Polk County Pulse - August 30, 2023

Dogwood For Dogs

It’s time for the iron stomach competition for those folks who plan on snarfing down cotton candy, hot dogs and soda in between hopping on diving and twirling rides slinging bodies back and forth… all in the name of fun at the Polk County Fair.

I jest to a degree. At least the temperatures will have dropped by 10 degrees or so compared to

FUMC Welcomes Johnson

Hot rods shining on hot days

last week. With very little chance of precipitation until next week, most of the high temperatures should be in the high 80s to low 90s. Some of you might want to bring a long sleeve shirt or windbreaker as there will be a light breeze and temperatures dropping into the high 50s and low 60s. Overall, the weather during the fair should be fair weather.

The entry deadline has already passed to submit livestock, creative pieces and floral/horticul-

The Friday night parade of cars was a little shorter and the temperatures were quite higher than most Queen Wilhelmina Rod Runs of the past, but the 48th annual event still brought out over 100 vehicles the first night. Several vehicles still lined up on Mena Street in the shade as much as they could Friday evening in the Arts District. The sparkling paint jobs and the dramatic clouds

Bearcats Win 7th

Article and photos by Ethan Nahté

Article and photos by Ethan Nahté*

The Polk County Fair opens to the general public Wednesday, Aug. 30. See more FAIR details on pages 14-15.

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Dogwood for hot and cold dogs

Article and photos by Ethan Nahté

Dogwood Grooming and Boarding had hot dogs cooking in the hot outdoors Saturday afternoon but had cool dogs awaiting adoption indoors from the Humane Society of the Ouachitas (HSO).

HSO volunteer Cindy Webster said, “They are doing Dogwood for Dogs and they are helping HSO with dog adoptions. They are drawing people in with their free food and bringing people in to hopefully get our babies adopted. They are not Dogwood Grooming dogs. They are dogs from the humane society that need homes.

Alycia Smith, owner of Dogwood Grooming and Boarding, said, “We supplied the place and the atmosphere. We tried to get prizes and things to draw people in, plus food and all the promotion for the event.”

Dogwood is located at 2303 Fairgrounds Rd. in Mena. The facility boards both dogs and cats and has several staff members for grooming

and care. “This place has been here for 28 years, I think, but I bought it October 17, 2022.” Smith said, claiming it’s 100% everything she imag-

ined owning the shop would be. “Every day I get to come to work to dogs. That’s what I love… dogs.”

Smith also owns several cats that she and her family brought with them from West Virginia. In general, she said, “I love animals.”

The free hot dogs also included chips and drinks. There were also raffle prizes.

The six friendly, healthy dogs took six hours to groom, and the event ran from 3-6 p.m.

Smith said, “Everyone [of the dogs] got a bath, a blowout, their nails and one of them even got a deshed, we trimmed some of them up — whatever they needed. We worked on them from 9-3.”

“Two of them, Dixie and Godiva, are actually ones that have been at

See

continued on page 8

DUKE

1168 Hwy 71S

Mena, AR 71953

Phone: 479-243-9600

Fax: 479-243-9603

Email: news@mypulsenews.com

KENA 104.1 - KQOR 105.3

MyPulseNews.com

Our Team:

Jamie Hammack - General Manager

Ethan Nahté - Production Manager/Editor

Patrick Massey - Contributing Reporter

John Russell - Graphic Design

Alexis James - Account Executive

Erica Watts - Account Executive

Curt Teasdale - Programmer /On-Air Personality

Ariel Varner - Receptionist/On-Air Personality

Distribution & Insertion Staff: Chaz Welch

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.

I read a short article about the release of the AAR (After Action Review) concerning our withdrawal from Afghanistan. The report was released on 6-30-2023, a Friday, just before the July 4th holiday. Nothing on the news, and I am sure that was planned. Often that is when our government releases information (called news dumps) in the hopes no one is paying attention. This is not a party thing, it is a government thing, as both parties do this.

The review is available online for all to read and contained many references to the great job done by so many. I feel certain there are some that would disagree, me included. The unnecessary loss of 13 more military personnel supports a different view. I found it interesting that at page 20 the report skips to page 85 and it is unknown what was contained in those missing pages. The report is from the US State Department and can be found online if you search AAR Afghanistan. Please read it and draw your own conclusions.

Think about this, for all the rhetoric about gun control, look at how much we left behind (true weapons of war) in Afghanistan that may one day be used against us or others. We just armed the very terrorists we were fighting with our latest weaponry. There was a reference to our withdrawal from Vietnam that I remember, but many younger than me reading this letter may not. The scenes on the news were heart wrenching to watch as people tried to board helicopters from roof tops to leave a country in chaos. We spent way too long there as well. The blood and treasure lost as a result is sickening. In the final analogy, I ask what was gained? The same question could be asked about Afghanistan, and about Iraq. To this day our brave service members that served suffer from disease, loss of limbs, PTSD, nightmares, feeling unappreciated, and feeling left behind. I remember the protests and disdain towards our military as if the war was of their doing. The withdrawal from Vietnam deserved more than a pass-

ing mention in this AAR. It appears nothing was learned from that chaotic withdrawal and Afghanistan proved that point. Our elected officials are good at getting us into conflict. Not so good getting us out.

At some point in time, I fear we may find the rest of the world will find it hard to believe us and our ability to honor a commitment. Cut and run is not a strategy. Leaving behind those who helped us, to die is not a good recruitment tool. I refer to our failures at the Bay of Pigs in 1961, Vietnam, and most recently Afghanistan. Do we ever learn or do we just write another AAR destined to collect dust in the archives?

As always, I thank you for a forum to express my thoughts, though we may peacefully disagree.

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

By passing the LEARNS Act, the Arkansas Legislature and Governor Huckabee-Sanders have carved out $46 million from the public education budget to be given to private schools (or something resembling such). It’s a bad idea, one of probably more to come, but we might be able to mitigate some of the consequences.

It seems like our public libraries, as a result, will be needed more than ever (libraries have always been needed). The Mena Polk County library has been doing a good job of serving the community for many decades, not unlike most small-town libraries across Arkansas and the country. How about increasing the budget of libraries across the state, especially small-town libraries?

The Mena Polk County library has a great librarian and great staff, we are fortunate. I’ve had the great fortune of being in other fine libraries throughout the state and have

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

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

The following contact information is required when the letter is submitted: NAME, AGE, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER.

Letters are published at the discretion of the Editor and Publisher.

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

encountered the same. Our library could use more funds for circulating and reference material. It would also be nice if the library could have subscriptions to more newspapers, magazines, and academic material.

Governors and state legislatures can do good things, like provide funding for public libraries. When’s the last time you heard of any community regretting the funding of a library?

Steve Allen, Mena

Politics

Several members gathered at the Capitol this week as subcommittees of the Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) held meetings. ALC convened on Friday. This week, we would like to update you on the developments from those meetings.

The ALC Higher Education Subcommittee heard a presentation from Dr. Ken Warden, the Commissioner of the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE). ADHE is currently working on the implementation of Arkansas Teacher Academy. This program is designed to increase the teacher pipeline by paying for education costs if the prospective teacher agrees to work in critical shortage areas. The scholarship should be available next fall.

Members of ALC reviewed the Arkansas Revenue Report from July 2023, showing a 4.6% increase in revenue from the previous July.

The Department of Commerce presented its mid-year progress report to ALC, showing 1,102 new

jobs with an average wage of $28.32/hour have been created in the last six months as a direct result of economic development initiatives in the state.

ALC approved a recommendation by the Executive Subcommittee to conduct the Arkansas Firearms and Concealed Carry Laws Study. The purpose of the study is to review the existing laws of the State of Arkansas concerning ownership, use, and possession of firearms, as well as the concealed carry laws of the state, in order to ascertain the existing rights and restrictions under the laws and recommend future legislation. The Game & Fish/State Police Subcommittee of ALC will conduct the study. They will begin in October of this year and submit their report to ALC in October of 2024.

Arkansas Legislative Council Subcommittees will convene again the week of October 16. You can watch live and recorded meetings at arkansashouse.org

Participation in athletics at Arkansas institutions of higher education has increased in recent years, even as total enrollment at colleges and universities has gone down.

