Pulse THE POLK COUNTY
FREE WEEKLY 1168 Hwy 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600
June 16, 2021
Your DAILY News Sources: KENA 104.1 FM & MyPulseNews.com
Man found guilty of internet stalking of a child
Red Ball Convoy Rolls Through
INSIDE:
Photo by Trey Youngdahl
See story on page 4
Bald Eagle Release
Sting nets “Bathe” looking for underage participant in satanic sexual ritual
Page 11
By Jeri Pearson
Main Street
Disc Golf Club
Last week, a jury found Travis Parks, of Alma, guilty of internet stalking of a child and for attempting for compel a person he believed to be a child to send sexually explicit photos in December of 2019. Testimony given at the trial showed Park’s online profile depicted a photo of a pagan god, Baphomet, and his profile name was also in reference to the occult deity. Parks sent a message to another user on the site that he believed was a young woman, “Amber.” Soon after introductory messages were sent, “Amber” told Parks she was a 14 year-old girl and asked if that was an issue for Parks. However, the identity behind “Amber” was a Mena Police Officer. Parks attempted to have nude photos of the 14 year-old sent to him and asked intimate questions and shared explicit desires he had. He told the “girl” he was looking for a young woman to participate in satanic sexual rituals.
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TRIAL
June 16, 2021
Pulse
ABOUT BAPHOMET
continued from page 1
The conversation took place in the late hours of December 21 and early hours of December 22. Parks asked to meet the “girl” and a meeting was arranged in Mena. Parks continued to message as he was traveling and kept his would-be victim updated on his estimated time of arrival and when he arrived at the meeting location. Upon his arrival at the meeting location at approximately 2 a.m., Parks was arrested by Mena Police Officers . Despite the defenses argument that a “meeting” never took place, the jury found him guilty Prosecuting Attorney Jason Barrett told jurors that while no evidence of a physical assault would be presented, that evidence of Parks’ actions on the Internet, and enticing and soliciting someone Parks believed to be a child, were still crimes. “It is common for law enforcement to use a variety of tools,” he said while ref-
THE POLK COUNTY
erencing To Catch a Predator. “The defendant initiated the conversation and made very specific, disturbing request - which were crimes according to our state’s laws.” Parks, who was 27 at the time of the crime, was sentenced to 20 years for the Class B Felony of Internet Stalking of a Child and a consecutive sentence of 20 years of Class B Felony Computer Child Pornography. Because Judge Andy Riner was the Prosecuting Attorney on this case when charges were brought, Riner recused himself to allow for a fair trial. Judge Charles Yeargan presided on Park’s case and followed the recommendation of the jury. The maximum sentence for Internet Stalking of a Child is 40 years or life in prison and the maximum sentence for Computer Child Pornography is not more than 20 years, not less than five years.
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(479) 394-4140
515 Janssen Ave, Mena, AR 71953
Baphomet, invented pagan or gnostic idol or deity that the Templars were accused of worshiping and that was later embraced by various occult and mystical writers. The first known mention of Baphomet was in a letter written in 1098 by Anselm of Ribemont describing the Siege of Antioch during the First Crusade. Anselm stated that the Turks “called loudly upon Baphomet.” Most scholars believe that the word refers to Muhammad, the founder of Islam. In 1307 Philip IV of France had every Templar in France arrested, accusing them of such heretical acts as idolatrous worship of a bearded male head called Baphomet. By the 19th century Freemasons had also been (falsely) said to worship Baphomet. In his book Dogme et ritual de la haute magie (1861; Transcendental Magic: Its Doctrine and Ritual), the influential French occultist Éliphas Lévi created the Baphomet that has become a recognized occult icon. The book’s frontispiece was a drawing of Baphomet imagined as a “Sabbatic Goat”—a hermaphroditic winged human figure with the head and feet of a goat that is adorned with numerous esoteric symbols. Lévi describes the meaning of each element of the drawing, which is defined by its profound and pervasive duality. British occultist Aleister Crowley also adopted Baphomet, notably in his “Gnostic Mass.” More recently, the Satanic Temple commissioned a statue of Baphomet, which was unveiled in 2015 and then moved to various places as a protest against displays of Ten Commandments monuments in public spaces.
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
June 16, 2021
Radio - Print - Web 1168 Hwy 71S Mena, AR 71953 Phone: 479-243-9600 Fax: 479-243-9603 Email: news@mypulsenews.com
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Our Team: Ashley Smith- General Manager Jeri Pearson - Editor Ethan Nahté - Production Manager John Russell - Graphic Design Trey Youngdahl- Digital Producer Curt Teasdale - Programmer/ On-Air Personality Jim Pinson - Morning Personality Jackye Pruitt - Senior Account Executive Melissa Fetters - Account Executive Emily Liles - Receptionist Distribution & Insertion Staff Dan & Linda Deramus, Jason Sharp, Thaddaeus Nance, Jamie Beckwith The Polk County Pulse is the area’s premiere and fastest growing news publication. The Polk County Pulse is FREE and published weekly on Wednesdays, with a distribution of 8,000 and an estimated readership of 10,000. MyPulseNews.com has hundreds of visitors daily and KENA and KQOR have thousands of listeners hourly. POLICY: The publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. All property rights, including any copyright interest, in any advertisement produced by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse using art work and/or typography furnished or arranged by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse shall be the property of Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse. No such advertisement or any part thereof may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Pulse Multi-Media and The Polk County Pulse. POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENTS: Advertisements 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.
Around Town
The Polk County Fair is still scheduled to happen on Sept. 1st through the 5th! The Master Gardeners are looking forward to your entries of crops, flower arrangements, potted plants and flower bouquets in the horticulture department. More information will be provided as we get closer to the date and we receive further instructions regarding fair opening. Polk County Republican Committee meets the 3rd Monday of each month, 5:30pm in the Polk County Library. The next meeting is June 21. The Food Pantry at the Mena Seventh Day Adventist Church is open every first and third Monday of each month, 4pm-6pm, located at Fair Grounds Road. For more information, call 479-437-4018. Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 8pm Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study For information call 479-243-0297 Narcotics Anonymous meet at 7pm Monday, at 7pm Thursday, at 7pm Friday, and at 6pm Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call Erica at 479216-7249. Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 3pm Sundays, at 5pm. Tuesdays and at 8pm Saturdays at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call 479-234-8366 or 479-2163786 The Small Works show is on display at the Mena Art Gallery through June 25th. Comprised of 87 pieces of original, two-dimensional art from all over the United States, these pieces are no larger than 16” X 16” This is a family-friendly show. Everyone can choose their favorite and vote for People’s Choice. Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena Street, across from the Ouachita Little Theater. Open Wed.–Sat., 10am-3pm 479-394-3880 Fish Fry and Bake Sale for Masterpiece Ministries of Arkansas. Saturday, June 19, 3pm-7pm, Oden School Cafeteria. Donations Only. Benefiting the Women’s Recovery Home. For more information call (870) 490-1418. Ouachita Little Theatre has new office hours beginning this week on June 17. Located at 610 Mena Street, Suite B, the office will be open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 2:00-6:00pm. Season tickets, as well as reserved seating for “Big the Musical,” are on sale now. Audiences will be open to full capacity for this show. Masks are recommended for those who are not vaccinated for COVID-19 but are no longer required. 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!
Community 3
Want to share your opinion? The Polk County Pulse welcomes letters to the Editor addressing any topic of interest to our readers. To be published, letters must not contain obscene or libelous language. The letter must include a signature to be considered for publication. Signatures will NOT be held out by request. The following contact information is required when the letter is submitted: NAME, AGE, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER. Letters are published at the discretion of the Editor and Publisher. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to news@mypulsenews.com; mailed to P.O. Box 1450, Mena, AR 71953 or dropped off at 1168 Hwy. 71 South, Mena, AR. A drop-box is provided by the front door for after hour convenience.
