March 8, 2017

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March 8, 2017

THE POLK COUNTY

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1168 Hwy 71 S • Mena, AR 71953 • 479-243-9600 ...............................................................................................................................................................................

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Blake and Webb Heading to National Archery Competition

Marines Honor Local Officials and LEOs

BY MELANIE BUCK • news@mypulsenews.com The local Marine Corps League Detachment # 1261 held a Star Tribute Ceremony on Thursday, arch , to e press their gratitude to local o ficials, la en orcement, and emer gency orkers embers o the County udge s O fice, olk County Sheri s epartment, ena o lice epartment, ena Fire epartment, the eteran s Service O fice, A Clinic, Arkansas ame Fish, Arkansas State olice, and the S Forest Service ere all honored at the service or their e orts to protect and provide services to citi ens o the area CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Fresh Start to Host Walk for Life

BY MELANIE BUCK • news@mypulsenews.com Fresh Start regnancy esource Center ill host a Walk or i e as a undraising event or the center on April , at anssen ark in ena Candace iner, organi er o the event, said they have anted to host the event or several years and are no in a position to do so y heart or this is that people ill understand the value o human li e, said iner The pro li e event ill start ith check ins bet een am a m , ith the alk lasting rom a m until noon The ay to raise money is or individuals or teams to gar ner pledges rom amily, riends, and community members Fresh Starts ultimate goal is CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Stover Conviction Affirmed by Arkansas Supreme Court

BY MELANIE BUCK • news@mypulsenews.com

Acorn High School Archery competed in the Arkansas National Archery in the Schools Program (ANASP) State Tournament in Hot Springs on Saturday, March 3rd. Senior Chantry Blake was declared the overall winner and number one in the state. Freshman Brody Webb came in fourth. The pair will move on to the National tournament to be held in Louisville, Kentucky. Read more on Acorn Archery on page 15 of this issue. [ P HOTO COURTESY OF CINDY STANDRIDG E]

The Arkansas Supreme Court a firmed a decision made by a olk County ury in the case o aniel Stover, age , ho as convict ed and sentenced in April o one count o ape an enhanced sentence o li e ithout parole , t o counts o First egree Se ual Assault an enhanced sentence o t o terms o li e , one count o Second egree Se ual Assault t enty years , and one count o Se ual rooming o a inor si years For those charges, as ell as a previous se ual o ense conviction, Stover as deemed a habitual

S enio r C itiz en Dis c o unt - T ear O f f s - R ec o vers N ew R o o f s - F lat R o o f s - M etal R o o f s - R ec o ating RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • AGRICULTURAL

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479-394-2298 Trusted S ince 1 9 7 9

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Rehabilitated Bald Eagle Being Released in Fort Smith

BY MELANIE BUCK • news@mypulsenews.com

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ildlife Rehabilitator Tommy Y oung will host his next bald eagle release in Fort Smith at Riverfront Park on Saturday, March 18th at noon.

Y oung has been rehabilitating the adult bald eagle since December when it was brought in after being found with a head injury near Hot Springs. The bald eagle was ound by an o ficer ith the Arkansas State olice on eteran s ay oung e plained that in addition to the head injury, it also had a fractured wing and ligament sling. A calcium deposit from an old injury had built up on the wing, causing it to be unable to y oung as able to scrape the calcium deposit o and rehabilitate the raptor A ter months of rehabilitation, the bald eagle is ready to soar again. All are welcome to attend the release.

Members of three Native American tribes, known as The Otters, will dance at noon, with the release following. The event will be held beside the ferris wheel at the park.

There will also be several other birds of prey on hand, as well as members of Arkansas Game and Fish and Arkansas State Police.

Y oung’s other bald eagle he is currently caring for, is a juvenile victim of lead poisoning. After her molt this Fall, she will be released as well.

As Spring approaches, Y oung is gearing up for his busiest season and donations are always accepted and appreciated. Monetary donations can be made by mailing to: P.O. Box 1881, Mena, AR 71953. Or, direct bank drafts can be sent to Arkansas Native Plant and Wildlife Center accounts at either U nion Bank of Mena or Bear State Bank.

Non-monetary donations are also needed. Many of the supplies needed can be purchased at the Farmer’s Co-op in Mena and left for Y oung to pick up. For more information, contact Y oung at 479-437-3750.

As a 501(c)3 organization, all donations are tax deductible.

Puckett Honored at Reception A retirement reception was held for Mena Fire Chief John Puckett on Friday, March 3, 2017 at Mena Fire Station #1. Puckett was gi en a enry . Ri e with the department logo and “Presented to Chief John T. Puckett, Sr. 35 Years of Service” engraved on the stock of the gun. Puckett was surrounded by fellow members of the re ser ice, city of cials, and many family and friends during the ceremony.

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PHONE: 479-243-9600 FAX: 479-243-9603 1168 Hwy 71 South, Mena

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Egger Sworn-In as Mena Fire Chief

MHS Band Director Accepted into National Band Director Fraternity

BY MELANIE BUCK • news@mypulsenews.com

Steve Egger, longtime Assistant Chief of Mena Fire Department, was swornin as Chief by District Judge Danny Thrailkill on Friday, March 3, 2017. Egger was appointed Chief, effective at 6 p.m. on March 3, following the retirement of Chief John Puckett.

M

ena High School Band Director, Charles Morgan, has been accepted into Phi Beta Mu, a national fraternity for high school band directors. It’s an honor that includes only a select group of the most exceptional directors in the country. Mr. Morgan was nominated by Fort Smith High School band directors for his success.

U nder Morgan’s twelve years of leadership, the ena igh School Band has en oyed five years of Sweepstakes wins that include honors in three categories: Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Site Reading. MHS Band has also produced hundreds of All-Region students, as well as nearly two-dozen All-State students, and two dozen more that have gone to college on band or music scholarships.

Morgan is a graduate of Mena High School who was taught and encouraged by the legendary Paul Gray. “He’s the one who inspired me,” said Morgan. “I love my job and what I do, but I never would’ve considered it until he mentioned it.”

After graduating from Arkansas Tech U niversity with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education, Morgan began his career in Texas before coming to Mena, where he has been for the last twelve years. “I absolutely love it here,” he said. “Y ou want to come home and make a difference and I feel we’re doing a pretty good job. The kids are going to college, playing in college, and doing very successful things.”

Morgan said much of his success is due to having a great assistant director, Josh Bradford. “He is fabulous and makes my job easy.” That also works vice-versa, as Morgan is Bradford’s assistant director for the Mena Middle School Band.

To be entered into Phi Beta Mu, you have to be nominated and sponsored. Morgan is sponsored by the Fort Smith band directors. One of them called him up with the premise of borrowing music from Morgan. However, upon arrival, he found out he had been nominated and accepted into the prestigious organization. “It was a very big surprise.” e ill o ficially be inducted this summer at the Arkansas Band asters Banquet “The band director from Arkansas Tech has been nominated, as well as the band director from the U niversity of Arkansas – Monticello. I fell pretty happy to be included in that category,” Morgan beamed. “I feel like it’s a great honor, but the biggest honor is getting to work with the students that I work with.”

Mr. and Mrs. Archie Conduff of Newton, KS celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in Mena, AR at Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge on Saturday, February 25, 2017. Saturday events included an informal afternoon reception and dinner buffet followed by attendees sharing photos, stories, and memories.

Sunday morning brunch was held at the Mena Conduff home place.

Patsy is a 1955 Mena High School graduate and daughter of the late Jeff and Elverda Cooper Ballew.

Archie is a 1956 Acorn High School graduate and son of the late Jesse David and Hattie McCourtney Conduff.

Archie and Patsy, married in Mena on the 22nd of February 1957, are the parents of son Steve Conduff and daughter Teresa Conduff Lee both of Wichita, KS. Steve’s family - son Brian, daughter Katie and husband Danny - and Teresa’s family - husband Greg, son Ben, son Jacob and wife Mallory and their daughter Ellie - hosted the 60th Anniversary events held at Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge.

January 6, 2016

Hunter Computerized 4-Wheel Alignment & Wheel Balancing Tires • Brakes • Custom Exhaust • Shocks & Struts Hours: Mon.-Fri. • 8am-5:30pm 1500 Hwy 71 South, Mena

•394-1938• Owner : Stacy & Julie Nash

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RE/MAX Associates Win Awards

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arrell and Sharon Cole reported that RE/MAX Mena Real Estate Sales Associates came away with many awards at their Arkansas Awards Celebration at the DoubleTree Suites in Little Rock, Arkansas, this past

Citizens Given Free Weather Radios

The U of A Coop-

erative Extension week.

Service, Polk County Sales Associates who attended the event were The Coles, Nancy Wright, and Kevin Smallwood. f ce of mergency The E A ena Sales Associates ere each presented a ards by their egional O fice O ner, ennis Management, and Curtin, for above-average production in 2016: Kevin Smallwood, Nancy Wright, and Farrell Cole. Debbie Pate Daniel Communicaand an addis also qualified or the a ards, but ere unable to attend tions partnered toKevin was honored to be inducted into the RE/MAX International Hall of Fame, putting him among the elite gether to bring Polk in the entire real estate industry for his production. Farrell was also recognized as a previous RE/MAX Hall of County a Severe Fame inductee.

Weather Awareness Day on March 1st The Cole’s said, “We’re very proud of our sales associates; we’re just very proud. All of our sales associates and gave away 100 and sta al ays help our o fice look good They all ork hard, and they do a lot or the community, and e re free weather radios very proud of them.” Cole said. in less than one E A as ounded in by ave and ail iniger From a single o fice in enver, Colorado, it hour. has grown into a global network of over 100,000 Sales Associates in almost 100 countries, who continue to The event was held out-produce the competition, averaging 15 transactions per agent, which is well above the average for other to bring awareness real estate agents. RE/MAX leads the industry with experienced, professional agents—agents who are trained of se ere weather to citi ens as the stormy season’ a roachand educated through the award-winning RE/MAX U niversity. All U . S. home listings in thousands of cities and es. Educational material was on site as well as storm shelter providers. The weather radios, which were programmed by Chris towns across the world can be found at www.remax.com, regardless of the company who lists the property.

Daniel, of Daniel Communications, were made available through RE/MAX International has raised over $ 100 Million for deserving organizations like Children’s Miracle the generosity of area businesses and individuals. Over $3000 et ork E A ena has been a iracle O fice rom its beginning in , ith each agent giving part o was pledged and collected to make the free radios possible. each commission they earn to Children’s Miracle Network.

RE/MAX Mena Real Estate began as Mena Real Estate in 1994.

Farrell and Sharon Cole, owners, purchased the RE/ MAX franchise in at Mena The o fice continues to lead the local market in numbers of sales The Oaks at Mena is committed to providing personalized care that exceeds the and dollar volume expectations of our residents. Quality care is provided by our staff of respectful of sales, with over and compassionate team members. Call or come by today for a tour!

34% of the market in 2016.

Pictured left to right are: Farrell and Sharon Cole, Nancy Wright,

Assisted Living

Immediate Openings Available At our assisted living community, residents enjoy:

and Kevin Smallwood.

MILES CONSTRUCTION & HANDYMAN SERVICE OWNER - JASON MILES

*Free Estimates*

“We’ll go the extra mile for you!”

* Custom Homes * Remodels * Window Replacement * Additions * Vinyl Siding

479-216-3072

Manufacturer of Quality CNC Parts

479.394.4248 104 Port Arthur Avenue Mena, AR 71953-3344

• 3 nutritious meals per day, plus snacks • a beautiful, convenient apartment • maintenance-free living; housekeeping & laundry service • activity and exercise program; transportation provided • daily assistance with dressing, grooming, showering, medication

www.theoaksatmena.com A Place to Call Home

Reminder: Talimena 13.1 This Saturday T

Otto Visits PCDC Adult Center

he Talimena 13.1 Run and Relay is this Saturday, March 11th, and it’s not too late to register for the event. The Talimena 13.1 raises funds for the Polk County Developmental Center and is an uphill trek that begins at Janssen Park and ends at the Q ueen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge.

Y ou can register now at RunReg.com, or you can register on Saturday morning at Janssen Park beginning at 7 a.m. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. This year there will again be an Individual Category, a 4 Person Relay, and a 13 Person Relay.

There ill be male and emale a ards or the top overall finishers, as well as age group and team awards.

For more information, go to TalimenaRunAndRelay.com The primary purpose of the event is to support programs for physically and mentally challenged adults and children provided by Polk County evelopmental Center C C is a non profit c organi ation that serves the developmentally disabled in Polk County and the surrounding area. The Talimena 13.1 is part of the annual fundraisers that provide funding for PCDC to maintain, expand, provide resources, and serve their clients.

