July 15, 2020 by The Pulse

July 15, 2020

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Your DAILY News Sources: KENA 104.1 FM & MyPulseNews.com What To Know About July 15th Tax Deadline It’s time to do your taxes. No more delays. As the coronavirus took hold this spring, the federal government postponed the traditional April 15th filing deadline until July 15th. The move provided some economical and logistical relief for taxpayers dealing with the disruptions and uncertainty brought on by the pandemic. But now that new tax deadline is here. Taxpayers must file or seek an extension by the new deadline or face a penalty. The I.R.S. is expecting about 150 million returns from individuals. Taxpayers who need more time can request an extension on the I.R.S. website. That will give them until October 15th to file. However, an extension to file does not mean added time to pay. So those planning on filing later should estimate what they owe and make that payment by July 15th. Go ahead and file your taxes even if you cannot pay. The I.R.S. is willing to set up payment plans or make other arrangements with taxpayers who cannot pay in full. Many of those can be set up online. TAX DEADLINE CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Making Sure Everybody is Counted in the 2020 Census With everybody focused on COVID-19, many have forgotten about the national Census being counted this year! It is estimated that only 56.7% of Arkansans have been counted for the 2020 Census. The U.S. Constitution requires that a census be taken every 10 years. The United States Census figures help determine where schools, roads, and public facilities are built. The Census count also shapes the makeup of political districts. According to current figures released by the Census Bureau, the nationwide self-response rate is 62%. In Arkansas, that figure is only 56.7%. It’s even lower in Western 2020 CENSUS CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

STAFF PHOTO BY TORI STOCKTON

Annual Boots and Badges Blood Drive Scheduled for July 22 and 23 On July 22nd and 23rd, the Heroes of Mena square off in the annual Boots and Badges Blood Drive sponsored by the Arkansas Blood Institute. With memes flying and bragging rights on the line, area residents are being encouraged to pick a side and make a donation at the Ouachita Center on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Rich Mountain campus. To schedule an appointment please call (877)340-8777 or visit askbi.org. The center will be open for donations from noon till 6 P.M. both days. Please remember that masks are required to enter the building. This year all donors will receive a free COVID-19 antibody test, a limited edition Boots & Badges T-shirt, and one free entry to Magic Springs! Blood donation is safe and critically important, despite concerns surrounding coronavirus (COVID-19). Arkansas Blood

Institute is, as always, committed to safety for our donors, patients, and communities, and we urge you to keep your scheduled appointments and continue to donate blood. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) reports no cases of COVID-19 transmitted through blood transfusion, and respiratory viruses generally are not known to be transmitted by blood transfusion. “We need people to start turning out in force to give blood,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA. Arkansas Blood Institute is following safety recommendations set forth by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Arkansas Blood Institute is committed to maintaining the safest standards for blood collection, testing and transfusion. Our donor centers and blood drives practice rigorous safety and cleanliness standards.

Arkansas Blood Institute’s donor centers and mobile blood drives have instituted additional cleaning methods, decontaminating work and common areas and equipment frequently. In addition, phlebotomy and donor services staff will wear masks and donor centers and mobile blood drives have been adapted to allow for social distancing. Arkansas Blood Institute also will provide free COVID-19 antibody tests for all blood donors eighteen and older. This testing initiative, provided at all donor centers and mobile blood drives, comes in the wake of an immediate need for blood donations due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations. Local donors will receive information at the time of their donation regarding testing results notification. So, pick a side, make your donation, and help support our local heroes!

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July 15, 2020

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This week, the Education Secretary Johnny Key made a presentation to the House and Senate Education Committee about the Arkansas Ready for Learning initiative. Ready Representative John Maddox for Learning is a planning and guidance document created to serve as a game plan for district and school administrators as they begin to grapple with making decisions for the 2020-2021 school year. The Ready for Learning initiative also includes a playbook designed to address gaps as a result of lost learning that may have occurred because of school closures due to COVID-19. A team of approximately 130 educators developed the playbook that will serve as a learning guide this fall. Going forward, all Arkansas schools will implement blended learning systems that deliver curriculum, instruction and assessment through multiple methods. This type of system incorporates both on-site teacher interaction and off-site instruction, including new content, through streamed or uploaded lessons and activities if extended school closures become

479.394.4248 104 Port Arthur Avenue Mena, AR 71953-3344

Polk County Pulse necessary. Building a statewide system of blended learning will ensure that all K-12 students are connected to high quality instruction and engagement, regardless of location. To give the districts more time to make sure their campuses are ready and that teachers are prepared for the blended learning environment, the Governor moved the start date for the 2020-2021 school year forward from August 13 to the week of August 24. Schools can start no later than August 26. In collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Health, the Department of Education also established a three tiered system of response based on factors including student and staff active cases, evidence and severity of spread within the school, and spread within the surrounding community. A limited response intensiﬁes cleaning, a moderate response alters meal locations and staggers schedules, and a critical response restricts on-site access and pivots to remote learning. Education Secretary Johnny Key said the response guidance is not intended to identify a districts status prior to the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. Secretary Key told the committee that policy decisions regarding face masks will be left to individual districts. Schools are fundamental to child and adolescent development and well-being. They provide a safe place for academic instruction, reliable nutrition, physical/ speech and mental health therapy, opportunities for physical activity, and social skill development. We know many of you have questions and concerns regarding the safety of the students, the teachers, and the community. We will continue to update you on policy changes and any new information we learn regarding the school year. In the meantime, we encourage you to read the Ready for Learning material we’ve posted on our website www.arkansashouse.org.

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July 15, 2020

Reflections from History and Faith

history

The Dawning of a New Age

By Jeff Olson On April 12, 1945, President Franklin Roosevelt was in Warm Springs, Georgia where he had spent the previous two weeks recovering from exhaustion after a wartime summit in Yalta with British prime minister Winston Churchill and Soviet premier Josef Stalin. Harry S. Truman was in his eighty-second day as vice president and had spent the day in the Senate chamber taking care of the nation’s business. After the Senate recessed around 5:00, Truman left for the Capitol building where upon his arrival Congressman Sam Rayburn (TX) told him that the White House was looking for him and to get there as quickly and quietly as he could. When the vice president arrived, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and her family met him in her private study. She put her arm on his shoulder and said, “Harry, the president is dead.” After he regained his composure, Truman asked Mrs. Roosevelt, “Is there anything I can do for you?” Is there anything we can do for you?” she replied. “For you are the one in trouble now.” At about 7:15, Harry S. Truman was sworn in as the 33rd president of the United States. Many political observers didn’t hold high expectations for Truman, the unassuming son of a Missouri livestock dealer, but time would soon prove them wrong. Not only had the former junior senator from Missouri inherited a World War which was still raging in the Pacific but he also inherited a top secret project that even he knew nothing about. That was about to change. After the oath of office was administered and Truman’s brief meeting with his cabinet ended, Secretary of War Henry Stimson stayed behind to speak to the new president alone about “a new explosive of almost unbelievable destructive power.” Later, Harry Truman would remember this as a day when “the world fell in on me.” The genesis of the Manhattan Project can be traced to 1939 when German scientists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann inadvertently discovered nuclear fission. A few months later, Albert Einstein and Leo Szilard sent a letter to President Franklin Roosevelt warning him that Germany might try to use this new discovery to build a new kind of bomb. In response, Roosevelt formed the Uranium Committee, a group of top military and scientific experts

