Polk County Pulse December 14, 2022

Alcohol questions answered

By Ethan Nahté (Part 1 of 2)

After much debate, and more than one attempt at getting the “wet vs. dry” issue on the local ballot, a majority of registered Polk County voters voted to approve the manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquors. Over 57% of registered voters in Polk County participated in this

year’s general election. The final certified results reveal approximately 60% voted for the measure and 40% against. (You can see more details for each of the 17 precincts at https:// results.enr.clarityelections.com/ AR/Polk/115825/web.307039/#/detail/0032?v=313920%2F/, which is broken down into votes cast on Election Day, as well as early and absentee voting.)

ANRC approves $270M for American Rescue Plan Act

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC) approved $270 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding distribution at its meeting on Friday, December 2, 2022. A total of 157 projects will receive funding across 58 counties. A full list of the awarded projects can be found at agriculture.arkansas.gov/american-rescue-plan-funding-water-and-wastewater-grant-program/

Governor Asa Hutchinson said, “In January, I laid out my “W.I.N.S. in 2022” initiative. One of those initiatives was infrastructure. We know that there is a large water and wastewater infrastructure need throughout the state and I am delighted to see the announcement today regarding funding distributions through the American Rescue Plan Act to help address this statewide need.”

Governor Hutchinson established the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Steering Committee through Executive Order 21-08 to make recommendations on the best use of ARPA funding provided to the state. In June of 2021, a working group for water and other infrastructure projects was formed to make a recommendation to the ARPA steering committee.

The Working Group conducted an extensive assessment of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater needs across the state. Based on over 1,400 responses, an overall water infrastructure need of $5.2 billion was identified. On August 31, 2021, the working group submitted a final report to the ARPA Steering Committee. A timeline, eligibility requirements, and scoring criteria were also developed and included in the report.

On July 27, 2022, a House and Senate City, County and Local Affairs Committee met to hear statewide water and wastewater needs and the Department’s proposed ARPA funding plan.

On August 18, 2022, the American Rescue

Beer and wine are sold at what are considered private clubs such as The Ouachitas on Mena Street, which serves several craft beers. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Southwest EMS celebrates 20 years

Mena trail expansion to be explored through public, private agreement

MENA, Ark. – A memorandum of understanding to begin an exploratory phase of a trail expansion project will be signed at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec.

Another plaque was presented to Robby’s brother Mike Hines for 20 years of employment.

Southwest EMS is a family owned business serving four counties in western Arkansas with over 100 employees.

We want to thank each supporter, patient, and all our employees and look forward to many more years to come.

(Photos courtesy of Sherri Hines)

13, at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain in Mena.

The memorandum, which will be signed by representatives of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, the Ouachita National Forest, the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation, and the city of

Mena, will outline the group’s intent to cooperate to explore expanding trail opportunities within and adjacent to Queen Wilhelmina State Park, the Ouachita National Forest and the city of Mena.

If pursued and realized, the trail expansion would represent a significant enhancement of outdoor recreation activities and tourism attractions in the area.

On hand to sign the memorandum will be Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism; Felipe Cano, acting deputy forest supervisor for the Ouachita National Forest; Suzanne Grobmyer, executive director of the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation; and Seth Smith, mayor of Mena.

The signors and Shea Lewis, director of Arkansas State Parks, will be on hand after the signing to answer questions from members of the media.

(Photo courtesy of Arkansas State Parks)

Southwest EMS celebrated 20 years of service to Polk County on Dec. 9. Owner Robby Hines presented a plaque to Danny Jones for 20 years of full time employment.

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Mena, AR 71953

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Letter To The Editor:

It saddens me so much to hear of Ray Shelley passing away! His article was my most favorite in the Pulse. I always saved his articles and mailed them to my 89-year-old cousin who lives in Springfield, OR.

I only hope you can find someone half as good a writer as he was.

I think I asked you once about polls and you said you don’t do them, but I’m going to ask you to do a poll on favorite Christmas songs. I would be willing to answer.

Thank you for this service, Donna Lay, Mena

Letter to the Editor

As I compose this letter Christmas fast approaches. The barrage of ads for toys started before Halloween. It seems over time the ads have started earlier every year.

There is the latest toy and the newest electronic gizmos. Electronic bicycles, scooters, and hover boards (sure to land more than one senior in the ER room this season).

our Christian values is never ending.

Please, remember who we are and where we came from. Remember all we have to be thankful for. Look around and see the wonders and beauty of our country and the dream so many come here looking for. See what so many have fought and died for.

The true spirit and meaning of Christmas have been under assault for so long. I welcome a greeting of Merry Christmas or God Bless you. To the folks offended by this, I feel sorry for your empty spiritual life. The holiday begins with Christ. The reason for a celebration of the birth of hope and love and salvation for us all, every sinner, every soul, every child of God, who gave to us his only son as our savior. We have strayed from that to a politically correct holiday I barely recognize at times.

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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.

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The shiny plastic toys of today will soon be the forgotten non-recyclable trash of tomorrow. A fleeting moment of play to be discarded with barely a memory of real fun, let alone exercise, from its brief use. The battery life barely ends before the interest is gone. There is nothing for passing down to your children’s children except more in the local landfill. Stay inside. Do not go outside to play. Avoid exercise.

Even Hollywood undermines Christmas by making movies that show humorous events such as adults fighting over the latest trendy toy for their child, passing up a trike, or bike or some toy that would at least contribute to their health. The message is buy, spend, possess, and move on. The steady assault of

I do not celebrate other religious holidays but feel those of different faiths have every right to do so without my judgment. That should be a two-way street, but sadly is not. Look at China, North Korea, and Iran to name a few. Do you want to be manipulated by a single idea or message? Do you want a message that brainwashes and controls your very being? I do not. Value your freedoms. I would not be offended by a greeting from another faith. After all, we are a nation of many faiths.

Celebrate Christmas but remember the reason you do. Give freely of yourself to others remembering the meaning behind giving. Give thanks and say a prayer. Be happy in a world that makes that hard to

do. Thank you for a forum to express my thoughts though we may disagree. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May God bless us all.

With respect and kindest regards, Ronald Goss,

retired, Mena

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Politics

State House

Nationwide, just half of all high schools offer computer science courses. That’s not the case here in Arkansas.

Arkansas is recognized nationally as a leading state in the computer science education movement.

From the

of

When the General Assembly passed Act 187 in 2015, we became the first state to require every public high school and public charter school to offer at least one computer science course.

