The Polk County Pulse - January 10, 2024

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JANUARY 10, 2024

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The CALL in Polk County finds a new home

INSIDE:

Article and photos by Ethan Nahté

Winter Utility Help

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Romeo & Juliet

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Annual Hoop Shoot

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The CALL in Polk County held an open house at their new location the week before Christmas. The new space is considerably bigger than where they were housed, and it offers some privacy for families who need a cozy space to talk and interact. It has nice furniture, toys to keep the younger children occupied, and a changing station.The new location is housed in a building within the Dallas Avenue Baptist Church in Mena.

Alyssa Green, church coordinator at The CALL in Polk County, said, “We’ve been hoping for another space for the last year or so, then we got offered this place about six months ago. It’s been a little bit of a process for us to get here…

and we got here, thank the good Lord. It’s been great.

“We had the JAG class from [Mena] High School come over and help move us. They loaded up the school bus, brought the school bus over and packed all of the stuff in two school busloads. That was really good. It’s been a lot of team effort, for sure.”

The CALL Mall The CALL Mall accepts donations for items to primarily help foster families within Polk County.

“Our CALL Mall coordinator came over,” Green said. “She’s come in and organized all of this.

“We take new and used clothing, always new diapers, socks, underwear and things like that.

“We take shoes. Shoe Sensation actu-

See THE CALL continued on page 10

Finalists named for 2024 Arkansas Tourism Henry Awards The winners of the annual Henry Awards will be revealed on Tuesday, Feb. 27, during the 50th annual Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism to be held in Jonesboro Feb. 25-27. These awards recognize outstanding accomplishment and excellence in Arkansas’ tourism industry.

The awards and finalists are: “The Natural State Tourism Devel-

opment Award” is presented to a community, organization, special event or attraction for an innovative project that “stands out from the crowd” because of its unique appeal or creative approach that increases community pride and placemaking.

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tors Bureau World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Hot Springs

“The Tourism Organization of the Year” is presented to a convention and visitors bureau, advertising and promotion commission, chamber of Creative Group of Arkansas, commerce or other entity for excelSearcy See TOURISM Little Rock Convention & Visicontinued on page 2

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January 10, 2024

TOURISM continued from page 1

in recognition of specific accomplishments, demonstrated leaderlence over the course of the previ- ship and commitment to the indusous year. try.

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Destination Rogers Little Rock Convention & Visi- tors Bureau Main Street El Dorado -

“The Tourism Attraction of the Year” recognizes the contribution of local attractions in drawing visitors, delivering excellence in customer service and enhancing the profile of the area.

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Arkansas State Parks Museum of Discovery, Little Rock Pumpkin Hollow, Piggott

“The Rising Star Award” is presented to a young tourism professional

Derek Campbell, Mena Heather Kouns, North Little Rock Thomas Williams, Helena-West Helena

“The Tourism Region of the Year” is presented to one of Arkansas’ 12 Regional Tourist Associations for excellence over the course of the previous year. The winner is selected by all registered conference attendees through an online vote.

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Northwest Arkansas Tourism Association Ozark Gateway Tourist Council Ozark Mountain Region

past year to the betterment of the tourism industry.

For more information on the 50th annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism, contact Arkansas Tourism at 501-682-5240.

For specific information on the Henry Awards, contact Kristine Puckett at 501-682-1088.

Campbell said, “I’m very honored and excited to be considered for the Rising Star award at this year’s Arkansas Governor’s Conference Derek Campbell, owner of The Ouachion Tourism. I never would have tas, is a finalist for “The Rising Star dreamed, when I started five years Award.” ago, that I would have the opportuDuring the awards ceremony, the nity to be so involved in Arkansas “Tourism Person of the Year Award” Tourism. I am very excited to conwill also be announced. Selected by tinue working with all of the amazformer honorees, the “Tourism Per- ing people in this industry and to son of the Year Award” is presented see Arkansas flourish!” to an individual who is actively involved in tourism and has made a substantial contribution within the

January 10, 2024

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After being made aware of Operation Sea Spray, I went to Google that led me to Wikipedia.

I read in detail about an experiment conducted on unwitting U.S. citizens by our own military/government. The details and other links to other experiments carried out on various U.S. cities/citizens is too lengthy for a letter to the editor and I encourage you to go to Google and Wikipedia and read the data in its entirety. I will try to briefly sum up what I gathered from my research.

The U.S. Navy conducted secret tests in the San Fransisco Bay area by releasing 2 bacteria, thought to be harmless, from a ship off the coast from September 20-27, 1950. There were 43 monitoring areas, and the Army concluded the 800,000 residents of San Fransisco inhaled 5,000 particles each, which was within the range of infectivity for Anthrax.

Shortly thereafter 11 people checked into Stanford Hospital in San Fransisco with rare and serious urinary tract infections.

Of those, 10 recovered and 1 died. Cases of pneumonia also increased. It was never proven there was a direct correlation to this experiment and those medical outcomes.

If you read the articles on this, you will find references to 12 other such experiments conducted on unwitting U.S. citizens in different areas of the USA. In a 1977 Senate committee hearing the U.S. Army admitted to 239 open air tests, using live bacteria in 80 tests from 1949 to 1969. After reading these re-

News 3

Want to share your opinion? ports, the question arises of how many unexplained diseases are we facing that may have come from experiments conducted on citizens throughout the world by governments wanting to find the dangers of biological warfare and it's spread? Cancer, AIDS, COVID-19, birth defects, diabetes, or even heart disease? What irreversible damage has been done from bacteria released that were thought to be harmless?

Even better yet, where does our government or their agencies get off thinking we are OK with being used as guinea pigs or lab rats? Perhaps even more concerning is the question are tests still being conducted covertly?

There are serious concerns to find out we have been used in such a way and had there not been a hearing, would we know?

I would also ask what is it we do not know and is there more that could be revealed by further hearings? As I have many times in the past, I encourage you to read and find your own answers.

Be informed and do not be duped. We keep electing these folks and trusting our welfare to them and they may not have our best interests at heart.

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

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

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4 Politics

January 10, 2024 From the

State House of Representatives

As the Preferential PrimaTo register in Arkansas you ry Election and Nonpartisan must fill out a paper Voter Registration Application.

General Election draw near You can pick up an applicain Arkansas, it’s crucial for tion at the following locations: every eligible citizen to rec- Your local county clerk. ognize the power they hold -The Arkansas Secretary of within their vote. The upcomState Elections Division: 1-800ing election on March 5, 2024, serves as an opportunity for John Maddox 482-1127.

-Local revenue or DMV office.

Arkansans to shape the future - Public library. of their communities, the state, and the - Disability agency. nation. The deadline to register to vote - Military recruitment office. for this significant event is Monday, February 5.

You can print a form to mail or reArkansas is home to 1,738,711 registered voters. Each of these individuals quest an application to be mailed to carries the potential to influence the you at sos.arkansas.gov.

Once your local county clerk has protrajectory of local and state policies.

However, the unfortunate reality is that cessed your Voter Registration Applivoter turnout during primary elections cation, he/she will send you a personalhas not always reflected the signifi- ized voter registration card. This could take up to several weeks. You may also cance of this responsibility.

In the 2022 Preferential Primary Elec- check your voter registration status ontion and Nonpartisan General Election, line by visiting www.voterview.org It’s essential to recognize that the deArkansas experienced a voter turnout of just 25.98%. The turnout in the 2020 cisions made at the ballot box extend Preferential Primary Election and Non- beyond partisan politics; they directly impact education, healthcare, infrapartisan General Election was 28%.

The first step in exercising your right structure, and various other facets of to vote is ensuring that you are regis- our daily lives. The future of Arkansas tered. The deadline for registration is is in the hands of its citizens, and votfast approaching on Monday, February ing is the most direct way to shape that 5. Don’t miss this chance to be part of future. the democratic process.

Contact Your Legislators!

