August 6, 2014
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Town Hall Scheduled Regarding Pursuit of $100 Million State Prison Facility
BY LEANN DILBECK The Arkansas Board of Corrections and the Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC) are requesting any interested communities to submit “Expressions of Interest” to donate property for the location of an estimated $100 million correctional facility to initially house 1,000 maximum-security inmates. The new state prison would generate 250 new jobs that average $12.75 an hour plus benefits. The facility will have an annual operating budget of approximately $19 million. ADC plans to construct the facility in a manner that it can be expandable to approximately 2,000 beds, at which time it will employ 500 with an annual operatCONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Gubernatorial Candidate Asa Hutchinson Visits Mena
BY MELANIE BUCK Arkansas Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Asa Hutchinson visited industrial businesses in Mena Friday as part of CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 [LEFT] Bob Martin, Erick Martin, State Representative Nate Bell, local Hutchinson Campaign Coordinator Bill Beam, Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Asa Hutchinson, Scott Vacca, Ashley Vacca, and Gar Eisele on a tour of local industrial business, Sterling Machinery.
Cossatot River Names New Superintendent
BY MELANIE BUCK Cossatot River High School has announced Donnie Davis as the new Superintendent for the 2014-2015 school year. School Board President Randy Sellers stated, “We’re very fortunate to get him. He has 40 plus years in education and we’re very excited.” Davis graduated from Kirby High School before receiving his Bachelors Degree in Education for Math and Science and then his Masters Degree in Secondary Administration from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. After college, Davis came back home to begin his career. Teaching math and science at Kirby for five years, he became principal for another five CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
It’s Time for the Polk County Rodeo! BY LEANN DILBECK The Polk County Fair & Rodeo Association invites all cowboys and cowgirls of any age to one of the county’s largest events – the 2014 Polk County Professional Championship Rodeo – this weekend at the Andy Risenhoover Arena at the fairgrounds. For over 60 years, the event has attracted thousands delivering action-packed, high-octane, family entertainment and according to Wendy Strother, this year will deliver all that plus a touch of pink! There will be a 50/50 cash pot fundraiser each night to help raise money for both cancer research and needed repairs at the rodeo arena. The $1 chance tickets for this fundraising event will be available at the gate nightly and the winner will receive a 50/50 split. Proceeds from Thursday and Saturday night sales will be for much needed repairs to rodeo facilities but Friday night sales will go to the American Cancer Society through the Polk County Relay for Life. Friday night is also being billed as “Tough enough to wear pink night” where contestants and spectators are encouraged to wear pink to showing their support for cancer awareness. Both the fair and rodeo parade have been combined into one for this year, which will be held Saturday, August 9, at 4 p.m. Advance tickets are available until Thursday at Union Bank, Polk County Farmers, Food Fast, Country Express, First National Bank in CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
1020 Mena St. • Mena, AR 71953
479.394.4332 or TOLL FREE 1.888.394.4332
HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm • Saturday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
www.washburns.com
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August 6, 2014
editor
A NOTE FROM THE
Criticism doesn’t feel good. It just doesn’t. It hurts and it may even make us mad. Everyone is a critic these days and with the convenience of the internet, it’s no longer left to the “professionals” who have a column in the weekly newspaper. Everyone with an opinion is now an expert on any given subject matter and it’s quickly broadcasted both far and wide. The interesting common denominator in the critics’ equation is the negativity and often “nasty” way that they offer their opinion… belittling and demeaning to the person, service or business… that I can only assume is beneficial to inflating their own personal ego and self-worth. I particularly love a quote from Lysa TerKeurst about criticism: “If it’s hurtful, realize their criticism says a lot more about their insecurities than our inadequacies.” Wow! That really sums it up, doesn’t it? For f it’s hurtful, some people, the best way to make themrealize their criticism selves feel better is to criticize someone else. says a lot more about Pride is an ugly thing. “When pride comes, then their insecurities than comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisour inadequacies.” dom.” Proverbs 11:2 Personally, I value constructive criticism. It makes you or your service better. (Keyword being constructive) All the while, understanding that it is impossible to be all things to all people or to please all people. But I have little value for those who only wish to tear down or criticize someone’s effort without knowing all the details or being able to provide a solution… and one that is not completely self-serving. And don’t hide behind anonymity and be emboldened by your keyboard, hiding behind screen names, etc. If you’re going to put it out there, BACK IT UP, right? When do you pay attention to criticism and when do you let it roll-off like water on a duck’s back? When you can discern if the person meant it to help you or to hurt you. Let us also remember that the next time, we too, feel like an expert and want to offer our own criticism. Are we helping or hurting? Wipe the smirk off and remember, no matter how much you say you mean it to be helpful, God knows our hearts. Criticisms meant to be helpful should not feel like attacks. And we should also realize that when they do, we should practice the most challenging art of selfcontrol because after all, staying calm is as much of a gift to ourselves as it is our offenders. Like so often discussed, there are two-sides to every story and we should all hesitate more often when offering our million dollar opinion, recognizing that we may not have all of the facts. There will always be differences of opinions, but if we truly desire to live our lives in a way that honors and reflects God, we will remember that our words and actions should be edifying to others and not destructive to the soul.
“I
All for His glory,
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Weekly Publication
Mena fire department and law enforcement staff are asking all area residents to come to the Guns ‘N Hoses blood drive with Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI). It will occur Monday, August 11, from noon to 6 p.m., at St. Agnes Church. To fuel a little healthy competition, donors will choose which department to support by donating on behalf of law enforcement or the fire department. Not only will each blood donor save up to three lives by giving, each will also receive this year’s Guns ‘N Hoses T-shirt, and two tickets to the Tulsa Zoo. Anyone who is healthy and 16 years of age can donate*, and donations can be made every 56 days. Patients in 21 hospitals across western and south central Arkansas rely solely on blood donors with Arkansas Blood Institute in their battles for life. Appointments are not necessary, but can be made by calling Greg Womack at 479-652-2362 or visiting www.arkbi.org. [PHOTO BY MELANIE BUCK]
Godfrey Named Legislative Chairman of Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association
NEWS
Guns ‘N Hoses Blood Drive
August 6, 2014
BY MELANIE BUCK Polk County Sheriff Mike Godfrey has been honored and named as Legislative Chairman on the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association Executive Board. As Legislative Chair, Sheriff Godfrey will be the liaison between the Association and the Arkansas State Legislature. According to The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association website, the Association “supports the Constitution and the 2nd Amendment rights of our citizens. We recognize the recent increase in violence and mass shootings have raised questions relating to the sale and possession of firearms. The Arkansas Sheriffs' Association further believes that we must hold offenders responsible, not law abiding citizens. The Arkansas Sheriffs' Association does support enforcement of the existing gun laws and the strengthening of current background checks, including identifying individuals with mental health issues. The Arkansas Sheriffs' Association does not support legislation that restricts current gun possession and current gun sales to our citizens that weakens our 2nd Amendment Rights.” The Association also conducts Project A.R.K. (At Risk Kids) for kids in K-3rd grade and P.O.W.E.R. (Positive Outlook With Educational Resources) for 4th-6th grade with PC the Patrol Car to teach drug prevention throughout the state. In addition, they have Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches that center around taking trouble kids and helping them to become “socially and financially prepared for independence and have stable employment,” even keeping some teens through post-secondary education. The Executive Board is made up of 9 Sheriffs from around the state that represent citizens’ constitutional rights. The term length for positions on the board last one year, however at the end of that year, the Sheriffs move up one position until they become President of the Board. Sheriff Godfrey stated, “It is truly an honor to be elected to this position and represent the Sheriffs’ Association. It’s been something I’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t do in my first term. But now, in my second term, I’ll be able to delegate more responsibilities to my deputies.”
“I
t is truly an honor to be elected to this position and represent the Sheriffs’ Association.”
OFFICE: 479.243.0033 • FAX: 479.394.1204 1341 SOUTH MENA STREET MENA, ARKANSAS 71953
Assisted Living
wants to welcome you . . .
Page 4
August 6, 2014
Weekly Publication
NEWS
Arkansas Farm Bureau Praises Senators’ Action
LITTLE ROCK –Arkansas Farm Bureau praised a proposal co-sponsored by United State Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman, the Private Landowner Protection Act, which would amend the Endangered Species Act and require government agencies to perform a thorough economic analysis of any proposed species and critical habitual designation. This issue goes beyond Arkansas’ borders and had the potential to impact property owners nationwide.
The Pryor-Boozman bill closely matches HR 4319, the Common Sense in Species Protection Act of 2014, which was proposed earlier in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Rick Crawford of Jonesboro. “It’s important to note that we have every member of the Arkansas delegation signed on as sponsor or co-sponsor of one of these bills,” said Randy Veach, president of the Aransas Farm Bureau. “This bipartisan effort adds transparency of the process and attempts to get control of what is an out-of-control issue with the
Endangered Species Act, where government agencies are acting beyond the scope of reason. “We recognize that the Endangered Species Act is necessary for the protection of legitimately threatening and endangered species; however, its implementation through critical habitat designation should not go without considering the true economic impacts to the human species, in other words our lives and livelihood.” “In my view, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is going over and beyond the intent Congress had in putting in place the
Dove Brothers Quartet Coming to Cherry Hill Methodist
Formed in 1998 by brothers McCray and Eric Dove, the Dove Brothers Quartet have quickly become a household name in Southern Gospel music with their unique throwback style and current Southern Gospel sound. The group is best known for their hit songs "Didn't It Rain", "Get Away Jordan", "Just Another Hill", and their biggest hit to date "I Can Pray". The group was awarded Horizon Group of the Year in 1999 and Favorite Traditional Male Quartet at the 2002 Singing News Fan Awards, 2008 & 2009 Group of the Year by SGM Awards and hasn’t missed a beat since. Their current recording, Hold On, is the group's most critically acclaimed and ground breaking album to date. The Dove Brothers will be appearing in concert at the Cherry Hill Methodist Church, Sunday, August 10 at 6 p.m. No tickets are necessary but a love offering is appreciated.
JUMPSTART INTEGRATED PRESCHOOL AND DAYCARE
WE ARE
MOVING to the former Education Station Building NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS 6 Weeks to Pre-K
Contact Sally Smith at 479-394-7572 or 479-234-7063
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
amounts to Endangered Species Act,” Veach said, “The men and women of Congress passed the ESA and they are the ones who need to fix this. Our farmers, ranchers, and landowners are often overloaded with unnecessary and burdensome regulations. Passage of these proposals will bring some common sense to what has become a gross overreach by the federal government.”
Rodeo
(CONT. FROM FRONT PAGE)
Mena, TJ’s in Hatfield and at Scotty’s Convenience Store in Cove. Tickets at the gate will be $6 for adults and $4 for children 6-12, under 6 are free. Senior citizen night is Thursday with all seniors admitted for $3. Local country and western band, Polk 74, will be performing after the last bull bucks Saturday night in the air-conditioned commercial building. Strother said it is a family friendly event for all ages.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE PAGES 14-15.
Hatfield’s City Wide Back in School, Back in Church No Excuse Sunday
August 24th Whatever reason you’ve had for not being in church, August 24th is the day to stop making excuses. Attend the church of your choice...
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WE ARE CURRENTLY TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR AN EXPERIENCED CNC LATHE/MACHINING CENTER OPERATOR 1ST SHIFT
First Baptist Church, Hatfield
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Penuel Assembly of God, Hatfield Hatfield Freewill Baptist Hatfield Methodist
Page 5
Weekly Publication
NEWS
First Baptist Church of Mena Welcomes New Pastor
August 6, 2014
BY MELANIE BUCK First Baptist Church welcomes Lance Sawyer as their new Senior Pastor. Sawyer and wife Melina, are finding Mena to be the perfect niche to raise their sons: Jake, 15, and Luke, 13. Being born and raised in Alabama, Sawyer attended Auburn University for four years where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. From there he attended seminary at New Orleans Seminary where he received his Masters of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. After college, Sawyer pastored two churches in Alabama before moving to Muskogee, Oklahoma in 2004 where he lived and ministered at First Baptist Church of Muskogee for ten years. “Mena is about the same size as the town I grew up in so it feels familiar. Muskogee is six times as big, the biggest city I’ve ever lived in. I loved the church there but the town was just a little big for me,” said Sawyer of why he chose Mena as his next chapter. “About a year ago, God started giving me a sense that my mission was done there, that I had completed what I was supposed to do and that it was ok to start looking for what might be next. So I started praying that He would send me to a small town where I could finish raising my kids.” Sawyer is well impressed with Mena saying, “I really like this town. It’s a clean town. It’s a healthy town. It’s very impressive. The people in the stores here are just so nice. You don’t even have to ask them for help, they just care, you don’t find that everywhere.” He is excited to be at FBC of Mena, “I’ve been here two Sundays but they’ve both been very inspirational. There are a lot of people coming that haven’t been in a long time.” He’s particularly excited about changes that are underway regarding the worship ministry and explains that the church is in a transitional phase while seeking a new worship pastor, “I want visitors to be prepared that if they show up on a Sunday, that what they see in terms of music is temporary,” stated Sawyer. Melina is a homemaker and will also be involved in the church, teaching Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace. She also looks forward to starting a greeting ministry, like a welcoming team. FBC has been without a pastor since February 2013, when Brother David McCord resigned due to health problems with his wife. The church has been patient, searching for just the right person. Sawyer is grateful to have been accepted and excited to see what God has in store for FBC. He welcomes anyone who doesn’t have a church home to join them for services. First Baptist Church has services on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Sunday School begins at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays and worship begins at 10:30 a.m. The church has revamped their Wednesday night schedule to focus on young families. “We Healthy Connections, Inc. would like to thank the following serve a meal from 5:30-6:30 p.m. so people can come straight from work. They can come in their work clothes and grab a plate and eat while I’m talking. We always do a for a successful “Back to School Bash.” This event would not couple of songs and have a message.” The whole family eats together and then they have been possible without their support. are split into groups for 30-minute study sessions so everyone is done by 7 p.m. • 1st Baptist Church • The Crossing Church • Dallas Avenue Baptist • Grace Bible Church • Christian Motorcycle Association • 1st United Methodist Church • Polk County Rotary Club • Polk County Rotary Members • Board Camp Baptist Church • HCI Board and HCI Employees • James Super Save Food’s • Northside Church of Christ • Mena Regional Health System • Healthy Connections, Inc. • Union Bank • Nazarene Church
• Mena Walmart • Disabled Veterans Association • Patsy Eades • Brenda Mare • Reba Stanfield • Faith Missionary Baptist Church • Arkansas Forestry Commission • Mena Police Department • Rich Mountain Community College • Mena Fire Department • Southwest EMS • Liberty EMS • CASA • Prosecuting Attorney’s Office • Quality of Life Outreach Inc.
