11-27-24 webpage download by heraldpublishing

Des Arc School Board approves new school crest design

By Lisa Mills

The Des Arc School Board met on November 18th. Superintendent Marc Sherrell, Treasurer Natasha Richards, High School Principal B.J. Paschal, Elementary Principal Cheryl Holland, and Board Members Johnny Reidhar, Charlie Brown, Brent Calhoun, Drew Widener, T.J. English, Billy Hinson, and Jordan Smith were present.

EAST sponsor Allison Cox spoke to the board about current projects the students are working on. She introduced student Charleigh Patterson to show a project she has been

working on at the request of Dr. Sherrell. Patterson said that Sherrell had asked her to come up with a design for a school crest. She showed three designs that were developed. She said the designs were placed in the teachers lounge to be voted on. The design that received the most votes was presented to the board, and the board to approved it. The board thanked Patterson for her work and presentation. The board was reorganized for the coming year. In the yearly school board reorganization, Johnny Reidhar was elected President, Brent Calhoun was elected

Hazen City Council discusses budget,

Mayor David Hardke told the Hazen City Council that the city's preliminary budgets have been developed, and he sees no significant changes for 2025. Most of the city’s major expenses have already been taken care of, Hardke said. He is still working on the city’s payroll figures, but he recommended that fulltime city employees who have been with the city for more than 12 years receive a $1725 rise in salary for next year, those with 12 years or

less with the city would receive an additional $1500, and the two department heads would receive approximately $2000. He also asked for Christmas bonuses of 3% of salary for each employee for 2024. He expects that the total amount spent on salaries would be $976,332.40. Benefits would total $37,000. The city has 19 full-time employees. The council agreed to the increases. Hardke also said that he had received a letter concerning the March 7

Des Arc Council approves house condemnations

By Lisa Mills

The Des Arc City Council met on November 19th with Mayor Roger Scott, Recorder/Treasurer Janice Huffstickler, and Council members Jodie Mayher, Nicole Fisher, Gail King, Judy Burnett, Keith Knupp, and Doug Estes present. Newly elected council members Joey York, Rusty Smith, and Doobie Moore were present in the audience. Two resolutions were approved to condemn properties found to be in violation of city ordinance #334. The first property is located at 305 S, 4th St., and is owned by Eric and Tanika Williams. The second property is located at 708 Curran St. It is owned by the H. K. Garth Revocable Trust, Trustee Pamela Murphy. Condemnation letters will be posted, giving owners 30 days to tear down and remove or otherwise abate. If nothing is done, the houses will be torn down and/or removed by the city with the owners being responsible for the cost.

An ordinance was approved to amend City Ordinance #334. The amendment changes sections 5 and 6 to authorize the mayor or mayor’s designated representa-

tive to tear down and/or remove condemned properties after city council approval of the condemnation.

King reported that construction on the new baseball complex is set to begin on December 2.

A special council meeting was held on October 30th where Key Builders, Inc. bid of $360,250 was accepted. This was the lowest bid of seven that were submitted. She also reported that another $15,000 rural development grant has been awarded that will go toward the construction.

A motion was approved to purchase the lot at 4th and Main streets (the old hotel lot) for $15,000. There were 30 ambulance runs, with 25 transports. Knupp congratulated Chamber of Commerce President Paul Guess and chamber members on the great success of the “Christmas on the River” event. Everyone present applauded. Guess reported that attendance was between 5,000 to 6,000 throughout the day and night and the chamber raised $150,000. Guess thanked all the volunteers who made the event possible, especially the law enforcement agencies.

water quality inspection. He said that everything was satisfactory, and the wastewater report was also good. He also said that the city’s gas company, which had gas expenses of $137,504 last year, had only transferred $44,300 to the gas company as of October this year. The department has a balance of $21,611. Hardke also said that the sale of T-Ricks at the interstate had gone through and that the new owners expect to open in eight to ten months. The budget report from the library was handed out to the council members and reviewed.

