Polk County Pulse - March 29, 2023

Best day ever

By Ethan Nahté

April is Autism Awareness Month. The word “autism” has seemingly become used more frequently nowadays. Perhaps because the medical community has a better understanding of it than they did even a couple of decades back.

One study reported 1 in 68 children are affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the United States — more common than childhood cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined.

Matthew Stout, 15, attends Acorn High

School. He’s a polite, well-mannered teen with an active mind, lots of hobbies, and a great sense of humor. Typically, he’s all A’s and one B, but he’s scored straight A’s the previous two nine-weeks-grading periods. He’s also a percussionist in the school band. He prefers playing a trap set over individual percussion instruments.

His parents are Steven Stout, an officer with Mena Police Department, and Angela Stout, a customer service representative for Union Bank. They do not shy away from discussing either Matthew or ASD.

ASD is frequently misunderstood, in

Mayor Smith gives State of the City

(March 14, 2023) — Administration and Economic Development

To the honorable members of the Mena City Council, city employees, ladies and gentlemen of the audience, and my fellow citizens, I am pleased to report to you on the “State of the City” of Mena, Arkansas for the year of 2022.

The City Council approved an operating budget of $6,908,627.00 for 2022. As has been the practice for the last few years, a very conservative approach was taken with budget projections; however, with increased sales tax revenues several much needed projects were completed during the year. I am proud to say the City ended the year with a strong bottom line.

The 2022 twelve-month financial statement, which reflects revenues and expenditures for all City departments, is incorporated as a part of this report and details the financial “State of the City”.

Building and Construction

Commercial construction permits issued last year in Mena included the completion of the Walmart renovation, a significant remodel to convert the old Lime Tree Motel to Creekside Apartments and new construction of the Access Medical Clinic. In addition, permits were issued for the construction of several new homes, numerous residential solar panel installations, and 13 Condition-

Matthew Stout taking a station identification break before the mic and mixing console in the KQOR studio. Read more about

Nahté/ Pulse)

Scripted musical features Gail honoring the greats

By Ethan Nahté

Local two-time Nashville recording artist, Lana Gail and her band, will be performing at Mena’s Ouachita Little Theatre where she will be paying tribute to the pioneering women of country music.

Come join radio DJ, “Tex McWestern” as he hosts his weekly “Kountry Korral Roundup Show,” in which you will see and hear songs from 16 female artists throughout the decades, from the 1930s to today.

This is more than just a concert, it is a scripted play that will include costume changes for each artist to reflect the times and singers being represented. There is something for all country music fans, from the classic oldies to the modern sounds.

Gail will perform the songs of stars like Kitty Wells, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, and Taylor Swift.

“The Women of Country Music” will be performed Friday, March 31 and Saturday, Apr. 1 at 7:30 p.m. There will be a matinee show at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, March 2.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. Season passes may not be used for this show. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.oltmena.com or at the door on Thursday and Friday from 2-6 p.m. If tickets are still available at the time of the shows, they can be purchased at the box office.

One half of the proceeds from this show will go towards OLT’s “Burn the Mortgage” campaign.

1168 Hwy 71S

Mena, AR 71953

Phone: 479-243-9600

Fax: 479-243-9603

Email: news@mypulsenews.com

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Recent stories aired on the national news raised several questions. Janet Yellen, our Treasury Secretary, stated that if the debt ceiling is not raised that the military and Social Security may not get paid. Social Security has been funded by working Americans for their entire working life. Our military is not something to jeopardize. A strong national defense is paramount to our free Republic and to world peace. America is what stands between freedom and tyrants or religious zealots that would have it otherwise.

I question why scare seniors by sowing the seed of uncertainty about their ability to pay their bills? Why burden our military with worry for their families left without funds while they are deployed defending our country? And why is it that social welfare programs always seem well funded no matter the debt incurred? Have you ever heard any politician say if we do not raise the debt ceiling that foreign aid will stop? That we can no longer lavish benefits on illegal immigrants? Or that folks able to work, that do not, will not get a paycheck for doing nothing?

Google the question of how much money is in the Social Security fund. SSA.Gov shows $2.8 trillion as of the end of December 2022. It shows that our government has borrowed $2.9 trillion. To say that seniors may not get paid is to say our government cannot repay what they have borrowed from the fund. For clarity, they have not stolen money from the fund and currently pay interest of 2.85%.

Want to share your opinion?

Letter to the Editor

Spring has sprung and all the trash and litter carelessly pitched along the roads seem to be multiplying. If communities will not address this recurring problem of ugliness, filth and safety issues, how can they solve greater ones that are sure to come?

“America the Beautiful,” “My Country Tis of Thee,” “The Star-Spangled Banner” celebrate pride in America. Nature shows us the beauty that God has given us on this planet yet we persist littering our “Natural State” of Arkansas with trash.

If we are to “love thy neighbor” and “do unto others” the roadside in front of everyone’s property, as well as public places, trails and camping areas around our lakes and mountains, etc., should be respected and free of litter and junk.

Edward Humes notes in “Garbology: Our Dirty Love Affair with Trash,” Americans now make more trash than anyone else on the planet. We throw away about 7.1 pounds per person per day, 365 days a year. Each of us in a lifetime could generate about 102 tons of garbage which could take up 1,100 graves.

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. Letters do not reflect the viewpoints or opinions of Pulse Multi-Media.

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Then it is reported that two of our banks have failed within a week. The FDIC will cover up to $250,000 of lost deposits. According to Barron’s the FDIC has $128 billion on hand, or enough to cover 1.27% of insured deposits. Do the math and that means that 98.73% of insured deposits lack funding. The fund was established in 1933 and to date no one has lost money from a bank failure, but then we have never been so far in debt as we now are. I am not going to rush out and take my money out of the bank in panic, but some have and more will, I am sure.

What makes me nervous is when top officials in the current administration, including the president, are on TV telling us not to worry. I was not worried until these folks have put the issue front and center in the news. It has been my experience that the more someone tries to convince me things are OK the more I doubt their assurances. These are the same folks that have run us $31.4 TRILLION Dollars into debt. It is difficult for me to accept anything politicians say as well thought out, truthful, or not self-serving.

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

Much of today’s trash will probably outlast the Great Pyramid or some other wonder of the world and he notes: “One of the few relics of our civilization guaranteed to be recognizable twenty thousand years from now is the potato chip bag.”

Recently I read an entrepreneur’s solution to a potential wasteful situation. He had wrapped his Christmas presents early that year but used the wrong paper that said “Happy Birthday. He didn’t want to waste the paper so he just wrote ‘Jesus’ on it.

St. Paul wrote that the best gift of all is “charity”. Charity begins at home! It is not in gifting our trash, but of giving our treasure; not our worst, but our best.

I am grateful that our community has Southern Disposal whose dedicated staff are helpful and “always pickin’ up”.

However, until greater education and enforced laws solve this persistent litter problem, individuals or teams could at least pick up the trash and junk along the roads and other public areas, (my associates and I have done so).

Hope springs eternal and maybe we’ll find a treasure amongst the litter. Nevertheless, it’s certain we’ll find we’re giving the community a real treasure: OUR TIME!

Judith Forbis, Mena

Letters may be submitted by e-mail to news@mypulsenews.com; mailed to P.O. Box 1450, Mena, AR 71953 or dropped off at 1168 Hwy. 71 South, Mena, AR. A drop-box is provided by the front door for after-hour convenience.

First golden Easter egg found

By Ethan Nahté

Melissa Carroll and Christina Ortiz were quick to find the first golden Easter egg in the Pulse Golden Easter Egg Hunt. Carroll, who found the egg last year,

‘What are y’all doing? Can I help you look for something?’ We said, “Yeah, a little egg about this size.’”

The two women had not picked up the last clue, so they went and got it.

“We found out it was at the base of a

quickly picked up on the clues provided at each of the sponsors.

Following the clues, Carroll said, “We looked at Walmart. We knew it was there because of the blue, the gray and white. We looked down the fourth line,” of the parking spaces, “and looked everywhere.”

They were searching throughout the bushes and everywhere except where the golden egg lay hidden.

“One lady who works there asked us

pole,” Carroll said, “where the lights are. We didn’t know the black box lifted up because it looks like it’s screwed down. We shook them and they actually lifted up, and there it was.”

See the Golden Easter Egg Hunt ad on page 2 for information about the next egg and listen to KENA 104.1 FM. The game of hide and seek begins April 4 for your chance to win $250.

Pulse General Manager Ashley Moore presents Christina Ortiz with the first $250 check for finding the golden Easter egg. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

From the State House of Representatives

When House members return from the spring break recess, they will begin the process reviewing proposed constitutional amendments.

Those hearings will take place in the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee. Every member who has filed a proposed constitutional amendment will have the opportunity to present his or her proposal during the committee meetings.

According to the House and Senate Joint Rules, the Senate may recommend one proposed constitutional amendment for consideration by the House and Senate. If that amendment fails to receive a majority vote in the House, the Senate may recommend additional proposed constitutional amendments one at a time until the House affirms one by a majority vote.

Conversely, the House may recommend one proposed constitu -

tional amendment to the Senate. If that amendment fails the House can recommend additional amendments one at a time until the Senate affirms one by a majority vote.

A third proposed constitutional amendment can only be considered if the House and Senate approve identical resolutions with a 2/3 vote in both chambers.

Constitutional amendments do not require the Governor’s signature.

Proposed constitutional amendments with a majority vote from both chambers will appear on the November 2024 general election ballot.

From the State Senate

In every regular session the legislature can refer up to three proposed constitutional amendments to voters.

The measures referred during the 2023 session will be on Arkansas general election ballots of November, 2024. If a majority of voters approve, the amendments will become part of the state Constitution.

Individual lawmakers have introduced 33 proposed amendments. Of those, 20 have been filed by senators and 13 by House members. The proposals are in the form of joint resolutions. Senate Joint Resolutions 1 through 20 are proposed amendments, as are HJR 1001 through HJR 1013.

the state in state courts. Currently, there is language in the state Constitution that the state may never be sued in any of its courts. SJR 6 would allow a lawsuit alleging the state had violated the U.S. or state Constitutions, and seeking injunctive, declaratory or monetary relief.

SJR 7 would provide that the Highway Commission should be governed in the same manner as all other state agencies. In 1952 Arkansas voters approved Amendment 42, also known as the Mack-Blackwell amendment, and it grants the Highway Commission a degree of constitutional autonomy that other state agencies do not have.

There are

13 proposed constitutional amendments filed in the House and 20 proposed amendments in the Senate. We have posted the proposals at arkansashouse.org. The website also provides links to watch the committee meetings and House floor proceedings.

The legislature has not chosen the three amendments it will refer. The first step is for the Senate and House Committees on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs to narrow the list of proposals.

It is not mandatory for the legislature to refer any proposed amendments. Legislators could refer just one or two resolutions to next year’s ballot.

SJR 10 would establish the rights of crime victims, such as being notified in a timely manner of all public proceedings arising from the crime. For example, any time the offender is due for sentencing or a parole hearing.

The victim would have a right to full and timely restitution, and would have the right to reasonable protection from the accused and from anyone acting on behalf of the accused.

SJR 8 would establish the taxpayers’ bill of rights. It is a shell, meaning that it consists only of a title and a brief description. In addition to creating a taxpayers’ bill of rights, it would set limits on government spending.

