July 1, 2020 by The Pulse

July 1, 2020

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Trial Date Set in Howard County Circuit Court for Mena Resident

Bond has been reduced on a Polk County man charged locally with Negligent Homicide & First Degree Battery. 22 year old Chance Manasco of Mena is awaiting trial on the charges and has a July 29th pre-trial date scheduled in Howard County Circuit Court. Previous bond reduction requests have been denied, but Wednesday, Manasco's bond was reduced from 50 thousand to 30 thousand dollars. The charges stem from a February 2019 accident near Umpire that claimed one life & resulted in four other people being injured. According to the Arkansas State Police report Manasco was driving a Chevrolet Traverse on Highway 84 outside of Umpire, where he lost control of the vehicle. 19 year old Rachel Norman of Wickes, a passenger in the Traverse, died at the scene from her injuries. Manasco and three minors in the vehicle were injured. Further in their report, Arkansas State troopers said they detected the smell of

Mena Resident Dies in House Fire Chance Manasco

alcohol from Manasco. During testing the state crime lab found that Manasco had a blood alcohol level above the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle. In their investigation Arkansas State Police determined that Manasco was travelling nearly 90 miles an hour before the fatal accident which claimed Norman’s life.

Mena Fire Chief Steve Egger released the folllowing statement concerning a fire with fatality in Mena om Thursday, June 25th. On Thursday June 25th, 2020 at 11:57 a.m. the Mena Fire Department was dispatched for a passerby reporting smoke showing from roof of a residence located at 1107 9th Street. Upon arrival at 12:02 firefighters forced entry to the structure, located a small fire confined to a bedroom then extinguished the flames and discov-

ered the body of Leonid (Leo) Avram Yuspeh age 69 of the home. Mr. Yuspeh had died from smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is believed to have been related to several appliances plugged into a multiplug extension cord. The fire department responded with three apparatus and 16 personnel. Mena Police Department, Southwest EMS, and Polk County Coroner assisted. The fire department cleared the scene at 1:35p.m."

Mena Grandmother finds Diamond in Murfreesboro

Beatrice Watkins

The summer of 2020 started with a sparkling surprise for one western Arkansas woman. Fifty-six-year-old Beatrice Watkins, of Mena, visited Arkansas’s Crater of Diamonds State Park, in Murfreesboro, on Saturday, June 20, with her daughter and granddaughters. Within 30 minutes of arriving, she had unknowingly picked up the largest diamond found there, so far this year. Visitors to the park search for diamonds in a 37.5-acre plowed field atop the eroded surface of an extinct, diamond-bearing volcanic pipe. More than 33,000 diamonds have been found since the Crater of Diamonds opened as an Arkansas State Park in 1972. Typically, one or two diamonds are found there each day. According to Watkins, she was dry sift-

ing soil on the north end of a culvert near the center of the park’s diamond search area when she discovered her gem. “I was searching with my daughter and granddaughters when I picked it up. I thought it was shiny but had no idea it was a diamond!” Watkins said, “My daughter googled similar-looking stones and thought it might have been iron pyrite, so I stuck it in my sack and kept sifting.” After about an hour, Watkins and her family walked to the park’s Diamond Discovery Center to take a break. At that time, park staff identified Watkins’s finds and informed her that her “iron pyrite” was actually a brown diamond weighing more than two carats. “I was so excited, I just couldn’t believe it,” Watkins said. “I still can’t believe it!”

Watkins noted, “While we were still searching, I told my granddaughters that their future husbands would have to bring them here to find diamonds for their wedding rings. All that time I had one in my pocket!” According to Park Interpreter Waymon Cox, “Ms. Watkins’s diamond is about the size of an English pea, with an oblong shape and a metallic luster. The surface is smooth and rounded, a characteristic shared by most Crater diamonds. It has a dark brown shade similar to iced tea.” Watkins’s gem is the largest found at the park since Pat Choate, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, found a 3.29-carat brown gem in October 2019. DIAMOND CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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To date, only 56.5% of Arkansans have responded to the 2020 United States Census. Nationally, the response rate is 61.7%. It is not too late to respond. Arkansans Representative John Maddox are encouraged to respond online at 2020census.gov. If you have not responded, you may soon be receiving a reminder in the mail. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the start of census taker visits from mid-May to mid-August, giving the Census Bureau the opportunity to send one more reminder to households encouraging them to respond online, by phone or by mail. Responding now minimizes the need for census takers to visit homes to collect responses in person. The 2020 Census will provide a snapshot of our nation and state—who we are, where we live, and so much more. The results of this once-a-decade count determine the number of seats

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LETTER TO THE Dear Editor: Did you know: One person can infect an entire town. Wuhan China has infected the whole world. Please wear a mask. Please observe the socal distancing of 6 foot or more. Especially don’t get close to someone who is not wearing a mask. The mask is to protect others from ourselves. A person can have Covid 19 up to FOURTEEN days before they know it, and during that time they can infect others. Please wear a mask when around others. Respect them. Please! Gene Stacks

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July 1, 2020

Reflections from History and Faith

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Maintaining or Surrendering our Declaration By Jeff Olson Much has been written about The Declaration of Independence, but none of it can compare to actually reading this venerable document. The principles and truths which undergird the Declaration predate 1776 by centuries. This week I will expound upon this as we recognize and celebrate our nation’s 244th birthday. Let me begin by making a few fundamental but pertinent statements. Without order there can be no individual freedom, justice or human rights and without law there can be no order. At its core, the Declaration of Independence was a call to law, a higher law than man (i.e. “The Law of Nature and Nature’s God”). It was Marcus Tullius Cicero who expounded on the doctrine of the law of nature in the Roman age. Cicero wrote in The Republic “....one eternal and unchangeable law will be valid for all nations and for all times, and there will be one master and one rule, that is, God, over us all, for He is the author of this law, its promulgator, and its enforcing judge.” In Laws, Cicero wrote “The supreme law comes from God.” Thomas Jefferson, as well as other men of America’s founding era such as Charles de Montesquieu, William Blackstone and John Locke, were keenly aware of the place and contributions of Cicero, Aristotle and other great philosophers of Western Civilization. Blackstone commenced his great Commentaries with an affirmation of natural law, stating “....no human laws are of any validity if contrary to this.” These men understood the place that the law of Jehovah held in human history. The revelation of natural law and the Decalogue were to teach man: the best means of living with one’s self and living with one’s neighbors; the avenue for regaining order in the soul and in the community; a deeper revelation of the nature and person of God; and a realistic understanding of the human condition and man’s challenge and fallibility in attempting to achieve a stable and enduring moral/political order in this life. For centuries, civilizations attempted to create such an order. Israel was the most successful, but even this nation of God’s chosen people met with failure when ignoring His principles and instruction. Still, it is the Hebraic metaphysic and moral order which has most endured through the centuries, finding fundamental expression