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4 Community
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
June 16, 2021
Red Ball Convoy visits Mena
A convoy of vintage military vehicles departed Mena on June 12 from Janssen Park. The convoy route followed Highway 71 to Highway 88 to Pencil Bluff, then on to Mountain Harbor. Departing Mountain Harbor the convoy visited the recently restored Norman High School. More than 30 vehicles ranging from 1/4 ton jeeps to 2 1/2 ton trucks made up the convoy. Vehicles ranged from WW2 vintage to current issue. The 2021 Red Ball convoy, hosted by the Arkansas MV Travelers commemorates the Red Ball Convoy of World War II fame. The original Red Ball Convoy lasted 82 days and operated over 6,000 trucks. The Red Ball Express as the original operation was called was responsible for more than 412,000 tons of fuel, am-
munition, and equipment being transported. 77 years later this event honored not only the men of the original Red Ball Express but all the men and women who have served in our nation's military before and since World War II. A static display of vehicles was held Friday, April 11, at Janssen Park and on Saturday. The ARMVPA would like to thank the folks at the Norman school for opening their doors as well as the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce, the Marine Corps League detachment in Mena, AR, VFW Post 4451, and Mountain Harbor Resort for their support. If you would like more information about the convoy, visit: https://armvpa. jeep1942.com/red-ball-convoy/
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A display of military vehicles was observed at Janssen Park over the weekend as part of the Red Ball Convoy operation, which honors the service of veterans from World War II to current.
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Photo by Trey Youngdahl
Holly Springs Real Estate, LLC
1114 A Highway 71 S, Mena, AR 71953
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479-243-5341 kaleshire@aol.com
3876 - Office Building and Land on Highway 71 South in Mena. Front reception area and an office with space for file cabinets. Side hall connects exam rooms with a restroom at the end. An extended lab area, plus office and storage/ work area is located on the other side of the exam rooms creating a convenient work environment. At the back of the building there's a restroom and storage with a washer-dryer hookup. MLS18032226 PRICE REDUCTION- $125,000
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
State News 5
June 16, 2021
From the
State House of Representatives
This week, we would like to than $1 billion in scholarremind families of an upcomship proceeds and awarding scholarship deadline. ed more than 650,000 July 1 is the deadline to apAcademic Challenge Scholply for the Arkansas Academic arships to students. Challenge Scholarship. The lottery also funds the The scholarship provides tuArkansas Workforce Chalition assistance to traditional lenge Scholarship and and non-traditional students John Maddox the Arkansas Concurrent attending universities and Challenge Scholarships. two-year colleges – both pubStudents seeking certifilic and private – in the state. cation for high-demand occupations Freshman students at four-year col- in healthcare information technology leges receive $1,000 from the scholar- and industrial manufacturing may ship. Second- and third-year students apply for the Arkansas Workforce receive $4,000, and senior-level stu- Challenge Scholarship. dents are awarded $5,000 per year. And funding is available for high At two-year colleges, first-year stu- school students who wish to start dents receive $1,000 annually, while early on receiving credit for college second-year students are awarded courses through the Arkansas Con$3,000. To maintain eligibility, stu- current Academic Challenge Scholdents must keep a 2.5-grade point arship. average. Every bit of education you get afTraditional students must score ter high school increases the chancat least 19 on the ACT to qualify for es you'll earn good pay. Most college the scholarship. The latest ACT score graduates earn more money during accepted by the Arkansas Division of their working years than people who Higher Education will be from the stop their education at high school June testing. Students who have yet earn. The more education you get, the to achieve a score of 19 make take the more likely it is you will always have Accuplacer test as a substitute. a job. Since its inception in 2009, the ArFor more information and to apply, kansas lottery has helped raise more visit scholarships.adhe.edu.
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
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
From the
State Senate
However, Arkansas is now Public health experts now among the numerous states say that children as young as that now have an excess of 12 can safely be vaccinated vaccines. Public health ofagainst the Covid-19 coronaficials are concerned that virus. vaccines will reach their exThe governor and state ofpiration date before they are ficials are urging parents to administered. The governor get their children vaccinated, because after they are fully Larry Teague has talked to federal officials about possibly sending unvaccinated they will not have to be quarantined if they are exposed to used vaccines to other nations where supplies are lacking. someone with Covid-19. About 32 percent of the state’s popVaccinating more children will minimize disruptions to their school- ulation is fully vaccinated, compared ing. Also, it will indirectly boost the to almost 52 percent nationwide. Last Arkansas economy because parents week the federal Centers for Disease won’t have to stay home with a child Control (CDC) ranked Arkansas ahead of only Mississippi and Alawho is in quarantine. Arkansas has begun offering incen- bama in the percentage of people who tives to people to take the vaccina- are fully vaccinated. Information about getting vaccitions. In late May, the state began offering people a $20 scratch off lottery nated is available at the state Health ticket, and $21 gift certificates toward Department’s web site, at this Internet a hunting or fishing license with the address: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/ Game and Fish Commission. Additional incentives may become Moving Battlefield Artifacts available, depending on the demand. Artifacts from Prairie Grove BatInitially, the state will offer 50,000 scratch off lottery tickets and 50,000 tlefield State Park are being moved to gift certificates for hunting and fishing Jacksonport State Park, because the Prairie Grove park doesn’t have the licenses. A person who received two doses right type of facility for storing them of the Pfizer shots is considered fully and preserving them. The artifacts include weapons, artilvaccinated two weeks after getting the lery shells, uniforms, saddles and fursecond shot. Children 12 and older can now re- niture. Many are fragile. The change ceive the Pfizer shots, under federal in location may upset neighbors of the Food and Drug Administration guide- battlefield park because many pieces lines, but vaccinations from Moderna were donated by local families. Also, they are good visual exhiband Johnson and Johnson are only allowed for people 18 and older. You its for park interpreters when teachhave to have two Moderna shots, but ing about the battle of Prairie Grove, the complete Johnson and Johnson which occurred on December 7, 1862. Union forces won the day, enabling vaccination is in one shot. When vaccines first became avail- them to control northwest Arkansas able there were not enough for every- and Missouri for the remainder of the one. For that reason they were admin- Civil War. The Jacksonport park is near Newistered first to people in high priority groups, such as senior citizens and port. It was a thriving port at the conpeople with medical conditions that fluence of the White River and the made them especially vulnerable to Black River, and like Prairie Grove it is the location of a Civil War conflict. the virus.
6 Obituaries
June 16, 2021
Nancy Kathleen Warren Mrs. Nancy K a t h l e e n Warren, age 67, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on Sunday, June 6, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on September 26, 1953, in Ohio, to Robert Warren and Anita (Fairburn) Warren. Nancy enjoyed gardening and taking care of plants. She loved animals, especially her cat Kizzy. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She will be dearly missed. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard Taylor; and her son, Jeremiah Julian. Nancy is survived by her sons, Joshua Julian and wife April of South Carolina, and James Julian and wife Dixie of Mena; daughters, Joy Starr and husband Joy of Mena, Jolene Fatheree of South Carolina, Jessica Fox of Mena, and Janese Julian of Missouri; grandchildren, Allen Jr., Aiden Starr, Sherissa Potter, Sadie Potter, Britney Fox, Joeseph Fox, Dillon Loving, Lenox Lance, Amercus Julian, Ezzy Simmons, and several others; three great grandchildren; step-mother, Nancy Warren of Ohio; brother, Ronald Warren of Mena; and step-sister, Cindy Stepp of Ohio. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Beasley Wood Funeral Home. No services are scheduled at this time.
