June 24, 2020 by The Pulse

June 24, 2020

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Superintendent’s Salary Increased During June Mena School Board Meeting Tuesday, June 16, members of the Mena School Board voted to increase the salarys of the district’s superintendent and assistant superintendent. Superintendent Benny Weston’s salary was increased to $132,000 per year and new assistant superintendent, Dr. Lee Smith’s salary was increased to $95,000 per year. Board members also accepted the resignation of Kristy Hall and Sarah Billings and the hiring of Rachel Dover and Claire Williamson. Ray Beardsley of First Security Finaance of Little Rock spoke to the board about refi-

nancing over $5.5 million in bonds. Beardsley reported the winning bid was by FHN with a rate of 1.43 percent. He stated the district will save $492,480 over the life of the bond. Board members passed two resolutions one resolution authorized the superintendent and the district treasurer to transfer assets over $2.5 million to the district’s building fund. The other resolution suspended any portion of the present school boar policies that may come in conflict with updated waives or temporary emergency SCHOOL BOARD CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Wet Petition Being Circulated in Polk County Statistics show alcohol sales in Polk County will boost our economy, improve our quality of life, and decrease alcohol related traffic accidents, DWI’s arrests, and traffic deaths on our roads to Oklahoma. The Committee for Growth Polk County is conducting a petition drive to put the question of alcohol sales on the ballot for the November 2020 election. “Since 1946 we have been leaving our alcohol tax dollars in other Arkansas Counties and Oklahoma. That means Polk County residents have lost millions of dollars for our cities and our county. Economic studies done by the University of Arkansas for counties our size show

that the potential for tax revenues for the county and cities could exceed $120,000 a year and that does not include new construction, new jobs and additional millage from the package stores that will be built. Boyette Strategic Advisors, a leading economic development consulting firm, reported in 2009 that there were more DWI’s and alcohol related fatalities in dry counties than wet counties. This report supports the belief that If Polk County is wet there will be fewer people drinking and driving from Oklahoma and surrounding wet counties. Money Magazine reported that the top PETITION CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Cars lined up to sign the petition to place the wet option on the 2020 November ballot. The petition is being circulated by the Committee for Growth Polk County. Photo:Tori Stockton

Mena Superintendent Benny Weston presented retiring Assistant Superintendent Paulette Sherrer with a plaque honoring her for her 30 years of service to the Mena School District. Submitted photo.

Man Sentenced in Connection with Mena Fire A 26 year old Denison, Texas man was sentenced to five years in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release in U.S. District Court in Fort Smith last week, in addition to being ordered to pay $145,272 in restitution, in connection with an August incident in Mena. Jacob Samuel Green was sentenced on one count of making willful threat by mail or telephone and one count of maliciously destroying or attempting to damage and destroy real or person property. Early on August 3rd, the Mena Police Department received a telephone call on its nonemergency line that there was a bomb in one of the U.S. Postal Service vehicles at the Mena Post Office that would blow up when someone opened the door. When police arrived at the scene, they discovered that a fire had been set in the Just for Kids resale store across the street.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze, but there was substantial damage to the building and its contents. The store was operated by the Polk County Developmental Center, a nonprofit corporation, with the proceeds providing services for people with disabilities. Officers identified Green as the caller and traced the phone back to a Mena hotel room registered in his name. Police found Green, who they say admitted to both calling in the bomb threat and setting the store on fire. Green was indicted on January 15th, and entered a guilty plea on February 26th, according to court records. The case was investigated by the Mena Police Department, Mena Fire Department, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Postal Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Fort Smith bomb squad.

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A few weeks ago, we reminded Arkansans of the upcoming deadline for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship. This week, we received word that the deadline has Representative John Maddox been extended to August 1. Unlike in prior years, students who are already receiving the scholarship, have a sufﬁcient number of hours, and have earned satisfactory academic progress before March 27 are automatically eligible for the scholarship for the 2020 fall semester. Traditional students must score at least 19 on the ACT to qualify for the scholarship. The latest ACT score accepted by Arkansas Department of Higher Education will be from the July testing. Students who have yet to achieve a score of 19 on the ACT may take the Accuplacer test remotely as a substitute. Meanwhile, we want to remind Arkansans of another valuable scholarship funded by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery. The Workforce Challenge Scholarship was created in the 2017 legislative session and is funded by lottery revenue. The purpose of the scholarship is for workforce training in high demand areas of healthcare, information technology,

editor

LETTER TO THE Dear Editor, Why are we asked to wear masks? Certainly not to enhance our natural beauty,(Emoji). The reason is simple, really. If we wear a mask, we are MUCH LESS LIKELY to transmit our germs to another person. We may be pretty sure

Polk County Pulse and industry. Classes are not limited to credit-bearing programs. Non-credit, workforce-training classes that fit into the three above categories may also qualify. To meet minimum eligibility requirements, those applying for the Workforce Challenge Scholarship must be 1) an Arkansas resident, 2) a high school graduate or received high school equivalency, 3) cannot be a current recipient of the Academic Challenge Scholarship, and 4) be accepted for admission into an approved program as defined by ADHE. The degree list for the 2020-2021 academic year can be found on our website www.arkansashouse.org. Arkansas Workforce Challenge is a non-renewable grant. Students who successfully complete their program of study will be allowed to reapply for award in another eligible program. Students who receive funding from Workforce Challenge and do not successfully complete their program will be allowed to reapply one time. The Workforce Challenge Award will be the cost of a certificate program or program of study not to exceed $800. Students must apply at least 30 days prior to enrollment in an eligible program. There is no deadline to apply, however applications should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the start of the program. To apply for either scholarship visit the Department of Higher Education’s website, scholarships.adhe.edu, and complete the Arkansas YOUniversal Scholarship Application. The online YOUniversal application is your one-stop-shop for state and lottery-funded financial aid. that we don’t have the COVID but many people have it without symptoms at all or yet, and can very easily transmit it. Now I don’t know about you, but if I hardheadedly refused to wear a mask, and because of it some other person contracted the disease and died, I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO LIVE WITH MYSELF. Think about it....and practice a little of that “Love your neighbor” stuff... WEAR A MASK!!! Not to do so is pretty much displaying to us all that you have no respect or concern for anyone but yourself. Cindi Hernandez

