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National Flag Week
Boozman recognizes service of retired Arkansas National Guard Adjutant General
INSIDE:
Animal Shelter Grant
June 15, 2022
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Boots & Badges Blood Drive
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WASHINGTON –U.S. Vietnam War was windSenator John Boozman (Ring down by the time he AR) recognized the service graduated college, fewer and sacrifice of Major Genlieutenants were needed so eral (retired) Ron Chastain he was given the choice of in ‘Salute to Veterans,’ a seserving for three months ries recognizing the military or two years. He opted for service of Arkansans. the shorter service because Chastain was born in Parhe had a job lined up with is, Arkansas on October 18, the U.S. Department of Ag1950. He enjoyed his childriculture (USDA). hood in Branch along with Unfortunately, while he his 11 brothers and sisters, was training at Fort Bentwo of whom also served in ning, Georgia, President the military. His father was Retired Maj. Gen. Chastain once taught students across Richard Nixon issued a feda contract painter and his Arkansas about the history and proper care of the Ameri- eral hiring freeze, so his pomother raised Ron and all can and Arkansas flags. June 14 was Flag Day. sition with the USDA was his siblings while tending no longer an option. to the home. Growing up, met his future wife, Pam Berry, from Chastain changed his plans and startthe children all helped out with chores Dover. At ATU he was required to join ed working toward his master’s degree around the house and on the family ROTC. During his sophomore year, he at the University of Arkansas while also farm. received a low draft number and con- being encouraged by a retired major to Chastain attended Arkansas Tech tinued participating in the ROTC so he join the National Guard, so he became University after high school where he could serve as an officer. Because the See CHASTAIN
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WAPDD Town Hall discusses outdoor options, including pool and splash pad By Ethan Nahté
Repeat Anglers of the Year
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The Western Arkansas Planning & Development District (WAPDD) came to Mena on May 31 for a Town Hall meeting at City Hall. Tracee McKenna, community development for WAPDD, and Michael Rosenberg, marketing and communications for WAPDD, were on hand to discuss possibilities for projects and improvements for
Mena’s outdoor activities for a 50/50 matching grant that relates to outdoor activities. McKenna said, “The city had approached me about an Outdoor Recreation grant through the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. One of the requirements of that grant application is a public meeting.” The goal is to find qualifying viable plans that fall within the guidelines for
a grant worth up to $250,000 from ADPHT. Any money awarded would have to be equally matched by the city. If granted the full amount, it would come to a total of $500,000. If the project costs more than $500,000, the balance would be the responsibility of the City. WAPDD and McKenna were already beneficial in Mena receiving the
See GRANT continued on page 7
2 News
Pulse Boots & Badges Blood Drive
June 15, 2022
The Mena Boots & Badges Community Challenge Blood Drive will take place at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, Thursday, June 23, and Friday, June 24, from noon-6:15 p.m. Donors receive a Boots & Badges T-shirt and one free ticket to Magic Springs Theme & Water Park in Hot Springs. To schedule an appointment with the
Kayla Thomas was the winner of the third week’s Let Us Make Your Day promotion. She said her mother had gone to all of the sponsor locations with the exception of Jerry’s Fish Camp and put her name, Kayla’s fiancé’s name, and Kayla’s name in each box. It just so happened Kayla’s fiancé took her on a date to Jerry’s Fish Camp, where they filled out the forms to complete the sponsors. Kayla’s name was drawn from Jerry’s Fish Camp. She won a $50 gift card to Mena Tire Company and a $50 gift card to James’ Super Save Foods. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)
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Arkansas Blood Institute, visit arkbi. org/ or call 479-652-2364. According to the Arkbi site, there will also be a blood-drive at Walmart in Mena June 25, 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Hatfield’s Boots & Badges Blood Drive will be June 27, 1 - 6 p.m. Again, each suggest scheduling an appointment, but walk-ins are welcome.
Members of Mena Police, Polk County Sheriff’s Office,Mena Fire Department, Southwest EMS and the City of Mena promoting the Boots & Badges Blood Drive.
(Trey Youngdahl/Pulse)
Arkansas Rage was undefeated this season, champions of the 2022 12U softball Mena league at Aubrey Tapley Park. (front, l-r) Savannah Smith, Gracelee Burk, Yurani Esquivel, Macey Grogan, Lunzie Wilkinson, Adelyn Barton (back, l-r) coach Dana Smith, Jozlyn Cecil, Sarafina Ford, Mallory Grogan, Jade Watkins, Natalie Bailey, coach Savanna Barton (Submitted photo)
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
June 15, 2022
Radio - Print - Web 1168 Hwy 71S Mena, AR 71953 Phone: 479-243-9600 Fax: 479-243-9603 Email: news@mypulsenews.com
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Our Team: Ashley Moore - General Manager Ethan Nahté - Production Manager Trey Youngdahl - Reporter / Photographer Patrick Massey - Contributing Reporter John Russell - Graphic Design Curt Teasdale - Programmer / On-Air Personality Jim Pinson - Morning Personality Jackye Pruitt - Senior Account Executive Jodi Croft - Account Executive Ariel Varner - Receptionist Distribution & Insertion Staff: Dan & Linda Deramus, Jason Sharp, Edward Werkhoven The Polk County Pulse is the area’s premiere and fastest growing news publication. The Polk County Pulse is FREE and published weekly on Wednesdays, with a distribution of 8,000 and an estimated readership of 10,000. MyPulseNews.com has hundreds of visitors daily and KENA and KQOR have thousands of listeners hourly. POLICY: The publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. All property rights, including any copyright interest, in any advertisement produced by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse using art work and/or typography furnished or arranged by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse shall be the property of Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse. No such advertisement or any part thereof may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Pulse Multi-Media and The Polk County Pulse. POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENTS: Advertisements of a political nature must be prepaid and must also include the name of the entity paying for the advertisement. If an entity other than the candidate the advertisement is endorsing is paying for the ad, a statement must be signed by the candidate verifying the candidate has seen and approved the advertisement.
City of Mena Animal Shelter receives grant
Submitted by the City of Mena
The City of Mena Animal Shelter was recently awarded a grant of 15 pet beds from the nonprofit Animal Rescue Aid of Georgia. Mayor Seth Smith, who applied for the grant said, “We were incredibly happy to learn that we received the grant, our shelter was in need of new beds and receipt of the grant is an immense help.” The Animal Rescue Aid was able to provide beds to the shelter in a combination of sizes that will improve the comfort of the animals. Mayor Smith also expressed his appreciation to Tina Ball for referring the Since 2010, it’s been Animal Rescue Aid’s mission to make quality pet beds available to grant to us. shelter and rescue groups at cost.
News 3
Want to share your opinion? The Polk County Pulse welcomes letters to the Editor addressing any topic of interest to our readers. To be published, letters must not contain obscene or libelous language. The letter must include a signature to be considered for publication. Signatures will NOT be held out by request. The following contact information is required when the letter is submitted: NAME, AGE, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER. Letters are published at the discretion of the Editor and Publisher. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to news@mypulsenews.com; mailed to P.O. Box 1450, Mena, AR 71953 or dropped off at 1168 Hwy. 71 South, Mena, AR. A dropbox is provided by the front door for after-hour convenience.
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CORRECTIONS: The June 8, 2022 edition of the Pulse listed the Mena coach for the Special Olympics on page 1 as Erica Cox. It should have read Aarika Cox. The RE/MAX Baby Crawl winners on page 21 listed Candace Elder as one of the winners. It should have read Cadence Elder.
4 News
June 15, 2022
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
OLT announces cast for Monty Python’s Edukational Show By Ethan Nahté
Director Jered Biard announces the cast of Ouachita Little Theatre’s (OLT) hilarious summer musical comedy show. These young performers are all students within eighth grade through college undergraduate ages, for whom the show was written by accredited Monty Python representatives. According to the Monty Python website, the show was in development for years and, after a final pilot production in 2017, is now available for performance by accredited schools, universities and select youth theatre programs in North America through Theatrical Rights Worldwide.
