The Polk County Pulse - January 3, 2024 by The Pulse

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JANUARY 3, 2024

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1 0 5 . 3 T H E M O U N TA I N

City of Mena to host final Eclipse Town Hall meeting

INSIDE:

Featured Artists Show Page 2

Acorn Homecoming

Pages 10-11

On Apr. 8, nearly two-thirds of Arkansas will be within the path of totality for the Great American Total Solar Eclipse. This event will bring thousands of visitors to The Natural State to experience the phenomenon. Mena will experience four minutes of pure solar darkness, one of the greater lengths in Arkansas and will be a major tourism draw for the community. To help the community prepare, the City of Mena is hosting their fourth and final Eclipse Town Hall meeting on Jan. 17. The meeting will be held at the Ouachita Center, on the campus of UA Rich Mountain, at 5 p.m. This is an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the eclipse and how Mena, and the surrounding areas, can plan for and draw visitors to what will be an

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2017 event, Arkansas is positioned to exceed those numbers. For more information, contact Pasha Watson, Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission, 479-394-8355 or pasha@visitmena.com.

The new year brings more than a new look By Ethan Nahté

Mena Holiday Sports

epic event for Arkansas. Public leaders and stakeholders will be in attendance to help answer community questions. If your business/group is planning an event or has rental space available, you are invited to set up a table and distribute your information. There is no charge, but you will need to RSVP, as space is limited. Groups and organizations across Arkansas will be planning events focusing on this historic astronomical occurrence. Economic impact from the 2017 total solar eclipse in other states was massive. Since The Natural State is centrally located and our time of total darkness will be nearly twice that of the

Odds are when you reached for the first 2024 edition of The Polk County Pulse you noticed something was different. There’s a new logo and a new color scheme throughout the newspaper. The changes will eventually make their way to the My Pulse News website as time allows. The paper also has a bit of a different look, such as in the sports section, but nothing too drastic. Although, sched-

uled for some time in January we will be trying out a new column that we hope will be a “how-to” for a variety of things around the house. If you haven’t already noticed, 104.1 KENA has a new program with Matt in the Mornings. Matt Allen is live in the mornings from 6-8 a.m. You might recall he did an event with Swap Shop’s Ariel Varner at the Mena-Polk County Senior Center that Varner wrote about. We intend on telling you more about Allen in the near future.

Swap Shop will also begin with Varner right after Matt in the Mornings. Then, Curt Teasdale will have Swap Shop again in the afternoons following the news, starting at approximately 12:35 p.m. If you aren’t sure what the number is, call 479-394-2800 while the program is live on the air to announce what you would like to buy, sell or trade. You can also email A.Varner@ MyPulseNews.com with your items.

2 News By Ethan Nahté

January 3, 2024

Creators chosen for Featured Artists Show

The following five artists: Rod Kidwell, Ann Glenn, Debra Bell, Theresa Grillo Laird, and Danette Steele were selected by a random drawing to exhibit their art in the new Featured Artists Show opening at Mena Art Gallery, Jan. 3. This is a three-week show that will be on display Jan. 3-20. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to see a collection of work including pieces never-before shown in Mena. This show is different in that it allows artists to exhibit pieces that they have made throughout their lives in various mediums and including things not for sale from private collections of their work.

The show will be followed by the 2024 Young Artists Show, which runs Jan. 24-Feb. 16. The deadline to enter the Young Artists Show is Jan. 20. Details can be found in the Dec. 13, 2023, edition of The Pulse. It can be found online at My Pulse News. Now that the Christmas holiday is over, the Gallery, located at 607 Mena St. has returned to its normal operating schedule, 10a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday. For questions about the Featured Artists Show or the Young Artists Show, contact the Gallery at email@menaartgallery.org or call 479-394-3880 during their regular operating hours.

Theresa Grillo Laird had works of art in this year’s Art of the Heartland competition and gallery showing, such as this oil painting entitled “Fading Light.” Her name was randomly chosen as one of the five artists to exhibit their art at Mena Art Gallery Jan. 3-20. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

January 3, 2024

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

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Our Team: Jamie Hammack General Manager 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/ On-Air Personality

Matt Allen

On-Air Personality

Crystal Reed

Account Executive

Distribution & Insertion Staff: Chaz Welch, Deanna Wright, Steven Hart & Sandra Orthman The Polk County Pulse is the area’s premiere and fastest growing news publication. The Polk County Pulse is FREE and published weekly on Wednesdays, with a distribution of 8,000 and an estimated readership of 10,000. MyPulseNews.com has hundreds of visitors daily and KENA and KQOR have thousands of listeners hourly. POLICY: The publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. All property rights, including any copyright interest, in any advertisement produced by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse using art work and/or typography furnished or arranged by Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse shall be the property of Pulse Multi-Media and/or The Polk County Pulse. No such advertisement or any part thereof may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Pulse Multi-Media and The Polk County Pulse. POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENTS: Advertisements of a political nature must be prepaid and must also include the name of the entity paying for the advertisement. If an entity other than the candidate the advertisement is endorsing is paying for the ad, a statement must be signed by the candidate verifying the candidate has seen and approved the advertisement.

The ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, and the U.S. and European response to that aggression, has disclosed a significant problem for U.S. military readiness. During the past few decades, the U.S. has lost a significant amount of its defense industry capacity. Companies have streamlined their production capacities in order to be more cost effective. They have reduced production capacity because the U.S. military did not have an immediate need for that capacity, and the military was pushing companies to provide cost reductions. This meant that unneeded capacity was eliminated, and some weapons systems were no longer being produced. However, that also means that the U.S. does not have a significant surge capacity in case of a major conflict. This has clearly been demonstrated in the production of 155mm artillery shells. Before the U.S. began supplying shells to Ukraine the U.S. was producing 14,000 shells per month. That was all that was required for the U.S. military for normal training needs. However, to defend itself against the Russian aggression Ukraine is firing more than 100,000 shells per month. The U.S. is increasing production; however, this involves expanding capacity at several defense contractors and this takes both time and money. Army officials stated a few months ago that 155mm artillery munition production would increase to 28,000 per month in October, which is double what the Army was producing at the start of the year. The plan is to build roughly 60,000 a month in FY24, reaching 80,000 by FY25. By FY26, the plan is to build 100,000 a month. Note that it will take years before the U.S. has the capacity to produce artillery shells at a rate that will support the usage that Ukraine is experiencing today. The same level of usage that the U.S. would experience in a similar situation fighting a well-equipped enemy such as Russia or China. The supplemental spending request

