The Polk County Pulse - January 17, 2024

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JANUARY 17, 2024

1168 Hwy 71 S ● Mena, Arkansas ● 479.243.9600

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Mena McDonald’s rebuilding from the ground up

INSIDE:

Article and photos by Ethan Nahté

Year In Review

Pages 12-14

King Of Hearts Court

Page 21

Hoop Shoot Winners

Page 11

Jennifer Simmons, general manager at the McDonald’s in Mena, said it was official that on Friday, Jan. 19, it will be the last day the restaurant is open until Wednesday, May 29, following the Memorial Day holiday weekend, assuming there are no major delays due to weather or supplies.

In the meantime, residents will be seeing a lot of construction work going on as the facility, which opened in Mena in 1987, is torn down to the ground and rebuilt.

Simmons said some of the equip- original. It still works but could use ment in the 36-year-old facility is an update.

See MCDONALDS continued on page 2

Chamber of Commerce announces 2024 Banquet The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce will host their annual Membership Banquet on Feb. 29. “Spend your extra day of the year with us,” is the motto and the theme will focus on the upcoming 2024 Great American Eclipse.

The event will be held at The Ouachita Center on the UA Rich Mountain campus from 5-8 p.m.

The banquet will include a cocktail hour, dinner, community awards, and a fundraising auction. “Dress for the event is business casual to formal, whatever makes you most comfortable,” Executive Director Melanie Wade said. “Come enjoy yourselves and take advantage of the largest networking event we provide.”

Tickets can be purchased at

the Chamber. Members can get their tickets for $45 each, while non-members will be charged $50 per ticket. A table of eight can be purchased for $375, which includes sponsorship recognition of the table. For more information, contact the Chamber at 479394-2912 or director@menapolkchamber.com.

2 News

January 17, 2024

MCDONALDS continued from page 1 Other updates will include a larger walk-in freezer, and a three-window drive-thru. One window will be for payments. The other two will be for food and drink service. Simmons said this should lessen the number of people who have to pull up or over to the side while waiting for their order that is taking a little longer to prepare.

Two of the new McDonald’s in Hot Springs, as well as some of the McDonald’s in Fort Smith and Van Buren have similar drive-thrus.

The additional drive-thru window will result in a couple of less seating areas for dining in. Their self-serve drink station will also be removed, but the restaurant is getting a new automatic drink filling station. According to a 2023 news story, the

restaurant chain will be phasing out all of their self-serve soft drink fountains in the U.S. by 2032.

Simmons said the other thing that will be of interest to her is to see the difference in customers placing orders as there will no longer be a

menu board.

Simmons said all of the Mena employees will be eligible for collecting unemployment during the four months of rebuilding. All of the employees are invited to return. In addition, Simmons said that they will even be hiring some new employees. Simmons predicted the online job board for Mena will probably be opened back up around the beginning of May. The bigger task will be trying to train new employees as the closest McDonald’s to Mena is in Waldron.

The Mena store will be re-opening in time for the end of the school year and the beginning of summer vacations, which is a good thing.

Although there’s never really a great time to close for a lengthy period of time, as some holiday or event is always occurring, it will mean one

less restaurant for the expected influx of visitors during the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.

Mena has already seen the closure of a couple of restaurants, a food truck or two, and the selling of another restaurant in the past few months.

When the Mena McDonald’s does open, Simmons said they will be having a grand re-opening, When the original Mena McDonald’s was built here in ‘87, it was a big deal, not only for Mena, but much of Polk County. The franchise was owned

by Charlie Brown for several years.

Michael Hadley, the current owner, purchased the restaurant from Brown in March 2020.

Odds are when the new and improved McDonald’s re-opens, it will be a big deal once more for the county.

Letters 3

January 17, 2024

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“I’m announcing Syngenta, a Chinese stateowned agrichemical company, must give up its landing holdings in Arkansas,” says Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, referencing a 160-acre research site owned by Northrup King Seed, a Syngenta subsidiary.

This was a news release made by the governor evidently to make political points to show that she was being tough on China.

However, once again the real impact demonstrates the “Law of Unintended Consequences.”

Northrup King Seed Company is a major supplier of soybean seeds, and other seeds to Arkansas farmers. Eric Boeck, president of Syngenta Seeds North America, said: “EPA and USDA many times require us to do work and permitting right in the same state as we’re going to sell products. One of the first things we have to make sure we figure out is how we work with the local community to make sure we’re still getting products tested in their backyard, so we have the ability to sell those products.” That is the purpose of this 160 acre research site owned by Syngenta.

Without this research site the company cannot develop and test seeds that are adapted to Arkansas weather and soil conditions. This means that this law backed by the governor will hurt Arkansas farmers far more than it will hurt Syngenta or Northrup King Seed company or the Chinese government.

If the real concern of the governor is foreign ownership of Arkansas farmland then per-

Want to share your opinion? haps she should pass a law forbidding Canadian ownership.

Canadians own 32% of all foreign owned farmland in the US. Rounding out the top five are the Netherlands at 12%, Italy at 6%, the United Kingdom at 6% and Germany at 5%. Together, citizens in those 4 countries hold 13 million acres, or 29%, of the foreign-held acres in the U.S. Together these 5 countries own about 60% of the foreign owned farmland in the US. However, total ownership of US farmland amounts to only 3.4% of the total ag land, and 66% of that land is owner operated with the balance either leased out to other farmers or operated by a farm manager for the owner.

US consumers are benefitting from this farmland just the same as they benefit from all the farmland in the US. In passing this law the governor gets to score political points and Arkansas farmers lose out on the availability of quality seed that is well adapted to Arkansas weather and soil.

Robert Tomlinson, Mena The Editor’s Response

See a related article on page 8.

The Polk County Pulse welcomes letters to the Editor addressing any topic of interest to our readers. To be published, letters must not contain obscene or libelous language.

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Letters may be submitted by e-mail to news@mypulsenews.com; mailed to P.O. Box 1450, Mena, AR 71953 or dropped off at 1168 Hwy. 71 South, Mena, AR. A drop-box is provided by the front door for after-hour convenience.

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

NOTICE: The Polk County Sheriff’s Log was not received in time before going to press. We hope to include it in the Jan. 24 issue and will upload the digital version once we have the information.

4 Politics

January 17, 2024 From the

State House of Representatives

This week, the Arkansas January 24 at 1:30 p.m. in the MAC building located behind Legislative Council Game and Fish/State Police Subthe State Capitol. The January 24 meeting will specifically committee held a meeting to discuss concealed carry address concealed carry regulations as promulgated by laws in Arkansas.

This meeting was part of Arkansas State Police.

John Maddox On March 11 and March 18 a series of meetings held as part of the Arkansas Firethe subcommittee will focus arms and Concealed Carry Laws on possession and open carry.

Study. The purpose of the study is to Later in the year, the subcommitultimately simplify gun laws in the tee will hear from law enforcement state and clarify where and when it and other armed officers as well as is legal to carry firearms. local governments and the business Subcommittee members reviewed community.

We’ve posted the schedule for the a summary of various state statutes addressing concealed carry. There additional hearings at arkansasare more than 30 sections of Arkan- house.org.

The public is welcome to attend sas Code addressing concealed carry the meetings and there will be time laws.

The Arkansas Attorney General’s for public comment.

