Polk County Pulse March 24, 2021

Pulse THE POLK COUNTY

FREE WEEKLY 1168 Hwy 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600

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Vets Present Arms for Vaccination

INSIDE:

March 24, 2021

Suboxone treatment available

Grant provides Guidance Center with opioid treatment

By Jeri Pearson

National Agriculture Week

Page 11-14

Mena Post-Season Honors

Page 22-23

Photos courtesy of James K. Polk Chapter NSDARMena / Cortez J. Copher

Veterans receive COVID-19 vaccination

Eagle Release

Page 16

During the National Salute to Veterans Week in February, a group from Little Rock was scheduled to come to Mena to give COVID-19 shots to Veterans at the VA Community Base Outpatient Clinic in Mena. Due to the February snow and ice storm, the event was rescheduled, and a large number of local veterans have been receiving their vaccinations. As the Veterans waited the required time after their shots, they were given a gift "Thank You For Your Service Snack Sack" with a bottle of water from the James K. Polk NSDAR Chapter.

Opportunities to turn lives around for those suffering from opioid addiction continue to expand in Polk County.

A State Opioid Response (SOR) grant to Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center, commonly known as The Guidance Center will provide Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for people suffering from opioid use disorder.

The 12 months leading up to July 2020 there were 83,000 overdose deaths in the US, that’s an increase of 21 percent over the previous year.

Kasey Wilson, co-occurcring Director of The Guidance Center, said the main goals of the treatment are to prevent deaths and heal families and communities.

“The bottom line is overdose deaths cause the loss of loved ones, neighbors, friends, mothers, father, sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts, and uncles,” Wilson said.

“Then next to that is loss of employment, parents losing their children to foster care (not that this isn’t a big problem that faces the community, but at least no one is dead). Someone that loses their life to an opiate overdose has no chance at recovery.”

Wilson said he thinks of opiate addiction as a community disease.

“Meaning it affects the whole community. Some may be inclined to judge a recovering addict, but these days most who are suffering from the addition were normal folks,” he said.

See TREATMENT page 21

2 Editorial

March 24, 2021

Your Pulse!

Your Pulse!

I am disturbed by the letters from Polk County Watch. At the very least they promote the paranoia and bigotry that so frequently characterizes public discourse in these divisive times. However, such discourse is vital, as the Pulse has stated. It is far more disturbing that the Pulse has agreed to publish these letters anonymously, in violation of its own policies concerning letters from the public. The fact that Polk County Watch elects to remain hidden robs it of any credibility it may otherwise enjoy. I strongly urge the Pulse to refuse to print these letters, or any letters, without attribution. Thank you.

Dear Editor,

Roberta Salamone

Your Pulse!

Dear Editor, During the recent snow, I thanked God that we kept power and water. I would also like to thank all those who work year round to clear tree limbs and other hazards away from utility lines, the ones who see that lines and poles are maintained, water people who take care of pipes, prompt attendance to leakages, and a thank you to all others who helped, especially those who had to be out in the cold.

Sincerely, Kay Nelson

I am writing in response to two articles, “The Polk County Watch” published in the March 10, 2021 issue and “Polk County Watch: Looking Back…Looking Forward…” published in the March 17 issue.

I have significant concerns with both articles. However, I primarily wish to argue that the anonymous author’s misrepresentation of historical fact is both dangerous and ignorant. In “The Polk County Watch,” the author compares a county watch with the Minutemen from the Revolutionary period. This comparison is alarming because Minutemen were citizen-soldiers, a militia that could be called at a moment’s notice to defend against British military aggression.

A county watch is not a militia and the thieves, robbers, and arsonists that the author believes threaten Polk County make a weak comparison to the standing British army. A militia is a military body designed to use violent means to defend against an invading force. To compare any county watch to a militia is to instigate violence. When the author combines the militia idea with combative language, like stating that we are “in the midst of a new struggle, and it is becoming as much physical as it is ideological,” the author implies the use of extreme force.

The anonymous author doubles down on his ignorance of American history in “Polk County Watch: Looking Back…Looking Forward…” He tries to defend the timelessness of the Constitution by claiming that early Americans did not interpret nor

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse attempt to modify the laws coded in that document. That’s patently false. Early American leaders immediately attempted to change the Constitution by adding the first 10 amendments, popularly called the Bill of Rights. The document continued to change as the Constitution now contains 27 amendments. Further, by the end of second President John Adams’ term in office, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall creatively interpreted the Constitution to give the courts the power of judicial review in the case of Marbury v.

Madison. The courts have been doing it ever since.

The poorly informed anonymous author goes on to lament individuals “openly preaching the dismantling of our country” and “ridiculing it.” Since independence, negotiation about how the nation should work has been the foundation of this American project. It’s called democracy! Fearing and running away from that negotiation is more un-American than challenging the status quo. The author of these articles does nothing more than promote a community of cowards.

Mena is growing in so many wonderful ways, and these messages attempt to hinder positive community building. The Mena Police Department and Polk County Sherriff’s Office have excellent personnel, resources, and community support. We should leave law enforcement to them and turn away from this craven county watch.

Kyle B. Carpenter

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Editorial 3

March 24, 2021

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KENA 104.1 - KQOR 105.3 MyPulseNews.com

Dear Ms. Pearson I am pleased to see you printing letters and articles such as the Polk County Watch, the Ouachita Collaborative Cultivators, and the letter from Mysti Gates.

Open discussion is always a good thing. I do disapprove of your publishing any letters or articles that are not signed by the author or authors.

There should not be any opinion pieces printed that the author does not wish to be identified with.

Yours truly, Bill Pollen

1168 Hwy 71S Mena, AR 71953 Phone: 479-243-9600 Fax: 479-243-9603 Email: news@mypulsenews.com

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Your Pulse!

I have read the responses to the original Polk County Watch article. Having read that article and the second one in this week’s paper, I felt a need to respond.

The two responses in the paper stated they felt the article was looking to create “fear”, “suspicion”, and “alarm”. I disagree.

I felt the article was about raising awareness and promoting civic mindedness by watching out for your neighbors.

I understand that some of the wording in the article could have been better, but the idea was obvious; watch for suspicious activity and call the police if you see any.

As for indirectly accusing the author of racism and ethnic bias, maybe they should look at it as noticing those who look out of place and just watching them for a few minutes. Maybe ask if someone needs assistance if you’re unsure what they’re doing wherever they happen to be. The article was meant to encourage something like a neighborhood watch, just on a larger scale.

I fully support the idea.

As to Ms. Gates’ assertions of the travel needed to get here being ridiculous, and that the problem is that youth have nothing to do, all you need to do is look at the police and sheriff reports to see she’s wrong. We have had murders here, and even had a woman drive from Oklahoma to dump a dead body. Many people are arrested by our local law enforcement that live 80 miles or more from Mena. As

for the drug and alcohol offenses, the vast majority are committed by adults well over the legal drinking age. I would guess that less than 5% of arrests in Polk County are juveniles or adults under 21. It is adults who are committing the crimes, not bored youth. I do agree that we need more to do in our community; I personally have been pushing for an indoor pool that could be open year-round and that could eventually incorporate a community center and other entertainment. Sadly, there seems to be no interest from our local leadership.

Perhaps because I wasn’t raised to notice a person’s skin color or ethnicity, it isn’t the first thing that pops into my head when I read articles like the Polk County Watch’s. I hope that people will stop looking for racist attitudes and biases, and start looking for actual intent, especially in our little community. My hope is that we can all pull together and watch out for our neighbors and also create more entertainment for the community.

Sincerely, Mary Meier All that is needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. - Unknown We have an enemy, but it is never other people. - J. D. Walt Betty Wiles.

Want to share your opinion?

The Polk County Pulse welcomes letters to the Editor addressing any topic of interest to our readers. To be published, letters 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

4 Editoral

March 24, 2021

Your Pulse!

Dear Editor, I am writing in response to the article entitled “Polk County Watch: Looking Back…Looking Forward” which appeared in the March 17th print edition of The Pulse.

My response to this article is two-fold: I wish to address both you, the Editor, as well as the author.

To you, the Editor, I wish to share the following: It is my position that the author of this article is the same individual who wrote the previous article entitled “Polk County Watch.”

Both articles allow the author to remain anonymous. I now know that you did not write either article, and I am confident that both articles were written by the same man.