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Otto the K-9 continues to make his rounds meeting the community, along with handler, Polk ounty Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Seth Smith.

The duo, along with Sheriff Scott Sawyer, visited the PCDC Adult Wellness and Education Center on February 27th, much to the delight of their clients.

Hornet Tire Welcomed into Chamber January 6, 2016

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held two welcome Hornet Tire and Automotive into the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce membership. Hornet Tire and Automotive is located at 109 South 5th Street in Cove.

Half Price Regular Size

Cheeseburgers & Hamburgers

HALF PRICE Extra Long Cheese Coney

Please make The Cole BLTthan or Team Bold & larger the address & Cheese phone Grilled Ham & numbers below it.

$2.79 Pizza Stick $1.59 Regular Size Arctic Whirl $3.09

Omit the 800 number and the e-mail address and substitute www.FarrellCole.com instead.

In the web address across the bottom, capitalize the M in Mena, the R in Real & the E in Estate.

Cossatot Senior Center

MENA REAL ESTATE

Farrell & Sharon Cole

The Cole Team

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

Fundraiser Breakfast Saturday, March 11th 8am - 10am Donation Only

Menu:

Sausage/Bacon Scrambled Eggs Gravy Biscuits Juice/Coffee/Milk

Mini Auction with Auctioneer Jack Jones 9:30am until sold out All proceeds go to the center

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Prescribed Burn Training

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The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Private Lands Section will host a series of workshops offered to landowners, free of charge, to teach the proper and sa e use o prescribed fire to improve wildlife habitat. On March 11, a prescribed burn training ill be held in atfield at y West, rom am pm We strongly believe in the benefits properly used fire can have on our ildli e and ant to train landowners in its use. These workshops are available to all who are interested in learning about using prescribed fire on private property, e plained event organi ers They ill have a demonstration o a prencer: scribed burn by A FC personnel, eather permitting The class will also give landowners the basics o Fire Weather, Equipment used, Wildli e Benefits of Fire, Pre-burn planning, Fire Law, and Ignition This program ill include both indoor totechniques get classroom presentations and outdoor demostrations. unch is provided ree by the Arkansas ame and Fish Commission. This is a rain or shine event. For more question contact e Taverner

Apache Army Attack Helicopters Land at Mena Airport

BY MELANIE BUCK • news@mypulsenews.com ight of six rmy ache attack helico ters made a fuel sto in Mena on Thursday, March , . The air craft were en route from ort am bell, Kentucky to ort ood near Kileen, Texas. The ilots en oyed lunch at a nearby restaurant in Mena. ne of the ilots mentioned they will be making a return tri on ril and lan to again sto for fuel in Mena. ir ort Manager red gden ex lained the economical im ortance of such a sto in the area. ach cho er had a crew of two. That’s lunches sold locally and eo le that may tell fellow ilots what a great lace Mena is to sto and refuel. s far as fuel, that was about gallons er aircraft, or 8 gallons total, at about . gallon, on which the ity of Mena collects a tax and the local B o erator will earn a ro t. This is money that will circulate though the local economy. gden added, Most of all, it’s good to know this air ort can be of ser ice to the young men and women who take the ght to ISIS.

WHERE DID THIS COME FROM?

By S.J. Varner

479-394-7301

1102 Crestwood Circle Mena, AR 71953

Williams Medical Clinic, L.L.C.

Dr. Robert S. Williams, M.D. All Major Insurance Accepted 403-E N. Morrow St., Mena, AR 71953

479-243-9024

New Patients Welcome

When we observe the beauty of the heavens or the majesty of the earth it is quite natural for us to wonder where the stars come from or how it is the oceans exist.

Consequently, it is also natural for us to conclude that a profound intelligence must have been at work here, had designed it to be so then set it into motion.

It is in the book of Genesis where we find the designer: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, saw that everything He had made was indeed very good, thus the heavens and earth, and the entire host of them were finished.” (Genesis 1 to 3) And it is in the books of Romans and Jeremiah, where we find His Intelligence manifested from the quantum level to the massive expanse of space: “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made…” (Romans 4) “He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, and has stretched out the heavens at His discretion.”(Jeremiah 10) In fact, if we exam the heavenly bodies and the whole of the earth, we quickly discover that the elements from which they were created are the very same elements from which we are created. Moreover, so precise is the combination of these elements that were one or more of them missing, nothing would exist at all. From the beginning, we have been in God’s thoughts. We are part of His design as well part of His plans.

Thus He created everything that we may know Him. The Hatfield Church of Christ welcomes you this Sunday. He cares about you. Good day.

For more information, you may reach us at 479-394-3891, email hatfieldcofc@gmail.com and/or like us on Facebook. To link to future lessons: please use the following internet address: cocsjv.blogspot.com

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Vacca Named Ark. National Geographic State Bee Semifinalist

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ophia acca, daughter o Scott and Ashley acca, and a fi th grader at olly arshman Elementary has been notified by the ational eographic Society that she is one o the semifinalists eligible to compete in the Arkansas ational eographic State Bee The contest ill be held at the niversity o Central Arkansas in Con ay, A on Friday, arch , This is the second level o the ational eographic Bee competition, hich is no in its th year School Bees ere held in schools ith ourth through eighth grade students throughout the state to determine each school champion School champions then took a quali ying test, hich they submitted to the ational eographic Society The ational eographic Society has invited up to o the top scoring students in each o the states, the istrict o Columbia, epartment o e ense ependents Schools and S ter ritories to compete in the State Bees Each state champion ill receive , the ational eographic Concise Atlas o the World, th Edition, and a trip to Washington, C , to represent their state in the ational eographic Bee Championship to be held at ational eographic Society headquarters, ay , The national champion ill receive a , college scholarship, a li e time membership in the Society, including a subscription to ational eographic maga ine, and an all e penses paid indblad e pedition to the al pagos slands aboard the ne ational eographic Endeavour ll Travel or the trip is provided by indblad E peditions and ational eographic isit natgeobee org or more in ormation on the ational eographic Bee The ational eographic Channel and at eo W ill air the ational eographic Bee Championship, moderated by ournalist and humorist o occa, on Friday, ay , at p m ET p m CT ublic television stations ill broadcast the final round at a later date Check local television listings or the air date and time in your area

Walk for Life

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to raise $ 13,000 through the event that will provide parents of unplanned pregnancies with a vast amount of resources through the center. Fresh Start provides educational materials, trainings, diapers and essentials, life skills supplies, and much, much more.

The Walk for Life is an event held by pregnancy resource and care centers across the nation, and Fresh Start is excited to be able to bring the occasion to the community. “This is the first time it has been hosted in olk County, said iner ost o our community is pro li e and thought it ould be a great ay to get the community involved t ill give churches, organi ations, and community members a chance to sho their support or li e articipants are asked to gather their pledges prior to the event and on the day o , alk t o miles on a designated route in do nto n ena t s rain or shine, ho ever, or inclement weather, the event will be cancelled and participants will be encouraged to walk the two miles on their own. ohn addo , eanie ordan, Andy iner, and ussell Threet, Chairman o Fresh Start s Board o irectors ill all speak at the event, and entertainment ill also be pro 1114A Hwy 71S Mena, AR vided.

Keith & Sharon Aleshire, Toll Free: 1-888-394-4200 Broker/Owners There are incentives to those who raise the most money. For raising $ 100 in pledges, Keith’s Cell: 479-243-5341 www.hollyspringsrealestate.com you ll earn a t shirt and or in pledges, you ill receive a t shirt and hoodie s eat shirt For raised, a t shirt, hoodie, trophy, recognition, and a ards break ast, and or or more, a t shirt, hoodie, trophy, recognition, a ards break ast, and an e tra surprise.

There are also opportunities or sponsorship o the event you ould like your busi ness logo on the back o the t shirts, contact Candace iner at Fresh Start egistration orms can be picked up at the Fresh Start O fice, y orth in ena, or go online to http reshstartprc org events or give them a call at and a orm can be mailed or emailed to you egistration orms are also available at partnering church o fices O fice hours or Fresh Start are onday Thursday, am p m , closed Friday Sunday

citizen

January 6, 2016

HOLLY SPRINGS REAL ESTATE, LLC 394-4200 Keith and Sharon and the agents of Holly Springs Real Estate would like to welcome

Michelle Hicks

to our Real Estate Family!

We invite you to come by our office and visit with her soon!

“I grew up here in Mena before graduating and traveling around, meeting different family that lived in different areas of the US. I then settled for a bit in Alaska while I went to college for Architectural Engineering. After starting my family, I decided to move back to Mena to raise my children with my husband Jason. Houses have always been a love of mine but the engineering side wasn't for me, so I turned my passion toward Real Estate, and helping others to find houses that they can love. I also enjoy being a part of this community and look forward to serving it for years to come.”

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M e n a M a n o r is c u r r e n tly a c c e p tin g a p p lic a tio n s fo r a fu ll tim e

LPN and Activities Director.

N u r s in g h o m e e x p e r ie n c e p r e fe r r e d b u t n o t r e q u ir e d .

Please apply in person at 100 9th Street.

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Marines Honor Officials

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Each department was gifted with a star for each member of their department. The stars were cut from retired ags that have o n over a home or business in ena The stars serve as a reminder to each one that they have not been forgotten and are appreciated.

With the stars, a note as given that read: I am part of our American Flag. have o n over a home in the SA can no longer y n the sun and the ind, have become tattered and torn, but not forgotten. Please carry me as a reminder that Y ou are not forgotten.

At the ceremony, Adjuntant of the Detachment, Nathan Roth, said “Across the country, there has been a rash of incidents involving la en orcement o ficers and others trying to do an o ten di ficult ob, and getting harassed or it Their job is often a thankless job and goes unnoticed. Whether it is on the streets, in the woods, our waterways, or behind the scenes such as our veterans services and ustice department, they are there. They are here to protect f cials re resenting se eral ublic ser ice de artments in the area were honored at a ceremony held on the ourthouse Lawn near the eterand serve, o ten times in severe circumin Mena on Thursday, March , . stances. They assess the situation and an’s Memorial Monument by the Marine or s League etachment render assistance in the most appropriate ashion We ish to say a very sincere thank you to all o them We truly appreciate all that you have done and o ten sacrificed to help keep us sa e eorge O aniel, Commandant o the arine Corps eague etachment said, The stars have to do ith unity The blue field on the ag ith the stars in it is called the union and the union goes to the very core o our nation We find that quite o ten those that risk the most sacrifices are the ones ho aren t recogni ed

Stover Conviction

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o ender and all sentences are to run consecutively Stover appealed the decision, arguing that olk County Circuit Court erred by allo ing the State to request enhanced punishment based on conduct that occurred prior to the conviction that as used or enhancement purposes The habitual o ender enhanced penalty on the charges as due to a previous conviction o Se ual Assault in the First egree or hich Stover as already serving a five year sentence in the Arkansas Department of Corrections. n the o ficial Slip Opinion o the Supreme Court o Arkansas, it states rior to trial, Stover ob ected to the enhanced sentencing ranges on the first degree se ual assault and rape charges e argued that the alleged se ual misconduct giving rise to the charges in this case occurred prior to his September , conviction or first degree se ual assault, an o ense to hich he had pled guilty on une , Stover asserted that it ould violate his due process rights to sub ect him to an increased range o punishment or conduct that occurred be ore the September conviction When Stover s la yer presented the argument in olk County Circuit Court during the trial, the court denied the ob ection n the same Slip Opinion, it states The circuit court denied Stover s ob ection, noting that the habitual o ender statute makes no such distinction based on a timeline o the conduct underlying the o enses Specifically, he contends that his due process rights ere violated by allo ing an e post acto application o the enhancement, resulting in a punishment that he had no notice o at the time the o enses in this case were committed. o ever, Supreme Court Associate ustice Courtney oodson e plains in the opinion that because Stover only brought up his due process rights during the original trial, and not an e post acto, he can not no bring up the latter on appeal As the State e plains, the passage o an e post acto la is a separate concept rom a circuit court s application o a la ithout su ficient notice or due process purposes An appellant may not change the grounds or his argument on appeal and is instead limited to the scope and nature o the ob ections presented at trial, states oodson rosecuting Attorney Andy iner, ho prosecuted the case in olk County said, am delighted the Supreme Court a firmed the ury s verdict and kept this dangerous se ual predator behind bars olding se ual predators accountable is a high priority or our team, especially those o enders ho repeatedly victimi e children Stover, hose victims included a child thirteen years o age or younger, on his loss o appeal, ill remain in the Arkansas epartment o Corrections

MARY MABRY WALLACE Mary Mabry Wallace, age 76, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Sunday, February 26, 2017 in Mena.

