75¢
PC 4-H announces winners. (See p. 4.)
Volume 120 Number 11 - USPS 225-680
Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
DVB Council rescinds condemnation of Main Street property By Lisa Mills
Community Calendar of Events Stop by your Prairie County Public Library for Free candy bag for Easter (4th grade & younger) while Supplies Last
Wednesday March 17 St. Patrick’s Day Monday March 18 Hazen City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. Hazen Community Center Saturday March 20 Spring Begins Monday March 22 Hazen School Board Meeting Hazen School District starts Spring Break Thursday March 25 Commodities at Hazen First United Methodist Church Drive Through 10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.
Community events brought to you by Hazen Chamber of
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Please call F&M Bank (255-3042) or The Grand Prairie Herald (255-4538) to list events.
At the March 11th De Valls Bluff City Council meeting, City Attorney Mike Stuart informed the council that the vote to restart the condemnation process of the Carrell property on Main Street could not be accepted because the three yes votes (for condemnation) were not enough to pass the motion. He also stated that he had received the quit claim deed that transferred the ownership of the property from Carrell to the new owner, Studio Drift, represented by Martin Smith. Stuart said that further action would need to be addressed to Smith. A building permit was approved for Gregory Nelson Masonry to begin masonry work on the building. Smith addressed the council stating that he has begun the process of searching for needed contractors for the necessary building rehabilitation work. Mayor Castleberry told Smith that he would have to have approval from the Corp of Engineers due to the flood area. Smith stated that he doesn’t
Many buildings along Highway 70 in DeValls Bluff are in states of severe disrepair. The building that is now owned by the Studio Drift company has bricks falling off the sides and missing windows.
have to have the Corp’s approval, but he does need Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approval. FEMA told him that they do not have flood standards for that area and therefore approval is not needed. Attending the meeting were Mayor Brooks C a s t l e b e r r y , Treasurer/Recorder Darlene Connor and council members Marie Flanagan, Raymond Watson, Richard Henry, Alice Metcalf and Lalisa Wright.
Council members were given copies of a letter sent to DeValls Bluff gas customers on March 10th regarding a substantial price increase in February. The letter states that the city’s natural gas supplier, Symmetry Energy Solutions, has stated that they will work with the city for payment, and the city will then work with customers for payment. Excessively large gas bills are an issue being faced by all cities in the region that own their own gas com-
panies. The increase is due to the recent snowstorm which caused increased gas usage. A bill from Xtrication Xtreme for $26,862.30 for Fire Department equipment was presented to the council. Fire Chief Kelly Hutchinson reported that this purchase had been approved by the council, but Mayor Castleberry stated that the purchase approval was contingent on the department obtaining a loan and the loan had not been received. Therefore
three bids would be required before payment could be made to Xtrication Xtreme for the equipment purchase. Sheriff Rick Hickman reported 103 patrols and 6 calls in February. The calls included 3 alarm calls, 2 harassment calls and a general information call in reference to a man sleeping under the bridge. Fire Chief Kelly Hutchinson reported one large fire requiring assistance from multiple departments.
