Polk County Pulse - April 12, 2023

Inaugural Shady Mountain Beer Fest draws a crowd

By Ethan Nahté

The Shady Mountain Beer Fest was an event held on Saturday many people in this area thought they would never see in their lifetime. That goes for those who are opposed to alcohol being legally sold in Polk County as well as for those who are for alcohol being available.

The event was not an invitation for a drunken Bacchanal, but an opportunity for people to try something different in addition to a night full of food and entertainment, for drinkers and non-drinkers alike.

Jason Jalihal is the brand manager and sales rep with Flyway Brewing. In business since 2015, the North Little Rock company has been in business since 2015.

Jalihal was familiar with this part of Arkansas being dry for several decades. When asked if he thought Polk County would finally be selling beer, outside of the few select private clubs and restaurants, he said, “No, I did not. This is a cool thing going on here. I knew from the people at The Ouachitas that it’s been slowly coming along.

Flyway is one of the seven breweries at the inaugural event. A few other were invited but had to cancel at the last minute. The other breweries were either from central or north-

By Ariel Varner and Ethan Nahté

The second golden Easter egg in the Pulse Golden Easter Egg Hunt was hidden and the clues made available at our sponsors the morning of April 4.

By late morning or early afternoon, many people were calling, messaging or coming by the Pulse Multi-Media office, inquiring if the egg had either been found or possibly blown away by

west Arkansas. Unfortunately, time and space do not allow for the interviews to be included, but they included Lost Forty Brewing, Gotahold Brewing, Bentonville Brewing, Social Project Brewing, Natural State Beer Company, and The Ouachitas, of course.

The music and hanging out at The Ouachitas was all free, like any other time the Entertainment District has had events. Of course, there was a charge for food and any type of drink, from coffee to beer, but that’s the norm.

The beer garden, on the other hand, had a $20 entry fee for those interested in sampling the beers. There was a $5 charge for non-drinking entrants. Each company had at least two or three craft beers available for sampling, while others had a half-dozen or so. The beers ranged from pales to IPAs, fruity to stouts. There was a little something for everyone.

After paying the drink sampling fee, visitors received either a VIP lanyard or a wristband, letting the vendors know that a person has paid and also was of legal drinking age. They also received small collector’s cups for the event. The beer samples were poured into the cup, with it being rinsed after each tasting

the day’s strengthening winds.

No one had claimed the egg via e-mail or phone, or turned the egg in. There were hints on both the Pulse and Mena Radio Facebook pages that the golden prize might have been discovered, but no confirmation.

By mid-afternoon, the office received a couple of phone calls stating that lots of people were looking in the same area, and a note had been discovered

to somewhat cleanse the cup and help prevent an odd mixture of flavors. The free bottles of water also helped to cleanse the palate between beer varieties, similar to wine tasting, although there’s no spitting into a spittoon.

The Ouachitas owner Derek Campbell explained how Mena’s first Beer Fest came about. “A lot of it was just centered trying to get the county wet, in celebration of that. We got a lot of beer festivals throughout the state

in the hollow of a tree that the egg had been found.

Still, there was no official confirmation.

There were also a couple of comments of finding a snake… not necessarily in the tree, but the general area people were hunting.

The first Shady Mountain Beer Fest has a growing line waiting to enter the beer garden. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

The Turner Team of Keller Williams Realty was proudly welcomed to the Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 4 as their newest member. Stop by 511 Mena Street and see Bridgett Kesterson and Lucas Turner for all your housing needs.

(Photo courtesy of Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce)

Food commodities distribution on April 18

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) commodities will be distributed Tuesday, April 18 at the Polk County Fairgrounds from 1:30 -3:30 p.m. The information for the Commodity Distribution is listed below. We are still following all safety precautions therefore this will be a drive through only distribution.

The above income guidelines are based on 130% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Add $512 for each additional family member. 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.

1168 Hwy 71S

Mena, AR 71953

Phone: 479-243-9600

Fax: 479-243-9603

Email: news@mypulsenews.com

KENA 104.1 - KQOR 105.3

MyPulseNews.com

Our Team:

Ashley Moore - General Manager

Ethan Nahté - Production Manager/Editor

Patrick Massey - Contributing Reporter

John Russell - Graphic Design

Josh Barker - Account Executive

Alexis James - Account Executive

Curt Teasdale - Programmer / On-Air Personality

Ariel Varner - Receptionist/On-Air Personality

Distribution & Insertion Staff: Danielle Stewart, Chaz Welch & Sahil Bahn

Letter To The Editor:

I always read the letters to the editors in each weekly Pulse, I was somewhat amused with Ginny Topley’s letter. Am I correct in assuming she/he agrees with the Supreme Court’s ruling in the 1930’s?

Just because a child checked out an “explicit” book from the school library doesn’t mean they are interested in being gay/lesbian! Kids are curious, always have been and always will be.

Neither my parents nor my husband’s parents talked to us about sex! Our schools didn’t either, churches just said “NO sex unless married”. Well, things have changed since we were teenagers, thankfully!

Both myself and my husband have had gay/lesbian individuals in our family, and I’m not embarrassed to admit it. Years ago, people of different races were forbidden to date/marry, that also has changed. One of my daughters is engaged to an African American. He is extremely nice, highly educated and good to my daughter. Yes, both myself and my husband were surprised when she announced this, my husband took a long time to accept this guy, but now he is OK with it.

Speaking of libraries, I read a lot, but because of my disability the library staff has to look for books for me. It’s extremely hard to find hardback books at the Mena Public Library, would anyone consider donating money or hardback books to the library?

Want to share your opinion?

somehow is the answer. Is it possible what that child needs is a family that will love and nurture them and not give in to their whims or unduly influence them?

If you feel a child is capable of making a decision to alter their gender at a young age, then why stop there? Why not accept they are able to make informed decisions to vote, drive a car, have a credit card, carry a gun, drink alcohol, or any of a number of things adults do after living enough life to have some basis of experience to make informed decisions? I know that is a reach but to say such a decision is OK and the child can be trusted to make an informed decision is to cherry pick what is good for the child but bad if applied to many other of life’s choices.

Sadly, I cannot argue that adults make bad decisions daily, but at least most have had a chance to develop a few life skills to think of consequences before acting. Children, however, are prone to impulse and influence. Someone has to step up and be the adult.

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. Letters do not reflect the viewpoints or opinions of Pulse Multi-Media.

The letter must include a signature to be considered for publication. Signatures will NOT be held out by request. Letters will be restricted to 500 words. Any letters longer than 500 words will require purchase of advertising space.

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.

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.

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I’m sure the library would be more than willing to give a list of books that people want in hardback. I have purchased 6-8 hardback books so far this year then after reading them, donated to the library.

Thank you,

Donna Lay, Mena Letter to the Editor

I am 72 years old. Admittedly, I am pretty much set in my ways and struggle to understand why some do what they do. I try hard to accept things new to me, but honestly, there are some things I question.

There is currently debate about gender reassignment for children that I feel are not at an age to make informed decisions about being something or someone other than what God intended at birth. This is a permanent procedure that is impossible to reverse should the child have other thoughts down the road.

