The Polk County Pulse - April 3, 2024

Will stormy weather eclipse the eclipse

By Ethan Nahté

The big question on many minds is what will the weather be like on April 8, the date of The Great American Solar Eclipse of 2024. Tourists are wanting to know where to travel for the best opportunity to view the event.

They’re not alone. Tourism boards and business owners alike, especially those in the path of totality, have spent several hours and a lot of their budget banking on the event, which won’t be visible again in the contiguous United States until 2044. Monday will be the culmination of two or three years for some. It would be disappointing to thousands, and possibly millions, if the weather was to eclipse the eclipse.

Mother Nature seems to be having mood swings as the forecast has changed from increased cloud cover, to storms, to cloudy again, to a 24% chance of precipitation. That’s just been over the past couple of days.

The money, time and effort put into events around Polk County is still a go with some having up to four days and nights of events. Don’t forget, schools won’t be in session the day of the eclipse. Many of the events can be found in this week’s issue of The Polk County Pulse.

Soni Propst: Defying the odds

By Ethan Nahté

A little over two years ago, I met a gangly, quiet and shy girl about to turn 8, and her little sister, who was somewhere between a toddler and pre-schooler and has seemingly never met a stranger. Daisy is the younger of the two, and Soni (pronounced Sunny) Propst is her sister.

There is a laundry list of health issues Soni had been diagnosed with.

Her mother, Ariel Varner, said, “Autism is the first one, ADHD, sensory integration disorder eczema asthma allergies as in food and kitties. She’s got 38 foods

she’s allergic to and 29 elements that she’s allergic to. She is deaf in her left ear from all of the ear infections. She’s had three sets of tubes (in her ear). She’s had her tonsils and adenoids taken out.”

Sensory integration disorder (SIDnot to be confused with SIDS) is where your senses are hyper-sensitive: ears, skin, light, smells, sound and taste. She has food aversions if certain foods have certain textures. If a food is the wrong texture, “it’s instant puke,” in her mom’s words.

“Soni also has sensitivity issues such as clothing. If it is not the right texture, she will literally have a heart attack,”

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Recently I spoke with someone who commented that I wrote a lot of letters to the Pulse, often critical of our politicians and how they govern, or fail to govern. He wanted to know what I would do to fix a broken system. So here are a few of many suggestions.

and actually would find it refreshing.

If promises are made, those who make them should be held to account. Failure should result in removal from office, unless extenuating circumstances exist. Blatant lies to get in or stay in office should not be tolerated and it is up to us to vote out liars.

Two four-year term limits for all politicians to eliminate career politicians. No lifetime retirement benefits. Put politicians on the same health care and Social Security taxpayers are afforded. If it is good enough for us, it should be for them. Not happy with those programs? Fix them!

Upon leaving office, there should be a period of 10 years before any politician can come back as a lobbyist. No special access to current representatives. IRS to perform a ‘net worth” of every member of the Senate and Congress before taking office and after leaving office. Net worth is a comparison of declared income verses assets. Any anomaly between the two indicates hidden assets above what declared income could afford.

Open and transparent meetings except as needed for security of our country. Secrecy begets distrust and undermines faith in government. I understand need to know but it has limits. Unlike the movie, I can handle the truth

Prosecution by Federal agencies should be a double edge sword. A feeling exists that some are singled out and others given a pass. Recently a Russian informant was arrested and charged for falsely accusing someone in our government, yet no actions for the same thing when it was a different administration and Russian disinformation was used to support impeachment.

The recent special counsel report for mishandling of government documents for a Democrat president verses a Republican president showed clear bias.

We are over $34.27 trillion in debt and growing by the second. A balanced budget amendment is overdue. If we do not have the money to fund programs, they should not be approved. Continuing to borrow money we do not have the ability to repay is making us vulnerable. We have good intentions; we just need common sense and restraint to go with them.

We need to stop voting party and vote folks that can get the job done or vote them out until we find the right fit. But ultimately, we need to vote and send a clear message that we are involved. Ask yourself, why would anyone spend millions to get a job that pays thousands?

There are other points to be made but space limits what

needs saying. My main point is that our government needs to remember they serve us, not the other way around.

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

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

Mena Eclipse Festival happening rain or shine

Submitted by Pasha Watson

The Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission would like to invite you to join the fun at the Mena Eclipse Festival, April 5–8. This is a FREE ADMISSION event and is held at Janssen Park, in Mena, Arkansas. Please look for a map and schedules in this issue of the Pulse. Copies will also be available during the festival.

Live entertainment will be a huge

part of the event as it runs all four days of the festival. In addition to live entertainment, enjoy wonderful arts and crafts, great food, Kiddie Korner with playground and bounce houses, circus acts, and more!

This is a rain or shine event! Unless public safety becomes a concern, the festivities will continue. Bring your family, friends, and come see us in Janssen Park!

Safely viewing the solar eclipse

How can you protect your eyes and still watch the upcoming eclipse?

Dr. Bala Simon, an associate professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, answers.

A solar eclipse will occur April 8. Arkansas is in the “path of totality” — meaning many people here will have a chance to observe a total solar eclipse where the moon completely blocks the sun. Per NASA, this will be the last total solar eclipse visible in the United States until 2044.

An eclipse can be enjoyed safely by taking the proper precautions. Looking directly at the sun is never safe — even when the sun is partially hidden. The ultraviolet and infrared rays can dam-

age the retina and potentially cause blindness. Sunglasses, regardless of how dark the lenses are, cannot safely protect your eyes from the sun’s rays. Binoculars, cameras without filters, or telescopes also will not protect your eyes from the sun.

Instead, use specially designed solar filters or solar viewing glasses (you may see them referred to as “eclipse glasses”) when observing an eclipse. These pieces of equipment are many times darker than regular sunglasses and should comply with the international standard.

There is a lot of excitement for the solar eclipse, particularly for those of us in areas where a total eclipse will occur. Take precaution in order to experience it safely.

Local highways expecting heavy traffic for eclipse

By Patrick Massey

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT) has released a map detailing where traffic is expected to be at its highest volume during the April 8 Great American Solar Eclipse.

The map highlights the expected traffic “hot spots” for the 1.5 million visitors expected in Arkansas during the eclipse and the days surrounding it. Here in southwest Arkansas, Highway 71 from Ashdown through Mena and on to Fort Smith is listed as an expected “high traffic” roadway. Interstate 30 is similarly listed as “high traffic.” The rest of the region’s highways are listed as expecting “significant traffic.”

ArDOT classifies high and significant traffic as follows:

-High: Volume will likely be above capacity for several hours, with significant delays occurring. If all goes well, traffic will probably clear within a few hours; however, incidents could quickly result

in more severe problems.

-Significant: Volumes will approach or modestly exceed capacity, with some delays. Any incidents could quickly worsen conditions on these roadways. Many of these routes are in locations where residents or local agencies are not accustomed to heavy traffic. Because ARDOT resources will largely be deployed on other routes, assistance from local agencies may be requested to ensure these routes continue to function as well as possible given the circumstances.

Highway 70 between Hot Springs and I-30 is expected to see “extreme traffic” on April 8. Highway 63 as well as I-40 and I-555 are also listed as “extreme traffic.”

Even portions of the state outside the path of totality are expecting significant to high traffic as people travel to Arkansas’ best eclipse viewing locations.

ArDOT officials stress this map is only a prediction of traffic conditions following the influx of visitors for the April 8 eclipse.

Politics

From the

State House of Representatives

The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, has captured the attention of Arkansans and visitors alike. The path of totality will stretch over 100 miles across The Natural State, extending from the southwest to the northeast. In some locations, lucky observers will experience over four minutes of total darkness. It is expected that 53 of Arkansas’ 75 counties will fall within the path of totality, including major cities like Little Rock, Hot Springs, Texarkana, Conway, and Jonesboro.

ing it into science lessons and distributing one million eclipse glasses to libraries statewide. This proactive approach not only fosters scientific curiosity but also promotes safe viewing practices among students and the general public.

From the State Senate

Several state agencies are preparing for increased traffic from out-of-state tourists who will drive to Arkansas on Monday, April 8, to view the solar eclipse.

With the potential to mark the largest tourism event in state history, Arkansas agencies are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations. The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has strategically scheduled a “construction holiday” from April 4 to April 9, ensuring smooth travel with no lane closures or active construction zones. Collaborating closely with the trucking industry, ARDOT aims to minimize the presence of oversized trucks on the roads, enhancing safety for all travelers.

In the realm of healthcare, the Arkansas Department of Health stands vigilant, leveraging its trauma communication system to swiftly address any emergencies. Collaborating closely with hospitals and first responders, the agency is working to ensure prompt access to medical facilities, should the need arise. Emphasizing the paramount importance of eye safety, the department underscores the necessity of approved solar viewing glasses, cautioning against direct sun-gazing without proper protection.

As anticipation mounts, Arkansans are encouraged to prepare themselves with essential supplies, including water, food, medications, and first aid kits, in readiness for potential service delays. For those eager to join in the festivities, a wealth of information on local events and safety guidelines awaits at Arkansas.com/eclipse.

