The Polk County Pulse - March 13 2024

Unofficial 2024 election results

Page 14

By Ethan Nahté

The unofficial results from Tuesday’s 2024 Preferential Primary and Nonpartisan Judicial General Election are in, with 100% of the counties reporting.

Statewide, Donald Trump received the most votes in the Republican race, with 1,882 votes in Polk County and 204,738 statewide, nearly 77%. Trump’s closest opponent, Nikki Haley, received 216 votes in Polk County and 49,049 statewide.

Haley suspended her campaign

on Wednesday following Super Tuesday, leaving Trump as the last remaining major candidate for the 2024 Republican nomination.

Where most candidates pulling out from a race will endorse the front contender, Haley did not endorse Trump in her speech she gave in Charleston, South Carolina, as she suspended her campaign. Instead, she challenged the former president to win the support of the moderate Republicans and independent voters who supported her.

Trump needs 1,215 delegates to clinch the Republican nomination

See ELECTION

on page 8

Powell facing several charges

By Ethan Nahté

Brandon Earl Powell, the suspect who was apprehended last week in an incident that involved Mena City Police, Polk County Sheriff’s Department and Arkansas State Police, may be facing a half-dozen charges or more.

Mena police were responding to a break-in early Monday morning, March 4, at Heavenly Acres Mobile Home Park.

Powell, 39, resides at Heavenly Acres according to Inmate Search Arkansas.

According to the site, Powell was (Photo courtesy of Polk County Sheriff’s

charged with Theft of Property Greater Than $2,500-Motor Vehicle, Breaking or Entering, two counts of Aggravated Assault, and two counts of Criminal Trespass.

Mena Police Department does not list one of the assault charges nor the Theft of Property.

Powell is being held at the Polk County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond.

Powell has had other run-ins with the law. According to Arkansas Court Connect, Powell was found guilty in

See POWELL

on page 9

Lana Gail Signs Deal

Jonquil Festival

Murder At The Disco Pages 12-13

Department)

Sanders announces more than $42M for Arkansas water projects

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced more than $42 million in financial assistance for six water and wastewater projects serving more than 22,000 Arkansans. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission approved this funding on February 28, 2024.

“Every Arkansan deserves access to safe and consistent running water. My administration has prioritized improvements to Arkansas’ water infrastructure and today, I’m proud to announce $42 million in much-needed assistance for communities that face critical issues with their existing water facilities,” said Governor Sanders.

“The Department of Agriculture continues to work with commu-

nities across the state to address deficiencies in water and wastewater systems. The action regarding Helena-West Helena continues to demonstrate the Governor’s ongoing effort to address a difficult situation and we are proud to partner with her,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward.

The City of Mena was one of the six projects receiving funding:

- Helena West-Helena, Phillips County, will receive an emergency $100,000 loan from the Water Development Fund and an $11,000,000 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 5,500.

- City of Mena, Polk County, will

receive an $11,583,500 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 5,558.

- City of Mountainburg, Crawford County, will receive a $7,037,300 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 6,184.

- City of Mulberry, Crawford County, will receive a $7,549,317 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 1,543.

- Tri County Regional Water Distribution District, Pope County, will receive a $5,000,000 loan from the Drinking Water State

Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 3,500.

In addition to this announcement, Governor Sanders has launched a comprehensive analysis and review of Arkansas’ State Water Plan. She has also taken action to address Helena West-Helena’s ongoing water system issues, including approving loans, providing potable water, and offering Arkansas National Guard assistance.

Radio - Print - Web

1168 Hwy 71S

Mena, AR 71953

Phone: 479-243-9600

Fax: 479-243-9603

Swap Shop-479-394-2800

Email: news@mypulsenews.com

KENA 104.1 - KQOR 105.3

MyPulseNews.com

Our Team:

Jamie Hammack General Manager

Ethan Nahté Production Manager/ Editor

Patrick Massey Contributing Reporter/ On-Air Talent

John Russell Ad Design/ Graphic Design

Curt Teasdale Programmer / On-Air Personality

Ariel Varner Office Manager/ On-Air Personality

Matt Allen On-Air Personality

Ashley Stipe Account Executive

Distribution & Insertion Staff: Chaz Welch & Sandra Orthman

The Polk County Pulse is the area’s premiere and fastest growing news publication. The Polk County Pulse is FREE and published weekly on Wednesdays, with a distribution of 8,000 and an estimated readership of 10,000. MyPulseNews.com has hundreds of visitors daily and KENA and KQOR have thousands of listeners hourly.

POLICY: The publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. All property rights, including any copyright interest, in any advertisement produced by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse using art work and/or typography furnished or arranged by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse shall be the property of Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse. No such advertisement or any part thereof may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Pulse Multi-Media and The Polk County Pulse.

POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENTS: Advertisements of a political nature must be prepaid and must also include the name of the entity paying for the advertisement. If an entity other than the candidate the advertisement is endorsing is paying for the ad, a statement must be signed by the candidate verifying the candidate has seen and approved the advertisement.

There are several important issues that the people of Arkansas are attempting to place on the ballot in November. It will be a challenging process this year as our Arkansas legislature recently changed the signature requirements for ballot initiatives and constitutional amendments. Last year, the legislature passed Act 236. With this new Act, the minimum number of signatures per county will change from 15 counties to 50 counties. Total, valid, registered voter signatures are 90,704 for ballot amendments, and 72,563 for ballot statutes.

www.forarkids.org

Want to share your opinion?

This makes it far more difficult for citizens to get amendments and statutes on the ballot. A lawsuit was filed by The League of Women Voters and Sen. Bryan King, R-Green Forest, over this issue and will be decided by a judge in Pulaski County on March 8th.

With this challenging task to collect enough signatures, it is so important that anyone in Arkansas who is interested in any of these issues, should try very hard to seek out and sign the petition of your choice. You must be a registered voter to sign a petition.

The following is a list of the major petitions circulating. This list will give the ballot initiative popular name, a brief explanation of what it proposes, the group behind it, and a website to find further information. It is important to point out that the initiatives are all bipartisan.

1) Arkansas Educational Rights Amendment of 2024. It aims to hold private schools that receive state funding to the same standards as public schools. Backed by the ForArKids Coalition –

2) & 3) The Arkansas Government Transparency Act of 2024 (Amendment) and the Arkansas Government Disclosure Act of 2024 (Initiated Act). The initiated act creates state law to compliment the broader aspects of the proposed amendment that aims to provide more clarity on government disclosure to the public. Backed by Arkansas Citizens for Transparency – www.arcitizens4transparency.org

4) Exempt Feminine Hygiene Products and Diapers from Sales Tax (Initiated Act). Ex-empts feminine hygiene products and diapers for children and adults from state sales and use tax. Backed by the Arkansas Period Poverty Project – www.facebook.com/ arperiodproject/

4) Arkansas Abortion Amendment of 2024. It expands access to abortion up to 18 weeks and after that for rape, incest, fatal fetal anomaly, or to protect the life and health of the mother. Backed by Arkansans for Limited Government – www.arliberty.org

5) Arkansas Medical Cannabis Amendment of 2024. It aims to enhance the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Program by expanding access to medical marijuana. Backed by Arkansans for Patient Access – no website info currently These petitions will be circulating from now until around June or July. If you cannot find a location to sign the petition you care about, you can reach out to the website and they can give you information about signing events, etc.

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.