Mary was born on August 1, 1940 to Auburn and Cleo Mabry in Plainview, Arkansas. She married Raymond Wallace on July 8, 1957 in Poteau, Oklahoma. She was a loving and caring mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with and feeding her grandchildren and loved working in her flower garden.

Mary is survived by husband, Raymond Wallace; son, Rickey and wife Sherri Wallace; daughters, Barbara Cunningham and Brenda Ridley; six grandchildren, Ernie Cunningham and wife Jennifer, Kim Posey and husband Jacob, Lisa Daniels and husband Jon, Tina Rigdon and husband Gary, Sarah and Rachel Wallace; ten great grandchildren; brothers, Jimmy Mabry and wife Charie, Russell Mabry and wife Connie, Joe Mabry and wife Jeanie; sister, Doris Harrison and husband Therron; sister in law, Mary Mabry.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Auburn and Cleo Mabry; a brother, Dwight Mabry; and sister, Loretta Rogers.

Funeral service were Wednesday, March 01, 2017 10:00 a.m. at Southside Church of God in Mena with Brother Kenny Posey officiating.

Interment followed in the Cornith Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Visitation is general.

JAMES LEE HARMON

James Lee Harmon, age 52, of Mena, died Saturday, March 4, 2017 at his home. He was born on Thursday, July 9, 1964 to James Peter and Peggy Lou Chesser Harmon in Altus, Oklahoma.

James loved the outdoors and spending time with his family and friends. He loved to spoil his grandchildren and take them to the park because it brought him great joy in life. James was a jack-of-all-trades and was self employed most of his life. James attended and worshiped at the Mena Church of God of Prophecy. He was a man of great faith in his Savior Jesus Christ. James was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sarah Harmon.

James is survived by his wife, Marty Harmon of Mena; two sons and daughter-in-law, James and Misty Harmon of Mena and Brad Harmon of Mena; daughter and son-in-law, Crystal and Billie Ray of Mena; two sisters, Rhonda Harmon of Wagner, Oklahoma and Mary Harmon of Wewoka, Oklahoma; ten grandchildren, Haylie, Bubba, Trinity, Baby Inman, Nevaeh, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Madison, Eli, and Sophia; special children, Xena Wilcox of Mena, Heather Wilcox

of Mena and Joshua Briscoe of Port Arthur, Texas; several nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at the Mena Church of God of Prophecy with Pastor Debbie Skaggs officiating. Interment will follow at the Gann Cemetery in Potter under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Visitation will be general at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena.

Pallbearers will be James Harmon, Brad Harmon, Jonathan Garner, Bobby Nunn, Joshua Briscoe and Moe Carver. Honorary Pallbearers will be James “Bub” Harmon, Haylie Harmon, Xena Wilcox and Heather Wilcox.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

DENDIN L. GUINN Dendin L. Guinn, age 70, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at his home.

He was born May 23, 1946 in Mena, Arkansas to Alan L. Guinn and Rea Lunsford Guinn. He was married to Shirley Beshears Guinn for 46 years and taught in public schools until he retired. Dendin’s joy in life was his family, talking to others about Christ, visiting friends, meeting new people, telling his stories and working with his beloved animals. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to all. He will be dearly missed.

Survivors are wife, Shirley Beshears Guinn of the home; son, Seth Guinn and wife Janet of Mena, Arkansas; daughter, Donah Simmons and husband Micheal of Mena, Arkansas; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Sarah, and Caleb Simmons, Corey and Cole Guinn all of Mena, Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service was Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Concord Baptist Church, 10:00 a.m. with Brother Tommy Beshears officiating. Mr. Guinn was interred in Shady Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Shelby Sullivan, Jason Hendrix, Wendell Lane, Lucas Alston, Robert Baker, and Bo Frachiseur.

Honorary pallbearers were Ronnie Phillips, Ray Cathey, Ed Wilcox, Troy Jones and friends of Mena graduating class of 1964.

Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

CATHERINE CLARICE BILLINGSLEY SMITH

Catherine Clarice Billingsley Smith, age 92, of Mena, died Saturday, March 4, 2017 at the Mena Manor. She was born on Saturday, February 14, 1925 to Russell James and Opal Catherine Teague Billingsley in Heavener, Oklahoma.

Catherine moved to Mena in 1937. She worked many years as an accountant for Exxon Mobile. Catherine loved life and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Catherine was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Francis H. Smith and one brother, Richard Billingsley.

Catherine is survived by her son, Daniel Smith of Tarkington, Texas; her two daughters, Kay Smith of Liberty Hill, Texas and Margaret Bryant of Spring, Texas; five grandchildren, Rebecca Harrel of Cleveland, Texas, Rose Branigan of Liberty Hill, Texas, Joy Bowlin of Austin, Texas, Joanna Sparkman of Atlanta, Georgia and Samantha Castillo of Spring, Texas; nine great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Graveside services will be Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at the Pinecrest Memorial Park with Brother Jack Schoeppey officiating. Visitation will be before the service on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 from 9:00 10:45 A.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

ERNA D. HERTZOG Mrs. Erna D. Hertzog, age 95, of Mena passed away Monday, February 27, 2017 in Mena, Arkansas.

Erna was born on April 5, 1921 in Germany to the late Heinerich Doench and the late Hulda Doench. She lived in Polk County for 9 years and was an American citizen. Erna enjoyed a full life taking care of her family and doing needlepoint, painting, crocheting, dancing and polka music. She was a wonderful cook, and enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends. Her quiet time was working in her garden and growing the most beautiful roses. Most of all she loved her family and serving God. She was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all.

She is survived by daughter, Heidi Nicholson of Mena, Arkansas; son, Martin Kirchner of Munich, Germany; grandchildren, Robert I. Nicholson of Fred, Texas and Daniel C. Nicholson of Fred, Texas; great-grandchildren, Chris Melton, Matthew and Jessica Nicholson; great great-grandchildren, Ruby Melton and Betty Melton; and brother, Helmut Doench.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Carl Hertzog, brothers, Gunter Doench, Walter Doench, and sisters, Elfriede Doench and Hilde Doench.

Funeral service was Friday, March 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at First Assembly of God Church with Brother Ron Tilley officiating. Interment followed in the Mt. Gilead Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Pallbearers were Robert Nicholson, Daniel

Nicholson, Jim Dunse, Ray Canon, Chris Melton, and Bob Nicholson Honorary pallbearer were Jamie Anderson In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Assembly of God Church.

obituaries

March 8, 2017

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EARL BRADFORD WOODRUFF

Earl Bradford Woodruff, II, age 51, of Cove, died Sunday, March 5, 2017 at Mena Regional Health System. He was born on Saturday, April 24, 1965 to Earl Bradford and Claudia Jean Steinhausser Woodruff in Columbus, Ohio.

Earl enjoyed his family and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed camping, fishing, playing chess and riding his motorcycles on a nice sunny day.

Earl supported his family by driving chicken trucks from Mississippi to California to Florida.

Earl attended Panther Creek Christian Church for many years. Earl was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his father.

Earl is survived by his wife, Shelley Woodruff of Cove; his son and daughter in law, Riley and Larissa Johnson of Cove; four daughters, Nevada Woodruff of Cove, Taylor Johnson of Pelahatchie, Mississippi, Macee Ballenger of Carthage, Mississippi, and JoAnn Woodruff of Cove; his mother, Judith Ann Woodruff of White Hall, Ohio; paternal grandfather, Henry “Bill” Steinhausser of Marengo, Ohio; two brothers, Joseph Woodruff of Columbus, Ohio, and Nicholas Woodruff of Columbus, Ohio; one sister, Kitty Brewer of Cardington, Ohio; five grandchildren, Samuel Davis, Nevaeh Simpson, Katherine Christian, Leslie Johnson, and Gabriel Johnson; several nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at the Panther Creek Christian Church with Brother Cody McDaniel officiating. Cremation services are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.

Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com

January 6, 2016

Caring for your family since 1928 479-394-1310 611 Janssen Ave. Mena, AR 71953 BeasleyWoodFuneralHome.com

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Ward Presents at Conference on Vandervoort Elementary Reads Over 2,000 Books Behalf of the Voiceless SUBMITTED

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aylor Ward, senior at Southern Arkansas U niversity, was selected to present at the BPD Annual Conference in New Orleans on her project, “She Didn’t Say No: Consent Among College Students.” The BPD, Baccalaureate Program Directors, teach and administer baccalaureate social work programs, field education, global social work, advocacy, and connecting classroom education to community practice.

Taylor shared that she was honored to receive the amazing opportunity to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and will not stop until their voices are heard. Taylor is a member of Phi Alpha Honor Society, Alpha Sigma Alpha, and SWEL (Social Work Leadership), an organization for social work students.

Taylor will receive her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work this May. She was recently accepted into the graduate program at Arkansas State U niversity. Taylor is the daughter of Dane and Shelly Ward.

UA Rich Mountain Hosts Calculator Workshops T

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andervoort Elementary students read 2,431 books school wide last week in celebration of Read Across America. Ms. Shana’s 4th grade class read 890 books, making their class the top readers of the week. Students celebrated reaching their reading goal by saran wrapping Mrs. Joiner to a chair.

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he U niversity of Arkansas Rich Mountain Math & Science Department and TRiO Student Support Services Program hosted graphing calculator workshops in February for the Spring 2017 semester. The winner of the graphing calculator door prize was Courtney Meador.

For more information about the graphing calculator workshops, contact Susan Tipton or Marsha Jenkins at 479-394-7622, stipton@ rmcc.edu or Courtney Meador & Susan Tipton, Math Instructor mjenkins@ rmcc.edu .

College and Careers Family Night for Mena Middle School M

ena Middle School 8th graders and their families are invited to Ready Set Go to High School, College and Careers Family Night on March 14 at 6 P.M. in U of A Rich Mountain Student Center. This evening is hosted by Mena Middle School Family Engagement Organization and U of A Rich Mountain. Families are encouraged to come hear about the Mena High School Career Action Planning process as well as learn more about concurrent credit classes, Education Talent Search, U pward Bound, and much more. This informational evening is a free to all and there will be door prizes and refreshments.

COSSATOT RIVER SCHOOL’S BREAKFAST

MONDAY 3/13 Cereal, orange wedges, apple juice, milk TUESDAY 3/14 Sausage & egg wrap, banana, juice, milk WEDNESDAY 3/15 Muffin, apple we ges, orange uice, mil THURSDAY 3/16 P ancake on a stick, applesauce, juice, milk FRIDAY 3/17 NO SCHOOL

COSSATOT RIVER SCHOOL’S LUNCH

MONDAY 3/13 P izza, tossed salad w/ dressing, peaches, marshmallow treat, milk TUESDAY 3/14 P ork chop sandwich, lettuce, tomato, tater tots, pears, cookie, milk WEDNESDAY 3/15 Chicken strips, q uick baked potato, green beans, fruit cocktail, roll, milk THURSDAY 3/16 Hot dog, baked beans, carrots w/ dressing, pineapple, fruit bar, milk FRIDAY 3/17 NO SCHOOL

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Louise Durham’s Super Students C

MENA PUBLIC SCHOOL’S BREAKFAST

school

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aylee Y eager, Braxton Cummings, Carter Q uillin, Samyual Casten, Averi Ortiz, Cory Kirendoll, Emma Wells, Camryn Stepp, Madison Hexamer, Serenity Fraser, Brynlee Bahr, Lily Kate Doughty, Karson Bowles, Cheyanne Windham, Jocelyn White,Myka Wilson, Clayton Beck, Ryleigh Chambers

MONDAY 3/13 French toast sticks, Cheerio’ s, Cocoa P uffs, string cheese, Scooby cinnamon grahams, diced pears, grape juice, milk TUESDAY 3/14 Omelet, hash brown, toast, Cocoa P uff bar, Trix bar, animal crackers, mixed fruit, fruit blend juice, milk WEDNESDAY 3/15 Cinnamon roll, Cheerio’ s, Fruit L oops, string cheese, Scooby grahams, applesauce, orange juice, milk THURSDAY 3/16 Maple waffles, cherry yogurt, Elfin grahams, raisins, cherry star juice, milk FRIDAY 3/17 Donuts with dad, Cheerio’ s, L ucky Charms, string cheese, diced peaches, apple juice, milk MENA PUBLIC SCHOOL’S LUNCH

MONDAY 3/13 EL EMENTARY: Chicken noodle soup, chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, broccoli, apples, fruit blend juice. MIDDL E SCHOOL : Chicken noodle soup, chicken sandwich, pepperoni or cheese pizza, chicken fajita, popcorn chicken salad, ham pizza salad, turkey sandwich, broccoli, mixed fruit, fruit juice. HIG H SCHOOL : Chicken noodle soup, chicken tenders/hot roll, chicken sandwich, tortilla line, chicken fajita, pizza line, G rab-N-G o salads & sandwiches.