OLT and the Vienna Theatre Company in Vienna, Virginia are the only two current productions. The cast includes April Burt (also piano accompaniment), Hayden Copelin, Ari Davison, Emma Ferguson, Richard Gilbert (also guitarist), Grey Goforth, Jordann Kenyon, Jacob Kenyon-Ortiz, Ann Loyd, Anthony Neumann, and Jonah Rogan. Each actor has been asked to play a variety of roles. For those who are not familiar with the comic genre of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, it should be noted that some content may contain “rude humor” that might not be appreciated by some young or sensitive audience members. Therefore, discretion is ad-
vised by OLT. “We think corrupting the next generation is essential,” the Pythons said about the show on the website. However, Monty Python fans of all ages will be delighted to see filmed footage of the actual Flying Circus skits woven into the live action and musical numbers performed onstage by our young play-
ers. Songs include “The Lumberjack Song” and “Spam.” Tickets are $10 for all seats and are now available for purchase online or at the OLT office during regular office hours. Show dates are July 29-31 and August 5-7. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
Politics 5
June 15, 2022
From the
State House of Representatives
counselors to provide increased This week, officials from the time with students for counselArkansas Center for School ing and social-emotional learnSafety (ACSS) provided meming. bers of the House and Senate In 2019, the General AssemEducation Committees with an bly acted on that recommenupdate on school safety meadation by passing Act 190. This sures taken in recent years. act requires school counselors In 2018, the Governor created the Safe Schools ComJohn Maddox to spend 90% of time with students. mission to assess the state of The commission also recschool security in Arkansas. That commission gave the General ommended that the Arkansas ComAssembly a list of 30 recommendations. mission on Law Enforcement Standards The General Assembly has passed sev- and Training should study the feasibility eral pieces of legislation in recent years of school districts being allowed to establish their own law enforcement agenbased on those recommendations. One of the recommendations stat- cies. As a result, the General Assembly ed that all school districts should pro- passed Act 629 in 2019. This allowed vide access to training in Youth Mental school districts to form their own law Health First Aid (YMHFA) for all per- enforcement agency. To date 16 school districts have been approved to do so. sonnel who interact with students. Dr. Cheryl May with the Criminal In 2021, we passed Act 620 and 648. These identical acts require all school Justice Institute serves as the chair for counselors to complete YMHFA training the School Safety Commission. She told every four years. In addition, we passed members this week that there is more Act 551 and 622. These acts requires work to be done including improving all school resource officers to complete our anonymous reporting system and strengthening physical security at access YMHFA training every 4 years. To date ACSS staff has trained 611 points on school campuses. We will be reviewing the recommenSROs and school counselors. Another recommendation by the dations and will update you on developcommission stated that the Arkansas ments. You watch all Education ComDepartment of Education should re- mittee meeting at www.arkansashouse. view roles and responsibilities of school org.
Contact Your Legislators! John Maddox
John.Maddox@ arkansashouse.org 520 Church Avenue Mena, AR 71953 Call: (479) 394-6060
Larry Teague
Larry.Teague@senate.ar.gov P.O. Box 903 Nashville, AR 71852 (870) 845-5303
John Boozman
1120 Garrison Ave. Suite 2B Fort Smith, AR 72901 Phone: (479) 573-0189 Fax: (479) 575-0553
Bruce Westerman 101 Reserve St. Suite 200 Hot Springs, AR 71901 Phone: (501) 609-9796 Fax: (501) 609-9887
From the
State Senate The economic impact of able. Low-income families the Covid-19 pandemic was may qualify for financial assistance to help pay for child especially hard for child care care. The level of benefits is centers, so the Arkansas Department of Human Services based on a sliding scale, depending on your income. is administering about $286 People who work 30 hours million to help them cover a week, or attend school full expenses and remain in busiLarry Teague time, may apply. If you are ness. So far, about $110 million turned down, someone at of the relief funding has been sent your local DHS office can inform to child care providers, according to you why you did not qualify, and the department’s Division of Child they can inform you about other Care and Early Childhood Educaprograms that may be available to tion. you, such as food stamps, transitional employment assistance, Head The relief funds go to providers that were licensed on or before Start and Arkansas Better Chance. March 11, 2021. Child care has become extremely important in recent decades, beIn addition to helping centers cause two-thirds of all children uncover expenses related to the pandemic, they are being used also to der five now live in homes where expand and improve child care. The both parents work. In Arkansas, Division director said that the funds mothers make up 45 percent of the should help them emerge from the breadwinners in families, so staying pandemic stronger than they were home is not an option. before. The average annual cost of placing an infant in child care centers is Some centers have used their $7,500 a year in Arkansas. grants to build new playgrounds, In Arkansas there are slots for storm shelters and fencing. Grants 171,845 children in child care cenmay be spent on mortgage payments ters. In after school programs there and utilities. Others have used grants are 26,297 slots. to pay staff and update computer On average, breakdowns in the systems. Others have installed new availability of child care force parflooring and added classroom space. ents to miss work between one and One purpose of the federal relief four days every six months. This not program is to eliminate gaps in the only has a negative financial effect availability of child care in some on the parents, but also on the overparts of the state. A particular area all productivity of the national econmay lack available care for toddlers omy. When child care is affordable and infants, or after school care. Existing child care providers that were and readily available, parents can focus on improving their job skills and licensed on March 11 of last year their productivity. are encouraged to take advantage of Most parents have to return to the grants to expand their range of services. work force by the time their newborn baby is four months old. High The Human Services Department quality child care gives kids a solid administers the program, which foundation in math, literacy and sois paid for with federal funding cial skills so that they are prepared through the American Rescue Plan. for kindergarten and elementary It is just one of several ways the school. state helps make child care avail-
6 Obituaries
June 15, 2022
Douglas Eugene Nursery
Douglas Eugene Nursery, age 74, of Mena, Arkansas, died, Wednesday, June 8, 2022, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born on Thursday, October 23, 1947, to Clinton Howard Nursery and Beatrice Louise (Gibson) Nursery in Tulare, California. Douglas was a man of faith and was a longtime member of the Board Camp Assembly of God Church. He proudly served in the United States Army before making his living as a flooring contractor. Douglas worked at various locations installing flooring including Wal-Mart and Holiday Inn. He liked to listen to bluegrass and gospel music. Douglas was a proud father and grandfather and enjoyed every chance he was able to spend with his family. He especially enjoyed getting a kick out of the reactions from his grandchildren when he would tell them he liked to dinosaur hunt. Douglas was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fish, and ride horses on occasion. Douglas collected a variety of knives and guns and was quite proud of his collection. Douglas was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him. Douglas is preceded in death by his loving companion Joann Dilbeck Cauley, his parents; one brother, Wayne Nursery; and one sister, Midge Metto. Douglas is survived by one son
and daughter in law, Chris Nursery and wife Michelle of Strathmore, California; two daughters and one son in law, Kelly Nursery of Exter, California and Julie Dickerson and husband Terry of Amity, Arkansas; one brother, Harold Nursery of Mena, Arkansas; eight grandchildren, Nicholas Dickerson, Jake Dickerson, Candace Standridge, Madison Hardage, Alora Dannon Standridge Winters, Autumn Nursery, Marlaina Nursery, and Darin Nursery; nine great-grandchildren and one on the way; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Graveside services will be Friday, June 10, 2022, at 2:00 P.M. at the Pinecrest Memorial Park Cemetery with Brother Tim Rose officiating. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 6-8 P.M. at Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena. Arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Chris Nursery, Darin Nursery, Nick Dickerson, Jake Dickerson, Terry Dickerson and David Johnson. Honorary Pallbearer will be Wayne McMillan. Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com
Pauline Skaggs
Pauline Skaggs, age 83, of Mena, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord, Friday, June 10, 2022, in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was born on July 7, 1938, in Okemah, Oklahoma, to the late Harlan and Minnie
(Woolard) Ellis. Pauline was a life-long member of the Church of God of Prophecy of Mena and served in many capacities through the years. Pauline worked in the restaurant business all her adult life. She enjoyed working cross-wood puzzles, playing softball, watching western movies and cooking big family meals. Pauline was a beautiful and loving wife that devoted her life to her children and surrounded them with love. Her family was always her top priority. Her smile, laughter and love was the center of our family. Her kindness and generosity towards others knew no boundaries. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Junior Skaggs; her son, Steve Skaggs; and daughter-inlaw, Bobbie Skaggs. Pauline leaves behind to cherish her memory her sons, Stanley Skaggs of Eagletown, OK, Leon Skaggs (Teresa) of Muldrow, OK, Lonnie Skaggs (Susan) of Mena, Danny Skaggs of Mena, and Tim Skaggs (Leona) of Mena; daughters, Jan Place (Tim) of Howe, OK, Diann Christopher (Carl) of Conway, AR, Donna Little (Steve) of Cabot, AR, and Debbie Skaggs (Moe) of Mena; grandchildren, Steve Skaggs Jr., Misty Roan, Tonya Richards, Cindy Armer, Kylie Skaggs, Dustin Skaggs, Leana Hobbs, Kristina Johnson, Chris Hamrick, Chad Place, Robert Christopher, Ashley Varner, and Lillie Carver; twenty-two great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Effie Lou Oden of Cove, AR, Virginia “Jean” Burns of CA, and Cleta Sue Lilly of AZ; and a host of extended family and friends. Funeral services for Pauline will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse 15, 2022, at Beasley Wood Funeral Chapel with Brother Ed Rutherford, Brother Rick Guy, Brother Lafoy Parker, and Sister Kay Osban officiating. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, June 14, from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers are Tim Place, Carl Christopher, Steve Little, Moe Carver, Steve Skaggs Jr., and Chris Hamrick. Honorary Pallbearers are her sons. Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com
Grief is the price we pay for love. ~Queen Elizabeth II
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
News 7
June 15, 2022 GRANT continued from page 1
$296,000 ARDOT Transportation Alternatives Program grant that is being utilized to continue the Mena Street streetscape, which includes sidewalk enhancement and the additional sidewalks being put in place, painting of the crosswalks and parking spaces, and other improvements. Members of the City in attendance were Becky Horton, Linda Rexroad, Mary Alice Head and Terri Neugent. Notice: The Town Hall was for board members and the public to provide input and opinions to WAPDD. None of the following information should be considered a final decision. The top priority was the possibility of a new pool with new bath houses for changing, or a new pool house at the existing pool. Neugent said, “I know there’s been talk, possibly of a new swimming pool at a new location.” She also noted a splash pad next to the pool would be beneficial. Neugent mentioned, “Tapley Park has expanded, and continues to. We have tennis courts underway and volleyball. We’re extending our field to allow adults to have the size they need to have and 13- and 14-year-olds. We’re getting a bigger soccer field. “We’ve newly graveled the parking lot with bumper stops and lining so it won’t be chaotic out there and will be uniform.” All agreed that the McMillan Park pool, which they believed opened in 1974, needed renovating or updating at the very least. Head said, “It’s quite expensive to keep it updated. People depend upon it for lessons.” Area seniors use it for therapeutic exercise classes, birthday parties, and it makes for a safe place to play for the general public. Neugent said, “The community suffers when something goes wrong, and it has to be repaired. We’ve tried to stay on top of that.”
