The Polk County Pulse - May 22, 2024

AGFC to break down barriers with federal grant

Five choke points like this one on the Robinson Fork of Little River will be replaced with railcar bridges to allow free flow of water and aquatic species throughout the year. (Photo courtesy of AGFC)

Thanks to a Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investment of $2 million from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will be able to tear down five stream barriers on the Robinson Fork of Little River, restoring stream connectivity to more than 150 miles of aquatic habitat in south Arkansas.

The work will replace five low-water road crossings on property owned by Weyerhaeuser and Polk County with railcar bridges to open up year-round access for fish to

Union Bank and Mena Fire Department accepting donations for Bass family

Article and photos by Ethan

Nahté

A fire on Polk Road 43, just beyond the Polk County Fairgrounds, broke out the afternoon of May 15 and destroyed a home. Fire departments from Mena, Ink, Potter, Dallas Valley and Hatfield responded, as did Southwest EMS.

The home was the residence of the Bass family. One firefighter on teh scene stated Kim Bass was working from home. Her husband Benji, a city employee with the Mena Street Department, was also at work. Benji

assisted in battling the blaze, spraying the house down where he could as fire crews worked at the front and back of the house simultaneously. The remainder of the buildings on the property and the poultry pen are located a safe distance from the house and appeared to suffer no damage.

One of the rooms did contain a safe containing rounds of ammunition. Firefighters were able to tear down remnants of the wall and douse the area to help prevent the ammunition from going off and further endangering lives. They were able to remove

See BARRIERS continued on page 4 See

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Recently I read there were students attending our public schools who identified as cats. The behavior they exhibited was mildly amusing but that efforts were made to accommodate them, thus taking away from students trying to focus on getting an education, seemed disruptive rather than productive. Not sure if this behavior is a cry for help or the tail wagging the dog.

should fix natural stupidity.” Sounded like a valid point.

Want to share your opinion?

School was once where we sent our children to learn and be prepared for the challenges of the future, not to be coddled or indoctrinated. Sadly, the concept of education has morphed into something unrecognizable. I feel bad for educators caught in the middle. The mandates they often are forced to follow and implement are from those lacking face to face classroom teaching experience or worse yet, that have an agenda.

Before I purchase things online, I always read reviews, if available, from others who have had experiences with those products. If you want to see first-hand where we find ourselves, read a few and you will be amazed at the lack of sentence structure, spelling, or punctuation. I have read many, and after reading them, had no idea what the writer was trying to say. The basic principles of reading, writing, and arithmetic have been replaced by spellcheck, autocorrect, and calculators. We have lost some of our ability to communicate effectively with each other. Many cannot make change if the cash registers malfunction. I have seen young people who cannot tell time on an analog clock or sign their name in cursive. I’m pretty sure texting has not helped. I saw a quote recently that said, “before we embrace artificial intelligence, we

I have also watched the news and associated outcry over forgiving student debt. Personally, I think it is a mistake to go down the path of not taking responsibility for incurred debt or for one’s own actions. But if our government is bent on doing so, then any diploma earned should be null and void. You will not need a diploma for a job like most of us have/had, that are now saddled with your unpaid debt. Seems a double standard to benefit from something one is unwilling to pay for. As I recall, that is called theft. No pay, no play. Cannot have it both ways. I can remember watching a game show, The Price Is Right. The emcee was Bob Barker. His closing tag line was “Have your pets spayed or neutered.” To the kitty cats I would point out that is one of the processes used to prevent unwanted litters. Be careful what you strive to be. Even Hollywood thinks animals should be neutered. Quoth the raven, “Meow no more.” Or, was that “Nevermore”? I must check Edgar Allan Poe for a refresher. I think it speaks to not being able to hold on to things dear to you. Thank you for a forum to address my thoughts, though we may peacefully disagree.

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

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Jamie Hammack General Manager

AGFC provides water rescue training for Mena Fire Department

Article and photos by Ethan Nahté

A few of the firefighters from the Mena Fire Department tested the water at McMillan Park Swimming Pool on Saturday, a week prior to the pool’s official opening to the public. The firefighters were not out for a leisurely swim, but training, while wearing street clothes and shoes to simulate a real-life water rescue scenario.

Mena Fire Chief Steve Egger said, “Our local game warden has offered to provide this training for us.”

Chris Crawford, game warden for the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, said, “Through our academy, we go through an intensive water rescue training course and swift water rescue. Today was focused on a scenario of a vehicle right-side up or upside-down containing babies or children in car seats. Each student had to go in and manipulate the restraint system for that car

seat, familiarize their self with the restraints, and how to open it. This was a clear-water situation in the pool, but your ponds and lakes are going to be muddy water. They had to feel for the systems — the releases — and get that baby up.

“From there, we went over doing it with and without lifejackets. They had to train with and without it. They saw how much easier it is for their self and on the rescues they had to have that life jacket on.”

They also had to go underwater inan area they couldn’t touch bottom and release the car seat mechanism in an upside-down position while keeping their eyes closed.

Addtionally, they had to remove weights subsitituting for babies from the car seats — 8, 10 and 15 pounds — as well as swim to the bottom of the 12-foot-deep pool to retrieve the weights from the pool bottom, with and without the lifejackets. It was not an easy task car-

rying that extra weight, especially having one’s hands full with items having no buoyancy. It was also not easy swimming to the bottom while wearing a life jacket.

The firefighters also practiced the different ways on how to tow people to safety while swimming, with the use of a rope, and maintaining C-spine (cervical spine) for those accident victims with possible neck injuries. The rescuers practiced C-spine rescue with and without a spine board.

Crawford said, “They trained on how to get a trauma patient prop-

erly on a spine board and out of the water.”

The training for each situation took place in the shallow end, as well as depths of 7 and 12 feet to give the class an idea of how much difference and difficulty is involved, even in clear water, when a rescuer is having to tread water while rescuing a person. Attempting to find the release mechanisms for a car seat while treading water and without being able to see the mechanisms and not wearing a lifejacket not only See RESCUE continued on page 11

BARRIERS continued from page 1 from flooding.

move freely throughout the stream. Robinson Fork connects with the Rolling Fork, which enters De Queen Lake and eventually winds its way to the Little River.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investment of just over $70 million will address these outdated and obsolete barriers in 43 projects across 29 states. These funds build on the Service’s 2022 and 2023 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law National Fish Passage Program investments of nearly $73 million for 79 projects across the U.S. The newly announced project list represents the third and fourth years of funding of a five-year, $200 million commitment to restore free-flowing waters, allowing for fish migration and protecting communities

In addition to Weyerhaeuser, and the AGFC, the Arkansas Stream Heritage Partnership and Howard, Polk and Sevier counties are all collaborating to make the project a success.

AGFC also received the support of the Choctaw nation of Oklahoma, as these barrier removals open up fish passage to areas far upstream of Arkansas and will let native fish access historic habitats in Oklahoma.