Meanwhile, the Arkansas Department of Education is harnessing the eclipse as a teachable moment, integratContact 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

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

They’re planning for traffic disruptions even in parts of the state that will not experience the full effect of the eclipse.

For example, southeast Arkansas is not in the path of totality but highway officials expect the impact on traffic to be “significant” on Highways 65, 165, 82 and 425 because so many visitors will be headed to Pine Bluff, Little Rock and locations along the path of totality in central Arkansas.

Likewise, in the extreme corner of northwest Arkansas there will be significant impacts on traffic on Highways 412, 59, 62 and the Pig Trail, Highway 23.

Highway 65 from the Missouri border to Conway will have “very high” traffic levels, according to a Transportation Department analysis. So will Interstate 49 from Fayetteville to Alma, and Interstate 40 from Alma to Little Rock.

All the major highways in central, northeast and southwest Arkansas will have at least a “significant” amount of higher traffic volumes.

Along Interstate 40 from Alma to Mulberry there will be “extreme traffic” increases. Also, along Highway 65 from Conway to Greenbriar will see “extreme traffic” increases.

The Transportation Department has an 18-page planning document on its website that includes a highway map. Highways are color-coded to indicate the expected level of disruption.

On roads with even a “significant” impact, which is the lowest level, motorists can expect the volume of traffic to meet or modestly exceed capacity. That’s tolerable unless a wreck or other type of incident occurs, then conditions quickly worsen. Local authorities may get overwhelmed because they will bear the brunt of maintaining traffic flows,

because state resources will be prioritized in routes where traffic is very high or extreme.

Along routes with “very high” volumes traffic will be well above exceed capacity for several hours, so any wreck or incident will quickly make conditions much worse. Roads with “extreme” traffic increases will be bottlenecks that may require authorities to detour traffic.

The Transportation Department is working with the Arkansas Truckers Association to encourage 18-wheelers and oversize loads to stay off the highways before, during and after the eclipse. However, staying off the roads will be a voluntary decision and there will be no penalties for truckers who operate during the eclipse.

The Department will encourage contractors to limit lane closings from April 5 through April 9.

Based on data collected during past eclipses, the Department anticipates that 80 percent of visitors will leave immediately after the eclipse passes over. This further strains the smooth flow of traffic.

The eclipse will create a shadow almost 118 miles wide that will enter southwest Arkansas, near DeQueen, at 1:46 p.m. on Monday, April 8. The center of the shadow will leave Arkansas about 2 p.m. in the northeast corner, near Pocahontas.

If you are in the central portion of its path, the eclipse will cause darkness for about four minutes. Remember, it’s not safe to look directly at the sun without special eye protection.

Transportation officials and the police are preparing for as many as 1.5 million out-of-state visitors to drive into Arkansas. In addition, about 500,000 Arkansas residents are expected to drive toward the path of totality from the northwest corner and from southeast Arkansas, which are not in the path of the eclipse.

John Maddox

Terry Rice

Local Arkansas State Parks offer eclipse activities and more

Arkansas State Parks have been instructed to not have events planned on April 8, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit them for events throughout the weekend or hang out on Monday to watch the eclipse. The park employees will be out and about getting a head count on Monday.

Cossatot River State ParkNatural Area

Friday, April 5-7

Eclipse Glasses Craft

8 a.m.-5 p.m. Visitor Info Center

Create your own face cover to accompany your eclipse glasses for a safe and fun viewing! All materials provided with the exception of eclipse glasses, available for sale~ $2 plus tax.

Friday, April 5

Sketch Hike

11 a.m. Meet at Harris Creek TH

Hike to the beautiful Goats Bluff overlook with the park interpreter and stop for an outdoor sketching session. No experience necessary for sketching and supplies will be provided. This trail is moderate so please wear sturdy, closed toe shoes and weather appropriate clothing. ~2 mi. round-trip.

Toads v Frogs

3 p.m. Visitor Info Center

At first glance, toads and frogs appear similar, but a closer look reveals they differ significantly! Join the park interpreter in the center to explore these beloved critters in the park.

Saturday, April 6

Color Wheel Hike

11 a.m. Meet at Stan’s Bridge TH

Can you find every color on the color wheel? Join the park interpreter on

this ~2mi. hike out and back to the waterfall at Stan’s Bridge (TH located between Cossatot Falls and Sandbar access points).

Solar v Lunar Eclipse

3 p.m. Visitor info Center

Join the park interpreter in the classroom to determine the differences between a solar and lunar eclipse.

Sunday, April 7

Eclipse Tips: Staying Safe & Making Memories

10 a.m. Meet at Cossatot Falls

Join the park interpreters as we explore the basic science of an eclipse, what to expect on eclipse day, tips to prepare for safe viewing, and ideas on how to make meaningful memories while you’re here at the park!

Eclipse Tips: Staying Safe & Making Memories

11 a.m. Meet at Sand Bar

Join the park interpreters as we explore the basic science of an eclipse, what to expect on eclipse day, tips to prepare for safe viewing, and ideas on how to make meaningful memories while you’re here at the park!

Snake Feeding

1 p.m. Visitor Information Center

Stop by the center to see the park interpreters feed our Speckled Kingsnake and Rat snake and learn all about reptiles in the park!

Eclipse Tips: Staying Safe & Making Memories

2 p.m. Meet at Ed Banks

Join the park interpreters as we explore the basic science of an eclipse, what to expect on eclipse day, tips to prepare for safe viewing, and ideas on how to make meaningful memories while you’re here at the park!

Eclipse Tips: Staying Safe & Making Memories

3 p.m. Meet at Brushy Creek

Join the park interpreters as we explore the basic science of an eclipse, what to expect on eclipse day, tips to prepare for safe viewing, and ideas on how to make meaningful memories while you’re here at the park!

Monday, April 8

Great American Eclipse timeline

Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area

will have the longest duration with 4 minutes and 18.5 seconds in the path of totality. Starting just before 12:30 p.m., viewers will see the partial eclipse before the total eclipse at 1:47 p.m. With over 12 miles of wild and scenic river, acres of wooded slopes, and cascading clear waters, the Cossatot provides unique opportunities for viewing the eclipse.

- 12:29 p.m.: Start of partial eclipse

- 1:47 p.m.: Start of total eclipse

- 1:49 p.m.: Maximum eclipse

- 1:51 p.m.: End of total eclipse

- 3:08 p.m.: End of partial eclipse

For more information about these programs, call: 870-385-2201. Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area, 1980 Hwy. 278 W, Wickes, AR 71973.

Queen Wilhelmina State Park Friday, April 5

Eclipse Tips: Staying Safe and Making Memories

Meeting Place: Lodge Conference Room

2 - 2:30 p.m.

When you experience the 2024 solar eclipse from an Arkansas State Park, you have an opportunity to make irreplaceable memories. Meet a park interpreter for a discussion about ways to make the most of this celes-

tial event. We will explore the basic science of an eclipse, what to expect on eclipse day, tips to prepare for safe viewing, and ideas on how to make meaningful memories while you’re here.

Queen Wilhelmina State Park Solar Bead Bookmark Meeting Place: Lodge Conference Room

4 p.m.

Make a keepsake craft from Queen Wilhelmina State Park during this once-in-a-lifetime eclipse event. Join a park interpreter to learn about the sun’s role in our daily lives while crafting a unique bookmark that changes colors in the sun. Bring the bookmark outside during the solar eclipse to see if the beads act differently than in direct sunlight.

A Cosmic Coincidence Meeting Place: Lodge Conference Room

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Do you want to know more about why solar eclipses occur? Meet a park interpreter to get the facts on the amazing components that must come together for a solar eclipse to occur!

Saturday, April 6

Eclipse in a Cup Meeting Place: Lodge Conference Room

1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

The sun, moon, and Earth have complex orbits; occasionally, all the planets align, resulting in a solar eclipse. Join a park interpreter to make a small solar eclipse model out of a few household items to demonstrate how a solar eclipse happens.

See PARKS continued on page 7

PARKS continued from page 6

Hike the Solar System

Meeting Place: Wonder House Parking Lot

4:15 - 5:45 p.m.

Admission: Free

Embark on an exploration of our solar system without leaving Queen Wilhelmina State Park. We will start at the sun, making pit stops at each planet! Using the Spring Trail and a little imagination, you will gain a greater understanding of our solar system while taking in the views offered by the surrounding Ouachita Mountains. Be sure to wear closetoed shoes and bring plenty of drinking water.

Critter Eclipse Glasses Craft

Meeting Place: Lodge Conference Room

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Admission: Free

Meet a park interpreter for a simple craft to elevate your solar eclipse glasses to the next level. We will use a few simple items to turn your eclipse glasses into an animal mask of your choosing! Solar eclipse glasses will be provided for the craft.