WHO IS THE ANTICHRIST? By Daniel Fontenot
This may seem like an unusual question to many in this day and time. I mean, after 2000 years since Jesus Christ and His apostles preached the gospel to the people of their time, wouldn’t Christians know the answer to this question beyond the shadow of a doubt? But unfortunately, Satan has been much too successful in confusing the minds of multitudes in regards to this very important question. All sorts of ideas have been put forth as to the identity of this diabolical character. There was a time though, when Protestants understood the identity of the Antichrist. It was well known. There was absolutely no doubt as to who he was and still is. When the Bible was considered to be the infallible word of the living God the people understood and interpreted it according to its obvious meaning. But truths which are very plainly revealed in the Bible have been involved in doubt and darkness by so-called educated men who profess to be teachers of the Holy Scriptures. Let me be plain here dear readers; Satan, the greatest enemy of mankind, hates the Bible because it exposes his works and his efforts and his plans to destroy as many souls as he can and take them with himself into the lake of fire. He is untiring in his efforts. He is cunning and deceptive even in regards to this subject. And he knows that the Bible enables men to discern his deceptions
The discussion wavered between placing a new pool and splash pad at Tapley, or a new pool at Tapley while using MacMillan Park for the splash pad or keeping the pool at MacMillan and adding a splash pad at the same location. There was also discussion about the new skate park that is in the process of being built, playgrounds at the various parks, the need for more sidewalks to improve safety to get to the parks, pavilions, and the issue with the dirt runoff from the baseball fields to the pool area at MacMillan Park. The City may launch a questionnaire, poll or something equivalent on social media before long to gather more input from the community. McKenna said, “The grant application is due at the end of August. Over the next two and half months, the City needs to look at the cost of the rehabilitation of the current pool versus the cost of a new pool and how those things compare, and where the additional funds outside the grant will come from. Those kinds of things need to be discussed and worked out among the City. Then we’ll finalize the grant application. We won’t know about the grant application rewards until probably December.”
and withstand his power. Therefore he palms off a counterfeit. Yes, even in regards to the subject of Antichrist. But because the people and the ministers do not take the Bible as it reads and allow it to interpret itself, there is much that is taught concerning this subject that has no foundation in the word of God. I appreciate and agree with the words once spoken by Martin Luther: “I am much afraid that the universities will prove to be the great gates of hell, unless they diligently labor in explaining the Holy Scriptures, and engraving them in the hearts of youth. I advise no one to place his child where the Scriptures do not reign paramount. Every institution in which men are not unceasingly occupied with the word of God must become corrupt." Quoted from J.H. Merle D’ Aubigne’s “History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century”. There are several Scriptures which speak of the Antichrist, including 2Thessalonians 2:3,4. “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” Now, even though the word Antichrist is not found in these verses, still he is there. The word “oppose” in the verses quoted above has the same root meaning as the prefix “anti” thereby connecting 2Thessalonians 2:3,4 with all the verses in the Bible that speak of the Antichrist. The New Testament was written in Greek; so the definition of the prefix Anti is “in the room of”, “instead of” or “substitution”. So, it is evident from the verses quoted and from the definition of “anti” that Antichrist or “the man of sin” tries to “substitute” himself for God and Christ in the eyes of the world. So who is the Antichrist? To be continued. Questions? Comments? Email me at danielfontenot46@gmail.com Advertisement paid for by Daniel Fontenot
8 Letters
June 15, 2022
Your Pulse! Letter to the Editor
It just amazes me that so few people who don’t display the U.S. flag. If you live in the USA, why don’t you display the flag or move to another country? My husband served 7 years--in the AR National Guard. That was before we married & the National Guard wasn’t considered as military. We have a flag at our house & even a flag on our rural mailbox. Both flags are there for everyone to see every day with the exception of the flag on our mailbox, in December we replace the flag for artificial Christmas flowers. I know of one active military person who has a flag but doesn’t display it outside their home. I also know of a person who is the spouse of a military person. This military person has died but they have a flag pole at their house, the spouse doesn’t display the flag! Most business don’t display flags at their business except on legal holidays when the ex-military personnel put them out (the business doesn’t put them out). These same business owners decorate for holidays (like Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc). So why not just display a flag everyday? I thought this would be a appropriate thing to write about with Flag Day coming up on June 14 and July 4th next month. This is just my opinion, others may or may not agree with me. Donna Lay, Mena Letter to the Editor Please take a look at some of the news stories of the last 24 months and see if you have questions or concerns about the direction of our country. Shortly after being sworn in, our current administration shut down the Keystone pipeline. Recently, they also stopped selling leases on federal lands and the Gulf for gas/oil exploration. Results were gas prices going up to record levels and the predicable blaming of oil companies and Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Inflation is setting new records for consumers at all levels and our government blames big box stores, greedy corporations, or big oil. Record gas/diesel prices are driving that, as everything we consume is shipped by truck/ train. Prices are high and there are reasons for that, yet those responsible blame others. The taxes generated from the sale of gas/ diesel pay for the roads and highways and upkeep in this country. I wonder when our government will realize that electric vehicles are using but not helping to pay for these roads and how negatively this will impact their future maintenance and new construction. Bet they
know the answer already, but it does not help the narrative of the far left pushing their agenda. Russia’s attack on Ukraine has put a stop to wheat exports by Ukraine, and recently India has announced they will stop exporting wheat. It is easy to predict that bread prices worldwide will go up as a result. Our domestic production is at the mercy of high fertilizer prices, drought or excessive rain at harvest, and the other acts of nature such as storms, floods or fires. For as long as I can remember our government has played politics with exports of domestically grown grains and our farmers have actually been paid not to plant. High diesel prices exacerbate the high costs of planting, harvesting, and shipping of all our harvests as well. Our government just announced a plan to build 1 million new homes in an effort to alleviate the housing shortage. Take a moment and ask what that will do to the value of your home that you have worked hard to afford (most American’s wealth is measured in their home’s value). How much of the housing shortage is resulting from the surge of illegal immigrants. And if it is government subsidized housing, I ask you to go look at the housing projects now in existence and see how they are treated, and the level of crime and poverty focused therein. I would wager that housing paid for with hard work is better cared for than that given for free. Speaking of free, there is a push to forgive student loan debt. How can you square that with the responsible students who have worked to repay their loans? For that matter, anyone who has paid back money owed for any reason should be livid. There is no free ride in life. If your education was important enough to earn, then it should be paid for. No payment, then no diploma. I am not trying to demean the value of a good education but rather stress the importance of your word. I was raised to believe your word is your bond, and you are only as good as your word. Thinking you owe nothing when you obligated to pay back, means your word has no meaning. You signed a contract. Will your whole life mean you do not have to honor your contractual agreements? Forgiving student loan debt is not free. Someone pays. Taxpayers? Our families are facing a shortage of baby formula. Please note that the illegal immigrant families at our southern border are not facing that challenge. Our government’s response is that we are obligated by law to care for those in our care ( and that is true under the Flores Settlement Agreement ). However, if they were not here to begin with, feeding them would not be an issue. They blame the manufacturers
