Update to Tyler Crider trial

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

He was also accused of two counts of engaging in sexual contact with another person who was less than 14 years of age and not his spouse, constituting a Class “B’ Felony, which can result in a five to 20 years sentence and a fine up to $15,000 if convicted.

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

Buschman stated, “Crider was accused of raping and sexually assaulting two children. The victims bravely testified at trial.

I am grateful to the jury for their service and dedication in this case. They spent two long days hearing testimony that was traumatic and difficult to hear. They remained steadfast and deliberated, without dinner, for four hours. They were discharged by the Court at two minutes until midnight on June 9th.”

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

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

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

Buschman was uncertain if Crider will appeal but based on previous experience with other cases like this,

she said she would expect him to.

Many people were involved in the investigation, arrest and the prosecution of this case. Buschman stated, “The Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case with precision and integrity. The Sheriff’s Chief Deputy, Randy Jewell, made this case. There are places where these kinds of tough cases are not a priority, but Sheriff Scott Sawyer makes sure Polk County is not one of them.

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

“Robert Presley, the Chief Deputy Prosecuting attorney, was co-counsel for the State. He is a veteran of

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I’m not sure who to ask or blame but I think this needs addressing.

I moved to Mena in 1977, meet the man I married that same year and we’ve been together ever since.

One day we were going to my sister’s house & I noticed that the Main Street (which at some time was changed to Mena Street) was all parallel parking till you get to the alley before Coast to Coast. From that point it’s not parallel parking.

Since Mena has grown quite a bit since I moved here, there are many new events happening on “Mena” Street. Mena is now a wet county (both myself & husband voted for it).

Even though some don’t agree with it they may attend the events on “Mena “Street to enjoy the street dances & whatnots that happen there. Most people are just too lazy to walk a few feet. Now that Sears has closed there in more parking in that lot.

My issue is with vans & pick-ups being longer than they used to be the take up more room & stick out in the street. It’s impossible to have room for buses to come down in front of Washburn’s. I personally know the owner/manger of this store! I know that school is almost over but I believe all on “Mena” Street should be parallel parking.

Thank-You, Donna Lay, Mena Letter to the Editor

As AI (artificial intelligence) evolves and becomes entrenched in our lives, the dangers/consequences of their control over us should make us pause and weigh the benefits verses dangers before we fully embrace it.

First, there is the question of current technology and how we utilize it. What has a cell phone or computer done to bring us together as a people? In my opinion, we are more insulated from each other than we have ever been. People hide behind a keyboard and cause others harm and anguish spouting hate and disinformation. Your whole life can be ruined by theft of your digital identity. Lies can be spread affecting the outcome of elections. The power grid has been shut down, computers taken over by ransom ware, and government secrets shared that need not be.

Yes, there are many pluses for computer/cell phones and but we need to strike a balance to get the best of both without the worst.

There are hackers looking to find a way to steal your data and it is rare they are brought to justice. There is a constant barrage of scams trying to get your money. Unfriendly foreign governments are constantly looking for ways to penetrate our computer network to weaken our defenses. Even our own government has been accused of spying on our private communications. Does anyone really think there is privacy/security on your phone/computer?

Enter AI. It may well prove to be smarter than we think we are. The technology is rapidly advancing and opens the door to abuse or worse yet, control of the very people that create it. It may be prudent to pause and look closely before we open Pandora’s box or let the genie out of the bottle.

The most important questions to ask are who do you trust to control AI? Big tech? The government? Private investors? AI itself? Maybe the ultimate question is can it even be controlled? If it helps calm your fears, VP Kamala Harris was just named AI Czar for the Biden administration. What can possibly go wrong under her proven leadership?

As always, I thank you for a forum to express my thoughts though we may peacefully disagree.

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

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Article and photos by Ethan Nahté

Like many farms and farmers, it’s typically a family affair handed down generation after generation. For Rodney and Samantha Sellers of Sellers Farm, that aspect is not much different from some of the previous Polk County Farm Families of the Year, but the Sellers have had some rare accomplishments. These include awards their family members have never had, and possibly an award that no other farmer throughout the western portion of Arkansas has acquired.

The couple began 14 years ago with 40 acres. They now own 220 acres spread throughout the rolling hills outside of Cove, sprawling over a mile or two, with family members owning several more acres of land in between Rodney and Samantha’s property. Additionally, they lease another 300 acres between the properties they own.

Of the property owned, 200 acres is forage and the remaining 20 are forest. Of the leased, the Sellers estimate 70 acres are forage and 230 acres are forest.

Samantha said, “When Rodney graduated high school in 2004, he worked for a logging company. They actually did a