First annual seed swap and sale

Submitted by Judy Petty

Polk County Master Gardeners, in cooperation with Polk County Cooperative Extension Services, are excited to announce the First Annual Seed Swap and Sale, Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Polk County Fairgrounds.

Doors will be open from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Admission to this event is free and open to all.

Special Guest Randy Forst, UofA con- sumer horticulturist and educator, will be speaking at 1 p.m. There will be additional speakers throughout the day discussing various facets of gardening.

Need just a few seeds for your garden? Looking to try something new? Swap, sell, donate or purchase seeds at this event.

Door prizes to be given away all day. Coffee is provided. Stop on by for a fun time and help us kick-off this annual event.

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Letter To The Editor:

On January 10, 2023, the city of Mena voted to double Mena Water’s base rates for both water and sewage. This increase affects the customers of Mena Water, Freedom Water, Acorn Water, as well as some Oklahoma residents who receive their water from Mena. According to Mena Water, the rate increase is required to implement essential upgrades and repairs to the water and sewage systems.

When we purchased our home in Polk County, we attended local government meetings every month. We felt that it was important to be active members of our community and stay informed. The major ongoing issues discussed at water department meetings have been water loss and the need to upgrade the entire system. This has not changed in the years we have lived here.

The City has failed it’s customers in this situation. Previous City administrations have made circumstances worse by not taking appropriate actions earlier, such as raising the rates incrementally, setting money aside, and doing the proper upgrades as needed. The City has known about this issue for many years, but the stopgap measures applied have failed to achieve the desired results, and now, as Mayor Smith said, we have a problem that needs to be dealt with immediately.

Want to share your opinion?

public of upcoming government meetings, including changes to dates, times, and locations, in print, on air, and on social media and web pages to hopefully increase public awareness and participation.

As I close, I would like to thank Mayor Smith and Mr. Looney for having the courage to take the necessary step to finally address this issue. I know they were reluctant to take this measure, and it’s going to be hard for everyone, especially those on fixed incomes. Hopefully this will resolve the problem for decades to come and provide Mena and surrounding communities with clean water and proper sewage.

Mary Meier, Mena

One day after SB 43 got in, Arkansas is losing an intelligent, personable, married, and successful businessman. He knew this series of attacks against the LGBTQIA+ community would start once people voted in this governor. He is selling his property and leaving the state. He doesn’t plan to own property here again. Will large businesses follow his lead?

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HOWEVER, Mena Water customers and other end-users are also responsible for this situation. Local government meetings (water, council, quorum court, advertising, etc.) are rarely attended by residents. How can you expect your government to know what’s important to you, if you do not show up to meetings to listen, question, and contribute to the discussion? Residents cannot simply blame the City or County when they are not proactively engaging their government. When the public is not engaged, they create circumstances where the penalties can be harsh.

To encourage public involvement, I request the City Council reserve an appropriate venue for meetings that are likely to draw public interest and large crowds; City Hall was too small for this meeting, and it was frustrating for many people that there was nowhere to sit, they could not hear most of the meeting, and they felt inhibited in their ability to participate. I would also ask that the City and County keep social media pages up to date on upcoming regular meetings, including committee meetings, rescheduled meetings, and special meetings. And as a public service, it would be appreciated if the local news outlets inform the

I have had contact with some who have the attitude if you don’t like it leave. Senator Terry Rice made a point to tell me this is still a free country where people can move to other parts of the country when I didn’t agree with his view of drag. I certainly do not believe drag performers are expressing adult behaviors when they are reading stories to children in a library. The kids love it, are improving their reading skills while learning to accept “others”. Besides parents are bringing their children to these events. It should be up to them what their children experience. Not the government.

Perhaps my friend and his husband should stay and those promoting this new Christianity based on hatred and uncompromising unacceptance of anything different than them should leave. Their fear overrides anything sane.

If this state wishes to claim to be a Christian state, why can’t it go back to the true principles of Jesus? He asked questions, invested his time with those who bore fruit, confronted superficial religion, confronted political power, was motivated by compassion, and was willing to die for His purpose. Add to that his teachings of love, acceptance, loving your neighbor as

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 yourself, forgiving others (particularly those who have wronged you), and most of all loving your enemies. Though how the LBGTQIA+ community can be taken as enemies is beyond me. Wake up people and walk the talk!

Cynthia Thanos-Wade

P.S. In response to Ronnie Goss’s Letter to the Editor of January 11th, 2023; I don’t see how an uncompassionate stance allowing people to starve and die at the border will magically right the wrong we are doing to our Veterans and people in need. Our selfish behavior is what needs changing.