About 3,900 students participated in athletics at ten universities and seven colleges two years ago, the most recent school year for which statistics are available. That was a gain of more than 300 students over the previous year and the highest participation ever for a single academic year.

Total enrollment last year was almost 148,000. That included graduate students, private institutions, nursing students and everyone studying law, medicine, pharmacy and other careers.

Over the previous ten-year period, total enrollment in Arkansas went down my more than 24,000 students. Enrollment figures for the fall semester of 2023 will be released soon.

The state Division of Higher Education collects mountains of data from the four-year universities and two-year colleges supported by public funds. When the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board meets, its members are presented with a list of lengthy reports, tables, graphs and spreadsheets. For example, at its July meeting, the board’s agenda was 143 pages.

Football was the most popular sport for student athletes, with 1,015 participating. Baseball was second, with 595 students participating. Coming in a close third was track and cross country, with 587 students participating.

The fourth most popular sport was men’s basketball, with 263 student-athletes participating. Next was soccer with 244 participants, softball with 226, women’s basketball with 223 and volleyball with 196.

Golf had 180 student athletes participating, swimming had 120 and tennis had 95. In miscellaneous other sports there were a combined 146 participants.

Of all the participants in college sports in Arkansas, 56.2 percent, or 2,185 students, received a partial scholarship. Only 14.3 percent, or 558 students, received a full scholarship.

The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville had the most student athletes, with 525, followed by the University of Central Arkansas at Conway with 478. The third highest number of student athletes, 438, attended Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia.

Henderson State had 412 athletes and Arkansas State at Jonesboro had 387. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff had 305 and Arkansas Tech at Russellville had 282. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock had 276 and the University of Arkansas at Monticello had 266. Finally, the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith had 180 student athletes.

The combined budgets of all the state-supported colleges and universities that offer intercollegiate athletics will be $237 million this school year, according to data that each campus submitted to the Board of Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Of the total $237 million in spending on collegiate athletics, the Razorback program at Fayetteville is by far the largest, accounting for $152 million. ASU at Jonesboro is second, with an athletic program budget of $19.5 million. UCA at Conway is third, with an athletic program budget of $15.6 million.

UALR will spend about $10.4 million on athletics this school year. UAPB will spend an estimated $7.4 million on athletics and SAU in Magnolia will spend $6 million.

John Maddox Terry Rice

AGFC launches new license system, Smartphone app

Submitted by AGFC

Arkansas Farm Bureau launches Ag Innovation Challenge

UAEX agent survey closing soon

LITTLE ROCK

— Renewing your hunting and fishing licenses this year will be easier than ever before, thanks to an upgraded online licensing portal launching this month. Smartphone users also will find a new AGFC mobile app to download and keep handy this hunting season.

The main license purchasing web page will be similar to previous online license systems, but will offer more user-friendly customizations, including license listings based upon the user’s residency, age and current license purchases.

“You’ll get the same feel as many online stores where you will create and log into a personalized account and only the selections that you are eligible for will be visible,” Spencer Griffith, AGFC Deputy Director, said. “You will need to log in using your choice of contact information you’ve submitted in the past, and the system will connect you with your account. Once you’re set up, the system should be much faster to use, so you can get out hunting and fishing instead of fiddling with a website or your phone.”

The new system also will be more inclusive to all hunters and anglers in Arkansas. By the end of the year, the interface will be available in both English and Spanish.

In addition to the new license system, the AGFC’s smartphone application will see a relaunch later this week to make it more compatible with today’s smartphones and make checking deer and turkeys possible without the need for cell phone service.

To take advantage of these features, users will need to delete the old app from their phones and find the new application listed under “AGFC” in Apple’s app store and the Google Play store. Once the new app is downloaded, users will need to log in to their same account as the website to ensure all their license purchases are correct. When hunting seasons begin, the number of tags each license allows will be activated. The hunter can log back into the app before the hunt to verify their tags. After that, they may use those tag locations in the app to check their deer, bear or turkey, even without a cell signal.

Once the phone is back in range of data signals, the information will be sent to the information, but the proof of the filled electronic tag on the hunter’s phone will serve as proof that the hunter has electronically tagged their deer.

“People can still tag their deer with a paper tag they make themselves until they reach cell phone service and call it in, but the app adds a level of convenience for our hunters to get their deer checked and get it home to enjoy as quickly as possible,” Griffith said.

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Farm Bureau has launched the Ag Innovation Challenge, a statewide business competition that showcases Arkansas startups developing innovative solutions to address challenges facing Arkansas farmers, ranchers and rural communities. The challenge is presented in partnership with Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas. The application window is open now and closes Oct. 8.

Challenge applicants must represent a for-profit business and submit a business plan, business pitch, product images and other assets for review. Judges will review all applications and select five semi-finalists to present at the Arkansas Farm Bureau Annual Meeting on Nov. 30 with a winner and runner-up announced at the meeting in Little Rock.

“We’re excited to hear from Arkansas-based companies who are investing in innovative solutions that serve our members,” says Philip Powell, director of local affairs and rural development at Arkansas Farm Bureau. “We continue to search for ways to bring value and build community for our members and I’m hopeful this competition will advance the work we’re doing in a meaningful way.”

Cash prizes totaling $15,000 will be awarded to the top two businesses, with the winner receiving $7,500 and the runner-up earning $5,000. There will also be a People’s Choice award winner to be awarded $2,500.

Entrepreneurs entering the contest must be 18 and a current member of Arkansas Farm Bureau.

The Ag Innovation Challenge application can be found at arfb.swoogo.com/arkaginnovationchallenge. For more information, please contact Philip Powell at Philip.Powell@arfb. com.

Extension agriculture agents from all 75 Arkansas counties want to know how their constituents use the livestock, forage and gardening resources of the Cooperative Extension Service, and have opened a survey for feedback.

The Cooperative Extension Service is the outreach arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Its aim is to share research-based knowledge about a wide range of topics including farming, gardening and raising livestock.

“We’ve opened an online survey with questions about how people find out about and use specific resources of ours,” said Brad Runsick, the Baxter County extension staff chair who initiated the survey.

The survey doesn’t address row or field crops.

“Our mission each year, in planning our work, is to provide a relevant service to the people we serve,” Runsick said. “I and my fellow agents truly want to plan our work for the coming year based on feedback from the people we are helping now and hope to help in the future.”

The nine-question survey should take only a few minutes to complete. The survey will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 15.

Some of the resources offered by the Cooperative Extension Service include publications on gardening, soil testing and other diagnostic services, as well as production meetings where farmers and ranchers can hear about relevant recommendations and be face-to-face with land grant experts.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu/ .

Steven Michael Severson

Steven Michael Severson, age 76, passed away on August 25, 2023, in Ft Smith, AR. He was born on March 10, 1947, in Faribault, MN, to the late Gordon Severson and Florence Gagnon.

Steve joined the Army right out of high school and spent 9 years as a supply and weapons expert. Steve’s lifelong career was in the meat packing business. He started in Albert Lea, MN, and retired from the Tyson plant in Grannis, AR. He had 35 years of service as a Federal Food Inspector.

Steve loved riding motorcycles and going to car shows with his 1953 Chevy firetruck. It won many trophies and plaques, and he was very proud of it and thoroughly enjoyed “Big Red”.

Steve was very well known for his “Bubba” jokes and his day was complete when he had made one or more people smile.

Steve designed and built a small spacious trailer court in Cove, AR. For many years he enjoyed interactions with many long-term tenants who have become friends.

For a long time Steve was very active in the Knights of Columbus. Cooking and serving at those fish dinners was his forte. South Polk County Why Catholic was also a huge joy every week for many years. He delighted in his friends coming to the house for delicious food and spiritual growth studies and discussions.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Thomas Severson. He is survived by Peggy, his beloved wife of 27 years; his son Tim, wife Pricila and grandsons Scott and Dino Severson of Las Vegas, NV; and son Brian Severson of Cove. His stepson; Joe Betz and wife Amy Hilbert of Fayetteville,

AR; stepdaughter Kathy (the wonderful kidney donor) and husband Blake Patterson of Hot Springs, AR, stepson David and wife Amy Betz of Mena, AR. He also has 5 step grandchildren; Taylor, Alex, Gabe, Olivia and Amelia Betz. Also very dear to him is his St. Agnes family with friends too numerous to mention.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. Agnes Food Pantry, a ministry dear to Steve’s heart.