Rosie and Tyrell Pruitt; Aunts and Uncles Emily Ford and husband Charlie, Eric Davis and wife Cheryl, Jesse Henry and wife Ashley, Kenna White and Aaron Shores, Mandy Henry, RiMr. Arnold ley, Diego, Ottawa and Feleena Shores. Dean Wilcox, Desmond is preceded in death by age 80, of Mena, his Great Grandpa Cecil Alton Bailey, Arkansas, passed Great Grandmother Joy Rozell Bailey away Thursday, Jenkins, Great Grandmother Bessie Irene Shores. June 10, 2021, at his home. A graveside service for Desmond He was born July 3, 1940, in Ink, Arwill be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, kansas to the late Bert Bodie Wilcox June 15, 2021, at Foster Cemetery with and the late Flossie Lee Rosson Wilcox. Pastor B. J. Jenkins officiating under He was married to Billie Kay Cook the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral and was a sheet metal worker at U.S. Home. Motors. Mr. Wilcox served our counOnline obituary and guestbook try in Vietnam and was a member of at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com the 377th Transportation Company in Mannheim, Germany. He was a memBasil ber of the Union Mission Pentecostal Regil Church of God and was a loving husband, father, step-father, and friend. Kesterson He is survived by his wife, Billie Kay Mr. Basil ReWilcox, daughters, Patricia Wilcox gil Kesterson, age Costello, 11 stepchildren and a host of 70, of Wickes, other relatives and friends. Arkansas, passed away Sunday, June He was preceded in death by his par13, 2021. He was born on December ents. 18, 1950, in De Queen, Arkansas to Funeral services will be Monday, Charles Kesterson and Ruth Mize KesJune 14, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Union terson. Mission Pentecostal Church of God Basil was united in marriage to Penwith Brother Lewis Martin, Dwight ny Kesterson on November 25, 1984, Douglas and Roy Powell officiating. In- and they enjoyed thirty six and a half terment follows in Pinecrest Memorial wonderful years together. Basil loved Park under the direction of the Beasley his family, friends, and teaching about Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be God and Salvation. Polk County was at the church Monday, from 10:00 a.m. the focus of his life. He tried every way possible to help in growing his comto 11:00 a.m. prior to service time. Pallbearers will be Dale McLain, Bill munity of Wickes and anyone in need. His motto was “God, Family, and McLain and Dwight Douglas. Online obituary at beasleywoodfu- Community”. Basil will be unimaginably missed by all that knew and loved neralhome.com him. Desmond Alton Dean Davis Basil graduated from OSU class of 1971 as an Animal Science Major. Desmond Alton Doss Davis, infant son He and his wife founded Global Fats of Ethan Davis and Tiny Shores, gained & Oils Corp in 1989 which operated his angel wings on Thursday, June 10, export and domestic feed grade ani2021, in Mena, Arkansas. mal nutrition. Cattle and horses were He is survived by his Brothers Samu- their love and passion. Basil was the JP el Davis, William Cook, Bently Heath, of district 9 since 2002 and served at Gasten Land and Laban Land; Sisters the Cossatot Senior Center. He was a Makayla Davis and Talanie Schul- Christian by Faith. ze; Grandparents, Darryn Davis and He is survived by his wife, Penny Amy Davis, Mark and Monica Shores, Kesterson; sons, Tony Gunter and wife
Arnold Dean Wilcox
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse Korinda of Wickes, Travis Kesterson and wife Tina of Grannis, and Brandon Courtney and wife Patty of Vandervoort; grandchildren, Tessa Chaney and husband Nathan of Acorn, Kody and Brody Bailey of Hatfield, Ty and Taylar Kesterson of Grannis, Jaden Courtney of Wickes, Vanessa Neal and husband Josh of Vandervoort, Brandi Loyd of Cove, Ashton, Bryor, Jonny and Harley Loyd of Vandervoort, Kortney Landraneaux and husband Ryan of Henderson, TX, Melanie Oney and husband Randy of Carmack, TX, and Eddie and John Dickey of Marshall, TX; nine great grandchildren; brothers, Jeff Kesterson of Gillham, and Clovis Kesterson and wife Jennifer of Vandervoort; God given family members: Diane Warren of Grannis, Brandon Bailey and Family of Wickes, Dood Baker and wife Kathy of Wickes, James Sanders of Wickes, Orvin Foster of Mena, and Andy Marroy; and a host of other nieces, nephews, and other family. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Coleman Kesterson, and Joe Kesterson; niece, Marietta Kesterson; and sisters in law, Kathy Kesterson and Christine Kesterson. A funeral service for Mr. Kesterson will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at Beasley Wood Funeral Home Chapel with Brother David Baker officiating. Interment will follow at Gillham Cemetery in Gillham, Arkansas. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Arrangements are under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Tony Gunter, Travis Kesterson, Brandon Courtney, Kody Bailey, Brody Bailey, and Nathan Chaney. Honorary Pallbearers are the Polk County JP’s, and Brandon Ellison, Scott Sawyer, Andy Riner, Dood Baker, James Sanders, and Buck Bailey. Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
History 7
June 16, 2021
James C. “Jim” Lawrence
James C. “Jim” Lawrence passed away on Sunday, June 13, 2021, at the age of 64, after a short, but courageous battle with liver cancer. Born on September 8, 1956, in Searcy, Arkansas, to the late Allen and Myrdith Lawrence, he grew up in a loving Christian home. Jim lived his life without borders, exploring everything life had to offer, but after many adventures and misadventures, he settled down and became a man of simple pleasures, taking joy in being surrounded by his wife and kids and all their families for lively cookouts and good music. A master carpenter, he enjoyed the artistry of carpentry as much as the utility, and continued to work on his and his daughters’ homes up until the end. Proud to be a friend to all, he made no distinction between janitor or CEO. No one was above or beneath Jim; they walked along side him regardless of their circumstances in life. Jim was preceded in death by his son, Michael Lawrence, and his parents, Allen and Myrdith Lawrence. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Lawrence; his daughters, April and husband Mike, Lahoma and husband TJ, Jennifer, Candace, Connie and husband Clay, and Nichole; his sister, Sue Cavner and husband James, a dozen grandkids and great grandkids, aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends. Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 17, 2021, at the Hillside Cemetery in Sulphur Springs, Arkansas. Services are under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be general at the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Mike, T. J., Eddie, Clay, Logan, and C.J. Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com
Reflections from History & Faith By Jeff Olson
Father's Day and Fathers
The journey of Father's Day in America to its rightful place as a national observance in 1972 was a lengthy one, much more so than that for Mother's Day – fifty-eight years to be exact. The reasons for this are varied but most have to do with the culture of early 20th century America. Typical for fathers of the time, the idea of a Father's Day was too effeminate to their liking and lacked the sentimental appeal of Mother's Day. As one historian wrote: [men] “scoffed at the holiday’s sentimental attempts to domesticate manliness with flowers and gift-giving, or they derided the proliferation of such holidays as a commercial gimmick to sell more products—often paid for by the father himself.” However, a few crusaders for such an observance were not to be denied and never gave up. The first known Father’s Day service occurred in Fairmont, West Virginia, on July 5, 1908, after hundreds of men died in the worst (coal) mining accident in U.S. history, killing 362 men, 250 of them fathers. Grace Golden Clayton proposed a service to honor all fathers, especially those who had died. Though this father's recognition did not become an annual event, it did later inform and inspire subsequent efforts toward making Father's Day a national observance. One father in particular, William Jackson Smart, an Arkansas veteran of the Civil War, raised five children on his own after his wife died giving birth to their sixth child in 1898. His daughter, Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, wanted to honor her father for his devotion. Dodd drew up a petition recommending the adoption of a national father's day to be celebrated during June, the month of her father's birthday. Through Dodd's efforts, the support of the Spokane Ministerial Association and the local Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), Spokane celebrated its first Father's Day on June 19, 1910. During the following years many resolutions were introduced to make the day an official national celebration. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge recommended the widespread observance of Father's Day to "establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children and to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations." In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers, but it wasn't until 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed it into law that Father's Day became an official national observance as the third Sunday in June. It was about time! The vital role of fathers has been extolled throughout history in virtually every religion and culture. It was abundantly clear to our Founding Fathers
that families with both mothers and fathers were critical to the well-being of children and our nation. In John Adam's words, "The foundation of national morality must be laid in private families.... How is it possible that Children can have any just Sense of the sacred Obligations of Morality or Religion if, from their earliest Infancy, they learn their Mothers live in habitual Infidelity to their fathers, and their fathers in as constant Infidelity to their Mothers?" His wife Abigail wrote, "What is it that affectionate parents require of their Children; for all their care, anxiety, and toil on their accounts? Only that they would be wise and virtuous, Benevolent and kind." James Wilson stated, "It is the duty of parents to maintain their children decently, and according to their circumstances; to protect them according to the dictates of prudence; and to educate them according to the suggestions of a judicious and zealous regard for their usefulness, their respectability and happiness." According to the late Dr. Edwin Cole, “the lack of effective, functioning fathers is the root cause of America's social, economic and spiritual crises." Writer and editor Mark Alexander states "The failure of fatherhood is more than just a social problem; it is a menacing national security threat. The collective social pathology of the fatherless has dire consequences for the future of Liberty, free enterprise and the survival of our republican form of government as outlined by our Constitution." Most fundamental and important: we are commanded by God through the Holy Scripture to honor our fathers and mothers (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:2), and not just two days out of each year. This we do, not only through love and respect but in continuing the moral and virtuous qualities of their legacies through the lives we lead. Fatherhood, like motherhood, best serves God's design and purpose and finds its most complete and enduring expression within the marriage covenant. By God's design, children get their first impression of who God is and what he is like through their father. Christian fathers are followers of Christ, and walk in his footsteps. A Christian father loves his children, which finds its first and most lasting expression in his love for their mother. “Love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it.” (Ephesians 5:25). He provides for his children's needs. He sustains them through the trials of growing up. He protects them from the dangers of life, but not the lessons of life. He instructs them in the ways of righteousness. He corrects them when their steps go astray. A Christian Father is a role model, protector and counselor to his children.
