Pulse THE POLK COUNTY
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August 4, 2021
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City requests businesses comply with ordinance
INSIDE:
By Jeri Pearson
Rodeo
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With the increase in travelers making Mena their destination, entrepreneurs have capitalized on an opportunity to provide lodging. However, the city has noticed not all lodging facilities have gone through the processes necessary to operate legally. “Anyone operating a business in their home or on other residential property within the city limits of Mena must register that business with the City in the form of a Conditional Use Permit,” Mena Mayor Seth Smith explained. Smith said the permit is not a new requirement, and Ordinance No. 930 has been in effect since 1999. “More and more of these types of businesses are opening every day,” Smith said. Examples of individual businesses operating in a residen-
Governor to appoint Justice of the Peace
Quorum Court hears comments on opioid law suit By Jeri Pearson
Extension Day Camp
Page 11
TEETER
MOTOR COMPANY IN MENA, ARKANSAS
tial area that must get a Conditional Use Permit from the city include, but is not limited to, beauty shops, barber shops, massage parlors, bed and breakfasts, VRBOs, Airbnbs, and other nightly vacation rentals, carpenter workshops, and dance studios. Citizens operating business' out of their homes are requested to obtain a permit from the Mena Planning and Zoning Commission to get in compliance. In addition to the permit from the city, lodging facilities must obtain a Business License through the Mena Advertising and Promotion Commission. Once a business license is obtained through the commission, the lodging and restaurant owners will be required to pay the “tourism tax” assessed to those industries in the city.
A resolution was passed by the Polk County Quorum Court to honor the life of Justice of the Peace Basil R. Kesterson, who passed away on June 13, 2021. “JP Kesterson made great personal sacrifice and devoted considerable time to the betterment of county government,” reads the resolution, which was passed at the end of the court’s June meeting.
Members of the Quorum Court and the elected officials of Polk County desired to express their appreciation for the untiring efforts expended by Kesterson, who served District 9. The resolution states Kesterson was not motivated by personal gain, but solely for the continued progressive growth, prosperity, safety, and expanded services of Polk County. The resolution expressed official’s sincere appreciation to the family of Kesterson for his willingness to assume
this role of leadership. “I was shocked to hear about Basil,” County Judge Brandon Ellison said. “There is not much you can say, it is part of life and it happens. We never know when it is our time and my only advice is to treat [life] like that.” At the July Quorum court meeting a resolution declaring the seat vacant was passed by the JPs, which sets forward the procedures required for the
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THE POLK COUNTY
August 4, 2021
Governor declares health emergency By Patrick Massey A surge in COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations has prompted state officials to reimplement Arkansas' emergency health declaration immediately, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced last week. The Arkansas Department of Health reported more than 2,800 new cases of the virus on Thursday - one of the highest single-day increases since the pandemic began. This one-day total follows several days with more than 1,000 daily new cases. Hospitalizations are also on the rise and hit the four-digit mark for the first time since the start of the year with 1,056 Arkansans currently hospitalized due to the virus. These dramatic increases, part of what health officials call a third wave of COVID-19 infections in Arkansas, prompted renewal of the emergency declaration which expired back on May 31. Gov. Hutchinson announced
the renewal during a press conference Thursday afternoon. As part of the declaration, Hutchinson said the state is reimplementing a number of measures to ease the current shortage in hospital staff. Those include renewing the treatment compact between Arkansas and neighboring states as well as easing licensure requirements for retired healthcare workers who want to reenter the field. In addition, Hutchinson said he is seeking federal help to bring more emergency medical services to Arkansas. Hutchison added the state has no intentions of reimplementing mask mandates or restrictions in businesses. As of Thursday, more than 382,000 Arkansans have contracted COVID-19 since the spring of 2020. Of those, 6,110 have passed away due to the virus. Active cases continue to increase into some of the highest levels ever seen, with more than 14,000 currently confirmed or probable active COVID-19 cases in the state.
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COUNTY continued from page 1 governor to name a replacement. New Deputy Sheriff ’s Position The court also approved the addition of a full-time sheriff ’s deputy, which was discussed and considered at the June meeting. Sheriff Scott Sawyer told the court that while schedules are still being considered, he plans to use the additional 40 hours to increase patrols in areas receiving the most complaints in remote areas of the county, including Polk Road 70, Shady, Big Fork, Board Camp and other areas. Sawyer told the court that an additional vehicle will need to be purchased, but his office can make due in the mean time. He also said he is budgeting for and preparing to request the purchase of a transfer vehicle. “With that, we would not have to use three vehicles to transport when the state says they have room for inmates,” he explained. “The magic number seems to be about 11 (inmates) at a time.” Opioid Law Suit Questions about the opioid drug settlement were raised during the meeting. Ellison confirmed the county did file, along with other counties and the state, and is part of the class action law suit. “Our attorneys are on that and who
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knows what that is going to look like,” he said. “It is not going to be a lot of money for counties, but it will be used for things to prevent or stop addiction.” Ellison said the responsibility of having a physical building and running a program is not something that he feels falls under the county’s wheelhouse, but he hopes the result is funding becomes available to increase services and options for those with addiction issues. Prosecuting Attorney Jason Barrett said the issues surrounding drug use are compounded and he hopes solutions can be created with the settlement. “One of the things we don’t have when it comes to that is rehabilitation services,” Barrett said. “We are required to provide access to services for this region when people are committed. When they don’t have a bed in Texarkana or Fort Smith, there isn’t anything we can do—we have no teeth. So while county government, doesn’t want to run a facility, we want to encourage those who provide those services to offer it here.” Barrett said mental health and drug use often go hand-in-hand. “We have an opioid issue here, but it is an alternative drug. When they can’t get it, they take meth. When they can’t get that, they use heroin. We have got to try to fight it and the issues that surround it. If you don’t believe it is an issue here, just look at my docket and see how many drug cases I have.”
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THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
August 4, 2021
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Your Pulse! Dear Editor,
A special thank you in loving memory of Shirley Jean Wille of Norman, Arkansas for the great care from the Montgomery County Nursing home during her lengthy rehab for a broken femur. A special thank you for the amazing care givers and personnel at Elite Home Health Care and later Elite Home Hospice of Mena. Thank you Beasley Wood Funeral Home for the compassionate care we received. We feel really blessed by the people who helped us care for Mom in her last years. It takes a very special person to have the love and compassion to prove this kind of service. May God bless all of them; they were truly a blessing to us. Thanks to you Father Jok and Decon Tony for the service at the Rosary and the funeral Mass and burial. Thank you to the wonderful women of St. Agnes for the lunch after the service. We would also like to thank All Saints and St. Agnes and friends and neighbors for wonderful flowers, gifts, cards, kindness, prayers and loving support during our time of loss. God Bless all of you John and Kennetha Napier Norman, Arkansas
Emily Liles - Receptionist Distribution & Insertion Staff Dan & Linda Deramus, Jason Sharp, Maddie Gunn The Polk County Pulse is the area’s premiere and fastest growing news publication. The Polk County Pulse is FREE and published weekly on Wednesdays, with a distribution of 8,000 and an estimated readership of 10,000. MyPulseNews.com has hundreds of visitors daily and KENA and KQOR have thousands of listeners hourly. POLICY: The publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. All property rights, including any copyright interest, in any advertisement produced by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse using art work and/or typography furnished or arranged by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse shall be the property of Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse. No such advertisement or any part thereof may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Pulse Multi-Media and The Polk County Pulse. POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENTS: Advertisements of a political nature must be prepaid and must also include the name of the entity paying for the advertisement. If an entity other than the candidate the advertisement is endorsing is paying for the ad, a statement must be signed by the candidate verifying the candidate has seen and approved the advertisement.
Editor’s Pulse!
