This Week's Grand Prairie Herald

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New Ducks Unlimited chapter holds auction. See page 6. )

Volume 118 Number 2 - USPS 225-680

Community Events Calendar

Serving all of Prairie County, Arkansas

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

City mayors and council members for 2019

Wednesday January 16 Friendship Luncheon De Valls Bluff Methodist Church 11:30a.m.-2:00p.m.

Thursday January 17 Hazen City Council Meeting City Hall 6:00p.m.-7:00p.m.

Janell Taylor, Prairie County’s Chief Deputy Clerk (far right) swears in the new Des Arc city council members Welton Robinson and Gail King, re-elected Mayor Jim Garth, and city council members Gary Burnett and Ray McVay. (Photo taken by Ronnie Adams.)

Friday January 18 Hornet Basketball @ Carlisle Bison 7G, JB, Srs 4:30 p.m.

Eagle Basketball vs.

South Side Bee Branch - JG, SG, SB 5:30 p.m.

Monday January 21 Martin Luther King Day Local and County Offices Closed

Prairie County Clerk Gaylon Hale swore in the DeValls Bluff City Council members and new mayor Brooks Castleberry before their first meeting of the year. Pictured (l to r) are: Shirley Goff, Alice Metcalf, Mayor Brooks Castleberry, Marie Flanagan, Recorder/Treasurer Pamela Del Giorno, Carol Griffin, Raymond Watson, and Richard Henry.

Tuesday January 22 Adult Bingo Hazen Public Library 11:00a.m.12:00p.m.

Hazen Senior Health & Wellness Center UAMS Program at 11:45 a.m.

Hornet Basketball VS Bigelow Hornets Nest 7B, JG, Srs 4:30p.m.

Thursday January 24 Commodities distribution Hazen First United Methodist Church 10:00a.m.12:00p.m.

GFWC Elsie McCain Club Meeting Murry’s Restaurant Community events brought to you by Hazen Chamber of Commerce and the

Please call F&M Bank (255-3042) or The Grand Prairie Herald (255-4538) to list events.

Ulm officials sworn in by Prairie County Clerk Gaylon Hale are (standing l to r) Mayor Dennis Doepel, Aron Allen, Robert Morris, and Jerry Lee, and (seated l to r) Rana Kerksieck, Recorder/Treasurer Amy Holmes, and Linda Dillingham.

Market Facilitation Program deadline extended (Washington, D.C., January 8, 2019) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today extended the deadline for agricultural producers to apply for payments under the Market Facilitation Program as provided by the trade mitigation program administered by the U.S. Department of

Agriculture (USDA).

The original deadline had been January 15, 2019, but farmers have been unable to apply for the program since the lapse in federal funding caused the closure of USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices at the end of business on December 28, 2018.

MFP payments are limited to a combined $125,000 for corn, cotton, sorghum, soybeans, and wheat capped per person or legal entity. MFP payments are also limited to a combined $125,000 for dairy and hog producers,

and a combined $125,000 for fresh sweet cherry and almond producers.

Applicants must also have an average adjusted gross income for tax years 2014, 2015, and 2016 of less than $900,000. Applicants must also comply with the

provisions of the Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation regulations.

For more further information or to locate and contact local FSA offices, interested producers can visit www.farmers.gov.

- NOTICE THE PRAIRIE COUNTY ROAD DEPARTMENT HAS CLOSED HILDERBRAND ROAD UNTIL THE SPRING OF 2019 DUE TO NEEDED REPAIRS TO THE BRIDGE CROSSING CLEAR POINT CREEK. YOUR UNDER STANDING IN THIS MATTER IS GREATLY APPRECIATED

MIKE SKARDA PRAIRIE COUNTY JUDGE

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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Freddy J. Hansell Freddy J. Hansell, age 77 of Hazen, passed away January 9, 2019. He was a devout Christian of a n o n denominational faith and a farmer.

Freddy is survived by his wife, S a r a h Hansell; two sons, Keith Hansell (Freda) and Jay Hansell both of Hazen; six daughters, Tanya Scrimsher (Calvin) of Hazen, Donna Landrum (Sam) of Vilonia, Kay Pieroni of Maumelle, Dekenia Garrison (Denny) of Stuttgart, Cherish Cook of Lamar and Linda Jordon (Jeff) of Des Arc; 16 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, three sisters, one brother, and a host of nephews and nieces.

