The Polk County Pulse - May 29, 2024

UA Rich Mountain to build new medical building

By Ethan Nahté

University of Arkansas Rich Mountain has recently been the recipient of $12.6 million. Part of that money comes from a recent ALIGN grant [see The Polk County Pulse, May 15, 2024] to increase Arkansas’ nursing pipeline. UARM received $645, 850 of the $20 million awarded. UARM was one of 19 colleges to receive that grant money.

The college has also received a stimulation grant for $12 million.

Phillip Wilson, chancellor of UARM, said, “We’re going to build a

See UARM continued on page 3

The Empress 2816 steams through Polk County

By Ethan Nahté

The Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour, featuring the class H1b steam locomotive dubbed The Empress 2816, rolled through Polk County last Wednesday.

The Empress was built by Montreal Locomotive Works in December 1930 and had its last revenue run on May 26, 1960. The original cost to build it was $116,555 in 1930, which comes out to a little

over $2.137 million in today’s dollars. It was originally intended for fast freight and passenger service as it traveled primarily in eastern Canada.

In addition to this being the one-year-anniversary of the merger (April 14, 2023) between Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern, Polk County was close to seeing the train on the anniversary of that last revenue run as The Empress came through the morning of

UARM’s Krystal Thrailkill and Phillip Wilson display a check that will go toward a new medical training building. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

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As reported in the Pulse, several government programs and services are being made available to us with much acclaim. In particular I am referring to the articles “AGFC to break down barriers with federal grant” and “Sanders and ANRC announce more than $79M for Arkansas water projects.” Both these list the source of funds as a bipartisan infrastructure law.

For the record, that law would be H.R.3684. Both these projects, one by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide free flow for aquatic species, and the other funded through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for local sewer system improvements are all great programs and worthy of our support.

Not reported but also included in the infrastructure law is the broadband Internet being installed in Polk County. However, politicians like Sanders are now heralding these as their great advancements in spite of the fact all Arkansas Representatives and Senators voted against it. Let’s celebrate those that helped pass the law not those who voted against it.

Rudi Timmerman, Wickes

Letter to the Editor

Sometime ago I called into a consumer helpline and the person recording had an unusual accent. The recording stated, “This call may be recorded for training purposes.” What I heard sounded like, “This call may be used for training porpoises.” The person on the recording failed to enunciate clearly and, while it was mildly amusing, the outcome for misunderstanding what someone says can have unintended consequences or be confusing.

A recent letter to the editor I penned addressed our inability to communicate with each other, not just verbally but using the written word. It came about from trying to read customer feedback reviews for items I was ordering online. I wanted to know what others had experienced before making my purchase.

The following are some of the de-

scriptions sellers used when trying to sell their personal items on an internet marketplace and helps illustrate my point. The ones I highlight were spelling issues that the seller thought the word sounded like. Fortunately, there were pictures of the items so the spelling was a moot point and would be funny if not so sad for the writer’s lack of communication and spelling skills.

Bonk Beds and Bump Beds (Bunk Beds), Charles (Chairs), Mitch Match Civil Where (Mismatched Silverware), Cats On Frying Pan (Cast Iron Frying Pan), Band Joe and Bango (Banjo), Macro Wey (Microwave), Violent (Violin), Mear (Mirror), Fools Ball Table (Foosball Table), Watch Her Machine (Washing Machine), Genuine Pig (Guinea Pig), Sleepers (Slippers), Otterman (Ottoman), Electric Gator (Electric Guitar), Doom Buggy (Dune Buggy), Portal Potty (Porta Potty), Breakfast Nuke (Breakfast Nook), Spikers (Speakers), Shuffle (Shovel), Corn Or Sofa (Corner Sofa), Bob Wire (Barb Wire), Catholic Converter (Catalytic Converter), Will Barrow (Wheelbarrow). Large Bing Bag (Large Bean Bag), Fridge Raider (Refrigerator), Oregon (Organ), Black mesh Egomaniac Chair ( Black Mesh Ergonomic Chair), Trampling (Trampoline), Branch (Bench), Arm Wall (Armoire), Secular Saw (Circular Saw), Lawn More (Lawn Mower), Mope Head (Moped), Excessive Bike (Exercise Bike), Dumbles (Dumbbells), Fire Distinguisher (Fire Extinguisher), and Numb Trucks (Nunchucks).

Thank goodness there were pictures of the items for sale. The scary part is that I knew what most meant without the pictures. Guess I spend too much time reading reviews.

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

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

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Jamie Hammack General Manager

UARM

continued from page 1 building with that. It will be in cooperation and partnership with Mena Regional Hospital. We want to have this facility support all our Allied Health needs alongside working with the hospital.”

Krystal Thrailkill, vice chancellor of Academic Affairs at UARM, said, “Right now, we’ve been in discussion with them about a medical lab facility. They want to expand their services, so they don’t have to ship them off.

“We talked about occupational therapy. For us, it would be occupational therapy assistant; for them, it would be occupational therapy. We would use that space as a working relationship with the hospital. So, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, obviously. This money is for a simulation grant — a whole lab — that includes five manikins.”

“This is probably one of the larger grants we’ve ever gotten for an academic need,” Wilson said. “This one will specifically be able to support our LPN and our RN students’ needs. Allied Health EMTs will be using that, as well, that simulation lab and those manikins. It’s a lot of money, but it’s not that much money when you talk about [the fact] we only get three fullsize manikins, then one child and one baby. We already have one that is a birth mom, and she can have a baby. We got that several years ago, but she was she was $80,000. Now, these manikins run almost $100,000 apiece.

“The simulation allows our students, especially when they are doing clinical rounds, they don’t have to go all over the place. They can do it now, here.”

Thrailkill said, “Up to 50% can be done in simulation.”

“It’s a big deal,” Wilson said. “This

will cut down on cost for them, simply because of travel. These are so advanced, technically, they can almost simulate way more than they can’t.”

“They’ll freak you out if you’ve ever been in here with one of these,” Thrailkill said. “They cough and stuff on their own when you’re doing something else. They’re programmed like when they’re sleeping, and their eyes will flick open. It’s not like when we had those baby dolls and their eyes closed. These move like a person. They’ll throw up. They’re very advanced.”

“You can put intravenous injections in them,” Wilson added. “It’s real world and it’s high stress. In fact, it can be very difficult. You’ve got to have a specially trained individual to program these life-size, real-world simulations. They can really put them in the most unique situations.”

“We’re going to create an ICU lab down at the end of the [Maddox Building] hallway for right now,” Thrailkill said. “We’ll move them when this comes online. We’ll have three years from start to finish. The grant will go in on June 9, and then starting in September the clock is ticking. We have three years to get it from a piece of paper to opening the doors.”

“We’re thinking this is going to easily be over 15,000 square feet,” Wilson said. “It’s going to be as big as the Ouachita Center. It won’t be as high, but this is going to be a huge facility. We’re super-excited. It’s going to be built so it meets the current needs of the hospital and all of the local doctors’ offices. We want to make sure that we’re supporting them.”

The building will be on the corner of Morrow Street and College Drive, adjacent to the hospital and Nidec. It’ll be by the UARM sign on the hill

that overlooks the college campus.

