The Polk County Pulse - January 24, 2024

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JANUARY 24, 2024

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Former MLB catcher is a hit at UARM’s First Pitch Banquet

INSIDE:

Ag Expo

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Article and photos by Ethan Nahté

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Softball Prospect Camp Page 16

The UARM Bucks baseball team threw their inaugural First Pitch Banquet Saturday evening with success. Although there were a few empty seats, somewhere between 125-150 people were in attendance for the banquet and to support the team.

The evening began with UARM Athletic Director Jerod McCormick welcoming everyone, followed by a blessing of the meal. The line was long for the Cajun food and the table of cupcakes made by The GinFormer All-Star catcher with the St. Louis Cardinals, and a former Razorback, gered Baker.

After the meal, McCormick re- Tom Pagnozzi (right) autographs the glove of one of the catchers for the Bucks, Jack Biliski (left), as Bucks Head Coach Junior Weaver looks on. turned to the podium and spoke See BUCKS continued on page 10

Get ‘All Shook Up’ with an Elvis tribute performance

By Ethan Nahté

Matt In The Morning

Page 12

Elvis tribute performer Josh Davis is coming to Shady Mountain Events for a dinner and a show. Davis frequently performs at the Tupelo Elvis Festival and was the winner of the 2015 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist concert at IP Casino. He’s originally from Sulphur Springs, Texas, and he’s been doing his tribute for a while.

Davis said, “I have actually performed in Arkansas several times throughout

BIG!

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my career. I have performed in Nashville, El Dorado, and Magnolia several times. I started performing professionally when I was 16 so I have been at it for almost 15 years.”

He has the Elvis hairdo, the energetic moves, including the Elvis the Pelvis hip shake, and he sounds a lot like the King.

Sharee Boyd, owner of Shady Mountain Events, said, “I think a lot of people still enjoy his music and it’s fun and different.

Watching online performances of Davis, not only does he perform Elvis’ songs, but he does hit s by others such as Roy Orbison and Righteous Brothers, but still with the Elvis voice. For the Shady Mountain show, Boyd said, “He’s supposed to just be doing Elvis at my place, but he also does different people.

I don’t know if he has different outfits for the different people.”

See ELVIS continued on page 2

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2 News ELVIS continued from page 1 “Elvis is definitely my favorite performer as well as my favorite tribute to perform,” Davis said.

“This in something I thought would be a good idea for a couple years,” Boyd said. “I just started looking online and I noticed that he — he lives in Longview [Texas] — he was down in Nashville, Arkansas, at the [Peach Blossom] Festival. Josh Davis sold out and I was like, “Well, he must be pretty good if he’s returning and keeps returning and goes here and goes there. I started doing some research on him and that that is how I found him, just getting online and looking.

“Then I actually called Nashville and I’m like, “Is he good?” and they’re like, ‘Oh yeah, let’s put it this way, we had 800 and something people.’ I’m sure they were there for other things too, not just him, but I know he was in the top 20 Elvis impersonators nationwide.

He might have been fourth place, but I might be wrong on that.

January 24, 2024 “I guess you can call it an impersonator or say he’s a tribute artist. I’ve never really been a big, big fan of Elvis to tell the truth. I didn’t grow up listening to that in my household either, but he does have a beautiful voice. We’re still talking about it. There are still women around that just swoon. It’s that old nostalgic, happy, clean feel. I think everyone I have even mentioned it to they’re so excited.”

Though she can seat up to 150 people, Boyd said she will seat up to 125 people for the dinner and show. That still leaves room for a dance floor and room for people to comfortably move in between tables. Tickets are $25 per person or $40 for a couple and are available to purchase at RadioShack on Highway 71 in Mena. That gets you a barbecue meal along with Elvis wanting to be your teddy bear. Note that they will only accept cash or check, no cards.

What about peanut butter and banana sandwiches?

Boyd laughed as she replied, “I was thinking about it, but I don’t know yet.

Actually, sometimes, I think he put bacon on it.

“I looked up something and I took a picture of it — an Elvis Jailhouse Rock cake and it’s so easy. It’s got coconut and pecans and [pineapple].

“He was definitely southern, so it’ll be like a Memphis style barbecue type with whatever Matthew decides cook, and then sides. The desert will be based on something Elvis liked.”

The performance will be at Shady Mountain Events, 428 Hwy. 375 E, Mena, Feb. 24. The dinner starts at 6 p.m. and the two-hour tribute performance begins at 7. The evening sounds like a good time to “Shake, Rattle and Roll.”

Unrelated to the Elvis tribute, there will be a dance featuring Gator and Friends at Shady Mountain Events from 7-10 pm., Jan. 27. Tickets are $8 per person or $15 per couple.

They’ll also have a Valentine’s dance from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, with

Shades of Gray performing. The ticket prices are also $8 per person or $15 per couple.

For questions on any of the events, call 479-234-7174.

Elvis tribute performer Josh Davis will be “All Shook Up” at Shady Mountain Events on Feb. 24 for a dinner and a show.

(Photo by Jessica Ross)

January 24, 2024

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I just finished reading a book titled “Holocaust on the High Seas” authored

by Phillip F. Tourney, a witness and survivor of the attack on the USS Liberty, a flagged U.S. Navy spy ship. The attack occurred in the Mediterranean Sea on June 8,1967. The attacker was Israel.

Prior to attacking, Israeli jets had flown over the Liberty which flew the American flag.

Jets came back shortly after the fly over and bombed and strafed the ship. Liberty was armed with four machine guns, only effective at repelling boarders. The attack took out that meager de-fense. The ship sustained numerous hits but remained afloat.

To finish the job and sink the Liberty, three MTB (motor torpedo boats) flying the Israeli flag returned and launched three torpedoes. One of the torpedoes hit its mark and the other two missed.

Deployed lifeboats were destroyed by gun fire, and one was taken by the MTB boats. Clearly, sinking Liberty was the intent and there were to be no survivors.

Supporting American forces were available to respond but were called off and only came to as-sist after the attack was completed and the Liberty remained afloat. High ranking Navy officers (in particular Admiral Isaac C Kidd Jr.) boarded sometime later and, after conducting interviews, threatened the surviving crew members if they divulged any information about the attack.

To verify this book I went to Google and found the attack

Letters 3

Want to share your opinion? documented. In reading further it was obvious that efforts were made to cover up as much as possible.

Given current events, my faith in Israel and their ability to show restraint is diminished. I sup-port their right to defend themselves but feel they are capable of going beyond acceptable means to do so, and unless held accountable, know no boundaries.

I get the part about Israel being our strongest ally in the region and what that means. But given past history and no efforts to be held accountable for attacking our ship, I feel it is prudent to examine aid we provide and have a higher accountability for how it is used. Israel needs to understand that being an ally is a twoway street. No one else stands with them as staunchly as America and absent our support they will surely perish at the hands of majority Muslim neighbors bent on their demise.

Google “foreign aid given to Israel” and according to U.S. News and World Report, that amount is in excess of $260 billion since the end of WW2.

Leadership during this unwarranted attack on a U.S. Navy ship were President Johnson, Secretary of Defense McNamara, Admiral McCain, and Admiral Kidd.

Sadly, we may never know the whole truth and depth of coverup on this or other stains on our history. We can only be vigilant and avoid repeating our past

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mistakes.

Please read and form your own opinions. The attack is well documented.

As always, thank you for a forum to address my thoughts though we may peacefully disagree.

