Pulse THE POLK COUNTY
FREE WEEKLY 1168 Hwy 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600
Your DAILY News Sources: KENA 104.1 FM & MyPulseNews.com INSIDE: by Ethan Nahté
Rupp New MRHS CEO
Ukraine-Mena Ties
Page 10
Wreaths Across America’s (WAA) Mobile Education Exhibit (MEE), arrived in Mena Monday afternoon with a small escort of law enforcement with lights flashing, members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association and members of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. They paraded into town past the airport and made their way to the Bob Carver Football Stadium to set up for Tuesday’s event. Monday night’s stormy weather, and the potential for more bad weather Tuesday, had all involved hoping that the rain would hold off, allowing the public to come partake of the rolling educational museum and something
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Easter Eggstravaganza
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April 13, 2022
Sanders to visit Mena on Freedom Tour
Sarah Huckabee Sanders will be in southwest Arkansas on April 12 and April 13 as she continues her statewide Freedom Tour.
The tour is open to the public and will include stops in local diners and small businesses in Prescott, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Mena, and more.
Retired U.S. Army Col. Billy R. Wood salutes the flag as taps plays in the background. Following his speech, tears were shed by audience members. Wood received a standing ovation. (Trey Youngdahl/Pulse)
See MEE continued on page 8
Wednesday, April 13 Event: Freedom Tour Meet & Greet Dinner Where: Ouachita Center at University of Arkansas (100 College Drive, Mena) When: 5:00 p.m.
2 Letters
Radio - Print - Web 1168 Hwy 71S Mena, AR 71953 Phone: 479-243-9600 Fax: 479-243-9603 Email: news@mypulsenews.com
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Our Team: Ashley Smith - General Manager Ethan Nahté - Production Manager Trey Youngdahl - Reporter / Photographer Patrick Massey - Contributing Reporter John Russell - Graphic Design Curt Teasdale - Programmer / On-Air Personality Jim Pinson - Morning Personality Jackye Pruitt - Senior Account Executive Jodi Croft - Account Executive Ariel Varner - Receptionist Distribution & Insertion Staff: Dan & Linda Deramus, Jason Sharp, Edward Werkhoven The Polk County Pulse is the area’s premiere and fastest growing news publication. The Polk County Pulse is FREE and published weekly on Wednesdays, with a distribution of 8,000 and an estimated readership of 10,000. MyPulseNews.com has hundreds of visitors daily and KENA and KQOR have thousands of listeners hourly. POLICY: The publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. All property rights, including any copyright interest, in any advertisement produced by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse using art work and/or typography furnished or arranged by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse shall be the property of Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse. No such advertisement or any part thereof may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Pulse Multi-Media and The Polk County Pulse. POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENTS: Advertisements of a political nature must be prepaid and must also include the name of the entity paying for the advertisement. If an entity other than the candidate the advertisement is endorsing is paying for the ad, a statement must be signed by the candidate verifying the candidate has seen and approved the advertisement.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
April 13, 2022
Your Pulse! Letter to the Editor Recently, there has been a group that claims to speak for Polk County, the Polk County Initiative. Being residents of this county for 27+ years, I want to make clear that we do not agree with the assessments given to us by this group in regards to the benefits of making Polk County wet. They do not speak for me or my family. The primary reason given for this change is financial gain; of keeping the revenue from the sales here instead of in another county or state. Yes, there may be some financial gain, but the ledger has two sides; what about the costs? Costs such as more police presence, jail space, counselors, court costs, accidents, medical expenses, property damage, littering, etc. I believe if the overall costs associated with negative impacts on the community were factored in, you would have to have millions of dollars in sales to accumulate enough sales tax revenue to cover those expenses. The sales tax on $2 million worth of sales would not cover the costs of one new police car. Enticing people to move to, or vacation in our beautiful area is another reason given to make the county wet. This obviously hasn’t been a motivating factor in our recent and ongoing real-estate boom. Just the opposite—people have moved here because of the peace and tranquility and low crime. Having winos publicly urinating or lying in their vomit in public view will not be a favorable image of our county. There is an element of humanity attracted by alcohol resulting in public intoxication, fights, abused children, broken homes, increased crime, and overall unruliness by people who can’t control themselves in an inebriated state. These are some of the reasons why we left the “big city.” There
Letter to the Editor I have never been ashamed of being an American or of our president, but I am now. To sit here day after day and see what is happening in Ukraine and knowing the United States and our president do not have the guts to step up and put boots on the ground and planes in the air to save those people makes me so ashamed and so angry. NATO be damned. The United States has always stood on the side of justice and went wherever needed to help
are some that believe that the benefits of the increase in revenue will outweigh these issues also. Some may argue that they want to enhance the entertainment value, to attract more tourism, to move us into the 21st century, they say. Why don’t we just save a lot of time, paperwork, discussions and voting and just go ahead while we’re at it and vote in gambling casinos, prostitution (legal in Nevada), opium dens... It’s all “fun and entertaining,” until someone you love is destroyed by it. Which will happen, guaranteed. I have personally seen and experienced this first hand. As a believer I would be happy to share my story with anyone. For now, I ask you, Polk County, do you really believe you have to ingest alcohol (and later, marijuana) to be entertained? If so, then there is quite possibly a “bigger” problem that needs to be dealt with. Another statement has been made that the alcohol is already being brought in, so we might as well get the revenue from it and catch up with the times. Having it readily available at every corner convenience store will only make it easier for those that are weak to be tempted to continue in a self-destructive pattern. It will also expose and normalize it for our youth. If someone wants to be successful when dieting, they don’t first stock the cupboards with cookies and snacks and soda pop. First removing the temptations will increase the possibilities of success in reaching your goal. My hope is that residents of Polk County would soberly consider these potential consequences before signing the petition attempting to make our county wet. Kerry and Wendy Chiapparo, Mena
people live a free life. Why is that not happening now? All this baloney about Vladimir Putin threatening nuclear war is not enough reason to not help those people. Where is our red line? Do 60 million people have to die before we will get involved? Are we going to stand by and just watch this atrocity happen day after day? And who in their right mind thinks Putin will stop at Ukraine? There is going to be nothing left of that country and then we will throw billions of dollars at it to help rebuild. That seems to be how our dem-
Want to share your opinion? The Polk County Pulse welcomes letters to the Editor addressing any topic of interest to our readers. To be published, letters must not contain obscene or libelous language. The letter must include a signature to be considered for publication. Signatures will NOT be held out by request. The following contact information is required when the letter is submitted: NAME, AGE, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER. Letters are published at the discretion of the Editor and Publisher. 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 dropbox is provided by the front door for after-hour convenience.
TO SUBMIT: NEWS ITEMS / ANNOUNCEMENTS / LETTERS TO THE EDITOR / SPORTS UPDATES / CALENDAR ITEMS / CLASSIFIED ADS Email: NEWS@MYPULSENEWS.COM
ocratic government handles all the problems today. Throw money at it. I guess I am not surprised that we have a president that will hide behind his Oval Office desk. What do we expect from a president who ran his campaign from his basement? And where is the outrage? Where are the Americans standing on corners with signs protesting our reluctance to get involved’ What is happening with our country? Don’t we stand for anything anymore? Karen Laible, Mena
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
Politics 3
April 13, 2022
From the
State House of Representatives
An important deadline is apent than what you’re used to. proaching if you plan on voting Early voting for the primary in the May 24 Preferential Priand nonpartisan general elecmary Election and Nonpartition will begin on May 9. Early san General Election. voting is available between the If you have not already reghours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monistered to vote, you have unday through Friday, and 10 til April 25 to file your voter John Maddox a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, endregistration application with ing at 5 p.m. on the Monday your county clerk. before the election. Off-site If you submit your application close early voting hours may vary by county. to an election registration deadline, you At the voting site, an election official are strongly advised to follow up with will ask you to state your name, adyour county clerk before Election Day. dress, and date of birth. The election You can check your voter registration official will request you provide an apstatus and find your polling location at proved form of I.D. www.voterview.org. In a primary election, you must state On the website, you can also find a the party primary in which you wish to list of who will appear on the ballot. If vote. If you don’t wish to cast a party you do not see that information listed ballot, you may choose to vote in the by May, call your County Clerk’s office. nonpartisan races only (which may inDue to redistricting changes, we en- clude judicial and prosecuting attorney courage you to review your ballot be- races, and other local issues such as tax fore heading to the polls. The boundar- increases). ies of voting districts for state legislators The General Election and Nonparshifted to reflect population changes in tisan Runoff Election will be held on the 2020 Census. Districts were also November 8. renumbered. You may have the same You can find more information about lawmaker listed on your ballot but your voting in Arkansas at www.sos.arkanHouse or Senate number may be differ- sas.gov.
