The Polk County Pulse - April 24, 2024

Vendor deadline approaches for Lum & Abner Festival

By Ethan Nahté

Time is drawing to a close to get applications in for vendors for the Lum & Abner Music & Arts Festival. The original deadline was April 15, but it has been extended to Wednesday, May 1. The event section of VisitMena.com has a link to the Lum & Abner page. On the right-hand side there are links to forms for a variety of different vendors, ranging from non-profit to commercial to food vendors.

The festival will take place June 7 and 8 at Janssen Park in Mena. This event is presented by the Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission and has been

See VENDORS continued on page 11

Gov. Sanders, DHS, and ADE announce launch of Summer EBT program applications

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) announced on April 22 that the state of Arkansas has formally launched the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program applications, a new grocery benefits program that provides families $120 for each eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is

out. Governor Sanders announced Arkansas’ participation in this new benefit program on January 2nd, 2024.

“No child in Arkansas should go hungry. I’ve tasked my administration with tackling childhood food insecurity and was proud to sign our state up for the Summer EBT program, which fills critical gaps for households during the summer months,” said Governor Sanders. “As this program takes off, I’ll con-

tinue to work with stakeholders like Senator John Boozman, who helped enact Summer EBT on the federal level, to give our children access to the meals they need.”

“Summer is a time when many children lose access to the free and reduced-price meals they get at school, and when households might need a little extra help putting meals on the table,” said DHS Secretary

See SUMMER EBT continued on page 17

The Zac Dunlap Band were one of many performers on one of two stages at the Lum & Abner Music & Arts Festival in 2023. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

I 100% agree with Ms. Robbins letter she wrote (published April 17, 2024). The younger generation have no interest in going to cemeteries of their kinfolk. I always put flowers on both my & my husband’s relatives.

My relatives are at Board Camp & my husband’s at White Oak.

I am disabled & use a walker to get around.

The ground at White Oak is OK, but at Board Camp it is TERRIBLE!! People should respect those they have lost in death.

My family has a yearly reunion. I always put a box out of donations to Board Camp, but I’m lucky if two people put in any money.

Thank-you,

Donna Lay, Mena

An article aired on Fox News by Michael Lee dated April 7, 2024, addressed the last Friday of Ramadan, a celebration of Al-Quds Day, called for by Imam Khomeini. Tarek Bazzi, a Michigan-based activist, associated with the Hadid Institute spoke. During his speech Mr. Bazzi is quoted as saying “It’s not just Genocide Joe that has to go,” Bazzi said, referring to President Biden. “It is the entire system that has to go. Any system that would allow such atrocities and such devilry to happen, and would support it – such a system does not deserve to exist on God’s Earth.”

I wonder if Mr. Bazzi realizes that his assessment applies more to the primary aggressors Hamas, Hezbolla, ISIS, Houthi Rebels, and the Taliban rather than their victims America and Israel, who only want peace?

This was a speech and event that occurred in Dearborn, Michigan. After speaking, the crowd was heard in the background chanting “Death

to America. Death to Israel.” First amendment protections of free speech have limits, such as yelling fire in a crowded theater or inciting others to acts of violence.

The hypocrisy of blaming America is laughable. These folks have committed unprovoked acts of aggression and violence against America for longer than I can remember. Radicals of any faith are not our friends. They fail to assimilate into our society and live peacefully. To the contrary, they want to destroy our way of life. To allow them to live in our midst, in my opinion, is a mistake we will pay dearly for. I liken it to dealing with snakes. No matter how cautious you are, sooner or later, one will bite you.

Our desire to help others, while being blind to the inherent dangers they present, is not wise. Any militant in our country, no matter motivated by religious hatred or homegrown militias, that plots to overthrow our government is a threat we need to address. The old saying “don’t bite the hand that feeds you” seems fitting. Woke or politically correct is not going to keep us safe from those bent on our destruction. We are being flooded by people who we have not vetted, and you can bet there are bad actors among them.

When our enemies are so brazen, they stand publicly and shout “Death to America,” then it is apparent they need to be given a chance to leave and go where they can be happy.

As pointed out by the news report, there are good with the bad. It is the bad that need to be identified and removed before we have an-

other 9/11 or worse. If the good aid and abet the bad, they are just as much a threat. This is not the time to play ostrich and stick our heads in the sand. How long do you think you would last if you stood up in Iran and shouted death to Iran?

Thank you for a forum to express my thoughts, though we may peacefully disagree.

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

Master Gardener plant sale and county fair prep

Article and photos submitted by Nita Stone and Lena Day, Master Gardeners

Visit the Polk County Master Gardener (PCMG) plant sale on Saturday, April 27, at the Polk County Fairgrounds Educational Building. We have a big variety of plants for sale. The plant sale starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m.

Our master gardeners are on hand to answer your questions and help you find the perfect plant. We will be having a guest speaker informing us about bulbs and maintaining them. The presentation will run from 9-11 a.m.

There will be trees, herbs, shade plants, shrubs, house plants, bulbs or rhizomes, vegetables, succulents, flowering plants, and ground covers.

There will also be beautiful hanging baskets created by members of PCMG.

A children’s section has been add-

ed this year. Children will be taught about hot to propogate and care for succulents. Each child will receive a small pot of Mother of Thousands to take home. The educational opportunity is free of charge.

The seed sharing program that began last year will continue. This is a free public service. If you have extra seeds to share, bring your seeds and take home seeds from other gardeners.

Thinking about fair entries

This is a great place to get your plants for the fair. A list of entry divisions for the fair will be available at the plant sale.

The Polk County Fair is Aug. 2831. We are looking for entries. There are three age divisions: Adult 19 years and older, Junior ages 13-18, and Youth 12 years and under. Ribbons are given for first, second, and third places. Monetary prizes are given in the horticultural divisions by PCMG. Now is the time to start growing your entries.

Farm crops include corn, eggs, nuts, honey, and gourds. Other divisions include flower bouquets and arrangements, fresh cut flowers, potted plants, and vegetables. All entries will be on display during the fair.