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

4 Politics

January 24, 2024 From the

State House of Representatives

Public education stands ment data. Reports revealed that as the primary expenditure in 2022, 30% of Arkansas 4thwithin state government. This grade students scored proficient month, the House and Senate or above in reading, slightly beEducation Committees began low the national average of 32%. working on the Educational Additionally, 28% of Arkansas Adequacy Study. This study 4th-grade students and 35% will serve as a recommendanationally scored proficient or tion to the legislature to de- John Maddox above in math. termine funding for the 2025The House and Senate Edu2026 and 2026-2027 school years. cation Committees approved an emerThis in-depth process involves as- gency rule to implement literacy tutorsessing the entirety of public education ing grants and High Impact Learning to ensure equal opportunities for stu- Grants. dents, covering aspects from teacher The literacy grant program is desalaries to technological requirements. signed to help struggling readers in Arkansas employs a specific formula, grades K-3. It will allow families to inthe matrix, to calculate per-student voice up to $500 per year for tutoring funding, which is set to increase from services. $7,618 to $7,771 for the 2024-2025 The second program will provide a school year. limited amount of funding for schools The committees will later exam- to spend on tutoring services during ine facilities funding and partnership the school day. programs in February, followed by a The proposed rule now goes before review of teacher-related aspects such the Arkansas Legislative Council Execas recruitment, retention, salaries, and utive Committee, scheduled to meet on professional development in June.

January 18.

The culmination of this study results The House and Senate Education in a final report due on November 1, Committees will convene again on serving as a crucial guide for funding February 5 and February 6, with livedecisions in the subsequent year. streamed and recorded meetings accesAt the most recent meeting, commit- sible at www.arkansashouse.org. tee members reviewed student achieve-

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 freezing weather may representatives from Arkanhave prevented citizens from sas towns and counties. appearing in person at three Also helping to write the public hearings held by the plan are members of the ArArkansas Broadband Office kansas Connectivity Coato gather input about plans to lition, which includes the expand and improve Internet University of Arkansas, Uniaccess in the state. versity of Arkansas System Terry Rice However, there is still time Division of Agriculture Coto submit comments. Arkansans have operative Extension Service, Winrock until January 25 to submit their com- International, Communities Unlimments online at broadband.arkansas. ited and the Arkansas Black Mayors gov. That is the web address of AR- Association.

Connect, the state Broadband Office.

“It is important that as many ArIt is called the Digital Skills and kansans as possible provide feedback Opportunity Plan. It was written af- on this draft plan. Every voice matters ter state officials gathered data from to ensure the state’s plan is effective over 12,000 survey responses, 32 fo- and accounts for the unique challengcus groups and in-person visits to all es that different segments of the state 75 counties. population face,” the director of the Extensive surveys proved invalu- Broadband Office said. able. They revealed that many ArkanThe office scheduled three public sas communities are under-served, hearings, in Batesville on January 18, in spite of the fact that national maps in Prescott and Little Rock on January developed from satellite imagery may 19, but the snow and continued cold indicate that they have access to high interfered with many people’s travel speed Internet. plans.

According to the Broadband OfA new acronym is being used by lofice, the goal of the Digital Skills and cal officials and telecommunications Opportunity Plan is to form the most companies throughout the country effective action plan for equipping all that are working to expand broadArkansans with the digital skills nec- band access. It is BEAD and it stands essary to succeed in the 21-century for the Broadband Equity, Access and digital economy.

Deployment program that has already The Broadband Office will incor- allocated more than $1 billion to Arporate the public comments into the kansas for building and upgrading plan and submit it to federal officials. broadband networks. It also is being An effective plan will help Arkansas spent to improve the digital skills of communities apply for the billions in Arkansas residents. grants that are becoming available for In August of last year the state Internet expansion, particularly in ru- Broadband Office submitted a fiveral areas. year plan to the National TelecommuThe office is encouraging all stake- nications and Information Adminisholders to visit broadband.arkansas. tration. It has details of the Arkansas gov and review the plan. Then, they strategy to eliminate its digital divide can provide feedback using the pub- by 2028. It is a foundation for future lic comment form that is available at a efforts because it has a thorough link on the page. analysis of existing broadband assets ARConnect has joined with Heart- across the state, and identifies the arland Forward, a Bentonville-based eas where gaps in Internet access need non-profit organization, to bring in to be eliminated.

News 5

January 24, 2024

Nominations now open for 2024 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Jan. 22, 2024) — The Division of Arkansas Heritage announced today that nominations for its 2024 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame have opened as of Jan. 22. Now in its eighth year, the program celebrates Arkansas’ unique culinary heritage. Nominations will be accepted online at ArkFoodHOF. com.

“Everyone has a story to tell about food,” said Marty Ryall, director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage.

“In Arkansas, food is at the heart of our heritage. Whether it’s a meal prepared at home with family or a special dining experience, Arkansas’ food stories run deep. We are encouraging the public to share their stories with us by nominating for the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.”

Nominations will be open from Jan. 22 through Feb. 29, with categories that recognize culturally significant restaurants, proprietors and food-themed events that celebrate food heritage from every part of our state including: - Arkansas Food Hall of Fame – recognizing long-standing restaurants that help create our food culture.

- Proprietor of the Year – honoring a chef, cook and/or restaurant owner with significant impact on our local food tastes and preferences.

- Food-Themed Event – honoring a community food-themed event or festival that preserves a community’s unique food history.

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Gone But Not Forgotten – remembering past establishments that set the table for our food tastes and preferences today.

People’s Choice – restaurants or food trucks, new or old, that keep our palettes whetted for more Arkansas flavors.

The Arkansas Food Hall of Fame Committee helps select winners and is made up of a group of Arkansans who are historians, chefs, foodies and food authors. Committee members include Paul S. Austin, C.C. “Chip” Culpepper, Quantia “Key” Fletcher, Cindy Grisham, Montine McNulty, Rex Nelson, Tim Nutt, Kat Robinson, Stephanie Wade, David Ware and Stanley Young, in addition to Ryall. The committee has also welcomed Chef Jennifer Maune as its newest member in 2024. A finalist in the 13th season of “MasterChef ” and a Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker, Maune was chosen for her expertise and influence in the local, regional and national food scene.

Award finalists will be announced in May 2024 and honorees will be inducted during a special event in September 2024. More details will follow closer to this time.

More information about the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame can be found at ArkFoodHOF.com. Follow the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame on Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms by searching and using the hashtag #ArkFHOF.

Attorney General Griffin warns against utility impersonation scams LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement warning Arkansas consumers about scams related to utility shut-offs: “During the cold winter months, scammers warm up on pretending and threatening the public with utility shut offs. My office receives many complaints from consumers who have been deceived by utility impersonation scams. Imposters threaten to shut off utility service if the consumer doesn’t immediately pay a past due amount. It is important to be cautious and informed, so that you aren’t a victim of one of these scams.”

Here are some helpful tips to keep you safe from utility impersonation scams: - Utility companies must provide adequate notice when bills are past due to give consumers time to pay their bills and to avoid shut offs.

- Utility companies will often allow consumers to enter into delayed payment agreements so that the consumer doesn’t have to pay the overdue bill all at once.

- Utility companies do not typically call consumers about shut offs. Instead, these companies will send a shut off notice via mail or email. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a representative of your gas, electric, or water utility threatening to shut off your service, be alert and do

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not pay them.

Your utility company will never ask you to pay with gift cards, bitcoin, or app transfers.

If you receive such a call, hang up and call your utility provider at the number on your last account statement to verify or discuss the status your account.

If you did pay, call your financial institution and/or the source of the payment to try to stop the payment.

File a complaint with our office immediately.

Exercise caution when answering calls from unknown numbers, especially when the caller is threatening you or demanding money.

If you wish to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office, you can do so by calling the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at 800- 482-8982, emailing consumer@arkansasag.gov, or visiting ArkansasAG.gov.

6 Obituaries Paul William Glenn

Mr. Paul William Glenn, age 80, passed away Thursday, January 18, 2024, in Mena, Arkansas.

He was born August 20, 1943, in Silo, Oklahoma, to the late Luther and Sarah Louise (Dowdle) Glenn.

Mr. Paul Glenn was a graduate of Southeastern Oklahoma State University, earning himself a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Behavior Studies. Paul worked as a counselor in court related and community services. He was united in marriage to Ethel Louise Glenn. He and Ethel liked traveling and sightseeing together. They worked three seasons at Yellowstone National Park, traveled to all fifty states, ten of Canadas provinces, and six other countries, before finally settling down in their beloved Mena.