Hazen City Council discusses increase in gas prices for customers The Hazen City Council met in a special meeting on Thursday, March 11, to discuss the increase in the city’s natural gas bill from Symmetry Energy Solutions, LLC due the recent snowstorm. According to an email received by the city from Symmetry, “The extreme and unprecedented weather event that began on or around February 12, 2021...impacted a substantial portion of the continental United States, severely disrupting the supply, transportation and distribution of natural gas across a multitude of pipeline systems.” The city’s estimated gas supply charges received from Symmetry for natural gas during the month of February totals $84,877, with additional charges of $695.39 for FTS charges and a total transport charge of $148,178.90 for operational flow order charges from the Mississippi River Transmission (MRT) service. The MRT charges are not normally on natural gas bills received by the city, according to Mayor David Hardke. With all of the additional charges, the total bill to the city is estimated to be $234,510.71. By comparison, the estimated natural gas bill for the city in January was $26,056.27. Symmetry has told the city that some of the wills froze during the cold weather. The Attorney General’s office wants to know why the gas companies were not prepared for such an event. According to Hardke, The Arkansas Attorney General’s office “is on top of this.” But even if
it is determined that “price gouging” has occurred, it will take several months to recoup the funds. After a Zoom meeting with the Attorney General’s office that included members of the Hazen Utilities Department and City Attorney Keith Rhodes held on March 10, the city decided to prepare a proposal to present to the council that would reduce natural gas bills to city consumers by 46%. Hardke suggested that the possible $148,178 operational flow order charges from MRT be paid by the city with money that has been put aside for utilities projects and repairs. The city presently has $600,000 saved from sales tax revenues for the utility department improvements. The auditor from the state’s legislative audit department has approved the proposed transfer of the funds as long as the sales tax funds have not been dedicated, which they have not. “We’re grateful we have these funds; some towns don’t,” Hardke said. After a short discussion, the council voted to use the utilities saved funds to offset the cost to the city’s natural gas consumers. The city has requested that Symmetry send a copy of the 1993 contract that the city entered into with the company. Letters will be sent out to city gas customers explaining the increase in charges and what the city is doing to help. When Councilmember Tim Juola asked how much time can be given to people to pay off their bills, Hardke said “There are some issues that we’re going to have to deal with.” The city
intends to allow payment plans to pay the gas portion of the bills if needed. Hardke said that one particular bill that he had seen was $908, but the proposed reduction would change
the bill to $418. Similarly, a bill for $127 would be reduced to $587. Hazen Public Schools would be charged $8919 rather than the present $19,390 on its bill. The
water bills for customers have already been sent out without the gas charges. “If we can help the people in this town, that’s great,” Councilmember Barbara Rogers said.
PC Quorum Court passes two ordinances The Prairie County Quorum passed two ordinances and one resolution at its regular meeting held on Tuesday, March 9 in the courthouse annex in Des Arc. All justices were present. The first ordinance passed amended the 2020 county budget to allow the transfer of $15,000 received in 2019 for county court security grant in order to pay the bills in 2020. The money was used to purchase a generator for the Des Arc Courthouse. The second ordinance allows the County Sheriff’s Department to purchase two new vehicles. Two Dodge classic pickups will be bought from Steve Landers in Little Rock at a price of $28,074 each for a total of $56,148. Landers is a state authorized purchasing site, so no bids on the
vehicles were needed. The loan for the vehicles will be financed through Farmers and Merchants Bank for three years at 3% interest. The money has already been appropriated within the Sheriff’s Department budget. The ordinance was passed with Justice Hatcher abstaining. “I abstained because I arrived late,” Hatcher said. The justices also passed a resolution to apply for an Arkansas Rural Community Grant for the benefit of the Crossroads Volunteer Department in order to purchase a pumper truck. The department has raised $35,000 in money and inkind services to match the $15,000 grant for which they are applying. The 1981 model pumper truck that the fire department is presently
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using requires $16,000 worth of repairs. There will be no cost to the county. A discussion with the Legislative Audit Department initiated by County Attorney Abram Skarda concerning the county food bank revealed that the 2020 audit of the county had not been done as of yet. Some of the justices had expressed concern that the food bank was being run directly by the county with little oversight. To alleviate the problem, the County Judge, directed by a state auditor, the food bank was made a non-profit organization with its own separate account. The Legislative Audit Department is happy with the change, and will notify the county if anything else needs to be done. (Continued on p. 3.)