John Maddox john.maddox@ arkansashouse.org 520 Church Avenue Mena, AR 71953 Call: 479-394-6060

Terry Rice Terry.Rice@senate.ar.gov P.O. Box 2195 Waldron, AR 72958 479-637-3100

John Boozman

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

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

From the

State Senate

LITTLE ROCK – Thanks maints for unemployment to legislation passed last year, benefits if they fail to respond Arkansas businesses will save to an offer of a job, or if they about $31 million in taxes don’t show up for a previouspaid for unemployment inly scheduled job interview on surance in 2024. at least two occasions. Act Legislative approval of Act 106 took effect on January 1.

196 was a priority for the Act 854 is another new law Terry Rice state’s business community, that went into effect last Octoand it passed in the Senate by a vote ber penalizes claimants who frauduof 29-to-3. lently receives more than $1,000 in The act grants tax relief to busi- unemployment insurance. They shall nesses in a variety of ways. It lowers be ineligible for unemployment benthe unemployment insurance tax rate efits for 10 years. for new employers from 2.9 percent to 1.9 percent.

Election Laws The new law also repeals the rates Arkansas voters go to the polls this of 14 percent and 10 percent that year and numerous new election laws used to be levied on deficit rated em- will be in effect. They include Act 194 ployers. of 2023, which authorizes the state When the unemployment trust Attorney General to review ballot tifund is above $600 million the tax- tles and popular names of proposed able wage base is set at $7,000. The amendments and initiatives. For act limits increases to the taxable years the Attorney General reviewed wage base to $2,000 a year. ballot titles, but in 2019 the legislaAt the end of 2023 the balance in ture transferred that authority to the the fund was about $918 million.

Board of Election Commissioners.

Act 196 reduces the maximum Act 194 transfers it back to the way it length of time for collecting benefits was before 2019. from 16 weeks to 12 weeks.

Act 766 makes it a crime to destroy The act also allows revenue from signatures gathered on petitions to assessments on businesses to be used place an issue on the ballot. for upgrades in technology and hardAct 300 schedules all special elecware, and for training. tions on the same day as ordinary The Arkansas Division of Work- elections. In other words, special force Services administers unem- elections will be held on the May ployment benefits. It also offers primary or the November general education and job training to unem- election date. In years when voters ployed people and helps them find elect a president, as they will in 2024, work. the Arkansas primary election is in Another new state law that went March. into effect on January 1 is Act 587, Act 620 requires the state Board of which provides that people getting Election Commissioners to conduct unemployment shall become ineligi- more frequent reviews of election-reble for benefits for any week during lated documents and results. It also which they do not make at least five creates and Election Integrity Unit contacts seeking new jobs. within the Attorney General’s office.

Similarly, Act 106 disqualifies clai-

January 10, 2024 Edsel Eugene (Gene) Richmond

Edsel Eugene (Gene) Richmond passed away from this life and into the arms of Jesus on January 5th, 2024, at the age of 93 in Mena, Arkansas. He was Born December 30, 1930, in Nella, Arkansas, to the Late Edgar E. Richmond and the late Lula Richmond-Leamon He was married to the late Helean L Richmond. He retired from the Air Force after serving 20 years. During his time in the Air Force, he was stationed in Japan; Germany; Aleutian Islands, Alaska; Anchorage, Alaska; and several locations in the continental United States. After retiring from the Air Force, he moved to Mena, Arkansas, and became a farmer raising hogs and cattle on his land between Nunley and Board Camp, Arkansas. After retiring from farming, he volunteered at the Forest Service information center at the base or Rich Mountain. He was a member of the genealogy society.

He spent many hours researching genealogy on his family and friends. He loved to hunt and fish. He loved spending time with his Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren.

Gene was a devout Christian. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Mena where he had served as the teacher of the men’s adult Sunday School class. Earlier in his life he was a member of Salem Baptist Church at Nunley, Arkansas, where he had served as a deacon.

He spent his final few years at the Green House Cottages of Mena where he was truly loved and cared for by the aids and nurses at the facility.

He was preceded in death by his wife Helean Richmond, son Randy Richmond, sister Helen Thomas. nephew Delbert Wayne Thomas and wife Kathryn.

He is survived by his son Duane Richmond and his wife Cindy; his sister Ruby Lunsford; Nephew Garland

Thomas and wife Linda; Grandchildren Shawna Ramos and husband Omar, Nikki Garrett, Jeff Richmond, Andrew Richmond and wife Rachel, Dena Hamilton; Great-Grandchildren Jeffery Richmond, Myranda Richmond, Trinaty Richmond, Sevyn Richmond, Andrew Combs, Francisco Ramos, Mateo Ramos, Nicolas Ramos, Nathaniel Ramos, Kade Garrett, Kinley Garrett, Kylie Rayburn.

Services for Mr. Edsel Richmond will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the Beasley-Wood Chapel in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Jim Tennery will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena, Arkansas. There will be a visitation scheduled for Tuesday, January 9, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Beasley-Wood Chapel.

Pallbearers are Jeff Richmond, Jeffery Richmond J.R., Andrew Richmond, Andrew Combs, Kade Garrett, and Omar Ramos.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Richard Don Rice

Richard Don Rice, 28, of Sandy Vally, Nevada, passed away on January 1, 2024, in Mena, Arkansas. Richard was born on September 11, 1995, to Robert Ewirn Rice and Cheryll Ann (Beam) Rice in Las Vegas, Nevada. He worked in construction most of his life. He was known for being a jack of all trades, especially when it came to his hands. He was notorious for taking things apart and putting them back together. He was a jokester, extremely intelligent, and had a passion for working on cars and tattoos.

Richard is survived by his parents, Robert Rice and Cheryll Rice, brothers, Kenneth Hale, Jr. and Steven Thompson, sisters, Annie Fairless and Jordann Kenyon, nephews, Zeppelin Smith and

Obituaries 5

Kasher Dollarhyde, and his best friend Riley who is a German Shepard.

He is preceded in death by his grandmothers, Linda Rice and Willa Regalado.

There are no services scheduled at this time and cremation is under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

the neighborhood feral cats. He was also kind and tender towards those he loved. Ray will be greatly missed by his friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Humane Society of the Ouachitas of Mena, Arkansas, in his honor.

May 19, 1961-November 15, 2023

Judyth (Judy) Carrie Kauffman, age 82, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at the Mena Regional Health System in Mena, Arkansas. She was born on Saturday, June 28, 1941, to Dorman and Wilma Johnson in Des Moines, Iowa.

Judy was a homemaker most of her life. She was very creative in the arts and crafts area. She was an excellent artist. Judy was devoted to her family and a very loving person to all who knew her. She loved camping and spent seven years full time RVing. Judy was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother and friend and will be missed by all.

Judy is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Richard (Rick) Kauffman of Mena who retired from the Air Force; her siblings, Margaret Ann (Grant) Adkins, Claudia (Boyd) Dansie, Jim (Tris) Johnson; her children, Andy (Jeanne) Foster, Carrie (Bob) Hardman, Jenny (Casey) Brookshire, Frank (Rochelle) Foster, Cindy Kauffman and fiancé, Steve, all from the Des Moines, Iowa area; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Dorman and Wilma Johnson; her sister, Helen (Skip) Johnson; a daughter and son-in-law, Kathy (Ed) Albaugh.

There will be no memorial services as per her wishes. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Raymond Leo Foye

Raymond Leo Foye, of Mena, Arkansas, was born May 19, 1961, to Raymond and Millie Foye in Columbus, Ohio.

He was predeceased by his parents; his sister Kathy Foye Lafferty of Virginia; his former wife Barbara Logan of Alabama.

He is survived by his sister Mary Foye Ricketts of California and his brother George Foye of California.