I have heard the argument that the child is not comfortable as whatever they currently are and feel that being different

Just a thought but think of limiting/eliminating social media and its adverse impact on impressionable children. The number of suicides by children from bullying online is unacceptable. A child’s mind has been called a blank slate. They absorb all they see and hear in the process of growing and learning. If they see and hear good then the result will be a child that does not succumb to violent video games and online influence. If you wonder where violence comes from towards others sometimes you need only look at the environment they live in and understand their helpless feelings. Do they really want to be a different gender or is the procedure really a plea for help and attention?

If a new look is what is sought, cut your hair. At least it will grow back if the new look is not what you envisioned. Not so much with other body parts.

We once had legislators who made laws to protect the weak and innocent. What happened?

Letters may be submitted by e-mail to news@mypulsenews.com; mailed to P.O. Box 1450, Mena, AR 71953 or dropped off at 1168 Hwy. 71 South, Mena, AR. A drop-box is provided by the front door for after-hour convenience.

With respect and kindest regards, Ron

Goss, retired, Mena

SURPRISE continued from page 1

We posted a notice with a deadline. If the egg had been discovered. The person who had the egg in their possession had a certain amount of time to turn the egg in or there would be another Easter egg hunt initiated.

Come Wednesday morning there was a sealed package. Inside was the golden Easter egg along with an unexpected message that read in part:

“We found it! Thank you, Pulse Multimedia. Now, we would like to pay it forward.”

The winner asked that the $250 prize be donated to the Fresh Start Pregnancy Resource Center at the Ninth Street Ministries located at 306 Ninth St., Mena.

The center is run by Nancy Patterson, executive director. She is assisted by Donna Hendricks, director of client services.

Fresh Start offers pregnancy classes, parenting classes, and life skills such as

learning to budget and finance. They are open 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday – Wednesday.

Although Fresh Start tries not to turn anyone in need down for baby items such as diapers, formula, car seats, toys and baby or maternity clothing, they hope to provide the parents with a necessary skill set with their “earn while you learn system.” For example, attending the classes earns a parent/family a certain number of points that is used to earn Mommy Money. The $10 money vouchers can be exchanged for the aforementioned items.

Patterson was surprised at the generous donation. She wanted to convey to the anonymous donor, “Thank you, thank you, thank you so much.”

Fresh Start can be reached at 479394-1186 for those seeking assistance, classes, or to donate. Donations to Fresh Start stay in Polk County.

As for the person who found the egg, you’ve probably helped a family or two, if not more.

STAY ALERT. STAY INFORMED. STAY SAFE.

Fresh Start Pregnancy Resource Center Executive Director Nancy Patterson holds the second golden Easter egg, the letter from the anonymous donor and the $250 prize check. (Ariel Varner/Pulse)

In the final week of the 2023 Regular Session, the House passed a criminal justice reform bill, a tax cut, and a budget that increases spending in education and public safety.

The House passed SB549. This bill will reduce the state’s top income tax rate from 4.9% to 4.7%. It also reduces the corporate income tax rate from 5.3% to 5.1%. The reductions will be retroactive to January 1, 2023.

The House also passed SB495, the Protect Arkansas Act. This bill makes several felony offenses ineligible for early release from prison. Those offenses include capital murder, murder in the first degree, aggravated robbery, rape, and several crimes against children.

It also classifies several other offenses as restricted release felonies. After January 1, 2025, a person convicted of a restricted release felony would have to serve 85% of their sentence before being eligible for early release.

Restricted release felonies include murder in the second degree, manslaughter, negligent homicide, battery in the first degree, and sexual indecency with a child.

Another bill we passed this week cre-

ates the Social Media Safety Act. It requires age verification for use of social media and parental consent for minors.

The House adopted HJR1006. This resolution is a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow lottery proceeds to provide scholarships and grants to Arkansans enrolled in vocational-technical schools and technical institutes. This proposal will now appear on the November 2024 ballot.

And one of the final items of business we address every session is the budget. This year we passed a $6.2 billion balanced budget.

The biggest increases in funding are directed to the public school fund and the Division of Correction. The budget also includes $31.7 million for Educational Freedom Accounts.

The House also passed SB578. This bill outlines one-time spending of state surplus funds. It directs $250 million to educational facilities, $330 million to correctional facilities, and $200 million to the state crime lab.

You can review all of the legislation passed during this session and watch recorded committees and House floor proceedings at arkansashouse.org.

The legislature passed legislation to save Arkansas families about $100 million a year in lower income taxes. The bill also lowers corporate income taxes and will save Arkansas businesses about $24 million a year.

Senate Bill 549 lowers the top rate for individual income taxes from 4.9 percent to 4.7 percent. It will benefit about 1.1 million Arkansas taxpayers whose annual income is more than $24,300. The lower rate takes effect in tax year 2023, and state revenue officials expect employers to adjust withholding for their workers later this year.

The bill lowers the top rate for businesses from 5.3 percent to 5.1 percent.

Passage of the tax cut bill gives legislators a more definite estimate of state revenue for next fiscal year. At the same time, lawmakers are finalizing spending requests from state agencies for next year. One of the final last pieces of legislation to be considered this session will be a balanced budget bill.

The Arkansas balanced budget law is known as the Revenue Stabilization Act. For next fiscal year it projects total general revenue spending of about $6.2 billion. There are three major sources of general revenue in Arkansas – the sales tax, the individual income tax and the corporate income tax.

The largest single spending category in the Revenue Stabilization Act is the Public School Fund, from which state aid is distributed to school districts for K-12 education. The Public School Fund, which includes funding of career and technical education, will amount to $2.4 billion next fiscal year.

Divisions of the Human Services Department (DHS) will spend about $1.8 billion in state general revenue. However, total spending levels for

DHS will be much greater because the department also receives federal matching funds that are not counted in state general revenue.

Traditionally the state provides about 30 percent of Medicaid spending and federal funding provides the rest.

State prisons and its related agencies will receive a significant increase in state funding, so that tougher sentencing laws can be effective. The Division of Correction will receive and spend about $379 million this year and will get an estimated $434 million next year. The Division operates state prisons.

The Division of Community Correction operates specialty courts, such as drug courts, and re-entry programs that help inmates transition into society. It also hires parole officers to supervise inmates who have been released early, before their sentence has been completed. The Division’s budget will increase from $98 million this year to $105 million next year.

State reimbursements to county jails represent another major cost of the prison system. Due to a lack of space in state prison units, as many as 2,000 inmates a day are housed in county jails, and the state reimburses county governments for the expenses incurred.

Legislators are working on a major criminal justice package, among other reasons, to reduce the backlog of inmates in county jails. County sheriffs have told lawmakers that there are so many serious offenders in county lockups, they present a danger to staff and to people in jail for relatively minor offenses.

Highway and transportation is not included in the Revenue and Stabilization Act, because it is not funded from general revenue. Highway construction is paid mostly from special revenue such as motor fuels taxes, which are collected at the pump.

