Polk County Pulse October 26, 2022

Early voting is underway

By Patrick Massey

Well it’s here folks, elections are finally underway. It’s not just talk and political signs anymore. It’s decision time because early voting is now in progress.

Early voting began Mon day and will continue through Monday, Nov. 7. Polls will be open Mon day-Friday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on the final Monday before Election Day, Tues

day, Nov. 8. Polls are closed on Sundays. The early voting location for Polk County is the Armory on Dequeen Street in Mena.

To check your voter registration, find your polling location and op erating hours, or to view a sample ballot, visit  www.voterview.org You only need to input your name and birth date, or your residential address.

A voter guide containing unbi ased information regarding ballot issues, produced by the Universi ty of Arkansas System Division of

See VOTING continued on page 6

SBA Announces Over $4 million in New Funding

WASHINGTON October 12, 2022–Today, the U.S. Small Business Ad ministration (SBA) announced a new funding opportunity for up to $400,000 to be awarded to up to 12 entities in cluding private organizations, colleges and universities, private sector firms, nonprofit organizations and state, local or tribal governmental agencies to pro vide critical training and counseling to aspiring and existing veteran small business owners as a Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC). The news comes ahead of Nations Veterans Small Business Week 2022, one of the Agen cy’s flagship events, taking place Oct.

31 – Nov. 4, that will put the spotlight on one of the Biden-Harris Admin istration’s priorities – supporting our servicemembers, veterans, and their families at every stage of the entrepre neurial journey.

“Under Administrator Guzman, the SBA remains committed to providing more local resources for veteran en trepreneurs, a critical but under-re sourced group of entrepreneurs among the small business community,” said Larry Stubblefield, Associate Adminis trator for the SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development. “As the focus on serving underserved communi

ties becomes increasingly important, OVBD expects the demand for VBOCs will continue to grow. This expansion will grow the VBOC program from 22 to 34 locations nationwide and assist in supporting veteran small business owners in all U.S. states and territories. The additional locations aim to en hance the experience for veteran small business owners by reducing appoint ment wait times, increasing local pres ence, providing additional local train ing opportunities, meeting the needs of Boots to Business participants, and

See SBA continued on page 28

Election Systems & Software voting systems await, sealed, at the Polk County Court House before the primary elections last May. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Burn ban lifted again

Article and Photos by Ethan Nahté

Polk County’s burn ban went back into effect four days after judge Brandon Ellison lifted the previous ban.

In one instance, a resident on Warner Avenue had obtained a burn permit. Tuesday evening, Oct. 18, as a front began pushing through and temperatures began to decrease, a large plume of white smoke filled the air above the en trance to the Talimena Scenic Drive that could be seen beyond Nunley.

Mena Fire Chief Steve Egger said that one of his crew had checked on the fire prior to Egger entering the monthly city council meeting. Egger followed up, checking on the fire to make sure it was staying

within its boundaries when he ex ited the meeting.

Throughout the evening, the resident was hosing down the surrounding trees as the leaves burned off.

The following morning, the fire department checked on the fire once more and all appeared to be fine.

The air had become quite dry and the wind was kicking back up. Close to 1:30 p.m., black smoke was seen rising before the moun tain, prompting a call to the fire department.

Firefighters and an engine were called out to spray down the fire, which had expanded beyond its boundary and was making its way up the mountain. It was contained rather quickly. No structures were damaged.

Egger said more than likely, a rich pine knot ignited. The tar-rich wood tends to burn and form dark er smoke.

Although the fire probably had

some bearing on the decision to re instate the burn ban, the forecast for dry air and continuous winds surely played a part in the ban.

The area finally received rain off and on throughout most of Monday, strengthening after 11 p.m. with a marginal risk of severe weather as temperatures dipped from the mid70s back into the high 50s overnight.

As the rain moved out, tempera tures dropped to around 50 degrees before briefly climbing back into the high 50s as the sun set.

With clear skies and the tem peratures back in the low 40s for Wednesday morning, the burn ban was lifted once more at 8 a.m. on Oct. 25.

There may be rain Friday eve ning into Saturday morning, but the weather should clear in time for ear ly Halloween-related activities Sat urday night as well as on Monday, which is Halloween.

Radio

479-243-9600

479-243-9603

Letter to the Editor,

Recently our president ad dressed the need to get out and vote. His reason was tell ing. He was trying to motivate voters to keep or increase the majority of the party in power so after the mid-term he could codify Roe v Wade, decided in 1973, overturned in 2022.

Our Team:

49 years have passed. Why the sudden urgency? Voters asking why you blame big oil for high gas prices when it was you that shut down the Keystone pipeline? Economy bad? Crime is worse so maybe defund the police was a bad idea? Forgiving stu dent loans not popular with working class Americans? Too many illegals crossing so maybe the wall was not a bad idea? How can we ignore a plan et-wide drought? How can we ignore the possibility of world war and the use of nukes? Your promises to make life better for minorities finally being ques tioned?

your right to your beliefs, though we may disagree. It has divided us even more than past presidents or partisan politics. Do not fall victim to the strat egy of divide and conquer. I would like to see options that support expectant mothers rather than aborting a life that down the road they may regret but cannot undo. Build housing for expect ant mothers with on staff medical and mental health support. Consider adop tion. There has to be another answer other than abortion. Divert funds from Planned Parenthood for taking life and use it to promote life. When we fail to value all life, we go down a path where loss of life, no matter the cause, be comes acceptable. I pray this is not our future. This is not a video game. You only have one life.

Want to share your opinion?

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I was amazed by his singular prior ity and wondered if others heard the same thing I understood him to say. Keep us in power. Together we can slaughter unborn sinless babies that can become medical waste or a source for organs and revenue. There is no value for their lives, only the needs/ wants of someone who made a bad decision and thinks a second bad decision will make it better. Ignore other issues. Only focus on abortion. On our current economic path you may not be able to afford a child or, for that matter, anything else.

I know there is division among us as a people over this issue and offer no apologies for my beliefs, but respect

To single out abortion to motivate vot ers is manipulative. Look at the bigger picture. Violent crime is rising. Watch as Little Rock fast becomes Chicago of the south. To me the mid-terms are not a single-issue decision. There is far more at stake. To be clear, I would never try to tell you who to vote for, only urge you to do your own research and VOTE.

As always, thank you for a forum to voice my thoughts, though you may disagree. There is common ground somewhere.

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

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.

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.

POLITICAL

Ashley

History

Daughters of the American Revolution’s Day of Service

Submitted by Kathy Hagler

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was founded on Oct. 11, 1890. To com memorate this anniversary, DAR chap ters across the country participate in a Day of Service in their local communi ties on or about Oct. 11.

The James K. Polk Chapter, NSDAR, met at Pinecrest Cemetery on Oct. 14, to clean the headstone of Mary Evelyn Jones; to honor the founding members of the original DAR chapter in Polk County; and to remember some of Polk County’s early history.

The first local DAR chapter was known as the James Polk Chapter. It was founded in the 1930s but dissolved in the late 1960s or early 1970s.

Mary Evelyn Henderson Jones and her younger sister, Ethel Hender son, were two of the founding mem

bers of the original chapter. Evelyn served as Treasurer/Registrar in 195859, and Ethel served as Regent at the same time.

The girls moved to Mena with their parents and older brother sometime after 1900. They were originally from Columbia, Missouri.  Evelyn married in 1914 but had no children. She died

May 1, 1960.

Little sister Ethel never mar ried. She died in Mena in 1966.

The original chapter mem bers were some of the “mov ers and shakers” of early Polk County life. Meetings were usually held at a member’s home and would include re freshments or luncheon. It was sometimes a friendly compe tition over who had the nicest meal and/or decorations. The hostess would usually pres ent a program, or they would perform a community service project, such as rolling bandages during the war years.

In an unexpected twist to the re search on Evelyn, James K Polk Chapter Secretary, Brenda Cunningham, visited a yard sale near her home. While going through a box of old books, she found

two textbooks belonging to Evelyn and Ethel. The books were signed by both girls and dated Oct. 29, 1903, making these books at least 119 years old.

Regent Dotty Kinnun leading the memorial for Mary Evelyn Henderson Jones.

Brenda Cunningham poses with Mary Ev elyn Henderson Jones’ and Ethel Hender son’s text books at Evelyn ‘s headstone.

From the State House of Representatives

It is estimated that 225 people die every day from a drug overdose in America. In 2020, 547 people died from a drug overdose in Arkansas.

The current opioid epidem ic is one of the deadliest drug epidemics in our history.

October 26 has been pro claimed as Opioid Aware ness Day in Arkansas. It is a time for communities and individuals to raise awareness and prevent new victims from falling prey to addiction.

In recent years the Arkansas Gen eral Assembly has expanded access to naloxone and created criminal and civil immunities for those who try to get help for an overdose patient.

In 2021, we passed Act 651. This act mandates the co-prescription of an opioid antagonist under certain conditions. One of the conditions includes if the patient has a history of opioid use disorder or drug over dose.

