In May 2022, a compassionate group of Christians founded Born Again Recovery Ministries in Polk County, Arkansas to address the harmful effects of drug and alcohol addiction in the local community. They are now a non-profit 501(3) organization with the mission “to provide a loving, Christ-centered transformation facility for men struggling with addiction.” “Our 12-month residential program in Mena offers a path to salvation through biblical teachings and personalized mentoring. By teaching life skills and fostering a personal relationship with Christ, we empower men to reintegrate into their families and communities successfully,” say organizers of Born Again Recovery Ministries. The group welcomes others to join them in their efforts. They are currently raising funds and seeking a suitable building to house 20 men. With such a large project at hand, they need a variety of volunteers to help achieve their goal. If you would like to help them with social media, event planning, or maybe another area, give them a call at 479-437-2202. Born Again Recovery Ministries invites volunteers to be the change: “Join us in making a difference and helping individuals find healing and renewal. Your support and involvement matter.” To learn more, visit https://www.barministries.org/ or visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/bornagainrecoveryministries/

The 2023 Board of Directors for the Humane Society of the Ouachitas (HSO) was elected at its January 19th membership meeting. According to its bylaws, HSO is a membership organization and the members elect its Board each year to manage the Society's business affairs. The bylaws also state Board Members shall serve on a voluntary basis. This is why HSO can proudly say “100% of donations go the animals.” There are no administrative costs. Since 1978, when the organizers envisioned, founded and filed the Articles of Incorporation for HSO, dedicated animal lovers have kept HSO going strong for 45 years with financial gifts and volunteerism. HSO has grown from a grass-roots effort to a professional organization, gaining attention from corporate donors whose grants filter down to assist the community through HSO’S low-cost spay-neuter and vaccination programs. HSO’s dedicated paid staff keep up with daily care of the shelter pets, shelter operations, and pet adoptions, which local giving helps to support. Volunteers fill all the gaps. “This is my 16th year as an HSO volunteer,” stated Board Secretary Cheryl Murphy. “I’m proud to volunteer for this fine organization. We have many other volunteers who have served upward and over 10 years. We welcome and appreciate new volunteers! There is no ego here. There is stability and transparency. At every monthly meeting, the Treasurer presents the current financials for all to see and question. I know my gifts are spent wisely for the animals. Forty-five years is a true testimony to HSO’s integrity.” HSO’s tag line is “where your best friend is waiting”. Find your best furry friend at HSO! For more information to adopt, to give, to volunteer, to become a member, to attend a meeting, and to help pets in need in Polk County, visit hsomena.org or call 479-394-5682. For current news, visit facebook.com/hsomena. HSO is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Pictured, HSO’s 2023 Board of Directors, standing from left: Secretary Cheryl Murphy, Board Member Wendy Syfrett, President Neal Fosdick, Board Member Mike Keeling. Seated from left: Vice President Denie Westphal, Treasure Sheila Theriot, and Board Member JJ Jones.

The iconic Northside Laundromat was established fifty years ago by a young man named Jerry Montgomery right here in Polk County, located at 601 Hwy 71 N, Suite V, Mena, AR 71953. In his high school years, Jerry and his father began opening coin-operated laundromats and car washes, the first of their kind in all of Arkansas. Northside Laundromat was the largest, most centrally located washateria in the area, just down from the first Mena Wal-Mart. So, this long-standing local business is now approaching its 50th Anniversary! Last year, Timothy and Rebeca Morren purchased Northside Laundromat and rebranded it: The Mena Laundry. After speaking with the previous two owners, the Morren family had a vision to upgrade our local community laundromat in stages, to include high-capacity commercial machines that are super-efficient; as well as upgrade the payment methods to include the traditional Quarter pay, but, to also add an ATM machine, and install mobile app software to accept M/C, Visa, AMEX, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Bitcoin, Cash App, Venmo App, and Bank transfer. Additional conveniences offered will include Self-Service machines, Automated Drop-off service, Full-Service Wash/Dry/Fold, and Pick-up/Delivery by electric car. This will give Mena residents modern time-saving features to get back their weekends and enjoy life! As you see, Timothy and Rebeca aim to carry on the vision Mr. Montgomery started over 50 years ago when he founded this futuristic central laundry facility. We love to help the Mena/Polk County residents and will continue to offer first-class service with industry-leading commercial laundry equipment. Check out The Mena Laundry for all your laundry needs!

