Polk County Pulse - October 25, 2023

Pulse THE POLK COUNTY

FREE WEEKLY 1168 Hwy. 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600

October 25, 2023

Your DAILY News Sources: KENA 104.1 FM & MyPulseNews.com

Gov. Sanders announces Mena first ‘Capital for a Day’

INSIDE:

Mena Homecoming

Page 14-15

Acorn Harvest Festival

Pages 16-17

a Day for Oct. 20, 2023. The governor and other people from her office, including Arkansas Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva visited several locations in Mena as well as on Rich Mountain last Friday.

She was in Mena for the inaugural launch of Capital for a Day. Sanders and Mena Mayor Seth Smith visited the KENA studio to discuss the Capital (L-R) Gov. Sarah Sanders, Pulse Multi-Media for a Day program and other General Manager Jamie Hammack and Mena topics.

Sanders said, “We have Mayor Seth Smith been here all day and had just

By Ethan Nahté a tremendous experience for our first Capital for a Day. I had a chance to Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders spend several hours visiting with peodesignated Mena as the first Capital for

Page 10

See SANDERS continued on page 9

Bearcats victorious over Panthers Sophia Vacca chosen as MHS Homecoming Queen Article and photos by Ethan Nahté

Halloween Happenings

ple all over the community. The mayor has been gracious enough to guide us around to a lot of different stops. We stopped in state agencies as well as visit with members of our law enforcement.

“It’s really been tremendous to bring almost our entire cabinet as well as a number of people from the governor’s office to work with and visit with people in the community to hear about things that are going well and hear about things we can do better and how we can just continue to have great partnerships and work together. It’s just been really a great day.”

Several people who live in this part of the state will probably agree that the Ouachita Mountains and Polk County

Friday night was exciting both in the stands and on the field at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium. Mena’s homecoming court was presented on the field before the game. Following the introduction of the 12 girls, Holiday Neufeld was named the Maid of Honor. Sophia Vacca’s name was then announced as the 2023 Home-

coming Queen. (See Page 2) Sometime during all the excitement as the court took their seats near the endzone, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders arrived to officially hand the football to the Mena coaches then kicked back to catch some of the game as the Bearcats took on the Fouke Panthers.

Mena had been defeated in their

See BEARCATS continued on page 25

2 News

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

October 25, 2023

Sophia Vacca chosen as 2023 Homecoming Queen Holiday Neufeld selected as Maid of Honor

Article and photos by Ethan Nahté

Seniors Sophia Vacca and Holiday Neufeld both were surprised as they were chosen as the 2023 Homecoming Queen and Maid of Honor, respectively, before the kickoff of Friday night’s game against Fouke.

Vacca was crowned by the 2022 Homecoming Queen Carmen Puckett. Vacca said the first thing that went through her mind when they announced her name, “It was unreal.

I was so excited… my heart was beating,” she answered, still overcoming a slight shortness of breath. “I feel very, very loved, and that feels nice.

“Whatever queenly duties they’ll have me do, I’ll do them,” she said with a laugh.

Sophia Vacca Vacca said when she graduates, she’d like to go to Dallas and earn her degree in psychology.

Neufeld said when she heard her name announced, “I was really happy and I was kind of surprised, too. I was really happy though, mostly,” she

replied, laughing. “It was a shock.”

Neufeld had barely gotten seated for photos when she had to rush back to sing an a cappella version of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

“That was a little stressful, but it’s over now,” Neufeld said.

“Now, I can sit and enjoy the game.”

The court cheered the team on from the end zone. They also moved to the sidelines at halftime to take in the performances by the Fouke and Mena marching bands, as well as the cheerleader routine.

By the time Mena had scored twice

Holiday Neufeld in the third quarter, many of the girls were cheering alongside the cheerleaders, still in their formal gowns while the remainder ate popcorn, interacted with the crowd and continued supporting the team.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Letters 3

October 25, 2023

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Want to share your opinion?

Letter to the Editor: I would like to say a big “THANK YOU!” to all who help maintain our roads: from those who fill in potholes, grade and repair roads, to those who pick up trash (and to those who never throw trash out!) and mow the roadsides.

It not only makes driving safer, but also enhances the natural beauty we are so blessed to enjoy, pride in appearance. Your efforts are appreciated.

Sincerely, Sharon Christopher Letter to the Editor Alec Farmer, chairman, Arkansas Dept of Transportation: am writing concerning U.S. Highway 71 in Polk County, Arkansas.

Highway 71 is in deplorable condition in Polk County. It’s disconcerting that even Highway 71 in front of the Arkansas State Highway Department’s work yard is in terrible condition. If you don’t believe me, please drive the length of Highway 71 through Polk County.

Highway 71 is a major north-south route through the United States.

We have lots of commercial trucks full of freight driving on Highway 71 in Polk County.

Please look at your map and see where 1-49 has been completed in the United States and where the work has not even begun. It looks like it is 80% completed from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, with the longest unfinished section of 145 miles between Fort Smith and Texarkana, Arkansas, which includes all of Polk County. I am 72 years old. I doubt that last 145 miles will be completed in my lifetime. So, I am just asking you to repair and improve Highway 71 in Polk County, while I am living.

I know northwest Arkansas is booming economically now. Our Polk County would like to boom a little, too. We’re trying to improve our economy. We depend a lot on

the Tourism Industry in Polk County.

Fall Foliage is usually a very busy time for us. We’re asking people to come spend their money in our county and drive on rough pothole ridden Highway 71. We’re asking them to drive across a very narrow bridge at Potter while meeting a big 18 Wheeler Semi-Truck.

I read an article in the Summer 2023 edition of Arkansas Highways Magazine, that is a publication of the Arkansas Department of Transportation and given out at the tourist information centers. In it was an artiele about Jonesboro Eastern Bypass Groundbreaking. In that article ARDOT Director Lorie Tudor told the crowd, “Better roads lead to a better economy, which leads to a better life for everyone.” Please help give the tax paying citizens of Polk County a chance at a better economy by repairing and improving Highway 71.

Margo Kimp, Mena Letter to the Editor First thing I’d like to say is that NO ONE has the right to call me up and say “You have no right to send this letter in”. This happened to me about 3 months ago, then they hung up on me! Everyone has the right to express their opinions whether anyone else agrees with it.

Each time I have submitted a letter, it’s absolute truth. I have a brother, a great-niece & a son & daughter-in-law that hate me, maybe other family hate me also. I have a sister I know I’ll never see again I am handicapped, anyone with eyes can tell that. I have a handicap tag hanging in our auto. Why do some people park in handicap areas when they obviously don’t need to? If my hubby tries to park

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 language.

Letters do not reflect the viewpoints or opinions of Pulse Multi-Media.

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 following contact information is required 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 SUBMIT: NEWS ITEMS / ANNOUNCEMENTS / LETTERS TO THE EDITOR / SPORTS UPDATES / CALENDAR ITEMS / CLASSIFIED ADS Email: NEWS@MYPULSENEWS.COM

in an area designed for the handicap & I’m not getting out, I make him move! Some places don’t even have handicap parking, why is that?

Some people don’t believe in being on Facebook cause they think others will find out something they don’t want others to know, well people have lots of ways to find out about ANYONE. Gratefully submitted, Donna Lay, Mena

4 News

October 25, 2023

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

New shop offering crystal singing bowl meditation experience Article and photo by Ethan Nahté Kelsey Mullins and James Dye are the owners of Hand Crafted Holistic Gift Shop. They took over the location at 711 Mena St. that was Pickled Pisces at the beginning of August. They moved to the Mena area from Phoenix, Arizona. The shop is something a bit new for them, but having their own business isn’t.

“We were both licensed massage therapists,” Mullins said. “But I’ve been a stay-at-home mom the past few years, but we took this on because I wanted to help contribute to my family’s financial situation.

For those customers who enjoyed Pickled Pisces, and Moonies before that, Hand Crafted has similarities and some new options.

