p.m.
Wednesday March 8 Hazen 10th Grade Auction
Thursday March 9 Bingo DeValls Bluff Public Library 11:00 a.m.
Saturday March 11 Crossroads Fire Department annual meeting catered by King Kat 5:00 p.m.
events are brought to you by the Hazen Chamber of Commerce and the
Des Arc Archery Team headed to state...
The Des Arc Eagle Eye Archery Team is headed to STATE! The Eagle Eyes have been very busy this season practicing and participating in invitational tournaments. They have attended the Reindeer Classic Tournament in Bryant, the GRIT Tournament in Malvern, and the Hill Farm Bow Bash in Bryant, On February 11th, the Eagle Eyes took 1st place in the Regional Tournament in Cabot which gave them a bid to the State Championship! This competition will take place on Friday, March 3, 2023 at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
Team members are: 1st row, L to R: Talyn Johnston, Knox Eans, Jett Burton, Brylee McIntosh, Lawson Reese, Jay Garth, Rowan Keathley, Luke McIntosh, Ken Holland, Lilly Bethell, and Sophia Bevil; 2nd row, L to R: Coach Paul Dickson, Sara Brown, Phoebe Branham, Bella Vaughn, Hayden Stuckey, Paisley Davenport, Annaston Pate, Chloe Nichols, Wesley Parnell, Braylin Hudson, Brooklyn Ripper, Mollee McDonald, and Coach Francine Dickson.
Des Arc Council approves new delinquent utility fees
The Des Arc City Council met on February 21 to pass a resolution to regulate the handling of delinquent utility bills. The resolution states that a customer who has not made a late payment for the past 12 months will be sent a 2nd notice before utilities are connected, but any customer who has had a late payment in the past 12 months will not receive a 2nd notice.
Any customer who fails to respond to the notice will be assessed the following fees: Late fee: $25, Disconnect fee: $35, Returned check fee: $35, Stolen or missing meter: $450, Pulled meter fee: $150, Reconnect fee: $40, Emergency reconnect fee (after 4:30 pm): $80, Broken or missing lock fee: $125, Intentional covered meter charge: $75, Unauthorized unmetered use of water: $500 for the 1st offense and $1,000 for any future offenses (residential and commercial).
The resolution further states that any customer turned off for non-payment must also bring their deposit up to the current deposit amounts of $75 for water and $125 for gas. Any customer who fraudulently tampers with any city meter will be prosecuted and bills must be paid in full before utilities are restored.
Accommodations will be provided to households of medically disabled individuals with a doctor’s letter explaining the condition requiring the accommodation. These households will be given an additional 10 day grace period.
Council Member Keith Knupp stated the increase in these fees is due to a high number of continuously delinquent bills. For example, there were 160 delinquent bills last month. He said that the committee had talked to other cities in the area to arrive at the new fees. Des Arc’s fees have not changed since 2016.
Another resolution was passed permitting the mayor, council members, officials serving on commissions, city appointees, and employees to conduct business with the city under certain circumstances as
authorized by Arkansas State Code. For merchandise, equipment or services less than $10,000, city purchasing procedures will be followed. For merchandise, equipment or services more than $10,000 bidding procedures will be followed.
A resolution was passed designating and authorizing the mayor to apply for funding administered by The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC). These funds can be used to assist with maintaining a city’s water, sewer and gas systems.
A motion from Knupp was approved to hire a city office employee to take over the paperwork for the Fire Department, per a request from Fire Chief Don Harvey. Knupp also reported that all fire trucks are being inspected, as required by state law.
Gail King reported for the Parks and Recreation Committee. She said that one item being addressed in grant plans is to remove the large Entergy pole located by the park pavilion in order to enlarge the parking area. Knupp said that the pole supplyies electricity to the pavilion so it will be a decision that Entergy will have to make. In speaking to them about moving the pole in the past, Entergy said that the company wasn’t sure it was feasible.
King also reported for the Gas Committee that Gas Consultant Michael Lindsey advised that a leak survey evaluation of the regulators and stations has been completed. Three replacement regulators have been purchased, and the fourth does not need to be replaced at this time. She said that removing existing regulators and training employees who service the system should help improve service.
King reported for the Community Awareness and Clean Up Committee that the city continues to issue notifications of noncompliance of city ordinances to property owners, and that violations of the ordinances will be addressed and carried out according to law.
