May 27, 2020 by The Pulse

May 27, 2020

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Mena School District Welcomes Dr. Smith Back

American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Polk County Adapts to Changes from COVID-19 with Drive Through Luminaria Ceremony

Mena, AR — As communities adjust to continued social distancing practices related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the local American Cancer Society staff and volunteers have begun to adapt and innovate with upcoming events, including Relay For Life of Polk County. Plans are underway to hold a drive through luminaria ceremony on June 12 beginning at 8 p.m. at Janssen Park. The Relay For Life event was originally scheduled to take place on May 29, but was suspended due to the continued im-

pact from COVID-19. The American Cancer Society’s top priority remains the health and safety of our volunteers, staff, and the cancer patients and their loved ones who rely on us. The American Cancer Society is grateful for all the dedication of our volunteers and appreciate the sacrifices they make to support our events. The COVID-19 situation has had significant impact on fundraising and the fight against cancer, and our goal RELAY CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

The Mena School Board met on May 19th and board members voted to hire Dr. Lee Smith as Assistant Superintendent. Smith was a former Agri teacher at Acorn High School and Mena High School before he became an adjunct professor at UA Rich Mountain. Smith also served as a Career and Technical Education Coordinator for the De Queen – Mena Educational Coop and the superintendent of the Horatio School District for the past 6 years. Board members also approved the hiring of Cheyenne Burdess and Lisa Falls for the Holly Harshman Elementary campus; Alicia Farringer, Amy. Martin and Chase McCormick for the Mena Middle School campus and Colby Singleton for the Mena High School campus. Board members approved the transfer of Amy Dollar, Justin Goodnight, Chelsea Johnson and Susan McKeever. And, they accepted the following coaching duties. Landon Dover will be the head Sr. girls track coach, Tia Fryer will be the assistant jr. boys basketball coach. Ryan Luttmer will be the head jr. boys basketball coach and head jr. boys track coach. Brad Lyle is the new assistant sr. boys basketball coach and Heather Goss is the head jr. girls track coach. Board members accepted the resignations of Traci Gray and Malani Vega and voted to rescind the contract of Markie Blocker. Superintendent Benny Weston updated the board on the multiple phases the district’s leadership team is working on, for the re-entry and beginning of the 2020-2021 school years.

Board members renewed the contracts of Aramark Food Service and Horizon Software. The board also accepted the Freedom of Choice applications of 9 students.

Dr. Lee Smith New Assistant Superintendent Submitted photo.

Arkansas Community Foundation Awards Grants, Four Organizations in Polk County Two months after the creation of it COVID-19 Relief Fund to assist in pandemic relief, Arkansas Community Foundation has awarded $1,000 rapid response mini-

grants to 678 organizations in 149 towns located in 67 counties. In Mena, grants were awarded to the Acts of Love Food Pantry, CASA of the

Ouachita Region, Inc., Fresh Start PRC, and to Healthy Families America Polk and Garland Counties/Healthy Connections. These mini-grants support immediate,

essential community needs in human services, food, health, housing, and educaGRANTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

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Memorial Day will be different this year. The threat of the coronavirus will limit the large gatherings of people who typically come together at ceremonies. Representative But the virus John Maddox cannot stop us from taking a moment of private reﬂection to honor the sacriﬁce of our men and women in uniform who died protecting freedom. Arkansas was and is home to so many brave men and women who deserve our recognition. Our state lost 2,183 Arkansans in World War I. World War II had a great economic and social impact on the people of Arkansas. During the war, an estimated 194,645 Arkansans served the nation in the various branches of the U.S. armed forces. That was approximately 10% of our state’s population in 1940. As a result of combat, 3,519 Arkansans lost their lives. Arkansans continued to answer the

call to serve. There were 461 Arkansans who lost their lives in the Korean War and 588 during the Vietnam War. We lost 4 of our own in Desert Storm, 33 in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and 29 in Operation Enduring Freedom. And today, there are thousands who serve willing to put their lives on the line to protect our freedom still. In 2017, the Arkansas General Assembly passed Act 281 which instructed the Secretary of State to erect a monument honoring Gold Star Families. The monument is located directly behind the Capitol and was dedicated last fall. The Gold Star Family Memorial Monument honors those families who sacrificed more than most of us, and illustrates that the United States has citizens in every community willing to make such sacrifices. It further illustrates that families suffer and grieve when a dear relative is lost, and without their sacrifices, freedom could not and would not have been preserved. Monuments and ceremonies are just two of hundreds of ways to honor our men and women in uniform, but the one act of appreciation each of us can do, even in the middle of a pandemic, is to be the kind of American worth fighting for.