and codification in such documents as the Magna Carta (1215), the Petition of Rights (1628) and the English Bill of Rights (1689). Based on the premise that God’s origin of natural law is the foundation, guide, and authority for human (positive) law, these documents would contribute to what became known as English Common Law. America inherited this legacy of law and its role in preserving order, protecting individual rights and giving ethical meaning to human existence. The twenty-seven grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence reflect the American colonist’s respect for and adherence to that law and legal claim to their chartered rights as Englishmen. If we’ve learned anything from recent American history, it is that this foundation in law and moral order is becoming more threatened and fragile. What was once a nation of laws is fast becoming a nation of men, where law is merely a construct for social/cultural change, a political tool for advancing ideology, a means of obtaining and retaining power, or all the above. As Aristotle expressed it, “Even the best men in authority are liable to be corrupted by passion. We may conclude then that the law is reason without passion, and it is therefore preferable to any individual.” The Declaration of Independence articulated America’s principled reasons and legal basis for breaking ties with England – for preserving the individual freedom, self-government, and civil/social order which the colonies had inherited and refined for more than a century and a half. Therefore, this Declaration was not so much a call for revolution as it was for a call for conservation of liberties gained consistent with English principles. Historian Clinton Rossiter writes, “Americans were among the first men in modern history to defend rather than to seek an open society and constitutional liberty.” After all these years, we find our freedom hanging in the balance more than ever before– not only from an enemy across the ocean and border, but more so from an enemy within our nation, within ourselves. The recent riots throughout our land are an example of the chaos and anarchy of mob rule which emerge when given an excuse and even a pass from some in the the media and in government leadership. In Abraham Lincoln’s Lyceum Address

of 1838, he asked what could most seriously and consequentially threaten such a country as ours: “At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reach us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide.” He goes on to say where this course ultimately leads: “Good men, men who love tranquility, who desire to abide by the laws, and enjoy their benefits, who would gladly spill their blood in the defense of their country; seeing their

property destroyed; their families insulted, and their lives endangered; their persons injured; and seeing nothing in prospect that forebodes a change for the better; become tired of, and disgusted with, a government that offers them no protection; and are not much averse to a change in which they imagine they have nothing to lose. Thus, then, by the operation of this mobocractic spirit, which all must admit, is now abroad in the land, the strongest bulwark of any Government, and particularly of those constituted like ours, may effectually be broken down and destroyed.”

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July 1, 2020

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

POLK COUNTY ARRAIGNMENTS All criminal information is merely an accusation and the Defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Prosecuting Attorney Andy Riner, within and for the 18th-West Judicial District of the State of Arkansas, of which Polk County is a part, in the name and by the authority of the State of Arkansas, on oath, do hereby accuse the defendants of committing in Polk County, Arkansas the following crimes: State of Arkansas Vs.Stacie Shores, White Female, age 30, Count I: Failure To Appear, a Class “C” Felony. 6-1-20 State of Arkansas Vs. Michelle L. Block, White Female, age 47, Count I:Delivery Of Methamphetamine Or Cocaine, a Class “C” Felony. 6-22-20 State of Arkansas Vs. Daniel R. Roberts, White Male, age 29, Count I: Failure To Appear, a Class “C” Felony. 6-23-20 State of Arkansas Vs. Bradley E. Robinson, White Male, age 28, Count I: Possession Of Firearms By Certain Persons, a Class “D” Felony. 6-23-20 State of Arkansas Vs Bradley E. Robinson, White Male, age 28, Count I: Theft Of Property, a Class “C” Felony. The State of Arkansas intends to pursue enhanced charges due to the fact that he has been convicted of four (4) or more felonies. 6-23-20

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT The following information was received from Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer for the week of June 22, 2020 – June 28, 2020. June 22, 2020 Request for a welfare check on Polk 40 near Potter. Report from complainant on Jolie Way near Mena of a missing gun. Investigation continues. Report from complainant on Polk 85 near Cherry Hill of ﬁreworks being shot from a vehicle. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Johnson Street near Hatﬁeld of the theft of a motor

lift valued at $100.00. Investigation continues. Report from complainant on Polk 114 near Acorn of the theft of diesel fuel valued at $45.00. Investigation continues. Report from complainant on Bunny Hop Lane near Cherry Hill of damage done to a field by a vehicle. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Hwy 71S near Cove of a vehicle being hit in a parking lot. Deputy responded. Arrested was Daniel R. Roberts, 29, of Mena on five Failure to Appear Warrants. June 23, 2020 No reports were filed. June 24, 2020 Report from complainant on Polk 288 near Cove of concerns over the ownership of a gun. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Polk 159 near Potter of a horse being found and being unable to locate owners. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Hwy 71N near Mena of two men harassing customers. Deputy responded. Welfare check led to the arrest of Tina L. Gregory, 38, of Cove on a Charge of Possession of Methamphetamine and a Charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Report from complainant on Polk 123 near Shady Grove of a domestic dispute. Deputy responded. Complainant refused to press charges. Report from complainant on Gardenia Lane near Potter of damage done to a Radio Tower in the amount of $100,000.00. Investigation continues. June 25, 2020 Report from complainant on Ryder Lane near Acorn of two missing chainsaws valued at $1850.00. Chainsaws were later returned. Report from complainant near Hatfield of a possible break-in at a storage unit. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Polk 90 near Acorn of the violation of an Order of Protection. Deputy responded. Arrested was Andrea L. Davis, 43, of Wickes on a Warrant for Domestic Battery 3 rd Degree and Harassment. June 26, 2020 Arrested was Charles Kizziar, 32, of