SJR 6 would allow lawsuits against

SJR 3 would provide that no individual would be denied the right to conduct a transaction because of his or her personal opinions or beliefs. Transactions would include purchases and sales of goods and services, either in cash, electronically or by a method normally used by households.

SJR 14 would provide for additional methods of financing firefighting equipment. SJR 17 is also a shell. It would set ethical requirements for elected officials. SJR 13 would legalize the growing of marijuana at home. It is a shell, and would be amended to add details later.

One of the lengthiest proposals is HJR 1002, to authorize the legislature to reduce or eliminate property taxes, both real and personal.

HJR 1003 would create procedures for recalling elected officials, after they have taken office.

A House proposal would allow the General Assembly to set its own salaries. Now, an independent commission sets legislative salaries. Another House resolution would allow lottery scholarship revenue to pay for scholarships at vo-tech schools and technical institutes.

John Maddox Terry Rice

Diamond Marilyn Nichols

Diamond

Marilyn Nichols, age 73, of Cove, Arkansas, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023, at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born on Saturday, April 2, 1949, to Cecil and Gladys Wilson in Willcox, Arizona.

Diamond was a strong woman of faith and always lived her life for the Lord. She worked for the Tax Assessor’s office in Visalia, California, and made a loving home for her family. Diamond attended the Noble Learning Center in Cove and dearly loved her church family. She cherished every moment she spent with her children and grandchildren. Diamond was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lawrence Nichols; one son, Steve Squires; two brothers, Robert Wilson and Sonny Wilson; and two sisters, Opal Nelson and Jewel Emberson.

Diamond is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Deidra Squires of Cove; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Mary C. Sutton

Ms. Mary C. Sutton, age 81, passed away Wednesday, March 22,

2023, in Mena, Arkansas. She was born April 25, 1941, in Kansas City, Missouri, to the late Raymond L. Myers Sr., and Leona M. Rose.

Ms. Sutton was a nurse’s aide by profession, she enjoyed writing poems, knotting and making peanut brittle. Mary was an introvert who liked to stay to herself, she also loved her cats.

Ms. Sutton is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond L. Myers Sr., and Leona M. Rose; daughters, Linda and Cindy; and by one brother.

She is survived by her sons, John Willett, Tommy Willett, Larry Willett, Robby Birtcher and wife Sonja; grandchildren, Christine, Mary, and Brian of Scotland, Alisha and Ada of Pratt, Kansas, Catherine of Kansas City, Missouri, Jerry, Addam, Kole, and Cydney, of Mena, Arkansas; as well as a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family, and friends too numerous to mention.

Graveside services for Ms. Sutton will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 27, 2023, at Pinecrest Memorial Park, in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Donnie Jewell will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be general.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Karen Dean Lewis be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Peak Cemetery in Royal, Arkansas. Visitation is general.

Ms. Karen Dean Lewis, age 81, passed away Thursday, March 23, 2023, in Mena, Arkansas. She was born June 30, 1941, Ada, Oklahoma, to the late Arthur Millard Kinsey and Ina Lorean Welch.

Ms. Lewis was factory worker by profession, spending many years working at the US Motors Company. Karen was a devoted member of the New Prospect Primitive Baptist Church in Board Camp, Arkansas. She enjoyed organizing, watching her tv shows, and traveling when she was able. She had a very specific morning routine, waking up her daughter Sabra, and bringing her coffee every morning. She was very proud of her children and loved her grandchildren deeply.

Ms. Lewis is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Millard Kinsey and Ina Lorean Welch, and by her great-granddaughter, Jadelynn Davis. She is survived by her son, Dana Kinsey and wife Verla; daughter, Sabra Burnett and Bryan Lawrence; grandchildren, Michael Martin, Jessica Shores, Evan Kinsey, Jacque Burnett, Darian Shockley and husband Brett, Justin Kinsey; great-grandchildren, Skylar Landrum, Zea Hamilton, Ashlynn Davis, Zayden Hamilton, and Lane Shockley.

Services for Ms. Lewis will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at the New Prospect Primitive Baptist Church, in Board Camp, Arkansas. Elder Barry Norman will

Pallbearers are Michael Martin, Evan Kinsey, Justin Kinsey, Bryan Lawrence, Brett Shockley, John Burnett.

Honorary Pallbearer is Shane Henry, Dustin Matthews, Emory Zakin, Connery Salter, Nathanael Salter

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Mr. Brian Douglas O’Bar, age 63, passed away Sunday, March 26, 2023, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born August 15, 1959, to the late Dick and Donna O’Bar.

Services for Mr. O’Bar will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas. There will be no visitation.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Brian Douglas O’Bar

Grieving doesn’t make you imperfect. It makes you human.

~Sarah Dessen, novelist

Orlene Bernice Head Clift

Orlene Bernice Head Clift, 83, of Mena, AR, went to be with her Lord and savior on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. She was born September 5, 1939, to the late Ores and Beatrice Hass Head in Potter, AR. She married Ray Clift November 15, 1964. They resided in Mena where she worked at Renova/Aalfs manufacturing for over 30 years. When Aalfs Manufacturing closed, she went to school at Rich Mountain Community College and earned a CNA degree. She spent the following years taking care of other people in their homes and children in her home and the 1st Baptist Church nursery. She always loved to stay busy serving and taking care of her family and others. She spent her time sewing, gardening, delivering meals, studying her Bible, and serving in her church. Her favorite pastime was spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers, Mickey Head, Albert Head, and Ernest Head, and one sister, Emma Jean Hall.

She is survived by two daughters, Tracy (Shane) McCullar and Kay (Keith) Ramsey; four grandsons, Tyler Baker, Cole (Christina) Baker, Keaton Ramsey, Karson (Christian) Ramsey; one great-granddaughter, Natalya Baker; two brothers, Benny (Lori) Head and Bodie Head; one

sister, Bethena (Pete) Verhagen; one uncle, Vernon Hass; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to caregivers, Cheryl, Karen, and Sara.

Services for Mrs. Orlene Clift will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the First Baptist Church in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Russell Threet will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation is general.

Pallbearers are Tyler Baker, Cole Baker, Keaton Ramsey, Karson Ramsey, Brandon Reynolds, and Noah Reynolds.

Honorary pallbearers are Keith Ramsey and Shane McCullar Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

The song is ended but the melody lingers on.

~Irving Berlin, composer

Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern combination approved by US Surface Transportation Board

CALGARY and KANSAS CITY –

March 15, 2023 – Canadian Pacific (TSX: CP) (NYSE: CP) (“CP”) and Kansas City Southern (“KCS”) said today the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (“STB”) issued a decision approving the CP and KCS joint merger application, subject to certain conditions, thereby authorizing the two railways to combine to form Canadian Pacific Kansas City (“CPKC”), the first single-line railway connecting the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

The decision authorizes CP to exercise control of KCS as early as April 14, 2023, at or after which point CP and KCS would combine to create the new CPKC. CP is reviewing the full 212-page decision in detail and in the coming days will announce its plans with respect to the creation of CPKC.

CP President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Creel extended the company’s sincere gratitude to the STB board and staff for their hard work as part of the comprehensive review of the combination.

“This decision clearly recognizes the many benefits of this historic combination,” Creel said. “As the STB found, it will stimulate new competition, create jobs, lead to new investment in our rail net-

work, and drive economic growth.

“These benefits are unparalleled for our employees, rail customers, communities and the North American economy at a time when the supply chains of these three great nations have never needed it more,” Creel added. “A combined CPKC will connect North America through a unique rail network able to enhance competition, provide improved reliable rail service, take trucks off public roads and improve rail safety by expanding CP’s industry-leading safety practices.”

“This important milestone is the catalyst for realizing the benefits of a North American railroad for all of our stakeholders,” said Patrick J. Ottensmeyer, KCS President and Chief Executive Officer. “The KCS Board of Directors and management team are very proud of the many contributions and achievements of the people who have made KCS what it is today and we are excited for the boundless possibilities as we move forward into the next chapter as CPKC.”

CPKC will bring a new standard of safety to the North American rail landscape. CP has been the safest railroad in North America for 17 straight years as measured by the Federal Railroad Administration train accident frequency ratio. In 2022, CP had an all-time best frequency of 0.93, a rate nearly half what the company produced a decade ago and 69 percent lower than the Class 1 average.

CP’s culture of safety, supported by its history of sustained investments in core infrastructure and technology, aligns with KCS’s likeminded culture, allowing the combined system to operate at the apex of rail safety. CPKC will implement

the combination with safety at the forefront of everything it does.

Among the core conclusions reached by the STB regarding the public and pro-competitive benefits of the CP-KCS combination, including that the combination “should ultimately enhance safety and benefit the environment”:

“The Board expects that this new single-line service will foster the growth of rail traffic, shifting approximately 64,000 truckloads annually from North America’s roads to rail, and will support investment in infrastructure, service quality, and safety,” the board said in its decision, going on to say, ”Indeed, approval of this transaction may even enhance safety for the nation as a whole” and that “thus, any rail traffic diverted to CPKC from other railroads will likely mean traffic moving to a railroad with a better safety record.”

“The transaction is also expected to drive employment growth across the CPKC system, adding over 800 new union-represented operating positions in the United States,” the board continued. “Of additional importance, the merger will foster new National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) passenger rail opportunities, as Applicants have committed to support Amtrak’s existing plans for expanded service on the new railroad’s lines.”

“This transaction is “end-toend,” meaning that there are little to no track redundancies or overlapping routes. If consummated, it will reduce travel time for traffic moving over the single line service; it should result in increased incentives for investment; and it will eliminate the need for the two now-separate CP and KCS systems

to interchange traffic moving from one system to the other. This will enhance efficiency, which in turn will enable the new CPKC system to better compete for traffic with the other larger Class I carriers,” the decision says.

The board concluded, “The Transaction will make possible improved single-line service for many shippers and will result in merger synergies that are likely to allow CPKC to be a vigorous competitor to other Class Is by providing improved service at lower cost.”

CP completed its US$31 billion acquisition of KCS on Dec. 14, 2021. Immediately upon the closing of that acquisition, shares of KCS were placed into a voting trust with Dave Starling, former KCS President and CEO, appointed as the trustee. Upon Mr. Starling’s death, Ronald L. Batory was appointed as successor trustee with the STB’s approval. The Voting Trust has ensured that KCS operates independently of CP during the regulatory review process, and until CP exercises control pursuant to the STB decision, CP and KCS will continue to operate independently.

Headquartered in Calgary, Alta., Canada, CPKC would be the first railway connecting North America. While remaining the smallest of six U.S. Class 1 railroads by revenue, the combined company will have a much larger and more competitive network, operating approximately 20,000 miles of rail, employing close to 20,000 people. Once combined, full integration of CP and KCS is expected to happen over the next three years, unlocking the benefits of the combination.

STOUT

continued from page 1 12th grade sciences, including life science, earth science, chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology.

part because there are many levels of functioning and each child or adult with ASD is unique. Matthew is high functioning. You may have seen him mentioned a couple of times this year. He took home gold at the Special Olympics Arkansas Winter Games in Springdale on Feb. 10. He was a part of the Area 17 Special Olympics Team (Conway, Arkansas) for Unified Floorball. Floorball replaced floor hockey.