There are many other areas to enter including arts and crafts, quilting, sewing, drawings, and photography in addition to horticulture.

Now is the time to start preparing your items to enter. The fair catalog will be available in July.

PCMG meets the first Thursday of each month in the County Extension Office Education Building. Call the Extension Office at 479-3946018 for more information, and to find out about the training required to join. Everyone is invited to attend a meeting and see what we are all about.

Politics

From the

State House of Representatives

The General Assembly is now entering the third week of the 2024 Fiscal Session.

This week, the House passed three resolutions to allow the introduction of non-appropriation bills during this session.

HR1013 will allow for the introduction of legislation outlining a temporary pay plan for state employees. The plan would increase pay for all state employees by 3%, increase the minimum starting salary to $32,405, and increase the maximum salary for all paygrades by 10%. The bill now outlining the plan is SB77 and has been introduced in the Senate.

The House also passed HR1009 and HR1020. These resolutions will allow for the introduction of legislation regarding digital asset mining businesses. SB78 and SB79 have been filed in the Senate.

This week, the House also passed more than 100 appropriation bills. The bills included appropriations

for the Department of Corrections for overtime of correctional officers and transitional housing for inmates. Appropriations for several two-year colleges and various state commissions also passed the House. In addition, the House passed a supplemental appropriation for $29 million for grants and aid to local school districts for the current fiscal year.

The House will convene again on Tuesday, April 23 at 1 p.m. You can watch all House proceedings and committees at arkansashouse.org. I’ll continue to update you.

From the State Senate

The state Education Department has written new rules for troubled schools to enter “transformation contracts” with outside entities, such as charter school operators.

The Department will accept public comments until May 15 on the eight pages of proposed rules. They will implement a provision in the LEARNS Act that was passed by the legislature last year. The act was the centerpiece of the governor’s legislative agenda.

An Education Department official said that transformation contracts offer a dramatic way to improve districts that are in academic distress.

Schools are eligible to enter the contracts if they have a D or an F rating or if they are classified as needing Level 5 intensive support by the Board of Education.

A strong incentive to enter transformation contracts is that for two years after the contract is signed, the state will not impose any sanctions or take any actions against the school for failing to satisfy academic performance standards.

The proposed rules allow the state to provide financial incentives to support the transformation campus, but the proposals do not specify any details about those incentives.

Under the proposed rules, any property owned by a school district when the contract is signed shall remain in the school’s possession.

The organization that contracts to take over most of the school’s administration is referred to as the transformation campus operator. Their intent must be to return management to the school after “accelerated, meaningful, and sustainable increases in student achievement have been achieved.”

One school district in the state is already being operated under a transformation contract that was signed

soon after the LEARNS Act took effect last year. It is the Marvell-Elaine School District in east Arkansas, which is under state control.

Under the three-year transformation contract signed last year, Marvell-Elaine schools are being operated by the Friendship Education Foundation that sponsors open-enrollment charter schools in Little Rock, North Little Rock and Pine Bluff.

The proposed rules would allow school districts that are not under state control to enter transformation contracts. If the district falls under state control during contract period, the contract would become void on the date the state takes over control.

Community Service Requirement

Another provision in the LEARNS Act will require high school students to perform 75 hours of community service in order to graduate. The first seniors who will have to comply will be the class of 2027, who are now in ninth grade.

This class has about 39,000 students, so they will contribute almost three million hours of community service in Arkansas over the next four years.

The Education Department has written four pages of proposed rules to implement the community service provisions and will take public comments until April 24.

Local school boards may grant a waiver to a graduating student for extenuating circumstances, on a caseby-case basis. For example, waivers may be granted to students who are medically fragile, or students going through a serious illness or who has a family member who is seriously ill.

Also, students with jobs who contribute significantly to the family’s income may get a waiver.

John Maddox

Terry Rice

James Fredrick Stout

Mr. James Fredrick Stout, age 80, passed away Sunday, April 14, 2024, at his home in Mena, Arkansas. He was born June 11, 1943, to the late Fred Willis Stout and Merle (Startup) Stout, in Alhambra, California.

Mr. James Stout was a diesel mechanic by profession. He loved his old cars, farm equipment, motorcycles, guns, and big trucks. He especially loved Peterbilt trucks.

James is preceded in death by his parents, Fred Willis Stout and Merle (Startup) Stout, as well as by his loving wife, Pamela Stout.

He is survived by his son, Fred Stout and wife Deanna; daughter, Kimberly Stout; grandchildren, Loretta Stout, James Stout, and Thomas Stout: 9 great-grandchildren; as well as by a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends too numerous to mention.

Cremation Services for Mr. James Stout are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. There will be a memorial service held at a later date.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com.

Gary Michael Dutton

Gary Michael Dutton, age 70, of Vandervoort, passed away on

April 12 at Mena Regional Health System Hospital. He was born on December 13, 1953, in Crosbyton, Texas, to Jess Dutton and Peggy Cureton Dutton.

Gary graduated from Van-Cove High School in 1971. He joined the Navy soon after and served a full tour. He then worked for several years in construction in the pipe department of Brown & Root. In 1990, he traveled overseas to work on offshore drilling rigs that were part of one of the largest submersible platforms in the world. Gary’s work took him to Singapore, China, Indonesia, and Egypt, to name a few.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his best friend, his brother David; woodworking and gardening; and family cookouts, where he was famous for his fish fries and shrimp boils.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his loving son Jesse; two sisters, Deanna Dutton and Lawana Penny (aka, “Aunt Sis”); and one brother, Sonny Dutton.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 52 years, Carolyn Dutton; two daughters, Stephanie Dutton and Shawna Dutton Rhodes; five grandchildren, Blaine Dutton, Tylor Davis along with fiancé Aquavia Jones, Dalton Rhodes, Kerry Davis, and Molly Rhodes; two great-grandsons, Amias Jones

and Romyn Davis; two brothers, David Dutton along with his wife Maureen, and Curtis Dutton; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was sent for cremation under the direction of Bowser Funeral Home. There will be no in-person funeral service, but virtual memorial services are available online at bowserffh.com, where family and friends are encouraged to reflect on Gary’s life.

