Polk County Pulse November 9, 2022

Tornado in McCurtain County

One death, over a hundred buildings damaged

By Patrick Massey

IDABEL, Okla. - Cleanup and recovery continues in neighboring McCurtain County in Oklahoma after a torna do struck Friday evening, killing one and damaging or destroying over 100 buildings.

Emergency response officials con firmed on Saturday that one person died as a result of Friday night’s torna do. That tornado developed as a result of a powerful storm system that swept through northeast Texas and southeast Oklahoma before dissipating just be fore the Arkansas/Oklahoma state line. Damage from that storm was reported as far east as Eagletown.

Peace follows the storm for Veterans Day Parade

Article and Photos by Ethan Nahté

The Polk County Veterans Parade occurred Saturday morning on a brisk, but nice, morning after an evening of tornado warnings and wind damage to surrounding ar eas. The weather seemed to have little to no effect on the veterans and supporters who participated in

the event to honor all veterans. This year’s parade specifically paid trib ute to the Afghanistan veterans, but the parade included veterans from several different wars.

There were not as many floats, performers and vehicles as there was last year. There were not as many people who came out to watch the parade as in previous years. Perhaps it was due to the weather, or foot

The Kiamichi Medical Clinic is little more than twisted metal and rubble left in the wake of Friday night’s tornado. (Photo courtesy of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma)

Submitted by June Blaine

The Ouachita Quilt Show Committee thanks everyone who participated in making this year’s Quilt Show a huge success.

There were 32 Categories in this year’s show. Each category qualified for first, second and third place ribbons. Best of Show was the judge’s choice from all the first-place quilts.

In addition to those ribbons, community leaders were asked to pin a mini-bear paw on their favorite quilt.

Watch the Ouachita Quilt Show on its Facebook page for dozens of show photos and other announcements.

We are pleased to announce the following winners for the various categories:

Donation Quilt Winner

• Judy McClara, Mena, Ark. Best of Show

• Jeri Breashears, “Let’s Bake”

2022 Ouachita Quilt Show Winners

People’s Choice

• Susan J. Carter, “Dawn Chorus”

Community Leader Ribbons:

• Chamber of Commerce: Sharon Judkins, “Red & White Sampler”

• City Attorney: Debra Lay, “The Sasquatch”

• City Clerk: Jeri Breashears, “Prim”

• Mena Chief of Police: Patsy Tarlton/ T. Hooper, “Truckin”

• Polk County Judge: Joyce Sanden, “Chocolate Star”

• Polk County Sheriff: Judy McClara, “Judy’s Flower Garden”

• Mayor of Mena: Debra Lay, “The Sasquatch”

• Mayor of Cove: Elizabeth Nunley, “Missouri Star”

• Mayor of Hatfield: Rhonda Sweet, “Old Barn & Truck”

• Mayor of Wickes: Linda McAdoo, “Over the River”

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Our Team:

7 more counties added to Arkansas fire ant quarantine zone

By Patrick Massey

The number of Arkansas counties included in the federal fire ant quarantine zone continues to grow.

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) an nounced on Tuesday that seven additional Arkansas counties would be included in the existing Federal Or der regarding quarantine areas for imported fire ants. Those counties include Cross, Franklin, Johnson, Lee, Monroe, St. Francie and Woodruff. The existing quarantine zone has for years included Polk and all surrounding counties in ad dition to the rest of central and southern Arkansas.

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The United States Department of Agricul ture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspec tion Service (APHIS) has issued a Federal Order for the expansion of quarantine areas for the existing imported fire ant quarantine areas in Arkansas. A map indicating the ex isting and updated quarantine areas can be found at agriculture.arkansas.gov/plant-in dustries/regulatory-section/quarantines/ Imported fire ants are commonly trans ported by nursery stock, grass sod, hay, and straw. These items are all included in the fed eral quarantine order. Anyone transporting a regulated article from the quarantine areas to outside of the quarantine areas must have a certificate or compliance agreement from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture to en sure that no fire ants are moved along with these items. The quarantine applies to the following:

• Nurseries in the quarantine areas shipping plants with soil outside the quarantine area.

• Landscapers and nurseries picking

up plants in the quarantine area and bringing them outside of the quaran tine area.

• Landscapers and nurseries within the quarantine area that are moving plants from the quarantine area for landscaping jobs outside of the quar antine area.

• Grass sod owners in the quarantine area shipping sod outside the quaran tine area.

• Landscapers bringing sod from the quarantine area to outside the quar antine area.

• Bailed hay and straw which is shipped from the quarantine area to outside the quarantine area.

APHIS officials said they are taking these actions based upon verification from the Ar kansas Department of Agriculture that import ed fire ants are present and established in the areas listed. For more information about im ported fire ants and the related quarantine, visit agriculture.arkansas.gov/plant-indus tries/regulatory-section/imported-fire-ant-pro gram/

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

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Ashley Moore - General Manager

Ethan Nahté - Production Manager/Editor

Patrick Massey - Contributing Reporter

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Distribution & Insertion Staff: Dan & Linda Deramus, Jason Sharp, Edward Werkhoven

From the

State House of Representatives

Arkansas is home to more than 222,000 veterans. That equals close to 10% of our adult population.

Whether they served in times of war or peace, our vet erans all share an unwavering belief in the cause of freedom.

As we approach Veterans Day, we want to extend our sincere appreciation to those who de spite the risk and sacrifice, raised their hand to serve and defend our country. We are also grateful to families of ser vice members and veterans who also serve this nation with their support and sacrifice.

The Arkansas General Assembly continually reviews ways to ensure our veterans and their families are well cared for and that our policies make life a little easier for those who call Ar kansas home.

In 2017, we passed Act 141 which exempts military retirement benefits from state income tax. It is estimated that there are close to 25,000 military retirees living in Arkansas.

In the 2021 Regular Session, we passed Act 988 which allows depen

John Maddox

John.Maddox@ arkansashouse.org

520 Church Avenue Mena, AR 71953

Call: (479) 394-6060

Larry Teague

Larry.Teague@senate.ar.gov

P.O. Box 903 Nashville, AR 71852 (870) 845-5303

From the State Senate

dents of certain veterans to receive tuition waivers to pri vate, nonprofit institutions of higher education; and caps the amount of the tuition waiver for dependents of certain vet erans.

We also passed Act 58 cre ates a veterans treatment specialty court program. This General Assembly passed Act 888 which waives the licensing fee for a li cense to carry a concealed handgun if the applicant is a veteran of the Unit ed States Armed Forces or is current ly serving in the United States Armed Forces. And we passed Act 640 which ensures that the Suicide Prevention Hotline employs individuals who have experience working with veterans.

We encourage Arkansans to consider ways they can support our veterans this Veterans Day and throughout the year.

There are numerous volunteer op portunities across the state. Medical facilities, VA hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics need volunteers to perform a wide range of duties.

You can find links to resources for our veterans at veterans.arkansas.gov.

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

Arkansas received good news from federal regulators that allows the state Medicaid program to better help wom en during at-risk pregnancies and other at-risk populations.

Last year Medicaid provid ed medical services to 12,500 Arkansas women with highrisk pregnancies.

The availability of more benefits will extend also to veterans aged 19 through 30, and to people in rural ar eas who have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness or a substance abuse disorder.

Another group that will benefit are young people from 17 through 27 years of age who have been in fos ter care, young people 19 through 24 who have been incarcerated and young people aged 19 through 24 who have been in the custody of the state Youth Services Division.

State Medicaid officials had asked for permission from federal agencies to implement the new services, tar geted at some of the state’s most vul nerable people.

The permit came in the form of a waiver for the Arkansas Medicaid expansion program known as AR HOME. At the beginning of Septem ber ARHOME had 339,297 enroll ees.

