January 11, 2023 edition

Hazen City Council finalizes 2023 budget

The Hazen City Council met in a special meeting the last week of December to adopt the 2023 budget for the city.

Mayor David Hardke presided, stating that the City General income is expected to be $1,682,991 with expenses expected to be around $1,497,955. Extra income will be coming from rental of the depot and the office space that used to be Dr. Ray’s dental office.

The transfer from sales tax to the municipal court budget will be $24,000, up from the $17,000 transfered last year. A $5000 increase in insurance is expected in 2023.

The Fire Department budget will get an additional $7000 from the emergency sales tax fund with expenses staying the same. The Police Department will receive a $130,000 transfer from the sales tax fund, and expenses for repair and maintenance are expected to be about $3000.

The court automation fund has a checkbook balance of $41,528 which will be used for purchas-

ing computers and a new software program.

The rental income for hangars at the Municipal Airport will be increased by $25 a month in 2023 to cover an extra $1000 in hangar insurance. The General Contingency Fund includes a $120,000 transfer from the sales tax fund, $20,000 from a grant for the depot, $1650 from a parks grant, $100,000 from a sidewalk grant, and $92,995 from a grant for parks. The grants are designated for those projects. An additional expense will be the purchase of a heating/airconditioning unit for the dentist office. The present system “could be the original,” Hardke said. Funds will also be spent to provide hot water for the court area at the police station.

The city still has $267,085 in American Rescue Plan funds. Hardke expects all of those funds to go into upgrading the sewer plant.

Hardke extimates the sales tax income in 2023

Gigi’s Daycare opens in Carlisle

to be $750.000. The checkbook balance is presently $275,976. These funds will pay for the trash pick up, insect spraying, contributions of $27,000 to the library and $7000 to the revenue office, with the remainder being transferred to other city funds and going to any city needs. The mayor plans to make improvements at the dog pound, including the addition of security cameras.

The emergency services sales tax funds will go to the police department to purchase two cars that need to be replaced and to the fire department.

The hotel/motel tax fund has been designated for city parks.

The most discussion at the meeting concerned the water and sewer budget. The total income expected in 2023 is

$1,134,601 which includes a beginning balance of $234,901.

Insurances, retirement payments, and the addition of a new employee have increased expenses for the department. The department also plans to purchase a new billing system. Hardke intends to purchase new equipment for the department, including $95,000 for a sewer machine.

The sewer system also needs repair and maintenance, which will cost approximately $135,000.

“We’re going to spend some big money (on the sewer system) in a couple of years,” Hardke said. In 2023 the utilities contingency fund expects a total income of $201,523 with equipment purchases of $30,000 and a $100,000 transfer to water and sewer for upgrades.

Hardke also expects to spend $20,100 on equipment and $76,000 for street repair and maintenance, including culverts for two bridges and additional overlay out of the street budget.

The natural gas budget has been a concern for the city. Hardke wants to update the gas meters to ones that have digital dials and is considering raising gas and water rates in the summer.

There are still problems with the system. He proposes to map the system.

“It’s gong to take work, but we’re going to have to do it,” he said.

Some of the changes in the city budget included a 3.3% increase in wages for the nineteen fulltime employees, city property taxes up from 71% to 80%, and an increase in the sales tax revenues.

6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. MondayFriday.

Children ages six weeks to Pre-K will be cared for on a full-time basis. School age children can be dropped off and picked up for school. Transportation will be provided. There will also be a summer program.

Children will be provided an appropriate learning environment. The Pre-K Ready Curriculum will be taught and younger children will be intro-

“I saw the need in our community for an approved place where our children can be cared for and learn in a safe environment. We need a place to grow our future leaders. This has always been a dream of mine.”

For information Gigi’s Place has a Facebook account, Gigi’s Place LLC or call 870-4569293.

all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie

Grand Prairie’s latest sports stories. (See page 6.)

Prairie County Clerk Gaylon Hale swore in the new Des Arc council members at the Courthouse Annex on January 2, 2023. They are (l to r): Left to right

Doug Estes, Nicole Fisher, Gail King, Mayor Roger Scott, Jodie Mayher, Judy Burnett, and Keith Knupp. Below Sheriff Rick Hickman and the county deputies are sworn in. (Rita Dobson photos.)

By Debbye Harrison

Gigi’s Place Daycare

located on Highway 70 in Carlisle opened on January 9. Operating hours will be

A huge flock of geese against a bright blue sky is a harbinger of winter on the Grand Prairie Herald. This picture of geese on a harvested rice field was taken between Hazen and Carlisle just off C. Kittler Road.

William Andrew Parker

Dr. William Andrew

“Drew” Parker of Fayetteville passed away suddenly on January 2, 2023 at the age of 39 after a brief illness.

Drew was born on February 2, 1983.

Drew graduated as class salutatorian from Lonoke High School in 2001 and earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

He earned his bachelor degree in poultry science from the University of Arkansas in 2005. While there he was a member of the XI Chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity.

