Polk County Pulse- June 14, 2023

Tyler Crider sentenced to 59 years

By Ethan Nahté

Tyler Dane Crider, 31, of Mena, Arkansas was sentenced to 59 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction on June 10, 2023. He was booked at 12:05 a.m. on June 10. Crider was found guilty by a jury and sentenced on one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault in the second degree.

Debra Buschman, 18th West Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney for Polk and Montgomery Counties, announced, “… late yesterday, June 9, 2023, a jury found Tyler Dane Crider, 31 of Mena, guilty of rape and two counts of sexual assault in the second degree. The jury deliberated for almost four hours

before returning the guilty verdict.”

A warrant was issued for Crider’s arrest on Jan. 19, 2023. The warrant was served Feb. 13. Crider was released Feb. 13 on a $50,000 bond until his court date.

The criminal information page on AOC Court Connect reports the filing date for the charges against Crider was Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. Both Count I: rape and Count II: sexual assault in the second degree, were said to have occurred on or between Jan. 1, 2018, and July 24, 2020.

Local Medal of Honor recipient HAL needs assistance

By Ethan Nahté

The Medal of Honor is our nation’s highest honor presented to military personnel for actions above and beyond the call of duty. Since it was first presented in 1863, to date, only 3,515 have been awarded of the 40 million Americans who have served in the Armed Forces since the Civil

War according to the National Medal of Honor Museum. That’s comes out to 0.0087875% — an extremely rare honor bestowed upon those 3,515 recipients, some posthumously.

The Medal of Honor Memorial in Little Rock, which honors men from the Civil War through the Vietnam War, was dedicated on November 18, 2000. The memorial was funded by

Ouachita Expressions Show call for entry

Submitted by Taye Kaye

Mena Art Gallery is pleased to announce our next show, “Ouachita Expressions 2023”! This is one of our longest running, most popular shows. Work will be accepted for entry on Tuesday, June 27, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Please contact the Gallery if you need to bring your art work in before June 27. No work will be accepted after 3 p.m. on June 27.

Artwork will be on display June 28 –Sept. 1.

The competition is open to all art mediums. We are looking for local artists to enter, and encourage entries from people who may not have participated in the past as well as those who have.

This show is open to all members and non-members ages 14 and over. Entries must be original and the artist’s

own work. No kits or prints will be accepted.

All 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional mediums will be accepted: Sculptures, weavings, oil paintings, water colors, wood carvings, metal work… you name it!

A reception will be held Saturday, July 8, from 1-3 p.m. Come meet the other artists.

Entry fees are $8 per piece for members and $10 per piece for non-members. Please limit entries to three by any one artist.

All entries must be for sale. No “Not For Sale” (NFS) work will be accepted. Come by the Gallery to pick up a copy of the rules, or call 479-394-3880 to have it emailed to you.

The rules are also available on our website southwestartists.org under “Ouachita Expressions Show.”

“Bog Buddies” (above) by Steven Knott took third place in the 2022 Ouachita Expressions Show. “Iron Forks Lake - Arkansas” (below) by Henry Moreno was awarded second place. (Photos courtesy of Mena Art Gallery)

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In Colorado on April 19, 2023, three teenagers were throwing rocks at vehicles and several were hit, causing injuries and damage. One vehicle was hit and veered off the road into a field. The three teens circled back and took a picture as a memento. Did they check on the driver? NO! Sadly the 20-year-old female driver died. All three have been arrested. One life lost and three wasted. For what?

On March 21, 2023, in Virginia, a schoolteacher is shot by a 6-year-old in her classroom. Due to developmental issues, the child was supposed to have a parent with him during class. For some reason, no parent was there that fateful day. The teacher survived the shooting and many surgeries later will make a physical recovery but it is doubtful the emotional recovery will ever come.

In Chicago on April 16, 2023, a “Teen Takeover” fueled by social media resulted in two teens shot and numerous arrests. Sadly, not the first time for this type of violence in Chicago. There were numerous injuries and extensive property damage.

The number of young people who have died and continue to die doing TikTok challenges are too numerous to mention. The number of people who die taking “selfies” is sad. Our young people seem bent on a few minutes of fame on TV or the internet no matter the consequences.

The senseless acts of violence and mindless acts of self-de-

structive behavior are too numerous to list, but these events highlight some of what we all struggle to understand. Is it so important to have strangers view your website or social media that you are willing to die? I wonder exactly what influencers are and what qualifies them to suggest anything to anyone. I would be willing to bet they are driven by monetary greed and short-lived internet fame/attention.

Feel the need to follow an influencer? Try your parents who have worked and sacrificed to put a roof over your head and food on the table. Hollywood actors, singers, and overpaid athletes disrespecting the country that has given them so much or lacking any moral compass will lead you nowhere worth going.

I would suggest to young people that the folks you want to mimic by duplicating dangerous behavior couldn’t care less about you and probably delight in your misery when you mimic their stupidity. Monkey see, monkey do. Misery loves company. What ever happened to being an individual and not a mindless follower?

Always remember your life has meaning and value. Do not squander it. Unlike a video game there are no do-overs or extra lives. Today you wake up and wonder what the future holds. Tomorrow you will wonder where the future went. Hopefully

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you will have a bright future and not a haunting past.

Thank you for a forum to express my thoughts, though we may peacefully disagree.

With respect and kindest regards, Ronald

Goss, retired, Mena

HAL continued from page 1 private donations, and $125,000 was provided by the Arkansas General Assembly by Act 510 of 1999.

One of the men paid tribute on that memorial is Herbert A. Littleton. HAL, as he was called, was born July 1, 1930, in Mena, Arkansas. The Polk County native entered service at Blackhawk, South Dakota, as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps reserve.

Through an unselfish act of bravery, Pfc. Littleton sacrificed himself to save the lives of others, resulting in being killed in action on Apr. 22, 1951, in Chuncheon, Korea during the Korean War. His prompt action and heroic spirit saved the other members of his team from serious injury or death.

Littleton earned the nation’s highest military award for valor on April 22, 1951, on Hill 44 in Chuncheon,

South Korea, by deliberately falling upon and smothering an enemy grenade, which exploded. The grenade was one of many thrown at his team’s forward observation post while his observation team was serving with C Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. By doing so, he saved the lives of the other Marines including the officer and forward observer in charge of Littleton’s team during the early morning enemy counterattack on C Company.

He also prevented the radio from being damaged by taking it off before he was killed. The radio was used afterwards to direct artillery fire in order to repulse the Chinese attack during the battle to take the hill.

Monuments

HAL is the only Medal of Honor recipient from Polk County, Arkansas. Perhaps you have seen the nice mon-

ument to his memory in front of the Polk County Court House.

Inscribed upon it is the Medal of Honor citation, which reads in part: “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a radio operator with an artillery forward observation team of Company C, in action against enemy aggressor forces… .”

Although the monument in Polk County is quite nice and is visited by several people, including tourists to the Mena area, there’s no doubt that more people visit the Medal of Honor Memorial in Little Rock, designed by artist John Deering. Located on the southeast lawn of the Arkansas State Capitol, the memorial includes 26 other military personnel, including Little Rock’s own Gen. Douglas MacArthur. The memorial sits within walking distance of eight other historical markers.

The Medal of Honor Memorial honors men from the Civil War through the Vietnam War. It was dedicated Nov. 18, 2000.

When the Medal of Honor Memorial was constructed in 1999 to 2000, corners were cut to reduce

the cost of the memorial. Instead of using actual bronze placards, they used aluminum with a bronze-colored coating on each plaque. Time and the environment have caused the bronze-coating to begin to chip off exposing the aluminum.

This damage is not exclusive to HAL’s plaque. It has affected all 24

See HAL continued on page 9

One of the pieces of legislation signed into law this year creates Women Veterans Day as a state memorial day to be celebrated on June 12 each year.

Act 115 states Women Veterans Day is acknowledged as an effort to honor the work of women in the United States Armed Forces and recognizes the unique challenges women have faced.

It was on June 12, 1948, when President Harry S. Truman signed into law the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948. This act allowed women the right to serve as permanent, regular members of the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Air Force. Prior to then, only women nurses could serve in the regular and reserve forces during peacetime.

Though not officially recognized for many years, women have served in America’s wars throughout our history, demonstrating their unwavering commitment, resilience, and courage in defending our nation.

