The Polk County Pulse - April 10, 2024

Skies clear in time for solar eclipse

By Ethan Nahté

When the first hint of the moon moving between the Earth and sun occurred, people quit milling about and began finding a location to sit and enjoy the event at Janssen Park. Once it began, it really felt like time was moving a

bit quicker as more and more of the sun was hidden from view. There were several cell phones out taking photos and videos. There were also a few telescopes and DSLR cameras.

As it grew darker, Venus could be seen off to the sun's right while Neptune hid behind it approxi-

Judge urges residents to take the broadband challenge process

The Polk County Broadband Initiative (PCBI) met Wednesday, April 3. They discussed the challenge process that concludes on April 19. The process allows the public to challenge whether an individual address is considered “served” with quality internet, or not.

All census blocks in Polk County that are considered “unserved” or “underserved” will be eligible for BEAD funding to build out quality internet coverage, in Polk County. Quality internet coverage is defined as 100mbps download x 20mbps upload.

Polk County Judge Brandon Ellison said, “This challenge process, although I don’t think there is much to challenge. If you tear that map down that we have posted online and look at it. If you clear the map of its filters and you really get to see what it is they’re actually saying is served, I don’t have a big disagreement with that.

“We will get BEAD funding for areas that are either not served

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1168 Hwy 71S

Mena, AR 71953

Phone: 479-243-9600

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Swap Shop-479-394-2800

Email: news@mypulsenews.com

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A video from Jan. 27, 2024, showed a group of illegal immigrants in New York City kicking two uniformed New York City police officers as they wrestled on the ground with a suspect they were attempting to arrest. Several assailants were arrested and released, without bond, promising to appear to answer for their crimes. As they left the police station they were filmed “flipping the bird” to news crews. So much for gratitude to the country affording them a chance at a new life. How is that sanctuary city thing working out for you?

terrorists, drugs, and weapons that come into our country with them. Our borders are porous, and no effort is being made to rectify that.

It is laughable to hear any politician speak with fake outrage that one party is failing to help fix the border. Both parties have had decades to address the issue, but failed to put Americans first, in more ways than one.

A few days later, several of these same suspects were arrested in Phoenix, Arizona, at a bus station as they tried to flee to California to avoid prosecution in New York. Let that sink in. They were initially released into our country promising to appear for hearings to become U.S. citizens. If you think for a moment all of these illegals will appear as promised, then you are beyond naive. I know it is not fair to judge all for the actions of a few, but when your first act is to enter the U.S. illegally rather than abide by the law and come here legally, you demonstrated you will not abide by our laws. This is not a one-time thing. Daily, there are news stories of illegals committing crimes of organized retail theft, motor vehicle violations resulting in death and destruction, home invasions, rape, murder, gang violence, and assault to name a few. This does not include the

This is an election year, and another opportunity exists to elect those who make promises and may actually keep them. I encourage you to do some research and vote for who you feel will make a positive difference. Search for the truth, not who puts the best spin on a lie we have heard before. Get involved and let these folks know we are watching them and will hold them accountable with our votes and voices. Wake up! Speak up! Make a difference!

At the risk of offending, I feel every illegal in this country should be deported but afforded the opportunity to come back legally after being vetted. U.S. citizens who commit crimes get locked up, but not illegals. U.S. citizens pay for health care, but not illegals. U.S. citizens pay taxes, but not illegals. Enough! If you cannot contribute, then you are a leech, and we have no blood left to suck.

As always, I thank you for a

forum to address my thoughts though we may peacefully disagree.

With respect and kindest regards, Ronald Goss, retired, Mena

The Ouachita Children’s Coalition (formerly CASA of the Ouachita Region) and the Mena Children’s Advocacy Center have moved to a new location housing them both at 1308 N. U.S. Hwy. 71, Mena. They held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on April 4 after Mena Mayor Seth Smith signed a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Awareness Month. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Food commodities distributed on April 19

By Ethan Nahté

ARVAC, Inc. will distribute The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) commodities. These commodities will be distributed Friday, April 19, at the Polk County Fairgrounds from 1:30-3:30 p.m. The information for the distribution is listed below.

This will be a drive-through distribution. They ask that everyone follow the instructions of the volunteers to ensure a safe and timely distribution.

An application will be completed at

the distribution site.

The income guidelines are based on 130% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

You cannot pick up commodities for more than two households.

Rules for acceptance and participation in the program are the same for everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, or handicap.

For more information, please call the local ARVAC, Inc. Office at 479394-4707.

CHALLENGE

continued from page 1 or are underserved,” Ellison said. Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) is the mapping challenge process he spoke about. “The areas that are funded, which is way more than what we were led to believe… there was a reverse auction. What they did on another type of funding two years ago and that’s where all of the green dots come from [on the challenge map].”

The previous process refers to the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) that was created to overhaul federal universal service in telecommunications. To put it succinctly, the reverse auction was a challenge to see which contractors could implement and provide service at the lowest bid that met a set of standards.

Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative (SWREA) owns Four States Fiber. Ellison said they were the company that got the contract on all of the RDOF funding in our area.

“When you first look at it, you think, ‘That RDOF covers a lot of our county and in the rural areas, they’re running a lot of [fiber] a lot of miles for very few customers. You think that’s great. It’s not.

“The negative to that is the RDOF funding — the completion of that doesn’t have to be until the end of 2028, so that’s the negative.

“But we got a verbal out of them — nothing formal — they wound up in the first of the BEAD funding last year of getting half of Montgomery County.”

Once the challenge deadline has passed on April 19, a 30-day re -

STAY ALERT. STAY INFORMED. STAY SAFE.

buttal, then a 30-day adjudication puts Polk County down somewhere in August. Then the bidding will begin for BEAD funding to fill in the gaps of areas currently not served or underserved that get added to the challenge process map, which is why it is important for every Polk County resident to take a look and determine their status by inputting their address.

Ellison said, “Hopefully it’s not the end of 2028, it’s more like the end of 2025 or 2026 maybe. I don’t really believe we’re going to have many challenges. The challenges have to come through me. I’m a registered challenger. It doesn’t have to go through me. It can go through John Maddox, or one of the J.P.s, or the elected officials like the mayor.

Ellison prefers any challenge go through him or one of those

he mentioned versus through the state email. “If we don’t challenge locally, I really believe they aren’t going to follow up on that because they over inundated. This whole thing is huge when you start looking at the map [of Arkansas]. You’ve got dots on nearly every address in the whole state. That’s a lot.”

The PCBI is asking the public

See CHALLENGE continued on page 8

Politics

From the

State House of Representatives

The 2024 Fiscal Session of the General Assembly will commence on April 10, 2024, at noon. Following the House’s initial convening, there will be a brief recess before a Joint Session with the Senate to hear the Governor’s address.

Administration presented the Governor’s balanced budget proposal during Pre-Fiscal Session hearings.

From the State Senate

Parents can now apply to the state Education Division for Education Freedom Accounts for next year.

Amendment 86 stipulates that the General Assembly will focus solely on the budget, with any discussion on legislation beyond the budget requiring a 2/3 majority agreement in both chambers.

The most recent revenue report showed March Net Available revenue at $34.4 million or 8.2 percent greater than last year and $67.2 million or 17.5 percent above forecast.

Net Available revenue results last month were above forecast in Individual Income Tax, Corporate Income Tax, and Sales Tax.

Year-to-date net available revenue is below last year’s levels but exceeds the forecast by 1.6%.

The proposed budget calls for a 1.76% spending increase. The budget prioritizes education, with increases proposed for the public school fund, career and technical education, and Educational Freedom Accounts. Additional funding is allocated for the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Arkansas State Police trooper school.