While an undergraduate, he was named the “National Poultry and Egg Association Student of the Year” at the International Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta. He also earned the 2008 AAAP Foundation Kenneth Eskelund Preceptorship Grant and was a 2008 Arkansas Veterinary Medical Foundation Scholar.

Drew continued his studies at LSU and graduated from LSU Veterinary Medical School in 2009 with a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

In 2010, he was awarded a degree of Master of Avian Medicine from the University of Georgia Graduate School and became a board certified diplomat of the American College of

Poultry Veterinarians in 2011.

Drew was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Arkansas Veterinary Medical AssociationPoultry Division, the American College of Poultry Veterinarians, the American Association of Avian Pathologists, and the Poultry Federation. He also served as a member of the AVMA Board of Trustees. He was currently serving as Senior Veterinarian with Phibro Animal Health in Fayetteville.

Drew was very passionate about his education and career in the poultry industry.

Drew leaves behind his wife, Lindsay Brand Parker, 3-year-old son Liam, mother Suzette Parker Elmore and father Gary Elmore of Lonoke; brother Stephen Parker, Jr., (Katie) of Fayetteville and brothers Ryan Elmore of Fayetteville, Stefan Elmore, (Whitney) of Little Rock and sister Whitney Hall, (Scott) of Maumelle.

Drew was preceded in death by his father, Steve Parker, grandparents Betty and Bill Woods of Hazen, and Marilyn and Bernie Parker of Carlisle.

Other relatives include: father and mother-inlaw, Keith and Lola Brand of O’Fallon, MO., and brothers and sisterin-law’s, Fernando and Melody Ruiz, Devin and Natalie Brand and their families. His nieces and nephews are Layla and Lindley Parker, Jackson Elmore, Greenlee and Phoebe Elmore, James and Sam Hall, Avalon and Cameron Ruiz, Aaron and Ayden Gerling, and Elsie and Everly Brand.

His cousins are JJ Calk, Wendy Skarda, and Christian and Nathaniel Bradow.

Drew was an avid hunter, long-term member of several hunting clubs, and had numerous friends and colleagues whom he also considered family.

There will be a “Celebration of Life” service on Saturday, February 11th at 11:00

a.m. at the Lonoke First United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a memorial scholarship in Drew’s honor. Information concerning the memorial will be posted at a later date.

Alvin Earl VanLandingham

Alvin Earl VanLandingham of Humphrey, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at the age of 88 years.

Earl was born September 29, 1934, in Sheridan, AR, to the late Carl Burton VanLandingham and Ethylene Maude Cooney VanLandingham. He was a graduate of Humphrey High School. In the past, he served as a Sheriff’s Deputy for Jefferson County. He also served in the Army National Guard Reserve and Arkansas National Guard. Earl lived his life as a farmer and long-time professional duck guide for Gardner and Associates, LLC.

Everyone who knew him knew of his deep love of the land and wildlife. He was an ardent hunter and fisherman and had many captivating stories about both. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Ed, Ralph, Wilburn, and Leonard VanLandingham and four sisters, Bernice Walsh, Faye Roberts, Pearl Harvill, and Lexie Coker.

He is survived by his loving wife, Louise VanLandingham; sister, Doris King (James); his son, Burton VanLandingham; his daughter, Pamela Kaffka (Herald); grandchildren, Justin, Christopher, and Alexandra Kaffka.

Visitation was held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Humphrey Baptist Church, followed by funeral services at 2:00 P.M. with Bro. Bobby McPherson officiating. Burial followed in Flynn Cemetery.

Grand Prairie DAR distributes gifts...

The

Daughters

the American Revolution participated

Aycocks given baby shower

By Chris Weems

Mrs. Dakota (Ashleigh) Aycock was honored with a Baby Shower at the Fellowship Hall of Calvary Baptist Church Sunday afternoon, December 4th. The baby, a boy, is expected in February.

Ashleigh, assisted by one of her sisters, Gracen Streetman, and some of the hostesses, opened and displayed her gifts.

The guests signed her book on a tall table covered with a white floorlength cloth held in place by a blue net bow.

Special guests included Ashleigh's mother-inlaw, Nanette Belford and her step-mother in law, Cindy Aycock, the

baby's great grandmother, Cindy Hill, all of Hazen; Dakota's aunt, Scottye Lynn White, Port Barre, LA; besides Gracen, five of the baby's aunts, Aleya Cook, Alexis Streetman, and Brynn Cook, Benton, LA; Skylar Jackson, Fletcher, OK, and Brodie Underwood, England; and Dakota's aunt and cousin, Candy Strauss and Kit of Stuttgart.

The serving table was covered with a white floor length cloth covered with a lace overlay, with a center-piece of multicolored daisies in a vase embossed with multi-colored toys.

Guests were served cake and punch and

nuts. The cake showed off the young man's name to be "William Knox Aycock".

