Polk County Pulse - October 19, 2022

Historic 2022 election

By Ethan Nahté

The general election is about to begin, with early voting starting next Mon day, Oct. 24, and con tinuing through Monday, Nov. 7, at the Dequeen Street Armory.

Early voting polls are open 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon day-Friday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. The ex ception is Monday, Nov. 7, when the polls close at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, is Election Day.

Polls will be open 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. It will be a historical one for Arkansans, as well as Polk County

voters.

On the statewide level, the 2022 election will see either the first female governor or the first Black governor the state of Ar kansas has ever elected in Ar kansas’ history, dating back to the state’s first governor, James Sevier Conway, who took office Sept. 13, 1836—three months after Arkansas was admitted to statehood.

If Sarah Huckabee Sanders is elected, it would also mark the first

Drug trafficking sting

Over 30 arrested

Submitted by Polk County Sheriff‘s Department

On Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022, the Polk Coun ty Sheriff’s Office and the 18th Judi cial West Drug Task Force, assisted by the DEA and Mena Police Department arrested three Polk County residents on federal warrants related to narcotics

trafficking. Operation Snowbird was an 18-month narcotics trafficking investi gation that led to the arrests of over 30

See ELECTION continued on

See SNOWBIRD continued on

(Submitted photo)

Beautify the Byway improving the view

By Ethan Nahté

The Talimena Scenic Drive Association had their second “Beautify the Byway” event, cleaning up along 54-plus miles of highway, and 26 public spaces. If you drove up the mountain from either side on Saturday, you may have noticed vol unteers picking up trash or manning tables at designated vistas with collect ed bags of trash (in somewhat smoky conditions, thanks to the fires out of Oklahoma). The event was part of the

statewide push from Keep Arkansas Beautiful.

Mena Advertising & Promotion Ad ministrator Pasha Watson provided the preliminary numbers: 21 volunteers and 34 bags of trash. That’s fewer bags of trash than the 40-plus collected last year, which might be a good sign there is less littering occurring along the Vol unteers also cleaned signs, trimmed hedges, and tended flower beds.

Watson said, “A huge thanks to ev eryone for volunteering!”

(Photo courtesy of Mena A&P)

Hwy

Phone: 479-243-9600

479-243-9603

Our Team:

Ashley Moore - General Manager

Ethan Nahté - Production Manager/Editor

Letter to the Editor,

You are probably getting tired of me writing in, but I still have a few left to write about.

Can you tell me why there hasn’t been anything published from Ray Shelley? Have you decided not to publish anything from him? It has been over two months since anything has been in The Pulse.

My husband & I always read what he writes, he evidently does a lot of research to write these articles. I cut out all his articles to send to my 88-year-old cousin who lives in Springfield, OR. She loves them & always sends me a thank-you after she gets them.

You have 2 other people (who I won’t name} that have their articles published every week! Do they pay to have their articles pub lished? My husband & I do occasionally read their articles but like them near as much as Ray Shelley’s!

Have you ever done a poll/survey on what writer gets the most reads?

Thank-you, Donna Lay

Editor’s Response

Mr. Shelley and I have a lot in common when it comes to our historical interests. You are correct, it does take a lot of research and fact-checking from multiple sources to try and create an accurate, interesting story.

Mr. Shelley has asked to take some time off. I stay in touch with him and he knows he has an open invitation to submit articles when he is ready to time travel once more and supply the Polk County Pulse with regional history.

That so many are fleeing service by con scription begs the question of why fight the wars politicians seem to always find reasons to wage, but never get directly involved in. I know the question seems frivolous on its face but think about how many wars would actually be fought if politicians donned uniforms and went to battle against other politicians who were bad actors.

War is serious business and we as a people have elevated killing each other to the point that one misstep can result in a war that no one will survive or win. Our weapons are ad vancing daily and there seems no end to the race to be the most powerful on the planet. Wielding that much power can have everlast ing consequences for the whole world, if in the wrong hands, and used in anger, unchecked.

Want to share your opinion?

The Polk County Pulse welcomes letters to the Editor addressing any topic of interest to our readers. To be published, letters must not contain obscene or libelous lan guage.

The letter must include a signature to be considered for publication. Signatures will NOT be held out by request. Letters will be restricted to 500 words. Any letters longer than 500 words will require purchase of advertising space.

The Polk County Pulse is the area’s premiere and fastest growing news publication. The Polk County Pulse is FREE and published weekly on Wednesdays, with a distribution of 8,000 and an estimated readership of 10,000. MyPulseNews.com has hundreds of visitors daily and KENA and KQOR have thousands of listeners hourly.

POLICY: The publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. All property rights, including any copyright interest, in any advertisement produced by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse using art work and/or typography furnished or arranged by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse shall be the property of Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse. No such advertisement or any part thereof may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Pulse Multi-Media and The Polk County Pulse.

POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENTS: Advertise ments of a political nature must be prepaid and must also include the name of the entity paying for the advertisement. If an entity other than the candidate the advertisement is endorsing is paying for the ad, a statement must be signed by the candidate verifying the candidate has seen and approved the advertisement.

Meanwhile, I have sought out a temporary or guest column writer until Mr. Shelley re turns, but have not found the right fit.

As for doing a survey, we have not done such a thing during my tenure.

That being said, I know I have expressed to Mr. Shelley, and our other columnists (in cluding former writers for the Pulse), any kind words regarding their work. They are always appreciative to know their work is being read, shared and enjoyed. I’m willing to bet Mr. Shelley will enjoy your letter.

Letter to the Editor

Russia’s attack on Ukraine has taken a toll not only on their equipment, but on troop lev els/morale as well. As a result, Russia has in stituted conscription, similar to our draft. The exodus from Russia by any means possible was immediate by those who do not believe in this fight. As I watched the news, I was struck by the similarities between Russia waging war in Ukraine and our own war we waged in Vietnam. We were not trying to annex Viet nam as Russia is with Ukraine, but our war was widely unpopular as well and many fled to avoid serving.

I voluntarily served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War in the years 1969 to 1970 (1968-1977 in total). I felt, at the time, that it was my duty and to not do my service was to shirk that duty. There were those that felt otherwise. I do not sit in judgment of them and expect the same of others towards me. In ret rospect, I question what the ultimate goal was and if our military leaders were actually able to reach that goal or were they constrained by politicians where an end could never be achieved. To lose service members rather than bring an end to a war is unacceptable. Either go in to win or stay out. Even better yet, if we have not been attacked then why inter ject ourselves into wars for countries that hate us to begin with.

We are not in a good place right now. The possibility of war looms on the horizon, not just in Ukraine but worldwide. Disease, se vere weather, debt, food insecurity, pollution, division of our people to the point of violence, and no faith in our leaders to stop the insani ty are real issues. So many times, I have en couraged you to get involved, get informed, and VOTE. If you cannot see we are in trou ble, I am not sure what will open your eyes.

As always, thank you for a forum to express my thoughts, though you may not agree with them. That we can discuss issues without vio lence is a good sign.

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

The following contact information is re quired when the letter is submitted: NAME, AGE, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER.

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

Letters may be submitted by e-mail to news@mypulsenews.com; mailed to P.O. Box 1450, Mena, AR 71953 or dropped off at 1168 Hwy. 71 South, Mena, AR. A drop-box is provided by the front door for after-hour convenience.

TO

Patrick Massey - Contributing Reporter

John Russell - Graphic Design

Curt Teasdale - Programmer / On-Air Personality

Trey Youngdahl - Reporter / Photographer/ Morning Personality

Jodi Croft - Account Executive

Ariel Varner - Receptionist/On-Air Personality

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

Lifesaving reminder: U Drive, You Text, You Pay

Typing or reading cellular telephone mes sages while driving is risky business. Any one doing it could be stopped by police and issued a violator citation. Worse, someone could die in a vehicle crash because a driv er was distracted and thought a text mes sage was more important than a life.

From Oct. 17 – 23, Arkansas law en forcement agencies will intensify their pa trols aimed at drivers violating the Arkansas texting while driving law. “U Drive, U Text, You Pay” is a coordinated campaign de signed to stop distracted driving. Law en forcement agencies across the state have pledged their support toward enforcing the law and educating violators.

Consistently since 2007, drivers among the millennial age group, have become the worst texting while driving offenders, using their cell phones to talk, text, and scroll through social media. According to the Na tional Highway Traffic Safety Administra tion, drivers 16 to 24 years old have also been observed using handheld electronic devices while driving with greater frequen cy than older drivers. During calendar year 2020, 6% of people killed in teen (15 – 19)

driving crashes died while operating their vehicle and being distracted.

During the upcoming enforcement oper ation parents are encouraged to discuss with their teenage children the subject of developing safe driving habits, including the practice of never sending or reading text messages while driving. National Teen Driver Safety Week is Oct. 16 – 22 and par ents should take the opportunity during the week to set a good example for their teen age children who are beginning to drive. It’s a parent’s responsibility to help their chil dren make smart choices and drive safely.

