DeValls Bluff council approves pay raises

By Lisa Mills

The DeValls Bluff City Council met February 9th. After approval of the January minutes and approval to pay bills, the council went into Executive Session. After resuming the public meeting, a motion was approved to give all city employees a 3% raise.

City Attorney Mike Stuart updated the council on the water project from engineer David Hilsdon. He said that Hilsdon stated that DeValls Bluff is way ahead of a lot of other cities trying to update their systems since a water rate study has been completed to meet new rules to receive ARPA funds. Stuart said that Hilsdon recommends that the council implement new rates as soon as possible so that requirement can be checked off for the remaining funds being applied for. The new rates will go from $21.50 to $22.24 for the first 1,000 gallons and $12.60 per 1,000 gallons after. Sewer rates will not change. The council will implement the new rates later.

Attorney Stuart reported to the council that he had obtained an appraisal for the property needed for the new water treatment plant and wells. Appraiser Mike Chudy provided an appraisal of $32,000.

Stuart said that he will be making a formal offer to the owner for that amount along with a copy of the appraisal and a letter from engineer Don Hilsdon explaining why it is the only viable property for the project. Council member Shirley Goff asked Stuart if the property tested positive for manganese if the owner could buy the property back for that amount. Stuart said no because manganese only affected wells, not the treatment plant, and drilling for the wells would be done elsewhere.

Goff asked Stuart if he knew if grants were available to repair ditches. Stuart said he didn’t know. Goff stated that heavy rains are washing under the streets and causing erosion. Mayor Gray stated that the last time the city checked there were no grants or funds available. Council Member Alice Metcalf stated that when they had checked on the cost, it was over a million dollars for less than a mile.

Council Member Pam DelGiorno asked the council to consider purchasing a folding Ushape table for the council to hold meetings so that audience members could see everyone. She thanked Roben Henry for setting up the tables in a straight line for this meeting so every- one is facing audience. Metcalf told DelGiornio to get 3 estimates and find out if there was money available to purchase a table and it could be discussed at to the March meeting.

Goff addressed the council concerning the condition of the Castleberry Hotel building. She stated that the 1925 building is on the Historical Register and has so much history and something for the town to be really proud of. She said that the building structure is good but it has to have a new roof because if it caves in the building will be ruined beyond repair. Goff said all grants available for projects like this are usually matching grants, so the city would have to pay half of the cost. Metcalf asked what the Historical Register rules are for repairs. Goff said the only rule is that you can’t do anything to change the exterior. Metcalf told Goff to get estimates for the roof repair and bring them to next meeting.

The council adopted a resolution to utilize State Aid Street Money for the reconstruction and resurfacing of the city streets. Former Former Mayor Brian Dodson applied for and was awarded these funds.

Police Chief Jeremy Murphy provided a written report showing that 3 traffic citations were issued and 2 arrests have been made. Murphy said that all 3 suspects in the December break-in at Jumpstart have been arrested, and they are being held in Huntsville, TX. He states that he is continuing to work on other investigations.

Attending the meeting were Mayor Thelma Gray, Recorder/Treasurer Darlene Connor and council members Alice Metcalf , Carol Griffin, Jackie Adcock, Pam DelGiorno and Shirley Goff. Marie Flanagan was absent.

Betty Jean Matthews Holmes

Betty Jean Matthews Holmes passed from this life on February 6, 2023 at the age of 86. Betty was born on May 30, 1935 to Herschel

Allen Matthews and Daisy Nona Mills. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, BR Holmes, Jr. of Hazen; a daughter, Mary Louise Simmons of Cabot; a son, David Allen Holmes of Hazen; and a sister, Margie Martin of Hazen. She is survived by her son-in-law, Johnny Simmons of Cabot; a granddaughter, Jocelyn Pannell of Cabot; two Grandsons, Patrick Simmons and Damon Holmes of Beebe; two great-grandsons Ryley (Hannah) Pannell of Beebe; and Emerson Pannell of Cabot; and one great-great grandson, Atticus Pannell of Beebe. Betty was a homemaker for most of her married life and was a longtime member of the Center Point Missionary Church near Hazen. She was an accomplished seamstress and participated in numerous quilting bees over the years. Her handiwork can be found in many homes throughout the community.

