Pulse THE POLK COUNTY
FREE WEEKLY 1168 Hwy 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600
October 14, 2020
Your DAILY News Sources: KENA 104.1 FM & MyPulseNews.com
Ballot Guide Issue!
INSIDE:
Go to polls prepared Staff Report
Homecoming Courts
Pages 11-18
Columnist in this issue: An Arkieʼs Faith Richie Lawry - Page 8
History and Faith Jeff Olson - Page 9
Wanderlust & Arkansas Dust Lacey Yoakem - Page 22
Ouachita Bushcraft & Survival Steve Stillwell - Page 23
Your Pulse! Positive Perceptions
Page 3
Ready, Set, VOTE
Photo by Jeri Borst
The Polk County Election Commission gave voting machines a run through under the direction of Polk County Clerk Terri Harrison last week to ensure the machines are ready for the election. The machines are under safeguards to prevent tampering, and will be transported to the Old Armory Building on De Queen Street for Early Voting, which begins Oct. 19. The Early Voting location was changed from the County Annex Building on Pine Street to the larger De Queen Street Armory to accommodate for social distancing measures. Sanitation measures will be taken at poll locations as part of safety measures due to COVID-19, Harrison said.
The November General Election is upon us, with Early Voting begining Monday, Oct. 19. Those who wish to cast their ballot by mail can request an absentee ballot from the Polk County Clerk’s Office at 394-8123. The deadline to request ballots by mail is Tuesday, Oct. 27. Arkansas is one of 15 states where residents can propose an amendment to the state constitution or refer a state law to voters. Legislators also have the authority to refer up to three amendments to voters. Arkansas legislators voted to put three constitutional amendments on the November ballot. Citizen groups also proposed two constitutional amendments, but the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled on Aug. 27, 2020 that Issue 4 and Issue 5 did not qualify for the ballot. A federal judge on Sept. 15 dismissed an appeal from sponsors. The Arkansas Supreme Court ruled on Sept. 17 that Issue 6, a referendum, did not qualify for the ballot either. In this issue you will find information about the legislative ballot measures. The information is reprinted from the University of Arkansas’ Ballot Issue Voter Guide, which can be found at uaex.edu/business-communities/voter-education or a copy can be picked up at the Polk County Extension Office or Polk County Clerk’s Office. Issue 1 can be found on page 2; Issue 2 information is on page 6 and Issue 3 can be found on page 19. Ballot information is on page 27.
2 News POPULAR NAME: An amendment to the Arkansas Constitution continuing a one-half percent (0.5%) sales and use tax for state highways and bridges; county roads, bridges and other surface transportation; and city streets, bridges, and other surface transportation after the retirement of the bonds authorized in Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 91. BALLOT TITLE: An amendment to the Arkansas Constitution to continue a levy of a one-half percent sales and use tax for state highways and bridges; county roads, bridges, and other surface transportation; and city streets, bridges, and other surface transportation after the retirement of the bonds authorized in Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 91, as special revenue to be distributed under the Arkansas Highway Revenue Distribution Law.
What is being proposed?
This ballot initiative proposes making permanent a 0.5% state sales tax that currently helps fund Arkansas’ four-lane highway system, county roads, and city streets, by amending the Arkansas Constitution to include the tax. The existing 0.5% sales tax, which is used partially to repay highway, road and street bonds, is set to expire in June 2023. If approved by voters, this constitutional amendment would: Make permanent the 0.5% state sales tax. Use the revenue from this tax for maintaining, repairing and improving highways, roads and streets across the state.
October 14, 2020
Voters Guide: ISSUE NUMBER 1 distributed?
Revenue would be divided between the state and local governments according to the Arkansas Highway Revenue Distribution Law, the same law that governs how the existing temporary 0.5% sales tax revenue is allocated. After the state takes 3% of the revenue for administrative expenses, 70% of the remaining revenue would go to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, 15% to counties and 15% to cities. After deducting the 3% for administrative expenses, the proposed sales tax is expected to generate approximately $293.7 million in annual revenue. Of that, $205.6 million would be allocated to the State Highway and Transportation Fund, $44 million to cities, and $44 million to counties, according to an impact statement written by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration about the proposed amendment.
Could this money be used for anything else?
No. The revenue generated from the proposed tax would be treated as special revenue, meaning that it would be dedicated for a specific purpose. Under this proposal, the revenue must be spent for the maintenance, repair and improvement of Arkansas’ highways, roads and streets. This tax revenue could not be used to pay off bond debt. (Bonds are certificates of debt used by states, cities, counties or other government entities to finance large projects, such as roads, schools or sewer systems. Debt is paid off over a long period of time.)
What is Arkansas’ current How is the existing 0.5% state sales tax rate? sales tax for roads used? Arkansas currently levies a statewide sales tax of 6.5% on most goods and some services, including an existing but temporary 0.5% sales tax for roads.
How much money would this proposed sales tax generate and how would it be
Arkansas voters approved a temporary half-cent sales tax to help fund the “Connecting Arkansas Program” in 2012. The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), cities and counties each receive a portion of this existing temporary 0.5% tax, according to the Arkansas Highway Revenue Distribution law. Some of the Arkan-
sas Department of Transportation’s portion is dedicated to repaying construction and improvement bonds, which were used to generate revenues for state highways, county roads and city streets. Cities and counties receive their portion as turnback funds. This tax expires when the bonds are fully paid, which is estimated to occur in June 2023.
What do supporters say?
• This tax will support around 3,600 jobs each year and provide $8.2 billion of economic activity over 10 years. • This measure helps to pay for highway and road infrastructure without adding new taxes. It is just an extension of an existing tax. It’s not a new tax. • If the tax extension doesn’t pass, you’re going to have county judges and mayors looking at their budget sheets thinking I’ve just lost 30% of my road money. Do I take that from other things? Or, do I let my roads further deteriorate? And those are tough questions. • There is a significant need for funding for highways and roads in Arkansas to ensure public safety, repair or replace dangerous bridges, and ensure access to reliable roads. The money could improve close to all of the roads that Arkansans use most. Funds could go towards improving almost all (7,300 out of 7,900) miles of roads that carry 90% of Arkansas traffic. • Funding for highways and roads is a growing problem because most of that funding comes from fuel taxes, which is whittled away by increasing construction costs, increasing fuel efficiency and de-
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse creased fuel consumption. Alternative funding sources are necessary.
What do opponents say?
• ARDOT cannot take care of its existing roads because it has too many to oversee. If the highway department were to receive $300 million, it would ask for $300 million more. And if it gets that, it would need $300 million more. The amount of funding it receives is never enough. • A huge portion of the tax revenue will go to the I30 Crossing project in Little Rock, an unnecessary “boondoggle” that will benefit only a tiny percentage of Arkansans. ARDOT is currently being sued in state and federal courts for violating environmental and planning regulations on this project as well as using “4 lane highway” tax revenue for expanding these freeways from 6 lanes to 8+ lanes. Expanding I-30 will not perform as well as adding a local street bridge crossing and keeping the freeway 6 lanes. • Many Arkansas lawmakers have pledged not to increase taxes in Arkansas, and this increase would violate that promise. • It is a new tax. If you got a 10 year sentence in jail, and then the judge extended it, that would be an additional sentence. • More and more states have multi-modal transportation programs that fund public transportation. To date, ARDOT has spent virtually no dollars on public transit. It is of small benefit to Arkansans who want mobility but cannot drive.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
October 14, 2020
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Ashley Smith- General Manager Jeri Borst - Editor Tori Stockton - Production Manager John Russell - Graphic Design Curt Teasdale - Programmer/ On-Air Personality Jim Pinson - Morning Personality Jackye Palmer - Senior Account Executive Brooke Rose - Account Executive Distribution & Insertion Staff Dan & Linda Deramus, Stacy Vann, Jason Sharp, Paeton Fryar The Polk County Pulse is the area’s premiere and fastest growing news publication. The Polk County Pulse is FREE and published weekly on Wednesdays, with a distribution of 8,000 and an estimated readership of 10,000. MyPulseNews.com has hundreds of visitors daily and KENA and KQOR have thousands of listeners hourly. POLICY: The publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. All property rights, including any copyright interest, in any advertisement produced by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse using art work and/or typography furnished or arranged by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse shall be the property of Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse. No such advertisement or any part thereof may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Pulse Multi-Media and The Polk County Pulse. POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENTS: Advertisements of a political nature must be prepaid and must also include the name of the entity paying for the advertisement. If an entity other than the candidate the advertisement is endorsing is paying for the ad, a statement must be signed by the candidate verifying the candidate has seen and approved the advertisement.