Over 200 children from the Polk County community received supplies to start off the school year.
Dove Brothers Band in Concert at Cherry Hill Methodist Church
Sunday, August 10th at 6 p.m. Love offering appreciated
NEW ITEMS: Vanilla Cake Batter & Brownie Batter Pudding Cups - 6 count $4.50 Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Dough
Hwy. 71 South, Mena (Next to Papa’s)
Pastured Cage Free Range Jumbo Brown Eggs $3.00/Dozen
ACCEPTING EBT
Page 6
NEWS
August 6, 2014
Weekly Publication
State Prison Facility
(CONT. FROM FRONT PAGE)
would not be able to house county inmates there. If you cern of residents prior to its construction was security, “But ing budget of approximately $38 million. State Representative Nate Bell will be divide up the 1000 beds among all 75 counties holding nothing has ever happened that has threatened the secuhosting a town hall meeting Friday, August inmates waiting on a state prison bed, it doesn’t take long rity of our people here.” He said that when the prison was first constructed 15 in the RMCC Lecture Hall beginning at to fill up.” Godfrey said he is in the process of researching other there was a hike in rental rates but that it soon leveled out 6:30 p.m. to hear from those in District 20 regarding their interest in pursuing this proj- communities and how a prison could impact crime rate, and he was not aware of any negative impact on property ect. “When you have the possibility of bringing new jobs either positively or negatively. He said the proposed values. He did say that Malvern did not experience any in, it deserves being researched. Part of my job is to bring prison to be built is “maximum” and would have incredibly great surge in its economy outside of the additional resources into the community. I just want to provide a tight security in which inmates are locked up 23 hours a employment opportunities provided. He also said while he forum where we can provide factual information and not day with only 1 hour of sunshine and then it is under did not have any statistical numbers to back it up, it was extremely heavy guard; therefore, escapees would not be his opinion that the crime rate was not affected. make decisions based on rumor or emotion,” said Bell. Scrimshire did say that the inmate population is countAmong the requirements outlined by ADC included it a concern. Polk County Judge Brandon Ellison explained that ed in the county’s census and, therefore, could be a posbeing a site of at least 400-acres, be roughly square, and generally flat. A paved public roadway bordering one-side anytime you have something that could generate hun- itive for funding because of additional federal, state, and of the site is preferred and it should be in close proximity dreds of jobs, it deserves further consideration. “We have road turn-back monies. Mena Mayor George McKee said that there are certo community and major medical resources, a to look into it. We would be doing a disservice to our comuniversity/college/community college, and to adequate munity if we didn’t.” Ellison said his biggest concern would tainly not 400 acres that he is aware of within the city limutilities (gas, electricity, water, and sewer). It must also be be regarding location as he discussed the challenges of its but he will be attending the town hall meeting to learn in an adequate populace that can provide qualified individ- finding a location that supports the utilities that would be more and believes strongly that it should be determined required but also did not want it to adversely affect prop- by the residents and business owners of the area as to uals to fill the jobs. Also attending the town hall meeting will be ADC erty values. Ellison added, the most ideal situation would whether this is pursued. Both McKee and Gar Eisele, ARCO Chair, expressed Public Information Officer Shea Wilson. Wilson told The be to border timberland or the U.S. Forest Service. One of the state’s most recently constructed prisons is concerns on the impact a prison could have on the local Pulse, “It’s still very early. There are no front runners at this point,” as she explained the process in which a com- the Ouachita River unit, located 2.3 miles south of down- tourism industry. “A lot of effort and resources have gone into branding Mena as a tourism destination. We don’t munity will be selected. She added that the ADC wants to town Malvern, off Highway 67 South. Hot Springs County Judge Bill Scrimshire said without want to stand in the way of anything that can bring jobs be in a community where they are “wanted.” Wilson pointed out that the jobs generated will not just be “security” hesitation that the ADC are good neighbors and partners but we definitely need to do our research to determine positions but will also include medical, educational, cleri- to have. Scrimshire actually served as the District 26 State long-term effects and not rush into anything,” said Eisele. Expressions of Interest from communities will be Representative and voted to support the construction of cal, etc. Local public officials are essentially undecided on the the facility in his district in 2003. He said the biggest con- accepted by the ADC through October 24. issue and will also be attending the town hall, eager to receive more factual information and to hear feedback from their constituents. Polk County Sheriff Mike Godfrey wants residents to understand that the possibility of this state prison and the construction of a new county jail facility are Peachtree is accepting two completely separate issues. While he is extremely proud to have the state conapplications for sidering adding a state prison facility to CNA 6 am - 2 pm shift and help alleviate the county jail overcrowding being experienced all across Arkansas, he CNA 2 pm - 10 pm shift. stressed there will still be a need for a new Must apply in person at county jail facility. “Even if the state decidAdult Admission $6 Gate $5 Advanced • Child 6-12 $4 Gate $3 Advanced 1803 Cordie Drive, Mena ed to build a state prison facility here, we Children 5 & Under FREE • Senior Citizen Night Thursday $3
RODEO AUG. 7, 8 & 9 • 8:30 NIGHTLY
Grab Life at the
61st Annual 2014 Polk County Professional Championship
CRRA, ARA, LRCA and OPEN Andy Risenhoover Arena • Polk County Fairgrounds • Mena, AR
OUACHITA RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT *TITLE I ANNUAL REPORT TO THE PUBLIC *ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE TITLE I MEETING
AUGUST 14, 2014
6:00 P.M.
ODEN CAMPUS CAFETORIUM ACORN CAMPUS AUDITORIUM SMART CORE PARENT MEETING 5:30 P.M. OPEN HOUSE/CLASSROOM VISITATION 6:30 P.M. PARENTS AND COMMUNITY WELCOME!
Produced by: Wing Rodeo Co., Bogata, Texas
PARADE - SATURDAY, AUGUST 9TH AT 4:00 P.M. All horses must have current, verified, original copy of Negative Coggins Test Appearance to be made by the
Shadow Riders Drill Team
Great Fun for the Family featuring “Jack
Rabbit Harris” of Fort Worth, Texas & “Austin Anderson” Roman Riding & Whip Act of Troup, Texas
Rodeo Dance Polk 74
Saturday Night by Local Band
Advanced Tickets Available at Union Bank, Mena, Wickes, Hatfield • TJ’s, Hatfield •Polk County Farmers, Mena • Food Fast, Mena • Country Express, Mena • First National Bank, Mena • Scotty’s Convenience Store, Cove
Page 7
August 6, 2014
Weekly Publication
(CONT. FROM FRONT PAGE)
NEWS
Hutchinson
his statewide campaign trail. Hutchinson first toured Sterling Machinery before heading to MontCo./RePops, and then on to Nidec. “It was a real honor to have possibly the next Governor of Arkansas at our facility,” said Clint Montgomery, owner of MontCo. Montgomery said Hutchinson took the time to meet with his employees and he appreciated his willingness to listen to concerns. He spoke with him about his plans to bring additional manufacturing jobs to Arkansas. Hutchinson has an extensive history in government being former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, U.S. Congressman representing the Third District of Arkansas, Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the first Undersecretary for Border & Transportation Security at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. His campaign includes ‘The ASA Plan” which will “benefit the diverse economy of Arkansas including agriculture, tourism, retail, technology, and manufacturing.” Hutchinson spoke of the importance of industry in small towns. “We need to make sure we have a means of education where we can train people with a skill and they will have a good living with that. People in Arkansas need to make sure they can have a role for their children and grandchildren. That they can stay in the community they love. That’s the kind of Arkansas I want to have.” Following his industrial tour, the Polk County Republican Party held a reception for Hutchinson at Papa’s Mexican Café where approximately 70 supporters attended. At the reception, Hutchinson spoke with The Pulse and had this to say of his visit to Mena, “What’s most impressive here is the hard working and creative spirit of the employees here. I went to a number of manufacturing facilities and these are jobs that require people to think and require people to work hard and be creative. They are producing a product and that’s our competitive advantage. It’s just exciting to see that level of high quality work coming out of Mena. I really enjoyed it and I’m excited about the opportunities here.” To learn more about The ASA Plan visit http://www.asaforgovernor.com/.
Cossatot River
(CONT. FROM FRONT PAGE)
years, and then superintendent for an additional twelve years. The remainder of his career has been spent as superintendent at Bismark for four years, Blevins for ten years, and the last six years at Dierks. “I had announced my retirement in December after 42 years. The board called upon me to interview about 3-4 days before my retirement in June. I took office on July 1,” stated Davis. Sellers said, “His tenure at these other schools have been long term and we’re hoping he’ll bring continuity and stability to our school.” Davis said he is still working on long-term goals for Cossatot River High School but has several short-range goals in progress. “My first goal was to get teachers and staff in place before the school year starts. Our personnel wasn’t quite complete so we’ve asked the board to come in twice to hire more staff and we have a special meeting Thursday night to hire even more.” His next goal will be to get all policies for students and staff in place before the doors open to students on August 18. “Having four campuses and the new high school brings all the communities together for one support of each other,” stated Davis. He would like to see Wickes and Vandervoort Elementaries have the same curriculum so when students transfer to CRHS they will all be on the same page. “There are a lot of preparations to be made to the facilities and grounds to get prepared for the first day,” said Davis. “We appreciate what Mr. Martin did for us and we look forward to what Mr. Davis will bring. To get somebody with his caliber wanting to be in your district, we were very fortunate and look forward to what he has planned,” stated Sellers.
PAWN SHOP FOR SALE After more than 30 years in business I have decided to retire. I am offering a unique opportunity to the right person who wants to have their own money-making operation. I will sell the complete business for the amount of outstanding loans and inventory for cash. I will rent the building and all equipment including showcases, counters, safe, shelving, computer, etc. for a monthly fee. If you have around $50,000.00 to invest call for an appointment. If you don’t have the cash, don’t waste either of our time. I would suggest closing on a Friday and over that weekend we will take inventory and Monday morning you can open and start making money. Call 479-213-3409. By appointment only. DO NOT COME BY THE SHOP DURING BUSINESS HOURS TO DISCUSS THIS WITH ME.
B&L Paving, Inc. Find the weekly sales circular and daily specials that will help you save even more at
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JOLLY HOLLOW VILLAGE Retirement Living at its Best! New and Pre-Owned Homes For Sale 479-394-4111
Page 8
NEWS
August 6, 2014
Weekly Publication
MHS Student Attends Washington Youth Summit on the Environment
BY MELANIE BUCK Zachary Moore, a senior this fall at Mena High School, got the experience of a lifetime when he was selected to attend the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment in Washington D.C. this summer. Moore was beyond excited when he received his letter of recommendation. Chosen for his excellent academic record and interest in environmental science, he was able to secure a scholarship to pay for part of the trip but the rest was up to Moore and his family to raise, and they did. Moore flew to Washington D.C. on June 15 and returned on June 21. He and approximately 200 high school students from around the country had the privilege of staying at George Mason University while in D.C. “It was nice!” said Moore. During his trip, Moore was able to attend several seminars that focused on the dangerous effects of ‘fracking’ on the planet. Fracking is the process of drilling and injecting fluid into the ground at a high pressure in order to fracture shale rocks to release natural gas inside. In addition to seminars, Moore had the opportunity to visit the Smithsonian National Zoo where he was able to have a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the Kiwi exhibit. He also got a tour of the Captiol building. “It was very eye opening, the effect that fracking has on the world as a whole and all the pollution that it causes,” stated Moore. Moore is undecided on where he will attend college or what his major will be, however, knows he wants to be involved with science and his trip affirmed that decision. Moore said about the trip, “I would definitely do it again.”
“I
t was eye opening, the effect that fracking has on the world as a whole and the pollution that it causes.”
PCDC Announces Purchase of Education Station
BY LEANN DILBECK Mary Dixon of Polk County Developmental Center announced last week that they have purchased the Education Station property and will be able to add 17 more infants/preschool disabled children to their Jumpstart program. “We’ll have an entire building dedicated to physical therapy and will be adding staff as well.” Dixon added, “Also, we can add 26 more regular daycare children.” The classrooms and exercise area will be moved to the old Jumpstart building for the adult clients. She said they plan a ribbon cutting soon and hope to host an upcoming Chamber Coffee so that the public will have an opportunity to come and observe.
