75¢
Grand Prairie DAR presents awards. (See page 6.)
Volume 121 Number 8 - USPS 225-680
Community Calendar of Events
Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
ABC Commission denies request for liquor license
Wednesday February 23 Senior High Quiz Bowl Practice 3:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. Thursday February 24 Food Distribution Hazen Methodist Church Drive-Through 10:00 a.m. noon 10th Grade Auction & Dinner Dinner/Silent Auction 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Live Auction 7:00 p.m. Monday February 28 Hornet Baseball @ Mayflower 4:30 p.m. V/JV Thursday March 3 Bingo Hazen Public Library 11:00 a.m. Sunday March 6 Sand Hill Cemetery Meeting Association Meeting 2:00 p.m. Sand Hill Missionary Baptist Church
Prairie County residents attended the ABC hearing to protest the opening of a liquor store in Prairie County. Pictured with them are State Senator Ronald Caldwell and State Representative David Hillman. (Photo by Debbye Harrison.) By Debbye Harrison Citizens of western Prairie County scored a victory with the Alcohol Beverage Control Board on February 16. The ABC Director originally denied an application for
a license to open a liquor, beer and wine store at the junction of Highway 13 and Kinley Road. The proposed location for the store is just ¾ mile east of the White County line. White
County is a dry county. The ruling was appealed to the ABC Commission by James Smith of Searcy who made the application. Petitions were signed and letters sent objecting to the license due to
the rural location and the proximity to an already existing beer and wine outlet. Although letters of letters of support were sent by the county judge and county sheriff, the Commission denied the
request. The hearing was held in Little Rock and attended by local residents who were joined by State Senator Ronald Caldwell and State Representative David Hillman.
DA council to repair fire department, Legion hut By Lisa Mills At the February 15th City Council meeting, an ordinance was adopted to make needed repairs to the Fire Department building without accepting bids since needed repairs are an emergency. The repairs are estimated to cost $25,000. An ordinance was also adopted to repair the roof at the Legion Hut building without accepting bids because it is an emergency. The estimated cost is $15,000. A grant in the amount of $7,500 has been accepted, leaving $7,500 for the city to pay. Present for the meeting were newly appointed Recorder/Treasurer Janice Huffstickler and council members Gary Burnett, Ray McVay, AnnaBeth Fisher, Gail King, Jodie Mayher and Nicole Fisher. In the absence of Mayor Garth, Janice Huffstickler facilitated the meeting. The council approved reappointing John Stephens to the Zoning Board, and a motion was approved to accept bids for mowing the riverfront park, playground and water/sewer stations. Bids will be opened March 15th at
noon. Council Member Gail King reported for the Grant Committee that there is a March 3rd deadline to apply for a grant to make further repairs on the Legion Hut building. She stated that up to $250,000 can be applied for, and it is a 2/3 and 1/3 matching grant. The council approved applying for a $60,000 grant. King also stated that she has been made aware that numerous grants are available from corporations and foundations for non-profit agencies with 501C3 status. Many cities have this status and are eligible for these grants. The council recommended that King speak to City Attorney Ginger Stuart about moving forward to obtain the status and have her explain the legal procedure for obtaining the status. Cecil Taylor addressed the council concerning his complaint about property near his house. He said that he would be willing to wait until next month’s meeting because most of his questions needed to be addressed to City Attorney Stuart and Mayor Garth.
New LCLS Director Kathleen Ashmore and Carlisle Librarian Autumn Mock.
Carlisle City Council supports new Christmas decorations for city By Debbye Harrison The Carlisle City Council met February met with Council members Mike Walker, Anne Anderson, Kevin Kegley and Jon Plafcan present. Debbie Madar and Barbara Phillips were introduced and proposed adding to the city’s Christmas decorations through community donations and support. Students at Carlisle High School who are studying metal work have volunteered to make large Christmas tree outlines to be fixed to the light poles downtown. Donations have already been given to purchase the materials and Entergy has given
permission for the trees to be hung. Other proposals are to place a large skinny Christmas tree in an intersection of downtown. Also under consideration is the stringing of large bulb lights criss-crossing Court Street. Ideas are being gathered on ways to decorate the old railroad track area. Donations are being accepted in any amount to help fund this expansion for city beautification. In addition to money, the committee is also asking for help in getting the decorations put up and taken down. This is a community project and will not be
funded by the city. The Council voted to support the project. As baseball season gets closer, the management of the concession stand needs to be finalized. Immanuel Baptist Church will not be doing it this year. The Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a non-profit organization to take over those responsibilities. New Heart Ministries has shown interest. If any other group is interested, they need to contact Ronnie Ashmore at City Hall. Kathleen Ashmore was introduced as the new Director of the Lonoke County Library System.
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.