to determine the feasibility of a nuclear chain reaction. Atomic research had been taking place at several universities around the United States, some of which provided proof that nuclear energy not only could generate power but also produce plutonium and a possible path to a nuclear bomb. In the spring of 1941, the British equivalent to the Uranium Committee issued a report affirming that an atomic bomb was possible and urging cooperation with the United States. In response, the U.S. government reorganized its atomic research under the S-1 Committee, which was in turn under the jurisdiction of the newly created Office of Scientific Research and Development. As the project progressed from research to development it became apparent that the S-1 Committee did not have the resources for full-scale construction. In response, the Manhattan Project was created on August 13, 1942. Lt Gen Leslie R. Groves was appointed to be the project director. Its first major funding came in December, when President Roosevelt ordered an initial allotment of $500 million. The headquarters of the project would soon be moved to Washington, D.C. There would also be numerous project sites planned for across the country. The Manhattan Project’s weapons research laboratory would be located at Los Alamos, New Mexico. Under the direction of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the Los Alamos laboratory would conduct most of the remaining research and the construction of the bomb, or ”Gadget ”as it came to be called. Physicists, chemists, metallurgists, explosive experts, and military personnel gathered in the secret town, which eventually became the home of thousands of project workers. The Army was responsible for supplying, supporting, and guarding the top-secret work being done at Los Alamos. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee was the home of the uranium enrichment plants, the liquid thermal diffusion plant, and the pilot plutonium production reactor. Hanford, Washington was the site of the full-scale plutonium production plant and several reactors. A number of other sites and entities were also involved with the Manhattan Project, including: Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Monsanto Chemical Company, the Montre-

al Laboratory, and the Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories in Ontario. It is estimated that more than 600,000 people worked on the Manhattan Project, but only an extremely small percentage of them actually knew what they were working on. Beginning in late 1944 the 509th Composite Group of the Army Air Forces, commanded by Lt Col Paul W. Tibbets, conducted long and intensive training in the newly modified B-29 aircraft at Wendover Air Field in Utah and in Cuba. In April 1945, they shipped out to Tinian Island in the Pacific, the launching point for the atomic bomb drops. Seventy-five years ago, July 16 1945, President Harry S. Truman was in Germany preparing for a meeting with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin for a Big Three Summit to negotiate terms for the end of World War II. Foremost among his thoughts on this day included a place and event 5,500 miles away from where he

soon would have a very important answer from a very important test. For this he anxiously awaited. At 5:29:45, in the predawn darkness of the Jornada Del Muerto Desert at the Trinity test site near Alamogordo, New Mexico, the Gadget detonated with an intense flash of light, followed by a huge blast and a deafening roar. With the explosive power of between 15 and 20 kilotons, a light “brighter than the noonday sun” was seen several hundred miles away and heard fifty miles away. Just after 8:00, President Truman received a cable from Washington, reading in part: “Operated on this morning. Diagnosis not yet complete, but results seem satisfactory and already exceed expectations.” Now, the President would begin the Potsdam Conference not only with more confidence but in a much stronger position to help him bring this long and costly war to a more expedient and merciful end.

police

July 15, 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 SHERIFF’S REPORT The following information was received from Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer for the week of July 6, 2020 – July 12, 2020. 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. July 6, 2020 Report from complainant on Pebble Lane near Board Camp of being threatened by an unknown individual. Report from complainant on Rodgers near Cove of criminal trespassing. Deputy responded. July 7, 2020 Report from complainant on Hwy 278E near Wickes of a vehicle alarm being set off. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Polk 32 near Cove of identity theft. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Polk 44 near Dallas Valley of a domestic disturbance. Deputy responded. Complainant refused to press charges. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration. Report from complainant on W. Oak Street near Cove of a break-in. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Polk 685 near Cherry Hill of a vehicle theft. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Hwy 8E near Board Camp of a domestic assault. Deputies responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration. Arrested was Makenzie M. Whorton, 20, of Hatfield on two Warrants for Harassment. July 8, 2020 Report of a single vehicle accident on Polk 44 near Dallas Valley. Report from complainant on Grove Lane near Cove of a domestic dispute. Deputy responded. Report from complainant Hwy 71S near

Grannis of identity fraud. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Polk 4 near Grannis of a trespassing incident. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Horseshoe Lane near Potter of a stolen vehicle. Deputy responded. Vehicle was later recovered. Report from a business on Hwy 71S near Cove of a gas skip. July 9, 2020 Report of an ATV accident near Polk 402. Traffic stop on Polk 125 near Rocky led to the arrest of William T. Smith, 40, of Mena on Charges of DWI, Driving DWI Suspended License, Resisting Arrest, Defective Signal Lamps and Signal Lights, and Refusal to Submit to Chemical Test. July 10, 2020 Report of a missing family member. Family member was later located. Report of a two vehicle accident on Polk 50 near Potter. Report from complainant on Polk 288 near Cove of an altercation. Deputy responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration. Arrested was Austin D. Kuakahela, 18, of Mena on a Warrant for Disorderly Conduct, Domestic Battery 3rd Degree, and Resisting Arrest. Arrested by an Officer with the Game and Fish was James D. Cochran, 36, of Cove on two Warrants for Failure to Appear. Arrested was Christopher L. Chesser, 35, of Hatfield on a Warrant for Failure to Appear. July 11, 2020 Report from complainant on Hwy 8W near Shady Grove of the fraudulent use of a checking account. Investigation continues. Report from complainant on Polk 24 near Cove of vandalism to a vehicle. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Polk 86 near Cherry Hill of possible vandalism. Deputy responded. Report of a missing family member. Deputy responded. Family member later returned home. July 12, 2020

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Report of a disturbance on Polk 11 near Wickes led to a juvenile being issued a citation for Disorderly Conduct. Attempted traffic stop near Hatfield led to information being forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration. Report from complainant on Polk 753 near Potter of a domestic disturbance. Deputy responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration. Report from complainant on Polk 29 near Hatfield of problems involving a neighbor’s dog and livestock. 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 July 5, 2020 through July 11, 2020 follow: July 5, 2020 A report of violation of a protection order was taken on South Morrow. July 6, 2020 A report of criminal trespass was taken at the Lime Tree Inn. Bobby May, 32, and Tabitha Gonyea, 29,

were both charged with Disorderly Conduct after officers responded to a disturbance call. July 7, 2020 A report of harassment was taken at Rich Mountain Nursing and Rehab. A report of harassing communications was taken from a walk-in complainant. July 8, 2020 No reports taken. July 9, 2020 A report of financial identity fraud was taken from a walk-in complainant. A report of forgery was taken from a walk-in complainant. A report of theft was taken at Mena Ford. A report of theft was taken at Salvation Army. July 10, 2020 A report of theft was taken at Petros Apartments. A report of financial identity fraud was taken from a walk-in complainant. A report of theft was taken from a walk-in complainant. July 11, 2020 A report of burglary was taken on Armour Street. A report of a disturbance was taken on Edwards Street. A report of theft (shoplifting) was taken at Walmart. Connie Durant, 57, was charged with Theft of Property (Shoplifting) after a call to Walmart. (All subjects should be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law)

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Courthouse and Historic Preservation Restoration Grants LITTLE ROCK— Arkansas Historic Preservation Program announces the fiscal year 2021 Courthouse and Historic Preservation Restoration Grants. “The work of preserving historic structures across Arkansas is a duty we take seriously at Arkansas Heritage,” said Jimmy Bryant, director of Heritage. “I admire and appreciate the work from the applicants, their committees and teams of experts, and our grant selection committee. Every year we not only look forward to awarding this money but seeing the progress photos and reports that come into our office. The real winners in all of this are the citizens of our state.” The County Courthouse Restoration Grant is an annual grant that has been in existence since 1988. It is funded primarily by an annual grant to the AHPP by the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council (ANCRC) using Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) funds. The purpose of the County Courthouse Restoration Grant program is to encourage and promote the preservation and continued use of Arkansas’s historic courthouses by providing financial assistance for restoration, selected maintenance and accessibility projects. This year, $1,671,349 in grant funding was given out to 16 worthy recipients who completed applications for consideration. The courthouse recipients, the proposed projects and award amounts are: Arkansas County, Stuttgart, ADA ramp installation, $61,664 Bradley County, Warren, clock tower roof/cupola restoration, $85,000 Carroll County, Berryville, condition assessment report, $13,750 Chicot County, Lake Village, water drainage system exploration, $22,150 Clay County, Piggott, roof replacement, $222,660 Conway County, Morrilton, replace entry doors, $67,318 Dallas County, Fordyce, cornice repair, $80,250 Franklin County, Ozark, masonry pointing and repairs (parapet courses), $175,000 Hot Spring County, Malvern, 100% repoint masonry, $222,900 Lee County, Marianna, roof replacement, $108,000 Miller County, Texarkana, roof - phase 2,

