Community Paint Your Pet 2023

By Ethan Nahté

Wild Hare Art Glass Studio is having another Paint Your Pet fundraiser for the Humane Society of the Ouachitas. Nothing could be more personal than you painting a portrait of your own pet, be it a dog, cat, ferret, bird, lizard or goldfish. The event is at Wild Hare, located at 609 Mena Street, across from the Ouachita Little Theatre, on May 12 at 6 p.m. The class is $65 per person to participate, but the money goes to helping animals.

Owners Greg and Linda Ostman will be your hosts and helpers. Linda said, “The medium is acrylics on canvas. They would send me their clear picture of the animal to laostman@verizon. net before May 8th and I transfer it to the canvas.

“The event lasts 3 or so hours, it depends on them. You don’t have to be an artist to participate. I give advice and help during the painting. We supply everything.

“They can bring what they would like to bring to drink. There are always some sweet treats to nibble on.” Greg said, “People get so caught up in their paintings that they sometimes forget the food is there.”

“It’s a fun event and they get a great picture of their beloved pet. They always look so awesome when they are finished,” Linda said.

To RSVP either call (479) 234-4927 or stop by their gallery and sign up. They are open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday -Friday, and 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Seating is limited.

If you’ve never been to Wild Hare, not only are there pieces of glass art such as decorative spheres and eggs, as well as wall art, fused and stained glass and more, but there is also custom jewelry. It’s a neat, clean gallery. The gallery also carries art supplies and gives classes. You might even meet the dachshunds, one of which is an HSO rescue.

Spring-like weather is finally back, as is the annual Master Gardener Plant Sale

Submitted by Ann Glenn

After the winter we’ve just had, Polk County Master Gardeners, like so many folks, are eager to get their hands in the dirt. Their efforts are tuned to preparations for their annual spring plant sale. April includes numerous potting days, as they dig healthy plants from their own yards and transplant them. They are planting mixed selections for attractive ready-made gifts. The plant sale is strategically scheduled on Saturday, May 13, the weekend of Mothers’ Day.

Individual plants are potted for your flower beds and vegetable gardens. As always, there will be a variety of plants to choose from, including trees and shrubs, succulents, bulbs, and herbs. The plants will be separated and presented as annual or perennials, suitable for sun, partial shade, or shade. Master Gardeners will be present to help you make your choices and answer questions.

The doors are open 8 a.m. - noon at the

Polk County Fairgrounds. Admission is free. Boxes as well as a few wagons, will be available to help carry your plants to your vehicle. Feel free to bring your own wagon if you wish.

Payment must be made by cash or local check. No credit or debit cards will be accepted.

The annual plant sale is the only fundraising activity of the Master Gardeners, and proceeds are returned to the community, in part, through scholarships awarded to Polk County high school seniors electing a college major related to agriculture or horticulture, or to the Single Parent Scholarship Fund.

Although Master Gardeners share a common interest — gardening for the joy of it —they are not a gardening club. They are an international organization of volunteers dedicated to providing educational opportunities and hands-on projects aimed at beautifying their communities, one project at a time.

The University of Arkansas Co-oper- ative Extension Service started a Master Gardener volunteer program in 1988 with a class of 30 people from four counties. Today the program has grown to more than 3,200 volunteers in 65 Arkansas counties.

Polk County’s history began in 2000 with an initial class of 7. Polk County currently has 30 members. A community outreach program, new this year, is the Yard of the Month, and the public is invit- ed to make nominations for that award.

Individuals who have attended 40 hours of Master Gardener training and passed an exam earn the title of Master Gardener. After completing the training, in the first year, each individual must take an additional 20 hours of education, and “pay back” 40 hours of service to the community. To maintain the status of Master Gardener in subsequent years, members volunteer at least 20 hours of work on sanctioned community projects and accumulate another 20 hours of continuing education.

Our distinctive green and white signs identify our current sanctioned projects at the Courthouse — front beds and the rose garden — and at the Mena/KCS Historic Depot, the Polk County Fairgrounds, and the pollinator garden at the Polk County Co-operative Extension Office.

We hope you enjoy the fruits of Master Gardener volunteer labors, and that you find inspiration for your own beautification projects at our May 13 Plant Sale.

Sons of Confederate Veterans to reinstall marker

By Ethan Nahté

The local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) will be reinstalling their historic marker on Sherwood Ave. near the Mena/KCS Historic Depot & Museum at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Apr. 29.