Signatures will NOT be held out by request. Letters will be restricted to 500 words. Any letters longer than 500 words requires purchase of advertising space. Letters are not corrected or edited unless permission is given by the author.

The following contact information is required when submitted for consideration: NAME, AGE, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER.

Letters are published at the discretion of the Editor and Publisher.

Letters may be submitted by e-mail to news@mypulsenews.com; mailed to P.O. Box 1450, Mena, AR 71953, or dropped off at 1168 Hwy. 71 South, Mena. A drop box is provided by the front door for after-hour convenience.

We as citizens of Arkansas can have a political voice and this is one of the best ways to express it. Your signature and your vote DO MATTER!

Jean Rabalais, Norman

Attorney General Griffin explains rules governing signature collection for ballot initiatives

LITTLE ROCK – With signatures being collected on several ballot initiatives ahead of the 2024 general election, Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement and guidance on rules that govern the collection of signatures:

“It is vitally important that laws governing each part of the ballot initiative process are followed. This not only ensures our citizens’ ability to participate in direct democracy, but also protects ballot initiatives from legal challenges.

“The law is clear on the collection of signatures for statewide initiatives, and it is important that canvassers understand their obligations under the law as they collect signatures from Arkansans.”

The law requires that canvassers:

- Be 18 years of age or older, a U.S. citizen, AND an Arkansas resident.

- Personally witness all signatures on the petition.

It is a felony for a canvasser to:

- Sign someone else’s name to a petition.

- Print someone else’s name, address, or birth date. If the signer requires assistance due to disability, a person other than the canvasser may print the signer’s name, address, birth date, and the date of signing. The person providing assistance must sign and print his or her own name in the margin of the petition.

- Ask for or obtain a signature when the canvasser knows that

the person signing is not qualified to sign the petition.

- Pay someone to sign.

- Knowingly misrepresent the purpose and effect of the petition or the measure in order to persuade someone to sign. or

- Falsely swear to have witnessed all signatures on the petition page.

If you are approached by a canvasser, remember that:

- Only registered voters may sign a petition.

- All signatures must be in the signer’s own handwriting and must be given in the presence of the canvasser.

- Because petition parts are separated by county, signers should only sign petition parts for the county in which the signer is registered to vote.

- Arkansas law requires that a full and correct copy of the popular name, ballot title and text of the initiated or referred measure be attached to every petition at all times during a petition’s circulation. This is so potential signers may read the full text of what they are being asked to sign.

- The information a signer provides on a petition may be disclosed in response to a records request made under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

We have received reports of canvassers leaving petitions unattended in public places. What is the effect of someone signing an unattended petition?

- This is a canvasser violation only if (1) someone signs that petition while the canvasser isn’t there and (2) the canvasser signs the affidavit in the bottom corner of the signature page. If both the foregoing happen, then two legal consequences occur:

(1) people attacking the petition can argue that every signature page gathered by that canvasser be tossed out; and (2) the canvasser can be convicted of a felony for falsely swearing to have witnessed the signatures that occurred in his or her absence.

Any complaints or allegations of misconduct in the ballot initiative process should be directed to the Election Integrity Unit, Office of the Attorney General, at 833-995-8683.

From the State House of Representatives From the State Senate

Pre-fiscal session budget hearings took place at the Capitol this week.

The hearings began with the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) presenting the Governor’s recommendation for a balanced budget.

Sales and Use Tax collections and Corporate income tax collections are also above previous forecasts. DFA anticipates a $240.5 million dollar surplus for the current fiscal year.

Legislators held budget hearings to scrutinize every spending category in state government, in preparation for the fiscal session that begins April 10.

for housing and supervision of inmates and parolees.

The Governor’s proposed budget calls for a 1.76% increase in spending. The greatest proposed increase is directed to education. The budget proposal calls for a $34 million increase to the public school fund, a $4 million increase for career and technical education, and a $65 million increase for Educational Freedom Accounts.

The budget also recommends an additional $2 million for the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff and allocates an additional $3.8 million to fund an additional Arkansas State Police trooper school.

DFA indicated that for the current fiscal year individual income tax collections have been better than expected with $115.6 million over forecast.

John

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

For Fiscal Year 2025 economic forecasters are expecting net available revenue for the state to reach $6.68 billion. That would be an increase of $245.5 million or 3.8% above FY2024. The economic forecast states that the Arkansas economy remains resilient in labor market indicators with unemployment rates below the US average.

Members are reviewing the budget requests from state agencies presented this week. This information will help in drafting appropriation bills.

Members can begin pre-filing bills on March 11.

The Arkansas General Assembly will convene for the 2024 Fiscal Session at noon on April 10.

You can review the bills filed and watch committee meetings and the legislative session at arkansashouse. org.

John Boozman

1120 Garrison Ave.

Suite 2B

Fort Smith, AR 72901

Phone: (479) 573-0189

Fax: (479) 575-0553

Bruce Westerman

101 Reserve St. Suite 200

Hot Springs, AR 71901

Phone: (501) 609-9796

Fax: (501) 609-9887

Leading off the agenda was the presentation of a balanced budget for next fiscal year. Arkansas does not deficit spend, or borrow money to pay for state government operations. The director of the Department of Finance and Administration presented a proposed budget for Fiscal 2025 that will be about $8.2 billion in gross general revenues.

The largest single expenditure is about $2.5 billion for the Public School Fund, which is the main source of state aid to local school districts. The state distributes funding for career and technical education, child care after classes, pre-school programs, the State Library, the Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, educational television¸ facilities and transportation.

Another large expenditure is the state match for Medicaid, an appropriation of about $1.4 billion to the state Human Services Department. The state share has averaged about 29 percent of Medicaid spending over the past ten years, while the federal government has provided about 71 percent.

The legislature will consider appropriating more than $1.9 billion in funding for the state Human Services Department. In addition to providing health coverage for people with disabilities, the elderly and the poor, the department provides treatment for drug abuse and mental illness, supervision of youths who have gotten in trouble with the law, food stamps, welfare, foster care and adoption services and nursing home care.

This year the state will reimburse county governments almost $26 million for holding state inmates in county jails, when there is no available space in state prisons. Also, the state will spend an estimated $540 million

About $779 million in state revenue will go to public fouryear universities and two-year colleges. Institutions of higher education have significant sources of revenue besides state aid, such as tuition and student fees, endowments and gifts from alumni.

Traditionally, higher education receives about 12.6 percent of all state general revenue spending. Public schools and the Department of Education receive 41.8 percent. The Health Department and the Human Services Department receive 30.9 percent. Corrections, which includes prison operations and parole supervision, receives 9.2 percent.

About 3.5 percent goes to cities and counties in turnback aid, and for miscellaneous smaller state agencies.

The State Police is budgeted to receive $88.6 million in Fiscal 2025. The Parks and Tourism Division will get $22 million, the Heritage Division will get $7.7 million, the Department of Agriculture will get $19.4 million and the Division of Environmental Quality will get $4.2 million in state dollars.

In 1991 the legislature created the Educational Excellence Trust Fund with proceeds from a half-cent sales tax increase. It will generate about $452 million this year that will go to schools and not be included in the total general revenue fund.

In 2003 the legislature created the Educational Adequacy Trust Fund with a portion of the state sales tax. It also is not included in state general revenue spending and this year it will generate about $470 million.

The state has several special revenue sources from taxes for specific purposes, such as motor fuels taxes to pay for highway construction and maintenance.