He served seven years in the US Army and Army Reserves. Mr. Glenn was honorably discharged from the US Army as a Specialist E-5 and Army Reserves as Staff Sargent. Paul was a member of many organizations and groups, including, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, the local Honor Guard, until he was unable, the local Master Gardeners Club, and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Mena.

Paul had many interests and was well versed in all of them. He was incredibly talented with wood working, aiding in the building of new homes , and last, but certainly not least he was a wonderful cook.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Ethel Louise Glenn.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Luther Glenn and Louise Glenn, brothers, James Glenn, Fred Glenn, and Robert Glenn.

Services for Mr. Paul Glenn will be held, Friday, January 26, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at the Beasley-Wood Chapel, in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Vernon Payne

January 24, 2024 will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will take place at the Fort Smith National Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be general.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Frankie Owens

Mr. Frankie Owens, age 69, passed away Thursday, January 18, 2024, in Mena, Arkansas.

He was born August 28, 1954, to the late Robert Melvin and Jewell Dean (Titsworth) Owens, in Mena, Arkansas.

Frankie was best known for working for the tobacco distributing company with Troy Varner. His customers on his route affectionately referred to Frankie as “The Candyman.” He was also known as an avid outdoorsman.

He loved hunting, fishing, front-porch sitting and watching the deer, and anything that involved being outside. He could often be found spending time with friends at Larry’s Corner and the Elks Lodge.

Mr. Owens is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Melvin and Jewell Dean (Titsworth) Owens, brothers, Robert Eugene Owens, Donny Owens, Wayne Owens, and Dennis Owens.

He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Jane Owens; son, Drew Owens and wife Michaela; daughters, Cortney Luvera and husband Anthony, Valerie Oglesby; 7 grandchildren; sisters, Melissa Owens, Julie Hammond and husband Jack; niece, Renee Gann; nephew, Taylor Redding; as well as by a host of other family and friends too numerous to mention.

Services for Mr. Frankie Owens will be held at 2:00 p.m., at the First Christian Church in Mena, Arkansas, on Thursday, January 25, 2024. Brother Rob Williams and Brother Alvin Rosson will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Interment will follow at the Nunley Cemetery in Nunley, Arkansas. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 24, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Pallbearers are Larry Dunaway, Eric Hughes, Skip Smith, Ray Baker, Taylor Redding, and Rex Baker. Honorary Pallbearers will be Steve Bell, Lanny Ozanich, Barry Emerson, Pete Hillard.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Rogelio Salguero Mendoza

Rogelio Salguero Mendoza, age 63, of Hatfield, Arkansas, died Sunday, January 14, 2024, at CHI St. Vincent Medical Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was born on Monday, May 23, 1960, to Salvador Salguero Gutierrez and Maria Trinidad Mendoza Ceja in Zacapu, Michoacán, Mexico.

My father was a man who always seemed to walk with his dignity and pride on his shoulders. He always had a charisma about him, in every step he took! He was someone who could be as fierce as a tiger yet always, so welcoming with an open heart. He was never one to back down from a challenge, or fear what’s around the corner, he loved to explore the unknown. He loved getting out to see new places and faces, but nature was his true wonderland you could say. He used to share many stories just sitting around a nice woodburning stove, a nice drink in hand.

Him and his dog would go for a run up the mountain to go quail hunting, or how he became the fastest swimmer on his swim team. As well as so many more memories about how he would help his mother and father around the small farm they had, truly family was what he cared most about.

I have thousands of great memories with him, like when I hid in the floorboard of the back seat of his car and waited till he was halfway to work to

give him the perfect jump scare. After being scared and laughing it off he called his boss to let them know he was taking me back, and he would be on his way. His ability to make any situation into a good time was unlike any other, it was just a natural thing to make everyone smile. Its qualities like that, that make my father the amazing person he was with the amazing memories that he made for everyone to remember him by.

They say, “Death leaves heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal.” For me that applies whole heartedly to my dad, he is someone everyone could love and make memories with so easily. My father could always make the best of times when he was around, he always wanted to see everyone with a smile.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother; and his loving wife, Letha Darlene Salguero.

Rogelio is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Rogelio and Tasha Salguero of Mena; one daughter-in-law Misty Richardson; four grandchildren, Zayden, Annalis and Myla Salguero and Anthony Beasley; one sister and four brothers, Maria Cruz Sagrario Salguero, Salvador Salguero Mendoza, Alejandro Salguero Mendoza, Hector Salguero Mendoza, and Martin Salguero Mendoza; numerous nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and good friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at the Church of Christ in Smithville, OK. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Obituaries 7

January 24, 2024 Martha Jo Goodner

Mrs. Martha Jo Goodner, age 85, passed away Thursday, January 18, 2024, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born May 25, 1938, in Mena, Arkansas, to the late Mike Edward and Mattie Lou (Tucker) Kelly.

Mrs. Goodner was a secretary by profession. She enjoyed drinking coffee, watching her soap operas and the Price is Right! She loved to sew in her earlier years, she also enjoyed bowling in a bowling league. She was the best mother and caregiver to her son, Cliff.

She is survived by her sons, Cliff Goodner and Chad Goodner; daughters, Kim Milne and husband Andy, Karen Griffith and husband Tom; grandchildren, Drew Milne, Amy Milne, Callie Ramos and husband Gary; Britain Morris and wife Jurika, Baleigh Goodner, Braeden Morris and wife Cate, Kyle Goodner; great-grandchildren, Adylan Ramos, Kason Ramos, Zayden Goodner, Scottland Morris, Caden Threats; sister, Ginger Jones; and by her niece, Sherri Crowley.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Mike Edward and Mattie Lou (Tucker) Kelly, and by her daughter, Sabrina Wilson.

Services for Mrs. Goodner will be held Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at the Beasley-Wood Chapel, in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Justin Leonard and Brother Donnie Jewell will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Pinecrest Memorial Park, in Mena, Arkansas. Visitation will be general.

Pallbearers are Andy Milne, Tom Griffith, Britain Morris, Braeden Morris, Kyle Goodner, Todd Aynes, Mike Crowley. Honorary Pallbearers are Drew Milne, Mike Hooper, Brian Erickson, and John Finck.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Fred Roy Hopper Fred Roy Hopper, age 75, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, January 18, 2024, at his home.

He was born January 24, 1948, in Mena, Arkansas, to Toy Hopper and Lala Roberts Hopper. Fred worked in the woods logging during his earlier years finishing his career as a factory worker at Aalf Manufacturing. He was in the United States Marine Corps serving his country in the Vietnam War. Fred enjoyed hunting, fishing, and taking his dog Boy around the lake for a drive. He took pride in his garden and could almost always be seen sporting his straw hat. You could say that he was somewhat of an outdoorsman.

However, he could also be found on a cold winter’s day reading a good book in front of his fireplace. Fred was a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be greatly missed.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Toy and Lala Hopper and his brother, Billy Hopper; son-in-law, Byron Sherman.

He is survived by the love of his life, Cecilia Santos; daughters, Cathy Davis and husband Kenny, Debbie Sherman, and Ann Frachiseur and husband Chris; grandchildren, Kendra Davis and husband Sheldon, Danielle Harbin and husband Jesse, Coy Frachiseur and wife Ava, Imelda Martinelli and husband Josh, Rachel Hicks and husband Woody, and Betito Rodriguez and wife Andreina. Also surviving him are several great-grandchildren and his sisters, Kay Sprague, Mary Janway and husband Gary Don; sister-in-law, Renee Hopper; numerous nieces and nephew and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services for Fred will be Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. with Brother Troy Denton officiating. Interment will follow in the

Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas, under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Pallbearers are Tim Hopper, Jeff Janway, Jimmy Janway, Sheldon Davis, Coy Frachiseur, Chris Frachiseur, and Kenny Davis.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Marvin Doyle Harris

Marvin Doyle Harris, age 84, of Cove, Arkansas, passed away January 19, 2024, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Marvin, “Doyle” to his family and friends, was born and raised in Texas.