The 93rd General Assembly expanded efforts to provide computer science education when it passed the Computer Science Education Advancement Act of 2021. This act requires that beginning with the 9th grade class of 2022-2023, every student will be required to earn one credit in a high school Computer Science or Computing Course for graduation. It also requires every public high school must employ at least one high school computer science certified teacher.

Computer Science Education Week is December 5-11. This week is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science and to celebrate the contributions of students and teachers in the field.

According to Code.org, computing oc-

Representatives

cupations are the number one source of new wages in America. However, computer science education does more than give our students an advantage in the tech industry. It also teaches them to think differently about problems they are trying to solve in any context. In fact, numerous studies show that studying computer science helps students outperform in school and college.

Computer science education teaches students how to create new technologies instead of just being consumers of technology.

In celebration of Computer Science Education Week, the Arkansas Department of Education Office of Computer Science announce the submission window for the Computer Science Gold Medal School Program. The program is designed to recognize Arkansas high schools for outstanding work in supporting and implementing the Arkansas Computer Science and Computing Initiative. Schools are ranked based on information submitted to and reviewed by the ADE Office of Computer Science.

The submission portal is now open and will close at 11:45 p.m. on January 31, 2023.

You can find more information about that program and other incentives for students and teachers at cs.arkansas.gov.

The state Natural Resources Commission has awarded $270 million in grants for 157 drinking water and wastewater projects in 58 counties.

Work will begin in 2023 on the projects and they must be completed before the end of 2026. Money for construction comes from the American Rescue Plan Act, a massive federal emergency funding law meant to help state and local communities recover from the economic impact of the Covid pandemic.

The governor appointed a steering committee to determine how best to spend the more than $1.5 billion in federal relief funds coming to Arkansas. A working group within the steering committee focused specifically on water and infrastructure needs. It conducted a survey of needs and garnered more than 1,400 responses that identified about $5.2 billion in needs.

When legislators heard from local water officials, several officials said that it was unreasonable to expect the entire list of projects to be funded.

ery day.

From the State Senate Contact Your Legislators!

John Maddox

John.Maddox@ arkansashouse.org

520 Church Avenue Mena, AR 71953

Call: (479) 394-6060

Larry Teague Larry.Teague@senate.ar.gov P.O. Box 903 Nashville, AR 71852 (870) 845-5303

John Boozman

1120 Garrison Ave. Suite 2B

Fort Smith, AR 72901

Phone: (479) 573-0189

Fax: (479) 575-0553

However, they urged legislators to quickly create a grant program to address the most pressing needs, and to allow construction to begin before inflation cut more deeply into their spending power.

The approved projects include $135 million for 105 projects for clean drinking water systems that serve 170,000 customers. The median household income for those customers is $34,218 a year.

Bruce Westerman

101 Reserve St. Suite 200 Hot Springs, AR 71901

Phone: (501) 609-9796

Fax: (501) 609-9887

The remaining $135 million will be spent on 52 wastewater projects that will serve 283,000 customers. The median household income for those customers is $42,533 a year.

According to an official with the Natural Resources Commission, the wastewater projects will help purify 162 million gallons of wastewater ev-

Some entities applied for both a drinking water grant and a wastewater grant, and 14 systems received a grant in both categories. In all, 119 entities applied for grants.

Of the 105 clean drinking water projects, 22 will extend service to areas that now are not served by a water system, 43 projects are designed to reduce the use of groundwater and 63 projects will help local water systems comply with clean water laws.

Of the 52 wastewater projects, six will extend service to areas that now lack service and 21 will improve water quality in waterways that are now classified as impaired. Forty-two projects will improve water quality in watersheds used for drinking water, resulting in improvements to the public health of the community.

Forty-four projects will reduce nutrients in waterways, such as fertilizer runoff from farms and food processing plants.

For most of the applications, the local water system must match the grant funds by putting up 25 percent of the costs of the projects.

The Commission compiled a waiting list, in the event that grants are not awarded due to an applicant failing to comply with conditions, such as missing deadlines.

Only a few applicants received the maximum award of $5 million.

In July the legislature’s Joint Committees on City, County and Local Affairs heard from managers of water and wastewater systems about the need to finance infrastructure projects.

In September the full Legislative Council voted to dedicate the funding to water projects, and directed the Natural Resources Commission to set up an application process. The Commission received 882 applications for $1.3 billion in grants.

John Maddox Larry Teague

Sharon Kay Johnson

Sharon Kay Johnson, age 78, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, December 10, 2022, in Mena surrounded by her loving family.

She was born July 22, 1944, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Harlan Keith “H.K.” Herman and Marion Jean Harden Herman. Sharon was united in marriage June 2, 1962, to Jerry Lee Johnson. She enjoyed painting and sewing and was a wonderful cook and baker. Sharon was a loving homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jerry Lee Johnson; son, Jeff Johnson and wife Dena; daughter, Kim Bryan and husband Pooh, Jodie Hunt and husband Donny; grandchildren, Darius “June Bug” Sims, Alyssa Seals, Donavan Hunt, Zach Bryan, Eli Bryan, Jordan Hunter, Jacquelyn Romine, Kyleigh Johnson, and Kristen Manasco; great-grandchildren, Shaela Monahan, Spencer Solomon, Ace Johnson Bryan, Parker Crow, Haydyn Hunter, Tate Hunter, Averie Romine, Analeigh Tarkinton, and Kynleigh “George” Jones.

Sharon is preceded in death by her parents, H.K. and Marion Herman.

Graveside service will be Thursday, December 15, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. in the Pinecrest Memorial Park with Brother Donnie Jewell officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Fu-

neral Home. Visitation is general.

Pallbearers are Eli, Justin, Chance, Jeff, Donnie, Pooh, Zach and June Bug.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Benjamin Tyler Vincent

Mr. Benjamin Tyler Vincent, age 40, formerly of Oden, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2022, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born May 14, 1982, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Noel Ivan Vincent and Audrey Beth Manley.

Mr. Vincent was an employee of the city of Mena, and a firefighter (619). He proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps, where he worked as an Air Traffic Controller for three years. He also was an officiator for basketball, softball, and baseball games for the state of Arkansas. Additionally, he was the former president of the local chapter of A.B.A.T.E for Polk County, a volunteer little league coach, the loudest cheerleader in the stands, an avid Razorback fan, and a dirt track racer (# 14K). But above all else he was a father to his children and an honorary father to so many in the community.

Mr. Benjamin Vincent is preceded in death by his father, Noel Vincent; stepmother, Melinda Vincent; father-in-law, Bob Cook; Papaw, Jack Vincent; and by his brothers, Ben Glenn, and Justin Glenn.

