January 18, 2023 edition

The

By Lisa Mills

The DeValls Bluff City Council held their first meeting of 2023 on January 12th with new Mayor Thelma Gray and new Council Members Jackie Adcock, Pam DelGiorno, and Shirley Goff. Also present were returning Recorder/Treasurer Darlene Connor and Council Members Marie Flanagan, Alice Metcalf, and Carol Griffin.

The City of DeValls Bluff was recently notified that the city has been awarded two grants from the American Relief Plan Act to update their water system. One grant is for the water treatment plant in the amount of $3,041,846. The other is for water distribution in the amount of $1,001,563. They were also notified that they are #4 on the waiting list for $673,825 for water supply wells and #18 on the waiting list for $406,304 for wastewater treatment facilities.

Engineer Don Hilsdon updated the council on the ongoing water and wastewater project. He explained that due to Health Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Corp of Engineers and other State and Federal agencies regulations and laws, the only viable property on which to build the new water treatment plant, storage tank, and wells is the old football field, owned by Barbara Barkley.

Recently,

Jason Free, an employee of Bible Monument Co. of Searcy, did the restoration work. “His knowl-

edge and experience proved extremely valuable when working with these historic relics. He really knew how to insure that they will hold together for another hundred years,” said Judy Gore, the local historian and promoter of

the project.

A monument is being made to mark the mass grave as well as the burial spot for the other six soldiers. A formal ceremony is being planned to properly recognize the site and dignify their burial.

Odorant Injection Unit for the city’s natural gas system. A resolution was passed to amend the 2022 budget.

An ordinance was then passed to adopt the proposed 2023 budget.

Council Member DelGiorno asked if the city has the necessary equipment needed to keep water lines warm to prevent the lines from completely freezing like they did last month.

Hilsdon asked the council to pass a resolution authorizing City Attorney Mike Stuart to take necessary steps to secure the property.

The resolution states that Stuart will obtain a survey and appraisal of the property, then offer Barkley fair market value based on the appraisal. If Barkley does not accept the offer, Stuart will then pursue action by “eminent domain” law.

During discussion of the resolution, Council Member Goff asked Hilsdon why the city had to take away someone else’s property. She asked why it could not be placed at the park where there is already a well.

Hilsdon said that besides that property not meeting regulations, it is considered a flood plain and that ground is where the high levels of iron and manganese are coming from. Hilsdon stated

that he has spent numerous hours trying to find other property but there just isn’t anywhere else.

Hilsdon said the only other option is to totally shut down the water/wastewater system, bring in National Guard to provide water and lose the current grant money, and not be allowed to apply for loans or grant money in the future which will most likely cause the close of the few businesses and most residents leaving. That would make DeValls Bluff a total ghost town.

Goff stated she just doesn’t think any government agency, such as the city, should be allowed to take away someone’s property. “It’s like communism,” she said. Mary Sharp who was in the audience said “You just can’t take a person’s property!”

Darlene Connor, who was presiding over the meeting due to Gray’s inability to speak because of illness, banged the gavel and

reminded everyone that no comments could be made from audience members. Goff then said “Well, if we still had our school we wouldn’t be taking it from them.”

Attorney Stuart explained that eminent domain law applies to all properties needed for the good of the public, regardless of property owner.

The resolution was passed by a vote of 5 yes to 1 no vote by Goff.

Hilsdon reported that in addition to the grant money received from ARPA for the project, there is also funding available through the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission.

He asked the council to pass resolutions authorizing the mayor to execute documents necessary to apply for these funds.

The council unanimously passed the resolutions (one for water and one for wastewater).

A resolution was also passed to use $8,000 of the available ARPA funds to purchase an

Leah Woodall told her that employees did work through the night staying with the pumps, using diesel blowers and doing everything possible, but this incident was different than previous cold weather had caused.

Police Chief Jeremy Murphy reported that the last month had been extremely busy with numerous service calls.

Four traffic citations were issued, four arrests were made, and he is continuing to work ongoing investigations.

Murphy said that regarding the break in at Jumpstart in December, the vehicle has been identified, and he has pictures of the 2 suspects’ faces. This will help to identity of them.

Murphy has learned that the group of suspects has burglarized stores in several jurisdictions.

Currently, several agencies across state lines are working to get federal warrants for the suspects. Murphy said that he will keep citizens updated.

The Fire Department reported 1 structure fire, 1 public assist call, 4 first responder calls and 2 meetings.

By Debbye Harrison

Twenty-eight tombstones have been repaired and restored at the historic Hickory Plains Cemetery. A total of $2,700 was raised at the Cemetery Walk held in the spring and from donations.

restoration was centered on Civil War soldiers and their spouses.

