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April 29, 2015

THE POLK COUNTY

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1168 Hwy 71 S • Mena, AR 71953 • 479-243-9600

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Two Polk County Men Face 1st Degree Murder Charges

BY MELANIE BUCK Two Polk County men are facing charges of 1st Degree Murder, Aggravated Robbery, and Possession of a Firearm by Certain Persons in Logan County, Arkansas, following the homicide investigation of a 60-year old Booneville man. Joseph Oliah Hals Brown, age 32, of Hatfield, and Nick Charles Stoicu, age 39, no address given, were arrested in Polk County after the investigation that included the Arkansas State Police, 15th Judicial District Drug Task Force, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Waldron Police Department, Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, Howard County Sheriff’s Office, DeQueen Police Department, Mena Police Department, Grannis Police Department and the Booneville Police Department.

According to records, the pair are wanted in Logan County for the murder of Ritchie Lee Lynch, who was found dead from five gunshots wounds at his residence in Booneville, Arkansas on April 6, 2015. Robert Allen Lee Melton, age 51, was questioned regarding the murder and told investigators that on the night of April 2, 2015, Brown, Stoicu, himself, and two women, Teresa Lynn Bennett and Dave Ann Townsend traveled to the residence of Lynch in a maroon SUV with the intent of robbing Lynch of his money and drugs. Melton said that after parking the SUV down the road from Lynch in a wooded area, the three men walked to Lynch’s residence while the women stayed behind. According to Melton, he kept watch at the gate of the residence while Brown and Stoicu went into the home where Stoicu carried a rifle and Brown carried a handgun. Melton said after a few CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

A Hero’s Return

Few Attend Town Hall Meetings on Proposed Tax Increases

BY MELANIE BUCK Polk County Sheriff Mike Godfrey held his second of two town hall-style meetings to receive comments and answer questions from the public about the proposed construction of a $10.9 million jail facility that would require the passage of two sales and use taxes that CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

County to Celebrate Nat’l Tourism Week

SUBMITTED BY CANDACE RINER The Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission and the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce are partnering with ARCO (Arkansas Regional Coalition of the Ouachitas), the Mena Depot Commission, and Rich Mountain Community College in efforts to promote National Travel & Tourism Week CONTINUED ON PAGE 6-7

Louise Durham pre-school student, Grace McIntyre, proudly held the American Flag while students said the Pledge of Allegiance during an assembly about heroes, when much to her surprise, her real-life hero showed up! Grace’s dad, Sgt. John McIntyre, having just returned from a 12-month deployment in the Middle East, stepped from behind his own welcome home sign to embrace his daughter, who was only 3 when he deployed. The Pulse captured the emotional reunion with a video that, to date, has garnered over 6,000 views and is available on Facebook on the Polk County Pulse page. SEE FULL STORY ON PAGE 8.

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CASA Derby Set for Saturday

BY MELANIE BUCK CASA of the Ouachitas will hold their 3rd Annual CASA Kentucky Derby Fundraiser this Saturday, May 2. The event provides much needed funding for CASA to assist abused and neglected children in Polk, Montgomery, CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

1020 MENA ST. MENA, AR 71953 | SINCE 1939

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Mon-Fri 8:30 to 6:00 Sat 9:00 - 3:00 (479) 394-4332 (888) 394-4332

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April 29, 2015

Weekly Publication

Mena 40-Year Club to Host Reunion in May

NEWS

SUBMITTED When the Mena High School 40Year Club was organized in 1956, its primary purpose was to plan gatherings for those who graduated from Mena High School more 40 years prior. Since then, 40-year Club reunions have been held in Mena every two years. Two new classes are welcomed to the club each year. Attendance continues to grow with more than 300 attending the last reunion in 2013. The events planned are informal and focus on reminiscing and renewing friendships.

After many successful gatherings, the Board of Directors established a scholarship fund to assist MHS graduates who plan to attend college.

In 1982, the first Scholarship Committee was formed.

Members were Elleta Flick, Pauline Morrow, Dick Barham, Dick Carver, and Lee McMillan. Omar Washburn and Louise Waters soon joined the group. Louise became chairman and served in that capacity for many

years. The Scholarship Fund grew with contributions from MHS graduates. In 2005, the Scholarship Committee established two endowments at Rich Mountain Community College. Currently, there are three MHS 40-Year Club endowments at the College, and more than $16,000 has been awarded to Mena High School seniors to further their education.

The 2015 gathering will be held May 22-23 in Mena.

A reception for the incoming classes of 1974-1975 will be at 6 pm on Friday, May 22, at the Ouachita Center on the RMCC Campus. RMCC will host a brunch for 60+ year graduates on Saturday, May 23. All classes are invited to the reception at Mena High School Saturday afternoon from 2 – 5 p.m. Events will culminate with a fish fry hosted by the 40-Year Club Board of Directors.

Members of the current Board of Directors are Russell Blackburn, Donna Montgomery, Wingo Johnson, Pat Phillips, Tim Masters, and Linda Rowe.

More information and registration forms can be found at www.mhs40yearclub.org and on the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/MenaHigh-School-Forty-Year-Club

Healthy Connections, Inc. gave an ATV Safety presentation to Mena Middle School students on Friday, April 24. On behalf of the Arkansas Department of Health, Joe Shaffner and Maury Long from Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Injury Prevention Department, presented students with information on how and why they need to be safe and uses helmets while driving and riding all-terrain vehicles. The pair also presented forty-four Fulmer ATV off-road helmets to students to promote safety.

Potter Volunteer Fire #1, off Hwy 71 S., in Potter invites you to the Locally Owned

From Mena...we are located 1 mile down 88 East past Pitchford’s Animal Clinic. First drive past the truss shop...look for cedar post sign.

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Variety of Mulch IN STOCK!

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COMPETITIVE DELIVERY RATES NOW Delivery & Set-Up of Large Landscape Rocks!

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

MyPulseNews.com!

ANNUAL FISH FRY & FUNDRAISER

Saturday, May 9th • 11 am - 2 pm Enjoy fried catfish with tasty side dishes

for a donation toward building a new fire station.

LIVE MUSIC & lots of visiting with friends Purchase chances to win prizes donated by local businesses.

Also, raffle tickets are available for a chance to win a new Marlin 30/30 Hunting Rifle Tickets: $2 each or 6 for $10 Hope to see you there!

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April 29, 2015

Weekly Publication

Proposed Tax Increases

(CONT. FROM FRONT PAGE)

NEWS

will be voted upon in May. The first of the meetings was held on Monday, April 20, in Cove and the second meeting was held inside the Polk County Courthouse with the option of touring the current jail facilities after the meeting. Attendance was light at the meetings with less than 20 attending the most recent one on Monday evening in the Courthouse.

Sheriff Godfrey explained various benefits for the proposed project, such as, the current jail’s hallways aren’t big enough to fit an ambulance gurney, causing EMS workers to put patients on mats and drag them down the hallway. Godfrey said, “They shouldn’t be in jail but when they are in our jail, it’s our responsibility” to make sure they receive the care they need.

He also pointed out that Polk County doesn’t have a ‘smart 911’ system because there is no room in the current facility. A ‘smart 911’ system is beneficial in that it pops-up information when your phone number dials 911, such as your location, in the case that you can’t relay that to the dispatcher.

Godfrey also said that the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is “trying to be proactive” and that a new jail will be more expensive in 2020 if one is not constructed now. The state has grandfathered Polk County Jail in on many issues, however, 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.”

The first of two measures to be voted upon in the Special Election on May 12 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

Mourning the Loss of an Automotive Legend A local legend in the automotive industry took his final “drag down Main Street” as friends and family from across the country bid farewell to Mark Campbell who passed last week. Campbell founded Street & Performance and one of Mena’s signature events, the Queen Wilhelmina Rod Run, that brought hundreds to the area for over three decades.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

NO New Taxes NO NO VOTE NO on a New Jail Vote

Vote

• Our economy is not good and they still want some more of your money.

• We’re already taxed at a higher rate than most other counties and states.

• Ten years ago our sales tax was 7.125%, now its 9.50%.

If they get the new jail it will be 10.50% for every purchase you make.

• If they continue raising taxes on every pet project we will be at 20% before you know it!

We can stop the money grab by voting no for a new jail.

Be sure & vote, but VOTE NO Voting is May 12th • Early voting is one week prior PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT

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April 29, 2015

Weekly Publication

Lyle Holman Makes Special Olympics History

NEWS

BY MELANIE BUCK Lyle Holman, a student at Polk County Developmental Center’s Adult Education and Wellness Center, has been chosen and will go down in history as the first-ever Special Olympics Arkansas athlete to emcee the annual statewide event. The event will be held in Searcy, Ark., on May 21-23.

Lyle, just 25 years old, from Wickes, explained his excitement when he was told that he was chosen for the event. “Miss Sherri got a call from Elizabeth Thompkins and Miss Sherri told me that I was going to be able to emcee it and I was really surprised. I was shocked.” He quoted his favorite movie when he said, “I am so excited that I could just spit.”

He has been with PCDC for more than 6 years, and not only attends school there, but also works with the recycling program and the resale store and sits on their Board of Directors, serving in his second term. A new venture for Lyle is sitting on the Special Olympics Arkansas Leadership Committee. “I wanted to help with Special Olympics and the first time I went we had to brainstorm. They asked us ‘what would we do with a room full of money?’ I love to give to charities so I said I would give it to Arkansas Children’s Foundation and the Luke Abbate 5th Quarter Foundation to let teenagers be aware of the dangers of driving. “ “Some of the things that Lyle will get to announce are the opening ceremonies for the event, the areas on parade, the dignitaries, and the entertainment. He will be ‘the man’ at the opening day ceremonies,” explained Sherri Clement of PCDC. She also explained the selection process, “The state said they had seen him in the Leadership Committee meetings and were impressed by his articulation, attitude, willingness to help, and maturity, so they chose him.”

Being no stranger to fame, Eve Strothers of PCDC said that Lyle speaks for many of the radio commercials promoting PCDC. Lyle also loves to compete and has for Special Olympics since high school, entering events such as the 100m dash, softball throw, and 4x100m relay. He was also part of CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Proposed Tax Increases (CONCLUSION FROM PAGE 3)

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.

The site for the proposed jail was announced at Polk County Quorum Court in March.

Deputy Sheriff Scott Sawyer presented the plan to the Court and stated that land has been found and upon voter approval of the ¼ and ¾ cent sales and use taxes, the new jail will be constructed on property behind Papa’s Mexican Café. The new jail will be built so that no prisoners would be seen by the public with a sally port system in place, and solid walls being built around the outside exercise yard.

“We have the perfect opportunity right now; the rates on bonds are low, we have a County Judge that has a good construction background that can help oversee that and help us with the development of it, and we have the support of the City of Mena,” said Godfrey.

He added, “If I could buy a used jail that would fit 100 people and have it dropped in Polk County, I would. I don’t need a new jail, I just need one that will hold 100 people and I need it to meet minimum state standards, I need it to be safe, and I need it to be secure.

I’m not about having a brand new jail, I’m about keeping Polk County safe.”

2642 Hwy. 71 N. Mena, AR 71953 (479) 243-9494

We sell the best and work on the rest!

Open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

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April 29, 2015

Weekly Publication

Holman

(CONCLUSION FROM PAGE 4)

1st Degree Murder Charges (CONCLUSION FROM FRONT PAGE)

NEWS

PCDC’s Talimena 13.1 Run & Relay, running a mile for the team.

Lyle said he loves the Special Olympics because, “I’m able to see everybody I know and catch up on old times and good times with them and I get to meet new people.”

Lyle won’t spend his whole trip as announcer, though. He will announce the first day and get to compete for the next two.

Lyle’s plans for the future are to become an emergency medical technician and has already been certified in CPR, but, says he wants to continue on at PCDC because he likes it there. “All I can say is that I’ve came a long way and I’ve made it from what I’ve been struggling with since I was little bitty.”

minutes he heard someone yell and then heard around four gunshots after which, Brown and Stoicu came back outside carrying a black bag and told Melton they had shot Lynch and left him lying there.

After returning to the vehicle, the group traveled to a residence in Waldron where the two alleged murderers broke down the guns they had used before offering Melton $800 cash and 17 grams of methamphetamine for his part in the alleged activity. Melton stated that he declined the offer.