He is survived by his wife, Kelli Vincent; sons, Orion Vincent, Gun-

ner Vincent, and Beckett Vincent; daughters, Mackenzie Vincent, Bentleigh Vincent , and Neveah Vincent; mother, Audrey Manley; brothers, Levi Vincent and wife Jessica, Bo Glenn and wife Trisha; sister, Brittany Calvi and husband Tony; nieces and nephews, Haley, Mia, Lil Levi, Kyler, Bradyn, Kavon, Trinity, Emily, Owen, Kylie, Wyatt, Logan, Willow, Ben, Keith and Alex; as well as numerous other family and friends too many to mention.

Services for Mr. Vincent will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 16, 2022, at the Grace Bible Church in Mena, Arkansas. Rusty Lewis will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena, Arkansas. The family asks that if you were affiliated with a team, or crew that Ben either worked or taught, please wear your jersey or uniform to the service.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family is accepting donations for expenses at Union Bank and the Mena Fire Department.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Fred Dwight Dean

Fred Dwight Dean, age 49, of Cove, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at the Mena Regional Health System in Mena. He was born on Friday, June 29, 1973, to Franklin Dean Sr. and Hilda Broach Dean in De Queen, Arkansas.

Fred liked to keep to himself and

spend time at the river. He liked to walk down the river and explore and have picnics with his wife, Connie. Fred had an eclectic taste in music and loved pepperoni pizza. He enjoyed playing Xbox and golf in his free time. Fred was a loving husband, brother, uncle, and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Gary Dean; his brother, Franklin Dwight Dean Jr.; a nephew, Ethan Denton; and his great-nephew, Jasper Shaver.

Fred is survived by his wife, Connie Jean Dean of Cove; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Angela Darlene and Kevin Holbrook of Vandervoort, Marilyn Ann and Ron Winger of Hatfield, and Wanda Louella and Keith Jewell of Cove; two brothers-in-law, Kenny Denton of Parks, and David Denton of Eufaula, Oklahoma; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Arkansas Cremation in Little Rock, Arkansas.

What is lovely never dies, but passes into other loveliness.

~Thomas Bailey Aldrich

Obituaries

George Dee Watkins

Mr. George Dee Watkins, age 86, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2022, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born December 29, 1935, in Hartley, Arkansas to the late George Everett Watkins and Delphia (Sirmon) Watkins Carter. George worked at US Motors; however, his greatest passion was working his cows and farming. Additionally, he liked riding horses, watching western movies, attending rodeos, and having fun. He was known as an outdoorsman and enjoyed deer hunting and camping. However, above all else he loved his family.

Mr. Watkins is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Louellen Gruben Watkins of Mena, Arkansas; son, George Dwayne Watkins and wife Bea of Mena, Arkansas; daughter, Margaret Denice Smith and husband Michael of Bentonville, Arkansas; grandchildren, Angela Watkins, Brandon Watkins, Colton Watkins, Desiree’ Smedley and husband Tony, Ericka Eaton and husband Brandon, Melanie Allen and husband Joseph, Laura Allen and husband Spencer, Brian Smith and wife Stephanie; great-grandchildren, Noah, Kai’lyne, Janie, Gage, Avery, Grace, Jenna, Grace, Caroline, Calvin and Harper; and by his brother, Danny Lee Carter. He is preceded in death by his parents, George Everett Watkins and Delphia (Sirmon) Watkins Carter, and by his brothers, Ronald D. Watkins

and Jerry Wayne Oglesby.

Services for Mr. George Watkins will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 12, 2022, at Beasley-Wood Chapel in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Donnie Jewell and Brother Justin Leonard will be officiating the services under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Old Dallas Cemetery in Mena, Arkansas. There will be a visitation held December 11, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Gregg Sirmon, Tewayne Watkins, Chris Looney, Tewayne Watkins, Jr., Steve McMellon, Tim McMellon, and Larry Watkins.

Honorary pallbearers are Sam Heath, Glen Pearce, Lee Fountain, Roger Head, and Jim Pearce.

leather worker and could make anything he put his mind to. Bill was an avid reader, Master Gardener, archer and liked to play pool.

Growing up an only child, he was very proud of his big family, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was about the greatest grandpa anyone could ask for and all the grandkids felt fortunate to have been able to know PePaw. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, cousin and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

A special thank you to the Green House Cottages of Homewood and especially the staff at Cottage 3 for their excellent care. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Helen McCourtney.

ney, Wes Wright, and Glenn Erickson.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Vigil Honor Members of Akela Wahinapay Lodge 232.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh. com

Terry Lynn Street

Mr. Terry Lynn Street, age 67, of Mena passed away Sunday, December 4, 2022, at Mena Regional.

Ray McCourtney

Bill Ray “Gold Eagle” McCourtney, age 87, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at the Green House Cottages of Homewood. He was born on Sunday, June 16, 1935, to Prunes and Bernice McCourtney in Mena, Arkansas.

Bill attended the St. Agnes Catholic Church in Mena. He was quick witted, intelligent, wise, fun loving and liked to joke with his friends and family. Bill was very caring, compassionate and very involved in Camp Pioneer. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Elks Lodge and had many friends there. He was a talented woodworker,

Bill is survived by three sons, Jay and Janine Winchester of Carlton, Oregon, Dr. Bill and Sherri McCourtney of Mena, Don and Lydia McCourtney of Mena; two daughters and sons in law, Vicki and Pat Burke of Oskaloosa, Iowa, and Sherri and Bill Finders of Oskaloosa, Iowa; thirty-seven grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at 10:00 AM at the St. Agnes Catholic Church in Mena, Arkansas with Father Joseph Shantiraj as celebrant. Interment will follow at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Mena. A visitation will be held on Monday, December 12, 2022, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Matthew McCravens, Shane Frost, Aaron Finders, Dalton McCourtney, Logan McCourtney, Nicholas McCourt-

Terry was born on January 15, 1955, in Azusa, California to the late Llyod Street and the late Vonda Ashcroft Street. Mr. Street enjoyed the simple things in life like guns, cars, movies. He also like learning anything he could about the civil war, but most of all loved being with his family and spending time with them.

Terry is survived by two sons; Samuel and Johnathan Street, three daughters; Heather, Colleen, and Melissa Street. Grandchildren; Tanner Taylor, Jackson Lovell, Natasha Fields, and Devin Fields.

Mr. Street was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers; Douglas, Larry, and Butch Street; and one sister; Lolly Pierce.

Billy

By Richie Lawry

The audience filed into the spacious auditorium and quickly found seats. As I sat down and looked around, I noticed life-size marble statues that looked like they were from ancient Greece and Rome surrounding the auditorium. The ceiling, high overhead, was inky black with tiny points of light, mimicking a starry, moonless night sky. It was as if I had been transported to a 15th-century Italian courtyard.