Visitation was from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Friday, January 11, 2019 at Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen. Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel in Hazen.

Carla Jo Webb Carla Jo Webb, 51, of De Valls Bluff, passed away January 9, 2019. Carla was raised in De Valls B l u f f where she attended the De Valls Bluff H i g h School and was a member of

the Missionary Baptist Church. Carla formed friendships that would last her lifetime, most notably, her best friend of forty years, Margaret Hartley of De Valls Bluff.

In adulthood, Carla moved to Henderson, Nevada. She worked as an artist with Ron Lee’s World of Clowns, a premier art studio. She attended Calvary Chapel Church in Henderson and later, became a member of management at one of the Henderson, Nevada Wal-Mart Supercenters.

Carla loved being an artist, enjoyed traveling and found great joy in discussing the word of God. Carla returned to De Valls Bluff after being diagnosed and starting her 8-year fight with cancer.

Carla was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, David and Emmaline Minton of Des Arc, Arkansas and her maternal Grandparents, Carl and Maxine Reitenger of the Red Hill Farm in De Valls Bluff.

Carla is survived by her mother, Sandra (Jerry “Daddy”) Hill of the Red Hill Farm in De Valls Bluff, her father, Joe Kenneth (Diane “No.2”) Minton of Des Arc; three brothers, Roger (Bridgett) Minton of Independence, Mississippi and Ronnie (Angie) Cote of De Valls Bluff, and Joe Kenneth Minton (Jessica) of Mayflower; two sisters, Jennifer (Ronnie) Carr of Humphrey, Jill Minton Vinson (Daniel) of Daphne, Alabama; two daughters, Kaci Jo Webb of Dewitt and Bobbie Jo Webb of Southern Pines, North Carolina and five grandchildren, Jesse, Jacob, Sean, Kaylee, and Charlie Ray. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest love. Carla has a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles all of whom she loved dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the University of Arkansas Medical cen-

ter, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.

It is the family’s prayer that donations and continued research can one day eliminate cancer of all types.

Visitation was from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel in Hazen, Arkansas with a short service at 5:30 P.M. in the Chapel

Patricia Ann Pourciau Patricia Ann Pourciau, 59, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi died Thursday, January 10, 2019 at her home.

She was b o r n August 30, 1959 in L i t t l e Rock, Arkansas to Herbert and Dorothy (Harvey) Kirkpatrick.

Survivors include her husband, Bill Pourciau, one daughter, Cindy Leslie and husband Tim, from Johns Creek, GA, one son, Payton James Pourciau of Westley Chapel, FL, seven grandchildren, two brothers, Bobby Kirkpatrick of Biloxi, MS, H. L. Kirkpatrick of Jacksonville, AR, one sister, Carolyn Creech of Biloxi, MS. She was preceded in death by her parents, and one sister, Earlene Crafford.

Visitation was at 2:004:00 Sunday at Garth Funeral Home, Des Arc. Graveside services 1:00 p m, Monday, January 14 at Center Point Cemetery

by Garth Funeral Home.

Bro. Kenny Ripper officiating.

Pallbearers are Chris Smith, Jacob Minton, Ryan Ripper, Dylan Straub, Payton Pourciau, Robert Crafford.

Honorary pallbearers are Tony Kirkpatrick, Jimmy Minton, Shawn Bagwell. www.garthfuneralhome.c om

Biscoe Cemetery Report Arkansas Press Association National Newspaper Association

The following have made donations to the Biscoe Cemetery: Donations: Peggy Jackson-Callie Hamilton-Debra Lewis Mary Jo Fortune: Cheryl Blackwell Memorials: Chambers Nursing Home for Robert Lee Walter Jones for Karen Sanderfer Grave Opening & Closing: Robert Lee for Tony Morris

Busy Hands EHC has party The Busy Hands Extension Homakers Club met for the annual Christmas party and meeting at the home of Dessle Covington on December 6th. There were twelve members present: Rozanne Bell, Alves Bonner, Faye Carlisle, Debbie Carpenter, Lu Chamblee, Dessle Covington, Darlene Finch, Vanessa Graham, Mary Holcomb, Barbara Ingle, Faye Martin and Louise Speight.

Dessle’s family prepared

The

(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) -- Due to the partial federal government shutdown, the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) will begin issuing February Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits to eligible SNAP participants early on January 17 in an effort to make sure funding is available.

