From the State Senate

The General Assembly also passed Act 201 and Act 137.

Act 201 seeks to have veteran disability benefits excluded as income for eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by directing DHS to seek a federal waiver.

Act 137 allows a licensing agency to consider national certifications toward occupational licensure requirements for uniformed service members and veterans. It also extends the application for initial licensure to the spouse of a uniformed service member or a uniformed service veteran and removes the one-year limit for veterans to apply for service education, training, or certifications toward occupational licensure.

We will continue to review proposals to improve the lives of veterans in Arkansas. We encourage Arkansans to consider ways they can support our veterans this Veterans Day and throughout the year.

Veterans Day is not just a day on the calendar; it’s a time for us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the sacrifices and bravery of our veterans. It is a reminder that the debt we owe them is immeasurable, but we can still strive to repay it with gratitude, respect, and support.

John Boozman

1120 Garrison Ave. Suite 2B

Fort Smith, AR 72901

Phone: (479) 573-0189

Fax: (479) 575-0553

Bruce Westerman 101 Reserve St. Suite 200

Hot Springs, AR 71901

Phone: (501) 609-9796

Fax: (501) 609-9887 than 3,000 people.

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission broke records for job creation and investment last year.

Thirty companies invested close to $6 billion and announced the creation of 5,359 jobs. The average salary of those new jobs is $29 an hour.

Last year got off to a good start, with the announcement of the largest single project in Arkansas history, an expansion of the U.S. Steel plant in northeast Arkansas.

Private companies aren’t the sole focus of economic developers. The United States Air Force and the State Department located the F-35 Foreign Military Sales Pilot Training Center at the Ebbing Air National Guard base in Fort Smith. Pilots will also be trained to fly F-16 fighter aircraft.

Other military investment by the federal government creates jobs at the Pine Bluff Arsenal and the Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville.

South Arkansas is home to some of the nation’s largest defense industries. Northeast and Central Arkansas also have hangar space, extensive runways and a skilled work force. They make aerospace and defense part of the state’s economic foundation. Their importance is reflected in the fact that 15 state universities and 22 two-year colleges in Arkansas offer courses in aerospace and military technology, as well as computer engineering.

More than 14,000 people work in Arkansas aerospace and defense industries.

Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia was the first institution in the state to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration as an aviation maintenance training facility. Graduates can work anywhere in the world where aircraft maintenance is in demand.

A team at the commission has the important duty of working to retain existing industry and to encourage their expansion. Last year they helped retain 3,058 jobs and generate $46 million in new investment.

Arkansas is home to 6,800 transportation, logistics and distribution companies that employ 55,000 people. An advantage is our location in the geographic center of the country. In addition, Arkansas is a producer of transportation equipment.

Statewide, 12.7 percent of the jobs in Arkansas are in manufacturing. The AEDC promotes industry with tax incentives, job training, infrastructure and financing.

Protecting Poultry

More than 1,800 people from 81 countries attended a summit hosted by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science.

They discussed methods of controlling highly pathogenic avian influenza, a serious disease that requires rapid response measures to avoid the spread of massive losses of birds. In the United States, the disease has cost producers 59 million birds in 47 states since 2021.

In addition to the economic impact on growers, the loss of so many birds affected consumers because it factored into the recent price increases for eggs, chicken and turkey.

Cases of the disease have been confirmed in Oklahoma, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Idaho, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota.

479-637-3100

Producing firearms and ammunition is another industry that is strong in Arkansas. Companies of varied sizes are throughout the state, employing more

Experts from Chile, Scotland, Mexico and the United States made presentations at the summit. They discussed how to extensively sample domestic flocks and wildfowl, the challenges of vaccination and other measures to control the spread of the disease.

Mary Elizabeth (Boyd) Land

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth (Boyd) Land, age 85, went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, October 31, 2023. She was born April 12, 1938, in Beachton, Oklahoma, to the late Kentford and Dora Angeline (Threatt) Boyd.

Mrs. Land worked in the Timber industry with her husband Gerald, she enjoyed fishing, camping, and going to the casino, but above all else she loved spending time with her grandchildren and loved her family. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Gerald Land; parents, Kentford and Dora Angeline (Threatt) Boyd; beloved daughter, Jane Dunagan; and by her sister, Louise Blake. She is survived by her sons, Gerald Land and wife Karen of Cove, Ar- kansas, Vergil Land and wife Tammy of Cove, Arkansas; daughters, Joyce Hopper and husband Danny of Cove, Arkansas, Lesia Land and husband, Robert Jones of Cove, Arkansas; numerous grandchildren; and by her sister, Sevella Wilson of Cove, Arkansas.

Services for Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Land will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, November 3, 2023, at the Beasley-Wood Chapel in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Todd Webb will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas. There will be a scheduled visitation held, Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Beasley-Wood Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Dale Hopper, Dakota Huff, Timmy Land, Roy Land, Steven Moss, Brenden Heath. Honorary pallbearers are Kadyn Land, Kaleb Olalde, Clint Dunagan and Justin Land.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Verda

Dean Wood

Mrs. Verda Dean Wood, age 91, passed away Saturday, November 4, 2023, in Mena, Arkansas. She was born August 28, 1932, in Mena, Arkansas, to parents, Henry “Bill” Guy Patrick and Rossie Elbert (Swiger) Patrick.

