Pulse THE POLK COUNTY
FREE WEEKLY 1168 Hwy 71 S Mena, AR 71953 479.243.9600
May 24, 2023
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Special Olympics Arkansas special for the Stouts
INSIDE:
By Ethan Nahté
Lions 1A State Runners-Up
Page 26
Preserving A Serene Symbol
Page 6
SEARCY, AR — Harding University was the host for the 2023 Special Olympics Arkansas Summer Games on May 19 and 20. More than 1,400 athletes and coaches were anticipated to attend the event. Special Olympics Arkansas Area 14, which encompasses the counties of Polk, Scott, Yell and Logan, had 35 athletes, 16 coaches and three partners attended the event. Athletes competed in a variety of sports including track and field, boccie, swimming, flag football, power-lifting and tennis. Like the Olympic Games most people are familiar with, the Special Olympics Arkansas (SOA) events began in advance with the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The run began Monday, May 15, commencing
a three-day journey in which officers carried the “Flame of Hope” from all four corners of the state. Thursday, May 18, Guardians of the Flame converged on the steps of the Arkansas State Capitol, located at 500 Woodlane St. in Little Rock, to join their flames in a ceremonial lighting of the Final Leg Torch. The Final Leg is a 50-mile continuous run to Searcy which officers completed by running the Flame of Hope into the opening ceremonies. Mena Police Officer Steven Stout was unable to participate in the event. Stout was recently assisting a driver of a stalled vehicle, helping to push their vehicle out of the road when he tore something in his leg. It landed him in a walking The Stouts were chosen as the 2023 boot, which was removed Wednes- Special Olympics Arkansas Family of day, the day before the awards cer- the Year. (Photo courtesy of Steven Stout) See STOUTS continued on page 11
Bluegrass at The Blue
By Ethan Nahté
Supporting Company C
Page 4
Summer may not be for another four weeks, but many consider the Memorial Day weekend as the unof-
ficial kick-off to summer. For some camping, food and music are all a part of the weekend. In this instance, it’s live music with some pro bands. For those of you out of town
or out of state who enjoy all of the above, make your way to the Ouachita Mountains this weekend. See BLUEGRASS continued on page 14