The waiver allows ARHOME to emphasize services for specific vul nerable populations, and as a result Arkansas residents will hear a lot more about Life360 HOMEs, the name of the newly designed pro grams.

Maternal Life360s will serve preg nant women. Rural Life 360s will serve people in rural areas suffering from mental illness or substance abuse. Success Life 360s will help young people who have been in fos ter care, jail or the juvenile justice system. Also, it will serve young vet erans at risk of being homeless.

Hospitals coordinate a va riety of services that enroll ees receive. For example, they will provide a nurse to visit the homes of pregnant wom en, during their pregnancies and for up to 24 months after the baby is born. They will get funding for counselors to help people with mental ill ness, and to set up acute crisis units.

Acute care hospitals can contract with local organizations that have experience working with young peo ple at risk of leading a life of poverty. Those youths typically go through foster care and the juvenile justice system.

People receiving services under the Life360 may be referred to home less shelters, churches or faith-based organizations.

The state’s Medicaid expansion program has had several names since its initial creation. It was called the private option when the legislature first approved it in 2013.

Unlike the traditional Medicaid program, the private option and sub sequent versions uses government funds to subsidize private health in surance for eligible people.

The second version of Medic aid expansion was called Arkansas Works, because it first had a require ment that in order to receive services an enrollee must either work or look for work.

An individual with income of more than $12,888 a year must pay a $13 monthly premium to help cover the cost of ARHOME health insurance. Medicaid pays the rest. Also, enroll ees must pay up to $60 a quarter in co-pays.

Co-pays are generally $4.70 for a doctor visit. Generic medications are $4.70, and specialty drugs are $9.40. There are no costs for some services, such as preventive care and vaccines.

John Maddox Larry Teague

Obituaries

Andrew T. Davis

Mr. An drew T. Da vis, known as Uncle Runt to many nieces and nephews, age 91, passed away Monday, November 1, 2022, in Lit tle Rock, Arkansas. He was born March 31, 1931, in Gillham, Arkan sas, to the late A.T. Davis and Flor ence Branson Davis.

Andrew was an appliance repair man by profession, owning his own business. He enjoyed riding his side-by-side, he was an avid sports fan, gardening, and he loved his dogs. He also enjoyed eating dinner at Nora’s house, spending holidays with family whom he loved.

Mr. Davis is preceded in death by his parents, A.T. Davis and Florence Branson Davis; brothers, J.B. Davis, Ernie Davis; sisters, Alene Ellis, and Pauline Leard. He is survived by his sisters; Imogene Bertsch and Nora Graves; and a host of nieces, neph ews, other family and friends, too numerous to mention.

Graveside services for Mr. Da vis will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 4, 2022, at the Mineral Cemetery, in Grannis, Arkansas. Brother Bruce Arrant, Brother Ter ry Hess, and nephew, Andrew Rich mond will be officiating, under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Honorary Pallbearers are Bodie May, Lucas Graves, Ronnie Graves, Steve Graves, David Graves, and Scottie Cunningham.

Online obituary at beasleywood funeralhome.com

Patricia Ann Ferguson Barrett

Patricia Ann Fergu son Barrett

was born on June 27, 1947, near Mena, Arkansas, to Mildred Morris Ferguson and Fred Ferguson.

She is survived by one son Tod Barrett of Houston, Texas, one sister Linda Fryar and husband Darrell of Mena, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

Pat was a devout Christian wom an.

Endless hours were also spent studying her families genealogy histories... (Before the internet!) Making many great friends & ac quaintances in the process. She was a wonderful cook, with skills learned early from Mom Mildred and Grandmothers Poca & Ovie.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gary Allen Barrett, her mother, Mildred Beatrice Morris Ferguson, father, Fred F. Ferguson, sister, Betty Beard Wagner, broth er, Steven Ferguson, sister, Ellen Ferguson Swycaffer, her beloved grandparents, Boss & Pocahontas (Standridge) Morris, Aaron & Ova (Lawrence) Ferguson, sweet moth er-in-law Birdie (McKinzie) Barrett, and many other treasured family members.

We are forever grateful for the dedicated staff & caregivers at Homewood cottages, especially cot tage #4.

Much appreciation to Brother James & Brother Ronnie for such amazing dedication in bringing

church services to the cottages and Pat. This was so important to her. A special thanks to friend & care giver Deborah Furgala. Grateful thanks to J. Richard Trel lue for his counsel and guidance.

General visitation will begin Tuesday, November 8th, 2022, from10 am to 8 p.m., and Wednes day morning November 9th, 2022, 8 a.m. to noon.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday afternoon, November 9, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Hillside Cem etery in Sulphur Springs, Arkansas, with Brother James Squires offici ating. Arrangements are under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Margaret May Gustafson

Margaret May Gustafson, age 69, of Mena, Arkan sas, passed away Saturday, Novem ber 5, 2022, in Mena.

She was born November 17, 1952, in Phoenix, Arizona, to the late Fred Ray Richardson and Millie Beatrice Vaughn Richardson. She earned her Master’s in Education and was a teacher by profession. Margaret was married in 1984 to her beloved hus band, Herbert Carl Gustafson. She enjoyed shopping, going to basket ball games at the Acorn School, and spending time with her grandkids. She was a selfless person who would always lend a helping hand to any one in need, her main love however, was teaching 2nd Grade.

Mrs. Gustafson is preceded in death by her father, Fred Ray Rich ardson; husband, Herbert Carl Gus

tafson; brother, Steven Glen Rich ardson; and by her sister, Elizabeth Ann Richardson.

She is survived by her daughter, Victoria Angeline Gustafson Stuck; grandchildren, Phoebe Angeline Trussell, Katherine Rowan Trussell, Carlee Zelda Stuck, Tiberius Luke Stuck; mother, Millie Beatrice Rich ardson; and by her brother, Willard Ray Richardson.

Graveside services for Mrs. Gus tafson will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at the Rock Springs Cemetery in Acorn, Arkansas. Brother Kenneth Posey will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funer al Home. There will be a visitation held, Tuesday, November 8, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bea sley-Wood Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online obituary at beasleywood funeralhome.com

Gerald Paul “Peanut”

Page

Gerald Paul “Peanut” Page, passed away on Sat urday, November 5, 2022, in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Gerald was born July 21, 1947, to Luther Page and Roma Lee Page in Smithville, Oklahoma. He was a heavy equipment operator for most of his life. Gerald loved anything to do with being outdoors, whether it be fishing, camping, or building things. He loved old-timey West ern movies, singing gospel songs and worshiping the Lord; but what brought him the most joy was spending time with his family.

Gerald was survived by his loving wife, Roxella Page; one son, Dar rell Page; one stepson Keith Smith and Tiffany; four daughters, Paula, Sherry, Teresa, and Tina; two step daughters, Debbie Choate and Bec ki Self; one brother Jesse Page; three sisters, Janice, Laveda, and Dorothy; step-grandchildren, Rainy, Noah, Daniel Choate and family, Craig Choate and family, Dakota Briden stine, and London Toops; several great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews a host of rela tives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his par ents; brothers, James, Luther Lee, Eugene, R.L., Tuffy, Billy Wayne; sisters, Laverne, JoAnne, and Doris.  Memorial service will be at the Smithville Assembly of God Church in Smithville, Oklahoma on Thurs day, November 10, 2022, at 2:00 pm. Officiating the memorial ser

vice will be Pastor Jerry Ford and Brother Reggie Fryar. Services are entrusted under Beasley Wood Fu neral Home.

Online obituary at beasleywood funeralhome.com

Julia Ann (Lewis) Watson

Mrs. Julia Ann (Lewis)

Watson, age 77, born July 7, 1945, to Mark Lewis and Rho da Alene Sullivan, passed away Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at home, surrounded by love.