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among U.S. teens (15 –18-year-old). Two years ago, 153,566 peo ple (7% of all roadway injuries during 2020) were injured in motor vehicle crashes in volving teenage drivers. More than 2,000 people died in the crashes and 748 of the deaths were teenage drivers.

“It’s incomprehensible why anyone would read or send a text message while driving,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Ar kansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “People, young and old alike know it’s dangerous

and deadly, but they selfishly put others at risk.”

Texting while driving is against the law in 47 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NHT SA officials will be reminding teenagers of the danger in using their phones while driving. Using a phone to text, talk or partic ipate in social media while driving is unac ceptable, even while stopped in traffic.

“Beginning October 17th state troopers and law enforcement officers across Ar kansas will increase their emphasis toward identifying drivers who text while driving and issuing citations for the violation,” Col onel Bryant stated.

Arkansas law enforcement officers and the Arkansas Highway Safety Office urge drivers to put down their phones when be hind the wheel. If you need to read or send a text message, pull over and stop at a safe location. Drivers should consider these re minders:

• If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Once you are safely off the road and parked, it is safe to text.

• Designate your passenger as your “des ignated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.

• Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.

• Cell phone use is habit-forming. Strug gling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.

Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal. Remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay. For more information, visit www.trafficsafe tymarketing.gov or contact the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at 501-618-8136.

From the

State House of Representatives

Our state budget has a di rect impact on everything from classrooms to health care. The importance of the budget is why the General Assembly begins reviewing budget needs weeks before the legislative session be gins.

Budget hearings began this week and will continue through Novem ber 10.

During the hearings, the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) sits with the Arkansas Legislative Coun cil (ALC) as voting participants in the hearings, creating the Arkansas Legislative Council/Joint Budget Committee (ALC/JBC).

Over the course of the budget hearings, the committee will hear budget requests for all state boards, commissions, and agencies.

This week the committee heard requests from licensing boards and commissions. Next week, the com mittee will begin hearing requests from state agencies.

Historically, the two largest cate

John Maddox

John.Maddox@ arkansashouse.org 520 Church Avenue Mena, AR 71953

Call: (479) 394-6060

gories of funding are educa tion and human services.

The Department of Fi nance and Administration will present an annual fore cast and the Governor’s recommendations for a balanced budget on No vember 10 at 9 a.m.

The most recent general revenue report released showed net avail able general revenue at 7.3% above levels from one year ago. After the first three months into the fiscal year, net available revenue is above forecast by $174.8 million or 10.4 percent.

All of the information gathered during these hearings will help in drafting appropriation bills.

Members can begin pre-filing bills on November 15. The Arkan sas General Assembly will convene for the 2023 Regular Session on Monday, January 9.

You can watch find the daily agen das and watch the meetings live at www.arkansashouse.org.

Your Legislators!

John Boozman

1120 Garrison Ave. Suite 2B Fort Smith, AR 72901

Phone: (479) 573-0189

Fax: (479) 575-0553

From the State Senate

When Arkansas voters go to the polls on November 8 they will determine the fate of four proposed amendments to the state Constitution.

Three of the measures were referred to the ballot by the leg islature. Issue One would grant the legislature the power to call itself into session. Issue Two would require a 60 percent majority for approval of future amendments and initiatives. Issue Three would prohibit state and local governments from burdening a person’s practice of religion, unless there is a compelling reason.

Issue Four was proposed by an in terest group, to legalize the possession, sale and cultivation of marijuana for recreational purposes.

Issue One would change current language in the state Constitution that empowers only the governor to call a special session of the legislature. If approved by voters, Issue One would authorize legislators to call themselves into special session.

It could be done either by joint proc lamation of the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, or by a proclamation signed by at least two-thirds of the membership of both the House and the Senate.

Issue One would not affect the cur rent power of the governor to call spe cial sessions.

Issue Two would require 60 percent majorities for approval of proposed amendments and initiated acts, rath er than the current requirement that a simple majority is sufficient. It would affect proposed amendments referred by the legislature, as well as proposals by citizens’ groups.

Opponents say Issue Two would curtail the power of the people to govern themselves, and that the current system has rigorous standards to make sure that signature gathering is done honestly and openly. Arkansas is one of 15 states that allow citizens to propose constitutional amendments and changes in state laws. Florida requires a 60 percent majority; Colorado re quires 55 percent. Nevada requires a simple majority, but in two separate elections. Some states require super majorities for approval of gambling or new taxes. Two states require only a simple majority, but voter turnout must exceed a certain threshold.

Issue Three would create a legal claim by which someone could file a lawsuit seeking relief from a govern ment action that imposes on their re ligious beliefs.

Issue Four would allow adults to possess up to one ounce of marijuana. The eight cultivation facilities that are now allowed to grow medical mari juana would be granted the authority to grow it and sell it for non-medical purposes.

An additional 12 cultivation licenses would be issued.

Issue Four would grant a license to sell non-medical marijuana to the existing 40 dispensaries that are now licensed to sell medical marijuana, at their current location. Existing dispen saries also would automatically receive a second license to sell non-medical marijuana at a location at least five miles away from any current dispen sary.

Larry Teague Larry.Teague@senate.ar.gov P.O. Box 903 Nashville, AR 71852 (870) 845-5303

Bruce Westerman

101 Reserve St. Suite 200 Hot Springs, AR 71901

Phone: (501) 609-9796

Fax: (501) 609-9887

Supporters of Issue Two say that un der the current system, it has become too easy for special interest groups to change the Constitution, by spending large sums of money to pay canvassers to collect signatures and for television commercials.

Using a lottery system, an addition al 40 licenses would be issued to new dispensaries.

In other words, Issue Four would al low a maximum of 20 licenses to grow non-medical marijuana at regulated cultivation facilities, and a maximum of 120 retail dispensaries of non-med ical marijuana.

John Maddox Larry Teague

Rikki Anne King

Rikki Anne King went to be home with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 4, 2022, in Mountain Home, Arkansas at the age of 45. She was born September 15, 1977, in Colo rado Springs, Colorado, the daughter of Randall and Marguerite Nelson King. She graduated from Mena High School in 1994 and then graduated Suma Cum Laude from Henderson University with a Bachelors Degree in psychology, then went on to work as a social worker.

Rikki is survived by her mother, Marg King of Mountain Home, AR; brother and sister-in-law, Jon and Pam King of Wild Cherry, AR; three half sisters, Shirley King of Madisonville, TN, Mary Dixon of Daytona Beach, Fl, and Kay Ahrens of Pratt, KS; niece Kristan Cowden of Mountain Home, AR; nephew Ryan King of Wild Cherry, AR; and grand-nephew Oliver King of Wild Cherry, AR.

She was preceded in death by her fa ther, Reverend Dr. Randall B King; and son, John Edward Phillips.

Arrangements are by Kirby and Fam ily Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at kir byandfamily.com.

William NunleyRay Jr.

William Ray Nunley Jr., age 85, of Mena, de parted this life on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at Mena Regional Hospital in Mena, Arkansas. He was born on Mon day, January 25, 1937, to William Ray Nunley Sr. and Thelma Lee Goheen

Nunley in Handley, West Virginia.

On May 14, 1955, William married Dorothy (Dottie) Bade. William and Dottie were blessed with two daugh ters, Kimberly and Linda Nunley. Wil liam joined the United States Air Force May 26,1954, and was honorably dis charged May 25, 1962. William worked as an Industrial Specialist for the Unit ed States Government following his service in the Armed Forces.

William was very active with his daughters in the 4-H club. He was the horsemanship leader of the Null Ti ger 4-H club for 10 years. He was also the president of the St. Charles Coun ty 4-H council for 2 years. He was the announcer for the St. Charles County 4-H Horse Show during the St. Charles County for 5 years.

On April 26, 1986, William married Patricia Hahn in Washington State. Af ter William retired in 1994, they moved to Mena, Arkansas. William was an ac tive member of Bible Believers Baptist Church. William loved the Lord and was instrumental in helping others re ceive Christ as their personal Savior. William was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his par ents, William Ray Nunley Sr. and Thel ma Lee Goheen Nunley, and former wife Dottie Nunley.

William is survived by his wife of 36 years, Patricia Nunley; brother Charles W. Nunley (Barbara) of Charleston, W. Virginia, two daughters, Kim Som mers (Rich), Linda Nunley and four stepchildren; Jim Coleman (Linda) of Port Orchard, Washington, Janese Blanchard (Bruce) of Prescott, Arizo na, Jason Coleman (Deborah) of Van couver, Washington, and Janene Hal comb (Bob) of Jonesboro, Arkansas; 24 Grandchildren, 34 Great-Grandchil dren, several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Mon day, October 17, 2022, at 10:00 AM at

the Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena with Pastor Jerry Musgrove and Pastor Floyd Folsom officiating. In terment will follow at Fort Smith Na tional Cemetery under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. A visitation will be held Saturday, Oc tober 15, 2022, from 5-7 PM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas.