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May 27, 2020

Reflections from History and Faith An Unconventional Convention

By Jeff Olson Two hundred thirty three years ago this week, May 25, 1787; the Constitutional Convention began in Philadelphia. At the outset, the states were bitterly divided. The Continental dollar was extremely inflated and the economy was very depressed. The instability was so severe that England and Spain were postured to pick up the pieces of the colonies when things fell apart. Holding a convention under such circumstances was a challenge, to say the least. With the convention’s purpose evolving into the drafting a new constitution rather than just revising the Articles of Confederation, many delegates were not expecting a four-month commitment. Consequently, this extended investment of time resulted in shortages of money for many delegates since this took them away from their livelihoods. Even James Madison was living on borrowed funds after less than a month into the convention. The delegates came to understand that their ultimate purpose was to seek a general agreement on what form of government the Constitution should provide; one that allows the people to govern themselves, but also prevents democratic majorities from endangering the freedom of minorities. Tensions became high from time to time, especially on the issues of what should be the authority and scope of the new national government and how to provide a more equal political playing field for both large and small states. The process involved patient, methodical and often intense deliberation which was more than simply the forcing of issues to finality through compromise. So heated did the debates get that at one point the convention came very close to ending after a short time and with little progress – that is until its elder statesman, Benjamin Franklin, gave some much-needed timeless words of wisdom. In part, this is what he said: I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings that “except the Lord build they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no

better than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall be become a reproach and a bye word down to future age. From this point forward, the convention made steady progress. The genius of the Constitutional Convention included an enormous treasure of knowledge, experience, and wisdom - all taking into account man’s vain and unsuccessful attempts at self-government through the ages. The failed democracies of the Greek city-states and the decline of the great Roman republic were among the lessons of history which informed the convention. The delegates also knew that the social/civil institutions of the American colonies, developed over the previous 180 years, would serve as relevant references, proven precedents, and reliable supports from which to construct a national constitution particular to the American culture. These intermediate institutions would need to be preserved and remain empowered so that their inherent and foundational role in sustaining the American polity could continue. Trying to achieve the proper balance between the claims of freedom and the claims of authority through a national government was a delicate, tedious and arduous process, but it was undergirded with a realistic and truthful understanding of the human condition, rooted in the doctrine of original sin. Concepts such as three branches of government, checks and balances, federalism and the primacy of individual freedom, responsibility and accountability are rooted in biblical principles and remain fundamental safeguards against tyranny. These underlying precepts are what made the convention itself the first of its kind in the world and what has made the Constitution so unique and enduring. As James Madison stated, “The essence of government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse.” “We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future of all of our political institutions upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.”

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State Capitol Week in Review... From Senator Larry Teague LITTLE ROCK – In June the Senate Education Committee will hear a report on the effect that public schools have seen due to the recent widespread requests for waivers from education standards. Almost every school district in Arkansas operates with some sort of waiver granted by the state. More than 1,000 public schools, in which 97 percent of the state’s students are enrolled, operate with some sort of waiver. They are in 229 of the 235 school districts in Arkansas. The most common waiver allows districts flexibility in scheduling the opening day of the school year in August. In fact, all 229 districts with waivers have the waiver that allows flexible scheduling, which enables them to better align their first semester with winter break. When legislators and consultants study the impact of waivers on public school standards, they will not include a study of flexible scheduling. It is so widespread that comparisons are impossible. When you remove flexible scheduling waivers from the picture, in the current school year Arkansas has about 500 schools in 118 districts operating under a waiver of education standards. The most common waivers release schools from state mandates regarding the licensing of teachers and library media specialists. Other common waivers allow schools flexibility in the area of teacher salaries, curriculum and class sizes. Also popular are waivers from state requirements setting the number of hours a student must complete in order to receive credit for taking a class.

The increase in the number of schools seeking waivers from education standards is directly related to the inception of charter schools in Arkansas. In the 1990s, the legislature approved the creation of charter schools. So-called conversion charters, created by legislation in 1995, are operated by traditional school districts. Open-enrollment charter schools were created in 1999 and are run by non-profit organizations and universities. When the state Board of Education approves their charters, they are granted certain waivers from statewide education standards. At the same time, however, charters are expected to use innovative strategies that improve educational opportunities, and many charters teach students who do not do well in traditional school settings. Two recent laws have spurred the explosion in waivers sought by traditional public schools. Act 1240 of 2015 allowed a district to request waivers that are held by charters within that district’s borders. Act 815 of 2019 expanded that provision to allow public schools to seek any waivers that have been granted to any charter in Arkansas. The Senate Education Committee analysis basically will focus on two areas. One areas is the impact, if any, that waivers have made on student performance. The other area is the financial effect waivers have made on districts that claim them. The Senate Education Committee is studying data on waivers compiled by legislative staff and by a private consulting firm.

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May 27,2020

CANCELLATIONS CLOSINGS AND CHANGES

The Farmer's Market in Mena, located at the Historic KCS Depot on Sherwood Street in downtown Mena, will open for season Saturday, May 23rd at 7:00 a.m. The Farmer's Market will be open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. until sold out. Some area restaurants are open as of Monday, May 11th with limited seating allowed. Also Barber shops and beauty salons and excercise gymns can open in Arkansas with limited patronage. Polk County Public Library IS Open With Curbside Service Only. Fresh Start Pregnancy Center is now operating with normal business hours and activities. Mena Art Gallery is open by appointment. Please contact the gallery. Freedom Water office is open as of Wednesday, May 20th. If you need to know your balance or have any questions you may call office at 479-394-7500 during business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Acorn Rural Water Office is now open to the public and customers. For more information call 479-394-1025. The District Court Clerk's office IS open to the public. Please remember when you visit the office to respect the social distancing guidelines of maintaining a 6 ft. distance. If you have any questions please call 479-394-3271 or you can email info. distctplkcoar.net Ouachita National Forest officials state that Wolf Pen Gap Off-Highway Vehicle Trail complex located near Mena, Arkansas is open as of May 15. Designated OHV trails and trailheads are open, however the restrooms will remain closed. For more information and updates, visit websites of the Ouachita National Forest at www.fs.usda.gov/ouachita or the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests at www.fs.usda. gov/osfnf/. Updates can also be found at the Ouachita National Forest Facebook site at www.facebook.com/ouachitanf and Ozark-St. Francis National Forest at www. facebook.com/ozarkstfrancis/. Mena Elks Lodge 781 closed.