Matthew also competed for his second consecutive year in the Area 14 Special Olympics Basketball Skills Competition. This year the competition was held in Booneville on March 1, where Matthew displayed several skills. Once again, he took home the gold.

Mathew’s favorite basketball team is neither a college nor an NBA team. “Honestly… if I have a favorite basketball team, I’m going to say it’s going to be Acorn High School.”

He began playing a little with his father and his older brothers, Noah and Mason, 21, twins who played on the Acorn team.

Steven said, “The basketball skills last year was the first time that he was actually out on the court doing an organized basketball thing.”

When asked what his favorite thing is about playing in the tournament, it is not dribbling, shooting baskets or such things — Matthew likes socializing.

For instance, Acorn student Drew Mabry and his family were the subject of the Pulse Autism Awareness Month article in 2022. Matthew enjoys talking with Drew. He sees Drew around school. In the mornings he will sometimes give Drew a thumb’s up, a hug or a high-five. People with ASD are said to often care deeply but lack the ability to spontaneously interact. Matthew seemingly interacts very well, freely giving highfives and a thumbs up.

He also has Drew’s father Leo as his Special Education (SPED) teacher for math and English.

“I like [the subjects] very much, although they can be a little bit challenging. My favorite subject is science. My father used to actually be a science teacher.”

Matthew will be taking biology next year. His father was a public-school teacher for six years, teaching from seventh through

Unforeseen issues

Steven said, “I taught in north Arkansas and south Arkansas, then he came along and things changed. Before we were pregnant with him, I had gotten out of teaching and I had worked for DHS for a little while. He came along and we found out about his cleft palate, and the medical needs he was going to have. I was in between jobs. It was determined I would stay home and take care of him and Angela would return to work.”

According to the National Library of Medicine (NIH), the definite cause of cleft lip and palate remains largely unknown. The prevalence of cleft lip and palate is approximately 1.7 per 1,000 live births in Asia, which has the highest occurrence rate worldwide.

The CDC states about 1 in every 2,800 is born with a cleft lip without cleft palate and 1 in every 1,700 with cleft palate in the U.S.

The shrinerschildrens.org website, describes a cleft palate as occurring when the tissues that form the roof of the mouth don’t join together before birth. The opening can be repaired with reconstructive plastic surgery.

The effects of cleft palate run much deeper, causing functional changes in a child’s breathing, hearing, speaking and eating.

“We had a lot of medical trips,” Steven said. “He was fed through a tube implanted in his stomach for his first two years. He had a lot of surgeries. It just worked out I stayed home and took care of his medical needs and primary care.”

There were no signs of abnormality at the prenatal stage to prepare the Stouts. Angela said, “Everything seemed fine up until birth. It was when they were cleaning his mouth out, the swab came out through his nose. They said, ‘I think we have a problem.’ We sort of started our adventure at that point of finding things out. We had to go to Children’s Hospital multiple times.”

“They went through why he had the cleft palate,” Steven said. “They advised that one of the last things that develops in the mouth is the palate. He had the small lower jaw due to what they call the Pierre Robin sequence.”

According to John Hopkins Medicine, the rare congenital birth defect is characterized by an underdeveloped jaw, backward displacement of the tongue and upper airway obstruction. Cleft palate is commonly present.

“It may have caused his tongue to be in the way of the palate forming,” Steven said. “It usually leads to severe respiratory diseases.”

Although we hear of people saying they’re tongue-tied when they are too shy or embarrassed to speak, there is a real condition, “ankyloglossia,” that restricts the tongue’s range of motion, tethering the bottom of the tongue tip to the floor of the mouth.

Surprisingly enough, they were allowed to take Matthew home from the hospital, which was different than when Angela had the twins. Although she was considered full term with the twins, they were still preemie. Matthew was born three days prior to his due date, weighing 6 pounds, 8 ounces.

“We had a couple of days we were home from the hospital,” she said. “We could tell. When they’re first born, it doesn’t take long if there’s an issue with the feeding and they

start losing weight.”

At one point Matthew had gotten down to 3 pounds.

“It was pretty scary. We ended up having to contact Children’s and take him to the ER,” she said.

The Stouts were at Children’s for 15 days that first time, going through every type of feeder they offered. “They actually made a special feeder called a pigeon feeder where the top part of the nipple of the bottle acts as a palate. Unfortunately, that palate was the widest case they’d ever seen. He had neither soft nor hard palate and everything went straight up to his sinuses. That we tried the most out of all of them for a while and it just didn’t work. We tried finger feeders and that didn’t work. We had to learn to drop a nasogastric tube down his nose and into his stomach.

“When he was about three months old, he was starting to meet a few milestones and that big, long tube was a problem. We talked to the doctors and they made the decision to put the G-tube button into his stomach.”

See STOUT continued on page 15

ADDRESS

continued from page 1 al Use Permits for short-term vacation rental properties.

• 126 building permits were issued in 2022 for a total construction cost of $5,699,600.00; the number of permits is up from 52 in 2021. Other permits issued included:

• 94 plumbing

• 110 electrical

• 35 HVAC

• 96 street cuts

• 17 demolition

• Also, there were 8 sign/advertising permits; 11 tile/culvert permits; 35 city licenses and 23 citations (for property maintenance and cleanup) issued during the year.

Advertising and Promotion

In 2022, the Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission continued to budget 50% of their revenues for Tapley Park improvements and maintenance and 50% toward promotional events, festivals, advertising campaigns and brochures for the City of Mena.

A & P tax collections for 2022 fell slightly short of 2021. Overall restaurant and lodging tax collections were down 9.27%.

2022 A&P activities and accomplishments:

• The Commission added the paid position of Administrator, hiring Pasha Watson to perform accounting, communication, reporting, recordkeeping duties and receiving Tapley sports registrations and fees.

• Under a separate contract Pasha organized the 2022 Lum & Abner Festival with the theme of “music and arts” festival.

• With cooperation from Western Arkansas Planning and Development District the City received an Economic Development Administration grant for $275,000 to construct the Ward Lake Trail system.

• A Memorandum of Agreement was signed with the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation, City of Mena and A&P Commission to provide trail design services for Ward Lake and coordinate trail compatibility with a larger Monument Trail being considered.

Tapley Park

In 2022, the Mena A & P Commission continued to support the development and maintenance of Tapley Park by dedicating 50% of their budget to the Park.

• Tapley Park serves the area youth with multiple playgrounds, baseball, softball, soccer leagues, and a new volleyball court.

• Tennis Courts were started in 2022 with an anticipated completion this year.

• We were able to extend one of the Baseball fields in 2022 and in 2023 we will be able to offer Baseball for kids over 12 and Adult Softball.

• In 2022, there were over 900 youths and adults that participated in sports activities at Tapley Park:

• Baseball 300

• Softball 200

• Soccer 300

• Adult Co-ed 100

• Tapley Park hosted 1 baseball Tournament and 1 Soccer Tournament in 2022.

• Tapley Park offered a CO-ED adult soccer league that ran through the summer into October.

• Drainage and parking improvements at Tapley Park were made with fill and gravel in public parking areas.

• Tapley Park is also host to the annual 4th of July fireworks display for the city.

You can always find all the events hosted at the Park at www.tapleysports.com This site gives the public the ability to register online for any league or tournament play held at Tapley Park and is home to all information regarding the Park and its events or visit us on our Facebook page Aubry D. Tapley Sports Complex.

Airport Status Report and Highlights for Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport for the year 2022

• The work covered by various grants for the “Taxiway B Project” have been completed. The 90/10 grant covering the work on Taxiway B

north of Alpha has been closed and the State has reimbursed the Airport $250,000 towards the Airport 10% share of the cost of the work.

• Airport Rescue Program: In August 2021, the airport was awarded a $32,000 grant under the Airport Rescue Grant Program. These funds were received in 2022.

• Taxiway C Design: An application was submitted, and the grant was awarded, in the amount of $188,775, to cover the cost of designing the extension and renovation of Taxiway C. The plans will include relocating a portion of the taxiway and making the taxiway a full-length parallel taxiway.

• The new Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) was installed in August and was commissioned by the FAA on August 25, 2022.

• The large ramp on the east side underwent renovation in the form of a crack seal treatment that was financed by a State Grant in the amount of $149,940 and $16,600 by the airport.

• A State grant was awarded in the amount of $168,000 to repair the leaking roofs on two of the City owned hangars.

• The airport has approximately 20 businesses that employ 200-250 local residents.

• Companies at the airport continue to service Army, Navy, and Air Force military contracts in addition to General Aviation aircraft.

• The airport is by-in-large self-supporting regarding day-to-day operating expenses. Moreover, a recent study commissioned by the Arkansas Division of Aeronautics, shows the airport has a first-round economic impact of almost $30 million to the local economy and a second-round impact of just over $18 million for a total statewide economic impact of almost $48 million.

Fire Department

A total of 159 incidents were logged by the Mena Fire Department in 2022 compared to 121 in 2021. They responded to 82 fire related calls; 35 rescue and first responder calls; 33 service calls;

and 9 standby assistance calls at the airport.

• 20 Business inspections were completed in the year.

• 8 Fire safety programs were presented to the community.

• 8 Smoke alarms were installed.

• Certified pump testing and maintenance of the fire department fleet was conducted again in 2022.

• Outdated turnouts were replaced.

• Battery powered jaws of life equipment was purchased.

• A new brush truck was ordered. We expect delivery in late Spring.

• Fire prevention/educational materials were distributed to students in all elementary schools in Polk County through a partnership with the National Fire Safety Council and the financial support of local businesses and organizations.

Continued training is essential for the men and women of the Mena Fire Department. Training last year consist of:

• 1,081 hours of certified training from the Arkansas Fire Academy, the Arkansas Forestry Commission, and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management.

• 814 hours of in-house training was conducted that included safety, hose loads, hydrant connections, auto extrication, electric vehicle fires, communications, suppression and live fire training, just to name a few.

Parks Department

The City parks are great assets to the community. The pavilions at Janssen and McMillan Parks had numerous birthday parties, church events, family reunions, and weddings scheduled throughout the year. Besides the small events, the parks are home to the Lum n Abner Festival, which was a great success this year, and the Oklahoma Free Wheel no drop tour bike event with well over 100 tent campers in the park overnight. The annual Wheel a’Mena bike event and the Christmas lighting and fireworks display all had great turnouts as well.

See ADDRESS continued on page 11

ADDRESS

continued from page 10

In 2022, the Christmas display had 16 new figurines added that the Parks Department employees designed and fabricated themselves and over 20 old figurines were restrung with new LED lights.

The old bathroom and storage building in Janssen Park was removed and 2 new Modular restroom facilities were installed with new electrical and water lines ran. A new unit was also installed at McMillan Park.

A new commercial zero turn mower was purchased for park upkeep. The Mena/Polk County Rotary Club made a gracious donation of a drinking fountain that was installed near the playground at Janssen Park.

The two wooden walking bridges at McMillan Park were removed and replaced with a singular metal bridge that will require less maintenance and is safer. Wheelchair access sidewalks were put in at the playgrounds in both Janssen and McMillan Parks.

Police Department

Officers of the Mena Police Department completed 2,934 incident reports, answered 3,842 calls for service, gave 2,271 written/verbal warnings, and made 1,250 arrests.