Today, there are almost two million

women Veterans in the United States. More than 19,000 women Veterans call Arkansas home. Women make up 8.6% of our Veteran population. Women are contributing their skills and expertise across all branches of service. They serve as pilots, engineers, doctors, intelligence analysts, and much more.

As we commemorate this day, it is important to not only recognize their contributions but to continue to support and empower them in their transition from military to civilian life. From eliminating taxes on retirement income to cutting red tape for those entering the civilian workforce, the Arkansas General Assembly is continually working on ways to improve the lives of veterans in our state. We’ve posted links to resources available to our veterans at arkansashouse.org.

This June 12, join us in honoring the brave and resilient women who have served our country. Their sacrifices have shaped our history and inspired future generations. Happy Women Veterans Day!

The Arkansas Human Services Department has officially petitioned the federal government for authority to make changes in the Medicaid expansion program.

The program is known as ARHOME and provides health coverage to about 312,000 Arkansas residents. The state has to first get approval from the federal government before making significant changes, because the state provides 10 percent of the funding and the federal government provides 90 percent.

People are eligible for ARHOME if their income is less than 138 percent of the federal poverty level. This year, the poverty level is $30,000 for a family of four and $14,580 for an individual.

Arkansas Medicaid officials are seeking authority to focus on the most poor of the ARHOME recipients, the people whose income is only 20 percent of the poverty level. The Department will assign them a “success coach” if they are not on track toward meeting certain requirements of the ARHOME program.

Success coaches will develop an individual plan to help them meet their health-related needs. If they still do not engage in taking care of their lives and their health, after three months they will be moved from ARHOME to the traditional Medicaid program. There is an incentive to take advantage of the opportunities made available through the success coach because many people consider ARHOME care to be better than traditional Medicaid.

In the ARHOME program, the government buys private health insurance for the recipient. Under traditional Medicaid, the government reimburses physicians, hospitals and pharmacies for treating Medicaid patients.

Some physicians don’t accept Med-

icaid patients because the reimbursement rates are less than they get from private health insurance companies. Another change sought by state officials is in how to gauge whether or not recipients are complying with requirements to work, volunteer or continue their education. State officials say the goal is to simplify the process so that recipients don’t have to fill out paperwork to prove that they spent the required amount of time looking for work or attending class.

Instead, ARHOME officials will rely on computer data to track whether recipients are working toward self-reliance. For example, if they have taxable income it can be assumed that they have a job. The amount of income will indicate whether they work part-time or full-time.

If they get food stamps, it’s assumed they’re complying with work requirements and if they’re enrolled in adult education, it’s presumed they are taking classes. If they live with someone who has a disability, or with a dependent child or an elderly person, it is presumed that they are caregivers.

ARHOME puts a special focus on helping the most vulnerable, such as residents of rural areas with mental health problems, veterans, young people who have been incarcerated or who have lived in foster homes and pregnant women.

The Human Services Department will train 100 existing employees to be success coaches, and another ten employees to be supervisors.

More than 1.1 million Arkansas residents qualified for Medicaid services earlier this year, but state officials are trying to lower than number by requiring them to re-apply for eligibility.

This fiscal year the program will cost an estimated $9.7 billion, with the federal government paying $7.8 billion and Arkansas providing almost $1.9 billion in matching funds.

John Maddox Terry Rice

Johnny D. Wiles

Mr. Johnny D. Wiles, age 73, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 10, 2023. He was born on December 12, 1949, to Gaylord L. Wiles and Winnie Lille Wiles. On July 19, 1976, he married Sharon Keener.

A graduate of Mena High School, John served in the US Air Force from 1968 to 1972. After retiring he attended Rich Mountain Vocational Technical School and began his career as a precision machinist. He retired after 30 years at Brodix Inc, a leading manufacturer of racing components in the United States.

John (KC5YDA) enjoyed his hobby of amateur (ham) radio, especially doing C W late at night. He and Sharon loved driving up on Rich Mountain around dusk and seeing deer and sometimes bears. They were never tired of the beauty of the Mountain. They attended First Freewill Baptist Church as long as John’s health permitted.

John is survived by his loving wife; brother, Tom and wife Susan of Little Rock, Arkansas; nephews, Terry Keener and wife Rita, Billy Keener and wife Jo Ann; niece, Beth Scott and husband DeWayne; sisters-in-law, Cordelia Keener and Erma Keener; and many other family and friends too numerous to mention.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gaylord and Winnie Wiles; fatherin-law and mother-in-law, Wiley and Helen Keener; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jay and Alice Keener, brotherin-law, Rush Keener, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Alton and LaVerne Keener, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Daphne and Pete Heisch.

The family would like to give many thanks to the Greenhouse Cottages girls and guys who helped and cared for Mr. Wiles.

Funeral services for Mr. Johnny Wiles will be held Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., at the Rocky Cemetery in

Mena, Arkansas. Brother Donnie Jewell will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be general.

Online obituary and guest book available at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Rita Mae Smith

Rita Mae Smith, born on May 26, 1931, in Gowanda, NY, and passed away on June 5, 2023, at the age of 92. Rita was a spirited and creative person, who lived a full life and touched the hearts of many throughout her years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who found joy in her family, her work, and her hobbies.

Rita was employed as a factory worker for much of her adult life, having spent many years working for General Electric making transistors and later, Fischer Price Toys. She was a thoughtful and hardworking individual who took pride in her work. Rita enjoyed being a part of OLT productions, helping with costumes and being an actress. She also was a vendor at many arts and craft fairs all over. She was an avid card player, especially canasta, and always found humor in everything. Rita and her late husband traveled all over North America and loved every minute of it. They also were both avid bowlers and did league play. Rita’s grandchildren meant the world to her, and she cherished every moment spent with her beloved family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Smith; her parents, Arthur Remington and Minnie Trautman; her siblings, Earl Remington, Marian Remington, Minnie Remington-Wood, Nelson Remington, Claire Remington, and Agnes Remington-Wanner.

Rita is survived by her children, Linda and Victor Schell and Cynthia and Donald Buckles; her grandchildren, Chuck and Michelle Schell, Christopher Schell, Victoria and Jason Ball, Kristin

Benefield, and Kevin and Joni Buckles; fourteen great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren; and a host of others whose lives she touched. No services are planned at this time. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Bernard Wayne Mize

Bernard

Wayne Mize, age 74, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at his home. He was born on Friday, August 20, 1948, to Bernard Mize and Nita May Hicks Mize in Batesville, Arkansas.

Bernie was a good man who loved his family. He was a devout Christian and longtime member of the Christ Community Fellowship Church in Mena where he was the co-coordinator of the security team. Bernie graduated from Batesville High School in 1966 and later went to the University of Arkansas and graduated in 1975 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He worked for the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department, starting in 1967 as an Engineers Aide. He married the love of his life, Erma on January 1, 2000, and moved to Mena in July of 2001. Bernie was the supervisor of the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratories before retiring in June 2001, with over thirty years of service.

Bernie volunteered for the Ninth Street Feeding Ministry, U.S. Forest Service, Rich Mountain Fire Tower, Mena Medical Center and as a campground host at Shady Lake Recreation Area. He was a dual member of the Camden Masonic Lodge #11 and the Dallas Masonic Lodge #128, where he was a past Master of the Dallas Masonic Lodge #128 and Mason of the year in 2007.

Bernie was the Fourth District Representative to the State Republican Party Executive Committee from 2009-2011 and Chairman of the Polk County Republican Committee from 2007-2013.

He served for 8 years on the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging in January 2006 and served for eight years under the appointment of Governor Mike Huckabee and Governor Mike Beebe.

In his free time, he enjoyed Western and Arkansas history, turkey hunting, hiking, camping and outdoor photography. He was always willing to help where he was needed and could make a difference. He loved to travel with his beloved late wife, Erma. Bernie was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and a great friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

Bernie is preceded in death by his parents and he is finally reunited with his lovely bride, Erma Mize who he deeply missed.

Bernie is survived by his stepson, Russell Steed of Benton, Arkansas; his stepdaughters, Donna Lewis of Marquez, Texas and Vicki McCoy of Houston, Texas; sister, Kathie Mize of Mena; four grandchildren, Mason McCoy of Houston, Texas, Brittney Hufeld of The Woodlands, Texas, Ashley Perera of The Woodlands, Texas and Declan Steed of Benton, Arkansas; four great-grandchildren, Cadence, Ryleigh, Landon McCoy of Houston, Ethan Rhett of Austin, Texas and a host of other friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the Christ’s Community Fellowship in Mena with Brother Bobby Blasingame officiating. Interment will follow in the White Oak Cemetery in Mena. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the Bowser Funeral Home Chapel in Mena.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Christ Community Fellowship here:  https://www.ccfmena. com/give

Pallbearers will be Luke Sawyer, Joshua Hennings, Declan Steed, Kelsey Moran, Dan Lawrence, and Greg Lawrence.