The time to exercise our responsibilities as citizens is nearing as we prepare to head to the polls on Election Day, Nov. 3. Part of that responsibility includes being an informed voter, and not just informed about the “Big Ticket” ballot items. As a community news organization, we want to remind voters that, yes while this election will decide who will be President/ Vice President of these United States of America, that one item on your ballot, by no means determines who is the “Leader of Our Country.” No matter your party affiliation, the President - the person who sits, has sat, or will sit - will NEVER occupy the highest office of our country. That honor, my dear reader and fellow citizen, belongs to each and every one of us. And it is our collective voice, exercised through democracy and a constitutional republic, that must always be most cherished for this 234 yearold beautiful experiment to continue. Each of us is a beautiful creation, made of complex personalities which were formed through experience. Often we are vastly different from one another, when viewed through the lens of personality and perspective. We have had different experience which lead to a variety of view points. And while big media and power players leverage those differences to create division and polarity, what I know to be true is we are all necessary and each perspective lends itself to a greater whole. So here in Polk County, in Arkansas, let the Pulse of our community be that each perspective counts. As you prepare to vote, we hope you take the time, and appreciate the opportunity we have, to be informed. It is a right, that as members of the press, we appreciate daily. I hope that as you read the ballot information, you are reminded how vital our rights and responsibilities are to our country and communities. -Jeri Borst, Pulse Editor
Congratulations to Tori and Matt Stockton on your eight year wedding anniversary, Oct. 13, 2012! - Your Pulse Team Congratulations to Mr. Charles Morgan for receiving the October Teacher of the Month Award at Mena High School. It was stated that Mr. Morgan spends countless hours working out the logistics of practices and performances. He always has a
Want to share your opinion? The Polk County Pulse welcomes letters to the Editor addressing any topic of interest to our readers. To be published, letters must not contain obscene or libelous language. The letter must include a signature to be considered for publication. Signatures will NOT be held out by request. The following contact information is required when the letter is submitted: NAME, AGE, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER. Letters are published at the discretion of the Editor and Publisher.
Your Pulse! Mike and Shirley Philpot were married on October 9, 1971, and celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary last Friday, October 9, 2020 -Andy Philpot
Editorial 3
Letters may be submitted by e-mail to news@mypulsenews.com; mailed to P.O. smile on his face, is highly motivated, and always pushes you to be your very best. Mr. Morgan is a great person and an amazing educator. - Mena Public Schools Facebook Warm Welcome to James Earl and Ewanta Turner on the addition to your family! May Sassy bring you years of fur-baby joy! -Pulse Team Put your Pulse in next week’s issue! Send to news@mypulsenews.com, call 479-243-9600 or message or comment on The Polk County Pulse on Facebook!
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4 Editorial
From the
State House of Representatives
Decisions regarding our Transformation and Shared state budget show the priServices will have proposals orities we make as a state. reviewed. The budget-making process The courts, constitutional has a direct impact on evoffices, and the Agriculture erything from classrooms Department will be reto health care. John Maddox viewed in the 4th week. Budget hearings will On November 10, membegin Tuesday, October 13, 2020, bers will be presented with the and are scheduled to conclude No- General Revenue Forecast and the vember 12, 2020. The Joint Budget Governor’s Balanced Budget ProCommittee sits with the Arkansas posal. The latest revenue reports Legislative Committee as voting show general revenue is now $227.4 participants in the hearings, creatmillion or 15.0 percent above this ing the Arkansas Legislative Countime last year. The forecast provided cil/Joint Budget Committee. at the budget hearings will tell us if The hearings will begin with requests from licensing boards and we can expect continued growth in commissions. The second week the months ahead. The final week of hearings will members will review recommendations from the Department of then continue with proposals from Parks, Heritage and Tourism, the the Department of Human Services Department of Commerce, and the and the Department of Education. Members can begin pre-filing legDepartment of Public Safety. On week 3, Higher Education islation for the 2021 Regular SesInstitutions, the Department of sion on November 16. The Regular Session begins JanuVeteran’s Affairs, the Department of Energy, and the Department of ary 11, 2020.
Contact Your Legislators! John Maddox
Email: john.maddox@ arkansashouse.org Write: 520 Church Avenue Mena, AR 71953 Call: 479-394-6060
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
October 14, 2020
Boozman, John
Web: boozman.senate.gov Write: 141 Hart Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510 Call: 202- 224-4843
From the
U.S. Senate Supporting Law Enforcement
entire state. Arkansans hold our law enforcement officials in the The courageous tradition highest regard, and they of public safety is carried expect that our officers will out by Arkansans who are receive the support of their dedicated to maintaining elected officials. Washinglaw and order. It takes a speton can help by providing cial person to put his or her funding for obtaining the life on the line every day toJohn Boozmanproper tools, training and serve and protect a commutechnology to help police safeguard nity. We are fortunate to have some citizens and protect themselves. We of the very best law enforcement of- also have a responsibility to officers ficers in the Natural State. Across the to hold offenders of violent crimes country we’ve seen attacks against directed toward them accountable law enforcement officers. Tragically, for their actions. this has recently touched our state. That’s why I recently joined my Pine Bluff Police Department De- Senate colleagues in introducing tective Kevin Collins was killed on S. 4605, the Protect and Serve Act Monday, October 5 in the line of of 2020. This legislation would creduty. It was a long-time goal of his to ate federal penalties for individuals join the police force, and five years who knowingly cause, or attempt to ago, his dream came true. Detective cause, serious bodily injury to local, Collins enjoyed making a difference state or federal law enforcement offiin his hometown while wearing the cers. Under this bill, individuals who uniform. He worked to get illegal kill a law enforcement officer could weapons off the streets, mentored receive a life sentence. youth in the community and helped Officers in uniform risk their lives carry a 95-year-old to safety after an daily to protect their communities, apartment fire. This action earned responding to calls for help while him the department’s 2017 Officer not knowing what challenges they of the Year. Sadly, his life was cut will face. There simply is no justifishort when he was violently attacked cation for the cowardly, cold-bloodwhile performing his job. ed attacks on officers that we have Detective Collins is not the only recently witnessed in our state and Arkansas law enforcement officer across the nation. Our legislation we’ve lost in the line of duty in 2020. would carry severe consequences for Earlier this year, Hot Springs Police anyone who attempts to target offiOfficer First Class Brent Scrimshire cers for violent attacks. also gave his life while fulfilling his I’ve seen the commitment and calling to protect and serve. dedication of those like Officers ColAccording to the FBI’s Law En- lins and Scrimshire who wear the forcement Officers Killed and As- badge at every level – local, state and saulted Program, 39 law enforce- federal. Law enforcement officers ment officers have been killed in play a vital role in protecting our the U.S. in 2020. Their deaths are neighborhoods and keeping us safe. a terrible reminder of the risks law They do this knowing they may be enforcement officers face each day called to dangerous situations that when they put on their uniform and put their own lives in jeopardy. We leave the comforts of their homes can show our support for their sacand loved ones. The loss of these of- rifice and our commitment to their ficers not only affects their families, safety by passing the Protect and but also their communities and our Serve Act.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
October 14, 2020
Karen Faye Hamby
Karen Faye Hamby, age 65, of Watson, Oklahoma, passed away Saturday, October 10, 2020 in Ft. Smith. She was born May 16, 1955 in Mena, Arkansas to the late Houston Mayabb and the late Ruby Armstrong Mayabb. She was a homemaker, and poultry breeder and farmer and worked hard in her chicken houses. Karen loved to bowl and sew and enjoyed hunting arrow heads and rocks and the casino. She also loved her sweets and her coffee, and liked to order jewelry, but her favorite thing was to spend time with her grandchildren. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend and will be greatly missed. She is survived by: son Joshua Lee Hamby and wife Jamaica; daughter Elizabeth Jane Bond and husband Daniel; grandchildren: Alex Hamby, Jackson Hamby, and Logan and Reese Bond; sisters: Linda Lowrimore and Sharon Williams; nieces: Tina Gibson and family and Sara Emmert and family; nephews: Jeremy Parnell and family, Terry Scott and family, Jerry Mayabb and family and Billy Williams and family; and a host of other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, James Mayabb, a sister, Lola Woods, and 2 nephews, Justen Lowrimore and Donny Williams. Graveside services will be Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Watson Cemetery in Waston, Oklahoma with Brother Todd Webb officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena. Visitation will be Tuesday evening, October 13 th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Alex Hamby, Jeremy Parnell, Terry Mayabb, Gary Gibson, Hunter Gibson, Caleb Emmert, Billy Williams and Randy Emmert. Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com
Jesse Earl Riley
Kay is survived by her son, Michael Harvey of Acorn; her daughters, Sonya Kyle of Mena and Kaylene Harvey of Acorn; three brothers, Gene Hill of Heavener, Oklahoma, Darryl Hill of Page, Oklahoma and Jeff Hill of Clarksville; four sisters, Pat Powell of Mena, Stella Benjamin of Mena, Sue Carter of Mena and Brenda Reel of Bates, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Nicholas Harvey of Fort Smith, Olivia Harvey of Mena, Sonny Aaron of Cove, Mekinzie Kyle of Mena and Braxton Kyle of Mena; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. A graveside funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at 1:00 P.M. at Black Fork Cemetery near Black Fork, Arkansas under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. Visitation will be Monday, October 5, 2020 from 6-8 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel.
