February 8, 2017 by The Pulse

FREE WEEKLY

February 8, 2017

THE POLK COUNTY

Stay Connected!

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

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

RMCC Now Officially University of Arkansas - Rich Mountain

Dalton Lane Named MVP by Tigers

BY MELANIE BUCK • news@mypulsenews.com

Stands as Inspiration to Many

Effective February 1, 2017, Rich Mountain Community College is an ofﬁcial member of the University of Arkansas System, according to Chancellor Phillip Wilson, Ed.D., and will now be titled the University CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Re-Zoning Request Fills City Hall BY MELANIE BUCK & LEANN DILBECK It was standing room only during a lengthy Mena Planning Commission meeting at Mena’s City Hall last Thursday (February 2, 2017) in response to a controversial rezoning request of 26 acres that lies between the Hidden Valley Subdivision off Ransom Road and the Heavenly Acres trailer park off Hwy. 8 CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

MMS Receives Grants for Student Performance and Tech Partnership BY MELANIE BUCK • news@mypulsenews.com Mena Middle School has been chosen as recipients of two grants recently that will beneﬁt students and educators. The ﬁrst of the two grants was awarded based on high student performance. MMS CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Wildfires Plague Firefighters

Dalton Lane, of Acorn High School, has had another dream come true and this time, it all went down on a basketball court. Dalton who is completely blind, deaf in one ear, but amazingly has perfect pitch, fulﬁlled one dream in December when he marched in a marching band playing the Sousaphone, but he never dreamed his feet would hit the hardwood of a basketball court during a game. “It was a huge experience,” said Dalton. “I want to thank the Acorn and Oden coaching staff, they played a big role in all of this.”

BY MELANIE BUCK • news@mypulsenews.com Eight grass fires were battled around the county from Monday through Wednesday, January 30th – February 1st, with many beginning as controlled burns that got out of hand. Members of the Shady Grove Volunteer Fire Department were called to an out of control grass fire on Skyline Drive, just west of Mena, on Wednesday morning just after 11 a.m. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames that

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

PHOTO BY MELANIE BUCK

Save up to 50% OFF on close-out items

Mon-Fri 8:30 to 5:30 Sat 8:30 - 3:00 (479) 394-4332 1020 MENA ST. MENA, AR 71953 | SINCE 1939 (888) 394-4332 www.washburns.com

news

“T

February 8, 2017

Weekly Publication

................................................................................................................................

Fundraiser Being held to bring in The Wall That Heals BY MELANIE BUCK • news@mypulsenews.com

he Wall That Heals,” a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington, D.C., is making its way to Mena, thanks to the efforts of local veterans and donations from businesses and community members. The half-scale replica was designed to travel to communities across the nation to spread the Memorial’s healing legacy and is accompanied by the Mobile Education Center. The Wall That Heals includes the names of those who sacrificed their lives, and a photo wall of all the deceased soldiers from the Vietnam War. The Wall will be in Mena March 23rd – 26th. Mena has been selected as the eighth stop in a tour of more than 40 cities across the United States in 2017 to host the wall. A site fee to host the traveling monumnet is $7,500 and the local Veterans of Foreign Wars, or VFW as it’s commonly known, is raising money to bring it to the community. A fundraiser will be held on February 10th to help the effort of bringing a piece of the nation’s history to the local area. A Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser will be held at the Nazarene Church in Mena from 5 – 7 p.m. on February 10th. Plates will be $5 each, dine in or take out, and includes spaghetti, bread, and a drink. Desserts will be available for $1 each.

Beautiful Soles Dedicates Building BY MELANIE BUCK • news@mypulsenews.com

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

GET CONNECTED

Receive Breaking News Alerts!

Meet Our Team Melanie Buck

Staff News Reporter/ Marketing Specialist

m.buck@mypulsenews.com

LeAnn Dilbeck

Publisher/General Manager l.dilbeck@mypulsenews.com editor@mypulsenews.com

Mark Hobson

KENA 104.1 Radio Personality/ Marketing Specialist m.hobson@mypulsenews.com

Emmye Rowell Assistant Graphic Designer

e.rowell@mypulsenews.com

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

eautiful Soles Christian Dance Company held a building dedication on Saturday, February 4th at their new location in the heart of the Mena Arts District, 601 Mena Street. “Jesus gave me the building, so I am giving it back to Him,” said sole owner, Emmye Rowell. New Creation Dance Company, a professional dance company that has been a part of Rowell’s dance career for the past five years traveled from Conway and Little Rock to support her, along with many other friends and family, including former owner, Candace Riner, who also taught and mentored Rowell in the Christian dance realm for nine years. Rowell’s father, Victor, spoke at the dedication, which involved the dream and vision of the building. Others in attendence spoke words and wisdom over Rowell and her dream, and prayed for her journey and the plan God has for her. For more information on Beautiful Soles Christian Dance Company, go to www. dancebeautifulsoles.com or check out their Facebook page, Beautiful Soles.

Like us!

Polk County Pulse

@MyPulseNews

Ilana Burk

Graphic Designer

i.burk@mypulsenews.com

Debbie Frost

Marketing Specialist

d.frost@mypulsenews.com

Logan McCourtney Marketing Specialist

l.mccourtney@mypulsenews.com

Curt Teasdale Radio Personality

c.teasdale@mypulsenews.com

Bevona Williams Billing/Traffic Specialist

b.williams@mypulsenews.com

The Distribution & Insertion Team Dan & Linda Deramus, Jonathon Barton, Jeff Flanigan, Robert & Cassie Hamilton, & Ananda Martin

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

The Polk County Pulse is the area’s premiere and fastest growing news publication. The Polk County Pulse is FREE and published weekly on Wednesdays with a distribution of 8,000 and estimated readership of 10,000. All rights to contents are reserved by Pulse Multi-Media. MyPulseNews.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 reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. All property rights, including any copyright interest, in any advertisement produced by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse using art work and/or typography furnished or arranged by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse shall be the property of Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse. No such advertisement or any part thereof may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Pulse Multi-Media & The Polk County Pulse. POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENTS: 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.

Stevenson Family Donates Painting Quality of Life Provides Imagination BY MELANIE BUCK SUBMITTED for Ouachita Center news@mypulsenews.com Library to Local Children A

he painting, After a Summer Rain, was recently donated by Ed and Dorothy Ann Stevenson to be displayed in the Ouachita Center on the campus of the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain. The painting was commissioned by a nationally known local artist, Tyrone Lewis, and was exhibited in the 2007 Paint America Top 100 Art Competition. The painting illustrates a scene in the town of Cove, Arkansas and exemplifies the rural community where Ed Stevenson was born and raised. The Stevenson family chose to gift the painting for display to honor the artist’s talent and to illustrate the beauty of Polk County through art. The framed artwork is on display in the Stevenson Gallery located in the main corridor of the Ouachita Center.

news

February 8, 2017

uthor George R.R. Martin said in his book, A Dance with Dragons, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one.” Such is the life that the Dolly Parton Imagination Library project hopes that all children can live, and with partnerships like the one they have with Quality of Life Outreach in Mena, will assure that many children will live such a life. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library was launched in 1955 when Parton wanted to foster a love of reading among children and their families by ensuring every child would have books regardless of their families’ income. Due to the popularity of the program, in 2000, the program was made available through community partnerships. By 2017, the program has more than one million children registered across four countries. Parton said, “The seeds of these dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world.” Charlotte Wiles and Mary Ditzel head up the partnership with the Imagination Library that is currently supporting 28 children in Polk County that receive five books apiece each month. Wiles said, “Reading increases a child’s ability to gain educational attainment. The kids receive lifelong benefits from reading and being read to each day. Research shows that having a book in the home and Collin Parsley with books he received a child being read to daily increases their from DPIL vocabulary, and having twenty or more books in the home shows a significant difference.” Reading has also been shown to improve language skills, general knowledge, attention and social-emotional skills, and math skills. The program is available to children birth to five years of age and designed to improved school readiness of children. Accordning to James J. Heckman, a Nobel Laureate in Economics, among other accolades, said, “A critical time to shape productivity is from birth to age five, when the brain develops rapidly to build the foundation of cognitive and character skills necessary for success in school, health, career, and life.” Each year, a committee of professionals selects the books to be mailed for that year, as age-appropriate books are sent directly to the child’s home each month. Although the program is free for the child, Wiles explained that it takes community support to insure that all registered children receive the books. It costs $25 per year for each child, or $125 for five years, totaling 60 books. Funding for the project is reliant upon donations. Wiles hopes they are able to continue to CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

DOT PHYSICALS NOW AVAILABLE! Chip Koppein, FNP-C, DNP Certified DOT Medical Examiner

Receive your Examination & Certificate in the SAME DAY! To schedule

an appointment, call 479-394-1414.

1103 College Drive • Mena, Arkansas

February Specials

Steak Sandwich Reg. Size Onion Rings

$3.79

EVERY FRIDAY 5-Close Half Price Extra Long Chili Cheese Coney

Small French Fries or Tator Tots

$1.00

Small ‘Be Mine’ or ‘Sweetheart’ Shake

$1.49

news

February 8, 2017

Weekly Publication

................................................................................................................................

Dalton Lane

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

And indeed, the role they played would give Dalton memories that will last him forever. On Friday, February 3, Acorn and Oden, both schools under the Ouachita River School District, were set to play and had asked Dalton to join the team for the evening. Dalton explained that it all began when he was shooting some hoops just for fun. When he was younger, he would shoot at the outside courts that had chain nets. “The chain courts would make a big swooshing sound when I made a shot,” he smiled, “Since then, I came to have a deep love for basketball.” He said that a few days ago, he was in the gym shooting around and “Coach Chris Ledbetter saw me and said I needed to be on the team, that I shot better than his seniors do. That Friday night, there I was. I made my debut.” Coach Ledbetter said he has known Dalton his entire life, with both of them being from Oden. “I’ve known him since he was born and I’ve watched him grow up. I had him in my P.E. class and he’s always shooting and we rebound for him. One day, Dalton mentioned that he wondered what it would feel like to be in a ball game.” Coach Ledbetter took that to heart and began putting things in motion. He got approval from Dalton’s mom. “I mentioned it to Dalton and he was so excited,” said Ledbetter. At Friday night’s game between Acorn and Oden, the two teams battled it out for three quarters and dedicated the fourth solely to Dalton. “It was a wonderful experience. I wasn’t expecting to have the whole fourth quarter to myself. When I got the ball, then I knew this was turning out to be an awesome experience.” When the fourth quarter began, Dalton was led to the free throw line, flanked by fellow Tigers who passed him the ball as players from both teams lined up to rebound. Dalton remembers vividly, “The crowd went ballistic. The atmosphere was electric. Then, you could hear a pin drop. There was no noise whatsoever. One shot, the ball bounced around and when it fell in, the whole gym just went electric.” In all, Dalton made 15 shots. Coach Ledbetter said without Oden’s cooperation, Dalton’s dream would not have been possible. “I have to also give credit to Coach Saylors at Oden. I asked him about it and he said ‘you betcha, we’ll rebound for him.’ It was great. That’s what basketball is all about, when you can do something like that for someone. It puts it all into perspective that it’s not all about winning and losing, there’s more to it.” Dalton’s dream come true is an inspiration to many. He said, “It just shows you that people with disabilities can make a big difference. Me being blind and visually impaired, that’s not going to stop me from achieving my dreams. I may go through trials, but that’s not going to make me give up.” Dalton was named MVP of the game at Acorn’s Pep Rally on Tuesday.

Hatfield Installs New Exercise Equipment BY MELANIE BUCK • news@mypulsenews.com

he Town of Hatfield has installed six new pieces of exercise equipment at The Hatfield Town Park, thanks to a grant that was received from the Arkansas Blue Cross’ Blue and You Foundation in the amount of $16,400. The six stations installed include a Dual Hip station, Dual Abductor station, Ab station, Tri-Fitness station, Stepper-Bike station, and a Dual Air Walker. The equipment is for public use and being outside, Mayor Denton said that not only will residents be able to get fit, but also enjoy fresh outside air in the process. “We have selected six different fitness stations to begin our program,” said Denton. These offer a wide range of popular exercise events that will challenge all major muscle groups while building cardiovascular endurance. Some of the units will allow you to work out with a partner, which increases motivation. Having several fitness stations will also allow more people to work out at the same time. The six stations are recommended for people age 14 and up. There is a label on each exercise station that shows how to use it and the muscles it impacts. “These units are challenging but not difficult. We hope these stations will help ensure that our community stays healthy. We invite anyone interested to come and use the exercise stations.” Pictured are Mayor Denton and her 90-year old veteran father taking advantage of the newly installed exercise equipment.

FARM BUREAU WEEK PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, farmers provide consumers an unprecedented wealth of quality food and fiber products at reasonable cost; AND WHEREAS, farmers economically impact their communities far beyond their mere numbers; AND WHEREAS, farmers act in thoughtful stewardship to conserve resources; AND WHEREAS, farmers in substantial numbers choose Farm Bureau to further their economic and social objectives; SO, THEREFORE, I declare the week of February 6-10, 2017 as Farm Bureau Week in Polk County. AND URGE farmers and their many friends of agriculture to join and/orsupport Farm Bureau as it strives for economic parity for farm families.

Polk County Judge Brandon Ellison

February 8, 2017

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

Close-Out Bedding

Sale

Save up to 50% OFF on close-out items 1020 MENA ST. MENA, AR 71953 | SINCE 1939

www.washburns.com

Mon-Fri 8:30 to 5:30 Sat 8:30 - 3:00 (479) 394-4332 (888) 394-4332

news

February 8, 2017

Weekly Publication

................................................................................................................................