Honorary Pallbearers are Rich Som mer, Bob Halcomb, Jim Coleman, Ja son Coleman, Danny Cusher, Ronnie Cusher and James Ryan.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Mary Lou Massey

Mary Lou Massey, age 95, of Jasper, Ala bama, died on Sunday, Octo ber 9, 2022, at Ridgeview Health Ser vices in Jasper, Alabama. She was born on February 22, 1927, to Robert Ed ward Lawrence and Effie Isabell Ridge in Mena, Arkansas.

Mary was a loving mother, grand mother, great grandmother, aunt and friend and will be missed deeply by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her par ents; and her husband, James Edward Massey; grandson, Joseph Edward Evans; sisters, Verna, Corie and Fay; brothers, Otis, Grady, Herbert and Holder.

Mary is survived by her two daugh ters and sons-in-law, Elizabeth Sexton (Rodney Sexton) of Quinton, Alabama and Charlotte Almand (Lynn Almand) of Chidester, Arkansas; brother, Jessie Lawrence of Mena; two grandsons; Jef fery Almand and Jason Almand; three great-grandchildren, Trevor, Sarah and Jaxon as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held on

Friday, October 14, 2022, at 2:00PM at the Shiloh Cemetery in Buckner, Ar kansas, under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkan sas. A visitation will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022, from 8:00AM to 10:00 AM at the Bowser Family Funer al Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Deborah Ann Chaney

Mrs. Deb orah Ann

Chaney, age 66, passed away Thursday, Oc tober 13, 2022, in Mena, Arkansas. She was born August 16, 1956, in Odessa, Texas, to the late Horace Dayton Chaney and Bessie Lou (Anderson) Chaney.

Deborah was a homemaker by profes sion and was known to be a “fiery red head” who lived life to the fullest. She loved her grandchildren and her puppy dogs very much.

Mrs. Chaney was preceded in death by her parents, Horace Dayton and Bes sie Lou Chaney. She is survived by her daughter, Katherin Beaty and husband Weldon; grandchildren, Michael Beaty and wife Cathy, Weldon Beaty and wife Amanda, Megan Shanice LaSalle, Teagan Beaty, Elizabeth Dotson and husband Thomas; great-grandchildren, Niome LaSalle, Jacelynn Beaty, Weldon Beaty, Aya Beaty, Cassius Beaty, Coraline Beaty, Grady Beaty, Declan Dotson, Nolan Dot son; brothers, Larry “Stevie” Chaney and wife Patty, Kenneth Chaney and wife Lisa; and by her sister, Cheryl Chaney-Anglin and husband Mark.

Graveside services for Mrs. Deborah Ann Chaney will be held, 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas. Un der the direction of Beasley-Wood Fu neral Home.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuner alhome.com

SNOWBIRD continued from page 1

individuals on various narcotic related charges.

Arrested on federal warrants on Tuesday were Patricia Jackson (age 54) of Mena, Stephanie Nash (age 29) of Mena, and Cody Dees (age 37) of Mena. All three suspects were trans ported to Sebastian County Detention Center to await arraignment in Federal Court.

Three other suspects from Polk County, Justin Dees (age 35), Richard C. Erickson (age 46), and Cheyenne N. Smith (age 28) were also indicted fed erally as part of “Operation Snowbird.” All three were currently incarcerated for State charges and were transported to Sebastian County to be arraigned on the federal charges.

Sheriff Scott Sawyer stated, “‘Oper ation Snowbird’ started out as a small methamphetamines sales case and ballooned into large scale, multi-state narcotic trafficking investigation that took over 18 months to wrap up. We arrested over 30 individuals, seized a large amount of methamphetamines and other narcotics, cash, vehicles, and recovered stolen property. The men and women of the Polk County Sher iff’s Office and 18th Judicial W DTF spent hundreds of hours on this case. They did an outstanding job and I’m re ally proud of them, but we’ve got more work to do and more arrests to make.”

The above charges are allegations only. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

New cash prize established for Ouachita Quilt Show

Submitted by Joyce Sanden

Beta Sigma Phi Preceptor Alpha Beta Chapter lost a long-time friend and sister in 2019. Wyona Abbott had been a member of Beta Sigma Phi for more than 30 years. The so rority decided to award a $150 prize each year to a quilter at the Polk County’s Ouachita Quilt Show in memory of Wyona.

During her free time, Wyona loved to quilt. It was common for her to make more than 10 quilts in a year and give them away to family and friends.

To be considered for this award, submit quilts to the Ouachita Quilt Show on Nov. 1 from noon to 5:00 p.m. at the Polk County Fairgrounds Education Building.

Beta Sigma Phi members Dorothy Sullivan and Liz Frachiseur chose the quilt they felt carried on Wyo na’s tradition during the 2021 quilt show. Rebecca Romine was present ed a check for $150 as the first win ner of the Wyona Abbott Memorial Prize by President Sue Powell and Vice President Donna Montgomery after the 2021 quilt show.

Wyona and her husband Jim own Coast to Coast and have always been a big part of our community.

The 40th Ouachita Quilt Show is Nov. 4-5 in the Education Building. Show is open from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Sat urday. Pick up time is set for Satur day from 5-6 p.m.

While the OQS is hosted by the Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild, the show is possible by the sponsor ship of the Polk County Extension Homemakers Council which is un der the University of Arkansas Divi sion of Agriculture.

(l-r)

Jim Abbott, Sue Powell, Rebecca Romine, Donna Montgomery

Brandon Davis headlined the show at the Bull Pasture Amphitheater, located at The Blue; Zipline & Farm. There were 100-200 fans cheering and singing along with a dramatic lightning storm in the distance rolling in over the mountains last Saturday. Hayden Woollen and local duo Shades of Gray were also on the bill.

(Jodi Croft/Pulse)

Election

ELECTION

from page 1

time in Arkansas history that Ar kansas elected two consecutive Re publican governors.

Her two competitors on the ballot are Ricky Dale Harrington Jr. (Lib ertarian) and Chris Jones (Demo crat).

The Lt. Governor’s office may also result in a historical vote. Frank Gil bert (Libertarian) is on the ballot, as are two women: Kelly Ross Krout (Democrat) and Attorney General Leslie Rutledge (Republican).

Following is a summary of the three amendments and one initia tive on the state ballot, according to the website Ballotpedia. There is more to each than space allows, so do your own research before voting.

Arkansas Issue 1, Legislative Au thority to Call a Special Session Amendment would allow the state legislature to call itself into extraor

dinary sessions upon (a) a joint proclamation from the Speaker of the House and the Senate President Pro Tempore or (b) upon a procla mation signed by two-thirds of the members in each chamber.

Arkansas Issue 2, 60% Superma jority Vote Requirement for Con stitutional Amendments and Ballot Initiatives Measure. Currently, bal lot measures in Arkansas require a simple majority (50%+1) vote for approval. This amendment would amend the state constitution to re quire a three-fifths 60% superma jority vote of approval from voters to adopt constitutional amend ments (legislatively referred and cit izen-initiated) and citizen-initiated state statutes. The supermajority re quirement would not apply to  veto referendums, which would con tinue to require a simple majority (50%+1) vote for approval.

Arkansas Issue 3, Government Burden of Free Exercise of Religion Amendment The measure would amend the state constitution to provide that the government can not burden a person’s freedom of religion—including burdens result ing from a rule of general applica bility—except if the government demonstrates that the burden is necessary to further a compelling government interest using the least restrictive means of furthering that interest. The measure would allow a person to cite this amendment as a claim or defense in a judicial, ad ministrative, or other proceeding to obtain relief against the government Arkansas Issue 4, Marijuana Le galization Initiative The measure would legalize marijuana use for in dividuals 21 years of age and older and authorize the commercial sale of marijuana with sales to be taxed at 10%. Of the tax revenue, 15% would be used to fund an annual stipend to all full-time law enforce ment officers certified by the Com mission on Law Enforcement Stan dards and Training that are in good standing. Adults could possess up to one ounce of marijuana. Under the amendment, businesses that al ready hold licenses under the state’s medical marijuana program would be authorized to sell marijuana at their existing locations and could establish one additional location for commercial sale only. An additional 40 licenses would be given to busi nesses chosen by a lottery.

The local hot topic to Allow the Manufacture or Sale of Intoxicating Liquors in Polk County, Arkansas, is also on the ballot. Registered voters can vote “For” making Polk County wet or “Against,” leaving the coun ty dry, not including the handful of

restaurants that currently have per mits to sell alcohol.

A sample ballot that includes the above candidates and issues, both in state and local races, can be seen at voterview.org. Sample ballots can also be picked up at the Polk Coun ty Clerk’s Office, located at the Polk County Courthouse.

Voterview.org also allows voters to input their information, either an address or name and birthdate, to find out where their polling location is for the 2022 general election.

Polk County Clerk Terri Harrison said, “The voter view site is awesome because you will see that it lists each district the voter is registered in and also it lists each vote center and it’s address that will be open on Elec tion Day so voters can decide which vote center is most convenient for them.”

Voters can also click on the Secre tary of State’s link on the same page to read the rules, links to election results and more.