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Mena on a Warrant for Theft of Property. Arrested was Matthew A. Ezell, 48, of Mena on a Warrant for Terroristic Threatening 2 nd Degree and Stalking, two Warrants for Failure to Appear and a Warrant for Failure to Comply with a Court Order. Arrested was Audrey M. Simmons, 33, of Mena on four Warrants for Failure to Appear and a Warrant for Failure to Comply with a Court Order. June 27, 2020 Report of a vehicle hitting a deer. Deputy responded. Report from complainant at a business near Hatfield of an incident that resulted in the banning of an individual from the location. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Polk 18 near Vandervoort of a domestic dispute. Deputy responded. Complainant refused to press charges. Report from complainant on Hwy 88E near Ink of the theft of mail from a mailbox. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Polk 61 near Board Camp involving 4 wheelers driving on private property. Deputy responded. Arrested was Candi Revels, 37, of Mena on a Warrant for three Counts of Failure to Appear. June 28, 2020 Report from complainant on Hwy 4 near Cove of a break-in and theft of a phone and two pistols. Investigation continues. Report from complainant on West Johnson near Hatfield of damage done to a house and two vehicles. Deputy responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration. Report from complainant on Sunset Lane near Vandervoort of a chicken house fire. Deputy responded. Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked one vehicle accident this week. Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 15 Incarcerated Inmates , with 7 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORT Mena Police Department Reports for the Week of June 21, 2020 through June 27, 2020 follow: June 21, 2020 No reports taken. June 22, 2020 Billy Fletcher, 33, was served with four warrants after a suspicious person call to

the Northside Shopping Center. Andrew Perkins, 34, was charged with Fleeing and Resisting Arrest and held on a Montgomery County warrant after a call to the probation and parole office. Jimmy Davis, 44, was charged with Unauthorized Use of Vehicle, Diving on a Suspended Driver’s License, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia after a call to a residence on Rogers Street. June 23, 2020 A theft report was taken on Janssen Avenue. A report of battery and criminal trespass was taken at a residence on Rogers Street. Casey Trantham, 22, was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Schedule 4 Controlled Substance, and held on a Montgomery County warrant after a traffic stop. Amanda Carter, 25, and Daniel Chaney, were charged with Disorderly Conduct after a disturbance call to an ally between Mena Street and Dequeen Street. An identity theft report was taken from a walk-in complainant. Shurley Arthur, 42, and Michael Adaway, 51, were charged with Battery 3 rd Degree after a disturbance call to Janssen Park. June 24, 2020 A report of identity theft was taken from a walk-in complainant. Tatum Veal, 29, was served with two warrants at the police department. June 25, 2020 A death investigation report was taken at a residence on 9 th Street. A theft report was taken at a residence on Spring Street. A harassment report was taken at a residence on 9 th Street. June 26, 2020 Shawn Gunn, 34, was charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia after a traffic stop. June 27, 2020 Mandi Green, 34, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Without a Driver’s License, and No Liability Insurance after a traffic stop. (All subjects should be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law)

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July 1, 2020

Ouachita Little Theater Welcomes Patrons Back to “Movie Night!” Ouachita Little Theatre has been quiet for the past months due to COVID-19. After distributing a survey to the membership of OLT, the board was happy to see there

was a definite interest in bringing back the monthly second Wednesday of the month tradition of Free Movie Night. Beginning July 8, OLT will kick off our summer block-

buster shows with “Night at the Museum” starring Ben Stiller. This delightfully funny family film is sure to be a great break for families to come and enjoy an old-fash-

Updates from Ouachita Little Theater Board of Directors he Board of Directors from Ouachita Little Theatre met June 18 to discuss future plans for activities and shows. Since the COVID19 concerns are still with us indefinitely in Polk County, it is next to impossible to determine production dates safely. Therefore, the board voted to extend all memberships six additional months at no extra charge. In other words, if you have a season, complimentary, or purchased ticket for an event, you can add six months to the expiration date. Notices will be sent to the membership explaining details. This decision is for the benefit of members as an appreciation measure for support during a time when shows cannot be shown. President Rudi Timmerman states, “It’s the only

fair thing to do for our season ticket holders; we don’t want them paying for shows they can’t see yet. But of course, it adds strain to an already strained budget. Therefore, donations will be appreciated now more than ever.” Also effected by the pandemic, the musical “BIG” remains on hold for the time being. Even though the set is almost completely done, it has been impossible to hold rehearsals. Therefore, the painful decision was reached to collect scripts from the cast until a date can be set. Parts will be secure for those who are available and wish to remain in the show, but further auditions may be necessary. “BIG” will proceed onstage when it can be safely executed and enjoy-

able to our audiences. The board is also looking at creative ways to make money to pay expenses that occur monthly. Without income from shows, it has been very challenging. Board members are looking at fun ways to provide theater fun online or in other safe ways that could also produce a small amount of revenue. One of OLT’s major announcements includes the safe return of Free Movie Night on the second Wednesday of each month. CDC and Arkansas State Guidelines will be followed, and details will be explained in a follow-up article. The next family- friendly feature will be Ben Stiller in “Night at the Museum” on July 8 at 6:30 PM.

Arkansas Welcome Centers Reopen to Visitors Travelers can now stop at an Arkansas Welcome Center for trip planning advice, tourism information and the opportunity to stretch their legs while on the road. After temporarily closing March 20 to prevent the spread of COVID-19, The Natural State’s Welcome Centers are once again open to the public. “Arkansas is one of the nation’s most beautiful and inviting destinations,” said Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “Arkansas Welcome Centers offer our guests a friendly entry to The Natural State, as well as a rest and information stop to gather travel planning materials and advice.” To safely re-open, the centers are monitoring the number of visitors inside the building at one time, frequently cleaning restrooms and common areas, and requiring the use of face masks when a safe physical distance cannot be achieved. “Arkansas Welcome Centers serve as a one-stop resource for travelers hoping to find information on the many attractions, restaurants and lodging options in the state, not to mention the many scenic

trails, rivers and lakes that make The Natural State an appealing destination,” said Travis Napper, director of Arkansas Tourism. The centers are located at strategic points of entry on major highways and interstates coming into the state. Twelve of the 14 are a partnership between the Arkansas Department of Transportation and the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Welcome center staff share their

expertise of Arkansas with more than one million travelers annually. Each center offers free Wi-Fi as well as interesting exhibits spotlighting local history. Complimentary travel magazines and guides, various brochures and highway maps are available to guests. Arkansas Welcome Centers are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week and are closed on major holidays. For information on planning your Arkansas road trip, visit www.arkansas.com.