“We want the hospital to have easy access,” Wilson said. “We’ll use our parking lot for our students. The hospital, there will be a walkway to the front door. They’ll have to cross College [Drive]. Where the two main entrances are on the front of the hospital, there will be a sidewalk there.

“This is probably one of the coolest things we’ve been able to do. It just strengthens our relationship with Mena Regional. That’s very exciting. We’re going to have a live operating component of the hospital in this facility.”

Thrailkill said, “When we get to the new building, the way we’re going to set that one up, it will be like a critical care. It’ll look like a brand-new hospital the way it’s set up with the nurse’s station in the middle and the rooms around. Worst-case scenario… if we had to have extra beds, these are absolutely set up with the oxygen and everything to where you could move the manikin out of the way. These are brand-new Stryker medical surgical hospital beds.”

“We really thought we’d be tickled to death if we got $8 million,” Wilson

added. “Senator Boozman has been an extreme friend to us and we can’t think him enough.”

Watch for the entire story to be released exclusively on My Pulse News.

From

the State House of Representatives

Memorial Day signifies more than just the unofficial commencement of summer. It is a day to pause, reflect, and honor the countless individuals who have laid down their lives in defense of our freedoms. Their selflessness and courage epitomize the very essence of patriotism, reminding us of the extraordinary debt we owe to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

From the State Senate

Four election laws passed by the legislature in 2021 will continue to be enforced, thanks to an Arkansas Supreme Court ruling that upholds their constitutionality.

ruling was that it violated free speech rights embodied in the First Amendment.

Within our state lies a profound legacy of patriotism and sacrifice. The Gold Star Family Memorial Monument is positioned directly behind our State Capitol. On the Capitol’s front lawn, stands a memorial commemorating the Arkansans who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.

These memorials serve as a constant reminder of the Arkansas families who have borne extraordinary burdens. The Arkansas General Assembly strives to not only honor their legacy on Memorial Day, but to acknowledge their sacrifice by tending every day to their fellow comrades who served.

The Arkansas General Assembly has

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

diligently worked to support military families and veterans throughout the year. In 2017, the General Assembly exempted military retirement benefits from state income tax. In 2023, we broadened educational options for military families and passed legislation aimed at streamlining the occupational licensing process for military personnel and their families.

Furthermore, we’ve taken steps to ensure that veteran disability benefits are not considered as income for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility. Moreover, we’ve designated June 12 as Women’s Veterans Day in Arkansas.

Our commitment to enhancing the lives of our military families and veterans remains steadfast, and our efforts will persist. While the extended weekend offers a chance for relaxation, let us never lose sight of the true essence of this day. In honoring the past, we are reminded of the principles that bind us together and the perpetual obligation to uphold them.

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

The four laws were immediately challenged after the 2021 regular session, during which the legislature enacted a long series of election integrity laws.

John Maddox Terry Rice

However, the Arkansas Supreme Court cited U.S. Supreme Court decisions that have allowed restrictions on speech within 100 feet of a polling place. Therefore Act 728 easily satisfies First Amendment challenges, the state Supreme Court ruled.

Last year a Pulaski County judge ruled that the four laws were unconstitutional. The lower court decision was reversed by the Supreme Court, which determined that the Pulaski County judge had made an error in law.

The four laws are Acts 249, 728, 736 and 973 of 2021.

Act 249 reaffirms the requirement that a voter bring a government-issued photo ID to the polling place. It repeals a provision in previous law that used to allow voters to sign an affidavit at their polling place if they didn’t have a photo ID with them.

Under Act 249, in order for their provisional ballots to be counted, voters must bring their ID to the county clerk or the county board of election commissioners by the Monday following Election Day.

Act 249 does not allow for a signature at the polling place, with or without an affidavit.

Act 728 prohibits people from entering or remaining in an area within 100 feet of the entrance to a voting site while voting is taking place, except for a person entering or leaving the building for lawful purposes.

Supporters of Act 728 say it prevents intimidation and electioneering within 100 feet of voting places. Opponents say it will prevent people from passing out water, and the lower court

Act 736 states that possession of more than four absentee ballots is presumed to be election fraud. It requires county clerks to provide the county board of election commissioners with a daily count of absentee ballot applications.

A contested provision of Act 736 directs county clerks to compare signatures on applications for absentee ballots with the original signatures on the applicant’s voter registration document. If the signatures don’t match, the clerk will not send an absentee ballot to the applicant. Opponents of the act argued that a person’s signatures change over time, and that the law would burden elderly voters. Act 973 moves the deadline when absentee ballots must be turned in to the county clerk, from the Monday immediately before Election Day to the preceding Friday.

The Supreme Court ruled that the four laws did not threaten citizens’ fundamental right to vote. The justice who wrote the majority opinion said that “while the right to vote has been held to be fundamental, the right to vote in a particular manner is not guaranteed.”

In 2021 the legislature enacted a long series of election integrity laws clarifying the powers of county boards of election commissioners in relation to county clerks.

Diana Patterson

Our Mother, Diana Patterson, passed away suddenly on Thursday, May 23, 2024. She was in the middle of a conversation when her heart just stopped. Diana had battled AFIB and congestive heart failure for over 5 years.

Diana, age 83, was born at the Mena Hospital to Thurman and Cova Daniel on January 7, 1941. She lived in Cove with her mother and went to Vandervoort and Cove schools. She started 1st grade at age 5 and skipped 2nd grade so was 2 years younger than her classmates. By age 12 she was 5’11” and became a girls basketball star. After graduation in 1957, she was recruited by a semi-pro women’s basketball league, but her mother thought she was too young to be off traveling the world, so she got married instead.

During her children’s preschool life, Diana was a homemaker while living in 5 different states. Once the kids were all in school, she became a bus driver in order to be on their class schedule. When the family moved back to Cove in1978, Diana worked as a bookkeeper for Brodix, Inc and Street & Performance in Mena. She loved to travel and take trips for genealogy research and visiting friends and family along with the sights of America.

Diana is preceded in death by her husband, Claude “Bud” Patterson; her parents Thurman and Cova Daniel; two sisters, Nixby Kannady and Jeanette Smith; and two brothers, “PJ” Jean Daniel and Tom Daniel.

Diana is survived by her three children, Karen Towery of Mena; Roger Towery and wife Lisa of Naples, Italy; and Tim Towery of Winston-Salem, NC. She has three grandchildren:

Christien Towery of Boulder City, NV; Matthew Towery of Palm Beach, Florida; and Michael Towery with wife Corrine of Lexington KY. Three great-grandchildren blessed her life: Charlotte Ashkins, Norah and Chandler Towery. Diana had 6 stepchildren: Caroline Patterson, Steve Patterson, Beth Wallen, Keith Patterson, Nina Morgan and Julie Massey. She was always up for family gatherings, reunions, and holiday events.

Diana was completely committed to the lives of her kids. She supported them in sports, music lessons, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and school events. There wasn’t a time she wasn’t in the audience or behind the scenes if her children were presenting or participating, whether it be as children or adults. Friendly, flirty, and fun, Diana was an outgoing, social butterfly who did not meet a stranger and loved playful sarcasm and joking. She enjoyed serving on Van-Cove Reunion and church committees as well as making her famous rolls for dinners, potlucks, and holidays.

