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April 1, 2015

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Churches Join Together for Community-Wide Sunrise Easter Service

Mark Campbell Day Proclaimed

BY MELANIE BUCK The City of Mena recognized lifetime resident and longtime Mena business owner, Mark Campbell on March 30, by declaring April 11, 2015, as Mark Campbell Day. The ProclamaCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

HB1376 Passes House DHS Report is Startling

BY MELANIE BUCK A bill written by State Representative Nate Bell that would clarify the definition of ‘person’ to include ‘an unborn child in utero at any stage of development’ has passed the House by a vote of 89-0 and now sits in the hands of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Bell’s bill, HB1376, comes on the heels of a landmark case presented by Prosecuting Attorney Andy Riner.

In January 2014, Riner prosecuted Melissa McCann-Arms in Polk County Circuit Court for one count of Introduction of a Controlled Substance into the Body CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Quorum Court Approves Proposed Jail Site Ten local churches have joined together to once again hold a community-wide sunrise service this Easter Sunday, April 5, beginning at 6:30 a.m. in Bearcat Stadium. Music will be led this year by Mena’s First Baptist Church and Kenny Posey will be delivering the message. The event is open to all. For other worship services, see page 22.

BY MELANIE BUCK Polk County Deputy Sheriff Scott Sawyer gave a presentation to the Polk County Quorum Court at their March 24 monthly meeting, reporting that the Jail Commission met last week and have chosen ‘Property #1’ for the proposed location of the almost $10.9 million jail facility. The new jail will be located on South Reine Street, in Mena, behind Papa’s Mexican Cafe and Mena Tire, if the two proposed ‘jail tax’ measures CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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Page 2

April 1, 2015

Weekly Publication

editor

A NOTE FROM THE

One of the things I’ve noticed about getting more mature (sounds better than older) is how different the view of the world can be. I remember an old country song from when I was a little girl by John Conlee called “Rose Colored Glasses,” and it has occurred to me how foggy and darker those glasses can become if you spend much time reading or watching national and world news. To help myself keep perspective, I have to remind myself that as bad as it is… daily life during World War II and the Great Depression were far worse. Even still, I, like many of you, have felt a burden by watching some of the events unfolding. I, as a parent, am keenly watching my own children and that entire generation with such curiosity… of not only how it will affect them… but what is their plan to affect the world and the changes that it is experiencing at an exponential rate.

I think God must have known what was burdening my heart because last Friday, he planted me in the middle of 20,000 plus teens at a Christian-Rock concert and I was completely overwhelmed as the song “Faithful” blasted through the arena. I began looking around and I saw all of these young eyes looking UP … young hands raised UP to the Father in praise! It encouraged my heart as we all were there … different ethnicities, different political affiliations, different religious denominations, different economic backgrounds, different educational levels, but at that event, we were all the same. We were all unified in praise and I couldn’t help but think of how proud the Father must have been.

Every generation has their own set of challenges and this one is certainly no exception. This generation has the technology to have or find anything they could ever want and yet it robs them of the very things they truly need. And that was one of the “aha” moments for me during the concert because in a sea of teenagers whose beautiful shining faces are usually looking down at their devices, they were looking up! They are hungry for Him because they are living in a world that seems more toxic than any other time… both with our environment and our culture.

What they need is encouragement to stand firm on God’s truths and encouragement to not be silenced… to be outspoken, rather than hearing or reading continual criticism of them and their generation. This generation is more entitled than most, they are more technologically addicted than any other but with encouragement they can be the change they wish to see in the world.

These 20,000 teens had many choices of where to be that night. But they chose to praise and worship the King. Knowing Christ gives them hope in this toxic world… and hopefully, it inspires them to be the “one.” The “one” who speaks out. The “one” who takes the first step. The “one” who reaches out in a genuine act of compassion to someone who has wronged them. Encouraging these kids to meet anger with sympathy, meet hatred with compassion, meet cruelty with kindness… let us empower them with His truths - 1 John 4:7 – “… let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” …to balance their world where 92% of all songs involve sex and the average person watches 5 hours of TV per day filled with violence and immorality.

I receive a lot of letters from “dooms day-ers” and those believing the end is near. I recognize the fulfilling of prophesy but I also know that scripture says no one will know the exact day or hour. What I do know is that we shouldn’t feel anxiety over the end but inspiration to shout His name from the rooftops and to witness as never before to the lost… and to pray for the day that we are promised when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Him as Lord and King of all Kings. And until that day, let us keep our eyes focused on Him, let us be emboldened and empowered to breath Him into this next generation… one by one. In the words of Robert F. Kennedy, “Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.”

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Page 3 Weekly Publication

April 1, 2015

Cove Man Killed in Accident

Worthy is the lamb "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." -- John 6:35

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NEWS

AND HE IS COMING BACK!

BY MELANIE BUCK A three-vehicle accident took the life of a 43-year Cove man on Sunday, March 29. The wreck occurred at approximately 4:15 p.m. when the driver of an 18-wheeler, traveling south, crossed the centerline striking two vehicles, both traveling northbound, on Highway 71, in Wickes.

Joe M. Johnson, III, the driver of a 1989 Dodge truck was killed upon impact and was pronounced deceased at the scene at 5:07 p.m.

by Polk County Coroner Brian Bowser.

The driver of the 2002 Peterbilt 18-wheeler, Alvin James Lee of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Joshua Ryan of Texarkana, Texas, driver of the third vehicle, a 2005 Dodge pickup, were not injured.

The accident was worked by Arkansas State Trooper Kyle Jones of Arkansas State Police Troop-K.

Safety Pup Joins Mena Police Department Mena Police Department has a new member in their ranks, Safetypup. In an effort to keep kids safe, the lovable puppy mascot will be helping the department teach children the importance of safety. Throughout the year, the department will be promoting prevention with talks and presentations, and the children of the community will begin to meet Safetypup at their school, local events, and tours of the department.

Wearing a helmet when riding a bike, saying NO to drugs, and being aware of strangers are just a few of the prevention topics that Mena Police Department wants children and their parents to know more about.

They hope Safetypup will help them get kids’ attention so they learn more of these valuable lessons. Mena Police Chief Brandon Martin said, “This mascot is great for kids.

They love it and it creates a great opportunity to connect with them.”

Page 4

April 1, 2015

Weekly Publication

Campbell

(CONT. FROM FRONT PAGE)

NEWS

tion written by the City said Campbell “has been a genuine asset to our community throughout the years and he is a proven leader. A business owner for over 32 years, Mark has created countless jobs for our area and has been instrumental in our region’s economic development and tourism enhancement.” Campbell is currently hospitalized in Hot Springs, Ark. battling cancer.

Campbell opened Street and Performance, a custom hot rod shop, in his garage in 1983 and has since grown his business to employ 75 people and is now known and recognized throughout the nation and the world. Mark Campbell is a legend in the industry and his company engineers some of the best custom motor builds in the world and was the subject of a recent reality series called Mountain Motors.

The Proclamation continued, “WHEREAS, Mark’s love of classic cars led him to organizing the first Queen Wilhelmina Rod Run in 1975. The Rod Run, now an annual event, brings hundreds of visitors to our county and will celebrate its 40th anniversary in August, 2015; and WHEREAS, the City of Mena would like to take this opportunity to honor him for his countless acts of kindness, dedication to his community, and accomplishments that have worked to improve the quality of life for all who live in Mena.”

Mayor McKee said of Mark Campbell Day, “I encourage all citizens to join me in acknowledging Mark Campbell for his many contributions to our community and expressing our grateful appreciation for his personal sacrifices and devotion of time and efforts for the betterment of Mena and Polk County.”

The family is still struggling with all of the emotions that surround Mark’s diagnosis but has been grateful to be surrounded with support. Mark’s daughter, Tammy, spoke on behalf of the family, “It’s so hard to talk about still. We are all overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from our community & our industry. My dad has touched so many people and they are all fighting the fight with us. He is truly honored to have his own day proclaimed in Mena. We want to thank everyone & please continue to pray for Daddy’s healing!”

Many of Mark’s friends have joined together to host a fundraiser for Saturday, April 11, “Mark Campbell Day” to be held at the Mena Elks Lodge off Hwy 375. Bands will begin playing at 2 p.m. and a live auction of donated items will be ongoing throughout the day. Catfish, chicken, pork loin, hamburgers and other selections will begin being served at 5 p.m.

Blood Donors Needed Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI) urges all healthy adults to donate blood at the Tuesday, blood drive at Mena Regional Health System. Each donor at April 7th’s blood drive, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., will receive a ‘HERO” T-shirt.

One in every seven people entering a hospital will need blood. However, of those eligible to donate blood in the U.S., only about ten percent actually do. Giving blood takes about an hour, and each donation can save as many as three different lives. Donations can be made every 56 days.

Although all blood types are needed, those with negative type blood are especially urged to donate. Only 18 percent of the population has negative blood types. Yet, patients with negative blood types can only receive blood from those 18 percent who have negative types.

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April 1st - April 4th

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Each egg contains a secret gift or discount at checkout for you. * Limit one egg per customer

ATV Accident in Shady Claims Life of 6-Year Old Boy

BY MELANIE BUCK -

[MENA] At 4:05 PM on Thursday, March 26, 2015, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch was notified of an ATV accident on Polk County Road 81 in the Shady community. Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies, a Law Enforcement Officer with the U.S. Forest Service and Southwest EMS were dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, officers discovered that a 2-vehicle ATV accident had occurred between a father and a son. The rider of one of the We’re always on. . .

ATVs, David Neal VanderWe’re always current! pool, age 6, was ejected from the ATV that he was riding on.

When emergency medical services personnel arrived, powered by THE POLK COUNTY PULSE they determined that he was deceased.

David is the son of Glen and Angela Vanderpool. The family was on vacation visiting Polk County from Huntsville, Arkansas. Officials have not released any other details about the accident at this time.

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Cherokee Nation West Tribal Council Meeting

April 11th • 2pm @ American Legion (on 71 N in Acorn)

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Sunday Bible Study at 10 am Services at 11 am

Page 5 Weekly Publication

Elks Inducts New Officers

(CONT. FROM FRONT PAGE)

NEWS

[PHOTO SUBMITTED] Mena Elks Lodge 781 held its Officer Installation for the year 2015/2016. Officers are back row: Joe Evans, Tiler; Brian Thompson, Esteemed Leading Knight; Dave Campbell, Esteemed Lecturing Knight; Dwayne Morris, Esteemed Loyal Knight; Rodney Strother, 5 Year Trustee; Albert Bogart, Treasurer. Front row: Julianne Boyd, Esquire; Phyllis Caldwell, Exalted Ruler; Cheryl Higgins, Secretary; and Rachel DeWitt, Inner Guard. Not pictured: Norman Manson, Chaplain. The Elks are a nationwide fraternal charitable organization dedicated to improving life for America’s Veteran’s, Youth, and Elderly.

Jail Site

April 1, 2015

pass in the May 12 special election.

Justice of the Peace Basil Kesterson said the Jail Commission, “weeded out the best way we could,” when it came to choosing the best location out of three proposed sites. Sawyer explained that utilities are already in place and only a small amount of dirt work will be needed to prep the site for construction. Sheriff Mike Godfrey had said in previous meetings that $400,000 was budgeted for the purchase of a site and that they weighed that figure on the high side. ‘Property #1’ is still in the negotiations process but is expected to cost around $225,000, much lower than the budgeted amount.

The Quorum Court approved the site location and made a motion to authorize Sheriff Godfrey and County Judge Brandon Ellison to enter into negotiations and write a provisional contract with the land owner. The provision in the contract would be the contingency of both tax measures passing.

The first of two measures to be voted upon are a permanent ¼ cent Sales and Use Tax for the purpose of an additional source of revenue to be used to acquire, construct, improve, expand, equip, furnish, operate and maintain new or existing jail and law enforcement facilities, including any necessary land acquisition and utility, road and parking improvements related thereto or in support thereof and to pay and secure the repayment of bonds approved by the voters and issued by the County from time to time to finance jail and law enforcement facilities and facilities related thereto or in support thereof (“Jail and Law Enforcement Bonds”).