During the fiscal session the legislature will approve a state government budget for Fiscal Year 2025, which begins on July 1, 2024.

John Maddox

Terry Rice

Trevor Braden

Ridenour

Trevor Braden Ridenour passed away early in the morning of Sunday, March 3rd, 2024, at his childhood home in Cove, AR, at the young age of only 24 years old.

Trevor, who was affectionately nicknamed “Fregley” due to his curly red hair and endearingly quirky personality, was born on August 29th, 1999, to Carla Ridenour and Garrick Williamson.

The trials in Trevor’s life started shortly after he was born, as he was afflicted with meningitis only a short spell after his delivery. Despite that, during that time he always had a smile on his face and very rarely did he cry. This would set a precedent in his life, and he would trek through his time in this reality smiling through his pain.

As Trevor grew up and learned to interact with the world around him, he found that his greatest strengths were his charismatic personality, his captivating storytelling, and his unwavering will. He made friends through his humor and infallible loyalty. Although he was quick to anger, he was even quicker to forgive.

The only rare occasion that could bring him to tears was when he couldn’t help someone in need. Trevor had a heart that is rare, and he loved people in a way that oftentimes they didn’t deserve. He was loud, funny, charismatic, tenderhearted, loyal, and above all else: tough as nails.

He had a passion for botany, and he had a green thumb in the truest sense of the word. In addition to his love for his plants, he was an expert in small engine repair and never met a critter he didn’t love.

His curiosity was boundless. He would often spend hours sharing his

thoughts and opinions on world history, God, the nature of reality- and don’t even get him going on the subject of aliens. His family finds solace in the idea that all of his questions about the cosmos that confused and excited him are finally answered.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Shirley and Bobby Gene Ridenour of Hartford, AR.

He is survived by his Mama, Carla Ridenour of Mena; his father, Garrick Williamson of Panama, OK; his brothers, Kevin Payne of Fort Smith and Trey Youngdahl of Mena; grandparents Bug and Sharon Williamson of Panama, OK; several aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and family.

Cremation services have been entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home. Memorial services are scheduled for Wednesday, March 13th, at The Shepherd’s Word Church in Mena at 3:00 p.m.

Madeline Timmons

Madeline Timmons, age 83, of Mena, Arkansas, died Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at her home. She was born on Saturday, March 9, 1940, to Albert and Viola Curtright in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Madeline was an active member of the Calvary Baptist Church, where she played the piano for years. When she wasn’t there, you’d find her casting lines for bass on the lake or dabbling in oil painting, mostly portraits and landscapes. Madeline loved her family very much and was always there to offer them guidance. But what really defined her was the way she shared the love of Jesus with everyone she crossed paths with.

Madeline is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Marshall Timmons; and one sister Deloris Bouker.

Madeline is survived by three sons, Sheldon Timmons of Mena, Danny Timmons of Rockport, Texas, and Chris Timmons of Mena; three grand-

children, Corey, April, and Jeremy; four great-grandsons Aiden, Quinn, River, Sean; two sisters, Gracie Grubaugh and Jeanine Thomas; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at the Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena, Arkansas with Brother Max Deaton officiating under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024, from 5:007:00 PM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Gary Lee Tudor

Gary Lee

Tudor, age 76, of Mena, passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at his home. He was born on Thursday, April 3, 1946, to John and Jessie Reynolds Tudor in Wilson, Oklahoma.

Gary was a down-to-earth man who lived life on his own terms. He found joy in simple pleasures like bass fishing and golfing, always relishing the chance to be outdoors. Known as “Mr. Fix It,” he had a knack for figuring out how things worked and making them right again. Gary’s love for 50’s and 60’s rock was evident in his favorite music, which he enjoyed listening to while working on his projects. For 25 years, he was a dedicated employee at Bills Tire Service before retiring. Gary’s practical approach to life and his knack for getting things done made him a beloved figure, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and determination. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Gary Don Tudor; two brothers, M.F. Tudor, and Ray Tudor; and sisters, Ella Weast, and baby sister,

Mary.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Donna Gayle Tudor of Mena; and one granddaughter, Leslie McCourtney of Tulsa, Oklahoma; several nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.

No services are planned at this time. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Gary Don Tudor

Gary Don Tudor, age 57, of Mena, passed away at his home. He was born on Thursday, March 17, 1966, to Gary Lee and Donna Gayle Gordon Tudor in Mena, Arkansas.

Gary lived life with a zest for adventure and a love for the simple pleasures. Whether casting a line or revving an engine, his heart belonged to the outdoors and the thrill of fast cars. He was a free spirit, marching to the beat of his own drum, finding joy in the company of animals and the solace of his home and yard. A master craftsman, his hands brought beauty to wood and his property alike, even crafting a podium for the Arkansas Capitol. Gary leaves behind a legacy of living life on his own terms, cherished memories, and an irreplaceable presence that will echo in the hearts of those who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his father, Gary Lee Tudor.

Gary is survived by his mother, Donna Gayle Tudor of Mena; one daughter, Leslie McCourtney of Tulsa, Oklahoma; one son, Cameron Tudor of Florida; and a host of other relatives and friends.

No services are planned at this time. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

David Wayne Jacobs

David Wayne Jacobs, aged 72, peacefully passed away at his Gillham, Arkansas, home on March 7, 2024. A resilient soul, he lived for nearly 21 years with a donated liver received in 2003. Born on March 10, 1951, in Freeport, Texas, to Luther B. and Imogene Jacobs. He is survived by his wife, Terrie, of Gillham, Arkansas. His sisters, Ellen Kennedy and Susan Morris of Huntsville, Tx. His daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Rodney Barrett of Wickes, Arkansas, with their children Taylor (and her children Colt and Mylo) and Kyle Barrett (and Kyle’s wife Rochelle) along with their five children Meadow, Roanin, Tobias, Caspian, and Hadassah. His son and daughter-in-law, Dwayne and Laura of Gilbert, Arizona, along with their children—Grace, Josh, Emily, Jen, Vivian, and Abby. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and a diverse array of extended family members, whose lives he touched in count-less meaningful ways.

Throughout his professional journey, which began as a department store clerk and advanced to Dow Chemical, David’s skills transcended into the oil field, leading him to regional manage-ment, offshore work, and international travels. In 1987, he embraced farming in Wickes, Ar-kansas, followed by a decade-long role as a rural relief postman. His postal career was cut short due to a rare genetic disorder, leading to a liver transplant.

Post-transplant, David found joy as a dedicated preacher for two decades, officiating baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Beyond his professional roles, he was a skilled carpenter, charismatic public speaker, and a warm-hearted individual who embraced people with open arms.

A celebration of David’s life will be held on March 16th at the De Queen church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, donations to support missionary Sal Cariaga’s efforts in the Philippines are appreciated. Contributions can be sent to:

Agape Church of Christ

1701 E Hubbard Rd

Ponca City, OK 74604

With a Note: It’s for Give a Goat

Grateful for the outpouring of love during this challenging time The Jacobs family extends heartfelt thanks to the community, friends, and family.

SHOULD CHURCH AND STATE BE SEPARATE?