Her latter years have been marked by decline in health, but she still maintained good spirits throughout all of her troubles. She will be missed. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 10th, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Center Point Baptist

Church, near Hazen, with visitation at the church before the service. The service will be conducted by Rev. Brad Crumby and Rev. Billy Booth. Burial will be at the Center Point cemetery. Pallbearers are Patrick Simmons, Drew Pannell, Ryley Pannell, Jason Simmons, Joshua Simmons, and Jake Holmes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Center Point Baptist Church or to the Center Point Cemetery Fund.

Charles

Malcolm Buck Charles Malcolm Buck born February 24, 1942 gained his angel wings on Tuesday February 7, 2023. Malcolm leaves behind a wife Louise Buck of Lonoke, three children Catherine Young (Gary) of Bella Vista, Stefhanie Buck of Bauxite and Charlie Buck (Christine) of Cabot, four grand-children Tiffany Robbins of Bella Vista, Sareena Carroll (Tyler) and David Johnson of Bauxite, Nikki Cox (Greg) of DeValls Bluff, four great-grandchildren Kyleeann and Kalvin Buck Robbins of Bella Vista, Derrick and Landon Cox of DeValls Bluff. Malcolm is preceded in death by one son Buddy Buck and one grandson Kain Robbins, his parents Calvin and Oleva Buck of DeValls Bluff.

Services for Malcolm were Saturday February 11, 2023 at 2:00 pm in Hazen, AR at Westbrook Funeral Home and burial was at the Oakland Cemetery in DeValls Bluff, AR.

Mark Edward Calhoun

Mark Edward Calhoun, age 64, of Des Arc passed from this life on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 in a tragic accident. Mark was born to Raymond and Mary Frances (Hamilton) Calhoun May 19, 1958 in Searcy Hospital. As a young boy he grew up on the Calhoun farm, watching and working with his dad and Uncles farming row crops. But Mark was a dare devil when it came to recreation: riding his dirt bikes and later in life larger motorcycles. He loved to compete in racing and even jumping lines of vehicles, on his bikes.

In 1982, he married Mary Ann Pitonyak, from Slovak community and together they raised two daughters, Shelby and Stacie Calhoun. Mark leaves behind his daughters, one sister, Paula Skarda and partner Sarah Bloom from Monticello, one brother, Raymond (Chip) Calhoun and wife, Beth of Des Arc, and three grandchildren, L.J. O’Neill, Emmalie O’Neill and Audrie Sanner, girlfriend, Becky Acree and a host of friends and relatives.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father. A memorial service was held by the family, Monday, February 13 at Gospel Mission Church. Visitation began at 10:30, memorial service at 11:00.

Donald Joseph Duch

Donald Joseph Duch, 81, of Stuttgart, passed away on February 10, 2023. He was born on August 2, 1941, to Loddie and Alma Taylor Duch of Slovak, AR. He is survived by his loving wife Bessie Smith Duch and his children: Chris Duch (Amy) of Jonesboro, Mark Duch (Shelley) and Amanda Duch Moore (John) of Little Rock; his grandchildren Garrett and Gunner Duch, Madeline and Conner Duch, Malcolm, Andrew and Sarah Wallace Moore. He is survived by his bonus children: Ralph Smith Jr. (Jane) of Hazen, Maris Cason (Mike), Brian Smith, Heather Greenhill (Danny) of Stuttgart and bonus grandchildren: Lucy Raper (Ray), Chase Smith (Emily), Drew Cason (Emily), Jamie and Scott Cason, Riley and Maci Smith, Matthew Greenhill and 11 great-grandchildren. Survivors also include his siblings Geraldine Osborn, Erven Duch (Bobbie), and Bennie Duch (Linda) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 42 years Charlene Wilcox Duch.

He was a lifelong resident of Stuttgart and after graduating from Subiaco Academy began his farming career on the family farm. He partnered with his brother Erven in Duch Brothers Irrigation in Lonoke. He also owned and operated a Semi-Trailer Truck business for several years. Later he joined Lennox Ind. and retired in 2007. He never slowed down after retirement and kept busy working to the end. He lived life to the fullest and could light up a room the minute he walked in. Donnie had a magnetic personality; people were always drawn to him.

Double D, as most people knew him, loved ALL things outdoors. He loved to fly his plane. He was a self-made man, self taught, and a true original. He loved fishing, hunting, yard work, vegetable gardening, working in his shop, tinkering on his Model A Ford; all of these he greatly enjoyed sharing with his adored grandchildren. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Stuttgart where he was very involved in his Sunday school class and Bible studies over the years.