Hostesses were: Amy Van Houten, Angie Cagle, Carla Nichols, Sandy Felty, Sharron Stallings, Freida Isbell, Paula Hackelton, Trilby Shelman, Wendi Stock, Connie Swain, Carolyn Van Houten, Paige Hawkins, Donna Watson, Chris Weems, Monica Lisko, Stephanie Van Houten, Joie McCarty, Cheryl Jenkins, Pat Parker, Wanda Young, Christi Rounsavall, Whitney McMullen, Emily White, Tracie Vail, Sara Perry, Gloria Strohl, Sherry Bullock, and Wendy Perry.

Arkansans are encouraged to review their options for health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s marketplace as the close of open enrollment on Jan. 15 draws closer. Enhanced premium tax credits are still available, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, meaning some individuals can get no-cost or low-cost premiums.

Marketplace enrollment is expected to reach record highs as November enrollment was 40% higher than the same period in 2021. More than 14.5 million Americans selected a marketplace plan during the 2022 enrollment period. Enrollment during the current open enrollment period is expected to be even higher.

ance coverage for their dependents. The rule fixes the “family glitch,” which barred many families from seeking lowercost coverage through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace.

Previously, families of individuals with employer-sponsored health coverage were prohibited from seeking marketplace coverage if the employer’s individual plan (instead of the family coverage premiums) was considered affordable (meaning the employee’s premium contribution is less than 9.5% of their household income).

Those seeking coverage also have more assistance with enrollment this year. In August,

Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced a historic $98.9 million investment to assist “navigator” organizations in adding and retaining staff for the 2023 open enrollment period. Navigator organizations provide outreach and assistance to consumers navigating enrollment in the marketplace. The state collaborates with the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care to operate a helpline, (800) 355-3262, for Arkansans needing assistance with enrollment. For more information go to: https://achi.net.

Donations are greatly appreciated and may be mailed to: Hazen Cemetery, P.O. Box 543 Hazen, Ar. 72064.

N otice

Tillman Infrastructure, LLC is proposing to build a 105-foot Self Support Tower (120-ft w/appurtenances) located at 1702 Highway 63 N, Hazen, AR 72064. Structure coordinates are: (N34-47-49.93/W91-3410.38). No lighting is anticipated. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Antenna Structure Registration (ASR Form 854) file number is A1231036. Interested

persons may review the application at www.fcc.gov/asr/applications by entering the file number. The FCC requires interested parties to file requests for Environmental Review online. Environmental concerns may be raised by filing a Request for Environmental Review at www.fcc.gov/asr/environmentalrequest within 30 days of the date that notice of the project is published on the FCC’s website.

Arkansas had its highest marketplace enrollment last year, with nearly 90,000 Arkansans purchasing coverage during open enrollment. The majority of Arkansans who enroll through the marketplace receive financial assistance to purchase coverage, but only about one-third of those eligible for financial assistance enrolled in 2020. At the time of this writing, the Arkansas Insurance Department reports that 80,464 Arkansans have currently enrolled in health coverage through the marketplace.

A federal rule that went into effect Dec. 12 will help approximately 5 million families seek lower-cost health insur-

Grand Prairie Chapter

of

in Operation Shoe Box for veterans in December. The chapter collected Christmas gift boxes for veterans the at the Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center in North Little Rock, for veterans at Crestpark of Stuttgart, for veterans at Chambers Nursing Center in Carlisle, as well as for veterans in Clarendon. In addition, they donated items to Restoration of Hope in Stuttgart and Mission of Hope in Carlisle for the Christmas season. Members are shown with a few of the veteran boxes that they brought for delivery to the different locations.

ACH I recommen d s Arkansans to review hea l th ins u rance o p tions

Hazen High School announces the nine weeks and semester honor rolls for 2022. The nine weeks honor roll students are:

NINE WEEKS HONOR ROLL

7th Grade

Kiera Anderson, Zoey Barnhill*, Reece Cash, Jaxon Craig, Madison Graham, Makaela Guenther*, Weston Hare*, Donald Hudson, Khloe Isbell, McKenzi Owens*, Taylor Reynolds, Bella Roberts, Paycen Seely, Kenedy Self, John Simmons*, Tesla Van Houten

8th Grade

Jase Arnett, Michael Bowman*, Cayden Calvert, Ryleigh Cook*, Alyssa Douglass-Dodge, Isabelle Gray*, Hannah Linder, Destiny Martin, Kylee McElroy, Kiersten Shatzer, Bailey Sims, Luke Snider, Jalynn Thomas*, Alyssa Tiner, Spencer Weems, Kadence Weems*

9th Grade Peyton Anderson, Felicity Avalos*, Alantis Blancett, Abygail Davis, Bailey Fite, Chase Heinmiller, Ethan Lisko*, Allyson Mooney, Gabby Morgan, Maddox Prine*, Sophie Raper*, Maci Sickel*, Dylan Skarda*, Paris Smith