The art of “Thank you” - whether through a letter to the editor, a card, or other communication, is a magical act. Much like forgiveness, often the person bestowing the act is the one who is blessed and finds peace and joy.. When we take time to focus on what we are grateful for, not only does the receiving party feel appreciated and valued, but it is an act that trains our mind and spirit to focus on our blessings. Every time I see a community member extend a thank you to others, I think to myself, there is a person who understands the power of words and the power of thought. The bible tells us that there is power in words, so when you speak or communicate, do so kindly, with humility and with focus on appreciation. Make it part of your daily routine and you will find yourself blessed. The truth is, we are each already blessed - we just need to focus on it. Jeri Pearson Pulse Editor
Editorial 3
Want to share your opinion? The Polk County Pulse welcomes letters to the Editor addressing any topic of interest to our readers. To be published, letters must not contain obscene or libelous language. The letter must include a signature to be considered for publication. Signatures will NOT be held out by request. The following contact information is required when the letter is submitted: NAME, AGE, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER. Letters are published at the discretion of the Editor and Publisher. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to news@mypulsenews.com; mailed to P.O. Box 1450, Mena, AR 71953 or dropped off at 1168 Hwy. 71 South, Mena, AR. A drop-box is provided by the front door for after -hour convenience.
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4 State News
Pulse
August 4, 2021
From the
State House of Representatives
desire to renew a statewide Members are scheduled to state of disaster emergency return to the House Chamber related to public health, he next week. may also request the renewal On Tuesday, August 3, we of an executive order or procwill convene as a Committee of lamation issued to meet or the Whole to address the Govmitigate dangers to the peoernor’s recent state of emergenple and property of the state cy proclamation. Citing an increase in in- John Maddox presented or threatened by a statewide state of disaster fections and hospitalizations emergency related to public due to the Delta Variant of COVID-19, the Governor declared a health. The Governor also announced he is statewide public health emergency on calling for a special session to make July 29. Legislation passed in the 2021 Reg- changes to Act 1002. Act 1002 passed during the 2021 ular Session now requires the General Regular Session. It ends mandatory Assembly to convene. Under Act 403, if the Governor face-covering requirements not imdeclares a statewide state of disaster posed by a private business or stateemergency related to public health, owned or state-controlled healthcare the House of Representatives and the facility and prohibits a state agency Senate shall each convene as a com- or entity, political subdivision of the mittee of the whole within eight busi- state, or a state or local official from ness days of the declaration to vote mandating a face mask, face shield, or upon and debate any concurrent res- other face covering. The Governor indicated any proposed changes would olution to terminate the declaration. Act 403 states the emergency shall focus on allowing individual school not continue for longer than 60 days boards to implement mask policies. We will continue to update you on unless renewed by the Governor, so long as the Legislative Council does any proposed legislation or schedules not vote to deny the request for re- for the special session. You can watch the proceedings live newal. The act provides that if the Governor on our website at www.arkansashouse. notifies the Legislative Council of his org.
Contact Your Legislators! John Maddox
john.maddox@ arkansashouse.org 520 Church Avenue Mena, AR 71953 Call: 479-394-6060
Larry Teague
THE POLK COUNTY
Larry.Teague@senate.ar.gov P.O. Box 903, Nashville, AR 71852 870-845-5303
John Boozman
1120 Garrison Ave. Suite 2B Fort Smith, AR 72901 Phone: (479) 573-0189 Fax: (479) 575-0553
Bruce Westerman
101 Reserve St. Suite 200 Hot Springs, AR 71901 Phone: (501) 609-9796 Fax: (501) 609-9887
From the
State Senate
Every day in Arkansas first side effects is that they are responders save the lives of 11 addictive. According to people from an overdose of the Centers for Disease painkillers. Control, common types Thanks to legislation enactof opioids are oxycodone, ed earlier this year, even more hydrocodone, methadone people can be revived from and morphine. potentially fatal overdoses of Heroin is an illegal opiopioids. Act 651 of 2021 man- Larry Teague oid. Fentanyl is an even dates that when a physician prestronger opioid than heroin. scribes opioids, the physician must It is a synthetic version that is being also prescribe naloxone, a drug that manufactured illegally and sold in can quickly reverse the effects of an underground drug markets. overdose. Earlier this year the state Crime Under Act 651, physicians must Lab reported that for the first time provide counseling on how to safely more people in Arkansas had died and effectively use the opioid and the from an overdose of fentanyl than naloxone. from methamphetamine. The state So far this year, more than 1,000 Drug Director said that illegal shippeople in Arkansas have been saved ments of fentanyl from Mexico and by first responders using naloxone. China were the main cause of the inIt is commonly called by its brand crease in fentanyl overdoses. name, Narcan. Arkansas is second in the nation The legislature has enacted severin the rate of opioid prescriptions – al laws to save people from the epian average of 86.3 prescriptions for demic of opioid overdoses. Act 284 of every 100 people, compared to the 2017 authorizes pharmacists to disnational average of 46.7 opioid prepense naloxone to friends and family of someone who is at risk of dying scriptions for every 100 people. The state attorney general recently from an overdose. announced a possible settlement of a In 2015 the legislature passed Act lawsuit by numerous states, cities and 1114 to provide immunity from arcounties against drug companies. If rest for friends of a person who is approved by the government entities, about to die from an overdose, if they the drug companies will pay a total take him to a hospital or contact law of $26 billion nationwide to settle the enforcement to seek medical assisthousands of lawsuits brought against tance. Also in 2015 the legislature ap- them. Arkansas would receive $216 proved Act 1222 to grant civil im- million, to be spent mainly for treatmunity to emergency medical tech- ment and prevention of opioid abuse. The drug companies have agreed to nicians and first responders who in good faith administer naloxone to work under a system that will track someone at risk of an opioid over- purchases of opioids, to prevent suspiciously large shipments. Informadose. The legislature also created the Pre- tion about drug shipments will be scription Drug Monitoring Program, shared with state regulators. Before the lawsuits, drug compawhich helps prevent abuse by allowing authorities to track individuals nies distributed millions of pills to who get inordinate amounts of addi- small, rural communities. Also, drug manufacturers did not inform phytive drugs. Opioids are prescribed for mod- sicians about how addictive opioids erate to severe pain, but one of their really are.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
August 4, 2021
Matthew Lane Harris
Matthew Lane Harris, age 56, of Mena, Arkansas, died on Friday, July 30, 2021, at his home. He was born on Tuesday, March 16, 1965, to Theodore Francis and Betty Jean Bell Harris in Concord, California. Matthew was very kind and always rooted for the underdog. He was very proud of working for a paper company in Georgia for fifteen years and later for Nidec in Mena. Matthew was very intelligent and knew everything there was to know about computers. He loved his two cats, Sweetie and Porche. Matthew was a wonderful friend and a kind soul. Matthew was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his mother; and one brother, Theodore Martin Harris. Matthew is survived by his father and stepmother, Theodore and Margaret Harris of Big Fork, Arkansas; one sister and brother-in-law, Jeanetta and Grant Townson of Mena; four stepbrothers; one stepsister; special friend, Toni; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. No services are planned at this time. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com
Vincent Cyril Raymond
Vincent Cyril Raymond, age 83, of Watson, Oklahoma, died on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, Howard Memorial Hospital in Nashville, Arkansas. He was born on Saturday, February 26, 1938, to Leslie John Raymond and Grace Elsie Carpenter Raymond.