The subcommittee will submit a office also presented a series of recommendations for future legislation final report to the ALC Executive to expand gun rights and clarify sev- Subcommittee by October 1, 2024.

The Executive Subcommittee will eral existing laws.

The next meeting of the Arkansas then submit a report and possibly Game and Fish/State Police Subcom- begin drafting legislation by the end mittee will be held on Wednesday, of this year.

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

The Senate Education effectively current programs Committee has begun its reare achieving their goals. One view of the adequacy and method is a thorough analysis equity of Arkansas public of student test scores, taking school funding. into account the different soLawmakers conduct the cial situations in schools. thorough review every two Generally, students in poor, years, with the help of legislaisolated districts don’t score Terry Rice tive staff. They use the results as well on standardized tests to determine how much to increase as students in prosperous neighboreducation funding, and whether or hoods. Similarly, students whose parnot to tighten curriculum standards ents are college graduates generally and financial accountability measures. score better than students whose parThe study is due on November 1, ents never got a degree. After taking 2024, in advance of the next regular those factors into account, education session of the legislature in 2025. officials can predict test scores.

Under the Arkansas Constitution A successful school is one in which the state must provide funding for an students’ actual scores are better than adequate and equitable education for the predicted scores. Legislative staff every child. The legislature has the will schedule visits to those schools to constitutional duty of appropriating learn what makes them effective. Staff tax revenue for state government op- also conducts surveys of superintenerations, therefore it is the legislature’s dents, principals and teachers. responsibility to approve adequate Throughout 2024 superintendents funding of schools. and school boards will closely follow The Education Committee will the work of the Education Committee meet regularly throughout the year on adequacy, because the final prodto address the many aspects of school uct will be the basis for state funding funding. The categories include teach- of local school districts next year. er salaries, facilities and equipment, In Arkansas the major source of transportation costs and uniform school revenue is state aid. Local curriculum standards. The new ade- property taxes are the second largest quacy study will update how the state source of school revenue, and federal responds to the needs of small and aid is third. isolated school districts, fast-growing The legislature’s duty to provide eqdistricts and schools in fiscal or aca- uitable funding is challenging, due to demic distress. disparities in local wealth and local If necessary legislators can update property tax rates. The same tax rate the matrix, a chart that serves as a tool in a city with manufacturing plants to determine whether or not the state will generate much more revenue for is funding an adequate school sys- schools than it will in an isolated retem, under the mandates of the con- gion with no industries. stitution, Supreme Court rulings and The state Supreme Court has ruled state laws. Staff reiterated to members that under the Arkansas Constitution, of the Education Committee that the the legislature must prioritize edumatrix is a tool to measure how the cation funding. The legislature must legislature funds schools, not how rely on evidence to fund schools admuch schools actually spend. equately and equitably, and legislators In addition to keeping track of fund- cannot simply appropriate to schools ing and spending, writing a new ade- what is available in the state budget. quacy report includes evaluating how

January 17, 2024 Elizabeth (Dian) Billings Hodge

Elizabeth “Dian” Billings Hodge, age 68, of Hatfield, Arkansas, went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at her home. She was born on Saturday, December 25, 1954, to Truman Theodore Billings and Margaret Elizabeth Moon Billings in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Dian married Eddie Joe Hodge on March 5, 1977. Their daughter, Elizabeth Rose Hodge was born on April 14, 1987. Dian loved to spend her time gardening and fishing, a love which she shared with her father. Dian also had a deep love for books and learning and spent many happy years serving the community at the Portland Public Library in Portland, Texas. Dian’s faith in God carried her through many of life’s trials with patience and love.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Truman and Margaret Billings; and her brother, Jesse T. Billings.

Dian is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Eddie Joe Hodge of Hatfield; her daughter, Elizabeth Rose Hodge of Corpus Christi, Texas; her aunts, Charlsie Billings of Fayetteville, and Rose Moon of Friendswood, Texas; cousins and a multitude of many good friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel at 2608 Highway 71 South, Mena, Arkansas, with Pastor Carroll Bryant officiating. Another memorial service will be held at a later date in Portland, Texas. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

A second memorial service will be held at the Calvary Lighthouse Church, 7273 County Road 2004, Portland,

Obituaries 5

be officiating under the direction Rama of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Sue Interment will follow at the Board Elder- Camp Cemetery in Board Camp, Bissell Charles E. Arkansas. Visitation will be general.

Rama Sue Bissell, age 74, Holmes Pallbearers are Brandon Holmes, of Mena, ArElder Charles Amber Holmes, Stephanie Holmes Bobo, Briant Bobo, Larry Wood, E. Holmes, kansas, passed age 91, passed and Noal Beck. away WednesOnline obituary and guestbook at day, January 10, 2024, in Mena. away Tuesday, January beasleywoodfuneralhome.com She was born July 19, 1949, in Pine 9, 2024, in Mena, Arkansas. He Ridge, Arkansas, to Raymond GorJames was born May 21, 1932, to the late temiller and Addie Wilhite GorteCalvin miller. She was united in marriage to Ora L. and Cora (Bates) Holmes, in Mena, Arkansas.

Holmes Sam Bissell. Sue was a sales associMr. Holmes was a traveling minMr. James ate for Walmart for many years until ister by profession, he loved his C a l v i n her retirement. She was a member church family deeply. He also was Holmes, age of the Acorn Baptist Church. Sue the owner of his own private garden 60, passed was a loving wife, mother, grandbreaking and bush hogging busiaway Thursday, mother, sister and friend and will be ness. Charles was an avid Bluegrass November 9, 2023, in Texas. He was dearly missed. musician and loved the genre of born January 25, 1963, in Mena, ArSue was preceded in death by her music deeply. He could play 8 in- kansas, to Charles E. and Betty Lou parents Raymond and Addie Gortestruments, but his favorite was the (Davis) Holmes. miller; husband, Sam Bissell; brothmandolin. It was said that “if it had Mr. Holmes was an oil rig and er, Odell Garrett; sister, Brenda Nivstrings, then he could play it!” windmill accident investigator for ens; and stepson, Chuck Bissell.

Mr. Holmes is preceded in death the United States government by She is survived by her son, Chrisby his parents, Ora L. and Cora profession. He was also a member topher Gortemiller of Little Rock, (Bates) Holmes, son, James Calvin of the United States Army National Arkansas; grandson, Zachary Spain Holmes; brothers, Robert Calvin Guard. James was a member of the of Alaska; sisters, Linda Lance and Holmes, Jess Holmes, B.R. (Bun- Ouachita Mountain Boys, loving Mary Harvey both of Mena, Arny) Holmes, Fred Holmes; sisters, playing music with them. He also kansas; stepchildren, Jeanie Davies Iva May Sikes, Mary Lou Phillips, loved flying and hunting. of Spiro, Oklahoma, Sammy and Ida Jane Breitenstein, and Rose Lea Mr. Holmes is survived by his wife Belinda Bissell of Mena, ArBeck. spouse, Brandy Holmes; sons, kansas, Johnny and Joy Bissell of He is survived by his beloved wife, Brandon Holmes and Jade Holmes; Oklahoma, Elaine Covey of Spiro, Betty Lou (Davis) Holmes; grand- daughters, Stephanie Holmes Bobo children, Brandon Holmes, Steph- and Rylee Holmes; grandchildren, Oklahoma, Travis Bissell of Mena, anie Holmes Bobo, Rylee Holmes, Zoey Garner and Chance Garner; Arkansas. Sue was also survived Jade Holmes; great-grandchildren, his father, Charles E. Holmes, and by a host of step-grandchildren, Zoey Garner, Chance Garner; by his mother, Betty Lou (Davis) step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. brother, Glen Holmes; as well as Holmes.