Ray attended elementary and junior high in Denbigh Neighborhood of Newport News, Virginia. He graduated high school and completed HVAC certification in San Jose, California. He owned and operated his own commercial ice machine repair business. He was fondly known as “the ice man” as stated on his business cards. He contracted with the City of McKinney as an ice machine specialist and serviced businesses in the Historical District of McKinney, Texas, where he lived and worked from the 80’s through 2020.

Ray was a hard worker, honest, and trustworthy. He was also an avid reader and took a personal interest in his community. He journaled and was often a guest columnist for the Editorial page of the McKinney Courier Gazette.

In 2020, Ray retired for health reasons and moved to the natural state of Arkansas known for its natural beauty. Ray moved to Mena to be close to his creator. He loved the solitude of his home in Mena. Ray loved nature and wildlife. He enjoyed walks along the trails and rivers in the area. Ray favored his cocker spaniel dogs he had as pets for many years. He also was tender hearted, adopting and feeding

Judyth (Judy) Carrie Kauffman

6 Obituaries

January 10, 2024 Bobby Theron Lott

Bobby Theron Lott, age 88, of Acorn, Arkansas, died Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Mercy Medical Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born on Monday, September 23, 1935, to Lee Warney and Ruby Sarah Strother Lott in Ink, Arkansas.

Bobby served with honor in the United States Air Force, embodying the values of duty and dedication. As a member of the Midway Freewill Baptist Church at Opal, his spiritual journey was a cornerstone of his identity, and the fellowship within the church community enriched his life. Devotion to family was at the core of Bobby’s being. His love for his children and grandchildren was boundless. In the quiet moments, Bobby found solace in the garden, nurturing plants and enjoying nature. His love for reading further expanded his horizons, offering moments of quiet reflection and intellectual fulfillment.

Bobby’s commitment to his community extended beyond his military service.

Serving as a Justice of the Peace and dedicating many years to the Acorn Water Department, he played an instrumental role in shaping and enhancing the lives of those around him. He was proud to be a 4H leader for many years, helping young people learn the ropes. As a skilled carpenter, Bobby left a lasting mark on Polk County, constructing numerous chicken houses that stood as a testament to his craftsmanship and dedication to his trade.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Cathy Singleton; three brothers, Herman Lott, Leo Lott, and Vernon Lott; one sister, Edna Lange; one granddaughter, Tiffany Manley; one grandson, Gregory Singleton; and three sisters-in-law, Shirley Lott, Edith Lott, and Sandy Lott.

Bobby is survived by two daughters, Donna Hillin and Jennifer Lott both of Acorn; his son-in-law, Steve Singleton of Mena; one brother and sister-in-law, Johnny and Norma Lott of Acorn; sev-

en grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at the Rock Springs Cemetery in Posey Hollow, Arkansas, with Brother Troy Denton and Brother Robert Lott officiating under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Visitation will be general on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at the Bowser Family Funeral Home from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Greg Ricks

Greg Ricks, age 67, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2024, in Mena, Arkansas.

He was born February 28, 1956, in De Queen, Arkansas, to the late Edward Earl and Alice L. (Plunkett) Ricks.

Greg, along with his wife Sharon, was the longtime owner/operator of Greg’s Auto Parts in Cove, Arkansas.

He was currently the Transportation Director for the Cossatot River School District. When he worked at his shop in Cove, he had developed the ability to pinpoint the trains of the Kansas City Southern Company and tell where they had been, and where they were going.

Greg loved racing anything automotive and was a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sharon Ricks of Cove, Arkansas, his daughter, Julie Nash and husband Stacy of Mena, Arkansas, his grandchildren, Carson Nash and Connor Nash of Mena, Arkansas; and his Aunt Glenda Kern of Cove, Arkansas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward Earl and Alice L. (Plunkett) Ricks.

Services for Greg Ricks will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 7, 2024, at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Cove, Arkansas. Brother Bryan Richardson will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be

made to the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Cove, Arkansas, (160 East Barton Ave., Cove, Arkansas 71937) or to the Arkansas Public Broadcasting Station Foundation. The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to his Cossatot River Bus Driving Staff for being there and being dependable.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Charlotte Ann (Foster) Walker

Ms. Charlotte Ann (Foster) Walker, age 67, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2023, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born July 2, 1955, to the late Jerry William and Wanda Lou Foster, in Mena, Arkansas.

Ms. Walker was known as a selfless and loving person; she loved cooking for everyone. It was said that she could “talk the bark off a tree, because of how much she loved everyone.” Charlotte was an animal lover and adored her plants; she was an avid fisherwoman.

But above all else, she loved her family more than anything, especially her parents, it was almost as if she had a second heart for her mom and dad, dedicated to them entirely.

Charlotte is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Jerry William and Wanda Lou Foster; son, Monty Brown; infant sister, Brenda Foster; and by her brother, Rick Foster.

She is survived by her son, Christopher Rush; daughters, Casey L. Brown, Chrystal Brown; grandchildren, Toriano Brown, Bradyn Brown, Tyler Woods, Ryan Brown, Aiden Brown; brothers, Terry Foster, Stanley Foster; and by her sister, Sheila Hicks.

Services for Ms. Charlotte Ann (Foster) Walker are scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday, January 6, 2023, at the Beasley-Wood Chapel in Mena, Arkansas. Brother Donnie Jewell will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Brushy Cemetery in

Oden, Arkansas. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service at Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Mike Hicks, Patrick Bethel, Jason Bethel, Derrick Bethel, Toriano Brown, Ryan Brown, and Aiden Brown.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Lovetta Lynn Watkins

Lovetta Lynn Watkins, age 58, of Vandervoort, Arkansas, passed away on January 1, 2024, in Hot Springs. She was born near Napa, California, on May 24, 1965, to Bill and Lovetta Hill.

They raised sheep and other animals which started for Lynn a lifetime love of animals. After the family moved to Hatfield from California, Lynn attended Van-Cove and Hatfield schools. She married the love of her life, Andy Watkins, of Vandervoort on June 26, 1982.

Lynn made many close, lifelong friends through her job at Walmart and other places where she worked in Polk County.

Lynn is survived by her husband Andy; her son Adam Watkins and wife Kathryn; daughter Christina Neblick and husband Steven; grandchildren Xane, Maxine, Cole, Miranda, Alex, and Jenna; sisters Sally Hill, Caryl Cotter, and Sharon Harp, and many nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

Lynn was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Billy Hill and Donnie Hill; and one sister, Barbara Dulinsky.

In addition to the deep love and pride Lynn held for her family and friends, Lynn will be remembered for her passion for her beloved pets, cooking and baking, music, arts and crafts, and gardening. Lynn touched the lives of all who knew her through her genuine kindness and fun spirit.

Friends and family are invited to attend Lynn’s Celebration of Life service to be held Saturday, January 13, at 10:00 a.m. at Midway Pentecostal Church followed by a reception at the Community Building at Vandervoort.

January 10, 2024

By Richie Lawry

It was a cold December day in 1954 as the young couple headed north out of Tennessee on their way to Michigan. The 1949 Frazer Manhattan drove smoothly down the highway as snow started falling. Bob was proud of the Frazer he had bought and rebuilt for this trip.

He spotted the 1949 Frazer Manhattan behind a gas station in Nashville, Tennessee, while attending college in nearby Madison, Tennessee.

The Frazer had been sideswiped, and the front bumper bent, but it was only five years old, very nice, and only $100.

The Frazer had belonged to Rod Brassfield, who performed as a comedian at The Grand Ole Opry. Rod had wrecked the Frazer, and it had been totaled. Though he was only 18, Bob purchased the wrecked car and rebuilt it with parts he found at a local wrecking yard. With some bodywork and some Bondo, a relatively new product at the time, along with a gallon of blue paint, it looked good, and he was proud of it.

As the road stretched out in front of Bob and his fiancée, Pat, they hoped the roads wouldn’t get any worse before they reached their destination in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Before they got to Michigan, Bob began to hear a tic-tic-tic in the Frazer’s engine. They were relieved when they finally pulled into the driveway of Pat’s house. Bob thought the engine noise was a loose tappet, so he adjusted the valves out in the snow.

