The Polk County Pulse - January 27, 2021

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January 27, 2021

ARREST MADE

Body found in freezer, hidden in woods

By Jeri Pearson

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Justin Richmond considers the upcoming Ouachita Expressions Show as he prepares to make space at the Mena Art Gallery. For details on the Ouachita Expressions, see the story on page 11.

Kore Bommeli is in custody in Wagoner Oklahoma, suspected of killing her roommate, Talina Galloway, age 53, and hiding the victim in a freezer Kore Bommeli on rural property in Polk County.

Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer said his deputies responded to a trespassing call June 8, 2020 to a property that was for sale.

“My deputy responded to that call and found one individual and a truck,” Sawyer said. “At that time, the individual said she was at the property because it was for sale and she was interested in purchasing it. There was no reason to detain her, but the tags on the truck were run and nothing came back.”

Due to a lack of information being

See ARREST page 2

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THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 27, 2021

ARREST

continued from page 1

available, there was no way for Polk County to know Bommeli or the truck were associated with a missing person case from Wagoner.

“The freezer was not found at that time.” Sawyer explained. “When it was found in January, it was 100 yards into the woods, and very unlikely she would have been able to move the freezer by herself.”

Sawyer said he has since learned Bommeli attempted to purchase the property and was in Polk County on occasion, but this information was not available to his office before the body was discovered.

Galloway was reported missing April 17, 2020 by Bommeli in Wagoner County.

The two lived in a lake community area of Wagoner County located on the west side of Fort Gibson Lake.

Wagoner County Sheriff ’s Office said,” Galloway did not have any immediate family members in the Wagoner County area, so naturally we believed her roommate would be the best source of information ...Kore Bommeli was merely a witness and the person reporting. .. “...investigators soon realized [she]exhibited suspicious behavior, gave inconsistent statements, and later was proven to be deceptive in her reporting of the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.. and Bommeli became a person of interest.

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The Wagoner County Sheriff said in a press release that, “On June 8, 2020, a witness in the area of Polk County Arkansas observed a pickup towing a small, enclosed trailer. ... The witness was suspicious of the activity and walked into the area where the witness believed the truck had traveled to. The witness located the truck and trailer and observed that at that time, there was nobody around the vehicle. The witness documented the tag number on the vehicle, and noted that there was foul odor coming from the trailer, and that there was a foul-smelling thick liquid pooled in the floor of the trailer.”

On Thursday, Jan.14, 2021, the Polk County Sheriff ’s Office was dispatched to a report of a freezer being found in a wooded area north of Acorn. Upon arrival, deputies opened the freezer and discovered human remains.

“Based on evidence at the scene and witness statements, it was determined that the remains had been there for several months,” Sawyer said. “Further investigation determined that the remains were possibly connected to a missing persons case in Wagoner, Oklahoma.”

The Arkansas State Police assisted the Polk County Sheriff ’s Office in processing the scene and recovering the body. Investigators from the Wagoner County Sheriff ’s Office were contacted and also came to the scene.

The body was transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for positive identification and an autopsy.

The victim was identified as Galloway, whose disappearance was featured in Dateline’s “Missing in America” on May 25, 2020.

In June of 2020, Wagoner County Sheriff Chris Elliot named Kore Bommeli, Galloway’s roommate, as a person of interest in Galloway’s disappearance. At the time of Sheriff Elliot’s press conference, Bommeli was in custody on several charges including: felon in possession of a firearm, destruction of evidence, obstruction, fraud, and larceny.

On Thursday, January 21, 2021, warrants for 1st Degree Murder and Abuse of a Corpse were issued for Kore Bommeli by the Wagoner County Prosecuting Attorney, Jack Thorp.

Wagoner County investigators began searching for Bommeli who had bonded out on previous charges.

Bommeli was believed to be in the area of Dane County, Wisconsin. Dane County Sheriff ’s located Kore Bommeli and she was arrested without incident.

Bommeli faces charges of Murder in the 1st Degree and Desecration of a Human Corpse.

“The Wagoner Oklahoma Sheriff ’s Office has been working very hard on this case since last summer.

They’ve done a great job and I am very happy that we could help them close out this tragic case and bring those responsible to justice,” Sawyer said.

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THE POLK COUNTY

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January 27, 2021

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Your Pulse!

Letter to the Editor A breath of fresh air has finally hit the reading public in our quaint little Mena. Our freebie newspaper Pulse has finally hit it’s stride with professionally written news stories, public

interest articles, great color and layout. HATS OFF to the Pulse team for a newspaper worthy of my reading and enjoyment! I would actually pay for this “new” Pulse if I had to.

Keep up the great work!

-Mike Clark

Your Pulse!

Commentary on Complaints of Growth I read with dismay the Pulse article on Complaints of Growth. Yes we should be complaining about the unregulated growth of tourism in our county and for Judge Brandon Ellison to provide excuses for the presentation made by Karan Mather really disappointed me.

Yes, the legislature did provide that these ATV vehicles could run on our county roads and across our state highways, but does Sheriff Sawyer know that on several occasions these ATVs are traveling Highway 8 from Big Fork to Board Camp, which is more than just a crossover of a highway? Nine miles is not a crossover. And, many of the vehicles are equipped with scanners , so if someone complains, they know about it and will disappear before deputies can come to the scene.

The judge said, “We have a bit of a problem.”

That is such a weak statement. Let me explain.

I have up to this point been a supporter of this judge and over 3 years ago, when the first signs of abuse by these out of staters started, I recommended that Arkansas do what Colorado does: charge an ATV owner $25 for a license to operate in their National Forest plus 25 cents to go into a search and rescue fund. Brandon Ellison said they are working on some program to do that. But he specifically told me not to say anything at that time. Well, I’m still waiting, so I guess his plan fell through! I feel now that his comment to me was just an appeasement.

“This is an economic development issue,” he said. “If anyone in a leadership position has a

problem with development, I don’t know why they are in a leadership role.” My thoughts are: Good leaders take care of their constituents who elected them and not look to the almighty dollar!

Another note: I live in Big Fork , and now we have a permanent .5 cents added for improved roads! I have waited 20 years for improved roads and we finally got 5 miles of pavement!

I feel this extra money will go to other more “needy” places in the state.

Another misleading statement from Judge Ellison: “I think the growth is a product of the trail system” No, Brandon, the trail system now includes anywhere the ATV owner wants to drive!

As a final note I want to say that officials who live in nice homes in quiet neighborhoods have no idea what the rest of us in the county have to put up with. What would happen if 5 ATVs went by your house at 11 p.m. and then again at 1 a.m.? My state representative told me the legislature would have to address things like this so I’m hoping John will follow through. I can call these men by their first name because they were many years ago my students of my 6th grade class. Now Brandon, you talk about making “knee jerk” decisions? Good, just don’t take years to do a knee jerk! Growth may be good if regulated and the beautiful Polk County is not harmed; however, Cancer is a growth and will kill the body if it is not taken care of! Nuf said!

Claude Foster

Editorial 3

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4 State News

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 27, 2021

From the

State House of Representatives

In the second week of the the department to transfer an 2021 Regular Session, the inmate if they need behaviorHouse voted on bills addressal or substance abuse treating everything from car tags ment. to jury duty pay.

HB1058-This bill allows a The bills now advancing to juror to donate their per diem the Senate include: compensation and mileage HB1028-This bill changes reimbursement to an elithe length of time a consum- John Maddox gible nonprofit entity. The er has to tag their vehicle. administrative office of the Current law gives car buyers 30 days courts will be tasked with compiling a to pay the sales tax and register a ve- list of eligible nonprofits. hicle after purchase. HB 1028 would An eligible nonprofit should offer extend it to 60 days. services in multiple counties and have HB1059-This bill allows partici- as one of its primary goals the providpants in a specialty court program, ing of: such as drug court, to transfer to a Crime victim assistance or counselsimilar program if they move to an- ing other court district. This bill also Services for abused or neglected includes guidelines for courts to es- children tablish a veterans treatment specialty Shelter for victims of domestic viocourt program and a DWI specialty lence court program. In addition, HB1059 Services for veterans sets to develop a domestic violence Legal education for students seekspecialty court program. ing a Juris Doctor degree Specialty courts are designed to HB1107-This bill amends the Prelower the prison population by direct- scription Drug Monitoring Program ing individuals to needed treatment to allow the Arkansas Department programs. of Health to request physical or elecHB1185-This bill allows the De- tronic copies of prescriptions from partment of Correction to make an prescribers or dispensers when checkadministrative transfer of an inmate ing for accuracy. to the Division of Community CorYou can find a list of all agendas and rection. This would not impact the links to live-streams of all meetings at length of a sentence but rather allow www.arkansashouse.org.