The next page is a publication bal lot for Polk County, showing a sam ple of how the ballots will appear at the polling locations.

Harrison explained, “Not every one will get to vote on everything on that ballot. For instance, only voters that live in JP District 2 will get a ballot with the JP District 2 race and only people that live inside the city will get a ballot with the city races.”

Harrison added, “The UofA Coop erative Extension has also brought us copies of their 2022 Voter Guide that explains each of the statewide ballot issues in an unbiased manner. We have copies available here at the office or that voter guide can be viewed by visiting www.uaex.uada. edu/ballot.”

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MUNICIPAL

INSTRUCTIONSTOVOTER

1.Votebyplacinganappropriate mark(blackentheoval)( ) oppositethepersonforwhomyou wishtovote.Voteonamendments, acts,andmeasuresbyplacingan appropriatemark(blackentheoval) belowtheamendment(oractor measure)eitherFORorAGAINST.

2.Usethemarkingdeviceprovided.

3.Ifyouvoteformorethanone candidateinarace,yourvoteinthat racewillnotcount.Ifyoumakea mistakeonyourballot,returnittoan electionofficialforareplacement ballot.Youmayreplaceuptotwo ballotsinanelection.

SecretaryofState VoteForOne

SecretaryofStateJohnThurston Republican AnnaBethGorman Democratic

StateTreasurer VoteForOne

StateRepresentativeMark Lowery Republican

Recorder/Treasurer, TownofHatfield VoteForOne

MichaelCallahan Independent

Mayor,TownofCove VoteForOne

JoanHeadley Independent KevinE.Burkett Independent

Recorder/Treasurer,TownofCove VoteForOne

QUESTION

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT REFERRED TO THE PEOPLE BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY Issue No. 1 (Popular Name)

A Constitutional Amendment to allow the General Assembly to Convene in Extraordinary Session Upon the Issuance of a Joint Written Proclamation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate or Upon the Submission of a Written Proclamation Containing the Signatures of At Least Two-Thirds (2/3) of the Members of the House of Representatives and At Least Two-Thirds (2/3) of the Members of the Senate to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate Requesting that the General Assembly Convene in Extraordinary Session.

(Ballot Title)

QUESTION

CONSTITUTIONALAMENDMENT REFERREDTOTHEPEOPLEBY THEGENERALASSEMBLY IssueNo.3

(PopularName)

AConstitutionalAmendmenttoCreate the"ArkansasReligiousFreedom Amendment."

(BallotTitle)

AnamendmenttotheArkansas Constitutiontocreatethe"Arkansas ReligiousFreedomAmendment";andto providethatgovernmentmaynever burdenaperson'sfreedomofreligion exceptintherarecircumstancethatthe governmentdemonstratesthat applicationoftheburdentotheperson isinfurtheranceofacompelling governmentinterestandistheleast restrictivemeansoffurtheringthat compellinggovernmentinterest.

QUESTION

FEDERAL

U.S.Senate VoteForOne

NatalieJames Democratic KennethCates Libertarian SenatorJohnBoozman Republican

U.S.Congress,District04 VoteForOne

JohnWhite Democratic GregoryMaxwell Libertarian

U.S.RepresentativeBruce Westerman Republican

STATE

AttorneyGeneral VoteForOne

LieutenantGovernorTimGriffin Republican JesseGibson Democratic

AuditorofState VoteForOne

DiamondArnold-Johnson Democratic TreasurerofStateDennis Milligan Republican

SimeonSnow Libertarian

CommissionerofStateLands VoteForOne DarleneGoldiGaines Democratic TommyLandCommissionerof StateLands Republican

Governor VoteForOne

RickyDaleHarrington,Jr.

ChrisJones Democratic SarahHuckabeeSanders

PamWhitaker Democratic

StateSenateDistrict5 VoteForOne

SenatorTerryRice Republican

StateRepresentative,District86 VoteForOne

StateRepresentativeJohn Maddox Republican

StateSupremeCourt AssociateJustice,Position2 VoteForOne

JudgeChrisCarnahan NonPartisanJudicial SupremeCourtAssociate JusticeRobinWynn NonPartisanJudicial

COUNTY

CircuitClerk VoteForOne

MichelleHeathSchnell Republican JusticeofthePeace,District2 VoteForOne

JeremyJones Republican JimNeugent Independent MUNICIPAL

Constable,CoveTwp. VoteForOne

JoshuaHagler Republican JimCorrazo Independent

Mayor,CityofMena VoteForOne

SethF.Smith Independent

MenaCityClerk VoteForOne

KacieRose Independent StephanieMurr Independent MenaCityCouncil, Ward1,Position2 VoteForOne

BarbaraVallee Independent

Mayor,TownofVandervoort VoteForOne

TerisiaHartley Independent Recorder/Treasurer, TownofVandervoort VoteForOne

SamanthaBoyette Independent

Mayor,TownofWickes VoteForOne

MelindaKight Independent Recorder/Treasurer, TownofWickes VoteForOne

TracyMorris Independent

Mayor,TownofGrannis VoteForOne

DwightBillings Independent Recorder/Treasurer, TownofGrannis VoteForOne

BarbaraFrachiseur Independent UNOPPOSEDCANDIDATES

UnopposedCandidates VoteforOne

For QUESTION

LocalOptionQuestion(Wet/Dry Question)

ToAllowtheManufactureorSaleof IntoxicatingLiquorsinPolkCounty, Arkansas.

FORtheManufactureorSaleof IntoxicatingLiquors AGAINSTtheManufactureor SaleofIntoxicatingLiquors

SAMPLE

An amendment to the Arkansas Constitution to allow the General Assembly to convene in extraordinary session upon the issuance of a joint written proclamation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate or upon the submission of a written proclamation containing the signatures of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members oftheHouseofRepresentativesandat leasttwo-thirds(2/3)ofthemembersof theSenatetotheSpeakeroftheHouse ofRepresentativesandthePresidentPro TemporeoftheSenaterequestingthat theGeneralAssemblyconvenein extraordinarysession;providingthatno businessotherthanthepurposesetforth inthejointwrittenproclamationofthe SpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives andthePresidentProTemporeofthe Senateorthewrittenproclamation containingthesignaturesofatleast two-thirds(2/3)ofthemembersofthe HouseofRepresentativesandatleast two-thirds(2/3)ofthemembersofthe Senateshallbeconsideredatan extraordinarysessionconvenedunder thisAmendment;requiringtheGeneral Assemblytoestablishbyjointruleduring eachregularsessionproceduresforan extraordinarysessionunderthis amendment;andprovidingthatthis Amendmentdoesnotrestrictthe authorityoftheGovernortoconvenean extraordinarysessionoftheGeneral AssemblyunderArkansasConstitution, Article6,§19.

FORISSUENO.3

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LieutenantGovernor VoteForOne

AttorneyGeneralLeslieRutledge Republican

StanleyD.Craig Independent TerriNeugent Independent

Mayor,TownofHatfield VoteForOne LindaE.Denton Independent

PLEASEVOTE BOTHSIDESOFBALLOT

FORISSUENO.1

AGAINSTISSUENO.1

CONSTITUTIONALAMENDMENT REFERREDTOTHEPEOPLEBYTHE GENERALASSEMBLY

IssueNo.2

(PopularName)

AConstitutionalAmendmenttoReform CertainMeasuresPresentedtoVoters, tobeKnownasthe"Constitutional AmendmentandBallotInitiativeReform Amendment."

(BallotTitle)

AnamendmenttotheArkansas Constitution,tobeknownasthe "ConstitutionalAmendmentandBallot InitiativeReformAmendment", concerningthenumberofvotesrequired forapprovalofcertainmeasures presentedtovoters;requiringthat initiativesproposedunderArkansas Constitution,Article5,§1,and ConstitutionalAmendmentsproposed underArkansasConstitution,Article19,§ 22,andArkansasConstitution, Amendment70,§2,shallbeapproved whenreceivingatleastsixtypercent (60%)ofthevotescastontheproposed initiativeorproposedConstitutional Amendment;andrequiringthata measuresubjecttoareferendumshallbe repealedifthemeasureisrejectedbya majorityoftheelectorsvotinguponthe matter.

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CONSTITUTIONALAMENDMENT PROPOSEDBYPETITIONOFTHE PEOPLE IssueNo.4 (PopularName)

AnAmendmenttoAuthorizethe Possession,PersonalUse,and ConsumptionofCannabisbyAdults,to AuthorizetheCultivationandSaleof CannabisbyLicensedCommercial Facilities,andtoProvideforthe RegulationofthoseFacilities.

