical and cultural opponents as market. “hate groups.” It is now targetwrote. Therefore, I will proceed.

The original intent of our FoundThe study of church-state re- ing parental rights organizations. ers is that government should em- lations in American history has Learn your sources! body the basic principles that en- been wrought with error, misunMy research has indeed includable diverse groups of people to live derstanding and ideology for most ed Mr. Barton’s work, though not together with respect and consider- of our republic’s existence. Lewey’s exclusively. For most of 30 years, ation for everyone’s interests. letter is a case in point. Here, I will I have also accessed constitutional By contrast, all religions derive briefly address each of his points scholars such as Daniel Dreisbach, their authority from the supernat- with the intent and hope of pro- James Hutson, and Clinton Rossitural, as “revealed” to whatever men viding some clarity and instruc- er as well as noted historians and control that particular sect. The tion for him and perhaps some authors including Michael Noproblem is that none of them, how- other readers as well. vak, Garret Ward Shelton, Philever they interpret “God’s will”, can In regard to his comment about lip Hamburger, Russell Kirk, and even make it rain, much less heal modern textbooks not contain- John Whitehead – to name just the sick or raise the dead. ing or validating the substance of some.

Freedom of religion - as defined what I write, allow me to point out Mr. Lewey did get it right when

by Jefferson and others - means that that modern textbooks should not he invoked the original intent of no sect or cult can use government be the final arbiters of what qual- our Founders, which interestingly to force their particular doctrines ifies as genuine American history. was grounded in their broad scope on those who don’t subscribe to For many years, too many histo- of knowledge and understanding them. ry books, including and especial- of history and foundational bibliAs defined by Olson, Barton and ly those for education, have been cal principles. He was also correct other fabulists, any group that can conduits of revisionist history and in his reference to Thomas Jeffercapture a legislature can ignore the in some cases outright propagan- son, which is also substantiated in Constitution and use the power of da. I saw this as early as 30 years my article. However, it would do government to enforce their preju- ago through my research and our well for him to study Jefferson at dices - and line their pockets. children’s experience. Nothing greater length, especially to learn As long as there are a few free takes the place of critical think- of his differing philosophies of

Letters 5

To the Editor:

church-state relations at the state versus the federal level.

I thank Mr. Lewey for reading the article, and it is my hope that these paragraphs will serve useful to him as a corrective to his incomplete understanding of history and of his misrepresentation of me. I encourage him in the future to resist the temptation to disparage those with whom he disagrees and in relying on propaganda and assumptions as a substitute for a more serious and thorough study of history.

Signed, Jeff Olson

6 Obituaries

February 7, 2024

Linda Gale (Taylor) Mourton

James “Pete” Andrew Miller Sr.

Linda Gale (Taylor) Mourton, 82, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024, in her home. She was born on September 4, 1941, to Lloyd Taylor and Eunice Bates in Potter, Arkansas.

Linda had a special love for her grandchildren and with that special love came the love of becoming a shopaholic for her grandchildren.

She also loved her cats and she always over decorated when it came to holidays. Her favorite holiday to decorate for was Christmas. Linda went to Vance’s Salon every single week to have her hair done.

Linda is survived by her son, Stan and wife Lisa Mourton, her grandchildren, Brooke Rose, Calvin Mourton, and Bethany Mourton, one great-grandchild, Adelina Flores, nieces and one nephew; Steve, Eunice, Jennifer, Kimberly, Lindsay, and Natalie.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Leon Mourton, her parents, and one brother, Marcus Taylor.

Graveside service will be held at Cherry Hill Cemetery on Monday February 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in Cherry Hill, Arkansas, with Reverend Carroll Bryant to officiate.

Services are under the direction on Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Mr. James “Pete” Andrew Miller Sr, age 66, passed from this world in Hot Springs, Arkansas on Friday January 26, 2024. He was born on December 30, 1957, in Lebanon, Oregon to parents William D. Miller and V. Myrl Taylor Miller Tosh.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents William D. Miller and V. Myrl Miller Tosh, stepfather Delbert Tosh, grandson James “Andrew” Miller Ill, Brother William Gene Miller and wife Terry Miller, Brother Robert “Bobby” Lee Miller, Brother Wayne Miller and Wife Flo Miller.

Pete is survived by his loving wife Margaret Miller of 47 years, daughter Margie Smith and husband Devin Smith, Daughter Janet Miller, Son James “Andy” Miller Jr. and wife Tasha Miller, Daughter April Holt and husband Bobby Holt, Daughter Tabathia White, Daughter Michelle Raven and daughter Amanda Abbott and husband Jarrod Abbott.

Grandchildren Brittany WhiteLeever, Brandon Morrell, Olivia Hammer-Rutherford and husband David, Jarad Miller, Dominick Miller, Brandon Raven, Jake Miller, Alex Morrell, Bobby Gene Miller, Charles Richardson and wife Chyanne, Sabrina Holt, Lexi Hammer, Tambrly Miller, Kimberly Stephens, Cole Duff, Alexis Duff, A J Richardson, Jeamie Smith, Rebelle Smith, Neveah Miller, Falla-May Miller and Tracen Miller.

Great-Grandchildren: Artemis, Libby, Kade, Julia, Mason, Isabella,

Esquerra, Olivia, Brynlee, and Emberlee. Sisters: Connie Miller, Linda Smith and husband George, Patricia Miller, Brother Ricky Miller and a host of nieces and nephews, other family members and friends.

Services will be held at the Revival Center Church in Cove, Arkansas on February 10, 2024, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Reggie Fryar officiating.

Please come out and help the family celebrate the life of Pete Miller.

Monica Lynn Quillin

Monica Lynn Quillin, age 42 of Mena, Arkansas, passed away unexpectedly on January 22, 2024.

Monica was born October 12, 1981, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Glen Berkey and Diana Hill. She was married to Aldeen Quillin on August 28, 2016.

She was a fiercely dedicated, and proud, mother that could only be topped by her love and joy of being a grandmother.

Monica enjoyed being outdoors, fishing and just driving the local backroads exploring new areas.

She was always up for any adventure that included her family. She enjoyed coin collecting and finding treasures to share with her family.

She had a kind heart and a beautiful smile for everyone she met.

Monica is preceded in death by; her father Glen Earl Berkey, mother Diane Hill, stepbrother “Bubba” Hill, uncle Lester Berkey, uncle Bobby Titt, aunt Debbie Trent, cousins Desiree and Jason Rotureaux, be-

loved grandparents Earl and Elvera Berkey.

She is survived by; her sons; Ryan Dominique Glen Hill of Mena, Ar, Shawn Brant Hill (wife: Lilyan) Wichita Falls, Texas, Robert Nicholas Hill and Isaac Ray Griffin of Mena, AR. Grandchildren Brant and Oakley Foster. Sister Jennifer Stockton, brother Robert Berkey of Mena, Ar. Nieces Hannah and Sarai and nephew Malachi. Her stepdad Dennis Hill, Waldron, Ar, and aunts, uncles and cousins that she loved so much!