Johnnie Joseph Gallego, age 86, of Mena, passed away April 20, 2024, in Yocana.

He was born December 31, 1938, in Artesia, California, to the late Johnny Gallego and Martha Mata Gallego.

He was united in marriage to the late Phyllis Ardell Gallego on September 24, 1955, in Yuma, Arizona. He was a truck driver by profession and was a member of the St. Agnes Catholic Church. He loved driving the school bus and cheering on Notre Dame. He enjoyed working cattle and chickens. He was a devout family man and would do anything for the kids. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.

Survivors include sons Tony Gallego (Mindy) of Placerville, California, Robert Gallego (Jacqueline) of Mena, Arkansas, Gordon Gallego (Joe Dawkins) of Long Beach, Cal-

ifornia; daughters, Marian Rodriguez (Robert) of Las Vegas, Nevada, Phyllis (Tippy) Rodriguez (Andrew) of Grapevine, Texas; brothers Manuel Gallego (Vergie) of Norwalk, California, Reggie Gallego (Maggie) of Norwalk, California; sister, Linda Muse (Harold) of Norwalk, California; eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years Phyllis Ardell Gallego, infant son, and his parents Johnny and Martha; his sister and brother-in-law Soledad (David) Lopez.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on April 24, 2024, at St Agnes Catholic Church with Father Joseph Shantiraj. Internment followed at Mt. Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

A Rosary will be held from 6-8 p.m. on April 23, 2024, at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Eddie Huckby, James Davis, Ray Allen, Dennis Philpot, Mike Logan, and Andrew Rodriguez.

Honorary pallbearers are Mitzi Peterson, Ann Grinder, and Peggy Philpot.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Mena Medical Hospice.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Johnnie Joseph Gallego

Chase Lee

Brewer, age 26, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024. He was born on Tuesday, October 7, 1997, to Gregory Scott Brewer and Carla Jean Posey in Mena, Arkansas.

Chase was known for his infectious smile and boundless joy. A lover of the outdoors, Chase found solace in the thrill of hunting and fishing, often sharing these passions with cherished friends and family. His magnetic personality lit up any gathering, making family game nights and beach outings in Florida unforgettable occasions. Chase’s kind-hearted nature and unwavering generosity endeared him to all who crossed his path; he was always ready to lend a helping hand or share a laugh. His love for music knew no bounds, mirroring the diversity of his interests and the depth of his character. Chase loved his family very much and he was such a fun uncle who always delighted in the laughter of his nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Charles and Ann Brewer; and his maternal grandfather, Carlos Posey; and sister, Andi Brewer.

Chase is survived by his mother and stepfather, Carla Posey and John Skipper of Mena; and father, Gregory Brewer of Hatfield; brother, Torrey Drager of Mena; Maternal grandmother, Pamella Posey of

Mena; sisters and brother-in-law, Samantha Hurst of Mena, Melanie and Shane Thompson of Skiatook, Ok, Vivi Brewer of Cove, Savannah Brewer of Cove; aunts and uncles, Jeff and Kim Brewer, Tommy Posey, Cindy and Paul Kaelin, Trina Roberts, Carrie Bass, Casi and Timothy Rose; and his best friend, Devyn Purcell of Mena; several nephews, nieces, cousins and a host of other family and close friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 10:00 AM at The Crossing in Mena, Arkansas, with Brother Bob Bradley and Victor Rowell officiating. Interment will follow the service at the Six Mile Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas, under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Torrey Drager, Jordan Bass, Jestin Bass, Bradley Roberts, Brayden Blake, Nick Brewer, Malachi Stockton, Brynten Rose. Honorary pallbearer is Brandon Eaton.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh. com

Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.

Robin Franklin Adair

Robin Franklin Adair, 78, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on April 19, 2024, at his home. He was born on July 15, 1945, to the late William Frank and Gela Adair of Grand, TX. Robin served in the Navy and was a truck driver for forty-two years when he retired. He loved fishing and taking care of his yard. He loved the Lord and telling everyone about Jesus.

Robin is preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Norman Adair, Tommy Adair, and Jimmy Adair.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years Sherry Louise Adair; children, Sheree Dann and husband David of Kirkland, WA, Angela Walker and husband Randy of Tatum, TX, Richard Adair of Mena, AR, Tania and husband Rion Sonnier of Louisiana, and Ethan Smith of Mena, AR; brothers, Burney Adair and wife Marta of Dallas, TX, Ronnie Adair and wife Carol of Desoto, TX, Larry Adair of Mena, AR; sister, Patricia Chamberlin and husband Roy of Mena, AR; grandchildren, William Dann, Olivia Dann, Sophia Dann, Jarrett Keiss, Alex Keiss, Karlee Keiss, Sadie Walker, Madeline Adair and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

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

~Emily Dickinson, poet

Gregory Chase Lee Brewer Gregory

Help combat opioid abuse

By Sen. John Boozman

The opioid crisis has had a widespread and destructive impact on our state and entire country, which is why we’re working together to fight back. State and local leaders are investing in prevention and treatment efforts while nonprofit organizations have mobilized with the same goal of delivering help and ending the cycle of addiction.

In rural states where people live far from treatment centers, accessibility is a key factor. Efforts are underway in Arkansas to bring care to patients where they live. Arkansas Mobile Opioid Recovery launched its health clinic earlier this month to deliver critical services to individuals struggling with addiction in areas with limited resources.

It’s ready to hit the road and help beginning on a rotating basis in Malvern, Danville and Morrilton. The idea was sparked by community partners who recognized the need in underserved neighborhoods and found a practical way to provide care. I am hopeful it will be successful and inspire similar outreach in other areas of the state.

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin approved a grant for this project with money from the state’s opioid settlement. He is responsible for disbursing these funds and has backed a number of other measures to fight the opioid epidemic including awarding $50 million to Arkansas Children’s to establish the nation’s first research center to study opioid effects in infants and kids.