MMS Grants

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

Principal Cliff Sherrer explained that they had an exceptional number of students exceed performance standards and were awarded a grant from the state. Sherrer said that MMS ranked in the top 6 – 10 % of schools in the state in student performance to earn the grant. A panel made up of Sherrer, teacher Robin Ponder, and parent, Stacey Booth, chose to use the grant for a non-recurring faculty bonus for their staff. Mena’s elementary schools have been honored with the same grant in years past and also chose to use the money for staff bonuses. The second grant is a technology grant that recently became available through Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson’s collaboration with Facebook that launched the “Arkansas & Facebook Techstart Partnership.” Techstart is the first-of-its-kind and under the agreement, Facebook will donate 500 Virtual Reality (VR) classroom kits, including computers, cameras, and the Oculus Rift equipment necessary to administer the Techstart program. Techstart is a program developed by Facebook, Inc. that aims to give students access to high quality computer science and virtual reality education in order to generate interest in computer science careers and provide instruction for students. Techstart uses a combination of virtual reality instruction, curriculum support and professional development for educators, access to computer science events, and connections to engineering mentors to provide a powerful tool for students. Governor Hutchinson issued the following statement at the time the partnership was created: “Arkansas continues to lead the nation in computer science education and this partnership with Facebook’s Techstart program will make us even stronger in that regard. Facebook’s generous donation will both excite and empower Arkansas students to sharpen their computer science skills and to explore STEM careers. Students who utilize this incredible platform will be positioned to succeed in our increasingly technology driven economy.” According to the agreement, Facebook will donate the kits to the state that will be distributed to approximately 250 schools, educational co-ops, and STEM education centers. Mena Middle School has been chosen as one of those schools. Under the agreement, distribution and facilitation of these resources would be administered through the Arkansas Department of Education Computer Science Division and the Arkansas Public Resource Center. Erin Egan, Facebook’s Vice President of U.S. Public Policy, issued the following statement: “Facebook aims to inspire the next generation to be involved in and excited about computer science. With 500,000 open computing jobs in this country and just 50,000 computer science graduates every year, the opportunity is clear. Given Governor Hutchinson’s commitment to computer science education and establishing coding opportunities to Arkansas classrooms, bringing Techstart to the Natural State just made sense. We are thrilled

CONCLUDED ON PAGE 7

has the following job openings Dental Practice Manager – Mena Billing Coder/Clerk - Mena 340B Pharmacy Coordinator – Mena LPN – Mena PRN – Mena & Hot Springs Assistant Clinic Manager – Mena Assistant Clinic Manager – Hot Springs Patient Care Coordinator – Hot Springs Maintenance/Custodian - Mena HCI is a non-profit organization providing medical, dental and other social services to the citizens of this area. If you are interested in becoming a part of a quality organization with a history of success, please apply by email with a letter of interest and resume to apply@healthy-connections.org. No phone calls please. HCI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For complete job descriptions and a full list of available jobs please visit

www.healthy-connections.org

Imagination Library CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 add more children to their list of recipients. An upcoming fundraiser will help with funds, but more will be needed. On Friday, February 10, they will host a bake sale at Mena Walmart from 10 a.m. – 4p.m. All proceeds raised in Polk County, stay in Polk County to support local children receiving the monthly gifts. Wiles also explained that all children in the home receive their own set of books each month so siblings can all register without fear of getting the same books each month. “We want children to have books in the home that help prepare them for school,” said Wiles. “If we have well-educated children that are prepared at home, they are more likely to go to college and get an education, and that’s a benefit for our community.” If you have questions about the program, would like to donate, or would like to register a child, contact Charlotte Wiles at 479-2345069 or Mary Ditzel at 479-216-9329. You can also learn more on their website, www. qoloutreach.org.

Weekly Publication

MRHS Auxiliary U of A Merger Offers Spring Scholarships BY MELANIE BUCK

news@mypulsenews.com

ena Regional Health System Auxiliary will award a spring semester scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to a student, or students, enrolled in a degree program for Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or any other medical field and who has maintained a 3.0 grade point average or above. Applications for the scholarship can be picked up at the MRHS Gift Shop or Administration Office. The application and all required documents must be turned back in by March 1st.

of Arkansas Community College at Rich Mountain. The College will also be known as the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain and UA Rich Mountain. The process leading to final approval for the merger began in April 2016 with the Rich Mountain Community College Board of Trustees’ approval to request joining the UA System. The University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees approved the request for merger at the May 25-26th UA System board meeting and formal approval for the merger was granted by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board on July 29th, with approval for the change of governance by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association following and becoming effective February 1, 2017. “At the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain, we will continue to provide the highest quality of instruction, services, and resources to our students and community. The merger provides greater flexibility and transferability to serve our constituents. Our ability to serve our institutional mission has never been greater. This merger would not have been possible without the tremendous support of the Rich Mountain Board of Trustees, the faculty, and the staff,” stated Wilson. The merger will offer expanded program options through transfer and articulation agreements with University of Arkansas four-year institutions. The UA System merger will also include collaborating to provide a network for professional development resources for faculty and staff, educational delivery processes and resources, and an employee health insurance cost-sharing network. “I am extremely pleased that the distinguished Board of Rich Mountain Community College, and the institution’s faculty, staff and students decided to associate with the University of Arkansas System. This institution has a long history of exceptional service to the communities it serves and I am pleased that the UA System is now positioned to work with the institution to continue that legacy. Plans are in place to involve University of Arkansas Community College at Rich Mountain faculty in discussions to expand transfer and other educational opportunities in the UA System to their students, and we look forward to learning from their faculty and administration in developing new approaches to assist the entire system as it seeks to grow both in size and quality in the years ahead,” said Donald R. Bobbitt, Ph.D., president of the University of Arkansas System. Wilson said the look of UA Rich Mountain will change slowly with Razorback red, black, and gray being the new school colors. He also explained that their staff will remain in place and the Rich Mountain Community College Foundation will remain locally maintained. Expanding their degree programs is an advantage of the merge that local educators and students are looking forward to. Wilson said they will continue to look for and offer degree programs that work best for the community’s needs. “It has taken us almost a year to complete the merge and I believe we are better today than we were yesterday,” said Wilson. “We are still here to serve the needs of our local community.”

Do you struggle with a drug or alcohol addiction? Dr. Hopper can help you with treatment and recovery counseling. Areas of specialty include: • Anxiety • Depression • Diﬃculty Managing Stress • PTSD • Drug and Alcohol Addiction • Bipolar Disorder • Schizophrenia Phone: 479-394-7301 1102 Crestwood Circle, Mena Fax: 479-394-7160

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

news

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February . . . . . . . . .8, . . 2017 ......

Rachael Hopper, PH.D, LADAC

Call or come by our office today to schedule your appointment. Also, accepting new patients! Medicaid not accepted. Private Pay Discounts Available.

MMS Grants

January 6, 2016

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

to launch this first-of-its-kind partnership and look forward to seeing all the exciting projects students here will build.” This Facebook Computer Science Education program will give students the opportunity to learn about careers in technology, connect with engineering professionals, participate in coding and other technology-minded workshops, and gain exposure to virtual reality using the Facebook-provided Oculus VR kits. Mena Middle School is on a list that will receive two kits. If a school offers EAST, they can earn a second Oculus. Principal Sherrer said the kits can be used in varying subjects and one will be placed in the EAST classroom, while the other will be located in the ‘tech café’ near the library. With the virtual technology provided by Oculus, social studies teachers can take their students on a tour of the Smithsonian Museum without ever leaving the classroom, or science teachers can show students, in great detail, how the human heart works and how veins and arteries flow blood to the heart, all without touching a body. Students will also have the ability to write programming for the Oculus, creating more technology experience in the classroom.

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

•394-1938• Owner : Stacy & Julie Nash

news

February 8, 2017

Weekly Publication

................................................................................................................................

MRHS Goes Red for Women

ena Regional Health System recently united to stand up for the prevention of heart disease and stroke. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. That’s approximately one woman every minute. MRHS is encouraging women to make their own health a priority in 2017 by visiting their primary care physician. Everyone should know their numbers, risk factors, and preventative measures to follow as they strive to live a healthy lifestyle. During the month of February, MRHS is offering a Couples Heart Saver CT Scan special. Couples, friends or family can schedule together for the discounted rate of $100.00. Individual cost is $56.50. The noninvasive test takes just minutes to perform, but could potentially save a life. Many times, heart disease goes unnoticed until it’s too late. To schedule your Heart Saver CT, call the radiology department at 479-394-6100 ext. 2214.

MILES CONSTRUCTION & HANDYMAN SERVICE Manufacturer of Quality CNC Parts

479.394.4248 104 Port Arthur Avenue Mena, AR 71953-3344

OWNER - JASON MILES

*Free Estimates*

“We’ll go the extra mile for you!”

* Custom Homes * Remodels * Window Replacement * Additions * Vinyl Siding

February 14 • 6:30 pm

Couple $50 • Individual $25

February 19th

Guest Speaker:

Dr. David McCord Lindley Creek

Luncheon will be in the fellowship hall following morning service.

Just for Fun Player sP r

nts ese

Dinner & Entertainment

120th Anniversary

Musical Guest:

479-216-3072

Valentine’s Day Dinner Theater

The Polk County Sociable Seniors held their first lunch of 2017 recently with 28 members in attendance. The group enjoyed guest speaker, Deputy Chief Randy Jewell, of the Polk County Sheriff’s Department. Jewell spoke about scams and other things to watch out for. “He was great,” said Diane Mathis, organizer of the group. Polk County Sociable Seniors is open to anyone over the age of 50 who would like to meet people and enjoy laughter. Their next meeting will be held at Little Italy in Glenwood. Carpooling is available. Mathis said they will meet up at Walmart on Thursday, February 16th at 11 a.m. and leave by 11:15 a.m. Lunch will be at 12 noon. In case of inclement weather, the lunch will be cancelled. For more information, contact Mathis at 479-243-0191.

Reservations Only - 394-3110 Mena Mountain Resort Event Center • 2817 Hwy 71 N.

Special concert by Lindley Creek at 1pm

First Baptist Church in Mena

811 Port Arthur, Mena • 479-394-2541

firstbaptistchurchmena.com

Weekly Publication

ACORN PRIDE

Folk Mountain Gospel to Perform SUBMITTED BY RICHIE LAWRY in Mena D

on and Donna Mohl, performing as Folk Mountain Gospel, will be in concert at the Mena Seventh-day Adventist Church on Fairgrounds Road on Saturday, February 11th at 11:00 a.m. Don and Donna have been traveling around the country since 1988, sharing the love of Jesus through song. Their music is a blend of “mountain” style and folk style gospel. They travel about 25 weekends of the year, which allows them to continue their “day jobs” during the week. They have held concerts in Mena many times over the last 20 years. Their unique style of music blends biblical and traditional instruments such as the hammered dulcimer, bowed psaltery, zither, mountain dulcimer, mandolin, and guitar with their voices to provide a down-home, family oriented message of the love and grace of Jesus. Don and Donna sing the good old hymns of faith, more recent gospel songs and some songs that they have written related to family values, the grace of Jesus, and the love of God. Don Mohl hand builds and sells, bowed psalteries, zithers, mountain dulcimers, and hammered dulcimers. Everyone in the community is invited to attend this free concert. A love offering will be received.

January 6, 2016

Wildfires

citizen

den Army), Vay l Guard US a James n f o o ti a n o (N S el Barr chnell: a S h x ic a M M f o ), y n : So ent S Arm t: Zane Barr chool Stud al Guard U orn High S Left to Righ Traven Bayne (Nation c A ational t: s (N e ro s F of don Hou ), Logan n y ra rm B A f o S Bayne: Son r U te Guard US tional Guard Kaylin House: Daugh s (National re o h S ), Schnell (Na ry y e ff US Army), uard US Arm ores: Daughter of Je tional Guard a (N r h (National G a S h e e e s rmy), Hail of Brad Ba Force) Guard US A nder: Step-Daughter uard US Air G l a n o ti re a A s (N Army), Lily anny Stagg s: Son of D g g ta S h s o J

news

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February . . . . . . . . .8, . . .2017 ...

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

were located in a very hilly and rocky area and were able to keep it away from any structures. On Wednesday afternoon, around 3 p.m., Ink Fire Department was called to the Ouachita Country Club Golf Course on Highway 88, east of Mena. A controlled burn there had gotten out of control and the wide fire took out a swath of dead grass, weeds, and natural debris before firefighters gained control of the area. On Tuesday, Acorn Fire Department had battled a large grass fire in the Rich Mountain Community that also began as a controlled burn. Acorn Fire Chief Kris Lyle said the fire burned approximately 16 acres. Acorn Fire Department called upon Ink and Dallas Valley Volunteer Fire Departments for mutual aid. Arkansas Forestry and U.S. Forestry were also on scene with three dozers. Lyle said it took around 30 minutes after arrival to deem the area safe around structures, but in all, it took about three hours to fully contain the blaze. “It all stayed on private land, but got very close to National Forest,” said Lyle. Dry conditions, low humidity, and strong winds can often combine to create dangerous brush and wildland fires. Arid and windy conditions can lead to wildfire dangers at any time of year. The most common months for wildfire frequency in Arkansas are February thru April and August thru October, due to low humidity, dry vegetation, and gusty winds common for those months. Citizens are advised to check their area weather and fire danger monitors before burning.