He later moved to Arizona where he met his future wife. In life, Doyle lived in Texas, Arizona, and Wyoming before retiring with his wife in Cove, Arkansas. Doyle led a full life with a variety of careers and hobbies. He loved to cook and feed his friends and family. He was also a skilled woodworker. Making clocks was a particular favorite.

Doyle was preceded in death by his wife Patricia (Gilpin), his parents Ernest and Mary, sisters Christine (Land), Oleta (Davis), Eva Lois (Rasberry), Verdell (Rasberry) and Pearl (Smith).

He is survived by his brother Lynn, son Edward (Nadine), grandsons Ein (Lauren), Collin (Sadie) and Shane Olson (Jeana), great-grandchildren (Lola and Miles), along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Doyle was a very kind, loving and generous man that cared deeply for those that were in his life. To know him was a true blessing. He would always be there when needed. He will be missed immensely by those whose lives he touched.

Honoring his wishes, he will be cremated with no services planned. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Ruby Nell RichmondLunsford

Ruby Nell Richmond - Lu ns ford passed away from this life and into the arms of Jesus on January 16, 2024, at the age of 89, in Mena, Arkansas. She was born July 21, 1934, in Nella, Arkansas, to the late Edgar E. Richmond and the late Lula Leamon-Richmond.

She was married to the late Ulysses Lunsford. Ruby was a devout Christian and was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Mena where she loved attending the senior adult Sunday school class in her later years. Ruby graduated from Acorn High School, and she started working at the Union Bank of Mena in 1953. She continued working at the Union Bank until she retired 50 years later. Ruby had many fond memories of the years she worked at the Union Bank and had made many lifelong friends. She was a long-time resident of Mena and was known and loved by many.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ulysses Lunsford; sister, Helen Thomas; brother, Edsel Eugene (Gene) Richmond; nephew, Delbert Wayne Thomas and wife Kathryn.

She is survived by her nephew, Garland Thomas and wife Linda, nephew, Duane Richmond and wife Cindy, and special great-nephew, Delbert Wayne Thomas Jr., and many other nieces and nephews too numerous to mention.

Services for Mrs. Ruby Nell Richmond-Lunsford will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, January 22, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Jim Tennery will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2024.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

8 News

January 24, 2024

Four States Ag Expo is Feb. 8 Submitted by Cooperative Extension Service TEXARKANA, Ark. – Growers and producers from Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma will find the latest research-based information on row crops, livestock and forages, forestry, horticulture, integrated pest management, pollinators, mushrooms and more at the Four States Ag Expo on Feb. 8.

The expo is scheduled from 8:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m. at the Four States Fairgrounds, 3700 E. 50th St. in Texarkana. The event is a joint project of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Experts from both agencies will host workshops throughout the day.

“We’ll be offering a variety of educational sessions to help our growers and producers learn best practices for their operations,” said Jennifer Caraway, Miller County extension staff chair and one of the organizers. “It’s also a great time to network with others in the agriculture industry.”

Organizers are expecting 350

attendees, Caraway said. She and Arkansas extension agents in Polk, Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Sevier, Howard and Hempstead counties served on the expo planning committee along with agents from Bowie, Morris, Cass and Red River counties in northeastern Texas.

“We’re proud to partner with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension on this event that has been growing in scope for the past several years,” said John Anderson, director of the

Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. “Our collaboration helps us both of our agencies get research and resources for best practices into the hands of those who make their living in the agriculture industry.”

The expo is free, open to the public and includes a hamburger lunch. Texas Restricted Use Applicators can obtain up to five continuing education units (CEUs) at the expo.

Concurrent sessions will begin at

8:30 a.m. and include the following topics and speakers: 8:30 a.m.

- Controlling Biting Flies through Cattle Minerals containing IGRs — Dr. Shane Gadberry, Livestock and Forestry Station director, UADA - Managing Common Household Pests around the Farmstead — Dr. Jon Zawislak, entomology and plant pathology instructor, UADA

-

11 a.m.

- Oak and Loblolly Pine Tree Decline, Dr. Vic Ford, associate vice president of agriculture and natural resources, UADA - Controlling External Parasites of Livestock — Sonja Swiger, professor and extension Entomologist, Texas A&M Greenhouse Management - Joe Masabni, assistant professor and extension horticulturist, Texas A&M

1 p.m.

- Mushrooms in the Wild — Dr. Vic Ford, associate vice president of agriculture and natural resources, UADA - Reversing Declining Forage Stands — Dr. Vanessa Corriher-Olson, professor and extension forage specialist, Texas A&M - Controlling House Flies around Native Plants for Pollinators — Livestock Barns — Sonja Phyllis Ballard, Texas Master Swiger, professor and extension Gardener Entomologist, Texas A&M

9:45 a.m.

- Growing Cucurbit Crops — Dr. Joe Masabni, assistant professor and extension horticulturist (vegetables), Texas A&M - Easy Cattle Forage Calculator, Dr. Shane Gadberry, Livestock and Forestry Station director, UADA - Corn and Wheat Insect, Disease and Weed Updates — Dr. Jason Kelley, extension wheat and feed grains agronomist, UADA

2:15 p.m.

- Following the Pesticide Label to Ensure Applicator Safety — Ples Spradley, pesticide assessment specialist, UADA - Arkansas Restricted Use Pesticide Applicator Training — Jennifer Caraway, Miller County extension agent, UADA - Texas Auxin Training — Dr. Brian Triplett, Red River County agent, Texas A&M For more information, visit https://www.uaex.uada.edu/farmranch/4-states-ag-expo.aspx.

Faith 9

January 24, 2024

By Richie Lawry

The wheels of the airliner touched down on the runway at Portland International Airport. The flight from Dallas had been uneventful, but I was happy to leave my cramped seat and stretch my legs. After collecting our luggage, we called family members waiting at the designated cell phone lot. Within a few minutes, we were picked up and on our way to Red Robin for lunch.

After lunch, we headed out on the highway for Long Beach, Washington, where we would spend the next few days. I rode with my nephew in the Ford Escape that my brother-in-law lent me so I didn’t have to rent a car.

We crossed the Columbia River and were driving on Interstate 5 when the dash of the Escape showed a battery warning light. What were we going to do? If the battery wasn’t charging, we could not reach our destination.

We alerted other family members headed to Long Beach of our predicament and then started looking for the nearest auto parts store. We were only a few miles from Longview, Washington, and drove to the NAPA store there. We turned off the highway into the NAPA parking lot and noticed the power steering wasn’t working. I realized that we didn’t have a battery or charging system problem. A broken serpentine belt was the only thing that could make the charging system and the power steering quit simultaneously.

I popped open the hood, and sure enough, the serpentine belt was missing. Looking at the cramped quarters under the hood, I realized it was not a repair I could do in the parking lot. I started searching for mechanic shops in Longview, hoping someone could do the work that afternoon. If I couldn’t get the belt replaced, we would have to leave the car there and have someone in the family circle back and pick us up.

The first shop I called said it would

An Arkie’s Faith The serpentine belt

Esty’s Auto Center in Longview, Washington, made an exception for stranded travelers, helping them along their journey. .(Photo by Richie Lawry)

be four days before they could get us in. I explained to them my predicament, but they stated they couldn’t help me. The second shop that I called was Esty’s Auto Center. When I told them my situation, they said to come to their shop, and they would see if they could work with me. I informed them that I would be right there.

I was expecting to wait several hours, but I was thankful I could get it repaired the same day and still get to Long Beach to meet up with the rest of the family. We drove the half mile to Esty’s Auto Center in just a few minutes and parked in the parking lot. I went inside and told them I had just talked to them about replacing the serpentine belt on my Ford Escape.

While the lady was still taking my information, I saw a technician get into the Escape and pull it inside the shop.

“Wow,” I thought, “I expected to have to wait for at least an hour or two.” My nephew and I sat in the waiting room and visited while wait-

ing. The end wall was a large glass window that looked out over the work bays. I had never seen such a clean, well-organized shop. It was nothing like my own shop. The work was completed within 45 minutes, and we would soon be back on the road.

As I paid for the job, I thanked them for getting us in so promptly. I told them about the first shop I had called, which informed me it would be four days before they could do the work.

