Polk County Pulse June 9, 2021

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June 9, 2021

CRIME

Jury finds child molester guilty Stacked sentence puts abuser behind bars

By Jeri Pearson

Lum & Abner

Page 12

Photo by Frank Wallace Booher, age 13.

A patriotic Kansas City Southern engine passes the Mena Depot Monday evening. For more information about the engine see page 5

Farm Family

Page 10

County makes road, salary improvements

By Jeri Pearson

Mason Breakfast

Page 13

Gains are being observed by Polk County Judge Brandon Ellison for county employees and county roads.

Salary adjustments were recently approved by the Polk County Quorum Court and Ellison said the 3 percent raise for county employees is deserved.

“We typically try to pass a cost of living raise when we feel like we can,” he said. “We generally wait till about March or April to discuss that, because the way county government budgets for the upcoming year, we have to project what we think we are going to get the coming year and budget accordingly.”

State law only allows counties to budget 90 percent of anticipated revenue for the upcoming year and must be approved by the Quorum Court in December.

“But you really don’t know what your carry over from the previous year is going to be,” Ellison explained.

See COUNTY continued on page 2

A jury suggested a stacked sentence for Michael McCormick, age 57 of Grannis, for Rape and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree last week.

Judge Andy Riner moved forward with the jury’s recommendation and sentenced McCormick for 30 years and 20 years consecutively, after the jury deliberated for a swift 18 minutes.

Prosecuting Attorney Jason Barrett and Chief Deputy Debra Buschman tried the case.

“They did an outstanding job trying a very difficult case,” Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer said.

“In this case the defendant was over the age of 18 the victim was under the age of 14 and touched various locations on the victim’s body, which is sexual abuse in the first degree,” Buschman explained and noted the case was sealed by Riner because the victim is a juvenile.

“That means we can’t disclose facts about the case,” Buschman said. “The victim was very brave in his/her testimony and told his/her story to the jury.”

Buschman said this was the first jury trial held in Polk County in several months due to COVID. “We are thankful to jurors who came out and restored the system to its full capacity,” Buschman said.

McCormick will not be eligible for parole until after serving 70 percent of the rape and the sexual abuse in the first degree sentences, approximately in 2044.

2 News

COUNTY continued from 1 “At this point in the year, we can see if it is smart to do a salary adjustment,” he continued.

A 3 percent salary adjustment was approved for all employees, retroactive to January 1.

“This applies to everyone, but the JP’s elected to not give themselves a 3 percent raise,” Ellison said.

Justice of Peace elected officials receive approximately $250 a month, and receive health insurance which cost the county more than the pay they receive.

“We are not able to pass a raise every year, we attempt to do cost of living increase, but it doesn’t happen every year,” Ellison said. “We have been able to the last few years because revenue has been good.”

County Roads Attempting to make road improvements has proven challenging with last year’s double-the-average rainfall and weather has continued to plague road crews.

“We have made a good bit of headway in spite of weather,” Ellison said. “The last three years we have been cursed with frequency, not just the amount, which is more devastating, because it keeps you from being productive. Last year we were not getting any windows to get it done, and this year we have forced it. So far, we have surfaced about 7.35 miles on a project in the Ink/Board Camp/ Mena area, that we got through with last month.”

The location of the resurfacing project includes

June 9, 2021 Polk 74 (Holly Springs Road), Polk 625 (Country Club Road), Polk 181 and Polk 63.

Some sections of the project were prepared for resurfacing by complete reconstruction, some were asphalt leveled, cut and repaired, while other sections only required resurfacing. Many drainage pipes were replaced and upgraded.

Surfacing types ranged from 2 inch asphalt overlay, 2 layers of asphalt emulsion with aggregate, and single layer asphalt emulsion and aggregate. Center stripes will likely be delayed due to the reported shortage of traffic marking paint.

“We completed about a week ago, Polk Road 1, south of Grannis, 4.3 miles of rebuilt roads, which was done through the winter and put a double chip and seal on it,” Ellison said. “We were able to do the resurfacing in four days, but it took three weeks to get those four days in because of the rain.”

Ellison said road crews will continue to work through the weather, noting some projects will be started in temperatures cooler than would be ideal.

“It is best to be hot, normally in June, we are getting 90 plus degrees, but that looks like we are going to have to make do,” he said. “We have more planned and we have plans for a big year.”

Ellison said funds were reserved from last year as a result of not being able to resurface due to the weather.

“If conditions improve, we will be able to use those funds to do those projects.”

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Ellison said while crews have been as productive as possible and made significant headway, roads continue to deteriorate due to the rain.

“We are losing roads because it’s hard to keep up with them because of the rain. You finish one project and another road needs work,” he said. “We are working to get the roads back in shape. You can’t do anything with gravel roads when they are wet, and the need to double up on gravel roads has been a challenge.”

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June 9, 2021

Radio - Print - Web The Red Ball Convoy is 1168 Hwy 71S Mena, AR 71953 Phone: 479-243-9600 Fax: 479-243-9603 Email: news@mypulsenews.com

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coming to Norman

Submitted by Ed Anderson, Herbert A. Littleton Det. 1261 Commandant On the 12th of June 2021, a convoy of vintage military vehicles will be departing Mena at approximately 8am from Janssen Park. The convoy route will follow Highway 71 to Highway 88 to Pencil Bluff, then on to Mountain Harbor. Departing Mountain Harbor the convoy will visit the recently restored Norman High School in the town of Norman, Arkansas. 30+ vehicles ranging from 1/4 ton jeeps to 2 1/2 ton trucks will make up the convoy. Vehicles will range from WW2 vintage to current issue. Participants will tour the school during this stop.

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, ammunition, and equipment being transported.

77 years later we honor not only the men of the original Red Ball Express but all the men and women who have served in our nation' military before and since World War 2.

The public is welcome to come and view the convoy, speak with participants, and see some rolling history. A static display of vehicles is planned for the afternoon of Friday, 11 April at Janssen Park in Mena. Convoy vehicles will again be at the park after the convoy ends on Saturday at approximately 6pm.

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/

Community 3

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June 9, 2021

Kansas City Southern No. 4006 honors U.S. veterans

Patriotic locomotive sighted passing Mena Depot

By Jeri Pearson A sighting of American Patriotism was captured by 13 year-old Frank Wallace Booher Monday evening.

As he was traveling through downtown Mena, he saw a Kansas City Southern locomotive passing the depot and captured the moment.

According to a KCS, the locomotive was painted depicting an American flag in observation of U.S. Veterans Day and unvieled in 2018 in Shreveport, La. The No. 4006 is a 2005 EMD SD70ACE maintained in the Shreveport KCS Locomotive Shop.

At the locomotive’s unveiling, KCS hosted a photo shoot with the locomotive and its Shreveport-based military active duty and veteran employees.

“With the painting of KCS 4006, we wanted to demonstrate our patriotism

for our country and our pride in U.S. military activity duty and veteran employees, past and present, who are a part of the KCS family,” said KCS Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey M. Songer.

The idea for this locomotive came from KCS Assistant Vice President of locomotive operations Chris Mitchell, who worked with contractor Jerry Barton to paint the locomotive. In recent years, Mitchell and Barton have been involved in converting the KCS

locomotive fleet from its previous grey paint scheme to the current red, yellow, and black, heritage paint scheme.

“The values and work ethic of military active duty and veteran workers align very well with KCS and the railroad industry in general,” says KCS Senior Vice President of human resources Lora Cheatum. “We salute these important workers on Veterans Day and actively recruit them into our workforce all year round.”

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State News 5

June 9, 2021

From the

State House of Representatives

Act 840 allows the DiTourism in Arkansas is makvision of Heritage to issue ing a big comeback. While the up to $8 million in historic pandemic severely impacted the rehabilitation income tax industry in 2020, there are signs credits each year. The curthat tourism is rebounding and rent maximum amount of doing better than before the credits given is $4 million. health emergency began.