See HISTORY page 9
8 Faith
THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
June 16, 2021
An Arkie’s Faith: The Least We Can Do By Richie Lawry
The sun was beginning to come up as I drove into Little Rock. A faint yellow-orange glow forced its way through the overcast sky. For the past two months, I have been going to Little Rock very early in the morning to pick up the auto glass that I need for my business. My supplier no longer delivers to Polk County, so I have to make two trips a week to Little Rock to pick up my glass. I had a large order that would more than fill my truck and a busy day scheduled when I made it back to my shop. As we started to load the truck, my supplier’s software system was slow. The warehouse employee enters each piece of glass into the software to bill me and take the glass out of inventory. What should have taken just a few minutes dragged on for half an hour. I was getting restless thinking about the long drive home and the customers who would be waiting for me. Finally, with every slot in my rack filled and with four side glasses and five cases of urethane crammed in the cab of my little truck, I was on my way home. There was barely enough room for me in the S-10, and it wasn’t easy to shift gears. After driving for an hour, I needed to get out and stretch my legs and use the bathroom. I pulled off the road into a busy gas station, parking in the only space available. As I got out, I noticed the sign on the door of the vehicle next to me. It said, “Elmer Beard, Poet.” A spry, older gentleman was walking towards the car. “Are you the poet,” I asked? “Yes, I am.” We exchanged pleasantries and talked about the weather. “Let me give you a copy of my
book of poetry,” my new acquaintance said. “I would like that,” I answered. “I am a writer and have a copy of my latest book in my truck. Would you like to trade?” Both of us had to move things around in our vehicles to get to our book. We each signed our books to each other, and after exchanging phone numbers, we went on our way. As he was leaving, Elmer’s final words to me were, “If I come to Mena, I will give you a call.” As I was driving home, I thought about my interesting encounter with Elmer. He had been so polite and upbeat. He seemed like a man who enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. It was such a chance meeting at a random gas station beside the road. But Elmer had made a deep impression on me, and I couldn’t get him out of my mind. If I had been able to load my truck without the software issues, I would not have been in the right place at the right time to meet Elmer. But I was thankful that I had. I couldn’t wait until I had time to sit down and read his book. That evening, I sat in my favorite turquoise Adirondack chair on my deck and started to read Elmer’s book of poetry. The cover has a photo of Elmer in an old Ford pickup from the early sixties. The title is “Let Reason Roll: Race, Religion & Reflections. I was intrigued by the author title at the bottom of the book; Poetry by Elmer Beard The Octo Griot. From the book, I learned that Elmer is in his eighties. Octo is the Latin prefix for the number eight, so that part made sense, but what about the griot. A quick internet search led me to the answer. The Oxford Dictionary lists the definition of griot as “a member of a class of traveling poets, musicians, and
storytellers who maintain a tradition of oral history in parts of West Africa.” As I read his poetry, It seemed like I began to know him as a man. Elmer has a way of exposing his inner self through simple words. He tackles tough topics with gentleness and the insight of someone who has gained wisdom from his life experience. The friendly, unassuming black octogenarian grew up in the small southern town of Chidester, Arkansas. He earned degrees from Arkansas Baptist College and Henderson State University and spent many years as a teacher. He ended his teaching career as an adjunct English professor at Arkansas Baptist College and National Park College in Hot Springs. In addition, Elmer made a difference in his community by serving for sixteen years on the Hot Springs City Council.
As I finished the book, I kept going back and rereading one short, simple poem titled “The Least We Can Do.” Elmer’s words kept going through my mind as I longed for a world that followed the simple concept of the poem. “I am who I am. And so are you. Courtesy is costless. The opposite is expensive. Respect is deserved. The least we can do. Is be kind and gentle. Regardless of values. Or our experiences. That’s the least. We can do.” People who are kind and gentle have the potential to be rude or proud, but they have deliberately decided not to behave that way. They have intentionally chosen gentleness. That takes more strength than it does to treat others harshly. In his book Grace for the Moment, Max Lucado offers a pledge that
Joke of the Week: My friend claims his dog can bring a ball back from half a mile away. But that seems a bit far-fetched to me.
See FAITH page 9
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THE POLK COUNTY
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History 97
June 16, 2021
HISTORY continued from page 7
He is the spiritual leader to his family. “Provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4). I will close with What Fathers are Made Of, a tribute to fathers written and first broadcast many years ago by Paul Harvey. His artistic tapestry of sentiment and reality remain touching. "A father is a thing that is forced to endure childbirth, without an anesthetic. A father is a thing that growls when it feels good and laughs loud when it’s scared half to death. A father never feels entirely worthy of worship in his child’s eyes. He never is quite the hero his daughter thinks, never quite the man his son believes him to be. This worries him, sometimes, so he works too hard to try and smooth the rough places in the road for those of his own who will follow him. A father is a thing that gets very angry when school grades aren't as good as he thinks they should be. He scolds his son although he knows it's the teacher's fault. Fathers grow old faster than other people. And while mothers can cry where it shows, fathers stand there and beam outside–and die inside. Fathers have very stout hearts, so they have to be broken sometimes or no one would know what is inside. Fathers give daughters away to other men who aren’t nearly good enough so they can have grandchildren who are smarter than anybody’s. Fathers fight dragons almost daily. They hurry away from the breakfast table, off to the arena which is sometimes called an office or a workshop…where they tackle the dragon with three heads: Weariness, Work and Monotony.... Fathers make bets with insurance companies about who will live the longest. Though they know the odds, they keep right on betting. Even as the odds get higher and higher, they keep right on betting more and more....And one day they lose. But fathers enjoy an earthly immortality and the bet is paid off to the part of him he leaves behind. I don’t know where fathers go when they die. But I have an idea that after a good rest, he won’t be happy unless there is work to do. He won’t just sit on a cloud and wait for the girl he’s loved and the children she bore. He’ll be busy there, too, repairing the stairs, oiling the gates, improving the streets, smoothing the way."
FAITH continued from page 8
we could all make our own: “Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.” For us as Christians, it is the least we can do. Galatians 5:22,23 (KJV) says, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit. When we see harshness and hate for others among Christians, we can see that they are not living in the Spirit. “Just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” Matthew 7:20 (NLT) Gentle Reader, gentleness is a strong hand with a soft touch. It is a tender, compassionate approach to others, even those who are different from us. “Kindness, peace, love—may they never stop blooming in you and from you.” Jude 1:2 (VOICE) I leave you with the words of the Octo Griot, “I am who I am. And so are you. Courtesy is costless. The opposite is expensive. Respect is deserved. The least we can do. Is be kind and gentle. Regardless of values. Or our experiences. That’s the least. We can do.”