Cremation services for Mrs. by a host of nieces, nephews, other Online obituary and guestbook at Bissell are entrusted to the Beasfamily and friends too numerous to beasleywoodfuneralhome.com ley-Wood Funeral Home. mention.

Online obituary at beasleywoodServices for Mr. Holmes will be funeralhome.com held at, 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 11, 2024, at the Primitive Baptist Church in Mena, Arkansas.

Elder Dennis Horn, Elder Chris Dunn, and Elder James Issac will

Texas, at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

6 Obituaries Charles Monroe Caster Sr.

Charles Monroe Caster Sr., age 90, of Mena, Arkansas, died Tuesday, January 9, 2024, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born on Saturday, April 22, 1933, to William and Liddie Caster in Irving, Texas.

Charles attended the First Christian Church in Mena alongside his wife, Mary. A jovial soul at heart, he exuded a playful demeanor and brought joy to those around him.

Charles possessed a penchant for teasing and had a knack for inducing laughter. Known for his kindness, he found solace in hunting and fishing during his leisure hours. An ardent supporter of the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys, Charles always had baseball games on in the background at home. In later years, he really enjoyed going out and playing golf with his friends.

His passion extended to old country melodies and hymns, igniting his love for singing and dancing.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Doris Evelyn Glover Caster; two sisters; and five brothers.

Charles is survived by his loving wife, Mary Unger Caster of Mena; his son and daughter-in-law, Charles Monroe Caster Jr. and his wife Debbie of Greenwood; two daughters and sons-in-law, Pamela and Buster Bonner of Nashville, and Karen and Eric Raysor of Leander, Texas; and William and Lyn Pennell of Florida, and JoAnn and Kenneth Dagenhart of Indiana; his sister, Eileen Hauck of Irving, Texas; nine grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren and one on the

January 17, 2024 way; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas, with Brother Rob Williams officiating under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. A private interment will follow the service under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the First Christian Church in Mena at 1010 Port Arthur Ave, Mena, AR 71953 or Sacred Selections at www.sacredselections.org.

Pallbearers will be Trey Caster, William Caster, Crew Caster, Robert Bonner, Alex Bonner, and David Riley.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh. com

Claude Doyle

C l a u d e Doyle was born in Skene, MS, on August 19, 1928, lived to 95, and passed away January 6, 2024. His parents were Ernest Edgar Doyle and Ada Arleen Farmer. He married Flossie Mae Gladden April 14, 1947, in Skene, MS, at the school because the church had burned. They met when she was 12. She said then, “I’m going to marry Claude one day.” Last year, they celebrated 76 years of marriage. God, country, and family

best describe how he lived his life.

Claude and Flossie have been faithful members of the Mill Creek Baptist Church since October 1983.

It was the neighborhood church that has grown during the four decades they’ve been members.

Claude joined the military in 1946. His assignments included Germany during the WWII Berlin Airlift and Turkey. His career also stationed him and the family at several different bases in the US from Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma in the south all the way up to Maine and across the world to Panama and Okinawa, Japan.

Doyle received several commendation medals during his career. Major Doyle retired from the US Air Force in 1969 from Tinker AFB and moved the family to Hot Springs.

Claude was the patriarch of the Doyle family and was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Aubry (Bud), Bertha Bell (Sis), and Ada Christine (Tine). Ancestry research revealed connections through his mother to the King of Wales in the 9th century.

Claude leaves behind his wife Flossie Mae Doyle and their four children: Dennis Doyle, Glavon Webster, Joyce Sanden (Randal), and Garland Doyle. Direct descendants include 7 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. The Doyle family relatives include his half-brother Gene Doyle and several Doyle nieces and nephews. He and Flossie have been married so long, he was naturally close to the Gladden family, as well. Pall bearers include his nephews and church family.

Claude never met a stranger and made more friends than you can imagine during his lifetime from

just one greeting or conversation.

He exhibited a life that showed others humility, kindness, generosity, community, and what it meant to be a Christian and church servant. His bible knowledge and great teaching ability made him a favorite Sunday school teacher to many. Anything he said was worth listening to, and, if you knew him, he liked to talk.

He was real. He “let his little light shine.” Everyone liked daddy.

He was a lifelong learner. In the service, you either executed well or trained to earn promotion. After retiring, he took small engine repair from Quapaw Vocational Technical School in 1975. He earned the first associate degree from the newly formed Garland County Community College (now known as National Park College) due to college credits earned when in the Air Force.

His other passions included gardening, woodworking, and fixing things. The volume of vegetables fed many a meal to family and friends.

You could count on receiving the quantity of ears of corn grown each year. “Doyle” corn is what his grandchildren grew up call it. He learned and shared a great deal of gardening skills from the county extension office. His favorite wood to work with was cedar which he used to make several useful items.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Caruth-Hale Funeral Home on Section Line Road in Hot Springs. Visitation is Friday, January 12, 2024, at 1:00 followed by a 2:00 service lead by Pastor Scott Hardy from the Mill Creek Baptist Church. Major Claude Doyle will be laid to rest at the Crestview Cemetery on Highway 70E with military honors.

Online condolences at caruthhale.com

Obituaries 7

January 17, 2024 Johnnie L. Howard Jr.

Mr. Johnnie L. Howard Jr., age 84, passed from this life on Saturday, January 6, 2024, in Mena, Arkansas.

He was born March 2, 1939, in Potter, Arkansas, to the late Johnnie L. Howard Sr., and Edith (Burt) Howard.

Mr. Howard retired from Johnston Farms after 25 years and spent some of his earlier years in different lumber yards. He was an animal lover, particularly enjoying horses, dogs, fox hunting and listening to the dogs run. In his younger years, Johnnie enjoyed dancing and reading western books, but one of his favorite activities was sitting on the porch and watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren play in the front yard.

Mr. Howard is preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie L. Howard Sr., and Edith (Burt) Howard; beloved wife of 42 years, Linda (Blackwood) Howard; grandson, Travis Howard; brother, Jimmy Howard; sisters, Betty Jo Brooks, Joyce Martin, Margery Howard, Maxine Howard, and by baby sister, Dorothy Howard.

He is survived by his sons, Jeff Howard, Pete Howard and wife Ginny; daughter, Tammy Venable and husband Tim; grandchildren, Scotty Howard and wife Kimmy, Krystal Titsworth and husband Jimmy, Ty Venable, Cody Howard and wife Kayla, Lacey Goodner and husband Ross; 8 great-grandchildren, sister, Sammye Cureton; sister-inlaw, Jackie Nash; caregiver, Dana

Brown; as well as by a host of nieces, nephews, other family, and friends.

Graveside services for Mr. Johnnie L. Howard Jr., will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Gann Cemetery in Potter, Arkansas. Brother Floyd Folsom will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

There is no visitation scheduled.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Thomas Clements Wells

Mr. Thomas Clements Wells, age 93, passed away Monday, January 8, 2024, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born March 6, 1930, in Alexandria, Louisiana, to the late Herbert H. and Audie N. (Melder) Wells.