Additionally, by allowing “the Sentinel” – as you’re now referring to him – to write in anonymously, you’re opening the door for dozens of people to hide behind their words while shouting their discriminatory hate speech under the guise of community advocacy. I would like to think that no editor would want to be the “facilitator of information” that propagates hate speech.

The cultural diversity within our community is what is being “diminished [and] eroded by the wiles of [our local] politicians, specifically, “the Sentinel.”

To the author, I wish to say the following: First, outside of the inclusion of the words “Polk County Watch” in the title, this article has absolutely nothing to do with a county-wide “neighborhood” watch. However, if you truly believe we need a “Polk County Watch,” you should stand behind this move-

Editor’s Pulse ment and actually lead. The fact that you refuse to reveal your identity makes me question your motives. We all want to believe that “people are more than their politics,” but we can only ascertain this if we stand up and openly defend our views. And an important part of defending those views involves using facts and evidence, not just opinions and rhetoric.

Secondly, if you feel so strongly that there “isn’t anything wrong with preserving what we have,” then you should be willing to put your name on these articles rather than hiding behind your anonymity.

Finally, I would ask you to define what a “bona fide American” is. In my opinion, to be an American means to honor the words that are inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty, the “Mother of Exiles”: “Give me your tired, your poor/ Your huddled masses yearning to break free.” The remaining lines call us to accept the homeless and to offer “worldwide welcome.” Our community is not exempt. This is the “heritage” that we should be embracing, and the “faith” you so staunchly reference asks of you the same. The only irony in your article is that you fail to practice what you preach. As you arrogantly sit back and watch it all “hit the fan,” I’d ask you to include your name on all future submissions – and the Editor to require it – for if you are willing to defend such ideas, you should be willing to sign your name to them…even if it costs you your seat at the table.

Thank you, Mysti Gates

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The feedback regarding the Watch articles continued to pour in this week, which resulted in being the topic of conversation at the Pulse. After considering the thoughts and suggestions submitted to us, we determined that political columns with the author’s name in the by-line was something to which we must adhere. Because the Sentinel, author of the Watch columns, wishes to remain anonymous, it will no longer be printed in the Pulse.

Through this experiment, I’ve learned there may be a place for political thoughts to be shared, discussion had, and understanding obtained. The offer continues to be open for readers who reside within Polk County to share their views, through letters to the editor or through a column, but both formats must contain the author’s name.

While some of the feedback was at times a bit aggressive, what I appreciate about hearing form readers is that you are participating in our community through public commenting. When we stop communicating, we drift further apart. What each perspective shared is the tight-knit,

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

love-thy-neighbor aspect of Polk County is something we all generally aspire to maintain.

Sometimes each of us falls short in our communication or understanding. Sometimes your editor errors in judgment. We are all human and it seems from the feedback that we live in a community that is full of people who desire to understand and forgive when we take a misstep.

To that end, I encourage you to read this week’s front page story regarding The Guidance Center’s ability to offer Suboxone to those suffering from opioid addiction. I am so humbled to be the editor of the Pulse.

Many of our readers had the luck to be born here. After searching states and communities over, I know without a doubt this is the best home one could ever ask for, and I’m so glad to belong to such passionate and dedicated readers.

It is a treasure to write, report and belong in Polk County.

- Your Editor Jeri Pearson

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Obituaries 5

March 24, 2021

Faye Elder

Faye Elder, age 89, of Mena, Arkansas passed away March 17, 2021 at her home surrounded by her children. She was born to the late Andrew and Ozie McBride on April 2, 1931 in Mena, Arkansas.

Faye enjoyed raising chickens and cows. She loved working in her yard and flower beds. She was fond of birds and bird watching. Faye was known to cook pies and cakes for her family and all who knew her knew of her famous peanut butter cookies. She was fond of her beloved dog Tori. Above all, she absolutely loved her family and spending time with them. She will be missed dearly.

She is survived by her son, David Elder and wife Rebecca of Kendallville, Indiana; daughters, Cathie Duke of Mena, Arkansas, Becky Shrader and husband Brent of Mena, Arkansas, and Patsy Meadows and husband Jerry of Farmington, Arkansas; ten grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family. Faye is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Johnny Elder; daughter, Debbie Smith; sisters, Dorabell Rogers, Ruby Reed, and Gladys Reed; son in laws, Joe Duke, and Ray Smith.

Graveside service will be Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in Rocky Cemetery with Nikki Schaefer and Jerry Meadows officiating. Interment under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Jessie Lee Kesterson

Jessie Lee Kesterson, age 86, formerly of Cove, went to be with the Lord on March 16, 2021 in Hope, Arkansas. She was born to the late Hester Devine on February 14, 1935 in Hatfield, Arkansas.

Jessie went to school in Hatfield where she enjoyed playing basketball. She liked to sew and quilt. Jessie enjoyed working in her garden and painting ceramics.

She loved to go camping and fishing. Jessie loved to spend time with her beloved husband Wayne, traveling and seeing new places together. Above all else, Jessie loved the Lord and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hope.

She is survived by her sons, Keith Kesterson, and Bob Kesterson and wife Doris; grandchildren, William Kesterson, Chad Lawrence, Jennifer Roberts, and Kitina Kesterson; great grandchildren, Madeline Kesterson, Hannah Kesterson, Jacob Lawrence, Brody Lawrence, and J.D. Kesterson; brother, Henry McCauley and wife Thena; sister, Mary Lou Smith; aunt, Marie Hastings; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Jessie is preceded in death by her mother; husband, Wayne Kesterson; daughter, Carolyn Sue Lawrence; son, Donald Lee Kesterson; brother, Kenneth McCauley; grandparents, Jess and Emma McCauley.

Funeral service will be Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in the Beasley Wood Chapel with Pastor Daniel Bramlett officiating. Interment to follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Cove, Arkansas under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. in the Beasley Wood Chapel with the service to follow.

Pallbearers will be Chad Lawrence, Jacob Lawrence, Willie Kesterson, Ted McCauley, Joe Hammonds, Kevin Kesterson, and Tad Kesterson.

Memorial donations made be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz. org, or to the Pleasant Grove Cemetery c/o Sharon Ricks, 160 E. Barton Ave, Cove, AR 71937.

Karen Ann Getz

Karen Ann Getz, age 78, of Cove, Arkansas died on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 in Mena, Arkansas. She was born on Wednesday, September 30, 1942 to John and Evelyn Norbom Norup in Pontiac, Michigan.

Karen was a Christian woman and member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Mena. She was always very family oriented and showered her family with lots of love. She was very proud to become a licensed nurse, and worked as an LVN in assisted living for many years before retiring. Karen was passionate about animals and would often volunteer at the humane society. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society. Karen enjoyed flowers, gardening, crafts and painting in her free time. She loved to travel, and her favorite place to travel was West Texas. Karen made amazing wreaths and found joy in classical and old Christmas music like Bing Crosby and Dean Martin. Lighthouses were always her favorite hobby, she collected many of them and also traveled to see lighthouses wherever she could. Karen was a loving wife,

mother, sister, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Karen is survived by her loving husband, Harry Getz of Cove; one son and daughter in law, John and Kim Getz of Mesquite, Texas; one daughter and son in law, Heidi and Danny Cromeens of Cleveland, Texas; one brother and sister in law, Joseph and Lois Henrion of West Palm Beach, Florida; one sister and brother in law, Elizabeth and James Savedes of Orlando, Florida; five grandchildren, Megan Cromeens, Tyler Cromeens, Baylie Cromeens, Dakota More, and Tanner Getz; numerous nephews and nieces and a host of other family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Mena, Arkansas with Pastor Timothy Henning officiating.

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

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Humane Society of the Ouachitas at 366 Polk Rd 50, Mena, AR 71953 or to the Trinity Lutheran Church at 1010 Dequeen St, Mena, AR 71953.

Complete Up-to-Date Obituaries at

MYPULSENEWS.COM

6 State News

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

March 24, 2021

From the

State House of Representatives

In the 10th week of the 2021 districts whose average teacher Regular Session, the House salary falls below $51,822. passed several bills focusing on The House voted 97-0 in faimproved education. vor of HB1614. The bill is now Once enacted, these bills before the Senate Education would increase funding for our Committee. public schools, raise teacher Meanwhile, another educasalaries, and require every tion bill is making its way to high school student to comthe Governor’s desk. plete a computer science John Maddox The House passed SB107, course. which requires students entering the HB1677 raises the foundation fundninth grade class of 2022-2023 to earn ing amount for public schools from the one credit in a computer science course current $6,899 per student to $7,182 before graduation.