TUESDAY 3/14 EL EMENTARY: Spaghetti w/ meat sauce, chicken sub, green beans, red pepper strips, oranges, apple juice. MIDDL E SCHOOL : Spaghetti w/ meat sauce, srinacho cheeseburger, pepperoni or cheese pizza, chicken/bean burrito, chicken ceasar or ham chef salad, ham & cheese sub, vegetables, fruits & juice. HIG H SCHOOL : Spaghetti w/ meat sauce, srinacho cheeseburger, cheeseburger, corn dog, tortilla line, chicken bean burrito, pizza line, G rab-N-G o salads & sandwiches.

WEDNESDAY 3/15 EL EMENTARY: Baked potato w/ broccoli & cheese, hot roll, chicken sandwich, steamed carrots, zucchini sq uash, banana, grape juice. MIDDL E SCHOOL : Baked potato w/ broccoli & cheese, chicken salsa melt, chicken nuggets, popcorn chicken or ham pizza salad, turkey cheese sandwich, steamed carrots, fresh zucchini, diced pears, grape juice. HIG H SCHOOL : Baked potato w/ broccoli & cheese, chicken tenders, BBQ cheeseburger, hot dog, tortilla line, bean q uesadilla, G rab-N-G o salads & sandwiches.

THURSDAY 3/16 EL EMENTARY: Chicken chili crispito, santa fe rice, hot dog, BBQ black beans, celery sticks, applesauce, orange juice. MIDDL E SCHOOL : Chicken chili crispito, santa fe rice, meatball sub, pepperoni or cheese pizza, ham & cheese sub, beef nachos, chicken ceasar or ham chef salads. HIG H SCHOOL : Chicken chili crispito, santa fe rice, meatball sub, chicken sandwich, hamburger, tortilla line, beef n bean nachos, G rab-N-G o salads & sandwiches.

January 6, 2016

Spotlight Singers to Open for the Haygoods Production T

he Mena High School Spotlight Singers will be the opening act for the Haygoods Production at Clay Cooper Theatre in Branson, Missouri, on Saturday, March 18.

The Spotlight Singers are an auditioned women’s ensemble with members in all four high school grade levels. They will perform a program of current pop hits, pop hits from the 70’s, and Broadway music.

The Spotlight Singers have consistently received Division I Superior ratings in region choral performance assessments for the last 5 years. They earned State Best in Class ratings and State Sweepstakes awards in 2014 and 2015. The ensemble is set to compete at state choral performance assessment this year on April 5 in Searcy. The Spotlight Singers perform extensively for the local community and each year they perform with Sounds of the Season at the State Capitol in Little Rock. The ensemble is directed

by Ferroll “Tammy” Taylor.

This weekly info proudly sponsored by:

GEORGE S. DAVIS STATE FARM AGENT SINCE 1964

Insurance with a name you know STATE FARM INSURANCE 624 Sherwood Avenue, Mena, AR

479.394.4521 Res. 479.394.1895

The Spotlight Singers are from left to right: Cassidy Delaney, freshman; Hannah McDonald, sophomore; Ciarra Ryan, senior; Kelsey Wiggins, senior; Abi McPherson, senior; Tiffany White, senior; Brooklyn Beck, sophomore; Hope Egger, freshman; Sarah Rose, junior.

PHOTO BY: CELESTE ASHCRAFT

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Weekly Publication

Acorn Elementary Participates in Read Across America

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corn Elementary participated in Read Across America Week from February 27th throught March 3rd.

On Monday, Students participated in Grab Y our Hat and Read With the Cat” --Wear your favorite hat day. On Tuesday, “Oh the Places Y ou’ll Go” – Career DayDress up as what you want to be when you grow up was their daily activity.

On Wednesday, students had “Wacky Wednesday”--Design a wacky/mismatched clothes, inside out, crazy hair. Students were encouraged to gave fun and be creative, and they were! Thursday was Dr. Seuss’ Birthday (National Read Across America Day). Students celebrated Dr. Seuss’ Birthday by wearing a Read Across America t-shirt, or a Dr. Seuss Character t-shirt, or a red or white shirt.

Friday was “We Love Reading Day”--Dress as your favorite book character.

The students all had a great time celebrating reading!

Hana Hunter Named to the UA Little Rock Dean’s List

LITTLE ROCK, AR - Mena resident Hana Hunter has been named to the U niversity of Arkansas at Little Rock' s Fall 2016 dean' s list.

Students whose academic performance has been superior in a semester are recogni ed hen the ollo ing qualifications have been met • At least nine credit hours with a grade of A, B, C, or " credit" • At least a 3.5 GPA for the semester • No D, F, I, or " no credit" grades on the semester grade report With about 11,000 students and 100 programs, U A Little Rock offers learning, research, service, social and career opportunities that can only be found at a metropolitan university located in Arkansas' capital city.

ACORN SCHOOL’S BREAKFAST MONDAY 3/13 Variety cereal, cheese omelet w/ toast, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk TUESDAY 3/14 Variety cereal, super donut, sausage link, raisins, fruit, juice, milk WEDNESDAY 3/15 Variety cereal, biscuit & sausage, jelly, fruit, yogurt, juice, milk THURSDAY 3/16 Variety cereal, mini chocolate donuts, fruit, yogurt, juice, milk FRIDAY 3/17 Variety cereal, biscuit & gravy, jelly, fruit, yogurt, juice, milk ACORN SCHOOL’S LUNCH MONDAY 3/13 K-6TH GRADE: Chicken fajitas, orange chicken, fried rice, steam broccoli, oranges, salad bar, milk. 7TH – 12TH GRADE: Chicken fajitas, orange chicken, hamburger, fried rice, steamed broccoli, oranges, salad bar, milk.

TUESDAY 3/14 K-6TH GRADE: Cheeseburger, beef nachos, brown rice, fries, pinto beans, apple, salad bar, milk. 7TH – 12TH GRADE: Cheeseburger, beef nachos, pizza, brown rice, fries, pinto beans, apples, salad bar, milk.

WEDNESDAY 3/15 K-6TH GRADE: Chicken nuggets, turkey & cheese sub sandwich, corn, wheat roll, peaches, Jell-o, salad bar, milk. 7TH – 12TH GRADE: Chicken nuggets, turkey & cheese sub sandwich, chicken sandwich, corn, wheat roll, peaches, jell-o, salad bar, milk.

THURSDAY 3/16 K-6TH GRADE: Chicken tenders, pizza, wheat roll, steamed carrots, pears, salad bar, milk. 7TH – 12TH GRADE: Vegetable beef soup w/ grilled cheese, chicken tenders, pizza, wheat roll, steamed carrots, pears, salad bar, milk.

FRIDAY 3/17 K-6TH GRADE: BBQ chicken popcorn chicken, green beans, wheat roll, mixed fruit, salad bar, milk. 7TH – 12TH GRADE: BBQ chicken, popcorn chicken, hamburger, green beans, wheat roll, mixed fruit, salad bar, milk.

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Lady Tigers Take out Omaha, Fall to Bay; Finish Terrific Season

BY EASTON LEONARD

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sports

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ednesday night, March 1st, the Acorn Lady Tigers took on the Omaha Lady Eagles in the second round of the 2017 1A Girls Basketball State Tournament at Mount Ida High School.

The Lady Tigers started the game off on an 8-0 run before Omaha scored their first point via ree thro ith le t in the first quarter Acorn ent on to lead the ady Eagles by ten, , through one Omaha as orced to call a timeout ith le t in the hal a ter the ady Tigers started the second quarter on a run Follo ing the timeout, the ady Eagles outscored Acorn , to make the score 28-14 at halftime.

At hal time, Sophie ackson led the ady Tigers ith points Coming out of the locker room after halftime, the Lady Tigers scored eight points to Omaha s t o points, but in the last in the third quarter, the ady Eagles outscored Acorn , to make the score going into the final quarter o play n the ourth quarter, Omaha outscored the ady Tigers , and pulled ithin five points ith under a minute le t in the game, but Acorn as able to hold onto their lead and de eat the ady Troans by nine points, Sophie ackson led the Acorn ady Tigers ith points on the night, hile Faith ill scored o her o n, organ Fagan , Brooke Bates , Tori Barrett , and e i o ell With the in, the ady Tigers advanced to the uarterfinals o the A State Basketball Tournament, acing the Bay ady ello ackets on Friday a ternoon, arch rd Both Acorn and the ady ello ackets played a tight notched first quarter, but Bay s Whitlee ayne as able to knock do n a umper in the last e seconds to give Bay a one point, , lead a ter one The ady ello ackets started the second quarter on a run, orcing Acorns Coach ike ackson to call a timeout A ter the timeout, Bay held up to as much as a point lead, but Acorns Faith ill drained a three at the bu er, bringing the ady ello ackets lead do n to ten at hal time, ith the score At the hal , Faith ill led the ady Tigers ith points Acorn narro ed the ady ello ackets lead do n to si in the third quarter, as the ady Tigers outscored Bay , to make the score going into the final quarter o play n the ourth, the ady Tigers ere never able to get ithin five points, as Acorn as held to only nine points, hile the ady ello ackets scored points o their o n When the final bu er rang, the ady Tigers ell short in their final game o the season by a score o

January 6, 201

Tori Barrett and Faith ill led the Acorn ady Tigers ith points a piece on the night, as organ Fagan and Sophie ackson chipped in , Brooke Bates , and akayla Anderson According to a reps com, the ady Tigers finish their season ith an overall record o Congratulation to Coach ike ackson, and seniors Brittany Wilhite, arly earing and organ Fagan, as ell as the rest o the ady Tigers on a terrific season

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Weekly Publication

Senior Bearcat Track Travels to DeQueen news@mypulsenews.com for First Meet

BY MELANIE BUCK

he ena Bearcat and adycat Track Teams traveled to e ueen or their first meet o the season on Thursday, March 2nd. The senior boy’s 4x800 meter relay team placed 4th, with Cross Hughes, Anthony Kennedy, and Clint Buck each running a leg.

In the 400 meter dash, Cross Hughes placed 6th, running it in 55 seconds, while William Shaner placed 7th with a time of 55.16 seconds.

In senior girls, Abbie Smith took 2nd place in the girls 800 meter run in 2:36 and 5th in the 3200 meter run in 14:01.05. Jayzlee Bahr tied for 6th place in high jump, with a 4’4” jump. Bahr placed 5th in long jump with a 15’ jump.

The girls 4x800 meter relay team took 4th, with Sarah England, Breanna Sanders, Evelyn Smith, and Abbie Smith each running a leg. Kyntlie Wiles placed 7th in 100 meter hurdles in 19.02 seconds. Evelyn Smith placed 4th in the 400 meter dash in 1:09.37.

In the girls 4x400 meter relay, Mena took 6th with runners Raychel Woody, Addison Smith, Abbie Smith, and Evelyn Smith, running a 4:48.81.

The Mena Track Team will next travel to Ashdown on March 16 with events starting at 4 p.m. Mena Senior Boys Track is coached

by Aaron Pennington. Mena Senior Girls Track is coached by Brad Lyle.

Mena Junior Track Starts Season with a Bang

BY MELANIE BUCK • news@mypulsenews.com

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ena unior Track traveled to Ashdo n on Tuesday, February , or their first meet o the season ith several bringing ribbons home In the girls division, Andrea Maechler placed 3rd in the 200 meter dash in 30.38 seconds and 6th in the 100 meter dash, running a 14.65.

Alex Harper took 1st in the 800 meter run in 2:45.94. In the 1,600 meter run, Jayden Harris took 3rd in 6:20.12, while Julianna Kennedy took 8th with 7:04.57. Lauren Sikes took 8th in 100 meter hurdles in 20.03 seconds. Paige Evans grabbed 7th in 300 meter hurdles in 59.17, with Emily Wagner right behind her in 8th in 59.72 seconds. Cadie Cannon took 8th in high jump with a 4’2” jump. he Mena Ladycats competed in the River Valley Rumble March 4-5, held in Fort Smith.

