The re-districting of Prairie County is approved under protest.A class action lawsuit is filed against C. J. Mahan Construction Company was filed with the Circuit Court of Prairie County for the breaking of water lines in Biscoe. Carlisle Mayor Ray Glover appears before the state audit committee to respond to irregularities in city finances. On January 8, Arkansas saw 8,171 new cases of COVID 19. Free at-home COVID tests begin to be distributed in the state.
February
chess team wins regional awards. Local FCCLA groups win awards in the state competition. Hazen High holds its Junior/Senior Prom. The Farm Bureau has a “Meet the Candidates event. Jeremy Murphy is hired as the new DeValls Bluff police chief. Bob Juola is sworn in as a new Hazen City Council member. Prairie County Extension Homemakers hold their Spring Council. Des Arc Schools hold the annual honor banquet.
May
property, and the Hazen School District begins plans for a new Agri building. The City of DeValls Bluff continues to work on its city water system. Prairie and Lonoke Counties are put under burn bans. Hazen First United Methodist Church holds Vacation Bible School. The HHS football team wins the 7 on 7 shootout after going 6-0. Gospel Mission Church holds Vacation Bible School.
August
bonuses. The Prairie County Fair Parade is held in Des Arc, and the county fair is held at the fairgrounds. Carlisle Junior High celebrates homecoming. The Lady Bison win the District 2A golf title.
Auxiliary Unit Number 194 wins a state award. The Hazen Hornets are named the 2A conference champions, and the Des Arc Eagles defeat McCrory to win the 2A-2 conference title.
Lawrence Holloway is elected to be the Prairie County Judge. Roger Scott was chosen to be the new Des Arc mayor. The requested millage increase for Hazen Schools is voted down. Ray Glover wins the mayoral race in Carlisle. DAHS and HHS alumni hold class reunions.
In February, the Grand Prairie is covered in a layer of ice and snow. Former Hazen Hornet Blayne Toll becomes an ASU Redwolf. Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Slovak celebrates Slovak Heritage Day.
March
The 11-70 Club landmark is burned down. Carlisle Public Library holds events for seniors and students. Callie Baxter, a sophomore at Des Arc High School is crowned 2022 Junior Miss Sweetheart at Palestine. Hazen Methodist men hold the annual shrimp dinner. A triple homicide is committed in Hazen. The HHS Sophomore Auction is a big success. The Hazen School Board holds a public meeting to discuss four-day weeks. Stuttgart Baptist Health Medical Center is recognized as a 2022 Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital. Ross Sisson is installed as the new postmaster in Carlisle. TriCounty Farmers and GreenPoint Ag combine retail operations. County schools zones are redistricted. Jake Mosby receives an honorary Hazen High School diploma.
April
A tornado strikes in northwest Prairie County. Carlisle High School (CHS) FFA earns the National Chapter Award. The Grand Prairie Master Gardeners have their annual plant sale. Des Arc High School (DAHS) holds its annual athletic banquet. Local police capture armed robbers in DeValls Bluff. Hickory Plains “Cemetery Walk” event is held. The Bison weightlifting team wins the Class 2A state title. HHS holds Honor and Athletic banquets. The Prairie County Preferential Primary determines a run-off election for the office of county judge between Lawrence Holloway and Brad DeVore. Sheriff Rick Hickman is re-elected. The Hazen Chamber of Commerce holds its annual Memorial Day service.