Contact Your Legislators!

John Maddox john.maddox@ arkansashouse.org 520 Church Avenue Mena, AR 71953 Call: 479-394-6060

John Boozman 1120 Garrison Ave. Suite 2B Fort Smith, AR 72901 Phone: (479) 573-0189 Fax: (479) 575-0553

Larry Teague Larry.Teague@senate.ar.gov P.O. Box 903, Nashville, 71852 870-845-5303

Bruce Westerman 101 Reserve St. Suite 200 Hot Springs, AR 71901 Phone: (501) 609-9796 Fax: (501) 609-9887

From the

State Senate

The Senate passed legisof Trustees of the ASU Syslation known as the “Stand tem.

Your Ground” bill, which SB 116 also adds two would allow someone to use members to the ASU System deadly force to defend themBoard of Trustees, bringing selves against an aggressor. it from five to seven.

If enacted, the bill would The Senate Committee remove a provision in current on Public Health, Welfare law that says people may not Larry Teague and Labor endorsed SB 99, use deadly force if they are able which would regulate “step to retreat safely. therapy” protocols.

The Senate approved the measure, Health insurance companies are usSenate Bill 24, on a vote of 27-to-7, ing step therapy in more plans nowwith one senator not voting. SB 24 adays, as a method of holding down was sent to the House Judiciary Com- costs of prescription drugs. mittee, which must consider it before Under step therapy, a patient would a vote of the entire House of Repre- start with an over the counter drug, for sentatives. example, because it is relatively cheap.

For a bill to become law, both cham- If that drug is not effective, the patent bers of the legislature must approve would get a more expensive prescripthe exact same version of it. tion. Under the protocol, the patient The Senate also approved SB 32, gets more expensive drugs after the which would allow liquor stores to de- insurance company has reviewed the liver alcoholic beverages to a custom- case and determined that the cheaper er’s home. It would make permanent drug does not work. the temporary allowances initiated by According to SB 99, the protocol executive order last year, at the start of process can have adverse consequencthe pandemic. es for the patient’s health. The bill Under the bill, customers can only would allow patients to be exempt order home deliveries if they’re 21 from protocols if the protocols cause years of age. The store will have to use the patient to not receive the most apits own employees for deliveries, and propriate treatment. not third party contractors. The bill SB 99 would require health insuronly affects wet counties, because li- ers to rely on established research and quor stores could only make deliver- clinical guidelines when they write ies in the same county in which they step therapy protocols into coverage are located. plans.

The vote on SB 32 was close. It needPatients and their physicians could ed 18 votes in the 35-member Senate ask for an exemption from the protofor approval. It passed by a vote of 19- col, and the process of getting an exto-9, with seven senators not voting. emption must be clear, readily accesIn other news, the Senate approved sible and convenient. legislation to complete the merger of SB99 would change the law govHenderson State University at Arka- erning health insurance, prescription delphia into the Arkansas State Uni- drugs and the authority of physicians. versity System. SB 116 would abolish The bill’s sponsor said that it would be the Board of Trustees of Henderson amended to address concerns of afState and vest its duties to the Board fected parties.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Obituaries 5

January 27, 2021

Paula Ann Ashley

Paula Ann Ashley age 71, of Mena, died Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at the Ashton Place in Barling, Arkansas. She was born on Friday, August 26, 1949 to Chester Lee and Mary Ellen Gorden Walston in Mena, Arkansas.

Paula was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tommy Ashley; two brothers, Billy Gene Walston and Danny Walston and her brother in law, Bobby Brooks Sr. Paula is survived by her son and daughter in law, Brad and Mandy Ashley of Mont Belvieu, Texas; her daughter and son in law, Tonya and Brandon Griffiths of Van Buren, Arkansas; two sisters, Pam Brooks of Mena, and Sherry Warren of Mena; two sisters in law, Judy Lane of Mena, and Linda Berry of San Antonio, Texas; seven grandchildren, Justin Ashley of Mena, Devin Ashley of Mena, Bailee and Drew Griffiths of Van Buren, and Dalton, Sabrina, and Miranda Pittser of Mont Belvieu; one brother in law, Monty Warren; several nieces and nephews, Bobby and Staci Brooks Jr. of Mena, Robby and Sherri Hines of Mena, Michael and Aimee Warren of Springdale, Shannon and Cathy Roberts of Fort Smith, Houston and Carol Lane of Mena, Everett and Melinda Fairless of Hatfield, Kevin and Lisa Berry of Oklahoma City, and Christy Martinez of San Antonio, Texas;

and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 2:30 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Max Deaton officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena. No visitation is planned. Arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. Visitation will be general and the family will be receiving friends and family at the Ashley residence in Potter.

Pallbearers are Brent Gorden, Steve Bell, Rod Titsworth, Mitch Titsworth, Alan Titsworth, Jimmy Titsworth, and Brandon Hemphill, Michael Warren and Bobby Brooks Jr. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the MD Anderson Cancer and Research Center at www. mdanderson.org/donors-volunteers/donate

Caldwell; brothers: JR Charlton, Jr., Leslie Charlton, and Neil Charlton; sisters: Jana Shelton, Opal Wilson and husband Mark, Tammy Murray and husband Jimmy and Joy Charlton; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers, Nicholas Charlton, and Justin Charlton.

Graveside services will be Friday, January 22, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Smithville Cemetery in Smithville, Oklahoma with Brother Ed Rogers officiating. Visitation will be general. Arrangements are under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Pallbearers are Anthony Loving, Corbis Murray, Mark Wilson, Nick Charlton, Tim Fair, and Mark Wilson, Jr.

Karen Caldwell

Ronnie Davis, age 41, of Hot Springs, Arkansas died January 24, 2021 in Hot

Mrs. Karen Caldwell, age 69, of Smithville, Oklahoma, passed away Monday, January 18, 2021 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

She was born April 4, 1951 to the late Corbis Melvin and Alma Charlton and was married to William Caldwell. Karen was an avid reader and was a member of the Octavia Baptist Church in Octavia, Oklahoma. She was a registered nurse and enjoyed the travels her profession took her on, even visiting Alaska! Her favorite time though, was spent with her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and a friend to all who met her. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by: husband, William Caldwell of the home; sons: Jeremy Caldwell of Smithville, Oklahoma, Levi Caldwell and wife Miranda of Smithville, Oklahoma, Gerard Caldwell and wife Tara of Lincoln, Nebraska, Michael Caldwell and wife Lindsey of Clarksville, Tennessee; grandchildren: Sarah Wells and husband Hunter, Jacob Caldwell, Hannah Caldwell, Isaac Caldwell, Bethany Caldwell, Hayden Caldwell, Ashlyn Caldwell, Tayson Caldwell, Hailey Caldwell, Peyton Caldwell and Avery

Ronnie Davis

Springs, Arkansas.

He was born on December 17, 1979 to Deena Burgess and the late Roy Davis in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Ronnie was known for his love of music, spending time at the lake, football (especially his dear Razorbacks) and always being the life of the party. Anyone that knew Ronnie knew of his love for his children. They were his entire world.

Ronnie is survived by his mother, Deena Burgess of Hot Springs, Arkansas; daughter, Lexi Davis of Mena, Arkansas; son, Colby Davis of Mena, Arkansas; brothers, William Burgess of Conway, Arkansas, and Roy Davis of Colorado; sisters, Ashlee Burgess of Conway, Arkansas, Crystal Davis Button of Chicago, Illinois; the mother of his children and dear friend, Whitney Horne; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Davis; stepfather, Bill Burgess; grandparents, Delbert and Loretta Goss; and aunt, Lisa Goss.

Ronnie will be sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Frances Darlene Clark

Frances Darlene “Fran” Clark, 68, died January 21, 2021 in Mena, Arkansas. She was born on November 25, 1952 in Sacramento, California to the late Robert and Katherine Darlene Clark.

Frances worked as a nurse’s aide and loved caring for others. She enjoyed crocheting when she was able. She loved the Lord and was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church.

She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Rush; son, Richard Rush; sisters, Felicia Ulvevadet, Mary Boche, and Melanie Gonzalez; aunt, Jackie; grandchildren, Destiny Smith, Ricky Eldridge; 3 loving cats. Frances is preceded in death by her parents.