John Maddox Terry Rice

Charles Eddie McDaniel

Mr. Charles Eddie McDaniel, age 81, passed away Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Mena, Arkansas. Charles was born in Mena, Arkansas, on December 14, 1941. Married twice and the father of four.

Charles was preceded in death by the love of his life Kay McDaniel, his father Charles McDaniel of Hatfield, his mother Doris Eileen Ellis of Chapel Hill. He was survived by four children; Michael McDaniel of Roanoke, VA, Karen (Stephen) Epperly of Dublin, VA, Sherri (Duane) Powell of Mena and Kevin (Melody) McDaniel of Mena, 12 grandchildren; Christopher McDaniel and fiancée Jenna Marunich, Nicholas (Samra) McDaniel, Katelyn (Steve) Keck, Connor Epperly, Piper Epperly, Skylar Epperly, Ashlee Powell, Adam McDaniel, Lexi Powell and fiancé Warren McPherson, Cameron McDaniel, Cisley McDaniel, and Kaylynn McDaniel, and 2 great-grandchildren and one great-grand on the way. A beloved father and friend who loved and touched many lives. Even at his last home, at The Homewood Cottages, he found new friends while digging up the shrubbery to plant a vegetable garden. His last hunting and fishing trips are talked about to this day as they were with his favorite girls from the Cottages, Bonnie and Red, especially his last fishing trip by kayak at Wilhelmina Lake. A very special Thank You to the staff at Home-

wood Cottages for making his days there comfortable and loving our Father like you did.

There will be a visitation/memorial for Charles, Friday April 7, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home chapel.

Deacon James (Tony) Salamone

Deacon

James (Tony) Salamone, age 80, passed away on March 31, 2023, in Hot Springs, AR. He was born on January 4, 1943, in Chicago, IL, to the late Frank Salamone and Antonina Miosi. He served four years in the Navy from 1962 to 1966. He then worked as a computer programmer until his retirement.

In May 1985, Tony was ordained as a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Diocese of Chicago. In this role he preached, visited patients in hospitals and nursing homes, ministered to those experiencing divorce, and assisted at church liturgies. His greatest joy was working with Life Teen, a faith building program for Catholic youth. He loved “his” kids and they loved him. Many credited him with helping them grow stronger in their faith. In 1991 he and his family relocated to Phoenix, AZ, where he continued his diaconal ministry and enjoyed exploring the many different wonders of his new home. In 2009 retirement and family brought Tony and his wife to Mena, AR, where they rejoiced in living close to their daughter and grandchildren. They were received with warm, welcoming arms by the

parish family of St. Agnes Catholic church, where Tony continued his diaconal ministry.

Tony is survived by his wife Roberta, his sister Marcy Vitchus and husband Bernie, son Anthony Salamone, son Daniel Kast and wife Janice, daughter Tracy Carpenter and husband Joel, daughter Elizabeth Mattucks and husband Don, as well as seven grandchildren: Lizzie, Eric, and Ethan Sutherland; Donald Mattucks; George Kast; and Mackenzie and Ryan Carpenter.

Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, April 12, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Mena, AR. Visitation will be at 9:00, a Rosary at 9:30, and Mass at 10:00. Interment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Mena, AR.

Matthew is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Karen Diane (Cole) Podgornik; Brothers Otis, Sherman, and Steve Podgornik; and Father-in-law, Glen E. Cole.

He is survived by two sons, Matthew Podgornik, Jr. and his girlfriend Amber Boydston, and Kevin Michael Podgornik and his wife Kayleigh; one grandchild, Easton Cole Podgornik, and his motherin-law, “Nan” Wanda Cole; a host of nieces and nephews and beloved friends.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Beasley Wood Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas, with interment at Pinecrest Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Matthew Thomas Podgornik, Sr., 63, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away on Friday, April 7, 2023, in Washburn, Missouri. Matthew was born on January 11, 1960, to Matt Podgornik and Darlene (Holland) in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Matthew worked at O’ Reilly Auto Parts for most of his life and while working there he mixed paint for the Army during Desert Storm. He was known by his friends and family for being a “jack of all trades” kind of guy. He was a grill master and a know-it-all fixer upper. He loved fishing, tinkering with motors, NASCAR, and anything with racing. He had a special place in his heart for his four-legged companions.

Matthew Thomas Podgornik Sr.

City of Mena to host second Eclipse Town Hall meeting

On April 8, 2024, nearly twothirds of Arkansas will be within the path of totality for the Great American Total Solar Eclipse. This event will bring thousands of visi-

Public leaders and stakeholders will be in attendance to help answer community questions. The Central Arkansas Astronomical Society (CAAS), a non-profit or-

Pre-register for the youth fishing derby

By Ethan Nahté

The

U.S. Forest Service Mena/Oden

Ranger District will be holding a free youth fishing derby at the Oden Rifle Range pond. This is one of several

tacting justin.mitchell@usda.gov or wedwards@orsd.k12.ar.us. Include the name, address and age of each participant.

For directions to the pond, or additional information, call the Mena For-

tors to The Natural State to experience the phenomenon. Mena will experience four minutes of pure solar darkness, one of the greater lengths in Arkansas and will be a major tourism draw for the community.

To help the community prepare, the City of Mena is hosting their second Eclipse Town Hall meeting on April 19, 2023. The meeting will be held at the Ouachita Center, on the campus of UA Rich Mountain, at 3 p.m. This is an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the eclipse and how Mena, and the surrounding areas, can plan for and draw visitors to what will be an epic event for Arkansas.

ganization, will also be in attendance to help inform and educate attendees.

Groups and organizations across Arkansas will be planning events focusing on this historic astronomical occurrence. Economic impact from the 2017 total solar eclipse in other states was massive. Since The Natural State is centrally located and our time of total darkness will be nearly twice that of the 2017 event, Arkansas is positioned to exceed those numbers. For more information, contact Pasha Watson, Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission, 479394-8355 or pasha@visitmena. com.

derbies happening across Arkansas on June 10. The pond will be stocked with catchable-sized fish by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Each child between the ages of 2-15 may bring one rod or pole. They must also supply their own bait and tackle. The event will take place Saturday, June 10. Registration begins at 7 a.m. The derby is from 8 - 10:30 a.m. Pre-registration is encouraged by con-

est Service, 479-394-2382.

The derby also coincides with free fishing weekend, which runs from noon on Friday, June 9 – midnight, Sunday, June 11. Residents and non-residents may fish that weekend without fishing licenses or trout permits. Regulations for Arkansas waters still apply such as daily limits, slot limits and length limits that must be observed.

Queen Wilhelmina State Park clean-upon Earth Day

Do your part to keep Arkansas beautiful by volunteering for an Earth Day Cleanup at Queen Wilhelmina State Park on Saturday, Apr. 22. Take in the scenery of Rich Mountain while ensuring the park is clean for future generations to enjoy.

Meet at the Wonder House at 8:45 a.m. to register and pick up garbage

bags, gloves, and a free t-shirt. Be sure to wear close-toed shoes and bring plenty of drinking water for gathering litter along park roadsides.