House members will enter the third week of the 2023 Regular Session on Monday.

In the second week, several bills passed the House and are now making their way to the Senate.

On Wednesday, the House passed HB1018. This bill will allow members of municipal fire department bomb squads to carry weapons while responding to bomb threats.

The House also passed HB1086. This bill amends the law concerning parking privileges for a person with a disabled veteran special license plate. It states vehicles with a disabled veteran special license plate can have access to disabled parking spaces if the vehicle also displays a special certificate issued by the Office of Motor Vehicle.

On Thursday, the House passed HB1023. This bill states that all US flags and Arkansas flags pur- chased by a public entity with public funds shall be made and manufactured in the United States.

The House passed HB1024. This bill removes the requirement to collect a tax on prepared food and hotel purchases for cities seeking to create an entertainment district.

The House also passed HB1028. This bill replaces the term “child pornography” with the term “child sexual abuse material” in Arkansas code. This is the term used by several states and by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Close to 170 bills have been filed in the House so far. More than 70 bills have been filed in the Senate.

We will continue to update you on developments throughout the session.

You can watch all committee meetings and House floor proceedings at arkansashouse.org

John Boozman

There are many stages in the process of convicting criminals and sentencing them to prison. Senate Bill 2, the “Truth in Sentencing and Parole Reform Act of 2023,” will change many of them.

Currently SB 2 is a shell bill, which means it consists only of the title. That’s because the co-sponsors are still gathering ideas from people in the many areas of law enforcement that will be affected.

Stakeholders include county sheriffs and police departments, prosecutors, judges, wardens, prison security officers, parole and probation officers, transition programs, victims’ rights advocates, defense attorneys, drug courts, specialty courts, drug treatment programs and alcohol abuse programs.

The reforms will cost money, so SB 2 will have a ripple effect on the other spending categories in state government.

Last year many elected officials listed stronger law enforcement as one of their campaign issues.

In an interview, the Senate sponsor said that a major focus of the bill would be to protect people from repeat violent offenders who are released from prison on parole, sometimes after serving as little as a sixth of their sentence.

Under SB 2 inmates would have to earn their parole eligibility through good behavior; it would not be guaranteed merely by serving a portion of their sentence. The bill would create incentives for inmates to complete rehabilitation programs.

One challenge the sponsors must address is that about 1,700 inmates are being held in county jails in an average month while they wait for available space to open in a state prison unit.

County jails don’t have the funds or resources for the programs that state prisons can offer, such as treatment for drug abuse and job training. Thus, while inmates are serving time in in a county jail they are not preparing for a productive life after their release.

The measure will lengthen sentences and tighten parole provisions because violent offenders are getting out too soon, the sponsor said. Some inmates don’t participate in job training and drug rehab programs. A strong incentive to participate would be to make it a requirement in order to become eligible for parole.

The legislature will consider proposals to add prison space. The question is how many more beds to build, and how many of the new beds will be for violent and dangerous offenders.

At the end of 2022 the Department of Correction had more than 17,000 inmates in its jurisdiction. That is an increase of about 3,000 more inmates since 10 years ago, and an increase of about 5,000 inmates since 20 years ago.

In fiscal year 2010 the legislature appropriated $338 million from the state’s general revenue fund to the Correction Department for operating state prisons. Last fiscal year the appropriation was $494 million.

The Senate co-sponsor of SB 2 said that garnering a consensus in support of the bill would depend on its total cost. It probably will be a couple of weeks before the details are finalized. When that happens, the bill will be amended. It will no longer be a shell bill with just a title, but will be “a fairly large piece of legislation.”

Hosanna Katherine Barnes

Hosanna Katherine Barnes was born April 5th, 1999, in Mena, AR, to her parents, Jason and Katherine Barnes. She went home to be with the Lord on November 29th, 2022, in Conway, Arkansas surrounded by her family.

Hosanna was a member of the Canaanland Church in Mena, Arkansas and attended school in Mena, before graduating from the Pulaski Public School system. She resided at the Conway Human Development Center for the past two years in Conway, Arkansas.

Hosanna was a constant ray of sunshine to her family. Although she faced many health issues throughout her life, she never stopped bringing joy to all who had the privilege of being around her. Hosanna was a definite “Daddy’s girl” and enjoyed worship music and being around her family and nursing staff. Her nurses, Julie Moe of Mena, Arkansas and Cindy Jordan of Smithville, Oklahoma, supported her family in the care of Hosanna before she moved to Little Rock, and then on to CHDC in Conway to receive better therapies.

