75¢
Oasis Helping Hands gives out food. (See p. 6.)
Volume 120 Number 7 - USPS 225-680
Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Entergy responding to outages from winter storm Community Calendar of Events
Wednesday February 17 Ash Wednesday Thursday February 18 City of Hazen City Council meeting Hazen Community Center 6:00 p.m. Monday February 22 Hazen School Board meeting 6:00 p.m. High School Library
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Approximately 1,600 customers remained without power Sunday evening after about 7,000 were disrupted earlier in the day as winter weather blew across the state. Forecasts call for even more extreme temperatures, sleet, and snow this week, with an unprecedented demand for electricity likely. “The current load forecasts are approaching an all-time winter peak, even greater than those experienced during the polar vortex of January 2019,” said Michael Considine, vice president of customer service. “This high demand for electricity poses unique obstacles when crews work to restore electricity when the power goes out.” Colder than normal temperatures during the early morning and overnight hours can prompt a large number of customers to increase the heat used in their homes and therefore the demand, company officials said, which can cause voltage variations and repeated power disruptions. If customers lose electricity, they can help with restore times by turning off major appliances and heating units. Once power is restored, customers should gradually power on appliances and heating systems to prevent a high level of instantaneous demand. Entergy Arkansas also has procedures it must follow to prevent further damage to weather-ravaged equipment, which can affect when in the process a customer will be restored.
“Rather than simply energizing an entire power line all at once,” Considine said, “we must bring customers back online one section at a time to avoid damage to our system and possibly cause additional outages.” The extremely cold temperatures for the service area are raising the potential for generation and transmission challenges for Entergy’s operating companies and its neighboring utilities.“We ask you to be particularly mindful of your energy use during this extreme cold to help reduce the strain on the electric system by practicing safe energy conservation efforts,” Considine said. Some ways customers can help us manage through this period: ·Lower the central thermostat to 68 degrees or lower if possible. ·Open blinds and draperies to let in warmth from the sun during the daytime. ·Delay laundry, washing dishes, bathing and other non-essential uses of electricity until this appeal for conservation has ended. ·Wash clothes with cold water, cook foods at the lowest possible setting and refrain from opening the oven door while baking. ·Don’t allow warmed air to escape from the home. To stay up to date on outages and restoration: ·Download the Entergy app for Apple or Android operating systems at Entergy.com/app. ·Register for addressspecific alerts by texting REG to 36778.
Department (VFD) to purchase equipment was the main order of business on the Prairie County Quorum Court’s agenda at their February 9 meeting. All of the justices were present at the meeting. The Oak Prairie VFD has raised $15,000 through “community cash and/or in-kind donations to be applied to the project as a local match,” according to the resolution. No funds from the county toward the project will be used. The majority of the remainder of the meeting was taken up with questions about court procedures and the management of the Prairie County Food Bank brought up by Republican members of the court. Justice Rick Stallings asked for corrections to the minutes be made before approving them, asking that it be noted that he opposed a vote to approve the previous month’s minutes and that he would like to see the names of
concerned about bonuses” to “He wanted clarification about bonuses.” Stallings also expressed concern that the county might be audited by the legislature for the Prairie County Food Bank account. “If you have the money, we have no oversight,” Stallings said. Judge Mike Skarda told Stallings that the food bank was now a nonprofit organization and funds to it no longer go through the county. “There are no funds coming into the county,” Justice Bobby Willeford said. County Attorney Abram Skarda told the court that he had not gotten a report about it, but that he would look into it. Stallings closed by saying,” I want to make sure it is being done correctly,” Stallings said. There was also some question about the gravel hauling services purchased by the county. Judge Skarda said that hauling gravel is exempt from bidding by
Hazen Utilities Manager Phillip Foot clearing roads after the heavy snow fall. Customers will need an account number and ZIP code. Once registered,
text OUT to 36778 to report an outage. ·Visit “View Outages”
page at EntergyStormCenter.co m.