The second measure would levy a new ¾ cent Sales and Use Tax for the purpose of retiring bonds used to construct the new jail. The ¾ cent tax would be used for “a new jail, sheriff’s office, arraignment room, 911 dispatch center, and administrative offices related to law enforcement and any necessary land acquisition and utility, road and parking improvements related thereto and in support thereof.” The bonds would not exceed the voter-authorized amount of $10.9 million.

Justice of the Peace Jim Neugent wants to remind the public that if the tax measures don’t pass and the current jail is shut down, it would cost the county an estimated $40,000 per month in transportation costs to transports prisoners to outside locations.

According to Godfrey, the current jail is over 30 years old and is no longer meeting state standards, even citing that the last inspection was “not favorable.” Godfrey explained that several jails in Arkansas have already been shut down, “and it won’t be long before they shut down ours.”

Godfrey has described the new jail as “not better … just large enough to house the inmate population.” Godfrey proposed a new 100-bed pod system design that would also include the Sheriff’s Office as well as dispatch, a small courtroom suitable for hearings, infirmary, and a 309 Depository. The 309 Depository would be a possible reimbursable program from the State of trustees that are not from the area and he suspects would improve turnover.

Page 6

NEWS

April 1, 2015

Weekly Publication

HSO Offering Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program

SUBMITTED BY CHERYL MURPHY Spring means more puppies and kittens being born, and the county is already bulging over with unwanted, homeless cats and dogs. You see them everyday running and roaming and the Humane Society of the Ouachitas’ volunteers see them everyday. It’s so sad to see brand new babies, and mamas, being dumped. The no-kill shelters, like HSO, can’t take care of them all. Please help stop the suffering and homelessness of these unwanted animals. Get your pet fixed at low cost. Please call HSO to find out about their Low-Cost Spay/Neuter program at 479-394-5682.

Also, HSO urges you to reach out to anyone you know that has unaltered pets and encourage or assist them to get their animals “fixed.” If they simply call HSO, their volunteers who answer the phone, can assist in answering any questions about low-cost spay-neuter services.

It costs a lot more than just money for your pet to have a litter. It costs time and effort to find homes for the babies as well as feed and vaccinate a litter. Plus, all of the hassle in the meantime to keep your female contained, and away from males during her heat.

Low-cost rabies shots are also available when you get your pet spayed or neutered via HSO’s program. Did you know that rabies shots must be administered by a licensed vet, to be considered valid, in the state of Arkansas? If you ‘adopt’ a puppy out of a box or the bed of a pickup truck outside of a store front, even if proof is given, your new pet is not legal unless the certificate is from a vet. Please give HSO a call today at 479-394-5682, if after hours, leave a message and they will return your call.

City-Wide Spring Clean-Up Announced

The City of Mena has scheduled their Annual Spring Clean-Up for Tuesday, April 7, through Monday, April 13. City trucks will pick up items you wish to discard at no charge.

There are certain regulations to follow in order for the pick-up to run smoothly.

This Clean-up service is free for residences within the City limits of Mena only. Materials will not be picked up unless they are placed at the curb-side and separated.

The City of Mena has stressed that, “it is very important to separate any items that you want to keep away from those that are to be discarded, such as trash cans.”

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

Please separate your items to be discarded into 5 distinct piles as follows: 1. Furniture - couches, chairs, T.V., window frames, etc.

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

4. Yard wastes - tree limbs, shrubs, grass, etc.

The City said it is required that all yard debris such as small limbs, gum balls, and leaves be placed in garbage bags.

The Mena Street Department will begin pick-up in the northwest part of the city and work their way across town following the same routes as Southern Disposal. Trucks will run 1 to 3 days after the day of your normal trash pick-up. The City said in a press release that the response to this Clean-Up is usually overwhelming, “so please be patient if the trucks are running somewhat behind the posted schedule; however, each route will only be covered one time. It is not necessary to call City Hall in order to receive this service.”

Page 7 Weekly Publication

April 1, 2015

Cove Receives Rural Services Block Grant

NEWS

Little Rock, AR: Governor Asa Hutchinson and ADRS Director Amy Fecher presented $750,000 to 11 rural communities selected for funding through the Rural Services Block Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2015. The grant awards were distributed March 10th at an awards ceremony held in the Governor’s Reception Room at the Arkansas State Capitol.

In attendance were representatives receiving an Arkansas Rural Services Block Grant award on behalf of Cove in Polk County. The Cove Fire Department received $74,500 to purchase a new pumper truck.

The Department of Rural Services Pictured from Left to Right: Jennifer Chunn, Regina Moody, ARDC Commissioner Max Tackett, Mayor Joan Headly, Governor Asa Hutchinson, ARDC Chair Sam E. Angel II, Tracee McKenna, ARDC Commissioner Bob Williams, ADRS Director Amy Fecher. Not Pictured: works in partnership with the Arkan[PHOTO SUBMITTED] Senator Larry Teague, Representative Nate Bell. sas Rural Development Commission to select the Rural Services Block Grant recipients. The grant program is funded through HUD’s Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program and is administered for the State and the Department of Rural Services through a partnership with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Incorporated cities and towns and unincorporated communities in rural areas of less than 3,000 in population and that are 51% or above on the low-to-moderate income scale are eligible to apply for assistance through the mayor or county judge’s office.

All Arkansans are invited to attend the 2015 Rural Development Conference in Little Rock May 19th-21st. Attendees will learn about additional programs and funding opportunities available to Arkansas’ rural communities. Over 75 state legislators will join over 500 mayors, county judges, other state and federal officials, and community leaders to participate in this annual conference.

For more information about the Rural Development Conference or ADRS grant programs, please contact the Department of Rural Services at 1-888-RURALAR.

Page 8

April 1, 2015

Weekly Publication

HB1376 Passes House

(CONT. FROM FRONT PAGE)

NEWS

of Another Person and a jury sentenced her to 20 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Arms’ newborn baby was born at Mena Regional Health System addicted to methamphetamine.

Being the first case of its kind in Arkansas, upon conviction, Riner said, “This case was about bringing attention to [the baby] and other babies who are being born addicted to controlled substances, and it was an important one. It seems that nothing is being done by the legislature to address this problem, and having begun to poke around the edges of the problem we have realized that it is much more common than we suspected.”

When McCann-Arms took her case to the Arkansas Appellate Court, Appellate Court Judge Phillip Whiteaker affirmed the decision of the Polk County jury and the road was paved for prosecutors to pursue what many claim is becoming an all too common occurrence. Riner has since filed charges against Jessica Fox, a Polk County woman who is accused of introducing drugs into the system of her unborn child, as well.

An Impact Assessment report prepared on March 23, 2015 by the staff of the Arkansas Sentencing Commission with data supplied by the Arkansas Department of Correction and the Administrative Office of the Courts shows just how common the occurrence has become.

The report states: The Department of Human Services publishes a report containing information on (1) infants born with an illegal substance present in its body as a result of the pregnant mother knowingly using an illegal substance before the birth of the newborn or (2) the presence of an illegal substance in the mother’s bodily fluids or bodily substances at the time of the baby’s birth. For Fiscal Year 2014 (July 1, 2013-June 30, 2014), there were 867 women with referrals in this report, some testing positive for multiple drugs. Of these women: 1. There were 542 instances in which the mother was found to have used a drug classified as a Schedule IV, V, or VI during pregnancy, which could have resulted in a Class C felony charge under this proposed bill. 2. There were 182 instances in which the mother was found to have used a drug classified as a Schedule I, II, or III non-narcotic during pregnancy, which could have resulted in a Class B felony charge under this proposed bill. 3. There were 183 instances in which the mother was found to have used a drug classified as a Schedule I or II narcotic or methamphetamine during pregnancy, which could have resulted in a Class Y felony charge under this proposed bill.

Riner said he sent the McCann-Arms decision to Bell and said, “He went to work right away.” Riner is grateful to see the proposed legislation go beyond controlled substances. “This bill addresses more than controlled substances, but also would apply injuries to unborn children caused by DWI, battery on a pregnant woman, etc.”

According to americanpregnancy.org, symptoms of methamphetamine-addicted babies include tremors, sleeplessness, muscle spasms, and feeding difficulties. Some experts believe that learning difficulties may result as the child gets older. Riner said in the Polk County Republican meeting on Monday, March 9, “This baby is born and he’s shaking from withdrawals but the nurses said that the worst thing is how addicted babies scream.” Riner said nurses have described heartbreaking sounds of horror when talking about the screams that come from drug-addicted babies.

Even though the legislation was unclear, appellate Judge Whiteaker did concur with Riner that in the case of McCann-Arms, it did include unborn children and affirmed the conviction based on the fact that her fluids continued to flow through the umbilical cord to the infant for a period after the child was born.

McCann-Arms is currently appealing her case to the Arkansas Supreme Court and Fox is currently awaiting trial in Polk County.

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• Individual, Farms, Corporate and Partnership income tax preparation • Estate, Trust, Exempt Organization, Gift and Benefit Plan returns • Tax Planning and Consulting • Estate Planning • QuickBooks Support

Kropp Takes Top Benson Honors

Judy Kropp was presented OLT’s highest honor last Saturday at the bi-annual Benson Award Ceremony.

She received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of work with the theatre. She directed music for over 20 shows, served as president for a number of years, and directed shows like the one she is directing now, “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” Over 40 additional awards were presented. For a complete listing of all the Benson Awards, check out the FEATURES tab at MyPulseNews.com.

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Page 9

April 1, 2015

Weekly Publication

Polk County Relay for Life Well Represented

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THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

Washington, ultimately raising $27,000 to help the American Cancer Society fight the nation’s biggest health concern cancer. A year later, 340 supporters joined the overnight event. Since those first steps, the Relay For Life movement has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, raising nearly $5 billion to fight cancer.

According to their website, www. http://relay. acsevents.org/, at Relay For Life events, “communities across the globe come together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has already taken too much.” The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer.

As part of the Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back mantra, during a Relay event, participants and survivors celebrate what they’ve overcome; remember people lost to the disease and honor people who have fought or are fighting cancer; and the event inspires Relay participants to take action against a disease that has taken too much.

In May of each year teams worldwide come together for a main event to raise funds together to add to what has been raised by individual teams throughout the year. Teams from Polk County will hold their event in Janssen Park on May 29, beginning at 6 p.m. Debbie Welch and Brandi Sachs are co-chairs of Polk County

Now Open

Relay for Life. For information about the event, contact Welch at dwelch@healthy-connections. org or Sachs at brandisachs@yahoo.com.

With the annual Relay for Life approaching, here is some information on the teams that represent Polk County along with some information on events that lead up to the main event and how you can help Polk County Relay for Life fight cancer.

Glow Worms team leader, Amber Brewer says that people should, “go with your skin’s natural glow!” to help combat Melanoma Skin Cancer. Team Glow Worms has 5 members, ‘and counting’ says Brewer and their cause is the Melanoma Awareness & Prevention Program (M.A.P.P.). Brewer founded M.A.P.P. after being diagnosed with Melanoma. The 2nd annual M.A.P.P. Pageant will be held April 4, at 2 p.m., at The Crossing Center in Mena.

Amber is open to giving her MAPP presentation to any classroom, organization, etc. where the audience finds out their skin type, ABCDE’s to Melanoma, 5 S’s to skin cancer prevention, and other facts. Contact her to schedule or join at 2014mapp@gmail.com or 479-243-5083.

HCI Sandra’s Hope is a team named in memory of Sandra Sessler that is based from Healthy Connections, Inc. The team captain is Debbie Welch and co-captain is Dolores Soliz.

Welch is also also the 2015 Polk County Relay for Life Co-Chair, a position she has held for 4 years, and also the Survivor Chair.

Welch said, “We have many on our team with cancer. We relay to find cures for ALL cancers.

Some of our fundraisers have been afghan raffles, gift basket raffles, wreath raffle, quilt raffle, and t-shirt sales. We also do breakfasts and lunches for our employees for donations.

Our biggest fundraiser is our breakfast burritos.

This year our breakfast burrito day will be April 10. We deliver to local businesses. Individuals can pick up their orders at the clinic’s back door.

We will start advertising this event in a couple of weeks.”

For more information about HCI Sandra’s Hope, contact Welch at 479-234-5058 or 479437-3449, ext 125.