Violations include, but are not limited to, nonfunctioning and nonlicensed vehicles, vacated buildings and structures and properties not maintained, or having open trash. Copies of these ordinances may be requested at City Hall.
King reported for the Animal Control Committee that Karman Sutton was hired as the Animal Control Officer on February 10th. Since that time she has picked up 13 dogs in violation of the city’s Animal Control ordinance. The city will be enforcing the ordinance that requires all dogs in the city limits to have a city tag. Tags can be purchased and registered at City Hall and must be renewed yearly. Amy Patterson reported that 3 dogs have been adopted.
King said the committee is still researching for options to improve the program. Doug Estes asked King if there is a fine for not having city tags to which she replied “Yes, we just have to start enforcing it.” Knupp asked “Don’t owners have to provide proof of rabies vaccination in order to purchase a city tag?” King replied “Yes.” King also said that Animal Control needs to meet with the Housing Authority Director to make sure tenants know the city’s requirements and to make sure that the Housing Authority is enforcing their pet policies, as well.
Jodie Mayher reported for the Senior Citizens Center Committee that Center Director Leona Travis emailed her a report saying that everything is going great and that they are staying busy. Upcoming events include a trip to Murry’s Dinner Playhouse and The Rep Theater in Little Rock. The UAMS Mobile Unit will be at the center on the February 23, and several guests speakers are scheduled for the upcoming months. Travis said that the Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras celebrations were a big hit and lots of fun. She said that she is looking for a local speaker to talk about tornado preparedness and safety, and anyone interested can call her at the center to set a date. Travis encourages all senior citizens to come by for lunch or coffee and check out all the activities.
A motion was approved to hire Cecil Treadwell as a full time cemetery worker. Treadwell has been a part-time employee. Linda Macintosh addressed the council concerning the city’s ambulance service. She began by praising the EMT’s for the job they are doing, but said that they are limited in what services they can provide. She asked the council to consider upgrading to an “Advanced Life Support Ambulance Service”. An “ALS” service can start IVs, administer meds
and provide advanced life support to help save more lives. MacIntosh said that other small towns in the area have ALS services. Hazen and Brinkley both have “Southern” and Augusta and McCrory have “Pafford”. Macintosh said that the best service she has talked to is “Survival Flight” in Searcy. They provide ground and helicopter services. She said she has talked to them, and they have an annual membership for all citizens which totally covers all the cost so the city would not be out any more money than it currently spends. She said that since Des Arc already has the necessary building, 2 good ambulances for backup, radios, pagers, a helipad, and a paramedic and EMTs. “We are already ahead in having an ALS service,” she said. She also said that “Survival Flight” and the two other companies she spoke to said they would work with and hire current ambulance staff and would be glad to come speak to the council to provide all the information needed.
Another idea would be to consider a joint agreement with some of the area towns that have an ALS service. MacIntosh asked the council to form a committee to look into the options and consider the matter. Mayor Scott told her the current Ambulance Committee and staff could do that.
(Continued on p. 3.)
Velda Margaret Williams Tacker
Velda Margaret Williams Tacker, 82, of De Valls Bluff, was born November 12, 1940 to Bessie Marie Brooks Williams and Clarence Williams and passed away at her home on February 25, 2023. She married Troy Lynn Tacker on January 25, 1957. She is survived by her husband of sixty-six years and her daughter, Judith Tacker Hampton of Brinkley, Arkansas; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and her daughterin-law, Betty Slocan Tacker (David) of DeValls Bluff. Velda was preceded in death by her parents; her son, David Tacker; two sisters, Barbara Williams Buck (James Calvin, Jr.) and Nancy Williams Mason (Verlin) and her brother, Mack Williams (Joyce Hall). Velda was the favorite aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Velda retired from Remington Arms in Lonoke, Arkansas in 2003 after, 23 years of employment. Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in De Valls Bluff. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M., at the church prior to the service.
Arkansas Press Association
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
Correspondent
Lisa Mills
Photographer Ruth Corley
Interment will be in the Oakland Cemetery in DeValls Bluff.
Col. Henry C. Bragg
Col. Henry C. Bragg, age 91, of Decatur, AL, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2023.