Marker No. 130 was originally erected in 2016 by Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, Polk County Genealogical Society, Shirley Manning, Harold Coogan and David Dingler, SCV Polk County Invincibles No. 646 and the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program.

The original marker was thought to have been damaged by vandals. A spokesman for the group said this time the SCV believed it to be due to the strong winds the area has had this spring.

SCV is an American neo-Confederate nonprofit organization of male descendants of Confederate soldiers that commemorates these ancestors. The group’s site states that SCV “neither embraces, nor espouses acts or ideologies of racial and religious bigotry, and further, condemns the misuse of its sacred symbols and flags in the conduct of same. Each member is expected to perform his full duty as a citizen according to his own conscience and understanding.”

SCV will also be holding its 128th Annual Reunion of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans in Hot Springs, July 19-22.

For more information about SCV, visit https://scv.org/ .

Energy

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Clean energy workers account for more than 40% of America’s entire energy workforce. If we continue to invest in expanding our state’s own clean energy economy, then we can help attract new businesses in this rapidly growing industry in order to continue creating 21st century jobs for hardworking Arkansans.

As the booming clean energy economy continues to grow and create new economic and job opportunities, it is critical that Arkansas not get left behind. Advancing our clean energy capabilities will not only help attract new businesses and create new clean energy jobs, but it will also help strengthen and support our entire economy—from manufacturing to agriculture to transportation equipment to aerospace and defense. As a member of the state’s economic development commission, I am very encouraged by Governor Sanders proactive approach on all fronts. Her determination to see Arkansas lead the nation in every category is exactly the kind of energy and leadership we need at a time that new markets and tectonic shifts are happening in our economy. It isn’t a time for passive efforts but a time for bold leadership and strong efforts.

At the same time, further building out our clean energy economy and workforce will help support an allof-the-above approach to energy production for our state. That, in turn, will help increase domestic energy production in order to strengthen our nation’s energy independence, reduce our reliance on foreign nations to meet our energy needs, and enhance America’s national security. This allof-the-above energy strategy will also help keep energy prices lower and more stable for Arkansas businesses and consumers. Our nation’s reliance of foreign energy is an unsustainable burden we mustn’t saddle the next generation with.

Further common-sense permitting reforms will help expedite all of these efforts. The EPA and other federal agencies have an important role to play but they shouldn’t be allowed to unnecessarily stand in the way of innovation, investment, and job creation in the private sector. The permitting process for almost every kind of project from infrastructure to agriculture is too cumbersome. I’m thankful our federal congressional delegation understands this and is working towards critical improvements.

It’s critical that Arkansas always looking ahead to identify new ways to create economic opportunities in our state by attracting higher-paying jobs, expanding and diversifying our state and local economies, increasing incomes and investment, and generating positive growth in communities throughout the state. Continuing to invest in and expand clean energy across the state can help us achieve these critical goals.

Arkansas cannot afford to miss out on the new clean energy economy that is growing rapidly and creating new jobs nationwide. We live in the Natural State, after all, and we can continue protecting the precious natural resources and attractions that make our state great while creating new opportunities for all Arkansans by expanding and developing our clean energy capabilities and resources. It’s time we seize the day.

Jay Bunyard, of De Queen, is a commissioner on the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and an Arkansas broadcaster, who owns 18 radio stations, a newspaper, and five online media outlets in the state.

The Polk County Road Department will be accepting sealed bids for 2023 culvert purchases. Bids are to be opened in the Polk County Judge's office at the Polk County Courthouse at 507 Church Avenue in Mena, Arkansas at 2:00 PM May 4, 2023.

All interested parties should contact Polk County Judge Brandon Ellison at 479-394-8133 for complete specifications and instructions.

2018 Catalina Legacy camper, like new. Bumper pull, sleeps 6, full hookups, has tub/ shower/toilet (479) 234-2795 T0426

- GARAGE SALE -

Two-family garage sale, Saturday, April 29. Open @ 8 a.m. off Hwy. 8 East. Right on Airport Road. First house on right @ top of the hill, A-frame. Antique furniture, nice pie safe, musical instruments, lot of guitar cases, young men’s clothing (med.) Some collectibles will be out, some china, lots of pictures, misc. household items, New Body punching bag, 10-person tent, corn hole boards, baby stroller and car seat. Lots of unique stuff. T0426

The Polk County Road Department will be accepting sealed bids for (3) new Ford 2023 F250 extended cab pickups. Bids are to be opened in the Polk County Judge’s office at the Polk County Courthouse at 507 Church Avenue in Mena, Arkansas at 3:00 PM May 4th, 2023.