Ink Volunteer Fire & Family has twenty members. Team leader James Hale can be reached at 243-7388 or firefighter.12@live.com. Ink Volunteer Fire & Family fights to bring awareness to all types of cancer. On April 18, at 7 p.m., they will hold a work auction.

“We are a team of firefighters and family working together to fight cancer with the same passion we fight fires with,” said Hale.

Mena Regional Health System has 25 members. CoCaptain Carol Lane said, “ I have several family members that have lost the battle with cancer and I have a 15 almost, 16, year old son who was diagnosed with acute leukemia at age 3. He is doing great in the 9th grade and loves to play sports It is very rare to find someone that cancer has not touched their life in someway.” Lane can be reached at 479-216-6272 or carol@menaregional.com or you can also contact co-captain Jacqueline Gallego at 479-234-0444.

“The Nidec Relay For Life Team has 9 members who have signed up so far but more who are working on the team but haven’t signed up yet,” said Regina Lawry, team captain. The team is based at the Nidec plant. “Many of our Nidec family have loved ones who are fighting cancer or have been lost to the disease,” explained Lawry. The Nidec team has raised $18,000.00 for Relay For Life this year. They held a fundraiser on March 20 raising over $4,700.00 selling BBQ. Jim Stroop and his team started cooking at midnight and cooked 900 pounds of meat. Lunches were sold at the Nidec plant and were delivered all over town. You can contact Lawry at abuelaloca@sbcglobal.net or 479-2341608.

The Purple Onions are based at the Union Bank of Mena, being led by Shelly Harvey. “We relay for all cancer,” said Harvey. They have several upcoming events. On April 3, there will be a

NEWS

BY MELANIE BUCK Each year, more than 4 million people in over 20 countries raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer through the American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement, and Polk County is a big part of the process. Polk County boasts 16 teams that have raised $38,655.89 to help fund the fight against cancer.

In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma,

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Page 10

April 1, 2015

Weekly Publication

Relay

(CONCLUSION)

NEWS

Biscuits & Gravy fundraiser at the Hatfield branch; a BBQ lunch at the Mena branch on April 30; and a possible yard sale on May 2. “We are selling UB Clowning for A Cure bracelets and Hope T-shirts and we have two raffles going on at all branches. One is for a Go Pro camera and the other is assorted fishing equipment,” Harvey said.

She can be reached by calling 479-394-2211.

Bear State Bank of Mena and Cove are the homes of Quarters for a Cure, which has 7 team members. Heather Lackey is one team leader and can be contacted by calling 479-394-3838 or email at hlackey@bearstatebank.com, or contact their second team leader, Tabatha Vieira at tvieira@bearstatebank.com.

Lackey said, “Everyone on our team has been affected by cancer, we represent everyone who is fighting or has fought the battle!”

Team leader Charlotte Wiles of Rich Mountain Community College says they have, “fifteen members and growing.” They are located at RMCC and are planning a bake sale for Thursday, April 2. Also on their calendar, are fundraising activities during RMCC fun day on April 15, and a golf scramble with dates that will be announced soon. Wiles said, “RMCC supports the efforts of the American Cancer Society through the Polk County Relay for Life event. Many members of the RMCC family have been a victim of the terrible disease and WE WANT A CURE! Relay gives our team an opportunity to donate to the research efforts of ACS, support the survivors and fighters of cancer, and honor those who were taken by cancer.”

Anna Drake, team leader of Team Felicia, said, “We have no official number on our team as we are made of family and friends of our beloved Felicia Huff, whom we dedicate our participation in this year’s event. We lost Felicia to cervical cancer November 7, 2014. I, myself,

also dedicate my participation to our Aunt Mary Willis, who has battled breast cancer and continues to fight, and my great Uncle Ricky Flournoy who has battled colorectal cancer. Team Felicia currently has a shirt fundraiser on booster. com under the name Relay for Life Team Felicia fundraiser. The deadline for orders is April 15.

They are planning to have a candle/bath basket to raffle, however the date is undetermined.

Drake said, “Felicia participated in past Relays, as a fighter and survivor, and we tribute this year to her and her long fought battle.”

Mena Gaming 4 a Cure is led by Nick Worth and Tyler Lane and has about twenty members.

They hold video game tournaments and other events to raise money for Relay for Life. Their most recent event was a Guitar Hero Warriors of Rock Tournament. Worth said, “We care about the community and we do all we can to help.”

They are in the planning process of a talent show set for May 25 at Ouachita Little Theatre and a softball tournament to be held May 2-3 at Aubrey Tapley Park in Mena. You can view all upcoming events at MenaGaming.2ya.com.

Worth can be contacted by email at menagaming@live.com or 479-216-8961 or reach Lane at awsomeman123479@gmail.com or 479-2167119.

Keeley Jones heads up Bearcats for a Cure, based at Mena High School, as team captain, and is sponsored by Julie Gordon. The team has around 30 members from MHS and they work to combat all cancer. On Saturday, March 21, Bearcats for a Cure held the first ever Bearcats Purple Relay 5k, which raised almost $4,000.

Jones said, “Relay for Life has been a great way to get more teens at Mena High School involved in helping create a world with more birthdays.” Contact Jones at keeleyhensley@ gmail.com 479-234-7680.

The Tyson Relay for Life Team is made up of around 18 members, but everyone at their facility participates in one way or another.

“The Grannis Tyson Relay Team prefers to support all causes and all individuals that are going through this battle in life and we hope what we do helps to find a cure or helps individuals reduce or eliminate the fight they are battling,” said team leader Vanessa Dering. Grannis Tyson Relay Team holds several fundraising events throughout the year including, selling nachos, candy bars, bake sales,

Ouachita River School District has the following positions open on the Acorn Campus: • High School Principal • Elementary Teacher • Middle School Social Studies Please send a resume or email to: Jerrall A. Strasner Superintendent of Schools Ouachita River School District 143 Polk 96 Mena, AR 71953 479-394-2348 jstrasner@orsd.k12.ar.us

decorated baskets, and Indian Tacos. “We appreciate everyone that supports and participates in this wonderful event. God bless each and every one of you,” said Dering. Vanessa Dering can be reached at 870-385-3204 (work), 580703-3998 (cell) or e-mail at, Vanessa.Denton@ tyson.com.

Cruizzers’ Cruizzin for a Cure is led by team leader Brandi Sachs who says their team is made up of family, employees, and friends.

Sachs also serves as Event Leader on the Polk County Relay Committee. “I put this team together after I lost my Aunt Peggy to a three month fight of pancreatic cancer in July 2011.

Each person on my team has been affected by cancer, either by family or friend,” said Sachs.

She said they started their fundraising year out with a Biscuits & Gravy fundraiser in February and are planning a big corn dog sale in April, a bake sale, and basketball game against Ink Fire Department. “We are looking forward to raising money for a cure for all cancer, so that there can be more birthdays,” Sachs said. For more information on Cruizzers’ Cruisin for a Cure, contact Sachs at brandisachs@yahoo.com.

Hope Floats is a 30-member team based out of Mena Walmart. Team leader Jana Hettler said, “We have many associates who have, or had, cancer and we want to represent all of them.” She said the team is working on several new projects and to watch for details in the store. “We are very excited to see what comes from this year. We have more members this year

than we have had in a long time.” Hettler can be reached at 479-216-4919 or by email at teamhopefloatswm@gmail.com.

Terri Harrison leads the Courthouse Heroes in the fight for a cure. The team consists of around 15 courthouse employees, employees of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and employees of local attorney offices. Harrison said, “Many of our team members have had family and friends affected by cancer so we are just trying to raise awareness of all types of cancer and raise funds to help find a cure.” The Courthouse Heroes recently held their annual Miss Sweetcheeks Pageant fundraiser and will be having a co-ed softball tournament on April 18th and are currently looking for teams to enter. They are also selling chances on a Scentsy Warmer and a Gas Grill.

You can contact Terri Harrison at 479-234-1562 or terrij1970@yahoo.com or any team member for more information on any of these fundraisers.

Acorn is Nuts for a Cure is a group led by Jared Standridge, a senior at Acorn High School.

The team consists of 15 members from Acorn High School, mainly students with a few staff.

Their team fights to bring awareness to all types of cancer. “All of us are touched by cancer in some way so we are making a fight to help cure all,” said Standridge.

To find out more about Polk County Relay for Life, visit www.relayforlife.org/polkar or contact any of the above Chairs, Captains, or team members.

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Page 11

April 1, 2015

Weekly Publication

Irma Eisinger Gunn was born on March 14, 1919 in Hohenau, Austria, a small town near Vienna. She was the youngest of 7 children. After completing school and working in Austria for a few years, she moved to Manchester, England, where she rode her bicycle to work and then delivered milk in an electric van.

While there, she met her future husband, George Gunn, of Mt. Pleasant, Tex., who was serving in the Air Force during World War II. They were soon married in the Church of England in Manchester on February 3, 1945, and Irma moved to the United States with George and their son, Peter, after the end of the war. They lived in Arkansas for a few years before moving to Walden, Colorado, where they raised their family of five children: Peter, Mary, Jo, Sharon, and Annette. George and Irma were married for 64 years.

Though small in stature, Irma had a big personality and a warm smile, and she made friends wherever she went.

She loved food and cooking, and always welcomed guests to share in their meal, which included plenty of down-home food, homemade bread, and always, one of her homemade desserts. Her favorite German foods were often on the menu.

Christmas was not complete without Irma’s famous vanilla kipferl cookies, and she gave a batch to all of her children for many years. She will be dearly missed by her children and extended family, and her many friends in Walden, Co., Fort Collins, Co., Hughes Springs, Tex. and Cove, Ark. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Gunn, in 2009; son Peter Gunn in 1980; her parents, Moritz and Josephine Sax Eisinger; and all of her siblings, Jacob, Frieda, Annie, Ida, Ignaz, and Oscar.

Mary Jo Page (johnson) Mary Jo Page (Johnson), age 83, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Sunday, March 29, 2015 in Mena, Arkansas.

She was born August 12, 1931 in Zafra, Oklahoma to the late Theodore Chatham and Gracie Sitton Chatham.

She was married to the late Dillard Johnson for many years. She was a member of the Sulphur Springs Baptist Church

and was a loving homemaker. Mary Jo loved to cook for family and friends, making quilts, sewing, and loved fishing. She was a loving and kind mother, stepmother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, and friend to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by sons, Johnny D. Johnson of Mounds, Oklahoma, William D. Johnson of Inola, Oklahoma, Monroe D. Johnson of Smithville, Oklahoma, Charles E. Johnson of Spiro, Oklahoma, Bobby D. Johnson of Ore City, Texas; siblings, Glen Parnell, Betty Gentry, Marland Chatham; four step-daughters, nine grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; lifelong friends, Charles and Margie Moudy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dillard Johnson; brothers, Joe Myers, Earle Chatham, and Dale Chatham Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 1, 2015, 2:00 p.m., at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church in Watson, Oklahoma with Brother Landon Murray officiating. Interment will follow in the Watson Cemetery in Watson under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Family and friends visitation was Tuesday, March 31, 2015 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Powell w.

Sanders Powell W. Sanders, age 85, of Cove, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at his home.

He was born March 20, 1930 in Vandervoort, Arkansas to the late Sherman Sanders and Opel Watkins Sanders. He was happily married to Helene

G. Stephan Sanders for 58 years. Mr. Sanders proudly served his country in the United States Army until he retired. He was a loving and kind husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend to all who knew him. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by wife, Helene Sanders of Cove, Arkansas; daughter, Rosemary Dixon and husband Tim of Cove, Arkansas; son, Spencer Sanders of Maryville, Washington; grandchildren, Jason Morgan of California, Crystal Spurling and husband Chris of Mena, Arkansas, Robert Morgan of Red Level, Alabama, Ashley Dixon of Cove, Arkansas; greatgrandchildren, Logan Fairless, Haley Fairless, Bryce Fairless, Cooper Spurling, and C.J. Spurling; brothers, Jerry Sanders, James Sanders and Dale Sanders of Wickes, Arkansas, Don Sanders of Manila, Philippines, Boyd Sanders of Dallas, Texas, sisters, Virginia Dansby of Dallas, Texas, Mary Ball of Sherman, Texas, Noice Garner of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Gloria Higgenbotton of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Linda Gillaspy of Wickes, Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dempsey Sanders, Jack Sanders, two infant brothers; and an infant sister.