The USFWS’s National Fish Passage Program, which is funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, works to restore degraded and fragmented aquatic habitats while decreasing public safety hazards by removing obsolete dams or improving water delivery for local agricultural irrigation districts.

STAY ALERT. STAY INFORMED. STAY SAFE.

(Above) Culverts under this road crossing restrict fish passage and will be removed as part of the announced project. (Below) This bridge prevents upstream travel by many aquatic species throughout much of the year when water levels are low. (Photos courtesy of AGFC)

From the State House of Representatives

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and celebrating recovery from mental illness.

al counselors in the state to treat clients in person or via telehealth in other compact member states. Currently, 17 states are members.

From the State Senate

Limiting children’s access to social media is still a priority for Arkansas policy makers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 23% of Arkansans reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorders from March to April of this year, which is 2 percentage points higher than the national average.

The Arkansas General Assembly has been proactive in addressing mental health needs in the state. Earlier this year, the Arkansas Legislative Council allocated $30 million from the American Rescue Plan funds, following a request from the Department of Human Services, to enhance mental health and substance abuse services statewide.

During the 2023 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed Act 513, which directs the Arkansas Medicaid Program to provide a supplemental reimbursement rate for physician practices enrolled in the patient-centered medical home program participating in a teambased, evidence-based pediatric practice transformation model of care.

Additional legislation passed to address mental healthcare includes:

- Act 260: Creates the Counseling Compact in Arkansas, allowing licensed profession-

- Act 494: Requires the Arkansas Medicaid Program and insurance policies to reimburse for behavioral health services.

- Act 316: Mandates screening for depression in birth mothers at the time of birth and requires insurance policies to cover the screening.

- Act 30: Permits individuals who voluntarily seek mental health treatment in an institution or facility to petition the court for a license to carry a concealed handgun two years after treatment.

- Act 61: Establishes a specialty court program for families involved in dependency-neglect proceedings affected by substance abuse or mental health disorders.

- Act 512: Creates the Arkansas Legislative Study on Mental and Behavioral Health to continue reviewing the state’s needs and make recommendations for future legislative sessions.

We remind Arkansans that if you or someone you know is in emotional distress or experiencing a suicidal crisis, you can call 988. By calling, texting, or chatting 988, you will be connected to trained counselors who are part of the existing lifeline network.

Last week the governor sent a letter to the governors of all 50 states, and to all Arkansas legislators, urging them to continue working for meaningful restrictions on children’s use of social media platforms.

John Maddox Terry Rice

With the letter she includes a copy of a book titled “The Anxious Generation,” written by Jonathan Haidt. He is a social psychologist at New York University. The book recommends strategies to fight the recent, dramatic increases in mental health issues among young people, such as depression, anxiety and suicide.

Last year the legislature passed Act 689, the Social Media Safety Act. It would have made Arkansas the first state to enact laws requiring juveniles to obtain parental consent before they could open a social media account.

However, enforcement of Act 689 was delayed by a federal judge last year after a group of social media companies filed a legal challenge. That lawsuit is still winding its way through the judicial system.

Other states have enacted similar laws designed to limit the accessibility of social media by young people, including Utah, Louisiana, Texas and California. Lawsuits seeking to strike them as unconstitutional have been filed by an industry group called NetChoice.

The industry has cited First Amendment rights in its challenge of laws that limit the use of social media. Tech industry lawyers argue that social media is different than a casino or a liquor store because it is a platform for communication, and not a location of privileged activity for adults.

Act 689 generated controversy as it progressed through the legislature during the 2023 regular session. It was opposed by legislators of both parties. One concern was the act’s requirement that social media companies hire a third party vendor to verify the ages of account holders.

Even though Act 689 prohibits vendors from keeping any identifying information about account holders. Opponents of the law are skeptical and argue that because it requires a user to submit an ID, it magnifies the risk of identity theft.

The governor has been outspoken in her criticism of the tech industry that operates social media sites. Last year, when a federal judge halted enforcement of Act 689, she wrote on social media that “big Tech companies put our kids’ lives at risk. They push an addictive product that is shown to increase depression, loneliness, and anxiety and puts our kids in human traffickers’ crosshairs.”

In her recent letter to legislators and the nation’s governors, she wrote that “millions of American kids have fallen into the dark sewer of social media and screen addiction.”

In his book, Haidt lists four guidelines for helping young people avoid mental health issues created by an addiction to cell phones. The first is not to allow smartphones before high school. The second is for parents not to allow children access to social media before they turn 16. The third is to have phone-free schools and the fourth is to encourage more outdoor play and childhood independence.

The governor reiterated the four points in her letter to lawmakers and governors.

James “Jimmy” Ray Welch

Mr. James “Jimmy” Ray Welch, age 67, passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born to Earl and Shirley Fay (Crosslin) Welch in Dallas, Texas.

Mr. Welch retired from Denton County Police Department in 2004 and upon moving to Mena, furthered his career with SWEMS as a dispatcher, before retiring for a second time in 2014. Jimmy was known for his love of hunting, a, and comedy. He always saw the humor in life. He also enjoyed raising goats and chickens.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife, Elise Welch; sons, Brian Swarvar, Eric Swarvar, James Michael Welch; daughters, Tammy Welch, Melanie Welch; grandchildren, Nathan Swarvar, Evan Swarvar, Christine Swarvar, Ava Steina; mother, Shirley Welch; and by his sister, Sherry.

Graveside services for Mr. Jimmy Welch will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 17, 2024, at the Gann Cemetery in Potter, Arkansas. Brother Mark Lyle will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be general.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Polk County Humane Society, 366 Polk Road 50, Mena, AR 71953; or to Elite Hospice at 602 Dequeen St, Mena, AR 71953

Online obituary can be found at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com.

Frederick Wayne Herpich

Frederick

Wayne Herpich, 73, of Mena (Shady), Arkansas, passed away on May12, 2024, at his Shady Home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on September 10, 1950, to Dr. Edwin J. Herpich and Regina Cutler Herpich in New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated from Liman Ward Military Academy in Birmingham, Ala. and attended LSU for several semesters. He worked in Golden, Colorado at the Coors Cannery Factory and from there he went to work 3,000 feet underground in the Henderson Mines in Umpire, Colorado.

He moved back to Louisiana and worked for the State of Louisiana DOTD for 17 years as a Master Mechanic. During this time, he did landscape and lawn care as a side job.

When he retired in 1998, he and his wife purchased a small farm property in Shady and also built a cabin and pavilion on his wife’s family property on Sugar Creek. Fred operated a local brush-hogging backhoe business and he and his wife raised fainting goats. He loved these Ouachita Mountains. Fred was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Louisiana.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Karen Hadley Herpich; daughters, Holly Herpich Bencaz and Presha Mustakas, son Beau Michael; granddaughters, Allie Mustakas and Hannah Michael of Austin, Texas; sisters, Edwina Efferson

and husband, Donnel, of Prairieville, Louisiana, and Mary Louise Irvin and husband, Lynn of Gonzales, Louisiana.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Edwin J Herpich and his mother, Regina Cutler Herpich, and his brother, Edwin Herpich.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to his church, New Hope Baptist Church, 113 Shady Lane, Mena, AR 71953.