Part 1

By Daniel Fontenot

The subject of whether or not Church and State should be separate has long been debated in America. Even during the early years of the founding of this Republic there were disagreements on this issue. One would think that after 248 years this issue would have been settled by now. But unfortunately there have been and still exist certain elements in this country which never seem to stop and consider the consequences of a united Church and State. But before we consider whether or not Church and State should be separate and whether or not it is even Constitutional, let us consider the fact that long before this Nation had been founded and its Constitution written, Church and State were united in Europe. So, Americans had an example of what happens when the Church rules the State. But in spite of clear historical testimony some think that they can get away with doing the very thing that caused so much suffering and bloodshed in the Old World. It is very unfortunate that Americans have in large part forgotten that the Papacy ruled all of Europe in the Dark Ages. The Church controlled the State, and the State was weaponized against anyone who dared to dissent from the Doctrines taught by the Catholic Church. For over a thousand years the Papacy ruled the Nations of Europe and many Protestants were tortured and murdered in the name of the Christian religion. Anywhere from 50,000,000 to 100,000,000 were slaughtered by the Papacy working through the State in the effort to control the consciences of the people. Needless to say, if Church and State had not been united, these atrocities would never have occurred. By the way, in spite of what you may have heard, the Papacy has never repented of these crimes.

The founding fathers of America were not ignorant of the results of a union of Church and State. The long history of Papal persecution was not far behind them; and it is evident that the primary reason for the placement of the First Amendment of the Constitution was because of their knowledge of the Papacy’s dark history. They wanted to avoid giving the Church the same power that the Papacy held during the Dark Ages.

Now we come to Thomas Jefferson’s famous letter to the Danbury Baptist Association. I will here include the applicable part. “Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith and worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should “make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” thus building a wall of separation between Church and State.” Jefferson here is clearly interpreting the First Amendment to the Constitution of which he had a hand in influencing. But, in order to get around Jefferson’s clear endorsement of the principle of the separation of Church and State it is claimed by some that Jefferson was trying to protect the Church from the State. And it is understandable why some would take that position in light of Jefferson’s words “that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions.” But the question should be asked; was there a concern on the part of the founding fathers that the government of itself would encroach on the religious liberties of the people?

To Be Continued

Questions? Comments? Email me at danielfontenot46@gmail.com

ELECTION

continued from page 1 later this month. As of Monday morning, Trump had 1,075 delegates.

Results for the Democratic race resulted in incumbent Joe Biden winning 88.53% of the votes statewide with 71,900 votes and 138 votes in Polk County. Biden’s closest opponent was Marianne Williamson with 3,878 votes statewide and 12 votes in Polk County.

Biden has 1,866 of the required 1,968 delegates.

Supreme Court Justice Rhonda Wood had 30.94% of the votes in Polk County for the State Supreme Court Chief Justice Position 1 seat. Statewide, Wood is running second in a very tight race with 26.33% of the votes, sitting between Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Karen Baker who received 27.17% of the votes and Supreme Court Justice Barbara Womack Webb, who had 25.89% of

the votes.

State Supreme Court Justice Courtney Hudson had 64.14% of the State Supreme Court Associate Justice Position 2 seat in Polk County. Hudson garnered 60.28% of the votes statewide.

All three school district millage taxes failed: Cossatot River School District - 110 for and 219 against, Mena School District - 660 for and 962 against; Ouachita River School District - 158 for and 168 against.

At press time, two of Arkansas’ 75 counties had been certified.

Of the 11,719 registered voters in Polk County, only 2,372 ballots were cast, which is 20.24%. That is only a slightly lower percentage than the statewide voter turnout of 20.62%. Election results and updates can be found on the Secretary of State’s website at sos.arkansas.gov. Election Day for the 2024 General Election will be Tuesday, Nov. 5.

‘America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act’

WASHINGTON - Today, Feb. 29, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) unveiled the “America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act” (AWHCA).

“‘The America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act’ will empower states and local communities to use proven practices to restore and maintain habitat, which will benefit species in their state’s wildlife action plans. Good habitat management is integral to wildlife management and without it, species have little chance of maintaining sustainable populations and surviving.

“By strengthening relationships between states, tribes, private landowners and the federal government, we can empower them to implement proactive habitat conservation that will make a difference where it counts: On the ground across our abundant outdoors,” Chairman Westerman said. “I’d like to thank my colleagues who have supported this logical and forward-thinking legislation, and I look forward to working with them and members across the aisle to move this commonsense, financially responsible bill through the legislative process and ultimately into law.”

POWELL

2017 for DWI and was operating a vehicle with either no driver license or an expired license in 2017.

continued from page 1 port and eventually struck a helicopter, damaging what appeared to be the rotor and vertical stabilizer according to eyewitnesses.

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, Powell was allegedly found in possession of a stolen truck with a trailer attached carrying an unspecified type of welding machine in 2013. The truck contained five bronze plaques, all damaged and all from the grave markers of U.S. Army veterans. Three were World War II soldiers and two served in Korea. He was on probation at the time of his arrest.

Powell had been found guilty of several other charges in the Tulsa region over the years before moving to Polk County, Arkansas, ranging from burglary to vehicle theft as well as arrests involving drugs and alcohol.

After the reported break-in, another call to dispatch reported a vehicle with a dump trailer was stolen at Southern Disposal. As law enforcement arrived, they observed the stolen truck crossing Highway 8 East and entering the Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport where the truck crashed a gate, entered the airfield and onto a runway.

Fred Ogden, airport manager, reported, “The gate damage is actually quite minimal: Two new lag bolts to reattach the stop sign to the gate, tamp the ground around the backstop, attach heavier duty chains connecting the two arms of the gates, and find a heavier duty padlock.”

The truck attempted to exit the air-

The helicopter was being used on contract by the U.S. Forest Service to support prescribed burning efforts on the national forests.

Mary Wood, public affairs officer for the Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, said, “The helicopter involved in the referenced incident will be taken out of service by the contractor for the remainder of our prescribed burning season here in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

“We are working with adjacent National Forests’ fire and aviation programs to ensure our continuity of operations and to meet our prescribed burn objectives. We are also considering maximizing drone support, which we have available to us locally this year.”

Wood shared a link to the UDSA Forest Service’s Unmanned Aircraft System (drone) page, which goes into great detail about how they use UAS to support wildland fire and prescribed burning operations. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/aviation/ uas.

According to the police, Powell exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot while brandishing a knife. He was arrested without incident by officers of the Mena Police Department.

[All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.]

The damaged helicopter being loaded on a transport.

(Submitted photo)

By Richie Lawry

As I was visiting with a long-time car collector friend, he told me that he was going to sell his 1926 Ford Model T Doctor’s Coupe. I had a couple of cars that he was interested in and wanted to know if I would be interested in making a trade. I told him that I wasn’t interested in Model T’s. They were too old for me, and I knew nothing about them.

A few days later, he posted the Doctor’s Coupe on Facebook Messenger. When I saw the photos, I fell in love with the car. I had never seen a Model T coupe before. I decided to call my friend and see if we could make a deal. I made him an offer, and the Model T Doctor’s Coupe was mine.

A few days later, my friend delivered the Model T to my shop. He gave me a quick driving lesson after driving the car off the trailer. Model Ts are different from modern vehicles in the way they drive. On the floor are three pedals, just like the manual transmission cars of today. But the pedals serve very different functions.

The left pedal is the clutch on the cars I am used to driving. When you push on the clutch, the car’s transmission disengages from the motor. But on a Model T, you press hard on the left pedal, bands tighten on the transmission, and the car moves forward in low gear. When you have built enough speed, you let off the left pedal, and the car shifts into high gear. This car has only two speeds forward. Push down for low, and lift for high.

