Polk County Pulse - March 8, 2023

Page 4

Gary Vernon to be speaker for annual Chamber banquet

Submitted by Melanie Wade

Gary Vernon has been selected as the guest speaker for the 2023 Membership Appreciation Banquet hosted by the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce. This year’s theme, Tour de Ouachitas, will focus on the possibilities of outdoor recreation in the area, including the proposed mountain bike trail system on Rich Mountain.

Born in Joplin, Missouri, Vernon is a lifelong cycling enthusiast whose hobbies include mountain biking, motocross, and motorcycle trials.

Chamber Director Melanie Wade said, “I believe that Gary’s love, en-

Page 2

thusiasm, and vast knowledge base for outdoor recreation will get our audience fired up about the possibilities we

have here in Polk County.”

Vernon began working at his local Walmart in 1984, building bicycles for the Christmas season. This began a 30-year career with Walmart Operations, working his way through college, and in 2003 he moved to Bentonville, Arkansas, for an opportunity at the Walmart Corporate Office.

While at Walmart Corp., he was a director in the environmental division working on recycling and sustainability programs. Vernon moved over to the Walton Family Foundation in 2015, where he supported Steuart and Tom Walton, leading their work that focused on cycling advocacy, events, mountain

See BANQUET continued on page 8

Photographer Tim Ernst coming to UARM

Submitted by Ilana Burk

Page 21

Using a grant from the Department of Arkansas Heritage, Polk County’s Quality of Life (http:// qoloutreach.org/) will host a free event with Arkansas’ wilderness photographer and author Tim Ernst at 1 p.m. in the Ouachita Center on the UARM campus at 1100 College Drive on Saturday, March 11.

Ernst has been hiking and driv-

ing around the wonderful Ozark Mountains for most of his life, preserving the images he sees on film for everyone to enjoy. His photographs have appeared in hundreds of national, regional, and local publications. Some of his credits include “National Geographic,” “Audubon,” “Backpacker,” “Outside,” “Outdoor Photographer,” “American Hiker,” “Natural History,” “Country,”

See

Mena’s Wendy’s earns training certification

By Ethan Nahté

The Wendy’s in Mena, which is conjoined with ExxonMobil and Baskin-Robbins has become among the elite for the company’s brand in western Arkansas and even a portion of Texas. Many people probably take for granted restaurants (and employees), especially those of the fast-food sort. As a society, the United States is the biggest fast-food consumer in the world according to a Dec. 31, 2022, article in CEOWORLD Magazine, and hamburgers are amongst the most popular food varieties.

Mena has its share of places to grab a burger. Consumers might choose a restaurant based on favorite tastes, options, friendliness or cleanliness of a restaurant, or simply by brand

As of March 3, Wendy’s is a certified training restaurant, meaning that Mena is the place where would-be managers will come to learn and enhance their skills to be a team leader.

Tori Stockton, general manager at the Wendy’s in Mena, said without her assistant manager Bethany Stephenson this accomplishment would not have happened at all. “This is an accomplishment we’ve been working about six months to achieve.” Stockton said. “Only about 10% of the Wendy’s restaurants within franchises earn a training store certificate — about 600 within the 6,000. It’s a big deal for us.”

Brittany Brown, the district manager of Wendy’s in Mena, said, “Today we are certifying Mena — certifying

Tori Stockton — as a training restaurant manager. One of the biggest values that I believe that Tori has as a restaurant training manager and one of [founder] Dave Thomas’ values is treating people with respect. She has created an amazing culture that we are going to bring teams in from all over Arkansas, all over Texas, to train in. She shares that value really, really good. I am excited to announce that she is our new training restaurant manager and she is going to mentor the leaders beneath her.”

Anthony Dagastino, a field training manager for Wendy’s, has worked for Wendy’s 45 years. “Back when I started in the 70s and 80s, the business and everything about it was so much less complicated. The manag-

ers today have to be so much better than I was, and Tori has proved she is operating at an extremely high level. We’re so proud of what she has done; so happy with what she has accomplished. We’re happy to have her with the brand.”

“What that means for us is we’re doing everything we should be to uphold Wendy’s standards,” Stockton said, “and giving customers the best experience that we can. Going forward, we will be shifting people from other stores and be able to train them, and hopefully give the Wendy’s brand a good name.”

Brown said, “Soon, you will be able to get the exact same service you get at the Mena, Arkansas, Wendy’s… in the Texas and other Arkansas’ Wendy’s nearby.”

(Ashley Moore contributed to this article.)

(L-R) Wendy’s District Manager Brittany Brown, Mena General Manager Tori Stockton, and Field Training Manager Anthony Dagastino hold up the plaque, certifying Stockton as a certified training restaurant manager (bottom right).

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse

Radio - Print - Web

1168 Hwy 71S

Mena, AR 71953

Phone: 479-243-9600

Fax: 479-243-9603

Email: news@mypulsenews.com

KENA 104.1 - KQOR 105.3

MyPulseNews.com

Our Team:

Ashley Moore - General Manager

Ethan Nahté - Production Manager/Editor

Patrick Massey - Contributing Reporter

John Russell - Graphic Design

Josh Barker - Account Executive

Alexis James - Account Executive

Curt Teasdale - Programmer / On-Air Personality

Ariel Varner - Receptionist/On-Air Personality

Distribution & Insertion Staff: Danielle Stewart, Chaz Welch & Sahil Bahn

Just about every morning at 6 a.m. I can be found in our local Walmart shopping and wandering around greeting employees and customers alike. I have been doing this since the pandemic to minimize my contact with the general public, but equally important, to avoid waking my wife. Almost without exception I will get a smile and return greeting from all those I greet.

Want to share your opinion?

one’s day a little brighter. It will not cost you anything, but those you thank will be richer for it.

Thank you for a forum to voice my thoughts, though at times we may disagree.

The Polk County Pulse is the area’s premiere and fastest growing news publication. The Polk County Pulse is FREE and published weekly on Wednesdays, with a distribution of 8,000 and an estimated readership of 10,000. MyPulseNews.com has hundreds of visitors daily and KENA and KQOR have thousands of listeners hourly.

POLICY: The publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. All property rights, including any copyright interest, in any advertisement produced by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse using art work and/or typography furnished or arranged by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse shall be the property of Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse. No such advertisement or any part thereof may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Pulse Multi-Media and The Polk County Pulse.

POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENTS: Advertisements of a political nature must be prepaid and must also include the name of the entity paying for the advertisement. If an entity other than the candidate the advertisement is endorsing is paying for the ad, a statement must be signed by the candidate verifying the candidate has seen and approved the advertisement.

That may not seem important to some, but to me it is. Some of these hard-working folks have been up all night, working to have food or other of life’s necessities for us on the store shelves, so we can go about our daily lives, often without a thought of the efforts of others. Some are up at the crack of dawn to be at work to fill our needs. These are our friends and neighbors. Our children go to school with their children. They attend the same churches, restaurants, and community events as the communities they serve. During the pandemic they worked diligently to keep medications, clothing, food, and life’s necessities available so we could carry on. They were exposed daily to a dangerous virus and some got sick as a result. Even so, they came to work for each of us, unselfishly, and to me are just as much heroes as all those who served to get us through a bad time in our history. They are deserving of our respect and to say thank you would be nice. I ask you to think of that next time there is an out-of-stock item or shortage and realize that is beyond their control. Do not take it out on them. If you don’t have something nice to say, say nothing at all.

I am not sure how or when we arrived at a place where civility went by the wayside and it became acceptable to vent on others. Surely you have seen the videos of road rage, neighbors at each other’s throats, dangerous and disrespectful interactions with our law enforcement officers. Most people are appalled by this behavior and rise above it, but the few with anger issues are fast becoming a norm and it needs to stop before we become a lawless bunch of Neanderthals. If your mommy and daddy did not teach you manners, then shame on them, and on you for not learning them on your own. There is a saying that goes, treat others as you would want to be treated. Try smiling and say thank you next time you shop at Walmart and make some-

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

I still recall learning to read. I thought this was the greatest thing ever! I went around my entire neighborhood reading my “Dick and Jane” book to everyone who would listen. By third grade I was reading high school level and by junior high I was directed to a special area of the library with college level books to read.