Funeral service was Monday, March 30, 2015, 12:00 p.m. (noon) at Beasley Wood Chapel in Mena. Interment followed in the Center Cemetery in Vandervoort, Arkansas under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Family and friends visitation was Sunday, March 29, 2015 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Pallbearers were Jerry Sanders, James Sanders, Dale Sanders, Ronnie Gillaspy, Tim Dixon, and Chris Spurling.

Obituaries are available online @ Mypulsenews.com

OBITUARIES

Irma Eisinger gunn

She is survived by four daughters and two sons-in-law, Mary Gunn, Jo and Jack Reed, Sharon Shook, and Annette and Dean DeGroot; grandchildren and spouses, Jerry Gunn, Shannon and Jamie O’Leary, Alan and Donna Sage, Tanya Hixon, Eric and Sarah Donley, Justin and Jeannie Shook, Felicia and Brian Ball, Cody DeGroot, Cory DeGroot; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Irma’s family is very grateful to Sharon Shook, who moved to Cove to live with and take care of her parents in their later years. Special thanks to Rosella Manasco Brown, who has been a dear friend over many years and visited, called, shared afternoon coffee, and filled-in to take care of Irma when help was needed.

Dates and times are tentative. Visitation was from 5 -7 p.m. on Monday, March 30, 2015, at Beasley-Wood Funeral Home in Mena. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church in Cove. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at Farmer’s Academy Cemetery in Mount Pleasant, Texas, under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church in Cove or to Ouachita Regional Hospice.

Page 12

AT THE CAPITOL

April 1, 2015

Weekly Publication

Senate Approves Placement of the Ten Commandments on Capitol Grounds

Legislative Session Enters Final Week

BY STATE SENATOR LARRY TEAGUE LITTLE ROCK – The Senate approved legislation to place a monument of the Ten Commandments on the grounds of the state Capitol.

It would be paid for entirely with private donations, but the Secretary of State would be responsible for its placement and design. The Secretary of State’s office is in charge of maintenance of the Capitol building and its grounds.

If a lawsuit is filed that challenges the constitutionality or legality of the bill, the state Attorney General could prepare a defense or contract with a Texas company to defend the monument. The law firm, Liberty Legal Institute, has experience in lawsuits that determine the boundaries between church and state. It is specifically named in the bill as the company that can be hired to defend the monument.

The bill, SB 939, was sent to the House and referred to its Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs. The 2015 regular session is in its final days, so there is a sense of urgency among sponsors to expedite passage of the measure before the legislature adjourns. It has 16 Senate sponsors and 26 House sponsors. It passed the Senate by a vote of 27-to-3.

In other news, the Senate passed SB 1013 to create a Voter Integrity Unit within the Secretary of State’s office to investigate reports of voter fraud and irregularities in elections. It would have members of both major political parties and would be independent of local government entities, so that its findings would be impartial.

In addition to investigating election misconduct, the unit would order a recount.

The House Committee on State Agencies advanced HB 1233 to require that campaign finance reports be submitted electronically in a digital format. It would be easier to conduct searches if all campaign finance reports were available online.

The House approved SB 472 to address the problem of prison overcrowding. It opens new prison space, sets up more drug courts and strengthens the parole and probation system. It will go to the governor for his signature.

The entire House approved HB 1402 to reduce the state income tax on capital gains, by a vote of 68to-17. Currently, 40 percent of capital gains are exempt and the bill would increase the exemption to 45 percent, effective February 1. On July 1, 2016, the exemption would go up to 50 percent. Also, income from capital gains in excess of $10 million would be exempt from state income taxes.

It would save taxpayers $6 million in Fiscal Year 2016 and $11.8 million in Fiscal Year 2017. In the closing days of the session, legislative leaders were working on how to reconcile the tax reduction with the need to fund vital state services.

Also during the closing days, there was a push to approve tax reductions on veterans’ benefits in SB 782. It would phase in tax reductions, saving veterans $4.8 million next year and $13 million in 2018, when fully in effect.

Legislators are finalizing a state general revenue budget of about $5.2 billion for next fiscal year. General revenue comes mostly from sales taxes and individual and corporate income taxes.

When lawmakers determine the extent of all tax reductions and the scope of all state agency spending bills, they will consider the Revenue Stabilization Act. It is the state’s balanced budget law.

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BY STAte REPRESENTATIVE NATE BELL As the economy and technology rapidly evolve, many workers find the need to learn new skills. And conversely, industries and businesses that are looking to call Arkansas home want assurances that well trained and highly skilled employees are available.

This and numerous other reasons are why you have seen a bi-partisan effort in this General Assembly to address workforce training.

There are 3 key pieces of legislation this session that we expect to have an enormous impact on the future of our state’s economy.

One of the bills passed last week by the House establishes local workforce development boards across the state. SB791 ensures these boards will analyze the economic conditions of the region, gather needed knowledge and skills of the region, and know the current workforce and development activities. Regular updates from these boards to the Governor’s office will help in developing a statewide labor market information system.

Needs from industry in one part of the state may be entirely different from another. Since a one size fits all approach may not be beneficial for Arkansans, these local boards will help to ensure people from each region will have access to the training needed. This bill has been signed into law by the Governor.

The House has also passed Senate Bill 368 this creates a skills development fund from private grants. This money can be used by the Department of Career Education to fund job skill training needs. This bill also passed the House this week and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature.

And the last part of the workforce training package is a bill that will be before the House next week. SB891 establishes guidelines for the Department of Higher Education for the distribution of workforce initiative funding.

The idea of the entire legislative package is to have our 2 year colleges, technical schools, high schools and our state agencies work together to deliver job training for jobs that are available in the local area.

Another economic development piece of legislation making it through the House this week establishes a business portal with the Secretary of State’s office. HB1844 would create a one stop online service where prospective business owners would enter information and then start the permitting process with all state agencies involved at the one online location.

Last week, members voted to reinstate a capital gains tax cut passed by the General Assembly in 2013. It would raise the percentage of a capital gain that is exempt from the income tax to 50 percent. The capital gain cut was repealed earlier in the session when we passed the income tax reduction.

We expect to complete our work for this session by this Thursday. One of our final orders of business will be amending the Revenue Stabilization Act which balances the budget and sets spending priorities.

Remember you can watch all House committees held in the Capitol and all House floor proceedings live at www.arkansashouse.org.

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Page 13

April 1, 2015

Weekly Publication

OPINION

Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

Since many members of my family live in Polk County, the construction, operation, and proposed sales tax funding of a new jail would be in the orbit of our concern and responsibility. So that folks in the general population of Polk County might have a better idea of the basic math on the situation, could The Pulse or one of the concerned public officials please give pertinent current and historical statistics on the following items several weeks prior to a general public meeting and vote? Where applicable, six year historical perspective would be helpful.

1.

Average daily jail population for 2014 and prior 5 years 2.

Average length of stay of an inmate in our jail – same period 3.

Ratio of women to men in the daily inmate population 4.

Ratio of felonys and misdemeanors for which inmates are accused. Same period.

5.

Average age of inmates categorized by sex and felony/ misdemeanor status.

6.

Simple breakdown of crimes for which inmates are accused or held.

7.

Ratio of county residents vs. non-county residents in inmate population – same period 8.

Average cost per day per inmate – all jail functions 9.

What proportion of inmates are experiencing their first jail incarceration? 6 years 10. What present of inmates held in the county jail are under some requirement of payment of restitution to a particular victim, as opposed to state of Arkansas or other entity.

11. Percent of inmates generally held on a day-to-day basis, that could be released if a monetary fine were paid?

12. Average number of full-time paid employees needed in each of the past six years to maintain the general jail function, with its associated care, maintenance, and transport requirements.

13. General breakdown of special situation inmates awaiting alternate disposition, such as: a.

Inmate awaiting transport to state prison Mentally incapacitated individuals awaiting transport b. to an appropriate health facility c.

Youthful inmates under 16 years of age d.

Federal prisoners awaiting transport e.

Other

I appreciate the opportunity to respond to the concerns of our community. Although our jail records are computerized, we do not have the ability to simply generate a multitude of individual reports. Most of the information has been generated by crunching numbers from printouts. Most of the questions asked can be answered with a specific number. Some of the questions will be answered on a percentage basis.

I will start off by saying that the numbers we are using are based on January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 jail population. I will apologize for not getting numbers for the last 6 years. To do that would require me to hire an outside company to generate those numbers. I am giving you the numbers for 2014, because they are the most up to date numbers that we have.

In 2014 there were 875 people booked into the Polk County Jail. Of the 875 people booked into the jail, 402 were new book-ins, or people who had never been in our jail. 473 book-ins were repeat people, or people who have been in the Polk County Jail before. The average days in jail, for a Polk County inmate, in 2014 was 16 days.

If you multiply the number of inmates by the number days they served in jail, you get a total of 14,267 inmate days in the Polk County Jail. That is important because that is how many meals we serve x 3 times a day, each year. All of these meals are cooked on (1) four burner stove with an oven.

Of the 875 people booked into the jail, the ratio was 80% males and 20% females. Males served 10,995 actual inmate days and females served 3,312 actual inmate days in 2014.

Less than 2% of the inmates we held in 2014 could have been released if they had simply paid a fine. That is why many people do not pay their fines. They know that we do not have the room to hold non-violent misdemeanors.

The number of full time jail staff has been the same for the last 10 years, 11 Dispatcher/Jailers and 1 Jail Administrator.

The average cost per day, per inmate is $48.00 per day. The state reimburses Polk County $28.00 per day for state inmates being held in our jail. Our daily rate is high because our 35 year old jail is not energy efficient, cost of repairs are high because replacement parts are expensive or not available, and food costs are high because we are limited on what we can cook and serve in a small kitchen facility.

For the next section, (Special Situation Inmates), I am going to give you our current numbers for 2015. Be aware that these numbers change daily.

16 Inmates awaiting transport to state prison Mentally ill patients awaiting transport to a mental health facility 1 Youthful offender, charged as an adult 1 Federal Prisoner Awaiting Transport 0 Probation and Parole hold 3 Sex offenders that must be segregated 3 Medically segregated inmates 1 Non U.S. citizen 0 Inmates serving weekends 2 In closing, I would like to again say thank you for allowing me to respond. I would also like to tell the people of the county, don’t just look at the numbers. Come and tour our current jail and see what we are dealing with. If you have questions or comments about the current jail or the jail that we are trying to build, please contact me or my Jail Administrator. You can also attend one of the town hall meetings we will be scheduling very soon.

Thank you for your help Harold Christopher Big Fork, AR

Polk County Sheriff Mike Godfrey Mena AR

Letters to the Editor Policy - The Polk County Pulse reserves all rights to reject submissions. Anonymous letters are not permitted. All letters to the editor must be signed, include author’s town of residence, and be free of the threat of libel. Letters must be 300 words or less. We prefer they stay in the bounds of sensibility and good taste. We reserve the right to authenticate letters before publishing.

Page 14

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

LAWN CARE

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April 1, 2015

LITTLE ROCK — If you’re looking to take your green thumb to the next level, the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service Master Gardener program is now accepting applications to become a trained volunteer. Participants will be given the training to sharpen their horticultural skills, and the mission to share their knowledge with others.

Applicants who are selected into the program will receive 40 hours of horticultural instruction and a notebook. The instruction will take place over the course of five Saturdays, from June 13 to July 18, skipping July 4. The training will take place at the Grace United Methodist Church, located at 1075 Hogan Lane in Conway. Each session is scheduled to last from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The training will cover basic botany, principles of horticulture, soils and fertilizers, vegetables, home fruit production, ornamental plants, lawns, pest control and pesticide use.

Upon completion of the program, participants must volunteer 40 hours of their time in their local county Master Gardener program over the course of one year, and pursue an additional 20 hours of learning in their respective county Master Gardener program. Participants must comply with their respective county Master Gardener program guidelines.

Enrollment is limited. The application can be downloaded at http://www.uaex.edu/ yard-garden/master-gardeners/2015%20MG%20Saturday%20training%20applicaton. doc The application deadline is May 11. Completed applications should be mailed, emailed or faxed to: Janet Carson • U of A Cooperative Extension Service 2301 S. University Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72204 Jcarson@uaex.edu • Fax: 501-671-2303 There is an $85 fee for the training, which covers participants’ book, snacks and training supplies. Applicants SHOULD NOT mail payment with the application — the fee is due only upon acceptance to the program. Additional county fees may apply.