Mrs. Wood was the bookkeeper and owner of the Wood Oil Company by profession, working alongside her husband, Aaron G.H. Wood, whom she was married to for 52 years until his passing. Verda was a graduate of the Acorn High School in 1950, she was very fond of her alma mater and attended every reunion she could. Verda grew up in the Great Depression, a fact that she often attributed to helping her become the person she was, she was also known as a very talented cook, she leaves behind many treasured and cherished recipes. While her health permitted, Mrs. Wood was a faithful attendee of the Faith Missionary Baptist Church, even after she was unable to attend church services, she tuned in every Sunday to the radio broadcast of the Services. Verda enjoyed her time at the cottages, but her greatest joy of all was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Wood was preceded in death by her loving husband, Aaron G.H. Wood; parents, Henry “Bill” Guy Patrick and Rossie Elbert (Swiger) Patrick, and by her brother, Clyde Patrick. She is survived by her daughter, Tamara Henry and husband Gregg; grandchildren, Lauren Gage and husband Devin, Christopher Henry and wife Kristin; great-grandchildren, Damen Gage and Blaire Henry; many honorary grandchildren too numerous to mention, and by special honorary grandchildren,

Dillon and Derrick.

Graveside services for Mrs. Wood will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at the Pinecrest Memorial Park, in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Arlon Faught will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be general. Honorary pallbearers are Derrick Gage and Dillon Gage.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Mareitta Kay Ollar

Marietta Kay Ollar, age 75, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at the Green House Cottages of Homewood. She was born on Thursday, January 18, 1948, to Floyd and Norma Thompson Taylor in Poteau, Oklahoma.

Marietta was affectionately known by many as “Mama Kay.” She never turned anyone away, if you came to her house, you were her family, and were guaranteed to be fed and well cared for. Over the years she cared for countless children and continued to love them long after, her love never wavered. She devoted a lifetime to serving her family, community, and faith, embodying the principles of love, generosity, and compassion.

Kay was an active attendee at the Baptist Church of Cove, where her spiritual life flourished. She found solace and joy in gospel music, which mirrored her deeply seated faith and was a source of strength and comfort throughout her life.

An avid reader, Kay had an extensive collection of books at her home, reflecting her wide-ranging interests and her insatiable curiosity. She loved watching her grandson play baseball anytime she was able. Her home was her sanctuary where she loved to care for others, a testament to her nurturing and motherly attributes. The teachings she passed down to her family and those close to her were straightforward and profound: Family is everything, love them with all your heart.

Known for her generosity, caring nature, and loving heart, her personality was an epitome of motherhood. She was Mama Kay to countless people, whose lives she touched, and whose hearts she warmed. Her enduring legacy is one of unending motherhood to all she encountered. She has left behind a lasting impression, and her life’s narrative will remain an inspiration to all who had the fortune to know her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William “Frankie” Ollar; one brother, Bill Taylor; one sister, Gean Taylor; two brothers-in-law, Leonard Wilson, and Billy Clark; and one sister-in-law, Pamela Taylor.

Kay is survived by four sons and daughters-in-law, Haden and Cathy Ollar of Hatfield, Aaron Ollar of Mena, Jeff and Jessi Shores of Oden, and Nicholas Long of Mena; four daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa and Jerry Henderson of Mena, Katie and Dean Barton of Yukon, Oklahoma, Stacie Shores of Mena, and Emma Long of Mena; one brother and sister-in-law, Tuffy and Dede Taylor of McAllister, Oklahoma; three sisters and son-in-law, Suzanne and Leo Ritter of Poteau, Oklahoma, Vicki Wilson of Howe, Oklahoma, and Jan Clark of Spiro, Oklahoma; one sister-in-law, Lanora and Charles Simpson of Nevada, Texas; thirteen grandchildren, Peyton, Rylee, Hailee, Easton, Kyson, Logan, Christopher, Alek, Wyatt, Everly, Shaun, Tim, and Bryan; great-grandchildren, Savannah, Tyler, Jessica, Kara, Kylie, Kolson, Evan and Conner; great-great-grandchildren, Rylan, Isabelle, and Silva; several nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held on

Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Cove, Arkansas, with Brother Ron Ladd officiating. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Honorary Pallbearers are Glenn Rowe, Bobby Bunyard, Emory Zakin, Jerry Henderson, Shaun Wyman, and Tim Wyman.

Online guestbook: bowserffh.com

Parmota Noweda

Parmota

Noweda Purvis-Velasquez gained her wings on October 31, 2023. She was the wife of Christobal Velasquez. Together they shared 44 years of adventure and love.

Parmota graduated from The Greater DesMoines Education, at the top of her class. She was known for her creativity, strong will and unconditional love for her family and all animals.