A graveside memorial will be Saturday February 13, 2021 at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Frances will be sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Mitzi Diane Duckett

Mitzi Diane “Nana” Duckett, 60, of Mena, Arkansas passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 due to complications of COVID-19 in Texarkana, Texas. She was born on Wednesday, June 22, 1960 in Mena, Arkansas to Joyce Alexander and Tony Haskell Vaught.

Mitzi was a member of Cherry Hill Gospel Church and served on numerous committees.

Mitzi, together with her husband Ronnie, owned several businesses including The Corner, Southside General Store and Northside. However, her favorite title was Nana. Nana took great pride in spoiling her grandchildren whether by hosting their birthday parties, creating magical holidays, pool parties, trips to the pumpkin patch or Easter Egg Hunts just to name a few.

Mitzi loved having her family at home for any occasion. While the holidays seem unthinkable without our Nana, we know she would want us to carry on her great tradi-

Duckett Obituary Continued on Page 6

6 Obituaries Duckett Obituary Continued tions. However, we are quite confident our Christmas tree nor our coordinated pajamas will ever be as perfect as Nana’s.

Mitzi is survived by her husband of 18 years, Ronnie Duckett; son, Clay Knighten and wife, Hayden; daughter, Whitney Milum and husband, Michael; step daughter, Rhonda Bensen and husband, John; step son, Kyle Duckett and his wife, Heather.

She was happiest in the presence of her grandchildren Kate, Easton, Hudson, (Coming Soon: Kinley) Knighten; Cooper Mac and Conley Grace Milum; Maddie, Lauren, and Charlie Bensen; Trever Pierce; her parents, Paul and Joyce Alexander; step brother, Monty Alexander and wife, Eileen; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. .

A private family service will be held at Cherry Hill Gospel Church with Brother Mark Lyle and Brother Tom Hartley officiating. A public graveside service will be Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 3:00 P.M. at the Cherry Hill Cemetery with serves entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cherry Hill Gospel Church.

Pallbearers will be Chris Lyle, Johnnie Hilton, Brian Erickson, Trever Pierce, Doug Irwin and Braxton Arceneaux.

Heather ShaRae Frachiseur

Heather ShaRae Frachiseur, age 41, of Cove, died on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at St Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She was born on Wednesday, May 23, 1979 to Clarence Ray and Sherrie Deneice Smith Jimison in Claremore, Oklahoma.

ShaRae was a Christian woman of the Baptist Faith. Her husband and son filled her heart with joy daily, and she loved them both tremendously. ShaRae sold Farmasi Cosmetics and enjoyed doing makeup tutorials online. ShaRae loved all types of music and loved to sing while riding her lawnmower. ShaRae was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grand-

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 27, 2021 daughter, aunt, niece and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and her daughter, Shakayla Lynn Frachiseur.

ShaRae is survived by her husband, TJ Frachiseur of Cove; one son, J.W. Frachiseur of Cove; three brothers and sisters in law, Frank and Sherri Frachiseur of Cove, Matt and Jennifer Miller of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and Kevin and Mandy Miller of Coweta, Oklahoma; two sisters and brother in law, April and Doug Hansche of Vera, Oklahoma, and Michaela Sims of Tulsa, Oklahoma; father and mother in love, Frank and Kathy Frachiseur of Wickes; maternal grandparents, Bill and Charlene Smith of Pryor, Oklahoma; step mother, Aderian Jimison of Muskogee, Oklahoma; aunts and uncles, Jackie and Rick Wilson of Pryor, Oklahoma, Sharon Schwartz of Norman, Oklahoma; nieces and nephews, Destiny, Maddison, and Tanner Frachiseur of Cove and Conner Stuart of Pryor, Oklahoma; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Barbara Ilene Lindsay Hay

Barbara Ilene Lindsay Hay, age 75, of Mena, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at the Waldron Nursing Center in Waldron, Arkansas. She was born on Monday, November 19, 1945 to Louis Daniel and Doris Young Lindsay in Carol, Maine.

Barbara was a loving mother, wife, and a Christian, a member of Salem Baptist Church. She was a medical transcriptionist by trade. She enjoyed the outdoors, spending many hours with her husband camping and fishing at Broken Bow Lake.

She loved doing her hobby of arts and crafts. Christmas was her favorite time of year, spending many hours decorating her Christmas tree. She will be missed dearly by all those that knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Louis Daniel Lindsay and Doris Lindsay;

and one sister, Carol Ann Lindsay.

Barbara is survived by her husband, W.D. Hay of Mena; two sisters, Pamella Pierce and Gail Rice both of Brewer, Maine; two daughters, Michelle Renae King of New Iberia, Louisiana, and Heather Lana Gibson of Roy, Utah; two step daughters, Linda Kay Godbold of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Donna Jean Bergeron of Tioga, Louisiana; eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

No services are planned at this time.

Cremation arrangements entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

William John Hicks

William “Bill” John Hicks, 83, died January 21, 2021 in Mena, Arkansas. He was born on October 17, 1937 to the late Phillip and Ruth Nations in Riverside, California.

Bill worked in the oil well division of US Steel retiring early. He spent several years riding motorcycles which gave him the idea for Water Mart, Inc. which he opened in Odessa, Texas. While physically able to play, he was known for being the left-handed golfer.

He is survived by his wife, Marvetta Sue Hicks; son, Jason Hicks and fiancée Susette; daughter, Jennifer Bates and husband Trev; grandchildren, Dalton, Kaylee and Mason; sister, Linda Fry. Bill is preceded in death by his parents; grandfather, Bert Hicks; and his dear grandmother Sudie Hicks which he adored.

A graveside service will be held Saturday January 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in Pleasant Grove Cemetery with Brother Donnie Jewell officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be general.

Rickie D. Hosman

Mr. Rickie D. Hosman, age 54, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Saturday, January 23, 2021 in Mena. He was born on July

25, 1966 in Faulkner County, Arkansas to Jackie and Delilah Hosman.

Rickie was an equipment operator in the pipeline field. He enjoyed horses, camping, and hunting and fishing. He loved chuckwagon racing and was proud to host the races in Mena.

He is survived by his wife Lora Hosman; son, Cody Hosman and wife Amanda of Acorn, Arkansas; daughter, Katie Hosman of Conway, Arkansas; grandson, Drew Lynch; his parents; and a host of friends.

A private graveside service will be held.

Services are under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Levora Ople McLellan

Levora Ople McLellan, age 93, went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 23, 2021 at her home in Hatfield, Arkansas. She was born on May 8, 1927 in Hennepin, Oklahoma to Thomas Christopher Borders and Rosia Ople Poindexter. She was married to Everett McLellan on May 21, 1946 in Potter, Arkansas.

Levora was a multi-talented person who enjoyed and was very proficient at cooking, sewing, doll making, painting, sketching, carving, sculpting, crocheting and jewelry making. She loved to work in her yard, planting flowers, feeding chickens, and gathering eggs. But most of all, she loved the Lord and spent many hours each day reading her Bible, praying, and worshiping him. She taught Sunday school classes and held Bible studies in her home for many years. Her faith in God and love for her family made her an inspiration and a shining example for others to live by.

Levora was preceded in death by her husband Everett McLellan, sons Jerry McLellan and Gary McLellan. Grandsons Jay McLellan and Paul Smedley Jr. Great grandsons Nathan Meade and Cory Mize.

7 brothers, Granville, Marvin, Guy, Denver, Bobby, Claude, and Patrick Borders. 2 sisters Mary Betty Foshee and Patsy Powell.

She is survived by sons: Glenn and Bobbie McLellan of Potter and Johnny and Stacie McLellan of Dayton, Arkansas.

Daughters: Judy and Kevin Vert of Fort Smith, Janie and Mike Huff of Hatfield,

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 27, 2021

and Helen and Larry Strother of Hatfield. Beloved twin sister Lenora Cowan of Mesa, Arizona and brother Burt Ray Borders of Cane Hill, Arkansas. 21 Grandchildren, 33 Great Grandchildren, and 28 Great Great Grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Josh McLellan, Robert Smedley, Michael Huff, Perry Strother, Brandon McLellan, and Logan McLellan. Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons Aaron McLellan, Jason Vert, Bobby Strother, Daniel McLellan, and Reed McLellan.

A graveside service will be Thursday January 28, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Gann Cemetery with brother Mark Lyle officiating. Services are under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Visitation will be general.

Carlos Edward Posey

Carlos Edward Posey, age 73, of Mena, Arkansas died on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at the VA Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born on Friday, August 15, 1947 to Oddey John Posey and Ida Bell Harrison in Mena, Arkansas.