Bennett has also been questioned by investigators and said that she showed the others where Lynch lived and that when the trio of men had returned to the SUV from Lynch’s residence that the men had stated that “it had gone bad.”

On April 3, 2015, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested Brown on Charges of Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance, Possession of a Schedule I/II Controlled Substance, Possession of a Schedule I/II Controlled Substance not Meth or Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Theft of a Vehicle, Breaking or Entering and Violation of a Suspended Imposition of Sentence. On April 9, 2015, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested Stoicu on Charges of Possession of Meth or Cocaine with Purpose to Deliver, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms.

The two also face Habitual Offender charges for being previously convicted of one to four felonies each. Brown and Stoicu await extradition in the Polk County Detention Center.

In a release sent out by the Logan County Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff Boyd D. Hicks, said that, “The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests could be made at a later date. Bond has not been set at this time.” *All persons within this article are to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Jan Atchley of Select Realty in Mena received the highest award given by the Mena Area Board of Realtors, the Platinum Award. The award scale begins at the bronze level and goes all the way to the platinum level. To be eligible for the Platinum Award, a realtor must have listed and sold more than $5 million worth of property in one calendar year, which Atchley achieved in 2014. Selling since 1980, Tuesday marked Atchley’s 35th anniversary of being in the realtor sector.

Atchley said, “I couldn’t do it without my wonderful team and clients.”

Become a Rainbow at MRHS’s 5K Color Run

Mena Regional Health System’s Support Foundation is having a Foundation Frenzy 5k Color Run this Saturday. The starting line is in front of the hospital at 1103 College Drive, Mena. If you haven’t already registered, you can do so at www.foudnationfrenzy. eventbrite.com or contact Sonya Maye at 479-243-2378. Cost of the event is $25 for early registration or $30 the day of the race. Race day registration begins at 7 a.m. on Saturday, with the 5k Run beginning at 8 a.m. and the 5k Walk beginning at 8:15 a.m.

Participants are encouraged to wear white to begin the race and become a rainbow throughout the event.

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April 29, 2015

Weekly Publication

National Tourism Week

(CONT. FROM FRONT PAGE)

NEWS

(NTTW) on May 2-10, 2015. Area tourism partners recognize the valuable impact tourism has on our region and what travel means to our local communities. In an effort to highlight the economic benefits of the travel industry during NTTW, community leaders and businesses are encouraged to participate in this year’s celebrations.

The celebration will kick off with proclamations from around the region with city and county officials declaring May 2-10, 2015 as National Travel and Tourism Week. Businesses, leaders, and the general public are encouraged to wear red on Wednesday, May 6th to show the magnitude of tourism in our area.

A NTTW Lunch & Learn event will be held on May 6th from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm at the Ouachita Center on the campus of Rich Mountain Community College. This year’s guest speaker is Grady Spann, Regional Supervisor with the Arkansas State Parks. He will be sharing about the great park system we have in Arkansas as well as providing an update on the progress of the Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge and the importance of tourism to the City of Mena and the surrounding area.

Lunch will be served at 11:30 with the program beginning at 12:00 noon. There will be a Q & A session to conclude the event. The cost for a plate lunch is $13.50 including tax. The meal will be catered by Country Express and includes a BBQ Pork sandwich, sides, drink, and dessert. Seating is limited for this event so please RSVP to Paula Bailey at 479-394-2912 or secretary@menapolkchamber.com by May 4th.

Local tourism partners encourage area businesses and community involvement by sharing and following them on Facebook and Twitter during the week of May 2-10. Go to VisitMena.com for city and area tourist information and the Mena Advertising and Promotion Commission’s participation with the week’s celebration. On Facebook search “Visit Mena” and find them on Twitter (@VisitMenaAR) and use the hashtag (#VisitMena).

To follow the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce promotion of Chamber membership and their work to improve the economic, civic, and cultural well-being of the area through community development, visit MenaPolkChamber.com. You can use the hashtag (#MenaPolkChamber) on Twitter and find them (@Mena/PolkCOC). On Facebook search “Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce”. The Chamber also encourages their membership to promote NTTW on their marquees and in their businesses.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

The Horse Power Literacy Program was held at area schools last week where children were given books about horses to encourage reading. County Extension Agent Carla Vaught was on hand Saturday at the Polk County Library to promote the program with a live horse for the kids to meet before a reading session, followed by crafts in the Library’s Community Room.

FOR THE COMPLETE STORY AND ADDITIONAL PHOTOS, PLEASE VISIT MYPULSENEWS.COM.

Cossatot River School District “Supporting Dreams, Embracing Cultures, Building Futures” Campuses:

Cossatot River, Vandervoort, Wickes and Umpire Let your child’s education SOAR at Cossatot River School District.

S- Successful O- Outstanding A- Achievement R- Respect

* Award Winning Elementary Schools * State and Nationally recognized teachers and students * AP & Concurrent Courses/Tuition Free for CRHS and Umpire * Archery & Shooting Sports * Multiple Preschool Opportunities * 7 State Contending Athletic Programs * Elementary Math - Soft Seven Winners * Award Winning Programs - FFA, Choir, & Band * After School Tutoring * Full Time Resource Officer * Outstanding Community Support through Athletic & Agri Booster Clubs

School Choice Deadline is May 1st!

Applications may be picked up at any of our campuses or the administration office. 870-385-7101

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April 29, 2015

Weekly Publication

Tourism Week

(CONCLUSION)

NEWS

To help promote our local tourism industry around the region you can use hashtag (#ARCOSTRONG) on Twitter, search “ARCO Partners for the Future” on Facebook and check out ARCOstrong.org for more events happening around the ARCO region. Rich Mountain Community College is hosting the NTTW Lunch & Learn event in the new Ouachita Center. You can visit www.rmcc.edu for more information about the college and meeting facilities as well as follow them on Twitter (@rmccedu) and use hashtag (#RMCC.edu). Also, join the US Travel Association celebration on Twitter (@USTravel) using the hashtag #NTTW2015.

Now in its 32nd year, NTTW is the annual salute to travel in America. It is traditionally celebrated during the first full week of May. Communities nationwide will unite to showcase the impact of travel with rallies, events and other activities. NTTW 2015 will promote travel’s powerful and diverse benefits to local economies, businesses, communities and the United States as a whole through the 2015 theme: “Travel is _________.” Local communities and organizations across the country are filling in the blank.

Travel is adventure! Travel is essential to our economy and our lives. Travel is family bonding time. This year’s theme was chosen to reflect the wide-ranging and robust ways that the U.S. travel industry contributes to the fabric of America.

NTTW is an annual tradition that was established by a congressional resolution in 1983 and first celebrated the following year. This nationwide week of events serves to champion the power of the travel and tourism industry. A wide cross section of travel and tourism professionals work throughout the week to promote the impactful contributions their travel markets and organizations make to the U.S. economy. The travel community typically marks the event in a number of creative ways, from staging local rallies and conducting media outreach to securing proclamations and resolutions from local governments.

Travel and tourism is one of America’s largest industries generating $2.1 trillion for the U.S. OWNER - JASON MILES economy. Travel supports 15 million jobs in America, including many right here is Arkansas.

This is a celebration of what travel means to our communities, and we call on everyone – from local elected officials to local residents – to join us in saluting this important industry.

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CASA Derby

(CONT. FROM FRONT PAGE)

and Sevier counties.

As CASA Director Cynthia Martin explained, the Department of Children and Family Services is overburdened. The three counties that the local CASA assists struggle to find enough foster homes to place children in that have been removed from their homes and their parents. In many cases, she explained, these children are sent to other foster homes or group homes all across the state, sometimes as far as Jonesboro and Fayetteville. And, their volunteers travel to wherever the children are, to provide a constant presence in the children’s lives.

“We don’t care where the children are, we will go visit them. Whatever the child’s needs are, we have the resources and we will advocate on their behalf to insure that they don’t fall through the cracks of the foster system,” said Martin.

“Federal budget cuts are threatening our ability to ensure that abused and neglected children have a caring volunteer standing by their side, speaking up for their best interests and giving them hope for the future. Our approach works. When we can reach a child in need, his or her life changes, for the better. But for every foster child with a CASA volunteer, two others go it alone,” said Martin.

CASA of the Ouachitas served 90 children in 2014 with 22 active volunteers in all three counties in their region; partly with the almost $8,000 raised at last year’s Derby fundraiser.

This year’s Derby fundraiser will be held on the patio at Stache’s Cookery, Hwy. 71 N, in Mena, this Saturday (May 2) from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and include a meal, a signature Derby drink, entertainment by local band Brothers & Sons, and the opportunity to watch the Kentucky Derby on the big screen. Tickets can be purchased at CASA, on DeQueen Street, or at Arvest and Union Banks.

Mother’s Day Special Locket & 4 Charms

$25

Roses, Hanging Baskets, Bedding Plants Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8-6 Sat. 8-4 • Sun. 1-4 135 Polk 616 (Off Ransom Road)

Directions: Drive 6/10 mile down Ransom Road (Polk 54). Watch for sign on left and turn onto Polk Road 616.

Just 1/10 mile off Ransom Road.

CHARMED

Northside Shopping Center

479-394-1992

Jewelry, Handbags, Accessories & Much More Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm

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April 29, 2015

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NEWS

A Hero’s Return: Welcome Home Sgt. John McIntyre (CONT. FROM FRONT PAGE)

BY MELANIE BUCK Grace McIntyre, a pre-school student at Louise Durham Elementary, was attending an assembly about heroes when her real-life hero showed up. Grace’s dad, Sgt. John McIntyre, has been deployed in Kuwait and Iraq with the U.S. Army National Guard for the last 12-months. With the assistance of a very willing Louise Durham staff, Grace was able to share the moment with a few hundred fellow students.

Expertly orchestrated, LD Principal Jimma Holder called Grace to hold the flag while the students recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Already awe struck at standing on the stage in front of all the school, Grace was stunned when her daddy, whom she hadn’t seen in a year stepped out from behind his own welcome home sign to embrace his daughter, a moment that he no doubt had clung to while serving in the Middle East.

“We would like to thank the schools, especially her teacher, Sara Bentley, and Principal Jimma Holder for setting it up because they gave us a memorable moment that we will always cherish. It was definitely special for us. I was very happy that she did this and very blessed that my daughter has such a wonderful teacher to give Grace and her father such a wonderful welcome home moment,” said Grace’s mom, Vanessa.

Sgt. McIntyre told the kids that it was they for whom he’d been fighting.

Even though he was seeing his daughter for the first in a very long while, he graciously knelt to speak to each of the students who wanted the honor to meet him, a real-life hero that certainly left a lasting impression beyond the fictional super-heroes that wear cloaks and masks.

Sgt. McIntyre serves with the Arkansas National Guard 1038th unit out of Little Rock, and has been enlisted for 5 years after serving 4 ½ years with the Navy before that.

“It’s a big sacrifice for the family, especially the little ones. She kept asking during the whole deployment, ‘where’s daddy,’ ‘I miss my dad,’ ‘when is my daddy coming home,’” Vanessa said, “but, she has said all weekend, ‘mommy, I’m so glad my daddy is home.’”

It was an emotional moment for all as even the students felt the magic of the moment.

The Pulse was able to catch the reunion on video, which can be seen on Facebook at Polk County Pulse.

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April 29, 2015

Weekly Publication

Mark Cobry Campbell Mark Cobry Campbell, age 70, of Mena, died Thursday, April 23, 2015 at the Christus Dubuis Hospital in Hot Springs. He was born on Saturday, November 11, 1944 to Robert J. and Doris Blanche Shephard Campbell in Warsaw, New York.

Mark said one time, “PRIDE, that’s what this country needs… that’s what built America.” He showed his pride of country by enlisting in the United States National Guard during the Vietnam Era and was honorably discharged. He also took great pride and love in his family; he worked very hard to provide for them and meet their every need. In 1984, Mark turned a hobby of Street Rods into a passion over the last 30 years with the company he and his family owns and operates to this day, Street & Performance Inc., in Mena, Arkansas. Mark was also known for his drawing artwork and his leatherworking.

Mark was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mark is survived by his wife of 29 years, Lisa Campbell of Mena; two sons

and shrubs, succulents, and bulbs.