Singing country music was her love and she would burst out in song while driving, cooking or hanging out with some musician friends. Mom always had a quick smile for everyone and made an impression on everyone she met.

She will be forever missed by her family and friends but forever remembered for her sweetness, love, and hugs. Many thanks of gratitude to her home aide, Julie Clark, for her care and love of our mother as well as support for the family.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Cove, Arkansas with Pastor Bill Seitz of the First Presbyterian Church of Mena officiating. All family and friends are invited. No visitation is planned. Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

Steven Randall Crawford

Mr. Steven Randall Crawford, age 71, passed away Monday, May 20, 2024, in Waldron, Arkansas. He was born October 3, 1952, to James William and Idabel (Phillips) Crawford, in Mena, Arkansas.

Mr. Crawford was an airplane mechanic by profession. He loved working and being around his airplanes and was also a fan and collector of guns. Steven loved to go fishing with his beloved wife, Connie.

Mr. Steven Crawford is preceded in death by his parents, James William and Idabel (Phillips) Crawford, sisters, Clairene Cartwright and Joyce Marie Hughes.

He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Connie Crawford; brother, James (Terry) Crawford; nephew, William Brent Hughes; niece, Beth Hughes; as well as by a host of friends too numerous to mention.

Graveside services for Mr. Steven Randall Crawford will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the Pinecrest Memorial Park, in Mena, Arkansas. Pastor Brian Richardson will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. There will be no visitation held at this time.

Online obituary can be found at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Grief is the price we pay for love.

~Queen Elizabeth II

Dr. Willa Dean Powell

Dr. Willa Dean Powell, age 91, passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024, in Yakina, Washington. She was born September 21, 1933, to the late Victor LeRoy and Adabelle Powell.

Dr. Powell had an intense passion for teaching, she earned a PHD, and she certified student teachers for the Washington State Office of Public Instructions and worked as a professor of education at Central Washington University. Dr. Powell also taught Children’s Church at the Baptist Church, where she also played the piano and organ her entire life.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Victor LeRoy and Adabelle Powell; brothers, Terrance Powell, Dickie Powell, and Berry “Keith” Powell. She is survived by her husband of many years, Donnie Melvin Powell; son, Michael Powell; grandsons, David Powell of Kansas City, Missouri, Robert Powell of Jefferson City, Missouri; nieces, Sheila, Tina, and Amy Powell; as well as by a host of other family and friends too numerous to mention.

Graveside Services for Dr. Willa Dean Powell will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Six Mile Cemetery, in Hatfield, Arkansas. Brother Bob Bradley will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary can be found at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

What is lovely never dies, but passes into other loveliness.

~Thomas Bailey Aldrich

Vera Hazel Roberts

Vera Hazel Roberts, age 100, passed away on May 21, 2024, in Mena, Arkansas. Vera was born in Webster County, Kentucky, on January 5, 1924, to Elijah Archibald Faulkner and Nona Ethel Poole. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Earl Jackson Roberts; sisters, Naomi Whitmore, Jean Champagne, Mignon Lamar, and Rubye Smith; brothers Cosby Faulkner and John Faulkner; and her daughter Bobbie Davis.

Vera enjoyed being outdoors, whether in her gardens or mowing the lawn, admiring all that nature has to offer. In her younger days, she enjoyed bowling, golf, traveling and loved dancing. Vera loved birdwatching and was always on the lookout for hummingbirds and the owl that returned to the same backyard stump each year. She was an avid weather watcher and monitored the weather wherever her kids and grandkids lived.

Vera was lovingly married to Earl Jackson Roberts for 63 years as they travelled the world living in West Texas, Colombia, Peru, Indonesia, and Norway. Vera and Jack moved back to Alder Springs for good in 1975 and enjoyed raising cattle and tending to a Tree Farm.

Mrs. Roberts is survived by:

Daughter: Jackie Hook

Son: Earl W. Roberts and wife Maria of Alder Springs

Grandchildren: Lillian Nelson, Lisa Gripentrog, Loretta Roberts. Earl Davis and wife Cindy of Genoa, Arkansas, Wendy Lynch and husband John of Bryant, Arkansas, Reuben Davis and wife Julie of McKinney, Texas, Todd

Roberts and wife Jodi of Tyler, Texas, Rachel Roberts of Tahoma, California and Kyle Roberts and wife Caitlyn of Bentonville, Arkansas.

Great-Grandchildren: Heather Gripentrog, Dalton Nelson, Colton Nelson, Caitlyn Rivera, Weston Nelson, Ryan Lynch, Taylor and Brandon Davis, Jacob and Michael Roberts, Jack and Dylan Davis

Great-Great-Grandchildren include Madilyn and Deacon Nelson, Delaney Nelson, Annabelle Nelson, and Sofia Rivera.

A special “Thank You” to Tasha, Aaron, Ann, and Bonnie for taking such loving care of Mom during her final days. The family will be forever grateful for your kindness and the comfort you provided to her.

Graveside service will be Friday, May 24, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in the Mollie Gann Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas, Brother Robert Lott will be officiating under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in the Beasley–Wood chapel from 5-7 p.m.

Online obituary can be found at: beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Denise Elaine Collier

Denise Elaine Collier, age 73, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at her home with family. She was born on Thursday, May 10, 1951, to Dennis H. and Marie McDowell Crafton in Fort Worth, Texas.

Denise was named after her Dad, Dennis, who was a career military man. She called herself an Army brat and lived in many different places until

he retired in 1968. She attended Smithfield-Massey College in Richmond, Virginia and earned an associate degree in Business Administration. She spent most of her career in the legal profession. After her last job in legal for Page, Thrailkill and McDaniel, she went to work for U of A Rich Mountain where she managed the budgets for several TRIO programs and made many wonderful friends.

Denise married the love of her life, Terry, in 1990 and the two shared 33 wonderful years together. Denise loved cooking and entertaining and was very good at it. She also loved camping, after retiring, she and Terry bought a small camper and visited many Arkansas State Parks with their beloved Boxer dog, Rocky, whom she loved.

Denise was friendly to everyone. She would strike up a conversation with total strangers wherever she went. Denise will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Dennis H. and Marie Crafton; and one sister, Sandra Crafton Smith of Richmond, Virginia.

Denise is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Terry Collier of Mena; one sister and brother-in-law, Donna Kay and Doug Johnston of Amarillo, Texas; sister-in-law, Cindy Rowe of Texarkana, Arkansas; many nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Christ Episcopal Church in Mena, Arkansas, at a later date.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com

It is a great consolation for me to remember that the Lord, to whom I had drawn near in humble and child-like faith, has suffered and died for me, and that He will look on me in love and compassion.

~Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Raffle fundraiser to assist McCravens family

By Ethan Nahté

Friends of Michael and Tammy McCravens have organized a raffle fundraiser to assist the family who lost everything, including their vehicles, in a house fire. Items include:

- Ruger AR-10 SFAR 308

- Browning Lever-Action 6.5 Creedmoor

- Three bundles of wooden posts from Tedder’s Post Yard

- $150 gift certificate from Washburn’s Home Furnishings

There will be four winners. Each win-

ner will pick their prize in the order they are drawn. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. The drawing will be held on Sunday, June 16.

Tickets can be purchased through Jamie McEntire.

PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/ paypalme/jammcentire

Cash App: $jammcentire

Winners of the firearms will have to pick item up and register at Mena Pawn & Gun.

When buying tickets through Paypal or Cash App, McEntire requests purchasers to leave a phone number.

By Richie Lawry

At 8:30 on Sunday morning, several family members left our hotel in Siloam Springs and headed to Cathy’s Corner for breakfast. My family was in town for my granddaughter’s graduation. Several of us ended up staying at the same hotel. After a night full of anxiety from storms that produced tornadoes close by, we wanted to go out for breakfast before heading our separate ways.

Cathy’s Corner is a Siloam Springs landmark. We have been eating at Cathy’s for over 30 years. It is the place to be in Siloam Springs on a Sunday morning. I pulled into the crowded parking lot, searching for an open space. A space near the front door opened as a truck pulled out of the lot.

Inside, the restaurant was a beehive of activity. It looked a bit like an Arkansas farmhouse. There were setting hens on the wallpaper and signs that said such things as “Good food,” “Fresh eggs,” and “Friends are always welcome here.” The sign that made me smile said, “I apologize for what I said when I was hungry.”

After a few minutes, the hostess seated us at our table, and we looked over the menu. I ordered the Skillet Surprise, biscuits and gravy, and scrambled eggs. Although the restaurant was at capacity, the food came out quickly, and our waitress was friendly and attentive. She kept my coffee mug full and when I told her I liked lots of creamer, she brought me a tumbler full.

As we savored the last bites of our meals, our waitress approached with a smile. “I won’t be leaving you a check; someone has paid for your meals.” We were taken aback, our eyes darting around the room in search of a familiar face. Our waitress explained that it was a common occurrence. There was a customer who often picked a table and paid

An Arkie’s Faith Cathy’s Corner

their tab. This unexpected act of kindness, like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day, filled our hearts with joy and gratitude.

After leaving the restaurant, I was still thinking about the kindness of a stranger who had made such an impression on our group. Sometimes, I seem to focus on the wrong things in this world. Reading the news makes it appear that nothing positive is happening. In my life, I am much more likely to focus on bad things that happen to me and my family than on the positive things. Even though there is much evil in this world, many people are doing good things. But we tend to focus on the bad.

While researching Cathy’s Corner online, I found an interesting post on a Siloam Springs community Facebook page. “I was having breakfast at Cathy’s Corner this morning with my nephew, and I learned someone was generous enough to pay for our meal. Thank you so much, mystery person. I will be paying it forward for someone else today!” A comment below the post read, “The same thing happened to me at Cathy’s yesterday morning.”

Someone enjoys making random

customers at Cathy’s Corner happy. I wonder how many people have left the restaurant with smiles on their faces, facing their day knowing that there are good people in the world. Reflecting on the anonymous benefactor at Cathy’s Corner, I realized that such encounters were not isolated incidents. They were part of a larger pattern, a tapestry of positivity woven into the fabric of my life. These encounters, these moments of encouragement, have had a profound impact on my perspective. They inspired me to see the world differently and recognize the abundance of goodness that often goes unnoticed.

While at James’ Super Save Foods, a customer approached me and told me how happy they were with the windshield repair I had done on their car. I was surprised. That is not the kind of thing that usually happens. Anyone in business knows that a satisfied customer seldom lets you know they are satisfied, but a dissatisfied customer will tell you they are unhappy.

Last week, as they were dropping off their car for a window replacement, a customer asked me if I could buff out a minor blemish on the rear bumper. I told them it would only take a few minutes and that I would be happy to do it at no additional charge. When the customer sent someone to pick up the car, they sent a check for $50 more than the price I had quoted. I told them the check was wrong, but I was told, “She appreciates you so much and wanted you to have it.”

A few days ago, I met someone in Walmart. She said, “I have appreciated the columns you have been writing recently. I like the personal sto-

ries.” We are so used to criticism and negativity that when someone gives us affirmation and encouragement or does something special for us, it takes us by surprise. Most of us aren’t accustomed to hearing encouraging words.

Paul understood this when he wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV), “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Elizabeth Harrison, a pioneer in early childhood education in America, stated, “Those who are lifting the world upward and onward are those who encourage more than criticize.” Are you encouraging those around you?

Is there someone in your life who needs to know how much you love them? Is there someone who would benefit from your kind words and encouragement? Don’t underestimate the power of your words. Sometimes, we think, “They know I love and appreciate them. I don’t need to say it out loud.” But we must tell them what we admire and appreciate about them. They need to hear it. Your words can be a beacon of light in someone’s life.

Gentle Reader, even if you can’t afford to pay for a table at a restaurant, you hold a gift within you that is just as valuable: Encouragement. When you share this gift, you are not only uplifting others but also empowering yourself. You are showing God’s love in action. So, go out and encourage someone today. You never know, your words might change their life!

Colossians 3:12 (ISV) tells us, “Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”

We can encourage others by being compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. Who can you encourage today?

Cathy’s Corner, a Siloam Springs landmark. (Photo by Richie Lawry)

EMPRESS

continued from page 1

May 22, 2024.

The Empress began its tour with a special anniversary event in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on April 24, which is one of 11 cities to be a part of the free events where the public had two-to-five hours, depending on the city, to view the 2816 up close, learn more about the steam locomotive, CPKC’s history and to enjoy the Puffer Belly Express mini-train. The Puffer is a quarter-scale steam locomotive that can

miles from the Hot Springs area and some began waiting at the Historic KCS Depot & Museum as early as 7:20 a.m., giving them nearly a three-hour wait before the train rolled through. Approximately six dozen people of all ages waited at the depot or sat atop their vehicles across the highway to get photos and video, many of them waving as the whistle was blown.

A few people arrived within minutes after The Empress had passed, quickly asking how long ago and

operate on asphalt and concrete.

The Empress took six days between its stop in Kansas City, Missouri, and its trip to Shreveport, Louisiana, for scheduled maintenance work to ensure its continued safe journey while giving the crew a well-deserved break.

Several train aficionados contacted The Pulse and Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission in advance, hoping to discover the time The Empress was coming through Mena. No time beyond the morning of Wednesday, May 22, was provided. People drove over 90

which direction it was headed before jumping back in their vehicles, hoping to pass it somewhere along the way so they could see it.

Judging by public reaction on social media and in-person discussions, The Pulse staff had several people comment on how neat it was, and many more wishing they had seen it in person. Within five days, The Pulse Facebook page had an engagement in surplus of 3,100 and nearly 36,000 impressions for the shared photos. The video had a similar number of engagements and nearly 46,000 impressions.

Tabitha Booher and her son Frank Booher created this idyllic postcard style composite of The Empress 2816 as it passes through Mena on The Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour. (Photo courtesy of Tabitha & Frank Booher) Comments on “how cool” it was to see the train and to “hear the whistle” were common.

The CPKCR.com website has more information on the train, as well as a virtual tour that provides a 360-degree view of many areas of the 2816, and of Engine 1401, the ornate Glacier Dining Car, the kitchen, Major Rogers Bar Car, and the Selkirk Dome Car.

There are also photos and videos of the 2816 in the multi-media gallery.

The Empress was in Laredo, Texas, this week on its way to Mexico City for a June 7 event. The train is scheduled to be back in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, on June 30. There’s no date as to when it will be traveling back through Polk County.