More than 70 appropriation bills have already been filed in preparation for the session.

Fiscal Sessions cannot extend beyond 30 days without a ¾ vote from both chambers, with a maximum extension of 15 days.

We will continue to update you as the session continues. Legislative proceedings, including the Governor’s address, can be viewed at arkansashouse.org.

The Department of Finance and Contact Your Legislators!

John Maddox

john.maddox@ arkansashouse.org

520 Church Avenue

Mena, AR 71953

Call: 479-394-6060

Terry Rice

Terry.Rice@senate.ar.gov

479-637-3100

Fort Smith, AR 72901

Phone: (479) 573-0189

Fax: (479) 575-0553

Bruce

Hot Springs, AR 71901

Phone: (501) 609-9796

Fax: (501) 609-9887

The application period began the first day of April. This school year about 5,000 students are benefitting from the accounts, and more children will be eligible next year.

Eligible families may receive up to 90% of the amount of per student foundation funding for last year. In the 2024-25 school year, that amount will be about $6,856 per Education Freedom Account (EFA).

An education official estimated that 14,000 students would take advantage of EFAs next school year. Families can apply online at efas.ade.arkansas.gov

Expect to be notified of approvals in June.

The governor and the legislature created the accounts last year in Act 237, also known as the LEARNS Act.

The families of students who qualify receive financial help paying for schools of their choice. This year about 100 private schools have been approved to participate. The schools send invoices to the families, then the family uploads it to the student’s Education Freedom Account and an account manager sends funding to the school.

This year eligible students include first-time kindergarteners, students coming from schools that last year got an “F” on school report cards and students from districts in Level 5 of the state’s accountability process for gauging academic distress.

Also eligible this year are students from the Succeed Scholarship Program, which existed before the LEARNS Act was created last year. Children of active duty military personnel also qualify this year.

For the 2024-2025 school year, the criteria will be expanded to include

students from a school that got a “D” on school report cards. The children of military veterans and the children of emergency responders.

This year homeschooling expenses are not allowable under the Education Freedom Accounts program. However they will become allowable beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, when instructional and curriculum materials can be paid for through EFAs.

Homeschooled students will have to take the same national standardized tests that private school students take, and the results must be reported to the state Education Division. The expenses of taking the tests can be paid for through EFAs.

In the third year of the LEARNS Act, the 2025-2026 school year, all Arkansas students are eligible to apply for Education Freedom Accounts.

Revenue Report

Legislators return to the Capitol April 10 for the fiscal session. They will approve a state government budget for Fiscal Year 2025, which begins on July 1, 2024.

The state is in healthy financial shape, according to the most recent revenue report for March. Net general revenues were 17.5 percent above forecast. The solid performance was in all three of the major sources of tax revenue for state government – individual income taxes, corporate income taxes and sales taxes.

The governor has proposed a state general revenue budget of $6.31 billion, with most of the increases in spending dedicated to education.

Forecasters predict that the state will end Fiscal Year 2024 with a budget surplus of $240.5 million and that Fiscal Year 2025 will end with a surplus of $376.6 million.

John Maddox

Terry Rice

Linda LaRue Faulkner

Mrs. Linda LaRue Faulkner, age 83, entered eternal rest on April 4, 2024, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Linda was born in Mena, Arkansas, on January 30, 1941. She was the oldest daughter of Jim Tom and Marie Goss Williams. She had one sister, Sharon Marie Gore. Linda graduated from Mena High School in 1959 and married her high school sweetheart, James Lewis “Jimmy” Faulkner, during her senior year. They celebrated sixty years of marriage two months prior to his passing. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, sister, husband, and daughter-in-law, Donna Faulkner.

Linda and Jimmy resided in Mena for many years where they raised their two sons, Bobby and Scott, and enjoyed many close friendships. Mena was always home; however, following their retirements in 1999, Jimmy and Linda relocated to Greenwood, Arkansas, to be closer to family. At that time, Linda moved her church membership from First Baptist in Mena to First Baptist in Greenwood.

During her retirement years, Linda enjoyed planning trips and traveling with her closest friends around the United States. Together they visited 48 states and made wonderful memories. In her early years, she enjoyed sewing and gardening. Later her favorite pastimes became reading, following family and friends on Facebook, and calling the hogs on gameday.

Linda dearly loved her family and friends. Left to cherish her memory are her two sons, Bob (Rhonda) Faulkner of Mena and Scott (Valerie) Faulkner of Fort Smith; two grandchildren, Joshua Faulkner of Naples, Florida, and Abby (Robert) Saviers of Fort Smith; two great-granddaughters, Dahlia Marie Faulkner and Sloane Katherine Saviers; along with many other family members and friends who loved her dearly.

Services for Mrs. Linda LaRue

Faulkner will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Beasley-Wood Chapel in Mena, Arkansas. Visitation will be held an hour prior to services. Interment will follow services at Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Kenny Abbott, Jack Faulkner, Joshua Faulkner, Robert Saviers, Shawn Walker, and Tod Gore.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial be made to:

Betty Wilkerson Senior Center; P.O. Box 1300 Greenwood, AR 72936 Attn: Lisa Moore, or to Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries; 9701 W Markham St. Little Rock, AR 72205; www.arkansasfamilies.org Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com.

Mary Ann Plunkett

Mary Ann Plunkett was born in Mena, AR, on May 23, 1930. She is the daughter of Harry and Mina Sexton. She had one sister whose name was Francis Lyle. She also had five brothers. Who were Harry P. Rabb, John R. Rabb, William R. Rabb, Charles T. Rabb, and Richard G. Rabb. She is survived by brother Charles T. Rabb.

She is pre-deceased in death by husband, John Plunkett, from Vallejo, California.

Mary Ann was a member of the Mena Church of God in Mena, AR. She had a long and successful career working for the Bell telephone company. After her retirement, she moved back to Arkansas for the remainder of her life.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Pinecrest Cemetery in Mena, Arkansas with Brother Mark Lyle to officiate. Services are entrusted to Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Billy Don Bates

Billy Don Bates, 85, of Pine Ridge, AR, passed away April 3, 2024.

Billy was preceded in death by his father Willie (Bill) Bates, mother Hester Key Bates, sister Virginia Brumfield, brother-in-law Ernie Brumfield Sr., brother-in-law Apache Jim Wilson, and brother-in-law Noel Pitts.

Billy was born June 22, 1938, in Lee County, Arkansas, near Marianna. Billy grew up in eastern and western Arkansas, finally settling down in Montgomery County. Early life found Billy working in the cotton and soybean fields and raising chickens. Billy served six years in the Arkansas Air National Guard. In 1962, Billy married Charlotte Pitts. Billy was one of the first three hired at U.S. Motors, working there 35 years before his retirement.

Billy was very active in the Oden School system, serving many years on the school board. He was the Head Coach for the Summer League girls softball team, along with Coach Kathy Ellison, winning numerous championships and tournament wins. Billy was an avid outdoorsman with his deer and turkey hunting skills being second to none. Billy played on a traveling baseball team, men’s softball league, and was on a bowling league at the Pine Bowl for many years.

Billy is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Charlotte Bates, daughter Donna Wigginton and husband Steve, son Wesley Bates and wife Cheryl, sister Ines Wilson, and grandchildren Brad Bates and Allison Bates.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Beasley Wood Funeral Home from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 10:00 am at the Little Hope Baptist Church in Pine Ridge under the direction of Brother Andy Kennedy. Burial will be at the Pine Ridge

Cemetery following the funeral.

Pall bearers will be Brad Bates, Ernie Brumfield Jr., Thurston Coker, Kevin Zinke, Josh Belcher, and David Ricker.

