February 24, 2016

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February 24, 2016

THE POLK COUNTY

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

Your DAILY News Sources: KENA 104.1 FM & MyPulseNews.com

Jury Convicts & Sentences Pruitt to 40 Years for Beating of 2-Year Old BY LEANN DILBECK • editor@mypulsenews.com

It took a j ury less than one hour to return with a guilty verdict for G regory L. Pruitt on the charge of 1st D egree B attery in the assault on (then) 2-year old G regg Stanga, Jr. According to medical professionals who first assessed lil’ regg, as he was commonly referred to during testimony, he suffered a subdural hematoma, cranial bleed, skull fracture, pulmonary contusions, leg and facial contusions, bite

Early Voting Underway Super Tuesday Less than One Week Away

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Governor to be Keynote Speaker at GOP’s Reagan-Rockefeller Dinner BY LEANN DILBECK • editor@mypulsenews.com

John Maddox, Chair of the Polk County Republican Committee, has announced the keynote speaker for the upcoming Reagan-Rockefeller D inner as Arkansas G overnor Asa Hutchinson. The event will be held at the Ouachita Center and will include the opportunity to meet and mingle with other office hold ers and candidates. Asa Hutchinson was sworn in as the CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Police Officer’s Identity Released Following Last Week’s Fatal Shooting BY MELANIE BUCK • news@mypulsenews.com

Mena Police D epartment Chief B randon Martin has issued a statement releasing the name of the officer involved in last wee ’s shooting as 20-year police veteran, Sgt. K enneth Mann. The incident in reference occurred in Mena on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, when Shawn

[PHOT O BY MELANIE BUCK}

Early voting is underway and as of the end of day Monday, February 21, Polk County Clerk Terri Harrison reported that 649 had cast their ballots. ABOVE Harrison is shown reviewing ballot machines with members of the Polk County Election Commission. Early voting will remain open at the Polk County Office Complex through Monday, February 29 at 5 p.m. Candidate, ballot and precinct information is all included inside on pages 16-17.

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Political Ad Paid for by Debbie Scott


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Westerman to Host Service Academy Night at MHS SUBMITTED BY CONGRESSMAN BRUCE WESTERMAN

Congressman B ruce W esterman is set to host a Service Academy Information N ight at Mena High School on March 8th. The event will provide students, and parents, information on the application, nomination, selection, and appointment processes at the five military service academies in the nited States. epresentatives from all five military service academies will be present at the meeting and will give a short orientation on the school they serve. The schools are: The nited States ilitary cademy at est oint, ew or The nited States aval cademy at nnapolis, aryland The nited States oast uard cademy at ew ondon, onnecticut The nited States erchant aine cademy at ings oint, ew or and The nited States ir orce cademy at olorado Springs, Colorado. Each academy appointment has an estimated value of over $400,000 and appointment is competitive. Each academy selects nominees on the basis of moral character, scholastic achievement, physical fitness, leadership, and college admission test scores. More information on service academy nominations may be found at westerman.house.gov/ services/ military-academy-nominations. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend the event at Mena High School from 6 – 8 p.m. on March 8th. There are also other academy nights scheduled across the state, including El D orado, Pine B luff, Hot Springs, Texarkana, and Clarksville.

Spring Conference “Trying to be a disciple of Jesus Christ is not the same thing as training to be His Disciples.” - Bruce Demarest

March 5, 2016 Grace Bible Church Mena, Arkansas

Making Disciples Jesus’ Way

Conference Distinctives

1. A Contextual Perspective A refreshing discovery of what of what we may have missed 2. Framework Focused Organizes knowledge and practice in a useful and memorable way 3. Personally Applicable Take ownership of your own spiritual growth Develop confidence in providing guidance to others

is presented by Doug Greenwold, the Senior Teaching Fellow for Preserving Bible Times (PBT). Doug helps us dig deeper into the pages of scripture by using the whole range of the cultural background of the Bible. CDs, DVDs and publications will be available at this seminar. PBT is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Biblical Truth. For more information about Grace Bible Church PBT, visit www.preservingbibletimes.org. For more information about this seminar or any other event, please call 479-394-4092.

1911 Hwy 71 N. Mena, AR 71953 www.gbcmena.org

The Polk County Pulse & MyPulseNews.com are publications of Pulse Multi-Media.

The Polk County Pulse is the area’s premiere and fastest growing news publication. The Polk County Pulse is FREE and published weekly on W ednesdays with a distribution of 8,000 and estimated readership of 10,000. All rights to contents are reserved by Pulse Multi-Media. MyPulseN ews.com currently has an on-line audience of 24,000 giving us a combined readership of 32,000. POLICY : The Publisher reserves the right to rej ect 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. N o such advertisement or any part thereof may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Pulse Multi-Media & The Polk County Pulse. POLITICAL AD V ERTISEMEN TS: Advertisements of a political nature must be pre-paid 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.

To submit news items/announcements: news@mypulsenews.com For billing questions: billing@mypulsenews.com To contact a marketing specialist: ads@mypulsenews.com To submit sports updates: sports@mypulsenews.com To submit calendar items: calendar@mypulsenews.com

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PHONE: 479-243-9600 FAX: 479-243-9603 1168 Hwy 71 South, Mena

The Polk County Housing Authority has apartments located in MENA, HATFIELD, COVE AND WICKES APPLICANTS ARE NEEDED

Not all bedroom sizes and locations are immediately available. MAXIMUM RENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS: 3 BEDROOM $571.00 2 BEDROOM $423.00 1 BEDROOM $323.00 Efficiency $309.00 The Housing Authority pays the following expenses: Natural Gas, Water, Sewer and Garbage pickup.

ACTUAL RENT IS BASED ON INCOME

WE CONDUCT A CREDIT AND CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECK AND APPLICANTS MUST MEET INCOME GUIDELINES. POLK COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY PROPERTIES ARE “SMOKE-FREE” ALL APPLICANTS ARE ACCEPTED ON TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS PHONE: 479-394-1565 or 479-394-1569 APPLY AT: Polk County Housing Authority 509 South Morrow Street, Mena, AR 71953


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Mena A&P Implements Tax news@mypulsenews.com Collection Policy T BY MELANIE BUCK

he Mena Advertising and Promotion Commission has implemented a new policy in regards to collection procedures of delinquent and unpaid A&P tax collections. The policy comes in response to several restaurant establishments being in arrears on their tax payments and as some lodging establishments have not submitted reports to be billed on. On March 24, 2003, Mena City Council adopted an ordinance to levy a tax on lodging and restaurant establishments; 3% on hotels and motels, and 1% on restaurants. Since that time, the ordinance has changed slightly, but the percentages have stayed the same. The purpose of the tax is to promote and develop tourism and increase the flow of tourism dollars to Mena. The Mena Advertising and Promotion Commission (Mena A&P) was created to determine the use of the funds and distribute and spend the funds collected. The funds are meant for the advertising and promotion of the City of Mena and for the construction, reconstruction, repair, maintenance, improvement, equipping, and operation of tourist promotion facilities in the city. The annual Lum and Abner Festival, 4th of July Celebration, and the Christmas Festival in Janssen Park are all beneficiaries of the tax. Since the tax’s inception in Mena, a portion of the funds collected have been allocated to the development of the Aubrey Tapley Sports Complex. However, a continuing issue the Commission has faced are when collectors of the tax are in arrears on submitting the tax to the City that they have collected from patrons. More recently, the Commission is dealing with establishments who have never submitted revenue reports so that the tax due could be determined. It was determined that the Commission needed to establish a policy for dealing with each of the scenarios. In 2015, restaurant tax revenue for Mena A&P was $172,185.00 and lodging tax revenue was $61,047.58. As recorded in the 2015 A&P Tax Revenue Collections document, one restaurant is 60 days in arrears, one 90 days, one for 120 days, one for 180 days, and one for 240 days. It is unknown how much is due from each establishment and with the rising of a new type of lodging establishment, the ‘vacation rental by owner’ category, it has been difficult for commissioners to establish who is required to pay. To aid in collecting unpaid taxes and to clarify for new establishments that may be unclear of the law, the following procedures have been set forth by the Mena Advertising and Promotion Commission and were approved by Mena City Council: 1. Tax payments are considered late on the last day of the month in which they are due. A penalty equal to 5% of the tax due will be assessed on the 3rd of the following month and every month that follows until the tax is paid. Total assessment of penalties will not exceed 35% of the unpaid tax. Unpaid taxes will also accrue interest at the rate of 10% per year simple interest. 2. Statements are sent out by the 5th of every month on overdue taxes. If the Advertising & Promotion Tax Collector has failed to submit tax reports, the amounts shown on these statements will be estimates. These estimates will be based on data available on previous gross earnings reported. Said statements will be sent by regularly mail. 3. That after the tax becomes 30 days delinquent, the City Clerk will write a letter to the Advertising & Promotion Tax Collector reminding said party of the obligation to pay tax. 4. Once 90 days past due, a letter will be sent out by regular mail. This letter will: a. Explain the basis for the proposed assessment of tax, penalty and interest. b. If applicable include the statement “Final assessment shall be made on this estimate unless you submit information showing otherwise.” c. Serve as notification that a certificate of indebtedness will be filed with the Polk County Circuit Court on the 5th of the following month. d. Said Letter shall inform the Advertising & Promotion Tax Collector of its options of (1) paying the taxes in full or (2) asking for administrative relief by

January 6, 2016

I’ve dedicated the last 22 years serving the citizens of Polk County, finding local solutions to local problems. Please allow me to continue serving Polk County as the next Sheriff and Collector. On March 1st, vote for experience, vote for integrity, vote for commitment to the community .

On March 1st Vote

SCOTT SAWYER for

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF & COLLECTOR Paid for by friends and supporters of Scott Sawyer

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Town of Hatfield Seeks Grant to Church of the Nazarene Celebrates BY MELANIE BUCK Resurface Roadway news@mypulsenews.com SUBMITTED Membership Drive Success

atfield Town ouncil held an informative meeting on Tuesday, ebruary th, to identify and prioriti e their community needs and determine if an application for an r ansas ommunity and conomic evelopment rogram should be developed and if so, for what community need. The meeting was a requirement of a grant from the ommunity evelopment loc rant rogram. ith a little over a do en citi ens present, it was decided that the grant would be pursued for the purpose of repairing uddy ean rive from ighway to ighway . long with resurfacing about , feet of the road, there is also a bridge replacement planned. atfield ayor inda enton said the bridge was built in the ’s and was damaged several years ago in a car accident. reg aughn of aughn ngineering said the bridge is almost to the point of closure. f approved, Tracy c enna of estern r ansas lanning and evelopment istrict, who also assisted in writing the proposed grant, will ta e bids on the pro ect. The pro ect would come in two phases, with phase one resurfacing the northern most , feet of the road and replacement of the old bridge. The grant applied for would give the Town of atfield , to complete phase one. The total pro ect is expected to cost over , however, there is no timeline on the pro ect as of yet. e’ve wanted to get the pro ect underway for several years but we were waiting on a utility company to finish install lines ad acent to the pro ect and now they are done, said ayor enton. She added they would now if the grant was approved or re ected by the end of arch.

for Polk County Circuit Clerk

The Church of the Nazarene had been challenged to break their attendance goal of 50. On Valentines Day, they had a day of celebration as they did, in fact, break their record with 65 in attendance for morning services. For their efforts, Pastor Ken Goodwin received a pie in the face, courtesy of his wife, Jackie. Along with the attendance celebration, guest singers, The Rose family, shared in morning worship. It was also Pastor Goodwin and Jackie’s 32nd wedding anniversary.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PASTOR KEN GOODWIN

Dedicated, Dependable, Honest! Political Ad Paid f or by W anda Smith


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Schoolhouse Rock has Polk County Ties

BY MELANIE BUCK

Live Version Hitting Little Rock Stage

news@mypulsenews.com

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any people remember the days of being in school and waking up early, only on Saturdays, to catch their favorite Saturday morning program on television that provided educational entertainment. The specialness of Saturday morning cartoons and afterschool specials seem to have been lost amongst today’s wide range of cartoon affiliated programming that is available . However, one theater company is bringing back a favorite program and placing it on a live stage. And, it’s one that has Polk County roots. Schoolhouse oc first aired in and taught watchers grammar, math, civics, and more in a roc in’ way. ith songs such as Conj unction Junction, I’m Just a B ill, and Three is a Magic N umber, children learned from a variety of subj ects in a fun and interactive way. The show aired on until , then again from , and some additional episodes were made for direct to video releases in . The show was the brainchild of D avid McCall, who worked at an ad agency. McCall noticed his son was having trouble learning his multiplication tables but he new all the words to some then current roc songs. Three is a agic umber was the first song recorded and it was written and performed by B ob D orough. orn obert rod orough, he was the oldest of four children and was born on ecember , in herry ill, r ansas. orough spent a portion of his younger life growing up in Polk County before moving to Texas, where he later graduated high school. D orough has done many things in the span of his career including being the music director when Sugar Ray Robinson was learning a tap routine and eventually toured the United States and anada with him. hen on a trip to aris, rance, obinson went bac to boxing and orough stayed in rance, playing music at a local club. is first recorded song was evil ay are and orough released a a album in and has since gone on to record more than a do en records and added some acting to his resume. n , c all commissioned orough to write and record songs to go along with what would become Schoolhouse oc . uring the original run of the series, there were songs written for the s its and orough is responsible for of those. ccording to the ncyclopedia of r ansas, orough is still in the music business, producing a albums and performing around the world. He and his wife were last known to live in Pennsylvania. To see a new live version of this Polk County talent’s legacy, you can catch Schoolhouse Rock Live! at the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre in Little Rock in March, that features an almost all r ansas cast. or more information on the live show, or to purchase tic ets, visit www. r ansas rts enter.org theatre.