Hazen Council votes to allow off-duty policemen to take other employment The Hazen City Council met in a special meeting on Monday, February 8, to pass an ordinance establishing guidelines for members of the Hazen Police Department to be employed in work outside of their duties as officers. The police department asked the city to consider allowing officers to provide security services for the work being done on the Interstate 40 bridge. That work must have law enforcement officers present to protect the workers on the project, and the Arkansas State Police cannot supply the officers necessary. Without police present on the site, the work cannot continue. The Parsons-Mahan Joint Venture, which is doing the work, requested the city’s help. Police Chief Bradley
Taylor told the council that his officers had taken a work-zone safety class in preparation for the work. The officers would not be allowed to work for the highway company during their city work hours. They would only warn of the upcoming road work from a quarter mile away, and the officers would be off of the road. After consulting the Arkansas Municipal League, the city put together Ordinance 499 that establishes guidelines for members of the police department to perform “occupational duties outside the employment.” The ordinance (which can be seen in this week’s paper) states that any officer considering additional or outside employment must first request, in writing to
the Chief of Police, to do so, and those requests must then be submitted to the mayor for final approval. Those officers must abide by all city and police department policies and the laws of the state and federal government even while off-duty and also must follow all rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the employing company. The work may not interfere with the officers’ duties as city policemen. The outside employment by officers must be contracted through the city, and officers will be paid $30 an hour. The company will be charged $20 an hour for the use of the city’s police vehicle. The council voted to approve both the ordinance and the new city policy unanimously, and the meeting adjourned.
were told that was only done because the county had been told by Sandra Patterson of the Office of Emergency Management that there might be a perceived conflict of interest in that instance. Justice Lynn Hatcher asked if the gravel haulers had insurance. “They must have it,” Skarda said.
Calhoun, had purchased one, and that the county had bought one for the Oak Prairie VFD since he has been the judge. The ownership of the Tollville tanker is still in question. In the judge’s report, Skarda said that the county road department had been grading roads when possible, and he
courtroom on February 17. The bids will be opened by the architects for the project, and Historic Preservation rules must apply on all work. A roll call vote was taken to end the meeting at Judge Skarda’s request.
Thursday February 25 Commodities distribution Drive-through Hazen United Methodist Quorum Court passes resolution to apply for Oak Prairie grant Church The passage of a reso- the members who are state statute. “We do get The county ownership gave a COVID report on lution that would allow for and against any bids, though,” he said. A of tanker trucks used by the county. He also said 10:00 a.m.- the county judge to measure voted upon by resolution had been local volunteer fire that 12 contractors had apply for an Arkansas voice vote be listed in passed by the court in departments was also attended a pre-bid meetnoon. Rural Community the minutes. He also 2018-2019 to allow a brought up. Judge ing for repairs to the (ARCG) on behalf asked that wording in specific person to pro- Skarda said that the two county courthouses. Please wear Grant of the Oak Prairie the past minutes be vide services to the county under a previous Bids will be taken for Volunteer Fire changed from “He was county, but the justices county judge, Butch the work on the Des Arc masks. Tuesday February 23 DeValls Bluff City Council meeting 6:00 p.m.
Community events brought to you by Hazen Chamber of Commerce and the
Please call F&M Bank (255-3042) or The Grand Prairie Herald (255-4538) to list events.
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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, February 17, 2021
MLK, Jr. Commission airs series to highlight African Americans Dorothea Evelyn Pearson Dorothea Evelyn (Mowrer-Lane-Hedrick) Pearson, 94, of Carlisle, Arkansas p a s s e d away on Fe b r u a r y 2, 2021. She was born in Carlisle, Arkansas on February 19, 1926 to the late Curtis and Icis (Heath) Mowrer Along with her parents she is preceded in death by siblings Calvin Mowrer, Alice HensleyIngle, Ellis Mowrer, and Edith Cornett, two children, Malvin Lane and Carolyn Parr and three husbands Cecil Lane, Carl Hedrick, and John Pearson. She is survived by one brother James (Bob) Mowrer, four children David Lane of Lamar, George Hedrick (Melaney) of Carlisle, Melissa Sanders of Carlisle, and Billy Hedrick (Sere) of Delta, Louisiana, 23 grandchildren, numerous greatgrandchildren and great-great-grandchildren and a very special niece Kimberly (BJ) Heffron of Olney, Illinois. Dorothea was a caregiver and loved by many people and she loved them all. She lived a long and eventful life. She never met a stranger and always had an open door for anyone who needed it. She will be missed by many. She had a huge heart that was full of love for everyone she ever met. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, February 6,
2021 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Carlisle, Arkansas with burial to follow at Butlerville Cemetery. A visitation was held at Boyd Funeral home in Lonoke on Friday, February 5, 2021 from 1-5pm.