Memorial service will be held on June 1, 2024, at 10:00 am at the New Hope Baptist Church in Shady. Online obituary can be found at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com.

Eva Mary Pitchford Murphy

Eva Mary Pitchford Murphy, age 92, a long-time resident of Norman, Arkansas, passed from this life on May 19, 2024. Mary was born on July 8, 1931, in Jefferson, Texas, to Alex Pitchford and Ruby Watson Pitchford of Hatton, Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ralph Murphy, of Norman, Arkansas, sisters, Hope Pitchford, Gladys Cook, Lorene Pittman, and Dora Reines, brothers, Robert Pitchford, Ray Pitchford, Billy Pitchford, and John Pitchford.

She is survived by her sons, Loyd Milam of Amity, Arkansas, Otha Eugene Green of Norman, Arkansas; daughters, Laura Loudermilk and husband Jim from Black Springs,

Arkansas, Rita Bailey of Hatton, Arkansas; one sister, Patricia Nall of Vivian, Louisiana; 11 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

She enjoyed family gatherings, crocheting, working puzzles, and taking pictures. She loved her care givers and Green House Cottages. The family would like to thank the staff for their care and love for our mom.

Services for Mrs. Eva Mary Pitchford Murphy will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Mount Gilead Cemetery, in Black Springs, Arkansas. Reverend Robert Loudermilk will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary can be found at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com.

Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish; Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.

~Thomas Moore

Obituaries

Johnye Faye

Storey Terrell

Johnye Faye Storey Terrell, age 90, passed away at her home on April 29th, 2024, in Mena, Arkansas, surrounded by her loving family.

Johnye Faye was born August 20, 1933, in Purcell, Oklahoma to the late John Edward Storey and Dollie Merle Laney Storey. Her family moved to Polk County when she was a baby and lived in the Centerpoint community near Rocky. She and first husband, the late Roy Jackson lived in Bryan, Texas, at College Station. After his passing, Johnye Faye returned to Mena and married the late Arnold “Pete” Terrell.

Johnye Faye was a faithful servant to the Lord, an avid birdwatcher, a talented quilter, gardener, poet and a member of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed watching the Razorbacks and Aggies play football, reading mystery novels, fishing and watching her favorite show, Judge Judy. However, her favorite pastime was spoiling her beloved grandchildren, all of whom have warm memories of growing up in her kitchen. She was also a crack shot with her trusty shotgun, which earned her the nickname “Granny Oakley.” Johnye Faye was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend to all who knew her and will be dearly missed by all.

She is survived by: Daughters, Rolinda Allen and husband Ralph of Mena, Tammy Staggs of Mena, and Paula Cox and husband Chuck

of Mena.

Sister-in-law, Edna Terrell Rodgers of Mena and “Honorary son” Tim Keith of Mena.

Grandchildren, Allan Ezell and wife Melissa of Hatfield, Clint Ezell and wife Kristen of Moody, Texas, Mica Ezell of Mena, Jonathan Cox and wife Stephanie of Gentry, Arkansas, Mershon Beck and husband Chris of Mena, Laney Staggs of Mena, and Katelyn Staggs of Mena. 15 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by: Her parents, John and Dollie Storey; first husband, Roy Jackson; second husband, Arnold “Pete” Terrell; son, Ralph Darrell Jackson; son, Johnny Leon Terrell; son-in-law, Jerry Staggs; grandson, Bryan Ezell; and great-grandson, Logan Ezell.

Services for Mrs. Johnye Faye Storey Terrell will be held, at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at the Beasley-Wood Chapel. Brother Donnie Jewell will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be held, Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Interment will follow at the Mt. Gilead Cemetery in Rocky, Arkansas.

Pallbearers: Chuck Cox, Jonathan Cox, Chris Beck, Ralph Allen, Allan Ezell, Clint Ezell, Van Holman, and Chris Roberts.

Betty Jane Pate

Betty “Jane” was born May 8, 1943, in Oklahoma

City to Curtis M. Hendrick and Betty R. Love Hendrick. She passed from this life on May 16, 2024, in Mena, Arkansas.

She married Glen Pate on August 28, 1981. Her faith in her creator God was strong and unwavering and she was fully devoted to her family. Her hobbies included quilting, reading, camping and traveling.

She was predeceased by her parents; two daughters, Teresa Yates Campbell in 2007, Melody Yates in 2008 and a son, Curtis Yates in 2016.

She is survived by her husband, Glen G. Pate; her son and daughter-in-law Nathan H. and Regina Yates; her brother, Curtis E. Hendrick; six grandchildren, Zachary Campbell, Lindzy Henry, Tylor Williams, Ryan Williams, Kaitlynn Atchley, Izik Yates; fourteen great-grandchildren; two nieces, Deborah Spake and Marcie Pfaff; four stepchildren, Lesa Bell, Beverly Welsh, Carl Pate, Beth Brainerd; twelve step grandchildren, nine step great-grandchildren, several cousins and numerous other relatives.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas with Brother Victor Rowell officiating. Interment will follow the

service at the Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh. com

Harvey Lee

Daniel

Harvey Lee Daniel, age 90, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on

Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the Sevier County Medical Center in De Queen, Arkansas. He was born on Friday, January 5, 1934, in Hampton, Georgia.

Harvey served in the United States Air Force and retired in 1971 after 20 years of dedicated service. He enjoyed gardening and working out in his yard. Harvey truly enjoyed a simple life at home with the love of his life, Phoebe.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

Harvey is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Phoebe Daniel of Mena; and a host of other close friends.

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

Online Guestbook: bowserffh. com.

Sanders and ANRC announce more than $79M for Arkansas water projects

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – On Friday, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced more than $79 million in financial assistance for 25 water and wastewater projects serving more than 587,000 Arkansans. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission approved this funding on May 15.

“Arkansans are counting on their local water utilities to deliver consistent and safe drinking water. In my administration, we’re proud to help communities provide that critical service,” said Governor Sanders. “The $79 million in assistance we’re announcing will help us improve water infrastructure for more than half a million Arkansans, keeping faucets, showers, and plumbing running all across our state.”

“From the Governor’s Executive Order requiring an update to the State Water Plan to yesterday’s decisions providing financial assistance of over $79 million for water projects throughout the state, we appreciate Governor Sanders’ leadership on water issues and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture will continue to prioritize this natural resource that is critical to all Arkansans,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward.

“During Wednesday’s commission meeting, nine projects were awarded $1.9 million in grant funding from a new funding opportunity for sewer overflow and stormwater use from the Environmental Protection Agency and administered by the Department. We continue to assist communities across the state through our existing programs and new funding opportunities to meet water and wastewater needs,” said Chris Colclasure, Director of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Division.

The projects receiving funding are

below:

- Arkansas City, Desha County, received a $400,000 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program. The current customer base for this project is 205.