For more information, contact Janet Carson at 501-671-2174, or at jcarson@uaex. edu.

The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

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April 1, 2015

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

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Page 15

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THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

April 1, 2015

April 1, 2015

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

Page 17

Page 18

CITIZEN

April 1, 2015

Weekly Publication

BY JACLYN ROSE

Lisa Masters - A Testament to ‘Open Doors’

A native of Louisiana, Lisa Masters moved to Texas in 1989, when she married her husband Tim. “Tim and I try to be sensitive to one another’s feelings and we put each other first. We also have the same values which has helped us in our marriage,” explained Masters. The couple have four children: Anna, Neal, Hillary, and Alex, and three grandchildren: Truett, Clara, Grace, and Cohen. “Our grandchildren are perfect,” said Masters with a laugh. “No really, they are our biggest blessing. I enjoy being a grandmother so much.”

Masters spent 13 years working as an Executive Administrative Assistant with Verizon before moving to Mena in 2011. “Tim was born and raised in Mena and we moved back after my mother-in-law passed away so that we could take care of my father-in-law who had alzeheimer’s.

While it was a little bit of culture shock, I had been raised in a small town, and of course, we had visited Mena throughout the course of our marriage since Tim’s parents were here. It was definitely worth the trade-off to be where we were needed,” explained Masters.

Around the same time that the Masters were looking to move to Arkansas, the Oak’s Assisted Living was opening its doors and was in need of an Administrator. Master’s brother-in-law was with a management company overseeing the new home and offered her the position. “We had prayed a lot about the move and my brother-in-law knew I would be needing a job here and it all just fell together. God had his hand in it or it wouldn’t have worked out the way it did,” said Masters.

Since 2011, Masters has served in the position of Administrator and her husband serves as the Director of Maintenance. “Working for the Oaks is very rewarding, in fact it is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. It is challenging sometimes but I have learned so much. The Oaks services more than just Polk County. We have people who call and want to move their parents back to Mena, or who had moved away but want to come back home. We have thirty apartments, each with a kitchenette and a private bath and we offer assistance with all the activities of daily living. This includes meals, medication, dressing, grooming, mobility, and transportation,” Masters explained.

Masters also serves on the Board for the Polk County Chamber of Commerce and is an active member of Christ Community Fellowship. “I love the feel of community in Polk County and how close the community is, and we love our church and the people in it,” Masters said. She is also passionate about Remembering Hearts Forever, an organization for families that have lost children. Masters and her husband lost their youngest son, Alex, in 2011 and have found support from this incredible group. “Losing a child changes you completely. It is the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. Remembering Hearts Forever is a wonderful organization that hosts several events throughout the year, especially on holidays or special dates, Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day. I don’t always attend every event, depending on how I feel at the time, but I’m passionate about it because it is always there when you do need it and that is very important,” explained Masters.

Hunter Computerized 4-Wheel Alignment & Wheel Balancing Tires • Brakes • Custom Exhaust • Shocks & Struts Hours: Mon.-Fri. • 8am-5:30pm 1500 Hwy 71 South, Mena

•394-1938• Owner: Stacy & Julie Nash

Page 19

April 1, 2015

Weekly Publication

Quality Construction Paul Headings • 479-234-7553

3855 Hwy 88 E, Mena, Arkansas 71953

Roofing General Construction Power Washing Painting Siding Handyman Services

by jaclyn rose Matt Thomas graduated from Poteau High School in Poteau, Oklahoma in 1998, he then went on to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Oklahoma State Your Satisfaction is Our Goal University. “After college I took a job selling life and health insurance on the road. I was licensed in 26 states and went from the east coast to the west coast,” said Thomas.

After settling back home, Thomas managed an insurance office in Fort Smith before leaving the industry to help run a small business selling automotive service equipment in Shady Point, Oklahoma for seven years.

In May of 2014, he circled back around to insurance and began his career with State Farm. After an intensive six months of training he opened his new office on Highway 71 North, in Mena, on January 1, 2015.

Thomas met his wife, Katie, in college and they married 10 years ago. Together they have three children: Addison, Bryant, and Lexi. Katie teaches 1st grade at Louise Durham Elementary School.

“Katie is my rock. Starting a new business is exciting and challenging and I couldn’t do it without Manufacturer her support,” Thomas said. of Quality CNC Parts Matt Thomas State Farm offers auto, home and life insurance with substantial multi-line discounts 479.394.4248 if you bundle them. They are also a bank and offer financial services such as auto loans, check104 Port Arthur Avenue ing and savings accounts, money markets, securities, retirement savings, both Roth and IRA and Mena, AR 71953-3344 a popular college savings plan. These services are not exclusive to one another and a customer could capitalize on any of the services Matt Thomas State Farm provides. “I feel like insurance is a noble profession, to be able to help someone in their time of need and to be there for someone when they need you. There is not a better feeling than to know you were able to help them. To be able to give relief to someone with a retirement plan or a college savings account or to help someone realize their dreams and to know they are heading down the right path is a great thing,” Thomas said.

703 F Hwy. 71 North “The mission of State Farm is to ‘help manage risk of everyday life, recover from the unexpected Mena, AR 71953 and to realize dreams.’ The mission for my agency is ‘to build one of the most respected insurance (479) 394-7766 companies in Polk County, offering the best insurance and financial products while offering remarkable customer service with a personal touch and to go out of the way to make customers feel appreciated, understood and cared for,” Thomas explained.

“If I’m not in my office, you can probably find me at a baseball field or a gym or a dance studio with my children. God and family are both very important to me. Thomas also supports local children, assisting behind the scenes in many ways, and by sponsoring local baseball and basketball teams.

Repairs done Additionally, Matt Thomas State Farm will be offering complimentary Easter Photos for local children on Thursday, April 2 from 4-6 pm in their office. in your home.

“I love the beauty of Polk County, getting out with my kids and exploring. We’ve gone to McGuire’s Bruce Erickson, Owner Access a couple of times and hiking on Queen Wilhelmina and Little Missouri Falls. We love it here and I’m excited to be here full time to really do more and enjoy the outdoors more this summer. I love to golf and fish and hunt and we are happy to be in Polk County,” Thomas said.

BUSINESS

• • • • • •

Matt Thomas State Farm - Traveling Full Circle

811 4th Street, Mena

479-385-2136 or 479-385-1085 Mon.-Fri. 8:30 am - 5 pm • Sat. 8:30 am - 1 pm

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

Bruce’s

Appliance Service

479-234-3570

ALIGNMENTS • BRAKES • OIL CHANGE

ONE STOP

479-394-4100

Everything Automotive Repair Shop!!

918 Hwy. 71 South • Mena, AR

• TIRES • SO MUCH MORE!

Full e c Servianic h c e M op Sh

479-394-4535 Open 7 Days a Week

Like us on Facebook!

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ALL OVER TOWN,

from shop to shop for your auto repair needs?

Full e c Servie Tir Shop

Page 20

April 1, 2015

CALENDAR

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

4606.

Friday 4/03 * 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Fiber Group Meeting at the Mena Art Gallery. Come and bring your project. * 7:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous Meeting - 812 Hwy 71South, Mena. * 8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting – ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159 Hwy 71 S., Mena. For information call 394-7396 or 216-4606.

Saturday 4/04 * 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. –Wickes Masonic Lodge monthly breakfast at the Lodge. All proceeds go to the scholarship fund. * 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. –Double Elimination Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate Tournament, K.O.P.S. Thrift Store, 901 Mena Street. 75% of proceeds go to Relay For Life. $5 per person, 13 & under $2.50.

For more information, call Nick at 479216-8961. * 2:30 p.m. – Olde Lyric Players, meets at the OLT, 610 Mena St. Participants 50 years of age or older are welcome. For further information, contact Janelle Baldwin, 479-243-6486. * 6:00 p.m. – PCVO Bingo at American Legion Building, Hwy 71 N., Acorn. * 8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159 Hwy 71 S., Mena, For info, call 394-7396 or 216-4606.

Sunday 4/05 * 2:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous, ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159 Hwy 71 S. For information call 3947396 or 216-4606. * 6:30 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous meeting at Saint Agnes Church Parish Hall Monday 4/06 * 5:00 p.m. – Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), Hatfield City Hall. For more information call 870-389-6678. * 6:00 p.m. – PCVO Bingo, American Legion Building, Hwy 71 N., Acorn. * 6:00 p.m. – FREE Weightloss War-

riors – First National Bank across from Depot. For information call 437-3560. * 6:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, 812 Hwy 71 S., Mena. * 6:30 p.m. – Boy Scouts of America Troop 92 meets at First United Methodist Church, Everyone is welcome to attend. * 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous – 12 +12 Study at ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159 Hwy 71 S., Mena. For information call 394-7396 or 216-4606 Tuesday 4/07 * 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Polk County Family Mission will be open in the 9th Street Ministries building. * 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. –“Art Day”, Mena Art gallery, 607 Mena Street. Bring your current project and join other artists working in the classroom at the gallery. * 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – FREE Delicious Lunch at Vegetarian Soup Kitchen, Mena Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 149 Polk Rd 43 (Fairground Road), Mena,, 479-394-7404. Take –out is available. All are welcome! * 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Son Lighters in Action Card Shop, 3671 Hwy 8 West. For more information, call 216-0719. * 6:00 p.m. – Sons of Confederate Veterans, Camp 646, meets at Lime Tree Restaurant. For more information, contact Joel Hinton, 385-2183. * 6:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, 812 Hwy 71 S, Mena. * 8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous, First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. For information 479-2342887 or 479-234-3043.

Wednesday 4/08 * 11:30 a.m. – MHS Class of ’59 meets at Papa’s Mexican Café. Dutch treat.

Spouses and friends are welcome. If you have questions, call 394-6221 or 3944478. * Noon – Mena Lioness Lions Club monthly meeting at Stache’s Cookery on the patio. For more information, call 243-

* Today 6:00 p.m. – Ouachita Arts & Craft Guild meeting and demonstrations at Union Bank Community Room.

For more information, call 479-234-0451. * High School Art Show Check In April 8th, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. for students from grades 9 through 12, Mena Art Gallery or visit www.menaartgallery.org for more information and entry forms. * Mena Head Start is taking applications for preschool children 3-5 and Early Head Start Children, birth – 3.

The program is free to those who qualify. For an application, come by Mena Head Start at 606 Pine Avenue, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday.

For more information, call 479-4373733. * Every Monday 3:30 – 5:00 pm, learn American Sign Language for free, Cove Branch Library with teacher Casey Kelley.

Every Thursday 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.Learn to knit or crochet with teachers Patricia Ruskauff and Mollie Thomas, Cove Branch Library.

BEATS

Thursday 4/02 * 11:30 a.m. – Rotary Club of Polk County/ Mena meets at Papa’s Mexican Café. Contact Lisa Martin at 216-3383 or Charles Pitman at 216-4882 for more info. * 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Son Lighters In Action Card Shop, 3671 Hwy 8 West.

For more information, call 216-0719. * 5:30 p.m. - Weight Watchers - meet at Dallas Avenue Baptist Church Family Life Center. Call 479234-2297 for more information. * 6:30 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous – meeting at Saint Agnes Church Parish Hall. * 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting – ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159 Highway 71 S., Mena.

For information call 394-7396 or 216-

Weekly Publication

3752. Guests welcome. * 6:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, 812 Hwy 71 S., Mena. * 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous – Book Study, ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159 Hwy 71 S., Mena. For information call 394-7396 or 216-4606.