A visitation and rosary are scheduled for Thursday, August 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bowser funeral home. The Mass of Christian burial will be on Friday, September 1, at 10 a.m. in St. Agnes Catholic Church with Fr. Joseph Shantiraj as the celebrant. Interment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Mena, AR.

Mae Justice

Mae Justice, age 89, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, August 20, 2023, at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born on Wednesday, May 6, 1934, to Martin and Alice Boda Anderson in Mason City, Iowa.

Mae was known for her infectious energy, lively spirit and her unwavering love for her family and her church, Christ’s Church at Mountain Fork. Her life was characterized by fun and a loving heart that never tired of giving. Mae’s passion for the word of God was evident in her daily living. Her favorite book was the Bible, and she spent countless hours studying its pages, drawing strength and wisdom to share with others. She found solace in gospel music, the lyrics and melodies resonating with her deep faith. An ardent Attendee at Christ’s Church at Mountain Fork, Mae’s faith was unwavering, finding expression in her role as a Prayer

Warrior. She embodied the spirit of intercession, frequently praying for her children and grandchildren with unwavering faith.

In addition to her spiritual activities, Mae loved spending time working in the yard, immersed in the beauty of nature. She had a talent for making things grow, not just plants, but also the love and laughter in those around her. She was a fan of the television show Virgin River, a small indulgence that reflected her love for community and strong relationships. An avid card player, Mae could frequently be found at the gaming table with her friends, her lively and active personality shining through.

Mae leaves behind a legacy of love and faith. Her life was a testament to the importance she placed on loving God and family, a lesson that she imparted to those she left behind. But more than that, she taught us all how to have a good time, to embrace life with a lively spirit, and to cultivate a loving and active lifestyle. Her memory will be cherished, and her lessons remembered. To Mae, the world was an array of opportunities to love, laugh, and live to the fullest.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Virgil Justice; one brother, Gary Anderson; and one sister, Fayetta Miller; one grandson, Tony Trammell.

Mae is survived by her one son and daughter-in-law, Willis and Carolyn Strickland of Mena; three daughters and son-in-law, Rose and Carlos Morales of Corinth, Texas, Peggy Cunningham of Colorado, Susan Wilson of Mena; thirteen grandchildren, Andrew, Jordan, Karen, Carlos, Sam, Jacob, Jessica, Jonathan, Bobby, Joy, Patrick, Kevin, and Angel; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; numerous nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends and her beloved church family in Mountain Fork.

A graveside memorial service will be

held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the Rocky Cemetery in Rocky, Arkansas. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Online guestbook: bowserffh.com

Connie Joe Kelsey, 77, of Mena passed away on August 21, 2023, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born on June 19, 1946, to Arlin Kelsey and Ola Annie Roberts-Kelsey.

She enjoyed gardening, making Jewelry, going to church, and spending time with her family. She loved her puppies, and she was a loving friend to many and will be missed by everyone who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Connie leaves behind her daughter Katherin Beaty and her husband Weldon; her grandchildren Michael Beaty and his wife Cathy, Weldon Brandon Beaty and his wife Amanda, Meagan Shanice Lasalle, Teagan Hilton and her husband Cody, and Elizabeth Dotson and her husband Thomas; her great-grandchildren Declan Dotson, Nolan Dotson, Naomi Lasalle, Jacelynn Beaty, Weldon Braydon Beaty, Aya Beaty, Coraline Beaty, Cassius Beaty, and Grady Beaty; Cheryl Chaney-Anglin; and her extended family and friends.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501982-3400. Online guestbook available at anaturalstatefuneralservice.com/.

Connie Joe Kelsey

Joseph Dwight Evans

Joseph Dwight Evans, age 91, of Zafra, Oklahoma, died Sunday, August 27, 2023. He was born Tuesday, March 8, 1932, to William “Bill” and Addie Evans in West Valley, Arkansas.

Dwight, affectionately referred to as Pa, was a hard worker who dedicated his life to faith, family, and farming. He was an avid guitar picker who loved to sing gospel music and never missed a Sunday morning church service. By profession, Dwight worked at “the shirt factory”, was a field agent for Lane Poultry, owned a layer house, and raised cattle. There was never a time when he didn’t have his hat “tipped” and a smile on his face. In addition to church events, he enjoyed spending time at the sale barn, Mena and Wickes Senior Centers, and any sporting event that his family was involved in.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Arvella Marie Evans, his parents, siblings, Ollie Callahan, Emmett Evans, and Dorothy Bickel.

Dwight is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Donnie and Sherry Evans of Zafra and daughter and son-in-law, Valerie and Jimbo Wise of Wickes; grandchildren, Rachel Fowler and husband, Nick, Andra Youngblood, Charlotte Wiles and husband, Clay, Tell Evans and wife, Nicole, Brett Cunningham and wife, Susan, and Jana Carr; great-grandchildren, Whitley Lindvigsmoen, Ty Fowler, Bailey Fowler, Drew Fowler, Sage Evans, Bryce Youngblood, Ally Youngblood, Case Wiles, Colt Wiles, Kasen Carr, Korbyn Carr, Archer Cunningham, and Brooke Cunningham; and a host of family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 29, 10:00 a.m. at Bowser Family

Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas, with Brother Todd Webb officiating. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hatfield. Arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Pallbearers: Tell Evans, Clay Wiles, Clifford Johnston, Henry Bruce, Garland Owens, Jerry Self, Dale Toon, and James Green.

Honorary Pallbearers: Zack Frachiseur, Jay “Gator” Gisclair, John Smith, Will Sprague, Terry Plunkett, and Quinton Owens.

Gene Davis

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com A graveside service for Gene Davis will be held 10:00 A.M., Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Willowhole Cemetery, North Zulch, Texas. Bro. Glenn Connor will officiate the service. A reception will be held following the service at the Normangee Community Center, Normangee, Texas.

Gene Harold Davis, 84, of Normangee, Texas, passed away on August 24, 2023, in Normangee, Texas. He was born on December 24, 1938, to Malcom Eli and Bertha Lee (Blackwell) Davis in Newhope, Arkansas.

Gene was preceded in death by both of his parents and all of his siblings, Cois Davis, Polly Yarbrough, Carl Davis, Louise Funderburk and Charles Davis.

He is survived by his children, Timothy Davis (Carla), Gregory Davis (Karen), Judy Davis-Escobar (Alex), Kenneth Davis (Bridgette), Randy Davis, and Kristal Byrd (Paul); stepchildren, Allen Byrd (Stephanie), Denise Smelser (Brett), and Troy Byrd (Tasha); twenty-four grandchildren and forty-six great-grandchildren.

Gene was a passionate man. He loved

his family and had faith in the Lord. Gene enjoyed hunting and fishing. He would take you to a “honey hole” and would always end up catching more fish than you, somehow. He fried the best tasting crappie you have ever tasted. Gene enjoyed chasing that big buck up a mountain with family and friends. He was a jack of all trades working jobs from logging, game warden, construction and heavy machinery. He was dependable and would lend his hand in time of need with many words of advice. Gene knew everything and would tell you about it for hours. There was never a dull moment of lack of an entertaining story. We will all miss listening to him tell his stories for hours.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gene, please visit our floral store.

Jerry Arnold Henson

Mr. Jerry Arnold Henson, age 79, passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born February 12, 1944, in Camden, Arkansas, to the late J.D. Henson and Nana (Brown) Henson.

Mr. Henson was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving for 10 years and participating in the Vietnam War. He was married to his loving wife, Carol Ann (Wolfe) Henson, on November 14, 1993, and they were married 30 years till his passing.

Mr. Henson is preceded in death by his parents, J.D. Henson and Nana (Brown) Henson. Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Carol Ann Henson; sons, Robert Ledbetter, Russell Hooks and wife Becky; brother, James and wife Margaret; sisters, Louise Furr, Betty Montgomery and husband Jim; one niece; and by many friends too numerous to mention.