She was married to the late Clyde Watson and they had 6 chil dren. Julia was a devoted Christian woman who loved God, her family and singing songs. She also had a great love for her grandchildren. She loved going to church and go ing to ball games, concerts and all family outing where she would get to spend her time with her grand children. She loved sitting out side, working crossword puzzles, talking to her animals, going to singings and going to revivals and Bible School. Julia was a mem ber of the Buffalo Presbyterian Church in Watson, Oklahoma, but loved attending various church es. Just like her mother, she had a love for sewing quilts by hand and loved singing Choctaw hymns.

Julia was a very loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, great-aunt, and friend and will be missed tremendously.

Julia is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clyde

Watson; her son, Johnny Watson; her grandson David Watson; her oldest sister, Dora Barrett. Julia is survived by her sons; Julian Wat son of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Michael Watson of Harrison, Arkansas, and Brian Watson and wife Clau dine of De Queen, Arkansas; her daughters, Regina Yates and hus band Nathan of Watson, Oklaho ma, and Teresa Watson of Watson, Oklahoma; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; several niec es and nephews; special friends; 2 brothers, Travis Sullivan of Smith ville, Oklahoma, Charles Lew is of Shawnee, Oklahoma; sister, LaDonna Johnson of Smithville, Oklahoma; and a very special sis ter, Martha Watson of Watson, Oklahoma.

Services for Mrs. Watson will be held 2:00 p.m., Monday, Novem

ber 7, 2022, at Smithville Assem bly of God Church, in Smithville, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at the Buffalo Cemetery in Wat son, Oklahoma. Brother Mark Patrick will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at Beasley-Wood Chapel in Mena, Arkansas on Sunday, No vember 6, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Pallbearers are Steven Watson, Markus Hill, Lucas Henry, Miguel Hernandez, Jody Watson, and Marvin Jefferson.

Honorary Pallbearers are Terry Watson, Kelly Watson, Michael Watson, Donnie Baker, and her animals; Poochie, Biscuit, Sammy, Fluffy, Ivy, and Soldier.

Online obituary at beasleywood funeralhome.com

Veterans

invited to The Q (formerly

Elite Hospice.

ball games that had been postponed Friday night, which had players and families prepping for the game later Saturday evening in Waldron. Plus, there were a lot of other events go ing on in the area this past weekend.

Some of the participants included DAR, the DAV, VFW, LifeLine Ser vice Dogs, Mena Fire Department, local law enforcement, the Benev olent and Protective Order of Elks and several other organizations or just individuals who had served, riding in classic cars or on motor cycles.

Those watching included plenty of kids, who appeared excited about the event, the big vehicles and the abundance of American flags.

Craig Paul Payton was excited

p.m.

about the parade. The 7-year-old was standing beside his grandma, Bonnie Payton. He pointed and asked, “Do you see that princess over there?” referring to the reign ing 2022 World Imperial Mrs. Am ber Goodner perched atop a Jeep. “Why not get a picture of her?”

Craig’s grandpa was in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. His grandma brought him out to honor his grandpa’s memory.

Craig’s jacket had a reversed tac tical US American Flag on it, but there were plenty of places for more

patches. He said, “We’ve been track ing down some badges… some thing in the Army because it’s an Army coat.

The judges chose the winners at the end of the parade and awarded them all shortly afterwards:

• First place–Daughters of the American Revolution

• Second place-Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks

• Third place-LifeLine Service Dogs

See more photos on the Pulse Facebook page.

(standing l-r) Ashley Sharp, executive director, and Jessica Woodall, account executive, with Elite Hospice met with Mena Mayor Seth Smith (seated). The mayor signed a proclamation for National Home Care & Hospice Month, which includes pain control, palliative medical care, and social, emotional and spiritual services.

are

Suzy Q’s) on Mena Street and Maple Avenue from 2-4

on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, for a free coffee and dessert, courtesy of

(Jodi Croft/Pulse)

QUILTS

continued from page 2

• Prosecuting Attorney: Joyce Sanden, “Frolicking Pinwheels”

• Polk County Clerk: Barbara D. Moncrief, “Patriotic Strawberry Swirl”

• Mena Star: Carol Carlyle, “Funky Chickens”

• Pulse Multi-Media: Susan J. Carter, “Dawn Chorus”

• Mena Art Gallery: Barbara D. Moncrief, Unnamed

• UARM Chancellor: Jeri Breashears, “Garden Sampler”

• Mena ISD Superintendent: JoAnn Mitchell, “Unity”

• Cossatot River Superintendent: Susan J. Carter, “The Dance”

• Judges of Show: Susan J. Carter, “Dawn Chorus,” Molly Lindsey, “Make Yourself at Home”

• Vendor Choice: Jana Strictland, “Dames with Dogs Duet,” Martha Edwards, “Christmas Trees”

• Quilt Show Chairman: June Blaine, “Sodalite Cabins”

• Quilt Show Committee: Cookie Shelley, “Fractured Textiles,” Mae Dell Sikes, “Dresden Plate,” Linda McAdoo, “Anna’s Baskets,” Rebecca Romine, “Bear Paw,” Janna Strictland, “Summer Sherbet,” Elizabeth Nunley, “Missouri Star”

Quilt Categories Winners

• Hand-pieced/Hand-quilted: second-Rebecca Romine, “Confetti in the Snow,” thirdTammy Free, “Spider Webb”

• Hand-pieced/ Home machinequilted: Collette Phillips “Memory of Grandma II”

• Machine-pieced/Hand-quilted: first-Rebecca Romine, “Friendship Star,” second-Debra Lay, “Red, White & Black Sunshine”

• Machine-pieced/Home machine-

quilted: first-Rhonda Sweet, “Old Barns & Trucks,” second-Jan Strictland, “Summer Sherbet,” third-Judy Myres, “Antique Tiles”

• Machine-pieced/Long Arm allover-quilted: first-Linda McAdoo, “Anna’s Baskets,” second-Debra Lay, “Home Sweet Home,” thirdBarbara D. Moncrief, Unnamed

“Cherry Smash”

• Hand-appliqued/Hand-quilted: first-Marty Smith, “Mimi’s Flower Garden”

• Hand-appliqued/Home Machinequilted: first-Carol Carlyle, “Funky Chicken,” second-Sharon Judkin, “Dresden Irish Chain,” third-JoAnn Mitchell, “Unity”

Garden,” third-Klinda Rath, “Birds of a Feather”

• Miniature: first-Barbara D. Moncrief, “Harvest Barn Stars,” second-Cindy Ezell, “Iris,” thirdJudy Myres, “Leftovers”

• Baby Quilt: first-Linda McAdoo, “Diamond Patch,” second-Martha Edwards, “Beach Comber,” thirdMolly Lindsey, “Doll House”

• Apparel: second-Jeri Breashears, “Beach Comber Jacket”

• Original Design: first-Jeri Breashears, “Autumn Sampler,” second-Rebecca Romine, “Bear Paw”

• First Quilt: first-Judy McClara, “My Life Quilt,” second-Barbara Moncrief, third-Matthew Wiltrout, “Blue Jean Quilt”

• Group Quilt: first-Nancy Philpot, “Birthday Blues”

• Embroidered Quilt/ Hand-quilted: first-Jeri Breashears, “Lets Bake,” second-Linda McAdoo, “Over the River,” thirdPatsy Tarlton/Grady Pate, “Busy Boys”

• Machine-pieced/Long Arm custom-quilted: first-Susan J. Carter, “Dawn Chorus”

• Machine-pieced/Long Arm Hand-guided: first-Barbara D. Moncrief, “Harmony & Light in the Darkness,” second-Jeri Breashears, “A Very Coriander Christmas”