Our family is devastated and shocked by her loss and the hole left by her absence.

A memorial and celebration of life on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Queen Wilhelmina State Park Conference Room, 3877 Hwy 88 West, Mena.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Arkansas Cremation.

One’s life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation and compassion. ~Simone de Beauvoir, writer

February 7, 2024

Remembering Sonja Stueart

By Ronald Goss

On Saturday, Feb, 3, 2024, a memorial service was held for our dear friend, Polk County Sheriff ’s Deputy Sonja Stueart. Sonja went to be with her heavenly father on Jan. 25, 2024. Her impact on our community was apparent by the turnout to honor her and mourn her passing.

I first met Sonja at James’ Supersave, where she was employed prior to becoming a 911 dispatcher and ultimately a deputy for the Polk County Sheriff ’s Department. I had trouble that was causing nose bleeds and one hit while I was shopping. Sonja saw I was having a difficult time and retrieved a bag of frozen peas. She placed them at the back of my neck and had me tilt my head back.

In a short time, the bleed subsided and I was able to go on my way. Sonja did not know me except in passing but did not hesitate to help me when she saw I needed help. I have no doubt that was not the first time and certainly not the last that she helped others, often strangers.

Years later my wife and I became friends with Tommy and Cindy Stueart, Sonja’s parents, and with Sonja as well. By this time Sonja had become a 911 dispatcher for Polk County. She formed a bond with my wife who had retired as a 911 dispatcher in Virginia Beach after 28 years. After working midnight shift Sonja would come by and help out my wife every 2 weeks and they would always end up talking the challenges and rewards of working 911.

I can say I never met anyone who worked harder or had more pride in doing everything she did right the first time every time. As if that was

not enough after working a midnight shift and coming by our home for 2 more hours of hard work, she left here and went to her parent’s home just down the road from us and did several more hours work to help her mother. Her energy was boundless.

At her service I spoke briefly about my first encounter to those gathered.

I did not want to speak too long, as sometimes I do, but wanted to touch briefly on what I saw in Sonja and afford others an opportunity to speak.

To finish what I wanted to say then, I do so now, not only to those who attended her service but to anyone reading this. Sonja, I regret that I was not there for you as you were for me.

In reading this it is my sincere hope that others do not find themselves having regrets and watch out for and help those they care about.

I thank Tommy and Cindy and Sonja’s son Calvin for sharing Sonja with us. She was truly a blessing, and we will miss her.

As always, I thank you for a forum to express my thoughts peacefully, though at times we may disagree.

News 7

Two-vehicle accident results in a fatality

By Ethan Nahté

A collision in front of Walgreens pharmacy the afternoon of Jan. 12 left one dead and another with several broken ribs and a broken arm as the result of a two-vehicle accident.

At 1:35 p.m., Gloria Strong, 68, and Bruce Strong, 75, were southbound on U.S. Hwy. 71. According to the official police report by Mena Patrol Officer Jessie Curry, Bruce Strong was driving a 2015 Honda CRV and his wife Gloria was in the passenger seat. The Honda was in the left turn lane in front of Walgreens.

A 2015 Dodge Ram pickup driven by Bonnie Rippe had exited the Walmart parking lot and pulled onto U.S. Hwy. 71, driving in the outside northbound lane.

The report states that the Strong vehicle “attempted to make a left turn [and] pulled into the path of Rippe. “The front of the Dodge collided with the passenger side front fender of the Honda. After initial contact, the Honda was turned northbound and traveled 229 feet to Morrow Street and struck a sign.

The Honda then traveled 118 feet from Morrow Street to the curb on the northeast side of Morrow Street (in front of Exxon) and struck the

light pole. The Honda flipped over one-and-a-half times, coming to a rest upside down, landing in the center of the northbound double lane.

The Dodge came to a rest on the concrete island and curb at the Walgreens’ parking lot.

According to the report found on the Arkansas Department of Public Safety website, Gloria Strong was pronounced deceased at 9:11 p.m. on Jan. 13 by Dr. Brett Clayton, M.D. at CHI St. Vincent in Hot Springs.

David Strong, son of Gloria and Bruce, said his father “was placed into an induced coma for nine days while he was on a ventilator.” He has undergone surgery for his arm.

They have also put in a trachea tube and are trying to ween him off the ventilator. Bruce is no longer in a coma.

David said, “My dad spent his 76th birthday in a coma. He is improving slowly. I still have not been able to have a conversation with him. It’s going to be a long, slow healing process but he’s headed in the right direction.”

He was moved from ICU to a long-term ICU. Bruce’s son and daughter-in-law are taking care of the farm during his absence.

8 News

By Kathy Hagler

February 7, 2024

EHC History and Happenings

Hello Everyone!

For our history section this month, I’m going to talk about the school lunch program — and how EHC helped get it started in Arkansas. My information comes from the book “A Splendid Piece of Work: 1912 to 2012 One Hundred Years of Arkansas’s Home Demonstration and Extension Homemakers Clubs.”

In the mid-1920s, Extension Homemakers Clubs were known as Home Demonstration Clubs. The women involved in these clubs didn’t just take care of their homes and families; they reached out to the community as well.

Through the encouragement of the Home Demonstration Agent, better nutrition for school children was begun.

In 1919, Desha County clubs put on a special drive for increasing the amount of milk drunk by school children.

Records of the time show improved weights and improved schoolwork. In 1920, Chicot County clubs placed hot lunch equipment in the schools that was paid for by the Junior Red Cross.

In other areas, women and girls who had learned how to use a steam canner donated home canned fruits, vegetables, meats and soup mixes that the teacher would heat up for the students.

Remember, in most rural communities in Arkansas we still had the one-room schoolhouse with a wood burning stove.

In 1927, the Rockport school reported that every child gained from one to eight pounds during the first month of nutritious foods being provided at school. Four more students brought their weight up to normal during the second month. Those children who were badly underweight drank an extra glass of milk mid-morning and mid-afternoon.

All of the food and milk discussed above was provided by women of the community. The 1920s was known as the “progressive era” that aimed to remedy significant social problems.

And though Home Demonstration Clubs were not officially involved with the social activism of the day, they did take on the needs of their communities.

During the 1930s, the hot school lunch took on even greater significance due to the Great Depression. Many states adopted legislation to enable schools to serve lunches.

Happenings The happenings section continues the theme of reaching out to the community to help with important social issues. Extension Homemakers Clubs are still NOT social activism entities, but groups of volunteers that care about their communities.

On a state-wide level, EHC is promoting mental health awareness. We DO NOT and CANNOT provide/offer treatment, but we CAN encourage people to seek treatment as well as offer educational materials about mental health.

