February 28, 2024 edition

Hazen School Board hears report, hires Saranie

Thursday

Sunday March 3 Sand Hill Cemetery meeting 2:00 p.m.

Monday March 4

p.m.

Sunday March 10

Daylight Saving Time begins

Monday March 11

EHC Meeting 10:30 a.m.

Biscoe Baptist Church

Hazen School Board meeting 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday March 12

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

Thursday March 14

DeValls Bluff City Council meeting City Hall 6:00 p.m.

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

The Hazen School Board met on Monday, February 12, 2024 with all members present. After the meeting opened, Board Member Rusty Rogers questioned the vote on the Personnel Policies Committee (PPC) request to count four class periods as one half a day. Because after the meeting it came to light that Board Member Chad Greenwalt did not vote on the proposal, Rogers said that an abstention counted as a no vote, so the proposal did not pass. After some discussion, it was decided that the board will vote on the proposal again at the March meeting. PPC President Susan Booth asked the board members to give them input on what they want changed in the leave proposal before the next vote. The High School Leadership team, composed of Susan Booth, Stacey Bowman, and Morgan Henderson, spoke about the high school Professional Learning Community.

By Lisa Mills

The Des Arc City Council met on February 20th with Mayor Roger Scott, Recorder/Treasurer

Janice Huffstickler and Council Members Nicole Fisher, Judy Burnett, Keith Knupp, and Doug Estes present.

New Chamber of Commerce President Paul Guess presented the council with an update from his organization. Guess presented a list of new officers and members. The new officers are President Paul Guess, Vice-President Janice Reidhar, Treasurer Tyler Cox, Secretary John Guess, and Social Media

Booth spoke on the collaboration to align the building’s curriculum to the essential learning standards. Bowman spoke on the consistency between topics, student responsibility for their own learning, and the students’ practice of reflection on their learning. Henderson told the board about the inclusion of special education students within regular classrooms. She also spoke about classroom co-teaching. “We’ve had a lot of success with it,” Henderson said.

Coordinator Laura Estes. Current members at large are Rita Dobson, Josh Gibson, and Ben Eans. Their current bank balance is $12,673.26.

Guess stated that he believes the new officers and members will do a great job making the chamber more involved in promoting the city, and bringing more people, and hopefully businesses to Des Arc. He said they want to come up with innovative ideas for activities, promotions, and fundraisers and want to get younger people involved. He said that he will work closely with the city to meet these goals. He asked for a contact per-

In the action items, Superintendent Andy Barrett asked the board to consider an early calendar start date waiver for the 2024-25 school year. The board voted to grant that request. They also agreed to let Barrett apply for a make up day waiver to alter the calendar to count classroom hours rather than classroom days. Barrett said that the high school goes for 20 minutes over the required time and the elementary school for more minutes than that.

son from the council, and Mayor Scott said he would appoint one. Guess also told the council that he will provide a monthly report to the council. The next Des Arc Chamber meeting will be held on March 11th at 5:30 p.m. in the First Baptist Church Annex building. Guess encouraged anyone interested in helping the chamber to attend.

Roger Ford gave a report from the Baseball Association. He said there are currently 253 boys and girls signed up for spring/summer baseball and softball and expects a whole lot more to sign up. He said that the work day held on Saturday, February 18th was a big success, and a lot of needed work was accomplished. He estimated there was over 30 volunteers, including several students working for community service hours. Ford said one very disturbing issue found was vandalism at the restrooms.

Judy Burnett reported that there will soon be a list published of donations for the city’s part of the complex funds to

By counting hours rather than days, the district will be able to bank days retroactively to August and would cover the snow days taken by the district recently.

Board members were given a copy of the state audit report, which Barrett said had been addressed. Smaller districts do not always have the division of district personnel that the state requires. The district has since added another person in the superintendent’s office.

match the grant. The council passed a resolution to apply for a $15,000 state grant to add to the city’s part of the complex project.

Keith Knupp reported for the Fire Department Committee. He had reminded Chief Don Harvey that they need to purchase a washing machine for turnouts in the near future. This is needed in order to meet regulations and maintain the current fire rating for the city. Knupp reported for the Ambulance Committee that Director Christy Rogers is caught up on billing and payments. Rogers has also developed a new program to help with the billing and payments.

Judy Burnett reported for the Grant committee that a grant has been approved for $11,000 to purchase a GIS mapping system for water meters. The cost of the system will be $12,000, so with the grant the city will only have to pay $1,000.

Burnett presented written reports from Gail King for the Gas Committee and Animal Control Committee.