The testimony of God’s miracle working power in her life was heard around the world through various radio broadcasts, television interviews with her parents and social media websites. The lessons learned from applying faith for her to overcome the various health challenges she faced, birthed two churches and

Faith Bootcamp Ministries.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Reverend Perry and Sue Hart of Mena, Arkansas and her grandpa, Larry Golding of Modesto, California; and one aunt, Lydia Charlie of Minto, Alaska.

Hosanna is survived by her parents, Jason and Misty Barnes of Pryor, Oklahoma, and Katherine Hart of Conway, Arkansas; her brothers, Elijah, Israel, and Jedidiah Barnes of Conway, Arkansas, and her brother and sister-in-law, Zion and Emma Barnes of Stillwater, Oklahoma; her sister, Genesis Barnes of Conway, Arkansas; her grandmother, Clara Golding of Mena, Arkansas, and her grandfather, James Michael Barnes of Keyes, California; She is also survived by her loving nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins located around the world.

A celebration of life for Hosanna will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 3:00 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers you can give to the ‘Hosanna Fund’ a benevolent fund set up in her honor at www. freedomchurchpryor.com or $freedomchurchpryor in cash app.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Online Guestbook: bowserffh. com

Patsy Ann

Hill

Powell

Mrs. Patsy Ann Hill Powell, age 74, of Mena, Arkansas passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023, at her home. She was born on Monday, December 20, 1948, to Herman Hill and Julia Ann Knox Hill in Blackfork, Arkansas.

She is preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Wanda Joyce Reichert and Kay Harvey; and two brothers, Larry Hill and Billy Hill.

Patsy Ann was a good and faithful Christian woman. She was a very hard worker which extended into every aspect of her life. Patsy loved to cook, sing, garden, birdwatch, read her Bible, and spend time with her family. She devoted her life to raising her children and played a huge role in raising her grandchildren. Patsy was a kind soul, who had many friends. She had a big family, but loved each and every one all the same. She was the family historian, spending countless hours researching the family lineage and documenting it for future generations. She absolutely loved Bluegrass & Gospel music, and sang in a small group with some of her beloved family members. Patsy Ann was one-of-a-kind and will be greatly missed by her friends and family.

“But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are out- side, and that you may lack nothing.” I Thessalonians 4:11

Patsy is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Don Powell of Mena; one son and daughter-in-law Danny and Renae Powell of Mena; one daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie Powell and Jason Bahr of Mena; three brothers, Gene Hill of Bates, Darryl and Tina Hill of Page, and Jeff Hill of Clarksville; three sisters, Stella Benjamin of Mena, Sue Carter of Mena, and Brenda and Danny Reel of Bates; five grandchildren, Dustin & wife Shawna Powell, Sabrina & husband Dean Heath, Raegan Weiss, Payton Medlin, and Maddox Medlin; six great-grandchildren Laliegh Powell, Albany Powell, Cooper Crees, Adeline Powell, and Everlee Heath; several very special nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives, friends, and singing buddies who she loved very much.

Services for Mrs. Powell will be Friday, January 27, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., at the Church of God, in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Bobby Rosson and Brother Keith Rose will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Gann Cemetery in Potter, Arkansas. There will be a visitation held Thursday, January 26, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Pallbearers are James Powell, Tony Powell, Doug Powell, Duane Powell, Dennis Powell, and Darrell Powell

Honorary Pallbearers are Shelby Sullivan, Joseph Powell

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Randy Lynn McDaniel

Randy Lynn McDaniel, age 60, of Hatfield, Arkansas, passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

He was born on November 1, 1962, in Mena, Arkansas, the son of the late Roy Lee McDaniel and Barbara Elaine (Stephens) McDaniel. He served his country in the U.S. Navy on board the USS Missouri. He was an excellent HVAC Tech and later managed a plumbing supply store in Mena for 20 years.

He is survived by his three sons and daughters-in-law, Joshua and Angela McDaniel of Russellville, Arkansas, Justin and Elena McDaniel of Big Cedar, Oklahoma, Jordon and Chelsea McDaniel of Conway, Arkansas. Stepson Johnathan Martin of Mena, The mothers of his children Tina Hennigan and Donna McDaniel. His mother and step-father, Elaine and Ralph Riggs of Owasso, Oklahoma, his stepmother Mary McDaniel of Hatfield, Arkansas, twelve grandchildren, one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his twin brother, Ricky McDaniel of New Boston, Texas, his sisters Linda Kay Tulk and husband Donnie Tulk and Brenda Holler and husband Rob Holler, His Aunt Rita Clayburn and several nieces, nephews and extended family members and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the First Baptist Church in Hatfield at 11:00 a.m. with Brother Bob Bradley officiating. Interment will follow in the

Six Mile Cemetery of Hatfield.