Jerry L. Walker Jerry L. Walker, 79, of Des Arc died Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at Unity Health White County Medical Center in Searcy, AR. Jerry was born September 27, 1941 in Des Arc, Arkansas to Lilburn Hayes and Jessie Odell (Sadler) Walker. He worked many years at Riceland Foods in Des Arc. Survivors include one son, Robert (Walker) Maki and wife, Kristi, one daughter, Terry Steele , four granddaughters, Morgan, Hannah, Rachel, and Becca, two nieces, Jan Fuller and husband Donald, Debbie Morris and husband Mike, nephew David Walker sister in law, Sally Walker, several great nieces and nephews, along with many friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary Walker, one brother, Charles Walker, one half brother, James Merritt, and nephew, Mike Walker. Funeral services are 10:00 am Thursday, February 11, 2021 at Garth Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Lakeside Cemetery by Garth Funeral Home. Bro. John Hart officiating.
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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 Photographer Ruth Corley
Patty Ann Thrift, lovingly known as “Toots” passed a w a y , February 3, 2021 at the age of 72. P a t t y was born June 8, 1948 in Newport Arkansas. Patty owned and operated Carlisle Beauty Shop for several years, worked at the Carlisle Water Department and retired from the Lonoke County Clerk’s office in 2019. Patty is survived by her two sons, Tommy (Carol) Thrift, Ronnie (Angelia) Thrift; grandchildren, Mathew (Kelley) Thrift, Taylor (Courtney ) Thrift and Hailey Thrift; greatgrandchildren, Tyler Thrift, Kaleigh Stires, Paige Lee, Tyler Marie Lee, all of Carlisle; two brothers, Rocky Wakefield and Ricky Wakefield of Carlisle; one sister, Brenda Manuel of Carlisle; as well as several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Tommy Thrift, Sr., her mother, Eleanor Wakefield and stepfather, Richard Wakefield; two brothers, Ritchie Wakefield and Daniel Wakefield and one sister Laura Sutton. A graveside service for Patty “Toots” Thrift and Tommy Thrift, Sr., who passed April 1, 2020, was held at the Old Carlisle Cemetery, February 6, 2021 at 9:00 AM.
Blood Institute holds Hazen drive By Sharon Cagle
Arkansas Press Association
Patty Ann Thrift,
The Arkansas Blood Institute held a blood drive on Monday, February 8, 2021, at the Hazen United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Twenty donations were given. Those who donated were: Sharon Cagle James Gray Chris Wright Janie Starr Paula Hooks Dan Hooks Roxanne Bradow Justin Wiles Steve Chlapecka Hollie Wiles Shirley Evants
Stacey Bowman Sue Clayton Kenneth Alexander Amber Moore Nancy Chlapecka Tonya Highfill Ann Tober Adam Alexander Charles Tiner The next blood drive is tentatively scheduled for Monday. April 5, from 2 pm to 6:30 pm at Hazen United Methodist Fellowship Hall.
The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission announces a series of ongoing virtual programs to highlight the accomplishments of African Americans in observance of African American history month. In honor of Black History Month, the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, a division of the Arkansas Department of Education, will celebrate great accomplishments and milestones achieved by African Americans. The Commission’s goal is to identify African Americans and organizations whose contributions have made an impact in the lives of all Americans. Through this educational outreach, the Commission aims to educate and increase awareness of their lives and noble works within the communities of Arkansas and engage youth from all walks of life. This event is virtual and will promote culture, history, education, and community involvement. Programs will be streaming on the following platforms: *Facebook: @AMLKC and @ArkansasED
*Twitter: @AMLKC and @ArkansasED *Instagram: @AMLKC and @Arkansas_ED *YouTube: AMLKC and *www.ARKingDream.o rg *Arkansas Department of EducationADE.Arkansas.gov. In prerecorded content filmed before the COVID 19 pandemic, participants will be in videos without masks, not observing social distance, etc. • Friday, February 19, 2021 12:00 PM “Virtual Voyage through Arkansas Black History” 12:00 PM, narrated by DJ MC Lyte and Spoken Word Poet and Rapper, Malik Yusef. Arkansas has made several entries into black history and American history. The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission welcomes award-winning announcer, M.C. Lyte as we highlight notable events and Arkansans in the areas of law enforcement, government, law, education, and entertainment. • Friday, February 26, 2021 12:00 PM The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. C o m m i s s i o n ’ s Pilgrimage to Alabama (Pre COVID 19 Event) • The Arkansas Martin
Luther King, Jr. Commission visits the hometown and church of Jimmy Lee Jackson, martyr for voting rights in Selma, Alabama • Friday, March 5, 2021, Re-Enactment of the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee *(Pre COVID 19 Event) The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission participates with thousands from across the country in the “Bloody Sunday” Reenactment and Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee. This annual event in Selma, Alabama, commemorates "Bloody Sunday," which occurred March 7, 1965, when a group of about 525 African American demonstrators gathered at Browns Chapel to demand the right to vote. Two weeks later, the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. and 3,200 civil rights protesters marched the 49 miles from Selma to the state capital, Montgomery—an event that prompted Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act. Every year on the first weekend in March, the Bridge Crossing Jubilee commemorates both the bloody confrontation at the Pettus Bridge and the March from Selma to Montgomery that followed.