The Empress 2816 steam engine rolled past the Historic KCS Depot & Museum the morning of May 22. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

By Jeff Olson

Reflections from History and Faith: Memorial Day in retrospect

Someone once said, “Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” Soon, we will have an opportunity to pause from our busy lives to honor those Americans who indeed died protecting our flag, preserving for you and me the freedom and way of life we still enjoy to this day.

While we observed Memorial Day earlier this week, I think a bit of reflection and retrospect may be in order as we look ahead. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, officially proclaimed Decoration Day on May 5, 1868, and it was first widely observed 156 years ago this week, on May 30, 1868. Former Union general and sitting Ohio congressman Gen. James A. Garfield (later the 20th U.S. president) gave a speech in remembrance of fallen Union and Confederate soldiers, saying that, “We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country, they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.” Afterward, about 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Civil War soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

This event was inspired by several similar observances in local communities across America. Some of these tributes would become official days of remembrance in states, with New York being the first in 1873. In the years since, Decoration Day grew into an institutionalized local and national tradition as Memorial Day to honor all Americans who have died while in military service. Through the National Holiday Act of 1971, Memorial Day became an

at the tomb.

officially recognized national holiday to be observed on the last Monday in May. Some states still have an additional day set aside for honoring the Confederate war dead.

Memorial Day also commemorates the day in 1921 when Sgt. Edward F. Younger selected one of four unknown soldiers buried in American military cemeteries in France to become America’s Unknown Soldier representing all of those who were lost by the U.S. during World War I. That body now lies in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Tomb sarcophagus is decorated with three wreaths on each side panel (north and south). On the front (east), three figures represent Peace, Victory, and Valor. The back (west) features the inscription: Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.

In March 1926, soldiers from nearby Fort Myer were first assigned to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, but only during daylight hours. In 1937, the guards became a 24/7 presence, standing watch over the Unknown Soldier at all times.

There are three other soldiers buried

In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill to select and pay tribute to the unknowns of World War II and Korea. The selection ceremonies and the interment of those unknowns took place in 1958. The Unknown of Vietnam was only unknown for a short time. After being placed into the tomb in 1984, the Unknown was exhumed in 1988. Thanks to mitochondrial DNA testing, Department of Defense scientists were able to identify the remains as Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie. It was decided that the crypt that contained the remains of the Vietnam Unknown will remain vacant.

The crypt cover was replaced with a new inscription that now reads: “Honoring and Keeping Faith with America Missing Servicemen, 1958-1975.” The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier continues to serve as a focal point of mourning and a site for reflection of the sacrifices made by our armed forces in defense of liberty.

In the words of Korean War veteran and purple heart recipient Howard William Osterkamp, “All gave some; some gave all.” Memorial Day is about those who gave all. On this day, we honor the more than 1.3 million American military deaths since 1775.

I hope that as we observed Memorial Day, we were careful not to allow the holiday sales or recreational activities to obscure or overshadow the “Memorial.”

Memorial Day is above all else a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom, and it should renew our understanding of the necessity for our own commitment to preserving it through active and responsible citizenship. In other words — being the kind of Americans worth fighting and dying for.

And please remember the Gold Star families whose loss and pain never leave but are felt especially deeper on this most solemn occasion.

May we also take every opportunity throughout the year to express our gratitude and respect to those men and women currently serving in our military, including praying for them and their families.

While Memorial Day 2024 has come and gone, what hasn’t is the fact that freedom is truly every citizen’s call to duty year-around, and this call has never been more important than today. In the words of Gen. Douglas MacArthur: “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”

John Stuart Mill reminds us: “War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things: the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth a war, is much worse... A man who has nothing which he is willing to fight for, nothing which he cares more about than he does about his personal safety, is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free, unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.”

As President Ronald Reagan expressed it: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

Brian Thompson is accompanied by Nathan Roth as Thompson carries a wreath to the Polk County War Memorial located on the Polk County Courthouse lawn at the Memorial Day ceremony. Ed Anderson stands by in the background. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Boots & Badges changes their blood drive challenge

By Ethan Nahté

It’s that time of the year for the annual Boots & Badges Community Blood Drive, but this year will be different than years past.

Cheryl Murphy, volunteer secretary for Humane Society of the Ouachitas (HSO) said, “Our local Polk County, Arkansas, no-kill, nonprofit animal shelter… has been nominated to participate in a fantastic opportunity to raise funds through a company called Donable.

“This opportunity was made possible by Mena Fire Chief Steve Egger, Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer, and Mena Police Chief Tommy Stueart in honor of his daughter, the late Polk County Sheriff Deputy Sonja Stueart, whose love of animals was evident to those who knew and loved her.

Sawyer announced on his Facebook page, “…We’ve change things up this year. Instead of a competition between the LEOs and the Waterboys, we are uniting to do a Memorial Blood drive to honor Polk County Deputy Sonja Stueart. For every blood donation made (if you sign up through the app) a $15 donation will be made to the Ouachita Humane Society in Sonja’s name.”

This endeavor is for those who donate blood regularly or those who would like to give blood through Arkansas/ Oklahoma Blood Institute (ABI/OBI). For every blood donor who gives blood by signing up at the link https:// donableapp.com/register/931FB9DF8414-EF11-96F5-0022484A1D99 or scanning the QR code, HSO will receive $15 per each donor. The donor does not pay the $15.

Healthy donors must be a minimum age of 18. When you access the link, select June 20 or June 21 for your giv-

ing date and schedule your donation time. The Boots & Badges Community Blood Drive will be held in the Fellowship Hall at the First Baptist Church in Mena and operates between noon to 6 p.m. both days.

Donors will receive a Boots & Badges T-shirt and choice of one of the following admission tickets: Magic Springs Theme and Waterpark in Hot Springs, Six Flags Frontier City in Oklahoma City, or Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Oklahoma City while supplies last. A photo ID is required.

The Grand Illusion announces cast for ‘No Opera at the Op’ry House Tonight’

By Ethan Nahté

The Grand Illusion Theatre at Mena Mountain Resort is proud to announce the cast for their next production “No Opera at the Op’ry House Tonight or Too Good to Be True,” a full-length melodrama published in 1972 and written by Tim Kelly.

The co-directors for the production are Scotty Jenkins and John Puddington. Jenkins said, “This is the first time a melodrama has been done in the round in Mena. We’ve got the cast together and we’ve started rehearsals.”

The cast of characters and the actors: Betty, Tia Moe; Billy, Tim Hesse; Big Gulch, Mike Moe; Claude Hopper, John Puddington; Alma Pumpernickle, Angel Moe;

Wolfgang von Wolfpack, Mike Rohland; Lily Liverspot, Jeanie Bunyard; Madame Violetta, Denni Longoria; Cindy Lou, Deborah Schump; Cap’n Alkali, Scotty Jenkins; Woman in Shawl, Jan Rohland.

Kelly, who was prolific and wrote over 300 plays, is a playwright that Jenkins is familiar with. “We did one of his shows several years ago at the Ouachita Little Theatre called ‘Murder in the Magnolias,’ which is primarily sketch comedy put together in the form of a play.