(BallotTitle)

AnamendmenttotheArkansas Constitutionauthorizingpossessionand useofcannabis(i.e.,marijuana)by adults,butacknowledgingthat possessionandsaleofcannabisremain illegalunderfederallaw;authorizing licensedadultusedispensariestosell adultusecannabisproducedbylicensed medicalandadultusecultivation facilities,includingcannabisproduced underAmendment98,beginningMarch 8,2023andamendingAmendment98 concerningmedicalmarijuanain pertinentpart,including:amending Amendment98,§3(e)toallowlicensed medicaloradultusedispensariesto receive,transfer,orsellmarijuanatoand frommedicalandadultusecultivation facilities,orothermedicaloradultuse dispensaries,andtoacceptmarijuana seedsfromindividualslegallyauthorized topossessthem;repealingAmendment 98,§8(c)regardingresidency requirements;repealingandreplacing Amendment98,§§8(e)(5)(a)-(b)and 8(e)(8)(a)-(f)withrequirementsfor child-proofpackagingandrestrictionson advertisingthatappealstochildren; amendingAmendment98,§8(k)to exemptindividualsowninglessthan5% ofdispensaryorcultivationlicensees fromcriminalbackgroundchecks; amendingAmendment98,§8(m)(1)(a) toremoveaprohibitionondispensaries supplying,possessing,manufacturing, delivering,transferring,orselling paraphernaliathatrequiresthe combustionofmarijuana;amending Amendment98,§8(m)(3)(a)(i)to increasethemarijuanaplantsthata dispensarylicensedunderthat amendmentmaygroworpossessatone timefrom50to100plusseedlings; amendingAmendment98,§ 8(m)(4)(a)(ii)toallowcultivationfacilities tosellmarijuanatodispensaries,adult usedispensaries,processors,orother cultivationfacilities;amending Amendment98,§§10(b)(8)(a)and 10(b)(8)(g)toprovidethatlimitsonthe amountofmedicalmarijuanadispensed shallnotincludeadultusecannabis purchases;amendingAmendment98,§§ 12(a)(1)and12(b)(1)toprovidethat dispensariesanddispensaryagentsmay dispensemarijuanaforadultuse; AmendingAmendment98,§13(a)to allowmedicalandadultusecultivation facilitiestosellmarijuanatoadultuse dispensaries;repealingAmendment98, §17andprohibitingstateorlocaltaxes onthecultivation,manufacturing,sale, use,orpossessionofmedicalmarijuana; repealingAmendment98,§23and prohibitinglegislativeamendment, alteration,orrepealofAmendment98 withoutvoterapproval;amending Amendment98,§24(f)(1)(a)(i)toallow transportersordistributorslicensedunder Amendment98todelivermarijuanato adultusedispensariesandcultivation facilitieslicensedunderthisAmendment; requiringtheAlcoholicBeverageControl DivisionoftheDepartmentofFinance andAdministration("ABC")toregulate issuanceandrenewaloflicensesfor cultivationfacilitiesandadultuse dispensariesandtoregulatelicensees; requiringadultusedispensariesto purchasecannabisonlyfrom

licensedmedicaloradultusecultivation facilitiesanddispensaries;requiring issuanceofTierOneadultusecultivation facilitylicensestocultivationfacility licenseesunderAmendment98asof November8,2022,tooperateonthe samepremisesastheirexistingfacilities andforbiddingissuanceofadditionalTier Oneadultusecultivationlicenses; requiringissuanceofadultuse dispensarylicensestodispensary licenseesunderAmendment98asof November8,2022,fordispensarieson theirexistingpremisesandatanother locationlicensedonlyforadultuse cannabissales;requiringissuanceby lotteryof40additionaladultuse dispensarylicensesand12TierTwo adultusecultivationfacilitylicenses; prohibitingcultivationfacilitiesand dispensariesnearschools,churches,day cares,orfacilitiesservingthe developmentallydisabledthatexisted beforetheearlieroftheinitiallicense applicationorlicenseissuance;requiring alladultuseonlydispensariestobe locatedatleastfivemilesfrom dispensarieslicensedunderAmendment 98;prohibitingindividualsfromholding ownershipinterestsinmorethan18adult usedispensaries;requiringABCadoption ofrulesgoverninglicensing,renewal, ownershiptransfers,location,and operationofcultivationfacilitiesandadult usedispensarieslicensedunderthis amendment,aswellasotherrules necessarytoadministerthisamendment; prohibitingpoliticalsubdivisionsfrom usingzoningtorestrictthelocationof cultivationfacilitiesanddispensariesin areasnotzonedresidential-useonly whenthisamendmentisadopted; allowingpoliticalsubdivisionstoholdlocal optionelectionstoprohibitretailsalesof cannabis;allowingastatesupplemental salestaxofupto10%onretailcannabis salesforadultuse,directingaportionof suchtaxproceedstobeusedforan annualstipendforcertifiedlaw enforcementofficers,theUniversityof ArkansasforMedicalSciencesanddrug courtprogramsauthorizedbythe ArkansasDrugCourtAct,§16-98-301 withtheremaindergoingintogeneral revenues,andrequiringtheGeneral Assemblytoappropriatefundsfrom licensingfeesandsalestaxeson cannabistofundagenciesregulating cannabis;providingthatcultivation facilitiesandadultusedispensariesare otherwisesubjecttothesametaxationas otherfor-profitbusinesses;prohibiting exciseorprivilegetaxesonretailsalesof cannabisforadultuse;providingthatthis amendmentdoesnotlimitemployer cannabispolicies,limitrestrictionson cannabiscombustiononprivateproperty, affectexistinglawsregardingdriving undertheinfluenceofcannabis,permit minorstobuy,possess,orconsume cannabis,orpermitcultivation, production,distribution,orsaleof cannabisnotexpresslyauthorizedbylaw; andprohibitinglegislativeamendment, alteration,orrepealofthisamendment withoutvoterapproval.

FORISSUENO.4

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SAMPLE

Bearcat Stadium hosted the 2022 Fields of Faith on Wednesday, Oct. 12. The night included free pizza, live music, and student speakers. The organization is meant to spark a spiritual movement for God according to the official website. It states, “Christianity needs a change in momen tum—students who will stand together against the pressures and temp tations in our world and be a generation that is committed to reading the Bible and applying it to their lives.

Fields of Faith is a student led event. Students invite, pray for, share with, and challenge their peers to read the Bible and follow Jesus Christ. An athletic field provides a neutral, rally point where a community can come together.

CRSD offering incentives for teacher attendance

By Patrick Massey

WICKES - The Cossatot River School District is offering a new in centive to promote consistent atten dance among school employees.

Attendance is a perennial objec tive among school districts and not just for students: Arkansas teachers are also prone to excess absentee ism. A 2012 study by the Center for American Policy found that nearly half of all teachers in Arkansas, Ha waii and Rhode Island missed 10 or more school days during the school year.

The report’s author, Raegan Mill er, suggested that achievement gaps among Arkansas students could be attributed, in part, to the teacher at tendance gap. Absent educators, re ports the Arkansas Democrat-Ga zette, costs public schools tens of millions of dollars each year for substitute teachers.

In 2019, the Arkansas Depart ment of Education reportedly began tracking teacher absenteeism rates in the state. However, given the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic just a year later, it’s uncertain how accu rate of a picture this study has been able to provide.

Cossatot River Superintendent Ty ler Broyles said teacher absenteeism hasn’t been an issue in his district and likely coincides with the state average. Nonetheless, he is hop ing to encourage better attendance among district teachers through a monthly, monetary incentive pro gram. Full-time employees with no unscheduled time off will be eligible for a $200 prepaid VISA gift card.

“The employee must have been a

full-time employee during the pre vious month and have used no sick leave, taken no time off without pay, had no unscheduled late arrivals or early departure, and had no un scheduled vacation leave,” Broyles said. “A school business absence like a club sponsor taking students to an event does not disqualify an em ployee from this award. The award is a $200 prepaid VISA gift card. Eligible staff will be placed in a pot with a winner to be drawn at the beginning of month. There will be one winner for classified staff and one winner for certified staff each month starting this December.”

Broyles said the district is also launching a teacher/staff member of the year program beginning for the current school year. In the spring, each Cossatot River campus will vote on a certified staff member of the year and a classified staff mem ber of the year. Those winners will be voted on for overall district win ners.

Broyles said the district is also launching a teacher/staff member of the year program beginning for the current school year. In the spring, each Cossatot River campus will vote on a certified staff member of the year and a classified staff mem ber of the year. Those winners will be voted on for overall district win ners.

“We are the third largest school in our conference and the only school without football and one of only a few without volleyball, so the mindset is we will give these programs a try for the best inter est of our students and growth as a district.”

Submitted by Mindy Lyle

FCCLA Region VI Training

Acorn FCCLA happenings

professionals united in Washington, D.C. to advocate for Career and Technical Ed ucation (CTE) during the annu al FCCLA Cap itol Leadership meeting from Oct. 10-12.

Seven mem bers of Acorn FCCLA and their adviser, Mindy Lyle at tended National

port necessary to ensure all students have access to Family and Consumer Sciences education. Family Consumer Sciences education provides hands-on learning experiences and career train ing in areas such as Culinary Arts, Hos pitality & Tourism, Human Services, Education & Training, and Visual Arts & Design.

Capitol Leadership is the first of three national FCCLA gatherings held annu ally where members and FCS leaders develop their leadership style, learn real-world skills, and explore Career Pathways.

activities aids members in becoming strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities.