Bob felt slightly nervous about meeting Pat’s parents for the first time. What had he gotten himself into? In a couple of days, he would be married.

Bob thought about the whirlwind of activity over the past few weeks. Was he ready for this? Because of the marriage laws in Kansas, where Bob was from, he needed parental permission to marry at 18. When his mother went

An Arkie’s Faith The grandfather clock

This Howard Miller grandfather clock was a 50th wedding anniversary gift. (Photo by Richie Lawry) to the courthouse to complete the proper paperwork, they asked her for the bride’s name. Bob’s mother only knew that her name was Pat and had to return later when she learned Pat’s full name.

The wedding day, Sunday, the 19th of December, started with a ferocious snowstorm. By the time of the afternoon wedding, two feet of snow blanketed the Michigan countryside.

The wedding was delayed for an hour as the preacher had difficulty getting there on the unplowed roads. But eventually, Bob and Pat were married, and their new life lay before them.

After spending a few days with Pat’s family in Michigan, the newlyweds headed for Kansas to visit Bob’s family. With only $30 in their possession, they planned on traveling to Kansas

and then back to Tennessee. On the way, they splurged and spent one night in a motel that cost $5.

The engine was making a bad noise when the Frazer made it to Kansas.

Bob determined that the No. 5 cylinder was knocking. How were they going to get back to Tennessee? Bob removed the spark plug from the bad cylinder, and the Frazer Manhattan limped back home to Madison, Tennessee, where the newlyweds were attending college.

With the help of his friend Louie, Bob dropped the pan, pulled the crankshaft, had the No. 5 throw on the crankshaft ground to .060, installed a new bearing, and put it back together.

A roly-poly little boy was born into the family a little over a year later, and they named him Richie. My parents celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary before my Momma passed away in 2018.

Daddy bought Momma a special gift for their 50th anniversary: a beautiful Howard Miller grandfather clock. It was one of their prized possessions.

The grandfather clock now graces my living room with its stately presence.

The first Grandfather clock was produced around 1680 by a British clockmaker, William Clement. But it would be 200 years before clocks of this type would be referred to as a grandfather clock. They were called longcase clocks, and they were very popular. The name Grandfather Clock is thought to be the result of a song written in 1876 by Henry Clay Work entitled “My Grandfather’s Clock.”

The song describes a grandfather’s clock that faithfully ticks its way through its owner’s life. Childhood, adulthood, and old age are all viewed in relationship to his beloved time-

Joke of the Week:

I would never buy odorless deodorant.

It makes no scents.

Faith 7 piece. The refrain says: “Ninety years without slumbering, Tick, tock, tick, tock, His life’s seconds numbering, Tick, tock, tick, tock, But it stopped, short, Never to go again, When the old man died.”

The steady ticking of the clock reminds us that our time on earth is limited. Despite the joys and pains of life, time always marches on. For the believer, our time on earth is an opportunity for gaining wisdom. The psalmist writes, “Teach us to comprehend how few our days are so that our hearts may be filled with wisdom.” Psalms 90:12 (NCB) Time is the great equalizer. We all have the same daily 24 hours handed to us. “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV) Billy Graham said, “Time is the capital that God has given us to invest.

People are the stocks in which we are to invest our time.”

In Psalms 90: 2-4 (NIRV), the Bible says, “Before you created the whole world and the mountains were made, from the beginning to the end you are God. You turn human beings back to dust. You say to them, ‘Return to dust.’ To you a thousand years are like a day that has just gone by. They are like a few hours of the night.”

But then the Psalmist contrasts God’s time with the reality of man’s life. “We live to be about 70. Or we may live to be 80, if we stay healthy.

But even our best days are filled with trouble and sorrow. The years quickly pass, and we are gone.” Psalms 90:10 (NIRV) Gentle Reader, what are you investing your time in? “Be careful how you live. Live as men who are wise and not foolish. Make the best use of your time. These are sinful days.”

Ephesians 5:15,16 (NLV) Ask God to help you use your time wisely so that you won’t waste the years you have on earth.

Replacing windshields in Polk County for over 40 years.

Give Richie a call at 479-394-9938 Located at 3008 Hwy 71 South

8 News

January 10, 2024

EHC: History and Happenings OLT announces auditions for ‘Romeo and Juliet’

By Kathy Hagler

What is EHC and how did it start?

EHC stands for Extension Homemakers Club/Council. Each club is made up of members and the council is made up of the clubs. One of members says her ‘elevator speech’ to explain EHC is to describe it as 4-H for big girls. And that’s pretty accurate, except it’s not just for girls.

In the coming months, you will learn how EHC started in general, and how it started in Arkansas in particular.

EHC is active in all 75 Arkansas counties, and Polk County has four clubs: Backcountry meets the second Friday of each month at 1 p.m., at the Education Building on DeQueen Street in Mena.

Twilight Club also meets in the Education Building. Their meeting begins at 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month.

Happiness Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at Hatfield Town Hall. Their meetings start at 10 a.m.

The Wickes Club meets the second Monday of each month at the Wickes Methodist Church. Their meetings start at 1 p.m.

You’re invited to visit any of these clubs and join in the fun of being an Extension Homemaker. I will address

the topic of fees and membership dues in an upcoming column.

Happenings Sharon Hose will be conducting an Essential Oils class for our January DIY class open to the public. Participants will make and take bath salts, a sugar shower scrub and more. The cost is $15 per person and seating is limited.

Please call the Cooperative Extension Office at 479-394-6018 to register. The class will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 20.

2024 Polk County Fair I am issuing a challenge to local EHC members that is extended to the public at large. The challenge? Review the 2023 Polk County Fair Catalog; make a list of everything you can do; choose 10 of those things; make them and enter them in the 2024 Polk County Fair.

The fair catalog is available on the Polk County Fair and Rodeo Association Facebook page. There are also a limited number of print copies available at the Polk County Extension Office at 211 DeQueen Street in Mena.

Come back next month for a more in-depth history item as well as February’s happenings!

(Kathy Hagler is the Polk County EHC council president.)

Submitted by Julie Ulmer

Ouachita Little Theatre is performing what is widely considered to be William Shakespeare’s most beloved play, “Romeo and Juliet” this coming spring. Show dates are over two weekends, March 29, 30, and 31 (Easter weekend) and April 5, 6, 7 (solar eclipse weekend.)

The second weekend of performances precedes the Monday solar eclipse date of April 8. That is no accident. OLT wanted to provide a popular entertainment option to visiting tourists who are coming to experience our area’s totality eclipse of the sun for several minutes. But we also want our regular patrons to come and enjoy this classic play, so it is included in your season ticket.

Open auditions will be held over two weekends. The first two are Thursday, Jan. 18, 6:30-9 p.m., and again on Saturday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m. until noon. The second weekend will be the same time frame, Jan. 25, 6:30-9 p.m. and Jan. 27, 9 a.m. until noon.

All auditions will take place at the Ouachita Little Theatre, 610 Mena St. If you are interested in auditioning but cannot make any of these times, call director Brad Storey at 234-2321 to schedule a private audition.

Storey wants this production to be an excellent presentation of this classic tragedy featuring star-crossed lovers at the center of the story. He wants to have a large cast, inviting

local people who would love to “just be a part of this memorable occasion without having to memorize dia-

logue.” These players will be featured in many crowd scenes, dressed in period Elizabethan costumes. If desired, these actors can participate in the choreographed dance sequence at the party where Romeo meets Juliet for the first time. This is a great opportunity for new folks to be involved in a major live local theatre production.

There are also many speaking roles for almost all ages and genders in “Romeo and Juliet.” Storey, one of OLT’s most experienced directors, encourages all those wishing to audition to be familiar with the script and story. The material is public domain and can be easily accessed on the internet or at your public library. You are encouraged to come prepared with a reading as the character you most would like to portray; however, you are also welcome to do a “cold” reading with a selected section from the director.