In departmental reports, Utility Department Manager Chad Swaim said that seven water meters had been replaced, the register on the splash pad had been repaired along

with six water leaks. His department has also installed one gas meter and had killed the gas line at a property owned by Mark Mosby. Swaim said that his workers have been getting ready for Christmas by working on streets, mowing and weed eating, pressure washing the depot and gazebo, and helping with the lights downtown.

Fire Chief Seth Skarda reported four grass fires and one electrical fire at the El Amigo restaurant. He also said that he and Mayor Hardke had met with Gary Padgett of the local ambulance service who has agreed to provide additional training for the fire department volunteers.

Police Chief Bradley Taylor said that he has been working on his department’s 2025 budg-

Vice-President, and Drew Widener was elected Secretary. Reidhar was selected as the voting delegate at the Arkansas School Board Association meeting. The 2025 school board election date was set for November 4, 2025. Brenda Williams and Tammy Roberts were hired as long term elementary school substitute teachers.

Sherrell reported the current enrollment for Pre-K through 12th grade is 655. He said there are a few new students starting soon. There will not be a December board meeting unless an immediate need arises.

et. Councilman Tim

said that more gravel was needed near the baseball field. Council Bob Juola said that he had contacted an asphalt company in Little Rock about repairing the larger holes in the city streets. He will talk with Swaim and Hardke about it further.

At the end of the meeting, School District Superintendent Andy Barrett thanked the council for its support of the recently passed millage. He also gave the council members some updates on the district’s building plans. The meeting was adjourned. The council members present at the meeting were Tim Juola, Bob Juola, Barbara Rogers, Larry Anthony, and Dallas Taylor.

Juola

The design chosen by the teachers was approved by the board and is pictured here.

Shirley A. Raper

Shirley A. Raper of Hazen, Arkansas, born May 31, 1936, went to her heavenly home on November 24, 2024 at the age of 88 years. She was a faithful member of Pleasant Ridge Missionary Baptist Church. Shirley was a home maker and minister's wife who led her children and grandchildren to know the Lord. She worked as a CNA and activities director.

Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Jerry L. Raper; her parents, Raymond and Omelia Forte; two daughters, Corrie Raper and Janice Raper Byrant; three brothers, Hiram, Raymond and Gary Forte; two sisters, Carolyn Frazier and Linda Griswold; and one great-grandson, Trenton Wiggins.

Shirley is survived by her son, Johnny and wife Becky Raper; daughters, Pam and husband Charles Tosh, and Kim and husband Jake Nielsen; and a sonin law, David Bryant. six grandchildren, Sheila Tosh, Jesse Tosh, Ray Raper, Leann

Hooks, Matthew Bryant and Amber Peterson along with their spouses; eleven great-grandchildren, Kaitlin Tosh, Kolton Tosh, John Simmons, Shelton, Eli and Jacob Kitchens, Sophie, Bella and Ellie Raper, Levit and Lamry Hooks; one brother-inlaw, Fletcher Ingle; three sister-in-laws, Florence Reaves, Emma Carlyle, and JoAnn Langley; many nieces and nephews; and other family and friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 5:00pm –7:00pm at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen, Arkansas. Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at 10:00am at Pleasant Ridge Missionary Baptist Church.

Charlene Brainard

Charlene Brainard, 89, of Grand Prairie, TX passed away peacefully on the 23rd of November 2024. Charlene was born November 11, 1935 in Venus, TX to Verdel and Ada Major.

Charlene is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Loyd Brainard; her daughters, Vicki Elder (Don), Kathy Elder (Frank), Carla Brainard Hanks all of Carlisle, Arkansas; her sons, Eddie Brainard (Josie) of Alvarado, Texas, David Brainard (Mariam) of Sachse, Texas; and her brother, Billy Major (Freda) of Crowley, Texas. Charlene is proceeded in death by her son, Dale Brainard (2016); her parents, Verdel and Ada; her brother Gary Major; and her sisters, Pauline Waters, Maxine Jetton, and Earlene Mathis. Charlene has 15 Grandchildren, 20 Great-Grandchildren, and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren. She loved spending time with her family, traveling to Arkansas and going to yard sales with her husband. Visitation was Monday, November 25, 2024 from 6:00 PM –8:00 PM in Grand Prairie, Texas. A graveside service was held Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Carlisle Cemetery in Carlisle, Arkansas.