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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Quilt Society shares recent projects Johnny Dwayne Tipton Johnny “Dollar” Dwayne Tipton, 55 of Hazen went to be with the Lord Saturday, March 13, 2021 after a lengthy battle with complications of COVID 19. Johnny was born on November 11, 1965 in Stuttgart to J.B. Tipton and Tessie Arcola King Tipton. He was a 1984 Stuttgart High School graduate and earned an Associates Degree from Phillips County Community College. Throughout his career, he worked at Napa, Riceland Foods, Odom’s TN. Pride, Schwan’s, Boar’s Head, and Producer’s Rice Mill as a Safety Director, where he made countless friends. Throughout his life he was a volunteer fire fighter, a member of the Hazen School Board, and a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Carlisle. Johnny loved and excelled at baseball growing up, which carried over to him being an avid Razorback fan. He was an outdoorsman, making special memories with friends and family hunting ducks, deer, and fishing. Camping was another way he made special moments with family and friends, willing to cook out for the group. He loved his special pets and let them boss him around. It was his nature to make others around him feel good. His smile could light up
Arkansas Press Association Member 2020
The
Grand Prairie Herald (USPS) 225-680 The Grand Prairie Herald is an independent publication that has served Prairie County since December, 1901. It is published weekly by
Herald Publishing Company P.O. Box 370 111 Hwy 70 E Hazen, Arkansas 72064 Ph. 870-255-4538 Email: heraldpublishing@gmail.com
Subscription Rates In Prairie County $20.00/year In Arkansas $25.00/year Out of State $30.00/year Periodicals Postage paid at Hazen, Arkansas 72064 POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to: Grand Prairie Herald P.O.Box 370 Hazen, Arkansas 72064 Managing Editor/Publisher Roxanne Bradow Circulation/Accounts Trudy Johnson Sports Editor Mark Buffalo Photographer Ruth Corley
a room and he never met a stranger. He loved to share his love of Christ with hopes that all would come to know Him as their Savior. Johnny was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors are his wife of 29 years, Karen Coyle Tipton; his daughters, Meagan Tuggle (Bubba), Maleah Haralson (Ricky) of Romance and Sarah Tipton (Cody Smith) of Hazen; his siblings, Brenda Persons (Donald) of Pine Bluff, James “Jug” Tipton (Corman) of De valls Bluff, and Marty Tucek (Robert) of Stuttgart; grandchildren, Easton Tuggle, Avery Haralson, and Ally Haralson; his father-in-law, Lamar Coyle, and a host of nieces and nephews. Visitation was from 1:30 to 2:00 P.M., Monday, March 15, 2021 at the Oakland Cemetery Pavilion in De Valls Bluff with funeral services at 2:00 P.M. Arrangements were by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.
Jerry Michael Raborn On Sunday, March 7, 2021, Jerry Michael Raborn p a s s e d a w a y peacefully at the age of 75. Jerry was a lifelong resident of Carlisle, Arkansas and is known for his dedication to preserving the history of Carlisle and his church where he spent most of his time. Jerry was a veteran of the Vietnam War, a farmer and a father, always putting his family first. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Lois Raborn and his sister Charlotte Brown. He is survived by his children Sally Broadaway of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Rebecca Thompson of Maumelle, and Christine Archer of North Little Rock and Glenn Adcock of Cabot. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Taylor Broadaway, Sebastian Ramirez, Joshua and Caleb Archer and Blake Adcock. Services were held at the First United Methodist Church in Carlisle, Arkansas on Friday, March 12, 2021.
Visitation began at 1:00 p.m. with service following at 1:30. Graveside service was in the Old Carlisle Cemetery with military honors. Arrangements were by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.