Reading opens the world to us. We have access to different cultures, religions, life styles, different viewpoints, political discussions, and a view into history and possibilities for the future. It provides an escape when a latchkey kid comes home to an empty house. A way to drown out the parents fighting. The ability to pump up the imagination along with acceptance of others even though they may be different from ourselves. Even the possibly of a way to a life not spent in poverty.

An education where one learns to come to their own assumptions about the world we live in is such an added bonus. Which is better? Fear, guilt, indoctrination, denying access to resources, or having someone come to a perspective due to their own mind’s decisions and research?

So why are we banning books? The Supreme Court 6th Circuit found that the First Amendment protects the right of students to receive information and that “a decision to remove the books from the school library was unconstitutional.”

And yet efforts to ban books has increased in the last 20 years at what the American Library Association calls, “unprecedented”. Like 1930’s Nazi Germany many books have been banned already. These are the ones we should be reading. SB 81 Arkansas now wants

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.

The letter must include a signature to be considered for publication. Signatures will NOT be held out by request. Letters will be restricted to 500 words. Any letters longer than 500 words will require purchase of advertising space.

The following contact information is required when the letter is submitted: NAME, AGE, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER.

Letters are published at the discretion of the Editor and Publisher.

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

to target librarians. This is a dangerous step by Arkansas government.

If this continues how will students find out their own truth? Learn resilience and to think logically amongst a narrowing of education and free speech?

Cynthia Thanos-Wade, Mena

J.D. Vaught among Ag Hall of Fame inductees

LITTLE ROCK — Leadership and service that brought distinction to the state’s largest business sector is the hallmark for the five newest inductees into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame. A total of 180 men and women are now enshrined in the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame.

These five were inducted March 3 in a ceremony at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock:

• Jesse “J.D.” Vaught, Horatio

• Ellis Bell, Forrest City

• Bert Greenwalt, Jonesboro

• Chris Isbell, Humnoke

• Steve Stevens, Tillar

Carla Vaught accepted the award for her father, Jesse “J.D.” Vaught.

Sassy Squatch had their grand re-opening after a winter break, complete with a ribbon cutting and a group of customers to help them celebrate. They have new hours, 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Check out their ad on page 9. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

March is Women’s History Month

By Ethan Nahté

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders proclaimed March as Women’s History Month on Feb. 23.

Sanders fits into the category as Arkansas’ first female governor, not to mention she is the youngest current governor in the United States.

Also, as part of Women’s History Month, there will be an event this Saturday honoring Shirley Shewmake Manning at the Polk County Library Saturday, March 11. See the March 1 issue of the Polk County Pulse for details.

Pictured is astronaut Nicole Mann, currently orbiting the earth in the International Space Station. She’s a colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps and the first indigenous woman from NASA to go to space.

From the State House of Representatives

In the 8th week of the 2023 Regular Session, the House passed SB294. This bill creates the LEARNS Act and outlines several educational reforms.

SB294 raises the minimum teacher salary to $50,000 a year and raises current teacher salaries by $2,000.

It requires that students be reading at a 3rd-grade level before advancing to the 4th grade. It also calls for 120 reading coaches to be deployed statewide and supplemental educational services for students struggling to read.

The bill creates the Education Freedom Account. In a three-year phased-in approach, the account would offer universal school choice to all parents by the 20252026 school year.

It also offers high school students the option of a career-ready diploma and requires high school students to complete 75 hours of community service before graduation.

This bill now goes back to the Senate to concur in a House amendment.

The House also passed HB1458. This bill creates the Vincent Parks Law. Vincent Parks was a Jonesboro police officer who died last summer during law enforcement training. HB1458 would require instructors to complete training on the recognition and

management of certain health conditions and establish procedures in the event a cadet or officer has symptoms of cardiac arrest while receiving training.

On Wednesday, the House passed HB1486. This bill amends the law concerning distracted driving. It states if a distracted driver causes an accident that results in serious physical injury or death of another person, the driver upon conviction is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and could face a fine of up to $2,500 and imprisonment for up to one year.

The House also passed HB1365 and SB265.

HB1365 classifies the theft of a catalytic converter as a Class C felony. It states a person commits unauthorized possession of a catalytic converter if the person knowingly possesses a catalytic converter that has been removed from a motor vehicle and is not permanently marked.

SB265 allows a hospital pharmacy to dispense up to a 31-day supply of medication to emergency room patients or patients who are being discharged from the hospital. Currently, hospitals can dispense a 2-day supply.

You can watch all House committee meetings and House floor sessions at arkansashouse.org.

State government and a host of private organizations announced a new effort to recruit more foster families, streamline the process of placing foster children with relatives and accelerating the process for the permanent adoption of children.

The governor issued an executive order directing the Division of Children and Family Services to work with a list of more than two dozen organizations that recruit and train foster families.

In January the state had about 4,100 children in foster care but only 1,600 homes available for placement.

Three state agencies will work with a new group of organizations called Every Child Arkansas, with the goal of lowering the number of children in foster care. At the same time they will recruit more foster families so that placements are more suited to children and not driven by necessity. For example, it’s better for children to always be in a home with siblings.

Another goal is to increase the percentage of children placed with their biological families after getting out of foster care. That will require more effective services for biological parents, such as quickly getting them help with drug abuse or mental health treatment.

The executive order directs state agencies to better train foster parents and to improve retention rates of foster families.

The order directs agencies to streamline the process of placing foster children with relatives, and to streamline the process of allowing relatives to permanently adopt children in the foster care system.

Last year 196 children in foster

care “aged out” of the system, which means they turned 18. The governor pointed out in her executive order that those young adults are more likely to be homeless, to be victims of human trafficking and to end up in prison.

By June 30, the state Human Services Department must have a list of recommended strategies for helping young adults who age out of foster care.

Within a year each of the 75 counties in Arkansas should have at least one advocate to help people become foster parents. The advocates will not only recruit new foster families but help them with support services after they officially become foster parents. The advocate will not be a state employee. The advocate will also help people through the adoption process.

The executive order also takes steps to better use technology and social media for recruiting, training and supporting foster families. There is a new website you can visit to learn more about becoming a foster parent, at this address: everychildarkansas. org

In other news, the Senate passed legislation that allows victims of human trafficking to file lawsuits in civil court against their abusers. It includes civil suits against people who should have known that trafficking was occurring, such as hotel owners. The legislation is Senate Bill 282.

The House passed and sent to the Senate legislation that sets criminal penalties and fines for drivers of motor vehicles who cause a wreck because they were on their cell phones. It is House Bill 1486, but is also called “Ashton’s Law” in honor of Ashton Rae Woods. She was killed last year in a wreck caused by a distracted driver in Stone County.

John Maddox Terry Rice

Obituaries

Vernon

Leslie Tallant

Mr. Vernon Leslie Tallant entered eternal rest on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, surrounded by family and loved ones at his home in Cove, Arkansas. He was born on Thursday, April 1, 1943, to Marvin and Bessie Tallant at his family home in Winthrop, Arkansas.

His family moved working in the fields harvesting crops, construction building houses, while his father was a pastor. The family lived in Lovington, New Mexico in 1958 where Vernon worked in a grocery store and became a butcher at 14. While working there, he met and married his life companion, Linda Cross, while living in Lovington.

Vernon and Linda raised three children living and traveling through many states before settling in Cove, Arkansas, on January 1, 1976. His final business venture was Vern’s Meat Processing. It was a Cove staple for over 10 years before retiring.

Vernon and Linda enjoyed traveling to new places visiting their children and grandchildren. Vernon’s legacy to his children is an incomparable work ethic and support and love for family. He loved playing music with his friends, gardening, fishing and hunting. He was known for his love of music sharing his talent with many. Vernon was a self-taught lead guitar player and musician playing strictly by ear.

