Des Arc Council prepares for new year

By Lisa Mills

The Des Arc City Council held it’s first 2023 meeting on January 25th.

Attending the meeting were Mayor Roger Scott, Recorder/Treasurer Janice Huffstickler and Council Members Jodie Mayher, Nicole Fisher, Gail King, Judy Burnett, Keith Knupp and Doug Estes.

New Mayor Roger Scott began the meeting by stating that the council has been extremely busy with numerous work meetings to prepare for the new year. One of the main topics of discussion was Animal Control.

Council Member Doug Estes asked if the city has an Animal Control Officer to which Mayor Scott replied “we are working on it.”

Council Member Judy Burnett asked if there is an ordinance for abused and neglected animals and if it is being enforced.

Council Member Gail King replied that her understanding is that if such a case is reported or an officer sees it, any officer has the right to enter the owner’s property to address it. If the owners are not home, the animal can be removed and a notice left concerning the situation, she said. Estes said “we need to make sure that the Animal Control Officer understands that ordinance, as well as all the city ordinances and regulations.”

King stated “There are also classes the officer can take, and Amy Patterson now has her 501C non-profit status and is more than happy to help any way she can.” Mayor Scott said that a lot of work needs to be done, like securing a big enough property to have a proper shelter. He said that everyone needs to work together to fix the problem.

Scott asked Paul Guess, who was in the audience, what ideas he might have on the matter to which Guess replied, “I think the first thing is public awareness and maybe having Amy Patterson come to the next meeting to make suggestions.”

King said animal control seems to be a county-wide problem. She suggested that Des Arc meet with the other cities in the county and the county judge to consider a joint venture for a county shelter and animal control officers.

Mayor Scott stated that he will speak to Amy Patterson about attending a work meeting and the possibility of a public meeting to get started on a solution.

King reported the city has applied for several grants to update the city’s water system, and according to the Central Arkansas Planning and Development Commission, Des Arc should be eligible for several. King also reported that there is a big problem with updating the natural gas system, but so far no solutions have been found. She said that Des Arc is one of only 11 cities that still has it’s own gas system, and because of that there just aren’t any funds or grants available. Judy Burnett said that everyone she has talked to agrees that there just isn’t any funding available.

Mayor Scott gave an update on the building located at 1408 Lee Street. He said that the person who built it cannot be located and he does not own the property it is built on. It has been determined that the building is in violation of city codes and should not have been

S lo v a k H erita g e Day planned

The annual Slovak Heritage Day will be on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish Hall in Slovak. Organizers are excited to announce that GLOBAL SLOVAKIA based in Bratislava, Slovakia is sending a film crew to do a documentary on Slovak, Arkansas.

This is a very exciting time for the Slovak community, its families, and the Grand Prairie. Anyone who has Slovak descendants and would like to bring pictures or any kind of memorabilia to display is greatly encouraged to do so. The activities will begin in the Parish Hall at 1:00 p.m. to allow everyone to mingle and look at exhibits.

Father Shaun Wesley will celebrate Mass at 4:00 p.m. to honor the church’s patron saints, Cyril and Methodius. Global Slovakia will give a presentation at 5:00 p.m. followed by a

Local students named to UCA honor lists

Mayank Patel, of Hazen, was named a fall 2022 Presidential Scholar at the University of Central Arkansas. Patel was among nearly 1,200 students named as a UCA Presidential Scholar.

To qualify to be named a Presidential Scholar in a given semester, a student must earn a 4.0 potluck meal featuring tradional Slovak foods at 5:30 p.m. Music and dancing will follow the meal. permitted. Scott said he hopes that it can be torn down in the spring.

12 hours of undergraduate degree credit with no incomplete grades. Those named to UCA’s Dean’s List were Chandler Saul of De Valls Bluff and Chase Wiggins of Hazen.

The University of Central Arkansas congratulates more than 1,400 students who were named to the fall 2022 Dean's List.