A city-wide, dynamic night of worship

January 6, 2016

live praise band

OneNight Worship

Everyone welcome! Childcare will be available.


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Fire Claims 108 Acres of Forest B ur n B an Lif ted

BY MELANIE BUCK

news@mypulsenews.com

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he U.S. Forestry Service and Arkansas Forestry Commission battled a blaze for two days in the D allas Mountain and B ethesda Lake area before finally reaching containment status on riday afternoon, ebruary th. The fire was originally started in late January, before the current burn ban was put into effect, and was thought to have been extinguished at that time. owever, after high winds sto ed the fire from deep in the area where an illegal trash dump is said to be, more than acres have been lost. ol ounty mergency anagement oordinator James Reeves said the blaze could have been the result of a stump or rotten tree that had roots burning under the ground and with the low humidity and dry, dead vegetation in the area, high winds could have sto ed the flames bac up. The D allas Mountain Fire caused smoke to impact a t ick co n o s oke s t e sk a o e a as o ntain in t e est esda large area that included the ena irport, n and ake area on rida e r ar creatin ea s oke o er c o t e N unley for much of Thursday and Friday. eastern art o t e co nt ue to high fire activity condition, there have been burn bans placed in counties in r ansas. owever, ol ounty’s burn ban that has been in place since early ebruary, has been lifted as of a.m. on Tuesday, ebruary , , per ol ounty udge randon llison.

Take the Polar Plunge this Saturday BY MELANIE BUCK • news@mypulsenews.com The olar lunge is a fundraiser in which individuals and teams ta e the plunge into various bodies of water, typically cold water to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Arkansas. As seen in previous years, many people dress up in cra y outfits before ta ing the plunge, ma ing the event colorful and fun. ena’s olar lunge is scheduled for this Saturday, February 27, in a new location the ine owl pool in ena. egistration begins at p.m. and the plunge will take place at 1 p.m. There is a minimum donation to participate in the activity. Awards will be presented to the individual and team with the best costumes and also for the individual and team that raised the most money. All proceeds benefit Special lympics r ansas. For more information, contact Eliza beth at or Tammie at .

FREE DENTAL CARE FRIDAYS

New p atient evaluations f or p atients w ith NO

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This w ill be f or 1 F riday a month f or f ive months at selected locations listed below :

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First Come First Serve with completed dental forms F orms are available at Healthy Connections 1 3 6 Health Park Drive, M ena, AR and in M t Ida 5 3 4 Luzerne Street, M t. Ida, AR M on- Thurs 8 am - 5 : 3 0 p m Pick up and return registration f orms in advance bef ore ex am. F REE f ollow up vouchers w ill be p rovided af ter initial ex am.

HealthCare.gov


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Tea Party to Host Town Hall Meeting T

his Saturday, the e the eople Tea arty of ol ounty is hosting a pub lic Town all meeting that will feature guest spea ers, music, and entertainment. andidates for next wee ’s primary election will be at the meeting, including candidates running for ounty Sheriff, ir cuit ler , oroner, and .S. Senate. The meeting will be held at the uachita enter on the campus of ich ountain ommunity ollege, ollege rive, in ena. rom p.m. p.m., patrons will be able to meet and greet candidates and en oy a good time. The event is free and all ol ounty cit i ens are not only invited, but encouraged to attend.

Christ Community Fellowship to Break Ground news@mypulsenews.com for New Building C

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BY MELANIE BUCK

hrist ommunity ellowship celebrated their first anniversary on alentine’s ay and announced a magnificent fundrais ing result for the young church. n one year, the congregation not only raised enough to buy land for their new location, but also enough to begin construction on their , sq. foot church that will sit across from the uachita olf ourse on wy. , east of ena. astor ance Sawyer said, ur people are really ama ing in that less than a year, they’ve raised almost half a million dollars for our church building and land. That is cash above regular tithes, not pledges. n fact, in the first three wee s of their efforts, the church raised , , more than enough to pay for the acre plot of land. n the next six months, they raised over , to begin the construction process. verybody is excited to get our building built, said Sawyer. The fellowship currently meets at ena ountain esort on Sunday mornings for food, fellowship, and worship. The food and fellowship that we have on Sunday mornings brings people in. They come for the services but the food gets them there early, said ax ones, a member of the building committee. uilding committee member orothy Stevenson agreed, The fellowship is great and brings us all together. The new location will feature a nice si e children’s ministry. Sawyer said after researching and loo ing at other churches, uilding ommittee member Tracy ensley had many good ideas. The children’s ministry has been drawn into the design with the purpose of seeing it from any door you enter. t’s going to be centrali ed and will communicate that children are high priority, Sawyer said. a ing the building with a more masculine feel is another goal of the group. ne piece of advice we got while loo ing into building plans was that most churches are designed with women in mind but there is a reason why so many men don’t want to go to church they don’t feel masculine enough, Sawyer explained. e said they hope to correct that with their wooden and roc building that will feature roc wor on the inside and a fireplace in the eating area. There are many plans running through the minds of the building committee on what to do with all that land. e are thin ing

January 6, 201

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N ational Family Careg iver Su pport P rog ram

Caregiver Support Meeting • February 29, 2016 at 11:15 am

If you are a caregiver of an adult 60 years and older please come join us. This information could be extremely helpful to you. The topic will be “Caring for the Caregiver” presented by Sue Cavner, Mena Regional Health System. For information call Taryn Jinks 870-385-2373. Hope to see you there. Refreshments will be served.

The Cossatot Senior Center

And count on me to help. When it comes to affordable, reliable health, dental and vision insurance plans, there are two names you can count on: Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and LaDon Copelin.

Soliciting agent for Arkansas Blue Cross, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Plans available only to residents in Arkansas.

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For more than 65 years, Arkansans have looked to the Cross and Shield for health plans to fit their health and budget needs. And, as an Arkansas Blue Cross Preferred Agent, LaDon Copelin can advise you on the plan that’s best for you and your family.

7366 Hwy 71 S • Wickes, AR 71973 • Office: 870-385-2373 I, Sheriff Mike Godfrey, urge you to vote for

Sc o t t Sa w y e r f o r P o l k C o u n t y Sh e r i f f & o n M

a r c h 1 s t.

C o lle c to r

When I was elected as Sheriff in 2011, Scott Sawyer was the clear choice to become my Chief Deputy, because of his experience, dedication, and leadership. Scott Sawyer has been serving the citizens of Polk County as a law enforcement officer for the last 22 years.

P l e a s e a l l o w Sc o t t Sa w y e r t o s e r v e y o u n o w a s YO U R Sh e r i f f a n d C o l l e c t o r . Political Ad Paid for by Mike Godfrey


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More Polk County Master Gardeners in the Making

BY MELANIE BUCK

news@mypulsenews.com

SUBMITTED

he ol ounty xtension ffice is currently holding aster ardener classes and according to xtension gent arla aught, the students are about halfway through their curriculum. Throughout the program, twelve students are adding a vast nowledge of all gardening topics and even include hands on experience in local pro ects. Students learn botany, soil science, plant propagation, pest management, pesticide and herbicide usage, vegetable and ornamental plant gardening, plant and weed identification, pruning and other horticulture related sub ects. n exchange, aster ardeners donate bac to local communities by answering questions, researching specific problems, planting educational and therapeutic gardens, and more. Simplifying some of the landscaping at the ol ounty ourthouse is one pro ect that has been included. enovating and cleaning up the pro ect is meant to decrease the amount of maintenance currently needed to care for the ourthouse lawn’s botanical areas. aster ardener programs exist in every state in the country and in six anadian provinces. The r ansas aster ardener program began in in four counties arland, efferson, ulas i, and Saline and had members. The statewide program now has over , volunteers in counties, a reported , education hours and , service hours in , and coordinates over county and regional horticultural fairs annually.

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OUACHITA RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT is hiring for the position of

Music Teacher

on the Acorn Campus You may bring your resume by the

District Office and give to Judy Schuller or send by email

jstrasner@orsd.k12.ar.us or jschuller@orsd.k12.ar.us Judy Schuller • Ouachita River School District 143 Polk 96 • Mena, AR 71953

he Mena Lioness Lions Club is once again offering the Mena Lioness ions lub Scholarship, for the fifth year in a row. ena ioness ions Scholarships will be awarded to worthy individuals to assist them in obtaining higher education in their chosen field of endeavor. This scholarship is available to any college applicant residing in ol ounty, r ansas. The applicant does not have to be affiliated with the ena ioness ions lub. The applicant must attend an accredited college or vocational technical school. The scholarship is a one year, non renewable scholarship in the amount of . The recipient will receive their scholarship in two equal installments of payable directly to their student account at the attending school. The first installment will be paid at the beginning of the school year and the second installment will be paid at the beginning of the nd semester or nd trimester. ioness member or any relative of a member in good standing is eligible to apply for the ena ioness ions Scholarship. owever, the applicant does not have to be affiliated with the ena ioness ions lub to apply. pplicants are available in the uidance enter of all ol ounty igh Schools or by contacting atty oung at pyoung unionban ofmena.com or x . pplications must be received no later than pril , .

North Star Counseling

Check out our New Spring Arrivals in the store & online.

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

Mena Lioness Release Scholarship Applications T

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De p r e s s i o n , An g a n a g e m e n t, P a r e C la s s e s a n d o th e n t a l H e a l t h Di s o

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HEROD & HEROD CPAs (formerly Allen Herod, CPA, PA)

Northside Shopping Center 479-394-7830


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A&P Tax

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The Polk County Developmental Center took their Special Olympics athletes to Magazine on Friday, February 12th, for the Area 14 Special Olympics Basketball Skills Competition. Eve Strothers of the PCDC Adult and Wellness Center said, “Everyone did a fantastic job and we had a wonderful time.” Athletes are currently preparing for the Area 14 Special Olympics this spring, which will include many athletic events for special athletes across the state.

V O TE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EVE STROTHERS

January 6, 2016

f or Polk County Sherif f

and Collector

Your next Sheriff is in YOUR hands!

YOUR VOTE COUNTS

Polk County needs the most qualified man...Mickey Simmons. F AIR • HO NEST • INTEG RITY • O PEN DO O R PO LICY

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citizen

either submitting written documents asking for relief or asking for a hearing to present information and written documents. . f the tax remains unpaid, the certificate of indebtedness will be filed and a copy of the document will be sent by certified mail to the Advertising & Promotion Tax Collector as a notice of final assessment. . The ommission will then file a ertificate of Indebtedness from the D eeds and Mortgages records of ol ounty, r ansas. . That after the tax becomes days de linquent, the commission may request that the ena ity ttorney to issue a misdemeanor warrant for the non payment of the taxes. So far, ity Treasurer inda exroad has sent an abundance of letters in an effort to inform business owners and provide materials that are required to be filed. n some instances, exroad said businesses had come in willfully and paid up what they owed or found out how to report their gross sales to begin paying the tax. Others, she said, have not responded at all.

