Polk County Pulse January 4, 2023

School’s back in session

UARM - Jan. 4

Acorn - Jan. 9

Mena - Jan. 9

Cossatot - Jan. 10

Elected officials sworn in for 2023

By Ethan Nahté

The new year has begun and with it, the official swearing in ceremonies for those who were elected in the 2022 elections. Some of the 22 people being sworn in are re-elected officials while others are newly elected, including two positions that were to be vacant due to the retirement of two employees. (See related RETIREMENT story on pages 11-13.)

Elected city and county officials throughout Polk County, Arkansas, were sworn in New Year’s Day (right photo) and the morning of Jan. 3 (above photo).

More officials were scheduled to be sworn in at Tuesday evening’s Polk County Quorum Court meeting.

(Photos by Ethan Nahté)

Lum & Abner announced

Visit Mena shared on Facebook that the 2023 Lum & Abner Music & Arts Festival will be June 2-3. Vendor applications for arts & crafts, food, business and events are all available at https://visitmena.com/ events/the-lum-abner-festival/. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Radio - Print - Web

1168 Hwy 71S

Mena, AR 71953

Phone: 479-243-9600 Fax: 479-243-9603

Email: news@mypulsenews.com

KENA 104.1 - KQOR 105.3 MyPulseNews.com

Our Team:

Letter To The Editor:

I watched the evening news this past week and in closing was a montage of “Those we lost in 2022.” There were many names of those the mainstream media thought worthy of mention (politicians, celebrities, athletes, singers, composers, various artists) who passed in the year 2022, and sadly a few more have since passed. This letter is not meant in any way to diminish the passing of anyone they honored, but rather to say to the media that they only scratched the surface when they paid tribute to those passing in 2022.

Omission of those who, at least to me, were as important were the nameless law enforcement officers, firefighters, front-line healthcare workers, rescue squad workers, those who grow our food and stock the store shelves, and men and women of our military who died in service of their country protecting others with their unselfish sacrifices. Those who stood with pride and dedication rather than taking a knee and showing disrespect.

reach a few and not the whole country, but still I honor and respect the many who have given their all. God bless you and know we have not forgotten you and are thankful for your service and sacrifice. Your passing matters and I do not take it for granted.

As always, I thank you for a forum to speak my thoughts, though we may at times disagree.

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

Editor’s Response

We feel that all those Mr. Goss mentioned are worthy of remembrance.

Unfortunately, as 2022 concluded, so did the life of another of our co-workers, Dan Deramus.

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They were not even worthy of mention and I took exception to that lack of acknowledgment by a media that once again only feels a select few are worthy of tribute. I am not saying name each one but take a moment to honor the many that have given so much for our republic by addressing their service as if it matters. It does to me. Those we should remember in passing were not only the celebrities but all those we lost.

For the lack of tribute and honor the media has shown and continues to show, I ask you to say a prayer for all those we should be grateful to for their ultimate sacrifices. Their passing is as important as any mentioned so solemnly by the media tribute. If you honor a few, then honor all who have impact on our country. Take a moment to respect and honor those lost souls yourself.

It is sad that we are bombarded daily by liberal bias. I know this will only

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.

Ashley Moore - General Manager

Ethan Nahté - Production Manager/Editor

Patrick Massey - Contributing Reporter

John Russell - Graphic Design

Curt Teasdale - Programmer / On-Air Personality

Trey Youngdahl - Reporter / Photographer / Morning Personality

Jodi Croft - Account Executive

Ariel Varner - Receptionist/On-Air Personality

Distribution & Insertion Staff: Dan & Linda Deramus, Jason Sharp, Edward Werkhoven

From the

State House of Representatives

As we approach a new year, with new goals for the next legislative session, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the progress made in 2022.

In 2022, the Arkansas General Assembly passed a historic tax cut, increased pay for law enforcement officers, and directed millions in surplus funds to improve safety in Arkansas schools.

In an Extraordinary Session held in August of this year, the General Assembly passed Act 1 and Act 2. Those acts are identical pieces of legislation that reduced the income tax to 4.9% and made that rate retroactive to January 1, 2022. The legislation also lowers corporate income taxes from 5.9% to 5.3% on January 1, 2023. In addition, it aligns Arkansas law with the federal depreciation schedule which will provide relief for business owners by accelerating the depreciation of their assets and allowing for an easier calculation of their tax bill.

Act 1 and Act 2 also grant a nonrefundable income tax credit of $150 to taxpayers with income up to $87,000 and $300 to couples filing jointly with income up to $174,000.

In this special session, the General Assembly also passed Act 3. This act set aside $50 million from the revenue surplus for the purpose of funding a school safety grant program.

In March of 2022, the 93rd General Assembly convened for the 2022 Fiscal

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

Session. During this session, the General Assembly passed a $6.02 billion budget. The budget outlined a $70 million increase for elementary and secondary education.

The budget also included increases for the DHS Division of Children and Family Services, county jail reimbursements, and state police.

The General Assembly also directed one-time surplus funds to be used for prison expansion and one-time stipends for law enforcement officers.

The majority of House members will return for the 94th General Assembly. There will be 26 new members. The 94th General Assembly will include 82 Republicans and 18 Democrats. There will be 26 women and 74 men.

The 94th General Assembly will convene at noon on January 9. On the first day of the session, all members will be sworn into office. House members will then formally elect the Speaker of the House. The Speaker will then make remarks and announce the chairs for House committees.

On the second day of the session, the House and Senate will convene for a Joint Session. On this day, all constitutional officers will be sworn into office and the newly elected Governor will make her first address as Governor.

The House streams all committee meetings and House floor proceedings at www. arkansashouse.org.

When the 2023 regular session convenes on January 9, there will be 13 new members in the Arkansas Senate.

The legislature is a citizen legislature, and the senators’ occupations reflect the Arkansas economy. The Senate has cattle ranchers, chicken growers and row crop farmers. It has bankers, accountants, attorneys, educators and people who own their own businesses. One senator is a pastor and chaplain for people in hospice care.

There are senators who work in the timber industry, health care, long-term care, employment services, graphic design, real estate development and construction.

Their experience is varied and extensive, including service on city councils, county quorum courts, school boards, development districts and state government.

Each senator represents about 86,000 people.

The political breakdown is 29 Republicans and six Democrats. Five senators are women and four senators are African-American.

From the State Senate Contact

John Boozman

1120 Garrison Ave.

Suite 2B

Fort Smith, AR 72901

Phone: (479) 573-0189

Fax: (479) 575-0553

Bruce Westerman

101 Reserve St. Suite 200

Hot Springs, AR 71901

Phone: (501) 609-9796

Fax: (501) 609-9887

The 13 new senators will be the largest freshmen class in the 35-member Senate since 2011, when 14 senators began their first regular session. One of those 14 newcomers had limited experience because he had been elected in a special election and served in the Senate during the 2010 fiscal session. The 2011 session was his first regular session.

Fiscal sessions are not nearly as hectic as regular sessions. In a typical fiscal session fewer than 300 budget bills are considered and work is completed within several weeks.

In a typical regular session, the legislature works for several months and considers about 2,000 bills affecting state government, law enforcement, education, health care, insurance, transportation and economic development.