Sue Black Sue Black, 84, of Jonesboro passed away Saturday, March 6, 2021 at the Flo and Phil Hospice House. She was born February 27, 1937 in Jonesboro to Richard and Pauline (Foreman) Johnson. Mrs. Black was a homemaker and a member of the Center Hill Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband of 32 years, Leo Black and 2 brothers. Left to cherish her memories are sons, Eddie (Alisa) Black and Gary (Leigh Ann) Black; daughters, Carolyn (Ronnie) Richardson, Mary Barber, LaCretia (Warren) DeMars, and Tonya (Everett) Russell; 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Paul Johnson and Rick Johnson; sisters, Jean Irvin, LaCretia Hall and Betty Carter. Graveside funeral services were 2:00 pm, Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at Rutherford Cemetery with Jerry Jolly officiating. Family members will be honored to serve as pallbearers. All services are under the direction of RollerFarmers Union Funeral Home. Per CDC guidelines, masks are required and social distancing is to be observed. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/Jonesboro
Glenda's items for Hope in the Delta and Xmas Shoe Boxes. By Marsha Heien The Grand Prairie Quilt Society met March 10, 2021 with 5 members present. Glenda opened the meeting with the thought for the day, "I'm glad I never threw them away, my scraps of yore are my quilt of today." The February minutes and treasurer's report were given. It was decided to suspend club dues for 2021. The registration for the Country Quilt Camp at Cross Heirs is still open. It will be on June 10-13, 2021. All Covid19 regulations will be followed. You can call Marsha to sign up. Members were reminded to bring a bag of dry beans when meetings resume at the church. Show and Share: Marsha had a crocheted baby blanket in a star pattern and an appliqued t-shirt with a Diamond block. Glenda had many items for the Hope in the Delta Center (baby blankets and bibs) and the Samaritan's Purse Christmas Boxes (dresses, tote bags and shorts). Lou Anna had a lovely 9-Patch Extravaganza quilt. Betty showed a Tulips on Parade quilt. The next meeting will be April 14, location to be announced.
Lou Anna's 9-Patch Extravaganza quilt
Pictured right is Marsha's applique tshirt's Diamond Block.
PUBLIC HEARING There will be a public hearing on March 25, 2021 at 5:15 p.m. at the Hazen Community Center. The Hazen Planning Commission will meet for the consideration of changing the city’s zoning ordinance to allow daycare centers as conditional uses in all zoning districts. Interested parties are encouraged to attend this meeting. After the public hearing, The Hazen City Council will meet and hear the recommendation of the planning commission at this time.
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Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Quorum Court... (Continued from p. 1) Judge Mike Skarda told the court that BMD Builders of Beebe was given the contract for work on the Des Arc Courthouse. They will remove the dropped ceilings, pull up the floors and the plywood underneath them, and refinish the original hardwood floors in the building. The seating will be replaced, and a $72,000 sound system will be installed. While the work is being done, court cases will be held in another location, possibly the Hazen Community Center, which has the room for social distancing available. The construction work on the courthouse is expected to take two to three months to complete. Attorney Skarda said that jury trials may possibly begin again in May. Sheriff Rick Hickman reported that his department had recently spent $100,000 for cameras in the jail, including cameras in the jail cells. “They don’t get any pri-
vacy in a jail cell,” Hickman said. When asked, he said that new prisoners in the jail are quarantined for 14 days. Judge Skarda said that the county roads are still soft and that the Road Department has been hauling gravel five days a week. He added that some roads will have to be redone due to damage done during the February snow. There were no committee reports. At the end of the meeting, the judge expressed concern for county residents who will see unprecedented gas prices this month. The cost of natural gas is expected to be 3 ½ times higher due to the recent snow. “I know some people very well who are living off 800 a month,” he said. Justice Hinson said that electric bills will also be higher than usual. There were no further questions or discussion, and the meeting was adjourned.