On the right-hand side, you have a conventional brake pedal. When you want to stop, you step on it, just like in a modern car. The only difference is the location of the pedal. In the vehicles that I am used to driving, the right pedal is the gas pedal that controls the engine’s speed. But on a model T, the right pedal engages a brake band on the outside of the transmission and slows the car. The brakes on a Model T are weak, and you must be very careful when driving.

An Arkie’s Faith

The Doctor’s Coupe

Now, can you guess what the center pedal is for? When you want to back up, you step on the center pedal, and the car backs up. The dual-purpose, hand-operated Emergency Brake and Clutch Release are also located on the floor to the driver’s left. It is pulled back toward the driver and serves as the parking brake. But pushing the handle halfway into a vertical position puts the car into Neutral, essential for stopping and reversing. Moving the handle toward the driver’s feet puts the Model T in top gear.

Modern drivers will not be used to two controls on the steering wheel. These two levers are positioned under the steering wheel. This one on the left is the spark advance, retard in the up position, advance down. On the other side is the hand throttle. The Model T has no accelerator on the floor; instead, the engine speed is controlled by this hand throttle. As you move it down, the engine goes faster and faster.

After driving around at my shop for a few minutes, I was ready to try the Model T on the highway. I needed gas in the fuel tank and headed for the nearest gas station. The highway heading into town from my shop has a fairly steep incline. The Model T struggled to make it up the hill as I mashed down on the low-gear pedal. I chugged along at around 5 miles an hour.

When I reached the gas station, I opened the flap on the cowl and removed the gas cap. When I could see the gas nearing the top of the tank, I put the gas nozzle back on the pump, replaced the gas cap, and got back in the Model T. I was still nervous while driving. The controls were so different, and the little car was so slow that I worried about the traffic passing me at highway speeds.

That evening, I watched many YouTube videos explaining how the Model T transmission and pedals worked. My new purchase intrigued me, and

I wanted to learn all I could about it. I was also fascinated by the tremble coils the Model T uses in its ignition system.

As I was getting ready for bed, a thought suddenly came to my mind. I didn’t pay for the gas when I drove the Model T to the gas station and filled the tank. I am used to using a credit card for my gas purchases, but the station nearest my shop doesn’t have card readers at the pump. As I thought about it, I clearly remembered driving off without paying.

I didn’t sleep well all night, tossing and turning, knowing I had not paid for my gas. First thing in the morning, I drove to the gas station to pay for the gas. I was embarrassed and apologetic as I walked into the station and told them what had happened. I felt like a thief, even though it had been unintentional.

I thought about the passage in Leviticus 5:17(NCV), “If a person sins and does something the Lord has commanded not to be done, even if he does not know it, he is still guilty. He is responsible for his sin.”

I wondered, can we be guilty for sinful responses that seem to happen to us automatically? Can we consider sin voluntary if it is not consciously chosen? What if I unintentionally drive off without paying for my gas?

As I was paying for the gas, I had the assurance of God’s forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (ESV)

Gentle Reader, God has promised to forgive us if we confess our sins. Part of confession is making things right. I hold on to the promise found in Hebrews 10:22 (NCV): “Let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith because we have been made free from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.”

A 1926 Ford Model T Coupe.

(Photo by Richie Lawry)

Reflections of History and Faith: Washington - Humility,

Leadership and Statesmanship

By Jeff Olson

In the age we live in today, politicians are a dime a dozen, but statesman are rare and priceless. Much has been said and written over the past several years about America being in a crisis — actually in the midst of several crises: the economy, the budget deficit, the border, and the out-of-control national debt, to name some major ones.

However, our country is also in another crisis; that of leadership, and seemingly at all levels within both the public and private sectors. This is not to say that we don’t have any good leaders, but it is to say that they are few and far between.

America over her history though has been blessed with great leaders, whose contributions are a major factor in our continuance as a nation to this day. I could cite a num-ber of examples here, but space permits me but room for one and he is at the top of my list.

George Washington has been the subject of several of my writings, but here I want to focus in on one aspect of his life of which may be unknown or but a distant memory for you.

In May 1782, Washington received a letter from one of his officers, Colonel Lewis Nicola, proposing in so many words that the general use the army to make himself king of the United States. Washington’s reply was quite direct and clear: “With a measure of great surprise and astonishment I have read with attention the sentiments you have submitted to my pursual. Be assured, no occurrence in the course of the war has given me more painful sensations

than your information of there being such ideas existing in the army as you have expressed, [which are] big with the greatest mischiefs than can befall my country. If I am not deceived in the knowledge of myself, you could not have found a person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable…Let me conjure you then, if you have any regard for your country, concern for yourself or posterity, or respect for me, to banish these thoughts from your mind.”

America’s War of Independence was practically at an end, but the army had not been paid. Years of fighting and surviving on faith and love of country still left a tired and ragged bunch of soldiers with a desperate need for money to return home with to rebuild their lives. Congress had no funds, and the soldiers were concerned that they would have to return home without pay. As patriotic as these men were, this thought brought many to the threshold of violence and mutiny.

There had been conspiracies and rebellion in the making for some time and this all came to a head at Newburgh, New York, where General George Washington’s main camp was. Two hundred forty-one years ago this week, March 14, 1783, Washington, realizing that the country was at the brink of disaster, prepared a letter encouraging his men to have patience and promising them to do everything he could to be sure they received what they had coming, and he asked them to consider the welfare and security of their new country. He pleaded with them not to “open the flood gates of civil discord.” His letter was not very

well received by the men.

Washington then took out a letter from a member of Congress explaining the financial problems the government was facing. As he began reading, he stumbled over the words and paused. Then he pulled from his coat pocket something that very few of the men had never seen him use before — reading glasses.

He began again, “you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.” In that moment of vulnerability, most of the angry and hardened soldiers were deeply moved and some were even shamed and fought back tears as they were suddenly reminded of Washington’s own sacrifices. He finished reading the remainder of the letter and then left without another word.

Afterward, the men voted to abide by the rule of Congress and to wait for their pay which they eventually received most of. Thus, the civilian government was preserved and the young experiment in ordered liberty survived.

As Maj. Samuel Shaw, who was present, put it in his journal, “There was something so natural, so unaffected in this appeal as rendered it superior to the most studied oratory. It forced its way to the heart, and you might see sensibility moisten every eye.”

Thomas Jefferson later observed, “The moderation and virtue of a single character probably prevented this Revolution from being closed, as most others have been, by a subversion of that liberty it was intended to establish.”

In December 1783, still with the unwavering respect and admiration of the American people, Washington followed through with action what he had expressed earlier in writing, when he returned his commission as commander in chief to Congress “[to] surrender into their hands the trust committed to me.”

When King George III heard Washington would resign his commission to a powerless Congress, he told the painter Benjamin West: “If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world.”

True to his word, true to principle, George Washington relinquished the kingdom and the power that was probably his for the asking. He never sought fame, prestige, or power — but only to serve his country well and to return to his beloved Mount Vernon.

His honesty, character, courage, modesty and humility should serve as an inspiration and example for all of us, especially to our leaders of today and tomorrow.

Having a ball at the disco

Images & Words by Ethan Nahté

Friday night was a packed house for the “Murder at the Disco” mystery dinner theater at Shady Mountain Events. There was plenty of food, music, auction items, door prizes and people. There was also a lot of glitter, wigs and enough polyester to rub together and jumpstart a Trans Am.