A special thanks to Kam Dowdy and Catey Clark and all the Staff and residents at the Homewood Cottages and the staff of Elite Hospice.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com.

Debra Kay Essman

Debra Kay Essman, 73, was born July 5th, 1951, and went to be with our Lord and Savior on March 31st, 2024. She was born to Raymond and Alta Cornelius in Shady, Arkansas.

She is preceded in death with her husband Truman Essman of 41 years whom she loved dearly. Debra is also preceded in death with her grandson Brian Rand, Her mother Alta Cornelius and her father Raymond Cornelius.

She is survived by A host of family members which includes her brother Verle Cornelius, daughter Teresa Hicks, son-in-law Shannon Hicks, grandchildren Shantel and Silenna Hicks, numerous nieces and nephews and their wonderful spouses.

Debra most recently worked at the Senior Center in Mena, Arkansas. Debra had a very kind heart and will be missed so dearly. She is now free of any pain. Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Graveside services for Debra will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at Freedom Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas, with Brother James Squires officiating. Services are entrusted to Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Reflections of History and Faith:

By Jeff Olson

Our country’s forefathers understood that the dream upon which America was founded would never come to fruition until a fundamental premise of that dream, “...all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” would become a transcendent and transformative force within our culture.

Though this dream has yet to be fully realized by many, much progress has been made in most every area of American life, including that of sports. Today this is obvious, but many years ago it seemed to be a long shot at best for many. This week I wish to highlight a chapter of America’s history which tells us something about a man and his faith and courage and perseverance toward the American dream — not only for himself but for many others who would follow in the path he carved.

Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia, on January 31, 1919, to a family of sharecroppers. He was the youngest of five children and was raised in relative poverty by a single mother. Upon attending UCLA, Robinson became the first athlete to win varsity letters in four sports: baseball, basketball, football, and track. In 1941, he was named to the All-American football team.

Robinson’s older brother, Matthew Robinson, inspired Jackie to pursue his talent and love for athletics. Matthew won a silver medal in the 200-meter dash — just behind Jesse Owens at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. From 1942 to 1944, Jackie served as a second lieutenant in the United States Army where he was assigned to a segregated cavalry unit in Kansas. Eighty years ago, in 1944, Lieutenant Robinson was court-martialed after refusing to move to the back of a segregated bus. He was

Jackie Robinson - An enduring legacy ultimately acquitted and received an honorable discharge.

After the war, Robinson played with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League. In 1946, he played

From the beginning of his major league career, Robinson’s faith and character were put to the test. He faced a barrage of insults and threats, endured racial abuse, and even team-

minor league baseball for the Montreal Royals. Seventy-seven years ago this week, April 11, 1947, his big opportunity arrived when he became the first black baseball player in the major leagues when he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He played his first game at Ebbets Field on April 15. Authors Robert Lipsyte and Pete Levine wrote, “It was the most eagerly anticipated debut in the annals of the national pastime. It represented both the dream and the fear of equal opportunity, and it would change forever the complexion of the game and the attitudes of Americans.”

In his first season, Robinson hit 12 home runs and was named Rookie of the Year. In 1949, he was the National League MVP and in 1955 he helped the Dodgers win the World Series. Robinson stole home 19 times in his career, setting a league record. He retired in 1957 with a career batting average of .311 and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.

mates who objected to having an African American on their team. People in the stands sometimes jeered Robinson, and he and his family were frequently disparaged and received threats, including death threats. Some opposing teams would shout derogatory terms at Robinson and didn’t want to play against the Dodgers. Even some of his own teammates would threaten to sit the game out in protest. However, Dodgers manager Leo Durocher was very supportive of Robinson, at times quipping that he would sooner trade them than Robinson.

The courage and grace with which Robinson dealt with the abuses was rooted deep, and well beyond himself. According to author Eric Metaxas, “Robinson was a Christian [and] his Christian faith was at the very center of his decision to accept [Dodgers President] Branch Rickey’s invitation to play for the all-white Brooklyn Dodgers.... Branch Rickey himself was a Bible-thumping Methodist whose faith

led him to find an African American ballplayer to break the color barrier.”

Rickey wanted a man committed to living the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5:38-41 and “...a ballplayer with guts enough to not fight back.” Robinson was such a man. He would inspire a generation of African Americans to peacefully but persistently challenge the doctrine of “separate but equal.” He became a vocal champion for African American athletes, civil rights, and other social and political causes. He was instrumental in paving the way for the Civil Rights Movement.

In 1997, 50 years after Robinson integrated baseball, his number 42 was permanently retired by every team in Major League Baseball. Since April 15, 2009, no other player on any team can wear number 42 — except on April 15 of each year, “Jackie Robinson Day,” when every player dons the 42.

Robinson died in 1972 at age 53, but his legacy from both on and off the playing field will continue as one of the most influential of 20th century America. In his words, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” No doubt, Jackie Robinson’s life was very important!

In Metaxas’ words, “The heart of the Jackie Robinson story is that he changed America by successfully living out, both on and off the baseball field, the revolutionary and world-changing words of Jesus.”

THAT IRRELIGIOUS FEATURE OF THE CONSTITUTION

Part 3

By Daniel Fontenot

In Part 2 of our series on the question of whether or not Church and State should be separate we quoted from a sermon preached on September 20, 1793 in New York City by Dr. John M. Mason, entitled, “Divine Judgments”. In that article Dr. Mason magnified the “irreligious” feature of the Constitution as one of the chief causes of the calamities, namely the yellow fever in Philadelphia. Also, on October 27, 1789, “The First Presbytery Eastward in Massachusetts and New Hampshire,” sent to President Washington an address in which they complained because there was no “explicit acknowledgment of the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, inserted somewhere in the Magna Charta of our country.” So, the question needs to be asked, according to Dr. John Mason, What was the “irreligious” feature of the Constitution?

A.T. Jones’ book entitled, The Two Republics, pages 700—702 will answer:

“In 1803 Samuel B. Wylie, D. D., of the University of Pennsylvania, preached a sermon in which he inquired: “Did not the framers of this instrument . . . in this resemble the fool mentioned in Psalm 14:1 who said in his heart, ‘There is no God’?” In 1811 Samuel Austin, D. D., a New England Congregationalist, afterward president of the University of Vermont, preached a sermon in Worcester, Mass., in which he declared that this “capital defect” in the national Constitution “will issue inevitably in the destruction” of the nation.

In 1812 President Dwight of Yale College preached a sermon, in which he lamented the failure of the Constitution to recognize a God, declaring that “we commenced our national existence, under the present system, without God.” The next year he recurred to the same thing, saying that “the grossest nations and individuals, in their public acts and in their declarations, manifestoes, proclamations, etc., always recognize the superintendency of a Supreme Being. Even Napoleon did it.”

Of course Napoleon did it. It is such characters as he that are most likely to do it; and then, having covered himself with the hypocritical panoply, to ruin kingdoms, desolate nations, and violate every precept of morality and every principle of humanity. Yes, Napoleon did it; and so did Charlemagne before him, and Clovis, and Justinian, and Theodosius, and Constantine, to say nothing of hundreds of the popes. But the fathers of this republic were not such as any of these, the noblest pledge of which is the character of the Constitution as it respects religion, for all of which every Christian can most reverently thank the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In 1819, on a Thanksgiving Day appointed by the governor of Pennsylvania, Dr. Duffield preached a sermon at Carlisle, in which he declared the Constitution “entirely atheistical.” . . .In 1859 Prof. J. H. McIlvaine, D. D., of the College of New Jersey, afterward of Princeton College, published an article in the Princeton Review for October, in which he really lamented that “the practical effect” of the Constitution as it is, with respect to religion, “is the neutrality of the government with respect to all religion;” and seemed much to be grieved “that no possible governmental influence can be constitutionally exerted for or against any form of religious belief.”