Nineteen Acorn FCCLA members and their adviser attended FCCLA Region VI Leadership Training today at Lake Hamilton. Students participated in hands on training to grow their lead ership skills and learn more about run ning for office.

Members networked with other stu dents from across Region VI. Kora Carter and Damon Cruz helped facil itate the training. Before leaving, they were able to grab a picture with Region VI President and former Acorn FC CLA member, Colten Quebedeaux.

FCCLA Capitol Leadership Conference Oct. 2022, WASHINGTON, D.C.–

Family, Career and Community Lead ers of America (FCCLA) members, and Family and Consumer Sciences

FCCLA’s Capitol Leadership confer ence where they joined with youth leaders from across the nation to use their voice and passion to promote the need for the continuation of congres sional support for Fund Career and Technical Education and gain the sup

About FCCLA: The Ultimate Leader ship Experience is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members. It is the only career and technical student orga nization with a central focus on careers that support families. Participation in national FCCLA programs and chapter

Top Row (l-r)-Matthew Lyle, Jordan Lyle

2nd Row-Paige Parnell, Damon Cruz, Kora Carter, Lyndsey Powell

Bottom Row-Lauren Cruz, Mindy Lyle

By Richie Lawry

Harold wasn’t at the hospital the day his son was born; his job had taken him out of state. But he didn’t miss the birth on pur pose. His wife Sandra’s due date was two months away. Earlier that day, Sandra had driven him to the airport to catch a flight to Atlanta. On her way home, she began to have premature labor pain and went straight to the hospital, where baby Josh was born just a few hours later. Because of his premature birth, baby Josh needed special care.

Later that day, Sandra called Harold at his Atlanta hotel to tell him that he had a son, and that baby Josh would need ex tended care. It wouldn’t be the last time that Harold missed a milestone moment in his son’s life. Harold’s professional future was looking very bright, but his home life was deteriorating. A couple of years earlier, he had been an out-of-work documentary filmmaker.

Sandra remembered those days, “He’d pick up $100 here, $100 there for some thing but the money ran out. All of a sud den, there was a recession. There was nobody looking for him for a documentary, and that’s when he got a hack license. And the day that he got assigned to this garage, three different film jobs came in, and then he did some training films for IBM.” Harold never drove a cab, but he turned the idea into a song.

“By late fall 1970, out of work, I start writ ing songs again, although in a completely different style,” Harold remembered. “My quest for interesting film stories leads me into a narrative form of songwriting. It is fun writing again, and my brothers Tom and Steve, having formed their own group, are willing to perform some of my materi al. The end of 1970 arrives, there are no film jobs, and the movie industry is an eco nomic disaster area. My daughter Jenny is six months on the way to being born, and I panic. I set into New York City to sign up for a hack license. On the way, I meet an old girlfriend who has married money instead of becoming an actress, and I contemplate the irony of flying in my taxi. But the day I’m supposed to start driving, fate again inter venes, and I’m offered three film jobs. Re lieved, I plunge back into work but find that

An Arkie’s Faith

We’ll get together then

moon. ‘When you coming home, dad?’ ‘I don’t know when, but we’ll get togeth er then. You know we’ll have a good time then.’”

The song tells the story of a well-mean ing but career-driven father.

“My child arrived just the other day. He came to the world in the usual way. But there were planes to catch and bills to pay. He learned to walk while I was away.”

The implication is that his career is his priority, so he begins missing important landmarks in his boy’s life. Fast forward to the final verse; the father is retired, but his son has moved away and now has a family of his own. The father calls and says,

“’ I’d like to see you if you don’t mind.’ He said, ‘I’d love to, dad, if I can find the time. You see, my new job’s a hassle, and the kids have the flu. but it’s sure nice talking to you, dad.’”

Harry released the single “Cat’s in the Cradle” in 1974. The song reached the top of the Billboard music charts, sold millions, and earned Harry Chapin a Grammy nom ination for Best Song. In other words, it struck a chord with people.

the songs are still coming.”

Harold, “Harry,” Chapin landed a re cord deal and released his first album in March 1972. His first single, “Taxi,” made it onto Top 40 radio. The story of unfulfilled dreams struck a chord with the public. “She was going to be an actress, and I was going to learn to fly,” but neither one of them are happy in their lives. There’s this poignant moment near the end where she gives him a $20 bill, and he no longer has the pride to reject it, stuffs it in his pocket, and goes on.

With newfound success, Harry was tour ing extensively. Life on the road was lonely, and lady admirers were many. In Decem ber 1973, while Harry was in the recording studio, Sandy answered a call from one of Harry’s admirers. As she talked, her anger exploded. After getting rid of the female caller, Sandy called Harry at the studio and told him not to bother coming home be cause their marriage was over. Overcome by the reality that his wife was leaving him, Harry fell into the dark abyss of depression.

Despite his unfaithfulness and stupid, self ish behavior, Harry realized how much he wanted Sandy and the kids.

After repeated apologies and promises that Harry would put his family first, Sandy said that if Harry was willing to change, she was ready to listen. Harry made his family his new number-one priority, and to prove it, he canceled all his western U.S. concert tours to limit his time away from home, and he started coming home the same night af ter his concerts, catching a red-eye flight. While he was away, Harry called Sandy multiple times daily, giving her updates and telling her he loved her. Not surprisingly, as Harry began to change, so did his songwrit ing. More and more, he looked to his family for inspiration.

Around this time, Sandy showed Harry a poem she had written. When he read it, he told her he would put it to music. I’m sure you have heard Sandy’s words:

“The cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon. Little boy blue and the man in the

Just five years later, my daughter was born. I could see myself in the lyrics. Six days a week, I left the house early in the morning before she was awake and didn’t get back home until after she was asleep. We moved to Mena, Arkansas, when she was almost two years old. My wife agreed to the move stipulating that I would work fewer hours and only five days a week.

Gentle Reader, in Colossians 3:21 (CJB), Paul wrote, “Fathers, don’t irritate your chil dren and make them resentful, or they will become discouraged.”

Too many of us as fathers have experi enced some form of the “Cat’s in the Cra dle” experience. Sandy Chapin said, “I think the reason people responded and continue to respond is because it is a real-life story and everybody has a piece of that experi ence. I think today more than ever we need the song to help inspire us as parents to give our children the time the attention and the love that they need. Because, let’s be honest it’s not getting easier to live in this world.”

Replacing windshields in Polk County for over 40 years. Give Richie a call at 479-394-9938 Located at 3008 Hwy 71 South

Joke of the Week: I have a phobia about speed bumps, but I’m slowly getting over it.

CMA returns to The Ouachitas

CONT’D next page

Article by Ethan Nahté Photos by Jodi Croft

The Christian Motorcyclists Associa

tion (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. They will also be touring the

Talimena Scenic Drive and some of the other beautiful locations the Ouachita Mountains has to offer.

The Colors event officially runs from Oct 19-23, but some members were already visible riding, shopping and dining beginning late last week as the Leadership Conference 2022 portion of their week-long event began. The Conference is an annual meeting for the CMA USA state leadership teams to receive updates on the latest devel opments in the ministry, review CMA’s vision, grow skills and increase knowl edge.

The Colors Rally will consist of meet ings, religious services, live music that anyone can livestream (see the CMA ad on p. 13 for details.),, vendors and more at the Iron Mountain location. Although the CMA has their own din ing facilities, many of the cyclists visit several of the restaurants and eateries in and around Polk County, including Big D’s, Little Italy, TJ’s Country Store, Rise and Shine Café, Skyline Café, and The Vault.

Local residents should keep an eye

out for the bikes as they go out on a sport bike ride beginning at 11:30 and a cruiser ride, as well as Wolf Pen Gap Trails at 12:30 on Thursday.

They will be doing a motorcycle skills practice at Dallas Avenue Bap tist Church in Mena at 2 p.m. Friday. Around that same time there will be the annual Run for the Son ride.

Saturday will be the parade, lining up to leave Iron Mountain around12:30 and entering Mena around 1 p.m. If you never seen the parade, it’s quite im pressive as a sea of motorcycles of all shapes, sizes and colors comes riding into town.

Then, at 1:30, the bike games begin in downtown Mena for bikes, trikes,

and people. Cyclists will show off their skills for the opportu nity 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. Be sides it being a bit chilly

throughout the mornings, the weath er should be pleasant with very little chance of rain.

CONT’D next page

Reflections from History and Faith: Folly or foresight

By Jeff Olson

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 sec ond migration across the Bridge brought the NaDene 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 peo ples 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.

In 1639, Cossack horsemen came over the eastern mountain range in Siberia and contin ued 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 commis sioned a Danish sea captain, Vitus Bering, to ex plore the Northwest coast of Alaska. This marked the “official” discovery by Russia, and Bering es tablished Russia’s claim to northwestern North America.

In 1741, the first Rus sian ships arrived, and animal trap pers began the fur trade.

By then, the Europeans had also discovered Alaska and by 1774 the Spanish were explor ing parts of the region.

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 re mote and hard to defend.