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LETTER TO THE

The Polk County Pulse welcomes letters to the Editor addressing any topic of interest to our readers. To be published, letters must be less than 300 words and must not contain obscene or libelous language. The letter must include a signature to be considered for publication. Signatures will NOT be held out by request. The following contact information is required when the letter is submitted: NAME, AGE, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER. Letters are published at the discretion of the Editor and Publisher. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to news@mypulsenews.com; mailed to P.O. Box 1450, Mena, AR 71953 or dropped off at 1168 Hwy. 71 South, Mena, AR. A drop-box is provided by the front door for after hour convenience. TO SUBMIT: NEWS ITEMS / ANNOUNCEMENTS / LETTERS TO THE EDITOR / SPORTS UPDATES / CALENDAR ITEMS / CLASSIFIED ADS Email NEWS@MYPULSENEWS.COM or Contact One of Our MARKETING SPECIALIST

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Reflections from History and Faith The Eagle Still Soars!

By Jeff Olson The bald eagle has been a national emblem of the United States of America for 238 years, since June 20, 1782. This is the day Congress adopted the Great Seal of the United States, which featured a widespread eagle. The idea for including an eagle can be credited to William Barton, a young lawyer with artistic skill and well versed in heraldry. His choice was a small-crested white eagle but Charles Thompson, feeling that the new nation’s symbol should be strictly American, replaced Barton’s crested Imperial eagle with the native American bald eagle. The bald eagle’s majestic beauty, great strength, courage, freedom and long life made it an ideal emblem for our nation. Since then the bald eagle has become an American institution, with its image on most official seals of the U.S. government, on the presidential flag, and in the logos of many U.S. federal agencies as well as on some of our currency and on the Mace (symbol) of the U.S. House of Representatives. Even though thrust into national prominence and fame, the bald eagles’ flight over much of the past two centuries has been one of survival rather than celebrity and respect. When the bald eagle was adopted as our national symbol, the country may have had as many as 100,000 nesting eagles. By the mid-twentieth century, most of the bald eagle population had been eradicated by hunting, trapping, loss of forestland, and pollution from pesticides. The species was first protected in the U.S. and Canada by the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty, later extended to all of North America. In 1940 the Bald Eagle Act was passed which reduced their endangerment by humans and made it possible for eagle populations

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LETTER TO THE The only time I ever wrote a letter to the Editor was shortly after 9-11-2001. I was struck then by the news footage of Firemen and Police Ofﬁcers running into the World Trade Center buildings while others were running out. I was totally in awe of these men and women’s bravery

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June 24, 2020

to begin to recover. A 1962 amendment added the golden eagle, and the law became The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. In 1963 the lower 48 states were home to less than 500 nesting pairs. As public awareness and activism increased, many states placed the bald eagle on their lists of endangered species in the 1960s and early 1970s. Following enactment of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the species as endangered throughout the lower 48 states, except in Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin where it was designated as threatened. On July 4, 1976 the Service officially listed the bald eagle as a national endangered species. Since then, much has been done in many sectors to restore and protect the bald eagle and the habitat needed for this magnificent bird to live and flourish. The less than 500 nesting pairs of 57 years ago have since grown to approximately 11,000 in the lower 48 states and the District of Columbia. On June 28, 2007 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the recovery of our nation’s symbol and removal from the list of threatened and endangered species. Legend has it that the eagle was chosen as a national emblem because, at one of the first battles of America’s War of Independence (early in the morning), the noise of the struggle awoke the sleeping eagles on the heights and they flew from their nests and circled about over the heads of the fighting men, all the while giving vent to their raucous cries. “They are shrieking for Freedom,” said the patriots. Perhaps they were and maybe still are, hopefully not only for their own freedom but for America’s freedom as well.

which cost many of them their lives. Lately, as I watch the news on television and the internet I see these same men and women vilified as evil. Don’t get me wrong, the actions of the Police officer in Minneapolis who kneeled on George Floyd’s neck until he was dead was deplorable and that Officer deserves to pay a steep price for his callousness. However, I know in my heart that for every Police Officer like that one, there are thousands of others who are honest, trustworthy and whose motivation is to serve their communities professionally and with integrity. I for one would like to

State Capitol Week in Review... From Senator Larry Teague As Arkansas began Phase Two of its gradual reopening of businesses and social activities, the governor issued three executive orders related to the coronavirus outbreak. The first provides immunity from civil liability for businesses and employees, to protect them from frivolous lawsuits alleging they were responsible for someone’s contracting Covid-19, the potentially severe illness caused by the coronavirus. A second executive order declares that health care staff are considered emergency workers when they’re treating patients suffering from Covid-19, and as such they have immunity from civil lawsuits. The third order puts Covid-19 in the category of occupational diseases, which means that employees who get sick from the virus at work can claim workers’ compensation benefits. Support for the three executive orders was not unanimous across the political spectrum, but each side got something it had wanted. The business community applauded the order granting immunity from civil liability. On the other hand some attorneys said that nobody, not even a governor, can abolish an individual’s constitutional right to seek redress of grievances in court. Apart from any legal questions that remain unanswered, officials hope the executive orders will be a strong incentive for businesses to comply with health guidelines. In order to receive workers’ comp insurance benefits, sick employees must show that they contracted the disease while on the job. The executive order refers to that as a “causal connection between employment and the disease.” Legislative leaders had been negotiating whether or not to ask for a special session. give a thumbs up and a heartfelt thank you to all of our local law enforcement officers. I realize that they are not perfect but I also know that I would not care to live in a community that they were not patrolling our streets. Thanks again to our Sheriff’s office and the Police Department’s in Polk County. I appreciate you and am grateful for your efforts and dedication in keeping us all safe. Michael Callahan Hatfield, AR