During the regular session, senators

will meet in committees to review in detail proposed bills. The nine standing committees are State Agencies and Governmental Affairs; Judiciary; Insurance and Commerce; Education; Revenue and Taxation; City, County and Local Affairs; Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development; Transportation, Technology and Legislative Affairs and Public Health, Welfare and Labor.

The Joint Budget Committee has members from the Senate and House. It will review in detail all state agency spending requests and meets more often than any other committee during regular sessions.

Also during the 2023 regular session the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs will review numerous bills affecting public pension systems.

The Senate experienced historic turnover in 2001, when 17 senators were newcomers, and in 2003, when there were 16 newcomers. Those years reflected the impact of the first version of a term limits amendment to the state Constitution, which was first approved by Arkansas voters in 1992.

The amendment took effect for about half of the senators in 2001, when they would have come up for re-election except they were prohibited due to term limits. The amendment took effect for the remaining senators in 2003, when it prohibited them from seeking re-election.

The 100 members of the House of Representative serve two-year terms and all 100 seats are contested every election year.

Senators serve four-year terms, and half of the 35 seats are contested in every election year. That means if 17 seats are contested during one election, then 18 seats are contested at the following election. Another difference between the Senate and the House is that gubernatorial appointments are confirmed by the Senate.

John Maddox Larry Teague

Making a difference for veterans

As a son of a Master Sergeant in the Air Force who served for 23 years, I understand the unique challenges veterans and their families experience and how Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, programs and care are critical for men and women called to serve in our nation’s uniform. This is what drove me to serve on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and work with Arkansas veterans and Veterans Service Organizations in our state and nationwide to improve services and benefits veterans earned. Through our collaborative efforts, we’ve made positive reforms and updates to VA care and benefits.

investigations by expanding its authority to subpoena former VA employees no longer in federal service and other individuals who may be relevant to its reviews. This will enable us to enhance transparency.

Sen. John Boozman

We expanded health care to all eras of toxic-exposed veterans with passage of the “Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act” of 2022 and supported VA funding to ensure we can meet those needs.

Trio-state partners encouraged to submit full application for Regional

Clean Hydrogen Hubs Program

I want to share some of the improvements we’ve made in 2022 that will help veterans well into the future.

Today’s veteran population looks a lot different than it did a few decades ago. With more women serving in uniform it’s necessary the VA has the resources to serve their unique needs. We’re building on the foundation from last Congress to improve support and medical resources for women veterans. Just months ago, the president signed into law two measures I championed to save lives through implementing better cancer prevention, detection and treatment tools at the VA.

The “Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas Supporting Expanded Review for Veterans in Combat Environments (SERVICE) Act” and the “Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options (MAMMO) for Veterans Act” will modernize the VA’s breast cancer screening policies and offer earlier access to mammograms and, for those diagnosed with breast cancer, improved breast imaging services to ensure they get the world-class imaging and care they earned.

We strengthened oversight at the VA so the Office of Inspector General (OIG) can conduct more thorough

Congress closed out the year with some other achievements in support of veterans including expediting disbursement of veterans’ life insurance benefits to surviving family members or beneficiaries. Veterans need to know their loved ones will be taken care of when they’re gone. The “Faster Payments to Veterans’ Survivors Act” will improve the VA’s process for administering these funds.

Finally, we made improvements to how the VA cares for survivors of military sexual trauma so they have the trained support they need when documenting their experience. We also made it easier for veterans living with service-related medical conditions to get their clothing allowance benefit.

The “VA Clothing Allowance Improvement Act” eliminates bureaucratic paperwork and simplifies continued participation in this program.

I look forward to continuing my commitment to our nation’s veterans and their families. In 2023 I’ll be working to strengthen suicide prevention programs and bolster recruitment and retention of the VA’s workforce. As long as men and women wear our nation’s uniform in defense of our ideals and freedom, we have a responsibility to take care of them. As always, we will continue our promise to supporting them like they like support us.

LITTLE ROCK (Dec. 27, 2022) – Today, Govs. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, John Bel Edwards of Louisiana and J. Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma announced that the United States Department of Energy (DOE) has encouraged the HALO Hydrogen Hub to submit a Full Application for the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Program, allocated through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The three governors announced the creation of the HALO Hub, a bipartisan, three-state partnership between Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma, in March of 2022 to compete for funding outlined in IIJA.

The program will appropriate up to $7 billion to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop six to 10 regional clean hydrogen hubs demonstrating the production, processing, delivery, storage, and end-use of clean hydrogen. DOE’s ultimate goal is to create a network of clean hydrogen producers, potential consumers and connective infrastructure located in close proximity that ultimately intersects and remains sustainable after DOE’s grant expires.

The DOE application process includes two phases – the first of which was an initial broad concept pitch, due to DOE in early November. Following an independent assessment of the various broad proposals, DOE encouraged the HALO Hub to enter the second phase by submitting a Full Application to receive up to $1.25 billion in federal funding.

“We are excited to partner with our neighbors in Louisiana and Oklahoma to put forward a winning application. Arkansas has a growing and diverse energy portfolio and natural resources that are vital to any successful regional hub. We are proud of our partners and companies in Arkansas that are leading the way to develop demand for low-carbon hydrogen and showing that hydrogen can be commercially viable,”

explained Governor Hutchinson.

“Expansion of hydrogen production and use is tailor-made for the HALO states because there has already been investment and work in the component parts of potential hydrogen hubs, but we can now have a focal point that unifies the efforts of the three states,” Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “HALO states already have a healthy infrastructure in place that is actively delivering the raw materials to our industrial base, which is in turn making use of that hydrogen feedstock – next steps will be making sure all that hydrogen becomes low-carbon and making it more available and accepted as a major energy source.”

“Oklahoma is honored to be included in the DOE invitation to submit a bid for the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Program. We share with Arkansas and Louisiana the same goal for production, use, and economic impact that can result from creating a hydrogen economy. The opportunities and abundant resources in Oklahoma complement our partners, and I am confident that our three-state coalition can land this hub and become the nation’s heartland for hydrogen. Oklahoma believes in a “More of Everything” energy approach and by leaning into the hydrogen future with our partners, we can further diversify our nation’s energy portfolio and start meeting American demand with American energy,” said Oklahoma Governor J. Kevin Stitt.

The HALO Hub is currently preparing a Full Application that demonstrates the three-state coalition’s assets across all parts of the value chain, from feedstock to production, transportation and delivery, storage, and end-use. The submission deadline for Full Applications is April 7, 2023. DOE is expected to announce funding recipients in the fall of 2023.

For more information on the HALO Hydrogen Hub, visit www.h2alo.org.

B. Delbert Armstrong

B. Delbert Armstrong, passed on 28, December 2022, Del and his wife, Barbara lived in Mena the last forty-two years and lived their lives well.

Born in the throes of the Depression, in Lebanon, Missouri. In 1934 he learned the value of a dollar, the necessity of hard work and the principles that make a strong family. As was common in the times, Del quit school after eighth grade so that he could work to help support the family.

In 1952 Del enlisted in the air force. In 1955 while stationed in Yuma, Arizona, he met Barbara. While he didn’t know it at the time, the two of them would live a life that would produce three children and take them around the world.

Their travels took them from bullfights in Portugal to sumo wrestling in Japan. Del was assigned to strategic air command and in 1967 served a tour in Vietnam. From there Del and Barbara were inseparable and lived their lives taking care of their family and enjoyed their time together.