Baxter named FCCLA officer... Callie Baxter from Des Arc High School has been chosen to be on the FCCLA state officer’s team. She will be notified of her specific office at the state conference in March.
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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Tessie Lott honored with baby shower By Chris Weems
Sharon Kaye (Ingle) English Sharon Kaye (Ingle) English passed away on February 15, 2022, at the age of 64 after a long, hard battle with cancer. She was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. Sharon was born, February 17, 1957, to John and Mary (Pasley) Ingle of the Crossroads community. She is survived by her father John Ingle and youngest brother, Steven. Three children: Brooke English, Fallon Henry and husband (Danny) and Jerrod English. She was the proud grandmother of six grandchildren, Gabby Larkin, Braylen Stanfield, Kylie and Logan Weems, Olivia and Deacon Henry and one great grandchild, Aria Hannah. She is proceeded in death by her brother, Johnny Ingle, her sister, Betty Jackson and mother Mary Ingle. Sharon graduated Des Arc High School and went to work at Remington Arms at Lonoke. She loved spending time sewing. She could sew nearly every idea her children or grandchildren dreamed up. She also enjoyed baking cookies or cakes, new recipes or her favorite ones for her family. Sharon enjoyed growing plants and was always up for trying her hand at getting a new plant started from a clipping. She could be found enjoying time simply watching movies at home. Though Sharon left us far too soon, she had no wishes for a funeral service. Instead she
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Herald Publishing Company P.O. Box 370 111 Hwy 70 E Hazen, Arkansas 72064 Ph. 870-255-4538 Email: heraldpublishing@gmail.com
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would want us all to enjoy our days and not be sad on her behalf.
Stacy Nelson Stacy Nelson, 49, loving mother of three, and adoring wife to husband Ken Nelson, passed away Sunday, Fe b r u a r y 13, 2022, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Stacy was born September 1, 1972 in Stuttgart to Bill and Loretta Berg. She was a graduate of Stuttgart High School and the JRMC School of Radiology. She specialized in Ultrasound technology and worked at DeWitt City Hospital, Arkansas County CASA, Dana’s House, and JRMC. Stacy was always passionate about helping others. Whether it was during the time she spent at home with her children, developing a line of holistic products, advocating for children in the foster care system through CASA, or being an uplifting spirit to those who passed through her care at JRMC. Stacy’s devotion to her faith was discipleship, making the most ordinary moments special to anyone in her presence. Her faith was evident through the ways she gave to others and the church by teaching religious education to the youth and initiating Operation Christmas child in her congregation. Survivors are her husband, Ken Nelson; son, Kaid Nelson; daughters, Shelby and Miranda Nelson; step-sons, Corey and Trevor Nelson; parents, Bill and Loretta Berg; brother, Justin Berg and wife Sarah; and a host of many other loving family members. Funeral Mass were at 10 a.m. Thursday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Visitation was at 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday with Rosary following at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Her family requests memorials to Holy Rosary Church, Holy Rosary Catholic School, JRMC Breast Center and CASA-Arkansas County.
death by his mother, Vlasta and father, Paul, Sr.; his wife of 57 years, Rosalie Colclasure Marek and his sisters, Evelyn Chlapecka (John), Irene Elam (Bill) and Betty Bednar (Robert). He is survived by his brother, Martin Marek (Carolyn), daughter, Lori Marek, son, Doug Marek, loving grandchildren, Allie and Paul and many nieces and nephews. He found new love and married Jimmye Colclasure Marek in 2016 and they resided in Hazen, Ar. Jimmye has a son, Steve Colclasure (Diane), and daughter, Robin McMullen (Mark). Paul attended Hazen High School and was an excellent athlete. He completed several college business courses during his tenure with the Binswanger Glass Company during his 30+ years of service. His last position with Binswanger was Vice President and General Manager before establishing his own manufacturer’s representative company, Marek Associates. He enjoyed the outdoors as an avid gardener, golfer, hunter, master carpenter, and his lake home in Hot Springs. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church where he enjoyed being a part of the active congregation. Paul was known as a man of great character: his word was his bond. He valued his family and friendships and never met a stranger. Visitation was 1:00 pm Thursday, February 17 at Calvary Baptist Church followed by the service at 2:00 p.m. Burial was at Slovak Lutheran Cemetery family plot on Highway 86 in Prairie County, Ar. Arrangements were by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.