Vernon is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Bessie Tallant.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda Tallant, daughter, Leslie and Mark Davis of Cove, Arkansas; grandson Marty and Morgan Davis; great-grandson Mason, and great-granddaughter Maggie; daughter, Kim and Steve Baker of Wichita Falls, Texas; granddaughter Casey and Caleb Parker; great-granddaughters Zoie and Ariel, granddaughter, Brandy Baker and great grandson Hayden,

son, Darin and Angela Tallant of Charles Town, West Virginia; granddaughter, Abby Tallant; brothers, Melvin Tallant of Winthrop, Arkansas, Louise Tallant of Mt. Pleasant, Texas, Ollen Tallant of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Garland Tallant of Horatio, Arkansas; and multiple aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, too numerous to mention.

The family of Vernon Tallant are asking in lieu of flowers donations be made to Elite Hospice of Mena, Arkansas. Donations may be mailed to, 602 Dequeen Street Mena, Arkansas 71953.

There will be a memorial service held, Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., at the Christ’s Church in Cove, Arkansas, with Pastor Daniel Labertew officiating.

Cremation services are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Honorary Pallbearers are Darin Tallant, Steve Baker, Mark Davis, Marty Davis, Hayden Briscoe, and Mason Davis.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Jane

Evans

Jane was born in Mena, Arkansas, on July 21, 1958, to Rosa Mae and Morris Evans of Grannis, AR. She passed peacefully on March 3, 2023, in Texarkana, TX, at Christus St. Michael hospital.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her best friend, Mona Branson Shelton.

She is survived by her husband of 25 years Billy Alford; her children: Mandy and Paul Simers of Mena, Arkansas, Leslie and Matt Beavers of Diana, Texas, Lisa and Ryan Gilley of Diana, Texas, and Chayden and Lindsey Beggs of Diana, Texas; Grandchildren: Keelan Baucom and Lily Oglesby, Macey and Alden Maywald, Jaycee Beavers, Kaylee Beavers, Gavin Gilley, Carson Beggs, Casen Gilley, Lawson Wyatt, and Lucas Beggs; Great-grandchildren: Miya, Ace, and

Emilia.

Services will be held at the Beasley-wood Chapel Monday, March 6, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. with Mark Berrier officiating. Interment will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Paul Simers, Matt Beavers, Ryan Gilley, Keelan Baucom, and Alden Maywald.

Honorary pallbearers are Gavin Gilley, Carson Beggs, Casen Gilley, Lawson Wyatt, and Lucas Beggs.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Rev. Dr. John Scott Stewart, age 57, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 5, 2023, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born December 30, 1965, in Dallas, Texas, to the late John Maxwell Stewart and Virginia Diane (Elliott) Stewart.

Horald Wayne Fruen, a longtime resident of Hatfield passed away Tuesday February 28th. He was born on June 18, 1946, in Bates, AR, to parents, Ellis & Evelyn Fruen.

Horald was a member of the Wickes Pentecostal Church where he served in the capacity of Sunday School Superintendent for twenty-two years. Before retirement, he was employed in the retail industry which included his management of three Dollar stores.

Horald enjoyed deer hunting; eating fried catfish; shopping at pawn shops; listening to gospel music; attending church; and spending time with his family & friends.

There was only one Horald Wayne Fruen. He truly had a kind heart and he will be missed by all who knew him & loved him.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Friday, March 3, 2023, at Bowser Funeral Home in Mena. A private burial will take place at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home.

Rev. Dr. Stewart was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He was the Reverend of the First United Methodist Church in Mena, Arkansas. He enjoyed hiking, spreading the word of God, tinkering with old muscle cars, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of both the Dallas Valley and Pea Ridge Volunteer Fire Department. He could always be found telling jokes.

Rev. Dr. Stewart is preceded in death by his parents, John Maxwell Stewart and Virginia Diane (Elliott) Stewart; as well as by his maternal grandmother, Velma Elliott.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia Starleen Denise Stewart; daughter, Georgia Diane Stewart-Perez and husband Christopher; grandchildren, Rosa Starleen Perez, Christopher Scott Perez, Maxwell Kash Perez, Winny Faith Perez, Summer Reign Perez, and one on the way, Jax Jayden Perez; half-brother, Brian Herbert; brother, James Edward Stewart; half-sister, Jane Kelley; sisters-in-law, Mary Mize and husband Jimmie, Kathy Schee; and by special friend, Terry Hargett.

Cremation services for Rev. Dr. Stewart are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. There will be a memorial service held at a later date.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

~Jean Giraudoux

Horald Wayne Fruen

Those who weep recover more quickly than those who smile.

Rev. Dr. John Scott Stewart

Barbara Alice Stiefer

Barbara Alice Stiefer, age 80, of Mena, Arkansas, died on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at The Green House Cottages of Homewood in Mena, Arkansas. She was born on Tuesday, July 14, 1942, to Charles Searcy and Alice Lorraine Smith Stogner at Florence Nightingale Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Barbara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Barbara grew up in both Wichita, Kansas, and Dallas, Texas, graduating from Sunset High School, Dallas, Texas, in 1960. A close friend, Joyce Price Lindsey, chose to play matchmaker, and invited both Barbara and husband-tobe Bill to her house in the fall of 1966. The spark was there as they met and became acquainted that day. Bill soon called her and the rest “is history” as they say. Barbara and Bill wed on September 2, 1967. They lived in Dallas, Texas, early on, and later in Garland, Texas, when their son was born in 1969. In 1975, Barbara and Bill moved to what became in later years The Colony, making it their home until 2021, when they moved to Mena, Arkansas, to be closer to family.

Barbara loved God and knew He had her in His care, which gave her peace. She loved meeting people and caring for others. Barbara loved to read and also loved crossword puzzles and Wheel of Fortune. She and her husband were active in Trinity Presbyterian Church, The Colony, Texas, for nearly 40 years. Barbara and Bill also spent many summers months in Colorado where they hiked and enjoyed the scenery. Her love of Colorado began in the summer of 1948, when she first traveled to Nederland, Colorado, with

her maternal grandparents. Barbara worked several summers as a docent at the Nederland Mining Museum and trained new docents, as well. She also volunteered at the pancake breakfast during Miners Days. Barbara was also active at Nederland Community Presbyterian Church in the summer, where she volunteered at the annual church Christmas bazaar and was a member of the Presbyterian Women. Barbara was known for her neighborhood parties as well as her annual chili party where friends and family could enjoy her Texas chili. At the time of her death, Barbara was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Mena, Arkansas.

She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Reverend William Washington and Bessie Lena Andrews Stogner, her maternal grandparents Charles Clinton and Alice Kingsbury Starkie Smith, and her parents Charles Searcy and Alice Lorraine Smith Stogner.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 55.5 years, Billy Gene Stiefer of Mena; one son and daughter-inlaw, William Eugene “Wes” and Patricia Lynn “Tricia” Stiefer of Mena; one grandson, William “Wes” Eugene Stiefer II of Mena; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 12:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Mena, Arkansas, with Pastor Bill Seitz officiating under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Interment will follow at the Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena, Arkansas. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas.

Barbara was a huge supporter of mission ministry and programs over the years. The mission statement of First Presbyterian Church, Mena, Arkansas, is:

…to make the Kingdom of God real for the hungry, thirsty, stranger, poor, sick and prisoner.

In Barbara’s last days, she discussed with family how, even in eternal life, she could make an everlasting impact for those left behind in this place. To that end, in lieu of flowers, Barbara requested to send a donation to the mission program “Carus Cares” at the following address:

First Presbyterian Church

904 Church Avenue

Mena, AR 71953

***Memo line: Carus Cares

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Naomi Florine Judkins

Naomi Florine Judkins, age 86, of Mena, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Chapel Ridge Health & Rehab in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was born on Tuesday, November 17, 1936, to Orville Curry and Ida (Reeves) Curry in Fort Worth, Texas.

Naomi was a loving Christian. She loved the Lord and took pride in serving him daily while sharing his love with others. Naomi was a longtime member of the Hatfield First Baptist Church where she served many roles throughout the years. She was a Sunday school teacher, she helped with the after-school JAM program on Wednesday nights, she was on several committees and she would pick up any kids that may need a ride and bring them to church. Naomi loved God and she loved her family. She loved to spend time with them all but she especially loved being able to love on her great-grandbabies. Naomi enjoyed listening to gospel music. She was a great cook and took pride in sewing and do-

ing needlework in her down time.