Among the many qualities Del displayed his unyielding work ethic is what many comment on. Once he took on a task there would be no denying the end result. He had a bullish determinism and if you didn’t know him, you’d think him stubborn. What it was in actuality though was pride in a job well done. The ability to set a goal and accom-

plish it, regardless of the obstacles, may have been the best lesion he taught his children.

In his free time, he loved to spend time outside. He loved to garden and had a green thumb, many would envy. Many of his summer days were filled with gardening and canning with Barbara by his side. They loved shopping for antiques and enjoyed driving around the country together. Del and Barbara loved country music and thoroughly loved trips to Branson, Missouri.

Later in life Del knocked on the door of salvation and gave his life to the Lord. He will be surely missed by those who loved him and those who knew him.

Del is predeceased by his parents, Del and Alice; two brothers, Ed and Ben; and his wife Barbara. He leaves behind three children, Susan, Roger, and David: eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren as well as three great-great-grandchildren.

Services for Mr. Armstrong will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 31, 2022, at Pinecrest Memorial Park, in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Donnie Jewell will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Helen Louise JamesRobinson

Helen

Louise JamesRobinson, age 89, passed away Monday, December 26, 2022, in Wickes, Arkansas. She was born September 17, 1933, in Bristow, Oklahoma, to the late Milo Clark Smith and Katherine Wuanita Mayberry Smith.

Mrs. James-Robinson was an accounting clerk by profession and retired from the Tyson Food Company. She was married to Mr. “J.D.” James, January 3, 1949, until his passing on November 27, 1991. She later remarried to L.A. Robinson Jr. on February 12, 1994, until his passing on January 4, 2016. She was a devoted member of the Wickes Church of the Nazarene. She enjoyed crocheting, flower gardening, working puzzles, and word search books, and playing Free Cell on her computer. But above all else she loved time spent with her family.

Mrs. Helen is preceded in death by her parents, Milo Clark Smith and Katherine Wuanita Mayberry Smith, her first husband, Mr. J.D. James; her second husband, L.A. Robinson Jr.; sisters, Carolyn, Virginia, Mary, and Lillie Mae; grandchildren, Dana Denise Coffee and Phillip Stephen Coffee.

She is survived by her children; Linda Jewell James Reynolds of Little Rock, Arkansas, Bobby Ray James and wife Gerry of Grannis, Arkansas, Margaret Ann James Coffee and husband John of

Texarkana, Arkansas, Michael David James and wife Nelda of Wickes, Arkansas, Thomas Danivay James and wife SheriLe of Wickes, Arkansas; 18 grandchildren, Jerry Wayne, Darrell, Jeffery, Jason, Gary Don, Dustin, Bo Ryan, Lisa Brenda, Glenda, Karen, Brittany, Sandra, Stephen, Susie, Thomas, Walter, and Jimmy ; 32 great-grandchildren, 20 great-great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Joann Smith Johnson of Locksburg, Arkansas, Joyce June Smith La Rose of Bakersfield, California; several nieces and nephews, and other family and friends too numerous to mention.

Services for Mrs. Helen Louise James-Robinson will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 30, 2022, at the Wickes Church of the Nazarene. Brother Leon McClesky and Brother Jon Newlin will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Daniels Cemetery in Wickes, Arkansas. Visitation is general.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes, Arkansas.

Pallbearers are Gary Don James, Jeffery James, Jason Coffee, Dustin James, Bo James, and Darrell Thomas.

Honorary Pallbearers are Jerry Wayne James, and Anthony Sanders.

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

~Thomas Campbell, poet

Dan Deramus, age 73, of Acorn, Arkansas, passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at his home. He was born on Sunday, August 28, 1949, to Millard and Dollie Deramus in Mena, Arkansas.

Dan Deramus son and daughter-in-law, Danny and Tammy Deramus of Mena; two brothers and sister-in-law, Doyle Deramus of Mena, and Randy and Janet Deramus of Highland; two sisters, Mae Dean Hoover of Alma, Mary Ellen New of Texarkana; seven grandchildren, Kendra and Aaron Marshall, Jeremy and Annie Deramus, Jordan Deramus, Kailyn Deramus, Kenzi Spurgin, Dylan Deramus, Taylor Deramus; seven great-grandchildren, Rayden Marshall, Parker Marshall, Ridgelynn Marshall, Lane McDaniel, Lena McDaniel, Luke Deramus, Delia Anderson; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Dan was a good man who always gave others a helping hand. He attended the Yocana Baptist Church with his wife, Linda. Dan was a truck driver for decades and worked for many companies over the years under the CB handle, “Double D”. He was always working, whether driving a bus for Acorn Schools for about five years, delivering the Polk County Pulse newspaper, reading meters for REA, or working on his rental properties.

He loved a good joke and was always smiling and happy to see you. Dan was very generous and often helped anyone he knew that was in need. He was a hardworking man, and always kept busy. Dan loved the family he and Linda built together. He always enjoyed giving everyone a hard time, but absolutely loved all the moments he spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Dan was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Shane Deramus; one brother, Marian Bow Deramus; and two sisters, Betty Philpot and Janice Henry.

Dan is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Linda Deramus of Acorn; one daughter and son-in-law, Chamarie and Kevin Spurgin of Mena; one

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas, with Pastor Frank Gibson officiating. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Layman Joseph Hughes

Mr. Layman Joseph “Joey” Hughes, age 47, passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2022, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born March 23, 1975, in De Queen, Arkansas, to Layman H. Hughes and Annie Mae (Anderson) Hughes.

Mr. Hughes found joy in his chosen profession as a floor covering installer. He was a very hard worker. Joey spent the last five years working hard to make a great life for his four young daughters. The tragedy that ended his life has stolen the final opportunity he

had to make things right for his girls. He enjoyed playing pool in his spare time. He loved his two dogs, Chico and Muppy. He was a good friend to all. He was looking forward to his role as grandpa.

Mr. Hughes is preceded in death by his daughters, Makenzie Hughes and Teressa Hughes, as well as by his mother, Annie Mae (Anderson) Hughes.

He is survived by his sons, Joseph Chaney and wife Whitney, Daniel Chaney; daughters, Kymberlie Chaney, Elizabeth Richardson, Katie Jo Hughes, Megan Hughes, Lillian Hughes, Harper Hughes; father, Layman H. Hughes; and by his brother, Gary Hughes.

Graveside services will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 31, 2022, at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas, under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Robert Lee “Bob” Tillman Jr.

Robert Lee “Bob” Tillman, Jr. age 91, of Mena, Arkansas, passed from this life, Monday December 19, 2022. He was born November 13, 1931, in Houston, Texas, to Robert Lee and Flora Marquardt Tillman. He moved to Mena, Arkansas, from Houston with his family in 1944. He was a 1949 graduate of Mena High School. After graduation, he joined the US Navy where he served 4 years including some of the Korean War. After leaving the Navy and returning to Mena, he met, and married Imodene “Dene” Simpson October 9, 1953.