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10 Outdoors
June 16, 2021
THE POLK COUNTY
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OUACHITA BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL PINE NEEDLE TEA By Michael C. Lewis Foreword and summary by Steven E. Stillwell I HAVE SOME EXCITING NEWS. We’ve added over 250 new members to the Ouachita Bushcraft and Survival Facebook page this week, and our subscribership is growing exponentially. We have over 1,100 sportsmen and women, and many of them are showcasing their skill-sets by posting pictures, videos, and informational articles. I’m really impressed, because of
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all the talent and creativity I’m seeing. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to network with other likeminded individuals and groups. This is how we learn! The following article was written by one of our founding members and posted on our survival page. This recipe is simple to make, essential for nutritional purposes, and it can prevent scurvy, {a disease caused by insufficient vitamin C consumption} This ailment can cause loosening of teeth, spongy gums, bruising, rashes, weakness, fatigue, and bleeding. Michael is from eastern Tennessee, so this information is applicable for most of the southern regions in the United States, including Arkansas, and parts of Europe. I’d like to thank him for his important contribution and the permission to publish this. Michael C. Lewis: I made some PINE NEEDLE TEA at my Bushcamp today
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and several people asked me how to brew it. So, here’s how it’s done: 1. Pick a double handful of pine needles. My favorite is from the white pine. (Identification is easy. 5 needles on each frond) 2. Place them in a cup or pot and set them aside. 3. Boil 1-2 cups of water. 4. Pour boiling water over the pine needles. Cover with a lid and let the needles steep 5-10 minutes. (If you actually boil the needles, tannins will be released, making the drink very bitter.) 5. Place a bandanna (or some type of cloth) over your tea cup. Then pour the liquid through the cloth into your cup to strain it, keeping the needles and whatever else that soaked off them out of your tea. 6. Sweeten as desired, or drink it as is. I like it both ways. It has a distinct citrus flavor and contains much more vitamin C than an orange. This recipe is very soothing and helps me relax! Give it a try, and God Bless you.
Steve Stillwell’s closing thoughts. If you’re spending a lot of time in the backwoods, this simple concoction will help to keep you healthy and strong. Regarding vitamin deficiencies; the sick, elderly and children are the most vulnerable, so a balanced diet is essential to keep them going. In fact, it’s important for all of us, especially if we’re expending lots of energy and burning calories. It never hurts to keep a bottle of vitamin supplements in your day pack, just in case! IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN. The Survival television programs Alone, Mountain men, Naked and Afraid, and Moonshiners, should be airing their new series this quarter, so I’m excited to meet, talk with, and interview some more of these backwoods sages! I’d like to thank my wonderful sponsors for supporting, THE OUACHITA BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL SHOW. If you’re interested in survival, I invite you to join our growing Facebook group, Ouachita Bushcraft and Survival. Your comments, articles, videos and suggestions are always welcome.
THE POLK COUNTY
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June 16, 2021
Outdoors 11
Bald Eagle Release
In early April, Arkansas Game and Fish Officer of the Year, Mac Davis, was called by someone scouting turkeys to rescue an injured adult, male bald eagle. The eagle was dragging a wing and unable to fly. Mac said on his Facebook page: “You never know what you’re going to be chasing through Muddy Creek WMA. Apparently, he does not know the meaning of, ‘Stop, I’m trying to help.’ Dang they can run.” Mac persevered and caught the eagle after chasing it for what he said seemed like half a mile. He threw a blanket over the eagle and caught it. One of the photos attached is of Mac holding the eagle prior to releasing it to rehab. He said he was holding on tightly! Mena, Arkansas local wildlife rehabber, Tommy Young, received the eagle, who had numerous injuries, including what appeared to be talon marks from another eagle. The eagle is mended, well, and ready to go. What a great way to celebrate our nation’s birthday, by witnessing this symbol of our country fly away and head for home! This will be the 115th bald eagle cared for and released back to the wild by Mr. Young, who has been rehabilitating wildlife since he was a teen and is authorized by the US government to care for injured eagles. Mr. Young’s late father was born on July 3rd, so there is a special significance to the date. The event is suitable for families and all ages. There is no charge to attend. Donations are gratefully accepted, however, as this important work receives no government funding and is supported solely by donations. [If you are unable to attend but would like to support this work please mail a check to ANPWC (Arkansas Native Plant & Wildlife Center) at PO Box 1881, Mena, AR 71953. All donations are tax deductible.] The event will be attended by various indigenous tribes for whom the eagle is an important symbol.
Inclement weather will move the event to Sunday, July 4th at 5:00. (In this case, inclement means truly horrible weather. The eagle can fly in rain and most of us will not melt!)
Where: Hickory Nut Mountain vista, Mount Ida, Arkansas When: Saturday, July 3, 2021. Gather beginning at 5:00 pm. The eagle will be released promptly at 5:30 pm. The public is invited to attend free of charge. Closest Towns: Hot Springs, Mt. Ida, Norman, Royal Directions: Hickory Nut Mountain Vista & Picnic Area US Highway 270 Mt. Ida, Arkansas The turn-off for Hickory Nut Mountain is located approximately 13 miles East of Mt. Ida on the left, or 23 miles West of Hot Springs on the right, approximately 1.3 miles West of the Garland/Montgomery county line. Follow Hickory Nut Mountain Road as it climbs the mountain, taking the Left fork at 1.0 mile. At 3.5 miles is a sign on the left for the picnic area. The road ends at 4.2 miles at the vista overlook, where the eagle will be released.
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12 Community
June 16, 2021
Visiting with Veterans Courtesy Photo On Memorial Day May 31, 2021 VFW Quartermaster Eddy Cross went to Greenhouse Cottages of Homewood and Peachtree Assisted Living facilities to present handmade flag holders with flags to all veteran residents. The flag holders were made by DAV Commander, James Scott. VFW Auxillary member Carol Burns assisted Eddy Cross with delivery.
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Hogspore News Pappy Pender Jr. Retires By Clet Litter from the Ozarks
Pappy Pender Jr., president of Pappy Pender’s Peculiarly and Singularly Old Fashioned Oatmeal Porridge Factory, is retiring from the daily grind. Pappy Junior’s last sales campaign didn’t go zackly the way he thought it would, so as he said, “I’m Oat of here.” Folks will remember listening and laughing to the radio commercial: “Oatmeal Porridge. It’s not just for poor people.” My Uncle Nilly worked at that factory for thirty years and ate porridge every morning. He bragged that it kept him regular. One hour after breakfast he’d mutter, “I’ve got to pay my respects to the Oathouse. Jimmy Suspenders is spending some alone time in the bow-wow barn. He said something stupid to Sara. You don’t really need to hear what he said. If you actually wanna know, then write your own dialogue … like I always have to do. Jimmy did what dogs do. He dug himself into a bigger hole when he flew a white surrender flag from his kennel. Well, it was white till Sara saw it and set that flag on fire. Next, he tried waving two flags to apologize. Course, he never learned semaphore. It turns out that his waved apology evidently meant something nasty about the fleet and his mother-in-law. The county was repaving the road in front of our house. Construction trucks and pavers were beeping whilst they backed up. The crew yelled at each other all day. Punkin is normally a perlite lady but by that afternoon, she crossed over to the side that no sane feller wants to see. She crossed that line when she saw a paving machine ram our mailbox and then proceed through her flowerbed. Here’s the problem: She was still us-
ing her cute vocabulary and this is what I heard when she ran toward the street. “You guys are a bunch of Barky Bones.” It doesn’t make sense, but she was mad and it didn’t matter. What happened then is how we got the road finished, a new mailbox installed, and fresh already blooming flowers planted the next morning. When she give out the curse of “Barky Bones,” the crew broke out in laughter. Punkin marched directly to the 190-pound foreman, lifted him off his feet, and held him suspended for three minutes. Everything stopped. Nobody moved, the wind stopped, clouds ceased rolling by, and 40 crows fell from the power lines. Then she let him down, smiled at him, and walked back to the front porch. Mumford Pickens said he knew what happened, “Women get treated worse than us fellers do, but they don’t ever say anything. When you ask them what’s wrong, they only answer, ‘Nothing’s wrong.’ Then months or years later, it all comes out, no warning smoke or ashes like a volcano, just immediate lava for miles around. Women can lift a car to fetch their children out from under it. They can give birth and within 30 minutes be eating a cheeseburger. They can try to explain an important matter to a man twenty different ways and finally wander away knowing that the fool still didn’t understand it. There’s whole books on this stuff, but every so often a clueless feller will blindly stroll into a situation that is most likely not compatible with life.” Bob Driver, newspaperman, columnist, and gentleman. Rest in Peace Contact Clet Litter at bobsimpson1947@yahoo.com. You know you want to.
