Pulse THE POLK COUNTY
FREE WEEKLY 1168 Hwy 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600
November 22, 2023
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Chamber announces parade route change and Santa’s Outback Barn hours
INSIDE:
Submitted by Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce
Buck Fever Winner
Page 9
Small Business Saturday
Page 11
The new owners of the railway, Canadian Pacific, have turned down requests to stop train traffic during parade hours, causing all parade routes to be changed, including the annual Christmas Parade of Lights hosted by the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce. “Although the Chamber was happy with the new route established two years ago, they have no choice but to adhere to the new policies of the railroad to ensure safety of parade participants and watchers,” Chamber Executive Director Melanie Wade stated. The new route will begin at The Crossing on North Mena Street, continue down Mena Street before turning right onto Sherwood Avenue, another right onto Seventh Street continuing to Port Arthur where the route will turn left and end at Santa’s Outback Barn (on Port Arthur across from First Baptist Church Parking lot). Parade participants will be able to exit the route by turning right onto Ninth Street and another right on Church Avenue.
The annual Parade of Lights will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1. This year’s theme is “Christmas Around the World.” Registration forms can be found at menapolkchamber.com or you can stop by the Chamber office, located at 524 Sherwood Ave., inside the Historic Train Depot. Registration deadline for the parade is Wednesday, Nov. 29. Registered participants will need to be lined up by 5 p.m. in The Crossing parking lot for pre-judging. Judged categories for the parade include Best in Show – first, second and third place; Best Theme Representation; Best Small Business Float (Business must have 10 employees or less); Best Church Float; Chamber Favorite (Must be a Chamber member. Board member’s floats are not eligible.); Best Car/Truck; Best Motorized Non-Car (Includes motorcycles, ATVs, gokarts, etc.); and Best Horse. Floats and groups will pay a $10 reg-
See PARADE continued on page 2
Olivieri is saving mares and foals from kill pens
By Ethan Nahté Part 2
Feeding The Hungry
Page 19
In part one of Dawn Olivieri’s story, the actor spoke a bit about her background and her love for animals, members of her family’s medical or veterinary expertise, as well as that of friend and
veterinarian Cameron Stoudt she uses with her horse rescue. We left off with Olivieri speaking about the actor’s and the writer’s strike that shut down film and TV production. The strike ended not long after this interview was conducted, but it was what kickstarted her mission to
rescue horses. “When it happened, I obviously wasn’t in any place to bring in more horses. The bills, especially from last year, were just so high because there was the drought,” Olivieri said, referring to the livestock she already owned.
See HORSES continued on page 5
2 News
Pulse
November 22, 2023
PARADE continued from page 1
istration fee and individual motorcycles, ATVs, horses, etc. will pay a $5 fee. Keeping with tradition, the parade will be followed by the Christmas Festival in Janssen Park, hosted by the City of Mena and the Mena Advertising and Promotion Commission. Participants will be entertained with classic Christmas music at 7 p.m. by festival favorites Lana Gail and Her Band. The combined events are the highlight of the season ending in a culmination of fireworks and the Lighting of the Park beginning at 7:30 p.m. Following the parade, Santa will be on hand for the official opening of Santa’s Outback Barn, located in Janssen Park on the Port Arthur Avenue side, across from the Polk County Library. Come meet Santa. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures. This is a free service to the community. Santa’s Outback Barn will also be open Dec. 2, from 8 a.m. to noon, and 1–3 p.m. on Dec. 16. For questions, contact the Chamber at 479-394-2912 or director@ menapolkchamber.com.
THE POLK COUNTY
By Ethan Nahté
Holiday Train won’t be the same
Families who anxiously await the arrival of the festive KCS Holiday Express train will see a big difference this year. The tour of the former KCS train with its holiday-themed rail cars pulled by an engine with the smiling face of Rudy, who looked like a brother of Thomas the Tank Engine, appears to be no longer. The merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern railroads (CPKC) has done more than increase the number of trains rumbling through Mena. It’s also switched from the Holiday Express to the CPKC Holiday Train. The Holiday Train is celebrating its 25th anniversary, supporting food banks and food shelves across their network by raising money, food and awareness for food insecurity issues. CPKC makes a donation to the local food shelf at each stop and encourages attendees to also donate. Since its
inception in 1999, the Holiday Train has raised more than $22.5 million and more than 5 million pounds of food for food banks across North America. The train will embark Nov. 20 with its first stop the next morning in Hermon, Maine. The journey will take what appears to be a pair of trains to New York, across the U.S./Canadian border to cities such as Toronto and Detroit as it travels west to the Chicago region and then going south through Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and throughout Texas, ending in Houston before returning north to make stops northwest of Chicago up toward Calgary. A second train appears to be traveling west, looking at their online map of stops, from Toronto and across Canada to Edmonton, Calgary, and eventually to Vancouver on the Pacific coast. CPKC has not responded to The Pulse for clarification of the itinerary. Professional musicians tour with the train, playing free concerts on the
train’s stage. This year, there are 10 different groups, with a pair of acts rotating and performing at each stop. Both Mena and Heavener will be entertained by Seaforth and Kiesza. In addition to the festive painting along the train cars, there are lots of bright neon lights flashing holiday designs during the music performance, although a bit of the razzle dazzle might be lost for the Mena performance taking place in the morning during typical business hours on a school day. If Polk County families want to see the light display, they might prefer making the drive to Heavener the evening before. - Heavener, Oklahoma – arrives at 8:15 p.m. on Nov. 28 along Main Street between Ave-nue F and Avenue C with the 30-minute event beginning at 8:30. - Mena, Arkansas – arrives at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 29 at the Mena Train Depot with the 30-minute event beginning at 10:45. - The train will then travel to Texarkana and stop on the Texas side for a 4:45 performance. Kiesza is a Canadian singer-songwriter whose breakthrough single “Hideaway” (2014) has re-portedly accrued a billion streams. A car crash put her career on hold for a couple of years. She released her second album in 2020. She also promotes Run Renegade apparel. Her videos can be found on YouTube. The pop video for her single “Love me With Your Lie” is a bit reminiscent of early Madonna or Paula Abdul with the sound and risqué look. Seaforth is a country music duo from Australia. One of their singles, “What I Get for Loving You” has reportedly gotten 40 million on-demand streams to date. Fans of groups such as Flor-ida Georgia Line might find Seaforth to their liking. Community response for the train’s first appearance in Mena will be difficult to judge with it arriving so early in the work and school day, but perhaps it will still draw a crowd.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
November 22, 2023