Negotiations with the United States were opened during the Buchanan adminis tration but ceased with the begin ning of the Civil War.

prised 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 agree ment by a single vote.

It was signed in March 1867 and the official transfer of Alaska to the United States took place at Sitka (the last capital of Russian America) 155 years ago this week. On Oct. 18, 1867, American soldiers raised the United States flag over Sitka. Seward’s deal cost the United States $7.2 mil lion, amounting to a price of about 2.5 cents per acre for an area twice the size of Texas.

(Photo by Joris Beugels on Unsplash)

In 1799, Alexander Baranov established a Rus sian post known today as Old Sitka and the Rus sian-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 fi nancial difficulties in Russia, the desire to keep

President Andrew Johnson’s Secretary of State, William H. Seward, was an ardent expansion ist. He was committed to the spread of American influence throughout the Pacific as a means of enhancing the nation’s trade and military stand ing.

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 sur

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 August 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 January 3, 1959, The Last Frontier, the Land of the Midnight Sun entered the Union as America’s forty-ninth state.

Spooky Halloween Fun at High Point

By Ethan Nahté

The first Halloween at High Point trick or treat festivities was a blast. Over 100 kids of all ages walked through the woods to the 10 rustic cabins in the Rocky Mound and Echo Pines camps. It looked a bit like a scene from “Fri day the 13th” as one peered at the cab ins hidden in the distance amongst the

Around Town

Board Camp Baptist Church will distribute food for anyone in need on Thursday, October 20 from 10 am until noon. Board Camp Baptist Church is located at 107 Polk 63, at the corner of Highway 8 East and Polk County Rd 63, ap proximately 9 miles east of Mena.

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

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, noon - 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 7 p.m. on Thursday, 7 p.m. on Friday, and 6 p.m. on Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call Erica at 479-234-5289 or Candice at 501-356-8300.

The Lyric Players will perform their first Readers’ Theatre production on October 24 at the Extension Homemakers meeting. Contact Ann Glenn for details at 479385-6673.

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

The Mena/Polk County Senior Center will have The Gator and Friends band performing in Mena every Thursday, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

The Center will also start having an exercise class on Mon days and Thursdays, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Contact Trena Looney with questions, (479) 394-5459.

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.

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.

Mena/Polk County Senior Center will be having a fish fry on Oct. 22, 3 - 5 p.m. We invite everyone in the community to come out and enjoy some amazing fish! Cost is donations only! The menu will be fish, beans, cole slaw, hush puppies, and dessert.

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

The First United Methodist Church of Mena, 501 9th Street, across from Janssen Park will be having Trunk or Treat from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Monday, October 31st. We will be giving out Halloween Handout bags that will include stickers and candy. Hope you will bring your kiddos and join us for the fun in the church parking lot.

Thursday is the Humane Society of the Ouachitas monthly meeting at La Villa at 5:30 p.m. It will be

our last monthly public meeting until Jan. 19, 2023, where we will elect our new Board of Directors.

There are no new nominees and our current board mem bers are running again, with one exception which will be formally announced at the meeting.

The November and December General meetings are can celed.

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, 8:00 a.m. (full breakfast for small donation). All men from the community are invited to attend.

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

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 8 p.m. Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. Discus sion/Book Study for information call (479) 243-0297.

The Revelation of Hope Prophecy Seminar with speaker Tommy Blount opening night presentation “Hope Beyond Tomorrow” begins at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, at the Mena Seventh-day Adventist Church, 149 Polk Rd. (Fairgrounds Road). The seminar continues Saturday, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m. with the first of two presentations.

Opening night for Ouachita Little Theatre’s original production of “Silas Marner” is Friday, Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m. Performances will follow Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30, and will repeat the same schedule October 28-30. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for seniors an students. Reserved seating available online at oltmena. com.

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

Auditions for the JOLT (Junior Ouachita Little Theatre) holiday play will be held on Oct. 17 and 18 from 4-6 p.m. Director Makayla Kenyon-Ortiz invites grade school students to try out for “A Seussified Christmas Carol” which is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Performance dates are Dec. 2, 3, 4 and 9, 10, and 11.

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 announce ment 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!

See HALLOWEEN

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Classifieds

CLASSIFIEDS

- SERVICES -

Wendell’s Tree Service - Tree Removal and Trimming. Experienced and fully insured for ALL your tree-trimming needs. Call (479) 394-0227 or (479) 216-4328. T1116

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T1019

Construction, pads, ponds, roads and more. Military discounts. Insured. Just give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T1026

Daniel’s carpentry and painting and handyman service. Deck and privacy fences, etc. Call (479) 216-1101 or (479) 216-2299. T1019

Tree services, forestry mulching, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light re placement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for Free estimate. T1026

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

- YARD SALE -

Large 3-Family garage sale, 1108 Hickory Ave., Mena. Saturday, Friday -Saturday, Oct. 21-22, 7:30 a.m.-dark. T1019

Garage sale: Selling large cookie jar collection. Over 200 jars, more than 20-yearsold, reasonably priced. Antiques and vintage 204 Reine Street South, Friday -Saturday, Oct. 21-22, 8 a.m. T1019

- FOR SALE -

For sale: Ken Quilt Sewing Machine and table, $1,200. Antique mahogany full-size bed, $1,100. 580-244-3628. T1026

- MISCELLANEOUS -

Lost mind—last seen before wife and kids. Any info, please call - Jey Bird T1019

Police

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 10, 2022

Deputies responded to a report of a theft at a residence on Ransom Road near Mena.

Deputies were dispatched to a res idence on Polk 289 near Cove in ref erence to a possible suicidal person.

October 11, 2022

Deputies responded to a report of a structure fire at a residence on Polk 32 near Cove.

Deputies responded to an area on Polk 44 near Mena in reference to a person sitting in the middle of the road.

October 12, 2022

Danielle Sackett, 39 of Cove was ar rested by an officer with the Arkansas State Police on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine or Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia as well as four Misdemeanor Failure to Appear Warrants.

Christopher Brown, 38 of Mena was arrested on charges of Disorderly Conduct, Public Intoxication, Resist ing Arrest and Aggravated Assault Upon a Certified Law Enforcement Officer.

October 13, 2022

Deputies responded to a report of a broken vehicle window at a residence on Polk 114 near Acorn. Caleb Mc Lellan, 22 of Hatfield was arrested on

charges of 1st Degree Criminal Mis chief, Criminal Trespass and Public Intoxication.

Deputies were dispatched to a resi dence on Polk 116 near Acorn in ref erence to a trespasser.

Deputies responded to a residence on Hwy 8 E near Mena in reference to an unattended death.

October 14, 2022

Mario Caramez, 40 of Mena was ar rested on a Body Attachment.

Deputies were dispatched to a res idence on Polk 18 near Vandervoort in reference to a domestic altercation.

October 15, 2022

Deputies were dispatched to a res idence on Polk 282 near Hatfield in reference to an attempted suicide.

Deputies were dispatched to a resi dence on Hwy 270 near Acorn in ref erence to a prowler.

Deputies were dispatched to a stor age unit near Hatfield in reference to a theft.

Deputies responded to a residence on Polk 213 near Grannis in reference to a camper fire.

October 16, 2022

Francisco Gallegos, 30 of Lafayette, LA was arrested on charges of Public Intoxication and Refusal to Submit to Arrest.

Timothy Bass, 42 of Mena was ar rested on a Body Attachment War rant.

Deputies responded to a report of a missing person. The person was lo cated.

Deputies were dispatched to a resi dence on Polk 70 near Cherry Hill in reference to an unattended death.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked 1 vehicle accident this week. Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 19 Incarcerated In mates, with 10 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

October 9

Gabrielle Hembree, 29, was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Careless Driving, and Driving Left of Center after a traffic stop on Janssen Avenue.

A report of harassment was taken at a residence on Evans Circle.

October 10

Joshua Heifner, 21, was charged with Possession of Drug Parapher nalia, and Public Intoxication at Northside Church of Christ.

Kurt Russell, 43, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Reine Street.

Griffin Head, 44, was served with a warrant at Executive Inn.

Christopher James, 38, and Jordan Dodds, 26, were both charged with Domestic Battery after a disturbance call on Gary Drive.

William Conner, 40, was charged with Theft of Motor Fuel, Theft of Property, Public Intoxication, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia at Murphy USA.

Chelsea Roba, 27, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

Benny Anderson, 49, was charged with Public Intoxication and served with a warrant at a residence on Ev ans Circle.

A death investigation report was

taken at Executive Inn.

October 11

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

October 12

A report of unauthorized use of a vehicle was taken from a walk-in complainant.

Anthony Robertson, 32, was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Fleeing after a disturbance call to a residence on Maple Avenue.

A report of theft and terroristic threat was taken from a walk-in com plainant.

A report of harassment was taken at Murphy USA.

October 13

Anthony Robertson, 32, was charged with Harassment and Resist ing Arrest after a complaint at a resi dence on Church Avenue.

A report of disorderly conduct was taken at the Verizon Store.