This is not an additional payment, so DHS is

The Grand Prairie Herald is an independent publication that has served Prairie County since December, 1901. It is published weekly by

Herald Publishing Company P.O. Box 370 111 Hwy 70 E Hazen, Arkansas 72064 Ph. 870-255-4538 Email: heraldpublishing@gmail.com

The annual Grand Prairie Festival of the Arts photography exhibition will be held from January 25 through February 21, 2019 at the Arts Center of the Grand Prairie at 108 West 12th St. in Stuttgart.

The center will be open to receive entries on January 18 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on January 19 from 10

Subscription Rates In Prairie County $17.50/year In Arkansas $22.50/year Out of State $27.50/year Periodicals Postage paid at Hazen, Arkansas 72064 POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to: Grand Prairie Herald P.O.Box 370 Hazen, Arkansas 72064 Managing Editor/Publisher Roxanne Bradow Advertising RickJohnson Circulation/Accounts Trudy Johnson

bing i r c s b u s t ’re no

If you

encouraging participants to budget accordingly for food purchases. Benefits will not be issued again until March, if funds are available from the federal government at that time.

The attached flyer will be distributed at local DHS county offices and through DHS social media. A message will also be posted on the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) vendor website to alert SNAP

participants. You also are encouraged to share the information with your reading and viewing audiences.

As of Dec. 1, there were 151,283 Arkansas households participating in the SNAP program, which include 333,980 individuals. Roughly $40 million in SNAP assistance is distributed to eligible participants in Arkansas each month.

Festival of Arts in People DO Stuttgart looking read for photo entries small

READ ALL ABOUT IT!

(USPS) 225-680

voted to send a check to a family and a check and love offering to a struggling student. The members collected non-perishable items this month as they do every month for the food pantry in Des Arc. The business meeting was adjourned, and the group continued to have fun with a delicious cookie exchange. Everyone had a wonderful day with good food, lots of laughter and fun.

Early SNAP payments for February to be sent Jan. 17

Member 2018

Grand Prairie Herald

and served us a wonderful lunch. Santa showed up and delivered blinking headbands and necklaces to each of us. The fun continued with an ornament exchange.

President Barbara Ingle conducted a brief business meeting. The club continued the discussion on providing first aid kits for the Prairie County Sheriff’s Department. Some of the members mentioned people and families having a hard time this season. They

to

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Other subscription rates are: $22.50 per year in Arkansas outside of Prairie 111 Highway 70 East • Hazen, AR • County 870-255-4538 $27.50 per year in the U.S. outside of Arkansas P.O. Box 370, Hazen AR 72064 Online subscriptions are $15.00 yearly or you can web site: www.herald-publishing.com get a combo rate for $25.00. email: heraldpublishing@gmail.com

a.m. to 4 p.m. The art pick up dates are February 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and February 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Applications and rules for the contest are available at www.grandprairiearts.com

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Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Quilters hold “sit ‘n’ sew

Delta Cultural Center holds southern soulfood cookoff Bring on the ‘Beans, Greens and Cornbread’ and you’ve got the Delta Cultural Center’s (DCC) third annual “southern favorites” cook-off!

If you’re ready to put your skills to the test, grab that apron and your best recipe and come on down!

This competition is open to cooks from throughout the Delta and surrounding region. Anyone can enter and everyone is invited to come and taste!

Mark your calendar for Saturday, January 19, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year, the cookoff will be held at the Hunt Education Building, 105 Missouri Street, in historic downtown Helena.

Entry in the cook-off is free, but registration is required.

Registration doesn’t end until noon on January 18. You still have time to knock the judges off their feet with your special beans,

greens, or cornbread recipes.

Contestants may compete in one, or more of the categories. Admission is free to all.

Audience members are not required to register in order to attend. Just come on out and bring a few friends.

To register your dish, or for more information contact Thomas Jacques at 870.338.4350, or thomas.jacques@arkansas .gov.

Celebrity judges will choose winners in three categories: Best beans, best leafy greens, and best cornbread. In addition to the judges’ choices, the audience will sample the dishes and select one overall audience favorite!

Contestants should prepare their dishes beforehand.

At the venue, there will be tables where the contestant’s crockpots and warmers can be set up on the day of the competition.