. . .February . . . . . . . . 8, . . . 2017 ..................................................................................................................

obituaries

Weekly Publication

VIRGIL LEON SMITH

Virgil Leon Smith, much loved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and neighbor, died peacefully at home Saturday, February 4, 2017, in Mena, Arkansas, at the age of 86 years. He was born on April 4, 1930, in Portales, New Mexico, to the late Richard Wayne Smith and Fairy Lavita Newbill Smith. An adventure seeker from early in life, Virgil left his family farm at age 17 with only a few dollars to his name to join the United States Navy. He eventually found his way to Memphis where he met the love of his life, Verna Jean Dodd. Virgil continued his Navy career, living around the country learning and working on computer systems. In 1955 he was selected to be part of an IBM internship program and worked at the forefront of the computer industry. He retired from the Navy as Master Chief Petty Officer in Data Processing at age 37 and moved into the corporate world and eventually retired as a Vice President with Electronic Data Systems. Virgil and Jean lived a full life together raising five children and living around the world including Washington DC, Seattle, Philadelphia, San Diego, Detroit, Milwaukee, Iran, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia. After a successful career in the corporate world, Virgil retired to Mena, Arkansas, to live his dream of running a ranch, raising cattle, clearing land, and creating beautiful rock gardens. Virgil saw hard work as a virtue and honesty as a person’s backbone. Virgil’s kindness, generosity, faithfulness, and loyalty will be missed greatly. He was known to set the example of how to live a good life, and a good life he did lead. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Fred Smith and Ronald Smith. Virgil is survived by his wife, Verna Jean Dodd Smith; his siblings, Jean Primrose, Dixie Smith, and Weldon Smith; his children, Valinda Ann Rustam of Bryn

Mawr, Pennsylvania, Teresa Kay Milstead of Lakeland, Florida, David Paul Smith of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Robert Wayne Smith of Great Falls, Virginia, and Matthew Jason Smith of Austin, Texas; his grandchildren, Jenifer Michele Smith, Doreen Kay Rustam, Lennart N. Rustam, Shane Lee Smith, Justin Wayne and wife Melissa Smith, Adam Christopher Smith, Lilijana Smith, Mirella Smith, Alden James Smith, Addison Grace Smith, and Asher Jacob Smith; and great-grandson, Levi Carter Smith. On Monday, February 6, 2017, the family greeted friends and guests from 12:30 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. at Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, with funeral services immediately following at 2:00 P.M. Burial will take place on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. at the Melrose Memorial Cemetery in Melrose, New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ouachita Regional Hospice, 1106 South Mena Street, Mena, Arkansas 71953.

BERNICE MARIE BARTON Bernice Marie Barton, age 93, of Sachse, Texas, formerly of Mena, died Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at her home. She was born on Saturday, December 1, 1923 to Andrew and Vivian Dunlap Swafford in Amarillo, Texas. Bernice was a devoted mother with a big servant’s heart; always wanting to be a blessing to her family and others. She loved crocheting and knitting making afghans, doilies, and houseshoes for her family and friends. She loved cooking, and spending time with her husband, Tolbert, Sr., fishing at Lake Wilhelmina. Bernice loved animals and her pets. While she worked in Amarillo, Texas she was a cashier McCullum Grocery. She enjoyed cooking and some of her family’s favorite dishes were fried chicken and all the trimmings. Bernice was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her par-

ents; her husband Tolbert Barton, Sr., and her brother, Robert Swafford. Bernice is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Tolbert Jr. and Paula Barton of Sachse, Texas; daughter, Wanda Bedell of Poteau, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, Don George, Shannon Marshall, Wayne George, Lisa Aleshire, Jon Barton, Sr., and Janna Barton; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services were Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena. Interment followed in the Board Camp Cemetery. Pallbearers were Don George, Wayne George, Chris George, Jon Barton Sr., Jacob Marshall and D.J. George.

DAVID HARLIN COOPER David Harlin Cooper, age 66 of Mena passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2017 in Little

Rock, Arkansas. David was born on August 14, 1950 in Ft. Bragg, California to the late Claudie Cooper and the late Alene Birdsong Cooper. He was married to Shirley Halley for 43 years and proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Military Interrogator Instructor. He enjoyed many things in life, such as reading, playing war games, and listening to classical music. David loved to do woodworking, or as he would call it, “Butcher Wood.” He never met a stranger; he enjoyed talking to people about things in everyday life. David was a loving husband, brother, uncle and friend to all who knew him. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by wife, Shirley Cooper of Mena, Arkansas; sister, Mary Cooper Sumter of Mckinleyville, California; nieces, Rhoda Sumter of Mckinleyville, California, Lorrie Henry and husband Mike of Mena, Arkansas, Nena Land and husband Gerald of Mena, Arkansas, Robin Tackett and husband Charlie of Russellville, Arkansas; nephews, Ray Sumter of Mckinleyville, California, David Sumter of Columbus, Georgia; and uncle, Dwight Birdsong and wife Mary of Atoka, Oklahoma.

Obituaries Available at MyPulseNews.com

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Roy Gene Cooper. Memorial service will be Saturday, February 11, 2017, 2:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood Chapel with Brother Donnie Jewell officiating under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.

KEVIN LEE JENKINS Kevin Lee Jenkins, age 55, of Wickes, died Monday, January 30, 2017 at the Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. He was born on Sunday, June 25, 1961 to Loyd Nolan and Marthalyn Irene Jameson Jenkins in Mena, Arkansas. Kevin worked in management for most of his life. Kevin loved his dogs, Lady and Heath, and spending time with them. He enjoyed photography and gardening in his free time. Kevin was a loving companion, brother and a great friend and will be missed by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents. Kevin is survived by his companion, Ryan Trumble of Wickes; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Loyd Jr. and Donetta Jenkins of Wickes and Bruce and Carol Jenkins of Kingsport, Tennessee; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Loretta and David Roberts of Wickes and Crystal and Eric Steinhoff of Virginia Beach, Virginia; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. A memorial service was held Friday, February 3, 2017 at 6:00 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena. Cremation services are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

Caring for your family since 1928 479-394-1310 611 Janssen Ave. Mena, AR 71953 BeasleyWoodFuneralHome.com

Weekly Publication

HHE to Send Book Fair Winners to Next Level H SUBMITTED

olly Harshman Elementary held a local-level Book Fair and brought in judges to determine which students would move on to the next level of competition – regionals to be held soon at the DeQueen-Mena Educational Cooperative Extension. Students created display boards and gave oral presentations on their chosen books, either fiction or non-fiction. Both fourth and fifth grade students participated, with several displaying great craftsmanship. In fourth grade, fiction winners were: Isabel Vacca, presenting Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and Kinley Hall presenting What the Moon Saw. Fourth grade non-fiction winners were: Jorden Davis, presenting The Titanic, and Autumn Lockhart, presenting The Life Cycle of an Emperor Penguin. In fifth grade, fiction winners were: Sophia Vacca, presenting A Wrinkle in Time, and Kiylee Hughes, presenting

One for the Murphys. Fifth grade non-ﬁction winners were: Maddox Medlin, presenting The Brandon Burlsworth Story, and Caroline Cannon and Brooklyn Hilderbrand presenting What was the Underground Railroad. Fifth grade also had a technology category with Katrina Dixon being named the winner, presenting Beholding Bee. Aiden Bailey also placed in the technology category with The Dragon’s Tooth.

Paisano’s NO WAITING FAST LUNCH! Two Giant Slices Pepperoni or Supreme Pizza, Soda/Tea & Breadstix

Mon-Fri 11am-2pm

Paisano’s February Special DINE-IN OR CARRY OUT

16” EXTRA LARGE 1-TOPPING PIZZA

NO DELIVERY EXTRA TOPPINGS - $1.50

Hand-made-from-scratch dough that the other places don’t offer at ANY price. See what real pizza tastes like.

Located at: 1110 Hwy 71 S, Mena

479-385-5055

school

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .February . . . . . . . . .8,. .2017 ........

January 6, 201

Sweets weetAiLeE SAKE S for your

Tuesday, February 14th 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Christ Episcopal Church 803 Church Avenue Mena, Arkansas

Funds raised will be donated to our local charities: PCDC, Salvation Army, Backpack Program, Clarice’s Room of Hope, Heifer Project

February 8, 2017

Weekly Publication

school

................................................................................................................................

University of Arkansas - Rich Mountain LPN-RN Pass Rate

CR Crowns Miss Cossatot River

he Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium (ARNEC) has announced the NCLEX-RN exam pass rates for the current RN graduates enrolled in the consortium’s community colleges. ARNEC is a consortium of eight Arkansas community colleges: ASU-Newport, Black River Technical College, UA Cossatot, Ozarka College, South Arkansas Community College, University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, University of Arkansas Community College at Hope, and University of Arkansas Rich Mountain. Of the eight community colleges, University of Arkansas Rich Mountain RN Class of 2016 achieved 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam. The examination is required for RN students to achieve a nursing license. For more information about the UA Rich Mountain LPN-RN Program, call (479) 3947622 main campus, (479) 637-5502 Waldron Center, or (870) 867-5264 Montgomery County Center.

Ryhen Martin was crowned queen of the ﬁrst ever Miss Cossatot River pageant held on January 27th at Cossatot River High School. Other winners included: (l to r): Jacee McGhee, Jayden Johnson, Shayla Reel, Ryhen Martin, Lacey Floyd, and Rynlee Richardson.

COSSATOT RIVER SCHOOL’S BREAKFAST MONDAY 2/13 NO SCHOOL TUESDAY 2/14 Biscuit w/ sausage, craisins, juice, milk WEDNESDAY 2/15 Cereal, apple wedges, orange juice, milk THURSDAY 2/16 Ham & cheese croissant, applesauce, juice, milk FRIDAY 2/17 Super donut, orange wedges, apple juice, milk

Swap Shop

Buy • Sell • Trade • Give Away Live Broadcasts at 8:05 am & 12:30 pm Monday - Friday

COSSATOT RIVER SCHOOL’S LUNCH MONDAY 2/13 NO SCHOOL TUESDAY 2/14 Burrito w/ cheese, corn, ranch beans, fruit cocktail, milk WEDNESDAY 2/15 Frito chili pie, tossed salad w/ dressing, peaches, cinnamon roll, milk THURSDAY 2/16 Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, pineapple, roll, milk FRIDAY 2/17 Hamburger, lettuce, tomato, pickles, tater tots, pears, cookie, milk

Drop off your Swap Shop items here!

or call in to KENA 104.1 FM

479-394-2800

Cossatot Menus Sponsored by:

Weekly Publication

County’s Newest K-9 Deputy, Otto, Visits Louise Durham

school

MENA PUBLIC SCHOOL’S BREAKFAST

MONDAY 2/13 Breakfast pizza, Cheerio’s, Trix Cereal, string cheese, diced pears, grape juice, milk TUESDAY 2/14 Cherry frudel, Cocoa Puff cereal bar, Scooby Doo grahams, mixed fruit, fruit blend juice, milk WEDNESDAY 2/15 Chocolate muffin, strawberry banana yogurt, animal crackers, applesauce, orange juice, milk THURSDAY 2/16 Breakfast burrito, Cheerio’s, Fruit Loops, string cheese, raisins, cheery star juice, milk FRIDAY 2/17 Biscuit & gravy, yogurt, animal crackers, diced peaches, apple juice, milk MENA PUBLIC SCHOOL’S LUNCH

MONDAY 2/13 Elementary: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, chicken tenders, tomato wedges, mixed fruit, fruit blend juice. Middle School: Meatloaf, pizza choices, salad choices, chicken sandwich, sun butter & jelly sandwich, beef quesadilla. High School: Meatloaf, pizza line, tortilla line, salad choices, ham melt, chicken tenders, hamburger. TUESDAY 2/14 Elementary: Popcorn chicken, roasted cauliflower, cucumbers, mashed potatoes, hot dog, orange wedges, apple juice. Middle School: Popcorn chicken bowl, pizza choices, salad choices, hamburger, sun butter & jelly sandwich, chicken fajita. High School: Popcorn chicken bowl, pizza line, tortilla line, salad choices, California ranch chicken sandwich, cheeseburger. WEDNESDAY 2/15 Elementary: Chili, chicken sandwich, celery sticks, cucumber/tomato salad, banana, cinnamon roll, grape juice. Middle School: Inside out penne pasta, chicken nuggets, chicken salsa melt, salad choices, sun butter & jelly sandwich. High School: Inside out penne pasta, pizza line, tortilla line, salad choices, BBQ cheeseburger, chicken tenders, hot dog. THURSDAY 2/16 Elementary: Chicken enchilada, cheeseburger, campfire beans, coleslaw, applesauce, orange juice. Middle School: Chicken enchilada, pizza choices, salad choices, sun butter & jelly sandwich, hot dog, chicken nachos. High School: Chicken enchilada, pizza line, tortilla line, salad choices, pizza burger, chicken sandwich, hamburger. FRIDAY 2/17 Elementary: Cheese pizza, BBQ pork sandwich, steamed broccoli, red pepper strips, mandarin oranges, fruit blend juice. Middle School: Chili, fish patty melt, pizza choices, salad choices, sun butter & jelly sandwich, beef tacos. High School: Chili, pizza line, tortilla line, salad choices, fish patty melt, chicken tenders, cheeseburger.

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

January 6, 201 The newest member of the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, Otto, stopped by Louise Durham recently with his handler, Sergeant Seth Smith. The students and the staff were excited to meet the pair.

3rd Grade Students Learn Times Tables T

rinity Cude knows that “MULTIPLICATION ROCKS” at Holly Harshman Elementary. She is the first student in Mrs. White’s 3rd grade math class to memorize all of the multiples from 0-12. As a reward for her great effort, she received a $10.00 gift card to Wal-Mart. Pictured, L to R: Tamara Smart, Principal; Trinity Cude, 3rd Grade; and Tisha White, 3rd Grade Math Teacher.

. .February . . . . . . . . .8, . .2017 ...................................................................................................................

school

Weekly Publication

Aleshire Electric Holds the 2nd Annual Rich Mountain CDE Invitational BY MELANIE BUCK

leshire Electric sponsored the 2nd Annual Rich Mountain CDE Invitational on Friday, January 27th at the Ouachita Center on the campus of University of Arkansas Rich Mountain. The event is an electricity competition that includes Future Farmers of America (FFA) Ag. Electricity teams and individuals from schools across the region. The winners of the High Individual category were: 1st Place- Pedro Rodriguez of Bradley; 2nd Place- Michael Johnson of Bradley; Tied for 3rd PlaceClint Buck of Mena (pictured) and Paul Hammack of Bradley. The winners of the Overall Team category were: 1st Place- Bradley; 2nd Place- Mena (pictured left to right: Nate Aleshire, David Thomas, Jake McCauley, and Kaleb Reeves); 3rd Place- Murfreesboro.