The 4x100 meter relay team, consisting of Ciara Lance, Emily Wagner, The team finished st in the gold bracket, beating out other teams From are Lauren Sikes, and Andrea Maechler, took 3rd in 57.14. The 4x400 meter relay Ciara Lance, Andrea Maechler, Gracie Lyle, Morgan Puckett, Madison Blair, Coach Erick Martin team of Alex Harper, Paige Evans, Ciara Lance, and Madi Linch, took 4th in (standing behind Blair), Allie Martin, Kayleigh Johnson, Lauren Sikes, and Hannah Stockton.

4:55.01. The 4x800 relay team took 1st place in 11:47.89, with Julianna Kennedy, Jayden Harris, Alex Harper, and Kaitlin Titsworth each running a leg.

In the boys division, Caleb Holmes took 5th place in the 100 meter dash in 12.55 seconds, while Z ane Stephens stepped in 6th, in 12.64 seconds. In the 200 meter dash, Z ane Stephens grabbed 4th in 25.66, while Caleb Holmes took 5th in 26.07. Curtis Curry brought home 2nd in the 400 meter dash in 56.9 seconds, while Devin Adams brought home 7th in 59.83.

Logan Myers took 2nd in the 800 meter run with 2:20.30. Myers also took 2nd in the 1,600 meter run in 5:26.81, with Thaddaeus Nance taking 8th in 6:23.68. n the meter hurdles, Samuel Efird placed th in seconds ark Wilson placed 8th in the 300 meter hurdles in 53.28 seconds.

The 4x100 meter relay team took 5th in 49.68 with Marc Wilson, Z ane Stephens, Caleb Holmes, and Devin Adams running. In 4x400 meter relay, David Grenier, Andrew Graves, Mark Wilson, and Damon Clark, took 5th in 4:26.88.

The 4x800 meter relay team with Logan Myers, Thaddaeus Nance, Devin Adams, and Curtis Curry, placed 1st in a time of 9:34.68.

Z ane Stephens placed 7th in high jump with a 5’2” jump. Mark Wilson took 6th in triple jump with 35’4”. Matthew McCravens took 5th in pole vault with a 7’6” jump.

The Junior Bearcat Track Team traveled to DeQ ueen for a meet on Tuesday, March 7 and will travel to Paris, Ark. on March 13th, with events beginning at 4 p.m.

Mena JR Ladycats Compete in River Valley Rumble T

Weekly Publication

Mena Drops Two Games Against Dragons M

BY EASTON LEONARD

sports

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March . . . . . . .8,. .2017 ........

15

onday night, March 6th, at U nion Bank Field on the campus of Mena High School, the Mena Bearcat baseball team took on the Genoa Central Dragons in a doubleheader.

The Bearcats gave an artin the nod to start the game o on the hill in the first game artin gave up only one hit in the first inning, but a ter a e bobbles and dropped balls, enoa Central as able to put t o runs on the scoreboard andon Stidman dre a si pitch alk to start the game o or the Bearcats, be ore Colton Sa yer grounded out to first and Brycen Aynes and on Beckman struck out A ter one complete inning, the score as in avor o the ragons enoa Central loaded the bases in the second inning, as an artin gave up t o singles and alked a batter ith no outs arrett Cook then singled to le t field, scoring one more run or the ragons artin retired his first batter o the inning, getting Tyler ushing to line out to le t field, but every runner tagged up, scoring another run or enoa Central enoa s pitcher then tripled to center field, clearing the bases and driving in t o more runs or the ragons artin and the Bearcats ere able to get out the inning three batters later ith a pop out and ground out ena s pitcher, an artin, led o the second inning or the Bearcats ith a alk Chandler Fret then grounded out up the middle, ollo ed by strike outs rom Ty eene and uke olding, ending the inning The score as a ter t o innings. artin alked Colby Cobb to start the third inning, then struck out Cason Brigham Follo ing, acob ackson hit a ground ball to third, but the thro pulled the first baseman o the bag, keeping the runners sa e at the corners arrett Cook then knocked in another run or enoa ith a single into centerfield, putting runners at first and second ena then opted to bring in andon Stidman to pitch Stidman s first batter aced drove in t o runs ith a line drive single into center field The Bearcats ere able to escape the inning a e batters later, but not be ore the ragons scored seven runs The score as inDILBECK• avor o l.dilbeck@mypulsenews.com enoa Central,

BY LEANN The Bearcats ent do n one, t o, three in the bottom o the third, as Ty Cole struck out, andon Stidman popped out, and Colton Sa yer grounded out The score remained a ter three Acorn s Chantry Blake took st place in State Archery Com complete innings of baseball. petition, earning him a , scholarship, a target, and a ne yndon Schuller came in to pitch the ourth inning or the Bearcats Schuller retired his first t o batters aced via y bo , along ith the bragging rights as ell as the opportunity to outs enoa as able to reach on t o singles ith t o outs, but Schuller got yet another ragon to y out eeping enoa advance to the ational Archery Competition Blake shot a Central s lead at ourteen Also, placing in the state competition as ello Acorn team enoa Central retired the Bearcars three up three do n again in the ourth inning, as cConnell and Beckman struck member, Brody Webb, ho placed th, earning him a , out and Martin grounded out. scholarship ith his impressive score n the fi th inning Schuller struck out t o batters, got a batter to pop out, and allo ed only t o singles o runs ere The member Acorn team competed in the Arkansas a allo ed in his t o innings o ork tional Archery in the Schools rogram A AS State Tourna ena started o the bottom o the fi th inning ith t o straight singles, but the ragons then turned a double play and ment held arch and in the ot Springs Convention Center struck out eremiah S int to end the game The final score as in avor o enoa Central The team is under the leadership of Ms. Cindy Standridge.

The ragons o enoa Central de eated ena in the second game o the doubleheader as ell by a score o roud o their impressive accomplishments, Standridge said ollo ing the competition, Chantry and Brody are not only very talented archers, but onder ul young men ve learned a tremendous amount from them about archery. Both are very tal

BY EASTON LEONARD ented, not only in archery, but are also accomplished students.

As ar as see, the sky s the limit or both o them in all o their onday night, March 6th, the Mena Ladycats played the Genoa Central Lady Dragons in a doubleheader of softball. endeavors.” n the first game, the ady ragons de eated ena by a score o Blake and Webb ere both selected to an All Star Team in enoa s akyn Fluker as able to keep the adycats scoreless in the top o the first o the second game, as ena s only and given the chance to compete in South A rica last sum baserunner came rom a alk mer, and hile it as a tremendous opportunity, both declined e i Brooks retired the ady ragons three up three do n in the bottom o the first ith three groundouts, keeping the the trip. score tied at ero through one inning o play The team overall score as , and placed th out o Si straight batters reached base or ena in the second, be ore Fluker as able to retire eagan Sikes or the first out teams ndividual scores ere Blake , Webb , The adycats ent on to get a e more hits in the inning, scoring seven total runs, to make the score in avor o ena William icks , Bridgette agness , Teagan Beaty going into the bottom o the first , acob oore , adison Andre s , atthe Brooks retired the first t o batters she aced in the bottom o the second be ore she hit enoa s ayton ay ith the ance , Tessa esterson , Tori Barrett , egan pitch, to give the ady ragons their first base runner o the night Follo ing the hit by pitch, Brooks struck out elsey aughn , aitlin Warren as e tremely im Mattson to end the inning. Mena kept their seven run advantage in tact heading into the third inning. pressed ith both aitlin Warren s and egan aughn s hard Shae Bro n led o the top o the third or the adycats ith a single ena s pitcher e i Brooks then hit a triple into right ork and e ort to improve their overall scores since egionals, field to score Bro n Brooks scored on the ne t play, as Sikes drove in the run ith a groundout Sealy Thigpen grounded added Coach Standridge. out or the second out o the inning, as Autumn o ell e out to end the inning a ter AnnaBeth unter singled into right The Acorn Archery rogram is relatively ne and as initially field The score as in avor o ena launched by Sean Couch five years ago be ore Standridge took The ady ragons ent do n in order again in the bottom o the third, as e i Brooks got the first batter to pop out and over the program last year. the ne t t o to groundout eeping the score a ter three inning o so tball Blake, Webb and the rest o the team ill no set their sights With the bases loaded in the ourth inning and t o outs, ena s eagan Sikes hit a ground ball to the shortstop, but a ter on ational Competion to be held in ouisville, entucky ay a ild thro , t o runs scored on the play Thigpen then grounded out to end the inning, but not a ter the adycats added on The team has a number o undraisers on going to help t o runs in the ourth, to make the score ena pay for their trip, including selling chances for a Y eti cooler A ter another per ect inning by e i Brooks, ith a ground out and t o strike outs in the bottom o the ourth, ena kept donated by ena a n and un that ill be ra ed April A their lead in place heading into the fi th inning o play car ash at Splash Car Wash is scheduled or April and the The adycats ere able to add on one more run in the fi th, and final inning o play a ter a e base hits and a passed team ill be selling hot dogs at At oods on April Standridge is ball The score as going into the bottom hal o the fi th inning hope ul the community ill help support this team s e orts, The ena started o the bottom o the fi th ith an error by the first baseman, but the adycats ere able to pick o the entire team orks very hard and deserves every opportunity e runner ust a e pitches later Brooks then alked a batter and hit a ady ragon ith t o outs, but Amber oomis struck can give them Competing at ationals gives them a chance at a out to end the game e i Brooks completed her no hitter pitching per ormance, and led the adycats to a victory over , scholarship the Genoa Central Lady Dragons.

Blake & Webb Take Top Honors in State Competition Se t Si ghts on N ationals

January 6, 201

Ladycats Win Game Two Versus Genoa Central

M

citizen

16

March 8, 2017

Weekly Publication

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Tommy Johnson - A Life that Counts

A

LOGAN MCCOURTNEY

l.mccourtney@mypulsenews.com

braham Lincoln once said, “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that counts. It’s the life in the years.”

What Lincoln meant was that one could live a long life, but never really live life to the fullest. In other words, when someone gets to the end of their years, what will be the mark of their lives? Tommy Johnson, teacher at Mena Middle School, is living a life that boldly embodies this vision that Lincoln described.

Tommy has called Mena home for nearly all his life. Despite moving away from Mena for a period of time, his heart has always been in Mena, and his heart will continue to be here. Tommy was born in Southern California, but at the age of two, his dad was transferred to U S Motors [ Now Nidec] and his family moved to Mena. Though he wasn’t born in Arkansas, he considers Arkansas to be his home state, a fact made clear if you talk with Tommy very long about the a orbacks ro ing up in ena provided a lot o un memories or Tommy, fishing and hunting in the beauti ul Ouachita Mountains and playing sports made for a fun childhood. “I can still remember playing ball in the old gym during lunch and after school,” recalls Tommy with a smile. He thinks that Mena is the best place to be, the diamond in the rough so to speak. Grinning, Tommy says, “I thought every place must have been like Mena, it’s so great here, I just imagined that it would all be like here.”

For a period o time, Tommy lived in the ittle ock area ulfilling a couple o di erent roles Be ore getting married, he orked as a youth director at a church, an opportunity that only grew his heart for students. Around this time, Tommy was thinking through the calling on his life and really felt compelled to teach. In accordance with this passion, he ent back to school at the niversity o Central Arkansas and earned his teaching certification and coaching endorsement All the great teachers had in ena and their positive in uence on my li e as my inspiration to become a teacher, says Tommy humbly A ter getting married to his i e aren, he taught and coached at the Episcopal Collegiate School in ittle ock hile aren taught Special Education at Bryant While en oying hat they ere doing, Tommy and aren anted to be back in ena ith amily We ere having our son, obert, and he as going to be the first grandson anted my parents to be able to experience that and so we took a big leap of faith and came back to Mena without even having a job yet.” U pon arriving home in Mena, there weren’t any teaching opportunities available, so, Tommy started working at the Mena Star as a sports writer in 2004. When an opportunity opened up to teach at the school, he jumped on it and couldn’t be more excited about what he is doing. “I wake up everyday at 5 a.m. genuinely excited about the day. I have the best job, I like to say that I’m blessed and fortunate.”

Currently, Tommy is teaching 8th grade history and is the assistant senior high baseball coach. According to his son, Robert, a junior at Mena High School, this is the only sport his dad had not coached or helped coach since coming to ena n addition to coaching baseball or the first time at ena, Tommy is helping coach obert or the first time, an opportunity that he cherishes t s been a blast to be around him and help coach This is the first time have ever coached a team he as apart o Teaching is more to Tommy than transferring information, it is about ‘ shaping the whole student.’ “I tell players all the time, I don’t play or coach for winning or losing, it’s much bigger than that,” says Tommy.