Mr. Wells was a heavy equipment operator by profession. Tommy was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving his country during the Korean Conflict. He was an active member of the local veteran’s organizations and enjoyed the many friends he had through those organizations. Gardening was a true passion of Tommy’s; he was also an avid dancer and loved dancing and making friends wherever he went.

Mr. Tommy Wells is preceded in death by parents, Herbert H. and Audie N. (Melder) Wells; his beloved wife, Allie Wells; brothers, Otto Wells, Arthur Wells, Clifford Wells, Venoy Wells; sister, Juanita Ronsonet.

He is survived by sons, Mike Wells, Glen Wells and wife Doris, Greg Wells and wife Tammy, all of Mena, Arkansas, Clyde Wells

and wife Elaine of Dayton, Texas; 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; brother, Bert Wells of Glenmora, Louisiana; sister, Ottie Thomas of Damascus, Arkansas; his primary caretaker and friend of several years, Kelly Westbrook; his granddaughter who served as a caretaker when she didn’t have to, Kristen Wells; special friends of many years, Joan Childs and Barbara Muilenburg, who added much joy to his later years; as well as by a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends too numerous to mention.

Mr. Thomas Clements Wells was sent for cremation, there will be a memorial service announced at a later date. Cremation services are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary and guestbook at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Roger Dale Wilson

Mr. Roger Dale Wilson, age 72, passed away Thursday, January 11, 2024, in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

He was born November 28, 1951, in Mena, Arkansas, to the late Nicodemus Harrison Lee and Violet Valentine (Robinette) Wilson.

Mr. Wilson worked for the Polk County Road Department for 43 years until his retirement. Roger was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed playing the guitar.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Nicodemus Harrison Lee and Violet Valentine (Robinette)

Wilson; brother, Carl Wilson and wife Joyce; and sister, Anna Wilson Denton and husband Alfred.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Glenda Sue Wilson; son, Kendall Wilson and wife Twila; grandchildren, Alyssa Carroll and husband Braden; great-grandchild, Walker Carroll; brother, Roy Wilson and wife Marilyn; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as by a host of other family and friends too numerous to mention.

Services for Mr. Roger Dale Wilson will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at the Wickes Pentecostal Church, in Wickes, Arkansas. Brother Raymond Dees and Chris Burke will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will be private. Visitation will be general.

Pallbearers are Donald Burk, Casey Hamner, Harley Mullinex, Thomas Stark, Todd Webb, Weston Burke. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dewayne Baker, Keith Philpot, Claudio O’Campo, and Wes Igo. Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Sorrow is a fruit.

God does not make it grow on limbs too weak to bear it.

~Victor Hugo

8 News

January 17, 2024

Sanders administration holds China accountable LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Jan. 2, 2024) — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ Administration alerted Attorney General Tim Griffin’s office of two companies that may be in violation of Act 636, which prohibits foreign-party-controlled businesses from owning Arkansas land.

“China is a hostile foreign adversary

came the first governor in the country to kick a Chinese state-owned company off American farmland. Her administration is forcing Syngenta to sell its land in Craighead County and received a $280,000 fine from the company.

Secretary Ward’s letter on Risever Machinery LLC in Craighead County is below:

directed to collect and analyze information concerning the unlawful sale or possession of agricultural land by prohibited foreign parties and report violations to the Arkansas Attorney General.

Since the passage of Act 636, one entity that has come to the attention of the Department is Risever Machinery LLC which has a facility in Craighead County. A review of Risever Machinery LLC’s ownership indicates that the entity has significant ties to China.

As of the date of this letter, China continues to be a country subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and is subject to the prohibitions of Act 636.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture believes that Risever Machinery LLC may be operating in violation of Act 636. As a result, we are reporting the potential violations to your office and requesting that you utilize the authority granted under A.C.A. 18-11704(c)(2) to determine if a violation of Act 636 has in fact occurred, and if so, commence appropriate legal action.

Respectfully,

Arkansas receives a check from Syngenta for violating the state’s foreign land ownership laws on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. and under my administration, we will follow the law and not allow companies controlled by the Chinese Communist Party to buy up and exploit Arkansas land,” said Governor Sanders.

As part of Secretary Wes Ward’s ongoing investigations, the Department of Agriculture discovered that two companies, Risever Machinery LLC in Craighead County and Jones Digital LLC near the City of DeWitt, may have significant ties to China. Jones Digital LLC may also have significant ownership interest in digital asset and crypto-mining operations in other parts of the state under different names.

In October, Governor Sanders be-

Attorney General Griffin, During the 2023 Regular Session of the Arkansas General Assembly the state legislature passed Act 636 which amends the law concerning ownership and possession of real property; the law had an effective date of August 1, 2023. Act 636 provides that a “prohibited foreign-party controlled business” shall not acquire by grant, purchase, devise, descent, or otherwise any interest in public or private land in this state.

In accordance with Act 636, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is

Wesley W. Ward Secretary of Agriculture Secretary Ward’s letter on Jones Digital LLC near the City of DeWitt is below: Attorney General Griffin, During the 2023 Regular Session of the Arkansas General Assembly the state legislature passed Act 636 which amends the law concerning ownership and possession of real property; the law had an effective date of August 1, 2023. Act 636 provides that a “prohibited foreign-party controlled business” shall not acquire by grant, purchase, devise, descent, or otherwise any interest in public or private land in this

state.

In accordance with Act 636, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is directed to collect and analyze information concerning the unlawful sale or possession of agricultural land by prohibited foreign parties and report violations to the Arkansas Attorney General.

Throughout the course of this year there have been a growing number of entities in the process of creating digital asset or crypto-mining operations across the state of Arkansas. One of these facilities is located on agricultural land near the city of DeWitt and is operated by Jones Digital LLC. A review of Jones Digital’s ownership indicates that the entity may have significant ties to China. Further, it is believed that the individuals or entities involved in the ownership of Jones Digital LLC may also have significant ownership interest in other digital asset or crypto-mining operations in other parts of the state under different names.

As of the date of this letter, China continues to be a country subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and is subject to the prohibitions of Act 636.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture believes that Jones Digital LLC and potentially other similarly situated digital asset or crypto-mining operations may be operating in violation of Act 636. As a result, we are reporting the potential violations to your office and requesting that you utilize the authority granted under A.C.A. 18-11704(c)(2) to determine if a violation of Act 636 has in fact occurred, and if so, commence appropriate legal action.

Respectfully, Wesley W. Ward Secretary of Agriculture

January 17, 2024

By Richie Lawry

Every year in January, my wife’s family meets somewhere on the Pacific Coast for a family reunion. This year, we are staying in Long Beach, Washington.

There are family here from Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Arkansas.

Whenever I am on vacation, I am the first one up. I love the quiet of the early morning and love to go exploring.

The sun is still below the horizon as I walk on the beach, listening to the sound of the waves. The moon is full and hanging low on the horizon to the west. The white-silver light of the moon transforms the beach, giving the morning a magical, otherworldly feel.

As each wave rolls in from the Pacific Ocean, it rushes over the flat, hardpacked sand of Long Beach. As the water retreats to the ocean, it leaves a glossy mirror-like finish. The soft, glimmering moonlight mo-mentarily shone on the mirrored beach, leaving a pale silver trail. The mirrored finish of the beach was gone too soon, and the next wave rolled in. This wave also left a mirror-like finish that reflected the moonlight. The scene repeated itself over and over as I walked along the beach.