The cemetery holds 26 soldiers with marked graves.

an archaeologist with a ground penetrating radar identified 18 graves in the mass grave of unknowns. Six individuals of those believed to have died

while hospitalized at the Male and Female Normal School were located and marked making a total of 50 soldiers in the 1859 cemetery.

County Clerk Gaylon Hale swore in the 2023 DeValls Bluff mayor, recorder/treasurer and city council members at their first meeting held on January 12th. They are (front row l to r): Mayor Thelma Gray, Recorder/Treasurer Darlene Connor, Council Members Pam DelGiorno and Shirley Goff; (back row l to r) Council Members Alice Metcalf, Carol Griffin, MarieFlanagan and Jackie Adcock. (Lisa Mills photo.)

Nancy Louise Gammons

Nancy Louise Gammons of Hazen, Arkansas was born December 19, 1939 and passed away January 10, 2023.

Louise went to be with the Lord with her family by her side.

Nancy Louise Gammons was a strong independent person who never met a stranger. She enjoyed having fun and being around her family and friends. She lived her life to the fullest.

Nancy Louise was preceded in death by her mother, Bertha Jackson; son, Tommy Donnell; brother, Alfred Smith; sister-in-law, Pat Wilkinson and ex-husband and good friend, James Gammons. She is survived by her son, Rex Pullium and wife, Peggy and daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn Gammons Kacal and husband, David Kacal; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, January 13, 2023 at Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel in Hazen, Arkansas with visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., prior to the service. Interment will be in the Roe Cemetery.

Paul Holloway

Paul Holloway, age 78, of Des Arc died peacefully January 12, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born February 17, 1944, in

Griffithville, Arkansas to George S. Holloway and Rosie (Brimer) Holloway. Survivors include his two sons, Justin Holloway and Jerrod Holloway, four grandchildren, Dawson Holloway, Anna Holloway, Harleigh Holloway, Rhett Holloway, and one brother, Jim Holloway, Sr. and wife Amy.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Ramona Lee (Carlock) Holloway, his parents, and sister Georgette Holloway Stevens. Paul is a lifelong resident of the Griffithville and Des Arc communities.

After graduating Griffithville High School in 1962, he began a career in sales for the International Harvester Corporation. He later married his wife, Ramona, on July 20, 1973 and settled in Des Arc. He began farming and farmed for over 30 years until his retirement.

Throughout his life, he was a member of the board of directors for Riceland Foods and served as Justice of the Peace for Prairie County. Paul enjoyed spending time outdoors and especially loved hunting and fishing with his son Jerrod and his grandkids. He hosted friends from around the country to enjoy duck and deer hunting, but his greatest love was turkey hunting.

Paul was an avid turkey hunter and was on the board of directors for the National Wild Turkey Federation. He traveled around the United States to complete the ‘Grand Slam’ turkey hunting achievement.

Paul also had a love of storytelling and enjoyed sharing his stories with his grandkids and friends. In retirement, Paul built a business making duck calls and loved talking to people that would stop by his workshop.

Jean Lewis

Jean Lewis, 76, of Hazen, Arkansas, passed away January 11, 2023.

She was born on February 4, 1946, in El Dorado, Arkansas, to the late Clyde and Melbaline Donahue.

Everyone called her Lil Jean, she enjoyed reading her Bible, cooking and baking. Jean loved helping others, spending

time with family, and listening to Elvis.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Jim Lewis; stepfather, Porter Hurt; brothers, Clyde Jr., Kenny and David Donahue, and sister Debbie Hooper.

She is survived by her son Jerry (Rachel) Burkes; grandson, JJ Burkes; sisters, Laura Belew and Sharon Gray, and brothers Harold Hurt, Steve Lewis and Glenn Hurt.

A funeral service was held at 2:00 PM on Monday, January 16, 2023, at Boyd Funeral Home in Lonoke, Arkansas, a burial to follow at Oakland Cemetery in DeValls Bluff. A visitation was held prior to the service beginning at 1:00 PM.

James Robert Walls

James Robert Walls (Jim), age 83, of the Griffithville community near Des Arc, Arkansas went to be with the Lord at his home, Saturday, January 7, 2023. He was born September 6, 1939, in Des Arc to the late James A. and Urchie K. Walls.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and son, Keith Walls and wife Donna.

Jim was a 1957 graduate of Des Arc High School and enlisted in the United States Navy. He served four years and was stationed in San Diego, California and Jacksonville, Florida. He married his wife Sue, in Memphis, Tennessee on October 3rd ,1964. Jim returned to his hometown, soon afterward where he became a farmer for over 30 years, until retirement.

Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, gardening and loved time with family, friends and especially his grandchildren. Jim was an avid storyteller and a dear friend to all. Jim was a man of faith and was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church in Des Arc.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sue Walls, sons Jimmy Walls and wife, Christie of White Hall, Joshua Walls and wife Brooke of Little Rock, brother John Walls and wife Naomi, one granddaughter,

William Oliver Prince

William Oliver (W.O.) Prince, 85, of Biscoe, entered the gates of Heaven on January 9, 2023. W.O. was born on November 14, 1937 in Monroe County, Arkansas. He was the 6 th child born in the family of Ben and Mary Prince. He married his wife, Patricia Clark on December 20, 1959. They were married 63 years. W.O. spent his entire life fishing on the Cache river. He would even get off the school bus and head to the water. His love for fishing only grew over the years. He worked on the Mississippi River as a deck hand on a tow boat and he spent some years farming the Cache River bottoms, but it didn’t take long for him to turn his life-long love for fishing into a career. He also loved to hunt and trap; he was very competitive and also a skilled sharpshooter. W.O. would dive for mussel shells in the bottom of the river and capture giant alligator snapping turtles with his bare hands.

He was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Biscoe. W.O. loved his church family as his own. He made many friends by feeding them catfish at his Riverfront Restaurant. He would capture your heart with his infectious smile.

W.O. spent his last days near a window overlooking the Cache River among family at his home in Brasfield.

W.O. was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Mary Love Prince; brothers and sisters, James Louis Prince, Geraldine Prince (Raymond Allsup), J.B. Prince, Betty Sue Prince (David Stringfellow), Billy Ray Prince and one son, Victor Prince. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Clark Prince; daughter, Connie Prince Mertens and husband, Terry; sisters, Mary Virginia Prince Holloway and Rosie Lee Prince White; brother, Jack Prince and wife, Carolyn; brother-in-laws, Billy Joe Holloway and Billy Lynn White; sisterin-laws, Carolyn Gurley Prince and Lucille Williams Prince; two grandchildren; six greatgrandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service was at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at the Biscoe First Baptist Church in Biscoe with interment in the Biscoe Cemetery. Arrangements were by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.

Carlisle School Board members honored

The Carlisle School Board met on January 9 to discuss several items. It was announced that January is School Board Appreciation Month, and the Arkansas School Board Association gave each board member a plaque of appreciation.

Superintendent Rountree told the board that he had spoken again to Cadence Bank employees about restoring the $14,981 which was scammed from the school recently. This scheme of duplicating checks has been used on several school districts in the area.

A new Positive Pay system has been implemented for the school account. Before any school checks will be cleared by the bank, a file will be sent to the school so that each check can be confirmed. That way no one can write a check without school approval. The bank is encouraging all businesses to implement this program.

The Basketball Sweetheart Court has a special exception this year. Since there are no senior girls on the team,

a special rule had to be made. A girl can only serve as queen one time. This year the juniors will be queen and maid of honor and junior maids. There will be sophomore maids as usual. Next year these juniors will again serve as royalty, but this year’s queen cannot repeat that honor.

The Juniors had good results from their NWEA tests in reading so many of them have tested out of Zero Hour.

In addition, many of the 7-12 students scores were very close, and those students will be able to re-take the test in hopes that they, too, will be able to test out.

The Board approved $4,000 for maintenance repair to roofs on both the elementary and the high school buildings.

William Rountree was rehired for two years, and the Board re-elected the same officers for next year.

Members present were Jereme Carter, Mandy Brewer, Debbie Reid, and Whitney Jones. Shari Couch and Brandon Parker were absent.

GFW C E lsie M cCain

mee t s J an u ar y 5

By Chris Weems

GFWC Elsie McCain Club met Thursday, January 5, 2023, at Nick's in Carlisle.

President Chris Weems led the meeting.

The meeting opened with current events, which included news about illness among the members. The president stated that she'd like for the current events items for future meetings to include news that involves each member's department of work. The items should include what the member has done along the lines of

the club projects. It was announced that the dues would be collected at the next meeting. Weems stated that it is time to get the annual report to the state president.

Nell Pich, Health and Illness Department Chairman, talked about how Covid has affected activities in the past two years. Members also discussed how Covid affects the victims so differently. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 26, at 1:00 p.m., at Nick's in Carlisle.

Chris Weems will be lesson leader.

Abbie Walls and one great grandson, James Robert Walls II.

The Carlisle School Board members were presented with plaques by the Arkansas School Board Association for their service at their January meeting. Receiving plaques were (bottom left): Adam Ellis; Mandy Brewer, Assistant Dispersement; Debbie Reid; President Jereme Carter; and Whitney Jones, Dispersement Officer. Not pictured are Secretary Shari Couch and Brandon Parker. (Debbye Harrison photo.)