Check out our online calendar of events at

MyPulseNews.com

Page 21 Weekly Publication

This weekly info proudly sponsored by:

GEORGE S. DAVIS STATE FARM AGENT SINCE 1964

Insurance with a name you know STATE FARM INSURANCE 624 Sherwood Avenue, Mena, AR

479.394.4521 Res. 479.394.1895

Anti-Procrastination Night Gives Students an Edge

SCHOOL

MENA PUBLIC SCHOOL’S BREAKFAST MONDAY 4/06 Pancake sausage on a stick, diced peaches, juice, milk TUESDAY 4/07 Cereal, toast, apple slices juice, milk WEDNESDAY 4/08 Sausage patty, biscuit, sliced pears, juice, milk THURSDAY 4/09 Cereal, toast, banana, juice, milk FRIDAY 4/10 Super donut, grapes, juice, milk MENA PUBLIC SCHOOL’S LUNCH MONDAY 4/06 MAIN: Chicken patty, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, fruit, milk; CHOICE: Steak fingers mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, fruit, milk TUESDAY 4/07 MAIN: Hot ham and cheese, broccoli and carrots, Fritos, oatmeal cookie, banana, milk; CHOICE: Hoagie sandwich, broccoli and carrots, Fritos, oatmeal cookie, banana, milk WEDNESDAY 4/08 MAIN: Cheeseburger, lettuce, tomato, pork and beans, french fries, sliced pears, milk; CHOICE: Chicken sandwich, lettuce, tomato, pork and beans, french fries, sliced pears, milk THURSDAY 4/09 MAIN: Pork roast, Great Northern beans, baby carrots, hot roll applesauce, chocolate chip cookie, milk; CHOICE: Corndog, Great Northern beans, baby carrots, hot roll, applesauce, chocolate chip cookie, milk FRIDAY 4/10 MAIN: Pepperoni pizza, tossed salad, baby carrots, orange wedges, milk; CHOICE: Stromboli, tossed salad, baby carrots, orange wedges, milk ACORN SCHOOL’S BREAKFAST MONDAY 4/06 Poptart, breakfast bar, fruit, juice, milk TUESDAY 4/07 Super buns, fruit, juice, milk WEDNESDAY 4/08 Cereal, fruit, juice, milk THURSDAY 4/09 Breakfast pizza, fruit, juice, milk FRIDAY 4/10 Super donut, fruit, juice, milk ACORN SCHOOL’S LUNCH MONDAY 4/06 Spaghetti, garlic stick, marinara sauce, tossed salad, fruit cocktail, milk TUESDAY 4/07 Turkey & cheese sandwich, potato wedges, broccoli, peaches, milk WEDNESDAY 4/08 Chicken patty, toll, mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans, spiced apples, milk THURSDAY 4/09 Hamburger, baked beans, french fries, lettuce & tomato, pears, milk FRIDAY 4/10 Pepperoni pizza, tossed salad, assorted fresh fruit, milk COSSATOT RIVER SCHOOL’S BREAKFAST MONDAY 4/06 Mini bagels, applesauce, orange juice, milk TUESDAY 4/07 Sausage roll, craisins, apple juice, milk WEDNESDAY 4/08 Cereal, apple wedges, cherry juice, milk THURSDAY 4/09 Breakfast pizza, pineapple, orange juice, milk FRIDAY 4/10 Super donut, orange wedges, apple juice, milk COSSATOT RIVER SCHOOL’S LUNCH MONDAY 4/06 Mini corn dogs, baked beans, tossed salad w/ dressing, strawberries/ bananas, milk TUESDAY 4/07 Frito chili pie, broccoli w/ dressing, peaches, cinnamon roll, milk WEDNESDAY 4/08 Beef strips, mashed potatoes, brown gravy, corn, fruit cocktail, milk THURSDAY 4/09 Baked chicken, green beans, tossed salad w/ dressing, mandarin oranges, roll, milk FRIDAY 4/10 Hamburger, lettuce, tomato, pickles, french fries, pears, chocolate chip cookie, milk

April 1, 2015

The ominous “research paper” has always been one assignment many students dread. This isn’t the typical essay - there is research that needs to be done, sources that need cited, and the final daunting task of compiling it into one concise paper, not to mention you have to find a topic to write about in the first place.

Luckily, Rich Mountain Community College’s AntiProcrastination Night offers one cohesive place for students to get help with all stages of writing their research paper.

The 2nd annual Anti-Procrastination Night was held Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at the Johnson Learning Commons with RMCC staff and faculty on site, ready to helps students. Freshmen and sophomore college students attended the event and learned tips and techniques for academic research as well as receiving help with choosing a topic and writing a thesis statement. Students also received one-on-one help with navigating the college’s databases in the computer lab. This event has been beneficial to students and empowers them as they complete their biggest assignments.

For more information about Anti-Procrastination Evening contact Brenda Miner, Interim Director of Library Services, at 479-394-7622 ext.1370 or bminer@rmcc. edu<mailto:bminer@rmcc.edu>.

Bearcat Chorus Rates ‘Excellent’ The Mena High School Bearcat Chorus earned an Excellent rating in Performance and in Sight Reading at Region Choral Performance Assessment held at Henderson State University on Friday, March 13. The 55-member chorus performed ‘Coming Home’ by Jay Althouse; ‘Summer Is A-Coming In’ arranged by Patrick Liebergen; and ‘Elijah’ by Dan Davison for a panel of three judges. The assessment music will be a part of the MHS Choirs Spring Concert on May 1 in the Union Bank Performing Arts Center at Mena High School.

Page 22

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

Easter Worship Services Sunday, April 5th

& Celebrations

Community-wide Easter Sunrise Service

6:30 am

Randall Horton Field at Bearcat Stadium

Everyone welcome!

An Easter Celebration Salem Baptist Church, Nunley ( 5 miles from Wendy’s) Easter Cantata: “In Christ Alone” Directed by Jack Schoeppey 11:00 Sunday Morning • Free Breakfast at 8:30

He is alive!

We have joy!

His plan is accomplished!

We have life “In Christ Alone”

Easter Worship Services

April 1, 2015

MENA FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Ninth and Port Arthur

Invites you to

Holy Week Services * Maundy Thursday, April 2

at 6:00 p.m. Communion

* Easter Sunday, April 5

6:30 a.m. Sunrise Service at Bearcat Stadium 8:30 a.m. Hospitality Hour 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Worship Service

Sunday, April 5

“HE IS RISEN”

Grace Bible Church

Thomas Frase, Pastor Church Phone Number: 479-394-3051

Sunday School - 9:30 am Worship Services - 10:45 am Dr. Lamar Austin - Pastor

394-4092 • 1911 Hwy 71 N

April 1, 2015

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

APRIL 25 • 4PM

-

8PM

Page 23

Page 24

April 1, 2015

Weekly Publication

Agriculture

USDA Extends ARC and PLC Deadlines

Farmers Have Until April 7 to Update Yeilds, Reallocate Base Acres, and make Final Selection

WASHINGTON, March 27, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack provided farm owners and producers one additional week, until April 7, 2015, to choose between Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC), the safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill. The final day to update yield history or reallocate base acres also will be April 7, 2015.

“This is an important decision for producers because these programs help farmers and ranchers protect their operations from unexpected changes in the marketplace,” said Vilsack. “Nearly 98 percent of producers have already updated yield and base acres, and 90 percent producers have enrolled in ARC or PLC. These numbers are strong, and continue to rise. This additional week will give producers a little more time to have those final conversations, review their data, visit their local Farm Service Agency offices, and make their decisions,” said Vilsack.

If no changes are made to yield history or base acres by the deadline, the farm’s current yield and base acres will be used. If a program choice of ARC or PLC is not made, there will be no 2014 crop year payments for the farm and the farm will default to PLC coverage for the 2015 through 2018 crop years. Producers who have an appointment at their local FSA offices scheduled by April 7 will be able to make an election between ARC and PLC, even if their actual appointment is after April 7.

These safety-net programs provide important financial protection against unexpected changes in the marketplace. As part of the strong education and outreach campaign launched by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in September, to date more than 5 million educational postcards, in English and Spanish, have been sent to producers nationwide, and more than 5,000 events with more than 430,000 attendees, including training sessions and speaking engagements, have been conducted to educate producers on the programs. The online tools, available at www.fsa. usda.gov/arc-plc, which allow producers to explore how ARC or PLC coverage will affect their operation, have been presented to more than 3,400 groups.

Covered commodities under ARC and PLC include barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium grain rice (which includes short grain and sweet rice), safflower seed, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat. Upland cotton is no longer a covered commodity.

Producers need to contact the Farm Service Agency by April 7. To learn more, farmers can contact their local Farm Service Agency county office. To find local offices, visit http://offices.usda.gov.

The 2014 Farm Bill builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past six years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for the taxpayer. Since enactment, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America.

For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.

Supporting Agriculture MENA, HATFIELD & WICKES 479-394-2211 • www.unionbankofmena.com

We sell the best and work on the rest!

2642 Hwy. 71 N., Mena, AR 71953 (479) 243-9494 Open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. • Sat. 8 a.m.-Noon

Page 25

April 1, 2015

Weekly Publication

at Mena Regional Health

Danny and Tammy Deramus of Mena, Ark would like to announce the engagement of their daughter Jordan Danielle Deramus to Jordon Rowe McDaniel, son of Donna and Randy McDaniel. Jordan Deramus is a graduate of Mena High School and is currently employed at the University of Central Arkansas while attending graduate school. Jordon McDaniel is a graduate of Mena High School and is currently attending basic training for the Army National Guard at Fort Benning, GA. The wedding will be in June of this year.

Systems

Kimberlin and Levi Craft, of Mena, are the proud parents of a baby girl, born on March 25th.

FAMILY

Deramus & McDaniel to Wed

Polk County Births

#LOL

Seeing Eye Chihuahua

There’s a guy with a Doberman Pincer and a guy with a Chihuahua.

The guy with the Doberman Pincer says to the guy with a Chihuahua, “Let’s go over to that restaurant and get something to eat.”

The guy with the Chihuahua says, “We can’t go in there. We’ve got dogs with us.”

The guy with the Doberman Pincer says, “Just follow my lead.”

They walk over to the restaurant, the guy with the Doberman Pincer puts on a pair of dark glasses, and he starts to walk in.

A guy at the door says, “Sorry, mac, no pets allowed.”

The guy with the Doberman Pincer says, “You don’t understand. This is my seeing-eye dog.”

CUTEST PET PIC Akira

This is Akira.

Her owner is Kendra Capps.

Please share your favorite photo of your pet.

You may drop it off or mail it to: The Polk County Pulse | 1168 Hwy 71 S, Mena, AR 71953 or email: classifieds@polkcountypulse.com

This week’s Cutest Pet Pic made possible by your friends at:

The guy at the door says, “A Doberman Pincer?” He says, “Yes, they’re using them now, they’re very good.”

The guy at the door says, “Come on in.”

The guy with the Chihuahua figures, “hey why not?,” so he puts on a pair of dark glasses and starts to walk in.

The guy at the door says, “Sorry, pal, no pets allowed.”

The guy with the Chihuahua says, “You don’t understand. This is my seeing-eye dog.”

The guy at the door says, “A Chihuahua?”

The guy with the Chihuahua says, “You mean they gave me a Chihuahua!?”

Gift Registry Whitley Borin & Logan Lindvigsmoen 3/7/15 Sasha Atchley & John Wise 3/21/15 Amber Looney & Dalton Standridge 4/4/15 Whitney Young & Jordan Tatum 4/18/15 (Shower) Alyssa Hunt & Wesley Seals 4/25/15 Hailee Graves & Kyle Rutherford 5/2/15 Brittney Miner & Jeff Battenfield 5/9/15 Kelly Anderson & Peter Gandy 5/16/15 Manda Ham & Kyle Jewell 5/30/15 Lizbeth Lopez & Leland M. Wiederhoeft 6/6/15 Leigha Smith & Damon Newman 6/6/15 Natalie Rose & Jake Ledbetter 6/20/15 Ashley Philpot & Colby Kennedy 6/20/15 Darian Kinsey & Brett Shockley 7/18/15 Emily Herod & Logan McCourtney 7/25/15

Crosley Appliances & Hardware

FREE Gift Wrapping 813 Mena St. • 394-3456 Open Sun. 10-2 • 7 Days A Week

Find the weekly sales circular and daily specials that will help you save even more at

MyPulseNews.com!

Page 26

April 1, 2015

Weekly Publication

Sleep Deprivation Causes Variety of Health Issues

HEALTH

BY LARRY WOOD Are you getting enough true sleep? How many times have you been going about your day and started feeling a little sluggish and maybe started having your eyes cross making it hard to get anything done? Have you been out there driving and had your head feel like it was falling off your shoulders? Me too!