10th Grade

Mattison Alberson, Rileigh Barnhill*,Chloe Caldwell, Emma Cantwell, Sam Clayton, Faith Duell, Alexis Dulany, Pheonix Ervin, Jaci Hackelton, Joseph Hurley III*, Carson Kee, Karly Kinard*, Austin Kocourek, Luisa Leonhardsberger, Ryan Martin, Lucas Martinez Manzano, Chloe Rose*, Laila Schultz, Hope Seeber*, Ethan Simmons, Owen Simmons, Kendall

Sisemore*, Brance Williams*

11th Grade

Braylan Anderson, Kamryn Blackard, Austyn Booth*, Savannah Glover, Yuika Imai*, Adrianna Reynolds, Joshua RomerDawson*, Diego Rossa, Emily Schmidt, Kaycie Seely, Karizma Sullivan, Brandon Vaughn, Brooke Wooten

12th Grade

Lane Harper*, Collin Kee*, Luke King, Holden Lawless, Tatiana Metcalf, Natalie Robinson, Ivan Rodriguez, Lacey Rogers*, Rosalie Shuck*, Griffin Shultz, Greenlee Simmons, Halli Sisemore*

SEMESTER HONOR ROLL STUDENTS

The first semester honor roll students are:

7th Grade

Kiera Anderson, Zoey Barnhill*, Reece Cash, Jaxon Craig, Madison Graham*, Makaela Guenther*, Weston Hare*, Chloe Hinshaw, Emma Hollis, Jacob Kitchens, Avion Maxwell-Mertens, McKenzi Owens, Taylor Reynolds, Bella Roberts*, Paycen Seely, Kenedy Self, John Simmons*, Tesla Van Houten

8th Grade

Jase Arnett, Jaelynne Barnhill, Michael Bowman*, Sidney Bragg, Cayden Calvert, Ryleigh Cook*, Alyssa Douglass-Dodge*, Isabelle Gray*, Stormy Harwood, Hannah Linder, Destiny Martin*, Kylee McElroy, Kiersten Shatzer, Bailey Sims, Maverik Snider, Luke Snider, Jalynn Thomas*, Alyssa Tiner, Spencer Weems, Kadence Weems*,

Cheyenne Yarbrough 9th Grade

Peyton Anderson, Felicity Avalos*, Alantis Blancett, Abygail Davis, Chase Heinmiller, Peyton Kocourek, Ethan Lisko, Emily Mills, Allyson Mooney, Gabby Morgan, Maddox Prine*, Sophie Raper*, Maci Sickel*, Dylan Skarda*, Paris Smith*

10th Grade

Mattison Alberson, Rileigh Barnhill*, Emma Cantwell, Sam Clayton, Faith Duell, Alexis Dulany, Pheonix Ervin, Jaci Hackelton, Joseph Hurley III*, Carson Kee, Karly Kinard*, Austin Kocourek*, Forest Lawless, Luisa Leonhardsberger, Ryan Martin, Lucas Martinez Manzano, Makayla McCray, Chloe Rose*, Laila Schultz*, Hope Seeber, Ethan Simmons, Owen Simmons, Kendall Sisemore*, Jameion Stigall, Eli Weems, Brance Williams*

11th Grade

Kamryn Blackard*, Austyn Booth*, Savannah Glover, Yuika Imai*, Adrianna Reynolds, Joshua RomerDawson*, Diego Rossa, Emily Schmidt, Kaycie Seely, Karizma Sullivan, Brandon Vaughn

12th Grade

Lane Harper*, Collin Kee*, Luke King, Holden Lawless, Tatiana Metcalf, Natalie Robinson, Ivan Rodriguez, Lacey Rogers*, Rosalie Shuck*, Griffin Shultz, Halli Sisemore*

Denotes All A’s * by John Grimaldi and David Bruce Smith

On January 5, 1920, George Herman Ruth— “The Babe”— was sold by the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees for $125,000—or approximately $2 Million in today’s currency.

The announcement fevered up the baseball fans in Boston. Ruth was a legend, who had guided his home team through three World Series wins.

“The deal paid off—in spades—for New York, as Ruth went on to smash his own home run record in 1920,

(This was sent to me from a friend on Facebook. Several people claim credit for it, and it’s too good not to share.)

You know. . . time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.

It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all. I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is... the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise...How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go?

I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like. But, here it is...my friends are retired and getting grey...they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me...but, I see the great change....Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant...but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be.

Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore... it's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my

own free will... I just fall asleep where I sit!

And so...now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!

But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last...this I know, that when it's over on this earth...it's NOT over. A new adventure will begin!

Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done...things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime.

So, if you're not in your winter yet...let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long!

Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life...so, live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember...and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!

"Life" is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one.

LIVE IT WELL! ENJOY TODAY! DO SOMETHING FUN! BE HAPPY! HAVE A GREAT DAY!

REMEMBER:....

"It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.

"LIVE HAPPY IN THIS YEAR AND EVERY YEAR!

LASTLY, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING: TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVER BE SO - ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS.

~Your kids are becoming you.......

~Going out is good.. Coming home is better!

~You forget names.... But it's OK because other people forgot they even knew you!!!

~You realize you're never going to be really good at anything

~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don't care to do them anymore.