The clean-up will last from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Boozman says EPA must include Arkansas in decision-making process

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) called out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its refusal to allow Arkansas to revise its plan to comply with federal air regulations that continue to be a moving target.

“The EPA is great until you disagree with them,” Boozman said at a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing. “They talk about federal cooperation, but once you disagree then it tends to be their way.”

Boozman expressed his frustration with EPA’s rule-making process that’s making it impossible for Arkansas and other states to comply with misguided air regulations.

“For it to be fair nationwide,

Arkansas Mission of Mercy to provide free dental care for Arkansans

then again, the states need to have the ability to be part of that decision-making and that hasn’t been the case in Mississippi and Arkansas,” Boozman said. “That’s not appropriate.”

Arkansas submitted its proposal in 2019. Last month, Arkansas filed a lawsuit challenging the EPA’s rejection of its State Implementation Plan (SIP) under the Clean Air Act. Boozman and Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR)  blasted  the agency’s decision and vowed to support the state’s efforts to appeal the move.

It’s estimated that nearly 50 Arkansas businesses will be at risk of closure as a result of the onerous federal plan’s implementation.

By Patrick Massey

CONWAY - The Arkansas Mission of Mercy is returning this month to provide free dental care to thousands of people following a two-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The two-day dental clinic is scheduled for Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15 in the Conway Expo Center. The event is held to provide free dental care to people who otherwise lack the access or resources necessary to address their dental needs.

Dr. Terry Fiddler, executive director of Arkansas Mission of Mercy, said 2023 marks the organization’s 15th year of providing free dental care through this annual clinic.

“This is our 15th year and over these years we’ve seen somewhat north of 24,000 patients and a little over $16 million worth of free dentistry,” said Dr. Fiddler. “We see anywhere from 1,800 to 2,500 people those two days. It costs us about a quarter of a million dollars each time we host this clinic.”

The clinic provides a wide variety of services at absolutely no cost to patients. Dr. Fiddler said the clinic aims to serve patients who do not have dental insurance and lack the means to pay for dental care.

“We serve the under-served, those individuals who have no insurance or can’t afford dental work,” explained Dr. Fiddler. “We don’t require any ID’s, insurance or abilities. This is just a service we do and all we do is free of charge.”

The Arkansas Mission of Mercy dental clinic will provide free care to people of all ages, including children, and regardless of where they live.

Dr. Fiddler stresses the dental care

provided through Arkansas Mission of Mercy is the same quality one would receive at a private practice. That’s due to the hundreds of dentists, hygienists, physicians, nurses and lay volunteers who donate their time and expertise at each clinic.

“This is not cut-rate dentistry,” said Dr. Fiddler. “This is top quality service. We generally have around 100 dentists, 150 dental hygienists, the same number of dental assistants, 50 nurses and four or five physicians. We also have around 300 to 400 lay volunteers. So, somewhere between 750 and 900 volunteers at this year’s event.”

Organizers of this year’s dental clinic expect a tremendous response from the public given the two-year hiatus during COVID-19. Additional volunteers will certainly be needed and Dr. Fiddler invites anyone with spare time and a desire to help others to come by April 14-15.

“The more we have, the more we can treat and the more services we can offer,” Dr. Fiddler said. “It’s a labor of love, it’s God’s work. We can use everyone’s help, even if it’s just to sit with someone as they wait to be seen and let them know there are people out there who care for them.”

Anyone interested in volunteering - from doctors of dentistry to interpreters - can do so by signing up at  www.rsvpbook.com/ArMOM2023_Conway.

The two-day dental clinic, set for April 14-15, will be held on a firstcome, first-serve basis. The clinic will continue until the last person is seen. For more information on the Arkansas Mission of Mercy, visit https:// arkansasdentistry.org/armom/.

BEER FEST

continued from page 1 and always have a great time, so we wanted to bring that to our local community. In the past, we’ve done the Entertainment District, which is a always great time. We wanted Polk County to see what other breweries have to offer and kind of give them that treat. We wanted to be able to kick off the beautiful spring weather with a fun event.”

Many people argued on the Pulse Facebook page, for and against, the morality, or lack thereof, of having Beer Fest on Easter weekend. Reading through the comments, a lot of the disputes were centered around freedom of choice, moderation, and Jesus turning water into wine.

Campbell’s stated how this particular weekend was chosen. “An additional part of wanting to do our Beer Fest this time of year is my sister and my birthdays are in March. March weather is really finicky. We wanted to put it as close to March as possible, so without giving any other consideration apart from ‘Let’s do it the weekend closest to March,’ we said, ‘Let’s do it the first weekend of April,’ and it happened to fall on Easter weekend.”

Some asked who was responsible for paying security during the event. I can only assume they were curious whether it was taxpayer dollars, which is a fair question. Campbell confirmed that The Ouachitas were paying the security.

Off-duty police officers could be seen pa-

trolling in pairs on foot, not only around the perimeter of the beer garden, but throughout the Entertainment District where the food trucks and lemonade stands were located, around the packed restaurant and around the stage where the versatile band out of the River Valley area known as Who Shot JR performed a free concert. They played a mix of rock and country. Not only were they excellent musicians, but they got off the stage to interact with the dancing crowd.

Bruce Bills with Misty Mountain Antiques said events such as Beer Fest, “…only helps strengthen Mena. The fact that the 30 years I’ve lived here, I‘ve never seen so many people out in the street, spending money, boosting the town. The fact there are negative incidents is a bonus.”

There was one arrest at the event at some point after speaking with Bills on Saturday evening. The arrest was confirmed by the Mena Police Department. One man of legal drinking age was charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct on Martin Street. Other than that, MPD said that Saturday evening’s reports did not seem more than normal, meaning there was not the predicted upsurge of people being charged with crimes related to alcohol. As expected, the social media dialogue had those for and those against the event and alcohol.

Mena City Councilman Stanley Craig was one of a handful of political figures in the beer garden. For the record, not all of the politicians were imbibing alcohol, but they were all mingling and seeing what the event was all about.

The same could be said for some of the people who belong to the education, medical and legal sectors — some enjoyed drinks while others did not, but the atmosphere remained friendly.

Craig is an owner of Stanley Craig Properties, LLC. He sees events such as this from two perspectives: as positive tourism and income booster for the Mena area, which will benefit many businesses, and as a business owner who is already seeing results from the tourism potential.

“I’ve been waiting 50 years for Mena to boom,” Craig said. He added he never thought he would see something like the Beer Fest happening in Polk County. Craig considers the county becoming wet a part of that boom as he looks around at the growing crowd. “It’s just families. Everybody’s having a good time.”

Campbell said, “We got some really good breweries from around the state that showed up for this. We’re thankful to all of those guys. The beer community in Arkansas is probably unmatched in the whole country. The turnout shows the people in this area — Polk County, Arkansas — they’re hungry for events like this to get out, be around people and just see what different breweries have to offer, the craft of beer and then live entertainment and just hanging out.

“We have plans to do an Oktoberfest. October will be five years for The Ouachitas, so we’ll celebrate that too. We’ll have some Oktoberfest probably similar to what this event is like.”