We passed Act 652, which The tourism tax collections allows for dynamic pricing for March 2021 exceeded collections from March 2019 by John Maddox at state parks.

The division may in14.6%.

From mountain biking adventures crease or decrease approved rates to world-class art museums, Arkan- charged for lodging, camping, events, sas destinations play an essential role services, and all other accommodations using a dynamic pricing stratin our economy.

Before the pandemic, travel-sup- egy based on market forces such as ported jobs represented 6.6% of Ar- seasonal variation in demand, occukansas’s total private industry em- pancy, market analysis, and special event interest to maximize revenues ployment.

We also know that 8.4 jobs are cre- from the use of state resources to proated for every $1million spent on mote the fiscal soundness and longterm sustainability. tourism in our state.

The legislature also created the ArThat is why every session, we consider legislation to improve the in- kansas Legislative Arts and Technology Boot Camp with Act 577. The dustry.

In the most recent session, we camp will issue a final written report, passed Act 777, An Act to Establish including an inventory of Arkansas’s the Arkansas Cultural Institutions statewide arts and cultural assets, and Trust Fund Act. This legislation di- identify funding needs to maintain a rects the Division of Arkansas Her- statewide database.

Arkansas is home to experiences itage to promulgate rules for the distribution of grants to non-profit and attractions found nowhere else. organizations that acquire or exhibit We encourage you to explore everyworks of art or works of cultural or thing our state has to offer this summer. historical significance.

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

pire on July 1, but Act 434 of The state is on pace to have 2021 extends the sunset date a record surplus of more than for another two years, to July $1 billion, which is a strong 1, 2023. indicator that the Arkansas The privilege tax was first economy is recovering from enacted in 2017. It requires the negative effects of the panbusinesses that cultivate and demic. dispense medical marijuana The monthly revenue report for May shows that all cate- Larry Teague to remit 4 percent of their sales to the state. The Univergories of state taxes improved significantly over the same period last sity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, the state’s major medical college in Lityear.

With one more month remaining tle Rock, receives much of the revenue in the state’s fiscal year, the surplus is for the goal of achieving a National a record $980 million. The enormous Cancer Institute (NCI) designation for surplus is attributable to several fac- its Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Intors: a rebound in business activity in stitute.

Act 434 will generate $13.3 million Arkansas and conservative budgeting next fiscal year. Of that amount, $12.4 by the legislature.

Also, federal relief funding helped million will be deposited to the UAMS Arkansas families maintain household National Cancer Designation Trust spending levels, and helped Arkansas Fund.

There are 71 NCI centers in the companies remain in business. More country. The closest to Arkansas are in people went back to work.

At the height of the pandemic last Memphis, Oklahoma City and Dallas.

The National Cancer Institute year, the legislature and the governor awards 68 percent of its grants to cenreduced spending by state agencies.

The size of the surplus is impressive ters with the NCI designation, which when compared to the overall size of means that UAMS and other facilithe state’s general revenue fund. In the ties without the designation are left 2021 regular session, which ended in to compete for only 32 percent of the late April, the legislature approved a funding left available. For many rebudget for state government that calls search grants, only NCI centers are for spending $5.8 billion in Fiscal eligible.

The Rockefeller Institute also is rais2022, which will begin on July 1.

The record surplus will be a strong ing money from private donations for argument for legislators who want to getting its NCI designation.

The total operating budget for reduce state income taxes. The governor has announced that he intends to UAMS this year is $1.6 billion. That is call a special session in the fall to lower projected to increase by 10 percent, or $174 million, by next year. the top state income tax rate.

The hospital at UAMS expects the Medical Marijuana Tax Funds for volume of clinical visits and surgeries to return to levels it had before the Cancer Institute During the 2021 regular session, the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Board of Trustees for the Unilegislature voted to continue providing funds to the state’s medical school versity of Arkansas System met refrom a privilege tax on medical mari- cently, and the medical school did not request any tuition increases for next juana.

The tax had been scheduled to ex- year.

6 Obituaries Theresa Mai Laing Theresa Mae Laing, age 72, of Acorn, Arkansas, died Saturday, June 5, 2021, at her home with her family by her side. She was born on Tuesday, August 31, 1948 to Alvin and Rita Lutz Pavlicek in Sealy, Texas.

Theresa was known to her friends as Mrs. Terri. She was a devoted wife to the love of her life, Michael “Mickey” Laing. She was also known as Mom and Nana to her immediate family which will miss her dearly. She was a selfless person that loved people and her work.

She worked for 40 years as a dental assistant in Jonesville, Louisiana and then in Mena, Arkansas. Anyone that knew her knows she never had a bad day.

Mrs. Terri was always smiling and happy to help her patients, coworkers and friends. As a Mom and Nana she always put family first, she never missed a ball game or school function. Her grandbabies were the loves of her life and watching them grow up was her light.

She loved her bingo family and they helped keep her going in the end when she really needed it. Mrs. Terri fought a ten year battle with Parkinson’s and she never let it get her down. She was truly a strong courageous person all the way till the end. Theresa was a loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Michael “Mickey” Dale Laing; and one sister, Muriel Palvicek.

Theresa is survived by her son and daughter in law, Todd and Amy Gad-

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June 9, 2021 dis Laing of Acorn; three brothers, Bill Pavlicek of Columbus, Texas, Alvin Pavlicek of Weimar, Texas, and Edward Palvicek of Columbus, Texas; two sisters, Darlene Stryk of Schulenburg, Texas, and Nina Sue Day of Tuscola, Texas; two grandchildren, Michael Donovan Laing and Maryclaire Mae Laing of Acorn; Godmother to Bryn Rose Stryk of Schulenburg, Texas and several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A private memorial service will be held by the family. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Sailor Browning Sailor Browning, infant daughter of Micah Browning, gained her angel wings on Friday, May 28, 2021in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

She is survived by her great grandparents, Dallas and Melitta Simmons of New Hope, Robert and DJ Browning of Mena, and Jerry Snow of Idabel, OK; grandparents, Colby and Amanda Browning of Nebraska; aunts, Olivia Self and husband Jimmy of Mena, Mackenzie Winkley of Mena, Tommie Parnell of Smithville, OK, Gracie Browning of Nebraska, and Aunnika Hampton of Colorado; uncles, Bryar Browning and wife Martha of Mena, Morgan Browning of Colorado, and Cutter Browning of Nebraska; and cousin, Skylar Barker of Mena.

Sailor is preceded in death by her great-great grandfather, A.L. Barker; great-great grandmothers, Dovie Pace, and Burla Murray; and great aunt, Carrie Wiseman.

A graveside service for Sailor will be held 10:00 am Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hatfield with Levi Browning officiating. Pallbearers are Bryar Browning and Sawyer Kesterson.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Helen “Sue” Lunsford Helen “Sue” Lunsford, age 81, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Saturday, June 5, 2021, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born October 9, 1939, in Watson, Oklahoma to Herman Luther “H.L.” Johnson and Myrtle Irene Plunkett Johnson.

She was united in marriage to Eddie Lunsford on January 24, 1964. Sue was a member of Christ Community Fellowship and the ladies Bible study in Mena. She enjoyed cooking and crocheting but most of all enjoyed taking care of her children and grandchildren.

She was a loving homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend. She will be dearly missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents; in-laws, Ealy and Merle Lunsford; and her brother-in-law, Ulysses Lunsford. Sue is survived by her husband, Eddie Lunsford; children, Susan Busch and husband Bruce, Jonathan Lunsford and wife Penny, Josh Lunsford, and wife Jennifer; siblings, Hilda Lue Burgess, Ronnie Johnson, and Donnie Johnson; grandchildren; Bradley Busch, Dustin Lunsford, Adyson Lunsford, Nic Cannon, Michah Cannon and wife Tiffanie, Dylan Blundell, and wife Caitlyn; great grandchild, Ava Blundell; a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members too great to mention.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at the Christ Community Fellowship in Mena with Brother Bobby Blasingame and Brother Bill Dunahoo officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation is general.