The event was the second annual dinner theater by the Mena Area Board of Realtors to raise money for The CALL in Polk County and CASA of the Ouachita Region.

The actors laid out the dialogue and plot onstage in the makeshift disco lounge, interspersed with stepping out on the dance floor and inviting the crowd to join in as DJ 385 Events played ABBA, Bee Gees, Village People and more beneath the disco ball and colorful lights. Some of the crowd was not even born when disco was popular, while some of the audience probably recall when their own children were doing The Hustle when it was a big deal. Judging by the dance floor, it appeared that the music and the dancers were ageless.

In a nutshell, a bar owner, bartender, the stage DJ, and a mix of couples and singles scoping the scene laid down a storyline, providing clues in three acts. After each act, the audience, divided by tables, would write down their guess to particular questions and turn them in. At the end of the night, it was up to the judges to decipher the winning table... or at least determine which table came closest to have the most answers correct, because it wasn’t just whodunnit, but when was the murder committed? (A bit like Clue.)

Was it the slick-talking club owner? A jealous boyfriend or girlfriend? Was there a detective with a glass eye or a lollipop on hand?

In all seriousness, the crowd had a blast overall. I’m betting some of them wished the night would’ve continued for a couple of more hours at least.

Local singer Lana Gail signs development deal with SSM Nashville

Local vocalist and recording artist Lana Gail has been selected for an artist development deal with SSM Nashville, a recording studio and Music Row company in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 2020, Gail recorded original songs in Nashville and her music was promoted to Music Row radio stations. Her single “Pushing Up Daisies” charted on Music Row, and she was also named as No. 17 of independent artists in the country on the Independent Artist Chart in 2021.

Her music was heard by A&R director Greg Mann at SSM, who liked her sound and recommended her for the development slot. Gail will be traveling to Nashville in March to write a song with hit songwriters and will record the new single in the summer. The single will then be released to 1,000 radio stations across

the United States.

Gail has been performing in and around the Mena area with her band since winning the local Colgate Country Showdown in 2006. She has also been active with the Ouachita Little Theatre and has portrayed the leading role in “Always... Patsy Cline,” “Mary Poppins,” and “Fiddler on the Roof” to name a few.

Recently, she and her husband Todd wrote and performed a twohour musical show entitled “The Women of Country Music,” in which Gail portrayed 15 iconic women in country music, changing wigs, costumes, and her voice to impersonate each singer. The show was performed in Mena and Mount Ida.

Gail got her start in music at an early age. Her mother was the church pianist and organist in Foreman, Arkansas, and taught Gail to sing before

she was 2 years old. At the age of 2, she began performing by standing on the counter of her parents’ country store, entertaining customers by singing Loretta Lynn songs.

Gail continued performing at various events and shows and was active in her church choir throughout her growing-up years in Foreman.

After high school graduation, she landed a spot in the internationally known Centenary College Choir in Shreveport, Louisiana. As a member of the choir, she traveled to and sang

in nine foreign countries, including Russia, Norway, Spain, and Switzerland. After achieving a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Centenary, Gail married and moved to Mena, where she had four children and continued to pursue her singing career.

You can listen to Lana Gail’s music on most music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music. You can also check out her FaceBook artist page at facebook. com/lanagailofficial

Polk County Master Gardeners scholarship

and call for entries

High School seniors enrolling in post-secondary horticulture or agricultural programs are encouraged to apply for a $1500 scholarship funded through the Polk County Master Gardeners.

The deadline to apply for this scholarship is April 15, 2024. Applications are available at your guidance counselor’s office and at the Polk County Extension office.

For any questions contact Catherine Conner at cconner23@gmail.com

Call for entries

“Now is the time,” master gardener Nita Stone said. “The Polk County Fair is August 28-31, 2024. We are looking for all types of entries.”

There are three age divisions:

- Adult 19 years and older

- Junior ages 13-18

- Youth 12 years and under.

Ribbons are given for first, second, and third places. Monetary prizes are given in the horticultural divisions by Polk County Master Gardeners.

Farm crops include corn, eggs, nuts, honey, and gourds.

Other divisions include flower bouquets and arrangements, fresh cut flowers, potted plants, and vegetables.

Don’t wait, start planning today. All entries will be on display during the fair.

Not sure what to grow, then visit the Polk County Master Gardener plant sale on April 27 at the fairgrounds educational building for ideas and starter plants. We always have a big variety of plants for sale.

There are many other areas to enter including arts and crafts, quilting, sewing, drawings, and photography in addition to horticulture. Now is the time to start preparing your items to enter. The fair catalog will be available in July.

Polk County Master Gardeners meets the first Thursday of each month in the County Extension Office Education Building. Call the Extension Office at 479-394-6018 for more information. Everyone is invited to attend a meeting and see what we are all about. You will need to go through the training. Come join them.

VFW shotgun raffle winner

The VFW Post No. 4451 in Mena recently held a raffle for a Mosseyberg 12-gauge shotgun. Toni Surber was the winner!

The money raised will be used to help local veterans and the veteran programs.

VFW Post No. 4451 would like to thank Toni for supporting their post and their fellow veterans.

OLT’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in rehearsal

Submitted by Julie Ulmer

Ouachita Little Theatre is performing what is widely considered to be William Shakespeare’s most beloved play, “Romeo and Juliet.” Show dates are over two weekends, March 29, 30, and 31 (Easter weekend), and April 5, 6, 7 (solar eclipse weekend).

The second weekend of performances precedes the Monday solar eclipse date of April 8. That is no accident. OLT wants to provide a popular entertainment option to visiting tourists who are coming to experience our area’s total eclipse of the sun for several minutes. But OLT also wants our regular patrons to come and enjoy this famous play, so it is included in your season ticket. Individual ticket prices are $15 for adults, and $10 for students, miliary and veterans, and senior citizens over the age of 60.

OLT President Alex Night is excited

to be directing this Shakespearean classic. “It’s such a wonderful experience working with associate director Zeke McPherson and this cast of incredibly talented actors, who bring their characters to life so vibrantly and soulfully. It’s an honor and a dream to get to help tell this story that many of us have loved for so long. We promise you will be enthralled from start to finish!”

Tickets are on sale now. You can reserve your seats online at oltmena. com or in person at the OLT office at 610 Mena St. on Thursdays and Fridays from noon until 6 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door for as long as seats remain available. It is suggested you come early if you decide to wait to purchase tickets, especially during the second weekend since we will have so many out-of-town people visiting Mena looking for quality entertainment. Reserved tickets are recommended.

- SERVICES -

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0313

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

(870) 490-1191 T0327

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. (479) 394-9227

T0529

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

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

Carter’s Excavating - Licensed Contractor: 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. (479) 394-9227

T0529

- FOR SALE -

Farm fresh brown, non-fertile eggs for sale, $2/dozen. Call Ezra or Debra at (479) 357-0495

- FOR RENT -

T0320

Two-bedroom furnished home for rent, Opal, AR, area. $1,175 per month plus deposit.. Call. (214) 793-3313 T0313

- WANTED TO BUY -

Buying U.S. pre-65 silver coins. Paying top prices. Also buying scrap gold, rings, teeth and coins. Come see me every Friday and Saturday at the Duke’s Junction Flea Market-booth 78 from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. Call during the week (479) 234-3409 T0320

- HELP WANTED -

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

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

T0424

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

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

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

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

T0313

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

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

T0424

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for 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.