SB107 states that per student for the next school year. beginning with the 2023-2024 school It increases the amount for the 2022year, a public school district shall em2023 school year to $7,349 per student. ploy a computer science teacher at each The bill also outlines enhanced funding amounts for school districts where high school. a large majority of students qualify for The House also passed two other edthe national school lunch program. ucation bills this week, HB1451 and This bill will now be considered by the HB 1594.

Senate Education Committee.

HB1451 allows a public school disThis week, the House also addressed trict to adopt a bilingual program or a teacher salaries. While the 92nd Gen- dual-immersion program approved by eral Assembly worked to improve the the Division of Elementary and Secminimum teacher salary, our teachers ondary Education. continue to make less than those surHB1594 allows the Division of Elrounding states when it comes to the ementary and Secondary Education average salary. The current average salto grant a teaching license to Deary for teachers is $49,822.

HB1614 seeks to raise the average ferred Action for Childhood Arrivals salary by creating the Teacher Salary (DACA) recipients who have completEqualization Fund. The bill outlines a ed the necessary requirements.

You can find summaries of other statewide target average of $51,822 for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school legislation passed this week as well reyears. This bill would direct the De- corded meetings, links to live streams, partment of Education to disperse and committee agendas at www.arkanmoney from the Equalization Fund to sashouse.org.

Contact Your Legislators!

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

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

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

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

From the

State Senate

The Senate has approved tions and immunizations, legislation to grant to certibecause of the passage of fied nurse practitioners full HB 1134 and HB 1135. Both and independent practice aubills have completed the thority. legislative process and were The nurses would need sent to the governor. about three years, or 6,240 Pharmacists will be able hours, of practice under a to dispense birth control collaborative agreement with Larry Teague pills without a prescription a physician in order to earn the because of the passage of HB right to practice independently.

1069, which the legislature has passed Nurses with fully independent and sent to the governor. The pharpractice authority will then have their macist must notify the woman’s prilicenses renewed every three years. mary care physician of the pills being They will be able to receive and pre- dispensed. scribe drugs, medications and theraAlso, the pharmacist must ask the peutic devices. woman when her most recent doctor Scope of practice bills tend to be visit took place. If it is more than six controversial and difficult to pass. months since the most recent visit, However, months of negotiations the pharmacist shall refer her to a priwent into the writing of the legislamary care physician or to a women’s tion, House Bill 1258. It passed the health care provider. Also, the pharSenate and House with clear majorimacist could not dispense more than ties and was sent to the governor. six months of birth control pills until The Senate passed another scope the woman sees a doctor. of practice bill, but by the bare miniOnly women aged 18 and older may mum. HB 1198 changes the definition get birth control from a pharmacist of “certified registered nurse anesthesia.” Those nurses would no longer without a prescription.

Both chambers have passed a verpractice “under the supervision” of sion of Senate Bill 289, which proa physician. Instead, under HB 1198 tects physicians and medical providthey would work “in consultation ers from punishment if they refuse to with” a physician.”

Supporters of HB 1198 say it will perform a procedure because it would help hospitals in rural areas that have go against their conscience.

For example, a hospital could not trouble recruiting surgeons willing to deny their staffing privileges, demote supervise and be responsible for the or terminate them. Nor would the work of nurse anesthetists. physician be made liable in a civil suit.

The Senate passed the bill by a vote However, the physician would not of 18-to-12. In the 35-member Senate, have the right to deny someone emer18 is the minimum number of votes gency care. needed to pass a bill.

The Senate passed and sent to the HB 1198 failed in the House on the first attempt, getting only 50 affirma- House SB 309 to lower the age for coltive votes and needing at least 51. On orectal cancer screenings that are cova second try, it received 55 votes. It ered by health insurance, from 50 to 45. Follow-up colonoscopies, if needwas sent to the governor.

Pharmacists and their technicians ed, would also be covered for people will be authorized to give vaccina- 45 and over.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

March 24, 2021

History 7

Reflections from History and Faith: Remembering Anne Hutchinson

By Jeff Olson America has been a bastion and haven for religious freedom during her entire history. She remains unique in the world as a nation which has successfully balanced the claims of authority with the claims of freedom and in such a way that she has never become a theocracy or autocracy. Much of this is due to the principles embedded in her founding documents, and we rightfully ascribe to our founding fathers their role in setting our nation on a firm foundation and a noble path.

However, their contributions were anteceded by earlier American colonists. Through their own struggles for civil rights and religious liberty, these pioneers paved the way and unveiled new horizons which gave our founding generation a brighter lamp of experience to illuminate their way through a Declaration, a War, and a Constitution.

Some of these pioneers were women who were indispensable pillars of wisdom and strength to their husbands and nurturers and teachers to their children, instilling biblical principles for them to live by and assimilate into the growth of a civil/social moral order which America's founding generation would inherit.

Some of these women made additional substantial and enduring contributions in their own right. With March being Women's History Month, I will recognize one such woman this week.

Anne Marbury was born in Alford, Lincolnshire, England in 1591, one of thirteen children of clergyman and Puritan reformer Francis Marbury and Bridget Dryden. Francis Marbury was an outspoken critic of the Church of England. He was arrested for seditious activity on more than one occasion, even spending a year in jail. However, this did not discourage him as he continued to be outspoken. Eldest daughter Anne was educated primarily by her father but also by her mother, especially in the knowledge of herbal medicines. Though she had no formal education, Anne was nevertheless an avid reader and thinker, developing an interest in religion and theology at a very young age. Perhaps she inherited her father's ideals and

boldness as she would demonstrate later in her fearless challenges of certain tenets of the Anglican Church and Puritan theology and the scope and extent of church authority.

After her father's death, in 1612 Anne married William Hutchinson, a merchant and member of a prominent family. From 1614 to 1630 she gave birth to fifteen children, however her role and impact would extend well beyond the important and demanding responsibilities of wife and mother. She was inspired to learn more theology by the Reverend John Cotton at the nearby Lincolnshire parish. After Cotton joined other religious dissidents in North America in 1633, Hutchinson’s family joined him a year later in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. However, Anne discovered that even there the Puritans permitted no religion except their own. In Boston, she served as a midwife and herbalist and sought to serve God through the Church, but she disagreed with some Puritan beliefs, one of which claimed that people could communicate with God only through the aid of church officials. Being an outspoken person and well-versed in biblical theology, she espoused a "covenant of grace" as opposed to a "covenant of works." Hutchinson made her views known and led Bible studies in her home which attracted a considerable number of people, includ-

ing both women and men.

Disagreement with the established church was not be tolerated by Puritan leaders and especially from a woman.

This quarrel over religious doctrine, known as the "Antinomian Controversy," eventually escalated to the point that Hutchinson was ordered to leave the colony. She refused and was brought to trial in 1637, accused of betraying the laws of church and state. Her response was: “As I understand it, laws, commands, rules and edicts are for those who have not the light which makes plain the pathway. He who has God's grace in his heart cannot go astray.” She believed that colonial officials should not have the authority to tell a person how to practice his or her faith.

On March 22, 1638, Anne Hutchinson was excommunicated from the church and banished from the colony, after which she and her family moved to Rhode Island and helped establish the settlement of Portsmouth. In 1642, following the death of her husband and with threats of Massachusetts taking over Rhode Island, Hutchinson and her family relocated to the Dutch colony of New Netherlands (now New York) where they settled on Long Island near present-day Pelham Bay (the Bronx).

In August 1643 she and five of her six children were among members of her household killed in an attack by the

Siwanoy tribe. Her youngest daughter, taken into captivity by the attackers, was ransomed by the Dutch years later.

Anne Hutchinson has served as an inspiration and example to Americans such as Abigail Adams, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Lucretia Mott, Sojourner Truth and many others since, some of whom would be instrumental in advancing freedom, equality and women's rights in their own time.

However, Hutchinson should be remembered most as a pioneer of religious freedom and civil liberties. More than a century later, these would be championed by the likes of George Mason, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson and be preserved through our Constitution and subsequent amendments and eventually codified in federal and state statutes. In 1987, Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis pardoned Anne Hutchinson, revoking the order of banishment by Governor John Winthrop 350 years earlier.