Grand Prairie Quilt Society hears presentation from GP Arts Festival

By Marsha Heien

The Grand Prairie Quilt Society met on January 11, 2023 at the First Christian Church fellowship hall in Stuttgart with 9 members present and 2 guests.

Glenda opened the meeting with the "Thought for the Day..."It's amazing how much better everything holds together when there's thread in the bobbin." January Happy Birthday greetings were extended to Betty, Happy Birthday, Betty!

Lorie Bernhardt, the liaison for the Creative Arts division of the Grand Prairie Arts Festival, made a presentation to the quilt club of the procedure for entering their needlework in the arts festival on March 10, 2023. The registration information can be found at: www.grandprairiearts.co m/arts-festival-registration. Entries are to be delivered to the Arts Center at 108 W. 12th on March 10 & 11. Exhibit dates are March 17-19 at the GRAND PRAIRIE CENTER. There will also be a

special quilt show in tribute to Joyce Dempsey, an awardwinning quilter of Stuttgart. The Arts Council is asking to borrow quilts that Mrs. Dempsey quilted from the members for the tribute. The awards reception and presentation will be held on March 19 at 3:00 pm. You can contact Lorie at labernhardt@hotmail.co m with any questions about entries. There will also be a raffle of a quilt made by Lorie to offset the Creative Arts division expenses.

Tickets are $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00. Lorie also has information about the tickets and the raffle.

Glenda gave a review of 2022 projects: Pillows and pillowcases were made for Arkansas Children's Hospital, and many baby items were made for Hope of the Delta. Blanket covers and bibs were made for Easter Seals.

Show and Share: Ann had many bibs for Easter Seals. Glenda showed her Half-Square Triangle quilt, and Charlotte had a lovely vintage American

Needlework book written by Rose Wilder Lane, the daughter of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Aamong the quilts featured in the book was one made by Caroline Ingalls, the mother of Laura and the grandmother of Rose.

Maeola had a Minnie/Mickey Mouse quilt top. The members also all wore their Grand Prairie Quilt Society t-shirts that Maeola gave them for Christmas. Thank You, Maeola!

The club also held election of 2023 officers: Shelley will be President and Ann will continue as Treasurer....Thank You Shelley and Ann for accepting these positions, we couldn't do it without you.

After the business session everyone got busy with their projects: Shelley made a quilt for our 4-legged friends at the animal shelter; Charlotte cut out pieces on her half-square triangle nine patch Friendship quilt top; Kay needlepointed on

Vanessa's "B" initial piece; Glenda worked on the border of her windowpane quilt top; Lou Anna and Glenda admired Maeola's crocheted afghan she is working on; Maeola cut out borders for her latest quilt top; Marsha crocheted on her pink and blue afghan. Members also had fun perusing the Treasure Table filled with fabric, books, magazines, and quilting tools of every kind. The members gathered together to visit during their sack lunches...Glenda passed around the cookies, and everyone had a story of Christmas doings and family visits. After lunch we all returned to our projects. The next meeting will be February 8 at 10:00am at the church....come join us!

H a z en E lementary

2nd Nine Weeks Honor Roll

2nd Grade: Makai Allen*, Leila Bokker, Isaiah Camp, Garlyn Cortez*, David Duval, Erika Flores, Wes King, Benson Leach, Brady Lisko, Jaxon Maree, Gannon Murphy, Ja’Marlin Penn, Addison Perry*, Hudson Prine, Trapper Prislovsky, Creed Reynolds, Chase Skinner, Dawson Smith, Rhyan Smith, Ma’Kenleigh Swanigan, Noble Travis.

3rd Grade: Liam Bowman, Destin Butler, Austin Carpenter, Ella Carroll*, Christopher Essex, Noah Hare*, Harmoni Humbert, Isaiah Metcalf*, Kaleb Moore, Aaryn Owens, London Raper, Asher Rogers, Archer Skarda*, Kiley Smith, Scarlett Snider, Jaleah Sullivan*, Kagan Swift, Cameron Taylor*, Abbygail Vick*.