This week, members elected to serve in the 95th General Assembly gathered in the House Chamber for an Organizational Meeting. Members chose their seats and committees, and incoming freshmen drew numbers for seniority. You can find the seniority list and lists of committee memberships at arkansashouse.org.

Arkansas Press Association

Member 2023

The Grand Prairie Herald (USPS) 225-680

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

Subscription Rates In Prairie County$20.00/year In Arkansas$25.00/year Out of State$30.00/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

Circulation/Accounts

Trudy Johnson

Sports Editor

Mark Buffalo

Correspondent

Lisa Mills

Correspondent

Debbye Harrison

Photographer

Ruth Corley

As we move forward, members have begun filing bills that will be considered during the upcoming 2025 Regular Session. More than 50 bills have been filed so far in the House. The proposed legislation addresses topics from maternal health coverage to voter registration. Our website also includes a link to the recently filed legislation.

There was another big development this week at the Capitol as Governor Sanders presented her balanced budget proposal to members. The governor’s proposal calls for a 2.89% increase in spending.

The governor says her proposal prioritizes education, maternal health, public safety, and gov-

ernment efficiency.

As Education Freedom Accounts will be available to any student in the state next year, the governor said she is proposing $90 million in additional funding, plus an additional $90 million in set aside funding to create a reserve for the program.

The proposed budget also includes $13 million in new Medicaid funding for proposals created by the Strategic Committee on Maternal Health. The proposal includes $100 million for Medicaid sustainability.

The proposal includes $3.15 million in new funding for the proposed state employee pay plan and nearly $50 million for the Department of Corrections.

This proposal will be considered by the 95th General Assembly during the 2025 Regular Session. The session begins on January 13, 2025.

The Grand Prairie Herald Deadline for Submissions is Monday at 10 a.m. on the week the paper goes to press. Information can be emailed to: heraldpublishing@gmail.com or mailed to the Grand Prairie Herald P. O. Box 370, Hazen, AR 72064 You can also come by our office at 111 Hwy. 70 East in Hazen, AR. If you have news, call us at 870-255-4538.

Hazen High School Student Voice Group starts new project

Dear Hazen

Community:

My name is Hannah Linder, and I’m part of the Student Voice group at Hazen High School. Our group was started to help students share ideas and work on projects that make a difference in our school.

One of the first things we’ve focused on is making sure students can get basic hygiene items, like deodorant, soap, and shampoo, if they need them. With winter

coming, we also realized it’s important to include things like tissues, cough drops, hand wipes, and chapstick. To help, we’re putting together winter care packets to give to all students when we come back to school in January. We’re asking for donations to make this happen and have created an Amazon Wish List to make it easy to help. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a big difference for our students. Your support will help us show that we care about each other and that no one is left out.

Thank you for considering this project! If you’d like to donate, you can find our Amazon Wish List https://a.co/0G0ioFI Items can be sent directly to the school. If you have questions, feel free to reach out.

Sincerely, Hannah Linder Student Voice Group Hazen High School

NOTICE OF SALE Of an amount not to exceed $9,750,000 HAZEN SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2 OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS CONSTRUCTION BONDS DATED JANUARY 7, 2025

Sealed bids will be received until 10:00 a.m. local time on December 5, 2024

For the above bonds, which mature serially on February 1 of each of the years 2026 through 2055 inclusive. All bids must be on the Official Bid Form or through PARITY

Copies of the Preliminary Official Statement, Official Notice of Sale and Official Bid Form may be obtained from Stephens Inc., 111 Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201, Telephone No. (501) 377-2641, the District’s fiscal agent.