“We feature over 12 local artists that make things from candles to teas, jewelry and paintings,” Mullins said. “We like to support local artist with our storefront and in the back, we offer massage therapy services. I specialize in cranial-sacral therapy, and he specializes in injury rehabilitation. It’s a holistic shop in that we’re helping people care for their minds, bodies and spirits.”

gaining popularity online in several places across the nation, is crystal singing bowl meditation. Hand Crafted will be offering their first session, led by Monica Myers, on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. The session is voluntary donation based.

It coincides with the Hunter full moon.

Mullins suspects the event will last about an hour. They will have seating areas, but she suggests for Crystal singing bowl meditation people to bring a blanket, pillow Something new at their shop and is or whatever makes them comfort-

able… a yoga mat, perhaps because being right next to the bowls will not be necessary to hear them.

“The different vibrations can help clear chakras and emotional blockages. They can help promote peace.

It’s a whole-body experience. Your ears hear it, but you feel it through your whole body.”

She demonstrates, taking a bowl attuned to D 289 Hz, which is slightly less than the frequency of middle D (D4), which the frequency is 293.665 Hz in an equal-tempered scale. Mullins rubs the mallet around the outer edge of the bowl in a circular motion. The sound See CRYSTAL continued on page 24

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Politics 5

October 25, 2023

From the

State House of Representatives

the Department of Commerce for The Arkansas Legislative $25 million to educate more nursCouncil (ALC) and ALC subes in Arkansas. The department committees convened this week. says the funding will be used for a In these meetings, members regrant program to expand nursing ceived an update regarding the apprenticeships, increase nursing implementation of LEARNS, program capacity, and tuition rean update regarding a study of imbursement. A portion of the our state’s firearms laws, and approved funding to expand nurse John Maddox funds will also be used for career center licensed practical nurse training programs in the state.

Education Secretary Jacob Oliva up- pathway development. These centers prodated the council on the use of Education vide high school seniors and juniors colFreedom Accounts. Education Freedom lege credit while in school.

The Council was also informed that the Accounts (EFA) is a school choice initiative that provides funding for eligible Game and Fish and State Police Subcomstudents to attend participating private mittee will meet on Monday, November schools. Secretary Oliva told the council 13 at 1 pm in the MAC building behind that 4,795 students and 94 schools are cur- the Capitol to begin hearing information presentations regarding federal laws relatrently participating.

For this school year, EFA’s are limited to ed to firearms.

This is the beginning of the Arkanfirst-time kindergartners, students coming from “F” rated schools, students with a sas Firearms and Concealed Carry Laws disability, foster care children, or children Study. The public will have an opportunity to provide comments at the meeting. of active-duty military.

Students with a disability identified un- There will be a link on the General Assemder the Individuals with Disabilities Ed- bly website for public comment, and there ucation Act represent the largest share of will be a signup sheet at the committee participating students, amounting to 44% meeting. Only those members of the pubof total participants. First-time kindergar- lic who have signed up in one of those two teners likewise represent a sizable share of ways will be allowed to come forward and the total participants, making up 31% of present their comments to the Subcommittee. the participants’ population.

You can watch all ALC meetings and Upon request, the council approved the disbursement of federal American Res- subcommittee meetings at www.arkansascue Plan funds including a request from house.org.

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

One of the ongoing develDHS office. opments in state government In August, enrollment in over the past six months has Arkansas Medicaid had debeen the efforts of the Hucreased to 915,926 people. man Services Department to That compares to pre-panreduce the number of people demic levels, such as in on Medicaid.

March, 2020, when enrollThe goal is to return the ment was 921,066 people.

Terry Rice health coverage program to levels more closely resembling those Supreme Court Rules on LEARNS prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Act During the pandemic the federal Since the legislature adjourned its government issued emergency reg- regular session in April, another onulations that prohibit the state from going issue has been the legal battle dropping people on Medicaid, regard- over the LEARNS Act. It is a broad less of whether or not their financial reform of public schools proposed circumstances changed. by the governor and enacted by the In April, when the federal govern- legislature that was challenged in the ment announced the expiration of its courts soon after it was signed. emergency orders, the Arkansas MedThe state Supreme Court, in a 6-toicaid program was able to restore its 1 ruling, dismissed the challenges of traditional criteria for determining plaintiffs who argued that the legislawhether or not a family was eligible to ture had failed to properly vote on the receive services. act’s emergency clause.

Since then the Department has been The act creates Education Freedom conducting an extensive process to re- Accounts that provide funding to determine the eligibility of all people families who send eligible students on Medicaid. Department officials are to private schools. This year 4,795 calling this a period of “unwinding.” students in 94 schools are benefiting Standards for determining eligibili- from the program. ty in normal times are also set by the Most of the families will receive federal government. $6,672, although families of 628 stuIn the six months since Arkansas dents who had been getting Succeed has been “unwinding” its Medicaid Scholarships will receive $7,413. rolls, the department has determined According to a report to legislathat 427,459 people are no longer eli- tors from the Education Secretary, 59 gible for services. percent of the students live in central The Arkansas Secretary of Human Arkansas and 16 percent live in northServices said that she was proud of the west Arkansas. department’s staff who did the work of Students with a disability make up “unwinding” the Medicaid rolls, be- 44 percent and first-time kindergartcause it is important that the program eners make up 31 percent of the reciphas the resources to serve the people ients. who truly need health coverage.

The Education Department reIf you believe the department mis- ceived 5,660 applications. The reason takenly dropped you from Medicaid, for most of the rejected applications you can get information about re-ap- was lack of documentation or clariplying at this website address: ar.gov/ fication. Education officials estimate cover that the state will distribute $32.5 milYou also can call 855-372-1084 lion this school year to families of elifrom 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday gible students. through Saturday, or go to your local

6 Obituaries

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

October 25, 2023

Brenda Louise (Foster) Willis

Brenda Louise (Foster) Willis, 75, was born January 14, 1948, in Mena, Arkansas, to LJ Foster and Mildred Bates Foster.

Brenda loved all dogs, cats, and most other animals. If you died, you would want to come back as Brenda’s dog or cat. She was known to her granddog and grandcat as granny. All of them knew exactly who Granny was. She loved to watch TV, especially westerns and police dramas. Her favorite show of all time was Gunsmoke, she probably saw each one of them twenty times or more. After graduating high school in 1966, she married her loving husband, Virgil.

They were married for 45 years till he passed away in 2012. She worked as a nurse’s aide at the hospital on the hill and the one here in town. She enjoyed taking care of her patients.

She was a wonderful housewife who made the best chicken and dressing there ever was.

Brenda is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 45 years Virgil, a son, Dewayne Willis, brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Pat Earhart, nephew, Richard Earhart, and brother-in-law, Rod Willis.

She is survived by, one daughter, Angela, and husband Slade Cunningham of Mena, “Sister-Cousin” Linda Mourton, of Little Rock, her adorable fur babies, Sadie and Margaret, brothers and sisters-in-law, Frankye Ripley, June Willis, James (Jim) and Francine Willis, Jeffrey and Carol

Willis, Yvonne (Willis) and Kenny O’ Daniel, who meant the world to her and were just like her family.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Beasley Wood Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas, with Brother Dan Hill Officiating. Interment will follow at Owens Chapel Cemetery in Acorn, Arkansas. There will be a scheduled visitation held on Monday, October 23, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Sandra Jean McCulley

S a n d r a Jean McCulley passed in peace October 19th. Sandra was born to Cliff and Loraine Miller in Dallas, TX, on December 28, 1946.

A nurse of 30 years, Sandra is survived by her children Cathy Miller, Randy Turner, Avy Luthor, and Brittan McCulley and grandchildren TJ and Brad Batten, Victoria Kelley, Anastasia and Naudia McCulley, and Jayden Bishop.

Sandra’s greatest passion in life was to go on cruises, so please join the family in wishing her one final bon voyage as she sets sail into eternity to be reunited with her lost loved ones and countless pets.

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

Archie Richard Wheat

that became more like family too numerous to mention.

Cremation Services for Mr. Wheat were entrusted to Beasley-Wood Mr. Ar- Funeral Home, there are no services chie Richard scheduled for this time.