New books at Prairie County libraries Truly, Madly, DeeplyKaren Kingsbury( Christian) Invisible Girl- Lisa Jewell The Way of Love- Tracie Peterson (Christian) Noel Street- Richard Paul Evans Secrets of My HeartTracie Peterson (Christian) The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop- Fannie Flagg The Wife UpstairsRachel Hawkins The Mystery of Mrs. Christie- Marie Benedict Robert B Parker's Someone to Watch over Me- Ace Atkins Active Defense- Lynette Eason Shall We Dance- Shelley Shepard Gray (Christian) Autumn Skies- Denise Hunter Fortune and Glory (Tantalizing TwentySeven)- Janet Evanovich The Lost and Found Bookshop- Susan Wiggs What We Find- Robyn Carr A Precious Gift- Shelley
Shepard Gray (Christian) Captured by Love- Jody Hedlund (Christian) The Takeover- T L Swan Sealed with a HissAddison Moore The Stopover- T L Swan The Lady Brewer of
London- Karen Brooks Pretty Little Wife- Darby Kane Promises of TomorrowShelley Shepard Gray (Christian) Nantucket ThreadsPamela Kelley
Angie King Beauty Shop for Men and Women Open Wednesday - Saturday Please Call for appointment. 870-998-2251 or 870-998-2414 305 West Hazel (by the courthouse) DeValls Bluff, AR
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Grand Prairie Herald 870-2554538 for all the news INTERESTED in Selling Your Home or Property? Call today for a free market analysis. We advertise locally, also in ZILLOW, CARMLS, and EZ MLS.
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Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Lady Bison pull away from Lady Hornets in fourth quarter By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor The Carlisle Lady Bison broke open a close game in the third quarter en route to a 52-29 win over the Hazen Lady Hornets on Feb. 10 at Bison Arena. With the score tied 2020, Carlisle’s Katie Faucett hit two short jumpers in a row to give the Lady Bison the lead good. Her baskets came with 3:17 and 2:29 left in the third quarter. Hazen’s Shakeva Washington scored with 1:11 left to make the score 24-22. Carlisle’s Shelby Hancock scored with 58 seconds left to make the score 26-22. Carlisle’s Audrey Fortner hit a 3-pointer late to give the Lady Bison a 29-25 lead headed into the fourth quarter. Carlisle’s Emma Golden scored on a drive to the basket early in the fourth quarter. That was the start of a 23-4 run to end the game. Hazen’s Trellby Gipson hit a 3-pointer with 4:15 left to make the score 35-29. Hancock then scored on a drive to the basket to ignite a 17-0 run to end the game. Hancock
Carlisle’s Katie Faucett goes up for a shot while being defended by Hazen’s Lyric Larkin during second-half action Feb. 10 at Bison Arena. (Mark Buffalo photo) scored eight points during the run while Faucett had four, scoring on two putbacks. Emma Golden led the Lady Bison with 14 points. Hancock had 10. Faucett scored nine. Hailey Thrift added six. Fortner had five. Gracie
Lea and Laken Golden had three points each. Mackenzie Raper had two. Kristen Curlett led Hazen with 12 points. Gipson had five. Faithe Hussey, Kaitlin Tosh and Washington had four points each.