June
The Tyler and Meagan Gore family is chosen as Prairie County’s Far Family of the Year. Prairie County trap shooting teams compete at state. Former Carlisle Bison football coach Brandon Barbaree was hired as the new Des Arc football coach and athletic director. The City of Hazen holds the 2022 Mammoth Pond Fishing Derby. Amy Marek is hired to be the new Hazen High School principal. Work begins on the White River Irrigation District’s (WRID) Canal 2000 system. The Carlisle, Hazen, Des Arc, and DeValls Bluff libraries present programs for kids. July Des Arc celebrates Independence Day with a park Fun Day.Dare Saul of Des Arc wins the Arkansas State Quality Dealer Award. The Des Arc School Board votes to purchase the 7th Street
Prairie County 4-H members attend the State-ORama. Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church holds a pasta fundraiser. DeValls Bluff Mayor Brian Dodson resigns his position. An in-person Rice Field Day is held in Stuttgart. The Grand Prairie County Club announces tournament winners. Local schools begin the new school year. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NCRS) Chief Terry Cosby visits Prairie County. The Des Arc council approves the destruction of the old school building at the baseball park. The Hazen School Board votes to seek a millage increase. Candy Weems becomes the new Hazen postmaster. Football season begins. September Harvest time is in full swing on the Grand Prairie. The WRID hosts the Army Corps of Engineers, NCRS, and Senator John Boozman. HHS selects its 2022 Homecoming Court. Darlene Connor is appointed as the interim mayor for DeValls Bluff. Prairie County holds its fair queen pageant in DeValls Bluff. The selected Prairie County fair queens are Senior Miss, Cherie Hutchins; Ms. Queen, Cindy Price; Lady Ms, Amber Long; Miss Prairie County, Layton Rogers; and Junior Miss Prairie County, Brooke Weems. The Prairie County Quorum Court votes to give county
Hazen and Carlisle Schools celebrate Constitution Week. Terry Rogers is inducted into the Henderson State University Hall of Honor. Lonoke holds the Idessa Music and Arts Festival. Vernard Metcalf is named the 2022 Honorary HHS alumnus. Master Gardeners have their
Ireland Saul and Eden Huffstickler win the Lions Club Peace Poster contest. Sue Clayton is chosen to be the Master Gardener of the Year at the Prairie County Master Gardeners awards banquet. The Prairie County 4-H holds its annual banquet. The Hornets and Bison win to meet in the state 2-A championship game.
sale.
Prairie
a twoyear
Eric Yarberry of Des Arc is named the new CEO of the World Service for the Blind. A luncheon is held for former CHS homecoming queens. Abby Richardson is chosen the Senior Miss Princess Rice at the Princess Rice Pageant. Hazen celebrates Halloween with “Trunk or Treat.”
November Holidays in Hazen features local shop owners. Carlisle Cemetery participates in the Wreaths Across America Day. The WRID receives $5M for road crossing pump station work. Patricia Eaton is named the new librarian at the Carlisle Public Library. The Prairie County American Ladies’
December The Hornets rout the rival Bison team to win HHS’ first state football title. HHS lineman Collin Kee and CHS lineman Keller Kilgore receive Brandon Burlsworth Awards. HHS Braylan Anderson receives the Farm Bureau Most Valuable Player Award, and HHS quarterback Luke King is named “Player of the Year.” HHS Head Coach Joe Besancon is named the Class 2A Coach of the Year. Bison senior runing back Jason Sullivan is named Hooten’s 2-A Offensive Player of the Year. DAHS Jackson Kearby was one of the three finalists for the Farm Bureau 2A Defensive Players of the Year. Local FCCLA students compete in the District IV STAR events competition. DAHS wins the Prairie County Pantry Pile-up. Hazen Chamber of Commerce holds a Christmas Parade, and the HHS Alumni Association holds a King Kat fundraiser.
The City of Carlisle holds a Christmas Parade.
DAHS EAST hosts “Merry on Main” event, and the City of Des Arc has a Christmas parade. “Wreaths Across America” observed in Carlisle.