Online obituary at beasleywoodWheat, age 81, went home to funeralhome.com be with the Lord, Sunday, October 22, 2023, in Mena, Arkansas.

He was born November 14, 1941, in Corcoran, California, to the late Melvin Archie Wheat and Adaline (Kimes) Wheat.

Mr. Wheat was an aircraft technician by profession, working for the United States Air Force for 34 years.

Archie served active roles in Guam and Okinawa as well as supporting roles in Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Iran. Archie was a car lover by nature, spending time rebuilding older cars and attend car shows with his wife Linda. The two married March 14, 1965, in Stockton, California. Music also played a big role in Archie’s life, leading music in several churches.

Mr. Wheat is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Archie Wheat and Adaline (Kimes) Wheat, brothers, Marion Brazell, and James Douglas Wheat.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, 7 months, and 8 days, Linda Jean (New) Wheat; son, David Richard Wheat; daughter, Stephanie Leina Jones and husband Jeremy; grandchildren, Miranda Ybarra, Marc Jones, Ty Jones, Heather Amen, KatieAnne Davis; great-grandchildren, Dallis O’Rand, Khalessi Jones, Penelope Hodges, Denver Hodges, Emma Jones; brother, Doyle Ray Wheat and wife Pam; as well as a host of friends

I’m gonna live till I die.

~ Frank Sinatra

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Obituaries 7

October 25, 2023

Ruby McClung Ruby McClung, age 82, of Smithville, Oklahoma passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at her home surrounded by family. She was born on Thursday, May 22, 1941, to Maxi Lee and Dorothy Elliot Rainey in Golden, Oklahoma.

Many knew Ruby as a devoted fan of television classics, including Dr. Phil, Jerry Springer, and Deal or No Deal. These shows not only offered her entertainment, but revealed her spitfire nature, penchant for speaking her mind, and love of laughter.

Always the homebody, Ruby was most comfortable surrounded by the warmth and familiarity of her own abode. Yet, she never allowed this to limit her love for games and recreation. She had a deep fondness for puzzles and card games, often inviting her family for a game. These moments revealed Ruby’s playful, competitive streak while bringing her the joy of time spent with her big, loving family.

Although she loved staying at home, Ruby had a fondness for the thrill of the Casino and shopping on occasion. At home, Ruby found immense happiness in many things: feeding her family, going through her recipes, doing puzzles, and tending to her rose bushes. Everyone who passed through her house was guaranteed to leave with a full belly and a heart warmed by her sweetness. Her rose bushes, meticulously cared for, reflected her nur-

turing spirit and her ability to create beauty around her.

Ruby McClung was an unforgettable woman. She was a homebody, a spitfire, and an undeniable sweetheart all rolled into one. Her memory, filled with shared laughter, games, and love, will continue to be cherished and celebrated by her loving family and everyone who was fortunate enough to know her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one brother, James Randall Rainey; and two sisters, Mattie Speck and Anna Sue Rainey.

Ruby is survived by her loving husband, James Donald McClung of Smithville, Oklahoma; three sons and daughter-in-law, Danny Ray Martin of Smithville, Oklahoma, Kenneth Eugene and Ellen Martin of Smithville, Johnny Lee Webb of Watts, Oklahoma; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra Gayle and Arley Pollard Rathdrum, Idaho, Teresa and Steve Finley of Stillwater, Oklahoma; one stepson and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Pam Pollard of Texas; six sisters, Margaret Duncan of Sweet Home, Oregon, Doris Sitton of Sweet Home, Oregon, Joyce Crebs of Rainier, Washington, Jeannette Wallace of San Gabriel, California, Cathy Davis of Nevada, and Debbie Deaton of Rosemond, California; eight grandchildren, Andrea Dawn Pfeifer, Misty Rae Pollard, James Randel and Jennie Fowler, Mindi and Randy Cox, Terah Pollard, Steven Webb, Angel Webb, and Jordan Webb; twelve great-grandchildren, Kaizia, Sierra, Kaiden, Kaileb, Justin, Katelyn, Jessie, Tristin, Braeden, Gus, Kolby, and Adeline; two greatgreat-grandchildren, Roman, Maycee, Londyn,

and Emma; numerous nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the Watson Cemetery in Watson, Oklahoma, with Brother Todd Webb officiating under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Kenny Martin, Randel Fowler, Kenny Pollard, Bradley Johnson, Justin Cox, Tristin Cox, Nick Charlton, Gary Baxter, and Gus Fowler.

Online guestbook: bowserffh.com

Elizabeth (Blanton) Hensley

Elizabeth (Blanton) Hensley, 97, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Friday, October 20, 2023, in Oklahoma City, OK. She was born on December 8, 1925, in Baker Springs, Arkansas, to the late Houston and Susie (Brock) Blanton. Elizabeth was united in marriage to Frederick Hensley, and they lived in North Fairfield, Ohio, before moving to Mena, AR. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend.

She enjoyed endless hours of dominos, swimming in the Cossatot River, auction sales, and her beloved log house. Many thanks to those that helped her stay active for as long as she could. Special thanks to those following, Brian Hilton, Elda Jones, Martha Cunningham, Debbie Fairless, Brytnea Hollman, Rita Mounts, Barbara Emert, ,

Crossroads Hospice and the staff at Meadowlake Assisted Living.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick Hensley; two brothers, J.R. Blanton and Billy Blanton and three sisters, Macy Moler, Helen McClain, and Hazel Bender.

Survivors are one daughter, Carol Rogers of Mena, one son, Charles (Vickie) Hensley of Oklahoma City, OK; one sister, Margie (Wayne) Smith of Tucson, Arizona; seven grandchildren, Richard (Elizabeth) Lucal, of Millbrook, NY, Greg Morris of Charlotte, NC, Candace (Nathan) Looper of Benton, AR, Sarah Hensley of Norman, OK, Christine (Daniel) Chang of Tulsa, OK, Jimi Rae Rogers of Mena, Billy Joe Rogers of Mena, great-grandchildren, Andrew McGrath, Na’jhea Conner, Sierra Hillyer, Shai McGirt, Agusta Rogers, Caiden Kirkendoll, Brayden Rogers and great-great-grandchildren, Emberlee Compton and Brailee McGirt.

Services for Mrs. Hensley will be held Thursday, October 26, at 10:00 a.m., at the First Freewill Baptist Church in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Donnie Jewell officiating, under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 25, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be David Harris, Brian Hilton, Daniel Chang, Nathan Looper, Kevin Wolfinbarger, and Michael Hoover.

The Honorary Pallbearer is Richard Martin.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

8 News

October 25, 2023

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Paranormal TV personality investigates Board Camp Crystal Mine

By Ethan Nahté

Halloween isn’t always ghosts and zombies. Look at the infamous radio broadcast Orson Welles did with “War of the Worlds” by author H.G. Wells.

That was fiction, but are the following events fact or fiction?

Orville and Cheryl Murphy are the owners of the Board Camp Crystal Mine, located in Board Camp, just a few miles from Mena.

Two New Yorkers, Gloria De Pietro and Pam Perkins, happened to be in Arkansas to do some crystal digging.

They discovered by pure coincidence that Scott Di Lalla, from the program “Ghost Town Terror,” was going to be visiting the Board Camp Crystal Mine the last few days of September and beginning of October to produce a documentary. Turns out, they had mutual acquaintances, and Di Lalla was familiar with businesses and landmarks as he was from the same general area.

How’s that for extra spooky?

Di Lalla has made a few documentaries, with a. heavy focus on motorcycles. He has worked several positions on a film/video crew, but he is also in front of the camera.

“I first started in the paranormal world with my buddy Tim Wood. His YouTube channel is LiveSciFi Paranormal Network. I was in a paranormal group before that. I could shoot and I was an investigator, so he brought me on these ghost hunts. We film and it goes on for three days and it’s live. We sleep in these haunted houses around the country. I capture stuff [on camera] and we investigate. That went on for years.

