Polk County Pulse - October 18, 2023

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October 18, 2023

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Phyllis Caldwell is loving life more

INSIDE:

By Ethan Nahté

Smoke Alarm Applications

Page 9

CMA Changing Of The Colors

Page 14

Suzanne Somers Tribute

Page 2

Phyllis Caldwell’s name is one that’s familiar to much of the community. She’s the office manager at Hampton Aviation going on 16-plus years, treasurer for the Polk County Fair and Rodeo Association, and was one of The Pulse’s Women in Business honorees in 2022.

In addition, she is secretary for the Mena Elks Lodge No. 781 and the past exalted ruler (E.R.) in 2015, 2016 and 2018. The E.R. is the president and executive officer of the lodge. Caldwell’s the only woman who has been E.R. for Mena. She is also the state’s Elk National Foundation chairperson and was running for Arkansas State Elks Second Vice President this past weekend. She won the election and will be installed at their spring convention in May 2024.

Despite her accomplishments with the Elks, she reveals her sharing spirit by taking time to comment on fellow Elks member Cindy Charpentier during the interview.

“Cindy won an award for our local lodge two years ago on Elks National Foundation. She got a perfect score on everything that could possibly be done for Elks National Foundation for one year. She is the only woman in the United States who has done it so far.”

Caldwell’s work with the Elks is purely for what the organization does for the community.

“We’re everywhere — youth, elderly, veterans. We support fire departments,

Phyllis Caldwell has been cancer-free for five years. (Photo by Ethan Nahté) police stations. We’re a patriotic group.

We’re American. Red, white and blue doesn’t mean we all exactly believe the same thing and doesn’t mean we’re all the same, but we have a common goal

to make our community better. That’s what I love about the Elks. It doesn’t matter what the problem is, we will help

on the all new

See CALDWELL continued on page 10

COUNTRY THE WAY IT WAS!

KQOR 105.3 FM THE MOUNTAIN

2 News

October 18, 2023

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Second bout of breast cancer claims life of actress Suzanne Somers

By Ethan Nahté

As I was transcribing an interview for our National Breast Cancer Awareness issue, a text came across on Sunday evening about the death of Suzanne Somers. The actress best known for TV shows “Three’s Company” and “She’s the Sheriff ” died a day before her 77th birthday from her second bout with breast cancer. It came across as a chilling coincidence.

Somers, who had first battled skin cancer before her first diagnosis of breast cancer in 2000, had eschewed the comments of naysayers, including the American Cancer Society, when she chose not to do chemotherapy. She chose instead a chemical-free and organic lifestyle.

In addition to being a spokesperson on infomercials for the ThighMaster exercise equipment, she would eventually promote a healthier lifestyle with a health and wellness website carrying

her own brand of cosmetic, fitness and weight loss products. She also wrote several books on subjects such as cancer, aging, beauty, wellness, menopause

and sex.

Somers’ longtime publicist, R. Couri Hay, shared a statement on behalf of the actress’ family with the news Sunday. The actress, who “survived an aggressive form” of breast cancer for over 23 years, “passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours” on Sunday,” the statement read.

“Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan, her son Bruce, and her immediate family,” the statement continued. “Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on Oct. 16th. Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”

She had spoken to People magazine the Sunday prior, talking about how she planned to celebrate and seemed in good spirits.

In July, she had told “Entertainment Tonight” her breast cancer had returned, saying “I have been living with

cancer since my 20s. And every time (it) pops up, I continue to bat it back. I do my best not to let this insidious disease control me.

“Like any cancer patient, when you get that dreaded ‘It’s back,’ you get a pit in your stomach. Then I put on my battle gear and go to war. This is familiar battleground for me, and I’m very tough.

Throughout her battles, she said the “big upside” was it had strengthened the bond with her husband over the years. “We have not spent one day apart in 42 years,” she said.

Before “Three’s Company,” my earliest memory of Somers was the “Blonde in the white Thunderbird” in the George Lucas film “American Graffiti.”

She was the unattainable mystery girl.

For me, she was one of the three women who served as the inspiration for a character in one of my novellas, along with Natalie Wood and Olivia Newton-John.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

October 18, 2023

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Congressman Gaetz, along with seven of his fellow Republicans voted Congressman McCarthy be removed as speaker of the house. Their reason was that Mr. McCarthy made a promise he did not keep.

Their delicate feelings must have been deeply hurt. I mean, how could that happen? A politician failed to keep a promise? Bet they were never guilty of that!

Our current fiscal situation dictated compromise to keep the country open and running. Like petulant children, they could not wait for a more opportune moment to pass a budget that fit the needs of our country. None of this was about what was best for our country. This was a temper tantrum that is really embarrassing. We did not get $33.4 trillion in debt because of one continuing resolution.

A pertinent question should be what blame do these eight Republicans share in getting us in debt?

How much pork are they responsible for? Their finger pointing and righteous indignation is a joke.

Would it be fair to say that he who is without blame should cast the first stone?

In lock step the opposing party voted unanimously to remove the speaker. It is refreshing that a party can get together as one and move forward towards a common goal, though I do not always embrace that goal.

Democrats must be giddy watching the Republican party implode, fighting among themselves. Who needs a majority when divide and conquer works even better?

I have found there to be one constant with our politicians, and that is that they have lied and made promises they break.

“Read my lips, no new taxes.”

“There are weapons of mass destruction.”

“I did not have sex with that woman.”

And most recently from Biden building a border wall he swore he would never build when campaigning against Trump.

The examples of broken promises and lies are too numerous to list. This is not a party thing; it is a politician thing. Say what needs saying to stay in power. Do what is best for you and your party, not necessarily the country. This will not change until we have the backbone to take back our government using our only weapon, our vote.

We should have a balanced budget, term and age limits, and rules that do not allow retiring politicians to come back as a lobbyist for at least 10 years after leaving office.

Better yet, if a promise made by any politician is broken, remove them as was done to Mr. McCarthy.

Watch the news. Ask questions.

Seek the truth. Do not be deceived by smoke and mirrors. Many of our forefathers sacrificed everything for our right to vote and self-govern. Sadly, we have lost sight of that important duty. We have been lied to so much, often we do not question those lying to us anymore.

As always, I thank you for a forum to express my thoughts, though we may peacefully disagree.

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

Letters 3

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4 News

October 18, 2023

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

‘Acquire the Fire’ rally coming to Christ’s Church-Mountain Fork An “Acquire the Fire” rally with was seen weekly on nationwide TV Cecil Todd is scheduled at Christ’s for 20 years. President Ronald ReaChurch in Mountain Fork, for Sun- gan was his special guest on the proday morning, Oct. 22, at 9:45 a.m. gram twice. Cecil and Linda Todd (Sunday School) and 10:45 a.m. were invited to join Reagan on Air Morning Worship & Communion, Force One. When Reagan became according to Mark Berrier, senior president, he asked Todd to come minister. weekly to the White House to pray Todd is the founder and president and counsel with him! of the world-wide ministry of ReTodd has been asked to provide vival Fires. He has traveled over 3 million miles to win 3 million souls in his 74 years of evangelism.

Todd has conducted “Revival Fires Crusades” in all 50 states and in 23 different countries abroad. He was 92 years young on Oct. 7. Todd has beat stage IV cancer four times.

He is a graduate of Ozark Christian Cecil and Linda Todd aboard Air Force One with College in Joplin, President Ronald Reagan.

Missouri, with a BSL degree. Todd also has three Doctor 5,000 more military Bibles for the of Divinity degrees from three dif- “new recruits” joining our armed ferent Christian colleges. Todd is a forces. A “love offering” at the close product of the Kiamichi Mountain of this rally will be used to provide Christian Mission.He is also the more military Bibles for our “new “first one” of over 100 young people recruits” without one. who have gone into ministry from “This ‘Acquire the Fire’ rally is this Mission. open to the public,” Berrier said.

Todd is also the only preacher Todd’s message theme at the 9:45 and the only American to preach a.m. service will be “What Happens for “Russia’s Annual May-Day Cel- When God is With Us!” ebration” on Moscow’s Red Square.

The theme for the 10:45 a.m.

Over 1 million were in attendance, worship service will be “God Bless including 150,000 communist.

America Again... and Please HurTodd’s TV program “Revival Fires” ry!”

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Politics 5

October 18, 2023

From the

State House of Representatives

ernment broadened the plan Paving the way for a even more to allow 529s to brighter future through edcover the cost of apprenticeucation is a goal shared by ship programs and pay down many families. For parents student loan debt. in Arkansas, the Arkansas Arkansas taxpayers are elBrighter Future 529 Proigible to deduct up to $5,000 gram is a valuable tool designed to help them save and John Maddox (up to $10,000 for married couples) from their adjusted invest in their children’s education. This week, we want to remind gross income calculation for contriyou about the valuable resource and butions to an Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan account. The savings all the advantages it has to offer.

The Arkansas Brighter Future have the potential to grow at a fast529 Plan (formerly the GIFT Plan), er rate than if you had invested in a sponsored by the Treasurer of State’s comparable taxable account.

You can also invite friends and office, is an education-savings plan that allows your savings to grow family to be a part of your savings tax-deferred through a wide vari- journey. With a Ugift® code that ety of investment options. Later, the links directly to your account, they money can be withdrawn tax-free to can give the gift of education for a pay for qualified higher education birthday, holiday, special occasion, costs like tuition, room and board, or even “just because.” Anyone who and supplies at nearly any two- or contributes may be eligible for an four-year college, university, voca- Arkansas state tax deduction, too.

More than 27,000 Arkansas Famtional, or trade school.

In 2018, the federal government ilies are served by the Arkansas expanded the use of 529 funds to Brighter Future 529 Plan. You can include private, parochial, and pub- begin saving by visiting www.brightlic K-12 tuition. In 2021, the gov- erfuturedirect529.com.