Contact Your Legislators! John Maddox
John.Maddox@ arkansashouse.org 520 Church Avenue Mena, AR 71953 Call: 479-394-6060
Larry Teague
Larry.Teague@senate.ar.gov P.O. Box 903 Nashville, AR 71852 870-845-5303
John Boozman
1120 Garrison Ave. Suite 2B Fort Smith, AR 72901 Phone: (479) 573-0189 Fax: (479) 575-0553
Bruce Westerman 101 Reserve St. Suite 200 Hot Springs, AR 71901 Phone: (501) 609-9796 Fax: (501) 609-9887
From the
State Senate higher salaries. The average Average teacher salaries in salary in urban school disArkansas ranked 47th in the tricts last year in Arkansas nation in 2020, down from was $54,912. In rural school 46th in 2019 and 44th in 2018. districts the average was Legislators on the Senate $47,238. and House Education ComThe disparities in salary mittees heard a lengthy salary exist in charter schools too. comparison last week, written Larry Teague Haas Hall Academy in northby legislative staff. west Arkansas paid average Nationally, the average salaries of $52,732 and the Imboden teacher salary in 2020 was $64,133. Charter School District paid an averIn Arkansas it was $50,546. age of $35,600. The top average teacher salaries Charters generally paid lower avwere paid in New York, California, erage salaries than regular public Massachusetts and the District of schools. Although disparities exist Columbia. The cost of living is highbetween the salaries paid by individest in those states, according to an ual charter schools, there was not a economic index cited by staff. pronounced disparity between urWhen average teacher salaries in ban and rural schools. Urban charArkansas are overlaid with a stanter schools paid teachers an average dard cost of living index, we move salary of $43,472 and rural charter up to 28th in the nation in 2020. In schools paid an average of $44,759. 2018 and in 2019 they ranked 22nd The legislature does not mandate and 25th, respectively. salaries except for minimum levels. The Southern Regional EducaAct 170 of 2019 mandates minimum tion Board compiles education data salaries of $33,800 for a teacher with from 16 southern states. The averno experience. The minimum salaage teacher salary in the 16 southern ries go up for teachers with a master’s states was $55,205 in 2020. Arkandegree and for teachers with experisas teacher salaries ranked 13th, but ence in the classroom. when adjusted for cost of living they On average, schools pay more than moved up to ninth. the state-mandated minimum salary. The average teacher salary was Last year the average minimum sala$51,819 in the six states that share ry was $35,799. a border with Arkansas. When adLast year 97 Arkansas school disjusted for the cost of living, average tricts had minimum salaries at the salaries in Arkansas ranked fourth, state-mandated level of $33,800, and which was exactly in the middle of 138 districts paid minimum salaries the rankings. that were higher than the state manTexas, Oklahoma and Tennessee date. ranked first, second and third. MisThe Springdale School District had souri, Mississippi and Louisiana the highest minimum salary level, ranked fifth, sixth and seventh. which was $48,242. Legislators pay attention to disAct 679 of 2021 creates a teacher parities in teacher salaries within the salary equalization fund for school state. For example, last year the Faydistricts where the average minietteville School District paid average mum salary is below statewide aversalaries of $61,682 and the Dermott ages. The goal is to bring up salaries School District paid an average of in those districts to $51,822. $39,263. Generally, schools in cities pay
4 Obituaries
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
April 13, 2022
Rev. Sue Emmons Hart
Rev. Sue Emmons Hart, age 74, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away peacefully with her family present Saturday, March 26, 2022, in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was born on June 4, 1947, to Aaron Jefferson Emmons and Patsy Marie Davlin Emmons in Whitehouse, Texas. She married the love of her life, Rev. Perry Hart, December 22, 1966. Together they ministered in Texas, Alaska and Arkansas. Sue was known as a woman of faith in God. She always believed that there is no limit to what God can do. She loved telling others of all that God had done in her life with miracles and blessings. Sue loved to sing, work on Genealogy, and sewing, but she always felt like her family came first. Sue is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Perry Hart; and daughter Lydia Charlie of Minto, Alaska, her sisters, Virginia Garrett, Jeanette Rodgers and Janelle Booker and one brother, Jeff Emmons. Sue is survived by three sons, Joey Hart and wife Kjari of Fairbanks, Alaska; Brandon Hart of Mena, Arkansas, and Billy Joe Hart of Mena, Arkansas; three daughters, Dianna De La Garza and husband, Eddie of Los Angeles, California, Julie Moe and husband, Mike of Mena, Arkansas, and Katherine Hart of Conway, Arkansas; twenty-four grandchildren, one great-grandchild; one brother-in-law, Chuck Booker; nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at 1:00 PM in Detroit, Texas, at the Detroit Assembly of God for both Perry and Sue Hart with internment following at
Knights Of Honor Cemetery in Blossom, Texas. Arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com
Tammy Miracle
will be a celebration of life later this year. The sun has set on an amazing life. The song is ended but the melody lingers on. And she will be missed, gone from sight but never from our hearts. Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com
It is with deep sadness to inform that Dorothy Tamela Miracle (Tammy) passed away Thursday, April 7th at home due to a chronic illness. Tammy was born September 9, 1959, at the Amarillo, Texas, Air Force Base. Shortly after, she moved to California where she grew up, frequenting the Santa Cruz boardwalk and meeting “hippies” like Janis Joplin and stars like Betty White. In 1969 her parents retired to Cove, Arkansas, where they raised beefalo until her graduation from VanCove High School in 1977. Tammy then enlisted in the Marines and proudly served 5 years as a field photographer. After discharge, she moved to Wisconsin where she lived 20 years before moving home to Arkansas to take care of her mom until her final days. Tammy worked different jobs after the Marines but took pride in being a union steward at Woodman’s grocery store in Wisconsin for 14 years. She is preceded in death by both parents, Robert and Arlene Wilcox; brothers, Mike and Andy Sublett; and partner, Laurie Spencer. She is survived by her son Robert Miracle, his wife Carla, and grandson Andrew; goddaughter, Jessica Yates; and “adopted” nephews, Tyler, Alex, and Jacob Schmidt; and her partner, Amanda Cottle, for the last 10 years; not to mention countless friends who miss her terribly. Cremation services entrusted with Beasley-Wood Funeral Home; no services are planned at this time. There
Mr. Ronnie Lee Toon, age 29, passed away Thursday, April 1, 2022. He was born March 21, 1993, in Mena, Arkansas, to Dewey Toon and Phyllis Ann Dunigan Toon. Mr. Toon was a mechanic by profession and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Additionally, he adored race car driving; he had gotten his entire family into it as well, and it was said he would’ve rather race than eat. Ronnie is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, George Alfred “G.A.” Toon; his maternal grandparents, Troy Gene Dunigan and Joyce Ann Dunigan; uncle, Dale Lynn Dunigan; and by his cousins, Alex Klitz and Allen Pollard. He is survived by his parents, Dewey Toon and Phyllis Ann Dunigan Toon; his grandmother, Roma Toon; brothers, Lonnie Joe Toon and wife Jennifer, and Donnie Marion Toon and fiancée Molly Long; his nieces and nephews, Timothy, Dillon, Brooklyn, Roame, Faithlyn, Dannella, and Kashlyn; special cousin, Jerrod David Toon; as well as a host of cousins, other family, and friends too numerous to count. Services for Mr. Toon will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 16, 2022, at the Smithville High School Gym in Smithville, Oklahoma, under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home with Brothers Randy Keiss and Cody McDaniel officiating. Interment
will follow at the Watson Cemetery in Watson, Oklahoma. There will be a formal visitation held Friday, April 15, 2022, at Beasley-Wood Chapel in Mena, Arkansas. Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com
Ronnie Lee Toon
A celebration of life for Philip Matthew “Matt” Cunningham will be held Sunday, April 10th at the old Dallas Cemetery at 11 a.m. with a potluck lunch at Janssen Park from 12 to 3 p.m. to follow. Matt was born October 14, 1971, at the Marine Corp military base in Camp LeJeune North Carolina to his father, Phil Cunningham and mother, Diann Stegall Cunningham. Matt passed away at the VA Hospital in Little Rock, AR on March 20, 2022. All family and friends are invited to come celebrate Matt’s life with us. Matt was a rank Lance Corporal decorated veteran of the Gulf War Desert Storm Era. He served with the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine from October 1990 to October 1994. Please bring lawn chairs, food and drinks, your stories and memories of Matt to share with everyone and let’s celebrate knowing Matt together.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
April 13, 2022
Ed Medlin On Saturday, April 9, 2022, Ed Medlin, dedicated husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, passed away at the age of 83. Ed was born September 22, 1938, in Hamburg, Iowa. Born to Edward and Mildred Medlin, one of 8 siblings. Ed married Betty Mills in June 1961. Ed and Betty raised two sons, Jerry Medlin of Lafayette, Louisiana, and Jon Medlin, of Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Ed was a member of the Arkansas National Guard and worked in the automotive retail business for more than 50 years. The later years owning his own used automotive dealership. Ed and Betty made Mena their home since 1971. He was a dedicated fisherman and fished throughout the year. A supporter of Bearcat Athletics and whatever his grandkids, and great-grandkids were involved in. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mildred, his siblings, Sonny, Ione, Margarette, JW, Kathy, and Bobby. He is survived by his wife Betty, his sister Ramona, sons Jerry and his wife Sonja, Jon and his wife Christy, grandchildren Kyle and his wife Susanna, Taylor and her husband Bobby, Paige, Luke, Nicole, and Zach; great-grandkids Levi, Rhett, and Violet. Ed is survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews. A visitation and memorial service will be held at Beasley-Wood Funeral Home in Mena on Thursday, April 14. Visitation will be at 1:00 pm and Memorial Service will be at 2:00 p.m.
Obituaries 5
Fatal ATV accident by Patrick Massey
PIKE COUNTY - A two vehicle accident involving side-by-sides claimed the life of a Nashville man over the weekend. According to the Arkansas State Police, 48-year-old James Lawrence was driving a 2020 Polaris RZR when it left the roadway in an attempt to overtake another side-by-side on Irene Road in Pike County. Investigators say as Lawrence re-entered the roadway, the right side of his vehicle struck the left side of the second. The force of the impact caused both vehicles to overturn. Lawrence was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene by Pike County Coroner Jason McDonald. Two people in the other sideby-side, both residents of Pike County, were injured in the accident. According to the state police report, both were transported to Howard Memorial Hospital for treatment of their injuries. The investigating state trooper reported road conditions as clear and dry at the time of the accident.
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Kim Williams with Arkansas Tourism stopped by the Ouachita Center at UARM in Mena for a town hall regarding the upcoming 2024 eclipse, for which Arkansas will be in the path of totality. Several citizens attended to ask questions and voice concerns.
Rotary Club and City partner to install water fountain at Janssen Park Submitted by Debra Buschman
Mayor Seth Smith and the City of Mena, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Polk County/Mena, installed a new water fountain and water bottle filling station near the playground at Janssen Park. The Rotary Club used club funds as well as Rotary District Grant funds to purchase the fountain. The City installed it and is supplying water to the fountain. This project will provide easily ac-
cessible, clean drinking water to those enjoying the park. The Rotary Club’s “7 areas of focus” are peace and conflict prevention/resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development, and supporting the environment. This community project provides safe drinking water and supports the environment by reducing waste from single-use water bottles.
6 Community
VFW to honor Gorden
The VFW will be holding a dinner and award ceremony to honor Amy Gorden, owner of Shear Obsessions Salon on Eagle Gap Ave. Retired U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Don Martin said that Gorden has been cutting the hair of U.S. Vets for years, and always free. Martin said Gorden just does it because she wants to do it. To Martin’s knowledge, Gorden is not a veteran. Gorden will be presented with a plaque created by Pony Express that will read: With “Sheer” Sincere Thoughts of “Reciprocity” For Your “Shear” Sincere Acts of Generosity Presents to Amy Gorden This Simple Award as a Token of Appreciation From The Veterans of This Nation. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4451 April 19, 2022 The plaque will include the VFW logo at the bottom. The free event will take place at the American Legion, Frank Fried Post No. 18 on 3253 Hwy. 71, by the Acorn High School, April 19. The meal begins at 6 p.m. and the ceremony will follow. Dress is casual.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
April 13, 2022
Shreve to perform at Ouachita Center Submitted by UARM
Around Town Sarah Huckabee Sanders will be in Mena on her Freedom Tour Meet & Greet Dinner, the Ouachita Center @ UARM, Wednesday, April 13, 5 p.m.