“From there, the Travel Channel grabbed him for a TV show called ‘It Feels Evil’ and he brought me on. He trusts me when we’re investigating and I’m holding a camera. We did one season with three episodes.

“A year or two later we got pulled into a show called ‘Ghost Town Terror.’ That

was filmed in a little ghost town in Montana. A year ago, we did season two. They just aired it [September 2023].

A camera records us as I conduct the interview for possible footage to use in the documentary.

Di Lalla points to the Murphys and stated, “I found these two amazing people at Crystal Mine. I came (L-R) A member of the team, Orville and Cheryl Muracross their books, phy, and investigator/documentarian Scott Di Lalla at the ‘Beams’ [two books]. Board Camp Crystal Mine.

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse) My friends were looking for a project. We decided to come ing. We started to see orbs of lights — together and capture this. The journey the spook lights — flashes of light, more started a couple of months ago with beams — not to this extent. We had an Orville and Cheryl on Zoom calls, and expert investigation by MUFON, the multiple texts. It was the first time I Mutual UFO Network. Because we had felt overwhelmed with information. I physical evidence left behind on the hill toned it down and focused on the main after the beam sighting. Metal objects points.” were affected. Fence posts were leanCheryl described their property be- ing. The great big metal sign was topyond it being a quartz crystal mine. pled over and even the wind had never “We opened the crystal mine for the toppled it over. MUFON explained to public to come dig crystals in 2012. In us that only 3% of sightings have actual our life, we’ve never really experienced physical evidence left behind. anything paranormal in a personal way.

“They had Gauss meters to measure “Our first sighting was February the electro-magnetic field, and their 2017. Our son Josh had come to visit. meters are going off because now they We all stepped outside to look at the have physical evidence an anomaly stars. On our hill over on our prop- happened. Orville and I are rolling our erty, these three huge beams of light eyes and we’re like ‘What?’. They actualappeared to shoot up out of the crys- ly suggested a UFO craft actually hovtal mine about three hundred feet into ered over our property.” the sky. We were all dumbfounded. We Orville added, “It wasn’t just MUwondering who was on our property FON that showed up. It was SAT — with spotlights.

Special Assignment Team for MUFON. “The beams only lasted eight to 10 So, your state investigators, they told seconds then everything went black. them nobody come out here. They sent There was no way we could get a pho- them from headquarters. Even to this tograph because we were so shocked. day, only SAT comes out to investigate.”

Prior to that, paranormal was just on As for the metal being affected, OrTV for us. ville stated, “They said that it was an “It didn’t stop there. That’s why we outside reaction. Whatever happened, couldn’t deny it. Stuff was still happen- it wasn’t generated from something sit-

ting up here…transformer, power line, whatever. They said something happened then left.”

The Murphys still allow crystal digging, but they also give nighttime tours, although they don’t guarantee anything paranormal, metaphysical or otherwise will occur.

During Di Lalla and his crew’s days out there, he did have something occur.

“Something is happening here. I’m at a loss for words. I go out there and I was just like let me go out and follow the story.” They made their way to a sacred area, with open minds, positive energy and being respectful.

“We went up and brought an offering.

We hear and feel something watching us. We hear a tin can and just sounds.

All of a sudden Troy (a Choctaw leader) goes, ‘Eye shine! Eye shine!’ First it was red and now it’s kind of white.

I could see it. I asked if he was sure it wasn’t a light.

“Orville is telling us if something in front is happening, you have to look behind.”

They believe it’s a distraction technique of whatever might be up there.

“We look behind us and there are three marbles that had been placed behind us. We had been up there earlier and did not see them. It was literally like they were placed there. Orville was like, ‘There’s the gift.’”

There were more gifts left on subsequent investigations during Di Lalla’s stay. This is only half of his story, and less than half of the Murphy’s experiences.

You can find out more about the crystal mine and the Unexplained Tours at https://boardcampcrystalmine.com/ crystal2/.

Look for Di Lalla on the Travel Channel, YouTube, or follow his projects on IMDB.com.

Besides that… look up and beyond.

You never know what you may see on that dark hill in the distance… but remember to look behind you, too.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

October 25, 2023 SANDERS continued from page 1 perspective you can only get when pany to sell the land that they have.

area are worth the notoriety, but for those unfamiliar with west-central Arkansas, they are probably wondering why Mena was chosen as the first in the new program.

“One of the reasons we decided to make Mena the first stop in our Capital for a Day tour was in large part because of the local leadership and having a great partnership with them,’ Sanders said. “Everybody from the mayor to Representative Maddox, Senator Rice, the chief of police, the sheriff… we’ve been able to spend a lot of time working with that group over the course of the last 10 months since taking office.

There are so many things that are going really well in this community. We wanted to have the chance to see it firsthand, talk about each of those different projects, a lot of the economic development and outdoor economy that is really growing and booming in this area. And see how we could take some of those good things that are happening and replicate it in other parts of the state.”

When Mayor Smith was first notified that Mena was chosen, he said his thoughts were, “We were very excited, especially to have the governor come down here with her whole cabinet. One of the things that was very consistent as far as her cabinet secretaries is that every single one of them wanted to know what they could do for us to make our job easier. We greatly appreciate that. To hit on what the governor said, there’s strength in numbers and a great working relationship, and we’re great to have such great leadership at the state level.”

There are of course various things in the works to improve Mena and the surrounding area, not only through infrastructure, but tourism, as well. The governor’s visit will hopefully provide her and her cabinet insight on issues to address, or grants needed to complete or expand projects.

“I think it gives you that firsthand

you are there in that community,” she said. “Having the ability to visit oneon-one with members across kind of every piece and every facet of Mena was something we were able to do today. I know a number of our cabinet secretaries were able to address issues and questions that individual citizens had directly in real time. That’s always, I think, a benefit. Any time we can have better partnerships with communities, and any time our communities are strengthened and stronger, our state is better. Ultimately, that’s the goal. So just continuing to develop those partnerships and relationships are always going to help our state just get a little bit better each day.”

The mayor agreed and felt this was learning experience in speaking with the governor and her cabinet while giving them a personal tour.

“You finally put faces with some names and exchange contact information,” he said. “I’ll go back to what I said, every one of them, ‘Let me know if there’s a problem.’ ‘Let me know if there’s something we can do to help.’

Having that backing, it just does nothing but solidify the relationship between local and the state agency and Governor Sanders’ administration.”

Chinese-owned company Arkansas on Tuesday, Oct. 16, ordered Syngenta Seeds, to divest itself of 160 acres of agricultural land. They are a subsidiary of China National Chemical Company (aka ChemChina), which is a Chinese state-owned company. It was the first such action under a wave of new laws across the country restricting foreign ownership of farmland.

Sanders said, “Unfortunately, it has.

And It’s definitely a growing problem.

It’s one of the reasons I’m so thankful for the leadership that we have in the legislature. We work closely with members from particularly heavy agriculture areas of our state to pass legislation to allow us to take action like we did this week, and forcing a Chinese com-

“Agriculture is not only one of just an important tradition and part of our culture. It’s the number one industry that we have here in the state of Arkansas. We want to protect that. We want to protect the technology that comes along with that and also the national security piece that plays into China taking our technology — taking information back. Anytime we have the opportunity to take steps that will protect not only our agriculture community and our agriculture technology as well as our national security, we’re going to do that in Arkansas all day long.”

Arkansas also fined Syngenta $280,000 for failing to report its foreign ownership under a 2021 state law, which gives the company 30 days to pay the fine. Syngenta said on Oct. 16 that the company updated its filing with the U.S. Department of Agriculture after an internal review reflecting the change in ownership. They have also filed a copy with the state.

“Our team led the investigation and the recommendation to the attorney general’s office,’ Sanders said. “They are imposing the harshest penalty they have the ability to on that company.”

Eliminating woke, anti-women words Sanders signed an executive order on Oct. 19 to eliminate woke, anti-women words from state government and respect women.