In the 2019 Session, the General Assembly passed Act 646 which pro vides for controlled substance over dose identification training by law enforcement officers with an empha

sis on opioid overdoses. That same year, the legislature passed Act 964 which pro hibits a healthcare insurer, including the Arkansas Med icaid Program, from requir ing prior authorization for medication-assisted treat ment of opioid addiction.

In 2017, the General As sembly passed Act 284 which autho rizes pharmacists to dispense nalox one, a medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid-induced over dose.

And in 2015, the Joshua Pauley Act became law. The law provides im munity for those calling for help for someone who is overdosing.

Another way to prevent abuse is to encourage the safe storage and dis posal of prescription drugs.

The Arkansas Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 29 from 10 am to 2 pm. This is an opportunity to safely dispose of expired or unused prescription drugs. There are more than 250 locations across the state. You can find the location of events and permanent drop boxes at www. artakeback.org .

Contact Your Legislators!

John Maddox

John.Maddox@ arkansashouse.org

520 Church Avenue Mena, AR 71953

Call: (479) 394-6060

Larry Teague Larry.Teague@senate.ar.gov

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

From the State Senate

Legislators have begun bud get hearings in preparation for the 2023 regular session.

Members of the Joint Bud get Committee and the Leg islative Council will review in detail all spending requests by state agencies.

The governor will present a balanced budget plan on No vember 10 that legislators will con sider before they recommend spend ing levels for state government. At the same time the administration will update its economic forecast for the remainder of this year and next fiscal year.

Final approval of the state budget will occur during the regular session, which begins January 9. It will set spending levels for Fiscal Year 2024 begins on July 1, 2023.

The state’s general revenue budget for this fiscal year is about $6 billion. Legislative leadership has said that the main focus during budget hear ings will be on education, human services and corrections.

ernor in November. The new governor’s administration will have its own spending priorities.

The state is in relatively healthy financial condition, with about $2.5 billion in var ious reserve funds and rainy day funds. The most recent forecast in May projected a budget surplus in fiscal 2023 of about $900 million. The legislature met in special session to accelerate previ ously enacted tax reductions.

The tax cuts lowered the amount of the estimated surplus to about $400 million, but it has continued to grow since the special session. During the first three months of the current fis cal year revenue has exceeded the forecast by $175 million.

Arkansas has traditionally adopted very conservative budgets. It also op erates under a balanced budget law called the Revenue Stabilization Act, which reduces state agency spending if an economic downturn lowers rev enue.

John Boozman

1120 Garrison Ave. Suite 2B

Fort Smith, AR 72901

Phone: (479) 573-0189

Fax: (479) 575-0553

Bruce Westerman

101 Reserve St. Suite 200

Hot Springs, AR 71901

Phone: (501) 609-9796

Fax: (501) 609-9887

A major element of education funding will be teacher pay raises. The Senate Education Committee has spent months preparing an ade quacy report that sets funding levels for public schools. The committee recommended that next fiscal year teachers receive pay raises of $4,000 a year, and that the starting mini mum salary go up from $36,000 to $40,000.

Arkansas public schools have 33,886 teachers and 476,579 students in 259 school districts.

When lawmakers consider fund ing of the Division of Correction, there likely will be an effort to build a new prison, or to significantly ex pand existing prison units.

The Division of Correction em ploys about 3,500 people.

Another factor in the background of this autumn’s budget hearings is that Arkansas will elect a new gov

Overall, the challenge will be ade quately paying for essential services while holding growth below the in flation rate, legislative leaders have said.

Medicaid is a government health care program that provides services for more than a million Arkansans. As of the first of September, 1.1 mil lion Arkansas residents were en rolled.

Medicaid is administered by the state Human Services Department, which has a budget of about $10 billion. Most of that comes from federal funding. This year Arkansas will match federal grants with about $1.78 billion in state funding.

The department has 6,600 employ ees.

The Department of Transporta tion, with 3,600 employees, is funded from special revenues such as motor fuels taxes and truck fees.

John Maddox

Larry Teague

VOTING

continued from page 1 Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls that day will be open from 7:30 a.m.7:30 p.m. Arkansas law requires that voters present a photo ID before voting.

Agriculture Public Policy Center, can be accessed at  www.uaex.uada.edu/ business-communities/voter-educa tion.

If you have moved to another coun ty since you last voted, you have until Friday, Nov. 4 to update your voter reg istration with your county clerk for this election.

Election results will be available at the Secretary of State’s website after the polls close on Election Day at www.sos. arkansas.gov. You can also hear elec tion results on KDQN 92.1 FM in the evening after the polls close.

Ballot typo no cause for concern

By Ethan Nahté

A misspelling on the ballot in Polk County called for a meeting of Polk County Clerk Terri Harrison, her suc cessor Lisa Standridge, and the Coun ty Board of Election Commissioners: chairman Bernie Mize, J. David Ray, and Gar Eisele on Thursday morning, Oct. 20, four days before early voting began.

Harrison stated that this is the first time they have caught a mistake on the ballot in her 29 years working with the county. The Secretary of State’s office told Harrison it was a minor issue as far as an error on a ballot is concerned.

The misspelling is the omission of the letter “e” at the end of Justice Robin Wynne’s name. The error was noticed when the ballot was uploaded for the logic an accuracy test results to the SOS election night reporting portal.

If the County attempted to correct the error, it would mean having to re program the entire election for Polk County.

After a brief discussion, it was decid ed that the omission of the “e” does not make it more difficult to know who the candidate is and does not cause voter confusion.

Due to how soon voting would be gin, not to mention that absentee bal lots had already been sent out, trying to reprogram Polk County’s ballot and having more ballots made would have the potential of resulting in more er rors.

In addition, absentee ballots would then have to be counted by hand as the new programming would not rec ognize them. Hand counting the orig inal ballots and add them to corrected ballots added to the potential of further errors.

WASHINGTON October 4, 2022 - Today, Congres sional Dyslexia Caucus

Co-Chair Bruce Wester man (AR-4) introduced a bipartisan resolution with Reps. Steven Palazzo (MS-04), Brian Fitz patrick (PA-01), Larry Bucshon (IN-08), Susan DelBene (WA-01), and Buddy Carter (GA-01) to des ignate October 2022 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month. The members released the following statements:

“As the husband of a teach er of students with disabilities, I understand the importance of bringing awareness to dyslexia as a prevalent and treatable learning disability,” said Westerman. “One in five Americans struggle with the learning disability, and all too often, those with dyslexia are written off as having a low IQ or being lazy. This could not be far ther from the truth. By bringing awareness to this disability, chil dren can be diagnosed earlier and given the proper accommodation to develop the critical reading skills necessary for a successful future.”

“As a father of a child with dys lexia, I know just how imperative it is to detect and treat dyslexia as early as possible to provide chil dren and families with the tools they need to succeed in school and throughout life. I am proud to co sponsor this resolution to desig nate October as National Dyslexia Awareness month to raise aware

ness for this learning dis ability,” said Dr. Bucshon.

“I am proud to join my colleagues today in intro ducing this resolution to dedicate October as Na tional Dyslexia Aware ness Month,” said Fitzpatrick. “My home of Penn sylvania has been a pioneer in addressing the literacy crisis and providing our communities with the necessary tools to detect and support early reading deficien cies and dyslexia. As we continue to raise awareness on this issue, I also look forward to continuing to work in a bipartisan manner to find solutions that will ensure the next generation and beyond receive the resources they need to reach their full potential.”

Background

Dyslexia is the most common learning disability in the United States, affecting 1-in-5 Ameri cans, according to research from the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity.

While many parents and edu cators have recognized October as National Dyslexia Awareness Month for years, it is important for Congress to formally desig nate the month each year. This resolution represents the dedica tion of members of both parties in Congress to recognize and ad dress the significant educational implications of dyslexia that affect one in five people in America.

Bruce Westerman

Westerman introduces bipartisan resolution designating October as National Dyslexia Awareness Month

Bigfoot bicycling on a barn quilt

By Ethan Nahté

Mary Alice Head is the owner and operator of the Foot of the Hill Gift Shop in Mena, conveniently located at—the foot of the hill. It’s the rock building travelers see as they ascend or descend the Talimena Scenic Drive. A few Bigfoot creatures are standing outside, welcoming visi tors to come get their picture tak en at the souvenir and gift shop. Or there’s always custom framing for photos and artwork, custom em broidery, or tanning beds.

Another reason people may want to stop is for a photo of the new barn quilt mounted on the side of the building, made in part from his toric stones salvaged from ruins of

STAY ALERT. STAY INFORMED. STAY SAFE.

the original “Castle in the Sky,” the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge.

“We have a barn quilt that Car la Vaught and her friend There sa Griffin made for us, that will be hopefully on the national reg istry. It is promoting our moun tain bikes and, of course, Bigfoot.” Vaught, who retired from the Polk County Cooperative Extension Ser vice in 2019, now lives in Washing ton state.