Everyone is invited to bring a potluck dish and join in on the festivities. For more information contact Mary Ann Hill at 870-830-8097, Paula Hooks at 870-674-4694 or any parish member.

Scott also said that he would like to have the Chamber of Commerce, Baseball Association, Senior Citizens’ Center ,and Des Arc Industrial Development Commission start providing financial statements to the council for the part of the city sales tax that they receive.

A motion was passed to accept the 2023 Budget Ordinance. A motion was passed to remove James Garth, Melinda Richards and Gary Burnett from all accounts and safety deposit boxes at Farmers and Merchants Bank and to add Roger Scott, Judy Burnett, Janice Huffstickler, and Carly Fisher. A motion was passed to close the Lakeside Pavilion and old court accounts with zero balances. Another motion was passed to lease a new copier for the comptroller’s office from Modern Image Systems at a monthly cost of $67.70.

Council Member Doug Estes reported that several people have asked if anything can be done to get better internet and technology services in Des Arc. King replied that she and three other council members, the mayor, a Chamber of Commerce officer, and Paul Guess had attended a meeting with the Arkansas Economic Commission and Central Arkansas Planning and Development Commission concerning these issues. They will be bringing a report to the February council meeting.

Patsy Sue Bone Cox

Beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Patsy Sue

Bone Cox passed at the age of 81 into eternal life on January

2, 2023, with her family at her bedside. Patsy was born to Martin Luther Bone, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Owens Bone on October 28, 1941, in Tracy City, Tennessee. Patsy is preceded in death by her parents and siblings

Mary Eva Bone, Charles Wesley Bone, Bobby Bone, Martin Luther Bone, Jr., and Ruth Ellen Keel, and an unnamed infant brother.

Patsy is survived by her husband of 22 years, Stephen Wayne Cox, three daughters, Susan Lisko and husband

Frankie of Slovak, Arkansas, Karen

McKinney and husband

Kevin of Little Rock, Arkansas, Debi White and husband Steve of Huntersville, North Carolina, two bonusdaughters, Tammy Smartt and husband

James of Monteagle, Tennessee, Jennifer

O’Neal and husband

Mike of Pelham, Tennessee. Patsy was also blessed with 10 grandchildren, Josh

Lisko and wife Jill, Paige Weaver and husband Wade, Jacob Lisko and fiancée Anna Hamilton, Taylor McKinney and fiancée Tyler Compton, Bailey McKinney, Matthew White, Connor White, Libby White, Joseph

White, Anna White; 6 bonus-grandchildren, Holly McBee and husband John, Melissa Smartt, Laura Williams and husband Michael, Alli O’Neal, MaKayla O’Neal, and Layton O’Neal; 5 great-grandchildren, Ethan Lisko, Peyton Lisko, Addie Weaver, Charlotte Weaver, and Arlie Lisko; 4 bonus-greatgrandchildren, Brantley McBee, Zane McBee, Colt Williams, and Case Williams; and her devoted sister, Janice Ogelvie and husband Milton, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and her dearest friend Faye Ricketts.

Patsy worked a variety of jobs over the years, from working as a waitress at the Claramont and Sewanee Inn, to becoming a teacher’s aide in Ripley, Tennessee, to finally finding her true calling as a social worker for Arkansas and Tennessee where she worked with the foster care system and trained many families. After her retirement from Tennessee's DHS, she worked parttime at the University of the South's Fowler Center for several years.

Patsy was a member of Saint James Episcopal Church where she was on the altar guild, a chalice bearer, and many positions over the years. Patsy loved to make wildflower arrangements and was known to stop along the side of the road to pick wildflowers on a whim.

Patsy enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, working the Crypto Quote, arts and crafts, walking, and spending time with her sister, Jan and dearest friend, Faye. But she enjoyed nothing more than being a mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother. In her own words, she was “the luckiest woman in the world” to have such a big, loving family—who in turn were equally blessed to have her.