Hazen School Menu JANUARY 21, - JANUARY 25, 2019

Elementary students do not have the sandwich line option. **Menus are subject to change without notice** MONDAY

MONDAY

No School

No School

No School

TUESDAY

TUESDAY Turkey Wrap Pretzels Cheese Stick Carrot Sticks Lettuce/Tomato Fruit/Milk

TUESDAY Cereal & Graham Cracker or Pancake & Sausage Granola Bar/Yogurt Fruit/Juice/Milk

Popcorn Chicken Ranch Potatoes Black Eye Peas Hot Roll Fruit/Milk

WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY Baked Potato Oven Chicken/Rice Toppers Sesoned Carrots Tossed Salad Tossed Salad Italian Bread Sticks Roll Fruit/Milk Fruit/Milk THURSDAY Beefy Nacho Chicken Fajita Nacho Pinto Beans Lettuce/Tomatoes Cinnamon Sticks Fruit/Milk

THURSDAY Hot & Spicy Chicken Potato Wedges Lettuce Tomato Pickle Milk/Fruit

FRIDAY Chicken & Noodles/Roll or Grilled Cheese Sandwich Spinach Salad/Ranch Sweet Peas Fruit/Milk

FRIDAY Cheeseburger Tarter Tots Lettuce/Tomato/ Pickle Fruit/Milk

Sponsored by Herald Publishing Co., Inc.

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY Cereal & Graham Cracker or Donuts Bagel Parfait (9-12) Fruit/Milk THURSDAY Cereal & Graham Cracker or Breakfast Pizza, Sausage & Biscuit Muffin Fruit/Juice Milk FRIDAY Cereal & Graham Cracker, or WG ,Biscuit & Sausage Waffles Fruit/Juice/Milk

Southern cooks have always creatively drawn upon the mix of cultures that make southern food what it is today. In fact, the same basic foods in the south exist as they did three centuries ago.

And the DCC’s ‘Beans, Greens and Cornbread’ cook-off is an example of a few of the dishes that are a part of the Delta’s cultural heritage. This competition serves up a close and “personal” slice of the Delta’s rich cultural food heritage.

The ‘Beans, Greens, and Cornbread’ Cook-off is a family-friendly favorite that the Delta Cultural Center shares with food and history lovers—and home cooks all around the State. For more information, interested individuals may also visit the Delta Cultural Center at Facebook.com/DeltaCultu ralCenter, or www.deltaculturalcenter.com.

Legal Notice In the Circuit Court of Lonoke County, Arkansas Probate Division In the Matter of the Estate of Bobby G Wilson, Deceased.

No. 43PR-19-6

by Martha Heien The Grand Prairie Quilt Society met January 9, 2018 for their Sit n' Sew at the First Christian Church fellowship hall with 11 members present. Glenda opened the meeting with the thought for the day, "My 2019 New Year's resolution is to finish all my projects from 2018, that I should have done in 2017, after I started them in 2016, after buying the supplies for them in 2015 with the patterns I found in 2014." December minutes and treasurer's report were given.

January "Happy Birthday" greetings were extended to Betty, Happy Birthday, Betty!

Glenda read a Thank you letter from the Shriners Hospital in Houston for the society's donation in memory of Rick Barnett: "Thank you for supporting Shriners Hospitals for C h i l d r e n - Headquarters...We have received your gift and appreciate your commitment of our mission.

Your gift is already making a world of difference to the children and families we help, allowing us to provide the highest quality care. Since 1922, more than 1.3 million children have received life-changing care at Shriners Hospitals for Children regardless of the families' ability to pay.

Each gift makes a tremendous difference in the life of a child."

Glenda listed our 2018 projects: Donations to First Christian Church for the Food Pantry, donation of 15 lap robes to Crestpark-Stuttgart, memorial to Shriners Hospital.

Projects for 2019 so far: Lap robes for Crestpark-DeWitt.

Old Business: Registration is still open

Glenda and her Mystery quilt. for Country Quilt Camp V, June 6-9, 2019.

New Business: Dues for 2019.

Show and Share: Glenda showed her "Mystery" Quilt. She also had several lap robes finished for CrestparkDeWitt.

Toni displayed several pinwheel blocks of her "Twist and Shout" quilt top.

After the business session, everyone settled down to either make lap robes or to work on differ-

and Shout quilt top, Eunice knitted on a pair of neat socks, and Shelley, Glenda and Marsha worked on lap robes.

During the lunch break, everyone had fun looking over the "treasures" that Lou Anna and Glenda brought for everyone to share. Quilt books and fabric passed from hand to hand as we all wondered what we couldn't live without. All too soon it was time to get back to work. Scissors snipped

Toni works on her "Twist and Shout" quilt. ent projects. Betty used the idea of bandannas for her lap robes. They were quite colorful and unique.