“This has really big characters in it. There’s a villain who has to call in a notorious con (person) to help hatch his plan for what he wants to do. A melodrama is interactive for the audience. They can boo and hiss at the villain. We’re going to provide popcorn so they can throw it at

him.”

There will actually be popcorn to purchase for eating, but they ask that that popcorn is not thrown as the oily or buttery bits can cause someone to slip and fall onstage.

“There’s the fair maiden in distress,” Jenkins said. “It’s reminiscent of Rocky and Bullwinkle with Boris and Natasha, or Dudley Do-Right, especially with Snidely Whiplash.

“Our group’s a little bit different in how we operate. A normal theater holds auditions and picks from those people. We’ve got a core group that have been together.”

The person cast for a particular role may not necessarily match what one would envision.

“We did get a couple of younger actors to come in. The woman who is playing my daughter is my age,” Jenkins said with a laugh. As a reference, Jenkins first began acting onstage in 1968. “We take the literary license and kind of broadcast it. The theater is about the illusion, anyway, of what you’re doing. We try to make believe we’re older or younger than we are.”

In case younger readers believe this would be a play meant for their parents or grandparents, the plot brings to mind the dastardly Count Olaf in “Lemony Snicket” attempting to marry Violet Baudelaire for her fortune.

The play has some offstage singing as part of the plot, but this is not an actual opera or musical. Jenkins said, “It tells a story of a young woman who comes into an inheritance. This is a traveling opera group based in the late 1800’s in a place called Desert Rat, Arizona. It’s the Salami Opera Company. The

villain has followed them around to their last three towns, setting up a familiarity with this girl. He’s going to try and marry her to get her goldmine she owns in the Yukon.”

There is much more to the plot and the subplots, as well as drama queens and bizarre characters.

“It’s a really fun play. It’s like a great actor trying to portray a bad actor. The characters are bigger than life.”

The play runs July 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., and a Sunday matinee on July 21 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $9 for adults and $5 for students, including college (must present valid I.D.), and 9 and under is free.

They’re promoting a brown bag and bottle. You bring your own food and drink. Alcohol can be brought in as long as it’s not sold.

[Rileigh Husted contributed to this article.]

The early stage of stage development for the theater in the round at The Grand Illusion Theatre. (Ashley Stipe/Pulse)

OLT announces cast for ‘The Little Mermaid’

Submitted by Julie Ulmer

This summer, Ouachita Little Theatre is performing the full length musical show originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, “The Little Mermaid.”

Show dates are July 26-28 and August 2-4. The music for this show was written by Alan Menken, and lyrics are by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater. The book is by Doug Wright.

It will be locally directed by April Renee Burt with assistant director Jaimeson Baird, choreographer Zeke McPherson, and music director Eleanor Jerzak.

Tickets are available online now at oltmena.com. You can reserve your seat ahead of time and be assured of your preferred seat and admission to the showtime of your choice at no extra cost.

You may notice that tickets are priced a little higher than usual for this show. Production costs and rights to perform musicals such as these have skyrocketed in very recent years. Please consider it is still bargain entertainment to be able to see a show of this quality, suitable for

the whole family, so close to home. Tickets for “The Little Mermaid” are $20 per adult and $15 for students/ children, veterans/military, and senior citizens.

Burt is excited about her cast and proud to announce her principal players as well as her supporting cast.

Ariel will be played by Anna Burt, and Prince Eric will be performed by Silas Baker. Michael Sterner will play King Triton and the villain Ursula will be played by Lauren Bollmeyer. Amanda Baker is Grimsby, Athena Howard is Flounder, Eric Decker is Sebastian, Andrew Schnell is Scuttle, and Flotsam and Jetsam are played by Olivia Tedder and Noah Holman.

Bailey Benner is Chef Louis, and other chefs are played by Karma Christiana, Holiday Neufeld, and Taz Haggard. These actors will also play sailors, sea creatures, and gulls, as will Samantha McPherson.

Princesses and maids will be played by Kallie Bollmeyer, Stefani Moore, Kailee Branson, Luci Byrne, Haley Broderson, and Isabel Weiler.

Wayward and Leeward are played by Gracie Baker and Bobbie Sue Harrison.

Rounding out the cast are the following playing various sea creatures: Olive McPherson, Nova McPherson, Aaron Burt, and Amelia Hendrix.

Congratulations to all who were selected, and thank you to everyone who auditioned. Be watching for rehearsal photos on OLT social media sites, as this is sure to be a memorable and wonderful show for our community.

Lum & Abner Music & Arts Festival beckons

Submitted by Pasha Watson

The Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission would like to invite you to join the fun at the 47th Annual Lum & Abner Music and Arts Festival, June 7- 8.

Mena’s signature event is held at Janssen Park, in Mena, Arkansas. This is a Free Admission event and was voted “Best New Festival in Arkansas” in 2006 by the Arkansas Festival & Events Association, and “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” in 2010 by the Southeast Tourism Society. The festival has received statewide publicity in various newspapers, specialty publications, and television.

Live entertainment is a huge part of the event, as it runs both days of the festival. In addition to live entertainment, enjoy wonderful arts and crafts; great food; the awesome Lum & Abner Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show; Rich Mountain Blacksmith Club demonstrations; corn hole tournament; Kiddie Korner with playground; trackless train; and bounce houses; the Lum & Abner 5K Run/Walk; the Lum & Abner 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament; the RE/ MAX Baby Crawlin’ Contest; paddle

boats; face painting; and more.

Live entertainment on the festival stage

Great music has become a hallmark of the Lum & Abner Festival. There will be free live music from top Arkansas artists on the Aleshire Electric Entertainment Stage both days of the festival.

Friday, June 7

10 a.m. - National Anthem

2 p.m. – Shady Oak Tribadours

4 p.m. – The Iron Road Band

6 p.m. – Magnolia Brown

8 p.m. – Fonky Donkey

Saturday, June 8

1 p.m. – Ouachita Little Theatre presents Adventures of Lum & Abner

2 p.m. – Shades of Gray

5 p.m. – Jettway Performance

8 p.m. – Zac Dunlap Band- 2018 Arkansas Entertainer of the Year

See the Festival’s schedule of events, registration forms, and more, at visitmena.com. Don’t forget your lawn chairs for these free concerts. We look forward to seeing you there.

Kat Robinson, who was a guest of the

has won a couple of awards for her newest book “The

Arkansas Pie Book.” The

sas Press Women awarded her first place for a general non-fiction book and third place for its layout. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Polk County Arkansas Extension Homemakers Club at the Ouachita Center in April,

Great

Arkan-

Community

Sports Camp 2024, Calvary Baptist Church, 2100 Hwy 375 W, Mena, 6:30-8:40 p.m., June 17-June 20. See the ad on Page 11 for more details and a list of the variety of sports for this free event.

UA Rich Mountain Livestock Judging Camp, June 11-13 at the UARM Mena Campus, ages 14-plus. Over $3,5000 in awards and scholarships. Cost is $175/individual, or $150 for counties or schools that bring four or more students. Contact wanttila@ UARichMountain.edu or (406) 298-0283 for questions or to register.

Country, Western, gospel singing and music in the Daisy Room (behind Janssen Ave. Florists), 800 Janssen Ave., Mena, 6:309:30 p.m. every Thursday. Free event. Bring finger food. For information call Lloyd Knight (479) 234-3547.