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We are into November, and I just received my water bill from Mena Water. The bill had gone up. The increase was not enough to throw our budget into disarray but was noticeable. I also realize there are those living paycheck to paycheck that will have to make difficult choices to make ends meet, as this is but one of many necessities that has experienced price increases. I feel for the employees of Mena Water. They work hard to ensure safe drinking water while dealing with an aging infrastructure requiring maintenance or repair parts that are no longer made. Ultimately new equipment must be procured and installed, and that is expensive. Vehicles break down or age and need replacement. If you have shopped for groceries, you have no doubt noticed an increase there as well. The bottom line is everything costs more and most of us have not had pay increases that keep up with the cost of living. Our household is retired and that is a hard fact for us. We are conservative in our spending and so far, I have not had to resort to pole dancing at the senior center for extra cash. If I may help put things in perspective, I traveled the world in the U.S. Navy. I learned the hard way not to drink tap water after experiencing Montezuma’s Revenge. The news stories in our own country about lead issues in the water supply due to aging infrastructure in Flint, Michigan, shows a need to upgrade for public health in our country as
Letters 3
Want to share your opinion? well. These costs are astronomical. Bet they would love to pay our rates for the quality of water we enjoy. Even our military members are suffering from damage done by the water supply at Camp Lejune. Without good clean water we will suffer. That is the harsh reality. I have a well on my property but switched to city water years ago. I do not regret that decision. The water provided to me is clean, safe, and abundant. The folks delivering it are my friends and neighbors, and none of them are getting rich from doing that hard, often thankless, job. So, I paid my bill and would have said thank you, but no one was at the nighttime drop box when I went thru at 6 a.m. So, I will say so now... Thank You for your hard work and the clean water I can drink without fear, and sometimes take for granted. Just a thought: If Mena Water will establish an account internally to help defray the bills for our elderly or disadvantaged, I will gladly donate to it monthly to help those less fortunate. Together we can be better and help each other. As always, I thank you for a forum to express my thoughts though we may disagree peacefully. With respect and kindest regards, Ronald Goss, retired, Mena
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4 News
THE POLK COUNTY
November 22, 2023
From the
State House of Representatives
While the convenience of economy. These businesses often reinvest in the comdepartment stores and online shopping is undeniable, munity, helping to create jobs and contribute to the we’d like to take this time to encourage you to incoroverall economic well-being porate shopping locally this of your area. In fact, studies holiday season. show that 68 cents of every John Maddox Saturday, November 25, dollar spent at a small busi2023, is Small Business Satness stays in the community. urday – a day to celebrate and sup- In addition, every dollar spent at a port small businesses and all they do small business creates an additional for their communities. 48 cents in local business activity as Small businesses are the lifeblood a result of employees and local busiof our communities, and by choos- nesses purchasing local goods and ing to support them, we can make services. a significant positive impact on our Small businesses are often famistate’s economy, as well as create a ly-owned or operated by your neighmore vibrant and diverse shopping bors, friends, and fellow community experience. members. By shopping at these local A small business in Arkansas is de- establishments, you not only support fined as those with less than 500 em- their livelihoods but also create a ployees. There are more than 264,000 stronger sense of unity and connecsmall businesses in Arkansas. Small tion within your town or city. They businesses make up the majority of also offer a treasure trove of one-ofbusinesses in the state. More than a-kind products that you won’t find 47% of all Arkansas employees work in larger stores. for a small business. Your small purchase this holiday When you shop at small business- season can make a big difference. es, your dollars stay within the local
Contact Your Legislators!
John Maddox
John Boozman
john.maddox@ arkansashouse.org 520 Church Avenue Mena, AR 71953 Call: 479-394-6060
1120 Garrison Ave. Suite 2B Fort Smith, AR 72901 Phone: (479) 573-0189 Fax: (479) 575-0553
Terry Rice
Bruce Westerman
Terry.Rice@senate.ar.gov P.O. Box 2195 Waldron, AR 72958 479-637-3100
101 Reserve St. Suite 200 Hot Springs, AR 71901 Phone: (501) 609-9796 Fax: (501) 609-9887
From the
State Senate
Pulse
Law enforcement is preseal, mental health commitdominately a duty of local ments and juvenile records. governments, and the overThe records include results of whelming majority of police background checks that are officers in Arkansas work for used for handgun permits, cities and counties. and certain records of domesHowever, state government tic violence. does have 1,299 employees ACIC manages the sex ofTerry Rice in the Department of Public fender registry. The names are Safety. There are 897 people working submitted by local, state and federal for the State Police. The Division of law enforcement agencies. However, Emergency Management has 88 em- ACIC is responsible for documentaployees. tion, record retention and tracking of The state Crime Lab has a staff of registered sex offenders. 140, the Commission on Law EnSome of the hardware used at ACIC forcement Standards and Training has is almost 14 years old and in need of 38 employees and the Arkansas Crime replacement. The agency is working Information Center has 43 employees. with the Division of Information SysThere are 93 employees whose work tems to upgrade its technology. is shared by the other divisions. Their The database of people’s criminal duties are administrative, for example, histories is available to local law enthey work in information technology, forcement officers, but not to the pubhuman resources and writing grant lic because it is exempt from the open applications. records requirements in the Arkansas The Crime Information Center Freedom of Information Act. Howev(ACIC) is one of the most important er, sex offender information is public. agencies in law enforcement, although Also, ACIC compiles crime statismany people are unfamiliar with it. tics that are available to the public. For Its primary duty is to operate a mas- example, every month in Arkansas besive data system for 250 law enforce- tween 500 and 700 guns are reported ment agencies in Arkansas. When stolen. The cumulative impact of that local officers take the fingerprints number may surprise people - at the of a criminal suspect, they look for end of 2022, more than 58,000 guns a match in a massive data base with had been reported stolen in Arkansas. prints submitted by the FBI, the NaFor comparison, at the end of 2022 tional Crime Information Center and there were a total of 11,821 motor vethe other 49 states. ACIC is responsi- hicles and 308 boats reported stolen ble for the entry of all Arkansas crimi- in Arkansas. nal files to the national system. One file maintained by ACIC is of The files contain much more than extreme value to law enforcement. fingerprints. They have lists of stolen It’s the file of 263 people who are not vehicles and metals of value for resale only prone to violence, but specifically or recycling. They have logbooks of prone to violence against police offithe sales of ephedrine and pseudo- cers. ephedrine, which are essential ingreThe legislature created ACIC in dients for making illegal drugs. 1971 and has updated its authority, Criminal history records include and many times since then has modpardons by the governor, orders to ernized its equipment and technology.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