The Funeral Service was held 11 A.M.

Saturday, January 7, 2023 at St. James Episcopal Church, 898 Midway Road, Sewanee, Tennessee with Rev. David T. Goodpaster officiating and joining him, Bro. Jason Rice. Burial followed at Monteagle Cemetery. A visitation with the family was held Friday, at Cumberland Funeral Home in Monteagle, Tennessee from 5-8 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Memory of Patsy Cox to St. James Episcopal Church for the Midway/St. James Community Playground, PO Box 336, Sewanee, TN 37375. Additionally, donations are welcomed in her memory to Monteagle

First Baptist Church, PO Box 574, Monteagle, TN 37356.

Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.cumberlandfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Cumberland Funeral Home, 207 Mabee Avenue, Monteagle, TN 37356.

Charles B. Westbrook

Charles B. Westbrook III, 85 years old, of Searcy, Arkansas, passed away on January 26th 2023 in Searcy, Arkansas. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday January 30th, 2023 at Charity Baptist Church in Ward, Arkansas.

Charles was born in Beebe, Arkansas to Charles B. Westbrook II and Thelma Bradford Westbrook on August 17, 1937. He went to school at Hazen, Arkansas prior to serving in the Army.

Charles worked a variety of jobs during his lifetime, though being a cattleman was his most fulfilling.

He was an avid gun collector and gifted marksman. Charles was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Billy Ray, Harry, and James Westbrook.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Strayhorn Westbrook; Daughters, Donna (Darren) Bednar of El Paso, Traci Spurlock of Rose Bud, and Kelli (Kirk) Robertson of Rose Bud; Stepsons, Mike Strayhorn of West Memphis, and Mickie (Holly) Strayhorn of Marion; Sisters, Martha Melkovitz of Keo, and Nancy Hurst of St. Louis, Missouri; Grandchildren, Michelle Moore, Jesse (Kristin) Moore, Eric (Melissa) Camp, Samantha (Tyler) Mercer, Palmer Spurlock, Blake (Tara) Robertson, Adam (Kassie) Robertson, Cole Robertson, Shelby (Preston) Gracey, Kelsey Strayhorn, Harley Katherine Strayhorn, Cole Strayhorn, and Cooper Strayhorn; and sixteen great grandchildren.

Honorary Pallbearers were Mike Strayhorn, Mickey Strayhorn, Kirk Robertson, Blake Robertson, Adam Robertson, Cole Robertson, Eric Camp, Palmer Spurlock, Tyler Mercer, Jesse Moore, Cole Strayhorn, Cooper Strayhorn, and Preston Gracey.

The family of Charles wishes to extend our sincere thanks to his Hospice Team for the exceptional care and love shown to him.

P Hoto G Ra P Hy W Inners

The Grand Prairie Fesitval of the Arts Photography winners for 2023 have been announced. A reception for the winners will be held on Tuesday, January 31 from 5:006:30 p.m. The award winners are:

ARCHITECTURE

First Place Melissa Abernathy, Second Place Brian Cormack, Third Place Richard Davies, and Honorable Mention Monica Petter.

BLACK and WHITE First Place Kenneth Terry, Second Place Melissa Abernathy, Third Place Chris Lee, and Honorable Mention

Brian Cormack.

LIFE ON THE GRAND PRAIRIE

First Place Chris Lee, Second Place Monica Petter, Third Place Richard Davies, and Honorable Mention Kenneth Terry.

NATURE/LANDSCAPE

First Place Chris Lee, Second Place Richard Davies, Third Place Kenneth Terry, and Honorable Mention Monica Petter.

PEOPLE

First Place Melissa Abernathy, Second Place Richard Davies, and, Third Place

Jennifer Price. STILL LIFE First Place Jennifer Price, Second Place Melissa Abernathy, Third Place Chris Lee, and Honorable Mention Monica Petter.