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July 15, 2020

$216,653 Ouachita County, Camden, clock tower restoration, $90,500 Poinsett County, Harrisburg, masonry cornice repairs, $70,686 Polk County, Mena, HVAC and steel window restoration, $142,310 Prairie County, DeValls Bluff, roof replacement and soffit repairs, $60,113 Woodruff County, Augusta, repair lobby floor over abandoned staircase, $32,395 The purpose of the Historic Preservation and Restoration Grant program is to encourage and promote preservation of Arkansas’s historic resources by providing financial assistance for restoration of historic properties. The program is financed through proceeds of the Real Estate Transfer Tax. This year, $796,460 in grant funding was given out to 22 deserving applicants. The amount of funding fluctuates each year depending on the taxes collected. The Historic Preservation and Restoration Grant recipients, the proposed projects and award amounts are: Conway County, Morrilton, Big Cuppa, LLC, restore window - 205 Broadway, $8,950 Pulaski County, Little Rock, Pulaski, Jane E. Anderson, remove artificial siding and restore original siding - 404 Louise St, $10,000 Clark County, Arkadelphia, City of Arkadelphia, replace tile roof – depot, $70,700 Prairie County, Hazen, City of Hazen, masonry pointing, wood repair and painting - Rock Island Depot, $44,897 Polk County, Mena, City of Mena, ADA restroom - Mena Depot, $13,487 Drew County, Monticello, City of Monticello, capstone repair and masonry pointing - Monticello Post Office, $63,317 Mississippi County, Osceola, City of Osceola, fire damage repairs - Old Post Office/City Hall, $22,000 White County, Searcy, City of Searcy, replace roof - American Legion Hut #106, $60,000 Washington County, Springdale, City of Springdale, replace roof and repair soffits Rabbits Foot Lodge, $62,238 Monroe County, Clarendon, Clarendon First United Methodist Church, roof and GRANTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Mena Real Estate 816 S Mena Street Mena, AR 71953

The Cole Team 479-394-5000

Nan Gaddis 479-234-2777

Debbie Pate 479-234-1490

(479) 394-5000

Lodge style, modernized 3900 sqft, 7 bd, 6 ba home on 10 acres across from National Forest. Property is fenced, has shade tress and pasture. Has camp picnic area with electricity and water, joining small pond. Perfect for large families or for renting space. House has two separate living areas. Downstairs has large native rock fireplace. Up stairs has a kitchenette and access from outside staircases and upstairs deck. Also has a barn shed/garage and an additional 2 bedroom mobile home included! MRE# 5466 MLS#20020544 $329,000

NEWLY RENOVATED and TURNKEY READY! All new flooring, fresh paint, new roof, new CH&A unit, new septic system and it is clean as a whistle. Well proportioned living spaces. Large living room with wood burning fireplace, kitchen w/ breakfast bar separating the dining area, sizable laundry room and three spacious bedrooms with two baths. Huge bonus room/ den next to kitchen. Nice shop and a large storage building. Back patio area. Mountain views. Abundant wildlife. Good well, but rural water also available. MRE# 5355 MLS# 9026370 $124,900

# 5449 Words cannot describe this beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath vinyl sided home on 4 acres at the edge of Mena! Open concept. Sunroom. Main bedroom and bath are very spacious with a large walk in closet! Large utility room with storage. Oversized garage plus a separate large shop. All built within the last 2 years. MLS#20020565

5435 VICTORIAN LADY Remodeled in 1988 to restore the unspoiled Victorian charm & then updated in 2018-19 to add a few modern comforts. Formal living & den (both w/ fireplaces). Updated kitchen w/ new appliances. 4 bd, 2.5ba. Master is downstairs, bath has walk-in tiled shower. Wood floors in most of the house, granite counter tops throughout. Upstairs bath has marble counter tops & floors. Porch & deck for outdoor living enjoyment. An architectural masterpiece w/ Team Smallwood so many features. Priced at $280,000. teamsmall479-243-3407 wood.BIZ/20014605. TEXT 9442 to 46835 for Visual Tour.

Nancy Wright 479-243-7199

Views for miles!! Two stories of decks, plus a basement AND a pool! Rustic 2 story home has everything you could want in a home or retreat. 2 car garage in basement, master bedroom all of upstairs, 2 bedrooms & bath on entry level. Gas log fireplace, views from nearly every window, so much to see all around. Well water, electric co-op, less than 10 minutes from downtown Mena. Make an appointment to see this today! MRE #5445 $275,000

Bridgett Atkins 479-234-6006

You can have it all with this lovely 3300 sq ft home on 10 acres that offers all the extra’s on the inside plus a Shop, Inground Pool, Storm Shelter & RV/Boat Port MUST SEE LISTING! $259,000 Please call for your showing today! MLS#20018986

obituaries Eula (Buzbee) Busby

Eula (Buzbee) Busby, age 76 of Hatfield, Arkansas, passed from this life June 29, 2020 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Eula was born on January 12, 1944 in Wilcox County, GA to the late Robert Jefferson Harrell and Earline Young. Eula was married to Tex Busby, after only having one first date, for 59 years. She loved spending time with her family and spoiling her grandchildren. Her favorite color was purple. Mrs. Eula enjoyed watching the hummingbirds outside her house and listening to old country and gospel songs. Her favorite singer was Conway Twitty. She served her lord faithfully and enjoyed going to church. Everyone that knew Eula always called her “Grannie”. She will be dearly missed by all her friends and loved ones. She is survived by: Husband Tex Busby of Hatfield, AR; Sons: James Busby Sr. of Hatfield, AR and Jason Busby of Hatfield, AR; Daughters: Sharon Kreiner of Hatfield, AR and Tammy Busby of Hatfield, AR; Sisters: Willie Berry of Palnetto, FL and Elaine Burchette of Clinton, NC; and 19 Grandchildren and 17 Great-Grandchildren She was preceded in death by her parents; 3 brothers, Thomas Harrell, R.J. Harrell and Wayne Harrell; Sister, Lynell Guilford; Son-in-law, Dexter Kreiner. A funeral service will be held Thursday, July 2 nd , 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at the Beasley-Wood Chapel with Brother Todd Webb officiating. Interment will follow at Six Mile Cemetery in Hatfield, AR. There will be a visitation from 11:00 a.m-1 p.m. in the Beasley Wood Chapel on Thursday, prior

Caring for your family since 1928

Locally owned & operated 479-394-1310

611 Janssen Avenue - Mena, AR

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July 15, 2020 to the service. Pallbearers will be James Busby Sr., Jason Busby, Christopher LaSalle, Joshua Busby, Joseph Hebert, and Nicholas Vincent. Services are under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Virgil A. Kaltenbach Virgil A. Kaltenbach, age 89, of Mena, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2020 at his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born November 27, 1930 in Travers City, Michigan to the late Fred Kaltenbach and Ella Kadlec Kaltenbach. He was united in marriage to Betty Sue Lawrence. Virgil’s occupation was a tree surgeon which he thoroughly enjoyed and did most of his life. He loved flowers and had an immaculate flower garden. He was known to have the best garden in town. Virgil was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend. He will be dearly missed. Survivors are: Wife, Betty Sue Kaltenbach, Four Children, Two Sisters, and a host of nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, two children, five brothers, and three sisters. There will be a general visitation and viewing for family and friends Monday to Wednesday until 4:00 p.m. Mr. Kaltenbach will be sent for cremation under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home. No services are planned at this time. Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.