A Celebration of Donnie’s Life was held on Thursday, February 16 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Stuttgart. Visitation was from 10-11 a.m. A private burial service will be held for the family at a later time.

The family requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church, 2115 S. Prairie St., Stuttgart, AR 72160 or Baptist Health Foundation, RE: Heart of Faith Fund, 9601 Baptist Health Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205.

George Allen Weatherley

George Allen Weatherley began life's journey on May 13, 1957. Calvin and Marie Weatherley made their home in Des Arc, when they welcomed the birth of their second son. George shared in childhood memories along with four siblings. He attended Des Arc Elementary and High School.

Growing up along the banks of the White River, George spent many summer days on the sandbars or hanging out in front of the local dairy bar with friends, watching the girls go by. Sometimes he could be found riding around in a fast little impala his friend called "White Lightning". But wherever you saw George with his curly brown hair, he always had a smile on his face that could brighten up any place he went. He was blessed in life to find love and companionship with Gena Carol McMillen also of Des Arc. Sadly, George experienced the loss of Gena in 2016 and his younger brother Tim in 2008. George began his working career at the Farm Chemical Co. in Des Arc. He later secured a position working at the Des Arc Nursing and Rehabilitation, where he remained a valued and dedicated employ for fifteen years. George had many hobbies and interest. Fishing and arrowhead hunting were two of his favorite things to do. However; playing his guitar was his passion.

Knowing the importance of a relationship with his Saviour, Jesus Christ, George attended services at Faith Missionary Baptist Church. On February 8, 2023 George passed away at Unity Health in Searcy at the age of 65. He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin G. and Marie (Kirkland) Weatherley, brother, Timothy Wade Weatherley and spouse, Gena McMillen. He is survived by three sisters, Donna Wasson (Gary), Vanessa Peters (Gene), and Tangie Fisher (late Michael) all of Des Arc.

Sarah Grace Hall

Sarah Grace Hall, 18, of Casscoe passed away Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Sarah Grace was born Jan. 19, 2005, in Stuttgart to Jamie and Jennifer Hall. She was a member of Jesus Name Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Jim Holloway.

Survivors are her parents, Jamie and Jennifer (Holloway) Hall of Casscoe; brother, Jimmie Hall and wife Carlee of Casscoe; sister, Haleigh Gruver and husband Drew of Joplin, MO.; grandparents, Harold and Elois Hall and Delores Holloway, all of Stuttgart; and her equine “children” Outlaw and Dinero and canine pet Striker.

Funeral services, officiated by Bro. Guy Looper, were held at 2 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 11, at Jesus

Name Church of Christ with burial following in Lone Tree Cemetery by Turpin Funeral Home of Stuttgart. Visitation begins at 5 p.m. Friday at Jesus Name Church of Christ.

Jewel Anna

Belle Johnston

Jewel Anna Belle

Johnston, 84 of Hazen, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 7, 2023 surrounded by family. She was the oldest of nine children born to Carl A. and Robbie A. (King) Hill on August 6, 1938. She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Frances Clark,

Mary Morris and Leota Jenkins and one son, Billy C. Anderson, Jr. She left to cherish her memory her son, Carl Ace (Sandra) Anderson of Hazen; seven grandchildren, Everett Gorden Anderson, Joshua M. (Calyn) Anderson, Courtney R. (Dayne)

Yanai, Gina (Jon)

Freeman, Stephanie M. (Taylor) Romero, Hannah A. Anderson and Karla A. Anderson; five greatgrandchildren; two sisters, Sylvia Anderson and Birdie (Doug) Grimmett; three brothers, Arnold (Carol Sue) Hill, John Hill, and Billy (Dee) Hill.

Anna retired from Motorola Company in Chicago, Illinois in 1998. Also, she taught line dancing which made her happy. In 1999, she moved to Hazen, Arkansas to be closer to her family. She had a deep love for all of her family and enjoyed spending time with them, but her greatest passion was her love for God. She told anyone that would listen, and even some that didn’t, how God sent his only son, Jesus to die on the cross for all our sins. She always invited people to go to church and loved singing and listening to gospel music. Ann was a member of Morris Chapel Baptist Church, Des Arc, Arkansas where she attended faithfully until her health kept her home bound. By her request, Ann’s body was donated to science. A memorial service will be held in the near future (date and time to be determined later) at Walter’s Chapel Church, Carlisle, Arkansas with Bro. Greg Tenison officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association or an organization of your choice.