• Combined Techniques/Handquilted: first-Peggy Shelley, “Sampler Quilt Blocks”

• Combined Techniques/ Home machine-quilted: firstAnna Brainerd/Patsy Tarlton, “Graduation,” second-Debra Lay,

• Machine-appliqued/Home machine-quilted: first-Jeri Breashears, “Prim,” second-Linda McAdoo, “Variegated Threads,” third-Sharon Judkin, “Flea Market Flowers”

• Wall Hanging/Machine-quilted: first-Molly Lindsey, “Make Yourself at Home,” second-Debra Lay, “I Will Cut You,” thirdLinda McAdoo, “Bewitching Hat”

• Lap Quilt/Machine-quilted: firstBarbara D Moncrief, “Patriotic Strawberry Swirl,” second-Judy McClara, “Frazzled Oriental

• Home Décor: first-Barbara D. Moncrief, unnamed wall hanging second-Peggy Shelley, “Chicken Scratch,” third-Jeri Breashears, “Santa Standing”

• Art Quilts/Embellishments: firstDebra Lay, “Go Fly a Kite,” second-Rhonda Sweet, “Laura’s Wedding Dress Baby Quilt”

• Other: first-Barbara D. Moncrief, “Making Lemonade out of Lemons” bag, second-Cindy Ezell, “Cheerful Fellow” quilted bag, third-Debra Lay, “Wine Tote bag”

CRSD will have a special parent night

By Ethan Nahté

The Cossatot River School Dis trict (CRSD) invites parents to join them for an informative and interesting evening to their GT, ESL and HAC Parent Night. Educators will be discussing their CRSD GT (Gifted and Tal ented) and ESL (English as a Second Language) Programs as

well as providing information re garding the Home Access Center (HAC) that allows all parents to access student grades at any time.

They will also inform parents of upcoming events and answer questions.

The Parent Night takes place in the CRSD cafeteria at 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 17.

Cossatot River Primary School

Perfect Attendance

First 9 Weeks (2022-2023)

Kindergarten: Alan Aguilar, Selena Alameda, Emma Jenkins, Sebastian Ruelas-Magenta

First Grade: Raymond Ashcraft, Job Colbert, Annabelle Hall, Nataleigh Harper, AJ Lowrey, Kye Sellers, Jaxen Shouse, Liam Walker

Second Grade: Riley Manley, Kaleigh Peek

Arkansas Department of Agriculture Accepting Applications for Farm to School Program Grants

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is ac cepting applications for the annual Arkansas School Garden Grant Pro gram and Arkansas Taste Test Grant Program to help schools start or ex pand farm to school activities. Ap plications will be accepted through December 15.

The Arkansas School Garden Grant Program is available to help schools start or expand gardens on school grounds. The Department will award $500 grants to 50 schools

to purchase soil, specialty crop seeds and plants, and gardening equipment.

The Arkansas Taste Test Grant Program is available to help schools lead cafeteria taste tests of locally grown specialty crops. The Depart ment will award $250 grants to 20 schools to purchase kitchen equip ment and utensils, serving mate rials, and specialty crop seeds and plants.

“School gardens and taste tests have proven to be valuable tools in

teaching children about agriculture, nutrition, and a variety of skills,” said Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “The lessons learned through these programs can have a lasting impact on children, their families, and entire communities.”

The grant programs are available to public and private K-12 schools, early childhood education facili ties, and alternative learning envi ronments. All eligible schools are encouraged to apply, whether they already have existing farm to school activities or they are just getting started with school gardens and local procurement. Technical assis tance is available to all grantees.

The application for both programs can be found at https://bit.ly/3TlL T7d. Applicants are welcome to ap ply for one or both grant opportuni ties within the same application.

Both grant programs were devel oped with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Spe cialty Crop Block Grant Program

to increase the production and consumption of specialty crops in schools. Specialty crops as defined by the USDA are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, floriculture, and nursery crops.

More information about the Ar kansas School Garden Grant Pro gram and Arkansas Taste Test Grant Program can be found at ag riculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-de partment-of-agriculture/farmto-school/ or by contacting Erica Benoit at erica.benoit@agriculture. arkansas.gov.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the de velopment and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international mar kets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. Visit www. agriculture.arkansas.gov.

CRSD receives $5k donation from Pinnacle Propane

By Ethan Nahté

The Cossatot River School District (CRSD) has been working to complete their new ballfields since February, constructing soccer, baseball and soft ball fields, plus the addition of a track and space for shot put, long jump and discus throwing. The construction work has been done by Nabholz. Now, Pin nacle Propane has stepped up to the plate and donated $5,000 to help with the school’s new ballfield.

Pinnacle Propane is a leading region al supplier and distributor of propane. They have seven service centers locat ed in Arkansas, including Mena and De Queen. The company offers bulk gas storage and delivery, as well as cylin der filling for residential and commer cial customers.

Mark Sherman, operations supervi sor for Pinnacle Propane–Southern Ar kansas & Louisiana, said, “Our southern Arkansas team of customer care representatives and delivery drivers

take pride in caring for our customers and local business partners like the friends, family, and neighbors they are. We are local folks working and sharing in the same communities and want to help and support those com munities in any way we can. We place a high value on the integrity and trust required to build lasting relationships with our customers and local business partners. We seek to earn and keep that trust with every order placed and every delivery made. We have the courage to care!”

Sherman visited the new ballfield and presented the check to Cossatot River School District Superintendent Tyler Broyles on behalf of Pinnacle Propane.

Jennifer Higgins, regional sales man ager for Bunyard Broadcasting at the KDQN Studios in De Queen, helped bring CRSD and Pinnacle Propane to gether.

Higgins said, “In corporate sales, one of the most valuable services we can offer our clients is pairing them

with other businesses in partnerships that benefit both organizations. It’s not in the ‘sales manual’ and there’s no campaign specifically for that kind of service… it’s just something we do when we see an opportunity to help our clients. I work closely with Cossa tot River Schools as well as Pinnacle Propane and felt that introducing Dr. Broyles and Mr. Sherman would result in something that would benefit both organizations.”

Broyles said, “Cossatot River School District is proud to partner with Pinna cle Propane to bring additions to our newly completed facilities for track, soccer, softball, and baseball. Thanks to the recent donation from Pinnacle Propane, we plan to add press boxes to our baseball and softball fields. For the first time, all our athletic teams will be able to play at the same central lo cation next to our high school. We are honored to partner with such a great company to help advance the district forward.”

CRSD Superintendent Tyler Broyles accepts a check for $5,000 from Mark Sherman, operations supervisor at Pinnacle Propane. The money will go toward the new ballfields.

By Richie Lawry

The black road seemed to soak up the light from the headlights as the Hyundai wound its way down the crooked northwest Arkansas road. Heavy rain pelted the car as the windshield wipers struggled to keep up with the deluge of water hitting the wind shield. I tightened my grip on the steering wheel as I tried to see ahead into the dark ness.

Bright lights shone in my rearview mir ror, making me nervous. “Why is that car tailgating me when the conditions are so treacherous?” I thought. Occasionally the black of the stormy night was illuminated with streaks of bold light as lightning lit the road for a few seconds. For a moment, I could see just how narrow the road was. There were no shoulders, and trees lined the edge of the road.

As I guided the car around yet another curve, suddenly, I saw a large tree branch across the road. I veered hard to the left and squeezed between the branch and a large tree growing next to the road. As I steered back into my lane, I heard a dull thud and felt something hit the car. The headlights were no longer shining behind me. “Did that car hit me,” I wondered? As soon as I came to a house, I pulled into the driveway and stopped. Getting out of the car in the pouring rain, I inspected the vehi cle as best I could but didn’t see any dam age. Breathing a sigh of relief, I continued down the road.