THE POLK COUNTY
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June 16, 2021
News 13
“Big Check” awarded to Mena Downtown Partners Courtesy Photo Representatives and board members of Mena Downtown Partners were present in Little Rock to receive a check from Arkansas Main Street. The Mena Main Street program, managed by Mena Downtown Partners, was one of several organizations to receive a check. The state’s Main Street officials said, “We had a chance to celebrate our Main Street programs and present them with their ceremonial “big check.” These checks allow our programs money to do good things in their communities and this year, Secretary Hurst is encouraging the communities to THINK BIG!” Speakers at the event included: North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick, Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde, Arkansas Heritage Director Jimmy Bryant, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst, as well as Argenta Downtown Council’s Chris Kent. Nearly all Arkansas Main Street and Downtown Network programs attended the event.
FrEe HOT DOGs fRom 10am-12pM
14 State
June 16, 2021
From the
Governor
I have proclaimed that June is Blackberry Month in Arkansas and today I’d like to talk about a crowning blackberry achievement at the University of Arkansas’s Fruit Research Station in Clarksville. Dr. John Clark, a University of Arkansas Distinguished Professor of Horticulture who leads the team there, is a celebrity in the world of fruit production. Blackberries are his favorite. He has spent his career producing better blackberries, such as the thornless Prime Ark Traveler, which is easy on pickers’ hands. Blackberries aren’t the only crop at the station, where the team also grows peaches, nectarines, blueberries, and grapes, among other fruit. The station bred the Cotton Candy grape, which sells all over the world. Dr. Clark and Dr. Margaret Worth-
THE POLK COUNTY
Arkansas Blackberry Month
ington, who are co-leaders The berries are so sweet, of the fruit-breeding effort, you could bake a cobbler want thornless plants and without adding sugar. But pretty blackberries that John won’t make a cobbler taste better, stay firm, and with the berries. He will resist disease. Last year, the only eat them fresh. team introduced a variety Blackberry farming in that is a milestone in the Arkansas has become a world of blackberries. serious enterprise. Dr. They named the variAmanda McWhirt, a horety Ponca, which has all ticulturist with the Univerthe characteristics they’ve sity of Arkansas Extension Asa Hutchinson tried to breed into blackService, helped organize berries. I sampled the Ponthe Arkansas Blackberca last summer, and I can attest that the ry Growers Association in 2018. The Ponca is a very sweet blackberry. group, which has about sixty members, The station sold a limited number of convened at the research station on the Ponca plants last summer. Alfred Wednesday. Froberg, whose farm is near Houston, One aspect of the fruit research proTexas, has sent John a photograph of a gram that I really appreciate is its robasket of Ponca blackberries, which Al- bust intellectual property program. The fred has declared is his favorite. Division patents the varieties of fruit it
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breeds, and nurseries buy a license to grow the fruits and pay royalties annually on their crop. The program helps to pay for itself. With the release of the Ponca, John has continued his tradition of writing songs about a new variety of blackberry. A search for “Ponca Blackberry” on YouTube will pull up a video of John praising the new berry and picking his guitar in the blackberry patch. I share John’s love of blackberries. I picked them when I was young, and I took my children to pick them. It’s a tradition for many families and the First Lady planted blackberries in a patch at the Governor’s residence, so we are all doing our part to keep the tradition alive.
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Community 15
June 16, 2021
1812 Marker Placed at Grave
Courtesy Photo
(Left to Right, Debbie Newberry, Patricia McLemore, Dale Lovell, Sheila Beatty, Charles McLemore [not pictured]) On June 3, 2021 at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Polk County, Arkansas, U.S. Daughters of 1812, Baseline Meridian Chapter placed an 1812 marker at the grave of Captain Benjamin Goss. Captain Goss was born November 6, 1777 in Granville, North Carolina and served in the U.S. Army from 1812 to 1815 in the South Carolina Militia, Austin's Regiment. Captain Goss passed away September 27, 1857 on his property in Montgomery County, Arkansas but in 1976 his grave could not be located. However, on November 11, 1976, Veterans Day, the Arkansas Society U.S. Daughters of 1812 dedicated a tombstone at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Polk County attended by his four great-granddaughters. Debbie Newberry, member of the Simon Bradford Chapter, U.S. D. 1812; Patricia McLemore, President, Baseline Meridian Chapter, U.S. D. 1812; Dale Lovell, Member of the General Society War of 1812; Sheila Beatty, Veterans Services, VA Volunteer Services National and Honorary State President of the Arkansas Society, U.S.D.1812; and Charles McLemore, State President, Sons of the American Revolution, conducted the graveside program. The Arkansas State Society U.S.D. 1812 has estimated that approximately 750 Veterans of the War of 1812 are buried in Arkansas and at least 480 of their graves need marking. The U.S. Daughters of 1812 is a national patriotic, historical and educational society whose members are lineal descendants of an ancestor, who, during the period of 1784-1815 inclusive rendered civil, military, or naval service to our country, rendered material aid to the U.S. Army or Navy, or who participated in the Lewis and Clark expedition. For additional information contact Patricia McLemore at pcmcmountain@yahoo.com.
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16 Community
June 16, 2021
OLT Spring Production BIG the Musical is Cast! Big the Musical has been rescheduled for July 2-4 and 9-11 after being canceled in May 2020 due to Covid19 restrictions. Rehearsals are well underway, and reserved seats are available for sale at the OLT office at 610 Mena Street with new office hours. Beginning June 17, the office will be open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM. Until then, it will be open Fridays only from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Patrons may also purchase a season ticket which will give access to the musical version of Little Women in August as well as the rest of the season. It’s always exciting to see which of your friends and neighbors will be showing up in Ouachita Little Theatre’s spring musical. Jessica Kropp is directing BIG the Musical, the high energy Broadway smash-hit version of the beloved Tom Hanks movie, BIG. She is assisted by Musical Director Judy Kropp and choreographers, April Burt and Nichole Philpot. Makeup and hair will be overseen by Angel Rodriguez while props and set dressing are the responsibility of Linda Johnson. Jered Biard is in charge of programs. Makayla Kenyon-Ortiz and Alexis Payne will be keeping things calm and organized backstage as Stage Managers. Rudi Timmerman designed and supervised the building of the set along with Scotty Jenkins, and Lorraine Timmerman will utilize her artistic talents to paint the scenery to enhance the production. Judy Kropp is also taking on the role of costumer assisted by Jamie Rath. The cast has been selected. In the leading roles, we will see James Taylor as adult Josh Baskin, Anna Burt as young Josh, Lexi Williams as love interest Susan Lawrence, and Chris Benner as “the boss” Mr. Macmillan. Tiffany Cavelli plays young Josh’s best friend, Alexyss Hildebrand is Mrs. Baskin, and Jaimeson Biard is Paul, a junior executive. The ensemble includes arcade workers, parents, office workers, and youngsters played by the following people: Gregory Blaschka, Jeanie Bunyard, Roy Vail, Bailey Benner, Jacob Kenyon-Ortiz, Kristie Kenyon, Larry Kropp, Jamie Rath, Philena Rath, Robbilee Rath, Hannah Thacker, Annie Windham, Cheyanne Windham, Katelin Haines, Stacey Musgrave, Scotty Jenkins, Brandy Benner, Zech Beaver, Nichole Philpot, Mikel Kenyon-Ortiz, and Jacob Kenyon-Ortiz. All Friday and Saturday performances will be held at 7:30 PM. Sunday matinees are at 2:30 PM.
Graduate receives high honors at UA Law School Courtesy photo Gabrielle Davis-Jones , daughter of Tabitha Booher, has graduated from U of A Bowen Law School. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and was on the Law Review and published in the Law Review and on the Moot Court. She attended Mena High School.