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Page 9
Weekly Publication
T.M. MORGAN JR.
The Family of Terry Gene would like to thank Freewill Baptist Church, Church at Cherry Hill, First Christian Church, and Mena Elks Lodge and all who donated for the flowers and food. God Bless you all.
VELMA JEAN STRONG
Heavener, Oklahoma; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husbands Richard Smith and Roy Strong, and one brother Roy Welton Rowton. Mrs. Strong was sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. No services have been scheduled at this time. Memorials may be made in her name to the Mena Manor Nursing Home.
ANNA BEATRICE BOWLING HAMBY
Velma Jean Strong, age 84, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2014 in Ft. Smith. She was born September 21, 1929 in Brawley, Arkansas, the daughter of the late Wiley Rowton and Rosie Lewis Rowton. She was united in marriage to the late Richard Smith until his passing and then to the late Roy Strong. Velma worked in the lumber industry for years and worked a skidder with her husband. She was also a chicken farmer for some time, and enjoyed her flower gardens and loved bird watching. She was a loving mother, sister, aunt and friend and will be greatly missed. She is survived by son Bruce Strong and wife Gloria of Mena, Arkansas; brothers Carlton Rowton of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Clyde Delton Rowton of
Anna Beatrice Bowling Hamby, age 84 of Mena, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2014 in Mena. She was born August 13, 1929 in Octavia, Oklahoma to the late Roy Lee and Ermal Bowling. Ms. Anna loved to read, hunt and fish with family and friends. She was very active in the Octavia Baptist Church, loved to travel and had a deep, loving commitment with God and her family. Ms. Anna and her husband, William helped organize the Octavia Fire Department. She loved her family and friends. Ms. Anna was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt and friend to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed. She is survived by son Reggie
Hamby and wife Karen of Watson, Oklahoma; daughter Sherry Evans and husband Donnie of Zafra, Oklahoma; grandchildren Rachel Fowler and husband Nick, Charlotte Wiles and husband Clay, Josh Hamby and wife Jamaica, Tell Evans and wife Nicole, Liz Hamby and husband Daniel; sister-in-laws Dixie Daniel and husband Carl, Grace Berghauser; ten greatgrandchildren; one greatgreat grandchild; close friends Vera and John Smith, Glen and Ellen Hensley. She was preceded in death by her parents Roy Lee and Ermal Bowling; her husband William Hamby; sister Judy Maggard and her husband Sam Maggard; sister Sandra Bowling; brother-in-law George Hamby and wife Max Helen Hamby; and brother-in-law Tom Berghauser. Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 6, 2014, 2:00 p.m. at Octavia Baptist Church in Octavia, Oklahoma. Interment will follow in the Octavia Cemetery with Brother Ed Rogers and Brother Cody McDaniels officiating under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena. General visitation. Pallbearers will be Josh Hamby, Tell Evans, Nick Fowler, Clay Wiles, Daniel Bond and Drew Fowler. Honorary pallbearers will be Glen Hensley, Claude Eberle, Doug Williams, Delano Johnston, Clifford Johnston, and Jerry Smith.
O bituaries NOW Available on line at www.MyPulseNews.com
• Immediately posted/ updated when notified by funeral home • Accessible to all friends and family anywhere
OBITUARIES
T.M. Morgan Jr., age 68, of Mena, died Thursday, July 24, 2014 at his home. He was born Saturday, May 4, 1946 to Thelby Monroe Sr, and Betty Gertrude Reeves Morgan in Fort Worth Texas. T.M. lived his life to the fullest and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He cherished his time with family, for they were his most prized possession. He served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era and was discharged honorably as a Sergeant. He worked for Polk County for 20 years before retiring then went back to work for Hatfield Lumber for another 7 years. T.M. was a Christian and lived his life to the fullest. T.M. was a loving father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend and he will be greatly missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Tracy Morgan. Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Beth Morgan of Mena; one son Charles M. Morgan of Mena; six daughters and sons-in-law Tricia and Kevin Francis of Denver, Colorado, Twyla and Philip McElhaney of Rowland, Oklahoma, Tina and Del Lehmann of Mena, Tisha and William White of Mena, Melissa Morgan of Mena and Julie Morgan of Mena; one sister Betty Cox of Mena; one sister-in-law Una Morgan of Texas; nineteen grandchildren; eight
great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. There will be no service for T.M. Morgan with cremation services entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association, 909 West 2nd Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201. Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com
August 6, 2014
Page 10
August 6, 2014
CITIZEN
Vera Allen - A Welcome Heart
Weekly Publication
BY JACLYN ROSE Vera Allen was born in 1924 and was raised in Kingman, Arizona where she completed one year of high school before getting married at age 15 in 1939. Allen has three children: Judith, Tommy, and Melvin. Her family moved back and forth from Texas to Arizona several times before settling in Texas in 1952. After losing her husband to heart failure, Allen took an aptitude test and began nursing school to become a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), the Texas equivalent to a licensed practical nurse. She worked in that career field for at least 10 years. “I loved being a nurse. When I was really young I would go to the hospital to see people and it seemed like all the nurses were always grouchy. I decided I wanted to be a nurse but I wouldn’t be grouchy. I loved it, and missed it, for a long time after I quit,” explained Allen. After Allen’s second husband also suffered from a heart attack they knew he needed to retire from his job with Merchant Fast Motor Lines and he wanted to leave the state. After viewing an advertisement for a Mena business in the Organic Gardening Magazine they decided to drive to Polk County to visit. They loved it and moved permanently in 1977. Almost immediately, Allen began looking for ways to get involved around town. She joined the 60+ History Class at Rich Mountain Community College and has attended every class since 1990. She also joined a quilter’s group in Shady, where she gathers with friends every Monday to make quilts for themselves and others. The group has also dabbled in pottery and other arts. Allen also began volunteering with the Ouachita National Forest Service, where she originally helped at the recycling center before assisting at the Visitor’s Center at the base of Rich Mountain. Every Friday you will find her there, ready to visit with tourists and pass on any information they might need. “I like to meet people and I’ve met them from everywhere: India, Middle East, England, and recently some from Holland. I just answer questions and give them information,” explained Allen. In honor of her recent 90th birthday, her friends at the Forest Service threw her a surprise birthday party that greatly delighted Allen. “I opened up the door and there they were with a bouquet of flowers and cookies and drinks. I was so shocked! There were Forest Service people and volunteers; they filled up the Visitor’s Center. It was so fun,” said Allen. “I love the trees and the foliage and the mountains in Polk County. The nature is so wonderful. We have lived in Cherry Hill and Shady and then now in town where I live with my three cats: Rusty, Honey B, and Sheva, they are my babies. I love this area,” explained Allen.
“I
love the trees and the foliage and the mountains in Polk County.”
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Page 11
Weekly Publication
BY STATE SENATOR LARRY TEAGUE LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas tourism economy grew by 3.35 percent last year and the number of visitors to the state increased from about 22 million to 23 million, according to the state Parks and Tourism Department. Those visitors spent more than $5.9 billion in Arkansas, proving yet again how important tourism is to the state’s economy. The previous year’s travel expenditures were $5.7 billion. About 100,000 Arkansas residents work in the leisure and hospitality industries, and the popularity of Arkansas tourism helps keep those jobs secure. The Parks and Tourism Department markets Arkansas as a tourism destination with revenue from the state’s 2 percent tourism tax, which is collected on hotels and lodging, marinas, campground rentals and attractions. Last year the tourism tax generated the highest amount since it was enacted in 1989. The growth in Arkansas tourism is encouraging when compared to national trends. Over the past several years, tourism spending has been stagnant nationwide but in Arkansas it has grown steadily, if not dramatically. Last year was typical in that nationwide growth in tourism spending was about 2.2 percent, compared to about 3.3 percent in Arkansas. People in Arkansas account for a significant share of the total travel expenditures in the state, according to market research. About 28 percent of overnight leisure trips in Arkansas are by state residents, and the rest are visitors from other states. Most of our visitors come from Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee according to surveys by the tourism division, which keeps track of the origins of out-of-state visitors. The division also tracks the urban areas from which the highest percentage of visitors come, and those are Dallas, Memphis, Shreveport, Tulsa, Springfield, Houston and Chicago. Of the total of about 23 million overnight trips made in Arkansas by visitors, about 1.9 million were business travelers. Of the recreational travelers, the average family consisted of three children for each adult. Marketing campaigns include television, radio, print media and social media. The tourism division constantly upgrades its web site because research has proven that more than ever people use the Internet to plan their vacations. Many years ago, promotions of Arkansas tourism emphasized the state’s natural beauty, and advertising campaigns relied heavily on the multitude of outdoor activities in our state, such as boating, hunting and fishing. Several years ago the emphasis on outdoor activities was scaled back slightly, in order to include other activities that appeal more to women and younger travelers. They include cultural attractions such as art galleries and fine dining, retail shopping, relaxing at a spa or learning about our historical heritage. Recent ad campaigns have mentioned outdoor activities available in Arkansas that have not always been considered traditional, such as hang gliding and bird watching. Some of this year’s advertising has a new twist – highlighting specific areas rather than the entire state. For example, an ad may promote barbecue and blues in the Delta while another highlights canoeing and waterfalls in the mountains. One goal is to simplify the task of planning a vacation. Even more specific niche marketing targets motorcycling or bicycling enthusiasts, wedding planners and “girlfriend getaways.”
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Town Hall Meeting Set to Discuss Prison Possibility
AT THE CAPITOL
Arkansas Tourism Shows Growth in 2013
August 6, 2014
BY STATE REPRESENTATIVE NATE BELL The Arkansas Board of Corrections announced late last month that it is soliciting proposals from communities interested in hosting a proposed, new 1,000-bed state prison. The board voted to set a late October proposal deadline in hopes of presenting a plan during next January's legislative session. The proposed facility is projected to have a construction cost of approximately $100 million. Site requirements are at least 400 acres of suitable land, proximity to an airport and a location near a higher-educational institution. The facility is being planned to be maximum security and would include 200 single cell isolation units. 250 corrections officers and other staff would be required to operate the facility with starting salaries of approximately $35,000. The economic impact of millions of dollars in new earned income would lead to the creation of additional new jobs in the community. The community ultimately selected for the new prison will also see substantial job creation in existing and new local businesses that provide services and support to construct and operate the facility. I will be hosting a town hall meeting on August 15th in the lecture hall at Rich Mountain Community College in Mena to discuss the proposed project and to determine whether there should be a local effort to attract the new facility. The meeting will begin at 6:30 PM. I'm not proposing anything until I hear from the local community, but I am offering my assistance in making information about the project available to interested parties. I'm not at all interested in pursuing an unwanted project but it's never wise to summarily reject hundreds of new jobs and the economic benefits that come with them without at least studying the situation and carefully considering the possibilities. I will actively assist if local residents and officials decide to recruit the project. I’m asking everyone who is interested in learning more about the project or sharing your opinions to please attend this important meeting. Personal invitations are being extended to the Mayor of Mena, County Judge, Polk County Quorum Court and the members of the Mena City Council. Officials from the Department of Corrections will be present. There is a positive and a negative to every opportunity and I want to make sure that any decision about pursuing (or not pursuing) this project is made with full transparency and the input of local citizens. Thanks for the opportunity to represent you in Little Rock!
A
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Page 12
SCHOOL
August 6, 2014
Weekly Publication
County Schools to Hold Open Houses
BY MELANIE BUCK – As schools around the county prepare to open their doors for the 2014-2015 school year, Open Houses are being set to give parents and students the opportunity to meet their teachers and learn their way around new hallways. Mena has set their Open Houses for Thursday, August 14, at the following times: Louise Durham Elementary: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.; Holly Harshman Elementary: 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.; Mena Middle School: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Mena High School: Parents and students will pick up their schedules for grades 9 & 12 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.; Parents and students will pick up their schedules for grades 10 & 11 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Acorn will host their Open House on Thursday, August 14 beginning at 6:30 p.m. There will be a Smart Core Parent meeting at 5:30 p.m. Open House at Vandervoort Elementary will be held Tuesday, August 12. A general meeting will be held in the cafeteria and tours of classrooms will be from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Wickes Elementary also has Open House on Tuesday, August 12, from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Cossatot River High School will hold their Open House on Tuesday, August 12, from 6 – 8 p.m. All county schools will begin their first day of the new year on Monday, August 18.
Cove Library Recognizes Summer Reading
RICH MOUNTAIN CONSERVATION DISTRICT FIRST ANNUAL HAY COMPETITION Co-Sponsored by: Farm Bureau Insurance, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Polk County Farmers Association, Atwoods and Mena Feed
Who has the BEST hay in Polk County? Be Crowned “Polk County Hay King or Queen 2014” Bring your sample to: Rich Mountain Conservation District 508 7th St., Mena, by August 11th to find out Competition Rules: 1. One sample per landowner 2. Hay must come from Polk County 3. Samples will be judged on overall nutritional value for a 900 lb. cow/calf operation 4. $12.00 entry fee 5. Top 3 hay samples will be displayed at the Polk County Fair and the top sample will be Crowned Polk County Hay King or Queen 2014. Prizes will be awarded for the top 3 samples. Cove Library recognized summer reading program participants on Thursday, 31 July, at the Cove Community Room. Besides playing a lively game, participants enjoyed cookies, cupcakes, juice, and popcorn. Each child also received a colorful certificate and a $5 Wal Mart gift card.