Ray Vernon McVay

Ray Vernon McVay, age 87 of Des Arc, passed away Sunday, February 5 at his home. Ray was born at El Paso, TX, on Sunday, November 24, 1935. He was raised as a Catholic and was saved at an early age. He received his formal education at the El Paso school system and joined the United States Army. After his military service, Ray began working as a carpenter in southern California. He joined the Carpenter’s Union and remained a member for almost 60 years.

Upon retirement, he returned to Des Arc and became an active worker in the community. Ray served 12 years as a Des Arc City Councilman, was a board member of DAN&R and for the past 8 years participated in the activities at Des Arc Sr. Citizen Center. An outgoing and friendly person, Ray loved people and enjoyed visiting with his friends. One of his favorite pass times was playing dominos at the Senior Citizen Center.

Survivors are his two sons: Ray McVay, Jr and wife Lisa of Des Arc, Jason McVay and wife Nona of Cabot

One daughter, Julia Hambrick and husband Willie of Des Arc; 7

Grandchildren: Sarah, Willie Jr, Joshua, Ray III, Seth, Alex & Jonas

17 Great-grandchildren; 2

Great-Great-grandchildren and one almost here.

Brothers: James

Kenworth & wife Tena of Eaglevillel, TN, George Kenworthy and wife Jean of Arlington, TX;

Three sisters: Cynthia Autry of Anna, TX, Diana Fritzey & husband William of Rio Rancho, NM, Regina Wise of Long Beach, CA; Special friend: Sandra Webber and a host of extended family and friends.

The visitation and funeral were held on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at Garth Funeral Home. Burial took place at Sandhill Cemetery.

Donald L. Templeton

Donald L. Templeton, age 88, of Sturgis, Kentucky, formerly of Hazen, Arkansas, peacefully passed from his earthly life and entered the gates of Heaven of February 6, 2023. Don was born on February 11, 1934 to Robert and Odell Templeton of Hazen. He graduated from Hazen High School in 1953 then attended the University of Arkansas-Monticello before taking a job with the Rock Island Railroad. He worked approximately 5 years in south Louisiana before returning to Hazen in 1959. He served as station agent in Lonoke, Carlisle, and Stuttgart and at the freight office in Little Rock. In 1954 he married his high school sweetheart, Gladys Troyer. They had 3 children. He worked with Rock Island until 1980. In 1982 he took a job with Tradewater Railway in Sturgis, Kentucky where he worked for 14 years to finish out his railroad career with 41 ½ years of service. After the death of his wife Gladys, he married Velda O’Leary and gained a loving second family. He said he was so blessed to have two of the best families that anyone could ask for. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Gladys, his sonin-law, Jerry Moore, and his brother David E. Templeton. He is survived by his wife, Velda Templeton of Sturgis, Kentucky, his children, Sherry (Danny) Walters of Hazen, Roger (Ellen) Templeton of Little Rock, Arkansas, Dana Moore of Dixon, Kentucky, and step-children, Deena (Phillip) Holt of Clay, Kentucky, and Dennis (Melissa) O’Leary of Sturgis, Kentucky, his brother, Robert (Shelia) Templeton of Montgomery, Texas, and his sister, Martha (Richard) Dobbs of Duluth, Georgia. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Aaron Walters, Reid Walters, Griffin Templeton, Caroline Templeton; stepgrandchilden, Clay Alloway, Dale Walters, and April Walters, and six great-grandchildren, Gabby and Keegan Alloway, Presley Templeton, Whitney Walters, Emma Jane Davis, Devin Davis, and 5 great-great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. Graveside services were held at 3:00 P.M., Sunday, February 12, 2023 in Hazen, Arkansas at the Hazen Cemetery. There wasl a visitation from 2:00 to 2:45 Sunday prior to the service at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen. There will be a memorial service in Sturgis, Kentucky on February 18, 2023 at the Sturgis First Baptist Church.

Grand Prairie Quilt Club meets

By Marsha Heien

The Grand Prairie Quilt Society met February 8, 2023, at the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall, Stuttgart, with seven members present and one guest. Shelley opened the meeting with the Thought for the Day, "The Repository for Textile Accumulation and Investment" sounds more impressive than "fabric stash." The January minutes and treasurer's report were given.