THE POLK COUNTY
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THE POLK COUNTY
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Classifieds 17
June 16, 2021
CLASSIFIEDS - NOTICES - SERVICES -
Mowing, weedeating, and hedge trimming- When you need an extra hand in Mena/Polk County call 479-234-0509. Please leave a message T070721 Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. `(870) 490-1191 T0616
- FOR SALE -
For Sale - College Student Special 2001 50cc Lanhai scooter. Bought new. Has less than 5 miles. Break-in oil still in engine. Perfect condition. $8,075.00 firm 479469-3893 T0616
- YARD SALES Garage Sale at Old Feed Store in Hatfield, June 17 & June 19, 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Cleaning out building. Will make bargains. Come look. T0616 Still downsizing every room in house. Antiques, collectibles, household items. Previous sale prices reduced. 204 Reine Street South, Saturday, June 19. T0616
Has Your
Weekend Project Become A
5 Year Lawn Ornament?
Maybe It’s Time To List It
RELIGION
Request for Qualifications
Polk County, Arkansas is interested in acquiring nonexclusive professional and consultant services from a firm or firms with the necessary experience and qualifications to provide the County Covid-19 Relief Services in connection with the American Rescue Plan (“ARP”). The scope of work will be to provide Polk County assistance in the eligibility, use, expenditure, administration and reporting of ARP funds, and to assist the County to keep and maintain the records necessary for reporting and audit of ARP funds, in compliance with the law. The County shall be provided access to the firm’s or firms’ full range of knowledge and tools in the eligibility and use of Federal, State and County Government funds, processes, budgeting, expenditures, reporting and record keeping. Submissions in response to this request shall provide the experiences, expertise and qualifications regarding such tasks or disaster relief; or providing professional or consulting services similar to those requested under this Request For Qualifications. Please include information describing the experience of the project managers and key staff. Procedures for selection of a firm or firms will be in accordance with Ark. Code 19-11801 procurement requirements. All responses will be evaluated in terms of specialized experience and technical competence; performance; capacity and capability of the firm or firms to perform work; and proximity to, and familiarity with, the necessary project areas. Negotiations will begin with the respondent obtaining the highest total score in the evaluation process. All Interested parties must submit their Request For Qualifications package response to: Brandon Ellison, Polk County Judge 507 Church Ave, Box 7 Mena, AR 71953 (479) 394-8133
All responses must be received no later than July 19, 2021. All responding firms will be notified of the award. T0623
Polk County Births Mena Regional Health System JUNE 4, 2021 TO JUNE 11, 2021
Haley Watts & Adam Stoeckinger of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born June 6th Justyce & Douglas Johnson of Lockesburg, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born June 7th Yenifer Leija & Chris Munos of DeQueen, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born June 7th End Time Bible Questions? Pray & ask the Holy Spirit who are the witnesses? As you use discernment reviewing these assorted witness attributes. Clue Seven: Revelation 1:20, The seven candlesticks are the seven churches. Clue Eight: Revelation 11:3, Power is given to the two candlesticks. Clue Nine: Only 2 of the 7 candlesticks remain. Clue Ten: Important you know why & who the 2 are; Revealed in Revelation 2:1-29 & 3:1-22. Clue Eleven: Daniel 12:7 is a key verse on how to know who they are! T0616
Ariana Kelley & Taylor Gabriel of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born June 10th
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Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK
Hello! My name is Rerun. I am a gorgeous silver kitty. I have a tiny bit of snowy white fun too. I am about 2 years old and weigh in at about 7 pounds. I can sometimes be independent in the cat house but I do enjoy other cats and children. I sometimes take sometime to warm up to new people but I do warm up very quickly. I am a curious cat and always up for love time too. I really am a sweet loving girl. I am house trained. In fact, I have been indoors all my life and would need to go to an indoor only home. Please stop by and say "Hello" to me! All selected Pet of the Week animals come with a gift package. This special starter pack for cats includes a collar, toys, shampoo, and litter box liners. All animals at the Humane Society of the Ouachitas are current on their vaccinations and spayed/neutered prior to adoption.
HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE OUACHITAS TUES. THROUGH SAT. 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. 368 POLK 50, MENA, AR 479 3945682 WWW.HSOMENA.ORG
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June 16, 2021
The Mena Jr High Cheerleaders attended NCA Team Camp at UALR this week. There were 12 teams from across the state at the camp! The cheerleaders worked hard on different material for the upcoming season. They received multiple awards, including most improved, stunt safe, superior ratings, and the 1st place trophy for Jr High band chant!
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20 Police Reports
June 16, 2021
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 June 7, 2021 Report of an unattended death on Polk 164 near Rocky. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Polk 136 near Cove of a domestic altercation. Deputy responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration of charges. Report of a theft at a place of business near Cove. Deputy responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration of charges. June 8, 2021 Report from complainant on Gober Lane near Dallas Valley of being harassed. Deputy responded. Report of a small unattended child on Hwy 71S near Cove. Deputy responded. June 9, 2021 Report of a verbal dispute on Stone Lane near Acorn. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Polk 46 near Shady Grove of problems with a neighbor’s dogs. Deputy responded. Arrested was Christopher Pollard, 26, of Watson, Oklahoma, on a Warrant for Failure to Appear. Arrested was Thomas L. Kidwell, 42, of Mena, on a Warrant for Failure to Appear. Arrested by an officer with the Drug Task Force was Tracy D. Suire, 31, of Mena, on a Charge of Possession of Meth or Cocaine with Purpose to Deliver. Arrested by an officer with the Drug Task Force was Randi L. Fields, 34, of Hatfield, on a Charge of Possession of
Meth or Cocaine. Arrested by an officer with the Drug Task Force was Kendra D. Davis, 36, of Cove, on a Charge of Possession of Meth or Cocaine with Purpose to Deliver and a Warrant for Probation Violation. Arrested by an officer with the Drug Task Force was Kathleen L. Parker, 35, of Cove, on a Charge of Possession of Meth or Cocaine with Purpose to Deliver. June 10, 2021 Report from complainant on 278E near Wickes of identity fraud. Report from complainant on Polk 290 near Cove of identity fraud. Report of issues involving child custody. Deputy responded. Report from complainant on Polk 84 near Big Fork of being threatened. Deputy responded. June 11, 2021 Report of an incident between family members. Report of an incident involving a family member on Polk 16 near Vandervoort. Deputy responded. Report of a vehicle accident on Polk 74 near Acorn. Deputy responded. Report of a disturbance on Polk 164 near Rocky led to the arrest of Timothy A. Starr, 48, of Mena, on two Warrants for Failure to Appear, and a Charge of Aggravated Assault and a Charge of Criminal Mischief. June 12, 2021 Traffic stop on Polk 676 near Acorn led to the arrest of Jimmy L. Wright, 36, of Mena, on a Warrant for Probation Violation, four Warrants for Failure to Appear and a Warrant for Failure to Comply. Report of a domestic altercation on Hwy 8E near Board Camp. Deputy responded. Information has been for-
warded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration. June 13, 2021 Report of the violation of a No Contact Order. Deputy responded. Arrested was Michael T. Ellis, 46, of Mabelvale, Arkansas on a Warrant for Probation Violation. Polk County Sheriff ’s Office worked three vehicle accidents this week. Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 25 Incarcerated Inmates, with 7 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.