Please examine the above statements made by apparently Christian ministers. They were all attacking the First Amendment to the Constitution which states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Apparently, this is, according to them, the “irreligious” feature of the Constitution.

To Be Continued

Questions? Comments? Email me at danielfontenot46@gmail.com

For more info on this topic watch the “Jewels of Truth” YouTube Channel.

CHALLENGE

continued from page 4

to view the challenge map located on the Arkansas Broadband Office’s website and click on the “dot” that represents your address, if you do not find a “dot” that represents your address, notify the County Judge’s Office at 479-394-8133.

“Additionally, if your ‘dot’ is gray, indicating that you are ‘served,’ but you do not believe you are receiving the speeds that you are paying for, utilize the speed test on the website three times on three different days. By completing all three tests before April 19, will transfer the data to the County Judge and the Arkan -

sas Broadband Office to submit a challenge to the map.

“We just need good quality broadband service and I want coverage across the whole county for economic development reasons and quality of life reasons.”

On Facebook, search for “Polk County Judge Office/County Road, Mena, Arkansas.” There you will find Judge Ellison’s page and should be able to find the map fairly easily. It only take a few seconds to check and determine how you should proceed from there, or if you need to do anything else assuming you’re address is already one of those “served.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public School Choice in Arkansas allows students to attend a public school in a district other than the one in which they reside. The applications must be made by May 1, 2024, to qualify for provisions under the Arkansas Public School Choice Act of 2013.

Pursuant to standards adopted by a nonresident district may reserve the right to accept or reject applicants based on capacity of programs, class, grade level or school building. Likewise, a nonresident district’s standards may provide for rejection of an applicant based upon the submission of false or misleading information to the above listed request for information when that information directly impacts the legal qualifications of an applicant to transfer pursuant to the School Choice Act. However, a nonresident district’s standards shall not include an applicant’s previous academic achievement, athletic or other extracurricular ability, handicapping conditions, English proficiency level, or previous disciplinary proceedings, except that an expulsion from another district may be included pursuant to Ark. Code Ann 618510.

Priority will be given to applicants with siblings attending the district. The nonresident district shall accept credits toward graduation that were awarded by another district and award a diploma to a nonresident district’s graduation requirements. Applications postmarked or delivered to the Superintendent of Schools no later than May 1 for a child to be able to enroll for the fall semester. Transfers shall be granted on a nondiscriminatory basis. Students who have been accepted and enrolled in previous years do not have to reapply as approved transfers remain valid for as long as the student attends public school.

The following districts comply with this public school announcement: Ashdown, Caddo Hills, Cossatot River, De Queen, Dierks, Foreman, Horatio, Mena, Mineral Springs, Mount Ida, Nashville and Ouachita River. (DMESC:22;w288)

Solar eclipse recap for Polk County

Article and images by Ethan Nahté

The Great American Solar Eclipse of 2024 has been all over the news and social media throughout the United States for the past few months, and especially in the past few weeks. It was thrilling and a once-in-a-lifetime event for several people. For some, they did not really care one way or the other. Others seemed either nihilistic or wondered why it was such a big deal.

Granted there are some who probably wonder the same thing about the Super Bowl or March Madness. But people with different likes and dislikes is part of what makes the world go ‘round.

Even on Monday, April 8, day of the celestial event, a system was predicted to move in and stall throughout Texas and southern Arkansas.

Many locales within the path of totality had events lasting several days to celebrate, to attract tourists (in hopes tourists will return repeatedly after discovering their particular location) and hopes of doing some profitable business.

Planning by city and state officials, tourism departments and even businesses involved two to three years for many within that same path, involving several meetings, hours and hours of planning and research, and dipping deep into some budgets. Attempting to place a finger on how many people to realistically expect.

A week prior to the event, it was beginning to look as if the Ouachita Mountain region might experience heavy cloud cover or even storms.

The only thing even more unpredictable was the weather.

Even if the eclipse was something that held no interest, there were plenty of things to do around the county. Some cost money, but those were businesses who were spending lots of money to bring in entertainment and provide things for families to do.

Many locations had vendors, and the vendors do hope to at least break even on all of their costs, but even if funds are tight, there were still plenty of free events where the kids could play and live performances ranged from a small circus to musical performances in a variety of genres at parks and restaurants, and Sunday had a religious track at Janssen Park.

Despite the options, Polk County

did not attract much of the tourist crowd or a local crowd. The following possibilities are a culmination of conversations held with organizers, businesses and vendors:

See RECAP continued on page 12

By Richie Lawry

As we drove up the mountainside to my cousin’s house to attend an eclipse viewing party, clouds filled the sky. “Oh my,” I thought, “After several days of back-and-forth weather forecasts, I thought today was going to provide a cloud-free sky for viewing the eclipse.”

We set up on the deck with a great view of the sky. The sun was almost peeking through the clouds, and then it disappeared. I put on my eclipse-viewing glasses and looked toward the sun. Occasionally, I could see the shape of the sun through the clouds. It was 20 minutes until the eclipse began. Hopefully, the clouds will clear by then.

A few minutes later, the sky cleared, and not a cloud was near the sun. I sat back in the reclining chair and put on my eclipse-viewing glasses. Excitement built in our group as the reality set in that the eclipse was beginning. When the first tiny black crescent appeared on the sun, everyone quieted as they focused on the sight before them.

After an hour of watching the black disc march across the face of the sun, our excitement built again as we prepared for totality. Suddenly, the tiny crescent disappeared, and there was a single, spectacular, bright point of light. We took off our viewing glasses and looked directly at the sun. Circling the blackness of the Moon, we saw a brilliant light, the Sun’s corona. Totality had begun!

My first view of totality was mind-blowing: excellent, beautiful, delicate, fantastic, and powerful. It left me with no words to describe what I was seeing. The air temperature dropped noticeably, and the sky darkened. A soft red glow like a sunset hovered over the mountains in the distance. The sun was a perfect circle of iridescent white light around a dark marble.

An Arkie’s Faith Eclipsed

Eclipse totality is magical. It was an ethereal experience, like seeing a window into another dimension. The moon’s blackness was circled by the corona’s beautiful gossamer plumes of iridescent light. Jupiter and Venus appeared in the sky near the sun. The light on the horizon took on a lovely, soft yellow-orange color.

I watched in awe, trying to record what I was seeing and experiencing mentally. But all too soon, the moment of third contact came, with a burst of light as the sun broke back through. We put on our eclipse-viewing glasses. I took a moment to soak in what I had just experienced.

Watching the last half of the eclipse was fun, but there was no anticipation. The experience of totality was over, and I will never experience it again. After such a wonderful experience, I felt terrible for the many naysayers I have seen posted on social media over the past few days. One that resonated with me was the post, “I’m not sure how many eclipses there have been in my lifetime. I’m 74, and I fail to see how anyone can get excited about the planets doing what they do. It’s just another, and it will carry on happening occasionally.”

While total solar eclipses occur somewhere on Earth about every 18 months, they are an unusual event in the U.S. The next solar eclipse with a path crossing the U.S. will happen on Aug. 12, 2045, and will span from California to Florida.

On April 8, large numbers of people across North America watched the eclipse. Because of the attention the eclipse received from the news media and the information that went viral on social media, it is predicted that more people observed and pho-

tographed this eclipse than any other eclipse in history.

Even though many people viewed the great American eclipse of 2024, I know of a celestial event that will have many more viewers. Shortly before Jesus was crucified, “His disciples came to him privately and said, ‘Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?’” Matthew 24:3 (NLT)

After giving His disciples many signs and much information, Jesus told them, “And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” Matthew 24:30 (NLT)

No event in the history of the world has been more anticipated than the return of Jesus Christ to this earth.