Pallbearers will be Bradley Busch, Dustin Lunsford, Dylan Blundell, Nic Cannon, Micah Cannon and Bruce Busch. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jamie Bartow, Shelton Bohlman, Don Brewer, Arville Busch, and Jerry Johnson.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Helen Jean Barber Philpot Helen Jean Barber Philpot, age 89, of Mena, Arkansas, peacefully passed away at her home on June 3, 2021. Helen was born July 16, 1931, in Acorn, to Elisha Barber and Viola Roberts Barber.

Helen grew up primarily in Acorn, and was a 1949 graduate of Acorn High School, where she as the Valedictorian of her graduating class. She married Wilton Owen Philpot in 1950, and the couple began their family in Mena.

While construction job opportunities for Wilton took the family to Oklahoma, Texas, and Illinois, the family moved back to Mena for good in 1966.

Through the many journeys, Mena and Acorn were always home to Helen.

Helen was a homemaker through the early years of her married life, and her work career included U.S. Motors for 15 years, Union Bank for 15 years, and at Edward Jones in Mena for 10 years.

Helen loved God, she loved her family, family meals and gatherings, and she loved her church family at First Baptist Church in Mena. Helen enjoyed working outside, she loved gardening, and canning the harvest of her gardens. She loved people, and she loved working with the public. Her interactions with the public always brought a smile to her face.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elisha and Viola Barber; her son, Stephen K. Philpot; her husband of 52 years, Wilton Philpot; and seven siblings.

She is survived by her son Mike Philpot and wife, Shirley, of Mena; grandchildren Gary Steven Philpot and wife, Lana, of Oden; Andy Philpot and wife, Christena, of Mena; Matt Philpot and wife, Sarah, of Coweta, Oklahoma; and Alisha Mavis and husband, Brad, of Cary, North Carolina; nine great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren; brotherin-law Leon Philpot and wife, Monta, of Mena; sister-in-law Joyce Barber, of Little Rock; and dedicated caregiver

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Faith 77

June 9, 2021

Gail Lamb, of Mena.

Helen’s funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 8, at the Beasley Wood Funeral Home Chapel, followed by a graveside ceremony at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena.

Pallbearers will be Gary Philpot, Andy Philpot, Drew Philpot, Brady Philpot, Nick Robertson, and Chad Pettigrew.

Viewing will be general at the Beasley Wood Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday afternoon, June 6, and Monday, June 7.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that any donations be made toward the American Cancer Society.

Wanda Bingham Janes

Wanda Bingham Janes, age 90, of Wickes, Arkansas passed away Friday, June 4, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born June 3, 1931, in Wickes, Arkansas to Kelsey Clifton Price and Minnie Katherine Miller Price.

Wanda was a customer service representative for Windstream until she retired. She attended the Wickes Church of the Nazarene for many years. Wanda adored her family more than anything and loved her friends as well. It is evident by the pictures that are showcased throughout her home. She was Godly woman and a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and a great friend to many. She will be dearly missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, J.D. Bingham; brothers, Orman Aaron Price, and Tillis Kelsey Price; and sister, Arlene Genice Price Campbell. She is survived by son, Travis Clayton Bingham; daughters, Melissa Kathleen Sanders and husband Jerry, Vanessa Bingham Crossfield and husband Jimmy; grandchildren, Anthony Sanders and wife Karen, Jennifer Sanders, Natalie Cannady and husband Dayton, Todd Bingham and wife Kelly, Courtney Jones and husband Shawn, Jordan Bingham and wife Caitlin, Bradley Crossfield, Emily Higgins and husband Matthew and Maximus “Max” (her granddog); great grandchildren, Jacob Sanders, Kendall Cannady, Brock

Bingham, Reid Bingham, Quinn Bingham, Blake Rogers, Addie Rogers, Clay Jones, and Adyson Jones.

Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m.

Monday, June 7, 2021, at the Duckett Cemetery in Wickes, Arkansas with Brother Leon McCleskey officiating.

Services are under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be Sunday, June 6 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Honorary pallbearers are Todd Bingham, Anthony Sanders, Bradley Crossfield, Jordan Bingham, Reggie Crossfield and Maximus “Max” Crossfield.

Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Donna Marie Morse Donna Marie Morse age 52 of Mena, Arkansas passed away Saturday, June 5, 2021 in Mena. She was born on July 21, 1968, to the late Clayton and Mildred Chaney. Donna was married to Ricky Morse on June 2, 1990.

Donna was CEO of ACCI for 31 years. She enjoyed spending time on her back deck with the beautiful view of the mountains and watching the sunsets. Donna enjoyed many activities such as, hunting, fishing, shopping, and cuddling with her pups. She loved any time spent with her husband. She enjoyed when family came to visit, by preparing a feast and saw to it that everything was perfect.

Donna Loved and Loved to be Loved.

She was preceded in death by Grandpa and Grandma Chaney, father and mother, Clayton and Mildred Chaney, a brother, Todd West, nephew, Leif Chaney and grandchild, Erin Dale Morse.

Donna was survived by her husband Ricky Morse, children Angela Morse Pothuisie and husband Russell, Aaron Morse and wife Wendy, Jessica Claus, Valerie Davis and husband Kyle, and Amber Morse. Grandchildren; Samantha Morse, Jalynn Lawrie, Aubree Lawrie, Nathaniel Davis, Kylee Davis, Nichole Morse, Maddison Morse, Allison

Morse, Braxton Pothuisie, Raevaughn White, Nijah White, Ranaan White, Emma Morse, and Jibril Colbert. Great grandchildren; Bryson Morse, Leeahna Hudson and River Hudson. Dog children; Rugger, Fancy, Dodger, Ringo, Hank, Zoey. Sisters; Wendy Watts and Dorothy and husband Aaron Pearson.

Nephews; Chad Watts and wife Erica, Tristan Chaney.

Niece; Samantha Miller and husband Kelly; great nieces and nephew, Taylor Watts and Wyatt Miller, Braylee, Jozulee, Braxlee and Timber Leif Watts.

Funeral service will be Friday, June 11, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Beasley Wood Chapel with Brother Russell Threet officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, June 10 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Chapel. Cemetery in Rocky Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Pallbearers will be Frankie Lance, Aaron Morse, George O’Daniels, Jason Chaney, Freddie Chaney, Chad Watts, Tristan Chaney and Aaron Person.

Honor pallbearers are Jalynn Lawrie, Nathaniel Davis, Raevaughn White, Chad Watts, Tristan Chaney, and Ranaan White.

Ronald Dwain Carrell

Mr. Ronald Dwain Carrell, 88, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Friday, June

4, 2021 at his home.

He was born June 15, 1932 in Ben Wheeler, Texas to the late Roy Carrell and the late Nannie Ellison Carrell. He was happily married to Sarah Maciel Carrell and enjoyed fishing, hunting and building homes, notably building 3 log homes. He served our country in the United States Army and was a loving husband, father, uncle and friend.

He is survived by his wife Sarah Carrell; daughter Melissa Carrell; longtime friend, Luther Rains; nieces, Toby (Lee) Evans, Colinda Torrez, Patty (Bill) Gallagher, Sylvia Gamboa, Becky (Mark) Chaffin, Diana (Russell) Richardson, Diane Higgenbotham, and Charlene (Paul) Wilson; nephews, John (Gracie) Torrez, Jessie (Alice) Herrera, Moses

(Paula) Herrera, Michael Torrez, Pona Torrez, Roger Dale (Peggy) Higginbotham, Steve Higginbotham, and Danny Higginbotham.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Ronnie Lynn Carrell and two sisters, Margie Powers and Billie Ruth Higginbotham Graveside services will be Monday, June 7, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at the Jonesville Cemetery in Huntington, Texas with Luther Raines officiating. Arrangements under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be general.

Rocky Eugene Clift Mr. Rocky Eugene Clift, age 55, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Monday, May 31, 2021 at his home. He was born on October 17, 1965 in Ashdown, Arkansas to the late Otto Clift and Bertha (Strother) Clift Rocky served our country in the United States Army. He attended college and received a bachelor’s degree of parks and recreation. Rocky’s passion was cars. He will be dearly missed.