Naomi worked as a secretary for US Motors for over 40 years before retiring. She proudly graduated college with an associate degree at age 63 right alongside her daughter-in-law, Sharon.

Naomi was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, sister in Christ and friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, H.L. “Jerry” Judkins; two brothers, Orville Curry Jr. and Carl Curry; two sisters, Inez Alconn and Sandra Smith.

Naomi is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Roger Judkins Sr. and wife Theresa of Hatfield, Arkansas, and Doyle Judkins and wife Sharon of Hatfield, Arkansas; one brother-inlaw, Jerry Smith of Rhome, Texas; six grandchildren, Crystal Huff and husband Michael of Hatfield, Arkansas, Reba McLellan and husband Daniel of Hatfield, Arkansas, Roger Judkins Jr. of Hatfield, Arkansas, Jeremiah Judkins of Pensacola, Florida, Stephanie Gill and husband Thomas of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Kristen Baxter and husband Odis of Fort Smith, Arkansas; nine great-grandchildren, Whitney Bunyard and husband James, Clayton Cearley, Caleb McLellan, Nate McLellan, Liam Baxter, Alexi Baxter, Harper Blake, Aubri Gill and Jackson Gill; one great-great-grandchild, Noah Bunyard; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the Hatfield First Baptist Church in Hatfield, Arkansas with Brother Bob Bradley officiating under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Interment will follow at the Six Mile Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Hatfield First Baptist Church on Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

BANQUET

continued from page 1

bike trail development and other outdoor recreation projects.

Vernon is now the director of Outdoor Recreation and Trail Innovation for Runway Group and is considered one of the leading experts in developing mountain bike trail systems. He oversees the design and construction of over 600 miles (and growing) of worldclass mountain bike trails around the state of Arkansas and other locations. His work includes the Oz Trails region of Northwest Arkansas, as well as the Arkansas State Parks Monument Trail projects.

In 2019, Vernon was the recipient of the American Trails Chairman award for advancing trail design and changing the landscape for trail systems. Vernon has traveled around the U.S. and Europe, as well as the U.K., sharing the knowledge of trail development innovation and programming he has

learned over the past 15 years.

He has been married to Aimee Vernon for 25 years and has two children – Grayson, 16, and Abby, 21.

The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce Membership Appreciation Banquet is set for Thursday, March 30, 6-8 p.m., at The Ouachita Center on the campus of UA Rich Mountain. The banquet will feature a cocktail hour from 5-6 p.m. with Brothers & Sons providing entertainment.

At 6, the meal will be presented by Chicollo’s Food Emporium with a fundraising auction and Gary Vernon completing the night.

The dress code is from “business casual” all the way to “black-tie affair.” Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce, 524 Sherwood Ave., Mena. For questions, contact them at 479394-2912 or director@menapolkchamber.com.

Writing workshop in Poteau, March 11

New group coming to Mena?

Submitted by Vinita Eggers

Green Country Ruff Riters (GCRR) was established about 1980 (anecdotal evidence suggests either the fall of 1979 or 1980 as the inception of GCRR). The two main people behind the creation of the group were Kim McGeehee and Tommy Hughes.

Published authors who were once GCRR members include Kim Riley, Tabitha Shay, Modean Moon, Paula Gorgas, Pat Kelley, and Joe Harwell. Published authors and present members include Debra Martinez, and John Pontius.

GCRR meets on the second Saturday of the month at the Patrick Lynch Public Library, in Poteau, Oklahoma, 2-4 p.m. in September, December, March and June. Each meeting includes a 50-minute workshop on the craft of writing, 50 minutes for critiques, and 20 minutes for the group’s business.

In addition, GCRR hosts a virtual write-in each Saturday via Facebook Messenger from 2-4 p.m. The virtual write-in started out as a stop gap arrangement during April 2020 after the library in Poteau instituted lockdowns due to COVID-19. However, the writein was such a success that the once-amonth activity was increased to twice a month, and then increased again to its present iteration.

The December 2022 meeting included a workshop about questions to keep in mind when creating other worlds for your stories.

The March 11 meeting will include a workshop about conflict and how to build it via scenes and sequels as explained in Chapter 15 of Dwight V. Swain’s book “Techniques of the Selling Writer.”

Once a year, usually in the summer, GCRR hosts a writing workshop for school children, ages 12 and up, in conjunction with and at the Patrick Lynch Public Library in Poteau.

GCRR’s largest project in 2023 will be starting up a sister group in Mena, Arkansas,* called Ouchita Writers Guild. To that end, GCRR Secretary Nancy Lewis has been in talks with a local resale shop. Meetings will be held on the third Saturday of the month at Reedemed Boutique located at 1510 Hwy. 71 North. The first meeting will be March 18.

GCRR is an affiliate of the Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc.(OWFI) and sponsors a contest category each year. President Vinita Eggers represents GCRR at OWFI Board meetings as a delegate of GCRR. OWFI organizes a contest, and a conference each year. The Oklahoma Arts Council, funded by the Oklahoma Legislature using our tax dollars, sponsors the keynote speaker for OWFI’s conference.GCRR members develop a unique bond based on our dedication to our craft, no matter how new or experienced we may be.

If you are looking for writing support, more information about the group, our next meeting or volunteering as a speaker, please contact us at one of the following:

Debra Martinez, PR and Program Director, 918-721-4056

Vinita Eggers, President and OWFI Delegate, 2kwl2bagirl@gmail.com

GCRR Facebook Page: https://www. facebook.com/GreenCountryRuffRiters/ .

* Information regarding the Mena group was sent to the Pulse after we had gone to press.

Acorn 4-H celebrate 4-H Day at capitol

Submitted by Tammy L. Young

Polk County Arkansas 4-H members visited the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock on February 28 for Arkansas 4-H Day.

This event hosts hundreds of 4-H youth members and adults from all over Arkansas to assemble at the Capitol. 4-H members show their support for the 4-H program and the impact it has on their lives and the lives of others.

Members also learn about

the government process and have the opportunity to meet and share their experiences in 4-H with legislators, including Rep. John Maddox ( top photo ) and Sen. Terry Rice ( bottom photo ). Members of the Polk County Arkansas 4-H Club from Acorn Schools attending the event included Kohlea Carmack and Savannah Christian ( far right photo ).

Reflections from History and Faith: Memories of THE Ride

By Jeff Olson

I would venture to say that most men, and perhaps some women, have one particular vehicle which they would call a personal favorite. Maybe it’s one that he or she owned, or maybe it’s one they wished they had owned but never did. And then there are those who owned one once and sold it, wishing now that the sale had never taken place. Those memories of our favorite ride are enduring.

My story of THE Ride was the latter of the three scenarios above, though I wasn’t the one who owned the original. My parents bought it brand-spanking new in the spring of 1957 — a bright red Oldsmobile Super 88 two-door post with the standard 371 cubic inch Rocket V-8 engine and Rochester 4-barrel carburetor. Yes… it would haul it!

Almost from the day my father traded it in 1962, I told myself that I would have my own such car one day. However, when we get older our necessities and therefore priorities change and the bucks once intended for our favorite wheels need to be spent for rent or the mortgage, food, utilities, baby formula and diapers, and a different kind of ride — a set of wheels which fit a minivan much better than a sporty or antique car.

But you know what? Not only did I buy a 1957 Oldsmobile, but I bought two. At different times, that is. The first one was in March of 1988, which I found in Nebraska, and the second

one was in December 2010, which my son found for me in Indiana.

The first one required more resources and work than a young family man could muster, so I had to sell it some six years later. The second one I’ve managed to keep after our children were raised and I had a little money for discretionary spending. That little money is still not enough to restore her, but I do enjoy an occasional drive close by and the friendship she still offers me, even parked in the garage. Tinkering with my Ride is enjoyable, and there is always something to be fixed or adjusted. Currently, it is the carburetor. Perhaps one day you folks will see her in a car show. I could go on and on about my Ride, but this brings me to the theme of my story today, which I’ve set the stage for.