Every generation of believers has believed that Jesus would return. When he was on this earth, Jesus promised his disciples that he would return. He told them, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

John 14:1-3 (NKJV)

This promise was reaffirmed when Jesus ascended to heaven. He had gathered his disciples and given them some final instructions. In Acts 1:9-11 (NLT), we read, “After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!’”

From that moment until now, those who believe in Jesus have been waiting for the world’s most astounding celestial event. It will be the most viewed event in the history of the planet. “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him.”

Revelation 1:7 (NKJV)

Gentle Reader, Jesus is returning to this earth to reward his people just as he promised and take them to the beautiful home he has prepared for them. My prayer is that on that day, you will be among the people who say, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”

Isaiah 25:9 (KJV)

Don’t use a big word when a singularly unloquacious and diminutive linguistic expression will satisfactorily accomplish

The Lawry eclipse-watching party.

(Photo by Regina Lawry)

ECLIPSE

continued from page 1

mately 2.7 billion miles away.

Mars was also faintly visible even further off to the sun's lower right with Saturn about 743 million miles beyond the red planet.

Mercury was up and behind the sun, so it was invisible.

Jupiter could be seen to the sun's left, and Uranus behind the largest planet in our solar system by 1.3 billion miles.

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, the socalled devil comet, that many were talking about appearing today was supposed to be somewhere between Jupiter and the sun.

When the totality began, people were counting down. Numerals quickly turned to "oohs" and "aahs" as eclipse safety glasses came off and the crowd could view the spectacular beauty as the immediate area got dark (dark enough to cause streetlights to come on) and the distant horizon had a calming glow. Many also cheered and applauded. That may sound odd, but similar reports all along the path echoed the reactions.

Several could be heard stating how amazing it was, beautiful, spectacular, and the positive descriptions went on and on.

For a few brief moments, the shared experience amongst people from all walks of life was palpable. Thousands in Arkansas, and several million across the USA who either lived within the path, or visited from nearby states, not to mention visitors from distant countries, seemingly enjoyed the natural event.

As the moon made its way past and sunlight came bursting back

Several stayed, giving the crowd time to disperse as they enjoyed watching more and more of the sun coming back into view.

To put the experience of being in the path of a total eclipse, perhaps the following will put it into perspective: The next total eclipse

After that, portions of two or three states in the far southeast will be within the full eclipse path in 2052, another goes from the Gulf of Mexico and up through the Carolinas in 2078, and then another crosses several of the New England states in 2079.

If you are wondering, only two other total eclipses have passed through Arkansas since it became a territory and then a state. The first on Nov. 30, 1834, sweeping out of Canada through the area that would become Montana, down through the plains into Arkansas and beyond to Georgia and South Carolina.

that occurs in the United States won't be until 2044 and will only be visible in totality in parts of Montana and the Dakotas.

Approximately a year later another total eclipse will occur from California to Florida. Arkansas will be in the total eclipse path once again, including the Ouachita Mountains.

The second was June 8, 1918, and the Mena area was where the moon's shadow entered Arkansas, where it lasted 1 minute and 11 seconds. Its path was so narrow that Hot Springs and Little Rock were left out of the totality as it made its way to far southeast Arkansas at Eudora. Little Rock had a 98% partial eclipse, but it and most of the state missed out because of cloud cover.

One could say that Mena has been fortunate twice when it comes to a total solar eclipse. Anyone taking bets on 2045?

(Photo by Ethan Nahté)

RECAP

continued from page 9

Perhaps it was due to people traveling to Arkansas were waiting to see what the weather was going to do. Even some eclipse seekers were rushing northward to or through Polk County as the cloud cover threatened the viewing opportunity.

Perhaps it was because Russellville (Pope County) was identified as a top-10 eclipse viewing locations, had a chance of better weather, not to mention the fact NASA was going to broadcast from there on the day of the eclipse in addition to having activities sponsored by NASA, The U.S. Space & Rocket Center and the Paris Observatory to name a few highlights. There was footage of some congested traffic and store shelves that were out of stock for particular items like milk and water that was making the rounds on statewide news channels.4

Maybe it was oversaturation of discussing the event. Believe me when I say that the majority of those who have been working on this for two to three years were enthusiastic for its arrival and just as enthusiastic that it is done and over with.444

There is the possibility that some potential visitors did research and were concerned that there would not be enough places to eat, stay, etc. Helping to keep restaurants and businesses open in smaller communities like those found in Polk County relies, in part, on outside visitors, and repeat visitors.

More than a few vendors and businesses openly asked if maybe tourists had read some of the comments on social media and simply felt they weren’t welcomed. I’ll skip the details of some of the more memorable comments.

come overcast. Sevier County and our sister radio station KDQN was seeing much of the same. In Sevier County, the clouds broke just before the eclipse began and then reformed minutes afterward.

Determining what the specific issue(s) for the low turnout is doubtful. Perhaps it was a combination of all the above. Perhaps it was something not even mentioned. One thing is for sure, it took a lot of work to pull this past weekend off. That goes for any business, organization, commission, vendor or entertainer that was a part of the eclipse events, as well as all of the volunteers who helped keep things running smoothly.

Despite lower-than-expected weekend numbers, people attending the events at Janssen Park, The Shop at the Foot of the Hill, Queen Wilhelmina State Park, the Visitor Center or other locations seem to have enjoyed themselves.

Monday morning began clear, then started to be-

from the west coast and the states adjacent to Arkansas.

Getting a head count is impossible. Although it was not tens of thousands, there were several hundred that must have added up to a few thousand visitors in addition to Polk County residents, many of whom have plenty of open space to enjoy the event without battling traffic.

The following are reports from those who submitted information after Monday returned to some form of normalcy.

The Mena area saw the clouds begin moving out in time for the event and stayed away for a considerable amount of time. A drive through the area saw people preparing, parked in vacant parking lots, or larger parking lots such as Northside Shopping Center, in front of businesses, next to the train depot and the tracks, at watching parties around the county, and Janssen Park.

Between people putting pins in a map to designate where they were visiting from at Janssen Park and those I personally spoke with as I traveled to several events throughout the weekend, it was impressive. There were families from Brazil, Wales, Sweden, Germany, France, Siberia and our own Hawaiian Islands, not to mention several

Ivory Detter, Queen Wilhelmina State Park - We had a great turn out today and fantastic weather. The skies became cloudy three minutes after totality ended and the sun was completely obscured. We felt so lucky to witness the whole thing through totality. We estimate 300325 cars entered the park today.

Patrick Massey, KDQN 92.1 FM/ Pulse contributor - It was looking terrible here and then, miraculously, the clouds parted just moments before totality and the sky stayed clear the entire time. Truly amazing

RECAP

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Homeland Security, NASA and approximately 57 planes, some he-

Brooke Hines, Southwest EMS - We saw a slight increase in calls (throughout the weekend). We did not have a difference in our out-oftowners from a normal weekend.

Some fun stats for our team: There were six staffed Polk County ambulances up from our normal of three. Crawford County had seven staffed up from their normal of five, Montgomery County had an extra for two total, and Sevier County had an extra for a total of three. There was a total of 18 staffed. On a normal day we have 11. We had two at the airport on standby today with all the traffic out there.

Lisa Gallup Walker, Hampton Aviation - The Dallas Valley Fire Department, Southwest EMS,

licopters and lots of nice people were all at the airport today for the eclipse. [Ed. There were also members of the University of Nevada for the event.]