Do you have room in your heart and home for one of our shelter pets? Meet Groot! Hi! I am Groot! I am a Great Pyrenees & Shepherd Mix and the best guy you will ever meet! I love people and other dogs. I am a gentle giant. I love to play and cuddle. Come to the shelter today and meet me, you will have a new best friend, and I will love you forever! Breed and age are determined based on observable physical traits. Actual lineage and birth date are rarely known. Adoption Fees: -$60 for cats -$60 for dogs over 6 years -$80 for dogs 6 months old to 6 years -$100 for puppies up to 6 months Come visit our pets Tuesday-Saturday 10am-2pm. Visi hsomena.org and facebook.com/hsomena

Harbor House Prevention Programs Harbor Recovery Center began in 1966 which grew into Harbor House for treatment for all to relieve the suffering from addiction. Beginning as the first state organized prevention program in 1982, the Early Intervention Program (IEP) was the precursor to the Regional Prevention Provider, serving six different counties. Today those six counties are still receiving up-to-date prevention education and efforts. Harbor House Prevention Program supports establishing communities proactive in promoting safe, healthy, substance-free environments. By working with individuals, families, workspaces, schools, community, and faith based organizations, prevention programs offer hands-on experience to strengthen community partnerships. By increasing awareness of behavioral health issues detrimental to the community, prevention efforts promote discussion leading to action. Harbor House Prevention Programs offer education, presentations, trainings, technical assistance in prevention program development, media campaigns to raise awareness on behavioral health prevention. They are a resource outlet, if an organization needs a resource they may not be able to provide, they have contacts with a plethora of organizations they could reach out to. If you would like to get involved with Harbor House Prevention Programs you can join their Region 5 Prevention Task Force, volunteer/attend conferences and events. You can also join local coalitions to build stronger relationships where ideas and outcomes can be achieved together. All Harbor House Prevention Program services are free to all. If any Polk County or Arkansas residents or community leaders are interested in anything, it never hurts to reach out as we might be able to assist or could provide alternate resources. One grant (the Partnership For Success, PFS) they house needs youth coalitions in every county, if any youth serving organization would be interested in starting a youth coalition that focuses on educating and preventing underage drinking and cannabis use, let the Harbor House Prevention Program organization know! HH Prevention Programs can be found on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harborhouseprevention/ Their contact information is: 3811 Rogers Avenue, Suite B Fort Smith, AR 72903 (479) 652-3904

Do you have room in your heart and home for one of our shelter pets? Meet Lovey! Hi! My name is Lovey. I am a healthy, pretty and very loving Calico Girl! I love people and that's why I was named Lovey! But I do not like other animals! Because of this, I need a home where I can be the ONLY pet! I want to be an indoor cat, where I can feel safe and secure away from other animals. I promise I will be a great companion and your best friend! I am litter-box trained. Please come meet me in person, or you can also call the shelter at 479-394-5682 to find out more about me. Breed and age are determined based on observable physical traits. Actual lineage and birth date are rarely known. Adoption Fees: -$60 for cats -$60 for dogs over 6 years -$80 for dogs 6 months old to 6 years -$100 for puppies up to 6 months Come visit our pets Tuesday-Saturday 10am-2pm. Visit hsomena.org and facebook.com/hsomena Humane Society of the Ouachitas Tues. through Sat. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 368 Polk 50 Mena, AR 71953 (479) 394-5682 www.hsomena.org

There will be an HSO Monthly Meeting tonight 02/16 at 5 p.m. The meeting will take place at La Villa Mexican Restaurant in the Banquet Room. Below is the meeting agenda for this month and the minutes from last month. For more information you can contact Cheryl Murphy @ Mailing: PO Box 845, Mena, Arkansas, 71953 Shelter Location: 368 Polk 50 (south of Mena) Shelter Phone: 479-394-5682, Call or Text Me: 479-234-0992 WEB: www.hsomena.org EMAIL: info@hsomena.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hsomena/

Access Medical Urgent Care, located at 1805 US-71 South, Mena, AR 71953, is the Mena/Polk County area’s newest urgent care facility. The clinic opened on January 18, 2023. Currently, Access Medical Urgent Care has a staff of seven employees, all managed by Renate Nelson. Access Medical has been serving the state of Arkansas for many years and just in recent years, has expanded to Oklahoma, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Indiana. The first Access Medical urgent care clinic was opened in Northwest Arkansas to fill the need of a rural area their owner/operator was from. After opening his first clinic he realized the need for urgent care clinics in rural areas, and ultimately across rural America. Access Medical Urgent Care is not only a well-established Urgent Care business, but also has strong ties in family practice and strives to provide special care for their patients. They have experienced physicians and nurses to provide exceptional care for their patients and look forward to serving this area. Access Medical Urgent Care is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. They accept walk-ins anytime during business hours and are also able to schedule appointments. They accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurances. If you need to schedule an appointment you can go to their website at: www.myaccessmedicalclinic.com/mena, or call them at (479) 385-2826. They also can be found on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/accessmedicalclinic/

Do you have room in your heart and home for one of our shelter pets? Meet Jax! Hi! My name is Jax. I am a handsome purebred black and white boxer. I am leash and crate trained, know my basic commands, and am good with kids and other dogs. I am hoping to find my fur-ever family! Please come meet me in person, or you can also call the shelter at 479-394-5682 to find out more about me.