Acorn’s Got Talent Results SUBMITTED

he Acorn High School Music Department hosted their 4th annual Acorn’s Got Talent Show on February 2, in the Cafetorium. The show allows students in grades six through twelve the opportunity to show off their great talent in a fun, competitive environment. The event is also a fundraiser for the music department, which grossed $430. The monies raised will be used toward the purchase of choir microphones and/or banners for the new music classroom. “The show is a way for the band and choir to raise much needed funds without having students selling a product. The best part is the confidence participating students gain once they have performed in front of a live audience. It is a wonderful sight to behold,” stated Mrs. Couch, Acorn Music Director. The students competed in Middle or High School categories. The winners for the Middle School division were Halli Holland in first place, Kyndall Dycus and Abby Nance tying for second place, and Addison Wood taking third place. In the High School division (pictured l to r) Tessa Kesterson was the first place winner, Nick Lyle came in second place, and Jeb Wilborg took third place. “The music department would like to thank everyone for participating and donating to this event,” said Couch.

ACORN SCHOOL’S BREAKFAST

MONDAY 2/13 Variety cereal, omelet w/ cheese, toast, variety fruit, yogurt, juice, milk TUESDAY 2/14 Variety cereal, super donut, sausage link, raisins, variety fruit, juice, milk WEDNESDAY 2/15 Variety cereal, biscuit & sausage, jelly, variety fruit, yogurt, juice, milk THURSDAY 2/16 Variety cereal, Mini chocolate donuts, variety fruit, yogurt, juice, milk FRIDAY 2/17 Variety cereal, biscuit & gravy, jelly, yogurt, variety fruit, juice, milk

ACORN SCHOOL’S LUNCH

MONDAY 2/13 K-6TH GRADE: Orange chicken, beef dippers, fried rice, steamed broccoli, oranges, salad bar, milk. 7TH – 12TH GRADE: Orange chicken, beef dippers, pizza, fried rice, steamed broccoli, oranges, salad bar, milk. TUESDAY 2/14 K-6TH GRADE: Cheeseburger, steak sandwich, fries, blackeyed peas, apples, salad bar, milk. 7TH – 12TH GRADE: Cheeseburger, steak sandwich, pizza, fried black-eyed peas, apples, salad bar, milk. WEDNESDAY 2/15 K-6TH GRADE: Chicken nuggets, turkey & cheese sub, corn, wheat roll, peaches, Jell-o, salad bar, milk. 7TH – 12TH GRADE: Chicken nuggets, turkey & cheese sub, pizza, corn, wheat roll, peaches, Jell-o, salad bar, milk. THURSDAY 2/16 K-6TH GRADE: Vegetable beef soup w/ grilled cheese, chicken tenders, wheat roll, steamed carrots, pears, salad bar, milk. 7TH – 12TH GRADE: Vegetable beef soup w/ grilled cheese, chicken tenders, pizza, wheat roll, steamed carrots, pears, salad bar, milk. FRIDAY 2/17 K-6TH GRADE: BBQ chicken, popcorn chicken, green beans, wheat roll, mixed fruit, salad bar, milk.7TH – 12TH GRADE: BBQ chicken, popcorn chicken, green beans, wheat roll, mixed fruit, salad bar, milk.

Acorn Menus Sponsored by:

February 8, 2017

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

S ee

insid e for

deta ils

Tu e

sday,

h t 4 1 Februar y

Box of

Chocolates

Sweetheart Dinners for 2

2 Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon 2 Ribeye Specials 2 Smoked Salmon Specials

$39.95

w/2 Side Shot Choices

12 double dipped strawberries White Chocolate Pretzels Hershey Kisses

Order Now by Monday February 13! Pick up Friday, February 10 Tuesday, February 14

$24.95

Good Valentines Weekend Thru Tuesday, February 14

Full service salon for the entire family

art Sweaedaythatethe spa

Get your

Gift Certificate for service of their choice! NORTHSIDE SHOPPING CENTER

Let us help you make your special someone’s Valentine extra special!

Call or come by

Today!!

We will be taking orders after church on the 12th!

OPEN VALENTINE’S DAY!

ON THE CORNER OF SHERWOOD AND SEVENTH STREET • 479-437-3240

•

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

February 8, 2017

alentine gift giving in 2016 reached a record $19.7 billion! And that’s with only 55% of Americans admitting to celebrating the Valentines holiday! The even better news is that with our SHOP LOCAL Valentines Gift Guide, it won’t cost you billions to impress your loves and little loves! 1.) ROMANTIC DINNERS out garnered the biggest share of the dollars spent in 2016, this year’s Valentine Gift Guide offers some great options! Branding Iron in downtown Mena is known for both its ‘melt in your mouth’ steak and they are also offering a delectable salmon special. They’ll top off the perfect evening with sweets for your sweetie, including chocolate covered strawberries. Your “honey” may be the spicy type and you can treat her to LaVilla Mexican Restaurant in the Atwood’s Shopping Center, which is always popular for any occasion. For the royal treatment, there’s clearly no other choice than a spectacular drive up Rich Mountain for dinner at the Queen’s Restaurant inside the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge. This year’s Valentine’s special of steak or ‘Chicken Wilhelmina’ is sure to gain you bonus points when you ﬁnish off your evening on the veranda boasting panoramic views or hike down “Lovers Leap.” (Just don’t take the ﬁnal leap!) The Fair Lady Limetree Restaurant is offering four different days to spoil your Valentine so you can stretch your romantic celebration beyond

February 8, 2017

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

the one day… and there’s no better way to do that than to enjoy Limetree’s scrumptious ribeye steaks and shrimp, along with their very personable southern hospitality! Friendship House is one of Mena’s hottest breakfast and lunch spots so a gift certificate from there is a fabulous way to give a Valentine’s gift that keeps on giving! 2.) FLOWERS, TRINKETS AND CANDY are always popular for lovebirds at Valentine’s! Allbaugh’s Florist in Mena has literally made Valentine’s Day as easy as 1-2-3. They offer one of the area’s largest selections of all the popular ways to tell someone they’re special with flowers, candy, balloon bouquets – YOU NAME IT – Pat and Ann will have you covered! And, at Stewman’s Flowers & Gifts, they are ready to start taking your orders now and will even be open after church on Sunday, February 12, to make it even more convenient for you to find the perfect way to spoil your loves! Besides all of the traditional flowers, balloons, and teddy bears, she has “junk bags” that are full of all the kids “junk” faves like soft drinks and candy bars! 3.) EXPERIENCE GIFTS rated tops with just over 90% of respondents opting for these which can include entertainment or salon or spa specials. By taking advantage of the many specials offered trough the local salons and spas, your Valentine can remember your thoughtfulness many times over with gift certificates from the Yankee Clipper, Studio 1142 Salon, Friends & Co. Salon, or Hair & All That Jazz. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Give your Valentine the Gift of Beauty!

Have your

Valentine’s

Dinner with Us! “Try our Authentic Mexican Food”

Gift Certificates Available

Color - Highlights - Cuts - Facials - Massages

1100 Hwy 71 N, Mena 479-243-0822

Contact one of our Marketing Specialists FOR DETAILS today:

479-243-9600

394-2225

206 N. Morrow

Lyn Watkins Karen Lance

1168 Hwy 71 S., Mena MyPulseNews.com

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

February 8, 2017

CONTINUED FROM PAG E 17

4.) GIFTS THAT SPARKLE are always the ‘piece de resistance’. Lindy’s Fine Jewelry in downtown Mena has a large selection of heart pendants that can ﬁt anyone’s budget and are guaranteed to capture their heart! She also has a large selection of bracelets, diamond earrings, or other pendants and they even have extended hours on Valentine’s Day til 6p.m.!

SHOP LOCAL and spoil all your Valentines this year… all while supporting your local economy!

Lindy’s Jewelry 1000 Mena St., Mena • 479-394-3289 • Heart Pendants, Bracelets, Diamond Earrings, Rings • Fine Jewelry • Custom Design • Seiko Watches • Jewelry Repair & Refurbishing On-Site

The gift that will leave her speechless....

Open til 6pm Valentine’s Day

Friends & Company S A LO N

1100 Hwy 71 N, Mena • (479) 394-0813 Gift Certificates Available Walk-Ins Welcome

Allbaugh's 479-394-4616 or stop in 1 Call to see us at 709 Mena Street

2 Select the perfect Valentine's Gift

FREE Gift Wrapping FREE Card & Candy with purchase (while supplies last on Valentine’s Day)

Valentine's Day made as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Candace Thompson Marla Hanyan Crystal Donelson Lauren Nance Sydney Godwin

Roses Candy Bouquets Snack Packs Stuffed Animals Balloons Lots of unique gift ideas

3 Allbaugh's will DELIVER for you!

709 Mena Street • 394-4616

February 8, 2017

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

517 Sherwood Avenue, Mena â&#x20AC;˘ (479) 394-2385 Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am - 3pm

Romance is thinking about your significant other, when you are supposed to be thinking about something else.

Nicholas Sparks

Presented on February 11, 12, & 14

Marinated Strip Steak or

Chicken Wilhelmina A 6 oz. chicken breast topped with sliced ham, grilled onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, and Swiss cheese Hand Breaded Butterfly Shrimp Baked Potato Sauteed Green Beans with Mushrooms & Red Peppers Soup or Salad Dinner Roll with Honey Butter Drink & Dessert

Steak Dinner

$22.99

Chicken Dinner

$17.99

403 N. Morrow St, Suite C Mena, AR 71953 Call for your appointment TODAY!

Hours: Tues. - Fri. 10 am - ?

479-385-5071

Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge â&#x20AC;˘ 479-394-2863

citizen

February 8, 2017

Weekly Publication

................................................................................................................................

Seth Smith- Serving Polk County With a Smile

BY LOGAN MCCOURTNEY

l.mccourtney@mypulsenews.com

eth Smith balances the rare blend of seriousness and laughter, which may seem like polar opposites, but for a career that requires him to struggle the stresses of law enforcement while being a public servant, Seth has found the perfect equation. Seth grew up in Polk County and attended Mena Public Schools. Upon graduation from high school in 2002, he joined the National Guard assigned to the local Charlie Company. “I heard guys that had joined talking about shooting automatic guns and throwing grenades in training. Like any guy in high school, I jumped on the opportunity,” recalls Seth laughing. During his time serving our country, Seth was deployed several times including Iraq, as well as search and rescue after Hurricane Katrina. “I never knew that I would be deployed so much, especially being in the Guard. I’m thankful that I had the opportunities that I did,” says Seth. As if he wasn’t already serving enough, Seth went to the Fire Academy during his time with the guard. Until this year, Seth had been serving as a volunteer at the Mena Fire Department. He has such a heart for this community and serving the people here. “I wanted to keep serving with the fire department, but didn’t feel like I could give enough of my time. Even though it’s volunteer, I wanted to give more, but obligations at the department and to my family require more time,” explains Seth. He and his wife, Jessica, a teacher at Mena Middle School are expecting their first child at the beginning of February. While serving our country and community, Seth started school at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith [UAFS] and worked to earn his Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. “I have been really fortunate to have some of the opportunities that I have just because of where I was serving. During my school, I was an intern for the US Marshal Service, it was pretty awesome,” recalls Seth with a grin. Seth’s career in Polk County as law enforcement was unexpected. “I was approached by Scott Sawyer and another deputy that said they were wanting to get the reserve class going again and my name came up. I told them that I had never really saw myself with the police,” says Seth. After this conversation, he started going to ride with Scott and others and got hooked. “I started riding and from day one I was hooked. I loved it,” explains Seth smiling. After getting on as a reserve in 2007, he did different jobs like working the fair, rodeo, and patrolling Shady. On top of these obligations, Seth continued to ride along with the deputies. During this time, Seth also worked at the jail and dispatch for about six months before being called back to Iraq. “I loved being a reserve, it was a lot of fun and allowed me the flexibility to continue going to school and also work when I needed to,” says Seth. He became a reserve in 2007, but it wasn’t until 2011 that Seth came on full time. Seth explains, “Buck Bailey had just retired and they had approached me about filling his spot. Everybody knew Buck and he did such a great job, I had big shoes to fill.” Although his path to law enforcement may have seemed odd to himself, Seth has met every expectation, plus some, since arriving on the scene. His hard work can be evidenced everywhere around him and people have taken notice, specifically, Sheriff Scott Sawyer. Scott recently promoted Seth to Sergeant of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, a position that hasn’t been filled for many years. “It was such an honor. It was an honor that Scott would consider me for the position. I don’t feel like I did anything to earn it, I was just doing my job,” says Seth thankfully. Not only is Seth the new Sergeant, but he may also have the coolest partner in the Sheriff’s Office. Seth is the handler and trainer of the newest member of the local law enforcement, ‘Otto’, a two-year old golden Labrador Retriever. “I think that he is now the most liked deputy in the county. It doesn’t matter where I go now, everybody asks about Otto,” jokes Seth. Otto provides an opportunity for Seth to be in the schools and interact with the kids, something that he excels at. “It’s great, the kids feel like we are approachable and that’s exactly what we want them to know. We are here to help,” explains Seth. He is very thankful for the community we are in that supports the law enforcement so much. Seth says, “We are fortunate to have the kind of support that we do. Living in a community like this makes our job easier.” Seth loves serving the people of Polk County, he also loves having fun while he does it. “What I do is a blast. To think that this is my job? This is great, it’s a great place to be and work,” says Seth with a smile. It would be hard for somebody to be around Seth and not enjoy his zeal for work and his good sense of humor. Men like Seth are who make it possible to enjoy the freedom and protection that we do.

Mena Baseball/Softball/Soccer League

REGISTRATION OPEN

NOW thru February 17th

Ages 3-14

TO REGISTER go to

TAPLEYSPORTS.COM or pick up a paper copy at City Hall or Tapley Park

479-394-4535 Open 7 Days a Week

Like us on Facebook!

Lori Johnston, CPA, Manager Bambi Sharp Joseph Sanford, CPA Dottie Hobbs, PA Kelli McCurry Tiffany Bayne Stan Johnston

SERVICES

• Bookkeeping • Compilations, Reviews and Contractor’s Licenses • Payroll Services • Individual, Farms, Corporate and Partnership income tax preparation

• Estate, Trust, Exempt, Organization, Gift and Benefit Plan returns • Tax Planning & Consulting • Estate Booking • QuickBooks Support

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

Contact 479-243-2023 for more information.

Weekly Publication

Polk County Extension Homemaker Club- Making a Better Home and Community

civic

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .February . . . . . . . . .8,. .2017 .....