Maeola cut out T-shirts for a Holman Commemorative quilt, Toni worked on her Twist

and sewing machines whirred as everyone concentrated on their projects. A good time was had by all.

The next meeting will be February 13 at the First Christian Church's fellowship hall.

ment, classroom upgrades (especially the FACS room), outside doors in rough shape, library shelving coming loose from the walls. And some were minor - painting touchups, general cleaning, pressure washing and painting the outside of the building, cleaning up the parking lots and the campus, finding somewhere to re-hang the graduation class composite pictures (which may be ranked as major, depending on who you talk to.)

The attendees took notes and made suggestions. Each offered to do whatever he or she could.

Most of the people there were HHS alumni, but not all. Everyone had a connection with the school.

The group plans to get more people involved and to hold clean-up days for the high school on March 9th and 10th. Anyone

interested in helping should call Debbie Carlyle at the school, or email her at dcarlyle@hazen.k12.ar.us.

One of the suggestions was the re-formation of a Hazen High School Alumni Association. We did have such a group many years ago, but there has not been such an organization for more than 10 or maybe even 15 years.

So I’m calling on all Hazen High School Alumni, in town and out, to come to the aid of your Alma Mater. You can email me at heraldpublishing@gmail.com, Debbie Carlyle at dcarlyle@hazen.k12.ar.us, or like the Hazen High School Facebook page and contact Ms. Carlyle that way. We will put together a list and get back with you about a meeting time and place.

We need you.

GO HORNETS!

Notice Name of decedent: Bobby G. Wilson Last Known Address: 6782 Highway 70 E, Carlisle AR 72024 Date of Death: November 21, 2018 On January 7, 2019, an affidavit for collection of small estate by distributee was filed with respect to the estate of Bobby G Wilson, deceased, with the clerk of the probate division of the circuit court of Lonoke County, Arkansas, under Ark. Code Ann .§ 28-41-101.

All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, properly verified, to the distributee within three (3) months from the date of the first publication of this notice or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit of the estate.

The name, mailing address, and telephone number of the distributee is: Dennis Wilson 301 Wagon Wheel Park, Carlisle AR 72024 (870) 552-9141 This notice first published January 16, 2019.

by Roxanne Bradow I am always so proud to be a resident of Prairie County. The people here are giving to a fault.

Whenever a call goes out for help, there are always folks who are ready to step up to the plate.

Presently, there are two such projects that I am aware of in Hazen. One is the restoration of the Kocourek building downtown in order to use it for a heritage preservation center, and the other is the volunteer cleanup and repair of Hazen High School.

The HHS project is under the direction of the Student Council and its sponsor, Debbie Carlyle.

A group of Hazenites walked through the high school building last Sunday afternoon to look at some of the problems that need to be addressed.

Some were major - bathroom fixture replace-

Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, January 16, 2019

“Birding” the Topic at GFWC Elsie McCain club Meeting

By Chris Weems “For those who heard the lesson on “Birding” giving

by Rita Farris at the GFWC Elsie McCain Club meeting at Murry’s Restaurant Thursday night, you’d be looking for a book on the subject,” Chris Weems, the club president said. “Rita just made us want to grab the binoculars and head for the most interesting place to look at birds, “she said.

“Arkansas has an abundance of birds to see and to invite to your backyard”, Rita said. As Conservation project chairman, she said the emphasis is on providing food, water, and a nesting place for the birds that we regularly have.

“In providing the necessities of life for the birds, be sure to keep it all up so cats and other predators cannot get to them so easily”.

Rita said she had been on a week’s vacation on Dry Dolphin Island with a group for the purpose pf

birdwatching, and the group recorded identifying 116 species. She says she has had lots of Blue Birds in her yard recently.

When she called to say she had had six in the feeder at one time, he said he had 11 on his feeder about five days in a row.

“Hummingbirds will be returning about the middle of March and they will be tired and hungry when they get here. For those who have hummingbird feeders will be getting them ready soon for the few stragglers who come early, “she said. She said, “Watching and enjoying the birds can be simply, inexpressive hobby, or you can spend a lot of money on it. It depends on how much nectar you want to feed as well as the other bird feeds you want to feed as well as the other bird feeds you want to use. You can have an inviting place for birds with little work or expense. Just keep watching what you attract with your usual flowers

and plants and the water in the birdbath, “she said.