While walking on the beach, I thought about how gorgeous it was. It was hard for me to believe that no one else was there to witness it. As far as I could see in either direction, no one else was on the beach. Long Beach is the world’s longest beach on a peninsula. It stretches 28 miles along Washington’s south-west coast. One of the most exciting things about Long Beach is that you can drive on it. The beach is an official Washington State Highway with a 25-mph speed limit.

After my early morning walk on the beach, I returned to my car and drove back to the condo, where we spent a long weekend at a family reunion. That morning, I drove on the beach from the condo to the southernmost point of the beach, Cape Disappointment. The rocky outcroppings of the Cape Disappointment headlands are a natural

An Arkie’s Faith Eagles on Long Beach

It seemed to be intentionally staying right be-side my car, just a few feet away.

Seeing the majestic bird resplendent in the early morning light was a wonderfully captivating experience. The encounter ended when the eagle accelerated upward with a mighty burst from its wings and soon soared high into the air. I watched until I could no longer see the eagle.

As the eagle disappeared from view, I rememAn American bald eagle along the Pacific coast at Long bered Isaiah 40:31 Beach in Washington.

(Photo by Regina Lawry) (NLT); “those who trust in the Lord barrier at the end of the beach. will find new strength. They will soar As I was driving back, enjoying the high on wings like eagles. They will view and the surreal experience of run and not grow weary. They will walk driving on a beach, I noticed some- and not faint.” thing out of the corner of my eye. ComThe sight of an eagle flying is an ing up beside me on my right was a impressive sight. Because of these large bird. I slowed down to get a bet- striking birds’ size and the ease and ter look. I could see that it was an ea- confidence with which they fly, watchgle with a tremendous wingspan. Be- ing an eagle fly always intrigues me. cause of its dark brown color and large Eagles use the air currents to cover size, I knew it was a golden eagle. miles of ground with minimum effort.

The magnificent bird kept pace with Now and again, a slight movement of me, or maybe I was keeping pace with their wings is all it takes for the eagle the eagle. We traveled togeth-er down to continue soaring. the beach for a long time. Golden eaHow can an eagle soar to such gles are one of the largest birds in heights with minimal energy? Eagles North America, and to be that close to have very long, large wings. It takes a a bird with a 7-foot wingspan is a sur- lot of energy to flap such large wings. real experience. The eagle command- Jon. M. Gerrard and Gary R. Bortoloted my attention, with its spreading ti are scientists who have spent many wings as broad as they were powerful. hours observing eagles. They wrote:

Joke of the Week:

I am getting rid of my vacuum cleaner.

It is just gathering dust.

Faith 9 “Eagles can sustain flapping flight, but they usually spend little time doing it.

During the month when one of the female eagles was observed intensively, she averaged less than 2 minutes per hour in flapping flight. That is not surprising when one considers the large ex-penditure of energy required to power the huge wings. The energy needed to maintain a bird in flat soaring or gliding flight is much less, perhaps a 20th or less the power needed for flapping. Therefore, eagles will always choose to soar or glide when possible.”

That is why eagles often soar on thermals until they reach a great altitude and then use the glid-ing/soaring method of flying to cover the longest distance using the smallest amount of energy. An eagle makes flying look effortless. When we insist on being in control and doing things in our power, we are like an eagle who doesn’t soar.

We quickly tire out and get nowhere.

Psalm 46:10 (NASB) says, “Cease striving and know that I am God.” To find strength, we need to put our trust in God. In Philippians 4:13 (NKJV), the Bible tells us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

While at Long Beach, I saw many American bald eagles and a couple of golden eagles. All along the 28 miles of Long Beach, eagle perches have been constructed. Almost anytime you drive on the beach, you will see eagles. I even saw bald eagles wading in the ocean.

Gentle Reader, spread your wings and soar like an eagle. The only thing that limits you is how much you trust in God. When you trust Him, He has promised you strength. In Philippians 4:19 (NASB), Paul writes, “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

When you trust Him, God will supply your needs and renew your strength so you can soar like an eagle.

Replacing windshields in Polk County for over 40 years.

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

10 History

January 17, 2024

Reflections from History and Faith:

By Jeff Olson Tuesday, Jan. 16, was National Religious Freedom Day in America.

This day was chosen because it is the anniversary of the passage of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1777 and introduced and carried through to passage by James Madison on Jan. 16, 1786.

It would do well for each of us to read this document as it is a remarkable declaration of intellectual and spiritual independence and one of the most dramatic and influential documents in American history. It was also very prominent in the disestablishment of state churches in the American colonies.

There is a tremendous amount of history surrounding this document which will not be found in modern day history books or even on the web site proclaiming this anniversary.

What I would like to do here is provide briefly some background and details which I think will give you some additional appreciation and perspective for not only the document’s contents but also something of its broader historical context and influence. And, it will reveal Jeffer-

Religious Freedom Day

son’s concept of religious freedom which has been so misrepresented through the misapplied metaphor, “wall of separation between church and state.”

The approval of the Declaration of Independence not only signaled political autonomy of the American colonies from the English crown, but also severed the colonies’ formal legal ties with the mother country. It was therefore necessary to bring the laws of the individual colonies into conformity with republican principles and to remove the existing legal code of any remaining vestiges of Monarchical rule. Thus, in the fall of 1776, a committee of prominent Virginians under the chairmanship of Thomas Jefferson was commissioned by the Virginia legislature to “revise, alter, amend, repeal, or introduce all or any of the said laws” of the Commonwealth.

This “Revisal of the Laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia” was comprised of a total of 126 bills. Bill Number 82 of the Revisals, Jefferson’s “Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom,” was only the first of five consecutive bills dealing with religion. Jefferson himself assumed responsibility for drafting the bills.

Bill 82 in its essential parts enacted four things: no person shall (1) be compelled by civil government to attend or support any religious worship, place, or ministry, nor (2) be punished or restrained by the Commonwealth on account of his/ her religious opinions or beliefs; but, on the contrary, every person shall (3) be free to profess and contend for his religious opinions and beliefs, and (4) such activity shall in no way affect his/her civil capacities.

Here you can sense that the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom proclaimed a cooperative connection between religion and the state.

Bill 82, as well as Bills 83 through 86, of the Revisals, were all linked together and as a whole are inconsistent with the Supreme Court’s argument that the First Amendment’s original intent was to erect a “high and impregnable wall of separation” between church and state per Everson vs. Board of Education (1947) and the Court’s historical reference to the Virginia Statute to substantiate it.

These bills essentially suggested a flexible church-state model which promoted an accommodation between the interests of the church and the civil government and prohibited governmental interference with the freedom of religious beliefs and expression.

These bills also shed more light on Jefferson’s actual views on religious freedom which have been distorted by the courts, the media, and in classrooms during the years since. The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, while not the first state legislation to expand religious liberty, was nevertheless a significant milestone and achievement in America’s journey towards religious freedom and it comprised a vital part of the groundwork and foundation for the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Celebrating Religious Freedom Day has taken form also in many churches in America through the recognition of Religious Freedom Sunday which was on Jan. 14 this year. The week of Religious Freedom Day presents several good

opportunities to celebrate an important cornerstone of our nation’s history, including doing so within an environment of praise, worship and honor to Almighty God for his legacy of blessings on our nation, and to seek His face and forgiveness in healing our troubled land (2 Chronicles 7:13-14).

