MENA POLICE REPORTS

October 28, 2023

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 289 near Cove in reference to a runaway juvenile. The juvenile was later located.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 646 near Mena in reference to cruelty to animals.

An encounter on Ransom Road near Mena led to the arrest of Robert Bush, 40, of Mena on two Failure to Appear Warrants and a charge of Fleeing on Foot.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 178 near Acorn in reference to cruelty to animals.

Ronda Castillo, 46, of Mena was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas Game and Fish on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Lawrence Smith, 68, of Cove was arrested on a warrant for Delivery of Methamphetamine or Cocaine and Delivery of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance.

October 29, 2023 No reports.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked 0 vehicle accidents this week.

Stranded bus in Albert Pike fuels concern

By Patrick Massey

October 22 No report.

October 23

A report of theft was taken from Walmart.

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

October 24

Richard James, 44, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

A report of criminal mischief was taken at a residence on Sarah Way.

A report of harassment, disorderly conduct and violation of a no contact order was taken from a walk-in complainant.

October 25

Zakary Smith, 27, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

A report of theft of a vehicle was taken at a residence on North Polk Street.

October 26 No report.

October 27

Tabitha Baum, 26, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

October 28 No report.

LANGLEY – Social media is abuzz with questions, concerns and even a couple of conspiracy theories after a passenger bus carrying several dozen men was immobilized on an isolated road in the Ouachita National Forest over the weekend.

Photos of the stranded bus began circulating on social media on Saturday. The bus was reportedly stuck after attempting to traverse Forest Road 106 through the Albert Pike Recreation Area. Located near Langley near the Montgomery-Pike-Howard County lines, the federally-operated recreation area is part of the Ouachita National Forest.

Photos showed dozens of passengers – all men – milling around the paralyzed bus. Posts on social media ranged from the humorous side of a passenger bus stuck in the middle of nowhere to understandable concern over why a group composed entirely of men was traveling through the isolated region.

In a statement made on his Facebook account on Sunday, Montgomery County Sheriff Neal Thomas said his department had received numerous calls and messages regarding the stranded bus. The sheriff’s office responded to the scene alongside federal law enforcement officers from the United States Forest Service.

Thomas said initial information suggested the stranded passengers were with a Texas-based men’s group that planned to hike the Winding Stairs Trail. However, he expressed some skepticism regarding the obtained information. While hiking is a common occurrence in the fall, Thomas said travel to the rugged Albert Pike Rec-

Polk County Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary will have their monthly meetings on Thursday, Nov. 2, at Veterans Park in Acorn. There will be a potluck beginning at 6 p.m. with meetings to follow.

Shady Grove Fire & Rescue chili supper fundraiser at the firehouse at 113 Polk Road 49, near intersection of Highway 8 West, 5-7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4. Will include cornbread and desserts with donations.

The Polk County Cattleman Association will be meeting at the UA Extension Office at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 6. An Ag economics specialist will speak about the current cattle market and a chili supper will be served. For more information, contact Jessie Debnar at 479-394-7559.

The Polk County Sociable Seniors will be meeting on the second Wednesday this month only instead of Tuesday due to the fact that American Artisans is closed on Tuesdays. Meeting at noon on Nov. 8 American Artisans Eatery & Gallery, 815 Mena St. Parking in the rear.

GriefShare at First Presbyterian Church Mena has moved to a new day and time. They now meet every Wednesday at 1 p.m. for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

GriefShare at The Crossing in Mena meets every Thursday from 6-8 p.m. for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

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

Fish fry fundraiser & pie auction at the Mena-Polk County Senior Center, 401 Autumn Dr., 4-7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4. Minimum $10 donation.

The Polk County Housing Authority will be closed Nov. 10 in observance of Veterans Day.

Veterans Celebration at Calvary Baptist Church, on Sunday, Nov. 5. Service starts at 10:55 a.m. with home cooked meal after in our fellowship hall. Patriot music, special Veteran guest speaker and color guard. A nice Celebration for all Veterans.