BY LOGAN MCCOURTNEY • l.mccourtney@mypulsenews.com

t is undeniable that our culture is moving faster than it ever has. Everything from fast food, paying bills, and even shopping online is for the purpose of making life easier and faster. If life was like college, everyone would be majoring in ‘busyness’. No where can this rapid pace be seen like it is within the family. Moms and dads are constantly running to and fro, taking one child to basketball, while another needs across town for dance. The Polk County Extension Homemakers Clubs [PEHC] are trying to help families navigate through the busyness of life with some help, while also meeting needs in the community. The EHC is an extension of the University of Arkansas and is a long-standing program, its roots started in 1912. Extension clubs were a major help during the war, canning food and taking it to the schools was just one of the many ways that they were reaching out in the community. “Since the beginning, extension homemaker clubs have been about making a better home and community,” says President of the Polk County Homemaker Extension Clubs Debbie Thompson. The Arkansas Extension Homemaker Clubs are in partnership with the University of Arkansas and the Cooperative Extension Service. The clubs in Arkansas and here in Polk County are funded by county, state, and federal funds from the U of A. EHC embodies the beliefs of the Division of Agriculture, which is to “serve with a zeal to help other.” This concept can be seen through the PEHC. There are many who have benefited from their efforts, including kids in the County’s schools. “We have partnered with the schools in our community through the Backpack Program. One of the biggest ways we can serve the community is by fighting against the food insecurity that so many of our kids face,” explains Debbie. PEHC exists to make life in the community and in the home flourish. Members of the extension clubs learn and receive training from research-based programs developed by county extension agents and educators from the University of Arkansas system. Members learn things such as how to strengthen families, create and steward resources, and improve health in the family and community. “We have 5 clubs in Polk County all meeting at different times. Generally, we meet once a month and do some training and receive information that will be helpful for us and information that we can make available for the community,” says Debbie. The extension clubs are always looking for new ways to solve problems and meet the needs of people in their communities. “We really love learning about new things that could help people in the community and especially in their own home. We have provided resources before in financial budgeting and we have tried to help busy moms by showing how easy it could be to prepare freezer meals to accommodate their busy schedules,” says Debbie with a smile. EHC has played a big part in meeting needs in the community, needs that may even be unique to Polk County. “When you are in your community, you can see needs and when we see those, we do what we can to meet those,” explains Debbie. Along with the needs of Polk County, EHC members have given time and resources to meet the needs of Arkansans such as foster children, adults and children with special needs, and the elderly. In addition to meeting very specific and impactful needs, one of the PEHC’s biggest events each year is the Polk County Fair. They sponsor the education building, which is where all the art from students in the local schools are showcased. Art from the kids is not the only thing in the building; photos, crafts, art, quilts, and even baked goods can also be found. “We encourage people to enter something into the exhibition hall, it is a fun way to be recognized and there is a chance to win prizes,” says Debbie. Another way that the PEHC is meeting needs in the community is through their quilt show in June. “We sell tickets and all the proceeds go to the single parent scholarship fund. We need volunteers and this would be a good way for people to see what we are all about,” explains Debbie. The extension clubs in Polk County are always looking for new members to join. “Anyone can come and join us. We have a lot of older people with great life experience and wisdom, but we are looking for younger people as well. We have a great time at our meet@ Fraternal Order of Eagles ings and learn a lot that is helpful for our families and community,” says Debbie cheerfully. Arkansas Extension Homemaker Club is committed to community service, leadership 3091 Hwy 71 N, Mena • Towards Acorn The development, and education for their members. Each member has the opportunity to grow as a leader and an individual, and make a meaningful impact in their community. For more information about the clubs, their meeting times, or the extension service, call (479) 3946018.

citizen

January 6, 2016

8pm - 12am

Friday, February 10, 2017

Randal VonButte LIVE Classic Rock & Blues

50/50 Raffle • Door Prizes • Pot Luck

Members & Guests Welcome

(Members & guests must be over 21 years)

479-394-2887

facebook/randalvonbutte

National Family Caregiver Support Program

Caregiver Support Meeting • February 13, 2017 at 11:00 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 “Safety Issues for the Caregiver” presented by Edward Ellis, UAMS. For information, call Sara Holliday 479-394-5459. Hope to see you there.

Mena/Polk County Senior Center 401 Autumn Drive • Mena, AR 71953

. . February . . . . . . . . .8, . . 2017 ...................................................................................................................

calendar

Weekly Publication

Thursday, 2/9 • 10:30 a.m. – Gator & Friends will be performing at The Mena Senior Center. • 11:30 a.m. – Rotary Club of Mena/Polk County will meet at Papa’s Mexican Café. Call Lisa Martin 216-3383 or Charles Pitman 2164882 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 3671 Highway 8 West, one mile from Louise Durham. • 1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – The First Assembly of God distributes food at 2111 Sutherland or call 394-1229. • 2:00 p.m. – Cove Library History Club meets at the Cove Library. • 5:00 p.m. - 9th Street Ministries will have a free dinner and fellowship in the 9th Street Ministries building. • 5:30 p.m. – Weight Watchers meets at Dallas Avenue Baptist Church Family Life Center. Call 479-234-2297 for more information. • 5:30 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Women’s Meeting at the ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159 Hwy, 71, S., Mena. 479-216-4606 or 479-243-0297. • 6:00 p.m. – Live Country, Bluegrass and Gospel music in the Daisy Room at Janssen Ave Florist. • 6:00 p.m. – Hatfield’s Lion’s Club meets at the Lions Club Field House. • 6:30 p.m. – Mena Chapter #243, Order of the Eastern Star will meet at the Masonic Temple at 701 Port Arthur. Meeting will follow refreshments. • 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159

BEATS

• UNION BANK OF MENA PURPLE ONIONS will hold a Biscuit & Gravy fundraiser on Tuesday, February 14th at the Mena location from 7:45 a.m. – 10 a.m. All proceeds will benefit the Purple Onions Relay for Life Team. To place your order, please call 394-2211. • SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER FOR THE WALL THAT HEALS at the Nazarene Church across from the Post Office on Friday, February 10 from 5 - 7 p.m. $5 a plate, dine-in or take-out.

Hwy 71, S., Mena. 479-216-4606 or 479-2430297. • 7:00 p.m. – Cherry Hill Fire Department meeting and training at the Fire Station. Friday, 2/10 • 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Road tests are given at the Morrow Street Housing Authority Community Room unless the roads are wet. Written tests are given at 1:00 p.m. • 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Fibers Arts Group meets at Mena Art Gallery. • 12:00 p.m. – The Lions Meetings are held in the Lions Club House on Highway 71 South. • 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – Leon Page and Friends, featuring Kenny Page on steel guitar, will be playing at the American Legion in Acorn. $6.00 admission. • 8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159 Hwy 71, S., Mena. 479-216-4606 or 479-2430297. • 8:00 p.m. – Valentine’s Dance at Fraternal Order of the Eagles, 3091 Hwy. 71 North towards Acorn. Randal VonButte performing. 50/50 raffle, door prizes, potluck. $5 per person, $7 per couple. Saturday, 2/11 • 8:15 a.m. – Home Front Warriors CMA Chapter 377 Breakfast Bible Study at the Lime Tree Restaurant, Public is invited. • 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - Ouachita Photography Club, everyone is welcome. • 12:00 p.m. – Ouachita Amateur Radio Association monthly meeting at the Limetree. • 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Children’s Art Class at the Mena Art Gallery, for children ages 6 - 12. Cost is $2. Call 479-394-3880 to reserve spot. • 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Valentine’s Gala at Mena Senior Center. Lasagna dinner with entertainment provided by Dewayne Hodges. Admission is $6. • 6:00 p.m. – PCVO Bingo at American Legion Building, Hwy 71 N., Acorn. • 7:00 p.m. – Holly Grove Church in Grannis will have Gospel Music. • 8:00 p.m. – Valentine’s Dance and Dinner at Mena Elks Club with DJ Billy & the Sound Machine. Admission $5 for members, $6 for non-members. Proceeds benefit Mena Emblem Club. • 8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159 Hwy 71 S., Mena. 479-243-0297 or 479-2164606. • 9:00 p.m. – Valentine’s Dance at Joe’s Place in Zafra, Ok. Southern Rhythm Band with Richie Owens. $7 per person, $12 per couple. Sunday, 2/12 • 2:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159 Hwy 71, S., Mena. 479-216-4606 or 479-2430297. • 5:00 p.m. – United Methodist Youth

Group at the First United Methodist Church in Mena. Monday, 2/13 • 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – God’s Feeding Hands Mission Center will serve free groceries & free toiletry to the needy at 1200 Reeves Ave, Mena. • 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. – The Cove Branch Library will be open. • 3:00 p.m. – The Airport Commission’s meeting will be held at the RMCC Boardroom in the Spencer Building, 1100 College Drive. • 6:00 p.m. – PCVO Bingo at American Legion Building, Hwy 71 N., Acorn. • 6:30 – 8:00 AWANA Club will meet at Grace Bible Church, Hwy 71 South. • 6:30 p.m. – Boy Scouts of America Troop 92 meets at First United Methodist Church. Everyone is welcome. • 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159 Hwy 71, S., Mena. 479-216-4606 or 479-2430297. • 7:00 p.m. – Mena Elks Lodge meeting. All Elks are invited to attend. • 7:30 p.m. – Mountain Meadow Chapter #22 Order of the Eastern Star will meet at the Mountain Meadow Masonic Lodge Hall in Hatfield. Tuesday, 2/14 • 8:00 a.m. – The Reynolds Gardner Community Men’s Breakfast at the First United Methodist Church in Mena. • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Polk County Family Mission is open in the 9th Street Ministries Building. • 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – “Art Day” at Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena St. • 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – The Sonlighters in Action Card Shop will be open at 3671 Highway 8 West, one mile from Louise Durham. • 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – The Hatfield Branch Library will be open. • 5:00 p.m. – T.O.P.S. will meet in the Union Bank Community Room for weigh-ins, followed by a meeting. • 6:00 p.m. – The Regular Hatfield Town Council will meet at the Town Hall in Hatfield. • 6:30 p.m. – Shady Fire and Rescue District 10 will meet at the Shady Community Center. • 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Bluegrass music at Morrow Street Housing Authority Community Room. • 7:00 p.m. – Al-Anon for the families of addicts and alcoholics meet at the ABC Club. • 7:00 p.m. – The Dallas Valley R.V.F.D. will meet for training at the Firehouse. • 7:00 p.m. – The Acorn Fire and Rescue will meet at the Fire Department. • 7:00 p.m. – The Wickes V.F.W. Post #10484 will meet at the Wickes Community Center. • 8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous meeting at First United Methodist Church, 9th &

Port Arthur. 479-234-2887 or 479-234-3043. Wednesday, 1/15 • 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Charm Quilters will meet at the Free Will Baptist Church on the corner of Petros and Cherry St. • The Emergency warning sirens will be tested in Mena at noon. • 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – The Polk County Library Cove Branch is open. • 5:45 p.m. – The Mena First United Methodist Church Kidz will meet. • 6:00 p.m. – Warriors for Christ will meet at the Southside Church of God. • 6:00 p.m. – Regeneration Youth Ministries at Mena Church of God Hwy 88 East. • 6:15 p.m. – Discovery Kids – Kindergarten Thru 5th Grade; Collide Youth Ministry – 6th Thru 12th Grades; and Adult Bible Study at Dallas Avenue Baptist Church. • 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Trek and Varsity for Middle and High School students at Grace Bible Church, 1911 Hwy 71 N. Mena. All Area Middle and High School students are welcome. • 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club across from Chopping Block, 1159 Hwy 71, S., Mena. 479-216-4606 or 479-2430297. • 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Inquiry classes into the Catholic Faith begins in the Parish Hall of St. Agnes Catholic Church at 203 8th St. No cost. Everyone invited. Call 394-1017 or 394-5655 for more info.

Weekly Publication

Rezoning Request

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

news

East. The seats of the council room were full of residents of the Hidden Valley neighborhood who mostly oppose the “what ifs” they feel could happen on the land in question if the current ordinance is not adhered to. In a letter from residents dated January 23, 2017, requesting the city to declare their streets as dead end streets, they stated, “Recently we have heard rumors that an adjoining land owner would like to use our streets as their access. The adjoining landowners have filed a civil suit against one property owner, in Hidden Valley Estates, because they refused to let them drive across their property to get to the street.” The letter goes on to state that the adjoining landowners have two legal accesses to get to the property. “The adjoining property is zoned C3/C2. Also, there is a 15’ no build buffer zone and a requirement to build an 8’ solid wood fence (Ordinance 2085) between Hidden Valley Estates and the adjoining property owner land, so he cannot access our subdivision because he would need to cross over the no build buffer zone and drive through a wood fence. Also we have heard, the adjoining property owner is rezoning their property and want a new Ordinance issued and do away with Ordinance 2085. We, the property owners of Hidden Valley Estate, do not want Ordinance 2085 (Section 2 in particular) removed from the adjoining land.” They also said the original ordinance was issued “to protect our subdivision from any future zoning on the adjoining property owners land of 24 acres. It was for the ‘what ifs’ in the future.” The new landowners that purchased the 26 acre parcel of land are Mena Police Chief Brandon Martin and Bridgett Martin. The Martins purchased the land in 2015. Shortly after purchasing, the Martins began building a residential home with plans to live there. However, once residents of Hidden Valley realized what was happening, they quickly organized a petition on the grounds of City Ordinance 2085, which was passed in 2004 when the then landowner had it rezoned to a C3 zone, and planned to create a mobile home park on the land. During that time, residents of Hidden Valley attended meetings and ‘compromised’ a clause in Ordinance 2085, that states in Section 2, item (b) “A fifteen foot wide “no build” buffer zone will be established along the North property line with the Hidden Valley Estate Subdivision beginning at the Northwest corner running East 658 feet more or less; (c) “An eight foot high solid fence will be constructed along the North property line with the Hidden Valley Estate Subdivision beginning at the Northwest corner running East 658 feet more or less, upon owner of the above described property initiating any expansion or construction.” That clause created a 15-foot no-build zone on the property, meaning no structures could be placed in that area. It also stated that upon creating a mobile home park, an 8-foot solid wooden fence would be built to create a barrier between the neighborhood and the mobile homes. The Martins were in attendance at the meeting and Brandon Martin stated that his intentions for the property are only to build a residence for he and his family. Martin also said that his real estate agent, John Titsworth, Jr., had not disclosed that the property had a no-build zone and fence mandate. A copy of a ‘sold’ MLS property listing dated November 17, 2016, shows under ‘Public Remarks’ the following: “Subject to city ordinance #2085 recorded in book 2005 page 715 dated 3/10/2005 Polk County Arkansas.” Also during the meeting, Martin said building a fence is not the issue. “As far as the fence goes, we are not trying to get out of building a fence because the title company, we would make them pay for it for not finding it.” Debbie Pate, landowner in Hidden Valley and defendant in a civil suit regarding the property, responded to the statement with, “So you would sue the title company?” Martin said, “That’s what we pay title companies for, to find things like that.” Wayne Pate stated Martin was aware of the listing. “We never saw that listing,” said Martin. Debbie Pate responded by saying, “I cannot believe that he [Titsworth] would never mention the ordinance...” When The Pulse reached out to Mr. Titsworth for comment, he stated, “He [Martin] knew he was buying a mobile home park but that was never his intentions. The guy just wanted to build a

citizen

January 6,ON2016 CONCLUDED PAGE 30

Driver Training Topic: Distracted Driving

at Joe’s Place

on Hwy 246, Zafra, OK 7 miles west of Hatfield / 13 miles east of Hwy 259

Southern Rhythem Band with Richie Owens

Saturday, February 11th 9pm-1am

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.