“As the first female governor of our state, and certainly the first mom to ever serve in this role, I think I have a pretty unique perspective,” Sanders said. “I hate the idea that the left has started to try to make the word ‘woman’ a dirty word. We’ve got to start standing up for women and protecting the unique perspective, experiences, and frankly, the voice of women, not just in our state but across the country.

We have pushed and signed the executive order to remove some of that woke language, things like ‘birthing person’ — things from state government documents. That’s something we have the

News 9 ability to do and we’re going to continue fighting on that front.”

After posting the executive order as is, the feedback on the Pulse social media page was a mixture of emotions.

Somewhat surprisingly, a few women posted negative feedback.

When asked if she expected negative feedback to the order, she smiled and said, “If it is, it was probably coming one way or another. I try not to focus too much on the criticism but more on how we can best serve the people of Arkansas. The voices that we hear from on a daily basis wants us to keep our foot on the gas, keep putting conservative principles into practice, both through executive order and legislation, so that’s what we’re going to keep doing.”

Mena homecoming After a lengthy day in Mena, the governor and several of her team chose to remain in Mena for the homecoming game. “I will be at the game and looking forward to a great match-up. I’ve been talking to a lot of folks today that it’s definitely a little biased in this community, but so far, the favorite for the game tonight has been Mena. We’re really excited to come out and show our support for both teams, and hopefully get to watch some good Friday night football.”

Speaking of schools, Sanders had this to say about her visit to Louise Durham Elementary and also spoke with student ambassadors from Holly Harshman Elementary. “I did get a couple of zingers from the first and second grades,” she said, laughing alongside Smith. “It’s a tough crowd, but it’s a group I know pretty well as a mom of a second grader. I felt like I handled myself pretty well in that room.”

Smith has a son who was one of the children asking the governor questions.

It was announced on Monday that Bentonville will be Capital for a Day on Oct. 24 and Sanders will visit Bentonville.

10 Halloween

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

October 25, 2023

Halloween happenings FREE

The Green House Cottages of Homewood will have their annual Trunk or Treat at First Presbyteri- Halloween Festival on Oct. 31 startan Church, corner of Church Ave. ing at 5 p.m. and lasting as long as and Ninth Street. Oct. 31, 5-8 p.m. the candy holds out.

Trunk or Treat at Mena First United Methodist Church, Oct. 31, 4:30-6 p.m. in church parking lot (behind the church), 501 Ninth St.

UARM will be having candy and games once again for trick-or-treaters on Oct. 31 at the ballfields at McMillan Park, 4:30–7:30 p.m.

Janssen Avenue Florists & Gifts (across from Janssen Park) will be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters on Halloween beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Free Halloween map for Mena https://map.proxi.co/r/qtlivVxYSx8IB6lIHAwF Add your house for trick-or-treating, business or event to the map.

If you need help adding your address leave a comment.

Just click the green button in the corner and add point (you enter your address) Then families can use the map to see which houses are participating in handing out candy to trick-ortreaters.

Businesses on the south side of Mena Street will be handing out candy from 4-5 p.m. on Halloween to all little trick or treaters.

Some participating merchants include RE/MAX Realty, South Main Signs & Graphics, The Corner Shoppe, Mena Flea Market, Aleshire Electric, Stewman’s Florist, and Washburn’s.

On Oct. 28 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. (The Ouachitas) will host their third Martin Street Trick or Treat event.

Businesses will hand out candy to local kids for a couple of hours.

After the Trick or Treat event there will be food vendors and live music from 5:30-9:30 p.m.

PAID Mena-Polk County Senior Center’s Halloween dance is Saturday, Oct. 28 at the center, 401 Autumn Drive (off Racetrack Road). The dance is from 6-10 p.m. Admission is $6. Finger foods and potluck. Everyone is invited.

Elk’s Lodge, Hwy. 375 East/124 Elks Lane Friday-Saturday, Oct. 27-28 and Tuesday, Oct. 31 6-10 p.m.

Haunted House - $5 Hayride - $3 For 21-plus: Halloween Dance and Costume Contest Saturday, Oct. 28 8 p.m. to Midnight $10 advance tickets/$12 at door Music by the Parker Francis Band All proceeds from all events will benefit the elderly food baskets.

Mena House of Fear 320 Mena St. (old high school) Oct. 27, 28 & 31 6-10 p.m. $5 per person Check out House of Fear Mena on Facebook for rules and what to expect for certain medical conditions (No, that is not a scare tactic. There are strobes, lasers, fog and more).

The haunted house takes up most of the ground floor, making for a lengthy nightmarish experience.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

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12 Faith

By Richie Lawry

Last Saturday, family and friends gathered to say goodbye to my Daddy. He was one of the most interesting people you could ever meet. His life revolved around his love for God, family, and cars. Anyone who knew him knew that he had a passion for cars. I drove one of my Daddy’s unique car creations to the memorial. It had started as a Chevrolet El Camino, but Daddy had grafted the front end of a 1950 Studebaker to the front of it. He called his creation a Studemino.

As I was driving the Studemino to the memorial, it started to lose power, and soon after, it quit as I went up a steep hill. I had to call my cousin to rescue me. As my daughter and I were waiting to be rescued, she started laughing. “It is so appropriate to be having car trouble on the day of Grandpa’s memorial,” she said. Through the years, Daddy had broken down on the highway too many times to count. It was almost a trademark. And he often ran out of gas trying to get to that next gas station that was a couple of cents cheaper.

At the memorial, people remembered their experiences with Daddy, almost all centered around a car. So many people in attendance remembered Daddy giving them rides in his old cars or even letting them drive them. Daddy loved showing his cars to people and sharing them.

Another theme was his trustworthiness. You could count on Daddy to keep his word. As people shared stories, I remembered one he had told me about his childhood. When Daddy told me the story, he said he learned the importance of keeping your word from his Daddy.

When he was young, his family called my Daddy Bobby. The cold Kansas winter wind blew as the young boy walked down the icy country road.

The gravel road was coated in sleet and ice. “Be careful, Bobby,” Daddy said, “you don’t want to slip and fall

October 25, 2023

An Arkie’s Faith Keeping your word

The Studemino at Avalon Hall on the day of Robert Lawry’s memorial. like I just did.” “Yes, Daddy,” Bobby answered. They had already been walking for more than a mile and still had several more. Bobby had never seen a road that was so slick. There had been several inches of sleet the day before, followed by heavy freezing rain. The ice coated everything, making it impossible to travel the country roads by car.

Earlier that morning, Daddy had said, “Bobby, why don’t you come with me to take care of the neighbor’s cattle.” Daddy had promised the neighbor that he would feed the cattle while the neighbor had to be out of town for a few days. He hadn’t gone to feed the cattle the day before because of the ice storm, and he knew the cows would be hungry. “We can’t take the Model A; it’s frozen solid, and the roads are too slick,” Daddy said. “We will have to walk.” “But the neighbor’s house is five miles from here,” Bobby said.

“Yes,” Daddy answered, “but I promised I would take care of the cattle, so if the only way we can get there is by walking, then we will have to walk.”

Along the country road to the neighbors’ house were several long, steep grades. Daddy and Bobby struggled to make it up the slippery slopes, and

(Photo by Jeannie Amos) Daddy fell multiple times. “How long will it take us to get there?” Bobby asked. “However long it takes,” Daddy answered. “I promised that I would take care of the cattle, and I must keep my word no matter how bad the conditions are or how long it takes.” Bobby put his hands in his pockets to warm them as they continued walking down the icy road.

After walking for three-and-a-half miles, Daddy and Bobby came to the state highway. As they were walking down the highway, a truck spread sand on the road. The driver stopped and asked where they were going.

Daddy told him they were heading to the neighbor’s house about a mileand-a-half down the highway. “Hop in and get warmed up,” the driver said.

“Ride with me while I’m sanding the road, and I will take you there.” Bobby was happy to crawl up into the cab of the truck and sit between the driver and Daddy.

When they reached the neighbor’s house, the truck stopped, and Daddy and Bobby crawled down out of the truck. “Thank you so much,” Daddy told the driver as they waved goodbye.