ioned tradition in “going to the movies” together. OLT takes your health protection very seriously. Therefore, there will be some pandemic safeguards in place following the Governor’s guidelines for theaters. Patrons must wear a mask at all times during the movie, although children under 10 will not be required to wear masks. Masks may be removed temporarily to eat and drink purchases from the concession stand. Popcorn, drinks, and candy bars are approved refreshments. Servers will wear masks and gloves while dispensing them. Hand sanitizers will be available in key areas. The theater will be cleaned and disinfected before and after each use. Social distancing lines will be marked on the floor in the lobby. Certain seating areas will be sectioned off as unusable, but families are welcome to sit together in a group and will need to space at least six feet from any other patrons. No more than 50 people will be allowed in the building at the showing. Of course, anyone not feeling well or know they have been exposed to the virus should stay at home. Those over age 65, or those with underlying health conditions might choose to refrain until restrictions are no longer necessary. But if you can come, we’d love to see your faces again! Movie Nights begin at 6:30 PM at the OLT. It will look a little different for a while, but what a treat to share a movie together the way it was intended to be enjoyed. Join us, and please consider leaving a donation in the designated containers to help Ouachita Little Theatre navigate financially through a difficult time. On August 12 OLT will feature another summer blockbuster hit, Steven Spielberg’s “JAWS!” Hope to see you at the movies!

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obituaries

Billie Faye McDaniel

Billie Faye McDaniel, age 88, of Mena, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2020 at the Rich Mountain Nursing and Rehab in Mena surrounded by family. She was born on Sunday, March 13, 1932 to King Henry and Iva Jewell Brewer Miller in Hatfield, Arkansas. Billie was a woman that stayed close to the Lord all the days of her life and loved her family with all her heart. She accomplished so much in her life because of her willingness to go that extra mile. She was a member of the Lioness Club, Fair Board, Home Extension, Red Hat Society, she started Go, Grow and Glow and played the Ukulele and Autoharp. Billie enjoyed gardening, sewing and knitting, traveling and cruising to the Bahamas. Billie served and was a member in the Hatfield First Baptist Church for 50 years and a member of the Mena First Baptist Church for 17 years. Billie 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 Elbert McDaniel; one brother, Donald Miller; two sisters, Wanda McDaniel and Verna Stricklin; and two grandchildren, Phillip Hendricks and Donna Hendricks. Billie is survived by her son and daughter in law, E. Wayne and Belva McDaniel of Mena; her daughter, Donna Hendricks of Mena; one brother Kenny Miller of Hatfield; two sisters, Norma Stricklin of Mena and Linda Owens of Hatfield; four grandchildren, Natalie Sherman of Nashville, AR, Andrew McDaniel of Corpus Christi, Texas, Miranda Maestri of Greenwood and Jason

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July 1, 2020 Hendricks of Mena; eight great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. A graveside service will be held Friday, July 3, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. at the Six Mile Cemetery with Brother Russell Threet and Brother Keith Rose officiating. A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena. Arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Ouachita Hospice, 602 De Queen Street, Mena, Arkansas or 9th Street Ministries, 811 Port Arthur, Mena, AR. Pallbearers will be Ricky McDaniel, Ken Miller, Jody Miller, Jeremy Owens, Shawn Fields and Beau Stricklin. Honorary Pallbearers will be all the other nephews of Ms. Billie. Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

William Robery Willcoxon Mr. William Robert Willcoxon, age 62, of Mena, passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2020 in Lit-tle

Rock, Arkansas. Robert was born on June 11, 1958 in Houston, Texas to Billie and Roberta (Morris) Willcoxon. He served our country in the United States Navy and worked as a truck driver. Robert loved to watch TV, especially old westerns. He enjoyed going to lunch at the senior center and playing dominoes. Robert also loved his cat and spending time with his family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by: Mother Roberta Willcoxon of Mena; Brother Carl Willcoxon and wife Cathy of Mena; Sister Merrilyn Smith of Yorkville, IL; andMany nieces, nephews, and other family. He was preceded in death by his father, Billie Willcoxon; brother, David Willcoxon; two sisters, Vicki Bolinger and Julia Ann Willcoxon. Mr. Willcoxon was sent for cremation under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home. Graveside services will be scheduled at a later date.

Paul Samuel Headings Paul Samuel Headings, beloved husband of Kourtney Jane (Kempf) was born June 15, 1985, to David and Janice

(Kempf) Headings at Mena, AR. He passed away on May 5, 2020 at the age of 34 years 10 months 20 days. He was found at the base of his ladder while working alone at the gable end of a house in Cherry Hill, AR. He accepted Christ and was baptized in his youth, and was a faithful member of Mt. Zion Amish Mennonite Church at the time of his death. On April 6, 2007 he was united in marriage to Kourtney Jane Kempf, daughter of Frank and Emily Kempf at Mena, AR. They shared the joys and sorrows of life together for a little over 13 years. To this union was born 1 daughter Penelope Jane, age 3. Also surviving is his Mother Janice Headings (Kempf) Sedalia MO, Sister Joanna Headings Sedalia, MO, Sister Martha and husband Dustin Kempf Smithton, MO, Brother Nathan and wife Hope Smithton, MO, Sister Beth and husband Ben Headings Otterville, MO, Brother Jesse and wife Jona Sedalia, MO, Sister Rebecca and husband Rick Knox Smithton, MO, Sister Rosa and husband Jonah Miller Otterville, MO, Grandmother Loretta Kempf (Kauffman) Smithton, MO, 41 Nieces and Nephews, 5 Uncles, and 9 Aunts, a host of Cousins and Friends. And also was loved and will be greatly missed by his parents and brothers and sisters by marriage. Preceeding him in death are his 5 Angel babies, Father David Aquila, Paternal Grandparents Ora and Mary Headings, Maternal Grandparents Alvin, Verneta, and Lucille Kempf, Uncle Emory Kempf, Uncle Phillip Headings, and 4 infant Aunts. Paul was a very active and hardworking person. He had his share of injuries and seemed to have a high pain tolerance and was quick to be on his feet and going again. He loved to visit with people and his quick smile made him a friend to many people. He loved his family was deeply dedicated to his church family. His nightly bedtime stories and “popcorn” (cracking knee joints) ritual with Penelope can’t be replaced. He loved football, volleyball, and many other sports. His love of water was unmatched. It didn’t matter if it was frozen or warm. He loved wakeboarding and loved taking ski and board trips with family and friends. He loved hunting too. Many a happy hour he spent out in the woods in the fall. Usually outdoing many of his peers. He had a successful commercial roofing business and was truly passionate about it, he really enjoyed when his wife and daughter went along to look at roof prospects. Going to the national Conklin convention, spring Roofing Seminar and