Carlos was an honorable man who always told the truth. Everyone who knew him, had at least once experienced his funny sense of humor. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was a member of the NRA and the American Legion. Carlos did logging and later worked for Sterling Machinery and US Motors for many years. He enjoyed woodworking, screen printing, and game nights with his family.

Carlos loved deer hunting as well as fishing. His family meant everything to him, and he cherished every moment spent with all of them. Carlos was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandpa, great grandpa and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Kenneth Posey.

Carlos is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Pam Posey of Mena; one son, Tommy Posey of Mena; four daughters and sons in law, Cindy and Paul Kaelin of Mena, Carla Brewer and John Skipper of Mena, Carrie Bass and Jeremy Burns of Conway, and Casi and Timothy Rose

of Mena; two brothers and sister in law, Billy Don and Nancy Posey of Mena, and David Posey of Mena; two sisters and brother in law, Laverne Cunningham of Mena, and Shirley and Jim Schnell of Hot Springs; thirteen grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held Monday, January 25, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. at The Crossing in Mena with Reverend Victor Rowell officiating. Interment will follow at the Cherry Hill Cemetery in Cherry Hill, Arkansas under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be Sunday, January 24, 2021 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena.

Pallbearers will be Torrey Drager, Chase Brewer, Tyler Hurst, Jordan Bass, Jestin Bass, and Brynten Rose.

Sharon Kay Pena

Sharon Kay Pena, 72, of Hatfield, passed away Jan. 7, 2021.

Sharon was born in DeWitt, Arkansas April 21, 1948, the second daughter of Paul A. Chatham Sr. and Mary Jane (Dedman), who preceded her in death.

She retired as an LPN and was a member of First Baptist Church of Mena for 14 years.

She loved working in the garden and raised all types of flowers with her green thumb. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family meals were always the highlight of her weekends. Her homemade sala was a favorite to all her family and friends.

She leaves behind her husband, Richard Pena, of Hatfield; son Charles Hendrix (Kimberly), of Star City, Arkansas; daughters Sheila Borst, of Pratt Kansas and Pamela Harris (David), of Hatfield; seven grandchildren, Johnna (Zack) Morris, Darren (Brittany) Hendrix, Jason Hendrix, Beau (Jeri) Borst, Shelby (Jesse) Garcia, Garrett Borst, and Kendall Foster; 10 great grandchildren, Myia,

Obituaries 7

Dallas, Rayden, Zane, Addyson, Harper, Ryan, Phoenix, Ameila and Grady.

She also leaves brothers Paul Chatham, Jr. (Rhonda, of Searcy, Arkansas and Stephen Chatham (Debbie), of Rogers, Arkansas, and sisters Paulette O’Briant (Bobby) of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Shirley Chatham, of Star City, Arkansas, and Jamie Robbins (Mike), of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Pallbearers are Darren Hendrix, Jason

Hendrix, Beau Borst, Garrett Borst, Don Owen, Shay Simmons. Honorary pallbearer is Zack Morris.

Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 29 from noon until 2 p.m. at Bob Neal & Sons in Brinkley, Arkansas. The funeral will follow at 2 p.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Brinkley, with Brother Russell Threet officiating and Brother Vernon Payne ministering music.

Not Even A Sparrow

of the depth and width and scope of the Love of God. The God who knows about ‘little birds’ knows far, far more about us, and ‘you are of more value than many sparrows’.

When a sparrow dies we don’t notive.

Sparrows (little birds) are not song birds.

They don’t entertain us with the music that some other birds make. They are not pretty like blue birds or red birds, or parrots, or any of many others. And there are so many of them why would anyone take note that one is missing? Why? There would have to be a love that is far beyond understanding in order for this to happen...yet, with God and us that is exactly what happens...with us. He notices.

Sometimes it may not seem like it. The ways of God are far, far above our ways. His thoughts are infinitely above our thoughts.

His plans for our lives are far, far better than we could ever understand. From Isaiah the Prophet comes these words: ‘For My thought are not your thought, Nor are your ways, My ways, says the Lord, for as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thought.’ (Isaiah 55:8,9) God has not called us to be ‘good people.’

We measure ‘good people’ by flawed standards. God designed us and has called us to something infinitely higher and better than to be ‘good people.’ We are called by God to be His people, to be with Him forever, in short, we are called to be like Jesus, and that is something far, far higher than just being ‘good people.’ He sees all of the changes that need to be made, and know how to make those changes.

But sometimes before He even gets started we yell our ‘Stop! I don’t like this.’ Too bad.

Luke 12:6, 7 Jesus revealed to us as much about God as we are able to receive. And there is infinetely much more, it is just that our little minds cannot comprehend it.

For example: there are literally thousands of kinds of sparrows, yet Jesus said that God takes note when even one of these falls to the ground. But the word that Jesus used that is traslated ‘sparrow’ in some Bible versions, and ‘bird’ in other literally means ‘small bird.’ Which means that God is watching even the smallest among us.

Humming birds are tiny little things yet they are covered in the word of Jesus. They are ‘small birds.’

This tells us something very important about God, and something very important about ourselves.

I watch the sparrow on my patio almost every morning. But if I watched every day for a year I would not be able to miss one that wasn’t there anymore. I see the crowd, but not the individual birds. God is infinite in Himself, and there are no words, no illustrations, no examples that get us to a full understanding of Him. How could He see one little bird out of hundreds of thousands? Impossible? Yes, for us. But he does. This is God. He is far, far more than we can ever fathom. And in this same teaching by our Lord He tells us that the ‘hairs of our heads’ are numbered.

No jokes. This is God. His is more, much more God that our minds are able to understand.

We know enough about Him through His Son to form a personal relationship with Him, and, for, now that is enough. He has given to us all that we need to know about Himself. And of all that we know nothing is more important than what Jesus said about ‘little birds’ and ‘hair’. What He wants us to understand is something

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8 Faith

By Richie Lawry

THE POLK COUNTY

January 27, 2021

An Arkie’s Faith: One World

In 1966, the television producer, Aubrey Singer, brought a bold new idea to the British Broadcasting Corporation. He was interested in the latest satellite technology emerging during the space race. He suggested a live international satellite program with participation from many countries. After ten months of organizing, negotiating, and technological hurdles, the production was broadcast live on June 25, 1967.

The program was titled One World and included creative artists from nineteen countries. The show’s ground rules were that everything had to be live without videotape or film. It would not involve politicians or heads of state.

Over ten thousand technicians, producers, and interpreters took part in the broadcast. It was an undertaking of incredible complexity, involving control rooms worldwide, three geostationary communication satellites, and almost a million miles of cable. Fourteen countries participated in the production, which producers transmitted to 31 countries on every continent but Antarctica. Over 400 million people watched the program.

Creative artists, including The Beatles, opera singer Maria Callas, The Vienna Boys Choir, and painter Pablo Picasso, appeared in separate segments featuring their respective countries. The portion of the program from the United Kingdom starred The Beatles.

One World producers asked The Beatles to provide a song with a message easily understood by everyone, using basic English. John Lennon’s lyrics were deliberately simplistic to allow for the show’s international audience. The Beatles performed their song, All You Need Is Love, to close the broadcast.

I can still remember the summer of 1967. It became known as the Summer of Love, and the single All You Need Is Love by The Beatles was the anthem. Just like other kids from around the world, I loved the song.

It seemed that everyone knew the simple chorus. “All you need is love. All you need is love. All you need is love, love. Love is all you need.”

Is there any truth to the catchphrase, all you need is love? Or is it just a silly pop song? I believe that it is the truth. “All you need Is love. Love is all you

need.” In 1 John 4:7,8 (NCV), the Bible tells us, “Dear friends, we should love each other, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has become God’s child and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Love should be the basis for everything we do. In his gospel, Matthew recounts a story where an expert in the law asked Jesus, “which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40 (NLT) When you distill it down that much, it seems simple.

It is true; all you need is love.

God has written a love letter to you called the Bible.

It says, “I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!” Romans 8:38,39 (CEV) How would you feel if you wrote these beautiful words to the love of your life, but they ignored them? God’s Word, The Bible, is His love letter to us. Don’t leave your love letter unopened and unread. God loves you, and he wants to tell you just how much. Open his love letter and listen to what he has to say to you.

The greatest love poem found in the Bible is in John 3:16,17 (NKJV). “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” What beautiful words. We need to keep in mind that God loves the world, not a single nation, not a single race. Not just the good people, not only the people who love God back. “God so loved the world.” The people God loves include the lovable and the unlovable; those who are popular, and those who have no one else to love them; the ones who love God and those who never think of God.

Pulse

All You Need is Love, Love.