In addition, and even more important, we can celebrate this important milestone beyond this week and through diligent citizenship in educating others about our nation’s genuine history and in taking part in civic duties which promote and defend our freedom of worship and religious expression.

We cannot continue to take them for granted. As one of our former presidents expressed it: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. The only way they can inherit the freedom we have known is if we fight for it, protect it, defend it, and then hand it to them with the well fought lessons of how they in their lifetime must do the same.”

News 11

January 17, 2024

Local Elks Hoop Shoot winners for 2024 Article and photos by Ethan Nahté

Natalee Fowler

Jade Bailey

The Mena Elks Lodge held their Elks Annual Hoop Shoot event Sunday afternoon in a very chilly gymnasium. Despite the freezing temperature outside, which soon turned to snow as the competition was in progress, approximately twice as many 8-13 year old boys and girls participated in the 2024 event.

Sign up began at 12:15, allowing the atheltes time to warm up throwing free throws. The event began at 1 p.m. The final trophies were handed out around 3 p.m. There was one tie-breaker round amongst the girls and a tie-breaker between two of the boys that went two rounds.

In addition to trophies going to the first through third place winners, with 8 – 9 Girls Natalee Fowler First Place Haydyn Hunter Second Place Preslee Powell Third Place

8 – 9 Boys Brentley Green Hayes Baron Cooper Crees

10 - 11 Girls Jade Bailey First Place Kimber Green Second Place Third Place

10 - 11 Boys Andrew Duncan Colt Wiles Elliott Hobson

12 – 13 Girls Adelyn Barton First Place Ravyn Wilson Second Place Third Place

12 – 13 Boys Asher Cook Marquis Aviles Braedyn Barton

Adelyn Barton

Adelyn Barton

the exception of the 10-11 and the 12-13 girls’ divisions where there were only two competitors in each, there was a trophy for the top shooter out of all the constestants. The winner of the award was Adelyn Barton, shooting 21 of 25 freethrows.

Barton won first place in the 10-11-yearold division in 2023, shooting 15 out of 25. Ronnie Cook presented the trophies.

Asher Cook won the 12 to 13-year-old division this year and last year. In 2002 he won in the Hot Springs Tournament and advanced to the Region 9 Hoop Shoot Semifinals in Paducah, Kentucky. Cook placed third in his division in Paducah.

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.

ER’s Top Shooter

Brentley Green

Andrew Duncan

21 of 25 Free Throws

Asher Cook

12 Year in Review

January 17, 2024

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW

Mena Regional Health System installs the world’s first deep learning reconstruction MRI from Canon Medical Systems for faster, safer patient exams.

After much debate and arguing from both sides, a law was passed in the November 2022 election that officially made Polk County wet for the first time in several decades. The first permits allowing packaged retail beer sales went into effect on Apr. 21.

Mena Water Utilities began the year with a public hearing to discuss the need for a water rate increase to replace outdated plants and equipment. More meetings were held throughout 2023 and rates did increase. The first meeting had citizens and members of the water utility groups filling the main chamber and flowing out into the See REVIEW lobby of Mena City Hall. continued on page 13

January 17, 2024

Year in Review 13

REVIEW continued from page 12 Teenager Matthew Stout was the focus of our Autism Awareness Month issue. After competing locally in the Special Olympics, Matthew went to the big event at Harding University for the 2023 Special Olympics Arkansas Summer Games where he won two bronze medals.

But that wasn’t all as Matthew and his parents Angela and Steven Stout were awarded the Special Olympics Arkansas Family of the Year Award 2023.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (front center) designated Mena as the first Capital for a Day for Oct. 20, 2023. The governor and other people from her office, including Arkansas Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva visited several locations in Mena as well as on Rich Mountain last Friday. She was in Mena for the inaugural launch of Capital for a Day. Sanders and Mena Mayor Seth Smith visited the KENA studio to discuss the Capital for a Day program and other topics. She then went to the Mena Bearcat’s homecoming game, walking out on the field to hand the football to coach Craig Bentley. Mena went on to win the game over Fouke 37-13.

The Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern railroads merger was finalized, authorizing the two railways to combine to form Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), the first single-line railway connecting the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Noticeable changes came with the merger.

See REVIEW continued on page 14

14 Year in Review

January 17, 2024

REVIEW continued from page 13

Actor Morgan Freeman dropped in at the Mena Airport to have some interior and exterior work done on his aircraft at Rose Aircraft Service.

Freeman stopped in at American Artisans for lunch and the buzz grew quickly that he was in town.

On the Pulse Facebook page, the image and story had over 600,000 views in less than a week.

Outdoor photographer Tim Ernst had a captive audience of 200-plus people for his first, and last, appearance at The Ouachita Center on the UARM campus this weekend.

Ernst announced to the audience that this was his 1,510th presentation he has done. That’s a little over four years of his career if one was to divide that by 365 days. Fifty years later, the crowd at the Mena show were part of a special moment.

“This is probably my last program I’m going to give because I’m basically retired from producing new picture books, which is what I’ve been promoting with the slide programs for the last several decades.”

Jerry L. Hopper, 46, of Cove pled guilty to Murder in the Second Degree of Erin “Pepper” Lawrence (aka Marburger) in February. Lawrence was first reported missing in April 2020.

Gary Vernon, the director of Outdoor Recreation and Trail Innovation for Runway Group, spoke at the Chamber Banquet about the proposed mountain bike trails coming to the area. He is considered one of the leading experts in developing mountain bike trail systems.

January 17, 2024

News 15

Arkansas law enforcement implements new tools to fight human trafficking

The Arkansas Human Trafficking Council (AHTC) met on Thursday, Jan. 4, and implemented new human trafficking identification tools to support human trafficking victims and to prevent and prose-

cute human trafficking. The council also adopted new law enforcement policies, procedures, and protocols.

January is Human Trafficking Month, and Jan. 11 is Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Both offer an opportunity to educate the public, spread awareness and encourage action to protect survivors of all forms of human trafficking.

The new ID tools adopted by the council will include a three-level approach: a rapid assessment, an in-depth background assessment, and a comprehensive assessment for interviewing victims. This is the first step to helping victims escape human trafficking.

The tools may be viewed in the news section of the Arkansas Department of Public Safety’s site at

dps.arkansas.gov/.

The first level is a rapid assessment with eight or fewer questions designed to quickly identify potential victims and provide immediate assistance. This can be used by law enforcement, first responders, guidance counselors, and essential frontline individuals who have brief encounters or sporadic interactions with potential victims.

The second level can be used to assess a situation by analyzing history and background information.

This consists of an assessment completed by a reporting individual based on their knowledge of the victim’s background and behavior. A background assessment would identify any red flags that may indicate trafficking without interviewing a possible victim.

Level three would be the most comprehensive assessment designed to directly interact with the potential victim, allowing them to disclose in a private, safe, confidential manner.

The council also created a Human Trafficking Coordinated Response Hub—aimed at centralizing support services, empowering local law enforcement, and protecting victims.

The workgroup adopted new state human trafficking protocols to address the problem in a more efficient, effective, and uniform manner. These protocols will expand resource availability, increase offender prosecution rates, improve victim support services, and enhance protections for victims.