October 14

Martin Rodriguez, 21, was served with a warrant after contact on High way 71.

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

October 15

Joy Reed, 34, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Derid der Avenue.

Test your deer for CWD and enter drawing for lifetime license

By Patrick Massey

Arkansas hunters are being encour aged to help in the fight against Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) with a chance to win a lifetime hunting and fishing license.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will give away two Lifetime Combination

Licenses this deer season to two hunters who turn in deer samples for CWD testing. The fight against CWD continues with renewed effort following the de tection of the disease into Randolph and Union Counties last year. CWD is most frequently detected in deer populations in Northwest Arkansas, although the disease has been detect ed in neighboring Scott County.

Nonetheless, state wildlife biolo gists encourage every hunter to get their harvested deer tested this sea son in hopes of tracking the spread of CWD. As in previous years, the AGFC will continue its extensive sys tem of drop-off containers through out the state, as well as its work with taxidermists and regional offices to pull samples for hunters and have them tested. More than 100 locations around Arkansas are available to get your deer tested for CWD free of charge. A few veterinarians also will provide sampling services for a fee, but hunters should call ahead to en sure availability.

Testing locations are available in each Arkansas county, including at the USFS Mena/Oden Ranger Dis trict Office in Mena. The AGFC’s

point-of-contact for CWD testing in Polk County is Jason Mitchell.

It’s simple to get a deer tested through a drop-off location. Just bring the deer’s head with four-six inches of the neck attached and any antlers removed to the location and place it in one of the provided plastic bags with your name and contact infor mation on the card provided. The AGFC will col lect these, pull the samples and have them analyzed by the Arkansas Vet erinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Test ing results should be available within two to three weeks.

Test results will be posted through a secure system at agfc.com/cwd.

“We also will call the hunter per sonally for any test that comes back with CWD being detected,” said AGFC Wildlife Biologist AJ Riggs. “We can make arrangements to dis pose of the meat properly for them.”

Riggs says staff also will notify hunters via phone if their sample is not usable for some reason, so it is important to give complete informa tion with their deer’s head. Hunters who submit a sample will be auto matically entered into the drawing and those who submit multiple deer for testing will have increased chanc es of being selected.

Testing locations will remain open until Feb. 28, the last day of the ar chery deer season.

A list of official testing locations is available at  agfc.com/cwd as well as the latest regulations and news about the disease in Arkansas.

HALLOWEEN continued from page 18

trees with fallen leaves, but the spooky cabins had fun decorations like giant spiders, jack-o’ lanterns, and scenes from “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”

Even the concession hall was dec orated, and the storm shelter was an eerily glowing structure rising up out of the ground. Once one was inside, it was filled with cakes for the Cake Walk fundraiser, which went to benefit Camp High Point so they can maintain and improve the camp for anyone who wants to rent out the cabins or have an event.

At the far end, walking under the stars and a half moon, was the Blue bird Hallow camp where a laser light show with 30 foot flying bats, ghosts, witches and vampires painted the tops

of the trees in a wide swath. After walking through the body of a giant skeleton, the themed cabins awaited with an artificial fire surrounded by wicked beasties. There was a clown cabin, skeletons and creatures, witch es, a chop shop and the slasher cabin with the familiar figures of Jason, Fred dy, Chucky, Michael and more. Many of the figures were animatronic and made for a really fun haunted village. If you missed out on the fun, you could catch a slightly different version of the haunted village at the Masonic Lodge Oct. 28, 29 and 31, where proceeds will be split between the Cub Scouts and the Masonic Lodge for a youth schol arship.

Check out some of the Halloween at High Point photos on Facebook.com/ thepolkcountypulse/.

My Hogspore News:

Baptism at Sumner’s Pond Saturday

By Clet Litter as told to Bob Simpson

The Hogspore First Non-Denomi national Church of Backsliders and Mid-Week Sinners is having an end of season baptism at Sumner’s Pond Saturday. Preacher announced, “The water slide will be open for young delinguents under 12 to en joy the Slide to Salvation. There’s gonna be a memorial service for Cousin Bennie, who went down and never rose from the redeeming waters last year at this time. Follow ing the observance, the potluck post baptism supper shall take place.”

The Little Miss Hogspore Pageant added something new.

All the former winners strolled out on stage for a round of applause before the pageant started. Some shuffled on out and some rolled

on out. The audience thought that it was too much when seven gaunt gentlemen in black suits stepped on out, each one carrying an urn.

The winner was Angelica Borax. She’s the daughter of Oakley and Virginia Borax of the Borax Farm and Astringents Factory.

Archaeological Find: Unusual findings at the dig site in Rome, It aly, revealed early masterpieces of Michelangelo’s paint by the num ber system. X-rays showed differ ent Roman Numerals beneath each shade of paint.

Mumford Pickens says, “An ap ple a day keeps the doctor away. So does eating three cheeseburgers and fried taters every day once you die.”

Contact at Bobsimpson1947@ya hoo.com. You know you wanna.

MHS Marching Band competes in Fort Smith

By Ethan Nahté

Football and marching bands tend to go hand-in-hand. The band plays as they march onto the track at the beginning of the game to herald the team’s arriv al. They perform in the stands between plays, with fight songs to encourage the band and boost the fans’ energy, or to celebrate a touchdown. They entertain the people in the stands during halftime. Music is the universal language and marching bands help rally players and fans alike to bring everyone together.

The Mena High School March ing Band put in a lot of practice after school as they prepared to travel to Fort Smith Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 11, for

their Region al Marching Assessment at Northside High School in Fort Smith. They were competing in the Arkansas State Band and Orchestra Association (ASBOA), which has been around since 1930.

The school and City of Mena had a send-off for the band at 2:15 at the bus loop. Students, cheerleaders, and mem bers of the community lined up at the end of the bus driveway at the edge of the Bearcat Stadium parking lot to see the band members off for competition. An escort of police vehicles and Rescue 1 of the Mena Fire Department escorted the buses out of town.

Mena competed in the 4A competi tion, receiving scores of two, two and one for a composite score of two in the 2022 ASBOA Region 8 Marching Assessment.

Photos by Jodi Croft & Mena Public Schools

Cross Country

10/25 - 7-4A Senior District Meet

10/26 - Mena @ Lions Club

Football

10/21 - Mena @ Lafayette County

Volleyball

10/20 - Mena vs. Arkadelphia

10/25-10/27 - Mena @State Tournament(Brookland)

Ladycats volleyball clinches 4A West

By Ethan Nahté

The Mena Ladycats volleyball teams are still hot. Coach Brad Lyle said that the Arkansas Activities As sociation (AAA) refers schools to the Scoreboard Live site as the offi cial site for rankings. As of Friday, Oct. 14, SB Live ranked the Sr. Lady

cats were No. 11 in the overall state rankings with a 21-2 record. The Ladycats are ranked No. 2 in the 4A with a 14-0 record. They clinched the 4A West Conference championship and the No. 1 seed at state after their three-set sweep on Thursday night, defeating Bauxite, 25-17, 25-16 and 25-12.

The Ladycats were scheduled to play Fountain Lake Tuesday night after we went to press.

The Jr. Ladycats also did great at the Jr. High District Tournament. This past weekend, they clinched the 2022 Conference and District cham pionships.

Baseball

10/21 - UARM vs. Eastern Oklahoma State College

10/23 - UARM vs. Arkansas Tech University

Soccer

10/19- UARM vs. Seminole State College (women)

10/23 UARM @ Northern Oklahoma College - Tonkawa

Softball

10/22 - UARM vs. Central Baptist College

Third Overall Market Goat at the Arkansas State Fair is shown by Lacy Floyd. She will be in the Sale of Champions at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20 at Barton Coliseum in Little Rock.

Floyd, a member of the Mena FFA, won both Grand Champion and County Bred Champion Market Goat in September’s Polk County Fair. Floyd also had a lamb, which won both Grand Champion and Grand Champion County at the Polk County Fair this year.

The Arkansas State Fair will continue through Sunday, Oct. 23. Visit Arkan sasStateFair.com for more details. (Photo courtesy of Shanea Diane Floyd)

Be watching for the men in those bright yellow vests. It is time for the Knights of Columbus annual Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities. They will be various places around town and visiting businesses with tootsie rolls and smiles.

Disabled American Veterans and their Auxiliary hosted an appre ciation dinner for the local DAV van drivers on October 6.

Volunteers drive veterans to ensure that even those living remotely from VA hospitals can make their appointments and never go without the treatment they need.

It’s all part of the DAV Transportation Network, administered by the Hospital Service Coordinators at VA medical facilities around the country.

Balloon pilot Joel Stur devant traveled to demonstrate and speak with the students at Acorn Elemen tary about hot air balloons last Thursday.

The RE/MAX Balloon is made with over 800 yards of nylon fabric, holds 90,000 cubic feet of air and stands over 70 feet tall. Sturdevant took a few teachers on a tethered balloon ride.

The RE/MAX balloon was on its way to the 15th Annual Poteau Balloon Festival, which took place Oct. 14-15, which included a carnival, wrestling and other events.