The National Center for Opioid Research & Clinical Effectiveness will play a critical role in developing preventative measures and therapies to combat the impact of opioids on developing brains.

The need for this center is clear. Young children are increasingly falling victim to accidental ingestions at an alarming rate. The National Institutes of Health reports opioids are the most common cause of fatal poisonings in children one to four-years-old, making

identifying and evaluating the signs of overdose even more urgent to be able to treat these vulnerable individuals.

There is a role for us all to play to prevent children and adults from accessing harmful prescriptions. Drug takeback programs have proven effective in getting legal prescription drugs off the streets and out of the hands of friends, family and neighbors who might misuse them either deliberately or unintentionally.

As a longtime advocate for the Arkansas Drug Take Back program, I’m proud to see how Natural State residents are supporting this cause and taking action to get expired or unused medications out of homes.

This is an important step that has resulted in the disposal of more than 290 tons of medications in Arkansas.

We’re looking to build on this momentum during Arkansas Take Back Day on April 27. It’s easy to join this effort with more than 300 sites statewide collecting prescription drugs. To find a convenient Take Back site visit www. artakeback.org.

To learn more about how to monitor, secure and dispose of medications, the new ReviveAR app available on smart phones is a good resource that also provides access to prevention, treatment and recovery tools available in our state.

We remain committed to eliminating the threat of opioid-related overdoses. Let’s work together to tackle the opioid epidemic head-on and prevent potentially dangerous medications from being abused so we can curb this crisis and save lives.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has a dropbox set up in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office available 24/7. Bring your old, unused, or unwanted prescriptions by and let them dispose of them in a safe way. Help keep these drugs off the streets and out of the water supply.

Boozman honored for advocacy of state veterans homes

WASHINGTON – The National Association of State Veterans Homes (NASVH) honored U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) with its 2024 Legislator of the Year Award for his unwavering support and advocacy of State Veterans Homes at a ceremony on Capitol Hill last week.

“I’m proud to champion policies that help meet the needs of veterans and their families. I appreciate the dedication of members of the National Association of State Veterans Homes for promoting measures to strengthen long-term care for those who have served our country and look forward to further working with them to ensure we fulfill the promises made to these special men and women,” Boozman said.

“Senator Boozman has been a champion for aging and disabled veterans throughout his distinguished congressional career and was an obvious and unanimous selection to receive NASVH’s 2024 Legislator of Year Award. As a leading member of the Senate Appropriations and Veterans’ Affairs committees, Senator Boozman has been a steadfast and influential supporter of aging and disabled veterans who reside in State Veterans Homes, particularly the two Arkansas State Homes located in Fayetteville and North Little Rock. Senator Boozman has shown time and again that he has no higher priority than to ensure that America’s veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors receive all the benefits and care they have earned,” said NASVH President Tracy Schaner.

NASVH President Tracy Schaner presents Sen. Boozman with the 2024 Legislator of the Year Award.

As the lead Republican on the Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Subcommittee, Boozman has championed funding to enhance quality of life and long-term care for veterans. The senator is also a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and has been consistently recognized for his efforts to improve services and benefits that former servicemembers have earned including increasing survivor benefits, supporting a comprehensive approach to address the veteran suicide crisis and strengthening oversight and quality of care at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers.

Ouachita Expressions show calls for art submissions of any medium

By Ethan Nahté

The Mena Art Gallery will soon be accepting submissions for one of their longest running and most popular shows — the Ouachita Expressions Show. This year’s judge is Marlene Gremillion.

acceptable and must be labeled as such.

Entry fees: Members $8 per piece, Non-members $10 per piece. Limit of three entries per artist. All entries must be for sale. No “Not for Sale” (NFS) work allowed.

be entered again. These works may be entered as “Not to be judged, but to be sold.”

479-394-3880

Works will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 22. All media are acceptable from artists ages 14 and older. If an artist needs to make other arrangements for submitting art, contact the gallery. There will be no entries accepted after 3 p.m. on June 22.

Entries must remain until the end of the show. Pick up time is Saturday, Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Again, contact the gallery if other arrangements need to be made.

There are no categories, and all media are acceptable. Entries must be original and the artist’s own work. No kits or prints will be accepted. If a work is a derivative, it must be so labeled, and the source shown. 2D digital art is

All 2D work must be framed or wrapped and ready to hang. All frames must be wired. No framed or unframed artwork larger than 36 inches by 36 inches will be accepted without special permission.

In addition to the information provided on the entry form, all work must be labeled on the back with the following: Title, Medium, Price, Entry Category, Artist’s Name, Phone Number, and Email.

The gallery is a family-friendly environment. Please take that into consideration for submitting work. Acceptance of questionable matter must meet the approval of the Exhibits Committee.

No work previously shown in any judged Mena Art Gallery show may

This will be a judged show. Prizes include Best in Show, $300, First place, $200, Second place $150, Third place $100, R.L. Norris Photography award $100, People’s choice $25, and Honorable Mention receives a ribbon.

The awards ceremony will be held at the gallery from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, June 29.

The gallery will handle sales and each artist will be paid 75% of the sale price by the second week of the following month.

More entry information is available at https://southwestartists.org and look for the Ouachita Expressions Regional Competition. There is a list of the rules and an entry form on the site. Entry forms can also be picked up at the gallery.

By Richie Lawry

The rain was pouring down as a customer pulled up to my business. A man got out of his van and entered my shop. “I am here to look at the 1937 Buick you have for sale on Facebook Marketplace,” he said. As we walked into the building that has several of my collector cars, he stopped to look at each one.

“I am looking for another car for my collection,” he shared. “I love old cars, and I enjoy just looking at them. I have several cars on display on my property.” I learned he had a ‘51 Jeep Jeepster, a ‘57 Ford Convertible, a ‘49 Mercury, a ‘58 Cadillac, and many more.

After looking at my cars and pricing several, he saw my early ‘50s MG replica. He immediately started talking about how great the MG would look under one of the display carports that dotted his property. After some back-and-forth negotiating, we negotiated a price and made delivery arrangements.