Love is all you Need - The Beatles

In 1 Corinthians 13 (NLT), Paul expresses the importance of love to the Christian. “If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.

If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing… Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”

Unfortunately, I have noticed that we Christians often don’t show love to others. We are slow to listen but quick to speak and get angry. Angry Christians fill my social media feeds. But Jesus challenged us to love others, even our enemies. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemies.’

But I say to you, love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you. If you do this, you will be true children of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:43-45 (NCV) Gentle Reader, remember that God loves the world, the entire world. Henri Nouwen wrote, “For Jesus, there are no countries to be conquered, no ideologies to be imposed, no people to be dominated. There are only children, women and men to be loved.” Jesus tells us that no matter what we do for Him, it is nothing if we don’t have love. You see, it really is true. All you need is love.

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Reflections from History and Faith The Future of the Public Square

By Jeff Olson A unique part of America throughout our nation’s inception and history has been the public square. Most of us have been on vacations or perhaps just taken a short trip within our own state and, while passing through small towns, observed the local town square.

This may have also been characteristic of your own home town as well. There may have been a court house with a statue of some famous hometown or national hero and typically there would be some benches where the locals could sit a spell and almost always you could count on “Old Glory” flying proudly in the breeze. Ole timers would be arguing over some important local issue or maybe even preaching some good old-fashioned common sense which they sure wish would be applied by the politicians in Washington.

The public square is a vital part of our freedom, an unalienable right enshrined in our constitution. Fortunately, it is still with us. Unfortunately, for how much longer we don’t know. Its lifeblood, freedom of speech in the market place of ideas, has provided a forum to give each and every American a voice and the benefit of other voices.

In some ways, it has become more so though the expansion of its format and scope.

With the advent of the computer age and social media, the public square has evolved more into a dimension than just a physical location. The quality of its impact however is still of no more value than the quality of its content and the attitude and values we bring to the park bench, coffee shop, phone, computer, or hardware store. The public square has served in a multitude of ways: as a unifying and stabilizing factor in American religious, cultural, and political life; as an avenue for the exchange of ideas and where different points of view could be expressed; as a

History 9

January 27, 2021

reflection of the strength of our nation’s religious and cultural diversity; as a means of passing our heritage along to new generations; and as gauge to measure how informed and responsible we as a people are in utilizing and preserving our freedom.

It is also in part through the public square that, in the words of 18th century British statesman and author Edmund Burke, America’s “little platoons” have organized and functioned through our intermediate institutions to carry out those local grass roots services and duties inherent and critical to the preservation and future of a free society.

The proprietorship of the public square has been a responsibility of each and every one of us. In traditional America, the moral compass for the public square has been primarily Judeo-Christian moral postulates cultivated and perpetuated within the family unit through our homes, churches, and other social civil institutions.

Such principles have been the fundamental source of values for us and this has been reflected in the common moral ethos and cohesiveness which has bonded us as a people and as a culture.

However, times have changed. That ethic has been disappearing in the public square because it is disappearing in the private sphere, and it will not leave a void if and when it is gone. This has left the public square naked, not naked in the sense of not having any content but naked in the sense of having no transcendental authoritative point of reference as a source for a public ethic needed to provide normative values.

When one set of values disappears within any venue, another set (or lack thereof) will inevitably fill the void. In the words of author Richard John Neuhaus, “When recognizable religion is excluded [from the public square] the vacuum will be filled with ersatz [inferior substitute] religion, by religion bootlegged into public space under other names.”

Such we are seeing in the blatant censorship of traditional American values and conservative thought by big tech social media giants, substituting our

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10 History tried and true inheritance and sacred patrimony with the ideological abstract utopian vision of the liberal, corporate and political ruling class which seeks to complete the total transformation of America.

They have amassed a tremendous amount power in recent history and are now even more emboldened and empowered through their allies in the media and political establishment, especially the Democratic Party. Secular humanism with the state as god is on the move and with a vengeance! I can’t help but remember Lutheran pastor Martin Neimoller’s words as I see things unfold today.

An outspoken public foe of Adolf Hitler and who spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in concentration camps, Neimoller later observed: “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out – because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me – and there was

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 27, 2021 no one left to speak for me.” and sometimes learn. These expeWhile I’m not suggesting riences and their impact canthat America today is Nazi “We valued not be substituted on social Germany of the 1930’s, I media. Even with the limits other’s opinions on social activities imposed am saying that the core philosophy of many in and were willing to by COVID-19, we have to our nation’s emerging listen and some- find a way to regain at least ruling class is born of the some of what we have lost. times learn.” same intellectual roots.

We live in a culture today Does America’s current where many, including many state of affairs spell doom the of the most powerful, believe that future of the public square in Amerreligious values and religious expresica? Perhaps, but it doesn’t have to. sion, especially those that are ChrisWhat did we do before social media? tian, should be relegated and isolated For those of you who can remember... to only our personal lives and within we visited with folks on the phone, we the four walls of the home and church sat down for a cup of coffee and some building. For such to be a part of public conversation with them, we got togeth- life and the public square to inform us er for dinner out – or dinner in - and in moral discourse on the issues of our maybe included a game of some kind time is absolutely necessary in a free around the dining room table. society but yet is equally repugnant to In other words we invested in each the secular mindset so prevalent today. other, one-on-one/face-to-face, deAs we are seeing the advance of the veloping and sustaining relationships secular state (a prelude to totalitarianwhich often built trust and mutual ism), religion (Christianity in particurespect. And, while this didn’t neces- lar) as a mediating structure is becomsarily mean we agreed on everything, ing less sought out as a countervailing it did usually mean that we valued oth- force to the ambitions of the state. If er’s opinions and were willing to listen this continues, we may have only one

path ahead of US. Christians have a mandate and responsibility to first and foremost propagate the Gospel, but our salt and light must also serve to advance a social vision derived from biblical teaching.

What we believe is not only relevant to our modes of worship, church business, and in meeting the needs of those around us but it is also relevant to those organizations and institutions which are necessary to sustain an orderly and free society and a community of faith.

While all of us in Christendom will unlikely ever resolve all of our doctrinal and ecumenical differences this side of heaven, we can and should focus also on the fundamental essentials that we have in common and share and which can unite and enable us to revitalize the public square, no matter what form, into an environment and forum in which timeless and transcendent truth and values are once again important players and agents of positive change (John 10:10), change which must include the preservation of life, liberty and the pursuit of all God created us for.

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January 27, 2021.

Arts & Culture Pulse Ouachita Expressions calls for artists entries at Mena Art Gallery THE POLK COUNTY

Artist of all varieties are invited to prepare for the annual Ouachita Expressions exhibit and competition at Mena Art Gallery.

“Ouachita Expressions is our longest-running show, as well as being one of the most popular,” Lynn Greenwade, executive director of Mena Art Gallery, said.

“All media are accepted, so you will see paintings, photographs, ceramic work, weavings, metal work, etc. It is always a delight for the eyes.”

Mena Art Gallery will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for this show. It is important to note that masks are required in the gallery.

Intake day will be Tuesday, Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If other arrangements are needed to submit, artists can contact Greenwade at the Mena Art Gallery.

This year, special awards will include outstanding photograph and an out-

The

standing ceramic piece. Awards will include: -Best in Show $150; -First Place $100 -Second Place $75; -Third Place $50 -Honorable Mention Ribbon -RL Norris award (outstanding

photograph) $100 -Outstanding Ceramic work $50 -People’s Choice $25 “I cannot wait to see what you create” Greenwade said.

Mena Art Gallery Ouachita Expressions

Exhibition Rules 2021 Open to all Media 1. Work will be accepted for entry on Tuesday, Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Please contact the Gallery if you need to make other arrangements but note no entries will be accepted after 4 p.m. on Feb. 23 as judging will have begun.

2. Pickup time for this show is Saturday, May 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please

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contact the Gallery if you need to make other arrangements. All artwork must remain until the end of the show.

3. All media are acceptable. Entries must be original and the artist’s own work. Work will be accepted from artists age 14 and older. There are no categories.

4. No kits or prints will be accepted.

If the work is a derivative, it must be so labeled and the source shown.

5. The awards ceremony will be held, if current health conditions allow, on Saturday, March 6 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

6. Entry Fees: Members $8 per piece Non-Members $10 per piece 7. Limit of 3 entries by one artist. All entries must be for sale, no NFS. 8. All 2D work must be framed or wrapped and ready to hang. All frames must be wired (no saw tooth or pop out hangers). No framed or unframed artwork larger than 36”X 36” will be accepted.