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other Conklin events, networking with his Conklin family, was a highlight of his life. You could see the passion on his face when talking about his Roofing business. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks for everyone’s prayers and support during this difficult time. Funeral service will be Friday, May 8, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Mt. Zion Amish Mennonite Church with Rodney Knox, Dan Hostetler, Kenrick Shrock and Paul Hostetler officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Zion Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Nathan Headings, Jesse Headings, Ben Headings, Dustin Kempf, BJ Kempf, Terrell Kropf, Westin Kropf, Monte Hostetler, Jethro Burkholder and Houston Headings. Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Leo Yuspeh My dearest oldest son, Leo Yuspeh died on June 25th, 2020. He had a tragic life. He was separated from me by law by the Supreme Court of the State of New York in 1957 when he was 6 years old after his father sued for custody based on my marriage to Harry Haywood, a prominent Black Communist. I was allowed to visit him only in a public place in alternate weeks for a short time and he could not enter my home. His father propagandized him against me, trying to convince him I was a wicked witch. When Leo became paranoid schizophrenic in early ado-lescence, they put him out in the street where he lived for a year with the Hell’s Angels on the Lower East Side. He came looking for me when he was almost 17 years old, strung out on several dangerous drugs, armed and delusional. I was liv-ing in Ann Arbor preparing to take my prelims for my Ph D in Latin American history. I had no classes so I stayed home all the time, watching my two younger children like a hawk, especially Rebecca who was only 5 years old. Haywood was 12 and looked out for her too. I made an appointment in Detroit for a complete psychiatric exam for Leo, but he left before the date. Thereafter he was in and out of my home for several decades. He was finally diagnosed with schizoid affective disorder. He was often dangerous, more to himself than to others because despite his illness, he was completely honest and caring and did not want to hurt anyone. He refused any kind of psychiatric help or medications

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because they actually did make him very sick. I always kept up with him and made sure he had a place to live and never had to live on the streets. And my two younger children suffered badly from the trauma he introduced into their lives. He lived to be 69 years old, I knew something was wrong when I didn’t hear from him for months. I called the police for a welfare check 3 times, the last time the week before he died. I am 91 years old, have been bed-rid-

July 1, 2020 den for years, and live in Mexico, I could not go to Mena, Arkansas to check up on him. I don’t know how he died. His body was found in his partially burned house. Leo was one of the most helpless victims of racism in the USA. Please help me mourn for him. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home of Mena, Arkansas. Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

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Keep Your Freedom this Independence Holiday: STAY OUT OF JAIL – DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER... As Arkansans prepare for the approaching July 4th Independence Day holiday weekend, many families will include plans to travel across the state for cookouts and the customary summer festivities. However, experience and records tell us, some drivers and their passengers won’t make it to their destinations or return home. Drunk or impaired driving will be to blame. Arkansas law enforcement officers will be participating in the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” operation. The mission will be devoted to stopping drunk drivers before tragedy strikes. State police, along with city officers and county deputies across Arkansas will increase their patrols along the roads and highways with zero tolerance for those who drive impaired. Motorists should expect to see more sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols involving a unified police force working to keep the roadways safe. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving accounted for 29% (10,511) of the total motor vehicle traffic deaths during 2018. Additionally, drunk driving can be attributed to 40% (78) of the 193 traffic fatalities over the July 4th (2018) holiday period. “Making the choice to drink and drive can be deadly. It’s irresponsible behavior, and we will be out in full force to put a stop

to it,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “Make no mistake, if you’re caught drinking and driving, you will be arrested.” If travelers plan to consume alcohol, the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office offers these reminders. • Plan a safe way home before you leave. It’s never okay to drink and drive, even if you’ve had one alcoholic beverage. Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get to your destination safely. • If you’ve been drinking, call a taxi or someone who is sober to drive you home. • If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 9-1-1. • If you know someone who is about to drive or operate a motorcycle or any other vehicle while impaired, take their keys and help make other arrangements to get the person safely to their destination. • Always buckle up. Your seat belt is the best defense against a drunk driver. For more information on the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, visit www. trafficsafetymarketing.gov or contact the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. Information about Arkansas’ ongoing “Toward Zero Deaths” campaign to eliminate preventable traffic deaths can be found at www.TZDarkansas.org.

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July 1, 2020

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July 1, 2020

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Newcomb retires from Acorn Elementary...

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Tyson Foods Adds Social Distancing Monitors in Plants A new position of social distancing monitor at its processing plants is one way that Tyson Foods continues to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 spread in its facilities and nearby communities. Each facility now has social distancing monitors who are typically hourly employees with good communication abilities, sufficient tenure to know their way around the plants, are most often multilingual, and comfortable talking to management. These monitors move around the plant and intervene when necessary to remind fellow workers to follow the signs on the floors for maintaining distance. As employees arrive at work they move through two phases of checkpoints that

include temperature checks and donning protective gear required to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Some of Tyson’s poultry plants are operating at reduced capacity amid absenteeism and required quarantine of those who test positive. The idea for social distancing monitors came from safety meetings held several weeks ago when the company first began to try to mitigate risks and spread of COVID-19 in its facilities. The monitors also make sure people wear their face coverings properly. Tyson Foods operates poultry processing plants in Grannis and Waldron.

FCC to Vote to Establish 988 as Suicide Hotline Ouachita Rural Scholl District celebrated the dedicated service of Judy Newcomb. Mrs. Newcomb retired with 32 years of service at the Acorn Elementary School. Submitted photo.

Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Dr. Tyler Frans Dr. Gordon McDonald

(479) 243-9200

3112 Hwy 71 S, Mena, AR 71953 staff@phacmena.com

4th of July Pet Safety Tips FIREWORKS SCARE PETS! Here’s How to Help Them:

1. Keep them inside your

home; 2. Turn on the radio or TV to muffle the noise; 3. Have proper identification on your pet; 4. Distract your pet by playing with them.

Suicide in America is at epidemic levels, particularly for vulnerable groups like veterans and youth. The Federal Communications Commission will vote at its July 16th meeting in Washington, D.C. on final rules to establish 988 as the new, nationwide, 3-digit phone number for suicide prevention and mental health counseling. If adopted, all telecommunications carriers and interconnected Voice over Internet

Protocol service providers will begin directing all 988 calls to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) and complete that transition within two years, by July 16, 2022. During the two-year transition period, Americans in crisis should continue to contact the Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-TALK and through online chats.

Making Sure Everybody is Counted in the 2020 Census With everybody focused on the Coronavirus, many have forgotten about the national Census being counted this year! It is estimated that only 56.4% of Arkansans have been counted for the 2020 Census. The U.S. Constitution requires that a census be taken every 10 years to provide accurate data for every level of the government’s decision making. The United States Census figures help determine where schools, roads, and public facilities are built. The Census count

also affects political representation of our state, including the number of elected representatives and the shapes of the districts they represent. To register for the Census, locals still have the opportunity to complete the paper form they received in the mail. You can also call the Arkansas Economic and Development Institute at (501)-569-8538 to register. Let’s make sure that every Arkansan is counted in the U.S. Census this summer!

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July 1, 2020

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Pictured left is Matthew Morris, winner of the Let Us Make Your Day Promotion from Pulse Multi Media. Matthew registered at Allbaugh’s Florist and walked away with $495 worth of prizes from Don’s E-Z Pay in Mena, The Coffee Vault in Cove, and Wendy’s in Mena. Pictured below is Micheal Parnell, winner of the Let Us Make Your Day Promotion from Pulse Multi Media. Micheal registered at The Coffee Vault in Cove and walked away with over $295 worth of prizes from Big Joe’s Fireworks in Potter, The Coffee Vault in Cove, and Wendy’s in Mena. You could be our next big winner next week! All you need to do is register at one

of our paticipating sponsors and listen to KENA 104.1 ‘The Mena Morning Ride’ with Jim Pinson on Monday morning to see if you are the lucky winner! You can register at Allbaugh’s Florist, Wendy’s/Baskin Robbins/Exxon, Big Joe’s Fireworks, The Coffee Vault, Gabriel Clothing, Don’s E-Z Pay, James Super Save Foods, and Comfort Center. New qualifiers are drawn every Friday and the big winner is announced each Monday morning. Please register every week for even more chances to win! Prices are different every week! Next week you could win prizes from ACCI, The Coffee Vault, and Wendy’s!

Hunter Computerized 4-Wheel Alignment & Wheel Balancing TIRES BRAKES CUSTOM EXHUAST SHOCKS & STRUTS Hours: Mon.- Fri. 8 am - 5:30 pm 1500 Hwy 71 South, Mena

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July 1, 2020

Myers Commits to UA - Rich Mountain The Head Cross Country Coach at the Mena campus. The Bucks now include: Mena High School, Randy Peters, an- Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Cross nounced that another Bearcat will be run- Country, Women’s Soccer, Men’s Soccer, ning in the collegiate ranks in 2021! Logan Baseball, and Softball. Myers committed to U of A Rich Mountain on June 24th, 2020. Logan has been a part of Cross Country since the 8th grade at Mena and has earned All-Conference and All State honors multiple years! Peters said “The University of Arkansas Rich Mountain will be getting a steal and I know he will do great things there in continuing his educational and athletic endeavors!” UARM continues to expand the athletMyers running for the Bearcats in the 2019-2020 season. ic options offered at Submitted photo.

Mena A & P Postpones 4th of July Fireworks Celebration Due to COVID-19 and current guidelines for physical distancing at mass gatherings, the Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission has made the difficult decision to postpone its 2020 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at Tapley Park. By making this decision, Mena joins many other communities that are cancelling events out of an abundance of caution. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the City’s goal has been to keep the community healthy and safe.

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July 1, 2020

07.01.20

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 06.24.20

Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Piglet is perfect for any Razorback fan or anyone else who wants a cute Orange Tabby kitten! Born in April ( 04/02/20 ), he would love to be at your house for his next birthday celebration! He likes children and other cats but would like a dog-free home. Piglet is litter box trained. Say "SOOO WEEE need to go to HSO" and adopt Piglet! ALL ANIMALS AT HSO ARE SPAYED/NEUTERED AND ARE CURRENT ON THEIR VACCINATIONS 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

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July 1, 2020 • 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Shepherd’s Closet open at First Baptist Church 4802 Highway 71 South. Hatfield, AR (870)3896412. Accepting and distributing clothing/ usable household items/and nonperishable food items. • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Humane Society of the Ouachitas is open at 368 Polk Road 50. • 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Mena Art Gallery Art Group meeting. • 12:00 p.m. - The Emergency Warning Sirens will be tested in Hatfield, Wickes, Grannis, Vandervoort, Cove, and Mena. • 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – The Cove Branch Library is open. • 5:30 p.m. – Dinner at Christ Community Fellowship followed by services at 6:15 p.m. for Youth, Children’s Activities, Young Adult and Adult Bible studies. • 5:30 p.m. – Dallas Avenue Baptist Church Bible Study Service. • 6:00 p.m. – Warriors for Christ will meet at the Southside Church of God. • 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Trek and Varsity for Middle and High School students at Grace Bible Church, 1911 Highway 71 North, Mena. All Area Middle and High School students are welcome. • 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club, 1159 Highway 71 South., Mena. (479)216-4606 or (479)243-0297. July 2, 2020 • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Humane Society of the Ouachitas is open at 368 Polk Road 50. • 10:00 a.m. – Grief Share Meeting at First Presbyterian Baptist Church in Mena. • 11:30 a.m. – Rotary Club of Mena/ Polk County meets at Papa’s Mexican Café. Contact Sue Cavner at (479)2345844 or Linda Rowe at (479)234-2575 for more info. • 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Good Vibes Art Day at the Mena Art Gallery. All mediums welcome, from fiber art, painting and crafting. Open to public. • 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. - The Cove Branch of the Polk County Library is open. • 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Salvation Army Family Store helps families with utilities. • 4:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Women’s Meeting at the ABC Club, at 1159 Highway 71 South., Mena. (479)2164606 or (479)243-0297. • 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – LIVE Country & Gospel Music. Open to the public at the