November 22, 2023
News 5
HORSES ple were like, ‘Yeah, we wanna help. We because they sent me that money to have the facilities to do this. I did not continued from page 1 wanna free them.’ I was like, ‘Okay, well, do that. I said, ‘I promise that whatev- have the structure in place. Maybe some
“Why on earth would I even think to bring in more animals that are gonna burn hay on me? “I ended up on Facebook and I saw some woman’s avatar. It was her and a cowboy hat and she had her arm raised up in the air and she was like, ‘Help me, I’m drowning.’ I just looked at that and I thought, ‘What would make someone generate an avatar like that with such a pleading sort of look? Right? What would that be? So, just because I was curious, I clicked on it and then it was like a tidal wave rush of these beautiful horses. I mean, just so gorgeous. I couldn’t believe it. Momma/baby pairs — mares and their foals paired up. “At the top it said, ‘Owned by kill buyers.’ I thought, ‘Well, that’s not okay.’ You think of a momma and a baby, and they need to be stress free, comfortable, fed extra feed, cared for in a different way, and given the space to sort of grow and raise that young baby. Just any animal should be given that. I looked at that and I thought, ‘You know, that is not good.’ I saw the stickers on their butts, and I was like, ‘I could probably adopt one pair. I’ll adopt one pair.’ I thought to myself, ‘You know, maybe that’s not so responsible given that my union is striking and there’s no more jobs in the foreseeable future for me, which means no money, no income coming in.’” Despite that uncertainty, she didn’t let it deter her. Inspiration and a seedling of a thought germinated and grew. “I thought, ‘Well, let me be creative, put it on my Instagram and see if anybody would wanna sponsor these horses.’ Then I could care for them and then maybe people would wanna share the cost of the feed and the hay and maybe it would offset my responsibility just a little bit because I love the caring for them. I’ll do that all day long, but it’s just I can’t financially afford more animals that eat like that. “So, I put it up and immediately, peo-
here’s my Paypal. You could just send some money.’ Even before I finish the sentence, it’s like the money is there. I was like, ‘Wow, so they really wanted to do this.’ So, I bailed that pair out. “Then I thought, ‘Well, because I
er money you sent, I will rescue horses with this money. I did exactly what I said. We saved every single horse from that truck, every single mother/baby pair. I was like, ‘Okay, now I have 48 horses,’” Olivieri said with a laugh of
Dawn Olivieri checking on some of the 40-plus horses she has rescued with the help of kind donations. (Photo by Samantha Maechler) made that announcement, I had extra money then in the Paypal. I thought maybe I could bail two out if they’re just sending me the money to do it, I’ll do it.” She bailed out two and then the money kept coming in, leaving her wondering what to do next. Her idea began growing like wildflowers. She said, “‘Well, hold on a second, I’ll do this. Do you guys want me to take more?’ and they’re like, ‘We wanna rescue more.’ So, I just kept doing it and I kept posting pictures. They would be like rescue this pair. The [hay] bales were around $1050,” she said with disbelief. “People were sending exactly that amount, and multiple times. I was like, ‘Oh my God. Now I’m really responsible. I feel really responsible for these people’s money, and they’re donating to save the horses. So, I have to save the horses.’ By the end of three days, I had rescued 28 horses. There were 14 pairs
exuberance. The next hurdle was the problem of getting them all back to Arkansas, not to mention determining on how to properly handle that amount of responsibility and obtain enough supplies for proper watering and feeding. “Therein lies the next phase. In my mind, I wasn’t thinking of all of the steps. I’ve never done this. You don’t think you’re naive to the fact. You can say naïve, or you can say, ‘I’m in, I have faith that whatever this thing is that’s moving is gonna help me.’ It’s not just up to me because it hasn’t felt like that this entire time. It felt like it wanted to happen. “And these horses are doing the work. They are generating awareness and they are enticing people to then help them stay alive. All I have to do is be the vessel in which those pathways connect. “That’s sort of how I’ve done this. I definitely was not prepared. I did not
people may call that irresponsible, but I kind of look at it like I’m moving on full trust. There is, without a doubt, a divine architecture at play here and I am simply keeping fear at bay within myself that I won’t have enough. There won’t be enough hay, there won’t be enough feed, there won’t be enough… and it’s just taking care of itself. I mean, Purina has stepped up and they are sponsoring all of the feed for all of the horses indefinitely right now. I would never be able to do this if this kind of thing didn’t pop up like this. Tractor Supply [Co.] stepped up and has donated not only water troughs, hoses and almost everything I’ve asked for. They connected me with a vendor with Tarter [USA]. Tartar brought 60 pan corral panels and dropped them off on a semi for the babies. Literally, if I tell you I was not prepared, there are two rescue groups that I have right now on the property. The first one was that momma/baby pair. I call it the Momma Baby Army. “When I did that, a rep from Purina came and dropped off 25 buckets of foal feed. I thought she was just gonna bring me like a couple of buckets in her car. She brought 25 buckets, and I was like, ‘Wow, I have a lot of foal feed now — milk pellets. I thought, ‘Well, maybe I should go rescue a few more foals because I can feed them right now.’ “I started looking at the other kill pens because, for some reason, over the past couple months there has been the largest, foal presence in kill pins that the rescuers I’ve talked to have seen in their entire careers. There’s been more foals that have shown up in kill pens over the last few months.” To discover whether she rescued more horses, and the health issues some horses have had to overcome, watch for part three of Olivieri’s interview next week. Meanwhile, the standalone article of part one [The Pulse Nov. 15] has links on how you can donate.
6 Obituaries Joyce Nodene Maxey Mrs. Joyce Nodene Maxey, age 98, passed away, Saturday, November 4, 2023, in Issaquah, Washington. She was born May 30, 1925, in Cove, Arkansas, to Grover Sims and Sarah (Clark) Sims. Joyce was known as a very family-oriented person, she loved being surrounded by her family and looking through photos and sharing stories to one another. She was also very fond of crocheting, gardening, quilting, and sewing. Mrs. Maxey is preceded in death by her parents, Grover and Sarah (Clark) Sims; daughter, Barbara Koenig; husband, George Maxey; grandson, Robert Koenig; granddaughter, Kimber White; 2 brothers and 5 sisters. She is survived by her sister, Muriel Manning; daughter, Georgia PettyJohn and husband Elroy; grandchildren, Desiree (Hart) Cuddihy, Casey Koenig and wife Tammy, Beth Koenig, Christy Keith and husband Kendall; 10 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; as well as by a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Services for Mrs. Joyce Maxey will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the Beasley-Wood Chapel in Mena, Arkansas. Casey Koenig will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Cove, Arkansas. Visitation will be general. Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com
November 22, 2023
Cassius “Junior” Garfield Hennings Jr.