- Benton County received a $137,873 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program. The current customer base for this project is 284,336.

- Calico Rock, Izard County, received a $50,000 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program. The current customer base for this project is 507.

- Gentry, Benton County, received a $50,000 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program. The current customer base for this project is 1,750.

- Highland, Sharp County, received a $69,500 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program. The current customer base for this project is 615.

- Benton County, on behalf of the Illinois River Watershed Partnership, received a $400,000 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program.

- Malvern Water Works, Hot Spring County, received a $400,000 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program. The current customer base for this project is 10,867.

- Mount Ida, Montgomery County, received a $40,000 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program. The current customer base for

this project is 1,600.

- Watershed Conservation Resource Center, Washington County, received a $400,000 grant from the Sewer Overflow and Storm Water Reuse Municipal Grant Program contingent on finding an eligible sponsor entity. The current customer base for this project is 120,000.

- Calhoun County Water Association received a $2,301,647 loan from the Water Development Fund. The current customer base for this project is 733.

- Community Water System Public Water Authority, Cleburne County, received a $1,325,000 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 76,000.

- DeValls Bluff, Prairie County, received a $142,140 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. The current customer base for this project is 305.

- Emerson, Columbia County, received a $1,175,388 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 451.

- Hardy Water Works, Sharp and Fulton counties, received an emergency $100,000 loan from the Water Development Fund. The current customer base for this project is 450.

- Haynes Water Works, Lee County, received an emergency $40,000 loan from the Water Development Fund. The current customer base for this project is 122.

- Hot Springs, Garland County, received a $1,912,500 loan and a $1,837,500 loan with principal forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for these projects is 38,114.

- Magnolia, Columbia County, received a $613,240 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 11,000.

- Phillips County Sewer Facilities Board received an emergency $100,000 loan from the Water Development Fund. The current customer base for this project is 735.

- Poyen, Grant County, received two loans in the amounts of $1,140,000 and $787,415 from the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund and a $684,442 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for these projects is 361.

- Springdale, Benton and Washington counties, received a $50,000,000 loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. The current customer base for this project is 38,250.

- Tull, Grant County, received a $316,422 loan from the Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Fund. The current customer base for this project is 950.

- White River Regional Irrigation Water Distribution District, Prairie County, received a $15,000,000 loan from the Arkansas Water, Waste Disposal, and Abatement Facilities General Obligation Bond Fund.

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

RESCUE

continued from page 3

was challenging, but can quickly tire a rescuer out, even in calm water.

Three of the pool lifeguards were also on hand ad even participated in some of the scenarios.

Personal lifesaving devices

For any driver, Crawford suggests items to carry in the event of a vehicle going into the water. “If someone comes up on a scene like that, they’re going to need some way [to get in] if a door’s not open or a window’s not down to bust it open to gain that access. If it’s upside down, the body weight of that person is push-

the water pressure increases. Front windows are generally laminated glass and virtually impossible to break through. The side windows for the front seats may also be laminated in newer vehicles. There should be information, known as a bug, stamped at the bottom corner of the window that identifies the type of window, laminated vs. tempered. Most back passenger windows will be tempered and easier to escape from.

There are several spring-loaded hammer or centerpunch devices on the market that are specifically designed to break car windows in a matter of seconds. Some also have

ing against a seatbelt, and you don’t know how hard it will be to unbuckle. If you have to cut the straps, carry a knife or a seatbelt cutter with you. If it’s jammed or they’re wrapped up in it, you can cut the seatbelt and get them out of that vehicle.

“A good thing to keep in your vehicle is a hammer, pocketknife or seatbelt cutter.”

Some of the newer windows do not break as easily as one might think, especially as a car sinks, and

The lakes are going to get very busy. We’ve got Memorial Day weekend coming. Exercise caution and wear your life jackets. There’s a reason we have them in a boat. When they’re put in storage and locked away, they’re not doing you any good.”

Crawford stated there have already been some injuries and

drownings in Arkansas lakes and rivers this season, including a teen at DeGray Lake in April.

A 32-year-old New Boston, Texas, man named Justin Leigh Pool drowned Sunday evening in Poinsett County near Rivervale in northwest Arkansas when he was pulled under by the current.

the seatbelt cutter combo. Many of the devices range between $15- $40 and can be found online, or at hardware and some retail stores.

Summer safety

As summer approaches and temperatures rise, water safety is important, whether one is swimming in a pool or body of water, as well as those who are boating.

“From the game warden’s point of view, the lakes are starting to fill up.

By Richie Lawry

In high school, I was too shy to talk to girls. I was almost too shy to talk to boys. When I first went to high school, it was at a private school that only went to the 10th grade. When I transferred to another school at the beginning of my junior year, the only people I would talk to were those I knew from my previous school.

Although I was too shy to talk to girls, that didn’t mean I wasn’t interested. At the beginning of my senior year, a girl stole my heart the first time she walked into Mr. Brost’s history class. Because I was so shy, it was almost a year before she knew I was interested.

I think that God knew I needed all of the help I could get, so he made it so our paths crossed in several ways that year. Mr. Brost selected five students to work together each week, producing learning packets for history class. The special girl and I were both in the group. We both worked at the local furniture factory. I worked on the dresser jig, and she made drawers. I would spend my breaks with the drawer makers, but she still didn’t catch on.

Just before graduation, I lost my job at the furniture factory. I was accused of doing something I hadn’t done, and the punishment was a two-week suspension. I told management I was innocent, and if they persisted with the suspension, I would never be back. My sense of justice caused me to lose a good-paying summer job.

News of my trouble with management quickly spread around the factory. When I picked up my personal items from the jig I worked at, there was a soda can with a flower in it. It was from that girl back in the drawer-making section. As angry as I was with the situation, I felt warm and tingly inside because it became

An Arkie’s Faith My first love

apparent that the girl who had stolen my heart at the beginning of the year cared about me.

When it came time for our high school graduation, I still had never gotten up the nerve to ask her out.

Finally, I mustered every ounce of courage I could find and asked her if she would march with me when we graduated. She told me she would like to, but she had already told another boy she would march with him. She said she would march with me if I talked to the other boy. Once again, summoning up every bit of courage I had, I spoke to him. He was very gracious and bowed out. I was on cloud nine.

We went to an amusement park on our first date. I don’t handle motion well and quickly get carsick and

seasick. As we were riding one of the rides, I kept feeling sicker and sicker. This was our first actual date, and I felt terrible. I didn’t want her to know I was too wimpy to ride amusement park rides. I said nothing and hoped my nausea would pass. It didn’t. I threw up on the ride, all over both of us. She took me to her house and got some of her dad’s clothes for me to change into while she washed mine. After my clothes had been washed and dried, we returned to the amusement park but didn’t ride anything but the train.

The rest is history. I knew that if our horrific first date didn’t end our relationship, she was as awesome as I had always thought. After a year-long relationship, with 500 miles separating us, we were finally in the same place at the same time. I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with this girl. In June 1975, we married.