Jesse Earl Riley, May 30, 2003-September 8, 2020. Jesse Earl Riley, 17 of Mena, passed away on September 8, 2020. He was born on May 30, 2003 in Benton, Arkansas to David Riley and Retha Whitfield. Jesse loved all of his friends in Mena and will be missed dearly! He is survived by: mother, Retha Whitfield Riley of Benton, Arkansas; father, David Riley of Mena, Arkansas; brother Raymond Riley; sister Pamela Riley; grandmothers: Pamela Albin of Mena, Arkansas and Margaret Mayberry; grandfather Joe Whitfield; aunt Jean Albin Epperson and husband Chris Bobby Andrew of Scott AFB, Illinois; great uncle Raymond C. Riley, Jr. of Mena, Arkansas. Pullen He was preceded in death by his paBobby Andrew Pullen, age 72, died ternal great-grandparents, Jean “Grams Sunday, October 11, 2020 at his home Bear” Riley and Raymond C. Riley, Sr. surrounded by family. He was born on July 5, 1948 to Andrew JackSondra Monday, son and Madge Lou Deramus Pullen in Kay Harvey Mena, Arkansas. Bobby became a Christian later in life Sondra Kay and was baptized. He volunteer during Harvey, age 66, a time of drafting and went in to serve of Acorn, Arkanproudly in the United States Army sas, died Saturduring the Vietnam War. He believed day, October 3, 2020 at her home. She that his word was his bond, and he alwas born Monday, August 16, 1954 to ways lived by that value. Bobby worked Herman Lee and Julia Ann Knox Hill in for the Cimeron Lumber Yard in HatBlack Fork, Arkansas. field for seventeen years. He enjoyed Kay was a woman the loved the Lord woodworking, welding, and most of all, and her family. She was of the Baptist working side by side with his Dad. His faith and was saved at a young age. She children and grandchildren were so imloved spending time with her grandchilportant to him, and he was very proud dren and singing and listening to music. of his family. Bobby said his greatest joy Kay enjoyed watching the deer and birds was marrying his wife, Pamela. Bobby from her front porch. She also enjoyed was a loving husband, father, brothwatching western movies. She was an er, grandfather, and uncle, and will be excellent cook and her family loved her missed by all who knew him. waffles and especially her desserts, her He is preceded in death by his parBrown and Yellow Pies. Kay loved her ents; and one brother, Billy Ray Pullen. Arkansas Razorback Football team. Kay Bobby is survived by his loving wife, was a loving mother, sister, Gran, aunt Pam Pullen of Mena; one son and and friend and will be missed dearly by daughter in law, Andy and Connie Pulall who knew her. len of Wink, Texas; one daughter, SherShe is preceded in death by her parry VanZant of Medlin, Texas; one brothents; her husband, Rocky Harvey; two er, Jeff Pullen of Mena; one sister, Karen brothers, Billy Ray Hill and Larry Hill Peek of Vandervoort; six grandchildren, and one sister, Wanda Reichert. four great grandchildren; several neph-
Obituaries 5 ews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends. No services are planned at this time. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.
Lois Elizabeth Wagoner Lois Elizabeth Wagoner, 90, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2020 in Ft. Smith. She was born January 21, 1930 in Mena, Arkansas to the late Lytal Harris and the late Nora Ward Harris. She was married to the late James “Cobb” Wagoner and retired from Emerson Motor Corporation. She loved Razorback football, bowling, traveling and loved to play cards with her friends on Saturdays. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and will be deeply missed by her loving family. She is survived by: daughters: Marsha Marie Tapp of Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Theresa Ann Cook of Mena, Arkansas; 4 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson; 3 step-great grandchildren and 2 step great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lytal and Nora Harris, her husband, James Wagoner, 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Mrs. Wagoner was sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home. No services are scheduled at this time. Arrangements entrusted to the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena. Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com Caring for your family since 1928
Locally owned & operated 479-394-1310
611 Janssen Avenue - Mena, AR
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6 News
THE POLK COUNTY
October 14, 2020
Voters Guide: ISSUE NUMBER 2
POPULAR NAME: A constitutional amendment to amend the term limits applicable to members of the General Assembly, to be known as the “Arkansas Term Limits Amendment” BALLOT TITLE: A constitutional amendment to be known as the “Arkansas Term Limits Amendment”; and amending the term limits applicable to members of the General Assembly.
What is being proposed? This amendment asks voters to change term limits for the General Assembly as described in Amendment 73 of the Arkansas Constitution. If approved by the voters, this amendment would eliminate life-time term limits but require breaks in service for future state senators and representatives. Specifically, this amendment would: 1. Remove life-time term limits for state legislators. 2. Prohibit future legislators from serving more than 12 years in a row.
Legislators who serve the full 12 years consecutively would be allowed to hold office again once four years have passed since their last term expired. 3. Include two-year senate terms resulting from apportionment after a census in calculating the years of consecutive service for legislators elected after Jan. 1, 2021. Currently, this twoyear partial term does not count toward term limits. Allow current legislators and any legislator elected this November to serve under the current term limit amendment, which allows them to serve 16 years consecutively or non-consecutively. They would be eligible to hold office in the future once four years have passed from their last term expiring. When was the last time Arkansas voted on General Assembly term limits? Term limits have been on the Arkansas ballot several times over the
past 30 years. In 1992, Arkansas voters approved Amendment 73 which set terms for constitutional officers such as the governor and commissioner of state lands as well as state legislators. The amendment limited members of the House of Representatives to three two-year terms (a total of six years) and state senators to two four-year terms (a total of eight years). In 2004, voters rejected a proposal to allow up to six two-year terms (12 years) in the House and three fouryear terms (12 years) in the Senate. In 2014, voters approved Amendment 94 to eliminate chamber-specifc term limits and cap the total number of years state legislators can serve at 16 years. The term limits were part of an amendment known to many people as the “ethics amendment” because of the new ethics requirements it included for legislators and the creation of an independent citizens commission responsible for establishing legislative pay.
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In 2018, a proposed amendment from the public seeking to undo Amendment 94 was removed from the ballot before Election Day. The Arkansas Supreme Court agreed with challengers that voter signatures should be disqualified due to paperwork errors. The proposed constitutional amendment sought to set limits of two four-year terms in the Senate (eight years) and three two-year terms in the House (six years), an overall 10year limit on service in the House and Senate combined. How many years can a legislator serve now? Currently, members of the General Assembly can serve a total of 16 years. They can serve all 16 years in the Senate or House of Representatives or any combination of the two. There are some exceptions to this 16-year limit: • A member who completes his or her 16th year of service during a term in which he or she has already been elected may serve until the completion of that term. This can create a scenario where a current legislator serves 18 to 20 years. • Years for which a member who is serving a partial legislative term as the result of a special election called by the governor to flll a vacancy are not included in the calculation of total years. • A two-year term served as a re-
See Issue No. 2 page 7
MENA CITY COUNCIL 1984-1992 (WARD 3) ME MENA HOSPITAL COMMISSION CHAIRMAN 1992-2017 MENA LIONʼS CLUB 41 YEARS MENA RESIDENT SINCE 1979 RETIRED US MOTORS AFTER 34 YEARS
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THE POLK COUNTY
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Issue No. 2
continued from page 6 sult of apportionment of the Senate is not included in the calculation of total years allowed. Apportionment is the process of redrawing the boundaries of an area that is represented by a state representative and senator to ensure that each legislator represents roughly the same number of people. This process occurs after a federal census.