Mark Daniel Wiggins Mr. Mark Daniel Wiggins, age 53, of Mena passed away Thursday, June 18, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Mark was born in Elkton, MD on August 13, 1966 to the late Lawrence Dean Wiggins and Mary Crothers Wiggins. Mr. Wiggins was a retired veteran of the United States Air Force. Mark enjoyed being outdoors, which was evident by his love for hunting and fishing. He also liked cars and barbecuing. Mark played the guitar and was known to sing and dance as well. Mark was the “Owner and President of

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Granddaddy Daycare.” Above all he loved the Lord and was a proud member of the First United Methodist Church. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to all that knew him. He will be dearly missed. Survived by: Wife, Sandra Wiggins; Daughters: Amber Jean Montecchie and husband Brian Catter, Krystal Jean Cavelli and husband Sam, Amanda Grace Wiggins, Kelsey Jenett Wiggins; Grandchildren: Tiffiny Cavelli, Natalie Cavelli, and Emily Shaner; Mother, Mary Wiggins; Brothers: Lawrence Dean Wiggins, Jr. and

Steve Wiggins; Sisters: Charlotte Deborah Trout, Christine Auslander, and Mary Diane Wiggins, And a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Mark was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Dean Wiggins. Memorial service was held at the Beasley Wood Chapel Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 2 p.m. Mr. Wiggins has been sent for cremation under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home in Mena. Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

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Voting in the Age of COVID-19 LITTLE ROCK – The leaders of the major political parties in Arkansas are united in their determination to assure everyone can cast their ballot in November safely and securely. Under state law, a voter who can’t vote in person on Election Day because of travel, illness, or physical disability may cast an absentee ballot. Secretary of State John Thurston has said a health concern because of COVID-19 is a qualifying reason to vote absentee. In other words, anyone who fears that going to a polling place on November 3rd will put his or her health at risk may request an absentee ballot. In the midst of the national discussion about safely voting in the age of COVID-19, Secretary Thurston, Democrat Party Chairman Michael John Gray, and Republican Party Chairman Doyle Webb joined me during a news conference in a show of unity. Many Arkansans wondered what the general election in Arkansas would look like this year. Secretary Thurston assured Arkansas that it will look like every other election except that voters may be wearing a mask and gloves. Hand sanitizer will be at polls in abundance, paid for with mon-

ey from the federal CARES Act, as well as disposable stylus pens for your signature and vote. Information about absentee voting is on the Secretary of State’s website. The most important thing to know is that in order to vote, you must be a registered voter. If you are registering to vote, you must submit your application at least thirty days before the election. You may apply for an absentee ballot on line or in person. If you apply in person, you must apply by the close of business the day before the election. To apply by mail or online, your application must be submitted seven days before the election. Early voting in person at designated polls is allowed two weeks before the election. Election Day 2020 will be the same but a little bit different. Whether you vote in person, early, or absentee, vote. The leaders of Arkansas’s two primary political parties agree that every vote matters. They have shown that through their agreement on absentee voting. Whatever our disagreements, we find a way to the solution that is best for all Arkansans.

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July 15, 2020

Michelle Leann Golkhajeh Found Not Guilty Because Of Mental Disease Or Defect

Michelle Leann Golkhajeh, pictured above, was found not guilty because of mental disease or defect in Polk County Circuit Court on Monday, July 13, 2020. Judge Jerry Ryan made the ruling based

on testimony by Dr. Benjamin Silber and Sean McEwen who stated that she was unable to confirm her conduct to the requirements of law. Silber and McEwen were appointed by the Court to conduct a forensic evaluation of Golkhajeh because of suspected mental disease or defect according to Prosecuting Attorney Andy Riner. Golkhajeh was charged on December 12, 2018 with first degree murder, a Class Y felony, after the death of her 4 year old daughter, Charlene Golkhajeh. After which her bond was set at $1-million-dollars by Judge Danny Thrailkill and Golkajeh plead not guilty during her formal arraignment with Circuit Judge Jerry Ryan on December 17, 2018. The case had been ordered sealed since the arrest. Golkhajeh will be returned to the State Hospital and contrary to social media posts is not being released back to the public.

State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Larry Teague The number of Arkansas children in foster care continued to go down last year, after reaching an all-time high in 2016 and prompting dramatic measures from elected officials to improve the state’s child welfare system. In 2019 the number of children in foster care was 4,226. That is down 12 percent from 2018, when 4,310 children were in foster care, and also down from 2017, when 4,817 children were in foster homes. In late 2016 the number was close to 5,200 and state officials said the system was in crisis. Staff at the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) had unmanageable caseloads, while family and relatives of the children reported a lack of support from within the system. When legislative committees asked DCFS officials about the spike in foster care numbers, they were told that staff who are over-worked tend to err on the side of caution. That often means they remove children from their family because they don’t have time to determine if the home is a safe place. The legislature approved funding for ad-

ditional case workers. Faith-based organizations and advocacy groups recruited more foster parents. DCFS developed plans for families to improve overall conditions within the home. The legislature passed Act 906 in 2001, which mandates that DCFS provide family preservation services when children are about to be removed from their homes. The National Council on Crime and Delinquency recently completed an independent review of DCFS and its family preservation programs. Those findings were presented to the Senate Committee on Children and Youth. The review applauded our reduction in the number of children in foster care, and noted that more of them had been placed with relatives. In 2019, a third of foster children were with relatives, compared to 28 percent in 2018. The national review recommended that Arkansas improve the stability of foster care placements. In other words, the frequency of being moved for children who REVIEW CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

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THOSE WHO WAIT ON THE LORD In Isaiah 40:31 we have this word from Him: ‘Yet those who wait on Jehovah will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and will not faint; they will walk and will not become weary.’ What an incredible Word! For all of us there are times of great need to have our spiritual strength renewed. We get tired. We get disillusioned, we get frustrated…all of us. And in those times we find ourselves in great need of a renewed strength and energy. How does it happen? What do we need to do? Nothing is more important than this: Waiting on God is perhaps the most difficult thing for us to do (most of the time) but it is also the most important. In the verse before us God has promised to ‘renew our strength’. And He has told us how it can happen. ‘Wait! Do nothing until you hear from Me.’ God will act in every situation of our lives if we will just learn to wait on Him. Our prayer should be, ‘Lord, I will do nothing in this matter until I hear from you.’ And then DON’T! If we really want to hear, and if we are willing to wait, we will hear from Him. YES! Sometimes it seems that the way of God has been hidden from us, we pray, we agonize, we even beg God to show us His way. Sometimes we want it but don’t know how to get it. The Bible gives us the answer in Isaiah 40:31: Wait on the Lord! Refuse to move in a matter until you hear from Him. We do not always have to be doing something! Sometimes we just need to be waiting! On Him! Running ahead of God in any matter can be terribly dangerous, terribly costly. Don’t do it. Running WITH Him requires waiting until we hear…and He will speak if we want to hear, and if we are willing to wait until then…and if we are willing to do it His way when we do hear. When we refuse to wait, we will not hear, and if we do not hear, and if we then go ahead, we are in serious danger of big-time mistakes. And those mistakes often hurt ourselves and other folks, sometimes deeply. Our natural inclination is to ‘get up and get busy.’ In this matter that is the wrong thing to do…wait, wait, wait…Just be sure you are ‘waiting on God.’ Pray and then wait…give Him an opportunity to answer your concerns. Sometimes waiting on God may take days, weeks, months, or even years. God is not in a hurry; sometimes we are, and when we are, we just don’t wait on Him. Bad mistake! One that will often be the root cause many other bad mistakes…all because we did not ‘wait.’ ‘Lord, I have waited four hours. Where are You?’ Not good! So, how do we ‘get it right?’ In the passage in Isaiah 40 the condition is waiting on God. He will answer, and He will answer at the right time and in the right way. And along with the condition come four promises. Those who wait on Him will ‘renew their strength.’ They will ‘mount up with wings like eagles.’ They will ‘run and not faint.’ They will ‘walk and not become weary.’ Sounds good does it not? Is it for me? Yes! Yes! These promises affect every area of our lives, and they are specifically directed at those who have learned to lesson of waiting on God. A very good word from God is, ‘do nothing until you hear from Me.’ My name is Gene Stacks and I approve this message.