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

Since last year enrollment slightly. The campus has 9,790 has gone up at most of the students, which is 1.3 percent publicly supported institufewer than last year. tions of higher education in Arkansas Tech University Arkansas. at Russellville has a total enThe academic year began rollment of 9,397, which is about a month ago and headabout 1 percent less than last counts for this year are based year. Enrollment was down at Terry Rice on enrollment as of the 11th Russellville and up at the Ozark day of class. campus.

The largest campus in the state is the Enrollment at the University of ArUniversity of Arkansas at Fayetteville, kansas at Fort Smith is up 2.5 percent which last year had more than 30,000 since last year. The total number of students enrolled for the first time students is 5,514. ever. This year the university has more The University of Arkansas at Monthan 32,000 students. ticello has 2,578 students this fall, an The chancellor said that the univer- increase of 2 percent over last year. sity could have admitted 8,000 freshAttendance went down again at the man but chose not to because of a University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, lack of capacity. No deserving in-state dropping 11 percent to 2,117 students. students were denied, only those from The University of Arkansas at Litout of state, he said. Commenting on tle Rock saw its number of students the rapid growth at the Fayetteville drop by about 1 percent, to 7,147 stucampus, he said that he remembers in dents. Due to an increase in full-time the 1990s when enrollment was about students combined with a decrease 15,000 students. in part-time students, UALR has an Arkansas State University at Jones- increase of one percent in semester boro has a record number of students credit hours being taught. this semester, with 14,903. That is six The University of Arkansas for percent more than last year.

Medical Sciences has 3,275 students, The ASU system has increased en- up from 3,240 last year. Of its total, rollment throughout its system, with 356 students are at the UAMS campus a total of 26,197 students. Henderson in northwest Arkansas.

State University at Arkadelphia was The University of Arkansas system’s the only one campus in the ASU sys- online institution, UA Grantham, has tem with a decline. It was a 15 percent 4,651 students. That is an increase of drop, to 2,139 students. more than 200 students since last year.

The five two-year institutions in Attendance at the UA Community the ASU system at Beebe, Mid-South College at Hope-Texarkana is up 9 in West Memphis, Mountain Home, percent. At Phillips Community ColNewport and Three Rivers in Mal- lege of the University of Arkansas, envern, all had increases. Three Rivers rollment is up 13 percent. At the UA had the greatest increase with 15.1 Community College in Morrilton enpercent. rollment is up 18 percent. At UA Rich Southern Arkansas University in Mountain in Mena it is up 6 percent.

Magnolia set a record for enrollment At Cossatot Community College enlast year, but this year’s increase was rollment is up 5 percent and at the UA more modest. SAU has 5,128 students. Community College at Batesville it’s The University of Central Arkansas up 13 percent. UA Pulaski Technical at Conway saw its attendance drop College dropped by 1 percent.

6 Obituaries Edward Lee Peikert Sr.

Edward Lee Peikert Sr. Born in Galveston, Texas on December 1, 1943, and passed October 12, 2023.

Preceding him were parents Irita Gertrude Caraway and Walter H. Peikert, sisters Barbera Jean Revels, Helen Houston and brothers Walter Peikert and Robert Peikert. Surviving siblings Lucy Houston, Verna Inman, and Bertha Edwards.

Edward’s dad was killed in a shipyard accident in St Louis, MO, when he was 6 years old. His sisters helped raise him and later his mom remarried Wesly Cox. No matter where Edward lived, he loved going out to the countryside and often brought back snakes or turtles as pets.

Edward joined the Army Airborne Division in and served 3 years. While on a leave he visited home when his sister Bertha and Ruby were visiting.

They started corresponding with letters and when he had completed his term with the army and she graduated high school they were married on May 22, 1966, in Hatton, AR. They had five children: Sharon Conaster and husband David Conaster, Edward Peikert Jr. and wife Carrie Peikert, Christine Lovell and husband Rodney Lovell, Daniel Peikert and wife Tammy Boyd Peikert, and Darlena Cochran and husband James Cochran. Many grandkids including Melissa, Denise, Sarah, Aurianna, Serenity, Hunter, Latosha, Elizabeth, Katie, Bonni, Sunni, Christian, Justin, Molly, Michael, Matthew, Robert, Kenley, Tamerah and many great-grandchildren.

Edward had many jobs including service station attendant and Warehouser.

He also owned his own service station, several wholesale candy and tobac-

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

October 18, 2023 co stores, and his favorite was the Pet Shop. He loved the animals and taking care of his yard including planting many different flowers and fruit trees.

You could find him outside almost every day.

Edward was a strong man with strong beliefs. He always did what he thought was right and raised his children, teaching them how to work and be a good person. He loved his family very much and dedicated his life to provide and care for them. He was very honest and straightforward but also caring.

Edward moved to Mena in 1984 and has been a part of the community for several years thru his businesses. He will have a lasting memory with his family and friends.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday October 14, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the Witherspoon Cemetery in Vandervoort, Arkansas, with Brother Donnie Jewel officiating under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home for services.

When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions. ~William Shakespeare

Freddy DeWayne Wilkinson

Freddy DeWayne Wilkinson, age 41, died on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at the McCurtain Memorial Hospital in Idabel, Oklahoma. He was born on Sunday, August 8, 1982, to Ford Leon and Peggy Sue Broach Wilkinson in Mena, Arkansas.

Freddy personified a zest for life, and his vibrant personality left a lasting impression on everyone he met. A member of the Grannis Trail Riders, Freddy embodied the spirit of the cowboy lifestyle. His passions included horseback riding, car racing, deer and coon hunting, and roping. He had an unparalleled love for anything fast, a trait that reflected his dynamic character. Freddy’s love for country music was wellknown among his friends and family, serving as a soundtrack to his life and complimenting his persona.

More than just a cowboy, Freddy was a loving husband to his wife, Jessica, and a devoted father to his children.

His commitment to his family was his most cherished cause, and his love and dedication were an inspiration to all who knew him. Above everything else, he was “Gramps” to his grandchildren.

His unparalleled love and guidance will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to live on in their hearts.

Besides his family and cowboy lifestyle, Freddy had another love - his trucking company. As the founder of Wilkinson Trucking, he combined his business acumen with his love for all things fast, making his mark in the industry and creating a successful company that mirrored his own tenacity and determination.

Freddy is survived by his parents, Ford and Peggy Wilkinson of Cove; his

wife, Jessica Wilkinson of Cove; three sons, Dakota Turnbough of Hatton, Austin Price of Cove, and Luke Dinkins of Cove; three daughters, Ariel Wilkinson of Watson, Oklahoma, Shania Wilkinson of Watson, Oklahoma, and Lindy Price of Cove; two brothers and sister in law, Henry and Amanda Wilkinson of Cove, and Jeral Wilkinson of Cove; four grandchildren, Stetson Turnbough of Hatton, Atticus Price of Cove, Creek Chappell of Cove, and Cash Chappell of Cove; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at the Watson Cemetery in Watson, Oklahoma with Brother Don Youngblood officiating under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, from 6-8 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Obituaries 7

October 18, 2023

Aubrey Daniel Sterner

Aubrey Daniel Sterner, age 71, of Mena, Arkansas, died Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was born on Wednesday, December 5, 1951, to Charles Russell and Wanda Eddlene Red Sterner in Mena, Arkansas.

Aubrey was a man of unwavering determination and a firm believer in the power of preparation, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, dedication, and a life well-lived.

Aubrey’s faith was an integral part of his life. He was a dedicated member of the Mountain View Methodist Church in Mena, where his spiritual journey was nurtured and his sense of community flourished. His commitment to his faith was a guiding light that influenced his interactions and relationships with those around him.

A proud member of the Boy Scouts of America, Aubrey dedicated himself to the growth and development of young minds. Serving as the Scout Master for Troop 43 in Oakdale, California, and achieving the esteemed rank of “4 Beader” Scout Master, Aubrey played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of countless scouts. His involvement in the Virgil of the Order of the Arrow further attested to his passion for nurturing the next generation.

Aubrey was a family man through and through. He cherished every moment spent with his beloved wife, daughter, and grandson, creating cherished memories that will be treasured forever. His love and devotion were the foundation upon which his family found strength and support.

Over the course of his career, Aubrey dedicated over 20 years of hard work

to Kent Lathing and Aderholt Specialties in California. His expertise in construction, particularly on government and large commercial projects, reflected his diligence and commitment to excellence. His contributions to the industry stand as a testament to his work ethic and skill.

Aubrey found solace and joy in nature. He had a deep love for hiking and camping in the California Mountains, where he felt at one with the world around him. His farm was a source of contentment, especially when tending to his cattle, reflecting his connection to the earth and the satisfaction found in nurturing life.

As we bid farewell to Aubrey, we remember the indomitable spirit and the unwavering determination that defined his life. His legacy of resilience, love, and devotion will continue to inspire us to live our lives with purpose and preparedness. Aubrey may no longer be with us, but his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched and inspired. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives he graced.

Aubrey is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Brian Sterner.

Aubrey is survived by his wife of 34 years, Ginger Sterner of Mena, Arkansas; his daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Phil Ramsey of Mena; two brothers, David and Vicki Sterner of Van, Texas and Peter Sterner of Benton, Arkansas; one sister-in-law, Kellie Sterner of Mena, Arkansas; one grandson, Aubrey James Sterner of Mena, Arkansas; several nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas, with Reverend Bryan Richardson officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Gardens in Mena under the

direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. Visitation will be Thursday, October 19, from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena.

Pallbearers will be A.J. Sterner, Billy Sterner, Ben Sterner, Corey Sterner, Tyler Thresher and Lance Thresher.

Honorary Pallbearers will be David Sterner and Peter Sterner.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mountain View Methodist Church or to the Cherry Hill Volunteer Fire Department.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Teresa Dawn Ramsey

Teresa Dawn Ramsey, age 54, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Friday, October 13, 2023, at the Mena Regional Health System. She was born on Thursday, December 10, 1968, to Amos Leonard and Sharon Kay Nix in Lubbock, Texas.