Rocky is survived by his brothers, Wesley Copelin, and Tommy Copelin; sisters, Patricia Chambers, and Theresa Judkins and husband Roger; three nieces; four nephews; one great niece; one great nephew; and one great-great nephew.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home. No services are scheduled at this time.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

What we have once enjoyed we can never lose: all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.

-Helen Keller

8 History

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Reflections from History and Faith: Happy Birthday, Old Glory!

June 9, 2021

By Jeff Olson Two hundred forty four years ago this coming Monday, June 14, 1777 during America's War of Independence, John Adams introduced a resolution before the Continental Congress in Philadelphia mandating a United States flag, stating: "Resolved, that the flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation."

Subsequently, the Stars and Stripes were adopted as America's official national flag.

It is traditionally accepted that in 1776 George Washington commissioned Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross to create a flag for the new nation.

The available evidence is insufficient to establish this with certainty, but it is entirely plausible and consistent with what evidence we do have. Some

scholars credit the flag’s design to Francis Hopkinson, who also designed the Great Seal and first coin of the United States. Though historical accounts vary to some extent, there is no doubt that both of these patriots contribute to our nation in their own special and substantial ways.

The Congress assigned no specific meanings to the flag's colors in 1777, but the Great Seal of the United States gave some indication of the symbolism.

Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, stated that the seal's colors "are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence; Red signifies hardiness and valor; and Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice." A book published by the House of Representatives in 1977 states that "the star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is

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symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun." To date, there have been twenty-seven official versions of the flag. The current version dates to July 4, 1960, after Hawaii became the fiftieth state on August 21, 1959.

The first official large scale celebration of our flag came about on June 14, 1877 on the flag's centennial anniversary. From this time on, celebrating "Old Glory" became an annual event over much of the country. In 1885 Bernard J. Cigrand, a Wisconsin school teacher, began encouraging his students to observe June 14 as “Flag Birthday.” He later wrote an essay published in a Chicago newspaper that urged Americans to proclaim this date as the day to celebrate the flag. For more than forty years Cigrand persistently continued his crusade to have June 14 designated for the national observance of the birth of the American flag. One hundred thirty years ago, June 14, 1891, due to the efforts of George Balch, a New York City school teacher and composer of the first version of our Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag, 'Flag Day' was officially adopted by the New York State Board of Education. During the next 30 years, many other state and local governments began adopting the annual observance while other patriotic groups, including the Colonial Dames and the Sons of the American Revolution, worked to convince Congress to make Flag Day an official nationwide observance. At last, in May 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation calling for a nationwide observance of Flag Day on June 14. It wasn’t however until 1949, seventeen years after Cigrand’s death, that congressional legislation was signed into law by President Harry Truman officially designating June 14 as National Flag Day. As he should be, Bernard Cigrand is widely recognized as the “Father of Flag Day.” Have you ever wondered when and where our flag picked up the name 'Old

Glory'? William Driver, a ship master from Salem, Massachusetts, received a homemade flag with 24 stars in 1824, sewn for him by his mother and young lady admirers to celebrate his appointment, at the age of just 21, as a master mariner and commander of his own ship, the Charles Doggett. According to legend, when Driver raised the flag up the main mast, he lifted his hat and exclaimed, “My ship, my country, and my flag, Old Glory.” However, no evidence has been found to substantiate such a pronouncement. More likely he named the flag when reflecting on his adventurous 20-year career as an American merchant seaman who sailed extensively throughout various parts of the world. He kept his flag for many years, protecting it during the Civil War until it was flown over the Tennessee capitol. In his words, “It has ever been my staunch companion and protection.

Savages and heathens, lowly and oppressed, hailed and welcomed it at the far end of the wide world. Then, why should it not be called Old Glory?”

Old Glory is much more than a symbol. Flying so proudly from on high, she continually implores us to a remembrance and understanding of the arduous journey of a nation, a people struggling toward the full realization of the ideals expressed in our Declaration of Independence and for the cause of individual freedom, liberty under law and justice for all. In 2021, we need Old Glory more than ever as a reminder of our heritage and inheritance and of the sacrifice in blood and treasure it has taken to preserve them – and may continue to. Perhaps a fitting and sobering question to ask ourselves on this occasion would be: Am I the kind of American worthy of those sacrifices? This will be answered in the months and years ahead, and the answer will determine whether or not the American Republic endures.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

By Richie Lawry

June 9, 2021

An Arkie’s Faith: Physical Therapy

“Ouch,” I exclaimed as I struggled to get out of my chair. The pain in my left leg was excruciating. After standing, I had to wait a few moments for my leg to be strong enough to hold me up. This difficulty in getting out of a chair had become my new routine, and I was tired of it. I had suffered from arthritis pain in my knees for several years, but this was so much more.

For a month or so, the outside of my left leg had been numb below the knee. If I knelt or something touched the numb area, sharp pain would shoot through my leg. I needed to find out what was happening and get some relief, so I called my doctor and made an appointment.

When I explained my symptoms to the doctor, he told me that he thought that inflammation of nerves in my back was the source of my pain. After taking x-rays, he wanted more information to make the diagnosis, so he scheduled an MRI. When the MRI results came back, he decided that the first course of treatment should be physical therapy. I looked forward to something that would lessen the pain. But it was several weeks before there was an opening for physical therapy. By the time that I was able to get a therapy appointment, the pain had intensified.

When the day came for my first appointment, I was a bit nervous. Medical procedures and not knowing what to expect are way outside of my comfort zone.

But Adam, my therapist, put me at ease. He was very thorough in his examination and carefully explained everything that he was doing. He showed me some simple exercises with unusual names like “wig wags” and “side-lying open book” and sent me home with instructions on performing five simple exercises that I was to do every day.

My attitude had improved when I came in for my second therapy session. Although I still had pain, I could already see improvement. I felt confident that things were going to get better with physical therapy.

Once again, Adam made me feel optimistic as he explained that he thought nerve pain was the cause of my condition. He went into detail about the nerves and what we could do to make my situation better.

One of the techniques he used was dry needling. It

is a treatment in which sterile needles with no liquid inside, that is why it is called “dry” needling, are applied to trigger points in the muscle. Preliminary research shows that dry needling improves pain control, reduces muscle tension, and normalizes dysfunctions of the motor end plates, the sites that transmit nerve impulses to muscles. While Adam applied the needles to the affected area of my left leg, I could feel an electrical stimulation in my left big toe. He told me that it meant he was working on the proper nerve.

One thing that became evident as Adam worked with me in therapy was how stiff and inflexible I am.

I have a poor range of motion in my legs and am not able to bend easily. Flexibility is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If your joints and muscles become stiff from either not being used or wear and tear, everyday activities are more challenging. Stretching and strengthening exercises increase your ability to move comfortably.

The stretching exercises that I do daily should help me become more flexible. While doing the stretches, I realized that while my legs are not very flexible, I have other issues with flexibility. My body may not be very flexible, but neither is my mind. We often refer to someone as stubborn or headstrong. In a more flattering way, we may refer to them as uncompromising, determined, or persistent. We, as Christians, often look at these traits as positive and they can be. In 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ISV), Paul wrote, “Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, unmovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord.” I believe that the Bible is firm and unchangeable. It contains God’s truth and His principles. But sometimes, that belief can make me very inflexible.

We may think that we must remain faithful to principles and convictions, regardless of the opinion of others. But many Christians with this mindset bully others or are perpetually angry because they do not like what is going on. I recently heard an acronym that I want to adapt and use here; my apologies, Jeri. These people are cave people, that is, Christians Against Virtually Everything. There is a time to take a moral stand, but we should still be salt and light, and the only way to do that is to be flexible in the way we see things.