Mena’s own Ben Shreve is reCherry Hill cemetery clean up day turning to Polk County on the will be Saturday, April 23rd with Decoration Day campus of UA Rich Mountain. being Sunday, May 1st. A short business meeting A staple entertainer in Fayette- will be held at the visitor center at 9:30 a.m. on ville, Benjamin Del Shreve will Sunday, May 1st. be performing “The Sound of The Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes the 60s: The Songs That Defined has re-opened. All meals and activities have reverta Generation,” at the Ouachita ed to their original schedules. If you need to make Center. delivery arrangements or changes call (870) 385Fueled by classic rock and 2373. blues rock from the old days yet Narcotics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m., with a modern twist, Shreve’s Monday; at 7 p.m., Thursday; at 7 p.m. Friday; performance will bring new life and at 6 p.m. Saturday at the old bus barn at the to classic 1960 tunes. Shreve Crossing Church. For information call Erica at (479) even performed the “National 216-7249. Anthem” at a Thunder vs. Celtics 3rd Saturday Gospel Singing to be game. His live shows are said to held at Cornerstone Church, 1129 Hwy. 71. S. near the corner of Bethesda Rd., 6– 9 p.m. Musicians have ‘endless power and sound.’ singers welcome. For more information, conShreve’s live performance is and tact Stanley or Jeanette Dreyer at (479) 216-0533. made possible by a grant through the American Library AssociAlcoholics Anonymous meet at The ation’s American Rescue Plan: Crossing Church, 3 p.m., Sundays; at 5 p.m., Tuesand at 8 p.m. Saturdays at the old bus barn. Humanities Grants for Libraries, days; For information call (479) 234-8366 or (479) 216an emergency relief program to 3786. assist libraries that have been adLive Country & Gospel Music, Tuesversely affected by the pandemday nights at the Daisy Room behind Janssen Ave. ic. Director of Library Services Florist, 800 Janssen Ave. Starting at 7-10 p.m. Brenda Miner is responsible Come “Pick-N-Grin” with us. Everyone welcome. for writing for the competitive The Shepherd’s Word Church, 1122 $10,000 grant, which is assisting Maple Ave., Mena, non-denominational. Find The Johnson Learning Commons at Shepherd’s Word on Facebook or at shepherdswrd. UARM in delivering programs com. Contact questions@ shepherdswrd.com or and services related to culture, (479) 385-0606. history, literature, and other huThe Food Pantry at the Mena Seventh Day manities subjects. Adventist Church is open every first and third Monday of The event is free and open to each month, 4pm - 6pm, located at Fair Grounds Road. the community. It begins at 7:00 For more information, call (479) 437-4018. pm this Saturday, April 16. Hatfield First Baptist Church UA Rich Mountain’s mission is “Shepherd’s Closet” Open Wednesdays, to provide transformative edu- 10 a.m. - Noon. Large selection of good, used clothing & a limited supply of non-perishable food cation to all learners. items. Free to anyone in need.
The Mena/Polk County Senior Center is putting together a bean bag baseball team, having an Easter hat contest on April 15 and celebrating our seniors birthdays every 3rd Tuesday of the month. Contact Trena Hodge with questions (479) 394-5459. 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. Donkey Basketball fundraiser! Acorn High School will hold the event in the Acorn High School gym, Friday, April 15th at 7 p.m. 2 regular games will be followed by a championship game. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door, Sponsored by the Acorn Athletic Boosters. Tickets can be purchased through the Acorn High School Office (479) 394-5544. 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 Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 8 p.m. Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for information call 479-243-0297. 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. 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 POLK COUNTY
Pulse
Polk County Births Mena Regional Health System APRIL 1, 2022 TO APRIL 8, 2022 Joy Pickett of Lockesburg, Arkansas is the proud parent of a baby boy born April 1st Melissa Harrison & Brandon Hackney of Watson, Oklahoma are the proud parents of a baby girl born April 4th Hailey Wilson of Waldron, Arkansas is the proud parent of a baby boy born April 5th Elysse Erwin & Robert Treat of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born April 5th
April 13, 2022
Commodities distribution
Arvac, Inc. will be providing commodities through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) These commodities will be distributed Tuesday, April 19, at the Polk County Fairgrounds on Polk Road 43, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We are still following all safety precautions, therefore this will be a drive through only distribution. Do not exit your vehicle. For more information, call (479) 394-4707.
Community 7
8 News
THE POLK COUNTY
April 13, 2022 MEE continued from page 1
special for the Mena area. In addition to the exhibit being shown throughout the day by Jennifer Merrill and MEE driver Stefan Brann, an additional patriotic presentation was made by NSDAR. They organized an early-morning presentation featuring retired U.S. Army Col. Billy R. Wood along with the emcee, retired USAF Senior Master Sgt. Linda Johnson, plus a few words by the James K. Polk Chapter, NSDAR Regent Cortez Copher. Wood reflected a bit about March 29 and Vietnam veterans, but welcomed all vets to the ceremony. The presentation also included Lana Gail singing “God Bless America,” the
Pulse Bearcat Bellas performing the national anthem, and a wreath presentation by Wood and retired USAF Lt. Col. Ernest A. “Skip” Copher to be placed on a memorial stone. Other veterans were in attendance. and the stands were filled with students from Mena Middle School in attendance. The MEE, which began its journey in Maine, will travel through Arkansas until May 3, and will visit several other towns. The impressive exhibit is 48 feet long, with a 24-person screening room that showcases different aspects of WAA’s mission utilizing video. Overall, the museum is not only to teach the next generation about service and sacrifice, but to share stories of patriotism and love for the United States.
Jodi Croft tours the Wreaths Across America mobile education center, housed inside the trailer below. (Trey Youngdahl/Pulse)
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
April 13, 2022
Retired USAF Lt. Col. Ernest A. “Skip” Copher and retired U.S. Army Col. Billy R. Wood lay the wreath before spectators, including Mena students. (Trey Youngdahl/Pulse)
News 9
10 News
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse Robert Rupp Appointed CEO of Mena Regional Health System
Submitted MRHS
by
April 13, 2022
Jessica
Smith,
Mena Regional Health System is pleased to announce Robert Rupp has been appointed chief executive officer (CEO), effective May 23. He will succeed Jay Quebedeaux, who has accepted another position. (Eds. Quebedeaux, who succeeded Tim Bowen, first stepped into the CEO role at MRHS in early 2015 and had 20 years of healthcare-related experience at the time.) Rupp is a dedicated healthcare leader with a proven track record of helping hospitals navigate changing environments and succeed. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to quality care, dedication to the communities he has served, and is
an advocate for hospital employees lem solver, Rupp has noted successand clinicians. es in building cultures around qualA creative and disciplined prob- ity, safety and service excellence as well as achievements in fiscal management and physician recruitment. He joins Mena Regional from LifePoint Health in Ennis, Texas, where he served as CEO; INTEGRIS Grove Hospital in Grove, Oklahoma, where he served as president from 2017-2019. Before Grove Hospital, he served as CEO of the Medical Center of South Arkansas in El Dorado; CEO of Harris Hospital in Newport, Arkansas; interim and assistant CEO for several facilities; and director at Hill Regional Hospital in Hillsboro, Texas. From 19842004, Rupp served in the United Veteran healthcare leader Robert Rupp States Air Force, completing his assumes top leadership role at MRHS duty in personnel management as a (Submitted photo)
1st Sgt. Rupp holds a Master of Business Administration from Webster University in San Antonio, Texas, and a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University in San Antonio, Texas. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. “I’m honored to be joining Mena Regional Health System, which has differentiated itself as a quality leader both within its community and across the region,” said Rupp. “I look forward to collaborating with and learning from the team as we collectively chart the course for the hospital’s next successful chapter.”
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
April 13, 2022
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 4, 2022 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 482 near Vandervoort in reference to an assault. Deputies responded to a report of harassment. Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 375 E in reference to a disturbance leading to Nathaniel James being issued a citation for Disorderly Conduct. April 5, 2022 No reports were filed. April 6, 2022 Kenneth Chaney, 27 of Mena was arrested by an officer with Probation Parole on a Felony Warrant for Theft of Property and a Parole Hold. Deputies responded to a report of Financial Identity Fraud. Cody James, 21 of Mena was arrested by an officer with the Drug Task Force on a charge of Possession of Methamphetamine or Cocaine. April 7, 2022 Donnie Dollarhyde, 48 of Mena was arrested on charges of Maintaining a Drug Premise, Possession of Methamphetamine or Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Andrea Main, 32 of Hatfield was arrested by an officer with Probation Parole on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance and Violation of Suspended Imposition. Shane Hogan, 32 of Mena was arrest-
MENA POLICE REPORTS
Police 11 vices was taken at Walmart. A report of harassing communications was taken from a walk-in complainant.
April 7 William Hale, 58, was charged April 3 George Niels, 60, was charged with DWI 2, Disorderly Conduct, with DWI after contact in the Lou- and Possession of Marijuana after a disturbance call on Mena Street. ise Durham parking lot. A report of criminal mischief was taken at a residence on Grand View April 8 No reports. Heights. A report of a dog bite was taken at April 9 a residence on Marion Avenue. A report of sexual assault was A report of unauthorized use of April 8, 2022 taken from a walk-in complainant. a motor vehicle was taken at a resNo reports filed. A report of harassment was taken idence on 3rd Street. Bradley Crawford, 27, was from a walk-in complainant. April 9, 2022 Brittan McCulley, 41, was served charged with Driving on Suspended No reports filed. License, No Insurance, and served with a warrant after a traffic stop on April 10, 2022 with a warrant after a traffic stop on Church Avenue. A report of a disturbance at a resi- Highway 71. ed on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine or Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Carrying Certain Prohibited Weapon and a Body Attachment. Christopher Cox, 38 of Mena was arrested on charges of Maintaining a Drug Premise, Possession of Methamphetamine or Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
dence near Hatfield led to the arrest of Earnest Smith, 59 of Hatfield on charges of Disorderly Conduct and Public Intoxication. Deputies responded to a report of a physical domestic disturbance at a residence on Polk 626 near Mena leading to the arrest of Christopher McMellon, 39 of Mena on charges of Aggravated Assault, Domestic Battery 3rd Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor 3rd Degree. Also arrested was Jennifer McMellon, 42 of Mena on charges of Domestic Battery 3rd Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor 3rd Degree.
April 4 Charles Morgan, 44, was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and served with a warrant at Sun Country Inn.
April 5 Alan Phillips, 53, was served with a warrant at the police department. Windal Loyd, 41, was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest at Healthy Connections. A report of harassment and terroristic threatening was taken from Polk County Sheriff ’s Office worked a walk-in complainant. 0 vehicle accidents this week. David Craddock, 54, was served Polk County Detention Center Jail with a warrant at the county jail. Population: 25 Incarcerated Inmates, with 8 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.