Honorary Pallbearer will be David Lumbert.

Family preferred florist: Allbaugh’s Florist in Mena, Arkansas at 479-3944616.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Daniel Dixon He was preceded in death by his parents, and six siblings, two wives, two sons-in-law, and a stepson.

Daniel was born to Vernie and Harvey Dixon in Deer Park, Washington, the second oldest of seven children. He departed this life to be with the Lord on May 19, 2023, at the Rehab cottage in Mena, Arkansas. Daniel was 99 years old. He spent most of his childhood in Washington. At the age of 17 he enlisted into the Army Air Corp. He was a Fighter Pilot during WWII. The Army Corp later became the United States Air Force. Over the course of his military career, he was stationed in Santa Anna Tulane, Concord, and Bakersfield, California; Chandler, Arizona; Hamilton Field, where he went by rail to Newport News, Virginia, and shipped on the Liberty Ship to Algiers, Africa. He spent his 20th birthday on board. He was then shipped to Foggia, Italy, on the Adriatic Sea. During his career he flew missions to Austria, Czechoslovakia, Southern France, and Romania, Hungary, Poland, Yugoslavia, and Bad Tolz, Germany. He flew the AT6, AT9, RP322, P38, P39, UC78, P61, AT6, F84, P51, F80, and F86.

After his Air Force career, he joined the National Guard and retired as a Major in 1962. He then purchased a Dude Ranch in Colorado and later sold it and became a carpenter and foreman. He worked as a trail guide for hunters. He loved camping in the open spaces in the Rocky Mountains. He became an architectural draftsman and later received his license as an Architect. He had his own company and later formed a partnership as Dixon/Carter Architects. He had his practice in the Rocky Mountains in Granby, Colorado, until the late 1990’s when he retired. During those years, he and his wife had several horses. Due to health issues at such a high altitude, he and his wife, Renee, with their horses, moved to Tarkington, Texas. At one point they had 12 horses. They later moved to Cove, Arkansas, in 2011 and joined the Cove First Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Renee, one sister-in-law, Betty Dixon in Washington; a son David, and a daughter-in-law, Glennita in Colorado; daughters, Linda Groom in California, Angela in Colorado, Theresa Mikesell, Texas, a stepdaughter Tammy and husband Ron Uecker in Colorado, four stepsons, Stephen Hedges in Utah, Billy Hedges and wife Tami in Texas, Don Hedges and Julie Petro in North Carolina, and Michael Hedges an wife Amy in Colorado. He and Renee have 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and two more expected, and five great-great-grandchildren: several nieces and nephews and their families.

A full military memorial service will be held at Cove First Baptist on June 3rd, at 1:00 p.m., with interment at Fort Logan Veteran’s Cemetery in Denver, Colorado, at a later date. Cremation services are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers you may donate to the Ouachita Humane Society, Mena, Arkansas or the U.S. Veteran’s Hospice, P.O. Box 96229, Washington D.C. 200906229

Online obituary and guest book available at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Bernie enjoyed the farm life, raising both chickens and cattle. He was a man of faith, and he was a long-standing member of the Acorn Baptist Church, fulfilling many roles there throughout his life. He was a committed member of the Acorn community, having served the Acorn School District as a bus driver and a long-time school board member. Bernie was a founding member of the Acorn Rural Water Association and Acorn Fire Department.

Bernie is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harold and Irvin Boyd; grandsons, Ross Boyd and Phillip Hay; and great-granddaughter, Madison Boyd.

Bernie is survived by his wife of 67 years, Peggy Boyd; three sons, Andy and Cheryl Boyd, Curt and Susan Boyd, Dean and Cindy Boyd; one daughter, Gayle and Ronnie Hay; Grandchildren, Kyle and Jessica Daniels, Jonathan and Lisa Daniels, Carrie and Tony Pennington, Ryan and Jacqueline Boyd, Jason Boyd, Anthony and Wendy Padgett, Ryan and Kaylan Hay, Alicia Brewer, Ramie Hay and Quincy Cotton, Randy and Elisa Boyd, Reece Boyd, Russell Boyd, and Brittney Meador; one brother, Harley Boyd; 26 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a host of other family and friends.

Virginia Grant

Mrs. Virginia Grant, age 82, of Smithville, Oklahoma, passed away on June 6th, 2023. Virginia was born June 3, 1941, in Talihina, Oklahoma, to Sherman and Ruth Wilson.

Virginia was a homemaker, and was married to Mr. Abner Grant on June 6, 1959, until his passing. She enjoyed traveling to new places, seeing cities with tall buildings, going camping and loved visiting the beach. But above all else she loved being around her family.

Mrs. Grant is preceded in death by her loving husband, Abner Grant; daughter, Tracy Grant; and by her son, Darrell Grant.

Boyd

Bernie Lee Boyd, 86, of Acorn, Arkansas, passed away on Friday, June 9, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Bernie was born on September 8, 1936, in an adobe house in Gruver, Texas, to the late Harrison Lewis and Eva Isabelle (Mayhieu) Boyd. He was a 1956 high school graduate of Gruver, Texas, and on May 31, 1956, he married Peggy Darlene Sloan, and they just celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.

Funeral Services will be at 10:00, Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Acorn Baptist Church, with Pastor Roger Bishop officiating. Interment will follow at Owens Chapel Cemetery in Acorn, Arkansas. A general visitation will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be grandsons: Jason Boyd, Anthony Padgett, Kyle Daniels, Randy Boyd, Ryan Boyd, Jonathan Daniels, Reece Boyd, Russell Boyd, and Ryan Hay.

Honorary pallbearers will be his granddaughters and great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Acorn Baptist church in support of the children’s missions.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com.

She is survived by her daughters; Cheryl Blaylock and husband Rex of Poteau, Oklahoma, Elaine Belue and husband Jimmy of Ft. Smith, Arkansas; son Jeffery Grant and wife Karen of Hot Springs, Arkansas; grandchildren, Stephanie Graham and husband Johnathan, Garrett Blaylock, Ryan Armstrong, Savannah Grant, Tanner Grant, Ashley Whittaker and husband Jared, and Cole Grant; great-grandchildren, Keelan Youngblood, Kayla Youngblood, Ethan Youngblood, Raylee Youngblood, Chelsea Whittaker, Riker Whittaker; sisters, Hazel Battiest, Artie Cooper, Carol Schmidt, Cora Johnson, Rozetta Carney; brother, Hughes Wilson; and many nieces and nephews she loved very much.

Funeral services for Mrs. Grant will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the Live Oak Baptist Church, in Cove, Arkansas. Pastor Paul Pullen will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Smithville Cemetery in Smithville, Oklahoma. Visitation is general.

Pallbearers are Alan Jones, Russell Wilson, Michael Wilson, Jason Wilson, Jerome Carney, and Jesse Price Online obituary and guest book available at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Bernie Lee

Obituaries

Ruffus Cary Miller

A memorial service for Ruffus

Cary Miller was held Friday, May 5, at 6 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home in Harker Heights.

Mr. Miller died April 25, 2023. He was born May 23, 1938, to B.L. and Irene Miller in Polk County, Ark. He was one of seven children, 2 girls and 5 boys.

He went to school in Wickes, Ark., leaving school in his senior year to join the United States Navy where he was stationed on the U.S. Ticonderoga, an aircraft carrier.

After finishing his time in the Navy, he tried civilian life for 3-4 months, then joined the United States Army. In 1960 he married Floy LaVerne and they recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

While in Korea he adopted two Korean girls, Moni, 5, and Soni, 1, and raised Ed Burris, 14. The family of 5 made their home in Harker Heights, Texas, where they still reside. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Floy LaVerne (Fannin) Miller, daughters, Soni Berkhemer and Moni Taylor and son Edward Burris, 8 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

There will be a celebration of life and burial of ashes held at Duckett Cemetery, Wickes, Ark., June 18, 2023, at 3 p.m.

Sigurd “Sonny” Fugelseth

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Sigurd “Sonny” Fugelseth, who left us on June 8, 2023. Born on Oc It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Sigurd “Sonny” Fugelseth, who left us on June 8, 2023. Born on October 2, 1937, in Chicago, IL, Sonny was a man who truly lived

life to the fullest and brightened the lives of those around him.