As Chad and I loaded the MG onto Chad’s trailer, I thought about all those years ago when my Daddy built the car from a kit. In the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, building kit cars on a VW chassis was trendy. In 1981, Daddy purchased a complete MG replica kit from MIGI. He spent many hours building the car.

At about the same time he was building the MG, he built an addition to the side of his shop. When he completed the addition, the first thing he stored in the new building was the recently completed MG replica. The little MG didn’t move from that spot for 35 years.

Daddy never owned a car that wasn’t for sale. Over the years, he had many people interested in the little MG kit car. But the value of kit cars dropped dramatically after he finished the MG. They fell out of favor, and the market was flooded with them. He had paid a lot for the complete kit, which included the gel-coat

An Arkie’s Faith

The

fiberglass body, interior, convertible top, and all-new chrome bumpers and grill. No one was willing to pay the price he was asking for the beautiful little MG, which just sat in the corner of the new addition.

After a few years, the little car was covered in plastic sheeting to keep the dust and dirt from damaging the finish. As the years went by, more and more parts were stored around the little MG until it was barely visible.

Several years ago, Daddy sold the MG to a friend. It took several days to uncover and get the little car out of the building. When we moved it outside, the MG saw the light of day for the first time in 35 years. Daddy’s friend said, “This is a real barn find.”

Under the dust and dirt accumulated in those 35 years was basically a brand-new car. The new owner of the little MG cleaned and detailed it and replaced the tires, and once again, the MG looked like it belonged in a new car showroom. When Daddy saw the newly refreshed MG, he liked it so much that he bought it back. Now, the car has a new owner, and I’m happy it has found a new home with someone who loves and appreciates it.

In the business of classic cars,

barn finds are the holy grail. Anyone with a healthy bank account and a computer can find the vehicle of their dreams, but barn finds are special magic. Barn finds are intact cars that have been untouched and out of sight for years. Finding a particular vehicle, left untouched for years or even decades, is rare. In the collector car world, barn finds come in all shapes and sizes. But one thing remains constant: A great barn find makes all the effort worthwhile.

In 2014, a remarkable barn find of rare automobiles was made on a farm in the west of France. After the owner had died, the children inherited the estate, which included a collection of old cars that had been untouched for many years. Wanting to determine the value of the vehicles, they called France’s leading antiques auctioneer.

When the appraisers entered the property, they could see many makeshift shelters covered with tin. As they walked around the farm, they found more and more cars under the makeshift structures, and almost all of them were extremely rare. They found significant models from many legendary brands in European automotive history. The cars had been

untouched for at least 50 years. The appraisers valued the cars at between $18 and $20 million dollars. The find was so significant that it was even reported in the U.S. press.

The Bible has a “barn find” story. Well, it is not exactly a barn find, but more of a field find. We read about it in Matthew 13:44 (NIV). “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”

Jesus was telling a story about the value of the kingdom of heaven. A man found a treasure in a field. He stumbled across a “barn find.” He put together a plan. He was so excited about his find that he sold everything he had and scraped all of his money together to buy the piece of land with the treasure on it. He knew that the treasure was very valuable, and there was no question that he had to buy the field.

Can you imagine what his friends and family thought? I bet they thought he was crazy. Why would he sell everything to buy that piece of land? They didn’t know that he was gaining a priceless treasure worth far more by selling everything he owned. What is this treasure that is so important? Colossians 2:3 (GW) tells us, “God has hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge in Christ.”

Gentle Reader, are you willing to sacrifice everything you own to gain the treasures of wisdom and knowledge in Christ? When Jesus was asked what the great commandment in the law is, he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39 (NKJV)

This is what it takes to gain the treasure found in Jesus. This is the ultimate barn find.

The Little MG finally has a new owner. (Photo by Richie Lawry)

VENDORS

continued from page 1 steadily growing year after year.

Live entertainment is a huge part of the event as it runs all day both days of the festival.

In addition to live entertainment, enjoy wonderful arts and crafts, great food, a beer garden, the awesome Lum & Abner Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show, Kiddie Korner with playground and bounce houses, the Lum & Abner 5K Run/Walk, the Lum & Abner 3-on3 Basketball Tournament, the RE/MAX Baby Crawlin’ Contest, and more.

Registration, entry fees and rules for the 5k and for the basketball tournament can also be found further down the Lum & Abner page.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor for the 2024 Lum & Abner Festival and need additional information, please contact the Mena A&P directly at 479-394-8355 or pasha@visitmena. com.

Several members of the Mena Regional Auxiliary attended the Spring Valley District Meeting in Clarksville, Arkansas, on April 16. Those attending: (L-R) Sue Wigger, Paula Gaven, Linda Johnson, Sheila Graves and Marilyn Davenport. (Photo courtesy of MRHS)

April 18, 2024

Bearcat Stadium, Mena

Reflections from History and Faith: Celebrating the Zipper

By Jeff Olson

Yes, you are reading this correctly. This week we recognize an invention which should be near and dear to just about every one of us — the zipper. While it may be true that there are more interesting subjects from America’s history to remember this week, we would be hardpressed to find one that has contributed more to our daily lives.

Like you, I have never known life without this handy little device and have always taken it for grantednot giving it much thought other than enjoying its convenience and utility in helping us to keep things together... So, it’s time that we give this mechanical wonder its past due recognition through a brief look at its history.

Elias Howe, an American mechanic and machinist who invented the sewing machine, originally birthed the idea and received a patent in 1851 for an Automatic, Continuous Clothing Closure. Perhaps because of the success of the sewing machine, he didn’t pursue marketing or improving his closure device any further.

In 1893 Whitcomb Judson, an American machine salesman and

mechanical engineer from Chicago and an inventor of the Pneumatic Street Railway, patented a ‘Clasp

word zipper.