In addition to the homegrown plants, there will be plenty of other choices. Look for edibles such as fig, blueberries, blackberries, and both red and black raspberries. There will be 25 hanging baskets and also clematis, azaleas, camellias, hostas, lenten rose, red honeysuckle, weigelia, red buckeye, and weeping red peach, among others.

and daughters-in-law, Mark Damon and Michelle Campbell in Yocana, and Cobry John and Jenna Campbell of Cove; two daughters and son-in-law, Tammy and Danny Deramus of Mena and Terah Stricklin of Mena; two brothers, Charles Campbell of Mena and Arlyn Campbell of Red Oak, Texas; his mother-in-law, Fay Craig of Hatfield; brother-in-law, Kevin Craig and wife, Mary, of Lancaster, New Hampshire; five grandchildren, Jeremy and Jordan Deramus of Conway, Cooper Hughes of Mena, Carleigh Smart of Mena and Lynus Campbell of Cove; one great-grandchild, Lane McDaniel of Conway; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral Mass was Monday, April 27, 2015 at the St. Agnes Catholic Church at 2:00 P.M. with Father Joshua Stengel as Celebrant. Interment followed in the Old Dallas Cemetery under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

Visitation was Sunday, April 26, 2015 from 6-8 P.M. with a Rosary Service at 7:00 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena.

Pallbearers were Richard Campbell, David Campbell, Bernard Campbell, Kevin Campbell, Kyle Campbell, Zach Campbell, Jason Hogan and James Armer.

In lieu of flowers make donations to Our Promise Cancer Resources.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

From the Family of Roger Venable

We would like to extend a special & heartfelt thank you to all of our family & friends for all of their love & support during this difficult time. We are so proud to have such loving friends & family. A special thank you to our church family at Salem Baptist for helping our mother prepare such a beautiful service for our dad. Thank you to all who cooked & served our family such a wonderful meal. My dad was so proud of his church family. We’d also like to thank all of our friends at Mena Public School for all their love & support.

We are so proud to have such wonderful friends.

God Bless You All!

In each case, the plants will be separated and labeled as suited for the sun, part-shade, or shade. Master Gardeners will be on hand to help you make your choices and to answer your questions.

The doors will be open at the Fairgrounds from 9 a.m.

– 3 p.m. Speakers and demonstrations will be scheduled throughout the day.

Linda Marie Belknap Linda Marie Belknap, age 57 of Smithville, Oklahoma passed away Friday, April 17, 2015 in Mexico.

She was born November 19, 1957 to the late Raymond Ashcraft and Sarah Marie Jewell Ashcraft. She was married to Terry Belknap and was a co-business owner in logging and Mountain Country Store. Linda had a servant’s heart for her church, witnessing for Christ to people and family. She loved singing and making flower arrangements with her sister, Carolyn.

Linda loved her family, her grandchildren and helping others. Linda was a loving and kind wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by husband, Terry Belknap, of the home; sons, Chad Belknap and wife Charla, Dustin Belknap; mother, Sarah Marie Ashcraft; grandchildren, Haley Myers and Brook Belknap; great-grandchildren, Chloe Belknap and Raegan Lee; siblings, Richard Ashcraft and wife Linda, Carolyn Dickison and Stanley, David Ashcraft and wife Jerri, Donald Ray Ashcraft and wife Sue, Daniel Ashcraft and wife Shannon, Billy Dale Hackworth and wife Chris, Sharon Kneller and husband Bob,

Williams Medical Clinic, L.L.C.

Dr. Robert S. Williams, M.D. All Major Insurance Accepted

news OBITUARIES

Master Gardeners to Hold Annual Plant Sale on Saturday

The Polk County Master Gardeners will hold their annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 2, at the Polk County Fairgrounds. The Gardeners have been gathering to “get their hands in the dirt” as they used their potting days to divide, separate, and re-pot all manner of plants from their own gardens. As always in the past, there will be a wide variety of plants to choose from: perennials, annuals, trees

Billy Joe Hackworth and wife Pam, Stanley Jewell and wife Nancy; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her dad, Raymond Ashcraft; father, Billy Joe Hackworth; granddaughter, Gracie Belknap; niece, Sarah Lee Dickison; grandparents, Clarence and Sarah Jewell; mother-in-law, Wanda Faye Bailey.

Funeral service wasFriday, April 24, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at the Smithville Assembly of God Church in Smithville, Oklahoma with Brother Jeff Maddox and Brother Jerry Ford officiating. Interment followed in the Smithville Cemetery in Smithville, Oklahoma under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Family and friends visitation was Thursday, April 23, 2015 at Beasley Wood Chapel from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Pallbearers were Chad Hutson, Dan Johnson, Ross Covington, David Brown, Mike Carter, and Jack Owens.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital in Memphis.

CONT. ON PAGE 10

Rich Mountain Lumber

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Please Call 870-389-6464

Page 10

OBITUARIES

April 29, 2015 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Wanda l.

Stringer

Wanda L. Stringer, 83, of Waldo, AR died Thursday, April 23, 2015 at Wentworth Place in Magnolia, AR. Wanda was born on January 13, 1932 in Mauldin, AR. She was a homemaker and a member of the Shiloh Baptist Church in Lamartine.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Levi and Silva (Fryar) Carmack; husband, Rhea J. Stringer; daughter, Debbie Thornsberry; and great-grandson Dakota Atkins.

Wanda is survived by her daughters, Beckie Paskewitz (Gary) of Mena, AR, Angie Henry (John) of Waldo, AR, Kimie Head (David) of Mena, AR; sons, Damon Stringer (Debbie) of Fayetteville, AR, Marty Stringer (Jill) of Lavernia, TX; grandsons Devin Thornsberry, Michael Paskewitz, Ethan Head, Lucas Head, Nick Stringer, Justin Stringer, Paul Owen; granddaughters, Crystal Thornsberry, Amanda Epperson, Jennifer Hanson, Tiffany Newton, Katie Beth Head, Lori Goforth, Kaylee Townsend, Jennifer Poplin; seventeen great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at 10 AM at the Shiloh Baptist Church with Bro. Jim Brown officiating and assisted by Bro. Mike Phillips. Burial followed at 4 PM at the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Oden, AR. Visitation was Monday from 6 to 8 PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to charity of your choice.

Pallbearers were Devin Thornsberry, Michael Paskewitz, Ethan Head, Lucas Head, Nicholas Stringer, Eddie Mayberry, Mike Cloud, and Jim Cloud.

To sign the online guest book or to share a memory visit www.lewisfuneralhome.biz

Arnold Lee Davis Arnold Lee Davis, 74, of Bentonville, passed away April 18, 2015 in Bentonville, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born September 19, 1940 in San Marcos, Texas, the son of

Weekly Publication William Sherman and Gladys Timberlake Burfield Davis. He was a retired locksmith and served in the United States Army and in the Panama Canal Zone. Arnold was a volunteer at Pathfinders, Helping Hands, and Senior Center. He also enjoyed traveling and camping at State Parks.

He is survived by his children Kelly Davis of Mena; Janet Davis-Wagner of Bentonville, Gary Davis and wife Amber of Bentonville, Jason Davis of Arlington, Texas, and Justin Webster and wife Joni; one brother Don Burfield; six grandchildren, Brian Davis, Victoria Wheeler, Jake Wagner, Zac, Kati, and Bryce Davis; and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be Saturday, May 16, 2015 in Mena. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com

Otey Donald Meador Otey Donald Meador, age 72, of Mena, died Monday, April 20, 2015 at his home. He was born on Sunday, December 17, 1942 to William O.D. and Laura Odell Talley Meador in Clarendon, Texas.

Otey was a hard worker and always had a helping hand to anyone in need. He was a member of the Light of Glory Full Gospel Church where he served as a deacon for many years. God and family were the most important wants in his life; to strive to be a more Godly man and to be the best husband and father he could. Otey enjoyed the outdoors, playing billiards, and watching his Dallas Cowboys. Otey worked on the Mena Police Force for some years and was a manager for TCA and Cox Communications for 20 years. He was very proud of his career. Otey was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Brannon Dale Meador; granddaughter, Courtney McCormack; and sister-in-law, Soni Meador.

Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Patricia Meador of Mena; four sons and daughters-in-law, Owen and Lisa Meador of Keokuk, Iowa, Michael and Roxanne Aleshire of Mena, Gerald and Dion Aleshire of Mena, David and Tina Aleshire of Enid, Oklahoma; three daughters and son-inlaw, Susie Sandifer of Amity, Arkansas,

Edwina Noble of Hot Springs, and Kim and Jeff McCormack of Mena; brothers, Billy and wife, Claudia Meador of Zavala, Texas, DeWayne Meador of Mena, and Bobby and wife, Philomena Meador of McKinney, Texas; his sister, LaQuitta and husband, Hoot Lewis of Mena; his Aunt Edna Sloan of Mena; twenty four grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Graveside services were held Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 3:00 P.M. at the Mama Dell’s Family Cemetery in Mena with Sister Rosa Allen officiating. Services were entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. Visitation will be general.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

Donald Ray Shockey Donald Ray Shockey, age 86, of Mena, died Sunday, April 12, 2015 at the CHI St. Vincent in Hot Springs. He was born on July 2, 1928 to Charles Stanley and Lutisha Dobson Shockey in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Donald was a very hard working, ethical person that always put his family first in his life. He provided for their every need. He enjoyed helping people and meeting their needs. Donald served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged after 3 1/2 years.

Donald enjoyed hunting and fishing, and camping. He was a jack-of-all-trades and enjoyed being able to fix anything around the house. Donald was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Danny Shockey; and sister, Beatrice Walburg.

Donald is survived by his wife of 55 years, Darlene Shockey of Mena; two sons, James Shockey of Cincinnati, Ohio, and David Shockey of Sunny Vail, California; his cousin, Barter Dobson; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A graveside memorial service will be at the Washington Baptist Cemetery in Elrod, Indiana at a later date. Cremation serves have been entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh. com

Roger Carrol Venable Roger Carrol Venable, age 64, of Mena, died Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the Mena Regional Health System. He was born on Saturday, September 23, 1950 to J.C. and Norma Jean Knight Venable in Fort Worth, Texas.

Roger worked for over 35 years driving all over the lower 48 states for different freight companies over the years. He was an honest, hardworking man who loved his wife and children very much. During his time off, Roger enjoyed going out in his shop and doing woodworking and other projects. He built the family 2 new homes over the years. Roger was a member of the Salem Baptist Church in Nunley for many years. Roger was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, James Venable; one grandson, Dustin Blake; and one brother, Greg Venable.

Roger is survived by his wife of 46 years, Dora Venable of Mena; two daughters, Janetta Blake of Hot Springs and Dorothy Venable of Mena; two brothers, Allan Shearman of Texarkana, Texas and Chris Venable of Lone Star, Texas; two sisters, Norma Moore of Missouri and Clevie Hartis of Cleburne, Texas; his uncle, Loyd Knight of Cherry Hill; five grandchildren, Schuyler Kunju of Mena, Shelby Hoyle of Mena, Summer Venable of Mena, Destiny Kruger of Hot Springs, and Daniel Venable of Mena; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service was held Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. at the Salem Baptist Church at Nunley with Brother Jack Schoeppey officiating. Cremation services were entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

Obituaries are available online @ Mypulsenews.com

April 29, 2015

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

Page 11

Mena Proudly Welcomes Area 14 Special Olympics Athletes

FRIDAY, MAY 1 • 9:30 AM BEARCAT STADIUM

“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETE OATH

We welcome all Area 14 Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families, and supporters. Behind every strong athlete is the will to win, the courage to compete, the encouragement of coaches, and the love of family and friends!

GOOD LUCK IN YOUR COMPETITIONS! WE SALUTE YOU...YOU ARE ALL CHAMPIONS!

479-394-4535 908 Mena St., Mena

479-394-2912 • 524 Sherwood, Mena secretary@menapolkchamber.com

This page made possible by these community minded businesses/organizations.

Diesel REPAIR

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1408 Hwy. 71 N • Mena, AR 71953

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Sat. • 9a.m. - 12:30p.m. Sun. • Closed

Fullice Servhanic MecShop

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One Stop!! Everything Automotive Repair Shop!!

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MENA | HATFIELD & WICKES 479-394-2211 www.unionbankofmena.com

(479) 394-5000 • 816 S. Mena St. Historic Downtown Mena

Mullen Construction

Rondal & Teresa Mullen

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Select Realty It’s the sign of success!