Sunday, April 7

Handmade Constellation Projector

Meeting Place: Lodge Conference Room

11 a.m. - Noon

Admission: Free

Did you know the sky will be dark enough during the total solar eclipse to see the stars? Meet a park interpreter to discuss what constellations will be visible while you make a constellation projector so you can see your favorite constellations at any time. We will even make up a few constellations of our own!

Eclipse Tips: Staying Safe and Making Memories

Meeting Place: Lodge Conference Room

1 - 1:30 p.m.

Admission: Free

When you experience the 2024 solar eclipse from an Arkansas State Park, you have an opportunity to make irreplaceable memories. Meet a park interpreter for a discussion about ways to make the most of this celestial event. We will explore the basic science of an eclipse, what to expect on eclipse day, tips to prepare for safe viewing, and ideas on how to make meaningful memories while you’re here.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Techniques

Meeting Place: Lodge Conference Room

3 - 3:30 p.m.

Admission: Free

Several ways to view solar eclipses are available, some of which can be made out of things found in your car or cabinet. Join a park interpreter to learn about the many ways to safely view eclipses and even make a few eclipse-viewing crafts to use on the big day! Bring your own cereal and shoe boxes to make and decorate a pinhole projector.

April 8

Great American Eclipse timeline

Queen Wilhelmina State Park

Cruise up the Talimena National Scenic Byway on your way to view the eclipse at Queen Wilhelmina. Three minutes and 48 seconds of the total eclipse can be watched atop Arkansas’ second-highest peak. You can book your stay at the lodge or one of the campsites.

- 12:30 p.m.: Start of partial eclipse

- 1:47 p.m.: Start of total eclipse

- 1:49 p.m.: Maximum eclipse

- 1:51 p.m.: End of total eclipse

- 3:08 p.m.: End of partial eclipse

Margie

Lucille Kiser Lewis

Margie Lucille Kiser Lewis, 90, of Mena, passed on March 29, 2024. She was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Glen Lewis.

Margie was born in the Sulphur Springs community in August 1933 to Pearl Lee Hughes Kiser and James Edward “Ed” Kiser, both deceased. She is also predeceased by her three sisters, Emily Fryar, Edna Simpson, and Velma Simpson.

Margie and Glen married in November 1950 and spent the next many years dedicating their lives to the betterment of their children and grandchildren.

Margie is survived by two sons: Randy Lewis (June) and John Lewis (Diane); two daughters: Dianne Law (Gale) and Margaret Overton (Myles); and predeceased by a daughter: Anita Griffin (John). She had eleven grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Margie found much joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and special friends.

Margie and Glen each came from humble beginnings and through hard work, God’s blessings and good fortune provided their family a strong foundation. They owned and operated a successful auto parts store in Mena for over 25 years. There is no doubt from anyone that knew Margie that she was a great woman who loved her family, and by all accounts, had a wonderful, blessed life. She had great strength

Obituaries

and dedication to all that she loved. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Norman Historic Preservation Program or the Little Hope Baptist Church. Margie will be buried beside Glen at Hillside Cemetery in Sulphur Springs, the same location that Glen and Margie met over 70 years ago at a Decoration. The graveside Memorial Service will be held at Hillside Cemetery on April 6, 2024, at 10 a.m.

Arkansas State Broadband Office launches statewide mapping challenge process

Little Rock, Ark. (March 18, 2024)

– The Arkansas State Broadband Office will launch its Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) mapping challenge process on Wednesday, March 20.

This months-long process will enable stakeholders in Arkansas to challenge the accuracy of the Federal Communications Commission’s National Broadband Map and the levels of internet service reported at homes and businesses throughout the state.

Stakeholders will be able to challenge data provided by the map but must submit evidence of the inaccuracies.

Eligible challengers in this process include units of local government, nonprofit organizations, and internet service providers, under federal BEAD program regulations.

The Arkansas State Broadband Office has worked to allow everyday Arkansans the ability to have their voices heard in the months leading up to the mapping challenge. The state’s mapping challenge portal system will allow for units of local government and nonprofit organizations to submit

challenges on behalf of everyday Arkansans.

“We have been preparing for this process for well over a year,” said State Broadband Director Glen Howie. “As a result of intensive stakeholder outreach and engaged residents across the state, our counties are organized and ready to go. We look forward to launching this historic process.”

The broadband mapping challenge process will be conducted in advance of the state awarding broadband infrastructure grants.

The BEAD program, administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), provides $42.45 billion to U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia to expand broadband access, fund deployment and mapping, and address affordability and digital skills needs. In June 2023, the NTIA announced that Arkansas would be awarded $1,024,303,993.86 in BEAD funding to expand broadband access and address affordability and digital skills needs in the state.

The Arkansas State Broadband Office was authorized to begin the mapping challenge process following the NTIA’s approval of Arkansas’ BEAD Initial Proposal Volume 1. This proposal outlines how the state will run its mapping challenge process for grant-eligible locations.

Tentative timeline for Arkansas’ BEAD mapping challenge process:

- March 12, 2024: User guide and location listings posted online; portal registration begins.

- March 20, 2024: Challenge por-

tal opens; challenges accepted for 30 days.

- April 19, 2024: Challenge rebuttals accepted for 30 days.

- May 19, 2024: Challenge adjudication begins.

- June 17, 2024: Challenge process concludes.

The new state broadband map and challenge portal system can be accessed on the Arkansas State Broadband Office’s website at broadband.arkansas.gov. A user guide and additional resources are also available, including a new and improved speed test application. Although the majority of Mena and a few other government, education, and resident locations along U.S. Highway 71 are already served and eligible for funding, there are several places throughout Polk and surrounding counties that are either underserved or unserved.

For more information about how to participate in this process, please contact the Arkansas State Broadband Office via email at broadband@arkansas.gov.

Affordable Connectivity Program ending

The Affordable Connectivity Program stopped accepting new applications and enrollments on Feb. 7, 2024. The last fully funded month of the program is April 2024.

All ACP households enrolled at the time of the enrollment freeze, Feb. 7, at 11:59 p.m. EST, will be able to remain enrolled through the final month of ACP service if they are not required to be de-enrolled under FCC rules.

Households that are de-enrolled from the program, such as for failure to use their ACP-supported service, will not be able to re-apply or re-enroll in the ACP during the enrollment freeze.

ACP enrolled households are strongly encouraged to carefully review written notices from their internet company and from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the ACP administrator, about the ACP wind-down. Households are also encouraged to consult their internet company to learn more about how the end of the ACP will impact their internet service and bill.

According to Universal Service Administrative Co., nearly 23.7 million consumers are a part of the ACP program, including 4.5 million Lifeline users.

For more updates about the ACP Wind Down, refer to AffordableConnectivity.gov

Entergy Arkansas customer bills to decrease beginning in April

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Entergy Arkansas’ low-cost power generation portfolio, along with lower gas prices last year, has allowed the company to decrease customer bills beginning with the April billing cycle.

An average residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month will see a decrease of $10.01 in their total bills — a 7.49% decrease. Commercial and industrial customers could see anywhere from a 1.6% to 17.7% decrease, depending on their customer usage profile.

“Although our rates are consistently lower than the regional and national average, we continue to keep affordability for our customers at the forefront of our decisions,” said Ventrell Thompson, vice president of Customer Service. “The total decrease customers see on their bills will vary based on their individual energy usage but comes at a time when our customers need bill relief and will extend during the upcoming hot summer months.”

The decrease was prompted by a lower fuel rate, known as the Energy Cost Recovery Rider (ECR), which is adjusted and passed on to customers. The redetermined ECR rate will decrease from $0.01883 per kWh to $0.00882 per kWh – the lowest it has been in more than a decade.

Each year, the fuel rate adjusts either up or down, depending on changes in the cost of fuel used by Entergy Arkansas to generate electricity and wholesale prices paid for additional electricity. The new rate is effective until March of 2025, unless an interim adjustment is

needed. It is reflected in the “Fuel and Purchased Cost” line item on monthly bills.

“Because we have a diverse fuel mix that includes nuclear, natural gas, coal, solar and hydropower, we are able to produce electricity at the lowest cost possible,” said William Cunningham, director of resource planning. “In fact, our consistently low rates help make our state an attractive place for new and existing businesses to grow and expand.”

More than 71% of our total energy production in 2023 came from clean nuclear energy, while natural gas powered about 15% of our total energy production in 2023.In addition to Entergy Arkansas’ three solar facilities currently in operation — Stuttgart, Chicot and Searcy –another 530 megawatts of new solar generation will be coming online this year – Walnut Bend (100 MW), West Memphis (180 MW) and Driver Solar (250 MW). Construction of another 400 MW of solar expected to be completed next year.

The new ECR rate includes recovery of cost shifting from Entergy Arkansas net-metering customers. In this year’s ECR calculations, Entergy Arkansas included $8.9 million in costs, which are being shifted to all customers because of private net-metering installations. Notably, these costs are only a portion of the overall costs that have been shifted to other customers as a result of net-metering.