Bring 1 shopping bag full of hay to Rich Mountain Conservation District by August 11th Every contestant will receive feeding recommendations from the U of A Division of Agriculture for the feeding of the hay they submitted (900 lb. cow/calf operation in an average Arkansas winter)
August 6, 2014
THE POLK COUNTY PULSE
Page 13
FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS
Mena Public Schools today announces its policy for providing free and reduced price meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The central office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party. The price charged for a paid student breakfast is $1.35; the price charged for a paid student lunch is $2.35. HOUSEHOLD APPLICATIONS The household size and income criteria identified below will be used to determine eligibility for free and reduced price benefits for SY 2014-15. Children from households whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced price meals. REDUCED PRICE MEALS 185%
FREE MEALS - 130%
Federal Twice Every Twice Every Household Poverty Annual Monthly per Two Weekly Annual Monthly per Two Weekly Size Guidelines Month Weeks Month Weeks 1
11,670
15,171
1,265
633
584
292
21,590
1,800
900
831
416
2
15,730
20,449
1,705
853
787
394
29,101
2,426
1,213
1,120
560
3
19,790
25,727
2,144
1,072
990
495
36,612
3,051
1,526
1,409
705
4
23,850
31,005
2,584
1,292
1,193
597
44,123
3,677
1,839
1,698
849
5
27,910
36,283
3,024
1,512
1,396
698
51,634
4,303
2,152
1,986
993
6
31,970
41,561
3,464
1,732
1,599
800
59,145
4,929
2,465
2,275
1,138
7
36,030
46,839
3,904
1,952
1,802
901
66,656
5,555
2,778
2,564
1,282
8
40,090
52,117
4,344
2,172
2,005
1,003
74,167
6,181
3,091
2,853
1,427
4,060
5,278
440
220
203
102
7,511
626
313
289
145
Each Add’l person add
Household application forms are being distributed by the school with a letter informing households of the availability of free and reduced price meals for their children. Only one application should be submitted for each household. Applications are also available at the principal's office in each school. To apply for free or reduced price meals, households must complete the application and return it to the school. Applications cannot be approved unless it contains complete information as described in the instructions provided with the application. Applications may be submitted at any time during the school year as circumstances change. The information households provide on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and verification of data. Applications may be subject to verification at any time during the school year by school officials. CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY Children who are members of a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly food stamps, households are categorically eligible for free meals. School officials will determine eligibility for free meals based on documentation obtained directly from the SNAP office. School Officials will notify households of their eligibility. Households who are notified of their eligibility but who do not want their children to receive free meals must contact the school. SNAP households should complete an application if they are not notified of their eligibility by August 18, 2014. Households with Children who are members of currently approved Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (formerly food stamps) may submit application with abbreviated information as described in the application instructions.
Children who are enrolled In Head Start/Even Start programs are categorically eligible for free meals. Contact Wendy Reed at 479.394.1710 with questions regarding Head Start/Even Start meal benefits. Children certified as migrant, homeless or runaway by the district are categorically eligible for free meals. Contact Wendy Reed at 479.394.1710 with questions regarding migrant, homeless or runaway meal benefits. Foster children who are the legal responsibility of a welfare agency or court are also eligible for benefits regardless of the income of the household with whom they reside. Eligibility for the foster child is based on the child being the legal responsibility of welfare agency or court. An application for a household that includes both foster children and non-foster must be completed for eligibility to be determined for the non-foster Children. Contact Wendy Reed at 479.394.1710 with questions regarding foster children. Children in households that receive WIC may be eligible for benefits. An application must be completed for determination of eligibility. If a household member becomes unemployed during the school year, the household may be eligible for free or reduced price meals PROVIDED that the loss of income causes the household income to be within the eligibility criteria. An application should be completed for determination of eligibility benefits. Under the provisions of the free and reduced price meal policy, Sherry Newman, the Determining Official will review applications and determine eligibility. 479.394.1710. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the determining official may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request either to: Benny Weston, Hearing Official, 479.394.1710 A household may SUBMIT an application ANYTIME DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR. Non-discrimination Statement: The U.S Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.) If you wish to flea Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.aacr.usda.gov/index.html, or at any USDA office, or ca1l (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also written a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S, Department of Agriculture, Director Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Page 14
RODEO THE POLK COUNTY PULSE
August 6, 2014
61st Annual 2014 Polk County Professional Championship
Andy Risenhoover Arena • 8:30 Nightly Polk County Fairgrounds • Mena, AR August 7, 8, & 9, 2014 EVENTS
Calf Scramble Nightly (6 and under, 7-12) JR Barrels Nightly (17 and under) • Bareback Riding Saddle Bronc • Calf Roping • Ranch Bronc Riding Steer Wrestling • Bull Riding • Team Roping • Ladies Barrels Buckles given in all events to champions
Ticket Prices:
Adults Gate - $6/Advance - $5 | Child 6-12 Gate - $4/Advance - $3 Children 5 & under - FREE | Senior Citizen Night is Thursday - $3
STERLING
MENA HATFIELD - WICKES 479-394-2211 www.unionbankofmena.com
479.394.4248 104 Port Arthur Avenue Mena, AR 71953-3344
THE POLK COUNTY PULSE
Thursday
7:30 pm - Mutton Bustin’ (60 lbs and under) Senior Citizen Night - 60 years and over $3.00
Friday
10:00 am - Handicapable Rodeo (at arena - free to everyone • Rain or Shine - Event will be moved to show barn in the event of rain. ) 7:30 pm - Mutton Bustin’ (60 lbs and under) Shadow Riders Drill Team Performs
Saturday
Appearances by: “Jack Rabbit Harris� and “Austin Anderson� Roman Riding & Whip Act
4:00 pm - Parade 7:30 pm - Mutton Bustin’ (60 lbs and under) Introduction of Royalty Winners Shadow Riders Drill Team Performs Rodeo Dance featuring local Band “Polk 74� starts after the last bull bucks (air conditioned building, family dance)
2014 Polk County Rodeo Royalty Contestants Photos taken by Tiara Smith
2013 Jr. Queen Grayson Fairless
2013 Queen Montana Dedmon
2014 Contestant Ronica Norwood
2014 Contestant Reigha Smith
2014 Contestant Teagan Vann
2014 Contestant Breanna Hall
New Event Nightly: Ladies Break-Away (Women’s Calf-Roping)
Great Steaks!!
Mon-Thurs: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri & Sat: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. for the Rodeo Sun: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1506 Hwy 71 S., Mena, AR 71953
We Welcome the Rodeo To Mena!! Phone (479) 394-6521
SKYLINE CAFE
AUGUST
Thurs. - Tues. 5:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Cl o se d We d n es d ays
END OF SUMMER
SALE
Lots & Lots of Clearance Items!
1604 Hwy 71 S., Mena
618 Mena St.
479-394-5152
Lunch Plate Specials Biggest Little Salad Bar in Mena Breakfast Served All Day • Full Menu Served All Day
479-216-7270
The Rodeo!
Welcome to Mena Rodeo Fans!
WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Open Sun-Thurs: 11am-9pm Fri & Sat: 11am-10pm in the Atwoods Plaza • Hwy 71 North
479-243-0822
We have Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials
Page 15
We Welcome
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August 6, 2014
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WELCOME TO THE RODEO! +Z\ 1RUWK 0HQD ‡
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Friday Night: All-You-Can-Eat Steak & Catfish Saturday Night: All-You-Can-Eat Steak, Catfish & Shrimp On the Corner of Sherwood and 7th Street in Mena 479-437-3240
Page 16
August 6, 2014
CALENDAR
LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS
FRIDAY, 8/8 * 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. - The Fiber Group will meet at Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena Street. Come and bring your project and join this group working with a variety of fibers. * 1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. - Skins and Skulls Have you ever felt the fur of an otter, or seen a foxes skull? Meet Park Interpreter Flanary to discover out more about the furry animals here at Cossatot River State Park. Meeting Place: Sandbar Picnic Area at Cossatot River State Park. * 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. - The Writer’s Group will meet in the classroom at Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena Street. Admission is free. * 7 p.m. - Narcotics Anonymous Meeting at 812 Hwy 71 South, Mena. * 8 p.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club across from Chopping Block. For info call 394-7396 or 234-5419. SATURDAY, 8/9 * 7 a.m. - Polk County Farmer’s Market at the Depot, 520 Sherwood Avenue, Mena. Local produce in season, baked goods, jams, soaps, and other crafts. Vendors will be there until sold out. * 8:15 a.m. - Home Front Warriors CMA Chapter 377 Breakfast Bible Study at the Limetree Restaurant. Public is invited. * 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Children’s Art Class at the Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena Street, for children from 6 to 12 years old. There is a fee of $2 per child to help cover the cost of supplies. We limit class size to give the children individual attention. Please call to reserve a spot for your child at 479-3943880. * 6 p.m. - PCVO Bingo at American Legion Building, Hwy 71 N., Acorn. * 8 p.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club across from Chopping Block. SUNDAY, 8/10 * 2 p.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club across from Chopping Block. For info call 394-7396 or 234-5419. * 6:30 p.m. - Narcotics Anonymous meeting at Saint Agnes Church Perish Hall. MONDAY, 8/11 * 5 p.m. - Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) at the Hatfield City Hall. For more information call (870) 389-6678. * 6 p.m. - PCVO Bingo at American Legion Building, Hwy 71 N., Acorn. * 6 p.m. - FREE Weightloss Warriors. First National Bank across from Depot. For information call 437-3560. * 6 p.m. - The Polk County Republican Committee will be meeting at the Polk County Library, North Room, Corner of 8th and Port Arthur Sts. All are welcome. * 6 p.m. - Narcotics Anonymous Meeting at 812 Hwy 71 South, Mena. * 6:30 p.m. - Boy Scouts of America Troop 92 meets at First United Methodist Church. Everyone is welcome to attend.. * 7 p.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous - 12+12 Study at the ABC Club across from Chopping Block. For info call 394-7396 or 234-5419.
TUESDAY, 8/12 * 7 a.m. - Polk County Farmer’s Market at the Depot, 520 Sherwood Avenue, Mena. Local produce in season, baked goods, jams, soaps, and other crafts. Vendors will be there until sold out. * 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. - Chamber od Commerce Monthly Coffee will be at 1st National Bank. The Chamber Coffees are a great oppertunity to network with other Mena/Polk County businesses. This is an excellent chance to meet other business owners.managers, share ideas and build relationships. * 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Polk County Family Mission will be open in the 9th Street Ministries building. * 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - “Art Day” at Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena Street. Come join other artists, from beginners to pros, working on their individual projects in the gallery classroom. For more infomation, please call 479394-3880. * 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - FREE Delicious Lunch at Vegetarian Soup Kitchen at Mena Seventh-Day Adventist Chirch, 149 Polk Rd 43 (Fairground Road), Mena. 479-3947404. Take-out is available. All are welcome! * 5:15 p.m. - Cyclists and Walkers: The Ouachita Cycling Club meets at the Visitor’s Information Center on Earthquake Ridge. Please come join us. Everyone is welcome. * 5:30 p.m. - Second Tuesday Book Club will meet at Christ Episcopal Churh, Annex Building, 809 Church Street. If you enjoy reafing good books, the Second Tuesday Book Club is looking for additional members. For more information and details please call 394-1482 or 394-6221. * 6 p.m. - Narcotics Anonymous Meeting at 812 Hwy 71 South, Mena. * 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. - Mena Community Chorus meets at the First United Methodist Church, 501 9th Street, Mena. They are presently rehearsing a collection of Broadway songs to be performed. If you enjoy singing, they invite you to join them. For more information, call Vicki at 479-2341109. * 7 p.m. - American Legion Post #18 auxiliary meeting at Amercian Legion in Acorn. * 8 p.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous at the 1st United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. For info call 479-234-2887 or 479234-3043. WEDNESDAY, 8/13 * 12 Noon - Mena Lioness Lions Club monthly meeting at La Villa. For more information please call 394-8907. Guests welcome. * 1 p.m. - Sociable Seniors Lunchion will meet at Papa’s Mexican Cafe. The lunchions are for anyone over the age of 50 that would like to meet others and have a few smiles. For more info call Ken 2430191.
* 6 p.m. - Narcotics Anonymous Meeting at 812 Hwy 71 South, Mena. * 6 p.m. - DABC Celebrate Recovery will meet in Room #112. Join us at 300 Dallas Avenue, Mena, 479-394-2697. * 7 p.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous - Book Study at the ABC Club across from Chopping Block. For info call 394-7396 or 234-5419.
* RED HAT HOTTIES are volunteering at Mena Manor the 1st Monday of each month for BINGO sessions with residents. They also hold BINGO at Rich Mountain Nursing on the 2nd Monday of each month. Additional volunteers are needed for each of these activities. For more information call Charlie at 870-334-3010 or Connie at 479-437-3766. * FREE SIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES will be offered at the Cove Library located at Cove City Hall each Monday, through August 18 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Classes taught by Casey Kelley. Call 870-387-3753. *FIRST ANNUAL MARY DAVIS COED PITCH SOFTBALL BENEFIT at Aubrey/Tapley Sports Complex, on Saturday, August 16. The registration is $150 and all the proceeds will go to Mary Davis who is fighting Leiomyosarchoma cancer. *COVE LIBRARY CROCHET GROUP begins Thursday, August 7 at 2:30 to 4p.m. All ages, all skill levels, welcome. Come learn, share, create. For more infomation call 870387-3753. * MENA ART GALLERY Through September 2, you can view the Photography Show. The show can be seen during regular hours, Tuesday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. *COVE LIBRARY is happy to welcome all students, both public and home schooled to use the library facilities for study, homework, and research during our business hours. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 - 6. The library has WiFi. * THE OUACHITA AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION will not have their meeting for the month of August.