T0327

Find your next employee in the Pulse classifieds!

The Lioness’ will be selling pulled-pork sandwiches, bag chips, a cookie and water for $10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 15, at First United Methodist Church in Mena. The proceeds go to the Backpack Program. Call or text to preorder (479) 234-1351 or 234-1138. Delivery is available for orders of 10 or more.

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.

Giving away Heirloom tomato plants, well established. Will be outside of Freedom Pharmacy in Mena starting around 10:30 a.m. on March 16, weather permitting. First come, first serve.

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

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

The Food Pantry at the Mena Seventh Day Adventist Church is open every first and third Monday of each month, 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, 6:30-9:30 p.m. every Thursday. Free event. Bring finger food. For information call Lloyd Knight (479) 234-3547.

Around Town

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.

Born Again Recovery Ministries will have a bake sale at James Super Saver Foods on Friday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until we are sold out. This sale will benefit a Men’s Recovery Home to be built in Mena. Questions? Calll479-437-2202.

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

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

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

family life. We believe the greatest force that molds character comes from the home.

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

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

Hatfield First Baptist Church

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

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

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

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

The Mena/Polk County Senior Center will have The Gator and Friends band performing in Mena every Thursday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

The Center has an exercise class on Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Contact Trena Looney with questions, (479) 394-5459.

The 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.

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

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

March 4, 2024

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

Amanda Johnson, 49, of Hot Springs was arrested on a warrant for Violation of the Arkansas Hot Check Law.

March 5, 2024

No reports.

March 6, 2024

Barbara Gross, 59, of Mena was arrested on charges of Violation of a No Contact Order and Criminal Trespass.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Race Lane near Mena in reference to a disturbance.

A traffic stop on Hwy 71 near Mena led to the arrest of Glen Waters, 54, of Pine Bluff on charges of DWI, Improper Passing and Driving Left of Center.

Deputies were dispatched to Polk 43 near Mena in reference to a fire.

Robert Bush, 41, of Mena was arrested by an officer with Probation Parole on a Drug Court Sanction.

Griffin Head, 46, of Mena was arrested by an officer with Probation Parole on a Drug Court Sanction.

March 7, 2024

Deputies were dispatched to a res-

idence on Polk 677 near Ink in reference to a structure fire.

March 8, 2024

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 44 near Mena in reference to a death.

Jeremy Burns, 46, of Conway was arrested on a Parole Hold.

March 9, 2024

Deputies responded to a report of a physical domestic disturbance.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 270 near Acorn in reference to a domestic disturbance leading to the arrest of Ariana Andrews, 32, of Mena on a charge of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery.

Randy Hall, 44, of Nashville was arrested on a Body Attachment.

March 10, 2024

Deputies were dispatched to a business near Hatfield in reference to a physical domestic disturbance leading to the arrest of Jazzmyn Hoskin, 26, of Grannis on a charge of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked 0 vehicle accidents this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 50 Incarcerated Inmates with 17 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

March 3

No report.

March 4

Brandon Powell, 39, was charged with Breaking or Entering, Assault, and two counts of Criminal Trespass at the airport after a call to Lisa Way.

Natalie Davison, 25, was charged with Theft at Walmart.

March 5

Shawnna Morris, 27, was charged with two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor, Public Intoxication, Resisting Arrest, and Disorderly Conduct after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

Terra Stewart, 39, was served with a warrant at municipal court.

Curtis Womack, 61, was served with a warrant at municipal court.

March 6

No report.

March 7

A death investigation report was taken at a residence at Proft Circle. A death investigation report was taken at a residence on Ridge Avenue.

March 8

Dustin Pace, 34, and Tiffanne Pace, 34, were both charged with Domestic Battery after a disturbance call to a residence on Reine Street.

March 9

A report of theft was taken from Walmart.

Acquittals

Proof in the judgement of the following cases in a court of law has been provided to The Polk County Pulse.

- In the State v. Rhonda J. Hogarth in case MNS-22-929 for Criminal Trespass, the court found the defendant Not Guilty on Feb. 27, 2024.

- In the State v. Wade A. Jackson in case MNS-22-930 for Criminal Trespass, the court found the defendant Not Guilty on Feb. 27, 2024.

- In the State v. Rhonda J. Hogarth in case MNS-23-558 for Criminal Trespass, the court found the defendant Not Guilty on Feb. 27, 2024.

- In the State v. Wade A. Jackson in case MNS-23-557 for Criminal Trespass, the court found the defendant Not Guilty on Feb. 27, 2024.

UARM softball and baseball updates

By Ethan Nahté

UARM Bucks Softball had a rough trip in Mount Pleasant, Texas, on Wednesday, March 6, at Northeast Texas Community College. The first game only went five innings as the Bucks lost 11-0. Game 2 was only marginally better after six innings, and the Bucks falling to the Eagles 12-3.

The ladies hit the road on Sunday morning for a region doubleheader against SAU Tech (Camden, Arkansas). The Bucks entered the contest 2-0 in region play, while the Rockets were 1-1 before the doubleheader.

The Bucks softball took the first game 12-2 and kept the momentum going as they plated 5 in the first inning of Game 2. They eventually won the second game 9-2. The girls are currently 15-8 overall and 4-0 in region play.

They are still in the Top 20 in the nation, holding onto 16th.

They have an away game on Saturday against Carl Albert State College.

Bucks Baseball

The Bucks baseball team is on a five-game win streak after completing the region series against Arkansas State Mid-South. Wednesday, at home on Union Bank Field, UARM sent the West Memphis team home for a long ride following the 18-6 loss.

The guys continued with the smoking bats as they traveled to West Memphis for a doubleheader. UARM took the first game 16-2, each team with a pair of errors.

Game 2 saw drew another five errors from ASU Mid-South and no errors from the Bucks as they wrapped the series with a 15-2 win.

The Bucks have a busy week, but they’ll be playing at home Thursday, March 14, at 2 p.m. against South Arkansas Community College.

Bearcats and Ladycats action

By Ethan Nahté

Hot off the wrestling state championship, Mena’s Emery Anderson competed Saturday in Clarksville at the Meet of the Champions, which took place at University of the Ozarks. She defeated Springdale’s Elizabeth Garcia-Martinez 7-5.

The Ladycats soccer team played at home against De Queen on Monday. Homefield advantage wasn’t a factor as Mena got their first loss of the young season, defeated 3-0. They won their opener the previous week, beating Hope 1-0, while the boys’ team lost 3-1 against Hope.

Acorn schools awarded archery grant

Submitted by Tammy L. Young

Acorn High School was recently awarded the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission Archery in the Schools (AIS) Grant. The grant funds will be used to enhance the current Acorn Schools Archery Program.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission references the Archery in the Schools Program as one where students as young as fourth grade up to the 12th grade learn archery skills and may develop an outdoor hobby for lifelong enjoyment.

Archery in the Schools Program (AIS) is part of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP).

Presented by THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

ACORN HIGH SCHOOL Baseball

03/13 - Acorn vs. Mena

03/15 - Acorn @ Mount Ida

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

COSSATOT RIVER HIGH SCHOOL Soccer

03/15 - CRSD @ Star City

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

MENA HIGH SCHOOL Baseball

03/13 - Mena @ Acorn

03/19 - Mena vs. Mount Ida Soccer

03/13 - Mena @ Arkadelphia Softball

03/14 - Mena vs. Mansfield

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

MT. IDA HIGH SCHOOL Baseball

03/15 - Mount Ida vs. Acorn

Their next game will be away at Arkadelphia on Thursday.