Do you have room in your heart and home for one of our shelter pets? Meet Boots! Hi! I am Boots, I'm a dashing Tuxedo with four white paws and glowing golden eyes! I love to cuddle and I'm just excellent as a lap-warmer. I am a big boy so I do an excellent job of keeping you warm. I'm almost 2 years old and I've spent my whole life inside along with another cat. Please come meet me to see if it is love at first sight. Breed and age are determined based on observable physical traits. Actual lineage and birth date are rarely known. Adoption Fees: -$60 for cats -$60 for dogs over 6 years -$80 for dogs 6 months old to 6 years -$100 for puppies up to 6 months Come visit our pets Tuesday-Saturday 10am-2pm. Visi hsomena.org and facebook.com/hsomena Humane Society of the Ouachitas Tues. through Sat. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 368 Polk 50 Mena, AR 71953 (479) 394-5682 www.hsomena.org

DLR Offroad and Offroad Rentals is located at 1142 Highway 71 South, Suite E, in Mena, Arkansas, and is owned and operated by Daniel and Naomi Ryals. DLR Offroad and Offroad Rentals is a UTV and ATV repair shop, and they also rent offroad UTVs. They have been in business for three years in the Mena/Polk County area and currently employ two individuals plus Daniel, who does the repairs and Naomi, who is the manager of the business aspect of the company. Daniel got started in the ATV/UTV repair business after attending four years of college in Orlando and then having over ten years of experience in the field. With this experience they have brought a wonderful addition to the Mena/Polk County area. Their business has become known for offering services to farmers, the state and local forestry services, surrounding schools, and local individuals to keep their ATVs working properly and on the trails, for both work and play. Daniel and Naomi would like for the residents of Polk County to know they care about their customers’ needs and will provide the best services they can for their customers. They also rent excellent ATVs in exceptional condition. Daniel and Naomi take great pride in their business and so do their employees. Their rentals are always clean and reliable and their repair jobs are done in a timely manner and are affordable for the residents of Polk County. If you are interested in contacting DLR Offroad and Offroad Rentals, they can be reached at: (479) 385-5041 or found on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/DLROffroad/

Jarrod Yarnell, CEO for Union Bankshares Inc., has announced the addition of Mena native LeAnn Dilbeck as Senior Vice-President for Marketing and Engagement. Union Bankshares serves as the holding company for Union Bank of Mena, which is under the leadership of President Kevin Williams, with branches in Hatfield and Wickes, as well as First National Bank at Paris with branches in Waldron, Booneville, Caulksville, Ozark and Clarksville. Dilbeck is a graduate of Henderson State University with a degree in marketing and a minor in communications. Her 25 plus year career actually started at Union Bank and she is thankful that her career path has brought her full circle. “The banking industry has been ever-changing but Union Bank has always stayed true to its roots and that’s what I think sets community banks apart. It’s local people making local decisions for local markets. Union Bank is a major and integral part of this community’s history and the same can be said of all the other branches in their respective communities. The commitment to its customers is unparalleled. It’s in the bank’s DNA,” joked Dilbeck, “it’s who we are.” Dilbeck is a board member of CASA of the Ouachita Region (Court Appointed Special Advocates), has served numerous terms on the Mena Polk County Chamber of Commerce, serving as president in 2022, a member of the Arkansas Regional Coalition of the Ouachitas, and The Crossing. Her past community involvement includes serving on the Mena Depot Commission, Mena Lioness Club, consulting for the Mena Advertising/Promotion Commission, Mena Regional Health System Foundation, and Arkansas Community Colleges (ACC). She was honored as the B.P.O.E 2007 Citizen of the Year, 2006 AHA Diamond Award, 2015 RMCC/ACC Alumnus of the Year, and is a 2019 graduate of the ACC Leadership Institute. She was most recently the Vice-Chancellor for External Affairs at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain. She and her husband, David, previously owned and operated The Polk County Pulse before selling to Bunyard Media Group in 2015. “It’s been a privilege to have represented a variety of industries, locally and nationally, throughout my career. I am humbled to be able to use all that experience at a bank that is not only financially invested but firmly entrenched in our local communities.” The Dilbecks have two children. Their son Dustin will graduate the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in May and will be commissioned as a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force as a nuclear missileer. Lexi is currently a freshman at UA Rich Mountain and will transfer to UA Fayetteville in August to pursue a degree in Ag Communications. “We are excited to add LeAnn to our growing team,” Yarnell said. “She understands who we are and our commitment to our team as well as our local communities. She brings with her a wealth of experience and a contagious energy and enthusiasm as we plan for the future.”