who shut down for safety reasons after some children became sick and died. To me that was the right thing to do, but our government is threatening legal action now against them for not providing formula, resulting in a shortage. Have you noticed that there is no shortage of those to blame for anything that goes awry but our current administration remains blameless. I submit that clueless is more accurate. Where I have issue is that the illegal immigrant parents put their own children in harm’s way and then it becomes our problem to fix. Rather than fix the problems in their own countries they flee and the world (USA) is supposed to be ready to fund their new life. I think anything worth having is worth fighting for. That was the birth of our country and we need to remember that. So should those who run rather than stand and fight evil and corruption. If we send those entering illegally back the day they enter our country to where ever they came from, with an instruction packet in their language on the legal way to enter the USA, and an application for legal citizenship, then perhaps some semblance of order may arise from the mess that is now our border/immigration policy. Common sense and the rule of law needs to prevail over emotions. No borders/enforcement then soon no USA. Either we take a stand or soon there will be no USA. Think about 20 years or less down the road when these illegal immigrants have given birth to countless babies that will be U.S. citizens and voters and they will shape our future to their views and belief systems. You can count on it. We will become a side note in history about what was once our great republic but we gave it away. We are steady printing money to cover our reckless spending and robbing future generations in the process. The more our government prints the less value of the money already in circulation. We are so deep in debt I wonder if we have already hit the point of no return. We need to beware and cautious or China will own this country if they call in our loans and we cannot pay. You cannot turn on the news without seeing another horrific mass shooting. At some point we are going to have to get tough on crime and punish the criminals and support those of us that abide by the law and only want to lawfully/peacefully exercise our second amendment rights. I cannot help but feel that social media platforms that promote or fail to filter out hate, video games, or blaming minority groups of people for your own failures contributes to this senseless violence. Seems now there is always the part of the story about the warning signs that were missed. These folks need help and should have no access to firearms or anything else that can be weaponized. I just saw where the current administration
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse is pushing to increase funding for police. About time and overdue. Correct me if this is not the same group that pushed the narrative to defund the police in the last few years as mobs rioted, looted, and burned our cities? The mid term elections are upon us and now the narrative shifts. The air is rife with the smell of hypocrisy. In an effort to intimidate the Supreme Court the home addresses of conservative justices were made public and their families and private lives were subjected to unruly zealots with potentially dangerous outcomes. Are we to expect that in the future that our justices/ courts will be subjected to such behavior anytime the fringe in our society does not agree with an outcome or precedence. The respect for the rule of law is what separates us from anarchy. There are efforts to teach critical race theory in our schools. Thank goodness there is resistance to that and the efforts to rewrite history to suit a narrative of the far left. We need to educate our children, not brain wash them. By educating we may learn and grow and perhaps keep from committing the mistakes of our past. We are not perfect but there is nowhere else I would rather live. We can do better, together and united. The second amendment is under constant and unrelenting assault. As a word of caution, there is an effort to allow the W.H.O. ( World Health Organization ) to come on US soil and deal with the pandemic. We are a sovereign nation and the W.H.O., the UN, or any other global body does not belong here and should have no authority over our laws or domestic agendas. Do not think they would not take the opportunity to call shootings a pandemic and disarm, with some willing politicians assistance, the public to circumvent the 2nd Amendment. I have already heard our media and government call mass shootings an epidemic. Laying the groundwork and controlling a narrative. Surely you see where this is headed. This is not the time to fall asleep. We are at a crossroads and the future of our republic may well depend on the mid term elections. Think of what we stand to lose if we sit by silent and let a few dictate our course for the future. This letter is meant to spark thought as we approach our election cycle. It seems to me that there is a move afoot to make us dependent on the government for everything and lose our freedoms and independence slowly, but surely, if we do not wake up. Please, do some research and then vote. Who you vote for is your business, but please vote. Tell our politicians we are watching and participating. Thank you for a forum to express my thoughts. With respect and kindest regards… Ronald Goss,Retired, Mena
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
June 15, 2022
Photos by Trey Youngdahl/Pulse
394-1938
TIRES • BRAKES • CUSTOM EXHAUST • SHOCKS & STRUTS
Winter Hours: Mon - Fri 8 am - 5 pm
1500 Hwy 71 South, Mena
Owners: Stacy & Julie Nash
News 9
On Saturday, June 11, the Ouachita Collaborative Cultivators put together their second annual Pride in the Park event. The group created a space for the LGBTQ+ citizens of Mena and their supporters to openly express themselves with games, an open mic, and a march around Janssen Park, where the event was held.
10 Education
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse Governor Hutchinson announces reinstatement of Arkansas School Safety Commission
LITTLE ROCK – With the increased concern about school safety in the wake of recent events around the nation, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced today that he has issued an executive order to reinstate the Arkansas School Safety Commission. “The recent violence in Texas was a stark reminder that the work of securing our schools is never done,” Governor Hutchinson said. “That is why I am calling the Arkansas School Safety Commission back into service. Members of the commission, which I created in 2018, submitted thirty significant recommendations in their original 124-page report. School districts around the state have implemented many of the recommendations. “But it is crucial that we constantly assess the security of our schools and keep abreast of the best ways to ensure our children and educators are safe. The original commission built a solid foundation on which to continue this vital work.” Members of the commission will review the final report from the Commission in 2018. They will update the analysis of the safety of K-12 schools throughout the state taking into consideration the physical and mental health of students. The Commission
June 15, 2022
will identify any new recommendations of best practices in school safety that have developed since 2018. The School Safety Commission’s first meeting will be Tuesday, June 14, at the state capitol, and the initial report is due to Governor Hutchinson on August 1, 2022. The commission will include a representative from the Arkansas Attorney General’s office, the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM), the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), and the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA). The commission also will include the director of the CJI, a county sheriff, a public school superintendent, a public school teacher, a public school counselor, and a former federal law enforcement officer. [Eds. The ASSC held their first meeting Tuesday, June 14 at the State Capitol.] Members of the commission are as follows: • Dr. Cheryl May – Chair Director, Criminal Justice Institute University of Arkansas System • Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge Arkansas Attorney General, or her designee
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A.J. Gary Director, Division of Emergency Management Arkansas Department of Public Safety Dr. David Hopkins Superintendent, Clarksville School District Donna Wilchie School Counselor, Conway School District Tim Cain Director, Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation Arkansas Department of Education Crystal Braswell Office of Coordinated Support and Services, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Arkansas Department of Education Tim Helder Sheriff, Washington County Bill Temple Retired Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation Dr. Laura Dunn Director, UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute Secretary Jami Cook Director, Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy Secretary, Arkansas Department of Public Safety John Allison Teacher, Vilonia High School • Marvin Burton Principal, Little Rock School District Chris Chapmond
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Chief, Hot Springs Police Department President, Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police Patricia Gann Deputy Director, Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services Arkansas Department of Human Services Bill Gossage Deputy Chief of Staff, External Operations, Governor’s Office Linda Graham School Psychologist, Nettleton School District Dr. Mike Hernandez Executive Director, Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators Bill Hollenbeck Chief of Police, Fort Smith Public Schools Ricky Hopkins Parent, Prescott School District Tom Jenkins Chief, Rogers Fire Department Lori Poston Vice President of Clinical Services, Northeast Region, Arisa Health Courtney Salas-Ford Chief Legal Counsel, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Arkansas Department of Education Paula Stone Assistant Director, Children’s Services, Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services Arkansas Department of Human Services
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
June 15, 2022
SAU Tech academic Cline named to UCA Dean’s List achievement for Zakin EAST CAMDEN, AR CONWAY, AR (06/06/2022)-(06/01/2022)-- SAU Tech is proud to announce the academic achievement of Emory Zakin from Mena. Zakin earned a Certificate of Proficiency in Fire & Emergency Response during the academic year 2021-2022. Congratulations! We are so proud of you and you are now part of the SAU Tech Alumni & Friends Family!
Whitley N. Cline of Mena, Arkansas, was named to the spring 2022 Dean’s List at the University of Central Arkansas. Cline was among more than 1,300 students named to the spring 2022 Dean’s List. Eligibility on the Dean’s List requires at least a 3.5 GPA with a minimum course load of 12 credit hours.
UCA President’s List for spring 2022
CONWAY, AR (06/06/2022)-- The University of Central Arkansas congratulates approximately 1,100 students who were named as Presidential Scholars. Polk County students include the following: • • • • • •
Nathaniel Aleshire of Mena, Arkansas Sumer L. Brown of Mena, Arkansas Charity Cameron of Mena, Arkansas Makenna S. Goss of Mena, Arkansas Sophie R. Jackson of Cove, Arkansas Rachel E. Murr of Mena, Arkansas
Students must achieve a 4.0 GPA with a minimum course load of 12 credit hours to qualify as a Presidential Scholar.