Henry is survived by his daughter, Tonya Bragg Hendrix (Mark), grandchildren, Dr. Maggie McKelvey (Grant), Dr. Lizzie Lusk (Chase), and Dr. Mac Hendrix (Emily) and eight great grandchildren, Barrett, Bragg and Brewer McKelvey, Mary Blythe, Jane Randall and Mae Margaret Lusk, Eliza and Caroline Hendrix.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Mary Margaret Bragg, his parents, Henry Cecil and Mary Elizabeth Vance Bragg, sister Naomi Garrett, and an infant son, John Barry Bragg. Henry would tell you he lived a blessed life and was very fortunate. He grew up in rural Des Arc, Arkansas, as the son of entrepreneurial parents. They taught him many lessons that had generational effects.
He was a devoted husband to Mary, whom he never stopped loving; a loving and supporting father to his daughter, Tonya, whom he cherished; a grandfather who was an excellent example to his grandkids, Maggie, Lizzie and Mac of whom he was so proud.
Henry graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Arkansas State, where
he also played basketball. He became an accomplished businessman working his way up through 3M, which brought him to Decatur, AL. He retired in 1991, only to start and grow Plastic Recyclers Southeast, Inc. In 2002, he was awarded the title of Decatur Chamber’s Small Businessman of the Year. Work was his favorite hobby, with golf a close second. Henry also retired as a Colonel in the United States Army Reserves and served as a delegate for the Alabama Republican Party. He was a generous philanthropist and volunteer, spending several years with Junior Achievement and a strong supporter and past president of The Decatur Daybreak Rotary Club. His life and legacy will continue to provide a positive influence for his family and community for years to come.
The family will receive friends on Friday, February 24th, from 24pm at Roselawn Funeral Home with a private graveside ceremony following.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to: Rotary Club of Decatur Daybreak, P.O. Box 5081, Decatur, AL 35602-5081, or Wesley Methodist Church, 1211 Westmead Street, Decatur, AL 35601.
A special thank you to those who took care of Henry over the past few months; Riverside Senior Living, Hospice of the Valley, Gloria Pruett, Kristi Varnell, and Nicole Niete.
GFWC Elsie McCain Club has meeting
By Chris WeemsThe GFWC Elsie McCain Club met
Wednesday at Cozy Nook in Lonoke for lunch and their meeting. Rosetta Van Houten was hostess with five members attending,. Chris Weems presided.
Terri Rollins, new owner of the Cozy Nook is a retired music and art teacher. She said she only taught music with her art a few years. She continues art lessons in art in the afternoons now.
Terri and assistants served the lunch before the shortened business meeting. Weems gave a report on the Annual Reports that she sent in around February first.
She asked that members remember that any
HHS students hear from alumna...
Hazen High Alumna Airman Faithe Hussey and Technical Sergeant McCarthy talked to HHS Juniors and Seniors about the United States Air Force last week. Hussey will soon be stationed in New Mexico.
Maple Healthcare holds cookoff...
Maple Healthcare recently held its 2023 Chili Cookoff fundraiser. Janet Bridges-Ligons won the Judges Choice Award and Daniel Martin won People's Choice Award. . They also voted to see who would get a pie in the face, and Daniel Martin, Activity Director, and Lisa Wise, CNA were elected for that honor.
Diabetes can seem overwhelming because it affects so many areas of daily life. Join Baptist Health Community Outreach in supporting those with diabetes and their caregivers. Monthly support groups discuss various diabetes related topics each month facilitated by healthcare professionals. They are held virtually via Google Meet the last Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Below is the schedule:
● Feb. 23: Counting
Carbohydrates
● March 30: Grocery
Shopping
● April 27: Diabetes and Stroke
● May 25: ABCs of Diabetes
activity they have with children's organizations are "Advocates for children" and should be written up for the reports. The reports went to Robyn Stayton, GFWC state vice president.
The president needs the name of each president since 2006, and asked that members check on their old yearbooks and see how many of those can be found. Terri started the history in 1890 with the impressionist movement and came up to modern art. She wants everyone to enjoy art and to appreciate art work. The next meeting will be Mach 9 at noon at the DVB Dairy Bar with Rita Farris , hostess.
● June 29: Diabetes and Exercise
● July 27: Diabetes
Monitoring
● Aug. 31: Diabetes
Facts and Myths
● Sept. 28: Diabetes
Medications
● Oct. 26: Diabetes and Nutrition
● Nov. 30: Diabetes and Depression
● Dec. 28: Diabetes and Stress Management
To join a virtual diabetes support group meeting, visit meet.google.com/jegmopu-koy or join by phone: (US) +1 440-6733705, PIN: 560 786 225# Whether it’s administering free immunizations, providing health education, offering resources to
expectant and new mothers, or partnering with schools, Baptist Health continues to meet the needs that arise in our communities.