Bison work hard to beat Hornets in triple overtime By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor It took three overtimes but the Carlisle Bison registered their sixth win of the season by beating Hazen 58-57 on Feb. 10 at Bison Arena. The sixth win was the most for Carlisle since the registering 11 wins during the 2013 season, William Rountree’s final season of his second stint as head coach. Carlisle David Hayes hit 1 of 2 free throws with 2.3 seconds left in the fourth quarter to force overtime. Hazen led 31-28 with 4:35 left. Carlisle took a 34-33 lead on a drive to the basket by Lamonte Eddings. Hazen regained the lead at 3534 with 43 seconds left on a steal and layup by Jacolby Hogan. Carlisle had a chance to win it in regulation when Hazen turned the ball over with one second left following Hayes’ game-tying free throw. Hayes missed a jumper at the buzzer. Carlisle had a fivepoint lead at 41-36 following a 3-pointer by Hayes with 1:39 left in the first overtime. Hazen’s Jalen Burton scored the next four points to cut the deficit to 41-40 with 38 seconds left. Eddings gave the Bison a 42-40 lead with 14.4 seconds left before Hogan hit a jumper with 2.4 seconds left to send the game into a second overtime. In the second overtime, Hazen led 54-53 with 15.7 seconds left after Burton hit 1 of 2 free throws. Carlisle had a chance to win it but Preston Clingmon hit only 1 of 2 foul shots with 4.5 seconds left, sending the game into a third overtime. Hazen played most of the third overtime with only four players because of two players fouling out and an
Blurred Vision -
By Nathaniel Bradow
“Lent: Positive Sacrifice”
It is that time of year again. The winter has turned its frigid winds and its flakey snowman modeling clay on all of us here in central Arkansas. I haven’t seen snow this thick since I was five or six. We are sitting at six inches of snow with a steady downpour still accumulating. I hope you are all staying warm and safe, gentle readers. But this snow is an anomaly in this part of the world. We rarely get any winter weather that sticks around for more than a morning or so. While it is nice to watch my pooches navigate the drift, I want to spend this week talking about sacrifice. Yep, it is that time of year again, Lent. According to the calendar, Lent begins on Wednesday, February 17th. The concept of Lent is for a person to give up something he/she loves for 40 days to get some semblance of the feeling of the 40 days and nights Jesus spent in the desert. It is a petty excuse for a show of unity with Christianity’s Savior, but it is the best we can come up with that won’t completely wreck our lives or our health. It is a symbolic gesture after all. Truly, choosing something has become a difficult task. So much of our lives are so integrated to make living easier or faster that if we give up one thing, most likely it will affect everything else. That means we have to choose carefully. I’m not going to suggest a list of things that you or I could give up in honor of Christ’s sacrifice. However, I do want to remind you that it needs to be something that hurts. If you give up champagne or caviar, I’m glad you are prospering in these financially trying times, but those are not painful to give up. They are not essential. Giving up luxuries is not what the season is meant to be. Lent is meant to be a cleansing of the soul. Our time to step back
and inflict ourselves with a little suffering in order to become more spiritually aware and connected with the world and each other. Every man, woman, and child has a cross to bear, and Lent is meant to remind us of that fact. We are supposed to empathize with the rest of mankind and be a little more sympathetic to each person’s individual plight. I’m not sure what I will be giving up this year. At this writing, I still have a couple of days to make that decision. I do know that the past few years, I have been slack when it comes to strictly observing Lent. It is kind of a short term New Year’s resolution that is easily forgotten when you are not at home with the sardonic gaze of your significant other there to keep you honest. I do know that it will be something that hurts a little. Maybe, it would be better to take on a burden daily. Something like walking a mile (which in this weather would be a burden), or cooking every night, or donating to a different charity every day (for those of you caviar types just donate your champagne money), or simply talking to an old friend or a couple of friends once a day. Perhaps, putting something positive out in the world for 40 days would be a more fitting legacy of the Prince of Peace, than a mediocre attempt at self deprivation. If you choose wisely, your burden will be one of time and energy, but will carry with it a positivity that the Lamb of God wanted to get across to us in the first place. Spend an extra hour talking to or reading to your kids each night. Call your grandmother or grandfather or mom or dad once or twice a day, or volunteer to work at your local food bank. Donate to your local food bank! This weather brings hunger more cutting than it normally can be. Show
Did You Know... Carlisle’s Devon Buffalo attempts a free throw in the third quarter of the Bison’s 58-57 triple overtime win over the Hazen Hornets on Feb. 10 at Bison Arena. (Mark Buffalo photo.) injury to a third. The Hornets still had a chance to win. Hazen led 55-54 with 2:17 left following a free throw by Jayden Adkins 2:17 left. Carlisle took a 56-55 lead on a putback by Embry Thornton with 1:59 left. Thornton scored again with 50 seconds left to make the score 58-55. Hazen had a chance to tie but Adkins hit a two-point basket with 2 seconds left to account for the final score. Hazen led 12-5 after one quarter and 19-14 at halftime. Carlisle cut the deficit to 21-20 following a 3pointer by Eddings with 4:28 left in the third quarter. Burton scored the next four points to push Hazen’s lead to 2520. Carlisle scored the final eight points of the third quarter to lead 28-25. Braxton Cooney scored four points while Devon Buffalo and Clingmon each scored two during the run.