Cremation services for Mr. Henson are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. There are no services planned at this time.

We should feel sorrow, but not sink under its oppression. ~Confucius

ADOPTION

continued from page 2

DIXIE

Saying farewell to Bob Barker

program for a no-kill shelter in the Dallas-Fort Worth area called “Pet Talk.” Not only were there expert guests and discussions about cats and dogs, but the program had several different types of creatures on it from Madagascar hissing cockroaches to African elephants in the studio. I visited locales and entered enclosures with wolves, big cats, apes, and rhinos. The show wasn’t even 100% animal rights. Experts gave advice about specific breeds, or how to keep pets safe and take care of them. It was a fairly well-rounded program.

the humane society the longest. The dogs here today are featured dogs,” Webster said.

Dixie is a collie and rottweiler mix. Godiva is a young greyhound mix.

“The adoption fee is $60, but Dogwood Grooming is gifting a $50 gift certificate to La Villa restaurant and a goody bag — a separate one for the adoption of Godiva and another for Dixie. You’re getting more back than the $60. You’re investing in a dog that will enrich your life.

Smith said part of getting back a return on your investment, “We’ve got some gift certificates for the dogs that have been at the shelter the longest. We’re trying to do a little incentive to hopefully find them a home today. Every dog gets a gift bag with all kinds of dog supplies in it and exclusive discount coupons to use here later if they want to come back and have a dog groomed.”

That investment also includes a value in surplus of $450. Webster explained, “Our animals are fully vaccinated, they’ve seen a vet, they’ve had a wellness check, and they have been spayed or neutered. They are also tested for heartworms. If they test positive, they are treated until they are heartworm negative and they are

ready to go.”

A few volunteers from HSO and the Dogwood staff were on hand to answer questions. HSO’s Jennifer “JJ” Jones seemingly did the majority of showing the dogs to prospective owners. Duke, who couldn’t wait to get out, was ready to bowl her over and just lie in her lap… or any other lap he could get to. The Anatolian shepherd and shepherd mix was energetic but friendly as can be as he flopped on his back, wanting his belly rubbed while his tongue lolled about.

“I think I’m going to do it again,” Smith said. “I think I’d like to make it a regular thing. I think we could do our part to get exposure for the humane society. They give these animals a place of shelter. They’re a nokill place and we support that 100%.”

You can visit HSOMena.org to learn more about adopting, as well as to see images and information on the dogs and cats available for adoption, to donate or to volunteer. HSO is open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

“All of them are precious and need homes,” Webster said.

Dixie was Saturday’s success story finding her fur-ever home.

By Ethan Nahté

As children and adults came to visit the Humane Society of the Ouachita dogs up for adoption at Dogwood Grooming and Boarding, a text lit up my phone. Everything about HSO discussing spaying and neutering to my screen lighting up seemed dichotomous with the news that icon Bob Barker had died. His light would no longer shine nor would his mantra, “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered,” be spoken again by the TV host.

Barker, who was a longtime animal rights activist, repeated those words at the end of most, if not each episode of “The Price is Right.” He hosted the game show 6,586 times over 35 years. Since his retirement in 2007 at the age of 88, his successor Drew Carey has followed in Barker’s footsteps, repeating those words. Barker only missed one taping, which consisted of four episodes. He even made guest appearances with Carey.

Barker was a strict vegetarian, spent the money to have 25 large cats airlifted from Bolivian circuses and donated large sums to stop whaling ships in Japan.

He went before Congress to discuss the cruelty used to train performing animals.

His production company donated $500,000 to Harvard Law School to support research and teaching on animal-rights laws.

He resigned as emcee of the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants because contestants would model furs.

“Pet Talk”

On a personal note, between 1992-1995, I produced/directed a live, weekly television

Early on, I sent a letter and a script for a :15-:30 public service announcement (PSA) to both Barker and another actor known for their animal rights stance. I asked if they would record a spay/neuter PSA on U-Matic (3/4”) tape. I’d supply the $20 tapes and pay the full shipping to and from.

The office of the unnamed actor’s manager sent a short refusal. I was a bit irked but I realized the actor probably never even saw my request. Odds are the PSA was nixed by someone at the actor’s production company.

Barker never informed me he’d do a PSA. He simply recorded a spay/neuter spot on “The Price is Right” stage specific to “Pet Talk” and mailed it with a thank you note.

During our next show, we used that PSA for the first of several times. I dubbed a copy for Barker, along with a thank-you card signed by the host and crew.

Again, receiving the message of his death as I was at a pet adoption seemed a strange paradox. Then again, it’s probably the right place in the universe I should’ve been when I read the news.

I won’t say Barker’s death is either sad or unexpected. The man was successful with a relatively happy life from all outward appearances.

He hosted radio, emceed on TV, guest starred in movies, won 18 Daytime Emmy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award and made the Guinness World Book of Records twice. He probably helped save thousands of animals.

He had a couple of falls the past few years, and he was less than 4 months away from his 100th birthday on Dec. 12. He may have missed that milestone, but he accomplished so much more.

For me, Barker was the guy who took a couple of minutes of his time to do a favor for a young, unknown TV director whom he had never met… asking my audience to please spay or neuter their pets.

By Richie Lawry

The thin woman with short-cropped hair and sparkling eyes walks out on stage with a massive smile and says hi to the judges. When they answer, “Hello, how are you,” she replies, “I’m awesome. So happy to be here.”

“What are you going to be singing for us tonight?”

“I’m singing an original song called ‘It’s OK.’”

“What is ‘It’s OK’ about?”

“’It’s OK’ is about the last year of my life.”

The judges continue the interview, asking, “What do you do for a living?”

“I have not been working for quite a few years. I’ve been dealing with cancer.”

“Can I ask you a question? How are you now?”

“Last time I checked, I had some cancer in my lungs and my spine and the liver.”

“So, you’re not OK?

“Well, not in every way, no.”

“You’ve got a beautiful smile and a beautiful glow, and nobody would know.”

“Thank you. It’s important that everyone knows I’m so much more than the bad things that happen to me.”

Jane steps up to the microphone and nervously glances to the side as the audience sits silently, waiting for the performance to begin. When the first piano chord resonates through the concert hall, she smiles and sings, “I moved to California in the summertime. I changed my name, thinking that it would change my mind. I thought that all my problems they would stay behind. I was a stick of dynamite, and it was just a matter of time, yeah.”

By the time she reaches the chorus, singing, “It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay,” the judges and the au-dience are enchanted by her fantastic voice and the joy that beams from her face as she performs.

When the last note fades away, she steps back from the microphone, and the joy she showed throughout the

An Arkie’s Faith It’s OK

performance changes to a pensive, contemplative expression. For a moment, the concert hall is deathly silent; then, the audience erupts with applause and a standing ovation.

It was a moment unlike any other on “America’s Got Talent.” After the applause died out, judge Simon Cowell spoke to the young woman who goes by Nightbirde when she sings. “There was something about that song after the way you just almost casually told us what you’re going through.” He stops talking and takes a deep breath, seemingly at a loss for words.

Nightbirde responds to him, “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy,” and the audience explodes into applause at her words.

As he wipes away a tear, Simon regains his composure and says, “There have been some great singers this year, and I’m not going to give you a yes.” The audience groans as the expression on Nightbirde’s face goes from a big smile to a tight-lipped sadness. But Simon continues, “I’m going to give you something else,” and he reaches across the judges’ table and triumphantly smashes the golden buzzer.

Golden confetti rains down on Nightbirde as she falls onto the stage in disbelief. Her story, performance, and happiness in the face of adversity had impacted everyone in the room. She

would go on to touch people’s lives all over the world. Her song, “It’s OK,” reached the number one spot on the iTunes charts, and millions watched the YouTube video of her fantastic performance. Everyone was rooting for Nightbirde in her battle with cancer.

Soon after her “America’s Got Talent” audition, Nightbirde had to step away from live performances due to her health. “It’s so hard for me to not be on the @agt stage for the finals this week,” she wrote. “I bet you never saw someone win so hard and lose so hard at the same time. This isn’t how the story was sup-posed to go.”