MPI 3362 1/15

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.

Friday, February 24, 2017 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Cover Charge $6/person | $10/couple

$10 per person

Please RSVP no later than February 10th so we can let the instructor know how many will be in attendance in order to have enough training materials. Class size is a minimum of 10.

Cossatot Senior Center 7366 Hwy 71 S Wickes, AR 71973 870-385-2373

Dr. Kervin Putman Palmer Graduate

479-437-4444 701 S. Morrow, Mena menaspineandrehab.com

. . . . February . . . . . . . . .8, . . 2017 .................................................................................................................

sports

Weekly Publication

Mena Wins Tough One Against Curly Wolves BY EASTON LEONARD

he Prescott Curly Wolves traveled to the Union Bank Center Friday night, February 3rd, to take on the Mena Bearcats. Mena started off strong in the first quarter on an 11-2 run before the Curly Wolves called a timeout with 4:55 left in the quarter. The Bearcats were up by as many as 13 points in the first before the quarter came to an end with the score 21-10 in favor of Mena. Both teams went back and forth in the second quarter, as Prescott narrowed the Bearcats lead to eight at halftime with the score 33-25. Cross Hughes led Mena with 15 points at halftime, while number twenty-three led the Curly Wolves with 9 points. Prescott’s head coach was ejected early in the third quarter after two straight technical fouls, but Mena outscored the Curly Wolves 12-10, to make the score 45-35 going into the final quarter of play. The Curly Wolves started off the fourth on a 6-2 run, forcing Mena to call a timeout with 6:29 left in the game. With just 2:20 left in the fourth, Prescott had narrowed the Bearcats lead down to three points with the score 49-46. Blake Seals was fouled on the next play and made two consecutive free throws, to make the score 51-46 with 2:06 left in the game. Prescott was fouled on their next possession. Number one made his first free throw, however, he missed his secncer: ond, but the Curly Wolves rebounded the miss and scored an easy layup, to make the score 51-49 with 1:30 left in the game. Prescott was unable to get any closer in the remaining minute, as the Bearcats held on to their lead to win the game 58-51. Number four led Prescott with 14 points, as number twenty-three added on 11 of his own, number eleven 10, number five 7, number twenty-four 6, and number one 3. to get Cross Hughes led the Bearcats with 25 points, while Connor Harvey scored 14, Blake Seals and Darius Simms 6, Carson Cannon 3, and Zeb Wilson and Austin Wagner 2. The Bearcats also defeated the Nashville Scrappers this past week by a score of 61-60, and were defeated by Robinson 53-78.

Williams Medical Clinic, L.L.C.

Ladycats Fall to Prescott BY EASTON LEONARD

he Mena Ladycats hosted the Prescott Lady Curly Wolves Friday night, February 3rd, at the Union Bank Center. Olivia Cannon scored all seven points for Mena in the first quarter, as the Lady Curly Wolves took a 14-7 lead into the second quarter. Prescott started to run off with the game in the second quarter of play, as the Ladycats scored only three points to Prescott’s sixteen points, to make the score 30-10 at halftime. Cannon led Mena with 7 points at the half, while Nolen led the Lady Curly Wolves with 11 points. Prescott added onto their lead in the third, outscoring the Ladycats 20-11, to take a 29 point lead into the final quarter of play with the score 50-21. Both teams scored 11 points in the fourth, as Prescott held on to win the game by 29, by a score of 61-32. Nolen led Prescott with 17 points, as Roberts added on 12 of her own, Wiley 11, Spencer 9, Byers 6, and Pearson and Giles 3. Olivia Cannon led the Ladycats with 9 points, while Reagan Sikes and Destiny Ortiz scored 7 of their own, Hallee Shelton 3, and Castillo, Thacker and Kim 2.

HOLLY SPRINGS REAL ESTATE, LLC 394-4200 1114A Hwy 71S Mena, AR Toll Free: 1-888-394-4200 Keith’s Cell: 479-243-5341

Keith & Sharon Aleshire, Broker/Owners www.hollyspringsrealestate.com

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

479-394-7301

1102 Crestwood Circle Mena, AR 71953

Prices effective January 25, 2017 - February 21, 2017

394-1351 TOLL FREE 1-800-394-1351

51 Lincoln Industrial $

99 EACH

Pistol Grip Grease Gun LIN 1134

403-E N. Morrow St., Mena, AR 71953

479-243-9024

New Patients Welcome

Same location for over 45 years FIND US ON FACEBOOK

201 HWY. 71 N., Mena

Mon.-Fri. 7am-6pm, Sat. 8am-4pm

Mena’s ONLY locally owned and operated parts store

ACDelco

20” Lug Wrench SAVE $7

AC 34205 SAE 34206 Metric

99 EACH SAVE $4

3544 - Elegant Home Overlooking Lake Mena is Ideal for Entertaining!! Completely remodeled in contemporary style, the 4963 sq ft home’s high tray ceilings are highlighted by lovely archways, crown molding and glass paned doorways. The Great Room is complete with fireplace, custom shelving and an entertainment center. The Office has bright windows and custom cabinetry as well. The Kitchen is an absolute Chef’s Delight with its center island with induction range, beautiful cabinetry, and high-end stainless steel appliances. The home has a split floor plan with 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 half baths, a utility room plus a craft room. The spacious Master Suite includes a soaking tub and a walk-in shower. There’s a large 3 car garage, and a brick terrace at the rear of home accessible by lovely French Doors. MLS15019748 $499,500

Weekly Publication

Lady Tigers Tear Apart Dierks

Acorn Struggles Against Outlaws

BY EASTON LEONARD

he Lady Outlaws of Dierks traveled to Acorn High School Tuesday, January 31st, to take on the Lady Tigers. Both teams played it close in the first quarter, as Acorn took a 12-11 lead into the second. The Lady Tigers started off the second quarter of play with 13 straight points, forcing Dierks to call a timeout with 4:33 left in the half. Following the timeout, Acorn continued to add onto their lead, as the Lady Tigers took a 35-18 lead at halftime. Carter led the Lady Outlaws with 7 points at the half, as Faith Hill led Acorn with 11 points. Acorn didn’t let up at all in the third quarter, as the Lady Outlaws were held to only four points. The Lady Tigers scored 19 points of their own, to take a 54-22 lead going into the final quarter of play. Dierks outscored the Lady Tigers 11-5 in the fourth quarter, but still trailed by 26 when the final buzzer rang. Acorn won the game by a score of 59-33. Number ten, Carter, led Dierks with 9 points, while number twenty-three added on 6, Martin and Sims 5, Alexander 4, and Whisenhunt and Nutt 2. Faith Hill led the Lady Tigers with 18 points, as Tori Barrett scored 10 of her own, Morgan Fagan and Brittany Wilhite 8, Brooke Bates 7, Makayla Anderson 5, and Harley Dearing 3. The Jr. High Lady Tigers defeated Dierks by a score of 58-36.

sports

he Acorn Tigers hosted the Outlaws of Dierks Tuesday night, January 31st, at Acorn High School. Dierks started the game off on an 11-4 run, forcing the Tigers to call a timeout with 4:36 left in the quarter. After the timeout, the Outlaws ended the first on a 13-4 run, to take a 24-8 lead into the second quarter. The Outlaws doubled their score in the second quarter as they outscored Acorn 24-6, to make the score 48-14 in favor of Dierks at halftime. Jarrett Fox led the Outlaws with 22 points at halftime, as Zak Abbott led Acorn with 8 points. Acorn allowed another 20 points to the Outlaws in the third, scoring only 12 points of their own, to make the score 68-26 going into the final quarter of play. The Tigers drained a few three pointers in the fourth, but ultimately fell short by 39 points, by a score of 74-35. Jarrett Fox led Dierks with 28 points, while Strasner scored 14 points of his own, Turner 11, Woodruff 10, Cox 5, Pugh 4, and Sherck 2. Zak Abbott led the Tigers with 8 points, as Leo Jacinto and Daniel Cottrell added on 4, Warren McPhearson, Jeb Willborg, Josh Swint, Dylyn Hayner, and Noah Stout 3 points, and Tyler Bates and Aaron Bissell 2.

January 6, 201

at Mena

Assisted Living

Immediate Openings Available

The Oaks at Mena is committed to providing personalized care that exceeds the expectations of our residents. Quality care is provided by our staff of respectful and compassionate team members.

The Quality of Life Outreach, Inc would like to thank all the businesses and individuals who have graciously supported the Dolly Parton Imagination Library project in Polk County thus far.

• meals • a beautiful, convenient apartment • maintenance-free living • activity and exercise program • daily assistance with dressing, grooming, showering, medication

The businesses who have helped champion the project and get it started are: Baywash Polk County Farmers Coop McCourtney Medical Polk County Library Shelter Insurance, Telissa Montgomery Union Bank Walmart Store #67

www.theoaksatmena.com

Thank you for giving the gift of

At our assisted living community, residents enjoy:

reading, imagination and possibility. For more information on the DPIL project in Polk County contact QOL: qoloutreach@gmail.com • qoloutreach.org Charlotte Wiles 479-234-5069 or Mary Ditzel 479-216-9329

. . .February . . . . . . . . 8, . . .2017 ..................................................................................................................

family

Weekly Publication

Families are Targets T

BY LEANN DILBECK

editor@mypulsenews.com

o think of your family as the “hunted” is enough to spark every parent’s worst nightmare… but today’s traditional, God-centered families are under attack like never before by THE most cunning and evil enemy ever known. He seeks to devour families and everything they represent… they are a threat. In the cross-hairs are the very values that embody the Christian faith. These families breed strong, well-versed warriors who are active on a battlefield that may resemble a child’s playground, an assembly-line in a factory, a college campus, or maybe even a check-out line at a grocery store. Families are one of the many threads that are woven into the fabric of Christian faith and God’s Church from the beginning of time. It is evidenced throughout Scripture, both Old and New Testament. When we are born physically, we’re born into a physical family, but when we are “born again,” we are born into a spiritual family. The sanctity of life is challenged in today’s society, arguing when life begins and confusing the issue when science proves otherwise. The sanctity of marriage is under attack like never before. Standing firm on truths about marital love is being confused with hatred and exclusion. Marriages are being treated more like business partnerships and contractual relationships, weighing financial benefits of receiving governmental or health benefits in relation to the marital status. These marital contracts can flippantly be voided out, in some situations, in as little as 30 days. Something sacred that God vowed no man could put asunder, is simply erased and scattered like sand. Every family faces difficult times, whether it’s financial, health, or otherwise, but we grow when we face these difficult times together and by keeping each other focused on God and His truths. Just like a fabric, when the threads become loose and not tight knit, it becomes weak… a small

Please make The Cole Team Bold & larger than the address & phone numbers below it. Omit the 800 number and the e-mail address and substitute www.FarrellCole.com instead. In the web address across the bottom, capitalize the M in Mena, the R in Real & the E in Estate.

The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce is now taking 2016 Community Award Nominations for:

hole becomes larger when stretched until the threads begin to tear. When families tear apart, and husbands and wives separate, it literally feels as if the flesh is tearing because God has ordained you as one flesh. Make no mistake about it… it’s excruciating for every single member of the family. Just because thousands have bought the lie and thought the stroke of a pen would stop all of their problems and pain, it doesn’t make it any less painful. Reality is that you are simply trading one set of problems or pain for a different set. Divide and conquer is the goal of our enemy. His insatiable desire is to steal, to kill, and to destroy (John 10:10) and I believe like never before, our families are in his cross-hairs and he is hunting each member of the family. The internet is full of Christian blogs that offer advice for families and raising children through all of the different phases and ages, because the particular season your family in will dictate what is successful and what is not, but my point is this… straight and simple… your family is the “hunted”, and we must do all we can to protect it from the Enemy ever gaining the smallest “foothold” (Ephesians 4:27) or “opportunity” in it! Never think it’s too late or the battle is too big or that you’ve already made too many mistakes! Listen! We serve a loving, gracious and merciful God who forgives those mistakes and even redeems them and uses them in such a way that will glorify and honor Him. I know from personal experience because our family has walked down three years of brokenness, only to be restored and I wouldn’t trade what we share now for anything! That’s why I feel so passionate about fighting for our families… to know the joy we experience now is something I desire for all families. We, as a society, have to stop hunting for the quick, easy fixes, and realize that we have a bigger responsibility to represent and live as the family unit that God designed us to be.