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The Mena ARVAC office is closed to the public. We are still able to help individuals with utility assistance. For more info call 394-4707. Hatfield Town Hall is closing the Lobby. All payments can be put in the Dropbox or pay at Hatfield Union Bank. Attach your Bill that is mailed out to you with your payment. The office personnel can be reached at 870-389-6611. Also during the Covid-19 social distancing time no Reservations can be taken for Use of the building. Hatfield Jubilee In June cancelled this year. Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative office lobbies are closed to rotect health of members and employees. We will operate business as usual through the drive through. Members may report outages by call toll-free 1-877-828-4074 or call the Mena office at 479-394-4140. Payments can be made at the Drive Thru, Night Deposit or website www.rmec.com. Even though Polk County Housing Authority has closed the lobby due to COVID-19, we are still accepting applications for public housing and Section 8. You may request an application by calling the office at 479-394-1569 or go to our website polkarhousing.com and print an application. Completed applications with required documentation should be mailed to Polk County Housing Authority at 509 South Morrow Street, Mena, AR 71953. Rent payments can be made at any Union Bank location or mailed to the housing office. Our staff can be reached at 479-394-1569 with questions or concerns. American Legion Bingo Saturday and Monday Cancelled TFN. FROM THE EXTENSION SERVICE OFFICE: We are having to suspend all 4-H, EHC, Master Gardener, & educational activities for the time being due to COVID-19. The Union Bank lobby, First Financial Bank lobby and other banks lobbies in the area are closed until further notice. Congregate meals at Cossatot Senior Center will be closed until further notice. Will do drive up/pick up from 10am-11am. Also will continue home delivered meals

as normal. Contact 479-234-3503 to be included or for more details. The Mena Polk County Senior Center NOT open for daily activities. If you are senior citizen 60 years of age or older and would like to pick up a meal to go at the center, call for more information at 479-394-5459. If you are currently a participant and would still like a meal, you may call the senior center between 9 and 11:00 to place an order to be picked up. We will continue serving meals to go every day form 11:30am thru 12 Noon. The Grab & Go meals are still the suggested donation price of $3.00 each. Any extra monetary donations are greatly appreciated!! The number to call is 479-394-5459 to order a meal. No meals after 12 noon. Stay tuned to facebook page and local radio stations for further info. First Christian Church at 1010 Port Arthur in Mena will hold a service in their Fellowship Hall at 10:45am on Sundays. Trinity Lutheran Church in Mena is closed. They do have recorded video on their website:https://trinitylutheranmena. weebly.com The Southside Church of God at 101 Dallas Avenue Sunday Morning service begins at 10:45am inside their building now. Mena 1st United Methodist Church suspended all church activities. All services at Hatfield Methodist Church cancelled TFN. Faith Missionary Baptist Church Sunday morning service continues to air on 104.1FM KENA each Sunday from 11am to Noon. And you can NOW attend service inside the Church. Also service is streamed online on their Facebook page. = Dallas Avenue Baptist Church will be live streaming Sunday service at 10:30am. Bible Believers Baptist Church will be having church service Sunday morning at 11am inside the church building. Christ's Church at Mountain Fork will be holding service at the Churches Activity Center at 10:45am. Social Distancing followed.

Grace Bible Church is now holding their service inside the building.To contact the church dial (479) 394-4092. Christ Community Fellowship is offering a Drive In Service Sundays at 10:30am. Drive In and tune into 88.3FM on your radio to hear the service. It will also be livescreened on Facebook. Christ Community Fellowship will officially open Sunday, June 7th at 10:30 am! No Sunday School, or Children Services will be offered ntil further notice! Please follow the following guidelines!(Subject to change) >If you are at high risk, have been in contact with a person who has tested positive for Covid-19, or have run a fever within the last week, PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND! >Every person 10yrs old or older MUST wear a mask when inside CCF (bring your own mask)! >Follow Social Distancing Rules! Do not shake hands or hug people. Keep 6’ of distance. > Wait to be seated by an Usher. Do not move chairs, an usher will do that for you. > Please stay at you seat. Please help us keep everyone safe while we worship! Hopefully with everyone’s cooperation, we will be able to look more “normal” soon!! Sunday School lesson will be available on the Mena First Baptist Church Facebook page. Also Childrens Chat recording will be on Mena FBC Facebook page. Sunday sermon is streamed on the FBC Facebook page and recording played on KAWX radio. Also there will be a Bible Study each Wednesday at 6pm at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall and it will be streamed on the Mena FBC Facebook page. The Sunday service will be held in the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall at 10:30am. And it will be streamed on the Mena First Baptist Church Facebook page. First Presbyterian church services are being filmed and put online. No in person service until further notice.