Our story begins over 60 years ago, in the early 1960s. At the time, Lee Iacocca was vice president and general manager of Ford Motor Company. At the time, Ford had a compact car called the Falcon. I can still remember the Ford Falcon, as a few of my friends had one. Admittedly, these were nifty little cars and a quite a successful line for Ford. However, let’s face it — they weren’t exactly the kind of cars which would turn a girl’s head… nor would they impress the guys with all those little ponies under the hood. Mr. Iacocca new this all too well, so he envisioned a sporty youth-market car based on the compact Falcon. He pitched the idea to the leadership at Ford, and the decision was made to go forward.

Executive stylist John Najjar, who was a fan of the World War II P-51 fighter plane, is credited by Ford with suggesting the name. He, along with Philip T. Clark, co-designed the first prototype of the Mustang known as the “Ford Mustang 1” in 1961. The Mustang I made its formal debut at the United States Grand Prix in Watkins Glen, New York, on October 7, 1962.

Two concept Mustang models were developed, in 1962 and in 1963. The first production Mustang was launched

59 years ago this week on March 9, 1964, five months before the start of the 1965 production year at the Dearborn, Michigan, plant. These early models were later referred to as “1964 1/2” models, although they were advertised as 1965 and were developed in record time and on a shoe-string bud-

get. Ford introduced its 1965 Mustang at the World’s Fair on April 17, 1964. In August 1964, the true 1965 model began production at its normal timing with minor design updates from the “1964 1/2” model.

The Ford Mustang was an instant success. Ford planned for 100,000 Mustangs to be sold in the first year of sales, but dealers sold 22,000 on the first day and 120,000 by August 1964. A variety of options enabled buyers to configure their Mustang as anything from an economical runabout to a weekend race car.

Total sales for the 1965 model (including “1964½” cars) was 681,000 — nearly seven times Ford’s projections. The Mustang was the first of a whole new genre of automobiles, which would come to be known as Pony Cars.

The Mustang is currently the longest-produced Ford car nameplate. Currently in its sixth generation, it is the fifth-bestselling Ford car nameplate. Between1964 and 2022, there have been a total of 9,883,577 Ford Mustangs sold in the United States.

My story is not over, until I tell you about one of these Mustangs. In the fall of 1971, when I was in high school, I became a good friend of David Johnson. David was a year older than I and a fellow trumpet player in the high school band. He was the one who initially got me involved in church music which eventually led me to becoming a Christian and subsequently join a local church. While the latter was the most important fruit of our friendship, it was not the only one. David had a set of wheels which made our friendship most enjoyable. We covered no telling how many miles in his (his father’s) yellow 1966 Mustang hardtop coup. While this little jewel was more of the “runabout” version, David tended to drive it like it was the racing version. He pulled out all the horses (or ponies) those six cylinders could muster and all the while “…bye-bye Miss American Pie, Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry” (recently released) blaring out through the radio.

Though we didn’t have a Chevy and we didn’t drive it to the levee, we did take that Ford to lots of other places. My memory of that Ride will stay with me for as long as I have a memory. I haven’t seen or talked to David in some 45 years, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he still had that car.

My Mustang memory is but one of millions that could be told. I guess it would be more personal if that had been my car, but David’s parents and mine knew better than to turn either one of us loose in such a car without some controls. Even so, after more than 50 years, I still recall it as the best of times for two boys who grew up in an era of great cars and great music.

By Richie Lawry

It was almost three years ago that I received the phone call. The salesman from my glass supply company in Little Rock was on the other end. “I don’t know quite how to tell you this, so I am going to come right out and say it,” he said. “Corporate headquarters has decided we will no longer deliver to your area.” I stood in silence, not knowing what to say. It was like a vehicle coming out of nowhere and running over me. After I hung up the phone, thoughts were swirling in my head. What was I going to do?

How could I stay in business if I didn’t have a supplier to deliver to my area? I had customers scheduled for glass replacement. How would I get the glass I needed? The only solution I could see was driving to Little Rock to pick up my glass. After calling my salesman back and discussing the situation with him, I developed a plan. Someone was supposed to open my supplier’s warehouse at 6 a.m. every workday. Suppose I left Mena at 3 a.m. I could be at the warehouse when they opened at 6. After loading my truck, I would drive back to Mena and be able to open by 10 a.m.

Over the next several months, I got used to the routine. Two or three times a week, I would get up at 2:30 a.m. to leave the house by 3 and drive to Little Rock to pick up my auto glass order. It seemed like I was always tired. I wondered if anything would ever change or if I would make this drive for years.

Over the months I drove to Little Rock, I got to know the early morning shift at the warehouse. They did their best to have my order pulled and ready for me when I arrived. One day they had exciting news for me. They told me that the corporate route manager had decided to reopen one of the routes that had been closed earlier. They wouldn’t be coming to Polk County, but they would be delivering to De Queen. “I wonder if there is some way that I can take advantage of the De Queen route,” I thought.

I called my salesman to see if there was some way to get my glass delivered

An Arkie’s Faith Spring renewal

Looking at the beautiful countryside, I thought about how much I enjoyed the coming of spring.

I love the color and freshness of spring each year. I love seeing green fields with baby calves reaching up for a drink from Mama. Cheery yellow daffodils seem to forecast better days. Everything about spring breathes life and renewal.

As I took in the beauty of the warm spring day, I thought about creation and renewal, about how God created dormant plants to survive the harshest storms and emerge after springtime rains. He tells us, “As long as the earth exists, seedtime and harvest, cold and hot, summer and autumn, day and night will not cease.”

Genesis 8:22 (CEB)

The beauty of spring is a yearly reminder of the resurrection story. What was dead comes back to life. Each year, springtime should give us new hope. We may have experienced a harsh winter of discouragement, but spring always gives us the courage to go on. Even when our circumstances bury us and we face heartbreaking situations, the hope of springtime tells us that our problems won’t last forever.

to De Queen, but he couldn’t think of a situation that would work. “Maybe you can arrange something with one of the shops we will deliver to,” he suggested.

On my next early morning trip to the warehouse, I talked with one of the workers and told him how disappointed I was that we couldn’t work something out with the De Queen route. “It would be so much easier for me,” I said.

The guys in the warehouse told me about another shop that had rented a storage unit and had their glass delivered to the unit. When I discussed the idea with my salesman, he didn’t offer much hope. The company resisted the idea for some reason, but I kept pressuring them. Finally, they decided to give it a trial run.

I rented a storage unit in De Queen and bought glass racks. On my next trip to Little Rock, I left a key to the storage unit.

There were several hiccups and days that they didn’t deliver my glass, but after a few weeks, things started working smoothly.

I have been making several weekly trips to my storage unit in De Queen for two years. On these trips, I notice the subtle changes in the scenery as the seasons change. I enjoy the rare occasions that I have company on the trip. This Sunday, my wife and I drove to De Queen to pick up my glass. As we went along, I commented on how green everything was and how fast it had changed.

My last trip had been early Wednesday morning, and the change was striking. Lots of rain followed by warm sunny days had ushered in spring. The grass was turning green, and a soft green glow covered the trees as the first buds appeared. The first flowering trees were in bloom.

In her autobiography, “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl,” Harriet Ann Jacobs wrote, “The beautiful spring came, and when nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.”

Gentle Reader, spring shows us that we can put the past behind us and start over again. “Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (GW)

“The winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming.” Song of Solomon 2:11-13 (NLT)

As the springtime season begins, I hope it is a blessing. There is a right time for everything, and now is the time for a springtime renewal of faith, hope, and love.

Enjoying the coming of spring.

(Photo by Richie Lawry)

ERNST

continued from page 1

“Chevy Outdoors,” and “Arkansas Times” magazines as well as the Sierra Club and Hallmark calendars, National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service maps and brochures, Readers Digest Books, and The New York Times.