April 6 A report of theft and theft of ser-
Ronnie Toon’s body found The McCurtain County Sheriff ’s Office, in Oklahoma, released a statement on their Facebook page Thursday morning, April 7, that after an extensive six-day search in the Mountain Fork River area, local man Ronnie Toon has been recovered. At approximately 9 a.m. local citizens spotted the body of Toon along the banks of Panther Creek. Panther Creek is a tributary to the Mountain Fork River, south of Smithville. Sheriff Kevin Clardy extended his deepest condolences to the Toon family, friends, and community. The site read, “This…community came together in a time of tragedy and exemplified unity, love and support. Toon had just turned 29 on March 21. Details regarding the formal visitation and services can be found in the obituaries on page four.
12 News
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
April 13, 2022
Celebrate 2022 National Small Business Week Bunyard reappointed to statewide Little Rock, AR– For more than 51 years, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that registration for its 2022 National Small Business Week Virtual Summit, “Building a Better America Through Entrepreneurship,” is now open. This year’s National Small Business Week (NSBW), held May 1-7, 2022, will acknowledge small businesses from across the country for their resilience, ingenuity, and creativity. It will also recognize SBA partners for their involvement in entrepreneurial development, disaster recovery, government contracting, financial development, and overall support for small businesses and entrepreneurship. During National Small Business Week, the SBA will hold its NSBW Virtual Summit from May 2-5, 2022, in cosponsorship with SCORE. Attendance is free
of charge, but registration is required. Visit online at www.sba. gov/NSBW to register. “The SBA Arkansas District Office received multiple nominations from across the state and we look forward to honoring their successes during National Small Business Week 2022,” said Edward Haddock, SBA Arkansas’ District Director. “We will be announcing the winners of our five local award categories, our Resource Partner awardees, and the 2022 Arkansas Small Business Person of the Year, who will compete nationally against winners from each state, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico for SBA’s signature award: the 2022 National Small Business Person of the Year. Join us as we celebrate business owners in your local community who have proven flexibility and tenacity in an unprecedented economic market.” This year’s NSBW virtual summit will feature access to federal resources, educational workshops, and networking to help our nation’s 32.5 million small businesses pivot, grow, and seize new opportunities. NSBW will offer entrepreneurs across America in rural, suburban, and urban communities tools, information, and access to resources to help them achieve the American dream of business ownership and success. To register for National Small Business Week and for other event information, visit www.sba.gov/NSBW/.
economic development board
By Patrick Massey
LITTLE ROCK – The office of Gov. Asa Hutchinson has announced a number of statewide appointments made in March, including several locally-based individuals and business owners. The announcement includes the reappointment of Jay Bunyard to the Arkansas Economic Development Council (AEDC). Bunyard is owner of Pulse Multi-Media, which encompasses The Polk County Pulse, KENA FM, KENA AM and KQOR FM. In addition, Bunyard is owner of KDQN in De Queen and numerous other radio stations across the state. Bunyard said he is grateful for the chance to represent Southwestern Arkansas on the state’s most vital economic development board. “I’m honored that Governor Hutchinson has reappointed me to another four-year term on the Arkansas Economic Development Council representing the southwest part of the state,” said Bunyard. “Mike Preston and the entire AEDC team are doing a great job growing the economy in Arkansas.”
Bunyard cited the recent $3 billion U.S. Steel announcement in northeast Arkansas and the new state-of-the-art Hostess Brands bakery in Arkadelphia as prime examples of Arkansas’ continued economic expansion. The new bakery is expected to employ 150 new jobs. “There’s just a lot of economic activity in the state right now which demonstrates that Arkansas has a wonderful business climate,” Bunyard added. “I’m just proud to be able to play a small part in that, and I hope to see more activity here in the Southwest part of the state in the near future as our communities work toward achieving Competitive Community Initiative Designations, which makes our communities more attractive to prospective industries.” Bunyard’s additional four-year term will expire on Jan. 14, 2026. The AEDC’s goal is to create economic opportunities in Arkansas by attracting higher paying jobs, expanding and diversifying state and local economies, and increasing incomes and investment throughout the state. For more information, visit www.arkansasedc.com/.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
April 13, 2022
Law enforcement makes local drug bust Submitted by Scott Sawyer On Thursday April 7, 2022, the Polk County Sheriff ’s Office, 18th Judicial W. Drug Task Force and the Mena Police Department executed search warrants and arrest warrants on two rooms at the Executive Inn in Mena. The search warrants were the result of a months-long investigation into narcotic trafficking. Arrested in connection to the operation were Donnie Dollarhyde, 48; Chris Cox, 38; Shane Hogan, 30; and Cody James, 21. During the search warrant, officers recovered a large amount of methamphetamines, drug paraphernalia, cash, stolen property, and seized two vehicles. Dollarhyde and Cox were both arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Purpose to Deliver, Maintaining a Drug Premises, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Hogan was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Sub-
stance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Carrying a Weapon. James was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Sheriff Sawyer stated, “Operation Lights Out is a part of a larger investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in southwest Arkansas and southeast Oklahoma. We are working hard and are committed to locking up the people responsible for destroying lives and poisoning our communities with methamphetamines. “While this was a good operation and will help make our community a little safer, we’ve got more work to do and more arrests like this coming.” The above charges are allegations. All individuals are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. (Eds. Donnie Dollarhyde and his cousin Travis Dollarhyde were both served warrants at Executive Inn on undisclosed charges on March 16, 2022.)
News 13
Horatio High School vice principal arrested Allegations arise of sexual misconduct with student
By Patrick Massey HORATIO – An educator with the Horatio School District is facing a felony charge after she was arrested this week on suspicion of sexual involvement with a student. Labrada Vann, 41, was arrested on the morning of Friday, April 8 on one count of first degree sexual assault. Vann serves as vice principal for Horatio High School. According to the Sevier County Sheriff ’s Office, investigators were contacted by the Arkansas Crimes Against Children Hotline earlier this week in reference to a possible inappropriate relationship between Vann and a student. The sheriff ’s office then began an investigation into the allegations. The sheriff ’s office stated in a press release that information developed and an arrest warrant against Vann issued.
Vann was arrested Friday morning and transported to the Sevier County Detention Center. She is currently being held on a $100,000 bond. The investigation is continuing and no other details are available at this time. In a statement, the Horatio School District said it is aware of the arrest and that Vann is on administrative leave pending an investigation and will not be on campus. “The District will fully cooperate with law enforcement authorities in order to assure the safety of District students, which is our first priority in the education of children. As this matter involves District personnel and implicates privacy considerations under applicable law, the District will have no further comment at this time,” the statement read.
A&P administrator gives updates on upcoming Lum and Abner Festival
By Trey Youngdahl
At the April 5 Mena Advertising and Promotion Commission (A&P) meeting, Administrator Pasha Watson shared upcoming details regarding the upcoming Lum and Abner Festival. First discussed was a change in the t-shirts being sold at the festival. The commission decreased the amount of shirts being produced and changed the price. The price will now be $15 and $17 for 2XL and larger sizes. Last year’s shirts will be sold for $3. The shirts will be produced by Rock Creek. Watson next discussed details concerning the entertainment and the newly added talent show. For entertainers, they discussed increasing the payment for entertainment, and whether or not to implement an entry fee for the talent show. A decision was made to have an entry fee of $20 for the talent show. “I don’t think it’ll scare anyone off,” A&P commissioner James Earl Turner said. The winners of the talent show will receive prize money. First place contestants will receive $500, second place will receive $250, third place will receive $100 and people’s choice will receive $250. More details regarding the talent show and how to enter will be released in the future. Details regarding the OK Freewheel Cyclists group who will be passing through Mena following the weekend of the Lum and Abner Festival were also discussed. To accommodate for the cyclists passing through, there will be portable toilets available to the participants, as well as tents left up for them to take respite. “I’m really excited about that,” Turner said. “It’s going to bring a lot of fresh people in.” The goodie bags that will be handed out at the festival were also brought up for discussion. The commission discussed the idea to use bigger bags that are customized with the Lum and Abner logo to be dispersed to the vendors. The proposition was tabled to be discussed at a later time.
14 Education
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
April 13, 2022
Mena High School hosts Academic Awards Ceremony
Mena High School hosted the annual Academic Awards Ceremony in the Performing Arts Center, Wednesday, March 30. New National Honor Society Members: Dollar, Addi Dozier, Sara Hines, Emmi Massey, Cloey McDonald, Kate Minzel, Alexia Mock, Charlie Posey, Kendall Ricker, Renessa Threlkeld, Emma Wagner, Londyn Inducted into the National English Honor Society: Taeyon Anderton Katie Benefield Sophia Brewer Morgan Caldwell Briley Dean Sara Dozier Hailey Emerson Mallory Farringer Bethany Godwin Sarah Grenier Emmi Hines Kiylee Hughes Vanessa Ludlow Anna McDonald Jaiden Milam Alexia Minzel Charlie Mock Luke Montgomery Holiday Neufeld Rebekah Ogden Christina Ortiz Oliviana Ortiz Carmen Puckett Carleigh Smart Shantal Tecson
Taylor Thacker Emma Threlkeld Hudson Vacca Rachel Wilson Psalm Wistrand
Earning their 3rd Academic Bar: Ashcraft, Cassidy Bates, Allison Benefield, Katie Cross, Samuel Davis, Will Gragg, Christina Grenier, Sarah Milam, Jaiden Montgomery, Luke Rose, Austin Smart, Carleigh Thompson, Annika Williams, Alexis Wilson, Rachel Earning their 2nd Academic Bar: Dulaney, Cierra Evangelista, Abri Hines, Emmi Hughes, Ian Jewell, Nathaniel Levering, Lucas Posey, Kendall Powell, Avery Puckett, Carmen Ricker, Ranessa Rocha, Alex Simmons, Sarah Summit, McKenzi Vue, Vanessa Earning their 1st Academic Bar: Aleshire, Elaina Anderton, Taeyon Auces, Michael Baber, Jett
Biard, Jaimeson Biard, Jocelyn Blake, Brinley Booth, Amanda Brotherton, Jake Brown, Brenden Cannon, Caroline Clark, Payton Dilbeck, Lexi Dozier, Sara Fairless, Grayson Farringer, Mallory Gorden, Gage Hughes, Annalise Lyle, Madi May, Emily McIntyre, Silas Minzel, Alexia Neufeld, Holiday Ogden, Ali Ogden, Rebkah Palmer, Timothy Ricker, Brenden Rosson, Kensey Smith, Brenna Spenser, LayLa Tecson, Shantal Thacker, Taylor Vacca, Hudson Vacca, Sophia Vincent, Mackenzie Williams, Dominic Wistrand, Psalm
Earning their 1st Academic Letter: Baber, Jaxon Bailey, Karlie Barnes, Cadence Beck, Lauren Beck, Travis Bentley, Rylie Burk, Brakiah Clegg, Alexis Cottman, Madison Cross, Isabel Dean, Briley Decker, Joseph
Decker, William Deramus, JAcob Dollar, Addi Emerson, Hailey Felix, Jayden Ferguson, Patience Floyd, Malachi Gates, Raegan Gilchrist, Laney Godwin, Bethany Gragg, Amy Gragg, Scottie Hair, Thallen Harrison, Saira Heald, Bailey Hebery, Blade Howard, Madison Jackson, Aslynn Knight, Dorian Knight, Leilani Koppein, Abi Leonard, Emily Lockhart, Autumn Massey, Cloey McDonald, Daniel McDonald, Kate Mock, Charlie Morris, Navya Myers, Timberly Nance, Taylor Nash, Gracie Nichols, Kaelyn Ortiz, Christina Perez, Adrian Peterson, Harmony Plunkett, Trevin Roberts, Jordan Sessler, Layla Sharp, Karley Short, Cody Smith, Elijah Tecson, Yennyte Thomas, Addison Vacca, Isabel Valdez, Kassidy Wade, Skyllar Wagner, Londyn White, William
THE POLK COUNTY
April 13, 2022 Pulse Choir scholarship recipient to be announced at concert
Tyson Foods of Grannis presented a check to Susan Brewer of the Cossatot River High School choir program on behalf of the Rachel Norman Memorial Choir Scholarship. This is a yearly scholarship awarded to a CRHS senior choir member attending a 2- or 4-year university in the fall. The recipient of this scholarship will be announced at the spring concert, Wickes Elementary Auditorium, April 28, 6 p.m.