I know high school romances usually do not last forever and that when kids get married in their teens, the marriages aren’t supposed to last, but we have proven those things wrong. It is still incredible to go through each day with my first love! I can’t wait to see where this journey leads.

Many relationships don’t last. According to the National Vital Statistics System, one divorce occurs in the United States every 36 seconds. For many people, it seems that maintaining that first love isn’t possible. Many Christians also seem to have a problem maintaining their relationship with God.

Maybe your relationship with God

isn’t what it once was. Do you remember when you first gave your life to Jesus? It was exciting to know that your sins had been forgiven. But have things changed? You still pray, sometimes. You still read the Bible occasionally. You talk about Jesus, but only if someone asks about your beliefs.

What has happened? Probably the same thing that happened to the church of Ephesus. In Revelation 2:4 (NASB), Jesus told the church at Ephesus, “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”

In 1677, 27-year-old Henry Scougal wrote this to a friend: “The worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love.” Henry Scougal was right: The object of our love, the treasure we passionately want, measures the worth and excellency of our souls.

Jesus is the only one who can measure the worth of your soul. He did it with Peter at their seaside breakfast after Jesus was resurrected. Just days before, Peter had tragically failed at loving Jesus, denying he even knew Jesus three times. When Jesus met him on the shore, he asked Peter three times, do you love me?

After lovingly serving him a meal on the beach, Jesus “said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’” John 21:17 (NKJV)

Gentle Reader, are you beginning to leave your first love? Was there a time when you were closer to God than you are today? God is calling you back to your first love. He wants you to find your happiness in him. He wants you to experience that first love. He asks you today, “Do you love me?”

Gina stole his heart the first time she walked into history class. (Photo courtesy of Richie Lawry)

The Ouachita Children’s Safety Center approaches opening date

By Floyd Knight

The Ouachita Children’s Coalition, which is over CASA and the Ouachita Children’s Safety Center, recently relocated to 1308 Hwy. 71 North. They held a ribbon cutting and a grand opening to show the community its new facility and the various resources they will provide.

conduct approximately 120 interviews throughout the various centers in Arkansas.

cides on how to proceed.

The center serves as part of the Ouachita Children’s Coalition which is over two nonprofits:

ordinated response to child abuse.” MDTs are located in 64 counties in Arkansas.

The new facility has dedicated spaces to make abuse victims feel safe and comfortable to speak out. The design focuses on setting a home-like atmosphere, including: The Observation Room, Interview Room, Therapy Room, Family Room and a Medical Room, along with a large kitchen. The authorities have their own room where they can observe the livestream as the interview is conducted.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) and CSC (Child Safety Centers).

CASA staff include Amanda Baker, advocate supervisor for Polk County and Espe Frachiseur, Sevier County supervisor for CASA.

Arkansas MDT

The Ouachita Children’s Coalition, which is over CASA and the Ouachita Children’s Safety Center, recently relocated to 1308 Hwy. 71 North. (Ashley Stipe/Pulse)

The facility is set for a tentative opening date of June 2024. The center will be serving Polk, Scott, Montgomery, and parts of Sevier County. Anyone will be able to reach out to them 24 hours a day.

Overseeing the center is executive director Cynthia Martin. Also on staff is Tandi Brumley, who after many hours of training, will be serving as the facility’s forensic interviewer. They are expecting to

Referrals are needed from medical professionals, DHS, or law enforcement officials, and you must call the hotline at 1-800482-5964 with a referral number, available 24/7.

They would like to inform the public that citizens cannot walk in on their own to schedule an interview. They must have a reference number to be seen.

The in-house medical suite has the necessary equipment in order to conduct exams and provide the police and/or FBI with the physical evidence to support their investigation.

They then turn over all evidence to the prosecutor and that office de-

In collaboration to provide support is the Arkansas MDT (Multidisciplinary Team). MDT is the child abuse response team which is “comprised of a multidisciplinary group of professionals from diverse organizations who are trained and equipped together as part of a co-

The Arkansas MDT Project underwent a recent change through legislation in 2021. Operational responsibility of the Arkansas MDT Project is now run by CACar (Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas). This was done to “align and bolster community-level resources between the MDTs and the local CSCs (Child Safety Centers).” In total, there are 38 dedicated MDT Facilitators.

Upon identifying a child victim, “The MDT team in the child’s county will collaborate its efforts to meet the child’s needs for safety, healing

See OCC continued on page 16

May 22, 2024

the safe from the structure. For those who would like to donate to the Bass family, monetary donaFIRE continued from page 1 tions can be made at Union Bank.

Non-monetary donations (household items, toiletries, etc.) can be dropped off at Mena Fire Station 1

located at 603 Dequeen St. Clothing sizes or any specific needs are unknown.

The fire department’s Facebook page stated, “We just want to provide a location for folks to drop off items.

Please don’t call the station with questions. If we are not in the station, you can leave items inside the door (right side of the building). We will get your donated items to Benji’s supervisor to pass on to the family.”

Splash pads at Janssen Park and Tapley Park open

Article by Ethan Nahté

Photos by Ashley Stipe

The splash pads at both Janssen and Tapley Parks opened Monday. A reminder:

- The splash pads are free to use.

- There are no personnel, such as lifeguards or supervisors, on duty.

- The hours are the same as the park hours.

- Misuse and vandalism are being monitored. Damage could eventually result in the pads no longer being free to use.

Splash pads generally do not have standing water, so the odds of drowning are reduced. Nothing is fool proof and accidents can occur. Supervision is still a necessity as there is always a chance of slipping and falling, especially if rough housing or climbing on equipment not intended for such usage.

The CDC also recommends a few steps to help stop the spread of germs in the water:

- Stay out of the water if a person is sick or has diarrhea.

- Shower before getting in the water.

- Take kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers every hour.

- Don’t swallow the water.

- Don’t poop or pee in the water.

- Don’t sit or stand on the jets as it can rinse undesirable materials off the body.

Each location has a canopy with a bench, a nearby restroom, and some trees to provide some shade.

As mentioned in the previous week’s paper, the swimming pool at McMillan Park is scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend. Details and hours are on the city’s website at https://cityofmena. org/mcmilan-park/

Children enjoying their new amphibian friend and the first day of operation for the splash pad at Janssen Park. (Ashley Stipe/Pulse)

OCC

continued from page 13

and justice… All reports of severe child maltreatment are directed to an MDT to activate the collaborative efforts on behalf of the child.” MDTs hold a meeting with their various team members once a month.

Child Safety Centers

A CSC is “a community-based facility which uses a multidisciplinary approach to reduce trauma to child victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect… Collaboration exists between medical, mental health, prosecutorial, child protective service, and law enforcement in

The Family Room where families can sit and visit in a comfortable atmosphere. (Ashley Stipe/Pulse)

Health

Programs, and Medical Exams.