Esty’s told me they were also scheduling work four or five days out, but when they heard that I was traveling and stranded there until I could get the work done, they made an exception for me.

I thanked them again, and we were soon on the road, just an hour behind the rest of the group. As I thought over the afternoon’s events, I couldn’t believe that we had a breakdown, and yet, in one hour, we were back on the road. Two thoughts came to my mind.

Number one, there are some won-

Joke of the Week:

derful, thoughtful, and helpful people.

Number two, it was a God thing.

When my Momma was alive, she referred to those little coincidences in life and times when things seemed to work out when they shouldn’t have as God things. She went through life looking for those unexpected blessings she called God things. Her outlook on life has left me also looking for God things in my life.

I must confess that I never once prayed to God for help during the Serpentine Belt saga. I only prayed a prayer of thanks when it was over.

A Bible verse came to mind when I was thanking God for the wonderful people at Esty’s Auto Center. “Your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” Matthew 6:8 (NKJV) Just because I was too worried and frustrated to ask God for help didn’t mean he abandoned me. He knew what I needed and directed me to Esty’s Auto Center. “A person may plan his own journey, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (GW) The next time you feel inconvenienced or like your day is interrupted, stop and consider that you believe God is in control. God has a purpose in everything, and nothing is wasted.

We only see the immediate, but God sees the bigger picture. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:9 (KJV) Gentle Reader, prayer is not about magic words or fancy speech. Prayer is about confidence that God knows us and responds to our needs. With this understanding, our words don’t need to be unique or flowery, just heartfelt and genuine! And sometimes, words are not even required. Ask God to open your eyes to the God things that so often happen in your life.

I was so broke when I was young that I couldn’t pay my electric bill.

Those were the darkest days of my life.

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 Bucks continued from page 1 once more on the success of the athletics departments burgeoning at the community college, not to mention it’s vocational programs, cosmetology, and the fact that UARM was named among the nation’s top 150 two-year schools by the Aspen Institute.

He then introduced the head baseball coach Junior Weaver. Weaver took a few moments to address the crowd, then he introduced the entire roster of the UARM Bucks baseball team, including the other coaches, having them come up front and stand before the audience.

Before coming to UARM, Weaver was the assistant tournament director and stadium operations for Perfect Game in Millington, Tennessee.

He oversaw recruitment for tournaments at the USA Baseball Stadium

January 24, 2024 was a scout for Major League Baseball teams for the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Anaheim Angels, and the Baltimore Orioles. As McCormick stated, he likes to say that Coach Weaver knows everyone.

And someone he knew was former St. Louis Cardinals catcher Tom Pagnozzi. At events like this, you never know if the guest speaker is going to be right for the event.

Some guests are not accustomed to standing before a focused crowd while speaking into a microphone, they might mumble, and then there are the ones who just put the audience to sleep.

Pagnozzi was none of the above.

UARM Bucks Head Coach Junior He was very energetic, well-spoken, and entertaining. he did His Weaver addressing the audience.

Complex. He’s also coached all lev- initial talk about how the game has els of baseball, won a state champi- changed, words of advice on how onship and a state runner-up, and to overcome obstacles, such as his wrist being broken four times in

about an 18-month period, and perseverance with a good work ethic were key things the three-time Gold Glove recipient spoke about to the players, and the audience in general.

This was followed by a Q&A. Players and a few others in the audience asked the standard question one would expect such as his favorite and least favorite stadiums to play,

Tom Pagnozzi speaking about how he made it into the major leagues against all odds.

See BUCKS continued on page 11

January 24, 2024 Bucks ferent beast than the way the system continued from page 10 works in this day and era.

Pagnozzi mentioned he had takcoaches he worked with, pitchers he worked with, etc. Granted, some en a tour of the campus, the dorms of his answers he gave to questions and where the team plays and was from the audience startled a few of quite impressed. He stated he would the crowd. Pagnozzi tells it like it is like to make it down sometime this and some of his adventures in base- season and watch the Bucks play in ball three to four decades ago was person. Weaver presented Pagnozzi quite entertaining, with some les- with a UARM Bucks shirt at the end sons learned… but definitely a dif- of Pagnozzi’s talk.

All but four of the Bucks team members, who were sick with the flu, were in attendance, along with the coaches. Coach Weaver introduced each of them and announced where they were from .

News 11

The former AllStar moved over to a table to sign autographs, pose for photos, and answer questions. The Bucks also had a merchandise table set up just outside the door with everything discounted. Pagnozzi signed Tom Pagnozzi poses with one of the Bucks’ pitchers, Ty baseball gloves, Steele. Coach Weaver can be seen in the background. baseballs, posters, shirts and more.

He’s definitely someone a reporter could kick back with for hours to hear all of the stories and create an interesting biography.

Overall, it would be a fair statement to say that it may not have been a grand slam for their first time out, but it doubleheader on Feb. 1 at Northqualifies for a ground-rule dou- east Texas Community College. ble. It’s a sure bet that word will get They play a doubleheader against around of how well done the event the same team at home on Feb. 3 was, from the meal, to the setting, at Union Bank Field by McMillan to the guest.

Park.

The Bucks’ first day of play is a

12 News

By Ethan Nahté

January 24, 2024

Meet Matt ‘in the Morning’ Allen

Listeners may have noticed KENA has a new morning show with a new voice and face. The new guy is Matt Allen Prysock, a veteran of radio and sports.

Allen is an Arkansas native, hailing from Benton. He is a graduate of Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana, with a Bachelor of Science degree in health and exercise science, as well as minor in business administration and accounting.

He played baseball during his time in Shreveport. He was the first men and women’s soccer trainer for Centenary in 1992. He was the men’s basketball student assistant coach, and the administrative assistant baseball coach.

Allen’s radio career also began in Shreveport. In the spring of 1997, he began working part time for KITT Cat Country 93.7 FM. Like most new ra-

dio personalities, he learned his chops working the weekend slot.

He moved on to news radio KEEL 710 AM in Shreveport.

That was followed by Allen working a short time for the country radio station KWKH 94.5 FM, the station which launched the famous Louisiana Hayride. If that name rings a bell, it’s history includes live performances of Kitty Wells, Hank Williams, Johnny Horton, Jim Reeves, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and many more, as well as Elvis Presley as he was coming up the ranks.

Fresh out of college, Allen moved to the former oil boomtown of Ranger, Texas, located about 90 minutes west of Fort Worth, Texas. He served as the assistant softball coach at Ranger Jr. College. Not only was Allen the softball assistant, but he was the head women’s basketball coach, leading the team to their first winning season in 12 years.

Allen returned to his alma mater in 1997 to serve as assistant coach of the NCAA Division 1 Centenary fastpitch softball team under Coach Michael Bastian. The following year, Allen took the helm as the softball team’s head coach, holding the record at age 22 for the youngest NCAA Division 1 college coach of any sport.

During his time back at Centenary, he also was the head women’s cross-country coach.

Allen moved to Dallas, working as a marketing field representative at SportsCARE USA through Baylor Medical Center SportsCARE. He worked with the Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Stars, Dallas Sidekicks, and Dallas Burn.

He also worked with Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center SportsCARE in Waco, working with the Baylor University athletic department.

He moved home from Baylor to Arkansas and was substitute teaching and heard one of his former program directors, Gary Robinson, who had also moved and was the program director for KQAR Q100 FM in Little Rock.

Allen gave him a call at a fortuitous moment because Gary Robinson was searching for a new on-air personality. Allen began working part time on Q100.

He eventually moved on to a fulltime weekday position doing evenings on KDDK 106.7 FM before going back to sales with Endo Pharmaceuticals.

Allen also was the volunteer assistant coach at that time for the University of Central Arkansas from 2005-2008.

That was followed with a combination of doing advertising sales and being an on-air personality at the country station KSSN 96 and KDDK, as well as the classic rock station KMTX Magic 105. He also spent time at KLRT Fox 16 and UPN. He became the corporate event plan-

ner at Acxiom, and transitioned back into the corporate world, working with a variety of pharmaceutical and medical companies.