11

9. In addition to the information on the entry form, all work must be labeled on the back with the following: Title, Medium, Price, Entry Category, Artist’s Name, Phone Number, Email.

10. Mena Art Gallery is a family friendly environment. Please consider this when you bring art for exhibition.

Acceptance of questionable subject matter must meet the approval of the Exhibits Committee.

11. Any work shown previously in any judged Mena Art Gallery show may not be entered again. These works may be entered as: NOT to be judged, but to be sold.

12. The gallery will handle sales and each artist will be paid 75% of the sale price by the second week of the following month.

For more information, contact Lynn Greenwade, Executive Director of Southwest Artists, Inc. and Mena Art Gallery, located at 607 Mena Street, or call 479-394-3880.

12 Education

January 27, 2021

THE POLK COUNTY

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MENA SCHOOL BOARD JANUARY 2021

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The Mena School Board held their January meeting on Tuesday at the Administration Building.

The meeting began with Mr. Benny Weston addressing a number of topics in his Superintendent’s Report. He began with an update on Covid Vaccine availability for staff. The district will be partnering with UAMS to host a clinic on Wednesday, Jan. 27th.

Weston also reported that Mena will be receiving additional Covid relief funding. These ESSER II (Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief) Funds will total $2,410,776.00 Finally the board was updated on education issues that will be a part of the current legislative session in Little Rock.

In new business Weston read a proclamation from Governor Asa Hutchinson on School Board Appreciation Month.

Next the board was notified that the annual Mena FFA Alumni Auction has been postponed indefinitely due to Covid concerns.

Dr. Lee Smith gave an update on the new phone system that was installed over the winter break at MHS, MMS & HHE. Technicians continue to work on ironing out issues & the process is nearing completion.

District Maintenance Supervisor, Mr. Danny Minton, spoke to the board about facilities & stated that S.E. Texas Sports Fields have begun work on the baseball & softball fields at Union Bank Park in preparation for the upcoming season. All outdoor facilities have been winterized & the new surface on the gym floors at Jim Rackley & the Union Bank Center have been completed. Minton also asked the board to renew the annual contracts with Harrison Energy for system maintenance at MHS & LDE. Also with Chem-Aqua for HVAC maintenance at MHS. All were approved.

Dr. Smith then presented a new virtual attendance policy for approval. In short, all blended students and those enrolled in the Polk County Virtual Academy must meet attendance requirements by remaining actively en-

gaged. Students do this by completing at least 95% of daily assignments. Logging in and participating in required online activities up to 6 hours per day. Participation in District & State assessments as well as other requirements necessary for promotion to the next grade level or graduation. That policy was approved.

The annual Mid Year Review was next on the agenda. Weston said that to date approximately 44% of the annual budget has been depleted & that the district remains in good financial condition.

The board then approved the proposed budget for July 1st, 2022 thru June 30th, 2023 with no changes from the previous year.

They also approved the annual legal liability insurance policy at a cost of $8,870.00 & also an out of state liability policy at a cost of $541.00.

Dr. Lee Smith updated the board on the ASBA policy regarding Covid leave. An additional 10 days leave has been added for school employees for a maximum of 20 days for Covid related illness.

The board was happy to hear that a recent audit of the district’s finances showed no findings. The board accepted the clear audit.

It was reported that all school board members have met their training requirements for the year.

The financial report met with prompt approval.

Superintendent Benny Weston then presented his resignation to the board effective June 30, 2021, to take the role of DeQueen-Mena Educational Cooperative Director. That resignation was accepted & the board immediately went into executive session.

When the open meeting resumed they proceeded to address personnel issues. The board accepted the resignation of custodian Dianne Barber.

They were also notified and accepted the retirements of MMS Principal Clifton Sherrer & MMS teacher Robin Ponder. The board also hired Dr. Lee Smith as Superintendent effective July 1, 2021.

THE POLK COUNTY

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January 27, 2021

Outdoors 13

OUACHITA BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL

A BRIEF REVIEW

By Steven E Stillwell

I NEED TO EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE. First of all, I’d like to thank all of our subscribers and everyone who follows this column. I couldn’t ask for a better reading and listening audience.

Without you, none of this would be possible. I really appreciate the wonderful staff at the Polk County Pulse, all of the technical support they provide, and their unwavering dedication to serving our wonderful community. In my humble opinion, they’re doing a great job, because they love their work.

THIS OUTDOOR PAGE IS DEDICATED TO YOU! In review of our unique demographics, Polk County has been long overdue for an outdoor page, and I’m honored that I was asked to undertake this task. When it comes to hunting, hiking, fishing, trapping and camping, this area is hard to beat.

The native Americans knew what they were talking about when they used the phrase OUACHITA, which is defined as; GOOD HUNTING AND FISHING. WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES. I’d like to address a typo that I made in last week’s column. I accidentally used the word Hyperthermia, instead of Hypo-

thermia. My apologies, the phone must have been ringing while I was writing that sentence, because I know the difference, and I’m sure that some of you caught this mistake too. Hyperthermia is defined as; an elevated body temperature caused by dehydration and prolonged exposure to extremely hot climates.

A HEATSTROKE IS USUALLY THE END RESULT. Hypothermia is a precursor to freezing to death. My primary objective is the dissemination of accurate and pertinent information, so please bear with me if I occasionally drop the ball, it’s never intentional.

THANKS FOR THE ENCOURAGING WORDS. I’ve been receiving some incredible feedback about our new podcast program, THE OUACHITA BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL SHOW. Last weekend, I spent several hours on the telephone talking to people from all over the United States who were interested in being our guests.

Tom Orr, from the television program MOUNTAIN MEN, Ryan Eacret, who appeared on two episodes of NAKED AND AFRAID, and Mike Lowe from the History channel’s ALONE series, were just a few of the exciting individuals I’ve been scheduling for our future lineups! I also had the privilege to speak with two of our local talents’ from Polk County, Eddie Price and Stacy Castor who expressed their interests in sharing their knowledge and experiences with our listening audience. All I can say is, “I’m excited.”

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SURVIVAL SCHOOLS. When I spoke with Lowe, he mentioned that he was a survival instructor in the Air Force.

Some might wonder; why would this branch of the service need to learn survival skills? Unknowingly, most people usually associate this type of training with The Army Special Forces Green Berets, or The Navy Seals. Let’s delve deeper, I want you to think about this for a minute; a downed pilot who falls into enemy hands, is a cherished prize.

Military aviators are privy to top-secret, classified information, and all of them are commissioned officers. It’s imperative that they avoid capture at all costs, and survival skills, especially escape and evasion tactics are vital to saving their lives, and maintaining our National Security. Two years ago, I had the opportunity to chat with a RECONNAISSANCE SPY PILOT, and he had some hair-raising tales about South East Asia. It’s an historical fact that many of our military flyers are tortured or killed while being interrogat-

ed. The Hanoi Hilton in Vietnam is a grim reminder.

SO, WHAT’S MY SURVIVAL TIP FOR THE WEEK? Safety is one of the most important things we can exercise when we’re spending time in the wilderness! Let me emphasize something; I consider safety to be, A CRITICAL SURVIVAL SKILL, and common sense follows close behind. Please allow me to use some Arkansas vernacular; IF YOU AIN’T CAREFUL, YOU’LL HURT YOURSELF. I can say these things, because my Mama’s side is from Arkansas! If you’re using a knife, or another sharp implement, take your time and ask yourself; where’s that blade going to go when you follow-through with your cut? If you’ll THINK BEFORE YOU ACT, you’ll minimize the chances of personal injuries.

I’d like to invite everyone to join our Facebook page, OUACHITA BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome!

14 Police Reports

January 27, 2021

The following information was received from Polk County law enforcement agencies. The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts. Individuals charged and whose names appear in this column may submit documentation to us at a later date that the charges have been dismissed, or that they have been found innocent, and we will include that information in this space in a timely manner.

MENA POLICE REPORTS January 10, 2021 A report of violation of a no contact was taken in the parking lot of Graves Propane.

Justin Keaster, 38, was served with a warrant and Barbara Rusher, 33, was charged with Hindering Apprehension at a residence on Evans Circle.

Samuel Fuselier, 36 was charged with Theft of Property and served with a warrant, and Jessica Williams, 36, was charged with Theft of Property at Walmart.

January 11, 2021 A report of criminal mischief was taken on Bonner Circle.

Aaron Whisenhunt, 29, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Highway 71 North.

January 12, 2021 A report of domestic battery, criminal mischief and criminal trespass was taken at a residence at Men-Ark Apartments.