CSC in Arkansas serves over 10,000 children each year. Funding sources for a CSC include:

- Individual Donations

- Organized Fundraisers

- Community Support

- And Grant Funding when available

A CSC is joined in their efforts with:

- Local Law Enforcement

- Local Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

- DHS- Department of Children and Family Services

- Arkansas State Police

- Mental Health Professionals

- Juvenile Court Systems

- Community Partners

an effort to best serve the interests of young victims.” They also provide family advocacy with:

Introduction to the process

- Family Support

- Guide through investigation

- Extensive follow up

- Court preparation

- Connection to services (mental health, food, shelter, clothing, legal and immigration.)

Along with the family advocacy, a CSC also provides Community Awareness & Education, Mental

6th Annual CASA Spring Scramble prepping to tee off

By Floyd Knight

The Ouachita Children’s Coalition, and the Ouachita Child Safety Center, will be hosting the 6th Annual CASA Spring Scramble, one of many locally sponsored fundraisers in support of helping with the funding needed to provide such important work.

- FBI

Martin would like to express that “She is overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from the community.”

You can find out more about the organizations and their services at facebook.com/p/Ouachita-Childrens-Coalition-100067148958793/ or occoalition.org/.

*All citations are courtesy of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Arkansas.

The Coalition will be hosting the Spring Scramble golf tournament at the Mena Country Club on Saturday, June 22. All the proceeds will benefit abused and neglected children in our area. There will be 3-person teams. Registration is $225 per team/$75 per person.

Sponsorships are still available. Mulligans are $5. A T-shirt and lunch will be provided while snacks and drinks can be purchased throughout the event. Please, no outside food or drinks. There will be awards. Contact CASA at 479-243-9277 to register, become a sponsor or for more information. All proceeds will benefit abused and neglected children in the area.

Each child who comes through is allowed to leave a handprint in pain. Once the canvas is complete, the center hangs them on the wall. (Ashley Stipe/Pulse)

Pura Vida at Pine Ridge had a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday morning with owner Shirley McCutchen and her family. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, and 30 minutes outside of Mena, the two-story rental cabin and an additional bunkhouse are just steps from the best hiking trails and ATV trails the Ouachita Mountains have to offer. In addition to the Ouachita National Forest and Ouachita River, there is fishing, canoeing, horseback riding and tubing nearby. Visit evolve.com/vacation-rentals/506716 for more information. You can also email McCutchens32@gmail.com or call 870-416-8566. (Photo courtesy of the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce)

Arkansas Fire Training Academy in Camden conducted their Fire Investigator course with 80 hours tested between May 6-17. Firefighters from throughout Arkansas were part of the class. Mena Fire Chief Steve Egger congratulated Mena Fire Captain Eric Turner and Emory Zakin on Facebook for completing the training.

(Photo courtesy of AFTA and Southern Arkansas University Tech)

Community

The Polk County Housing Authority will be closed Monday, May 27 in observance of Memorial Day.

The board of directors of Polk County Developmental Center will be meeting at the PCDC Education and Wellness Center on 100 Ninth St. at noon, May 24.

Decoration Day for Nichols Cemetery at West Valley will be celebrated on Saturday, May 25, at 2 p.m. Come prepared to sing and visit and reminisce. Bring your lawn chair.

Witherspoon Cemetery at Vandervoort will have a clean-up day at 9 a.m., Saturday, May 25. For questions contact Bill Barrett, (479) 216-4361.

The Wickes-Daniel Cemetery will have a brief Memorial Day service in the Chapel on Monday, May 27, beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by a potluck lunch outdoors, weather permitting.

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.

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

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.

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.

Around Town

Memorial Day BBQ, May 27, noon-5 p.m. at the Hatfield Park pavilion, 119 Cemetery Road, Hatfield. Free BBQ chicken, baked beans, and potato salad. Donations are welcome.

The Mena Farmer’s Market will open for the season beginning Saturday, May 25, at the Historic Train Depot on Sherwood Avenue. The market will be open 7 a.m. until sold out each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The next Women for Jesus meeting will be Wednesday, June 12, at 6:30 p.m. at Christ’s Church at Lenox, 31503 OK63, Muse, Ok 74949. Food will be provided. Please bring your Bible. For more information call Dr Cynthia Perkins at (918) 429-8538.

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.

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

First Presbyterian Church will be presenting a series on the Book of Revelation in its Adult Sunday School class on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:45. Earl Harrell will be the presenter and will focus on the titles of Jesus as revealed in the Book of Revelation. The public is invited to attend. Classes will be in the Helen Barham Room at the church, 904 Church Avenue, Mena.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 noon-4 p.m. The library is located at 121 Cemetery Rd. (old Agri building) in Hatfield.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

- CLASSIFIEDS -

- SERVICES -

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0522

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

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

T0529

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 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. T0626

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

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

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

- FOR RENT -

Room available for rent. Credit check, $400 a month, shared bathroom, 2210 Missouri Ave., Mena. Call Jenny (909) 246-5359. T0612

- FOR SALE -

2 Motorhomes For Sale: 1986 Foretravel model Grand Villa, 36’ diesel pusher, sleeps 4-6, power seats, built in vaccum, very good condition. Asking $6,500.

2002 Georgie Boy, 34’, 1 slide, Vortec gas engine, 20,000 milesm sleeps 4-6, very good condition. Asking $5,500. Phone (479) 216-7042. No voice mail, so text if no answer. T0529

One-ounce American Eagle coins, $32 each. One-ounce silver bars or rounds, $30. Come see Dan every Friday & Saturday at Duke’s Junction Flea Market booth 76, from 9-3. Call (479) 234-3409. T0522

- WANTED TO BUY -

Buy and sell U.S. pre-65 silver coins. Paying top prices. Also buying scrap gold, rings, teeth and coins. Come see Dan every Friday and Saturday at the Duke’s Junction Flea Market-booth 76 from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. Call during the week (479) 234-3409 T0612

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

T1030

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

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

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

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

• 5 Years CNC Set-up and Programming Experience

• Proficiency in Programming Software (Mastercam) and CAD.

• Ability to Lift or Maneuver up to 50 lb.

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

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

T1030

- 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.

T1030

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.

T1030

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.

T1030

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.

T1030

Find your next employee in the Pulse classifieds!

$ $ $ $

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

May 13, 2024

Deputies responded to a residence on Trimble Avenue near Grannis in reference to an altercation.

Deputies were dispatched to Hwy 8 W near Mena in reference to a vehicle accident leading to an altercation. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

May 14, 2024

Kris Vandeest, 50, of Mena was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Deputies responded to a report of a scam.

Deputies responded to a report of threats being made. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

May 15, 2024

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 67 near Big Fork in reference to a physical altercation. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

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

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to harassing communications.

May 16, 2024

A traffic stop on Hwy 8 E near Mena led to the arrest of James Deweese, 53, of Mena on charges of DWI, Driving Left of Center, and No Proof of Insurance.

Brian Porter, 40, of Mena was arrested on charges of Making a Terrorist Threat and Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons.

May 17, 2024

Jerad Haarmeyer, 33, of Mena was arrested on a Probation Violation Warrant.