Cassius “Junior” Garfield Hennings Jr, age 73, of Mena, Arkansas, died Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at the Green House Cottages of Homewood in Mena, Arkansas. He was born on Sunday, June 18, 1950, to Cassius Garfield Hennings Sr. and Phyllis Hoeke Hennings in Mena, Arkansas. With a quiet personality that was easy to get along with, Junior was a man of simplicity who loved his family and valued hard work. He had an exemplary work ethic that set him apart. In his silent, resilient manner, Junior would teach those around him the importance of dedication and perseverance, lest anything be put off for later. His approach to life bore the testament of his belief in getting things done in a timely manner. Junior held a special fondness for softball and wrestling, watching them on television or recording them to watch later. His recreational activities included fishing, playing bingo at the American Legion, and tinkering with old cars. His quiet presence and easygoing nature will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and devotion and will forever be remembered for his quiet strength and gentle spirit. Junior is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sharon Dee Hennings; one stepdaughter, Lois Mae Stone; two sisters, Phyllis Gallego and Joyce Bissell. Junior is survived by his two sons and daughter-in-law, Nathan Stone of Mena, Joshua and Emiko Hennings of Wickes; two brothers, Butch and Frances Hennings of Cherry Hill and Richard and Reginna Hennings of Atlanta, Georgia; five grandchil-
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
Polly dren, Garrett Hennings, Clint Hennings, Beau Hennings, Tyrel HenSue nings, Amy Hennings; numerous Brown nieces and nephews, and a host of Polly Sue other relatives and friends. Brown, 87, of No services are planned at this Acorn, Artime. Cremation arrangements are kansas, passed entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral away on NoHome in Mena, Arkansas. vember 18, 2023, peacefully at her Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com home in Acorn. Polly was born on James October 5, 1936, to James Golden and Wilanna (Ralls) Golden in AthDavid ens, Arkansas. Embry Polly was a member of the James David Northside Church of Christ, she loved Embry, 49 of baking sugar cookies, and she was a Hot Springs, professional quilter. Her quilting was AR, formerly of so amazing she won first place at the Mena, passed county fair. The only reason why she away Sunday, November 5, 2023. He stopped entering her quilts was she was born February 27, 1974, in Mena, wanted to give someone else a chance at winning. She loved watching and AR, to Dale and Yvonne Embry. He is preceded in Death by grand- listening to baseball games. She used parents James and Shirley Rathell, to listen to the Atlanta Braves on the Clyde and Wilba Embry, and a baby Radio before there was TV. She is survived by; one son, Alden daughter. Survivors include life partner, (Deanna) Brown; and two daughters, Donna MacDonald of Hot Springs; Cindy Lou (James R.) Martin, and Father, Dale Embry of Mena; Moth- Perri (Dwayne) Curry; one sister, Aler, Yvonne Embry of Prairie Grove; ice Holomshek; five grandchildren, Brothers John Embry and wife Ken- twenty-two great-grandchildren, and dra, of Mena; Steve Embry, of Harri- six great-great-grandchildren. She is son; Sister, Amanda Embry of Prairie preceded in death by her parents, Grove; and nephew, Zayne Embry, of seventeen siblings, granddaughter, Sally Wigger, and Grandson, Tony Mena. He was a loving partner, son, Curry. Graveside service will be held at brother, uncle, and friend who will 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Novembe missed by many. He has been sent for cremation ber 25, 2023, at Nunley Cemetery and a memorial will be held Tuesday, in Nunley, Arkansas, with Brother November 28, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., at Frank Gibson officiating. There will be a scheduled Visitation on Friday, Southside Church of God in Mena. November 24, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Beasley Wood Funeral Home. Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
Walking in a winter wonderland
The Mena Advertising and Promotion Commission will officially welcome the holiday season with the annual Mena Christmas Festival at 7 p.m., Dec. 1, in Janssen Park. The festival will immediately follow the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Parade of Lights, which begins at 6 p.m. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors, and spread holiday cheer at this cherished event. The sounds of joy, laughter, and music will fill the air, as we gather to celebrate Christmas, our community, and the holiday season. Come sing along to your favorite Christmas songs with Lana Gail and her band. They will perform a Christmas Music Concert, beginning at 7
The Christian Motorcyclists Association will be doing a ride for Toys for Tots. The CMA Homefront Warriors will meet at Walmart at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. They will ride to Janssen Park for a toy delivery to Toys for Tots and encourage the public to come out and cheer them on. The public can also bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate. If you can’t make that event, there are plenty of locations throughout Polk County to donate toys or participate with the Elks angel tree, including the box at The Pulse and KENA/KQOR radio stations. A complete list of donation locations
Thanksgiving dinner reminders A reminder regarding a couple of the Thanksgiving dinners going on in the Mena area on Thanksgiving day: -
(Ethan Nahté/Pulse) p.m. Then, at 7:30, the skies will be filled with the dazzling, sparkling lights of a stunning fireworks display. Carrying on one of Mena’s favorite traditions, the City of Mena’s Official Lighting Ceremony of Janssen Park immediately follows the firework display.
CMA to make a roaring presentation to Toys for Tots By Ethan Nahté
Holidays 7
November 22, 2023
can be found in the Nov. 15 issue of The Pulse or on the Polk County Toys for Tots Facebook page. Speaking of donations, the Ouachita Mountains Trail & ATV Club donated $1,000 to Toys for Tots on Nov. 8. Additionally, if you turned in an application to Toys for Tots, they will begin sending out postcards on Dec. 1. They will still be accepting applications up through Dec. 1. The Toys for Tots event for the families a postcard has been sent to will occur on Saturday, Dec. 16 at the Mena Elks Lodge. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the event. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be at The Q on Main the same day between 4-6 p.m. for photos.
Veterans are invited to the Mena-Polk County Senior Center for a free Thanksgiving lunch being served from 11 a.m. through 2 p.m. Veteran are welcome to bring immediate family. The event is sponsored by VFW. The Senior Center is located at 401 Autumn Lane, just off of Racetrack Road on the opposite side of the railroad tracks from Walmart.
Covenant of Life Family Church will be providing their annual “Don’t Eat Home Alone” meal at noon on Thanksgiving, Nov. 23. RSVP as soon as possible if you plan to attend by calling either 479-394-6763 or 870-8284113 so the church will know how much food to prepare. They also do this all for free, but there will be an offering basket available by request. Covenant of Life Family Church is located at 1101 Pine Ave., across from the Mena Silver Screen movie theater.
The CALL seeking stocking stuffers
The Call in Polk County and CASA are inviting you, your small group, or your church to donate or host a drive this holiday season to support our local foster families and foster kiddos! If you, your office or your organization would like to give back during the holidays, here’s your chance. We are taking donations of holiday meal items. We will also be accepting donations of stocking stuffer items Dec. 10. Please call our office at either 501-813-6480 or 479-234-3498
for more information or email AGreen@TheCallInArkansas.org/. Items needed for stocking stuffers include but are not limited to: -candy -small toys that will fit in stockings -age appropriate for boys and girls ages 6 months-18 years -small books -socks -hair/jewelry items -small games, puzzles, or similar items
8 News By Richie Lawry