Mrs. Tessie Lott, Tollville, wife of Beau Lott was honored with a baby shower Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Fellowship Hall in Hazen. The Hall was decorated in the spring motif with flower arrangements on the serving table and guests' tables of daffodils and greenery. The serving table was covered with a floorlength pink cloth and covered with a white lace overlay. Guests sign-in table was cov-
ered with a white floorlength cloth secured in the middle with a large pink bow. Tessie was assisted by hostesses in opening and displaying her gifts. Approximately forty guests were served cookies and pastries, nuts, mints, and punch. Special guests included Tessie's husband, Beau, and brother- and sisterin-law, and niece, Lee, Jana, and Paige Jerrigan, Maumelle; her mother and sisterin-law, Leslie Madsen, and Erika Madsen, of Humphrey; grandmother, Brenda Persons, and
her aunt, Penny Lloyd, and cousin, Tera Lloyd, Pine Bluff; Marty Tucek, great aunt, Leslie Brewer, Jennifer Bueker, and Madi Bueker, cousin, all of Stuttgart. Hostesses were Stephaniue Van Houten, Gloria Strohl, Trilby Shelman, Nanette Belford, Sara Perry, Monica Lisko, Carolyn Van Houten, Donna Watson, Sandy Felty, Sonja Owens, Carolyn Beam, Julie Benafield, Sharron Stallings, Carla Nichols, Chris Weems, Carolyn Benafield, and Tracie Vail.
Carelink hosting caregivers job fair CareLink, Central Arkansas’s Area Agency on Aging, is hosting its first job fair since the start of the coronavirus pandemic as part of their call for caregivers. Open to the public on March 3, interested applicants can visit CareLink between 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to learn more about employment benefits and submit their applications. The full job description is available on CareLink’s website at CareLink.org/currentjob-openings/caregiver.
Hazen Cemetery Donations In Memory of: Raymond Prine By: David & Nita Hardke In Memory of: Richard and Elva Griffin By: Mindy & Stan Beaver In Memory of: Donald Linn By: Candace Linn In Memory of: Jerry Aycock By: Candace Linn In Memory of: Geraldine Rhodes By: Candace Linn In Memory of: George Pich By: Jeanie Dearing Donations are greatly appreciated and may be mailed to Hazen Cemetery, P.O. Box 92, Hazen, Ar. 72064
There is a $600 sign on bonus, but some restrictions may apply. Previous caregiving experience is not required. CareLink provides a training to all prospective caregivers who do not have at least their personal care attendant certification. The course is offered at no cost to the individual and is now available online. Some in-person skills testing is required to obtain the certification. “The purpose of this job fair is to connect with people who have a heart for caring for older people and increase the care we’re able to provide Central Arkansas’s
aging community,” Natasha Kendrick, HR Manager said. “The role caregivers play in the lives of those in need and within our organization is invaluable. As more people older people are finding themselves unable to perform previously simple tasks, our need for caregivers grows.” If you can’t attend the March 3 event, CareLink is always accepting applications online. The next job fair is scheduled for March 24 from 8 a.m. to noon at Our House. For more information about working at CareLink, visit CareLink.org/CurrentJob-Openings.
New CNA... HHS Salutatorian and Student Council President, Whitney Sayger, can add Certified Nurses Aid to her achievements. Whitney completed a CNA course at the Des Arc Nursing Home while maintaining her schoolwork, school leadership commitments, and a parttime job. Congratulations, Whitney!
Paul Marek Paul Marek of Hazen passed away the morning of February 14, 2022 and was surrounded by his family. Paul was b o r n February 5, 1937 in Slovak, Ar. He was preceded in
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Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Hazen Council hears new I-40 truck stop proposal, passes ordinances The Hazen City Council passed two ordinances and approved a request by Charles Proctor at the regular February 17 meeting held in City Hall. Proctor told the council of plans to build another truck stop/gas station on the north side of Interstate 40 next to the Exxon station. The station will be built on 30 acres just south of the Exxon station and continuing west to the country club. A buffer of trees will be left between the country club and the station. Proctor needed permission from the council to clear away timber to accommodate the entrance and exit to the station. Proctor said if any of the timber that is cleared is worth something, the city will be reimbursed. The council members had no objection to the proposal. All of the members were present at the meeting, along with Recorder/Treasurer David Hoover, Mayor David Hardke, and Mayor’s Assistant Tracie Vail. Ordinance 507 allows the city to increase the limit on the city’s credit cards which are used by the Utilities Department and the Mayor’s office. The new limit will be
raised to $1500 to allow for the purchase of more expensive items that have to be paid for with a credit card. One such purchase is a new email and office management system for the mayor’s office. Ordinance 508 updates the 2021 budget. “Every city has to do this,” Hardke said. He explained that the amount of sales taxes were more than expected and the water and sewer costs were more than anticipated due to an extra $63,000 in maintenance costs. The repair of the spiral screen at the water plant will still need to be repaired according to Hardke. An additional $16,640 was collected from the addition to the city’s sewer bills. “In general, water and sewer is doing well,” Hardke said. “We’re still trying to figure out natural gas. What we’re losing is more than it should be,” he said. “That is the only issue in any of these funds,” Hardke said. Hazen is one of only a handful of cities in the state that own their own gas companies. Some of the discrepancy may come from gas leaks in the system, but Hardke feels that there may also be a problem with how the city is charged for the