Mr. Andy Barrett Superintendent

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS

NORTHERN DISTRICT PROBATE DIVISION

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LOU ILA BRUCE CARPENTER, DECEASED 59N-PR-22-40

NOTICE OF SALE

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned Commissioner of the Circuit Court of Prairie County, Arkansas, shall, on December 10, 2024, at 10:00 A.M., or as promptly thereafter as possible, offer for sale at public auction to the highest bidder on a credit of three months, at the front door of the county courthouse in Des Arc, Arkansas, the following-described real property: WEST HALF (W ½) OF LOT TWO (2) AND ALL OF LOT THREE (3) OF BLOCK FORTY (40), WATKINS SURVEY TO THE TOWN OF DES ARC, NORTHERN DISTRICT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS

PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 103 ERWIN STREET, DES ARC, ARKANSAS

The purchaser will be required to give bond with good security for payment of the purchase price, the security to be approved by the undersigned, together with interest from the date of sale at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum until paid.

This sale is to be made pursuant to the orders of the Circuit Court of Prairie County, Arkansas, Probate Division, entered on October 22, 2024. Inspection of the property may take place on Monday, December 9, 2024, from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 PM.

GAYLON HALE

COMMISSIONER FOR THE CIRCUIT COURT

PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS

ROBERT M. ABNEY, P.A.

ATTORNEY FOR ESTATE PO BOX 246 DES ARC, ARKANSAS 72040

870-256-4183

Carlisle City Council discusses jail closing due to funding shortfall

By Debbye Harrison

The Carlisle City Council met November 19, 2024, with all members present. Mayor Ray Glover called the meeting to order and invited Clay Waliski, who was on the agenda to speak, to “tell us how to run the city.”

However, Council member Mary Eddleman interrupted and made the motion to move him to the end of the agenda. It was seconded by Anne Anderson. The vote was 5 to 1 to approve the motion. Ashley Golleher cast the only dissenting vote. Eddelman’s reason for the agenda change was to give Waliski an opportunity to see how the city did its business before he offered his critique.

The potential closing of the city jail dominated the meeting. Eric Frank, Police Chief, was absent but sent his report by Anne Anderson. The State of Arkansas has consolidated 911 dispatching centers to save money.

Carlisle no longer has a local 911 dispatcher. All calls are handled by the Lonoke County Dispatch Center in Cabot.

In the past the local dispatchers also served as the jailers. Since both jobs required 24 hour shifts, it was economically feasible to combine the responsibilities. Even with this budgetcutting effort, the jail has not been cost effective. If jailers have to be hired and the cells are empty or not used by Federal prisoners (who pay the city well), the city could be in the red some $177,000 next year. Other towns such as England and Lonoke have closed their jails and use the County facility. That is what

Carlisle will have to do. It is not the decision that the police want, but there is not much that can be done given the obvious financial shortfall. Further, the jail will not be paid for for two more years. No action was taken. Some of the Council members suggested that a town meeting be held to explain it to the public. The members reminded those in attendance that the police will not be affected. The Police Department will function as usual. Those who are arrested will be taken to the County jail for in-take. Another issue was the progress on the Concession Stand. Kevin Kegley reported that because of the effort of volunteers that considerable progress had been made at Rockefeller Park. Everything has been done except for the fire suppression system and the vent-a-hood. He is waiting for a decision from the Council to see if those two things will be part of the design. As it is now, it will pass inspection to sell packaged goods. If anything is to be cooked, it will have to have the vent-ahood and that will take an additional $20,000 for that equipment and the finishing touches.

The decision on the grant will not be made until late December or January at the earliest, and then it might be some time before the funds are available. However, the City will have to have their part of the matching funds upfront. Neither the $20,000 needed to complete Rockefeller Park or any upfront matching funds are available. This led to a discussion about possible ways to get money. Mike Stuart

suggested donations from concerned people. Perhaps there could be a plaque put at the Concession Stand showing the names of those who give.

No action was taken.