I recently spoke to Sarah Mitchell, Community Education Manager for Mena Senior Behavioral Health. She provided the following list of facilities located in Polk County to go to for help: Mena Regional Health System Mena Senior Behavioral Health Inpatient services for ages 55 and over 311 North Morrow Mena AR 71953 479-394-7400

Cedar Haven Outpatient services 311 North Morrow Mena AR 71953 479-243-2380

Doris Hastey, PMHNP-BC Psychiatric/Mental Health Initial psychiatric evaluation and medication management Mena Medical Associates 1103 College Drive Mena AR 71953 479-394-1414 Inspired Counseling Outpatient services 1142 Highway 71 South Mena AR 71953 479-437-7967 Healthy Connections Evolve Behavioral Health and Medication Management Outpatient services 136 Health Park Lane Mena AR 71953 888-710-8220 Western Arkansas Guidance and Counseling Outpatient services 307 Cherry Street Mena AR 71953 479-394-5277 VA Clinic Outpatient services 300 Morrow Street South Mena AR 71953 501-609-2700(main line) 501-257-3092(mental health care) Ouachita Health Services, LLC Outpatient services 1201 College Drive Mena AR 71953 479-437-6080 Appointment email: ouachitahealthservices@gmail.com

In addition, these are the suicide prevention hotline numbers: 988 call or text; veterans can call 988, then press 1 to speak to someone especially trained to help military personnel. Veterans can also text 838255. This information will also be available in print at the Polk County Extension Office, 211 DeQueen Street, Mena, Arkansas; on the Polk County Arkansas Extension Homemakers Clubs Facebook page, as well as The Polk County Pulse Facebook page.

In other Happenings, the Essential Oils class that was originally scheduled for January, has been rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 17. Class will begin at 10 a.m. in the Education Building on DeQueen Street in Mena. There is a fee of $15 to cover the cost of materials. Space is limited, so please register at 479-394-6018. If you registered in January, please call and confirm your registration. This class is open to the public and we encourage you to attend.

There will be a ‘Lunch and Learn’ class on Thursday, Feb. 15, beginning at 11:30 a.m., at the Education Building on DeQueen Street. The topic is “MIND Your Diet: Foods That Help Your Cognitive Skills.” There is $10 registration fee as there will be tasting of some of these types of foods. Call 479394-6018 to register. This class is open to the public and we encourage you to attend.

Homesteading in the Ouachitas is an event being cohosted by the Polk, Scott and Montgomery County Extension Services. This event will take place Tuesday, March 26, at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain, in the Ouachita Center. You must register to attend. Topics will be based on responses from registration. Cost to attend is $20 per person. Visit https:// uada.formstack.com/forms/ouachitahomesteading to register.

(Kathy Hagler is the Polk County EHC council president.)

February 7, 2024

By Richie Lawry

Last December, a friend of mine, a former resident of Mena, moved to Terlingua, Texas. Terlingua is a mining ghost town with a population of around 100.

Situated 8 miles from Big Bend National Park, tourism is the basis for the town’s economy.

My friend loves the town and its laidback atmosphere. He has been busy remodeling an old house and adapting to the way of life there. Last week, he told me, “Terlingua brings perspective.

It illuminates time and your part in the vast expanse of time. It humbles you but consoles you. Terlingua tells you, ‘Relax, it’s all OK. We are a small part of a much bigger picture.’”

His words reminded me of my first morning in the Terlingua area. It was a crisp 34 degrees as I walked out of our hotel. I carefully made my way down the dark path to the parking lot. I saw the inky black sky with thousands of stars embedded into the canopy like brilliant diamonds. I stopped and soaked in the eerie silence before climbing into my car and starting the engine.

Today was my first morning in the Big Bend area of Texas, and I wanted to find an excellent place to watch the sunrise. I pulled out onto Highway 170 and headed northwest out of Lajitas.

The road spread out in front of me like a pitch-black river, following along the banks of the Rio Grande. My headlights fought to penetrate the overwhelming darkness. I found a place to pull off the highway several miles down the road. A sign that read West Contrabando Trailhead pointed to a dirt road that turned off to my right. At the trailhead was an empty parking lot. I pulled in and turned off the engine.

It is hard to describe the night sky in a place with no light. The darker the night, the brighter the stars. I am miles away from any light sources, and the sky seems to expand with more and more stars. As I sit in the darkness and my eyes adjust to the velvety blackness, I see a blanket of stars stretching into infinity. The Milky Way rushes across the sky, looking like a bold

An Arkie’s Faith Terlingua, Texas

Dawn approaches near big Bend, Texas. brush stroke from the hand of a divine painter. As I look up into the night sky, countless stars and constellations seem to welcome me into their world.

The serenity and quietness of the moment envelop me. With its immense canopy and brilliant pinpricks of light, the starry night sky seems to wrap me in comfort and peace.

“For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.” Vincent Van Gogh’s words describing his famous painting, “Starry Starry Night,” come to my mind.

The solitude and the impressive display of the universe over my head put me in a reflective mood. I realized that David saw a night sky similar to this one when he wrote, “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” Psalms 19:1 (NASB) Today, less than 10% of Americans can enjoy a view of our galaxy, the Milky Way. That means more than 90% have never seen a picture of the sky taken for granted for almost all human history. Stargazing has been a human pastime since ancient times. The an-

(Photo by Richie Lawry)

cients interpreted constellations and arrangements of the stars and planets they saw in the night sky to have essential meaning for themselves and their families. This night sky view inspired countless artists, poets, musicians, mathematicians, scientists, and philosophers. Something about the vastness of the night sky leads to thoughts of how our universe came to be and how insignificant we are. David wrote, “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” Psalms 8:3,4 (NLT) As I sat there, swept up in my solitude and meditating on life’s big questions, a gentle glow appeared in the east, and the stars slowly began to fade.

The faint light outlined dramatic vistas, and the few remaining stars seemed impossibly brilliant. The first light of dawn showed no color, but slowly, the sky filled with yellow and orange hues.

The morning light was perfect, a visual silence that filled me with reverent

Joke of the Week:

It is my opinion that pretzels are knot bread.

Faith 9 awe. Soon, there was enough light to see the rugged beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert.

There is something to be said for solitude, being alone. Solitude is different than loneliness. I don’t like being lonely.

I need people around me, just not too many people. But solitude gives me a chance to recharge, reflect, and meditate. The morning I spent in Big Bend, miles away from other human beings, will always be a special memory. Some of my favorite moments are the solitude of an early morning sitting on my deck or special moments like watching a day be born in Big Bend. Mother Teresa said, “Listen in silence because if your heart is full of other things, you cannot hear the voice of God. “ Most of us lead such busy lives that we never fully realize how much we need to spend time alone with our Creator. In “The Weight of Glory,” C.S. Lewis wrote, “We live, in fact, in a world starved for solitude, silence, and private: and therefore starved for meditation and true friendship.”