~You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than in bed. It's called "pre-sleep".

~You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch..

~You tend to use more 4 letter words ... "what?"..."when?"... "what?" . ???

~Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it's not safe to wear it anywhere.

~You notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless"?!!!

~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.

~Everybody whispers.

~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet.... 2 of which you will never wear.

~But Old is good in some things: Old Songs, Old movies, and best of all, OLD FRIENDS!!

hitting 54 home runs,” according to History.com. “He connected for 59 homers in 1921, dominating the game and increasing Yankee revenues to the point that the team was able to leave the Polo Grounds (shared with the New York Giants baseball team) and build Yankee Stadium, which opened in 1923 and became known as “the house that Ruth built.”

The Grateful American Book Prize recommends The Big Bam: The Life and Times of Babe Ruth by Leigh Montville.

On January 15th, the nation will celebrate the birth of Michael Luther King Jr. His father, Michael Senior, apparently got inspired by the German protestant reformer, Martin Luther, changed his

name--and his son’s-to Martin Luther King. Each morphed into civil rights reformers.

Martin Luther King, Jr., was a compassionate, intelligent person who skipped grades nine through 12, and-in 1944--enrolled in Morehouse College, according to History.com. He earned his “divinity degree from Pennsylvania’s Crozer

Theological Seminary [then] attended graduate school at Boston University, where he received his Ph.D. degree in 1955 ... on May 17, 1957, before a crowd estimated at between 15,000 and 30,000, King delivered his first national address on the topic of voting rights. His speech, in which he urged America to ‘give us the ballot,’ drew strong reviews and positioned him at the

forefront of the civil rights leadership.”

The night before King’s April 4, 1968, murder in Memphis, he addressed the congregation at the Mason Temple Church. “Like anybody,” he said, “I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now … I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not go there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. And I’m happy tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

The Grateful American Book Prize recommends The Trumpet of Conscience by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Prairie County has released the jurors lists for the Northern and Southern Districts. Orientation will be held in the DeValls Bluff Courthouse on January 13th at 9:00 a.m., and at 10:30 am in the Des Arc Courthouse.

Northern Jurors List

January-April 2023

Retha Allred

Amelia L. Anderson

Cynthia J. Anderson

Robert G. Anderson

Mamie R. Barnett

Timothy A. Baxter

Jade T. Bell

Jan L. Bell

Jason L. Berry

Terry E. Bice

Otis Boggs, Jr.

Susan D. Burnett

Linda D. Burnette

Janice E. Butler

Samantha N. Cain

Noah J. Calhoun

Kasey L Carter Ralph E. Cawthorn

Virginia Chandler

Nancy H. Chappell

Danny R. Childers

Teresa D. Childers

Elijaha J. Cohen

Samuel A. Conder

Colt B. Covington

Opal L. Crider

Robert G. Derden

Amanda R. Devers

Deya C. DeVorak

Dennis DeVore

Cormac T. Dougan

Jamie L. Eans

Kylee E. Elam

Deanna Felts

Margaret A. Ferguson

Mary S. Ferguson

Anthony T. Fisher

Carol L. Fisher

Nicole L. Fisher

Wayne P. Fulmer

Bowen Furnell

Isaac A. Garcia

Joshua B. Garth

Patricia L. Gillioun

Jacquelyn R. Gordon

Walter D. Granger

Williams S. Gray

Jerry D. Greenwood

Suzanne M. Griffith

Jimmie D. Guess Jr.

Angela G. Hambrick

Danny T. Hambrick

Rita J. Hambrick

Anthony D. Hampton

Bernard L. Hamrick

Carolyn A. Hart

Kevin L. Harvey Tracy L. Harvey Dwight E. Hill

Holla M. Hitt

Gerald M. Hobbs

Andy K. Holland

Howard T. Holliman Jr.

Syretta D. Holloway Mildred Horn

Tammy M. Hughes

Casey C. Ingle

Mark L. Ingle

Hayley M. Jobe

Dennis D. Johnson

Reggie L Johnson

Jason T. Jones

William F. Jones

Karen Joshlin

Sarah A. Joshlin

Marcia L. Kazmark

Brendon D. Keathley

Melody L. Kimbrough

Cary L. King

Chrisana D. Knupp

Michael Livesay

Nina L. Livesay

Callie C. Long

Marvin L. Loyd Jr.

Lauren A. Mapps

Dominique L. McCoy

Dondreca B McCoy

Donald L. McCoy II Vickie M. McGee

David R. McMillen

Rick L. McNew

Keri L. McQueen

Steven M. McQueen

Maxwell E. Medley

Jimmie A. Minton

Charles L. Moon

Kelli E. Morton

Lisa A. Mullen

Thelma J. Nelson

Danielle M. Norman

Michael J. Overton

Kade A. Parnell

Timothy D. Petty John K. Polk

Lancy H. Powell Savanna N. Price

Janice Reidhar

Jeff W. Richards

Natasha J. Richards Brittany L. Richardson Kelly Ripper Jacqueline A. Roach Lois M. Roberts Keith L. Robinson Welton E. Robinson

Amy Roe John P. Rogers Royce B. Rogers

Kimberly L. Sanderson Benjamin K. Scott Courtney R. Scott

Zachary D. Severns

Kathy A. Simmons Michael O Sims

Larry O. Skinner

Amy Smith Jimmy A. Smith Jaylon D. Snow Charles D. Speakman David Spence

Wanda C. Steward

Annemarie M. Strawn

William T. Tacker III

Rebecca A. Tallent

Jennifer K. Treadwell

Wendy G. Treadwell

Tyler VanHouten

Reynolds Veazey Jr.