How many years is a single term? The length of a single term would not change under this proposal. Senators would still be elected to four-year terms; representatives would still be elected to two-year terms. What do supporters say? • For those who want to run government like a business, most business do not fire their board of directors or their management team every six, eight or 10 years. • The amendment gives someone
October 14, 2020 time to become experienced and to become effective while still accomplishing the goal of keeping term limits short enough that we get new blood. • For those that are worried that this would create lifetime legislators, we know from experience in states with similar provisions allowing lawmakers to return to serve, only 5% of lawmakers returned. What we’re trying to do – with a requirement to sit out four years rather than 2 – we’re trying to take away the incumbent advantage because there definitely is one. What do opponents say? • This term limit amendment is actually a term extender because it allows current legislators, after serving the currently allowable 16 years, to sit out four years and run to serve 12 more years. • The amendment removes the current lifetime limit, allowing politicians to return to office after just four years out.
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• I just prefer that issues like that come from the voters as opposed to legislators trying to do it at this point. • Legislators could have used the ballot title to tell voters what the amendment does, but chose not to. They could have told voters that this amendment will enable legislators to serve 10 years on and off for the rest
News 7 of their lives. Or that the new 12 consecutive year limit doesn’t apply to themselves until they’ve maxed out current term limits. 16 years on, 4 off, 12 on means they can serve 28 of 32 years. For senators, it would be 22-4 12, which would be 34 of 38 years. 38 years in the legislature with a single 4-year break.
8 Faith
Boomtown to Ghost Town By Richard Lawry John, Bob, and J.H. were among the prospectors who came to the Buffalo River Valley, searching for lost silver mines they had heard about in Indian legends. Near Rush Creek, they found shiny metallic flakes in the rocks that they believed to be silver. Before long, the news of the discovery spread like wildfire throughout the South. Farmers, unskilled laborers, miners, and former soldiers from Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, and the Carolinas, came to the area, looking for ways to get rich quick. Due to its rough terrain and isolation, Rush
THE POLK COUNTY
October 14, 2020
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An Arkie’s Faith Valley had very few settlers before the prospectors came to the area. John, Bob, and J.H. built a rock smelter near Rush Creek to extract the silver from the promising ore deposits on their claim. On a crisp cold day in January 1887, they fired up the smelter for the first time. The day started with high expectations, but no silver came out of the bottom of the smelter. All of their hard work came to nothing, and the day crushed their dreams of getting rich. Legend tells us that John, Bob, and J.H. were broke, discouraged, and out of food. They offered to sell their claim to another prospector for a can of oysters. The man turned the offer down. The smelter didn’t produce any silver but emitted green zinc oxide fumes in a spectacular display, described as beautiful rainbows. More experienced prospectors realized that although the ore didn’t contain silver, it was rich in zinc. Shortly after that disappointing Janu-
ary morning, zinc mining began at the Morning Star Mine. Soon people were rushing to the area to stake a claim. By the 1890s, a bustling community of homes and businesses developed near the Morning Star Mine. World War I was Rush’s heyday. Zinc prices soared due to the demands of the war effort. During that time, Rush’s business district had ten general stores, three bakeries, and many boarding houses and hotels. The population soared to over 5,000, with many miners living in tents because there wasn’t enough housing for them. When World War I ended, the demand for zinc rapidly declined, and the price dropped. Mines began to close, and the population dropped. By the 1930s, all mining had ceased. The post office closed in the mid-1950s, and by the 1960s, no one was living in Rush. For some time, I have wanted to visit the ghost town of Rush. Last month I was finally able to make the trip. It was a beautiful day as we walked along the short trail that loops through the center of Rush. As we read the interpretive signs along the way that told of the bustling activity of 100 years ago, I thought of the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT) Jesus tells us not to place too much value on the things of this world. If you treasure them as the essential things in your life, one day you will find yourself very disappointed when they are devalued, destroyed, or stolen. Is Jesus telling us that we should not have any possessions here in this world? Of course not. But he is telling us that treasures on earth are subject to being eaten, rusting, or being stolen. Treasures in heaven are secure. They will remain. To the people living in Rush during 1918, their city must have seemed im-
mune to any possible downturn. But, when the demand for zinc dropped, everything changed, and they realized just how fleeting the things of this world could be. We see these same patterns in countless situations in the world around us. Overnight, successful things can become failures. The fads of today are likely to be forgotten tomorrow. And boomtowns can become ghost towns. Often we make our plans, assuming that things, as we know them, will last forever. We need to realize that change is inevitable. Our ideas, strategies, commitments, and resources can be like ghost towns, thriving one minute, but empty the next. We understand what treasures are here on earth, but what did Jesus mean by “treasures in heaven?” He wants us to use our time, energy, and finances to pursue things that are of eternal value; Those things that will have value in heaven, not on earth. The Bible says, “set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2 (NKJV) So, how do we understand the difference between appropriate and inappropriate attention to “treasures on earth?” Jesus answers, “don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ The people who don’t know God keep trying to get these things, and your Father in heaven knows you need them. Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well.” Matthew 6:31-33(NCV) Gentle Reader, don’t place your trust in the things of this world. They may end up being a ghost town like Rush. As Christians, our faith should be in the timeless truths of God found in His Word. The stock market may go up and down. Corporations, nations, and politicians may rise and fall, but God’s Word is forever. Remember that boomtowns can become ghost towns, “but the word of the Lord endures forever.” 1 Peter 1:25 (NKJV)
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
October 14, 2020
Faith 9
Reflections from History and Faith
The Light By Which We See By Jeff Olson The great Christian writer, lay theologian and apologist C.S Lewis wrote, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” Volumes could be written from just this one sentence because it packs such profound wisdom and truth and has broad application to the lives of each one of us and the world we live in. This week, however, I will try to confine my scope to a few select and timely matters that confront us in the interesting and largely unprecedented times we live in. Also, I will address my thoughts primarily to those who lay claim to the Christian faith. However, I hope everyone who reads this will come away with deeper understanding. Each and every one of us sees ourselves and sees others and the world through the lens of who we are – a composite of our formative years and our knowledge and experience gained in the ensuing years. Our thinking, our speech, our actions, and our values are what they are for reasons, usually a complexity and diversity of reasons.