The meeting began with the discussion of current events. and the reports of the secretary and treasurer. The final part of the yearbook was distributed by the president.

“It’s report time and time to get the items for the box to be sent to Operation Smile for the Summer clinics.” the president reminded members.

The next meeting will be Thursday, January 24, at 6:00 p.m., when the Club will meet at the Swilley Lodge in the president’s backyard. It will be the International Outreach program and the Foreign Exchange Students and members of the Ruth Barrett Fox Club are invited. THe students may bring a couple of members of their host families.

Supper will be served at 6:00 and the program will follow. THe program will be a round-table discussion led by the Club members.

Attorney General Leslie Rutledge Refund Anticipation Loans can cost consumers...

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansans risk higher costs when using refund anticipation loans as a resource to plan for a tax refund this year. Some businesses are even offering refund anticipation loans (RALs) or refund anticipation checks (RACs) to offset the costs of larger purchases, but the interest rates offered may use more of the refund than expected.

“Refund anticipation loans and checks are just that, the anticipated amount of the tax refund,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “A tax refund could be larger than anticipated, it could also be much smaller and leave consumers on the hook for the rest of the cost of the purchase. I encourage Arkansans to practice patience and wait for the government to issue any refund.”

Attorney General Rutledge released the following considerations before agreeing to have taxes prepared as part of a refund anticipation loan: Free or low-cost options such as the online Internal Revenue Service

(IRS) Free File program or the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance may be options.

Electronically-filed returns can be deposited in bank accounts in as few as eight days.

The IRS can also provide refunds by check or prepaid debit card.

Always get a written list of fees before entering into any agreement or requesting tax preparation assistance.

RALs are high-interest loans that must be repaid by the actual tax return proceeds, essentially borrowing the buyer’s own money. If the actual tax refund amount is less than estimated, the buyer is on the hook for the difference. RACs may be attractive to some consumers because businesses often waive tax preparation fees, but many Arkansans can obtain free tax preparation services.

The IRS provides a Free File program online that is a federal tax preparation and electronic-filing program for taxpayers who earn less than $66,000. Eligible consumers can go to IRS.gov and choose from multiple

private companies that will file federal returns at no charge.

Some Arkansans may also be eligible to receive free help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

Meanwhile, seniors can contact AARP to learn more about the tax preparation services it provides.

Arkansas’s “Refund Anticipation Loan Act” requires rates to be posted and clearly stated for all consumers to see, and, among other requirements, it requires a written statement to consumers explaining the loan or check-issuing process. Those offering Refund Anticipation Loans are prohibited from charging additional fees or requiring consumers to take out such loans in exchange for tax services.

For more information about other common scams and consumerrelated issues, please call the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutled ge.

State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Jonathan Dismang LITTLE ROCK – The regular session of 2019 will be remembered for the number of farreaching and significant issues that legislators resolved.

At the top of the list is a package of tax bills developed by legislators on the Tax Reform and Relief Legislative Task Force.

They have been working on a list of tax relief and fairness bills since the 2017 regular session. Of all the bills in the task force’s list of recommendations, the one with the highest profile is a proposed reduction in state income taxes. It also would simplify the income tax tables.

Legislators and tax officials are calling the proposal the “two – four – five point nine” plan.

That’s because it would phase in rates for all taxpayers of 2 percent, 4 percent and 5.9 percent.

The governor is proposing an income tax reduction that closely aligns with the recommendations of the legislative task force. His proposal would save Arkansas taxpayers more than $111 million a year.

Increases in the minimum teacher salary will garner public attention.

The legislature’s Committees on Education have voted on a school funding bill that calls for an increase in minimum salaries of $1,000 in each

of the next two years.

That is similar to the governor’s proposal to set aside $60 million for gradual increases in teacher salaries over the next four years, to bring the minimum from its current $31,800 to $36,000 a year.

The governor has proposed reducing the number of state agencies from 42 to 15. By 2021 the savings from efficiency would be $15 million a year, and likely would grow over time.

Bills to implement the reorganization will be referred to the Senate State Agencies Committee.

State Agencies already is one of the busiest committees because it considers proposed constitutional amendments to refer to the ballot. In each regular session, legislators may refer up to three proposed amendments for voters to decide in the statewide election.

Amendments proposed this session will be on the ballot in November, 2020.