gas. The council was given an updated copy of Resolution 563 which will allow Jere Ruth Duch to sublet a portion of the municipal airport to A&M Flying Service. A&M has been operating in Carlisle for years. The city will limit how much of the airport A&M can lease, and once an agreement is finalized between Double D Air and A&M, another resolution will have to be passed to approve it. “The state highway department did an amazing job repairing the road at the interstate,” Hardke said. He has requested that the state Department of Transportation talk to the Arkansas Truckers’ Association about the use of jake brakes, which have been a problem around the city. He also talked to the DOT about squaring off the crossing at the interstate. Hardke has some questions about the water tank contract with Utility Service Co., Inc., and he intends to work on the terms of the agreement. The council will discuss the contract at the March meeting. Fire Chief Seth Skarda reported one structure fire, five first responder
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ISSUANCE OF BONDS IN AN AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $26,084,076 BY THE WHITE RIVER REGIONAL IRRIGATION WATER DISTRIBUTION DISTRICT. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of a public hearing to be held on the 9th day of March, 2022, by The White River Regional Irrigation Water Distribution District (the “District”), at 9:30 a.m. at the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce, 507 South Main, Stuttgart, Arkansas 72160 with respect to the bonds to be issued by the District in one or more denominations and series in an original principal amount not to exceed an aggregate of $26,084,076 (the “Bonds”). The Bonds will be issued pursuant to Arkansas Code Annotated §§ 14-116101 et seq., as amended, and for the purposes described below. The District is a sponsor of the Grand Prairie Area Demonstration
Project (the “Project”). The Project is designed to protect aquifers, which includes the area’s drinking water supplies, to sustain irrigated agricultural practices, and to provide additional habitat for waterfowl. It will accomplish this by increased water conservation measures, as well as utilizing surface water resources for agricultural purposes. Proceeds from the Bonds will be utilized to fund the non-federal share of the Project costs including, but not limited to, local match for federal funding, costs associated with project design and construction, bridges or culvert construction, land acquisition, utility relocation, surveys, appraisals, reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to issuance of the Bonds, and paying costs associated with the issuance of the Bonds. . All interested parties are invited to attend the public hearing to express their views in respect to the issuance of the Bonds. Questions or requests for additional information may be directed to the District
at the address set forth below. Any interested persons unable to attend the hearing may submit their view in writing to Mr. Dennis Carman, Director, at the address of the District set forth below, prior to the date scheduled for the hearing. The Bonds will be issued pursuant to a Resolution adopted by the District and will be secured by revenues of the District, real property of the District and certain federal funds and grants. This notice is published and the above-described hearing is to be held in satisfaction of the requirements of Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and Arkansas Code Annotated §19-9-601 et seq., as amended, with respect to the requirement for a public hearing conducted by the District. THE WHITE RIVER REGIONAL IRRIGATION WATER DISTRIBUTION DISTRICT 207 East Front Street Post Office Box 348 Hazen, AR 72064 By:/s/ Dan Hooks, President
calls, and one vehicle fire. He said that most of the firemen took a CPR class and that his department had burned down a house on Water Street. Police Chief Bradley Taylor told the council that an old antenna had been blown down during a recent storm causing some damage to the Baptist Health Clinic. It was taken down by the Utilities Department workers, and Taylor will make sure that it is no longer needed. Utilities Department Manager Chad Swaim reported that his workers have preparing their equipment for the summer mowing season.
They also have been working at the baseball fields, putting in a new line for the scoreboard. Equipment for the water plant has been ordered, and his department has been busy cleaning valves there. He said that the storm had caused some flooding of businesses and ditches. Fallen leaves, tree limbs, and other debris in the ditches are a problem. These items cause the culverts to get blocked, keeping water from flowing freely. “Property owners are responsible for their ditches,” Hardke said. “We did what we could.” Rick Wiggins said that he had talked to Randy
Phillips about the removal of the bins at the baseball field, but as yet Phillips doesn’t have a timeframe on when the buildings will come down. Dallas Taylor addressed some leaking at the Police Department during heavy rains, and Steve Chlapecka suggested that the mayor look into starting a regular city pickup of leaves and limbs in the city. Hardke said that the equipment for that is expensive and that it would take two people to operate it. But he said that the city would look into it. “That may be where we’re headed,” he said.