Bobby gave grain to the cattle, and Daddy pitched hay. The cows were

Joke of the Week:

I got a job as a waiter. It doesn’t pay much but at least I’m putting food on the table.

THE POLK COUNTY

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very happy to see them and get something to eat. When they had finished feeding the cows, Daddy chopped a hole in the ice so the cattle could get a drink. When they had finished, Daddy said, “We had better get started back home. We have a long way to go and want to get home before dark.”

Shortly after they started walking down the highway, someone gave them a ride to the country road that led to their house. They still had three-and-a-half miles to walk. Daddy slipped and fell several times as they walked down the icy road. When they could finally see the home place, it was almost dark. They had walked miles and miles of treacherously slick roads to feed some cows.

“Why did we have to feed the cows when the roads were so icy?” Bobby wondered. “A man’s word is important,” Daddy answered. “If you make someone a promise, you should do everything you can to keep it.” When they opened the door to their house and felt the warmth of the wood stove, Bobby was happy to be home.

Gentle Reader, I have had many promises made to me that were broken. I’m sure that you have, too. And I have broken promises that I have made. But unlike our promises to each other, God keeps every promise he makes to us. God does not go back on His word.

“God is not a human being, and he will not lie. He is not a human, and he does not change his mind. What he says he will do, he does. What he promises, he makes come true.” Numbers 23:19 (NCV) When you read your Bible, look for God’s promises to you. A favorite promise of mine is found in Isaiah 41:10 (NLT): “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

You can count on God to keep his word!

Replacing windshields in Polk County for over 40 years.

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

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

October 25, 2023

News 13

Pretty in Pink seeking homecoming and festival dresses

Pretty in Pink will be hosting a Drive-Thru Dress Drive once again.

The event takes place on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Bucks Crossing on South Mena Street, across from McMillan Park.

“With Homecoming over for both Mena and Cossatot, this is the perfect time to think about donating dresses,” Pretty in Pink Director Mysti Gates said. “It’s rare that girls wear their dresses more than once, and even rarer that they can recoup what they spent when trying to resell them. Why not put them to good use?”

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donors will simply drive through the covered awning, drop off their dresses, and collect their charitable donation receipts, which can be used on their 2023 tax returns. Individuals determine the

value of the items donated, not Pretty in Pink.

“This month, we served students from all three schools in the county — for Harvest Festival and Homecoming — and doubled what we loaned out for prom last spring. The need is evident,” Gates said. “I don’t see that changing. If anything, I see it growing. As word gets out, more and more teen girls will seek our services.”

“Because we are a nonprofit organization, our inventory is entirely dependent on donations. We accept and need long and short dresses of all sizes, but we have a greater need for dresses in the 0-4 range, as well as the 18-4X range,” Gates shared.

Donations should be free of rips, stains, and any other damage, and already dry cleaned, if possible.

(Photo courtesy of UARM)

October 25, 2023

Pulse

mena Bearcats

14 Homecoming

THE POLK COUNTY

THE POLK COUNTY

Homecoming 2023

Pulse

October 25, 2023

Homecoming 15

Photos by Ethan Nahté

16 Harvest Festival

THE POLK COUNTY

October 25, 2023

Acorn Harvest Festival 2023-2024

Pulse

Janice Gonzalez

Mylee Sharp

& Connor Duvall

& Malachi Hartman

Seventh Grade Queen & King

Ninth Grade Queen & King

Abi Slaten & Brantlee Tunnell

Meera Henry

Sixth Grade Queen & King

& Ricardo Lopez-Perez

2nd Place

12th Grade Queen & King 3rd Place

Harvest Festival 1st Place Winners High School

Alexis Bradley & Damon Cruz 11th Grade Queen & King 2nd Place

Victoria Squires & Kaden Carter 10th Grade Queen & King Kaydence Squires & Caston Horn Eighth Grade Queen & King

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

October 25, 2023

Harvest Festival 17

s by Photo traits or age P t i r e H

Parker Quinn & Ryan Shaddon

Aubrey Lackey & Kyzer Daugherty

First Grade Queen & King

Second Grade Queen & King

Harvest Festival 1st Place Winners - Elementary School

Blakelynn Fox & Kenneth Vann

Kindergarten Queen & King Victoria Bosch & Cash Morgan

Payton White & Holden Frick

Third Grade Queen & King

Fifth Grade Queen & King

3rd Place

Pre-school Flower Girl - Rylee Goodner

Pre-school Flower Girl - Cleo Denton

Delaney Hobbs & Landen Johnson

& Escort - Krydn Woody

& Escort - Carson Abernathy

Fourth Grade Queen & King

18 News

October 25, 2023

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Mena Art Gallery featured artists show

Mena Art Gallery will have a featured artists show to kick off 2024. The show will run Jan. 3– Jan. 20.

Exhibiting artists will be selected by a random drawing Nov. 15.

Visit the gallery 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday, or send an email to email@menaartgallery.org to “Big Horn” oil painting by Brenda Morgan. have your name (Ethan Nahté/Pulse) entered into the drawing. drawn for the show.

Gallery membership is required to Panels and tables will be provided enter. Rules and forms will be emailed for art display. Each artist may exhibit to those artists whose names are three to five pieces, depending on size.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Redeemed Boutique closing Seeking options

October 25, 2023

By Brenton Furr, president of women. We will begin taking dothe board of directors for MMOA nations again once we have women living in the home. So, stay tuned To all our supporters and friends for more details on our Facebook of Masterpiece Ministries of Ar- pages and groups for our open kansas (MMOA), our brick-and- house in Pencil Bluff and the fumortar version of Redeemed Bou- ture of Redeemed Boutique. tique in Mena is closing as our We are grateful for Nancy Lewbuilding is being sold. Our last is who is a board member for day will be Saturday, Oct. 28.

MMOA and has served as our But with every door closing, store manager for the past nine God opens another, and we are months. She’s worked diligently considering other options such and been a blessing in communias the possibility of an online re- cating the vision and future of the sale store once the women’s home home for women struggling with is open. We will also have nicer drug and alcohol addiction. home goods and antiques disWe thank the community for played in a booth at the Mena your support of MMOA and ReFlea Market and are going to con- deemed Boutique and we look sign any remaining clothing and forward to where the Lord will shoes with Sisters Consignment take this new direction. Please in Mena. All proceeds will go to continue to lift the Board of Disupport the women and the home. rectors up in prayer as we put the The women who come to live final touches on the construction in the home will play a big part of the home and hiring staff. May of identifying donated items to God bless each and every one of be sold online or on consignment you! as well as help list items online.

Women will also learn skills to Final week bag sale repurpose furniture and create Lewis invites the community out products to sell. They can also for a Bag Sale through Saturday, earn coupons to be “redeemed” Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. for products, clothing and furniShe said, “Please stop by and ture from the boutique. This will help us reduce our inventory and help provide them with a bet- go out with a bang! Store hours are ter start when they graduate and Tuesday-Friday, 12:30-5 p.m. and transition back into the commu- Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We love nity. you all and have enjoyed serving We are so excited for this new you! Hope to see you soon!” venture to bring much needRedeemed Boutique is located ed funds for our Christ centered in the former Mountain Pawn and transformation home and more Gun building at 1510 Hwy. 71 importantly for the benefit of the North, nextdoor to Arvest Bank.

News 19

Human trafficking awareness event coming to Mena in early November Submitted by Rev. Timothy J. Henning Concerned about the impacts of human trafficking and the lives devastated by this dark criminal activity?

The Mid-South District will host a free community event in Mena on Nov. 4 for anyone who wants to learn more about this growing danger and how to engage in the fight against it.

“Light in the Darkness: Uncovering the Shadow World of Human

Trafficking” will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Mena Mountain Resort, 2817 Hwy. 71 North. Representatives from local, state and national agencies will be the featured presenters.

This event is free and lunch will be provided for all attendees.

To learn more and register, please visit the Mid-South District, LCMS webpage at mid-southlcms.org or the event page at https://midsouthdistrictlcms.regfox.com/hta-eventnov2023.