I know that I need moments of solitude in my life because of the example of Jesus. The Bible tells of many times that Jesus would seek solitude. “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” Mark 1:35 (NKJV) Gentle Reader, I would encourage you to look for moments of solitude.

Even though God is all-powerful, His presence often shows up in the most gentle, loving fashion. Regardless of your situation, God cares. He wants to meet you one-on-one and help you with your most pressing concerns. God says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him. And he will eat with me.”

Revelation 3:20 (ICB) God wants to spend some quiet, alone time with you. I hope you can find time in your busy life for some alone time with God. Replacing windshields in Polk County for over 40 years.

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

10 News

February 7, 2024

Prescribed burns begin on National Forests in Arkansas and Oklahoma

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Jan. 31, 2024 — The Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests will be conducting prescribed burns in Arkansas and Oklahoma over the next several months.

Prescribed burns are conducted when the conditions indicate that natural resource management objectives will be met and there will be minimal impact to the public.

Land managers use prescribed fire to promote natural ecological processes. Also known as controlled fires, these fires are intended to meet several objectives. “The primary goal of prescribed burns is to reduce the potential for large, costly, catastrophic wildfires,” said Joshua Graham, Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests’ Fire and Aviation Staff Officer. “Other important objectives include increasing food and cover for wildlife, increasing plant germination, or reducing fuels, such as leaf litter, woody debris, brush, and small trees. Fire is a critical ecological process for our forests, and without it, many populations of native plants and animals could decline. Areas are continually monitored after completed burns to evaluate the response of vegetation and wildlife to prescribed burning.”

Controlled burning is planned, calculated, and conducted under very specific weather conditions by trained personnel. It can take three to 12 months from the beginning of the

planning stage to the start of the prescribed burn, requiring land managers to look at several variables. They collect data and compile a report listing a set of requisites, which is required for a

prescribed burn. The report is often referred to as a burn plan, or prescription.

After a complete analysis, a burn plan is finalized, stating all the required conditions for when and where a prescribed burn will take place. The times when all conditions are met are referred to as burn windows. Burn windows vary across the country, but usually occur in spring, fall and winter months due to wetter conditions. Burn windows can

also close quickly because of weather conditions. Fire managers in Arkansas and Oklahoma typically have two seasonal windows to conduct prescribed burns: dormant season (in the winter

and growing season) beginning midMarch).

Many factors must be met before a prescribed fire can be ignited. The day chosen must be the right combination of appropriate humidity, wind speed and direction, temperature, fuel moisture, and atmospheric conditions. If any one of the factors does not meet the requirements, the prescribed burn will be postponed until all conditions are met. “Our policy states we must be within the prescription to conduct a prescribed burn,” Graham said. “This means all environmental, weather conditions, and projected fire behavior models must align with what is in the plan.”

According to Graham, wind speed and direction are among the most important factors considered on burn day because wind direction determines where the fire could spread and where smoke could go. “Unlike wildfire, when

we conduct a prescribed burn, we must adhere to air quality standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency, which means we must plan for smoke,” Graham said. “Depending on the proximity to the national forest lands, there could be times that communities will be impacted for a short time during the late afternoon and evening hours while the smoke settles near the surface. Fire managers work to minimize this impact by limiting late ignition times.”

Conducting a prescribed burn is not without risk. The burn plan is designed to reduce the risk of a fire escaping and to mitigate smoke exposure to communities. If a prescribed burn were to escape, contingencies are outlined in the burn plan. In general, that includes ordering additional pre-identified firefighting resources that are on standby, ready to respond to such an emergency.

Prescribed burn notifications are posted on the Facebook pages for the two national forests in Arkansas and Oklahoma: U.S. Forest Service – Ouachita National Forest or U.S. Forest Service – Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. Prescribed fire information can also be found at www.fs.usda.gov/ osfnf or www.fs.usda.gov/ouachita.

The Southern Region Prescribed Burn Tracker is another useful public-facing reference tool. This interactive map depicts planned, ongoing, and completed fire operations across lands managed by the Southern Region of the U.S. Forest Service. It is updated daily as prescribed burns take place.

It is linked on the Fire Information page of each national forest’s website or can be located at https://usfs.maps. arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index. html?id=b196b5958480421fa7b5ee2a6ce91d31.

To learn more about the science behind prescribed fire in the ecology and management of oak forests, view the Forest Service publication “Fire in Eastern Oak Forests—A Primer”: https://www.fs.usda.gov/nrs/pubs/inf/ nrs_inf_39_22.pdf.

February 7, 2024

News 11

12 News MRHS continued from page 1 will that mean for the public?

“There’s two types of stays when you come into a hospital,” Wood said. “There’s inpatient stay and then there’s an observation stay. We will repurpose a few of those beds for observation patients — somebody who comes in maybe later in the day who physicians feel like maybe we need to watch this patient overnight, and they’re likely going to go home the next morning. They may have had a little episode and we want to check labs and make sure that it was nothing more serious.

“Another thing we want to do is we currently offer infusion services on an outpatient basis.” For MRHS, there’s a list of more than two dozen such services that require IV therapy for the management of chronic and acute illnesses, covering a wide

February 7, 2024 range of therapies and disorders.

“We’ll be looking to enhance that a little bit with some of those beds, try to get more people utilizing us so they’re not going out of town to get their monthly or quarterly injection or infusion services. That’s two of the things that we’re gonna do with that.”

and lean into modern healthcare. and you’ve got to consider OklahoWe don’t all necessarily agree with ma in that kind of southeast corner all of them or enjoy all of the chang- of Oklahoma doesn’t really have es that the regulatory bodies are services either. We get a lot of paforcing upon us, but they’ve done an tients from over there that are also exceptional job of being willing to isolated.” navigate that and make sure that we continue to offer all the things that New technology and services we can for our community. When MRHS announced in July 2023 that you look at the growth potential they were installing the world’s first Surgical staff for our area with the potential bike deep-learning reconstruction MRI. “In our general surgery, Dr. [Thom- trails, and the college has grown ex- The Orian 11.5T MRI helps the hosas C.] Sullivan — a great surgeon — ponentially over the last five years pital obtain critical patient informahas been here a long time.

“We hired in October Dr. [Kennan J.] Buechter, also a general surgeon, which has allowed us to have 24/7 coverage in general surgery, which is not something that we’ve had in a very long time. When it was just Dr. Sullivan, we had about 21 days worth of coverage. We increased that by seven days, which is huge.

“We recently hired Dr. [Enes] Kanlic. He’s an orthopedic surgeon.