For more information about how Entergy generates electricity, visit https://www.entergy.com/operations/generation/

Foresters for the Future scholarship application period open through June 14

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division and the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) are pleased to announce that applications for the Foresters for the Future scholarship are now being accepted. The scholarship will provide $4,000 per semester, for four years, to an incoming freshman pursuing a forestry degree at UAM’s College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources.

Applications will be accepted through June 14. Students interested in the scholarship can find more information at uamont.edu/academics/ CFANR/forestersforthefuture. html.

“Arkansas forest industries contribute over $6.1 billion to the state’s economy each year, making Arkansas the most forestry dependent of all the southern states,” said State Forester Kyle Cunningham. “This scholarship provides a wonderful opportunity for students to obtain the education and training necessary to support such an impactful industry within the state.”

The scholarship program was established by Act 399 of the 2021 Regular Session of the Arkansas General Assembly. UAM and the Forestry Division hope the scholarship will entice students to pursue forestry as a career.

Jackson Boles of Waldron, Arkansas, was the 2023 scholarship recipient.

“The forestry industry is a pillar of Arkansas’s economy that impacts every area of our state,” said Dr. Peggy Doss, UAM Chancellor. “The Foresters for the Future Scholarship will support our efforts to attract and to retain a diverse group of future foresters and to prepare them for a career path that offers extensive job opportunities in the wood products industry.”

The College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center, a University of Arkansas System Center of Excellence, brings together interdisciplinary expertise through a partnership between the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The College and Center are headquartered at the University of Arkansas at Monticello campus, but their programs range statewide with the mission of developing and delivering teaching, research, and extension programs that enhance and ensure the sustainability and productivity of forest-based natural resources and agricultural systems. Academic programs are delivered by the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources through the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Through the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, research is administered by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, and extension and outreach activities are coordinated by the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello offers all of their programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.

“This scholarship is a tremendous opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Michael Blazier, Dean of the UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources and Director of the Arkansas Forest Resources Center. “Not only does it provide substantial financial aid to help them study for a career in forestry, but they also get a wide range of internship options for on-the-job learning with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division.”

Mena Masons open their lodge for eclipse celebration

By Trey Youngdahl, 32°

Local Masons are celebrating the 2024 Great American Solar Eclipse that will cloak Mena in darkness for over four minutes by opening their lodge’s doors to feed and refresh the community.

The sun and moon are important symbols in Freemasonry. Masonic Lodges are situated zonal — with the Worshipful Master’s station of the lodge at the easternmost point of the lodge-room where the sun rises. Masonic tradition says the master of the lodge should endeavor to rule and govern his lodge as the sun rules and governs each day.

In his book on Scottish Rite Freemasonry titled “Morals and Dogma,” famous Freemason and Arkansas Justice Albert Pike wrote, “The Sun is the ancient symbol of the life-giving and generative power of (God). To the ancients, light was the cause of life; and God was the source from which all light flowed; the essence of Light, the Invisible Fire, developed as flame manifested as light and splendor.”

The moon has played a major role in Freemasonry. In the early days of American Masonry, lodges would often hold their stated meetings on full-moon nights because of their regularity and the light that would illuminate the paths of brethren traveling long distances to the meetings on horseback.

Famous astronaut and Freemason Buzz Aldrin was the second person in history to step foot on the moon only a few minutes after Neil Armstrong. On their historic Apollo 11 mission, Aldrin brought with him a hand embroidered flag representing Scottish Rite Freemasonry.

Aldrin, a Texas Mason, was given special permission from the Grand Lodge of Texas to claim Masonic Territorial Jurisdiction for the Grand Lodge of Texas on The Moon. Aldrin established the

cause the lodge is situated across from Janssen Park, attendees of the eclipse festival will have a perfect opportunity to take advantage of the shaded porch, free water and food, air conditioning and bath-

moon lodge and called it Tranquility Lodge #2000 (named after the Sea of Tranquility, the area of the moon where the lunar rover landed). Until Masons are able to hold regular meetings on-site, the lodge brothers rotate among meeting sites on earth and hold an annual event in Waco, Texas. Tranquility lodge has pledged $50,000 in support of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.

In celebration of the sun and moon’s significance in Masonry and the upcoming eclipse festival at Janssen Park, Mena’s Dallas Masonic Lodge No. 128 will be serving breakfast at the lodge building at 701 Port Arthur Ave., Mena. Be-

rooms that the lodge provides. Terry Fuquay, a past-master and longtime member of Dallas Lodge No. 128, said the proceeds from the breakfast will benefit the lodge’s annual scholarship.

“The sun being a symbol of a great source of that light which represents knowledge, and the moon a symbol of mankind who absorbs and reflects that light that can make a difference in others finding their way in this journey towards eternity,” Fuquay said. “But also, the concern that that light may be blocked and withheld from some who may have so much unfound potential in an education, a skill, or a trade.”

The lodge doors will be open on

Col. Edwin E. “Buzz” Aldrin, Jr. was lunar module pilot for Apollo XI, July 16-24, 1969—the first manned lunar landing mission. (Via Wikimedia Commons)

Saturday, April 6, and Monday, April 8, from 7-10 a.m., and will include a full, buffet-style breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, pancakes and coffee. All that is asked in return is that a donation be made at the door to the Rex Burns Scholarship fund, which is awarded by the lodge to a local student every year. The recommended donation for the scholarship is $5 for children ages 7-12 years old and $10 for those 13 and over.

“As this historic eclipse of the sun by the moon approaches, we are reminded to give thought to how important it is to help others on their journey to equip themselves with the light that will allow them to find their destination in life,” Fuquay said. “We hope that the community will share with us in their pursuit to build our future men and women with the help of our scholarship.”

The flag that brother Aldrin brought to the moon. (Via Wikimedia Commons)

By Richie Lawry

The wind buffeted the little Maverick pickup as we drove through western Kansas on Interstate 70. My wife and I were on our way to Denver, Colorado, to attend my brother-in-law’s 90th birthday. The road seemed to stretch on forever as the wind continued to blow. When we crossed the state line between Kansas and Colorado, a sign read, “Welcome to Colorful Colorado.”

I surveyed the landscape around me and saw nothing but brown, tan, and beige. There was nothing colorful that I could see. The eastern Colorado plains are among the most sparsely populated areas in the continental United States. The dry grasslands stretched before me as far as the eye could see. Occasionally, there would be a farmstead with a few trees around it to break up the monotonous tan of the dry grasslands.

But I knew that three hours down the road, rugged mountains and city congestion spread out along Colorado’s front range. Before long, we would be meeting family and preparing for a weekend of birthday activities.

The birthday weekend started Friday night with a party at The Old Spaghetti Factory. Over 40 family members from as far away as Oregon and Arkansas met for a fun evening celebrating Duane’s milestone 90th birthday. It was great to visit with family we hadn’t seen for some time. The family reconvened for a wonderful meal at Vista Ridge Academy in Erie, Colorado, on Saturday afternoon.

Spending time with family and celebrating Duane’s 90th birthday was the perfect way for me to spend Easter weekend. Easter morning, I reflected on the final week of Jesus’ life. One of the stories that I remember from that week is Jesus crying for the city of Jerusalem. If he wept over the city of Jerusalem, can you imagine how he is crying over the world today?

When I was growing up, my family attended a small church in Fort

An Arkie’s Faith Nintieth birthday

Lupton, Colorado. The small church shared a pastor with another church. Sometimes, when the pastor wasn’t there for the mid-week prayer service, those in attendance would take turns reciting a favorite text. Being a smart aleck, I thought it was amusing to say that my favorite verse was John 11:35. “Jesus wept.”

As I have grown older, it has become a favorite verse of mine. The simple words “Jesus wept” may reveal as much about Jesus as any words ever written about him. I’m sure that you remember Lazarus’ story. When he became ill, his sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, the one you love is very sick.” Jesus chose to wait until Lazarus had died before he came. We read the story in John 11:33-35 (NLT). “When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. ‘Where have you put him?’ he asked them. They told him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Then Jesus wept.”

Why did Jesus cry? Was it because of his love for Lazarus? He knew Lazarus would be alive in a few minutes. Jesus was crying because his friends were sad. Their sorrow moved him. Jesus is painfully aware of your suffering. Psalms 56:8 (NLT) tells us, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”

A few days before he died, “Jesus came near Jerusalem. He saw the city and began to cry for it.” Luke 19:41 (ICB): Why was Jesus crying? Was he crying for a city?

Luke 13:34 (NLT) gives us some insight into this story. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets

and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.”

Jesus was crying for the people of Jerusalem. He had come to save them, but most were unwilling to be saved. Even though they had rejected him and his salvation, he had compassion for them.

If we follow Jesus’ example, how should we, as Christians, relate to sinners? We should have compassion. It seems to me that many Christians have lost their compassion. Looking around, I don’t often see Christians dealing with others with understanding. I am more apt to see hate than compassion.

Consider a few hot-button topics and see your response toward the following groups: LGTBQ, Muslims, adulterers, abortionists, thieves, drug dealers, illegal aliens, prostitutes, atheists.