The beer garden also welcomed non-drink-

ers; designated drivers; curiosity seekers who wanted to learn what goes into the process of creating a craft beer, which every person manning one of the seven booths was willing to describe; and families who wandered around, socializing quite like they would at home having a backyard BBQ. Some of the adults may have had an alcoholic drink in hand. Others had a lemonade, sno-cone, soda or water.

It wasn’t just Polk County families either. There were people attending from adjacent counties, as well as from Oklahoma. I wouldn’t be surprised to find tourists from other states were in attendance.

There were some who reported seeing protest signs in yards and along the roadways as they came through Smithville, Oklahoma, and made their way up Highway 71. If those signs were present, it begs the question of whether it was people who are against alcohol or if it was owners of beer stores across the state line who might be concerned that with Little River, Sevier and Polk Counties now being wet, it will affect their business? Both are legitimate concerns.

Bills said “I cannot remember when I’ve seen many people from out of state — tourists walking up and down main street on a Friday or Saturday, even during the week… . The Entertainment District here on Martin Street, and the Arts District are only going to make Mena more of a destination on the map. People may complain that it’s different and changing the town, but the town needed changing.”

By Richie Lawry

Over the past few years, one of the TV programs that I have enjoyed watching is “Who Do You Think You Are?”. After a four-year hiatus, the documentary series returned last year. In each episode, a different celebrity searches to trace their family tree with the help of historians and experts, unlocking past mysteries and unbelievable real-life stories across the world and through time.

Some of my favorite episodes have featured stories where celebrities find out things about their ancestors that they never knew before:

Jason Sudakis learned the details of his grandfather’s death and that his grandfather abandoned his grandmother on their wedding day.

Kelly Clarkson investigated the life of her three-times great-grandfather, who fought in the Civil War, was a prisoner of war, and later became a senator.

Annie Lennox discovered the sad story of her great-great-grandmother who became an orphan at five after her mother, a widow, and a pauper, died.

In an interview with Meredith Jacobs, executive producer Dan Bucatinsky said, “We’ve been doing this show for ten years now — we can’t quite believe it — but there’s a messaging in this show that I think happens that is sort of under the surface, which is that history matters, that we are all made up of both enormous and also tiny moves that occurred even 100, 200, 300 years ago with our ancestors. There has been a growing interest in genealogy.”

Why are people interested in genealogy? They understand that their heritage is part of who they are today. I have been researching my family tree and traced the Lawry name back to Joseph Laurie, born in Scotland. So far, the most interesting ancestor I have found is my four-times great-grandfather, James Vowels.

According to a document I found, James Vowels was a soldier in the Army of the Revolution. He was born in Virginia in 1738. In 1776 he enlisted under Captain George Slaughter of the 8th Virginia Regiment. James fought in the Battles of Brandywine on September 11, 1777, Germantown on October 4, 1777, and several

An Arkie’s Faith Who do you think you are?

don’t believe God created them.

Anytime we try to establish our identity and do not understand it biblically, it results in problems. New Age philosophy teaches that God is in us and that everything is universally connected through God. Pantheism is the belief that nature is identical to divinity and that, as a part of nature, each person is God. Who do you think you are?

If you believe you are God, nothing can control your behavior.

Another identity that many people assume is that of a highly evolved animal. They believe we are just animals who have evolved with opposable thumbs and intelligent brains. Who do you think you are? If you feel you are only a highly developed animal, there is nothing to control your behavior.

The question should not be, who do you think you are, but who does God say you are? The Bible tells us in 1 John 3:1 (VOICE), “Consider the kind of extravagant love the Father has lavished on us — He calls us children of God! It’s true; we are His beloved children.” God says that we are his children!

others. He wintered with his regiment at Valley Forge and served out the time of his enlistment faithfully.

When his enlistment ended, he returned to Virginia and married Anne Fields in April 1781. After the wedding, he again joined the Army and was at the siege of Yorktown. After the surrender of Cornwallis on October 19, 1781, he returned home to Culpepper County, Virginia, where he lived until his death on April 17, 1815.

My four-times grandfather was a part of some of the most critical events in American history. He experienced the hardships of Valley Forge. He was part of the Army that forced English General Cornwallis to surrender and end the war. He helped America gain its independence. He was a true patriot. I’m proud to be a descendant of James Vowels.

As much fun as it was researching my genealogy, I finally reached a dead end and couldn’t trace my Lawry family tree any farther. To continue, I would need to travel to Scotland, where the last records

of Joseph Laurie were found. But I am still left with the question, where did I come from?

Who do you think you are? The answer determines how we live our lives. Our existence is meaningless if we feel we are here by an accident of forces. But if we are here because of God, our life has great worth, purpose, and a promised future beyond death.

In the Bible’s account of human history, we read, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth, “ Genesis 1:1 (KJV), “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Genesis 1:26 (KJV)

Who do you think you are? God says he loves you and made you in his image and likeness. Satan lies and tells you that you are just a cosmic accident.

Who do you think you are? You don’t have to determine your identity because God has revealed it. God has told us that He created us. So many people are searching for their identity because they

All people are equally made in the image and likeness of God; Male and female, young and old, black and white, rich and poor. All have dignity, value, and worth. One of the greatest lies is that some people are more valuable than others. Because we are all God’s children, you are not more valuable than anyone else, and you are not less valuable than anyone else.

That is why I don’t believe in the survival of the fittest. I don’t believe in Darwinian evolution, which says those who are strong survive, and those who are weak are worth less. Adolph Hitler based his plan for the Aryan race on his study of Darwin’s theory. Christians shouldn’t believe in racism, sexism, or class distinctions, because we all are made in the image and likeness of God.

Gentle Reader, who do you think you are? Your answer will profoundly affect your life, actions, and salvation. “We are God’s creation. He created us to belong to Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIRV)

I didn’t want them to take offense.

David Spurgin and Cindi Hernandez of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, Mena Chapter, delivered Easter gifts to those vets living at The Green House Cottages of Homewood, and Peachtree Mena. Additionally, they were thanked for their service to our country. (Submitted photo)

Hidden treasures for Easter

By Ethan Nahté

Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday kept Polk County quite busy over the past week.

There were, of course, several worship services, special Easter meals, Sunday schools and other events ranging from documentaries to guest speakers or musicians making appearances.

Speaking of musicians, if you missed the Music on Main concert on Good Friday, you missed a really good show with some talented performers. The Alive by Sunrise Worship Collective put on a 90-minute performance while braving the chilly, breezy weather. Those who did come to the show seemed to enjoy them immensely.

The audience for their show gradually grew to perhaps six or seven dozen after families made their way down

from Janssen Park for the flashlight Easter egg hunt sponsored by Mt. View Methodist Church.

That wasn’t the first egg hunt. The Hatfield Lions Club and Hatfield Masonic Lodge had a hunt on April Fool’s Day.

KENA also did a live remote at Healthy Connections, Inc for their annual hunt.

Some churches had their own hunts for their congregations.