The issuing of the executive orders eliminated the immediate necessity for a special session. Several legislators said that the orders struck the right balance between competing interests, while avoiding the risk of a “runaway” special session. Other legislators preferred holding a special session because the pace of reopening Arkansas for business as usual requires making difficult choices and allowing spirited public debate. A legislative session is the proper venue for that kind of debate and compromise. The president of the Senate said that while protecting businesses, the executive orders would not allow a free pass to bad actors. Small businesses like barber shops, hair salons, nail salons and fitness centers could be permanently shut down. The expense of defending themselves from a frivolous lawsuit, “could be the final nail in their coffin,” he said. In order to claim the presumption that it has not acted recklessly or wilful, businesses must substantially comply with public PHASE II CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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June 24, 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, with 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. Patricia L. Jackson, White Female, age 52, Count I: Failure to Appear, a Class ‘C’ Felony.

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT The following information was received from Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer for the week of June 15, 2020 – June 21, 2020. June 15, 2020 Report from complainant near Wickes of damage done to a vehicle during an altercation. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration. Report from complainant on Polk 189 near Acorn of a person borrowing firearms and refusing to return them. Firearms were later returned. Complainant refused to press charges. Report from complainant on Hwy 278 near Wickes of a break-in to an abandoned house. Deputy responded. June 16, 2020 Report from complainant on Hwy 8E near Dallas Valley of a vehicle striking a sign and mailbox. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Polk 125 near Rocky of a disturbance between family members. Deputy responded. Complainant refused to press charges. June 17, 2020 No reports filed. June 18, 2020 Report from complainant on Polk 277 near Vandervoort of problems involving the purchase of a vehicle. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration.

Report of a missing juvenile. Juvenile was later located and returned to the custody of the parent/guardian. Arrested was Zackery L. Summit, 27, of Mena on a Charge of Hindering Apprehension. June 19, 2020 Report from complainant on Polk 13 near Wickes of identity theft. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Polk 659 near Boardcamp of the theft of a gun valued at $250.00. Investigation continues. Traffic stop led to the arrest of Michelle L. Block, 47, of Mena on a Warrant for Delivery of Methamphetamine. Arrested by a Trooper with the Arkansas State Police was Richard K. Copelin, 52, of Mena on a Charge of DWI and a Charge of Refusal to Submit. June 20, 2020 Report from complainant on Polk 47 near Rocky of a dispute between neighbors. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration. June 21, 2020 Report from complainant on Polk 168 near Iron Mountain of an altercation. Deputy responded. Complainant refused to press charges. Report of an ATV accident on Polk 61 near Board Camp. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Polk 178 near Acorn of being forced off the road while walking. Deputy responded. Traffic stop near Hatfield led to the arrest of Luis Aguilar, 25, of Dequeen on a Citation for DWI, Driving Left of Center, and No Driver’s License. Report from complainant on Ash Avenue near Wickes of the theft of household items in the amount of $90.00. Investigation continues. Report from complainant on Polk 75 near Acorn of vandalism to a vehicle. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on West Pearl Street near Wickes of harassment. Deputy responded. Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked no vehicle accidents this week. Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 15 Incarcerated Inmates , with 13 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

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MENA POLICE REPORT The following information was received from the Mena Police Department for the Week of June 14, 2020 through June 21, 2020. June 14, 2020 A theft of property (shoplifting) report was taken at a department store. June 15, 2020 A missing persons report was taken at a residence. June 16, 2020 A death investigation report was taken at a residence. June 17, 2020 No reports taken.

June 18, 2020 No reports taken. June 19, 2020 A death investigation report was taken at a residence. A report of a disturbance was taken at a residence. A report of criminal mischief was taken from a walk-in complainant. A report of a disturbance was taken at a residence. William Hale, 56, was arrested for DWI and Possession of Marijuana after a call to James’ Super Save Foods. June 20, 2020 A report of an accident was taken. All subjects should be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Acorn Grad Assigned As New State Trooper Thirty-three Arkansas State Police Trooper Recruits received their certiﬁed law enforcement certiﬁcates last Thursday night during a graduation ceremony at the Arkansas State Capitol. The new troopers will report to their Highway Patrol Division assignments across the state in July. 26-year-old Tate Ledbetter will be assigned to the Highway Patrol Division, Troop D, in Lee County. Trooper Ledbetter is a graduate of Acorn High School. The recruits reported to the Arkansas

State Police Training Academy at state police administrative headquarters on January 26th. Since that time, the recruits accumulated more than 1,000 hours of specialized classroom and practical training. Upon reporting for duty at their respective troop headquarters, the new troopers will be placed with a certiﬁed departmental Field Training Ofﬁcer. Each graduate will work in tandem with their respective F.T.O. for a transitional period prior to being released to their assignment.

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June 24, 2020

Arkansas State Parks Launches Passport Program LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas State Parks, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, now has a way for guests to document their experiences at all 52 state parks. Visitors can pick up their free passport at any Arkansas state park visitor center and begin recording their travels. “We have 52 state parks that are free to enter and offer diverse experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, wildlife watcher, into adventure sports, or all of the above, we have a park where you can have that meaningful experience and feel at home,” Arkansas State Parks Director Grady Spann said. “I think that’s why so many people make it their mission to explore all 52 state parks and now they can

document that journey with their passport.” Passports can be stamped at a visitor center, or you can make a rubbing of the stamp in parks where there is not a visitor center. “This is a great activity for travelers, particularly for Arkansans who may be looking for fun vacation activities while they stay a little closer to home this year,” said Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “Gather stamps for your passport while experiencing the many adventures to be found at our beautiful state parks.” Share your Arkansas state park passport stamps with us by using #ARStateParks on social media so we can follow and share your visits too.