An accomplished supervisor and printer for Century Greeting Cards, Sonny developed a passion for mechanics during his time in the Air Force. This love for repairing machines carried forward throughout his life, earning him the admiration of many. His enthusiasm for fishing led him to become a dedicated member of Salmon Unlimited, and his love for the outdoors was matched only by the love he had for his family and friends.

Sonny is survived by his daughters, Denise Weil and Desiree Gesky; brothers, Ed (Teri) Fugelseth and Robert (Barbra) Fugelseth; sister-in-law, Eileen (Roy - deceased) Fugelseth; grandsons, Cory (Heidi) Ecklund and Cody (Lindsey) Ecklund; great-grandchildren, Leena, Alexander, Annabella, Abigail and Addilyn; sister-in-law, Marion; friend and caregiver, Elaine McLemore; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sigurd Sr. and Martha Fugelseth; brother, Roy Fugelseth; wife, Annie Fugelseth and ex-wife Carol Tomao; and sister-in-law, Marge.

We encourage everyone to share their fondest memories and upload cherished photos of Sonny to the memorial page, as we come together to celebrate the life of a remarkable man who left an indelible mark on the hearts of those he touched.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Sonny’s home, 153 Redbird Lane in Mena, Arkansas. Please call his daughter Denise at 224-656-4149 with any questions about the celebration of life.

Thomas Cyril Earhart

Thomas Cyril Earhart, age 100, of Mena, passed away Monday, June 5, 2023, in Mena, Arkansas. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 12, 2023, at the First Christian Church in

Mena, Arkansas. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the services (10:00 a.m). Interment with military honors will be at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena, under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Thomas was born in Mena, Arkansas on October 18, 1922, to Wesley and Jewell (Wiles) Earhart. He was raised on a small farm across the highway from the current Ouachita Country Club.

Thomas graduated from Mena High School in 1939. After high school he worked at the Shady Gap CC Camp. From there he went to Bridgeport, Connecticut, to help convert a GE plant to war time production. He was drafted in ’43 and served till the war was won. He was a sergeant in the Army Air Corps (which later became the Air Force) and was a member of the 38th Bomb Group Ground Crew that repaired B-25 bombers in the Southwest Pacific from Australia to Okinawa. He was very proud of his military service and attended several 38th Bomb Group reunions located in different cities around the country. He was always eager to share his war stories. He was grateful to have had the opportunity to go on one of the Honor Flights that took WWII veterans to Washington, D.C., to see the WWII Memorial and other sites. After the war Thomas returned to Mena and worked in various positions until he opened Earhart Sheet Metal at 524 DeQueen St. in Mena. He married Virginia Wallace of Mena on July 22, 1950, at First Christian Church in Mena. They had two children, Treva and Tommy. They lived their entire married life in Mena in homes that Thomas had designed and built. After retiring from the sheet metal business, he became a building contractor and built numerous houses in Mena and the surrounding areas. Thomas and Virginia were long time members of the First Christian Church in Mena. Thomas served on the board for 66 years. He gave freely of his time to maintain, remodel and update the church building and grounds. He loved flowers and planted them to beautify his home and the church grounds. He served 29 years on the Board of Pinecrest Cemetery and

spent countless hours selling grave spaces, marking graves and assisting people who had lost loved ones.

Thomas is survived by his two children; Treva Sawatski of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Tommy Earhart of Mena, and one sister, Barbara McMillan (Roger) of Jonesboro, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Ashton Herod (Adam) of Mena, Jay Sawatski (Ashley) of Farmington, Arkansas, Carla Cheek (Jesse) of Farmington, Arkansas, and Johanna Hudson (Morgan) of Farmington, Arkansas; 9 great-grandchildren, Macy, Maddox, Makenzie, and Myles Herod of Mena, Arkansas, Paxton Sawatski of Farmington, Arkansas, Caleb Conner and Colson Cheek of Farmington, and Joelle Hudson and MJ Hudson of Farmington; nieces and nephews, Shanda Rogers (Blake) Shelle Morgan (Jay) and Roger Allan McMillan (Leslie) all of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Jerry Bowen (Sharon) of O’Fallon, Illinois, and Rod Bowen (Kay) of Conway, Arkansas.

Thomas is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Virginia (Wallace) Earhart; his parents, Wesley and Jewell Earhart.

Pallbearers are Adam Herod, Jay Sawatski, Jesse Cheek, Morgan Hudson, Rod Bowen, and Brian Hilton.

Online obituary and guest book available at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Good men must die, but death can not kill their names.

HAL continued from page 4 Arkansas Medal of Honor recipients’ plaques.

The Arkansas Medal of Honor Commission has proposed replacing all plaques with true bronze. This will ensure that the memorial will retain its integrity in the future.

The Medal of Honor Memorial is publicly funded, however, then-Attorney General Leslie Rutledge earmarked $50,000 state funds to help with the restoration on Nov. 10, 2022. The funds are to be allocated from the consumer education and enforcement fund.

At the time of the announcement, Rutledge said, “This memorial honors our state’s Veterans who have made tremendous sacrifices for our great nation.”

Three additional Medal of Honor recipients need to be added to

the memorial, making a total of 27 plaques.

“As the daughter of a Veteran, I am humbled and honored by the 27 Arkansans represented at the memorial,” Rutledge said, “and I am proud to make a small contribution that will enable future generations to reflect

on the great sacrifices made by Arkansas Veterans.”

Total cost for restoration now stands at approximately $160,000.

HAL’s plaque

The Herbert A. Littleton Detachment of the Marine Corps League of Mena would like to propose a community effort to raise $3,500, which will cover the cost of replacing HAL’s plaque and podium.

This project will ensure that HAL’s sacrifice to our freedom is properly memorialized at our state capital.

The Marine Corps League of Mena have also requested the image on the plaque be changed. throughout their discussions with HAL’s family over the years, they have been told that the family was never fond of the image. The League was able to secure an image of HAL that was pleasing to the family.

Donations

Donations can be made at Union Bank of Mena in the Herbert A Littleton Marine Corps Fundraising Account. A QR code has also been set up for easy scanning and making a donation to a Go Fund Me page, which is in need of more donations to reach their goal.

HAL did for us. What can we do for HAL?

By Richie Lawry

When my granddaughter was young, she would ask to listen to “those southern stories” when she rode with me. She was referring to a podcast called Tales from the South that I liked to listen to. The podcast features true stories written and told by the Southerners who lived them, in front of a live audience. One of her favorite stories was “Rainbow Cheerios” by Paul Strack. When she asked if we could listen to southern stories, she often added, “Can we listen to the Rainbow Cheerios story?”

Paul starts his story by saying, “Cool – You have Rainbow Cheerios!” He explains that on the night of April 26, 2011, tornadoes hit the Mayflower, Arkansas, area. His 13-year-old daughter learned that the tornado destroyed her friend’s house.

He asked the family, “What can we do to help?” The family needed someplace for their teenage daughters Rachael and Taylor to stay for a few days. Paul recounted, “With three teenagers of our own, and a 10-year-old to boot, we have a pretty good understanding of the adolescent attitude. What was odd and completely unexpected was the positively bubbly, effervescent attitude that these two brought with them. And to have this attitude after immediately being displaced was nothing short of remarkable.”

When Paul told them how sorry he was for their loss, Taylor replied, “Oh well, what are you gonna do? It’s just a bump in the road.” Rachael quickly chimed in, “Yeah, they will bulldoze our house, and we will get to rebuild. And anyway, Mom finally gets to get her new carpet.” He couldn’t believe their positive attitude.

The following day at breakfast, Paul heard Rachael exclaim, “How cool!” Rachael repeated – “How Cool! You guys have Rainbow Cheerios!” In the podcast, Paul explained, “We often buy our more

An Arkie’s Faith Rainbow Cheerios

circumstances, and in the end, all things work together for our good. “When my worry is great within me, Your comfort brings joy to my soul.” Psalms 94:19 (NLV)

Charles R. Swindoll writes, “The single most significant decision I can make today is my choice of attitude.” Suppose you let negative attitudes such as anxiety, envy, anger, or bitterness dominate your mind. In that case, those attitudes will lead you to make decisions that negatively affect your life. But if you choose with God’s help to have a positive attitude, your life will become positive.

popular cereals in bulk and empty the contents into plastic containers so they stay fresh. (No, my own Fiber One is not one of these.) But we often do buy Fruit Loops. You know, those sweet and sugary rings full of all the colors of the rainbow. Cheerios have the Honey Nut version, the Frosted version, and the Banana Nut version, and now even the Multi-Grain version, but no rainbow version. Except through the eyes of Rachael.”