I am in the historic Saenger Theatre on Canal Street in New Orleans. The theatre was built in the 1920s and opened in 1927. The opulent theater was exceptionally ornate with marble, crystal chandeliers, oil paintings, and sumptuous seating for 4,000. A magnificent organ accompanied silent films, and vaudeville acts drew large crowds. In the 30s, the theatre was updated to show talking movies. After closing in the 70s and reopening in the 80s, the theatre housed a variety of events, from live performances to films.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused significant damage to the theatre. Water entered the theatre and rose 14 feet. Water covered the stage, filling the basement and the orchestra level. In response, the New Orleans Building Corporation and Canal Street Development Corporation partnered to restore the theatre authentically and historically. No detail was overlooked, including using historical photos to match hardware, light fixtures, windows, etc. The $53 million redevelopment project took several years to complete, and the theatre reopened in September 2013.

My wife and I were at the Saenger for a Lauren Daigle Christmas concert. Our tickets included a question-and-answer session before the show. As Lauren came out on stage, she walked to the center of the stage at the very front and sat down on a stool. She talked to us in the audience as friends, and you could feel the intimacy in the room. Because Lauren grew up in Southern Louisiana, she felt a special connection with the audience, and you could feel how much

An Arkie’s Faith

I will rescue you

is your favorite venue where you have performed?”

there’s nowhere else to go. When everything is pushing in on me from all sides, this is the story I am reminded of. So, stay focused even when you feel like you are walking through water. God has a way of parting those and making it possible.”

the audience loved her.

With just a solo pianist accompanying her, Lauren began quietly singing, “You are not hidden. There’s never been a moment you were forgotten. You are not hopeless though you have been broken, your innocence stolen. I hear you whisper underneath your breath. I hear your SOS, your SOS.”

The auditorium was hushed as the song continued. Lauren’s soft but rich, earthy voice drifted out over the audience.

As she began the chorus after the second verse, her voice transformed from peaceful and quiet to a powerful instrument that filled the room as she sang, “I will send out an army to find you in the middle of the darkest night. It’s true; I will rescue you. I will never stop marching to reach you in the middle of the hardest fight. It’s true; I will rescue you.”

After singing, Lauren began taking questions from the audience. People asked, “What is your favorite food?” and “What

But there were several more serious questions. One girl asked, “When did you know that Jesus was real in your life?” Lauren told her story of being so sick as a teenager that she couldn’t attend school for two years. She said that during this time of isolation, she first really got to know Jesus and have a relationship with him. Even though she was raised in the church, Lauren felt for the first time that it was real, not just a ritual. “I came to know him as my confidant, as my friend, as someone I could dream with, someone I could talk to,” she explained. “That time was really special, because I was so alone,” she continued. As she talked, I could see that the lyrics to her song, “Rescue,” might have come from personal experience.

A young girl asked, “What is your favorite Bible story?” After thinking for a few seconds, Lauren answered, “Moses and the parting of the Red Sea.” She continued, “The story where Moses has all the Egyptians coming behind him, and he stands right before the water. He’s probably thinking, ‘God, you are crazy. There is no other option; there’s nowhere else for us to go. Where are we supposed to go?’ And God says, ‘No, no, no, keep going forward.’ I would imagine that it wasn’t like the waters parted right there, and they walked through. I imagine they probably had to step into the water just to show the element of faith. And as they walked, the waters did part, and God provided a way through.”

Lauren concluded by saying, “I think, for me, when I’m dealing with any moment of anxiety or pressure, or when I feel like

Like Lauren, I love this story. “The Egyptians went after the Israelites. All Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and horsemen and troops chased them. They caught up with the Israelites as they camped by the sea. The Israelites were near Pi Hahiroth, across from Baal Zephon. As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked back. There were the Egyptians marching after them! The Israelites were terrified. They cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Why did you bring us to the desert to die?” Exodus 14:9-11 (NIRV)

I like how confident Moses is in God’s ability to save. Even before God told Moses how He would rescue them, “Moses answered the people. He said, ‘Don’t be afraid. Stand firm. You will see how the Lord will save you today. Do you see those Egyptians? You will never see them again. The Lord will fight for you. Just be still.’” Exodus 14:13,14 (NIRV)

The Israelites were terrified when they saw the enemy coming their way. They doubted their leader, questioned God, complained, grumbled, and panicked. Yet God didn’t get mad at their humanity or fears. He only asked for their obedience. And their trust.

Gentle Reader, you may be in a place where you can’t see any way forward. You may be facing your own Red Sea moment. Maybe the obstacles ahead seem way too hard to overcome. You may want to turn back or give up. But the Bible tells us, “The Lord will fight for you. Just be still.” Exodus 14:14 (NIRV)

God says to you, “I will send out an army to find you in the middle of the darkest night. It’s true; I will rescue you. I will never stop marching to reach you in the middle of the hardest fight. It’s true; I will rescue you.”

Replacing windshields in Polk County for over 40 years.

Give Richie a call at 479-394-9938 Located at 3008 Hwy 71 South

Joke of the Week:

My wife told me that if I bought her one more stupid Christmas gift, she would burn it. So I bought her a candle.

Lauren Daigle performing at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans on Dec. 10. (Photo by Richie Lawry)

Parsons selected as new MRHS chief nursing officer

Submitted by Jessica Smith

Mena Regional Health System is pleased to announce John Parsons MSN, RN as the system’s new Chief Nursing Officer (CNO).

Parsons comes to Mena Regional with over 20 years of clinical, management and administrative experience. His diverse nursing experience includes a background in MICU/CICU and Level 1 Trauma and Burn Unit. His leadership style is hands-on, goal-oriented, and compassionate.

Parsons will focus on three key areas as Chief Nursing Officer: patient experience, communica -

tion and quality. Before accepting the position at Mena Regional, he served as CNO at TrustPoint Hospital in Lubbock, Texas.

Parsons brings to Mena an extensive background in nursing operations and nurse leadership.  “I have a passion for the patient experience and look forward to supporting nursing excellence and patient-centered care at Mena Regional,” Parsons stated.

“We are proud that John Parsons accepted the positions as CNO,” Robert Rupp, CEO, stated. “His commitment to the community, nursing profession, and patient-centered care will be an asset to Mena Regional Health System.”