She is survived in life by her husband, Christobal Velasquez; son, Christobal Purvis-Velasquez; sister, Neomie Bakerink; brother, Tieto Purvis; mother, Gwendolyn Purvis; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her father, Parmoto Richard Purvis.

A memorial will be held at a later date, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. P.P. Velasquez.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Romine

continued from page 1 winners at both the Polk County Fair and prior Ouachita Quilt Shows (OQS). In 2021, Romine’s scrappy log cabin quilt won recognition by the sorority known now as Women of the Ouachitas with their newly created Wyona Abbott Memorial Ribbon and a cash prize.

Romine has been quilting for over 50 years. Her grandmother was a quilter. She is self-taught by reading quilting books. Originally, she and her family’s quilts were utilitarian and made from leftover fabrics from garment making. Being thrifty is a way of life. It’s so fun seeing those fab - rics in quilts made in the past and the many memories it generates. She only began purchasing fabric for quilts about 15 years ago. She also uses fabric she’s been gifted.

Although her quilting spans decades, the 2014 OQS was her first quilt show. She joined the Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild 10 years ago.

Romine’s preferred technique currently is hand blanket stitch on applique pieces. For three or four years, she admits to an English Paper Piecing (EPP) craze. The quilts on display included a cross-stitch embroidery design. The colorful chickens quilt with the John Deere border is her husband’s quilt; he chose the border print. He also raised fancy chickens, so the quilt represented his passion.

The red and white quilt was made from foundation paper pieces she found in her mother’s stash after her passing. That quilt holds a special place in her heart.

Other quilts on display included a brown bear paw quilt made for her grandson Greg and a brown friendship star design. Most of Rebecca’s quilts are hand quilted.

Toys for Tots and Elks angel trees

By Ethan Nahté

It’s that time of year for the Polk County Arkansas Toys for Tots program and the Elks angel tree. In 2022, the Mena Elks Lodge fulfilled the Christmas holiday dreams of 520 children in need throughout Polk County.

A copy of the application is in this week’s Pulse (page 5) and will also be in the Nov. 15 edition. Applications are for Polk County residents only and must be returned to the address provided on the application by Dec. 1.

Toy distribution will be 8 a.m. to noon, Dec. 16. Families must bring the postcard that will be mailed out.

They are seeking new, unwrapped toys, books and stocking stuffers for ages 17 and younger.

They have distributed boxes or angel trees in stores, churches and businesses around Polk County, including at The Polk County Pulse/ KENA/KQOR office.

Other locations:

• Arvest Bank – Mena

• Bealls – Mena

• Chambers Bank – Mena

• Dollar General, Mena, Hatfield, Cove and Wickes

• Family Dollar – Mena angel tree

• First Presbyterian Church –Mena

• First United Methodist Church – Mena

• Freedom Pharmacy – Mena

• The Mena Star – Mena

• St. Agnes Catholic Church –Mena

• Skyline Café – coinbox only

• The Q on Main/Suzy Q’s – Mena

• Union Bank – Mena, Hatfield and Wickes

• Walmart – Mena angel tree

• Washburn’s - Mena

You can also find updates on Facebook by searching for Polk County Toys for Tots.

The program is sponsored by the Marine Corps League and the Mena Elks Lodge.

By Richie Lawry

Abraham Clark settled near the Buffalo River in Arkansas sometime in the 1830s or 40s. Records from those early days in Arkansas are scarce. He built a small cabin near a tributary of the Buffalo. Families who settled in the Buffalo River region had to work hard to make it. The land could provide food, but it wasn’t easy to make money. Some families grew cotton and some harvested plants like goldenseal, ginseng, sassafras, and slippery elm to sell to dealers. The rugged terrain made it difficult to move goods.

We don’t know much about Clark, but the tributary of the Buffalo River, where he first settled, is named for him. This intermittent stream, called Clark Creek, plunges 1,200 feet in the 3-mile stretch from its source to its confluence with the Buffalo River.

It was one of Clark’s descendants who guided a group of government surveyors up the creek in 1898. He led them to an enormous rock shelter. Deep in its dry interior, they noticed bushel upon bushel of tiny corn cobs left centuries earlier by Native Americans. The locals named the rock formation Cob Cave.

In 1931, archeologist Samuel C. Dellinger led an expedition from the University of Arkansas to the cave, looking for Native American artifacts. He spent three weeks digging in the deepest section of the Cob Cave. Dellinger and his team uncovered many corn cobs, and an assortment of gourds, sunflower seeds, and woven baskets. The artifacts had been preserved due to the site’s arid conditions. The collections, made possible by a grant from the Carnegie Foundation, are still used today by researchers examining the food and fiber practices of Native Americans.

In the spring of 1945, Arkansas state publicist Avantus Green arranged for a National Geographic staff photographer, Willard Culver, to visit the Buffalo River area. Green had heard rumors of Cob Cave and decided to take his guest to the remote location. Not only did they find Cob Cave after a strenu-