Education 11
12 News
June 15, 2022
CHASTAIN family. “I can tell you living in Central Army cobra attack helicopter. continued from page 1 Arkansas makes all the difference for ofAfter the land war ended and his
a member of the 142nd Field Artillery Group in Fayetteville. When the federal hiring freeze was lifted, he discontinued pursuing his master’s and took a job with the USDA. It wasn’t long before he joined the 39th Infantry Brigade as a lieutenant in the company in nearby De Queen. After serving as a platoon leader, he was eventually named company commander. “It was kind of interesting that my civilian office was just diagonal across the intersection from the National Guard Armory in Mena and so I’d go over and visit with them during break,” he said. Over the next few years, Chastain served in a number of leadership positions including as company commander in Prescott, a logistics officer and an intelligence officer, and with units in Malvern, Ozark, Clarksville, Little Rock, North Little Rock and Camp Robinson. After moving to Conway, he was most appreciative of being able to come home after drill and spend the night with his
ficers in the National Guard.” Chastain assumed leadership of the 25th Rear Area Operations Center and before they had even been through an exercise, he was alerted of their deployment in support of Operation Desert Shield and mobilized at Fort Hood, Texas. It was supposed to be a quick turnaround. “We only had time for weapons qualification, drawing equipment and getting our protective masks tested,” Chastain said. But he and his troops were “stuck” at Fort Hood while planes were flying other troops to the Middle East. Chastain flew on a C-5 military transport, and while in the air to Saudi Arabia, the next phase of the Gulf War - Operation Desert Storm - had started. He and his troops deployed with the 18th Airborne Corps. They were given the mission of setting up a logistics base in Iraq. He remembers the harsh elements like sandstorms, traveling in total blackout, and a close encounter with an
troops returned to the base in Saudi Arabia, he said there were a lot of challenges. “That’s when my problems really started as the unit commander, because everybody was in a hurry to get home, and everybody was tense.” Chastain’s teams oversaw finding locations for vehicles to be cleaned and stored before being shipped out, taking care of the air bases for personnel, and clearing the Desert Shield area to the expectations of Saudi Arabia. After his team had done everything to the standard of the 18th Airborne Corps, he and his unit were sent home and demobilized at Fort Hood. Chastain continued to demonstrate his incredible leadership as he moved up the ranks. In 1995 he became executive officer at the 39th Infantry Brigade. In this role he was selected for the Army War College, which he says was “the hardest two years I think I’ve ever had in my life.” Chastain later served as the brigade deputy commander before commanding the brigade. While Chastain was preparing for a Joint Readiness Training rotation, he learned he and the rest of the 39th Infantry Brigade would be deploying to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In Iraq, Chastain’s team suffered several casualties early on. “We knew it was going to be a long year.” He had the largest area of operations of any of the 1st Cavalry Division at Taji Air Base, which came with increased responsibility. “It was dangerous. You could do everything right and still get hurt.” He recalled one incident when a grenade hit directly behind his vehicle and exploded, narrowly missing him. One of the key tasks was to train the Iraqi Army. “If we were going to use them on a mission, we’d typically not tell them what we were going to do until right before the mission, because they were liable to call the folks we were after,” Chastain said. For this deployment, Chastain was away from his civilian job at the USDA for 22 months. “I was fortunate working for the Department of Agriculture,” but
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse it was “pretty traumatic for a lot of other folks,” he said. Chastain remained the 39th Infantry Brigade commander for more than five years as a result of the war. At the end of that extension, he was promoted to Major General and assigned to Wartime Chief of Staff for U.S. Forces – Korea. Former Governor Mike Huckabee appointed him Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard in 2006. He later served as Deputy Commander, Reserve Component at Forces Command in Atlanta. During this time, he traveled across the country visiting mobilized guard units. After 38 years of military service commanding units in two different wars, Chastain retired from the Arkansas National Guard. He was recognized for his distinguished service with awards including the Army Distinguished Service Medal, two Legions of Merit and two Bronze Star medals. He was also inducted into the Arkansas Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame in 2014. “It’s not always the highest rank that you make that is the most fulfilling. The most fulfilling assignment I’ve ever had was as commander of the 39th Brigade,” Chastain said of his time in the military. Following his distinguished military career and successful career at USDA, he continued his public service as a member of Senator Boozman’s staff where he served as an agriculture liaison. He also taught elementary students across the state about the history and proper care of the American and Arkansas flags. “Major General Chastain has led a life devoted to his country, state and community. I am thankful for his military service to our nation, and his civil service to Arkansas and his steady guidance during his time on my team. He is an excellent example for all Arkansans and Americans to follow. I am proud of this servant leader and all he has accomplished and am honored to call him a friend,” Boozman said. Boozman will submit Chastain’s entire interview to the Veterans History Project, an initiative of the Library of Congress’s American Folklife Center to collect and retain the oral histories of our nation’s veterans.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
News 13
June 15, 2022
Anna Hopkins, LPN
By Trey Youngdahl
Anna Hopkins has been serving Polk County as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for 21 years and running. Originally from Cove, Hopkins attended the now closed Van-Cove high school and attended the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain. She graduated as part of the 2001 LPN class and went straight to work at Rich Mountain Nursing and Rehab (RMNR). “Out of nursing school I hired at RMNR and worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for a bit until I got my LPN licensure exam passed,” Hopkins said. “I’ve been working here locally for most of my career.” Anna’s career started out of a love of service to others. “I’ve always loved taking care of animals. I grew up on a farm, so I was always patching my dad up or animals that were injured,” Hopkins continued. “I’ve always been a natural caregiver in a way.” The U.S. is now facing what is being called the American nursing shortage. The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (usa. edu) says, “The United States has ex-
perienced nursing shortages periodically since the early 1900s. Multiple factors led to each shortage, from world wars to economic recessions. The magnitude of the current nursing shortage, announced in 2012, is greater than ever before in this country.” The shortage has gotten so severe that it is estimated that 1.2 million new registered nurses (RNs) will be needed by 2030 to address the current shortage. In 2020, Arkansas had 36,700 employed RNs. As of February 2021, LinkedIn reported that registered nursing was the fifth most in-demand profession in the American workforce. Many nurses, like Anna Hopkins, attribute this shortage to issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The hardest thing that I have ever dealt with is the first wave of the COVID pandemic. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before or, as a nurse, ever want to see again,” Hopkins said. “We lost a lot of (patients) we loved. You always experience loss in long-term care, but the mass amounts of loss and sickness was unlike anything we had ever dealt with.” Hopkins now happily works for the Greenhouse Cottages (GHC). GHC
(Trey Youngdahl/Pulse)
is a rehabilitation and senior care facility that offers a new approach to patient care. Instead of the hospital-esque feeling of other senior care centers, Green House is centered around a more compassionate, community attitude towards their residents. This is done by building a community of residency housing, instead of one standalone building— like a neighborhood. The cottages
have no medical signposts, alarms, buzzers, med carts, loudspeakers, or restraints in patients’ rooms to offer a more “home-like” feeling. The GHC website reports that residents in this type of environment experience lower depression rates, as well as lower levels of helplessness versus traditional homes. “I love interacting with the residents, or ‘elders’ if you dare get brave enough to call them that. I try to do something fun every day or try to get somebody to laugh,” Hopkins said. “If I can get even just one person to laugh every day, then I know I’ve done something great.” Currently, GHC is not only hiring CNAs at $14.40 an hour, but they are offering free classes for professionals to earn their certification and start their career. To contact GHC, call 479-394-3511 or visit their website at www.homewoodghc.com.
14 Community
June Chamber connection
Submitted by Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce will have their next networking event at Mena Regional Health System on Wednesday, June 29, in the Rehab Dining Room from 9 - 10 a.m. The event will allow guests to meet the new CEO of MRHS and also to network with area business leaders. The importance of networking cannot be overstated. Chamber Connections are held quarterly. They allow participants to increase connections, referrals, opportunities, and more. New members are especially encouraged to attend. Current members are encouraged to bring a friend so they, too, can see the benefits of being a member of the Mena/ Polk County Chamber of Commerce. Longtime Chamber member Mena Regional Health System is hosting the event. They will have refreshments available. For more information, contact Melanie at the Chamber of Commerce at 479-394-2912 or director@ menapolkchamber.com
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
June 15, 2022
Polk County Births Mena Regional Health System MAY 27, 2022 TO JUNE 10, 2022 Sheena Ruis & Ryan Alexander of Caddo Gap, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born May 31st Stevee Carter & Brandon Birge of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born May 31st Morgan & Shane Oglesby of Gillham, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born May 31st Jessica & Jack Sickles of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born May 31st Brook & Steven Kelems of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born June 1st Ashleigh & Taylor Beggs of Cove, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born June 7th Allison & Zach Bellettete of Waldron, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born June 8th Gabriela & Edilberto Diaz De Leon of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born June 8th Emily & Brandon White of Smithville, Oklahoma are the proud parents of a baby girl born June 8th
Around Town The Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes has re-opened. All meals and activities have reverted to their original schedules. If you need to make delivery arrangements or changes call (870) 385-2373. The Polk County Growth & Advancement Committee meets every Wednesday at 5 p.m. at The Ouachitas located at 821 Mena Street. All interested community members are invited to attend. The Quarterly meeting of the Van Cove Alumni and Supporters group, will be, Thursday, June 16, at 6:30 p.m. Your member attendance at the meetings is helpful, supportive and appreciated. Narcotics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m., Monday; at 7 p.m., Thursday; at 7 p.m. Friday; and at 6 p.m. Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call Erica at (479) 216-7249. Board Camp Baptist Church will distribute food, Thursday, June 16, 10 a.m. - noon. Board Camp Baptist Church is located at 107 County Rd 63, at the corner of Hwy. 8 East and County Road 63, approximately 9 miles east of Mena. Free summer lunch program for all ages, every Tuesday through August 16 at Janssen Park pavilion from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sponsored by Mena Presbyterian Church. 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. Polk County Housing Authority will be Closed Monday June 20th in observance of Juneteenth.
The Mena/Polk County Senior Center will have The Gator and Friends band performing in Mena every Thursday, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. The Center will also start having a jamboree on Mondays in June. Contact Trena Hodge with questions, (479) 394-5459. Extension Homemakers will demonstrate making a microwave bowl holder on Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Extension Education Building at 211 DeQueen St. 100% cotton fabric, batting and thread must be used and will be provided to those attending the class. Sewing machines will be available or you may bring your own. If you bring fabric, it must be 100 % cotton. All are welcome to come learn something new! 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. The Polk County Republican Committee will meet Monday, June 20, in the Community Room of the Polk County Library. Meeting begins at 5:30 p.m., and our scheduled speaker is Ricky Adam from Turning Point USA. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. 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 Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 8 p.m. Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for information call 479243-0297.
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 Small Works National Art Show will be up through June 24th at the Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena St., Wednesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., downtown across from the Ouachita Little Theater. 479394-3880 or email@menaartgallery.org
Live Country & Gospel Music, Tuesday nights at the Daisy Room behind Janssen Ave. Florist, 800 Janssen Ave. Starting at 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Come “PickN-Grin” with us. Everyone welcome.