Meanwhile, The Elks Lodge in Mena had a hunt first thing in the morning on Apr. 8. The Easter bunny was on site for photo ops.

Soon afterward, kids could get their photo taken with the Easter bunny again at Sassy Squatch. Not to mention the eggs they were giving out not only had candy, but some had prize vouchers for various sponsors and some had

money.

Then it was off to Janssen Park once more for the Easter egg hunt put on by Performance Realty where the Easter bunny had hopped partway across town.

At almost all of the Easter egg events, the kids were racking up on more than candy. Prizes included brand new bicycles, waffle irons that made Peepsshaped waffles, Easter baskets filled with all manner of chocolate and gifts, high-dollar ice chests and grills for the adults.

Golden eggs were a key component to many of the hunts. There were so many events that this reporter made it to many that some kids didn’t attend. The parents said they were egged out.

My consolation, the Easter bunny did give me a box of Easter snack cakes.

Around Town

The next Van-Cove High School Alumni Meeting is April 20 at the Alumni Building at 156 School Street in Cove, 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

Applications for lifeguard positions at McMillan Pool may be picked up at City Hall, 520 Mena Street, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

2800 Craftsy meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m., 2800 Jerry Lee Dr., Mena. Free to all who are interested in crafting. (501) 617-7261. Visit 2800 Craftsy on Facebookgroups.

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 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

First Presbyterian Church will be presenting a study, “The Evolution of the Bible”, in its Adult Sunday School Class on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:45. The class will be conducted by Earl Harrell. Anyone with an interest in this study is invited to attend. Classes will be at the church in the parlor, 904 Church Ave., Mena.

GriefShare continues to meet every Thursday from 10 a.m.-noon at First Presbyterian Church Mena for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

The Hatfield Branch Library is open every Tuesday and Friday from noon - 4 p.m. The library is located at 121 Cemetery Rd. (old Agri building) in Hatfield.

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. If you need to make delivery arrangements or changes call (870) 385-2373.

The Polk County Republican Committee will meet Monday, April 17, in the Community Room of the Polk County Library. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

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.

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 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.

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.

Bluegrass Jam Session is open to musicians and fans alike. Bring your instruments for an unplugged session to the Daisy Room (behind Janssen’s Avenue Florist & Gifts) the first and third Thursdays of each month, starting at 6:30 p.m. Free event. Some snacks are provided.

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!

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ in rehearsal at OLT

Submitted by Julie Ulmer

Ouachita Little Theatre is proud to present the off-Broadway musical “Little Shop of Horrors” on their stage May 12 - 14 and 19 - 21. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m.

This comedy revolves around a meek floral assistant named Seymour who stumbles across a strange breed of plant that mysteriously sings R&B and has a rather dark carnivorous habit. Written by composer Alan Menken with Howard Ashman who wrote the book and lyrics, the musical is itself an adaptation of a 1960 film of the same name by Roger Corman. A popular film version of the story was also produced in 1982 by director Frank Oz.

Rehearsals are underway and director Alex Night is enthused with this show. “I cannot even handle how fun this show is! Every single rehearsal is a blast, and this cast and creative team is full of magical geniuses. We cannot wait for everyone to see it!”

Due to some adult themes and language contained in this show, OLT advises parental guidance for young or sensitive viewers.

Reserved tickets are on sale for $15 (adults) and $10 (students and seniors) at oltmena.com. Tickets may be purchased at the OLT office, 610 Mena St., Suite B, located to the right of the theater doors. The office is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 2 - 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. As always, tickets are available at the door if the show is not

previously sold out. Consider purchasing a season ticket for ease and value. Also, don’t forget to purchase your ticket for the OLT Benson Awards, happening at 6 p.m., June 1. The ceremony will be held at the Crossing. Themed “A Night on the Town!” and covering four seasons of awards from 2019-2022, $20 covers your admission and a catered meal from Papa’s Mexican Café. Children under 12 eat free, but still require a reservation. More details and ticket purchases are now available on the website, oltmena.com.

Silas Baker as Seymour, “Little Shop of Horrors.” (Photo courtesy of OLT)

Mena’s first National Down Syndrome Day walk takes a big step

By Ethan Nahté

World Down Syndrome Day is designated as March 21 each year, a day to come together to celebrate Down syndrome and raise awareness according to the National Down syndrome Society (NDSS).

Typically, the nucleus of each cell in our genetic make-up is 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each parent. Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. According to the CDC, approximately one in every 772 babies in the United Sates is born with Down syndrome, making it the most common chromosomal condition. Approximately 5,100 babies with Down syndrome are born in the U.S. each year. The cause of the condition is still unknown.

This year, Mena saw what was, perhaps, their first organized walk for World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) on March 21 (3-21), signifying the fact that people with Down syndrome are born with three copies of chromosome 21. WDSD was promulgated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011 and is celebrated in over 190 countries.

The organizers of the event that became

known as Walk for National Down Syndrome Day were Mandy Rowe and Shanda Craig. Rowe is an Arvest Bank mortgage sales assistant. Craig is the student support coordinator/district family and engagement coordinator for Mena Public Schools.

Both women are parents to a child with Down syndrome. Mandy’s son Truitt and Shanda’s son Bear were the inspiration for what began as something much smaller for the two families’ first WDSD event.

Craig said, “It started out as just a family thing and then Karen Parnell, Mena Middle School self-contained teacher, spurred the idea of hosting a walk to help raise funds for adaptive playground equipment.”

Both the Louise Durham Elementary (LDE) and Holly Harshman Elementary (HHE) schools were without any such equipment. The adaptive equipment could be utilized for children with a variety of special needs and not solely for those with Down syndrome.

Rowe said, “Our children have been the driving force for us to organize the walk. Truitt has been a blessing since the moment he entered our lives. Down Syndrome is just a diagnosis and does not define who our kiddos are. Every child needs support from their

Arvest Bank presented a $3,000 donation to Mena Public Schools on Apr. 4 for the first Walk for National Down Syndrome Day in Mena. The proceeds will go toward purchasing adaptive playground equipment for two Mena elementary schools. (Submitted photo)

family in their own ways and Truitt and Bear need just a little extra.

Classifieds - SERVICES -

CLASSIFIEDS

- FOR SALE -

Beautiful recliner swivel rockers. Sturdy leather-like cover, dark brown w/saddle stitching trim. Like new condition $400 each o.b.o. (479) 234-5281 T0412

Wendell’s Tree Service - Tree Removal and Trimming. Experienced and fully insured for ALL your tree-trimming needs. Call (479) 394-0227 or (479) 216-4328. T0503

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0412

Community Yard Sales, 195 Polk Road 169, Mena, Follow signs! Friday and Saturday, Apr. 14-15, 8 a.m. Small deep freeze, saddles, blankets, rugs, kitchen items, many pictures & décor, clothing, shoes, purses & some furniture. T0412

- FOR RENT -

Apartment for Rent, 2 bedroom/2 bath, $800 per month. (479) 234-3335 T0419

- MESSAGES -

Church of God of Prophecy would like to thank everyone who supported our “Hot Dog Days” event. A special thank you to Steven at Atwood’s, Doc at SFA, and Walmart.