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

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.

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 Mena Farmer’s Market at the Historic Train Depot on Sherwood Avenue will be open 7 a.m. until sold out each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The next Women for Jesus meeting will be Wednesday, June 12, at 6:30 p.m. at Christ’s Church at Lenox, 31503 OK-63, Muse, Ok 74949. Food will be provided. Please

Around Town

bring your Bible. For more information call Dr. Cynthia Perkins at (918) 429-8538.

Mystery Island Vacation Bible School, Cove First Baptist Church, 114 Middle St. Pre-registration is 4-6 p.m., June 2. VBS is June 3-7, 9 a,m,-noon. Breakfast is 8-9 a.m., Bus pick-up at 8:15 a.m. at Vandervoort, Hatfield and Wickes. Family night is 6:30 p.m., June 9. Call (870) 387-6631 for details.

Fish Fry at the Cornerstone Church, 1129 Hwy. 71 S, Mena at 6 p.m., Saturday, June 15. Call in orders from 5-6 p.m. at (580) 306-6480. Fried fish, baked beans, cole slaw, fries, hushpuppies and a drink is $15 for adults and $8 for kids. There will also be a dessert auction and live music by Brother Stanley Dryer.

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.

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

First Presbyterian Church will be presenting a series on the Book of Revelation in its Adult Sunday School class on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:45. Earl Harrell will be the presenter and will focus on the titles of Jesus as revealed in the Book of Revelation. The public is invited to attend. Classes will be in the Helen Barham Room at the church, 904 Church Avenue, Mena.

Join the Ouachita Beekeepers Association on the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. (new time) in the Education Building of the Polk County Extension Office, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. Enjoy bee education, door prizes, and socialization with other bee -

keepers. Contact: Tommy Payne (903) 5214611.

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.

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.

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.

Hatfield First Baptist Church “Shepherd’s Closet” Open Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon. Large selection of good, used clothing & a limited supply of non-perishable food items. Free to anyone in need.

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, noon - 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 7 p.m. on Thursday, 7 p.m. on Friday, and 6 p.m. on Saturday at the old bus barn at The Crossing church. For information call Erica at (479) 234-5289 or Candice at

(501) 356-8300.

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

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at The Crossing Church, 3 p.m., Sundays; at 5 p.m., Tuesdays; and at 8 p.m. Saturdays at the old bus barn. For information call (479) 2348366 or (479) 216-3786.

The Cove Branch Library is open Monday and Thursday from noon-5 p.m. The Library is located next to Cove Town Hall at 5568 Hwy. 71 S.

The Mena/Polk County Senior Center will have The Gator and Friends band performing in Mena every Thursday, 10:3011:30 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.

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.

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) 2439600 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!

- CLASSIFIEDS -

- SERVICES -

Mobile lawnmower repair and repair flats. Minimum, $20 service call. For details, call Bill Duff (479) 216-5204. T0529

Carter’s Excavating - Licensed Contractor: Heavy and light dozer work, heavy excavation, soft ground to rock excavation, heavy off-road hauling, road design and construction 50 years in trade, 40 years in area. Subsidiary of RCI Construction (479) 394-9227 T0529

Mena Shuttle - Ground transportation to AR and TX airports. Doctor and emergency appointments. Also, light deliveries. (870) 490-1191 T0529

Construction, steel buildings, welding, pads, ponds, roads, tree services, and mulching. Insured. Give RC Customz a call for free estimates at (479) 216-2976. T0626

Need your yard mowed? Free estimates. Referrals available. Call (479) 234-0509. Leave a message. T0710

Carter’s Excavating - Licensed Contractor: Roads, bridges, house pads, building pads, basements, land clearing, small lots to large tracks, ponds, stream crossings, farm roads, building demolition, site planning & prep.

50 years in trade, 40 years in area. Subsidiary of RCI Construction. (479) 394-9227 T0529

- FOR RENT -

Room available for rent. Credit check, $400 a month, shared bathroom, 2210 Missouri Ave., Mena. Call Jenny (909) 246-5359. T0612

- FOR SALE -

2 Motorhomes For Sale: 1986 Foretravel model Grand Villa, 36’ diesel pusher, sleeps 4-6, power seats, built in vaccum, very good condition. Asking $6,500.

2002 Georgie Boy, 34’, 1 slide, Vortec gas engine, 20,000 milesm sleeps 4-6, very good condition. Asking $5,500.

Phone (479) 216-7042. No voice mail, so text if no answer. T0529

2006 Ford F-150 XLT 4-wheel drive, 5.4L Triton V-8. Runs great, drives great, excellent work truck, crew cab. Call (870) 828-9897 T0605

One-ounce American Eagle coins, $32 each. One-ounce silver bars or rounds, $30. Come see Dan every Friday & Saturday at Duke’s Junction Flea Market booth 76, from 9-3. Call (479) 234-3409. T0529

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

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

T1030

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

The CNC programmer will utilize CAD/CAM software to develop programs to control contour-path machining of aluminum parts on CNC mill machining centers. Responsible for reading and interpreting technical blueprints, inputting design specifications, adjusting machine cutting paths, performing quality checks on final products. Must be able to troubleshoot issues that arise during the manufacturing process, ensure conformance to established procedures and engineering specifications, and pay close attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

• High Competence in Fields of CNC Machines, Tooling, and Programming

• 5 Years CNC Set-up and Programming Experience

• Proficiency in Programming Software (Mastercam) and CAD.

• Ability to Lift or Maneuver up to 50 lb.

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

Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment. T1030

- HELP WANTED -

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

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

T1030

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.

T1030

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.

T1030

Yard Sale - Saturday only, June 1, at 3110 Polk 44 (Bethesda Road). Tools, men’s jeans and shorts, Chevrolet 6-hole rims, foosball table and much more. T0529

- WANTED TO BUY -

Buy and sell U.S. pre-65 silver coins. Paying top prices. Also buying scrap gold, rings, teeth and coins. Come see Dan every Friday and Saturday at the Duke’s Junction Flea Market-booth 76 from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. Call during the week (479) 234-3409 T0612

Brodix, Inc. is accepting applications for an experienced TIG Welder/Manual Machinist for Cylinder Head Repair. This is for a permanent day shift position. The applicant must be proficient in welding aluminum and have manual machining experience. Applications may be picked up at the Brodix office, located at 301 Maple Avenue in Mena, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Competitive starting wages with benefits available. Notice to Applicants: Screening tests for alcohol and illegal drug use may be required before hiring and during your employment.

T1030

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

May 20, 2024

Deputies were dispatched to Hwy 71 near Grannis in reference to a vehicle accident.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a scam. Deputies responded to a report of a stolen ATV. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 121 near Mena in reference to a trespassing complaint leading to the arrest of John Starr, 32, of Mena on a charge of Criminal Trespass.

May 21, 2024

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 71 S near Mena in reference to a theft of property.

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to a theft of property.

May 22, 2024

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 302 near Cherry Hill in reference to a physical altercation leading to the arrest of Dougles Gross, 65, of Mena on charges of 2nd Degree Domestic Battery, 1st Degree Interference with Emergency Communication, and Refusal to Submit to Arrest.

Tavis Carter, 21, of Cove was arrested on a Theft of Property Warrant.