Reflections from History and Faith: Where are

By Jeff Olson

With Thanksgiving now a pleasant memory, we now turn our attention to our search for Christmas. Search? What search, you might ask. Isn’t it still on for December 25 like it is every year? Well, according to a popular contemporary song of the Christmas season, “Where Are You Christmas?” from the movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000), this might be in question... well, at least for the Grinch and some others... No, not the date, but more importantly the discovery or perhaps rediscovery of our relationship with Christmas and how it’s been affected through changes over time.

Our song is an honest and sincere plea, and our movie expands this search into the magic and truth of Christmas beyond childhood and the material things of life. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” while not an orthodox religious movie, is enriched by traditional Christmas carols and some important Christian/Biblical themes such as family, community, love, kindness, joy, repentance, forgiveness, transformation and redemption. These are at the core of God’s design and at the heart of humanity’s need and ultimate search for truth, purpose, belonging and relevance—and they played an important role in transforming the Grinch from the arch nemesis of Christmas to one of its most ardent and enthusiastic celebrants.

Where are you, Christmas? Are you in the departments of stores where scores of people have been searching for that perfect gift and Santa is poised to please?

Are you on the internet where multitudes of people are cruising through websites to find that certain gift and doing so to avoid the crazy Christmas rush?

Are you in the grocery stores where the same people will be searching for the ingredients for that festive Christmas dinner and perfect dessert?

Are you in homes where people will be searching for just the right words to

include in the Christmas cards or email greetings to those family and friends, some of whom we haven’t been in touch with for a while—perhaps since last Christmas?

a cross. However, it wasn’t final. Three days later, Jesus’ glorious resurrection as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords gave Him and each one of us victory: Victory over sin… Victory over death!

you Christmas?

Christmas.’ Will our search focus primarily on reviving our commitment to those activities and customs which traditionally characterize and dominate the traditional Christmas holiday, as even the Grinch understood and stole. Or will it focus first and foremost on the true Author of those qualities which drew humanity and the Grinch himself closer to Christmas?

God’s search for you and me and His plan for our salvation took the form and sacrifice of His only begotten Son. Where will our search lead? By the end of our movie, even the Grinch in his own search came to realize that “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.” Indeed, it does, Mr. Grinch! He knew then, as you and I and most everyone in Whoville knew: The real Christmas transcends all time and changes and could never be stolen... only given away as the ultimate Gift.

Are you in the homes where a Christmas tree is beautifully decorated and with presents stacked underneath?

Are we even searching for you in the right place and at the right time?

Where are you Christmas? Why can’t I find you?

Christmas, in the traditional sense, is not mentioned in nor commanded by the Bible to be formally recognized nor celebrated. However, the advent of Jesus Christ on this earth does implicitly demand that humanity pause, take special notice, and follow the account of the Christ child from beginning to end in His terrestrial sojourn here. The essential and eternal relevancy of this journey does not begin or end with the earthly arrival of Jesus Christ as the baby in a manger. This was but a means to God’s greater purpose: His arrival in the hearts of all He came to save through His obedience to the Father in a labor of love wrought with adversity, suffering, torture, agony and finally—death on

Responding to Jesus’ arrival and the fruition of his walk among us is a choice each of us is called on to either accept or reject. Will our hearts be the Bethlehem for the personal birth that He wants us to experience and to celebrate? If Jesus is known to us only as the baby in a manger, then He is no more to us than a seasonal stranger. The discovery of ‘where are you Christmas’ can be found only by seeking out the ‘WHO are you

Christmas is not so much about a time or a place but above all else God’s love, amazing grace, and offer of redemption transcending time and place—paid for by the baby who from the beginning was destined to be the suffering servant, the ultimate and final sacrifice for our sins, and the risen Savior who came to earth in search of us first (Luke 19:10).

May this truth persevere through the festivities of the season and may it lead us to the true answer of our song’s sincere and timeless question: Where are you Christmas?

ARPA

continued from page 1

Plan Steering Committee approved $270 million to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture for water, wastewater, and stormwater projects and $10 million for irrigation projects.

On September 13, 2022, the PEER Committee reviewed the ARPA funding proposal for water and wastewater. On September 16, 2022, the Arkansas Legislative Council approved the full $270 million for water, wastewater, and stormwater projects to be administered by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Commission.

The Department issued a press release and opened the application period on September 16, 2022. Applications were accepted until November 4, 2022. Seven application assistance meetings were scheduled across the state to provide guidance and assistance to applicants.

Results

A total of 882 applications were received and included at least one application from each county within the State. The applications submitted were as follows:

492 applications for drinking water were submitted. The ARPA request equaled $663,601,648 and the total project cost equaled $1,494,394,048.

There were 390 applications for wastewater/stormwater. The ARPA request equaled

$648,641,543 and the total project cost was $1,423,302,312.

The projects were scored by representatives of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Division, Arkansas Department of Health, and Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment’s Division of Environmental Quality. A total of 157 projects across 58 counties were recommended for funding. A total of 412 unique entities submitted applications and 119 different entities received funding for water and/or wastewater. Fourteen entities received funding for at least one drinking water and one wastewater application. A breakdown of the projects is provided below for Drinking Water and Wastewater/ Stormwater. A larger map than the image below displaying the locations of all applications and approved projects can be found at agriculture.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ApprovedDWApplicationsRevised-scaled.jpg

• 22 projects will result in the extension of water service to unserved portions of the state.

• 43 projects will result in a reduction in the use of groundwater.

• 56 projects directly affect communities deemed disadvantaged based on their MHI and water bill.

• 62 projects will address regulatory consent orders or other compliance issues.

• 74 projects are in counties with more than 5% population decline during the previous decade.

Mena is recommended for an award (DW134) for the Iron Forks Water Treatment Plant improvements. The total possible award is $5 million. The total project cost is budgeted at $15, 162, 500. Mena’s portion of the cost share is 25%.

Wastewater/Stormwater

Based on the evaluation criteria, 52 wastewater projects were approved with a total award of $135,326,287. The projects will serve approximately 283,152 customers. The average Median Household Income (MHI) for the awarded projects is $42,533/ year. Statistics for the 52 projects are provided below:

• 6 projects will result in the extension of wastewater service to unserved portions of the state.

• 10 projects will result in partial or complete consolidation/regionalization of wastewater systems.

• 18 projects will improve water quality by reducing infiltration and inflow of wastewater.

Mena also is recommended for a wastewater award (WW-087) for the Mena Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements. The possible award would be up to $5 million. The total project cost is $16,422,000. Mena’s cost share is 25%.

Projects awarded funding will have to meet match requirements, if required, and start construction by December 31, 2023. All construction is to be completed by December 31, 2026.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Division will administer the awarded funding. The deadline for construction completion is December 2026.