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Bowser Family Funeral Home 2608 Hwy 71 South • Mena, AR 71953

479-394-4477 • www.bowserffh.com

Page 12

AT THE CAPITOL

April 29, 2015

Weekly Publication

2015 Regular Session Comes to an End

Arkansas General Assembly Enters Interim

BY STATE SENATOR LARRY TEAGUE LITTLE ROCK – After a 19-day recess, the legislature officially ended the 2015 regular session on April 22, when it completed a few housekeeping measures and adjourned sine die.

The legislative session began on January 12 and lasted until April 2, when lawmakers finished business. The recess allowed time for proofing and processing the 1,289 bills that became acts. In all, 2,063 were introduced this year.

When the legislature adjourns sine die, it means that it cannot reconvene before the next regular session unless the governor calls a special session. Sine die means “without a date certain,” in other words, there is not an authorized date for convening again.

The next regular session will be the 2016 Fiscal Session, which begins on the second Monday in February of next year. Before then, a special session to address major changes in the Medicaid system is likely, the governor has said.

The 2015 regular session lasted 82 days. It is the shortest session since the 1991 session, which lasted 73 days. Two years ago the regular session lasted 101 days.

The legislature met in special session in 2014 to expand the capacity of state prisons, to shore up the public school employee health insurance system and to place a moratorium on lottery games played on computers. The governor called a special session in 2013, also for the legislature to address financial problems in school health

insurance.

The final bill approved in the 2015 session was Senate Bill 633, to require applicants pay a $5 fee each time they take the written test to get a driver’s license. Currently, there is no charge after the third time.

State officials estimate the bill will generate an additional $215,000 in revenue because last year the written test was administered 43,000 times to people who had failed it three times already. The additional revenue will go to the State Police.

SB 633 was sent to the governor for his signature. It is expected to become Act 1289 of 2015, making it the final bill enacted in the 2015 regular session.

The signature achievement of this year’s session was Act 22, which reduces state income taxes for Arkansas residents who earn between $21,000 and $75,000 a year. The act will save middle class taxpayers about $100 million a year.

The legislature also approved the governor’s plan to relieve prison overcrowding, through an expansion of existing prison space and enhanced parole and probation. The plan also mandates more drug treatment for inmates and authorizes the Correction Department to place inmates in other states and regional jails.

In order to strengthen the cash flow of the lottery scholarship program, the legislature changed the way scholarships are paid out. College freshmen will get $1,000 and sophomores $4,000. Currently freshmen get $2,000 and sophomores get $3,000.

Also, to qualify for scholarships high school graduates must score a 19 on the ACT standardized test.

The provision that allowed graduates to qualify with a 2.5 grade point average has been repealed.

An act passed this year provides that DNA samples will be collected from everyone arrested on felony charges, not just those arrested for violent crimes.

BY state representative nate bell Last Wednesday we convened in the House Chamber for a brief time to officially adjourn for the 90th Regular Session of the Arkansas General Assembly.

The pace of my legislative work will be slowing down a bit but legislative service is far from complete when the session adjourns.

We are now in the period of time that we refer to as the interim. A total of 114 bills from this session were referred to interim study. Topics for interim studies include everything from taxing e-cigarettes to expanding the use of telemedicine in the state.

Committee chairs will decide which of those topics will receive thorough study during the interim. 10 standing committees will be meeting jointly with the corresponding Senate committees once a month during the interim.

This session we also passed several pieces of legislation creating task forces to look closely at specific issues. The Health Reform Task Force is one example. You can also expect to see task forces created to look at highway funding, computer science, and prison reform measures just to name a few.

The Governor has also created a council of educators, parents and concerned citizens from across the state to study the Common Core standards and make recommendations to the legislature. We will be closely following the ongoing research in this series of hearings.

In addition, joint committees, like the Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) and the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee, along with their multiple subcommittees, meet frequently. ALC and its subcommittees review matters like approving changes to rules and regulations of state agencies, in addition to deciding issues pertaining to the financial operations of state agencies, departments, and institutions.

As its name suggests, the Joint Auditing Committee and subcommittees audit state departments, boards, commissions and agencies, in addition to counties and cities, helping legislators gather information needed to aid in their decision making, and to increase government transparency and accountability.

But the part of our job that has the greatest impact in our communities is perhaps the one that is discussed the least. Our service to constituents continues whether we are in session or not. Daily, we assist those in our district who may have difficulty arising from government regulations or just need information about legislation. We also work hard to maintain contact with the mayors and county officials from our district to find ways to improve the quality of life for our area.

It’s a privilege to work for you. Please feel free to send me suggestions, feedback or request assistance at nate.bell@arkansashouse.org.

N O T I C E Life & Health Insurance Annuities Medicare Supplements Long Term Care Financial Planning

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Prices effective April 29 - May 26, 2015

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49

Each

Page 13

April 29, 2015

Weekly Publication

The Crossing would like to say a HUGE

THANK YOU

MOUNTAIN AIRFRAME, LLC

to all of the many generous sponsors and volunteers that made this year’s Main Street Festival a big success, with over 4,000 people in attendance. Thank you for reaching out to our wonderful community.

A & B Tire Mena Ford Street N Perfomance Stewman's Flower Shop Southwest EMS Papa's Mexican Café Grave's Propane Coast to Coast Dallas Ave. Dental Care Wolfpen Gap Brodix Barbara Klutz - Pampered Chef Main Street Shoppe Ray Lawson - Snap On Becky Hooper Walmart Shoe Craze 10 Minut Lube Western Arkansas Homecare Country Express Christie Tackett Polk County Farmers Association Southwest Power & Supply Co. Mena Tire Mena Feed Christian Motorcyclists Assoc.

Logan Lind Brothers & Sons

Montgomery Acres, Inc. Aynes Ice Company

OPINION

Dear Editor,

Just what Mena doesn’t need is another tax. It’s all ready cheaper to go out of town to buy groceries, clothing and gasoline.

Enough money can be saved by shopping out of town to pay for your lunch as well as your trip. I have found gas to be up to 40 cents per gallon cheaper in surrounding cities and town.

There have always been those proprioters and elected officials with various excuses for the price disparity between Mena and surrounding towns.

Price gouging and high taxes seem to be the most frequently named causes mentioned by many local patrons, myself included.

Many local residents are now shopping in DeQueen, Hot Springs or Fort Smith. If taxes increase more locals will opt for shopping in surrounding towns.

Mena is basically an economically depressed retirement community. If those people living on fixed incomes happen to be tithing to their church (giving 10% or more) and paying almost 15% in local sales taxes they are being forced to live on 75% of their fixed incomes.

They cannot vote themselves increases in their retirement checks. They must learn to live within their means. So should our government on a local, state and Federal level.

We cannot continue to spend money we don’t have and raise taxes each time we reach our financial budget ceiling. Living within our means should be the goal of the city, county, state and Federal governments, not just the citizens supporting these governments.

There is no doubt that raising taxes will increase revenue but don’t the tax payers of this county realize it just takes the money out of each residents pockets and puts it in the pockets of the government. Do we citizens really want to pay more instead of less. Not me.

Sincerely, Becky Foster Mena, AR

Dear Editor,

Telissa Montgomery

Have you been to a funeral where the Polk County Military Honor Guard folded our American flag and presented it to the next of kin? Did the playing of “Taps” tug at your heart? Are you an honorably discharged Veteran of any of the sic branches of Service? If so, the Honot Guard needs your help.

Please join us in honoring our fellow veterans. This is our final tribute to our fellow service personnel. They served our country and us – now we can honor them.

You do not have to attend every funeral service. Your uniform consists of a white shirt and dark slacks. A “Polk County Veteran’s Honor Guard” ascot and white gloves will be provided for you at no charge.

For more information please contact: Bob – 479-394-3006 or Denie – 479-394-8001 Thank you.

Respectfully, Denie Westphal American Legion Adjutant 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.

April 29, 2015

BEARCATS

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

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April 29, 2015

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

Page 15

ATTENTION Parents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles . . .

Congratulate your graduate in the Pulse’s Special

FULL COLOR Section saluting these students and their accomplishments!

Publication Date: May 13 Information & payment Must be Received NO LATER THAN MONDAY, MAY 4

Salute Your 2015 Graduate in the CALL TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW!

Polk County Pulse 479-243-9600 Stop by 1168 Hwy 71 South, Mena or email to ads@polkcountypulse.com

Congr atu Rache lations Class ol Buck We are f 2015 so pro of you ud !

Love, Your F amily

EXAM

PLE

Page 16

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

April 29, 2015

April 29, 2015

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

MAY 4-8 Arkansas Valley Insurance Agency P.O. Box 590 1402 Hwy. 71 South Mena, AR 71953 479-394-6131

#ThankATeacher

Thank You Teachers!

www.unionbankofmena.com

Thank you for teaching and guiding our children towards the right path of life.

We are truly grateful!

Sunshine House Daycare Center 701 10th Street, Mena

“Teacher appreciation makes the world of education go around” -HELEN PETERS

SUPERCENTER 67 • 600 Hwy. 71 N

THANK YOU TEACHERS FOR ALL YOU DO! 479-394-3650

“Teachers” MENA HATFIELD WICKES 479-394-2211

Page 17

WE SUPPORT OUR

TEACHERS!

Thank You to all of our great teachers!

515 Janssen, Mena • 394-4140

309 S. Morrow, Mena 479-394-3650

SINCE 1939!

1020 Mena St. Mena, AR 71953

479.394.4332 TOLL FREE 1.888.394.4332

HOURS: Mon - Fri 8:30 am - 6:00 pm Sat 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Page 18

CITIZEN

April 29, 2015

Weekly Publication

Bobbie Himel - Turning Life’s Strifes into Unconditional Love

BY JACLYN ROSE Bobbie Himel did not have an idyllic childhood, but when she allowed God to take over her life, He provided her with a purpose and has allowed her to use the pain of her past to minister to people and show them His love.

Himel is married to Milton and between them they have four children: Jye, Misty, Bernie, and Brice. They also have a grandchild and another on the way. “Milton is a saint. God brought him to me at the worst part of my life. I had been alone for what seemed like forever, and had three kids and he took on my kids as his own. He’s God sent and a very godly man. I’m funny because I always wanted to be a grandmother before I was a mother,” said Himel with a smile. “I love the unconditional love that comes from being a parent and I just love being a grandma.”

The Himel family lived in Louisiana where they worked and owned rental properties. On their honeymoon, they traveled up to Petit Jean State Park and fell in love with Arkansas, some time later they felt called to move to an area between that little town called Mena and Hot Springs, and found their dream property in Big Fork. “We fell in love with the property. It had seven acres and a creek and Milton heard a deer blow and that was it, he was sold.

We moved up here in December four years ago and Mena welcomed us with open arms. The people here are the best in the world,” said Himel.

Himel has been a realtor for 12 years and works at Select Realty. “We treat people like they want to be treated. I love seeing people’s dream become a reality. We always try to take good care of our people and never pressure them,” explained Himel.

The real passion in Himel’s life is for hurting and displaced people. And she, along with a great team that consists of her husband, Milton, Le-Ann Holmes, Alex Vaughn, Roxanne and Michael Aleshire, Lynnette and Warren Schaeffer, Jack and Cady Schultz, Buddy and Becky Hooper, Jessica Anderson, and several more volunteers began Stream of Hope Ministries. Streams of Hope is a 501 (c) 3 organization that reaches out to those homeless or displaced and provides education, skilled training, budget training, medical assistance and housing assistance. “We found out when we moved here that this area has everything that it needs, it has so many resources, but needs something to connect all those resources. We want to work with these resources to provide assistance for those that want the help so that they can become productive members of society,” explained Himel. “We can’t help everybody, because there are some that don’t want help, but the percentage of those that do want help, we want to be there for them. We have to be their voice. I had a girl ask me, ‘why would you want to help me, my own family has turned their back on me,’ and I told her that it was God’s love for her that motivated me. We stick with, and become life long mentors, for these people who need help. I, for example, am the only one in five generations in my family that has raised her own children, and I had the chance to take that same road, but because of mentors and God’s love for me, I chose the right way, and now my children are raising their children,” explained Himel. Himel has also served as a speaker for women’s groups and family conferences for the past 18 years and has written a book, Starting Your Victorious Life, available on amazon.com. “Any time we come in contact with a person who is displaced or in transit, we offer them a packet with personal hygiene products, a Bible, my book, and the resource book put together by Polk County Quality of Life.