After years of leg and knee pain, I finally decided to have knee replacement surgery. My left knee had been in bad shape for a long time. Three years ago, my X-rays showed that it was bone on bone. At that time, my orthopedic surgeon told me the answer was a complete knee replacement. I resisted the idea, and he said to me that when it hurt bad enough, I would get it replaced. In early October, Dr. Hefley performed a total knee replacement on my left knee at the Arkansas Surgical Hospital. The morning after the surgery, the hospital’s physical therapist came into my room and told me it was time for therapy. After she helped me get out of bed, I fumbled with my hospital gown, trying to maintain at least a small amount of modesty. As I walked down the hospital corridor with my walker, the physical therapist told me the goals for the session and then explained the importance of physical therapy after I went home. At the end of the corridor was an alcove with a couple of steps leading up to a small platform. She instructed me on the best way to step up onto the platform. I would need to master the skill before being released from the hospital. After the step therapy, we walked back down the corridor towards my room. As we walked, the therapist explained the importance of physical therapy after knee replacement and told me what to expect. “During the first couple of weeks,” she said, “you will be working on things like bending your knee, stretching your knee straight, restoring normal walking, and doing exercises to help you move through the different stages of recovery.” “As your therapy progresses,” she continued, “you will work on flexibility, range-of-motion, and muscle-strengthening exercises. The goal is not only to strengthen the knee but
November 22, 2023
An Arkie’s Faith Flexibility
Richie’s first physical theapy after knee replacement surgery. (Photo by Regina Lawry)
to slow the development of scar tissue that can reduce your range of motion. The most important aspect of your physical therapy will be range-of-motion exercises — active knee bending and straightening help to improve pain and swelling. Your physical therapist will safely guide you through exercises to restore your knee range of motion. Movement and flexibility are key to a good recovery.” After going home from the hospital and starting physical therapy in Mena, it became evident how stiff and inflexible my knee was. I had a poor range of motion in my knee and was not able to bend it easily. Physical therapy and the stretching exercises that I did daily helped me become more flexible. After several weeks of treatment, my therapist was happy with the range of motion restored to my knee. While doing the stretching exercises, I realized that while my legs are not very flexible, I have other issues
with flexibility. My body may not be very flexible, but neither is my mind. We often refer to someone as stubborn or headstrong. In a more flattering way, we may refer to them as uncompromising, determined, or persistent. As Christians, we often see these traits as positive, and they can be. In 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ISV), Paul wrote, “Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, unmovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord.” I believe that the Bible is firm and unchangeable. It contains God’s truth and His principles. But sometimes, that belief can make me very inflexible. We may think that we must remain faithful to principles and convictions, regardless of the opinions of others. But many Christians with this mindset bully others or are perpetually angry because they do not like what is going on. I recently heard an acronym I want to adapt and use here. These people are cave people, that is, Christians Against Virtually Everything. There is a time to take a moral stand, but we should still be salt and light, and the only way to do that is to be flexible in how we see things. Flexibility, the ability to quickly change directions and compromise when appropriate, is admirable. Think what would happen if an airplane pilot refused to be flexible and change altitude or direction when advised of a dangerous weather system. Or think about what could happen if car drivers refused to let other people merge into their lanes. Flexibility is necessary, but how should you decide when to be flexible and when to resist change? Maybe, like me, many of you suffer from inflexibility. We have figured out
Joke of the Week:
No matter how much you push the envelope, it’ll still be stationery. It’s something that we need to address.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse how to live our lives and feel that to be victorious Christians; we must be determined and uncompromising. The backbone of our beliefs becomes rigid rules and regulations. We are stubborn in our determination to control life’s course and outcome. Often, I have tried to maintain control over my life instead of letting God be in control. I thought I figured out everything and knew how God needed to answer my prayers. Yet, life rarely works how I want it to or think it should. I am too inflexible. I like the answer to inflexibility given by the Christian author Susan Lenzkes. She said, “There is a cure. Each time life throws us a punch, we can do a deep knee bend, forcing our muscles of faith, hope, and understanding to stretch.” She goes on to say, “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be broken. No, that’s not one of Jesus’ Beatitudes, but it is an attitude that makes all the difference in your emotional and spiritual health.” Gentle Reader, are you a flexible person? Spiritual flexibility comes from exercising our faith and trust in God, not from an unyielding belief. We must be accommodating and eliminate pride in our rigid rules and regulations. “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” James 1:19,20 (NLT) Inflexible Christians are not good witnesses to the world. Trillia Newbell explained it this way; “What is so strange to me is people believe that by fighting, they are being faithful. It’s hard to convince someone that they may need to be slow to speak and to tame their tongue if they think they’re right. And if they think they’re fighting for Jesus.” Don’t be a cave person. Make it your goal to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Replacing windshields in Polk County for over 40 years. Give Richie a call at 479-394-9938 Located at 3008 Hwy 71 South
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
By Ethan Nahté
November 22, 2023
Jammie Don Cook wins the Buck Fever contest
The Ouachita Broadcasting Buck Fever contest give-away has come to an end, and the big winner was Jammie Don Cook Names were randomly selected from each of the sponsor locations for the finalists. Mena Pawn & Gun donated the new Remington 700 .30-06 with a Vortex Crossfire II 3x9 40-mm scope. Strother Furniture donated a camo recliner, which was won by first runner-up Mark Tapley. The finalists met at Mena Pawn & Gun located inside Tim’s Yamaha, located at 1411 Hwy. 71 South Jammie Don Cook, flanked by Tim Kiser (left) and Wes Wright (right), with afor the random drawing at noon the new Remington 700 .30-06 he won in Ouachita Broadcasting’s 2023 on Saturday. Buck Fever contest. (Jamie Hammack/Pulse)
News 9 The finalists and location where they registered: - Blake Thompson of Mena (Ouachitas) - Mark Tapley of Mena (Teeter) - Christopher Wittington of Mena (Southwest Outdoor) - Jammie Cook of Mena (Freedom Pharmacy) - Steve Harrod of Mena (Mena Pawn & Gun) - Jamie Smith of Mena (Farmers Co-Op) - Chris Thomas of Mena (Strother Furniture) - Calvin Fairless (Holly Springs Real Estate)
10 News
THE POLK COUNTY
November 22, 2023
Reflections from History and Faith:
Pulse
The Friday before Thanksgiving
By Jeff Olson The fall season is my favorite time of the year, and for various reasons. It was once again sad to see October go, as the famous Johnny Mercer/Barry Manilow song reminds us. The myriad of foliage colors is beginning to fade and fall, but the special celebration of Thanksgiving is upon us now. For me, and for many of you, this season of year also has its sad memories. Those of us who are about 65 years of age or older likely have at least some vague recollections of President John F. Kennedy’s death 60 years ago this Wednesday. As an avid reader and researcher, I have done much of both about that dark day of our nation’s history on November 22, 1963. However, I choose not to go down this path about that Friday before Thanksgiving 60 years ago. Rather, in these paragraphs on this Friday before Thanksgiving 60 years later, I would like to share with you something of what this young vibrant president said to the nation only 18 days before his life was tragically cut short. Today more than ever we need bright, wise and sobering words to light our path, to encourage us and remind us of our national heritage — words which can unify us and strengthen us in a time when our nation has lost its way and corruption lives stronger than ever in our culture and in the hallowed halls of government. From President Kennedy’s Thanksgiving message of Nov. 4, 1963: Over three centuries ago, our forefathers in Virginia and in Massachusetts, far from home in a lonely wilderness,
set aside a time of thanksgiving. On the appointed day, they gave reverent thanks for their safety, for the health of their children, for the fertility of their fields, for the love which bound them together and for the faith which united them with their God. So too when the colonies achieved their independence, our first President in the first year of his first Administration proclaimed November 26, 1789, as “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God” and called upon the people of the new republic to “beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions… to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue . . . and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.”