Do you have compassion for them, or is your response something different? Can you hate someone while you are praying for their salvation? Should we hate someone that Jesus died for because he loves them?

Following the example of Jesus and having compassion for sinners is very liberating. It allows us to leave the judging up to God while practicing the self-sacrificing love he demonstrated on the cross. It will enable us to hold ourselves to a high moral standard without feeling that we must hate those who do not see things the way we do.

Daniel Darling writes, “We must not allow our protest against values with which we disagree to overshadow our responsibility to show Christ’s love for the world. It may very well be the person who offends us the most whom God is in the process of saving. And our gracious response might be the bridge that the Spirit uses to usher him from death to life.”

A trendy catchphrase in Christianity is, “What Would Jesus Do?” WWJD is found on jewelry, emblazoned on bumper stickers, and has entered popular culture. The only way to determine what Jesus would do is by learning what Jesus did.

Romans 5:8 (NKJV) says, “God demonstrates his love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Gentle Reader, Jesus cried for a city of sinners who rejected him. He asked his Father to forgive those who tortured and killed him. We should love the sinner as Christ loves us. After all, we are sinners too. Holding a sign that says “God Hates You” is not an effective way to witness. Let’s follow the example of Jesus, love sinners, and hate sin in our own lives.

John, the disciple that Jesus loved, tells us in 1 John 4:8 (NKJV) that “he who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

Betty and Duane Ready celebrating his 90th. (Photo by Regina Lawry)

Spring clean-up has begun

By Pulse Multi-Media Staff

The Democratic Party of Polk County, Arkansas, and Human Rights Mena gathered March 23 for cleaning up litter alongside the roadways. It was a pretty, breezy Saturday morning, as they were doing their share for the 2024 Keep America Beautiful™ Great American Clean-

up® (GAmC) in Arkansas.

That was the first of their clean-up efforts. They plan on doing another spring clean-up sometime after the eclipse. Look for details on the Keep Arkansas Beautiful site https:// keeparkansasbeautiful.com/get-involved/events/

Saturday, April 20, is Earth Day weekend, with Earth Day being

See CLEAN-UP continued on page 21

Safety first for eclipse event

By Ethan Nahté

With Polk County and adjacent counties being central for the path of totality during the Great American Solar Eclipse of 2024, law enforcement and emergency services want tourists and locals alike to have a great time and to take home wonderful memories, not injuries and tragedies.

In an attempt to get to people sooner in the case of any type of emergency, there will be first aid stations spread throughout the county in case there are traffic jams. The hospital emergency services will be available, but Mena Regional Health System’s clinic will have special operating hours (see the MRHS ad on Page 11 for hours).

The same goes for law enforcement, fire and medical. The joint effort includes city, county, and state police, the U.S. Forest Service, Southwest EMS ambulance service, and the Arkansas State Parks.

If you are in need of medical assistance or some other event that requires the law, call 9-1-1. Keep in mind that in

the mountains, it’s not always feasible to get a phone signal. Also, wi-fi service will be difficult or slow in some areas of the county, especially with the number of expected visitors coming to our part of the country.

For those who are not familiar with the Ouachita Mountains, we have hundreds of motorcyclists who visit on a regular basis, so “Look Twice, Save a Life.”

ATV/OHV riding is extremely popular here with the trail systems. It is not unusual to meet riders on the Polk County roads. At times, they may enter the highway, whether it is a legal crossing or not.

Kansas City Southern Railroad has recently merged with Canadian Pacific Railroad. Our train volume has increased. Most, if not all, of the railroad crossings have signals and/or arms. Please heed the train signals, whether you are in a vehicle or on foot attending downtown events.

We’re hoping you’ll love the area enough to visit time and time again.

Shedding light on eclipse events in Polk County

By Ethan Nahté

If you’re seeking events or some cool places to check out outside the Mena downtown area, the corona if you will, there are happenings within Mena, on its outskirts, and throughout the area, all the way to Wickes in far south Polk County. Some are taking place Friday through Monday while some will only occur on Monday, April 8, the day of the eclipse. There is likely to be some change of plans, or businesses open that were accidentally overlooked. I suggest you take a stroll from one end of Historic Downtown Mena to the other when you’re not at the Mena/ KCS Historic Depot or at Janssen Park. Links to some locations and events can be found at the bottom of this article or

at VisitMena.com in the Solar Eclipse section.

Historic Downtown Mena - Northside (Arts District)

Located just a couple of blocks from the entrance to Janssen Park where the majority of the Mena Eclipse Festival will be happening, there are restaurants, antique stores and shops, including Cowbabes Designs, which will be operating their regular business hours and will also be open on Monday. Blended Nutrition is next to Cowbabes for those seeking freshly made healthy drinks.

American Artisan’s Eatery & Gallery will be open special hours. They will also have an unplugged performance by The Shadow Brothers from 1-3 p.m.

on Sunday. They’re more than a place to eat. They have a variety of local art available for purchase.

Across the street is Skyline Cafe. Be aware they do not accept debit or credit cards. It is one of Arkansas’s oldest restaurants, being 100-plus years old. Needless to say, it’s of Mena’s oldest businesses still in operation and lays claim to being the oldest eatery in town. They’ll have a limited menu and will be open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mena Art Gallery is more than just a local gallery, although we have several extremely talented artists in the area. The gallery has national competitions and stays quite active with a variety of art shows in all mediums.

Across from the Art Gallery, take a load off and check out the Ouachita

Little Theatre. They’ll be performing “Romeo & Juliet.” Word of mouth from those who saw the show last weekend were raving about the performance.

As you head out of old downtown toward the Talimena Scenic Drive that takes you up to several overlooks as well as Queen Wilhelmina State Park, you might see Bigfoot and his family by the side of the road. You can get your picture taken with them. You’ll also find The Shop at the Foot of the Hill having an Eclipse Party out in the yard all four days. They’re open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, then 1 p.m. until they’re partied out on Sunday. They have bigfoot and Mena souvenirs, eclipse merchandise, and tanning beds.

See EVENTS continued on page 26

Autism

SONI

continued from page 1

Varner said. “If it pulls on her skin… she has severe uncontrolled eczema. This is not [the type] you put lotion on and it goes away. She is on steroids every day of her life. She has to put steroid cream on her body every single day because her skin peels and it actually bleeds. If her clothing hangs on her eczema skin, she can’t handle it.

With her sensory integration disorder, if something is not correct with her senses, she cannot pay attention to you. Everything is a distraction because everything has sensory overload. She wears protective ear gear.”

Soni will wear the “ears” during loud events such as watching fireworks while sitting in a vehicle with the windows up, but there are days she’ll be in a room coloring, drawing or creating one of her books and have the ears on to block out extraneous sounds.

She is high-functioning autistic, but she is socially challenged. At one time, when a person had difficulty relating to others socially, showed repetitive be-

havior, and had a narrow range of interest, they may have been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. The name has officially changed and is now included in a condition called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Unlocking the brain

What does being on the spectrum mean?

“She is on a higher scale of functioning because she speaks,” Varner said. “She didn’t speak until she was 6. She’s intellectually behind with her autism. Right now, she is in the fourth grade but she’s performing at a second-grade level.

“At the age of 6, she was diagnosed with ADHD, which we didn’t know because autism and ADHD look a lot alike in girls, not boys. When we found out she had ADHD, they put her on a newer drug called Focalin.”

The medication is a stimulant that works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. Focalin can, in part, help increase the ability to stay focused, pay attention, and control behavioral problems.

“When they put Soni on the Focalin, she started speaking in full sentences almost instantly. It wasn’t like she didn’t know how to talk. It was there in her mind, but it wouldn’t come out. The Focalin unlocked her speech, which is very rare because most kids have to learn how to speak at that age if they hadn’t been speaking. Within two weeks of taking the Focalin, she began speaking in complete sentences.

“The ADHD actually came in really handy in that we found out that she had that and not just the autism. We could figure things out after that.

ASD testing

Varner said, “Soni was one of the youngest female children deemed autistic in Arkansas. She was 3 years old.”

“She would do a whole bunch of noises. She would point and [make] noise. She did a lot of rocking. She held her ears. She didn’t want to walk on her two feet. She would run like a horse on all fours, and then she would make noises

like animals, but she would not speak. Those were the signs that we found out that she had autism.”

Soni remembers making the noises and running around on all fours. She still does those on occasion, such as at her 10th birthday party.

When it comes to the period of not being able to talk or being frustrated about it, Soni doesn’t remember that.

“I remember her pointing and screaming because she couldn’t get the words out,” her mother said.

There are still times Soni will go into a quiet mode. She said, “Sometimes I don’t want to talk at all. I’m just nervous or shy or tired. That just how it is sometimes. A lot of times when I don’t talk, I am usually daydreaming. I like to daydream a lot. If there is a book I’m reading, sometimes I daydream about that. It’s actually really good, because it looks real.”

Creative side

Many times, when the children visit the Pulse office, Soni and Daisy are always coloring and drawing. Soni will create her own images or make up stories using recycled office paper, complete with art, and turn it into a miniature book. She seemingly does that more often than working in a traditional coloring book like her sister.