All interested parties should contact Polk County Judge Brandon Ellison at 479-394-8133 for complete specifications and instructions.

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

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0426

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

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

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

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

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

Legal Notice

NOTICE: Kevin Williams, Jason Sullivan, Emily Bevill of UNION BANK OF MENA and Jim Walton, Kevin Sabin, Theresa Young of ARVEST BANK are in DEFAULT for failure to CEASE AND DESIST, failure to prove jurisdiction, failure to answer the four Affidavits of Status and Affidavit of Complaint.

T0426

- HELP WANTED -

F.M. Dix Foundry is accepting applications for general labor positions. Applications may be picked up at the office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment.

T0426

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

Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment.

T0426

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for a technical/phone sales position. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, answering technical inquiries, providing product information and recommendations, troubleshooting with potential and current customers, and processing orders in a fast-paced office setting. Parts, automotive, and computer experience would be helpful.

Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment. T0426

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced CNC Machine Operator. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment.

T0426

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for general labor positions. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment

T0426

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 17, 2023

Rowdy Davis, 20 of Mena was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas State Parks on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Jarad Miller, 24 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Probation Violation Warrant, two Felony Warrants for Failure to Comply with Registration and Reporting Requirements and two Misdemeanor Failure to Appear Warrants.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 94 near Mena in reference to an unattended death.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 40 near Mena in reference to a possible theft.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 42 near Mena in reference to a disturbance.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Treasure Lane near Acorn in reference to vandalism.

April 18, 2023

Barbara Braun, 22 of Mena was arrested on a Body Attachment Warrant.

Deputies took a theft report from a walk-in complainant.

Doug Gross, 64 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Possession of a Firearm by Certain Persons and a Felony Warrant for 3rd Degree Assault on a Family or Household Member.

April 19, 2023

Anna Denton, 29 of Wickes was ar-

Mena Police Reports

April 16 rested on two Failure to Appear Warrants.

April 21 No report.

April 22 No report.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a theft of property.

April 20, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to Hwy 8 W for an accident with property damage.

April 21, 2023

Paul Langston, 33 of Long Beach, MS was arrested to be held for another agency.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 71 S near Mena in reference to a burn victim.

April 22, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 302 near Cherry Hill in reference to a verbal domestic dispute leading to the arrest of Doug Gross, 64 of Mena on charges of Violation of a No Contact Order, 2nd Degree Terroristic Threatening and Disorderly Conduct.

April 23, 2023

Deputies responded to a report of a damaged fence.

Deputies responded to a report of issues with a neighbor’s dogs.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail

Population: 40 Incarcerated Inmates with 12 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

Rodney Morrison, 37, was charged with Criminal Trespass and Violation of a No Contact Order after a prowler complaint on Oak Grove Avenue.

Joseph Davidson, 22, was charged with Theft of Property at James’ Food.

A report of rape was taken at a residence on Walnut Avenue.

April 17

William Pierce, 39, was served with a warrant on Janssen Avenue.

April 18

Aaron Renard, 47, was served with a warrant at the court house.

Wendy Morse, 50, was served with a warrant at the court house.

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

A report of fleeing and hindering apprehension was taken at Walmart.

April 19

Spencer Powell, 34, was served with warrants after a traffic stop on Pickering Avenue.

Leslie Gillaspy, 45, was served with a warrant at a residence on Dallas Avenue.

Frankie Reynolds, 63, was charged with Possession of Firearm By Certain Persons after a traffic stop on Pickering Avenue.

Patrick Tosta, 38, was served with warrants at the police department.

Joseph Lane, 61, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Disorderly Conduct after a disturbance call at Executive Inn.

April 20

Christian Kahn, 19, was served with a warrant at Executive Inn.

Scott County accident claims life of Mena man

By Patrick Massey

A Mena man was killed last week following a two-vehicle accident in Scott County.

According to the Arkansas State Police, Christopher L. Lawrence, 50, of Mena was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 71 between Acorn and Y City near Johnson Creek Road the morning of April 17 when his 2005 Toyota crossed the center line and struck a semi-truck in a head-on collision. The accident occurred around 5 a.m.

Lawrence was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the 2019 Freightliner, Eric Scott Jones, 50, of New Boston, Texas, was transported to Mercy Hospital in Waldron for treatment of minor injuries.

The investigating state trooper described road conditions as clear and dry at the time of the accident.