• The Mena PD purchased JPX Pepper Spray Guns, equipment necessary to carry said guns, and the training required for each officer for $4,510.28.

• The Mena PD requested and was awarded a grant from The Public Safety Equipment Grant Program in the amount of $9,148.73 for the additional JPX Pepper Spray Guns.

• The Mena PD has continued to correlate interagency cooperation with the 18th West Judicial District of the Drug Task Force.

• Dalton Myers and Allen Walker were promoted to Sergeants.

• The Mena PD moved into a new police station, more suited for everyday duties and job activity.

• The Department received two new units, both 2021 Dodge Chargers. Both were put into service and has had the desired effect of helping to slow traffic in problem areas.

• The Mena PD purchased a Magicard 600 ID Machine for $2,473.50 with funds received from a local grant.

• State award grant – each of Mena’s 13 officers received a one- time $5,000 stipend.

Animal Control

Summary of Mena Animal Control Department statistics for the year 2022:

• 160 lost animals were picked up in the City limits last year

• 3 wild animals picked up and released

• 41 City pet licenses issued

• 126 dogs & cats adopted out locally or transported to other adoption agencies

• 22 animals returned to their owners

Mena Regional Health System

2022 Accomplishments

Operational indicators

Total Inpatient Days – 5,964

Births – 203

Emergency Department Visits – 9,310

Total Clinic Visits – 40,102

Total Number of Employees (Full, Part and PRN) – 327

Salaries, Wages, & Benefits Paid$19,778,041

Net Revenue - $31,883,074

Growth and accomplishments

• Robert Rupp began as Chief Executive Officer in May.

• Mountain View Clinic became a part of MRHS in July, adding 2 Medical Doctors and 2 APRN’s to the staff.

• A successful Health Fair, post COVID, took place with 40 vendors and over 400 visitors in September.

• Mena Medical Associates welcomed Taylor Roberts, APRN to the team of providers in October

• Rehab had a re-opening celebration in October. Moving off the Med/ Surg floor and returning to their wing.

• John Parsons began as Chief Nursing officer in November.

• The Mena Regional Auxiliary is back to normal operations on our campus and with the gift shop open 5 days a week.

Streets and Infrastructure

Improvement projects completed by the Street Department during 2022 included:

• 335 loads of debris were picked up during the annual spring clean up

• 105 loads of debris were picked up during the annual fall clean up Concrete repair to resolve a drainage issue at 4th Street and Pine Avenue

• A new 2022 Dodge Ram truck was purchased for the department.

• Engineering for Streetscape on Mena Street progressed throughout the year. Expecting work to begin this summer.

Water and Sewer

The following improvements were accomplished by Mena Water Utilities during 2022:

• 68 water services replaced and 32 new water services installed

• 36 water main repairs and 3 fireplugs replaced

• 55 miscellaneous repairs

• Tested 95 RPZ valves

• 8 sewer services replaced and 13 new sewer services installed

• 4 sewer main repairs and 2 miscellaneous sewer repairs

• Replaced 90 ft of sewer mains

• Replaced leak listening equipment

• Engineering phase for the Irons Fork Water Plant construction project was completed.

• Water and Sewer Rate studies are both completed to comply with Act 605.

• Awarded $5,000,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the Irons Fork Construction.

• Awarded $5,000,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Construction.

• Began and have completed 25% inspections of water services for lead (to be 100% complete by October 2024)

• Began and approximately 20% complete with GIS mapping of the Water and Sewer mains and related infrastructure

Personal Remarks

In a year of so much uncertainty, it is amazing to see that revenues from City

and County Sales taxes continue to increase over the year before. City sales tax was up 8.08% and the County sales tax was up 14.27% over 2021.

Grants awarded in 2022:

• State Fire Protection Services

• (Fire Truck Money) - $49,975.27

• Local grant of $2,473.50 to purchase a Magicard 600 ID Machine for the Police Department

• Public Safety Equipment Grant Program grant amount of $9,148.73 for additional JPX Pepper Spray Guns for the Police Department.

• FAA & State Aeronautics Grants for the Airport - $356,775.00

• ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) - $568,708.09

• Economic Development Administration grant for $275,000.00 to construct the Ward Lake Trail system.

• ARDOT (TAP Grant) -$296,000.00 for continuation of the Mena Streetscape project.

• Awarded $5,000,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the Irons Fork Water Treatment Plant Construction.

• Awarded $5,000,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Construction.

• ACEDP Grant of $190,416.00 to purchase 3 vehicles and a cooler for the Senior Center.

• Arkansas Outdoor Recreation Matching Grant of $250,000.00 to fund Splashpads.

• State awarded grant -- $65,000.00 – stipend for Police officers.

TOTAL - $12,063,496.59

Congratulations to everyone on the incredible accomplishments that Mena has achieved this past year! It’s amazing to see how you all; citizens, city leaders, city employees, volunteer boards, and commissions have come together to make our city the “best” place to live. Hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and it’s clear that there are many forces at work to create a more diverse and prosperous economy. Thank you for your commitment to making Mena a great place to live, work, and play!

Arkansas Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities announces March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (March 21, 2023) – On March 9, the Arkansas Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) announced March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month during its quarterly meeting held at the Arkansas State Capitol. Arkansans are encouraged to celebrate the month by learning more and sharing resources about how individuals with and without developmental disabilities (DD) can unite to form stronger, more integrated communities across the state.

“The Council is working to strengthen the equity of Arkansans with DD,” said Jonathan Taylor, executive director of GCDD. “Every year, we celebrate March as Devel-

opmental Disabilities

Awareness Month to garner support and raise awareness of the importance of creating an integrative and supportive community for all Arkansans.”

Each year, GCDD celebrates March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month alongside its national association, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), and other partners across the United States.

Meeting attendees included Council members, representatives from Arkansas Association of People Supporting Employment First (Arkansas APSE) and Arkansas Alliance for Disability Advocacy, employers and community members.

To submit events, stories and photos or explore resources to expand the conversation on community integration, visit GCDD.Arkansas. gov/ .

About The Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities

The Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities is a member of the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD). The Council’s

purpose is to connect people with developmental disabilities to the resources and programs they need to be independent, be productive and be integrated and included in all parts of community life.

GCDD, along with network partners, works to implement the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act in Arkansas to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of community services that allow increased opportunities to live and work locally. GCDD is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Community Living (ACL) through the Administration on Disability’s Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD). Learn more at GCDD.Arkansas.gov/ .

Ouachita National Forest announces public scoping period for Mena Trails Project

HOT SPRINGS, Ark – March 24, 2023— Public scoping opens today for a trail- and recreation-related infrastructure development project proposal on the Mena/Oden Ranger District of the Ouachita National Forest.

The project, known as the “Trails at Mena Project,” is a proposal submitted to the U.S. Forest Service from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism-Division of Arkansas State Parks for a groundbreaking gravity-oriented trail experience in Arkansas.

The proposed project includes the following actions on National Forest System Lands:

• Issuance of a special use permit to the State of Arkansas for developed recreation within select locations and corridors across 8,832 acres of NFS lands;

• Construction of up to 100 miles of primarily natural surface trails on NFS lands;

• Development of a base portal for arrival and guest services;

• Construction of parking areas and im-

provements to the existing pull-offs along Highway 88;

• Development of an uplift infrastructure to transport users throughout the SUP area;

• Construction of ancillary support facilities and amenities within the trail network;

• Creation of non-trail-based, developed recreation opportunities; and,

• Improvement of existing road segments and creation of new access routes.

Public involvement will enable the Forest to better assess concerns of the public. Public scoping is not limited to a single point in time. The Forest will continue to accept and consider comments until an implementation decision is made. However, comments will be most helpful if they are received early in the process. Comments will help the Forest identify environmental issues associated with implementation and alternative ways to meet Forest objectives and desired conditions.

Comments will become a part of the public record for this Proposed Action. Comments submitted anonymously will be accepted and considered; however, anonymous comments will not provide the Agency with the ability to provide the respondent with subsequent environmental documents.

Electronic comments are encouraged and can be submitted on the Forest Service website at  https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63649. Click on “comment” on the right side of the page.

Specific written comments must be submitted to:

Mena/Oden District Ranger

Attention: Mena Trails  1603 Hwy 71 North

Mena, AR, 71953

or via fax to 479-394-2389. The office business hours for those submitting hand-delivered comments are: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

For additional information, please visit

the Trails at Mena Project website at https:// www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63649.

The U.S. Forest Service is accepting comments related to the proposed “Trails at Mena Project.” (Photo by Tim Foster/Unsplash)

By Richie Lawry

In 1962 Bob Dylan wrote one of his most famous protest songs, “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall.” The song opens, as most older Dylan songs do, to the mellow strumming of an acoustic guitar and an introduction to that iconic voice of his. The song’s first two lines are questions, “Oh, where have you been, my blue-eyed son?” and “Oh, where have you been, my darling young one?”

By opening verses with questions like these, Dylan sets up a response to what he has seen, who he has met, what he has heard, and what he will do now. The song is full of dense imagery that suggests injustice, suffering, pollution, and warfare. Because the world focused on the atomic realities of the Cold War at the time Dylan wrote the song, some have suggested that the refrain of the song, “It’s a hard rain’s a-gonna fall,” refers to nuclear fallout. However, Dylan said, “No, it’s not atomic rain, it’s just a hard rain. It isn’t the fallout rain. I mean some sort of end that’s just gotta happen” (Studs Terkel Program - 98.7 WMFT, 1963).

Two lines particularly move me, “I met one man who was wounded in love,” followed by, “I met another man who was wounded with hatred.” I think that we have all, at some time, been wounded by someone we love. But I am even more sure that we have all experienced the wounds inflicted by those who hate us. Describing those who don’t acknowledge God, the Bible says, “Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip.”

Romans 1:29 (NLT)

Dylan’s song came to my mind as we were experiencing torrential rain here in Arkansas. Daddy and I were driving to Hot Springs for a doctor’s appointment. As we left Mena, the rain fell so hard that the streets began to flood. Visibility was abysmal as wave after wave of rain seemed to crash to earth. The windshield wipers slapped at the rain in a vain attempt to keep the windshield clear, but it was a losing battle.

As we cautiously made our way through the Arkansas countryside, every stream was out of its banks, and often it was hard to tell where the stream was supposed to

An Arkie’s Faith A hard rain

dence of the hard rain. It would be a day I wouldn’t forget for a long time.

All day the area had been under a Flood Warning, meaning that conditions were ripe for possible flooding. I thought about Job 12:15 (AMPC), which says, “He sends forth rains, and they overwhelm the land or transform it.” I had seen hard rain overwhelm and transform the landscape.

Most of us have had life experiences when it seems that troubles come in like a flood. It may be a health crisis, accident, job loss, or relationship breakdown. The truth is life is hard. It beats you down, wears you out, and disappoints you. One of the things you can be sure of in life is that, in the words of Bob Dylan, “A hard rain’s a-gonna fall.”

But just as sure as a hard rain falling are God’s promises. “When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.”