Two days after a tornado destroyed her house, she could still find complete joy – in a bowl of multicolored cereal. Her attitude reminds me of the admonition found in James 1:2 (NIV); “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” James explains, “You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:3,4 (NIV)

We are to consider the troubles we are going through pure joy, not because the trouble is pleasurable, but because it helps produce patience. At least one

good thing is happening to us in the middle of our situation. Our suffering is more than just pain. God has a purpose, and that purpose is always good. “We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.” Romans 8:28 (VOICE) We can consider all things joyful because God is working in all situations, even the most painful, for our salvation.

When we have trouble, sorrow, and grief in our lives, we must be able to look to the future to find joy. Jesus is our example. “Now stay focused on Jesus, who designed and perfected our faith. He endured the cross and ignored the shame of that death because He focused on the joy that was set before Him; and now He is seated beside God on the throne, a place of honor.” Hebrews 12:2 (VOICE)

Joy is more than just feeling good. Joy has to do with accepting our present circumstances and having a positive attitude. Our positive assessment is that God is still in control of our difficult

In 1988, Singer-Songwriter Bobby McFerrin recorded the song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” The lyrics say, “In every life, we have some trouble. But when you worry, you make it double. Don’t worry, be happy. Don’t worry, be happy now.” Whenever you have trouble, avoid reacting negatively. You can’t control situations or people, but you can choose how to respond.

Our attitudes are an outward display of what’s taking place in our hearts. Although enduring problems with a smile and pure joy in our hearts can be difficult, doing so helps us become stronger and opens the door for an attitude transformation. The only thing we have to lose by choosing a positive attitude is a negative attitude.

Gentle Reader, “Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times.” Romans 12:12 (NCV) “I heartily recommend that you pursue joy, for the best a person can do under the sun is to enjoy life. Eat, drink, and be happy. If this is your attitude, joy will carry you through the toil every day that God gives you under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 8:15 (VOICE) So, what will you do when you hit a bump in the road? Where do you find your Rainbow Cheerios?

Scientists have created artificial vocal cords. The results speak for themselves.

“Can we listen to the Rainbow Cheerios story?” (Photo courtesy of Richie Lawry)

By Ethan Nahté

It’s time for the Mena Boots & Badges Community Challenge Blood Drive.

Mena’s local law and emergency personnel are challenging you to schedule an appointment with Our Blood Institute using either of the QR codes for blood drives to be held at the fellowship hall in the First Baptist Church at 811 Port Arthur, across from Janssen Park.

The event will take place Thursday, June 22, and Friday, June 23, from noon – 6 p.m. each day. At press time, there were still several openings left. Use the QR code and type in the 71953 zip code.

Potential donors can also call 877-3408777 or visit obi.org to schedule an appointment. Log in to make your appointment and to be able to see your test results.

Donors receive a Boots & Badges T-shirt and one free entry to Magic Springs Theme & Water Park.

The Blood Institute is the sixth-largest independent blood center in the nation, with 16 donor centers in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. OBI is the nonprofit blood provider for patients at more than 240 hospitals, medical facilities, and air ambulances across all three states.

OBI has five donor centers in Arkansas and provides blood products for patients in more than 40 Arkansas hospitals, medical facilities,

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

and air ambulances. OBI’s donor centers are located in Ft. Smith, Hot Springs, Little Rock, North Little Rock and Russellville.

A few members of The Mena Fire Department, Southwest EMS, Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Mena Police Department stand before the 1939 Dodge patrol car named Flossie located at the Mena/KCS Historic Depot & Museum — ready to battle it out at the Boots & Badges Community Challenge Blood Drive.

Reflecti ons from History and Faith: Flag Day —Honoring Old Glory

By Jeff Olson

On June 14, 1777, during America’s War of Independence, John Adams introduced a resolution before the Continental Congress in Philadelphia mandating a United States flag, stating: “Resolved, that the flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.” Subsequently, the Stars and Stripes were adopted as America’s official national flag.

It is traditionally accepted that in 1776 George Washington commissioned Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross to create a flag for the new nation. The evidence is compelling but not conclusive. Some scholars credit the flag’s design to Francis Hopkinson, who also designed the Great Seal and first coin of the United States. Though historical accounts vary to some extent, there is no doubt that both patriots contributed to our nation in their own special ways.

The Congress assigned no specific meanings to the flag’s colors in 1777, but the Great Seal of the United States gave some indication of the symbolism. Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, stated that the seal’s colors “are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence; Red signifies hardiness and valor; and Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice.”

A book published by the House of Representatives in 1977 states that “the star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun.” To date, there have been twenty-seven official versions of the flag. The current version dates to 1960, after Hawaii became the fiftieth state on August 21, 1959.

It is interesting and I think important to note here that the design for the new 50-star American flag is credited to a 17-year-old Lancaster, Ohio, history student, Robert G. Heft. His flag design was a history class project in 1958. He used his mother’s sewing machine to make it and did so on the expectation that Alaska and Hawaii would become the next two states. He received a grade of B-. However, when he sent his design to the White House, President Eisenhower was so impressed, he selected Heft’s as the new American flag from among thousands of entrees. Afterwards, Heft’s teacher, Stanley Pratt, upgraded his B- to an A. Pratt conceded, “I guess if it’s good enough for Washington, it’s good enough for me.” Only in America!

The first official large-scale celebration of our flag came about on June 14, 1877, on the flag’s centennial anniversary. From this time on, celebrating “Old Glory” became

an annual event over much of the country. In 1885 Bernard J. Cigrand, a Wisconsin schoolteacher, began encouraging his students to observe June 14 as “Flag Birthday.” He later wrote an essay published in a Chicago newspaper that urged Americans to proclaim this date as the day to celebrate the flag. For more than 40 years Cigrand persistently continued his crusade to have June 14 designated for the national observance of the birth of the American flag.

One hundred thirty-two years ago, June 14, 1891, from the efforts of George Balch, a New York City school teacher and composer of the first version of our Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag, ‘Flag Day’ was officially adopted by the New York State Board of Education. During the next 30 years, many other state and local governments would adopt the annual observance while other patriotic groups, including the Colonial Dames and the Sons of the American Revolution, worked to convince Congress to make Flag Day an official nationwide observance.

At last, in May 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation calling for a nationwide observance of Flag Day on June 14. It wasn’t however until 1949, 17 years after Cigrand’s death, that congressional legislation was signed into law by President Harry Truman officially des-

ignating June 14 as National Flag Day. As he should be, Bernard Cigrand is widely recognized as the “Father of Flag Day.”

Have you ever wondered when and where our flag picked up the name ‘Old Glory’? William Driver, a ship master from Salem, Massachusetts, received a homemade flag with 24 stars in 1824, sewn for him by his mother and young lady admirers to celebrate his appointment, at the age of just 21, as a master mariner and commander of his own ship, the Charles Doggett. According to legend, when Driver raised the flag up the main mast, he lifted his hat and exclaimed, “My ship, my country, and my flag, Old Glory.” However, no evidence has been found to substantiate such a pronouncement.

More likely he named the flag when reflecting on his adventurous 20-year career as an American merchant seaman who sailed extensively throughout various parts of the world. He kept his flag for many years, protecting it during the Civil War until it was flown over the Tennessee capitol. In his words, “It has ever been my staunch companion and protection. Savages and heathens, lowly and oppressed, hailed and welcomed it at the far end of the wide world. Then, why should it not be called Old Glory?”

Old Glory is much more than a symbol. Flying so gallantly from on high, she emphatically implores us to a remembrance and understanding of the arduous journey of a nation, a people struggling toward the fulfillment of the ideals expressed in our Declaration of Independence, for the cause of individual freedom, liberty under law and justice for all. Today we need Old Glory more than ever as a reminder of our heritage and inheritance and of the sacrifice in blood and treasure it has cost to preserve them.

Perhaps a fitting and sobering question to ask ourselves on this occasion would be: Am I the kind of American worthy of the magnitude of sacrifices made for my freedom? The answer will determine the future of the American Republic.

History student Robert G. Heft created our current American flag.