KENA 104.1 FM staff Jamie Hammack, Matt Allen and Ashley Stipe did a live remote at the airport on Monday. Hammack and Stipe also did a live remote at Honey & Pearl’s on Friday.

Shelly Alston, The Blue; Zipline Farm - The weather team from Fox News in New York were having some technical issues and pushed the interview with Alston back to Tuesday morning. She had quite a few people camping on her property from as far away as Germany and one family who drove to Mena/Ink from Brazil. On the day of the eclipse, she had around 1,200 visitors. In addition to karaoke, trivia and other games, as well as vendors, there were concerts, fishing, paddleboats, and the option to go ziplining.

Mena Police Chief Tommy Stueart - We had no accidents in Mena on the day of the eclipse. It was a good day.

Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer - We had a couple of minor accidents involving visitors. We had an ATV accident that resulted in one victim being airlifted.

We had pretty good crowds gathered at the overlooks on the Talimena Scenic Drive (TSD) that started arriving at 7:30 on Monday morn-

ing. [Ed. Probably a fortunate thing that porta-potties were placed at a few of the rest stops for the event.]

More crowds arrived at Queen Wilhelmina Lodge, out at Shady Lake, the ATV campgrounds, Little Missouri Falls, Shadow Mountain RV Park, and a good crowd at the airport.

We had a few traffic issues with roads being blocked due to large groups of eclipse watchers on TSD and at Shady.

We had a large number of vehicles from other areas in the line of totality come in right before the eclipse started. Apparently cloud cover down south made viewing the eclipse impossible.

So, traffic picked up noticeably just prior to the eclipse. We had heavier than normal traffic on the state highways and in Mena as the eclipse ended. Fortunately, we didn’t have any real traffic problems this afternoon.

There was also a noticeable lag of cell service as visitors started pouring in. More than liely many were trying to find directions on where to go for eclipse parties. As the totality hit, service was null in downtown Mena. Within a half hour everything seemed to be working correctly again as many of the tourists appeared to have left the area.

Eclipse watchers at Queen Wilhelmina State Park. (Photo by Ivory Detter)

Fort Smith International Film Festival partners with Keep Arkansas Beautiful for video contest

The Fort Smith International Film Festival, Ozark Media Arts Festival, Arkansas Cinema Society (ACS) and Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission will host a statewide video contest for high school students, grades nine-12, to create a video commercial of 30 seconds or less that promotes environmental responsibility in Arkansas.

The contest will run from March 1 until May 24. Winners will be announced on June 28 at the ACS Filmmaking Lab for Teen Girls. There is no fee to enter the contest.

Students should focus their video on the Keep Arkansas Beautiful mission of inspiring Arkansans to improve their communities through education, preventing litter, promoting recycling and keeping Arkansas beautiful.

Videos must be submitted to the Fort Smith International Film Festival on FilmFreeway at https://filmfreeway. com/FortSmithInternationalFilmFestival.

For more information about the film festival contest visit https://www. smore.com/n/phw9rf/.

DKG makes snack baskets for teachers and staff

At the April 2024 meeting, members of the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma made baskets full of snacks and essentials for the teachers and staff working in the Montgomery County public schools.

For more information about DKG, visit https://dkg.org/ or email Alpha Kappa President Mysti Gates at mgates@uarichmountain.edu.

Ouachita Expressions show

Works will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 22 for the Ouachita Expressions show. All media are acceptable from artists 14 and older.

Entry fees: Members $8 per piece, Non-members $10 per piece. Limit of three entries per artist.

This will be a judged show. Prizes include Best in Show, $300, First place, $200; Second place $150.

More entry information is available at https://southwestartists.org.

Alpha Kappa members (left to right) are Paulette Crawford, Mysti Gates, Beverly Higgins, Judy Newcomb, Cynthia Henderson, Tammy Young, and Annette Hayes (Submitted photo)

Oden campus provides storm shelter

Submitted by Tammy L. Young

The Oden Campus of Ouachita River School District has opened a storm shelter available for student and community use in the event of a tornado.

The storm shelter on the Oden campus is accessible to the community. If you are interested and would like to plan ahead, please contact William Edwards, ORSD assistant superintendent at 870-326-4311.

ORSD Assistant Superintendent William Edwards shows Fire Chief Lavern Long and Volunteer Fire Department Member Keith Long the new structure.

(Photo courtesy of ORSD)

2024 Lifeguard Applications are available at Mena City Hall until April 25.

The April Mena City Council meeting has been postponed to April 16, at 6:00 p.m.

Country, Western, gospel singing and music in the Daisy Room (behind Janssen Ave. Florists), 800 Janssen Ave., Mena, 6:30-9:30 p.m. every Thursday. Free event. Bring finger food. For information call Lloyd Knight (479) 234-3547.

The Democrat meeting for April 8 is cancelled due to the Eclipse. Democrats will be meeting on May 13 at Papa’s Mexican Cafe, 1317 Hwy. 71 South. Come early to eat and socialize before the meeting starts 6:30 p.m. Any questions, call Linda Johnson at (479) 234-7966. Bring a friend.

GriefShare at First Presbyterian Church Mena meet every Wednesday at 1 p.m. for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

Women for Jesus Group meeting for monthly prayer and study. Everyone welcome. The meeting will be Tuesday, April 16, at the Church of Christ in Clayton, Oklahoma, at 6:30 p.m. Food will be provided. Bring Bible. For more information call Dr. Cynthia Perkins at (918) 429-8538.

GriefShare at The Crossing in Mena meets every Thursday from 6-8 p.m. for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

Christ’s Church of Cove, 5234 Hwy. 71 S, Cove, gathers every Tuesday,

Around Town

8:30-9:30 a.m., for free coffee and conversation.

The Food Pantry at the Mena Seventh Day Adventist Church is open every first and third Monday of each month, 4-6 p.m., located at Fair Grounds Road. For more information, call (479) 437-4018.

First Presbyterian Church will be presenting a series on the Book of Revelation in its Adult Sunday School class on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:45. Earl Harrell will be the presenter and will focus on the titles of Jesus as revealed in the Book of Revelation. The public is invited to attend. Classes will be in the Helen Barham Room at the church, 904 Church Avenue, Mena.

Join the Ouachita Beekeepers Association on the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. (new time) in the Education Building of the Polk County Extension Office, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. Enjoy bee education, door prizes, and socialization with other beekeepers. Contact: Tommy Payne (903) 521-4611.

Jam session every Tuesday night, 6-9 p.m. at Shady Mountain Events, 428 Hwy. 375 East, Mena. No charge, everyone is welcome. All genres of music. Bring your own instrument, come watch or dance. Call (479) 234-7174 with questions.

The Back Country Extension Homemakers Club meets the second Friday of each month at 1 p.m. at the UA Extension’s Education Building, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. We are a service organization affiliated with UA’s Division of Agriculture with a mission to have fun and learn new things while enriching our community and creating a more contented

family life. We believe the greatest force that molds character comes from the home. Come join new friends and old as we together grow. For more info, contact Ginger at Gingerkm@protonmail.com.

The Polk County Housing Authority has Rental Vouchers available. They are also in need of Applicants and Landlords. Contact them at 509 S. Morrow, Mena, (479) 394-1565 or polkarhousing. com.

Hatfield First Baptist Church

“Shepherd’s Closet” Open Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon. Large selection of good, used clothing & a limited supply of non-perishable food items. Free to anyone in need.

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, noon - 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 7 p.m. on Thursday, 7 p.m. on Friday, and 6 p.m. on Saturday at the old bus barn at The Crossing church. For information call Erica at (479) 234-5289 or Candice at (501) 356-8300.