In 2013, he once again joined up with Bastian in the The Fastpitch School Organization as the AAA (16u) team’s head coach.

Allen recently moved to the Mena area, falling in love with the community. Although he has been out of the game for a few years, he is excited to be getting back into coaching at UARM, working with the softball team, as well as being a sports trainer.

Allen has also found a home doing the Matt in the Morning show, airing 6-8 a.m., Monday-Friday on KENA. Allen programs some newer country songs, gives weather updates, talks sports, and plans on airing interviews covering a variety of subjects.

Allen said, “I was born and raised in Arkansas, went to college in Louisiana and spent many years in Texas and couldn’t be happier to call Mena home now. The people here are so nice and the scenery is just beautiful. Mena and Polk County has to be the ‘best kept secret’ in the south. I absolutely love living here!”

January 24, 2024

News 13

HSO elects 2024 board 2024 Small Works National Show entry

By Cheryl Murphy, Volunteer Secretary, HSO

The 2024 Board of Directors for the Humane Society of the Ouachitas (HSO) was elected at its Jan. 18 membership meeting. Of the seven members serving on the Board, six are incumbents from the previous term. The board welcomed its newest member, Sandra Wiggins, a long-time HSO supporter, who is replacing resigning treasurer Sheila Theriot.

Theriot served faithfully as treasurer since 2016, taking over the position at that time from the late Jane Weddle.

HSO’s membership elects the Board of Directors each year to manage the

years with financial gifts and volunteerism. HSO has grown from a grassroots effort to a professional organization, gaining attention from pet-supporting corporations, whose grants filter down to assist the community by supporting HSO’s adoption programs, low-cost spay-neuter and vaccination programs.

HSO’s dedicated paid staff keeps up with daily care of the shelter pets, shelter operations, and pet adoptions, which local giving helps to support, as well as food, medications, utilities, and other many expenses of keeping the doors open. HSO’s tag line is “where your best friend is waiting.” Pet lovers may find their next “furry best friend” at HSO!

Southwest Artists presents the 2024 Small Works National Show, May 1-June 22. Linda Lucas Hardy is the judge for the competition. The entry period has already begun and runs through March

22. Visit www.SmarterEntry.com/CallsForEntry/SWA/ to enter. The entry page has a link to the rules, as well as entry information, prizes and who to contact with questions.

Theresa Grillo Laird took first place with “Shelter From the Wind” in the Southwest Artists 2023 Small Works National Competition.

HSO’s 2024 Board of Directors (standing, l-r): Treasurer Sandy Wiggins, President Neal Fosdick, Secretary Cheryl Murphy, Board Members Mike Keeling, and Jennifer “JJ” Jones. (seated, l-r) Board Member Wendy Syfrett and Vice President Denie Westphal.

(Photo courtesy of HSO)

Society’s business affairs. HSO’s bylaws state that board members shall serve on a voluntary basis. This is why HSO can proudly say to its supporters, “100% of donations go to help the animals.”

Since 1978, when HSO was founded, local dedicated animal lovers can be proud to know that they have kept HSO true to its mission going on 46

For more information to adopt, to give, to volunteer, to become a member, to attend a meeting, and to help pets in need in Polk County, visit hsomena.org or call 479-394-5682. For current news, visit facebook.com/hsomena and instagram.com/mena_humane_society/.

HSO is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

14 News

January 24, 2024

Mena Mountain Resort announces cast for ‘Luv Among the Ruins’

The Grand Illusion Theatre has announced the cast for its Feb. 9 and 10 Valentine’s performance of “Luv Among the Ruins.”

It is a story about young love between two people who are far from young. It is about hope and how things sometimes work out. It is funny and sad, often at the same time. This show proves that our past is never really left behind us, and love is not reserved for the “under 30” set. The leads in the original production were played by Sir Laurence Olivier and Katherine Hepburn.

Tim Hesse will be directing. The cast includes: John Puddington, Scotty Jenkins, Denni Longoria, Mike Rohland, Drew Philpot, Jeannie Bunyard, Deborah Schump, Cece Wade, Jan Rohland and Tim Hesse.

“Luv Among the Ruins” director Tim Hesse is seen here as one of the mentors instructing a free acting workshop at The Grand Illusion Theatre during October 2023.

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Mark your calendar and make reservations to see this “second chance romance” at the Grand Illusion Theatre at Mena Mountain Resort on Friday and Saturday, Feb.

9 and 10. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m.; the show begins at 8 p.m.

Reservations can be made by calling 479-394-3110.

Last week to audition for ‘Romeo & Juliet’ A reminder that Ouachita Little The-

atre will be holding auditions for “Romeo & Juliet” on Thursday, Jan. 25, from 6:30-9 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 27, 9 a.m. through noon.

The temperatures should remain above freezing for a few days and not cause hazardous road conditions with snow or ice , thus no interference with the audition dates.

There are speaking and non-speaking roles for all ages and genders, providing a great opportunity for beginners to get their feet wet. Director Brad Storey encourages those wanting to audition to be familiar with the script and story. The public domain material can easily be found online or at a library.

For questions, call Storey at 479-2342321. For more details visit OLTMena. com.

January 24, 2024

The fourth and final Eclipse Town Hall Meeting has been rescheduled to 5 p.m., Feb. 8, at the Ouachita Center on the UA Rich Mountain campus.

The town hall meeting was originally scheduled for Jan. 17 but was postponed due to inclement weather and road conditions.

The Lum and Abner Music and Arts Festival will be June 7 and 8. Vendor applications will be available the week of Jan 22.

For information call 479-3948355.

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

News 15

16 Sports

January 24, 2024

Baber is the Prospect camp for girls softball at UARM of the prospects they have invitKing of Hearts Article and photos by Ethan Nahté few ed, but as more than one of them said,

Presented by

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE ACORN HIGH SCHOOL Basketball 01/26 - Acorn vs. Springhill 01/30 - Acorn vs. Horatio

-------------------COSSATOT RIVER HIGH SCHOOL Basketball 01/25 - Umpire @ Mount Ida 01/26 - Umpire @ Taylor 01/29 - Umpire vs. Bradley 01/30 - Umpire vs. Oden 01/26 - Cossatot vs. Hackett 01/30 - Cossatot @ Cedarville

Submitted by Mark Hobson

Jaxon Baber has been chosen as the 2024 Mena High School King of Hearts was crowned on Friday, Jan. 19. The king was originally to be chosen Jan. 11, but it was postponed until Jan. 18. Due to the inclimate weather and hazardous road conditions, schools were closed Monday through Thursday, once again delaying the pep rally to choose the king.

The jester is Jesse Garcia.

The court also includes Omar

Head Softball Coach Tracy Nealy and his assistant coaches for the UA Rich Mountains Bucks conducted a Soft-

you never know when a girl shows up and surprises the staff with her talent, which is part of the joy of the camp.

ball Prospect Camp on Sunday at their indoor facility near the ballfields and McMillan Park. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 30-36 uncommitted or unsigned high school athletes for the 2024-2028 college seasons arrived from Arkansas and surrounding states.

Some of the girls came with their families, driving six to eight hours one way.

Registration began at noon, followed by the athletes warming up as well as getting to know one another. They were taken on a tour of the girls’ locker room, then went back out on the indoor field to do some stretches in the chilly atmosphere. As new assistant coach Matt Prysock explained, the very modern facility has heat, but when the athletes are active, it heats up in there quickly.

Many of the parents were bundled up, a few to the point they were only a pair of eyes looking out from coats, ski caps and gloves were probably wishing they were active out on the field.

The coaches have an idea about a

The tryouts took place from 1-3 p.m. with the coaches looking on, assisting or giving pointers, along with the assistance of the current Bucks softball team. Notes and stats were being taken as each athlete showed their stuff in all areas. Activities included the pitcher and catcher positions, fielding, bunting, and hitting the ball, both from tees as well as fast pitch from a machine.

Bucks Athletic Director Jerod McCormick said they typically have two or three of these each year.