You can find us on our facebook page, we are always in need of volunteers and transportation providers,” explained Himel.

Streams of Hope Ministries has currently teamed up with The Covenant House, another local ministry that currently works with battered and abused women. Together they are working towards the completion of their new women’s facility. There will be a luncheon fundraiser held on May 26th from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm at Rich Mountain Community College’s new Ouachita Center. Tickets are $15 per person in advance or $20 at the door and all proceeds will go to The Covenant House. For more information contact Bobbie at 479.437.9348 or visit www.icovenanthouse.org.

“I love the people in Polk County. God is important to them and that is so rare and such Cell (479) 637-6538 a blessing. I love our church, The Crossing; Victor and Susan are the best and have such a heart for our community. I can say that Milton and I both have better and more real friends here than any other time in our lives and you don’t find that anywhere,” said Himel.

Page 19

April 29, 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

Your Satisfaction is Our Goal

House Wash - $199* *1800 sqft vinyl home

Manufacturer of Quality CNC Parts

479.394.4248 104 Port Arthur Avenue Mena, AR 71953-3344

703 F Hwy. 71 North Mena, AR 71953

(479) 394-7766

Bruce’s

Appliance Service Repairs done in your home.

Bruce Erickson, Owner

479-234-3570

BY JACLYN ROSE Shanna Leach and her husband, Brandon, grew up in Yale County but moved to Conway, Arkansas, over nine years ago.

When their oldest daughter, Kynzie, currently a nursing student, graduated high school they decided they were ready to get back to country life. “I went on a float trip several years ago on the Caddo River and it was so gorgeous. I told my husband I wanted to look for a house there and then I asked him if he had ever been to Mena, which he had not. We fell in love with the area and found a house with 26 acres north of Rich Mountain. We moved here, along with my youngest daughter, Karlea, a Mena High School junior, last June. It’s perfect, except for the fact that no one told me about all the black bears,” said Leach with a laugh. “We really have enjoyed getting back to the simplicity of small town living.”

Leach worked in cosmetology for 15 years and has worn Merle Norman make-up for over 20 years. “Every woman in my family, sisters, aunts, grandma, mother, all use Merle Norman Skin Care and Cosmetics. I’ve used it since high school,” said Leach.

After moving to Polk County she was saddened to learn she would have to drive to Fort Smith or Hot Springs to buy her make up, so she called Merle Norman Headquarters to learn, Susan Berruquin had just decided to open a studio in Mena. “Several months later I went to the local Merle Norman Studio and Suzy and I hit it off. We visited over an hour but I never told her my interest in running my own studio. I left and went straight home and there was a message waiting on my phone from Merle Norman saying Susan Berruquin was ready to sell. She had a second store in Nashville and the 811 4th Street, Mena commute was too much. I started working with her in 479-385-2136 or 479-385-1085 December and took over the store January 15, 2015,” Mon.-Fri. 8:30 am - 5 pm • Sat. 8:30 am - 1 pm explained Leach.

Merle Norman has been in business since the first store opened in Santa Monica, California in 1931. Currently, there are over 2,000 independently owned and operated Studios in the United States and abroad. “I have been a hair dresser for 15 years but the cosmetic “Serving your families with side was always my passion. I think if a woman looks Dignity & Care for over 80 years” good, she will feel good and perform better. Through the Selected Funeral & Life Insurance Agent years, I would try another brand or product, but I would always go back to Merle Norman. I love the longevity Member of the National Funeral Directors Assoc. of the business and the products we sell. I have made so many new friends already. I have clients who have 611 Janssen, Mena, AR used Merle Norman for decades and clients that have (479) 394-1310 never heard of it before but that I have transformed in to ‘Merle Girls.’ The convenience of being able to purchase high quality cosmetics and skin care without leaving Polk County is such an asset to the ladies in the community,” explained Leach.

The Mena Merle Norman Studio is located at 410 Sherwood Avenue, Suite 4, and is open Monday through Friday from 10 am until 5:30 pm and Saturday from 10 am until 3 pm. You can reach them by calling 479.394.3777. They offer a complete line of skin care products, make-up brushes and color cosmetics, as well as, free express facials, makeovers and special occasion make-up. They also offer free make-up lessons and free foundation checks.

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BUSINESS

• • • • • •

Mena’s Merle Norman Skin Care and Cosmetics

“... I love the longevity of the business and the products we sell... I have clients who have used Merle Norman for decades and clients that have never heard of it before but that I have transformed into ‘Merle Girls’.”

479-394-4535 Open 7 Days a Week

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479-394-4100

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Page 20

SCHOOL

April 29, 2015

Acorn Elementary Receives Grant from Game and Fish Commission

SUBMITTED BY KATHY RUSERT, SCIENCE EDucation CONSULTANT Acorn Elementary School received a $5000 grant from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to entice pollinators to window box flower gardens. Students in grades Pre-K through 5th grade will plant native flowers in window boxes and identify insects, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators that visit the window box.

Nature journalism will include writing poems, drawing pictures, writing narratives, weather information, and more. This project will integrate science, reading, writing, and social studies.

Pictured from left to right: Pat Knighten, Project Wild Coordinator for Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, presents a $5000 check to Acorn Elementary School. Accepting the grant is principal Donna Reyer and Instruction Coordinator Judy Newcomb.

[Photo submitted by Linda Heath, Acorn Elementary Counselor]

Mena’s 5th & 6th Grade Brings Home 4th Place

On Thursday, April 23, Mena’s 5th & 6th grade Quiz Bowl Team brought home a 4th place trophy from the Murfreesboro Invitational Quiz Bowl Tournament. A total of 14 teams from Ashdown, Blevins, Caddo Hills, Center Point, Delight, Dierks, Hope, Mena, Mineral Springs, Murfreesboro, Nashville, and Spring Hill participated in the tournament.

After playing 3 qualifying rounds against Ashdown, Dierks, and Spring Hill, they were seeded 4th into the single elimination bracket. They defeated Center Point and then fell to the Ashdown team they had defeated earlier. In the match to determine 3rd and 4th place, they were defeated in a close game with Nashville. Team members include Brenna Aynes, Mason Brotherton, Tad Eccles, Maddison Gunn, Jack Hunter, Nate Jewell, Leilani Knight, Emily Liles, Allie Martin, Zachary Medlin, Annika Thompson, and Travis Thrailkill.

Weekly Publication

Mena Public School’s Breakfast Monday 5/04 Pancake sausage on a stick, diced peaches, juice, milk Tuesday 5/05 Cereal, toast, apple slices, juice, milk Wednesday 5/06 Sausage patty, biscuit, sliced pears, juice, milk Thursday 5/07 Cereal, toast, banana, juice, milk Friday 5/08 Super donut, grapes, juice, milk Mena Public School’s Lunch Monday 5/04 Main: Cheeseburger, potato wedges, broccoli & cheese, side kicks, milk; Choice: Crunchy Ch[-icken Enchilada Sandwich, potato wedges, broccoli & cheese, side kicks, milk Tuesday 5/05 Main: Chicken wrap, lettuce & tomato, spanish rice (6-12), steamed carrots, tropical fruit, milk; Choice: Soft taco, lettuce & tomato, spanish rice (6-12), steamed carrots, tropical fruit, milk Wednesday 5/06 Main: Spaghetti w/ meat sauce, garden spinach salad, garlic bread sticks (9-12), fruit, milk; Choice: Pizza, garden spinach salad, bread sticks (9-12), fruit, milk Thursday 5/07 Main: Taco salad w/ salsa, whole grain tortilla chips, refried beans, chocolate chip cookie, pineapple, milk; Choice: Burrito, w/ cheese sauce, salsa, refried beans, chocolate chip cookie, pineapple, milk Friday 5/08 Main: Chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes w/ gravy, green beans, orange wedges, hot roll, milk; Choice: Turkey roast, mashed potatoes w/ gravy, green beans, orange wedges, hot roll, milk Acorn School’s Breakfast Monday 5/04 Breakfast bagel, fruit, juice, milk Tuesday 5/05 Mini donuts, fruit, juice, milk Wednesday 5/06 Cereal, fruit, juice, milk Thursday 5/07 Sausage biscuit, fruit, juice, milk Friday 5/08 Super bun, fruit, juice, milk Acorn School’s Lunch Monday 5/04 Hot dogs, tator tots, California blend, cookie, tropical fruit, milk Tuesday 5/05 Chicken fajita salad, cheese salsa, pinto beans, crackers, peaches, milk Wednesday 5/06 Turkey slice, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, roll, milk Thursday 5/07 Chicken noodle soup, cheese toast, carrots and broccoli, pineapple, milk Friday 5/08 Pork rib on a bun, sweet potato fries, Romaine lettuce, tomato, assorted fresh fruit, milk Cossatot River School’s Breakfast Monday 5/04 Vanilla Wafers, Go-Gurt, applesauce, orange juice, milk Tuesday 5/05 Sausage roll, craisins, apple juice, milk Wednesday 5/06 Cereal, apple wedges, cherry juice, milk Thursday 5/07 Breakfast pizza, pineapple, orange juice, milk Friday 5/08 Super donut, orange wedges, apple juice, milk Cossatot River School’s Lunch Monday 5/04 Chicken crispito, cheese stick, tossed salad w/ dressing, peaches, sugar cookie, milk Tuesday 5/05 Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, pears, roll, milk

This weekly info proudly sponsored by:

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Page 21

April 29, 2015

Weekly Publication

RMCC Hosts Annual Junior Day Event

If you want to be her favorite...

WE DO

SCHOOL

On Wednesday, April 15th Rich Mountain Community College welcomed approximately 450 juniors from Mena, Cossatot River, Ouachita River, Acorn & Oden, Waldron, Mount Ida, and Caddo Hills high schools for their annual Junior Day event. Junior Day is an opportunity for high school juniors to get a firsthand look at RMCC and what they have to offer. While many students are ready to move and embark on the “college experience,” many do not realize the opportunity to build a strong foundation for college success at RMCC. Students can inexpensively obtain a quality education and still have the option to transfer to a four year university. Juniors spent the morning in the Carver Grand Hall at the Ouachita Center learning about programs, degrees, and certificates offered and then spent the afternoon participating in fun and games at RMCC’s Student Government Association’s (SGA) annual Fun Day event. When asked if Junior Day makes students consider RMCC more as a college choice, Zoe Singleton Oden High School Junior said, “It all makes juniors and seniors at my school want to start at RMCC. More than half of my class have already decided to go to RMCC.” William Edwards, Oden High School Principal, Ouachita River School District commented, “My students talked about RMCC Junior Day from the moment they arrived on campus. I am so proud that our students have access to the wonderful staff and services of RMCC.” This event is held annually and in conjunction with SGA’s Fun Day event.

For more information about Junior Day contact, Jerod McCormick, RMCC Recruiter, 479-394-7622 ext.1430 or jmccormick@rmcc.edu<mailto:jmccormick@rmcc.edu>

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RMCC Student Support Services Announces April Student of the Month Dianna Metcalf has been chosen as the RMCC Student Support Services (SSS) Student of the Month for April 2015. Dianna began taking classes during the summer semester of 2013 and is currently attending part-time as she works toward an Associate of Arts degree. She is employed full-time by Waldron Public Schools while taking classes at the RMCC Waldron campus. Dianna says, “If it were not for the help that I received from SSS, I would have been struggling to make it through math classes. I am currently taking college algebra and I am so grateful that I have been able to receive one-on-one tutoring. They have been there to support me with every step that I have taken since I decided to attend college. They not only have provided tutoring, but they have provided emotional support for me as well. They have really been my cheerleaders and encouraged me when I thought I couldn’t do it.”

For more information about TRiO Student Support Services at RMCC, contact: Lisa Rackley, Director of Student Support Services at 479-394-7622 or lrackley@rmcc. edu<mailto:lrackley@rmcc.edu>

Page 22

SPORTS

April 29, 2015

Weekly Publication

Bearcats Blank Badgers, 2-0

BY NORM BETZ The Mena Bearcats welcomed 4A-2 Conference foe Arkadelphia to town for a battle on Senior Night, and left the field with a 2-0 victory. With the win, the Bearcats improved to 4-3 in conference play and 6-5-1 overall on the season.