A woman of vivacious spirit and boundless joy, Teresa’s life was a symphony of her love for those around her and her passions. She served proudly in the United States Navy and raised three wonderful sons who she cherished with all her heart.

Teresa’s zest for life was as electrifying as the Hair Bands of the 80’s, her favorite music genre. This love for high energy and excitement was also reflected in her choice of television shows. Teresa had a penchant for the thrilling and mysterious, drawn to ghost and horror shows and mystery series that kept her on the edge of her seat.

This thrill-seeking spirit also influenced her favorite pastimes. A voracious reader, Teresa loved to lose herself in stories that made her heart race,

an adventure in every page. Her outgoing, bubbly, and quick-witted personality was prominent in everything she did, including her hobbies. A skilled crocheter, she brought warmth and comfort to others through her creations, and at one point even used to play the drums, adding her beat to the rhythm of life.

However, it was her career as a nurse that truly exemplified who Teresa was.

Not just a hard worker, she was a caregiver in every sense of the word. Revered by her colleagues and cherished by her patients, Teresa was a testament to the power of empathy and dedication in healthcare. Her care was her proudest accomplishment, and she poured her heart into every interaction.

Teresa’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and life lived to the fullest. Her philosophy of taking great care in her work has touched many lives and will continue to resonate even in her absence. Her spirit will forever be remembered, cherished in the hearts of everyone she touched, and her influence will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.

She is preceded in death by her father, Amos Leonard Nix Jr. Teresa is survived by her mother, Sharon Nix of Mena; three sons, Cody Ramsey of Mena, Brandon Ramsey of Hatfield, and Scott Ramsey of Mena; one brother and sister-in-law, William and Michelle Nix of San Antonio, Texas; four grandchildren, Declan Ramsey, Nolan Ramsey, Finn Ramsey, and Jamie Ramsey; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the Mountain View Methodist Church in Mena, Arkansas, with Brother Brian Richardson officiating.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online guestbook: bowserffh.com

8 Obituaries

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

October 18, 2023

Robert “Bob” William Lawry Robert “Bob” William Lawry, age 87, died on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at his home. He was born on Saturday, July 18, 1936, to Bennie Eugene and Hazel Myrle Reeve Lawry in Buffville, Kansas.

Bob was an entrepreneur, a devout believer, a loving grandfather, and a man of many passions. Bob’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own enterprise, Lawry’s Used Cars, in 1980. His dedication to his business was unwavering, operating it successfully in Mena for over four decades. He was admired for his hard work and determination, serving as an inspirational figure for many within the community.

Bob fixed up cars in his shop, new and old, but his passion was for old.

His car lot was packed with everything from Model A Fords to custom cars of his own creation. But don’t think these cars were high dollar creations built from a glossy catalog. These were cars with character.

Bob did not spend money on fancy tools or paint jobs. He just did it himself, even in his older age, in the heat and humidity. Showing people his cars made him happy, and he especially loved to show them to children. One of his proudest accomplishments was driving his Model A above the Arctic Circle and to the Florida Keys.

Bob was also a faithful lifelong member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, where he showed compassion and love for others. His

favorite lessons to share were simple yet profound; to always do the best job one can, and to care for other people.

He had a passion for missions, his favorite being Maranatha One-Day Churches. Maranatha developed kits that included a steel framework and roof that could be delivered and built in remote parts of the world.

Bob financed over fifty of these church building projects. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Maranatha One-Day Churches. https://tinyurl. com/5n8ae6ty His passions extended beyond his work and faith. Bob had a sweet tooth, with desserts being his absolute favorites. Furthermore, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He liked to boast that he had seven great-grandchildren and all of them were boys except six. He also enjoyed reminiscing about old cars and traveling. His favorite vacations included going on cruises with his late wife and exploring new places all over the world.

Bob’s memory will linger in the hearts of those he left behind. His tenacity, faith and wisdom serve as pillars of his legacy, inspiring those who knew him to face life with a positive and determined attitude.

He was indeed a hard worker who believed in doing his best at everything he undertook.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Patricia Lawry; one daughter, Penny Lee Lawry; two brothers, Lloyd Lawry and Delbert Lawry; and one sister, Opal Vega.

Bob is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Regina Lawry of Mena; two daughters

and son-in-law, Jeannie and Dewey Amos of Ashland, Missouri, and Carolyn Burnside of Walla Walla, Washington; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh. com

Soon we’ll reach the shining river, Soon our pilgrimage will cease; Soon our happy hearts will quiver With the melody of peace.

Yes, we’ll gather at the river, The beautiful, the beautiful river; Gather with the saints at the river That flows by the throne of God. (Fourth verse and chorus of “Shall We Gather at the River?” by Robert Lowry)

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city.”

Revelation 22:1-2 (ESV)

Complete Up-to-Date Obituaries at

MYPULSENEWS.COM

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

News 9

October 18, 2023

Mena Fire Department to install smoke alarms in homes of those that qualify Submitted by Mena Fire Chief Steve Egger The City of Mena and the Mena Fire Department are pleased to announce that the Arkansas Fire Protection service Board (AFPSB) has awarded the fire department a grant for 100 smoke alarms for the department’s fire prevention program.

cess. We are seeking applicants from low income families, handicapped, and senior citizens. If you know of anyone that fits the criteria and may not have a working smoke alarm in the home please tell them about this program. Applications are available at Fire Station No. 1 at 603 Dequeen Street during normal business hours and will be available at various pub-

City of Mena Fire Department Smoke Alarm Application

Name: ______________________________________Telephone____________________ Address: _________________________City________________ZIP___________________ 1. Do you own or rent your home? _________________ 2. What type of home? _House _Apartment _Duplex _Mobile home _Other (specify) _________ 3. How many levels with living areas are in your home? ___1 ___2 ___3 or more 4. How many people who live in your home are under 5 years old? ____ Over 64 years old? ____ 5. How many people live in your home? _______ 6. How many smokers live in your home? ______ 7. Do you already have a working smoke alarm in your home? ______ _ How old are they? ____yrs.

8. What is the age of the homeowner? ______ Male____ Female____ 9. Household Income _________________________ 10. How many people in the home are disabled? ________ 11. How many people in the home are hearing impaired? _______ 12. How many people in the home are visually impaired? _______ 13. How did you hear about this program? ___________________________________________ Agreement/Release of Liability

100 smoke alarms are available through an application process.

(Photo submitted by Steve Egger)

This will be the second time for the department to be able to institute the smoke alarm program (INSTALL, INSPECT, AND PROTECT) for citizens living within the city limits of Mena. The alarms are the sealed 10-year lithium battery model. The smoke alarms will be installed by the fire department and not just handed out to the individuals.

The Mena Fire Department will install at least one smoke alarm in the home of those that qualify through a simple application pro-

lic relations events.

The fire department will notify applicants of approval of the application and will arrange a date and time for installation of the smoke alarms. During the installation, firefighters will provide families with information for them to inspect their home for fire hazards and provide fire safety tips to better protect their families from home fires.

If you have any question, or need additional information, please contact the Mena Fire Department at 479-394-1234.

The applicant hereby releases the City of Mena Fire Department and its employees of any and all claims, actions, damages, and liability pertaining to the performance of the smoke alarm in the event the smoke alarm fails to perform properly during a fire or related occurrences. The applicant also agrees to release the City of Mena Fire Department and its employees of any and all claims, actions, and liability pertaining to damage that may result during the installation of the smoke alarm. The applicant will also allow the City of Mena Fire Department and its employees to install the smoke alarm and to inspect and perform any necessary maintenance at no charge to the applicant. Further, I understand that the smoke alarm provided by this program is done for public safety and the sponsors or installers are not dealers of this type of goods, and make no warranty on the smoke alarm. I agree to allow program representatives to inspect and verify the function of the alarm at a later date, if they desire.

Signed___________________________________ Date _____ /_____ /_______ The Mena Fire Department will contact you upon approval of this application to arrange a date and time for installation. Return completed application to: Mena Fire Department 603 Dequeen St. Mena, AR 71953

How often are Americans changing smoke detector batteries? (according to All Star Home - allstarhome.com)

Three or more times a year- 6% Twice a year - 18% Once a year - 26% Once every other year - 3% Every few years - 3% Never - 7% Only when it beeps - 37%

• • • • •

61% of Americans have 3 or more smoke detectors in their home.

39% of Americans have unplugged their smoke detectors.

18% have forgotten to plug them back in.

1 in 6 do not remove lint from their dryer every time they use it.

58% of Americans have a carbon monoxide detector in their homes.

10 Feature CALDWELL continued from page 1 any way we can.”

The paying job and the volunteer work demands a lot of time and energy. Add a family of four kids as a single mother onto the pile and it’s even more of a demand physically, mentally and emotionally. When a person is also stricken with something such as breast cancer and still keeps working at her obligations, it falls into a special category for strength and persistence. Take a look at the aforementioned dates again and in the middle of possibly one of Caldwell’s busiest years, 2016, she received shocking news on top of a life-changing event.

“I was really lucky. That was really a bad year for me when I got diagnosed with cancer. I have four children and two were teenagers and still at home.

Two months prior to getting diagnosed with cancer, I had a heart attack and had to have stints put in. I was in Walmart walking around one day and decided I better go to the hospital,” Caldwell said with a laugh as she looks back at what all she has battled and survived.

During her heart stints procedure, nothing additional had been noticed in her scans, possibly because an unsuspected lump was on the far side of her right breast. X-rays can detect breast cancer but are not the typical method for discovery.

“X-rays and mammograms are different types of scans. The breast cancer was discovered during my mammogram, here at the local hospital. It was just a small spot. We caught it really, really quick. I had a biopsy here locally. Once it was found to be malignant, they sent me over to Genesis Cancer [and Blood Institute] in Hot Springs to Dr. [Stephen “Fred] Divers.