He logged the woods of Colorado for a short period with his Fatherin-law, Logan Simpson. Bob attended Radio Operating School in Little

Rock, Arkansas, before moving his family to Phoenix, Arizona, where he was employed by American Airlines as a Radio Operator. American Airlines transferred him to El Paso, Texas, where he resided for a couple of years. Bob and his family returned to Mena in 1963. He worked as a Temp with the US Forest Service before beginning his career with the US Postal Service. He retired from the USPS in 1991. His hobbies throughout his life were reading, hunting, fishing, woodworking, and golfing. Bob was a member of the Mena United Methodist Church and sanctuary choir for over 50 years. He was President of the Ouachita Men’s Golf Association for 15 years.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Dene Tillman, daughters, Lynn Oglesby and husband Mike, of Mena, Arkansas, Sandra Cohrs and husband Greg of Sour Lake, Texas, son, Jeff Tillman and wife, Lisa of Tumbling Shoals, Arkansas; grandchildren, Chad Oglesby, Josh Oglesby, Adam Cohrs, Amy Cohrs Goolsby, Rob Tillman, and Taylor Tillman Heflin; step-granddaughters, Tara Smith, and Paige Irvin; 8 great-grandchildren; and 3 step-great-grandchildren; also many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express our deep appreciation to care giver, Melissa Owens, Elite Hospice, the caregivers of the Senior Behavioral Unit and the COVID Dept. of Mena Regional Health Systems and the caregivers at the Greenwood Cottages for the loving care and support given during the last months of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Doris Tillman Sexton. Graveside services will be held Saturday, January 7, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena, Arkansas. Cremation is entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral home.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Arkansas amongst 14 states seeking to protect US Courts

Sumitted by Lauren H. Waldron

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform has released a statement regarding the 14 state attorneys general, including Arkansas, who have urged Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Department of Justice to break their silence on third party litigation funding (“TPLF”).

TPLF is a lucrative practice in the United States, valued between $2.3 and $5 billion, where an outside third party provides resources to fund civil disputes in exchange for a share of the recovery if successful. The attorney generals warn that foreign adversaries can spend money on American

litigation with the intention of harming States and our country’s economic and national security.

Page Faulk, senior vice president, legal reform initiatives, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform said, “Third party litigation funding is a secretive, multi-billion-dollar, global industry. There could be harmful repercussions for consumers, American businesses, and U.S. national security and economic interests if foreign governments and their agents can invest in U.S. litigation without being disclosed. We’re glad to see this coalition of state attorneys general take this threat seriously, and we urge the Department of Justice to reply quickly.”

Tobacco-free ‘23

LITTLE ROCK – (Dec. 28, 2022) – While tobacco use has been declining for decades, 20.5% of Arkansas residents still smoke and tobacco is the leading cause of death and disease in the state. Through the new “Tobacco-Free ‘23” campaign, the American Lung Association in Arkansas is sharing key reasons why 2023 is the year to quit tobacco, as well as sharing tips and resources.

“Each year, quitting smoking is listed as one of the top New Year’s resolutions. While quitting smoking is extremely difficult, it is possible. In fact, it typically takes a person 8-10 attempts to quit smoking for good, which is why we call it a journey,” said Laura Turner, senior manager of advocacy for Arkansas for the American Lung Association. “It is important to have support during this process, including family, friends and your doctor, to help keep you on the right path.”

Here are three important reasons why 2023 is the year to start your journey to become tobacco-free:

Your Health: Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Arkansas, killing 5,790 people each year. Currently, 16 million Americans live with a tobacco-related disease. While it’s best to quit as early as possible, quitting tobacco use at any age will enhance the length and quality of your life.

FDA is Preparing to End Sales of Menthol Cigarettes:  Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is in the process of finalizing rules to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars in the U.S. If you use one of these tobacco products, this is an optimal time to begin your quit journey.  In fact, after Canada stopped selling menthol cigarettes in 2017, the country saw  an increase in quit attempts and cessation among people who smoked menthols.

Be An Inspiration! Last year, the American Lung Association relaunched the “Super Stoppers Club” with award-winning journalist Bob Levey to celebrate people who have quit smoking for good and inspire those who are trying to quit. Read inspiring quit stories and submit your own at Lung.org/Super-Stoppers.

*Bonus: If your New Year’s resolution is

to save money, quitting smoking can save you between $2,230-$4,360 annually

Here are some of the tips and resources the American Lung Association recommends to successfully quit tobacco:

Lung Helpline: Not sure where to start? Call the Lung Association’s free Lung Helpline and Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-LUNGUSA, which is staffed with licensed registered nurses, respiratory therapists and certified tobacco treatment specialists.

Talk to your healthcare provider: Talking to a healthcare provider about your plan to quit smoking is an important step. With your doctor’s help, you can include cessation medication into your tobacco treatment plan, which can double your chances of quitting successfully. There are seven FDA-approved medications that are proven to help you quit.

Get help from a proven resource:  The American Lung Association offers resources to help adults and teens to quit all tobacco products, including:

Freedom From Smoking® helps individuals create their own unique quit plan, as well as tips and techniques to stay successful in the long run. Freedom From Smoking can be accessed online, at a group class and through a self-guided workbook. Those looking to quit smoking are encouraged to use the method that works best for their learning style, schedule and unique quit tobacco use plan.

Not-On-Tobacco®  (N-O-T) is a teen smoking/chewing/vaping cessation program for teens who want to quit. The 10-session program provides the tools, information, and support for teens to end their addiction to tobacco. Teens can participate in NOT in-person, virtually or online at NOTforMe.org

Quit. Don’t Switch. E-cigarettes are tobacco products, and the FDA has not found any e-cigarette to be safe and effective in helping smokers quit. Switching to e-cigarettes does not mean quitting. Quitting means ending your addiction to nicotine.

For more information about quitting tobacco for “Tobacco-Free ’23,” visit the American Lung Association website at  Lung.org or call the Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872).

By Richie Lawry

John sat at the piano in his bedroom. Pressing the record button on his cassette recorder, he started to play. After playing several measures, he began to sing, “Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be. When our time has come, we will be as one. God bless our love. God bless our love.”

John and his wife appreciated the poetry of Robert and Elizabeth Browning. One morning, she suggested he write a song using Robert Browning’s poetry as a stimulus. That afternoon, John was watching TV when an old movie came on about a baseball player. In the film, the baseball player’s girlfriend sends him a poem by Robert Browning. The poem was “Rabbi Ben Ezra,” which opens with the lines, “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made.”

John was struck by the coincidence and sat down to write. He penned a simple love song with the final verse: “Grow old along with me. Whatever fate decrees. We will see it through, for our love is true. God bless our love. God bless our love.” He sat down at his piano and made a simple cassette recording.

John’s simple love song was written for his wife and featured religion, romance, and commitment. Even though the only recording he made was that simple cassette on that November day in 1980, the song “Grow Old with Me” has become well known and is a popular wedding song. It is a very romantic song that’s not about passion but about caring and commitment. When I made a CD album of love songs to give to guests at my daughter’s wedding, I included John’s home recording of “Grow Old with Me.”

John planned to record “Grow Old with Me” in the studio for his next album. He envisioned the song as a standard that they would play in church when a couple gets married, lushly arranged with horns and strings. But John wouldn’t get the chance to record “Grow Old with Me” in the studio. His lyrics, “Spending our lives together. Man and

An Arkie’s Faith

The best is yet to be

wife together. World without end,” would not be fulfilled.