And so too, in the midst of America’s tragic civil war, President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November 1863 as a day to renew our gratitude for America’s “fruitful fields,” for our “national strength and vigor,” and for all our “singular deliverances and blessings.” Much time has passed since the first colonists came to rocky shores and dark forests of an unknown continent, much time since President Washington led a young people into the experience of nationhood, much time since President Lincoln saw the American nation through the ordeal of fraternal war–and in these years our population, our plenty and our power have all grown apace. Today we are a nation of nearly two hundred million souls, stretching from coast to coast, on into the Pacific and north toward the Arctic, a nation enjoying the fruits
of an ever-expanding agriculture and industry and achieving standards of living unknown in previous history. We give our humble thanks for this. Yet, as our power has grown, so has our peril. Today we give our thanks, most of all, for the ideals of honor and faith we inherit from our forefathers– for the decency of purpose, steadfastness of resolve and strength of will, for the courage and the humility, which they possessed and which we must seek every day to emulate. As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them. Let us therefore proclaim our gratitude to Providence for manifold blessings–let us be humbly thankful for inherited ideals–and let us resolve to share those blessings and those ideals with our fellow human beings throughout the world. Now, Therefore, I, John F. Kennedy, President of the United States of America, in consonance with the joint resolution of the Congress approved December 26, 1941, 55 Stat. 862 (5 U.S.C. 87b), designating the fourth Thursday of November in each year as Thanksgiving Day, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 28, 1963, as a day of national thanksgiving. On that day let us gather in sanctuaries dedicated to worship and in homes blessed by family affection to express our gratitude for the glorious gifts of God; and let us earnestly and humbly pray that He will continue to guide and sustain us in the great unfinished tasks of achieving peace, justice, and understanding among all men and nations and of ending misery and suffering wherever they exist.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
November 22, 2023
Saturday is Small Business Saturday The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Arkansas District Office is encouraging the area to shop small, shop local and dine local Nov. 25 in celebration of Small Business Saturday® and during the holiday season. This year marks the 14th annual Small Business Saturday, held the day after “Black Friday” to help capture a larger piece of the holiday season consumer spending and help small businesses get patrons through their doors. With the holiday season approaching, Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to celebrate and support [your community]. “Shopping small isn’t just a purchase; it’s an investment in your neighborhood,” said Adriene Brown, SBA Arkansas District Office Director. “Every dollar spent at a small business is a vote for local prosperity and a testament to the dreams and determination of your neighbors. It’s a lifeline to economic growth and provides encouragement and hope to entrepreneurs. Together through our choices, we can transform our neighborhoods into thriving hubs of creativity, diversity, and opportunity. When you shop small, you’re shaping a better future for all of us.” President Biden’s Investing in America economic agenda continues to deliver for small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the United States has experienced a historic small business boom and the state of the economy is strong. Founded by American Express®
in 2010 and officially cosponsored by the SBA since 2011, Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting the diverse range of local small businesses that create jobs, help boost the economy, and enhance neighborhoods nationwide. According to American Express, the projected total reported spending among U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday last year hit a record high with an estimated $17.9 billion1, and 72% of shoppers strongly agree they will continue to shop small throughout the holiday season because of the impact it has on their local community. To learn more about Small Business Saturday, visit the SBA’s dedicated website at www.sba.gov/saturday. The SBA’s Arkansas District Office serves the sole small-business contact for the state of Arkansas. [1] The American Express 2022 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey was conducted by Teneo on behalf of American Express. The study is a nationally representative sample of 2,471 U.S. adults aged 18 years or older. The sample was collected using an email invitation and an online survey. The study gathered self-reported data and does not reflect actual receipts or sales. It was conducted anonymously on November 27, 2022. The survey has an overall margin of error of +/- 2.0%, at the 95% level of confidence. Projections are based on the current U.S. Census estimates of the U.S. adult population, age 18 years or older.
News 11
12 News
November 22, 2023
Shoe Sensation to host eighth annual Socks for Troops fundraiser Shoe Sensation, a regional chain of name brand family shoe stores, is hosting its eighth annual Socks for Troops fundraiser in all of their 200plus retail locations. Last year Shoe Sensation collected over 50,000 pairs of socks and hopes to continue the success of the program in 2023. This year, each store will be collecting socks for active-duty military personnel and/or local veterans in their communities. Shoe Sensation will have military approved socks for customers to purchase and donate in-store. Customers will receive 20% off socks purchased for a donation. Shoe Sensation locations will also serve as a drop off point for customers to bring in new socks they have collected on their own. *
David Bateman, community connections director and creator of the Socks for Troops program for Shoe Sensation said, “It has been a tough year for everyone in our communities. This is no exception for the country’s military personnel. A small gesture can go a long way in providing them with comfort during the holidays. We appreciate the sacrifices of our armed forces and their families make in their personal lives to protect our safety and our country’s interests. This is one way we can show our appreciation to the men and women who serve in our armed forces and to our veterans that have served our country.” Socks for Troops began Nov. 1 and Shoe Sensation will continue collecting socks until Dec. 31. Visit the Shoe Sensation in Mena at Northside Shopping Center on Hwy. 71 for more details or to donate.
Santas 4 Seniors seeks special gifts
Polk County 4-H, Extension Homemakers Club (EHC) and Polk County Master Gardeners are doing Santas 4 Seniors program once more. The program is open to low-income senior citizens ages 65-plus who have no family support. The main focus of this program is to provide those seniors with a special gift this Christmas. The applications process has passed and Santas are on the tree ready for adoption. Presents can be brought to the Polk County Extension Office, 211 Dequeen St., Mena no later than noon on Dec. 8. Gifts must be unwrapped and in a gift bag. Deliveries will be made Dec. 11-12. For more information visit the office or call 479-394-6018.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse Polk County Births Mena Regional Health System NOVEMBER 5, 2023 TO NOVEMBER 11, 2023 Veronica Heath & William Hicks of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born Nov. 5th Macy Walston & Kurtis Walston of Hatfield, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born Nov. 7th Raige Miner & Paul Miner of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born Nov. 11th
Comedian Adam Kessler performing at Mena Polk County Senior Center By Ethan Nahté
tioned for America’s Got Talent and been performing comedy for two The Mena-Polk County Senior decades. Center will have comedian Adam The Senior Center will be doing a Kessler performing on Saturday, potluck starting at 11 a.m. and the December 2. Kessler is a clean co- comedy show will start at noon. Admedian out of the Fayetteville area mission is $10 dollars. Everyone is *Sock donations must be brand who has toured the nation, audi- welcome. new and donated in its original packaging. Shoe Sensation cannot accept used pairs of socks or socks without its original packaging.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
November 22, 2023
Community 13
Around Town Polk County Farm Bureau will be closed Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holidays. Nimble Thimbles Quilt Guild will meet Monday, Nov. 27 from 1-4 p.m. at the Extension Education Building at 211 DeQueen St. Bring Show and Tell or come for advice on a project you are working on. If you attended the Ouachita Quilt Show Nov. 3-4, we welcome your comments and suggestions. There will not be a meeting in December but Nimble Thimbles does meet the fourth Monday of the month at the Extension Education Building at 211 DeQueen St. GriefShare at First Presbyterian Church Mena meet every Wednesday at 1 p.m. for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one. Democrat Party Christmas Party will be at the Daisy Room (behind Janseen Avenue Florist & Gifts), from 6:30-10 p.m., Dec. 11. Catered by Papas with fajita checken, rice and beans. Dessert is potluck, so bring your holiday goodies to share. 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. Christ’s Church of Cove, 5234 Hwy. 71 S, Cove gathers every Tuesday, 8:30-9:30 a.m., for free coffee and conversation. 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. 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. 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. 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) 2347174 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. 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) 2439600 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!
14 Police
November 22, 2023
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 November 13, 2023 Audra Cogburn, 33, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for Delivery of Methamphetamine or Cocaine. Tyler Ginn, 28, of DeQueen was arrested on a warrant for Arson. Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to harassment. Dustin Chenoweth, 34, of DeQueen was arrested on a warrant for Theft of Property. November 14, 2023 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Anders Avenue near Hatfield in reference to a structure fire. Christopher Brown, 48, of Mena was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant. Deputies responded to a report of Disorderly Conduct. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration. November 15, 2023 Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to harassment. November 16, 2023 Michael Curry, 37, of Grannis was arrested on a Body Attachment. Renee Veal, 52, of Hatfield was arrested by an officer with Probation
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
cuting Attorney for further consid- November 15 eration. No report. November 19, 2023 No reports.