Davis
Lodessa Pinkerton Davis was called to her eternal home with the Lord on December 29, 2022 at Baptist Health Medical Center in North Little Rock while surrounded by loved ones. She will be remembered by her two sons, Gary and Greg Davis; five grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to her parents, Fletcher and Ella Parr Pinkerton, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Davis; three sisters, Ozzie Pinkerton, Louise Bardin, and Jewel Humble; three brothers, J.P. Floyd, Clyde Pinkerton and Byzzie Parr. Lodessa was an active long-time member of Amboy Baptist Church where she served on various committees through the years. When her health allowed, she loved camping, shopping and gardening. She enjoyed growing her own vegetables and flowers of all types. Lodessa enjoyed reading, jigsaw and crossword puzzles as well as many games of Phase 10, Farkle, or Uno with family members. She was extremely loyal to her family and was always there to assist in any way she could. She loved to laugh and was a positive light to everyone she met. She had a gift for making others feel welcome and loved. She was loved by everyone and although
her time on this earth has come to an end, she will remain in our hearts forever. We will say goodbye for now and look forward to being reunited in heaven.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M. with the funeral service immediately following at 3:00 P.M. at Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel in Hazen, Arkansas.
Donald Joe Forrester
Donald “Donnie” Joe Forrester, 69, of Hazen, Arkansas went to be with his heavenly Father on Saturday, December 24th, 2022.
He was born on April 3rd, 1953 to Lynn and Aliene Forrester. He retired as a firefighter after 29 years of serving the Little Rock Fire Department. He also retired as a member of the Army National Guard after 35 years, serving overseas in one tour in Iraq. His life was marked by his service and love for his community, country, God, and his family.
Donnie was always looking for opportunities to use the gifts God gave him. He loved playing softball, singing, cheering on the Razorbacks and Hornets, and visiting his kids and grandkids.
Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Dolores Lynn Perry, and niece, Tania Bush. He is survived by his beloved partner, Darlene Stone; daughter, Carrie Neldon (Mitchell) of Fayetteville; his son, Douglas Forrester (Kelly) of Rogers; grandchildren, Ruby Neldon, Miles Neldon, and Jasper Neldon; brother-in-law, Danny Perry of Ward; nephews, Jamie Felts (Annette) of Hazen and David Perry of Ward; nephew-in-law, Huey Bush and a host of great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen. Visitation was from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. followed by services officiated by Bro. Christian Van Houten, Bro. Mitchell Neldon, and Bro. Dennis Smith. Burial will follow at Hazen Cemetery.
Ann Carolyn Childress
Ann Carolyn Childress, 82, joined her husband, Buddy, in Heaven on Dec. 26, 2022.
Ann was born Aug. 6, 1940 in Little Rock, AR to Farris and Reba
Emerson. As a child, Ann was known for her remarkable intelligence, and school administration even requested to move her up a grade level in school. Ann was also a gifted artist.
As a young woman, she opened her own business in downtown Benton to sell her original artwork. Her business was incredibly successful and led to her building her own plant called “Delightful Dimensions.” Her designs were in markets in Dallas, New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and more. After many years, a company in Taiwan offered to buy her
company, so she sold it and retired. Ann went on to teach art classes for patients at Birch Tree Communities in Benton. After framing their works, she priced them and sold them in a large art show.
The proceeds were held in trusts to be used for the patients’ needs.
In her later years, Ann enjoyed spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her so much joy. Ann was known as the family historian and was a wealth of knowledge about the Childress family history. She will be dearly missed by all who loved her.
Ann was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Buddy Childress; her son, Walt Emerson Childress; her parents; and granddaughters Jennifer Childress and Amara Childress.
She is survived by her sons Allen (Brenda) Childress of DeValls Bluff and Benton Childress of Big Flat; daughter-in-law Teresa Childress; grandchildren Lucas (Carrie) Childress, Levi (Carrie) Childress,Noah Childress,Jonah Childress,Alle Childress,Kyndle Daniels,Austin Steinmetz,Jeffrey Dubose, Daniel Dubose, and Savannah Dubose; ten great-grandchildren; her sister Marilyn (FH) Lyons; and brother Kim Emerson.
Franky Lynn Martin
Franky Lynn Martin, age 66, of Maumelle, formerly of Hazen, passed away on December 31, 2022. Franky was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on July 26, 1956. He was a 1974 graduate of Hazen High School. In addition to his parents, George Franklin and Addie Lynn (Holmes) Martin, he was preceded in death by his niece, Andrea Carreiro. He is survived by his sister Debbie Carreiro and her husband, Jody; nieces Jessica Halbrook (Chris) and Amanda Carreiro; and one great-nephew James Halbrook all of Little Rock.
Franky fought Type 1 diabetes throughout his life which eventually led to his failed eye sight and ultimately prevented him from working. He had a love for books and movies, specifically fantasy and sci-fi. There was no question of Star Wars or Star Trek, it was both.
Prior to moving to Maumelle, Franky was a long time resident of the Center Point Community and a member of Center Point Missionary Baptist Church, Hazen, Arkansas. Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 4 at Center Point Missionary Baptist Church, Hazen, Arkansas. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. prior to service with interment at Center Point Cemetery, Hazen, Arkansas. Any memorials can be made to Center Point Cemetery.
Robert Glenn McKeon
Robert Glenn McKeon, 78, left his earthly home and traveled with God to his eternal home on December
27, 2022. He was born August 27, 1944 at Hot Springs, Arkansas to Emmitt and Lillian (Robbins) McKeon.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Johnnie Faye Stokes McKeon also his caregiver and uber driver for 20 years. Also to cherish his memory is his daughter, Rhonda Newton; the joy and love of his life, great-grandson, Ayden Michael Darrall; grandson, Aaron and granddaughter, Amber Darrall; beloved granddaughter, Kimberlie; grandson, Mike Hendrix; and many many friends. Funeral service were held Saturday, December 31, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 I30, Little Rock, Arkansas 72209. Burial will follow at Ten Mile Cemetery, 246 Ira Williams Road, Benton, Arkansas (Lonsdale).
Read full obituary: www.rollerfuneralhomes.c om/drummond.
Kenneth Nix Billingsley
Kenneth Nix Billingsley was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. After a lengthy illness Kenneth passed away Friday, December 30, 2022, at Unity Health Hospital in Searcy, Arkansas.
Kenneth was born in Newport, Arkansas on November 4, 1948, to Ishmel Isaac and Nadine (Rush) Billingsley. His family relocated to Indiana while he was very young. His school years were mostly in Indiana, where he found the best friend ever, Barbara Sullivan age six, where they remained friends until marriage in 1971. Together they raised two children: Travis and Kalena.
Kenneth was a boiler maker; he worked with the railroad and then was employed with Falcon Jet for approximately ten years. He loved drawing and wood working as well as having a love for nature, hunting and fishing. Kenneth was an active member of Living Waters Church in Des Arc.
Kenneth is survived by his wife Barbara (Sullivan) Billingsley, son: Travis (Ashli) Billingsley of Ward, two grandchildren: Marla Plante and Colton Miller, and one great grandchild: Dean Nix Billingsley, brothers: Wayne (Crissy) Billingsley, Troy (Margie) Billingsley, and sister: Emma Decker of Indiana. He is preceded by his daughter Kalena Billingsley and brother-inlaw, Delmer Decker.
He will truly be missed by all that were acquainted with him.
Chester Clyde Voiles
Chester Clyde Voiles was born to William Edward Voiles and Lena Long Voiles August 15, 1931, in a small community called Happy, two miles north of Griffithville, Arkansas. He met the love of his life,
Mavis Louise Conder, in Des Arc, Arkansas. They were married May 13, 1955. The happy father was blessed with two children: Paula and Neil.
His life was well lived, and he was loved by all. The Lord called him home in a peaceful manner at the Des Arc Nursing and Rehabilitation on Friday, December 30, 2022.
Clyde leaves loving memories to his beautiful wife, Louise of 67 years, daughter, Paula CampbellLensing: two grandchildren, Lucas, and Preston Campbell, three great grandchildren: Kylie, Khloe and Thomas Campbell.
He was preceded by son, Neil Edward Voiles, brother, Linville Voiles and three sisters: Syble Williams, Lorene Gage, and Jesse Avants.
Clyde will truly be missed by all that knew him.
John Ford Watson II
John “Johnie” Ford Watson II, 53, of Lonoke, Arkansas passed away December 30, 2022. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on May 21, 1969, to John Ford and Phyllis Watson.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00PM on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at AWA, 8088 Hwy 31 N, Lonoke, Arkansas with burial to follow at Brownsville Cemetery. A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 11:00AM.
Susan Claudette Cunningham
Susan Claudette
Cunningham was born on June 30, 1949, in Brinkley, Arkansas.
As the third child of Claudy and Juanita Cunningham, she shared in the joys of childhood along with five siblings. The family made their home in Des Arc where Susan received formal education through the public schools and graduated in 1968.
Susan began her working career as a Nurse’s Aide at the Beebe Nursing Home. With a genuine desire to continue helping those in need, Susan secured a position at Memorial Hospital in North Little Rock where she remained for twenty years. Susan always enjoyed the hobby of collecting. Many different things would catch her eye, but she was an avid collector of dolls and ceramics. Raised as a woman of faith, Susan knew the importance of a relationship with her Saviour Jesus Christ. She attended times of worship at the Lakeside Missionary Baptist Church in Des Arc. On December 29, 2022, at the age 73, Susan’s earthly journey came to a close. May your family find comfort in knowing that scripture tells us, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only son. That whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16.”
She was preceded in death by her parents, Claudy Eulis and Juanita (Compton) Cunningham; one brother, Bobby
Cunningham and sisters, Yvonne Willis and Glenda Hollis.
Dorothy Gillette Garrity
Dorothy Gillette Garrity of Natchez, Missippi, passed away on December 19th, 2022. She was a life and business partner to Dr. Bryon Garrity and mother to their five children. She was a loving, giving, and selfess mother and wife. She never wanted attention. nor sought recognition for herself suring her life, but was always willing to help others.
Dorothy was born on July 15, 1957 in Stillwater, Ok;ahoma to Betty Derrick Gillette and Dr. Claude Gabriel Gillette, Jr. She grew up in Carlisle, Arkansas with her 4 siblings, where she graduated from Carlisle High School in 1975.
Dorothy was the first female to graduate from the University of Southern Mississippi with am Athletic Training degree. She went on to receive a Master Degree in Education. She taught many local students at Cathedral School, Admans county Christian school, Chamberlain Hunt Academy, and Co-Lin Natchez.
She also spent many nights on the sidelines of local school sporting events as a certified athletic trainer for Mississippi Sports Medicine of Jackson. Early in her career, Dorothy taught and trained for Episcopal High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She also spent one summer as a certified athletic trainer for the United States Olympic Team’s Summer Camp.
Dorothy served as an officer in the Spouse Auxiliary for the Mississppi Alumni Association. For many years she volunteered her time as a mentor and leader for the St. Mary’s Catholic Youth Organization. Dorothy also throughly enjoyed cooking, exercising, hunting, and spending time outdoors.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Bryon Garrity, and their five children: Derrick (32), Sarah (27), Thomas (26), Daniel (23), and Joseph (19); as well as, one granddaughter, Taylor Lynn Garrity (3), the daughter of Derrick and Shelby Garrity. She is also survived by her mother and four siblings; Betty Gillette of Hazen, Arkansas, Dr. Gabriel Gillette, John Gillette, Dr. Mary Henkel, and Elizabeth Fitzpatrick.
She is predeceased by her father, Dr. Claude Gillette, Jr.
The family celebrated her life in Natchez, Mississippi with a visitation service at Laird Funeral Home on Thursday, December 22, from 5-7 pm with a funeral mass at St. Mary’s Basilica on Friday, December 23 at 1:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a charitable contribution to Cathedral School, St Mary’s Basilica, Assumption Catholic Church, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, or a charity of church of your choice in Dorothy Garrity’s honor.
