Fabulous Fall Festival open to vendors and creative arts

By Ethan Nahté

Autumn has begun and the temperatures are about dip into a more comfortable range. With the cooler weather and leaves changing colors, it’s also a sign that it’s coming up time for the Fabulous Fall Festival. The festival will be held at the Polk County Fairgrounds once again.

The festival does not take place until Nov. 3-4, the same weekend as the Ouachita Quilt Show, which will be next door to the Fabulous Fall Festival.

It is time for vendors to reserve space. Last year’s event contained a variety of custom, hand-made items such as pottery, soaps and candles, handsewn items, jewelry, leather goods, knives, pies and cakes, jams and jellies, upcycled and repurposed items, kid’s stuff, wood-carved art, kitchen and household items, pet items and more.

Contact festival coordinator JoAnn Mitchell at mtchro9@yahoo.com or call 479-216-9033 for rates, booth/display information, vendor set-up and strike, or to obtain an application. It’s not too late to reserve a booth.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when the world unites in a sea of pink ribbons, illuminating the urgency of breast cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

In Arkansas, more than 2,400 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. It is the most common cancer for women in Arkansas and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women both in Arkansas and the United States.

One of the most crucial aspects of this observance is promoting early detection. The saying “early detection saves lives” couldn’t be more accurate when it comes to breast cancer. Routine mammograms, clinical breast exams, and self-examinations are essential tools in identifying breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage.

The Breast Cancer Act of 1997 was signed on March 11, 1997, by the Arkansas General Assembly, which led to the development of the ADH’s BreastCare program. Women ages 21-64 can be screened for cervical cancer, and women ages 40-64 can be screened for breast cancer regardless of ethnicity or nationality. Since its inception, the BreastCare Program has enrolled over 128,000 women for breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. Additionally, the program provides educational information to communities about the importance of regular breast exams as well as the risks associated with breast cancer.

In the 2021 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed ACT 553. This act clarifies that an insurer, upon the recommendation of a woman’s physician, must offer screening mammography as an essential health benefit if the woman has a prior history of breast cancer or the woman’s mother, sister, or any first- or second-degree female relative of the woman has had a history of breast cancer, positive genetic testing, or other risk factors.

We hope this Breast Cancer Awareness Month prompts conversations about prevention and early detection.

For more information about BreastCare, call 1-833-693-2942 or visit ARBreastCare.com to see if you are eligible and to find a provider. Chances are there is a BreastCare provider near you.

The state Transportation Department has written a plan to reduce carbon emissions by improving traffic flow and connecting highways more efficiently with railroad terminals and ports.

The department is due to receive $87 million from the federal government, between now and 2026, for projects that reduce carbon emissions.

According to federal studies, 26.6 percent of the carbon emissions in Arkansas come from transportation.

Trucks represent 4 percent of the registered vehicles in Arkansas, but large and mid-size trucks account for more than 4 percent of emissions for a couple of reasons. First, passenger car engines emit less carbon than heavy truck engines.

Secondly, a lot of the truck traffic in Arkansas was not counted in the energy study because they aren’t registered in Arkansas, but instead drive across the state on pass-through trips. Sections of Interstate 40 and Interstate 30 carry more than 20,000 trucks every day.

More than 2.1 million passenger vehicles are registered in Arkansas. In a typical year, Arkansas drivers are on the road less than the national average. Arkansas drivers average 26.6 miles a day, compared to 36.1 miles a day driven by the average American.

It stands to reason that if cars and trucks are stalled on the highway, the pollution they emit is greater than if they travel more quickly to their destination. That’s why the Department of Transportation will use some of the federal funding on traffic congestion and management.

For example, when a contractor wins a bid on a highway project, the Department uses a variety of techniques to minimize congestion in work zones.

If an accident is blocking lanes the Department can set up portable signs to alert drivers, so they have time to exit to another road and detour around the blockage.

In partnership with the State Police, the Transportation Department has trained 10,000 first responders to coordinate their duties at the site of an accident to clear the highway as quickly as possible. In 1,800 crashes that occurred in the first quarter of 2023, the median duration of lane blockage was 47 minutes.

Under state law, if you’re in a traffic accident in which there are no injuries, you’re expected to move your vehicle off the roadway. Removing your vehicle does not mean you are admitting liability, and it does not constitute a waiver of your rights to file a claim for personal injury.

Moving freight is an essential part of the Arkansas economy, and 18-wheelers move the bulk of it. Last year trucks moved 360 million tons of freight in Arkansas, compared to railroads moving 160 million tons and eight million tons being moved by waterway.