In 1906 electrical engineer Gideon Sundback went to work for the

Locker’ (later known as the Judson C-curity Fastener), a complicated hook-and-eye shoe fastener. Its public debut was at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. In 1894 Judson launched the Universal Fastener Company to manufacture his invention, but he met with little commercial success. Being first to market, Whitcomb got credit for being the “inventor of the zipper.” However, his 1893 patent did not use the

Universal Fastener Company where he became the head designer. He made several advances in the development of the fastener, building upon the previous work of Howe and Judson. Sundback’s first patent for the “Hookless Fastener” (Hookless #1) was issued 111 years ago this month, April 29, 1913. After more improvements, he amended his first patent for the “Separable Fastener” (Hookless #2) in March 1917. Sund-

back also created the manufacturing machine for the new fastener. This final model is recognized as the first modern zipper, though the name zipper wasn’t officially registered until 1925 when the B.F. Goodrich Company used the device on their new boots (galoshes).

Early on, gloves and tobacco pouches were the primary uses for zippers. One of its first customers was the U.S. Army, which applied zippers to the clothing and gear of the troops of World War I. Within the next 30 years, zippers would achieve wide acceptance in the garment and fashion industries, initially for the flies of trousers and openings of skirts and dresses.

Today, there are three main types of zippers used in a multitude of products which have contributed to the daily lives of millions of people around the world. In 2006, Gideon Sundback was honored by induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his work in the development and production of the zipper.

So — the next time we zip and unzip our pants, jacket, tent, duffle bag, purse, gun case, life-preserving device, or perhaps leave our “fly” or “barn door” open, we now know who to thank for good old-fashioned American perseverance, ingenuity, and even some occasional humor.

As comedian George Burns (1896-1996) once quipped, referring to the aging process, “First you forget names, then you forget faces. Next you forget to pull your zipper up and finally, you forget to pull it down.”

Fresh Start open house at new branch location in Wickes

Submitted by Nancy Patterson

Fresh Start Pregnancy Resource Center in Mena will hold an open house on Saturday, April 27, from 1-3 p.m. in Wickes at their new branch location. The Wickes Center is located at 7621 Highway 71 South in the Wiseman Family Life Center at the United Methodist Church.

All are welcome to stop by the open house to tour the facilities and meet the Fresh Start team. The Polk County Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon cutting at 1:30 at the Wickes Center.

Prenatal and parenting classes will be offered in Wickes just as they are in Mena. Moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and any others with children in their care can take classes and earn “baby bucks” to purchase diapers, formula, cribs, bassinets, car seats,

clothes, and many other items babies and young children need.

Please plan to attend the open house to learn more about Fresh Start Pregnancy Resource Center!

Quilt of Valor presentation

Quilts of Valor were designed, created and presented to the following recipients at the Legion Hall by VFW Post 4451 in Acorn on April 4: (Left to Right) Patrick Nelson, Ernie Skeem (accepting for Tom Deters), Sam Crees, Eddie Cross, Ray Payne, Bill Lawson, Bo McPherson, Chris Crawford, and Roger Herring.

(Photo

of Linda Johnson)

Fresh Start is an independent Christian group and is not affiliated with the United Methodist Church or any other religious organization. If you have any questions, please call 479-216-5988.

(Photo courtesy of Nancy Patterson)

courtesy

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.

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.

2024 Lifeguard Applications are available at Mena City Hall until April 25.

Country, Western, gospel singing and music in the Daisy Room (behind Janssen Ave. Florists), 800 Janssen Ave., Mena, 6:30-9:30 p.m. every Thursday. Free event. Bring finger food. For information call Lloyd Knight (479) 234-3547.

The Polk County chapters of Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary will be holding their monthly meetings on May 2 at Veterans Park in Acorn. A potluck will be provided beginning at 6 p.m. with meetings to follow.

The Polk County Democrats meeting will be on May 13 at Papa’s Mexican Cafe, 1317 Hwy. 71 South. Come early to eat and socialize before the meeting starts 6:30 p.m. Any questions, call Linda Johnson at (479) 234-7966. Bring a friend.

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.

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.

Around Town

The Board of Directors of Polk County Developmental Center will be meeting at the PCDC Education and Wellness Center, 100 Ninth St., at noon on Friday, April 26.

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.

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) 521-4611.

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.

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 noon4 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) 234-8366 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, 10:30-11:30 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.

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!

SUMMER EBT

continued from page 1

Kristi Putnam. “It’s important that families are able to feed children healthy and nutritious meals even when schools are out of session, and we are proud to make this program available to help ensure that no child goes hungry this summer.”

“We are pleased to launch the Summer EBT program, which provides additional resources to families who may struggle with food insecurity during the summer months. With this program, families will receive $120 in benefits to ensure children have access to healthy meals. By providing assistance this summer, students will return to school this fall healthy and ready to learn,” said ADE Secretary Jacob Oliva.

Many eligible families will get these benefits automatically, but some parents will need to apply. Children are automatically eligible and don’t need to apply if their household participates in SNAP or TEA, or if they individually applied for and were approved for free meals through the National School Lunch Program.

The new program is in addition to free meals that kids of all ages can get at summer meal sites in their communities.

The $120 benefit will be provided on pre-loaded EBT cards similar to ones used for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These cards, which will be sent separately to each eligible child in a family, can be used by families to purchase groceries. The cards are expected to be mailed out by the beginning of July.

Combatting food insecurity, especially among children, is one of Governor Sanders’ top priorities. She signed legislation during her first legislative session that gives free breakfast and lunch to students who previously qualified for reduced meals. She has also directed her staff to work with stakeholders on a plan that will address this critical issue.

For more information about Summer EBT and to find out if you automatically qualify or need to apply, visit ar.gov/SummerEBT.

FGA names Sanders Governor of the Year

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders received the “Governor of the Year” award at the Arkansas Policy Recognition Dinner hosted by the Foundation for Government Accountability on Thursday, April 18.

“I’m honored to receive this award — and even more honored by what it represents. The Foundation for Government Accountability has been fighting for more responsible, more efficient government for over a decade. I’m proud that under this administration, Arkansas is leading on those issues,” Sanders said.

“From education to the economy and housing to health care, Governor Sanders has tackled the biggest issues facing Arkansans with a fierce defense of our country’s founding principles and a deep love for her state,” said Tarren Bragdon, President and CEO of the Foundation for Government Accountability.