We sometimes call all of this “baggage” and we bring it all into all aspects of our life, including our relationships. We also bring it into our relationship with God, but we are also to leave it with God and let him remove what can be a might heavy load! Salvation is transformational – from what we were created to be to what God saves us to become - a new creation where the old things have passed away and all things have become new (1 Corinthians 5:17). This new birth is from the inside out and “all things” means just that – all the way from our inner nature to our character, to our countenance, to our priorities, and to how we see ourselves, one another and the world we live in. In 1 Corinthians 6:19, we are told that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and that we are no longer our own. This temple is not likened to a house with partitioned rooms where Jesus is a tenant and allowed only access to those rooms we give him a key to and permission to occupy. Rather the temple is to be under new management AND new ownership, where God can convert it to a mansion where there are no doors, no locks and no rooms where we can shut him out. In other words, our relationship with Christ, the Christian faith, is all-encompassing and guides and informs each and every aspect of our lives. The false dichotomy between sacred and secular, between science and religion, between fact and value and
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between objective knowledge and subjective feeling has been asserted by the secular world for centuries, and it has caused our belief system to be reduced to little more than private feelings and experience, totally divorced from ob-
jective facts. This has lead us to exclude God from some areas of our lives that we have kept to ourselves or perhaps thought
See History & Faith page 10
10
Around Town Remembering Hearts Forever will have a meeting Thursday, Oct. 22 at Union Bank Community Room from 6:30 p.m. - 8p.m. The Regular meeting agenda includes discussing the upcoming Candle Lighting, which is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. OLT Wednesday Night at the Lyric is hosting Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd in the hilarious film “Ghostbusters” at 6:30 PM on October 14. Admission is free, CDC guidelines including masks and social distancing are still in effect. The film is rated PG13. The Elks Lodge is seeking donations for their annual Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets. For more information contact the Lodge at 479-394-3740. Property Tax Deadline is Oct. 15 One week remains to pay real estate and personal property taxes without penalty. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, only two customers are allowed in the office at a time, so be prepared to wait longer if paying in person. There is a dropbox located outside the office door if you would like to put your tax payment in it and a receipt will be mailed. Payments may also be mailed to 507 Church Ave or online at tax.countyservice.net. The Mena Art Gallery will be open extended hours during October to give people a chance to see the national Art of the Heartland Show. October hours are: Friday, Oct. 16, 3 pm - 7 pm; Saturday, Oct. 17, 3pm - 7 pm; Sunday, Oct. 18, Noon - 3 pm; Friday, Oct. 23, 3 pm - 7 pm; Saturday, Oct. 24, 3 pm 7 pm; Sunday, Oct. 25, Noon - 3 pm. For more information contact Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena Street, at 479-394-3880. It’s easy to have your event listed in Around Town, which will be read on radio stations KENA and KQOR daily. Simply send your Around Town announcement to news@mypulsenews. com or call 479-243-9600 and let us know! To have the event listed in the paper, we need to know by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community! Have an Around Town event or announcement? Email news@mypulsenews.com or call 479-243-9600
October 14, 2020
History & Faith
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
continued from page 9 God had no place in or even wanted any on earth. This is true, regardless of what is place in. Such areas could be business deal- being taught to the contrary in our nation’s ings, hobbies, politics, how we spend our colleges and universities and what is being money, and even others. We are to honor passed off as journalism in much of the God in our everything because He is to be media. THE God of our everything! This is often So, what is a Christian to do this fall? referred to as having and living a Christian Same as we are always to be doing. An elecworldview, where we see everything by the tion year does not preclude our marching light of biblical principles and through the orders to be Christians and be the Church lens of Jesus Christ. In the words of Chris- in the fullness of her expression. However, tian author and teacher, Oswald Chambers, a part of this includes our role as citizens of “We are apt to forget that a man is not only our communities, state and nation where committed to Jesus Christ for salvation; he God has placed and planted us. As one of is committed to Jesus Christ’s view of God, God’s ordained institutions, government is of the world, of sin and of the devil, and within the realm of our responsibility and this will mean that he must recognize the our prayers and deserves its share of our responsibility of being transformed by the utmost attention (Romans 13). Who we renewing of his mind.” [2 Corinthians 10:5] choose to be our leaders must be informed How this plays out in all aspects of by our relationship with God and the biblife would make an extensive discussion, so lical principles of our faith. These men and here I will focus on but one aspect and one women may or may not be believers and many of us do not like to consider - politics. we may or may not like them, but here is How many times have you read or heard: where the rubber meets the road: do their Don’t mix politics and religion! However, concerns, decisions proposals and policies we should want to mix them. Why is that? reflect those timeless and proven princiFirst, politics at its core is but one reflection ples of individual freedom, liberty of conof morality – our morality and our faith. science, and equality before God and under Our religious belief system is or should be the law. Do they stand firm on the sanctity, the source of our morality and therefore dignity and ultimate worth of human life in the driver and compass of our politics. Sec- a nation of ever increasing secular humanond, can you think of any other segment ism, moral relativism, division, and politiof our culture that is more in need of the cal and cultural tribalism? qualities of personal virtue and character So, by whose light will you choose to which Christianity instills? Maybe “mixing see - through whose lens will you focus? politics and religion” in this context might How you and I answer this question will not be such a bad idea..... not only determine the outcome of the Then, there is the other side - where elections this fall, but most importantly will many Christians would prefer (and maybe either authenticate or discredit our claim to expect) that ALL our elected leaders, espe- the Christian faith. And, it may determine cially the president, be Christians. Howev- whether or not we will retain the freedom er, that is not likely to happen and in reality bequeathed to us by God, articulated and should it really need to? Throughout bible preserved for us by our country’s Foundhistory, God raised leaders of all charac- ers, and fought and died for by hundreds of ter and backgrounds to serve His great- thousands of our patriots. er purpose and He still does. Even those “You and I are told we must choose bewho were among His greatest leaders were tween a left or right, but I suggest there flawed and some committed reprehensible is no such thing as a left or right. There is violations against Him, such as David. Yet, only an up or down. Up to man’s age-old he remained a man after God’s own heart. dream -- the maximum of individual freeIn 2020, God hasn’t changed and nei- dom consistent with order --or down to the ther has man. God still desires that hu- ant heap of totalitarianism. Regardless of manity and nations honor Him. America’s their sincerity, their humanitarian motives, Judeo/Christian heritage and moral order those who would sacrifice freedom for sedid so to a great extent and helped advance curity have embarked on this downward Biblical principles and those inherent foun- path.” (Ronald Reagan) “Each new power dational truths expressed in her founding won by man is a power over man as well.” documents further than in any other place (C.S. Lewis)
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse ISSUE NUMBER 3 Changing Arkansas’ Citizen Initiative Process, Votes Required for Legislative Proposals, and Publication Requirements POPULAR NAME: A constitutional amendment to amend the process for the submission, challenge, and approval of proposed initiated acts, constitutional amendments, and referenda BALLOT TITLE: An amendment to the Arkansas Constitution to amend the process for the submission, challenge, and approval of proposed initiated acts, constitutional amendments, and referenda.
What is being proposed?
Voters are being asked to approve changes to Arkansas’ citizen initiative process, the number of votes required for legislative ballot issues, and publication requirements for legislative ballot titles. Specifically, this amendment would change Article 5, Section 1 of the Arkansas Constitution, known as “Initiatives and Referendum.”
The proposed changes would: 1. Change the date when voter signatures are due for statewide ballot measures proposed by the public. Instead of four months ahead of the general election, the due date would be set as January 15 of the election year. 2. Increase the number of counties where voter signatures must be collected for statewide ballot measures and referendums proposed by the public, from 15 counties to 45
October 14, 2020
Voters Guide: BALLOT ISSUE 3
counties. 3. Establish April 15 of the election year as the deadline for filing lawsuits challenging statewide ballot measures proposed by the public. 4. Eliminate the ability of statewide ballot issue groups to collect and submit additional signatures from voters to put a proposed constitutional amendment, state law or referendum on the ballot if the frst round of signatures submitted to the Secretary of State do not meet the threshold. This is often called a “cure period.” 5. Eliminate the cure period for local ballot measures on a city or county-wide ballot if the first round of signatures submitted to the city or county clerk does not meet the threshold. 6. Eliminate a section requiring that a person challenging the validity of a ballot issue petition in court has the burden to prove the petition is invalid. The impact of this change is not clear. 7. Add a sentence to the constitution that extends a deadline that falls on a weekend or holiday, to the next day that isn’t a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. Who can propose constitutional amendments? The legislature and Arkansas citizens can change the existing state constitution through the ballot issue process. Legislators have the right to refer ballot issues to the public. They can propose up to three amendments on the General Election ballot. Legislators also have the authority to propose a fourth amendment if it deals with legislative salaries.
The ability for citizens to petition voters was first put in place in 1910, though it wasn’t cemented in law until 1925 when the Arkansas Supreme Court upheld Amendment 7 of 1920 that spelled out the citizen initiative process that is in the Constitution today. Arkansas is one of 15 states that allow citizens the ability to collect voter signatures to put a proposed state law, constitutional amendment, or referendum on the ballot for voters to decide. A ballot issue group must file a statement of organization with the Arkansas Ethics Commission if any money is raised or spent on a campaign. According to historical sources, Arkansas legislators referred 124 constitutional amendments to voters between 1884 and 2018. Voters approved 71 of those measures and rejected 53 proposals. The same sources show that between 1912 and 2018, citizen-led groups succeeded in putting 77 amendments on the ballot for voters to decide. Voters approved 36 of those measures and rejected 41. Citizen-led groups also proposed 31 state laws. Voters approved 16 of the measures and rejected 15 proposals. During that same time period, seven state laws adopted by the legislature were put on the ballot as referendums. Voters decided to keep two of the laws and overturned the rest. Many of the proposals made since 1874 have dealt with similar subject matter. For example, taxes, casino gaming and term limits have been the subject of multiple proposals over the decades.
19
What do supporters say?