Among her most prominent namesakes include the Hutchinson River, one of the very few rivers named after a woman, and the Hutchinson River Parkway, both in southern New York State. Other examples are elementary schools, such as in the town of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and in the Westchester County, New York towns of Pelham and Eastchester.

In front of Boston's State House, there is a statue with the inscription, "In Memory of Anne Marbury Hutchinson.....

Courageous Exponent of Civil Liberty and Religious Toleration."

479-394-7301

1102 Crestwood Circle Mena, AR 71953

8 Faith

By Richie Lawry

THE POLK COUNTY

March 24, 2021

An Arkie’s Faith: Rescue Me

The first day of spring is delightful, with the gentle spring sun warming the landscape. Brilliant blue skies enhance the greenness of the grass that the trees will soon echo. As we drive, cows in the fields munch on luxurious new grass. After the winter months, we are excited to be on an outdoor adventure. On our drive to Oden, we talk excitedly about our upcoming trips. After staying close to home in 2020, my wife and I are ready to travel and explore.

Today we have planned a day on the Ouachita River. We have reserved a two-person fishing kayak from River View Cabins and Canoes. Jessie drove us to the Shirley Creek put-in. The temperature was 57 degrees, and there was a stiff headwind as we headed out on the river. Before long, we came to our first bit of fast water. We chose the line to the right, but the water was so low that our kayak bottomed out on the rocks. I had to get out of the kayak to free us from the rocks. When the kayak was free, there was no way that I could get back in. My wife took the kayak through the swift water and then had to keep paddling in circles until I could swim and catch up.

With water temperatures in the low 50’s, my swim was a bone-chilling experience.

After my first experience in the water, it wasn’t long before I was in the water again. This time I turned the kayak over and put my wife in the water with me. The chill of the water took her breath away.

When we were able to secure the kayak and paddles, we made our way to a gravel bank on the shore. We

realized that the box with our phones was missing.

My wife notices the box bobbing along quite a way downriver. I walked as far as I could down the gravel bank and then dove into the water. After swimming for a few minutes, I was able to retrieve the box. I had a challenging time swimming to a place where I could get out of the water. I am not a good swimmer, and it isn’t easy to swim with a box in one hand.

We were finally on our way again, with the box secured to the kayak. It wasn’t long before I caused the kayak to tip over once more. By now, the cold water experience has gone from being an adventure to being very annoying. We are both soaked, and there is a stiff breeze. Every time we could get underway, it wasn’t long before I would panic and cause the kayak to capsize. I could not get comfortable, and the more I tried to keep my balance, the worse my balance was. I was tired, cold, and hurting. I began to panic.

How would we ever be able to finish the four-mile trip? After half a dozen dunkings, pulling the boat to someplace where we could get back in, I was worn out and alarmed.

When I once again capsized the kayak in deep water, we finally got to a large rock in the middle of the river. My legs were very sore, and I had a tough time getting back in the kayak. Almost immediately, I turned us over once again. Downriver I could see a large gravel bar in the middle of the river. We walked and swam with the kayak until we finally reached the gravel bar. “I can’t go on,” I told my wife. “I don’t know what to do.” I took my phone out of the box.

It had a few drops of water on it from all the time

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it had spent in the water. I wondered if my phone would work and if I would have a signal. My phone worked, and I had enough phone signal to get a call through to River View Cabins and Canoes. “Rescue me,” I said. I told Brandon that I couldn’t go on. He told me that he would head to the river, but it would be some time before he could reach us.

When Brandon pulled up to the gravel bar in a one-person kayak, we wondered how he would rescue us. He had grown up in the area and knew the river. He contacted the landowners of the land along the banks of the river near us. After several phone calls, Brandon arranged for the landowner to drive his small Nissan pickup to the bank near our location. We had to cross the river to get to the bank. We had pretty well dried out by that time, but we would have to get wet and cold again one more time. Once we made our way to the bank, it was steep and very muddy. We had one more obstacle to overcome.

Relief flooded over me as we rode back to River View. Gratitude for Brandon, Jessie, and the landowner filled me. When you are in trouble, it always feels good to be rescued. Lauren Daigle’s song Rescue is a favorite of mine. The lyrics say, “I hear the whisper underneath your breath. I hear you whisper; you have nothing left. I will send out an army to find you in the middle of the darkest night. It’s true; I will rescue you. I will never stop marching to reach you in the middle of the hardest fight. It’s true; I will rescue you Gentle Reader, David wrote about his near-drowning experience in Psalms 69:1-3 (NIV). “Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched.”

Every one of us has experienced the need to be rescued. God has made a promise to us. “Call to Me, and I will answer you.” Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV) When God answers our call, he will bring us to a place of safety. “He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because He delights in me.” Psalms 18:19 (NLT) When you call on God, you can count on Him to answer you, rescue you, and save you.

Joke of the Week: Never iron a four-leaf clover. You don’t want to press your luck.

Replacing windshields in Polk County for forty years.

Give Richie a call at 479-3949938 Located at 3008 Hwy 71 South

THE POLK COUNTY

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Outdoors 9

March 24, 2021

OUACHITA BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL

PEMMICAN IS EASY TO MAKE

By Steven E Stillwell

Spring is finally here. The turkeys are gobbling, and the fish are biting! I’m looking forward to hearing about your hunting, fishing, and camping trips, so keep me informed. If you have the ability to teach others, or an exciting story you’d like to share, let’s talk, because I’m constantly interviewing potential guests for our podcast show.

Let’s make some Pemmican. Knowing how to prepare simple survival foods are how our ancestors survived.

Allegedly, the northern plains Indians were responsible for this concoction, and the early settlers even traded with the friendly factions. The recipe is simple and easy to make. Beef, venison and bison were often used, and these will suffice for modern times as well.

The first process is to make some jerky, preferably several pounds, but avoid using any marinades, sauces, or sugars because these can taint your recipe and cause mold or spoilage. You can prepare everything over an open fire-pit, but you have to regulate your temperatures; approximately 120⁰ degrees for 12-15 hours or until the meat is hard

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and thoroughly dry. Remember, moisture is your enemy. You can also use a modern dehydrator if you’re working inside.

The next thing required is to render some beef tallow, aka fat. Cut your fatty chunks into smaller cubes, place them in a cast-iron Dutch-oven or similar pot, and let everything simmer until the fat liquefies, and these pieces turn into cracklings. The tricky part is; don’t let them scorch or burn, because this will affect the flavor. Again, you want to regulate the fire’s temperature to approximately 250⁰ degrees. It’s imperative that the fat separates from the crispy cubes. When done, remove the cracklings and let your fluid slowly cool; you’ll reheat it later.

Find a suitable cutting board, the thicker the better, because you’re going

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to pulverize and grind your jerky into a fine powder. If you’re in the field, you can use a smooth, round creek stone to accomplish this task. For extra flavor, you can toss-in some finely ground hickory nuts, crushed dehydrated black berries, or you can forego this extra process.

When you’ve completed these steps, it’s time to combine all of your ingredients. The recipe books advise using a 50-50 mixture of tallow, and jerky, but the trick is to combine everything instinctively like your grandmother use to do, and roll this concoction into small balls or flattened strips. Go slowly until you make a fine paste, and when you’re finished, let everything solidify and dry. Do not store in an airtight container, because any moisture, whatsoever, will cause your survival food to mold or go rancid. Some of the

early settlers wrapped their pemmican in bandanas or cheese-cloths, and they stowed it away in their haversacks.

Pemmican is an excellent survival food to use in the woods, or on the trail, because it’s high in calories, and protein. If you’re exerting a lot of energy, you’ve got to replenish it, and this is one of the easiest, and probably the least expensive ways to sustain yourself.

OUR PAGE IS GROWING AND REACHING INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCES. If you’re interested in networking or learning more survival skills, I invite you to join or Facebook page, OUACHITA BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL. We currently have members from the UK, Canada, Germany, and other countries from around the world. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.

Holly Springs Real Estate, LLC 1114 A Highway 71 S, Mena, AR 71953 Don Brewer 479-234-3530

donbrewer45@hotmail.com

479-394-4200 hollyspringsrealestate.com

4128-Rustic cabin located off Polk Road 61 (Heath Valley Road) on Massey Lane close to several cabin rentals. It joins the Ouachita National Forest and has a creek circling through it. The roads access the east end of Wolf Pen Creek 4 wheeling trails. The cabin contains 3 bedrooms and two baths. One bedroom has 2 sets of bunk beds. Porches on the front and rear.