For more information or questions about the diabetes support group, contact Baptist Health Community Outreach at (501) 202-1540.
Lawana Shuck and Sue Palsa load up lap quilts fto deliver to the Des Arc Nursing and Rehab Center.
Prairie Piecemakers Quilt Club give quilts
By Lawana Shuck
Each resident of the Des Arc Nursing and Rehab Center received a warmValentine gift from members of the Prairie Piecemakers Quilt Club.
The center’s activity director Janice Slater and other members of the staff distributed the quilts based on interests and hobbies of the individual residents. Each resident received a Valentine card along with a lap quilt.
Some comments from the residents were … “It’s beautiful, it is so warm, it is just the right size, and I love it so much.”
Members of the Prairie Piecemakers have amassed over 2000 volunteer hours as they
DAR American History Essay Contest winners...
created a lap quilt for each of the 67 residents.
Active members of the Prairie Piecemakers Quilt Club are Dora Holloway, Connie Smith, Shirley Overturf and Janice Bell – Des Arc; Sue Palsa and Nell Schafer – Carlisle; Shirley Evants, Dewanna Keys and Marie Price –DeValls Bluff; Lavada Simpson – Rowher, and Lawana Lambert Shuck – Hazen. Prairie Piecemakers is an Extension Homemakers special interest club and is open to all. The club meets the third Monday of each month at 1:00 at the Prairie County Fair Building.
The Grand Prairie Daughters of the American Revolution recently recognized the 2023 American History Essay Contest winners. Participants were required to write an essay on what it might have been like to have been a delegate to the Second Continental Congress. For their writing excellence, the winners were presented with certificates and a $25 award. DAR Regent Nonnie Carrol and RegentElect Cheryl Vickers made the presentations to the students at their schools on January 19. Below, Des Arc Gifted and Talented teacher Kimberly Smith is shown with two of her students who were winners in the essay contest.
In the picture on the left are Emerson Estes, 5th grade student, and Ireland Saul, 6th grade, and Ms. Smith. The picture on the right shows Cheryl Vickers, Kami Perry a sixth grade student from Hazen Elementary School with her award, and Nonnie Carroll.
Carlisle High FFA attends conference...
Members of the Carlisle High School Future Farmers of America attended the Impact Conference at Camp Couchdale recently. They were there to learn more about service projects.
D es A rc C o u n cil (continued from p. 1)
Judy Burnett asked MacIntosh if she would work them and she said that she would. Knupp said that originally he was against the idea strictly for financial reasons but after hearing MacIntosh speak, he thought it should be looked into further. Burnett agreed. Knupp asked MacIntosh if citizens outside the city limits would be able to have memberships to which she replied “Yes.” Doug Estes asked Paramedic and Ambulance Director Christy Rogers what her thoughts were to which she replied she needed
to look at the information further before she could give her opinion. Mayor Scott thanked MacIntosh for all the information she had presented.
Cecil Taylor addressed the council concerning his ongoing complaint about the structure located at 1408 Lee Street. He asked for an update about what is being done to get rid of the structure. Mayor Scott told Taylor that he had been trying to locate the true property owner to address the issue. Scott said he believes that he has found out where the owner is currently living and will be trying to contact him. City Attorney Ginger Stuart stated that it was her understanding that the
structure had been inspected, but no report was given to the city so there was still no evidence that it was in violation of any codes.
Mayor Scott assured Taylor that it is being worked on and asked him to be patient.
Harvey Joe Sanner from the Des Arc Industrial Development Commission and “Moving Prairie County Forward” addressed the council. He said that when the DAIDC was formed someone donated $10,000 to the commission and the city was giving them 1% of the one cent city sales tax to help get businesses to come to Des Arc. Sanner said that in 10 years they have helped bring several businesses to town by offering vari-
ous incentives. He said that the original donation has been used and because the city has reduced their funding, his organization is no longer able to offer any good incentives to prospective businesses. He asked the council to consider raising its funding back to the 1% or more. Mayor Scott thanked Sanner for his report and his work to make the city better and said that he would look into it.
Attending the meeting were Mayor Roger Scott, Recorder/Treasurer Janice Huffstickler and council members Jodie Mayher, Nicole Fisher, Gail King, Judy Burnett, Keith Knupp and Doug Estes.
Rebecca Roberts, Executrix c/o Dennis R. Molock Molock Law Firm, P.A. Attorney