July 1, 2020 Daisy Room, Janssen Florist in downtown Mena. • 5:30 p.m. – Weight Watchers meets at Dallas Avenue Baptist Church Education Wing, West End. Call (479)234-2297 for more information. • 6:00 p.m. – No Potluck Disabled American Veterans & Auxiliary Meeting. At American Legion at Veteran’s Park at Acorn. • 7:00 p.m. – Big Fork RVFD Business Meeting & Training will be at the Fire Station. • 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club, 1159 Highway 71 South, Mena. (479)216-4606 or (479)243-0297. • 7:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous meets at the old bus barn, next to The Crossing Church. • 7:00 p.m. – The Ink RVFD Business Meeting & Training will be at the community building. • 7:30 p.m. – Dallas Masonic Lodge #128 meets at the Mena Lodge located in the Old Post Office by Janssen Park. July 3, 2020 • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Humane Society of the Ouachitas is open at 368 Polk Road 50. • 12:00 p.m. – The Lions Meetings are held in the Lions Club House on Highway 71 South. • 7:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous meets at the old bus barn, next to The Crossing Church. • 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Hatfield Auditorium Country-Western Dance Admission is $6 and 50/50 drawing. • 8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club, 1159 Highway 71 South, Mena. (479)216-4606 or (479)243-0297. • 9:30 p.m. – Karaoke Contest at Fraternal Order of the Eagles, 3091 Hwy. 71 North. $5 Entry fee. Must be 21 years old. July 4, 2020 • 10:00 a.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Men’s Meeting – ABC Club, across form Chopping Block: 1159 Highway 71 South, Mena – (281)387-0400. • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Humane Society of the Ouachitas is open at 368 Polk Road 50. • 1:00 p.m. – There will be an M.S.A.A. Support Group meeting in Room 156 at UA-Rich Mountain. • 2:30 p.m. – Ice Cream social at Janssen Park. The event is sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church. Everyone is asked to stay in their car and drive thru

the park to get your ice cream. • 6:00 p.m. – PCVO Bingo at American Legion Building, Highway 71 North, Acorn. • 8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club, 1159 Highway 71 South, Mena. (479)243-0297 or (479)216-4606. • No Fireworks Show in Mena First Sunday – • 2:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club, 1159 Highway 71 South, Mena. (479)216-4606 or (479)243-0297. • 3:00 p.m. – Worship Service is held at Sulphur Springs Church. • Cove Church of Christ invites you to worship with them on Sunday for Bible study at 10 am and Worship at 11am. For more information call, 870-387-8111 July 5, 2020 • 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. – The Cove Branch Library will be open. • 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Mena Seventh Day Adventist Church Food Pantry at 149 Polk Road 43, across from Fairgrounds. Non-perishable food, personal care items, and nutritional help. Everyone will be served. • 6:00 p.m. – Polk County Fair & Rodeo meets at the Fairgrounds. • 6:00 p.m. – PCVO Bingo at American Legion Building, Highway 71 North, Acorn. • 6:30 p.m. – Boy Scouts of America Troop 92 meets at First United Methodist Church, Mena. Everyone is welcome. • 6:30 p.m. – Shady Grove RVFD Business and Training meeting. • 6:30 p.m. – Mena Community Choir practice at the First Methodist Church. • 6:30 p.m. – Mountain Meadow Chapter #22 Order of The Eastern Star will meet for refreshments followed by their chapter meeting at 7:30 p.m. at The Mountain Meadow Masonic Lodge Hall in Hatfield • 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club, 1159 Highway 71 South, Mena. (479)216-4606 or (479)243-0297. • 7:00 p.m. – Narcotics Anonymous meets at the old bus barn next to The Crossing Church. • 7:00 p.m. – Potter RVFD meeting at the Fire Station. • 7:00 p.m. – Acorn RVFD meeting will be at the Fire House. July 6, 2020 • 8:00 a.m. – The Reynolds Gardner Community Men’s Breakfast at the First United Methodist Church in Mena.

calendar

• 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. The written portion of the drivers test will be given at the Morrow Street Housing Authority, and as long as road conditions are optimal the driving portion of the test will be given. • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Polk County Family Mission is open in the 9th Street Ministries Building. • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Humane Society of the Ouachitas is open at 368 Polk Road 50. • 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 weighins, followed by a meeting. • 6:00 p.m. – Sons of Confederate Veterans meet at the Limetree Restaurant for their monthly meeting. • 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Hatfield Jam Session at the Hatfield Auditorium. All muscians/singers and listeners welcome. Refreshements served, cookies or fingerfoods accepted. • 7:00 p.m. – Dallas Valley RVFD meets for training at the Fire House. • 7:00 p.m. – Acorn Fire & Rescue meets at the Fire Department. • 8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous meeting at First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. (479)234-2887 or (479)234-3043. July 7, 2020 • 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Shepherd’s Closet open at First Baptist Church 4802 Hwy 71 S Hatfield, AR (870)389-6412. Accepting and distributing clothing/usable household items/and nonperishable food items. • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Humane Society of the Ouachitas is open at 368 Polk Road 50. • 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Mena Art Gallery Art Group meeting. • 12:00 p.m. - The Emergency Warning Sirens will be tested in Mena. • 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – The Polk County Library Cove Branch is open. • 12:00 p.m. – Quality of Life Outreach meeting at Lavilla Restaurant. • 5:30 p.m. – Dallas Avenue Baptist Church Bible Study Service. • 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Trek and Varsity for Middle and High School students at Grace Bible Church, 1911 Highway 71 North, Mena. All Area Middle and High School students are welcome. • 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club, 1159 Highway 71 South, Mena. (479)216-4606 or (479)243-0297.