Nightbirde’s battles were now well documented in the media. She honored requests for interviews when she was able. Her positivity and her faith in God always show through. When asked about her faith and music, she answered, “There is no area of my life where my faith is not going to seep into it. It’s part of the core of me, so if you listen for it and look for it, then you’ll see Jesus all over it. You’ll find it there, but I’m not just writing music for peo -

Joke of the Week:

ple who believe the way that I believe. I think that’s ridiculous. I love to make music that brings people joy.”

When asked about her upbeat attitude in the face of such adversity, she answered, “I don’t have control, but I do have some power over what happens to me, and a lot of that is my attitude and the thoughts that I allow in my mind. Thoughts are birds that can fly over your head, and I can’t do anything about that. But if a bird tries to make a nest in my hair, I can do something about that. The depression and the anxiety will always be flying over my head, but they’re not going to land. That’s my jurisdiction that I’m the boss of, and that’s what I do.”

Nightbirde lost her battle with cancer just a few months later. Her life touched millions of people. She was the embodiment of James 1:2 (NLT). “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.”

In her song, “The Story I’ll Tell,” Nightbirde wrote, “The hour is dark, and it’s hard to see what You are doing here in the ruins and where this will lead. Oh, but I know that down through the years, I look on this moment and see Your hand on it and know You were here. Oh, my God did not fail. Oh, it’s the story I’ll tell. Oh, I know it is well. Oh, it’s the story I’ll tell.”

Gentle Reader, Nighbirde’s story inspires me to be a better person. It inspires me to praise God even in the dark hours of life. In one of her last social media posts, she said, “Just because you’re sad or grieving doesn’t mean that you’re not grateful, and it doesn’t mean you’re not hopeful. Be sad and be grateful. And look at the twinkly lights and feel your feelings, and it’s all real -- the joy and the pain -- is all real, and you don’t have to pick one or the other like, it’s beautiful, or life is garbage. It’s kind of both sometimes.”

“Crying may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalms 30:5 (NCV)

A gardening friend of mine suggested that I put chicken litter on my strawberries. I’m never doing that again!! I’m going back to using whipped cream.

“You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.” - Nightbirde

FUMC welcomes Steve and Artie Johnson

By Ethan Nahté

When a person looks to the west and northwest from the natural spring at Janssen Park, the churches at the corner of Port Arthur Avenue and Ninth Street capture the eye. Due west stands a brick church with a vivid and bright stained glass on the front of an angel in the heavens with people looking up. Two lots were purchased on that corner in 1906 and the cornerstone was set in 1907 to become the sanctuary for the growing congregation, which began in Mena in 1896 before the first train ever came to Mena. They were led by Pastor J.Y. Christmas. Throughout the decades, renovations were made, and things added, including the beautiful pipe organ installed sometime in the late ‘40s or early ‘50s. Now, a few pastors later, Mena’s First

United Methodist Church has recently welcomed Pastor Steve Johnson and his wife Artie.

He said, “I’ve been a pastor in Arkansas United Methodist Churches for

39 years. I came here from Hope. I was there for 13 years.”

FUMC lost their previous pastor this past spring. Pastor Scott Stewart died March 5 of this year. FUMC had an interim pastor until the Johnson’s arrival on July 1. The church has a congregation of 45-50, according to Johnson. “They are a very welcoming congregation.”

Johnson was born in South Dakota. He lived there through graduating high school. He then attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa where he got his B.A. in New Testament studies and a Master of Divinity degree. From there, he made another state home.

“I married a girl from Arkansas, so that’s what got me to Arkansas. I started [preaching] in Calico Rock, then at Conway for four years, then Mountain View for 18, then to Hope, and then here. I love the hills. It reminds me a lot of Mountain View. We love the scenery. We’re looking forward to fall when the leaves change. I like it in a small town… not too many stop signs, and I get to know people.”

He enjoys walking. He likes the fact that a lot of people wave as they go by. He also enjoys the fact there is not the stress of the big-city life. The natural surroundings help.

“We’ve been up on the mountain and the views are just gorgeous.”

Church and community

Johnson spoke about the several activities the church has, not only for church members, but for the entire community.

In August, the church was collecting dry food for dogs and cats for the Humane Society of the Ouachitas (HSO). “I think last year was the first year they did it. They heard there was a need and we’re always trying to meet that need. I think last year they collected over 300 pounds.”

The church has held a Trunk or Treat for children at Halloween. Church members passed out candy in their parking lot and visited with families.

They have their own backpack program which they include non-perishable food, school supplies and hygiene items.

The Book Buffet donates books for third grade students in local schools. They have members who deliver flowers to both Peachtree and Green House Cottages.

“We have a men’s breakfast every Tuesday for any of the men in our community. There’s no agenda; just casual visiting.

“We’ve got a ladies’ luncheon once a month on a Friday. The ladies from the church rotate restaurants.”

See FUMC continued on page 11

Artie and Pastor Steve Johnson are enjoying the views and the friendly people around the Mena area.(Photo courtesy of Pastor Johnson)

FUMC

continued from page 10

Church members also make layettes for new babies at the hospital.

“I know this church has done an open house after the Christmas parade, with refreshments and inviting people in.”

As for church services, Johnson said, “We’ve got very open doors. Anybody is welcome to attend. Some of the things I might bring that are a little different is I’m a certified Life Coach. I do a lot of pre-marital counseling and counseling in general. Life Coaching takes you from where you are now to future-oriented goal setting, where or who you would like to be in the future.

“I have a certification in Mental Health Coaching. There has been a dramatic increase in anxiety and other mental health issues since the COVID-19 pandemic. Family conflicts seem to be more prevalent. It was increasing before COVID.”

“I’m also an Enneagram Coach, it’s similar in some personality inventories except it goes a little deeper into a person’s motives for why they do what they do. It’s very interesting. It usually starts with an inventory that you take and discerns what you are like personality-wise and why you do the things that you do. Basically, you go through the results of the inventory… it’s called ‘typing.’ It goes through a number system one through nine. You learn a lot about yourself — who you are, a lot

of insights you may not have realized about yourself. You can then go into a five-session deeper dive into goals for the future and how you can take who you are and do what you do and makes some changes in order to become a better person.

“My wife and I have done a lot of different Bible studies. Hopefully, we will be doing them at this church very soon. Right now, we have two Sunday school

classes. We’re hoping to do [classes] during weeknights. We have worship services on Sunday mornings. The Sunday services are streamed on Facebook live.”

The Sunday school classes are at 9 a.m. and the worship service follows at 10 a.m. As a matter of fact, the livestream of the Johnson’s being introduced to the congregation on July 2 is available at Facebook. com/menafumc/ . Johnson spoke about how technology has changed the way he approaches a sermon. “When it’s your own local congregation you can deal with specific issues going in within the congregation. There’s a lot of things you don’t want to put out on the internet… very sensitive information like who is in the hospital or things like that. I’ve had to generalize that a lot. Some of the sermons get to be a little more generalized that could go to the wider audience.”

In describing how FUMC delivers the word of God, Johnson said, “We

focus more on grace rather than the hellfire and brimstone judgment. As far as my preaching, it’s very pastoral, caring about people and wanting people to have a relationship with Christ. We’re not controlling or trying to tell people what to do. We’re just preaching what the Bible says and having a relationship with Jesus Christ as your savior and walking in his ways. That should be what our church is about is helping people find that relationship with Christ and that new life.

“There’s a big hope for the church to have more children and youth and add some of those programs. We’ve had a few children in church. I know that part of that with youth is when they get a car you seem to see them less. I don’t think parents are bringing their kids to church as much as they used to.”

“We’ve just recently started a choir back. We had a music person recently come to the church and is starting that program,” Johnson said. He welcomes anyone who wants to come join the choir.”

“One of the values of worship on Sundays is to have that Sabbath,” Johnson said. “It gives a good rhythm to the week when you have a day of rest and not work seven days a week or be running here and there seven days a week. Take time out and have some family time.”

FUMC is located at 501 Ninth St. They can be reached at 479-394-305.

Mena’s First United Methodist Church sanctuary has stood in the same location for approximately 117 years. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Rod Run

ROD RUN

continued from page 1

made for a gorgeous sunset and a beautiful evening.