Arkansas Department of Agriculture Launches New Website

Existing division websites consolidated to form one streamlined experience... LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – June 22, 2020 – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has launched a new website that combines curated content from each of the department’s divisions into one streamlined user experience. The newly designed agriculture.arkansas.gov provides a user-friendly design and consolidates the existing websites of the Natural Resources Division, the State Board of Registration for Foresters, and the Arkansas Water Well Construction Commission that were added to the Department under the Transformation Act of 2019. “We are excited to offer an updated and more efficient website to serve as a comprehensive resource for our customers and stakeholders,” said Department of Agricul-

ture Secretary Wes Ward. “It was a pleasure working with the Information Network of Arkansas on the new website, and we appreciate the team’s hard work.” Developed in partnership with the Information Network of Arkansas (INA), the enhanced website features a fresh, modern look designed to ensure an inclusive user experience across all platforms. Simple navigation powered by a robust search engine allows for quick access to division services and information, and responsive design ensures the site looks great from any device. Existing online payment services and seedling orders are still available on the site, and new online payment services will be added as they become available.

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obituaries William Wayne ‘Zack’ Zachary

William Wayne “Zack” Zachary age 80, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2020 in the Yuma Regional Medical Center at Yuma, Arizona, with his wife by his side and other family members with him through a video chat session. Zack was born November 6, 1939 in Cherry Valley, Arkansas, the son of William Elton “Buddy” Zachary and Ethel Mae Powell Zachary Kellum. As a child he moved from Arkansas to Wisconsin then to Spokane, Washington, where he made his home for most of his life. He was a bus driver for over 30 years and retired from Greyhound Bus lines. In 2003 on an extended visit to Mena, Arkansas, he met and later married his wife Mary Ann and made Mena his home for the rest of his life. Zack never met anyone who was a stranger for long. He loved to talk but he also listened and had a knack for getting people to talk to him. He always had a smile and loved to get others to smile. He was a member of Mena First Assembly of God Church where he was a volunteer in the church food pantry. He had served as a volunteer for Mena Regional Health System and helped his wife with her booths at craft fairs and flea markets. He was a member of the CMA Home Front Warriors and past president of the local chapter. He loved to ride his Honda 1150 motorcycle until health concerns forced him to trade it for a CanAm Spyder Roadster three-wheel motorcycle. Zack and Mary Ann had a blended fam-

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June 24, 2020 ily of 14 children which included Zack’s 5 biological children, 3 stepchildren he adopted and raised as his own, 2 other stepchildren, and Mary Ann’s 3 children and 1 stepson. They loved to travel and with family scattered from coast to coast they made many long trips. They had started spending the winter months in Arizona where they had a 5th wheel travel trailer which they left in Arizona year-round. Zack was diagnosed with lung cancer just before they left for Arizona last fall. He fought hard to defeat cancer but his weakened body could not fight off pneumonia. He was preceded in death by his parents, third wife June Nicklin Zachary, 2 half-brothers Bobby Wesley Zachary, Sr. and Don Carlos Zachary, half-sister Sonora Diane Zachary Farmer-Wallis, sister “Little Ethel” who died at birth; step grandson Drake Hahn, step son-in-law Steve Cole, and stepson Michael French. Survivors include his wife Mary Ann Mills Zachary and their blended family of children and stepchildren: Steve Zachary of Yuma, Arizona; Don Zachary (Wynona) of Washougal, Washington; Gina Zachary Andres (George) of Missoula, Montana; Lisa Zachary Skellenger (Robert), Stacey Zachary Lobdell (Troy), and Adam Zachary (Leha) of Spokane Valley, Washington; Lori Bailey of Deer Park, Washington; Dave Griggs of Seattle, Washington; Ty Hahn (Debbie) and Tyla Hahn of Redmond, Oregon; Michelle French Cole of Mena, Arkansas; Melynda French Buchanan Williams of Greer, South Carolina; and Ken Buchanan (Kathy) of Jonesboro, Arkansas; daughterin-law Heather French of Louisville, Kentucky; 26 grandchildren; and 9 great grandchildren. Other survivors who will miss him include his sister-in-law Lynda Langley (Travis) of Dalark, Arkansas; his uncle Richard Morales of Waupaca, Wisconsin; special cousins Brenda Jeffress (William), Billie Allen Johnson (Diane), Jerry Johnson (Bernice), Erick Johnson (Connie), and Gary Johnson (Nancy), nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends. Due to the recommendations of the Arkansas Health Department and the CDC there will be a memorial service at Mena First Assembly of God Church at a later date with a private burial. Memorials may be sent to: First Assembly of God “Acts of Love” food pantry – First Assembly of God Church, 2111 Sutherland Avenue, Mena, AR 71953 or CMA Run for the Son, Home Front Warriors, P O Box 7, Hatfield, Arkansas 71945, with notation in memory of William “Zack” Zachary member no. 112186.

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Loretta Darlene Loretta Davis, age 91 of Darlene Mena, Arkansas, passed from this life Davis on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at her home. Loretta was born on May 22, 1929 in Big Fork, Arkansas to the late Cleveland and Grace (Liles) Reynolds. She was a member of the Big Fork Baptist Church. Loretta was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be dearly missed. She is survived by: Son Calvin Davis; Daughter Iona Wagner; Grandchildren: Brent Wagner, Kristy Cambell, Steve Davis, Rebecca Owens, Luan Fox; Great-Grandchildren: Landric Wagner, Shiloh Wagner, Raelynn Fox, Reese Fox, Sophillia Owens, Addison Campbell, Abagail Davis, Paislee Davis, John Tucker Davis, Kaydee Davis, Lucas Davis; and Sisters: Jana (Reynolds) Fletcher and husband Max, and Melba (Reynolds) McClinton and husband Haskell. She was preceded in death by her husband, John T. Davis; and son, Cleveland Davis. A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2020 at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Big Fork, Arkansas with Brother Wayne Burns officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren. Visitation will be general. Services are under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Alma Marlene Brewster Payne Mrs. Alma Marlene Brewster Payne, age 85, of Mena passed away Friday, June 19, 2020 in Mt. Ida, Arkansas. Alma was born in El Reno, Oklahoma to the late Emmons Brewster and the late Alta Kinder Brewster. She was married to James C. Payne for many years. Alma was a nurse by profession for 43 years. Alma was very proud of her family especially her grand and great grandchildren whom she loved dearly. She enjoyed eating, es-