The Gas Committee report stated that for

High School Principal Amy Marek reported that good and perfect attendance and behavior certificates had been handed out. She also said that the Junior High Quiz Bowl Team had won its regional tournament and would be competing in the state tournament.

Elementary Principal said that her building had an Istation rewards part, and that the ATLAS writing test will be given in March.

The superintendent reported on the walk through done by the board at a special meeting. One area of concern is the electrical system in the high school and some HVAC problems.

The board then went into executive session for almost an hour. When the board returned, no action was taken. The board then voted to rehire Elementary Principal Laura Saranie and adjourned.

The next meeting of the board will be held on Monday, March 11, at 6 p.m.

January the unaccounted for gas was 24%. Burnett also stated that the Pipeline Safety Inspection closed on February 24th with the city receiving a good report.

The Animal Control report stated the results from the statewide adoption event held in Little Rock on February 10th. Animal Control Officer Karmen Sutton, Adoption Coordinator Amy Patterson, and Gail King attended the event taking seven dogs from Des Arc, which were all adopted. The city is working to make improvements to the shelter and training volunteers to help at tube shelter. Anyone interested in volunteering may contact King at (501)515-6711, Karmen Sutton, or the city.

Mayor Scott reported that the city has been working to repair potholes, replacing /repairing gas meters, and putting in pipe at the ball field.

The council approved the appointment of Judy Denton to the Zoning Board and will appoint a second person next month.

Volume 123 Number 8 - USPS 225-680 Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Slovak celebrates 9th annual Heritage Day.

Special Education Teacher Morgan Henderson talks to the Hazen School Board about her program in the high school.

Timothy

Wayne Tarry

Timothy Wayne Tarry, “Timmy” age 63 of Des Arc passed away

February 17,2024 at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock.

He was born August 25,1960 to Samuel and Cleta Tarry. He resided in the Brown Grove community most of his life.

Timmy wore many hats in his adult life, that of a farmer, a welder, he worked in scrap metal maintenance at Producers Rice Mill. He had an ornamental fencing business for several years as well. For the last two years Timmy worked at his Nephew’s Collision Repair Shop in North Little Rock.

In 2002 Timmy married his wife Glendora, they were married for 22 years.

Timmy was preceded in death by his parents Samuel “Buddy” and Cleta Tarry, and two brothers Warren and Rodney Tarry. He leaves behind one brother, James Dean and Shirl Tarry of Lonoke, six nieces and two nephews,three friends that were like brothers Randy, Gary, and Terry Lynn Odom. Along with several Great-Nephews and Nieces.

Linda Jewell

Priest Flippo

Linda Jewell Priest Flippo, 81, of Hazen, AR passed away in Little Rock, AR on February 22, 2024. She was born on May 22, 1942, in Levy, AR to the late Nathan Woodrow (N.W.)

Priest and Wilma Bernice Jenkins Priest. When her sons were young Linda liked to cut their hair at home. After one of those cuts resulted in the disappearance of half an eyebrow and being told that would be their last of her haircuts, Linda enrolled in and graduated from Barber School. She then gave quality haircuts in DeValls Bluff and Hazen for many years.

the Pleasant Plains Cemetery in Pleasant Plains, AR.

James Edward Fricker

James Edward Fricker, 86, of DeValls Bluff, died peacefully at his family home on Sunday, February

18, 2024.

James was born July 24, 1937, to the late Phillip and Velma Fricker.

During her pastimes

Linda enjoyed quilting and entered her crafts in the Prairie County Fair where she won several ribbons. She also spent time quilting and crafting with her husband, Tommy, as his caregiver for sixteen years. Star patterned quilt tops, birdhouses, and anything Razorback became specialties at the Flippo residence.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband Tommy Flippo Sr., her mother Wilma Priest, her father N.W. Priest, and her sister Norma Jeffcoat.

Survivors include sons Tommy Flippo Jr. of Hazen, AR, Johnny Flippo and wife Sherry of Little Rock, AR, two sisters Robbie Pendergrass of Jacksonville, AR, and Jo Ellingson and husband

Larry Don of Biscoe, AR, grandsons Ryan Flippo, and Ross Simpson, and several loving nieces and nephews. Visitation was from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Monday, February 26, 2024, at the Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen. Funeral services, officiated by Tommy Flippo, Jr., will be at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday February 27 at the Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel, followed by the Burial at

James was a minnow farmer for many years. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandpa. James enjoyed visiting with his grandkids and friends. He never met a stranger.