Education 15
16 Education
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
April 13, 2022
Acorn Students earn Ag certification
Submitted by Mindy Lyle, ORSD
Acorn High School Animal Science students recently completed the Beef Quality Assurance Certification for Cow/Calf Operations. Certifications are important components in Arkansas
Career and Technical Education programs and prepare students for career opportunities in high school and for postsecondary. James Pennington is the Acorn High School Agri Teacher and FFA Advisor.
The Bearcat Bellas earned a Division 1 rating and second place for small treble ensemble at the state competition on April 5. The Bellas include: Miranda Burt, Abi Koppein, Emily Dodson, Holiday Neufeld, Jaeli Fields, Yennyte Tecson, Shantal Tecson, and Isabel Adams. (Submitted photo)
(l-r) Harlei McCourtney, Sarah Sullivan, Jordyn Prewett, Shay Allen, Payton Davis, Bella Tedder, Nicholas McCourtney, Colton Cox, and Coy Brumbelow. Not pictured: Sean Rios and Trinity Staggs (Photo courtesy of ORSD)
Mena Middle School FBLA students qualifying for state competitions spent their day attending the leadership conference and competing with other students across the state at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. (l-r) Makenzie Vega, Kate Wilson, Eli Swall, Dax McMellon, Max Rocha, Adelhei Look, Katie Rowe (Submitted photo)
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
April 13, 2022
Walston to receive SAU scholarship
Submitted by SAU Agriculture Dept.
The Department of Agriculture wishes to congratulate the high-point individuals from each Career Development Event that was held at Southern Arkansas University for the Southern District CDE’s. Because of the students’ hard work and dedication, each student will receive a $1,000 scholarship to SAU which was made possible by the SAU Foundation among others invested in FFA. Claire Walston, from Mena High School, was the high-point individual in the Livestock Judging contest. One big goal that Walston wants to achieve is to become an All-American Junior College Livestock Judge. After college, she would like to become a 4-H Extension Agent for Polk County and operate her own show pig operation called Grand Drive Genetics! Walston said, “I love all the memo-
ries that I have made in FFA with my friends and Ag teachers.” Following the SAU event, the state contest was held on Friday, April 8 at U of A Fayetteville.
Mena bands take 1st Division awards Mena Middle
School Band, conducted by band director Tyler Hu nt i ng ton , received two 1st Division ratings and one 2nd Division, Mena Middle School Band for a composite (Photo courtesy of Mena Public Schools) 1st Division score, from by MHS Band Director Charles our Concert Performance judges Morgan, received 1st division and a 1st Division rating from our ratings from all judges in both the Sightreading Judge at the Region concert performance and the sight VIII assessment on April 7. reading performance at the Region This makes Mena Middle School VIII Concert and Sightreading a Sweepstakes Band for the 2021Assessment on April 6. 2022 school year. The Mena Bearcat Band, led
Education 17
18 Education
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
April 13, 2022
Lyle inducted into DKG
Submitted by Brenda Miner
Dr. Krystal Thrailkill, president of Alpha Kappa of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International recently inducted Mindy Lyle, FACS teacher at Acorn High School, into the chapter. DKG is a professional honor society for wom-
en educators with more than 83,000 members. Established in 17 member countries around the world, the Society defines its mission as promoting professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. To found out more about DKG, please visit https://www.dkg.org.
April 13, 2022 Education 19 Pulse Acorn Tigers competes in 6th Conservation districts host annual forestry contest Annual UARM Science Fair THE POLK COUNTY
Submitted By Deanna Wright District Manager, Rich Mountain Conservation District
Submitted by Tammy Young
Acorn High School students competed in the 6th Annual UARM Science Fair on the UA Rich Mountain campus in Mena on April 1. Acorn students in grades seven and eight won first, second and third place in the middle school division. AHS students in ninth grade Eliam Holland and Regan Larucci won first place for (Photo courtesy of ORSD) competed against college their Mouse Trap Car. project to a panel of judges and were level students and showed exceptional skills in each area of science recognized and awarded accordingly. represented. AHS Science Teacher Winners from the event included: Jennifer Nance facilitated the student registration process for science fair • First Place: $200 & trophy - Eilam Holland and Regan Larucci projects entered in the event. Participating in this event showed • Second Place: $100 - Tazanna Haggard perseverance and personal responsibility, as well as scientific thinking and skill. • Third Place: $50 in gift cards- Reily Crabtree and Cadince Onstott “A very special thank you to UARM Science Club for hosting this important and special event. Dr. G, Dr. Nath, Abigail Nance and London Copelin we appreciate the opportunity to grow and learn in the development of our character and scientific minds,” AHS Science Instructor Jennifer Nance stated. Tazanna Haggard won second place for presenting Effects of Rubbing Alcohol. (Photo courtesy of ORSD)
Students preparing for the event devoted, both in and out of classroom, time and experience to their projects. They developed a science question, tested and evaluated results on their own, made valuable conclusions and criticisms, and increased their understanding of the subject studied. Reily Crabtree and Cadince Onstott won third place. Each student explained their (Photo courtesy of ORSD)
Forestry Team results: First Place - Mt Ida Second Place - Cossatot River Third Place - Mena
On Friday, April 1, Rich Mountain and Cossatot Conservation Dis- Forestry Individual results: tricts hosted their annual forestry First Place - Jacob Woodfield, Mt Ida contest. We were assisted by the Ar- Second Place - Ian McDowell, Mt Ida kansas Forestry Division, Arkansas Third Place - Gracia Huitt, Mt Ida Game and Fish Commission, USDA Farm Service Agency and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. It was held at Bogg Springs Baptist Camp, we appreciate Doug Curtis allowing us the use of the beautiful property. There were Members of the Mt. Ida team, took first place in the Forestry 8 schools in Team competition. Mt. Ida students were awarded the most team a t t e n d a n c e and individual plaques. (Submitted photo) with a total of 87 students participating in For- Land Judging Team results: estry, Land Judging, and a Wildlife First place - Dierks Second Place - De Queen Contest. Each year the Rich Mountain and Third place - Foreman Cossatot Conservation Districts team up to sponsor competitions among Land Judging Individual results: area FFA teams to demonstrate their First place - Carley Klitz, Foreman knowledge of natural resources. Second Place - Jackson Fennell, Dierks These events help to teach the par- Third Place - Gavin Bailey, Dierks ticipants about the importance of our natural resources by learning about Wildlife Judging Team results: forestry, land (soils), and wildlife. First Place - Cossatot River The winning teams and individu- Second Place - Mt Ida als receive plaques and other special Third Place - Mena prizes for their accomplishments. A special thank you to the FFA/Ag in- Wildlife Judging Individual results: structors who take the time to teach First Place - Andy Black, Mt Ida our next generation about these im- Second Place - Cooper Hayes, Cossatot River Third Place - Easton Johnson, Cossatot River portant concepts.
20 Humor
Pulse
April 13, 2022
Atwoods sign down and out By Ethan Nahté
THE POLK COUNTY
23,000 volts between substations. Upon arrival, Davis spoke with Paul Pogue, reported as supervisor for Area Wide Paving out of Sulphur Springs, Texas. The company website states a Paul Pogue as owner. Pogue told Davis he was in the water truck and backed into the sign, causing it to fall onto the lines. Pogue said he will take care of everything and make sure the sign is properly fixed. Pogue called Spoon's Wrecker
Anyone who has driven into the parking lot where Atwoods and other businesses are located over the past year or more, knows how poor of a condition the lot is in. Drivers had the potential for damaging a vehicle, but how about damaging a sign? Work has been started on repairing the Countryside Plaza parking lot, with large chunks of old asphalt being torn out. Tuesday, April 5, Mena police officer Chad Davis was one of the officers dispatched to the Atw o o d s parking lot regarding the Atwo o ds business The internet was almost taken out once more in the Mena sign being area due to a sign being hit while paving the Countryside hit and lay- Plaza parking lot. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse) ing on the internet lines, narrowly missing Service to assist removing the the power lines. sign. Swepco Power Company Typically, power and cable was also called on scene to make television wires are lowest on a sure there was no power going utility pole; then the secondary to the sign. power lines, generally carryDavis made contact with Ating 120 or 240 volts to supply woods manager Melissa Riley. homes and businesses; third is She advised that the paving the transformer, which reduces company was 100% reliable for high voltage to secondary volt- making repairs to the sign. age; highest are the distribution Area Wide Paving has been in power lines, carrying around business over 20 years.