News 3

Want to share your opinion? that President Joe Biden sent to Congress in October would provide another $50 billion to defense manufacturers. It is this funding that is vital for the defense contractors to increase production capacity of numerous weapons systems that will be needed in the case of a major conflict. Weapons such as Javelins made in Alabama; Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) made in West Virginia, Arkansas and Texas; tactical vehicles made in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana; and 155mm artillery shells made in Pennsylvania, Arkansas, and Iowa and many other states. It will also enable the production of Stinger missiles that have not been manufactured since 2005, because the military had an ample supply. Among the companies receiving awards in the U.S. are BAE Ordnance Systems Inc. with work taking place in Tennessee and Arkansas; Security Signals Inc, in Tennessee; Action Manufacturing Co. in Pennsylvania; Day & Zimmerman in Arkansas; American Ordnance LLC in Iowa and Armtec in California. A number of representatives in the House and Senate have questioned why the U.S. should continue to send money to Ukraine. However, the U.S. is not sending money to Ukraine. The U.S. is sending money to U.S. companies and U.S. workers who transform that money into military equipment and supplies that go to Ukraine. Cutting off U.S. funding would not only weaken Ukraine’s ability to stave off Russia’s invasion, but impact defense manufacturing throughout America. Defense manufacturing that employee Americans in good jobs that help provide for the defense of the U.S. and other freedom loving people of the world. Defense manufacturing capacity that the U.S. needs to defend itself. Capacity that would not be available if it were

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. The letter must include a signature to be considered for publication. Signatures will NOT be held out by request. Letters will be restricted to 500 words. Any letters longer than 500 words will require purchase of advertising space. The following contact information is required when the letter is submitted: NAME, AGE, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER. Letters are published at the discretion of the Editor and Publisher. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to news@mypulsenews.com; mailed to P.O. Box 1450, Mena, AR 71953 or dropped off at 1168 Hwy. 71 South, Mena, AR. A drop-box is provided by the front door for after-hour convenience.

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

not for the Ukraine war making this deficiency obvious to our politicians so that action could be taken before there was a critical need to defend America. Helping Ukraine repel the Russian invasion is not only the right thing to do for both political and humanitarian reasons it is also the right thing to do to improve U.S. defense production capabilities and provide jobs to Americans at the same time. Robert Tomlinson, Mena

4 Politics

January 3, 2024 From the

State House of Representatives

Act 316 requires screening for Many of the laws we passed in depression for birth mothers with2023 take effect on January 1, 2024. in the first 6 weeks after birth and These new laws impact everything mandates that an insurance policy from taxes to criminal justice. shall cover the cost of the screening. Act 10 of the 2023 ExtraordiAct 196 reduces the maximum nary Session reduces the top perpotential unemployment comsonal income tax rate from 4.7% pensation benefits. It also estabto 4.4% for tax years beginning January 1, 2024. The act also re- John Maddox lishes the contribution rates of employers. duces the corporate income tax Act 106 disqualifies an individual from rate from 5.1% to 4.8%. Act 485 of the 2023 Regular Session unemployment benefits if he or she fails phases out the income tax apportionment to accept suitable work within 5 business throwback rule over 7 years. The sections days or fails to appear for a previously of the act phasing out the throwback rule scheduled job interview on at least 2 occaare effective for tax years beginning Janu- sions without notification. Act 587 requires an individual who subary 1, 2024. Other acts passed during the 2023 Reg- mits a claim for unemployment benefits to ular Session that become effective on Jan- complete at least 5 work search contacts per week to be eligible for unemployment uary 1 include the following: Act 811 requires each public high benefits for the week. Act 160 requires a public housing auschool campus to have a clearly visible and labeled opioid overdose rescue kit and thority to request federal approval if necrequires that the location of each opioid essary to implement a work requirement overdose rescue kit be registered with the for able-bodied adults in households that school nurse and school resource officer receive housing assistance. Several provisions of the Protect Arof each public high school. This act also requires that each state-supported high- kansas Act also take effect also January er education campus also have an opioid 1, 2024. These provisions include requiring persons convicted of the most serious overdose rescue kit in certain locations. Act 300 changes the date for special offenses to serve a greater percentage of elections on measures and questions to their sentence prior to release. You can find a complete summary of all the preferential primary election or general election date and defines what consti- the legislation passed this year at arkansashouse.org. tutes an emergency special election.

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 Boozman

1120 Garrison Ave. Suite 2B Fort Smith, AR 72901 Phone: (479) 573-0189 Fax: (479) 575-0553

Bruce Westerman 101 Reserve St. Suite 200 Hot Springs, AR 71901 Phone: (501) 609-9796 Fax: (501) 609-9887

From the

State Senate

Numerous state laws will Businesses will also bentake effect in 2024, including efit from Act 485 of 2023. It tax reductions that will save phases out the “throwback Arkansas families and busirule,” a provision in state tax nesses about $250 million a law that formulates taxes on year. multi-state corporations with During a September spea connection, or nexus, in cial session the legislature Arkansas when they do busiTerry Rice approved tax cuts that will ness in other states. benefit Arkansans in two ways. An For those businesses, fewer sales of income tax reduction will lower the property in other states will be taxed. top rate from 4.7 to 4.4 percent for Act 532 takes effect for tax year individuals. Also, the top rate for cor- 2024 and will save businesses $10.6 porate taxes will go down from 5.1 to million. The savings steadily increase 4.8 percent. until Fiscal Year 2030 and afterwards, The tax relief measure includes a when businesses in Arkansas will see one-time credit of $150 for all tax- tax savings of $74 million a year bepayers whose incomes was below cause of Act 532. $89,600 in 2023. That means Arkansas taxpayers will benefit from the New Bail Bond Law credit in the next couple of months, Act 659 of 2023 changes the length when they file their income taxes for of prison sentences for violent of2023. fenders, and requires inmates to parFor taxpayers with incomes be- ticipate in drug rehabilitation and tween $89,601 and $103,600 the education programs in order to qualamount of the credit gradually de- ify for parole. creases. People whose income is The act will affect county jails, $103,601 and above will not get a sheriffs, bail bondsmen and people credit. who get arrested and want to bail out In all, about 1.1 million people in of jail. As of January 1, 2024, the 10 Arkansas will save $150 million a percent premium for bond must be year because of the tax reductions paid in full before the defendant may enacted by the legislation earlier this be released from jail. Previously, deyear. Also, about 7,500 businesses fendants could make arrangements will save $34.5 million a year. to pay their bail bondsman in installThe $150 credits will save individu- ments. als $156.3 million on their 2023 taxAnother provision in Act 659 afes. However, they will not be in effect fects defendants who put up properin future years. ty to make bail. Starting in 2024, bail Those cuts were not the only tax bondsmen must submit paperwork relief enacted by the legislature in verifying the amount of the property 2023. During the regular session at is sufficient, and verifying that it has the beginning of the year, legislators been transferred to the surety. It will approved Senate Bill 549 to lower not be enough for the bail bondsman income taxes for individuals, trusts, to simply collect a deed or title. estates and corporations. Some judges already have begun Those tax cuts benefited 1.1 million working on documents to streamindividual taxpayers whose incomes line the process for defendants who are above $24,300 a year. The Senate choose to put up property. bill became Act 532 of 2023.