Shelley reminded the members that the Arts Festival deadline for Creative Arts entries is March 10th and 11th.

Kaleen Prine dropped by during the meeting and picked up some baby items the members had made for their gift shop. She said that the center is almost ready to open and she will let us know when we can come by for a tour.

For 2023, we will continue make items for Hope of the Delta, Childrens Hospital, and Easter Seals. Shelley suggested we add breast cancer pillows for UAMS to our projects.

Also, we can use our leftover pieces to stuff dog pillows for the animal shelter. She asked that we also report what we have made even if we don't bring it to the meeting.

Members talked about a summer quilt day camp. Everyone should bring their ideas to the next meeting. Sherrye brought several bags and boxes of "Treasures" that we all enjoyed "digging in" and finding something special for that next project.

The next meeting will be a Sit n' Sew on March 10...come bring your lunch and projects and join us.

We love the state of Arkansas. It’s full of dichotomous beauty. Like the Ozark Mountains and the Mississippi Delta, both are beautiful for different reasons. With talent ranging from Al Green to Johnny Cash to Justin Moore, Arkansas’s musicality is as wide ranging and diverse as its people. We’re also a state of firsts, some good and some bad. Central High School was the first high school to integrate its students, first state to ban doctors from performing gender-affirming treatment for trans youth, first Walmart store, first state to mandate computer science classes for high schoolers, first state whose first lady ran for President of the United States. Elected representatives in the Arkansas Legislature are currently introducing and reviewing a bill that would be another first for us. If this bill passes, we would be the first generation of Arkansans to be less informed than our parents about government activities that impact each of us.

Legislators have rewritten a bill that works for the public into a bill that works for them.

If House Bill 1399 passes, it would allow Arkansas cities and counties to conduct the people’s business with-

JONESBORO – Students on the Chancellor’s and Dean’s Lists for the fall 2022 semester at Arkansas State University have been announced. The out publishing details about it in local newspapers. Alternatively, these same legislators who are most definitely internet-driven individuals, are assuming that the rest of us have the time, patience and broadband connectivity in every corner of the state’s 75 counties to search online and find notices about how they are spending taxpayers’ money.

Or, perhaps they are hoping you won’t be able to see that their idea of “small government” is your city government policing itself and assuming the watchdog role assigned to the free press. This bill isn’t complicated; it removes newspapers from the process allowing government to make moves without a checks and balance. A Constitutional conservative would see the flaw there.

Newspapers are the town criers. We are the independent watchdogs, without prejudice, that are easily accessible at the corner convenience store or newspaper rack for readers who are not as ‘wired’ for online searching as our elected representatives.

As an official newspaper of record, we provide verification in the form of copies of the printed pages and affidavits that the cities and counties met obligations and that the message was lists recognize undergraduate students who achieved the highest grade-point averages while completing a minimum of 12 credit hours of study.

The Chancellor’s List (designated as CL) includes students who earned a perfect GPA of 4.0. The Dean’s List (designated as DL) includes students with a GPA of 3.6 to 3.99.

Students from Carlisle are:

Tristen Harrison-Russell, CL Char Sullivan, CL delivered to readers. And we archive every publication so it can be searched regardless of security breaches, unlike what happened in the fall as municipalities were pulling together delinquent tax lists.

How does this affect you? Suppose you look out your window and see bulldozers and construction workers building a gas station where your neighbor’s house used to be. If you read the newspaper, you might have known about the rezoning plans and variances granted well before the workers showed up.

But under the proposed bill, the Legislature is putting the onus on you, the citizen, to track city and county websites to keep tabs on what your elected leaders are doing.

Open meetings, the freedom to access information that should be public and notifying citizens about how governments spend the taxpayers’ money are the areas that belong outside the government.

Why would Arkansas legislators deter community governments from openness and transparency? That’s not smaller government. That’s a government that’s too big for its britches.

And that’s not Arkansans first.