May 23, 2024

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hatton Lane near Wickes

in reference to a break-in and theft of property.

Deputies responded to a business near Mena in reference to a theft.

Bradley Crawford, 29, of Hatfield was arrested on four Failure to Appear Warrants.

Julius Gallagher, 35, of Cove was arrested on warrants for Disorderly Conduct and Harassing Communications.

May 24, 2024

Deputies responded to a walk-in complainant in reference to the theft of property from a residence on Polk 47 near Mena.

Deputies were dispatched to an area near Polk 44 and Polk 51 near Mena in reference to an incident leading to Heath Lunsford, 50, of Boles being issued a citation for Public Intoxication and Indecent Exposure.

Deputies responded to walk-in complainants in reference to harassment.

Cameron Rose, 33, of Cove was arrested on a Body Attachment Warrant.

May 25, 2024

A traffic stop on Hwy 71 S near Wickes led to the arrest of Logan Dixon, 20, of Cove on charges of Under Age Driving Under the Influence, Following too Close, and Open Container.

An incident in the jail led to James Hembree, 64, being issued a citation for Criminal Mischief.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hwy 71 N near Acorn in reference to a burglary.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Tilley Lane near Hatfield in reference to an unruly juvenile.

Michelle Crawford, 32, of Mena was arrested on two Theft of Property Warrants.

Branden Dehart, 26, of Cove was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas State Police on a warrant for Failure to Appear.

Rodney McQueen, 46, of Mena was arrested by an officer with the Arkansas State Police on a Failure to Appear Warrant.

May 26, 2024

Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Polk 76 E near Mena in reference to a physical altercation. Information has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney for further consideration.

Deputies were dispatched to Polk 40 in reference to missing cattle. They were later located.

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

Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked 1 vehicle accident this week.

Polk County Detention Center Jail

Population: 50 Incarcerated Inmates with 15 Inmates currently on the Waiting List for a State Facility.

Sex Offender Registry Map - https:// sexoffenderregistry.ar.gov/public

MENA POLICE REPORTS

May 19 No report.

May 20

Dante White, 23, was served with a warrant at Executive Inn.

Joy Reed, 36, was served with a warrant on Walnut Avenue.

May 21

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

May 22 No report

May 23

A report of battery was taken at a residence on Maple Avenue.

Jamie Urban, 32, and Vonny Essman, 52, were charged with Criminal Trespass, Theft and served with warrants at Walmart.

May 24

Heath Lunsford, 50, was charged with Possession of Marijuana at James’ Supersave Foods.

A report of disorderly conduct was taken at Walmart.

May 25

James Hembre, 64, and Brandy Gallop, 44, were charged with Disorderly Conduct, Obstructing Government Operations, Resisting Arrest, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia after a disturbance call to a residence on Mena Street.

Jocelyn Hernandez signed her letter of intent to run cross country at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain on Friday, May 3, in the Union Bank Center. (Photo courtesy of Mena Public Schools)

Fishing derbies throughout Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – May 24, 2024

– The U.S. Forest Service, in partnership with various state and local partners, is sponsoring free fishing derbies in the month of June. The following list of events will help you find the closest location or discover a new area of the Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests.

Ouachita National Forest

- Caddo-Womble Ranger District

Location: Womble Pond, Mt. Ida

Date of Derby: June 8

Registration Begins: 8 a.m.

Fishing Begins: 8:30 a.m.

Event Ends: 11 a.m.

Age Group: 12 and under

Contact: David Probasco at 870-8672101

- Jessieville-Winona-Fourche

Ranger District

Location: Jessieville Work Center Pond, Jessieville

Date of Derby: June 8

Registration Begins: 7:30 a.m.

Fishing Begins: 8 a.m.

Event Ends: 10:30 a.m.

Age Group: 14 years old and under

Contact: Rhonda Huston at 501-9845313

- Mena-Oden Ranger District

Location: Oden Rifle Range Pond, Oden

Date of Derby: June 8

Registration Begins: 7 a.m.

Fishing Begins: 8 a.m.

Event Ends: 10:30 a.m.

Age Group: 2-15 years old

Contact: Justin Mitchell at 870-2851147

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

- Mt. Magazine Ranger District

Location: Cove Lake, Paris

Date of Derby: June 8

Registration Begins: 7:30 a.m.

Fishing Begins: 8:30 a.m.

Event Ends: 10 a.m.

Age Group: 4-9 years old

Restroom Availability: Yes

Contact: Jeremy Everitts, Carla Pfeiffer at 479-963-3076

Partners: Paris Rotary Club, AGFC, NWTF

Other Information: All hooks out of the water at 10 a.m. Participation awards and contest prizes will be presented.

- Pleasant Hill Ranger District

Location: Gillian Pond, 14.5 miles NE of Clarksville

Date of Derby: June 1

Registration Begins: 8 a.m.

Fishing Begins: 9 a.m.

Event Ends: 11 a.m.

Age Group: 12 and under Restroom Availability: None

Contact: Ben Neumeier at 479-4623617

Partners: Arkansas Game and Fish, Kiwanis Club

Other Information: All hooks out of the water at 11 a.m.. Participation awards and contest prizes will be presented.

- St. Francis National Forest

Location: Ranger Pond, Mississippi River State Park, Lee County

Date of Derby: June 8

Registration Begins: 7 a.m.

Fishing Begins: 8 a.m.

Event Ends: 10 a.m.

Age Group: 12 and under Restroom Availability: Yes

Contact: Mississippi River State Park at 870-295-4040

Partners: Arkansas Game and Fish, Arkansas State Parks, Lee County Conservation District, Marianna Chamber of Commerce.

UA Rich Mountain bestows Outstanding Awards and scholarships

UA Rich Mountain recently recognized four people for their 2024 Outstanding Awards:

- Outstanding Adjunct - Jerry Birmingham (not pictured)

- Outstanding Faculty - Damian Maxwell

- Outstanding Staff - Mike Godfrey

- Student Alumni - Taylor Rook (not pictured)

The college also recognized four students:

- Academic All-Star - Lucas Bruni de Campos Cardoso

Chancellor Transfer Scholarships

- Charity Mabry - Southern Arkansas University

- Kendall Posey - UA Fort Smith

- Charlie Mock - Arkansas Tech University

UARM

Chancellor Phillips

Wilson is seen posing with each of the recipients who were present.

Polk County’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library was happy to be a part of Louise Durham’s Kindergarten Roundup. Latisha Rawlings was selecred as the winner of the drawing for the book, “When Friday Comes on Tuesday” on April 22.

To enroll your child who is age 5 or younger, please visit https://imagination library.com.

To support Polk County’s DPIL, contact their local partner, Quality of Life Outreach, President Bethany Hughes, P.O. Box 1135, Mena, AR 71953. For just $26 per year, you can give the gift of reading to a child.

(Photo courtesy of DPIL)

Outstanding Faculty Damian Maxwell Outstanding Staff Mike Godfrey

Academic All-Star Lucas Bruni de Campos Cardoso

Chancellor Transfer Scholarship Charity Mabry Southern Arkansas University

Chancellor Transfer Scholarship Kendall Posey University of Arkansas Fort Smith

Chancellor Transfer Scholarship Charlie Mock Arkansas Tech University

May 29, 2024