The Human Trafficking Prevention, Education, and Training

workgroup compiled a list of updated local, state, and national resources for human trafficking training and educational materials. This list is designed to provide training and educational resources for students, parents, counselors, and school personnel. This will supplement materials promoted by the Arkansas Center for School Safety of the Criminal Justice Institute as required by the “LEARNS Act.” In addition, individuals who regularly engage with Arkansas’ human trafficking protocols will undergo routine training and be notified of any updates or changes to the protocols.

The AHTC is implementing four services to identify all forms of human trafficking; to provide all

victims access to services, to investigate and prosecute human trafficking cases at the local, state, and federal levels, and to address individualized service needs through a comprehensive array of service providers.

The AHTC is a collaboration of the Department of Public Safety Division of Arkansas State Police, the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, and the Department of Human Services Division of Children and Family Services providing comprehensive services to trafficking victims.

To request protocols and the assessment tools, contact Sergeant Matthew Foster, Human Trafficking Coordinator, at Matt.Foster@ asp.arkansas.gov/.

16 Community

January 17, 2024

MABR holding auditions for their 2nd Annual Murder Mystery Call for photo entries at Mena Art Gallery

By Ethan Nahté

By Ethan Nahté The Mena Area Board of Realtors (MABR) will have their 2nd Annual Murder Mystery coming soon.

This year’s theme is “Murder at the Disco.” They will have open auditions for the show from 5 -7 p.m., Jan. 18 and 19. Call 479-234-3594 for details on the audition place.

The audition locations seem to be occurring at a different location each night, so calling is a necessity.

Last year’s event, “Murder at the Mardi Gras Ball,” sold out and people were reserving tickets both locally and from areas such as Hot Springs, Waldron and Texas.

The event netted approximately $4,000, which was split between CASA and The CALL of Polk

County.

If you’ve never experienced an event such as this, it’s a very interactive performance that requires audience participation.

More details on the event date and ticket prices should be available soon from MABR.

Mena Art Gallery (MAG) announces their call for entries for the 2024 Photography Show, giving photographers time to prepare their entries such as framing and ready to hang. Entries must be brought into MAG, located at 607 Mena St., between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 17 or contact them to make other arrangements.

There will be an adult division and a youth division (ages 14-18). If a category has fewer than three entrants, no prizes will be awarded in that category.

There will be a public reception for the show from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24. Prizes will be awarded at 2 p.m.

Work may be in any photographic style such as black and white, infrared, HDR, panoramic, etc. All photographic media is acceptable but must be family friendly. Entries must be original and the photographer’s own work. Gallery wraps and meal printed photos are acceptable All frames must be wired. They will not accept saw tooth or pop-out hangers. No framed or unframed artwork larger than 36 inches by 36 inches.

In addition to information on the entry form, work must be labeled on the back, with title, artist’s name, phone number and whether it is an adult or youth entry. There’s a limit of three pieces by one artist and all entries must be available for sale.

The gallery will handle all sales and each artist will be paid 70% of the sale prices by the second week of the following month (April). Pricing should take this into consideration.

Entry fees are $10 per piece for adult MAG members, $12 for adult non-members, and $5 for youth. Any work previously shown in any MAG judged show may not be entered again.

(Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Prizes: Best in Show - $300 Adult - First place - $200 - Second place - $150 - Third place - $100 - Honorable mention - Ribbon - People’s choice - $25 Youth - First place - $125 - Second place - $100 - Third place - $50 - Honorable mention - Ribbon - People’s choice - $25

The full set of rules and entry form can be found at https://southwestartists. org/2024-photography-show/. For questions call 479-394-3880 or email the gallery at email@menaartgallery. org.

Don’t forget the current gallery show, Featured Artists Show, runs through Saturday morning, Jan 20.

This truly interesting and beautiful show is well worth the time to see it.

The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wednesday through Saturday.

Police 17

January 17, 2024

870 area code overlay The new (327) area code overlay does not affect phone numbers in western Arkansas, but it does extend from northern to southern portinos in eastern Arkansas, such as El Dorado, Pine Bluff, mountain Home, Jonesboro, Monticello and Magnolia. It may require you to update your contacts for business, friends and family if they are in that region of the state.

To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC) approved the addition of the geographic region served by the 870 area code. This process is known as an area code overlay.

An overlay is the addition of another area code 327 to the same geographic region as an existing area code (870 customers to change their existing area code but does require using a new dialing procedure to complete calls.

Anyone with an 870 area code telephone number will be affected. The 870 area code covers the northern, eastern Arkansas. The 870 area code serves communities including, but not limited to El Dorado, Jonesboro, Magnolia, N Paragould, Pine Bluff, Texarkana and West Memphis. The new 327 area code will serve the same geographic are existing 870 area code.

New dialing procedure The new dialing procedure will require that all calls in the 870 area code that are currently dialed with seven digits code plus the telephone number.

Effective July 21, 2023, customers began dialing the area code plus the telephone number to place a call.

Beginning Jan. 19, you must dial the area code plus the telephone number on all calls, including calls within the

same area code. If you do not dial the area code plus the telephone number, your calls will not complete and a recording will instruct you to dial again, including the area code.

Beginning Feb. 20, 2024, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the new 327 area code the new 327 area code, you must dial the area code plus telephone number or the call will not complete.

In addition to dialing the area code plus the telephone number for local calls, all services, automatic dialing equipment, or are programmed to dial a 7-digit number will need to be reprogrammed to include the area code. Some examples: Medical monitoring devices, fire or burglar alarm and security systems or gates, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial­forwarding settings, voicemail services and similar functions, etc. You should update your websites, personal and professional advertising materials, personal and pet ID tags and other such items to ensure the area code is included.

What will remain the same?

- The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.

- What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.

- You can still dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 if available.

For more information, please click APSC has a contact form for consumer services at https://apsc.arkansas.gov/consumer-services/contact-form/

The following information was received from Polk County law enforcement agencies. The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.

Individuals charged and whose names appear in this column may submit documentation to us at a later date that the charges have been dismissed, or that they have been found innocent, and we will include that information in this space in a timely manner.

MENA POLICE REPORTS

New York parole absconder arrested in Hatfield

By Ethan Nahté

The Polk County Sheriff ’s Office was contacted by the U.S. Marshal’s Service on Monday, Jan. 8, about a wanted fugitive they believed was hiding in Polk County.

The suspect, Lawrence Wayne Connor, age 36, was a parole absconder from New York state with an extensive criminal history.

Connor was apprehended without incident in the Hatfield area. He’s currently

January 7 No report.

January 8 Adrian King, 36, was served with a warrant at the county jail.

A report of theft was taken from Walmart.

Martin Rodreguez, 22, was served with a warrant at the police department.

January 9 Vicki Beck, 62, was charged with Theft and Possession of Instrument of Crime at Walmart.

A report of criminal mischief was taken at a residence on Cherry Street.

January 10 A report of theft was taken from Walmart.

A report of theft was taken from Page Enterprises.

January 11 A report of stalking and harassment was taken from a walk-in complainant.

January 12 No report.

January 13 Shannon Taylor, 59, was charged with DWI and Driving Left of Center after a traffic stop on Dequeen Street.

A report of theft was taken from a person at Walmart.

incarcerated in the Polk County Detention Center awaiting extradition to New York.

Polk County Sheriff Scottt Sawyer stated, “I’d like to thank my deputies, the U.S. Marshals Service, the 18 W DTF, and the Mena Police Department for their great work in locating and apprehending Lawrence Connor. They all did a great job in getting this dangerous fugitive off the streets”.