When it was first determined she had cancer, Caldwell said, “I was scared to death. I had two kids at home.”

It was also a shock because breast cancer does not run in her family. “My father died from prostate cancer. I had an aunt that died from cervical cancer.

As far I know, I was the first one with breast cancer. I didn’t know what to expect. My sister-in-law had breast cancer

October 18, 2023 before. I talked to her and my brother about it some. She went through it many years ago. I didn’t have a clue of what I was getting into, but it was ‘cancer.’ I don’t care what kind of cancer it is. You hear the word and if it’s you it scares you to death. If anybody tells you it doesn’t, they’re lying. I would have told you at the time, ‘No, I’m fine.’

“All I could think of was all of the things that I hadn’t finished in my life. I didn’t have my kids raised. I hadn’t seen any grandkids yet.”

She discovered some self-therapy. “I started writing a journal. The first time I had ever journaled anything in my life.

It was one of the things that kept me sane. If something did happen, at least I had written something that my kids knew what I felt and what I expected and what I’d hoped. That kind of diagnosis helps you think about your mortality.”

She had to decide on how to approach her family. “I said, ‘We’re not going to worry about this. We’re going to take care of it.’ That’s what I as a single mom was used to doing. We take care of it. We try not to worry about it. We do everything the best we can. I tried not to let them know I was worried because you don’t want them to be scared, too. My family has always been ‘You be strong, and you take care of things.’ Even if things go wrong, you still take care of it the best you can and keep on going.

I tried not to stress them out. I don’t think I was successful all the time,” she said with another laugh.

Treatment travails and travels Caldwell had not even suspected something was wrong. “I had infiltrating ductal carcinoma, so it was in the ducts.

No lump, nothing.”

Her recent heart attack at that time and the stints added to the concern.

“They had to get permission from the cardiologist to do stuff. Look, if I’m going to go, I’ll go with the heart attack rather than the lingering death of cancer. When my aunt died, it was long and drawn out and painful.”

“We did some more testing and surgery at CHI [St. Vincent]. We did a

lumpectomy. Then I went for radiation treatments.”

A lumpectomy is a treatment option for early-stage breast cancer. It’s less invasive than mastectomy, which removes the entire breast. In a lumpectomy, the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue known as the margin is removed. The purpose is to remove the cancerous cells.

According to the MD Anderson website, landmark studies dating back to the ‘70s and ‘80s show that patients who have a lumpectomy and radiation therapy have the same low risk for recurrence as patients who have a full mastectomy.

“I’ve never been through anything like that before and it was miserable.

I had to have 30 treatments. They give you two options: You can do them every other day for two months or you can double up and do it all in one month.

I was driving back and forth to Hot Springs every weekday morning for radiation therapy, driving back to work for the afternoon, then still trying to keep up with Elks and kids. This started in November on the radiation treatments, and I finished up just a few days after Christmas.

“I was exhausted. I was burnt. I was sore. I had no energy or appetite. But I didn’t have to go through any chemo treatments. The people who do… my hat is off to them. I can’t even imagine the extra wear and tear on your body that takes.

“The treatment facility at CHI, they have a cancer center for treatment with radiation. They have a whole department there just for that. They were great. They were very efficient. They have your appointment set up and you check in. They come and get you and you go back to the treatment room, which is this huge empty room except for this giant machine. You lay down on this cold table. They place the machine — I still have the markers that they used for where they put the machine — it’s little blue dots. It takes less than 10 minutes, even for the double dose.”

Caldwell would get up and take the kids to school, make the hour-and-ahalf drive to Hot Springs, do the double

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse treatment, drive home, go to work.

“The first week, I thought, ‘This is nothing. Everything is fine. No big deal.

I’m not turning red.’ They kept telling me how I’d look burnt. I didn’t have that at all.

“By the end of week two, the sunburn — radiation burn — was there. You can’t wear a bra. You get this cream they give you for that. It’s disgusting, but it helps. You can buy it at Walmart. If you ever have a sunburn, it’s great,” she said with a laugh.

Supplemental topical agents, which come in different brands, are utilized for the treatment of acute radiation dermatitis for breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. The skin reaction can result in itching, swelling, pain and general discomfort. Some of the agents are petroleum based while others are water based.

At the end of week four, Caldwell said, “By the time I was getting done, I was having a hard time getting on and off the table. To raise up, I had to do a full rollover and get my feet on the ground and get up that way.”

Having a support team helps, be it family, friends, co-workers and employers, or even an ex-husband.

“My two older kids were working. My two younger kids couldn’t drive yet. You don’t want to put people out. You don’t want to ask for favors and stuff. By the time I got to the end… Christmas Eve, my ex-husband, Martin Caldwell drove me to that treatment. He and I are still really good friends. I just didn’t think I could get there and back on my own. He drove me over,¬ waited on me and got me back.

“I had a three-day weekend because of Christmas. Where I work, at Hampton’s, we take off the afternoon of Christmas Eve. So, I didn’t have to go back to work that day and I had three days off in a row. Then I went back to work and also had my last three treatments.

“It was not fun, but the good point was we caught it early. Less than three months of my life were actual physi-

See CALDWELL continued on page 12

THE POLK COUNTY

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By Richie Lawry

My Daddy had looked forward to his Madison College reunion for six months. I told him I would take him, and he was so happy. Over the years, he kept in touch with friends from college. This year’s reunion was to be the final reunion, and Daddy didn’t want to miss it. Madison College closed in the early ‘60s, so there are few remaining alumni. As the reunion neared, he talked about it to everyone he met.

A few weeks before the reunion, my orthopedic surgeon scheduled my knee replacement surgery just a few days before the college reunion. When I told Daddy, he was very disappointed. I felt terrible, but there was nothing I could do. I asked my daughter if there was any way that she might be able to take him, and she was able to arrange her schedule so that she could.

Daddy was excited when I told him she would take him to the reunion.

They packed the car with snacks and headed out on a road trip to Nashville, Tennessee. While at the reunion, Daddy had a great time reconnecting with old friends. He also enjoyed showing off his beautiful granddaughter. Nine college alumni who, along with Daddy, graduated in the ‘50s were in attendance.

The morning after the reunion, Daddy and some friends ate breakfast at Cracker Barrel. After a wonderful visit, it was time to head back home to Mena. When they said their goodbyes, Daddy told his friends, “I probably won’t see you again, but I will meet you at the river.”

The evening that Daddy and my daughter returned from Nashville, we had a wonderful time visiting as they told us stories of the weekend. Daddy was happier and more engaging than he had been for quite a while. He told anyone he talked to about his reunion experiences. He told stories from his boyhood that I had never heard before.

While recovering from knee surgery, Daddy stayed at my business daily to let customers know I could not work for a few weeks. Last Wednesday, while

October 18, 2023

An Arkie’s Faith

News 11

bright angel feet have trod, with its crystal tide forever flowing by the throne of God? Yes, we’ll gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river; Gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.” My Daddy had spent his life serving God in the best way he knew how.

He loved Jesus and believed fully that he would spend eternity with him. He loved studying his Bible and took to heart the passages that read, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13 (ESV) “Endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Romans 5:4 (NLT) He was confident he would meet at the river.

The hymn’s final verse proclaims, “Soon we’ll reach the shining river, soon our pilgrimage will cease. Soon our happy hearts will quiver with the melody of peace. Yes, we’ll gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river; Gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.”

Robert Lowry wrote this hymn in 1864 after meditating on a picture of heaven found in Revelation 22:1-2 (ESV), “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city.”

I’m comforted that Daddy has fallen asleep and is resting peacefully. He is no longer fighting the daily battles of life. In 2 Timothy 4:7 (NLT), Paul’s words could be Daddy’s. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.”

I’m comforted that God has promised that if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we can be sure that those who sleep in Jesus will live again.

When the Lord Himself descends from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, the dead in Christ will rise again.

Gentle Reader, if you have experienced the loss of a friend or family member, remember that God does not want you to be ignorant “concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (NKJV) God has said that they are blessed.

Revelation 14:13 (NIV) says, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”’

I’m confident that Daddy believed the words of the Psalmist found in Psalms 17:15 (NASB); “As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.”

I’m looking forward to the day that Jesus returns, and Daddy will awake and look into the face of Jesus, his Savior.

I’m looking forward to the day “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 (NKJV) I hope to meet Daddy and you at the river one day.

Whether you are rich or poor, beautiful or ugly, young or old, cancer knows no boundaries ~ Sylvia Meis.

Replacing windshields in Polk County for over 40 years.

Give Richie a call at 479-394-9938 Located at 3008 Hwy 71 South

I’ll meet you at the river

Bob Lawry (center) with his college friends. (Photo by Cynda Grant)

he was at the shop, my wife and I made two trips there and visited with him for a few minutes. On Thursday, a friend helped me pick up a load of glass and make deliveries. My Daddy wasn’t there when we stopped by the shop to pick up the glass delivery truck. “He is usually here by this time,” I thought. “I wonder what is happening with him?”

When we returned to the shop with a load of glass on the truck, he still wasn’t there. “Let’s go check on Daddy before we make our deliveries,” I told my friend.

When we arrived at Daddy’s house and went inside, we found that he had slipped away during the night. That scene will be forever etched in my memory.

The shock of that experience is still with me as I make funeral arrangements. Sadness and grief have come in waves as I cope with everything that must be taken care of. But between those waves of intense emotion are thoughts of comfort as I think about Daddy’s last words to his friends, “I’ll meet you at the river.”

One of his favorite hymns was “Shall We Gather at the River.”

“Shall we gather at the river, where

12 Feature CALDWELL continued from page 10 cal treatments. You go back and forth to the doctor’s office for five years. The first year is every month. Matter of fact, at first it was every two weeks. Then it goes to every month, then every three months, six months and once per year.

I’ve been cancer free now for five years.”