Faith 9

Flexibility, the ability to change directions quickly and compromise when appropriate, is an admirable quality. Think what would happen if an airplane pilot refused to be flexible and change altitude or direction when advised of a dangerous weather system. Or think about what could happen if car drivers refused to let other people merge into their lanes. Flexibility is necessary, but how should you decide when to be flexible and when to resist change?

Maybe like me, many of you suffer from inflexibility. We have figured out how to live our lives and feel that to be victorious Christians, and we think that we must be determined and uncompromising. The backbone of our beliefs becomes rigid rules and regulations. We are stubborn in our determination to control life’s course and outcome.

Often I have tried to maintain control over my life instead of letting God be in control. I thought I had life all figured out and was sure how God needed to answer my prayers. Yet rarely does life work the way I want it to or think it should. I am too inflexible. I like the answer to inflexibility given by the Christian author, Susan Lenzkes. She says, “there is a cure. Each time life throws us a punch, we can do a deep-knee bend, forcing our muscles of faith, hope and understanding to stretch.” She goes on to say, “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be broken. No, that’s not one of Jesus’ Beatitudes, but it is an attitude that makes all the difference in your emotional and spiritual health.”

Gentle Reader, are you a flexible person? Spiritual flexibility comes from exercising our faith and trust in God, not from an unyielding belief. We have to be accommodating and eliminate pride in our rigid rules and regulations. Inflexible Christians are not good witnesses to the world. Trillia Newbell says it this way; “What is so strange to me is people believe that by fighting, they are being faithful. It’s hard to convince someone that they may need to be slow to speak and to tame their tongue if they think they’re right. And if they think they’re fighting for Jesus.”

Don’t be a cave person. Make it your goal to be flexible.

Joke of the Week: I have started building boats in my attic. Things are going well. Sales are through the roof.

Replacing windshields in Polk County for forty years.

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10 Farm Family

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CONTRACTORS

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Pulse

June 9, 2021

Watkins named Polk County’s Farm Family James and Janet Watkins, of Vandervoort, were selected as Polk County’s Farm Family of the Year. They have three children, Jessica Salley, 33, Morgan Looney, 24, and Garrett Watkins 20.

briars,” he said. “Cross fencing has been a major undertaking through the years as well. Clearing new pastures from timber land has also been a large part of the operation as well.”

CONGRATULATIONS POLK COUNTYʼS

Their farm is located 12 miles east of Vandervoort on Hwy 246. The family owns and operates 917 acres and began the venture 29 years ago with 137 acres

With their son Garett pursing a agriculture business degree from SAU, plans to continue to improve the family farm are a much discussed topic.

OF 2021

The Watkins have four swine finishing barns, with a 700 head capacity; four pullet houses, with 16,000 head capacity, and 160 head of beef cattle.

“I plan to continue making pasture improvements and hay fields improvements through weed control, establishing grass stands, cleaning and smoothing grounds and fertilizing and liming,” James said. “I plan to expand the beef herd to 200 plus head. I possibly would contract more pullet houses if the opportunity presented itself.”

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Congratulations to Polk County’s FARM FAMILY of 2021

www.todayscoop.com 318 Hwy 71 S - Mena 479-394-3373

THE POLK COUNTY

FARM FAMILY

CONGRATULATIONS TO

JAMES & JANET WATKINS POLK COUNTY’S FARM FAMILY OF 2021

309 S. MORROW, MENA, AR

4793943650

Congratulations

Watkins Family Polk County’s Farm Family of 2021

Southwest Outdoor Center

394-4899 1167 Hwy 71 S. Mena, Arkansas

Their bulls and open/bred heifers are marketed by word of mouth, local paper, social media, and Internet ads. Steers are shipped to Oklahoma City to the stockyards or sold through the local livestock auction.

In October 2020, they bought 27 acres on the Cossatot River with two rented cabins, with hopes to build others in the future.

In 1999, they became involved in the Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers program and set the goal to win the Achievement Award, and did so in 2001.

“We developed a registered Angus herd, and over half of the beef herd is now registered Angus ” James said.

As with any farm, James has overcome problems over the years.

“The pastures when I started were mostly unimproved.

I have gone to great length to control weeds, brush and

Several years ago James got involved in EQIP. “Over the years I have used the program to implement a lot of project such as : fencing, cattle from a creek cross fences, ponds, water troughs (12) & pipe lines , under ground pipe lines for hog manure (15,000 + feet) and a forest road with water bars & culverts.”

James’ love of farming has roots in the area that span generations.

“While growing up on my father’s farm, I always helped whenever possible. While attending Southern Arkansas University, I came home on weekends and breaks to work on the farm. I have always known I wanted to farm, but I decided to get a degree in Agr/Business to better prepare myself for farming and to have if I ever needed it,”

FARM FAMILY continued on page 11

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

June 9, 2021

Farm Family 11

FARM FAMILY continued from page 10 James said. “For my work over the many years, I received zero acres as a gift from my father when I began plans to build my hog houses. I then acquired a loan to build the hog houses. I also inherited 40 acres of timber land from my grandmother. In 2001, I bought my mother’s interest in 590 acres. In 2005 , I inherited my father’s interest in 590 acres. In 2016, I took out a loan to build the chicken houses.

Family Life James and Janet’s daughter, Jessica, is married to Josh Salley. They live near Converse, La. And have three girls, ages 7, 2, and 1. They raise beef cattle, hay, and sell packaged beef under their own label, Salley Beef.

The farm family’s second daughter, Morgan, is married to Nate Looney. They live in Monticello; Ar. Morgan is a process engineer for Clearwater Paper Co. and Nate, of Acorn, works in assembly for Atwoods.

They hope to make a move back to a farm in the future.

Garrett is a junior at Southern Arkansas University. He is pursuing a degree in Agriculture/Business. He works on the SAU farm and the family farm.

Community Life James has served on the Polk County Farm Bureau Board from 1999 to present and held an officers position at various times during those years.

He also serves on Rich Mountain Conservation District Board, from 2006 to present, as well as being the treasurer at First Baptist Church in Vandervoort from 2007 to present. He served on the Polk County Fair Board from 1999 to 2005.

Janet has served at First Baptist Church in Vandervoort through various commitments including Vacation Bible School Director, secretary and teacher from 1993 to present. She also serves on the Veterans Day Committee at Van-Cove Elementary from 1997 to present. Janet has been a teacher for 26 years and currently is the Dyslexia Coordinator.

Congratulations to the

Watkins Family

Polk County’s Farm Family of 2021

CONGRATULATIONS

WATKINS FAMILY POLK COUNTY’S FARM FAMILY OF 2021

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WATKINS FAMILY

POLK COUNTYʼS

FARM FAMILY of 2021

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12 Lum & Abner

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

June 9, 2021

44th Lum & Abner held Photos by Trey Youngdahl & Mena AP A line up including Spa City Youngbloods, Gypsy Sally, Lana Gail and firefighter games entertained at the 44th Lum and Abner Festival during a weekend of rain. However, the weather did not prevent patrons from enjoying shows or checking out the vendors at the annual event, which was canceled last year due to COVID19.

THANK YOU! to everyone that celebrated our

35

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THE POLK

Pulse

Community 13

June 9, 2021

Shopping Continues with the Cash Mob

Breakfast boon to Masons

Submitted by Judy Thompson/Downtown Partners Watch out in downtown this Saturday, June 12, for bright rays of sunshine hitting downtown as the Cash Mob gathers for its monthly event at 10:00 AM. The Mob restarted last month for the first time in fourteen months. Judy Thompson, Mob Coordinator, says that she was very pleased to see the turnout at the May Cash Mob, several of whom were first timers. She noted that they had a great time shopping at the mobbed store, Stitch Chick. The host for the June Cash Mob is the Mena Art Gallery.