MENA REAL ESTATE

Farrell & Sharon Cole

The Cole Team

816 S. Mena St. Mena, AR 71953 Office: (479) 394-5000 www.FarrellCole.com www.MenaRealEstate.com

Volunteer of the Year Citizen of the Year Best New Construction Best Renovation/Beautification Business of the Year Contact the Chamber Office at 479-394-2912 or www.menapolkchamber.com for the nomination form and more details. Deadline to nominate is February 17, 2017.

POLK COUNTY BIRTHS

AT MENA REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM Staci and Tim Clark, of Mena, are the proud parents of a baby girl, born on January 30th. Mary and Billy Mclain, of Mena, are the proud parents of a baby boy, born on January 31st. Hailee and Cameron Dehart, of Mena, are the proud parents of a baby boy, born on January 31st. Alison Hargis and Jared Hoobler, of Mena, are the proud parents of a baby boy, born on January 31st.

CUTEST PET PIC Sugar

Sugar is a White German Shepherd who belongs to Michael Lewey. 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:

Ouachita Equine Clinic Serving all your small & large animal needs. Hours: Mon. Tues. Wed., and Fri. 8am-5pm • Closed on Thurs.

479-394-7185

Randy J. Burgess D.V.M. 2920 Hwy. 71 N, Mena, AR 71953

Weekly Publication

Advice and Consent CONTRIBUTED BY U.S. SENATOR JOHN BOOZMAN

CONTRIBUTED BY STATE REPRESENTATIVE JOHN MADDOX

he State of Arkansas is home to over 40 institutions of higher education, including 10 four-year universities, 22 two-year colleges, 12 private universities, and 1 academic health center. Currently, the state supported institutions are funded based on enrollment. However, the Department of Higher Education has outlined several goals including increasing graduation rates, increasing the number of non-traditional students enrolling, and improving affordability by reducing the amount of time needed to graduate. A change in the way we fund our colleges and universities has been presented as a way to help achieve these goals. In a vote of 87-10, with 3 members voting present, the House approved HB1209, a bill to adopt a productivity-based funding model for state supported institutions. The model itself is not included in the bill, rather it directs the Higher Education Coordinating Board to implement a model based on the follow2 ing priorities: • Differences in institutional missions; January 6, 2016 • Completion of students’ educational goals; • Progression toward students’ completion of programs of study • Affordability through on-time completion of programs of study; • Limiting the number of excess credits earned by students; • Efficient allocation of resources; and graduation rates of colleges and universities by 10%. If this bill is signed into law, the department will present its funding formula policy to the coordinating board by April 2017. After approval by the board, the policy will be presented to the legislature. The legislation also specifies that no institution can receive a cut of more than 2% in any given year. Bills addressing higher education are presented first in the House Education Committee. The Education Committee schedules meetings for every Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10am. These meetings are streamed live and also archived on our website: arkansashouse.org. The committee has advanced several more pieces of legislation to the House to address next week. We will continue to update you throughout the session.

We’re ALWAYS on at MyPulseNews.com KENA 104.1 & KQOR 105.3

citizen

t the beginning of his administration, President George Washington established a cabinet of advisors to offer him guidance in governing the new nation. His Cabinet included four members: Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of War and Attorney General. As our country grew and the need for executive departments developed, the number of cabinet members also increased. Today, the President’s Cabinet includes the Vice President and the heads of 15 executive departments. These are important positions that support the president. That’s why it’s critical to fill these positions quickly and ensure a smooth transition between administrations. The checks and balances outlined in the Constitution entrusts the Senate with the responsibility of confirming presidential appointments under the “advice and consent” clause. Through this role, my colleagues and I help the president surround himself with good advisors through the confirmation process. The Senate has a long-standing tradition of confirming the Cabinet nominees of a newly elected administration in a timely fashion. Senate committees began vetting President Donald Trump’s selections for his cabinet and holding hearings at the beginning of the year in order to confirm nominees once the president assumed office. Unfortunately, this process is taking longer than necessary. In 2009, the Senate confirmed seven of President Obama’s nominees on day one – and nearly all of them within two weeks. That same courtesy has not been extended to President Trump. My Democrat colleagues are stalling this process despite the same rigorous vetting procedures as other nominees of other administrations, and in some cases stricter scrutiny. For instance, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), went through a grueling nomination process that demanded he answer more than 1,200 questions, more than any incoming nominees for the same position in the Obama, Bush, and Clinton administrations. He testified in a six-hour confirmation hearing that included an additional round of questions to satisfy the request of my Democrat colleagues. Rather than participating in the committee process to move this nomination to the Senate floor, Democrats boycotted the meeting. This followed similar actions in the Senate Finance Committee for nominees to head the Treasury Department and the Department of Health and Human Services. Instead of obstructing the nomination process, I encourage my colleagues to work together to ensure the president has a fully functioning team to provide him with the information and guidance he needs, and deserves, to carry out the work he was elected to do. In order to respond to the needs of our country, our federal agencies need leaders in place. The needless delays we are confronting hinder our executive departments from supporting the Trump administration’s policies. Arkansans overwhelmingly supported President Trump in the November election and are counting on Congress to help him govern effectively. I urge my Senate colleagues to stop delaying the confirmation of his nominees.

HB1209 to Change Funding for Higher Ed.

at the capitol

health

February 8, 2017

Weekly Publication

................................................................................................................................

Seven Heart-Healthy Habits Could Save Billions in Medicare Costs American Heart Association Rapid Access Journal Report

ore than $41 billion a year in Medicare costs could be saved if all beneficiaries achieved ideal levels for five to seven heart-healthy habits to reduce cardiovascular risk, according to new research in Journal of the American Heart Association, the Open Access Journal of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. The American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 is a composite measure of seven modifiable heart-healthy factors: cigarette smoking, physical activity, diet, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels. Researchers estimated the annual financial impact of Life’s Simple 7 compliance using one year of follow-up data from the Reasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, a national, population-based, longitudinal study. They focused on Medicare claims for 6,262 beneficiaries over the age of 65 with fee-for-service coverage and no prior history of cardiovascular disease. In primary analyses, researchers found: • Only 6.4 percent of participants had five to seven ideal factors. • Participants with fewer Life’s Simple 7 scores were more likely to be women, black or be unmarried, or have an annual income less than $20,000, or have less than a high school education. • Those with higher scores were also less likely to have all-cause and cardiovascular disease-related inpatient or outpatient encounters in the year following their in-home study visit. • Total inpatient and outpatient healthcare expenditures were $5,016 less for participants with the most ideal heart-healthy factors compared to those with the least number of factors.

Beth Polo Beckel RD LD CDE our local licensed nutrition educator will always be in one place...

• By extending estimates from the primary analyses to corresponding 2014 Medicare beneficiaries, researchers found: • Participants with fewer than five of the heart-healthy measures accounted for more than half of all inpatient costs each year, and approximately one-third of total outpatient claims. • The potential annualized cost reduction is $41.2 billion for inpatient, outpatient and total expenditures, respectively, if all Medicare beneficiaries had five to seven Life’s Simple 7 factors. “The actual cost for persons with fewer than five to seven factors is almost certainly higher,” according to Kristal J. Aaron, Dr.P.H., M.S.P.H., lead author and clinical data manager at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. “Skilled nursing facility, home health and hospice care, durable medical supplies, and medications were excluded in this analyses; thus, our study was limited to inpatient and outpatient visits for beneficiaries with Medicare fee-for-service in the 2014 calendar year, so this is probably a very conservative estimate.” She added that the data suggests that public health strategies and initiatives improve the number of Life’s Simple 7 factors across the population and age spectrum, even those over 65 years of age “offer the potential for significant cost savings, not just better health outcomes and quality of life.” Co-authors are Lisandro Colantonio, M.D., M.Sc.; Luqin Deng, Ph.D., M.P.H.; Suzanne Judd, Ph.D.; Julie Locher, Ph.D.; Monika Safford, M.D.; Mary Cushman, M.D., M.Sc.; Meredith Kilgore, Ph.D., M.S.P.H.; David Becker, Ph.D.; and Paul Muntner, Ph.D. Author disclosures are on the manuscript. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the Heart, Lung, and Blood

The Ole’ Farm House 1171 Hwy 71 S, mena

479-385-2151

PERSONAL CARE AIDE Want to work in healthcare but don’t have the necessary training?

Now Offering

Kindred at Home is offering a FREE Personal Care Aide Training class in Waldron.

$4.50

Kindred at Home is offering a FREE Personal Care Aide per pound Call 394.7301 Training class in Waldron. to make your Training Dates: February 13th - 17th appointment! The class will be from: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (Monday –Friday) All ages WELCOME. After completing the 40 hour training, passing a -drug screen Sunday Friday test & background check, you will 10 have the to begin amcredentials - 5:30 pm working for Kindred at Home!

Local Grass-Fed Beef

Closed Saturday

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

After completing the 40 hour training, passing a drug screen test & background check, you will have the credentials to begin working for Kindred at Home!

Training Dates: February 13th - 17th The class will be from: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (Monday –Friday)

For more information or to sign-up for the class, please call (479) 637-0914 or (877) 649-8964.

Weekly Publication

Moments from America’s History: Reparation of Church and State W

CONTRIBUTED BY JEFF OLSON

olsonjd@arkansas.net

history

hen was the last time you heard or read the phrase, “separation of church and state?” It has become such a common part of America’s legal and social lexicon that many of us are likely to assume it to be in our nation’s constitution. Wrong. It is nowhere to be found in this or in any other of our founding documents. Where then did this famous phrase come from? Original references to a wall of separation in a church-state context were made by Anglican theologian Richard Hooker (1590s), colonial champion of religious liberty, Roger Williams (1644), and Scottish schoolmaster James Burgh (1767). The phrase “wall of separation” entered the lexicon of American constitutional law in 1879 in the Supreme Court case Reynolds v. United States, but only as a reference without setting precedent. So, how did this little phrase emerge into such prominence as the defining metaphor for the First Amendment to our Constitution? On January 1, 1802, Thomas Jefferson penned a letter to the Danbury Baptist Association of Connecticut in reply to a letter they sent congratulating him on his election to the Presidency of the United States. In their letter, the Baptists, a beleaguered and persecuted religious and political minority, expressed grave concern about the future of religious liberty in America. In his letter of reply, Jefferson essentially endorsed the Baptists’ aspirations for religious liberty stating in part, “..I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should “make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” thus building a wall of separation between Church & State.” James H. Hutson of the Library of Congress has concluded that the President “regarded his reply to the Danbury Baptists as a political letter, not as a dispassionate theoretical pronouncement on the relations between government and religion.” However, it should be understood that Jefferson’s “wall,” as a matter of his philosophy, was erected between the federal and state governments on matters pertaining to religion and not, more generally, between the church and all civil government. It was not until the seminal Supreme Court case of Everson vs Board of Education, decided 70 years ago this week on February 10, 1947, that Jefferson’s phrase from his personal letter was resurrected, taken out of its interpretive and historical context, and given authoritative gloss on the First Amendment. In a 5-4 opinion authored by Justice Hugo Black, the Supreme Court (in affirming the judgment of the New Jersey Court of Appeals) found that a law authorizing local school boards to reimburse parents for the transportation costs of pupils who attended parochial schools—including private Catholic schools in Ewing Township, did not violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The Court reasoned that so long as the policy granting the reimbursements remains neutral to religion and serves the general public purpose of safely transporting children to accredited schools, the Establishment Clause remains unoffended. The Everson case marked the first time that the Supreme Court had, by means of the Fourteenth Amendment, made the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment applicable to individual states. Although the result reached in the case is consistent with a proper reading of the First Amendment, the Court’s reasoning is not because it relies upon the extra-constitutional language from Jefferson’s letter. This error would be compounded for decades to come as it would serve as reference and precedent in many cases misconstruing the meaning of the First Amendment. This was done without any previous supportive court precedent and was based on judicial ideology and a shallow, incomplete, and careless reading of the historical record. From this case forward, an entirely new and influential body of jurisprudence emerged which, when combined with an unrestrained federal judiciary, has contributed to the progressive exclusion of religion from the public arena, and consequently, to a gradual but radical change in the social and moral landscape of America. And, for the Court to invoke Jefferson as a primary constitutional source in this matter is dubious at best, since at the time of the drafting of the First Amendment he was overseas serving as Minister to France. The good news is that some of the ground lost in religious freedom over the past 70 years has been regained. In light of President Trump’s nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, perhaps that trend will continue and even accelerate. In his acceptance speech, Gorsuch stated, “I respect, too, the fact that in our legal order it is for Congress and not the courts to write new laws. It is the role of judges to apply, not alter, the work of the people’s representatives. A judge who likes every outcome he reaches is very likely a bad judge... stretching for results he prefers rather than those the law demands.”

SUBMITTED

his week, the hilarious comedy, Southern Hospitality opens Friday, February 10 at the Ouachita Little Theatre in downtown Mena. This is the third play of the Futrelle sisters’ trilogy from the writers Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten, and certainly promises to be a good time for all who attend. Scotty Jenkins, the director, says, “This may well be the best cast OLT has put together in a long time.” It is easy to see why he feels that way. Many of the mainstays of the theatre have teamed up with some new folks and created a perfect chemistry. The show will run two weekends, February 10 - 12 and February 17 - 19. Sunday shows are at 2:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday shows start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door, $12 each for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Southern Hospitality kicks of the 2017 OLT season so 2017 season tickets will be honored. Season tickets will also be available at the door. Another attribute, aside from the cast, is immediately visible when presented with the opening of the curtain. The beautiful set was constructed by Roscoe Splivins, Scotty Jenkins’ alter ego, in his spare time. It seems that the Lyric Theater has been his home since he played Scrooge in Ladonna’s Van Wolf’s show, Eb Scrooge. “Don’t miss this fun show, which will be enjoyed by the entire family,” said OLT President, Rudi Timmerman.