Additionally, 20 collections of Ernst’s wilderness photographs have been published as coffee table picture books: “Arkansas Portfolio: Twenty Years of Wilderness Photography” (1994), “Wilderness Reflections: An Intimate Look at Wild Places in America” (1996), “Buffalo River Wilderness” (with watercolors by William McNamara, 1998), “Arkansas Spring: Dogwoods,” “Waterfalls and Wildflowers” (2000), “Arkansas Wilderness: My Favorite Photos from the Natural State” (2002), “Arkansas Portfo-

lio II: Spectacular New Images from The Natural State” (2005), “Buffalo River Dreams” (2006), “Arkansas Waterfalls: Scenic Icons of the Natural State” (2007), “Arkansas Land-

scapes” (2008), “Arkansas Wildlife” (2009), “Arkansas Autumn” (2010), “Arkansas Portfolio III” (2011), “Arkansas Landscapes II” (2012), “Buffalo River Beauty” (2013), “Arkansas Nightscapes” (2014), “A Rare Quality Of Light” (2015), “Arkansas In My Own Backyard” (2016), “Arkansas Beauty” (2017), “Arkansas Splendor” (2019), and Ernst’s newest picture book (and his final one), “Arkansas Greatest Hit” (2020).

As a long-time outdoorsman and hiker, Ernst founded and was the president of the Ozark Highlands Trail Association for 28 years. This organization, with members in 25 states and five foreign countries, has contributed 350,000 hours of volunteer labor to the U. S. Forest Service and various local agencies.

He was also president of Friends of White Rock, the volunteer organization that has restored and re-opened the Lodge and cabins at White Rock Mountain in the Ozark National Forest.

He served on the board of the American Hiking Society (a past vice-Chair), the Arkansas Wilderness Steering Committee, was the Arkansas coordinator for National Trails Day, chairman of the Arkansas Trails Council, and served as an ERNST

continued on next page

advisor for the National Trails Symposium.

His books about hiking trails include “Arkansas Hiking Trails: A Guide to 78 Selected Trails in the Natural State,” “Buffalo River Hiking Trails,” “Arkansas Dayhikes for Kids and Families,” “Arkansas Nature Lover’s Guidebook,” “Ozark Highlands Trail Guide #7,” and “Ouachita Trail Guide.”

“Thanks to the Department of Arkansas Heritage, Quality of Life is able to partner with UARM to offer programs that celebrate Arkansas and all that has to offer,” QOL President Bethany Hughes stated.

Dr. Diann Gathright agreed, “I am very pleased to partner with QOL and feel fortunate that we get to live in a beautiful state with a rich history We look forward to partnering with QOL to offer additional pro-

grams on the UARM campus later this year.”

Ernst’s presentation will include a double feature of his most popular

STAY ALERT. STAY INFORMED. STAY SAFE.

slide shows, “Arkansas Nightscapes” and “A Rare Quality of Light.”

For more information about Ernst or to see his collection of photography, visit https://timernst. com/ . Follow him on Facebook or on his popular online journal Little Bluff Journal, which is also available as a print book, “Cloudland Journal Book One.” Ernst will have a limited number of books and prints for sale at the presentation.

For more information about the event at UA Rich Mountain, call

479-394-7622, ext. 1370, email bminer@urichmountain.edu, or visit www.uarichmountain.edu.

The event was made possible through the Department of Arkansas Heritage which was created to preserve and promote Arkansas’s natural and cultural heritage. Other divisions of the Department of Arkansas Heritage are the Arkansas State Archives, Arkansas Arts Council, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, Delta Cultural Center in Helena, Historic Arkansas Museum, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center and the Old State House Museum. For more information, visit https://www.arkansasheritage.com/.

Old-time church revival meeting, at Calvary Baptist Church, 2100 Hwy. 375 W, Mena. Open to all! Includes guest speakers, music, refreshments and a message. Sunday, March 26, 6-7:30 p.m., and Monday-Wednesday, March 27-29, 7-8 p.m.

It’s Time for the Cash Mob, hosted by Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena St., Saturday, March 11 at 10:30 a.m.

Everyone is invited to attend. A downtown shop will be selected by drawing, and then Mob’sters will visit that business, with a promise to spend $20. Have fun and meet other like-minded folks while you shop local. Event presented by Mena Downtown Partners.

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.

Stop Smoking Seminar-quitting nicotine for good. Free 10-night seminar, weeknights at 5:30, March 6-17, the Farm House, 819 Mena St. No sign-up required. For more info call (816) 304-4676.

The Polk County Democrats will be meeting on March 13 at PaPa’s Mexican Café, 1317 Hwy 71 S., Mena. Meeting starts 6:30 p.m. Come early to eat and socialize with other Democrats. New to Polk County? You are welcome to join us. Any questions? Call Linda G. Johnson at (479) 234-7966. Hope to see you there.

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

Around Town

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.

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 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.

The Polk County Social Seniors will meet at Stillwell Restaurant on 301 W. Stillwell, De Queen, Arkansas, on March 14 at noon. New to Polk County? Come and meet with other social seniors and have fun. Any questions ? Contract Linda Johnson at (956) 241-2633. Bring a friend or more and enjoy socializing and eating.

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, 9th & Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for information call (479) 243-0297.

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

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!

Freedom Water public meeting

Freedom Water is currently in the process of changing to a Public Water Authority. This will not change operations.

There will be a meeting at 5 p.m., March 14, at the Freedom Water office located at 4063 Hwy. 375 West to answer any questions Freedom Water customers may have.

Humane Society of the Ouachitas happenings

Submitted by Cheryl Murphy

HSO elects 2023 board of directors

The 2023 Board of Directors for the Humane Society of the Ouachitas (HSO) was elected at its Jan. 19 membership meeting. According to its bylaws, HSO is a membership organization and the members elect its Board each year to manage the Society’s business affairs.

The bylaws also state Board Members shall serve on a voluntary basis. This is why HSO can proudly say “100% of donations go the animals.” There are no administrative costs.

Since 1978, when the organizers envisioned, founded and filed the Articles of Incorporation for HSO, dedicated animal lovers have kept HSO going strong for 45 years with financial gifts and volunteerism. HSO has grown from a grass-roots effort to a professional organization, gaining attention from corporate donors whose grants filter down to assist the community through HSO’S low-cost spay-neuter

and vaccination programs.

HSO’s dedicated paid staff keep up with daily care of the shelter pets, shelter operations, and pet adoptions, which local giving helps to support. Volunteers fill all the gaps.

“This is my 16th year as an HSO volunteer,” Board Secretary Cheryl Murphy stated. “I’m proud to volunteer for this fine organization. We have many other volunteers who have served upward and over 10 years. We welcome and appreciate new volunteers! There is no ego here. There is stability and transparency. At every monthly meeting, the treasurer presents the current financials for all to see and question. I know my

gifts are spent wisely for the animals. Forty-five years is a true testimony to HSO’s integrity.”

HSO collection banks

Have you noticed the bright yellow dog and smiling white kitty banks around town? Let us introduce you to Pogo the Dog and Miss Kitty. They love to be “fed.” Whatever coins and paper you can spare from your pocket or purse, thank you for feeding our little donation banks.

It’s a blessing for our shelter pets at Humane Society of the Ouachitas (HSO), and it all adds up Our volunteer collection team, Wendy Syfrett and

her mom, Ruth Gray, dutifully make the rounds to collect the gifts from the banks. In 2022, our supporters gave $1,452.02 feeding our animal banks.

HSO continues to help pets because of your generosity. You can feed our banks cash, write a check and slip it in the bank or mail to HSO, P.O. Box 845, Mena, AR, 71953, or visit our website to give online with a card at  hsomena. org

For more information to adopt, to give, to volunteer, to become a member, to attend a meeting, and to help pets in need in Polk County, visit hsomena.org or call 479-394-5682 or email hsoshelter@outlook.com.

For current news, visit  facebook. com/hsomena.

HSO’s tagline is “Where your best friend is waiting.” Find your best furry friend at HSO.

HSO is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

HSO’s 2023 Board of Directors (Standing from left): Secretary Cheryl Murphy, Board Member Wendy Syfrett, President Neal Fosdick, Board Member Mike Keeling (Seated from left): Vice President Denie Westphal, Treasurer Sheila Theriot, and Board Member JJ Jones. (Photo courtesy of HSO)

Hogspore News: No need to change town population sign

By Clet Litter as told to Bob Simpson

Mayor Ringer announced, “We have a new town council member to replace Billy Bumpleworth, who is retiring. The councilman is Manny Listings, local real estate agent. He already had a suggestion for the population sign problem.