A report of criminal mischief was taken at Keller-Williams Real Estate.

A report of battery was taken at Budget Inn. January 13, 2021 A report of a disturbance was taken at a residence on Reeves Avenue.

January 14, 2021 A report of theft was taken at Budget Inn. A report of theft of property (shoplifting) was taken from Walmart.

A report of financial identity fraud was taken from a walk-in complainant.

Marsha Denton, 36, was served with a warrant after a disturbance call to the parking lot of Mena Insurance.

Tristen Chaney, 25, was charged with Criminal Trespass and served with a warrant at Walmart.

A juvenile was charged with Theft of Property (Shoplifting) at Walmart.

James Pierce, 34, was charged with Possession of Meth with the Purpose to Deliver, Possession of Meth, Possession of Schedule VI with the Purpose to Deliver, and Possession of Schedule VI Controlled Substance and Mykos Pierce, 21, was charged with Possession of Marijuana at a residence on 9 th Street.

January 15, 2021 A report of harassment was taken from a person at Walmart.

A theft report was taken at a residence on Port Arthur.

January 16, 2021 Tracy Suire, 62, was charged with Theft of Property after a complaint from Salvation Army.

A report of criminal mischief was taken at a residence on Fink Street.

Richard Silverman, 47, was charged with Resisting Arrest and served with four warrants at a residence on 7 th Street.

A report of trespassing was taken at a residence on Hidden Valley Road.

A report of financial scam through Facebook was taken from a walk-in complainant.

January 17, 2021 A report of harassment was taken from a walk-in complainant.

January 18, 2021 Clifton Dover, 65, was charged with Possession of Meth, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia after a disturbance at the Northside Super Stop.

A report of trespassing was taken at a residence on Michelle Drive.

January 19, 2021 A report of harassment was taken from a walk-in complainant.

Cord Olsen, 35, was served with a warrant after a vehicle accident at James’ Super Save Foods.

A report of leaving the scene of an accident was taken at Walmart parking lot.

A report of harassment was taken

from a walk-in complainant.

A report of theft was taken at PCDC. A report of a disturbance was taken at Walmart.

January 20, 2021 No reports taken.

January 21, 2021 A report of theft was taken. Theft occurred on Bonner Circle.

A report of battery was taken by a walk-in complainant.

A report of financial identity fraud was taken from a walk-in complainant.

Catelin Watkins, 28, was charged with Theft of Property (Shoplifting) at The Market.

January 22, 2021 A report of disorderly conduct was taken from a walk-in complainant.

January 23, 2021 Billy Fletcher, 34, was served with five warrants after contact at the intersection of Janssen Avenue and Pickering Avenue.

Richard Adair, 41, was charged with Public Intoxication and Obstructing Government Operations after a disturbance call to a residence on 10 th Street.

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S LOG January 18, 2021 Report of receiving harassing text messages. Deputy responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration of charges.

Report of a structure fire on Polk 76E near Acorn. Deputy responded.

Report of a domestic disturbance on Polk 76E near Acorn. Deputy responded. Both complainants refused to press charges.

Report of an unattended death on Hendricks Lane near Cove.

January 19, 2021 Report of problems involving a neighbor’s livestock. Deputy responded.

Arrested was Taylor Higgins, 25, of Mena on Charges of Disorderly Conduct, and Refusal to Submit to Arrest.

Arrested was Thomas E. Stotts, 67,

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

of Mena on Charges of DWI, Refusal to Submit and Improper Turn at Intersection.

January 20, 2021 Report of receiving harassing text messages. Deputy responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration of charges.

Report from complainant on Polk 18 near Vandervoort of a stolen vehicle. Deputy responded. Investigation continues.

Report from complainant on Polk 76E near Acorn of a hit and run accident. Deputy responded.

January 21, 2021 Report of a disturbance led to three juvenile males being issued Juvenile Citations for Criminal Mischief. Juveniles were released to the custody of parent/guardian.

Report of damage done to a car.

Deputy responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration of charges.

Report of an individual being struck by a car on Polk 88 near Ink. Deputy responded.

January 22, 2021 Report from complainant on Hwy 8W near Shady Grove of possible identity fraud. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Polk 57 near Board Camp of a scam. Deputy responded.

January 23, 2021 Report from complainant on Dalton Lane near Vandervoort of a domestic disturbance. Deputy responded.

January 24, 2021 Report from complainant on Hwy 375E near Dallas Valley of identity fraud.

Report from complainant on Polk 76 E near Acorn of an altercation.

Deputy responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration of charges.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 18 Incarcerated Inmates, with 13 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Puzzles 15

January 27, 2021

01.27.21

01.27.21

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 01.20.21

Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Hello! My name is Peaches and I am a "peach of a girl". I have stunning cream-colored soft fur. I am about 4 years old and weigh in at about 50 pounds. I am kid-friendly and enjoys other dogs. I am super sweet and love belly rubs. Also, I am a curious girl, who loves to see everything! I enjoy going on walks and am comfortable on the leash. I need to be kept on a monthly heartworm preventative to ensure my best health.

All selected Pet of the Week animals come with a gift package. This special starter pack for dogs includes a collar, bed, toy, clothing, and harness selection. All animals at the Humane Society of the Ouachitas are current on their vaccinations and spayed/neutered prior to adoption.

HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE OUACHITAS TUES. THROUGH SAT. 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. 368 POLK 50, MENA, AR 479 3945682 WWW.HSOMENA.ORG

16 Classifieds

January 27, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS - NOTICE -

- SERVICES -

INVITATION TO BID

Land Clearing, Tree Service, RC Customz can handle your construction needs, mulching and more. Military discounts available. Insured. Call (479)216-2976 for Free estimate. T12302020

The Polk County Housing Authority will receive sealed bids under HUD procedures for lawn and grounds maintenance services until 3:00p.m.

Thursday, February 11, 2021.

Bid packets are available upon request at the Housing Authority office at 509 South Morrow Street, Mena, AR; Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Ring doorbell for service.

The Authority desires to enter into a contract for these services for a period of two (2) years with the option to renew for two (2) additional one-year periods.

This bid will be to provide lawn and grounds maintenance services at six sites within Polk County. Complete description of services requested and requirements are included in the bid packet.

The Polk County Housing Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids and to waive informalities.

Sealed bids must be received at the Housing Authority office no later 3:00 p.m. Thursday, February 11, 2021 CLEARLY LABELED- LAWN CARE BID 2021.

Tree Service (trimming and removal). Experienced and fully insured for ALL your tree trimming and brush clearing needs, Call Wendell’s Tree Service (479)394-0227 or (479)216-4328 TFN

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also lite deliveries. (870)4901191 T120220

Piano Tuning with Jeremiah Brewer.

Call 479-234-6290. Covering Arkansas and Oklahoma. Discounts for Churches. T020321

MENA REAL ESTATE

- FOR SALE Land for Sale, 74 acres - good hunting, lots of timber. 3 ponds, 4 miles east of Story 298 turn left on whippoorwill road, .25 mile on left. (870)867-3653 T012721

www.MenaRealEstate.com

CLASSIFIEDS

Help us build our Classified Section.

Get your word ads out to 8,000+ viewers a week for a minimum cost. If you have a listing, sale item(s), job opening, tradewe can put it in an ad for you!!

Place Your Ad in Our Office

1168 Hwy 71 So - Mena, AR You can call, fax or email BUT all ads must be pre-paid.

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1102 Crestwood Circle Mena, AR 71953

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February Happenings at OLT After a “dark” month at Ouachita Little Theatre in January, the stage lights will burn bright again on February 13 and 14 when “Love Letters” is performed live by Robby and Gini Burt.

These veterans of the stage will bring life to a reader’s theatre style show that is perfect entertainment for Valentine’s Day weekend. This is a touching story of two lifelong friends whose complicated relationship is told through letters written to one another over decades. It is brilliantly written and beautifully executed by two of the finest actors featured at OLT. CDC guidelines, including masks and limited audience size, are still in effect. Consider purchasing your tickets early at the OLT office, 610 Mena Street which is open on Fridays from 10:00 am until 2:00 PM. The Saturday evening performance will be at 7:30 PM,

and the Sunday matinee at 2:30 PM. The monthly “Movie Night Party” will return on Wednesday, February 10 at 6:30 PM. The next two classic films will feature a salute to the work of Neil Simon, who authored these selections that have both been produced on the OLT stage with great success.