GriefShare continues to meet every Thursday from 10 a.m. - noon at First Presbyterian Church Mena for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.
The 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.
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!
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
Pulse
June 15, 2022
Hogspore News
I bet you miss the villages
By Clet Litter as told to Bob Simpson
Morton Trubletoof was telling me about his wife, Portia, “I said something that Portia thought was so stupid that she come back with, ‘I bet you miss villages.’ I asked her why she thinks that. She said, ‘Because there isn’t anywhere now for you to be an idiot.’” I asked Morton, “What did you say to make her say that?” “I’m not telling you. Folks have enough stories about me being stupid. I’m not offering them another one to talk about.” Maybe he’s smarter than we figured. Mumford Pickens give me a list of phrases that he says are words to live by. I’m not gonna hand them out cause you probably already have a few for yourselves and I don’t want you to get confused with too many. If you don’t possess any rules to get along, then you won’t use any from Mumford’s list either. Preacher maintains, “It’s good to take in a few words to abide by … till you
don’t need them on earth. You won’t need words in Heaven, and the devil is deaf.” Ebben Flow’s brother, Ober Flow, has a new country song out of Nashville under his stage name Hank Ren. The title is My Ex is a Husband Flipper. Here’s the first verse only. Hank calls that a teaser. “It’s all over and the lawyers are gone. So is the house and all the lawn. I’m living in my truck, it’s my mobile home, but I got no gas, so I can’t roam. My truck has a battery and a new radiator I bought her, so I got electricity and hot running water. My ex-wife is now a rich ex-stripper. Turns out my ex is a husband flipper.” Mean Harley Spears, who lives out of town with his son, has changed his ways. There ain’t one person in town that believes or trusts him. I saw him at Bickum’s Hardware loading provisions with his boy. Once he seen me, he walked up smiling and shook my hand.
He blurted out, “Howdy, Mr. Litter. It’s good to see you. I’ve changed my ways. After me and the boy finish packing up, I’ll buy you lunch at the Come-On-GiveUs-One-More-Chance Diner.” I nodded yes, cause I was too scared to say anything. At the diner, we got us a booth whilst his son stayed out by the wagon watching the supplies. Harley said, “Let me tell you my tale of redemption. Clet, I got into some heavy drinking and gained a ton of pounds. I weren’t real nice to my boy, neither. One night, I yelled at my boy, but he didn’t seem afraid anymore. He said, ‘Pappy, if you don’t quit drinking and start treating me nicer, then I’m leaving, and you can run this farm by yourself.’ I got mad, so I started toward him, and he commenced to prove to me that he was a full-grown man, and I was an out of shape middle-aged fat man. After I healed from my lesson, I joined Weight Watchers and Sots Synonymous.” I says, “Congratulations. That’s quite a story. I wish you luck.” “Thank you. You know, the best part? I got my sense of humor back. Here’s what happened at my first get together with Weight Watchers.”
Humor 15 I weren’t anywhere near finishing my meal, and I didn’t want to stop him. If I upset the man, I might not get to finish my meal. Harley said, “I got a chair up front at the Weight Watchers. Right there, they had the newcomers stand and give their names, and why they were there. When the coach, (that’s what the Tubbies call the host who is the smallest one in the room), called me, I stood up and announced, ‘I’m Harley Spears, and I’m an alcoholic.’” The coach thanked me, ‘Welcome Mr. Spears, you know this isn’t an AA meeting. Are you at the right place?’ ‘Yes, Ma’am, let me try again. I’m Harley Spears, and I am a fat … alcoholic.’” I laughed for a good two minutes, so he could appreciate it was the funniest thing I’d ever heard. I finished up my grilled cheese sandwich with French fried taters and wished him well. When I got home, I washed down 10 Alka-Seltzers and took a burp relieving nap in the Lazy Boy. The only lesson I learned was that you should never mix a grilled cheese sandwich, French fried taters, and fear together. Contact at Bobsimpson1947@yahoo. com. You know you wanna.
16 Faith
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
June 15, 2022
By Richie Lawry This week marks our 47th wedding anniversary. Because our anniversary falls in the middle of a hectic week, we celebrated our anniversary a few days early by going to Hot Springs. We have visited in the past, and I am intrigued by the history of Hot Springs. After a wonderful lunch at our favorite restaurant, La Hacienda, we toured the historic bathhouse row in Hot Springs National Park. The first permanent settlers came to the Hot Springs area in 1807. They were quick to realize the area’s potential as a health resort. By the 1830s, there were log cabins and a store to meet visitors’ needs. By the 1880s, bathhouses were lining the streets of Hot Springs. The health resort industry led to Hot Springs becoming known as the “American Spa.” From the Roaring ‘20s until the end of World War II, 10 major casinos and numerous smaller houses operated in Hot Springs. Hot Springs became a haven for notorious criminals and mobsters, including Owen “Owney” Madden, Charles “Lucky” Luciano, and Al Capone. Word spread that Hot Springs was the perfect hideout for criminals running from police investigations. Al Capone and his bodyguards would rent out entire floors of hotels. Visiting Hot Springs today, it’s hard to imagine the city as a hotbed for organized crime, such as gambling, prostitution, and bootlegging. But from the late-1800s through the mid-1900s, Hot Springs was a popular hangout for mobsters. The safe, secluded scenic location of Hot Springs made it the ideal hideout. Hot Springs offered Las Vegas-style amenities before there was a Las Vegas. One of the most notable Hot Springs features is Bathhouse Row, which consists of a series of eight historic, architecturally unique bathhouses lining Central Avenue. We toured Fordyce Bathhouse. It’s the largest and most ornate of all the bathhouses. It was built in 1915 and now serves as the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center. The day was hot and sultry as we walked
An Arkie’s Faith Celebrate love
trying to wish your partner a happy anniversary without seeming shallow and mundane. Instead of trying to explain my deepest feelings, I often fall back on humor and pestering. If I am annoying enough, I won’t have to express the things I don’t know how to say. I The Lawry’s celebrating their 47th wedding anniversary in Hot love this quote Springs. (Photo by Regina Lawry) from Rita Ruddown Bathhouse Row and then made our ner, and I think it fits me all too well. “It’s way up to the wide brick-lined promenade so great to find that one special person you that stretches across the hillside above the want to annoy for the rest of your life.” bathhouses. Walking the promenade and There are many flowery descriptions of looking out over the bustling city below us love in literature. Elizabeth Barrett Brownwas a peaceful contrast to the chaos and ing’s famous words on love are some of cacophony below us. It might have been my favorites. “How do I love thee? Let me romantic if not for the heat and humidity count the ways. I love thee to the depth that tried to suffocate us. But even with the and breadth and height my soul can reach, heat, it was a lovely day, and we enjoyed when feeling out of sight, for the ends of our time together. being and ideal grace.” Love is more than just romance. Many The Bible also has many flowery deof history’s greatest writers, poets, intelscriptions of love. Song of Solomon 8:6,7 lects, and philosophers have pondered the (VOICE) reads, “Love flares up like a blaznature of love. American science fiction ing fire, a very ardent flame. No amount writer Robert A. Heinlein wrote, “Love is of water can quench love; a raging flood that condition in which the happiness of cannot drown it out.” another person is essential to your own.” I Even though eloquent descriptions of like that description. love have their place, we all know that life What is love? Humans have been trying in a relationship isn’t always lofty prose and to describe that elusive, nebulous feeling romantic ideals. One of my favorite downsince the beginning of the written word. It’s to-earth passages about love is found in been the subject of many books, movies, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIRV) “Two people and songs. Yet, love is difficult to define. are better than one. They can help each That makes it a challenge when you’re other in everything they do. Suppose either
of them falls down. Then the one can help the other one up. But suppose a person falls down and doesn’t have anyone to help them up. Then feel sorry for that person! Or suppose two people lie down together. Then they’ll keep warm. But how can one person keep warm alone? One person could be overpowered. But two people can stand up for themselves.” This describes the long-term, everyday love that makes a relationship last. And that is what marriage anniversaries are celebrating. A marriage milestone means something. It is not just another day that comes and goes without recognition. It is a milestone on the path of life. As I try to put my feelings about love into words, I always come up short. I have no problem expressing myself on most topics, but my innermost feelings of love want to stay hidden. Since I can’t find my own words to express my feelings, I will use these words from Nicholas Sparks’ book, “The Notebook,” “I am nothing special; just a common man with common thoughts, and I’ve led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect I have succeeded as gloriously as anyone who’s ever lived: I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul; and to me, this has always been enough.” Gentle Reader, whether you are in a brand-new relationship or celebrating a milestone anniversary, it is something to applaud. King Solomon wrote, “Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice in the wife of your youth.” Proverbs 5:18 (NKJV). Paul wrote, “On top of all this you must put on love, which ties everything together and makes it complete.” Colossians 3:14 (NTE) “Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything without weakening. Love never fails; never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end.” 1 Corinthians 13:7,8 (AMPC) Every day is perfect for celebrating love!
Joke of the Week:
The book that I ordered about the history of clocks finally arrived today. It’s about time!