Quence E. Walters

Jennifer N. Ward

Judy D. Weatherford

Paul E. Weatherford

Carrie A. Weatherley

Robbie C. Weaver

Sandra J. Webber

Adrienne N. Wedding

Alan R. West

Sheldon J. Wheaton III

Ralph L. Whitlock

Christopher T. Whittaker

Elizabeth F. Whittaker

Drew M. Widener

Dekilah C. Williams

Hope M. Winkowski

Joseph E. York Jr.

Southern Jurors

January-April 2023

Linda Adkins

Debra Anderson

Montique Anderson

Tonya Anderson

Amanda C Ashley Pamela M. Atkins

Jaclyn N Bailey

Tesha L Baker

Daniel W. Baxter

Jimmy D. Baxter

Jennifer M. Berry

Brandon P Betzner

Rhonda R. Betzner

William B Betzner

Kewandra L. Bonds

Susan L. Booth

Jason M. Bowles

Carole S. Brooks

Anthony P Brown

Jerry W. Burks

Orlando D. Burton

Samantha J. Burton

Susan K. Campbell

Courtney R Carroll

Brooks Castleberry

Johnny Christian Delores C. Chunn

Bennie Cohen Donna C Coleman

Dillion R. Cook

Gwendolyn M Cooper Johnna C. Creasey

Tracy S. Dardenne

Summer D. Degunion

Pamela Delgiorno

Andrea J. DeVore

Kayra M. DeVore

Deanne M. Dickson

Felecia F. Dixon

Teresa A. Doepel Sarah A. Donnell

Caitlyn M. Duncan Evelyn Dunn

Ronna M. Edge Shawn C. Edge

James E. Farmer Jr.

Colton R. Felts

Alma D. Floyd

Danny J. Fricker

Kathleen A. Garrich

Edith R. Golleher

Beverly R. Gray Chad M. Greenwalt

Paula Hackelton

Terri A. Hall

Steve A Hamilton

Dorothea M. Harris Mycheyla Harris

Judy M. Harrison

Sarah M. Hatfield

Todd M. Havlik

Pat A. House

Charles H. Howard

Danielle Humbert

Aishah D. Hussey Russell E. Ideker

Cathy A. Ingle

Miranda L. James-Todd

Steven M. Johnson

Ted C. Johnson Jr.

Beulah J. Johnston

Elisa I. Jolls

Sabrina Jones

Robert R. Juola Jr.

Mary A. Kee

Angelia A. King Lance A. Larkan

Trudy N. Larkin

Angelia K. Lawson Kimberly A. Lisko

Sue Livesay

Carissa M. Lock

Logan A. Loudermilk

Deborah L. Luebker

Amy Marek Mark S. Marek

Carey L. Martin

Kelsie C. Martin

Dorothy J. McCarty

James McElroy

Terri L. McKee

Mark F. McMullen

Robin L. McMullen

Arianna C. McNeese

Calvin W. McWhorter

Savanah J. Medlock

Jonathan A. Mertens

Kathleen M. Mertens

Delma F. Metcalf

Jeremy M. Metcalf

Kenneth E. Metcalf

Robert B. Metcalf

Ciji R. Morris

Patricia A. Mosby Mark T. Norman

Jessica D. Paris

William S. Parker

Ansuya Patel

Albert L. Perry

Phillip G. Perry

Stephen M. Petrus

Autumn L. Pirtle

James S. Pollard

Brandy N. Presley

Alexandria J. Prince Brandon C. Prince Ashton C. Reichenbach

Larry D. Ruffin

Andrew S. Rupe

Troiauna S. Sanders

Michael D. Sawyer

Curtis A. Schalchlin

Emil W. Scheiderer III

Maria E. Schumacher

Ramon E. Sedgwick II

Stuart L. Seidenstricker

Jennifer L. Short Erin E. Siems

Elaina A. Sims

Jamie E. Skarda

Carlton C. Smith Jacinda R. Smith

Vanessa L. Smith

Margaret A. Snow

Heather D. Spoon

Brenda S. Stewart

Jammie E. Story

Ralph T. Strabala Lucas S. Strohl

Laure L. Toll

Carolyn E. VanHouten

Ronnie D. Vick

Jeyke W Walker

Mallory K. Walker

Margaret L. Watson

Edith L. Weddle

Cassandra F. Whitman Barbara C. Williams

Brayden E. Williams

Cole A. Williams

James E. Williams

Landon C. Williams Isaac B. Williams Jr.