This is a real problem in our community and our country with most of us not getting enough true sleep. We are all on the go 7 days per week and then, when we do settle down for the evening, we have so many things going through our minds that we never really allow our bodies time to go into a true state of deep sleep.

Have you heard of REM? You guessed right, it stands for rapid eye movement, the stage of sleep where intense dreams occur.

Your Preventive Healthcare Facility During this stage of sleep brain activity, heart rate and breathing become more active while the major voluntary muscles are paralyzed so a person, for the most part, will not act out physically their dreams. Usually REM sleep occurs 90 minutes after you have drifted off to sleep. The duration can increase after each sleep stage and may only last only 10 minutes at a time but is critical for allowing the brain to consolidate and process memories, emotions, and stress. It is also critical for learning and developing new skills.

Have you ever tried to remember important things and try new skills while being sleep deprived?

How difficult was that and how was your mood while trying to do those things? One important thing to know is that if you are sleep Do you know how many calories you need deprived, and especially for good health & fat loss?

REM sleep deprived, your day will most certainly go from bad to worse. The loss of sleep consistently across the week from day to day and week to week will As healthcare promoters, we offer the break your immune system down due to the stress of missing sleep and all kind only metabolic testing in the area. of things like colds, flu, heart disease, and even mental problems, can start to Let us help you discover your body's creep into your life. true calorie needs.

Here is a list of how much sleep all of the age groups really need daily: newborns 0-3 months need 14-17 hours each day; infants 4-11 months need 12-15 hours each day; toddlers 1-2 years need 11-14 hours daily; preschoolers 3-5 Have health issues? years need 10-13 hours daily; school age children 6-13 years need 9-11 hours Let us help you regain true daily; teenagers 14-17 years need 8-10 hours daily; younger adults 18-25 years functional health. need 7-9 hours daily; adults 26-64 years need 7-9 hours daily; and older adults 65+ need 7-8 hours daily or problems with health will more than likely occur.

I know these are nice clean charts and averages but I think you get the picture, and some of us need more or less than the research says, because we are all different. The point is most of us simply are not getting enough good sleep and this will in time cause a health issue that will not be a positive one. I know we live in a run and race society but if you are always running tired and breaking down, what good is that? Be of sound mind and judgement, live to learn and try new skills daily, live with low stress and with a low level of disease risk, and that means live with the proper amount of good deep sleep. Happy dreams.

479-394-7979 400 F Crestwood Cir. Mena, AR 71953

Your leader in preventive healthcare, fitness training and athletic performance training.

Let 2015 bring back the Real You with our sincere help!

Page 27

April 1, 2015

Weekly Publication

BY BARBARA M. TOBIAS

After all, admission is free to almost all the events at the gallery. Why bother?

There are a number of reasons, and high on the list is that the gallery is a non-profit organization doing a great many things for our city: • We bring nationally recognized artists here to display their work at least once a year and frequently more often.

• We provide a place for local artists to display and sell their work, gain experience, and have an opportunity to join those nationally recognized ranks.

• We host many groups with special interests: writing, photography, and fiber arts to name a few.

• We offer children’s classes to fill the gap in what our public schools are able to provide.

• We bring tourists to Mena, and that helps to strengthen local businesses.

• We present an annual celebration of the arts: Ouachita Arts Celebration. The 2014 Celebration was a great success, and plans are already well underway for 2015.

• We are in the process of developing an annual National Juried Painting Competition that will bring the work of around 80 or 90 of our nation’s best artists here for you to enjoy. This will also bring tourists: the artists themselves as well as art collectors who seek to buy their work. Watch your local paper for more information on that later in the year.

But all of this is not really free: we must pay for utilities and building maintenance, the salary of our one employee, and all the other normal business expenses. Dues (which are only $20 per year for an individual) go a long way toward meeting these expenses, so if you have not renewed your membership for 2015 or have never been a member, please either go online at www.MenaArtGallery.org, click on Membership, and download the form so you can tell us who you are and what you want from the gallery. You may either send in the form and your check or (much more fun!) drop by the gallery, talk to Julie VandeZande, our Executive Director, or one of our volunteers, and enjoy what’s on display while you are at it. The annual Three-Dimensional Artwork Exhibit is up now, and gallery hours are 11 am to 2 pm on Tuesdays and 10 am to 3 pm Wednesdays through Saturdays.

You’ll also receive the monthly newsletter so that you never miss something special.

High School Artists’ Entries Due by barbara m. tobias Mena Art Gallery’s (MAG) annual High School Art Competition will be open for entries at 607 Mena Street from 10 am to 4 pm on Wednesday, April 8. The competition is open to all artists of high school age (grades 9 through 12) in any media.

Entries submitted for previously judged MAG shows cannot be accepted and all entries must have been done since the 2014 High School Show. Entries can be made through your high school art class or by individuals; entry fees are $1.00 per entry. Entry forms may be picked up at the gallery during regular hours: 11 am to 2 pm Tuesdays and 10 am to 3 pm Wednesdays through Saturdays. You may also download the entry form from the gallery website: www.

MenaArtGallery.org. Click on “High School” in the left-hand menu.

This show, in its 28th year (started in 1987), always brings in outstanding work of our area high school students. We are looking forward to seeing what our local young artists have produced this year.

Jeremy and Quincy Thornton of Mena Title Company are again providing the funds for awards to our local artists. We very much appreciate Mena Title’s long-time support of art for youth in Mena.

ARTS

Why be a Member of the Mena Art Gallery?

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HOME & GARDEN

Living Well With Diabetes

by kim hughes, extension office agent, fcs Diabetes is widely recognized as one of the leading causes of death and disability in Arkansas. The prevalence of diabetes in Arkansas has been at or above the national average for the past 10 years.

Diabetes is associated with long-term complications that affect almost every part of the body. The disease often leads to blindness, heart and blood vessel disease, stroke, kidney failure, amputations, and nerve damage. Uncontrolled diabetes can complicate pregnancy; and birth defects are more common in babies born to diabetic women.

The Polk County Extension Service is planning a cooking school just for persons with diabetes, or for their caregivers. In this series of classes you will learn about healthy cooking and meal preparation. Topics include “Diabetes Overview,” “Preventing Complications,” “Diabetes and Exercise,” “Carbohydrates and Carbohydrate Counting,” and “Dining Out with Diabetes.”

After each lesson, we will have a meal preparation session to demonstrate how to prepare and serve a healthy meal for those with diabetes. We will have a main dish, side dishes and dessert.

This program, “Living Well with Diabetes,” will be conducted on four consecutive Tuesdays beginning May 5 and continuing through May 26. Each class stands on its own so you may choose to attend one or more classes, or all of them. Cost of each class is $6.00 and includes the meal. Each class will be educational and fun. Please pre-register by the Friday prior to each class.

Space is limited. You can come by the Extension Office at 211 DeQueen Street in Mena or call 479-394-6018.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

Page 28

April 1, 2015

Weekly Publication

Moments From American History

National Forest System Celebrates 124th Anniversary

IN THE NEWS One Year Ago

HISTORY

BY JEFF OLSON America has been blessed in more ways than any other nation on Earth. Among our manifold blessings have been an LOCAL abundance and variety of natural resources which have con1. Mission Complete: Ninth Street tributed much to our nation’s strength, economy, sovereignty, Ministries Free Medical Clinic independence and heritage. It is the latter of these which I wish Announces Closure to highlight here, as this month we acknowledge the 124th an2. “Delo” Honored niversary of the beginning of what would become the National 3. Buck Invited to Compete in 2014 Forest System in America, The Forest Reserve Act of 1891.

Down Under Sports International The passage of this Act was in great part due to the efforts Tournament of Dr. John Aston Warder and American Forests, then known as the American Forestry Association. After merging with the American Forestry Congress in 1882, the new organization focused on its mission of “the protection of the existing forests of NATIONAL the country” by strongly promoting the establishment of national 1. Americans For Prosperity Unleashforest reserves. For almost a decade, the group introduced resolutions and petitions to Congress to es Another Attack On Mark Pryor secure protection for and management of public lands. Finally, on March 3, 1891, Congress gave 2. CIA Misled On Interrogation the president the power to create forest reserves from public lands and on March 30, 1891, President Benjamin Program, Senate Report Says Harrison exercised that power by creating the first forest reserve in America, the Yellowstone Park Timber Land 3. New Technical Woes Hobble Reserve. This land would eventually become America’s first national forest, the Shoshone National Forest, when Health-Insurance Sign-Ups At Zero the reserves were re-named national forests in 1907 after the Forest Service was formally established as an agency in 1905.

Hour To date, a total of 155 national forests covering over 188 million acres have been established. Bringing this closer to home, on Dee have fallen heirs cember 18, 1907 President Theodore Roosevelt, by proclamation, to the most glorious heritage a set aside from the unreserved and unappropriated public lands of Arkansas, 1,663,300 acres to be known and administered as the Arkansas National Forest. On April 29, 1926 Presipeople ever received, and each dent Calvin Coolidge renamed this forest “Ouachita” for the mountains which it embraces and for the principal river one must do his part if we wish which drains it. The Ouachita National Forest is the oldest and largest national forest in the southern United States, accounting for over 1.7 million acres in Arkansas and Oklahoma. to show that the nation is Our national forests are home to a multitude of ecosystems which support much of the most beautiful flora and worthy of its good fortune.” fauna in the world, some of which are rare and unique to specific regions and locales. For well over a century, national forests have served the American people in many ways, including: a source of environmental quality and aesthetics, Theodore Roosevelt a source of income and industry, a source of clean water, a home for recreation, hobbies and sports for families and outdoor enthusiasts, and opportunities for photographers and artists to capture some of the best of God’s magnificent creation. Today, more than ever before, national forests also serve as a reminder of and tribute to America’s natural resource stewardship and heritage.

Through prudent forest management decisions which consider long-term consequences over short-term conveniences, we invest in the future and look beyond ourselves to a continuance of those principles and values which we have inherited and can pass on as a part of our legacy. In this way, our national forests can be both productive and preserved in the years to come and enjoyed, treasured and shared by generations yet unborn. In the words of Theodore Roosevelt, “We have fallen heirs to the most glorious heritage a people ever received, and each one must do his part if we wish to show that the nation is worthy of its good fortune.”

“W

we are always on at

Mypulsenews.com

Page 29

April 1, 2015

Weekly Publication

Mena Youth Football Gearing Up for 7-on-7 League

SPORTS

BY NORM BETZ

Mena High School Athletic Director Tim Harper has announced dates and times for Mena Youth 7-on-7 Football League. Harper said, “7-on-7 is very similar to flag football. It is one of the fastest growing games out there.” High Schools across the nation participate in tournaments throughout the summer to try to develop their players’ offensive and defensive skills in the pass game and defending the pass.

The 7-on-7 game is 25 minutes long, and the only way to advance the football is by passing the ball. It is an opportunity for the kids to work on those skills. “All players will be able to catch passes and play pass defense. We will play hopefully 3 (25) minute games each Saturday,” said Harper.

Depending on turnout, they hope to have four 3rd-4th grade teams and four 5th-6th grade teams and hope to place 7-8 players on each team. This will limit the number of kids having to sit out. Current high school players from Mena will be coaching the teams and they will receive community service for their efforts.

On Saturday, April 4 and Saturday April 11, the coaching staff at Mena High School will conduct 2 practices to teach basic football drills and skills that will enable the students to have a great time playing the game. “We will then begin playing games on the next 4 Saturdays,” explained Harper. That makes for a total of 6 Saturdays; April 4, 11, 18, 25 and May 2, 9. All practices and games will be on Saturday mornings from 9:00-11:00 at Bearcat Stadium. Any 3rd-6th grade student interested in playing the game of football should plan to attend this Saturday. The cost is $40 per player and the players at the end of the season will be able to keep their jersey.

“We will provide each player with a uniform, and Gatorade during the games and practices. We will provide a safe and fun atmosphere during the games. We will also have a secondary insurance that will cover injuries when your insurance has paid all it will,” Harper explained. Harper also stressed that the Mena Youth Baseball League will take priority on Saturdays. If rainouts occur, games will be moved to a later date.

For more information, contact Coach Tim Harper at 870-703-4711 or tim.harper@menaschools.org or Coach Aaron Pennington at 501-844-5939.