Applicants not receiving ARPA funding are encouraged to continue to work with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Division to determine current and future funding alternatives, including funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

Under the IIJA, Arkansas will receive an increase to its State Revolving Fund (SRF) of $528 million over 5 years for water and wastewater funding. Less than half of this amount (approximately $228 million) will be available for traditional water and wastewater projects during that time for low interest loans and principal forgiveness. The remaining 58% can only be used for lead service line replacement or to treat emerging contaminants. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Division will use these funds to provide additional assistance to water and wastewater systems across the state.

Drinking Water

Based on the evaluation criteria, 105 drinking water projects were approved with a total award of $134,673,713. The projects will serve approximately 170,139 customers. The average Median Household Income (MHI) for the awarded projects is $34,218/year. Statistics for the 105 projects are provided below: • 12 projects will result in partial or complete consolidation/regionalization of water systems.

• 21 projects will improve water quality in a currently impaired waterbody.

• 27 projects are in counties with more than 5% population decline during the previous decade.

• 36 projects will address regulatory consent orders or other compliance issues.

• 42 projects will improve water quality in a watershed used for drinking water.

• 44 projects will reduce nutrients with 22 projects directly treating for nutrients.

Applications for funding to include IIJA funds are available on the Department’s website at agriculture.arkansas.gov/natural-resources/divisions/water-development/water-wastewater-funding-applications/. The same application and process for the standard State Revolving Fund program will also be used for the IIJA funds. Applications are open now and funding will be available in July 2023.

With existing programs, IIJA, and current ARPA funding, the Department anticipates total funding over five years to be $618,876,087, with $404,404,313 in grants or principal forgiveness.

The KCS Holiday Express had a headcount of 2,573, and there were several more who only lined up to see Santa.

The Christian Motorcyclists Association handed out over 2,000 hot chocolate drinks as visitors exited the train.

Toys for Tots were also on hand to collect toys.

There were plenty of Santa’s elves helping at the event

Find more images in our Facebook album.

Photos by Ethan Nahté

Office of Computer Science announces new initiative for middle school students and teachers

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) Office of Computer Science is pleased to announce a new program, “Read, Code, Create” for middle school students and teachers across the state. This program was developed collaboratively with CSforAR, R.I.S.E. Arkansas, AR STEM, and G.U.I.D.E for Life. Each sixth-grade building is sending a teacher to the provided training and will receive a classroom set of “My Life As a Coder.”

Teachers attending the training will also receive hands-on experiences in content integration through reading, coding, and creating. In addition, teachers will have access to check-out a classroom set of coding devices.

Kelly Griffin, Director of ADE Office of Computer Science, said, “Our office is thrilled to bring this program to the state. This unique opportunity allows students to enjoy reading while also learning about computer science. We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside R.I.S.E., G.U.I.D.E for Life, and AR STEM. It is our hope that this integration of literacy, engineering, and computer science will inspire Arkansas teachers to continue embracing computer science in all subject areas.”

This wide-reaching program is new, but also a continuation of its cross-initiative program supporting the Arkansas Computer Science (#ARKidsCanCode) and Arkansas Reading Initiatives (#RISEArkansas). Previous years have seen hundreds of books distributed to school libraries of all grades across the state, but “Read, Code, Create” aims to expose students to STEM while boosting both literacy and critical-thinking skills.

“I applaud our Office of Computer Science for this initiative that will increase the opportunity for our younger students to learn about coding and the opportunities in life that coding brings,” Governor Asa Hutchinson said. “This has been one of the most successful education initiatives that has brought national attention to Arkansas, and the integration of computer science with all of our students’ studies will increase learning opportunities in reading and the STEM subjects.”

This is Computer Science Education Week, and Arkansas is releasing a new Computer Science related announcement and/or commitment each day of this week. For a full listing of the announcements as they are made please visit the ADE Computer Science Webpage

DKG donation to HHE library in memory of Melba Head

On behalf of the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, President Krystal Thrailkill, donated books to Paula Cox, Holly Harshman librarian, in memory of reserve DKG member, Melba Head. DKG is a professional honor society for women educators with more

than 83,000 members. Established in 17 member countries around the world, the Society defines its mission as promoting professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.

To find out more about DKG, please visit https://www.dkg.org.

AHS Students Earn Certifications

Submitted by Tammy L. Young

Acorn High School Career & Technical Education Instructor and FCCLA Advisor Mindy Lyle reported certifications earned for ServSafe Food Handler and Everfi Healthier Me programs.

There were 18 students grades nine-

12 in the Food, Safety & Nutrition class who earned ServSafe Food Handler certifications.

ServSafe is an industry recognized certification that will allow these students to obtain employment or possibly receive a pay raise in their current position.

In the Family Consumer Science Investigations (CSI) course, 14 seventh grade students earned Everfi Healthier Me certifications. The Everfi Healthier

Me program equips students to make healthier, more informed decisions about nutrition.

HSO taking reservations for spay-neuter clinic

The Humane Society of the Ouachitas are accepting reservations for the next Ozark Mountain Spay-Neuter Clinic. The clinic will be at the Polk County Fairgrounds, Jan. 3-5. Appointments are limited and generally fill up fast. Call 479-394-8001 to book.

The cost for dogs is $70; cats $45. HSO suggests asking about vouchers. Rabies shots are an additional $5.

There will be free vaccinations for dogs with the spay or neuter thanks to a grant from Petco Love. They are currently out of cat vaccinations.

Fundraiser for coach Dover

By Ethan Nahté

There will be a fundraiser for the Dover family Friday evening, Dec. 16, in the Mena High School cafeteria. Aramark will be making their

famous cinnamon rolls and chili. Students will get into the game free. The Bearcats head football coach Craig Bentley organized a GoFundMe for Coach Landon Dover, who has been diagnosed with colon cancer. Landon is a teacher at Mena Public Schools, the offensive coordinator for the Mena Bearcat football team, and the head track coach.

He and his wife, Rachel, have three kids: Grace, Mason, Chandler. Rachel is also a teacher and a coach. Landon provided an update on Facebook on Dec. 4, writing, “I have recently been diagnosed with Colon Cancer and am working through the process of finding my Doctor and getting more scans done. As of now, it looks like the cancer has not spread to other organs, which is a huge blessing. I will require surgery and might needs treatments depending on the answers we get in the future. I did want to keep everyone updated, but my main hope is that you can say a prayer for me, Rachel Dover, and the kids. I believe in the power of prayer and we do need as many as we can get doing this time. God always has a plan and he always has me! Thank you for your time and prayers!”