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May 27, 2020

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Harold Raye Riley Harold Ray Riley, age 75 of Mena, Arkansas, passed from this life on Sunday, May 17, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family. Harold was born on August 23, 1944 to Nauflett Riley and Alma Ray (Crossland) Riley. He was united in marriage to DeeDee (Boeving) Riley, or as Harold called her, “Baby Cakes”, for 53 years. Harold attended the first vocational college in Arkansas, located in Pine Bluff, and became an Automotive Instructor. He taught at Rich Mountain Vo-tech and had numerous students throughout the years. After his retirement, Harold and his son Bear built his automotive shop, Riley’s Auto Air, that he maintained for many years. Harold’s passion was street rodding and re-building old cars. He and Dee-Dee helped his dear friend Mark Campbell put on the Mena car show for forty years. They made many friends all over the nation attending rod runs. Harold was also a bass guitar player in several bands including “Weird Harold and the Rubber Band” and “Jokers Wyld”. He was an antique toy collector, loved marbles, and was a member of the Elks Lodge. Harold started a tradition of finding four leaf clovers with his children that has continued with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Harold is survived by his wife, Dee Dee of the home; son, Bear Riley and wife Donna of Broken Bow, Oklahoma; daughter, Christi Horton and husband Brian of Missouri; grandchildren, Devin, Angel, Brent, Logan, Tyler, Taylor, and Lacey; great-grandchildren, Cooper and Oliver Ri-

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ley, Izabelle, Landon, and Spencer; brother, Clark Riley of Utah; sister, Doris Short of Virginia; nieces and nephews, Jennifer Stewart and husband Scott, Phillip Riley, Ronnie Short, James Short, Mike Short, Steve Short, T.J., Justin, Andrew, Matt, and Emily; numerous great nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Jody Boeving; and sister-in-law, Star Geoghahn. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Claude Gene Riley; brothers-in-law, Jimmy Short and Timmy Boeving; and nephews, Josh Boeving and Jacob Sperry. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a later date with arrangements entrusted to Beasley Wood Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Harold requested that donations be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society or to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Harold Raye Riley Judy Ann Fruen Myers, age 70, of Hatfield, Arkansas, passed away Monday, May 18, 2020 at her home. She was born June 15, 1949 in Bates, Arkansas to the late Ellis L. C. “Dick” Fruen and the late Ala “Evelyn” Pepper Fruen. She was united in marriage to Terry Myers until his passing. Judy worked at Aalf’s Clothing factory. She was a wonderful homemaker taking great pride in her home and yard. Judy enjoyed taking pictures, mostly of her family which were her favorite subjects. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family whom she loved dearly. Judy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Survivors are; Sons: Bruce Myers and wife Carolyn of Wichita Falls, TX, Randy Myers and wife Erin of Mena, AR; Grandchildren: Brad Myers, Bryan Myers, Hayley Myers, Amber Davis, Nick Myers, Jordon Hunter, Jacquelyn Romine, Bailey White, Payton White and Ryan White; Great-Grandchildren: Parker, Tate, Haydyn, Averie, Colter, Hunter, Kyndal and Reagan; Brother Wayne Fruen; and Sister Glenda Martin. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Terry Myers, and her brother Howard Fruen. Graveside service will be Wednesday,

May 20, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Six-Mile Cemetery with Brother Ron Tilley officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation is general. Pallbearers will be Brad Myers, Bryan Myers, Nick Myers, Justin Romine, Coy Burford, and Brandon Burford. Honorary pallbearers are Ryan White, Colter McReynolds, Tate Hunter, Parker Crow and Hunter Davis. Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Glen Aurther Slarrow

Glen Aurther Slarrow, age 74 of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Thursday May 21, 2020. Glen Slarrow was born January 24, 1946 in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to the late Dewey Slarrow and Vivian Murdock Slarrow. He was married to the love of his life, Mrs. Sandy Slarrow. Mr. Slarrow served in the United States Army and was deployed on two tours in Vietnam. As a part of his civilian life, he worked for the airlines as a ground crew member. In his free time, Glen enjoyed spending time with his beloved cats, take spontaneous drives to see the country, and constantly tinkering and building things. He was known for his kind heart and his urge to help everyone he met. Mr. Glen Slarrow was a husband, son, brother, and friend to all. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by his Brother, Roger Slarrow and wife, Sheila of Mena, AR. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy Slarrow; father, Dewey Slarrow; mother, Vivian Murdock Slarrow; and brothers, Michael and Greg Slarrow. Mr. Slarrow was sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Leo Lott Leo Lott, age 88, of Hatfield, Arkansas, died Friday, May 22, 2020, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on Tuesday, June 9, 1931, to Lee Warney and Ruby Sarah Strother Lott in Ink, Arkansas. Leo was a man of God with great faith and attended the Mena Church of God. He