November 16 Sean Craddock, 28, was charged with Criminal Trespass and served Polk County Sheriff ’s Office with warrants at Walmart. Parole on a warrant for Disorderly worked 0 vehicle accidents this Conduct, 2nd Degree Battery and week. November 17 Harassment. No report. David Fraser, 35, of Mena was arrested by an officer with Probation November 18 Parole on a warrant for Failure to Joseph Lucas, 19, was charged Appear. with Possession of MethamphetChristian Kahn, 20, of Mena was amine and Simultaneous Possession arrested on a Body Attachment. of Drugs and Firearm after a traffic Deputies responded to a report of November 12 stop on Reine Street. Sterling Bowen, 25, was charged rape. A report of theft was taken at David Hatton, 61, of Mena was ar- with Possession of Methamphet- James’ Super Save Foods. rested on a charge of Distributing, amine, Possession of Drug ParaA report of theft was taken at ToPossessing, or Viewing of Matter phernalia, Possession of Marijuana, bacco SuperStore. Depicting Sexually Explicit Con- Contributing to the Delinquency A report of theft was taken from of a Juvenile, and Endangering the Walmart. duct Involving a Child. Deputies responded to a residence Welfare of a Minor after a traffic on Hwy 278 E near Wickes in refer- stop at Tapley Park. ence to a vandalized mailbox. November 13 Michael Creel, 37, was served with November 17, 2023 Deputies responded to a walk-in a warrant at the detention center. Lepeter McDole, 36, was served complainant in reference to an issue with a warrant at a residence on Evwith a child custody exchange. Donnie Dollarhyde, 50, of Mena ans Circle. A report of domestic battery was was arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department on five taken at a residence on Evans Circle. A report of domestic battery was Failure to Appear Warrants. Michael Flowers, 45, of DeQueen taken from a walk-in complainant. was arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department on a November 14 A death investigation report was warrant for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Drug taken at a residence on Hornbeck Paraphernalia Subsequent Offense. Avenue. Neider Rincon, 25, Sharron Pallares, 25, were both charged with November 18, 2023 Deputies were dispatched to a res- Theft at Walmart. A report of theft was taken at a idence on Polk 289 near Cove in reference to a trespasser. Information residence on Highway 71. has been forwarded to the Prose-
MENA POLICE REPORTS
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
Puzzles 15
November 22, 2023
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ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 11.15.23
A Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK
Do you have room in your heart and home for a shelter pet?
Meet ELMO!
Hi, I am Elmo, I am such a happy and playful kitten. I am ready for action. I am good with other cats and litter box trained. I do have special needs but I know that wont slow me down, Come to the shelter today to meet me. All animals at HSO are current on their vaccinations and will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption. If not already spayed/neutered, there may be a short delay between when you select this pet and when they are ready to go home.
HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE OUACHITAS TUES. THROUGH SAT. 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. 368 POLK 50, MENA, AR 479 3945682 WWW.HSOMENA.ORG
16 Classifieds - 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 T1227 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. T1122 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 T1227
- AUTOS FOR SALE -
For sale or trade 1985 Nissan Pickup 4x4. Runs good, good title, $3,250 OBO (479) 2341492 T1129
- PETS FOR SALE -
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
$$$$$
Pulse HSO receives a pair of grants
November 22, 2023
- CLASSIFIEDS - PUBLIC NOTICE -
Online storage foreclosure auction: Final bid date is Nov. 29, 3 p.m. Go to storageauctions.com to view and bid on the contents. T1122
- FOR SALE -
10’ A-frame in Mena area. Can be disassembled for moving. $125. (318) 282-8870 T1129 2 Cabelas Big Outdoors 600 lb. capacity man cot in Mena area. New condition. $70 each. (318) 282-8870 T1129 Tractor umbrella in Mena area. $25. (318) 282-8870 T1129 Hilti gun TE25 impact bridle in Mena area. $150 (318) 282-8870 T1129 Grizzly 14” band saw model G 1019, 120v, 3/4 hp, 1993, in Mena area. New bearing, new pulley shoes neoprene, new blade guides top & bottom roller guides, 5/8 blade and smaller, new tension block. $275 (318) 282-8870 T1129 IMS 16-speed Model-DP-16F, 1992,120v, in Mena area. Induction, 3/4 hp, large bits, more attachments $300 (318) 282-8870 T1129
- HELP WANTED -
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 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. T0424 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. T0424
THE POLK COUNTY
Humane Society of the Ouachitas (HSO) has received two grants that should be quite beneficial, not to mention it makes a statement about the work the non-kill shelter is doing.
Petco!” BOBS supports animal welfare organizations, including Petco Love, whose grants filter down to local organizations like HSO. For BOBS purchases, Skechers makes a donation to save and help shelter pets BOBS from Skechers and Petco nationwide. Love For more information about HSO In celebration of BOBS from Ske- please visit www.hsomena.org. For chers surpassing $10 million in additional information about BOBS donations to animal welfare orga- from Skechers, please visit https:// www.skechers.com/m/bobs-charity/ and learn more about Petco Love at www.petcolove.org/. Petfinder Foundation A huge thank you goes to the Petfinder Foundation for its generosity in providing a grant in the amount of $1,000 to HSO for much needed flea and tick medications for its pet rescue organization Pictured is one of HSO’s shelter dogs helped by the 2023 Bar Dog Operation Grant program. This grant from the Petfinder Foundation will help ensure that nizations nationwide, Skechers has each adoptable dog will be healthy. honored the lifesaving work of HuA regularly updated list of HSO’s mane Society of the Ouachitas with pets, available for adoption, is posta $10,000 grant alongside national ed at Petfinder.org. non-profit partner Petco Love. This check was presented to Humane Society of the Ouachitas (HSO) at the Skechers store in Fort Smith, Arkansas. According to HSO’s Adoption Event Coordinator, Tina Ball, “HSO will use the lifesaving investment to hire an adoption specialist to represent HSO at weekly adoption events at the Petco pet care center in Fort Smith. This is a great opportunity to maximize efforts for pet adoption at
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
CRSD choir members earn chairs in Region 3
Cossatot River High School junior high choir members for earning a chair in the Region 3 Jr. High West Honors Choir on Oct. 14. Over 500 students competed in this competition. Twenty-five from Cossatot River auditioned for the region choir and 18 earned chairs.
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November 22, 2023
A big congratulations to Jaylie Brantley for earning first chair. These choir members will be performed in a clinic and concert on Nov.10, in Hot Springs. Cossatot River Choirs are under the direction of Susan Brewer and Jacob Talamantez.
Mena bandmembers earn chairs in Region VIII Jazz Band
Submitted by Mark Hobson
(back row, l-r)Tony Flores, Joseph Dosch, Isaac Gray, Samuel Cordova, Lance Thomas, Beaudy Lile, Jakob Davis, Paxton Boyd (front row, l-r)Kynzi Dyer, Brylee Frachiseur, Adisen Meredith, Jayna Sanchez, Jaylie Brantley, Jaynee Castro, Elina Oliver, Lydia Phillips (Not pictured) Tyler Dixon.
Keeli Partee from Umpire also competed with Cossatot River Choir and earned a chair.
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Andrew Schnell-1st band, 2nd chair, Guitar Gabe Cunningham-Alternate, Drumset
Region VIII Jazz Band auditions were held on Nov. 14 in Fort Smith.