I still remember hearing the news on that cold December day in 1980. Former Beatle John Lennon was shot to death late last night outside his luxury apartment building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, police said. Authorities said Lennon, 40, was rushed in a police car to Roosevelt Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving. I, along with millions of fans worldwide, was in shock. John’s death was less than a month after writing “Grow Old with Me.”

John wrote many love songs in the 40 years he lived on this earth. My favorite words he wrote are “Love is real, real is love. Love is feeling, feeling love. Love is wanting to be loved.”

Another favorite love poem he wrote says, “From this moment on, I know exactly where my life will go. Seems that all I really was doing was waiting for love.”

We all want to be loved, but not all of us find love. The Bible is God’s love let-

ter to us, and the greatest love poem in the Bible is John 3:16,17 (NKJV) “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

“God so loved the world.” What beautiful words. Notice that it is the whole world that God loves, not a single nation or race. Not just one denomination. Not just the “good” people, not just the people who love God back. He loves the lovable and the unlovable, The popular and the unpopular. He loves those who love Him and those who never think of Him.

Some people find it hard to accept that God freely gives His love and grace. They prefer to think that God only loves the same people they love and that God hates the people they despise. They want to place limits on God’s love.

To put it bluntly, these people are wrong. God loves the world, including

those who are just like us and those different from us. If Jesus didn’t come into the world to condemn people, why should we? Jesus came to lift people up, not to put them down. Jesus didn’t come to condemn us; Jesus came to offer us eternal life. We should follow His example.

Pastor Ty Gibson wrote, “I undergo the ultimate shift consciousness when I cease perceiving God as an authority figure who wants control and begin perceiving God as a husbandly figure who wants mutual love. Love alone is the agent God uses to expel sin from the heart.”

In Romans 8:37-39 (NCV), we find these beautiful words. “But in all these things we are completely victorious through God who showed his love for us. Yes, I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor ruling spirits, nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us, nothing below us, nor anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the Love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

No matter what circumstance you find yourself in, no one can separate you from God’s love for you. God wants you to know Him personally. He wants to love you and be loved by you for eternity. God says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you.”

Jeremiah 31:3 (HCSB)

Gentle Reader, Jesus says to you, “I have loved you as the Father has loved me. Now continue in my love.” John 15:9 (ERV)

In Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV), He tells you, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” And He promises that “I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

John 14:3 (NKJV) It is as if Jesus is saying to us: “Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be. When our time has come, we will be as one. God bless our love.”

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: Why did the three blind mice go to Walmart? They heard it was America’s number-one retailer.

New Year’s Eve sunset in Mena.

(Photo by Richie Lawry)

AHS 2022-2023 Homecoming Court

Submitted by Tammy L. Young

The Acorn High School student body voted and selected this year’s royalty for homecoming 2022-2023 year.

Acorn High School Homecoming Ceremony will be held on Friday, Jan. 13 at 5 p.m. prior to the Acorn vs. Murfreesboro game at Acorn Gymnasium.

The 2022-2023 Acorn High School queen and court maids: (l-r; front row): Ashlee Arce, Senior Maid; Ally Bissell, Maid of Honor; Paige Parnell, Queen; Rachael Weddle, Senior Maid (l-r; back row): KaitLynn Ledbetter, Freshmen Maid, Kylee Johnson, Freshmen Maid; MaryClaire Laing, Sophomore Maid; Sophie Strasner, Junior Maid; Shay Allen, Junior Maid; and Sydney Holliday, Sophomore Maid (Submitted photo)

Rexroad and Harrison celebrate retirement

Article & photos by Ethan Nahté

December 30, the final Friday of 2022, was a busy day for both city and county employees as they recognized and honored two women who have served local government for quite some time: Mena City Clerk and Treasurer Linda Rexroad (left) and Polk County Clerk Terri Harrison (right). The turnout and love of friends, family and co-workers for both women was quite abundant.

Rexroad’s retirement party occurred late morning at Mena City Hall. Mayor Seth Smith gave a short speech. He said that Rexroad was the second person who knew he was going to run for mayor.

vibes. If I was having a bad day, I always would go to her. It was always just uplifting. She’s definitely going to be missed.”

The mayor did tell her not to be a stranger, which Rexroad agreed she would not. He added with a laugh, “Because we may be calling you to figure out how to do things.”

Rexroad said, “It was so intriguing… there was no boredom—never a dull moment. There was always something to be done and more. I loved it and I’m bequeathing it.”

Kacie Rose was elected in November’s general election as the next city clerk and treasurer.

learned a lot because of her. There’s never a bad day. There’s never talking bad about anybody. It’s just always positive energy and good

Rexroad, who has been with the City of Mena for 12 years, told the

“She gave me a very warm welcome when I came in [as mayor]. I appreciate everything that Linda does. I think all of us have probably See RETIREMENT

RETIREMENT

continued from page 11

attendees about a conversation she once had with former Mena Mayor Henry Sunderman, who said, “I really enjoyed the job, but I didn’t think it was a stressful job until I stepped away. When I retired and stepped away from that job, I felt that pressure come off that I didn’t even realize I was under.

“You’ve got all of your deadlines every day, every month. It’s on the back burner. You’re not wor-

ried about it, but you know it’s there. I’m just looking forward to feeling that,” Rexroad said as she mimicked lifting the weight off her shoulders. “It’s exciting.”

As people ate cake, drank water or punch, Rexroad said her plans were to divest. “I have a house bursting at the seams. I used to buy

and sell. When I quit selling, I didn’t quit buying. So, I have a lot of stuff I want to move, but I’m not sure how I’m going to do it yet.”

Now that she won’t be sitting at a desk as often, Rexroad is also hoping to get out and about more to be a little more active.

Rexroad said that the thing she loved the most, “My colleagues and the diversity of the people.”

Early afternoon saw more people gathered in the basement of the Polk County Court House to bid farewell to Harrison, who has worked a total of 29 years for the county—the first seven years she worked in the office of the former clerk, then Harrison worked 22 as the clerk.

Polk County Judge Bran don Ellison said, “I’ve worked with her for 12 years.

She was here when I came. She’s been a real blessing to work with. She helped me whole lot when I was new and I’m going to miss her a lot, I really am.

“Not to mention that as a pro a very good person. The county’s been blessed to have her. I hate to see her go, but I have a lot of confidence in our new clerk.”

Lisa Standridge won the primary election last May and has been sitting in at

the courthouse and the Polk County Quorum Court meetings, learning the ropes from Harrison and slowly taking over the responsibilities of the job.

“I have no big plans, immediate-

ly,” Harrison said. “Just relax and work on some projects at home.”

Her fondest memories, “I would probably say the friendships I made with our courthouse family. That’s what we are is kind of like a family and we just work together. It’s been a real pleasure to work with everybody.

“Everybody’s going to miss Terri,” Ellison concluded.

Howard Memorial hit by potential data breach

By Patrick Massey

NASHVILLE – Howard Memorial Hospital is informing its patients and customers of a data breach that may have resulted in the theft of personal information by cyber criminals.

According to a press release issued on Thursday, Dec. 29, Howard Memorial Hospital (HMH) detected suspicious activity within its computer network on Dec. 4. The activity, described as a data security event, may have impacted “the confidentiality and security of information related to certain patients as well as current and former employees of HMH.”