“I just think of something then I just write it down, and I really do like art.”

She doesn’t believe when she gets older that she’d like pursuing art. She currently would like to work with her

papaw Rod Varner, who has Rodo’s Cycle Center in Mena.

“If I don’t do that, I’ll probably be an animal rescuer. People rescue animals and help find them a home and a happy life. I’ve always wanted to do that.”

Despite her allergies, her animal rescue list includes dogs, cats, big cats, wolves, tigers… maybe even a cheetah.

Other things she enjoys, Varner said, “She likes video games and she writes actual books, and she illustrates every single one of them on her own.”

She really loves dragons. She’s into the big cats such as clouded leopards.

“She was more into mythical animals at first, but it’s more of the real animals now. Even her stuffed animals have to be real. They can’t be pink and green or things like that. If there’s one, there has to be a mom, dad and babies. It has to be a family.”

Autism days

“We have what we call autism days, where she has days that she just can’t,” Varner said. “It doesn’t happen very often. Maybe about once a month she has these days and she’ll just wake up and cry and cry. She’ll say, ‘Mom, I just can’t today.’ She’ll stay home, and she’s covered with that with her 504 Plan.”

A 504 Plan is a federal civil rights law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination. A 504 Plan can help students with learning issues, attention issues, and other disabilities who meet certain criteria access the general education classroom without any barriers.

Varner continued, “If she has an unexcused absence, it’s okay, because they expect that with autism and ADHD.

“She’ll have days where she just hurts all over,” Varner said.

“A lot of times it’s my feet,” Soni said. “They hurt and I don’t want to walk.” She describes the pain as if there is a lot of weight on top of her feet.

See SONI continued on page 17

SONI

continued from page 16

“She’ll tell me some days that she can’t walk. On those days, we try not to leave the house. Or, if she has to come to work with me, she won’t wear shoes. She will actually limp all day long.”

Soni is tall for her age. According to the CDC calculator, she is around the 96th percentile for American females at an even 5 feet. She and her mother are told a lot that it’s growing pains.

“I also think your mind has a lot to deal with how your body feels,” Varner said. “Sometimes, you know, her mind is not minding right now.”

When Soni is hurting and it feels as if weights are putting pressure on her, not only her feet, but legs, hands and arms, water seems to help.

“Water is the best thing. In the summertime we go swimming. If it’s not summertime, I put her in a shower and I tell everybody do not turn on the hot water anywhere else in the house, and she’ll take a shower for like an hour. She’ll just sit there and let the water just run over her. Water really helps.

“Water actually helps with her eczema, too,” Varner said. “After her skin gets wet, I can put her steroid cream on, and it holds it in better that way.”

With the relief water brings and the fact that eczema is not contagious, the family seeks out any kind of water therapy they can get: a hot tub, swimming pool or lake. What works the best is saltwater. They visit Florida at least twice per year.

“I let her just be in the ocean and that really helps her as well. We do Epsom salt every single time she takes a bath,

but it’s not the same as ocean water. It just does the trick.”

There are times when Soni, like most children, doesn’t like being told what to do. Soni’s issue with authority is more than just a phase. Varner said, “When she’s rebellious, that’s something that we struggle with a lot. There’s something called oppositional defiant disorder that they deemed her with when she was younger. If someone tells you what to do, you will do exactly opposite of that.

“I have always struggled with her — everybody — if she’s told what to do, she will do the opposite most of the time. She’s come out of that in her later years. but she’s still rebellious. There are other problems that arise from her various conditions, but her mom said, “Overall, she’s a pretty good kid. She’s very much herself. I don’t ever try to stop her from being her. She’s very quirky, she’s different, she’s loud and she’s a lot of fun. I don’t try to make her anything that she’s not. We know she has all these things, but she’s still Soni. That’s important.”

Social interaction

Due to some of her own social skills issues, and the fact other kids may not really understand all of the various things going on with Soni, friendship and the school environment can be a challenge at times.

At times, it results in being bullied or teased. “Sometimes they’re really mean to me.” She gives examples of students kicking things away from her or taking things away. Some taunt her with rude questions over and over.

When they are mean, Soni perceives that they really mean it and it’s not just playful teasing. As she puts it, they think she’s weird. Other times, she might want to be friends with someone, but they won’t talk to her.

Then there’s home life with her nana, grandmother, mom and her sister. The two girls get along “About as well as a bug and a spider get along,” Soni said.

The two do argue as siblings tend to do. But there are plenty of times the two get along, including Soni teaching Daisy how to ride a bicycle without training wheels.

They have also fallen in love with raising chickens and rabbits. The 2023 Polk County Fair was their first year of entering their menagerie of poultry and rabbits. They each took home seven ribbons.

“They go out together and let their chickens out every day,” their mom said. “They put them in their arms, and they make sure every one of their chickens is told that they’re loved and that they’re pretty. When they open

[the coops], they check for eggs. Soni has shown her how to take care of those chickens like they’re babies.”

The family has recently had a scare involving Daisy. After an emergency hospital trip and testing, she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. It’s been a stressful time for the family. It’s a confusing time for Soni.

“It’s like a crocodile came in the house,” Soni stated. “It was surprising. Like, who would know a crocodile would come in the house?” she asks, as Daisy normally had two speeds before the hospital — go and stop. Having something wrong enough that it put her in the hospital was shocking. Soni admitted, “It makes me upset and sad. I’m upset because I don’t get as much attention.”

“Soni’s always been very attention seeking,” her mom said. “She’s very jealous. A lot of kids with ADHD require a lot of attention. They don’t care if it’s good or bad.”

Varner added, “When Daisy has to get her blood sugar checked, Soni keeps Daisy very calm, which is very sweet and that doesn’t happen very often. She really is the big sister in that case.”

When fantasy becomes reality

Something relatively new for Soni is a problem with Alice in Wonderland. Not the stories or films, but a syndrome that has Soni possibly fighting her own jabberwocky of sorts.

She has something called Alice in Wonderland syndrome (AIWS). According NCBI, AIWS is a rare neuro-

See SONI

continued on page 24

By Kathy Hagler

EHC History and Happenings

Most of the history for this column comes from the book “A Splendid Piece of Work” by Elizabeth Griffin Hill. It’s a history of EHC from 1912-2012. One of my favorite parts of this book is on pages 110-111, “Can She Bake an Apple Pie?” This bit of history demonstrates the importance of a good kitchen layout:

During a summer visit to Yell County during the Depression, the Home Demonstration Agent asked the women from the local clubs to count the number of steps they walked to prepare and serve an apple pie. They would answer the roll call at the next meeting with the number of steps they had walked to prepare and serve said pie. A woman by the name of Mrs. Apple walked the most steps — a whopping one-sixth of a mile! For one pie! It was

estimated that Mrs. Apple walked a total of 4 miles PER DAY just to prepare her family’s meals. That’s a grand total of 1,460 miles per year! And that didn’t count the dusting, sweeping or other household/farm chores she did during the day. With the agent’s help, and a more efficient kitchen layout, Apple reduced her steps to approximately 100 per meal. This puts a whole new slant on the phrase “modern convenience.”

Kat Robinson appearance

We’re going to carry on with the pie theme for part of our April Happenings. Kat Robinson, the Arkansas Pie Lady, is coming to town! She will speak April 19, 10 a.m., at the Ouachita Center of the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain. This event is free to the public, and I encourage you to attend. Robinson is a very entertaining speaker. She is Arkansas’ food historian and

host of AETN’s “Make Room For Pie; A Delicious Slice of The Natural State.” She has authored several cookbooks, just to name a few of her accomplishments. She will be available for book sales and signing after the program.

Quilt Show challenge

The Ouachita Quilt Show Committee has announced a Patriotic/Americana themed block challenge for the 2024 quilt show. This year’s challenge is being sponsored by the James K. Polk Chapter, NSDAR. Blocks must measure 12 1/2 inches square when submitted, and be Red, White, and Blue patriotic themed. The submitted blocks become property of the quilt show committee. The committee will use these blocks to make quilts of valor/honor to be presented to local veterans during the 2025 Quilt show.

Kat

Robinson will be coming to the Ouachita Center in Mena on April 19. (Used by permission)

The Polk County Housing Authority will be closed Monday, April 8 because of the Solar Eclipse.

The Polk County Disabled Veterans of America, and Auxiliary, will be holding their monthly meetings at Veterans Park in Acorn on Thursday, April 4. Potluck will be served at 6 p.m. with meetings to follow.

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 Democrat meeting for April 8 is cancelled due to the Eclipse. Democrats will be meeting 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.

The Polk County Social Seniors will be meeting at noon on April 9 at Little Italy, 1411 Hwy. 71 North. Bring a friend or two to socialize and eat to meet new friends. Any Questions? Call Linda Johnson at (956) 241-2633.