For those interested in future prospect camps, keep an eye out on the bucksathletics.com site under the “Camps” dropdown.

The season is about to begin for the current softball team. Their first game is Feb. 1 at ASU Three Rivers, followed by their first home game on Feb. 6 vs.

Southeast Arkansas at Cummings-Cecil Field.

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

01/25 - Mena vs. Waldron 01/26 - Mena @ Waldron 01/29 - Mena @ Pottsville 01/30 - Mena vs. Pottsville

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

01/25 - Mt. Ida @ Murfreesboro 01/26 - Mt. Ida vs. Oden 01/27 - Mt. Ida @ Bradley 01/30 - Mt. Ida @ Mineral Springs (Due to recent cancellations and postponements, schedules are subject to change.)

King Jaxon Baber sits in his throne with jester Jesse Garcia at his left side.

(Submitted photo)

Cecilio, Tuang Dopmul, Maddox Medlin, Brady Montgomery, Antonio Sanchez, Cash Smith, Hudson Vacca, Asher Wooden.

In conference games against Ozark, the Sr. Bearcats lost their game 61-33 against on Friday.

The Sr. Ladycats, on the other hand, won their game 48-29.

The Jr. Bearcats lost their game 4730 while the Jr. Ladycats won 41-28.

Due to weather and area schools being closed once again on Monday, many games have been iether canceled or postponed. Mena is scheduled for a conference game against Waldron on Wednesday, Jan. 24

See CAMP continued on page 22

Puzzles 17

January 24, 2024 35

C R O S S WOR D P U ZZ L E

41 01.24.24

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44

47

WORD SEARCH

01.24.24

45 48

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 01.17.24

A Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

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

Meet Diesel!

At 81 pounds, Diesel has a lot of love to give! This young German shepherd/lab mix is ready to be your faithful friend!

Diesel likes kids, is house trained, loves his toys, but is scared of thunder! Could you be the person to make Diesel's dreams come true? You can call the shelter at 479-394-5682 to find out more about him!

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

January 24, 2024

Around Town Ouachita Little Theatre will be holding auditions for “Romeo & Juliet” Thursday, Jan. 25 from 6:30-9 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 27, 9 a.m. through noon.

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.

Polk County Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary will be holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, Feb. 1, at Veterans Park in Acorn. A potluck will be served at 6 p.m. with meetings to follow.

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.

Born Again Recovery Ministries will have a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 20, with guest speaker Larry Pillow from We Can Ministries. We will be discussing a Men’s Transformation home for those who struggle with addiction to open in Mena. Come join us. Polk County Senior Center, 401 Autumn Drive, Mena, 4-6 p.m. call (479) 437-2202 for more info.

Christ’s Church of Cove, 5234 Hwy. 71 S, Cove gathers every Tuesday, 8:309:30 a.m., for free coffee and conversation.

DIY Essential Oils Class, Sharon Hose will be conducting an Essential Oils class for our January DIY class open to the public. Participants will make and take bath salts, a sugar shower scrub and more. The cost is $15 per person and seating is limited.

Please call the Cooperative Extension Office at (479) 394-6018 to register. The class will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 20.

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

First Presbyterian Church will be presenting a series on the Book of Revelation in its Adult Sunday School class on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:45. Earl Harrell will be the presenter and will focus on the titles of Jesus as revealed in the Book of Revelation. The public is invited to attend.

Classes will be in the Helen Barham Room at the church, 904 Church Avenue, Mena.

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.

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 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 to-

gether 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.

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 Mon-

days and Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Contact Trena Looney with questions, (479) 3945459.

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 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!

Police 19

January 24, 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

consideration.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Cardinal Lane near Acorn in reference to a theft.

January 8, 2024 Scott Emry, 48, of Hatfield was arrested on a Probation Violation.

Michael Curry, 37, of Grannis was arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a child custody exchange.

January 12, 2024 Frank Martinez, 81, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for Harassment.

January 9, 2024 Robert Owens, 46, of Mena was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas Drug Task Force on a warrant for Possession of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a missing firearm.

January 10, 2024 Floyd Hayner, 60, of Mena was arrested by an officer with Probation Parole on a warrant for Failure to Comply with Registration and Reporting Requirements.

Meagan Czarnetzki, 29, of Mena was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

January 11, 2024 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 70 near Acorn in reference to a physical altercation.

Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further

January 13, 2024 No reports.

January 14, 2024 Deputies responded to a residence on Polk 36 near Hatfield in reference to cruelty to animals. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Polk County Sheriff ’s Office worked 1 vehicle accident this week.

MENA POLICE REPORTS January 14 A report of failure to stop after an accident was taken at Executive Inn. Donavan Hunt, 32, was served with warrants at Executive Inn. January 15 A report of theft was taken from Walmart.

Bryce Fairless, 20, Hunter Hamm, 18, Connor Mink, 19, Tristan Shelton, 25, and Tanner Williams, 20, were charged with Loitering at Mena High School.

A report of theft was taken from Walmart.

January 16 A report of criminal mischief was taken at Ouachita Family Practice.

January 17 A report of theft was taken from Walmart.

January 18 A report of theft was taken from a walk-in complainant.

January 19 No report.

January 20 No report.

Local woman found shot

On Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, at approximately 4 p.m., the Polk County Sheriff ’s Office received a call about an accidental shooting at a residence on Stone Lane north of Mena.

Upon arrival at the residence, deputies discovered Monica Quillin, age 42, of Mena, dead from an apparent gunshot wound.

The Arkansas State Police CID were called to the scene to assist in the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Quillin’s body was sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an autopsy.

McCurtain County man arrested

By Patrick Massey

Sought for ties to Arkansas murder

ASHDOWN – An Oklahoma man sought as a person of interest after a body was found in a well in Little River County earlier this month was arrested by authorities last week.

According to authorities in neighboring McCurtain County, Oklahoma, Chance Cathey, 33, of Tom, Oklahoma, was apprehended by deputies with the McCurtain County Sheriff ’s Office at a home in Idabel, Oklahoma, on Jan. 17 after receiving tips to his whereabouts.

He was taken into custody without incident on an outstanding warrant for felony aggravated assault and felon in possession of a firearm.

Cathey is currently being held in the McCurtain County Jail.

Cathey was also wanted for question-

ing in Little River County where he is considered a “person of interest” after a body was found in a well on Little River County Road 106 on Jan. 2. The body was found after authorities received an anonymous tip.

The body was identified by the Arkansas State Crime Lab as Bobby Conley, 66, also of Tom. His death has been ruled a homicide.

Conley was not reported missing at the time he was discovered. Investigators believe he had died two to three weeks earlier.

Authorities connected Cathey to Conley’s death after an abandoned vehicle was found near the well.

Little River County Sheriff Bobby Walraven said Conley was retrieved from the 25-foot well with the use of a pump and excavator.

Agencies assisting Little River County in the investigation include the Arkansas State Police and the Ninth West Judicial Drug Task Force alongside authorities in Oklahoma.

Chance Cathey was apprehended by McCurtain County deputies on Jan. 17.

(Photo courtesy of McCurtain County Sheriff Kevin Clardy)

20 Classifieds

January 24, 2024

- 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.

T0131 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 Handyman Service - Electrical, plumbing, and rental house cleanup. Prefer small jobs. For more details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204.

T0124 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

- NOTICE -

To Everyone who knew Gloria Strong of Mena, who passed away on 1-13-24: I am her daughter, JoAnna. I want to notify everyone I am planning a memorial service for Gloria in March in Mena. Please watch the paper and Gloria’s Facebook page for the announcement.

I look forward to meeting everyone who knew my mom. Thank you for your love and support.

T0124

- 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

- 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 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 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

$$$$$

YOUR DAIL Y DOSE OF INSIGHT AND TRUTH

Art Lovers Ball at Avalon Hall

Avalon Hall invites you to immerse yourself in a night of artistic expression via a painter’s process, live music, food and dance. Get ready for a night of creativity, music and fun at this in-person Valentine-worthy event.