As we proceeded the final mile to our destination, we tried to figure out what had just happened. We were on our way to pick up our granddaughters from the boarding academy they attended. We were visiting them this weekend because my grand daughter, Autumn, was the lead in the school play. We were excited to see her performance as Rosie the Riveter. The play would be the following evening, but tonight was a time for family to be together and a pizza party at Fratelli’s Wood-Fired Pizze ria.

By the time we dropped the girls back at their dormitory, the thunderstorm was over, but there was still light rain. I returned to our VRBO via a longer highway route to avoid the narrow, crooked roads. The follow ing day, the sun shone as I drove back to the dorm to pick up the girls. We would be

An Arkie’s Faith Rosie the Riveter

Oklahoma, we returned to the school to see the drama department’s performance of Rosie the Riveter. From the opening scene, my granddaughter lit up the stage with her portrayal of Rosie.

As the play opens, it’s January 1942, and Eddie, the owner of Eddie’s Auto Parts Fac tory, is struggling now that there is a freeze on car parts manufacturing. His secretary, Rosie, wonders if the factory can secure a government contract and make airplane parts instead, if only they can find workers. Rosie is willing to shed tradition, roll up her sleeves and do her part. She recruits wom en to fill manufacturing jobs and is chosen to become the iconic image that will inspire many women workers to join the cause.

Rosie the Riveter was the star of a cam paign to recruit female workers for defense industries during World War II. She became perhaps the most iconic image of working women. The Rosies from World War II had a common enemy to defeat. They rolled up their sleeves and went to work. Just as the iconic poster proclaims, they said collec tively, “We can do it!”

We, as Christians, also have an enemy to defeat. But too often, we are taking the fight to the wrong places. Ephesians 6:11 (NLT) tells us to “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”

spending the day with family before attend ing the performance of Rosie the Riveter that evening. I chose the same route to the dorm I had taken the night before. When I came to the area where I had swerved to miss the tree, I slowed to a crawl, trying to see if I could figure out what had happened.

When I came around the corner, I saw that the large tree branch had been cut with a chainsaw and removed from the road. On the other side of the road, there were marks on the large tree at the road’s edge, and down the embankment were a front bumper, grill, and suspension parts. The car from the night before must have swerved too far to the left and hit the tree. That was the thud that we heard. The plas tic front bumper must have hit our car as it flew off after the impact.

As I picked up my granddaughter, she was excited as she tried to tell me the story of the evening before. When I dropped her off the night before, she couldn’t believe how quiet the dorm was. Usually, there is

talking, giggling, and excitement, but not to night. “What is going on?” she asked. She found out that soon after she left with us for the evening, the dorm was locked down. The lockdown was lifted just a few minutes before she returned. Everyone was shaken up by the events of the evening.

The police had alerted the school that they were pursuing a suspect who was armed and dangerous. The suspect broke into a home and shot someone during the robbery. After fleeing the scene, he crashed into a tree and fled on foot. As I listened to her story, a shiver ran down my spine. The car the night before had been tailgating me because he was fleeing the crime scene, and I was in his way. If we had stopped to see what had caused the thud, I’m sure our car would have been commandeered, and who knows what he would have done to us. I sent up a quick prayer of thanks to God for his protection.

After spending a wonderful day with fam ily and hiking at Natural Falls State Park in

Joke of the Week:

I checked my home insurance policy and, apparently, if my quilt is stolen in the middle of the night, I’m not covered.

“Most importantly, be disciplined and stay on guard. Your enemy the devil is prowling around outside like a roaring lion, just wait ing and hoping for the chance to devour someone.” 1 Peter 5:8 (VOICE)

Gentle Reader, we can do it! We can make a difference. But we won’t change the world by organizing a mob or by railing against the government. We transform the world by living as followers of Jesus.

“I ask that you pray for all people. Ask God to bless them and give them what they need. And give thanks. You should pray for rulers and for all who have authority. Pray for these leaders so that we can live quiet and peaceful lives—lives full of devotion to God and respect for him. This is good and pleases God our Savior.” 1 Timothy 2:1-3 (ERV)

Let’s pray for change, justice, righteous ness, and love. And little by little, person by person, by God’s grace, we can change the world. We can do it!

Replacing windshields in Polk County for over 40 years.

Give Richie a call at 479-394-9938

Located at 3008 Hwy 71 South

Autumn Grant in the role of Rose the Riveter. (Photo by Regina Lawry)

Haydyn Hunter

Adalee Hobson

Kipton

Annabelle Sprague Age 10

Emma Wells Age 14

Casten Nash Age 8

Joseph Clark Age 8

Taylor & Kyle Saldivar Age 4

TORNADO continued from page 1

The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Emergency alert for Broken Bow and Idabel around 6:45 Friday evening. The alert is among the rarest issued by the National Weather Service. Clean up and assessment continues following assessment by local and state officials over the weekend.

Idabel received widespread structur al damage, including the destruction of Trinity Baptist Church and major dam age to the Kiamichi Medical Clinic. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, who visit ed Idabel to inspect damages, reported that around 100 homes and business es were either damaged or destroyed during the storm Friday night.

Scenes from Idabel showed entire buildings demolished by the tornado, which was recorded creating winds of 108 mph as the storm passed through. Emergency responders reported that

state search and rescue teams alongside emergency generators were being de ployed to the Idabel area. A Red Cross shelter has been organized at the By pass Church of Christ in Idabel.

Gov. Stitt declared a state of emergen cy for the affected counties in southeast Oklahoma, including McCurtain, Bry an, LeFlore and Choctaw. He tweeted Friday night that the same storm sys

tem was responsible for extensive dam age and structural loss around Paris, Texas, and the nearby communities of Powderly and Honey Grove. Report ing by Texas-based media suggests a tornado there left a miles-long swath of destruction. Numerous people were reported hospitalized for injuries sus tained during the storm and one death was confirmed in Morris County.

The National Weather Service reports that the storm system also resulted in several F1 tornadoes in Arkansas, in cluding one responsible for fallen trees and damaged poultry houses in the Wickes area. Winds from that tornado were clocked at 90 mph. No injuries or deaths were reported in Arkansas.

The Washington Post reported that at least 17 tornadoes developed across the region as part of Friday night’s storm system.

More tornado-related news cover ing Arkansas, as well as Louisiana and Texas continued on page 22.

The new addition to the Trinity Baptist Church was nearing completion when it was decimated. (Photo courtesy of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma)

Changing the tune of KENA

By Trey Youngdahl

When I was hired to the team here at Pulse Multimedia, I was originally go ing to be editing audio for the podcast network and taking photos for the pa per, which you are currently reading. My ultimate goal in coming into the job was to possibly start shooting and writ ing full-time for the paper.

My production manager, who was re porting the police reports and sheriff’s log on the radio at the time, asked me to fill in for her that week. I obliged, re corded it and sent it off to Curt Teasdale to be run during his 12:00 news hour.

I thought nothing of it. That is, un til I heard my voice coming through the radio later that week. For whatever reason, I was enthralled by hearing my voice on the air. It was at that point my goal shifted. I knew that I wanted to be

on the radio.

Two years later, after reporting the news on KENA throughout my time here (as well as plenty of hemmin’ and hawin’) I asked my boss, Ashley Moore, if I could do take a shot at the morn ing show. After three years of having a pre-recorded morning show, she told me yes. That started the road back to live broadcasts in the morning.