Gaylon Hale

Ulm officials sworn in... Ulm Mayor Dennis Doepel and the Ulm City Council members were sworn in on January. The council members are: Kevin Knight, Renee Kersieck, Jerry Lee, Mary Beth Floyd (mayor’s assistant), Linda Dillingham, and Brian Reynolds.

The Prairie County Judge's Office is looking for a secretary. To apply, bring your resume to the judge's office in the County Courthouse Annex in Des Arc by January 12, 2023.

THE CITY OF DES ARC IS CURRENTLY HIRING FOR A FULL-TIME CLERK POSITION IN THE UTILITY OFFICE. THIS POSITION REQUIRES A VARIETY OF CLERICAL DUTIES RELATED TO THE UTILITY DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: DATA ENTRY, BILLING, DEPOSITS, RECORD KEEPING, AND TAKING PAYMENTS. MUST HAVE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA, EXPERIENCE WITH COMPUTERS AND OFFICE WORD AND EXCEL, AND WORK WELL WITH THE PUBLIC. THIS POSITION OFFERS HOURLY PAY AND BENEFITS. APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE UTILITY OFFICE IN DES ARC AT 107 S 3RD STREET. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL CITY HALL AT (870) 256-4316.

THE CITY OF DES ARC IS CURRENTLY HIRING FOR A PART-TIME POSITION IN THE MAYOR/COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE. THIS POSITION REQUIRES A VARIETY OF CLERICAL DUTIES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: DATA ENTRY, FILING, AND RECORD MAINTENANCE. MUST HAVE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA, WORK WELL WITH THE PUBLIC, AND MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH COMPUTERS AND OFFICE EXCEL AND WORD. GENERAL ACCOUNTING KNOWLEDGE IS A PLUS, BUT NOT REQUIRED. APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE UTILITY OFFICE IN DES ARC AT 107 S 3RD STREET. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL CITY HALL AT (870) 256-4316.

THE CITY OF DES ARC IS CURRENTLY HIRING CITY/UTILITY WORKERS. THESE POSITIONS REQUIRE A VARIETY OF DUTIES RELATED TO STREETS, WATER, SEWER, AND GAS LINES/METERS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: READING METERS, OPERATING EQUIPMENT, AND MEETING WITH PUBLIC. MUST HAVE A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE, BE PHYSICALLY ABLE TO DO HARD WORK, AND TAKE INSTRUCTION WELL. LICENSES IN WATER DISTRIBUTION, WASTEWATER, AND GAS IS A PLUS, BUT NOT REQUIRED. OFFERS HOURLY PAY AND BENEFITS. APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE UTILITY OFFICE IN DES ARC AT 107 S 3RD STREET. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL CITY HALL AT (870) 2564316.

Hornets fall to McCrory/ Junior Lady Hornets win

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Hazen Hornets and Junior Lady Hornets played McCrory on Friday night.

The Hornets lost 45-39 but the Junior Lady Hornets won 23-21.

In the senior boys game, Hazen, scored 10 points in the first quarter, 13 points in the sec-

ond quarter, 11 in the third quarter and five in the fourth quarter.

Justin Schlenker led the Hornets with 13 points. Kolton Tosh had 12. Diego Sasaki had five. Cameron Johnson and Brance Williams had four points each. Sam Clayton had two. In the junior girls game, Hazen was scoreless after one quarter.

The Junior Lady Hornets scored six in the second, nine in the third and eight in the fourth.

Melody Schlenker led Hazen with 16 points, including 10 in the second half. Atlantis Blancet had three. London Smith had two. Scoring one each were Jasmin Smith and Hannah Linder.

Lady Bison improve to 4-13 on the season

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Carlisle Lady Bison went 1-1 last week to improve to 4-13 on the season and 2-2 in 2A-6 play.

Carlisle lost to England in a non-conference game on Tuesday then beat Barton 58-51 on Friday.

In the win over Barton, Carlisle’s Addison

Bartley scored 34 points to lead the Lady Bison to the victory.

Carlisle trailed 14-11 after one quarter then erupted for 21 points in the second quarter to lead 32-20 at halftime.

Bartley scored 11 of her 34 points in the second quarter.

Haven McElyea had 10 points. Bailey Dawson scored five. Heather Rose Buffalo and Paige

Chadwick had three points each. Mariah Phillips had two. Laken Golden added a free throw.

In the 73-30 loss to England, Carlisle trailed 15-11 after one quarter and 38-22 at halftime.

Bartley led Carlisle with 14 points. Golden had 12. Dawson had four.

Lady E a g les beat Lady Patriots

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Des Arc Lady Eagles knocked off Palestine-Wheatley 5321 in a non-conference game last week.

The starters played only one quarter as the Lady Eagles led 31-0 after eight minutes.

Des Arc then led 42-4 at halftime and 44-9 after three quarters.