Hogspore News:
Barber think tank considers culture change by Clet Litter as told to Bob Simpson Hardy Barkins said, “I’ve been working on my abs, but I also go to the store every night for a sixpack of beer. I still work on my abs after an all-you-can-eat-barbeque buffet. When leaving, whilst moseying to my truck and chewing on a toothpick, I pat my stomach.” Punkin’s birthday is tomorrow, but I found the perfect present. It’s gifted up with a bow and a real birthday card. It’s a nice antique copper cup for her to use to measure laundry soap for the washing machine. She’s gonna be impressed cause I remembered to get a card for it. It’s one of them clever ones what says, “Happy Birthday. You’re aging like fine moonshine that should be enjoyed in moderation and small sips.” I don’t really understand it, but I reckon she’ll think it’s funny. The Barbershop Think Tank convened to discuss recent brand change trends. The Tank’s members were Tony, the barber, Old Man Grimely, Morton Trubletoof, Jimmy Suspenders, Mumford Pickens, and Clet, (me). Here are the changes happening or will happen: Batman became The Masked Caped Land Bound Mammal. Aunt-made pancakes are now Chef Jemima’s Crepes. A Frozen Treat has thawed into Circumpolar Peoples’ Pie on a Stick or Inuit-Yuit Tundra Bar. Bugs Bunny’s new catchphrase is, “What’s up, Provider?” Donald
Duck was erased cause he didn’t wear pants, couldn’t commit to Daisy Duck, and the last teenage boy who could imitate Donald’s voice died of old age. Fat Albert became Frat Albert. Mickey Mouse is now Irish Cursor. Popeye was cancelled. It was discovered that Popeye was a subliminal advertisement for the Vatican. Porky Pig shifted to Plus-Sized Fluency-Challenged Swine. Power Puff Girls switched to Kindergarten Kommandos. Schoolhouse Rock changed to Schoolhouse Crock. Scooby-Doo is now Scatting-Scat. SpongeBob SquarePants remains the same since AbsorbableRobert SquareSlacks sounded like a mascot for adult diapers. Spider-Man is Web Warrior. Superman converted to Lois’s Hero with Commitment Issues. Uncle Ben’s Converted Rice transformed to Benjamin’s Orthodox Rice. Winnie the Pooh was switched by Disney to Winnie the Poof. Wonder Woman emerged to Birthing Babe. Woody Woodpecker was terminated. The reason was never revealed. Maybe something about his name. Just hard to tell what it was. Mumford Pickens says, “Folks who have jobs are important, from the lowest menial occupation of freelance boil plucker to the White House spokesperson. Dedicate yourself to being the best gosh darn boil plucker you can be.” Contact at Bobsimpson1947@ yahoo.com. You know you wanna.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
Classifieds 21
April 13, 2022
CLASSIFIEDS Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0413 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. T0413 Land Management, Tree Service, RC Customz can handle your construction needs, mulching and more. Military discounts available. Insured. Call (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate. T0427 Jeremiah’s lawn care. Friendly service & reasonable rates. Call (479) 394-7599.T0427 Tree services, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate. T0427 Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T0427
Job fair at UARM
On the hunt for work? Several companies will be conducting job interviews at UA Rich Mountain. Scheduled to appear, according to the UARM’s Twitter, include: ARDOT, Arvest, Camp Ozark, Choctaw Nation, Elite Home Health, Cossatot River and Ouachita River School Districts, Nidec, Martin Marietta, Mena Public Schools and many more. The job fair will take place in the Ouachita Center at the back of the campus (across from Nidec), Thursday, April 14 beginning at 9 a.m. Don’t let the name fool you. These are real interviews and not a lackadaisical affair. Dress as you would for a job interview at any of these companies as if you are walking in their front door.
-ANNOUNCEMENTS-
Polk County Farmers Market annual meeting, Thursday, April 21, 6 p.m. in the educational building next to the Polk County Extension Office. (479) 234-6467 T0420
- WANTED TO BUY I buy broken desktops and laptops. Mitchell Computer Services, 717 Mena St. T0608
- LOST & FOUND MISSING - 1 female German shepherd & 1 female small reddish-brown dog. Last seen near Polk Road 20 West in Cove. $500 reward for return of each dog. Please call with any information regarding to disappearance (479) 216-4731 T0413
IMMEDIATE JOB
OPPORTUNITY
- EMPLOYMENT -
Controller
Preacher Wanted Christ’s Church Cove wants a preacher to fill in twice per month. For information, call Larry at (405) 406-4727 T0413
For qualifications, job description list of benefits, and application process, visit: https://www.uarichmountain.edu and select EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES at the bottom of the home page.
Help Wanted - Caregiver, 15 minutes west of Mena for a wonderful, elderly man with dementia. Please call Denise at (224) 656-4149 T0420
EEO/AA/ADA EMPLOYER Qualified women, minorities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.
Are you highly motivated, hard-working, self-driven and seeking to join an established company? Are you looking for a company that will invest in your development and grow your professional skills? If so, consider a career with the Mena Water Utilities.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
- SERVICES -
We are seeking a maintenance operator that will serve as a specialist in leak detection, GIS mapping, and customer service needs. The ideal candidate will be able to communicate effectively with customers and leadership, possess basic knowledge of current software programs, be able to work both independently and as a team member, and have the drive to plan and act on developing needs of the water utility. If this sounds like you, we would like to visit with you about the opportunity to join our team. Job Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Be able to learn and operate GIS software 2. Be able to learn and operate leak detection software 3. Communicate effectively with customers and leadership 4. Ability to read and change out water meters 5. Ability to organize and maintain records 6. Promote beneficial public relations 7. Maintenance of facilities 8. Have or be able to gain a CDL license 9. Ability to repair broken water and sewer mains 10. Maintenance of vehicles and equipment 11. Work well with fellow employees 12. Maintain high level of technical proficiency 13. Work with chemicals Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 1. Obtain required licensing for water/wastewater 2. Safely operate a motor vehicle 3. Observe situations and record them accurately 4. Ability to work independently without supervision 5. Good verbal and written communication skills 6. Mechanically inclined 7. Ability to read blueprints and maps 8. Work safely in everything you do
Qualifications: Applicant must: 1. Be 18 years of age 2. Have a high school diploma or GED 3. Possess a current valid driver's license and have a good driving record 4. Be able to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds 5. Have physical stamina for duty requirements 6. Willing to work with treatment chemicals 7. Willing to work at high heights (climbing tanks) 8. Willing to work in confined spaces 9. Willing to attend classes out of town 10. Be able to work weekends, after hours, and holidays in emergency situations 11. Be able to work outdoors in any weather condition 12. Be able to pass a demanding test within two years
Benefits: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Health, dental, and vision insurance Life insurance Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time Retirement Starting pay is $12-$15 per hour
All candidates are subject to a drug screen and background check. Mena Water Utilities is an equal opportunity employer. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The information above is intended to describe the general nature of this position and is not to be considered a complete statement of duties, responsibilities, and requirements.
22 Puzzles
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
April 13, 2022
04.13.22
04.13.22
ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 04.06.22
A Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK
Hi, My Name is Sweet Pea. The reason that is my name is because I am just so sweet! I am a happy and playful girl. I love toys and treats. I am 5 years old and I weigh 4 lbs, and I am good with other cats, and litter boxed trained. I would love to meet you today, and since I am fully vaccinated and spayed, once you fall in love with me, you can take me home. All animals at HSO are current on their vaccinations and will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption. If not already spayed/neutered, there may be a short delay between when you select this pet and when they are ready to go home.
HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE OUACHITAS TUES. THROUGH SAT. 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. 368 POLK 50, MENA, AR 479 3945682 WWW.HSOMENA.ORG
THE POLK COUNTY
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By Richie Lawry It was a beautiful fall day in 1994, and we were sitting on the front porch of our new home enjoying the evening. We heard the phone ringing, and my wife got up and went inside the house to answer the phone. Picking up the brick-sized cordless phone, she pushed the talk button and said, “Hello.” Our daughter replied, “Mama, I need to talk to you about Thanksgiving. Can I bring someone home with me?” Our daughter was attending a boarding school in northwest Arkansas. That evening, the dean had come to her with a request. “Domira, a new foreign exchange student from Ukraine, has just arrived at school and doesn’t know anyone yet,” the dean said. “Do you think she could spend the Thanksgiving holiday with you and your family?” “I will ask my parents,” my daughter replied. When our daughter told us about the foreign exchange student and her need for a place to stay over Thanksgiving, we told her the girl was welcome at our house. Domira spent Thanksgiving with us, and we enjoyed getting to know her and learning about Ukraine. She experienced her first shopping experience in the U.S. at the Mena WalMart. She told us that she would have to go to separate shops for milk, bread, fruit, etcetera at home. When Domira first saw our home, she wanted to know how many families lived there. She was surprised when we told her that only our family lived there. When Russian troops invaded Ukraine and headed for Kyiv, we were concerned for Domira’s safety. We had kept up with her through social media, but there was no information from her. We were relieved when Domira posted a video telling her harrowing story and letting us know she was safe on the sev-
Faith 23
April 13, 2022
An Arkie’s Faith Domira
enth of April. I wanted to share her story with you, my readers. Here is Domira telling her story in her own words. “ Thank you, my dear family and my friends, so much for your support and prayers. It means a lot to me and helped me go through what I went through. I’m sorry I couldn’t answer all your phone calls and messages. I know that it’s not easy to understand everything going on now. My apartment is located on one of the main streets where everybody gets into the city and gets out. Most of the time, between 6:30 and 12:00, we have a traffic jam because people outside of Kyiv are trying to get to Kyiv to get to work. At 6:30 in the morning on the twenty-fourth of February, everything stopped. Not a single car was trying to get here. But at the same time three lines were just packed; Three lines that wanted to get out of Kyiv. All those cars and buses, everything was just full, and I knew that it was impossible to get out of here by car or bus. I went to the train station, and it was also full. At the same time, our bank system was shut down, so that means that you cannot buy any tickets online,
you cannot pay by card, and you cannot buy any food or anything if you don’t have cash. So, everybody was trying to get cash from the bank, and we had lines of about 20-30 people who were trying to stay in the line to get some
cash. On the first day, I heard my first sirens. I’ve never heard in my life such a crazy sound. When I was trying to get home, I was almost there. I just needed a couple of minutes to get to my apartment when I heard the sirens; that meant that the bombing was starting the second time. When I looked around, everybody was just in panic, running around trying to find the safest place. Since that time, we have had sirens almost every hour. Sirens mean that somewhere there was a bombing and there were explosions. I could not get home that day. I couldn’t get home to get the most important things. That means that everything you packed in five minutes, everything that you can take with you in just one suitcase or one bag. You pack all your life in five minutes in one bag and just try to go somewhere in a safe place. I knew that in the same day it was
Joke of the Week:
I met a customer today whose face was covered with cat scratches. His name was Claude.