His goal is to shape students and players emotionally, socially, physically, and mentally.

“We do an injustice to students when we just give them information. I want to help shape N atio nal F amily C areg iver S up p o rt Pro g ram them for their future, for the lives they will live when they leave here.”

Caregiver Support Meeting • March 13, 2017 at 11:00 am Tommy loves and believes in the community as much or more than anyone to be found. “I am so lucky that I have the students I have. They are such great kids and that If you are a caregiver of an adult 60 years and older please come speaks to our community,” says Tommy proudly. He believes that his job as an educator join us. This information could be extremely helpful to you. is important because he wants to have the impact on students that his teachers had on him. “I remembered thinking that my teachers and coaches loved what they did, that The topic will be “Aspiration Prevention and Airway impressed me. I’m a lucky guy, I get to come to school each day and see these great Obstruction” presented by Edward Ellis, UAMS. students.”

The students that have the opportunity to pass through Tommy’s class are fortunate For information, call Sara Holliday 479-394-5459. to have someone that cares so deeply. He doesn’t think that he is the only one teaching.

Hope to see you there.

“Everyday these students are teaching me. I learn just as much from them as they from me.” Students and faculty alike are fortunate to have the opportunity to be around Tommy, his care and joy are appreciated throughout the community.

Mena/Polk County Senior Center 401 Autumn Drive • Mena, AR 71953

479-394-4535 Open 7 Days a Week

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Lori Johnston, CPA, Manager Bambi Sharp Joseph Sanford, CPA Dottie Hobbs, PA Kelli McCurry Tiffany Bayne Stan Johnston

SERVICES

• Bookkeeping • Compilations, Reviews and Contractor’s Licenses • Payroll Services • Individual, Farms, Corporate and Partnership income tax preparation

• Estate, Trust, Exempt, Organization, Gift and Benefit Plan returns • Tax Planning & Consulting • Estate Booking • QuickBooks Support

812 DeQueen, Mena, AR 71953 • (479) 394-5414 270 E 6th Street, Waldron, AR 72958 (479) 637-2860

Prices effective February 22, 2017 - March 28, 2017

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March 8, 2017

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Select Realty - Cutting Edge Service

BY LOGAN MCCOURTNEY

l.mccourtney@mypulsenews.com

I

t is said that a house is made of bricks and beams, but a home is made of love and dreams. A home is more than just four walls. It is a place where children laugh, families grow, and couples think of the past and dream about the future. For many, a home is where all their dreams come true.

Bobbie and Le-Ann, brokers at Select Realty, love making dreams come true for families and couples that are looking for their perfect home in Polk County. “Our favorite thing is making dreams become reality,” says Bobbie with a smile. Having worked in the real estate business for over a decade, Bobbie believes that Mena is a special place to reside. “The people, the community, and the beauty make it all worth living here.” This great partnership started nearly six years ago, when Bobbie hired Le-Ann as an assistant. After working together for a couple of years, they formed their realtor partnership and bought Select Reality from long time founder and owner, Jan Atchley. “I am really thankful to have Le-Ann on my team, she is a huge asset and compliments me in areas that I am not as strong. We make a great team,” says Bobbie proudly. oving to a ne place can be di ficult When moving, you leave behind amiliar places and aces, ond memories, and much more. Adjusting to life in a new place can be tough, but at Select Realty, they are going above and beyond to help customers make Mena their new home. Bobbie understands moving here and not knowing anyone, “When we moved in 2010, we didn’t know anyone except our broker so I keep that in mind when we are helping people transition.” Le-Ann has a great desire to connect people with more than just a home, “We believe we can serve as a gate into the community, when somebody buys a house they also get the community. My goal is to help make their buying experience complete by connecting them to life in Mena.”

Both Bobbie and e Ann believe that the ma ority o people buying a house in ena are moving here or the first time and so it is their goal to help them connect with more than just a home. They are both convinced that more than anything, they want to help people, “We are so proud of this area and that we get to raise our kids here, we just want to help people make this the happiest life possible.” Bobbie and Le-Ann are perfect gateways for connecting people to the local community, especially since they, and the other realtors at Select Realty, are so plugged into community life. “Each of us are involved in some way in the community, Le-Ann serves on several boards and in her church, and my passion is working with Covenant Ministries where I am serving as Director of Community Relations,” says Bobbie.

Being a part o a team can be so beneficial Where you are lacking, you can trust that somebody can fill that gap Teams ork best hen they are moving to ards one goal, Bobbie and Le-Ann work with this approach in mind. “We believe that having two brokers and working as partners can only make the buying experience better and easier for our customers. One of us ill al ays be available and this makes our customer service even better, e claims Bobbie proudly The partnership allo s or the e ibility that puts the customers needs on top, There may be a time that Bobbie can’t make it to a location to show, but because I already know the location, I can go and still do the showing,” says Le-Ann. In order to better serve customer’s needs, Select Realty is making a big splash in the world of media. With more and more services moving online, Bobbie and Le-Ann want to be cutting edge. “We have made moves to keep up with the latest trends in technology, including hiring a media person to take care of our website, social media, and much more.” As they keep moving with the latest trends, they are able to accommodate to people’s needs and make the overall process more enjoyable.

Taking strides to advance with the technology has paid off for the realtors at Select and their customers. Select Realty has started doing virtual tours of homes, a feature that allows for them to take people through the home online and potential buyers can evaluate their interest of the home as well. They are convinced this not only makes it better for buyers, but for sellers as well. “When people have the opportunity to tour the home virtually, they don’t waste their time looking at homes they really don’t have an interest in. When they do decide to come look at a house, it is done with serious interest because they have already seen what the property has to offer. This is better for the seller as well,” says Bobbie.

Select ealty is going above and beyond to make dreams reality and help people find that special place to call home. “We do this because we love it. We love helping make dreams come true and believe this is the perfect community to do it in,” says both Bobbie and Le-Ann. For more information on buying or selling, contact the realtors at 479-394-7676.

To see current properties, go to their website, http://www.menaselectrealty.com/.

And count on me to help. When it comes to affordable, reliable health, dental and vision insurance plans, there are two names you can count on: Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and LaDon Copelin.

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For more than 65 years, Arkansans have looked to the Cross and Shield for health plans to fit their health and budget needs. And, as an Arkansas Blue Cross Preferred Agent, LaDon Copelin can advise you on the plan that’s best for you and your family.

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18

. . March . . . . . . .8, . .2017 .....................................................................................................................

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Weekly Publication

BEATS

Thursday, 3/9 • 10:30 a.m. – Gator & Friends will be performing at The Mena Senior Center.

• 11:30 a.m. – Rotary Club of Mena/Polk County will meet at Papa’s Mexican Caf . Call isa Martin or Charles Pitman 4882 for more information.

• 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. - The Cove Branch of the Polk County ibrary is open.

• 12:00 p.m. – 3:00p.m. - The Sonlighters in ction Card Shop will be open at igh way est, one mile from ouise Durham.

• 1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – The First Assembly of od Distributes food at Suther land or call .

• 2:00 p.m. – Cove Library History Club meets at the Cove ibrary.

• 5:00 p.m. - 9th Street Ministries will have a free dinner and fellowship in the th Street Ministries building.

• 5:30 p.m. – Weight Watchers meets at Dallas venue Baptist Church amily ife Center. Call for more informa tion.

• 5:30 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Women’s Meeting at the BC Club across from Chopping Block, wy, , S., Mena. or .

• 6:00 p.m. – Live Country, Bluegrass and ospel music in the Daisy Room at anssen ve lorist. : .m. at eld’s Lion’s lub meets at the ions Club ield ouse.

• 6:30 p.m. – Mena Chapter #243, Order of the astern Star will meet at the Masonic Temple at Port rthur. Meeting will follow refreshments.

• DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF POLK COUNTY will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, March , at Papa’s Mexican Caf . nyone interested is welcome. ou do not have to be a member.

• SULFER SPRINGS CHURCH will host Cross Roads ospel for a gospel singing on March th at p.m.

•TEAM MENA DONUTS WITH DAD will be hosted on all Mena school campuses on March th. ll dads of Pre K th grade students are welcome to attend from a.m. . cost for each adult breakfast.

• 7:00 p.m. – Polk County Genealogical Society meets in the Polk County ibrary.

Program will be II Ration Books.

• 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the BC Club across from Chopping Block, wy , S., Mena. or .

• 7:00 p.m. – Cherry Hill Fire Department meeting and training at the ire Station.

Friday, 3/10 • 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Road tests are given at the Morrow Street ousing uthority Community Room unless the roads are wet. ritten tests are given at p.m.

• 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Fibers Arts Group meets at Mena rt allery.

• 12:00 p.m. – The Lions Meetings are held in the ions Club ouse on ighway South.

• 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – Leon Page and Friends, featuring Kenny Page on steel gui tar, will be playing at the merican egion in corn. . admission.

• 8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the BC Club across from Chopping Block, wy , S., Mena. or .

Saturday, 3/11 • 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Cossatot Senior Center in ickes will host a Breakfast und raiser. Sausage Bacon, Scrambled ggs, ravy, Biscuits, Coffee, uice, Milk, for a do nation. Mini auction will also be held.

• 8:15 a.m. – Home Front Warriors CMA Chapter 377 Breakfast Bible Study at the ime Tree Restaurant, Public is invited.

• 8:30 a.m. – Ouachita Walk at Cossatot River State Park. Meet at the ow ater Bridge below Visitor Center.

• 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - Ouachita Photography Club, everyone is welcome.

• 10:30 a.m. – Cossatot River State Park hosts ichen, Moss, and More Meet at Cos satot alls Parking ot.

• 12:00 p.m. – Ouachita Amateur Radio Association monthly meeting at the ime tree. : .m. : .m. hildren’s rt Class at the Mena rt allery, for children ages . Cost is . Call to reserve spot.

• 2:00 p.m. – Hike-ooh at Cossatot River State Park. Meet at the Visitor Center.

• 6:00 p.m. – PCVO Bingo at merican e gion Building, wy ., corn.

• 7:00 p.m. – Holly Grove Church in Grannis will have ospel Music.

• 8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the BC Club across from Chopping Block, wy S., Mena. or .

Sunday, 3/12 • 11:00 a.m. – Mt. View Methodist Church is hosting a od’s ot Dead Series leading up to aster Sunday.

• 2:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the

BC Club across from Chopping Block, wy , S., Mena. or .

• 3:00 p.m. – Worship service at Sulfer Springs Church • 5:00 p.m. – United Methodist Youth group at the irst nited Methodist Church in Mena.

Monday, 3/13 : a.m. : .m. God’s eeding Hands Mission Center will serve free gro ceries free toiletry to the needy at Reeves ve, Mena.

• 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. – The Cove Branch i brary will be open. : .m. The ir ort ommission’s meeting will be held at the RMCC Boardroom in the Spencer Building, College Drive.

• 6:00 p.m. – PCVO Bingo at merican e gion Building, wy ., corn.

• 6:00 p.m. – Democratic Party of Polk County meets at Papa’s Mexican Caf . ny one interested is welcome. ou do not have to be a member.

• 6:30 – 8:00 AWANA Club will meet at race Bible Church, wy South.

• 6:30 p.m. – Boy Scouts of America Troop 92 meets at irst nited Methodist Church. veryone is welcome.

• 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the BC Club across from Chopping Block, wy , S., Mena. or .

• 7:00 p.m. – Mena Elks Lodge meeting. All lks are invited to attend.

• 7:30 p.m. – Mountain Meadow Chapter #22 Order of the astern Star will meet at the Mountain Meadow Masonic odge all in atfield.

Tuesday, 3/14 • 8:00 a.m. – The Reynolds Gardner Community Men’s Breakfast at the irst nited Methodist Church in Mena.

• 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Polk County Family Mission is open in the th Street Ministries Building.

• 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – “Art Day” at Mena rt allery, Mena St. • 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – The Sonlighters in ction Card Shop will be open at ighway est, one mile from ouise Durham.

• : .m. : .m.

The at eld Branch Library will be open.

• 5:00 p.m. – T.O.P.S. will meet in the nion Bank Community Room for weigh ins, fol lowed by a meeting. : .m. The Regular at eld Town Council will meet at the Town all in at field.

• 6:30 p.m. – Shady Fire and Rescue District 10 will meet at the Shady Community Center.

• 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Bluegrass music at Morrow Street ousing uthority Commu nity Room.

• 7:00 p.m. – Al-Anon for the families of ad dicts and alcoholics meet at the BC Club.

• 7:00 p.m. – The Dallas Valley R.V.F.D. will meet for training at the irehouse.