Around Town

Extension Homemakers DIY Learn Something New will be decorating cookies on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Extension Education building at 211 Dequeen St. You may bring some plain cookies to decorate and some icing and decorations if you wish. We will have some cookies and icing there.

Fund for Bill Davis at Union Bank. If anyone wants to donate to assist with shelter and food. Bill is going through chemo and radiation. He does not have transportation between Mena and Hot Springs and will be required to stay in Hot Springs for treatment.

Calvary Baptist Church, located at 2100 Hwy. 375 W in Mena, will be having a Christmas Eve Service and The Lord’s Supper Blessing on Saturday, Dec. 24 from 5-6 p.m. They will also have a Christmas Celebration of Worship and Music on Christmas Day from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

Everyone is welcome to attend the Christmas gathering at the Big Fork Community Center on Saturday, December 17th at 6:30 PM. Come see Santa & join the fun!

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

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

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

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

All UARM campuses will be closed for the holidays beginning Wednesday, Dec. 21 and will reopen Jan. 4, 2023.

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.

Board Camp Community Christmas Dinner will be held at the Board Camp fire station on Saturday, December 17 at 1:00pm. Bring a side dish or dessert and come share dinner with your neighbors. There will be games for the kids to play.

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, 9th & Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for information call (479) 243-0297.

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

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

It’s easy to have your event listed in Around Town, which will be read on radio stations KENA and KQOR daily. Simply send your Around Town announcement to news@mypulsenews.com or call (479) 243-9600 and let us know about your event! To have it in the Polk County Pulse newspaper, we need to know by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!

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. T0111

Handyman services - small jobs preferred. Plumbing, electrical, small engine repair. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T1214

Construction, pads, ponds, roads and more. Military discounts. Insured. Just give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0104

Daniel’s carpentry and painting and handyman service. Deck and privacy fences, etc. Call (479) 216-1101 or (479) 216-2299. T1214

Tree services, forestry mulching, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate. T0104

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T1214

HEATING OR COOLING NOT WORKING? CALL TODAY! KILLENAIR HEATING AND COOLING (479) 699-5979. FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED, SERVING POLK, SCOTT AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES. T0104

- HELP WANTED -

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

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

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

T0125

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

T0125

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.

T0125

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.

T0125

The Mena Senior Center is hiring a cook. Hours will be Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. Contact Trena at (479) 394-5459.

T1207

- FOR SALE -

For Sale - A.K.C. English Bulldog puppies. Four girls, and three boys. Eight weeks old. Championship pedigree. Ready for their new homes just in time for Christmas! Raised by the owners of the radio stations. Call (870) 642-3104 for pricing and details. For pictures, visit: www.arklatexbulldogs.com or facebook: arklatex bulldogs. TFN

Mr. & Ms. Creations is having a handmade home décor sale, Saturday, Dec. 17th, 8 a.m.-???. Holiday gifts galore! Between Dollar General and the laundry mat in Cove, Ark. on Hwy. 71S T1214

Hogspore News: Hank Aring was back in town

By Clet Litter as told to Bob Simpson

Hank Aring is back in town. Hank’s real name is Ober Flow, brother of Ebben Flow who works for the water department here. Hank Aring is Ober’s stage name in Nashville. Hank come back to Hogspore to repair his voice that he lost on a sixmonth country music tour.

Doc Spicer saw Hank, but Hank wouldn’t cooperate. Doc Spicer wanted him to go without talking for 4 weeks to recover his voice. Hank wouldn’t, so Doc Spicer called in veterinarian Doc Muley for a consultation.

Vet Muley fashioned an anti-bark collar for dogs to fit Hank. Every time Hank talked or sang, he’d get an electric jolt to his neck. Hank caught on quick cause he weren’t an old dog yet. No more sounds come out of Hank’s throat for 4 weeks.

Hank’s back on the road with his singing voice. The only drawback to the treatment was that the band’s tour bus has to stop every two hours to let Hank do his business in the bushes alongside the highway.

Here’s how a friend of mine got his nickname. My friend once hid under the bed of a woman cause her real boyfriend came home early one night. He stared at the bed

slats while the couple on the bed snoozed through the night. He was too scared to leave. He made his getaway after the couple got up and took off for work in the morning. His buddies heard his story and now we call him Slats.

The tugboat captain claimed that a hat contributed to the sinking of his boat. He ordered his cap online and thought the company had jinxed him by sending him the wrong cap size.

A hen will stop laying eggs when she gets older. When Helen Hen starts going through Henopause, the farmer’s family gets out the stew pot and starts chopping vegetables. Then Helen thinks she’s going to a retirement home called A Pot for Mom.

Roosters have their own problems. As soon as Sam Rooster gets too ancient to strut his stuff, then Hank Hungry’s farm family starts slicing carrots, onions, and celery, while Granny crumbles up the stale cornbread. When they’re done, it’s time to dispatch Sam Rooster, so the family can stuff his strut and ease him into the waiting roasting pan. Life is hard on the farm, but sometimes it can be mighty tasty too.

You can contact Clet Litter at bobsimpson1947@yahoo.com. You know you wanna.

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

December 5, 2022

Kaitlyn Moss, 24 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Probation Violation Warrant.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 71 S near Vandervoort in reference to damaged mailboxes.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 151 near Hatfield in reference to a verbal domestic disturbance.

December 6, 2022

Bomb threats made to local schools led to the arrest of April Scroggins, 41 of Mena on three charges of Threatening to Commit an Act of Mass Violence on School Property.

Deputies responded to a residence on Tilley Lane near Hatfield in reference to a verbal domestic disturbance leading to disorderly conduct citations being issued to Jimmy Howell and Stephanie Boyd.

Deputies responded to a residence on Polk 35 near Hatfield in reference to a damaged mailbox.

Deputies were dispatched to a business near Hatfield in reference to someone throwing rocks. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

December 7, 2022

No reports.

December 8, 2022

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

William Hinkle, 49 of Cove was arrested on a Felony Failure to Appear Warrant and a Misdemeanor Failure to Appear Warrant.

Katlynn Hughes, 22 of Mena was arrested on a warrant for 2nd Degree Terroristic Threatening.

Deputies responded to a business near

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 24 Incarcerated Inmates with 18 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

PoliceA report of criminal mischief and violation of a protection order was taken at Budget Inn.

Cade Lambert, 36, was charged with Public Intoxication after contact on Highway 8 East.

Crystal Perales, 36, was charged with Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct after a complaint on Bethesda Road. Hatfield in reference to a Domestic Disturbance.

Deputies responded to a residence on Creekview Lane near Vandervoort in reference to a prowler.

Cortney Lyle, 40 of Mena was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas State Police on a misdemeanor warrant for 3rd Degree Domestic Battery.