There likely will be legislation to strengthen ethics laws and improve transparency. For example, two separate senate bills have been filed, SB 52 and SB 53, which would prohibit elected officials from collecting retirement benefits if they are convicted of a felony arising from their actions as an elected official.

T h e Arkansas Department of Human Services administers the Medicaid program, a health care plan for people with disabilities, senior citizens in long term care facilities and lowincome families. In every session there is vigorous debate as legislators make changes to eligibility criteria.

Any changes in Medicaid have ramifications throughout state government, because Medicaid represents such a large portion of the state’s total expenditures.

Increases in Medicaid spending make it difficult to increase funding for schools, higher education and prisons.

Also this session, legislators will work on a highway funding program, which may be referred to voters in a statewide election. It is a higher priority for legislators in certain areas of the state where highway improvements have not kept up with population growth.

Legislators will spend much of their time writing budgets for state agencies for Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021. The state general revenue fund, which is the major source of legislators’ discretionary spending, will be about $5.75 billion next fiscal year.

The 2019 DeValls Bluff City Council members are:: standing (l to r) Richard Henry, Raymond Watson, Pam Del Giorno, Shirley Goff, Alice Metcalf, Marie Flanagan & Carol Griffin. Seated is Mayor Brooks Castleberry.

DeValls Bluff City Council holds first meeting of year

by Lisa Mills On January 10th, the DeValls Bluff City Council held their first meeting of 2019.

The council welcomed new Mayor Brooks Castleberry and new alderman Carol Griffin.

Others present were Recorder/Treasurer Pam Del Giorno and Aldermen Richard Henry, Raymond Watson, Shirley Goff, Alice Metcalf and Marie Flanagan.

The council approved ordinances to amend the

2018 budget and approve the 2019 budget.

The 2019 budget sets the Mayor’s salary at $350 per month.

Mayor Castleberry thanked Sheriff Rick Hickman for his department’s help in covering the city until a new police chief is hired.

Sheriff Rick Hickman reported there had been a few break-ins and burglaries.

Firechief Doyne Martin reported 7 first responder calls, 5 public assist calls, 1 auto accident, 1 woodland fire and

3 meetings.

Mayor Castleberry reported that he had spoken with the Hazen dog catcher about helping DeValls Bluff to establish a pound or possibly using Hazen’s. He said they will talk more before the next council meeting.

The council agreed they need to purchase a half moon table so the audience can see everyone and hear better. They will see what is available and have one before the next meeting if possible.

Prairie County Sheriff’s Report As of Monday, Jan. 7, the Prairie County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) currently has 43 individuals in custody on both felony and/or misdemeanor charges at the Prairie County Detention Center, located in Des Arc. Recent additions include -- zero female for felony, zero female on a misdemeanor, one male on misdemeanor, one male for felony -- charges.

Recent arrests by PCSD (does not include Des Arc Police Department arrests) include:

Nicholas Fritts was arrested on a felony theft of property charge; and Cable Parks was arrested on a Failure To Appear (FTP) misdemeanor charge.

Five inmates were booked from Hazen Police Department, names withheld.

For more information on current incarcerated inmates in Prairie County and other detention centers across the state visit www.vinelink.com.

To report an incident or to give information on ongoing cases call (870)

256-4137, which is answered 24 hours a day, seven days of the week.

Residents can also email the sheriff at rick.hickman@prairiecountysheriff.org.

Keep up to date with the Prairie County Sheriff's Department by following the department on F a c e b o o k : www.facebook.com/prairie countysheriffdept. Or visiting their website, which is updated weekly at www.prairiecountysheriff.org.

In any emergency situation dial 9-1-1.

Arbor Day Foundation offers free trees for donation Local residents can ring in the New Year with 10 free flowering trees by joining the Arbor Day Foundation any time during January 2019.

By becoming a part of the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation, new members will receive 10 free flowering trees or five crapemyrtles. The flowering trees include: two Sargent crabapples, three American redbuds, two Washington hawthorns and three white flowering dogwoods.

“These stunning trees will beautify your home with lovely flowers of pink, yellow and white colors,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation.

“These trees are perfect for large and small

spaces.”

The free trees are part of the Foundation’s Trees for America campaign.

The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting, between February 1 and May 31, with enclosed planting instructions. The 6- to 12-inch tall trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge.

Members will also receive a subscription to the Foundation’s bimonthly publication, Arbor Day, and The Tree Book, which includes information about tree planting and care.