Congratulations to our raffle winners: Luis, Stanley, Ken, Darlena, and Colton. T0412

Construction, steel buildings, welding, pads, ponds, and roads. Military discounts. Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0426

Daniel’s carpentry and painting and handyman service. Deck and privacy fences, gutters cleaned, etc. Call (479) 216-1101 or (479) 216-2299. T0426

Tree services, forestry mulching, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate. T0426

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T0503

Apex Home Services: Yards mowed, light home maintenance, quality work, dependable service. (479) 216-6634 T0503

- HELP WANTED -

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.

T0426

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

T0426

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.

T0426

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced TIG Welder for a permanent day shift position. The applicant must be proficient in welding aluminum.

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.

T0426

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 fast-paced office setting.

Parts, automotive, and computer experience would be helpful.

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.

T0426

NOTICE

Kevin Williams; Jason Sullivan; Emily Bevill of UNION BANK OF MENA and Theresa Young of Arvest Bank; you have less than 30 calendar days upon receipt of the four Affidavit of Status and the Affidavit of Complaint to controvert and overcome them IN WRITTEN SWORN AFFIDAVIT FORM UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY to the correct address submitted. Your silence stands as consent to, and tacit approval of, the factual declarations therein contained being established as fact as a matter of law.

T0412

LEGAL NOTICE

NO. 57PR-2023-29

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF POLK COUNTY, ARKANSAS. IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT SEXTON, DECEASED. LAST KNOWN ADDRESS OF DECEDENT: 304 Ridge Ave., Mena, AR 71953. DATE OF DEATH: February 4, 2023.

A probate of the decedent’s estate by Dallas Sexton was filed on March 14, 2023. All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, properly verified, to the undersigned within six (6) months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in the estate.

Dallas Sexton, Executor c/o Julie L. Roper Roper Law Firm, P.A.

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, 2023, 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)

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 3, 2023

Anthony Robertson, 32 of Mena was arrested on a warrant for Criminal Trespass.

Lee Wisnoski, 48 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Failure to Appear Warrant, a Misdemeanor Failure to Appear Warrant and on a Hold for Another Agency.

Kathy Harper, 43 of Mena was arrested on a charge of Violation of the Arkansas Hot Check Law.

Deputies were dispatched to an area on Hwy 71 N near Acorn in reference to an incident leading to the arrest of Anthony Erke, 27 of Waldron on charges of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery and Disorderly Conduct.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on S Reine Street in reference to a possible break-in.

April 4, 2023

Deputies responded to a residence on West Oak near Cove in reference to a disturbance.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Kodiak Lane near Acorn in reference to a theft.

Jeremy Garrison, 46 of Mena was arrested on warrants for 3rd Degree Domestic Battery and Interference with Emergency Communications.

Adrian King, 35 of Mena was served a warrant for Theft of Property.

April 5, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to a domestic disturbance at a residence on

Rodgers Street near Cove leading to the arrest of Alicia Wolcott, 47 of Cove on a charge of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery.

Cody Kaderly, 28 of Mena was arrested on a Body Attachment and two Failure to Appear Warrants.

April 6, 2023

Julie Golden, 43 of Hatfield was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Hindering Apprehension and Prosecution.

Cheyenne Owens, 27 of Mena was arrested on a Disorderly Conduct Warrant.

Tristen Chaney, 27 of Mena was arrested on a Body Attachment Warrant and a Failure to Appear Warrant.

A traffic stop on Polk 54 near Mena led to the arrest of Chad Hunter, 52 of Mena on charges of DWI, Refusal to Submit to Arrest, Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test, Open Container, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Driving Left of Center and 1st Degree Criminal Mischief.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 8 W near Mena in reference to a theft.

April 7, 2023

Ronald Bates, 36 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Aggravated Assault on a Family or Household Member.

James Stewart, 53 of Mena was arrested on two Failure to Appear Warrants.

Holly Robinson, 31 of Mena was arrested on a 2nd Degree Criminal Mischief Warrant.

Joshua Hulliberger, 37 of Hatfield was arrested on two Failure to Appear Warrants.

David Horton, 36 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Failure to Appear Warrant, a Misdemeanor Failure to Appear Warrant and four Violation of the Arkansas Hot Check Law charges.

Jessica Mayo, 37 of Mena was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Deputies responded to a residence on Port Arthur near Hatfield in reference to a theft.

Deputies responded to a report of Theft by Receiving.

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

April 8, 2023

Connor Hannaman, 21 of Mena was arrested on three Failure to Appear Warrants.

Travis Dollaryhyde, 34 of Mena was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Mathew Evans, 56 of Mena was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Creekview Lane near Vandervoort in reference to a Welfare Check.

April 9, 2023

Deputies responded to a residence on Polk 75 near Acorn in reference to an Unattended Death.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 70 near Cherry Hill in reference to a Domestic Dispute. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies responded to a report of a damaged mailbox on Polk 54 near Mena.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked 0 vehicle accidents this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail

Population: 43 Incarcerated Inmates with 19 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

April 2

Latasha Fruen, 37, was charged with Domestic Battery and Criminal Trespass after a disturbance call to a residence on Janssen Avenue.

A report of criminal mischief and breaking or entering was taken at a residence on Reeves Avenue.

A report of dog running at large was taken at a residence on 10th Street.

April 3

Christopher James, 38, was served with a warrant at the detention center.

Tatum Veal, 32, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on 375 West. Griffin Head, 45, was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Vicki Fussell, 55, was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Possession of Marijuana and served with warrants after a disturbance call in the Northside Shopping Center.

April 4

Tatum Veal, 32, was served with a warrant at municipal court.

April 5

Johnathon Burton, 36, was charged with Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct after a disturbance call to Missouri Avenue.

April 6

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

April 7

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

Michael Trivette, 31, was served with a warrant at a residence on Sampson Avenue.

April 8

A report of criminal mischief was taken at a residence on Grandview Heights.

A report of theft of property was taken from Walmart.

PLAYGROUND

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“Now is the time for us, as parents of children with disabilities, to stand up and support them in any way possible. Our goal is to give them every advantage in life that we can, ranging from therapy to playground equipment. The walk is just one small piece of making that possible.”

“Initially, as stated, my family and I were just going to walk for the day to celebrate Bear,” Craig said, “and Down syndrome and all of its wonder. After visiting with Karen and learning that there was a need at each campus, the idea morphed into a community wide event to help all children.”

Mena Superintendent Lee Smith said, “Anytime we have the opportunity to address to diversity in the students, we try to meet that need. We are seeing a growing population with severe needs and we want to meet those as much as we can.”

Craig said, “As we push for inclusion across the state, this will continue to create that atmosphere. Every student has a

you can see the needs that students have. I think the wheelchair-accessible swing will be huge to have at each campus.”

The event sign-up fee was $21, with the proceeds to go to each school. The weather was predicted to be overcast and cool for the second day of spring, but not miserable. Yet, miserable was what they got with a light breeze cutting through the mist and the temperature sitting right at 40º for the planned 3-mile walk on March 21 (3-21) at 9 a.m., starting at The Crossing, and extending considerably past Janssen Park.