Arkansas Grown Conference and Expo scheduled for January 2024

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture will partner with several Arkansas agricultural associations and organizations to host the second Arkansas Grown Conference and Expo on Jan. 25-27, 2024, at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

The Arkansas Grown Conference and Expo is open to all parties interested in the Arkansas agriculture industry and will focus on farmers and producers who produce for the local food system. In Jan. 2023, the Department hosted the first Arkansas Grown Conference and Expo with over 450 attendees and 70 vendors.

The three-day event will consist of workshops, speakers, off-site farm tours, networking opportunities, and a vendor trade show.

Partner organizations include the Arkansas State Horticulture

Society, Arkansas Farmers Market Association, Arkansas Blackberry Growers Association, Arkansas Agritourism Association, Arkansas Association of Grape Growers, Arkansas Pecan Growers Association, Mid America Strawberry Growers Association, and the Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts.

Registration includes access to general sessions, workshops, and entrance to the expo. Opportunities for sponsorship and vendor booths are available. For more information, contact Beth Moore at beth.moore@agriculture.arkansas.gov.

To register and learn more about the Arkansas Grown Conference and Expo, visit arkansasgrown. org /arkansas-grown-conference-expo/.

20 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

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

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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.

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

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WANTED YOUR ADVERTISEMENT TO BE PLACED IN 8000 COPIES OF A FREE WEEKLY PAPER AND DISTRIBUTED TO 200 LOCATIONS IN AND AROUND POLK COUNTY. CONTACT THE POLK COUNTY PULSE AT

479.243.9600

Pulse Democratic Party announces candidate filing

October 25, 2023

- CLASSIFIEDS -

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

THE POLK COUNTY

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 Super Sale! 205 Morrow (behind Office Store), Saturday. Select items $1/bag! Books 1/2! Pots $1/bag! Fabric $1/yard!

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

The Democratic Party of Polk County, Arkansas, announces the filing period to run for office: • Noon to 2 p.m., Monday, Nov. 6 • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 8 • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Nov. 13 • 9:30 a.m. to Noon, Tuesday, Nov. 14 The offices available and party filing fees: • Justice of the Peace - $30 • Constable - $50 They will accept cash or check for payment. No cards.

Filing for the Democratic Party will be held during these hours at the Quorum Court meeting room at the Polk County Office Complex, 606 Pine Ave. in Mena. Contact the party at 479-234-7966 for questions to do with filing.

The fee for membership on the County Democratic Committee is $20 for two years. Committee membership can also be filed at the monthly meeting of the Democratic Party, at Papa’s Mexican Café, 6:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 13.

Once a potential candidate fills out the paperwork, he or she will take their receipt showing proof they filed. They will then receive paperwork from the Polk County Clerk’s office.

PCHA newsletter receives award

Polk County Housing Authority (PCHA) is a member of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO).

NAHRO serves as an advocate for housing communities. They offer training seminars, workshops and conferences to help housing agencies manage all the different aspects of housing.

At the Hot Springs conference in September, PCHA was honored to receive an award for the 2023 Arkansas NAHRO Newsletter of the Year Award.

“Rhonda Anderson creates the newsletter for us and if very deserving of this honor,” stated Dixie Shrader, executive director of PCHA. “Rhonda organizes and cre-

Rhonda Anderson holding the 2023 Arkansas NAHRO Newsletter fof the Year Award.

(Submitted photo)

ates each colorful edition with information relevant to those living in housing. The newsletter is distributed quarterly to our residents.”

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

October 25, 2023

Community 21

Around Town Smithville Choctaw Community Center fundraiser called Fall Fest at the Old Smithville Road and East Loop Road, 5:30-7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 26.

There will be door prizes, a chili and soup supper, drink and a dessert for $8.

The fundraiser is for the senior citizens at the Choctaw Seniors Club.

Polk County Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary will have their monthly meetings on Thursday, November 2, at Veterans Park in Acorn. There will be a potluck beginning at 6 pm with meetings to follow.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

First Presbyterian Church will be presenting a series on the Book of Revelation in its Adult Sunday School class on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:45. Earl Harrell will be the presenter and will focus on the titles of Jesus as revealed in the Book of Revelation. The public is invited to attend. Classes will be in the Helen Barham Room at the church, 904 Church Avenue, Mena.

The Ouachita Beekeepers Association is now meeting on the second Thursday of the month, 7 p.m. in the Education Building of the UA Extension Office, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. Come early and enjoy refreshments and bee talk with other beekeepers.

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

The Cove Branch Library is open Monday and Thursday from noon-5 p.m. The Library is located next to Cove Town Hall at 5568 Hwy. 71 S.

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 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) 2347174 with questions.

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) 3852373.

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!

22 Police

October 25, 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 16, 2023 Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a stolen license plate.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a stolen trailer from a location on Polk 74 near Acorn.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Trailers Inn Lane near Cove in reference to a Domestic Disturbance leading to the arrest of Justin Abbott, 41, of Mena on a charge of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Pirate Lane near Acorn in reference to a stolen vehicle. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

An incident in the jail led to Cody James being issued a citation for Disorderly Conduct.

Tawana Shores, 44, of Cove was arrested on a charge of Obstructing Governmental Operations.

October 17, 2023 An incident in the jail led to Derek Tarkinton being issued a citation for Disorderly Conduct.

An incident on Hwy 8 E near Mena led to the arrest of Albert Pfeiffer, 51, of Mena on charges of Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct.

October 18, 2023 No reports.

October 19, 2023 Derrek Harner, 18, of Mena was ar-

rested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Sarina Floyd, 47, of Mena was arrested to be held for another agency.

Thaddeus Nance, 20, of Mena was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas State Police on a 2nd Degree Sexual Assault Warrant.

October 20, 2023 Isaiah Kelley, 20, of Mena was arrested on a 3rd Degree Assault Warrant.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to financial identity fraud.

Ronald Wagner, Jr., 43, of Waldron was arrested on a warrant for Breaking or Entering and Failure to Appear.

Samuel Henley, 41, of Wickes was arrested on four Failure to Appear Warrants and a 3rd Degree Battery Warrant.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 44 near Mena in reference to trespassers.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 44 near Mena in reference to an attempted break-in.

Deputies responded to a residence on Polk 93 near Rocky in reference to a break-in.

Deputies responded to a report of computer fraud.

October 21, 2023 Deputies responded to a report of a trailer in the ditch on Hwy 375 E. Jairo Monroy, 27, of Wickes was arrested on a warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine or Cocaine and to be held for another agency.

Humberto Delgado, 43, of Grannis was arrested on a warrant for 3rd Degree Domestic Battery.

October 22, 2023 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Anders Avenue near Hatfield in reference to an assault. 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 15 Shannon Shaw, 43, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Mena Street.

October 16 Yavonne Miller, 59, was served with a warrant at the court house.

A death investigation report was taken at a residence on Cherry Street.

October 17 Sterling Bowen, 25, was served with a warrant at municipal court.

October 18 No reports.

October 19 A report of theft and criminal mischief was taken from a walk-in complainant.

A report of disorderly conduct was taken at a residence on 12th Street.

October 20 A report of harassment was taken from a person at Jumpstart Day Care.

Dustin Chenoweth, 34, was served with a warrant at Walmart.

A report of theft was taken from Walmart.

October 21 A report of theft was taken from Walmart.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Umpire woman charged for alleged cancer fundraising scheme NASHVILLE – A December trial date has been set for a Howard County woman accused of faking a cancer diagnosis and collecting tens of thousands of dollars through a fundraiser held in her benefit.

Nancy Myers, 38, has been charged with a single count of theft of property greater than $25,000 for what authorities say was a scheme to raise money through a false cancer diagnosis.

Myers, whose address is in Umpire according to court records, was initially charged Apr. 19 in Howard County.

Myers was scheduled to appear for a jury trial in the Howard County Circuit Court on Oct. 17. In September, the court granted a continuance motion by her defense to reschedule the trial to Dec. 12.