James is survived by his wife Donna of fortynine years, his children Larry Fricker of Brinkley, Renita Staats of Arkadelphia, Danny Jo Fricker of DeValls Bluff, Belinda Starr of Brinkley, Bryan Fricker and wife Laura of DeValls Bluff, stepdaughters Margaret Todd and husband Kevin of De Valls Bluff and Susan Thweatt and husband Vernon of Palestine. Не is also survived by sister Ellen Stewart and husband Fred of Little Rock, brother Earl Fricker of Hickory Plains, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents Phillip and Velma Fricker, grandson Gary Allen Holmes and greatgrandson Bryce Griffin.

Funeral Services were held on Friday, February 23, 2024 at the Westbrook Funeral Home chapel in Hazen.

Visitation was held from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M., prior to the service. Interment will be in the Biscoe Cemetery.

Carlisle students are now weather experts...

Carlisle Elementary’s 6th graders recently learned about the weather from Todd Yakoubian, the former Meteorologist at KATV Channel 7. Now they are all graduates of Yacoubian’s School of Weather and know exactly what to do when severe weather approaches.

Carlisle City Council raises limb and leaf charges for city

By Debbye Harrison

The Carlisle City Council met February 13 with Anne Anderson, Larry Flynn, Mary Edellman present and Kevin Kegley via social media.

It was announced that the leaf and limb pickup charge will go to $10.50 per month 30 days after Ordinance 337 is published. Kegley had asked the council to either refund patrons the two months’ charge when no pick-up was done or wait two months to start the new charge. Neither suggestion

received enough interest to make it to the floor. Ordinance 330 which had set the price at $4.00 had to be readdressed in order to allow the new charge. The vote was 3 to 1 with Kegley casting the negative vote. Ordinance 337 and its emergency clause then passed 3 to 1 with Kegley casting the negative vote. Discussion was held about allowing wine and beer to be served at the Community Center. The policy for Sherwood’s Center will be looked at as a possible model. The

law does require an offduty policeman to be on the premises at all times. No liquor can be sold. A fund-raiser will be held on July 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Community Center for the Downtown Christmas lighting. King Kat will be serving. The Greenlaw Street sewer has been fixed. It took 100 feet of new sewer pipe. Due to the absence of Mayor Glover, the meeting was chaired by Sissy Drye, City Clerk.

PC Master Gardeners meet

By Chris Weems

The Prairie County Master Gardeners met at noon, February 6, at the fairgrounds for their regular meeting.

Rhonda Betzner, president, conducted the meeting with eight members present.

The financial report was given by the treasurer, Sue Clayton. Annual dues were collected.

The Green Thumb 4-H Project was discussed , and the decision about it will be taken up later.

The scholarship deadline is in April. Sue

Clayton will serve as chairman and will have a report soon. The Sprit Pole, a fundraiser for the State Conference was discussed. Members are to bring any arts and crafts materials to the next meeting to donate to the project. The subject material is to be something to represent Prairie County. Debora Carpenter made an appeal for members to put up a “Bee Buffet” in their yards for bees until more flowers are available. She said that the food is to be made of equal amounts of warm

water and sugar in a large flat pan, like a jelly-roll pan. A wire cooling rack should be put into the pan so that the bees have something to rest upon. The feeder should be put in a spot that is easily accessible for bees but where most animals can’t get to it. The lists for members to volunteer for dessert and to bring an extra lunch were signed up for this year.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 12, at noon at the Prairie County Fairgrounds.

Senior Center holds first annual Valentine’s event

By Chris Weems

The Lonoke County Center for Aging (LCCA) held its first annual Cupid Shuffle Dance and Cake Walk from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 16, at the Hazen Community Center. Approximately 70 people from the towns in the LCCA attended, according to Liz Schwede, director of the Hazen Senior Center.

Rachel Porter, the Executive Director of LCCA which has offices in Lonoke, was in charge of the event. She was assisted by Leona Travis of Des Arc, Lela Harris of England, Jessica Cerwindke of Lonoke, Liz Schwede of Hazen, and Alesha Banghman of Carlisle.

The event began with a line dance, “a good exercise to warm up a crowd,” Schwede said. In addition to the cake walk, other contests were being judged. Each group had a table decorated that represented the group, with the Hazen Center winning the category for the best decoration.

The Hazen candidates for king and queen, Ron and Mary Crump, won this category and wore their crowns for the day.