May 18, 2024

A traffic stop on Hwy 246 W led to the arrest of Jovani Gonzalez, 28, of Grannis on charges of DWI, Driving left of Center, and No Vehicle License.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 57 near Mena in reference to a trespasser. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Aramis Candelaria, 22, of Hatfield was arrested on a Probation Violation Warrant, a Body Attachment, and a Parole Hold.

James Jewell, 33, of Cove was arrested on a warrant for Harassment and Criminal Trespass.

Jamie Arce, 40, of Hatfield was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Jereme Baughman, 47, of Mena was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

May 19, 2024

Deputies were dispatched to a four-wheeler accident near Shady. Deputies were dispatched to Polk 80 near Shady in reference to an incident.

Tyler Holland, 24, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for Theft of Property and 2nd Degree Criminal Mischief.

Donnie Dollaryhyde, 50, of Mena was arrested on five Failure to Appear Warrants, a Body Attachment, and Absconding.

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

Polk County Detention Center

Jail Population: 49 Incarcerated Inmates with 14 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

Sex Offender Registry Maphttps://sexoffenderregistry.ar.gov/ public

MENA POLICE REPORTS

May 12

Shannon Shaw, 43, was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and served with a warrant after contact on Highway 71.

John Mejia, 49, was charged with Possession of Firearm by Certain Person and served with a warrant after contact on 10th Street.

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

May 13

A report of violation of an order of protection was taken from a walk-in complainant.

Michelle Hall, 31, was served with a warrant at Dollar Tree.

A report of theft was taken from Walmart.

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

May 14

Alon Anderson, 52, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Reeves Avenue.

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

May 15 No report.

May 16

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

Richard Parmer, 19, was charged with Harassment, Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting Arrest at a residence on Mama Mia Drive.

A report of theft and forgery was taken from a walk-in complainant.

May 17

Dalton Freeman, 22, was charged with Criminal Trespass at Walmart. Curtis Smith, 32, was served with warrants at Washburn’s Home Furnishings.

‘Operation Hope’ combats human trafficking in Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Seven women believed to be victims of human trafficking were offered services, and another 25 local victims were identified as part of Operation HOPE (Help and Opportunity to Prevent Exploitation), which took place in Hot Springs this month.

Arkansas State Police (ASP) and members of the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council conducted the recovery operation over a single day, offering victims services such as food, lodging, onsite medical services, counseling, therapy, and drug rehabilitation.

“These concerted efforts will significantly contribute to making Arkansas a place where human trafficking is not tolerated,” ASP Director Col. Mike Hagar said. “The dedicated law enforcement community in Arkansas is fully committed to approaching the grim reality of human trafficking with empathy, aiming to rescue victims from the shadows and provide them with the support and care they need to recover.”

The multidisciplinary operation consisted of law enforcement and victim service providers from around the state, working together to combat human trafficking, recover victims, and detain traffickers to make our communities safer. Before and during the operation, intelligence analysts and law enforcement officers identified local victims. Leading up to the operation, three children and one adult were removed from exploitative, vulnerable, and unstable situations. All minors were taken into protective cus-

tody, and the adult received victim services.

“Not only do we hunt the wicked, but we also seek out the wounded,” said Major Stacie Rhoads, CID commander.

The operation was made possible through the coordinated efforts of representatives from federal, state, local, and non-government organizations, including the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, Hot Springs Police Department, Garland County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Harrison Police Department, Arkansas Fusion Center, along with victim advocates and medical personnel from the Regional Intervention of Sexual Exploitation “RISE,” The Genesis Project, Into the Light, ACASA, Saline County Safe Haven, River Valley Medical Wellness, and the NWA Forensic Nurse Team.

During a similar Jonesboro operation in February, 30 adult females were identified, and five were offered services in northeast Arkansas.

ASP cannot release any further details now as the investigation is ongoing.

Human Trafficking continues to be a problem in Arkansas and across the United States, and law enforcement will continue to take it seriously.

If you have information or suspect human trafficking in your area, please get in touch with the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council at reportht@asp.arkansas.gov or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.

Mena man arrested after allegedly firing shots into a vehicle

By Ethan Nahté

Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer announced on the department’s Facebook page his office received a 911 call about a road rage incident with shots fired on Polk 41 N. off Highway 8 West at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 16. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the caller at a residence on Polk 41N.

The caller stated that while stopped on Polk 41 talking to a neighbor, the suspect pulled up beside his vehicle shouting obscenities. A verbal altercation ensued until the suspect brandished a handgun and fired two rounds into the caller’s vehicle. The suspect then fled the scene.

Deputies located the suspect, Brian T. Porter, 40, of Mena at a residence on Polk 41 N. Porter was arrested without incident and transported to the Polk County Detention Center. Brian Porter is currently charged with 5-13-310 Terroristic Act, a Class B felony.

Some commentators on the department’s Facebook page questioned whether the charge should be for Attempted Murder. Sawyer made no public comment, but he did provide

the post of AR Code § 5-13-310 (2020) that explains the charge against Porter regarding this specific situation.

(a) A person commits a terroristic act if, while not in the commission of a lawful act, the person:

(1) Shoots at or in any manner projects an object at a conveyance which is being operated or which is occupied by another person with the purpose to cause injury to another person or damage to property; or

(2) Shoots at an occupiable structure with the purpose to cause injury to a person or damage to property.

(b)

(1) Upon conviction, any person who commits a terroristic act is guilty of a Class B felony.

(2) Upon conviction, any person who commits a terroristic act is guilty of a Class Y felony if the person with the purpose of causing physical injury to another person causes serious physical injury or death to any person.

*All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

Arkansas launches new website for state’s sex offender registry

By Patrick Massey

Arkansas residents are being notified that a new website is now available with a registry of the state’s sex offenders.

The website is available at www. sexoffenderregistry.ar.gov and is maintained by the Arkansas Crime Information Center. The website allows the public to search the regis-

try for the location of sex offenders in Arkansas.

The registry is updated as offender addresses and other offender information is updated in the Crime Information Center office. The public can search for offenders by address, city, county, zip code or place and see information on the publishable offenders within the map view of the address you enter. The public

can also search for an offender by name if applicable.

Any individual who is convicted of certain sex offenses and offenses against children is placed on the registry.

The information on this site is provided as a service to the community and is reviewed and updated regularly by the Arkansas Crime Information Center, prior to appearing

on these pages, in order to ensure that it is complete and accurate. Officials with the Arkansas Crime Information Center stress that anyone who uses this information to commit a criminal act against another person is subject to criminal prosecution. Due to the sensitive nature of this information, activity on the site is monitored.

Free summer meals for Polk County children

Mena Public Schools are offering free summer meals for ages 18 or younger.

Attention Polk County, with summer right around the corner it is time to think about keeping our children healthy while school is out. Mena Public Schools/Aramark provides free meals to children during the summer. Be on the lookout for the Google form that must be filled out to receive a box of food that will include five breakfasts and five

lunches. The first form will open on May 24 and will need to be filled out by May 31 for first pick up on June 7 at the Mena High School student parking lot.