The heat didn’t deter the kids from playing in the water-cooling stations provided by the Mena Fire Department, and plenty of people were cooling off with products at the various vendor booths and trucks while the music from 385 Events provided the soundtrack, primarily with some classic rock. The fire department, vendors and 385 Events would participate throughout the weekend.

The evening had a bit of competition as the Mena Bearcats opened their season against the De Queen Leopards to a packed football stadium. Unless one is a parent of a student participating in the game, it might have been a dilemma choosing between asphalt and AstroTurf.

their pride and joy. A slight breeze and the occasional cloud cover helped with the heat. The heat did keep some people away, both the automobile owners and some of the public. There were a few outof-state contestants who were making their first trip to the show. Discounting the heat, many said they loved the show, the view and the drive to the Ouachita Mountains and up the Talimena Scenic Drive. Several stated they hoped to make it back next year.

Not every car on the mountain made it to Mena Street for the live music and to show off their chrome

and whitewalls. Some owners had to head back before dark. By the same token, there were some locals who appeared to have not entered but arrived downtown to pick a space to display their vehicle.

The evening’s entertainment began with local musician Cullyn Corley. He was followed up by the John Calvin Brewer Band laying down some blues-rock licks and covers that had a few people dancing.

Melanie Wade, executive director of the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce announced the awards beginning around 8:30 once the sun had settled behind the peaks. She was assisted by chamber members to help with the organization and presenting of the several plaques and trophies. The number of categories and awards bestowed is outstanding.

ending with Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire” to sum up the heatwave. The evening was becoming pleasant as the antique cars, hot rods, pick-up trucks and rat rods showed off how loud their engines were as they revved them up and headed home. The final count was around

This

Saturday morning began atop Rich Mountain. A few more vehicles that weren’t a part of Friday night’s event were on the mountain to be viewed, judged and, of course provided an opportunity for owners and restorers to brag about

*

The big prize is the Mark Campbell award. This year’s winner was a yellow 1934 Ford Coupe,. Vinnie Rudmansaid he chose it, “...not because it was the most cutting edge car at the show but, because it was built about 30 years ago and so was Mark’s Red ‘34 Sedan and these cars are very similar in design and appearance and Mark would’ve dug this one.”

Brewer returned for a couple of more tunes to close out the show,

156 vehicles, approximately six dozen less than in 2022, the heat seemingly the deciding factor.

Even so, the show went well, there were dozens of spectacular vehicles, and a lot of interesting people who not only talked about the restoration projects to their cars, but shared a bit about where they were from and what they liked about where we’re from.

Everybody raise a piston in honor of this year’s participants, winners, andto founder Mark Campbell. And, here’s to the 49th Queen Wilhelmina Rod Run in 2024.

1960 Chevy Impala had such a lush paint job bystanders complimented the paint as still looking so fresh it might be wet.

(Photo by Joe Sizemore)

This custom Vette reflects the colorations of the setting sun across the clouds Friday night as if it was a Maxfield Parish painting.

Brooke Hines presents the prestigious Mark Campbell Award for the yellow 1934 Ford Coupe owned by Jimmy and Barbara Beckett of Quitman, Texas.

It’snotjustcars.There areplentyoftrucksshow-

cased as well.

The family and pet -friendly Rod Run was enjoyed by all ages… and breeds.

Relaxing with class… with beautiful chrome and glass.

This Chevy Bel Air captured the sunlight perfectly to draw the eye toward it.

Timetorock!

The John Calvin Brewer Band heating things up.

FAIR

continued from page 1

tural exhibits, although non-canned food and fresh cut flowers are to be checked in between 7:30-10 a.m.

Gate admission is free for ages 1 and under and $5 for ages 12 and over. Senior Citizens 60-plus can get in for free on Thursday, Aug. 31.

With the gate admission you can visit all of the displays, livestock, and play the carnival games, which each has a cost.

Advance carnival armband sales are available at Arvest Bank, Chambers Bank, Diamond Bank, First Financial Bank, Kess’s Corner and all three branches of Union Bank of Mena. Purchase armbands in advance for $20 each. Purchase at the fair for $25 each. The armbands are for the rides. You will not need to purchase an armband if you are not going to ride the rides.

Hours:

Wednesday, Aug. 30:

4 p.m. – Commercial Building open

5-10 p.m. - Education Building exhibits open to the public

6 p.m. - Carnival open

Thursday, Aug. 31:

2-10 p.m. All exhibits on display

4-10 p.m. Commercial Building open

6 p.m. – Carnival open

Friday, Sept. 1:

2-10 p.m. All exhibits on display

4-10 p.m. Commercial Building open

6 p.m. – Carnival open

6:30 p.m. - Livestock Show awards

7 p.m. – Junior Livestock premium sale

Saturday, Sept. 2:

10 a.m.-10 p.m. All livestock on display and Commercial Building open

Noon – Carnival Session No. 1 open

2-7 p.m. Education Building open

6 p.m. – Carnival open

• The armbands are good for one carnival session.

• There is one session each on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

• There are two sessions on Saturday.

For more details, keep up with the Polk County Fair at https:// www.facebook.com/PCFRA/ .

Select REALTORS© Le-Ann

donate to Polk County’s Imagination Library to commemorate their 13 sales. Their generosity will ensure that 13 Polk County children under the age of 5 who are enrolled in DPIL will receive a book each month for one calendar year. Representing DPIL is Rose Tedder and Quality of Life President Bethany Hughes.

To learn more about Select Realty, visit http://www.menaselectrealty. com, call 479-394-7676, or email menaselectrealty@gmail.com. For more information about DPIL, visit https://imaginationlibrary.com or email dpilpolk@gmail.com.

Inviting the community to a celebration

We are pleased to invite you to be our guest as we celebrate the Ninth Annual Art of the Heartland National [AHL] show opening reception. Please join us at 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Southwest Artists [SWA] Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena Street.

There is no entry charge for the exhibition. Finger food and refreshments will be available for our guests. We do ask that only adults attend.

This is a National Show that attracts entries from all over the continent and

includes work from some of the top artists in the country. There will be a brief program and awards presentation at 7 p.m. Most of the time will be spent enjoying world-class art, meeting the artists and visiting over refreshments. It is important for the community to welcome the artists and support this show to benefit our community. SWA is a non-profit organization that applies 100% of all contributions and revenue to the cost of providing these kinds of programs.

Holmes, Sandra Thomas, Deanna Dixon, Brittany Roberts, Brianna Cook, and Larry Reynolds

“The Long Shot” by Joseph Barbieri was a 2022 honorable mention in the Art of the Heartland National Competition. (Photo courtesy of Mena Art Gallery)

The Polk County Housing Authority will be closed Monday, Sept. 4th in observance of Labor Day.

Polk County Farm Bureau will be closed Monday, Sept. 4, for Labor Day.

Calvary Baptist Church’s service times will be changing effective Sept. 3: Coffee and donuts served starting at 9:15 a.m., Sunday school/Bible study (all ages) - 9:45-10:45 a.m., worship service @ 10:55 a.m., Sunday evening service @ 6 p.m., and Wednesday prayer service @ 6 p.m.

The Back Country Extension Homemakers Club meets the second Friday of each month at 1 p.m. at the UA Extension’s Education Building, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. We are a service organization affiliated with UA’s Division of Agriculture with a mission to have fun and learn new things while enriching our community and creating a more contented family life. We believe the greatest force that molds character comes from the home. Come join new friends and old as we together grow. For more info, contact Ginger at Gingerkm@protonmail.com.

The First United Methodist Church of Mena will be collecting dry cat and dog food for the Humane Society of the Ouachitas, a no-kill animal shelter, during the month of August.

If you’d like to donate to this wonderful organization, bring the food to the church, 501 Ninth St., across from Janssen Park, Monday-Thursday between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or bring it on Sunday at 10 a.m. and stay for church. Everyone is welcome.