Her children: Joe Evans, Andrea Caldwell, Matt Caldwell and Katy Kesterson — she’s married now, helped out, but some traditions went by the wayside. “I think we had spaghetti for Thanksgiving because there was no way… Christmas, we missed Christmas completely. It was like, ‘Here’s some money and you can go buy your own presents. I’m sorry, it’s the best I can do.’ They were all old enough to know things weren’t going perfectly.

“It’s funny now because anytime I get a hiccup, they’re like, ‘Are you okay?’

Now they over-worry some. Without them, there wouldn’t have been a reason to do it. God puts us here for a reason.

There are many things you’re supposed to do. Sometimes I tell Him He’s going to have to get me through it.”

October 18, 2023 “I did not have a bad time. Personally, yes. I wouldn’t want to do it again, but compared to what some other people go through, I had it easy. I know people who have had double mastectomies, thought they were fine and had to go back through stuff again. It’s not a disease I would wish on anybody. I don’t hate anybody enough for that, even the small stuff.”

“It scared my sister to death. They have genetic testing they will do there at CHI. I went through that to see if there were any genetic things that were showing up on me so my sister would know, and my kids would know. Not a single genetic thing showed up at all.

Never-ending threat The 5-year-breast cancer-specific survival rate for stage I Breast Cancer is 98%-100%. according to Weiss A, Chavez-MacGregor M, Lichtensztajn DY, et al. Validation study of the American Joint Committee on Cancer eighth edition prognostic stage compared with the anatomic stage in breast cancer.

JAMA Oncol. 4(2):203-209, 2018,

Still, one must remain vigilant.

“This year I had a little bit of a scare during my self-exam. I found a knot.

CHI was really good and got me in for another mammogram. What I was feeling was just a calcification, but they did find something else about three months ago. They did a needle biopsy at the mammogram center. It came back and was just a calcification. I can tell you right now, just the thought — first, finding the lump was scary; waiting on the results — you just keep on going. You do everything you have to do, but it was one of the most times I’ve been the most nervous in quite some time.

“I do know that when the girls start getting the right ages they’ll start getting checked.”

The age for getting checked has been getting younger. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force once recommended routine mammograms at age 50.

New and more inclusive science about breast cancer in people younger than 50 has enabled them to expand their prior recommendation and encourage all women to get screened in their 40s.

They have long known that screening for breast cancer saves lives, and the science now supports all women getting screened, every other year, starting at age 40.

“My dad came down with prostate cancer in his 50s,” Caldwell said. “He thought he had it beat and died… I think he was 58 or 59. Everything is starting sooner now.”

There have been some local people who have complained, stating that articles on breast cancer are unnecessary because women are already aware of

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse the disease. One offended woman said, “I don’t need to read it. Women know about breast cancer.”

Caldwell’s response, “Goodness, we don’t know a thing about it. We don’t know why we get it, sometimes. We don’t have a clue. I don’t smoke or have any bad habits. I might have an occasional drink and that’s it.

“Get checked! That little bit of pressure for a little bit of time is a whole lot better than going through any of the rest of it. I can’t stress it enough. And I was an every-five-year mammogram person. I hit 50, and I thought maybe a little more often, especially after my dad… just cancer in the family. I decided to start doing it every year. If they hadn’t found it when it was small a year later, there’s no telling how far along it would’ve been. It wasn’t painful. I didn’t feel anything. When you’re finding lumps, it’s not like there’s a big ol’ lump there. Something’s just not smooth as you’re running your hands.

“If you don’t want to do it every year, at least go get a baseline so there’s something for them to look at the next time to see if there are any changes.

Remaining positive Readers may have noticed that Caldwell laughs a throughout many of her answers. Those who know her know that it’s just her effervescence. She’s got a good sense of humor, and despite her health scares, she remains upbeat and positive. And, why not? Studies are being done to see whether or not laughter and humor have a healing effect that

See CALDWELL continued on page 13

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

October 18, 2023 CALDWELL ing so active between work, family, orcontinued from page 12 ganizations and hobbies, it’s difficult at

can be measured. The same for remaining positive as often as one can.

“If you haven’t been around somebody who’s had it, you don’t know what they go through. Most women, I think when they get it, try to stay upbeat for their families, try to get everything done at home, try to get everything done at work, try to take care of all of their commitments. It’s hard on the person who has it, it’s hard on the family around them and it’s hard on the person who has to pick up the pieces. I wouldn’t want to do it by myself.”

Her advice for anyone confronting breast cancer for the first time. “Make a list of what your most important things are. Forget the ones that aren’t. You’ve got to prioritize. If you don’t put yourself in the top three or four of the things you’re working for, it’s going to make your life so much more difficult getting through it. I was always on the bottom of my list before and I had a long list of things to do.

“I was lucky that my job worked with me because I was missing half a day every day of the week. Toward the end, the second half of the day I was basically, ‘Hand me the paper you want me to sign.’ I had my kids, and at that point I had to put me after them. Everything else took back seats, if not in the wagon, then behind us.

“There were a few things I let go of that I don’t miss them or even feel guilty. There are some I had to let go that I think maybe I should’ve kept up with that a little bit more.”

When someone is accustomed to be-

times for those people to learn to slow down. Caldwell said she finds that to be true.

“All my friends say, ‘Phyllis, you have to learn the word ‘no’.’ My kids say I know it,” she joked. “We’re looking for more volunteers at the fairground so I can say no more often. We’re looking for more volunteers at the Elks so I can so no more often. Volunteer work is important. I love it.”

What’s next?

“Anytime that anything comes up that’s a little hinky, it’s like, ‘Hey. Can we test that?’ and they’ll say, ‘It’s fine, Phyllis.

It’s from a sunburn ages and ages ago, or it’s just a mole. It hasn’t changed in years.’ It makes you a lot more conscious of things. Before, if I’d found that little bitty knot any other time, I wouldn’t have thought anything about it. I definitely wouldn’t have been calling the next day and saying I need another mammogram.”

During her interview for Women in Business, Caldwell said, “Believe in yourself. Know that if you don’t have a specific skill, you can still learn it. I am a firm believer that you can do it all.”

Caldwell certainly does quite a lot… including surviving a heart attack and breast cancer. “Now, I’ve got grandkids.

That was another thing. I’ve got three grandkids I get to see right now, and the other kids don’t even have kids yet.

“Once you’re through it, it makes you love your life more.”

Feature 13

14 CMA

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

October 18, 2023

CMA returns for Changing of the Colors Article and photo by Ethan Nahté You may have noticed an influx of motorcycles this week along with the cooler weather. The Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) has returned to their world headquarters for the annual Changing of the Colors Rally.

The roadways will be busy with a predicted few hundred motorcyclists, especially in between Mena and their camp on Iron Mountain, just outside of Hatfield. Although some riders are already touring the highways, visiting local stores and restaurants, the activities officially begin Wednesday morning, Oct. 18 and continue through Sunday morning, Oct. 22, ending with their early morning service with evangelist Jay Wilber.

The conference is an annual meet-

ing for the CMA USA state leadership teams to receive updates on the latest developments in the ministry, review CMA’s vision, grow skills and increase knowledge.

The Colors Rally will consist of

meetings, religious services, live music that anyone can livestream (see the CMA ad on p. 14 for details.), riding safety and educational courses, vendors and more at the Iron Mountain location.

Local residents should keep an eye out for the bikes as they go out on a variety of rides.

There will also be a potential increase in RVs and travel campers. As one CMA member said, many of the riders are getting older and it’s getting too difficult to sleep on the ground in tents, especially with cooler weather affecting some of the riders.

Saturday will be the annual parade, lining up to leave Iron Mountain around 12:30 and entering Mena around 1 p.m. If you never seen the parade, it’s quite impressive as a sea of motorcycles of all shapes, sizes and colors comes roaring into town.

The bike games continue afterwards in downtown Mena from 2-4 p.m. for bikes, trikes, and people. Cyclists will show off their skills for the opportunity to win great prizes. This is a public event. Many of the bikers love to talk about their rides, their travels, and what CMA is all about. It’s fun for all ages.

Of course, the events are weather permitting, but at press time the weather shows to be relatively pleasant and mild for the week.

The full schedule of planned events can be found at https://cmausa. org/Events/GetEventSubMenuPage?EventType=CC

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

News 15

October 18, 2023

Reflections from History and Faith:

By Jeff Olson This past June, my wife and I did something we had been wanting to do for many years: Go to Alaska. Our “Alaskan Cruise” took us to Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Though we barely scratched the surface of this magnificent state, it was a breathtaking and memorable introduction to what we hope will be another trip, next time to the interior of Alaska. We want to see more… learn more. Our experience, as that of many others, was possible in great part because of events occurring more than 150 years ago. Let’s take a look.

Alaska had quite an interesting journey on her way to becoming one of the United States. The first people came to Alaska about 15,000 years ago crossing the Bering Land Bridge. The second migration across the Bridge brought the Na-Dene and Eskimo-Aleut. They arrived in Alaska about 12,000 B.C. and moved through the north to populate Alaska and Canada.

When the most recent ice age ended and sea levels rose to cover the Bering Land Bridge, the American populations became isolated. Of these migrant groups, the Athabaskans, Aleuts, Inuit, Yupik, Tlingit and Haida remain in Alaska. The name “Alaska” derives from the Aleut word Alaxsxaq (also spelled Alyeska), meaning “mainland” While the indigenous peoples of Alaska have been there for centuries, the modern history of this area is quite short.

In 1578 Cossack Chieftain Yermak Timofief was on an expedition in central Russia when he heard word of rich sable and valuable furs in the east. The journeys across the steppes (a large area of flat unforested grassland in Siberia) marked the beginning of Russia’s conquest eastward.

Seward: Folly or foresight

In 1639 Cossack horsemen came over the eastern mountain range in Siberia and continued to the shore of the Okhotsk Sea. Once there, they built the first Russian Village, facing east, across the Pacific.