Vincent was married to his loving wife Marie for 59 years. Together they were blessed with a wonderful family that brought them both great joy. Vincent loved his children but especially loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were sure to make him smile anytime they were around or thought about. Vincent owned and operated Raymond Construction in Cove, Arkansas for 45 years. He was a hard worker and, when he wasn’t working, he loved to read. He that loves reading has everything within his reach and Vincent was known to have read several thousand books during his life span. He enjoyed gardening, watching Gunsmoke and listening to classical country music. Vincent was a loving husband, father, brother, grandpa, and uncle. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Grace Raymond; two brothers, Richard Raymond and Robert Raymond; and one great granddaughter, Teal Lowery. Vincent is survived by his loving wife, Marie Raymond of Watson; one son, Mark Raymond of Watson; one daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Roger Herring of Cove; one sister, Margaret McCandless of Canyon, Texas; brother Neal Raymond of Amarillo, Texas; four grandchildren, Larissa and Riley Johnson of Hatfield, Kayla Lowery of Cove, Vanessa Toon of Cove, and Samantha Jordan of Cove; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. No services planned at this time. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com
Frank Curtis Roach
Frank Curtis Roach, age 93, of Acorn, Arkansas, died on Friday, July 30, 2021, at his home. He was born on Tuesday, August 30, 1927, to James Clyde and Lorene Masters Roach in Wichita Falls, Texas. Frank was a very straight forward
and honest man. He was happy and very caring to all he met. He served proudly in the United States Army during the Korean War and also served as a Merchant Marine. He worked for many years with his brother in TV and appliances as a service manager. Frank loved gardening and took pride in his vegetables and flowers. He enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, and feeding the birds every afternoon. In his opinion, it was never too hot to build a bonfire, and did so often. Frank liked old country music and watching fireworks. Frank was passionate about donating to Native American children and working with the Veterans Association. He was a member of the Dallas Masons Lodge #128 and Shriners in Los Angeles, as well as the Knights Templar #31 in San Gabriel Valley. Frank loved his family immensely and never failed to provide for them. He was proud of the family he had built and cherished every moment spent around them and his many grandchildren. Frank was a loving father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who
Obituaries 5 knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Martha Arciniega Roach; and two sisters, Lora Bell and Willa Taft. Frank is survived by four sons and daughters-in-law, Frank Roach Jr. of La Puente, California, Larry and Michelle Roach of Mena, and Douglas and Mary Roach of San Antonio, Texas, Curtis and Debbie Roach of Phelan, California; three daughters and sons-in-law, Brenda and Paul Baca of Claremont, California, Lisa Ramirez of La Puente, California, and Lora and Buddy Randles of Burgaw, North Carolina; one brother, Howard Roach of Covina, California; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. A memorial service with military honors will be held on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas, with Pastor Bill Seitz officiating. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com
6 Obituaries
August 4, 2021
Gladys June Lee Mrs. Gladys June Lee, age 86, of Watson, Oklahoma, passed away on Thursday, July 29, 2021, in Mena, Arkansas. She was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, on June 19, 1935, to Cullis Humphreys and Ada (McCaw) Humphreys. June enjoyed playing her guitar, riding horses when she was younger, and going to dances. She loved the Lord and was a member of Panther Creek Christian Church in Watson. June worked as the office manager at Rich Mountain Electric for many years. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed. She is survived by her husband of sixty-nine years, Robert Lee; sons, Cullis Lee and wife Maxine, and Tommy Lee and wife Shela; grandchildren, Andrew Lee and wife Jodie, Lucinda Miles and husband Tim, Amber Denton and husband Trace, April Dickerson and husband Roger, Jessica McLain and husband John, Tuck Lee and wife Crystal, Jackson Lee and wife Brittney, Sarah Burkhart and husband Josh, Sabrun Hale and husband Jake, Staci Robertson and husband Kyle, and Drake Lee; and great-grandchildren, Ethan Lee, Ashlyn Lee, Quinton Miles, Colby Miles, Morgon Miller, Vivi Denton, Gunner Denton, Brodie Dickerson, Flint Dickerson, Katy McLain, Hoyt McLain, Hannah McLain, Ava McLain, Nathan Donaldson, Ethan Donaldson, Ryan Donaldson, Brastyn Lee, Shala Burkhart, RaeLynn Burkhart, Maci Burkhart, Boston Burkhart, Claira Hale, Briggs Robert-
son, and Finleigh Robertson. Graveside services will be held 10:00 June was preceded in death by her par- a.m., Thursday, July 29, 2021, at Pleasant ents; and her sisters, Wanda Johnson and Grove Cemetery in Cove, Arkansas Dorothy Smith; grandson, Joshua Lee; with Rodney Provence officiating. great-grandson, Michael Miles. Arrangements are under the direction of The funeral service for June will be Beasley Wood Funeral Home. Honorary held 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 2, 2021, pallbearers are Kale Smith, and Tommy at Pleasant Grove Church of the Nazarene Purcell. in Cove, Arkansas, with Brother Cody McDaniel officiating. Interment will folMichael low at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Cove, Dwayne Arkansas under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home. General Visitation Adair will be held at the funeral home. M i c h a e l Pallbearers will be Jackson Lee, Tuck Dwayne Adair, Lee, Andrew Lee, John McLain, Trace age 48, of Mena, Denton, and Tim Miles. Honorary pallArkansas, died on bearers will be Josh, Jake, Kyle, and Roger. Tuesday, July 20, Online obituary and guestbook at bea2021, at his home. He was born on Frisleywoodfuneralhome.com day, March 2, 1973 to Jimmy Ray Adair Darrell and Linda Carrol Gill in Ponca City, Anthony Oklahoma. Michael was a machinist and he gradKing uated Rice University with his A&P liMr. Darrell cense so that he could pursue a career in Anthony “Tony” aviation. Michael enjoyed spending time King, age 45, with family and friends. He enjoyed beof Hot Springs, ing outdoors, camping, hiking & riding Arkansas, passed motorcycles. Michael was a loving son, away on Monday, July 26, 2021, in brother, uncle and friend and will be Russellville, Arkansas. He was born on missed by all who knew him. Michael is preceded in death by his faOctober 14, 1975, in Dayton, Tennessee, ther; and his wife, Tesha Adair. to the late Michael Darrell King and Michael is survived by his mother, sisAngela Kathleen Wilson Carpenter. Tony served our country in the United ter and two brothers, nieces and nephStates Army and was an “avid” Trump ews, and a host of other relatives and supporter. He enjoyed life and trying new friends. No service is planned at this time. A things, especially food and places to eat. memorial will be announced at a latTony collected many things especially er date. Arrangements are entrusted to guns, shoes, watches. He liked to fix and Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, restore old cars and take them to old car Arkansas. shows. The thing Tony loved the most Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com of all was his family, he especially loved spending time with Abby watching old Jill movies and listening to music. He will be dearly missed. Clegg He is survived by his wife, Ka’La Jill Clegg, age Smith of 12 years; son, Dante King of 80, of Mena, Tennessee; daughter, Abigail Rose King Arkansas, died of Russellville; grandmother, “Meme” Saturday, July Juanita Spencer; stepmother, Kim King; 31, 2021, at her brother, Nathan King; sister, Cherity home. She was Hunt, Kristy Curl, Kelly Keller, and Jessica Carpenter; close friends, Link born on Friday, June 6, 1941, to Dick and and Eddie Foster; Tommy Purcell, and Frances Treadwell in Mena, Arkansas. several nieces, nephews, and a host of Jill never met a stranger, she was very outspoken and loved by all lucky enough relatives and friends
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse to be in her life. She was a hard worker and had a generous heart. Jill operated her own housekeeping business for many years. She always made sure everyone had everything they wanted or needed. She always attended every family milestone and could always be relied on to answer the phone and chat. Jill loved to socialize, and enjoyed time with her friend, Sue, having breakfast and coffee at the Skyline Café or dinner once a month with her fellow classmates. In her free time, she liked to make ceramics, listen to the news, and watch her crime investigation television shows. Nothing made her as happy as knowing her family were happy and cared for. She would do anything for anyone, and everyone will miss her caring heart. Jill was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Clarence Clegg; her son, Michael Clegg; and two brothers, Richard Treadwell and Jack Treadwell. Jill is survived by her one daughter, Jennifer Flemens of Mena; one sister, Mary Evans of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Brittany and Cris Phillips of Zafra, Oklahoma, Heather Long and Gunner Gilbert of Mountain Home, Arkansas, Vanessa Long of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Ashton and Robert Fryar of Mena, Danielle Clegg of Mena, Preston Clegg of Mena, Alexis Clegg of Mena, Abbie Clegg of Mena, Zachary Clegg of Mena; three great-grandchildren, Mason Thompson, Madison Phillips, and Wyatt Gilbert; several nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 5, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, with Brother Troy Denton officiating. Interment will follow in the Gann Cemetery in Potter, Arkansas under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, 5:00 7:00 p.m. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Pallbearers are Robert Long, Cris Phillips, Preston Clegg, Gunner Gilbert, Robert Fryar, and Kevin Minshull. Honorary Pallbearers are Gary Threlkeld, Michael Treadwell, and Harold Smith. Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
History 7
August 4, 2021
Reflections from History and Faith: Remembering Helen By Jeff Olson