Pallbearers will be Joshua McDaniel, Justin McDaniel, Johnathan Martin, Chase McDaniel, Ricky McDaniel and Matthew Grabau.

Honorary pallbearers, Rob Holler and Donnie Tulk.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com ary at Beasley-Wood Funeral Home in Mena. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with services to follow at 11 a.m. A private ash ceremony for the family and close friends will follow at a future date.

The family would request in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Molly Gann Cemetery, in care of Union Bank of Mena, Arkansas, 71953.

Joe Lee Murphy, age 75, died 19 January 2023, at his home in Hatfield, Arkansas. He was born 13 June 1947, in Hatfield to Chester and Hazel (Kinnerson) Murphy.

Raised at Camp Pioneer, he took the reins from his father as Camp Ranger, serving at that post for 25 years. Joe enjoyed fishing and all activities outdoors, including hiking Rich Mountain barefoot. He was known as someone who could fix anything with nothing and saved everything just in case you might need it in the future. Joe was the neighbor everyone would call and was always willing to help anyone in need.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, and his brother, Lynn Murphy.

Joe is survived by his son, Matthew L. Murphy (Albert Romkes) of Rapid City, South Dakota; one sister, Linda Sanders (Bob) of Dayton, Texas; Peggy Murphy of Mena; two close personal friends, Brandon and Ericka Eaton of Mena; and a host of family and friends.

Visitation and Services will commence at 10 a.m. Tuesday, 24 Janu-

Mr. Lee Roy Stokes, age 78, of Mena, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 22, 2023.

Mr. Stokes was born December 9, 1944, in Hatfield, Arkansas, to the late J.C. Stokes and Emma Louise Bledsoe Stokes.

Mr. Stokes was preceded in death by his parents, J.C. Stokes and Emma Louise Bledsoe Stokes, mother of his children, Edna Faye Anderson Stokes; daughter, Nuestra Starr Stokes Ginn; granddaughter, Janie Faye Ginn; half-brother, Bill Stokes; brothers, Donald Ray Stokes and Tommy Joe Stokes.

Mr. Stokes is survived by his daughter, Tamara Leah Stokes Lee and husband Tommy of Mena, Arkansas; granddaughter, Shelly Paige Ginn; grandson, Adam Ty Chevy Lee; granddaughter, Avery Rain Timrie Lee; brother, Roger Dale Stokes of Hatfield, Arkansas; sisters, Barbara Sue Stokes Gage of Mena, Arkansas, Charlotte Ann Stokes Thacker and husband Jeff of Mena, Arkansas; numerous nieces and nephews too numerous to mention.

Mr. Stokes loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He was an avid fisherman and spent many hours at Lake Wilhelmina doing just that. Our family would like to thank the Hospice Staff for their great care of our father and brother. A special thank you to Brother Mark Lyle and Brother Jerry Musgrove for leading him to the Lord. Mr. Stokes will be sent for cremation under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. There are no services planned at this time.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

By Richie Lawry

I rode the elevator down to the motel lobby and walked into the breakfast area. The few options on the breakfast bar were mainly mediocre-tasting carbs. I tried to make a meal even though the selections were minimal. I was heading to the airport and wanted to avoid the overpriced food there. As I was eating, I looked at the television on the wall. The morning news was playing with the sound muted. The headline on the bottom of the screen read, “FAA Grounds All Flights From Taking Off.”

I almost choked on my cereal as I read the headline. We were supposed to be at DFW for our flight to Portland in an hour. “What is going on?” I thought. I took out my phone to see what I could find out and soon learned that there was an outage of an FAA computer system that sends safety notices to pilots. The outage triggered the FAA to halt all US departing flights. As I read further, I found that the FAA planned to resume flights in about an hour. I checked with American Airlines, and it showed that our flight was still on schedule. Maybe this would still work out okay, but I felt anxious as we headed to the airport.

After going through the TSA checkpoint with only a minor delay, the TSA agent couldn’t tell what our selfie stick was on his x-ray screen; we made our way to our gate. We learned that the airline had delayed our flight for one hour. “That’s not too bad,” I thought, “I feared it might be longer.” We contacted our family in Portland that was going to pick us up at the airport to let them know of the delay.

When it was five minutes from the new boarding time, and passengers were beginning to line up to board the plane, the information screen at the gate flashed a new departure time. Everyone sat back down to wait for the new time.

Twice more, the airline pushed the departure time forward at the last minute. Each time we contacted our family in Portland with the updated information. Finally, after a couple of hours, the boarding time came,