Eddings led the Bison with 21 points. Hayes had 18. Cooney added eight. Thornton and Buffalo had four points apiece. Clingmon had three. Burton led Hazen with 30 points. Scoring seven each were Logan Baser, Adkins and Hogan. Shedrick Ward had three. Eric Cohen had two.
The first person to be executed in the electric chair in Arkansas was from Des Arc. Lee Simms, an African American, was found guilty of violent rape in 1913. In those days that was a capital offense. There was a delay in the execution due to the resignation of the current executioner. He resigned because there were ten men on death row, and he could not face being the one to flip the switch for the death of so many. An electrician from Arkadelphia was hired and on September 5,
your sacrifice by not giving up a physical thing, but by giving up a part of you, even if all you can give is your time. In short, gentle readers, whether you choose to give something up or take something on, remember to make whatever it is a part of you. Lent is ultimately about sacrifice. Giving something of yourself to remind you that some people give everything. People you’ve never met, who have never met you, have affected your life in some unseen way. We are all connected, whether we like it or not. And if everyone gave a little of themselves for the good of others, then those with nothing would start to be able to give as well. We didn’t come into this world on our own. We will not make it through the world on our own. If we embrace each other, rather than seek for reasons to divide each other, we might find happiness in ourselves. So, this Lenten season, whether you give up or give out, make sure you give OF yourself. It might hurt, it might be inconvenient, it might make your life more difficult. That is kind of the point. If we all give up a little of our vanity or self-importance for the good of others for 40 whole days, maybe, just maybe, we can continue that giving into the future, and together we can make the world a more loving and joyful place. As the bard said, “I must be cruel to be kind.” So must we sacrifice to be sanctified. Have a wonderful Lenten season, gentle readers. Stay warm and safe in this beautifully brisk weather. If you want to comment on this column or any of my other musings, you can reach me at thatbradowguy@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you, and I hope to give you something else to mill over next week. Until then, take care.
by Debbye Harrison
1913,in the Little Rock Penitentiary, the court order was carried out. Simms went peacefully to the death chamber after being granted a last minute visit with his brother. Once inside the chamber he asked if he could pray. He kneeled at the arm of the electric chair and prayed aloud. When he finished, he addressed the witnesses and penitentiary personnel and asked if they would sing “’Til We Meet Again.” As they began to
sing, Simms joined in with his clear voice and continued as the executioner adjusted his thick leather mask. By the time the last words were sung, Simms was strapped in this newly engineered $750 chair. The melody had barely left the room when three shocks of ten seconds each coursed through his body. Each pulse of electricity carried 2,300 volts. He was pronounced dead on the spot, but he lives in the annals of history.
Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, February 17, 2021
State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Jonathan Dismang
LITTLE ROCK – Businesses would not be penalized by state regulators for violating Covid-19 restrictions because of the behavior of their customers, under legislation passed by the Arkansas Senate. Senate Bill 254 provides that during the public health emergency declared by the governor, businesses would not be liable for violations if they were the result of the behavior of patrons. Also, SB 254 provides that businesses would not be penalized by state inspectors, such as officials of the Health Department or agents of the Alcoholic Beverage Control board, as long as the violation resulted from the behavior of customers. If an ABC agent entered a restaurant and saw a customer not wearing a face mask, the agent would have to confront the customer and not the manager of the business. The bill only governs violations of public health orders issued due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and no other health regulations. Also, the business would still be responsible for ensuring that employees follow public health directives. SB 254 passed by a vote
of 32-to-1. After a thoughtful debate, the Senate approved SB 289 to allow health care providers to refuse to perform procedures if they have objections based on conscience. They would not be civilly or criminally liable and could not lose their staff privileges or board certification. SB 289 passed by a vote of 27to-6. The Senate also passed SB 183, to prohibit a candidate from using campaign funds or carryover funds to pay fines for ethics violations. Under SB 183, using campaign funds to pay ethics fines would be considered the same as converting campaign funds to personal use. It passed by a vote of 31to-2. The penalty for racing on public highways would be more severe under SB 247, which the Senate passed by a 34to-1 vote. A first offense would remain a class A misdemeanor but a second offense and any additional offenses would be Class D felonies. SB 245 adds to the potential penalties for sex trafficking. If convicted offenders used a truck in committing the offense, they would be
prohibited from holding a Commercial Driver’s License. That means they could not legally drive a heavy truck. After the Senate passed the Senate bills, they were sent to the House and referred to the relevant committee. Assuming they are advanced by the committees, they then will be voted on by the entire House. The Senate passed a House bill, HB 1202, which requires counties to publicly post sample ballots in advance of elections. The sponsor said that 55 of the 75 counties in Arkansas already do so. The Secretary of State would post the sample ballots on an Internet page that would be easy for voters to find the correct ballot for their precinct. HB 1202 originated in the House. It has been approved by both chambers and has been sent to the governor for his signature. The Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor has advanced SB 6, to prohibit abortions in Arkansas except to save the life of the mother. It will next be considered by the entire Senate.