BEATS
THURSDAY, 8/7 * 7 a.m. - Polk County Farmers Market will meet at the Depot, 520 Sherwood Street, Mena. Stop by for local produce in season, baked goods, jams, soaps, and other crafts. Venders will stay until sold out. * 11:30 a.m. - Rotary Club of Polk County/Mena meets at Papa’s Mexican Cafe. Contact Lisa Martin at 479216-3383 or Charles Pitman at 479-216-4882. * 5:30 p.m. - Weight Watchers meet at the Dallas Avenue Baptist Church Family Life Center. Call 479234-2297 for more information. * 6:30 p.m. - Narcotics Anonymous meeting at Saint Agnes Church in the Parish Hall. * 7 p.m. - Al-Anon, a support group for anyone affected by someone else’s drinking, meets at the First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur, Mena. Call Dotty at 479437-3111 or Sarah 479-234-3620 for more information. * 7 p.m. - Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting at the ABC Club across from Chopping Block. For info call 394-7396 or 234-5419.
Weekly Publication
Page 17
Weekly Publication
Open 7 Days a Week
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PLACE PAXTON’S Scrapbooking & Cardmaking Products
Christmas Card Classes Call or stop by to sign up! 700 Mena Street 479-216-4401
Beasley-Wood Geyer-Quillin Funeral Home
“Serving your families with Dignity & Care for over 80 years” Selected Funeral & Life Insurance Agent Member of the National Funeral Directors Assoc.
611 Janssen, Mena, AR
(479) 394-1310
ro S outh FREE Estimates
POWERWASHING
Commercial•Industrial•Residential •vinyl siding •brick •stucco •parking lots & driveways •gutter cleaning Call 479-234-8057
•1-4 story buildings •decks •fleet vehicles •RVs, campers & trailers or 479-243-8645
BUSINESS
479-394-4535
Paisano’s - Made from Scratch Italian
August 6, 2014
BY JACLYN ROSE Brandon Vereyken grew up in Palm Beach, Florida where his favorite food to eat was pizza. “This was in the 1960s to the 1970s and there were two pizza places we ate at when I was younger. It was my favorite food and I knew as a little kid I wanted to own a made from scratch Italian Restaurant,” explained Vereyken. Vereyken worked for several different Italian Restaurants over the years so he could learn from many different people the best way to cook Italian food. “I learned something from each place I worked, I believe in making food from scratch and everything else will take care of itself,” said Vereyken. Around five years ago, Vereyken’s brother, Greg, bought the Branding Iron and moved to Mena and within two years, Vereyken, who also works on electronics, followed to assist his brother. When the Branding Iron moved to their new location their old building was available so they saw the opportunity to open a made from scratch Italian Restaurant, something they had done in the past and thoroughly enjoyed. In June of 2014, after several months of remodeling, Vereyken opened 811 4th Street, Mena 479-385-2136 or 479-385-1085 Paisano’s, at the Branding Iron’s previous location, 1110 Highway 71 Mon.-Fri. 8:30 am - 5 pm • Sat. 8:30 am - 1 pm South, in Mena. “Everything is made from scratch, we may not have the fanciest restaurant but we try to have the best food. Every week I order the best cheese and meats I can find, it costs quite a bit more, but it is worth it. Most weeks I place a $5,000.00 food order, which is a lot! We like making the very best food we can and the smiling faces. When we ask people 703 F Hwy. 71 North how it was and they rave about the food, it motivates me. When a family Mena, AR 71953 comes in and 20 minutes later you ask how the food was and they respond (479) 394-7766 with, ‘it really was as good as I have heard,’ that is what makes the bureauDry Cleaning, Laundry, cracy of being in business worthwhile,” explained Vereyken. Starch, Press, and Paisano’s, a very family oriented business, with two of Vereyken’s five Alterations. children working with him, serves pizza, pasta, sub sandwiches, paninis, 30% OFF Comforters ANY SIZE calzones, and salads. They do not pre-make anything, including salads, Back to School $5 Pant Hemming which are all made to order. They are open from 11 am until midnight, Monday through Saturday, which is a change they have made to their previous schedule of Tuesday through Sunday to attempt to meet the demand of Polk County residents. “We were closed on Monday but have decided to close on Sunday’s instead,” explained Vereyken. They also deliver anything on their menu, within a five Machinery Co., mile radius. You can Inc. reach Paisano’s by callMANUFACTURER ing, 479.385.5055. OF QUALITY “The reason I love CNC PARTS Arkansas is the friendly 479.394.4248 people. I have been to 104 Port Arthur Avenue several places in Mena, AR 71953-3344 Arkansas and the people are always so friendly. We are very Mountain Pawn thankful for the response we have received. It is very gratifying to see there was a demand for this type Jewelry, Electronics of food and we will continue to bring exactly New Owner - Paul Cox what there is a demand 1510A Hwy 71 N, Mena for,” said Vereyken.
Tools for Schools
A PERCENTAGE OF ALL PROCEEDS FROM REPAIRS WILL GO FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR LOCAL POLK COUNTY BACK TO SCHOOL PROGRAMS.
STERLING
& Gun, LLC
Guns, Ammo,
$29.99
OILCHANGESPECIAL (RETAIL VALUE $44.99)
$79.99
LIFETIME BRAKE PAD SPECIAL PARTS & LABOR (RETAIL VALUE $99.99)
One Stop!! Everything Automotive Repair Shop!!
479-394-4100
479-394-5589
$59.99
AC SERVICE SPECIAL (RETAIL VALUE $99.99)
918 Hwy. 71 South • Mena
Page 18
HOME AND GARDEN
August 6, 2014
Weekly Publication
Th e Na tu re of Th ing s
B ug g ed
Showing Quilts at the County Fair
By Kim Hughes, County Agent -FCS Do you have a quilt you have finished since our last county fair? Think about entering it, even if it is one you started a year or more ago. It just has to be completed since our last fair. Unlike the Ouachita Quilt Show in June, quilts entered in the county fair must be made by residents of Polk County. You may also enter your quilts in the Arkansas/Oklahoma State Fair in Ft. Smith or the Arkansas State Fair in Little Rock, even if you don’t win at the county fair. Actually, you don’t even have to enter the county fair first to be able to enter either of our state fairs. They both have online web-sites with all the details. The county fair catalogs, available at local feed stores, the Extension Service, banks and other businesses tells all the rules you need to know to enter any of the classes at the fair. Quilts must never have been exhibited in the Polk County Fair previously. They may be stitched or tie quilted and have a layer of batting between two layers of fabric to be considered a type of quilt. All items must be clean and smoke-free to be entered. The Quilt department has two sections and the Superintendent is Kathy Hagler. The first section contains classes for all types of quilts, including hand and machine appliqued, hand or machine pieced, embroidered, whole cloth quilt, mixed technique, group quilt and first quilt, along with a several other classes. The second section is for other quilted items. These include wall quilts, lap quilts, baby quilts, household items (placemat, tablecloth, etc.) and clothing. As you can see, we have a class for just about any quilted item. Since quilts are usually more time consuming to make than other items entered in the fair, you can earn more money if you earn a ribbon. For most ribbons won in the Education Building you earn $3 for first; $2 for second; and $1 for third. But in the Quilt department, you can earn as much as $6 for a blue ribbon. For more information about entering quilts in the county fair give me a call at the Extension Office at 479-3946018.
Meeting God in the Way - 2
A continued story, adapted from the book, The Marked Bible by Charles L. Taylor (#24) What’s Happened: Mrs. Gregory, becomes convinced of the Sabbath truth after studying with Mr. Anderson and Harold Wilson, who had rescued her after she fell overboard. She and her husband continue their dialogue with Mr. Spaulding.
“You told me, Brother Spaulding,” continued Mr. Gregory, “that you had taught church history. Tell me, please, has not your study shown you that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment was kept by the apostles and by the church generally for hundreds of years after Christ? Is it not true that the early church was influenced by the forms and ceremonies of ancient pagan sun worship, and that gradually she adopted the customs of the time, Sunday observance being one of them” “Brother Gregory, you are down to real heart work now,” was Mr. Spaulding's reply, “I am going to tell you what I have never breathed to a soul before; namely, that all you have said and even more is true. Without any doubt, Sunday as a day of rest is only a child of apostasy. There is not a snatch of evidence, in any of the writings of the fathers, to prove that it has any claim to divine sanction. I know all this. But I have looked at the matter from another angle. I have given respectful consideration to the thought that as Sunday was the day of the resurrection, we could properly celebrate that glorious event by worshiping on the day which witnessed it. I must say, though, that if I were on my dying bed, I should not want to make any strong claim for the practice. Certainly God never commanded it.” “Then tell me, Brother Spaulding,” said Mrs. Gregory, “how in the world could you stand before the people week after week and teach something of which you were not absolutely sure? Don't you believe the Bible?” “Sister Gregory, let me bare my heart a bit further. You have now suggested the real difficulty of the whole proposition. I believe I have treated the Bible, in a measure, as though it was from men rather than from the Lord; and have argued just to carry my point, and not to find the truth.” “I have done the same, to some extent,” said Mr. Gregory. “Well, are you both intending to continue that course?” asked Mrs. Gregory. It seems to me that God is trying very earnestly here to-day to help us all to change.” “But, oh, the idea of keeping a day different from what almost the entire Christian church observes! It is that that hurts me. Why, one actually becomes the laughingstock of society. I myself have called the seventh-day people Christ killers and fanatics.” “You certainly have, Brother Spaulding,” said Mr. Gregory. “Those were the terms you were using yesterday when we were interrupted by the cry, Woman overboard!” “Well, I never knew before that ministers of the gospel were so unwilling to yield to what they knew to be right!”
BY CARLA VAUGHT The USA is experiencing a huge increase in bedbug infestations. They do not fly, jump, or crawl from house to house. They rely totally on hitchhiking with humans to move from place to place. If you travel for any reason, it is a good idea to inspect your lodging accommodations when you check into any lodging room. Things to watch for: A sweet, musty odor in the room, cabin, or other sleeping area may mean a heavy infestation of bedbugs. Some people are better at smelling this scent than others. There may be specks of blood on bedding, mattresses, or furniture. Look carefully near seams of the mattresses and even between the mattress and box springs. Look for shell like exoskeletons shed when the bugs grow from one nymph stage to another. They shed and leave these "shells" as they grow. You may also see very tiny blackish specks on the mattress or bedding. This is bedbug feces. Female bedbugs also leave tiny white eggs about the size of the thickness of a dime. These would also be found along seams of the mattress or on bedding. It is also recommended that you not put you suitcases on the floor, bed, or put your clothes into drawers in a hotel room. It is best to keep them up off the floor on luggage racks or on un-upholstered surfaces. Bedbug bites usually do not require medical attention but may cause a great deal of anxiety and restless nights. Being bitten by bedbugs is a lot like getting into chiggers. If you would like more information, contact the county extension office at 211 DeQueen Street in Mena. We can be reached at 479-394-6018 or by email at cvaught@uaex.edu.
“Wife, you must be patient and charitable in this matter, even though you learn of what seems to be dishonesty. I don't like to call it that; rather, I would call it confusion, resulting from long years of training in the wrong direction. As Brother Spaulding has said, he has scarcely been able to analyze his own views. But the circumstances of this trip have caused me to see that I must take an entirely different course, and I purpose that everybody aboard this vessel shall know what God has done for me.” It was thus that Mr. Gregory, led by the Spirit of God, finally and fully committed himself. “Before you go, Brother Spaulding, won’t you take the Bible there and read for us? Read the fortieth Psalm, please.” Mr. Spaulding gladly acceded to the request of Mr. Gregory, and picking up the marked Bible, turned to the Psalm indicated and began to read. He reached to eighth verse, and this he found underscored. In the margin was written the following: “God’s will is God’s law. To do His will, to keep His law is the true and only object of life.” Ecclesiastes 12:13. “He who delights in the will of God has found the climax of all holiness, and will surely be instrumental, as Jesus was, in leading others to love and serve. This is the revelation of God in man and through man.” Mother. Mr. Spaulding stopped. The word “Mother” at the close of the note aroused in him a peculiar interest. Just then there was a light rap at the door. In response to the usual “Come in,” Harold Wilson entered. He had missed his Bible, and had come for it. Harold was surprised to see Mr. Spaulding there holding his Bible. Mr. Spaulding soon satisfied Harold's curiosity by explaining the circumstances, and then said: “Son, what is the meaning of the word ‘Mother’ signed to this note here?” Gladly Harold related his story of sin, his faithful mother, and the marked Bible. Mr. Spaulding prayed. The Spirit of God was there and as he prayed, his heart broke before God. When he prayed for Harold, the hero of faith of the day before, and for Mr. Anderson, the devoted brother who sought truly to reveal Christ, Harold's cup was full. Before the gong called Harold to his work, he went to Mr. Anderson’s quarters, and told him what had occurred in the stateroom he had just left. “Thank God,” said the minister, “the day of miracles is not past.”