YOUTH

First Place Connor Henry, Second Place Alyssa Tiner, Third Place Alyssa Tiner, and Honorable Mention Connor Henry.

BEST OF SHOW Brevard Law

The works will be exhibited between January 26th and February 23rd.

Des A r c S c hools terminate “ S c hool E ats ” c ontra c t

By Lisa Mills

Superintendent Sherrell told the Des Arc School Board that the state has notified the district that the current contract with “School Eats” will have to be terminated. Sherrell said that Des Arc and eleven other schools that have a contract with a “fixed rate” clause cannot be approved. According to the state, the cost of food for “School Eats” varies from month to month due to rebates, discounts, and other savings on the food purchased. Sherrell said that he, “School Eats” representatives, and other superintendents affected have talked to attorneys and the state to find out how the contracts can suddenly be invalid when the state had approved the contracts as written. He said that teachers, administrators, cafeteria workers, and students are all very satisfied with the service. At this time, he said, there is no other choice except to terminate the contract for the remainder of school year. The

As of Friday, January 20th, 2023, the Prairie County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) has 42 individuals' felony and/or misdemeanor charges at the Prairie County Detention Center, located in Des Arc.

On Friday January 20th Evan Bryant was arrested Breaking or Entering and Theft of Property.

For more information on current incarcerated inmates in Prairie County and other detention centers across the state visit www.vinelink.com.

Slovak Lutheran Cemetery Donations:

Upkeep: Jeanie Shimek

Ross Chlapecka

Steve & Allyson

Chlapecka

Reta Chlapecka

Nancy Chlapecka

In memory of Steve Chlapecka, Jr: Mr & Mrs Billy Booth

Box 224, Hazen, AR 72064.

To report an incident or to give information on ongoing cases call (870) 256-4137, which is answered 24 hours a board approved termi- nating the contract.

Sherrell reported that the current enrollment for Pre-K through 12th grade is 625. He also reported that eight school choice requests have been received for the 2023-2024 school year.

The board approved a motion to hire Rachel Davenport as a longterm sub for kindergarten. Davenport has been teaching kindergarten, but she has a final exam to pass before she can be certified as a teacher. As soon as she has passed the exam she will be rehired as a teacher. In other business, the board approved renewing the school board/educators legal liability policy at a cost of $7,390, and approved renewing the facilities consortium contract with Aliza Jones for $5,400.

A motion was approved to remove two ovens, located in the Family and Consumer Science classroom, from the inventory list because two new ovens have been purchased through a Perkins Grant. A decision was not made for disposal of the old ovens. day, seven days of the week. Residents can also email the sheriff.

Changes to policies that were approved include deleting the Covid Emergency Leave policy, refusing to accept any school choice request dated before January 1st with the exception of military families. Visitors at the schools during school hours will no longer be allowed to use cell phones/electronic devices anywhere that students are not allowed to use them.

Attending the meeting were Superintendent Dr. Marc Sherrell, High School Principal B. J. Paschal, Elementary Principal Cheryl Holland and board members Drew Widener, Brent Calhoun, Charlie Brown, Johnny Reidhar, Jordan Smith, Billy Hinson and T.J. English. Superintendent Sherrell closed the meeting by stating that January is National School Board recognition month and thanked the members for their service and all the work they do for the school district.

By Judi Jones

Grand Prairie Chapter

Daughters of the American Revolution recognized the 2023

DAR Good Citizen Award winners at the Saturday, January 28th meeting held in the First Christian Church in Stuttgart. Six outstanding high school seniors each received a certificate, a pin, and a check for $100 in recog- nition of their achievement. The students were chosen by school officials based on scholarship, leadership, and school and community service.