PCDC Students Join Basketball Competition

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• 3 3 years law enf orcement ex p erience • 2 9 ½ years Arkansas State Police • 1 7 ½ as sup ervisor w ith Arkansas State Police - over Polk, Pike and M ontgomery County • M ilitary V eteran • W orking w ith ALL law enf orcement agencies and community as a team ef f ort to make our county saf e • 2 4 hour coverage • W orking on drug issues • Convictions on crimes Political Ad Paid f or by M ickey Simmons


news

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February 24, 2016

Weekly Publication

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Governor Hutchinson

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

46th G overnor of Arkansas in January, and immediately set in motion his plan to bring more j obs and economic growth to his native state. G overnor Hutchinson kept a maj or campaign promise by working to pass the biggest income tax rate cut in state history. His initiative to require computer-coding classes in every public high school makes Arkansas a national leader and signals to businesses everywhere that our students will be prepared for the 21st century economy. n addition, the overnor’s emphasis on government efficiencies including a hiring free e instituted on his first day have resulted in taxpayer savings and better focused state services. As part of his strategy to market Arkansas and attract more j obs and businesses to the state, G overnor Hutchinson already has met with CEOs of maj or industries across the globe from Silicon V alley to G ermany and Cuba. On the national stage, G overnor Hutchinson has been a key leader in education, energy and security. The G overnor is chairman of the Southern Regional Education B oard, chairman of the Southern States Energy B oard, and vice chairman of the N ational G overnors Association Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee. efore being elected governor, sa utchinson served as irector of the rug nforcement dministration and as the first Undersecretary of the D epartment of Homeland Security. V oters in Arkansas’s Third D istrict also elected him to Congress three times. A graduate of the University of Arkansas law school, Asa Hutchinson, at age 31, was appointed by President Reagan as the nation’s youngest .S. attorney. e and his wife Susan have been married years. They have four children and five grandchildren. The event is scheduled for pril at p.m. or tic et information, you may contact rma i e at , a on Copelin at 394-5570 or G ar Eisele at 394-4332. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Christ Community CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 about having flag football, a fire pit, wal ing and running trails, maybe softball or soccer fields, and possibly a shooting range,” said Sawyer. W hen asked about their hard work to bring together such success in their efforts, Hensley said, “The biggest thing for me is j ust feeling such peace with my church and what’s going on in our lives. I’m so comfortable; it’s a peace and j oy.” Jones said, “N ever before in my life have I looked forward to Sunday, but now I do.” Christ Community Fellowship meets at 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings at Mena Mountain Resort on Hwy. 71 N orth. They also hold youth services at Simple Simon’s i a in ena on ednesday nights at 6 p.m. And, Pastor Sawyer said if you’re unable to make it, he does a weekly radio service at a.m. on . . e have a really good leader in our church. I feel at home and it’s a very warm and loving group of people who are enthusiastic about their church and spiritual life,” smiled Stevenson. T h a t i s w h y Ia s k y o u t o v o t e f o r m e , Ri c h a r d M y h a n d , f o r y o u r P o l k C o u

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I' m Richard M yhand, and I' m seeking the p osition of Polk County Coroner. It' s brought to my attention, that there are concerns that I do not live in the Polk County area, let me be clear; Although asp ects of my j ob have req uired me to travel much of the p ast f ew years and sp end a signif icant amount of time in adj acent cities, Polk County has been my home f or the p ast 1 8 years and w here I w ill be f ull time af ter the f irst of the year. V oting day is q uickly ap p roaching and time is short to once again ask f or your vote. If I could, I w ould p ersonally contact each and everyone of you and ask f or your vote in this sometimes overlooked, but very imp ortant p osition.

VOTE March 1st

Please go to the p olls Tuesday, M arch 1 and ask f or the Rep ublican ballot and vote f or RICHARD M Y HAND, Polk County Coroner.

POLITICAL AD PAID FOR BY RICHARD MYHAND

W H

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obituaries

February 24, 2016

Weekly Publication

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................................................................................................................................ neral Home in Mena. Visitation was Sunday, three weeks ago by, his wife, Faye Deen Carl- as an office clerk at Walgreens for V. JOYCE February 21, 2016 from 4-6 P.M. at the Bowser son and two brothers, Charles Carlson and Burt many years. She enjoyed doing flowBEAM er arrangements and loved animals Carlson. Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena. V. Joyce Beam, age 80, of Mena, died Thursday, February 18, 2016 at the Rich Mountain Nursing and Rehab in Mena. She was born on Tuesday, January 14, 1936 to Albert Clay and Neva Yocham Brown in Isabella, Missouri. Joyce loved life and enjoyed the outdoors working in her flower beds. Joyce had a servant’s heart and showed it for 33 years as an elementary school teacher in Little Rock, Siloam Springs and the last 22 years in Mena Public Schools and retired in 1996. She loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren. Joyce attended First United Methodist Church in Mena for many years. Some of her hobbies included doing jigsaw puzzles, reading and collecting owls. Joyce was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her. Joyce is survived by, her husband of 42 years, Bill Beam of Mena; one son and daughter in law, Randy and Cynthia Martin of Mena; her daughter and son in law, Janna and Christian Cochran of Kansas City; one brother and sister in law, Carl and Nancy Brown of Lead Hill; three sisters and brother in law, Georgia Beason of Marshfield, Madge Kennemer of Seymour and Charlotte and Richard Bisson of Gramham; one brother in law, Larry Cooper of Dallas; two grandchildren, Quinn Cochran and Reece Cochran both of Kansas City; three step grandchildren, Kaitlyn Schoeppey and T.J. Schoeppey both of Mena and Andrew Schoeppey of Corpus Christi; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by, her parents; her brothers, Claude Brown and Walter Brown and her three sisters, Eileen Holt, Mary Ruth Richey and Wilma Cooper. Funeral services were Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at the Lead Hill First Baptist Church in Lead Hill, Arkansas. Interment followed in the Milum Cemetery in Lead Hill under the direction of Bowser Family Fu-

I w ou l d l i k e t o t h a n k a l l t h a t s e n t c a rd s a n d for y ou r p ra y e rs . B on n i e wanted this pict�re in the p a p e r b u t m y fa m i l y c ou l d not find it. She was a g�eat looking woman I loved for 6 2 y e a rs . Thanks Again! Carl Osthoff

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

LESLIE DEAN CARLSON Leslie Dean Carlson, age 87, of Roswell, Georgia formally of Mena, Arkansas, died Thursday, February 11, 2016 at his home in Roswell. He was born on Monday, March 26, 1928 to Oscar Carlson and Esther Carlson in Chicago, Illinois. At approx 6 months old, Les’ family moved to Southern California. Over the years growing up, Les lived in Thousand Oaks, Malibu, and other area close to the Los Angeles area. He joined United States Army in 1946, and served with the occupation forces in Japan. After completion of military service, Les worked as an engineer for the State of California Highway Department. He worked in construction and survey, being involved in many of the major highway and bridge construction projects in the Los Angeles area. While Les was in the Mena area on vacation, he decided he wanted to retire there. Upon retiring to Mena, Les became very involved in the Ink Fire Department, served on the board of the Acorn Water department and was very involved in church activities. On May 1, 1993, Les married Faye Deen Bell. Les and Faye Deen loved to travel and were involved in mission trips, various bus trips and enjoyed many history classes and field trips at Rich Mountain Community College. Les and his wife Faye Deen move from Mena, Arkansas to Roswell, Georgia, in November of 2012. Les was a loving husband, step father, and grandfather, and will be missed by all who knew him. Les is survived by, two daughters, Janice Quinsaat of Fountain Hills and Judy Bell of Roswell; son, Ron Bell and his wife Emily Bell of Johns Creek; one grandson, Javan Quinsaat of Fountain Hills and a host of other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by, his parents,

A memorial service will be Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena with Brother Wally Beckman officiating. Burial will be at Pinecrest Cemetery under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

JEANETTE LUNSFORD GODDARD Jeanette Lunsford Goddard, age 65, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Monday, February 15, 2016 in Mena. She was born in Medicine Lodge, Kansas on May 8, 1950 to the late Gilbert Lunsford and the late Patricia Holder Lunsford. She was happily married to Jim (James) Goddard and was a loving homemaker. She enjoyed writing short stories, reading, and had some of her poetry published. Jeanette was a loving and kind wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed by all. She is survived by husband, James “Jim” Goddard of Mena, Arkansas; daughters, Greta Hight of Rogers, Arkansas and Alicia Burk of Mena, Arkansas; grandchildren, Dustin Pendergraft of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Brandi Lawson of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Jaimie Goddard of Mena, Arkansas; great-grandchildren, Sophie Lawson of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Sernity Lawson of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Harold Goddard of Mena, Arkansas; brother, Gilbert Lunsford, Jr. of Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Reatha Goddard, and sister, Rita Haisman. Memorial service was Saturday, February 20, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. at The Crossing, under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

JOAN NAOMI PHILLIPS JOHNSTON Joan Naomi Phillips Johnston, age 72 of Mena, passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2016 In Mena. Joan was born in Akron, Ohio on August 5, 1943 to the late Russell Ernest Phillips and the late Shirley Naomi Wolfe Phillips. She was lovingly married to Felix Schneider. Joan worked

and spending time at home. Joan was very courageous and never complained about her long and painful suffering. She was a loving and kind wife, mother and grandmother. She will be dearly missed by all. Joan is survived by husband, Felix Schneider of Mena, Arkansas; children, Russell Johnston and Robert Johnston; grandchildren, Brittney, Zachery, Logan and Abbey, Justin, Robby, Brandon, and Colton. Mrs. Johnston was sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

DESTA CLARITA SWOPE Desta Clarita Swope, age 71, of Mena, died Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at the CHI St. Vincent in Hot Springs. She was born on Thursday, September 7, 1944 to Francis and Louella Fishback Logsdon in Canton, Missouri. Desta loved life and enjoyed the outdoors working in her flowerbeds. She was a homemaker and enjoyed spending time with her family and her grandchildren. Desta was a member of Grace Bible Church. She loved watching Nascar and loved to watch Mark Martin race. She was a big fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals. Desta was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her parents. Desta is survived by her husband, Bill Swope of Mena; two sons and daughters-in-law, Chris and Rachael Espy of Kansas City, Missouri and Ronald and JoAnna Provinge of Springfield, Missouri; three step daughters, Peggy, Dana and Billie Jo; three brothers, Carroll Logsdon and Floyd Logsdon both of Kansas City, Kansas and Fred Logsdon of Phoenix, Arizona; one sister, Dee Logsdon of Kansas City, Kansas; three grandchildren, Isaac Espy, Alyson Espy and Damon Provinge; ten step grandchildren; three great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 5:30 P.M. at Grace Bible Church in Mena with Dr. Lamar Austin officiating. Cremation services are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

January 6, 2016

Obituaries Available online at

MyPulseNews.com


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February 24, 2016

Weekly Publication

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Louise Durham’s Super Students SUBMITTED BY MENA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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ouise D urham Elementary has selected the following students for the Super Students of the W eek. Top - Cami Eaton, Lynnlee Cook, Sylvia Hogan, Mason Castillo, Max Rocha, B rayden Renick, Myranda Robinson. Middle - Makinze e May, Laliegh Powell, W illiam Pierce, K ypton Miller, Jace Hankammer, D aren Robinson, V aughn V acca, Jassiel Hernandez, Montana Higgins. Front - Aiden W hisenhunt, Sage B reeden, B rookelyn Julian, Remi Hopper.

MENA PUBLIC SCHOOL’S BREAKFAST MON D AY 2/29 Biscuit, ham slice, fruit, juice, milk; ChoiCe: Cereal TUESD AY 3/ 1 Mini french toast, fruit, juice, milk; ChoiCe: Cereal W ED N ESD AY 3/ 2 Breakfast boats, fruit, juice, milk; ChoiCe: Cereal THURSD AY 3/ 3 Mini donuts, fruit, juice, milk; ChoiCe: Cereal FRID AY 4/ 4 Biscuits & gravy, fruit, juice, milk; ChoiCe: Cereal

MENA PUBLIC SCHOOL’S LUNCH MON D AY 2/29 Main: Pizza, salad, broccoli, fruit, milk; ChoiCes: Chicken stir fry, hot roll, broccoli, fruit, milk; or Baked Potato TUESD AY 3/ 1 Main: Ham & potato soup, baby carrots w/ ranch, crackers, wacky cake, fruit, milk; ChoiCes: Cheeseburger, lettuce, tomato, pickles, Chex Mix, baby carrots w/ ranch, wacky cake, fruit, milk; or Chef Salad W ED N ESD AY 3/ 2 Main: Chicken sandwich, french fries, lettuce, tomato, fruit, milk; ChoiCes: Mini corndogs, french fries, salad, fruit, milk; or Pizza THURSD AY 3/ 3 Main: Popcorn chicken, mashed potatoes w/ gravy, green beans, hot roll, fruit, milk; ChoiCes: Steak fingers, mashed potatoes w/ gravy, green beans, hot roll, fruit, milk; or Chef Salad FRID AY 4/ 4 Main: Enchilada bake, salad, Mexican corn, sidekick, milk; ChoiCes: Cheese nachos, salad, Mexican corn, sidekick milk; or Pizza ACORN SCHOOL’S BREAKFAST MON D AY 2/29 Breakfast pizza, fruit, juice, milk; ChoiCe: Cereal TUESD AY 3/ 1 Mini donuts, fruit, juice, milk; ChoiCe: Cereal W ED N ESD AY 3/ 2 Cereal, fruit, juice, milk THURSD AY 3/ 3 Biscuit, sausage w/ gravy, fruit, juice, milk; ChoiCe: Cereal FRID AY 4/ 4 Super donut, fruit, juice, milk; ChoiCe: Cereal

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ouise D urham Elementary has selected the following students for the Super Students of the W eek. K eyanna D unn, W illam G orsuch, Carter W illiamson, D aeton Miller, Iza ak Hindman, K ate W ilson, Caden Reed. K aylea Parnell, Pam Riley, Thad Sexton, Mylee Sharp, Richie D avis, B illy Posey, Isiah Ortiz. Eric B aker, Carter B aker, Carsyn Horton, Jaxon Munoz, Jaylynn Miller, Journey Evans, Clay B reeden.