Stormy Bodwell, 22 of Mena was arrested on a 2nd Degree Terroristic Threatening Warrant.

Shirlee Huffman, 32 of Mena was arrested on a 2nd Degree Terroristic Threatening Warrant.

Deputies responded to a report of forgery.

December 9, 2022

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 96 near Acorn in reference to an altercation leading to the arrest of Michael McFarland, 59 of Mena on a charge of Disorderly Conduct.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Pleasant Lane near Mena for a welfare check.

December 10, 2022

Floyd Evans, 63 of Grannis was arrested on a Misdemeanor Harassment Warrant.

Deputies were dispatched to a vehicle accident near Wickes leading to the arrest of Brenden Ludlow, 27 of Cove on a charge of DWI.

Jessica Stepp, 21 of Clarksville was arrested on a Misdemeanor Warrant for 2nd Degree Terroristic Threatening.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Council Lane near Acorn in reference to a Physical Domestic Disturbance leading to the arrest of Dustin Dodge, 38 of Mena on a charge of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery.

December 11, 2022

A traffic stop on Hwy 71 S led to the arrest of Gavin Whitmire, 31 of Grannis on charges of DWI, No Driver’s License and Fictitious Tags.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

December 4

A report of a disturbance was taken on South Reine Street.

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

December 5

No report.

December 6

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

Crystal Garrett, 41, was charged with Failure to Vacate and served with warrants at a residence on Highway 71 South.

A report of theft by deception and forgery was taken at Murphy USA.

December 7

A death investigation report was taken at a residence on 8th Street.

A death investigation report was taken at a residence on Fink Street.

A report of a disturbance was taken at Janssen Park.

December 8

A report of a disturbance was taken on Cordie Drive.

A report of theft of property and forgery was taken at Mena Shortstop.

December 9

A report of theft of property was taken at a residence on Cole Avenue.

James Holtzclaw, 49, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

Sunshine Hinkle, 41, was charged with theft of property at Walmart.

December 10

Shain Lovette, 46, was charged with DWI and Careless or Prohibited Driving after a stop on Highway 71.

Suspect arrested in bomb threat scare

On Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, at approximately 9:30 a.m., the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain received an anonymous phone call of a bomb threat.

UARM staff contacted the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and quickly evacuated the building.

A few minutes later, Mena High School received a phone call stated that they had a bomb in the high school. Mena School Security teams quickly evacuated their campus.

Both campuses were thoroughly searched. No devices were found on either campus and students were allowed to return to class.

Shortly after the UARM and MHS campuses were reopened, Mena Middle School received a call stating they had a bomb in the gym. Mena Middle School was evacuated and searched. Again, no device was located and the students were allowed to return to class.

The investigation quickly led to the arrest of April L. Scroggins, age 40, of Mena. Scroggins is currently incarcerated at the Polk County Detention Center. She is charged with three counts of 5-13-302 Threatening to Commit Act of Mass Violence on School Property.

Sheriff Sawyer stated, “We take threats to our children and our schools seriously. Our College and MSD staff did an outstanding job today. The school security staff, SROs, Mena Police Department, Arkansas Game and Fish, and the Polk County Deputies did an incredible job of quickly evacuating our campuses and searching the buildings. They quickly identified a suspect and were able to make an arrest. I’m very proud of and truly appreciate all of them for their hard work and courage they displayed today. They all deserve kudos for a job well done”.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Submitted by Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer

ALCOHOL continued from page 1 enue in the county. Many Arkansans are surprised to learn a county must obtain signatures of 38% of registered voters to even place a wet vote on the ballot. That sounds like a near-impossible task. However, we’ve seen a number of counties place it on the ballot and pass it. Randolph County, Van Buren County, Sevier County, Little River County and Polk County have all gone wet within the last five years.

Many rumors have been circulating with regards to the rules, regulations, and just how many bars and liquor stores will be allowed. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC) receives applications, processes those applications, and decides whether an applicant qualifies. The ABC’s powers and duties can be briefly described as being the regulation, supervision and control of the manufacture, distribution and sale of all alcoholic beverages and the issuance of permits, and the regulation thereof, in pursuit of those duties and powers.

Scott Hardin, spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), said the ABC is a division of the DFA. Regarding Polk County’s new status as a wet county, Hardin said, “It seems the primary argument made when any county is considering going wet is keeping rev-

“Following a county’s vote to go wet, citizens normally have quite a few questions. This includes supporters and those in opposition.”

Hardin said the law will take effect when the county clerk, Terri Harrison, provides ABC with the certified election results. Those results should be arriving at the ABC office sometime this week, as Harrison said she mailed the results Friday, Dec. 9. Once the results are at the ABC office, they consider the results to be effective and can initiate the application process.

Once the application process is open in early January 2023, alcohol sales will not be immediate with the exception of the private clubs and restaurants that already serve alcohol, which may continue to operate under their existing permits.

“It all depends when the application is received by ABC,” Hardin said. “It takes about 90 days from the point the application is received to the day a license is issued. For an off-premises beer and wine permit, I anticipate the first sale would take place in March at the earliest if an application is received just after the first of the year.”

But what about a business, such as a gas station or retails store that already sells alcohol in other counties? Is it a given that the retailers will be allowed to sell in Polk County?

“No, it is not automatic. Each individual business must submit a new application to ABC if they want to sell alcohol in Polk County. Having ex-

isting locations with permits in other counties does not change this.”

The availability to sell alcohol is also controlled. “Sales are not allowed on Sunday,” Hardin said. “However, that applies to purchases for off-premises consumption. For example, you could not purchase a six pack from a convenience store on a Sunday and liquor stores will be closed.

“However, alcohol may still be purchased on Sunday for on-site consumption at restaurants and bars. Whether it’s on-premises or an off-premises purchase, sales are allowed 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday to Friday, and it is 7 a.m. to midnight on Saturday.”

The Polk County Pulse will have more next week on the number of permits allowed for various types of businesses, how the drawing will take place, and the difference in retail, private club and microbreweries fall within the process.

Wrestling

12/16-12/17 - Acorn @ Fayetteville-Girls Tournament

Felix and Jair named to All-Conference

Hootens has chosen their players of the year. In 7-4A, Mena Bearcat football player Jayden Felix (No. 33) was named 1st Team All-Conference Running Back.

Basketball

12/16 - Cossatot @ Charleston

12/19 - Cossatot vs. Hackett

Basketball

12/16 - Mena vs. Clarksville 12/20 - Mena @ Morrilton

Bearcat Jair Hernandez (No. 4) was named 1st Team All-Conference Kicker.