• In Arkansas, out-of-state interest groups have taken advantage of the current initiative process by buying signatures in the parts of Arkansas that have large populations and predominantly one type of ideology. By collecting signatures there, these interest groups can affect governance to the left when our state has predominantly gone middle to the slightly middle right. Entities like casinos, marijuana, higher minimum wage, and things that were introduced to the state by large special interest groups; things that the liberal-type entities want to get across our country. • The Arkansas Constitution should be held as our sacred governing document, and should not be easily changed by outside influence. Issue 3 would build a layer of protection around the constitution. • This proposal requires a specified number of citizens in 60% of the counties to sign a petition or yes votes by 60% of the legislature to put a measure on the ballot. These changes seek to ensure that the only measures placed on the ballot will have been considered important by a significant number of Arkansans. • Both the Courts and electors benefit from a deadline to file lawsuits. The court is given ample time to rule on the proposal and if a proposal is removed from the ballot by the court, it should be done before money has been raised and spent to support or oppose a measure.
What do opponents say?
• It will make it virtually impossible to get a petition on the ballot and that’s their goal. • If the politicians wanted to protect our constitution then they should have proposed an amendment to restrict the number of amendments that they can refer since over 80% of the amendments originated with the legislature. But they did not, and the reason that they did not is that this is not about the number of amendments to the constitution that have been approved by voters. It is an attempt by the politicians to take power away from the people. • If everyday Arkansans couldn’t propose ballot measures, the minimum wage in Arkansas would still only be $8.50 an hour. But in 2018, because of a citizen-led ballot measure, over 68 percent of Arkansas voters approved an increase in the pay of hardworking people. • It would make it much more difficult for citizen-led ballot measures to collect the signatures they need to get their proposal on the ballot. It would more than double the requirement for the number of counties where signatures would be collected, from 15 to 45 counties. More signatures required means more money would have to be spent to collect signatures; so only the biggest, best-financed campaigns could succeed in moving their measure forward. It would also decrease the amount of time citizens can collect signatures for ballot measure petitions by about six months, adding yet another barrier to signature collection.
20 Law & Order
October 14, 2020
The following information was received from Polk County law enforcement agencies. The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts. Individuals charged and whose names appear in this column may submit documentation to us at a later date that the charges have been dismissed, or that they have been found innocent, and we will include that information in this space in a timely manner.
POLK COUNTY ARRAIGNMENTS Dustin Cole, white male, 34, is accused of one count of theft of property, a class C felony and one count of breaking and entering, a class D felony, on October 5th. Daniel R. Roberts, white male, 29, is accused of one count of failure to appear, a class C felony, on October 7th. Shannon Shaw, white male, 40, is accused of one count of probation violation, on October 1st. Lenard J. Barnett, unknown male, 31, is accused of one count of commercial burglary, a class C felony, and one count of theft of property, a class B felony on October 5th.
MENA POLICE REPORT October 4, 2020 A juvenile was charged with Curfew Violation after contact on Ninth Street. A theft report was taken from a person at University of Arkansas Rich Mountain. October 5, 2020 A suspicious person report was taken at Union Bank. October 6, 2020 Cody James, 20, was served with two warrants after a traffic stop at McMillan Park. James Smith, 51, was served with a warrant at the Polk County Jail. Caleb Clausen, 20, was served with a warrant at the Polk County Jail. A report of financial identity fraud was taken from a walk-in complainant. Dessiree Watson, 38, was charged with Theft of Property-Lost, Mislaid, or Delivered by Mistake after a com-
plaint from a person at Walmart. Shawn Morrison, 36, was served with a warrant at the Polk County Jail. Danielle Stewart, 29, was served with a warrant at the Polk County Jail. April Poor, 41, was served with a warrant at the Polk County Jail. October 7, 2020 A report of financial identity fraud was taken from a walk-in complainant. A report of financial identity fraud was taken from a walk-in complainant. October 8, 2020 A report of a theft was taken at Be-Boppers Inn. John White, 35, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Reeves Avenue. A report of domestic battery was taken on Cherry Street. Michael Poe, 51, was charged with Obstructing Governmental Operations, Terroristic Threatening, Possession of Methamphetamine, Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms, Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Quincy Young, 39, was charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Ginger Acquaah, 39, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Suspects were charged after a disturbance call on Warner Avenue. A report of trespassing was taken on Hidden Valley. A report of forgery was taken from The Tire Shop. A report of harassing communication was taken on Lakeside Drive. A report of disorderly conduct was taken at the hospital. October 10, 2020 A report of a suicide attempt was taken on Church Street. (All subjects should be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law)
POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORT October 5, 2020 Report from complainant on Polk 50 near Potter of the theft of a flag valued at $100.00. Deputy responded. Report of a child playing in the highway on 375E near Dallas Valley. Deputy responded. Report from a campus near Mena of a stolen laptop valued at $300.00. Investigation continues. Report from complainant on Rodgers Drive near Cove of the violation of an Order of Protection led to the arrest of Matthew B. Parnell, 28, of Cove on Charges of Violation of an Order of Protection, Failure to Appear, and Violation of an Order of Protection. Report from a campus near Mena of a stolen laptop valued at $300.00. Investigation continues. Report from complainant on Azalea Lane near Acorn of identity fraud. Report from complainant on Hwy 8W near Rocky of the theft of a firearm valued at $400.00. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Polk 282 near Hatfield of damage done to a fence by a vehicle. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Hwy 88E near Cherry Hill of the theft of a license plate. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Hwy 71N near Acorn of a stolen debit card. Deputy responded. Arrested by an Officer with the Grannis Police Department was Dustin J. Cole, 34, of Dequeen on a Charge of Theft of Property. October 6, 2020 Report from complainant on Hwy 375E near Dallas Valley of vandalism. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Polk 70 near Acorn of the theft of a chainsaw and weed eater valued at $500.00. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Polk 121 near Shady Grove of the theft of a chain link dog pen valued at $500.00. Deputy responded.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse Report from complainant on Polk 42 near Potter of a stray bullet striking a house. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Polk 36 near Hatfield of a disturbance over a horse. Deputy responded. Information forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration. Report from complainant on Port Arthur near Hatfield of a burglary. Deputy responded. Arrested was Daniel R. Roberts, 29, of Mena on a Warrant for Failure to Appear. October 7, 2020 Report from complainant on Hwy 88E near Ink of trespassing. Deputy responded. Report of a disturbance on Hwy 8E near Board Camp led to the arrest of Benito A. Munoz, 51, of Mena on two Warrants for Failure to Comply. Arrested was Cheyenne N. Smith, 26, of Hatfield on two Charges of Failure to Appear. October 8, 2020 Report of an incident involving Facebook and text messages. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Wayback Lane near Cove of identity fraud. Report from complainant on Barrett Lane near Wickes of a prowler. Deputy responded. Arrested was Aldeen E. Quillin, 50, of Mena on a Warrant for Failure to Comply. October 9, 2020 Report from complainant on Hwy 88W near Acorn of identity fraud. Report from two complainants on Longhorn Trail near Oden of identity fraud. Report of a disturbance involving a juvenile. Deputy responded. Report of a lost hunter on Polk 409 near Cove. Deputies responded. Hunter was later located.