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Duane Harvey promoted

Donnie Duane Harvey has been promoted from captain to assistant fire chief for the Mena Fire Department. Harvey was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and spent most of his childhood in Lonoke before moving to Mena in the summer of 1987.

Harvey attended Acorn High School. He worked at U.S. Motors from 1990 to 2011. While working at U.S. Motors, a fellow employee suggested that he ap-

Mena Fire Department news

nician, Instructor and Captain. Harvey graduated from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in July 2016. He has worked 12 years with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The first 5 years he worked as a jailer in the Detention Center. The last 7 years have been as a deputy sheriff/school resource officer at Ouachita River School District/Acorn Campus where he ensured the safety of Pre-K thru 12th grade students.

Harvey spends his free time with his wife Shelly, family and friends. His hobbies include golf, going on Jeep rides, traveling and spending time outdoors.

Mena Fire Chief Steve Egger stated, “Duane has been a great asset for the department and the community for many years as a paid on-call firefighter and we now welcome him to the staff as a full-time firefighter as of May 29, 2023.”

Harvey has filled the vacancy created upon the retirement of Mena Asst. Chief Charles Hankins of March 1, 2023.

Bert Street fire

Black plumes of smoke rolled into the blue sky last Thurs-

day afternoon. At 3:50 p.m. the Polk County Dispatch paged the Mena Fire Department for a structure fire at 1109 Bert St. in Mena.

Two apparatus and personnel arrived to a fully involved single story wood frame residence. Defensive fire suppression efforts were put in place to confine the fire to the structure and protect nearby exposures.

A vehicle parked in front of the residence was also on fire due to the radiant heat. The vehicle received significant damage to the grill area and into the engine compartment.

The resident was not in the home at the time of the fire. No injuries to any

personnel or animals occurred.

A man pulled up and spoke with Mena police officers who were directing traffic. He informed them he was a Cove firefighter and wanted to assist. He has a family member with the Mena Fire Department, thus he stopped by.

The fire was handled by the Mena Fire Department with the assistance of SWEPCO Electric, Mena Police Department and Southwest EMS.

The residence was a total loss. The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time. The fire department and 16 personnel cleared the scene at 6:15 p.m. and was not called back for any rekindles.

ply to be a volunteer firefighter. Harvey applied that day and soon after was accepted into the Mena Fire Department in 1995 as a volunteer firefighter.

Harvey has spent the last 28 years serving the citizens of the City of Mena and Polk County in many roles. He has been a Mena Firefighter for the past 28 years, his roles and training include Firefighter 1, Hazardous Materials Operations, Search and Rescue, Auto Extrication, Swift Water Rescue, First Responder, Emergency Medical Tech-

OLT celebrates Benson Awards

Submitted by Julie Ulmer

The biennial Benson Awards banquet and honor ceremony was held June 1, at the Crossing Facility. The theme was “A Night on the Town” with black and gold decorations to accent the semi-formal affair.

The purpose of the awards is to pay homage to the outstanding volunteer members of Ouachita Little Theatre who serve both on the stage and behind the scenes in various roles. Since COVID-19 protocols interrupted the usual semi-annual schedule in 2020, both the 2019-2020 as well as the 2021-2022 seasons were honored in the same ceremony.

Close to 100 people attended the event. After a tasty catered meal from Papa’s Mexican Café, President Alex Night opened the awards portion of the program. Several different presenters associated with Ouachita Little Theatre made the presentations to the individual award recipients in technical, acting, artistic, and directing categories.

The names of the award recipients and the categories for which they won acclaim can be viewed in the OLT newsletter located on the OLT website or Facebook page.

Inaugural awards

Two inaugural awards made their appearance. The first of two legacy plaques presented was the Howard Goins Memorial Award for Excellence in Sound Production, named posthumously for

the sound pioneer who paved the way for the optimal sound at OLT.

Jocelyn Biard won for the 20192020 season and Lexie Payne won for the 2021-2022 season.

The second legacy award is named the Lorraine Timmerman Award for Excellence in Set Painting and Artwork. Lorraine is the initial recipient of the award bearing her name for the nearly 40 years from 1983 to 2022.

Judy Kropp was also honored for Excellence in Musical Direction for seasons 2019 through 2023. Linda G. Johnson was honored as well for the same years for her Excellence as Property Master. Both of these talented women have dedicated extraordinary time and effort to fill their respective roles in every show for the four-year span of entertainment.

MaKayla Ortiz was honored with an individual plaque in ap -

preciation of her excellent performance as Stage Manager for almost every production in season 2019 through 2022.

Leda Award

The final award presented was the coveted Leda Award named

for the founder of Ouachita Little Theatre, Leda Benson. This award is reserved for only those who have made a long term and lasting impression on OLT. As only the fifth recipient of this prestigious award, Bill Hays was honored with a standing ovation from the audience. The trophy will be enjoyed by Hays at home for a time, and then on permanent display at the theater until the next time it is awarded.

Congratulations to all those who took home a Benson Award. Many volunteers not mentioned have worked very hard throughout the pandemic years through today to bring quality entertainment to the Polk County community.

Thanks, too, to all those patrons who have supported Ouachita Little Theatre through the difficult pandemic years and continue to do so.

Bill Hays with the Leda Award.

Several of the 2023 Benson Award recipients. (Photos courtesy of OLT)

Wickes Trade Day

Saturday, July 8, 9 a.m. - TBD

Located in Wickes on Hwy. 278 on the lawn between Union Bank and the fire station. Vendor set-up is at 8 a.m. Support local businesses. Enjoy Hispanic food, BBQ, baked goods, tumblers wood works, items from Double R Forge, freshies, homemade cards, floral arrangements, key chains, clothes, jewelry, pony rides, face painting, and more.

Vendors are not guaranteed to be present as unforeseen circumstances may arise. Call 479-216-8234 for any questions.

Free sack lunch each Tuesday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., for all ages, at Janssen Park pavilion. Bubbles, chalk, free books, games, and music. Sponsored by First Presbyterian Church. Meals will be available all summer, May 30 through August 15.

The Polk County Housing Authority will be closed Monday, June in observance of Juneteenth.

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.

Humane Society of the Ouachitas will meet Thursday, June 15, 5:30 p.m. at La Villa’s Restaurant in Mena. All pet lovers welcome!

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

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

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

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

DIY Learn Something New, Saturday, June 17 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Extension Education Building at 211 DeQueen St. We will learn to make a mug rug. Fabric and batting scraps will be available. We will have some sewing machines or you may bring your own. Come

Around Town

have fun with us and learn something new!

The Polk County Republican Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m., Monday, June 19, in the Community Room of the Polk County Library. All members of the public are invited.

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

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

The Extension Homemakers Clubs will be hosting a free mug rug making class on Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at the education building at 211 DeQueen St. in Mena. Participants will need to bring a sewing machine, thread, and scissors. A rotary mat and cutter, along with a 12-inch acrylic ruler would be helpful, but not required. Fabric will be provided. There is no fee for this class and it is beginner friendly. Participants will learn to “quilt as you go” while making a mug rug to take home. For more information, call the Polk County Extension Office at (479) 394-6018.

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.

Polk County Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary will be hosting their meetings at the American Legion building in Acorn on June 1. Potluck begins at 6 p.m. with meetings to follow.

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

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

Christ’s Church of Cove, 5234 Hwy. 71 S, Cove gathers every Tuesday, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m., for free coffee and conversation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

CRSD

offers summer school and free meals

The Cossatot River School District wants to remind students of summer opportunities.

Summer school is offered Tuesday - Friday during the month of June. Contact the building principal if you are interested in your child attending.

Also, do not forget our summer feeding program. Anyone 18 years or younger in any community can arrange to pick up breakfast and lunch from the CRES cafeteria by contacting Carla Harwood at 479216-3324.

The WOMEN FOR JESUS Prayer group will meet for a Brunch, Saturday, June 17, at the Union Bank of Mena conference room. All women thirteen years of age and up are welcome. Questions call (918) 755-4462 LL, Cynthia Perkins or text (918) 429-8538 Cell T0614

- EDUCATION -

Solid Foundations Christian Academy

The Solid Rock Church at Y-City will open a Christian school in the fall of 2023 for students entering grades K-8. The first day of school will be August 21.