Helen was born in Jefferson County, Idaho, on August 4, 1921, and started singing at an early age. There's not much available information about her childhood years, but we do know that at some time along the way her family moved to California and she enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she studied home economics. Encouraged by her sorority sisters, Helen decided to give it a try at an amateur night at the Victor Hugo cafe in Hollywood. It so happened that Bing Crosby was present that evening and heard Helen sing. He was not only impressed, but so impressed that he arranged to have her on his Kraft Music Hall show on May 25, 1939. She sang two numbers: “Begin the Beguine” and “Sing a Song of Sunbeams.” She continued on this show for the remainder of the summer, after which she returned to college. While still a student at UCLA, Helen was also a singer on “The Old Gold Don Ameche Show” on NBC radio in 1940. In December of that year, she married David Berwick Vinson Jr.. In early 1941, Glenn Miller and his Orchestra were at the apex of their popularity. So much so that film producer and studio executive Darryl F. Zanuck was very interested in producing a motion picture featuring them, as well as three-time Olympic figure skating champion Sonja Henie. Miller made sure that he and his orchestra were more than just a famous novelty thrown in for musical decoration, but were written into the story and given some of the center stage. This brings us to Helen, who was brought to the attention of Twentieth Century Fox studio and to Glenn Miller. After auditioning her, they knew she was the right singer for one of the main songs in Sun Valley Serenade: “I Know Why (And So Do You),” composed by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren. About a year later, to capitalize on the success of Sun Valley Serenade,
the studio made another motion picture and this time featured the Miller band as the centerpiece of the story. In this film, “Orchestra Wives,” Helen was again called upon to sing - this time the romantic ballads “At Last” and “Serenade in Blue”, also composed by Gordon and Warren. This was the debut of the vocal version of “At Last,” and to this day, it remains a popular standard for generations of big band and other music fans. In the years since, it has been recorded by a number of other artists, most notably Etta James in 1960. Both of these movies are quite enjoyable to see, though for most viewers of the time, the music was the main attraction. If you view the credits in these movies, you will see that Helen's name does not appear. She prerecorded the vocal tracks that actress Lynn Bari lip-synced in both films. Using “ghost singers” was not an uncommon practice in film production since not all
Welcome Emily Turner APRN to the team! Accepting Patients May 3rd
actresses (or actors) could sing, or at least sing very well. I wanted to bring Helen Patricia (Pat) Freiday (Friday) out of obscurity and to your attention because her beautiful vocals in these songs and movies should not be lost to any of us but remembered always. After a brief retirement, Pat Friday went on to record for Decca Records and Enterprise Records. She was a singer on “The Roy Rogers Show” in the 1944-45 season and also sang on the Armed Forces Radio Service programs “G.I. Journal” and “Personal Album.” Pat and her husband went on to live a good life, raising two children and enjoying several grandchildren. She never completely lost her connection with the Glenn Miller Orchestra. For several years she attended the Glenn Miller Festival in his birthplace of Clarinda, Iowa, until declining health prevented her from continuing. Pat passed away at her home in
Fredericksburg, Texas, on June 21, 2016, at the age of 94, survived by her daughter and two grandsons. She never experienced the career and notoriety of big band singers such as Helen Forrest, Martha Tilton, Bea Wain and the like, but on this one-hundredth anniversary of her birth I wanted to be sure that you knew of her brief but enduring contributions to one of America's greatest periods of music. While the Big Band Era is likely not the favorite genre of music for most of you, I would nevertheless encourage you to take a listen to the three beautiful ballads Pat Friday and the Glenn Miller Orchestra left to us - ballads which remind us of a period in our country when a special brand of romance and music not only enriched our culture but helped to keep the home fires burning for the Greatest Generation of Americans in preserving that culture during the Second World War.
SUMMER ENERGY CONSERVATION TIPS TO HELP AVOID HIGH ELECTRIC USAGE : • TRY TURNING YOUR HOUSEHOLD THERMOSTAT UP A COUPLE OF DEGREES. • AVOID USING LARGE APPLIANCES DURING PEAK HOURS OF THE DAY. • KEEP THE SHADES CLOSED WHEN YOU CAN. • TURN OFF ANY UNNECESSARY LIGHTING. • ABOVE ALL, CHECK AND REPLACE ANY DIRTY AIR FILTERS. AND, AS ALWAYS, CONTACT US AT RICH MOUNTAIN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE IF WE CAN HELP.
Call 394.7301 to make your appointment! Seeing All Patients
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(479) 394-4140
515 Janssen Ave, Mena, AR 71953
8 Faith
THE POLK COUNTY
August 4, 2021
An Arkie’s Faith: Watering New Sod
By Richie Lawry My phone dinged, notifying me that I had a text message. I pulled the phone out of my pocket and checked my messages. The text from my wife showed photos of pallets of sod in my backyard, with workers laying the sod in nice even rows. “It’s finally happening,” I thought. “We have been waiting a long time.” Over a year ago, we started a renovation project in our backyard. Our house is almost thirty years old, and the deck at the back of the house had deteriorated. I decided to replace the deck with Trex composite decking. After replacing the decking, we planned to pour a cement patio below the raised composite deck. I called several concrete finishers but could not get anyone to make a bid on the project. After several months, I learned about someone who did concrete work, and I hired him to pour the slab and build steps. The job that he did was terrible. Several people who saw the finished product told me it was the worst workmanship they had ever seen. I was devastated. What was I going to do now? I called a local home builder who is a customer of mine and asked him if he knew of a good concrete finisher. He gave me the name of the man that he used. When I called Sam, he made an appointment to look at the concrete. When he looked at my terrible patio job, he told me that the only thing he could do was cap the entire slab with another four inches of reinforced concrete. Sam gave me a bid for the job, and I told him that I wanted him to do it. He told me that he would put me on the schedule, but it would be months before he could get to it. Just in time for Easter, I had an attractive professional concrete patio. It had taken a year, but I was excited and happy to have my project almost finished. There was just one more thing that I needed to do to make it complete. Because I had capped the bad concrete with four more inches, I now had an eight-inch drop-off. I needed to bring in topsoil and raise the level of my backyard. If we were going to do dirt work in my backyard, we would need to plant grass. We decided to sod our backyard. But this spring was very rainy. I was ready for the backyard renovation project to be finished. But it was too wet to bring in topsoil, and it was too
wet to cut sod. I would have to wait. Every couple of weeks, my wife would check in with Kathy to find out when we might get sod. And every time we thought it would happen soon, we would have heavy rainfall that would delay the project. Last week, Kathy told us that within a week, we would have new sod. A couple of days later, I looked nervously at the sky as it started to rain. Before long, the summer heat gave way to torrents of rain. “Oh no,” I thought. “Our sod project may be delayed again.” Thunder rolled, and lightning flashed. One clap of thunder was so loud that it made me jump. My phone and internet service went down. But after fifteen minutes, the rain stopped, the sun came out, and my shop became a sweltering sauna. I wasn’t sure if there had been enough rain to delay our sod project. I hoped that we were still on schedule. So, I was thrilled and excited when my wife texted photos of the sod in my backyard. I had been envisioning my beautiful new deck, patio, and lawn for over a year. It was finally happening. Once the sod was laid, it needed to be watered. According to the website, Sodlawn, “Watering new sod is an essential step in the process of establishing your lawn. Do not allow the sod to dry out. Most issues we see in the first 14 days are due to the fresh sod not getting enough moisture to keep the sod alive!” The moment the last strip of sod was laid, we started watering. We wanted what was best for the sod. We had waited too long and spent too much money to let anything happen to the sod. In Isaiah 44:3,4 (GNT), God says, “I will pour out my spirit on your children and my blessing on your descendants. They will thrive like well-watered grass, like willows by streams of running water.” The Bible often uses the imagery of rain and water to describe how God benefits our lives. “I will send victory from the sky like rain; the earth will open to receive it and will blossom with freedom and justice. I, the Lord, will make this happen.” Isaiah 45:8 (GNT) In the New Testament, Jesus refers to his teaching as life-giving water. In John 4:14 (NLT), he says, “those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” And in John 7:38 (NCV), Jesus taught, “If anyone believes in me,
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rivers of living water will flow out from that person’s heart.” Christians who believe in Jesus will share this life-giving water. It will flow from their heart. And our access to living water will also extend to heaven. “They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water.” Revelation 7:16,17 (NLT) Gentle Reader, I hope that you are being watered with the life-giving water that Jesus offers to you. In Isaiah 27:3 (TPT), God describes his people as a vineyard. “I, the Lord, watch over my vineyard of delight. Moment by moment, I water it in love and protect it day and night.” I love this imagery. We are God’s delight. He waters us with His love every moment and protects us day and night. He desires to make each vine in the vineyard the best it can be. So, he tends to the vines and waters them. I am watering my new sod because I want it to thrive. God wants you to thrive, and he has promised to water and protect you. “The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.” Isaiah 58:11 (NLT)
Joke of the Week: I have given up on my dream of a career as a photographer. I keep losing focus.