According to Connor’s Facebook page, he is from the small town of Laurel, New York, which is in Suffolk County at the tip of the state. His page is filled primarily with images of Connor and his family.

A person in the Hatfield area said her son claimed to have been working with Connor and neither suspected he was wanted nor had a criminal history. She said her son described Connor as being a nice guy.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

18 Classifieds

January 17, 2024

Cattleman’s Association and beef workshop

- 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.

T0117 Construction, steel buildings, welding, pads, ponds, roads, tree services, and mulching. Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0228 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 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 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.

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POLK COUNTY PULSE

By Ethan Nahté The Polk County Cattleman’s Association January meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 23., at 6 p.m. in the Education Building at the Polk County Extension Office, 211 Dequeen St., Mena.

The speaker will be Dr. David Hernandez on how to be prepared for changing weather patterns.

T-N-L Meat Processing will supply tacos with La Villa Mexican Restaurant contributing the sides.

Chambers Bank will be the sponsor.

Beef Production Workshop The 2024 Beef Production Work-

shop will be at 6 p.m. on Feb. 15.

Those interested can attend in person or online. Topics will include breeding/calving seasons with Dr. Charles Looney, and cow herd improvement with Dr. Sherry Beaty-Sullivan.

The event will take place at the Education Building at the Extension Office. There will be a meal provided for those attending in person. To register for in-person attendance call 479-394-6018. To pre-register for the online webinar visit https:/ /uada.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tJMkd--spjOoG9cRqYEgcDue4mAIKv5KfORA/.

Poultry feeding operations registration switches to digital The 2024 PFO registration will now be an online only program; growers will no longer go to the Conservation District office. the Arkansas Department of Agriculture has posted a link on our website (image and location of the form are shown below) for growers to register their operations.

We appreciate your help in providing this information to anyone that may come in asking about the registration; please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.

The intent is to make this process easier on the grower and to streamline the results, while assuring the program is sound and supports our efforts towards healthy soil and clean water.

Growers will need to create an account the first time they register.

The purpose of this is to eliminate the mundane process of information collection and prevent the replication of data each year.

When they create their account, they will provide all the information they have in the past. The following years will only require logging in and entering litter use and bird information; basically, information that changes from year to year.

However, they will have the opportunity to go back in and change any previous information, like number of acres, phone numbers, of if they have changed companies or added houses; they can’t change any of the litter use data once they enter it in.

The poultry registration website is https://www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/poultry-feeding-operations-registration/

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A Humane Society of the Ouachitas PET OF THE WEEK

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

Meet LOUISE!

Hello, I'm Louise. I've got an independent streak and I'm an introvert. I prefer to keep to myself, tucked away in a cozy corner, observing the world from a distance. But don't mistake my quiet demeanor for disinterest. I might not be the first to greet you at the door, but give me time. I promise, I'm worth the wait. I do get along with other cats. Adopt me, and you'll have a loyal companion!

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

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January 17, 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 Humane Society of the Ouachitas will have their first meeting of 2024, Thursday, Jan. 18, 5:30 p.m., at LaVilla Restaurant in Mena. All animal lovers are welcome. For info, call Cheryl at (479) 234-0992.

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.

Born Again Recovery Ministries will have a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 20, with guest speaker Larry Pillow from We Can Ministries. We will be discussing a Men’s Transformation home for those who struggle with addiction to open in Mena. Come join us. Polk County Senior Center, 401 Autumn Drive, Mena, 4-6 p.m. call (479) 437-2202 for more info.

Christ’s Church of Cove, 5234 Hwy. 71 S, Cove gathers every Tuesday, 8:309:30 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.

Ouachita Little Theatre will be holding auditions for “Romeo & Juliet” the next two weeks, Thursdays, Jan. 18 and 25 from 6:30-9 p.m., and Saturdays, Jan. 20and 27, 9 a.m. through noon.

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 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.

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) 3945459.

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!

January 17, 2024

King of Hearts The King of Hearts ceremony scheduled for Jan. 12 was rescheduled to Jan. 18, as was the basketball game for the Mena Bearcats taking on the Fountain Lake Cobras. The 2024 king will be chosen at the King of Hearts Pep Rally during the Jan. 18 school day. That evening's basketball games, which include the Sr. Boys JV, Sr. Girls and Sr. Boys, begin at 5 p.m.

2024 King of Hearts court: (clockwise from top left) Antonio Sanchez, Asher Wooden, Tuang Dopmul, Maddox Medlin, Cash Smith, Hudson Vacca, Jaxon Baber, Jesse Garcia, Omar Cecilio, and Brady Montgomery

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January 17, 2024

Loop the Lake race

By Ethan Nahté Presented by

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE ACORN HIGH SCHOOL Basketball 01/19 - Acorn @ Foreman

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

01/17, 18, & 20 - Umpire

Jr. Tournament 01/22 - Umpire vs. Lafayette County 01/19 - Cossatot vs. Paris 01/23 - Cossatot @ Charleston

The Mount Ida Area Chamber of Commerce presents a wonderful opportunity to Love Our Outdoor Paradise.

A day of running/walking beginning at the Tompkins Bend (playground) Trailhead of the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOVIT). There will be one stopping point — Homestead Trailhead is a takeout point with a parking area

between the Tompkins Bend and Denby Point trailheads which is 2 miles, or you can continue an additional 3 miles to Denby Point Trailhead.

The area is located 25 miles west of Hot Springs and 12 miles east of Mount Ida off of Hwy. 270. You will turn onto Shangri-La Drive and make the first left which is Old Hwy. 270. Look for signs posted for the run. Registration will be set up 500 feet down Old

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

Registration/check in will begin at 10 a.m. on Feb. 4. The race begins at 11. Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 2 and the cost is $35.

Call the Mount Ida Area Chamber at 870-867-2723 for more information. They can take payment over the phone with a card or a check by mail to P.O. Box 6, Mount Ida, AR 71957

01/19 - Mena vs. Ozark 01/20 - Mena @ Mansfield Jamboree 01/22 - Mena vs. Nashville 01/23 - Mena vs. Clarksville

Wrestling

01/18 - Mena @ CAC

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

01/19 - Mt. Ida vs. Bradley 01/22 - Mt. Ida vs. Mineral Springs 01/23 - Mt. Ida @ Blevins

Hwy. 270. Parking will be at that location and along the road.

- The course will be on the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, a single-track foot path. This contains no significant creek crossings.

- Aid: There will be an aid station set up along the trail; they will have water, along with other goodies. Drop bag service will be available.

- If you are tackling the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail 100K/100M race, this could be a moment for you to enjoy part of the trail before the big event.

The LOVIT has a spectacular view of Lake Ouachita from almost every point of the trail.

(Ethan Nahté/ Pulse)

January 17, 2024

Submitted by Mindy Lyle Thirteen Acorn High School students in Mrs. Lyle’s Food Safety & Nutrition class and eight students in Food Production passed the Servsafe Food Handler certification (top and bottom left).

Fourteen students in Life & Fitness Nutrition attained the Servsafe Food Allergen certification (top right).

ServSafe training and certification is recognized by more federal, state, and local jurisdictions than any other food safety certification. Students can use their certifications as a tool to gain employment and/or a pay increase within the food service industry.

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