“They got [the barn quilt] done before the Wheel A’ Mena bike ride so it could be enjoyed during that period of time. We will leave it for five years and it will be on the map. This is going to bring a lot of peo ple into town. Not this, but all of the quilts. If I’m not incorrect, there will be 12.”

Bridgett Martin, the AEHC Fam ily and Consumer Science Agent, is the coordinator for the Polk County

trail. Martin is working to recruit property owners in town and in ru ral areas of the county to sponsor a barn quilt block that can be includ ed on Arkansas’ Barn Quilt Trail. Martin stated, “The Quilt Block Trail has the ability to procure more traffic through and around Polk County which means additional revenue to our communities.”

Vaught has painted two of the five total official barn quilts. She said, “We need seven more to make a trail.”

Vaught also created the barn quilt on the corner of Church Avenue and 11th Street on property owned by Kathy and Mark Adams.

You must own the property and replicate a traditional quilt pattern along with a historic story to ac company it. Quilt blocks must be submitted to the state Quilt Trail coordinator and approved before they are accepted as part of the trail. The quilt block must also be visible from an easily navigable road and have enough highway right-of-way access for visitors to stop and take a few pictures.

For instance, Vaught has creat ed several of the smaller 2 x 2 barn quilts. She also has orders for three of the bigger barn quilts, but they are not for Polk County.

Anyone is allowed to create a barn quilt. Contact the Polk County Ex tension Office or visit https://www. facebook.com/ArkansasQuilt Trails/ for more information on the Arkansas Quilt Trail.

More information is also available in a story about the trail in the May 18 edition of the Polk County Pulse.

Jodi Croft (l), Pulse Multi-Media sales executive, and Mary Alice Head flank the newest barn quilt design in Polk County, located at the Foot of the Hill Gift Shop on Mena Street between Sampson and Warner Avenues. (Ethan Nahté’/Pulse)

Entries up, attendance down at 2022 King Art Show

Article by Patrick Massey Photos courtesy of CACA

KING - The Cossatot Arts and Crafts Association (CACA) wrapped up its 50th annual King Art Show earlier this month and though attendance was not what organizers had hoped

the ones who make this show pos sible.”

The art show is not a fundraiser for the organization. In fact, Young blood said the group’s goal is to break even on costs and cash awards for the top artwork in each category.

However, the group has some oth er activities planned in the future to help raise funds for renovation work and repairs to the art show’s longstand ing venue, the former King Schoolhouse and the adja cent youth building.

“We are going to have some fundraiser coming up be cause we have a lot of work that needs to be done to the school house and the kids building,” she explained.

Queen Junior Class and split this 50/50 because they have the people and energy to help make this a really cool event,” Youngblood said. “That’s going to be a wonderful event and we can’t wait to see what they can do with it.”

The CACA and De Queen Junior Class will present their first ever haunted house Oct. 28, 29 and 31 from 7-9:30 each evening. Cost will be $10 for ages 12 and up and $5 for those 11 and under.

For more information on the CACA and the organization’s future events, visit  www.cossatotartsand crafts.com or check out the group’s Facebook page.

Best of Show Art – Kay Thomas

A partial selection of winners from this year’s King Art Show:

• Youth Best of Show –Leah Gainer (Waldron High School)

• Youth People’s Choice –Maddy Hoyle (Cossatot River High School)

for, the art show itself featured one of the largest collections from re gional artists in the show’s history.

“From this year to last year, and year’s before, we’ve definitely seen an increase,” said Nancy Young blood, president of the CACA. “I don’t think attendance was as much as last year.”

Youngblood said despite the smaller attendance, this year’s art show was still a success. As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the King Art Show also included a number of vendors, art-themed ac tivities and demonstrations. Young blood said the art show would not be possible without the numerous sponsors who financially support it.

“Our sponsors are wonderful and we couldn’t have done this without them,” Youngblood said. “They are

One of those fundraisers includes hosting a haunted house inside the King Schoolhouse just in time for Halloween.

“We’re partnering with the De

People’s Choice – Jennifer Albert

Best of Show Photo – Darrell Gates

By Richie Lawry

The mornings had been cooler for a few days, but this morning was downright cold. A cold blast of air blew right through me as I walked out the front door, heading to work. When I arrived at my shop, I glanced at the thermometer that hung next to the front door. It read 26 degrees. I shivered, as just knowing the tempera ture made me even colder. “It is too cold for the middle of October,” I thought. I entered my shop and immediately turned on the 220-volt, 5000-watt space heater. It was the first time I had used the heater since a major renovation of my shop. The heater had taken the chill out of the air in just a few minutes, and I was comfortable working. Before long, it was warm enough to turn down the heat er. I’m not too fond of cold weather, but I was excited to see how well my shop would stay warm.

This spring, I started working on my cold, drafty shop. The building is old and needs updating. In several places, the ceiling had fallen, so heat quickly escaped. Some of the siding had rotted away, and you could see outside. The old, ill-fitting garage door left significant gaps. I would stuff old blankets into the cracks to try and keep some heat in the shop. It wasn’t easy trying to keep the shop warm.

My friend, Dale, worked hard for most of the spring building and insulating new walls and ceilings. He patiently worked through all the quirks of my old building.

Blake at MCW Pro did a masterful job of engineering and installing new garage doors that sealed out the elements.

Terry tore off the old siding, replaced rotten studs, put in new insulation, and after installing the metal siding, he sprayfoamed and caulked the building. After a thick layer of spray foam insulation was sprayed onto the ceiling, I was sure my shop was ready for cold weather.

The final touch was when Gage ap plied seven gallons of white paint to the interior walls. I was pleased with the re sults.

I was happy that my shop was now able to hold the heat. It was satisfying to know that I would be able to stay warm

An Arkie’s Faith

Stay warm

this winter. All the hard work and expens es were worth it. It is incredible the dif ference that insulation and sealing can make.

Science and technology writer Chris Woodford explains it this way: “The real problem with home heating is retaining the heat you produce: in winter, the air surrounding your home and the soil or rock on which it stands are always at a much lower temperature than the build ing, so no matter how efficient your heating is, your home will still lose heat soon er or later. The answer is, of course, to create a kind of buffer zone in between your warm house and the cold outdoors.

This is the basic idea behind heat insu lation, which is something most of us think about far too little. According to the US Department of Energy, only a fifth of homes built before 1980 are properly in sulated.”

The second law of thermodynamics, overly simplified, tells us that energy is

always looking to move towards less en ergy. When we are talking about heating our homes and workspaces, that means energy in the form of heat will always move towards less heat energy unless we intervene and work hard to guard against it.

Just like we need insulation to keep the heat in our houses, we, as Christians, need to insulate ourselves from the cold of the world around us. Paul explained what I call the second law of spiritual thermodynamics in Romans 7:15-24 (NLT)

“I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So, I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

“And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do

what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

“I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?”

The second law of thermodynamics tells us that energy is always looking to move towards less energy. In the same way, the second law of spiritual thermo dynamics tells us that our sinful nature will always win if we do not have help from God. Our sinful hearts automatically desire to conform to the surrounding climate of the world. “Our sinful selves want what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit wants what is against our sinful selves. The two are against each other, so you cannot do just what you please.” Gala tians 5:17 (NCV)

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Gentle Reader, Jesus knew the strug gle we would face. When He was pray ing in the garden before His arrest, He prayed for you and me. “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.” The cold of the world around us will always be trying to get inside us, so we need to have the proper insulation. “Like a bird protecting its young, God will cover you with His feathers, will protect you under His great wings; His faithful ness will form a shield around you, a rock-solid wall to protect you.” Psalms 91:4 (VOICE)

Ask God to insulate you from the cold of this world so you can stay warm.

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: My friend David had his ID stolen... I now call him Dav.

Standing out in Richie’s newly renovated shop. (Photo by Richie Lawry)

Mena schools above the ESSA state average

Submitted by Mark Hobson

The Mena School Board Meet ing was held Oct. 18. The meeting began with the super intendent’s report and Dr. Lee Smith wanted to jump right into the first two items under new business. Those being the annual report to the public and the district report card.

The ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) School Index has been released and Mena is above the state average in every building. During the pandem ic, school letter grades were paused, but now schools are being given a letter grade once again. Louise Durham Elemen tary scored a B, Holly Harsh man Elementary scored a C, Mena Middle School scored a B, Mena High School scored a C, and the Polk County Vir tual Academy scored a D. The ESSA School Index full report will be made public in Novem ber following the State Board approval.

Three district goals have been set to help finish this school year with an even better result. The attendance goal for this school year is 96%. Anoth er goal is to reduce discipline referrals by 10%. Finally, the literacy goal is to be at 60% on grade-level reading. Dr. Smith concluded and asked the board

to accept those as the district goals for the year. The board quickly approved.

The board then approved the annual equity compliance re port. Which is a routine report stating the district’s compli ance with federal guidelines in the use of all title funds.

The revised added/deleted inventory list was next on the agenda. This list had been ad dressed at a previous meeting, but some minor changes had been discovered and needed to be added, which they were, and the new list was approved.