Joanna Moody, DL Catelyn Parker, DL

Students from Des Arc are:

Jenna Brown, CL

Kayla Craig, CL

Kayci Kellar, CL Meredith Reidhar, CL

Sadie York, CL

Alysa Fields, DL Caroline Harris, DL

Dominique McCoy, DL Jackson Morton, DL

Hadley Whittenburg, DL

From Griffithville is:

Zackery Holloway, CL

From Hazen is: Halie Jordan, DL

Grand Prairie DAR members make valentines to send to active troups

By Judi Jones

These Grand Prairie

DAR members put together 75 individual bags of Valentine candy with Valentine message to send to our active troops on Saturday, January 30, at the Stuttgart home of Lynne Siems. This effort is our part of the Project Patriot Initiative to let our troops know they are supported, appreciated, and to help them celebrate Valentine’s Day. Allison Holland, Service for Veterans/Project Patriot Chair, will send this box from our Grand Prairie

Chapter to San Antonio, Texas. Left to right are Lynne Siems; Brooks Holt from Charleston, SC; Allison Holland; Sylvia Kirchoff from Folsom, LA; and Karen Carnahan. It was nice to have two out-of-town chapter members participate in this project.

State Capitol Week in Review

From Senator Jonathan Dismang

LITTLE ROCK – The Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor endorsed legislation to repeal language in state law allowing medical facilities to be licensed in order to perform abortions.

Senate Bill 138 is what legislators call a cleanup bill. Usually, such bills merely correct typographical errors in state regulations or they update obsolete language. But SB 38 is not like other clean-up bills because it is enormously symbolic.

However, now that Act 180 is in effect there is no need for language licensing abortion facilities. SB 138 recognizes that fact.

After committee approval, the next step is for SB 138 to be voted on by the entire Senate and sent to the House of Representatives.

information, but would have to immediately dispose of personal information obtained from adults. If the sites keep identifying information of adults they would be liable for damages, court costs and attorneys’ fees.

In the 4th week of the 2023 Regular Session, the House passed bills impacting taxes, healthcare, education, and criminal justice.

Tax related bills that passed the House this week included HB1026 and HB1143.

HB1026 prohibits local governments from enacting an income tax.

HB1143 defines “homestead” for purposes of property tax exemption for disabled veterans, surviving spouses, and minor dependent children of disabled veterans.

The House also passed HB1127 which creates the Rural Emergency Hospital Act. This bill would provide a way for rural hospitals in the state to qualify for a new federal designation and be reimbursed at a higher rate for outpatient services.

Other healthcare related bills now advancing to the Senate include HB1042, HB1082, and HB1267.

HB1042 enhances cover- age of prostate cancer screenings by directing the Insurance Commissioner to adopt any updated guidelines published by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

HB1082 establishes the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact in Arkansas.

HB1267 requires home caregivers to have a specific number of hours in dementia training.

On Wednesday of this week, the House passed three education bills.

HB1238 outlines enhanced transportation funding for school districts.

HB1156 states that public schools and openenrollment public charter schools shall designate multiple occupancy restrooms for exclusive use by the male sex or exclusive use by the female sex.

HB1157 states that every public school and openenrollment charter school shall provide parents with digital or hard copy infor- mation about local water safety education courses and swimming lessons offered for free or at a reduced price.

On the 5th week of the Regular Session, the House passed legislation addressing substance abuse, teen pregnancy, public assistance, and transportation.

The House passed HB1144. This bill creates the Arkansas Family Treatment Specialty Court Act. The bill states that there is a critical need for judicial intervention and support for effective treatment programs to reduce the number of family separations due to substance use disorders and mental health disorders. HB1144 address that by creating a specialized court within the court system, similar to our current drug courts.

The House also passed the Support for Pregnant and Parenting Students Act. HB1161 allows pregnant and parenting students to have an additional 10 days of excused absence after the birth of their child. This bill also ensures adequate nursing facilities are provided by schools to parenting students.

The House passed two bills this week regarding qualifications for public assistance.

HB1197 would disqualify a person from collecting unemployment compensation for any week he or she fails to respond to a job offer or fails to appear for a job interview.

HB1196 would require an able-bodied person to work, train, or volunteer in order to qualify for and receive public housing. Several exceptions are outlined in the bill.

In addition, the House passed HB1182. This bill aims to address the state’s shortage of large animal veterinarians by providing clarity regarding the certification of a veterinary technician specialist and defines a collaborative agreement between a veterinarian and a specialist.

The House passed SB43 which defines an adultoriented performance and adds certain restrictions. And the House passed a couple of transportation bills.