In 1725 Peter the Great of Russia commissioned a Danish sea captain,

ties in Russia, the desire to keep Alaska out of British hands, and the low profits of trade with Alaskan settlements. And the region had proved to have little other value and was remote and hard to defend.

Negotiations with the United States were opened during the Buchanan ad-

Vitus Bering, to explore the Northwest coast of Alaska. This marked the “official” discovery by Russia, and Bering established Russia’s claim to Northwestern North America.

In 1741, the first Russian ships arrived, and animal trappers began the fur trade. By then, the Europeans had also discovered Alaska and by 1774 the Spanish were exploring parts of the region.

In 1799, Alexander Baranov established a Russian post known today as Old Sitka and the Russian American Company was granted exclusive trading rights.

By the mid-nineteenth century, Russia was ready to sell its possessions in North America. This had been coming for some time due to financial difficul-

ministration but ceased with the beginning of the Civil War. President Andrew Johnson’s Secretary of State, William H. Seward, was an ardent expansionist. He was committed to the spread of American influence throughout the Pacific as a means of enhancing the nation’s trade and military standing. Seward actually began negotiations with the Russians before receiving authorization from Johnson.

However, when the outline of a deal was presented to the cabinet, Seward was surprised to find little opposition, but there were still strong critics of the deal in the U.S. Senate and elsewhere.

Seward refused to back down. After a week of debate, the Senate approved the agreement by a single vote. It was

signed in March 1867.

The official transfer of Alaska to the United States took place at Sitka (the last capital of Russian America) 156 years ago, Oct. 18, 1867, through a treaty ratified by the U.S. Senate. On that date American soldiers raised the United States flag over Sitka. Seward’s deal cost the United States $7.2 million, amounting to a price of about 2.5 cents per acre for an area twice the size of Texas.

Seward’s critics were not shy in expressing their views. The purchase became popularly known as Seward’s Folly, Seward’s Icebox or Andrew Johnson’s Polar Bear Garden. In a speech given at Sitka on Aug. 12, 1868, Secretary Seward claimed he did not doubt “that the political society to be constituted here, first as a Territory, and ultimately as a state or many States, will prove a worthy constituency of the Republic.”

In time, with the discovery of gold and oil in the late 1800s and with the evolving value of Alaska’s strategic location for national defense, Seward’s critics came to realize that perhaps he was more savvy and wiser than given credit for.

On Jan. 3, 1959, “The Last Frontier,” the “Land of the Midnight Sun” entered the Union as America’s 49th state.

16 News

Mena Art Gallery will be holding its annual Christmas show and gift sale Nov. 2–Dec. 30. There will be an amazing array of art and gift items for sale, great for oneself or as holiday gifts, created by Mena Art Gallery members. There will be all sorts of art supplies, fine art and handmade items. It’s an annual tradition.

Additionally, look for the table-top trees contest and sale — trees will be displayed for all to vote on their favorite. A ribbon goes to the winner.

If you purchase a tree, it goes home with you at the time of purchase. No need to wait until after the holidays.

Take the opportunity to enter the raffle for a wreath by local creator Niki Dempsey. The wreath will be

Pulse

October 18, 2023

Mena Art Gallery Christmas show and gift sale

By Ethan Nahté

THE POLK COUNTY

Hatfield clean-up results

The town of Hatfield held its fall community improvement event on Saturday, Oct. 14, in conjunction with the Keep America Great American Cleanup in Arkansas (GAmC), the annual fall statewide litter pickup campaign promoted by Keep Arkansas Beautiful (KAB).

Hatfield Mayor Linda Denton said, “We were happy to have 11 civic minded folks brave the brisk morning wind and work together to pick up 28 thirty-gallon bags of trash around our community. They raffled Saturday, Nov. 25. amounted to about 600 pounds of The gallery accepts cash, check, litter.”

Each volunteer was provided garand debit or credit cards.

It is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., bage bags, gloves, safety vests, and a Wednesday-Saturday. For ques- free T-shirt all provided by the Keep tions, contact them at email@me- Arkansas Beautiful Program.

After the volunteers were finished naartgallery.com picking up trash, they enjoyed a free

lunch of hot dogs, chips, homemade cookies and bottled water at the Hatfield Park pavilion. Thanks to Brandy McCoy for donating the hot dogs, Brandon Floyd for donating the hot dog buns, Lisa Lee Sawyer for donating the cookies and Linda Denton for donating the chips, bottled water and napkins.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

October 18, 2023

News 17

Kenzie Daniels selected as 2023 Miss Polk County Submitted by Amber Goodner

The 2023 Miss Polk County pageant was held on Oct. 14. There was a total of 59 contestants across seven age divisions. Ages 0 to 15 competed in gown only, and the Miss division, ages 16-21, competed in private interview (50%), casual wear (20%), and evening gown (30%).

The Miss Polk County pageant also added two new titles this year, Jr Miss and Sr Miss Service Queen. These titles were awarded to the contestants who collected the most non-perishable items for the Rotary Club of Polk County’s Blessing Box. A total of 5,137 items were collected.

2023 pageant results: • Jr Miss Service Queen (ages 0-5): Landry Saige Metcalf, collecting 765 items • Sr Miss Service Queen (ages 6+): Raelynn Surber, collecting 548 items • Baby Miss Polk County (0-23 months): 2RU-Lettie Klaire Lawson, 1RU-Emma Miller, Queen-Landry Saige Metcalf • Tiny Miss Polk County (2-3 years): 2RU-Hazel West, 1RU-Phoebe Alley, Queen-Leighton Mae Davis • Little Miss Polk County (4-5 years): 2RU-Tie between Maggie Myers and Sutton Mae Singleton, 1RU-Allison Doyal, Queen-Evelyn Jean Ferguson • Young Miss Polk County (6-9 years): 3RU-Landri Kay Bass, 2RU-Zavery Nacole Barton, 1RU-Raelynn Surber, Queen-Kynlie Barton • Petite Miss Polk County (10-12 years): 2RU-Lily Arender, 1RU-Skylar Bahr, Queen-Jozie Lee Daniels • Junior Miss (13-15 years): 2RU-Abigail Lance, 1RU-Mackenzie Davis, Queen-Maddie Rowe • Miss Polk County (16-21 years): 2RU-Ashlynn Houser, 1RU-Hailey Emerson, Queen-Kenzie Daniels There were a total of $2,050 in scholarships available for Miss Polk County contestants to win sponsored by area businesses and organizations.

Scholarship winners: • Congeniality $200 Scholarship provided by Miner’s A&B Tire: Isabel Adams • Academic Leadership $200 Scholarship provided by AmeriChemm, LLC: Kenzie Daniels • Volunteer Service $200 Scholarship provided by Rotary Club of Polk County / Mena: Kenzie Daniels • Overall Interview $150 Scholarship provided by Mena Tire Co.: Kenzie Daniels • Overall Evening Gown $150 Scholarship provided by The Fair Lady Boutique: Kenzie Daniels • Overall Casual Wear $150 Scholarship provided by Select Realty: Kenzie Daniels • Miss Polk County $500 Scholarship provided by Polk County Fair and Rodeo Association: Kenzie Daniels • Miss Polk County $500 Union Bank Scholarship to the technical school or college of choice: Kenzie Daniels To request the queens at your event, please contact the Miss Polk County Pageant Facebook page. They are looking forward to serving our community this year.

Back row (l-r): Sr Miss Service Queen-Raelynn Surber, Petite Miss Polk County-Jozie Lee Daniels, Miss Polk County-Kenzie Daniels, Jr Miss Polk County-Maddie Rowe, Young Miss Polk County-Kynlie Barton Front row (l-r): Baby Miss Polk County and Jr Miss Service Queen-Landry Saige Metcalf, Little Miss Polk County-Evelyn Jean Ferguson, Tiny Miss Polk County-Leighton Mae Davis (Photo by Samantha Maechler)

18 News

October 18, 2023

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Annular eclipse plays hide ‘n’ seek at Queen Wilhelmina State Park

By Ethan Nahté

The morning of the annular eclipse, Saturday, Oct. 14, began with clear skies and chilly temperatures for western Arkansas. It looked promising to observe the celestial event, and several people in the area appeared to be looking forward to it.

Several visitors and vendors at the 14th Annual Sorghum Festival in Mount Ida, as well as an equally large crowd on the other side of Mount Ida at the Gem and Mineral Show, had sporadic clouds but enough of a clear eyeline that the vendors at the gem show were passing around a welding helmet with a tinted visor to catch a glimpse of the eclipse, which was covering somewhere between 70%-75% of the sun at its maximum point in the area.

There were reports the viewing in Talahina, Oklahoma, was pretty nice.

The annular eclipse was not a total bust.

(Photo by George West) It appeared there was a great view ibeow Rich Mountain if one was to judge by looking out over Lake Wilhelmina, seeing the sun reflecting off the lake and nearby chicken houses.

Being at Queen Wilhelmina State Park was expected to be nice, as well, not to mention high above utility lines and other obstacles… but not high enough for the thick blanket of clouds

that rolled in just as the eclipse began and basically just parked over the peak.

The ideal location within the direct path were places such as Albuquerque, New Mexico, or south-central Texas and the Hill Country around Austin and down to San Antonio. This was their first annular eclipse since 1940.

They got to witness the spectacular Ring of Fire.

Arkansas State Park Interpreter Ivory Detter had a Telrad telescope waiting to be set up, a box of approved solar eclipse glasses, and bags of popcorn and peanuts to give away. She was quite surprised by the turnout, expecting 50 or fewer people. She did a quick head count and estimated there were over 100 adults and 20-30 children.

She gave instructions on what was going to happen, how she was divvying up the glasses since there were more people than she anticipated, and

warned people not to look at the sun even when it was at its maximum point.

More clouds rolled in, the wind was whipping at a constant 20 mph or more and the temperature began to drop.