He’s going to be starting with us on February 26th. He’s spent most of his MRHS received the first deep-learning reconstruction MRI in the world. career in level one trauma. He’s an orthopedic trauma surgeon. When with their sports and everything, tion for enhanced diagnoses faster, you look at our population and then you look at our industry, this hospi- generally in less than 15 minutes. the type of injuries we have, we get tal is a paramount piece of the puz“State of the art, first one of its a lot of hip fractures and other long zle. The staff recognizes that.” kind,” Wood said. “The other thing bone fractures that come through we’ve done with our radiology techs our ER. Lately, we’ve been having to Moving on up is we’ve expanded. For the longest ship all those out of town. With him Wood mentioned that MRHS is time they were only offering MRIs coming on board, we will be able moving up to the next level for this four days a week. We’re expanding to keep the majority of those here. region. Location and the general to five days a week. I think our wait He’s excited to get here. He’s coming population’s age are contributing times are under a week to get a MRI from Arizona. factors. scheduled, which is incredible.

“We’re excited to have those guys.

Wood said, “Being remote obvi“One of the things that we’re going The surgery department is looking ously makes us unique even to the to roll out next month at the clinreally strong,” Wood said. rest the state. Even though they con- ic over at Mena Medical Associates “We’ve blessed with a core group sider most of Arkansas to be rural, is something called chronic care of staff that loves the community most of them have a metropolitan management. It’s a program again and then was willing to roll up their area relatively close. We’re unique See MRHS sleeves and be creative, innovative in that it’s 90 miles in any direction, continued on page 13

“We do our best to treat people like family.”

February 7, 2024 MRHS continued from page 12 through CMS, a Medicare program, that basically your older population who have chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, COPD, CHF… those big things that tend to kind of cycle through and cause disruption in people’s lives.

“What will happen is if you choose to sign up, we’ll have somebody that will reach out at least once a month if not a couple of times a month, check on you to make sure that all of your prescriptions are getting filled, that you’re checking those vitals and if anything’s awry or you start to see a trend, they help you get scheduled to get into the clinic with the goal of trying to prevent you from getting so sick that you end up in the hospital.

“One of the things when you look forward over the next five years that you’re going to see more and more of is this idea of population health management. The hospital’s kind of being that central beacon of making sure their communities are healthy and in providing resources in education to get them there. Given the fact where we live — the difficulties, the poverty, the lack of public transportation — that will be a big lift force for us but an important one.

Chronic care management is the first step in and connecting more with a patient so that it’s not three or six months before you see your provider again. There’s somebody in contact with you every month to make sure that you’re doing okay.”

“We have a couple of programs with UAMS in our ER: The Stroke Program where if you’re connected, you come in with stroke-like symptoms we activate the stroke protocol

and you’re connected with a neurologist at UAMS. They’re able to do an exam with the help of our staff here on the ground and then determine the best course of treatment for you.”

MRHS has several other programs through the trauma network, being connected as they can be with the other systems in that regard.

“Speaking of UAMS,” Wood added, “we recently opened that breastmilk donation center. That’s really huge to be able to have a place where people who are lucky enough to have a surplus can donate that, then UAMS can take it, process it and be able to redistribute it out to mothers who aren’t so lucky.”

Wood said the program is getting a good response and doing good.

Outlook “I’m excited, honored, blessed. To be able to come back home and serve the people who poured so much into me as I grew up in the mentorship and in the love the community gave to me. It’s just a dream come true.

There’s not a better job in the world than to serve the people who served you. This community has a good heart. There’s churches and civic organizations all over our community that people don’t even know about that are doing tons of things because they don’t need the recognition. When the ice and the weather all came, we had staff that spent the night here to make sure that they didn’t miss work. The dedication to taking care of their neighbors, their friends and their family… just just blessed to be able to serve alongside those people.

“I think it’s important to mention that I couldn’t do any of this without my wife Jennifer. I’ve got three beautiful daughters that keep me on my toes. Family is so important to so many people in our community.

“That’s our goal every day at Mena Regional is our patients come first.

We do our best to treat people like family. We’re not perfect. Obviously, we have bad days, but we always strive to to be fair, to be reasonable, to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to support the community — always open for suggestions and ideas. We believe in an open-door policy. There are so many things changing in healthcare right now.

News 13

14 News

February 7, 2024

February 7, 2024

State broadband efforts include addressing affordability, skills gap

By Patrick Massey Officials with Arkansas’ effort to expand broadband internet access across the state are detailing their plan to equip residents with the tools to best use it.

The Arkansas State Broadband Office launched its Digital Skills and Opportunity plan last year. That plan was developed from survey data responses, focus groups and in-person visits to all 75 Arkansas counties.

During a recent visit to the region, Arkansas State Broadband Director Glen Howie said the plan goes beyond internet infrastructure by seeking to equip all Arkansans with the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century digital economy.

“It’s not just access to [internet] infrastructure, it’s also an affordability issue and a digital skills issue,” Howie said. “It’s those things that are internet-related but are not infrastructure.

Think affordable devices and digital skills workshops, those types of things that we have to work on so that people can truly take advantage of the broadband access they do have. That’s what this plan goes into.”

Officials recognize that bringing highspeed broadband to all corners of Arkansas will have the greatest impact if residents have both the knowledge to use, and the ability to afford, reliable internet service.

“Look at a place like Polk County,” Howie explained. “You can make Polk County the most wired county in the country. But if some of our folks can’t afford it, that’s something we have to work on. Likewise, we can even make it free for them, hypothetically, but if they don’t have the digital devices or the digital skills to operate those devices, those are issues we need to work on as well. Really, thinking more holistically about the process and what it means and broadband generally, that’s where

we want to go.”

Arkansans can view more information on the Digital Skills and Opportunity plan through by visiting www. broadband.arkansas.gov. Soon, Arkansans will also be asked to verify — and challenge — the level of reliable internet access in their homes and areas.

This, said Howie, will be a novel and crucial aspect of his office’s plan to bring Arkansas into the 21st century digital economy.

“This is going to be the first time in Arkansas’ history that we allow the public to have a voice on what the map looks like,” Howie said. “This is the first time folks will be able to challenge the map we’re going off of. They’ll be able to go to our very detailed map that shows every location, every home and business in the state of Arkansas. They’ll be able to see the internet speeds and services that we think are available to them. If that’s not right, if the map looks wrong to them, they’ll have the ability to correct it.”

Howie said that initiative is expected to launch in the next couple of weeks.

Arkansas was the recipient of more than $840,000 in funding to address its digital skills gap as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress in 2021. This funding is in addition to a $5 million investment to create a five-year action plan for Internet access.

From education to commerce to telemedicine and many other sectors, reliable and highspeed internet is expected to be a deciding factor in society. The Arkansas State Broadband Office hopes to make the state a leader in how to effectively deliver that to those who need it most.

For more information on the Digital Skills and Opportunity plan, and the broader work of the Arkansas State Broadband Office, visit www.broadband.arkansas.gov.

News 15

Union Bank announces promotion of Wagner

Submitted by LeAnn Dilbeck Union Bank President Kevin Williams has announced that Ravan Wagner has been promoted to Vice-President in Lending. “Ravan has been a tremendous asset to Union Bank since joining us as a loan officer in 2018. She is committed to her customers and is always seeking professional development opportunities to grow in her role,” said Williams.