Metal roof. A beautiful gurgling creek runs around the cabin. There is a 12' X 24' garage plus 7' X 24' lean-to addition. MLS20034819 $199,900

10 Humor

March 24, 2021

Hogspore News: Skipping Clipping

By Clet Litter from the Ozarks My dog, Ol Slump, hates getting his paw nails clipped. I thought about teasing him to make him nervous, so he would start biting them instead. There’s too many reasons why that is wrong. I didn’t say it out loud, so it don’t count. I come up on a notion that worked, and I don’t have to trim his nails. I fashioned him a skateboard with a laminated emery board top.

Master Distiller of Untaxed Whiskey, Mumford Pickens has been married five times, and he thinks he might stay single for a while. He said, “It's just me and my dog, and we’re doing fine.

If that feller doesn’t see me for thirty minutes, he greets me like I rescued him from the pound.

Veterinarian bills, pet food, and beef jerky, (we share the jerky), are a mighty cheap price to pay for that kinda love.”

Grandson Benny was worried now that he’s older, that he may have overlooked dating short girls while he was in high school.

He don’t do it now either, not even 12th graders. He felt better when I reassured him, “Not atall.”

The good part about time passing is that most of the self-help thinking is gone. You won’t hear folks discussing being a free spirit or discovering who they are.

Everybody is tied to a mortgage, a marriage, a truck payment, or ungifted children that eat too much. Most folks have already found themselves or stopped looking.

What you still might hear ever

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so often is, “Dance like nobody’s watching.” I’m gonna hang on to that one, but I added some warnings, “Dance like nobody’s watching, cept in a cemetery, especially if you’re one of the pallbearers.”

Morton Trubletoof got himself a satellite TV dish on his barn roof. His wife, Portia, is loving it cause he stays out in the barn after supper working on his used RV project and enjoying movies.

Most days, she don’t see him for the rest of the night. I asked Morton what films he liked. He said, “I favor them all. I sure do love watching those pretend people.”

Uncle Bud is a part-time exorcist. He only works on Wickens.

Contact Clet Litter at bobsimpson1947@yahoo.com.

THE POLK COUNTY

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Weird Laws in Arkansas

According to billboard-enthusiast attorney Morris Bart, there are or have been peculiar laws in Arkansas.

In a recent blog post Bart points out, “.. these funny old laws [are] said to have been in effect in Arkansas – and although some aren’t verifiable, they’re all a lot of fun to read.”

According to the post: “In Little Rock, a municipal law restricted cow walking time to 10 p.m.-4 a.m., 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.”

“Technically this municipal law stated that you couldn’t kill “any living creature” within the Fayetteville city limits. While it’s certainly a nice sentiment, we’re not throwing away the bug spray anytime soon.”

“In Arkansas it was apparently illegal to keep your alligator in the bathtub.”

“Men and women were not allowed to flirt on the streets of Little Rock, and those who violated the law faced 30 days in jail. Harsh!”

“Apparently there was a time when teachers who had their hair lopped off in the radical new “bob” hairstyle were not eligible for a pay raise.”

“It was once illegal for the Arkansas River to rise higher than the Main Street Bridge in Little Rock.”

THE POLK COUNTY

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Ag Week 11

March 24, 2021

National Agriculture Week The Farmer

By Amelia Barr

The king may rule o’er land and sea, The lord may live right royally, The soldier ride in pomp and pride, The sailor roam o’er ocean wide; But this or that, whate’er befall, The farmer he must feed them all.

Or men may stroll through pleasant ways; From king to beggar, whate’er befall, The farmer he must feed them all.

The farmer’s trade is one of worth; He’s partner with the sky and earth, He’s partner with the sun and rain, And no man loses for his gain; The writer thinks, the poet sings, And men may rise, or men may fall, The craftsmen fashion wondrous things, But the farmer he must feed them all.

The doctor heals, the lawyer pleads, The miner follows the precious leads; God bless the man who sows the wheat, But this or that, whate’er befall, Who finds us milk and fruit and meat; The farmer he must feed them all.

May his purse be heavy, his heart be light, The merchant he may buy and sell, His cattle and corn and all go right; The teacher do his duty well; God bless the seeds his hands let fall, But men may toil through busy days, For the farmer he must feed us all.

Cultivating Ideas f Growth

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479.2439600

1168 HIGHWAY 71 S. MENA, ARKANSAS

National Agriculture Week

March 21-27

Thank you to the farmers and families that too often go unnoticed!

You are appreciated and honored during National Agriculture week and every week here at Pulse Multi-Media!

Honoring A Tradition Unlike Any Other

National Agriculture Week

If you have food on your table, thank a farmer or rancher!

National Agriculture Week March 21-27, 2021

Ouachita Equine Clinic

SERVING ALL YOUR SMALL & LARGE ANIMAL NEEDS

710 4th Street • Mena, AR Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 am-6 pm • Sat. 9 am-12:30 pm • Sun. Closed

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2920 Hwy. 71 N, Mena, AR 71953

12 Ag Week

www.todayscoop.com 318 Hwy 71 S - Mena 479-394-3373

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March 24, 2021 The mission of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is to develop and implement policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep them competitive in nationwide and world markets while ensuring safe food, fiber and forest products.

Today starts Ag Week! Agriculture is Arkansas’s largest industry, contributing more than $21 billion annually to our state’s economy and providing the state with 269,556 jobs, or one of every six jobs. All week, we’re celebrating our diverse and robust industry.

Visit: agriculture.arkansas.gov/ Call: (501) 683-4851 FARMERS INSURE OUR FUTURE, WE INSURE FARMERS!

AGRICULTURE WEEK MARCH 2127, 2021

309 S. MORROW, MENA, AR

479-394-3650

Polk County Ag Facts Did you know?

According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture:

counties in the state and 280 out of 3,073 counties in the US. 71% of farms in the county have internet access.

There are 793 farms in Polk County, totaling 140,2010 acres!

21 farms hire laborers.

The average size of a farm in Polk County is 177 acres.

98 farms are family farms.

The market value of products sold from Polk County totaled nearly $159,000,000!

There are more than 27,400 acres of forage acres in Polk County.

More than 5.8 million broilers 99% of agriculture related sales and meat-type chickens were in in Polk county are from livestock, inventory in the county in 2017, poultry and products. with more than 100,000 layers and more than 260,000 pullets.

Farms in Polk County are 27% cropland, 45% pastureland, 23% Cattle and Calves in the county woodland and 5% other. number 37,916.

The Market Value of Ag Products sold in Polk County mostly come from poultry and eggs, causing the county to rank 13th out of 75

There were more than 670 goats, 940 horses and ponies, and 350 sheep and lambs in the county in 2017.

There’s a new workhorse on the farm!

NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK

Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative Inc.

February 22-29, 2021

515 JANSSEN, MENA, AR • 394-4140 WWW.RMEC.COM

Your Local Energy Partner

Mar. 21-27

We Believe in the Future of Agriculture.

AG WEEK

PROUDLY SUPPORTING AGRICULTURE

THE POLK COUNTY

Mena Ford, INC. 1103 Hwy 71 North Mena, AR 71953 (479) 394-2214 www.menaford.com

THE POLK COUNTY

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March 24, 2021

American Agriculture Facts There are 2.1 million farms across the United On average, one farm in the U.S. can feed 165 people around the world.

States.

About 99% of those farms are family owned.

The average American farm is 435 acres.

Agriculture employs over 24 million Americans.

The U.S. has over 800,000 ranchers and catThere are about 914 million acres of land tle producers. dedicated to farming in the U.S. California is the largest food and agricultural Farm and ranch families are just 2% of the economy in the nation. population.

Enough cotton is grown in Arizona each year About 30% of farmers are women. to make more than one pair of jeans for every American.

About 20% of farmers have been farming for less than 10 years, known as beginning Arkansas’ largest industry is agriculture. farmers.

Close to half of Colorado’s land is used for There are over 250 thousand millennial farm- production agriculture. ers.

Connecticut has about 750 beekeepers with About 1% of the U.S. gross domestic products about 6,000 bee colonies that enhance pollination of the state’s specialty crops. come from farming.

Cattle and calves, dairy, and corn products About 65% of the U.S. citrus is produced in Florida, with 95% of that grown for processare the top 3 farm products in the United ing.