The Downtown Cash Mob is a project of the Mena Downtown Partners to promote the ‘Buy Local, Shop Small’ effort while providing an opportunity for fun and socializing. For those not familiar with a cash mob, it is a community effort that is popular in many areas of the country and joins people together to support local businesses. It is an entertaining way to encourage shoppers into businesses where they not only normally shop but also to stores they may not have visited. The Downtown Mena Cash Mob provides an opportunity to shop at various downtown businesses. All participating merchants and hosts are members of the Mena Downtown Partners Locally, the invitation to attend is extended giving the name of the business which will host that month. The group will meet at the designated location for refreshments, fellowship, games and door prizes. A name of a participating Mena Downtown Partners’ business is drawn. The group then converges on that business going in laughing and yelling “You’re being mobbed!” Mob’sters have been seen leaving the host business walking as a group on the sidewalk wearing hula skirts, bunny ears, Santa hats or Mardi Gras masks. For the June Cash Mob, attendees are encouraged to wear their sunglasses as the Mob is going to make the downtown brighter by their support. All those wearing sunglasses will have a chance to enter for a special door prize. The most “outstanding” pair of sunglasses will win a prize for the wearer.

Thompson notes there are only two requirements, but they must be followed.

Each participant must spend $20 or more at the store that is being mobbed and they must have fun! The Cash Mob is open to anyone. Shoppers have included those from 12 to 90. Masks are optional.

Both Thompson and MDP president Linda Ostman invite you to attend the June Cash Mob on Saturday, June 12, 10:00 AM at the Mena Art Gallery, 607 Mena Street. Come with your friends and meet new friends. Contribute to the local economy and have a great time with the ‘all-American’ pastime of SHOPPING. Be a part of the Mob Sunshine!

Photo by Trey Youngdahl Freemasons Robert Lancaster (left) and Don Davis (right) greeting and serving breakfast to guests at Dallas Masonic Lodge #128.

Proceeds of the breakfast went towards the Rex Burns Memorial Masonic Scholarship, which will be given to a local high school graduate.

STAY ALERT. STAY INFORMED. STAY SAFE. Some severe weather events are predictable, others may happen with little or no warning.

Keep yourself and your family safe and healthy in any weather emergency by visiting the CDC Natural Disasters and Severe Weather information site.

www.cdc.gov/disasters/ Rich Mountain Electric Cooperative, Inc. Owned By Those We Serve

515 Janssen Ave, Mena, AR 71953 (479) 394-4140 W W W. R M E C . C O M

14 Community

June 9, 2021

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

Wood shares account of Vietnam with DAR Submitted by by Brenda Cunningham and Cortez Copher, photos by Kay Dye

James K. Polk Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution with guests at Mena meeting.

LOCATED IN MENA CALL TODAY

(479)3377115 WWW.HOMEWOODGHC.COM

James K. Polk Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution held their monthly chapter meeting at the Polk County Library on May 20, 2021. Billy Wood, Col., U.S. Army (Ret.) delivered a captivating account of his time served in Viet Nam. He spoke about its people, culture, and topography. Linda Johnson, SMSgt, USAF (Ret), spoke on the subject “United States Flag Etiquette” and enlightened the chapter on the do’s and don'ts of flag handling and display.

Samuel Bell, a senior at Caddo Hills High School, read his award winning Good Citizen's Essay. Deonna Williams was sworn in as Treasurer by Honorary Regent and Registrar, Dotty Kinnun.

Upcoming JKP Chapter events include replacing flags at White Oak Cemetery, sponsoring the Missing Man Table at seven area restaurants May 27-31, and attending the Caddo District Flag Day in Bryant June 14, 2021. James K. Polk Chapter meetings will resume August 7, 2021 with “Reunion and Renewal” to be held in the Daisy Room. Ladies interested in becoming a part of this wonderful service organization may reach Registrar Dotty Kinnun at (thekinnuns@gmail.com), or Regent Cortez Copher at (cortezjcopher@yahoo.com).

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

June 9, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS

- SERVICES -

RELIGION

- NOTICES -

INVITATION TO BID The Polk County Road Department will be accepting sealed bids for (3) new Ford 2022 F250, extended cab, 4x4 pickups. Bids are to be opened in the Polk County Judge’s office at the Polk County Courthouse at 507 Church Avenue in Mena, Arkansas at 9:00 a.m., June 21, 2021.

All interested parties should contact Polk County Judge Brandon Ellison at 479-394-8133 for complete specifications and instructions.

Mowing, weedeating, and hedge trimming- When you need an extra hand in Mena/Polk County call 479-234-0509. Please leave a message 070721 Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. `(870) 490-1191 T0616

- FOR SALE -

For Sale - 2019 Toyota Highlander LE, burgundy, one-owner, 46,875 Hwy. miles, 4-cylinder, auto, gray cloth, Toyota’s best engine. $27,900 Call Tim (870) 582-5830

T0609

Classifieds 15 Polk County Births Mena Regional Health System MAY 21, 2021 TO JUNE 4, 2021

Kayla Thomas & Austin McCulley of Hatfield, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born May 30th Jacquelyn Todd & Ryan Boyd of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born June 1st Lori & James Powell of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born June 1st

MENA REAL ESTATE

- YARD SALES -

Order of the Eastern Star Bizarre! Fri-Sat, June 11-12, 9 a.m.-5

p.m., Hatfield Masonic Lodge, 108 E. Johnson Ave. Benefiting Service Dogs for Veterans. Baked goods and rummage sale. T0616

479-394-7301

1102 Crestwood Circle Mena, AR 71953

Yard Sale, Wed.-Sat., June 9-12, the old Papa’s parking lot, Mena. DVDs, furniture, grandmother clock, baby-adult clothing, and more. Rain may alter schedule T0609 Garage Sale, Sat., June 12, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., 2801 Michelle Dr., Mena. Car vac, electric pressure washer, skill saw, B&D drill, tools, large storage cabinet, bug zapper, radio/CD player, wooden chair, small tiller, small air compressor.

T0609 Multi-Family Carport Sale - Furniture rugs, home décor, tools, yard equipment, men’s and women’s clothing, baby clothes, boy’s clothes 2T to teen, bicycles, toys, fabric, vintage and antiques and lots more! One day only! Corner of 8th and Magnolia.

T0609

End Time Bible Questions. The Witnesses are not Enoch, Elijah or Moses. The Question?

Remains, who are the Witnesses? Fifth Clue: Revelation 2:7, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 2:17, Revelation 2:29, Revelation 3:6, Revelation 3:13, Revelation 3:22, Revelation 3:21 Sixth Clue: Daniel 12:7, A wonderful clue.

Previous week’s clues: Revelation 1:19 & 11:4 A secret closed-up and sealed, since Daniel 12:9, is soon to be revealed. It’s understandable once everything comes together, although it still may be hard to believe! It was for me!

- INSERTER -

www.MenaRealEstate.com

16 Puzzles

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse

June 9, 2021

06.09.21

06.09.21

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 06.02.21

Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Hello! My name is midnight. I am a stunning all black beauty. I am about 2 years old and weigh in at about 13 pounds. I am super playful. I can be a bit shy around new people but I warm up fast. I might not come to greet you but am always up for love and petting. I am a carefree animal, who can be independent at times, but I do get along with other cats. I have been indoors all my life and would need to go to an indoor only home. Please come see me today!

All selected Pet of the Week animals come with a gift package. This special starter pack for cats includes a collar, bed, 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 3945682 WWW.HSOMENA.ORG

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse OLT NEWS: Lamar Austin, Chairman of the OLT Play Selection Committee has announced an open meeting for any one interested in becoming a member or submitting plays for consideration for the 2022 Season.

The meeting will be held June 12 at 6:00pm at LaVilla’s. Please respond to let us know if you’re attending for seating requirements.

The Theatre is also in need of additional Volunteers to help with various areas. Director’s, Assistant Directors, Set construction, set painting, back stage crews, lighting and sound techs, concession staff, ticket, Fund Raising, Membership to name a few.

If you have interest in volunteering Contact Scotty Jenkins @ 479-216-5536 or email at lonestarjack2001@yahoo.com Enjoy Live Music, Thursday nights, 6pm –9 p.m., the Daisy Room, 800 Janssen Ave. For information call 479-234-9018.

St. Agnes Church will host a food distribution on Thursday, June 3rd from 10:00Noon at 203 8th St. in Mena. Distribution will be at the church office.

The Polk County Farmer’s Market will be opening Saturday, May 29, at the Historic Depot from 7:00 am-sold out (usually 10:30/11:00).

The Market will be open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at the same times for the rest of the season.

The Cash MOB meets at the Art Gallery on June 12th at 10 am They start off with some fun and games, then choose the business to be Mobbed.

If you have not yet attended a Cash Mob, now is a good time to start!

Polk County Republican Committee meets on the 3rd Monday of every month at 5:30pm in the Polk County Library. The next meeting will be June 21.

Vacation Bible School, June 14-18, 9 am–noon at Cove Baptist Church, 114 Middle St. Pre-Registration Family Fun night in the Fellowship Hall, June 12, 5 p.m.–7 p.m. Bounce Houses & Food. For more information, call 870-387-6631 The Food Pantry at the Mena Seventh Day Adventist Church is open every first and third Monday of each month, 4pm- 6pm, located at Fair Grounds Road. For more information, call 479-4374018.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 8 p.m.

Around Town 17

June 9, 2021

Around Town

Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, 9th & Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study For information call 479-243-0297

14th, at 6:30PM at Papa’s Mexican Restaurant in Mena. Come early if you plan to eat. All are welcome.

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 7pm Monday, at 7pm Thursday, at 7pm Friday, and at 6 p.m.

Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church.

For information call Erica at 479-216-7249.

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!

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 3 p.m.

Sundays, at 5pm. Tuesdays and at 8pm Saturdays at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call 479-234-8366 or 479-216-3786 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., 10 am-3 pm 479-394-3880

479.394.4248

104 Port Arthur Ave. Mena, AR 71953-3344

47

104 Men

Grief Share is starting a new 13 week series at First Presbyterian Church in Mena. Meetings are each Thursday from 10 am until noon and are open to anyone in the community grieving the loss of a loved one. For more information call 479-234-3419.

$

Country-Western Dance 7-10 p.m. on Fridays at the Hatfield Auditorium. Admission is $7.00.

Included is a 50/50 drawing and a snack break based on whatever food people bring.

Polk County Republican Committee Meeting. We meet on the 3rd Monday of every month at 5:30pm in the Polk County Library.

The Democratic Party of Polk County will hold its monthly meeting, Monday, June

got medicare???

$

$

CHIQUITAʼS $5 FOOD SERVICE FOR $3

BAYWASH CAR WASH $10 CARWASH FOR $5

WENDYʼS LARGE BREAKFAST BACONATOR COMBO FOR $5

THE SHOP $45 UNLIMITED $ TANNING FOR $25

AND A VARIETY OF BRANSON TICKETS

18 Police Reports

June 9, 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

May 24, 2021 Report of a disturbance at the Polk County Courthouse led to the arrest of Kirk W. Grafton, 50, of Mena, on a Charge of Disorderly Conduct.

May 25, 2021 Report from complainant on Polk 76 near Acorn of fraudulent bank activity. Deputy responded.

May 26, 2021 Report of a hit and run accident on Hwy 71N near Mena. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Polk 53 near Dallas Valley of a break in and theft of tools, an air compressor, a beer stein, a Husky mower, and a fiberglass boat, totaling losses at $1,100.00. Deputy responded.

Report of possible elder abuse.

Deputy responded.

May 27, 2021 Report from complainant on Hwy 88E near Ink of being stabbed in the foot. Deputy responded.

Report of a sexual assault. Deputy responded.

Report of the discovery of a suspicious substance led to two juveniles being issued Juvenile Citations for Possession of Marijuana. Juveniles were released to the custody of a parent/guardian.

Arrested was Sarah R. Beck, 36, of Mena, on a Warrant for Delivery of Meth or Cocaine and Delivery of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance.

Arrested was Dale D. Shimel, 32, of Vandervoort, on a Charge of Public Intoxication.

May 28, 2021 Report from complainant on Polk 661 near Cherry Hill of a scam involving an online purchase. Deputy responded.

Arrested was Jason W. Busby, 47, of Mena, on a Charge of Parole Revocation, Terroristic Act, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Arrested by a trooper with the Arkansas State Police was Michael V. Henderson, 31, of Mena, on a Charge of DWI. May 29, 2021 Report from complainant on Polk 16 near Vandervoort of receiving threatening texts. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Polk 44 near Dallas Valley of a domestic disturbance. Deputy responded.

Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration of charges.

Arrested was Jarad A. Miller, 22, of Gillham on a Warrant for Failure to Appear, and a Warrant for Failure to Comply.

Arrested was Bryan E. Sturgis, 54, of Mena, on a Parole Hold.

May 30, 2021 Report from complainant on Polk 659 near Board Camp of a garage window being broken out. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Wild Rose Lane near Acorn of items missing from a residence. Deputies responded.

Report from complainant on Heritage Lane near Hatfield of property damage. Deputy responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration of charges.

Report of a Violation of an Order of Protection. Deputy responded.

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

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 22 Incarcerated Inmates, with 6 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

May 31, 2021 Report of an unattended death on Gandy Lane near Acorn. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Polk 44 near Dallas Valley of damage to mailboxes. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Hwy 8E near Board Camp of a domestic disturbance. Deputy responded.

June 1, 2021 Report from complainant on Hwy 88E near Ink of domestic battery.

Deputy responded.

Report of neglected animals on Farmers Lane near Hatfield.

Report from complainant on Hwy 88E near Cherry Hill of an incident between family members.

Deputy responded. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration of charges.

Arrested was Leonard J. Barnett, 31, of Mena, on a Warrant for Disorderly Conduct.

Arrested was Jamie R. Arce, 37, of Hatfield, on four Warrants for Failure to Appear.

Arrested by an officer with the Grannis Police Department was Samuel C. Henley, 38, of Wickes, on a Charge of Public Intoxication, a Charge of Breaking or Entering, and three Warrants for Failure to Appear.

June 2, 2021 Report from complainant on East Canterberry near Vandervoort of an incident between acquaintances.

Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Polk 56 near Dallas Valley of a domestic disturbance led to the arrest of Veronica M. Maddox, 24, of Mena, on a Charge of Domestic Battery 3rd Degree.

June 3, 2021 Report from complainant on Polk 93 near Rocky of a domestic altercation. Deputy responded.

Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration of charges.

Report from Mangus Lane near Grannis of an altercation. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on West

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Pearl Street near Wickes of a stolen license plate. Deputy responded.

June 4, 2021 Report from complainant on Hwy 8E near Board Camp of a No Contact Order being violated. Deputy responded.

Report of an incident where a purchase was made from an individual.

Report from complainant on Hwy 88E near Ink of a No Contact Order being violated. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Hwy 71S near Cove of being threatened.

Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Polk 45 near Shady Grove of being threatened. Deputy responded.

Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration of charges.

Arrested was Kyle E. Scheppman, 30, of Cove, on a Warrant for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

June 5, 2021 Report of an incident between family members. Deputy responded.

Report of a structure fire on Majesty Lane near Potter. Deputy responded.

Report of a motorcycle accident on Polk 44 near Dallas Valley. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Hwy 8W near Shady Grove of a neighbor’s dog killing chickens. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Hwy 246W near Hatfield of an incident between family members.

Deputy responded.

Report of a Facebook account possibly being hacked. Deputy responded.

Report of a UTV accident. Deputies responded.

Report of a domestic altercation on Polk 136 near Cove. Deputy responded.

Arrested was William L. Copelin, 26, of Mena, on a Warrant for Harassment.

Arrested was Isiaha T. Sipe, 23, of Hatfield, on two Warrants for Failure to Appear, and a Warrant for Intent to Defraud a Drug or Alcohol Screening Test.

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse June 6, 2021 Report from complainant on Polk 44 near Dallas Valley of a domestic altercation. Deputy responded.

Report from complainant on Polk 98 near Grannis of a vehicle being rammed. Deputies responded.

Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further consideration of charges.

Polk County Sheriff ’s Office worked one vehicle accident this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 20 Incarcerated Inmates, with 6 Inmates currently on

MENA POLICE REPORTS May 23 Alexis Simon, 20, was served with a warrant at Limetree Inn. A report of littering was taken from Simple Simon’s Pizza.

May 24 William Robison, 38, was served with two warrants at the police department.

A report of criminal trespass was taken at a residence on Magnolia Avenue.

A report of criminal trespass and littering was taken at Rich Mountain Electric and Dequeen Street Apartments.

May 25 Garrett Puerto, 25, and Laurie Pecora, 23, were both charged with Domestic Battery 3rd Degree and Disorderly Conduct after a disturbance call to a residence on Rogers Avenue.

May 26 Aaron Tyler, 28, was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Criminal Mischief after a disturbance call to Executive Inn. A report of theft was taken from a walk-in complainant.

May 27 A report of criminal mischief was taken from Walmart.

A report of criminal mischief and

June 9, 2021 careless or prohibited driving was taken at Walmart.

A report of dog running at large was taken on Carder Avenue.

May 28 No reports taken.

May 29 No reports taken.

May 30 Kasi Dollarhyde, 38, was served with two warrants at the Executive Inn. Joseph Stubbs, 45, was served with two warrants at the county jail.

A report of theft of property (shoplifting) was taken at Walmart.

A report of theft of property (shoplifting) was taken at Salvation Army.

June 1 Bruce Huber, 33, was charged with Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving on a Suspended License, and served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Reine Street.

Ashley Laughter, 31, was served with a warrant at the police department.

A report of unpermitted peddlers was taken Proft Circle, Kenwood Way, and 2nd Street.

June 2 Jakki Hellyer, 28, was served with a warrant at the police department.

A report of criminal mischief was taken at Country Express.

Mykos Pierce, 21, was served with a warrant after a trespassing complaint on Dequeen Street.

June 3 Abram Abernathy was served with two warrants at the police department.

Austin Kain, 24, was charged with Possession of Schedule 6 Controlled Substance, Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and served with 3 warrants after a traffic stop on Mena Street.

June 4 A report of harassment and terroristic threat was taken from a person at Salvation Army.

June 5 A report of a truck backing into a building was taken at Washburn’s Home Furnishings.

Police Reports 19 READY OR NOT, HERE I COME!

(Taken from my recent book, Design, a moving, religious work, tasked with guiding people through God’s intended design in several of life’s most poignant areas. Design can be purchased at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.)

WHEN I WAS A KID (MANY YEARS AGO), I REMEMBER A GAME THAT WE USED TO PLAY CALLED “HIDE AND SEEK.” To begin, the group of kids would select one of them to be the “it” of the game. The “it” would close his eyes and count to a predetermined number (usually about twenty or thirty), and when finished counting he, or she, would shout, “ready or not here I come.” At that point the “it” would search diligently until he, or she, had found all the “hiders.” The first one found had to be the next “it.”

The point of this little story is simple: No one wants to be found first, so everyone hides. It is a bit like a spiritual experience! The “it” of the story is Jesus Christ. The counting is the time that He waits before coming to find His kids.

And the shout, “ready or not here I come,” is the final warning that He is even now in the process of giving to humanity. Jesus said, “be ye therefore ready, for the Son of Man cometh in an hour when ye think not.” (Luke 12:40).

We are told in the sixth chapter of the Revelation that when the Day comes, people of all kinds, all colors, all classes, will be running and “hiding,” because the Day WILL come, and it will be a fearsome day for some. And even some “Christians” will not be ready: “And now, dear children, continue in Him, so that when He reappears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.” (I John 2:25) And while It is true that we do not know the very hour, we are told enough to know the season of the return of Jesus Christ. And for many, it will be, “ready or not, here I come.” But one major sign is almost hidden in the verse from Luke 12:40, when Jesus said, “at an hour when ye think not.” See what this says? Jesus said that at a time when men had ceased to believe in His Second Coming, that would be exactly the time that He would come. See it? Well, we are living in exactly that time!

The majority of humanity today, including great numbers of “Christians” just simply do not believe that He is coming back! They may say it, but do they truly believe it? And in the non-Christian community, it is difficult to find one who truly believes. How do I know? Simple. If we truly believed in the return of Jesus Christ, if we truly believed in the great “kidnapping” ( some call it rapture), if we truly believed that unbelievers would be left behind, if we truly believed that there would be seven years of terror on this little planet, if we truly believed that during that seven years, plagues much greater than the corona virus, would kill millions of people, if we truly believed that WWIII would happen during that time… if we truly believed these things, and many other warning signs contained in the Bible, it would change lives radically! Real faith always changes things where it goes, always.

The Bible has always been very clear about it: “The wages of sin is death.” No amendments, no additions, just simple, straightforward facts. The Bible is true, From front to back, and it has always shown us how to know God, how to be forgiven of sin, how to live, and, it has always pulled no punches, it has revealed to us a God who loves us more than words could ever say, but also a God who will not always tolerate the wickedness that permeates so much of human society.

“God is not mocked,” Just as surely as the last breath that we took, Jesus is coming back, whether we are “ready or not.” Get ready! Get ready, now! “Those who call upon the name of the Lord (Jesus is the Name) shall be saved!” (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13) No magic formula, this. So simple that none should miss it.

My name is Gene Stacks, and I approve of this message.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

20

THE POLK COUNTY

Pulse Forest Service Initiating Public Comment Period on Albert Pike Recreation Area

June 9, 2021

Virtual Open House scheduled for June 23

Holly Springs Real Estate, LLC

1114 A Highway 71 S, Mena, AR 71953

479-394-4200 hollyspringsrealestate.com

Keith Aleshire Principal Broker

479-243-5341 kaleshire@aol.com

4119- This Gorgeous Home sits on 80 acres with scenic views of the mountains and surrounding countryside. Recent major renovations to the home created a stunning open concept great room w/Stone Fireplace, custom built Staircase and Kitchen Cabinetry of American BlackWalnut. The home's 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 baths include a downstairs Suite & a beautiful upstairs Suite w/stone fireplace, cathedral ceiling & back stairway. 20'x40' Salt-water inground pool and 12'x12' tanning ledge, gazebo, deck & screened porch are perfect for entertaining.

There are 3 Barns, 2 ponds, fenced pasture land great for horses and/or cattle.

MLS20031765 $795,000

HOT SPRINGS – The USDA Forest Service announced today the environmental asssessment for the Albert Pike Recreation Area is available for public comment.

The project examined which facilities and infrastructure will support the uses of the Albert Pike Recreation Area in the future. It also included reviewing what would be needed to maintain all recreation facilities to standard; ensure public health and safety; protect resource values; and provide visitors with a variety of participation opportunities, activities and services.

The environmental assessment is available online at: https://www.fs.usda. gov/project/?project=58793 along with a copy of the legal notice and instructions on how to send in comments. The environmental assessment includes maps for each of the alternatives and describes their respective components.

Documentation is also available for review at the District office in Mt. Ida. Interested members of the public and groups have 30 days following the June 6 publication of the legal notice in the newspaper of record to provide comments. All comments must be in writing and submitted through formal channels. State “Albert Pike Recreation Area” in the subject line when

providing electronic comments, or on the envelope when replying by mail.

For questions about the proposed action, alternatives, or the commenting process, please contact District Natural Resources Manager at charity.j.ryles@ usda.gov.

A virtual Open House is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 23 on Microsoft Teams Live. The presentation will include information on the the planning process, the project’s purpose, alternatives and how the public can be involved. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. To attending the virtual open house, go to https://tinyurl.com/Albert-Pike-RA. For more information on the Ouachita National Forest, visit https://www. fs.usda.gov/ouachita.

394-1938

TIRES • BRAKES • CUSTOM EXHUAST • SHOCKS & STRUTS

Winter Hours: Mon - Fri 8 am - 5 pm

1500 Hwy 71 South, Mena

Owners: Stacy & Julie Nash