Hazen decks out for annual Christmas in the Park
of Commerce held its annual “Christmas in the Park” on Monday, December 2 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The event kicks off the Christmas Holiday season every year, and this year there was the added addition of a fullsized ferris wheel by the depot. Jennifer Kelly chaired the project.
Charles Ray Ingle
Charles Ray Ingle of Des Arc, AR passed from his earthly home this morning, November 26 at Unity Health Hospital in Searcy.
proceeded in death by his parents, step-mother Audrey Ingle and two brothers, Bruce Ingle and Anthony Ingle.
Charles was born to Leonard and Gwendolyn (Burnett) Ingle, Sr., on October 31, 1950, in Hazen. He attended Des Arc Schools graduating 12th grade. After graduation Charles began cutting hair for Walls Barber Shop. Later, opening his own barber business.
In 1979, after a short courtship, he asks the love of his life Vickie McCann of Lonoke, if she would marry him. She said, “are you proposing?” He said just checking out my options!!! On June 9, 1979, they were united in marriage by her brother, Pastor Freddie McCann. They made their home in Des Arc and have been there since that time.
Charles is well known in Prairie County for the way he played the piano. He loved attending revivals and church services, providing music for anyone singing.
Charles leaves behind his lovely wife, Vickie, two brothers Johnny (Tammy) Rogers of Des Arc and Jimmy (Sharon) Rogers of Flippin, nieces and nephews. He was
Edward O'Neal Moran
Van Horn Construction in Russellville. His craftsmanship graced many homes and businesses, earning him a reputation for excellence in carpentry and cabinet building.
Edward O'Neal Moran, affectionately known as Ed, passed away peacefully at his home in Carlisle, Arkansas, on November 26, 2024, at the age of 82, surrounded by his loving family. Born to Edward O'Neal Sr. and Ludy Moran, Ed was a cherished member of the Carlisle community and a former resident of Russellville, Arkansas.
Ed is survived by his devoted wife, Mary, of 57 years, his children Tracy Moran (Claudia) and Kristi Hyde, and his grandchildren Meghan Shannon (Paul), Emily Godsey (Blake), Katie Moran, and Trace Hyde. He was a proud great-grandfather to Braylee, Brystol, Bryndli June, Brytinn, and Brylah Shannon. Ed is also survived by his brother, John Moran 0udy), and numerous nieces and nephews.
A 1960 graduate of Carlisle High School, Ed furthered his education at Ouachita Baptist University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He began his career in retail but found his true calling as a finish carpenter with
Ed served his country with dedication, retiring from the Arkansas National Guard after 24 years. In retirement, he returned to Carlisle, where he continued to share his skills and compassion. Through the Ozark Mission Project, he participated in mission trips with his daughter-in-law, Claudia. He was known for his generosity in building yard signs for local football teams, always supporting the Carlisle Bison.
A member of the Carlisle Methodist Church, Ed will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for his community and family, all who knew him, will cherish his legacy of love and service.
A visitation will be Tuesday, December 3, 2024 beginning at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen, Arkansas.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Carlisle Methodist Church followed by interment at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock at 1:00 PM. 10:00 PM
National guard helps out...
Members of the National Guard in Hazen helped to hand out food to Prairie County residents at the last food distribution day at the Hazen First United Methodist Church. Guard members participate in the food handout every month, and their help is much appreciated by the distribution organizer, David Hoover.
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
Area teams have great seasons again
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
Football in the Grand Prairie continued to be above par with the rest of the state again this season.
Carlisle, Hazen and Des Arc had a combined record of 25-10 with all three teams advancing to the Class 2A playoffs again.
Carlisle was the class of the three local teams, going 11-1 with its only loss coming to Junction City in the quarterfinal round of the Class 2A state playoffs.
The Bison ran roughshod through the regular season, going 10-0. Their closest game was a 28-20 win over rival Hazen. The Bison had to rally in the fourth quarter to get the win. Hazen had a great game plan that night, led by quarterback JJ
Pinkney, who was injured late in the fourth quarter and was not able to play in the playoffs.
Carlisle was led by freshman quarterback Ty Tanksley, who rewrote the record book all season, throwing for more than 300 yards in several games. His favorite target was Gavin Davis, who would get by any defender guarding him and take it to the house.
Des Arc’s vaunted running game, which is similar to what Carlisle ran for more than 30 years, The Eagles had a chance to win the conference title but fell to East Poinsett County, which is playing for the Class 2A state title this Friday against Conway Christian. Des Arc was able to
control the clock on almost every opponent but Carlisle. Even in losses to EPC and Conway Christian in the playoffs, Des Arc had chances to win both games.
The Eagles led Conway Christian by two touchdowns in the first half before falling 50-36. Hazen struggled early while trying to find an identity. Once the Hornets did, they were a formidable opponent.
Starting the season 0-3, Hazen won three in a row late in the regular season to get to 5-4 then play Carlisle for the conference title. While the Hornets came up short against their rival, they were still in the playoffs. However, Conway Christian proved to be too much for Hazen.
Lady Hornets restart program with win over CAC
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Hazen Lady Hornets wasted no time in getting back into the win column.
Playing their first game since Feb. 15, 2022, Hazen rallied from a 19-point deficit to beat traditional power Central Arkansas Christian 38-33 on Nov. 11. It was the Lady Hornets’ first win since beating Maumelle Charter 29-21 on Feb. 6, 2020.
“We’ve been working all summer,” Hazen
coach Briana Austin said. “Coming off the jamboree we played in Earle, they were a little nervous. It’s like I told the girls. We’re young. We have one freshman, five sophomores and one junior and one senior. We’re a young team. They just had to find their footing in that first game and start trusting each other.”
Austin said that happened late in the fourth quarter. “When it happened, we were able to make a major comeback,” she said.
Melody Schlenker led Hazen with 13 points. Kiona Anderson had 12. Jalynn Thomas had eight. London Smith had five.
Following the win over CAC, Hazen dropped games to DeWitt and Harrisburg.
“I think the program is going in the right direction,” Austin said. “I have a good group of girls, who are dedicated and want to get better. They want to win. They have great support systems too.”
(Ruth Corley photo.)
Another turkey on the table ...
by Dr. James L. Snyder
It was a Monday morning, and I was busy starting my week by organizing my schedule and some of my projects. The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage came to my door, looked in, and said, "Are you ready for the week?" I don't recall her ever asking me that question, but I looked at her and said, "Well, I'm trying to work through my to-do list for the week." "You do know what week it is," she said with a friendly smirk. I was a little confused because I didn't know what she was getting after. As far as I'm concerned, a week is a week.
Then she responded, "This week is Thanksgiving. Are you ready for our family Thanksgiving dinner?"
It caught me slightly surprised, and I just looked at her and said, "Oh, my. I completely forgot that this was Thanksgiving week."
Colossians
3:17
Calvary Baptist Church West North Front Street, Hazen, AR
Phone: (870) 255 - 4038
Christian VanHouten, pastor
Sunday School: 9:50 AM
Worship: 10:45 AM BTC: 6 PM
Evening Worship 6:45 PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7 PM
First Baptist Church
224 N. Hazen Ave.
Hazen, AR 72064
Phone: (870) 255 - 4464
Sunday Service
Sunday School: 10:00 AM
Morning Worship: 11:00 AM
Evening Worship: 6:00
PM Wednesday Service
Adult Bible Study and Prayer 7:00 PM Children's Program 7:00
PM "HYPE" Youth 7:00 PM
She laughed and walked out of my office and back to the kitchen, where she prepared for the family's Thanksgiving dinner. I sat back in my chair and thought
Center Point Missionary Baptist Church 2997, Center Point Road, Hazen, AR Bro. Brad Crumby Pastor
Sunday School: 10 AM
Worship: 10:50 AM BTC: 5 PM Worship: 5:50 PM Wednesday - Youth Night - 6:30 PM Hazen First United Methodist Church 211 North Hazen Avenue, Hazen, AR Phone (870) 255 - 4657
Pastor Chris Wright Sunday School: 9:45 AM Worship Service: 10:55 AM
Hazen Church of Christ 204 Adams Street, Hazen, AR. Phone (870) 255 - 3633 Sunday - Bible Study: 10
AM Worship Service: 11 AM Sunday Night: 6 PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7 PM
about this briefly. I could not believe that it was Thanksgiving again. Didn't we celebrate it last year? I thought for a moment and remembered that we did, and we had a wonderful time as we gathered around the family table. Now, another Thanksgiving. We have Abraham Lincoln to thank for this national holiday, and I'm grateful. I have no problem with having such a holiday in the kind of world that we live in today. It is very hard to find anybody who is thankful for anything. As I was thinking about it, I realized that time goes quickly. We celebrated Thanksgiving only 52 weeks ago. I am trying to remember those days, and I would have to check my calendar to see what happened during those days. But time flies by. It's not so much that time flies by as forgetting what's happening.
I can get up at the beginning of the week and start on Monday, and before I know it, it's Friday, and I've got to close shop. I guess I need to blame my age for that. I remember that, as a
St. Peters Episcopal Church
Highway 86, Tollville, AR.
Worship Service: 9 AM
Sunday School: 10:30AM
Family Christian Fellowship 603 W WashingtonHazen, AR.
Pastor Scott Skarda 501-516-5971
Sunday: 10 AM, Wed, 6:30 PM
New Bethel MB Church 8525 New Bethel Road
P.O. Box 87 Hazen, AR.
Pastor Bro. Freddie
McCann Sunday School 10 am
Sunday Service 11 am
Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church
Pastor Dyrek Foshee
7474 Highway 86 North, Hazen, AR
Sunday School: 10 AMService: 11 AM
Sunday Night: 5 PM
Prairie Chapel MB Church Center of North Washington & Woodlawn, Hazen, AR.
Rev. Maurice WilliamsPastor
Sunday School: 9:30AM Worship: 11AM
Wednesday 7 PM Bible Study
Carlisle Pentecostal
Church of God Scott & McDonald Sts., Carlisle, AR.
Phone 501-438-1643
Pastor Daniel Strength Sunday School: 10 AM
Sunday Worship Service: 11 AM
Sunday Evening Service: 6 PM Wednesday Evening Service: 7 PM
Mt Zion MB Church
Rt 2 Carlisle, AR
Rev. Cruthfield, Pastor Sun. School 9:45 A.M. Worship 11 A.M. Wed Prayer & Bible Class 7 P.M.
Fellowship M. B.
Church
Rev. Russell Penn, Jr. Senior Pastor 209 E. Claire St. Des Arc, AR 72040 (870) – 256-3622
Sunday School – 9:45 am Worship Service – 11:00 am
First Pentecostal
Church of Prairie County
3201 Hwy. 70 E., Hazen, AR (870) 255-9177
Pastor J N Holmes
Sunday 10 A.M.
Wednesday 7 P.M.
First Baptist Church
319 Court St., P. O. Box 25, Carlisle, AR
Phone (870) 552 - 7732
David Lee - Pastor Sun School: 9:45 AM Worship: 11 AM Awana: 5 PMWorship: 7 PM
Holy Temple COGIC
Elder McFadden, Pastor
St. John's Lutheran Church
Fifth and College Streets, Stuttgart, AR
Phone (870) 673 - 2858
Rev. Andrew Toopes, Pastor Worship: 8:00 am10:15 am
Sunday School & Bible
Class: 9:15 AM
Radio - KWAK 10:15 AM Sundays
www.stuttgartlutheran.co m
teenager, time was so slow. I couldn't get it to speed up and get on the way. I was in 10th grade and couldn't wait to get to 12th grade in order to graduate. I'm unsure, but somebody snuck in two 11th grades without me knowing it. Sitting in my chair, I look back and realize how far I have come. Thinking along this line, I remembered how a friend used to say, "If you could go back in time, where would you go?" I often think about that. Every once in a while, I'm reminded of something that happened 50 years ago. I don't know why it popped into my mind at that time. Watching something on TV will remind me of something that happened when I was young. If I could see forward as clearly as I see backward, it would truly change the way I live. But it doesn't work that way. I am ready for another turkey on the table this year. I don't have to look back and think about the turkey on the table last year because I can eat that one. The one I can eat is the one that's going to be on the table this coming Thursday.
Carlisle First Methodist Church 215 East Third St., Carlisle, AR
Pastor - Joe Lowe
Phone (870) 552 - 7789
Sunday School: 9:45 AM Worship: 10:45 AM
Immanuel Baptist Church
Pastor Bill Ricks Highway 13 North Carlisle, AR.
Phone (870) 552 - 3100
Sunday School: 9:45 AM Worship:11 AM
Sunday Evening: 6 PM
Wednesday Evening: 7 PM
Landmark Baptist Church 517 East Third, Carlisle, AR.
Phone (870) 552 - 3568
Pastor Albert Young
Sunday School: 9:45 AM
Worship: 10:45 AM
BTC 6 PM - Worship 7
PM Wed. Evening: 7:30 PM
St. Rose Catholic Church Highway 70, Carlisle,AR.
Phone (870) 552 - 3601
Father Shaun Wesley Sunday Mass 10:30AM English 12:00PM Spanish
Tuesday Mass 6:00 PM
Wednesday Mass in Spanish 5:30 PM Holy Hour & Confessions 6:05 PM
Friday (except First Friday) Mass 8:30AM Saturday Mass in English 5:00 PM
United Methodist Church of DeValls Bluff
Highway 70 West, DeValls Bluff AR.
Pastor Chris Wright
Sunday Morning Worship: 9 AM
First Baptist Church of DeValls Bluff
Pastor Bobby Powers
P. O. Box 358 Highway 70 West, DeValls Bluff, AR.
Phone (870) 998 - 7118
Sunday School: 9:45 AM
Morning Worship: 11 AM
Evening Worship: 5 PM
Wednesday Evening: 7 PM
Mount Olive MB Church Highway 70, DeValls Bluff, AR. Rev. Tony Haskins
Sunday School: 9:30AM Worship Service: 11 AM
Peppers Lake Church of Christ Hwy 302, SE of DeValls Bluff, AR.
Sunday-Bible Study: 10 AM Worship: 11 AM
Evening Service: 6 PM
Wednesday - Bible Study: 7 PM
Union Chapel FreeWill Baptist Church Metcalf Road, Rt.1, DeValls Bluff, AR
Pastor Darrell Foster
Sunday School: 9:30 AM
Worship Service: 11 AM
Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church Highway 86, Slovak, AR.
Fr. Shaun Wesley, School: 9:45 AM Mass: 8:30 AM Thursday Holy Hours 5:00 pm and Mass at 6:00pm Biscoe Baptist Church Biscoe, AR.
Pastor David Rogers
Sunday School: 10 AM
Some of the best things about Thanksgiving for me are, of course, the turkey, but then there is the pumpkin pie. Whoever came up with that idea of a pumpkin pie, I would just like to shake their hand and thank them for all the good times I had on Thanksgiving with pumpkin pie. One of the good things about Thanksgiving is that I can eat and get away with it. If I had one piece of pumpkin pie, I would say, "Could I have another piece of pumpkin pie?" And because it's a Thanksgiving dinner, nobody can say no, not even The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. When I asked that question, she looked at me with one of "her looks" and carefully shook her head in the negative position, but that's about all she could do. That's the one thing I love about Thanksgiving. I can get away with it. I can't think of anything around the Thanksgiving table that I don't like. The food is magnificent. And the pies are just wonderful. My goal around the table is to ensure that
Worship Service: 11 AM & 7 PM
Training 6 PMWed. Service 7 PM
First Assembly of God Hwy 33 and U.S. 70 Biscoe, Arkansas Sunday Services: 10:30 A.M., 6 P.M.
Wednesdays WNYG, Kids Club, Bible Study 7 P.M.
St. John's Baptist Church Biscoe, AR 870-998-2777 Sunday School 10 A.M. Worship 11 A.M. Rev. William Brownpastor
Holy Temple Church of God in Christ Elder James Clark, Pastor Sunday School: 9:30 AM Worship Service: 11 AM
Jehovah Community Temple Church 710 Sycamore St, DeValls Bluff, AR Elder Ronnie Mosby Sunday 10:30 AM Monday Bible School 7 PM
Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Adam Bowman Hwy. 70 West of DeValls Bluff Sunday School-10:00
the pumpkin pie vanishes without The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage knowing it's happening. While eating the first bite of my first pumpkin pie, I will lift my fork in the air and say, "I want to thank The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage for such a wonderful menu today." Everybody around the table will shout, "Yes." And that solves a lot of my difficulties on Thanksgiving. Pass on the pumpkin pie. As I was thinking about Thanksgiving, I couldn't help but think of Colossians 3:17: "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." A thankful heart is a heart that pleases God. I want to please God every day no matter what it costs me. The best way to thank God is to be thankful for all my family and friends. Some of those may not be here next Thanksgiving.
Dr. James L. Snyder lives in Ocala, FL with the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. Telephone 1-352-216-3025, e-mail jamessnyder51@gmail. com, website www.jamessnyderministries.com
or sold at public sale to the highest bidder if not claimed within 45 days and constitutes a waiver by the owner and the lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle.
To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8am5pm, and provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges. Please contact us immediately at 870-255-3305 if you wish to pick up the above-mentioned vehicle. Rick Wiggins, Owner Rick’s Automotive and Wrecker Service. To Whom it May Concern. A
letters sent to the owner and lien holder (if any) via mail. The above amounts do not reflect the 11% tax that is due upon releasing the vehicle. Tower storage & administrative costs are accuring daily as legal liability of the owner, Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first priority lien on the said vehicle and its contents 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 the lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8am5pm, and provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges. Please contact us immediately at 870-255-3305 if you wish to pick up the above-mentioned vehicle. Rick Wiggins, Owner Rick’s Automotive and Wrecker Service.
To Whom it May Concern. A 2023 Chevy Silverado VIN # 1GCGK13U63F169888, The above mentioned vehicle was towed to our lot on February 2, 2024 per request of the Owner of the vehicle, and was towed to storage lot of 1111 Highway 70 West in Hazen. The initial fee due is $450.00, and additionally The storage fee due is $50.00 per day and continues to accumulate daily. The administrative fees due are $150.00 for the processing of the lien, the processing of a stolen vehicle report by our Police Department and the processing of certified letters sent to the owner and lien holder (if any) via mail. The above amounts do not reflect the 11% tax that is due upon releasing the vehicle. Tower storage & administrative costs are accuring daily as legal liability of the owner, Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first priority lien on the said vehicle and its contents 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 the lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle.
To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8am5pm, and provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges. Please contact us immediately at 870-255-3305 if you wish to pick up the above-mentioned vehicle. Rick Wiggins, Owner Rick’s Automotive and Wrecker Service.
To Whom it May Concern. A 2024 Toyota Corolla VIN # JTND4MBE8R3231810, The above mentioned vehicle was towed to our lot on November 11, 2024 per request of Arkansas State Police, and was towed to storage lot of 1111 Highway 70 West in Hazen. The initial fee due is $250.00, and additionally The storage fee due is $50.00 per day and continues to accumulate daily. The administrative fees due are $150.00 for the processing of the lien, the processing of a stolen vehicle report by our Police Department and the processing of certified letters sent to the owner and lien holder (if any) via mail. The above amounts do not reflect the 11% tax that is due upon releasing the vehicle. Tower storage & administrative costs are accuring daily as legal liability of the owner, Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first priority lien on the said vehicle and its contents 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 the lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle.
To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8am5pm, and provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges. Please contact us immediately at 870-255-3305 if you wish to pick up the above-mentioned vehicle. Rick Wiggins, Owner Rick’s Automotive and Wrecker Service.
LITTLE ROCK – The state Senate held its traditional organizational meeting to name its leaders and choose committee assignments.
Senator Bart Hester of Cave Springs (Benton County) had previously been elected President Pro Tempore of the Senate for the 95th General Assembly. On January 13, the first day of the 2025 legislative session, he will be officially installed. It will be his second term, and he will be the third senator in the modern era to serve two terms as the
leader of the Senate.
Senator Jonathan Dismang of Searcy will be Senate co-chair of the Joint Budget Committee.
During legislative sessions, Joint Budget and its subcommittees will review in detail all state government spending requests. All appropriations that authorize state government expenditures must be approved by Joint Budget.
Senator Dismang was elected President Pro Tempore during the 89th General Assembly, after the resignation of the incumbent President. He
From Senator Ronald Caldwell
was then elected President Pro Tempore for the 90th and 91st General Assemblies.
Besides Senators Hester and Dismang, Senator William Norrell of Monticello was the only other senator in the modern era to be elected twice as President Pro Tem. He served from 1933 through 1936.
Senator Ben Gilmore of Crossett will be Senate co-chair of the Legislative Council.
Senator Jim Petty of Van Buren will be Senate cochair of the Legislative Joint Auditing
Committee.
Council and Audit are two of the most important committees that meet in the interim between legislative sessions, monitoring the operations of state agencies and making sure appropriations are properly spent.
Senator Terry Rice of Waldron will be Senate co-chair of the Joint Performance Review Committee. Commonly referred to as JPR, it reviews the performance of programs and agencies. JPR can hold hearings on government operations initiated by citizens and has authority to investigate violations of election law, with authority to subpoena documents and records.
Senator Blake Johnson of Corning will be Majority Leader and Senator Breanne Davis of Russellville will be Majority Whip. Senator Greg Leding of Fayetteville will be Minority Leader and Senator Fred Love of Little Rock will be Minority Whip.
The Senate has nine standing committees that
will review all proposed legislation filed during the session, depending on its subject matter.
Senator Missy Irvin of Mountain View will chair the Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee. Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr., of Texarkana will chair the Revenue and Taxation Committee.
Senator Jane English of North Little Rock will chair the Education Committee and Senator Alan Clark of Lonsdale will chair the Judiciary Committee. Senator Ronald Caldwell of Wynne will chair the Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development Committee.
In addition to his duties as Majority Leader, Senator Blake Johnson will chair the Insurance and Commerce Committee. Senator Gary Stubblefield of Branch (Logan County) will chair the City, County and Local Affairs Committee and Senator Scott Flippo of Bull Shoals will chair the State Agencies and Governmental Affairs
Committee. Senator Ricky Hill of Cabot will chair the Transportation,Technolog y and Legislative Affairs Committee.
Senator Jim Dotson of Bentonville will be Senate co-chair of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs. Senator Gilmore, the senate cochair of Council, also will chair the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth. Senator Mark Johnson of Ferndale will be Senate co-chair of the Joint Energy Committee. Senator Kim Hammer of Benton will chair the Efficiency Committee and Senator Davis, the Majority Whip, will chair the Senate Rules Committee.
Arkansas House of Representatives says
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are starting to think about our shopping lists and where we want to spend our hard-earned money. Now is the perfect time to consider supporting small businesses in Arkansas. First and foremost, shopping at small businesses is a direct way to support your local community. With over 280,000 small businesses across the state, they represent 99.3% of all Arkansas businesses. By choosing to shop locally, you’re not just supporting the owners and employees of these establishments; you’re contributing to the economic health of your neighborhood. Small businesses are often the backbone of communities, providing jobs and a unique sense of identity. In fact, 47.5% of all Arkansas employees work for small businesses, underscoring their importance in our local economy. Many small retailers curate products made locally or sourced from independent artisans, allowing you to give truly one-of-a-kind gifts to your loved ones. By supporting these businesses, you are investing in the creativity and talent of artists and craftsmen within your community. Moreover, when you spend your dollars at small businesses, you ensure that a significant portion stays within the local economy. Research indicates that 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business remains in the community, creating a ripple effect that helps to create jobs and contribute to the overall economic well-being of your area. This reinvestment is crucial, especially during the holiday season when many businesses are counting on the influx of seasonal shoppers to sustain them through the year. Additionally, small businesses play a critical role in job creation, accounting for two-thirds of net new jobs in our country. They drive innovation and competition, which ultimately benefits consumers by providing more choices and better services.
This holiday season, let’s celebrate local businesses and the vital role they play in making Arkansas a vibrant place to live and work.