To become a member of the Foundation and to receive the free trees, send a $10 contribution

by January 31, 2019 to:

Ten Flowering Trees Arbor Day Foundation 100 Arbor Avenue Nebraska City, NE 68410 Local residents can also join online at arborday.org/January.

Thank You We would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for all of the prayers and kindness that were shown and expressed during the loss of our loved one.

The family of Glen Corpier

We buy all standing timber, including pine, timberland, and delivered logs.

Located in Des Arc since 1962 Contact us for a free estimate.

Thomas Barry Arkansas Registered Forester Office 870-2 256-4 4123 Cell 870-9 904-2 2188 Email: tbarry53166@gmail.com Like us on FaceBook.

1402 Main Street, Des Arc, Arkansas 72040

Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Drivers-O OTR: Sign-o on Bonus!

Health/Life ins. Paid Vacation, Birthdays off!

Great Equip. Qtrly Safety Bonus.

CDL-A, 2yrs exp.

855-856-7985 x115 (1-9-19 4tp)

The Prairie County Public Library System is seeking a part time (19.5 hours per week @ $9.25 per hour) Library Clerk/Programmer. Must be 18 years of age or older, pass drug test, have experience working with children and computers. Job duties include

INDOOR YARD SALE

LAND FOR SALE

Indoor Yard Sale 110 East Front Street Hazen, Arkansas Jan. 15th - Jan. 18th 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

(1-16-19 1tp)

but are not limited to: customer service, shelving books, answering phone calls, filing paperwork, assisting customers with any help they require, cleaning Library, planning all age group programs, story-time for children, activities and crafts for adults and pro-

moting programs to the Community and local newspaper.

Must have dependable transportation and be willing to travel between any Prairie County Library if needed.

Pick up an application in person at any Prairie County Public Library

FOR SALE: Four acres west of Center Point Church. Asking $12,000.

For more information call 870-830-0586.

(1-16-19 4tp)

INMAN DENTAL CLINIC Thomas G. Inman DDS IDC

PO Box N 513 N. Williams Street Carlisle, AR 72024 Ph: 870-5 552-3 3500

Bowman Plumbing Tim VanHouten Kitchen and Bath

870-255-5126

Cultured marble, flooring, custom showers, and countertops

Free Estimates 20 Years Experience

Adam Bowman, MP 6142 Repair - Remodel - New Construction Free Estimates Dependable Service Family Owned and Operated (870) 256-5230

Free Ads for Free Stuff If you’re giving it away, we’ll give you an ad for

free Call 255-4538

Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Purple Wing chapter of Ducks Unlimited holds auction The newly-formed Purple Wings Chapter of Ducks Unlimited held an auction on Saturday, January 12, in the Hazen Community Center. The event featured silent and live auctions and a barbeque/chicken strip meal. Chuck Seidenschwarz was the auctioneer in charge of the live auction. The organization also raffled off a gun and held games for the attendants.

LYNN’S FLOWER & GIFT SHOP 1509 MAIN STREET DES ARC, AR 72040 870-2 256-3 3191 870-2 256-5 5599

LYNN CALHOUN Owner lynnsflowers@yahoo.com

Need help with your DOWN PAYMENT???

Bring this coupon in and Car City will MATCH down payments up to $300.00!!!

2012 Chevrolet Captiva

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All Vehicles include a 12 month/ 12,000-m mile Warranty PAYMENT OPTIONS to fit your budget Easy Financing Short Terms

Call Josh Wilson @ 870-2 256-4 4349

1401 MAIN ST. - DES ARC, AR

Phone 870-256-4349

But if you're leaving him...

Here's a bag to pack your things in and a pillow to lay your head on. Just kidding! Valentine's should be a day of love, so show each other your thoughtfulness with a gift from The Pig Trail Trading Company.

pigtrailtrading.com

$17.50/year in the county $22.50/year in Arkansas $27.50/year out-o of-s state $25.00/year online

Chambers Nursing and Rehab Center * Private Rooms with Baths * 24 Hour Nursing Service * Rehab-Therapy

* On-Site Beauty Salon * Daily Activity Program * Church Service Regularly

Medicaid - Medicare - VA - Private Pay

(870) 552-7 7150 Hwy 70 - Carlisle, Arkansas

“Since 1945”

“We offer extremely reasonable and affordable private pay rates”

Bobby Glover, President & CEO