The first half featured a defensive battle with neither team being able to score a goal.

Bearcats senior goalkeeper, Justin Castor, was on top of his game and stopped every shot that came his way in the opening half.

“I’m really proud of these guys, they played hard, and the defense played awesome,” said Bearcats head coach Craig Bentley. “Justin had a good game in goal and continues to improve each game.”

The Bearcats started the second half on fire, with senior Zane Sherrer getting behind the Badgers defense and finding the back of the net in the first minute for his 12th goal of the season. Each team battled for the next 20 minutes, with neither team being able to put a goal on the board.

“Arkadelphia is a really good team,” Bentley said.

“Their coach has been there for 20 years and he does a really good job with them over there.”

The game was pretty intense at this point and the play was picking up when Mena junior Dwyan Grinder picked up a yellow card two minutes after the Bearcats took a 1-0 lead.

“We’ve really been concentrating and working hard on checking to the balls on defense, sending the ball up to our strikers and outside guys on offense, and finishing our opportunities,” explained Bentley. “We’ve been doing a really good job at that these last two weeks.”

Sherrer and the Bearcats were not done, as Sherrer scored his second goal of the game and 13th goal of the year with just under 19 minutes to play in the contest.

“We’ve gotten better through the season and these guys take practice very serious and that’s hard because we’ve been practicing for three months,” said Bentley. “I challenged them to fix the things we need to fix so we can make the playoffs and they’ve been doing a good job.”

The Bearcats maintained their two goal lead and picked up the 2-0 shutout and the all important conference win. The Bearcats now turn their attention to finishing strong so they can be one of the four teams playing in the State Tournament.

“We shot ourselves in the foot a little bit when we lost to Centerpoint and Gurdon on penalty kicks earlier this season,” said Bentley. “If we win our next two games against Malvern and Academics Plus we’ll put ourselves in pretty good position to make it to State Playoffs.”

In closing, coach Bentley really bragged about the Bearcats performance and efforts this season. “This team has gotten better, they play hard, and they get along,” said Bentley. “We’re a playoff team and have to do what we need to to make the playoffs. This is a fun group of guys to be around.”

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Atchley Sets State Weightlifting Record

BY NORM BETZ The Mena Bearcats traveled to Alma’s Charles B. Dyer Arena Saturday to participate in the 23rd Annual Arkansas High School Weightlifting Championships.

There were more than 400 athletes that participated in the competition from 53 schools across the state. The competition included five classifications: 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A and 6A/7A and 10 different weight classifications, from 123 pounds and below to 260 pounds and above.

Each athlete lifted in two categories: the bench press and the power clean. Those two totals, in pounds, were added together to give each lifter a total weight lifted.

Individually, Bearcat senior Shane Atchley set a new Arkansas High School State Record when he power cleaned 300 pounds in the 149-165 pound division. The next closest power clean in his weight division was 265 pounds. Just to give you an idea how impressive this is, only 10 lifters from the six weight classes above Atchley reached 300 pounds or more. Atchley finished third in his weight division with a total weight of 535 pounds.

As a team, the Bearcats finished as the 4A State Runner-Up, with a lifting total of 4,815 pounds. Dover High School finished as the 4A State Champions with a total weight of 4,880 pounds, just 65 pounds more than Mena.

Page 23

April 29, 2015

Weekly Publication

SPORTS

Ladycats Lose First Conference Game, 2-1

BY NORM BETZ The Mena Ladycats soccer team hosted the Lady Badgers of Arkadelphia in a 4A-2 Conference soccer game on Mena’s Senior Night. Unfortunately for the Ladycats, they were outscored 2-1, and lost their first conference game of the season.

The game didn’t exactly start the way the Ladycats and third-year head coach Kevin Bledsoe thought or hoped it would. The Lady Badgers scored a quick, kind of fluke goal in the first couple minutes of the game. The ball was kicked into the box with several players around and it bounced around in front of Mena goalkeeper McKenna Law, before ultimately finding its way into the back of the net.

“Arkadelphia is a tough team and they always play us hard,” said Bledsoe. “We played them twice last year and both games went to penalty kicks, so I expected a tough game.”

Arkadelphia went up 2-0 just eight minutes later on a seeing-eye shot from the outside that also eluded Law, Mena’s keeper.

“We were a little rocky coming out, they scored two quick goals in the first 10 minutes,” explained Bledsoe.

“The first goal we were just lackadaisical in the box and the ball pin-balled around a little bit and they punched it in. The second goal, we actually did what we were supposed to do, forced them outside but she was able to make a great shot and it found the net.”

The Ladycats could have easily hung their heads after being down a pair of goals just 10 minutes into the contest, but that was not an option. The Ladycats continued to scratch and claw and it finally paid dividends when senior foreign exchange student Sara Hamalainen found the back of the net with 24 minutes to play in the opening half, to cut the lead in half, 2-1. Hamalainen is a foreign exchange student from Finland.

“We were able to get one on the board to cut the lead in half in the first,” said Bledsoe. “We did have plenty of opportunities to tie it up in the first but we just couldn’t capitalize.”

The wind definitely played a role in the contest as the Lady Badgers won the toss and had their backs to the wind in the first half. It was a strong wind coming out of the south and Arkadelphia capitalized on it scoring two goals.

“They had the wind the whole first half so they had the advantage there,” Bledsoe said. “It was honestly a game of win advantage and they won the toss and took the ball with the wind.”

The Ladycats controlled the ball for most of the second half, but just couldn’t put the ball in the net. The wind was not nearly as strong as the first half and wasn’t as big of a factor in the second half.

“In the second half, we had the wind, won the majority of the balls, we just couldn’t put the ball in the net,” said Bledsoe. “The girls played hard. I can’t discount their effort.”

Neither team was able to beat the opposing keeper in the second half and the final score remained 2-1, with Arkadelphia handing Mena their first conference loss of the season.

“After the game I told the girls you have to play the whole game like you did in the last two minutes of the game with such great urgency,” explained Bledsoe. “That really was our only downfall today and we’re gonna learn from this and continue to improve.”

The Ladycats sport a 7-7-1 overall record and are 4-1 in conference play. There are nine teams in the 4A-2 Conference with the top four moving onto the State Tournament.

The Ladycats are currently one of five teams vying for one of the coveted spots. Central Arkansas Christian, Arkadelphia, Malvern, Mena, and Arkansas Baptist are the teams in the hunt with just two conference games remaining on the schedule.

The Ladycats final two conference games are against Malvern and Central Arkansas Christian, two of the top five teams in the conference.

Mexican

Fiesta Dinner

May 2 • 5:30 - 7:30 pm St. Agnes Church Hall, Mena

109 8th Street $6.50 Per Person or 2 for $12 Proceeds go to Scholarship Program

Page 24

April 29, 2015

Weekly Publication

SPORTS

Ladycats Run-Rule Lady Cobras in Three Innings

BY NORM BETZ The Mena Ladycats made quick work out of the Lady Cobras of Fountain Lake on Senior Night, cruising to a 15-0 victory in just three innings. The Ladycats put 15 runs on the board with just six hits, while sophomore Lexi Brooks struck out eight of the nine Lady Cobras she faced.

Juniors Macy and Madi Brotherton were the only Ladycats to participate defensively other than Brooks. Macy grabbed a dropped third strike to the first batter of the game and tossed it over to Madi at first base for the out. Madi also scooped up a grounder in the top of the third for an unassisted put out.

Offensively, the Ladycats scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning, six runs in the bottom of the second inning, and four runs in the bottom of the third for a total of 15 runs and another win to remain undefeated in 4A-7 Conference play.

Eight Ladycats stepped to the plate in the bottom of the first, with five of them crossing the plate to lead 5-0 at the end of the first inning. Junior Kenzi Spurgin hit an RBI double after senior Bailey Bunch walked and stole second base. Macy Brotherton walked and senior Lexi Hansard took one for the team when she was plunked on the foot. Brooks helped her own cause, hitting an RBI single to right field. Junior Daryan Torix picked up an RBI on a ground out to shortstop to increase Menaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lead to 5-0 at the end of the opening inning.

Junior Jordan Ward led off the bottom of the second inning, reaching after being hit by a pitch. Bailey followed with a single and Spurgin picked up her second RBI of the game on a ground out to shortstop. Macy Brotherton walked, Hansard singled to left field and Torix picked up an RBI on a bunt. Sophomore courtesy runner Kensie Sawyer and Torix both scored on passed balls. Mena led 11-0 after the second inning.

The Ladycats added four runs in the bottom of the third without registering an out to win the contest, 15-0. Spurgin led off with a double to center field, junior Kristen Kesterson walked and Macy Brotherton followed by reaching first after being hit by a pitch. Spurgin stole home, Kesterson scored on a passed ball and senior courtesy runner Jami Miller also stole home on a lazy throw back to the pitcher. Hansard walked and moved from first to third on a pair of errors. With Brooks looking at a 3-0 count, Hansard stole home to end the game. The Ladycats moved to 6-0 with the 15-0 win over Fountain Lake.

Polk County Basketball Players Receive All-State Awards

powered by THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

will be broadcasting the

Mena Ladycat Softball Season.

Find the link under the video tab @ MyPulseNews.com

Several basketball players from Polk County have received post-season honors. Acorn High School Tiger Sky Jackson and Lady Tiger Jessica Looney have both received All-State Honors, as well as, being named for the All-State Tournament Team in Class 1A. The pair will also represent Acorn in the Arkansas High School Basketball All-Star game as members of the 2015 West All-Stars. The AllStar Game will be played June 25th in Conway. Lady Tigersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Assistant Coach Alan Barton will serve as an Assistant Coach for the All-Star West Team.

Cossatot River Eagle Edgar Gonzalez was named to the 3A State All-Tournament Team and Lady Eagles Alanna Craft and Saybra Richardson of Cossatot River High School were also name All-State in Class 3A.

April 29, 2015

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

2015 FFA Star Greenhand Award

Spencer Thrailkill

Page 25

Banquet

Monday, April 27

Star Chapter Farmer Award Allbaugh Leadership Award

Becky Sterner

Dr. Cress Memorial Award

Sloan Hicks & Jacob Miller

Honorary Chapter Farmer

McKinzy McGee, Justin Godfrey & Keeley Jones

Rene Roberts

RMCD Merle Metcalf Chris Jones Memorial Cattlemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association Memorial Scholarship Scholarship Scholarship

Becky Sterner

Greg Craig

Jessica Singleton

Page 26

April 29, 2015

CALENDAR

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

meet in the classroom at the Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena Street. Admission is free. * 7:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous Meeting – 812 Hwy 71 South, Mena. * 8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159 Hwy 71 South, Mena, For information call 397-4396 or 216-4606.

Saturday 5/02 * 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. –Wickes Masonic Lodge monthly breakfast at the Lodge. All proceeds go towards the Scholarship program. * 10:00 a.m. – Opening Pitch Co-Ed Softball Tournament, Aubrey D. Tapley Ballpark, Cash prizes, $50 per team, two age divisions.

For more information, call Tyler Lane at 479216-7119. Benefits Relay for Life. * 11:00 a. m - 5:00 p.m. – Double Elimination Call of Duty Advanced Warfare Tournament, at KOPS Thrift Store, 901 Mena Street, $5 per person, 13 & under $2.50, prizes awarded to tournament finalists. 100% of proceeds goes to Relay for Life. For more information, call Nick at 479-216-8961. * 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Reception for Jim Huckabay Watercolor Exhibit, Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena Street. Visit with Jim and gallery members. All are welcome. * 2:30 p.m. –Old Lyric Players (Seniors Readers’ Theatre) meets at the OLT, 610 Mena Street. Participants 50 years of age and older are welcome. For more information, contact Janelle Baldwin, 479-243-6486, * 6:00 p.m. – Cove Rural Fire Department Annual Fund Raiser and 5th Annual Jim Alexander Treasure Hunt (for Kiddies) 4 to 5.

Live Gospel Music, 3pm. – 6pm, Cake Walk 4pm – 5pm. Live music with Leon Page 6 until ???. Hamburgers, hotdogs and fixings start at 6pm. Raffle Ruger American .243 and chain saw. Tickets $2 each; 3 for $5; 7 for $10. * 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 5/03 * Decoration Day at Watson, Ok, Cemetery.