Gabi Berry led Des Arc with 18 points. Jillian Smith had eight. Shanne Bell, Bella Flanagan and Makenzie Williams had five. Points each.

Des Arc played McCrory in a conference game Tuesday night.

Entering that game, the Lady Eagles were in first place in the conference at 4-0.

Des Arc also won the junior girls game 27-19.

one quarter but took a 10-8 lead into halftime.

The Junior Lady Eagles outscored Palestine-Wheatley 1711 in the second half to

get the win.

Kaylee McDonald led Des Arc with 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Marley Widener had seven points and eight rebounds.

State Capitol Week in Review

From Senator Jonathan Dismang

LITTLE ROCK –

School choice, prison expansion and tax cuts are expected to be the highlights of the 2023 regular legislative session that convenes on Monday, January 9. Also on the agenda will be legislation to improve the reading skills of elementary school students.

Legislators will consider plans to better prepare workers with the job skills most in demand by Arkansas manufacturers. Industry spokesmen have said that companies would like to locate in Arkansas if they can hire enough skilled workers.

Legislators say that Arkansas would be more competitive with neighboring states if individual and corporate income tax rates were lowered further. In the past eight years the legislature has approved reductions in state income taxes that now save Arkansas taxpayers about $750 million a year.

The top rate for individual income taxes has gone down from seven percent to 4.9 percent and the top rate for corporate income taxes has gone down from 6.5 percent to 5.3 percent.

The state’s strong fiscal position has prompted debate about tax cuts, prison expansion and higher teacher

salaries.

Even with the recent tax reductions, the state will end the current fiscal year with an estimated surplus of almost $600 million, and the governor’s proposed balanced budget for next fiscal year projects another surplus of $255 million. Also, the state has about $2.7 billion in various reserve funds.

The Senate and House Committees on Education have recommended raising teacher pay by $4,000 a year. The two bodies differ on how quickly to implement the higher salaries.

Proposals to expand prisons have not been finalized. Some call for building space for 1,000 inmates and other legislators prefer a more aggressive building plan.

More prison space for violent offenders would relieve pressure on county jails, which at times can house up to 2,000 state inmates because there are no available beds in state prison units. County sheriffs have told the legislature that violent offenders in county jails are a danger to staff and to people in jail on minor offenses.

Truth in sentencing is another public safety issue that will likely come before the Senate and House Judiciary

Committees.

Now, when a jury sentences a convicted offender, that person can accumulate good time and be released on parole before the end of his sentence. Inmates out on parole have committed serious offenses, including murder. That has generated public support for longer sentences and stricter parole policies.

School choice can take several forms, such as more charter schools or more flexible policies that provide parents more options to home school their children.

Legislation is expected that would create tax saving accounts for parents to help pay to send their children to a private or parochial school.

The pandemic affected students across the nation, and in Arkansas the impact has shown up in standardized test scores. However, legislators were beefing up literacy programs in elementary schools even before the pandemic. Expect a renewed effort to improve young children’s reading skills.

Lawmakers will be in session for at least 60 days, as mandated by the state Constitution, but more than likely it will last for about 90 days.

E a g les receive postseason honors

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

Eleven Des Arc Eagles football players received postseason honors for the 2022 season.

Des Arc won the 2A-2 conference with a 6-1 record. The Eagles finished 7-4, losing to Mount Ida 30-28 in the second round of the

Class 2A state playoffs. Senior Jack Kearby was named to the Class 2A all-state team and the 2A-2 all-conference team. He was also a finalist for the Farm Bureau Class 2A defensive player of the year, presented by Hooten’s Arkansas Football.

Also named first-team

all-conference were Ben Kearby, Cache Flanagan, Ross Ingle, Chandler Dobbins, Daviyon Bell and Trevion Reed.

Named to the 2A-2 second team all-conference were Connor Ingle, Oakley Davenport, Hayden Brown and Walker Harris.

Bison fall to E n g land, Barton

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Carlisle Bison dropped two games last week to fall to 6-10 on the season.

Carlisle lost to England in a non-conference game last Tuesday, 8452, the lost at Barton 70-62 on Friday.

In the loss to Barton, Carlisle trailed 22-15 after one quarter but led 36-33 at halftime. The Bears outscored the

Bison 21-14 in the third quarter to lead 54-50 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Bears outscored the Bison 16-12 in the fourth quarter to get the win.

David Hayes led the Bison with 25 points. Kaidon Clingmon had 13. Andrew Whaley added 11. Braxton Cooney scored eight. TJ Barnett had three. Isaiah Powell added two.

In the loss to England,

Carlise trailed 28-11 after one quarter and 49-30 at halftime.

Hayes led the Bison with 22 points. Clingmon had 13. Braxton Cooney scored nine. Devin Cooney had five. Joseph Cook added three.

The Bison are now 3-2 in the 6A-2 conference standings. They are in fourth place behind Barton, Marianna and Des Arc.

Des Arc’s Jack Kearby was the lone Eagles player to receive Class 2A all-state honors for the 2022 season. (Amanda Smith photo)