States.

Polk County Office, Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service We are part of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service's statewide network and the U of A System's Division of Agriculture. Our mission is to provide research-based information through non-formal education to help all Arkansans improve their economic well-being and the quality of lives. Whether it's agriculture, 4-H, family and consumer science, or community development, our Polk County office is at your service.

211 DeQueen Street, Mena Phone: (479) 394-6018 Fax: (479) 394-8137 Email: polk-mena@uada.edu

Mena Real Estate

479-394-5000

he eve in t We B e lfi A g r i c u l t u r e Fu t u r e o

About half the peanuts produced in the UnitThe U.S. exports more food and fiber than we ed States come from Georgia. import. In 2016, American farmers exported Tabasco pepper is only produced in Louisiana. about $135.5 billion worth of products.

Farmers Are Top Of The Crop!

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Ag Week 13

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NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK MARCH 2127, 2021

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14 Ag Week

THE POLK COUNTY

March 24, 2021

NATIONAL AG WEEK We proudly support our farmers!

FARMERS & RANCHERS FEED THE WORLD CELEBRATE

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NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK

BY THANKING THEM MENA Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

479-394-3552 | 600 HWY 71 S. | Mena, AR

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THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Freedom Pharmacy will be hosting a Covid-19 Vaccination Mass Clinic in conjunction with DeQueen Health & Wellness Pharmacy on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at the Polk County Fairgrounds. The clinic will begin at 8 a.m. and last until the vaccines are gone.

DeQueen Health & Wellness Pharmacy has more than 1,000 doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 Vaccination to administer at this clinic. Pfizer Covid-19 Vaccinations require a second dose and those will be given at the same time, same location, 21 days later on Wednesday, April 14, 2021. Please make sure you will be able to make both appointments, as Freedom Pharmacy does not generally carry the Pfizer vaccine and will be unable to give second doses to those that miss the second appointment.

Please take advantage of this clinic. It is free, although we do ask for insurance information if you have it. Anyone who is age 17 and older is welcome. Minors will need a parent/guardian to accompany them. Please call Melanie Wade at Freedom Pharmacy, 479-437-3089 or 479-216-5412 for any questions.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Dequeen Street will celebrate Holy Week beginning on Palm Sunday. The congregation will begin their 10 a.m. worship service with a Procession of Palms, welcoming Jesus’ coming to Jerusalem riding on a donkey! The service will include elements of Maundy Thursday to include Stripping of the Altar at the end of the service, in preparation for Good Friday. The message for Palm Sunday is “Return to the Lord! Return to the Table!”

Good Friday Service of Darkness will be held on April 2nd at 7 p.m., where we will remember the suffering, crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus! The Good Friday message is, “Return to the Lord! Return to Truth!”

Easter Sunday we return to see the Risen Jesus! Our Easter breakfast will be from 8:30 -9:40 a.m. Easter Festival Worship will begin at 10 a.m.! The Easter message is, “Return to

March 24, 2021

Around Town

the Lord! Return to the Church, Return and See!” All are welcome to join us in worship as we travel with Jesus through His suffering, death and resurrection! For more information, please call (479) 394-1290.

Women – 40 and Over Have you had your mammogram this year?

The UAMS Mobile MammoVan will provide on-site mammograms at the Polk County Health Department in Mena. This service is provided by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

May 19th 2021 at 9am at Polk County Health Department , 702 Hornbeck Avenue in Mena Contact: UAMS Mobile Mammography at 1-800-259-8794 * Mammograms are by appointment only. Please call the office to schedule. With or Without Insurance. Pre-registration is required.*Must be 40 and older Board Camp Baptist Church will distribute food Thursday, March 18th from 10am until 12 noon. The church is located at the corner of Highway 8 E and County Rd 63 approximately 9 miles east of Mena Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 3 p.m. Sundays, at 5 p.m. Tuesdays and at 8p.m.

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

Friday, and at 6 p.m. Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call Erica at 479-216-7249.

Around Town 15

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

to our audience. This is a challenging play to memorize and execute, but this promises to be a show that is definitely worth your time and money!”

Opening night is Friday, April 16 at 7:30; another evening performance is Saturday, April 17, and a Sunday matinee will be performed April 18 at 2:30 PM. Season tickets will be honored, or tickets may be purchased for $10 at the door. You can also buy advance tickets at the OLT office on Main Street on Fridays between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

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

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

It’s easy to have your event listed in Around Town, which will be read on radio stations KENA and KQOR daily.

Simply send your Around Town announcement to news@mypulsenews.com or call 479-2439600 and let us know about your event! To have it in the Polk County Pulse newspaper, we need to know by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!

The Ouachita Expressions Show at the Mena Art Gallery is open through April 24th. This multi-media show includes blown glass, fused glass, pine needle baskets, ceramics, wood, paintings, drawings, photography, fabric arts, and an antique doll with hand-made dresses. Something for everyone, and the Gift Store is full.

OLT Presents “Greater Tuna” this April!

“Greater Tuna” is a very popular comedy about a tiny town in Texas called Tuna. The wacky inhabitants of this town include men, women, children, and animals who are all played by two experienced actors, Scotty Jenkins and John Puddington. Acting in this play requires great skill from these two men who must literally transform themselves into different characters at a breakneck speed. They use inventive voicework, creative costume changes, and visual humor to keep audiences laughing and thoroughly entertained.

Production consultant Brad Storey reports, “Scotty and John have been working really hard at rehearsals to bring laughter and fun

got medicare???

16 Community

March 24, 2021

Public is invited to attend Bald Eagle release Submitted by Arkansas Native Plant & Wildlife Center / Lynn Greenwade Local wildlife rehabber Tommy Young will release a male bald eagle on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 2:00 pm. The eagle will be released at the vista overlook on Hickory Nut Mountain near Mt. Ida, Arkansas. If you missed the February eagle release here is another chance to bring the family to see this symbol of our country fly away and head for home. The location provides an excellent viewpoint from which to watch the newly released eagle fly for quite a distance.

This eagle was received from Howard County on January 3rd of this year after he was hit by a car. He now has a titanium pin in his tail and a plate across his pelvic area. His leg was also injured in the accident. He had road rash and a concussion. He will be completely healed and ready to go by the release date. This will be the 114th bald eagle

cared for and released back to the wild

by Young, who has been rehabilitating wildlife since he was a teen and is authorized by the US government to care for injured eagles. This eagle remains unnamed as he has not received a sponsor.

Young estimates this eagle to be about 7 years old. He is old enough to mate (once their head turns white, usually from about 4 – 5 years old.) Most of the eagles we see in Arkansas and the states which border it, spend summers in the Great Lakes area of the United States. It is likely this guy will head that direction once he is released.

The event is suitable for families and all ages. There is no charge to attend.

Donations are gratefully accepted, however, as this important work receives no government funding and is supported solely by donations. [If you are unable to attend but would like to support this work please mail a check to ANPWC (Arkansas Native Plant & Wildlife Cen-

NEED HELP PAYING THAT LATEST UTILITY BILL? POLK COUNTY ENERGY ASSISTANCE Salvation Army 479-437-3110 ARVAC 479-394-4707 Nin Ninth Street Ministries 479-394-2541

Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative, Inc. Owned By Those We Serve

515 Janssen Ave, Mena, AR 71953 (479) 394-4140 W W W. R M E C . C O M

ter) at PO Box 1881, Mena, AR 71953.

All donations are tax deductible.]

The event will be attended by various indigenous tribes for whom the eagle is an important symbol.

Inclement weather will move the event to Sunday, April 4 at 2 p.m. (In this case, inclement means truly horrible weather. The eagle can fly in rain and most of us will not melt!)

Directions to Hickory Nut Mountain Vista & Picnic Area on US Highway 270 in Mt. Ida, Arkansas: The turn off for Hickory Nut Mountain is located about 13 miles East of Mt. Ida on your left, or 23 miles West of Hot Springs on your right, approximately 1.3 miles West of the Garland/ Montgomery county line. Follow Hickory Nut Mountain Road as it climbs the mountain, taking the left fork at 1.0 mile. At 3.5 miles is a sign on your left for the picnic area. The road ends at 4.2 miles at the vista overlook, where the eagle will be released.

THE POLK COUNTY

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THE POLK COUNTY

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March 24, 2021

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

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S LOG

March 15, 2021 Report of a vehicle accident on North Main Street near Cove. Deputy responded.