January 10, 2024

News 9

Gov. Sanders announces Summer EBT Program to fight food insecurity

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.— Governor Sanders today, Jan. 4, announced that Arkansas has joined Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), a new program that will provide assistance to families to purchase food during the summer months for children who qualify for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Summer EBT is launching this year and will provide $120 in food benefits for each eligible child over the summer months.

“Making sure no Arkansan goes hungry, especially children, is a top concern for my administration. We are leveraging every resource at our disposal to fight this crisis, and Summer EBT promises to be an important new tool to give Arkansas children the food and nutrition they need. I am thankful to Senator Boozman for his leadership on this issue and to our many stakeholders like the Hunger Alliance. We will continue to engage with our partners in the public and private sector to reduce food insecurity across the state,” said Governor Sanders.

“Nutrition is critical to the ability of youth to thrive in and out of the classroom. My colleagues and I dedicated a lot of time and effort toward modernizing the outdated summer meals program with the help of Natural State nutrition advocates to ensure it serves more children in need by offering states multiple options—including a summer EBT program—to help tackle this challenge. I am extremely pleased Arkansas is utilizing this promising new tool we added to the toolbox for states to address food insecurity. I appreciate the Governor’s commitment to implement the summer EBT program so children have the food they need to succeed,” said Senator John Boozman (R-AR).

“No child should ever go hungry,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Putnam.

“Summer EBT will allow us to further help combat food insecurity across Arkansas by providing critical resources for eligible families to provide much needed nutritious food for their children, even when school is out. We are

excited to join ADE in standing up this program and seeing the positive impact it will have on children in our state.”

“There’s no question that hunger may have a detrimental impact on student learning,” Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva said.

“Food insecurity affects students not just during the school year, but also during the summer months as well. We are pleased to partner with the Governor’s Office and DHS to address this problem. The Summer EBT Program is a step in the right direction to ensuring no child goes hungry.”

Arkansas’ Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Education (ADE) submitted a joint notice to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service that Arkansas intends to participate in the Summer EBT program. The two state agencies will now collaborate on a state operation plan that will detail how benefits will be administered beginning in summer 2024.

The benefit will be provided on pre-loaded EBT cards similar to ones used for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These cards can be used by eligible families to purchase groceries.

School-aged children who receive SNAP benefits are eligible and will automatically qualify for the Summer EBT benefits. If a student attends an NSLP school and has individually been determined to be eligible for free and reduced meals, the student will automatically qualify for Summer EBT benefits as well.

Benefits provided to eligible families through Summer EBT are federally funded, and the administration of the program will be evenly split between federal and state funding.

Combatting food insecurity, especially among children, is one of Governor Sanders’ top priorities. She signed legislation during her first legislative session that gives free breakfast and lunch to students who previously qualified for reduced meals. She has also

directed her staff to work with stakeholders on a plan that will address this critical issue.

A new tool to combat food insecurity Sen. John Boozman With continuously rising costs for everyday essentials, hardworking Arkansans are stretched thin. When incomes run out, sometimes days or weeks before the next paycheck, it creates some difficult choices. To make matters worse, grocery prices have climbed nearly 21% since the beginning of 2021 resulting in an urgent role for nutrition assistance in communities across our state.

The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance estimates one out of every three Natural State children is experiencing food insecurity. This means kids aren’t getting enough to eat and they are uncertain of where their next meal will come from.

We know healthy, nutritious food helps students learn and contributes to

their growth and development. A 2022 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences study found breakfast in the classroom also helps improve behavior.

Leaders at all levels of government, in addition to nonprofits, are taking steps to fight hunger and address food insecurity in our state to help students thrive.

The Arkansas State Legislature approved a bill the governor signed into law last year to cover the cost of reduced-priced school meals for students from low-income families. This policy change is helping families who depend on these programs to feed their children.

As a former local school board member, I saw firsthand how substantial the nexus between nutrition and learning is, and how much more successful students were when they had proper nourishment.

See EBT continued on page 17

10 News THE CALL continued from page 1 ally has a collection box that they keep year around for us. You can donate anytime to Shoe Sensation. They collect them for us and we go pick them up, or they can come here and drop them off, too.

“We have hygiene items that we give the families. We have a deep freeze back there that has freezer meals. It’s not full right now; we actually need more freezer meals.

Rachel Lance is a volunteer and the fundraiser coordinator. She also happens to be Green’s mother. She said, “We tell people who don’t know how to help — who can’t foster care — we tell them we need all kinds of [help]. If they fixed a casserole in a to-go pan, we could freeze it. We could give that to a foster family when they need it. Fix a freezer meal once in a while and bring it by.”

Green said, “The families actually prefer the homemade ones. If 10 peo-

January 10, 2024 ple did that once a month, that would be 10 meals a month. We’ve really tried to tell people we know that everyone can’t foster kids. It’s not for everybody, but everyone has been equipped with something from God that they can do.

If you can make a meal, if you can donate something, if you can help come set up for an open house or something, that’s great.”

“Toddlers to teenagers grow out of their clothes so often,” Lance said, “We always tell [people] if you’re kids have outgrown their clothes, bring them by.

We have kids that need them.”

Green said, “We’ve been so blessed with clothing and stuff that we have enough for a seasonal swap out. We have a whole storage with our summer and spring stuff in it. Whenever the seasons change now, all we have to do is come in with the totes and swap things out.

“It’s become a lot more functional to us and our families. We haven’t been serving them long out of here. Our first

week or two we were in here this table and another table were sitting in the middle of the floor and all of these clothes were in big piles where the high schoolers unloaded them. We were digging through the pile of clothes and serving people, but they were getting what they needed.

“The [clothes] are for our foster families. We always prioritize foster families and foster children. Our main ministry goal is to recruit and train Godly foster homes for these children. We support them in any way we can, whether it’s setting up homes to foster, or if they are already open to foster and they get a placement in the middle of the night and they need diapers or anything, we can do that. We’ve been so blessed this year we’ve extended our services to other families where we were able. It always stays in Polk County.

Reunification “We do have a lot of [Child] Protective Services cases that have been sent to us. That’s kind of to prevent children from going into care. We don’t have a lot of homes here. Helping combat that on the front end of it, too, is serving our ministry as well. We have found that the families that were able to help through the protective service cases, it prevents those children from going into care. We’re battling the crisis before it starts. We’re trying to help prevent it on the front, also while they’re in care, and we even help biological families get reunified. I think that’s been one of my favorite parts of this is to help families get reunified.

“When a family reunifies, they have been separated by the court systems and separated from their children.

They get to work a program where they can come back to their children and be

put back in the home together after a certain amount of time. Every case is different. When they reunify, they go through a process where they get to have the children start having overnight visits. Then they’ll get to go home and be a family again and come back together. They’ll keep them on services a little bit where they’ll make sure that the family is doing well and they’re getting the services they need and things like that.”

Lance said, “Sometimes they’re still struggling to support those kids and that’s probably why they lost them in the first place. When they get back together, we don’t want them to just be dropped from the program. What we do is if you need diapers this week, you need a meal this week, you need some socks and shoes, winter comes on and all of a sudden, they need coats for the kids and they don’t have the money to buy them… just to help them keep going until they can manage on their own.”

Green said, “We stay in contact with them. The reunification rate to the rate of children who return to care is not very different. It’s pretty high if they don’t have post-support services. We have found that if we have support for these families once they get reunified, if it’s not a conflict for us with our other foster families we serve and we’re able, then we can continue to help and [hopefully] prevent them from being

See THE CALL continued on page 11

January 10, 2024 THE CALL continued from page 10

put back into the system in the future.

We’re trying to help combat it from all sides, but we just go where God leads us for the most part, and He’s been good so far.”