Sheriff ’s Report continued on Page 26
THE POLK COUNTY
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October 14, 2020
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Wanderlust and Arkansas Dust
22 Living
Lessons in finishing the hike By Lacey Yoakem
The very first memory I have of a “hard” hike was with my aunt Vicki Hughes. She is THE wilderness woman in my opinion. All I could remember about that trail while growing up was how much my brother and I complained with every step we took, or didn’t want to take rather... and that constant uphill climb. Have no mercy, take no prisoners type of climb. Or so
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it seemed to an 8 year-old me. The most vivid memory of that trail was the last rock we sat on to take a break. The rock was elongated with this neat little sitting indention where a moment was just meant to be taken. A breath meant to be caught. It was seemingly shaped specifically for a tired tuccus. Pioneers had certainly taken a break on this rock. I laid my whole mashed potato down on its cold surface and regretted my life choices. The choice I made to hike with THE wilderness woman. At that rock was when my Aunt accepted that we were not happy hikers, it was time to admit defeat. It was time to head back to the vehicle. My brother and I were so relieved. Throughout the years I never forgot about that rock. It was etched into my memory as a saving grace and also a symbol of defeat. What trail were we even on? When I became a mom, my kids and I would walk the trails at the information center on Rich Mountain regularly. The Natural State has limitless, inexpensive, family friendly outdoor activities and being a single parent, inexpensive was my love language.... with the bonus of effortless nap time afterwards. When my kids were barely able to walk, we’d wander the .5 mile, paved self-guided Orchard Trail. This trail has an old pioneer cellar, and 2 separate wells. If you look beyond the paved
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Photo courtesy of Lacey Yoakem Columnist Lacey Yoakem and her children on Fern Trail eight years ago. trail, you can faintly see where fruit trees were once planted. There are also information posts about the vegetation and the terrain surrounding the trail. As my kids got older and more independent, we moved onto a less accommodating .6 mile trail, Fern Loop. Fern Loop has a natural spring that flows along the length of the trail, the trail that’s plentiful with various kinds of moss and ferns. It also has some immediate switchbacks and ventures you down then you wind back up the hillside. The spring, however, is not always flowing during the summer months so do NOT rely on it to cool you off as my son and I discovered one hot, humid, awful, sweltering jungle type of day. Fern Loop also intersects with other trails, plus an old logging road. Make sure you do your research. As many times as I’ve been on these trails, I have
most my sense of direction more than once. And. Let. Me. Tell. You. There is a special sense of urgency when the sun starts to disappear over the horizon, and the owls start whooty whooting. Then there was this one time at dusk when I carelessly meant to take a step over a broken limb and that limb was actually a copperhead. You live. You learn. Hike smarter, not harder. Eventually we moved on to more challenging trails such as Southern Loop and Settlers Trail. Both these trails intersect with Fern Loop and both my kids didn’t care much for these trails, but this momma loves em. Southern Loop is my favorite. Southern Loop has a man-made watering hole that flows directly out of the mountain side. As you saunter further
See Wanderlust page 24
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
October 14, 2020
Living 23
Ouachita Bushcraft & Survival
PRIMITIVE SURVIVAL SKILLS By Steve Stillwell
It’s easy to start a fire with matches, or a lighter, but how many of you reading this article have the knowledge to do this using raw materials, and Stone Age techniques? The big question is; WHAT IF you were lost in the wilderness and you dropped your matches somewhere along the trail before becoming disoriented? Your breath quickens, you reach into your pockets, nothing ‒ and then you notice that daylight is fading fast, the temperature is plummeting, and the risk of freezing to death is an imminent reality! On one of my recent camping trips, my good friend, and fellow Bushcraft aficionado, Morris McCann lit our campfire using nothing but a primitive bow drill. Needless to say, I was impressed, because this takes patience, practice, and a little bit of talent, but if he can do it, so can you! Back to our scenario; if you’re wearing shoes, or boots, you can use your laces to make a small, flexible bow, after locating the appropriate size tree-limb. The Ouachita National Forest is brimming with raw materials and deadwood, so you don’t have to look very far. All that you need to complete this kit is a straight wooden spindle, a bearing block, and a hearth-board with a small notch cut in the side. Dead seasoned cottonwoods, willows, pines, and even cedars should be used for construction, just make sure that everything’s dry. Hopefully you didn’t lose your pocket knife, but if you did, you’ll need to find a sharp stone to finish the task. If you’re experienced, these things can be done in a relatively short amount of time, but again, this take practice. When your fire-starter is complete, you’ll need a tender bundle to place your hot coal inside of. Processed cedar or cottonwood bark is excellent. Make sure that you have plenty of kindling, and larger pieces of wood in position, because your first try is usually your best. The last thing you need at this point is to have your fire go out, because you didn’t gather enough wood. Char-cloths, flint and steel, and fire piston starters are more modern methods of fire ignition, but technically speaking, these are still considered, OLD SCHOOL and PRIMITIVE METHODS. A word of advice from Mr. McCann; bow drills require a little physical exertion, and you might break a sweat! Be very careful not to let any of your perspiration drip on the fire-board, because this could extinguish your coal, or render
Photo courtesy of Steve Stillwell Being able to start a fire using raw materials is an essential skill..
See Survival page 24
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Soliciting agent for Arkansas Blue Cross, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Plans available only to residents in Arkansas.
Survival continued from page 23
your kit inoperable. It’s interesting to know that science and common sense are still applicable, even when you’re pretending to be a Caveman. McCann and I have enjoyed camping together in different seasons, sometimes in foul weather, and during our first outing, he shared some very interesting information with me. For those of you who aren’t familiar, renowned survivalist Cody Lundin who costarred on the television series, DUAL SURVIVAL teaches primitive and modern survival classes, by appointment only. McCann had the opportunity to attend, and he enjoyed Cody’s classes so much that he’s traveled back to Arizona for additional sessions. He also stated that Cody is an extremely knowledgeable individual, who takes his work seriously, yet at the same time, he’s very humble. Some of the best instructors I’ve known never claim to be experts, because in my opinion, we can always learn more, and every year I do. If you’re interested in networking, attending survival classes, or sharing general information, please join our Facebook page, OUACHITA BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL.
196 Hwy. 980, Mena, AR 71953
WE ARE HIRING
AIRCRAFT SHEET METAL MECHANICS A&P AIRCRAFT MECHANICS INSPECTORS Ha Hampton Aviation is seeking Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanics, A&P Aircraft Mechanics and Inspectors with a minimum of 3-5 years experience on military and general aviation aircraft. King Air, Beechjet, Shorts 330 and Citation experience a plus. Competitive salaries based on experience. Paid vacations and holidays. 100%employer-sponsored medical coverage, long term disability, and life insurance plan. 401k retirement program with 50% matching program. Dental, vision, accident and short-term disability plans av available. Climate controlled building. Background Check and Random Drug/Alcohol Testing. Apply in person or contact Lisa Walker at lisa@hamptonaviation.com for a job application.
Hampton Aviation - 196 Hwy. 980, Mena, AR 71953
Pulse
October 14, 2020
Wanderlust continued from page 22
down the trail, this is when you should embrace the wanderlust. Allow yourself to wonder, to wander; what was, what is, what could be. If you search hard enough you may stumble upon a weathered hole in the ground with an underground spring. That, in my past experience, flows all year round despite weather conditions. And that is why it’s my favorite trail. I’m a simple hiker. At the information center they provide pamphlets that map out most of the trails on Rich Mountain. The hardest to the easiest. The longest trail to the shortest. At 2.3 miles, Earthquake Ridge was amongst the more challenging trails simply because over a mile of the trail is an immediate incline that eventually leads you up and over highway 88 to the other side of the road where you finally start to descend down the mountain. My friend and I knew Earthquake Ridge was a more strenuous trail but a new trail nonetheless. So we did what any responsible adults would do, and we brought five preteens to hike it with us. Another example of those good choices I regret making. But to my surprise, all five kids had a real Can Do Attitude. They all took off ahead of us, being jolly and carefree, really connecting with nature... Then we watched them get slower, and slower... and slower. By this time we were maybe a quarter of a mile in when we ALL started to complain. No one brought enough water, everyone’s thighs were chafing, one kid blew out a flip flop. Abort mission. So we propelled ourselves back down the mountain to the car where we gave thanks to the good Lord for air conditioning and a water fountain. When we came down off the mountain that day, I reminisced back to when my aunt tried to hike that uphill climb with me and my brother. I thought
about how disheartening all our complaints must have been for my aunt. The feeling of frustration and defeat with the five preteens lingered with me for days. I was not gonna allow another unfinished, “hard” trail to settle into my memory again. A few days later, with better preparation and yoga pants, my friend and I made a second attempt to hike Earthquake Ridge. We had our hiking sticks, hydration packs, Merrell footwear, and a Can Do Attitude!!! After about our 18th break to catch our breath, I wanted to quit but I knew we were almost to the highway crossing due to close noise of passing vehicles. Fueled by the anticipation of the downhill relief that was soon approaching... Until I saw it... The very rock that’d been etched into my memory 25 years prior. The symbol I carried around as a reminder of defeat and the very principle behind why I made the second attempt to finish this trail, not knowing it was THAT trail. I. Was. Thrilled. That excitement trumped any exhaustion I’d felt. I was ready to run the trail. I was ready to swing from the branches like the primal wilderness woman I became that day. Twenty five years later, I finally finished the one trail that I could never shake off my mind. Since the day I finished Earthquake Ridge, I’ve made it a goal to finish any adventure I start. Whether its finding a landmark, finding a waterfall, making it to the summit, whatever goal I set for whatever trail I hike, I make sure to accomplish that goal. If I don’t reach my goal the first time, guarantee there will be a second time. My name is Lacey Yoakem, and I’m a determined tree hugger with many more adventures to be had. For more photos, stories, information and trails follow me on Facebook or Instagram at “Wanderlust and Arkansas Dust.” Happy Hiking!