You know the trouble we have when somebody leaves or a baby pops out. Each time the figure changes, we pay Wilbur Fleagle ten dollars to paint an updated number. Manny Listing offered the idea of making the people count, 1,500 and adding MOL afterward. Painter Fleagle likes that opinion, cause a truck or two has almost hit him, since the town sign is nearly in the road.”

Some folks think differently, but it don’t make them dumb. I showed Morton Trubletoof an equals sign in a book. He said, “It looks like an 11 lying on its side.”

I’ve been pondering follow-through. It’s important in sports for pitches, golf swings, and football passing. In life, follow-through is serious business for cuddling, child raising, and promises made. That’s all I got, cause now I have a headache.

India’s history: In Mahatma Gandhi’s prime, he presented a striking figure. When he was a lad, he wore a John

Community Seed Swap blossoms

Submitted by Judy Petty

Deere hat. His mother suggested that he give up hats. Then he became No Hat Ma Gandhi.

Set your clocks and watches ahead one hour this coming Sunday morning at 2 am. Every year there’s something published about daylight saving time history, but nothing fresh. It’s stupid and meaningless. Reset the clock and quit griping. We’re never gonna change.

When the human race is living on another planet with another sun, there will still be daylight saving time. Don’t waste the time thinking about it. Preachers should do sermons. Call it soul saving time. I’m right mad over this. I’m going out tonight to vandalize sundials in the dark. So many sundials, so little time, especially after Sunday.

Old Man Grimely has a few mighty sharp opinions. He said, “I’m old enough where it don’t matter if I offend people.” He offered his opinion on security. “I keep the doors locked, with a high fence around the house, and two hungry dogs inside the yard. Nobody is gonna mistake my place for the United Sieves of America.”

Mumford Pickens explains: “The universe is only orbits forever.” I gotta say that my headache is back.

You can contact Clet Litter at bobsimpson2007@AOL.com You know you wanna.

The Community Seed Swap on Saturday, Feb. 11, was a great success, with many expert speakers and community members swapping, giving and selling seeds. There were many donors in our community for door prizes. We look forward to being a part of this again next year. Thank you to Michael Clark for putting it all together.

Thank you to the community businesses that donated items for the door prizes: Atwoods, Mena Feed, Chopping Block, Wendy’s, Country Express BBQ, Farmhouse Health, Rich Mountain Country Store, American Artisans, Handy Hardware, Union Bank, Chambers Bank, Big D’s BBQ, Pizza Hut, Chuck Stop, Papa’s Mexican Restaurant, La Villa Mexican Restaurant, Crystal Geyser Water, Farmers Co-op.

Thank you to all of the Speakers who shared their expertise and time with

our community: Doc Sorge-Farmers Coop, Wendy Shiapparo-Eden Memory Farms, Randy Forst-U of A Horticulturist Specialist, Michael Cate-Avalon Keep Botanical Gardens, Harold Christopher-Baker Seeds

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.

Classifieds

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. T0308

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

T0308

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.

T0308

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 T0308

CLASSIFIEDS

- 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 a technical/phone sales position. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, answering technical inquiries, providing product information and recommendations, troubleshooting with potential and current customers, and processing orders in a fast-paced office setting. Parts, automotive, and computer experience would be helpful.

Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple 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.

T0308

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

LEGAL NOTICE

- MISCELLANEOUS -

Joe Brandt sees how and when California goes into the ocean. Keyword search “Joe Brandt’s dream 1937 California earthquake.”

T0315

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

February 27, 2023

Javier Flores, 48 of Wickes was arrested on two Felony Warrants for 2nd Degree Sexual Assault.

February 28, 2023

No reports.

March 1, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to a business near Hatfield in reference to an MVA.

Deputies took a report of domestic abuse from a walk-in complainant. Deputies took a report of vandalism at a residence on Polk 80 near Shady.

March 2, 2023

Deputies responded to a report of theft at a residence on Memory Lane near Mena.

March 3, 2023

A traffic stop on School Street near Wickes led to the arrest of Charles Houser, 66 of Wickes on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine or Cocaine, Driving on a Suspended License and No Proof of Insurance.

March 4, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 648 near Mena in reference to a welfare check.

March 5, 2023

Deputies took a report of rape. A disturbance on Morgan Lane near Acorn led to the arrest of Michelle

Crawford, 30 of Mena on a charge of Disorderly Conduct.

Floyd Head, 69 of Cove was arrested on a Body Attachment Warrant and two Misdemeanor Failure to Appear Warrants.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked 2 vehicle accidents this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 25 Incarcerated Inmates with 22 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

February 26

Officers responded to a disturbance at a residence on Magnolia Avenue. Connor Skaggs, 25, was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Schedule VI Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Mischief, and Assault on Family or Household Member. Also, Riley Fitzpatrick, 24, was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Obstructing Government Operations, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Schedule VI Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Jeffery King, 44, was served with a warrant at a residence on Missouri Street.

Brittney Rexroad, 36, and Brent Rexroad, 37, were both served with warrants at Walmart.

William Baston, 42, was served with

a warrant after a traffic stop on Reine Street.

February 27

Roy Laxson, 60, was served with a warrant at Salvation Army.

February 28

Bertha Willis, 46, was served with a warrant at Walmart.

A report of unauthorized use of a vehicle was taken at a residence on 4th Street.

John Robertson, 48, was served with warrant at the county detention center.

Jeana Phillips, 51, was served with warrants after a traffic stop on Highway 8 East.

March 1

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

Jennifer Williams, 51, was served with a warrant at the probation office.

March 2

Zachery Fields, 28, was charged with Public Intoxication after a disturbance call to Jerry Lee Drive.

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

Timothy Robertson, 36, was served with a warrant at a residence on Church Street.

March 3

A report of domestic battery was taken at Peachtree Assisted Living.

Dajah Hamilton, 25, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

March 4

Eldon Hibbs, 18, was charged with Possession of Marijuana after a traffic stop on Sherwood Avenue.

A report of theft was taken at a residence on Spring Avenue.

Class action lawsuit filed against HMH following data breach

By Patrick Massey

NASHVILLE — A class action lawsuit has been filed against Howard Memorial Hospital (HMH) by a group of individuals who say their identity and personal information was compromised following a data breach of the hospital late last year.

The lawsuit states that on Dec. 29, 2022, HMH posted a notice on its website that personally identifying information and protected health information had been accessed by an unauthorized third-party. The lawsuit states the ‘data breach’ happened on or about Nov. 14 through Dec. 4, 2022.

The plaintiffs say they are now at a significantly increased and certainly impending risk of fraud, identity theft, misappropriation of health insurance benefits, intrusion of their health privacy, and similar forms of criminal mischief that could last for the remainder of their lives.

All three plaintiffs reported they have been required to spend valuable time monitoring accounts in an effort to detect and prevent any misuse of their personal information.

The suit states that if HMH is entitled to immunity from the lawsuit, the plaintiffs want to bring direct action against the hospital’s insurance company, known in the lawsuit as John Doe Insurance Company.

The plaintiffs are being represented by the firm of Carney Bates & Pulliam, PLLC in Little Rock and the attorneys have requested a jury trial.

Annual Wildlife of Arkansas Student

Art Contest open to submissions

LITTLE ROCK – Once again, the Arkansas Wildlife Federation and Creative Ideas have come together to promote wildlife education through the arts in the annual Wildlife of Arkansas Student Art Contest. For the 2023 contest, students from kindergarten through 12th grade will submit artwork online through a portal on the AWF website, www.arwild.org

For 10 years, the Wildlife of Arkansas Student Art Contest has encouraged students in grades K-12 to explore and celebrate Arkansas’s wildlife. The online submission process allows students, teachers and parents the ability to submit a photograph of the artwork online, rather than mail the original artwork in to be scored. The online process has many benefits including expanding to new schools and areas of the state that may not have had the funding to mail the original artwork.