Replacing windshields in Polk County for forty years. Give Richie a call at 479-394-9938 Located at 3008 Hwy 71 South
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
Classifieds 17 SWEPCO offers 10 tips to save as the temperatures rises
June 15, 2022
CLASSIFIEDS - SERVICES -
- YARD SALE -
Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0615
Yard sale, June 17th & 18th, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.1806 Bolton Ave., Mena T0615
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. T0727
4 Sisters Yard Sale: Name-Brand clothes, shoes, bedding, home decor, small appliances, books. Friday-Saturday, June 17 & 18, 704 Blake Street. T0615
Land Management, Tree Service, RC Customz can handle your construction needs, mulching and more. Military discounts available. Insured. Call (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate. T0629
Big Yard Sale: You name it & we have it: pictures, Big Man recliner, clothes, garden tools, all kinds of clocks. Friday-Saturday, June 17 & 18, 318 Blake Dr., Mena T0615
Jeremiah’s lawn care. Friendly service & reasonable rates. Call (479) 394-7599.T0615
- EMPLOYMENT -
Tree services, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate. T0629 Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T0622
- HOUSE FOR SALE For Sale - 8’x20’ tiny house frame, ready to build on. $625 obo. Mena area. Leave message (870) 828-1900. T0629
- LEGAL NOTICE -
In the Matter of the Estate of Vincent Leroy Sanders, Deceased. No.
Name of decedent: Vincent Leroy Sanders Last known address: 907 Mena, St., Mena, Ar 71953 Date of Death: 3-23-22 On 5-19-22, an affidavit for collection of small estate by distributee was filed with respect to the estate of Vincent Leroy Sanders of Polk County, Arkansas, under Ark. Code Ann. § 28-41-101. All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, properly verified, to the distributee or his or her attorney within three (3) months from the date of the first publication of this notice or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit of the estate. The name, mailing address, and telephone number of the distributee or distributee’s attorney is: Janice Rogers, 907 Mena St. Mena, AR 71953, (479) 216-6602 This notice first published May 25, 2022. © Publication of the notice shall be as provided in §§ 28-1-112(b) (4) and 28-40-111(a)(4) T0615
Help Wanted, Pharmacy Technician, experience and license required. Apply in person at Medi Shop Pharmacy, 204 Hwy. 71 South in Mena. T0615 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. T0629 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. T0629 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. T0629 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. T0629
With temperatures expected to hit 100 degrees in many parts of the ArkLa-Tex in the coming days, Southwestern Electric Power Co., an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, offers 10 tips to help customers manage both the heat and their electric bill. • Turn off lights and electronics when not in use. • Replace incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR-certified LEDs. • Pull the plug on devices, like phone chargers, when not in use. These still consume energy even when turned off. • Use smart power strips for electronics likes computers and televisions. These can sense when a device is turned off or not being used and will shut off the power automatically. • Close blinds and drapes during the day to keep the heat out.
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Save up to 10% on cooling costs by increasing your thermostat’s temperature setting by seven to 10 degrees Fahrenheit higher for at least eight hours a day. Replace air conditioner filters. Clean filters can lower air conditioner energy consumption up to 15%. Use ceiling fans to cool you while in a room. Turn the fan off when leaving. Caulk, weather-strip and insulate windows and doors wherever air leaks are found. Use large appliances, such as a dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, as late in the evening as possible. These appliances add heat to a home and make an HVAC system work harder.
For more ways to save, visit SWEPCO.com/Save.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Polk County Housing Authority will hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at 10 a.m. The meeting will be in the Community Room at the office of the Housing Authority, 509 South Morrow St., Mena, AR. Meeting is to allow interested persons to comment on the proposed adoption of the Annual Plan and 2022 Capital Funding pursuant to the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998. A copy of the proposed Plan will be available for public inspection and copying at the PCHA office beginning Wednesday, June 15, 2022, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The public may submit written comments to Dixie Shrader, Executive Director of the Polk County Housing Authority, 509 South Morrow Street, Mena, AR 71953, no later than 9:00 a.m. Thursday, August 4th. RENTAL APARTMENTS IN MENA, HATFIELD, COVE AND WICKES 509 South Morrow Street, Mena, AR 479-394-1565 WWW.POLKARHOUSING.COM
FOR SALE
Like new, Commercial Oscillating Floor Machine (stripper/polisher) and accessories. Original purchase price over $3,500 with lots of extras, will sell all for $2,000. Must see to appreciate. Ideal for schools or hospital. Contact Polk County Housing Authority at 479-394-1565 Option 3. RENTAL APARTMENTS IN MENA, HATFIELD, COVE AND WICKES 509 South Morrow Street, Mena, AR 479-394-1565 WWW.POLKARHOUSING.COM
18 Puzzles
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
June 15, 2022
06.15.22
06.15.22
ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 06.08.22
A Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK Meet Tripper!
Tripper is just the perfect pet! This handsome senior is a calm and friendly big dog. In a country setting, he's a stay at home type. Tripper weighs 73 lbs. Gorgeous red fur with cream accents. Bring out the birthday gifts for Tripper in June (06/01/2015) Tripper is house trained and crate trained as well. He is good with other dogs too. Our staff says "Tripper is a gentleman, though he can be reserved at first meeting. He walks well on a leash and enjoys being brushed and petted." Tripper needs a trip to your house soon! All animals at HSO are current on their vaccinations and will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption. If not already spayed/neutered, there may be a short delay between when you select this pet and when they are ready to go home.
HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE OUACHITAS TUES. THROUGH SAT. 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. 368 POLK 50, MENA, AR 479 3945682 WWW.HSOMENA.ORG
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse By Ray Shelley You dress in your dark blue uniform. Place the shiny badge on your shirt over your heart. Secure your basket-weave duty gear around your waist, including handcuffs, ammo pouch, and holster with your weapon of choice. Before you step out of the house to your office, the newly polished black and white police unit, you kiss your spouse goodbye, expecting to return home after a day of protecting and serving the public; unfortunately, in some cases, that is not always the case. In the course of your day, you may confront a person of pure evil that ends your life in a heartbeat. That scenario is not new. This has been happening since the beginning of law enforcement.
June 15, 2022
The murder of marshal Dan Maples
There wasn’t any radio Bentonville to inform his with a microphone atmother of the shooting. tached to the saddle horn At first, Dr. Blake to call dispatch for help thought Maples would when needed. He was on survive, but he took a his own. turn for the worst and Waiting for Maples died around midnight. was his posse of George Deputy Marshal John Jefferson, Mack Peel, Curtis was assigned to and his son Sam Maples. investigate the killing. Also, there was a cook When Carroll arrived in and his wagon. The wag- The murder of U.S. Tahlequah, Curtis adon carried bedrolls and Deputy Marshal Dan vised the marshal during food. The cook would Maples began what his interviews that he help guard the prisoners would be known as had come up with four Ned Christie’s War. on the trail. suspects: John ParDeputy Maples and his ris, George Parris, Ned posse were heading to the Tahle- Christie, Thomas “Bud” Trainor, a quah area of the Cherokee Nation 19-year-old Cherokee, and Charles in Indian territory. Marshal Carroll Bobtail. had sent Maples several arrest warAlso, he interviewed Nancy Shell, rants and a request to investigate a suspected supplier of illegal liquor; Dan Maples the source of illegal whiskey coming she said John Parris and Christie 1846 – 1887 into the area. had purchased a bottle of whiskey Two days later, Maples and the before the Maples murder. Arrest Dan Maples had been the sheriff posse made camp at Big Springs, warrants were then issued for the of Bentonville, Arkansas, for sever- just outside of Tahlequah. After set- four suspects. al years before being appointed U.S. ting up camp, Maples and Jefferson On May 21, Curtis brought in Deputy Marshal by U.S. Marshal headed into Tahlequah to interview John Parris, who denied killing John Carroll. some suspects concerning the ille- Maples. He said Ned Christie, after On May 2, 1887, Maples, dressed gal whiskey peddling. getting drunk, shot Deputy Maples in a dark brown fireman-style shirt, As the two men approached a as he approached the narrow footplaced his shiny U.S. Deputy Mar- narrow footbridge, a shot rang out bridge at Big Springs. shal’s badge on the shirt over his from the wood line. A bullet struck Eventually, George Parris and heart. Slipped on a pair of brown Maples in the chest. Even though Charles Bobtail were arrested. [Eds. corduroy pants, tucking the pants’ wounded, Maples and Jefferson U.S. Deputy Marshal Heck Thomleg into a pair of stovetop boots. He fired several rounds into the tree as arrested Bobtail at his home the then strapped on his belt and hol- line. evening of May 20.] ster, which housed a 45-caliber pisHearing the shots, Peel and Sam The two pleaded not guilty, and a tol and a belt full of 45 cartridges. Maples came running from camp trial date was set along with a bond. He stepped to the door and kissed and found Jefferson giving aid to the Trainor and Christie were still at his wife goodbye, not knowing that downed deputy. large. would be the last kiss he would reThe shooting brought several A couple of months later, Trainor ceive. Outside he walked to his unit, town folks to the scene. They vol- was arrested, pled guilty to two a horse with a pair of saddlebags unteered to carry Maples to Dr. counts of selling illegal whiskey and that served as his file cabinet. Blake, the local doctor. Sam left for not guilty to murder. Judge Parker
History 19 set a bond that Trainor could not pay, and he was placed in jail awaiting trial. Then an unusual thing happened. Trainor convinced Judge Parker that he could find Christie. So, Parker had him sworn in as a deputy marshal and set him free. Nine months later, Thomas, Trainor, and several posse members tried to arrest Christie at his cabin. Christie, being a crack shot with a rifle, sent the posse on their way. Another attempt to capture Christie at his cabin failed. On November 3, 1892, the final attempt was made. Paden Tolbert and approximately 20 posse men surrounded the cabin and called for Christie’s surrender. Christie’s answer was a shot from his rifle. Paden had acquired a cannon that shot 3-pound cannon balls (the first and only time a cannon was used in a law enforcement engagement), and the cannon balls bounced off the cabin. Someone suggested doubling the charge, which they did. When they fired the cannon, it blew up. So, around dusk, they placed dynamite at the cabin’s edge, creating a large hole and a fire. Christie came running out of the cabin heading towards the tree line. The deputies began shooting, ending the life of Ned Christie. In 1918, Dick Humpheys, a Freedman, gave an interview to the Daily Oklahoman, stating he saw Bud Trainor kill Deputy Maples. Humphreys said he waited until all those involved were dead before coming forward for fear of being killed. If Humpheys statement is true, Ned Christie died for a crime he didn’t commit. It’s sad, but that was the way of the Old West.