That was back in mid-June, and our first broadcast was July 25, 2022. The show runs very smoothly with my cohost Ariel Varner. We have several seg ments, including news and weather of course, a live call-in Swap Shop, and a segment at the end of every broadcast where we invite the listeners to call in and tell us their corny jokes and puns, appropriately titled “Jokes That Don’t Land.” The show was going great! All except for one thing. …

We are currently living in a renais sance of country music, with artists like Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, Billy Strings and such tearing it up with that old time country sound. With that style of music comes difficulties, however. Being that they are independent art ists, they don’t have labels to send their music to stations like us for them to be played in regular rotation with oth er artists. This is a shame, considering Zach Bryan’s tune entitled “Something in the Orange” has recently hit gold and has been the most-streamed country song for six weeks running now. He ac complished this with minimal, if any, radio play.

I thought to myself, “How could I, working in country music radio, know that these guys are playing great music that the listeners will love and not have them on the air?”

I knew my mission. First, however, I needed to make sure that we could le gally do so. Because they are indepen dent, we here at the station weren’t sure if we were licensed to play anything. Af ter being frustrated by finding nothing when I looked for answers, I finally just called Broadcasting Music Inc. (BMI) and asked what I could play. I found that I was covered for ALL of it.

Though the process of manually pro gramming hundreds of songs was te dious, these independent artists now play every day here on 104.1 KENA. Tune in to Wake up with Trey every weekday morning from 6-8 a.m. to hear the show and all the hits from these incredible artists. Got a song request? Send it on over to me at t.youngdahl@ mypulsenews.com and I’ll see what I can do for you. Let’s make our home town station great.

Cossatot schools holding 71st annual Thanksgiving supper

Cossatot River Primary School (for merly Vandervoort Elementary) Par ent-Teacher Organization is holding their 71st annual Thanksgiving Sup per on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 4-7 p.m.

The menu includes chicken and dressing, giblet gravy, mashed pota toes, sweet potatoes, green beans, hot rolls and pumpkin pie.

Price will be $8 per tray, dine-in or carry-out. Donations will be accepted.

Around Town

Breaking the smoking habit. Ready for a new lease on life, free from the bondage of that nicotine habit? Why not begin this new year feeling good about yourself? Live free and quit nicotine for good! Through a unique, free program to be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Farmhouse Store, 819 Mena St. in Mena, Nov. 11-20. Each night is a different session, but if you miss one, they’ll get you caught up. Everyone welcome.

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

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.

Cossatot River FFA Thanksgiving Din ner, Thursday, Nov. 17, during both lunches. All Dues paid FFA member welcome.

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

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 Polk County Democrats are meeting on Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Papa’s Mexican Café.Come early to socialize and eat. Everyone is invited.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at The Cross ing 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.

Hatfield First Baptist Church “Shepherd’s Closet” Open Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-Noon. Large selection of good, used clothing & a limited supply of non-perish able food items. Free to anyone in need.

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

The Polk County Sociable Seniors Lunch will be at noon, Nov. 8, at Queen Wilhelmina State Park. If participants need a ride or want to follow, please meet at The Crossing Church parking no later than 11:30 a.m. Please RSVP if you are attending the lunch: Linda John son, 956-241-2633.

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.

Cossatot River FFA Ninth Annual Veterans Day Breakfast. All veterans welcome for a free breakfast, 7:30-10 a.m.at the Cossatot River High School Ag Building, Friday, Nov. 11.

The Polk County Housing Authority will be closed Friday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

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.

The Living Word Pentecostal Church in Hatfield would like to invite you to supper every Wednesday at 6 p.m. We are serving a free meal to our community. Everyone is welcome. We would love your company. Located at 171 Johnson in Hatfield. Turn at Jordan’s Tire.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m. Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for information call (479) 2430297.

The Mena Area Ministerial Alliance (MAMA) will host the Annual Community Thanksgiv ing Drive-through Celebration on Sunday, Nov. 20, at First Assembly of God, 2111 Sutherland Avenue, serving from 5-7 p.m. We will serve till the food runs out! There will also be a prayer drive-through for those who need special prayer! MAMA wishes our community a Blessed and Hap py Thanksgiving! Questions: Please call (479) 280-8245.

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

GriefShare continues to meet every Thurs day from 10 a.m.-noon at First Presbyterian Church Mena for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

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

Classifieds

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. T1116

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T1109

Construction, pads, ponds, roads and more. Military discounts. Insured. Just give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0104

Daniel’s carpentry and painting and handyman service. Deck and privacy fences, etc. Call (479) 216-1101 or (479) 216-2299. T1116

Tree services, forestry mulching, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light re placement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate. T0104

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergen cy appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T1109

- FOR RENT-

A must see! Rental: Quiet, country setting on 40 acres, nice neighbors, 2 1/2 miles south of Mena. 3 BR/2 BA mobile home with fencedin yard. Perfect for couple or retired couple. Dogs welcome. $650/month, first and last. References, please. Call Cynthia (479) 216-3079. T1109

- ESTATE SALE -

Estate sale-Old Acorn Store Nov. 10-12, Thursday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dishes, old chest of drawers, bar stools, ladies’ clothes-size medium, men’s Levis 40x30, gas grills, old Singer sewing machine, lamps, hospital bed, wheelchairs, lift chair, baby swing, boys—size 6-8, girls—size 8-12. Everything ½ price on Saturday T1109

- SERVICES NEEDED -

Free firewood for the taking. One of my large Ornamental Pear Trees came down with the recent stormy weather. Bring your pickup truck and chainsaw and take what you want and leave what you do not need. I am located just 3 miles west of Mena on Highway 8 West Call me at 479-234-6134 and I can give my address. T1109

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced CNC Machine Operator. Applica tions 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 Fri day. 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.

T1123

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. Compet itive 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

T1123

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced TIG Welder for a permanent day shift position. The applicant must be proficient in welding aluminum.

Applications may be picked up at the Bro dix 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.

T1123

F.M. Dix Foundry is accepting applications for general labor positions. Applications may be picked up at the office, located at 301 Ma ple 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.

Polk County Toys for Tots collection locations

By Ethan Nahté

Bring a little joy to a local child in need by donating a new, unopened and unwrapped toy for a girl or boy to any of the locations listed:

Wickes

• Union Bank

• Dollar General Cove

• Dollar General

• Coffee Vault Hatfield

• Dollar General

• Union Bank Mena

• What Knots

• Dollar General

• Diamond Bank

• Union Bank

• Arvest Bank

• Pulse Multi-Media

• Mena Star

• Freedom Pharmacy

• The Q, (formerly Suzy Q’s)

• St. Agnes Catholic Church

• First United Methodist Church

• Burkes Outlet

• Monetary Donations at the Skyline Cafe

You can also make a monetary donation at mena-ar.toysfortots. org/ and click the “Donate Local” button.

The Toys for Tots applications for Polk County children 12 and under is located on the back page of this issue of the Polk County Pulse. Hur ry, the deadline is Dec. 1 to get your child’s wish list turned in.

- HELP WANTED -

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

October 31, 2022

Deputies responded to a residence on North Hornbeck Street near Vander voort in reference to a physical domes tic disturbance. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies responded to a report of a vehicle fire on Polk 31.

Keleb Rushin, 21 of Cove was arrest ed by an officer with Probation Parole to be held for another agency.

November 1, 2022

Deputies responded to a residence on Polk 136 near Cove in reference to a vehicle being broken into.

Deputies were dispatched to a resi dence on Polk 676 near Acorn in ref erence to harassment. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting At torney for further consideration.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to harass ment. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

November 2, 2022

A report of an altercation at a resi dence on Hwy 71 S near Potter led to the arrest of Mark Blehm, 30 of Mena on charges of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery, Disorderly Conduct and Pub lic Intoxication.

November 3, 2022

Zackary Kellam, 36 of Commerce, TX was arrested by an officer with the

Arkansas State Police on charges of DWI, two counts of 2nd Degree Bat tery, No Seatbelt, Refusal to Submit and Careless and Prohibited Driving.