Wagner is a native of Mena and a 2009 graduate of Acorn High School.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia in 2012.

She is also a graduate of the ABA

Commercial Banking School and will begin the rigorous Barret Graduate School of Banking in February.

She and her husband of 13 years, Justin, are enjoying raising their two sons: Hunter, age 9, and Fischer, age 4, in Mena, spending lots of family time enjoying the local outdoor recreational opportunities.

Wagner is also passionate about serving in the community and believes that is why Union Bank has been “such a good fit for me.” She is a council member for Christ Community Fellowship, President of the Mena Lioness Lions, and is the chair for the Polk County Backpack Program whose mission is to provide supplemental food for children who are food insecure.

“The fact that I get to work at the hometown bank is a dream come true for me. The legacy and commitment that Union has poured into our community my entire life is also poured into me every day as an employee. I am very thankful for the team we have at Union Bank and am grateful for the opportunity to continue to work side by side with them serving our customers and community,” said Wagner.

16 News Polk County Births Mena Regional Health System JANUARY 28, 2024 TO FEBRUARY 3, 2024 Daniela Rosas & Roberto Aguilar of De Queen, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born Jan. 28th Hailey Wilson of Waldron, Arkansas is the proud parent of a baby boy born Jan. 28th Noelia Lagunas & Brian Ruelas of Grannis, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born Jan. 30th Maria Moreno of Waldron, Arkansas is the proud parent of a baby girl born Feb. 2nd

February 7, 2024

OLT’s ‘Arsenic & Old Lace’ opens Feb. 17 Submitted by Julie Ulmer for OLT Ouachita Little Theatre is proud to present one of the best loved comedies of all time, “Arsenic and Old Lace.”

Opening night is Friday, Feb. 17, and continues Feb. 18 and 19, and the following weekend on Feb. 23, 24, and 25. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. All shows are at the historic OLT “Lyric” Theatre, 601 Mena St., celebrating its 100th year in Mena.

Director Amanda Baker is bringing this classic “screwball” comedy to the stage as OLT’s first production of 2024. The play is set about 80 years ago in a large Victorian home

owned by the Brewster family.

There is a dark comic turn to their story which is revealed in the opening scenes. But there is even more to come as the full story of insanity evidenced in the home erupts in hilarious dialogue and wild action.

Baker describes her characters including a line from the show itself: “If you think your family has issues, come meet the Brewsters! Insanity runs in their family! It practically gallops!”

Every time this production is performed, audiences around the world roar with laughter. Even though the subject matter revolves around murder and some scary oddball characters, it is suitable for older children and just about every-

one else on the planet. Be sure you don’t miss this one.

Reserved seating tickets are on sale now online at oltmena.com and during office hours (Thursdays and Fridays from noon until 6 p.m.) and will be available at the door. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, and $10 for seniors over 60 years of age, students, military personnel and veterans.

HSO’s Spay/Neuter Clinic Coming Feb. 13-15 Submitted by Cheryl Murphy, HSO volunteer secretary

The Humane Society of the Ouachitas is pleased to announce that their next Pet Spay/Neuter clinic is coming to the Polk County Fairgrounds Feb. 13-15. The clinic will be facilitated again by Ozark Mountain Mobile unit.

Last year, 635 dogs and cats, belonging to local pet owners, were spayed or neutered at these local low-cost clinics. That’s 635 pets who won’t have litters of multiple newborn babies, which pet owners struggle to try to find homes for.

Thank you to all those “pet parents” out there who were able to take advantage of the low-cost clinics so far.

Three clinics are planned for 2024: February, July and November.

There are no vouchers available for this clinic. The discounted fees are $70 for dogs and $45 for cats. Please note that dogs over 50 pounds and pets with health conditions, such as pregnancy, may be charged a higher rate. Details will be explained when pet owners call for an appointment.

A huge thank you to Polk County Fair and Rodeo Association for allowing HSO to host the clinic at their wonderful venue. Calls for appointments will be accepted beginning Feb. 7. Appointments are limited. Call 479-394-8001, please leave a message if necessary, and someone will return your call.

Please visit hsomena.org for more information.

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ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 01.31.24

A Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

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

Meet SISTERS Foxy and Fluffy!

Hi! We are Fluffy and Foxy, We are little Chi sisters, and very unsure of the shelter life, so we need a loving and patient home. We are good with each other and other dogs. Come meet us today... you can adopt one or both of us... but BOTH of us would be awesome so we can stay together! Please???? Call the shelter to learn more!

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

18 Community

February 7, 2024

Around Town Polk County Sociable Senior Luncheon will be at Fully Baked Cafe.

Starts at noon, Feb. 13. Please let Linda Johnson know if you plan to attend. Bring a new friend! Hope to see you there.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call (956) 241-2633 or email Linda Johnson at gijanejohnson@gmail.com.

The Essential Oils class that was originally scheduled for January, has been rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 17. Class will begin at 10 a.m. in the Education Building on DeQueen Street in Mena. There is a fee of $15 to cover the cost of materials. Space is limited, so please register at (479) 394-6018. If you registered in January, please call and confirm your registration. This class is open to the public and we encourage you to attend.

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.

The Polk County Democrats will be meeting on Feb. 12 at Papa’s Mexican Cafe, 1317 Hwy. 71 South, Mena. Come early to eat and socialize for the meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. Any questions call Linda Johnson at (479) 234-7966. Bring a friend.

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.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Dequeen Street, Mena, is hosting a Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, Feb. 11, following their 10 a.m. worship service! You are invited to come and judge the chili! Participant prizes and a Grand Prize will be awarded! For more information, please call (479) 394-1290.

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, 4-6 p.m., located at Fair Grounds Road. For more information, call (479) 437-4018.

Country, Western, gospel singing and music in the Daisy Room (behind Janssen Ave. Florists), 800 Janssen Ave., Mena, 6:309:30 p.m. every Thursday. Free event. Bring finger food. For information call Lloyd Knight (479) 234-3547.

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.

Calvary Baptist Church will have a catered dinner from Big D’s on Saturday, Feb. 17, for a Valentines Celebration beginning at 4 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Calvary Baptist Church, 2100 Hwy. 375 West, Mena.

The men will be serving the ladies. Nothing to bring, the meal and desserts are catered, and all are welcome. If anyone wants to bring a dessert, that would be welcomed, you never have enough desserts.

We would like to have a RSVP headcount by Friday, Feb. 9, for all attending our event. They can either call or email: Cathy Deaton - (870) 403-2497 (Pastor’s Wife) or Jim Cornell - (386) 956-7073 (jcorn6454@aol.com) 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. Come enjoy bee education, door prizes and socialization with other beekeepers. Call president Tommy Payne at (903) 521-4611 for details.