January 3, 2024

News 5

Sanders announces appointments Mena Mayor Smith amongst the choices

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the following appointments:

Commission for Parent Counsel - Mischa Martin, Sherwood, to the Commission for Parent Counsel. Term expires on December 31, 2028. Replaces Kelly Olson.

Board of Corrections - Brandon Tollett, Hot Springs Village, to the Board of Corrections. Term Graduate Nurse Educator Loan Scholarship Board expires on December 31, 2030. Replaces Whitney Gass. - Vicki Pevahouse, Little Rock, to the Graduate Nurse Educator Loan Scholarship Board. To serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Arkansas Board of Dispensing Opticians - Sherry Hunter, Searcy, to the Arkansas Board of Dispensing Opticians. Sex Offender Assessment Committee Term expires on June 30, 2025. Replaces Lonnie Burrow. - Grant Humphries, Little Rock, to the Sex Offender Assessment Com- Russell Simmons, Benton, to the Arkansas Board of Dispensing Optimittee. Term expires on July 1, 2026. Replaces Derrick Threadgill. cians. Term expires on June 30, 2026. Replaces Allison Hall. State Aid Street Committee Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling - Mayor Terry Hartwick, North Little Rock, to the State Aid Street Com- Christopher Martin Skrivanos, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Board of mittee. Term expires on December 31, 2024. Winston Gaskill. Examiners in Counseling. Term expires on December 31, 2026. Re- - Mayor Seth Smith, Mena, to the State Aid Street Committee. Term explaces Crystal Lougin. pires on December 31, 2027. Replaces Shawn Gorham. - Daniel Sheaffer, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling. Term expires on December 31, 2024. Replaces Suzanne State Banking Board Casey. - Gary Head, Rogers, to the State Banking Board. Term expires on December 31, 2028. Replaces David Miller. Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board - Allen Kerr, Little Rock, to the State Banking Board. Term expires on - Andrew Mitchell, North Little Rock, to the Arkansas Catfish PromoDecember 31, 2028. Replaces Russell Meeks. tion Board. Term expires on June 30, 2025. Replaces Terry Kruse. - Rusty Lanier, Little Rock, to the State Banking Board. Term expires on December 31, 2028. Reappointment. Arkansas Dietetics Licensing Board - Lisa Fischer, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Dietetics Licensing Board. State Board of Health Term expires on January 14, 2025. Replaces Billie Haymes. - Dr. Justin Franks, Benton, to the State Board of Health. Term expires on December 31, 2027. Replaces Dr. Perry Amerine. Arkansas Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthic Advisory Board - Dr. Chris Cathey, North Little Rock, to the State Board of Health. Term - Francois Van Der Watt, Greenwood, to the Arkansas Orthotics, Prosexpires on December 31, 2025. Replaces Melissa Faulkenberry. thetics, and Pedorthic Advisory Board. Term expires on September 1, - Dr. William Bonner, Nashville, to the State Board of Health. Term ex2025. Replaces Paul Hatcher. pires on December 31, 2027. Replaces Susan Weinstein. - Phillip Gilmore, Crossett, to the State Board of Health. Term expires on Arkansas State Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interior December 31, 2027. Reappointment. Designers - Jim Terry, Little Rock, to the State Board of Health. Term expires on - James Patrick Matthews, Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Board of December 31, 2025. Replaces Alisha Curtis. Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers. Term expires on April 26, 2028. Replaces Gail Shepherd. - Terri Erwin, Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers. Term expires on April 26, 2028. Replaces William Homra.

6 Obituaries Evelyn Carol Hackney Evelyn Carol Hackney, age 73, of Mena, Arkansas, died on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at the Montgomery County Nursing Home in Mt. Ida, Arkansas. She was born on Saturday, May 20, 1950, to Hence and Opal Lawrence Stinson in Mena, Arkansas. Evelyn was a lively spirit who was always a lot of fun. She was a strong woman and lived life her way. But, she was an incredibly loving person, always caring for all those around her. Evelyn had a bubbly personality and could always be counted on to provide a smile. She was very protective of her family and loved them with all her heart. Evelyn was a Christian woman who attended the Feed My Sheep Church in Mena for many years. Her late husband, Phillip, was a longhaul truck driver and they were able to see all the lower 48 states together. She enjoyed listening to old Country music like Conway Twitty and George Jones. Evelyn also was very talented at crocheting things for all her family and friends. In her free time, she really loved to go camping and fishing, and generally just loved spending time outdoors in the Ouachita Mountains. Evelyn was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her. A special thank you to all the staff at the Montgomery County Nursing Home that took such good care of Evelyn. She is preceded in death by her parents; and her loving husband, Phillip Hackney; three brothers, Roger Stinson, Martin Stinson and Dennis Stinson; and two sisters, Audrey Stinson and Phoebe Stinson.

January 3, 2024 Evelyn is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Tim and Jennifer Stinson of Amity, Brian and Kelly Coleman of Charleston, South Carolina, Brad and Lisa Coleman of Harrah, Oklahoma; one brother, Kevin Stinson; one sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Archie McDaniel of Broken Bow; sister-in-law, Linda Stinson of Mt. Ida; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com.