Located at 4671 Hwy 8 West, Avalon Hall is the place to be for art enthusiasts to enjoy a world of romantic color, sound and inspiration, 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 10.

Award winning artist Carolyn MacMahon will reveal her inspiring process for creating exquisite paintings.

Enjoy the stories behind three unique works as she ignites your imagination.

A selection of MacMahon signature reprints will be available to order, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Mena Art Gallery.

For dinner, a variety of charcutier delectables, desserts and beverages* will

be available as The Hamilton Family, a classically trained ensemble of musicians, shares their extensive musical talents with classic ballroom and cover favorites from across the decades.

Guests can either dance the night away or just enjoy visiting with friends as guest ballroom dancers transform rhythm into a harmony of movement.

Seating is limited so reserve your tickets now: $25 for general admission or $50 for VIP guest seating at the front table.

Visit Facebook.com/AvalonKeep for details on their event page and to find the link to reserve tickets. *Standard non-alcoholic beverages will be served. Guests are free to bring a preferred beverage to enjoy privately at your table.

Crystal singing bowl sound bath meditation

By Ethan Nahté Hand Crafted - Holistic Gift Shop + Wellness Center will host another crystal singing bowl sound bath meditation. The event begins at 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27, and takes place at Hand Crafted, located at 711A Mena St., which is a couple of doors down from Mena Water Utilities.

This approximately one-hour meditation session is more than just an auditory experience; it’s a journey into a deeper state of mindfulness and peace.

The crystal singing bowls produce harmonious sounds and vibrations that are not only heard but felt, creating a unique sensation that aligns your body, mind, and spirit.

Monica Myers will play a series of frequencies with the melodic tones of the crystal bowls that help clear and activate the chakras. Experience the therapeutic effects of different frequencies

as they wash over you, aiding in stress relief and emotional balance.

This event is ideal for anyone seeking a moment of tranquility, stress relief, or a new way to enhance their meditation practice. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned meditator, you’ll find this experience enriching.

It is suggested you wear comfortable clothing and bring either a yoga mat or cushion for seating on the floor. Blankets are also recommended for added comfort.

RSVP is preferred. Please let the host know to expect you so they can try to wait until everyone arrives to begin.

Doors are locked during the session to mitigate interruptions. Those interested can visit the event section on the Hand Crafted Facebook page, email handcraftedmena@gmail.com or stop by the store.

The event is free to the public, but love donations are accepted.

January 24, 2024

News 21

Students from region inducted into Purple Circle Club

By Ethan Nahté

-

The names of the 162 inductees of the Purple Circle Club (see The Polk County Pulse - Jan. 10) and their awards have been released. Polk and other surrounding counties had 19 recipients taking 29 of the 240 awards:

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Howard County - Arlee Howard - Champion Junior Nubian Doe - Avery Morris - Division Champion English Commercial Heifer - Colton Robbins - Grand Champion Beefmaster Bull

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Pike County - Gracie Elizabeth Goodwin Grand Champion Grey Brahman Female Polk County - Bella Rose Horton - Champion Senior Alpine Doe, Champion Junior Alpine Doe, Champion Junior Dairy Goat Showmanship - Claire Walston - Division Champion Hampshire Market Hog - Dusty Horton - Champion Peewee Dairy Goat Showmanship - Jaylie Huff - Grand Champion Charolais Plus Bull, Grand Champion Charolais Plus Female - Jentry Rena Burger - Champion Peewee Market Hog Showmanship - Karli Michelle Davis - Grand Champion Maine Anjou Bull - Kiylee Hughes - Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb, Division Champion Hampshire Market Lamb

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Lacy Floyd - Division Champion Market Lamb Layla Grace Horton - Champion Senior Lamancha Doe Ruby Marie Hopper - Champion Senior Sable Doe, Champion Junior Sable Doe, Champion Senior Dairy Goat Showmanship, Champion Senior Rabbit Showmanship Tessa Jane Horton - Champion Junior AOB Doe

Sevier County - Bristol Lee - Division Champion Market Goat, Reserve Grand Champion Market Goat, Grand Champion Haired Wether Dam - Hadlee Frachiseur - Grand Champion Duroc Gilt - Kix Lee - Grand Champion Charolais Bull, Grand Champion Charolais Female - Kyle Williamson - Grand Champion American AOB Composite Bull

Polk County winners include (top) the Hortons (Dusty, Bella Rose, Tessa Jane and Layla Grace) and Ruby Marie Hopper, who took 10 awards between them; (bottom) Lacy Floyd, Kiylee Hughes and Claire Walston; (far left) Karli Michelle Davis; (left) Jaylie Huff. [Jentry Rena Burger not pictured] (Photos courtesy of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation)

22 Sports CAMP continued from page 16

January 24, 2024

January 24, 2024

Arkansas Farm to School Institute accepting applications

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department) is accepting applications for the Arkansas Farm to School Institute (Institute) until March 1. The Department’s Farm to School and Early Childhood Education Program will select up to 15 schools to participate in the program for the 2024-2025 school year.

The Institute is a year-long professional development program that offers training, resources, and technical assistance to school educators, administrators, school nutrition directors, cafeteria staff, local farmers, and community partners. The program is open to schools looking to expand on existing farm to school efforts throughout the state.

Selected schools are invited to a summer retreat to create a collaborative farm to school action plan. Teams will meet throughout the year to discuss action plan progress and provide feedback to Department staff and coaches. In collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Education, selected schools will receive a $1,000 implementation grant to execute their action

plans.

“The Institute provides a unique opportunity for the Department to support the growth of existing farm to school programs across the state,” said Jessica Chapman, Farm to School and Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator. “From the retreat to the end of the school year, we get to assist schools in the implementation of a school-wide plan that integrates all three aspects of farm to school – school gardens, education, and local procurement.”

Selected schools are also eligible to participate in the Arkansas School Garden Program, an incentive program where up to five teachers per participating school can complete a professional development course. Upon completion of the course, each teacher will receive a $1,000 grant to improve their school garden.

To learn more and apply for the Institute, visit arfarmtoschool.org/about/ arkansas-farm-to-school-institute/.

Contact Jessica Chapman at jessica. chapman@agriculture.arkansas.gov with questions.

The Mena/Polk County Enhancement Foundation has extended the deadline for their scholarship due to recent weather causing closures county-wide.

The new deadline is Friday, Jan. 26.

Scholarship applications are available at each of the county’s three school districts and can also be found below.

Any graduating high school senior who works at, or is the child of someone who works at, or owns, a Chamber Member business/non-profit is eligible for the Mena/Polk County Enhancement Foundation Scholarship.

Lyle recognized at Arkansas State Board of Education meeting

The Arkansas State Board of Education met in Little Rock on Jan. 11. Ouachita River School District Acorn High School FCS Instructor and FCCLA Advisor Mindy Lyle was recognized at the meeting for the Association for Career and Technical Education National New Teacher of the Year Award.

In Nov. 2023, Lyle was recognized and presented the award and honor at the Association of Career and Technical Education CareerTech Vision Awards Gala in Phoenix, Arizona. During her career, she has received (l-r) AR CTE Director Ross White, Mindy Lyle honors and awards from and DMESC CTE Specialist/Coordinator Sta(Submitted photo) both Arkansas ACTE and cey Southerland Region IV ACTE awards programs as well. passion for teaching and gratitude At the Arkansas State Board of for the opportunities provided in Education meeting, Lyle was intro- her career to help students explore duced and recognized by Arkansas and develop skills, define their caThe scholarship is a $1,000 one-time Career and Technical Education Di- reer pathways and learn the values scholarship to be awarded to a graduat- rector Ross White. Lyle shared her of service and leadership.

Enhancement Foundation scholarship deadline is this Friday Submitted by Melanie Wade

Education 23

ing senior with at least a 3.00 GPA who is a resident of Polk County.

Criteria for awarding scholarship include academics, community service involvement and recommendations.

The rules and application can be found on the Chamber’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ menapolkcoc/.

For questions, contact the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce at 479394-2912 or director@menapolkchamber.com

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January 24, 2024