“The Wildlife of Arkansas Student Art Contest encourages youth to explore the outdoors and connect to wildlife through direct observation and recollection,” said Terri Lane, AWF Executive Director.

The competition is supported through education grants from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the National Wildlife Federation. “Participation in this art program enhances and enriches youth’s knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the natural world and NWF is proud to sponsor it,” said Geralyn Hoey, Director of Conservation Partnerships with NWF.

Students must highlight wildlife and landscapes that are native to Arkansas. The AGFC Nature Centers are a great place to learn about native species. The Centers are free of charge and offer a variety of educational opportunities for the entire family to explore nature and

learn about the wildlife of Arkansas.

All categories will be ranked and awarded as in previous years. An expert panel of jurors select four artworks per grade; first, second, third and honorable mention as well as an overall “Best in Show.” Winners in each grade will receive cash awards and certificates. Images of the Best in Show and all firstplace winning artwork along with the entire list of winners will be announced in the summer issue of Arkansas Out of Doors magazine (a publication of Arkansas Wildlife Federation). Tentative plans are to have all winning artwork displayed at the  AGFC Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center.

Artwork must be submitted by March 31, 2023. The Wildlife of Arkansas Student Art Contest is free and open to all K-12 students in Arkansas.

Visit www.arwild.org/art-contest for rules and submission details. Contact Terri Lane at  info@arwild.org or call 479-601-6646 for more information.

“Night Owl” by Jessica Perez was an entry in the Wildlife of Arkansas Student Art Contest in 2014. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Mena Quiz Bowl team shines in Murfreesboro

Submitted by Abigail Sims

The fifth and sixth grade Quiz Bowl team attended the Murfreesboro Quiz Bowl Invitational on March 1. After

lunch, the team was ranked seventh based on the morning pool play.

The contestants battled hard and knocked off the No. 1 ranked team to take first place in the tournament.

Acorn’s Matthew Stout wins gold

Submitted by Tammy L. Young

On Wednesday, March 1, Acorn High School student athlete Matthew Stout competed in the Area 14 Special Olympics Basketball Skills Competition. He competed in individual basketball skills such as dribbling, shooting baskets, passing and catching the basketball.

This event started with PCDC coming in to compete then moving on to high school, middle school, and other groups.

Matthew Stout was awarded a gold medal for his accomplishments. “My family and I are very thankful for his opportunity to participate in such events as well as the volunteers that help to make such an event possible,” shared Stout and his family.

(L-R) Francesca Vacca, Kaylee Cox, Brady Jones, Makaylee Smith, Talen West, and Katy Goodnight hold up their first-place trophy.

Proud father Steve Stout with Matthew Stout, who won the gold.

3/11 - Mena @ Ashdown Tournament

3/13 - Mena vs. Cossatot

3/14 - Mena vs. Kirby

3/10 - Mena vs. Cossatot

3/14 - Mena @ Southside

3/09 - Mena @ Booneville

Help cheer on donkey basketball

By Ethan Nahté

Prepare to let loose on the reins when it comes to laughter with a b-ball hee-haw game. The Cossatot River School District invites the public to a donkey basketball game to benefit their cheerleaders. The proceeds go to help pay for cheerleading outfits and supplies.

Jennifer Lawrence, who is a teacher at Cossatot River High School as well as the cheer coach, said, “It’s a fun show for the whole family. The donkeys never do what you want them to. Players are trying to handle a basketball on the back of an animal that has a mind of their own.”

Sometimes, it’s more work for the players to stay on their ride or catch their donkey than sinking a basket.

“It’s pretty entertaining,” she said.

Although this is the first time CRSD is having such a wild game to benefit the CRHS cheerleaders, Lawrence said there was a similar benefit game that raised funds for the school’s Ag students.

there will be a concession stand and the cheerleaders will be selling “walking dogs.” What’s a walking dog? Walking Dog is a hot dog trailer out of De Queen.

Lawrence said, “He sells the most amaz-

ing hot dogs. Think of a bacon-wrapped hot dog that you can top with onions, peppers, and/or jalapeños. Proceeds will also benefit the cheerleaders.”

The Walking Dog Facebook page shows The Mexican Dog, The Aztec, The Flamming [sic] Hot Dog, Chili Dog, The Hawaiian, and The Rodeo.

There will also be a coupon handed out for children 12-under with a paying adult to get a free donkey ride. Only one ride per child and a parent must accompany the child during the ride. Rides are restricted to the first 125 children at the gate, so a coupon does not guarantee child a ride, so get there early. The coupon is also not free admission to the show. Dairyland Donkey Ball, LLC, or sponsor are not responsible for accidents.

The festivities begin at 7 p.m. on March 9 in Hatfield. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. To purchase tickets, contact jlawrence@cossatot.us or call 870-387-4200 ext. 4221.

Bearcats and Ladycats post-season basketball honors

Sr. Boys Basketball

• Toby Watkins — All-State Nominee

All-Star Nominee

First Team All-Conference

• Toby Watkins

• Trevin Plunkett

Second Team All-Conference

• Silas McIntyre

• Alex Rocha

• Brayden Atchley

•

Sr. Girls Basketball

• Emily Leonard — All-State Nominee

All-Star Nominee

First Team All-Conference

• Madi Lyle

• Emmi Hines

• Emily Leonard

Second Team All-Conference

• Carolyn Cannon

• Kensey Rosson

• Payton Clark

If you think basketball is difficult, imagine playing while riding a donkey. (Photo courtesy of Dairyland Donkey Ball, LLC)

Tigers and Eagles compete in State Basketball tourneys

By Pulse Staff

It was a banner season for the Acorn senior teams as both the Tigers and Lady Tigers earned trips to the Class 2A State Tournament at Rector High School.

The Lady Tigers fell in opening round action on Wednesday, March 1, to Riverside 44-33. The Acorn girls finished the season with a 26-7 record.

Meanwhile, the Tigers were defeated by Rector 74-40 in opening round action on March 1. The Tigers wrapped up their season with a 19-12 mark.

The Cossatot River Lady Eagles saw their season come to an end on Tuesday, February 28 in the opening round

By Pulse Staff

of the Class 3A State Basketball Tournament at Lamar High School. The Cossatot River girls lost to McGehee 45-30 to finish an outstanding 23-11 season.

Post-season

In post-season awards, Landrey Richardson was named All-State, All-Class 3A State Tournament Team, and All-Conference. Hannah McClain was named All-State and All-Conference. Others named to the 4-3A All-Conference team include Madalyn Dixon, Chelsea Carterby, and Kaylee Williams. Coach Blake Alexander was named Coach of the Year in the 4-3A Conference.

Baseball and softball play

tough 8-6 loss to Magnolia.

Last week’s stormy weather wreaked havoc on the beginning of the baseball and softball season. Several games were canceled, and some teams, such as the Mount Ida Lions finally got to play their season-opener last night against the Jessieville Lions. The Mount Ida boys won 8-5 and the girls won 20-12.

Ashdown tournament

The Mena Ladycats were able to get in five games over the weekend at the Ashdown Invitational Softball Tournament. The Mena girls won three of their five contests.

The Ladycats tripled up Horatio 15-5 Friday, before falling to Dekalb, Texas, 15-10.

The Mena girls started early Saturday at 9 a.m. by shutting out Waldron 110. The LadyCats dominated De Queen 12-3 before concluding the day with a

De Queen tournament

When Thursday’s rains washed out a scheduled eight-team invitational baseball tournament in De Queen, Mena, Mansfield, and De Queen were able to each play a doubleheader on Saturday to get some weekend baseball in the books.

In the first game, Mansfield defeated the Bearcats 8-2.

De Queen slipped past Mansfield 4-3. Then the Bearcats and Leopards hooked up in a thrilling eight-inning affair in the nightcap of the day before De Queen prevailed 6-5. The Bearcats tied the game at four in the seventh inning. Then the Mena boys took a 5-4 lead in the top of the eighth inning. But the Leopards rallied for two runs and the 6-5 victory in walk-off fashion in the bottom half of the eighth inning.