Other contestants were:

Ethel Farmer and Lester Turner from Carlisle, Dale Walker and Rosie Phillips from Lonoke, Linda Jowers

and Frank Powell from England, and W.R. Petty and Jennifer Lucerd from Des Arc.

Ethel Farmer of the Carlisle Center was named “Best Dressed for Valentines Day”, with a red sequin blouse and a black skirt.

Leonard Chamblee, who is on the staff at the Lonoke Senior Center, furnished music

for all of the activities.

Daniel Martin, from the Maple Health Nursing Center in Hazen entertained everyone with some magic tricks. According to the Hazen Senior Center Director Schwede. “All seemed to have a good time and we plan to make it an annual event during the Valentine season.”

King Ron & Queen Mary Crump

LITTLE ROCK –Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement announcing a collaborative effort to protect children in Arkansas:

“Today I announced the launch of the Arkansas Child ID Program, which will help law enforcement identify children when they go missing. This program is being launched in partnership with the National Child ID Program, the Walmart Foundation and the AEP Foundation.

“The program consists of distributing child ID kits to families of firstgraders throughout the state through sheriff’s offices and schools. Families can then complete the kits and have them on hand should a child in their care ever go missing. By having identifying information readily on hand, families will be able to share the kits with law enforcement, thereby cutting down on time that investigators would have to collect such information.

“The terror and grief felt by parents and caregivers when a child goes missing can be crippling. These ID kits can

help give law enforcement clarity in an otherwise chaotic situation. I am proud to be part of this effort to keep Arkansas children safe while also supporting our law enforcement partners.”

On average, 1,000 children go missing in the United States every day.

When a child goes missing, time is of the essence and these ID kits allow parents to provide up to 90% of information needed by law enforcement to begin looking for the child. The Child ID kits will be provided at no cost to Arkansas families as part of a privatepublic partnership with the National Child ID Program.

Each kit includes an inkless fingerprinting kit, a DNA sample collection, physical identification information, location of medical records, a place for a recent photo, and easy-to-use instructions. The kits will be delivered to each school through its local sheriff’s office.

Kits should be completed by parents and stored in a safe place at home. The information does not enter a database.

PINE BLUFF — Every February, duck hunters gather up their decoys and pack them away for another long off-season. Some dekes are sealed in padded compartments and slotted bags as carefully as a Faberge egg, but others that have been shot or have faded to the point of obscurity are destined for the landfill. The Arkansas Game and Fish

Correction Second-chance decoys make memories for AR students

Commission has a program to breathe new life into those unwanted decoys and possibly inspire the next generation of duck hunters.

Eric Maynard, interim chief of education for the AGFC, says all unwanted duck and goose decoys are welcome in the AGFC’s decoy adoption center, a program he developed in 2020 to provide materials for decoy painting classes that has grown into a full-fledged hunter recruitment tool.

“We were always on the lookout for old decoys for decoy painting programs

The February 21st edition of the Grand Prairie Herald contained some incorrect information in the Hazen City Council story.

1) The City has not purchased the $250,000 replacement clarifier for the water treatment plant. We have received

at some of our nature centers, but we really started promoting the need and developing outreach around the effort in 2020,” Maynard said. “Since then, we’ve collected more than 6,000 decoys, most of which come at this time of year when everyone’s packing things away and know they’re going to upgrade or buy new decoys before the next season.”

Maynard and other educators clean up the donated decoys and students can paint them while learning duck identification at work-

an estimate of the $250,000 cost of the unit but that doesn't include engineering and installation expenses.

David Hardke

shops held throughout the year.

“It’s a great way to teach duck species identification and get people in the door to learn more about waterfowl and conservation, plus they get to bring home their decoy to maybe even hunt over,” Maynard said. Anyone interested in donating their old duck or goose decoys to the AGFC’s decoy adoption program is encouraged to contact Maynard at eric.maynard@agfc.ar.go v, and he can make arrangements to have them picked up.

used. Arkansas Rural Water will perform a rate study in June to determine if this is sufficient considering future improvements that are needed. McClelland Consulting Engineers, Inc. performed an evaluation of our water treatment plant and wastewater treatment plant in June 2021 which outlined improvements by priority. Thanks go to Mayor David Hardke who caught these mistakes and let us know about them so that they could be corrected. The Herald apologizes for the incorrect information.