Most of the crowd went into the lodge to wait it out. With the windchill, the temperature was easily in the low 40s and several people were unprepared, only wearing short sleeves and shorts.

The eclipse occurred and a few people managed to get a few quick shots, including former history teacher George West and his wife, also a former educator.

The one or two dozen stalwarts who remained were excited and quite verbal with what they were able to observe with the glasses as noon approached and the eclipse reached its maximum point, so the event was not a total bust.

Here’s hoping for better luck come Apr. 8, 2024.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

October 18, 2023

Halloween 19

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October 18, 2023

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Around Town HSO’s monthly meeting is at La Villa Mexican Restaurant at 5:30 this Thursday, Oct. 19.

The October Van Cove School Alumni meeting is set for Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. We will meet at 156 School Street, Cove, AR. Please come and meet with us.

We love your support and help.

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

Knights of Columbus’ Oktoberfest will be raising funds and helping the Special Olympics and PCDC, Oct. 21, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 203 Eighth St., Mena. $12 per plate. Live music, bratwurst, German potato salad, sauerkraut, beer and cold drinks.

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) 2345289 or Candice at (501) 356-8300.

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

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

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.

OLT’s “CLUE” will be performed Oct. 20-22 and 27-29. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. Purchase tickets in advance at the OLT office, 610 Mena St. OLT business hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 2-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for students and senior citizens.

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.

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.

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.

Jam session every Tuesday night, 6-9 p.m. at Shady Mountain Events, 428 Hwy. 375 East, Mena. No charge, everyone is welcome. All genres of music.

Bring your own instrument, come watch or dance. Call (479) 234-7174 with questions.

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

First Presbyterian Church will be presenting a series on the Book of

The Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes has meals and activities for seniors.

The hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday-Friday. If you need to make delivery arrangements or changes call (870) 385-2373.

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

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at The Crossing Church, 3 p.m., Sundays; at 5 p.m., Tuesdays; and at 8 p.m. Saturdays at the old bus barn. For information call (479) 234-8366 or (479) 216-3786.

American Legion meets every 2nd Tuesday at the Legion Hall in Acorn.

Potluck at 6 p.m., meeting follows.

Come play Bingo, Saturdays and Mondays, starts at 6 p.m., doors open at 4 p.m.

Reynolds Gardner Community Men’s Breakfast every Tuesday, First United Methodist Church, Mena, 8 a.m. (full breakfast for small donation).

All men from the community are invited to attend.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m. Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, Ninth Street and Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for information call (479) 243-0297.

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

by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Police 21

October 18, 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 October 9, 2023 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Evergreen Lane near Hatfield in reference to a physical domestic disturbance.

October 10, 2023 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 23 near Cove in reference to a domestic disturbance.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 21 near Cove in reference to a break-in. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

October 11, 2023 Johnathon White, 38, of Mena was arrested on a Body Attachment.

October 12, 2023 Tracy Mejia, 37, of Gillham was arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department on two Failure to Appear Warrants.

October 13, 2023 Gerald Martin, 62, of Batesville was arrested on a warrant for Failure to Pay. Deputies were dispatched to a residence on French Creek Lane near Mena in reference to a trespasser.

October 14, 2023 An accident on Polk 82 near Shady led to the arrest of James Ward, 76, of Mena on charges of DWI, Careless and Prohibited Driving and No Seatbelt.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on French Creek Lane near Mena in reference to harassing communications. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

October 15, 2023 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Treasure Lane near Acorn in reference to a property dispute. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

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

MENA POLICE REPORTS October 8 A report of domestic battery was taken from a walk-in complainant.

Shawn Romele, 25, was served with warrants after a loitering complaint at the Northside Laundromat.

A report of dogs running at large was taken on Hamilton Avenue.

Budget Inn. October 11 No report.

October 12 A report of criminal mischief was taken at DLR Offroad.

Sarah Mitchell, 29, was served with warrants at a residence on Missouri Avenue.

A report of a dog bite was taken at a residence on Magnolia Avenue.

October 13 A report of a dog bite was taken at a residence on Sarah Way. October 14 No report.

October 9 A report of harassment was taken at a residence on Crescent Drive.

October 10 Travis Wringer, 35, was charged with Theft after a complaint from a person at

DAR shows Mena Fire Department appreciation

Submitted by Kathy Hagler

Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution celebrate the National DAR Day of Service each year on Oct. 11, the anniversary of the organization’s founding. DAR was founded on the ideals of Service and members have been dedicated to giving back to their communities ever since.

On Thursday, Oct. 5, 10 members of the James K. Polk Chapter, NSDAR, presented the Mena Fire Department with an assortment of snacks and bottled water, as their service project.

Thank you, Fire Fighters for all you do!

22 Classifieds

October 18, 2023

- CLASSIFIEDS - SERVICES -

- HELP WANTED -

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.

T1025

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.

T1025

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 T1025 Tree services, forestry mulching, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate.

T1101 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 T1025 Handyman Service - Electrical and plumbing. prefer small jobs. For more details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204.

T1018 Construction, steel buildings, welding, pads, ponds, and roads. Military discounts.

Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976.

T1101 Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries.

(870) 490-1191 T1025

- FOR RENT -

Apartment For Rent - appliances and utilities furnished. (479) 234-1492 T1025

- 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

Opening night for OLT’s “CLUE” Friday Submitted by Julie Ulmer

The cast and crew for Ouachita Little Theatre’s performance of the mystery comedy “CLUE” is thrilled to invite you to this hilarious show.

Directed by Jered Biard, who has put together a fantastic group of

Pictures film of the same name.

You can enjoy this comedy on the weekends of Oct. 20-22 and 27-29.

Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m.

As a special bonus, each performance will have a prize drawing.

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.

T1025 Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for a technical/phone sales position. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, answering technical inquiries, providing product information and recommendations, troubleshooting with potential and current customers, and processing orders in a fast-paced office setting.

Parts, automotive, and computer experience would be helpful.

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

T1025 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 T1025

- YARD SALE -

AKC Mini-Dachshunds for sale. All shots - wormed and socialized.1 red male and 1 red female, $300 each. Call (479) 234-2882 for more information.

T1018

Sale - 205 Morrow (behind Office Store), Saturday. State souvenir collections, fabric $1/yard, flower pots 10¢, Christmas, yard ornaments, books 1/2 price.

T1018

- FOR SALE -

Indoor Garage Sale October 19th, 20th, & 21st, 9 till 6, 109 Polk Rd. 288, Cove, AR. Lots of woodworking tools, etc., tile saws & carpet tools, freezer, carts, 60 gallon air compressor, cabinets, corner farm table & benches, jackets and coats, lots of good items.

T1018

For Sale 2017 250cc dirt bike Japanese made, only 95 miles on it, like new. $1,000.

Call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204 T1018

THE POLK COUNTY

actors and backstage personnel, assures us we will be laughing our way hysterically through solving a murder mystery.

This performance is rated PG for some adult themes and mild language (It does concern murder and intrigue, after all!). Therefore, OLT cautions that “CLUE” is not intended for our youngest or our particularly sensitive viewers.

Most of us are familiar with the Hasbro board game where we likely spent hours with colorful, yet shady characters with names like Colonel Mustard, Mrs. Peacock and Professor Plum. Each game had a different outcome with an array of bizarre suspects, spooky rooms, and dangerous weapons from which to choose. This has been the basis of an adapted script written by Jonathan Lynn and Sandy Rustin for the stage. Additional material is by Hunter Foster and Eric Price and is based on the Paramount Motion

During every show’s intermission, a seat number will be drawn, and the winner will receive a brand-new edition of the CLUE Boardgame to take home as a souvenir.

Skip the line at the box office door and reserve your preferred seats early online at oltmena.com/. Another option is to purchase them in advance at the OLT office, 610 Mena St. OLT business hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 2-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are a bargain for a live theater performance; only $12 for adults, $8 for students and senior citizens. Consider purchasing a season ticket or membership option to save money on all Ouachita Little Theatre theatrical productions.

Bring your sleuthing skills with you and enjoy uncovering the murder mystery at OLT’s production of “CLUE” coming up the last two weekends in October.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

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ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 10.11.23

A Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Do you have room in your heart and home for a shelter pet?

Meet MAGGIE!

Hi! I am Maggie. I am an 8 year old Basset Hound, and I am the best singer you will ever meet! I love to go on walks, and I am good with other dogs, cats and kids. I am also housetrained. Come meet me today!

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 3945682 WWW.HSOMENA.ORG

24 Education

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Justice Neufeld receives multiple Cossatot River School Board votes to close OVC awards Umpire campus in 2024

LITTLE ROCK, AR (10/13/2023) — Justice Neufeld of Mena, Arkansas, had a trio of achieve-ments at the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC).

First of all, Neufeld is a member of the UA Little Rock Men’s Cross Country Team that received the Ohio Valley Conference Team Academic Achievement Award.

“I am excited to add the Academic Team Award to the long list of accomplishments from this group of men,” said Director of Track & Field and Cross Country J.P. Behnke. “This is a great group of guys who are just as committed to their academic success as they are their track and cross-country success.”

The OVC Team Academic Achievement Award is presented annually in each OVC-sponsored sport to the member institutions’ team with the greatest percentage of its eligible student-athletes who achieved a 3.25 grade point average or higher. The Trojans boasted a 3.63 cumulative team grade point average.

Neufeld is also one of nearly 125 student-athletes who have been named to the 2022-23 OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

To be listed, recipients must have achieved at least a 3.25 grade point average, have been eligible and on the team throughout the competitive season in their chosen sport, and used a season of competition.

Women’s Track and Field led the Lit-

October 18, 2023

tle Rock teams with 27 honorees, while the baseball team had 23 recipients. The Trojans had 19 student-athletes with multiple sport honors.