Tommy Blake

Mr. Tommy Blake, age 85, passed away Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at his home in Smithville, Oklahoma. He was born January 16, 1938, to the late Herman L. and Nola B. (Parnell) Blake, in Watson, Oklahoma. Tommy was a logger by profession, and an outdoorsman at heart. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and riding his side by side. Mr. Blake was a longtime member of the Trinity Baptist Church in Smithville; he loved his community and his church family. But most of all he loved his family and spending time with them, especially whooping his children (when they needed it!) He is survived by his sons, Tommy Joe Blake and wife Melissa of Smithville, Oklahoma, Tony Kent Blake of Smithville, Oklahoma, Troy Lynn Blake; daughter, Sherrie Annette Pollard and husband Johnny of Stigler, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Leann Nichols, Austin Nichols, Breanna Dean, Samantha Mc-

Broom, Sabrina Scott, Derik Pollard, Tia Pollard, Steven Fisher, Crystal Murphy, Tina Provence, Bodi Blake, Tonya Blake, Troy Blake, Trevor Blake, Devin Scantlin, Tamara Scantlin, Josh Young, Randy Wilson, Colby Westbrook; multiple great-grandchildren; one greatgreat-grandchild; brother, Richard Blake; sisters, May Parish, Edith Sinyard, Mary Lou Phillips, Donna Smith, Frances Hartley, Anna Stafford; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other family, and friends too numerous to mention. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman L. and Nola B. (Parnell) Blake; beloved wife, Charlotte Louise Blake; daughter, Charlotte Gean Going; brothers, Almon Oscar Blake, Mike Blake; sisters, Joyce Bradley, Mabel Edwards; daughter-in-law; Jackie Blake; granddaughters Trish Heifner and Christy Dawn Blake. Services for Mr. Blake will be held, Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at the Trinity Baptist Church in Smithville, Oklahoma. Brother Randy Keiss will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas. Visitation will be held Friday, December 29, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Beasley-Wood Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Pallbearers are Troy Blake, Trevor Blake, Austin Nichols, Randy Wilson, Colby Westbrook, and Adam Seigrist. Honorary Pallbearer is Bodi Blake. Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.

I think the loss of loved ones is the hardest blow in life.

~Marlo Thomas

Debra Richey Debra Richey, age 66, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at The Green House Cottages of Homewood in Mena, Arkansas. She was born on Monday, May 30, 1957, to Charles and Alice Inez Fox in Heavener, Oklahoma. Debra was a jokester at heart, and loved to make people laugh. She worked at the Northside Super Stop store for many years always bringing smiles to people’s faces every day. Debra was often a mother to all her children’s friends as well as her own. She always made sure to make you feel at home. Debra loved her children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces very much and adored every minute she could spend with them. Debra is preceded in death by her father Charles Fox, and her brother Robert Fox. Debra is survived by her mother, Inez Fox of Mena; her three sons, Charley Pieper and his husband Rick of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jamie McEntire and his wife Tracy, Michael McEntire and his wife Cathy of Mena; two brothers, Bobby Fox and his wife Debbie of Hatfield, and Donald Fox and his wife Lena of Mena; several grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. No services are planned at this time. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com.

January 3, 2024

By Richie Lawry

The new year of 2016 brought a significant change to my life. In December of 2015, I had been asked if I would be willing to write a newspaper column starting with the new year. I was flattered and said yes immediately, and An Arkie’s Faith was born. I had no idea what it would be like to have a deadline and try to develop a topic every week. But for the last eight years, I have continued to write an article for An Arkie’s Faith. The year 2024 will be my ninth year writing for local newspapers. I appreciate everyone who reads my column, especially those who let me know they have enjoyed a particular article. I thought my readers might like to read the first ever An Arkie’s Faith column published on Jan. 7, 2016. The beginning of a new year is when many people start new things. This year, I’m starting something new: A weekly newspaper column. Let me introduce myself. I have been a long-time resident of Mena. My wife and I moved to Mena from Colorado in 1981. I love the people of Mena and the friendly, easy-going way of life here. I have owned and operated my own business since moving here. I enjoy the natural beauty of this part of Arkansas and being out of doors. In 2008, I started writing a blog. A friend was visiting our home and showed me her daughter’s blog. Because she lived far away from her daughter, she kept up with her through the blog. I had heard the word “blog” but had no idea what it was all about. While reading the blog, I noticed at the top of the page that it had a link that said create a blog. I had to see what it was all about, so I clicked it. The title was one of the first things that had to be filled in. I spent about 30 seconds thinking and then typed An Arkie’s Musings. Arkie is a slang word for someone who lives in Arkansas. We used to be officially called Arkansawyers, but now the term is Ar-

An Arkie’s Faith

Eight years and counting

Lawry’s book “Gentle Reader” collects “An Arkie’s Faith” articles. kansan. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Arkansas and Oklahoma were some of the hardest-hit states. Many people moved to California trying to get jobs. Arkie and Okie were disparaging terms used by the Californians for people from Arkansas and Oklahoma. Now, the term Arkie is often used to describe a native Arkansan and is often still a bit disparaging. It seems to indicate that someone is unlearned and backward. I have lived here for over 30 years. Though I’m not a native, I am proud to be an Arkansan or even an Arkie. You must admit that An Arkansan’s Musings doesn’t roll off the tongue. Like that, I had my own blog and enjoyed writing and posting pictures on it. I had written a little before starting

the blog, but not regularly. I had never had a “reason” to write before. Because being a Christian is a big part of my life, many blog posts were on religious topics. I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you. I resolve to write in a plain, simple, easily understood style. I hope I will do a better job with this resolution than I have done with resolutions I have made in the past. My favorite comic as a kid was “Peanuts” with Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Snoopy, and the gang. I still remember one comic strip I read then. It is Jan. 1, and Charlie Brown tells anyone who will listen, “The best way to keep New Year’s Resolutions is in a sealed envelope in a bottom desk drawer.” Charlie Brown knew what you already know if you have made resolutions. Making and keeping resolutions is difficult and usually ends in failure. How has making resolutions worked out for you? I don’t even want to talk about mine. If you have made and broken resolutions on many previous New Year’s days, you may feel that you might as well seal them in a bottom desk drawer and forget them. If you ask most people about the resolutions they made for the New Year, they will tell you that they are going to cut down on their eating, they are going to exercise more, stop doing unhealthy things, etc. While these are reasonable goals, they focus on and rely on self. Self-improvement for most people means making themselves more attractive, healthier, and happier. They depend on willpower to bring about the changes. Notice how different our typical resolutions are from the words of Paul in Colossians 3:12-14 (NLT): “Since God chose you to be the holy people he

Joke of the Week:

I went to the paint store to get thinner. It didn’t work.