Replacing windshields in Polk County for forty years. Give Richie a call at 479-394-9938 Located at 3008 Hwy 71 South
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
August 4, 2021
Humor 9
My Pulse Hogspore News: Goldfish is Gone By Clet Litter from the Ozarks Sara Suspenders’ goldfish is missing. Course, she blamed Jimmy, cause he’s the default scapegoat. He said, “I swear, I didn’t have anything to do with it. I don’t know where your Guppy Whuppy went to.” What he muttered next is what got him sleeping outdoors for a week. “Maybe Guppy Whuppy swam down the toilet to join a traveling aquarium.”
Junior Bickum was saying, “I’ve lost over a hundred pounds and kept it off for a whole year.” I sez, “That’s great. They say that’s as hard to do as giving up cigarettes. Did you cheat or give in to temptation?” Junior said, “No, my weight is still stable, and I don’t smoke now.” That reminds me of Uncle Freddy. He was my mammy’s brother. I remember him quitting smoking when he was 55. He never smoked for the rest of his life.
He died in his farmhouse 25 years later in the record low winter temperatures of 1985. Nobody could bury my uncle cause the ground was hard froze. The kinfolk carried the body to our place and hung him in the smokehouse till the spring thaw. We was right in the middle of our April family reunion when Mammy thought of her dearly departed hanging along side the pork and turkeys in the smoke. She asked Pappy to go plant
her late brother in the family cemetery. He said, “I will take for action.” He was taking a correspondence course at the time on middle management. He weren’t really taking it as much as he was reading something he found in the garbage can in the bank while he was waiting to cash his factory paycheck. He said, “Let me help finish setting the
HOGSPORE NEWS continued on page 10
10 Outdoors
August 4, 2021
THE POLK COUNTY
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OUACHITA BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL
SURVIVAL TIPS FOR THE WEEK By Steven E Stillwell
I’VE BEEN DOING THIS FOR YEARS, SO PAY ATTENTION. This little trick works great if you forget your bug spray, or if you want to avoid using any. Personally, I hate how oily chemicals feel, and smell on my skin! If you’re deer hunting, the last thing you want to do is hose yourself down with a can of “OFF,” because every deer in the county will pick-up this artificial scent. Make it a point to carry a small bandanna in your day-pack or pocket, because this little item has multiple uses. Have you ever seen pictures of the French Foreign Legion soldiers, or the Japanese, World War II jungle fighters wearing ball-caps with canvas flaps draped over the back of their necks; there’s a prover-
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bial rhyme, and reason, for this peculiar fashion statement, because it serves a purpose? WHEN THE MARAUDERS ATTACK, DEPLOY THE BANDANNA. No-see-ums, gnats and mosquitoes can be brutal, especially in shaded areas during the warmer months. The best way to deter them is by confusing and frustrating their feeding efforts. These insects like to sneak up from behind when they’re biting, because they’re more intelligent than you think. They usually avoid a frontal assault, because you can see them coming and you’ll defend yourself by swatting and killing them. I’m not a mathematician, but I’ve noticed that tucking a bandanna under my hat and pulling it down over the back of my neck will reduce the menacing swarm by 75 percent. Within 30 minutes, most of these bloodthirsty bandits give-up and fly elsewhere to find easier victims. Trust me, this works!
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CHIQUITAʼS $5 FOOD SERVICE FOR $3
BAYWASH CAR WASH $10 CAR WASH FOR $5
WENDYʼS LARGE BREAKFAST BACONATOR COMBO FOR $5
THE SHOP $45 UNLIMITED $ TANNING FOR $25
TRANSCENDENCE ENERGY & $ BODYWORK $60 MASSAGE FOR $45 $30 FACIAL FOR $20
AND A VARIETY OF BRANSON TICKETS
WHO FORGOT TO BRING THE COFFEE FILTERS? After purifying your drinking water in a separate pot, you can use your bandanna as a sieve to catch any debris, or floating particles when you’re transferring and pouring directly into your canteen. A simple cloth pulled over, and covering the mouth, will catch more things than you can imagine. When I’m finished, I’ll wring my rag out, let it dry, and use it again. You can also use this as an improvised coffee strainer to catch the grounds. IF YOU’RE GOING TO SURVIVE, STAY FOCUSED. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again. The best survival tool at your disposal is your mind, the knowledge you have, and your imagination! Critical thinking skills, confidence, a positive mindset, and the ability to solve problems are some of the common traits of successful wilderness survivors. Negative individuals usually have a tendency to give up when faced
with high stress situations and you certainly don’t want to fall into this category! THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE FURTHER YOU CAN GO. We all make mistakes! When I was a teenager, working for my Dad during the summer months, he taught me how to deal with unexpected events. If you screwup, it’s imperative to fix what’s wrong, make the corrections, and move forward. Simple mistakes aren’t bad if you learn from the experience. Over the years, I’ve figured out invaluable shortcuts that make things easier, such as THE MULTIPLE USES FOR BANDANNAS. Do you enjoy the outdoors? We invite you to join our Facebook page, OUACHITA BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL. You can also listen to us audibly by visiting the OUACHITA PODCASTS, where we interview the experts.