Mr. Danny Minton then up dated the board on projects underway across the district. He began with the expanded sidewalk project and pump project at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium. There is also some

tree removal and grounds im provement underway to the east and south of Mena High School.

New door locks are in for Mena Middle School and in stallation should begin this Saturday.

The board then appointed Todd Aynes as delegate to the ASBA Assembly.

The board also appoint ed Phillip Wilson as the 2023

board legislative advocate.

The board has been ap proached about a communi ty garden project utilizing an acre of land on school proper ty along Mildred Street. That project was approved.

Another request for a waiver was brought before the board which would clear the way for ESS to employ Brittany Casten as a substitute teacher. A mo tion was made and approved.

The December board meet ing date was changed to Tues day, Dec. 20, and the board quickly approved the month’s financial report.

In personnel the board ap proved the restructuring of the contract for Alyssa Hostettler from MMS secretary to MHS principal secretary. They also approved the hiring of Tabitha Baxter as Para Pro at HHE and Candace Thompson as secre tary at MMS.

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Mena Fire Department visits Acorn schools

Submitted by Tammy L. Young

In observance of Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 9-15, the Mena Fire Department (MFD) recently donated Fire Preven tion booklets for pre-K through fourth grades to all local area schools, includ

ing Acorn Elementary School.

On Thursday, Oct. 13, MFD person nel shared information with Acorn High School students related to a vari ety of careers in fire science and emer gency response situations.

Representing MFD personnel for the presentation included: Joe Quinn, Duane Harvey, Emo ry Zakin, and MFD Assistant Fire Chief Charles Hankins.

(l to r) Acorn Elementary Principal Mrs. Beth Jackson, firefighter Emory Zakin, and Mena Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Charles Hankins.

They shared valuable in formation about careers, how to obtain certifications, training, and education for various occupations, and dis cussed scenarios that emer gency personnel encounter as well as a tour of the fire truck and equipment utilized in emergency situations.

Acorn schools host attorney general’s office Internet Safety presentation

Submitted by Tammy L. Young

On Friday, Sept. 30, Acorn Schools hosted Raegan Sharp, public affairs program liaison with the office of Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge on the Acorn campus. The presentation was conducted

with students in grades five-12 in formation shared to better equip students for life. It included import ant information on topics including: internet safety, risks involved with online communication and preda tors, cyberbullying, digital footprint and apps.

CRSD Jr. High Choir earns chairs in competition

Cossatot River Junior High choir students competed and earned chairs in the Southwest Arkansas All Region Honors Choir on Satur day, Oct. 15.

These students will go on to per

form in a formal concert on Fri day, Nov. 11, at Benton First Baptist Church.

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

(standing L-R) Lydia Phillips, Alto; Kynzli Dyer, Alto; Brody Creel, Tenor 2; Isaac Gray, Tenor 2; Lance Thomas, Tenor 2; Samuel Cordova, Tenor 2; Laycee Burt, Alto; Valeria Munoz, Alto; Yesenia Vasquez, Alto

(sitting L-R) Gracie Merworth, Soprano 2; Rynley Richardson, Alto; Jade Watkins, Alto; Jaylie Brantley, Alto; Tylynn Robb, Alto; Lexi Hughes, Alto

(Photo courtesy of Susan Brewer)

Raegan Sharp speaks with Acorn students regarding internet safety.

(Photo courtesy of Ouachita River School District)

Obituaries

Willis Marie Newbolt Croft.

Mrs. Willis Marie New bolt, age 92, passed away October 19, 2022, in her home in Mena, Arkan sas. She was born February 4, 1930, in Cherry Hill, Arkansas, to the late O.J. Foster and Eldred Wimberly Smith.

Mrs. Newbolt was a homemaker by profession, she was known as an ex cellent cook, who loved serving her family wonderful southern food. She enjoyed embroidery, quilting, canning, and needlepoint. She also loved going to church when she was able and was a devoted member of the Board Camp Assembly of God for 60 years. Howev er, above all else she loved visiting with her family.

Mrs. Newbolt is survived by her son, Billy Jim Newbolt and wife Brenda of Lavaca, Arkansas; daughters, Phyllis Heath and husband Donald of Big Fork, Arkansas, Freddie Easley of Mena, Ar kansas, Diane Collins of Mena, Arkan sas, Carolyn Tilley and husband Wayne of Mena, Arkansas; grandchildren, Matthew Heath, Amanda Andrews, Kelly Dotson, Christy Martin, Misty Martin, Brandy Ellis, James Ander son, David Anderson, Amy Camp bell, Chris Anderson, Josh Anderson, Teesa Croft, Brandon Newbolt, and Lisa Pack; 47 great-grandchildren; 26 great-great-grandchildren; brother, William E. Smith; sister-in-law, Alida Newbolt; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends too numerous to mention. She is pre ceded in death by her loving husband, Jim Newbolt; her beloved companion, Jess Buck; her mother, Eldred Smith; her father, O.J. Foster; stepfather, Earl Smith; grandchild, Dustin Newbolt; great-grandchild, Lacie Morrell; and by her great-great-grandchild, Jasper

Services for Mrs. Willis Newbolt will be held Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the 1st Assembly of God Church in Mena, Arkansas, at 2:00 p.m. Broth er Ron Tilley will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funer al Home. Interment is to follow at the Cherry Hill Cemetery in Cherry Hill, Arkansas. There will be a visitation held Friday, October 21, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Beasley-Wood Chapel in Mena, Arkansas.

The family would like to thank Elite Home Health, Elite Hospice, and all the caregivers, Glynda Caldwell, JoAnn Griffin, Barbara Gage, and Misty Mar tin, for their kindness and support.

Pallbearers are Matthew Heath, James Anderson, David Anderson, Bri an Dotson, Chris Anderson, Brandon Newbolt, and Gary Croft.

Honorary Pallbearers are Dr. Richard Lochala, Dr. David Henderson, Jared Standridge, Jerry Harper, and Bill Mar tin.

Services are under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Charlie

Lloyd Bolton

Charlie Lloyd Bolton, 74, of Mena, passed away on Monday, October 17, 2022. He was born July 22, 1948, to Charlie and Annie Bolton, in Mena, Arkansas. He was an avid me chanic most of his life and was always working on something. Whether it was at work, around the house, or helping his friends and family. He loved deer hunting, taking care of his animals around the house, and going to auc tions. He loved spending time with his grandkids the most.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife Sue Bolton, two sons, Dawayne

and Josh Bolton, two daughters, Betty Barrett and Tammy Cox, nine grand children, Tamari, Charlie, Matthew, Gabriel, Tasha, Tori, Maggie, Katie, and Ashton; six great grandchildren, Zack, Ellie, Levi, Isabella, Tambrly and Neveah; along with several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Willis, Roy Lee, Bob, and Troy; and sisters, Dola Mae, Patsy, and Lily Mae; great grandchild, Andrew Miller.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Nunley Cemetery in Mena, Arkansas with Brother Mark Lyle offi ciating.

Services are under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Mike

Edwards

Calvery

Mike Ed wards Calvery, age 74, passed away on Tues day, October 18, 2022, at his home in Potter, Arkan sas. He was born on March 17, 1948, to Albert Gene Calvery and Sybil Jean Richards in Mena, Arkansas.

Mike was a jokester at heart. He was always collecting more mechanic tools and beer steins. Mike made friends very easily and had many friends through out the years. He loved to play jokes on people and make them laugh. Mike was a hard worker and was a truck driver most of his life. He was a loving com panion, brother, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his par ents; his step father, James Wheat; his brother Steven “Buckwheat” Calvery; and his niece, Ellen Busch.

Mike is survived by his son, Bruce Wayne Calvery of Oregon; his sisters, Rosellen Branch of Potter and Sheri lyne Gallant of Vancouver, Washing

ton; brother, Russell Calvery of Van couver, Washington; his loving com panion, Crissy Randt of Potter; several nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.

No services are planned at this time. Cremation arrangements are entrust ed to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online guestbook: bowserffh.com

Glenda Allen Gregory

Mrs. Glenda Allene Greg ory, age 64, of Mena, Ar kansas, passed

away Sunday, October 16, 2022, in Hot Springs.

She was born July 29, 1958, in God Beach, Oregon to the late Charles and Genieve Saylors. She was married to Christopher Gregory here in Mena and enjoyed 26 years of marriage togeth er. Glenda was certified nurses’ assis tant and enjoyed reading and listening to music, particularly, her husband’s country and bluegrass music. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sis ter and friend.

She is survived by her husband, Christopher Gregory, her children, Arron Harris, Sabrina Davis and Allen Salls; by her brother, Charles Len Say lors; granddaughter, Elaine Raye Harris as well as many other nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Genieve Carter and Niomi Gardner. She will be missed in all our hearts.

Mrs. Gregory was sent for crema tion under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home. No services are scheduled at this time.

Larry (E-Z) Lee Harrison

Larry (EZ) Lee Har

rison, age 66, passed away on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was born on December 7, 1955, to Tom and Freda Harrison in Baytown, Texas.