Finally, Neufeld is one of more than 20 UA Little Rock student-athletes who have been awarded the 2022-23 Academic Medal of Honor from the OVC for achieving a 4.0 GPA for the academic year.

“I am again very proud of our student-athletes and the importance they place on their work in the classroom,” said Director of Athletics George Lee. “They continue to be outstanding examples of what it truly means to be a student-athlete and represent Little Rock Athletics in a positive light. I am also thankful to our academic support team and coaching staffs for their hard work and emphasis in setting our student-athletes up for success.”

The OVC Academic Medal of Honor is given annually to the student-athletes who achieve the highest grade point average in a Ohio Valley Conference-sponsored sport. UA Little Rock was represented in 10 sports with four athletes receiving the honor in multiple sports. Soccer had the most student-athlete honorees with seven.

With about 9,000 students and 100 programs, UA Little Rock offers learning, research, service, social and career opportunities that can only be found at a metropolitan university located in Arkansas’s capital city.

By Patrick Massey

WICKES – The Cossatot River School Board voted last week in favor of a recommendation to close its Umpire K-12 campus by the end of the 2023-2024 school year.

In a 4 to 2 vote on Oct. 12, the board approved a recommendation by Superintendent Tyler Broyles to close the Umpire campus due to low enrollment and what he called an increasing financial burden on the Cossatot River School District as a whole.

“It’s very much a tough decision to have to make,” Broyles said. “We’re just seeing enrollment not increase and now we’re at a point where the district as a whole is having to subsidize the Umpire campus a great deal, close to half-a-million dollars last year. Sadly, it’s reached a point where we have to do what’s in the best interest of the district

and recommend closure. After the last two years we’ve done everything we could.”

The school board meeting included a group of residents from the Umpire community who expressed their hope to keep the campus open.

Following the vote last week, the measure to close the Umpire campus will now go before the state board of education for a final vote. Broyles said that meeting is expected to take place this fall.

If approved by state officials, the Umpire campus would cease to operate by the end of the cur-rent school year.

Broyles said the district is making plans to incorporate the teachers employed at Umpire throughout the rest of the district. Staff overage would be addressed through attrition, (i.e. not hiring new teachers once current educators leave or retire.)

17 CRJH choir students earn All-Region chairs

By Patrick Massey

WICKES – A number of Cossatot River Jr. High choir students recently competed at All-Region Auditions, earning a number of spots for the group.

The Cossatot River Jr. High Choirs are under the direction of Susan Brewer and Jake Talamantez.

A total of 25 CRJH students attended the audition with 17 earning chairs plus one alternate. In addition, Jaylie Brantley earned first chair out of 130 altos.

Students earning chairs include: Second Soprano Jaynee Castro—20th chair Jayna Sanchez—22nd chair

Alto Jaylie Brantley—1st chair Keeli Partee—9th chair Kynzli Dyer—18th chair Lydia Phillips—44th chair Adisen Meredith—59th chair Elina Oliver—63rd chair Brylee Frachiseur—70th chair Second Tenor Samuel Cordova—5th chair Lance Thomas—8th chair Paxton Boyd—9th chair Jakob Davis—11th chair Isaac Gray—12th chair Tyler Dixon—20th chair Josue Flores—2nd alternate Bass Beaudy Lile—25th chair Joseph Dosch—40th chair

THE POLK COUNTY

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Education 25

October 18, 2023

Students learn fire safety Meet Smokey and Sparky

Article and photo by Ethan Nahté

The Mena Fire Department visited pre-K-second grade students at Louise Durham Elementary last Thursday, and also visited the Cossatot River Primary School in Vandervoort this week to talk fire safety.

The presentation included a short

interactive participation on how to stop, drop and roll.

Then the students got to go out a classroom at a time to see a pumper truck, some of the equipment firefighters use, and to get their class photo taken with Smokey Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog as in the accompanying photo.

film about campfire safety, a question-and-answer session with a fireman, a demonstration of firefighters putting on their firefighting gear and walking about the room to show that they aren’t scary… even if they do sound a bit like Darth Vader, and some

Last week was also National Fire Prevention Week. The schools had acquired educational materials in advance of the department’s arrival. Many of the children did an excellent job knowing the answers to all the questions the firefighters asked.

Congratulations to the following Cossatot River High School senior high choir members for earning a chair in the Region 3 Honors Choir Oct. 7 at Bryant.

(Back row, l-r) Anthony Johnson, Jamey Johnson, Ashton Miller, Ulysses Lopez, Clifton Ragan, Hazael Cordova (Front row, l-r) Dafne Avila, Elliana Johnson, Kenya Antunez, Mairany Marrufo Over 800 students competed in this competition. Nineteen students from CRHS auditioned for the prestigious choir and 10 earned chairs. Almost all these students have been in All Region choir multiple years and work hard to compete and do well against schools much larger than Cossatot River.

These choir members will be performing in a clinic and concert on November 11, in Bryant, AR. Cossatot River Choirs are under the direction of Susan Brewer.

26 Sports

October 18, 2023

THE POLK COUNTY

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Mena Schools break ground for Hensley Activity Center

Submitted by Dr. Lee Smith and Mark Hobson

Basketball

10/20 - Acorn @ Oden 10/23 - Acorn vs. County Line 10/24 - Acorn @ County Line

Basketball

10/19 - Umpire @ Kirby 10/23 - Umpire @ Caddo Hills 10/24 - CRHS @ Kirby

Football

10/20 - Mena vs. Fouke Homecoming

Volleyball

10/19 - Mena vs. Arkadelphia 10/24-10/26 - Mena @ State Tournament - Shiloh

Football

10/20 - Mount Ida @ Mineral Springs

Soccer

10/18 - UARM @ Rose State College 10/22 - UARM vs. Connors

State College

The Mena Public Schools held a groundbreaking ceremony on drizzly Friday morning for the new Hensley Activity Center. The project has been on the district’s master plan for over a decade.

The building will be 190’ feet by 200 feet and be centrally located between Mena High School, Holly Harshman Elementary and Mena Middle School while attached to the existing field house. The field inside will be marked for multiple sports as well as various other school activities.

Barring any issues with chain supply or weather delays, it is planned to be functional by the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year.

The ceremony schedule: Opening Remarks / Honored Guests - Dr. Lee Smith Prayer - Mr. Minton Alma Mater - Bearcat Band Speaker - Coach Bentley Speaker - Mr. Morgan Speakers - Dax McMellon & Kallye Gates Donor Recognition - Dr. Smith followed by remarks from the Hensley Family Groundbreaking Pictures - Board and Superintendent Hensley Family Fight Song - Bearcat Band In his opening remarks, Smith said, “I am deeply honored to welcome each and every one of you to this groundbreaking ceremony for Mena Public School’s new Activity Center. Your presence here today is a testament to the collective commitment and enthusiasm we share for the future of our school and community.

“This grand facility is a significant milestone in our master plan and promises to be a hub of physical activity, creativity, learning, and community engagement.

Your support has been invaluable in bringing this vision to life, and we are thrilled to take this exciting step forward together.

“More than a decade ago, this project was a mere idea, a vision that many of those present here today believed

in but were uncertain how to bring to fruition. Because of the decisions and actions of previous board members and administrators, today, we stand here ready to turn that vision into a reality. This Activity Center will not just be walls and a roof; it will be a place where dreams are nurtured, where talents are honed, and where our community comes together.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our school board members, local government officials, teachers, staff, students, parents, and everyone else who played a role in making today pos-

sible. Your unwavering support and dedication are the cornerstones upon which this new facility will stand.

“As we break ground today, let us also lay the foundation for a future filled with promise and potential. Let us build not just a structure, but a legacy of educational excellence and community enrichment.

“Thank you for being here and thank you for being a part of this incredible next step.”

The Mena Schools would like to express their gratitude to the school board members, local government officials, teachers, staff, past administration, parents, community members & the Bearcat Foundation for their support.

Superintendent Smith also recognized Phillip Hensley and the Hensley family for their contribution to making the activity center possible.

Watch the ceremony at https://youtu.be/B2sj8RXAImI/.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

October 18, 2023

A pair of haunts for Halloween Article and photos by Ethan Nahté (except graveyard witches photo courtesy of Ariel Varner) There’s a hoot and a howl and a terrifying cry breaking the silent void of the night… and that will just be thrillseekers going through the Polk County area’s haunted houses.

If any of you guys a ghouls visited Camp High Point last year or the Masonic Lodge across from Janssen Park, you will be familiar with Electric Forest Productions’ haunted house with towering monstrous figures and animatronic witches, clowns, spiders, and hall of fame characters from iconic horror films along, with fog, lasers and creepy sounds and thumping heartbeats pounding in your ears.

This year, the House of Fear creeps into the abandoned school building at 302 Mena Street, across from the Polk County Court House. They have also put more into the production, so this year’s event will be approximately twice as large. An early preview of the facility reveals that the House of Fear takes up the majority of the entire ground-level floor, forcing those seeking thrills through a series of labyrinthine paths with something to see almost every step of the way.

The venue is meant for adults, teens, and brave children accompanied by parents. Although family-friendly, it may be too intense for some children… and adults.

They also plan on having a gaming area out back with a zombie shooting

gallery, music, concessions and more.

The cost is $5 per person, regardless of age. The House of Fear will be open 6-10 p.m. on Oct. 20, 21, 27, 28 and 31.

If you are interested in being a volunteer to assist or to act, contact them at admin@menahouseoffear.com or visit MenaHouseOfFear.com Elks Lodge For those who are seeking something a little more family friendly for all ages, be sure to check out the Elks Lodge Oct. 27, 28 and 31. Admission is $5 for the haunted house and $3 for the hayride. The proceeds go toward the elderly food baskets.

They’ll also have a costume contest and Halloween dance for the adults Oct. 28. See their ad on p. 18 for more details.

The Elks may still be seeking volunteers, as well, for working and/or acting at their haunted house.

News 27

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October 18, 2023

THE POLK COUNTY

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