Just 4 Fun Players to Perform at Valentine’s Dinner Theatre

arts

Southern Hospitality Opens Friday at OLT

citizen

January 6, 2016

SUBMITTED

n time for a Valentine’s treat, the newly-formed “Just 4 Fun Players” will perform

Noel Coward’s comic play, Blithe Spirit, on February 14 at Mena Mountain Resort. Blithe Spirit tells the story of socialite and novelist, Charles Condomine (Tim Hesse), who invites the eccentric and clairvoyant medium, Madame Arcati (Denni Longoria), to his house in the hope that he can gather material and ‘appropriate jargon’ for his next book. The séance is conducted and seems to be a complete failure until Charles discovers that during the session, the spiritualist has somehow returned the ghost of his first wife, occasionally temperamental and always sultry, Elvira (Janelle Barnes). It becomes apparent very quickly that his second wife, efficient and down-to-earth Ruth (Cheyenne Mayfield), cannot see or hear this alluring ghost. In fact, Charles is the only one who can and he begins to doubt his sanity. Also in the cast are the Condomine’s eager-to-please young maid, Edith (Miranda Brown) and neighbors and séance participants, Dr. Bradman (T. J. Thompson) and Mrs. Bradman (Leighanne Walker). Cost for the play and dinner is $25 per person. Reservations are necessary and can be made by calling 479 394-3110, or going by Mena Mountain Resort, 2817 Highway 71 North, Mena. The dinner theatre will be in the resort’s event center. Dinner will consist of salad, prime rib, potatoes, green beans, roll, dessert, and beverage. The prime rib cannot be individually ordered and will, therefore, all be cooked ‘medium.’ Director Judy Thompson notes that the play was intentionally scheduled for February 14 to provide an opportunity for delightful entertainment and a delicious, beautifully served meal as a special treat for Valentine’s Day. Dinner will be served at 6:30 with the play beginning at 7:30 PM.

police

February 8, 2017

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 January 29, 2017 Two Mena boys, ages 13 and 14, were charged with criminal trespass and criminal mischief.

news

Weekly Publication

................................................................................................................................ January 30, 2017 Leshonda Price, 33, of Mena was charged with theft of property (shoplifting) after officers were called to a local retail store. Report was made of breaking or entering and theft of property from a local mechanic shop. Three Mena boys, two aged 13 and one aged 14, have been arrested in the incident. A Mena woman reported that the girlfriend of an ex boyfriend is harassing her. Case is pending. January 31, 2017 A local man reported that he is being harassed and accused of theft by a Mena woman. Case is pending. A local woman reported that her grandson is harassing and threatening her. Case is pending.

Rezoning Request

Report was made of an altercation between two Mena women who live in the same apartment building. No charges have been made. February 1, 2017 Dustin Hooks, 29, of Mena was arrested on an outstanding warrant from the Polk County Sheriff’s office. Zeke Walker Jones, 24, of Mena was arrested on a body attachment warrant. February 2, 2017 Branden Allen Foster, 26, and Bradley Robinson, 24, both of Mena were arrested and charged with possession of a schedule VI controlled substance and possession of an instrument of crime. Travis James Halderson, 28, of Mena was charged with theft of property after a traffic stop.

February 3, 2017 Donna Hulbert, 48, of Mena was charged with DWI (drugs), careless driving, and refusal to submit to a chemical test. Adam Lee Dollarhyde, 28, of Mena was charged with assault after a call to a local residence regarding a loud argument. February 4, 2017 Rodney Dale Morrison, 31, of Mena was charged with criminal mischief, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and driving on a suspended license. The arrest followed an incident at a local residence. Polk County Sheriff’s Department was not available at press time, but will be available at MyPulseNews.com.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

house for his family in the city limits. I don’t remembered if he signed something… all that [ordinance] was general public information. I could look back at my records. He probably signed something saying he understood that, we have to disclose that information.” Titsworth went on to say, “They [the City] issued him a permit and they knew he was going to build a house. It’s all a mute point now. In the grand scheme of things, none of it really matters now… it was an exercise in futility.” Some residents expressed concern over why the City would issue the required building permit for new construction against a current ordinance. When one resident asked the planning commission why the City had granted a building permit, the commission only said that issuing building permits are the duty of the city and they don’t know why the City would have granted the permit. The Pulse reached out to Mayor, George McKee for comment and he explained, “Our office procedures when someone applies for a building permit - we look up the zoning and base the permit on construction cost and zoning regulations, which includes: Commercial, Residential, Set Backs, Lot Square Footage, etc... We have never had a situation where an Ordinance regulates Building Codes for a specific property.” Of major concern with Hidden Valley residents is that if a new ordinance passes that does not require the current 15-foot no-build zone, that Martin will be allowed to connect a driveway from his property to Oak Grove Avenue, which is considered a cul-de-sac, or dead-end street… or is it? According to the Mena Planning Commission, Oak Grove Avenue is not legally considered either a dead end or a cul-de-sac, a shocking revelation to residents. The commission explained their decisions must be based on the legally filed plat filed at the Courthouse. Unfortunately for Hidden Valley residents, the plat does not describe Oak Grove Avenue as either one, so the commission’s decision on Martin’s driveway request must be based on that. In a petition filed by Jimmy McMellon opposing the road and driveway connection, he stated that being the developer of Hidden Valley Estates subdivision, “when I developed this subdivision, it was my intention that all platted roads and streets therein be treated as dead end roads/ streets.” Mr. McMellon also made that point in the public meeting, but as the commission again explained, they can’t base their decisions off of good intentions, they must be based on legal documents. Committee member Ron Tilley said that a road that has been in use for five years or more can not legally be claimed a dead end road. Following the petitions, the pause in construction, and the rest of the matters set forth, Martin filed a lawsuit(s) to try and resolve the issues surrounding the property. Martin’s attorney, Orvin Foster, said, “The court agreed with me and entered an order that they [the streets in question] are public thoroughfares. It’s just like any other street, the citizens have the right to use it.” City Prosecuting Attorney Jake Looney, who was sitting in for City Attorney Patrick McDaniel, suggested that if a new ordinance is passed, a clause could be included that if the property were to ever be rezoned back to a commercial property, the no-build buffer zone could be included. Residents expressed concern over this option, however, the Mena Planning Commission voted to rezone the property to an R2 residential property, without a no build buffer zone or fence clause included. The recommendation will be sent to the full City Council on February 14th. The Commission also voted to table the driveway issue until the rezone request is either passed or denied by City Council.

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 8,000 copies weekly. Booth Rent Available – Apply for this. Special offer you can’t refuse. Call Josette Douglas. Mena Mini Mall. 479385-5211. 2/15 A New Year’s Resolution you will want to keep… Earn your GED or improve your employability skills. Day and Night Classes Available. Free Classes – Free Books. GED Test is only $16.00. Classes in Mena, Mt. Ida, and Waldron. Call 479-394-7622 ext. 2309 for more information. Ad paid for with funds from the Department of Career Education. UA Rich Mountain is an Equal Opportunity/Af2/15 firmative Action Institution. Help: Are you looking for a way to help support your community? Are you willing to volunteer 2 to 4 hours a week helping your fellow citizens? If so, Mena Regional Health System needs your help. Call 394-6100 Ext: 2378 to find out how you can help. 2/15 AmeriChemm is seeking an intelligent, friendly individual 23+ years of age for a full-time position operating a delivery truck for our company. You will be home all nights/ weekends barring emergency deliveries. Competitive salary and benefits package included baked on level of experience. You MUST have: 2+ years of experience, clean driving record, CDL (Class C), HAZMAT (or be able to obtain a timely manner), must be able to pass DOT physical and drug screening, resume is required. To inquire about this position please contact Marvin Brewer at 479-3941692 and leave a message. Applications and resumes can be turned in at Arkansas Employment Security Division (at Northside shopping center 601 C Hwy 71 North) Thank you for your consideration. 2/8 Daniel’s Carpentry and Painting, home repair, decks, fence rows, underpinning, etc. Also lawn and garden work. Call 870-334-2068. 2/15 2010 Honda Accord, 69,000 miles, new tires, great condition and gas mileage, $10,500. Call 479-234-6242 2/15

House Cleaning and more. Call Winnie Cotter at 2343418. 2/15 NOTICE FOR INSURANCE BIDS Mena Regional Health System is seeking bids for insurance to cover the following: Property, EDP & Equipment, General & Professional Liability, Automobiles, D&O/EPL, Storage Tank Liability, Heliport Liability, Crime, Fiduciary Liability, Cyber Liability, and/or Executive Protection Coverage. Please submit qualifications and license with bids. All information needs to be submitted in writing to Administration, Mena Regional Health System, 311 North Morrow Street, Mena, Arkansas 71953 by noon on Wednesday, April 25, 2017 by either mail or hand delivered to the administration office. Sealed bids will be opened at 5:30 pm meeting on Thursday, April 27th. Please contact Ewanta Turner or Jay Quebedeaux for Insurance Matrix packet for bidding or questions at 479-243-2237. 2/15 Clean and comfortable housing since 1969, J. Ray & Maria’s MH Park and Rentals. Hwy 71 North, Mena, AR. 479-216-3085 TFN Yard Mowing, weed eating, bush hogging, handyman services, power washing, garden plowing and tilling. Have tractor with implements for larger jobs. Bill Duff. Call 479216-5204. 2/8 scmobiledogwash.com- Dog grooming, Hand dry, nails trimmed, ears cleaned, brushing. Deanna Boyd 479-2342/22 1866. I will come to you! Like Facebook. Help Wanted: The Oaks at Mena is hiring for a Full-Time LPN. Please apply in person between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. TFN J&N Dozer- Trackhoe, Backhoe, Dump Truck, Ponds, Pads, Clearing, Roads, Hauling, Rich Top Soil, Fill Dirt, Shale, Gravel. Dozer operator Randy Egger, over 30 years’ experience. We appreciate your Business! Call 479-234-1357 TFN

classifieds

February 8, 2017

Public notice is hereby given this 8th day of February 2017 that the Polk County Developmental Center, Inc., of P.O. Box 926, 201 Morrow Avenue, Mena, Arkansas 71953 has made application for funds through Section 5310 for purchase of the following type of passenger transportation vehicle: two (2) 13 passenger Medium Roof Conversion Vans. The vehicles will be used primarily for the following purposes: Transporting developmentally disabled preschoolers and adults from their homes to Polk County Developmental Center facilities and back. Purpose of the above vehicles is considered essential to the efficient operation of this organization in provision of public transportation services to senior and individuals with disabilities. There is no intent to infringe upon, or compete with, existing public or private transit operators, including Section 5307, urban public transit operators and Section 5311, rural public transit operators. **Polk County Developmental Center, Inc. is requesting a vehicle that is not compliant with the American with Disabilities Act. However, Polk County Developmental Center, Inc. does meet the “equivalency of service” requirements to individuals with disabilities in the community.** Any objection should be submitted in writing only to persons listed below. All comments will become a part of this organization’s application and will be a matter of public record. All written comments must be submitted within 30 days of the date of this notice. Any person wishing to request a public hearing on the proposed project must submit a request in writing within 10 days of the date of this notice to the persons listed below: Angie Graves, Executive Director; Polk County Developmental Center, Inc. PO Box 926, Mena, Arkansas, 71953 And to: Mr. Don McMillen, Public Transportation Administrator; Public Transportation Programs Office; Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department. PO Box 2261, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72203-2261 Published: 02/08/17

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

MSRP $32,800 Gentry Discount -$1,811 Select Model Tag -$5,000 GM Conquest -$2,000

MSRP $16,800 Gentry Discount -$937 Bonus Cash -$500 Select Model Tag -$1,500

MSRP $20,400 Gentry Discount -$960 Consumer Cash -$500 Select Model Tag -$1,500

$23,989

$13,863

$17,440

Gentry Price:

$0 Down & $331 Monthly C6512

2017Chevy Cruze

2017Chevy Spark

2016Chevy Camaro

February 8, 2017

* 3.99% @ 84 MTHS - WAC - TTL XTRA

$0 Down & $185 Monthly K6869

* 3.99% @ 84 MTHS - WAC - TTL XTRA

$0 Down & $241 Monthly

X6905

* 3.99% @ 84 MTHS - WAC - TTL XTRA

2016Chevy3500 Silverado 2016Chevy3500 Silverado 2016Chevy Silverado HD HD 3500 HD Managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Special

6.0 Chassis 4x4

$12,494 OFF MSRP

P6735

MSRP $43,300 Gentry Discount -$3,494 Consumer Cash -$2,000 Down Payment Assist -$2,000 Select Model Tag -$5,000

Diesel 4x4

Gentry Price:

$30,806

* MUST FINANCE WITH GMF

MSRP $51,845 Gentry Discount -$4,263 Consumer Cash -$2,000 Down Payment Assist -$2,000 Select Model Tag -$5,000 $38,582 CM Bed + 4,125

Gentry Price:

$42,707

P6832

* MUST FINANCE WITH GMF

6.0 Chassis 4x4

MSRP $43,480 Gentry Discount -$3,516 Consumer Cash -$2,000 Down Payment Assist - $2,000 Select Model Tag - $5,000

$12,516 OFF MSRP

P6732

Gentry Price:

$30,964

* MUST FINANCE WITH GMF

2016Chevy Silverado 2017 Chevy Silverado 2016 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD 1500 Crew 2500 HD

Allstar Edition

6.0 LT 4x4

P6742

$14,200 OFF MSRP

MSRP $56,050 Gentry Discount -$5,200 Consumer Cash -$2,000 Down Payment Assist -$2,000 Select Model Tag -$5,000

Gentry Price:

$41,850

* MUST FINANCE WITH GMF

6.0 LT 4x4

$14,133 OFF MSRP

MSRP $55,865 Gentry Discount -$5,133 Consumer Cash -$2,000 Down Payment Assist -$2,000 Select Model Tag -$5,000

P6736

entry hevrolet

Gentry Price:

$41,732

* MUST FINANCE WITH GMF

2LT Z71 4x4 P6938

$10,670 OFF MSRP

MSRP $47,640 Gentry Discount -$3,670 Consumer Cash -$2,000 Down Payment Assist -$2,000 Select Model Tag -$3,000

Gentry Price:

$36,970

* MUST FINANCE WITH GMF

www.GentryChevyInc.com

1027 Hwy 70 East De Queen, AR 1-800-649-9929