4th Grade: Beckett Adams*, Storm Antilley*, Gabby Ballard, Madox Beatty, Kinlee Boothe*, Dierks Calvert*, Layne Cooper, Gabe Cortez, Jaicee Dolphin*, Ella Duval, Olivia Edge*, Bentley Hodges, Vince King*, Lily Lisko, Cooper McElroy*, Jayli Penn, Lane Petty*, Bella Raper*, Kennedy Raper, Cameron Seely*, Eden Sims*, Cache Skarda*, Piper Smith, Brayden Tenorio, Jaycee Thomas*, Wyatt Tiner, McKenzi Turner

5th Grade: Xaiver Butler, Harper Cook*, Braydon Davies, Jacob Geisler, Bayleigh

honor roll students

Gerety, Payton Glover, Maysen Guinnip*, Twylla Harsson*, Pierce Henderson*, Luna Horton*, Austin Kee*, JaCoby King, Addy Leach, Trace Martin, Wyatt McMullen*, Abigail Owens*, Lillian Sayger*, Jacob Swink*, Makenzie Taylor*, Keaton Weems, Rayne Wilson, Lydia Zeferjohn.

6th Grade: Gavin Boland, Brandon Bullocks, Olivia Bumpus*, Trevor Bush, Addie Carroll, Alex Carter, Mathew Essex*Emmie Galvan, Xachary George*, Ryan Gladish*, Calle Gray, Ryder Greenwalt*, Dalton Jones, Kayleigh Linder, Peyton Lisko, Nevaeh Metcalf, Braxton Mills, Kaiden Mills-Dixon, Cloie Partain, Ja’Braylen Penn, Kami Perry, Harley Tiner.

First Semester Honor Roll 2nd Grade: Makai Allen*, Sebastian Atkins, Leila Bokker, Isaiah Camp, Garlyn Cortez*, David Duval, Erika Flores, Wes King*, Benson Leach, Brady Lisko, Jaxon Maree, Gannon Murphy, Ja’Marlin Penn, Addison Perry*, Brently Pledger, Hudson Prine, Trapper Prislovsky, Creed Reynolds, Chase Skinner, Dawson Smith*, Ma’Kenleigh Swanigan, Noble Travis.

3rd Grade: Liam Bowman, Destin Butler, Austin Carpenter, Ella Carroll*, Adrienne Douglas, Makale Eddy, Christopher Essex, Wyatt Flatness, Noah Hare, Tyler Hollander,

Harmoni Humbert, Madelyn Lindsey, Dalton Marks, Isaiah Metcalf, Kaleb Moore, Aaryn Owens, London Raper, Asher Rogers, Archer Skarda*, Kiley Smith, Scarlett Snider, Jaleah Sullivan*, Kagan Swift, Cameron Taylor*, Braxton Tosh, Abbygail Vick*.

4th Grade: Beckett Adams*, Storm Antilley*, Gabby Ballard, Madox Beatty, Mason Beatty, Kinlee Boothe*, Dierks Calvert*, Layne Cooper*, Gabe Cortez, Jaicee Dolphin*, Ella Duval, Olivia Edge*, Bentley Hodges, Vince King*, Lily Lisko, Cooper McElroy, McKinley Owens, Lane Petty*, Bella Raper*, Kennedy Raper, Cameron Seely*, Eden Sims*, Cache Skarda*, Piper Smith, Jaycee Thomas*, Wyatt Tiner.

5th Grade: Jordan Barnhill, Harper Cook*, Braydon Davies, Jacob Geisler*, Bayleigh Gerety, Payton Glover, Maysen Guinnip*, Twylla Harsson, Pierce Henderson*, Luna Horton*, Austin Kee*, Addy Leach, Trace Martin*, Wyatt McMullen*, Abigail Owens*, Lillian Sayger*, Jacob Swink*, Makenzie Taylor*, Keaton Weems, Rayne Wilson, Lydia Zeferjohn.

6th Grade: Kaliyah Beasley, Abby Blagg, Gavin Boland, Brandon Bullocks, Olivia Bumpus*, Trevor Bush, Addie Carroll*, Alex Carter, Jessica Cessor, Mathew Essex*, Emmie Galvan, Xachary George*, Ryan Gladish*, Calle Gray*, Ryder Greenwalt*, Gavin Ingle, Dalton Jones*, Kayleigh Linder*, Peyton Lisko, Nevaeh Metcalf, Braxton Mills, Kaiden Mills-Dixon, Ja’Braylen Penn, Kami Perry*, Isaac Sickel, Harley Tiner, Michael Wright. *Denotes all A’s

We had 25 bibs for Easter Seals.

Glenda's Half-Square Triangle quilt

This is the raffle quilt for the Arts Festival. The money raised will go toward the Creative Arts division of the Arts Festival.

LITTLE ROCK –

When the 2023 regular session convened on January 9, there were 13 new members in the Arkansas Senate.

The legislature is a citizen legislature, and the senators’ occupations reflect the Arkansas economy. The Senate has cattle ranchers, chicken growers and row crop farmers. It has bankers, accountants, attorneys, educators and people who own their own businesses. One senator is a pastor and chaplain for people in hospice care.

There are senators who work in the timber industry, health care, long-term care, employment services, graphic design, real estate development and construction.

Their experience is varied and extensive, including service on city councils, county quorum courts, school boards, development districts and state government.

Each senator represents about 86,000 people.

The political breakdown is 29 Republicans and six Democrats. Five senators are women and four senators are African-American.

The 13 new senators will be the largest freshmen class in the 35member Senate since 2011, when 14 senators began their first regular session. One of those 14 newcomers had limited experience because he had been elected in a special election and served in the Senate during the 2010 fiscal session. The 2011 session was his first regular session.

Fiscal sessions are not nearly as hectic as regular sessions. In a typical fiscal session fewer than 300 budget bills are considered and work is completed within several weeks.

In a typical regular session, the legislature works for several months and considers about 2,000 bills affecting state government, law enforcement, education, health care, insurance, transportation and economic development.

During the regular session, senators will meet in committees to review in detail proposed bills. The nine standing committees are State Agencies and Governmental Affairs; Judiciary; Insurance and Commerce; Education; Revenue and Taxation; City, County and Local Affairs; Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development; Transportation, Technology and Legislative Affairs and Public Health, Welfare and Labor.

The Joint Budget Committee has members from the Senate and House. It will review in detail all state agency spending requests and meets more often than any

other committee during regular sessions.

Also during the 2023 regular session the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs will review numerous bills affecting public pension systems.

The Senate experienced historic turnover in 2001, when 17 senators were newcomers, and in 2003, when there were 16 newcomers. Those years reflected the impact of the first version of a term limits amendment to the state Constitution, which was first approved by Arkansas voters in 1992.

The amendment took effect for about half of the senators in 2001, when they would have come up for re-election except they were prohibited due to term limits.

The amendment took effect for the remaining senators in 2003, when it prohibited them from seeking re-election.

The 100 members of the House of Representative serve two-year terms and all 100 seats are contested every election year.

Senators serve fouryear terms, and half of the 35 seats are contested in every election year. That means if 17 seats are contested during one election, then 18 seats are contested at the following election.

Another difference between the Senate and the House is that gubernatorial appointments are confirmed by the Senate.

The 2023 legislative session got off to a smooth start. The full Senate confirmed the governor’s secretarial nominations, and Senate committees got their initial organizational meetings out of the way.

The governor had named 14 of a possible 15 cabinet nominees, and the Senate quickly confirmed her selections. The head of the Department of Finance and Administration, the Department of Labor and Licensing and the Department of Agriculture will continue in the positions they held under the previous administration.

The other appointees are new. The new secretaries of three large and important agencies, Education, Corrections and Human Services, have many years of experience in their fields but are new to Arkansas government.

Also during the first week of the session, the legislature approved the General Appropriation Bill. Under the state Constitution, it must be approved before any other spending measures are approved.

Appropriations generally don’t garner the same amount of public attention as other bills, but it is the legislature’s constitutional duty to approve budgets for

state government. The Joint Budget Committee and its subcommittees will meet more often than any other committees.

Legislators will prioritize spending levels in the state’s $6.3 billion general revenue fund.

State agency budgets will reflect the political values of Arkansas as much as bills related to so-called “hot button” issues.

State agency budgets reflect our political priorities because they determine how much state government will spend on public schools, health care, law enforcement, welfare and food stamps, higher education, job training, promoting our tourism industry, equipping our National Guard units and protecting the environment.

Last year the legislature enacted about 220 separate appropriations for state agency budgets.

The general revenue fund is the state’s largest discretionary fund. The major sources of revenue are sales taxes, individual income taxes and corporate income taxes.

Highway construction and maintenance are the responsibility of the state Transportation Department, which gets revenue from gasoline and diesel taxes and registration fees paid by heavy vehicles. Those are called special revenues because they are dedicated to maintaining highways and bridges, and are not considered during legislative debates about how to spend general revenue.

Arkansas operates under a balanced budget law known as the Revenue Stabilization Act. It will be one of the last bills considered toward the end of the session, probably in mid to late March or early April.

It prioritizes the state’s budget in the event of an economic downtown that slows or reduces the collection of state taxes. If tax revenue drops, spending will be reduced accordingly.

Fiscal decisions are different for Congress in Washington, D.C. because the federal government can deficit spend, which means it can borrow money for annual operations. The state legislature must balance its annual operating budget, so it sometimes has to make difficult choices about which programs are funded and which ones are not.

About 42 percent of the state’s general revenue budget goes for public schools and 13 percent goes for higher education. Health and human services account for about 31 percent. Public safety and prisons account for about 10 percent.

The 2023 Regular Session is now underway.

The session began on Monday, January 9 when members of the 94th General Assembly took the oath of office.

The House then elected Matthew J. Shepherd of El Dorado as the Speaker for the 94th General Assembly. He is the first person in state history to be elected Speaker for a third term.

Speaker Shepherd announced the chairs and vice chairs for committees. You can find the committee rosters at arkansashouse.org.

On the second day of the session, the House and Senate convened for a Joint Session. All constitutional officers took the oath of office and upon swearing-in, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders gave an address outlining her

legislative priorities. The priorities mentioned include tax cuts, improving literacy, and improving public safety.

This week, the full House passed HB1001, an appropriation to pay for the expenses of the 94th General Assembly.

The House also passed HB1051, the General Appropriation Act for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year.

The House also adopted the rules for the 94th General Assembly.

Changes in the rules from the previous year include adding language that incorporates bill filing deadlines and fiscal impact statement requirements for legislation related to state sponsored health benefits and scholarships.

The deadline to file scope of practice legislation is January 23. The deadline to file retirement legislation and

employee health benefits plans legislation is January 27.

The deadline to file constitutional amendments is February 8. And the deadline to file legislation impacting scholarships funded by the lottery or the Higher Education Grants Fund is February 13.

Another change to the rules specifies that once a bill is assigned to a committee it will then be listed on that committee’s agenda. Previous rules for the 93rd General Assembly directed committee chairs to set the agenda.

The legislature will not convene on Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The House will reconvene on Tuesday, January 17 at 1:30 p.m.

You can watch all committees and House floor proceedings at arkansashouse.org .

AR Master Gardeners to hold County 76 meeting

Arkansas Master Gardeners' County 76 meeting will be January 24, 2023, at the Little Rock State Office, 2301 S. University St. The meeting is open to all active Master Gardeners and will be from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Activities will include an educational program, and a business meeting.

Randy Forst will give an update on state projects. A soup and sandwich lunch will be provided, and there will be project meetings for those attending.

Desmond Simmons, the guest speaker, is a retired Air Force Veteran who will share his story about starting a bee farm and how it

helped his community. The "Lake in the Willows Apiary" in Scott has more than "Honey."

Interested persons can register online next week. Members of PCMG may call members and carpool to the meeting.

Gaylon Hale

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.

CDL DRIVERS NEEDED

Local hauling. Home every night. Weekly pay. Call T J Pauschert Trucking at 870-552-9400.

To Whom It May Concern: A 2011 Mazda 6 Vin# IYVHZ8CH3B5M26919 was picked up on 9-3-22 at the EB 189 mile marker I-40 at the the request of the Hazen Police Department. This vehicle is in the possession of Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service 1111 Hwy 70 W, Hazen Ar. 72064, (870)255-3305. Towing, storage, & administrative costs are accruing as legal liability of the owner. Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first prior-

To Whom It May Concern: A 2014 Toyota Corolla Vin# 5YFBURHEP040891 was picked up on 12-04-22 at the EB 190 mile marker I-40 at the the request of the Prairie County Sheriff’s Office. This vehicle is in the possession of Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service 1111 Hwy 70 W, Hazen Ar. 72064, (870)255-3305.

Towing, storage, & administrative costs are accruing as legal liability of the owner. Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first prior-

ity possessory lien on the said vehicle and its content for all such charges. The vehicle and its contents will be dismantled, destroyed, or sold at public sale to the highest bidder if not claimed within 45 days and constitutes a waiver by the owner and lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, MonFri, 8am-5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.

ity possessory lien on the said vehicle and its content for all such charges. The vehicle and its contents will be dismantled, destroyed, or sold at public sale to the highest bidder if not claimed within 45 days and constitutes a waiver by the owner and lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, MonFri, 8am-5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.

Bison have rough week with losses to Trojans, Patriots

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Carlisle Bison lost three conference games last week.

The Bison lost to Palestine-Wheatley 6654 on Jan. 10 then dropped a pair to Marianna on Thursday and Friday, 66-35 and 83-34.

In the loss to the Patriots, Carlisle led 1311 after quarter before Palestine-Wheatley outscored the Bison 2420 in the second quarter to lead 35-33 at halftime.

The Bison outscored the Patriots 8-7 in the

third quarter, trailing 42-41 heading into the final eight minutes.

Palestine-Wheatley pulled away from the Bison in the fourth quarter to get the win.

David Hayes led the Bison with 23 points.

Kaidon Clingmon had 17. Joseph Cook scored six. Lawson Petrus and Andrew Whaley and three points each. Isaiah Powell added two.

In the 66-35 loss to Marianna, Carlisle trailed 22-11 after one quarter and 41-19 at halftime.

No one scored in double figures for the Bison.

Cook, Braxton Cooney, Clingmon, Julian Williams and Hayes each scored four points for Carlisle. Devin Cooney, Petrus and Payton Huggins scored three. Whaley, David Faucett and Preston Parker scored two points each.

In the 83-34 loss to the Trojans, Carlisle trailed 22-8 after one quarter and 38-26 at halftime.

Clingmon led the Bison with 10 points. Braxton Cooney had six. Whaley had five. Scoring four each were Cook and Powell. Hayes had three while Petrus added two.

Lady Bison on four-game winning streak

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

For the first time this season, the Carlisle Lady Bison are on a winning streak.

After beating Barton 58-51 on Jan. 6, Carlisle won three games last week to push it’s winning streak to four games.

Carlisle beat PalestineWheatley 44-15 on Jan. 10 then beat Marianna in consecutive nights, 73-24 on Jan. 12 and 6323 on Jan. 13.

In the 44-16 win over Palestine-Wheatley, Carlisle led 13-3 after one quarter and 21-12 at halftime.

The Lady Bison put the game away in the third quarter, outscoring the Lady Patriots 13-0.

Addison Bartley led Carlisle with 18 points.

Laken Golden had 13. Bailey Dawson scored eight. Haven McElyea and Mariah Phillips had two points each. Paige Lee added a free throw.

In the 73-24 win over Marianna, Carlisle scored 27 first-quarter points to lead 27-2 after eight minutes. McElyea and Bartley scored each scored eight points in the first quarter.

The Lady Bison then outscored the Lady Trojans 16-12 in the second quarter to lead 4314 at halftime. Carlisle outscored Marianna 175 in the third quarter and 13-5 in the final eight minutes.

McElyea led the Lady Bison with 23 points. Bartley had 16. Golden and Dawson had 11 points each. Paige Chadwick had five.

Scoring two each were Phillips, Hailee Cooney and Lee.

In the 62-22 win over Marianna, Carlisle led 19-6 after one quarter and 34-15 at halftime.

The Lady Bison held a 19-5 scoring advantage in the third quarter and 11-2 in the fourth quarter to get the win.

McElyea and Bartley both scored 15 points to lead the Lady Bison.

Dawson had 13. Phillips added nine. Golden scored six. Scoring two each points each were Cooney, Lee and Chadwick.

The Lady Bison were playing without sophomore guard Heather Buffalo, who broke her right thumb in in Carlisle’s win over Barton.

Lady E agles ato p 2A - 6 standings with rout of McC rory

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Des Arc Lady Eagles improved to 6-4 on the season with a 6738 win over McCrory on Jan. 10. The Lady Eagles’ game with KIPP-Delta, which was scheduled for Friday has been moved to Thursday at Des Arc.

Des Arc leads the 2A-6 conference with a 6-0 record. McCrory is in second play at 5-1. Carlisle is in third at 52, followed by Barton at

2-3, Palestine-Wheatley at 2-4. Marianna and KIPP Delta are tied for last at 0-5.

In the win over McCrory, Des Arc jumped out to a 31-5 lead after one quarter

Des Arc’s Shyanne Bell and Gabi Berry each scored 14 points in the first eight minutes.

Alaina Fields hit a twopoint basket while Cami Eldridge hit a free throw.

Des Arc outscored the Lady Jaguars 13-10 in the second quarter.

Makenzie Williams scored five of Des Arc’s 13 points. Harleigh Holloway and Fields each hit a three-pointer while Berry scored two. The Lady Eagles put the game away in the third quarter, outscored McCrory 24-14. Berry scored seven points.

Berry led all scorers with 23 points. Bell had 18. Fields added 10. Williams had nine. Bella Flanagan and Holloway had three points each. Eldridge had one.

Hornets junior, senior boys p lay Ki pp Delta at home

By Amy Tallent Prairie County Extension Agent

Lonoke (Keith Perkins), Prairie (Amy Tallent), and Pulaski County

(Andrew Bolton) Agricultural Agents with the University of Arkansas Systems, Division of Agriculture (UADA) Research and Extension sponsored the

2023 Grand Prairie Crop Production Meeting held on January 11, at Big K’s Catfish Barn outside of Hazen. UADA specialists spoke

on various topics to help prepare the producers for a successful growing season this year. The speakers included: Dr. Jason Kelley, Corn and Feed Grain Agronomist;

Dr. Tommy Butts, Weed Scientist; Dr. Jeremy Ross, Soybean Agronomist; Dr. Hunter Biram, Extension Economist; and Dr. Jarrod Hardke, Rice

Agronomist. All of the speakers are associated with the University of Arkansas Systems, Division of Agriculture Research and Extension.