Craig said, “We had over 70 people show up in the cold and rain to walk. That was very heartwarming.”

A single-seat swing frame without the swing platform is over $1,400. Craig and Rowe’s initial goal was to raise $5,000. The entry fee of the 70 participants would raise enough for the platform. Thanks to other donations, the walk not only topped the basic amount, but also their initial goal, surprising the women. They nearly doubled it, raising $9,144.

“We could not believe how much our community would stand with us in support of this goal and have been blown away with their generosity.” Rowe said.

Smith said, “I’m really proud [they] took the initiative to do that. Anytime that we can bring in more revenue than expected and put it to good use, that is a win-win. That’s good for the students and the attitude of the teachers. It’s a good feeling.”

As for March 21, 2024, Craig isn’t sure what their goals may be, but she has hope. “I would love for this to be a yearly thing. There is always more equipment that could be purchased.”

For more information on the National Down Syndrome Society, visit ndss.org/. For more information on AAA State of Play, which carries a large variety of playground equipment, visit https://www.aaastateofplay.

com/.

In other school safety improvement news, during the March 27 school board meeting, Dr. Smith added that the district had received a safety grant that would pay for the installation of a new higher fence at LDE, a one key lock system at HHE, and door alarms across the district as well as signage for security.

chance to play on the playground. Every student will have something that they can do outside regardless of their mobility.”

Smith also pointed out that the Craig and Rowe got the ball rolling. Even Craig had seemingly not contemplated the need for such equipment.

“This wasn’t a school planned function,” Craig said. “This event was organized by parents rather than the school. As a parent, I honestly never thought about adaptive playground equipment and it being a necessity!”

Craig had not been personally approached by other parents or students with disabilities wishing they could be able to get out on the playground similar to other children. “But

Craig said, “It went really well! The outpouring of support and love has been amazing to see. Our community truly is the best. Every child matters — every person matters in our community and that has definitely been proven!

The MSRP for the ADA Combination Swing, made by SportsPlay Equipment, is $4,009, but $3,368 through AAA State of Play. It comes with two swings on one structure, usable by ages 2-12 and adults. In the version the Mena campuses will be receiving, there is a wheelchair swing and an adaptive swing.

“We will purchase one for each campus,” Craig said.

Hopefully, there won’t be supply chain issues as there has been with many items post-COVID-19. Craig is hoping that the equipment will be delivered by the end of the 2022-2023 school year but feels confident it will arrive in time for the 2023-2024 season.

Louise Durham and Holly Harshman Elementary schools will each receive one of these ADA Combination Swings will be purchased from AAA State of Play. (Photo courtesy of AAA State of Play)

Acorn sophomore Paxton Hooper selected for RYLA

Submitted by Tammy L. Young

Paxton Hooper, sophomore at Acorn High School, was chosen among applicants by the Rotary Club of Polk County/Mena to attend the 2023 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Camp.

The camp is hosted and organized by Rotary District No. 6170 and will be held April 13 - 16 at the Arkansas 4-H Center in Ferndale, Arkansas.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where youth develop skills as a leader through a host of fun, engaging experiences and making connections with peers and leaders.

“I am honored to be selected to go to

Cossatot River seeking parents for student exchange programs

By Patrick Massey

Cossatot River School District is seeking parents within the district to host student exchange students for the upcoming school year.

To participate, families must be able to provide a bedroom (which can be shared with a child), three meals per day, transportation for school (bus is acceptable) and loving guidance. Dis -

trict officials have created an online application form to make the process simple and convenient.

District officials said hosting an exchange student can provide local families with the opportunity to bring the word to their home.

For more information, call Jayme at 479-243-8744 or Camden at 479-2165707, or visit www. studentexchange. org

RYLA Camp. I am excited for all of the new opportunities and experiences,” Hooper stated.

Cossatot Primary Kindergarten Roundup is April 21

By Patrick Massey

VANDERVOORT – Cossatot River

Primary School will host a registration event for incoming kindergarten students for the next school year. The event, entitled Kindergarten Roundup, is scheduled from 5 - 7 p.m. for Friday, April 21, at Cossatot River Primary School, 122 East Adair St., Vandervoort.

Students registering for kinder-

garten for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year must be 5 years of age on or before Aug. 1 to enroll. Parents/ guardians are asked to bring their child’s birth certificate, social security card, immunization record and proof of residency to the event. School officials said more information on the event will be released as it nears, including a list of vendors and visitors scheduled to be on site at this year’s registration event.

The Rotary Club of Polk County/Mena generously donated toiletries and hygiene supplies to Acorn Schools on Monday, March 27.

Acorn High School Counselor Tammy Young said, “The supplies are much appreciated and will assist in helping to address any needs and to provide resources in addressing student personal growth and development. Our local Rotary Club is a valuable partner in education and they go above and beyond to help meet the needs of children and families in Polk County. Our Rotarians live the motto, Service Above Self.”

Rotarians donate supplies to Acorn schools

Softball

4/12 - Acorn @ Lavaca

Ladycats softball remain undefeated in conference

Article by Ethan Nahté

Photos by Wayne Shewmake

The Mena Ladycats softball team remains on an undefeated streak in 4A-4 conference play as they beat the Dardanelle Sand Lizards Monday afternoon. The girls were originally scheduled to play Dardanelle on Tuesday when the

Baseball

4/13

4/17

Soccer

4/13 - Cossatot @ Subiaco

4/15 - Cossatot @ Alma Tourney

4/18 - Cossatot @Danville

Softball

4/13 - Cossatot @ Foreman

4/17 - Cossatot @ Horatio

4/18 - Cossatot @ Dierks

Baseball

4/13

4/14

4/18

Soccer

4/14 - Mena @ De Queen

4/18 - Mena @ Heavener

Softball

4/14 - Mena @ Morrilton

4/17 - Mena vs. Malvern

4/18 - Mena vs. Ozark

Baseball

4/13

4/18

Bearcats took on the Sand Lizards in baseball, but the softball game got moved forward a day.

The Ladycats took an early lead of 2-0 in the first inning. They scored three more in the fifth to make it 5-0, which is how the score remained through the end of the seventh inning.

The Ladycats are now 5-0 in conference and 13-8 overall. They have won their last four games. They next play at Morrilton in a conference game on Friday, Apr. 14.

Morrilton and Mena sit atop the 4A-4, with the Morrilton Devil Dogs winning their non-conference game against Vilonia Monday. Morrilton currently is 4-0 in conference and 11-1 overall.

The Devil Dogs won’t have much of a chance to rest up as

and Thursday on the road before returning home to take on Mena Friday afternoon. The Ladycats should be well rested.

Mena has blanked the opposition six times this season and won by 10 runs or more on three other occasions.

Chloe Sullivan (No. 42) adds one to the Mena Ladycats tally against the Sand Lizards Monday afternoon, shutting out Dardanelle 5-0. they play Tuesday