The Hatfield Branch Library is open every Tuesday and Friday from noon4 p.m. The library is located at 121 Cemetery Rd. (old Agri building) in Hatfield.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at The Crossing Church, 3 p.m., Sundays; at 5 p.m., Tuesdays; and at 8 p.m. Saturdays at the old bus barn. For information call (479) 234-8366 or (479) 216-3786.

The Cove Branch Library is open Monday and Thursday from noon-5 p.m. The Library is located next to Cove Town Hall at 5568 Hwy. 71 S.

The Mena/Polk County Senior Center will have The Gator and

Friends band performing in Mena every Thursday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

The Center has an exercise class on Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Contact Trena Looney with questions, (479) 394-5459.

The Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes has meals and activities for seniors. The hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday-Friday. If you need to make delivery arrangements or changes call (870) 385-2373.

American Legion meets every 2nd Tuesday at the Legion Hall in Acorn. Potluck at 6 p.m., meeting follows.

Come play Bingo, Saturdays and Mondays, starts at 6 p.m., doors open at 4 p.m.

Reynolds Gardner Community Men’s Breakfast every Tuesday, First United Methodist Church, Mena, 8 a.m. (full breakfast for small donation). All men from the community are invited to attend.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m. Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, Ninth Street and Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for information call (479) 243-0297.

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 about your event! To have it in the Polk County Pulse newspaper, we need to know by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!

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

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S LOG

April 1, 2024

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 136 near Cove in reference to an altercation.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to harassment.

Joshua Strong, 22, of Waldron was arrested on charges of DWI and Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 47 near Mena in reference to an unattended death.

Calvin Harrison, 53, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for 2nd Degree Sexual Assault and Sexual Indecency with a Child.

April 2, 2024

Deputies responded to a report of property damage near Vandervoort.

April 3, 2024

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a credit/debit card scam.

April 4, 2024

Deputies responded to a residence on Polk 49 near Mena in reference to harassment.

April 5, 2024

A traffic stop on Hwy 71 S near Hatfield led to the arrest of Jesse Flanigan, 35, of Mena on charges of

Possession of Methamphetamine or Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Obstruction of Government Operations, Public Intoxication and 2nd Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Minor. Also arrested was Chelsea Sterner, 31, of Mena on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine or Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, No Liability Insurance, Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance, and 2nd Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Minor.

April 6, 2024

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 71 near Hatfield in reference to a physical altercation leading to the arrest Gary Matheson, 51, of Hatfield on two charges of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery and 3rd Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Minor.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 165 near Mena in reference to a trespasser. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 61 near Mena in reference to a damaged mailbox.

April 7, 2024

Bradley Brumfield was issued a citation for 1st Degree Criminal Mischief after an incident at the jail.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Davis Street near Hatfield

in reference to a disturbance.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked 2 vehicle accidents this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 42 Incarcerated Inmates with 12 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

March 31

A report of harassment was taken from a walk-in complainant.

April 1

Dylan Tallant, 22, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

April 2

No report.

April 3

No report.

April 4

A report of harassment was taken from a walk-in complainant.

Charlotte Charlton, 42, was charged with Theft and served with a warrant at Walmart.

A report of breaking and entering and theft was taken at Mena Ford.

April 5

Timothy Davis, 60, was charged with Theft at Walmart.

April 6

Jeffery Wilkerson, 61, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Morrow Street.

Waldron teen dies in crash

By Ethan Nahté

Waldron teen Allyson Dye was killed in a two-vehicle accident Thursday, April 4.

Dye, 19, was traveling southbound on Highway 71, riding a 2022 Harley-Davidson. She was south of Dizzy Dean Road in Logan County, between Mansfield and Waldron. She failed to negotiate a curve and crossed the center line of the roadway, impacting the front of a northbound 2006 Ford being driven by Adolfo Hernandez, 25, of Groves. The second vehicle also occupied by passenger Cecilia Hernandez, 35, of Fort Smith and two minors.

Dye was pronounced dead at the scene. Injured parties were taken to Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith.

Investigating officer Cpl. Billy E. Turnipseed with the Arkansas State Police stated the weather condition was clear and the road condition dry in his report.

- SERVICES -

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0410

Carter’s Excavating - Licensed Contractor: Heavy and light dozer work, heavy excavation, soft ground to rock excavation, heavy off-road hauling, road design and construction

50 years in trade, 40 years in area. Subsidiary of RCI Construction (479) 394-9227 T0529

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T0424

Construction, steel buildings, welding, pads, ponds, roads, tree services, and mulching. Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0430

Need your yard mowed? Free estimates. Referrals available. Call (479) 234-0509. Leave a message. T0710

Carter’s Excavating - Licensed Contractor: Roads, bridges, house pads, building pads, basements, land clearing, small lots to large tracks, ponds, stream crossings, farm roads, building demolition, site planning & prep.

50 years in trade, 40 years in area. Subsidiary of RCI Construction. (479) 394-9227 T0529

- WANTED TO BUY -

Buy and sell U.S. pre-65 silver coins. Paying top prices. Also buying scrap gold, rings, teeth and coins. Come see Dan every Friday and Saturday at the Duke’s Junction Flea Market-booth 76 from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. Call during the week (479) 234-3409 T0508

- FOR SALE -

For Sale- 2015 Harley Tri-Glide, under 32,000 miles. $22,500 - Located in Mena, Arknasas. Call Rod (843) 504-9386 T0410

- FOR RENT -

3-bedroom house for rent Nice yard, storage building, completely remodeled. Call (479) 243-5292 or (479) 234-2558 T0410

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for general labor positions. 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 T0424

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for a CNC Programmer/Machinist.

The CNC programmer will utilize CAD/CAM software to develop programs to control contour-path machining of aluminum parts on CNC mill machining centers. Responsible for reading and interpreting technical blueprints, inputting design specifications, adjusting machine cutting paths, performing quality checks on final products. Must be able to troubleshoot issues that arise during the manufacturing process, ensure conformance to established procedures and engineering specifications, and pay close attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

• High Competence in Fields of CNC Machines, Tooling, and Programming

• 5 Years CNC Set-up and Programming Experience

• Proficiency in Programming Software (Mastercam) and CAD.

• Ability to Lift or Maneuver up to 50 lb.

Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple in Mena, Arkansas 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. T0424

$ $ $ $ $

- HELP WANTED -

F.M. Dix Foundry is 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. T0424

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for a technical/phone sales position.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, answering technical inquiries, providing product information and recommendations, troubleshooting with potential and current customers, and processing orders in a fastpaced office setting.

Parts, automotive, and computer experience would be helpful. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple 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.

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced CNC Machine Operator. 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. T0424

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced TIG Welder/Manual Machinist for Cylinder Head Repair. This is for a permanent day shift position. The applicant must be proficient in welding aluminum and have manual machining experience. 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.

INVITATION FOR BIDS

The Housing Authority of the County of Polk, Arkansas, hereinafter called the "Public Housing Agency," or PHA, will receive bids for the repair and replacement of approximately 1000 ft. of chain link fence at Wickes, Arkansas, until 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, at the office of the PHA located at 509 South Morrow St., Mena, Arkansas, 71953, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Any bid received after the closing time will be returned unopened.

Copies of bidding documents may be obtained from the office of the PHA at the address below by depositing $50.00 for each set of bid documents up to a maximum of two sets. Such deposit will be refunded to each person who submits a bona-fide bid and returns the bidding documents complete and in good condition within seven (7) days after the bid opening.