Red Cross issues call for volunteers Winter weather has increased the number of home fires. The American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas is recruiting new volunteers to help respond to these local emergencies by supporting people in their time of greatest need. Nationally, the Red Cross has already responded to more than 1,900 home fires since 2022 began, providing assistance to more than 6,500 people. In the Missouri and Arkansas Region, trained Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers have responded to more than 2,100 home fires so far this fiscal year (July 1, 2021 to Feb. 15, 2022), and have helped nearly 7,000 people impacted by a fire in their home. Just since January 1st, in the Missouri and Arkansas Region, there have been more than 600 fires and more than 1,900 people assisted by Red Cross. LOCAL DISASTER RESPONSE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED When a home fire
occurs, Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers are needed to respond to the fire to ensure the family members receive immediate assistance including finances for a place to stay, food and clothing. Services provided are free and available to anyone impacted by a home fire. Disaster Action Team volunteers offer support during a very difficult time. As a DAT volunteer, you will provide emotional support, access to financial assistance and information to help families begin to recover. DAT team members also offer compassion and care. Training is provided to volunteers and new volunteers are teamed up with experienced responders. “Our Red Cross volunteers support their community and neighbors in need each and every day by responding to local emergencies,” said Lori Arnold, Executive Director for the American Red Cross Greater Arkansas Chapter. “We need more
volunteer help so that no one faces this heartbreaking situation alone.” “Volunteers who serve in these roles find the work extremely rewarding because they are able to be there in someone’s darkest hour and offer help and hope following devastating situations,” Arnold added. Remote opportunities are available for those interested in volunteering as a Disaster Action Team Duty Officer. These individuals are the first point of contact for fire departments and other emergency response agencies who request Red Cross assistance. Duty officers contact volunteers who are on call to respond to a home fire. They also provide guidance to the Disaster Action Team volunteers who are responding to the fires. Duty Officers work from the comfort of their home. Find out more about volunteering with American Red Cross at redcross.org/volunteertoday.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ISSUANCE OF BONDS IN AN AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $26,084,076 BY THE WHITE RIVER REGIONAL IRRIGATION WATER DISTRIBUTION DISTRICT. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of a public hearing to be held on the 10th day of March, 2022, by The White River Regional Irrigation Water Distribution District (the “District”), at 9:30 a.m. at the District’s office in the Train Depot, 207 East Front Street, Hazen, Arkansas 72064 with respect to the bonds to be issued by the District in one or more denominations and series in an original principal amount not to exceed an aggregate of $26,084,076 (the “Bonds”). The Bonds will be issued pursuant to Arkansas Code Annotated §§ 14-116101 et seq., as amended, and for the purposes described below. The District is a sponsor of the Grand Prairie Area Demonstration
Project (the “Project”). The Project is designed to protect aquifers, which includes the area’s drinking water supplies, to sustain irrigated agricultural practices, and to provide additional habitat for waterfowl. It will accomplish this by increased water conservation measures, as well as utilizing surface water resources for agricultural purposes. Proceeds from the Bonds will be utilized to fund the non-federal share of the Project costs including, but not limited to, local match for federal funding, costs associated with project design and construction, bridges or culvert construction, land acquisition, utility relocation, surveys, appraisals, reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to issuance of the Bonds, and paying costs associated with the issuance of the Bonds. All interested parties are invited to attend the public hearing to express their views in respect to the issuance of the Bonds. Questions or requests for additional information may be directed to the District
at the address set forth below. Any interested persons unable to attend the hearing may submit their view in writing to Mr. Dennis Carman, Director, at the address of the District set forth below, prior to the date scheduled for the hearing. The Bonds will be issued pursuant to a Resolution adopted by the District and will be secured by revenues of the District, real property of the District and certain federal funds and grants. This notice is published and the above-described hearing is to be held in satisfaction of the requirements of Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and Arkansas Code Annotated §19-9-601 et seq., as amended, with respect to the requirement for a public hearing conducted by the District. THE WHITE RIVER REGIONAL IRRIGATION WATER DISTRIBUTION DISTRICT 207 East Front Street Post Office Box 348 Hazen, AR 72064 By:/s/ Dan Hooks, President
Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Deadlines for ARC/PLC programs close Mar.15 WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2022 – Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2022 crop year have until March 15, 2022, to sign a contract. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers these two safety net programs to provide vital income support to farmers experiencing substantial declines in crop prices or revenues. “The Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs provide critical financial protections to many American farmers. As producers continue to weather a bruising pandemic and new, climateinduced disasters, these programs are all the more important,” said Zach Ducheneaux, Administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). “I am encouraging producers to reach out to their county offices to learn about program eligibility and election options today, so that they can begin the enrollment process as soon as possi-
ble.” Producers can elect coverage and enroll in ARC-County or PLC, which are both crop-bycrop, or ARC-Individual, which is for the entire farm. Although election changes for 2022 are optional, producers must enroll through a signed contract each year. Also, if a producer has a multi-year contract on the farm and makes an election change for 2022, it will be necessary to sign a new contract. If an election is not submitted by the March 15, 2022, deadline, the election remains the same as the 2021 election for crops on the farm. Farm owners cannot enroll in either program unless they have a share interest in the crop. Producers have completed 976,249 contracts to date, representing 54% of the more than 1.8 million expected contracts. Producers who do not complete enrollment by the deadline will not be enrolled in ARC or PLC for the 2022 crop year and will not receive a payment if triggered.