For more info call pastors Mike and Jan Shaddon. Mike’s cell - (479) 207-0616 , Jan’s cell - (479) 207-2813 T0614

YARD SALE -

Multi-family Yard Sale, 2008 Valley View

Dr., Friday, June 16 - Saturday, June 17. Furniture, dishes, misc., clothes, tools, moving/ clearing out, lawn mower 8 a.m. - 5p.m. T0614

Yard Sale, 409 Lakewood Dr., Saturday only, June 17, all day. Furniture, household items, and clothes. T0614

- SERVICES -

Wendell’s Tree Service - Tree Removal and Trimming. Experienced and fully insured for ALL your tree-trimming needs. Call (479) 394-0227 or (479) 216-4328. T0628

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0614

Construction, steel buildings, welding, pads, ponds, and roads. Military discounts. Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0628

Tree services, forestry mulching, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate. T0628

Carter’s Excavating - Licensed Contractor: Heavy and light dozer work, heavy excavation, soft ground to rock excavation, heavy off-road hauling, road design and construction

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

T0809

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T0628

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

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

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- WANTED -

Wanted AOD automatic transmission 1990 Ford Ranger. Must hook up to 2.3 4-cylinder. One from ‘88 thru ‘91 will work. Does not need to be good. Just need core.

Ray (479) 477-0576 T0614

- FOR SALE -

Gun cabinet for sale, wood with glass door and lower cabinet, 74 inches tall. $150. Call Joan Evans 479-243-0405. T0614

For sale by owner - 40 acres, mostly pasture land with home. West of Cove, Ark. $260,000. Call (870) 571-7858 (cell) or leave message at (870) 387-3049. T0705

1996 Motor Home for sale - Class C, as is best offer. (479) 234-0237 T0614

Hand-carved flute, round oak coffee table, twin bed w/mattress, pressure cooker, hot air fryer, antique chair, double air mattress, bread machine. (479) 322-0065 T621

- HELP WANTED -

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

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

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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.

T0628

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

T0628

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

Parts, automotive, and computer experience would be helpful.

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

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

T0628

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.

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REQUEST FOR BIDS CITY OF MENA, ARKANSAS

The City of Mena, Arkansas, is seeking sealed bids from interested and qualified individuals/contractors for the purpose of clearing and disposing of all vegetation and debris from the property located at 206 10th Street, Mena, Arkansas.

Project specifications may be picked up between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm at Mena City Hall, 520 Mena Street, Mena, Arkansas.

Bids must be submitted in written form in a sealed envelope clearly marked with the individual’s or contractor’s name, date of response, and the words “VEGETATION AND DEBRIS REMOVAL 206 10th STREET PROJECT”.

A Mena City Hall representative must receive any and all responses not later than 3:00 pm CDT on June 21, 2023, at the Mena City Hall, 520 Mena Street, Mena, Arkansas 71953. All Bids received in response to this notice will be reviewed and presented to the Mena City Council for consideration.

Questions on the foregoing may be directed to Seth Smith, (479) 394-4585. No bidder may withdraw their bid within thirty (30) days after the actual date of the opening thereof without written consent of the owner.

The City of Mena reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive all formalities, and to award the contract deemed most advantageous to the City.

This is an Equal Employment Opportunity project and all licensed small, minority, and women businesses are encouraged to apply.

Seth Smith, Mayor

City of Mena

June 7, 2023

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CRIDER continued from page 1

Crider, who was over the age of 18 at the time of the alleged incidents, was accused engaging in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity with another person who was less than 14 years of age, constituting a Class “Y” Felony. A Class “Y” Felony is the most serious non-capital charge which one can receive in Arkansas. If convicted, the prison sentence can range from 10 to 40 years.

Crider waived his arraignment, having his attorney Brent A. Miller of the Miller Law Firm in Hot Springs enter a “not guilty” plea to the charges.

A motion by Miller to bar prosecution on “res judicata” was made to prohibit and bar the Court from the re-litigation of the issue of whether Crider engaged in sexual contact with S.C. based upon the due process clause and res judicata. According, in part, to the motion:

1. Defendant is charged with Rape.

2. The allegation involves incidents from 2 ½ years ago.

3. The allegation by alleged victim, S.C. was made known to authorities on July 23rd, 2020.

4. The investigation ceased and the file was sent for review to the prosecutor’s office on October 15th, 2020. No charges were filed at that time.

5. On or about May 3rd, 2021, a hearing was held at the Office of Appeals and Hearings, Judge Sheila McDaniel presiding. Investigator Alissa Gordon was present, as was the Defendant. Inv. Gorden introduced the State’s investigative file as well as the DVD of the C.A.C. interview of S.C. into the record. The

Defendant testified on his behalf. The Hearing resulted in a finding that there was insufficient evidence to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that this same allegation was true. The allegation was unsubstantiated. No appeal was made by DHS. The CHRIS # is 204256 and the appeal by Mr. Crider that overturned the DHS true finding is Case #20006400.

6. In January of 2023, an affidavit for arrest warrant based upon the same allegation of S.C against the Defendant was filed in Polk County Circuit Court. Defendant was then arrested based upon the same information known by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the 18th -West Judicial District Prosecutor’s Office, 2 ½ years prior.

Continuance and trial

Citing facts based on the hearing from 2021, the State’s response explained in paragraph nine that the criminal case against the defendant, Crider, was not a re-litigation. The Court agreed.

An order of continuance was made March 13. Crider was arraigned March 15 and his pre-trial hearing took place Apr. 12. His trial took place at the Polk County Court House throughout June 8 and 9.

The alleged victim, S.C., was one of two minors. Buschman stated, “Crider was accused of raping and sexually assaulting two children. The victims bravely testified at trial.

I am grateful to the jury for their service and dedication in this case. They spent two long days hearing testimony that was traumatic and difficult to hear. They remained steadfast and deliberated, without dinner, for four hours. They were

discharged by the Court at two minutes until midnight on June 9th.”

Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer posted on Facebook, “We just finished up a two-day jury trial at midnight tonight. It’s been a long couple of days and I’m running on empty. I’d like to thank all of my guys, our Judge Andy Riner and his staff, and Prosecutor Debra Buschman and Robert Presley and their staff for their hard work. Our jurors gave us two long days listening to some graphic testimony and reached what I believe was the correct verdict and an appropriate sentence. Many people try to get out of jury duty but you all stepped up and performed a great service for your community. And to the two special young ladies... I’d like to say thank you for your courage and grace.”

Buschman also said, “The victims in this case showed tremendous courage in coming forward and testifying. Because of their bravery, Crider will be unable to harm other children for the foreseeable future. My heart and prayers are with them as they grow into the young women God made them to be.”

According to Buschman’s statement, the Court, upon recommendation of the jury, sentenced Crider to a total of 59 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction. He will be eligible for parole in 28.5 years.

Buschman was not certain if Crider will appeal but based on previous experience with other cases like this, she said she would expect him to.

Many people were involved in the investigation, arrest and the prosecution of this case. Buschman stated, “The Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case with

precision and integrity. The Sheriff’s Chief Deputy, Randy Jewell, made this case. There are places where these kinds of tough cases are not a priority, but Sheriff Scott Sawyer makes sure Polk County is not one of them.

“Elena Cannon, a fierce and devoted champion of justice for children, investigated on behalf of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. She was invaluable in preparing this case for trial and I am indebted to her for all she has done, not only in this case, but also in the many child abuse cases that preceded it.

“Robert Presley, the Chief Deputy Prosecuting attorney, was co-counsel for the State. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, a gifted trial attorney, and a staunch advocate for the truth. His skill and expertise were essential in securing this guilty verdict. But above all, I credit God for His love of justice and for enabling me to do the hard work I love — fighting for those who cannot protect themselves.”

Buschman finished by stating, “I am grateful every day He lets me do this job. To God be all the Glory.”

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

June 5, 2023

Lee Wisnoski, 48, of Mena was arrested on a Felony Failure to Appear Warrant and a Misdemeanor Failure to Appear Warrant.

Zachary Bryan, 31, of Mena was arrested by an officer with Probation Parole to be held for another agency.

June 6, 2023

An incident in the jail led to Holly Bunyard being issued a citation for 2nd Degree Criminal Mischief.

Christopher Chesser, 38, of Hatfield was arrested on five Failure to Appear Warrants.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to stolen property from a residence on Hwy 375 W near Mena.

June 7, 2023

Shannon House, 56, of Grannis was arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department on warrants for Disorderly Conduct and Breathing, Inhaling or Drinking Certain Intoxicating Compounds.

June 8, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Heritage Lane near Hatfield in reference to a structure fire.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 8 E near Big Fork in reference to an unattended death.