To Whom it May Concern. A 2014 White Toyota Corolla VIN# 5YFBPRHE2EP042644 The above mentioned vehicle was towed to our lot on January 20, 2024 per request of the Arkansas State Police ,and was towed to storage lot of 1111 Highway 70 West in Hazen. The initial fee due is $250.00, T and additionally Recovery Fee of $150.00 The storage fee due is $50.00 per day and continues to accumulate daily. The administrative fees due are $150.00 for the processing of the lien, the processing of a stolen vehicle report by our Police Department and the processing of certified letters sent to the owner and lien holder (if any) via mail. The above mounts do not reflect the 11% tax that is due upon releasing the vehicle. Tower storage & administrative costs are accuring daily as legal liability of the owner, Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first priority lien on the said vehicle and its contents 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 the lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, and provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges. Please contact us immediately at 870-255-3305 if you wish to pick up the above-mentioned vehicle. Rick Wiggins, Owner Rick’s Automotive and Wrecker Service. To Whom it May Concern. A 2023 Ford F150 VIN#1FTEW1EP9PKE1 2528 The above mentioned vehicle was towed to our lot on February 16, 2024 per request of the Arkansas State Police, and was towed to storage lot of 1111 Highway 70 West in Hazen. The initial fee due is $250.00, The storage fee due is $50.00 per day and continues to accumulate daily. The administrative fees due are $130.00 for the processing of the lien, the processing of a stolen vehicle report by our Police Department and the processing of certified letters sent to the owner and lien holder (if any) via mail. Clean up Fee $150.00 The above mounts do not reflect the 11% tax that is due upon releasing the vehicle. Tower storage & administrative costs are accuring daily as legal liability of the owner, Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first priority lien on the said vehicle and its contents 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 the lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, and provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges. Please contact us immediately at 870-255-3305 if you wish to pick up the above-mentioned vehicle. Rick Wiggins, Owner Rick’s Automotive and Wrecker Service. 15th HAZEN METHODIST MEN’S ANNUAL SHRIMP SUPPER FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024 HAZEN FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4:30 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. DRIVE THROUGH ONLY CAJUN BOILED SHRIMP DINNER $25.00 CHICKEN STRIP DINNER $10.OO TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM METHODIST MEN TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT DRIVE-THRU BUT IT IS HELPFUL IF PURCHASED IN ADVANCE FOR INFORMATION CALL 870-830-2404 Des Arc Eagle Eyes team qualifies for state... The Des Arc Eagle Eye Archery Team is headed to State! The NASP State Tournament will be held at the Hot Springs Convention Center/Bank of the OZK Arena on Friday, March 1st. The team will be shooting at 1:00 p.m. Pictured are: (front row, L to R) Olivia Bogey, Harper Meek, Andi Tallent, Lilly Bethell, Phoebe Branham, Canon Bell, Emersyn Estes, Zachary Payne, Sara Brown, and Lily Edwards; (back row L to R) Ashlynn Collins, Rossie Buckner, Jett Walicki, Max Severns, Noah Hudson, Talyn Johnston, Mollee McDonald, Knox Eans,

Case Bell, Brayden Sanderson, Ruby Kearby, and Coach Francine Dickson

Bison play Fountain Lake in scrimmage game

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The game did not count but the Carlisle Bison opened the 2024 baseball season with a 5-4 loss to Fountain Lake in a benefit scrimmage game on Friday.

A year ago, the Bison finished 19-7 overall.

They swept conference play, going 12-0 but failed to make the state tournament after being upset by Bay 4-3 in the first round of the regional tournament.

Carlisle coach Steven Tew said Friday’s game was played using free substations.

“We had severn bring spots throughout the game, as well as several things we want to work on to improve,” Tew said. “We started five freshmen, and we had

only four guys out there on the field from last year’s team. Those new guys just have to adjust to the speed of the game now, so it’s a learning curve of them. I was very pleased with how much of them played though and how they didn’t back down from the competition.”

Tew said pitchers Holden Jones and Eli Roberts threw well. “Jonathan Pickard has been moved to catcher this offseason and did really well behind the plate,” Tew said. “Dalton Ward has returned off elbow surgery last year and is playing first base and swimming the bat for us and looks good doing both.”

Tew said junior Gavin Davis joined the team and is playing outfield. “He gives us some speed

Bison end season at 11-13

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Carlisle Bison made their third consecutive appearance in the regional tournament last week, falling to Bay 70-40 on Thursday.

The Bison trailed 16-6 late in the first quarter when Kaidon Clingmon hit an off-balance three-

pointer to make the score 16-9 after one quarter.

The Bison continued to roll in the second quarter, tying the game before Bay rallied to lead 33-24 at halftime.

The Bison stayed in the game for a while, but trailed 50-35 heading into the fourth quarter.