In addition, each applicant had to submit an essay on the meaning of good citizenship. Hailey Zornes from DeWitt High School was selected by a panel of judges to be Grand Prairie chapter’s representative in the state competition. Congratulations to all these fine students. And thanks to DAR Good Citizen Chair Cheryl Vickers for her work in coordinating this recognition. Local students pictured are Lane Harper of Hazen High School, Belle White of Carlisle High School, and Gabi Berry of Des Arc High School.

HHS & HJH 2022-23 Who’s Who

Hazen High School and Junior High School have chosen this year’s Who’s Who students. They are:

Mr. and Miss HHS:

Luke King and Layton

Rogers

Class Favorites

Seniors: Collin Kee and Kelcie Dorathy

Juniors: Colton

Holloway and Jordyn

Besancon

Sophomores: Landen

Adkins and Kendall

Sisemore

Best Role Models:

Luke King and Austyn

Booth

Best Driver: Collin

Kee

Worst Driver: Faith Johnson

Most Likely to Go to Harvard: Lane Harper and Austyn Booth

Biggest Glow Up:

Grayson Lott and Shanerika Roland

Most Likely to Get a Tattoo and Regret It: Gabe Mayo and Jordyn

Besancon

Most Likely to Be on TV: Braylan Anderson and Layton Rogers

Life of the Party:

Kolton Tosh and Mattie

Perry

Mr. and Miss HJH: Bubba Barnhill and Sophie Raper

Class Favorites

9th Grade: Kasyn Weems and Sophie

Raper

8th Grade: Jase Arnett

Op eration S m i l e chosen as G F WC

and Jalynn Thomas

7th Grade: Reece Cash and Makaela Guenther

Most Likely to Fall

Asleep in Class: Tony Jenkins and Jasmine

Smith

Loudest: Remington

Fegley

Quietest: Leigha Raney

Best Playlist: Jaxon

Craig and London Smith

Best Gamer: JJ Pinkney and Makaela

Guenther

Most Likely to Correct the Teacher: Michael Bowman and Maci Sickel

Most Involved: Bubba Barnhill and Maci Sickel

El sie M cCain President’s Pro j ect

By Chris Weems

GFWC Elsie McCain

Club chose as the president's project Operation Smile, at the regular meeting Thursday, January 26, at Nick's in Carlisle. Items will be sent for use in clinics for children with cleft lips and/or pallets in third world countries. The items will be sent in April.

Five members attended. Chris Weems, president, presided and gave the lesson on Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking.

The Club meeting began with current events.

Rita Farris, secretary, read the minutes from the last meeting.

Rosetta Van Houten treasurer, gave the financial report and collected the dues. Because of Covid, the Club year started later again this year.

The State Convention was announced for the first weekend in May.

The president asked for volunteers to go with her. The annual GFWC Convention will be June 10-12 in Louisville, KY,

Center Point Ce m eter y Donations & M e m oria l s

Registration is open now. In her lesson on Domestic Violence, the president said cases are down, and it is believed that it's due to the prison sentences. Due to the number of displaced persons, Human Trafficking is up. She said we can help by supporting shelters for the homeless and learning signs of victims, The next meeting will be Wednesday, Feb. 15, at the Cozy Kitchen in Lonoke with Libby Hutson, hostess and lesson leader.

House members has entered the third week of the 2023 Regular Session.

In the second week, several bills passed the House and are now making their way to the Senate.

On Wednesday, the House passed HB1018. This bill will allow members of municipal fire department bomb squads to carry weapons while responding to bomb threats.

The House also passed HB1086. This bill amends the law concerning parking privileges for a person with a disabled veteran special license plate. It states vehicles with a disabled veteran special license plate can have access to disabled parking spaces if the vehicle also displays a special certificate issued by the Office of Motor Vehicle.

On Thursday, the House passed HB1023. This bill states that all US flags and Arkansas flags purchased by a public entity with public funds shall be made and manufactured in the United States.

The House passed HB1024. This bill removes the requirement to collect a tax on prepared food and hotel purchases for cities seeking to create an entertainment district.

The House also passed