Isaiah 59:19 (NKJV)

Our enemy is powerful. He is a roaring, rushing flood with the intent to destroy us. He rushes about with deceit, distraction, discouragement, and destruction. Like flood waters, he values nothing, nor does he play favorites or give anyone a break.

be. Ponds were overflowing, and rivers of rushing water flowed down driveways. Occasionally we would drive through a section of road with water standing on it and had to slow down to prevent hydroplaning. The sound of hitting those patches of water and the feeling of losing control of the car was unnerving.

The rain was relentless as we drove on toward Hot Springs. Water rushed through the ditches like a mighty river, flowing over driveways as the culverts were overwhelmed with more water than they could channel away. My head hurt from the tension of straining to see in the onslaught of rain. My hands gripped the steering wheel so tight that I had to remind myself to relax. But then we would hit another patch of water on the road, and the stress would return.

A few miles from Hot Springs, the rain finally let up enough so that my windshield wipers no longer had to be on high, furiously trying to keep the windshield

clear. I was thankful for the reprieve. The rain was heavy as we returned home, but nothing like the torrential rain we had experienced earlier. I was grateful when we made it back to Mena.

Because I had cleared my work schedule for the doctor’s appointment, I decided to drive to De Queen to pick up a load of glass. The rain was just a drizzle as I went south on Highway 71. But before long, another band of torrential rain came through. I was second-guessing my decision to drive to De Queen.

When I arrived at my storage unit, I had to carefully pick my way through the driveway because it had washed out, and there was a gaping channel that my little S-10 pickup could not cross. I loaded my truck in the pouring rain and was soaked to the bone by the time I finished. As if on cue, the rain let up as soon as I finished loading my truck. Thankful for the reprieve, I headed back to Mena. Everywhere I looked, I could see the evi-

But there is a way to withstand the enemy. When Satan tries to erode our faith with the brutal rains of trouble and discouragement, we can trust in God. When the spiritual flood waters come, God has promised us safety. But just like an earthly flood, recognizing the warnings and seeking shelter is critical.

Gentle Reader, you know that hard rains are a part of life. When the rains come, hold on to the promise that God has given us in Isaiah 43:2 (NLT); “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”

A hard rain’s a-gonna fall, but “Be satisfied with your present circumstances and with what you have; for God Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down.” Hebrews 13:5 (AMPC)

Joke of the Week: I was going to buy a blindfold, but I can’t see myself wearing one.

Six-Mile Creek after Friday’s rain. (Photo by Richie Lawry)

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This type of tube lays on top of the abdominal wall and is kept in place in the stomach by a water-filled balloon. A special extension tube is attached when administering medicines or feedings.

“That’s the way he knew food for the first two years of his life,” she said.

“He didn’t take anything by mouth,” Steven said. “He didn’t have pacifiers. Tasting was after he turned two before he really got to taste food. He hasn’t slowed down since,” he joked, with Angela and Matthew agreeing.

They laugh as they mention the lunch ladies in the school cafeteria because Matthew loves to eat. Sometimes they give him extra. They’ll see the Stouts in Walmart and ask Matthew how he is then say, “He’s such a good eater.” His parents state the lanky teen eats healthy.

Matthew was 9 months old for his first palate repair. They corrected the tonguetied problem. Then it was ear tubes, followed by a surgery in Shreveport, Louisiana, for “exotropia” of the eyes.

“That was from me driving around and looking in the mirror and noticing his eyes were looking outward,” Steven said.

Matthew had two palate repairs and multiple sets of tubes.

“Finally, a specialist at Children’s went in and cleaned up and repaired his ear bones,” Steven said.

“The first eardrum had perforated and was starting to form a cyst,” Angela said, “or so they thought, against his skull. So, we had to get that corrected. The other one followed suit later on.”

Steven said, “He’s had more procedures than I can count without looking back on notes. He still comes out with the best day

ever and most positive attitude. He doesn’t let any of it slow him down.”

ASD diagnosis

The Stouts also realized there might be other issues.

“His good-natured personality…” Steven began, “We actually had a hard time getting doctors to listen to us. They wouldn’t believe he needed to be checked for autism. [Doctors said,] ‘No, no, he’s too loving and he talks, and he’ll look you in the eyes. He just doesn’t match any of our little red flags.’ I kept telling them, ‘I know, but I’m with him 24/7.’

“There are certain concepts he locks down on that we can’t get out. We finally got him seen at the Dennis Development Center through Children’s. They did their test with the speech pathologist, with the neurologist, with the behaviorist and they came back and said, ‘Oh, yeah, he’s on the spectrum. He’s very high functioning, but he’s definitely on the spectrum. Shouldn’t be a problem.’”

Special Olympics

“Except for a few key concepts, it’s not a

problem. It doesn’t impede him in school. It doesn’t impede him competing in Special Olympics. He and I spoke to a roomful of police officers at the Law Enforcement Torch Run kick-off conference. He stood up there with me and spoke.”

The Law Enforcement Torch Run ® for Special Olympics is the largest public awareness vehicle and grassroots for Special Olympics, according to the specialolympicsarkansas.org website.

Matthew is also a member of the Special Olympics Arkansas Youth Activation Committee (YAC). He spoke at a youth summit during the fall games back in November.

Matthew will also be participating in the spring games at the Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium on April 12.

“I was going to do javelin and bocce, but bocce is not ready yet for Mena High

School,” Matthew said.

Steven said, “They’re going to do bocce. This [spring] event is what gets him registered for summer games. The bocce they offer at summer games is traditional and it’s 22 years and up. The bocce he has participated with is unified and is school age and up. He won a gold medal during fall games playing unified bocce, but because

Matthew and Steven sharing a proud moment.

(Photo by Brianna Himschoot)

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it’s not being offered for his age range, he’s going to do the javelin throw and probably the 100-yard-dash. Maybe a 4x100 relay if we get that offered.”

Matthew’s Special Olympics participation dates back to 2018. He’s stacking up the medals. “I had two silver medals the first year. Two gold and one bronze the second year. Then COVID. Then the winter games (2022), my father and I, and my teammates from Area 17 — I cannot leave them out. They did a big part, too. All won gold medals for each floorball game — from the first to the second to the championship.”

Matthew has quite a few medals, and Steven got a gold medal, as well, playing in the floorball event.

Matthew prefers the summer games, “… because it’s toasty nice instead of winter, which is harsh and cold.”

Hobbies and activities

Matthew also likes reading, which he is currently working through “The Chronicles of Narnia” series at the moment. He also enjoys reading mysteries.

He enjoys drawing sometimes, and watching TV, including YouTube LEGO® videos.

He loves building and playing with LEGOs. He said it is considered a mental activism for creativity and imagination. As a matter of fact, the entire family enjoys LEGOs, and they’ve been to the LEGOLAND® Discovery Center at Grapevine Mills Mall, not far from the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport.

“The twins are both LEGO fans. They were born into it,” Steven said. “I’m a huge LEGO nerd. Angela has her kits. She got a bonsai tree for Christmas. She and the boys got together and built her bonsai tree.”

“We need a LEGO room,” Angela said. Matthew immediately suggested, “Maybe when my brother Noah moves out, I can have his room.”

Comic books and the related movies and TV shows are another favorite, especially the original Batman TV show with Adam West and Burt Ward. “Batman is my favorite DC superhero. Yes, he can be very rude and naughty, sometimes. He can be very violent, sometimes. Still, he’s a very cool superhero character. My second favorite in

the DC Universe is Superman.

“My favorite superhero in Marvel is Captain America, the First Avenger.” Matthew really gets into the comic book action, including the sound effects, which he imitates.

For the most part, Matthew likes spending time with his family. “I like playing video games with my dad. Over spring break, this week, we played a lot of Minecraft Dungeons. I don’t game as much as my brother Noah. He plays Call of Duty a lot.”

They also frequently watch one of Matthew’s favorite shows, “The Andy Griffith Show.” Matthew gives some interesting summaries about shows such as Andy Griffith, “The Beverly Hillbillies,” and other programs he finds entertaining.

He has a speech therapy tool that is part of the Speech Buddies Tools that goes inside the mouth.

Steven described it, “You know the deals you blow and it unrolls? It looks like that, but it goes in the opposite direction to make him use his tongue to unroll it while using his ‘r’ sounds. It’s a new tool his new speech therapist just came in with. He does like most kids. He has a dog. He comes in

and feeds her. If he’s got homework, he gets on his homework. If he’s got a test to study for — unlike the twins — he’ll go in his room and study. He’ll take care of chores. He sees things and says, ‘I’m going to take care of this. It needs to be done.’”

Matthew is back and forth on whether or not he wants to attend college. His father said, “We’re willing to just ride along with him as he discovers who he is and what he wants to do.”

Matthew has considered becoming a teacher. “I’ve got something that makes me feel like I could do this one day.” He explains his process of assisting others in class, providing some direction then allowing them to process the information in their special way instead of constantly talking.

Circus and rodeo fun

He and his parents also went to the circus during spring break. It was a first for both Matthew and Steven. “That was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.,” Matthew said. His favorite part was Leo, the clown. “He had a little clown car that looked like a muscle car. I’m not sure how clowns can fit in there.”

“He really enjoyed Leo,” Steven said, “and that’s a step up because clowns have been an issue in the past, because of scary clowns in shows.”

“Creepy faces on them,” Matthew added.

“For him to get excited about [Leo]… ” Steven said, “He’s okay with rodeo clowns because he’s done the handi-capable rodeo for years. He’s cool with the rodeo clowns. For him to be excited and happy about [Leo] the clown, for him, I wasn’t sure how it was going to be. That was really cool. Of course, anything that’s got to do with animals. And the funny stuff.”

“He really enjoyed the aerialist — things he’s seen on TV but never in person,” Angela said.

Beyond the comical routines and death-defying acts, Matthew added that peanuts were also traditional at circuses, and he ate his fair share.

At the end of the night, they got to speak with some of the performers, who the Stouts said were very nice. Matthew and Angela also had their photo taken with the ringmaster, Simone.

STOUT

continued from page 16

As for the rodeo, Matthew believes his experience gets better every year. “I like riding the horses. I also like the hayrides, the roping and the barrel bucking.”

Worship

He also enjoys spending time with the Lord. The family attends Dallas Avenue Baptist Church in Mena. He enjoys the worshiping and the hymns. He said he doesn’t sing but hums the hymns. He likes the preaching, which he said, “… is storytelling from the Bible’s point of view.” He and his mother enjoy listening to gospel music.

YAC vlogs

When Matthew first began doing his monthly vlog for the Youth Activation group, he wasn’t certain what he should talk about after being given a list of topics. Steven had Matthew scoot over and started interviewing him on camera.

“We did a back-and-forth color commentary and submitted it. I told Angela I didn’t know if he was going to get the points for this, because they’re on a point system. The ones that participate the most get to go to things a little more. It came back and they said, ‘Wow, this was so great. The interplay between you and your son… .‘

“The woman who was over it, Jennifer Edwards, went to D.C. and that was one of the things they put on for YAC. All the kids in YAC wanted a copy of the video. We were the first ones on-screen. It was a lot of fun.”

Angela told them they needed their own show. “It sounds a lot like a show most of the times.”

Matthew tends to take on all roles of production and post-production, in addition to co-starring with his dad.

“It’s been a blast getting to do it with him,” Steven said.

After making several videos of the most recent vlog, Angela went through them, bloopers and all, and asked Steven, “How are you not worn out?” He replied with a laugh, “I’m exhausted. It’s the least physical thing I’ve had to do and I’m exhausted.”