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proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War and quickly proved himself by attaining an E-6 rank in just two years. Leo was a beloved schoolteacher who taught at Acorn for twenty-seven years before retiring. He had a passion for education, after only going to school until 8th grade, he attained his GED, undergraduate degree from Lee University in Tennessee and finally his master’s degree from Henderson State University. Leo was a very compassionate man and cared greatly for every student and child that crossed his path. It is clear he made a real difference in many lives. He was an incredibly hard worker and loved to work on equipment on his farm and take care of his cattle. Leo loved to fish and participated in many bass tournaments. He enjoyed gospel music, gardening, and time spent with all his friends he made in the area since childhood. Every minute spent with his grandchildren was full of love. Leo loved his wife, Doris, and all his children with all his heart. He was a dedicated teacher who was proud to serve God, Family, and Country. Leo was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend and will be missed greatly by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Herman Lott; one brother in law, Fred Lange; and three sisters in law, Shirley Lott, Edith Lott, and Sandy Lott. Leo is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Doris Lott of Hatfield; three sons and daughters in law, Randy and Debbie Lott of Hatfield, Rodney and Emma Lott of Hatfield, and Robert and Tammy Lott of Hatfield; three brothers and sister in law, Vernon Lott of Springdale, Arkansas, Bobby Lott of Acorn, and Johnny and Norma Lott of Acorn; one sister, Edna Lange of Red Rock, Texas; seven grandchildren, Jeremy Lott, Adam Lott, Josh Lott, Sage Cannon, Jaymie Lott, Hunter Lott, and Zachary Lott; ten great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Senior Adult Sunday School Class at the Mena Church of God at 2771 Hwy 88 East, Mena, AR 71953. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 25, 2020, at 2:00 P.M. at the Mena Church of God in Mena, Arkansas, with Brother Mark Lyle and Jimmy Mabry officiating. Interment will follow at the Rock Springs Cemetery in Posey Hollow, Arkansas. A visitation will be held prior to the funeral service from 12:00 – 2:00 P.M. at the CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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May 27,2020

LOTT OBIT CONT FROM PAGE 5 Mena Church of God. Burial arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Honorary Pallbearers are the members of the Senior Adult Class at the Mena Church of God.

Laurie Michelle Holt Laurie Michelle Holt, 53 of Thornton died Tuesday May 19, 2020 at her home. Born July 22, 1966 to Gerald Moore and the late Hazel Moore in Tillamook, Oregon. She enjoyed working in her flower beds and tending to her garden, painting and always making art and crafts with her hands. She is survived by her father Gerald and Mama Brenda Moore of Mena; three daughters, Tréci Holt of Thornton, Lela (Michael) Smith of Hatfield, and Hazel Holt of Conway; longtime friend and partner, Jeff Hopkins; four brothers and 3 sisters; one grandchild who was her whole world, Mila Smith of Hatfield. Services will be at a later date. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce.

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Diamond Search Field to Re-open on May 22 at Crater of Diamonds State Park

The very popular diamond search field at Crater of Diamonds State Park will open tomorrow with some restrictions, announced Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “We are pleased to be able to welcome people back to search for diamonds at the Crater of Diamonds just in time for the Memorial Day weekend,” said Hurst. “It is one of the most popular destinations in our system of state parks, and we have had many questions from people who are anxious to again have the opportunity to find and keep their very own gem.” “We are the only diamond mine in the world where you get to keep what you find and the lifetime memories our visitors make searching for a diamond are important to us,” said Arkansas State Parks Director Grady Spann. “In order to reopen at this time, however, we will be enforcing some restrictions during this public health emergency to keep everyone safe.” One of the ways to manage the number of people in the search field will be to limit admission to 500 people per day. Tickets can be purchased online at CraterofDiamondsStatePark.com and those ticket holders will have more direct access to the mine area. Walk-up tickets can be purchased in the Visitor Center, where maximum occupancy will be limited to 15 persons. All 500 daily limit tickets will be available online, this may mean some days will be sold out and walk-up tickets will not be available. The statewide health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will require that the following rules be followed: • No diamond-mining tool rentals at this time. Guests are asked to bring their own tools as described at the Crater of Diamonds website, no electric or gas-powered digging tools are allowed.

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• Hand sanitizer will be available for guests in the Visitor Center. • Face coverings will be required for all persons present in the following park facilities: o Visitor Center o Diamond Discovery Center o North & South Sluice Pavilions o All four Sun Shelters • Children under the age of 10 are not required to wear face coverings • To keep a safe distance in the search field, guests and associated groups will be asked to keep a 12-foot distance between other guests, unless they are wearing face coverings. • Diamond Mine hours: 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Visitor Center hours: 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walking trails, picnic areas and RV camping at the park will still be open to all visitors. The Diamond Springs Water Park will open at a date to be determined. Diamonds come in all colors of the rainbow. The three most common colors found at Crater of Diamonds State Park are white, brown, and yellow, in that order. In total, over 75,000 diamonds have been unearthed at the Crater of Diamonds

since the first diamonds were discovered in 1906 by John Huddleston, a farmer who owned the land long before it became an Arkansas State Park in 1972. The largest diamond ever discovered in the United States was unearthed here in 1924 during an early mining operation. Named the Uncle Sam, this white diamond with a pink cast weighed 40.23 carats. It was later cut into a 12.42-carat emerald shape and purchased by a private collector for $150,000 in 1971. Another well-known diamond from the park is the Strawn-Wagner. Found in 1990 by Murfreesboro resident Shirley Strawn, this 3.03-carat white gem was cut into a round brilliant shape weighing 1.09 carats. It graded as ideal cut, D-colorless, and flawless and was set in a platinum and 24-carat gold ring. In 1998 the State of Arkansas purchased this diamond for $34,700 in donations and placed it on permanent display at the park visitor center. Crater of Diamonds State Park is located on Arkansas Highway 301 in Murfreesboro. It is one of 52 state parks administered by Arkansas State Parks, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.