Fostering Some foster families came in during the open house, needing supplies. When asked how many children they have had come through their home, one of the women stated they have had 43 or 44 children over the past three years or so, and she’s in the process of adopting two of them. She has another adopted child, as well.

“That’s actually a pretty low number,”Green said. “We’ve had multiple families who have actually had hundreds. One of those families has been fostering for over 16 years. They have adopted seven and they have seven of

their own, I believe.”

“We have lots of families that have adopted multiple children and fostered hundreds like that. It’s amazing. I don’t know how they do it. I can’t imagine having 43 children going through my home just visiting.”

“You fall in love with those kids,” Lance said.

A couple of little girls who had been fostered were surprised to have a house with a ceiling that didn’t have holes and a floor that they didn’t have to worry about falling through or where wild animals could enter.

“There’s been lots of families with

amazing stories that we’ve heard,” Green said. “One of the families that reunified is actually someone that I grew up with. We helped him and his kids reunify and that was really special to us.”

Lance said, “We are going to be focusing more on the recruitment side of things… recruiting more homes. That is a focus of ours for [2024].”

If a family would like to open their home to foster, Green said, “They can come to me. We get them started with the process. We do the training, and we work with DHS for them to come in and do their home study and open their homes.

The Board One of the items that catches the eye in The CALL Mall is a large posterboard providing some of the facts about foster care. The informative, artistic board was created by Emmaly Dominguez.

“She is amazing,” Green said. “She is Shari and Rodney Dominguez’s little girl. She’s only 10 and she did this for a school presentation last year. I believe she did this when she was in fifth grade. She put this whole board together by herself.

“We had done a story about her a year-and-a-half ago because she had actually helped save a baby during a tornado when they had to get into a tornado shelter. When that tornado came over Mena, her and her mom were trying to get all of the foster babies out of the car, and she was only 8 or 9, I think. She grabbed him and ran into the shelter with him on her own.

We thought that was pretty cool. She just really has a heart for all of the kids that come through their home.”

Donating funds “How it works in Polk County is when

someone donates to us, if they write us a check, they can send it to me,” Green said. “I send it to our state office, and it goes to our county account.

“Our county is a part of a much bigger puzzle. We have grants through our ministry. Each month every county gives back to that grant fund ministry.

We give a certain percentage back a month, but it also comes back to Polk County because we’re guaranteed that grant once a year. It kind of helps keep all of the counties going, but the money stays here in Polk County. We are trying to make that transparent to our donors,

News 11 because we do want them to know we support our whole state ministry, but it comes back to Polk County.”

Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 1075, Mena, AR 71953. To assist in other ways, Green said that people can call, text or email her any time.

As mentioned, if someone can’t foster or donate money, there are plenty of other opportunities to assist. “We always need volunteers to come in and help sort things, help run The CALL Mall… just anything they can do.”

The new location is behind the chapel at Dallas Avenue Baptist Church at 300 Dallas Ave. Currently, they are open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays. They can be reached at 501-813-6480, 479234-3498 or agreen@thecallinarkansas. org.

“We’re pretty much doing things seven days a week,” Green said.

“We have a Facebook page and they can private message us,” Lance said. Just search for The CALL in Polk County.

12 Police

January 10, 2024

The following information was received from Polk County law enforcement agencies. The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts. Individuals charged and whose names appear in this column may submit documentation to us at a later date that the charges have been dismissed, or that they have been found innocent, and we will include that information in this space in a timely manner.

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S LOG December 18, 2023 Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a physical altercation. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 54 near Mena in reference to property damage.

December 19, 2023 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 92 near Mena leading to the arrest of Sean Roberts, 61, of Mena on charges of Aggravated Assault, 2nd Degree Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, and Resisting Arrest.

Joshua Hulliberger, 38, of Hatfield was arrested on four Failure to Appear Warrants.

Jasper Miles, 45, of Grannis was arrested on two Failure to Appear Warrants.

Garret Bowles, 29, of Cove was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas State Parks on a Theft of Property Warrant.

December 20, 2023 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 116 near Acorn in reference to a theft.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 56 near Mena in reference to an altercation leading to the arrest of Michael Williams, Jr., 42, of Mena on a charge of disorderly conduct. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for

further consideration.

Lenard Barnett, 34, of Mena was arrested by an officer with Probation Parole on a Probation Violation Warrant.

Deputies responded to a residence on Hwy 8 W near Mena in reference to an altercation. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

December 21, 2023 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 246 W near Hatfield in reference to an unattended death.

Jeremiah Wells, 26, of Mena was arrested on a charge of Disorderly Conduct and a 3rd Degree Battery Warrant.

December 22, 2023 Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a theft.

A traffic stop on Hwy 4 near Cove led to the arrest of Tammy Moudy, 52, of Cove on a charge of Possession of Methamphetamine or Cocaine and Tonya Blake, 24, of Wickes on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

Melissa Stanley, 44, of Cove was arrested on a warrant for two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License, License to be Carried and Exhibited on Demand, and a Body Attachment.

December 23, 2023 Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to an altercation. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies responded to a report of a theft from a residence on Polk 31 near Cove.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Wilkinson Lane near Hatfield in reference to an altercation.

December 24, 2023 Deputies responded to a report of a missing person. The person was later located.

Polk County Sheriff ’s Office worked 4 vehicle accidents this week.

December 25, 2023 Deputies were responded to an incident at a residence on Polk 24 near Cove leading to the arrest of Garry Helsel, 60, of Cove on charges of Communicating a False Alarm and Theft of Property. Also arrested was Floyd Head, 70, of Cove on a Body Attachment and two Failure to Appear Warrants.

Deputies were dispatched to a vehicle accident on Hwy 8 E near Mena leading to the arrest of Gerald Stice, 59, of Stillwater, OK on charges of DWI, Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test, and Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License.

December 26, 2023 Deputies were dispatched to a report of a disturbance at a residence on Hwy 71 S near Cove leading to the arrest of Kendrick Barnett, 38, of Murfreesboro on a charge of 3rd Degree Domestic Battery.

Deputies responded to a report of harassing communications. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 492 near Vandervoort in reference to an altercation leading to the arrest of Joshua Parks, 41, of Wickes on a warrant for 2nd Degree Criminal Mischief, Stalking, Terroristic Threatening 2nd Degree, and Harassing Communications as well as charges of Resisting Arrest and Public Intoxication.

December 27, 2023 Aaron Shores, 33, of Little Rock was arrested on a charge of Disorderly Conduct.

December 28, 2023 Gary Czarnetzki, 30, of Mena was arrested by an officer with Probation Parole on warrants for Failure to Appear and Violation of Suspended Imposition of Sentence.

December 29, 2023 Deputies responded to a report of a theft of prescription medications.

December 30, 2023 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Venable Lane near Mena in reference to a possible break-in and harassment. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

A traffic stop on Hwy 8 W near Mena led to the arrest of Colby Keller, 23, of Huntington, TX on charges of DWI, Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test, Careless and Prohibited Driving, and Driving Left of Center.

Dale Dunigan, 35 of Mena was arrested on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

December 31, 2023 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 56 near Mena in reference to an unattended death.

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

January 1, 2024 Michael Williams, Jr., 42, of Mena was arrested on a warrant for 2nd Degree False Imprisonment and 2nd Degree Terroristic Threatening.

Juston Wikel, 38, of Cove was arrested on a warrant for Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance.

January 2, 2024 Sabrina Miranda, 36, of Wickes was arrested on two warrants for Crimi-

January 10, 2024 nal Contempt.

January 3, 2024 Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 31 near Cove in reference to a theft of property.

January 4, 2024 Deputies responded to a report of a possible sexual assault.