Larry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him. Larry loved life and almost every one he ever met. He was a family man and was always happiest when around his grandchildren. He liked to hunt and fish, but most of all he loved working on old cars and collecting them. Thank you to all who touched Larry’s life.

He is preceded in death by his par ents and his son Jason Meeks.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Velma Darlene Harrison of Hatfield; his daughter and son in law, Mary and Jerry Howell of Mena; his son and daughter in law, Stewart and Tandra Meeks; grandson Dylan and wife Shaaylyne Foster, granddaugh ter Ashli and husband Justin Kincaid, grandson Malaki Sexton, grandson Colten Foster, grandson Chance How ell, granddaughter Athenna Howell, granddaughter Karma Meeks, grand daughter Deseray Meeks, and grand daughter Shelby Meeks; great grand children Payton Foster, Jay-Paul Foster, AvaJo Foster, Raven Kincaid, and Za dion Kincaid; brother Weldon Har rison, sister Kathy Claire, sister Patsy Townsend, sister Sandra Rath, sister Lois Elaine Williams, and sister Barba ra Golden; several nephews and nieces and a host of other family and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 26, at  2:00 pm at the Six Mile Cemetery in Hatfield, Ar kansas, with Brother Tim Smedley of

ficiating under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkan sas. Visitation will be general during office hours on Monday and Tuesday. Online guestbook: bowserffh.com

Florinda Brassfield

Florinda Brass field, age 99, of Mena, Arkansas, died on Sun day, October 23, 2022, at The Green House Cottages of Homewood in Mena, Arkansas. She was born on May 27, 1923, to Santos Hernandez and Apolinaria Lemus in Choloma, Honduras.

Florinda was an active member of the Union Mission Church always pre paring meals for the congregation. She could be the sweetest woman on Earth but could also be pretty feisty which was part of her charm. She loved to gar den and could grow the most beautiful flowers. Florinda had a heart for cats and cared for hers dearly. She always kept busy around the house, and en joyed fishing, hunting, and working on home projects with her late husband. Her family adored her tamales and en chiladas, and anything else she would cook for them. Florinda was a loving mother, grandmother, great grand mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her par ents; her husband, Oscar Brassfield; and her sisters, Lucinda Escobar and Chala Rodriguez; and step son, Gary Brassfield.

Florinda is survived by her daugh ter and son in law, Yolanda and Danny Chaney of Mena; stepson and daugh ter-in-law, Sam and Vicki Brassfield of Fort Smith; stepdaughter, Lynnes MacMellon of Greenwood; several sisters and one brother; two grand sons, Travis Chaney of Fort Smith, and

Fred and Sheli Chaney of Mena; three great-grandchildren, Joyana Chaney, David Chaney and wife, Avanlea, and Faith Chaney; several nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, October 26, at 10:00 AM at the Pinecrest Memorial Park with Brother Victor Rowell officiating under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkan sas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Wanda

Jeanne Lyda

Wanda Jeanne Lyda passed away on October 1, 2022, in Glen wood, AR. She was 88 years old. Loved and admired by many, Wanda was a de voted wife and loving mother who was hard- working and pursued perfection in all she did. She was born in Mena, AR, on May 22, 1934, to Ronald (19022003) and Maple Borin (1908-1995). Not long after she graduated from Mena High School in 1951, Wanda started a career in banking with First National Bank of Mena that lasted ap proximately thirty years. During that time in Mena, Wanda married twice and had a total of three children, Deb orah Philpot, Keith Philpot, and Kevin Mos.

In 1981, Wanda married Weldon Lyda (1934-2008) of Newaygo, MI, and left Mena to spend thirty-eight years in Newaygo where she and Weldon ran a horse farm. Wanda decided to start a new career and took classes to get her real estate license. She worked as an agent for a few years, but her en

trepreneurial spirit took over and she opened her own real estate company, Lyda Real Estate, where she worked until she retired. After Weldon passed, Wanda stayed in Michigan until 2019 when she moved back to Mena. She had only recently moved to a nursing home in Glenwood, AR, as her health was declining.

Wanda loved reading, gardening, do ing crossword puzzles, and playing on line trivia in her spare time. She loved cats and had several over the years with her favorite being Kinky Cat whom she had close by her side after Weldon died.

Wanda is predeceased by her broth ers Darris and Darrell Borin and her daughter Deborah Lynette Phil pot-Johnson.

She is survived by her sons Keith Philpot, Kevin Mos, Warren Lyda, and Doug Lyda; grandchildren, Paul Johnson, Mark Johnson, Lake Philpot, Riley Philpot, Alexander Mos, Mad eleine Mos, Tashina Kerr, Shalee Ger encer, and Quinton Lyda; great-grand children, Addison Johnson, Emerson Johnson, Axle Johnson, Willow John son, Beverly Kerr, Blake Kerr, Trae Ge rencer, and Elizabeth Gerencer; neph ews, Donald Borin and Ronnie Borin; nieces, Rebecca Hooten and Tammie Wheless, and several extended family members and in-laws.

Services will be graveside at Concord Cemetery, Ink, AR on Friday, Octo ber 28, 2022, at 10 AM. Arrangements are under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

To honor Wanda and her love of pets, the family requests, in lieu of flowers and cards, that donations be made in her memory to the Humane Society of the Ouachitas at https://hsomena.org/ site/memorial-gift/

By Ethan Nahté

Halloween Halloween happenings

Halloween is on a Monday this year, and Polk County has plenty of events that night as well as throughout the weekend leading up to All Hallow’s Eve.

Free events

The Janssen Park Treat Trail that was scheduled on Saturday, Oct. 29., has been canceled. Instead, they will join The Ouachitas at the Halloween Dis trict on Martin Street that afternoon, from 4-6 p.m. to hand out candy.

Candy will also be handed out at RE/ MAX Halloween Day until 5:30 p.m. or when they run out.

The First United Methodist Church at 501 Ninth St. in Mena is having a free Trunk-or-Treat event on Hallow een, beginning at 4:30 p.m. and lasting until 6, giving out candy and stickers to the kids.

Faith’s Falltastic Festival is at Faith Missionary Baptist Church, 2407 Sutherland Ave. on Saturday, Oct. 29, 5-8 p.m. It includes Hobo stew, hot

dogs, a pumpkin hunt, games, hayrides and more.

Sweet-n-Salty, next to the car wash in front of Walmart in Mena, will have festivities Friday, Oct. 28, beginning at 6 p.m. There will be a costume contest, popcorn, hot chocolate and candy. The first 25 people get a prize.

Daylight trick-or-treating will be gin at Hatfield businesses starting at 4 p.m. on Halloween. Then families can make their way to Light the Night 2022 on Halloween night, sponsored by area businesses and churches. Games, food, a hayride and prizes for both a costume and a pumpkin decorating contest will be part of the fun at the Hatfield City Park from 5-7 p.m. Bring your pump kin ready to be judged.

The community is invited to join UARM Bucks Softball & #BucksBase ball at McMillan Park for trick or Treating at the Ballpark on Halloween! There will be candy, games, & a cos

tume contest.

Ross-Tunnell American Legion Post 249 Halloween Dance 5-10 p.m., Oct. 28, 177 Hwy. 278 East, in Wickes. Trunk-or-Treat for kids 18 and under. Hot dogs/Chips/drink $5. Donations welcome.

Raindancer Car Wash in Cove is hav ing a Trunk-or-Treat Oct. 31, 4-8 p.m. Vaultoberfest is happening at The Coffee Vault from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 29 and 31. Trunk-or-treat is from 4-6 p.m. Halloween only with games, treats, vendors and more. Also see their Pimpkin Patch weekdays, noon-6 and during Vaultoberfest.

Paid events

House of Fear will be haunting the Masonic Lodge at 701 Port Arthur St., across from Janssen Park in Mena, from 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2829, and Halloween night. Admission is free for kids 6 and under and $3 for

everyone else. The money is a fund raiser, which will be split between The Cub Scouts of America and for a youth scholarship given out by the Lodge.

The Blue: Zip Line & Farm in Ink will have a combination of free and paid events at their Haunted Forest by an Old Graveyard.

There will be a pit fire, hot chocolate, marshmallows free of charge from 7-9 p.m. on Oct. 28, 29 and 31. The Zip Line ghoulies will be handing out free candy to kids in costume also from 7-9 on Halloween night only.

There will also be haunted graveyard adventure tours in the forest for $3 per person. This is a walking and seated gathering in a secluded wooded area that has reports of haunting. Chairs are included. The first tours run from 7–7:45 p.m. for ages 7-plus. From 8 p.m.- 12:30 a.m. the scare factor goes up for ages 12-plus. They will be taking groups out every 15 minutes on both tours.

The Elks Lodge on Hwy. 375 East will be having a haunted house ($5) and a hayride ($3) Friday and Saturday from 6-10 p.m. Saturday night only, there will be a costume contest with cash prizes ($10). For the adults-only crowd (21-plus), there will be a Halloween dance with the Judge Parker Band be ginning at 8 p.m. and running through the witching hour.