Time to remove old flowers and clean up cemetery. * 10:00 a.m. Cherry Hill Decoration Day. There will be a short business meeting under the Old Oak Tree beginning at 10 a.m. * 2:00 p.m. Championship games Co-Ed Tournament, Aubrey D. Tapley Ballpark, cash prizes. For more information, call Tyler Lane at 479-216-7119. * 2:30 p.m. A.B.A.T.E. (Arkansas Bikers Aiming Towards Education) monthly meeting at Lime Tree Restaurant. Officers meeting at 2:30, general meeting at 3:00 p.m.

You don’t have to ride to attend or become a

member. We are a non-profit organization. * 6:30 p.m. –Narcotics Anonymous meeting at Saint Agnes Church Parish Hall.

Monday 5/04 * 6:00 – 8:0 p.m. – Jr OLT auditions for Charlotte’s Web. * 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 Warriors – Bear State Bank across from Depot. For information call 437-3560.6:00 pm. * 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 5.05 * 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 artist working in the classroom at the gallery. * 11:00 – 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 Wes. For more information call 216-0719. * 1:00 p.m. Polk County Sociable Seniors meets at Papa’s Mexican Café. Anyone over 50 is welcome. Get acquainted with others and have a few smiles. Question for this month: What was the last experience that make you a stronger person? For more info, call Ken & Diane at 243-0191. * 6:00 p.m. Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 646 meets at Lime Tree Restaurant.

For more information, contact Joel Hinton at 385-2153 * 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Jr OLT auditions for Charlotte’s Web. * 6:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, 812 Hwy 71 S, Mena. * 8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous, First United Methodist Church, 9th Street & Port Arthur. For information call 479-234-2887 or 479-234-3043.

Wednesday 5/06 * 6:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, 812 Hwy 71S, Mena. * 7:00 – Alcoholics Anonymous, - Book Study, ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159 Hwy 71 S., Mena. For information call 394-7396 or 216-4606.

* HSO’s Kritter Korner has closed its booth at Mena Antique Mall as of 4/25/15.

Call Cheryl Murphy at 479243-0771 about donating your household items for HSO’s Rummage Sale Sept.

4-5. * May 2- June 2 - Jim Huckabay Watercolor Exhibit, Mena Art Gallery. Gallery hours Tuesday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Wed – Saturday 10:00 a.m.

– 3:00 p.m. * May 6, 6:00 p.m. – Ouachita Arts & Crafts Guild meeting and demonstrations Union Bank Community Room, Mena.

For more information, call 479-234-0451. * May 7, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Job Fair, Rich Mountain Community College, Ouachita Center,. For more information call Lura Powell 479-394-7622 x1452 or Michael Howell 479-394-3060 x 5203. * May 8 – 5:30 p.m. - Children’s Spring Violin Recital, First Presbyterian Church. * Mena Head Start is taking applications for FALL enrollment 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 479-437-3733. * MHS 40 Year Club - meets Memorial Day weekend May 23 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Mena High School followed by a fish fry. For more information go to www.mhs40yearclub.org or call Russell Blackburn at 479-216-2519 or Donna Montgomery at 479-234-3238. * Every Monday 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. 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.

PCDC/Jumpstart can now administer the Ages and Stage Developmental Assessments. This assessment measures you child’s milestones and is available for ages 2 months through 60 months. If you are interested in having your child assessed, please contact Sally or Carolyn at 479-394-7572.

BEATS

Thursday 4/30 * 11:30 –Rotary Club of Polk County /Mena meets at Papa’s Mexican Café.

Contact Lisa Martin at 2163383 or Charles Pitman at 216 for more info. * 12:00 – 3:00 p. – 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 479-234-2297 for more information. * 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Jr OLT auditions for Charlotte’s Web. * 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. For information call 3947396 or 216-4606.

Friday 5/01 * 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – The Writer’s Guild will-

Weekly Publication

Page 27

April 29, 2015

Weekly Publication

Mr and Mrs Steven Miner of Hatfield, Arkansas are pleased to announce the upcoming marriage of their daughter, Brittney Miner to Jeffery Battenfield, son of Kevin and Anita Battenfield of Delaware, AR on May the 9th at 1:00 pm. The wedding will be held at the First Baptist Church, 4802 Highway 71 S in Hatfield. All friends and relatives are invited!

Polk County Births

at Mena Regional Health System Casey Aguilar and James Wood, of Heavener, are the proud parents of a baby girl, born on April 18th.

Luz Martinez and Jesus Rios Carrera, of Gillham, are the proud parents of a baby boy, born on April 20th.

Sydney and Shaye Gilbert, of DeQueen, are the proud parents of a baby boy, born on April 21st.

Meagan Czarnetz and Heath Sanders, of Mena, are the proud parents of a baby boy, born on April 21st.

Shasta Jackson and Coy Rush, of Mena, are the proud parents of a baby girl, born on April 23rd.

Tyra Franco and Brannon Parnell, of Gillham, are the proud parents of a baby girl, born on April 24th.

CUTEST PET PIC

Ruger & Dude

Ruger and Dude staying warm in their Razorback blanket. Owner is Donna Morse.

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:

Smith & Newman to Wed

FAMILY

Miner & Battenfield to Wed

Lee and Dee Ann Smith of Mena announce the engagement of their daughter, Leigha Emily, to Damon Steele Newman, son of Sherry Newman, of Mena.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Hubert and Virginia Hardin of Nashville, Michael Smith of Murfreesboro and Karen Smith of Foreman.

She is a 2011 Mena High School graduate and 2014 graduate of Southern Arkansas University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Business. She is employed by Farm Bureau in Fort Smith.

Her fiance is the grandson of Lenard and Jeane Aleshire of Mena.

Damon is also a 2011 graduate of Mena High School and will graduate fromSouthern Arkansas University in May of this year with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.

The couple will be married Saturday, June 6th.

Gift Registry

Lizbeth Lopez Alyssa Hunt & Leland M. Wiederhoeft & Wesley Seals 6/6/15 4/25/15 Leigha Smith Hailee Graves & Damon Newman & Kyle Rutherford 6/6/15 5/2/15 Deianeira Oliver Brittney Miner & Matt Wise & Jeff Battenfield 6/13/15 5/9/15 Natalie Rose Kelly Anderson & Jake Ledbetter & Peter Gandy 6/20/15 5/16/15 Ashley Philpot Tara Lynn Warrington & Colby Kennedy & Ethan Garrett Davis 6/20/15 5/23/15 Jordan Deramus Taylor Cheyenne Smith & Jordon McDaniel & Caleb Sebo 6/27/15 5/23/15 Stacie Floyd Brigetta Super & Phillip Spears & Kylan Rakestraw 6/27/15 5/24/15 Darian Kinsey Manda Ham & Brett Shockley & Kyle Jewell 7/18/15 5/30/15 Emily Herod Abbie Jones & Logan McCourtney & Sam Hatfield 7/25/15 5/30/15 Holly Lewis & Christopher Cassell - 6/1/15

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

#LOL

Ten Dollars

Every year, Smitty and his wife Martha went to the State Fair. And every year, Smitty would say, “Martha, I’d like to ride in that there airplane.” And every year, Martha would reply, “I know, Smitty, but that airplane ride costs ten dollars, and ten dollars is ten dollars.”

This one year Smitty and Martha went to the fair and Smitty said, “Martha, I’m 71 years old. If I don’t ride that airplane this year I may never get another chance.”

Martha replied, “Smitty, that there airplane ride costs ten dollars, and ten dollars is ten dollars.”

The pilot overheard them and said, “Folks, I’ll make you a deal. I’ll take you both up for a ride. If you can stay quiet for the entire ride and not say one word, I won’t charge you, but if you say one word it’s ten dollars.” Smitty and Martha agreed, and up they went.

The pilot performed all kinds of twists and turns, rolls and dives, but not a word is heard. He even does a nose dive, pulling up 15 feet above the ground, but still not a word. They land and the pilot turns to Smitty, “By golly, I did everything I could think of to get you to yell out, but you didn’t.”

Smitty replied, “Well, I was gonna say something when Martha fell out, ...but ten dollars is ten dollars!”

Page 28

HISTORY

April 29, 2015

Weekly Publication

Moments From American History: 80 Years of Helping People Help The Land

BY JEFF OLSON Franklin D. Rooseveltâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s statement, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The nation that destroys its soil destroys itself,â&#x20AC;? reflected the understanding that wise and prudent men and women of the 1930s had of the importance of soil conservation in America. This translated and evolved into a commitment which saw its strongest expression during and in the aftermath of the Dust Bowl; giving birth to agencies and institutions which to this day remain dedicated to the same mission they set out on many years ago.

The Dust Bowl was a time of severe dust storms that greatly damaged the ecology and agriculture of the U.S. and Canadian prairies during the 1930s. It affected 100 million acres that centered on the panhandles of Texas and Oklahoma and touched adjacent sections of New Mexico, Colorado and Kansas. It forced approximately 3.5 million people to move out of the Plains states, many to find that the Great Depression had rendered economic conditions there little better than those they had left. The declining natural resource and economic conditions reached a point that something needed to be done to address the mounting catastrophe.

With the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt as President in 1932, conservation of soil and water resources became a national priority in the New Deal administration. After one of the dust storms reached Washington, D.C. in May 1934, while Congress was commencing hearings on a proposed soil conservation law, scientist and director of the Soil Erosion Service Hugh Hammond Bennett seized the opportunity to explain the cause of the storms and to offer a solution. He penned editorials and testified to Congress urging for the creation of a permanent soil conservation agency. The result was the Soil Conservation Act, which President Roosevelt signed 80 years ago this week, April 27, 1935, creating the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) in the USDA. The law stated, in part, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the wastage of soil and moisture resources on farm, grazing, and forest lands.... is a menace to the national welfare.â&#x20AC;?

Since then, the SCS has been the lead agency for conservation on private lands in America. Her roles have been many and varied, including performing surveys and devising flood control plans for selected watersheds under the authority of the Flood Control Act of 1936, and drafting the Standard State Soil Conservation Districts Law in 1937 which strengthened local efforts and control to apply conservation measures on the ground through establishing soil conservation districts. In 1938 SCS was made responsible for administering the Departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drainage and irrigation assistance programs, the snow survey and water supply forecasting program, and the Water Facilities, Land Utilization, and Farm Forestry programs. After World War II, Congress increased appropriations for soil conservation programs. The Secretary made SCS the lead agency responsible for technical oversight of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;permanentâ&#x20AC;? type conservation measures installed with cost-share funds under the Agricultural Conservation Program (ACP). During this time the number of soil conservation districts continued to increase, as did the number of cooperators working with SCS to develop conservation plans for their farms. In 1952 Secretary of Agriculture Charles Brannan unified USDA soils works when he merged the Soil Survey into SCS. Soil surveys have since been completed in practically every region of the country with 1999 seeing the 100th anniversary of the National Cooperative Soil Survey in America.

In 1994, Congress initiated a major reorganization of the USDA and renamed SCS the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to better reflect the broadened scope of the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concerns and new approaches to delivering services to the public.

SCS/NRCS and conservation districts have worked together with landowners all over America in applying effective and enduring soil and water conservation measures which we still see and benefit from today. I can personally attest to the dedication and hard work invested in these as I spent most of my career as an agency employee associated with such men and women that made this happen. As an example - most of the hundreds of ponds on the Polk County landscape were â&#x20AC;&#x153;stakedâ&#x20AC;? by the SCS, built by local construction folks, and many were financed in part (cost-shared) by USDA.   Today, the NRCS continues the conservation legacy established in 1935, even as it adapts to changing concerns and takes on new responsibilities to address present and future challenges. Through 80 years of experience, NRCS has developed numerous science-based tools and standards in agronomy, soils, forestry, engineering, economics, wildlife biology, hydrology and other disciplines that local field office conservationists and technicians use in helping landowners plan and install conservation practices. Though some of the tools and methodologies have changed, the core mission of NRCS has not â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Helping People Help The Land.Â

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Page 29

April 29, 2015

Weekly Publication

ARTS

Jim Huckabay: Watercolor Artist

by barbara m. tobias During the month of May, 2015, Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena Street, will present an exhibit of the watercolor paintings of Jim Huckabay. Admission is free.