Carlisle managed only

five points in the final eight minutes.

Clingmon led the Bison with 15 points. Isaiah Powell had 10. Cajuan Pernell had eight. Devin Cooney scored four.

Bentley Parker had two.

Luke Caviness had one. With the loss, the Bison end the season at 11-13.

Lady Bison basketball team falls to Earle in regionals

in the outfield and on the bases as well as some relief wort out of the bullpen, so we are excited about him,” Tew said. “Freshman Tyler Thrift looked good on the mound in his inning Friday night. Freshman Lane Bowlan is a kid who has such a high baseball IQ that we want him somewhere on the field in a line to help move runners around and such.”

Tew also said freshmen

Baylor Hauk, Cole Averitt and Daniel Field all contributed against Fountain Lake. “We expect them to continue to find ways to contribute either offensively or on the mound this year,” Tew said.

Carlisle’s first home game at Rockefeller Park is March 4 against Pangburn.

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Carlisle Lady Bison’s basketball season came to an end Wednesday night with a 69-26 loss to Earle in the first round of the regional tournament at Riverside High School. Carlisle trailed 18-8 after one quarter. Angie Petrus, Adisun Golden, Paige Chadwick and Bliss Parker each scored two points in the first

DAR announces Good Citizens

By Judi Tarter Jones

Grand Prairie

Daughters of the American Revolution honored five DAR Good Citizens at the Jan 17 meeting in Stuttgart.

Above are shown Des Arc High School DAR Good Citizen Adysen Johnston, left, and Carter Warren, DAR Good Citizen award winner from DeWitt High School. These two

read their essays at the meeting and were presented with certificates of recognition and $100 checks from the chapter. In the second photo, Hazen High School's DAR Good Citizen Austyn Booth is pictured with her certificate and check. Other winners not shown are Terry Beard from Stuttgart and Taylor Linderman from Carlisle. The students

are selected on the merits of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism and are required to submit an

essay on what it means to be a good citizen.

Congratulations to these fine students.

quarter. Earle started to pull away in the second quarter, outscoring the Lady Bison 25-13 to lead 43-21 at halftime. Bailey Dawson scored nine of the Lady Bison’s 13 points. Golden had two. Parker and Atlantis Blancett had one point each.

The Lady Bison only scored five points in the second half. Dawson had two points in the third quarter. Paige Lee had

three in the fourth quarter. Dawson led the Lady Bison with 11 points. Golden had four. Lee and Parker had three points each. Petrus and Chadwick had two points each. Blancett had one.

The game was the final one for head coach Jonathan Buffalo, who led the Lady Bison to 13 consecutive postseason appearances.

Carlisle Lady Bison coach Jonathan Buffalo talks to his team during the regional tournament last week at Riverside High School.

The Bison get ready for the start of their game with Fountain Lake on Friday. (Gus Harris photo).

Slovak celebrates 9th annual Heritage Day

Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Slovak hosted the 9th Annual Slovak Heritage Day on Saturday, February 24 with great success. After a mass at 2:00 p.m., the Parish Hall doors were opened to reveal multiple exhibits and local family memorabilia. In addition to the fellowship and the history on display, Father Shaun Wesley two different groups made presentations.

The first presentation was given by UpRooted, a non-profit organization that intends to make a documentary about the town of Slovak and its history.

Co-directors James Ashley Mayer and Deah Partak (who spoke about the project) have been doing research and filming local residents. Partak is of Slovak

descent. One of the goals of the documentary is to make Slovak, Arkansas “synonymous with Slovak migration, Arkansas agriculture, and modern SlovakAmerican culture.” The documentary will be filmed by the Arkansas company Twist, and the Director of Photography for the project, Pete Bella was there behind the camera on Saturday. Another person working on the documentary is the great granddaughter of Stanley Saranie Sr. and Cecilla (Sandulak) Saranie whose family moved to Costa Rica where she was raised.

After the documentary is completed, the world premiere screening will take place in Slovak.

Two speakers from Global Slovakia, Zuzana Palovic and Gariela Bereghazyova, also spoke the attendees.

They introduced their book “Slovak Settlers” which tells the story of the Slovak immigration to the United States. Their organization recently sponsored a trip to Slovakia for local residents. Their goal is to share Slovakia with the world.

One of the highlights of the day was an address given by Radovan Javorcik, the Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the United States to the residents of Slovak. The ambassador had planned to come to the event, but had to send a video instead due to illness. He hopes to come next year. The crowd was treated to a delicious meal of traditional Slovakian dishes and desserts after the presentations.