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Junior High All-Region Band: - Vaughn Vacca-1st band, 1st chair, Alto Saxophone - Ivan Sanchez-2nd band, 2nd chair, Alto Saxophone - Tristan Hansen-2nd band, 1st chair, Tenor Saxophone - Jaxon Hadley-Alternate, Baritone Saxophone - Evan Robbins-2nd band, 5th chair, Trumpet - Jaron Hadley-1st band, 2nd chair, Trombone - Nathan Williamson-2nd band, 2nd chair, Piano
The following students qualified to try out for the Arkansas All-State Band: - Andrew Schnell-Guitar - Hudson Vacca-Piano - Scottie Gragg-Trumpet
High School All-Region Band: - Brenden Ricker-Alternate, Alto Saxophone - Eric Decker-Alternate, Tenor Saxophone - Nathan Chung-2nd band, 1st chair, Baritone Saxophone - Scottie Gragg-1st band, 5th chair, Trumpet - Frank Smudrick-Alternate, Tenor Trombone - Jesse Garcia-Alternate, Bass Trombone - Hudson Vacca-1st band, 1st chair, Piano
18 News
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
November 22, 2023
Arkansas Farm Bureau sets 89th convention
Farm and ranch leaders from across the state will come together Nov. 29 - Dec. 1 for Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 89th annual convention at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, outgoing ArFB President Rich Hillman and Jason Brown, former NFL player and farmer/philanthropist, will serve as keynote speakers. Sanders will speak Nov. 29 in the event’s opening general session. The convention is expected to attract more than 1,000 farmers and ranchers and include a trade show featuring vendors of farm services, equipment and supplies. The trade show is open to the public and will feature, for the first time, a farmers market with Arkansas Grown and Arkansas Made products. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is partnering with ArFB to present the farmers market, which will include vendors selling specialty meats (beef, bison, emu), produce, pecans, honey, jams and
jellies, baked goods, crafts, seasonings and canned and pickled products, as well as other goods. The convention’s theme, “Breaking New Ground,” will be reinforced with workshops including topics such as H2A temporary worker programs, overviews of current livestock and row-crop economic markets, use of drones in agriculture, an overview of Arkansas Game & Fish Commission conservation programs, implementation of successful young farmer programs, and a session on multi-species livestock grazing. Voting delegates define the organization’s policy positions on issues of importance to its members during Farm Bureau’s annual business session. Delegates will elect a new president, as Hillman, who has served as president the past four years, is not seeking reelection. They will also elect a vice president and seven members for its board of directors. “Farm Bureau’s annual convention is truly a gathering of the farm and ranch
community,” said Hillman, a sixth-generation rice and soybean farmer from Carlisle (Lonoke County). “There will be important work done during our convention, but it will also be a reunion of some of the most amazing people our state has to offer. Our farmers and ranchers truly impact the world on a daily basis.” Hillman announced at the organization’s mid-summer Officers & Leaders conference that he would not seek reelection as president. In addition to his time as president, Hillman spent 11 years as vice president and 22 years as a member of the state board of directors. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as president of Arkansas Farm Bureau,” Hillman said. “I’m very appreciative of the opportunities that Farm Bureau has provided me. My goal all along, really, was to be part of the silent giant that is Farm Bureau, and work to move agriculture forward. “My role at Farm Bureau has always been a ‘we’ deal. I have accomplished
nothing by myself. It has been all of those who I have served with shoulder-to-shoulder who got things done. I have benefited from the many leaders of Farm Bureau who have come before and have walked with me, including many state board members, our current vice president Mike Freeze and going back to former presidents like Stanley Reed and Randy Veach, who were both truly remarkable leaders. Those are the footprints I have followed, and I can say that my steps have tried to match those footprints that came before me.” Awards will be presented to county Farm Bureaus for their work in support of the organization’s agricultural advocacy and membership efforts. Arkansas Farm Bureau will also present the Women’s Leadership Award along with the Stanley E. Reed Leadership Award, given annually to an active Farm Bureau member, 36 to 45 years old, for outstanding leadership within their county Farm Bureau and community.
THE POLK COUNTY
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Fighting hunger in the deer woods By Patrick Massey
Basketball
11/27 - Scranton Sr. High Tournament
Basketball
11/27 - Umpire vs. Bearden 11/28 - Umpire vs. Mineral Springs 11/28 - CRHS vs. Dierks
Basketball
11/27 - Mena @ Booneville (7th grade & Jr. teams) 11/28 - Mena vs. Booneville 11/20 - Mena @ Bentonville
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November 22, 2023
Arkansas’ modern gun deer season kicked off earlier this month and one statewide organization is reminding hunters during this much-anticipated time of year in Arkansas how they can join the fight against food insecurity. Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry helps families in need by providing food pantries with fresh protein sourced right here in Arkansas’ deer woods. The group’s mission, said President Ronnie Ritter, is to transform a renewable resource into food for the hungry. And more hunters from southwest Arkansas are needed to meet what organizers say is a growing need. “Primarily what we do is, we get hunters to donate their deer to participating processors, they field dress it, they grind it into burgers, and then we give it to local food pantries, homeless shelters,” Ritter said. “We’re trying to infiltrate this area down here and get more hunters and processors involved.” Deer can be dropped off at any participating facility, processed and then picked up by the organization and distributed to local food pantries. There is no cost to the hunter. T and L Meat Processing, the participating processor in Polk County, is located at 527 Polk 71 near Mena. Call 479-243-0112. All donated meat is distributed free and is usually donated to food pantries in the same county. It is served at churches, children’s shelters, rescue missions and community food banks. Ritter said he works with many feeding agencies across the state and the number one commodity they need is protein. “If you ask food pantries what they need, it’s meat,” Ritter said. “It’s been
harder lately for them to get it, too.” Ritter hopes to encourage more hunters in Arkansas to consider donating one or more of their legally harvested deer to Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry. He particularly addressed those hunters who aren’t always interested in filling all their tags. “Somebody that wants just a deer for their family, go out and shoot another and donate because there’s a lot of needy folks out there all across the state,” Ritter said. Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry has provided more than 4 million servings of meat for food pantries across the state since its founding in 2000. The group, he said, has received generous financial support over the years in its mission to transform an abundant white-tailed deer population into a renewable food source for the hungry. For more information on Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry, and to find out how to join the fight against food insecurity, visit www.arkansashunters.org or call 501-282-0006.
Mena opens basketball season vs De Queen By Jay Bunyard
Mena’s senior teams traveled to De Queen Tuesday night, Nov. 14, to open up the basketball season and came away with a split as the Bearcats rallied for a 55-50 victory while the LadyCats fell to the Lady Leopards 57-27. The Mena boys trailed 26-21 at halftime but outscored De Queen 18-12 in the third quarter and 16-12 in the fourth quarter to rally for the 55-50 victory. The Bearcats lit it up from the 3-point line in the second half as Sean Sullivan led the way with 15 points. Tucker Hartin scored 11. Kalib Cox and Brody Brown added nine each. In the senior girls contest, Mena fell behind 16-3 after the opening quarter and never recovered as the LadyCats fell at De Queen 57-27. Caroline Cannon led Mena with seven points. Payton Clark, Kensey Ross, and Chloe Harper added six points each for the Mena girls.
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November 22, 2023
THE POLK COUNTY
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