impossible for me to get out of here, and I went to see my friend. She stayed by herself, and she was also scared and panicked, so we stayed overnight there. The next day at 7:30 in the morning, we tried to get out of Kyiv. We heard sirens all night and shooting. We knew that we could not stay here; we had to get out. We knew that it was impossible to get out on the Main Street and the main highway. So, we needed to find the small roads and get through the small towns, somehow, someway, to the place where it’s going to be not so far from Romania where it’s safe. We don’t know how we’re going to get there. We don’t have any plan, I guess nobody had, we just needed to go. We got in the car and started to drive. It took us twenty hours to get to Chernivtsi. We went through small villages and towns on the way. We saw many tanks and military, and sometimes we didn’t even know if it was Russian military or Ukrainian. We drove through small towns and villages, and we drove through the forests and places that had no lights at all. We heard explosions all the time, but we had no idea when we were going to get to Chernivtsi or if we would get there. Because every time you hear an explosion, every time you see a tank somewhere, you don’t know if that’s your last minute, or if you’re going to make it, or if you’re going to still be alive. For twenty hours, it seemed like it was just impossible. We got to the safe place at about 4:00 o’clock in the morning, and I just wanted to check the news to see what was going on in Kyiv. I saw that just a couple of minutes from my apartment, in the same place where I walked just a few hours before, Russian tanks had destroyed everything that’s around
See DOMIRA continued on page 25
Replacing windshields in Polk County for forty years. Give Richie a call at 479-394-9938 Located at 3008 Hwy 71 South
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April 13, 2022
THE POLK COUNTY
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THE POLK COUNTY
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April 13, 2022 Domira continued from page 23
there. I know that I am one of the blessed people; that had a chance to get out and be in a safe place. I know so many kids and women that were just trying to get out of Kyiv or many other places, and they were shot. They didn’t have a chance. It’s hard to understand and explain what’s going on and why kids were killed, why women were killed, and why they were raped. It’s especially hard to understand why some family members and some of your friends don’t believe you when you tell them what’s going on. I am not going to lose my energy explaining to somebody who doesn’t believe that the war is going on, that people were killed and I was one of them who could have been shot. I’m just praying with everybody else that Ukraine will survive. We are praying and dreaming about the day when the war is going to stop. We are dreaming about the time when families can
reunite. We’re dreaming about the time when Ukraine is going to be rebuilt. But so many people were killed, and you can’t forget that. I know that I can do as much as I can from my side, and I’m trying every single day to support and help people who stayed in Kiev and different parts of Ukraine. If you have a chance to help in any way, if you want to support, you can write me or you can call me. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you that you believe. God bless you.” Gentle Reader, those affected by the war in Ukraine are not just nameless people. Please pray for Domira and all of the Ukrainians. “First and foremost, I urge God’s people to pray. They should make their requests, petitions, and thanksgivings on behalf of all humanity. Teach them to pray for kings (or anyone in high places for that matter) so that we can lead quiet, peaceful lives—reverent, godly, and holy.” 1 Timothy 2:1,2 (VOICE)
Faith 25
26 Sports
THE POLK COUNTY
April 13, 2022
Young boxers take to the ring
Submitted by Richard Hexamer
Track April 14 - Mena @ Dequeen April 19 - Mena @ Nashville Soccer April 14 - Heavener @ Mena (boys only) April 15 - Mena @ Arkadelphia April 19 - Nashville @ Mena Baseball April 14 - Horatio @ Mena April 15 - Mena @ Fountain Lake April 18 - Mena @ Waldron April 19 - Bauxite @ Mena
Young boxers from Polk County competed in the Diamond Rock Boxing Promotions Fight Night on April 10 in Little Rock. The first of the two fights on the card was Issac Griffin, who drew a rematch with a boxer from Warren. Griffin boxed a strong, solid match and adapted inside the ring to pull out the win.“Issac is a very, very good young athlete that is improving every time he steps into the ring,” his coach, Richard Hexamer boasted. Jasmine “Lil Hillbilly” Parker, representing Mena, was the second and last Polk County boxer on the card. Parker faced off against a tremendous young nationally-ranked female boxer from
Tennessee. “She could have easily said she was not ready for the move up in competition skill level,” Hexamer said. “But that is not in our boxers’ mentality. They want it every time.” Parker did not disappoint in her performance, as she fought an outstanding three-round bout against her opponent. In the end, Parker came out one point short on some of the judges’ score cards in a tough split-decision bout. “This young lady is a work horse in the ring and, like her teammates, never gives up. There is no shame or reason to hang your head.” The next slated fight for the team is on April 30 in Fort Smith.
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Issac Griffin and Jasmine Parker competed at Fight Night in Little Rock.
(Submitted photo)
Softball April 15 - Mena @ Fountain Lake April 19 - Bauxite @ Mena
Track April 14 - Acorn @ Centerton April 19 - @ Acorn Baseball/Softball April 14 - Acorn @ Mansfield April 18 - Westside Johnson Co. @ Acorn April 19 - Acorn @ Paris (girls only)
Baseball/Softball April 14 - Cossatot @ Foreman (girls only) April 15 - Cossatot @ Booneville Soccer April 14 - Cossatot @ Star City
Baseball April 14 - National Park College @ UARM April 16 - UARM @ National Park College April 19 - Seminole State College @ UARM
The Mena Basscats competed in the Arkansas Youth Fishing Federation High School Bass Tournament held on Lake Dardanelle. Austin Rose and Jarrett Burger took 1st place and Big Bass. (Submitted photo)
Softball April 14 - UARM @ Eastern Oklahoma State College April 19 - Northern Oklahoma College @ UARM Track April 15 - Little Rock Twilight
Morning Coffee for Your Ears!
April 13, 2022 History 27 Pulse Reflections from History and Faith: Raiders and Redemption THE POLK COUNTY
by Jeff Olson
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was a devastating blow to America’s military strength in the Pacific and a huge loss of lives and morale, which left our country in a state of dismay and shock. And, with Japanese military forces surging across the western Pacific, the U.S. was also concerned about the vulnerability of our west coast to a Japanese invasion. In the wake of all this, President Roosevelt pressed his military planners for a strike against Tokyo, not only as an act of retaliation and defiance for Pearl Harbor but also to boost America’s morale and confidence. Conceived in January 1942, the “joint Army-Navy bombing project” was designed to bomb Japanese industrial centers and to inflict both “material and psychological” damage upon the enemy, including the destruction of specific targets “with ensuing confusion and retardation of production.” The attacks on the Japanese homeland were intended to induce the enemy to recall “combat equipment from other theaters for home defense,” and incite a “fear complex in Japan.” Also, it was hoped that the raid would improve the United States’ relationships with its allies and receive a “favorable reaction [on the part] of the American people.” Lt. Col. James “Jimmy” Doolittle (1896-1993) and 79 other airmen (known since as the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders) volunteered for this daring mission. Twenty-four planes were prepared for the mission, and with additional fuel tanks installed and “certain unnecessary equipment” removed. They trained extensively for over a month to launch 16 North American B-25 Mitchell bombers from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Hornet. Because of obvious risks involved, the training did not include using an actual aircraft carrier. So, the take-off at sea
would be the first for all of the airmen in the Soviet Union and was immediately – firsts in not only taking off from a re- interned. Eight airmen were captured by strictive flight deck but at the same time the Japanese, three of whom were later doing so on one in motion, on rough executed and one starved to death. One seas, and facing uncertain weather. The man was killed on bail-out after the mislaunch point was to be within 400 miles sion and two men drowned as a result of crash landing in the water off China of Japan coast. Four Eighty raiders years ago became this comPOW’s of ing Monthe Gerday, in mans and the early 13 died morning later in the hours of war. April 18, The raid 1942, a resulted Jap a n e s e in little vess el physical spotted damage, the task but its psyf o r c e . chological Doolittle real- B-52 Mitchell bombers on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS i m p a c t (Photo courtesy of Jeff Olson) was monized that Hornet, preparing to attack. u me nt a l. the planes needed to be launched immediately, It boosted American morale and proved one day early and some 250 miles far- that Japan was not invulnerable to ther away than planned due to potential American attacks. This gave the humilithreat of Japanese land-based aircraft ated Japanese command further resolve and total loss of the element of surprise. and urgency to attack the American outIn heavy seas, with some of the waves post at Midway Island, an attack resultbreaking over the carrier deck, Doolittle ing in a failure which would become the took off from the pitching deck and the turning point of the war in the Pacific. One of the captured airmen in the others successfully followed. They had to fly just above the waves (20-30 feet) to raid on Japan was Cpl. Jacob DeShazer, avoid radar detection, and the attack did who was the bombardier on Crew 16. indeed catch the Japanese by surprise. DeShazer spent the next 40 months (34 Thirteen bombers targeted Tokyo and of them in solitary confinement) as a the others struck Yokosuka, Yokohama, POW. Upon his separation from the serKobe, and Nagoya. After dropping the vice in 1945, he attended Seattle Pacific bomb-loads on their assigned targets, College where he earned a Bachelor of the raiders flew on until they ran out Arts Degree. DeShazer’s experience as a POW of fuel (due to the earlier-than-planned take-off). Most of the crews landed in opened the door for God’s salvation Japanese-occupied China and made it which transformed his hatred and vento friendly territory with the aid of Chi- geance into forgiveness. He committed nese peasants. Thousands of the Chi- his life to God, and for the next 30 years nese were killed by the Japanese in their served as a missionary to Japan. He search for the raiders. One crew landed wrote a book titled “I Was a Prisoner of
Japan” which was widely distributed in that country, selling 30 million copies worldwide. One person who read it was an embittered Japanese ex-pilot, Capt. Mitsuo Fuchida. The Commander of the Japanese navy squadron that bombed Pearl Harbor (Fuchida) and the American pilot who bombed Tokyo met and became lifelong friends. DeShazer’s message of God’s love, forgiveness and redemption was something totally different from anything Fuchida had ever heard, leading him to become a Christian in 1950. And as did DeShazer, he spent the rest of his life as a missionary. Fuchida became an American citizen in 1966. He passed away in 1976 and DeShazer in 2008. Sixty-one of the 80 men survived the raid and World War II. At the encouragement of Doolittle himself shortly after the raid, the Raiders began annual reunions which culminated in a final
anniversary tribute and toast April 1720, 2013, with the last three survivors, Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col Richard Cole, Staff Sgt. David Thatcher, and Lt. Col. Edward Saylor. Cole, Lt. Col. Doolittle’s co-pilot in the lead airplane, was the last surviving Raider. He passed away in 2019 at age 103.