Forms must be filled out and food must be picked by a parent or legal guardian.

New forms have to be filled out weekly.

For more information, contact Susan Bodey at 479-234-1161 or by email at Bodey-Susan@Aramark.com .

Amity man charged with 30 counts of distributing child sex abuse materials

Submitted by Arkansas State Police

AMITY, Ark. — On April 27, 2024, Arkansas State Police initiated an investigation based on a tip forwarded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that led to the Tuesday, May 13, arrest of Ethan Fagan, 31, of Amity.

Fagan was charged with 30 counts of Distributing, Possessing, or Viewing Matter Depicting Sexually Explicit Conduct Involving a Child.

Fagan appeared in Clark County Circuit Court the following day and is in custody, being held on a $100,000 bond.

Additional charges are pending as investigators determine what child sexual abuse material images may have been generated using artificial intelligence technology.

Investigators will be contacting potential victims directly. Anyone with information about the investigation may call 501-618-8151.

Cruz of Mena selected to attend Arkansas Boys State 2024

LITTLE ROCK, AR (04/30/2024)

— Damon Cruz of Mena from Acorn High School was nominated to represent his community and school at Arkansas Boys State 2024, an immersive leadership and civic engagement experience sponsored by the American Legion.

Cruz will join more than 565 young men from 190 high schools attending the program’s 83rd session at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway from May 26-31. The program’s 2024 enrollment marks its largest class of young men in seven years.

“Arkansas Boys State is a legacy program that has produced remarkable local, state, national and international leaders,” said Lloyd Jackson, executive director of Arkansas Boys State. “That Damon was nominated to attend speaks volumes to his character, pursuit of excellence and desire to make his community stronger.”

During his week at Arkansas Boys State, Cruz will be assigned a political party, city, and county. Throughout the week, he and his peers will administer, from the ground up, a mock government as if it were real: run for office, draft and pass legislation, solve municipal challenges and engage constituents.

“This year’s remarkable growth speaks to how this program is playing a life-changing role in the lives of the young men who

join us year after year,” Jackson said. “We’re thrilled that Damon is joining us and will experience this once-in-a-lifetime leadership opportunity in just a few weeks.”

Cruz and his peers at Arkansas Boys State will be guided through their experience by more than 70 volunteers who serve the program. The staff of volunteers includes college students and career professionals with interests and expertise in education, finance, industry, politics and government, journalism, and more.

The week’s activities, including keynote speakers, general assemblies, and election speeches, will be streamed live by Arkansas PBS on their Arkansas Citizens Access Network: https://www.myarkansaspbs.org/arcan .

Arkansas Boys State is an immersive program in civics education designed for high school juniors. Since 1940, the weeklong summer program has transformed the next generation of leaders throughout the state and beyond. These men have become state, national, and international leaders, including Pres. Bill Clinton, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former White House Chiefs of Staff Mack McLarty and Jack Watson Jr., Sen. Tom Cotton, Sen. John Boozman and Arkansas Chief Justice John Dan Kemp.

Learn more at arboysstate.org.

Cossatot River School news

Search resumes for CRSD superintendent

By Patrick Massey

The search is back on for a superintendent to lead the Cossatot River School District.

Incoming Superintendent David Tollett submitted his resignation from the district on May 15. The current superintendent of Lamar Public Schools and a former state representative, Tollett was scheduled to take over as lead administrator of Cossatot River Schools on July 1.

Outgoing Superintendent Tyler Broyles said Tollett submitted his resignation in order to pursue a different option.

Broyles will continue to serve as superintendent through June 30. He’ll be taking on a similar role with the Gentry School District in Northwest Arkansas beginning July 1.

CRSD getting bleachers and goal posts

Going into year two of the football program, CRSD has over 30 football athletes signed up for the team. Home bleachers that will have a 1,000-person capacity and field goal posts will be installed this summer.

A Facebook post read, “More opportunities like this for our students means a higher chance of success in high school and beyond. Great job Coach Barrett for giving this your all!”

Acorn students compete in National Poetry Contest

Acorn High School students in grades eight, 10 and 11 submitted poetry to the 18th Annual National Student Poetry Contest offered by the America Library of Poetry.

The students have the opportunity to win over 62 prizes including cash, laptops, tablets, shopping sprees, and Amazon gift cards. They also have the opportunity to be published in a poetry anthology this fall.

Several former students of Acorn High School have received the honor of publication through this contest. Results will be published this fall.

AHS students submitting poetry in May 2024 include: Eighth grade:

- Adalyn Bohlman

- Jaylen McQueen

10th grade:

- William Bloodworth

- Dodge Couture

- Lauren Cruz

- Isabella Fowler

- Irene Gilhousen

- Chloe Kelley

- Tazanna Haggard

- Kaitlynn Ledbetter

- Brookelyn Lewis

- Lacy McEntire

- Macy McEntire

- Zane Newton

- Summer Nix

- Brooke Osufusen

- Lyndsey Powell

- Lana Revels

- Victoria Squires

11th grade:

- Rebecca Bloodworth

Cossatot River High School seeking hosts for foreign exchange program

By Patrick Massey

Cossatot River High School is seeking parents to host foreign exchange students for the upcoming school year as part of an educational and cultural experience for its students and families.

Cossatot River previously offered a similar program and superintendent Tyler Broyles said the district is excited to bring it back to the district for another year.

“We’ve had this in the past, but we have it approved now for Cossatot River High School,” Broyles said. “Many community members have asked me about revising it. Under the leadership of one of our principals, Mary Lowery, she got us approved. We’re very excited about revising that program for

the upcoming school year.”

Broyles added that the experience can be a life-shaping one for both sides of the program.

“It’s a long-lasting relationship, great cultural experience on both sides, and one more thing we can offer at Cossatot River,” Broyles said.

Those interested in hosting a foreign exchange student have a few requirements to keep in mind: They must be able to provide a bedroom (can be shared), three meals per day, transportation for school (bus is acceptable) and loving guidance.

For more information, call Jayme at 479-243-8744, Paula at 479-2164464 or Elizabeth at 479-234-0725, or visit studentexchange.org/.

SNHU announces Winter 2024 President’s List

MANCHESTER, NH (05/15/2024)—

It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Winter 2024 President’s List. The winter terms run from January to May.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum gradepoint average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

- Megan Broach of Cove

- Jonathon Daniels of Mena

- Marisa Johnson of Mena

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution with an 91-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 225,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 accredited undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH.

Recognized as the “Most Innovative” regional university by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner. Learn more at www.snhu.edu.

President Mysti Gates from the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional international honor society of key women educators, presented a scholarship for $500 to Mena High School graduate, Holiday Neufeld. Neufeld plans to pursue a degree in music education . For more information about DKG, please visit https://www.dkg.org. (Photo courtesy of UARM)

Acorn High School

The Polk County Pulse

Keep your face always toward the sunshine — and shadows will fall behind you.

~ Walt Whitman