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July 15, 2020

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Jennifer Norman, Surgery Department RN at Mena Regional Health System, was recently named iCARE Star Employee of the Quarter. A nomination on Jennifer’s behalf stated, “She is one of the most compassionate nurses in the OR. Jennifer is an advocate for patients and will always go above and beyond for the betterment of their care. She works well with all of her coworkers, physicians, support staff, and other departments. Whatever is needed, she gives 100%. As the recipient of the award, Jennifer received a paid day off, framed certificate, reserved parking for the quarter, and her name on the iCARE progressive plaque. Pictured from left: Michael Wood, Rehab/PT Director; Chandler Cox, HR Director; Dee Matejek, OR Director; Jennifer Norman, iCARE recipient; Rick Billingsley, CNO; and Paul Ervin, CFO. If you would like to nominate a Mena Regional Health System employee, please visit our website at www.menaregional.com, click on the iCARE link on the Homepage, complete and submit. Nominations may also be submitted in any of the iCARE boxes located in the hospital and clinics. Submitted photo.

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July 15, 2020

The Winner this week for KENA 104.1's Make Your Day Promotion is Cathy Fairless who registered at Don's E-z Pay in Mena! Cathy won a prize package from ACCI Restoration, The Coffee Vault, Comfort Center, and Wendy's! The prize pack for this week totalled just under $500!! Congratulations to Cathy Fairless! Please stop by the Pulse Multi Media station located at 1168 Hwy 71 S or call (479)243-9600 to claim your prize!

Paycheck Protection Program Application Extended The federal Paycheck Protection Program resumed accepting applications last week in response to the Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act. The new deadline to apply for a P.P.P. loan is now August 8th. If you are interested in applying for P.P.P. assistance for your small business, nonproﬁt, or agriculture business, contact your local bank to see if they are participating. As of June 30th, 42,427 Arkansas businesses received P.P.P. loans totaling some $3.3 billion dollars. The average P.P.P. loan received by an Arkansas business is $78,246.

The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. The Small Business Administration will forgive P.P.P. loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage, interest, or utilities. 60% must be used for payroll expenses. Most local banks are participating in the program. If you need help ﬁnding a lender, contact the S.B.A. Arkansas ofﬁce at 501324-7379.

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July 15, 2020

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Scam Artists Pose as Contact Tracers to Steal Arkansans’ Identities LITTLE ROCK – Scam artists have found an opportunity by using the important task of contact tracing to steal money and the identity of Arkansans. In trying to stop the spread of COVID-19, the Arkansas Department of Health is using contact tracing to identify people who have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. One way bad actors are impersonating contact tracers is by sending text messages containing a link and claiming that by clicking on the link, the recipient will be contacted about a positive test, but in actuality, the link gives the scam artist direct access to the phone holder’s personal information. “Con artists are impersonating contact tracers in order to steal your money and your identity,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “The Arkansas Department of Health will not ask for your social security information or demand a payment when reaching out about contact with positive cases of COVID-19.” When a patient is confirmed to have

COVID-19, the Arkansas Health Department provides staff to assist the patient with identifying all individuals with whom they made close contact during the 48-hours preceding the positive COVID-19 test. Those identified by the patient through the contact tracing process are then notified by public health staff of the positive case, are asked to enroll in the Department of Health’s Situational Awareness Response Assistance (SARA) system for email updates, and they are asked to quarantine. Attorney General Rutledge released the following tips to avoid falling victim to the contact tracing scam: • Contact tracing will not cost money. Avoid giving personal bank account information over the phone or buying gift cards to pay scam artists for fake contact tracing attempts; • Avoid clicking on links in emails and text messages unless you signed up to receive the messages; • If you receive an unsolicited email or text message from a potential contact trac-

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er, verify its authenticity by contacting the Arkansas Department of Health at ADH. CoronaVirus@arkansas.gov or call (800) 803-7847. To file a complaint about potential contact tracing scams reach out to the Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982, email

oag@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov. Consumers are encouraged to visit the Arkansas Department of Health's COVID-19 Contact Tracing program website for additional information about contact tracing.

Commodity distribution... ARVAC, Inc. will issue commodities at Polk County Fair Grounds on Polk Road 43 Mena, AR on Monday July 27th , 2020 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 p.m. Due to Covid-19 Concerns this will be a drive through only distribution. Listed are the income guidelines, family size and monthly income below: FAMILY SIZE WEEK MONTH YEAR 1 $ 319 $1,383 $ 16,588 2 $ 431 $1,868 $ 22,412 3 $ 543 $2,353 $ 28,236 4 $ 655 $2,839 $ 34,060 5 $ 767 $3,324 $ 39,884 6 $ 879 $3,809 $ 45,708 7 $ 991 $4,295 $ 51,532 8 $1,103 $4,780 $ 57,356 Each additional family member + $112 + $486 + $5,824 The above income guidelines are based on 130% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines Add $468.00 for each additional family member. You cannot pick up commodities for more than two households. Rules for acceptance and participation in the program are the same for everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, or handicap.

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July 15, 2020

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CRACK DOWN ON SPEEDERS PART OF STATEWIDE TRAFFIC SAFETY BLITZ “OBEY THE SIGN OR PAY THE FINE” (LITTLE ROCK) – Law enforcement officers across Arkansas are set to begin a week-long concerted speed enforcement plan next week. The operation will be publicized across the state using a public message headline, “Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine”. The intensified enforcement plan involving both state and local departments will begin Monday, July 13th and continue through the following Sunday, July 19th. Additionally throughout the month of July, the Arkansas State Police will contribute patrol resources in a Regional Speed Enforcement Plan that targets speeding violators on particular selected days of the week. The participating states include Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. “Speeding is synonymous with tragedy and death on our roadways,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “It’s a proven fact, higher

speeds significantly reduce a driver’s reaction time and ability to steer safely around other vehicles, roadway hazards, and unexpected highway exits or detours in highway construction zones." Drivers who ignore the speed limit put themselves, their passengers, and others at tremendous risk. During calendar year 2018, speeding was a contributing factor in 26 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. and 9,378 people lost their lives in the crashes, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In Arkansas 131 deaths were attributed to speed related crashes during 2018. Already this year, Arkansas traffic fatalities are on the rise. According to preliminary NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting data, fatalities in speeding related crashes are increasing at an alarming rate. Through the end of June (2020) 84 people have died in speed related crashes, compared to 63 at the same time last year which equates to

a 33 percent increase. “Driving above the posted speed limit or speeding during inclement weather conditions dramatically increases the probability that a motorist will be involved in a crash,” Colonel Bryant said. “State troopers want to be sure the highways are safe and stopping speeding drivers is a top priority.” The goal of these enforcement efforts is to save lives and make drivers aware that no excuses for speeding are acceptable.

When it comes to speeding;Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine. More information on the “Obey the Sign, or Pay the Fine” mobilization can be found atwww.trafficsafetymarketing.gov or contact the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. Additional information about Arkansas’ ongoingToward Zero Deaths initiative to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities can be found atwww.TZDarkansas.org

July 15, 2020 news Two Visitors Find Large Diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park

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One is the 12th- largest found there since 1972...