Rich Mtn. Conservation District Grazing Management Workshop/Pasture Walk, 5:30-8 p.m., Sept. 5, at Tim Mil-

Around Town

ham Farm, 146 Milhall Lane, near Mena. Topics include: Strategies to improve grazing efficiency, all about electric fences, livestock watering systems, strip grazing with polywire, planting & managing winter annuals, USDA programs available

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, noon - 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 7 p.m. on Thursday, 7 p.m. on Friday, and 6 p.m. on Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call Erica at (479) 2345289 or Candice at (501) 356-8300.

Come play Pickleball! Open play Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8:30 a.m., Aubrey D. Tapley Park - 2562 U.S. Hwy 71, Mena.

Bring your own equipment and come have fun. All levels are welcome. Unsure or interested? Come watch before purchasing equipment.

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

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

The Ouachita Beekeepers Association is now meeting on the second Thursday of the month, 7 p.m. in the Education Building of the UA Extension Office, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. Come early and enjoy refreshments and bee talk with oth-

er beekeepers.

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

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

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

The Mena/Polk County Senior Center will have The Gator and Friends band performing in Mena every Thursday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

The Center has an exercise class on Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Contact Trena Looney with questions, (479) 3945459.

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

Free meal and a message at Living Word, 171 W. Johnson, Hatfield, Wednesdays @ 6 p.m.

The Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes has meals and activities for seniors. If you need to make delivery arrangements or changes call (870) 385-2373.

Christ’s Church of Cove, 5234 Hwy. 71 S, Cove gathers every Tuesday, 8:309:30 a.m., for free coffee and conversation.

Hatfield First Baptist Church

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Classifieds

SERVICES -

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. T0920

Carter’s Excavating - Licensed Contractor: Heavy and light dozer work, heavy excavation, soft ground to rock excavation, heavy off-road hauling, road design and construction 50 years in trade, 40 years in area. Subsidiary of RCI Construction (479) 394-9227

T0906

Tree services, forestry mulching, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate. T1101

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

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

T0906

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0830

Construction, steel buildings, welding, pads, ponds, and roads. Military discounts. Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T1101

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries.

(870) 490-1191 T0920

- LOST & FOUND -

- HELP WANTED -

The Rich Mountain Conservation District is currently accepting applications for District Manager. This is a full time position with benefits including paid leave, retirement, and insurance. The primary duties are bookkeeping, filing, and reporting. To apply, bring or send a resume to the conservation district office at 508 7th Street, Mena, AR 71953. For more information call 479- 437-6054. T0830

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.

T0830

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.

T0830

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.

CACA King Art Show set for October 13-14

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.

T0830

Need house cleaner(s) for two days. Will pay exceleent money. Call (310) 710-2363.

T0830

The Rich Mountain Conservation District is currently accepting appliations for District Manager. This is a full time position with benefits, including paid leave, retirement & insurance. The primary duties are bookkeeping, filing and reporting. To apply, bring or send a resumé to the conservation distrcit office @ 508 Seventh Street, Mena, AR 71953. (479) 437-6054 T0830

- PETS FOR SALE -

For sale - AKC English Bulldog puppies. Black-tri and standard colors all in the same litter, and ready for their new home. Facebook Arklatex Bulldogs to see these beauties. Call 870-642-3104 for more information. TFN

- YARD SALE -

3-Family Garage Sale Friday & Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Lots of woodworking tools, baby stuff. clothes, shoes and housewares. 159 E. Dawn Lane, Mena T0830

By Patrick Massey

KING – The Cossatot Arts and Crafts Association will present the 51st annual King Arts and Crafts Festival Oct. 13-14. This event includes the always popular King Art Show as well as a number of other activities.

This year the King Art Show celebrates its 51st year of providing the public with the opportunity to enjoy artwork from local and regional artists.

All artists and photographers aged 5 to 115 are invited to present their work at the show. Art must be two-dimensional as well as photography and will be divided into both adult and youth categories.

Rules for entry can be found on the Cossatot Arts & Crafts Facebook page or at the website by visiting www.cossatotartsandcrafts.com.

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

T0830

Lost: Mother’s Ring with 5 stones on gold band. Lost outside at Mena Walmart. Call (310) 710-2363

T0830

Art-check in will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 12-6 p.m. and Oct. 4 from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. at the King School House, located on King School Road just south of Gillham off Highway 71.

The show will be open to the public on Oct. 13-14 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Organizers invite anyone interested in becoming a sponsor for this year’s art show to call 479216-1537.

The Cossatot Arts and Crafts Association’s art show in King is one of the region’s top art shows and annually draws in hundreds of artists and art lovers.

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

August 21, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 266 near Vandervoort in reference to a camper trailer fire.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 414 near Hatfield in reference to an unwanted person there leading to the arrest of Kris Vandeest, 49, of Hatfield on a charge of violation of a no contact order.

Deputies responded to a report of theft.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 710 near Potter in reference to a break-in.

August 22, 2023

Carla Cooper, 58, of VanBuren was arrested on a Theft of Property Warrant.

Daniel Chaney, 27, of Cove was arrested on misdemeanor warrants for Criminal Contempt, Violation of a Protection Order, Harassing Communications, and Failure to Appear as well as a felony warrant for Violation of a Protection Order and Stalking.

Donivan Echols, 23, of Mena was arrested on warrants for 1st Degree Criminal Mischief and two counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.

Anthony Martinez, 18, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for 1st Degree Criminal Mischief and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.

A vehicle accident on Polk 44 near Mena led to the arrest of Cody Schmidt, 28, of Mena on charges of DWI, Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance, Careless and Prohibited Driving and Driving Left of Center.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 70 near Cherry Hill in reference to a trespasser.

August 23, 2023

Rhonda Hogarth, 59, of Mena was arrested on a Criminal Trespass Warrant.

Wade Jackson, 61, of Mena was arrested on a Criminal Trespass Warrant.

Adrian King, 35, of Cove was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas State Police on a Theft by Receiving Warrant.

Dustin Chenoweth, 33, of DeQueen was arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department on a Parole Hold.

Deputies responded to 140 S Tilley Road near Hatfield in reference to an altercation.

August 24, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 76 East near Acorn in reference to a trespasser.

Jeffery King, 44, of Mena was arrested on a charge of Contempt of Court.

Johnathon White, 37, of Mena was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas State Police on three Felony Failure to Appear Warrants.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 375 W near Mena in reference to a report of a stolen gun. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

August 25, 2023

Deputies responded to a residence on Stone Lane near Mena in reference to an altercation. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

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

Virginio Perez, 39, of Dardanelle was arrested by and officer with the Arkansas State Police to be held for another agency.

Kaitlin Horner, 47, of Mena was arrested on a 3rd Degree Domestic Battery Warrant.

Spencer Powell, 34, of Mena was charged with Impairing the Vital Operations of a Public Facility after an incident in the jail.

Coby Butler, 22, of DeQueen was arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department on a charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Charles Solo, 51, of Mena was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Jamie Arce, 40, of Hatfield was arrested on a warrant for 3rd Degree Battery.

August 26, 2023

An incident on Hwy 71 S near Potter led to the arrest of Casey Adams, 31, of Mena on a charge of 3rd Degree Battery. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

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

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to an altercation. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

August 27, 2023

Deputies responded to a residence on Polk 144 near Hatfield in reference to an altercation leading to the arrest of Joshua Barker, 35, of Hatfield on a charge of 2nd Degree Battery.

A traffic stop on Bethesda Road near Mena led to the arrest of Audra Cogburn, 33, of Mena on a warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine or Cocaine with Purpose to Deliver, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail

Population: 44 Incarcerated Inmates with 10 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

August 20

Anthony Robertson, 33, was served with a warrant at a residence on Maple Avenue.

A report of theft of motor fuel was taken at The Corner.

Timothy Hobbs, 18, was charged with Possession of Marijuana after a traffic stop on Grandview Hights.

August 21

A report of theft was taken from Mena Short Stop.

A report of theft was taken from Walmart.

August 22

A report of theft was taken from Walmart.

Martin Henry, 56, was served with warrants at the county jail.

Audra Cogburn, 33, was served with a warrant at the police department.

August 23

A report of sexual assault was taken from a walk-in complainant. Spencer Powell, 34, was served with warrants after a traffic stop on Tyler Street.

A report of commercial burglary and criminal trespass was taken from Walmart.