Producers are eligible to enroll farms with base acres for the following commodities: barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils,
mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium and short grain rice, safflower seed, seed cotton, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed, and wheat.
Prairie County Sheriff’s Report As of Friday, February 18, 2022, the Prairie County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) has 47 individuals' felony and/or misdemeanor charges at the Prairie County Detention Center, located in Des Arc. Recent arrest by PCSD (does not include Des Arc Police Department or Hazen Police Department arrests) include: Albert Ballard was arrested on Feb. 12 for petition to revoke, Jonathan Humbert was arrested on Feb. 14 for Burglary, terroristic threatening, and violation of protection order, Phillip May was arrested on Feb. 17 for petition to revoke, For more information on current incarcerated inmates in Prairie
County and other detention centers across the state visit www.vinelink.com. To report an incident or to give information on ongoing cases call (870) 256-4137, which is answered 24 hours a day, seven days of the week. Residents can also email the sheriff at rick.hickman@prairiecountysheriff.org. Also an anonymous tip email can be used: tips@prairiecountysheriff.org. Keep up to date with the Prairie County Sheriff's Department by following the department on Facebook: www.facebook.com/prairiecountysheriffdept. Or visiting their website, which is updated weekly at www.prairiecountysheriff.org.
‘Senior moments’ could be the result of too much knowledge in your brain by John Grimaldi WASHINGTON, DC, Feb 18 – Dementia is not an inevitable part of growing old. On the other hand memory issues are, indeed, a part of the aging process. A new study published in the journal, Trends in Cognitive Science, reveals that perhaps forgetfulness is a result of an overabundance of information we have stored in our brains, according to the authors of the review, Tarek Amer at Columbia and Harvard Universities and Jordana Wynn at Harvard. Their assessment asserts that: “Healthy aging is accompanied by declines in con-
trol of attention. These reductions in the control of attention result in older adults processing too much information, creating cluttered memory representations. Cluttered representations can impair memory by interfering with the retrieval of target information but can also provide an advantage on tasks that benefit from extensive knowledge.” In other words, the older you are the more information you have stored in your brain – so much information that it can interfere with your ability to remember. However, as someone once explained, it is normal to
forget where you left your glasses, it is not normal to forget that you wear glasses. The Centers for Disease Control [CDC] says that forgetting things that can disrupt your life is not part of growing old. The CDC says the risk factors for dementia include smoking, high blood pressure, not getting enough exercise, being overweight, trouble sleeping, isolation and blood sugar levels and cites the British medical journal, The Lancet, which suggests that dealing with these risk factors can “prevent or delay” 40% of dementia cases. There is a distinct differ-
ence between being absent-minded every so often and serious cognitive problems, according to the National Institutes of Health [NIH]. The NIH notes that “It's normal to forget things once in a while as we age, but serious memory problems make it hard to do everyday things like driving, using the phone, and finding your way home.” One can only report on the differences between “senior moments,” normal occasions of forgetfulness, and the potential of dementia. So, if you are having too many forgetful moments, you should consult your health care provider.