(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — Confirmation of two large diamonds found at Crater of Diamonds State Park made for a busy week last week at the park, one of the only places in the world where the public can search for diamonds in their original volcanic source. “This unique park is one of our state’s most popular destinations,” said Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “It’s always exciting for one of our guests to find a gem, and the staff is really great at working with them to confirm what they have found and hear each particular story of how they found it.” Serendipity Diamond is 12th-largest found since 1972 Dr. Mindy Pomtree of Benton, Ark., was at the park in June and found her diamond near Beatty’s Hill when she spotted a glittering pebble on top of the ground. She put the stone in a zippered pocket and contin-

Dr. Mindy Pomtree of Benton with her Serendipity Diamond. submited photo.

ued searching, not knowing what it was. “I kept feeling of my pocket throughout the

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day to make sure it was still there. I didn’t know if it was a diamond but thought it looked cool, and it was definitely shiny!” When she returned home, Pomtree took the stone to a jeweler who confirmed that she had indeed found a genuine diamond. Park Superintendent Caleb Howell arranged for her to return to the park to have it weighed and registered. Howell confirmed that it is one of the biggest diamond finds during his tenure at the park. The diamond weighs 6.39 carats and is about the size of a pumpkin seed. Park Interpreter Waymon Cox noted that many of the park’s large diamonds tend to be found on the surface. “Diamonds are a bit heavy for their size. When it rains, runoff washes away small rocks and minerals and sometimes uncovers larger diamonds, such as Dr. Pomtree’s. Diamonds have a natural metallic shine and are often easy to see on top of the ground. All it takes is being in the right place at just the right time to find one!” Many visitors choose to name the diamonds they find at the Crater of Diamonds. Pomtree chose to name her gem Serendipity, noting that she was lucky to have found it. “I did a little research on how to find diamonds beforehand, but it turned out to be a walk that resulted in my find!” “Crater of Diamonds State Park is such a unique experience for our visitors,” Arkansas State Parks Director Grady Spann said. “Guests have made lifetime memories hunting for diamonds. If they’re fortunate to find a diamond, it really makes the visit unforgettable and one that they will share for many years.”

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Visitor from Alabama finds 2.73-carat diamond on July 9

William “David” Dempsey of Alabama with his Dempsey-Ducharme Diamond. Submited photo.

William “David” Dempsey from Athens, Ala., first learned about Arkansas’s diamond site from his fourth-grade teacher. “I've been wanting to visit for more than 30 years,” said Dempsey. “Recent news stories about the park brought it back to my attention, so we planned a trip.” Dempsey was wet sifting with his youngest daughter when he found the diamond. “I was running my finger through some gravel I had just sifted, and the diamond popped right out. My son had come over to tell me lunch was ready, and he saw it at the same time I did.” Park Interpreter Cox noted, “Mr. Dempsey’s diamond has a very clear, water-white appearance. It has a beautiful rounded shape and a brilliant shine. It reminds me of many other large, white diamonds that have been found here and is absolutely stunning to see!” Dempsey’s diamond was found near where another large white diamond, the Strawn-Wagner, was discovered in 1990. Dempsey named his gem the Dempsey-Ducharme Diamond, as a tribute to his family’s unforgettable experience at the park. He plans to have the diamond examined and appraised before deciding whether to keep or sell it.

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July 15, 2020

Arkansas Infrastructure Investments Support Job Growth From the Desk of Senator John Bozman From the water we use in our homes, to the roads we drive on to work, to the food we buy at the grocery store, our nation’s infrastructure is a fundamental component of everything we do. Our ability to be connected and efficiently move goods across the country is a significant reason why we’ve been so competitive in the global marketplace. Investment in our infrastructure will also be key to helping our economy recover from the crisis created by the coronavirus pandemic. As a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), I have long been a champion of investing in our infrastructure. In May, the committee unanimously passed water infrastructure packages that will help create jobs and rebuild aging levees, ports and drinking water systems. Coupled with the plan we ap-

proved last year to provide the necessary resources and flexibility for states to build safer and more modern highway, rail and bridge systems, we have created a good, bipartisan road to recovery. I am hopeful the full Senate will approve these bills in the coming months. In the meantime, Arkansas leaders are tapping into additional resources Congress approved to support infrastructure improvements and economic growth. The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) recently invested $2 million in the Port of Little Rock to support industrial development. The port features rail, river and interstate highway access, making it a critical component to move goods to and from the region and an attractive location for the expansion of new businesses. I recently participated in the ground-

ARDOT Awarded $42.7 Million for COVID-19 Recovery WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman— applauded the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for awarding $42.7 million to the Arkansas Department of Transportation in support of the state’s public transit systems. The grant—totaling $42,742,893— comes from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which became law in March with the support of the Arkansas delegation. The funding will be used by ARDOT for state and

breaking ceremony at the Port of Little Rock for the new transportation infrastructure improvements support by the EDA grant and state and local funds. The port is the largest industrial hub in central Arkansas with over 40 businesses employing more than 4,000 people. Those numbers are increasing. The day following the celebration, Amazon announced its first fulfillment center in the state is under construction at the Port of Little Rock. The company expects 1,000 people will be employed at the location when it opens in 2021. Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) leaders hope to accomplish similar gains along a stretch of U.S. Highway 67. Last month, the department was named a recipient of a $40 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant to reconstruct and enhance two sections of U.S. Highway 67 in Pulaski and Lonoke Counties. The funding will allow the widening of U.S. Highway 67 from four to six lanes, construction of an overpass, converting frontage roads to one-way operation and

project administration, including leave for employees due to the reductions in service or the need to quarantine; operating expenses to maintain transit services; and the purchase of personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies. “The CARES Act is continuing to deliver help to Arkansas. The transportation industry is facing economic challenges as a result of the coronavirus. These funds will help support the changing needs of transit agencies and ensure Arkansans can continue to use the vital services they provide,” members said.

reconstructing two interchanges. This is one of only 20 projects nationwide to be awarded Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) discretionary grant program funds. The competitive program leverages federal resources and incentivizes public-private partnerships to help communities invest in high-priority projects. In recent years, Congress has funded competitive grant programs to support infrastructure improvements. In addition to INFRA grants, ARDOT has also benefitted from the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program for use toward the construction of the Hot Springs bypass extension and the I-49 Bella Vista bypass. I will continue to support state and local applications for federal funding in order to make infrastructure improvements. As we pursue policies to improve our economy, investing in our roads, bridges and other vital transportation components remains essential.

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Howard County Murder Suspect Commits Suicide A man suspected of homicide in Athens has shot himself. On Friday, July 10, witnesses say they saw Tony Barnes, 56, fire two fatal shots at Betty Burgess from her backdoor. After fleeing the scene, authorities placed a warrant out for Barnes for murder in the first-degree. Around noon on Saturday, July 11, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office started getting calls that Barnes’ vehicle had been spotted in the Newhope area and on Hwy 369, south towards his home on Muddy Fork Road. Authorities say after arriving near Barnes’ home, they discovered he had just

returned to the residence moments before they did. Officers located Barnes near a pond on his property and saw that he was in possession of a shotgun. At approximately 1:10 p.m., officers say they heard a single gunshot fired and later discovered that Barnes had used the shotgun to kill himself. Deputies with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office were assisted by the Nashville Police Department, Arkansas State Police, Pike County Sheriff’s Office, the 9th Judicial Drug Task Force, the Arkansas Game and Fish and several other agencies.

Tax Deadline is Upon Us Says, ‘I want Arkansans to know their options’ Due to COVID-19, the delayed deadline to file state and federal taxes is quickly approaching. Arkansans who have not filed to pay their taxes still have until July 15. “This year, the date might have changed, but the responsibility remains – tax time has arrived,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Our communities have dealt with many difficult situations for a majority of the year when it comes to making ends meet and I want Arkansans to know their options and filing your taxes shouldn’t be a burden.” Taxpayers have the ability to file and pay their taxes safely online through IRS.gov in order to avoid the backlog of mail that may have developed due to previous closures in response to the pandemic. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers their Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) system as a resource to learn more and answer frequently asked questions while filing taxes online. Attorney General Rutledge has provided these tips for Arkansans still working on filing their federal and state taxes this year: Taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the July 15 deadline can request a filing extension to October 15, but this must be done by July 15. Then they must file Form 4868 through their tax pro-

fessional, tax software, or using the Free File link on IRS.gov. Arkansas taxpayers who still owe 2019 income tax, as well as estimated tax for 2020, must make two separate payments on or before July 15, 2020; One for their 2019 income tax owed and one for their 2020 estimated tax payments. Members of the military qualify for an additional extension of at least 180 days to file and pay taxes if either of the following situations apply: they serve in a combat zone, have qualifying service outside a combat zone, or they serve on deployment outside the United States away from their permanent duty station while participating in a contingency operation. AARP Foundation Tax Aide program offers free assistance to Arkansas seniors filing their taxes online or by calling 888-OUR-AARP (888-687-2277). Tax help is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week on IRS.gov. Information for filing state taxes can be found online on dfa.arkansas.gov/income-tax or by calling (501) 682-1100. For more information contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office at (800) 482-8982 or OAG@ArkansasAG.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or Facebook.com/ AGLeslieRutledge.

15 news Boozman, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Allow Rural Electric Co-ops, Telecom Providers to Refinance Rural Utility Service Debt mypulsenews.com

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined a bipartisan group of senators to introduce the Flexible Financing for Rural America Act, legislation

Free Covid-19 Testing in Benton, Texarkana

(July 13, 2020) – Healthy Connections will expand access for Covid-19 testing by taking our free testing pop-up tour to Benton and Texarkana this week. Free drive-through testing sites will be available in Benton on Wednesday, July 15, and Texarkana, Ark., on Thursday, July 16. Miller County (Texarkana) will be the 11th Arkansas County to have received free Covid-19 testing. At the pop-up testing sites, patients don’t even get out of their vehicles. The new “simple” Covid-19 test is much easier to receive and less painful than other tests previously given. No insurance information is collected and patients are through the testing area and on their way in just a few minutes. Results from these tests are being received on average in five to seven days. Wednesday, July 15, 2020 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., River Center, 1800 Citizens Drive, Benton 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Ralph Bunche Park, 1300 S. East St., Benton Thursday, July 16 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Four States Fairgrounds, 3700 E. 50th St., Texarkana, Ark. The Healthy Connections Free Covid-19 testing popup tour began on May 21 in De Queen and has seen more than 2,500 tests given in 11 Arkansas counties. This will be the second visit to Benton and the first to Texarkana. See the complete schedule at www.GetTestedFree.com. Covid-19 testing is also being done at every Healthy Connections clinic. Copays are being waived for Covid-19 testing done in the clinic. Call 888-710-8220 to schedule appointments. The complete schedule and all testing information can be found at www. GetTestedFree.com.

July 15, 2020

that would allow electric cooperatives and small, rural telecommunications providers to refinance their Rural Utilities Service (RUS) debt at lower interest rates. By taking advantage of current lower interest rates, rural cooperatives and businesses would gain flexibility in managing their cash flow, allowing them to invest in rural communities and pass savings on to customers. At the same time, the bill would enable a stronger recovery from the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rural cooperatives and businesses have struggled throughout the pandemic as a result of a decline in electricity consumption from industrial sources and an increase in unpaid bills from customers who have faced financial hardship. “Connectivity has long been a struggle for Americans who live in rural areas. COVID-19 has only made that challenge even more difficult to overcome. This bill gives rural electricity and broadband pro-

viders flexibility to meet customers’ needs in these challenging economic times and ensures that rural America will have these vital services to recover and grow when the pandemic is behind us,” Boozman said. Under current law, the RUS charges significant penalties when borrowers refinance their loans—an option which is allowed only under narrow circumstances. Rural electric cooperatives currently hold approximately $43 billion in RUS Electric Loans, and small, rural broadband providers hold about $3 billion in RUS Telecom Loans. The savings from the senators’ legislation would amount to approximately $2 million per year for the average rural electric cooperative, helping to sustain the organizations through current economic challenges and empowering greater investment in local communities. “This has been a challenging time for Arkansas’s electric cooperatives. Our priorities during this COVID-19 crisis have been

the safety and well-being of our members and employees, and maintaining the delivery of affordable and reliable power,” said Kirkley Thomas, Vice President of Governmental Affairs at Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. “The economic devastation caused by this pandemic has resulted in significant financial hardships for our rural members as we have seen jobs lost and businesses cease or curtail operations. We applaud Senator Boozman for leading this legislative effort that will save rural Arkansas co-ops millions of dollars as we strive to provide the best possible service to our members.” The bill was introduced on Thursday by Senator John Hoeven (R-ND). In addition to Boozman, it is cosponsored by Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ). Representatives Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) and Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ) introduced identical legislation in the House of Representatives.

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July 15, 2020

07.15.20

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 07.08.20

Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

They really need a home! Can you help them? We now have one low adoption fee for a pair of wonderful dogs! Niecy and Brownie really don't want to be apart. They are sister and brother Catahoula Shepherds who love to hang out together. Brownie relies on Niecy and is not comfortable on his own, however they have been long term at HSO since 02/22/2020 and this is our last plea for someone to take them both before we adopt them out separately. That will be very hard on Brownie especially so we decided to lower their adoption fee by half if they go to the same home (only $50 for 2 spayed/neutered dogs that have had their vaccinations ). They are 6 years old. Both are house a kid friendly and like dogs but prefer a cat-free home. trained, know sit & shake and walk well on leash. Both are Niecy and Brownie, give them a loving home and receive double the love! 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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Wednesday, July 15

• Zafra Church is holding VBS from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., call 479-216-1312. 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. distributes free clothing and non-perishable food items. All patrons to wear face masks. • 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. • 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.

Thursday, July 16

• Zafra Church is holding VBS from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., call 479-216-1312. • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Humane Society of the Ouachitas is open at 368 Polk Road 50. • 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – The Board Camp Baptist Church at 107 Country Road 63 will distribute food. • 11:30 a.m. – Rotary Club of Mena/ Polk County will meet 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. – Polk County Library Board will meet in the Susanna Mosley Community Room at the Library. • 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

July 15, 2020 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 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. – Acorn Water monthly meeting at the Water Office. • 6:30 p.m. – Disaster Preparedness Group meets at Assembly of God Church, 2111 Sutherland Ave. in Mena. • 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. • 7:30 p.m. – Dallas Masonic Lodge #128 meets at the Mena Lodge located in the Old Post Office by Janssen Park.

Friday, July 17

• Zafra Church is holding VBS from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., call 479-216-1312. • 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.

Saturday, July 18

• 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. • 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – 3rd Saturday Gospel Singing to be held at Janssen Park. Bring a lawn chair and cold drink. Musicians and singers welcome. For more information, contact Stanley or Jeanette Dreyer at (479)216-0533. • 6:00 p.m. – PCVO Bingo at Ameri-

can 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.

Sunday, July 19

• Salem Baptist Church Sunday School at 10am, Morning Worship at 11am and evening service at 6pm. Cove Church of Christ Bible study 10 am, worship 11 am, call 870-387-8111. • Mena First Baptist Church Sunday School at 9:30am and Morning Service at 10:30am. The Morning Service will continue to be streamed on Mena First Baptist Church Facebook page. Wednesday Bible Study at 6pm will be in the Mena FBC Fellowship Hall. • First Christian Church worship at 10:45 am in the Fellowship Hall. • Trinity Lutheran Church Sunday morning services at 10am. • The Southside Church of God Sunday Morning services at 10:45 AM, Sunday Evening services at 6 PM. • First United Methodist Church worship service at 10 am in the church parking lot. • Faith Missionary Baptist Church Sunday morning service at 11am. • Dallas Avenue Baptist Church worship service at 10:30am. • Bible Believers Baptist Church Sunday morning services at 11am • Christ’s Church at Mountain Fork worship service at 10:45 am in the church’s activity center. • Christ Community Fellowship worship service at 10:45 am • First Presbyterian church services are being filmed and put online. No in person service until further notice. • 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.