A copy of the registration form can be found by reading this article on MyPulseNews.com. There, you will find a link at the bottom of the article to print Lady Tigers win their first home softball game the form. against the County Line Lady Indians, 9-4.

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Hatfield Polk County Basketball Association’s 1st place team was the Eagles (pictured to above).

The team members are Elijah, Jayden, Lucas, Hunter C. Charles, Connor, Austin, Justin, Braylen, and Hunter H. Monica and Jamie coaches the winning team. The picture to the right is the 4th place team.

The team members are Ava, Jayden, Serina, Taylor, Kendra, Daphnie, Lanie, Natalie. Not pictured: Abigail. The coaches are Jessica and Jamie.

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Please Call 870-389-6464 For a free estimate of your standing timber or timberland

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Page 30

April 1, 2015

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.

Mena Police Department March 22, 2015 No criminal reports filed.

March 23, 2015 A local man reported several tools missing from a toolbox in his pickup, and his license plate had been removed. Case is pending location and interview of suspect.

Devin C. Sanders, 22, and Kenneth E. Horn, 43, both of Mena were charged with unlawful burning after an explosion was heard in the yard of a local residence. Also charged in the incident with unlawful burning and possession of drug paraphernalia was Michael E. Trivette, 23, of Mena.

Casey J. Walters, 34, of Mena was arrested on two outstanding warrants from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. One warrant was for failure-topay fines and court costs and one was for violation of Arkansas’ hot check law.

March 24, 2015 Krystale Deon Barrow-Fisher, 28, was charged with filing a false report and obstructing governmental operations after officers were called to a local residence regarding a woman who said she had been attacked.

March 25, 2015 A local woman reported that her house had been ransacked while she was away. Case pending interview of suspect.

David Eledge, 52, of Muse, Oklahoma was charged with possession of schedule I or II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Officers responded to a break-in at a local restaurant. A plate glass window was broken to gain access to the building. Case is pending further investigation.

A local man reported that dogs were runningat-large in his neighborhood. The owner advised that his fence was in disrepair, and he would take care of it immediately.

Officers responded to a call regarding a child stuck in a swing in a tree. The boy was removed from the tree. No injuries were reported.

March 27, 2015 Clayton Stoeckenger, 18, was arrested for possession of a schedule VI controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and having no vehicle license, and having no current driver’s license. The arrest followed a routine traffic stop.

Dustin Glenn Estes, 27, of Mena was charged with driving on a suspended driver’s license.

Jessica Marie Ellinger, 23, of Mena was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

March 28, 2015 No criminal reports filed.

Officers also worked five accidents Polk County Sheriff’s Department March 23, 2015 Report from complainant on Polk 720 near the Shady Grove community of the break-in and theft of cash, electronics and a firearm, all valued

Weekly Publication at $2,650.00. Investigation continues.

Issued a Citation for Careless/Prohibited Driving was issued to Dylan G. Deramus, 18, of Mena.

Report from complainant on Polk 53 near Mena of a vehicle driving through their yard led to the arrest of Cade W. Lambert, 28, of Mena, on Charges of DWI and Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License.

Arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department was Heather A. Martin, 22, of Grannis, on a Body Attachment Warrant.

March 24, 2015 Report of a two-vehicle accident on Highway 246 West near Hatfield led to a Citation for No Driver’s License being issued to Sunny R. Turnbow, 29, of Hatfield.

Traffic stop on Highway 71 South near Potter led to the arrest of Briar P. Yates, 18, of Mena, on Charges of Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance and Possession of an Instrument of Crime and a Warrant for Failure to Appear.

Arrested was Florencio Salinas, 37, of Umpire, on a Warrant for Failure to Appear.

March 25, 2015 Report from complainant on Polk 136 near Cove of a domestic disturbance. Information has been provided to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration.

A Citation was issued to William W. Wecker, 36, of Mena, for Possession of an Instrument of Crime.

Arrested was Michael M. Ryan, 50, of Cove, on a Warrant for Disorderly Conduct.

Arrested was Stephanie E. Thomas, 39, of Mena, on a Warrant for Failure to Comply with a Court Order.

Issued a Citation for Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance was Garret J. Kipher, 72, of Mena.

Arrested by an officer with the Drug Task Force was Mark W. Spitler, 37, of Mena, on a Warrant for Failure to Appear.

Arrested by a law enforcement officer with the U.S. Forest Service was Bobbi J. Hicks, 29, of Mena, on Charges of Possession of Schedule VI Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

March 26, 2015 Arrested was Carrie E. Carter, 50, of Mena, on Charges of Possession of Methamphetamine or Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Carrying a Weapon.

Arrested was Charlie R. Scott, 23, of Mena, on Charges of Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance and Possession of an Instrument of Crime and a Warrant for Failure to Comply with a Court Order.

Traffic stop on Polk Street in Mena led to the arrest of Bobby R. May, 27, of Mena, on Charges of Fleeing and Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License.

Report from complainant on Highway 71 South near Grannis of being the victim of a scam, totaling losses at $5,800.00. Investigation continues.

Report of a disturbance on Polk 44 near Mena led to the arrest of Amanda J. Reynolds, 33, of Mena, on a Charge of Disorderly Conduct.

Report from a business in Mena of finding suspicious material on their premises. The substance was turned over to an officer with the Drug Task Force.

Arrested was Andy R. Sebren, 34, of Mena, on a Charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Report from a business in Hatfield of a gas drive-off, totaling losses at $10.00. Investigation

continues.

Arrested by an officer with Probation and Parole was Tony W. Foster, 24, of Mena, on a Warrant for Probation Violation.

March 27, 2015 Report from complainant on Polk 76 East near Mena of a building being broken into, causing $100.00 in damages to a door. Investigation continues.

Report from complainant on Polk 24 near Cove of a domestic disturbance. Subject fled before deputies arrived.

Arrested was Nathaniel J. Noble, 28, of Mena, on a Warrant for Failure to Appear.

Arrested was Alisha G. Burr, 28, of Mena, on a Warrant for Probation Violation.

Arrested was Lee R. Stokes, 70, of Mena, on a Warrant for Failure to Appear.

Request for a welfare check on an individual on Polk 87 near the Ink community. Information has been provided to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration.

Arrested was Adam W. Smith, 28, of Vandervoort, on a Warrant for Failure to Appear.

March 28, 2015 Report from complainant on Polk 34 near Hatfield of unauthorized persons at a residence.

Information has been provided to the Prosecut-

ing Attorney’s Office for further consideration.

Report from complainant on Polk 40 near Potter of three damaged mailboxes, totaling losses at $150.00. Investigation continues.

Arrested was Paul W. Lackey, 24, of Hot Springs, on a Body Attachment Warrant.

March 29, 2015 Report from Mena Regional Health System of a dog bite victim. Owner was advised to keep dogs quarantined for observation for ten days.

Report from complainant on Polk 54 near Mena of being the victim of a dog bite. Owner could not be contacted so the Department of Health was notified.

Report from complainant on Polk 122 near the Shady Grove community of unauthorized persons on their property. Subjects were advised not to return to the property.

Report from complainant on School Street in Cove of the theft of a vehicle, valued at $1,500.00. Investigation continues.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 24 Incarcerated Inmates; 10 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility, of which 4 are currently out of jail on a monitoring system.

Page 31

April 1, 2015

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.

Clean & Comfortable Housing since 1969, J Ray & Maria’s MH Park and Rentals, Hwy 71 N., Mena, 479-394-1252.

TFN

Daniel’s Carpentry and Painting. Home repair and painting. Small to medium jobs. Also lawn and garden work. Call 870-334-2068

4/8 Books & Stuf, 704 Mena Street, Mena, Arkansas – Open Monday-Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Check us out.

4/15 For Sale: Solid Wood Espresso Console/Sofa Table with drawer and bottom shelf. In good condition. Asking $200.

Call or text 479-216-3091.

TFN/INH

I buy gold jewelry, scrap, dental and sterling silver. Also buying U.S. pre 65 Silver Coins one ounce silver and gold rounds and bars. Check with the rest, but sell to the best.

Dan’s Cash-N-Gun. 100 Hwy 71 S at 1st Street, Mena.

479-394-5515.

TFN J & N 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 TFN 234-1357.

Vandervoort Picnic Assoc/Vandervoort Ball Teams Pasta Salad, Fried Potatoes Fundraiser Dinner, Saturday April 4, 4:00 p.m. - ?. $6.00 per plate at Vandervoort Community Building

4/1

Garden Plowing, discing, tilling. Call for estimates, 4794/1 216-5204.

Appliances Wanted – buying all major appliances, working or not, I refurbish them. Help me bless others. Call or 4/01 text 479-227-1468

Yard Mowing, bush hogging, and handyman services. Call 479-216-5204.

3/18

Scott’s Lawn Care – small, Medium and Large properties.

Reasonable rates and Friendly service. 394-7599 or 2343707

5/13

Custom Concrete. Specializing in Concrete, Speptic Tanks, Gravel, Backhoe, and Dump Truck Services. Over 40 yrs. experience. Call Joe Bill Ward at 479-883-9298.

5/27

Rocky Service Center General Service on Ford Tractors & New Holland Equipment Vermeer Balers/Kuhn Mowers Bush-Hog Cutters & Mowers Tires Repaired Automotive/AG New Tires Available Oil Changes & Scheduled Maintenance on most equipment Round Baler Belts Relaced/Welding Call for Appointment

479-234-1396 Winter Hours: 9 am - 3 pm Pick up and Delivery on most equipment

Licensed Electricians and apprentices needed, Come by 2209 Hwy 71 South or call 479-394-3419

4/15

FOR SALE – Motor Home, Newmar, 38’, $14,000 OBO, 1996 Kountry Aire KA3756, Class A. Mileage: $49,700. Ford 460 V8, gas, 1 slide. Call Earl Covel 479-2435014.

4/1 FOR SALE – 2000 S10 Extreme Chevy Pickup, 72,100 miles; $5,500 OBO, black, bed liner and cover, good tires. Contact Earl Covel 479-243-5014 4/1

CLASSIFIEDS

UP TO 20 WORDS - $4 PER WEEK, $0.25 EACH ADDITIONAL WORD • BORDER $1

Thinking about adding a new furry family member? If you are, please consider ‘shopping’ at your local rescue shelter, ESPECIALLY HSO! You can view our furry friends currently waiting to find their forever homes on www.petfinder.com! OR, just come on down to the shelter and meet our dogs and cats in person!

HSO is a NO-KILL shelter... every animal has a chance at a NEW home and NEW life. They will remain in the shelter until they are adopted!

4/01 Multi-Family Yard Sale – April 2, 3, 4., Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 192 Old Waters Hwy, Pine Ridge. Collectibles, tools, kiln, priced to sell. 870-3264716

4/01

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID The Polk County Judge is soliciting bids for the construction of a concrete bridge located on Polk County Road 657. A copy of bid documents and specifications may be obtained at the Polk County Judge’s Office at 507 Church Avenue in Mena, Arkansas. Bids are due and will be opened at 9:00 AM on April 10th, 2015 in the basement of the Polk County Courthouse. Each bid must be accompanied by a 5% surety or cashier’s check drawn upon a bank or trust doing business in the state of Arkansas. Polk County reserves the right to reject any or all bids or waive any formalities. Polk County encourages the participation of small, minority, and woman’s business enterprises. Questions can be directed to Polk

4/01 County Judge, Brandon Ellison, at 479-394-8133.

Publisher’s Notice: All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

The Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising, including the right to do so after the ad has been accepted for publication but before the publication occurs. The Advertiser’s sole remedy for such refusal shall be the refund of the funds paid to purchase the ad.

Advertisements are accepted by the Publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or Advertiser is authorized to publish the contents and subject matter of the advertisement and that it is no libelous or does not infringe on the privacy of the individual or entity. All advertisements are accepted and published by the Publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or Advertiser will indemnify and hold harmless the Publisher from any loss or expense, including the cost of defense and settlement and/or judgment resulting from claims based upon the contents of any advertisement including claims or suits for defamation, libel, violation of right of privacy, plagiarism or copyright infringement.

All advertisements created by the Publisher are not considered a “work made for hire” and the Publisher retains the copyright to all advertisements created by the Publisher for the Advertiser. The advertisement may not be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

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