Carelink launches Bone Appetit program to assist seniors with pets North Little Rock, Ark. (Feb. 4, 2021) – CareLink, a Central Arkansas nonprofit providing resources to older people and their families, announces the launch of Bone Appétit, a donor-funded program that will assist pet owners 60 and older in Central Arkansas who are having issues getting necessary items for their pets such as food, name tags, and leashes. On Jan. 18, CareLink began calling members of their telephone reassurance program, which includes Meals on Wheels recipients and other older adults in Central Arkansas who are at a risk for isolation, before opening to the public. The Central Arkansas Area Agency on Aging was able to launch the program after receiving a grant for $4,000 from Meals on Wheels of America Bone Appétit is a needbased program offered at no cost to Central Arkansas pet owners in need and will be funded completely through grants and donations.
As the availability of funds increase, CareLink plans to expand offerings to assist with some vet expenses, grooming, board, and other areas of need based on requests. Qualifying individuals may apply by calling CareLink Information and Assistance at 501-3725300 or by emailing Info@CareLink.org. “Bone Appétit is a program CareLink has wanted to offer for years, but the funding wasn’t always there to make it possible,” Todd Price, Director of Community Services said. “Thanks to a grant from Meals on Wheels of America, we were able
to finally make this dream service a reality. As important as it is to us, we know it will have such an impact on the lives of older people in Central Arkansas who are having a hard time making ends meet for themselves and their pet companions.” Bone Appétit is 100 percent donor funded. If you would like to make a donation to help CareLink sustain this service, call CareLink’s Development team at 501-688-7446. For more information about Bone Appétit, call CareLink’s Information & Assistance specialists at 501-372-5300, toll free at 800-482-6359 or visit CareLink.org.
There are 25 proposed constitutional amendments filed in the House and 18 in the Senate. The deadline to file proposed amendments was February 10. Proposals range from creating a citizens commission on minimum wage to tort reform. The House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee will hear testimony and vote on proposals later this session. We will update you as those hearings approach. During the 5th week of the Regular Session, the House passed several bills addressing healthcare, including the following: SB99-This bill regulates step therapy protocols. Health benefit plans are increasingly making use of step therapy, which often require patients to try one or more prescription drugs before coverage is provided for a drug selected by the healthcare provider. SB99 does not ban the use of step therapy but instead requires insurance providers to set reasonable timelines for requests and appeals. If implemented, it will ensure that step therapy will be based on medical and clinical guidelines and not require patients to fail on medicines they have already taken or are not in their best interest. This bill has been sent to the Governor for his signature. HB1176-This bill would ensure that Arkansas Medicaid reimbursements for telemedicine of certain behavioral and mental health services continue after the health emergency ends. HB1116- This is a bill to establish Simon’s Law, named after a Missouri child whose death led to similar laws being passed in several states. It would require health care professionals to obtain at least one parent's con-
sent before placing a “do not resuscitate order” for a child. HB1067-This bill will allow UAMS to create a breast milk bank and establish an account to fund the program. Other bills advanced by the House this week include: HB1265-This bill amends the law concerning the unlawful passing of a school bus. It states drivers must come to a complete stop no less than 30 feet from the bus when it stops to load or unload passengers. This 30 feet perimeter would apply to public roads, private or public property open to the general public, and any driveway or parking lot belonging to a public school. HB1017-This bill states that Arkansas would permanently adopt Daylight Saving Time when the federal government allows states to do so and when surrounding states declare their intent to do so. SB32-This bill allows liquor stores, microbrewery restaurants, and small breweries to deliver alcoholic beverages in wet counties. Deliveries are currently allowed under an executive order. This bill will allow the practice to continue once the health
emergency order expires. SB66-This bill allows the tuition-free benefit for soldiers and airmen of the Arkansas National Guard to apply for programs of study in which courses are taken exclusively online. HB1355-This removes licensing requirements for a motor vehicle salesperson and a recreational vehicle salesperson. This bill also creates the Automotive Technologist Education Grant Program. The Division of Career and Technical Education may then award grants for training in the field of automotive repair and technology. HB1159-This bill allows members of the General Assembly to defer jury duty to a later date if they are called to serve during a legislative session or the 30 days before and after the session begins. This bill also allows a person who is 80 years of age or older to voluntarily exempt himself or herself from participating in jury service at any time. The winter weather postponed a few committee meetings this week. You can find updated agendas at www.arkleg.state.ar.us
Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, February 17, 2021
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To Whom It May Concern: A 2008 Jeep L i b e r t y V i n # 1J8GN28KXW246735 was picked up on 12-5 2020 at the at the mile marker 191 WB I-40 Hazen, AR at the request of the Arkansas State Police. 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 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.