Avalon Hall is available for parties, baby showers, weddings, receptions, banquets, church retreats and life celebrations. For pricing, call (479) 437-4902.

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 Mena/Polk County Senior Center will have The Gator and Friends band performing in Mena every Thursday, 10:3011:30 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 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.

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) 2348366 or (479) 216-3786.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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) 2439600 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!

February 7, 2024 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 January 29, 2024 No reports.

January 30, 2024 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on West Johnson Avenue near Hatfield in reference to a physical domestic altercation leading to the arrest of Chelsey Rodgers, 32, of Mena on charges of Public Intoxication, 3rd Degree Domestic Battery, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest, and Interference with a Law Enforcement or Code Enforcement Officer.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 407 near Wickes in reference to a dog being killed.

Police 19

MENA POLICE Choctaw Landing hosts job fairs REPORTS Choctaw Landing, a 100-bed resort and

casino located in Hochatown, Oklaho-

January 28 ma, is hosting several community job idence on Polk 288 near Cove in refA report of breaking or entering fairs. The new destination resort will erence to a trespasser. was taken from a walk-in com- employ more than 400 individuals.

Deputies were dispatched to a res- plainant.

“We are hiring for all positions for the resort and casino and are looking for idence on Polk 25 near Cove in refindividuals who are interested in finderence to a verbal domestic dispute. January 29 ing an exciting new career in the enInformation has been forwarded to No report. tertainment and hospitality industry,” the Prosecuting Attorney for fursaid Jeremy Whitaker, regional marther consideration.

January 30 keting director for Choctaw Casinos & Alex Hunter, 30, of Little River No report.

Resorts. “The job fairs are designed so was arrested by an officer with the candidates can speak to various resort Grannis Police Department on two January 31 and casino departments and find a job warrants for Contempt of Court for Ashley Clem, 31, was served that matches their qualifications.”

The new Choctaw Landing will feaFailure to Pay Fines. with a warrant at a residence on ture meeting rooms, a pool, restaurant, 12th Street. a casino and an outdoor recreation February 2, 2024 venue.

In addition, a mercantile with Deputies were dispatched to a res- February 1 groceries, a deli, a Starbucks and a fuel idence on Polk 662 near Mena in No report. station is attached to the resort. reference to a physical altercation.

Upcoming Choctaw Landing Job Deputies were dispatched to a res- February 2 Fairs include: idence on Polk 30 near Hatfield in Rodney Strother, 35, was - Feb. 13 – Broken Bow – Choctaw reference to harassment.

Community Center charged with DWI and Careless Feb. 22 – Battiest, Oklahoma – Driving after a traffic stop on Choctaw Community Center February 3, 2024 Geyer Drive.

- Feb. 29 – Idabel, Oklahoma – No reports.

Choctaw Community Center February 3 - March 7 – Mena, Arkansas – February 4, 2024 No report.

Ouachita Center at the University Deputies were dispatched to a resof Arkansas – Rich Mountain idence on Hwy 375 W near Mena - March 21 – Broken Bow – Chocin reference to a physical domestic taw Community Center disturbance leading to the arrest of - March 28 – Broken Bow – ChocBrook Rose, 28, of Fort Smith on a taw Community Center - April 4 – Broken Bow – Choctaw charge of 3rd Degree Domestic BatCommunity Center tery.

April 11 – Broken Bow – Choctaw Kayla Richardson, 36, of Horatio Community Center was arrested on a Failure to Appear (all take place 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.)

Warrant.

January 31, 2024 Deputies responded to a report of a theft.

Timothy Robertson, 36, of Mena was arrested by an officer with Probation Parole on a probation violation.

Deputies responded to a business on Hwy 71 S near Cove in reference to vandalism.

Klinton Wilson, 36, of Wickes was arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Polk County Sheriff ’s Office worked 0 vehicle accidents this February 1, 2024 week.

Deputies were dispatched to a res-

To learn more about the open positions, please check out Choctaw Careers at https://careers.choctawnation. com/. Some positions qualify for relocation and/or sign-on bonuses.

20 Classifieds

February 7, 2024

- CLASSIFIEDS - SERVICES -

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

T0207 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 T0306 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, roads, tree services, and mulching. Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0228 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 T0306

- 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 16 hens, 2 chicken coops and 2 rabbit cages. Call (479) 259-6274 T0207

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

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

T0424 Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for a full-time office position. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages; benefits available for full-time positions.

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

T0228

- HELP WANTED -

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 Employment Opportunity: Full time Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for Mena Middle School. Must be eligible to serve in a public school with at least one year of full time experience as a licensed nurse and have an active nursing license in good standing with Arkansas state board of nursing.

Please inquire at Mena School District Administration office, 501 Hickory Avenue, Mena, AR, or submit an application/resume online at menaschools.org.

T0221 Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced TIG Welder/Manual Machinist for Cylinder Head Repair. This is for a permanent day shift position. The applicant must be proficient in welding aluminum and have manual machining experience. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

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

T0228 Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced CNC Machine Operator.

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

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

T0424 Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for 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.

T0214

City of Mena spring clean-up The City of Mena Annual Spring Clean-Up is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, March 5. City trucks will pick up items you want to dispose of at no charge. This Clean-Up service is free for residences within the city limits of Mena only.

Please follow the below listed regulations to ensure that the pick-up runs smoothly.

Materials will not be picked up unless they are placed at the curbside and separated. Street Department personnel cannot go onto private property to assist in moving items.

It is very important to separate any items that you want to keep away from those that are to be discarded (such as trash cans).

Notice, the following items cannot be picked up: concrete, brick, rocks, dirt, shingles, batteries, and construction debris.

Please separate your items to be discarded into five distinct piles as follows: 1. Furniture — couches, chairs, televisions, window frames, etc.

2. Household trash — paper items, etc. (Please place trash cans, that you wish to keep to one side so that they will not be disposed of inadvertently) 3. Metal material — hot water heaters, stoves, appliances, etc.

4. Yard waste — tree limbs, shrubs, grass, etc.

5. Tires Note - it is required that all small yard debris, such as small limbs, gum balls, leaves and grass, be placed in garbage bags.

The Mena Street Department will begin pick up in the northwest part of the city and work their way across town following the same routes as Southern Disposal. Trucks will run 1-3 days after the day of your normal trash pick-up.

The response to this Clean-Up is usually overwhelming, so please be patient if the trucks are running somewhat behind the posted schedule; however, each route will only be covered one time. It is not necessary to call City Hall in order to receive this service.

February 7, 2024

By Ethan Nahté

Special Olympics Winter Games medalists compete in pickleball

Team Mena brought home gold and silver medals from the Special Olympics Winter Games at the Springdale Rec Center, Friday, Feb. 2.

Jayden Cox didn’t compete but she is a member of the Special Olympics YAC (Youth Activation Committee) and her group helps organize and run the state level events.