Faith 7 loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony”. Paul’s words are focused on others. If we are to use resolutions wisely, we need to turn our attention away from ourselves and toward others. What kind of resolutions should we make? The Bible calls John “the disciple that Jesus loved.” Jesus had a best friend. I want my resolution to be the words that the best friend of Jesus wrote in 1 John 4:7,8 (NCV): “Dear friends, we should love each other, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has become God’s child and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” I don’t know of a better resolution that you could make. If we all resolve to love others, imagine how different the world would be. My wife’s cousin, Jerry Patton, spent 37 years as the second tenor of The King’s Heralds Quartet, America’s oldest continuous gospel quartet. One of my favorite songs that he sang was titled “One Little Candle.” The lyrics, written by George Mysels and J. Maloy Roach, are excellent. “It’s better to light just one little candle, than to stumble in the dark. Better far that you light just one little candle, all you need’s a tiny spark. If we’d all say a prayer that the world would be free. The wonderful dawn of a new day we’ll see. And if everyone lit just one little candle what a bright world this would be”. My resolution for the New Year is to focus on loving others. Gentle Reader, will you join me in resolving to love others? What a bright world this would be if we all lit just one little candle. Replacing windshields in Polk County for over 40 years. Give Richie a call at 479-394-9938 Located at 3008 Hwy 71 South

8 History

January 3, 2024

Reflections from History and Faith: The Emancipation Proclamation

By Jeff Olson The pursuit of freedom was at the heart of America’s conception as the “New World” and in her birth as a nation. In years hence, the concept of freedom has undergone a transformation contrary to its original meaning. The freedom to do what we want has too often replaced the freedom to do what we ought. In fact, the more “freedoms” (often in the name of rights) we seek, the less we actually end up with. Thus, in our efforts to become more free we have in fact become more enslaved, but slavery comes in several forms: Men upon other men by force and/or coercion; and men voluntarily submitting to servitude. We will briefly address both here. It is a credit to the Judeo-Christian foundation of Western Civilization and American founding principles that institutionalized slavery has been abolished as a sanctioned part of America’s moral fabric and civil/ social order. One hundred sixty-one years ago this week, on January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclama-

President Abraham Lincoln signed The Proclamation of Emancipation on Jan. 1, 1863.

tion was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. The proclamation stated that “all persons held as slaves within any State, or designated part of a State... shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.” Those words both reflected and intensified the Civil War’s scope in the battle for human freedom. In the words of President Lincoln, “I never, in my life, felt more certain that I was doing right than I do in signing this paper.” According to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Emancipation Proclamation was the offspring of the Declaration of Independence. The former had four enduring results: First, it gave force to the executive power to change conditions in the national interest on a broad and far-reaching scale.

Second, it dealt a devastating blow to a system of slaveholding and an economy built upon it, which had been muscular enough to engage in warfare on the federal government. Third, it enabled the Negro to play a significant role in his own liberation with the ability to organize and to struggle, with less of the bestial retaliation his slave status had permitted to his masters. Fourth, it resurrected and restated the principle of equality upon which the founding of the nation rested. Within the next several years after the Emancipation Proclamation, the 13th and 14th amendments to the U.S. Constitution were ratified which essentially ended government-sanctioned slavery and opened the door to citizenship and other aspects of equality for all people. Lincoln understood, as we must, that these milestones didn’t confer any new rights on humanity; they simply made explicit what was already a part of Natural Law and expressed in our Declaration of Independence in the references to Nature and Nature’s God, God as the source of human creation and equality, and our unalienable rights to life and liberty. In these documents, equality meant that all people are equal before God and under the Law. Lincoln and our forefathers before him understood that, beyond this bedrock concept, total equality in other respects was not only impossible but unattainable and even undesirable in a free republic. From her begin-

ning, America has provided an environment in which men and women of unequal and diverse intelligence, physical attributes, personalities, skills, initiative, and talents have been free to pursue their dreams and persevere in their vocations, professions, and personal lives — and in such a way as to make an America that has become the greatest nation on earth. For the past several years though, there has been an accelerated effort to re-define and transform our nation from one of equal opportunity for a willing people to equal outcomes (equity) for an entitled people. In the words of Russell Kirk, “What menaces democratic society in this age is not a simple collapse of order, nor yet usurpation by a single powerful man, but a tyranny of mediocrity, a standardization of mind and spirit and condition enforced by the central government.” This tyranny originates not from government but from an inordinate love of equality by the people (egalitarianism). Americans have a natural desire for freedom, but we’ve been developing an insatiable desire for equality. The great questions of our time may include these: Will we prefer equality in servitude to inequality in freedom? If we don’t get all the equality we want in freedom, will we settle for it in slavery? If the latter, there may come a day when we will be seeking our own emancipation, and perhaps someone to proclaim it for us.

January 3, 2024

News 9

10 Homecoming

January 3, 2024

Acorn Homecoming 2023-2024

Josey Dollar & Regan Larucci

Kimberly Cline & Eilam Holland

Freshman Maid & Escort

Acorn High School 2022-2023 Reigning Queen

Paige Parnell

Kylee Johnson & Aaden Bissell Sophomore Maid & Escort

& Escort Gage Davis 10th Grade

KaitLynn Ledbetter & Kaden Carter Sophomore Maid & Escort

Homecoming 11

January 3, 2024

Rebecca Moore & Blake Moore

Kohlea Carmack & Colton Taylor

Junior Maid & Freshman Escort

Junior Maid & Escort

Acorn High School 20232024 Homecoming Queen

Daisy Dollar

& Escort Jasper Dollar Eighth Grade Sophie Strasner & Noah Holland

Jordyn Prewett & Sean Rios

Senior Maid & Escort

First Grade Flower Girl - Nova Sullivan

First Grade Flower Girl - Olivia Slater

Ava Smith-Hawley & Payton Davis

& Crown Bearer Escort - River Smith

& Necklace Bearer Escort - David Tipton

Senior Maid of Honor & Escort

12 News

January 3, 2024

Cast announced for OLT’s ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ Submitted by Julie Ulmer

Ouachita Little Theatre (OLT) will be showcasing a classic dark comedy live onstage during the last two weekends of February. “Arsenic and Old Lace,” directed by Amanda Baker, will be the first OLT play of 2024. The plot revolves around the eccentric Brewster family living in a large Victorian home in the early 1940’s. There are a lot of strange occurrences in the household, including a suspicious concoction of elderberry wine made by spinster sisters Martha and Abby that apparently makes some people “disappear.” Their brother Teddy thinks he is Theodore Roosevelt. Other strange relatives and ac-

quaintances come in and out of the home. It is the stable nephew Mortimer Brewer, newly engaged to the girl next door, who tries to hold everything together in the midst of this zany family situation. The results are hilarious and timelessly entertaining. Baker would like to thank the many folks who came to the audition. “There were so many talented people who auditioned. If I could cast them all, I would!” She names her cast for “Arsenic and Old Lace.” The players are as follows: Abby Brewster, Linda G. Johnson; Martha Brewster, Ann Glenn; Elaine Harper, Jocelyn Biard; Teddy Brewster, Malcolm