Women for Jesus Group meeting for monthly prayer and study. Everyone welcome. The meeting will be Tuesday, April 16, at the Church of Christ in Clayton, Oklahoma, at 6:30 p.m. Food will be provided. Bring Bible. For more information call Dr. Cynthia Perkins at (918) 429-8538.

Around Town

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.

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 noon-4 p.m. The library is located at 121 Cemetery Rd. (old Agri building) in Hatfield.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at The Crossing Church, 3 p.m., Sundays; at 5 p.m., Tuesdays; and at 8 p.m. Saturdays at the old bus barn. For information call (479) 234-8366 or (479) 216-3786.

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) 3945459.

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 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!

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

March 25, 2024

Deputies were dispatched to a business near Acorn in reference to a theft.

March 26, 2024

Deputies responded to a harassment report on Hwy 375 W near Mena leading to the arrest of Jayzlee Bahr, 24, of Mena on a charge of Harassment.

An incident on Polk 676 near Acorn led to the arrest of Alesha St. Germaine, 42, of Mena on charges of DWI, 2nd Degree Domestic Battery, and 3rd Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Minor.

March 27, 2024

Charles Welch, 43, of Hatfield was arrested by an officer with Probation Parole to be held for another agency.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 662 near Mena in reference to a physical altercation.

March 28, 2024

No reports.

March 29, 2024

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to gunshots near a residence near Shady.

David Howell, 42, of Waldron was arrested on a Failure to Appear

Warrant.

Bryan Lawrence, 62, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons.

March 30, 2024

Timothy Stubbs, 43, of Lockesburg was arrested on a Body Attachment.

March 31, 2024

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Ashley Lane near Wickes in reference to a possible overdose. Deputies were dispatched to Stephanie Lane near Grannis in reference to a vehicle being damaged. Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Arco Iris Lane near Potter in reference to gunshots.

Deputies responded to 2nd Street near Wickes in reference to a dog bite.

Juanielle Brown, 25, of Washington, AR was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas State Police to be held for another agency.

Jack Cannon, 29, of Mena was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas State Police on a charge of Theft by Receiving.

Darrin Cannon, 27, of Mena was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas State Police on a charge of Theft by Receiving.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked 3 vehicle accidents this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail Population: 44 Incarcerated Inmates with 12 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility. CLEAN-UP continued from page 14 on April 22. Two groups will be doing a clean-up starting at 8 a.m. in the area. One is at the Cherry Hill Cemetery. The other will meet at the Mena Train Depot. Visit the link above for more details.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

March 24

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

March 25

Melissa Hartin, 48, was served with a warrant at the police department.

March 26

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

Brandy Gallop, 26, was charged with Disorderly Conduct at a residence on Strandburg Circle.

March 27

A report of littering was taken from Washburn’s Home Furnishings.

March 28

A report of vehicle theft was taken at a residence on Bonner Circle.

Karson Crawford, 31, was charged with Disorderly Conduct at Walmart.

March 29

No reports.

March 30

Windal Loyd, 43, was charged with Domestic Battery and Resisting Arrest at a residence on 12th Street.

The U.S. Forest Service will be conducting a clean-up at some point after the eclipse.

Cossatot River State Park – Natural Area is inviting the community out to a post-eclipse litter clean-up scheduled for Tuesday, April 9.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on the region next week to catch a glimpse of the April 8 Great American Total Solar Eclipse. One of the issues public officials have expressed concern over is litter left behind. Cossatot River State Park will host the cleanup the day after the eclipse to get the natural area back in tip-top shape.

Everyone is asked to join the Cossatot River State Park Staff, Umpire High School Students and other volunteers for a day of service cleaning up litter. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the cleanup at 9 a.m.

Trash bags, gloves, safety vests and other supplies will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own pick-up sticks or trash grabbers.

For more information, contact the park at 870-385-2201 or the UofA Cooperative Extension Service at 870-584-3013.

- SERVICES -

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0403

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 T0327

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

- 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 me 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 T0410

- LOTS FOR SALE -

Mena lot for sale - 130’x180’ beautiful, treed lot, 1210 Vivian - 300’ from swimming pool, 3 blocks to downtown. Electric, sewer, water and natural gas on site. Mid-30’s, RV pad. (870) 828-0839 T0403

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.

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. 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

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

INVITATION FOR BIDS

The Housing Authority of the County of Polk, Arkansas, hereinafter called the "Public Housing Agency," or PHA, will receive bids for the repair and replacement of approximately 1000 ft. of chain link fence at Wickes, Arkansas, until 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, at the office of the PHA located at 509 South Morrow St., Mena, Arkansas, 71953, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Any bid received after the closing time will be returned unopened.

Copies of bidding documents may be obtained from the office of the PHA at the address below by depositing $50.00 for each set of bid documents up to a maximum of two sets. Such deposit will be refunded to each person who submits a bona-fide bid and returns the bidding documents complete and in good condition within seven (7) days after the bid opening.

Additional sets for Prime Bidders and all documents for non-prime bidders such as material suppliers and subcontractors may be purchased at their own expense by sending their check for $50.00 to the PHA at the address below. For viewing prior to making plan deposit, Bidding Documents may be examined at the following places:

Housing Authority of the County of Polk

509 South Morrow Street

Mena, Arkansas 71953 (479) 394-1565

ln 2 Market Reprographics

Prime bidder's returning documents prior to the bid date and/or not submitting a bona-fide bid, shall forfeit their deposit unless documents are returned seven-(7) calendar days before opening of bids, with notification in writing that a bid will not be submitted. Said notification may be by email. Prime bidders who have not returned the documents by the seventh day after bid date shall forfeit their deposit.

The attention of each bidder is called to the requirements as to conditions of employment to be observed and minimum wage rates (included in this Project Manual) to be paid under the contract. Participation of small, minority and women owned enterprises is encouraged.

All bids must be submitted on forms furnished by the PHA as bound in the Project Manual, submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked to show the name and address of the bidder, bidders license no., contract job number, and date and time of bid opening. Bidders must conform to the requirements of the Arkansas State Licensing Law for General Contractors and are required to have a current Arkansas Contractor's License in accordance with current Arkansas State Statute 71-701 et seq.

There will be a mandatory "Pre-Bid Conference and walk through" prior to Bid Date, at 10:00 A.M., on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Bids received from contractors not attending the Pre-Bid Conference and Walkthrough or not on the Bidders List, will be returned unopened.

A cashier's check, certified check, or acceptable bidder's bond payable to the Owner in an amount not less than 5% of the largest possible total for the bid submitted must accompany each bid as a guarantee that, if awarded the contract, the bidder will promptly enter into a contract and execute such bonds and insurance as may be required.

The successful bidder shall be required to furnish an Arkansas Statutory Performance and Payment Bond or Bonds in the amount of 100 percent of the Contract Bid for contracts that exceed $25,000.

The PHA reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding.

No Bidder may withdraw his bid within sixty (60) days after the actual date of the bid opening.

By: Dixie Shrader, Executive Director

Housing Authority of the County of Polk

Mena,

Arkansas 71953-4398

Governor Sanders opens internship applications for the summer of 2024

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today encouraged interested students to apply for a summer internship in the Governor’s office.

“Working in our state capitol and serving the great people of Arkansas is an exciting and rewarding opportunity. Interns will gain firsthand knowledge about the various roles and responsibilities of the Governor’s office and work directly with my staff to advance key priorities. I encourage all students interested to apply,” said Governor Sanders.

Those interested may apply at governor.arkansas.gov/online-services/internship-application/. Applications are due April 15 at 11:59 p.m. This unpaid internship lasts from June 3–July 26 and will require roughly 30 hours a week.

Applicants may specify their desired department within the Governor’s office:

- Boards & Commissions

- Communications

- Constituent Services

- Legislative Affairs

- Policy

- Public Affairs

continued from page 17

logical manifestation. It describes a set of symptoms with alteration of body image. An alteration of visual perception is found in the way that the sizes of body parts or sizes of external objects are perceived incorrectly. The most common perceptions are at night.

Varner said, “It comes and goes, especially during stressful times in her life. She will go to sleep at night, like normal, but she wakes up and she’ll scream, ‘My hands are too big! My head’s too big! My feet are too big! Let’s go to war!’ She’ll run up and down the hallway and she’s going to war with I don’t know what.

“After the doctor told me, I thought he was crazy, and it was the weirdest thing ever. But if you look it up it says that you wake up, but you’re not really in reality, but you’re not really dreaming. AIWS is very disturbing.

“There’s no snapping out of it. It runs its course and then she goes back to sleep. The next day she doesn’t remember it.”

Soni also has short-term memory. “I don’t know why she has short-term memory loss,” Varner said. “She’s been on allergy medicine since she was old enough to take liquid medication. Some of the doctors have told me that allergy medicine over long periods of time can cause short-term memory loss, but also it can come with autism or ADHD. It could come from being sleep-deprived. She has always had really bad short-term memory loss.”

Defying the odds

“When I was 16 weeks pregnant, the doctor told me that Soni had holes in her brain and her heart and positive for Down syndrome. She’s not. They said she’d never make it to birth. When I found out I was pregnant, she was a tubal baby.”