ORDINANCE NO. 507 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A POLICY FOR THE ISSUANCE, USE, AND CONTROL OF THE CITY CREDIT CARD BY THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CITY OF HAZEN, ARKANSAS; AND TO AMEND THE HAZEN MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING SECTIONS TO BE NUMBERED SECTION 3.32.03 AND 3.32.04; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAZEN, ARKANSAS, THAT: Section 1: The Hazen Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding a section to be numbered 3.32.03, which said section reads as follows: Definition. As used herein, “credit card” shall mean a card or device issued under an arrangement pursuant to which the issuer gives to a cardholder the privilege of obtaining credit from the issuer. Section 2: The Hazen Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding a section to be numbered 3.32.04, which said section read as follows: Issuance, Use, and Control. The Hazen City Council hereby adopts the following policy for the issuance, use, and control of a credit card by the city administration. a. The Mayor is hereby authorized to apply for and obtain a credit card on behalf of the City of Hazen in accordance with the provisions and restrictions contained herein. The Mayor is also authorized to sign all documents deemed necessary in order to carry out the provisions herein and to obtain such credit card. b. The use of the credit card is subject to all federal, state, and
local laws pertaining to the use of credit cards by municipal officials, the acquisition of credit by municipal officials and municipalities, and the making of purchases or payments on behalf of the City of Hazen. c. There shall only be one credit card account, and it shall have a maximum credit limit of no more than $1,500(One thousand five hundred dollars). The Mayor or his designee shall have a credit limit for use of the card up to this maximum credit limit. d. Signed receipts for items purchased must be presented to the Recorder/Treasurer along with the credit card statement before the credit card debt balance will be paid. Unless otherwise directed by the City Council from time-to-time, the credit card debt balance shall be paid in full each month upon receipt of the monthly billing statement and before the due date thereon. e. The Mayor or his designee shall not use a city-issued credit card for non-city business use. If the Mayor or his designee ever uses a city-issued credit card for non-city business, the Mayor or his designee shall be billed for all charges on the credit card, and the Recorder/Treasurer is
authorized to direct the City Clerk to make payroll deductions to recover any unauthorized charges. f. Cash Advances on credit cards are prohibited. Section 3: Severability. If any section, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of the ordnance, or its application to any person or circumstance, be declared unconstitutional or otherwise invalid for any reason, or if any portion of this ordinance is preempted by state or federal law or regulation, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance or its application to other persons or circumstances. Section 4: Emergency clause. It is hereby found and declared that the proper operation and finances of the City of Hazen, Arkansas, is necessary for the proper health, peace and safety of the citizens of the City of Hazen, Arkansas. Therefore, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 17th day of February 2022. Signed: David Hardke David Hardke, Mayor Attest: David Hoover David Hoover, Recorder/Treasurer
WHEREAS, the Hazen City Council finds that the careful and conscientious use of a credit card is an appropriate and useful means of making payment for a variety of types of purchases, including emergency purchases, purchases over the phone or online, and one-time purchases from vendors; and WHEREAS, the Hazen City Council finds that the use of a credit card is a customary and economical business practice to improve cash management, reduce costs, and increase efficiency; and WHEREAS, the Hazen City Council desires to create a policy for the issuance, use, and control of a credit card for the city administration;
-PUBLIC MEETINGInformation about a possible four-day school week at the Hazen School District beginning with the 2022-23 school year will be presented at a Community Meeting for stakeholders of the Hazen School District on Thursday, March 10, 2022, in the high school gym from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
ORDINANCE NO. 508 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND RESOLUTION NO. 553, THE 2021 BUDGET RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF HAZEN, ARKANSAS BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAZEN, ARKANSAS: THAT SECTION 1: The following funds are amended as follows and as attached: The City of Hazen General Fund 1. Income Total $ 2,434,636.33 2. Expenses Total $ 2,405,292.75 The City of Hazen Sales Tax Fund 1. Income Total $ 812,672.93 2. Expenses Total $ 555,743.18 The City of Hazen Municipal Airport Fund 1. Income Total $ 131,935.91 2. Expenses Total $ 29,032.68 The City of Hazen Fire Department 1. Income Total $ 64,518.94 2. Expenses Total $ 53,343.29 The City of Hazen Fire Protection Fund 1. Income Total $ 51,627.18 2. Expenses Total $ 13,379.09 The City of Hazen Firemen’s Pension Fund #1 1. Income Total $ 241,143.66 2. Expenses Total $ 240,797.38 The City of Hazen Firemen’s Pension Fund #2 1. Income Total $ 10,580.62 2. Expenses Total $ 1,227.20 The City of Hazen Criminal Justice Fund 1. Income Total $ 38,330.82 2. Expenses Total $ 2,471.48 The City of Hazen Prisoner Expense Fund 1. Income Total $ 7,461.22 2. Expenses Total $ 7,440.00 The City of Hazen Act 988 Police Car Fund 1. Income Total $ 66,888.47 2. Expenses Total $ 44,003.46 The City of Hazen Administration of Justice Fund 1. Income Total $ 154,043.02 2. Expenses Total $ 154,042.75 The City of Hazen Municipal Court Cost Fund 1. Income Total $ 5,137.18 2. Expenses Total $ 3,531.98 The City of Hazen Water and Sewer Fund 1. Income Total $ 1,009,030.03 2. Expenses Total $ 798,515.69 The City General Contingency Fund 1. Income Total $ 366,785.10 2. Expenses Total $ 305,736.14 The City of Hazen Street Fund 1. Income Total $ 226,567.52 2. Expenses Total $ 142,757.13 The City of Hazen Utility Contingency Fund 1. Income Total $ 194,753.71 2. Expenses Total $ 72,972.63 The City of Hazen Natural Gas Fund 1. Income Total $ 689,265.38 2. Expenses Total $ 656,615.33 The City of Hazen Court Automation Fund 1. Income Total $ 53,464.63 2. Expenses Total $ 21,263.51 The City of Hazen Public Safety Fund 1. Income Total $ 539.62 2. Expenses Total $ 472.51 The City of Hazen Hotel/Motel Sales Tax Fund 1. Income Total $ 41,141.18 2. Expenses Total $ 34,515.97 The City of Hazen Emergency Sales Tax Fund 1. Income Total $ 764,952.11 2. Expenses Total $ 519,332.40 The City of Hazen American Rescue Plan 1. Income Total $ 139,256.38 2. Expenses Total $ 5,173.28 Emergency Clause: Whereas, it is necessary for the efficient operation of municipal government that the budget be amended to reflect actual numbers, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this ordinance being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 17th day of February 2022. Signed: David Hardke David Hardke, Mayor Attest: David Hoover David Hoover, Recorder/Treasurer
Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, February 23, 2022
THE CITY OF DES ARC IS CURRENTLY TAKING BIDS FOR MOWING. THE FIRST IS FOR RIVERSIDE PARK, THE PLAYGROUND, AND THE WALKING TRAIL. THE SECOND IS FOR THE PUMPING STATIONS AND WATER TOWERS. SPECS CAN BE PICKED UP AT CITY HALL AT 107 S 3RD STREET IN DES ARC. SEALED BIDS MUST BE TURNED IN TO CITY HALL NO LATER THAN 12:00 PM ON MARCH 15, 2022. BIDS WILL BE OPENED DURING THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:00 PM. FOR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL CITY HALL AT (870) 256-4316.