January 5, 2024 Joel Henley, 64, of Mena was arrested on charges of DWI and Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 419 near Mena in reference to a possible trespasser leading to the arrest of Shane Hogan, 34, of Mena on a Failure to Appear Warrant and Heath Lunsford, 49, of Mena on a warrant for Absconding. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

January 6, 2024 A vehicle accident on Hwy 8 W near Mena led to the arrest of Griffin Head, 46, of Mena on charges of Public Intoxication and Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License as well as a Failure to Appear Warrant. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

An incident near Hatfield led to the arrest of Brandon Duncan, 32, of Smithville on a Theft by Receiving Warrant, a warrant for Absconding and a charge of Fleeing on Foot.

Bradley Crawford, 29, of Mena was arrested on a Body Attachment Warrant, a Probation Violation Warrant, and three Failure to Appear Warrants.

January 7, 2024 No reports.

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

Police 13

MENA POLICE ARORA and NAME recognize medical examiner’s office The Arkansas Regional Organ Re- saved and 758 organs have been reREPORTS covery Agency (ARORA) presented covered through the partnership December 31 A report of criminal mischief was taken at a residence on Blake Circle.

Lorinda Heathman, 56, was charged with DWI after a traffic stop on Highway 71.

Robert Bush, 41, was charged with Possession of Marijuana and served with warrants after a traffic stop on Dallas Avenue.

January 1 David Ortiz, 43, was served with a warrant after a traffic stop on Wagoner Avenue.

A report of theft was taken from Walmart.

A report of theft was taken at a residence on Hidden Valley Road.

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

January 2 Nathan Hoover, 23, was served with a warrant at municipal court.

Elizabeth Arbuthnot, 35, and Miranda Akin, 25, were both served with warrants at municipal court.

Lisa Bodwell, 51, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

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

Anthony Robertson, 33, was served with warrants at a residence on Maple Avenue.

January 3 Johnathon Woody, 29, was served with a warrant at the police department.

January 4 A report of harassment was taken from a walk-in complainant.

A report of financial identity fraud was taken from Wendy’s.

the Arkansas Medical Examiner’s Office with an ARORA Donation Champion Award for its work in saving and restoring lives. During the past 15 years, 681 lives have been

between the Arkansas Medical Examiner’s Office and ARORA. In addition to the ARORA award, Arkansas State Crime Lab Director and Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Theodore Brown was presented with the Outstanding Service Award by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) for his service to the organization and for his significant contributions to the advancement of the medicolegal death investigation in the United States.

Dr. Brown, who became Director of the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory in October 2023, will join the NAME Board of Directors next month.

Polk County poll workers needed

Please contact Lisa Standridge at the Polk County Clerk’s Office at 479394-8123 if you are interested in signing up to become a poll worker.

All election workers are required to attend training once each elec-

tion year. Training dates for this election cycle have been scheduled for the beginning of February 2024.

Thank you for your interest in serving Polk County in this capacity.

14 Community

January 10, 2024

Around Town GriefShare at First Presbyterian Church Mena meet every Wednesday at 1 p.m. for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

The Polk County Housing Authority will be closed Monday, Jan. 15 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Humane Society of the Ouachitas next monthly meeting will be Jan. 18.

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

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

DIY Essential Oils Class, Sharon Hose will be conducting an Essential Oils class for our January DIY class open to the public. Participants will make and take bath salts, a sugar shower scrub and more. The cost is $15 per person and seating is limited.

Please call the Cooperative Extension Office at 479-394-6018 to register. The class will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 20.

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

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

Classes will be in the Helen Barham Room at the church, 904 Church Avenue, Mena.

The Ouachita Beekeepers Association is now meeting on the second Thursday of the month, 6 p.m. in the Education Building of the UA Extension Office, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. Come enjoy bee education, door prizes and socialization with other beekeepers. Call president Tommy Payne at (903) 521-4611 for details.

Firewood at Tony’s sawmill in Hatfield has free firewood for veterans and the elderly while supplies last, and they load it: Pine, green and seasoned bundles. Good for fire pit.

Hardwood, $20 a bundle, green and seasoned. (479) 434-7223 The Back Country Extension Homemakers Club meets the second Friday of each month at 1 p.m. at the UA Extension’s Education Building, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. We are a service organization affiliated with UA’s Division of Agriculture with a mission to have fun and learn new things while enriching our community and creating a more contented family life. We believe the greatest force that molds character comes from the home.

Come join new friends and old as we to-

gether 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.

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

Call (479) 234-7174 with questions.

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

The Cove Branch Library is open Monday and Thursday from noon-5 p.m. The Library is located next to Cove Town Hall at 5568 Hwy. 71 S. The Mena/Polk County Senior Center will have The Gator and Friends band performing in Mena every Thursday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

The Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes has meals and activities for seniors.

The hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday-Friday.

If you need to make delivery arrangements or changes call (870) 385-2373.

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

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

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

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

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

It’s easy to have your event listed in Around Town, which will be read on radio stations KENA and KQOR daily. Simply send your Around Town announcement to news@mypulsenews.com or call (479) 243-9600 and let us know about your event! To have it in the Polk County Pulse newspaper, we need to know by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!

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ANSWERS FROM PUZZLES ON 01.03.24

A Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

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

Meet DIESEL!

Hi! I am brand new to the shelter. I'm a German Shepherd/Lab mix. More info about me coming soon! You can also call the shelter at 479-394-5682 to find out more about me.

All animals at HSO are current on their vaccinations and will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption.

If not already spayed/neutered, there may be a short delay between when you select this pet and when they are ready to go home.

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

16 Classifieds

January 10, 2024

- CLASSIFIEDS - SERVICES -

Wendell’s Tree Service - Tree Removal and Trimming. Experienced and fully insured for ALL your tree-trimming needs. Call (479) 394-0227 or (479) 216-4328.

T0131 Carter’s Excavating - Licensed Contractor: Heavy and light dozer work, heavy excavation, soft ground to rock excavation, heavy off-road hauling, road design and construction 50 years in trade, 40 years in area. Subsidiary of RCI Construction (479) 394-9227 T0306 Handyman Service - Electrical, plumbing, and rental house cleanup. Prefer small jobs. For more details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204.

T0110 Construction, steel buildings, welding, pads, ponds, roads, tree services, and mulching. Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0103 Carter’s Excavating - Licensed Contractor: Roads, bridges, house pads, building pads, basements, land clearing, small lots to large tracks, ponds, stream crossings, farm roads, building demolition, site planning & prep.

50 years in trade, 40 years in area. Subsidiary of RCI Construction. (479) 394-9227 T0306

- PETS FOR SALE AKC Mini Dachshunds, beautiful puppies, 1st shots-worms/wormed. Call (479) 234-2882 for pictures of available puppies.

T0110 For sale - AKC English Bulldog puppy, female, standard colors, and ready for her new home. Facebook Arklatex Bulldogs to see this beauty. Call (870) 642-3104 for more information.

TFN

- HELP WANTED -

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

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

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

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

T0110 Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for general labor positions. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment T0424 F.M. Dix Foundry is accepting applications for general labor positions. Applications may be picked up at the office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available.

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

T0424 Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced CNC Machine Operator.

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

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

T0424

Big Squirrel Challenge returns to Arkansas Submitted by AGFC

teams are announced at 1:30 p.m. for each region. Each regional firstLITTLE ROCK — The Arkan- and second-place team will receive sas Game and Fish Commission’s medals and bragging rights for their statewide squirrel-hunting celebration is back for its third year. Get a buddy and get to the woods next Friday and Saturday to take your chance winning prizes and notoriety as the best bushytail hunter in your neck of the woods.

“AGFC Education Division staff started the Big Squirrel Challenge in May of 2021 at J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozarks effort. The top teams in the state will Highland Nature Center,” Eric May- be announced in a press release Jan. nard, interim chief of education for 15 and will receive additional prizthe AGFC, said. “It was so popular es, including an Umarex air rifle. that we expanded it to a statewide “We have different categories for event with 12 locations for people youth teams and adults,” Maynard to weigh-in their squirrels and win said. “A youth team can consist of a prize.” two youths or one youth and an The official rules are available adult mentor. We also have a cateat https://www.agfc.com/educa- gory for fox squirrels (which tyption/2024-big-squirrel-challenge/, ically weigh a little more) and a but here are the main details in a category for mixed bag and/or gray nutshell (or acorn, if you prefer). squirrels.”