Andrew Silverman reported that the Youth Basketball season was successfully underway due to volunteers working with the school system.

He complimented both groups and pointed out that it was a real show of community support at a time when it was really needed.

Brief reports were received from each department. The mosquito control program was complimented. Some of the streets were being paved after a long delay. The leaf and limb machine is down. It threw a rod and will need serious repair.

Following these reports, Clay Waliski took the floor. He recounted the history of the vote of the A and P tax and the conflict that it had caused. He suggested that the Council “throw everything out, anything that’s not working, question everything” and keep the public more in the know.

He handed out a two page manifesto that he said he would publish on his Facebook page. (The reporter wasn’t given one.) This document includes his suggestions for what he believes will improve the city.

The meeting was adjourned. Those present were Kevin Kegley, Anne Anderson, Mary Eddelman, Ashley Golleher, Andrew Silverman and Jon Plafcan, Mayor Glover, Mike Stuart and Sissy Ingle.

CHS

dance team named runner up...

Congratulations to the Carlisle Senior High Dance Team! They finished as the 1A-4A C State Runner-Up! These girls, alongside Coach Hearn, have worked tirelessly to achieve this incredible accomplishment and bring home this well-deserved hardware.

State Capitol Week in Review

From Senator Ronald Caldwell

LITTLE ROCK – The governor proposed a balanced budget for legislators to consider during the 2025 session when they set spending levels for state government agencies.

Arkansas operates under a balanced budget, but the governor’s proposal is important because it outlines her spending priorities for Fiscal Year 2026. We are now in the middle of Fiscal Year 2025, which ends on June 30, 2025.

Under the governor’s proposal, state government would grow 2.89 percent next fiscal year.

The governor listed her priorities as education, maternal health, public safety and government efficiency.

Next year all Arkansas students will be eligible for Education Freedom Accounts, which were created by the legislature in 2023 when it approved the LEARNS Act. The EFA program helps families pay tuition at private schools.

Because of high interest in the EFA program, the governor said, her budget proposal includes $90 million in additional funding to accommodate new students. Another $90 million in one time “set aside” money would be available in case demand exceeds expectations.

The Public School Fund would be almost $2.5 billion. Institutions of higher education would receive $777 million in state aid.

About $50 million would be added to the budget of state prisons, bringing the total to about $483 million.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) would receive almost $1.9 billion in state funds. Its total budget is much larger because it receives federal matching funds. The agency’s total budget is more than $11 billion.

The Division of Youth Services would receive an increase in state funding of $4.3 million, raising its budget to $53.4 million.

Legislators questioned whether the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services would get a budget increase.

Administration officials said that employees within the division would qualify for raises under the governor’s proposed pay plan.

The governor has announced a proposed pay plan for state employees that would pay for salary increases for frontline workers.

The governor’s proposal includes $13 million in new Medicaid funding to pay for improvements in maternal health care

recommended by the Strategic Committee on Maternal Health. The division that administers Medicaid is slated to receive about $1.4 billion in state funding. Federal funding accounts for about 71 percent of Medicaid spending in Arkansas, which totaled more than $9 billion last fiscal year. Under the state Constitution the legislature has ultimate authority to approve budgets for state government. Arkansas operates under a balanced budget law known as the Revenue Stabilization Act, which prioritizes state agency spending requests. The state’s general revenue budget comes mostly from sales taxes, individual income taxes and corporate income taxes. Under the governor’s proposal, next year’s general revenue budget will be an estimated $6.8 billion, with a surplus of almost $300 million. Setting budgets is one of the legislature’s most time-consuming duties. During the legislative session that begins January 13, the Joint Budget Committee and its subcommittees will meet more often than any other committees.

HES has “Lunch with Loved Ones”...

Students at Hazen Elementary School hosted “Lunch with Loved Ones” for all of the classes on various days. Here is a

picture of Jeri Ruth Duch and Amber Thomas with their loved ones and a delicious lunch.

Des Arc can’t keep up with Conway Christian in second half

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Des Arc Eagles

gave Conway Christian all it wanted for four quarters but fell 50-34 in the second round of the Class 2A state playoffs Friday night at Mission Field in Conway. With the loss, Des Arc ends its season at 9-3. Conway Christian is now 12-0 and will play Junction City in the semifinals.

Des Arc jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and led 22-14 at halftime.

Conway Christian

scored two touchdowns in the third quarter to take a 28-22 lead.

However, Des Arc would not go away, tying the game at 28-28 early in the fourth quarter.

From there, Conway Christian outscored Des Arc 22-6 to get the victory.

Des Arc’s Daviyon Bell led his Eagles with 152 yards rushing and a touchdown on 23 carries. He also scored two two-point conversions. Jamie Collins rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.

Hudson Goodman rushed for 37 yards and three touchdowns on 13

carries.

Defensively, Dylan

Skarda led Des Arc with nine tackles.

“I’m proud of our young men and everything they have been through,” Des Arc coach Brandon Barbaree said.

“Our 11 seniors laid it on the line every day for the Eagles, and it was a great group of young men.

“We had a chance, but we just made too many mistakes with three turnovers and missed too many tackles to beat a good team. Congratulations to Conway Christian and Coach Kramer.”

Bison season ends with loss to Junction City

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

A state championship will have to wait another year for the Carlisle Bison.

Carlisle fell to Junction City 43-14 in the quarterfinal round of the Class 2A state playoffs Friday night at Fred C. Hardke Field.

With the loss, the Bison end the season at 11-1. Junction City advances to play Conway Christian in the semifinals this Friday in Conway.

Carlisle fell behind 160 before finally getting on the board with 7:10 left in the first half.

Quarterback Ty Tanksley threw a 20yard touchdown pass to Gavin Davis. Jimmy Cham kicked the extra point. From there, Junction City took complete con-

trol of the game, scoring the next 27 points to lead 43-7 in the fourth quarter.

The Bison got a touchdown on a run by Lawson Petrus with 6:23 left in the game. Cham kicked the extra point to account for the final score.

The Dragons rushed for 451 yards in the victory.

Dominque Grimes rushed for 340 yards and four touchdowns on 26 carries.

“The Grimes kid may be the best player I’ve seen during my time here at Carlisle,”

Carlisle coach Gary Wilson said. “They figured it out offensively. When we played them at the beginning of the year, they were trying to run a traditional spread offense. We’re pretty tough defensively against things like that. Now, the put their best

athletes back there, and they run behind their big offensive line. It’s tough to handle.”

The Bison seniors have accomplished a lot during their three-year run. They won 33 games, back-to-back conference titles and played for a state title as sophomores two years ago.

“I’m really proud of those guys,” Wilson said. “I’m definitely going to miss them. The 10-0 regular season is the first in 13 years,” Wilson said, referring to Carlisle being undefeated until losing to Strong-Huttig in the Class 2A title game in 2011. “Coincidentally, I feel like our game with Junction is similar to that game with Strong. Strong had Kenneth Dixon, and Junction has Dominique Grimes. They are just special players.”

Lady Bison break skid with win over Brinkley

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

After starting the season 0-4, the Carlisle Lady Bison broke the skid with a 62-31 win over Brinkley on Nov. 19. Carlisle led 15-7 after one quarter and 36-17 at halftime. Bliss Parker made four three-pointers in the second quarter

while D’Shya Bunch scored seven points, including going 5 for 6 from the free throw line in the second quarter.

The Lady Bison outscored the Lady Tigers 10-7 in the third quarter and 16-7 in the fourth quarter to get the win.

Parker led the Lady Bison with 20 points. Bunch had 15. Bailey

Dawson had seven. Tyler Lee and McKenna Ellis had six points each. Angie Petrus and Tessa Sanders had three points each. Presley Parker had two. Carlisle is off until playing at Mariana in the 2A-6 conference opener Dec. 3. They host Hazen, which is fielding a girls team this season, Dec. 6 at Bison Arena.