To Whom It May 2003 Cadillac CTS VIN# 1G6DM577X40104283 was picked up on 1-20 2020 at 207 EB I-40 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 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, MonFri, 8am-5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.
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The Grand Prairie Herald is striving to cover all of the Grand Prairie news in our newspaper each week. We have been covering news about the Grand Prairie for over 118 years, which includes Hazen, Des Arc, Carlisle, DeValls Bluff, Stuttgart, and the surrounding areas. So, if you have news to tell, a picture that you would like to share, or some information that needs to get out, call us at 870-255-4538 Monday, Tuesday, or Friday, or email us at heraldpublishing@gmail.com
We want to hear from you!
Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Oasis Helping Hands provides community service with food distributions Oasis Helping Hands volunteers from the Oasis Church of Hazen, have been handing out food boxes to people in and around Hazen. Some of the items given out include fresh fruit, milk, waters, and household goods. The church usually
hands out the food boxes on Tuesdays, including this Tuesday, Feb. 16, (as long as the weather permits) and Tuesday, Feb. 23, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm. The director of the food distributions, Ashley Fite, said, “I am always updating information on
items we have; how we are trying to help the community; and the food box information updates on our facebook page, which is Oasis Helping Hands. The Oasis food bank is located 3 doors down from Will's Pizzeria on Highway 70 in Hazen.
Helpers at the last food distribution included (pictured) Bubba Barnhill, Wyatt Flatness, Skylar Sweeten, Bailey Fite, Masie Jo Vanhouten (that's the baby on the front page), Alex Adams, Rachel Vanhouten, Troy Fite, and Billy Joe Quinn. Others who also helped were April Sweeten, Maggie Parr, Justis Smith, Health Sweeten, and Lil Health Sweeten. (Ashley Fite photos.)
Grand Prairie Quilt Society holds January meeting The Grand Prairie Quilt Society met Wednesday, February 10, 2021 with 3 members present. The December meeting minutes and treasurer's report were given. There was no meeting in January. January Happy Birthday greetings were extended to Betty, Happy Birthday, Betty, though a little late! The Thought for the Day, "It's all fun and games until the bobbin runs out!" Registration for the Country Quilt Camp at Cross Heirs Retreat Center on June 10-13, 2021 is still open. All Covid-19 safety measures will be followed and observed. Call Marsha at 870-673-1430 for more information and to register. The Stuttgart branch of the Hope in the Delta center is coming along. The remodeling of the building has started. The members were
Show and Share: from L-R, Marsha's Rectangular Granny Afghan, Maeola's Dallas Cowboys' quilt and Maeola's Pumpkin afghan. reminded to start thinking of making baby items for their gift shop. They can take clothing up to size toddler 4. Show and Share: Marsha had her Rectangular Granny afghan...
Maeola showed her Dallas Cowboys' quilt that will be auctioned at the fund raiser for the Holman Heritage Center. Maeola also had her Pumpkin afghan in lovely fall colors.
The members enjoyed viewing the many lovely photographs in the Arts Festival Photography exhibit now on display at the Arts Center. The next meeting will be March 10, location to be announced.