Autism Awareness

Month

“Autism Awareness is understanding we’re all different and we all have something spe-

cial to offer each other, if we’d just learn to listen.”

Angela said, “It’s also a sense of community. There’s a large number of people here affected by this one way or the other. This gives them a chance to realize they’re not alone. There are more people here, whether they’re caregivers or loved ones or the people who are on the spectrum, that they can learn from, communicate with and find out more information. We have a group, BASE of the Ouachitas, here locally that really helps to get a lot of that information out there.”

Customers she’s met the first time at the bank will realize Matthew is her son and they might know someone in their family on the spectrum. That opens doors. “They feel comfortable talking to me or to Steven and asking a few questions. We can steer them to resources and just be there for them, so to speak.”

Steven said that at one time when he noticed “Baby on Board” signs, he is now seeing “Autism” signs. “I met a gentleman, and became good friends with him, at the Louise Durham drop-off, because he had an autism plate. We got to talking. His son

is on the spectrum. We chatted it up. We’re both dads in the service industry. We’re dealing with this and we’re not alone. I’ve seen stickers at the schools that say ‘autistic child.’ Sometimes they have more information [such as] non-verbal.

“We have a resource with Special Olympics Arkansas that I would like to see grow. It’s training that’s available. They also have laminated cards that are not quite as big as that poster are for trying to communicate with someone who is non-verbal.”

Matthew described Autism Awareness Month thus so, “It’s people with disabilities that also have extraordinary abilities that people might not know in the future. But Special Olympics provides inclusion for a lot of those people with disabilities other than myself.

“Even those who are different than you, they are also equal because of their extraordinary abilities live in this community.”

Steven said, “Being in law enforcement, I’ve been blessed that raising a child that’s on the spectrum has given me an insight and an awareness of working and interacting with people that either have intellectual disabilities or delays in my job and in the

community. We have a lot of people in our community that are ID or IDD, and that includes Down syndrome, that includes autism, Asperger’s which they’re kind of getting away from.

“There are so many aspects of autism that if you don’t look at it from that point of view, it may look like someone is on drugs or someone is self-stimming. They won’t look you in the eye sometimes, or won’t speak, or won’t stop,” he said emphatically, “and they continue walking away. It’s important to me that law enforcement learn more about dealing more with people with intellectual disabilities and delays, so they can fully serve the community and protect the community.

“My son’s going to be out there, and even though he’s high on the spectrum and interacts with law enforcement on a regular basis, there are some they don’t. Something that can be misconstrued as a belligerent behavior may be them just trying to process. Like Matthew said about giving a person time to learn something is giving them time to process. We all process things dif-

continued on page 18

STOUT

continued from page 18 ferently. Some people on the spectrum, it takes a little bit longer to process and it may come from a different direction than what we think of as normal.

“The neurodiversity, we have to understand that that’s not new. It seems to advance in this day and age because they’re discovering more about it. We have to be aware as a society, as law enforcement, as first responders — EMS and fire going somewhere. It’s important to know how to interact with someone who may not be able to sit here like you and I and understand everything that’s going on, especially in a stressful situation. Sometimes Matthew will shut down if it’s too stressful. Everybody’s just got to back off and give him time for that processing to catch up. For Autism Awareness Month, we don’t hide the fact that our son is on the autism spectrum. We talk to people. People have questions, we answer the questions. It’s not something that we see to be ashamed of, but it gives us an opportunity as a family to spread the message of inclusion… of neurodiversity…

Matthew, Angela and Steven Stout having the best day ever.

to help people like our son. We’re not all the same.”

Best day ever

With much joking and laughing between

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

the three of them, Matthew told each of his parents he loved them, followed by, “It’s a good day. Actually, it’s the best day every single day. The Lord makes a new day every day.”

Steven related, “One day I had a bad day. We were walking down our street and he’s holding my hand. He looks at me and said, ‘Dad, it’s the best day ever.’

“I’m thinking to myself you’ve got good, better and best. You’ve got tenses. You can’t have the ‘best’ everything.

“I asked him, ‘How is it the best day ever?’ He said, ‘Because God made you and he made today and that’s pretty special.’ Argument done. When he says, ‘Best day ever,’ I don’t correct him. He’s right. I’m the one who had to look at it from a different direction. He had it straight-forward the whole time.

Matthew concluded the interview and having his picture taken with a hug. He said, “You looked as if you needed one. Best day ever.”

Clet and Bob head for the hills

By Bob Simpson

I started writing in high school in Tampa, Florida, spending two hours of a study hall period every day in my senior year writing jokes, instead of studying. During that time, I sent off many submissions to magazines, but never heard from any except Mad Magazine. Their letter said, “Thank you for your submission. You have been rejected. Please don’t feel bad, though. Please continue to submit articles, so that we can continue to send more of these rejection letters.”

In 2007, the original owner of the Polk County News was Michael Reisig, award-winning writer. He’s a friend of mine from Tampa and Key West days. He suggested that I write a spoof column from a fictitious Arkansas town for his paper. I was communicating with him from Largo, Florida. One of my emails led him to offer to try the column. I had written to him earlier to show how much I liked “The Wizard of Oz” movie. “Sometimes, I’ll put on a blue and white dress and chase my Cairn Terrier around the apartment with a leaf blower.” During high school in Tampa, I played saxophone in a band with Michael Reisig. I was born in Morrilton, Arkansas. My family moved to Florida before I was two years old. I’ve only met three people from Arkansas, so I always supposed that most folks liked it and never left. That’s not based on any real science, but nowadays, so what!

I admired the L’il Abner comic strip, with the writer’s ability to keep coming

up with ideas and adding new characters over the years. Mark Twain and Josh Billings are favorites of mine. The one writer that put me on this path in my early teens was Jack Douglas, of “Never Trust a Naked Bus Driver,” and My Brother Was an Only Child.” Thank you, Gerald Smith, for loaning me those two books. I’ve read every Jack Douglas book several times.

I have copyrighted songs from my musician days playing saxophone, bass guitar, guitar, harmonica, and singing. I have a short unpublished book copyrighted in 1980 called “Insp. Inspector.” It’s wildly politically incorrect now and would have to be sanitized.

The column was published in the My Pulse News in Mena, Arkansas, and in the Columbus News-Report in Kansas. My goal was to keep it going until I was asked to leave. No one has asked me to leave yet, but now, I’ll write a book or two … unless you’ve heard something.

The unexpected bonus was to be able to read about the daily life of two smaller American towns that valued family, friends, and freedom. At least twice a year, I daydream of moving to either one of them.

Bobsimpson2007@AOL.com

Hogspore News: Senior citizen gallon size of Blu-Emu

By Clet Litter as told to Bob Simpson

I seen Old Man Grimely in Bickum’s Hardware. He said, “Clet, Bickum’s now carries Blue-Emu Topical Pain Reliever that eases my aches every day. Hardy Barkins showed me where it was, the paint department. I purchased the senior citizen gallon size can that I use. I come to realize why they keep it with the paint, cause I saw a paint roller to help slather it on in the mornings.”

Before the emus get ‘harvested’ for their oil and lean meat, they live a pleasant life in Australia. Emus are real curious in the first years. Sometimes the young ones do some time in theme parks. The most famous one is the Outback Emusement Park.

The last Pharaoh to rule Egypt wasn’t Egyptian. He was a mean-tempered Viking, specially if he didn’t get his way. He was Thor, son of Loother. King Thor

Loother’s people, the Pharacites, hated him. When he became Pharaoh, he took the name Nuttin-In-Commin.

Larry’s Funeral Home and Assisted Living Facility added a hospice. The building is behind the Assisted Living Facility on a hillside that slopes to the cemetery. The hospice opened this week. There was some changes made after the residents’ loved ones saw the place. Larry removed the sign from the entrance that said, “Roll On In” and the exit saying, “Roll On Down To Your Last Stop.” He also took down the warning in the family visiting area,“Do Not Feed the Residents.”

* (March 29, 2023) This is the last issue of the Hogspore News: First Place Humor Column Winner, 2008 National Society of Newspaper Columnists; July 2007 to March 2023. It’s been fun.

Bobsimpson2007@aol.com

“The Women of Country Music,” featuring singer Lana Gail, Ouachita Little Theatre, 610 Mena St., Mar. 31 - Apr. 1, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Apr. 2, 2:30 p.m. Tickets: Adults - $15, Students -$10. Buy in advance at box office or online at OLTMena.org. Tickets also available at the door day of show, but reservations recommended.

Keith Wood will perform, accompanied by Ernest Whitmore, in a concert at First United Methodist Church, 501 Ninth St., 4 p.m., Apr. 2, Palm Sunday. The concert is free to the public.

Applications for lifeguard positions at McMillan Pool may be picked up at City Hall, 520 Mena Street, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

2800 Craftsy meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m., 2800 Jerry Lee Dr., Mena. Free to all who are interested in crafting. (501) 617-7261. Visit 2800 Craftsy on Facebookgroups.

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, noon - 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 7 p.m. on Thursday, 7 p.m. on Friday, and 6 p.m. on Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call Erica at (479) 234-5289 or Candice at (501) 356-8300.

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

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

Around Town

Cakewalk & food sale for the Choctaw Nation Community at the Smithville Nation Senior Center, Hwy. 259 in Smithville, 4 p.m., Saturday, Apr. 1. There will be chili dogs, hot dogs, Frito pies and nachos. Fundraiser proceeds go to Smithville Nation Senior Citizens trips. For more information call Ruthie Bohannon (580) 306-8628.

Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary of Polk County will be holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, Apr. 6, at Veterans Park in Acorn. Potluck will begin at 6 p.m. with meetings to follow.

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

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

The Mena/Polk County Senior Center will have The Gator and Friends band performing in Mena every Thursday, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

The Center has an exercise class on Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Contact Trena Looney with questions, (479) 394-5459.

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

Hatfield First Baptist Church “Shepherd’s Closet” Open Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - noon. Large selection of good, used clothing & a limited supply of

non-perishable food items. Free to anyone in need.

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

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

American Legion meets every 2nd Tuesday at the Legion Hall in Acorn. Potluck at 6 p.m., meeting follows. Come play Bingo, Saturdays and Mondays, starts at 6 p.m., doors open at 4 p.m.

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

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

Bluegrass Jam Session is open to musicians and fans alike. Bring your instruments for an unplugged session to the Daisy Room (behind Janssen’s Avenue Florist & Gifts) the first and third Thursdays of each month, starting at 6:30 p.m. Free event. Some snacks are provided.

It’s easy to have your event listed in Around Town, which will be read on radio stations KENA and KQOR daily. Simply send your Around Town announcement to news@mypulsenews.com or call (479) 243-9600 and let us know about your event! To have it in the Polk County Pulse newspaper, we need to know by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!

Oklahoma says ‘no’ to recreational marijuana

By Patrick Massey

Oklahoma voters overwhelmingly rejected an initiative on Tuesday, March 7, that sought to legalize recreational marijuana as a follow up to the state’s medical marijuana program passed by double-digits in 2018.

Tuesday’s referendum on recreational marijuana ended in defeat with a margin of more than 20 points. Supporters of the effort hoped it would pass in part to reduce what they call a detrimental surplus in Oklahoma’s medical marijuana stockpile – and the reduction in marijuana prices caused by that surplus.