However, trains and barges are more efficient than trucks, in terms of the amount of air pollution they create. One barge can carry the tonnage of 16 train cars and 70 truck trailers. The Department can stimulate competition and lower carbon emissions at the same time, by improving connections between highways, train terminals and ports along waterways.

Other projects include expansion of bicycle and pedestrian paths, and building more roundabouts that eliminate waiting at red lights. Electronic vehicles are gaining market share, so the Department is developing plans to install charging stations along highuse corridors.

Wildia

Mae Prather

Wildia Mae

“Ninny” Prather, 98, died September 27, 2023, in Mena, AR. She was a caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Wildia was born August 13, 1925, in Newhope, AR, to Thomas Edward “Eddie”, Sr. and Florence Addie Turner. She was the 5th of 7 children. After graduating from Newhope High School, she married her high school sweetheart, Sgt. Lloyd Coffman, who was missing-in-action during World War II that same year. She later met and married Curtis Rex Lankford and together they had two children, Curtis Mitchell and Michael Thomas. Many years after Rex passed, Wildia met and married Marion “Pop” Prather until his death in 2004.

Wildia was a homemaker who loved spending time with her family and friends including, Barbara Roberts, her lifelong friend. Breakfast was one of her specialties. She made the best scrambled eggs and gravy! After meals, she would pull out the Wahoo board. She rarely lost using her yellow marbles and lucky dice with the worn-off dots,

She was a member of Holly Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Dierks, AR. She served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher and worked at various church activities and events. When members would lose a loved one, she was always willing to make a dish for the family.

She especially enjoyed providing kids’ snacks during Vacation Bible School every year.

Her interests throughout her life included cooking, gardening, canning, reading her Bible, church events, playing Moon at the Senior Citizen Center, dominos, traveling with the Senior Saints, Wahoo, watching the Razorbacks along with calling the Hogs, word finds, hanging out with friends, camping, and fishing. She devoted much of her time to caring for family members including her parents until they passed away in their 90s.

Wildia moved to Peachtree Assisted Living in Mena, AR, in 2015. During her time there, she attended Bible study, went to exercise classes, and played games with the residents. Holidays were extra special because she loved to showcase her festive spirit by participating in yearly costume contests. She made many good friends while living there and was especially close to her assistant, Maria, who loved and cared for her.

In 2022, Wildia moved to The Green House Cottages of Homewood in Mena, AR. She enjoyed visiting with the residents. Her activities included exercise, playing Bingo and Connect Four, and sitting on the patio listening to the fountain and birds.

Mrs. Prather is survived by her two sons, Curtis Mitchell (Ila Rae) Lankford of Mena, AR, Michael Thomas (Carol) Lankford of Mesquite, TX; 3 grandchildren, Tiffany Dawn (Brian) Stewart of Conway, AR, Candice Rae (Brian) Robinson of Conway, AR, Christopher Michael (Stacy) Lankford of Fayetteville, AR; 1 step-grandchild, Shaun (Rocky) Baker of Scurry,

TX; 8 great-grandchildren; and 5 step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eddie and Florence Turner; 6 brothers, Lloyd, Eule, Clarence, Gerald, Glen Dee, and Eddy Joe Turner, Jr.; and 5 sisters-in-law; and 3 husbands.

Family visitation/viewing will be October 6, 2023, at 1 PM with funeral service beginning at 2 PM at Holly Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Dierks, AR Graveside service to follow at Dierks Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her memory to Holly Creek Missionary Baptist Church, 705 Main Avenue, Dierks, AR 71833.

You may leave a condolence online at wilkersonfuneralhomes.com

Ella Dee Garrett

Ms. Ella

Dee Garrett, passed from this life on Friday, September

22, 2023, at the age of 93. She was a lifelong resident of the Cherry Hill community. The daughter of Roy and Helen (Germa) Shirley Garrett. She taught school for over 40 years starting her career at the Cherry Hill schools. She then when to complete her education at Southern Arkansas College and upon completion, taught in Columbia County and taught 2 years in Florida. When her father was killed in a farming accident, she returned to Polk County and secured a job with Mena Public Schools. This is where she completed her career. In retirement she continued to farm with a herd of angus cattle for several years, finally selling out and was content to garden, travel, and cheer on her beloved Razorbacks! Her last years she had caregivers that took excellent care of her to the end.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Leroy (Lee) and Chester (Chuck) Garrett; sisterin-law, Kay Scott Garrett; sisters, Shirley Windham; brother-in-law, Horce Windham; and nephew, Roy Windham.

She is survived by sister, Willa Burton; nieces, Brenda (Virgil) Hampton, Holly Garrett; greatniece, Stephanie (Marshall) Butler; and great-great-nephew, David.