HB1324 would allow law enforcement officers to pull over a driver who does not have their headlights on when it is raining, snowing, or any time the windshield wipers are being used.

SB47 repeals a law that prohibits leaving a running vehicle unattended.

The deadline to file proposed constitutional amendments was Wednesday of this week.

In all, 33 proposals were filed. Constitutional amendments are typically one of the last items to be addressed in the session. You can review the proposals at arkansashouse.org.

Last year in a case out of Mississippi the U.S. Supreme court repealed Roe v. Wade, a precedent that allowed abortions. Arkansas had in place a “trigger” law, Act 180 of 2019. It immediately outlawed abortions except to save the life of the mother and now Arkansas is considered one of the most pro-life states in the country.

Prior to the Supreme Court ruling, laws passed by the Arkansas legislature to restrict abortions were tied up or overturned in federal court. That allowed facilities in Arkansas to perform abortions because federal law superseded state laws. The state Health Department used to license those facilities.

Date c h an g ed f or G FWC meetin g

The GWFC Elsie McCain Club - Our meeting will be at Lonoke's Cozy Kitchen Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 1:00 p.m. The date was changed to accommodate the restaurant. Libby Hutson will be Lesson Leader. If you want to bring a friend, just call Libby so you can be sure to have a plate. This announcement is sent by Chris Weems, Club President.

In other action, the full Senate unanimously approved SB 66 to require Internet sites to verify the age of viewers if the sites are harmful to minors due to the availability of pornographic material. The required age verification could be a digital ID, such as a driver’s license.

Web sites that fail to verify the age of viewers would be liable for harm done to minors. Also, the adult sites would not be allowed to keep

The Senate sent SB 66 to the House.

The Senate also approved legislation that allows a city to create an entertainment district without having an advertising and promotion tax. They are commonly known as “hamburger” taxes, and current law does not allow entertainment districts in cities without them.

The legislation is House Bill 1024. It has already been approved by the House, where it

-NOTICE TO BIDDERS-

PROPOSALS addressed to Mayor Ray Glover, City of Carlisle, AR, 215 South Court St., Carlisle, AR 72024, will be received until 2:00PM (Local Time) on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 for furnishing labor, equipment, materials, supplies, and supervision necessary to replace one (1) engine driven 2100-GPM emergency backup pump and associated appurtenances. Bids shall be submitted electronically to, tfoster@ce-associates.biz, and will be opened and read aloud at such time at the office of Civil Engineering Associates, LLC located at 515 Oak Street, Suite C, Conway, AR 72032.

BIDDING DOCUMENTS may be examined without charge at the office of the Engineer, 515 Oak Street, Suite C, Conway, AR, 72032. Electronic bidding documents are available at no charge from the Engineer by calling (501) 504-2455 ext. 102 or by email to tfoster@ce-associates.biz. Hardcopies will not be made available.

THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER OR BIDDERS will be required to furnish current proof of insurance per the specifications and be able to provide proof of current Arkansas Contractor’s License prior to executing the contract for this work.

BIDDERS ARE expected to inspect the site of work and to inform themselves of all local conditions. The time of completion shall be Thirty (30) Working Days excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.

BIDDERS ARE ADVISED that Arkansas State Contractor Licensing Law applies to this project. Subcontractors are also required to be licensed according to Arkansas State Law. Evidence of licensure shall be provided to the Owner prior to signing the contract.

NO BID may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for at least Thirty (30) calendar days.

IN CASE of ambiguity or lack of clearness stating the price in the bids, the City of Carlisle, Arkansas reserves the right to consider the most advantageous construction thereof, or to reject the bid.

THE CITY OF CARLISLE, ARKANSAS reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any or all informalities, and to award the contract to the bidder or bidders who, in the opinion of the Owner, offers the proposal to the best interest of same.

CONTRACTORS are cautioned that qualified bids will be subject to rejection.

CONTRACTORS are specifically advised that any person, firm, or other party to whom it is proposed to award a subcontract under this contract must be acceptable to the Owner.

To Whom It May

Concern: A 2004 Mercury Mountaineer Vin# 4M2DU86W94ZJ06619 was picked up on 1-17-23 on Hwy 70 between Hazen and DeValls Bluff at the request of the Hazen Police Department.

This vehicle is in the possession of Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service 1111 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 all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, MonFri, 8am-5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges. 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.