28 News
April 13, 2022
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
Mena A&P discuss festival, circus, fireworks and more Watson gave her financial report. In this report, Watson compared this month’s financials to last month’s, Facebook proThe Mena Advertising and Promotion motion numbers, and the Lum & Abner Commission (A&P) met at Mena City festival updates. Hall for their regular scheduled meeting She also brought up scheduling issues at 5:30 p.m. on April 5. They discussed with the Fourth of July celebration. In an upcoming events in the area and made effort to not snuff the attendance of either public announcements. the Elks or the Vandervoort fireworks After the minutes were approved and celebrations, the commission opted to seconded, Philip Lance gave his Tapley hold Mena’s fireworks display on July 3. Park report. Lance explained that surfacA decision had to be made between ing for the regular season will begin on hosting the circus in town or a dog show Saturday, April 9. The end-of-the-year for 2022. Taking into consideration the tournament will be held on the followpros and cons of each option in ing Saturday. Trophies will be accordance with the lodging opawarded to first and second tions and budget, the circus was places and medallions to evapproved for a two-day perforerybody else. mance for $6,830. Lance also explained that The commission then moved the work on field five has on to new business, starting with once again been temporarily Scott Vacca being given a full halted due to unfit weather commission term. After this, conditions. He also reportthe commission considered the ed that Aleshire Electric has approval of a stage rental agreeinstalled the long-awaited ment. Turner proposed not scoreboards with two weeks charging the amount of $50 if to spare. The next baseball a non-profit is to rent the stage. season will begin on MonThe stipulation with this policy day, April 18. The installment The long-awaited scoreboards are now up at Tapley Park. (Trey Youngdahl/Pulse) is that the renter must take care of the gravel has reportedly By Trey Youngdahl
been well received, although it is not finished. Commission member James Earl Turner proposed they pay the money to finish the gravel. A motion was made and seconded to approve up to $10,000 to complete the parking lot at Tapley Park. An upgraded fence, marking machine and paint have all been received, so citizens can look forward to seeing those improvements being made to the park. “I think it’s going to be very beneficial,” Lance said. “I’ve had a lot of positive comments on it.” Up next, A&P administrator Pasha
Rice is Nice cooking contest Submitted by Debbie Miller Division of Agriculture County Extension Agent Kristian Pelligrino is the winner of the Farm Bureau Rice is Nice Cooking
Contest - Main Dish Category with his Coconut Curry Chicken. Pelligrino’s recipe will be submitted to the state-level competition. Arkansas ranks first among rice-producing states, accounting for more than 40% of U.S. rice production. Arkansas rice is known for its versatility and can be used in a wide variety of cuisines. It is enjoyed in the U.S. and throughout the world. Josiah Wilson won the 2022 Farm
Bureau Dairy Foods and Rice is Nice Cooking Contests - Party Ideas Dish Category with his Rice Pudding recipe. It was held on April 4. His winning recipe will be entered in the state-level competition. Savannah Christian is the winner of the 2022 Farm Bureau Dairy Foods Cooking Contest- Main Dish Category with her Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo. Her recipe will go on to the state-level competition. The winning dish is judged on taste, appearance, difficulty of the recipe, and the use
of transportation, setting up and tearing down the stage, can only be used inside the city limits, and the renter is responsible for any damages, with a possible $50 late fee if necessary. A motion was made and passed. A new policy was then made to allow funding grant recommendations from committee chairs without the committee meeting. A funding request recommendation was then presented for $1,000 to the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce to hold the annual Rod Run Festival on Aug. 26-27 on the condition of using the money for a billboard, with local paper and radio advertising. The recommendation was approved and seconded. Another funding request recommendation was for $1,000 awarded to The CALL for the Talimena Run and Relay to be held on April 30 for the use of advertising. It was approved on the condition that they meet the criteria. This too passed. Announcements were made for the April 6 Eclipse town hall (now passed), May 3 for the Mena A&P Commission meeting, and May 10 for the City Council meeting. The meeting then adjourned.
of dairy products with the trademark of “REAL dairy.” The REAL® Seal is a stamp of assurance. It lets you know you’re buying a high-quality product made with milk from cows that were raised on U.S. dairy farms. All of the annual events are sponsored by The event is sponsored by the Polk County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee.
THE POLK COUNTY
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April 13, 2022
Earn a Master’s Degree in fishing through AGFC Submitted by AGFC
ted bass of 3.5 pounds are eligible for a trophy pin. Crappie trophy LITTLE ROCK — A quick glance size begins at 2.5 pounds for black at Arkansas’s state fishing records or white crappie. Brown trout will reveal that March and April starts at 10 pounds; rainbow at 8. A hold the lion’s share of biggest fish striped bass needs to tip the scales catches for most species. Only one at the 25-pound mark. A full list of catch can qualify as Arkansas’s state species and starting trophy size is record for a certain species, but the available at https://www.agfc.com/ Arkansas Game and Fish Commis- en/fishing/masterangler. sion still wants to help celebrate If an angler catches a trophy in those memorable moments on the each of four or more different catewater with a Master Angler Award. gories, he or she is a “Master Angler” Created in 1985, the Master An- and will receive a commemorative gler Award program recognizes coin. Very few anglers ever meet this fish caught throughout the state challenge. In fact, only a handful of by hookMaster and-line Angler that meet c o i n s certain w e r e size reawarded quirelast year. ments, Anglers which m u s t are difsubmit a ferent by Master species. Angler There appliare eight Do you have what it takes to become a Master Angler? c a t i o n , cateavailgories: able at black bass, bream, catfish, crappie, https://www.agfc.com/en/fishing/ perch, temperate bass, trout and masterangler to obtain each pin. A miscellaneous species. For each tro- photo of the angler and the trophy phy fish that reaches or exceeds the fish must be included with the apminimum size for that species, an plication. angler receives a commemorative There is no limit to the number pin. The program is open to any age of Master Angler awards or pins an angler, whether an Arkansan or a angler may earn. If an angler prenonresident; the only requirement fers to fish for one species, such as is that the fish be caught in Arkan- trophy-size crappie, he or she can sas waters. rack up all the pins he or she can For example, anglers who catch claim, but the “Master Angler” coin a largemouth bass of at least 8 only goes to anglers who qualify for pounds or a smallmouth or a spot- four different categories of fish.
Outdoors 29
Spotts Named Chief of Acquisition and Stewardship Ryan Spotts has been named as the new ANHC Chief of Acquisition and Stewardship. Spotts has been with the ANHC as a land management specialist since 2018. She succeeds Kyle Lapham, who vacated the position in February 2022. Spotts has a bachelor of science in natural resources ecology and management from Louisiana State University and a master of science in forestry from Southern Illinois University. Before coming to the ANHC, Spotts worked in several conservation positions in Louisiana and Illinois, including work with avian studies in Illinois agricultural fields and shrublands with the University of Illinois. During her tenure as land management specialist, Spotts has led the volunteer program and assisted ANHC Director Bill Holimon with red-cockaded woodpecker (Dryo-
bates borealis) monitoring at Pine City and Warren Prairie natural areas. She has also worked with partners at the Cave Research Foundation to map caves on ANHC natural areas.
Ryan Spotts in a restoration area at Foushee Cave Natural Area in the Ozark Mountains. (Photo courtesy of ANHC)
30 News
THE POLK COUNTY
April 13, 2022
Easter Eggstravaganza downtown Submitted by Judy Thompson The community is invited to downtown Mena on Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. for an assortment of fun activities. The Mena Downtown Partners are once again sponsoring the Easter EggStravaganza. The Easter Rabbit will be visiting at Suzy Q’s that entire time to visit with kids of all ages. Youngsters may register to receive either a stuffed bunny or an Easter basket. There will be free goodies. This is a great photo opportunity. Maple Avenue from Mena Street to the alley behind Suzy Q’s will be closed on Saturday, April 16, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Maple Street is where some of the Bunny Fun begins Hippity Hoppity Hula Hooping will
begin at 11 on Maple Street adjacent to Suzy Q’s. There will be competition for all ages, whether you’re able to keep the hoop going for the longest time or excel in free style. Mena Fire Department volunteers will be on hand to get you going. Hula hoops will be available, or you may bring your own. If you’re looking for a challenge with a cash reward as a prize, be a part of the Bunny Hop Photo-Scavenger Hunt. Registration begins at 11:15 in front of American Artisans. The hunt begins at 11:30. Easter items will be in participating businesses. A sheet showing items will be given out advising that all items are in clear view. Participation may be by individuals or teams of 2 – 4 people. The first back with the name of the shop
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written on the sheet by the item and selfie showing the individual or the team with the item will receive cash prizes, compliments of Union Bank: Individual--$50 and Team--$100. Can you “hop” fast enough to win? Thompson noted that on Easter Sunday, there are many locals who love to wear beautiful hats. The Easter “Bonnet & Bowler” event is an opportunity to show them off. Again, this is open to all ages, ladies and gents. But wait! Not only is this a chance for the Easter parade of traditional headgear, but an opportunity to get wild and crazy and create your own outstanding hat. Get creative! Registration begins at 12:15 at Ouachita Little Theatre. The parade across stage begins at 12:30. Melanie Wade, Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce director, will serve as emcee. Cash prizes are compliments of First Financial Bank. Put that bonnet on that baby or gather items for your magnificent creation. Come watch and cheer on your favorites. Some businesses will also have specials like Wild Hare Art Glass which will provide free ceramic eggs to be painted. While enjoying your day downtown, stroll around to admire the artwork of local elementary students. Downtown Partners has worked with Sarah Wagner, elementary arts instructor, to provide numerous awesome Easter egg coloring sheets. They are in the windows on Mena Street from the Mena Star to Stitch Chick. Each grade had three or four winners, but in reality, all are winners. The judges’ choices: Kindergarten: • Most colorful -Ellie Holman, Mrs. Tilley
•
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Most Original – Owen Ryals, Mrs. Tibbs • Best of Grade – Preston Pate, Mrs. Schuller First Grade: • Most Colorful – Raeden Parker, Mrs. McLellan • Most Original – Maddox Herod, Mrs. Thomas • Best of Grade – Gracie Ludwig, Ms. Cranford Second Grade: • Most Colorful – Payton Foster, Ms. Maddox • Most Original – Thira Reppo, Mrs. Martin • Most Inspirational – Willow Craig, Mrs. Martin • Best of Grade – Natalie Cavelli, Ms. Trammel Third Grade: • Most Colorful – Journey Copelin, Mrs. Ford • Most Original – William McDonald, Ms. Parsons • Best of Grade – Addison Emmitte, Ms. Brown Fourth Grade: • Most Colorful – Briggs Robertson, Mrs. Scott • Most Original – Jerome Warner, Mrs. Carter • Most Inspirational – KatyAnne Goodnight, Mrs. Scott • Best of Grade – Aria Crider, Mrs. Sterner Fifth Grade: • Most Colorful – Lilly Jackson, Mrs. Wimberly • Most Original – Kenley Cochran, Mrs. Newbolt • Best of Grade – Hunter Hicks, Ms. Lynch Best of Show: • Aria Crider, Mrs. Sterner, Holly Harshman
THE POLK COUNTY
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April 13, 2022
394-1938
TIRES • BRAKES • CUSTOM EXHAUST • SHOCKS & STRUTS
Winter Hours: Mon - Fri 8 am - 5 pm
1500 Hwy 71 South, Mena
Owners: Stacy & Julie Nash
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April 13, 2022
THE POLK COUNTY
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