Additional sets for Prime Bidders and all documents for non-prime bidders such as material suppliers and subcontractors may be purchased at their own expense by sending their check for $50.00 to the PHA at the address below. For viewing prior to making plan deposit, Bidding Documents may be examined at the following places:

Housing Authority of the County of Polk

509 South Morrow Street

Mena, Arkansas 71953 (479) 394-1565

ln 2 Market Reprographics

Russellville, Arkansas 72802

Prime bidder's returning documents prior to the bid date and/or not submitting a bona-fide bid, shall forfeit their deposit unless documents are returned seven-(7) calendar days before opening of bids, with notification in writing that a bid will not be submitted. Said notification may be by email. Prime bidders who have not returned the documents by the seventh day after bid date shall forfeit their deposit.

The attention of each bidder is called to the requirements as to conditions of employment to be observed and minimum wage rates (included in this Project Manual) to be paid under the contract. Participation of small, minority and women owned enterprises is encouraged.

All bids must be submitted on forms furnished by the PHA as bound in the Project Manual, submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked to show the name and address of the bidder, bidders license no., contract job number, and date and time of bid opening. Bidders must conform to the requirements of the Arkansas State Licensing Law for General Contractors and are required to have a current Arkansas Contractor's License in accordance with current Arkansas State Statute 71-701 et seq.

There will be a mandatory "Pre-Bid Conference and walk through" prior to Bid Date, at 10:00 A.M., on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Bids received from contractors not attending the Pre-Bid Conference and Walkthrough or not on the Bidders List, will be returned unopened.

A cashier's check, certified check, or acceptable bidder's bond payable to the Owner in an amount not less than 5% of the largest possible total for the bid submitted must accompany each bid as a guarantee that, if awarded the contract, the bidder will promptly enter into a contract and execute such bonds and insurance as may be required.

The successful bidder shall be required to furnish an Arkansas Statutory Performance and Payment Bond or Bonds in the amount of 100 percent of the Contract Bid for contracts that exceed $25,000.

The PHA reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding.

No Bidder may withdraw his bid within sixty (60) days after the actual date of the bid opening.

By: Dixie Shrader, Executive Director

Housing Authority of the County of Polk

509 South Morrow St. Mena, Arkansas 71953-4398

Arkansas Beef Council accepting grant proposals

The Arkansas Beef Council is accepting grant proposals for beef research and promotion projects. Research proposals must be submitted by April 22, 2024, and all other project proposals must be submitted by April 26, 2024.

Proposal Format

Proposals shall be no longer than five pages. The following information must be included:

- Project title, principal project manager, and other contributing participants

- Statement of justification or purpose of the project

- Explanation of activities and/or actions to be taken in executing the project

- Budget, which includes the amount requested from the Arkansas Beef Council and amounts contributed or provided by requesting party and/or other sponsors

- Date(s) or duration of the project – only projects that are to be executed during FY2025 (7/1/246/30/25) will be considered

- Alternative budgets: The project proposal may contain an alternate budget(s) for lesser amounts that focus on subsets of the initial proposal

Submission of Proposals

Proposals should be submitted online at cognitoforms.com/ArkansasAgriculture1/_ 2024ArkansasBeefCouncilProjectProposal. Attachments should be uploaded to the application form.

Inquiries about these procedures and the submission of proposals should be directed to Patrick Fisk at 501-249-3369 or patrick.fisk@agriculture.arkansas.gov.

3 Mena High School students qualify for 8th Annual All-State Coding Competition

Submitted by Mark Hobson

Three Mena High School coding students qualified for the Eighth Annual All-State Coding Competition: Dorian Alexander Knight, Zachary Morgan Sweet, and Joseph Allen Cude.

The Arkansas Department of Education announced the 17 teams advancing to the competition at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville on April 20.

More than 140 teams participated in the All-Region Coding Competition, a digital event held March 1. The ADE Office of Computer Science used a common rubric and process to select the top 16 teams to be invited to participate in the state event. Conway High School, which

placed first in the 2023 state competition, received an automatic invitation to this year’s state competition.

Each member of the first-place team will receive a $2,000 award that will be deposited into a 529 College Savings Plan. Each member of the second-place team will receive a $1,000 award deposited into a 529 College Savings Plan, with each member of the third-place team receiving a $500 award deposited into a 529 College Savings Plan.

Schools that register/sponsor the first-, second-, and third-place teams will receive $10,000, $6,000, and $4,000, respectively, to support their computer science programs.

The student prizes are provided by a grant from ARCodeKids.

Mena accepting pre-K and kindergarten applications

By Ethan Nahté

Mena School District is registering kindergartners for the 2024-2025 school year. In-person registration is at the Louise Durham Elementary School cafeteria, 5:30-7:30 p.m., April 18.

Bring the child’s birth certificate, immunization record, physical exam record, and social security card. For kindergarten questions, call 479-394-2943.

Pre-K

Registration for children entering pre-K this summer is also taking place now through May 31. Applications turned in after May 31 will be processed when school resumes in August. for pre-K, children must be either 3 or 4 by August 1.

If your child is already enrolled or on the waiting list there is no need to re-apply. Documents needed to be accepted:

• Application-filled out completely and signed

• First page of 2023 federal tax return (Form 1040)

• Birth Certificate or Record of Birth

• Social Security Card

• Current immunizations

• Current physical/well child checkup

• Utility bill-showing proof of address

For pre-K questions call the preschool at 479-243-3813 or email christy.nance@dmesc.org. Applications are located at Louise Durham Elementary School.

MHS Band receives state’s highest regional honor

The Mena High School Band attended the Region VIII Concert Assessment and Sight-Reading Competition on April 3 at the Van Buren Performing Arts Center. The band received a rating of 1st division superior from all judges in the concert band performance and a 1st division superior rating in the sight-reading portion of the performance. These scores along with the 1st division rating from region marching assessment in the fall makes the Mena High School Band a Sweep-

stakes Band for the 2024 school year.

This is the highest honor that a band can receive at the regional level in the state of Arkansas.

Mena High School Band Director Charles Morgan said, “Congratulations to the students of the Mena High School Band for a tremendous year of success. Also, a big thank you to the community of Mena for your constant support throughout the year. It’s always a great day to be a Bearcat!”

(Photo courtesy of Mena Public Schools)

Mena High School senior

signed her letter of intent on Tuesday, April 9, to play soccer for Williams Baptist University. (Photo courtesy of Mena Public Schools)

Soccer camp with UA Rich Mountain

University of Arkansas Rich Mountain is offering their soccer camp. Boys and girls ages 14-18 are invited to participate. Registration is $25 per person and must be completed on the UARM website by April 20. Visit https: bucksathletics.com/

camps/Soccer_ID_Camp_2024/.

The camp will take on Saturday, April 27 at Tapley Park, 2562 U.S. Hwy. 71, Mena. Check-in will be from 11:30-noon. The camp is from noon-3 p.m.

Acorn Tigers track

The Acorn Sr. boys and girls participated in the Tiger Relays at Mansfield, Thursday, March 28. Even though small in numbers, the Tigers had some impressive results.

In Sr. girls Bella Tedder ran to state qualifying times in winning both the 1600- and 3200-meter runs in 5 minutes, 37.5 seconds and 12:19.5. Both were a personal best. Both finish times are Class AA fastest in both events.

Harlei Mccourtney was first in the 200, second in the 100 and placed fourth in High Jump.

Tory Squires placed fourth in the long jump.

The Sr. boys 4 x 800-meter relay ran second with Aiden Kimp, Austin Townsend, Zane Newton. Caden Tarkington ran a state qualifying time of 9:15.5.

In the 400 relay Zane Newton, Aiden Kimp, Austin Townsend and Caden Tarkington were sixth. In the 800 relay Zane Newton, Michael Carbone, Austin Townsend and Tristan McCloud finished eighth.

In the 1600 relay Aiden Kimp, Zane Newton, Tristan McCloud and Michael Carbone placed fourth.

Brinley Blake