Lonoke County Council on Aging 2021
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Call 501-676-6971 Order Deadline March 25 th 2021 Pickup March 29-March 31 from 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 1 Newberry CT. Lonoke, AR. 72086 Prairie County Call 870-256-3751 Pick Up At Des Arc Senior Center 113 Main St. Des Arc Senior Center Proceeds Benefit LCCA- Proudly Serving Lonoke & Prairie County
Blurred Vision -
By Nathaniel Bradow
“Baseball in the Air”
Can you smell it? The early sprouting of rye grass and tulips budding? Can you feel the winds changing? The chilly air from the North slowly shifting to the warm drafts from the Gulf and off the desert sands? Yes, gentle readers, it is that time again. Time for the event that marks our area’s climb out of the oppressive wintry gloom that pervades the south from late November to early March. It is an event that will separate out the strong from the weak, the polished from the simply prepared, the professional from the minor leaguer. That’s right, you’ve guessed it… Major League Baseball Spring Training has begun! It is Baseball season!! Last year was tough to take if you were a sports fan. Especially if you were a sports fan who was marking a major milestone in your life. Last winter, before the pandemic hit, I was staring down the barrel of old age. That’s right. I was 39 knee deep on my way to 40. I know it is hard to believe. It sneaks up on each of us I suppose. My lovely wife, Laura, being the caring woman that she is, didn’t want me to dwell on such a marker of the eminent downhill slide into decrepitude. So, as a gift for my big 4-0, she planned to take me to a Cardinals game. And not just take me. She was going all out. Green seats with waiting service and all food and drink included, field level, with an opportunity to go on the field and meet the players before the game. What a wife! Right! Definitely a bucket list birthday gift. She is not a great big sports fan, but since
getting involved with me, she has progressed into a half-way decent Cardinals fan. I owe that in no short measure to her slight crush on the (now former) Cardinal second-baseman. I used to tease her every time Kolten Wong came up to the plate or made a defensive play saying, “There’s your boy, again.” She would smile and reply with, “Go! Kolten!!” So, she was partially excited to be able to meet him and have him sign her Cardinals Jersey with his name on the back. I got her that by the way. I was willing to put up with her batting her eyes at a Hawaiian born millionaire for a few hours as a reward for such an awesome and thoughtful present. But alas… As we long suffering sports fans know all too well, the season was cut to 60 games with no fans. My dreams (and my wife’s) were crushed. I have to praise my wife a little here. Kolten Wong was traded this summer, and she is still in the process of trying to get the same set up and celebration for me for my 41st that she did last year. Now she thinks her jersey will become a classic. I really was lucky to find her, and I mean that with all my heart. The Cardinals aside, Baseball has always been my first love. My father used to say that Baseball is a game for aggressively patient people. There is a lot of waiting in baseball. But once there is action, you must react aggressively and with lighting in your step and precision in your movements. It is not a game for the faint of heart. I have seen many tough football and rugby players shy away from that bit of string wrapped in
leather with 108 stitches (a baseball). You can’t second guess yourself as the pitch heads toward the plate or the linedrive threatens to blow past you or up your nose. You have to be clear, concise, dedicated, and decisive in a split second and without thought. It is a game of poetry in motion, especially when you watch someone who is really good at it in person. It isn’t the same on TV no matter how many camera angles you are given. When I was young, I could always tell when it was Baseball season. The smell of freshly cut grass and newly turned dirt always made my feet twitch with anxiousness awaiting a new pair of spikes to be tied around them. My fingers would start drumming on my desk or on the side of my leg imagining the weight and feel of leather and laces. My eyes would wander in the direction of the closest window and rays of sunlight. I was a child of Baseball. My earliest memories are from rolling a baseball back on forth on the floor with my older brother, playing catch with my dad or mom, and putting on that summer’s new baseball cap. I wasn’t very good at it. I was serviceable, but every bit of improvement I worked at tirelessly. I was cursed by genetics with astigmatism, a short frame, and slight build. So, I had to focus on technique and leverage. I turned all of the characteristics that would be handicaps in other sports into advantages in Baseball. (Except for astigmatism, which ultimately is what led to the end of my career.) I know there are flashier sports nowadays. Football with its jarring hits and war-
l i k e characteristics. Survival of the fittest and all that. Basketball with its combination of grace, precision, and improvisation. Hot streaks, blocked shots, and constant movement. But, in my mind Baseball reigns supreme. I can and do appreciate all of the other sports, even soccer and hockey. But the sting of the ball hitting the glove, the smoothness of a swing and crack of the bat when a pitch is well struck, the strategy of players and positions and lineups, and the beauty of a perfectly fielded and turned double play have no equal in any other sport. Not in my eyes. When you are at the plate, you are one against nine. When you are on the mound, you are one against nine. When you are in the field, you are one against fear, situation, and analytics. Yet, you are never alone. You are part of a team with the same goals and pressures. Good teammates feed off of each others’ successes and understand and motivate each other through their struggles. It is a battle of skills, wits, stratagem, placement, and bursts of precise action. It is a game of eighth inches and deception. Setups and rundowns. Pop flys and Home Runs. Starters and Closers. Diving catches and stolen bases. Cracker Jacks and sunflower seeds. It is March, and it is time for the Greatest Show on Dirt to begin!!! Go Cards!! If you want to comment on this column or any of my other musings, you can reach me a t thatbradowguy@gmail.c om. I look forward to hearing from you.