The measure would have legalized the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana as well as the cultivation of as many as six marijuana plants. If passed it would have also included a 15% sales tax for all recreational marijuana sales in Oklahoma.

Opponents of the measure pointed to the “wild west” nature of Oklahoma’s medical marijuana rollout in recent years. They have suggested that loose regulations – the most relaxed of any other medical marijuana state – and entrepreneurial activity has encouraged organized crime while also reducing community cohesion. Reporting by Politico suggests

there are around 12,000 licensed medical marijuana businesses in Oklahoma. That’s more than three times the total in California, which boasts 10 times the population of Oklahoma.

Anyone traveling through Oklahoma’s McCurtain County will quickly discern that medical marijuana has been a booming industry for the state. One might even lose count of the dispensaries between Idabel and Hochatown alone.

According to the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, roughly 400,000 Oklahomans are enrolled in the state’s medical marijuana program - nearly one in 10 residents.

State officials were nearly unanimous in their opposition to Tuesday’s referendum. During a recent press conference, Gov. Kevin Stitt said the matter is better left to federal action.

“I believe the feds need to make a decision about marijuana,” he said. “There shouldn’t be a patchwork of states doing different things. We need to let the feds tell us if it’s legal or illegal. We shouldn’t let the states tell us that.”

Currently, recreational marijuana is legalized in 21 states as well as the District of Columbia. A total of 37 states have legalized medical marijuana.

OLT announces cast of spring musical

Submitted by Julie Ulmer

Ouachita Little Theatre is already in rehearsal for the next play production, the off-Broadway version of “Little Shop of Horrors” directed locally by Alex Night.

This comedy revolves around a meek flo-

follows: Chiffon is being played by Stefani Collins, Anna Burt portrays Crystal, Ronnette is played by Taz Haggard, Tommy Myers plays Mushnik, and Audrey is portrayed by Miranda Burt. The lead character, Seymour, is played by Silas Baker, and Hayden Copelin plays the memorable role

ral assistant named Seymour who stumbles across a new breed of plant that mysteriously sings “R&B” and has a rather dark, carnivorous habit. Written as an off-Broadway musical by composer Alan Menken with Howard Ashman, who wrote the book and lyrics, the musical is itself an adaptation of a 1960 film by Roger Corman of the same name. A popular film version of the story was also produced in 1982 by director Frank Oz.

Due to some adult themes and language contained in this show, OLT advises parental guidance for young or sensitive viewers.

Director Night announces the cast as

of Orin Scrivello, DDS. Jocelyn Biard and Ryan Lewis will perform the puppet manipulation of “Audrey II” (the mysterious plant) and Joey Decker will provide the singing and acting voice.

Alex tells us “We have a true dream team working on this show — to say that we are excited to share this experience with the Mena community is a huge understatement!”

Performance dates are May 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are already available at oltmena.com for reserved seating.

- HELP WANTED -

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.

T0329

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

T0329

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.

T0329

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.

T0329

- YARD SALE -

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. T0405

Construction, steel buildings, welding, pads, ponds, and roads. Military discounts. Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0426

Daniel’s carpentry and painting and handyman service. Deck and privacy fences, etc. Call (479) 216-1101 or (479) 216-2299.

T0329

Tree services, forestry mulching, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate. T0426

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T0405

LEGAL NOTICE

Inside Yard Sale, Christ Episcopal Church and PEO 803 Church Avenue, March 30-31, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Original Barbie & Ken dolls with clothes, books, DVDs, inside grill, household items, jewelery, backpack stove, toys, something for everyone. Proceeds for charities & scholarships

T0329

Kevin Williams; Jason Sullivan; Emily Bevill of UNION BANK OF MENA and Theresa Young of Arvest Bank; you have less than 30 calendar days upon receipt of the four Affidavit of Status and the Affidavit of Complaint to controvert and overcome them IN WRITTEN SWORN AFFIDAVIT FORM UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY to the correct address submitted. Your silence stands as consent to, and tacit approval of, the factual declarations therein contained being established as fact as a matter of law.

T0329

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0329

City of Mena spring clean-up

The City of Mena Annual Spring CleanUp is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, March 28. City trucks will pick up items you want to dispose of at no charge. This Clean-up service is free for residences within the city limits of Mena only

Please follow the below listed regulations to ensure that the pick-up runs smoothly.

Materials will not be picked up unless they are placed at the curb-side and separated. Street Department personnel cannot go onto private property to assist in moving items.

It is very important to separate any items that you want to keep away from those that are to be discarded, such as trash cans.

The following items cannot be picked up: concrete, brick, rocks, dirt, shingles, batteries, and construction debris.

Please separate your items to be discarded into 5 distinct piles as follows:

• Furniture — couches, chairs, televisions, window frames, etc.

• Household trash — paper items, etc.

(Please place trash cans, that you wish to keep, to one side so that they will not be disposed of inadvertently.)

• Metal material -- hot water heaters, stoves, appliances, etc.

• Yard waste — tree limbs, shrubs, grass, etc.

• Tires

Note - it is required that all small yard debris, such as small limbs, gum balls, leaves and grass, be placed in garbage bags.

The Mena Street Department will begin pick up in the northwest part of the city and work their way across town following the same routes as Southern Disposal. Trucks will run one to three days after the day of your normal trash pick-up.

The response to this Clean-Up is usually overwhelming, so please be patient if the trucks are running somewhat behind the posted schedule; however, each route will only be covered one time. It is not necessary to call City Hall in order to receive this service.

US Rep. Westerman introduces bill to

By Patrick Massey

LANGLEY – One of the region’s most popular outdoor locations may reopen for overnight camping following congressional action earlier this month.

On March 17, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04) introduced the “Ouachita National Forest Overnight Camping Act” to reopen overnight camping at Albert Pike Recreation Area in the Ouachita National Forest. The bill, filed as H.R. 1667, must first pass the House Natural Resources Committee, which Westerman chairs.

The Albert Pike Recreation Area (ARPA) is one of the most popular sites within the 1.8 million-acre Ouachita National Forest. The park features hiking, swimming and dayuse only activities.

Albert Pike has prohibited over-

Kenyon arrested for murder

Submitted by Mena Police Department

On the afternoon of Monday, March 27, 2023, Larry Lee Kenyon of Mena, Arkansas, was arrested on a warrant for one count of murder in the first degree.

Mena Police Department would like to thank Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer and his deputies, as well as the 18th West Drug Task Force for their key assistance in the swift apprehension of Kenyon. Bond is currently set at $1,000,000.

Murder in the first degree is a Class Y felony, carrying a possible sentence of 10-40 years or life imprisonment in the Arkansas Department of Corrections if

convicted.

On Feb. 24, 2023, at about 11:45 p.m., the Mena Police Department was dispatched to a disturbance at Rebecca Apartments. Officers arrived on scene and made contact with 39-year-old Christopher Brown. Brown was injured with what appeared to be a gunshot wound and EMS was notified.

The investigation led to a residence at 701 Dallas Avenue. During the investigation, 52-year-old Larry Kenyon was arrested on suspicion of battery in the first Degree.

All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

re-establish overnight camping at Albert Pike

night camping since 20 people tragically died in a 500-year-flood in the early morning hours of June 11, 2010. The incident was followed by a lawsuit brought by families of the victims. In 2020 the U.S. Forest Service conducted a public review and planning process to determine the future use of the park. In its final decision, the U.S. Forest Service stated it would not reopen the park for overnight camping due to the risk associated with possible future floods.

Westerman said he introduced the legislation to Congress last week after hearing from numerous constituents who expressed their hopes to see the park reopen for overnight camping.

“It was an incredibly tragic event, but in the last 12 years I’ve had lots of people reach out and say they want to reuse that site for overnight

camping,” explained Westerman. “People were frustrated with the decision because there are safe options and plans out there for camping in this area.”

Westerman added that he understood, but ultimately rejected, the Forest Service’s appraisal. He said safe, overnight camping is possible within the park.

“The Forest Service decided to close it and only allow day use. And as the infrastructure fails, they’re not going to replace it,” he said. “That’s when it’s time for Congress to step in and reevaluate the decision and the process. [Allowing overnight camping at Albert Pike] is something that can be done and be done in a way that’s rational, safe and good for residents of the Fourth District and for everyone who grew up camping at this beautiful location.”

If passed by Congress and signed into law, the “Ouachita National Forest Overnight Camping Act” would require the Forest Service to reopen any campsites outside of the 100year flood plain within 30 days of the bill’s enactment. In addition, the act would also require the development of at least 54 campsites within 2 years of the bill’s enactment. This would include at least eight campsites with water and electric capabilities. All of these would also be located outside of the 100-year-flood plain.

“We want to be rational with this, we don’t want to build these campsites along the river where the tragedy occurred, but rather build above the 100-year floodplain,” Westerman explained. “It’s something that can be done and I hope we can make it happen with this bill.”

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

March 20, 2023

No reports.

March 21, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 76 E near Acorn in reference to a Physical Domestic Disturbance leading to the arrest of Danny Hunt, 56 of Mena on charges of Violation of a Protection Order, 3rd Degree Domestic Battery and 2nd Degree Terroristic Threatening. Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a Theft of Property.

March 22, 2023

Sterling Bowen, 24 was arrested on a charge of DWI.

March 23, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to an area on Polk 61 in reference to a side by side that had caught fire. Deputies responded to a report of a theft.

March 24, 2023

No reports.

March 25, 2023

No reports.

March 26, 2023

Laura Flores, 19 of Wickes was arrested on charges of DWI, Refus-

al to Submit and Purchase or Possession of Intoxicating Liquor by a Minor.

A traffic stop led to the arrest of Bryan Sturgis, 56 of Mena on a Parole Hold.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 22 Incarcerated Inmates with 19 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

March 19

A report of contributing to the delinquency of a minor was taken at a residence on Evans Circle.

March 20

A report of criminal trespass was taken from Walmart.

Jesus Melendez, 28, was charged with Harassing Communications, and Communicating a False Alarm at a residence on North Polk Street.

A report of criminal trespass was taken from Walmart.

A report of shoplifting was taken from Walmart.

A report of shoplifting was taken from Walmart.

March 21

Christopher James, 38, was served with a warrant at a residence on Gary Drive.

March 22

Robert Wallis, 41, was charged with Possession of Schedule 3 Controlled Substance, Trafficking a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and served with warrants at EZ Mart.

March 23

Anthony Robertson, 32, was charged with Criminal Mischief, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest, and Assault after a disturbance call to a residence on Maple Avenue.

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

A report of violation of a protection order was taken at a residence on Cole Avenue.

Trinity Hamm, 19, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Southerland Avenue.

March 24

A report of curfew violation was taken on Eve Street.

Marcus Shores, 50, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

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

March 25

Dakota Bullard, 23, was charged with Disorderly Conduct at McMillan Park.

Former Horatio vice principal deemed fit to stand trial

By Patrick Massey

HORATIO – A former Horatio High School administrator charged last year for allegedly maintaining a sexual relationship with a student has been found fit to proceed as a defendant in the case following a mental health evaluation.