Accident claims life of Mena man

By Patrick Massey

A single vehicle accident claimed the life of a Mena man early Sunday morning.

According to the Arkansas State Police, the accident occurred on Highway 8 East around 12:54 a.m. on April 21. Gregory Brewer, 26, was driving a 2001 Chevy Tahoe when he reportedly exited a righthand curve westbound on Highway 8 East. The vehicle began a slight clockwise rotation as it left the roadway and impacted a tree on the driver’s side.

Brewer was pronounced dead at the scene by Polk County Deputy Coroner Garrett Lundberg.

A passenger in the vehicle, Devyn Purcell, 29, was transported to UAMS in Little Rock to be treated for injuries sustained in the accident.

Arkansas State Trooper Cpl. Michael R. Summit reported road conditions as dry at the time of the accident and the weather condition cloudy.

Deputies’ actions help save life of a Louisiana man

Submitted by Polk County Sheriff’s Department

Polk County Deputies Josh Butterworth and Jacob Cain were dispatched to a self-inflicted gunshot victim at the Tall Peak Tower Vista in the Shady community at approximately 4 a.m. on Sunday, April 21.

Upon arrival at the vista, they found a 23-year-old male from Louisiana sitting in a vehicle suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the chest. A gun was laying in the seat beside him.

Deputies Butterworth and Cain immediately began administering lifesaving care. The victim was transported by ambulance to the Vandervoort helipad and then by Air-Evac to a trauma center. The victim is expected to recover from his injuries.

this story would have had a different ending.”

Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer stated, “I’m extremely proud of Deputy Butterworth and Deputy Cain for their actions in saving the life of this young man. If not for Deputy Butterworth’s advanced medical training and the Trauma/Medic kits generously provided to us by SW EMS [Southwest EMS],

[ Ed. There will be an upcoming story planned for the May 1 issue of The Polk County Pulse regarding the trauma/medic kits. May is when we honor First Responders, which includes firefighters, public servants, law enforcement, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).]

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

April 15, 2024

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a violation of a Protection Order.

April 16, 2024

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 40 near Mena in reference to a private property accident.

Greg Brewer, 55, of Mena was arrested on a Body Attachment.

April 17, 2024

Deputies were dispatched to W Johnson Street near Hatfield in reference to a side by side accident.

April 18, 2024

Deputies responded to a residence on Hwy 375 E near Mena in reference to animal cruelty.

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

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 70 near Cherry Hill in reference to a physical altercation. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

An incident near Cove led to the arrest of Neisha Wikel, 31, of Cove on two Failure to Appear Warrants. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 671 near Mena in reference to an altercation.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 71 S near Cove in reference to a physical altercation. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

April 19, 2024

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 8 E near Big Fork in reference to an unattended death.

Cade Fenton, 24, of Fayetteville was arrested on charges of Criminal Trespass and Public Intoxication. James Lane, 45, of Hatfield was arrested on five Failure to Appear Warrants.

Laura Kennedy, 60, of Mena was arrested on two warrants for Harassment.

April 20, 2024

A traffic stop led to the arrest of Karson Crawford, 31, of Mena on charges of Possession of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Driving Left of Center.

An altercation at a residence on Hwy 8 E near Mena led to the arrest of Thomas Brumbelow, 72, of Mena on a charge of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery.

Lotonya Brumbelow, 34, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for 4th Degree Sexual Assault.

Thomas Duncan, 53, of Mena was arrested on a Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Warrant.

April 21, 2024

A traffic stop on Polk 152 near Mena led to the arrest of Chad Golden, 46, of Mena on charges of DWI, Refusal to Submit to Chemical Testing, Resisting Arrest, Drinking in Public, and 2nd Degree Terroristic Threatening.

Deputies were dispatched to Polk 119 near Mena in reference to a trespasser.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked 2 vehicle accidents this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 39 Incarcerated Inmates with 8 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

April 14

A report of assault was taken at a residence on Strandberg Circle.

Steven Day, 36, was charged with DWI and Careless or Prohibited Driving after an accident on Port Arthur Avenue.

Jason Robertson, 45, was served with warrants at a residence on Maple Avenue.

A death investigation report was taken at a residence on Magnolia Avenue.

April 15

Michael Tarkington, 54, was served with a warrant at the police department.

A report of theft was taken from Walmart.

April 16

No report.

April 17

David May, 39, was charged with Driving on Suspended License after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

A report of terroristic threatening was taken from a walk-in complainant.

A report of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms was taken at a residence on Vivian Street.

A report of domestic battery, interference with emergency communication, possession of firearms by certain persons, and false imprisonment was taken at a residence on Vivian Street.

A report of disorderly conduct and harassment was taken at RE/ MAX Real Estate.

April 18

No report.

April 19

Jason Lovett, 49, was served with warrants at the county jail.

Albert Rook, 71, was charged with Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct at The Polk County Pulse.

David Bissell, 26, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

April 20

A report of theft was taken from Walmart.

Dustin Chenowith, 34, was charged with Criminal Trespass at Walmart.

April 21

A report of possession of methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia after a traffic stop on 7th Street.

- SERVICES -

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0424

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

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T0424

Construction, steel buildings, welding, pads, ponds, roads, tree services, and mulching. Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0430

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

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

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

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.

- 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 T0508

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment. T0424

- 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. T0424

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.

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

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. T0424

Acorn High School student Savannah Smith placed first in the Mena Elks Americanism 2023-2024 Essay Contest. She was awarded a certificate and a $50 Walmart gift card. Her essay will advance to the state competition. (Photo l-r) AHS English Teacher Amy Slater, Savannah Smith, Mena Elks’ Phyllis Caldwell, and AHS History Teacher Chad Frost. (Photo courtesy of Ouachita River School District)

Mena High School Senior Kiylee Hughes (center left) signed her letter of intent to cheer at Williams Baptist University on Thursday, April 18. (Photo courtesy of Mena Public Schools)

AHS Choir to perform ‘Totally Awesome ‘80s’

By Ethan Nahté

It’s time to pull out those bangles, headbands, and Panama Jack shirts… but keep the Aqua Net to a minimum so those sitting behind you can see as the Acorn High School Choir performs the musical “Totally Awesome ‘80s” at the Mary Davis Gym on the Acorn campus.