Jamie Miller, 49, of Mena was arrested on a felony warrant for Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons.

MENA

POLICE REPORTS

June 9, 2023

Deputies responded to a report of an unauthorized use of a vehicle.

June 10, 2023

Bradley Brumfield, 33, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for Theft of Property.

An accident led to the arrest of Donnie Jennings, 45, of Mena to be held for another agency.

Lawrence Day, 18, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for 3rd Degree Domestic Battery and Disorderly Conduct.

Justin Garza, 20, of Mena was arrested on warrants for 3rd Degree Domestic Battery, Disorderly Conduct and Failure to Appear.

June 11, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 8 near Wickes in reference to a physical domestic disturbance leading to the arrest of Justin Simmons, 40, of Wickes on a charge of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery and Summer Roberts, 33, of DeQueen on a charge of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 8 E near Board Camp in reference to the unauthorized use of a vehicle. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration. Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Kirk Lane near Potter in reference to a physical domestic disturbance.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked 1 vehicle accident this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 46 Incarcerated Inmates with 18 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

June 4

A death investigation report was taken at a residence on Church Avenue.

June 5

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

Roy Savage, 32, was charged with Public Intoxication at Healthy Connections.

Brandon Rose, 25, was served with warrants at the detention center.

A report of theft was taken from Walmart.

Courtney Lawrence, 31, was served with a warrant at the detention center.

June 6

Deana Presson, 52, was served with a warrant at the detention center.

A report of assault was taken from a person at Sonic.

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

June 7

Timothy Robertson, 36, was charged with Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct at a residence on Maple Avenue.

Crystal Garbs, 32, was charged with Theft of Property at Walmart.

A report of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia was taken on Morrow Avenue.

June 8

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

June 9

A report of theft of property was taken from Walmart.

June 10

A report of a welfare check was taken on Lakeside Drive.

Dierks City Council affirms theft case against former clerk

By Patrick Massey

At its June meeting the Dierks City Council voted unanimously to allow a trial to proceed in the case of a former city water clerk accused of stealing around half a million dollars — and thereby refuse any pretrial settlement.

Mayor Ronnie Cogburn gave the floor to Prosecuting Attorney Jana Bradford and Aaron Brasel to discuss proceedings in the case of 59-year-old Cheryl Delarosa. Bradford explained to the council that Delarosa is set for trial on June 20. Bradford stated that Delarosa’s attorney met with prosecutors during a recent pre-trial hearing and made a potential settlement offer. Bradford appeared at the council’s June meeting to gauge council members’ interest in deciding whether Delarosa should go to trial or be offered a reasonable settlement option.

Delarosa, who was employed as the Dierks city secretary and water clerk, was arrested in 2021 following a state police investigation into missing city funds of more than half a million dollars. Investigators determined the money was missing during a period of January 2015 through September 2020, during Delarosa’s time as city clerk.

During a state inquiry, officials with the City of Dierks said a lack of oversight and accounting of deposits and the city’s bookkeeping allegedly allowed Delarosa to misappropriate funds over the six-year period. Cogburn said the issue came to light when the city was notified of unpaid bills and that money appropriated for those bills was not available.

Since Delarosa’s arrest Cogburn says procedures have been put in place to better account for the city’s finances.

Delarosa has been charged with six felony Theft of Property counts greater than $25,000 and six other counts of Abusing the Public Trust — also a felony.

After further discussion of the matter, aldermen of the Dierks City Council unanimously approved a motion to let the trial proceed.

Posey selected as Shelter Insurance Foundation scholarship recipient

MENA, AR – 6/9/2023 –The Shelter Insurance Foundation awarded a $1,500 scholarship to Kendall Posey, a graduate of Mena High School. Shelter Agent Telissa Montgomery sponsors

ipation and leadership in school and community activities. The scholarship is given without regard to race, disability, religion, national origin or gender of applicants.

and partially funds this scholarship. Beginning the fall after the recipient’s high school graduation Kendall can direct the scholarship funds toward tuition, fees, or campus housing for any course of study and leading to an academic degree at any accredited college or university.

A committee of local high school officials and community leaders selected the local recipient. The committee considered each applicant’s scholastic achievements, educational goals, citizenship, moral character, and partic-

The scholarship is paid directly to the school the recipient selects. Kendall received a certificate from Telissa on behalf of the Shelter Foundation. The Shelter Insurance® Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation for charitable and educational purposes. It is sponsored by the Shelter Insurance Companies – offering auto, home, life, farm and business insurance services to customers in 15 states via a network of local insurance agents. The Shelter Insurance® Foundation is headquartered in Columbia, Missouri.

Kendall Posey (left) accepts a certificate from Shelter Agent Telissa Montgomery for her scholarship. (Submitted photo)

USDA Forest Service invests $8.4M in Arkansas

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark., June

2, 2023 — The USDA Forest Service Southern Region recently announced an investment of $30.4 million in Great American Outdoors Act funding to support 22 selected projects across the region in fiscal year 2023.

The projects are in Ala., Tenn., Fla., Miss., Va., Ark., N.C. and S.C.

These investments are made from the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund established by the Great American Outdoors Act.

These projects support the recent announcement by the Departments of Agriculture and Interior proposing a combined $2.8 billion in funding for fiscal year 2024 to improve infrastructure, recreation facilities, public lands access, and land and water conservation as the legislation enters its third year out of five.

Including the authorized and funded deferred maintenance projects for Fiscal Year 2023, the Southern Region currently has 65 LRF projects in various stages of development, with six completed.

On the Ouachita and OzarkSt. Francis National Forests in Arkansas, four projects totaling $8.4m have been selected once again for funding:

• Shady Lake Recreation Site Day Use Area Renovation (Ouachita NF)

• Cove Lake Dam Spillway Rehabilitation (Ozark NF)

• Bear Creek Lake Spillway Rehabilitation (St. Francis NF)

• Blanchard Springs Caverns

Sewage Line Replacement (Ozark NF)

Fiscal Year 2023 funds will provide partial progress toward the completion of these four projects, each of which have required multiyear, phased funding and differ greatly in complexity, design and construction.

Since 2021, the Forest Service has completed more than 122 deferred maintenance projects across 53

national forests in 25 states with more than 880 additional projects currently funded and in various stages of completion.

For additional information about the Forest Service implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/ managing-land/gaoa/.

The Great American Outdoors Act addresses the growing $7 billion backlog of deferred maintenance on national forest and grasslands. The Forest Service currently administers more than 370,000 miles of roads, 13,400 bridges, 159,000 miles of trails, 1,700 dams and reservoirs, 1,500 communications sites, 27,000 recreation sites and 40,000 facilities of other types across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Alligator hunting permit application period opens

By Patrick Massey

Anyone interested in pursuing alligators on public land in Arkansas can begin applying for a permit June 10 for one of the six hunting locations within two of Arkansas’s three open Alligator Management Zones. Applications can be submitted online at  www.agfc.com. The

permit holder may have up to three assistants with them on the hunt, but only the permit holder is allowed to snare, harpoon or dispatch the alligator.

application period will continue through midnight on June 18.

The 2023 alligator permit draw will have several dozen permits available for public draw. Alligators may not be present in Polk County, but there are 12 permits open for Millwood Lake and two for the Little River Wildlife Management Area within/next to neighboring Sevier County.

Each permit authorizes the harvest of one alligator, which must be at least 4 feet long. Alligator hunting is allowed 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise during the approved alligator hunting season dates in September. Each

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age the day the hunt begins, and only Arkansas residents or holders of an Arkansas Lifetime Sportsman’s Permit may apply. Applicants with 18 or more AGFC violation points are ineligible to apply. Alligator-hunt applicants must pay a $5 nonrefundable processing fee at the time of their application. Anyone who has access to private land in Alligator Zones 1, 2 or 3 may purchase a private land alligator tag in addition to their big-game hunting license and be able to hunt during alligator season until the quota is met for their zone.

Each private land hunter must call the wildlife hotline (1-800-4401477) every night before hunting to see if the quota has been met. If the quota is reached, the hunt ends early.

Successful applicants and private land hunters must also go through an online hunt orientation before going to the field. The orientation lays out the most important details and frequently asked questions about the hunt.

There are three zones for alligator season in Arkansas. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

(left-right) Junior Kensey Rosson, Sophomore Abi Koppein and Senior Emmi Hines were named to the Mena Ladycat All-State Softball Honors in postseason. (Submitted photo)