HMH officials said steps were “promptly taken to secure HMH’s network,” and an investigation began with assistance from outside cybersecurity specialists to determine the nature and scope of them data breach.

The investigation into the data breach remains ongoing. Hospital officials have determined that certain files were potentially stolen from its network by an un-

known actor between November 14, 2022, and December 4, 2022.

A similar incident occurred at Mena Regional Health System (MRHS) on Nov or about Nov. 1, which MRHS discovered on Nov. 8 that multiple files had been potentially removed by an unauthorized party. Letters from MRHS were sent out the week of Thanksgiving to notify those people whose files may have been affected. A cybersecurity breach incident also took place on or around Halloween in 2021 at MRHS.

HMH is another in a string of a growing problem across the world. According to a report from cybersecurity company Critical Insights, 45 million people were affected by healthcare attacks in 2021, up from 34 million in 2020.

“HMH is working diligently to perform a comprehensive review of at-risk files in order to identify those current and former patients, and any current and former employees, whose information may have been impacted by this event,” according to the hospital’s press release issued on

Thursday.

Following the review, HMH said it will mail a notification letter directly to potentially impacted individuals. The notice will include access to free credit monitoring and identity protection services.

The types of information potentially impacted for patients includes name, contact information, date of birth, Social Security number, health insurance information, medical record number (MRN), medical history, diagnosis, treatment information, and physician name. The types of information potentially impacted for current and former HMH employees includes name, contact information, date of birth, Social Security number, and direct deposit bank account information.

Notice was also provided to federal law enforcement and will be provided to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as required.

For individuals seeking additional information regarding this event, please call the dedicated assistance line we have established at 1-833-570-2728, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

CST, Monday through Friday.

Individuals can also find additional information on how they can help protect their personal information as well as obtain additional resources, on the HMH website: www.howardmemorial.com/public-notice

HMH is encouraging potentially affected current and former patients and employees to remain vigilant against identity theft by reviewing account statements and explanations of benefits for unusual activity. Patients are encouraged to report any suspicious activity promptly to their insurance company, health care provider, or financial institution.

“HMH takes this event and the security of information in their care very seriously. As part of its ongoing commitment to the privacy of personal information received from its patients, HMH is working to review its existing policies and procedures and to implement additional administrative and technical safeguards to further secure the information in its systems.”

Article & photos submitted by Judy Petty

Things have been happening with the Polk County Master Gardeners (PCMG), beginning with the PCMG welcoming these new master gardeners who completed a six-week Master Gardener Training course instructed by Polk County Extension Agent Sherry Beaty-Sullivan, that concluded with their graduation on Nov. 16. (l-r)

Master Gardener happenings

In other news, Shylee Head was recently awarded the Polk County Master Gardener scholarship for 2022-2023. The scholarship is awarded each year to further the education of a Polk County student majoring in the horticultural field. Head is a 2021 graduate of Mena High School. She is currently attending the University of Arkansas at Monticello as a Natural Resource Management

major with an emphasis in forestry. The scholarship is in the amount $500 per semester and is renewable for the second semester of the year. Presenting the second half of the scholarship is the Polk County Master Gardener Board.

New master gardeners Catherine Conner, James Ashbaugh, Sandy Wilson, and Deadria Williams

Board members with scholarship recipient Shylee Head (l-r) LaRayne Risenhoover, Rebecca Thornton, Fran Hadaway, Shylee Head, Judy Petty, LaDonna VanWolf and Lena Day

First Arkansas Grown Conference and Expo scheduled for January 2023

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Grown program, administered through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, will partner with several Arkansas agricultural associations and organizations to host the first Arkansas Grown Conference and Expo on January 25-28, 2023, in Little Rock.

The conference and expo will consist of workshops, speakers, off-site farm tours, networking opportunities, and a vendor trade show. Evening events at the Sunset Lodge at Rusty Tractor Vineyard and the University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech Culinary and Hospitality Manage-

ment Institute will showcase Arkansas Grown food and include an Arkansas Grown wine tasting.

The Arkansas Grown Conference and Expo is open to all parties interested in the Arkansas agriculture industry and will focus on farmers and producers who produce for the local food system.

Partner organizations include the Arkansas State Horticulture Society, Arkansas Association of Grape Growers, Arkansas Farmers Market

Blackberry Growers Association, and Arkansas Agritourism Association.

The four-day event will be held at the Embassy Suites in West Little Rock. The registration deadline is January 11, 2023. For more conference details and to register, go to  arkansasgrown.org/arkansas-grown-conference-expo/.

Association,

Opportunities for sponsorship and vendor booths are still available. For more information, visit  arkansasgrown.org/arkansas-grown-conference-expo/ or contact Beth Moore at  beth.moore@arkansas.agriculture.gov.

Arkansas Coalition for Obesity Prevention, Arkansas

Water Rate Increase Proposal public hearing set

By Ethan Nahté

There will be a public hearing at Mena City Hall on Jan. 10 at 5 p.m. during the public comment period at the beginning of the regularly scheduled city council meeting on a possible water rate increase that will affect both residential and wholesale customers.

The public hearing follows a special meeting held at Mena Water Utilities on Dec. 13, 2022, in which Wastewater Utility Superintendent James Looney and the five members of the Water Commission discussed the results of a cost analysis of the water and sewer cost of service, conducted by Hawkins-Weir. The cost analysis was to determine if costs are fair and equitable among customer classes, as well as to review existing rate structures.

The December meeting resulted in the Commission looking over four options.

Mena has had a cut in the water loss percentages over the past few months. A loss of 15% is considered acceptable. Mena has had losses doubling that amount, but recent decreases in water loss have been promising.

Water loss issues could decrease if current rates were increased to a sufficient amount, allowing better maintenance, manpower and newer materials to replace outdated parts and infrastructure.

Commission member Debra Wood Buschman stated in the meeting, “Part of our reason our water loss has been so high is because, in my opinion, we have kept our water rates low… and we haven’t had the funding and the ability to stay on top of the maintenance issues that we needed to in order to keep water loss down.” Looney agreed with Buschman’s assessment.

If adopted, the new rates would take effect on July 1 or after.

An example of the proposed increase is that water rates within city limits would rise from the current base rate of $14.15 to $28.70. The base rate outside of city

limits would increase from $17.50 to $34.

The base rate for sewer within city limits is $8.97 and would increase to $19 in 2023, and $29 by Jan. 1, 2024. Outside city limits would increase from $12.22 to $25.90.

There will also be an annual increase of up to 6%.

The numbers in the above example do not reflect the additional fees, nor do they include wholesale, 2” meters, garden meters, or extensions.

Looney said, “It’s going to be a hard take for our customers.… we really don’t have a choice. If we don’t do something with the water plant… if we don’t correct it, the next thing that’s going to happen is going to be fines and stuff like that. It’ll be more expensive than in going ahead and addressing this and taking care of it.

“Or we get to the point like Jackson, Mississippi and something happens to our clear well out there and we don’t have water for anybody.” Jackson is where two water treatment plants had a failure following heavy rains in August 2022, leaving residents with no clean water and under a boil water alert for weeks. The flooding exacerbated decades-long existing issues with Jackson’s water system, leaving 150,000 residents without potable water and flooding the city streets. Water from faucets ran brown and cloudy beginning in July, causing the city to place Jackson residents under a boil alert when the Environmental Protection Agency deemed it safe in October. The plant failure was due, in part, to insufficient funds for repairs.