MENA POLICE REPORTS June 6 A report of possession of Schedule 6 Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia was taken at the Forest Service Information Center. A report of criminal mischief was taken at Rebecca Apartments. June 7 No reports. June 8 Donnie Dollarhyde, 47, was served with a warrant at the police department. A dog bite complaint was taken at a residence on Dequeen Street. June 9 Tera Lott, 37, was charged with Possession of a Schedule 6 Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia after a traffic stop on North Reine Street. Tommy Black, 47, was charged with Fleeing in a Vehicle, Endangering the Welfare of a Minor, Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Suspended Drivers License, Careless or Prohibited Driving, Driving Left of Center, No Liability Insurance, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Marijuana, and served with two warrants after
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Pulse a traffic stop attempt on Highway 71. June 10 A report was taken of a dumpster on fire at PCDC. A report of fleeing was taken on Fink Street. A report of a disturbance was taken at a residence on Church Street. June 11 Dakota Bullard, 21, was charged with Disorderly Conduct at the Limetree Inn. Dakota Bullard, 21, was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Public Intoxication, and Resisting Arrest at the Mena Regional Heath System. A report of theft of property (shoplifting) was taken at Atwoods. June 12 Kyle Loomis, 32, was charged with Theft by Receiving, Obstructing Governmental Operations, Theft Of Property, Fraudulent Use Of A Credit Card and Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia. He was also served with 6 warrants, after a call to North Side shopping Center. Kyle Loomis, 40, was charged with Theft Of Property, Fraudulent Use Of A Credit Card and Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia after a call to the North Side Shopping Center. A theft of a lawn mower was taken at a residence on Cherry Street. Timothy Hooks, 35, was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Sched. II, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana and served with 4 warrants. Michael Harper, 42, was charged with Driving on suspended license, Carless/Prohibited Driving, No proof of insurance, Fail to obey traffic control device and served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Tenth Street. Patrick Clark, 41, was served with a warrant at the police department.
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June 16, 2021
Community 21
Fine Day for Fishing at Lum & Abner
Courtesy photos Participants at the Lum and Abner Elk’s Elderly Fishing Derby included: Andy Gilbert (biggest fish), Jason Blair, Thomas Winger, Miriam Walker, Virginia Dilbeck, Linda Swan, Barbara Mote and Elizabeth Cassel.
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Disc Golf soars with new club
By Trey Youngdahl
The Mena Disc Golf Club has been added to Mena’s diverse assortment of organizations. The newly formed club is based out of the disc golf course belonging to the Lion’s Club, located at 500 Lions Club Road. The club was started in April by Michael Beaty when he created a Facebook group for the local disc golf enthusiasts. The skill level and ages of members vary because everyone is welcome to join. “It’s open to literally everybody,” Beaty said. “I would definitely be willing to take in new people and show them the ropes. We’re open to teaching everybody.” The Lion’s Club has a new rotary lawnmower that the college is using to keep the field groomed. It now hosts sanctioned games among members, called league play, where scores are collected for records of their standings. “We are excited to hear about the
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club. We knew there were more people playing, which is a good thing! We love seeing more people out there using the course,” says Lions Club Outgoing President Fred Ogden. “It's a very social thing. It seems like a lot of young people out there playing it and although they don’t know it yet, they’re making lifelong friends.” To get involved with the club, join them in their Facebook group “Mena Disc Golf Club”. Membership is free except for league play games, which costs five dollars to enter. The club meets every Sunday at 9 a.m. at the Lion’s Club disc golf course. What is Disc Golf?
Disc golf is a hybrid sport of regular traditional golf and ultimate frisbee. The object of disc golf is to throw a plastic disc, sometimes referred to as a frisbee, into the target in as few throws as possible. Similar to traditional golf, disc golf courses are split up into 9 or 18 holes. Every disc golf course’s terrain is different with several obstacles such as water, trees, and roughs to make the game more challenging. The target that players aim for is a steel basket fixed atop a pole, with a chain net draped over it to catch the disc. The game starts with both players throwing from the tee area towards the first target. The aim is to get as close to the basket on the first throw as possible. Players will then alternate throws until all players have thrown their discs into the target. For the hole to be complete, the disc must land either in the chain or in the basket. If the disc bounces off of the chain or basket onto the ground the hole does not count and the player will have to throw again. The amount of throws it took to complete the hole is recorded and the players will move on to the next hole. The player who completes the 9-18 holes with the fewest amount of throws wins the game. Disc golfers use an array of different kinds of discs for different purposes. The three most common discs are the
Photos by Trey Youngdahl Above, Michael Beaty, organizer of the Mena Disc Golf Club, makes a throw toward a target. At left, Josh Gebhardt enjoys a round of disc gold at the Mena Lions Club course in Mena during the Mena Disc Golf Clubs weekly play on Sunday. driver, the fairway or mid-range, and the putter. The driver disc is mostly used for the first throw from the tee area, as it’s pointy edges help give it the most amount of distance. The fairway disc is used for most of the shots of the game, as it has a balance of distance and accuracy. The putter disc is mostly used for the last throws of the game when the player is closest to the target. It is extremely accurate, but doesn’t travel very far. Players also will use different throwing techniques. Some are for distance, while others are for accuracy. Skilled
players are able to curl the disc, making it turn in air. However, when players throw the disc, they can not move any distance from where their frisbee landed to make their shot. The golden rule of disc golf is that players “Throw it as it lies”, so, wherever their disc lands is where they will throw from for their next turn. If they do not respect that rule, they will get a penalty. Penalties are extra throws that are added to your score for breaking rules. You can also obtain penalties if your disc is thrown out of bounds, lands in water, or anything else against the rules.
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June 16, 2021
Extension Homemakers 2021 Spring Council
The 2021 Spring Extension Homemakers Council meeting was held on May 21. Information from the book The Splendid Piece of Work was presented by Kathy Hagler of the Happiness Extension Homemaker Club. The program explained the mission of the Extension Homemaker organization: … shall be to empower individuals and families to improve their quality of living through continuing education, leadership development and community service. Kathy spoke on the importance of home demonstration clubs and how they evolved
from community volunteers doing general community service activities. Quilting bees, barn raising and neighbors helping neighbors are just some examples of the community service events that led to the formation of Home Demonstration Clubs, where these benefits could be spread to the whole community rather than just direct neighbors. If you are interested in joining an Extension Homemaker Club here in Polk County, contact Bridgett Martin at the Polk County Extension Office at 479-394-6018.
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As Home Demonstration Clubs evolved, one activity that home demonstration members took part in was the manufacturing of mattresses in the state of Arkansas. Farm women in Sebastian County made their own mattresses from the cotton that they had grown. They soon shared that information with a state Home Demonstration specialist who then trained 12,639 mattress and comforter leaders. These leaders went on to make 385,850 mattresses and 34,251 comforters. Most of these went to families who were on the relief rolls.
Court Orders Removal of Members of State Plant Board
Today, the Pulaski County Circuit Court, 6th Division, entered an order removing nine of the 18 members of the State Plant Board from their positions on the Board. The Court’s action was a result of a ruling from the Arkansas Supreme Court that those nine members had been unconstitutionally appointed. In 2017, a lawsuit was filed by six Arkansas farmers challenging the constitutionality of the statute that provides for certain members of the Plant Board to be elected by private trade associations. The circuit court upheld the constitutionality of the statute and the farmers appealed to the Arkansas Supreme Court. On May 6, 2021, the Supreme Court held that the statute was unconstitutional and remanded the case to the circuit court with instructions for the 6th Division judge to enter an order removing the uncon-
stitutionally appointed members. The members removed from the Board are: Tommy Anderson, Arkansas Agricultural Aviation Association; Marty Eaton, Arkansas Seed Dealers Association; Terry Fuller, Arkansas Seed Growers Association; Mark Hopper, Arkansas Pest Management Association; Brad Koen, Arkansas Crop Protection Association; Scott Milburn, Arkansas Forestry Association; Mark Morgan, Arkansas State Horticultural Society; Jason Parks, Arkansas Green Industry Association; and Terry Stephenson, Arkansas Oil Marketers Association. The remaining members appointed by the Governor are: Kyle Baltz, farmer; Barry Walls, rice grower; Bruce Alford, forage; Matthew Marsh, farmer; Sam Stuckey,
cotton grower; Reynold Meyer, livestock, and Darrell Hess, Arkansas Plant Food Association. Dr. Ken Korth and Dr. Nathan Slaton also remain on the board as non-voting members appointed by the Vice President for Agriculture of the University of Arkansas. The law that was held unconstitutional by the Supreme Court was amended by the Arkansas General Assembly earlier this year. The new law will be effective July 28 and allows the Governor to appoint positions formerly elected by the trade associations. Plant Board rules are administered by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Day-to-day operations will continue to be carried out by Department employees.
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