• 7:00 p.m. – The Acorn Fire and Rescue will meet at the ire Department.

• 7:00 p.m. – The Wickes V.F.W. Post #10484 will meet at the ickes Community Center.

• 8:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous meeting at irst nited Methodist Church, th Port rthur. or .

Wednesday, 3/15 • 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Charm Quilters will meet at the ree ill Baptist Church on the corner of Petros and Cherry St. • 11:00 a.m. – Blood Pressure Clinic at Cossatot Senior Center in ickes.

• The Emergency warning sirens will be tested in Mena at noon.

• 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – The Polk County Library Cove Branch is open.

• 5:45 p.m. – The Mena First United Methodist Church Kid will meet.

• 6:00 p.m. – Warriors for Christ will meet at the Southside Church of od.

• 6:00 p.m. – Regeneration Youth Ministries Regenerating this eneration at Mena Church of od wy ast.

• 6:15 p.m. – Dallas Avenue Baptist Church hosts Discovery Kids Kindergarten Thru th rade; Collide outh Ministry th Thru th rades; and dult Bible Study.

• 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Trek and Varsity for Middle and igh School students at race Bible Church, wy . Mena. ll rea Middle and igh School students are welcome.

• 7:00 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous at the BC Club across from Chopping Block, wy , S., Mena. or .

• 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Inquiry classes into the Catholic aith begins in the Parish all of St. gnes Catholic Church at th St. o cost. veryone invited. Call or for more info.

family

March 8, 2017

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Senior Center Honors Nonagenarians T

BY MELANIE BUCK

news@mypulsenews.com

he Mena/Polk County Senior Center honored their 90-something clients on Thursday, March 2nd, with cake and music. Gator and Friends provided music while several danced and others clapped along and visited.

Although there are many more, eight somethings, or nonagenarians as they are o ficially considered, ere present on Thursday. When asked what they attributed to living such a long life, there was an array of responses, but mostly laughter.

Malcolm Wade, the oldest there, turned 96 on March 3, 2017. He danced the most and always wears a smile. He said, “bad women and good whiskey” are what’s kept him going.

Stan Y oung, age 94, laughed and said, “Selling horses, fast women, and good whiskey.” However, on a serious note, he said, “I had a school teacher that lived to be 97. When we asked her that question, she said, Contentment Being satisfied and secure, and that’s what I believe too.”

Ladurl Knight, who will be 90 in September, was also present, as well as Tex Baker, age 91. Both men enjoy coming to the Senior Center for the fellowship and music.

Ina Gadbury, age 91, attributes ‘ hard work’ to living a long life.

Pictured left to right: Ladurl Knight, Ina Gadbury, Stan Young, Malcolm Wade, and Tex Baker.

Robin Weddle, age 95, wondered why he should tell anyone what the secret is, with a long laugh!

Also in attendance were Robert and Twila Schanink, ages 90 and Pictured left to right: Robert and Twila Schanink and Robin Weddle. 92, respectively. The couple has been married for 22 years. Robert said he walks a mile and a half a day. “I have to walk my little dog and she keeps me healthy,” he smiled. He also said he takes a lot of vitamins, eats right, and does cardio for a healthy heart.

Whatever the reasons, these seniors have lived long, seen much, and love to fellowship with one another about it all. If you or someone you know would like to enjoy the same fellowship, Mena/Polk County Senior Center is located at 401 Autumn Drive in Mena (just off Racetrack Road behind Walmart). They serve meals Monday – Friday and have an assortment of activities. For more information, call them at 479-394-5459 or visit them today.

January 6, 2016

POLK COUNTY BIRTHS AT MENA REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM

CUTEST PET PIC

Lauren and Richard Davis, Jr, of Mena, are the proud parents of a baby boy, born on February 27th.

Kristen Philpot, of Mena, are the proud parents of a baby girl, born on February 28th.

IR S

Katelyn Strother’s 8 yr old sorrel gelding Barrel and Rope horse named IRS. Please share your favorite photo of your pet.

You may drop it off or mail it to: The Polk County Pulse | 1168 Hwy 71 S. Mena, AR 71953 or email: e.rowell@mypulsenews.com

This week’s Cutest Pet Pic made possible by your friends at:

Ouachita Equine Clinic Serving all your small & large animal needs.

Angela and Marcus Looney, of Mena, are the proud parents of a baby boy, born on March 1st.

#LOL

A rookie police officer was assigned to ride in a cruiser with an experienced partner. A call came over the car’s radio telling them to disperse some people who were loitering.

The officers drove to the street and observed a small crowd standing on a corner. The rookie rolled down his window and said, “Let’s get off the corner.”

No one moved, so he barked again, “Let’s get off the corner!”

Intimidated, the group of people began to leave, casting puzzled glances in his direction.

Proud of his first official act, the young policeman turned to his partner and asked, “Well, how did I do?”

“Pretty good,” replied the veteran, “especially since this was a bus stop.”

Hours: Mon. Tues. Wed., and Fri. 8am-5pm • Closed on Thurs.

479-394-7185

Randy J. Burgess D.V.M. 2920 Hwy. 71 N, Mena, AR 71953

Please share your favorite photo of your pet. You may drop it off or mail it to: The Polk County Pulse | 1168 Hwy 71 S. Mena, AR 71953 or email: e.rowell@mypulsenews.com

. . . .March . . . . . .8, . . 2017 ....................................................................................................................

health

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Weekly Publication

Walk Across Polk County to Launch – Seeks to Get the County Moving

BY LEANN DILBECK • editor@mypulsenews.com

he Walk Across olk County rogram ill kick o this Saturday, arch , ith the Team Captain eeting at the olk County E tension O fice on e ueen Street Walk Across olk County is a collaborative program through the niversity o Arkansas ivision o Agriculture and the uality o i e Coalition o olk County oney raised through their e orts help und such community pro ects as Special Olympics, olly arton magination ibrary ro ect, and the Food or ids Backpack rogram According to program organi ers, this year they have decided to change a couple o things rom previous years n order to provide a more competitive environment, teams ill be divided into t o categories They also have a goal to raise enough money to provide t shirts to each participant at the end o the eek competition There is a per individual charge or each participant, per team Teresa ullen ho helps lead the program encourages anyone, regardless o fitness level, to participate, We ant to ocus on personal ellness ue to the variety o fitness levels and e periences ith e ercise, e believe that anyone ho sets out to increase their physical activity and accomplishes their goals is a inner oining the program is a great ay to become accountable to yoursel , hile reaping health and community benefits We collect in ormation orms rom you because this provides us ith in ormation on ho e can improve the program and motivate more Arkansans to increase their physical activity competition is your thing, hy not set up internal competitions amidst your community teams to see ho can alk longer Publication For more in ormation, contact Sue Oglesby at the olk CountyWeekly E tension O fice at or Teresa ullen at rmullen ................................................................................................................... sbcglobal net

“W

alk alone... or with friends.

I t’s a great way to socializ e and mov e more! E v en be tter - get your family inv olv ed! .”

AR Dept. of Health Recognizes MRHS for its Work to Become Safe Sleep Certified SUBMITTED

M

ena, Ark ena egional ealth System has achieved Bron e Certification rom the Cribs or ids ational Sa e Sleep ospital Certification program ospitals that are Silver Certified are considered to be Certified Sa e Sleep eaders As Sa e Sleep eaders, they rovide Sa e Sleep training and education to hospital sta and parents; odel Sa e Sleep practices using the ABC s Alone, on their Back, in a Crib ; and Beth Polo Beckel RD LD CDE ave implemented a Sa e Sleep policy At S, e are diligent about educating our amilies regarding the health and sa ety o our local their ne baby We kno that education is the key to the prevention o many S S related licensed deaths Our goal is to provide them ith the latest sa ety guidelines set orth by the American Academy o ediatrics ay uebedeau , S CEO nutrition Each year in the nited States, there are , Sudden ne pected n ant eaths n educator Arkansas, about in ants die each year Some o these deaths are a result o unsa e sleep will always practices be in one Since a areness campaigns that stressed back sleeping or babies started in , the S S rate in the nited States has dropped by percent, said r ate Smith, , , place...

Arkansas epartment o ealth A irector o State ealth O ficer The A and ena egional ealth System are building on this momentum to train caregivers to use the sa est possible sleep practices Becoming Sa e Sleep Certified means this hospital is demonstrating that it is committed to being a community leader and is proactively eliminating as many sleep related deaths as possible ore babies die in Arkansas be ore their first birthday than in the nation as a hole, said ary Aitken, , , Arkansas Children s ospital Center or Applied esearch and Evaluation Too many o these deaths occur in unsa e sleep environments, and e kno ho to prevent many o those deaths ational, state, and local groups are orking hard to educate parents about sa e sleep and arn them about the dangers o in ants sleeping in adult beds, on couches, or in cribs filled ith blankets and pillo s per pound Through the Crib For ids program, communities across the S have implemented to make Sa e Sleep programs The Cribs For ids program ollo s the in ant Sa e Sleep and sa ety recommendations set orth by the American Academy o ediatrics uidelines include your Al ays place your baby on his or her back or every sleep time appointment!

Al ays use a firm sleep sur ace Car seats and other sitting devices are not recom mended or routine sleep All ages The baby should sleep in the same room as the parents, but not in the same bed WELCOME. eep so t ob ects or loose bedding out o the crib, including pillo s, blankets, and bumper pads o not use edges or positioners o o er a pacifier at naptime and bedtime Avoid covering the in ant s head or overheating

The Ole’ Farm House

1171 Hwy 71 S, mena

479-385-2151

Now Offering

Call 394.7301

$4.50

Local Grass-Fed Beef

Sunday - Friday 10 am - 5:30 pm Closed Saturday

Weekly Publication

Ag Safety Awareness Week is March 5-11

Work Day Auction Scheduled

L

he Mena FFA will hold their annual “Work Day Auction” where individuals may purchase the services of an FFA student for one day.

The Auction will be held in the Mena High School Cafeteria on Monday, March 13 beginning at 6:00 p.m.

ITTLE ROCK — Across the country, Farm Bureaus are making safety a top priority this Spring through the Agricultural Safety Awareness Program (ASAP). As a part of ASAP, March 5-11 has been designated as Agricultural Safety Awareness Week.

This year’s theme, “Get out of my space,” will highlight a different safety focus each day of the week. Monday will focus on Confined Space; Tuesday, Animal Space; Wednesday, Equipment Operator Space; Thursday, Electrical Space; and Friday, Driver Space.

When the latest statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other organizations are examined, it’s easy to see why the awareness of safety in these areas is important.

• Each year, there are 804 ATV-related deaths nationally on average.

• In 2014, 259 farmers and farm workers died from work-related injuries.

• In 2015, there were 32,166 people killed in car crashes and 2,443,000 injured • Nationwide, there were 38 documented grain-bin entrapment accidents that resulted in 17 deaths in 2015. That’s the highest level since 2010.

“This year’s theme, ‘Get

nezitic

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SUBMITTED

agriculture

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .March . . . . . .8, . . 2017 ........

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January 6, 2016

out of my space’ will highlight a different safety focus each day of the week.”

...............................................................

“Accidents do happen, but farmers and drivers of all equipment types sometimes make bad decisions or get careless in many of the accidents they are involved in,” said Jason Kaufman, education coordinator for Arkansas Farm Bureau. “It’s important for farmers and drivers to always make safety a priority.”

Arkansas Farm Bureau has two full-time safety coordinators on staff who offer eight different safety January 6, and 2016 informational programs free of charge to schools and civic groups.

“Farm Bureau is concerned with saving lives and preventing injuries,” said education coordinator Amanda Williams. “Arkansas Farm Bureau is dedicated to educating Arkansans about safety concerns. Some of the programs offered include Farm/Tractor Safety, ATV Safety, Distracted Driving Prevention, and Drinking and Driving Prevention.

For more information, visit the “Education” section of Arkansas Farm Bureau’s website, www.arfb.com.

Arkansas Farm Bureau is a nonprofit, private advocacy organization of more than 190,000 families throughout the state working to improve farm and rural life.

MENA FEED & SUPPLY Baby Chicks

Supporting Agriculture MENA, HATFIELD & WICKES 479-394-2211 • www.unionbankofmena.com

Swap Shop Buy • Sell • Trade • Give Away Live Broadcasts at 8:05 am & 12:30 pm Monday - Friday

Garden Seeds & Plants Drop off your items at

Sprays & Herbicides

479-394-3800 South of Town on Hwy 71

Drop off your Swap Shop items here!

or call in to KENA 104.1 FM

479-394-2800

police

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March 8, 2017

Weekly Publication

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The following information was received from Polk County law enforcement agencies. The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.