Deputies responded to a report of a damaged mailbox at a residence on Hwy 8 E near Mena.

Ernest Ray, 65 of Mena was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas State Police on a charge of DWI.

Deputies responded to a residence on Polk 44 near Mena in reference to a physical altercation.

November 4, 2022

Deputies were dispatched to a busi ness near Cove in reference to a phys ical altercation leading to the arrest of Rocky Daugherty, 30 of Mena on charges of Aggravated Assault upon a Certified Law Enforcement Officer, Re sisting Arrest, 3rd Degree Battery and 1st Degree Criminal Mischief.

A traffic stop led to the arrest of Tim othy Hutson, 56 of Mena on a charge of DWI.

November 5, 2022

Deputies were dispatched to a resi dence on West Boundary Road in ref erence to a disturbance.

November 6, 2022

A traffic stop on Hwy 8 W led to the arrest of Nicolas Kent, 22 of Mena on charges of DWI and Driving Left of Center.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to stolen property.

Deputies were dispatched to a resi dence on Hwy 88 E near Cherry Hill in

reference to a dispute.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 21 Incarcerated Inmates, with 14 Inmates currently on the Wait ing List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

October 30

Martin Cruz, 53, was charged with Criminal Trespass at United Country Real Estate.

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

Christopher Ridley, 59, was charged with DWI after a crash at Murphy USA.

October 31

Johnathan White, 37, was served with warrants at Janssen Park.

November 1

Lukas Holliday, 32, was served with warrants at the county jail.

Michael Davis, 47, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

A report of battery was taken at the request of Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children.

November 2

Hannah Jerimiah, was charged with Dog Running at Large on Lisa Way.

A report of a disturbance was taken at a residence on 11th Street.

Gena Esser, 40, was charged with Theft of Property at Walmart.

Winnie Cotter, 62, was charged with Theft of Property at Walmart.

November 3

Nathaniel Riley, 39, was charged with Driving on Suspended License and served with a warrant after a traffic stop at Citgo.

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

November 4

A report of battery was taken at a res idence on Dallas Avenue.

November 5

No report.

Vehicle rolls in Walmart parking lot

By Trey Youngdahl

A Toyota 4-Runner SUV rolled onto its side in the Walmart parking lot the evening of Saturday, Nov. 5.

The incident occurred when the 74-year-old driver was driving from near the garden center to the west side of the parking lot. The driver drove up onto a curb after cutting the corner too closely, striking a sign-post barrier. The car acceler ated, causing the front end to climb the post, resulting in the car turning over onto its side.

The vehicle received damage to the front left side where the initial impact occurred. The airbags were deployed and the vehicle was also damaged where it came to rest on the right side.

The barrier, signpost, and concrete belonging to Walmart was damaged as well.

Upon arrival of EMS personnel, the driver stated she was not injured and refused medical treatment at the scene.

Tornadoes leave damage across the ArkLaTex and Oklahoma

By Ethan Nahté

Storms triggered by an incoming cold front from the southern Plains pushed across Texas to the Gulf of Mexico and moved across most of Arkansas and Oklahoma Friday evening before dy ing out in Kansas and Missouri. North western Louisiana was also hit by the storms. Several tornado watches and warnings spawned from the supercells. At least 17 tornadoes have been con firmed throughout Nov. 4-5 through out the ArkLaTex and Oklahoma.

Temperatures were above average, with readings in the 70s and 80s. The warmth and increasing moisture lev els added enough energy to fuel the severe thunderstorms that included a lot of lightning and gusting winds over 60 mph. Some high winds of 115 mph were being reported in places.

One of the more damaging torna does to touch down Friday was in Ida bel, Oklahoma (McCurtain County), with damage to several homes and businesses (see front page). McCur tain County borders Arkansas from the Red River at the state line in Lit tle River County on the Arkansas side, through Sevier County and up through southern Polk County.

According to preliminary reports, National Weather Service (NWS) as sessment teams have found high-end

EF3 damage so far. The storm tracked southwest of Bogata, Texas, and north west of Clarksville in Red River Coun ty, Texas, before crossing into Oklaho ma, where it possibly gained strength. Both Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Chief Gary Batton and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergen cy for McCurtain County.

Also in Oklahoma, Honobia was hit by a mile-wide tornado that had a 10.2mile track, damaging a few homes and outbuildings. Heavener had a tornado 900 yards wide with a 6.5-mile track that damaged homes, outbuildings and uprooted several trees.

Another death near Stilwell oc curred when a vehicle was swept away by flooding. A 6-year-old girl drowned according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. A 43-year-old man was still missing on Saturday. The drowning had not been officially attributed to the storm as of Saturday.

The Oklahoma Mesonet Idabel Ob serving Platform by 150-yards with winds measured at 108 mph as it de tected a drop in barometric pressure. The Mesonet is a network of  environ mental monitoring stations designed to measure the environment at the size and duration of mesoscale  weath er events.

At least one other death has been confirmed by Morris County (Texas)

Judge Doug Reeder, located near the Arkansas/Texas border. At least three tornadoes were confirmed in Morris County.

A minimum of five tornadoes oc curred in Arkansas on Friday night ac cording to NWS Little Rock. The stron gest was rated an EF2 near Sardis (Sa line County). The other four were rated EF1s: Danville (Yell County), between Gravelly and Bluffton (Yell County) with winds of 104 mph, southeast of Curtis (Clark County) and a shortlived EF-1 tornado occurred near Wickes (Polk County) Friday night with 90 mph winds. The 200-yardwide tornado tracked 1.8 miles north east across Hwy. 278 causing damage to chicken houses and trees. It stayed on the ground almost two minutes.

KARK-TV added a fifth EF1 tor nado in Kingston (Madison County), confirmed by NWS. Polk County was under a tornado warning for some time. The Fabulous Fall Festival at the Polk County Fairgrounds closed earli er than expected due to reports of tor nado sightings.

Overall, there were six reports of tornados in Arkansas and dozens of warnings.

Several tracks were confirmed in Texas and Oklahoma, and another possible track was being evaluated in the Bossier, Louisiana area.

Several thousand people were left without power across the affected areas as winds and downed trees damaged power lines.

High winds also did damage Arkan sas, uprooting large trees and snap ping limbs in locations from Russell ville to Chicot, not to mention close by to Cherry Hill (Polk County), and between Board Camp and Big Fork, where at least 70 trees were downed.

There were reports of property dam age in Cove, also.

A Facebook post showed a banner still in good condition that had evi dently taken flight from Idabel and landed at a home between Hatfield and Mena, 72-miles away.

Another person reported finding sheet metal at their deer lease 27 miles northeast of the Trinity Baptist Church destroyed in Idabel, which was hav ing a new building constructed. Now, all that remains is the gym and Sun day School building after the tornado ripped through the sanctuary and flat tened the shell of the new structure, ac cording to the pastor Don Myer.

On the plus side, the state did receive some much-needed rain.

Although this week began with mild temperatures with lows high 50s and low 60s and highs in the mid-to high 70s, Wednesday will bring a chance for rain all through the weekend. By Thursday, the coldest weather of the season thus far is predicted to begin entering the state from Canada. Tem peratures will be right around freezing by Sunday morning and highs in the low 50s most of this coming weekend and into the following weekend.

(Eds: After going to press, it was an nounced that 14 tornadoes hit Arkan sas in five hours—the largest outbreak since the 24 tornadoes that occurred Nov. 27-28, 2005.)