Moe; Mortimer Brewster, Elijah Barnes; Jonathan Brewster, Chris Beaver; Dr. Einstein, Robert Canterbury; Rev. Dr. Harper, Joe Van Wolf; Officer Brophy, Doug Sloan; Officer Klein, Deborah Schump; Lt. Rooney, Tara Cornelius; Officer O’Hara, Katherine Hart; Mr. Gibbs, Marvin Glenn; Mr. Witherspoon, Blade Slaten. Amanda’s assistant director will be Silas Baker, and stage manager will be LaDonna Barber. Tickets will be on sale soon at oltmena.com, so watch social media as well as your favorite media outlets for more information. The Lyric Theatre is currently celebrating its 100th year, so join us for special events and shows all year long!

Polk County Births

Mena Regional Health System DECEMBER 24, 2023 TO DECEMBER 30, 2023 Valerie Nicole & Tyler Squires of Mena, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born Dec. 26th Maria Guadalupe Ferretiz & Juan Perales of De Queen, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby girl born Dec. 27th Crystal Ann & Justin Lee of Hatfield, Arkansas are the proud parents of a baby boy born Dec. 28th

January 3, 2024

News 13

Around Town 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 Polk County Social Seniors will be meeting on the second Tuesday of the month at noon on Jan. 9, 2024, at La Villa Mexican Restaurant, 1100 Hwy 71 North, Mena. Come and meet new friends. Humane Society of the Ouachitas next monthly meeting will be Jan. 18. 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. Christ’s Church of Cove, 5234 Hwy. 71 S, Cove gathers every Tuesday, 8:30-9:30 a.m., for free coffee and conversation. 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. The Ouachita Beekeepers Association is now meeting on the second Thursday of the month, 6 p.m. in the Education Building of the UA Extension Office, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. Come enjoy bee educa-

tion, door prizes and socialization with other beekeepers. Call president Tommy Payne at (903) 521-4611 for details. The Polk County Disabled Veterans and Auxiliary will be having their monthly meetings on Thursday, Jan. 4, at Veterans Park in Acorn. A potluck will be served at 6 p.m. with meetings to follow. Firewood at Tony’s sawmill in Hatfield has free firewood for veterans and the elderly while supplies last, and they load it: Pine, green and seasoned bundles. Good for fire pit. Hardwood, $20 a bundle, green and seasoned. (479) 434-7223 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. Hatfield First Baptist Church “Shepherd’s Closet” Open Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon. Large selection of good, used clothing & a limited supply of non-perish-

able 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. 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 Hatfield Branch Library is open every Tuesday and Friday from noon-4 p.m. The library is located at 121 Cemetery Rd. (old Agri building) in Hatfield. The 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, 10:30-11:30 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. 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) 234-8366 or (479) 216-3786. 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. 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. 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. It’s easy to have your event listed in Around Town, which will be read on radio stations KENA and KQOR daily. Simply send your Around Town announcement to news@mypulsenews.com or call (479) 243-9600 and let us know about your event! To have it in the Polk County Pulse newspaper, we need to know by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!

14 Police

January 3, 2024

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.

MENA POLICE REPORTS December 24 Shawnna Howard, 27, was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Public Intoxication after a disturbance at The Corner. December 25 A report of domestic battery was taken at a residence on Crescent Drive. December 26

December 27 Mary Smith, 34, was served with a warrant at the county jail. December 28 Angela Williams, 41, was served with a warrant at a residence on Janssen Avenue. A report of theft was taken from Walmart. December 29 A report of burglary was taken at a residence on Lena Avenue.

A report of violation of a protection order and intimidation of a witness was taken at a residence on December 30 Evans Circle. No report.

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CWD testing remains critical as 2023-24 season wraps up By Patrick Massey With Arkansas’ deer season coming to an official end Feb. 29, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is reminding all hunters to help monitor chronic wasting disease in the state by using one of the AGFC’s free CWD testing locations. All resident hunters who submit a sample for testing are being entered into a special drawing at the close of the 2023-24 hunting season for one of two Resident Sportsman’s Lifetime Combination Licenses and Permits valued at $1,000. The most popular method for hunters to have their deer tested is through the AGFC’s system of drop-off containers throughout the state. “We have at least one container location in every county, and multiple locations in many counties near the areas where CWD has been found.” AJ Riggs, wildlife health biologist for the AGFC, said. To use a drop-off container, bring the deer’s head with 4 to 6 inches of the neck attached and any antlers removed, and place it in one of the provided plastic bags with your name and contact information on the card provided. The AGFC will collect these samples and have them analyzed. Testing results should be available within two to three weeks. Anyone who submits a positive sample will be notified via phone as soon as the results come back. The other free option to get your deer tested for CWD is to take it to one of the AGFC’s network of participating taxidermists, who will pull a sample for you. Most taxidermists should pull a sample from any deer submitted to them, even if you are not using their service to preserve your deer. All testing locations are available at www.agfc.com/cwd/. Some of the locations have changed from last year, so hunters are encouraged to look ahead of time and find a sample location clos-

est to their hunting area and note hours of operation. Area testing locations include the USFS Mena/Oden Ranger District Office in Mena and the Farmers Association in Dierks. Arkansas deer hunters submitted a record 8,759 samples from their harvested deer during the 2022-23 Arkansas deer hunting season to be checked for chronic wasting disease, but according to wildlife veterinarians with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, there’s still a lot of work to be done in monitoring and slowing the spread of CWD on the landscape. The AGFC recently partnered with the National Deer Association to increase awareness of chronic wasting disease and the importance of having your harvested deer tested. The article “Five Reasons to get Your Deer Tested for CWD” gave a concise message to a national audience to help increase awareness about having your deer tested, even if you don’t live in an area where CWD has been confirmed. State biologists stress that results from areas where the disease has not been found are just as valuable as those where a few detections have occurred. They may even be more valuable because they give biologists greater confidence in knowing where the disease does and does not occur. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects members of the deer/elk family (cervids). It was first described in 1967 in Colorado and since has spread to 26 states, Canada, South Korea, Finland and Norway. It was discovered in February 2016 near Pruitt and has since been found in 18 Arkansas counties. Infected animals will not show signs of disease for a long period of time, but late in the disease process, they will be thin and may demonstrate weakness, abnormal behavior, excessive thirst, or drooling. Animals generally die soon after the onset of these signs.

Puzzles 15

January 3, 2024 35

C R O S S WOR D P U ZZ L E

41 01.03.24

WORD SEARCH

01.03.24

45 48

ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 12.27.23

A Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

Do you have room in your heart and home for a shelter pet?

Meet CHAR!

Hi, My name is Char. I am a Weimaraner Mix, and about 1 year old. I am good with other dogs and good with older kids. I have not been tested with cats. I know how to use a doggy door. I am learning how to walk on a leash, and can be shy at first. If you have time and patience, I would love to get to know you and trust you. Come to the shelter today and meet me. I can't wait to see you! All animals at HSO are current on their vaccinations and will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption. If not already spayed/neutered, there may be a short delay between when you select this pet and when they are ready to go home.

HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE OUACHITAS TUES. THROUGH SAT. 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. 368 POLK 50, MENA, AR 479 3945682 WWW.HSOMENA.ORG

16 Classifieds

January 3, 2024

- CLASSIFIEDS - SERVICES -

Wendell’s Tree Service - Tree Removal and Trimming. Experienced and fully insured for ALL your tree-trimming needs. Call (479) 394-0227 or (479) 216-4328. T0131 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 T0306 Tree services, forestry mulching, storm cleanup, stump grinding. Signs and light replacement. Give RC Customz a call at (479) 216-2976 for free estimate. T0103 Handyman Service - Electrical and plumbing. Prefer small jobs. For more details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0103 Construction, steel buildings, welding, pads, ponds, and roads. Military discounts. Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0103 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 T0306 A to Z mobile handyman services. Licensed/certified in Arkansas/Oklahoma/Texas. Offering everything from brush cleaning, plumbing, electrical, light remodeling, hanging/removing Christmas lights and more. Free quotes available. Inquire at (940) 597-4171 T0103

- PETS FOR SALE AKC Mini Dachshunds, beautiful puppies, 1st shots-worms/wormed. Call (479) 234-2882 for pictures of available puppies. T0110 For sale - AKC English Bulldog puppy, female, standard colors, and ready for her new home. Facebook Arklatex Bulldogs to see this beauty. Call (870) 642-3104 for more information. TFN

- HELP WANTED -

Accepting applications for bartender position. Rotating daily schedule. Applications available at Mena Elks Lodge, 124 Elk Lane, Mena. T0103 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. T0110 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 T0424 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. T0424 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. T0424

- FOR SALE For sale, never used 2022 Zinger lite bumper pulll trailer. 25 feet, sleeps 4, power awning, power tongue jack and stabilizer jack. Neutral interior. Warranty is transferable, $26,000 (479) 234-3120. T0103

WHEN NEWS MATTERS, WE’RE HERE TO KEEP YOU INFORMED. MyP U L S E NEWS.COM

‘EXPLORE Act’ seeks to address public land issues By Patrick Massey

A broad bipartisan legislative package introduced the final week of November 2023 into the U.S. House of Representatives aims to address a number of outdoor recreation issues on public lands including the reopening of the Albert Pike Recreation Area in Montgomery County. U.S. Representative Bruce Westerman (AR-04) introduced the “EXPLORE Act” alongside Arizona Democrat Raul Grijalva following discussions in the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee, which Westerman chairs. The bill seeks to address a number of issues on America’s public lands and water, including modernizing technology to improve visitor experiences, streamlining the permitting process and reducing fees for small businesses that depend on public land access, and improving accessibility for military service members, veterans and individuals with disabilities. One of the most impactful measures in the “EXPLORE Act,” at least for residents of Arkansas’ Fourth District, is a repackaging of Westerman’s “Ouachita National Forest Overnight Camping Act” he introduced this past spring. If passed, the bill would reopen overnight camping at Albert Pike Recreation Area in the Ouachita National Forest. Westerman said packaging the bill with the bipartisan “EXPLORE Act” should help it get across the finish line and into law. “That should streamline the process and insure we can get this passed by both the House and Senate by including [the Albert Pike provision] within the ‘EXPLORE Act,’ which has bipartisan support and has been very popular since we started working on it,” said Westerman. The Albert Pike Recreation Area is one of the most popular sites within the 1.8 million-acre Ouachita National Forest. The park features hiking, swimming and day-use only activities. Albert Pike has prohibited overnight camping since 20 people tragically died in a 100-year-flood in the early morning hours of June 11, 2010. The incident was followed by a lawsuit brought by survivors and families of the victims. In 2020 the U.S. Forest Service conducted a public review and planning process to

determine the future use of the park. In its final decision, the U.S. Forest Service stated it would not reopen the park for overnight camping due to the risk associated with possible future floods. During a previous interview, Westerman said he introduced the legislation to Congress after hearing from numerous constituents who expressed their hopes to see the park reopen for overnight camping. “It was an incredibly tragic event, but in the last 12 years I’ve had lots of people reach out and say they want to reuse that site for overnight camping,” Westerman explained. “People were frustrated with the decision because there are safe options and plans out there for camping in this area.” Westerman added that he understood, but ultimately rejected, the Forest Service’s appraisal. He said safe, overnight camping is possible within the park. “The Forest Service decided to close it and only allow day use. And as the infrastructure fails, they’re not going to replace it,” he said. “That’s when it’s time for Congress to step in and reevaluate the decision and the process. [Allowing overnight camping at Albert Pike] is something that can be done and be done in a way that’s rational, safe and good for residents of the Fourth District and for everyone who grew up camping at this beautiful location.” If passed by Congress and signed into law, the “EXPLORE Act” would require the Forest Service to reopen any campsites outside of the 100-year floodplain within 30 days of the bill’s enactment. In addition, the act would also require the development of at least 27 campsites within two years of the bill’s enactment. This would include at least eight campsites with water and electric capabilities. All of these would also be located outside of the 100-year-flood plain, or areas with a one percent chance of flooding in a given year. “We want to be rational with this, we don’t want to build these campsites along the river where the tragedy occurred, but rather build above the 100-year floodplain,” Westerman explained. “It’s something that can be done and I hope we can make it happen with this bill.”

January 3, 2024

News 17

Acorn High School announces Class of 2024 Mr. and Miss Acorn Submitted by Tammy L. Young

Holland plans to pursue higher education goals at a college or uniNoah Holland is the 17-year- versity to pursue a major leading to old son of Steven and Samantha an industrial trades-related career. Holland. He has attended Acorn Sophie Strasner is the 17-yearSchools since the second grade. He old daughter of Jerrall and Misti is an honor student and member of Strasner. She has attended Acorn the following Acorn High School Schools since kindergarten. She is

Sophie Strasner and Noah Holland were selected as Miss and Mr. Acorn 2023-2024. (Submitted photo) clubs, organizations and athletics: Senior Boys Basketball Team, Senior Boys Baseball Team, Senior Boys Track and XC Cross Country Teams, National Honor Society, Golf Team, Tennis Team, Fellowship of Christian Students. Holland reflected on his years at Acorn and shared his favorite memory, “Making it to state in all sports I was involved in and being with my friends making memories that will last forever.” Holland stated, “I was surprised and also very honored to be voted as Mr. Acorn and to represent our school.”

an honor student and member of the following Acorn High School clubs, organizations and athletics: Senior Girls Basketball Team, Senior Girls Track Team, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Students Strasner reflected on her years at Acorn and shared her favorite memory. “I was shocked and honored when I discovered I was chosen as Miss Acorn. Our graduating class is full of many amazing girls that could also represent Miss Acorn, so I am very appreciative of this honor and recognition.”

“My favorite memory about Ouachita River School District is the fact that I live on the school campus. It comes with many great perks, including never having to use gas money on driving to school because I walk.” Her career plans are to become a speech pathologist. She plans to start her postsecondary education at the Ouachita Baptist University to attain a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders and complete a graduate degree in Speech Pathology.

ny. She was escorted by Holland. The ceremony, as well as the junior girls, senior girls and senior boys basketball games were held on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, as the teams played Foreman. Reigning queen Paige Parnell presented the queen’s necklace and crown as she crowned senior queen Daisy Dollar. Dollar shared her sentiments and gratitude to the student body for their vote and support as this year’s AHS Homecoming Queen. Homecoming festivities also included a dance held on Saturday, Homecoming Dec. 9. Strasner was one of the senior The homecoming court can be maids for the Acorn High School’s viewed on pages 10-11 of this is2023-2024 Homecoming Ceremo- sue.

18 Sports

January 3, 2024

Parker and Fortner advance to National Silver Gloves Written by Ethan Nahté

Presented by

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE COSSATOT RIVER HIGH SCHOOL Basketball

01/05 - Umpire @ Legacy 01/05 - Cossatot vs. Cedarville 01/08 - Umpire @ Lafayette County 01/09 - Cossatot vs. Danville

-------------------MENA HIGH SCHOOL Basketball

01/04 - Mena vs. Dardanelle 01/05- Mena vs. Waldron 01/08 - Mena @ Waldron 01/09 - Mena vs. Subiaco

-------------------MT. IDA HIGH SCHOOL Basketball

01/06 - Mt. Ida @ Mineral Springs

Jasmine Parker, 15, of Mena boxed in the 2023 Region 6 Silver Gloves Tournament held Dec. 28-Dec. 30 at the Carmichael Center in Searcy, Arkansas. Parker competed in the 106 pound, 15-16-year-old Youth Female Division. Parker is the state champion in her age and weight division according to her coach Richard Hexamer’s Facebook post. Her opponent was Irene Bangcaya, Tennessee’s 106-pound female state champion, according to Hexamer. He said, “These two young ladies went at it in a very exciting 3-round war. Parker fought an awesome near-perfect fight to secure a 5-0 unanimous decision victory. “She has punched her well-earned

ticket to the 2024 National Silver Gloves Tournament.” The tournament will occur Feb. 1-3, at the Stoney Creek Hotel in Independence, Missouri. Victoria “Tigger” Stearman “faced a very strong young lady from south Texas,” Hexamer said. “Stearman did not get a chance to get going. She lost by referee stoppage.” Teammate Charlie Fortner also advanced to Nationals by being unopposed. Fortner’s opponent was a no-show. In addition to Arkansas and Tennessee, Region 6 includes Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. According to a Facebook post, approximately 250 athletes were scheduled to participate at the event in Searcy.

(Submitted photo)

Mena teams compete abroad over the holidays

By Ethan Nahté

Both Mena’s wrestling and senior girls’ basketball teams competed in tournaments Christmas week, bringing home some awards. Wrestling The Mena Bearcats and Ladycats wrestlers competed in the Bauxite New Year’s Tournament on Dec. 30 with 22 other teams consisting of 7a4a schools. Teams were allowed to bring multiple wrestlers per weight class. Mena showed up with 12 boys and five girls and landed in the middle of the pack, bringing home seventh place with 81 points, edging out Little Rock Christian Academy, which had 80 points. Super proud of every one of the

wrestlers and saw some amazing wrestling and amazing progress for all of them. Emery Anderson took home first place for the 140-pound girls with a pin in the first round of every one of her matches. Brody Peters took home third place at 175-pound boys. Multiple other boys and girls competing for Mena won third, fourth, or fifth place.

Basketball The Mena Senior Ladycats finished third in the Lady Blackhawk Holiday Invitational on Friday after beating Viola 44-41. The Ladycats’ Payton Clark was named MVP of the game once more with 12 points. Caroline Cannon added 15 points, 10 re-

bounds, and 8 blocked shots. The three-day tournament in Pea Ridge, Arkansas, took place Dec. 27-29. In their first game, Mena beat Star City 58-57 with mere seconds left on the clock on Wednesday, Dec. 27. Clark was named the game MVP after hitting the winning shot with 8 seconds left to play. She ended the day

with 13 points, Cannon had 17 points, Kensey Rosson scpred 12 points, and Isabel Cross scored 11 points. The Ladycats lost to Providence Academy 35-44 in the semi-finals the following day. Cross earned the Hustle Award in the Providence game. She and Rosson led the Ladycats with 10 points each.

January 3, 2024

Education 19

Classes resume for January 2024

Mysti Gates, president of Alpha Kappa Chapter of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, recently presented a check to Abi Tilley for the MHS Spotlight Singers who performed at the society’s December meeting. DKG is a professional honor society for women educators with more than 83,000 members. Established in 17 member countries around the world, the Society defines its mission as promoting professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. For more information about the organization, please visit dkg.org.

Ouachita River School District (Acorn and Oden) - Monday, Jan. 8 Cossatot River School District - Tuesday, Jan. 9 Mena School District - Tuesday, Jan. 9 Mount Ida School District - Thursday, Jan. 4 UA Rich Mountain - Tuesday, Jan. 16 (Spring 2024 registration is Jan. 4-15)

January 3, 2024