The musical was written by Flip

Kobler and Cindy Marcus. Music and lyrics are by Bill Francouer.

AHS will put on three performances: The concert begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, and Saturday, May 4; and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 3. There is a $5 cover charge.

The show is produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc. Englewood, Colorado.

2024 Rotary Youth Leadership Award Camp

By Ethan Nahté

Area students had the opportunity to attend the 2024 Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) Camp courtesy of the Rotary Club of Polk County/Mena. Representing high schools from Cossatot River, Acorn, and Mena, students attended the three-day event, April 11-14, at the Arkansas 4-H Vines Center in Ferndale, where they met new people, did activities, and learned about leadership and Rotary.

Dodge Couture, Serenity Mahaffey, Irene Gilhousen and Summer Nix (Acorn), Dani Atchley (Cossatot River), and Allison Howard (Mena) were chosen among applicants to attend the 2024 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Camp. Katie Rowe and

Kilee Rowe (Mena) had been selected but were unable to attend, allowing Dodge and Serenity to take their places. The camp is hosted and organized by Rotary District No. 6170.

The program is an intensive leadership and teamwork training program for rising sophomores or juniors in high school, ages 16 and 17.

Youth develop skills as a leader through a host of fun, engaging experiences and making connections with peers and leaders.

“We are looking forward to meeting new people and engaging in new experiences through RYLA!” stated Nix and Gilhousen when they were vhosen earlier this year

Both expressed their gratitude in being selected and for the opportunity to attend RYLA Camp.

Polk County students were represented at the RYLA Camp in Ferndale this year by Dodge Couture, Serenity Mahaffey, Allison Howard, Dani Atchley, Summer Nix and Irene Gilhousen.

(Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Polk County/Mena)

Presented by THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

All High School District Games:

Baseball - April 22-27

Softball - April 22-26 --------------------

COSSATOT RIVER HIGH SCHOOL Soccer

04/26 - CRSD vs. Danville

04/30 - CRSD @ Subiaco (Boys)

--------------------

MENA HIGH SCHOOL Soccer

04/26 - Mena vs. Morrilton

04/30 - Mena @ Bauxite Track

04/22-4/27 - District Meet @ Morrilton

04/29-5/04 - State Meet @ Pocahontas --------------------

MT. IDA HIGH SCHOOL Track

04/29 - State Meet @ Quitman -------------------

UA RICH MOUNTAIN Baseball

04/25 - UARM @ ASU-Mountain Home

04/27 - UARM vs. ASU-Mountain Home

04/30 - UARM vs. Southeast Arkansas College Softball

04/24 - UARM @ National Park College

04/27 - UARM vs. Murray State College

04/30 - UARM @ Eastern Oklahoma State College

High school district tournament playoffs

By Ethan Nahté

The district tournament games for high school baseball and softball began Monday.

Many of the lower ranked teams had already played their first game, and for some, their second game by Monday evening. Schedules are already changing and being moved up due to the chance of inclement weather Thursday and Friday. Not all of the scores were updated at press time.

Baseball

4A-4 (taking place in Morrilton)

No. 6 seed Pottsville beat No. 7 Waldron took 18-8 on Monday evening. Pottsville was scheduled to play No. 3 Clarksville at 6:30 on Tuesday.

Mena is the No. 2 seed. The boys play at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24. They will take on the winner between Clarksville and Pottsville.

The winner of the Mena game is scheduled to play the winner of No. 1 Morrilton’s Wednesday afternoon game.

3A-4 (Danville)

No. 7 Cossatot River was scheduled to play No. 6 Subiaco Tuesday evening. The winner of that game will play No. 3 Charleston at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

The winner of that match-up is scheduled to play No. 2 Paris on Thursday, weather permitting.

2A-7 (Spring Hill)

No. 4 Dierks beat No. 5 Acorn 15-3 on Monday.

No. 6 Caddo Hills beat No. 7 Foreman 10-5. on Monday then took on Spring Hill later that evening. Spring Hill won 14-0. They are scheduled to play No. 2 Horatio on Tuesday night. No. 1 Murfreesboro was scheduled to play Dierks Tuesday afternoon. Murfreesboro boys were undefeated this season.

1A-7 (Mineral Springs)

No. 1 Mount Ida is scheduled to play on Wednesday afternoon against the winner of the No. 5 Blevins vs. No. 4 Kirby game that was played on Monday.

Softball

4A-4 (taking place in Morrilton)

No. 5 seed Dardanelle beat No. 8 Waldron 17-1 on Monday afternoon. Dardanelle was scheduled to take on No. 4 Clarksville Tuesday. The winner of that game will play No. 1 Pottsville.

Mena is the No. 2 seed. The girls will play at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24. They will take on the winner of the

No. 3 Morrilton game.

Winner of the Pottsville match-up is scheduled to take on the winner of the Mena match-up on Friday, weather permitting.

3A-4 (Danville)

No. 7 Cossatot River played No. 6 Cedarville Monday evening, beating them 12-0. Cossatot River was scheduled to play No. 3 Charleston on Tuesday.

2A-7 (Spring Hill)

No. 6 Dierks beat No. 7 Caddo Hills 3-1 on Monday afternoon. They turned around and played No. 3 Murfreesboro that evening, only to lose 10-3.

Murfreesboro played Dierks Monday evening. The winner of that game was scheduled to play No. 2 Acorn Tuesday evening.

No. 1 Horatio was scheduled to play the winner of the Spring Hill and Foreman game on Tuesday afternoon

1A-7 (Mineral Springs)

No. 3 Mount Ida played No. 2 Kirby on Monday afternoon.

Regional tournaments for baseball and softball are scheduled to begin next week, running May 2- May 4.