The Mena Water Commission discussed the possibility that if water loss remained at 15% or lower for an extended period of time, they would have the option of lowering rates.

Buschman said, “It needs to be fair for all—inside city limits; outside city limits.”

Looney said, “Bottom line, water loss is an expense. It is not why we’re going up on the rates.”

Final 2022 Quorum Court says farewell to some

By Ethan Nahté

The Polk County Quorum Court convened for their last meeting of 2022 on Dec. 27, and with it, they said a few goodbyes. All but Justice of the Peace Troy Lunsford were in attendance.

The evening’s new business was scheduled to begin with the oath of office administered to Quorum Court officials, current elected officials and newly elected officials. Due to reasons Judge Brandon Ellison explained regarding commissions not yet received, the swearing in did not occur on Dec. 27. The oaths must be taken within 15 days after the commissions are served.

“The intent of the statute is to take your oath after your term starts,” Ellison said.

The swearing in ceremony is scheduled to take place at the next Quorum Court

After a brief clarification, the resolution passed 10-0.

Item F was a resolution approving an authorization to apply for a credit card for the office of the new elected county clerk, Lisa Standridge. The card, to be issued in Standridge’s name, will have a total credit limit not to exceed $2,000. The resolution was approved unanimously.

Item G was a resolution acknowledging honors to Justices of the Peace Jim Neugent, Margo Kimp, Terry Terrell, Penny Kesterson; County Clerk Terri Harrison; Prosecuting Attorney Jason Barrett.

Ellison said, “We appreciate your service and thank you.”

Neugent asked for a moment and gave a short farewell.

“I’d like to say that I want to express my appreciation to J.P. District 2 for electing me as a has-been for the rest of my life. Also, I am proud of my service as the chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee over the last several years. Also, I am proud of my 32 years of service on the Quorum Court and two years on the city council. I would also like it noted that I am the J.P. who brought prayer to the Polk County Quorum Court.”

meeting. Generally, the regularly scheduled meetings take place the last Tuesday of the month. A vote was passed 9-1 to hold the January meeting Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, instead of Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m.

The only nay came from outgoing Justice of the Peace Jim Neugent.

Item B was an ordinance to appropriate to county accounts and make line-item transfers for year 2022, which passed 10-0.

Item C was an ordinance to appropriate to count accounts and make line-item transfers for year 2023 budget, which also passed unanimously.

Item D was a resolution declaring confirmation of Molly Lindsey to the Polk County Library Board, which was unanimously approved. Lindsey is replacing Julie Ulmer, whose term has expired.

Item E was a resolution designating percentages for funding district court operations for the City of Mena, County of Polk and Town of Grannis for the year 2023.

Neugent received a round of applause for his words and service.

Item H was a discussion regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Polk County and the City of Mena for jail services. Polk County shall be responsible for providing food, clothing, medical care and incidental expenses to prisoners, incur all building maintenance expense, property insurance and utilities and employ all detention personnel. The City of Mena is responsible for remitting monthly to Polk County a reimbursement for seven jailers, including all employee benefits, and assist in transportation for medical, behavioral, legal, counseling or other mandated or necessary reason of city submitted inmates.

Item I was inventory deletions for December 2022, being two Galls SE Body Armor. It was approved unanimously.

The meeting was then adjourned, followed by serving cake and refreshments to honor those leaving at the end of the year.

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Handyman services - small jobs preferred. Plumbing, electrical, small engine repair. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T1221

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. T0111

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 T0111

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

Hogspore News:

Wilbur Fleegle grew that plump plopper from a seed

By Clet Litter as told to Bob Simpson

Happy New Year. For the pessimists, “Happy New Fear.” The giant pumpkin, grown by Wilbur Fleegle of Winslow’s Holler, rolled off the courthouse roof at midnight. Wilbur was right proud of his mushy gourd. He said, “I grew that plump plopper from a seed.” Folks figured that was the case. Nobody thinks that he cloned it.

Wilbur is from Winslow’s Holler, but it don’t mean he’s dumb. Once I heard a feller ask him to spell his name. He said, “Capital F.l.e.e.g.l.e.”

The feller laughed and said, “I meant how do you spell your first name?”

Wilbur knew what he was doing when he give his answer to the question of how he spelled his first name. He said, “I forgot.”

The barbershop fellers were having breakfast in the Come-OnGive-Us-One-More-Chance Diner. Morton Trubletoof was bragging about how great he’s feeling lately.

He said, “I’ve been sleeping like a baby through the night.”

Old Man Grimely said, “At my age, sleeping like a baby through the night means I wake up in a wet diaper.”

Folks are asking how the wife, Punkin, is doing. It ain’t news, but she’s fine and dandy. The only time she’s not F. and D. is when I mess up. The news is that I don’t make as many husband mistakes as people think I do.

We’re facing the 43 days of Christmas. That’s the 12 for the song plus 31 in January for the bills. We’re okay with the 31 days cause we made a lotta gifts ourselves. Well, Punkin made them all, but I did my part and stayed outta her way.

Mumford Pickens says, “The secret to getting somewhere fast is to start earlier and enjoy the journey, cause you’re not late till you get there.”

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 26, 2022

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 71 S near Wickes in response to an unattended death.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 278 E near Wickes in reference to a verbal domestic dispute. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies responded to a report of Theft by Deception. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

December 27, 2022

Deputies responded to a residence on Polk 44 near Mena in reference to the theft of property.

December 28, 2022

No reports.

December 29, 2022

No reports.

December 30, 2022

Alexander Cernoga, 34 of Cove was arrested on a Felony Warrant for 2nd Degree Battery.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Cajun Lane near Mena in reference to a trespasser.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to receiv-

ing threatening texts. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

December 31, 2022

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 270 near Acorn in reference to a trespasser leading to the arrest of Christie Richmond, 46 of Mena on a charge of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery and Charles Hellam, 36 of Mena on a charge of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Thunder Lane near Mena in reference to a missing firearm. Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance at a residence near Cherry Hill. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

January 1, 2023

James Thornton, 52 of Cove was arrested on five Misdemeanor Failure to Appear Warrants.

Phillip Riley, 53 of Cove was arrested on six Misdemeanor Failure to Appear Warrants, a Misdemeanor 3rd Degree Domestic Battery Warrant and a charge of 3rd Degree Battery.

Scott Emry, 42 of Hatfield was arrested on charges of DWI, Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons and Refusal to Submit to Arrest.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Grove Lane near Cove in reference to a structure fire.

A traffic stop on Hwy 71 S near Potter led to the arrest of Braxton Kyle, 18 of Mena on charges of DWI, Refual to Submit, Driving Left of Center and Purchase/Possession of Intoxicating Liquor by a Minor.

Deputies responded to a residence on Polk 18 near Vandervoort in reference to a trespasser leading to the arrest of Charles Alexander, 18 of Vandervoort on a charge of Criminal Trespass.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked 3 vehicle accidents this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 23 Incarcerated Inmates with 17 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

Dierks man suspected of beating man, dumping him on road

By Patrick Massey

Charges have been filed against a Dierks resident accused of severely beating a man and leaving him injured on the side of the road.