20 Sports
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse Rose and Burger repeat Anglers of the Year
June 15, 2022
Submitted by coach Pete Rose
that fishes in the high school ranks especially the Arkansas youth team The Arkansas Youth Fishing Fed- trail, it is next to impossible to reeration has named Austin Rose and peat. Saying that, this team is an Jarrett Burger as the 2021-22 High extraordinary pair.” School Anglers of the Year. They will be competing in the This is two years in a row that High School National Champion-
Austin and Jarrett have taken the top honor. Chuck Phillips, director of the Arkansas Youth Fishing Association said, “With the competition
ship on Lake Pickwick in Alabama June 22 - 25. Thanks to all the sponsors and all those that have supported and encouraged these young men.
WANTED YOUR ADVERTISEMENT TO BE PLACED IN 8000 COPIES OF A FREE WEEKLY PAPER AND DISTRIBUTED TO 200 LOCATIONS IN AND AROUND POLK COUNTY. CONTACT THE POLK AT
COUNTY PULSE
479.243.9600
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
Sports 21
June 15, 2022
Bearcat alumni cookout and game
Submitted by Mena High School The Mena Bearcats recently wrapped up their spring football practice following two weeks of work and development. The first Bearcat Football Alumni Cookout was also held, followed by an intra-squad scrimmage. Coach Craig Bentley said, “We really appreciate those who came to our first alumni cookout. We had a great time, and it was awesome to see former Bearcats and coaches catch up and share their stories and memories. Bearcat football has impacted so many people’s lives. We hope to grow this event bigger and bigger each year.” “We had a productive two weeks of
spring football. We are an extremely young team, we only return four total starters, so this was a chance to see where we are and where we need to go. We have a small senior class, but they really stood out in each practice leading by example and working very hard. “Our juniors and sophomores showed tremendous growth, we still have a ways to go and there will be some growing pains as we go forward, but they have shown they are willing to work and step up in a role that will help this team succeed.” The Bearcats now look forward to their summer workouts and camps as well as the turf at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium being replaced.
Summer Loan Special Make great memories on your new ATV/UTV with a loan from First Financial Bank.* Call or stop by today! • • • •
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In the Business of YOU. Member FDIC | www.ffb1.com | @FFBank1 600 HWY 71 S | Mena, AR | 479-394-3552
22 Police
June 15, 2022
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 May 30, 2022 Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a dispute. May 31, 2022 Deputies responded to a report of a stolen vehicle from a residence on Highway 88 E near Mena. Deputies took a report of a person being threatened. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration. Deputies responded to a residence on Polk 13 near Wickes in reference to a scam. June 1, 2022 Deputies took a report of a missing person. The subject was later located. Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to harassment. Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Tims Lane near Hatfield in reference to an unruly juvenile. June 2, 2022 Deputies responded to a report of a structure fire at a residence on Polk 41 South near Potter. Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a violation of a no contact order. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration. June 3, 2022 Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to Financial Identity Fraud. A traffic stop led to the arrest of Santana Vaughn, 28 of Mena on a Body
Attachment. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration. Kathleen Parker, 36 of Hatfield was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Probation Violation. Deputies responded to an altercation in the jail. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration. June 4, 2022 Ethan Davis, 31 of Hatfield was arrested on a Body Attachment, a Misdemeanor Failure to Appear Warrant and a charge of 3rd Degree Battery. June 5, 2022 Deputies were dispatched to an accident at a location on Hwy 246 leading to the arrest of Thomas Chesser, 57 of Green Springs, Ohio on charges of DWI, Refusal to Submit and Careless and Prohibited Driving. Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 70 near Cherry Hill in reference to a verbal argument. Polk County Sheriff ’s Office worked 1 vehicle accident this week. Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 18 Incarcerated Inmates, with 8 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility. ************************************** June 6, 2022 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Creekview Lane near Vandervoort in reference to a house fire. Deputies responded to the report of a theft from an area near a trail near Little Missouri Falls. Deputies responded to an altercation at a residence near Cove. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further Consideration.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
Deputies responded to an incident in the jail. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.
MENA POLICE REPORTS
June 7, 2022 Deputies responded to a report of vandalism at a residence on Polk 70 near Cherry Hill. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.
June 5 Andrew White, 19, was charged with Possession of Marijuana after contact on Pine Avenue. A report of harassment and criminal mischief was taken at Rebecca Apartments. Mary Johnson, 50, was charged with Theft at Walmart.
June 8, 2022 No reports were filed. June 9, 2022 Deputies responded to an altercation at a residence on Polk 284 near Hatfield leading to the arrest of Trae Clouse, 30 of Hatfield on a charge of 3rd Degree Battery. June 10, 2022 Shawn Lenik, 43 of Hackett was arrested on a hold for another agency, a parole hold, Fleeing in a Vehicle, and Driving on a Suspended License. June 11, 2022 Adelle Hill, 34 of Mena was arrested on a charge of DWI. Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to an assault. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration. June 12, 2022 Larry Willis, 55 of Mena was arrested on a Felony Warrant for Rape, a Felony Warrant for 2nd Degree Sexual Assault and a Felony Warrant for Theft of Property. Polk County Sheriff ’s Office worked 2 vehicle accidents this week. Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 21 Incarcerated Inmates, with 8 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.
June 6 Kenneth Sipe, 44, was served with a warrant at Executive Inn. A report of harassment was taken at a law office on Mena Street. Brandon Rose, 24, was served with a warrant and Chelsea Roba, 26, was served with seven warrants after a traffic stop on Sherwood Avenue. A report of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of meth and tampering with evidence was taken at Murphy USA. June 7 Abigail Rollins, 25, was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest at a residence on Mena Street. June 8 Charles Morgan, 45, was served with a warrant at the county jail. June 9 David Vaught, 41, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Janssen Avenue. June 10 A report of harassment was taken at the Mena Police Department Jacob Rowe, 24, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Hwy 71. A report of theft of firearms was taken at a residence on Jolie Way. June 11 Adelle Hill, 34, was charged with DWI after a traffic stop on Sutherland Ave.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
Boozman Bills to Enhance Veteran Breast Cancer Care, Improve VA Oversight Signed into Law WASHINGTON—President Joe Biden signed a suite of veterans legislation into law today including several bills led by U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a se-
News 23
June 15, 2022
nior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and ranking member of the appropriations subcommittee responsible for funding the Department of
Boozman watches alongside VA Sec. McDonough, lawmakers and the family of Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas as President Biden signs veterans legislation into law.
Veterans Affairs (VA). “This is a tremendous day for the men and women who served our country and now rely on the VA for quality health care and benefits,” Boozman said. “I’ve been pleased to work in a bipartisan way to get these measures across the finish line so we can save lives through modern approaches to breast cancer screening and treatment as well as increased accountability within the department. Our veterans deserve this progress and now we must ensure these laws are implemented in a timely and effective way.” The Boozman-led bills signed into law include: • “The Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas Supporting Expanded Review for Veterans in Combat Environments (SERVICE) Act” that will require the VA to conduct mammograms for all women who served in areas associated with burn pits and other toxic exposures regardless of age, symptoms or family history. • “The Making Advances in Mam-
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mography and Medical Options (MAMMO) for Veterans Act”, which will require the VA to develop a strategic plan to improve breast imaging services, create a telemammography pilot program for veterans in areas where the VA does not offer in-house mammography and expand veterans’ access to clinical trials through partnerships with the National Cancer Institute. The legislation would also require the VA to upgrade all in-house breast imaging to 3D mammography, which is considered the gold standard of imaging technology. “The Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act of 2021,” a measure to provide the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) with the authority to subpoena testimony from former VA employees who have left federal service, former contractor personnel who performed work for the department, or other potentially relevant individuals during its inspections, reviews and investigations.
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June 15, 2022
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse