December 6, 2023 edition

75¢

Maple Healthcare turkeys. (See page 6.)

Volume 122 Number 49 - USPS 225-680

Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie

donates

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Community Calendar of Events Hazen Senior Center opens daily from 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

Lunch is served from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday December 5 PC Master Gardeners Awards and Christmas Party Hazen Methodist Church 6:00 p.m.

Friday December 8 Hornets @ Des Arc Eagles 4:30 p.m.

7B, JG, SB Monday December 11 Blood Drive Hazen Methodist Church 3:00 p.m.-6:00 Christmas in the Park has been rescheduled for Monday, December 11 due to expected rain on Saturday.

Carlisle School Board Meeting 6:00 p.m

Carlisle has “decked the halls” for Christmas...

The Carlisle “Christmas Ladies” have decorated the city’s streets and shops in anticipation of the the Christmas holidays. They are also having fundraising events during the month of December. Above is a Snow Village presentation in a window. Below are pictures of a Christmas tree, the city street at night, and one of Santa’s reindeer rarin’ to go.

Des Arc Council approves Christmas bonuses

By Lisa Mills The Des Arc City Council approved Christmas Bonuses at their November 28th meeting.

All city employees will receive a $500 bonus in December. The council also discussed employee raises to be included in the 2024 budget which will be approved in January. Keith Knupp recommended a 5% raise for all employees.

Comptroller Carlee Fisher stated that a 5% increase is included in the proposed 2024 budget. Judy Burnett recommended the council have

a work meeting with Fisher before approving the final budget.

Sheriff Rick Hickman presented a letter requesting an increase in the dispatcher salary.

There are two dispatchers and Hazen pays for one and Des Arc pays for one. The increase requested is for $19,000 annually. Jodie Mayher stated that Hickman said the increase should have been done over the last several years but since it hadn’t been it has caught up now to this amount. Fisher stated that the increase is included in the pro-

Tuesday December 12 Caregiver Support Group Hazen Senior Center 10:00 a.m.

posed 2024 budget. The increase was approved to bring the annual salary to $31,200.

Gail King gave a report for the Animal Control committee.

The committee met on November 14th with Mayor Scott, Animal Control Officer Karmen Sutton, volunteer Amy Patterson and representatives from Best Friends Animal Society.

BFAS operates the nation’s largest animal sanctuary providing adoption programs.

Spay/neuter programs, educational programs, and assistance to municipalities to provide the best animal control programs. The goal of meeting with BFAS is to receive guidance for the city’s animal control ordinance, update the city’s Dangerous Dog Policy, update the city’s shelter, and educate animal owners.

After a tour of the city’s shelter, BFAS made several recommendations for improvements and pro-

vided plans and paperwork to use in applying for grants. BFAS will also provide microchip equipment and educate Patterson and Sutton to be able to chip all animals captured and scan animals when they are captured.

Patterson reported that Sutton is doing a great job and that she has partnered with Pulaski County Humane Society to get free dog food, medicines, and other items.

Patterson said that these items are also available for pet owners in need. Patterson said that she and Sutton are trying to work with repeat offenders to find out why dogs are loose and why they are not complying with city regulations. Sutton reported that there are currently 10 dogs at the shelter. In the last six months 54 puppies and 24 kittens have been spayed/neutered and sent out for adoption.

King reported that the EAST students are

wanting to help with walking, playing, cleaning, and anything they can help with. Knupp asked if there needs to be a liability waiver for students and parents to sign.

King said that BFAS had given her a sample waiver that she would give the attorney so he could write one for Des Arc. Police Chief Dewayne Mayher provided a written report for January through November. The report shows 30 felony drug arrests, 21 misdemeanor drug arrests10 other felony arrests, and 225 traffic citations.

Numerous warrants were served for failure to appear, failure to pay, and probation violations. The ambulance report showed 47 runs in November.

Mayor Roger Scott, Treasurer/Recorder Janice Huffstickler, and council members Doug Estes, Keith Knupp, Judy Burnett, Nicole Fisher, and Gail King were present.

Community events are brought to you by the Hazen Chamber of Commerce and the

It’s Angel Tree time...

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

Every year the Prairie County Department of Human Services puts up Angel Trees throughout the county. Community members can go to Cadence Bank in Hazen, F&M Bank in Hazen and DesArc, or Merchants & Planters Bank in DesArc and choose to buy a present for a local needy child.

Angels/presents must be returned by 12/11/23 to the Prairie County DHS office in DeValls Bluff.

Donations can be made to: Prairie County Angel Tree PO Box 356, DeValls Bluff, AR 72041

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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, December 6, 2023

GFWC Elsie McCain meets

By Chris Weems

Joyce Hill Madar Joyce Hill Madar, age 72, died Sunday, November 26th at Northside Forsyth Hospital in Cu m m i n g , GA. Joyce was born December 8, 1950 in Hazen, Arkansas to John Raymond and Lessie (Wyatt) Hill. Joyce was a 1968 graduate of Hazen High School and attended Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

On Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1970, she married her husband, Larry James Madar, of 41 years of marriage. To this union was born one child, Melody Madar Scott, seven years after their marriage.

When she was younger, she worked as a dental assistant for 7 years in Stuttgart, Arkansas.

Joyce loved beautiful flowers, music, and children. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen, Arkansas where she played the piano for the Busy Beavers children’s choir when Melody was younger.

Joyce earned the title of "Nene" on March 16, 2008, when her only grandchild, William Grant Abernathy was born. She had a great love for her only-daughter and only-grandson and loved to brag about them to everyone. Joyce was a lifetime resident of Hazen, AR until she moved to Cumming, GA in 2010. She loved to be on the go and cherished every adventure that she was able to experience with Melody and

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

Will after moving to Georgia. Joyce attended First Baptist Church in Cumming and was a member of the Harmony Ladies Sunday school class. She adored the friendship and fellowship that she built with this amazing group of ladies.

Joyce loved animals, especially her granddogs Shadow, Shelby, Axey, Arian, and Addy. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and fur babies.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Melody (Madar) Scott and sonin-law, Chris Scott of Ball Ground, GA. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Larry Madar, and her only grandchild William Grant Abernathy.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2023, 1:00p, at First Baptist Church Cumming, 1597 Sawnee Dr, Cumming, GA 3004. Dr. Robert Jolly will officiate.

Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service at First Baptist Cumming.

Interment will follow the service at Sawnee View Gardens, 1390 Dahlonega Hwy, Cumming, GA 30040.

Scott Huskins Funeral & Cremation Services is in charge of the a r r a n g e m e n t s .

678.771.5566 | scotthuskins.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joyce Sue (Hill) Madar, please visit our floral store.

Joe Randall Mills Joe Randall Mills, beloved Father and “PePaw”, left his earthly home, Sunday, November 26, 2023.

Randall was born to Joe Virgil & Lottie (Adams) Mills of Hazen, AR on June 11, 1955. Randall was a graduate of Hazen High School, where for a brief time, he drove a school bus. After graduating, he went to work for the Prairie County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy. After leaving the sheriff’s department, he went to work for Riceland Foods in Stuttgart, where he worked for many years.

Randall also worked at Lennox Industries and Wacken Hut Security/ G4 Security.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, metal detecting and playing the guitar (Rhythm, Bass and Steel). At the time of his passing, Randall was a member of Greenwood Missionary Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as instrumentalist and Sunday school teacher.

Randall was preceded in death by three sisters, Deanna June, Brenda Jane, and Shelia Ruth Mills, all of Hazen; and his parents, Virgil and Lottie Mills, of Hazen, Arkansas.

Those left to cherish his memories are his daughter, Jennie Cole, son, Joe Ryan (Sarah) Mills, and two grandchildren, Carlee and Laycee Mills, all of Hazen; and a host of other family members, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 from 5:00PM – 7:00PM at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen.

The funeral service was held on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 2:00PM, at Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen, interment followed at Center Point Cemetery.

Martha Ann Sumner Martha Ann Sumner, age 49, of Carlisle, passed away Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at Baptist H e a l t h Hospice in L i t t l e Rock. Ann was a strong person and battled the cancer that finally took her.

She is survived by her children, Dalton Evans and wife, Kay of Grapevine, Texas and Ashtyn Evans of North Little Rock; her mother, Mary Wells Sumner of Carlisle and a brother, Ken Sumner and wife, Angela of Lonoke; a very special niece and nephew, Mary Katherine King and husband, Tanner and Mathew Sumner of Lonoke. Ann was preceded in death by her father, Richard Sumner.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, December 1, 2023 at the First Baptist Church in Carlisle with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. prior to the service.

GFWC Elsie McCain Club met Thursday, November 16, at the home of the club president, Chris Weems. The president gave the invocation.

After the buffet lunch, the members discussed current events.

President Weems discussed News and Notes from GFWC. Members may want to look at the project MADD, Mothers

Against Drunk Drivers, since it has not been used as a primary project for some time.

Operation Smile will be the first project and should be in the works now as it will be due soon.

The president stated that even though the club got started late because of the amount of Covid again this fall, the annual reports are due during January.

The schedule is different

from prevous years.

The Christmas Outing is tentatively set for Wednesday, December 13 and will be to have lunch and take a tour of the newly reopened Arkansas Arts Center.

Dues for the new year were collected and will be sent to the State Treasurer soon.

The next regular meeting will be held on Thursday, January 4, with Nell Pich as hostess and lesson leader.

Optimum upgrades local internet Optimum, the local provider of internet, mobile, and TV services, today announces that it has made significant network and infrastructure upgrades to launch up to 500 Mbps internet speeds in Hazen, Carlisle, and De Valls Bluff, Arkansas.

“We are excited to introduce faster, better quality, and more reliable internet speeds to our customers across Hazen, Carlisle and De Valls Bluff,” said Jesse Garcia, Vice President, General Manager of Optimum Mid Central.

“This investment cements Optimum’s commitment to provide a superior connectivity experience for all local residents and businesses and become the local provider of choice in these areas.”

The company’s Optimum Mobile service is delivered over America’s most awarded 5G network and offers plans starting as low as $15 per month per line.

The company also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers a subsidy of up to $30 per

month to help qualifying households pay for Internet or mobile service.

For more information on Optimum’s product offerings and services, residents can visit the nearest Optimum store in Cabot, call 866.9.OPTIMUM or visit optimum.com/internet.

Store Information Address: 110 S. Rockwood Drive Ste 6-B Cabot, AR 72023 Hours: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Legal Notice NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS SOUTHERN DISTRICT PROBATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES SIMON BEDNAR NO. 59SPR23-38 Last known address of decedent: 2245 Highway 86 West, Stuttgart, AR 72160 Date of death: August 10, 2023 An affidavit for collection of small estate was filed herein on the 28 th day of November, 2023, which listed the follow-

ing described real property located in the Southern District of Prairie County, Arkansas, to wit Lot Two (2), Block Seventeen (17), Slovaktown, Prairie County, Arkansas; Lots 11 and 12, Block 17, Town of Slovac, Prairie County, Arkansas; Lots 7 and 8, Town of Slovac, Prairie County, Arkansas; Lot Three (3), Block Seventeen (17), in the town of Slovaktown, Prairie County, Arkansas; Lot Four (4) in Block 17, in the town of Slovactown, Prairie County, Arkansas; Lot Nine (9) Block Seventeen (17) Slovaktown, Prairie County, Arkansas; and, Lot Ten (10), Block

Seventeen (17), of the town of Slovac, Prairie County, Arkansas.

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

This notice first published 6 th day of December, 2023.

MICHELLE L. JACOBS Attorney for Estate P. O. Box 851 Stuttgart, AR 72160 870-672-4771 michelle@mjacobslawfirm.com

Letter to the Editor An Open Letter to Mayor Ray Glover: Dear Mayor, I would like to first thank you for your many years of service.

You have done an excellent job of serving Carlisle as its leader and have done a great job of making our town a great place to live.

You are to be commended for all that you have done.

Thank you for the sacrifices that you have made over the years. I am sure that they have been many. Vickie has been by your side and together you two have had your hearts and souls in the interests of our town and its growth. It certainly shows.

One thing that a public servant should always be aware of is his/her legacy. Yours is outstanding and I know

you want it to stay that way. We all want it to remain that way for years and years. That is why I am asking you to think and pray about it.

I am very concerned about your health. You have been very brave tackling this job after your recent bout with your health. I know it must be a daily struggle for you to maintain your workload along with your responsibilities as mayor especially now that the city has hit so many unforeseen hurdles.

That is why for these three reasons: Your health, Your legacy and the recent City hurdles that I would like for you to consider resigning.

Your friends and supporters want more than anything to be able to support you in this difficult decision.

Name withheld by request.

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Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Childers appointed Des Arc interim elementary principal

By Lisa Mills Stacy Childers was appointed as Interim Elementary Principal at the November 27th School Board meeting.

“We are all sending our prayers that Mrs. Holland will be well soon and able to return as principal, but until she can, Mrs. Childers will handle the day-today operations of the school,” Superintendent Sherrell said. He also said that he would like to thank Childers for taking on this task in the middle of the school year. He added that he has full confidence that she will bring the consistency and leadership needed to keep the school running smoothly during this time.

New school board officers were elected at the meeting.

Johnny Reidhar was elected President, Brent Calhoun was elected as Vice-President, and T.J. English was elected as Secretary.

Johnny Reidhar was elected as the delegate for the Arkansas School Board Association Conference in December.

The board approved November 12, 2024, for the school board election.

Superintendent Sherrell reported the current enrollment: 24 students in Pre-K, 360 in Elementary, and 260 in High School.

Sherrell updated the board on the ongoing plumbing problem at the elementary school.

He said that cameras showed where toilet paper is sticking to the pipe due to corrosion,

and the solution is to descale the pipe which will remove and smooth out the layer that is corroded. He said that the water leak at the high school is going to require hiring a water leak detection company because the bill is still extremely high and everything possible to find the leak has been done without results.

Sherrell said that an architect had provided some samples of similar projects he has been part of for the board to look at to help with ideas. He asked Band Booster Julie Spratt if the Band Boosters had discussed the idea of moving the band bleachers to the visitor side to be able to have them covered.

Spratt said there had been some discussion and most were against the idea so other ideas need to be explored. Kent Childers said that one improvement he would like to suggest is a paved walking pad to the visitor stands.

Sherrell said that he would check on that.

Copies of the LEARNS Act “new Superintendent contract requirements” were given to board members to look at. Sherell told them they need to look over them and bring any questions to him and be prepared to approve them at the January meeting.

He said that the main change was the requirement that academic and graduation rate goals must be included.

The board approved the school district “Master Plan” which requires

projects the district is committed to and projects the district has planned.

Sherrell reported that the Committed Projects include roof replacement, which has been completed, remodeling of the home-ec building, which is on-going, and remodeling of the concession stand and restrooms at the football field, which is in the beginning stage.

Planned projects include building a safe room for which a grant will be applied for again, updating the elementary parking lot, and partnerships to update the high school building.

High School Principal B.J. Paschal gave the monthly report for his building. He said that tutoring is on-going, teachers are working with students to improve test scores, and all 38 seniors are on track to graduate on May 10, 2024.

Semeester test dates have been set for December 18th, 19th, and 20th. For students to be exempt, they must have a B average and been absent less than five days.

Superintendent Sherrell, High School Principal B. J. Paschal, Treasurer Natasha Richards, and Board Members Brent Calhoun, Jordan Smith, Billy Hinson, Charlie Brown, T.J. English, Drew Widener and Johnny Reidhar were present at the meeting.

Clarification In last week’s edition of the Herald, three of the ordinances were introduced by Justice Rick Stallings. The fourth, the millage ordinance, was presented by County Clerk Gaylon Hale.

State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Ronald Caldwell LITTLE ROCK – .

The hospitality industry is already preparing for April 8, 2024, when a total eclipse of the sun will darken the sky along a path from southwest to northeast. The most impressive place to experience the eclipse is along the so-called “path of totality.” Hot Springs, Little Rock and Jonesboro are in that path. So are Russellville, Morrilton, Heber Springs, Fairfield Bay,

Mountain Home, Flippin, Searcy, Arkadelphia, Texarkana, Malvern and Conway.

All of Interstate 30, from Texarkana to Little Rock, is within the path of the total solar eclipse.

The eclipse begins at about 12:30 and totality begins at 1:46 p.m. and ends at 1:59 p.m. Most locations in Arkansas will experience the total eclipse for two or three minutes.

Times and durations

w i l l v a r y , e v e n within the same city, depending on how far away you are from the center line of the path of the eclipse.

Even though the eclipse will not occur for another five months, it’s possible to buy posters, Tshirts, coffee mugs, throw pillows and other souvenirs with eclipse themes.

DAIDC hosts meeting with AR Connect about internet

By Harvey Joe Sanner A public meeting hosted by the Des Arc Industrial Development Corporation to discuss internet/cell phone service for Prairie County with officials from the ARConnect program in the Arkansas State Broadband Office was held in the County Annex Building on November 30, 2023.

We were fortunate to have Lane Bailey, the Broadband Grants Program Manager for the ARConnect program as presenter.

Mr. Bailey ask attendees to direct questions to him so he could get an idea of what our concerns are. Questions and comments from his audience confirmed this description of our situation, “What was once a luxury is now a necessity” because you can’t operate a business without high speed internet service and dependable phone service.

The employers and employees and the community as a whole suffer when internet and phone service is disrupted. That message was loud and clear from those attending.

Many feel that service interruptions happen too often and the time to restore them

takes too long.

The goal of ARConnect is to deliver highspeed/fiber optic service to every household in Arkansas. That is a great goal to have, and to be blessed with one billion dollars of federal funds to reach that goal is a double blessing! The bad news is that it will take quite a bit more time, perhaps as far out as 2028 for completion.

The fact that we live in an area that is served by a single fiber optic source means that when it fails, the entire area is out of service. The most recent interruption included both cell phone and internet service.

Mr. Bailey says that the situation is intolerable and dangerous and that he would research what it would take to bring another fiber optic line into the Des Arc area.

To sum up a topic as large and complex as internet/phone service is difficult but here it is: As they say on news shows, the “take away” was that we simply can’t wait for the ARConnect laudable goal of every household being on fiber, we need to examine ways to bring improved service earlier. I would sum up the meeting by saying it

was very productive and everyone there had ample time to question or state whatever was on their minds. By having a face with a name at ARConnect is valuable.

Another positive was revealed that our local law enforcement officials, the Prairie County Sheriff Rick Parson and the Chief of Des Arc Police Dewayne Mayher were present, and they will be the first to contact ARConnect if and when a failure occurs.

There is no need for individuals to report it.

Prairie County and Des Arc residents were well represented. The County Sheriff and Des Arc’s Police Chief were both on hand as was our County Judge Lawrence Holloway, Prairie County J.P. Bill Calhoun, Gail King of the Des Arc City Council, Des Arc Mayor Roger Scott, and a number of concerned citizens. Another take away from the meeting was the need for those named above and the community to be involved in future developments as the Connect AR team does its work.

Sincerely, Harvey Joe Sanner on behalf of the DAIDC.

Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Ain’t nothing better than a P&J sandwich . . .

by Dr. James L. Snyder

"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart" (Psalm 37:4).

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

I'm not sure what happened to my closely guarded diet during these recent holidays, but I won't ask. The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage has been so busy cooking and preparing food that she didn't have time to oversee my diet.

I love it when a plan comes together.

As usual, I used this time for my benefit and delighted myself with all the food. And believe me, the food was delicious.

One thing I like about holiday eating is that you can always go for seconds and if careful, thirds.

As the family is around the table and the chatter continues, I can sneak another portion of that delicious turkey. There is no way I can have too much turkey. From one turkey to another, I can only say, "Gobble, gobble, gobble."

Another benefit of these holiday meals is the leftovers. Sometimes, it has been my experience that leftovers are more delicious than the original.

I'm unsure if it's The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage's culinary skill or just the quality of the food. The second time around is a winner. The

third time around is not too bad, either.

In our house, the planning of the holiday meals begins in late summer.

Our shelves are stocked with all kinds of food for the holidays. We have a special refrigerator in the garage stuffed with all sorts of things for the holiday.

If I had to choose which food I enjoyed the most during these holidays, I would be in trouble. Or maybe I could say, like my uncle used to say, "It's what I'm eating at the time."

I must say that the pie selection is right up at the top of the best part of the meal. There were all kinds of pies: pumpkin pie, apple pie, lemon meringue pie, and those were just the pies I saw and ate. My plan is, if I eat only one slice at a time, I may not be caught.

I ended the holiday season well stuffed with some delicious food. No complaints from this side of the Parsonage.

The week following our Thanksgiving dinner, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and I sat in the living room relaxing. I looked at her and said, "When is our next Thanksgiving dinner?"

Looking at me with one of her looks, she said, "When I find the next turkey." And then she stared at me until I was just slightly uncomfortable.

About a week after our Thanksgiving dinner, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage planned to spend the day shopping for Christmas presents. I was instructed to get my lunch for that day.

I don't mind getting my lunch as long as she doesn't know the ingredients of my lunch. But how can you compete with all that food in our refrigerator this time of the year?

When lunchtime came, I opened the refrigerator and looked at all the delicious food. I was trying to figure out which I would pick first. No matter which one I choose, it would definitely be delicious.

Then I had one of those "Whaaaat" moments. I saw something in the refrigerator I had not thought about for a long time. I had all the Thanksgiving food in the refrigerator, and in the corner was a jar of grape jelly. I haven't seen that jar in a long time, and I'm not quite sure why I happened to see it now.

I knew the cupboard beside the refrigerator had several jars of peanut butter. What came to me at that moment was a P&J Sandwich. For those under 50, that is a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich.

Suddenly, my tongue began wagging in culinary anticipation. There ain't nothing better in this whole wide world than a P&J sandwich. As a kid, that was my favorite lunch I took to school every day. And it doesn't matter what the jelly is, grape, strawberry, blueberry, it's all rather delicious.

Looking behind me to ensure the way was clear and that The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage had not come home early, I set out to fix my favorite sandwich.

Don't get me wrong here; turkey is a wonderful sandwich. But it doesn't compete with this P&J sandwich I was about to indulge in.

I don't know who invented peanut butter, but they have greatly served humanity. Then, adding jelly to peanut butter sandwiches is another brilliant accomplishment.

Quickly, I put together

my P&J sandwich, got a fresh cup of coffee, and then went to the kitchen table to celebrate my lunch. After finishing that sandwich, I was very much tempted to go for sandwich number two. What would be wrong with that?

If The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage knows what I had for lunch, how would I explain it to her? Keeping it a secret is my number one agenda.

Munching on my P&J sandwich, I remembered what David said.

"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart" (Psalm 37:4).

I love food, but my greatest joy is in the Lord. As I focus on Him in my daily activities, I begin to understand the important desires of my heart. It's amazing how God surprised me with something that really made my life happy. The finer things in life aren't everything. Sometimes it's the simple things that make me truly happy.

Dr. James L. Snyder lives in Ocala, FL with the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. E-mail jamessnyder51@gmail.com.

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

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

Carlisle First United Methodist Church 215 East Third St., Carlisle, AR Phone (870) 552 - 7789 Rev. Michael Daniel, Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 AM Worship: 10:45 AM

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.

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

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

Zion Lutheran Church Hwy 79 PO Box 158 Ulm, AR 72170 Phone: 870-241-3778 email: zionlutheran@hotmail.com Sunday School at 10 am Worship at 11am Bible study: Wed at 5:30

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

St. Peters Episcopal Church Highway 86, Tollville, AR. Worship Service: 9 AM Sunday School: 10:30AM Family Christian Fellowship 603 W Washington Hazen, AR. Pastor Scott Skarda 501-516-5971 Sunday: 10 AM, Wed, 7 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 Williams Pastor 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 Baptist Church Des Arc, AR Elder Lee Russel Penn, Pastor 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 PM Worship: 7 PM Holy Temple COGIC Elder McFadden, Pastor

“Catholic Action” with the Third Order of St. Francis

St. John's Lutheran Church Fifth and College Streets, Stuttgart, AR Phone (870) 673 - 2858 Rev. Andrew Toopes, Pastor Worship: 8:00 am-10:15 am Sunday School & Bible Class: 9:15 AM Radio - KWAK 10:15 AM Sundays www.stuttgartlutheran.com

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 6:05PM Friday (except First Friday) Mass 8:30AM Saturday Mass in Spanish 7:00 PM

St. John's Baptist Church Biscoe, AR 870-998-2777 Sunday School 10 A.M. Worship 11 A.M. Rev. William Brown - pastor 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 Alan Minton Hwy. 70 West of DeValls Bluff Sunday School-10:00 a.m.

Sunday morning -11:00 a.m.

Sunday Evening-5:00 p.m.

Wednesday Night-7:00 p.m.

The Apostolic Church of Des Arc 712 Calhoun Street Services Sunday at 10:30 and Wednesday at 7:30 Pastor Russell Penn St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church of Biscoe Pastor Jerry Saxton Sunday School 10:00-11:00 Service 11:00-12:00 Oasis Church of Hazen 113 North Hazen Ave. Sunday Service 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday Night Service 7:00 p.m.

Pastor Teddy Walker 870-255-5640 Family Worship Center 9th & Main St. Des Arc, AR 72040 Sunday School 10 am Sunday Service 11 am & 6 pm

United Methodist Church of DeValls Bluff Highway 70 West, DeValls Bluff AR. Pastor Chris Wright Sunday Morning Worship: 9 AM Friendship Lunch: 3rd Wed. of Month, 11:30 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

102 West Front Street 870-255-3954

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 Worship Service: 11 AM & 7 PM Training 6 PM Wed. Serv. 7 PM

Joshua D. Jacobs & Yvonne J. Petrus Partners

Tax & Accounting Services 101 Highway 70 East, Hazen, AR 72064 Phone: (870) 255-4175 Fax:(870) 255-4176

Herald Publishing Co, Inc. The Grand Prairie Herald Serving the Grand Prairie Publisher/Editor - Roxanne Bradow Accounts/Circulation - Trudy Johnson Phone: 870-255-4538 P.O. Box 370 Hazen, AR 72064 E-mail us at heraldpublishing@gmail.com Visit us at www.herald-publishing.com

Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, December 6, 2023

To Whom It May Concern: A Green 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 was picked up on November 14, 2023 at the Super 8 Motel at the request of the Manager of Super 8. This vehicle is in the possession of Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service 801 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 priority possessory

Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical Keith Knupp 501.516.8285 knuppinc@hotmail.com

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

free Call 2554538

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, Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.

Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Maple Healthcare donates turkeys to local food pantries

The workers at Maple Healthcare in Hazen recently delivered turkeys to the Hazen First United Methodist Church and the Oasis Church to hand out during their food distribution days in November. Volunteers from the Hazen National Guard Unit helped to hand out the turkeys at the Methodist Church.

Lady Eagles win against Kipp-Delta Bison pick up win over Baptist Prep

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor The Des Arc Lady Eagles opened conference play with a 64-11 win

over KIPP-Delta on Friday night.

With the win, Des Arc improves to 2-5 on the season.

Makenzie Williams led all scorers with 17 points. Kaylee McDonald had 10. Jada Jones scored seven. Emma

Buckner had six.

Kyrstin Horton and Calleigh Skarda had four points each.

Rachel Reidhar had three.

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor The Calrisle Bison knocked off Baptist Prep 47-42 on Saturday in the consolation round of the Carlisle Invitational.

The Bison led 13-9 after one quarter and 22-17 at halftime.

Both teams scored 25 points in the second half as the Bison held off for their first win of the season.

Kaidon Clingmon led the Bison with 20 points. Isaiah Powell had eight.

Bentley Parker had seven. Devin

Cooney had four.

Lawson Petrus and Cajuan Pernell had three points each. Caleb Croucher scored two.

Carlisle opened conference play with an 82-22 loss to Marianna on Friday night.

The Trojans led 23-7 after one quarter and 45-11 at halftime.

Cooney led the Bison with seven points.

Clingmon had four.

Lawson Petrus had three. Scoring two each were Powell, Pernell, Preston Parker and Hayden Huffmaster.

Lady Bison get two wins last week

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

Local FCCLA students compete in regionals...

Students from Carlisle, Des Arc, and Hazen High Schools competed in the regional Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Star Events competition on November 16 in Hamburg. Gold and silver winners will go on to the state competition in Hot Springs which is scheduled to take place on April 10-11. Brandy Long is the advisor for the Des Arc chapter, Shea Wilson is the advisor for the Carlisle chapter, and Summer Greenwalt is the advisor for the Hazen chapter. The picture at bottomright shows a project created by Hazen students.

CHS winners (top left) were: Isabella McCaskill - Level 1 Job Interview; Maddox Gray and Gage Hunt - silver medal in Level 1 Chapter in Review; Carly Eads and Brooke Felts - silver medal in Level 2 Chapter in Review; Maggie Brown, Makinnley Cook, and Taylor Lenderman - gold medal in Level 3 Chapter Service Project.

HHS winners (bottom left) were: Maci Sickel and Ryleigh Cook - bronze medal in Event Management; and Kadence Fegley and Remington Fegley - bronze medal in Chapter Service Project Display.

DAHS winners (top right) were: Makayla Fowler and Brooklyn Smith - gold in Level 3 Public Policy Advocate; Zachary Hill - silver in Level 3 Repurpose and Redesign; Jayda Renfro and Jurnee Washington - Level 3 silver rating in Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation; Hattie Burton - bronze in Level 2 Professional Presentation; and Alyssa Ladner, Koda Hunt, and Ambria Wyatt - Level 2 bronze rating in Event Management.

The Carlisle Lady Bison picked up their first two wins of the season last week, beating Abundant Life in the annual Bison Classic and Marianna in the conference opener.

Carlisle also dropped games to Baptist Prep and Stuttgart in the tournament.

In the 28-19 win over Abundant Life, Carlisle led 9-4 after one quarter and 13-10 at halftime.

Paige Chadwick led Carlisle with eight points. Heather Buffalo had seven.

Bailey Dawson scored six.

Alantis Blancett had four. Morgan Jones

added two.

In the 52-22 win over Marianna, Carlisle led 16-3 after one quarter and 34-12 at halftime.

Buffalo led Carlisle with 16 points. She hit five three-pointers in the victory. Jones and Dawson had nine points each.

Blancett had eight. Hailee Cooney had five. Angie Petrus added a free throw.

In the Lady Bison’s 6035 loss to Stuttgart, Carlisle trailed 24-13 after one quarter and 38-19 at halftime.

Dawson led Calrisle with 15 points. Buffalo had 14 points. She hit four three-pointers.

Petrus had three.

Wisdom Owens had two.

Dawson had one.