Teams hunt from noon, Jan. 12If you can’t find a partner or a noon, Jan. 13 during legal shooting youth to take along, you can hunt as hours to harvest the three largest a single-person team, but everyone squirrels they can find. Hunters are is encouraged to get out and hunt welcome to use squirrel dogs or still with a partner. hunt for their bushytails.

“We want everyone to get out“They’re welcome to go ahead and doors, and that’s always best enjoyed harvest their legal limit of 12 per with friends and family,” Maynard person, but we only weigh the top said. three at the end of the event, and No registration or entry fees are each squirrel can only be weighed required to participate in the cononce,” Maynard said. “After the test. Participants just need to show weigh-in, all squirrels will be re- up at a weigh-in locations from turned to the hunters to enjoy for noon-1 p.m., Jan. 13 to compete. supper.”

The closest location to hunters in Squirrels are weighed (skin on Polk County is the Arkansas River and field-dressed) and winning Valley Nature Center in Fort Smith.

January 10, 2024 EBT continued from page 9 And while school pauses for the summer, childhood development, and the struggle many families have putting food on the table, does not.

That is why closing the hunger gap when school is out has long been a goal of mine.

With input from Arkansas nutrition advocates, my colleagues and I developed legislation to modernize federal child nutrition programs. The Keep Kids Fed Act, passed by Congress and signed into law in 2022, increases flexibility within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program and provides states new and improved options to ensure children who rely on free and reduced-priced lunches during the school year continue to have access to healthy, nutritious food in the summer months.

This law helps children living in rural areas where families may lack transportation or time to make the daily trip to a feeding site. Thanks to our updates, these communities can offer alternative

meal service options such as “grab-andgo” or home-delivered meals that could reach eight million more eligible kids.

Starting this summer, states are able to provide a $120 Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer card to eligible children for grocery purchases. These benefits could help provide meals to more than 29 million kids nationwide over the summer… .

I am extremely pleased Arkansas is utilizing this promising new tool we added to the toolbox for states to address food insecurity. I appreciate the governor’s leadership to implement the summer EBT program so hunger and malnutrition don’t stand between our children and success.

I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished to update and modernize federal nutrition assistance programs. As the ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I am committed to creating solutions to improve access to food and working with advocates to implement these new reforms so we can end child hunger.

News 17

2024 LIHEAP winter utility assistance

By Patrick Massey Applications are now being accepted for a winter utility assistance program administered by the Arkansas River Valley Area Council (ARVAC).

The application period for the 2024 LIHEAP assistance program opened on Monday, Jan. 8 and will remain available until funds are exhausted.

The program assists with paying utilities and will also provide crisis assistance. LIHEAP, or Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, uses federal funds dispersed by CADC to lower the energy burden for households by helping with home energy bills — heating costs during the winter and cooling costs during the summer for those who qualify.

The office will accept applications from 9-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. Monday through Friday while funds remain available. ARVAC’s Mena office is lo-

cated at 606 Pine Ave., Suite 109. For more information, call 479-394-4707 or email polkoutreach@arvacinc.org.

Documents needed are a driver’s license, Social Security cards for all members of the household, proof of income from the previous month, and utility bills.

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January 10, 2024

Acorn FCCLA attend Fall Leadership conference

Submitted by Mindy Lyle Nine members of Acorn FCCLA attended the Arkansas Fall Leadership conference Dec. 5 at U of A Hope.

Members gathered from Regions IV, V, and VI from across southern Arkansas. 2023-2024 Region V officers, Kora Carter and Damon Cruz helped facilitate the conference and led a breakout session on community service.

Students took part in officer elections, leadership breakout sessions, and a campus tour.

Star events winners also received their medals.

Carter served as Acorn’s voting delegate for Region V. Acorn was well represented at Region V elections.

Eleventh grader Damon Cruz was elected Region V State Officer candidate. He will move on to the final round of state officer elections in March.

Ninth grader, Madelynn Auer was elected to serve as a 2024-2025 Region V officer. She will be inducted in at Arkansas State conference in the Spring.

Purple Circle Club Inducts Class of 2023 71st Annual Event Honors 162 Inductees

LITTLE ROCK — The Purple Circle Club inducted 162 students, representing more than 240 awards at a ceremony Dec. 9 in Little Rock. The Purple Circle Club, created in 1952, recognizes youth exhibitors who achieved championship honors with livestock projects

hard work and passion shown by students who participated in livestock showing this year,” said Dan Wright, Arkansas Farm Bureau president. “Our commitment to this program is deeply rooted in our dedication to the future of Arkansas agriculture. We take great

at the Arkansas State Fair.

Arkansas Power and Light Company, now known as Entergy Arkansas, sponsored the event for 53 years until Arkansas Farm Bureau took the lead role in 2005 and now coordinates the program. There were 38 inductees in the inaugural Purple Circle Club class of 1952.

“Induction into the Purple Circle Club is a testament to the dedication,

pride in our support for agricultural youth programs and activities, fostering the growth and development of our state’s future leaders.”

Students recognized at the ceremony competed in these categories: Breeding Cattle, Commercial Steers/Heifers, Dairy Cattle, Cattle Showmanship, Goats, Lambs, Sheep, Rabbits, Poultry, Swine.

SNHU Announces Fall 2023 President’s List MANCHESTER, NH (01/04/2024)- point average of 3.700 and above for - It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Fall 2023 President’s List. The fall terms run from September to December.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-

the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

Jonathon Daniels of Mena Marisa Johnson of Mena

January 10, 2024

Sports 19

Elks Hoop Shoot time for boys and girls

By Ethan Nahté Presented by

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE ACORN HIGH SCHOOL Basketball 01/11 - Acorn @ Horatio 01/12 - Acorn @ Murfreesboro 01/16 - Acorn @ Foreman

-------------------COSSATOT RIVER HIGH SCHOOL Basketball

01/12 - Cossatot @ Two Rivers 01/16 - Cossatot vs. Booneville

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

01/11 - Mena @ Fountain Lake 01/12 - Mena vs. Fountain Lake 01/15 - Mena @ Subiaco

Wrestling

01/11 - Mena vs. Subiaco, Dover & Ashdown - Senior Night

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

01/10 - Mt. Ida @ Lafayette County 01/12 - Mt. Ida @ Kirby 01/13 - Mt. Ida vs. Saline County

Christian

If you have a boy or girl ages 8-13, It’s that time of year for the Annual Elks Hoop Shoot sponsored by the Mena Elks Lodge No. 781.

For last year’s event, Lisa Walker with the Elks Lodge said, “Whoever gets the most-free throw hoops is the winner. It’s pretty intense.

Once they win here, they go to Hot Springs. If they win there, they go to the semi-finals, and then finals. We had one boy that made it to the finals in Chicago.”

That boy was Luke Floyd, who won the overall 12-to-13-year-old division in the semi-finals in Kentucky in 2019.

The Elks National Hoop Shoot is a free throw program has been

going on for 50-plus years. The Polk County competition is at the Jim Rackley Gym at Mena Middle School. Signups begin at 12:15 p.m. and the Hoop Shoot begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14. Gym shoes are required. No boots or hard-sole shoes on the gym floor.

The division winners will continue to the quarter finals in Hot Springs, which will take place at the Park Magnet School Gym on Feb 3.

The semi-finals for the Central Region 9 Hoop Shoot are Feb. 16 in Paducah, Kentucky.

The winners from around the country will compete Apr. 20 in the Mollee Sharp at the free-throw 2024 National Finals in Chicago. line in the 2023 Elks Annual Hoop For more information about the Shoot at the Jim Rackley Gym. contest in Mena contact Ronnie (Ethan Nahté/Pulse) Cook at 479-234-1120.

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