Three Angels Chapel: 479-243-9001 (to be continued next week)
Come worship with us Saturdays 9:30-12 noon. 3.7 miles out Hwy 8 E on the right PAID ADVERTISEMENT BY THREE ANGELS CHAPEL
Page 19
August 6, 2014
Weekly Publication
(StatePoint) Back-to-school time means another year of tests, team tryouts and club meetings -- but it also means an opportunity for students to have a fresh start. Whether your kid is an ace academic or has found it challenging to stay on top of a to-do list, there are many ways to get prepared for a successful school year. By studying smarter, staying organized and keeping motivated, students can learn to juggle it all. Study Tips Cramming at the last minute doesn’t work. Encourage your student to start studying well in advance of test day. Pacing during study time gives the brain a better opportunity to absorb information. In many ways, the pen is mightier than the computer, particularly when it comes to taking notes. Writing notes down is almost like etching them into your subconscious. Formulating the words and reviewing them as you go is the best way to retain materials. Organize When it comes to lockers, backpacks and school supplies, organization is everything. Different systems work for different students. For example, some prefer to arrange their lockers by sequence of the day, whereas others prefer to sort items by subject or color. The important thing is finding a system that works and sticking to it. Use tools to support the system and help maximize sought-after real estate. For lockers lacking shelf space, consider creating your own -- just be sure the solution is durable.
On behalf of Tapley Park, Park Director Bobby Copelin would like to offer sincere condolences to the Mary Davis Family. The Saturday, August 16, 2014 "Mary Davis Benefit Coed Softball Tournament” is still scheduled and we encourage all to come and play for the Davis Family. If you have any questions, please contact Bobby at 216-8171.
FAMILY
Help Kids Stay Organized for a Fresh Start this School Year
The Five Star Stackable Locker Shelf is made with heavy-duty plastic, can hold up to 150 pounds and can be stacked one on top of the other for double the shelf space. Customize Your locker is a home base during the school day, so make it your own with artwork, photos, and a dry erase board. It’s also an area to refresh -- so consider hanging a mirror, like the Five Star Foam Mirror + Storage accessory which not only acts as a mirror but also a space to hang notes and store pens, pencils, cell phones or calculators. Encourage students to decorate notebooks and binders with stickers and drawings, or choose their supplies based on favorite styles and colors. Just be sure the items chosen are highly functional. Multi-use supplies, such as the Five Star Flex Hybrid NoteBinder, acts like a notebook and works like a binder, making it easy for students to have everything they need in one convenient area. Stay Focused If your kid is rocking out to their favorite song, while texting their best friend about the latest gossip, then you can guarantee they aren’t concentrating on homework. Turn off the distractions and the work will get done faster and more accurately. More study and organizational tips can be found at www.MeadFiveStar.com. For better grades and more success, get this school year started on the right foot.
Deramus Family Reunion
The reunion will be held August 31 at McMillan Park Pavilion from 10 to 2. It's potluck, so bring a dish and enjoy the fellowship.
POLK COUNTY BIRTHS
at Mena Regional Health System
CUTEST PET PIC
Brianne and Bobby Hancox of Waldron are the proud parents of a baby girl, born July 29th.
TAZ TAZ is getting ready for the upcoming Rodeo. He owns Clark and Earlene Rasmussen.
Jessica McDowell and Quest Cameron of Waldron are the proud parents of a baby girl, born July 29th. Jasmine and Jody Pruitt of Mena are the proud parents of a baby boy, born July 30th.
Please share your favorite photo of your pet. You may drop it off or mail it to: The Polk County Pulse • 512 Seventh St. • Mena, AR 71953 or email: ads@polkcountypulse.com
Cutest Pet Pic is sponsored by your animal loving friends at
Ouachita Equine Clinic
Serving all your small & large animal needs. Hours: Mon. Tues. Wed., and Fri. 8am-5pm • Closed on Thurs.
479-394-7185
Randy J. Burgess D.V.M. 2920 Hwy. 71 N, Mena, AR 71953
Erica Sullivan and Nathan Ferry of Mena are the proud parents of a baby boy, born July 31st.
BIRTHS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
AT
Maddison Liles & BJ Schuller - 8/2/14 Ana Ganoza & Travis Finck - 8/7/14 Dalia Garrison & Garrick Ferry - 8/9/14 Samantha Ritchie & Elliot Thompson - 8/9/14 Makenzie Davis & Tyler Harris - 8/9/14 Tabitha Sayers & Shawn Adams - 8/16/14 Celorah Tilton & Cameron Conrad- 8/23/14 (Shower) Maddison Trucks & Matthew Lee - 8/23/14 (Reception)
FREE Gift Wrapping
WWW.MYPULSENEWS.COM
R
Gift Registry
Kayla Hollin & Rodney Castor - 8/30/14 Jessica House & Brandon Waller - 9/1/14 Kailyn Deramus & Garrett Borst - 9/27/14 Amanda Jones & Delmar Krigbaum - 9/27/14 Charli Roberts & Kyle Hackworth - 10/11/14 Adrienna Johnson & Marcus Purdy - 10/19/14 Britny Ham & Jaewung Ryu - 11/1/14
Crosley Appliances & Hardware
813 Mena St. • 394-3456 Open Sun. 10-2 • 7 Days A Week
Page 20
ARTS
August 6, 2014
Winners in Mena Art Gallery's Photography Show
BY BARBARA M. TOBIAS It seems as though the work just gets better every year. This show will be on display through September 2 during regular gallery hours: 11 am to 2 pm Tuesdays and 10 am to 3 pm Wednesdays through Saturdays. If you didn't make it to the reception last Saturday, plan to stop by and see this excellent display. Here are the winners: BEST OF SHOW: Michael Leonard R. L. NORRIS MEMORIAL AWARD: Larry Millican FLORAL AWARD: Vic Prislipsky WILDLIFE AWARD: Jo Eldridge PEOPLE’S CHOICE: Larry Millican LANDSCAPES WITHOUT STRUCTURES: First: Greg Disch; Second: James Anderson; Third: Kenneth Vonk; Hon. Men.: William Rainey Janis Shull making the Best of Show LANDSCAPES WITH STRUCTURES: First: Greg award to Michael Leonard. Photo by Disch; Second: Larry Millican; Sam Tobias. Third: Darryl Steele; Hon. Men.: Ben Campbell ANIMALS: First: Lorna McGlin; Second: Donna Atkinson; Third: Greg Disch; Hon. Men.: Amy Bult FLORAL: First: Larry Millican; Second: Vic Prislipsky; Third: Vic Prislipsky; Hon. Men.: Sharon Prislipsky PEOPLE/PORTRAITS: First: Sharon Prislipsky; Second: Michael Leonard; Third : Ann Glenn; Hon. Men. Darryl Steele GENERAL: First: Mark Frantz; Second: Mark Frantz; Third: Michael Leonard; Hon. Men. Susan Gibson YOUTH (AGES 12-17): First: Alexiza Lawrence; Second: Elizabeth Sutherland; Third: Alexiza Lawrence; Hon. Men. Avanlea Furr; Rising Star Alexiza Lawrence
Weekly Publication
Lioness Club to Participate in Ouachita Arts Celebration
BY BARBARA M. TOBIAS The Ouachita Arts Celebration in the Downtown Arts District is working with as many of the organizations in Mena as possible to put together a fun day on November 1. The Lioness Club plans to have a booth serving coke floats. Perfect for a warm fall day. The Lioness Club will use the funds generated from the floats to continue donating to worthwhile causes here in Mena. Some of the things they support are: Polk County Development Center Backpack Food Program (food for children at our local elementary schools that is sent home over the weekend so they are fed while school is not in session) 9th Street Ministries Toys for Tots Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) Foster Parents Association Single Parents Scholarship (RMCC) Clarice's Room of Hope They also offer a one-year scholarship of $1,000 to a Polk County student for higher education expenses. The creative arts businesses who are putting together the Ouachita Arts Celebration are delighted that we can provide a way to help the Lioness Club continue their great work as a part of this fall Arts Celebration. Be sure to watch your paper for details about what else will be going on that day, and mark you calendar for 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, November 1.
POISONOUS PLANTS FOR PETS: AMARYLLIS • AZALEA • BOSTON FERN • BUTTERCUP • CATNIP • CHERRIES • DAFFODIL • EASTER LILY • FOXGLOVE • GERANIUM • HOLLY • HYACINTH • IRIS • LARKSPUR • LAUREL • LUPINE • MARIGOLD • MARIJUANA • MILKWEED • MISTLETOE • MUSTARDS • OAK • OLEANDER • RHUBARB • TOBACCO • WISTERIA • YEW
August 6, 2014
THE POLK COUNTY PULSE
Page 21
Introduces the Ouachita Center Legacy Campaign
“Through the leadership and generosity of Mr. Robert “Bob” Carver, the Ouachita Center Legacy Campaign was launched to support Rich Mountain Community College and the new Ouachita Center. Bob’s gift will bear the name of his parents, Dick and Frances Carver, and was given to honor their service and love of this community.”
The new Ouachita Center is a $13,000+ sq. ft. state of the art conference/community center located on the main campus in Mena. The Center is scheduled to open SOON. Rich Mountain Community College is committed to meeting the needs of the Ouachita Mountain residents and adjacent Oklahoma counties. The new Ouachita Center will be the premier place for bringing people together to share meaningful experiences such as; social and educational events, banquets, business and community events, wedding receptions, just to name a few. Our commitment is to organizations, schools, businesses, and the community to encourage the creation, appreciation, and pursuit of mutual goals and richer cultural experiences. The Ouachita Center is a place where the arts and cultural related experiences will stimulate innovative programming in west central Arkansas. With your help, Rich Mountain Community College will offer many opportunities to both improve livability, as well as, incorporate the arts and culture into economic development strategies for our constituents. Your gift will support a venue that fosters initiatives designed to advance community and economic development. The uniqueness and aesthetic appeal of the Ouachita Center will bring innumerable benefits to residents, businesses, and tourists and will contribute to the economic success of other sectors. Please join us with your support and engagement in this endeavor.
Ouachita Center Legacy Campaign
Grand opening of the Ouachita Center is tentatively scheduled for late August or early September 2014. More information to be announced at a later date.
Name-A-Seat - $100 (Donor Plate)
Levels of Giving $1,000 - $4,999 $5,000 - $9,999 $10,000 - $19,999 $20,000 - $49,999 $50,000 - $99,999 $100,000 - $249,999 $250,000 +
(theatre seating in the Oucahita Center)
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HISTORY
August 6, 2014
Moments From America’s History Happy Birthday Smokey!
Weekly Publication
IN THE NEWS One Year Ago:
BY JEFF OLSON America’s most famous bear celebrates his 70th birthday this week. How many of us can remember growing up with a LOCAL big burly bear on a poster, television screen, or in a magazine reminding us to prevent forest fires? I suspect that just about 1. Rusert Named Trailblazing all of us can remember Smokey Bear. Smokey’s “birth” as a mascot for the U.S. Forest Service took place on August 9, 1944, when his debut poster was Teacher released. The poster was illustrated by Albert Staehle and depicted Smokey wearing jeans and a campaign hat pouring a 2. Construction Underway for New bucket of water on a campfire. The message underneath read, "Smokey says – Care will prevent 9 out of 10 forest fires!" In 1947, the slogan which would be associated with Smokey Bear for more than five decades was coined: "Remember ... Mena Family Health Center only YOU can prevent forest fires.” Rudolph “Rudy” Wendelin illustrated this poster, having become the full time artist for 3. Toddler Struck by vehicle in the Smokey Bear campaign and "caretaker of the Smokey Bear image" until his retirement in 1973. Acorn Smokey, however, was not just an image on a poster. He came to be a living symbol of fire prevention. In May 1950, an American Black Bear cub was caught in the Capitan Gap Fire on the Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico. The cub climbed a tree to escape the blaze, but his paws and hind legs were burned. Soldiers from Fort Bliss, Texas who had come to help fight the fire discovered the bear NATIONAL cub and brought him back to the camp. Originally named “Hotfoot Teddy,” he was nursed back to health by New Mexico game warden 1. RNC Pledges Debate Ban Over Ray Bell, his daughter Judy, and veterinarian Dr. Edwin Smith. The Forest Service saw in this orphaned cub the opportunity to personify the emblem of its fire-prevention efforts. Network Clinton Programs Re-named "Smokey," he was flown to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. where he lived for 26 years, receiving millions of visitors 2. Obama heads to Phoenix to talk and letters - so many letters in fact that the U.S. Postal Service gave him his own unique zip code (20252). Jackson Weaver, a noted housing radio personality of Washington, D.C. provided the original "Voice" of Smokey Bear. In 1971, when Smokey and his mate “Goldie” (introPreparations for Health duced in 1961) had not produced any young, the Zoo added "Little Smokey," another orphaned bear cub from the Lincoln National Forest, 3. to their cage announcing that the pair had "adopted" this cub. On May 2, 1975, Smokey Bear officially "retired" from his role as living Exchanges on Tight Schedule mascot, and the title "Smokey Bear II" was bestowed upon Little Smokey in an official ceremony. On November 9, 1976, the first Smokey passed away. His remains were returned to Capitan, New Mexico where he is buried at what is now the Smokey Bear Historical Park. The plaque at his grave reads, "This is the resting place of the first living Smokey Bear...the living symbol of wildfire prevention and wildlife conservation." Little Smokey died in August 1990. Today, Smokey Bear still holds his place as an enduring icon of American culture, having stirred our conscience to a greater awareness and concern for our nation’s forests and grasslands. He has helped to reduce areas burned by wildfires from 22 million acres in 1944 to an average of 6.7 million annually today. In 2001, Smokey's message was changed to "Only You Can Prevent Wildfires." As U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell stated, “For 70 years, Smokey Bear has empowered people to make a difference; his message of personal responsibility continues to be as critical and relevant now as ever."