ACORN SCHOOL’S LUNCH MON D AY 2/29 Pizza pocket, salad, peaches, milk TUESD AY 3/ 1 Ham & cheese croissant, tomatoes & cucumbers, french fries, pears, milk W ED N ESD AY 3/ 2 Pork roast w/ gravy, mashed potatoes, carrots, roll, mixed fruit, milk THURSD AY 3/ 3 Spaghetti, green beans, tossed salad, breadsticks, mandarin oranges, milk FRID AY 4/ 4 Corn dog, pork in beans, potato salad, fruit, milk COSSATOT RIVER SCHOOL’S BREAKFAST MON D AY 2/29 Banana loaf, applesauce, orange juice, milk TUESD AY 3/ 1 Biscuit w/ sausage, craisins, apple juice, milk W ED N ESD AY 3/ 2 Cereal, orange wedges, cherry juice, milk THURSD AY 3/ 3 Breakfast pizza, apple wedges, orange juice, milk FRID AY 4/ 4 Super donut, fruit cup, apple juice, milk

COSSATOT RIVER SCHOOL’S LUNCH MON D AY 2/29 Chicken fajita, lettuce, tomato, cheese salsa, pinto beans, mandarin oranges, milk TUESD AY 3/ 1 Corn dog, french fries, carrots & broccoli w/ dressing, fruit cocktail, milk W ED N ESD AY 3/ 2 Vegetable beef soup w/ crackers, cheese toast, tossed salad w/ dressing, pears, milk THURSD AY 3/ 3 Chicken strips, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, pineapple roll, milk FRID AY 4/ 4 Hamburger, lettuce, tomato, pickles, baked beans, peaches, sugar cookie, milk This weekly info proudly sponsored by:

GEORGE S. DAVIS STATE FARM AGENT SINCE 1964

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

479.394.4521 Res. 479.394.1895


Weekly Publication

MHS Band Members Receive Awards, Recognition T

CONTRIBUTED BY SELENA HERNANDEZ

school

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hroughout the 2015-16 school year so far, the Mena High School B and has had many accomplishments, from marching band shows to competitions, and most recently they received the results of All-Region Jazz B and, All-Region B and, All-State B and, and Four-States B and. The Mena High School B and had at least one member qualify for each of these competitions. The Four-States B and competition is in Texarkana, where they have a clinic and tryouts following area tryouts in January. Four-States B and involves students and teachers from Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. The following MHS students were named to the Four-States B and: B eth Coogan, Charlotte Cude, N atalie Anderson, K arley Cline, and D avid Chaney. D uring the All-Region B and competition is when approximately 1,000 students gather for auditions to determine who may be named All-Region. The MHS students named All-Region are Chris Thompson, Jarred Harley, Savannah B rown, Charlotte Cude, D aniel G reen, D avis Chaney, Telissa Smith, Teresa Cude, Pete Floyd, B rynn Harvey, K arley Cline, April Rose, Joseph B lanton, Trey B rown, and Samantha G ordon. All-Region Jazz B and is similar to All-Region B and, but to a smaller scale. Approximately six hundred band students go to try out, but only SUBMITTED BY VANDERVOORT select instruments are qualified to try out. few of the instruments that can SCHOOLS try out are Saxophone, the B ass, and Clarinet, among a few others. The following MHS students made All-Region Jazz B and: Chris Thompson, Vandervoort ABC preschool Jarred Harley, Fisher N eufeld, D aniel G reen, Teresa Cude, Pete Floyd, recently learned about dental and B rynn Harvey. health, thanks to Mrs. Susan W hile all these accomplishments are very honorable for high school Cureton who dropped by to band students, it is among a student’s highest goals to be named to Allteach them about brushing State. Many students try out from around the state of Arkansas, and only and ossin t eir teet a few make it. The Mena High School B and is proud to say that B rynn Harvey earned the status of All-State B and. SUBMITTED BY MONICA RALLS The hard work of the MHS B and can be observed at any practice, marching exhibition, or performance, and through this hard work and dedication, the MHS B and continues to see awards come their way, both band and individual based, year after year.

Vandervoort Elementary Celebrates Dental Week

January 6, 201

EAST Selects Conference Reps

Mena High EAST has selected the following students to represent Mena High at the 2016 N ational EAST Partnership Conference in March at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Mena High students include: Austin D evries, Payson Law, McK inzy McG ee, Mike Medford, Payton Medlin, CJ Spurling, Sarai Stockton, Z ak Terwilliger.

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

Political Ad Paid for by Michelle Health Schnell

•394-1938• Owner : Stacy & Julie Nash


school

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February 24, 2016

Weekly Publication

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Five Acorn Food Safety Students Become ServSafe Certified SUBMITTED BY ACORN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

fter completing over hours of training using the ServSafe ood Safety curriculum available from the ational estaurant ssociation, five students from the corn ood Safety lass have passed a national online test yielding them the prestigious ServSafe anager ertification status. Students learned a wide spectrum of information to prevent food borne illnesses, including pathogen identification, safe food handler practices, establishing a food safety management system, food temperature control and pest management. Successful completion of the program results in a five year certificate, increasing employment opportunities. Ashlee Long, Selena Maechler, Eliza beth B aker, B lake McCourtney, and i uel ayner are members of the sixth group of corn students to achieve ServSafe certification as a part of their high school curriculum. er ins unding provided by the e ueen ena ducational ooperative paid for testing, ServSafe textboo s, ’s, supplies and equipment, including two des top classroom computers, four laptops and fifteen hrome oo s to be used for online testing as well as literacy development. Since the material presented encompasses so many topics, and the certification test is quite rigorous, it is helpful for students to become actively engaged in their study and review process before testing. s a part of their preparation for the ServSafe xam, the class prepared sets of digital flashcards on the ram berry website and then shared instructions for how to replicate the process on the areer and Technical ducation i i. The T i i was set up by former T oordinator ee Smith to encourage stu dent collaboration across the educational cooperative while simultaneously encouraging literacy development. Stacey Southerland, current T oordinator now maintains the wi i. ll seventeen food safety students also became certified as r ansas ood andlers during the fall semester.

Fanae Watson, FNP-C M ena M edical Associates welcomes our new health care provider, Fanae W atson, FN P-C. Fanae received her M asters in N ursing degree from South U niversity, Savannah, GA. She has been involved in patient care for over 24 years and bring extensive experience in I CU , CCU and E mergency Care.

1103 College Drive Mena, Arkansas

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Chip Koppein, DNP, FNP-C

NOW ACCEPTING PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

M ena M edical Associates welcomes our new health care provider, Chip K oppein, DN P, FN P-C. Chip received his Doctor of N ursing Practice from Concordia U niversity of W isconsin, M aq uon, W I . H e began his career as a Phsychiatric Technician prior to becoming a registered nurse. Throughout his years of patient care, Chip brings extensive experience in cardiac care, internal medicine, pediatrics and pain management treatment.

To schedule an appointment, call Mena Medical Associates (479) 394-1414


family

February 24, 2016

Weekly Publication

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POLK COUNTY BIRTHS AT MENA REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM A lex a Pyle, of Mena , i s the p r oud mother of a b a b y b oy, b or n on F eb r ua r y 1 4 th.

Bentleys Celebrate 65 Years of Marriage

Clifford and Julia Bentley will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on February 24, 2016. Married on February 24, 1951 at Barksdale Air Force Base Chapel, Louisiana, the couple has 4 children, 10 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Cliff retired from USAF in 1975. Julia retired from RMCC in 1991. They currently live in the Board Camp Community.

K elli a nd Ma nuel V a ler o, of O d en, a r e the p r oud p a r ents of a b a b y b oy, b or n on F eb r ua r y 1 6 th. V i ctor i a Need ha m a nd J ov a ni V a lenci a , of Cov e, a r e the p r oud p a r ents of a b a b y b oy, b or n on F eb r ua r y 1 7 th.

#LOL

Screening Process A little boy walked down the beach, and as he did, he spied a matronly woman sitting under a beach umbrella on the sand. He walked up to her and asked, “Are you a Christian?” “Yes.” “Do you read your Bible every day?” She nodded her head, “Yes.” “Do you pray often?” the boy asked next, and again she answered, “Yes.” With that he asked his final question. “Will you hold my quarter while I go swimming?”

CUTEST PET PIC F ox y

Foxy just relaxing on the sofa. Owners are Kelsey & Lloyd Kendrick of cove. e’s art c i a a and dasc nd 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: e.rowell@mypulsenews.com

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

Send us your 1st & 100th Birthday, Family Reunions, Anniversaries, Engagements/Weddings, Birth Announcements and we will print them for FREE!

January 6, 2016

When Time Finally Runs Out Book by Peter Bellone

Available on GoodReads.com & Amazon.com Give the gift of knowledge, pick up a copy of my book, When Time Finally Runs Out. Time is short; short enough that you will be amazed to learn “when time finally runs out.”

www.PeterBellone.net


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THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

February 24, 2016

February 24, 2016

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

Early Voting Continues Through February 27th at Polk County Office Complex Candidate Filings for Election Year 2016 County Judge:

Republican Preferential Primary and Non-Partisan Judicial Election

JP District 9

Brandon Ellison, Incumbent Republican

Basil Kesterson, Incumbent – Republican

Sheriff/Collector

JP District 10

Scott Sawyer – Republican Mickey Simmons – Republican Tim Milham – Republican

Collin Cannon, Incumbent – Republican Mitchell Tidwell – Republican

County Clerk

Constable, Center

Terri Harrison, Incumbent Democrat

Circuit Clerk

Michelle Heath Schnell – Republican Wanda Smith – Republican Debbie Scott – Republican

Coroner

Andy Barron, Incumbent Republican Raul Toribio - Republican

Constable, Eagle

Constable, Gap SPGS

JP District 1

Constable, Acorn

Gene Hendrix, Incumbent – Democrat

479-394-2211

Wanda Smith Debbie Scott Michelle Heath Schnell

Cororner

Richard Myhand Brian Bowser

for

Local Constable Races Local JP Races

State Supreme Court Associate Justice Position 5

Polk County Circuit Clerk Political ad paid for by W anda Smith

State Supreme Court Associate Justice Position 5

Sheriff and Collector Scott Sawyer Mickey Simmons Tim Milham

3015 Hwy. 71 S, Mena

Clark W. Mason Judge Shawn A. Womack

State Supreme Court Justice Courtney Goodson Judge Dan Kemp

Curtis Coleman Senator John Boozman

479-394-3350

U.S. President

State Supreme Court Justice Courtney Goodson Judge Dan Kemp

State Supreme Court Chief Justice Position 1

Clark W. Mason Judge Shawn A. Womack

T im

Democrat Preferential Primary and Non-Partisan Judicial Election

State Supreme Court Chief Justice Position 1

Super Tuesday MARCH 1

Margo Kimp, Incumbent – Democrat

www.unionbankofmena.com

John R. Kasich Mike Huckabee Rick Santorum Lindsey Graham Donald J. Trump Marco Rubio Ted Cruz Ben Carson Jeb Bush Bobby Jindal Carly Fiorina Rand Paul Gov. Chris Christie

Super Tuesday Voting Precincts

Roque “Rocky” De La Fuente Martin O’Malley Bernie Sanders Hillary Clinton John Wolfe James Valentine

Frank Moore - Republican

JP District 4

Mena, Hatfield & Wickes

Circuit Clerk

U.S. Senate

Ray Hagler, Incumbent – Republican

Richard Myhand – Republican Brian Bowser, Incumbent – Republican Ben Finley, Incumbent – Republican

U.S. President

M

E le c t

P o l k C o u n t y Sh e r i f f M a r c h 1 s t Political Ad Paid for by Tim M ilham

Listen for Results on KENA 104.1

Mickey Simmons Polk County Circuit Clerk M arch 1 , 2 0 1 6 in the Rep ublican Primary Political Ad Paid for by Debbie Scott

Precinct 1: Fire Station on Mena Street Precinct 2: 9th Street Ministries

at 306 9th Street Precinct 3: Fire Station on DeQueen Street Shady Grove: Shady Grove Fire Department Acorn: Acorn High School Ink: Concord Baptist Church Board Camp: Board Camp Baptist Church Cherry Hill: Cherry Hill Methodist Church Big Fork: Big Fork Community Center Dallas Valley: Dallas Valley Fire Station Rocky: Mountain Fork Church Potter: Potter Fire Station Hatfield: Hatfield Town Hall Cove: Cove Town Hall Vandervoort: Vandervoort Community Center Wickes: Wickes Town Hall Grannis: Grannis Town Hall LICENSED RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR

n o i t al c e El ntr Ce LIVE Team Coverage V O T E fo r

ilh a m

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P o l k C o u n t y Sh e r i f f M a r c h 1 s t

Political Ad Paid for by M ickey Simmons

WE CAN DO IT ALL

JAMES EARL TURNER (479) 234-6244 ERIC TURNER (479) 243-5549

MORE OF EVERYTHING SINCE 1911

Political ad paid for by M ichelle H eath Schnell

394-2244 • 206 Hwy 71 N.