Report of a domestic disturbance on Hatton Lane near Wickes. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Hwy 71S near Cove of a stolen bicycle.

Deputy responded.

March 16, 2021 Report of a disturbance on Race Lane near Acorn. Deputies responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration of charges.

Report from complainant on Polk 299 near Dallas Valley of the theft of tools. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Race Lane near Acorn of identity fraud.

March 17, 2021 Report from complainant on Pearl Street near Wickes of harassment.

Deputy responded.

Report of an unattended death on Hwy 8W near Rocky. Deputy responded.

Arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department was Levi R. Follis, 23, of Wickes, on Charges of Domestic Battery 3 rd Degree and Terroristic Threatening 2 nd Degree.

Arrested was Israel Y. Schwartz, 75, of Mena, on a Warrant for Forgery 2 nd Degree and Theft of Property.

March 18, 2021 Report of two vehicles striking mirrors on Hwy 71 causing damage to the vehicle. Deputy responded.

March 19, 2021 Report from complainant on Polk 133 near Acorn of a scam involving credit cards. Deputy responded.

Report of two vehicles striking mirrors on Hwy 88E near Ink causing damage to the vehicles. Deputy responded.

Report of reckless driving in a local business parking lot. Deputy responded.

March 20, 2021 Report from complainant on Joshua Lane near Board Camp of receiving harassing phone calls. Deputy responded.

Arrested was Michael T. Higgins, 34, of Hatfield, on a Parole Hold.

March 21, 2021 Report from complainant on Horseshoe Lane near Potter of a break-in and theft of tire rims and a tire changing machine valued at $650.00. Deputy responded. Items were later recovered.

Arrested was Polycarpio Rios, 49, of Wickes, on a Charge of Disorderly Conduct.

Polk County Sheriff ’s Office worked no vehicle accidents this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 20 Incarcerated Inmates, with 19 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS March 14, 2021 No reports.

March 15, 2021 Darrell Stone, 28, was charged with DWI, Refusal to Submit to BAC, and Running a Stop Light after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

Jason Colburn, 51, was charged with Criminal Mischief and Obstructing Government Operations after a complaint from First Financial Bank.

March 16, 2021 A report of Curfew Violation and Park Curfew Violation was taken at McMillian Park.

Aaron Whisenhunt, 29, was served with a warrant at the police department.

March 17, 2021 Jennifer Williams, 49, was served with an arrest warrant at the police department.

Robert Wallis, 39, was served with four warrants after a disturbance call on Old Highway 71.

Danielle Sackett, 37, was served with a warrant at the police department.

March 18, 2021 A report of a disturbance was taken on Evans Circle.

Dax Wood, 24, was served with four warrants at the Limetree Inn. March 19, 2021 Two juveniles were charged with Breaking or Entering and Theft of Property after a theft from a vehicle complaint on Janssen Avenue.

Police Reports 17 Two juveniles were charged with Breaking or Entering and Theft of Property after a theft from a vehicle complaint on Marion Street.

Two juveniles were charged with Breaking or Entering and Theft of Property after a theft from a vehicle complaint on 10 th Street.

A report of disorderly conduct was taken at James Super Save Food.

March 20, 2021 Billy Fletcher, 34, was served with five warrants after a disturbance call on Oak Avenue.

A report of breaking or entering and theft of property was taken from a person at Janssen Avenue Florist and Gifts.

Christopher Sanders, 32, was charged with Obstruction of Government Operations and served with two warrants, and Tina Richey, 34, was served with six warrants at Sun Country Inn. A report of theft was taken from Subway.

TWO MOTORIST KILLED ON ARKANSAS ROADS A 41-year-old Urbandale, Iowa, man died Saturday in a motorcycle crash on Arkansas 88 at 11:52 a.m. in Polk County, according to a state police report.

Daniel Mick was riding a Honda VFR 800 eastbound on the highway when he failed to negotiate a curve, left the roadway and struck a guardrail, the report said. Mick was taken to Mena Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later, according to the report.

The report said conditions were clear and dry and the time of the crash.

18 Education

THE POLK COUNTY

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March 24, 2021

Vandervoort Elementary School Vandervoort Elementary School 3rd 9 Weeks Honor Roll Perfect Attendance 3rd 9 Weeks

First Grade- All A’s; Stiles Alexander, Bella Barrett, Zechariah Bennett, Lailiah Colbert, Stephen Dau, Ember Davis, Jayne Johnson, Blayze McCoy, Audrey Sellers, Gwen Sellers First Grade - All A’s & B’s; Grayson Clark, Gunner Clark, Aubree Heifner, Madison Holbrook, Jaxon Mullen, Bracyn Richardson, Karma Rogers, Rebekah Vandegrift Second Grade- All A’s; Cara Cumpton, Corbyn Long, Max Rye, Brody Ward Second Grade - All A’s & B’s; Dakota Barrett, Sarah Davis, Kimber Green, Easton Owens, Aiden Romine, Aubree Turner, Joey Wade Third Grade- All A’s; Adelyn Barton, Smitty Baxter, Max Watkins Third Grade - All A’s & B’s; Alicia Aaron, Evan Baxter, Alleigh Bennett, Vivi Brewer, Jasmine Dunn, Kaden Erwin, Amelia Espinola, Savanna Seigrist, Maddie Squires, Jeliza Turner, Jolena Turner, Kristina Wilkinson Fourth Grade- All A’s : Lely Anglin Fourth Grade - All A’s & B’s; Makenzie Arthur, Emily Finley, Cambree Manning, Joslyn Watkins, Remi Winer Fifth Grade- All A’s; Charlee Fortner Fifth Grade - All A’s & B’s; Tempy Bell, Brody Creel Sixth Grade - All A’s: Natalie Bailey, Tayden Broach, Anthony Johnson,Rylee Manning, Jade Watkins Sixth Grade - All A’s & B’s; Matthew Dau, Flint Dickerson, Jamey Johnson

Kindergarten: Mason Davis, Honesty Joream, Gabe Works

First Grade: Everlynn Aaron, Zechariah Bennett, Stephen Dau, Ember Da-

vis, Madison Holbrook, Janey Johnson Second Grade: Cara Cumpton, Bryce Cureton, Brayden Erwin, Katie Gibbons, Cedric Rogers, Brody Ward Third Grade: Alicia Aaron, Alleigh Bennett, Amelia Espinola, Will Rogers, Falynn Ward Fourth Grade: Aspen Boldrey, Rozena Hunt, Daniel Madrid, Joslyn Watkins Fifth Grade: Makayla Arthur, Lillyann Bennett, Brody Creel, Autumn Dunn, Cheyann Edwards, Elina Oliver, Shiloh Taylor Sixth Grade: Matthew Dau, Jamey Johnson, Dakota March, Weston Ross, Lilly Long

Mena School Board March Meeting Submitted by MPSD

was passed with no discussion. The financial reports were also approved.

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

The meeting began with Mr. Ray Beardsley, representing First Security, addressing the board. First Security has served the district as it’s financial advisor for many years & Beardsley expressed their desire to continue that relationship. A motion was made to extend their contract for 3 more years & it was approved.

In the Superintendent’s Report Mr. Benny Weston updated the board on numerous issues affecting the district in the Arkansas Legislative Session. Including current bills being considered by the House Education Committee.

The school choice capacity resolution

Assistant Superintendent Lee Smith

shared revisions to the 2021/2022

school calendar. The main revisions were to move the first day of school to August 16th with the final day being May 27th. The calendar was approved as revised.

Personnel was the final & most antic-

ipated item on the agenda. The board

accepted the retirement of Pam Gross

& Sheila Graves. They also accepted the

resignation of bus driver Max Hartwig

& approved the transfer of Sam Varner to take over that route.

Building Administrators then presented their recommendations for

transfers & new hires on their respective campuses.

THE POLK COUNTY

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Puzzles 19

March 24, 2021

03.24.21

03.24.21

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 03.17.21

Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Hello! My name is Jasper. I am handsome and very gentle. I have a soft ebony black coat with a bob tail. I am about 30 pounds and about 3 years old. I am good with kids and other dogs. However, HSO staff is not sure how I would do with cats. I do have some trust issues. However, I have never shown aggression. I am a looking for a family who is willing to go slow with me and show me the love and patience I need. I need to be kept on a monthly heartworm preventative to ensure my best health.