The first film stars a young Robert Redford and Jane Fonda in “Barefoot in the Park.” This delightful comedy from 1967 is a romantic story of a two “opposite but passionate” newlyweds and their hilarious adjustment to ordinary married life. On March 10, OLT will show Simon’s famously hilarious work, “The Odd Couple” starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. Mark your calendars, and don’t forget to wear your mask. And you might want to bring a couple of dollars for fresh hot popcorn!

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

January 27, 2021

POLK COUNTY LIBRARY RECEIVES NATIONAL GRANT $3,000 Grant Will Help Library Work with Residents to Provide Access to Library Materials Polk County Library has been selected as one of 200 libraries to participate in Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that helps library workers better serve their small and rural communities.

The competitive award comes with a $3,000 grant that will help the library provide patrons greater access to library materials.

“This grant will provide the funds to expand our library services and purchase supplies to provide easier access to the library’s materials,” said Polk County Librarian Mary Renick.

As part of the grant, Polk County Library staff will take an online course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today. Staff will then host a conversation with patrons and those who work with senior adults about needs to promote lifelong learning and use the grant funds to purchase supplies for easier access to online materials.

Over 25% of the population in Polk County is over the age of 65, which makes them the most vulnerable to

COVID-19. Additionally, due to the pandemic, Polk County Library has reduced its hours of operation and must quarantine returned materials.

This has left our patrons with limited options when accessing materials.

With this grant, we are seeking more effective ways for our patrons, especially our senior patrons to gain access to our materials.

If you are interested in getting involved or taking part in the conversation, please contact Mary Renick at 479.394.2314 or polkcountylibrary@ yahoo.com for more information.

More than 300 libraries applied for the grant, according to ALA. Since 2014, ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has re-imagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types have utilized free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a space for residents to come together and discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees, and staff.

“Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL).”

Just like that favorite old book

We’ve Come Back to You HOURS

479.394.4248

104 Port Arthur Ave. Mena, AR 71953-3344

MONDAY-FRIDAY 10AM - 6PM SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10AM - 3PM

410 Sherwood Ave. • Mena, AR

(479) 234-5568

Around Town 17

Around Town

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 3 p.m. Sunday, at 5 p.m. Tuesday and at 8p.m.

Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call 479-234-8366 or 479-216-3786 Narcotics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m. Monday, at 7 p.m. Thurday, at 7 p.m.

Friday, and at 6 p.m. Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call 479-216-5812.

The Mena Lioness Club is asking the community to make donations to the Backpack Program, which sends food home with children during the school year. It cost $126 to sponsor one child for the year, or $14 a month. To help assist the program and help a food insecure child through this program, drop off donations at UnionBank, to the BackPack program or mail donations to Mena Lioness Lions, PO Box 688, Mena AR 71953.

Cossatot Senior Center will be having a fundraiser on Saturday February 20th!

Come join us for a great meal prepared by our wonderful volunteers! The menu is Ham, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, and a Red Velvet cake! The cost is donation only! You can come from 4-7 and pick up your To go meal!

GriefShare is starting a new 13 week series at First Presbyterian Church in Mena.

Meetings are each Thursday from 10 am until noon and are open to anyone in the community grieving the loss of a loved one. For more information call 479-234-3419.

OLT Presents “Love Letters” February 13 and 14. Robby and Gini Burt will perform this readers theater style show on Valentine’s Day weekend. Their excellent acting skills will bring to life this touching story of two lifelong friends whose complicated relationship is observed through letters to one another. CDC guidelines, including masks and limited audience size, are still in effect. Watch social media and this newspaper source for details of this and other upcoming shows this spring.

ARVAC, Inc. will be distributing commodities Wednesday, January 20th at the Polk County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. For more information call the local ARVAC, Inc, office at 479-394-4707.

It’s easy to have your event listed in Around Town, which will be read on radio stations KENA and KQOR daily. Simply send your Around Town announcement to news@mypulsenews.com or call 479-243-9600 and let us know about your event! To have it in the Polk County Pulse newspaper, we need to know by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!

18 Community

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse HSO kicks off new year with board elections, honors volunteers January 27, 2021

Humane Society of the Ouachitas kicked off its new year at its monthly meeting held on January 21. The 2021 annual election of Board members confirmed all incumbents, running unchallenged from the previous year, will continue to serve in their current positions. HSO regrets that, due to social distancing requirements, the public cannot be invited to attend the monthly meetings at this time.

Tina Ball, HSO's volunteer Shelter Director (going on 15 years of service) shared some of HSO's achievements in 2020. In its 42nd year of doing business as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, HSO continues to serve Polk County animals in need, including abandoned, underfed, sick, injured or pregnant pets which receive humane care as they are scheduled to be taken into the shelter.

HSO does not euthanize pets due to need for kennel space or age of pet. All pets stay at the shelter until a loving home can be found, or transported to another shelter. Although 2020 rendered many challenges, HSO served 764 animals, with a 99% live release rate, and adoptions up 19%!

Grant funds received from large corporate donors made possible many upgrades and improvements to the 40+ year old shelter building and grounds, such as replacing the well pump of unknown age, adding forced air heating and a/c, and purchase of an industrial grade pet bathing-tub and cat kennels.

"Local donors and volunteers are still the life-blood of HSO, and in spite of 2020 challenges, our community continues to be faithful to help HSO do its life-saving work," stated 14-year volunteer Secretary Cheryl Murphy. "HSO may be a small rural shelter, but HSO has come a long way since its humble beginnings."

At the meeting, founding member Laura Lee Darr, who still lives in the area, was honored as an organizer and signer of HSO's charter in 1978. HSO's 5 year volunteer Treasurer Sheila Theriot, was also recognized as "Volunteer of the Year" for 2020, noting her commitment to excellence in keeping HSO's books! For more information on volunteering or being a pet foster parent, the shelter office can be contacted at 479-394-5682 or hsoshelter@outlook.com.

Volunteers are Cat’s Meow!

Courtesy photos Above, the 2021 HSO Board of Directors, from left, standing: Sheila Theriot, Mike Lloyd, Tina Ball, Neal Fosdick, Jane Crowder from left, seated: Wendy Syfret, Denie Westphal, Cheryl Murphy.

Below, Treasurer Sheila Theriot accepts her Volunteer of the Year plaque from President Neal Fosdick.

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THE POLK COUNTY

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Humor 19

January 27, 2021

Hogspore News: Pie Week starts on Friday

By Clet Litter from the Ozarks

Pie Week starts on Friday. Mayor Ringer got a lotta requests to start the pie judging on Day 1. The Mayor won his first term years ago with the platform, “Dessert First.” So, on Friday the lovely contestants, not the bakers, will sit on the sacred display table in front of the courthouse with the official silver tasting tablespoon. Real pie lovers ain’t fork people. The Mayor digs into the pans at 1 PM. Mumford Pickens is furnishing a mason jar of untaxed whiskey for the judge’s use in washing his taste buds.

His Honor’s secretary fills in when he fills up and has to go stretch out for a nap at 2:30.

I got a friend who thinks he’s a hippie, but only on the weekends. He don’t do anything recreationally illegal, but he does plow through four boxes of weekend wine of whatever’s on sale.

That’s the brand of his adult berry juice, “Whatever’s On Sale.” I ain’t giving his name, cause he works a forty-hour week at an insurance office and has a wife with 10 children to raise. He don’t want the fame. I didn’t give away who he is cause we have more local insurance offices than bars, or even churches.

I seen him Sunday afternoon. He was wearing a bandana and everything was groovy. He was barefoot, sporting pais-

ley bell-bottom pants, and a T-shirt.

His weekend was wineing down and he had purple stains on his shirt. He said, “Far out, but I’m cool with that. Dude, it’s my Tie-Wine-Dye T-shirt. If I can’t say that three times fast, then I stop drinking.”

The Generic Feminine Protection Factory on Clear Creek is closing for the month of February. This is a 28-day period for the annual employees’ vacation. No one will be there except for a cleaning crew for a few days to tie up loose ends.

When Punkin asks a question that I don’t know, I can’t say, “I don’t know.”

That just leads to another question like, “Why don’t you know?”

The trick is to have a reply that don’t make sense, since she’ll walk out shaking her head and muttering. This morning, she asked me why I don’t practice portion control at breakfast.

My true answer woulda been, “I do practice portion control. My portions are big enough, so I’m not hungry when my breakfast is over.” The snappy comeback that I really give was, “I need to keep my energy up; I do a lot of thinking.” She walked off, shaking her head and muttering, but this time I heard what she said. She musta been a tugboat captain in a past life.

You can contact Clet Litter at bobsimpson1947@yahoo.com.

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20

January 27, 2021

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THE POLK COUNTY

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