According to the arrest affidavit, beginning in 2021 Myers claimed she was diagnosed with cancer. Numerous people in her community reportedly provided Myers money to assist with medical expenses. A benefit held in June 2022 raised approximately $32,000.

In early 2023, numerous concerned citizens reported that they did not believe Myers actually had cancer. The Howard County Sheriff ’s Department opened an investigation and Myers was interviewed.

“During the early stages of the interview Myers stated that she had been diagnosed with cancer and had received several cancer treatments,” according to case information. Myers eventually told investigators that she had not been diagnosed with cancer and had not received any chemotherapy treatments, a fact she said she knew before the benefit was held for her cause.

Myers allegedly admitted to still possessing some of the money that was raised for her but that she had spent around $10,000 on car payments and other normal expenses.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Puzzles 23

October 25, 2023

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ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 10.18.23

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 News CRYSTAL continued from page 4 begins at a low volume and grows as she calmly maintains a constant rhythm. Her description is accurate as the volume increases and the vibration of the sound waves can be felt coming off the large bowl and being absorbed by the body.

“I’ve only got to experience it a couple of times, but I thought it was pretty cool. I was amazed at literally feeling the vibrations through my body,” Mullins said. “Like, even into my bones. I thought it was just a hearing experience. I didn’t realize it was really a whole-body physical thing. I didn’t realize how loud the bowls got, either. I think you can sit anywhere in the store and hear it. It really sounds cool when she plays the different bowls together.”

At the moment, there are two other bowls in the store. One is attuned to B 497. Again, it’s the middle B (B4), which is 493.88 Hz. When

October 25, 2023 perfectly tuned. The third bowl is a middle F (F4) at 344 Hz, which perfect frequency is 349.23 Hz. The bowls are made of quartz and are pricey, easily ranging from $200-$300 for a single 8-inch bowl to $1,800-$2,200 or more forests ranging in size and numbering five to eight bowls.

Mullins would prefer people visit their Facebook page and RSVP to give her a general idea how many people to expect. Search for Hand Crafted – Holistic Gift Shop + Wellness Center. Click on the “More” and select “Events” where you will find the Singing Bowl Sound Bath Meditation.

The event occurs after Hand Crafted’s regular store hours, which are Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

As for the crystal bowls, the experience sounds interesting, the bowls sound interesting.

OUR ADVERTISERS VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK!

LET THEM KNOW

YOU FOUND THEIR AD IN THE PAGES OF THE

POLK COUNTY PULSE

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Defenders Boxing athletes earn a pair of championship belts Submitted by Richard Hexamer

Two local youth boxers from Defender’s Boxing Club each won a championship Saturday, Oct. 21, in Stuttgart, Arkansas for the Stuttgart Gloves Not Guns Boxing Club “Fight for the Cure.” The event was held at the Stuttgart Jr. High School Gymnasium.

Isaac Griffin returned to competition after being out of the boxing ring for over a year. Griffin faced a Stuttgart hometown boy in the 135-pound Youth Male Division.

Griffin did not let ring rust stop him from winning upon his return. He used his height and long range to outwork his opponent from the outside, earning him a split-decision win as well as a nice championship belt.

Next up for the Polk County kids was the always fired up Jasmine Parker. She stepped up into the open division in the co-main event on the card as she faced the national ranked No. 7 female in the 110-pound Intermediate Female Division. Parker has worked extremely hard to make this step and the timing felt right.

These young ladies fought a good back-and-forth battle with neither backing down or giving in. Parker’s opponent was determined to show why

she is nationally ranked and pushed Parker hard for three rounds.

However, Parker was even more determined to show she deserved to be there, dug her heels in and fought awe-

somely. She listened to her corner and made the necessary adjustments to get the split-decision win, showing she is evolving in the ring. She also brought home a tournament championship belt.

I, as a coach, am super proud of both of these young warriors.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Basketball

10/27 * 28 - Acorn Classic 10/31 - Acorn @ Cossatot

Basketball

10/31 - CRHS vs. Acorn

Football

10/27 - Mena @ Ashdown

Volleyball

10/24-10/26 - Mena @ State Tournament - Shiloh 10/28 - State Finals @ Hot Springs (if advance @ Shiloh)

Football

10/27 - Mount Ida vs. Foreman

Cross-Country

10/28 - Region 2 Championship

October 25, 2023

Sports 25

BEARCATS continued from page 1 previous three games by a considerable difference in each. They were stepping on the gridiron with a 3-4 overall record this season. Their challengers were 5-3 overall.

The scoring began with a quick Mena field goal, but the Panthers followed soon after with a touchdown. Mena would briefly regain the lead 10-7 before Fouke scored once more, but Mena did block the Panthers’ extra point attempt.

At the end of the first half, the Bearcats were trailing 13-10.

The game had seen several false starts and offsides from each team, not to mention a couple of personal once again just over a minute later.

Those two goals were quickly folfouls, a few fumbles on Fouke’s side, lowed by a series of penalties against the Bearcats, but Mena didn’t appear to let it get them down as they dominated the remainder of the game. They led 23-13 at the end of the third quarter.

The fourth quarter saw Mena scoring another touchdown at 11:52.

After making the extra point, Fouke turned the ball over once more on a fumble. The Bearcats would recovand a few wild snaps on Mena’s side. er at least one more Panther fumble The second half started almost before the night was over.

The game ended with the Bearcats like a new game. Mena scored just winning their homecoming 37-13. over five minutes in. Then on an inMena (4-4) takes on Ashdown (3terception by No. 22 Kalib Cox, the 5) Friday night, weather permitting.

Bearcats turned around and scored

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders watching the Bearcats and meeting with the public.

26 Education

October 25, 2023

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

‘Disney’s Newsies’ musical to be performed at MHS Submitted by Judy Kropp The Mena High School Theatre Department is now preparing their fall musical, “Disney’s Newsies.” The show will be performed for the public on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 2:30 p.m. and Monday evening, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Mena High School Performing Arts Center. Admission is $5 and donations will be accepted.

“Newsies” is directed by MHS drama teacher Jessica Kropp with the help of some capable adult volunteers. Abi Tilley and Zeke McPherson are the choreographers of this energetic show featuring exuberant dance numbers. Judy Kropp is once again lending her expertise as the music director. Scottie Jenkins and Michael Rohland have constructed the beautiful set. Ruby K Manis has collaborated with the directorial staff on designing and building the costumes that reflect the correct era and mood of this show. MHS art teacher Jenny Rob-

ertson, along with her art students, have completed painting the elaborate set.

The extremely talented cast have about three more weeks to complete all choreography and blocking to bring you this delightful Disney story. Leading roles are being played by Eric Decker as Jack and Holiday Neufeld as Katherine.

David Williams and Aaron Burt portray brothers Davey and Les, and Anna Burt plays Crutchie. Mr. Joe Pulitzer is being played by Hayden Copelin. For the first time ever, a faculty member is cast in a role; Deedra Hooker is portraying Wiesel.

“Disney’s Newsies” is based on the true events surrounding the Newspaper Boys strike against Joe Pulitzer and William Hearst in the1890s. Pulitzer and Hearst decided to raise the price of the papers for the “Newsies” (as they were commonly known) from 50 cents to 60 cents per 100 papers to purchase, but their customer prices were to remain

the same. The Newsies famously fought back, despite their young age and low esteem in the business world. This is the inspiring underdog story that you will be watching unfold. (“Kids on Strike” by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, Page 54).

“Newsies” features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (“Aladdin,” “Little Mermaid,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Sister Act”) and Jack Feldman.

The book is by triple Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” “Newsies” is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience. Mark your calendars today, you won’t want to miss this!

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

October 25, 2023

ORSD recognizes National Custodian Appreciation Submitted by Tammy L. Young

on the Acorn and Oden campuses: Jackye Simon, Derrah Horn, Jay Ouachita River School District Horn, Daniel Wade, Heather Irwin, would like to recognize the follow- Jennifer Norwood, and Kathy Musing staff in appreciation for their grave. work and dedication in maintainThank you for all you do each and ing exceptional facilities and groups every day! We appreciate you!

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October 25, 2023

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse