The Polk County Pulse - May 15, 2024

Ouachita Broadcasting to acquire group of western Arkansas newspapers

by Patrick Massey

Two of the most storied media groups in southwestern and western Arkansas are combining forces to provide unparalleled access to local news, sports and community events.

Ouachita Broadcasting Inc., which operates The Polk County Pulse, 104.1 KENA and KQOR 105.3 The Mountain, as well as a network of

See ACQUISITION continued on page 9

McMillan Park swimming pool opens Memorial Day weekend No set date for opening of splash pads

Article

and photos

by Ethan Nahté

Mena’s McMillan Park Pool is on schedule to open Memorial Day weekend, weather permitting.

At the April Mena City Council meeting, Mayor Seth Smith announced the dates for the opening of the city swimming pool as well as the new splash pads that were installed in 2023 but will see their first usage this month, hopefully.

Janssen Park had the pad installed around the middle of September but was not finalized in time to open before the weather became colder.

Tapley Park, which has a larger splash pad than the pad at Janssen, had begun the prep work for the pad by digging the trench to lay the line on June 23 and the Tapley equipment arrived from Canada on July 25. The scheduling of the certified installers slowed the progress of the pad at Tapley.

In an effort to get at least one pad

continued on page 3

Radio - Print - Web

1168 Hwy 71S

Mena, AR 71953

Phone: 479-243-9600

Fax: 479-243-9603

Swap Shop-479-394-2800

Email: news@mypulsenews.com

KENA 104.1 - KQOR 105.3 MyPulseNews.com

Our Team:

Ethan Nahté Production Manager/ Editor

Patrick Massey Contributing Reporter/ On-Air Talent

John Russell Ad Design/ Graphic Design

Curt Teasdale Programmer / On-Air Personality

Ariel Varner Office Manager

Matt Allen On-Air Personality

Ashley Stipe Account Executive

Distribution & Insertion Staff: Sandra Orthman, Jessie Orthman, Sean Curry & Gale Cearley

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.

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An Illinois court recently dismissed gun charges against Heribert Carbajal-Flores an undocumented immigrant (read illegal immigrant). In her finding Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman, an Obama appointee, cited that Flores had no criminal record, the circumstances surrounding the arrest were nonviolent, he did not pose a risk to public safety, he was employed, and had complied with release conditions.

Want to share your opinion?

Recently I purchased a .22 rifle for target practice. On the federal form I completed were questions I had to answer to determine my eligibility. One question in particular asked if I was an immigrant illegally in the U.S. Answering yes to that or several other questions was an automatic denial to purchase any firearm.

This court’s decision addressed this illegal being denied his second amendment rights. I wonder if this judge takes the position that American citizens that are also criminals have second amendment rights or only illegal immigrants. Is the Constitution of The United States now granting rights to illegal immigrants by liberal interpretation? These are the same folks trying their best to pass gun laws infringing on the rights of U.S. citizens.

To be specific, Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois (the same state as Judge Coleman), signed into law Public Act 101-1116, The Protect Illinois Communities Act on Jan. 10, 2023. The act seeks to ban possession, by law abiding American citizens, of so-called assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Pardon my sarcasm, but does that also apply to illegal immigrants or only law-abiding Americans citizens?

In an article by Fred Lucas of Fox

News on March 13, 2024, funding was removed for a system that banned some veterans from owning firearms. The Veterans Administration had been entering veterans they considered risks into NICS, which is a data base searched to determine eligibility to purchase a gun. It was noted the cases were not adjudicated, the veterans not declared insane or suffering from PTSD, and the only criteria were the veterans had trouble with their health or needed help managing their finances. Hardly a threat to national security.

It is impossible to understand why Americans (read that as veterans, homeless, and unemployed) are taking a back seat to illegal immigrants. Our tax money is being spent to give money to illegals, provide health care, provide housing, and grant them rights even our own citizens are denied. I can remember a saying that went something like this: “Charity begins at home.” Unless you live in a cave, under a rock, in the most desolate place on Earth, then surely you have noticed our country is being given away, with barely a whimper.

I implore you to get informed and be heard by voting, while it may still matter. Never will I suggest who you vote for, just that you get involved and make your voice heard.

As always, I thank you for a forum to express my thoughts though we may peacefully disagree.

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

The Polk County Pulse welcomes letters to the Editor addressing any topic of interest to our readers. To be published, letters must not contain obscene or libelous language. Letters do not reflect the viewpoints or opinions of Pulse Multi-Media.

Signatures will NOT be held out by request. Letters will be restricted to 500 words. Any letters longer than 500 words requires purchase of advertising space. Letters are not corrected or edited unless permission is given by the author.

The following contact information is required when submitted for consideration: 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. A drop box is provided by the front door for after-hour convenience.

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

Jamie Hammack General Manager

SPLASH

continued from page 1

operational before the end of the 2023 season, Janssen Park was finished first, but the decision was made to wait until the 2024 season.

At the end of April 2024 and into May, the Mayor said dress up is what was being done at Tapley Park Splash-

pad. There was fill dirt and topsoil being hauled in for the final touches. The mayor and members of the Parks Departments and Mena Water Utilities met on Thursday, May 9, with the splashpad manufacturer for training

on the operations.

Mayor Smith said “Originally, we had discussed the operation being from Memorial Day to Labor Day, which is the same as the pool. I suspect we will be able to have a longer operational period for the splashpads since there is substantially less maintenance and no personnel requirements.

On Monday Smith added, “We don’t have a set date for an opening. We are still finalizing switches and pressure settings.”

Once open, the splash pad hours will coincide with the hours that the parks are officially open.

Some people may have noticed the equipment at Janssen, especially during events such as the Christmas festival and the Solar Eclipse festival, that children (and some adults) were climbing and hanging all over the equipment, which could result in costly damage as well as prohibit the splash pad operations for the entire season if not treated properly.

The City of Mena has a solution that will deter such behavior and potentially assist in the apprehension of any vandals.

“We’re ordering cameras for Janssen Park,” Smith said. “There will be fixed cameras on some facilities, including some that are robotic, and will go di-

rectly to police officers through a phone app and alert the police, including after-hours in the park. We’re hoping to have them up at end of the month and some at Tapley as well.”

The robotic set up will be a combination of action-activated and remotely operated.

“It’s cheaper than replacing things is

my theory behind it,” Smith said. “We can get a clothing description from the surveillance they can access immediately on the app. The officers can match the clothes to suspects and police will talk with them. They can use the app to confirm the identity and ticket the perpetrators and take action right then.”

Daughters of the American Revolution honor veterans in Old Dallas Cemetery

Submitted by: Brenda Cunningham

James K. Polk Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, recently met in the historic Old Dallas Cemetery to remember and honor 47 veterans.

With the permission of the Old Dallas Cemetery Association, the chapter

held a memorial service and placed new U. S. flags at the graves of veterans representing the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf. These veterans fought for our freedoms and to make a stronger nation. James K. Polk Chapter considers it an honor to acknowledge these veterans.

Northern Lights make a rare appearance in Arkansas

By Ethan Nahté

Residents across a huge swath of the U.S. had the opportunity to see the famed Northern Lights, aka aurora borealis. This may be a common occurrence in Alaska, Canada, and perhaps the tips of the northern states of North

mph. The G4 geomagnetic storm was our sun’s strongest solar storm to erupt since 2005.

The Talimena Scenic Byway had dozens upon dozens of vehicles parked three to four vehicles deep at some of the vistas on Friday evening, while many vehicles traveled up and down

Queen Wilhelmina State Park interpreter Ivory Detter took this and the front page photo from Eagleton Vista on the Talimena Scenic Byway.

(Used by permission)

America, but not seen too often in the lower latitudes such as in Arkansas.

There were some reports of them being seen as far south as Florida thanks to a an unusually powerful solar storm throughout the weekend. Much of Europe and parts of Asia were also privy to the light show.

The lights may not have been visible to the naked eye for many this far south, but many of the cameras on newer cell phones are sensitive enough to pick up levels of the light spectrum the human eye cannot typically see as energized particles from the sun slammed into the planet at speeds up to 45 million

the highway attempting to find a place to safely park and view.

Many also attempted to see the lights Saturday night, but clouds rolled in as sunset approached and blocked the view.

Spectacular photos were popping up all over social media and the news from viewers across most of the northern hemisphere, including some really amazing shots from Polk County. Although the light show didn’t compare to what is generally seen above 60 degrees latitude, it was exciting for many Arkansans.

From the State House of Representatives

On Thursday, the House adjourned the 2024 Fiscal Session Sine Die.

In this Fiscal Session, the General Assembly passed a $6.3 billion budget with limited spending growth. The largest increases in the budget are directed to education and public safety. The appropriation for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for the next fiscal year did not pass in this session. The General Assembly could address the agency’s appropriation again should the Governor call for an extraordinary session before the end of the state’s fiscal year on June 30. The state’s new fiscal year begins on July 1.

tions of Lonoke County. He presently chairs the House Education Committee.

From the State Senate

The Division of Children and Family Services will try to recruit more foster families among health care professionals, educators and businesses.

of our efforts.

Shortly after the House adjourned, members met in a House Caucus and elected Rep. Brian S. Evans as Speaker-designate. Speaker-designate Evans is serving his third term in the House. He represents District 68 which includes the city of Cabot and por-

House Rules state the Speaker-designate is intended to be the Speaker of the House of the following General Assembly subject to selection by the membership upon convening of the regular session.

The 2025 Regular Session will convene on January 13, 2025.

The Arkansas Speaker of the House presides over the body and is elected by the membership every two years. The Speaker assigns committee leadership and names members to select committees. Other duties include recognizing members to speak on the House floor, preserving order in the House, and assigning bills to the proper committee.

We will continue to update you during the interim. You can find agendas and links to live-streams of all meetings at arkansashouse. org .

Contact Your Legislators!

John Maddox

john.maddox@ arkansashouse.org

520 Church Avenue

Mena, AR 71953

Call: 479-394-6060

Terry Rice

Terry.Rice@senate.ar.gov

P.O. Box 2195

Waldron, AR 72958

479-637-3100

John Maddox Terry Rice

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

Officials of the Division were joined by the governor at an announcement to mark the first day of National Foster Care Month. The Division director said that its focus would be to find homes for older children and homes that can take in large groups of siblings.

Every Child Arkansas is a network of state and local agencies, advocates and faith-based organizations whose goal is to recruit, train and support foster families.

At the time of the announcement there were 3,634 Arkansas children in the foster care system, and 1,388 foster families caring for children.

In an executive order last year the governor streamlined the process of placing children with relatives, either as foster parents or as adoptive parents. Other reforms are meant to improve training and support for foster parents. Also, providing mental health and substance abuse to families can lower the number of children needing foster care.

The executive order directs “trauma-informed training” to be incorporated in the overall training of child welfare workers, law enforcement officers and teachers.

The order noted that almost 200 children “aged out” of foster care in a year, meaning they turned 18 and chose not be under the Division’s jurisdiction. They may choose to remain in extended foster care until they turn 21. The executive order directs the Division’s staff to improve methods to help those young people avoid homelessness, trafficking and incarceration.

The Division was to survey similar strategies in neighboring states, and nationwide, to gauge the effectiveness

Volunteering to become a foster parent can take up to six months, due to the need for background checks, home inspections and paperwork. The state is trying to reduce the length of the process, and the complexity of it, in order to recruit more families and in order to place foster children in a safe environment as soon as possible.

The Division has authority to hire more than 1,400 employees. During the recent fiscal session the legislature appropriated $147 million for salaries and related expenses.

Facilities Funding

The Commission for Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation has approved grants totalling $87.7 million for 43 projects in 29 Arkansas school districts.

The legislature created the facilities funding program in 2006 as a response to the Lake View case, in which the state Supreme Court ruled that state education funding was distributed inequitably.

The projects include new roofs, heating and air conditioning, fire protection, electronic door locks and other safety features and even new buildings in some districts.

The state funding matches local spending, based on a formula that accounts for local wealth. The state matching rate is higher for relatively poor districts, measured in terms of their property tax base.

In districts with industry and a strong economic presence, a mill of property tax generates more revenue than a mill in a district without a lot of businesses.

The wealth index in the funding formula also takes into account the median household income, as indicated by the most recent U.S. Census.

Obituaries

Dessie Mae Evans

Dessie Mae Evans of Piqua, Ohio, died Sunday May 5th, 2024, at Hospice of Miami County. She was born Sept 10, 1939, in South Fork, Arkansas, to the late Harvey Tillman and Flora Emmaline Cogburn of Mena, Arkansas.

Dessie worked at Orr Felt in Piqua, Ohio, and retired after 36 years of hard work and dedication. She loved cooking, and traveling, but most of all she loved her family. Dessie was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt and will be missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Leroy Evans, one brother, Billy Ray Cogburn, two sisters, Betty Ansley and Nora Lou Bismark.

Dessie is survived by two daughters, Sandy (Dan) Vondenberger of Opelika, Alabama, Sherri (Tom) Smith of Greenville, Ohio, and one son Scott (Misty Fulton) Evans of Piqua, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Jason (Courtney) Vondenberger, Michelle (Jeremy) Howell, Amanda Vondenberger, Matthew (Jessica) Jess, Brady Evans, Brooke Evans, and Korren Evans; nine great-grandchildren, Braiden Vondenberger, Dawson and Cooper Howell, Evan, Madison and Sean Vondenberger, and Salvador, Ruby, and Dorothy Jess; her sister in law, Mary Lou Wenner of Mena, Arkansas; also several nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A service to honor her life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home with Sister Victoria Vondenberger R.S.M. officiating. Burial will follow the service at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., also at the funeral home.

Guestbook condolences and expressions of sympathy, to be provided to the family, may be expressed through jamiesonandyannucci.com.

Johnnie Ray Johnson

Mr. Johnnie Ray Johnson, age 81, passed away, Sunday, May 5, 2024, at his home in Mena, Arkansas. He was born November 4, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Raymond and Geneva Hazel (Gage) Johnson.

Mr. Johnson was an insurance salesman by profession, he also owned his own jewelry store for a time. He was known for his musical talent, having played guitar with many bands.

Johnnie is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Geneva Hazel (Gage) Johnson; brother, Floyd Johnson from Detroit, Michigan; and by his sister, Ellen (Flur) Lansdell from Beebe, Arkansas. He is survived by his loving wife, Connie Johnson; Children; Brad Johnson of Detroit, Michigan, Ray Johnson of Detroit, Michigan, Terry Johnson Fisher of North Carolina, Christine Harmon of Ohio, Bobby Smith and wife Lori of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Shawna Ernst

of Fayetteville, Arkansas; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Joy Jones of Searcy, Arkansas, Joy Johnson Jones of McRae, Arkansas; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends too numerous to mention.

Cremation services are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Tommy Douglas Smith

Mr. Tommy Douglas Smith, age 68, entered his heavenly Father’s home on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in Cove, Arkansas. He was born December 1, 1955, in Mena, Arkansas, to Mr. Tommy and Mrs. Ramona Loretta (Caldwell) Smith.

Mr. Tommy Smith was a 1973 graduate of Van Cove High School, after graduation he went to Broken Bow to work at Weyerhaeuser for 8 years. Tommy worked at a lumberyard by profession and was known as a true nature lover. He enjoyed hunting and fishing when able and loved to watch and feed the deer in his backyard. Mr. Smith also had a deep love for his dogs, Lanky and Gizmo. But above all else, Tommy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and son.

Mr. Tommy Smith is preceded in death by his father, Tommy Smith, and by his beloved daughter, Melinda Jean Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Debra Darlene (Fox) Smith; daughter, Jennifer Dawn Belknap and husband Steve; granddaughters, BreAnna Hutson, Savanna Hutson; grandsons, Anthony

James Hutson, Brandon Lee Smith, Donald Thomas Smith, William James Smith; great-grandchildren, A.J. Hutson, Beauden Cusher, Brixley Cusher; his mother, Ramona Loretta Smith (Moller); his sister, Lisa Williams and husband Danny; as well as by a host of nieces, nephews, other family, and friends too numerous to mention.

Graveside services for Mr. Tommy Douglas Smith will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 6, 2024, at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Cove, Arkansas. Brother Ron Ladd will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Honorary pallbearers are Anthony James Hutson, Brandon Lee Smith, Donald Thomas Smith, and William James Smith.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com.

Christine Head

Christine Head, age 87, of Mena, Arkansas, died Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the Green House Cottages of Mena. She was born December 31, 1936, to Grady and Polly Looney Foster near “Bill’s Place” in Board Camp, Arkansas.

Christine’s ancestors were some of the original settlers of Big Fork and Board Camp in the 1850’s. As a child, her father’s job kept the family relocating but always returning to the Board Camp area. She attended Board Camp Primary School and graduated from Acorn High in 1955. She married Gene Head and after several moves, the family finally settled in Hurst, Texas, where they lived in the same house for 50 years until Gene died in 2011. She was an amazing mother and home maker, very focused on teaching her children to be humble, mannerly and have Christian morals. Their home was welcoming to children’s friends and neighbors. She volunteered at church and for various charities. She was a member of Bellevue Baptist Church for forty plus years. When her youngest child was 10, she went to college to become a medical transcriptionist and worked in that field for over 20 years.

She moved to Jacksonville, Arkansas, in 2012 to be near two of her children and joined Indian Head Lake Baptist Church where she was actively involved. She was a wonderful cook, a talented church singer, and in her free time, she enjoyed gardening, sewing, movies, music,

and reading.

Christine was very proud of all her family and cherished every moment she had with them. Christine was a sweet, kind, loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend and will be greatly missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Gene Head; one grandchild, Chris Grimes; two brothers, Sam Foster and Clifton Foster; one sister, Otha Lee Richardson.

Christine is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, David and Kimie Head of Mena and Robert and Kay Head of Jacksonville, Arkansas; two daughters and sonsin-law, Susan and Gary Vaught of Mt. Vernon, Arkansas, and Lisa and Jimmy Rackley of Mena; one sister, Betty Fereday of Fort Worth; eight grandchildren, Katie Beth Head-Davis of Waldo, Ethan Head of Washington, Pennsylvania, Lucas Head of Havre, Montana, Wesley Vaught of Cabot, Jonathan Vaught of Mount Vernon, Stephanie Boyd of Fort Worth, Crystal Rackley of Mena, and Chase Rackley of Alma; many great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, several adored nieces and nephews, brother-in-law, Roger Head, and other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas, with Brother Jim Tennery officiating. Interment will follow at the Concord Cemetery under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. Visitation will be Friday, May 17, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel.

Pallbearers will be Wesley Vaught,

Jonathan Vaught, Ethan Head, Lucas Head, Chase Rackley, Jerome Davis, and Travis Boyd. Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com.

Frederick Wayne Herpich

Frederick Wayne Herpich, 73, of Mena (Shady), Arkansas, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at his home in Shady, surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 10, 1950, to Dr. Edwin J. Herpich and Regina Cutler Herpich in New Orleans, Louisiana.

He graduated from Liman Ward Military Academy and attended LSU for several semesters. He worked in Golden, Colorado, at the Coors Cannery Factory and from there he went to work 3,000 feet underground in the Henderson Mines in Umpire, Colorado.

He moved back to Louisiana and worked for the state of Louisiana DOTD for 17 years as a Master Mechanic. During this time, he did landscape and lawn care as a side job. When he retired in 1998, he and his wife purchased a small farm property in Shady and built a cabin and pavilion on his wife’s family property on Sugar Creek. Fred operated a local brush-hogging and backhoe business. He loved the Ouachita Mountains.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Karen (Hadley) Herpich; daughters, Holly Herpich Bencaz, and Presha Mustakas, son Beau Michael; granddaughters, Allie Mustakas and Hannah Michael; sisters, Edwina Efferson and hus-

band, Donnel and Mary Louise Irvin and husband, Lynn, and a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Edwin Herpich.

A memorial service will be held at a later date to be determined by the family at the New Hope Church in Shady, Arkansas. Cremation is held under the direction of Beasley Wood funeral Home.

Online obituary can be found at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com.

Sanders’ letter concerning the mental health crisis kids are facing driven by social media

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders sent a copy of Jonathan Haidt’s book, “The Anxious Generation,” to the governors of every U.S. state and territory along with a letter encouraging governors to come together to limit social media and screen use for kids and encourage outdoor play to combat America’s mental health crisis. A similar letter was sent to Arkansas state legislators. The text of the letter is below and can be found here:

America’s kids are facing a mental health crisis. I know this isn’t news to any of you. As governors, we’re all searching for ways to help our state’s children and reduce depression, anxiety, and suicide among our young people.

Recent research shows us the driver of this crisis: phones and social media. The average American teen now spends nearly 5 hours a day on social media. Spending three or more hours a day on social media doubles kids’ risk of mental health problems. 46 percent of young teens say social media makes them feel worse about their body.

Since smartphones and social media became widespread, suicide rates have tripled among young teens, selfharm among girls has gone up nearly 200%, and depression among teenagers has increased 150%. Teen math, reading, and science scores have dropped in the United States and other developed nations since 2012, while school alienation has risen across the board. Big Tech companies got American kids addicted to their products by preying on adolescent insecurities and basic human psychology. The result is a public health crisis

that’s devastating childhoods and destroying lives.

The statistics are grim. But there is a path forward. In recent years, a bipartisan group of states have enacted legislation to protect kids online. In Arkansas, we passed the Social Media Safety Act, which requires parental consent for minors to create new social media accounts. States have also pursued legislation to protect kids from social media advertising, enacted online privacy protections for kids, and required mandatory social media safety features for kids. Unfortunately, Big Tech-supported interest groups have blocked many of these laws and policies.

Despite these setbacks, we must continue our work to protect kids. In the book I’ve sent you, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, the author joins experts to offer commonsense recommendations, which I believe we should work together to promote and implement when possible:

1. No smartphones before high school

2. No social media before 16

3. Phone-free schools

4. More outdoor play and childhood independence

It’s an agenda I plan to pursue, and I hope you read this book and join me. Millions of American kids have fallen into the dark sewer of social media and screen addiction. As governors, we need to come together and help save this generation.

Sincerely,

Sarah Huckabee Sanders Governor of Arkansas

The publisher/general manager’s future goals

As you may have learned by now, through either social media, radio or within this paper, The Mena Star and Ouachita Trading Post have been purchased by the owners of Ouachita Broadcasting (104.1 KENA, 105.3 The Mountain, and The Polk County Pulse), Jay and Theresa Bunyard of De Queen.

KENA and The Mountain will continue to operate under Ouachita Broadcasting while The Star and Trading Post will now operate under the banner of Arklahoma Print and Digital Solutions.

As readers of The Pulse, Star and Trading Post, you’re probably wondering what this means? Will there be change? In business and life, change is inevitable and soon we will change as well. The biggest change will be that The Star and Trading Post will once again have local owners. Over the last 20 years the newspaper industry has seen much change with the consolidation of many newspapers owned by a small group of companies nationwide.

For The Star and Trading Post to join its sister media in 104.1 KENA and 105.3 The Mountain in being locally owned is a very special thing indeed. It is special because we can make decisions quickly to better serve our readers by focusing more on local news and events than perhaps national news. And we can serve advertisers by assisting them in reaching our readers with a newly merged team of sales professionals who are backed an incredibly creative group of graphic artists to deliver top quality print and digital advertising.

Above you may have noticed I left out The Polk County Pulse being mentioned as sister media. That is

because the June 5, 2024, edition of that paper will be its last. The Pulse is a wonderful newspaper and, over the years, has proudly served the people of Polk County. Unfortunately, we cannot operate two newspapers in this area under one ownership and make it work financially. It just wouldn’t be good business sense for us. As much as those of us who work for The Pulse love that paper, it only makes sense to go forward with what is the premier brand of The Mena Star as a news source.

In the coming weeks and months, we will move our staff to The Mena Star offices on Mena Street. We are also excited to announce the relocation of our radio station’s studios to that location. Under one roof, local businesses will have the ability to reach the people of Polk County through radio, newspaper and digital advertising in a cost-effective manner.

It will be a great honor for me to be the publisher of The Mena Star and Ouachita Trading Post. For many years these publications have been in the steady hands of Tom Byrd. Without his dedication to his craft, I wouldn’t be taking the helm of such great publications. My hat is off to him.

As for my goals for the future of these papers, I see our mission as to be the source for local news. To deliver you the news you cannot get elsewhere and to do so in an in-depth, honest, and fair manner. If we achieve those goals, all else falls into place. We look forward to serving you and being a part of the future of Mena and Polk County.

Jamie Hammack

ACQUISITION

continued from page 1 radio stations across Arkansas, has announced acquisition of a group of print publications in western Arkansas operated by Alabama-based Lancaster Management. The merger includes The Mena Star, The De Queen Bee, The Ouachita Trading Post, The Waldron News and The Mansfield Citizen.

The transition is expected to finalize May 31. Readers of these long-standing newspapers will notice the official change in ownership beginning throughout the first week of June. That change will include a renewed and dedicated focus on local journalism to serve the citizens of western Arkansas.

The media group will serve as a subsidiary of Ouachita Broadcasting under the title Arklahoma Print and Digital Solutions. Owned by Jay and Teresa Bunyard of De Queen, Ouachita Broadcasting has a longstanding commitment to providing timely and accurate information regarding local news, sports and community events. In addition to their radio stations in Mena, Bunyard has operated KDQN 92.1 FM in De Queen since 1983, eventually expanding to incorporate the first all-Spanish station. The network now incorporates 18 stations across

the state as well as the popular Pulse newspaper in Polk County.

Bunyard said the merger signifies his organization’s commitment to providing timely, relevant and accurate news to the residents of western and southwestern Arkansas and surrounding region.

“I grew up reading local newspapers like The De Queen Bee and The Mena Star and believe they are core to an informed, active and successful community,” Bunyard said.

“It’s key to providing our listeners and readers with coverage of youth sports, local events, notable deaths, elections, public notices, and don’t forget a newspaper’s critical role as a watchdog of government.”

The merger marks a return to local ownership for all five publications after decades of corporate management. The Mena Star was purchased more than three decades ago by Lancaster Management. The De Queen Bee was purchased by the Alabama-based corporation in 2007.

Through its existing experience in print media, along with a staff of veteran local journalists, Bunyard believes Arklahoma Print and Digital Solutions will provide residents of southwestern Arkansas with the local coverage they deserve.

“I believe that meshing our print professionals like Jamie Hammack, Patrick Massey, Ethan Nahté and John Russell, together with the professional team that’s already in place, will greatly enhance these publications,” he explained. “I’d like to thank Tom Byrd, Patrick McDaniel, Billy Lea and Chris Daniel for all their help to get this transaction to the finish line. We are all very excited about the future of local journalism here in southwestern Arkansas by combining our broadcasting, print and digital opportunities.”

It’s this combination of diverse media platforms that will help ensure a viable future for community journalism in southwestern Arkansas. In turn, that future will rely on the continued and valued support of residents and businesses alike.

“The fact that we operate very strong, popular and viable radio stations in Mena and De Queen through which to cross-promote the newspapers will give us the opportunity to be successful with this new venture,” Bunyard said. “Being locally owned will have its advantages for us and our readership and listenership. But most importantly, we must have the continued support of the businesses and readers to ultimately succeed. Without

your support through advertising and subscriptions, operating these newspapers and providing the critical service they offer will be impossible.”

Bunyard said his philosophy is to provide reliable sources of important information that matches the needs of the communities in which these publications operate. He believes the acquisition will also breathe new life into locally based print media.

“We know that starts with us,” he explained. “We have to put out products that advertisers and readers will appreciate and take pride in. To lose a newspaper is to lose democracy. We want to do our part to keep democracy alive and make our communities a better place. We would sincerely appreciate your support of your local newspapers, because our communities do not just need them, they deserve them.”

Ouachita Broadcasting anticipates no changes to the core level of service offered to current readers and subscribers, other than a renewed focus on local coverage. More details on the merger and its associated publications will be announced in the coming days and weeks.

By Richie Lawry

A few weeks ago, while reading the Polk County Pulse, I saw a name in the Polk County Sheriff’s Log that piqued my interest. It stated that this person “was arrested by an officer with Probation Parole on a Body Attachment, a Theft of Property Warrant, and a warrant for Violation of Suspended Imposition of Sentence.”

“I need to call the Sheriff’s Office and find out what is happening,” I thought. Since we were leaving for a trip to Colorado, I made a mental note to call when we returned. This person had conned me out of a large sum of money back in 2021. I had a great time in Colorado, visiting family, celebrating Easter, touring Rocky Mountain National Park, and attending my brother-in-law’s 90 birthday party.

We stopped at a gas station in Oklahoma on our return to Arkansas. While I was gassing up the Maverick, I checked my phone messages. I had one voicemail. When I pressed play, I heard, “This is the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. I have a couple of subpoenas for you and your wife. If you could give me a call back, I would appreciate it. Thank you.”

“What could this be about?” I wondered. I hoped it had something to do with the con man who had been arrested. I immediately returned the call and learned that his court date had been set. We were subpoenaed to be in court on his trial date in May. I wanted some justice, and even though I wasn’t hopeful, maybe restitution.

In the fall of 2021, this con man bid to put a new roof on my house. We both signed a professionally printed contract form. I gave him money to buy the 50 squares of shingles needed to do the job. He had six squares of shingles delivered to my house and told me that he would start the work in two days. Instead of beginning work, he called and said he had

An Arkie’s Faith The courtroom

contracted COVID-19. Many people in our community were sick with Covid then, so I didn’t see a red flag. After two weeks, I called him to see how he was doing and when work would start on my roof. He would never answer the phone. I called the number of the other roofer, and he wouldn’t answer either.

I decided to take my contract and canceled checks to the police department. They immediately knew I had been conned. The con man was well-known by the police, but not by the last name he gave me. He had used an alias in his dealings with me. I was not the first person in town to be scammed.

This morning, I walked up the steps of the Polk County Courthouse, wondering what would happen in the courtroom. Sitting in the courtroom waiting for the proceedings to begin, I wondered if I would find justice. Was there any chance of recovering the thousands of dollars stolen from me?

When court began, and person after person went before the judge, I was saddened by the stories of lives damaged by breaking the laws of the

land. When prison sentences were handed down, I knew those hurt by the lawbreakers felt a sense of justice. But it was still sad for me to realize that even though justice was served, someone had ruined their life by breaking the law.

After over two hours of court cases, the judge called for a break. I took the opportunity to talk to the prosecutor and see if my con man’s case was on the docket. He told me that it was, and the con man had agreed to a plea deal that included a three-year sentence. Because of the plea deal, my presence wasn’t required in court. Even though I felt better seeing that there would be consequences for the con man’s actions, the court-ordered restitution would take over 20 years to pay.

This is a sinful world, and many people can’t be trusted. Con men and women are out there, ready to lie to us and rip us off. Lying is popular today. That’s because we have believed the devil’s lie that truth doesn’t matter. Satan has convinced many Christians that there is no such thing as absolute truth, so there can be no absolute lie. The end justifies the

means, and there are no lies, just alternative facts.

That’s the big con, and it started in the Garden of Eden. “The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, ‘Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?’ ‘Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,’ the woman replied. ‘It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, “You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.” ‘You won’t die!’ the serpent replied to the woman. ‘God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.’ Genesis 3:1-5 (NLT)

How can we ensure we don’t become victims of the most extraordinary con man in history? Knowing how the game works and how it takes advantage of our vulnerabilities is half the battle. “So put away everything that is sordid, all that overflowing malice, and humbly receive the word which has been planted within you and which has the power to rescue your lives.” James 1:21 (NTE)

Gentle Reader, con men are all around us. But the original con man is the devil. “He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44 (NLT)

The Bible advises us to “be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (AMP)

Watch out for con men. They want to separate you from your money. But even more, watch out for the original con man, Satan. He wants to separate you from God.

Seeking justice from a con man.

(Photo by Richie Lawry)

Reflections from History and Faith: National Police Week and Peace Officers’ Memorial Day

By Jeff Olson

In the words of French philosopher Simone Weil. “Order is the path we follow, or the pattern by which we live with purpose and meaning. The human condition is insufferable unless we perceive a harmony, an order, in existence. Order is the first need of all.”

If we lack order in the soul and order in society, like Job as he lamented in his despair — we dwell in a land of darkness and deep shadow, “The land of utter gloom like darkness itself, Of deep shadow without order, And it shines like darkness.”

As one of God’s three ordained institutions, civil government’s fundamental role is to maintain order, restrain evil, and promote justice. These are all part and parcel of what we call “law and order.” Like fifth-century Greece and the Roman republic in the first century, much of 21st century America finds itself in desperate need for order — but not only for order in the republic but first and foremost a moral order, an order in the soul.

Like Plato before him and our nation’s founders after him, Marcus Tullius Cicero understood that the problem of order is simultaneously personal and social. In other words, order must first become moral and personal before it can be societal and institutional.

This is what plagues America, and this is what our dedicated and courageous men and women in law enforcement cannot fix but nevertheless are up against and facing most every day and at an intensity and level beyond anything ever seen in our country.

Among the special days of observance during the month of May, one in particular is sometimes overlooked. This special day provides us with an opportunity to honor those law enforcement officers, local and nationwide, who paid the ultimate price in keeping our neighborhoods, towns, counties,

states, and other jurisdictions safe.

On Oct. 1, 1961, Congress authorized the President John F. Kennedy to designate May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week. On Oct. 1, 1962, Kennedy signed the bill into law (Public Law 87-726) that reads in part:

“To authorize the President to proclaim May 15 of each year as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week of each year during which such May 15 occurs as Police Week... Whereas these officers have safeguarded the lives and property of their fellow Americans: and Whereas by the enforcement of our laws, these same officers have given our country internal freedom from fear of the violence and civil disorder that is presently affecting other nations: Whereas these men and women by their patriotic service and their dedicated efforts have earned the gratitude of the republic: Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that the President is authorized and requested to issue proclamations designating May 15 of each year as Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of the Federal, State, and municipal officers who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty.”

This year, National Police Week is Sunday, May 12 – Saturday, May 18 and Peace Officers Memorial Day is Wednesday, May 15.

In 1982, an annual Memorial Service gathering in Senate Park began and in October 1991, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. was dedicated. It featured the names of more than 20,000 law enforcement officers who had been killed in the line of duty up to that time. Public Law 87-726 was amended by Congress as part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. President Bill Clinton signed

Public Law 103-322 which directs that the flag of the United States on all Government buildings be displayed at halfstaff each year on May 15.

Today, law enforcement not only face the risks and dangers which have always been inherent in their work, but on top of this they face a growing culture war in which respect for their authority is not only challenged but increasingly disregarded and despised. And, to the point that in many precincts they no longer have the support of some municipal leaders and have even become victims of those seeking their extinction.

As Richard Hooker wrote in the sixteenth century, “Without order, there is no living in public society, because the want thereof is the mother of confusion.”

As alluded to earlier, our times resemble those of the final years of the Roman Republic. As disorder abounded all about him, Cicero contemplated the causes of private and public confusion. “Long before our time the customs of our ancestors molded admirable men, and in turn those eminent men upheld the ways and institutions of their forebears. Our age, however, inherited the Republic as if it were some beautiful painting of bygone ages, its colors already fading through great antiquity; and not only has our time neglected to freshen the colors of the picture, but we have failed to preserve its form and outlines.”

Our generations too have neglected to freshen the colors of the American picture — a picture which is still fading but would be more so if not for those who remain faithful to the preservation of law and order in our society and who are still on the front lines fighting a counterculture which seeks not just to wash away those colors but to create a new painting, a new picture which this time will not be a masterpiece but a tragedy.

The Thin Blue Line flag is a field of black background separated by a thin blue line. The symbolic meaning of this thin blue line is representative of all law enforcement officers. (Ashley Stipe/Pulse)

From 1786 to 2024, there have been over 24,000 law enforcement deaths (in the line of duty). During National Police Week, and especially on May 15, may we pay tribute to all fallen officers and honor those who are still serving for the cause of order, justice and freedom, without which our society would decay more rapidly into chaos and ultimately tyranny. Let’s make an extra effort to extend a hearty “thank you” to one or more of our law enforcement officers, both active and retired — and remember these special public servants and their families in our prayers. Lest we forget, the strongest bastion of America’s freedom lies within the bonds of family and the civil social order of local communities. The protection and preservation of these are foremost dependent upon the men and women who serve you and I diligently, courageously, and proudly on the front lines in and out of uniform, 24/7.

Veteran agriculture, 4-H agent named Ozark District director

By Tracy Courage

U of A System Division of Agriculture

Longtime Cooperative Extension Service agent Sherry Beaty-Sullivan stepped into a new role May 1 as the director of the Ozark District, where she will oversee extension staff and programs in 25 counties in the north-central and northwest areas of Arkansas.

Beaty-Sullivan is currently the staff chair for the Polk County extension office. She supervises staff and splits her time between maintaining agricultural programs in livestock, forages and horticulture, as well as community and economic development and 4-H programing in the community and in schools. She and her husband, Scott, own a 1,600-acre ranch with cattle, forages, timber and aggregate in south Polk County in Grannis.

“I am excited to have Sherry joining the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service administrative team as Ozark District director,” said John Anderson, director of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Cooperative Extension Service. “Sherry brings years of experience as a county extension agent and staff chair to this position. Over the course of her career, she has worked in all three of the state’s extension districts, developing and delivering agriculture and 4-H programs.”

The Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, has offices in all 75 counties. Sullivan will work alongside directors for the Delta District, which includes 25 counties in eastern Arkansas, and the Ouachita District, which covers 25 counties in southern and southwestern areas of the state.

Beaty-Sullivan will fill a position vacated by Kevin Lawson, who returned to Faulkner County to be an extension agent.

“This is a very important role for the organization and a challenging one,” Anderson said. “In the district director role, Sherry will have the opportunity to use her considerable experience to recruit, hire and mentor agents across all Cooperative Extension Service program areas. I have no doubt that she will be up to the challenge, and I am very much looking forward to working with her as she assumes this new role.”

With more than 25 years of experience as an extension agent, Sullivan said she feels ready for her new role.

“This has been a longtime goal of mine,” Sullivan said. “My father was an extension agent and then a district director,” she said. “I grew up in this organization. This was something I knew I wanted to do. I’m looking forward to getting to know the district and seeing where and how I can help our agents and staff chairs.”

Deep extension roots

Beaty-Sullivan’s father, Ron Beaty, started his extension career as a livestock agent — first in Craighead County and then in Pulaski County. Beaty-Sullivan grew up showing animals and was involved with Arkansas 4-H, extension’s youth leadership program. Her mother, Judy, was a 4-H volunteer leader.

“I was more of a play-in-the-dirt kind of girl, so I went the ag route,” she said.

Beaty-Sullivan has a bachelor’s degree in agriculture extension education and a master’s degree in animal science, both from the University of Arkansas College of Agriculture, Food and Life Sciences. She earned a doctorate in agricultural sciences from Mississippi State University in 2022.

Beaty-Sullivan started her extension career working as an intern for the White County extension office. At that time, interns worked alongside agents for up to two years, learning all facets of agriculture, 4-H and Family and Consumer Sciences.

“You were expected to have a knowledge base of all of those program areas,” she said.

After nine months, Sullivan moved

into her first full-time job as an agriculture and 4-H agent in Independence County and then in Howard County. In 2016, she moved into a leadership role as extension staff chair in Little River County extension. She’s been staff chair for Polk County since 2019.

She has been recognized for her accomplishments as an agriculture agent at both the state and national level, and she is one of a relative handful of county agents to achieve the rank of Distinguished Agent.

“I had a lot of mentorship when I was coming up in Extension — not only from my dad, but other agents and staff chairs. I’ve worked under some pretty legendary folks and was trained by some of the best.”

She counts among her many mentors Judy Riley, former White County staff chair; Brian Haller, White County agriculture agent; and Jean Ince, Howard County staff chair.

OLT to hold public annual business meeting and election

Submitted by Julie Ulmer

Ouachita Little Theatre invites the public to attend the annual business meeting being held Tuesday, May 21, at 6 p.m. at the theater, 610 Mena Street. Attendees will have the opportunity to give input on shows they’d like to see, ask questions about upcoming events, or just come to see how OLT works.

Elections of officers and board members will also take place at this meeting. Only those who are members will be allowed to vote. There is still time to become a member for a nominal fee of $10, which not only gives voting privileges but, covers a member’s mandatory insurance if you want to be involved in a stage production or work behind the scenes. Visit the website at oltmena. com and click on the preferred mem-

Public comment period open for Polk County Housing Authority business plans

The Polk County Housing Authority will hold a Public Meeting on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Community Room of the housing authority located at 509 South Morrow Street, Mena, Arkansas, to receive comments on the 2024 5-Year PHA Plan/2024

Annual PHA Plan and the 2024 Capital

Fund 5-Year Action Plan Budget/2024 Annual Statement.

All documents are on display and available for viewing at the office of the Housing Authority, located at 509 South Morrow Street, Mena, Arkansas, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

bership or ticket options.

OLT is the longest running community theater in the area, beginning in 1979. OLT owns the Lyric Theatre building, which is celebrating its 100th birthday.

Please come May 21 and support Ouachita Little Theatre.

The Ouachita Little Theatre (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Sanders and Commerce Department announce $20M to grow state’s nursing pipeline

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – On Monday, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald, and Cody Waits, Director of Arkansas Workforce Connection, announced more than $20 million in training grants to support the development of the nursing profession in Arkansas. Through the Arkansas Linking Industry to Growing Nurses (ALIGN) Program, Arkansas Office of Skills Development (OSD) has awarded $20.4 million to 19 Arkansas two- and fouryear colleges and universities. The ALIGN Program is designed to upskill nursing professionals, expand nursing apprenticeship programs, and increase nurse educator recruitment and retention.

“As Governor, one of my biggest priorities is preparing young Arkansans for the careers of the future. Healthcare and nursing is one of our primary areas of focus,” Sanders said. “The 19 2- and 4-year colleges and universities receiving grants today train some of the best nurses in America. Each of them will help us build Arkansas’ next generation of healthcare professionals.”

“Nurses play a critical role in delivering quality healthcare in our state. It is essential that we have qualified nursing professionals to meet Arkansans’ healthcare needs today, and in the future,” McDonald said. “Increasing educational opportunities and apprenticeships is vital for developing the nursing pipeline in Arkansas, and the ALIGN Program will provide funding to support the growth of our state’s nursing field.”

Public and private post-secondary educational institutions in Arkansas providing LPN, RN, and BSN degrees were eligible to apply for the ALIGN grant funding. All applicants were required to provide a healthcare partner contribution with a 2-1 match by the state for each dollar contributed by the healthcare partner.

Funding for the ALIGN grants is through the America Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Eligible funding usage includes professional upskilling, expanding nursing apprenticeship, increasing nurse educator recruitment and retention, expanding clinical rotations, increasing nursing program capacity, tuition reimbursement, equipment purchasing, stimulations centers, and expansion of labs.

All ALIGN award funding must be expended by Dec. 31, 2026.

ALIGN Funding Awards applicant and award amount:

- Arkansas State University

$2,598,396.00

- ASU – Mountain Home

$625,175.00

- Arkansas Tech University

$327,208.00

- Baptist Health Foundation

$1,944,608.00

- Henderson State University

$761,200.00

- Jefferson Hospital Association

$420,800.00

- John Brown University

$328,250.00

- NorthWest Arkansas Community

College

$2,110,901.58

- Ouachita Baptist University

$487,000.00

- Philander Smith University

$396,857.13

- University of Arkansas Eleanor Mann School of Nursing

$1,198,353.00

- University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB)

$368,614.26

- University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM)

$2,024,546.00

- University of Arkansas – Fort Smith

$2,033,375.00

- University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Nursing

$969,200.00

- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

$1,679,566.07

- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

$1,004,000.00

- University of Arkansas Rich Mountain

$645,850.00

- University of Central Arkansas School of Nursing

TOTAL

$476,100.00

$20,400,000.04

Community

Decoration Day for Nichols Cemetery at West Valley will be celebrated on Saturday, May 25, at 2 p.m. Come prepared to sing and visit and reminisce. Bring your lawn chair.

Witherspoon Cemetery at Vandervoort will have a clean-up day at 9 a.m., Saturday, May 25. For questions contact Bill Barrett, (479) 216-4361.

Ink-Concord Cemetery Assoc. Decoration Day, Sunday, May 19 with Annual Meeting following at 2 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Concord Baptist Church. Please bring your maintenance donations at this time or mail them to P.O. Box 696, Mena, AR 71953.

The Wickes-Daniel Cemetery will have a brief Memorial Day service in the Chapel on Monday, May 27, beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by a potluck lunch outdoors, weather permitting.

Do you like scones? Would you like to learn to make them yourself? Extension Homemakers DIY Learn Something New will be making scones Saturday, May 18, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Extension Education Building at 211 DeQueen St. For $5 you will learn to make scones and take home recipes and scones for you to enjoy at home. There is a limited number that can be accommodated. Please call the Extension Office at 479-394-6018 to register and reserve your spot.

Country, Western, gospel singing and music in the Daisy Room (behind Janssen Ave. Florists), 800 Janssen Ave., Mena, 6:309:30 p.m. every Thursday. Free event. Bring finger food. For information call Lloyd Knight (479) 234-3547.

Christ’s Church of Cove, 5234 Hwy. 71 S, Cove, gathers every Tuesday, 8:30-9:30 a.m., for free coffee and conversation.

GriefShare at First Presbyterian Church Mena meet every Wednesday at 1 p.m. for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one. The next Women for Jesus meet -

Around Town

ing will be honoring all mothers. The meeting date has changed and will be Wednesday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m. at Zafra Church of Christ, 13455 Zafra Rd., Smithville, Oklahoma. Food will be provided. Please bring your bible. For more information call Cindy Perkins at (918) 429-8538.

Humane Society of the Ouachitas’ monthly meeting will be Thursday May 16, 5:30 pm at LaVilla Mexican Restaurant in Mena. All pet lovers welcome!

Memorial Day BBQ, May 27, noon-5 p.m. at the Hatfield Park pavilion, 119 Cemetery Road, Hatfield. Free BBQ chicken, baked beans, and potato salad. Donations are welcome.

The Mena Farmer’s Market will open for the season beginning Saturday, May 25, at the Historic Train Depot on Sherwood Avenue. The market will be open 7 a.m. until sold out each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

GriefShare at The Crossing in Mena meets every Thursday from 6-8 p.m. for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

The Food Pantry at the Mena Seventh Day Adventist Church is open every first and third Monday of each month, 4-6 p.m., located at Fair Grounds Road. For more information, call (479) 437-4018.

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

Join the Ouachita Beekeepers Association on the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. (new time) in the Education Building of the Polk County Extension Office, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. Enjoy bee education,

door prizes, and socialization with other beekeepers. Contact: Tommy Payne (903) 5214611.

American Legion meets every 2nd Tuesday at the Legion Hall in Acorn. Potluck at 6 p.m., meeting follows.

Come play Bingo, Saturdays and Mondays, starts at 6 p.m., doors open at 4 p.m.

Jam session every Tuesday night, 6-9 p.m. at Shady Mountain Events, 428 Hwy. 375 East, Mena. No charge, everyone is welcome. All genres of music. Bring your own instrument, come watch or dance. Call (479) 234-7174 with questions.

The Back Country Extension Homemakers Club meets the second Friday of each month at 1 p.m. at the UA Extension’s Education Building, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. We are a service organization affiliated with UA’s Division of Agriculture with a mission to have fun and learn new things while enriching our community and creating a more contented family life. We believe the greatest force that molds character comes from the home. Come join new friends and old as we together grow. For more info, contact Ginger at Gingerkm@protonmail.com.

The Polk County Housing Authority has Rental Vouchers available. They are also in need of Applicants and Landlords. Contact them at 509 S. Morrow, Mena, (479) 394-1565 or polkarhousing.com.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m. Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, Ninth Street and Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for information call (479) 243-0297.

Hatfield First Baptist Church “Shepherd’s Closet” Open Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon. Large selection of good, used clothing & a limited supply of non-perishable food items. Free to anyone in need.

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, noon - 1 p.m.

on Wednesday, 7 p.m. on Thursday, 7 p.m. on Friday, and 6 p.m. on Saturday at the old bus barn at The Crossing church. For information call Erica at (479) 234-5289 or Candice at (501) 356-8300.

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

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at The Crossing Church, 3 p.m., Sundays; at 5 p.m., Tuesdays; and at 8 p.m. Saturdays at the old bus barn. For information call (479) 2348366 or (479) 216-3786.

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

The Mena/Polk County Senior Center will have The Gator and Friends band performing in Mena every Thursday, 10:3011:30 a.m.

The Center has an exercise class on Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Contact Trena Looney with questions, (479) 394-5459.

The Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes has meals and activities for seniors.The hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday-Friday. If you need to make delivery arrangements or changes call (870) 385-2373.

Reynolds Gardner Community Men’s Breakfast every Tuesday, First United Methodist Church, Mena, 8 a.m. (full breakfast for small donation). All men from the community are invited to attend.

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) 2439600 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!

- CLASSIFIEDS -

- SERVICES -

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0515

Carter’s Excavating - Licensed Contractor: Heavy and light dozer work, heavy excavation, soft ground to rock excavation, heavy off-road hauling, road design and construction

50 years in trade, 40 years in area. Subsidiary of RCI Construction (479) 394-9227

T0529

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for general labor positions. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment

T1030

- HELP WANTED -

F.M. Dix Foundry is accepting applications for general labor positions. Applications may be picked up at the office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment.

T1030

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced CNC Machine Operator. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment.

T1030

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for a CNC Programmer/Machinist.

T0529

Construction, steel buildings, welding, pads, ponds, roads, tree services, and mulching. Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0626

Need your yard mowed? Free estimates. Referrals available. Call (479) 234-0509. Leave a message. T0710

Carter’s Excavating - Licensed Contractor: Roads, bridges, house pads, building pads, basements, land clearing, small lots to large tracks, ponds, stream crossings, farm roads, building demolition, site planning & prep.

50 years in trade, 40 years in area. Subsidiary of RCI Construction. (479) 394-9227 T0529

- RELIGION -

Because of the April 8, 2024, eclipse, God has expressed his desire for America to repent by May 18, 2024. If America doesn’t, expect the New Madrid Fault Line to go off May 19-20, 2024. T0515

For Sale: Vintage blacksmith equipment, wooden tool handles, hammers to glassware and collectibles And everything in between. May 16-18, 100 Polk Road 616 on Ransom Road, Mena. T0515

- FOR RENT -

Two 3-bedroom houses for rent in Mena. Call (479) 243-5292 or (479) 234-2558. T0515

One-ounce silver rounds or bars, $30 each. See Dan at Duke’s Junction., booth 76, Friday or Saturday, 9-3, or call (479) 2343409. T0515

- WANTED TO BUY -

Buy and sell U.S. pre-65 silver coins. Paying top prices. Also buying scrap gold, rings, teeth and coins. Come see Dan every Friday and Saturday at the Duke’s Junction Flea Market-booth 76 from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. Call during the week (479) 234-3409 T0605

The CNC programmer will utilize CAD/CAM software to develop programs to control contour-path machining of aluminum parts on CNC mill machining centers. Responsible for reading and interpreting technical blueprints, inputting design specifications, adjusting machine cutting paths, performing quality checks on final products. Must be able to troubleshoot issues that arise during the manufacturing process, ensure conformance to established procedures and engineering specifications, and pay close attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

• High Competence in Fields of CNC Machines, Tooling, and Programming

• 5 Years CNC Set-up and Programming Experience

• Proficiency in Programming Software (Mastercam) and CAD.

• Ability to Lift or Maneuver up to 50 lb. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple in Mena, Arkansas from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment. T1030

Find your next employee in the Pulse classifieds!

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for a technical/phone sales position.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, answering technical inquiries, providing product information and recommendations, troubleshooting with potential and current customers, and processing orders in a fastpaced office setting.

Parts, automotive, and computer experience would be helpful. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment.

T1030

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced TIG Welder/Manual Machinist for Cylinder Head Repair. This is for a permanent day shift position. The applicant must be proficient in welding aluminum and have manual machining experience. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available. Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment.

T1030

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 6, 2024

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 32 near Cove in reference to a physical domestic disturbance leading to the arrest of Austin Price, 23, of Cove on a warrant for Harassment as well as charges of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery, and two counts of 3rd Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Minor.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 280 near Vandervoort in reference to property damage.

Deputies responded to a report of an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Nathaniel Noble, 38, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for two counts of Failure to Appear.

May 7, 2024

Deputies responded to a report of a theft of property from a residence on Raspberry Lane near Mena.

Deputies responded to a report of a missing person.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a violation of a protection order. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

May 8, 2024

Deputies responded to a report of an incident on Hwy 375 E near Mena.

Tara Cornelius, 25, of Mena was

arrested on a warrant for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Purpose to Deliver, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms.

Anthony Breseman, 49, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for Interference with Emergency Communication, Possession of Firearm by Certain Persons, 2nd Degree False Imprisonment, and 3rd Degree Domestic Battery.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on School Street near Cove in reference to an unauthorized person present on private property.

May 9, 2024

Deputies responded to a report of an accident leading to the arrest of Melton Cannon, 58, of Mena on two warrants. Cannon was issued a citation for No Insurance, Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Property Damage.

Deputies responded to a report of harassing communications.

Joshua Shouse, 41, of Cove was arrested on a warrant for harassment.

Karson Crawford, 31, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for Bond Revocation.

May 10, 2024

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a scam.

Jason Hoyle, 54, of Wickes was arrested on two Failure to Appear Warrants.

May 11, 2024

A traffic stop led to the arrest of Shelby West, 35, of Vandervoort on a Failure to Appear Warrant

and Waylon Broach, 24, of Cove on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine or Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

May 12, 2024

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to interference with child custody exchange.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked 1 vehicle accident this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 48 Incarcerated Inmates with 10 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

May 5

Shawn Romele, 25, was served with a warrant after contact on Martin Avenue.

Donavan Hunt, 32, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and served with warrants and Barbara Braun, 23, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

May 6

Timothy Perry, 33, was charged with Obstructing Government Operations and Disorderly Conduct after contact on Eagle Gap Avenue.

May 7

Phillip Lawry, 69, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

A report of possession of schedule 6 controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia was taken at a residence on Dallas Avenue.

Heather Robertson, 49, was served with a warrant at a residence

on Dallas Avenue.

Barbara Braun, 23, was served with a warrant at a residence on West Boundary Road.

A report of a dog bite was taken from a person at MRHS Medical Clinic.

A report of unauthorized use of a vehicle and theft was taken from a walk-in complainant.

May 8

A report of theft of services was taken from Mena Water Department.

May 9 No report.

May 10

David Sinyard, 48, was charged with Public Intoxication and Possession of Schedule 3 Controlled Substance at Janssen Park.

Linda Vasser, 52, was charged with Theft at Walmart.

May 11

Kenneth Sipe, 46, was charged with Driving on Suspended License, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Methamphetamine and Oscar Valenciana, 37, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Methamphetamine after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

Keleigh Atkinson, 19, was served with a warrant at the police department.

Lillyauna Cunningham,18, was served with a warrant at a residence on Dequeen Street.

Nancy Pierce, 66, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

Autumn Briley, 19, was served with a warrant at a residence on Mena Street.

Mary Smith, 34, was charged with DWI and Careless/Prohibited Driving after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

Incoming coach resigns from Cossatot River Schools after arrest

By Patrick Massey

The Cossatot River School Board accepted the resignation of a man slated to coach for the district this fall after he was arrested as part of a multi-agency sex crimes sting in Texarkana earlier this month.

According to the Texarkana Texas Police Department, 42-year-old Lance Bradshaw was charged with solicitation of a prostitute as part of the operation conducted in the Texarkana area over the weekend of May 3-5. He and another defendant, identified as 67-year-old Henry Oller, were netted during the sting and their two cases are not related to an underage person.

Three other men, however, were arrested for Online Solicitation of a Minor after they reached out and communicated with an undercover officer that they thought was an underage girl. All three are residents of

the Texarkana, Texas area and identified as 32-year-old Dylan Dickens, 37-year-old Jesus Rosa Rosales and 54-year-old Keith Godfrey.

Bradshaw was a teacher for the De Queen School District at the time of his arrest. The De Queen School Board met on May 7 and accepted his resignation, effective immediately.

Bradshaw was hired by the Cossatot River School Board earlier this year to serve as head track and assistant football coach beginning with the 2024-25 school year. However, Cossatot River Superintendent Tyler Broyles said he would recommend a separation arrangement to the board due to the arrest. He added that Bradshaw’s contract had not yet been fully executed.

The Cossatot River School Board officially approved the recommendation and Bradshaw’s resignation on May 9.

Click It or Ticket campaign reminds drivers: Buckle up – seat belts save lives

Arkansas state and local enforcement officers are joining the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in urging drivers to buckle up ahead of the national Click It or Ticket high-visibility seat belt enforcement effort. This campaign coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, running from May 20 to June 2.

“We want seat belt use to be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers alike,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “It’s not just a safe thing to do — it’s the law. During the Click It or Ticket campaign, the law enforcement community will be working to ensure the message gets out to drivers and passengers. Injuries and lost lives can be prevented by simply wearing a seat belt.”

In 2023, the seat belt use rate in Arkansas was 79.7%, which is well below the national seat belt use rate of 91.9%. The other 20.3% of Arkansas motorists still need to be reminded that seat belts save lives. Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations day and

night. NHTSA data from 2022 shows that nationally a higher number of unrestrained passenger vehicle occupant fatalities happen at night (6,252) than during the day (4,949). Seat belt use also differs among females and males. Men make up the majority of those killed in traffic crashes. Of the males killed in crashes in 2022, more than half (54%) were unrestrained. For females killed in crashes, 41% were not buckled up.

No matter who you are, the type of vehicle you’re driving, or the type of road you’re driving on, the best way to stay safe in case of a crash is to wear your seat belt. Unfortunately, many families are suffering because their loved ones refused to follow this simple step. Remember to buckle up: Click It, Don’t Risk It. Seat Belts Save Lives.

For more information on the Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization, please visit NHTSA.gov/ClickIt or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at 501-618-8127, and go to https://www.tzdarkansas.org/ to learn about Arkansas’ Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities.

Check out a few of the free weekend programs at area state parks

Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area

Saturday, May 18

Taking Flight: Why Birds Migrate

1 p.m. Visitor Information Center

Explore the journey of migrating birds and the many hazards that they face as well as play a fun game.

Pinecone Bird Feeders

3 p.m. Visitor Information Center

Calling all nature enthusiasts. for an interactive craft session where you can create your very own customized bird feeder while learning about the diverse avian wildlife at Cossatot River.

ALLERGY ALERT: This craft involves peanut butter. Crisco can be used as an alternative.

Sunday, May 19

Mammals of Arkansas

2 p.m. Visitor Information Center

What kind of mammal smiles when it’s scared? Hint: It’s not the ones with razor-sharp teeth. Find out which one does and why, testing your knowledge with an up close look at the fur pelts of mammals in Arkansas!

Snake Feeding

3 p.m. Visitor Information Center

See the park interpreters feed our speckled kingsnake and rat snake and learn all about reptiles in the park.

For more information about these programs, please call 870-385-2201. Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area,

1980 Hwy. 278 W, Wickes.

Queen Wilhelmina State Park

Saturday, May 18

Regurgitation Station

1:30 p.m. Lodge Hearth Room

Many meat-eating birds, like owls, have an interesting way of dealing with unwanted parts of their food. Dissect owl pellets, figure out what owls are eating, and learn about other interesting owl adaptations.

Bear Necessities

4:30 p.m. Lodge Hearth Room

Arkansas was historically known as “The Bear State” for its plentiful population of black bears. Hear about the his-

tory of black bears in the state and why they are so important for a healthy ecosystem in Queen Wilhelmina State Park.

Sunday, May 19

Wonder House Tour

12 p.m. Wonder House

What is the Wonder House? It’s not only a place, but also an experience. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the Wonder House takes us back in time almost 100 years. Learn more about the history and architecture of the house.

Call 479-394-2863 for QWSP program questions.

More activities are happening at both parks. Visit ArkansasStateParks.com.

Acorn FCCLA medals at State Leadership Conference

Submitted by Mindy Lyle

Acorn FCCLA attended the Arkansas FCCLA State Leadership Conference in Hot Springs on April 10th-11th. Damon Cruz was elected to serve as the 2024-2025 Arkansas FCCLA State Vice President of Public Relations. He was inducted into his position with a candle ceremony during the closing session of the conference.

Powell, Cruz, Lyle, and Grant were in the top two in the state in their respective events and will advance to compete at the national level this summer in Seattle.

Acorn FCCLA won multiple state chapter awards including Arkansas Gold Star Chapter, Platinum State Project Completer, and fourth place in the state for the Membership Madness Campaign.

Their adviser, Mindy Lyle, received

Cruz will represent Acorn and the state of Arkansas this summer at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Seattle, WA.

He will also travel to Orlando, Florida, and multiple locations around Arkansas during his term.

While at the state conference, multiple students competed in Arkansas FCCLA STAR Events competitions: Lyndsey Powell and Cruz competed in Public Policy Advocate and won a silver medal.

Jordan Lyle and Matilda Grant competed in Health & Wellness and won a silver medal.

Madelynn Auer and Taylar Kesterson competed in Focus on Children and won a silver medal.

Mindy Lyle wins National Spirit of Advising Award

HERNDON, VA — Mindy Lyle, a dedicated Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Adviser at Acorn High School], has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious FCCLA Spirit of Advising Award. This honor recognizes Lyle as a chapter adviser who embodies the spirit of advising, providing unwavering support and guidance to their students.

The FCCLA Spirit of Advising Award celebrates advisers who consistently demonstrate a commitment to the FCCLA mission, work tirelessly to support student success, provide enriching learning experiences, encourage positive character development, and nurture student leaders. Only one chapter adviser per state is honored with this award annually, making Mindy’s selection a remarkable achievement.

dedication to their students. Their contributions are invaluable, and they serve as true ambassadors for the organization.”

the Arkansas Adviser Mentor Award, and the Arkansas Spirit of Advising Award.

All members are excited about the upcoming trip to Seattle in July. They are honored to be representing their school and state at the national level.

Fundraising efforts are ongoing to support their trip to nationals. If anyone would be interested in being a sponsor for their leadership trip, please contact Mindy Lyle at mlyle@orsd.k12. ar.us or 479-394-5544. Sponsorships range from $50-$1,000.

The FCCLA is the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. It was founded in 1945 as the FHA. The nonprofit organization is a national career and technical student organization.

“I am continually inspired by the dedication of FCCLA’s Chapter Advisers,” remarked Sandy Spavone, executive director of FCCLA. “Recipients of the Spirit of Advising Award lead by example, embodying FCCLA’s values through their steadfast commitment and

Lyle will be recognized and presented with the FCCLA Spirit of Advising Award at the 2024 National Leadership Conference, which will take place in Seattle, WA. The event, attended by thousands of FCCLA members, advisers, and supporters, will celebrate Lyle’s outstanding achievements and contributions to the FCCLA community.

May 15, 2024

Cossatot senior Dosch receives Governor’s Award for Musical Excellence

Submitted by Susan Brewer

Cossatot River High School senior Jesse Dosch received the Governor’s Award for Musical Excellence. Only 100 seniors in the state are recognized for this prestigious award each year.

Dosch is a 5-year member of the

Cossatot River High School Choirs. He also earned All Region Choir honors all five years.

Additionally, Dosch received the Rachel Norman Memorial Choir Scholarship. He will be attending UARM for one year and then transferring to UA Fort Smith to major in chemistry.

Jesse is pictured with CRHS choir director, Susan Brewer.

(Photo courtesy of CRSD)

Mena students participate in Congressional Youth Cabinet

Addison Thomas (pictured at left) and Rylie Bentley represented Mena High School on May 3 at the state capitol. They participated in Sen. Boozman’s Congressional Youth Cabinet and spoke on ending the poverty cycle in Arkansas.

The Congressional Youth Cabinet is a non-partisan program that gives students insight and experience in the legislative process. The students

will attend meetings throughout the year and work in teams to research national issues they select and propose policy solutions.

High school juniors are selected from public, private, charter and homeschool students across the state for their involvement and leadership in their communities. This is the eighth year for Boozman’s Congressional Youth Cabinet.

OBRA opens eight-week series this Sunday in Mena CRHS Track state bound

By Patrick Massey

The Ouachita Barrel Racing Association will host its first in an eightweek series of competitions this Sunday in Mena.

Organizers originally scheduled the first event for this past Sunday in Grannis. However, they were forced to cancel due to weather conditions. That race has been rescheduled to

- June 17-Andy Risenhoover Arena

- June 24-Hatfield Riding Club Arena

- July 1-Grannis Trail Rider’s Arena

- July 8-Andy Risenhoover Arena

Entries are available for open ($30), novice ($15), youth ($20), peewee ($10) and exhibitor ($4). Only cash will be accepted for entry fees. In addition, there is a $25 nomina-

June 15.

The first race of the series is now scheduled for May 19 at the Andy Risenhoover Arena, 156 Polk County Road 43 (Fairgrounds Road), Mena.

The full schedule is as follows (weather-permitting):

- May 19-Andy Risenhoover Arena

- June 3-Hatfield Riding Club Arena

- June 10-Grannis Trail Rider’s Arena

- June 15-Grannis Trail Rider’s Arena

tion per rider and the rider must be nominated by the second race. A variety of payout splits will be offered depending on division.

Entry fees and registration will be accepted at the arena before the race.

Buckles will be available for the open and youth division winners. Riders must compete in at least six races to qualify for buckles.

For more information, contact Colby Saddler at 479-216-8501, Lena Davis at 870-784-3797 or Madison Herod at 479-234-0402.

A pair of Cossatot River High School track and field athletes are headed to state.

Lilly Long, a freshman at CRHS, will be competing in the high jump event, while sophomore Gwen Bradshaw will compete in discus

and shot put. Both athletes qualified for the state tournament having very high scores in the conference track meet in April.

The 3A State Track Meet will be held on Tuesday, May 30, at Jessieville High School.

A barrel rider rounds a barrel at the 2023 rodeo in Mena at Andy Risenhoover Arena. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

May 15, 2024

Keep your face always toward the sunshine — and shadows will fall behind you.

~ Walt Whitman

You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as a ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world.

~ Tom Brokaw

I fail all of the time. It means nothing. ~ Gene Simmons

I think fearless is having fears but jumping anyway.

~ Taylor Swift

~ Ethan Nahté

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

~ Mark Twain

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.

~ Helen Keller

The Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2024

University of Arkansas Rich Mountain

University of Arkansas

Rich Mountain

Graduates 2024

Associate of Arts

Brisa Aguilar

Cyrus Auer *

Brenden Brown

Blake Brown

Caleb Bryant

Kaitlen Cairns

Caroline Cannon *

Shenae Chronister

Brianna Crowley **

Kenzie Daniels *

Chloe Durnal

Hayden Green

Macie Holloway

Christian Hoyle *

Wilson Hughes

Laney Linseisen

Charity Mabry *

Alexcia Middleton *

Charlie Mock *

Cora Morgan *

Olivia Nickson **

Paige Parnell **

Ethan Perry

Andrew Philpot

Trevin Plunkett

Samuel Rainey

Lacey Rogers

Madalyn Rohre

April Salmon *

Jenna Shaddon *

Lusanne Starr *

Elise Trautman **

Giselle Trejo

Kaleb West

Orlandis Williamson *

Tyler Wright

Associate of General Studies

Layla Baker *

Jayden Bass

McKenna Bittle

Caden Brown *

Emmanuel Cartagena

Robert Cheney

Emmaleigh Daniel

Andre de Araujo

Alvares Cabral

Gabriel De la Barra

Samuel Efird

Trevor Flake

Dylan Garton **

Ava Harris *

Camdon Holcomb

Ian Hughes **

Travis Hughes

Dylan James

Brett Justice

Dylan Kight

Savanna Koop *

Aiden McGinnis *

Luis Morales

Justin Mullins

Paige Parnell

Marissa Pate *

Arturo Pena

Kendall Posey *

Kymberleigh Richardson *

Justice Sachs

Jenna Shaddon *

Jacob Stipe ^

Abbie Sunners

Caleigh Talamantez

Josh Mitchell

Amanda Wright

Associate of Arts

Teaching

Brianna Crowley **

Associate of Applied Science Information Systems Technology

Jaci Lunsford *

Lizbet Delgado

Veronica Vanbuskirk

Associate of Applied Science Registered Nursing

Jaclyn Adair

Paul Anthony

Alicia Barnett

Haley Brodersen

Amy Cagle ^

Caitlin Crosby

Associate of Science Business Administation

Cody Beck

Emily Burtnett *

Lucas Crumpler

Emmi Hines *

Carmen Puckett *

Associate of Science Computer Science

Braxton Wise

Jacob Coogan *

Jamie Crump

Sara Lazenby

Samantha Ortiz

Reymundo Ortiz

Madison Parnell

Trace Watkins

Orlandis Williamson *

Associate of Applied Science

Health Information

Billing & Coding

Mattie Carnathan

Tiffany Ellwood **

Mandy Harrison *

Altarra Higgins *

Madeline Hopper

Samantha Edwards

Esperanza Marrufo

Tanya Meeh

Lacey Mills

Emma Parkin

Briana Wood

Associate of Applied Science General Technology

Manuel Serrano

Star Spence

Salem Weston * Silas Weston *

Associate of Applied Science Machine Tool Technology

Jaci Lunsford *

Hannah Bell

Cydney Birtcher

Drew Owens

Matthew Littell ^

Yahir Silva-Valdez *

Criskim Yang *

Joseph Blanton

The Polk County Pulse May 15, 2024

Certificate of General Studies

Maggie Barrett

Hannah Bell

Cason Blease *

Karen Campos

Kaleigh Carney

Angel Cordero

Kailany da Silva Vilela *

Aleeyah Frost

Kigen Keino

Jasmin Nielsen

Layne Sweat

Mackenzie Vincent

Montana Wesley

Braxton Wise

Jean Robertson-Broach *

Abegail Sims **

Technical Certificate Teaching

Charity Mabry *

Justice Sachs

Caleigh Talamantez

Technical Certificate Health Information

Billing & Coding

Zane Griffin *

Technical Certificate Licensed Practical Nursing

Hannah Bell

Cydney Birtcher

Avery Bowling

Kynsie Brown

Kaytlin Denton

Kade Garrett

Jason Gouthro

Ariel Hartin

Ashton Loyd

Madisson Minear **

Reese Rogers

Paris Stricklin

Heaven Taylor

Kimberly Truitt

Technical Certificate Massage Therapy

Nicole Medford

Autumn Raines *

Jean Robertson-Broach *

Abegail Sims **

Kathy Schlorer

Technical Certificate Cosmetology

Ashlee Arce

Kendra Beavers **

Jera Brown *

Cierra Cearley *

Aubri Coleman

Jessica Conley

Mindi Cox **

Patience Ferguson

Hali Humphreys

Gisella Lopez *

Jaymie Lott *

Cloey Massey

Kaydince Pfeifer

Emily Provence

MaKayla Richey

Hollee Roberts

Emmye Rowell *

Susanne Shaver

Elizabeth Taylor

Technical Certificate Nail Technology

Laine Barber

Makayla Emry **

Kimberly Hackworth **

Bailey Westbrook *^

Tiara Wolf

Technical Certificate Machine Tool Technology

Charlee Newton *

Technical Certificate Welding

Kimberly Cevallos

Michael Charron

Ryle Cole

Logan Fielding

Quinton Miles

Christopher Rowsey *

Certificate of Proficiency Welding

William Atchley

Jonathan Bauman

Wyatt Boyd

Judah Brewer

Dylanne Carr

Zachary Cline

Brody Dickerson

Maya Thibodeaux

Addison Wood **

Blade Slaten

Trace Watkins

Orlandis Williamson

Certificate of Proficiency Inert Gas Welding

Brayden Blake

Logan Fielding

Caysen Morgan

Alishia Thompson

Case Wiles

Certificate of Proficiency Machine Tool Technology

Marcus Caldwell

Connor Fall

Bradley Howard

Robin Lehnerd

Patric Sontag

Gavin Strother

Bryden Fields

Jackson Howard

Jovani Maya

Technical Certificate Aesthetics

Breonna Cecil *

Elorie Hopper **

Emma Reynolds **

Kole Thomas **

Nicholas McCourtney

Caysen Morgan

John Murphy

Max Nisle

Ambrose Poor

Jeff Richmond

Kaden Rogers

Kasen Schuller

Certificate of Proficiency Health Information Billing & Coding

Jacob Fikes

Amy Hernandez

Danielle Slater

Travis Syfrett

Certificate of Proficiency Computer Programming

Jaci Lunsford

Joseph Blanton

Jacob Coogan

Lizbet Delgado

Alexandra Hunter

Braxton Wise

Certificate of Proficiency Teaching

Brisa Aguilar

Certificate of Proficiency Aesthetics

Kayla Page

Kaylin Strother

Selina Whitus

Jayden Bass

Shenae Chronister

Mackenzie Parker

Maegan Hill

Certificate of Proficiency Early Childhood Development

Certificate of Proficiency Cosmetology Instructor

Cierra Cearley

Dusty Davis

Certificate of Proficiency Manicuring & Nail Technology

Elizabeth Fuquay

Maribel Sandoval-Talamantes

Kayci Halcombe

Kimberly Hankammer

Dulce Owen

Cynthia Tena

Molly Willis

Certificate of Proficiency Criminal Justice

Camden Holcomb

The Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2024

Certificate of Proficiency Phlebotomy

Caroline Cannon

Angela Ewing

Mandy Harrison

Meera Henry

Altarra Higgins

Madeline Hopper

Braylee Jewell

Jenny Laxamana

Whitney Martin

Nayeli Ortiz

Brittany Phillips

Hunter Woodall

Certificate of Proficiency

Certified Nursing Assistant

Elaina Aleshire

Delaney Carr

Gracie Fairless

Raegan Gates

Meera Henry

Janetta Long

Nayeli Ortiz

Jordyn Prewett

Elaurel Spencer

Trinity Staggs

Sarah Sullivan

Makayla Vega

Hannah Woodard

Basic Certificate Emergency Medical Technician

Elaina Aleshire

Hannah Bellon

Gracie Fairless

Melissa Gamble

Raegan Gates

Anthony Pangle

Phillip Schuller

Lorne Smittle

Elaurel Spencer

Jenny Thacker

Cheetara Tosta

Makayla Vega

General Equivalency Diploma (GED)

Sarah Armstrong

Brody Bailey

Huntleigh Beaty

Kara Bellon

Frank Booher

Chyanne Brown

Cayden Casey

Camden Chambly

Martin Clack

Trinity Clovis

Jessica Conley

Jordan Davis

Nevaeh Erwin

Jaylunn Estes

Ashley Freeman

Jaden Fussell

Travis Hamel

Robby Kilfether

Bracee Lance

Harley Loyd

Keturah Luciano

Sarah Macz

Lilly Manley

Autumn Martinez

Mayra Martinez

Aiden McKenzie

Braxton Page

Breanna Parker

Riley Pittman

Ivy Porter

Baylor Rae

Chance Ragain

Ashlar Rath

Jake Simmons

Kylea Skaggs

Kristin Stonewall

Tori Weidler

Scout Wilson

Kelly Wisneski

Ethan York

Travis Hughes - Science

Lusanne Starr - Psychology

Brianna Crowley - History

Emmi Hines - Business

Jacob Coogan - Information Technology

Madisson Minear - Licensed Practical Nursing

Tiffany Slater - Registered Nursing

Tiffany Ellwood - Health Information Billing & Coding

Raegan Gates - Certified Nursing Assistant

Outstanding Students

Hunter Woodall - Phlebotomy

Kimberly Cevallos - Welding

Jean Robertson-Broach - Massage

Emmye Rowell - Cosmetology

Matthew Little - Machine Tool

Elaurel Spencer - Emergency Medical Technician

Ava Harris - SSS TRIO Hall of Fame

Emily Burtnett - EOC TRIO Hall of Fame

Frank Booher - GED

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.

~ Thomas A. Edison

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.

~ Albert Einstein

The Polk County Pulse

May 15, 2024

Son

Mena High School

CAROLINE CANNON

Daughter of Kyle & Gretchen Cannon

Mena High School & University of Arkansas

Rich Mountain Associate of Arts Degree & Phlebotomy Certificate

Marc wilson

Son of Dr. Phillip & Kristi Wilson

University of Arkansas

Bachelor of Science in Business Management

Sarah sullivan Daughter of Lori Goodner

Jason & Teddi Sullivan

Acorn High School & University of Arkansas

Rich Mountain Certified Nursing Assistant

Austin johnston Son of Bill & Kerry Johnston

Arkansas Tech University

Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice

Minor - History

Payton Clark Daughter of Tim & Staci Clark

Eric & Heather Goss

Mena High School

University of Arkansas

Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management & Logistics

DAVID GRENIER

Son of Rodney & Heather Grenier

Malachi floyd

of Rob & Tracy Floyd

Luke floyd

Son of Brandon & Shanea Floyd

Mena High School

LACY floyd

Daughter of Brandon & Shanea Floyd

Mena High School