HOGSPORE NEWS continued from page 9
food trays outside, and then I’ll make it happen.” That was fine with Mammy. Her husband was a man of his word. I helped at the party. It was about the best reunion that ever was. There was tater salad, fresh peas, and so many deviled eggs that every teenage feller had twenty of them. The tables were sagging under platters of ham, pork chops, and turkey. Then come the dessert parade with peach, apple, and rhubarb pies, followed by some almost-gifted relatives playing bugles, better than we thought they could. There was plenty of untaxed liquor for the adults. Even the babies had their bottles and sippy cups full of beer, and they went down for early naps real easy. The teenagers managed to get a hold of some untaxed whiskey, but it weren’t cause the grown folks were looking the other way. By five that afternoon, most of the adults were having trouble looking anywhere. By 11:00 pm, the families had dragged home. I was sitting with my parents on the front porch taking in the quiet, listening to crickets, and watching the moon rise through the mountains, when Pappy jumped out of his rocker and shouted, “Freddy! I forgot the dead uncle!” He ran toward the smokehouse like there was a bear trying to dig into some groceries. Ten minutes later, Pappy shuffled back, shaking his head, staring at the dirt lawn. He said, “Freddy’s not in there. None of him is in there, at all. There’s nothing left in that smokehouse, not after that party today. It’s just the dangest thing I ever seen. It’s funny. Your uncle didn’t start smoking again til after he died.” We all got inside and had a good night’s sleep. Mumford Pickens says, “The study of Ancestry is difficult. The hardest person to find from the past is a devout nun with no siblings.” Contact Clet Litter at bobsimpson1947@Yahoo.com. You know you wanna.
THE POLK COUNTY
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Community 11
August 4, 2021
Local Youth Participate in Extension’s Summer Day Camps Submitted by Polk County Extension Office
Polk County youth had the opportunity to participate in a variety of summer day camps through the month of July. The day camps covered a range of topics which were set as priorities by a committee of community members. The participants of these day camps were comprised of both 4-H members and non-4-H members. Over 100 youth attended through the course of these day camps. The first day camp, Digging Into Dirt, consisted of learning about composting, soil layers, elements to growing a plant, and incorporating herbs to enhance water. The second day camp was an instructor-led painting class. Local artist, Mrs. Nancy Youngblood, graciously led this class during two sessions of over 40 youth total. During the third day camp, Outdoor Safety and Navigation Skills, participants learned about compass and pacing, stroke signs and when to call for help, fire safety and Dutch oven cooking, basic first aid and put together their own first aid kit. Participants even went on a short hike on the Spring Creek trail during this day camp. The next day camp focused on teaching basic cooking skills and letting the participants make their own dough to make a pizza. The last day camp was regarding science, technology, engineering, and math also known as STEM. During this day camp participants had the opportunity to learn about fingerprints and DNA, computer coding and algorithms, and drones and the agricultural purposes for drones. Polk County has over 200 youth enrolled in the 4-H program through the University Of Arkansas Division Of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. The mission of 4-H is to provide opportunities for youth to acquire knowledge, develop life skills, form attitudes, and practice behavior that will enable them to become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society. If you have any interest in joining Polk County 4-H, please email polk-mena@ uada.edu or call the Extension office at (479) 394-6018.
CHOOSE HOPE DONATE TO CANCER RESEARCH CALL CLARICEʼS ROOM OF HOPE FOR INFO
479-385-5071
Free Wigs, Breast Prosthesis, and Other Outreach Services Available: Gas Cards Utility Bills Lodging Volunteer Transportation Support Suppo Groups
Room of Hope
OUR PURPOSE: To inspire, encourage, and restore hope for persons affected by cancer and hair loss disorders. Clarice's Room of Hope is a local Non-Profit 501(c)3 Organization. All donations are tax deductible.
PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING, SO THAT WE MAY CONTINUE TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY
12 Sports
August 4, 2021
THE POLK COUNTY
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Bearcat Football wraps up summer schedule Submitted by Coach Craig Bentley The Mena Bearcat football program recently completed their summer schedule! They hosted numerous Senior High and Junior High team camps and also traveled to multiple schools to compete throughout the summer. The incoming 7th graders were also able to get introduced to the program. “I’m super proud of all levels of our football program throughout the summer. It takes extreme dedication that not many are willing to do to get up early and spend countless hours working towards improving both individually and as a group,” Coach Craig Bentley said. “We have really enjoyed getting to know our incoming 7th graders and we have been
got medicare???
impressed with their attitude and work ethic. It’s not too late for any 7th grade wanting to play football, we’d love to have you come out and join the team.” “Our Junior High team has improved so much. They are consistent, work hard and have shown the potential to do some great things this season. This group meshes well with each other, it should be an exciting year,” he continued. “The Senior High team is looking forward to defending the 4-4A conference championship. Over the course of the summer we have seen players grow and develop both physically and mentally. We’ve challenged them to step up, lead and play with confidence and we are excited about what we have seen so far! We have a great group of Seniors that know how to win. They know how to lead. Our Juniors know what it takes to win, and what they have to do to accomplish our team goals, and our Sophomores have been able to jump right in without missing a beat” The Bearcats have started their fall camp this week in preparation for the upcoming season. The Senior High will host a Red/Black Scrimmage at 6 p.m. on August 12. The Junior High and 7th grade teams will also be recognized that night.
THE POLK COUNTY
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Community 13
August 4, 2021
Rodeo set to Ride
68th rodeo scheduled for Aug. 13 &14 By Trey Youngdahl
The 68th Polk County Rodeo will be held August 13 and 14 at the Polk County Fairgrounds, 8:30 nightly. The show, produced by Wing Rodeo Co. out of Bogata, Texas, touts performances from the Texarkana Drill Team, and Dan “The Man” Foster from Klondike Texas, as well as nightly, mutton bustin’ and junior barrels. The event is supported by local advertisers and is hosting several vendors, the majority of which are local. “We’ve had a lot of local sponsors this year,” said Wendy Strother, event organizer. “Even though the businesses themselves were hurt by COVID-19, the community really pulled together to make this happen both this year and last year.” The vendors will include saddles, caps, Western decor, soap, food and more. This year’s rodeo will be adding a steer dressing event to its lineup. Six teams of three competitors will compete against each other to literally dress a steer with human clothes. Competitors will be given the opportunity to win buckles in the event. “Everything seems to be much more expensive these days and it would really help for us to raise the prices,” Wendy went on to say. “We’re not going to do that, though. We want this to be as
Photos by Samantha Maechler fun and affordable as possible and for this to be a family event that everybody can enjoy.” Pricing is $7 for an adult, children
6-12 years are $5, and children 5 and under get in for free. On Friday only, senior citizens’ admission will be lowered to $4.
For a fun, family-friendly, frugal event, the 68th annual Polk County Rodeo, promises to have something that will thrill all age groups.
Ouachita Little Theatre 479.394.4248
Presents
104 Port Arthur Ave. Mena, AR 71953-3344
394-1938
TIRES • BRAKES • CUSTOM EXHAUST • SHOCKS & STRUTS
Winter Hours: Mon - Fri 8 am - 5 pm
1500 Hwy 71 South, Mena
Owners: Stacy & Julie Nash
Fri-Sun August 6,7,8 & Thurs-Sat12,13,14 Showtimes 7:30 PM for all except for Sunday, August 8, 2:30 PM. Tickets for reserved seating are on sale now at 610 Mena St., Suite B Thursdays and Fridays 2-6 PM and Saturdays 10 AM-2 PM. $15 adults and $10 adults and students. Tickets are also available at the door.