“That
e xc item ent trumped any exhaustion I’d felt “
24 Living
Pulse
October 14, 2020
Puzzles 25 10.14.20
10.14.20
ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 10.07.20
26 Classifieds Sheriff ’s Report Cont. Report of a disturbance involving a juvenile. Deputy responded. Report of a lost hunter on Polk 409 near Cove. Deputies responded. Hunter was later located. Arrested was Hunter M. Frost, 22, of Mena on three Charges of Domestic Battery 2nd Degree. October 10, 2020 Report of an altercation on Hwy 71S near Hatfield. Deputy responded. Report from complainant near Lake Wilhelmina of a missing family member. Deputy responded. Family member was later located. October 11, 2020 Report from School Street near Cove of problems involving neighbors. Deputy responded. Report of problems involving child custody exchange. Deputy responded. Report of a disturbance on Main
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
October 14, 2020 Street near Wickes led to the arrest of Samuel C. Henley, 38, of Wickes on two Warrants for Failure to Appear and Charges of Disorderly Conduct, Public Intoxication, Possession of Meth or Cocaine, Possession of Schedule I or II, Possession of Schedule VI, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Report from complainant on Dalton Lane near Vandervoort of trespassing and a domestic disturbance. Deputy responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration. Report from complainant on Hwy 71S near Cove of a dispute between family members. Deputy responded. Polk County Sheriff ’s Office worked four vehicle accidents this week. Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 23 Incarcerated Inmates, with 11 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.
CLASSIFIEDS - SERVICES - YARD SALE Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also light deliveries. (870)4901191 T102120 Land Clearing, Tree Service, RC Customz can handle your construction needs, mulching and more. Military discounts available. Insured. Call (479)216-2976 for Free estimate. T12302020
- FOR SALE For Sale- Baldwin Howard Grand Piano Stand 5ft 2 in. Manufactured in 1959. Asking $500. T10072020 For Sale- Selling all lawn equipment and tools, Mahindra tractor, Polaris ATV, 8,000W generator, log splitter and much more. Located in Mena. Moving due to health. Call (954)764-3865 for appt. T101420
For Sale- Regulation size pool table $800 or best offer. Call (479)394-4887 T102120 For Sale- Kimball piano, made in the 1970’s. Asking $200. Call (479)394-6429 T102120
Yard Sale- 3 Family Sale- Fri and Sat Oct. 16-17, 8 AM-5 PM, at 505 Lake Circle. Unique indoor animated Christmas decorations, new canning jars, snow baby collectibles, NEW pioneer woman, Paula Dean, Ina Garnet cookbooks, Brighton jewelry, some coins. Baby, adult, and plus size clothing. NEW blood glucose monitor, lancing device with lancet, wheel chair, crutches, gas cans, magnabox camcorder, office supplies, VHS/ DVD player, walky-talkys, 1963 TV guide, and books galore. Huge bags of new crochet thread, umbrella girl quilt top, brand name makeup and perfumes, purses, shoes, new home decor, movies, 2 flat screen TVs, computer monitor with speakers, and much more.
Has Your
Weekend Project Become A
5 Year Lawn Ornament?
Maybe It’s Time To List It
- YARD SALE Yard Sale- HUGE 5 family garage sale Friday and Saturday, Oct 16 & 17, 9 AM?? Lots of furniture and household items, children’s clothing, bedding, home decor, and a hunting rifle. 209 Eve St in Mena Yard Sale- Friday Oct. 23rd from 9 AM-3 PM, 107 Cemetary Rd in Hatfield. Retro dinette set, dishes, pictures, lamps, and more.
MENA REAL ESTATE
Polk County Pulse Classifieds
Farrell & Sharon Cole The Cole Team
816 S. Mena St. Mena, AR 71953 Office: (479) 394-5000 www.FarrellCole.com www.MenaRealEstate.com
479-394-7301
1102 Crestwood Circle Mena, AR 71953
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
News 27
October 14, 2020
Ballot includes national and local offices Hatfield Council Member, Position 1 Diane Osborne Paige Self
LOCAL ELECTIONS
Staff Report
Readers, this page is not only for your information, but may also serve as a sample ballot. After marking your candidate or position of choice, take this page with you to the poll to simplify voting. Based on a voter’s district and precinct, the ballot will include the following elections: U.S. President/Vice President Phil Collins/Billy Joe Parker Brian Carroll/Amar Patel Gloria La Riva/Sunil Freeman Kanye West/Michelle Tidball John Richard Myers/ Tiara Suzanne Lusk Joseph R. Biden/Kamala Harris Brock Pierce/Karla Ballard Howie Hawkins/Angela Walker Donald J. Trump/Michael R. Pence C.L. Gammon/Phil Collins Don Blankenship/William Mohr Roque “Rocky” De La Fuenta/ Darcy G. Richardson Jo Jorgensen/Jeremy “Spike” Cohen
JP District 3 Levi Ellison Harold Coogan
Constable — Eagle Township Jimmy Titsworth Ray Hagler Constable – Potter Township James Richardson Eddie Price Mena Council Member Ward 3 Position 2 Larry Stewart Edwin Gibson
Beth Polo Beckel RD LD CDE our local licensed nutrition educator will always be in one place...
U.S. Senate Senator Tom Cotton Ricky Dale Harrington, Jr.
(479) 216-7149 Over 25 years experience! Call today for a ffree estimate!
State Issue 3: Changing Arkansas’ Citizen Initiative Process, Votes Required For Legislative Ballot Issue Proposals and Publication Requirements A constitutional amendment to amend the process for the submission, challenge, and approval of proposed initiated acts, constitutional amendments and referenda For Against
CutestPet Ouachita
Siren
Equine Clinic
F7 Welding Services
Mike Brown - Owner
State Issue 1: 0.5% Sales Tax for State Highways, County Roads, City Streets, Bridges, and Other Surface Transportation An amendment to the Arkansas Constitution continuing a one-half percent (0.5%) sales and use tax for state highways and bridges; county roads, bridges and other surface transportation; and city streets, bridges, and other surface transportation after the retirement of the bonds authorized in Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 91. For Against
made possible by your friends at
U.S. Congress District 4 Rep. Bruce Westerman Frank Gilbert William H. Hanson
Mobile Welding & Repair MIG, TIG, & Stick Welding
STATE BALLOT ISSUES
JP District 5 Troy Lunsford Russell Scott Kiersey
State Issue 2: Arkansas Term Limits Amendment A constitutional amendment to amend the term limits applicable to members of the General Assembly, to be known as the “Arkansas Term Limits Amendment” For Against
Call 394.7301 to make your appointment! All ages WELCOME.
SERVING ALL YOUR SMALL & LARGE ANIMAL NEEDS
479-394-7185 Randy J. Burgess D.V.M.
2920 Hwy. 71 N, Mena, AR 71953
HOURS:
Mon. - Wed. 8am-5pm Fri. 8am-3pm Closed on Thurs. Submit your cute pet to
pulsemmnews@mypulsenews.com
Owners Matt and Tori Stockton
28
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
October 14, 2020
Happy Halloween! Coloring Contest Rules : 1. Have fun creating your work of art! 2. Don’t get help from grown-ups. We want to see your creative talents. 3. Crayons, colored pencils, and markers only. No paints or glitter please. 4. No children of Pulse employees are eligible. 5. Fill out your name, age, and a working phone number to be considered in the competition. 6. All submissions must be dropped off at any of the Sponsor locations no later than October 23rd at noon. 7. Contest in NOT limited to Polk County youth but is open to all children who will be able to be at the Pulse office at 4pm on Oct 26th to claim their prize and have their pictures taken for the paper! 8. HAVE FUN!! PRIZES AWARDED IN EACH AGE DIVISION: 1st Place (0-4 yrs) 1st Place (5-7 yrs) 1st Place (8-10 yrs) 1st Place (11-13 yrs)
Fire, Water, Upholstery, Smoke Damage, Ultra-Sonic Cleaning Science & Electronic Restoration
479-394-1840
Winning entries will be published in the October 28th issue of The Polk County Pulse! Additional coloring sheets are available at mypulsenews.com or The Polk County Pulse Facebook page!