Local students named to UALR Fall 2020 Dean’s List Local UA Little Rock students who were named to the Dean's List are: Tonya Anderson of De Valls Bluff, Megan Baxter of Biscoe, Nicole Fegley of Hazen, Tiffany Golleher
of De Valls Bluff, Virgil Griffin of De Valls Bluff, Kyren Mills of Hazen, Nicole Reid of Des Arc, and Courtney Guerrero of Ulm. To be on the Dean's List, UA Little Rock
students must earn at least nine credit hours and maintain at least a 3.5 GPA. With about 10,000 students and 100 programs, UA Little Rock offers learning, research, serv-
ice, social and career opportunities that can only be found at a metropolitan university located in Arkansas' capital city.
Legal Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS PROBATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BOBBY EVERETT BELL, DECEASED NO. 59N PR-21-2 Last Known Address: 11148 Highway 38 W
P.O. Box 417 Hickory Plains, AR 72066 Date of Death: January 19, 2021 The undersigned was a p p o i n t e d Administratrix of the estate of the above decedent on the 5th day of February 2021. All persons having
claims against the estate must exhibit them, duly verified, to the undersigned within six (6) months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in the estate. This notice first published the 10th day of March,2021. ROZANNE BELL, ADMINISTRATRIX OF THE ESTATE. OF BOBBY EVERETT BELL, DECEASED JERRY KELLY KELLY LAW FIRM, P.A. Attorney for the Estate of Bobby Everett Bell, Deceased P.O. Box 500 118 N Center Lonoke, Arkansas 72086 (501) 676-5770 Arkansas Bar No. 84085 WM KENDEL W. GROOMS CAMPBELL & GROOMS, PLLC Attorney for the Estate of Bobby Everett Bell, Deceased 8114 Cantrell Rd, Suite 100 Little Rock, AR 72227 (501) 313-4967 Arkansas Bar No. 09128
Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, March 17, 2021
2021 Prairie County 4-H Outdoor Skills Competition winners announced
Shea Wilson County Extension Agent-Family & Consumer Sciences/4-H The 2021 Prairie County 4-H Outdoor Skills competition was held Saturday, March 13 and at the fairgrounds in Hazen. 4-H members had the opportunity to compete in events including Bicycle, Bait casting, Gun Safety and BB Shooting, and ID contests. Winners in each category are as follows: Baitcasting Juniors: 1st place – Braylee Burgess 2nd place – Brietyn Burgess 3rd place – Valina Osborn Seniors: 1st place – Adysen Johnston 2nd place – Rylan Wyatt Gun Safety and BB Shoot Juniors: 1st place – Luke McIntosh 2nd place – Ambria Wyatt 3rd place – River Pennington Seniors: 1st place – Adysen Johnston 2nd place – Rylan Wyatt Bicycle Juniors: 1st place – Zach Payne 2nd place - Ambria Wyatt 3rd place - Talyn Johnston Seniors: 1st place – Rylan Wyatt 2nd place – Adysen
Johnston Ornamental Horticulture ID Juniors: 1st place – River Pennington 2nd place – Shy 3rd place – Kinslea Fowler Seniors: 1st place – Adysen Johnston 2nd place – Rylan Wyatt Wildlife ID Juniors: 1st place – Luke McIntosh 2nd place – Valina Osborn 3rd place – Brietyn Burgess Seniors: 1st place – Adysen Johnston 2nd place – Rylan Wyatt Crop and Weed ID Juniors: 1st place – Luke McIntosh 2nd place – Brietyn Burgess 3rd place – Valina Osborn Seniors: 1st place – Rylan Wyatt 2nd place – Adysen Johnston Winners are eligible to compete in their event at the District 4-H O-Rama Thursday, June 17 in Forrest City. Cloverbud members (ages 5-8) earned a special ribbon for their participation: Ella Carroll, Bess Burgess, Jase Johnston, Savanna Osborn, and Greenlee Wilson. For more information about the 4-H Youth Development Program and how you can get
involved, contact the Prairie County Extension Service at 870-998-2614 or email smwilson@uada.edu. Like
us on Facebook: prairiecoarkansas4h or follow us on Instagram: @prairieco4h.