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

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

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

Mowing, weedeating, and hedge trimming- When you need an extra hand in Mena/Polk County call 479-234-0509. Please leave a message 070721

Jeremiah’s Lawn Care- Friendly service.

Reasonable rates. (479)394-7599

Ladies, I will quilt your quilt tops. Will take your keep-sake t-shirts and make a quilt for you. Please call (479)394-6209 to text (479)243-3232

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

For Rent - 1 bedroom duplex. Janssen Park area. $400 per month. (479)234-3669

- EMPLOYMENT Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for a full-time office position. 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; benefits available for full-time positions. Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment.

T040721 Couple to manage local theater. Are you retired, looking to down size but want something to keep you active and part of the community. Silver Screen Theater would like to reopen and needs a management couple.

The right candidates will need an outgoing personality, ability to work with the public, plus manage day to day operations of the theater. The position(s) will be part time. For the right couple, living accommodations will be provided on site. Salary is negotiable but open to profit sharig/partial ownership possibilities. Background check will be required.

Contact Greg Davis at 713-502-6046.

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson, after consultation with the legislative leadership, has extended the deadline for filing state individual income tax until May 17, 2021, to coincide with the extended federal deadline.

"Pushing back the due date for state income tax is a simple way to help Arkansans in light of the extension of the federal tax deadline. " Governor Hutchinson said. "The

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Governor Hutchinson Extends State Income Tax Filing Deadline

Help us build our Classified Section.

OPPORTUNITY MENA REAL ESTATE

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CLASSIFIEDS

- EVENTS Mountain Movin’ Ministries and Evangelist Stanley Dreyer want to invite you to Revival! Featuring guest speakers, Pastor Wayne Hicks of Courage to Change, evangelist Bill Webb, Pastor Scott Jones of Cornerstone Pentecostal Church, Pastor John Bennett of Lee Creek Assembly of God and many more. Come join us at Canaanland Church, 2307 Sutherland Ave, Mena, AR. April 12-24 starting at 6:30 pm until we all go home! We hope to see you there!! God bless!!

THE POLK COUNTY

March 24, 2021

EEO/AA/ADA EMPLOYER Qualified women, minorities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

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

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Friday at Noon

Must Pre-Pay CASH / VISA / MC

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number of our COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continues to decline, and Arkansas is quickly rebounding. As the economy and our unemployment rate continue to improve, we will do all we can to help Arkansans to recover during the public health crisis."

On Wednesday, the United States Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced the deadline for filing federal income tax was being extended to May 17, 2021.

Governor Hutchinson issued a proclamation today to announce that he had signed Executive Order 21-06, which grants the extension for filing an Arkansas tax return or payment until May 17, 2021.

THE POLK COUNTY

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March 24, 2021

TREATMENT continued from page 1 “They played high school football, worked at the grocery store, or owned the corner store and one day they went to the doctor with some pain. They were given some medication and next thing you know they were hooked,” he continued.

“Others were some kids that got into mom’s medicine cabinet and discovered the drug. They were just experimenting and didn’t mean to get hooked. These people wouldn’t wish the pain, craving, and sadness they are going through on their worst enemy.”

Wilson said an addicts life becomes about survival without the ability to process information the same way as a healthy brain.

“They are just trying to get through life right now. They are functioning through the midbrain which came about from conditioning,” he explained.

“The conditioning happened when they took the pill at first to release serotonin and get a false sense of happiness, but now it’s survival to not get sick and be able to get out of bed and act like their is some sort of normalcy in their life,” he continued.

“Through therapy we try to get the addict to start working out of the frontal lobe and process decisions before taking action. We do this with interventions such as mindfulness, finding values to move toward, goal setting, motivating change with motivation techniques.”

Part of the treatment for an individual wishing to recover from an opioid addiction is access to Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naltrexone, which has shown to reduce mortality rates of persons with opioid use disorder by 39 percent over a 12-month period.

“This medication is known as a harm

News 21

From the Arkansas Department of Human Services Counties ranked by combine score of influential and outcome indicator ranks. Red indireduction tool,” Wilson said. “It reduces cates counties with high scores. craving by easing withdrawal symptoms and allows addicts trying to come out of active addiction a chance to increase their quality of life by getting a job, maintaining a job, going around family during Easter and family functions instead of being sick from opiate withdrawal, and forming connections with others.” Wilson continued.

“The hope is with this increased quality of life and therapy with our Mental Health Professionals the suffering addict will make a conscience decision to titrate off the medication.”

The awarded grant will help remove the barriers for the uninsured and under-insured to receive treatment services. The grant will cover behavioral health counseling and the prescriber appointments for buprenorphine/naltrexone at clinics located in Crawford, Franklin, Logan, Polk, Scott, Sebastian counties.

The grant also includes funds to hire a to donate it once hourly to the support treatment through The Guidance Center Peer Recovery Support Specialist. A Peer group, it’d be appreciated.” call (479) 785-9470, or visit www.wacgc. is someone with sustained recovery and For more information about co-occur- com. is licensed to help others in their journey ring (substance use and mental health) The Polk County office Guidance Cenof recovery through their own experience services or specifically medication assisted ter can be reached at 479-394-5277. with recovery.

“Working with the peer is not mandatory, but we will suggest every client work with the peer or at least accept a phone call once a week to walk beside them in their journey of recovery,” Wilson said, noting an effort to start a special support group is underway.

“We hope to start a support group called MARA. MARA stands for ‘Medication Assisted Recovery Anonymous,’” Wilson said.

“If by chance any community members have a church, city venue, or even just a room with a bathroom and would like

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Night Manager Position

CONTACT MARTIN

4793946201

22 Sports

March 24, 2021

Congratulations to the Ladycats and Bearcats on a great season!

Good job girls!

THE POLK COUNTY

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Congratulations to Mena High School Sr. Girls Basketball Coach SCOTT WRIGHT! He was selected as the 7-4A Conference Coach of the year. Wright led Mena to a 22-4 record & a 12-1 conference mark. The Ladycats were 7-4A District Tournament Champions, 4A South Regional Runner Up & Advanced to the 4A State Tournament Quarterfinals. GO LADYCATS!

Resendiz Nurser y 1420 Red Bridge Rd. DeQueen, Arkansas

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870-784-2953

Photos courtesy Mena Public Schools Sr. Girls Basketball Head Coach Scott Wright announced post season honors for his Ladycats as following: All State: Gracie Lyle, Grayson Fairless All Conference: Brooklyn Pennington, Madi Lyle, Hannah Stockton 2nd team All Conference: Ally Wright, Emmi Hines, Emily Leonard All State Tournament Team: Ally Wright

479.394.4248

104 Port Arthur Ave. Mena, AR 71953-3344

THE POLK COUNTY

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Sports 23

March 24, 2021

Fighting Falkner Photo courtesy of Richard Hexamer

Brayden Falkner age 16 of Mena Arkansas made his amateur boxing debut Saturday night in Little Rock Arkansas at the Diamond Rock promotions show. Brayden competed in the 155 lb weight division. He faced off against a very game James Carver from Kentucky’s Wildcat Boxing Club . Both boys fought a very good battle. Brayden stayed busy enough and pressed enough to out score his opponent and bring home the win. Brayden trains and boxes out of the Defenders Boxing Club in Mena. Up next for Brayden and his team mates will be The Joshua McBee Memorial boxing show to be held in Mena on May 1st.

Good job guys!

Mena High School Head Basketball Coach Randy Peters announced the post season honors for his Bearcats as: All Conference - Sam Efird and Caleb Peters 2nd team All Conference - Tre McMellon, Trey Day and Blake Brown All star team nominee Sam Efird

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24

March 24, 2021

60 WOODED ACRES NEAR COVE, ARKANSAS

Close to Cove, AR this wooded 60 acres has a nice Creek running through the property. There's a small Farm House with a neat metal roof ready for you to create your own home/cabin to decorate and enjoy. There is deco some fencing on this old farm place that is now woods and ready for you to explore and love. There is a Barn with a side shed down the hill from the Farm House.

MLS #20038060

$190,000 Hershel Bell Executive Broker

479-243-5613

hbell.hollysprings@gmail.com

Holly Springs Real Estate, LLC 1114 A Highway 71 S, Mena, AR 71953

479-394-4200

hollyspringsrealestate.com

THE POLK COUNTY

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