Ladycats softball came up diamonds on the diamond in Murfreesboro on Monday, winning 8-2. The Ladycats improve their season to 4-3. They’ll play at home in Union Bank Park at 4:30 on Thursday against Mansfield. That game was originally scheduled for Thursday.

The Bearcats baseball team will play the Acorn Tigers in Acorn at 4:30 on Wednesday. They have almost a week off before they host Mount Ida at noon on Tuesday, March 19.

03/19 - Mount Ida @ Mena Track

03/14 - Mount Ida @ Gurdon

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

UA RICH MOUNTAIN Baseball

03/14 - UARM vs. South Arkansas Community College

03/16 - UARM @ South Arkansas Community College Softball

03/16 - UARM @ Carl Albert State College

Brittney Moore, Acorn schools’ archery coach and Dewayne Taylor, AHS principal.

Area high schools Career Connect - Building your future

Submitted by Tammy L. Young

Five area high schools from Polk and Montgomery Counties hosted the second annual CAREER CONNECT Reverse Career Fair event in partnership with Western Arkansas Planning & Development District and the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain (UARM) on Feb. 20.

nizations, military branches, and higher education institutions.

High school seniors from each of the five schools were represented: Cossatot River School District, Mena School District, Mount Ida School District, and Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden. It included seniors identifying and assessing their career interests, postsecondary plan and career

The first in a series of two events was held in the Ouachita Center on the main campus of UARM. The two-and-a-half hour event had 45plus career representatives from business, industry, agencies, orga-

reer and community partners, and school districts.

The career pathways represented for the Feb. 20 CAREER CONNECT included: - Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media Occupations - Business and Financial Operations Occupations - Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations - Healthcare Support Occupations - Personal Care and Service Occupations - Computer & Mathematical Occupations.

Additional career pathways will be represented at the upcoming March 27 event, which takes place from 9-11 a.m.. Career and community representatives interested in participating in the March 27 event, please contact: Tammy Young at (479) 394-5544, x. 104 or tyoung@ orsd.k12.ar.us no later than Ffiday, March 15 to RSVP.

Floyd announced as a December 2023 UCA graduate

The University of Central Arkansas conferred nearly 500 undergraduate and more than 180 graduate degrees and certificates through the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Business; College of Education; College of Health and Behavioral Sciences; College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; and Graduate School.

Pete Floyd of Mena, Arkansas, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics.

Floyd was among nearly 700 students who earned degrees or certificates.

He is the son of former Pulse employee Linda Floyd

pathway, completing a career profile and resume, and participating in job interviews with our career and community partners. Career pathways were grouped by occupational clusters to help our partners more effectively target and identify students for interviews to facilitate opportunities for employment, internships, apprenticeships, job shadow experiences, education, and training based on students’ career pathways, skills, and career goals. Students also learned about potential career and occupational pathways to explore as a result of this experience. The event was a huge success for students, ca-

Each senior will have a job resume and career profile to share with business and industry representatives and will present themselves for interviews. Each interview would be about 5-10 minutes or could be longer if needed.

Our school districts would like to extend our gratitude to UARM, DeQueen-Mena Education Service Cooperative, area Chamber of Commerce offices in Polk County/ Mena, Montgomery County, Garland County, City of Waldron and Scott County, and all of the career and community representatives and partners. Thank you for sharing your time, talents and important information with our students in helping them be better prepared for life!

Structure issue at Hensley Activity Center

By Ethan Nahté

Mena schools announced Thursday morning that the Hensley Activity Center construction project located between Mena High School, Mena Middle School and Holly Harshman Elementary had encountered an unexpected shift in the structure. Petree Construction was said to be correcting the structural integrity of the building following the incident. No further information was provided. No emergency vehicles or personnel appeared to be on location, and the construction crew was still working.

Elite Hospice Promise Foundation fish fry

By Ethan Nahté

Elite Hospice will be serving up fish at their fish fry for the Hospice Promise Foundation.

Nurse Taylor Jones said, “It’s an account we use to help families when they are in need. If they have a loved one on hospice, or for the patient themselves… Christmas gifts, necessities for the patient, or if they need a bill paid.

Elite Hospice’s main location is 602 Dequeen St. They service a 55-mile radius from Mena serving several different counties in the area.

The fundraiser will be taking place at Mena Church of God, 2771 Hwy. 88 East, near the golf course from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 15.

For $15 you get fish, french fries, beans, coleslaw, bottled water and a brownie. You can pick up your order or have it delivered if you are located in Mena. Pastor Mark Lyle will be frying

the fish.

They will be accepting cash or checks only, made out to Elite Hospice.

They recommend ordering in advance, but stated that it’s first come, first served for those who want to show up at the church. They will also be accepting donations. To order, contact Elite Hospice at 479-394-1134 or by fax at 479-394-2056.

Hospice is more than end of life care. I think that gets lost sometimes. They are there to not only assist the patient, but the family. It’s a hard time for anybody to go through. Jones said the need in this area is pretty big and not everybody knows about it.

Jordan’s Way visits HSO March 21

Submitted by Cheryl Murphy

Nationally known pet shelter fundraising champ Kris Rotonda, from Jordan’s Way, will be visiting Humane Society of the Ouachitas on March 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., leading the group in an energetic and totally fun time of fundraising.

Rotonda has a heart for shelter pets and is full of surprises with his fundraising antics. One of Rotonda’s antics is the cream pie challenge, where he takes a pie in the face, and lets one of the shelter pets lick his face clean. Now that shows some real love!

Rotonda is known to have spent time locked up in kennels with shelter dogs, just to get a pet’s perspective of kennel life. Best of all, the community is invited to participate in a live Facebook feed to enjoy the fun. Comments are welcome, while rooting for some of the contestants. All donations are deeply appreciated.

The Jonquil Festival is this weekend

By Patrick Massey

One of the region’s most popular festivals returns this weekend to celebrate the arrival of spring and warmer weather.

Historic Washington State Park

lore. This year’s celebration will include arts and crafts booths, a car show, the Rusty Wheels Engine show, karaoke and much more. New attractions include Railhead Ned and his Cajun accordion, and new events for kids including a bungee

HSO is a no-kill shelter, rescuing and sheltering pets in Polk County since 1978. The shelter keeps going because of the generous support of its pet loving friends.

Visit jordanswaytour.com and facebook.com/hsomena to check out videos of Rotonda, posted before the event, and please log in during the event.

kicks off the 56th annual Jonquil Festival Friday, March 15, and Saturday, March 16. The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Staff at Historic Washington are inviting everyone to come out and enjoy this annual tribute to the start of spring. The Jonquil Festival is the preeminent festival in Southwest Arkansas and is set to include food, fellowship, music and, of course, the blooming of thousands of jonquils in celebration of warmer weather.

Tours of the park, historic homes and museums are scheduled alongside numerous other activities. Admission is free and parking is available for a cost of $5.

Williams Tavern Restaurant will be open alongside food trucks ga-

trap and spider jump.

For more information on the event visit www.historicwashingtonstatepark.com or call 870-9832684.

Historic Washington State Park is located approximately 20 miles east of Nashville on Highway 278E.