14 Community
August 4, 2021
Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender
THE POLK COUNTY
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Tips for Exhibiting Flowers and Foliage In the Polk County Fair Submitted by Polk Co. Master Gardeners TIPS FOR SELECTING CUT FLOWERS Select the proper number of blooms or stems as required for each class. All cut flowers should have foliage attached to their stems unless they grow naturally on a stalk. Flower specimens look better if there is no foliage below the water. Flowers look and stand up better if they are displayed in a container with a narrow opening. Select flowers with no disease or insect damage to petals and foliage. TIPS FOR CUTTING Cut flowers with a sharp knife or scissors. Cut stems on a slant to enable flowers to absorb water. Cut stems longer than required at first. The next day, re-cut stems indoors under water at a 45-degree angle. TIPS FOR EXHIBITING Cut stem underwater to prevent air from entering the stem and interfering with the water uptake. Place only an inch or so of the stem under water to cut it. With the exception of large and/or heavy blooms needing extra support, no flower should rest on the neck of the container. Stem length should be long enough to support and show off the flower and foliage to their best advantages above the container
In The Business of YOU. At First Financial, we offer a range of banking products to improve the lives of our customers. Whether you need a long-term saving strategy or simply want to open a checking or savings account, we take the time to develop a relationship with you – understanding your financial goals and helping you meet them. Your success is our business, which is why… at First Financial Bank, we’re in the business of YOU.
600 HWY 71 S | Mena, AR | 479-394-3552
www.ffb1.com
There are two new categories this year: Flower Arrangements: These are flowers and or foliage arranged in containers using wet foam for live flower arrangements and dry foam for dry arrangements. Flower Bouquets: These are a group or bunch of live flowers and/or foliage placed in a vase with water. Below are examples of each:
THE POLK COUNTY
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August 4, 2021
CLASSIFIEDS - EMPLOYMENT - SERVICES -
Tree Removal and Trimming. Experienced and fully insured for ALL your tree-trimming needs. Call Wendell’s Tree Service (479) 394-0227 or (479) 216-4328 T1006 Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T0811 Land Management, Tree Service—. RC Customz can handle your construction needs, mulching and more. Military discounts available. Insured. Call (479) 216-2976. Free estimates T0911
- YARD SALE -
Carport Sale, 216 Finks Street, Mena, (Off Hwy. 8 West), Thursday & Friday, beginning at 8am, and Saturday, 8am-Noon T0804
-RELIGIONEveryone’s Salvation Issues begin with the greatest commandments. Matthew 22:37-38, Matthew 19:17, Revelation 22:14, John 14:15, John 14:21, 1 John 2:3-4-5-6-7 Revelation 3:2-3;5, Revelation 20:15, 2 Corinthians 7:1, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Hebrews 6:1, Matthew 5:48, Luke 6:40 If you won’t obey the above, God will send. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11-12, You don’t want this to happen, although you will never know it. To love the truth means, Obey every word of God & Jesus, as if set in stone! The 4th commandment is the true Sabbath. Friday sundown to Saturday sundown. Matthew 7:21-22-23 When grace is used improperly, salvation issues are difficult to achieve. Be sincere with yourself because it’s your responsibility. What does eternity mean to you?
- LEGAL -
The Cossatot River School District will accept sealed proposals for the purchase and installation of 2 marquee type signs along with other informational signage to be placed within the district. All bids over $35,000.00 will require a bid bond for 5% of the bid amount or a company check in an amount equal to 5% of the bid amount at the time the bid is submitted. If an award is made, successful bidders will be required to provide and record at the county courthouse a 100% payment and performance bond. All bids shall be submitted in a sealed envelope “marked sign bids” All questions and inquiries should be sent to Tyler Broyles, Superintendent, at 870-385-7101. Bids will be due no later than August 27, 2021. All late bids will be returned unopened and will not be considered. All women and minority owned businesses are encouraged to submit. T0811
Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced TIG Welder for a permanent day shift position. The applicant must be proficient in welding aluminum. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available. Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment. T0804 Restaurant Manager, Position #22092459 Salary $36,155, Queen Wilhelmina State Park, Mena, AR, closing date 08/15/2021. Provides daily supervision to skilled and unskilled food service workers, oversees food quality, and ensures customer service standards are met. Inspects restaurant for cleanliness, safety, and maintenance needs, coordinates repairs, develops/monitors budget, food costs, menu planning and food preparation, coordinates special activities or accommodations for groups and handles customer complaints. Full benefit package provided. The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma; plus five years of experience in restaurant or catering management or a related field, including six months of cooking experience and one year in a supervisory capacity. Criminal background check required. EOE/ADA/AA employer. Minorities and women encouraged to apply. Applications online ONLY https://arcareers.arkansas.gov/ T0811
Classifieds 15
- PUBLIC NOTICE -
Polk County proposes to expend up to $27,853.39 from its allotted USFS Title III funds to update equipment used for search and rescue operations in Polk County. A forty-five (45) day public comment period will begin August 5, 2021. Submit comments in writing before Sept 21, 2021: Polk County Judge, Brandon Ellison 507 Church Avenue Mena, AR 71953
MENA REAL ESTATE
479-394-7301
1102 Crestwood Circle Mena, AR 71953
www.MenaRealEstate.com
16 Puzzles
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
August 4, 2021
08.04.21
08.04.21
ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 07.28.21
Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK
It is kittentastic week! It is kitten week at HSO. All of our kittens are pet of the week, this week. Are you looking for a playful, curious, active and adventurous companion? One of our kittens could be the perfect match for you. Come meet and play with our kittens to see who might be the best friend you have been waiting for. Come out to HSO and ask to see our kittens, today.
This week all adopted kittens come with a special kitten goodie bag. HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE OUACHITAS TUES. THROUGH SAT. 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. 368 POLK 50, MENA, AR 479 3945682 WWW.HSOMENA.ORG
THE POLK COUNTY
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August 4, 2021
Around Town
The Polk County Social Seniors will be meeting for their monthly meeting at Papa’s on August 11, 2021 at 12 Noon. Everybody over the age of 55 years is invited.
Hatfield First Baptist Church “Shepherd’s Closet” Open Wednesdays, 10 am - Noon. Large selection of good, used clothing & a limited supply of non-perishable food items. Free to anyone in need. We kindly ask that non-vaccinated individuals wear masks. Reynolds Gardner Community Men’s Breakfast every Tuesday, Mena First United Methodist Church, 8:00 am (full breakfast for small donation). All men from the community are invited to attend. The Mena Art Gallery is hosting its annual Folk & Fiber Show through August 20th. The Gallery is open Wed – Sat from 10am - 3pm. Come by and see the show! 607 Mena Street, across from the Ouachita Little Theater. Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 8pm Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study For information call 479-243-0297 The Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes will be temporarily closed for the entire month of August due to the increase in Covid cases. We will still serve hot meals daily, start-
ing at 11:45am, via drive-thru only. Home Deliveries will continue as normal. Narcotics Anonymous meet at 7pm Monday, at 7pm Thursday, at 7pm Friday, and at 6pm Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call Erica at 479-216-7249. GriefShare continues to meet every Thursday from 10am -noon at First Presbyterian Church Mena for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.
Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 3pm Sundays, at 5pm. Tuesdays and at 8pm Saturdays at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call 479-234-8366 or 479-216-3786 Polk County Disabled American Veterans and auxiliary will meet at Veterans Park in Acorn on Thursday, August 5. Potluck is at 6 pm with meetings to follow. Country Music Dance, Dinner & Barrel Race Benefit for Clint Evans, a resident of Mena, at the Polk County Fairgrounds, Aug. 7. Events begin at 6 pm. Evans was injured in a work accident April 30th. Clint is a self-employed contractor and his wife, a self-employed cosmetologist. Clint had numerous injuries, which required several intense surgeries. Post-surgery has required several hospital visits — check-ups
DUGAN RESIDENTIAL ● COMMERCIAL LAWN CARE ● LANDSCAPING PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
479-394-2699
Polk & Sevier Counties #1 CHOICE for complete ground maintenance.