Labrada Vann, age 41, was arrested in April of 2022 on a felony count of first-degree sexual assault. During the time of the alleged incident Vann served as the vice-principal for Horatio High School. She has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

According to court records, Vann’s attorneys sought a mental health evaluation to determine if she could stand trial in the sexual assault case. The evaluation was conducted in February and results returned earlier this month state that Vann was deemed fit to continue as a defendant.

The evaluation was performed by a psychologist of the Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services.

According to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, investigators were contacted by the Arkansas Crimes Against Children Hotline in April of last year in reference to a possible inappropriate relationship between Vann and a student. The sheriff’s office then began an investigation into the allegations. An arrest warrant was then issued for Vann.

Vann posted a $100,000 bond following her arraignment later that month. Vann is currently expected to return to the Sevier County Circuit Court on April 27 for a pre-trial hearing. If she maintains her not-guilty plea, a trial is scheduled for early May.

Upon a conviction, the charge of first-degree sexual assault carries a prison sentence of six to 30 years.

Foresters for the Future Scholarship application period open

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division and the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) are pleased to announce that applications for the Foresters for the Future scholarship are now being accepted. The scholarship will provide $4,000 per semester, for four years, to an incoming freshman pursuing a forestry degree at UAM’s College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources.

Applications will be accepted through June 15. Students interested in the scholarship can find more information on the UAM website at uamont.edu/academics/ CFANR/forestersforthefuture.html

“Arkansas has nearly 19 million acres of forests with over 12 billion trees,” said State Forester Joe Fox. “This scholarship is a wonderful opportunity for a future forester to obtain a quality education and move into a dynamic and rewarding career field.”

The scholarship program was established by Act 399 of the 2021 Regular Session of the Arkansas General Assem-

bly. UAM and the Forestry Division hope the scholarship will entice students to pursue forestry as a career.

“The forestry industry is a pillar of Arkansas’s economy that impacts every area of our state,” said Dr. Peggy Doss, UAM Chancellor. “The Foresters for the Future Scholarship will support our efforts to attract and to retain a diverse group of future foresters and to prepare them for a career path that offers extensive job opportunities in the wood products industry.

“This scholarship is a tremendous opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Michael Blazier, Dean of the UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources and Director of the Arkansas Forest Resources Center. “Not only does it provide substantial financial aid to help them study for a career in forestry, they get a wide range of internship options for on-the-job learning with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division.”

Applications available for MASH camps

Communities hosting camps this year include Blytheville, Conway, Crossett, DeWitt, El Dorado, Fayetteville, Forrest City, Fort Smith, Harrison, Helena, Lake Village, Malvern, Monticello, Paragould, Rogers, Pine Bluff, Texarkana, Warren, and West Memphis.

Deadlines for applications range from March 27 through May 12, but most applications are due in April. For a list of program locations and to apply, see  https://regionalcampuses.uams.edu/health-careers/high-school-students/mash/ mash-camp-locations/.

“Helping to create the prototype for our MASH programs 35 years ago is one of the greatest highlights of my career,” said Robin Howell, Sr. Program Manager for UAMS Regional Campuses.

“Since 1988, nearly 10,000 Arkansas students have participated in a MASH camp, with many of them going on to pursue health careers. These programs have helped thousands of students make informed decisions about what they wanted to do with their lives. We have seen many who started in MASH,

then came to UAMS, and are now practicing somewhere in Arkansas. We’re very proud of the many ‘homegrown’ Arkansas success stories that began with one of our pipeline programs. And we’re incredibly thankful for the amazing long-term partnership we have in Arkansas Farm Bureau. It simply wouldn’t be possible without them.”

Farm Bureau’s involvement in the programs is an outgrowth of its efforts to ensure access to quality healthcare throughout Arkansas, with a special focus on rural healthcare needs.

“After an almost three-year hiatus, it is exciting to see MASH camps returning,” said Jennifer Craig, Director of Leadership Development for Arkansas Farm Bureau. “The opportunity provided to students through this program is unmatched. For many students, MASH solidifies their commitment to a career in the health field and most importantly, in rural Arkansas.

“Farm Bureau is proud to be a part of ensuring the future of health care providers in rural Arkansas.”

MASH, Mini-MASH and CHAMPS offer a variety of activities and experiences to instruct students in core topics, which may include:

* CPR & First Aid training

* Dissections, Suturing, Casting

* Telemedicine

* Blood typing

* Mental/Behavioral Health issues

* Opioid/Substance Abuse awareness

* Social Media safety

Arkansas Rural Health Scholarship now accepting applications for 2023-2024

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rhys Branman, MD of Little Rock announces the opening of the second annual Arkansas Rural Health Scholarship. The financial award is intended to provide support to first-year students pursuing a medical-related degree in Arkansas, who hold an additional interest in practicing in rural areas of the state. The winner will be able to use the cash award toward costs related to their pursuit of a medical education.

Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery invites first-year students pursuing graduate medical degrees, who plan to serve rural areas, to apply for the Arkansas Rural Health Scholarship.

“We’re thrilled to once again offer this scholarship for outstanding Arkansans pursuing medicine and hope it will serve to encourage our very best students to provide care for patients in rural areas, where providers can be difficult to find,” said Dr. Branman.

Arkansas residents (attending any college or university) who are both pursuing a degree in a medical specialty and are committed to practicing medicine in an underserved or rural area of the state are encouraged to submit an application for the $2,500 scholarship. The application is currently available online, and can be accessed via a computer or smartphone. Applicants will be required to submit original essay-style responses in addition to a letter of reference that

Mena kindergarten registration underway

Submitted by Mark

Hobson

speaks to their journey as medical students.

Students pursuing the following eligible degrees are invited to apply:

Doctorate (MD, DO, DPM, DDS, DMD, DPM, DMD, OD, PsyD, PharmD, DCM, DS, DPT, DSN, PhD, DNP)

Nursing (RN, NP, CNM, CRNA, LPN)

Master’s (MPH, MM, MMS, MN, MNA, MPharm, MPAS, MSN, MSM)

Physician’s Assistant (PA, PAC)

The Arkansas Rural Health Scholarship offers the award on flexible terms: funds from the scholarship can be applied to a variety of costs associated with the student’s education, like tuition, textbooks or supplies, computers, transportation, housing, and campus expenses. The scholarship’s straightforward application process is designed to reduce logistical barriers for its applicants.

The practice’s scholarship committee will accept applications via the practice’s website through 5:00 p.m. CST on June 2, 2023. A recipient will be chosen whose application materials and references demonstrate adherence to the scholarship requirements, a passion for serving rural Arkansas, and an affinity for medicine; the recipient will receive the scholarship as a cash prize to be applied to costs of education in the fall 2023, spring 2024, or another upcoming semester.

“A dedicated physician can make

an enormous difference in their community. We’re proud to play a small part in fostering the next generation of providers, who will be sure to have an important impact on our state,” commented Dr. Branman. “We’re looking forward to reading students’ applications.”

About Dr. Rhys Branman: Dr. Branman is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon in Little Rock, Arkansas, and a member of the Arkansas State Medical Board. Dr. Branman is certified by both the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Board of Maxillofacial Surgery, and serves as a Board Examiner for the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.

Dr. Branman is beloved by his patients for his caring bedside manner, surgical skill, and commitment to safety. His practice, Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center, is located at 10809 Executive Center Drive, Searcy Building Suite 100, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211; 501227-0707.

For more information, visit www. littlerockcosmeticsurgery.com/.

Kindergarten registration is underway for the 2023-24 School Year in the Mena School District.

If your child is currently or will be 5 years old by July 31, 2023, it’s time to register for kindergarten.

Registration will be online starting March 27 at https://secure. infosnap.com/family/Login?ReturnUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fsecure. infosnap.com%2Ffamily%2Fdirectaction&AutoLogOut=False/ .

In-person registration will be held on April 18.

ORSD students participate in non-traditional careers event

Submitted by Tammy L. Young

Ouachita River School District - Acorn High School and Oden High School students participated in the NonTraditional Career Day “Girl Power” Event on Feb. 16, hosted by DeQueen/ Mena Education Service Cooperative and the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain on the UARM main campus in Mena.

Non-traditional careers that were highlighted in the event included: welding, machine tool, truck driving (CDL), and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Students participated in each of the non-traditional careers through a rotation.

The event also included door prizes, T-shirts, and lunch.

AHS tours UARM technical programs

Submitted by Tammy L. Young

Acorn High School juniors and seniors toured a host of technical programs offered through the University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain on March

7. UA Rich Mountain staff Mike Godfrey and Janet VanDeest led the program tours.

Students learned about program offerings, certifications, and workforce trends in the career fields.

Students toured the following programs and met with faculty:

• Welding Program and Instructor

Stephen Moody

• Machine Tool Technology Program and Instructor

Jonathan Lunsford

• Cosmetology Program and Instructors Tonya Boydstun & Kelly Craig

• Massage Therapy Program and Instructor Tammy Nelson

• Information & Computer Systems Technology Programs and Instructors Craig Jumper & Kandy Page

• Certified Nursing Assistant & EMT Programs and Instructor

Billie

* (see photos opposite page.)

Natural Resource Lab groundbreaking

By Ethan Nahté

There will be a groundbreaking ceremony on March 30 at 2:45 p.m. at the Natural Resource Lab located across from the bus barn on East Boundary for the Natural Resource Outdoor Classroom.

The Mena Agriculture Science Department recently received approv-

al to procure some of the school’s property to utilize as a natural resource laboratory for the Forestry and Wildlife Ecosystems, and Managing Natural Resources classes.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Rich Mountain Conservation District assisted the school in getting this project off the ground.

Acorn High School: (l-r, back row) Tara Hart, Kolbi McCourtney, Harlei McCourtney, Ericka Holliday, Megan Armijo, Acorn High School Counselor Tammy Young.

(l-r, front row) Reba Willeford, Kailee Branson

(above) Oden High School: (l-r) Caroline Lloyd, Isabella Rivera-Kline

Ericka Holliday (above) with her doorprize.

(below) Kailee Branson (middle) and Tara Hart (right) prepping to weld.

Mena hosting boxing championships

By Ethan Nahté

A sport that Polk County residents don’t get to see in a live setting very frequently will be coming to Mena the end of April. Boxing coach Richard Hexamer announced on March 27 that Mena will be home to the 2023 Arkansas State Junior Olympics Boxing Championships. The tournament will be held at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall at 811 Port Arthur Ave. on April 28 and 29.

Boxers from across the state, as well as western Memphis and eastern Oklahoma, will converge on Mena to compete in this two-day championship tournament. The boxers will be competing for chances to advance to the National Championship Tournament being held in Lubbock, Texas, later this spring.

Hexamer said, “Having Mena chosen

to host this yearly tournament is huge for the community and speaks highly of the past experience both state and national USA Boxing officials have had in our community.

“It also shows the hard work and dedication our local boxers have put into shows and tournaments throughout Arkansas and on the national level.”

The female boxers known collectively as the Attitude Angels have been racking up some major wins over the past few months. Some of the male boxers from the Polk County area have also been doing well. In the previous issue of The Polk County Pulse, it was announced that Mena’s Jasmine Parker, 14, recently won the championship in her weight division at the Arkansas Junior Golden Gloves in Little Rock.

This tournament will be a chance for local residents to watch their own

compete against boxers from all over Arkansas and adjacent states.

“I would love to see our community leaders embrace this opportunity,” Hexamer said.