pecially desert. You might say she had a sweet tooth. Most importantly, she loved the Lord, reading her Bible and listening to Gospel music. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She is survived by: Husband James C. Payne; Sons: Caylan Allen and Mark Allen and Debbie; Daughters: Susan Moore and husband Eric, Theresa Carothers and husband Steven; Grandchildren: Michelle Mendes, Eric Moore, Jr., Tracy McEntire, Jason Allen, Justin Allen, Athena Allen, Victoria Allen, Brandy Springer, Christopher Allen, William Allen and Chad Rinehart and 24 Great-Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband; William Allen, 2 brother and 3 sisters. Memorial service will be held at Grace Bible Church, Saturday June 27 at 2:00 p.m. with Brother Lamar Austin officiating.

Terry Shane Drager Terry Shane Drager, age 50, of Mena, Arkansas, died Thursday, June 18, 2020, at his home. He was born on Sunday, December 28, 1969, to Terry Milo and Shirley Drager in Houston, Texas. Terry spent his younger years as a mechanic. He had a love for older cars and motorcycles. He enjoyed spending time at the river with his friends and family. He had the biggest heart and loved to help anyone he could. Terry was a loving father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend and will be missed by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his father. Terry is survived by his mother, Shirley Drager of Mena; one sister and brother in law, Dr. Suzanne Drager and Brandon Marshall of Como, Colorado; one daughter, Shelby Drager of Mena, Arkansas; one son, Torrey Drager of Mena, Arkansas; two grandchildren, Paisley Leach and Aiden Drager; his best friends, Allen and Darla Martel, along with several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the 9th Street Ministries, 306 9th St, Mena, AR 71953. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 24 , 2020, 3:00 P.M. at the Living Word Pentecostal Church in

June 24, 2020

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Hatfield, AR with Brother Rodney Provence officiating. Interment will follow at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hatfield under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home. General visitation at Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas during normal office hours. Pallbearers will be Torrey Drager, Brandon Marshall, Melton Cannon, Darren Cannon, Timothy Land, and Floyd Walker. Honorary Pallbearer is Allen Martel. Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com “Serving Our Community One Family At A Time…”at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hatfield under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home. General visitation at Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas during normal office hours. Pallbearers will be Torrey Drager, Brandon Marshall, Melton Cannon, Darren Cannon, Timothy Land, and Floyd Walker. Honorary Pallbearer is Allen Martell. Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com “Serving Our Community One Family At A Time…”

Edward Jacob Vartanian Edward Jacob Vartanian, age 71 of Cove, AR passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2020 in Hot

Springs. He was born December 31, 1948 in Fresno, California to the late Edward Hagop Vartanian and Lidia Bell Jones Vartanian. Ed was an avid trout fisherman and loved spending his time on the water. He also enjoyed playing golf and was a collector of many things. Above all, Mr. Vartanian was a firm believer in our savior Jesus Christ and showed this through his singing and his worship. Ed was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all who knew him. He is survived by; Wife Linda Vartanian of Cove, AR; Daughter Sara Aldridge and husband Dan of Cranford, New Jersey; Sisters, Linda Wales of Mt. Vernon, Washington and Jo Jones of Mt. Vernon, Washington, 6 Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Vartanian is preceded in death by his

Dr. Tyler Frans Dr. Gordon McDonald

staff@phacmena.com

parents, a daughter; Melissa Wallace, and 8 siblings. Ed was sent for cremation under the

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direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home and services are to be held June 27th at Beasley Wood Chapel at 11:00 a.m.

Arkansas Unemployment Rate Drops to Less than 10% According to the Labor force data that was produced by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics and released today by the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, show Arkansas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined one and three-tenths of a percentage point, but 10.8 percent in April (revised up from the preliminary April estimate of 10.2 percent) to 9.5 percent in May. Arkansas’ civilian labor force increased 33,715, a result of 46,378 more employed and 12,663 fewer unemployed Arkansans. The United States’ jobless rated decreased from 14.7 percent in April to 13/3 percent in May. BLS Program Operations Managerr Suans Price said, “Due to the partial re-opening of the economy, the number of employed Arkansans rose 46,378 in May. The increase in employment and the decline in unemployment resulted in an unemploy-

ment rate drop of over one full perentage point.” Details of the BLS methodology and the impat of COVID-19 on the April and May estimation process can be found here. Nonfarm payroll jobs in Arkansas rose 25,900 in May to a total of 1,191m200. Eight major industry sectors posted job gains, while two sectors declined. Leisure and hospitality added 13,400 jobs. Jobs in educational and health services increased 9,100. All expansions were in health care and social assistance. Trade, transportation and utilities gained 4,300 jobs, largely in retail trade. Thre greatest oss was in government, down 4,400 jobs. Most of the decline was related to eduational services in state and local government, due to the official end of the 20192020 school year.

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

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UA Little Rock students named to Spring 2020 Dean’s LITTLE ROCK, AR (06/16/2020)-- The University of Arkansas at Little Rock announces students who have made the Dean's List for the spring 2020 semester. The Dean's List recognized nearly 1,800 students with superior academic performances at the end of the spring semester. To be on the Dean's List, UA Little Rock students must earn at least nine credit hours and maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA. Local UA Little Rock students who made

the Dean's List include: Cynthia McLellan of Mena, AR Beverly Siegfried of Mena, AR Eric Sutherland of Mena, AR Traci Hostetler of Mena, AR With about 10,000 students and 100 programs, UA Little Rock offers learning, research, service, social and career opportunities that can only be found at a metropolitan university located in Arkansas' capital city.