Shady Mountain Events Haunted House returns with new additions and more scares from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 29. The cost is $5 per person. They are located just a mile past the Elks Lodge at 428 Hwy. 375 East. Last year, there were plenty of light and a sign to indicate where to turn in. Be careful in the parking lot, we witnessed some visitors who shot out of the haunted house exit and liter ally ran all the way back to their vehicle.

If you are traveling to the county line of Polk and Sevier, Cossatot Arts and Crafts (CACA) and the De Queen Ju nior Class will present their first ever haunted house Oct. 28, 29 and 31 from 7-9:30 each evening. Cost will be $10 for ages 12 and up and $5 for those 11 and under.

Emele Caldwell & Dawson Davis (not pictured) Seventh Grade

Tyler Pippen & Paxton Hooper 10th Grade

Nehemiah Auer & Kora Carter 11th Grade

Eilam Holland & Taylar Kesterson Eighth Grade

Gavin Strother & Brookelyn Goss 12th Grade

Eathan Caldwell & KaitLynn Ledbetter Ninth Grade

Canyon Davis & Londyn Wilson

Alex Schneberger & Ava Wells

Collier Sams & Mackenzie Cearly Second Grade

Anastasia Johnson & Hunter Pippen (not pictured) Fourth Grade

Escort Kyler

Treasure Bice

Kooper Hollin & Annalysia Watts Sixth Grade

Escort Gabriel Hurtado &

Novaleigh McKee

River Smith & Kashlyn Hollin

Mythology

Discovering the Fouke Monster

By Ethan Nahté

The Fouke Monster, a Bigfoot-like beast that haunts the swamps and bayous of Miller County, not too far south of Polk County. The beast(s) was reportedly the stuff of night mares, perfect for investigating this Halloween. An increase in sightings and activity throughout the 60s and early 70s attracted filmmaker Charles B. Pierce to be taken on tours of the area, interview the locals and have a script created by Earl E. Smith. One of the families well-known by fans of the film or cryptozoology know the name Crabtree. Keith Crab tree recently appeared as a guest at the Ouachita Bigfoot Festival at The Blue; Zip Line & Farm. Crabtree explained how he became associated with “The Legend of Boggy Creek.”

“I was fresh back from the Marine Corps in Vietnam. I got out on June 3rd of ’71. In about April of ’72, my uncle [Smokey] come up on me at the

gas pump as I was getting ready to gas up. He asked me what I was doing.”

Following some small talk and the fact that Keith was unemployed at that time, his uncle said, “I’ve got some thing I want you to do. Be at the house at daylight.”

Keith thought his uncle, J.E. “Smokey” Crabtree, who played him self in the film, was pulling his leg when he told Keith, “You’re gonna be a monster in a movie.”

Keith said, “I thought he was kid ding.”

The next morning, he arrived at the house and there was first-time di rector Pierce, already filming scenes for what some call a mockumentary. Keith said he was an errand boy, gofetch boy or whatever else was needed, shunning the credit of production as sistant and saying, “There’s no need in sugar coating it.”

Part of his fetching was to drive from Fouke, Arkansas, just outside of Tex arkana, and go to the airport to pick up the costume. When he got back, he looked at it and realized it was a gorilla costume with a stiff, plastic chest. He said people comment on how hot the

suit must’ve been shooting in an Ar kansas spring in a low-lying, swampy forest, but he claimed it wasn’t that hot, wearing just a T-shirt, shorts and underwear beneath the costume.

At the time, he was 6’2”-6’3” and 245 pounds and in excellent shape being just out of the Marines. With out the costume, Keith could still run three miles in 17:58, not much differ ent than the 17:42 he ran it while in the service.

Keith was able to run right up the steep banks while wearing the cos tume, portraying the elusive creature. He’s received compliments on his speed and agility ascending the bank, running up it barefooted for a good grip.

Keith biggest fear, he said, “Back then, everybody kept their guns in the windshield of their vehicles. Uncle Smokey was more or less my security.

“We started shooting the scenes and the next thing I knew the movie was out—the same year. It didn’t take two weeks to shoot the scenes that made the movie up,” Keith recalled.

The 87-minute movie had been shot around the small community of Fouke, as well as near Texarkana and Shreve port, Louisiana. It had been budgeted at $160,000 and was released August 1972, with the world premier engage ment occurring at the Paramount Theater in Texarkana, Texas, on Aug. 17. Since then, the film has reportedly earned over $20 million according to several sources and became one of the top-10 highest grossing films of 1972.

There were at least five other Crab tree family members in the film, some who played themselves and some who still played a Crabtree, but with a dif ferent first name than that provided in the credits. Some of the Crabtrees also doubled as crew. There were several relatives of the Crabtree family in the film.

Imagine encountering a massive, smelly beast such as this in the deep woods. A scene from “The Legend of Boggy Creek” (1972).

and the Legend of Boggy Creek

The narrator was Vern Stierman, a real-life weatherman for the Texarka na-Shreveport NBC Affiliate Channel 6.

Keith was not the only man in the gorilla costume. A second man played the Fouke Monster at times and has possibly the most memorable scene of the film.

Keith said, “They told me we was done, then decided to shoot one more scene. It turned into a major scene of the movie.”

Anyone who has watched the mov ie will remember the scene. For those who are old enough to remember seeing the film in the early-to-mid70s, the hairy hand and arm bursting through the window probably haunt ed quite a few nightmares back in the day.

Granted, compared to the Slasher films that followed, the G-Rated film may seem a bit tame to some by to day’s standards, but for many, the scenes kept a few people from run ning around in the woods.

Keith can be seen briefly in the film as himself, walking along with two other men, Monroe Smith and John Knight Jr. They are stalking through the woods and hunting.

“We got done and the next thing I knew, I was VIP’d at the Paramount Theater in downtown Texarkana to watch it. It ended up being the biggest money-making documentary of all time.”

Keith returned to the airport in Lit tle Rock to pick up the movie when it was sent to Pierce from Hollywood where it had been edited by Tom Boutross.

“I get a lot of people who tell me, ‘You caused me to pee the bed.’ ‘You caused me to have nightmares.’ I tell them it was their love of the movies that did that,” Keith said with a laugh. Keith doesn’t just attend the mon

ster shows and conven tions as a celebrity. He also stated, “I’m a be liever. I just got back from Montana. The knocks I heard… . If you ever hear a mad one, the sounds that it makes will stand the hair and goosebumps up on your skin. It was so deep, it reso nated and vi brated inside my chest. It was like they could control me a little bit.”

Part of the Bigfoot my thology is that the cryptids; animals studied by cryptozoologists that may exist some where in the wild, but are not believed to exist by mainstream science, have the ability to control humans.

“It scared me a little bit.” He saw something, but he’s not certain what it was, but he believes the wood knocks he heard was either a creature or crea tures trying to communicate and tell him hello. He was there in a peaceful manner, unarmed. A hunter who had entered the valley with a weapon was ran out.

“The Bigfoots that have been in that valley, according to the American In dians, say they’ve been there over 400 years. That’s their home.”

Closer to home, Keith said that he filmed an orb on New Year’s Eve in 2019. It’s only a few seconds of film, but as he broke the scene down into quad rants and magnified it, he stated he could see a silhouette approxi mately eight feet high. He showed the footage to Bigfoot research er William Lunsford, who in formed Keith that they had been search ing that very area for nearly three years. “After talking to him, I feel that yes, I’ve seen one.” Lunsford has been investigating the cryptid for over 45 years according to Keith.

As far as believers and disbeliev ers Keith has spoken with after “The Legend of Boggy Creek” came out, he said, “Let me put it to you this way—encounters have happened you know nothing about back during that time because they didn’t want people thinking they was crazy.” He gave ex amples of people he had known when he was a small child coming forth to the campfires he hosts at nearby Smith Park now he is an adult, tell ing their encounter stories along “…

Day’s Creek, Sulphur River and Bog gy Creek, all the way up to the fertil izer plant on the edge of Texarkana on Oak Street. There were a couple of sightings there.”

He also mentions a few recent sightings near some chicken houses on Highway 82. “There’s a lot more than what a lot of people want to talk about. A lot of people are really re served about that.”

Granted, many non-believers do consider folks telling such tales about such fantastic encounters as being a bit crazy.

“A lot of people come up to me and open up to me before they will open up to anyone else because of me being in the movie. Crabtree is synonymous with Bigfoot and the Fouke Monster.”

This includes the code behind the various knocks, which is common ly seen by those on television reality shows hunting for Bigfoot-type crea tures.

“I tested it,” Keith said. “I won’t do three knocks again. One knock is hel lo and two knocks is to make contact. Three knocks is anger and aggres sion—you’re ready to fight.”

Keith has spent his life surrounded by the legend, even with only vague knowledge that something might be

FOUKE

Keith Crabtree at the 2022 Ouachita Bigfoot Festival. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

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out there.

continued on page 22

“My grandmother lived on Boggy Creek. I spent a lot of time with her. She said, ‘There’s a booger in them woods. You be careful.’ When the old timers said there’s a booger in them woods, they were being serious. They weren’t trying to scare you. They pret ty much knew. They might have been skeptics, but when it came to the chil dren, they told us to be careful.”