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What’s Your
August 6, 2014
Can’t find our random questions? Search #whatsyourpulse in the search bar on Facebook and never miss out again!
SELECTED RESPONSES TO OUR RANDOM QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:
STATE REPRESENTATIVE NATE BELL WILL BE HOSTING A TOWN HALL AUGUST 15 TO DISCUSS THE POSSIBILITY OF PREPARING A PROPOSAL FOR LOCATING THE PROPOSED 1,000 BED PRISON FACILITY IN DISTRICT 20 - NEAR MENA. BELL SAYS THE FACILITY WOULD BRING 250-300 GOOD PAYING JOBS TO OUR REGION AND WOULD GENERATE CONSIDERABLE NEW REVENUE FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS AND GOVERNMENTS. THE PULSE IS ASKING ITS READERS - WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? Joey Simmonds I think it stinks. Probably looking to put it there and pay low wages, understaff, and put the community at risk. If there is enough felons in the area to need it, then I would understand. They would transport them there for what reason. Probably to pay less wages. Bad deal!!! Sheila Taylor We have enough bad guys. We dont need any more. Watch your property value plument!!!NOBODY WANTS TO LIVE NEAR A PRISON. . Gerald Moore If the city and county did not want a feed mill at acorn. Why would they want a prison!!! Seth Guinn Bring in a factory. Something beneficial. Not a prison. Michelle Hendrix Flemens not arresting criminals because there is no bedspace does not keep them off the streets at all. I would much rather see them behind bars then taken to the jail by an officer and then the officer is told to release them because there is no bed space. Use your heads people, you want them on the streets or locked up? We have needed a new jail facility for a very long time. So live in the same town as a prison OR live next door to the crazy meth head that they didn't have room in the jail for....?? Dianna K. Winters There are no jobs in Polk county. So. If you don't want jobs from a prison... Better get to telling your city and county officials to get some businesses in.... Every time I visit a little more of the town has died off. Better get some jobs down there or all the restaurants and everything else will close too. No movie theater...no bowling alley anymore. How many restaurants have opened only to close? The economy can't support what is there. Plenty of folks willing to work...but no one is bringing in jobs. Please correct
me if you all know something I don't. Diana Scott Inmates friends and families will be moving in. Some good some bad. Katie Perez Its a situation that's bound to anger people either way. Mena needs jobs AND more jail space. We have crazies that are released and warrants not being served because of space. Seth Guinn There is a tremendous difference between a new jail and a 1000 inmate prison compound. I'm all for a better jail. Not a prison. Katie Perez The problems I see are: we are SURROUNDED with mountains and hiding places IF an inmate ever escaped. Also a 1000 inmate prison and only 250300 jobs? Are many people in the area actually going to be trained and qualified for those jobs? Hilda White NO! We need a new jail...not a prison. Kyle Robertson I am for this. The economic impact and number of job opportunities far outweighs the slim possibility of any problems the prison may encounter. Avalona Moody More power to them. Prisons are much more secure than backwoods jails. Bring it on..... Jimmy Martin I say bring it on the jobs would be welcome if they hire and train the local people. Lanette Shewmake-Stubbs Folks there is a prison less than fifty miles from here just in another state. I say bring it. Lots of meth heads around here that need a bed. Better there then roaming free your neighborhood. Plus the jobs which better than no jobs.
John Deming NO. The town I previously lived in built a prison. The few jobs it brought in were far outweighed by all the associated trouble that followed the prisoners. All of their wives, girlfriends, kids, gang members and other problem people. The crime rate went up in town from all the unemployed deadbeat prisoner followers. NO to a new prison anywhere close to Polk County.
the area on top of what law enforcement we already have. I say go for it.
#MyPulseNews
?
Weekly Publication
Page 23
Tuesday N Tim Arthur Put all the sex offenders in it and it might be ok.
Kay Vaughn My only concern is if we have a 1000 bed facility and prisoners are brought in to the facility, they serve their time and then are released are they going to stay in our community? How many parolees are repeat offenders? Will it make the crime rate go up in our community or down? Something to think about...
Kathie Robertson Kiser If we dont get something here then everyone better face it , Mena is slowly drying up, just look around .
Kryn Hamelink I think it's a great idea.. Good jobs... Good benefits... Beneficial to our community as well.. I do believe crime would go down
Donah Guinn Simmons I say we go back to the old days and laws where criminals were hung. Then we wouldn't need a prison at all. We should do something good for the community with tax payers money besides give the druggies and murderers (cause that's who goes to prison) a comfy warm place to sleep and three meals a day.
Don Cloud Davis Build the prison! Support your local law enforcement or continue to be part of the problem and suffer the consequences. Contemplating pseudo scenarios in order to avoid supporting this and thereby cleaning up our county is absurd. I know folks that live in Huntsville Texas, huge prison town, and they say it's the safest town in Texas! Bad guys can't wait to get as far from there as possible. I support the effort to clean up Polk Co. and I support building this and any other new ventures that can be done.
Michelle Hendrix Flemens the connection between the County Jail and the Prison is if anyone reads the inmate report from our County Jail, at any given time we are housing 10-15 prisoners waiting to go to ADC. Get them out of there and our jail will not have to turn away criminals for the jail that is being taken up by prisoners waiting on a bed in a prison Donald Higby I am in favor of this. It adds that many more jobs. State jobs with benefits and a decent wage! Helps take the stress of over crowding on the county jails. As far as an escape lets think about this, mena surrounded by mountains and thousands of acres of national forest..not favorable conditions to try and survive in. And 300 trained corrections officers into
" L I K E " U S O N FA C E B O O K !
Linda Sue Peck Scroggins I say yes...IF our local judicial system would convict and sentence more of these thugs, druggies and thevies who live around here. Lisa Roberts How will this affect tourism? John Joe Johnson I suggested this ten years ago and was told no no no. It will bring in the family's of people doing time. Be ready for a culture change. But good paying union jobs. Need a town hall meeting because there will be no going back.
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OPINION
August 6, 2014
Smoke and Mirrors
Weekly Publication
BY MICHAEL REISIG I was speaking with a liberal friend the other day and he remarked, “Well, now that the economy is recovering perhaps things will begin to get better all the way around.” My friend is a prime example of the new liberal American – trained to believe what he hears, not what he sees. Our government and our media (which is now mostly controlled by the government) has moved from the process of providing information, to the technique of delivering propaganda. The incredibly sad part is our society’s lack of desire to discern between the two. It’s all smoke and mirrors, and our president has proven to be a master magician. But as of late he has given up even trying to hide his slight of hand techniques. He just does what he wants and a lapdog press somehow makes it okay. The latest in the magic act is telling us “the economy grew at a 4% annualized rate in the second quarter, and that employment growth continues to exceed 200,000 new jobs monthly, But the truth is, when the president took a chance and had his unemployment czar blatantly manipulate the unemployment figures the night before the last presidential election (and no one did a thing), he realized he no longer had to play by the rules, and at that moment, the nation traded democracy for a benign dictatorship (that is becoming less benign all the time.) Since then, every bit of information America gets is contrived. Obama and his minions are carefully manipulating the information used to calculate the strength of the economy and the jobs picture. He and his press continue to disregard the fact that our economy is gaining more low-wage, part-time jobs, and continually losing higher-wage, full-time jobs. They refuse to mention the millions of unemployed who have given up trying to find work and have simply become “wards of the state.” BY MICHAEL REISIG The president wants us to believe everything is just peachy keen. But I have to Someone recently sent me an absolutely amazing collection of World War II ask you – liberal and conservative – does it really feel peachy keen to you? Do you photos, and I was once again reminded of the character and sheer will of the realize that for many standard living items, from a fast food burger to a pound of cofAmerican people during that difficult era, and the remarkable courage of the fee you’re paying nearly twice what you were just four years ago? I went looking at American serviceman. I was left in stunned silence at the end … rocked by the new cars the other day. Did you know that the miles per gallon on a new Ford Escort nearly impossible challenges we faced and somehow overcame. is exactly the same as it was on the same car 10 years ago? Consider that for a Faced with the inconceivable, challenged by the insurmountable, time and moment, and ask yourself if we’re not being taken to the cleaners by someone. The latest reports show that we have 146 million people in the American workagain the American soldier, and worker, refused to be beaten, performing what force, and 157 million receiving welfare benefits. quite clearly seemed the impossible. The unemployment rate (calculated by intimidation, manipulation, and outright I realized, looking at those old photos, that impossible is not written in stone. lies) is in the 6% range. The actual unemployment rate — calculated in the fashion It’s an opinion. It’s not a declaration. It’s a dare. It’s a word used by people who we used to use — is more than double that. All the while, personal incomes are find it easier to accept the world as it is, rather than obtain the power and convicshrinking, not rising, and the value of the dollar is plummeting around the world. tion to change it. Academic research (not controlled by the president) tells us statistically, the midImpossible falters at determination, it shirks at resolve, it’s frightened of decidle class is smaller now than it was in the 1970s. Government spending is now onesiveness. It was determination and resolve, and decisiveness that I witnessed in quarter of the economy today; it was less than one-fifth just over a decade ago. Real the men and women of that collection of photos. And surprisingly enough, there inflation — the way the government used to track it before manipulating data was also a sense of joie de vivre in their eyes as well – a cheerfulness and a combecame standard policy — is running as high as 10 percent. Another huge question you have to ask yourself is, if this economy is doing so wonderful, why isn’t the price passion that couldn’t be hammered out of them, and that too, is an essential part of gold continuing to fall? (After the manipulated surge a while back, gold fell and of overcoming the impossible. has stayed about the same for the last two years.) I’ll tell you why, because the Americans today are constantly flittering from one thing to the next in a franwhole affair is smoke and mirrors. We have failed to create real jobs that will allow tic search for fulfillment. They are constantly demanding, and easily angered. our economy to grow. All we’ve done is develop a handful of low-wage service secThe people in the pictures I saw had danced with death and destruction and had tor jobs in an economy supported by monstrous government spending, while the somehow not lost the essence of harmony and conscience. They had lived Federal Reserve practices monetary manipulation that would have made Franklin through an impossible time and survived. They knew impossible was just a word. Delano Roosevelt (or Castro) proud. They realized that when someone said, “That’s impossible,” they were making If you don’t believe any of this, ask yourself some simple questions: Why does a this assumption according to their limited experience and a slim understanding candy bar cost $1.50 now? Why has the cost of electricity almost doubled in the last four years? Why aren’t we all driving reasonably priced cars that get 75 miles per of reality. They knew that “impossible” was just an opinion. gallon? With all the oil reserves we have, why are we still paying nearly $4 a gallon The very world around us today is a collage of what was considered imposfor gas? If things are so peachy-keen, why are we spending billions of dollars a year sible just 50 years ago. We live in a time that 20th Century science fiction novin an attempt to keep minority-ridden, failing cities like Detroit, Atlanta, and Los elists wrote about. I don’t know who said it, but I love the quote: “It’s impossiAngeles out of more bankruptcies? ble,” said pride. “It’s risky,” said experience. “It’s pointless,” said reason. “Give But our president tells us we have a “robust, growing economy. Everything is it a try,” whispered the heart.” “peachy keen.” I’ll ask you one more time. Does it feel “peachy-keen” to you?
Tales of Jake Strider The Impossible
Granted, some things flirt with impossibility more than others. Whoever said, “nothing is impossible” never tried to staple water to a tree. But if you look at history – Christopher Columbus, Leonardo Da Vinci, Thomas Edison – some of the greatest accomplishments of mankind were preformed by those who didn’t accept that what they were doing was “impossible.” I’ll leave you with a quote by the French philosopher, Denis Diderot: “It is passions, great passions, that elevate the soul to great things…”
The views and opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the ownership and staff of The Polk County Pulse. Michael Reisig is a freelance writer and published author whose works are reproduced throughout the globe.