Aarika Cox is a paraprofessional with Mena Public Schools and runs the Special Olympics program for the district. She said, “We had seven athletes and partners participate. This is the state level competition. It is the first time that pickleball was offered at state competition and our group did amazing!”

Medalists (pictured clockwise from top left) -

Maddie Fletcher and Brody Peters - Gold Loren McCloud and Guice Anderson - Gold Daniel Venable and Kili Cox - Silver Willam Gorsuch - Gold

(l-r) Willam Gorsuch, Brody Peters, Maddie Fletcher, Jayden Cox, Guice Anderson, Loren McCloud, Daniel Venable, and Kili Cox (All photos courtesy of Mena Public Schools)

Sports 21

22 Sports

Presented by

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE ACORN HIGH SCHOOL Basketball

02/10 - Start Sr. High District Tournament

-------------------COSSATOT RIVER HIGH SCHOOL Basketball

February 7, 2024

Mena will be represented in All-Star game The Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star Football Game will be June 22. The Mena Bearcats will be represented by Jaxon Baber as one of the players for the West Football All-Star team and Craig Bentley has been named to the West Coaching Staff.

02/09 - Umpire @ Horatio 02/09 - Cossatot vs. Booneville 02/12 - Start Sr. High District Tournament

-------------------MENA HIGH SCHOOL Basketball

02/12 - Start Sr. High District Tournament

Wrestling

02/10 - Mena @ Girls Regionals

-------------------MT. IDA HIGH SCHOOL Basketball

02/09 - Mt. Ida @ Dierks 02/12 - Start Sr. High District Tournament

--------------------

Bucks drop opening series with NTCC

By Jerod McCormick For the second straight season, the Bucks were scheduled to open with Northeast Texas Community College in a 4-game series.

Northeast Texas took all four games of the series. The series saw some hightlights for the Bucks, missed opportunities, and areas to improve. The Bucks managed three runs in the four games, but it is worth mentioning the Bucks had more chances with runners in scoring position that included five times grounding out into double plays, being thrown out at the plate twice, and base running errors.

Offensively, Aiden McGinnis (Jasper, Alabama) led the Bucks with four hits, while three other Bucks had three hits in the series. Diego Archila (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) led the Bucks with a pair of extra base hits, and Ian Smith (Bismarck, Arkansas) led the team in RBIs with

two in the final game. Caleb Bryant (North Little Rock, Arkansas) stole three bases in the series. The Bucks had an on-base percentage of .365 that included nine walks and eight hit-by-pitches.

Defensively, the Bucks made 13 errors in the field that resulted in 16 unearned runs for the Eagles. The Bucks did turn three double plays in the four games. On the mound, the pitchers struck out 29 hitters with a 5.48 ERA as a staff, but the Bucks hit 17 hitters in the series. Sophomore Austin Rainey (Conway, Arkansas) led the Bucks with six Ks, followed by three other pitchers with five in their outings.

The men play a 3-game series with Arkansas State University Three Rivers. Game One is at Union Bank Field on Friday, Feb. 9, at 1 p.m., followed by a doubleheader in Malvern on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for noon.

Jaxon Baber (above) and Coach Craig Bentley (below) headed to the All-Star game.

(Submitted photos)

UA RICH MOUNTAIN Baseball

02/9 - UARM vs. Arkansas State University - Three Rivers 02/10 - UARM @ Arkansas State University - Three Rivers 02/12 - UARM @ Carl Albert State

College

Softball

02/10 - UARM vs. Missouri State University - West Plains 02/13 - UARM vs. Arkansas State University Club

Mena High School senior Payton Clark signed her letter of intent to play basketball at North Arkansas College in Harrison on Wednesday, Jan. 31, at the Union Bank Center.

(Submitted photo)

February 7, 2024

Education 23

Mena students headed to the Cossatot River Primary School perfect All-State Music Conference attendance and honor roll first semester

By Ethan Nahté

Mena choir members participated in the All-State Choir auditions on Feb. 2.

Bailey Benner, Eric Decker and Holiday Neufeld were selected Decker was also busy at the Arkansas All-State Band Auditions held in Russellville. Thousands of students compete every year for very limited spots in the Arkansas All-State Bands.

Mena High School Director Charles Morgan said, “Congratulations to Eric Decker for making 1st Chair Bassoon

in the All-State Symphonic Band and Hudson Vacca for making 1st chair piano in the 1st All-State Jazz Band. This is the second year in a row that Hudson has been recognized as the best high school jazz piano player in the state of Arkansas.

“This is a great accomplishment for both students, and we are proud of them.”

All four students will attend the Arkansas All-State Music Conference at the Hot Springs Convention Center on Feb. 15-17.

Perfect attendance (2023-2024): First semester Kindergarten: None First Grade: Carter Bell Second Grade: Gunner Murphy

Honor Roll (2023-2024): First semester First Grade - All A’s: Marek Anglin, Job Colbert, Carter Cureton, Quade Dinger, Hoyt Faughn, Timber Fortner, Andrew Goethals, Leilani Gonzalez, Maeliegh Goodner, Annabelle Hall, Kylie Harley, Greyson Hexamer, Jayney Jacks, Emma Jester, Aspyn Lewis, Finnley Martin, Matthew McCrary, Leah Munoz, Ian Richardson, Ginebra Rodriguez, Ford Shaver, Jackson Speight, Adalyn Tena, Avery Turner, Hayslee Vaughn.

First Grade - All A’s & B’s: Nova Ahmed, Selena Alameda, Savannah Alexander, Braxdon Bailey, Carter Bell, Elliott Bell, Brenlee Dean, Emersyn Deputy, Karley Flores, Heidi Holbrook, Augustus Hutson, Micha London, Alan Martinez, Hayden Neal, Landon Olalde, Bayla Rodriguez, Sofia Rodriguez, Sebastian Ruelas-Magana, Hunter Shepherd, Ryland Valencia, Josiah Vandegrift, Emma Walston, Stormie Ward, Colton Webb.

Second Grade - All A’s: Story Alexander, Kamden Baker, Kynlie Barton, Aedan Brummel, Maggie Davis, Genesis Esquivel, William Jeanes, Wyatt Jenkins, Xander Leach,Calvin Mayo, AJ Lowrey, Reiner Thomas, Liam Walker, Lakota Ward.

Bailey Benner

Eric Decker

Holiday Neufeld

Hudson Vacca

Second Grade - All A’s & B’s: Nick Aaron, Angel Alarcon, Raymond Ashcraft, Isabella Cecilio-Velazquez, Ronnie Crawford, Tinley Davis, Jessie Denton, Christiana Dollarhyde, Montserrat Gomez, Kei’Shae Goss, Skyler Head, Makenzie Herring, Kendryck Moran, Brynn Parker, Brayden Patton, Jaxen Shouse, Adeline Strother, Parker Watkins.

24

February 7, 2024