According to records with the Howard County Circuit Court, 42-year-old Mark Brooks of Dierks was charged on Dec. 27 with one count of battery in the second degree and one count of battery in the first degree.

According to the arrest affidavit, on or around Oct. 22 deputies with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Howard Memorial Hospital in reference to a person who appeared to have been assaulted.

The victim was identified as William Hodges, who was found lying on the side of the road in the Fellowship community of Howard County. Hodges was air lifted to UAMS in Little Rock where he remained unconscious for several days.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

Mena Police Reports were unavailable at press time. The reports will be uploaded on the My Pulse News website as soon as they are received. The reports will be printed in the Jan. 11 issue of the Polk County Pulse.

During the investigation, investigator Blake Eudy developed a list of suspects, including Brooks. According to an interview with a potential witness, deputies were informed that Brooks had told the witness that they needed to take Hodges to the hospital because he had fallen and hit his head on a rock. The witness told deputies that Brooks placed a piece of plastic down on the back seat and loaded Hodges into the vehicle. The witness said Hodges had a large gash on his forehead and was bleeding.

The witness stated he and Brooks discussed taking Hodges to the hospital. However, they dropped Hodges off on a dirt road in the Fellowship community near the home belonging to Hodge’s son.

The witness stated that, when they got back to his residence, Brooks burned the plastic and the shoes he was wearing.

Brooks was arrested on Nov. 18.

According to the affidavit, Brooks admitted to hitting Hodges in the head during an interview. Brooks allegedly told investigators that he hit Hodges because Hodges pulled a gun on him.

Around Town

The Polk County Social Seniors will meet at a new location, the Chopping Block, for the January meeting on Jan. 10 at noon.

We will be meeting at New China restaurant in February. New to Polk County? Come and meet Seniors (55+ and up) and make new friends. Any questions call Linda Johnson at (956) 241-2633.

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.

Polk County DAV and Auxiliary will be holding their monthly meetings on January 5, at Veterans Park in Acorn. There will be a potluck beginning at 6 pm with meetings to follow.

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.

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

Military Veterans are needed to serve with the Polk County Veterans Honor Guard. Interested? Come to the training on January 12 at 4 p.m. at the American Legion in Acorn. Or, contact Denie at (479) 394-8001.”

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.

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.

The Polk County Democratic Party meets every second Monday each month at PaPa’s Mexican Café, 1317 Hwy 71 South. Officer elections will be on Jan. 9. Come early for fellowship and eats at 5:30 p.m. The meeting begins at 6:30.

New to Polk County? Come and meet with fellow Democrats. Be the Wave for 2023. Any questions? Call Linda G. Johnson at (479) 234-7966.

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!

Event reminders

• The Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena St., will begin it’s threeweek-long fundraiser of art and supplies. The fundraiser runs Jan. 4-21.

• The 24th Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon is this coming Saturday, Jan. 7, from 5 a.m.-5 p.m. Runners are reminded to wear bright orange, yellow or red as the marathon conflicts with the youth hunt. This is the first time the two events have been on the same weekend. Hunters are asked to be aware of runners in the area. In addition, hunters may want to find a quieter area as there will be approximately 250 marathon participants.

• Children ages 8-13, the annual Elks Hoop Shoot will be happening Sunday, 1 p.m. at the Mena Middle School gym.

Roy Orbison tribute concert at OLT

Submitted by Julie Ulmer

Ouachita Little Theatre will host their first event of 2023 at 2 p.m. on Jan. 21. A Tribute to Roy Orbison features entertainer David K. This talented performer captures the voice and legendary music of Roy Orbison in an amazing show that will thrill local audiences.

Tickets are $20 and available now at oltmena.com. Mark your calendars, this is a special one-time performance you won’t want to miss.

Coming up in February is the classic comedy “You Can’t Take It with You” as part of the OLT season ticket. Director Amanda Baker has chosen her cast and rehearsals are underway. More details will be coming soon.

New technology is ushering in an era of sustainable trucking

(StatePoint) At a time when the ongoing fight against climate change has never been more critical, and new federal efforts are being made to address systemic environmental justice issues, automotive industry insiders say that a recent engineering breakthrough could usher in an era of cleaner, more sustainable trucking. In a recent real-world demonstration, heavy-duty, Class 8 fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), jointly designed by Toyota Motor North America and Kenworth Truck Company, have been proven to offer a viable zero emission alternative to diesel fuel. The hydrogen-powered T680 FCEV has a range of 300-plus miles when fully loaded to 82,000 pounds, and with no downtime for charging, and a short 15- to 20-minute fill time, it could run multiple shifts a day, covering up to 400 to 500 miles.

Why is this so significant? Trucks are currently responsible for more than their fair share of vehicle-related emissions.

In California, for example, home to the busiest container port in North America, medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks make up only 3% of vehicles on the road, yet they produce 23% of the overall emissions for the state. Vehicle emissions contribute to climate change, impacting everybody, and, because of where highways and industrial operations tend to be located, truck emissions

disproportionately and unfairly impact low-income communities and people of color.

When compared to diesel-fueled trucks of similar range and power, the T680 FCEV, codenamed “Ocean,” reduced greenhouse gases by 74.66 metric tons of CO2 per truck annually. Its designers say this highlights the clean vehicle’s potential to change the game. And the recently completed demonstration project was just scratching the surface of what could be possible in a future where

hydrogen serves as a fuel, taking a bigger role in various applications, from heavy-duty transport to industrial power generation and passenger vehicles.

“Having a successful real-world demonstration of FCEV trucks for actual customers opens the door to broader deployment. The use of hydrogen helps eliminate CO2 from heavy-duty transport, while offering a cleaner alternative that keeps the vehicles in service -- a win for all parties,” says Andrew Lund, Toyota chief engineer, zero emission advanced product planning. “The potential for this technology to replace higher-emission powertrains is real, which helps us achieve our goals of carbon neutrality, while supporting both regulatory and societal initiatives to combat climate change and foster environmental justice.”

(Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor North America)

Sign up for the spring soccer season

By Ethan Nahté

It’s time to sign the kids up for the spring soccer season. Any child between 3-14 are eligible to participate. The child must be 3 before the start of the season. Age is determined by the child’s age as of May 1, 2023.

There six age divisions: U4, U6, U8, U10, U12, U14. Forms have more information as well as the uniform orders.

The beginning fee is $35 for one child. If registering more than one child, the fee is $25 for each additional child that lives within the same household.

Application forms for the 2023 season can be found at Mena City Hall, the Mena Train Depot, and the

Tapley Park Complex Office. Online forms should be available very soon on the park’s website tapleysports. com/.

Registrations will be accepted

payment to City of Mena A&P Commission, 520 Mena St., Mena, AR 71953. The forms must be received by Feb. 1, so don’t wait until the last week of January to place registrations in the mail. Make checks payable to City of Mena A&P Commission.

between Jan. 4-Feb. 1. They can be returned with payment to either the Mena Train Depot or Tapley Park Complex Office between 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Forms may also be mailed with

Volunteers are also needed for head coaches, assistant coaches, and referees. All league volunteers, 18 and above, must complete a league background check. Families should expect to hear from their coach by the week of Feb. 19. Please call 479-216-8171 with any questions. More information can also be found on the TapleySports. com site or Facebook.com/TapleyPark/.