Individuals charged and whose names appear in this column may submit documentation to us at a later date that the charges have been dismissed, or that they have been found innocent, and we will include that information in this space in a timely manner.

Mena Police Department February 26, 2017 A local man reported that his wallet and several personal items had disappeared from his residence. Case is pending.

February 27, 2017 Report was made of a vehicle being stolen from a local mechanic shop. Case is pending.

February 28, 2017 Brian Murphy, 34, of Mena was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. The arrest followed a call to a local residence.

A Mena woman reported that she and her husband had been arguing and she wanted the man arrested. Case is pending further investigation and interview of the suspect, who had left the scene when officers arrived.

March 1, 2017 Kenneth Chaney, 22, of Mena was arrested on an outstanding felony warrant from the Polk County sheriff’s office.

Vicky L. Fussell, 48, of Mena was arrested for felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of a schedule IV controlled substance. Also arrested for possession of an instrument of crime was Jesse D. Hooks, 32, of Mena.

Joshua Wayne Tucker, 34, of Mena was arrested for driving on a suspended driver’s license.

William Kenneth Foster, 43, of Mena was arrested on two outstanding warrants for failure to pay fines and court costs from the Mena police department.

March 2, 2017 Gerald Aleshire, 20, of Mena was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

A local man reported that someone had started a small fire on his front porch. e was able to extinguish the fire. Case is pending Joshua Wayne Tucker, 34, of Mena was arrested on an outstanding felony warrant.

Kristian D’ann Manley, , of Mena was arrested on an outstanding warrant. lessa ee Sloan, , of Mena was charged with criminal trespass and resisting arrest. The incident followed a call to a local retail store.

Polk ounty Sheriff’s e artment February 27, 2017 Report from complainant on Polk 70 near Cherry Hill of damage done to their property by heavy equipment. Information has been provided to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration.

Report from complainant on First Street in Wickes of a scam involving a vehicle, totaling losses at , . . Investigation continues.

Report from a Cove woman of being harassed by an unknown individual. Investigation continues.

Report of a disturbance led to a year old female being issued a Juvenile Citation for Disorderly Conduct. The juvenile was released to the custody of a parent/guardian.

Report from complainant on Joy Lane near Ink of the break-in and theft of a firearm and documentation, all valued at . . Investigation continues.

Report of a disturbance on Polk 288 near Cove. Deputies responded. Information has been provided to the Prosecuting ttorney’s Office for further consideration.

February 28, 2017 Report from complainant on Polk near Cove of being harassed by an acquaintance. Information has been provided to the Prosecuting ttorney’s Office for further consideration.

Report of a disturbance on North Eve Street in Mena led to the arrest of Donald K. Bradley, , and ohn R. Miller, , both of Mena, each on a Charge of Disorderly Conduct.

Report of a disturbance on Highway 8 ast near Board Camp. Suspect fled the residence before deputies arrived. Information has been provided to the Prosecuting ttorney’s Office for further consideration.

March 1, 2017 Report from complainant on Polk near Potter of problems with a neighbor.

Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Cedar Lane in atfield of being threatened by an acquaintance. Information has been provided to the Prosecuting ttorney’s Office for further consideration.

Arrested by a trooper with the Arkansas State Police was ustin R. Simpson, , of Mena, on a Charge of Driving with a Suspended Driver’s icense.

March 2, 2017 Report of a disturbance led to an year old male being issued a uvenile Citation for Battery 3rd Degree. The juvenile was released to the custody of a parent/guardian.

rrested was Daniel D. eekes, , of Gillham, on a Warrant for Failure to Comply with a Court Order.

Report from a Grannis woman of inappropriate behavior involving a juvenile.

Investigation continues.

Arrested was Gary Wayne Covington, 43, of Story, on a Warrant for Failure to Appear.

Arrested was Gerald D. Aleshire, 20, of Mena, on a Warrant for Harassment.

March 3, 2017 Report from complainant on Highway 8 West near Shady Grove of the theft of prescription medication, valued at $750.00.

March 4, 2017 Traffic stop on Polk in Vandervoort led to Citations for Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance being issued to: Jeffery A. McAllister, 47, of Cove; Bobb B. Huber, 24, of Mena; Barbra F. Brannon, , of Mena; and Tonya . enry, , of Eudora.

Report from complainant on Polk near ickes of a camper on fire.

Report from complainant on Highway est near atfield of the theft of

household goods and clothing. Investigation continues.

Report from a business in Mena of the theft of metal, valued at $505.07. Investigation continues.

March 5, 2017 Report of a domestic disturbance on Polk near Potter. Deputies responded. Information has been provided to the Prosecuting ttorney’s Office for further consideration.

Arrested was Bryan G. Page, 43, of Mena, on a Body Attachment Warrant.

Report of a disturbance on Highway 375 East near Mena led to the arrest of Robert E. Heath, 32, of Mena, on Charges of Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct.

Report from complainant on Polk near atfield of their dogs being shot.

Investigation continues.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population Incarcerated Inmates, with 7 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility, of which 2 are currently out of jail on a monitoring system.

March 8, 2017

Weekly Publication

23

UP TO 20 WORDS - $4 PER WEEK, $0.25 EACH ADDITIONAL WORD • BORDER $1 • ALL CLASSIFIEDS MUST BE PREPAID.

Ad deadline is 5 p.m. on Monday. Payment is due with ad. Publishing and distributing 8,000 copies weekly.

Local Transportation company looking for Flat Bed Truck Drivers. Well maintained equipment. Good pay and good working environment. Home most weekends. Please call 479-243-4524.

Paraoptometric Position Available – Looking to hire a couple of highly driven people 5 day work week. We offer on the job training. onderful new office space. enerous bonus program. Send your resume to PO Box 1138, Mena, AR 71953. 3/15 J & L Café – Mena Mini Mall – Corner of Mena & Sherwood. Phone 479-216-8845. 8:30 am – 3 pm. Closed Thursday. Monday Breakfast $3.00. Wednesday Pork Day Dinner. riday Codfish ry Shrimp Basket. Sunday waffle with fruit. 3/8 For Sale: 8x10 storage building $800. Full size mattress pillow top set $500. Small chest freezer $200. 234-5981 or come by 2209 Missouri. 3/8 Handyman able to work any hours. Flexible with time and will do a great job. Call 479-227-9863. Joseph Bond. 3/15

Mena Water Utilities is currently seeking applications for a Water and Wastewater Maintenance Operator/Trainee.

Applicant must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or D, and a valid driver’s license. Must have Water and Wastewater Distribution Licenses or be able to obtain them in a reasonable period of time. Commercial Driver’s icenses preferred. pplicant should be self-motivated; mechanically inclined; and be able to work some weekends, evenings and holidays. All candidates are subject to a drug screen and background check. Mena Water Utilities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Mena ater tilities offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Application deadline will be Friday, March 10, 2017 at 4:00 pm. Bring all applications to Mena Water Utilities, 701 Mena Street, or to the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, Northside Shopping Center in Mena.

3/8

J&N Dozer- Trackhoe, Backhoe, Dump Truck, Ponds, Pads, Clearing, Roads, Hauling, Rich Top Soil, Fill Dirt, Shale, Gravel. Dozer operator Randy Egger, over 30 years’ experience. e appreciate your Business Call 479-234-1357 TFN

Weekly Publication

Dugan Lawn Care and Landscaping a complete ground maintenance company serving both residential and commercial customers. NOW TAKI C I TS OR Time to trim up crape myrtles and ornamental grasses. Office in both Mena: 479-394-2699 and DeQueen: 870279-2250. TFN

classifieds

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aniel’s ar entry and Painting, home repair, decks, fence rows, underpinning, etc. Also lawn and garden work. Call 870-334-2068. 3/29 Big Moving Sale starts February 15. 7675 Hwy 71 South in Wickes. Two big entertainment centers, three kitchen tables, coffee table, two end tables and other stuff. 3/8 Clean and comfortable housing since 1969, J. Ray & Maria’s M Park and Rentals. wy orth, Mena, R. 479-216-3085 TFN Yard Mowing, weed eating, bush hogging, handyman services, power washing, garden plowing and tilling. Have tractor with implements for larger jobs. Bill Duff. Call 479216-5204. 4/5

January 6, 2016

Moments from America’s History: E ighty Y ears of C onserv ation

F

rom our American history classes in school, most of us probably remember the part about the Dust Bowl. This dark period of agricultural and ecological ruin during the

1930s most severely affected a 150,000 sq uare mile area, encompassing the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles and neighboring sections of Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico.

The destructive combination of little rainfall, light soil, and high winds devastated much of the heart of America’s agriculture land in the southern Great Plains. Without the strong root system of the grass to anchor the soil, the winds easily picked up the loose topsoil and swirled it into dense dust clouds, called black bli ards The first o these in the ust Bo l began in 1932 with recurrent severe dust storms continuing through 1937. These blizzards wreaked devastation killing cattle, laying aste fields, and displaced much o the population rom the region. As farms and homes were abandoned, car-loads and caravans of thousands of homeless and hungry families migrated west to agricultural areas and cities, mostly in California.

Most of the migrants came from eastern sections of Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri which experienced more drought and depression than dust.

While the drought and wind were major factors of the Dust Bowl, they were not the major causes. When wheat prices rose during World War I, homesteaders descended on the southern Great Plains and began plowing up the native grass that had historically held the soil in place. Throughout the wet years of the 1920s, the farmers were able to reap big harvests, but when the Great Depression hit, wheat prices collapsed and then the drought began in 193031.

Local, state, and national leaders knew that something had to be done. The dust storms of May 11, 1934 and March 6, 1935 especially got the attention of national leaders when clouds o fine soil particles ere s ept over Washington, C Then came Black Sunday on April , 1935, when the worst dust storm of the decade brought more devastation upon devastation.

This storm led one Associated ress reporter to coin a ne term in a story he filed, in hich he referred to “life in the dust bowl of the continent.” n response, the Soil Erosion Service est in as moved to the S A in , and renamed the Soil Conservation Service SCS The SCS began setting up demonstration areas to promote conservation practices, but had limited success due to lack of support or interest. Leaders in Washington then realized that success would depend in large part on local

CONTRIBUTED BY JEFF OLSON

olsonjd@arkansas.net

history

................................................................................................................................

support and local groups leading the conservation efforts. One of those demonstration areas as in our neighboring Scott County In early 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt penned a letter to all the state governors, recommending that legislative authority be provided for the establishment of soil conservation districts. These were to be political or legal subdivisions of the state governments established to address the problems of erosion control and soil conservation.

Fortunately, the Arkansas General Assembly was in session at the time the President’s letter was received. The legislature wasted no time. A bill sponsored by state Representative George Louis Hardgrave of Johnson County was immediately drafted and introduced. The bill declared the necessity o creating governmental subdivisions o the state, to be kno n as Soil Conservation istricts , and aimed to establish the state soil conservation committee, and to define its po ers and duties overnor Carl E Bailey signed Act into la years ago this month, arch , , making Arkansas the first state in the nation to pass such a la The ne t year, district supervisors, the Agricultural E tension Service and the State Soil Conservation Committee ormed an organi ation called the State Association o istrict Supervisors, Soil Conservation istricts o Arkansas Arkansas as the first state to have such an association. The district program continued to grow until the entire state was covered on June 2, 1955. This made Arkansas the sixteenth state to achieve total coverage. Most district boundaries coincide with county boundaries. On January 13, 1970, the association adopted a new constitution, and the name was changed to Arkansas Association of Conservation istricts AAC On our home front, the Rich Mountain Conservation District was formed in 1941. For over years the district has orked cooperatively ith the SCS no the atural esources Conservation Service CS , other state and ederal agencies, and local governmental and institutional entities in applying soil and water conservation measures on the ground. Most important and conseq uential though has been the commitment made by generations of Polk County landowners to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us - to preserve and protect those vital natural resources for today’s and future generations. That’s what conservation districts are all about, and it’s why their grass roots institutional role in American agriculture will always be needed.

January 6, 201

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THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

March 8, 2017

2017 Chevy 2017 Chevy 2017Chevy Spark Sonic Spark MS R P $ 1 6 , 8 0 0 G entr y D i s c o u nt - $ 5 5 8 2 0 % O F F -$ 3 ,3 6 0

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2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 MS R P $ 4 G entr y D i s c o u nt - $ S el ec t Mo d el T ag - $ D o w n P ay m ent A s s i s t - $

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1027 Hwy 70 East De Queen, AR 1-800-649-9929