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

August 24

A report of criminal mischief was taken from the Polk County Health Department.

A report of criminal mischief was taken from Washburn’s Home Furnishings.

Osmar Diaz Perez, 18, was charged with DUI, Endangering the Welfare of a Minor, and No Drivers License after a motor vehicle accident on Highway 71.

August 25 No report.

August 26

Jason Lovett, 49, was served with warrants at the county jail.

Derone Lepeter, 36, was served with a warrant on Evans Circle.

Giving multiplied with school supplies for children overseas

As the school year approaches, shoebox packers are making use of backto-school prices to purchase gifts and essential items for children in need around the world. Residents in Mena are collecting school supplies, along with personal care items and fun toys, to pack in shoeboxes. Operation

ing impact for Thomas because it opened the doors for him to receive an education.

For more information, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. National Collection Week is Nov. 13-20. Participants can donate $10 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination.

Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse. org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.

Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, will deliver these gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 100 countries.

For many children, access to these simple items is essential to an education. This was the case for Justin Thomas, a shoebox recipient in Southeast Asia whose parents could not afford the supplies needed for school. Thomas remembers the specific day he received a gift-filled shoebox from Operation Christmas Child and found it filled with toys and most exciting to him — school supplies.

Growing up with hand-me-down clothes and used items, Thomas used to write with a pencil so short that he held it using a pen cap. Having an entire packet of new pencils and a pencil sharpener all his own was a treasure to him. This simple gift made a life-chang-

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together

with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 209 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. This year, Operation Christmas Child will celebrate its 30th year of ministry.

Taylor May, from the Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center, visited students at Cossatot River Primary School on Aug. 25 to present the Child Safety Matters program. Child Safety Matters is a prevention education program for elementary students in grades K-5 that teaches students five safety rules to prevent, recognize, and respond appropriately to bullying, cyberbullying, child abuse, and digital dangers. The program is scheduled for CRES later this month.

(Photo submitted by Cossatot River School District)

(Photos courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse.)

Bearcats win seventh in a row

Article by Ethan Nahté Photos courtesy of Mena Public Schools

The Mena Bearcats seem determined to catch up to the De Queen Leopards in their 111-year-old rivalry. Mena has now beat De Queen for the seventh game in a row. They have also won 10 of their last 14 meetings.

Friday night, Hernandez kicked a 29yard field goal at 5:42. Moments later with 4:16 left in the first, Hernandez kicked a 37-yard field goal to give the Bearcats 6 points.

No. 15 Dax McMeillon completed a 34-yard pass to No. 1 Elijah Smith for a touchdown before time ran out in the first. The Bearcats completed the extra point and ended the quarter 13-0.

With 28 seconds left in the third, No. 8 Michael Sullivan ran for a 3-yard touchdown, giving the Bearcats a 32-7 lead heading into the fourth.

McMeillon completed a 17-yard pass to No. 2 Sean Sullivan for the last touchdown of the night at 10:11. Mena won the game 39-7.

While Mena converted 50% of their third downs as well as a fourth down, the Leopards were simply lacking. Mena also dominated De Queen with their passing game. McMeillon completed nine of 15 passes for 100 yards total.

Although the Leopards did manageone interception, they had five fumbles and only recovered one. Mena fumbled four times but recovered all but one.

Penalty trouble caused the De Queen team more woes than anything. The Bearcats were penalized five times for a total of 35 yards while the Leopards were penalized 10 times for a total of 111 yards.

The 111 penalty yards and the fact the two teams first played one another 111 years ago seems like a strange coincidence.

De Queen retains the lead of 51-315 after 87 meetings since 1912, but the Leopards almost beat themselves as much as the Bearcats beat up on them.

The first official game of the season for both teams was pushed back an hour a few days beforehand in hopes that the temperature gauge would drop a bit and the sun wouldn’t be casting light directly across the entire field as temperatures with the heat index were hovering around 100 degrees even as late as 8 p.m.

As the first quarter wound down, No. 4 Jair Hernandez was brought in to attempt kicking one through the uprights. In 2022, Hernandez was the star of the game when he kicked a 22-yard field with less than 49 seconds to win the match-up 16-14 against De Queen.

The Bearcats could not immediately capitalize on the momentum they had generated and carry it over to the second quarter. Still, the Leopards found themselves down 19-0 after a 4-yard run by Mena’s No. 24 Brody Peters at 10:34.

Down, but not out, the Leopards’ No. 7 Cole Binkley ran 17-yards to the end zone to finally get the Leopards on the board with 1:14 left in the first half. The teams went to the locker room with Mena leading 19-7.

In the third quarter, Peters had a single yard run with 6:21 left. Peters would outdistance everyone on the field and end the night with 97 yards rushing.

Mena and Ashdown are both 1-0 overall as the season just gets started. The Bearcats travel to take on the Centerpoint Knights in Amity at 7 p.m. this Friday. The temperatures are expected to be more comfortable compared to last week.

Mena scores two 2023 Southwest Arkansas Softball Hall of Fame inductees

By Ethan Nahté

The 47th Annual Watermelon Festival in Hope took place Aug. 10-12. Friday evening, before the annual Watermelon Festival softball tournament, Southwest Arkansas Softball Hall of Fame held their induction ceremony.

Of the 16 inductees, two of the newest members are Gary Davis and Johnny Davis, both from Mena. The other 2023 inductees: Walker Clark, Robbie Franks, Michael Gaylord, Brian Glass, Shawn Hardage, Dionne Hopson, John-Michael Hunter, James “Jebbie” King, Mike Simms, Ricky Sooter, Undra’ Stanley (Dra Day), Brian Toney, Tracy Trusty, and Jay Turley.

Formerly known as the Amateur Softball Association of America, the governing body is now USA Softball. It oversees more than 150,000 amateur teams nationwide.

Gary said, “I played the game of softball for over 35 years and enjoyed it tremendously. In my years of play, I won six-straight league championships, 15 years of Top 5 state championships and 12 years of regional championships. I also served as league president for eight years.”

Johnny said, “Thank you for choosing me as an inductee. I have played softball for 40 years. I started right after I graduated high school. My jersey number was No. 21 and my defensive position was left field.

“During my years of play, my team won Class D State in 1994 and finished third in the Southwestern Regional in Norman, Oklahoma. In 2001, our team finished second in Class D State. We also had the opportunity to play in the World Series in Florida.”

Afterward, Hall of Fame committee member Bobby Copelin said, “Congratulations on 80 years of softball, combined organizing, sponsorships and all of the hard work it took to play

that long. I was fortunate enough to play on league teams and in several league, regional, state and world tournaments, as well as the Busch-Pepsi Softball Classic. With these guys, we placed as finalists. It was an honor to get these guys inducted.”

Gary said, “My greatest memory is when my team played in a regional tournament at Lawton, Oklahoma, and we lost our third game to a team that was only 35 miles from where we lived. We had to play back-to-back games

in the loser’s bracket to only meet the [same team] again in the finals. We beat them twice to win the tournament.

“Best of all, I got to travel to a lot of cities to play tournaments and got to meet some great athletes and made friends, especially all of those I had the pleasure to play with.”

Copelin is the former interim parks and recreation director for Tapley Park. He has been on the Arkansas Softball Hall of Fame’s committee for the Mena, De Queen and Waldron area since 2022. Copelin played for 30 years, and he’s played with or against many here in the region that are worthy of nominating for the Hall of Fame. He keeps an eye out for up-and-coming players who are worthy of consideration for the SWASHOF award.

“I’m going to stay on this board,” Copelin said, “and give the people of our area the recognition they deserve. Women will also be considered in the future.”

Gary said, “I’d like to thank all of those men and women who are out there trying to keep this sport alive and allowing me to be a part of this special occasion.”

Johnny said, “In the last few years I have been blessed to play alongside my oldest son John and my two grandsons Austin and Dawson.”

“I encourage young or old players to keep playing. It’s a sport that is rewarding,” Copelin said.

New Southwest Arkansas Softball Hall of Fame inductees Johnny Davis (left) and Gary Davis (right)with Hall of Fame committee member Bobby Copelin.

(Photo by Elizabeth Davis)