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

Come play Pickleball! Open play Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8:30 a.m., Aubrey D. Tapley Park, 2562 U.S. Hwy. 71, Mena.

Bring your own equipment and come have fun. All levels are welcome. Unsure or interested? Come watch before purchasing equipment.

The Back Country Extension Homemakers Club meets the second Friday of each month at 1 p.m. at the UA Extension’s Education Building, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. We are a service organization affiliated with UA’s Division of Agriculture with a mission to have fun and learn new things while enriching our community and creating a more contented family life. We believe the greatest force that molds character comes from the home. Come join new friends and old as we together grow. For more info, contact Ginger at Gingerkm@protonmail.com.

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.

Jam session every Tuesday night, 6-9 p.m. at Shady Mountain Events, 428 Hwy. 375 East, Mena. No charge, everyone is welcome. All genres of music. Bring your own instrument, come watch or dance. Call (479) 234-7174 with questions.

First Presbyterian Church will be presenting a series on the Book of Revelation in its Adult Sunday School class on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:45. Earl Harrell will be the presenter and will focus on the titles of Jesus as revealed in the Book of Revelation. The public is invited to attend. Classes will be in the Helen Barham Room at the church, 904 Church Avenue, Mena.

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

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. The hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday-Friday. 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.

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.

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!

- SERVICES -

Wendell’s Tree Service - Tree Removal and Trimming. Experienced and fully insured for ALL your tree-trimming needs. Call (479) 394-0227 or (479) 216-4328. T1129

Carter’s Excavating - Licensed Contractor: Heavy and light dozer work, heavy excavation, soft ground to rock excavation, heavy off-road hauling, road design and construction 50 years in trade, 40 years in area. Subsidiary of RCI Construction (479) 394-9227

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Tree services, forestry mulching, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate. T0103

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T1129

Handyman Service - Electrical and plumbing. prefer small jobs. For more details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T1101

Construction, steel buildings, welding, pads, ponds, and roads. Military discounts. Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0103

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

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

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- FOR RENT -

- HELP WANTED -

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

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

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Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced CNC Machine Operator. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

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

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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

T0424 reation Area doesn’t typically involve a charter bus full of hikers.

The passengers reportedly remained with the bus for approximately 24 hours until the bus company arrived to pick up the group. A wrecker dispatched from Pike County was turned around due to wet road conditions. Thomas said the wrecker would return to recover the bus once the weekend’s rain cleared out and the road dried.

In his statement, Thomas praised the concern shared by members of the community and the working relationship his department maintains with neighboring sheriff’s offices as well as state and federal agencies.

Photos showed that the bus was tagged with a Texas license plate. Albert Pike is a popular recreation area in the Ouachita National Forest and is frequented by many Texans. However, social media users were quick to share their concerns with the suspicious nature of the bus on a forest road and the group of men traveling with it. One user raised a question on the sheriff’s post over the group’s seeming lack of supplies or hiking attire (one photo shared on Facebook showed the passengers carrying apparently gallon-sized containers of water and plastic sacks with their belongings).

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Large 2-Bedroom Apartment For Rentappliances and utilities furnished. (479) 234-1492

- YARD SALE -

Multi-Family Yardsale - Saturday

11/4/2023, 101 Deer Park Lane (1 mile down Ransom Road on right). Lots of baby clothes and baby items, women’s clothes and shoes, purses, mens clothes, Household decor and items T1101

For sale - AKC English Bulldog puppy, female, standard colors, and ready for their nw home. Facebook Arklatex Bulldogs to see this beauty. Call 870-642-3104 for more information. TFN

Howard County Sheriff Bryan McJunkins posted on his Facebook account regarding the incident to say he was working alongside Thomas and other authorities to ensure the safety of area residents. He expressed his own skepticism of the alleged “hiking trip” and said the sheriff’s office was not taking “concerns lightly.”

McJunkins added that while it could be a hiking trip mishap, authorities are investigating the incident to ensure there is no threat to the public.

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