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

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

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May 27, 2020

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Mena School District to Destroy Student Records Attention Parents of Students who attended Mena School District: State and Federal guidelines require that all special education due process forms and records be destroyed within six (6) years after a student leaves the special education or speech therapy program. If your child was dismissed, graduated, dropped from the program or found to be ineligible for special education services and/ or speech therapy during the school year 2012-2013, you have the right to review and request copies of your child’s due process records before they are destroyed.

Your child also has the right to review these records providing he or she is 18 years or older. If you wish to see these records, they will be available at Mena School Special Education office beginning May 25, 2020 to June 15, 2020 from 7:00 am to 4:00 p.m. Records, which are not picked up will be destroyed on June 22, 2020. These records are NOT your child’s permanent school records, they are only special education due process forms and records. You may contact Laura Bunch Special Education Supervisor 479-3941144

Course Request Forms Available via School Form Melissa Lunsford of Mena School Disrict announced the Mena Middle School would be offering a Computer Science Course during the 2020-2021 School Year. Computer Science for 7th and 8th graders is an elective consisting of an introduction to computers, hardward, software, internet, research, coding, and 21st Century Skills. This is a Project Based Learning course where students will apply knowledge and skills to solve problems they identify in their school and community. Lunsford said the Mena Middle School

will continue to offer Career Technical Course electives including: Family Consumer Science Investigations, Introducation ot Agriculture, Career Development, Keyboarding, Leadership thorugh Service Learning and Introduction to Business Applications and Computers. There courses will allow students to establish foundation skills for their future including high school, college, and the workforce. Students should make their course selections via the School Form.

1100 Hwy 71 N Mena, AR

(479) 394-0813

Congrats to the Class of 2020!

Mena Middle School Chosen for Adequacy Study State officials announced earlier this month that the Mena Middle School has been chosen as one of the schools in the State Arkansas to be included in an adequacy case study. The Senate and House Interim Committees on Education reported the reason for the Mena Middle School was selected was for repeatedly performing higher than their demographics indicated they should. The study will focus on resources that

are available to the school and how they use them to best serve the students. This will include examining: school staffing, curriculum and instruction strategies, district spending on instructional materials and technology, school culture, community engagement and leadership approach. The Mena Middle School principal is Cliff Sherrer. The middle school’s leadership consists of Clifton Sherrer, Todd Coogan and Leilani Rose.

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479-394-2019 479-234-1185 mhartwig@absc.org

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May 27,2020

Gov. Hutchinson declares June 12-14 Free Fishing Weekend

Thanks to a proclamation by Gov. Asa Hutchinson, anyone may fish in Arkansas without a fishing license or trout stamp from noon Friday, June 12, through midnight Sunday night, June 14. e. An annual tradition sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and approved by Gov. Hutchinson, Free Fishing Weekend gives many people the opportunity to enjoy the amazing angling The Natural State has to offer. This will be the second time Arkansans have had the opportunity to enjoy fishing without a license in 2020. During the initial closure of schools, amusement parks and museums because of concerns for the spread of the coronavirus, commissioners worked in concert with Hutchinson to waive the requirement of a fishing license for nine days in late March. Batten says June is an excellent time to fish, and this year has shaped up to be a good one with many people enjoying a return to the water. “We’re seeing increased traffic at many of our lakes, particularly the smaller and mid-sized lakes the AGFC owns,” Batten

said. “Even weekdays have been consistently busy as people have learned fishing and the outdoors are an ideal temporary getaway from our current issues in the world.” Unfortunately, continued concerns for COVID-19 have interrupted one of the most popular annual events that typically take place during Free Fishing Weekend. All fishing derbies at AGFC hatcheries have had to be canceled to help continue suppressing the spread of coronavirus. “We are heartbroken over the decision we have had to make to cancel the hatchery derbies,” said Tommy Laird, assistant chief of the AGFC’s Fisheries Division who leads the agency’s five freshwater fish hatcheries. “Everyone at every hatchery really takes pride in those derbies, as it is one of the only chances we have to show everyone where we work and what we do. Thousands of people show up to the hatcheries throughout the day, and there’s just no way to accommodate that many people without breaking social distancing recommendations.”

Whether it’s takeout, curbside, or dine-in, support our downtown restaurants. Whether it’s online purchases or doing social distancing inside, support our assorted shops. Support our service businesses downtown. Overall, help all of our businesses as they continue to be open or when they begin to reopen.

ALSO EX WIND PERTS IN , F W AT E R DA IRE, MAGE S, and

REST O S E R VR A T I O N ICES

Eliminate Viruses Decontaminate, Disinfect & Deodorize

Our businesses have been there for you. Now is the time to be there for them.