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Executive Director, Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie The Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie Executive Director is responsible for the planning, development, and direction of the overall operation of the Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie. This position is governed by the Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie’s Board of Directors. Typical Functions • Plans and directs the overall operation of the Museum, its employees, and volunteers • Responsible for all development and fundraising activities • Develops a working knowledge of the Museum and the history of the Arkansas Grand Prairie • Plans and implements all external Museum communication, advertising, public relations, print, social media • Solicit community meetings and events within the facilities • Responsible for grant writing and research • Establishes policies and guidelines for the Museum • Provides direction and evaluation to other Museum employees • Works with Museum bookkeeping agent to monitor the status of funds for operations and directs adjustments where necessary to ensure budget is maintained • Provides guidance and budgetary limitations to Museum employees • Regularly communicates with the Board of Directors regarding Museum • Prepares and communicates Museum reports to the Museum Board of Directors • Other duties as assigned Position Status The position of Executive Director is a 40-hour per week position. 20 hours per week would be required on the Museum campus. The remainder of time worked could be performed at home. Compensation The Executive Director base salary starts at $34,000 with the opportunity to earn incentive-based bonuses at the end of each quarter and one larger bonus at the end of each year based on goals that are mutually agreed upon. Application To apply, please submit a detailed resume along with a personal and professional reference to museumargrandprairie@gmail.com. Applications will only be accepted via e-mail. The position closing date is February 28, 2022 at Noon.
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To Whom It May Concern: A 2014 Cheverolet Malibu VIN # 1G11E5SL3EF223740 was picked up on 12/29/2021 Hwy 70, DeValls Bluff at the request of the CPD. 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 Concern: A 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 VIN # 3GTU2UEC3EG538040 was picked up on 01/02/2022 Hwy 11 North of Des Arc at the request of the 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.
Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Grand Prairie DAR presents awards to local students
Hazen students received awards from the Daughters of the American Revolution on Friday, February 11. (Wendy Perry and Lisa Mills photos.)
Pictured above is Zack Holloway with his Des Arc High School principal, Michael Strother. Zack’s essay and application were selected by a panel of judges to advance to the state DAR Good Citizen competition.
Ava Smith and Eden Huffstickler of Des Arc Elementary School received certificates for winning the DAR essay contest.
Kami Perry, 5th grade, and Weston Hare, 6th grade, were named Chapter Winners.
Above are Carlisle High School senior and Grand Prairie DAR Good Citizen Award winner, Kynlee Bell, with her counselor Dholy Loor.
Hailey Smith received two of five Arkansas scholarships totaling $1,000 from the Daughters of the American Revolution organization. Hailey is pictured with Allison Holland, Regent; Judi Jones, Vice Regent; Nonnie Carrol, Registrar; and Cheryl Vickers, Chair. By Judi Jones On Jan 22, the Grand Prairie DAR held its monthly meeting via Zoom. This meeting was dedicated to honoring our DAR Good Citizen Award recipients. GPDAR Good Citizen Award Chair Cheryl Vickers announced five award winners for this school year. Cheryl worked very diligently on the project with area high
school counselors and this year presented five winners. The 2022 DAR Good Citizen recipients are seniors Kynlee Bell from Carlisle High School; Madi Maynard from Stuttgart High School; Madison Middleton, Clarendon High School; Ethan Holzhsuer, DeWitt High School; and Zackery Holloway, Des Arc High School. These deserving students received a DAR
Good Citizen Certificate,
a pin, and a cash award.