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August 6, 2014
Weekly Publication
Mena Police Department Correction: Last week’s report erroneously stated that Wesley Weeks of Mena was charged with theft of property. This was a clerical error. Mr. Weeks was not charged with theft. We apologize for any inconvenience and embarrassment this may have caused him. The person actually arrested was
Beatrice A. Bruce, 50 of Cove. She was charged with theft of property. The arrest occurred on July 21, 2014. July 27, 2014 Jerry Don Edwards, 43, of Mena was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to pay fines and court costs. A local woman reported that her neighbors are harassing her. Case is pending. July 28, 2014 A local man reported that someone had stolen his credit card from his house while he was out of town. Case is pending. July 29, 2014 Brandon Allen Foster, 23, of Mena was arrested and charged with driving on a suspended driver’s license. Tyler Cornelius, 20 of Mena was charged with possession of alcohol by a minor, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication after a call to a local convenience store. Also
charged in the incident with obstructing governmental operations and disorderly conduct was a 17-year-old Mena girl. A local woman reported that her former boyfriend is harassing her. Case is pending. July 30, 2014 A local woman reported that she is being harassed by her former boyfriend. Case is pending. July 31, 2014 Report was taken that several windows had been broken from the office at Tapley Park. Case is pending. A local couple reported that the biological father of their adopted newborn has been harassing them and causing trouble. He has been warned to cease and desist. A Mena woman reported that her mother had tried to strangle her and had been threatening her. Case is pending further investigation. Helen Maxine Moore, 61, of Mena was charged with DWI after a call to a vehicle in the ditch on a local street. August 1, 2014 Timothy G. Davis, 51, of Mena was charged with driving on a suspended driver’s license. A Mena man reported that he loaned a bicycle to a Vandervoort man and the bicycle has not been returned after more than a month. Case is pending. August 2, 2014 Tammie G. Saunders, 50, of Mena was arrested on an outstanding felony warrant from Polk County. Johnny Richard Sheets, 37, of Cove was arrested and charged with battery. Stephen Ray Goins, 39, of Mena was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Officers completed an additional seven reports and worked five accidents. Polk County Sheriff’s Department July 28, 2014 Report from a business in Cove of a pedestrian vs. vehicle accident. The victim seemed to have sustained only minor cuts and scrapes. Report from a Wickes man of his missing 17-year-old daughter. The juvenile was located in another county, and later released to the custody of a parent/guardian. Report of a one-vehicle accident on Polk 280 near Cove. Officer responded, nothing appeared to be damaged. Report of a domestic disturbance on Race Lane near Mena. Both parties refused to press charges. Report from complainant on Highway 88 East near the Yocana community of $1,000.00 in damages to a parked vehicle. Report from complainant on Polk 75 near the Acorn community of the break-in and theft of four firearms. Investigation continues. Arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department was Tammy J. Dowdy, 40, of Wickes, on a Warrant for Failure to Appear. July 29, 2014 Report from complainant on Polk 55 near the Nunley community of a break-in to a vehi-
cle, causing $300.00 in damages. Arrested were Sean P. Osborn, 18, of Mena, and Jeremy D. Swiney, 18, of Ashdown, each on Charges of Criminal Trespass and Breaking or Entering. July 30, 2014 Report from walk-in complainant of receiving harassing phone calls from an acquaintance. Complainant refused to press charges. Report from complainant on School Street in Cove of an unauthorized person staying in a residence. Investigation continues. July 31, 2014 No reports were filed. August 1, 2014 Arrested was Franklin W. Hamm, 62, of Cove, on a Warrant for Sexual Assault 2nd Degree. August 2, 2014 Report from walk-in complainant of an alleged domestic battery. Information has been provided to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration. Report of a disturbance on Butler Circle in Hatfield led to the arrest of Karma L. Breeden, 29, of Hatfield, on a Charge of Disorderly Conduct. Traffic stop on Highway 246 West near Hatfield led to the arrest of Daniel W. Harwood, 28, of Cove, on Charges of DWI and Driving Left of Center. August 3, 2014 Report from a Mena man of problems regarding child custody. Report of an alleged battery that had occurred at an earlier date. Information has been provided to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration. Report from complainant on Polk 188 near the Acorn community of the break-in and theft of faucets and a sink, totaling losses at $600.00. Investigation continues. Report from a business in Hatfield of the theft of motor fuel, totaling losses at $40.85. Investigation continues. Report of a disturbance on Highway 88 East near the Cherry Hill community. Officer advised one of the parties not to return to the residence. Complainant refused to press charges. Arrested was Thomas L. Kidwell, 35, of Mena, on a Warrant for Theft of Property. Arrested by a trooper with the Arkansas State Police was James E. Simmons, 27, of Fort Smith, on Charges of Speeding and Driving with a Suspended Driver’s License and a Body Attachment Warrant. Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked two vehicle accidents this week. Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 30 Incarcerated Inmates; 21 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility, of which 5 are currently out of jail on a monitoring system. Archive reports online at MyPulseNews.com.
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.
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AGRICULTURE
August 6, 2014
Emerald Ash Borer and Armyworms in Arkansas
BY CARLA VAUGHT We are currently dealing with a new introduced pest that will be a major concern in our Arkansas forests. The Emerald Ash Borer has been found in three counties in the past few weeks and ID is pending in a few more. EAB is an Asian native and has been in the Northern part of the US for several years. It probably came to the US as part of wooden shipping materials with foreign cargo. It has resulted in the death and destruction of 10's of millions of ash trees. Areas confirmed with EAB falls under quarantine from the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). At this time there are 24 states with EAB quarantines. Arkansas is probably going to become the 25th. Quarantine will stop the movement of firewood, logs, and other products to non-quarantined areas. The Arkansas State Plant Board and APHIS will be determining the status of quarantine in Arkansas in the next few weeks. Although not an invasive introduced species, the Fall Armyworm is making its presence known across the county. The Fall Armyworm is a moth that starts each year from the gulf area and moves north laying eggs and hatching caterpillars that have a huge appetite. They eat mass quantities of grass as they go. Fall Armyworm is not picky. It will eat lawns, golf courses or pastures. It is not uncommon for the armyworm to have several generations. Armyworms are huge problems in pastures and hay meadows. Farmers spend a lot of money seeding, fertilizing and controlling weeds in their fields each year. The armyworm can wipe out a hay cutting in three day's time. It is critical to scout fields daily and watch for spots where birds are congregating more than normal, grass looks browner than normal, grass has a gray sheen, or where leaves have been devoured by the worm. There are several control products available at our farm stores. If you would like more information on any of these topics, contact the county extension office at 211 DeQueen Street in Mena. We can be reached at 479-394-6018 or by email at cvaught@uaex.edu.
MENA FEED & SUPPLY Weekly Publication
Dog Food ...$17.75 50# Bag, 21 Protein, 12 Fat
Cat Food ...$24 / 40# Egg Pellets ...$12 / 50#
479-394-3800
South of Town on Hwy 71
Supporting Agriculture
MENA, HATFIELD & WICKES 479-394-2211 • www.unionbankofmena.com Emerald Ash Borer
Fall Armyworm
J & B LIQUID FEED & FERTILIZER
FEED, FERTILIZER & MORE 1357 Polk 74 • Mena, AR 71953 Jerry & Barbara Hansbrough Office: 479-394-6111 ••• Cell: 479-243-5608 Fax: 479-394-6110 www.jandbliquidfeedandfertilizer.com jandbliquidfeedandfertilizer@gmail.com
J & B Liquid Feed and Fertilizer now carries a full line of certified organic fertilizers and insecticides. We are pleased to be your local distributors for products from Neptune's Harvest and Sea-Agri. We have a variety of products for gardens, lawns, flowers, as well as hay meadows and pasture land: Garlic Spray for natural insecticide and mosquito repellent, Sea-90 Mineral Fertilizer, Hydrolyzed Fish and Seaweed Fertilizer, Crab Shell Multi-Purpose Plant Food, Soluble Seaweed Powder, and Kelp Meal. We still carry Western Livestock Mineral, Pro Energy Liquid Feeds, net wrap and baler twine, a full line of herbicides and insecticides, as well as our liquid nitrogen. We spread ag lime. In addition to Two Old Goats lotion for fibromyalgia and arthritis, we are going to be carrying Sea Mist Therapeutic Magnesium Oil plus a variety of gourmet sea salts from The San Felipe Salt Company.
Page 27
August 6, 2014
Weekly Publication
ALL CLASSIFIEDS MUST BE PREPAID. Ad deadline is 5 p.m. on Monday. Payment is due with ad. Publishing and distributing 8,000 copies weekly. Only $12.00 for a monthly plan giving 250 voice minutes, 250 text picture messages now available at Fabulous Finds Inc., Corner of Hwy 71 South and Mena Street. 394-6700. Best Price Scrap Please call Sonny (Mena) Home: 479-394-1174. Cell: 479-234-9079.
Liberty EMS For all your emergency needs and transfers. You have the right to choose. Call Direct. 479-394-4367. For Sale: 1994 Honda Magna. Low milage with 5X8 Cargo Trailer. $3,000. Call for more details. 479-322-0271. Clean & Comfortable Housing since 1969 J Ray & Maria’s MH Park and Rentals, Hwy. 71N, Mena. 479394-1252.
Try Acupuncture - conditions treated: weight loss, fibromyalgia, smoking reduction, migraine tension, headaches, joint pain - shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, neck/back pain. Dr. Max DeLee D.C.F.I, AMA 1142 D Hwy 71 S (Inside Dr. Simpson D.C Office) Mena. AR. For Appt. call 501-282-6754. I buy Sterling Silverware forks, knives, and spoons. May be damaged but must be marked ‘sterling’. I buy pre-1965 U.S. Silver Coins. Top prices paid for pre1935 U.S. Silver Dollars and also one ounce rounds and bars. Dan’s Pawn, 100 Hwy. 71S at 1st St., Mena. 479-394-5515.
Brush Hogging in Polk County. Reasonable rates with quality work. Offering free estimates. Call Shawn 479-437-4782. Price Reduced from $45,000 to $ 28,000 6.7 wooded acres outside of Mena has well, electric and a partial small home. Lots of deer, turkey and other wildlife need to sell. Call 903-733-3965. J & N Dozer - Dozer, Trackhoe, Backhoe, Dumptruck. Ponds, Pads, Clearing, Roads, Hauling. Rich Top Soil, Fill Dirt, Shale, Gravel. Dozer Operator Randy Egger, over 30 years experience. We Appreciate Your Business! Call 479-234-1357.
For Sale: Solid Wood Espresso Console/Sofa Table with drawer and bottom shelf. In excellent condition. Asking $300. Call or text 479-216-3091.
Only $10.00 will give 90 day service with 200 voice minutes and 5¢ send or receive text on H2O wireless service available at Fabulous Finds, Inc. Corner of Hwy 71 South and Mena Street. 3946700. Bulls For Sale: The Rodgers of Mena no longer sell bulls off The Farm. Still raise high quality, registered, semen tested, virgin bulls. All will be sold at Waldron Livestock Auction 2 times a year. Four LimFlex bulls will sell at Waldron on Thursday, September 4th.
House For Sale: $75,000. 3 bedrooms, 2 bath on 1 acre. New roof, central heat and air. Windows, siding and insulation, 5 years ago. Master bath 6 foot jetted tub. 1265 sp. ft. Located just north of Polk Housing Authority. 1902 Edward Ave. Call Willy or Lilly at 479-243-0286 for more info. Looking for property to hunt bear this fall. Please call Billy at 903-930-1850.
Garage Sale: Vacuum, Large pressure cooker, ladies and men’s clothing, quilts. Friday and Saturday. No sales before 8AM. 2501 Michelle Dr.
The Polk County Veterans Organization - Does anyone remember Jimmie Boatright? The Polk County Veterans Organization is seeking information concerning Lt. (JG) James A. (Jimmie) Boatright. He graduated from Acorn High School, Class of 1940. Lt. Boatright was killed in action 20 May 1945 while serving in the Pacific Theater. His name was inavertently let off of our Fallen Warriors Monument. We have thus far been unsuccessful in locating any living relatives. If you have any information please help us honor this highly decorated Polk County Fallen Warrior, by calling the Polk County Veterans Service Office at 479-394-8147. Thank you, Donald G. Martin, Polk County Veterans Organization, Adjutant.
Lost Dog! Balck and white Border Collie. Board Camp/ Nunley area. Answers to Scout. If found or seen, please call 394-7599. MENA PUBLIC SCHOOLS is seeking the following non certified position. Custodian. Contact Person: Send applicatications to Mr. Benny Weston, Superintendent. Address: 501 Hickory Street, Mena, AR 71953. Telephone: 479-3941710. Application Deadline: Until Filled. Commencement Date: 2014-15 School Year. Salary: Per Salary Schedule. Qualifications: Experience preferred. EOE.
CLASSIFIEDS
UP TO 20 WORDS - $4 PER WEEK, $0.25 EACH ADDITIONAL WORD BORDER $1
MENA PUBLIC SCHOOLS Open House. Thursday, August 14th. Louse Durham Elementary: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. (Grades K, 1 & 2). Holly Harshman Elementary: 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. (Grades 3, 4 & 5). Mena Middle School: 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Parents and students will pick up their schedules. (Grades 6, 7 & 8). Mena High School: Parents and students will pick up their schedules. Grades 9 & 12 - 3:00- 5:00 p.m. Grades 10 & 11 - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) - Marketing Director - The City of Mena Advertising and Promotion Commission is seeking a qualified candidate or agency for the position of Marketing Director. This position is responsible for providing festival and event planning, marketing plans, and marketing campaigns to promote tourism in Mena. Must have a background in event planning and/or marketing. This is a contract-only position. For more information please contact Becky Horton at 479-394-4585.
Public Notice of RFQ for Architectural Professional Services - Polk County is soliciting sealed statements for qualifications from qualified achrchitects for a Comprehensive Assessment Plan for the preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration of the County Courthouse. All responses will be evaluated in accordance with the RFQ specifications which may be obtained from: Rhonda Bell, Western Arkansas Planning and Development District, PO Box 2067 / 1109 S. 16th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72902, 479-785-2651 or via email at rbell@wapdd.org All responses to RFQ package must be received by 9:00 AM on August 20, 2014 at the Western Arkansas Planning and Development District. Polk County reserves the right to reject any or all responses. Polk County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Judge Brandon Ellison.
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THE POLK COUNTY PULSE
August 6, 2014
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