A lifelong artist, Jim Huckabay’s creative gifts were revealed at an early age. The “growing up years” found him diligently pursuing his art on a self-taught basis until his 1964 enrollment in Louisiana Tech University. There he gained a solid orientation in fine arts, design, drawing and painting. He obtained his BA degree in Advertising Design four years later. He went on to pursue graduate level studies at Northeast Louisiana University until professional opportunities drew him to Shreveport, Louisiana in 1972.

While making his way as an illustrator/art director in the world of advertising and graphic design, Huckabay accrued a sizable portfolio of visual work in all media. He was particularly drawn to the paintbrush and the magic achievable with watercolors and dyes.

Now a committed fine artist with major emphasis in water media, Jim continues to explore the endless possibilities of interpretation attainable with brushes, watercolor and paper. With a seasoned eye for design and “starting places” inspired by shapes and hues of the natural world, his emergence as a watercolorist has seemingly just begun.

On Friday, May 1, 2015, at 3:00 pm, Jim Huckabay will conduct a demonstration of how he creates his paintings. He says, “I’ll offer some starting points for about 15 minutes and talk 15 minutes after the demo (but this is all flexible). I’ll talk about subject matter, materials, and my approach to watercolor before I begin. A discourse on brushes and paint colors is included. A step by step explanation is given as I move through the painting, and several techniques will be demonstrated.

“The demo usually sparks additional questions when we wrap up. In this case, some attendees may have questions/comments about pieces in the exhibit.”

There will be a $20 fee for the demonstration which will last until approximately 4:30 or 5:00 pm. To make your reservation, please call the gallery at 479-394-3880.

Vickie Dempsey is the winner of Mena Art Gallery’s Camera Giveaway.

She is shown holding her new Cannon Rebel T5 DSLR camera with Gallery Director, Julie Vande Zande.

[Photo by Janis Shull]

TV PROGRAM TYPES: ANIMAL • AWARDS • CARTOON • COMEDY • COOKING • CRIME • DOCUDRAMA • GAME • HISTORICAL • HORROR • INFOMERCIAL • MEDICAL • MUSIC VIDEO • NATURE • NEWSCAST • POLITICAL • QUIZ • REALITY • RELIGIOUS • SHOPPING • SPORTS • TALK SHOW •TELETHON • TRAVEL • VARIETY • WEATHER • WESTERN

HOME & GARDEN

Cooking with Herbs Adds Flavor

by kim hughes, extension office agent, fcs Cooking with fresh herbs really enhances the flavors of food without adding to the fat, sodium, or calorie content. There are hundreds of varieties of fresh herbs available; many which are easily grown at home.

Herbs and spices have a long culinary history, dating back more than 2,000 years. They were known to be traded throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East. Spices were the motive for Christopher Columbus’ forays across the ocean.

Despite what some think, “spice” and “herb” cannot be used interchangeably. Spices come from the bark, buds, fruit, roots, seeds or stems of plants and trees. They are usually dried; garlic and ginger root are two exceptions.

Herbs are the fragrant leaves of plants. It is possible for one plant to provide both herbs and spices. Such is the case of the coriander plant. The seeds of the plant are combined with others to make curry powder, while the leaves of the same plant are called cilantro, a favorite seasoning in Mexican dishes.

Store your dried herbs and spices in tightly covered containers in a cool, dark place (not the refrigerator). Avoid placing your spice rack near a window or above the stove because heat, bright light, and air destroy the flavor, while moisture can cause herbs and spices to mold.

To assure that you are using your dried herbs in a timely manner, date the container. Then use it as needed, but preferably within the year.

To check the freshness, rub seasonings between your fingers and smell the aroma. If there’s not much smell, you may need to get a new supply.

Cooking with fresh herbs is almost as easy as cooking with dried. As a general rule, use three times as much fresh herb as you would a dried herb. If given the chance, use fresh over dried each time.

Fresh herbs should be stored in an open or perforated plastic bag in your refrigerator crisper drawer for a few days. To extend the freshness of herbs, snip off the end of the stems on the diagonal. Place herbs in a tall glass with an inch of water. Cover loosely with a plastic bag to allow for air circulation and change the water daily. Herbs may last a week or more stored this way.

Page 30

April 29, 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 April 19, 2015 Report was taken of a domestic disturbance at a local residence. One of the parties had left the scene, and the other did not wish to press charges.

April 20, 2015 Billy Joseph Fletcher, 28, of Mena was charged with driving on a suspended driver’s license.

April 21, 2015 Report was taken of a patient at the local emergency room making threats.

The patient was transferred to a psychiatric facility.

April 22, 2015 A local woman reported that she left her wallet in a shopping cart at a local retail store. When she returned, she located the wallet, but the cash was missing. Case is pending.

A local man reported that while he was away from his house someone entered the residence and stole his television set. Case is pending.

April 23, 2015 No reports taken.

April 24, 2015 A Mena woman reported that her wallet had been stolen from her purse while she was at a local business. A witness identified a suspect. Case is pending location and interview of suspect.

April 25, 2015 Hannah LeeAnn White, 32, of Mena was arrested on outstanding warrant from Dardanelle.

A local man reported that someone had slashed a tire on his vehicle. Case is pending.

Officers additionally worked two accidents.

Polk County Sheriff’s Department April 20, 2015 Report from complainant on Race

Weekly Publication Lane near Mena of the theft of DVDs and prescription medication, all valued at $600.00. Investigation continues.

Arrested was David E. Milam, 48, of Hatfield, on a Warrant for Terroristic Threatening 1st Degree.

Report from complainant on Polk 27 near Hatfield of the unauthorized use of their credit card. Investigation continues.

Arrested was Adam Green, 22, of Mena, on a Warrant for Battery 3rd Degree.

Arrested was Robert H. Williams, 39, of Mena, on a Warrant for Battery 3rd Degree.

Traffic stop on Highway 71 South in Cove led to the arrest of Tyler W. Everett, 23, of Mena, on Warrants for two counts of Failure to Comply with a Court Order and a Failure to Appear.

April 21, 2015 Traffic stop led to a Citation for Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License being issued to Zeke W. Jones, 22, of Mena.

Traffic stop on Highway 71 led to Citations for Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License being issued to both James L. Cassady, 44, and Jacqueline R. Cassady, 24, each of Mena.

April 22, 2015 Report from complainant on Highway 71 South near Mena of the break-in to their residence, causing $100.00 in damages to a window. Investigation continues.

Arrested was William R. Pate, 43, of Mena, on a Warrant for Failure to Appear.

Arrested was Amber Brock, 36, of Hatfield, on a Scott County Warrant.

Arrested was Rodney D. Morrison, 29, of Mena, on a Charge of Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance.

Arrested was Natalie M. Holliday, 21, of Mena, on a Warrant for Harassing Communications.

April 23, 2015 Report from complainant on Polk 75 near Mena of the theft of a firearm.

Investigation continues.

Report of a break-in and theft from a storage unit in Cove. Investigation continues.

Arrested was Anthony W. Cottman, 27, of Mena, on a Warrant for Probation Violation.

Arrested by an officer with the Gran-

nis Police Department was Sabrina J. Miranda, 27, of Grannis, on a Warrant for Failure to Appear.

Arrested by a trooper with the Arkansas State Police was Juan M. Ramirez, 30, of Wickes, on Charges of Speeding, No Driver’s License and No Liability Insurance.

April 24, 2015 No reports were filed.

April 25, 2015 Report from complainant on Strawberry Lane near the Potter community of a break-in and vandalism to a door and cabinets. Investigation continues.

Report of problems while deputies were attempting to serve civil papers on Missouri Avenue in Mena.

April 26, 2015 Traffic stop on Highway 246 West near Hatfield led to a 17-year-old Mena male being issued a Juvenile Citation

for Possession of Intoxicating Liquor by a Minor. The juvenile was released to the custody of a parent/guardian.

Report from complainant on Highway 8 East near the Nunley community of the break-in and theft of checkbooks, jewelry and musical instruments, all valued at $225.00. Investigation continues.

Traffic stop on Highway 246 West near Hatfield led to the arrest of Regina I. Barby, 45, of Mena, on Charges of DWI, Careless Driving, Driving Left of Center and Refusal to Submit.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 19 Incarcerated Inmates; 13 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility, of which 7 are currently out of jail on a monitoring system.

Page 31

April 29, 2015

Weekly Publication

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

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

Gravel, Backhoe, and Dump Truck Services. Over 40 yrs.

TFN

experience. Call Joe Bill Ward at 479-883-9298.

Lawn Mowing, Landscaping and landscape maintenance.

5/27 Reasonable rates. Free estimates. Call 479-234-1468

4/29

Books & Stuf, 704 Mena Street, Mena, Arkansas –Books, computer games, kid’s wood frame puzzles, some movies.

Come and See. 5/20 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

Experienced flatbed drivers needed. Home most weekends. Good pay. Great work environment. Local company. Must have two years recent flatbed experience.

Jasper Trucking 479-243-4524

5/6 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. 479TFN 394-5515.

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 479-234-1357.

TFN Daniel’s Carpentry and Painting. Home repair and painting. Small to medium jobs. Also lawn and garden work.

Call 870-334-2068

5/6

Yard Mowing, weed eating, bush hogging, handyman services, power washing. Have own equipment and tools. Call 4/29 479-216-5204 Scott’s Lawn Care – Small, Medium and Large properties.

Reasonable rates and Friendly service. 394-7599 or 2343707.

5/15 For Sale – Tomato, Squash, Cucumbers, Raspberry plants. Call 394-1296, 216-4489 or come by 216 Finks Street, off Hwy 8 West.

4/29 Peachtree Assisted Living is looking for an experienced cook and office manager with computer skills. Come by Peachtree at 1803 Cordie Drive during office hours of 8 a.m.

-4:00 p.m. for an application.

4/29

Advertisement for Bid –Polk County Judge Brandon Ellison is soliciting for bids to replace a roofing system on the South wing of the Polk County Office Complex.

A copy of bid specifications may be obtained at the Polk County Judge’s office at 507 Church Avenue, in Mena, Arkansas. Qualified contractors are invited to submit proposals on or before 9:00 a.m. May 8th 2015. The bids will be opened in the basement of the Polk County Courthouse. Each bid shall be accompanied by a 5% surety or cashier’s check drawn on a bank or trust doing business in Arkansas. Polk County reserves the right to reject any or all bids or waive any formalities. Questions can be directed to Polk County Judge, Brandon Ellison,

4/29 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.

Interested in Foster Parenting or Adoption? Call 479-394-3100 x 136 or apply online at www.fosterarkansas.org 4/29 Immediate Positions Available at Mena Manor, Part Time RN Position, Part Time Dietary Aid. Must apply in person. 100 9th Street, Mena.

4/29

3 Family Moving Sale – 102 South 4th in Cove across from old Van Cove High School. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Lots of furniture, clothes, knick knacks, movies, washer/ dryer, beds, entertainment center; gems jewels and more with new jewelry, collectibles, figurines; play station equipment, glassware dishes. Everything must go.

CLASSIFIEDS

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.

Estate Sale, Friday, May 1, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church and 8th Streets. Something for everyone! Beautiful dishes, sets and serving pieces; cookware; framed pictures – all sizes and very nice; rugs; linens; wide choice of books; lamps. Some furniture and much more.

4/29

Queen Wilhelmina State Parks, Mena, AR, New Restaurant Manager is NOW HIRING for the following full time staff: Waitress/Waiter (1 position), Lodge Cook (2 positions). Part-time extra help positions also available.

Must be able to work a varied schedule, including some weekends and holidays. The full time positions offer a full benefit package. For more detailed information and to apply, go to www.arstatejobs.com and search under job description by using the job title or under the agency Department of Parks and Tourism. EOE/AA/ADA Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applications accepted online ONLY: www.arstatejobs.com.

4/29

Check out the news page at MyPulseNews.com

Page 32

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

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2014 Dodge Challenger

Unlimited

$18,557

Gentry Price:

$22,950

2014 Chevy Silverado

‘13

Double Cab, LT, 5.3L V8

Gentry Price:

$27,950

Chevy Silverado Z71, 4x4 Crew Cab

Gentry Price:

$30,950