OLT Memberships Extended Additional Six Months The 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. 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 com-

pletely 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 enjoyable to our audiences. The board is also looking at creative ways to make money to pay expenses that occur monthly. 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.

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June 24, 2020

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High School Workouts Will Continue this Week Mena High School Athletic Director, Shane Torix informed the members of the Mena School Board that the Arkansas Activities Association made the decision to waive the required 2020 summer dead weeks this year. Torix stated the AAA left the decision up to the individual districts to decie if they

wanted to follow suit. Torix said the district AAC decided that coaches would be available and workouts would continue through June 26 and athletes and coaches would be off the second week, June 29 through July 3. All workouts are voluntary.

Update on Area Graduation Ceremonies

Cason Cannon and Austin Johnston were awarded Trader Bill's High School Angler of the Year awards for 2019-2020. Both are seniors at Mena High School. Submitted photo.

Mena High School Principal David Maxwell announced the Mena High School Graduation Ceremony has been scheduled for July 18 at 9 am, but students are required to arrive at 8. Maxwell said the district will make all necessary safety protocols and limitations available to district patrons as soon as possible. Maxwell announced Monday after that the district is able to increase the number of people who will be allowed in the stadium for graduation.He said students will be allowed to have two guests on the field and up to eight guests in the bleachers.

Last week, Maxwell reported the high school will hold a drive-thru pick up for the seniors Cords and Stoles this Thursday, June 25 from 10 am to 1 pm. under the awning at the Mena Middle School bus loop. Maxwell said graduation practice will be held on July 17 at 8 am in the Mena Middle School parking lot and participation in parctice is required. Ouachita River School District announced graduation will be held at the Acorn High School on Thursday, July 9 at 7 pm and at the Oden High School on Friday, July 10 at 7 pm.

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SCHOOL BOARD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 COVID-19 legislation. Mena Middle School Principal Clifton Sherrer reported the middle school was oneo of only 15 schools in the state that was selected to participate in an adequacy study. The study is to help quarantee a viable learning platform when school resumes this fall by having district patrons fill out a survey. High School Principal David Maxwell provided details concerning the 2020 commencement, which is scheduled for July

18th. He informed the board more guidance from the state is expected by June 30th. Maxwell said he has not received any word concerning the approval of a 2020 prom. Board members approved the purchase of a new handicap accessible bus at a cost of $88,875. They also voted to renew the district’s building and property insurance, as well as the suppliemental student accident insurance for the 2020-2021 school year. PHASE II CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

PETITION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 10 “Best Places to Live in America” in our size category rated on jobs/economy, affordable housing, safety, education, and leisure/arts were all in wet counties. A vote for a wet county is not only an economic issue but a quality of life issue. “We are asking our registered voters to study the facts and not chase myths and rumors and follow their conscience. The Committee for Growth Polk County is not trying to change people’s beliefs nor does

it have a litmus test for our elected officials, we just want people to consider the benefits of having a wet county,” said Committee for Growth Polk County C0-Chaiman Rick Chrisman. Petition signing stations are set up in Cove at Scotty’s, in Mena at Ouachita Roasters, American Artisans, The Market on 71, Kess’s Corner, and the Northside Shopping Center.

health directives. The chairman of the Economic Recovery Task Force has said that the group advocated some form of liability protection to reduce uncertainty for businesses trying to reopen. During Phase Two, restaurants may seat up to 66 percent of their capacity. Gyms and fitness centers must still screen participants to prevent people with symptoms from entering.

On July 1, nursing homes and long-term care facilities may allow up to two visitors to a single resident. Visitors must be screened, and must wear masks. The decision to reopen nursing homes to visitors was based on widespread testing of residents and staff in every facility in Arkansas. So far, more than 13,000 residents and staff have been tested and less than 1 percent have tested positive.

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06.24.20

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 06.17.20

Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

HSO Senior Class Dogs! These seniors, ages 6 and up, are ready to graduate and find new homes. Stoney, BeeBee, Travis, Sassy, Charlie Bear, Petunia, Midnight, Curly, Red, Wiley. HSO has a reduced adoption fee on all seniors. See them on our website! Get a mature and loyal companion! 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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Cancellations, Closings and Changes... Ice Cream social at Janssen Park, Saturday, July 4 at 2:30 pm Sponsored by First Presbyterian Church. The event is a drive thru event. So please, stay in your car and drive thru the park to get your ice cream. Wolf Pen Gap Trail system is OPEN. Forest visitors are asked to avoid congregating at trailheads and parking areas and refrain from gathering in groups of 10 or more. The trail system does close when heavy rain is predicted. For more information, contact the Mena-Oden Ranger Queen Wilhelmina State Park has announced that all park-driven special events will be canceled through June 30th, with the exception of fishing derbies. = Due to health department guidelines concerning social distancing during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the City of Mena feels it is in the best public interest for McMillan Park Swimming Pool to remain closed until further notice. Healthy Connections is offering COVID-19 testing regardless of symptoms. For more info go online to www.healthy-connections. org The Farmer’s Market in Mena, located at the Historic KCS Depot on Sherwood Street in downtown Mena opened for the season. The Farmer’s Market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. until sold out. Some area restaurants are open with limited seating allowed. Also, some Barber shops and beauty salons and exercise gyms are open in Arkansas with limited patronage. The Polk County Library offers book pickup. You can reserve a title by calling 479394-2314 and pick up your books the next day. Follow them on Facebook for new arrival announcements. Fresh Start Pregnancy Center is now operating with normal business hours and activities. Mena Art Gallery is open by appointment. You can contact them to schedule a visit by calling 479-394-3880, texting 479-234-5440, or send an email to email@menaartgallery. org. They are also now accepting entries for the Folk Art and Fiber Art Show. For more information, call the gallery, visit their website, or check them out on Facebook.

Mena Elks Lodge 781 of Mena is now open 7 days a week. There is a complete guide to what needs to be followed on the Mena Elks Lodge Facebook page. w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / M e n a - E l k s Lodge-781-134750103260123 Bingo at American Legion resumed Monday, June 1st. No food will be served, social distancing required, along with face masks. Freedom Water office is open as of Wednesday, May 20th. If you need to know your balance or have any questions you may call office at 479-394-7500 during business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Acorn Rural Water Office is now open to the public and customers. For more information call 479-394-1025. The District Court Clerk’s office IS open to the public. Please remember when you visit the office to respect the social distancing guidelines of maintaining a 6 ft. distance. If you have any questions please call 479-3943271 or you can email info.distctplkcoar.net For more information and updates, visit websites of the Ouachita National Forest at www.fs.usda.gov/ouachita or the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests at www.fs.usda. gov/osfnf/. Updates can also be found at the Ouachita National Forest Facebook site at www.facebook.com/ouachitanf and OzarkSt. Francis National Forest at www.facebook.com/ozarkstfrancis/. The Mena ARVAC office is closed to the public. We are still able to help individuals with utility assistance. Hatfield Town Hall is closing the Lobby. All payments can be put in the Dropbox or pay at Hatfield Union Bank. Attach your Bill that is mailed out to you with your payment. The office personnel can be reached at 870-3896611. Also, during the Covid-19 social distancing time no Reservations can be taken for Use of the building. Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative office lobbies are closed to protect health of members and employees. We will operate business as usual through the drive through. Members may report outages by call toll-free 1-877-828-4074 or call the Mena office at 479-394-4140. Payments can be made at the Drive Thru, Night Deposit or website www.rmec.com. FROM THE EXTENSION SERVICE OF-

FICE We are having to suspend all 4-H, EHC, Master Gardener, & educational activities for the time being due to COVID-19. The Union Bank lobby, First Financial Bank lobby and other banks lobbies in the area are closed until further notice. = Congregate meals at Cossatot Senior Center will be closed until further notice. Will do drive up/pick up from 10am-11am. Also, will continue home delivered meals as normal. Contact 479-234-3503 to be included or for more details. The Mena Polk County Senior Center NOT open for daily activities. If you are senior citizen 60 years of age or older and would like to pick up a meal to go at the center, call for more information at479-394-5459. If you are currently a participant and would still like a meal, you may call the senior center between 9 and 11:00 to place an order to be picked up. We will continue serving meals to go every day form 11:30am thru 12 Noon. The Grab & Go meals are still the suggested donation price of $3.00 each. Any extra monetary donations are greatly appreciated!! The number to call is 479-394-5459 to order a meal. No meals after 12 noon. Stay tuned to Facebook page and local radio stations for further info. Sunday morning June 14th Mena First Baptist Church resumed Sunday School at 9:30am and the Morning Service will be in the Sanctuary for worship at 10:30am. The Morning Service will continue to be streamed on Mena First Baptist Church Facebook page. Also, the Wednesday Bible Study at 6pm will be in the Mena FBC Fellowship Hall. = First Christian Church at 1010 Port Arthur in Mena will hold a service in their Fellowship Hall at 10:45am on Sundays. Trinity Lutheran Church at 1010 DeQueen Street has resumed Sunday morning services at 10am. The Southside Church of God schedule Sunday Morning services in the Sanctuary At 10:45 AM Sunday Evening services in the Sanctuary At 6:00 PM Wednesday night Warriors for Christ Youth service begins at 6. The Church is located at 101 Dallas Ave. First United Methodist Church is holding church services on Sundays at 10am in the Church parking lot. Faith Missionary Baptist Church Sunday morning service continues to air on 104.1FM

calendar

KENA each Sunday from 11am to Noon. And you can NOW attend service inside the Church. Also service is streamed online on their Facebook page. Dallas Avenue Baptist Church will be having a service inside at 10:30am. Please wear masks. They will also be streaming service. Bible Believers Baptist Church will be having church service Sunday morning at 11am inside the church building. Christ’s Church at Mountain Fork will be holding service at the Churches Activity Center at 10:45am. Social Distancing followed. Grace Bible Church is now holding their service inside the building. To contact the church dial (479) 394-4092. Christ Community Fellowship officially opened Sunday, June 7th at 10:30 am! No Sunday School, or Children Services will be offered until further notice! There will still be LIVE STREAM, and also be on FM 88.3 for those who still want to Drive In!! Please follow the following guidelines!(Subject to change) >If you are at high risk, have been in contact with a person who has tested positive for Covid-19, or have run a fever within the last week, PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND! >Every person 10yrs old or older MUST wear a mask when inside CCF (bring your own mask)! >Follow Social Distancing Rules! Do not shake hands or hug people. Keep 6’ of distance. > Wait to be seated by an Usher. Do not move chairs, an usher will do that for you. > Please stay at you seat. Please help us keep everyone safe while we worship! Hopefully with everyone’s cooperation, we will be able to look more “normal” soon!! First Presbyterian church services are being filmed and put online. No in person service until further notice. Cove Church of Christ invites you to worship with us, on Sunday, Bible study 10 am and worship at 11. For more information, call 870-387-8111. Attention friends and family: The Annual Jewell Reunion will be canceled this year due to social distancing and pandemic. We hope to try to have the reunion the following years to come. Zafra Church will hold God Bless America VBS, July 13-17 from 8 am to 12:30 pm. For more information, call 479-216-1312 or 479234-5022.

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The Wait for Nursing Home Visits is Almost Over LITTLE ROCK – We set a goal to test every resident and staff member in longterm-care in June, and today I’m pleased to say that nursing homes, and assisted-living and residential-care facilities will be able to resume limited family visits and other activities on July 1 if they have complied with the public health guidelines of the Arkansas Department of Health. This is an important step. The residents of nursing homes have been cut off from direct visits with family and friends for three months. This isolation is very difficult on our loved ones, and because of our testing and other measures in place, we are ready to have visitors again. In terms of testing, as of this week, we have tested over 19,000 of our nursing home residents and staff with only 150 positive cases. This indicates we are doing a good job of protecting some of our most vulnerable Arkansans. Many of our nursing homes are completely free of COVID-19. Arkansas’s rate of positive cases is less than half the national average. The Arkansas Health Care Association is coordinating with the Arkansas Depart-

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ment of Health on the June initiative. Executive Director Rachel Bunch said that for the comfort of the elderly, the testers will use the least-invasive swab available. She points out that the increase in testing will initially produce an increase in the number of positive cases, but the testing will allow us to create a baseline to guide our decisions. She also said that a large number of patients who test positive don’t show any symptoms. A person with a positive test isn’t necessarily sick. We issued the directive that visitors would not be allowed into nursing homes on March 14. This decision hit close to home. A member of my own staff wasn’t

allowed to visit her father. The directive included an end-of-life exception for family members, so that she was allowed to put on personal protective equipment to see him before he passed. During this time of isolation, the caregivers have assisted residents with window visits and internet visits. The family of Louis Strickland, an Army veteran, threw a party for his 100th birthday, but his family had to watch through a window at the Veterans Home. But nothing is as good as an in-person visit of a family member. We are close to our testing goal. The long wait for families and their loved ones in nursing homes is almost over.

AR Department of Higher Education Announces Scholarship Extensions

Arkansas Department of Higher Education has announced the extension of two financial aid sources for college students. Both the Arkansas Academic Challenge and the Arkansas Future programs have been extended to August 1st. They also announced that, if you are still pressing towards that needed ACT score for Arkansas Challenge, they are delighted to give you additional opportunities! The

Accuplacer test is being offered remotely and can be substituted for the ACT. They’ll also accept the July ACT test score for scholarship awarding purposes. Several of the other Scholarships still hold a deadline of July 1. So, please see the Arkansas Department of Higher Education for any additional information and guidelines on these scholarships.

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June 24, 2020

Polk County Housing Authority 509 South Morrow Street, Mena, AR

“Smoke Free” and well maintained. The cooking and heating in most apartments is natural gas which is paid by the housing authority. Water, sewer and garbage pick-up are also paid by the housing authority. You will be responsible for your own electric service. Rent amount is based on income. Lawn mowing service is provided to elderly/disabled residents and available for a fee to all other residents. Apartments have washer and dryer hook-up and are equipped with a range and refrigerator as well as central heat and air conditioning. PCHA also has an income based rental assistance program for housing anywhere in Polk County. or visit our website at www.polkarhousing.com

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Lottery Scholarship Application Deadline Extended To August 1

LITTLE ROCK, AR –The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery announced today that the deadline to apply for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship has been extended to August 1 with modified eligibility requirements deemed necessary because of COVID-19. Unlike in prior years, students who have a sufficient number of hours and have earned satisfactory academic progress before March 27 are automatically eligible for the scholarship for the 2020 fall semester. “COVID-19 greatly disrupted our educational processes, particularly in terms of in-person learning,” said Maria Markham, director of the Division of Higher Education. “We felt it necessary, therefore, to modify the requirements for those students who might have experienced a setback through no fault of their own.” The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery provides tuition assistance to traditional and non-traditional students attending universities and two-year colleges, public and private, in the state. Since its inception in 2009, the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery has raised more than $954 million in scholarship proceeds and awarded more than 542,000 scholarships to students. “The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery was started with the primary goal of helping Arkansas students realize their higher education goals,” said Bishop Woosley, director of the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery. “We

have never deviated from that mission and are proud that more than 92 cents of every dollar raised through the sale of lottery tickets goes to scholarships, prizes, retailer commissions and other expenses.” Traditional students must score at least 19 on the ACT to qualify for the scholarship. The latest ACT score accepted by Arkansas Department of Higher Education will be from the July testing. Students who have yet to achieve a score of 19 on the ACT may take the Accuplacer test remotely as a substitute. Freshman students at four-year colleges receive $1,000 from the scholarship. Second-and third-year students receive $4,000, and senior level students are awarded $5,000 per year. At two-year colleges, first-year students receive $1,000, while second-year students are awarded $3,000. To maintain eligibility, students must keep a 2.5 GPA. Additionally, students seeking certification for high-demand occupations such as in healthcare and information technology may apply for the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship, which is also funded by lottery revenue. Students must apply at least 30 days before enrolling in an eligible program. Students may apply online for both scholarships at scholarships.ADHE.edu.

County Clerk Gives Update On Election Preparation, Voter Safety Polk County Clerk Terri Harrison relaeased the following information today concerning the upcoming General Election. County Clerks and Election Commissioners across the State, as well as State Officials, are working diligently to make sure that the General Election goes smoothly and that we are taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of voters and election workers. With the exception of a few changes to meet safety and sanitation guidelines, we anticipate that elections will carry on pretty much as usual in Polk County. Early voting will begin on October 19th and vote centers will be open on Election Day. We will be taking extra measures to keep everything sanitized. Voters and election workers will be asked to honor the 6-foot social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid19. Hand

sanitizer, face masks, and other protective equipment will also be available at each vote center. Absentee voting will still be available for those voters that are unavoidably absent, or their health prevents them from being able to vote in person. Anyone needing to vote absentee should contact the County Clerk’s Office as soon as possible so that we can send you the absentee application. As a voter there are a few things you can do to help out. If you have recently moved or had a name change, please contact the County Clerk’s Office as soon as possible to update your information on voter registration records. If you have any questions about your voter registration or voting in Polk County, please call the County Clerk’s Office at 479-3948123.