Monday, July 20

• 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. “Free groceries at God’s Feeding Hands Mission Center for needy at 1200 Reeves Ave., Mena. Also accepting donations of nonperishable foods and tax deductible monetary donations. 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. – The Cove Branch Library will be open. • 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Mena Seventh-Day Adventist Church Food Pantry

calendar

across from the Polk County Fairgrounds. Non-perishable food, personal care items, and nutritional help. No one will be turned away. • 5:30 p.m. – Polk County Republican Committee meets at Polk County Library, North Room. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - Old Fashion VBS, featuring the Patriarchs at the First Christian Church at 1010 Port Arthur in Mena for ages 4-12 years old. • 6:30 p.m. – Mena Community Choir practice at the First Methodist Church. • 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. Everyone is welcome. • 7:00 p.m. – Ouachita Bee Association meeting at Union Bank of Mena. • 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. – Ouachita Beekeepers Association meeting at Union Bank Community Room.

Tuesday, July 21

• 8:00 a.m. – The Reynolds Gardener Community Men’s Breakfast at the First United Methodist Church in Mena. • 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. – 9:00 p.m. – Hatfield Jam Session at the Hatfield Auditorium. All muscians/singers and listeners welcome. Refreshements served, cookies or fingerfoods accepted. • 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Polk County Housing Authority Community Room LIVE Country and Gospel music. • 6:00 p.m. – The Regular Hatfield

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 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 (NEW) Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also lite deliveries. (870)490-1191 T071520

-FOR SALE1971 Chevy 3/4 Ton pickup truck for sale. Asking $3,500. Call Bill or Joan at (479)243-0405 T072920

F.M. Dix Foundry is accepting applications for general labor positions. Applications may be picked up at the office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available. Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment. T07292020

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced CNC Machine Operator. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available. Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment. T07292020

• 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

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for general labor positions. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available. Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment. T07292020

Wednesday, July 22

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. • 5:30 p.m. – Dinner at Christ Community Fellowship followed by services at 6:15 p.m. services 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. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - Old Fashion VBS, featuring the Patriarchs at the First Christian Church at 1010 Port Arthur in Mena for ages 4-12 years old. • 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the ABC Club, 1159 Highway 71 South, Mena. (479)216-4606 or (479)243-0297.

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Council will meet at the Town Hall in Hatfield. 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - Old Fashion VBS, featuring the Patriarchs at the First Christian Church at 1010 Port Arthur in Mena for ages 4-12 years old. • 7:00 p.m. – VFW Post 4451 meeting at Veterans Park in Acorn. • 7:30 p.m. – The Regular Cove Town Council will meet at the Town Hall in Cove. • 8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous meeting at First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. (479)234-2887 or (479)234-3043.

• List per week Kawasaki 800 Drifter for sale. Asking $1,695 Or Best Offer. Call (918)9028035 T071520

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July 15, 2020

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

Get Your News On!

N O T I C E Life & Health Insurance Annuities Medicare Supplements Long Term Care Financial Planning

479-394-7301

1102 Crestwood Circle Mena, AR 71953

I’m certified & licensed with several companies, and I can get you the BEST PRICE! Call: LaDon Copelin CLU, ChFC, CFP® 3015 Hwy. 71 S, Mena • 479-394-5570 AR License #15429 - OK License #40117342

MENA REAL ESTATE

Farrell & Sharon Cole The Cole Team

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

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July 15, 2020 REVIEW CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

spend more than a year within the system. The national standard is 4.12 and the Arkansas average last year was 6.32. Arkansas is consistently above the national average in achieving permanency for children within 12 months after renewal, with about half of the children in Arkansas who are discharged from foster care going to a permanent living situation. That means they go back to their families, to a relative’s

home, to custody by a parent who had been non-custodial, to guardianship, adoption or to custody by a non-relative. Also, Arkansas met the national standard for preventing a child’s return to foster care within a year of being discharged. The national standard is 8.3 percent and in Arkansas it was 7.8 percent in 2019. That is an improvement of almost two percentage points since 2017, when it was 9.7 percent. Last year 28,645 child maltreatment

reports were investigated in Arkansas, of which 80 percent were referred to DCFS and the remainder to the Crimes Against Children Division of the State Police. DCFS substantiated 21 percent of its investigations, which is close to the trend for the previous two years. DCFS follows up in the 12 months after identifying a child victim of maltreatment. The national standard for recurring maltreatment is 9.1 percent or fewer, and in Arkansas it was 6 percent.

stained-glass window repairs, $19,998 Nevada County, Emmet, Emmet United Methodist Church, roof replacement, $37,775 Carroll County, Eureka Springs, Eureka Springs Historical Museum, repair chimneys, roof & windows, selective masonry pointing, $14,836 Baxter County, Galatia, Galatia Community Building Inc., roof replacement and siding repairs, $32,200 Ashley County, Hamburg, Hamburg First United Methodist Church, reset limestone capstones and masonry pointing, $27,178 Carroll County, Eureka Springs, Heart of Many Ways, replace roof - former First Church of Christ Scientist, $20,000 Newton County, Jasper, Newton County,

replace roof - former Newton County Jail, $26,667 Crawford County, Winslow, Ozark Folkways, exterior repairs and restoration Muxen Building, $17,575 Logan County, Paris, Paris First United Methodist Church, restore entrance steps and preservation plan, $57,455 Garland County, Hot Springs, People Helping Others Excel By Example (P.H.O.E.B.E.), continue masonry and replace low slope roof(s) - John L Webb House, $78,251 Sebastian County, Fort Smith, St. John's Episcopal Church, restore stained glass window, $42,644 Independence County, Batesville, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, roof repair,

$58,240 Nevada County, Moscow, Nevada County Depot & Museum, monument restoration - Moscow Cemetery, $8,052 To learn more about the application process for AHPP awarded grants, visit http://www.arkansaspreservation.com/Programs/Funding/grants-programs. For more information about Courthouse and Historic Preservation Restoration Grants, please contact Joia Burton, joia.burton@arkansas.gov, 501-324-9880. For more information and media inquiries please contact Melissa Whitfield, me-

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL FURRY FRIEND THAT DESERVES THEIR PLACE IN THE SPOTLIGHT? Submit their pic, name and info for inclusion in one of the Cutest Pet of the Week ads that appear in our weekly paper. Email them to:

news@mypulsenews.com

GRANTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 lissa.whitfield@arkansas.gov. Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP) is an agency of Arkansas Heritage. AHPP is responsible for identifying, evaluating, registering and preserving the state’s cultural resources. Other divisions are the Arkansas Arts Council, the Delta Cultural Center in Helena, the Old State House Museum, the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, the Historic Arkansas Museum and the Arkansas State Archives. Arkansas Heritage is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.

TAX DEADLINE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The I.R.S. is still processing and issuing refunds, most within 21 days. Those getting refunds will be paid interest, dating back to April 15th, if they file on time. You can file or pay your taxes online. The I.R.S. urges taxpayers to use electronic options to support social distancing and

Arkansas, with response rates currently reported at 51.8% in Polk County, 41.9% in Scott County, and 40.1% in Montgomery County. 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 Develop-

speed the processing of returns, refunds, or payments. There are other tax deadlines linked to July 15th. Check the I.R.S. website or reach out to a tax professional for assistance. 2020 CENSUS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ment Institute at (501)-569-8538 to register for the Census. It’s a simple and quick process, and ensures populations receive the proper financial and political representation they deserve. Let’s make sure that every area resident and every Arkansan is counted in the U.S. Census this summer!

Spending the weekend changing light bulbs.

Relaxing in your favorite chair.

Where Would You Spend Your Game When it comes to light bulbs, a good offense is the best defense. That’s why Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs make smart dollars and sense. With the life of traditional light bulbs, you won’t have to worry about untimely burnouts interrupting your game day activities. For more information about Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs or other energy saving tips contact RIch Mountain Electric Cooperative at 1-877-828-4074 . After all, it’s our nature to be cooperative.

July 15, 2020

All New 2019’s 0% for 84Mo. WAC

FORD CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED

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479-394-2214 All New 2020’s 1103 N U.S. 71 0% for 72Mo. Mena, AR 71953 WAC