& the removal of hardware — plus physical therapy. He has taken several ambulance rides and had to be air-flighted the day of the accident. Hospital bills are huge. Any questions can be directed to Mary Ferguson, (870) 582-2483 Free Summer Lunch Program, Janssen Park pavilion, Tuesday’s July 6-Aug 10, 11:30 - 12:30 or until meals are gone. Drive-thru and pick-up sack lunch, or stay and eat at the pavilion. Sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church Mena. To donate, volunteer, or for more information call 479-234-3419 or 214-212-8012. Back-to-School Clothing Outreach at The Remodeled Church of Grannis, 170 Frachiseur Rd., Fri, Aug. 6, 8am-8pm, & Sat., Aug. 7, 8am-noon. Free, donated, gently-used, clothing will be set up and sorted for
Sports 17 families in need. Clothing of all sizes from infant to adults will be available. For questions contact Mary Ferguson, (870) 582-2483 Ouachita Little Theater’s Little Women the Musical will have performances Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM, Sunday at 2:30 PM. More shows next week, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 PM. Advance tickets on sale at the OLT office Thursday and Friday from 10-2 and Friday from 2-6 It’s easy to have your event listed in Around Town, which will be read on radio stations KENA and KQOR daily. Simply send your Around Town announcement to news@mypulsenews.com or call 479-2439600 and let us know about your event! To have it in the Polk County Pulse newspaper, we need to know by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!
18 Police Reports
August 4, 2021
The following information was received from Polk County law enforcement agencies. The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts. Individuals charged and whose names appear in this column may submit documentation to us at a later date that the charges have been dismissed, or that they have been found innocent, and we will include that information in this space in a timely manner.
POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S LOG July 26, 2021 Report of a disturbance on Polk 76E near Acorn led to a juvenile male being issued a Citation for Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest. Arrested by an officer with the Drug Task Force was Christopher Jackson, 34, of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, on a Warrant for Probation Violation. July 27, 2021 Report from complainant near Mena of identity fraud. Report from complainant on Hillcrest Lane near Acorn of battery. Deputy responded. Report of an altercation on Race Lane near Acorn. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Haven Lane near Cove of the theft of a metal plate valued at $50.00. Deputy responded. Request for a welfare check on a juvenile. Deputy responded. Arrested was Veronica M. Maddox, 24, of Mena, on a Hold for Other Agency. Arrested was Leon C. Jordan, 35, of Hatfield, on a Warrant for Failure to Appear, and a Hold for Other Agency. July 28, 2021 Report of a disturbance at a business near Hatfield led to the arrest of Leon C. Jordan, 35, of Hatfield, on a Warrant for Failure to Appear, a Hold for Other Agency, and a Warrant for Possession of Firearm by Certain Persons. Report from complainant on Polk 50 near Potter of a broken car window. Deputy responded. July 29, 2021 Report of a Violation of an Order of Protection. Deputy responded.
Report of a Violation of an Order of Protection. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Polk 32 near Cove of identity fraud. Report from complainant on Weeping Willow Lane near Board Camp of the theft of dog pen panels. Deputy responded. July 30, 2021 Report from complainant on Kodiak Lane near Acorn of a physical domestic. Deputy responded. Report of a disturbance on Polk 36 near Hatfield. Deputy responded. Report of an unattended death on Polk 109 near Acorn. Deputy responded. Report of trash being dumped on private property on Polk 138 near Cove. Deputy responded. Request for a welfare check on Roach Avenue in Mena. Deputy Responded. Arrested was Chance Davis, 30, of Mena on a charge of Domestic Battery 3rd Degree and Interference with Emergency Communications. Arrested by a trooper with the Arkansas State Police was David White, 58, of Mena on a charge of DWI. Arrested was Isiah Sipe, 24, of Hatfield for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. July 31, 2021 Report of a violation of an Order of Protection. Deputy responded and information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Report of a physical altercation on Polk 44 near Mena. Deputy responded and information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Request for a welfare check on Polk 238 near Shady Grove. Deputy responded. Report of a fire in the ditch at the intersection of Polk 288 and Polk 21 near Cove. Deputy responded. Arrested was Annette Hubbard, 56,
of Cove on a charge of DWI. Arrested was Robert Louis Schmidt, 26, of Mena on a charge of Possession of Meth or Cocaine. Arrested by an officer with the Arkansas State Police was Michael Creel, 34, of Mena on charge of DWI. August 1, 2021 Arrested was Jimmy Don Davis, 45, of Mena on five warrants for Failure to Appear. Arrested was Jennifer Williams, 50, of Mena on one felony warrant for Failure to Appear and one hold for another agency. Report of a stolen lawn mower in Big Fork. Deputy responded and information is being sent to the prosecuting attorney for review. Complaint of unauthorized use of a vehicle on Polk 18 near Vandervoort. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney for further consideration. Polk County Sheriff ’s Office worked one vehicle accident this week. Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 21 Incarcerated Inmates, with 4 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.
MENA POLICE REPORTS July 25 Griffin Head, 43, was charged with Public Intoxication, Disorderly Conduct, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and served with a warrant after a disturbance call to a residence on Mena Street. A report of a disturbance was taken at a residence on Michelle Drive. Tabitha Gonyea, 30, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Mena Street. Tina Richey, 34, was served with eight warrants and Chris Sanders, 33, was served with three warrants at the Executive Inn. July 26 A report of theft of motor fuel was
THE POLK COUNTY
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taken at Murphy USA. Michael Williams, 39, was charged with Criminal Trespass at Rich Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Hornbeck Avenue. July 27 A report of harassment was taken from a walk-in complainant. Richard Silverman, 48, was served with a warrant at EZ Mart. July 28 Patricia Jackson, 53, was charged with Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct after a disturbance call to Mena Tire. July 29 Ollie Payne, 59, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Locust Street. Patrick Bates, 48, was served with three warrants at the police department. David Sinyard, 49, was charged with Inhaling an Intoxicant and Public Intoxication after a call to Executive Inn. A report of theft and criminal trespass was taken at a residence on 9th Street. July 30 Jennifer Tyler, 46, was charged with Theft of Property (Shoplifting) and Criminal Trespass after a complaint from Walmart. A report of breaking or entering was taken from a walk-in complainant. Aaron Tyler, 28, was served with a warrant after a disturbance call to Executive Inn. A report of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Use of Prohibited Weapons/Brass Knuckles, Carrying a Weapon, and Possession of a Schedule 6 Controlled Substance after a traffic stop on Highway 71. July 31 A death investigation report was taken at a residence on Lena Street. Deana Presson, 50, was charged with Theft of Property (Shoplifting) after a complaint from Walmart. Kenneth Shelton, 46, was charged with DWI and Careless or Prohibited Driving after a report of a vehicle accident on Highway 71.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
Community 19
August 4, 2021
Ouachita Nights offers weekend entertainment
Photos by Trey Youngdahl Polk County residents are celebrating the success of the first-ever entertainment district in Mena. With Arkansas-native musicians Ashtyn Barbaree and Randall Shreeve headlining the show, citizens gathered around to share pizza, wings, and beer, right outside of The Ouachitas at 821 Mena Street. Despite the sweltering heat in the mid90 degree range, on both Friday, July 30, and Saturday, July 31, the event was packed with people enjoying the music and brews.
Holly Springs Real Estate, LLC
1114 A Highway 71 S, Mena, AR 71953
479-394-4200 hollyspringsrealestate.com
Keith Aleshire Principal Broker
479-243-5341 kaleshire@aol.com
3996-Wooded 21 plus Acres-Next to the Senior Center, on Race Track Road. Close to Mena Downtown, Wal-Mart, plus University of Arkansas Rich Mountain $135,000
20 Community
THE POLK COUNTY
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August 4, 2021
BACK TO SCHOOL AT LAST THATʼS RIGHT, WE'RE GOING BACK TO SCHOOL SOON! Time to schedule your child's wellness visit and immunizations today! • Monitor Milestones • Physical Growth • Developmental Activities • Social Behavior • Immunizations • Sleep Habits • Safety and Nutritional Needs For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Mena Medical Associates
479-394-1414
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