classifieds CLASSIFIEDS - SERVICES -

Tree Removal and Trimming. Experienced and fully insured for ALL your tree trimming needs, Call Wendell’s Tree Service (479)394-0227 or (479)2164328 TFN Complete Yard Care, mowing, weed eating, hedge trimming, and more. When you need an extra hand. Free estimates. Mena and Polk County (479)234-0509. T072920 Land Clearing, Tree Service and Lawn Care. RC Customz land clearing, mulching and more. Services include: Fence lines, clearing of lots, brush-hogging, trenching, fencing, tree services, mowing and more. Mulching is great solution for clearing overgrowth while leaving desirable trees. We service both residential and commercial customers. Military discount available. Insured. Please call 479-216-2976 for a free estimate. T072920 Three good Dogs, looking for good homes for all 3. Call Carla at (479)2071282 T07012020 (NEW) Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also lite deliveries. (870)490-1191 T071520

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July 1, 2020

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Mena Regional Health System Announces Appointment of New Interim Chief Financial Officer, Paul D. Ervin, MHA.

Mena Regional Health System proudly welcomes Interim Chief Financial Officer, Paul D. Ervin, MHA to the Leadership team. Ervin brings over 20 years of healthcare finance and management with a proven record in leadership operations and organizational growth. Paul holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration/Accounting from Robert Morris College in Pittsburg, PA. Throughout his years of experience, Mr. Ervin has managed fiscal operations, cap-

ital campaign funds for expansions, developed extensive operating budgets and provided leadership and oversight for a large number of facility departments. “Mr. Ervin possesses a profound understanding of healthcare financial operations, planning and accounting. I believe Paul has the required leadership capability to strategically manage our organization, enabling us to move forward toward success and future sustainable growth.” – Jay Quebedeaux, CEO

Update from MRHS CEO, Quebedeaux “So much has changed in such a short period of time. Life in the midst of COVID has sparked fear, frustration and anxiety. Nothing is more important than ensuring the health and safety of our community in everything we do and in every decision we make. Many patients are apprehensive about seeking the medical care they need due to anx-

iousness surrounding virus contraction. At Mena Regional Health System, you are our priority. We are prepared and positioned to best meet the needs of any patient that enters our facility. Please know that we have every resource, every team member and every leader in our organization focused on responding to this pandemic, while we remain dedicated to provide exceptional and compassionate care. Our commitment to you will always remain unwavering. We continue to rely heavily on the guidance of the Center for Disease Control, Arkansas Hospital Association, Arkansas Department of Health and our clinicians who are working tirelessly to protect our communities. Through this collaboration and ingenuity, we are well prepared to confront this disruptive pandemic. When we overcome COVID, there will be a level of immense pride in how our community, individually and collectively responded. Thank you for your continued support, it means so much to all of us in the health care community. Together, we will get through this.” – Jay Quebedeaux, CEO

Paul D. Ervin, MHA

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July 1, 2020

Rural Broadband Initiatives Funding Rural broadband connectivity has been an issue in Arkansas. As digital communications become more important to daily life, Arkansans are looking for options to connect to fast, reliable internet. The U.S.D.A. and AT & T had major announcements this week related to rural broadband service. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it will provide a $75 million dollar loan to Arkansas Electric Co-op Corporations through the Electric Infrastructure Loan Guarantee Program. The money will be used to build and improve electric transmission and distribution lines across the state. The loan also includes funding for smart grid technology, which uses com-

munications to detect and react to local changes in electricity usage. Finally, the funds will be instrumental to aiding electric companies in improving their broadband infrastructure. Meanwhile, AT & T has announced that it will extend high-speed internet service to more than 41,000 rural homes and businesses in Arkansas. In coordination with the FCC’s Connect America Fund, AT & T announced this week that it has set that goal of 41,000 in 45 of Arkansas’s 75 counties, including Polk County. AT & T says it intends to complete about 10,000 of those hook-ups by the end of the year.

Lake Ouachita Opening Back Up The Corps of Engineers has reopened beaches, swimming areas, picnic shelters, pavilions, and group use areas at Lake Ouachita. Information about the number of visitors in a group will be requested during the reservation process for picnic shelters, pavilions, and group use areas, and visitors must follow state directives for gatherings at large outdoor venues. Campgrounds at Lake Ouachita reopened May 20th. Reservations and pay-

ments for select campsites must be made in advance at www.recreation.gov. Boat ramps, nature trails, and fishing areas remain open. The collection of all day use fees has been suspended until October 1st. All playgrounds, visitor centers, field offices, amphitheaters, and drinking fountains will remain closed until further notice. Interpretive programs are also suspended until further notice.

DIAMOND CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Cox noted that even though it rained Saturday morning, Watkins found her diamond by dry sifting. “Many visitors use screens to dry sift where they sit in the field. If the soil gets too damp, dry sifting doesn’t work very well because it clumps together in the screens. We’ve had a lot of rain this year, but the field was dry enough during Ms. Watkins’s visit that dry sifting was possible. The fact that she found her diamond this way is really special.” Many people choose to name the diamonds they find at Crater of Diamonds State Park. Watkins named her gem after herself, calling it the Lady Beatrice. She says she doesn’t know what she will do with her diamond at this point but will probably keep it as an inheritance for her kids and grandkids. As of this writing, 139 diamonds have been registered at Crater of Diamonds State Park in 2020, weighing more than 22 carats; four diamonds registered this year have weighed at least one carat each.

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July 1, 2020

t r o p p u S e c i o h C Local l o h o c l for A ty n u o C k l o in P

INCREASE TAX REVENUE, TOURISM AND THE ECONOMY SIGN THE BALLOT PETITION HERE’S WHERE TO SIGN: Ouachita Roasters 821 Mena St.

American Artisans 615 Mena St.

Don’s EZ Pay

The Market 1509 US 71 S

402 US Hwy 71

Mena Country Club 123 Country Club Lane

Kess's Korner

1513 Reeves Street, Mena

Scooy’s Convenience & Deli 5602 Hwy 71 S, Cove

FOR YOUR SAFETY, OUR PETITION VOLUNTEERS WILL BE OBSERVING STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT GUIDELINES ON COVID-19. FIND US ON

AT:

COMMITTEE FOR GROWTH POLK CO.

PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE FOR GROWTH IN POLK COUNTY

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