Join us as we work to put the Heart of our Community— Downtown Mena—Back Together Again! Mena Downtown Partners supports the Governor’s Directives. We urge all businesses to do the same. Mena: An Arkansas BUY LOCAL

394-1840 • 1-870-584-3100 103 Pellet Lane, Mena, AR

Downtown Network

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May 27,2020

05.27.20

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 05.20.20

Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Hazel is such an attractive young lady! She has cream and tan fur and golden eyes! Hazel is housetrained already. She weighs 52 pounds. Hazel likes children and other dogs but desires a cat-free home. Have a Birthday party for Hazel in September (09/03/18) and get her some fun dog toys! Hazel wants to find a loving home! ALL ANIMALS AT HSO ARE SPAYED/NEUTERED AND ARE CURRENT ON THEIR VACCINATIONS PRIOR TO ADOPTION.

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

classifieds CLASSIFIEDS - SERVICES -

Complete Yard Care, mowing, weed eating, hedge trimming, and more. When you need an extra hand. Free estimates. Mena and Polk County (479)234-0509. T07292020 Tree Removal and Trimming. Experienced and fully insured for ALL your tree trimming needs, Call Wendell’s Tree Service (479)394-0227 or (479)216-4328 TFN Land Clearing, Tree Service and Lawn Care. RC Customz land clearing, mulching and more. Services include: Fence lines, clearing of lots, brush-hogging, trenching, fencing, tree services, mowing and more. Mulching is a great solution for clearing overgrowth while leaving desirable trees. We service both residential and commercial customers. Military discount available. Insured. Please call (479)216-2976 for a free estimate. T052720 Mena Garage & Overhead Doors. Service, repair, and sales on all door brands, specializing in operator sales, services, and repairs. Free estimates. Call Ron at (479)216-9852 T052720

- EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Registered Dental Assistant needed for busy dental office. Must have experience and be able to pass drug test. Competitive pay and excellent benefits. Call Office Manager Colleen Romero at (870)490-2430 T052720 F.M. Dix Foundry if accepting applications for general labor positions. Applications may be picked up at the office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available. Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment.

May 27, 2020

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Helping Arkansas’s Reopening Succeed We are all eager for a return to normalcy after strict measures were implemented in Arkansas and across the country to slow the spread of the coronavirus and prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed with patients infected by the disease. We have made significant progress, but what’s equally important now is safely resuming business and allowing Americans to return to work. At the same time, we must remain vigilant and continue to practice effective behaviors like social distancing as com-

- MISCELLANEOUS Polk County Verterans Organization will reopen the bingo games on the 1st of June at the Acorn American Legion Hall. For the past patrions if you want food to eat during the games please bring your own. We will not share food with each other. Please wear a mask, limited seating. open at 5:00 pm. There will be other changes posted in the hal. See you all there! The bingo crew?? T061020

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Brodix, Inc. is seeking an experienced, full-time employee for the position of stockroom/inventory control clerk. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available. Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment.

merce restarts. As a member of President Trump’s Opening Up America Again Congressional Group, I’ve joined discussions about how we can reopen our country in a safe way that protects the health of citizens and supports our businesses. This requires striking the right balance in order to revive the economy while prioritizing public safety and health. Fortunately, Arkansas is leading the way in getting back to business responsibly. The phased approach to reopening businesses in the Natural State is essential. Governor Asa Hutchinson, along with Arkansas Department of Health Director Dr. Nate Smith and the guidance of his team of public health experts, are leading the way for our state’s return to business by establishing protocols to keep us all safe as doors reopen to customers. Over the last several weeks, hospitals and clinics resumed elective procedures, churches welcomed parishioners, gyms opened their doors and dine-in services at restaurants across the state returned in limited capacity. In the coming days public pools will reopen to swimmers for the summer. This measured reopening allows us to minimize health risks while increasing cus-

tomer capacity at locations we frequented before the pandemic forced us to change our habits. While businesses are required to follow industry-specific guidance, some are also taking additional steps including installing plexiglass shields to separate workspaces in order to reduce the potential for transmission of the coronavirus. One way we’re working to decrease the spread of the virus and safely reopen American is by expanding COVID-19 testing. Funding authorized by the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act has provided more than $80 million to Arkansas to increase testing capacity. This support will help achieve the governor’s goal of conducting 60,000 coronavirus tests in the state during May. Widespread testing is critical to reopening businesses and giving citizens the confidence they need to resume contact with loved ones and interact with the businesses and services they rely on in their daily lives. We all want to resume normal activities. It will be a slow process, but I am confident that by continuing to practice social distancing and following the guidelines of medical experts, we can safely and successfully recover.

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May 27,2020

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Polk County Housing Authority wants to recognize the officers who serve our area. Pictured accepting gift cards on behalf of the individual departments are: Sheriff Scott Sawyer, Tod Cannon, Mike Thomas, Jessie Curry, Dalton Myers, Chief Tommy Stueart, and Ronnie Richardson. Present representing the housing authority is Donna Hendricks, Sheila Pate, Jeanne Mabry and Executive Director Dixie Shrader. PCHA was the recipient of a grant provided through HUD to assist during the COVID 19 pandemic. With a portion of the grant money PCHA was able to extend a heartfelt thank you and a gift card for $50 to each of the Mena Police Department Officers, the Polk County Sheriff’s Department Officers, Grannis Officers, and the Troop K Officers that serve Polk County. We truly appreciate each one for their dedication and service to our community. The housing department has also been able to provide each family in housing and on the rental assistance program with face masks for their family. Additionally, housing was able to provide assistance with electric bills in the form of a lump sum to cover approximately two months electric bill. Plans are in process to provide other services to the residents in the future. Submitted photo.

GRANTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Community Foundation Phase Two Adaptation Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 are now being processed and will be awarded by the end of May. The total amount raised for the COVID-19 Relief Fund has topped $3.4 million, with donations coming from the Community Foundation, other Arkansas foundations, businesses and individuals. GRANTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 is to respond in a way that best meets the health and safety needs of those who rely on us while still working to fund our mission. Luminaria bags can be purchased at www.relayforlife.org/polkar, or at the Union Bank and First Financial Bank drive thru lanes.

Donations are still being accepted online at www.arcf.org/covid19 or by mailing a check to Arkansas Community Foundation, 5 Allied Drive, Suite 51110, Little Rock, AR 72202. All donations to this fund will be granted to Arkansas organizations working to serve the state’s most vulnerable populations and those affected by the coronavirus and its economic fallout.

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JAMES EARL TURNER (479) 234-6244 ERIC TURNER (479) 243-5549

May 27,2020

The Crossing Church Blessing Local Families with Food Boxes

The Crossing Church in Mena announced they will be distributing between 1,000 and 1,200 boxes of food to area residents. Lead Pastor, Victor Rowell informed Pulse Multi-Media that the church is partnering with 180 Disaster Relief and other area churches to offer the boxes of food. Rowell stated The Crossing Church worked with 180 Disaster Relief after the tornado that devastated the town of Mena. 180 Disaster Relief is a non-proﬁt organization that focuses on bringing relief aid to families in crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 180 Disaster Relief has distributed over 100,000 meals to people in need. One of 180 Disaster Relief corporate partners is Tyson Foods. 80 Disaster Relief is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Rowell said 180 Disaster Relief is not only providing boxes of food to area residents, but also purchasing fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy products from farmers who are unable to sell their products due to the coronavirus. He said the Crossing Church

will receive a truckload of food boxes to distribute every Wednesday at 5 p.m. Rowell said there will be small boxes for individuals, medium boxes for small families and large boxes for large families. He said there are no financial qualifications. Everyone that shows up at the church will receive at least one box. Rowell also recommended people picking up an extra box and giving it to a neighbor or someone in need. Rowell said the church will distribute the boxes in a parade-style drive-thru and no one will have to leave their vehicle to pick up a box. He stated the church, which is located on Main Street in Mena has a large parking lot for people to pass through. Rowell said the church will be distributing at least 1,000 food boxes each Wednesday for the next five-weeks. For more information, contact the Crossing Church at 479-394-7600, visit the church's website or following them on social media.

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FREE TO EVERYONE FRESH FRUIT, VEGGIES & DAIRY FOR THE NEXT

5 WEEKS

THE CROSSING CHURCH IN PARTNERSHIP WITH 180 DISASTER RELIEF AND OTHER AREA CHURCHES WANT TO SUPPORT FARMERS IN

OFFERING FREE FRESH

FRUIT, VEGGIES AND DAIRY PRODUCTS TO

ANYONE IN OUR AREA!

PICK UP AT THE CROSSING PARKING LOT THROUGH A STAY IN YOUR CAR PARADE. WEDNESDAYS AT 5PM

BOX SIZES: OPTION 1: single | OPTION 2: small | OPTION 3: large WITH NO LIMITS ON WHAT TO TAKE NO PAPERWORK. NO STRINGS ATTACHED. NO MATTER YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. WE WANT TO BLESS YOU!

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!

Delegation Applauds HHS for Awarding Over $72 Million in Coronavirus Relief to Nursing Homes in Arkansas

ones and those who work in these facilities. As concerns regarding additional outbreaks remain high, this investment will help protect the most vulnerable among us and help keep those who care for them safe,” members said. This funding, which supplements previously announced awards, will be used to support nursing homes suffering from significant expenses or lost revenue attributable to COVID-19. It comes from legislation Congress passed, with the Arkansas delegation’s support, to address the coronavirus pandemic. Distribution of the funds will be based on both a fixed basis and variable basis. Each SNF will receive a fixed distribution of $50,000, plus a distribution of $2,500 per bed. All certified SNFs with six or more certified beds are eligible for this targeted distribution.

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. 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 Agent, LaDon Copelin can advise you on the plan that’s best for you and your family. MPI 3362 1/15 R102019

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman— applauded the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for awarding over $72 million in additional relief funds to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in Arkansas to help them combat the devastating effects of COVID-19. The investment—totaling $72,410,000— will be distributed directly to SNFs in Arkansas. It is part of the nearly $4.9 billion allocated by HHS to impacted SNFs across the country and may be used to address critical needs such as labor, testing capacity, personal protective equipment and a range of other expenses directly linked to COVID-19. “These are particularly trying times for residents in nursing homes, their loved

Soliciting agent for Arkansas Blue Cross, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Plans available only to residents in Arkansas.