Keith attends four to eight shows per year, ranging from Nebraska to Alabama. He’s been a part of Nite Callers Bigfoot Radio, the Southern Bigfoot Alliance and hosts The Fouke Monster Campout.

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“I don’t do it for the money. I do it to buy gas to go. I do it to interact. If you ask me if I believe in Bigfoot, it’s absolute—I believe it. I’m convinced.”

In 2019, the film was restored by the George Eastman Museum after

the copyright had been se cured by one of Pierce’s daughters, Pamula Pierce Barce lou. Sound file work was also done by Au dio Me chanics in Califor nia. The movie was re-re leased on 4K, premier ing (again) at the former Paramount Theater, now named The Perot in Tex arkana. Barcelou and Keith were at the premier, as was cryptozo ol ogist, Bigfoot author and musician Lyle Blackburn to lead a post-screen

ing talk.

The days of running up hills and three miles may be a thing of the past for Keith, who will be 72 on his next birthday as he makes do with his second pacemaker, but the Fouke Monster will always be his present. He plans to get out to meet and discuss

“The Legend of Boggy Creek” and listen to the various encounters from all those he meets. Crabtree’s family might be known for the film, but Keith will probably be forever conjoined with the Fouke Monster.

-

The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce celebrated Merle Nor man Cosmetics at Janssen Ave. Florist with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, Oct. 14.

Drop by their shop at 800 Janssen Ave. in Mena and check out their newest selections. (Photo courtesy of the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce)

Hatfield Masonic Lodge No. 218 and Eastern Star Chapter No. 22 in Hat field hosted their Ruby Jo Titsworth Indian Taco dinner at the Hatfield Au ditorium on Saturday. The Indian tacos, which are well-known among Hatfield residents, were served alongside desserts and an entertaining show of the Masons deep-frying the Indian fry-bread. (Trey Youngdahl/Pulse)

Veterans Day Parade honors Afghanistan vets

By Ethan Nahté

Veterans Day is Friday, Nov. 11, but the 2022 Veterans Day Parade will be honoring Afghanistan veterans. All veterans are welcome and invited to participate, of course.

The federal holiday is for honoring military veterans of all United States Armed Forces on the anniversary of the end of WWI at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918—the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11month.

The parade will be Saturday, Nov. 5 along Mena Street. Line-up at The Crossing Church begins at 10 a.m. and the parade will commence at 11 a.m.

For more information or to enter, contact Denie at 479-394-8001.

My Hogspore News:

I just found out what ‘woke’ meant

By Clet Litter as told to Bob Simpson

I just found out what woke meant. I thought it was somebody who had in somnia and couldn’t sleep. It makes me wonder what else I don’t know.

Halloween is acoming. Seems like the teachers are calling in sick Tues day cause the precious little trickers, treaters, and treatresses, are gonna be hopped up on sugar or missing fillings from caramel candy apples. Some of the elementary school woke boys will be wearing fairy princess costumes, and a few elementary school woke girls will be fashioned out in lumberjack outfits and hefting Fisher Price Chain Saws.

Grandson Benny and his wife are spending a week with us before they go to a new duty station. Benny won’t tell me where it is. He says it’s Hush Hush. I’m guessing Hush Hush is one of those American air force bases in the Philippines, cities like Pantyson.

The Big Boy Restaurant is updating the outside of their building in the Town Rectangle. The Big Boy statue is smaller, and Big Boy’s girlfriend is now taller and leaner. She’s sporting a busi ness suit, and at the bottom of her stat ue is a plaque saying, “Dolly, Big Boy Restaurant’s CEO.”

Quin’s Pet Store and Sporadic Wild life has some rare critters. There is a Nicaraguan Skunk. It doesn’t smell, but the skunks are a part of the un derground mammal resistance move ment, still fighting the guvernment in the mountains. A religious monk is mixed with a Llama called the Dalai Llama.

The store also carries a pet food made in Ecuador. It’s called the Quito Diet.

Mumford Pickens says, “One out of every five doctors is stupid and imma ture. The four doctors call the other one a big stupid Poopy Head.”

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

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

The Vault in Cove held a “Coffee with the Candidates” Friday morn ing. Cove Mayor Joan Headley and opponent Kevin Burkett talked to residents about their platforms.

(Jodi Croft/Pulse)

Ouachita Quilt Show scholarship raffle

Submitted by Joyce Sanden

The Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild and Polk County Extension Home makers Council (EHC) established a scholarship directly with the U of

tas and currently on display at the Polk County Extension office. The drawing for this year’s winner will held at the close of the quilt show Nov. 5.

To help us continue the giving

Spreading the news

Every Wednesday when Hope-Prescott News co-pub lisher Mark Keith delivered his papers at Hope Haven, an assisted living facility in Hope, former Mena resident Keith Kesterson told him he sure wishes he had a paper from Polk County.

Unbeknownst to Kesterson, Keith has friends at the Polk County Pulse. Jay Bunyard dropped several recent issues off at the Hope newspaper office this week so they could be dropped off for Kesterson. Kesterson was surprised with the papers Wednesday and was elated that he could get caught up on Polk County News this week!

A-Rich Mountain Foundation to enhance educational opportunities for single parents in Polk County. Guild members make a new quilt to raffle at the annual Ouachita Quilt Show.

This is the 11th quilt show that a quilt raffle has funded single par ent scholarships. The 2022 raffle quilt is Bear Paws in the Ouachi

tradition, buy raffle tickets from a guild or EHC member. To buy by mail, make checks out to Polk County EHC and send to Polk County EHC raffle, 211 DeQueen Street, Mena, AR 71953. $10 for 20, $5 for 6, or $1 each.

The date to submit quilts for the Ouachita Quilt Show is Nov. 1 from noon-5 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

Phillip Wilson, UARM Chancellor handing Joyce Sanden, Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild and Ouachita Quilt Show Committee Chair a check for the scholarship fund donation.

SBA

ensuring that all VBOCs have the necessary resources to perform required counseling and training functions.”

continued from page 1 12-month option periods, starting May 1, 2023. Additional informa tion about the funding opportuni ty, including specific coverage areas and instructions on how to apply, can be found at www.grants.gov and by searching “SB-OVVB-23-001.” Applications submitted via other media, including SBA’s website, will be rejected and will not be evaluat ed. Applications must be submitted via grants.gov no later than 11:50 p.m. EST on Wednesday, November 23, 2022.

With this SBA funding, grant awardees will be able to provide training to transitioning service members and military spouses through the Boots to Business en trepreneurship training program, which is part of the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program. Additionally, applicants will provide counseling, technical assistance, financial skill develop ment, comprehensive business as sessments, and mentoring services to veterans, transitioning service members, Reserve and Nation al Guard members, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business.

Organizations across Alaska, Central California, Colorado, Ken tucky, Nebraska, Iowa, Nevada, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Ohio, Penn sylvania, Puerto Rico, South Caroli na, and South Florida may apply for a portion of the total $4.1 million in funding available for this program in Fiscal Year 2023.

Each award is made for a base proj ect period of 12 months, with four

SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development will host information sessions on the funding opportuni ty via this Microsoft Teams link or this call-in number (202-765-1264; access code: 265 542 768#) at the following times:

• Thursday, Oct. 13: 3-4 p.m. EDT

• Tuesday, Oct. 25: 1-2 p.m. EDT

• Monday, Nov. 7: 4-5 p.m. EST

• Wednesday, Nov. 16: 1-2 p.m. EST

Please direct all questions about the VBOC funding opportunity to Tangela Liddell at tangela.liddell@ sba.gov. For issues with grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Support Line at 1-800-518-4726 or email support@grants.gov.

11/01 - CRHS @ Acorn

Ladycats volleyball off to the playoffs

Article By Ethan Nahté Photos by Jodi Croft

The Sr. Ladycats volleyball team finished their regular season last week on a high note, sweeping the Fountain Lake Cobras 3-0 on Oct. 18, and repeating the sweep against the Arkadelphia Badgers two days later.

The 4A Western Conference champs finished with a 16-0 confer ence record and a 23-2 overall record. They departed Mena on Monday af ternoon with an escort of emergen cy vehicles, complete with sirens and lights, as they headed to Brookland, Arkansas (between Jonesboro and Paragould in northwest Arkansas).

Cross Country

10/26 - Mena @ Lions Club

Football

10/28 - Mena vs. Ashdown

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

10/29 - Mena @ State Finals (TBD-Hot Springs)

The Ladycats first strike at the Pea Ridge Blackhawks at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25. The victor of those games will battle the winner between Morrilton and Wynne on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the quarter finals

Should the Ladycats still be in the running, they will play in the semi finals at 3 p.m. on Thursday.

If the Ladycats win their semi-fi nals match, they return to play in the state championship at 3 p.m. in Hot Springs on Saturday, Oct. 29.