Shelter Insurance

Kenny Miller, Jr. 4772 Hwy 71 S, Hatfield 870-389-6632

VOTE March 1st

Life | Home | Auto | Farm | Business

I wish all the candidates luck!

Political ad paid for by friends and supporters of Scott Sawyer

Political Ad Paid for by R ichard M yhand


citizen

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February 24, 2016

Weekly Publication

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Wanda Purswell - Defining the “New” Retiree W

BY RENEE HENDRIX

reneehendrix38@yahoo.com

anda Purswell came to Mena as a retiree herself but has spent the last couple of decades tirelessly advocating for quality of life issues for local seniors and volunteering to improve the lives of others. Living true to the statement, leave the world better than how you found it, many can testify with first hand nowledge that ena, and life for its seniors, is certainly richer than before urswell discovered it. etirement, for some, is about ic ing bac ’ and watching the world go by but not for s. anda urswell. anda urswell was born to ert auline yric in t. ar , in anuary of . She grew up the youngest of three children. er father moved around quite frequently due to his ob in the furniture business. n , urswell graduat ed in dessa, Texas. She met her husband . . urswell in the beginning of and later married him in ecember of that year. urswell was blessed with two daughters, anet udy, who have in turn blessed her with five beautiful grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Purswell states she has had a full life and she and her husband have had “some really good times and laughs over the years.” . . wor ed at umble il now xxon , starting out in the oilfields and then eventually wor ing his way up to the down town office in ouston, Texas. anda on the other hand was a giftedly talented seamstress. She stated she made all of her daughters’ clothes and then when her husband went from the oilfields to the downtown office, she made his suit ac ets. She said, t put a stretch on our budget and you cut every corner you could cut. n , . . retired from xxon and had a dream to ride motorcycles. fter his retirement he bought one and rode thousands and thousands of miles, going all over the place. ne of his roundabouts led him to ena, r ansas to visit some friends. They encouraged him to relocate here to this green and mountainous area. few wee s later he returned with his wife, who promptly fell in love with the area. They moved soon after her retirement from nderson lementary School in onroe, Texas. arch of where she had served as the school secretary. The house they purchased was the well nown former da arrow home on ic ory Street. The couple spent the next years completely restoring this story home from the early ’s and as she reminisced on the pro ect and the years that followed, many treasured memories were made. She explained that the restoration was from top to bottom with the exception of eeping the original hardware, woodwor and floors. ne of the true finds of this home they were particularly proud of was transoms windows that were revealed, indicative of the era in which the home was built. urswell explained these windows were an early device that allowed air to flow freely throughout the home. uring the restoration, behind one of the walls, urswell discovered a paper flyer from the lahoma territory selling land. She also found all sorts of colorful marbles in various si es on the property. urswell said that she has entertained several people over the years in her home. ne such person was former overnor i e uc abee when they hosted a fundraiser for him. fter a few years living in ena, urswell oined a group in the process of raising funds to build the Senior enter. This same group a few years later helped to bring about the construction of The a s, an assisted living retirement community in ena. urswell volunteered as secretary for this group and expressed her pleasure and pride in both of these completed pro ects. urswell officially retired from The a s’ as of last wee and was honored with a ceremony to honor her years of contributions and volun teerism. hen as ed how long she has volunteered, she said always have as long as can remember. She and her husband are both currently volunteering at the omen’s en ter at ena egional ealth System. She helps with paperwor , answering phones and comforting people during family member’s surgeries. urswell said am ust a people person and I enj oy the good feeling I get when helping people.” urswell and her husband love living in ol ounty. eople here are all ust so friendly and really do en oy these mountains. e didn’t have mountains in onroe, Texas. This is a beautiful area, truly it is.


business

February 24, 2016

Weekly Publication

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Tres Agaves - Serving Up a Tasteful Cuisine T

BY RENEE HENDRIX

reneehendrix38@yahoo.com

res Agaves started in D eQ ueen, Ark. in D ecember 2012. The three owners D aniel Martinez , Y uri Aguilar, and D aniela Aguilar came together and opened a steak house. W hen that didn’t do as well as they had hoped, they moved forward and decided to start a Mexican restaurant. This was the beginning for “Tres Agaves” and the venture has proven to be a very good investment. The new restaurant quickly became popular and a favorite with the residents of D eQ ueen. W ith the switch over from steakhouse to the Mexican restaurant, they decided they wanted to keep several of their customer favorites. This included their good old fashion chicken fried steaks, rib eye steaks and their yummy assortment of burgers. They felt with keeping these favorites and adding to them, they would be able to provide their patrons with a variety of choices, both old and new. D aniel Martinez said “having a good variation is the key to our success. W e wanted to have something for everyone’s taste”. After, the success they had in D eQ ueen and at the request of several customers, they opened a new location in Cove, Ark. They knew there weren’t very many Repairs done restaurants between D eQ ueen and Mena and decided the new Tres Agaves would in your home. help fill that gap. e have been able to hire people part time. aniel said t’s a good thing when you can provide j obs in to a community.” Bruce Erickson, Owner Martinez expressed his appreciation for their customers’ business and Weekly support.Publication ................................................................................................................................ He said, “The city of Cove as well as Polk County have j ust welcomed us and been so understanding. e have a small building with tables and on busy nights the wait time can be from minutes. e also only have one cook. This makes dinner preparation slower. W e are in the process of hiring another cook. This should make things quicker on orders. Everyone is so patient.” Martinez said the future goal is to add more room to accommodate their patrons. W ith an inviting and delicious menu, Tres Agaves also offers daily lunches special Monday-Friday from 11am -3pm. They offer seafood, old fashion country favorites, and delectable, ‘oh so satisfying Mexican food.’ They have several sinful desserts to offer you after you January 6, 2016 Commercial An Affordable and Residential have finished your meal. favorite Plan for Everyone CALL 479-243-9600 is their cinnamon covered churro Termites Household Pests with caramel inside. Top this desBed Bugs Fire Ants sert with some ice cream… and you Polk County 9 23 2 3 Scott County 9 3 are in sweet tooth heaven! 5 Year No Price Increase Guarantee Martinez plans to be very involved with the community and offer “Serving your families with community work to Polk County. He Dignity & Care for over 80 years” said they hope to one day be able Selected Funeral & Life Insurance Agent to offer scholarships to graduates Member of the National Funeral Directors Assoc. Manufacturer in each of the schools within Polk 611 Janssen, Mena, AR of Quality CNC Parts County. (479) 394-1310 The official ibbon utting ere 479.394.4248 104 Port Arthur Avenue mony was held on Friday, February 19, 2016, by the Mena/ Polk County Mena, AR 71953-3344 Chamber of Commerce. Tres Agaves thanks G od, their customers, and their wonderful FULL ATV employees for making this new a huge success. MartiSERVICE adventure nez said “we are very thankful for & REPAIR everyone and hope to be a part of Hwy 71N/Hwy 88E Junction this wonderful community for years (Behind Terminix) Like us on Facebook! to come.” 479-216-3519 OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY

“ W

e are very thank f ul every one and hope to be a of thi s w onde rf ul com m uni ty y ears to com

f or par t f or e.”

Bruce’s

Appliance Service

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Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. • 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sun. • Closed


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February 24, 2016

Weekly Publication

sports

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Lady Tigers Advance to District Championship T

BY BROOKE HINES

hursday night, the Acorn Lady Tigers took on the Caddo Hills Lady Indians on their home court. The Lady Tigers came out playing great defense only allowing two points in the first quarter, earning a lead before the other team could score. p against a tough man to PHOTO BY SAM MAECHLER man defense, they held their own. G oing into the half the corn ady Tigers were still ahead with a to lead. The Caddo Indians came out strong after half time but the Tigers matched their intensity. nding the third quarter, the Tigers were still ahead by nine with a score of to . corn’s fourth quarter was slow of fensively only scoring points, but finishing with a win. shley ong and aith ill had a great game, leading the team in scoring. Teagan V ann was all over the court, scrapping for the ball all night. The ady Tigers were also helped out by organ agan. She came out ready to play until the last bu er. dvancing to the district Championship the Lady Tigers will play on Saturday at corn at p.m.

Acorn Tigers Advance to Regionals W

BY BROOKE HINES

hat started out to be a very controlled game ended up with a last shot at the bu er to determine the game. The corn Tigers got the tip and went on a to run in what was an exciting game. They showed no mercy umping out with an to lead at the end of the first over the addo ills ndians last Thursday night. fter letting up a little in the second quarter, they still showed clear command with a score of to going into halftime. Senior shton ardun led the team with of his points in the first half alone. e made three pointers also in that half. addo ills too advantage of halftime and made a comebac decreasing the deficit to two ma ing it to at the end of the third. n the fourth, teams traded bas et for bas et. ardun scored again to tie the game again with one minute left to play. e then steals it bac and gets fouled. The addo coach received two technical fouls shortly after. corn shot four free throws making two of them, increasing the lead to two. Caddo then scored and scored again right as the bu er sounded. lthough the Tigers lost, , they will still advance on to regional play.

Acorn Lady Tigers District Runners-Up, Advance to Regionals [LEFT] After a hard fought championship match against the Kirby Lady Trojans, t e ad i ers nis ed as t e istrict Runners-Up and will advance to play in Regionals this Thursday at Caddo Hills against Bradley.

SERVICES:

• Bookkeeping • Compilations, Reviews and Contractor’s Licenses • Payroll Services

PHOTOS BY SAM MAECHLER AND COURTESY OF SHANNON LYLE

812 DeQueen, Mena, AR 71953 • (479) 394-5414 270 E 6th Street, Waldron, AR 72958 (479) 637-2860

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


Weekly Publication

Bearcats Take on Number 1 Team in Ladycats Left it All on the Court for BY BROOKE HINES BY BROOKE HINES Conference for Senior Night Senior Night enior night was a night the 8 senior B earcats will remember forever.

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Political Ad Paid f or by Debbie Scott

S

Taking on the number 1 team in the conference, number 2 in the state, the B earcats played great basketball. D rew Plunkett played a game he will never forget scoring, out of the points. The earcats were fully in control in the first half and it was to 14. In the third quarter, the B earcats allowed the Malvern Leopards to cut into their lead, making the score 38 to 31. At the end of the fourth, Malvern came back to tie the game at , forcing overtime. n the first overtime ena fell short to , alvern won. Also helping the B earcats was Z ak Terwilliger with 14 points and Cross Hughes with 11 points. Coach Aaron O’B rien said “W e had a total team effort from the top 8 players on defense the entire night. N umber 1, from Malvern, has signed to a D ivision 1 school and is one of the top players in the state. Our players tried their very best to contain him defensively.” Coach also stated that D rew Plunkett was a fearless scorer.

January 6, 2016

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citizen

eniors K eeley Jones and B rooke Hines, along with the rest of the Mena Ladycats came out strong against the Malvern Lady Leopards. Coach Scott W right said, “W e played hard, but we couldn’t get shots to fall, which puts us under the gun. If we make shots we’re in the game late.” He was proud of the effort given by the Ladycats. They j ust couldn’t get started and were down 20 to 10 at halftime. In the third quarter the Ladycats outscored the Leopards, but were still down 28 to 19. Malvern ended up winning the game 43 to 26. G race W agner scored 8 points and Reagan Sikes scored 6 points. They were great contributions for the Ladycats, not only in this game but also this season. K eeley Jones was the point guard for the Ladycats this season leading the plays every game. B rooke Hines was the leading scorer for the season. Although the Ladycats did not have the greatest record, they played with a lot of heart giving their all everyday in practice and in games.

sports

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news

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February 24, 2016

Weekly Publication

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Pruitt

“It’s more than an education. It’s an experience. Come experience it with us!”

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

wound on wrist and paralysis on right side. Lil’ G regg had been entrusted to Pruitt’s care by his mother, Sabrina Roberts Clovis. The couple shared a residence together in W ickes along with Clovis’ three older children. Following the conviction and sentencing of Pruitt, Prosecuting Attorney Andy Riner said, “Sadly, it is very rare that law enforcement can actually prove a child abuse case beyond a reasonable doubt. Children can’t speak or defend themselves, so while it is easy to prove physical abuse, it is often difficult to prove who sub ected a child to abuse. ut that was not the case in ol ounty istrict ourt, onday as a member ury agreed unanimously that regory . ruitt was responsible for the in uries sustained by Stanga. D uring testimony, Clovis stated that she left the residence in a borrowed vehicle to go to Cove to do laundry at a friend’s house around 9 a.m. on the morning of October , , ust after getting her three older daughters off to school. She said that when she left, Pruitt was awake and playing games on the computer while her son was watching cartoons. She explained that she and Pruitt only had about a week left in the trailer and had decided to go their separate ways at the end of the week, citing Pruitt’s drug use and unemployment as contributing factors. D uring cross-examination, Clovis admitted that while the relationship had not worked out, she had never been struck by Pruitt or ever been concerned for the kids’ welfare while in his care. She said she spoke to Pruitt at around 11 a.m. without incident but said she was unable to reach him later in the afternoon and became concerned. She asked a friend to drive her home and to wait in the driveway and upon entering the residence discovered lil’ regg in the floor near the is oto o i ’ Gre ro cto er couch with notable in uries. She carried was taken da s o owin t e him out where she and her friend picked assa t w i e e was sti in t e care o r- up the other children from school, called kansas i dren’s os ita o e ad to 9-1-1 and began racing to Mena. The ame dri ed into is sk to re ie e ress re bulance intercepted them in atfield and as is rain contin ed to swe and s urgently rushed lil’ G regg to MRHS where se ent s ered da a e ro t e ead he was subsequently airlifted to Arkansas tra a e recei ed at t e ands o Pr itt hildren’s ospital with in uries considered life-threatening. hief eputy Scott Sawyer interviewed Sabrina in atfield before he and another deputy proceeded to W ickes to question Pruitt. D uring the initial interview, Pruitt admitted to slapping the child on the left side of his face and spanking him at least 7 times, 1 to lic s each time, but attempted to minimi e his actions as discipline. e confirmed the bite mar on lil’ regg’s wrist was his because he the toddler had bit him first. e also gave several versions of a story that the child had fallen previously. He struggled to remember details; however, during questioning the following day he admitted to becoming mad because lil’ G regg (being potty-trained) had an accident in his pants. W hen asked about the inconsistencies in his stories from the day before, Pruitt admitted to being high as hell. r. Teresa squviel from testified as an expert witness for the prosecution and discussed her initial assessment of the child upon his arrival, citing that the child coded twice and had to be resuscitated. He was placed on life-support and a G -tube for feeding. She noted the visible handprint bruising on lil’ G regg’s left side of his face and his eyes being deviated to the right, consistent with blunt trauma sustained on the left. She testified, in detail, the extent of each of his in uries and as a member of a special child abuse assessment team at , conclusively determined that the in uries he had CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Upcoming T.E.A.M. MENA Events: Softball, Baseball, Track, and Soccer are in full swing! U se our website

www.menaschools.org for a full calendar of all our games and activities. Friday, March 4th – 3rd Grading period ends March 11th- 13th – M ena H igh School Drama will be performing One Act Plays in the M H S Performing Arts Center Tuesday, March 15th – Parent Teacher Conferences at L ouise Durham and H olly H arshman E lementary Tuesday, March 15th – Board M eeting Week of March 21st- 25th – SPR I N G BR E AK

Photos Courtesy of Sweet Peas Photography


Weekly Publication

Pruitt

is oto o i ’ Gre is ro w ere e re ains in oster care wit a a i in ot rin s w o as s ecia i ed trainin in carin or is de ciencies arter re orted t at e as re ained so e se o is ri t side and is c rrent wa kin a t o e str es wit on oin a ance iss es

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 endured were consistent with “shaken baby” syndrome and not that of an accident. She stated that lil’ G regg was discharged on D ecember 4, 2014, but still has special needs. Fifteen months later, he continues to wor with occupational and speech therapists and has regained partial use on his right side but still has motor s ill deficiencies. The tube remains and while he is able to eat and drink “a little,” he still cannot take certain foods because his swallowing abilities have been compro mised due to the extensive brain damage he sustained. squviel said that there is a chance that lil’ regg will maintain deficiencies for the remainder of his life and have special needs. The defendant did not testify and his defense counsel, Shane thridge, called only one witness, andy ruitt, the defendant’s father. e offered an alibi testimony that directly contradicted information provided by his son during his interview. W hen examined by prosecution, andy ruitt confirmed he had refused to spea to law enforcement before, under advisement of counsel however, defense attorneys cited that it was not them who had advised him. pon the urors finding ruitt guilty, rosecuting ttorney ndy iner called im arter, lil’ regg’s foster mother, who discussed caring for the toddler’s special needs. side from his special daily care and treatment, arter explained the child’s susceptibility to brain bleeds that cause seiz ures, and if not treated correctly and promptly, could cause him to die. She explained that lil’ G regg has endured two additional high ris brain surgeries brought about from these bleeds. She testified that lil’ regg who is now age , cognitively is at months and his latest speech assessment placed him under 24 months. urors also heard from ruitt’s family members as ing for mercy before hearing from ruitt himself. apologi e for what happened. would ta e it bac if could. would trade places with him, if could. urors had the option of sentencing ruitt to life in prison or to choose a term between to years. urors showed ruitt, age , mer cy and ust before p.m. urors returned, sentencing him to years in the epartment of orrections, where, under r ansas sentencing guidelines, he will be eligible for parole in years. iner said of the case, This was, without a doubt, the most disturbing one have ever prosecuted. r. ruitt’s inexcusable, brutal abuse of this innocent two year old, who he left lying for dead, ran s among the most violent, blac hearted crimes have ever prosecuted. than od that ustice was served.

Fatal Shooting

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enry llen ic ens, age , was fatally shot. ccording to the release, the police department had received prior information from a citi en that D ickens was in the Mena area and was in possession of Methamphetamine, along with a loaded revolver. ust before noon, Sgt. ann of the ena olice epartment observed Shawn ic ens in the par ing lot of a local convenience store located at the intersection of eine and eeves Street in ena. Sgt. ann pulled into the par ing lot and made contact with ic ens. s Sgt. ann began to perform a pat down of ic ens for weapons, the statement said “D ickens made body movements as to keep Sgt. Mann from N ational Family Careg iver Su pport P rog ram performing a complete pat down. s Sgt. ann tried to apply handcuffs, ic ens allegedly began to resist the officer. Sgt. ann and the suspect engaged into a physical altercation to which Sgt. ann was thrown to the ground. r. ic ens fled on foot with Sgt. ann giving you are a caregiver of an adult 60 years and older please come chase,” continued the statement. revolver fell from the waistband of ic ens during the chase, causing it to land on the join us. This information could be extremely helpful you. Cancer: 5 key facts abouttoProstate ground, at which point ic ens turned around to the officer and was going for the pistol. Sgt. Mann was giving commands that were ignored. Mr. D ickens picked up the pistol and aimed it 1. Affects 1 in every 6 men The topic will be “Medication Management” 2. Deadlier than breast cancer at Sgt. ann at which time the officer fired his weapon. pon other officers arriving on the presented by Kassie Strother, Mena Manor. 3. Detectable in early stages scene, first aid was administered to ic ens until medical personnel arrived. ic ens was 4. NOT an old man’s disease transported to ena egional ealth System where he was pronounced deceased. For information call Taryn Jinks 870-385-2373. 5. Does NOT go away if you avoid The ol ounty oroner, while retrieving r. ic ens’ personal belongings from the hos testing. Gentlemen: We encourage you topital, get located a large amount of suspected ethamphetamine on his person. The suspected Hope to see you there. Refreshments will be served. a PSA blood test. ethamphetamine was ta en into evidence and turned over to the State olice. There are two investigations ta ing place, one with the State olice who is investigating the shooting and an internal investigation with the department as to whether department policy 7366 Hwy 71 S • Wickes, AR 71973 • Office: 870-385-2373 was followed. Sgt. Mann is currently on paid administrative leave per the department’s policy.”

citizen

January 6, 2016

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calendar

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February 24, 2016

Weekly Publication

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Thursday, 2/25 •11:30 a.m. – Rotary Club of Mena/Polk County meets at Papa’s Mexican Caf . Contact Lisa Martin at 6 33 3 or Charles Pitman at 6 for more information. •12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. - The Cove Branch of the Polk County Library is open. •12:00 p.m. – 3:00p.m. - The Sonlighters In Action Card Shop will be open at 36 ighway West, one mile from Louise Durham. •5:00 p.m. - 9th Street Ministries will have a free dinner and fellowship in the th Street Ministries building. •5:30 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous – wo en’s eetin across from Chopping Block, wy, , S., Mena. 6 6 6 or 3 . •5:30 p.m. – Weight Watchers meets at Dallas Avenue Baptist Church amily Life Center. Call 3 for more information. •6:00 p.m. – Live Country, Bluegrass and Gospel music in the Daisy Room at Janssen Ave lorist. •6:30 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous meeting at Saint Agnes Church Parish all. •7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous – ABC Club across from Chopping Block,

Library will be open. •6:00 p.m. – PCVO Bingo at American Legion Building, wy ., Acorn. •6:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous meeting, wy S., Mena. •6:30 p.m. – Boy Scouts of America Troop 92 meets at irst nited Methodist Church. veryone is welcome. •6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – AWANA Clubs meet at race Bible Church, ighway orth. •7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous – ABC Club across from Chopping Block, wy , S., Mena. 6 6 6 or 3 . Tuesday, 3/1 •8:00 a.m. – The Reynolds Gardner o nit en’s reak ast at the irst nited Methodist Church in Mena. •10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Polk County Family Mission is open in the th Street Ministries Building. •11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – “Art Day” at Mena Art allery, 6 Mena St. Bring your current project. •11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Free lunch at Vegetarian Soup Kitchen at Mena Seventh Day Adventist Church, Polk 3 airground Road , Mena. 3 . ake ut available. All are welcome. •12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – The Sonlighters In Action Card Shop will be open at 36 ighway West, one mile from Louise Durham. e at e d Branch Library will be open. •5:00 p.m. – T.O.P.S. will meet in the nion Bank Community Room for weigh ins, followed by a meeting from 3 p.m. 6 3 p.m. isitors are welcome. •6:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous, wy S., Mena. •6:00 p.m. – Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 646 meets at the Limetree. or more information, contact enry ank odara at 33 63 . •7:00 p.m. – Dallas Valley RVFD meets for training at the ire ouse. •7:00 p.m. – Acorn Fire & Rescue meets at the ire Department. •8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous – meeting at irst nited Methodist Church, th Port Arthur. 3 or 3 3 3. Wednesday, 3/2 •The Emergency warning sirens will be tested in atfield, Wickes, rannis, andervoort, Cove, and Mena at noon. •11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Charm Quilters will meet at the ree Will Baptist Church on the corner of Petros and Cherry St. •12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – The Cove Branch Library is open.

•5:45 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – The Mena First United Methodist Church Kid will meet. •6:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, wy S., Mena. •6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – The Southside Church of God Warriors for Christ will meet. •6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Regeneration Youth Ministries Regenerating this eneration at Mena Church of od wy ast. •6:15 p.m. – Discovery Kids Kindergarten hru th rade Collide outh Ministry 6th hru th rades and Adult Bible Study at Dallas Avenue Baptist Church. •6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Trek and Varsity for Middle and igh School students at race Bible Church, wy . Mena. All Area Middle and igh School students are welcome. •7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous – ABC Club across from Chopping Block, wy , S., Mena. 6 6 6 or 3 . •7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Inquiry classes into the Catholic aith begins in the Parish all of St. Agnes Catholic Church at 3 th St. here is no cost or obligation and anyone interested is invited to attend. Call 3 or 3 6 for more information.

BEATS

wy , S., Mena. 6 6 6 or 3 . Friday, 2/26 •8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Road tests are given at the Morrow Street ousing Authority Community Room unless the roads are wet. Written tests are given at p.m. •10:00 a.m. – Gator & Friends will be at the Cossatot Senior Center. •12:00 p.m. – The Lions Meetings are held in the Lions Club ouse on ighway South. •5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - All you can eat Fish Fry by the Knights of Columbus at Saint Agnes Parish all. Adults Kids 6 amilies, 3 . •7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Dance to Don Thompson & Talimena Drive Band, American Legion, Acorn, 6. admission. •7:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous meeting at ighway South, Mena. •8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous – ABC Club across from Chopping Block, wy , S., Mena. 6 6 6 or 3 . Saturday, 2/27 •9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Cossatot River State Park – Dutch Oven Cooking Workshop - Admission per person, with uart Dutch ven, per person for meal only. Reservations are re uired and space is limited. Register by ebruary , 6. Contact the park for more information or to register, 3 . Meeting Place Amphitheater at the isitor Center. •6:00 p.m. – PCVO Bingo at American Legion Building, wy ., Acorn. •8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous ABC Club across from Chopping Block, wy S., Mena. 3 or 6 6 6. Sunday, 2/28 •2:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous – ABC Club across from Chopping Block, wy , S., Mena. 6 6 6 or 3 . •2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Cossatot River State Park – Feed the Critters Meeting Place isitor Center. •3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. – Cossatot River State Park Animals in Winter Meeting Place Wildlife iewing Area in isitor Center. •5:00 p.m. – United Methodist Youth Group at the irst nited Methodist Church in Mena. •6:30 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous meeting at Saint Agnes Church Parish all. Monday, 2/29 •11:15 a.m. – Caregiver Meeting will be at the Cossatot Senior Center. •12:00 – 5:00 p.m. – The Cove Branch

• MENA HEAD START is taking applications for ALL enrollment for preschool children 3 and arly ead Start Children, birth 3. he program is free to those who ualify. or an application come by Mena ead Start at 6 6 Pine Ave., Monday thru riday. or more information, call 3 3 33. • PCDC RECYCLES #1 AND #2 PLASTICS. hese items are Accepted All li uid dishwashing, shampoo, plastic soda, laundry detergent, vitamin and water bottles, milk jugs. tems ot Accepted include P C plastic and clamshell food containers. Drop off at S. Morrow St. in Mena, AR. * MENA ART GALLERY, 6 Mena Street, is featuring a Cherri Stanberry Member Show from March through March 3 , 6. ou will see a lot of textural and 3D, as well as items that show her love for animals.


February 24, 2016

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

25

Smart Tips to Go Green (StatePoint) G oing “green” has increasingly moved from a trend to a global initiative. B ut the best place for individuals to start minimizi ng their impact on the environment is in spaces where they spend the most time. Here are some ways people are reducing their carbon footprints at home and work. Flooring or homeowners, there are many different types of green or eco friendly flooring options today. or example engineered wood floors have a wood veneer, which uses far less material than solid hardwood floors. They’re also more dimensionally stable. Today’s modern laminate floor options are made from recycled wood fiber. There are many more eco friendly options ranging from bamboo and cor to natural linoleum, sisal fiber area rugs, seagrass and coir mats (made from coconut husks) -- along with stones and tiles, carpeting and natural wood. These modern trends are offered by brands li e loor overings nternational, a mobile flooring franchise, which also offers greener options in traditional hardwoods. Their pic option uses percent less newly harvested wood than conventional flooring and is sourced from domestic forests. pic shorthand for nvironmentally preferred, ea performance, nstallation advantages, omplete product offering is certified at radle to radle Silver, eligible for credits and meets indoor air quality requirements. ore information can be found at www. loor overings nternational.com and www. looring ranchise.com. ighting The lighting industry is going green. recently announced that it will stop selling traditional lightbulbs by the end of 2016. esidential s especially ST rated products -- use at least 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. W idespread use of lighting has the greatest potential impact on energy savings in the nited States. y , widespread use of s could save us more than billion at today’s electricity prices. uc ily, pioneering companies li e Source are actively retrofitting ma or chains and other businesses LICENSED RESIDENTIAL with lighting. s orth merica’s first franchisor of AND COMMERCIAL lighting, they are helping businesses go green and CONTRACTOR save money in the commercial, entertainment, and residential mar ets. ore information can be found at www. ledsource.com. Shop G reen new green retail revolution is giving homeowners more earth-friendNEW CONSTRUCTION, ADDITIONS, AND ly choices. REMODELING FROM DESIGN t the foreTO COMPLETION. front of this OWNER - JASON MILES CONCRETE, DECORATIVE CONCRETE, movement are brands like SuperG reen Solutions, a franchised chain that offers a PATIO COVERS, CARPORTS, SHADE one stop shop for a range of energy efficient solutions for commercial and residenSTRUCTURES, RETAINING WALLS, “We’ll go the extra mile for you!” tial customers, as well as expert advice and guidance through in home consultations RV COVERS. on the best products for each customer. * Custom Homes WE CAN DO IT ALL They also offer rebate advice, tax credit guidance, sales, installation and af* Remodels LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ter sales service. ore information can be found at Super reenSolutions ranchise. * Window Replacement WWW.GLENNAIRECONSTRUCTION.COM com. * Additions INFO@GLENNAIRECONSTRUCTION.COM There are many ways to get on board this important trend and go green. Start by * Vinyl Siding JAMES EARL TURNER (479) 234-6244 ma ing smart swaps and upgrades to improve efficiency and lower bills.

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. . .February . . . . . . . . 24, . . . .2016 .................................................................................................................

at the capitol

26

Weekly Publication

Westerman Accepting Art Competition Submissions H

CONTRIBUTED BY CONGRESSMAN BRUCE WESTERMAN

TS S The office of ongressman ruce esterman ot Springs is accept ing submissions from ourth istrict high school students for the ongressional rt ompetition through riday, pril . The ongressional rt ompetition, established in , enables high school students to showcase their artistic ability in the annon Tunnel that connects the ouse office building com plex to the .S. apitol in ashington, . . ach year, more than three million people view this gallery as they wal through the annon Tunnel. ntries to the ongressional rt ompetition should be submitted no later than riday, pril , to esterman’s ourth istrict office at eserve St. Ste. , ot Springs, . ntries may be submitted in person during regular business hours a.m. to p.m. ST, onday through riday or by mail. inners will receive two round trip tic ets to ashington, . ., where they will attend a ribbon cutting ceremony and may be eligible for a scholarship to one of the leading colleges in art and design in the nited States. or more information, including a downloadable rules and release form, visit the rt ompetition section under the Services tab on our website at westerman.house.gov or contact ara ox at or cara.cox mail.house.gov.

Cotton Statement on Apple’s Refusal to Obey a Judge’s Order to Assist the FBI in Terrorism Investigation

CONTRIBUTED BY U.S. SENATOR TOM COTTON

ashington, . . Senator Tom otton made the following statement in response to pple’s refusal to obey a udge’s order to assist the in a terrorism investigation pple chose to protect a dead S S terrorist’s privacy over the security of the merican people. The xecutive and egislative ranches have been wor ing with the private sector with the hope of resolv ing the oing ar ’ problem. egrettably, the position Tim oo and pple have ta en shows that they are unwilling to compromise and that legislation is li ely the only way to resolve this issue. The problem of end to end encryption isn’t ust a terrorism issue. t is also a drug traffic ing, idnapping, and child pornography issue that impacts every state of the nion. t’s unfortunate that the great company pple is becoming the company of choice for terrorists, drug dealers, and sexual predators of all sorts.

Reforming Chemical Safety Standards is Good for All

CONTRIBUTED BY U.S. SENATOR JOHN BOOZMAN

s parents and grandparents, we want to protect our children from danger. e eep a close eye on what they eat, where they’re playing and who their friends are, but there are hidden ha ards that can be harmful that we aren’t protecting against. athy in ittle oc spelled out the problem in a letter she sent me last year. am concerned about the health effects of toxic chemical exposures. ur current chemical safety law allows dangerous chem icals in our homes, schools, and wor places chemicals lin ed to cancer, endocrine disruption and asthma, she wrote. share athy’s concerns because we need to improve chemical safety. t the same time, we must recogni e that chemicals and innovations in chemistry improve our lives. hemistry brings new medicines and medical treatments, cleaner energy, abundant and safe foods and an improved quality of life. any safeguards are in place, and most companies are careful to not encourage the use of unsafe chemicals. owever, the Toxic Sub stances ontrol ct TS has not been an effective tool. t hasn’t been updated since it was signed into law in . n the last four decades, ust five toxic chemicals have been restricted by this partic ular law, and it has prevented only four toxic chemicals from going to mar et out of the more than , new chemicals manufactured. fforts to ban asbestos, a nown carcinogen, were even unsuccessful. The ineffectiveness of the law has forced states and private businesses to set their own restrictions. ompanies li e almart are proactively to regulating what’s in its stores. The all Street ournal reported in ecember that the company maintains a list of what it considers ha ardous chemicals that it encourages manufacturers to avoid. mericans deserve a predictable, uniform federal regulatory pro gram that will improve public confidence in the safety of chemicals, promote innovation and enhance certainty in both federal and state chemical regulation. That’s why wor ed to overhaul TS . n ecember, the Senate unanimously supported legislation to reform this chemical safety law with the passage of The ran . aut enberg hemical Safety for the st entury ct. This legislation will improve public confidence in the safety of chemicals, create regula tory certainty for business and more uniform protections for merican families. t allows us to ta e advantage of advances in technology and CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

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Weekly Publication

Chemical Safety

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

research to improve safety for consumers and the environment. W hile I often criticize mandates and regulations that raise costs without providing smart benefits, support thoughtful, science based rules that protect people and the environment. needs the authority to review the safety of existing chemicals in order to protect public health. s a grandfather with two young granddaughters want them to be safe as they grow up. also want our chemists and scientists to continue developing new chemicals and products that will ma e their lives better. This legislation provides a smart, balanced approach to improving chemical safety.

Dr. Bradley Short, DO, FAAPM R brings 15 years as the M edical Director for the M ena R ehabilitation Center. Dr. Short attended Des M oines U niversity in I owa to study Osteopathic M edicine, followed by his residency in U AM S specializing as a physiatrist in physical medicine and rehabili“ T he g oal of tation. The main rehab ilitative medicine concern of is to improve a the physiatrist person’ s fu nctioning , is to improve or mob ility and restore function in people who independence, thereb y have experienced an illness or increasing the q u ality trauma. Dr. Short provides a personal touch by bedside round- of their life. ” ing with the rehab team to answer patient/ family q uestions every W ednesday. Patients first, always.

311 North Morrow • Mena, AR 71953

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Governor Asa Hutchinson Names Cindy Gillespie New Director of DHS CONTRIBUTED BY GOVERNOR ASA HUTCHINSON

L

at the capitol

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February . . . . . . . . .24, . . . 2016 .......

27

TT overnor sa utchinson today announced that indy illespie, former health care advisor to former overnor and epublican residential nominee itt omney, as the new director of the r ansas epartment of uman Services S . er start date will be arch , . overnor utchinson issued the following statement on illespie fter a national search and after interviewing a number of top candidates, am confident that indy illespie has the breadth of experience, management capabilities and the right ideas to lead r ansas’s largest agency. She has nationally recogni ed expertise in the reform of edicaid and she has extensive experience in managing complex programs. ost importantly she has the heart and passion that is needed for an agency which is on the frontline of critical services that ma e a difference in the lives of r ansans every day. illespie issued the following statement upon the overnor’s announcement ’m honored to have the opportunity to oin the impressive team overnor utchinson has brought together to serve the people of r ansas. am loo ing forward to wor ing with the highly dedicated and capable employees at the r ansas epartment of uman Services, along with our partners throughout the state, to promote the health and well being of all r ansans, especially those most in need. indy illespie is a nationally recogni ed thought leader in health policy and brings significant experience wor ing at both the federal and state levels. s. illespie served as a senior advisor to former assachusetts overnor itt omney, where she led the ommonwealth of assachusetts interactions with the federal government and oversaw development and implementation of the dministration’s executive branch initiatives, including playing a leading role in the development of assachusetts health reforms. er writings on health policy issues have appeared in numerous national publications. rior to her government service in assachusetts, s. illespie served as a senior executive for the not for profit Salt a e lympic ommittee, responsible for hosting the Salt a e ity lympic inter ames and as a director at the tlanta ommittee for the lympic ames, the non profit hosting the tlanta lympic ames. She was recogniz ed both nationally and internationally for her leadership in developing a unique public private partnership between federal, state, local government and the organi ing committees for staging the ames in the .S. s. illespie is currently a rincipal in the ashington, office of entons’ ublic olicy and egulation practice and a leader of the firm’s ealth olicy and ealth nsurance xchange Teams. She is a graduate of Trevecca a arene ollege in ashville, T and has a aster’s egree from uburn niversity in labama. She is a Editor native of olumLetter to the bus, eorgia. Response

January 6, 2016

Letters to the Editor are not edited for grammar or spelling and are printed exactly as they are received. Dear Editor, A few weeks ago I woke up very dizzy and nauseated. I called the doctor’s office and made an appointment. I called right back and canceled it. I need to go to the hospital so if I needed xrays or any tests I could get them done that day. I went to the ER and within one hour, I say, the doctor, Rafa Gomez, ordered 4 tests and all of that was completed in one hour. I am so happy that it went that well. I am fine. It is so good to have an emergancy room that works that well, here in Mena. Diane Mathis, Mena

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.


history

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February 24, 2016

Weekly Publication

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Moments From America’s History: A C our ageous P ioneer CONTRIBUTED BY JEFF OLSON • olsonjd@arkansas.net

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retty soon, many more Americans will be voting in primary elections and caucuses all across America and this year seems to be shaping up as one of higher than usual voter turnout. This of course is good, but voter turnout should be high in all elections. Too often, we take the privilege/ responsibility of voting for granted, perhaps because it hasn’t cost most of us anything. e should be eternally grateful to those that payed that price for us, such as Susan . nthony who was one of the first pioneering leaders in the campaign for women’s rights. Anthony was born in Adams, Massachusetts on February 15, 1820. She came from a Q uaker family, and their belief system included the equality of men and women. They also strongly supported other maj or reforms such as the abolition of slavery and alcoholic beverages (temperance). In Anthony’s day, women in America (and in other parts of the world) were considered inferior to men. Most colleges weren’t open to women and even many restaurants posted signs indicating that no females were allowed. B y law, husbands controlled their wives’ property, including any money they might earn. And, women could not legally hold most obs and public offices nor could they vote. nthony taught school for ten years . Soon after, she oined the temperance movement, but discovered that most of the groups would not allow women to be a part. In one instance in 1852, she wasn’t permitted to speak at one of the rallies. Soon after, she formed the W omen’s State Temperance Society of N ew Y ork. From this point forward, Anthony devoted herself completely to women’s rights and became a leader of the movement. She even supported dress reform and for a time wore bloomers which became a symbol of the women’s rights movement. She also worked in support of equal educational opportunities and property rights for women. Over the years, she wrote books, pamphlets and articles and tirelessly campaigned for women’s equality. n , nthony and li abeth Stanton formed the ational oman Suffrage ssociation and wor ed for a woman suffrage amendment to the onstitution. n ovember , nthony was arrested and fined for voting illegally in the presidential election earlier in the month. She responded, “I will never pay a dollar of your unj ust penalty,” and she didn’t. She also co edited with Stanton volumes of a boo , istory of oman Suffrage • Mena PD Investigating Officer-Related Shooting from to and published the th volume in . rom to nthony served as president of the ational merican oman Suffrage ssociation and in she SUSPECT IDENTIFIED co founded the nternational oman Suffrage lliance. • Soliz Awarded Joel Campora Achievement Award Susan . nthony died in . t is unfortunate that she didn’t live to see the passage of • Couple has Been Each Other’s Valentine for Seventhe th mendment to the onstitution in , giving women the right to vote. hile this sacred right for women was certainly too long in coming, the fact that it did come is but one of ty Years many chapters in America’s success story of liberty.

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arts

February 24, 2016

Weekly Publication

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Meet the Artist: Cherri Stanberry I

OLT Names Cast for Spring Musical, Oliver!

SUBMITTED BY BETH MCMILLEN

n arch, the featured exhibit at ena rt allery, ena Street, is the wor of herri Stanberry, longtime member of the gallery. herri will be showing wor in paper mach , polymer clay, crochet, and a few acrylics on canvas. er artwor is always imaginative and original much of it showcases her love for animals. Since herri is legally blind, she has lost her ability to do many things. ut she says, f you concentrate on the things you can still do, you don’t have time to thin about the things you can’t. I would like to show people that you can do things despite limitations. find if you approach everything with a sense of humor, even if the pro ect doesn’t turn out you still have a really good day. The show will be on display from arch through arch during regular gallery hours am to pm on Tuesdays am to pm ednesdays through Saturdays. There will be a reception from to pm on Saturday, arch . dmission is free.

here was an air of excitement in the theatrical community last wee as actors and actresses gathered to audition for parts in the musical play, liver. ou could hear the excitement in their voices as they commented, hope get the part of agan. ho do you thin will be liver or ’ve wanted to play ancy since was a little girl. udi Timmerman and udy ropp have teamed up again to bring this much loved musical to ena. oining them this year, as ssistant irector, is adonna an olf. hen you see this play, pril and pril , you will agree the directors made the right choice in their selection of this cast. After hours of deliberation, the directors came up with the following cast: haracters essica oung rs. edwin Tracey rather rs.Sowerberry ill ays r. Sowerberry manda a er idow orney ill os r. rumble lexa ight ancy nnalyse a er harolette bi c herson et Tad ccles nife grinder an ameron harles ates an eider r. rimwig rynn arvey rtful odger a e Sawyer oah pril ur liver Tyler ane harman arry ropp r. rown ow oe an olf ill Sty es Scotty en ins agan ristie anyon or house ssistant Shirley unes Thornton or house ssistant c ayla ane ong Song Seller ini urt il maid mber rnold ose Seller atie eth Thomas Strawberry Seller. agan’s ang ic Sorel, Samuel loodworth, oseph anuel, en rost, Steven riddy, estiny anuel, ara ’ onnal, ocelyn arsons, bigail a er. or ouse mma rnold, nna urt, iranda urt, obby urt, r., aty nne oodnight, ames anuel, acob eyon rti , i el enyon rti , Savannah rather, innie Smith, rayden Stoc ton. Town eople aith medei, aitlyn uncan, bbie ccles.

home & garden

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January 6, 2016

Gluten-Free Grain Quinoa khughes@uaex.edu Gaining in Popularity CONTRIBUTED BY KIM HUGHES

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T A IL G A T IN G : TT T S

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here is a gluten-free grain gaining popularity, called Q uinoa, pronounced K EEN -wah. Q uinoa contains more protein than any other grain. It’s a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids necessary for good health. uinoa was first harvested in olivia thousands of years ago. t has a mild flavor and light crunch, which makes this gluten-free grain a perfect substitute for rice, couscous, or pasta. t’s even being milled into gluten free flour that can be used in baking or as the base for gluten-free pastas and cereals. t comes in three color varieties, whole grain white, blac , and red. hole grain white is the easiest to find. The tiny, bead shaped, quinoa coo s li e rice and expands to four times its original volume. ts flavor is delicate, almost bland, and may be compared to couscous. hile botanically it is not a grain, we coo it and eat it as a grain so you will find it locally pac aged as a grain, and found in the ba ing section or pasta section of most supermarkets. This super grain is higher in unsaturated fats and lower in carbohydrates than most grains, and it provides a rich and balanced source of vital nutrients. n ust one fourth cup serving you get calories, grams protein, grams carbohydrates, and grams dietary fiber. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it will eep approximately three to six months. reparing quinoa is an easy process, but rinsing is essential. ommercial cultivation removes much of the soapy saponins that coats quinoa seeds, however it is still a good idea to thoroughly wash the seeds. n effective method is to run cold water over quinoa that has been placed in a fine meshed strainer, gently rubbing the seeds together with your hands. To ensure that the saponins have been completely removed, taste a few seeds. f saponins are still on the quinoa, they will have a bitter taste, and you will need to rinse again. oo ed quinoa will have grains that have become translucent, and the white germ has partially detached itself, appearing like a white-spiraled tail. Q uinoa is versatile and can be used in a brea fast dish similar to rice pudding, or in a vegetable salad, stew or pilaf.

January 6, 2016


police

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February 24, 2016

Weekly Publication

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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 February 14, 2016 Two 16-year-old Mena youths were charged with disorderly conduct. Case referred to juvenile authorities. David Goodner, 40, of Mena was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine. Amber Thomasson, 33, of Mena was charged with theft of property (shoplifting) and possession of schedule IV controlled substance. Report was taken of a shoplifter at a local grocery store. Case is pending location and interview of suspect. February 15, 2016 Two youths, ages 14 and 15, were charged with theft of property (shoplifting). February 16, 2016 Report was taken of a theft from a local convenience store. Case is pending identification and interview of suspect. February 17, 2016 Michelle D. Curry, 24, of Mena was arrested on an outstanding warrants for failure to appear to pay fines and court costs. February 18, 2016 Report was made of children not being properly tended. Case was referred to DHS. February 19, 2016 Timothy Hooks, 30, of Mena was arrested on several outstanding warrants for failure to appear to pay fines and court costs. A 13-year-old Mena girl was charged with theft of property (shoplifting). A local woman reported that two prescription medications had been stolen from her vehicle. Michael Todd, 21, of Mena was charged with criminal trespass.

February 20, 2016 Two 15-year-old Polk County youths were taken to the detention center when they were located in a vehicle on a local street. either had a driver’s license and they did not have permission to take the car. They were turned over to guardians.

Po k o nt eri ’s e art ent February 15, 2016 Report from complainant on Highway near Acorn of finding a suspicious box on their property. Deputy responded, box was removed. Report of a domestic disturbance on Wrights Lane near atfield. nformation has been provided to the Prosecuting Attorney’s ffice for further consideration. Report from a Mena man of inappropriate behavior involving children. Investigation continues. February 16, 2016 Report from a Mena woman of her 10-year-old child being out of control. Deputies responded. Report from walk-in complainant of problems with their spouse. Deputy advised of legal options. February 17, 2016 Arrested was Nathaniel A. Riley, 33, of Mena, on a Warrant for Probation Violation. Report from complainant on Highway 270 near Acorn of being harassed by an acquaintance. Information has been provided to the Prosecuting Attorney’s ffice for further consideration. February 18, 2016 o reports were filed. February 19, 2016 Arrested was Timothy W. Hooks, 30, of Mena, on a Charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Arrested by an officer with the rannis Police Department was Joey S. Higgins, 30, of Grannis, on a Warrant for Failure to Comply with a Court rder. February 20, 2016 Report of a fire on Polk in the Shady Grove community. Two burn victims were transported to Mena Regional Health System, with one being airlifted to a Little Rock hospital. February 21, 2016 Report of a domestic disturbance on Highway 71 South in the Potter community led to the arrest of Charles M. Phillips, 41, of Mena, and Erica D. Phillips, 18, of Waldron, each on a Charge of

Disorderly Conduct. Also arrested was Thomas C. Hilderbrand, 26, of Mena, on Howard County Charges. Arrested was Kristina R. Brown, 32, of Greenwood, on a Warrant for Failure to Comply with a Court rder. Arrested was Charles M. Turner, 41, of Altus, on Warrants for five counts of iolation of the Arkansas Hot Check Law. Report of suspicious activity at a business on Highway 71 North in Mena led to the arrest of Kenneth K. Henry, 38, of Mena, on a Charge of Breathing, Inhaling or Drinking Certain Intoxicating Compounds.

Arrested by a trooper with the Arkansas State Police was Gage D. Lambert, 24, of Mena, on Charges of Public Intoxication and Littering. Also arrested was Tyse D. Lambert, 27, of Mena, on Charges of DWI, Careless/Prohibited Driving and Speeding. Arrested was Martha M. Tucker, 34, of Cove, on a Warrant for Failure to Comply with a Court rder. Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 21 Incarcerated Inmates; 8 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility, of which 2 are currently out of jail on a monitoring system.


classifieds

February 24, 2016

Weekly Publication

31

................................................................................................................................ UP TO 20 WORDS - $4 PER WEEK, $0.25 EACH ADDITIONAL WORD • BORDER $1 • ALL CLASSIFIEDS MUST BE PREPAID.

Ad deadline is 5 p.m. on Monday. Payment is due with ad. Publishing and distributing 8,000Ycopies weekly. Clean & Comfortable housing since 1969, J. Ray & Maria’s M Park and Rentals. wy orth, Mena, AR. 3 . J & N Dozer – rackhoe, Backhoe, Dump ruck, Ponds, Pads, Clearing, Roads, auling, Rich op Soil, ill Dirt, Shale, ravel. Do er perator Randy gger, over 3 years’ experience. We appreciate your Business Call 3 3 . Squeaky Clean Mobile Dog Wash, Dry, Brushing, Clipping. Deanna Boyd 3 come to you. Like acebook

ails, ars, 66, will 3/30

ooks n’ t Mena Street Mena, Arkansas. We have hardbacks, paperbacks, audio books, maga ines, 3 computer games, movies. Come see.

The Knights of Columbus will have a fish fry eb, 6, 6, at 3 th Street St. Agnes all. Menu will include fried fish, hushpuppies, beans, cole slaw, desserts and drinks. All you can eat. Adults . , Children 6. , mmediate family 3 . . Serving from p.m. to p.m. FOR RENT in Mena ice 3 bed bathroom laun dry room, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, central h a, carport, near Louise Durham, fenced backyard. 6 a month 6 Security Deposit. References Re uired. ot D Approved. o Smoking. o Pets. 3 for an appointment. anie ’s ar entr and Painting. ome repair, decks, fence rows, underpinning, etc. Also lawn and garden work. Call 33 6 .

Yard Mowing, Weed ating, Bush ogging, andyman Services, Power Washing, arden Plowing illing. ave ractor with mplements for larger jobs. Also firewood for sale. Call 6 .

Harris Fence serving Mena surrounding areas chain link, privacy and vinyl no job too small, repairs 3 all 3 over years exp. itc en e eeded Cooking experience desired. Cook and prep food. Apply in person at Branding ron Restaurant. 3 3 . 3

Humane Society of the Ouachitas Pet of the Week

January 6, 2016 ueen Angel is just the best girl to adopt ut standing Lynx Point kitty with those Siamese blue eyes and soft silvery striped fur on her legs, head and tail. Besides being one of the prettiest kitties you have ever seen, ueen Angel also lives up to her angelic name. his year old kitty is ultra sweet and is good with children, other cats and even nice dogs Can we say Purrrrrrrrrrrrrfect ueen Angel is spayed, has her shots and is litter box trained. heres only one thing she is lacking...you Gi e s a ca o ’ e ad o did OFFICE PHONE NUMBER: (479) 394-5682 • WEB SITE: www.hsomena.org • HSO is a NO KILL Shelter. is not a iated wit an ot er oca state or national animal rescue organization. HSO is a 501(c)(3) organization. Please consult your tax advisor to see if your donation is tax deductible.


32

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

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