The condition can lead to bleeding in the mother and is life-threatening, not to mention the dangers for the embryo.

“They at five weeks straight up told SONI

See SONI

continued on page 25

SONI

continued from page 24

me that she’d never live. Within two hours of them telling me that, she had moved from my tube to my uterus. I had to have surgery to remove a cyst the size of a softball. She lived through the surgery.”

“I was 42 weeks pregnant with her. She came out sunnyside up. She was blue and gray. She had swallowed what she wasn’t supposed to swallow, so they didn’t think she’d live past 24 hours.

“They had told me that she wouldn’t live since I was five weeks pregnant. She’s 10-years-old and thriving,” Varner said with tears in her eyes. “She didn’t speak until she was 6. She was in Children’s Hospital for three years of her life. She’s had C. diff three times. She has died in my arms twice.

“She’s supposed to be here… and you can’t tell me she’s not. I have fought for her life since I was five weeks pregnant. She has gone through hell, and she has returned victorious. I expect great things out of this child.”

The Golden Rule

To those who taunt, bully, or even ignore someone they feel is different or weird, Soni has what should be a simple and attainable solution.

“If you want people to be kind to you, be kind to them.”

That may not be the an exact quote, but it’s alright if it’s a little different.

[Ed. Read the full interview with Soni and Ariel on MyPulseNews.com]

EVENTS

continued from page 15

There will be a food and drink vendor on site, and word has it they’ll heve a special guest appearance doing photos and signing autographs.

Near the train tracks is Books & Stuf. They’ve got a wide selection in several genres, as well as non-fiction and non-secular options for you book lovers. They’ll be stamping the inside front of the books with a commemorative eclipse stamp.

In the same building is the Japanese Rieki Hibachi & Sushi restaurant.

Sherwood Bistro serves smoothies, coffee, sandwiches and more.

Next to Sherwood Bistro is one of the newest places to shop at The Finer Things. They specialize in the items they carry. Both businesses are across from the train depot.

Mena/KCS Historic Depot is where the Mena Eclipse Festival extends to. There will be kid’s activities and vendors there. Mena was built by the money to extend a railway through the area.

Mena’s was incorporated on Sept. 18, 1896. The first train rolled through a month prior to that. The depot serves as a home for a museum, the Mena/ Polk County Chamber of Commerce, and the Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission.

Historic Downtown Mena - Southside Crossing Highway 71, there is Rich Mountain Music, which has been going through some renovations. They carry a nice selection of instruments.

Next door is Honey & Pearls, where you can find coffee and food items, including homemade tamales. They will be staying open 24 hours throughout the four days of festivities.

A couple of doors down the block is Coast to Coast Home & Hardware. You never know what you might find in the shop.

Farm House Herbs & Health Food is a few feet away. Their wide selection of everything healthy also includes local honey for purchase.

If you want breakfast, pizza, sandwiches, locally roasted coffee or locally brewed beers, as well as other Arkansas microbrews, you might enjoy The Ouachitas. It’s a good place to catch live music.

There are other shops down the way, everything from print shops with souvenirs, furniture and the Mena Flea Market.

If you have an electric vehicle and need to charge up, there are a pair of of chargers at the Electric Vehicle Charging Station just beyond the Mena Flea Market.

There are other independently owned places throughout Mena to get burgers, Tex-Mex, barbecue, steaks, chicken, fish, breakfast and more. There is also a selection of fast-food joints, a few churches and the Masonic Lodge will be serving food for donations, and the First Financial Bank is cooking hot dogs for a fundraiser for L.E.A.F.

Outskirts of Mena

Queen Wilhelmina State Park has

already been mentioned. The original “Castle in the Couds” was built when the railroad was being built on the second highest peak in the state. The view is picturesque, there is a restaurant, and for the outdoorsy type, there are a few short hiking trails. If you really enjoy hiking, come back sometime when you can take on the Ouachita National Recreation Trail. The 192-mile trail extends from near Talihina, Oklahoma, to Pinnacle Mountain State Park outside the state capital in Little Rock, Arkansas. There will be a park interpreter doing fun programs related to the eclipse Friday-Sunday. Those events as well as events at the Cossatot State Park - Natural Area.

If you follow Hwy 71 North to the end of town, the highway splits. To the left it takes yu past Tapley Park and goes to Waldron, up to Fort Smith about an hour-and-a-half away when there’s not road congestion.

If you follow the split from Hwy. 71 to the right, it becomes Highway 88 and will lead you to the turnoff for Mena Lake.

About five minutes out of town on Hwy. 88 you will notice a sign for The Blue Zip Line & Farm Solar Eclipse Festival. Check their site for performances, activities and gate price. They have zip lines, of course, but they have a four-day program with live music, activities for children, horseback riding, a beer garden, vendors, and more. Take your lawn chairs or a blanket to enjoy the music on the relatively new Bull Pasture Amphitheater and the Fox Pen Amphitheater. https://blueziplinefarm. com/solar-eclipse-festival

The signal light at the south end of Mena is at Hwy. 71 and Reine Street. Follow Reine out of town for 10 minutes or so and you’ll find Avalon Keep. They also have a gate price. Check out their website for details on events and pricing. Their guests will have access to an art workshop, a gardening workshop and on Monday, their main event is the vow ceremony in Moongate Garden and the reception afterward. Get

married or renew you vows shortly after the totality of the eclipse occurs, but before the moon fully passes between the earth and the sun.

Tickets may be purchased at AvalonKeep.com/coming-events.

Not far from Avalon Keep, as you head toward the Arkansas/Oklahoma border, there’s a turnoff for Lake Wilhelmina. It’s possible there might still be some eagles this laste in the season nesting and raising their chicks.

If you head east out of Mena, you will see Hwy. 375 East as you exit. Make a right and go a mile or so and you’ll be at the Elks Lodge for their Solar Eclipse Blitz those 21-plus.

If you remain on Hwy. 8 East, you’ll pass the Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport. There are turn-offs from Hwy. 8 East on 375 and other locations about 10 miles out of town and beyond that lead to campgrounds, clear streams, and the Wolf Pen ATV Trails.

This is just some of what Polk County has to offer. Enjoy what you can while you’re here, then come back when it’s a little easier to get around.

From the VisitMena.com site:

- American Artisans - Special Hours

- Avalon Eclipse Music Festival and VIP Camping

- Blue Zipline & Farm Solar Eclipse Festival

- Fully Baked Cafe - Special Hours

- Grace Bible Church - Food, Parking, Eclipse Viewing

- Honey & Pearls - Special Hours

- Mena Masonic Lodge - Special Breakfast Offering Benefitting Rex Burns Scholarship

- Mena Municipal Airport - Fly-in for the 2024 Eclipse

- Mena Elks Lodge Solar Eclipse Blitz

- Ouachita Little Theatre - Romeo & Juliet Production

- Polk County Fair and Rodeo Association RV Sites

- The Crossing Church - Pop-Up Breakfast

Parker steps up to the challenge in Oklahoma

Jasmine Parker, 15, of Mena participated on Saturday, March 30, in the 2nd Annual All Female USA Amateur Boxing Tournament at Life Changes and Wellness in Spencer, Oklahoma, a suburb on the northeast side of Oklahoma City.

Parker entered the tournament in her weight division of 105 pounds. She weighed in on-weight to find out, however, her opponent from Texas came in 11 pounds over the agreed upon weight due to physical reasons that really could not be avoided for females. We face this often in female boxing.

Parker was awarded the championship title in that division on a walkover basis. However, everyone involved agreed upon a catchweight bout, which means Parker would have to put on enough weight to reach the required allowance to actually compete.

With that in mind, she ate and did what needed to be done. Her opponent lost a little weight in the allotted time. Both girls were allowed to reweigh at the specified time. The allowance was met, and the match was made official.

In the end, Parker came up short on a very close and exciting bout against the bigger female, losing a thin 2-1 split decision.

This is a testament to Parker’s work ethic, determination and hard work she puts in to better herself in this sport. She earned the championship and did what she needed to do to secure herself another championship belt.

She also worked her butt off to be able to compete regardless of having to step up two weight classes to face a very good Texas fighter, which anyone who knows is a task in itself.

Coach Richard Hexamer said, “I am very, very proud of Jasmine and have no doubt she gained much needed national exposure and experience in this outing. There is so much more involved in this outing than just a fight. Her true character came shining through.

“She is tough and resilient. She will use this in her efforts to improve.”

EmeryselectedAnderson as an All-American

By Ethan Nahté

Mena High School senior Emery Anderson has been selected as a High School Scholar All-American by the National Wrestling Coaches Association and the Marine Corp.

Anderson had a winning weekend in February, finishing as the Arkansas state runner-up in the 5A140 weight class and was chosen for both All-State and All-Conference in the post season.

In March, Anderson competed at the Meet of the Champions at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville. Anderson came out victorious at that tournament as well.

(Photo courtesy of Mena Public Schools)

(Photo courtesy of Richard Hexamer)