Fans will be able to catch all of the Ladycats’ games on KENA 104.1 FM with Sherri Hines providing the exciting play-by-play action.

Baseball

10/28 - UARM vs. Elevation

Cross

10/29 - UARM vs. Region II

Homegrown herbals class for fall and winter

By Ethan Nahté

Dr. Carmen Jones, a naturopathic doc tor, brings her passion and expertise in natural medicine to the UA Polk Coun ty Extension Education Building at 211 Dequeen Street in Mena, 2 p.m. on Sat urday, Oct. 29.

As the fall season brings cooler days and winter approaches, we need help strengthening our immune system. ln this craft-along class, Jones will present the history of medicinal uses for sever al herbs and plants beneficial for your immune system using plants and herbs from your backyard garden and kitch en pantry to create natural recipes to promote wellness. She will explain how simple lifestyle changes may help you avoid illness and give instructions on how to boost immunity.

Jones is a licensed naturopathic doc tor, Choctaw, and an Oklahoma native. She brings natural medicine to com

munities in southwest Arkansas and southeast Oklahoma and helps people incorporate natural therapies into their lifestyle to supplement their health goals. Naturopathic doctors (ND/ NMD) are licensed primary care phy sicians, specializing in natural health care and prevention, trained to diag nose and prescribe.

Participants will make a soup that helps soothe cold symptoms. The class will also prepare other herbal recipes that can promote overall health and you will have the opportunity to sam ple several beverages.

The $10 class fee covers ingredients, recipes, hand-outs, and take-home items. Seating is limited. Call the Polk County Extension Office at 479-3946018 to reserve your seat. The class is presented by the Back Country Exten sion Homemakers Club.

Around Town

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

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

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 perform ing in Mena every Thursday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. The Center will also start having an exercise class on Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Con tact Trena Looney with questions, (479) 394-5459.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at The Crossing Church, 3 p.m., Sundays; at 5 p.m., Tues days; and at 8 p.m. Saturdays at the old bus barn. For information call (479) 234-8366 or (479) 2163786.

Hatfield First Baptist Church “Shep herd’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.

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 479-4374018.

The Disabled American Veterans monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, November 3, at Veterans Park in Acorn. Potluck will begin at 6 p.m. with meetings to follow.

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

American Legion meets every 2nd Tues day 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.

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 wel come. 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. Discussion/Book Study for information call (479) 243-0297.

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 2022 Veterans Day Parade will be honoring Afghanistan veterans. Saturday, Nov. 5 along Mena Street.

Performance nights for Ouachita Little Theatre’s original production of “Silas Marner” is Friday, Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Performanc es will follow Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 30 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for seniors an students. Reserved seating available 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.

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

The 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 17, 2022

Deputies responded to a report of neglect and possible fraud.

October 18, 2022

Deputies responded to a residence on Kodiak Lane near Mena in refer ence to a welfare check.

Deputies responded to a residence on Polk 44 near Mena in reference to identity fraud.

Shannon House, 55 of Grannis was arrested on a Felony Failure to Appear Warrant.

Melinda Kuykendall, 45 of Cove was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas State Police on charges of DWI, Reckless Driving and Driving Left of Center.

October 19, 2022 No reports.

October 20, 2022

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 407 near Cove in reference to pigs being shot.

Deputies responded to a residence on Polk 671 near Mena in reference to a possible theft.

Deputies were dispatched to a res idence on Hwy 375 W near Mena in reference to a theft.

October 21, 2022

Nevada Woodruff, 32 of Gillham

was arrested by an officer with the Drug Task Force on a Felony Proba tion Violation Warrant and a Mis demeanor Failure to Appear War rant..

Cody James, 22 of Mena was ar rested on seven Misdemeanor Fail ure to Appear Warrants and a Mis demeanor 3rd Degree Battery War rant.

October 22, 2022

While on patrol, deputies made contact with a stopped vehicle lead ing to the arrest of Lee Wisnoski, 48 of Mena on a Probation Violation Warrant and a charge of Fleeing on Foot.

Deputies responded to an area on Hwy 71 North in reference to a motorist assist leading to the arrest of Kenneth Lorenz, 70 of DeQueen on charges of DWI and No Driver’s License.

A traffic stop on Hwy 71 near Wickes led to the arrest of Lorin Kesterson, 56 of Wickes on a Felo ny Body Attachment Warrant and a charge of Possession of Metham phetamine or Cocaine.

October 23, 2022

Deputies responded to a residence on Polk 416 near Potter in reference to a prowler.

A traffic stop on N Edwards Street near Vandervoort led to the arrest of Chase Caudill, 32 of Wickes on charges of DWI, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a

Schedule VI Controlled Substance as well as a citation for Careless and Prohibited Driving, No Vehicle Li cense and No Proof of Insurance.

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

Polk County Detention Center

Jail Population: 20 Incarcerated In mates, with 12 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

October 16

No reports.

October 17 No reports.

October 18

Michael Mellette, 37, was served with a warrant at the police depart ment.

Tristen Chaney, 27, was served with two warrants after a distur bance call on Pine Avenue.

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

October 19

Billy Fletcher, 35, was charged with Public Intoxication, Disorderly Conduct and served with a warrant after a disturbance call on Reine Street.

Mitchell Symens, 22, was charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession ofDrug Paraphernalia after contact at The Oaks parking lot.

October 20

A report of theft was taken at La Villa.

October 21

A report of harassment was taken at Wendy’s.

October 22

No reports.

Stay safe with ‘around the house’ maintenance tips

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – As the leaves turn and cooler weather ap proaches, experts agree now is the best time to perform improvements and check areas around your home that may need maintenance. Enter gy Arkansas encourages customers to stay safe and consider following some safety tips when working in side and outside their home.

Starting with interior safety, it’s important to have a professional inspect and clean your furnace and fireplace to ensure both are with in good standards. Fallen leaves, animal nests and other debris can cause the smoke from your fireplace to vent into your home rather than outside your home, which could cause a fire.

Your HVAC unit will work more efficiently when it’s well-main tained, so replace dirty air filters inside and remove debris from the unit outside.

As Daylight Saving Time comes to an end Nov. 6, now is a great time to check the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide de tectors. All homes should contain a carbon monoxide detector to help identify the colorless and odorless gas that can cause serious illness or death.

Getting in the seasonal spirit may

mean lighting a few scented can dles but remember to never leave a burning candle unattended. A small sputter or an errant flame can cause a fire in an instant.

If you are using a space heater to stay warm, be sure to only use it when you are at home to monitor its activity. Space heaters consume more energy than other heating sys tems and are a fire hazard, so keep them at least three feet away from rugs, furniture and anything flam mable.

When performing maintenance activities that require a ladder inside or out, be sure to wear proper foot wear, position the ladder on a flat surface, and have someone nearby to spot you.

Keep in mind when cleaning up fallen leaves and broken limbs brought down by brisk autumn breezes to stay away from power lines, and always consult with a pro fessional for trimming trees. If trim mings fall onto power lines, assume downed wires are energized and re port them to 1-800-ENTERGY.

For more information about elec trical safety, visit www.entergy.com/ safety/residential/ and follow @ EntergyArk for regular updates on Facebook and Twitter.

The deadline is almost upon us to vote for your favorite Pick of the Patch entry. After looking at all the scarecrow photos on facebook. com/discoverdowntownmena and deciding on your favorite, please “like”your one and only preference. If you “like” more than one, your vote will not count. Help Mena Downtown Partners by voting for the “People’s Choice.” Have your friends come to Discover Downtown Mena to vote for their favorite. Voting ends October 31. We might be a bit partial, but the “Wake up With Trey” scarecrow in front of the Ouachita Little Theatre is a good option to “like.”

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

First Baptist Mena celebrates 125 years

Submitted by Vernon Payne

Mena First Baptist Church will cele brate 125 years of ministry to the Mena community and area on Oct. 29-30.

The church has sat on the corner of Church and Ninth Streets through out its rich history. From establishing oth er churches in the area, to being instru mental in the founding of PCDC, the Ninth Street Medical Clinic which op erated for several years, and the Fresh Start Pregnancy Center that is in oper ation today, FBC has made, and contin ues to make, a lasting impact in Mena.

Former pastors will be preaching in the services, beginning at 4 p.m. on Sat urday, Oct. 29. Logan Merrick, former youth pastor of the church, will preach in the 4 p.m. service. A light supper will follow. A second worship service will

begin at 7 p.m. with former pastor, Bill Bowen, preaching.

On Sunday, Oct. 30, Sunday School will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. with classes for all ages from birth through senior adults.

Morning worship will follow at 10:30. Former pastor, David McCord will preach and former music minis ter, Dink Doss, will lead worship. Lin da Gandy, long time member of the church and historian, will present a history of the church.

The observance will close with a pot-luck fellowship lunch following morning worship. The church invites all current members, former members, and friends to be part of this milestone celebration.

For more information, please contact the church office at 479-394-2541.

Changing of the Colors Rally

Ethan Nahté