Beavers Bend hosts annual Folk Festival & Craft Show

Broken Bow, OK- The Forest Her itage Center in Beavers Bend State Park is the site of one of Oklahoma’s most popular fall festivals. The Folk Festival & Craft Show kicks off on Friday, Nov. 11 and runs through Nov. 13. This is the 27th year for this popular free festival, which draws around 16,000 visitors and 70 ven dors to southeast Oklahoma, just in

natural fibers, and friends gath ered together to strum on banjos and guitars. Visitors can enjoy onestop holiday shopping by browsing through rooms filled with hand crafted wooden toys, arts and crafts, Oklahoma wine, and homemade quilts and aprons.

The central courtyard is a haven for children of all ages. Kids will love getting up close and per sonal with some furry friends in the petting zoo and decorating toy tops with the woodturners while their par ents watch some turn-of-the-cen tury, hands-on demonstrations like the black smith working at his forge, the basket maker weaving intri cate designs, and woodturners de lighting crowds with the magic of the lathe.

toes to their rousing tunes.

The outdoor food court will be filled with the tantalizing aroma of roasting corn, smoked barbecue, fish tacos and juicy burgers. Sweet treats will be abundant with funnel cakes, kettle corn, fresh apple cider and homemade ice cream. Take a taste of Folk Festival home with savory beef jerky, sweet sugared pecans, and hand crafted old-time root beer.

Mother Nature will be providing quite a show of her own with the vibrant colors of fall foliage reflect ing off our Mountain Fork River. Be sure to check out the rest of Beavers Bend State Park with its train rides, horseback riding, camping, and trout streams.

The Beavers Bend Folk Festival &

Craft Show is made possible by the FHC Advisory Board, Oklahoma Arts Council, McCurtain Coun ty Tourism Authority, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Depart ment and Oklahoma Forestry Ser vices.

The Folk Festival is free to the public. There is a $10 fee to park, which goes back to the FHC to help pay for costs of repairs, main tenance and other expenses related solely to FHC.

Festival Hours are 9 a.m.-5p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, contact the Forest Heritage Center Muse um 580-494-6497, email fhc@ag.ok. gov or visit www.forestry.ok.gov/ folk-festival

time for the beautiful fall colors. A stroll through the halls of the Forest Heritage Center (FHC) is a glimpse into another time when paper and books were crafted by artisans, yarn was hand spun with

The sounds of bagpipes, banjos and fiddles will draw visitors to the outdoor stage area to enjoy some Celtic and early American tunes with the back drop of a southeast Oklahoma for est. Four of the country’s best folk musician groups will have you clap ping your hands and tapping your

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

‘Thankful’ Cash Mob gathers for November

Judy Thompson, Cash Mob coor dinator for Mena Downtown Part ners, advises that the November 12 mob theme will be “We are thank ful for Cash Mob members—past, present and future.”

Freedom Pharmacy, 710 4th Street, will be hosting the mob on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 10:00 a.m.

The Cash Mob is an effort of the Mena Downtown Partners and meets the second Saturday of each month, frequently with some type of fun theme. Advance registration for the Cash Mob is not required— just show up and fill out a brief form with contact information. There is always a designated gathering place that is announced prior to the mob date. Participants gather and com plimentary refreshments are served

with door prizes and fun activities. Afterwards, a business name is drawn. The group then converges on that particular Downtown Part ners’ member with laughter, yelling “You’re being mobbed!” as they en ter. Then more fun as the shopping begins.

Cash Mob rules are very simple: A commitment to spend $20 or more at the selected shop is required. The only other requirement is to have fun and enjoy meeting new people.

The two main goals of the Cash Mob are to provide an opportunity for meeting new people in a fun at mosphere and to help the Partners’ Buy Local effort. Make new friends; visit with old friends and enjoy the favorite pastime of shopping.

ACLU of Arkansas issues statement in response to parole misreading

LITTLE ROCK -- Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Correc tions, Solomon Graves told a leg islative committee last week that a department error led to nearly 300 inmates learning they will have to serve their entire sentence with out parole, despite previous plea agreements. DOC officials said they do not fear lawsuits over the error, because the Supreme Court case law is on their side.

Holly Dickson, Executive Direc tor of the American Civil Liber ties Union of Arkansas issued the following statement in response: “We have stated publicly this is an ex post facto violation because

the law is being used against some one for conduct that occurred be fore the law was enacted. People based their pleas on the law and knowledge at the time. Now, some politicians have abused the power of the state government to upend the lives of 300 Arkansans and their families with this unfair de nial of due process. The law is not on their side here.

“Our prisons are chronically overcrowded and understaffed. The state should address Arkan sas’s over incarceration addiction and stop the misdeeds of politi cians violating people’s rights for political promotion.”

Arkansas Beef Council to meet in November

A meeting of the Arkansas Beef Council Board of Directors has been scheduled for 8 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 15 at the Farm Bureau Center located at 10720 Kanis Road in Lit tle Rock. The meeting will be held in the boardroom and will begin with Beef Council business and re search and program updates. Strate gic planning for FY23 and beyond

will also be on the agenda.

If you have questions, concerning these arrangements, please let us know.

For more information contact: Donette Spann, Administra tor donette.spann@arfb.com

Office: 501-228-1222; Cell: 501804-8222

Football playoffs are here

By the Pulse Staff

Violent storms postponed several games across Arkansas Friday night until Saturday evening. The results are in and here’s what Pulse Multi-Me dia will be covering this week on both KENA 104.1 FM and KQOR 105.3 FM.

On Friday, there will be six hours of the most comprehensive high school football coverage on the airwaves short ly after 6 p.m. with the High School Football Game Day Preview Show as Kelly Blair previews every opening round playoff contest from around the state on KENA and KQOR.

At around 6:30, KENA goes live to Ozark where the Mena Bearcats battle the Ozark Hillbillies in the opening round of the Class 4A State Playoffs at 7 p.m.

The Bearcats knocked off the Wal dron Bulldogs 28-20 Saturday night. The Bearcats ended their regular sea son 5-5 overall and 1-4 in conference play. This is the fifth year in a row that the Bearcats have gone to the playoffs, and the eighth time in the past 10 years.

The Voice of the Bearcats, Phillip Wilson, will have all the exciting playby-play action on 104.1 KENA.

The champion of the Bearcats/Hill billies game will take on the winner of the Arkadelphia/Clinton game in the quarterfinals.

Also, at around 6:30, KQOR goes live to Mount Ida where the Lions host Episcopal of Little Rock in the opening round of the Class 2A State Playoffs. Trey Fiorello will have the play-by-play with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. on KQOR.

Mount Ida lost to the Dierks Outlaws Thursday night 38-22, ending their sea son 7-2 overall and 5-1 in conference place.

The winner of the Mount Ida/Epis copal game will play the winner of the Des Arc/Magazine game in the 2A semi-finals.

Dierks will be host England in the playoffs. The game will be broadcast at 7 p.m. on our sister station The Maver ick 105.5 FM.

Then from 10 p.m.-midnight, Rex Nelson and Nate Olson have all the scores from around the Natural State

on the Simmons Bank High School Football Scoreboard Show on KENA and KQOR.

On Saturday the undefeated Ouachi ta Baptist University Tigers close out the regular season against the Hender son State University Reddies in the an nual “Battle of the Ravine” at Carpen ter-Hagood Stadium on the Henderson campus in Arkadelphia at 2 p.m. Air time with Rex Nelson and crew is set for 1 p.m. on KQOR 105.3.

Other Football News

The fifth-sixth grade Bearcats foot ball team brought home the AR/OK River Valley Football Championship on Saturday after defeating Booneville 14-8.

The Jr. Bearcats finished their season, with a 6-3 record, beating Hackett 4012 on Thursday.

Units with the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, along with EMS person nel from Southwest EMS and the Hatfield Fire Department responded to an overturned 18-wheeler on Highway 71 between Hatfield and Cove on Monday morning. (Photo courtesy of Sheriff Scott Sawyer)