Special thanks to her loving caregivers who loved and cared for her like family, Helen Dunse, Debbie Alley, Bonnie Stiltner, Maria Porter, and Dala Baker. And her guardian, Rene Roberts. Also thank you to Elite Hospice and their wonderful caring staff and Area Agency Hospice.

In lieu of flowers make donations to either Elite Hospice or Area Agency Hospice or to the Mena Lioness Lions Back Pack Program.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Keep

Holy Ground

Roy Seth Dean, 67, of Vandervoort, Arkansas, passed away on September 29, 2023. Roy was born on February 8, 1956, to Vernon Eugene Dean and Alice Pauline (Barrett) Dean in Mena, Arkansas. He worked at the feed mill and the rock quarry for most of his life; when he wasn’t working, he could be found in the pasture rounding up cattle. Roy loved to hunt and anything to do with farming. He would say he wouldn’t do a garden next year, but it never failed he would be out there next year doing it all over again. He loved to watch comedians, but everyone who knew him knew he was a comedian on his own. He loved talking about the good ole days and listening to the old-timey country music, but overall, his pride and joy were his nephews.

Roy is survived by, one brother, Keith, and wife Iris Dean, two sisters, Mable, and husband Lemuel Pennington, and Mildred Sherrouse, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, John, Delvin, Franklin, and Gene Dean, and sisters, Ollie Faye Keeney, and Margaret Jones. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, October 2, 2023, at Witherspoon cemetery in Vandervoort, Arkansas with Brother Tim Smedley officiating. The pallbearers will be, Mitchell, Gary, Tony Gatlin, David Dean, Rodney Jones, and Jonathan Dean.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Everly Faye Jackson

Everly Faye Jackson, infant daughter of Nicholas Gabriel Jackson and Catelin Maye Watkins, entered her heavenly home on Thursday, September 21, 2023, in Mena, Arkansas.

She leaves behind her parents, Nicholas Gabriel Jackson and Catelin Maye Watkins; brother, Elijah Jackson; sisters, Elizah Wilson, and Havyn Jackson; grandparents, Cindy Faye Watkins, Tammy Dearmen, and Eddie Jackson; as well as a host of other family too numerous to mention.

She is preceded by her grandfather, Phill Watkins; great-grandparents, Edith (Jo) Faye Roberts and Jerry Roberts, Dale Watkins and Tinker Watkins, Louise Holloway and Gene Holloway, and Juanita Jackson.

Services for Everly Faye Jackson will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 29, 2023, at the Center Cemetery in Hastley, Arkansas. Brother Donnie Jewell will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Jackson Watkins and Chad Stewart.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Exodus 3:1-5

“We are standing on Holy Ground, and I know that there are angels all around, so let us praise Jesus now, we are standing in His Presence on Holy Ground.”

So much to learn. So many stories of the people of God. So many Truths to put into place in our lives. And so it was with Moses and the burning bush. God encounters us in so many ways, often in ways that we would never have expected. And when He contacts us it is never accidental or incidental; He always has something important to say.

Moses would be used of God to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage, but first he must learn something very important about God. Having turned aside to see the bush that burned but was not in itself consumed by the fire. And as he approached God spoke to him. “Moses, Moses... do not come near here. Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.

“I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face for he was afraid to look at God.”

Moses did not know a great deal about God, but he knew there was something very, very special about the place where he was standing; he sensed the sacredness of the occasion and the place.

Jesus Christ is the person and presence of God. As it was with God and Moses, so must it be with Jesus and us. We say, correctly, that the building in which we Christians worship is not the church, but we miss something very, very important if we do not learn the lesson Moses learned about the Presence of God. Any place where we meet with Him is holy... no matter where it may be. And, as it was for Moses so it is for us: the Presence of God makes the place holy. When we assemble the very first thought in our minds and upon our hearts is that we are now going into that same Presence that Moses experienced. And as it changed Moses entire life so will it change ours.

The real encounter with Jesus in the experience of His holiness will inevitably change one’s life.

Real worship is a time and place that touches and changes lives. It is a time to put everything else aside, and focus on the One Who delivered us from incredible danger into His own eternal kingdom. In order for worship to be real everything else must yield to this holy occasion.

Sometimes churches spend weeks or even months to get ready for a “revival meeting,” when all revival needs is for the church, person by person, is to get in the Presence of God on HOLY GROUND. Nothing can take the place of this experience. Remember: Jesus is in our assembly. Remember that His presence makes it a holy place and a holy occasion. Remember to leave everything else behind and focus on Him. He will bless, and lives will be changed... and so will churches.

But we must “take off our shoes,” that is, anything that would keep us from His Presence.