IN THE QUORUM COURT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS ORDINANCE NO. 2021-_2____ WHEREAS, in serving the people of Prairie County, the Prairie County Sheriff’s Department requires the periodic acquisition of vehicles; WHEREAS, purchases made under the provisions of A.C.A 14-22-106 (17) (A) are exempt from the requirement to solicit bids; and WHEREAS, the best interests of the County would be served by making said purchase. QUORUM COURT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS ORDINANCE NO. 2021-__1_
NOW THEREFORE BE ENACTED BY THE QUORUM COURT OF THE COUNTY OF PRAIRIE, STATE OF ARKANSAS; AN ORDINANCE TO BE ENTITLED:
Be It Enacted by the Quorum Court of Prairie County, Arkansas: AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE TO AMEND PRAIRIE COUNTY ORDINANCE No. 2019-7, THE 2020 ANNUAL BUDGET ORDINANCE.
PROVIDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO NEW VEHICLES FOR THE USE OF THE PRAIRIE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Section 1. Affirmation. This court recognizes and affirms that the 2020 Prairie County Budget needs to be amended to show money appropriated to the Court Security Grant. The Grant money was received in 2019 for Generator, but generator did not get paid until January 2020. Section 2. Amendment / Appropriation. The following are amendments to the 2020 Prairie County budget as contained in Ordinance No. 2019-7. (A) Court Security Grant (ACT 576) Fund [Code 3500]. That the appropriation for the Court Security Grant Fund for the year 2020 is hereby amended by the following adjustment. Court Security Grant (ACT 576) Fund: 3500
Budget Line Item 5033100- Court Security
Amount $15,000.00
This amendment appropriates the $15,000.00 received in 2019 for the Court Security Grant for the 2020 Court Security Grant Budget in 2020 to balance budget. Section 3. Legislative Intent. It is the intent of the Prairie County Quorum that the appropriation contained in this ordinance are only amendments for the 2020 County operating budget established by the Prairie County Ordinance No. 2019-7. All other appropriations and policy statements of said ordinance shall remain in full force and effect. Section 4. Effective Date. This appropriation ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and approval in accordance with Arkansas Code Annotated § 14-14-907 (f). Dated March 9, 2021 APPROVED: Mike Skarda Prairie County Judge ATTEST: Gaylon Hale Gaylon Hale
Section 1. Prairie County Sheriff’s Department wishes to acquire two (2) new motor vehicles; Section 2. Steve Landers Chrysler Dodge Jeep (Landers) located at 10825 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, Arkansas, is a licensed automobile dealership located in Arkansas and is a qualified dealer under A.C.A. 14-22-106 (17) (A); Section 3. Landers presently has in its inventory two (2) Dodge Classic Pickup Trucks, VIN 1C6RR7XP0M5537801 & VIN 1C6RR7XT2M5537802 with a purchase price of $ 28,074.00 per truck; the sales price does not exceed the current fleet price awarded by the Office of State Procurement; Section 4. The total purchase price for both vehicles is $ 56,148.00 Section 5. Financing will be provided by Farmers & Merchant’s Bank with monthly payments of $ 1,659.87 this payment will be for both trucks. Trucks will be financed for 3 years at 3% interest rate per annum. Section 6. The County Judge and County Clerk are hereby authorized and empowered to execute and purchase agreement for said motor vehicles in the principal amount $56,148.00, and the County Clerk is authorized to make the payments as contracted. Section 7. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Ordinance or the application thereof is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or application, and to this end the provisions of the Ordinance are declared to be severable. Section 8. EMERGENCY CLAUSE. The proper and appropriate use of the funds of Prairie County and the timely acquisition of equipment are of great importance to the welfare of its citizens; an emergency is therefore declared, and this ordinance being necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health safety, and welfare, shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage. DATED: March 9, 2021 APPROVED:
Mike Skarda County Judge
ATTEST:
Gaylon Hale County Clerk
Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, March 17, 2021
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The Des Arc Police Department is accepting applications for a fulltime certified Police Officer. The position comes with full benefits: insurance, retirement, paid vacation, and sick leave. The position will
be for nights and weekends with the possibility of overtime when acceptable. An application can be picked up at Des Arc City Hall, 107 South 3rd Street. For any questions, please call 870256-3011. (3-10-21 2tc)
Bowman Plumbing Serving the Entire Grand Prairie Adam Bowman, MP 6142 Repair - Remodel New Construction Dependable Service Free Estimates Family Owned and Operated Call: (870) 256-5230
Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical Keith Knupp 501.516.8285 knuppinc@hotmail.com
Free Ads for Free Stuff If you’re giving it away, we’ll give you an ad for
free Call 2554538
To Whom It May Concern: A 2008 Jeep Liberty Vin# 1J8GN28KX8W246735 was picked up on 12-52020-at the request of the Arkansas State Police. This vehicle is in the possession of Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service 1111 Hwy 70 West, Hazen, Ar 72064 (870)255-3305. Towing, storage, & administrative costs are accuring as legal liability of the owner. Rick’s Automotive & Wreaker Service claims first priority possessory
lien on the said vehicle and its content for all such charges. The vehicle and its contents will be dismantled, destroyed, or sold at public sale to the highest bidder if not claimed within 45 days and constitutes a waiver by the owner and lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, MonFri, 8am-5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.
To Whom It May Concern: A 2009 Mini C o o p e r V i n # WMWML33539TP97886w as picked up on 9-26-2020 at the 201 I-40 EB at the request of the Hazen Police Department Dept. This vehicle is in the possession of Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service 1111 Hwy 70 W, Hazen Ar. 72064, (870)255-3305. Towing, storage, & administrative costs are accruing as legal liability of the owner. Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims
first priority possessory lien on the said vehicle and its content for all such charges. The vehicle and its contents will be dismantled, destroyed, or sold at public sale to the highest bidder if not claimed within 45 days and constitutes a waiver by the owner and lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, MonFri, 8am-5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.
To Whom It May Concern: A 1994 Ford F150 F150 Vin# 1FTEF15N2RNB61111 was picked up on 8-152020 on Sarda Rd. Little Rock at the request of Linda James. 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, 8am5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.
Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Burton signs with Missouri Baptist... Jalen Burton signed with the Missouri Baptist College Spartans in a ceremony held in the Hazen Hornets’ Nest gymnasium on last week. He is pictured with his parents Orlando Burton and Keirstan Brown his brother Orlando, and Coaches (l to r) B.J. Harrison, Joe Besancon, and Lucas Tenison. During the 2020 football season, Jalen racked up 70 tackles, 75 runs for 408 rushing yards, 16 receptions for 245 yards, and 11 touchdowns.
Valentines basket winner... Ms. Ruby Moon won the LCCA Des Arc Senior Center drawing for a Valentines basket. Donations for the basket came from A. L. Berry Insurance., Garth Hardware, Lynn's Flower Shop, Des Arc Food & Fuel, Palace Drugs, and Vickie McGee. (Leona Travis Site Director photo.)
Red Cross seeks volunteers for disaster support and blood drives As we head into spring severe weather, the American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas has an urgent need for additional volunteers
who can assist virtually and in person for disaster response. Volunteers are also needed to support blood drives and transport blood to hospitals.
“We are gearing up for spring disaster response needs such as flooding and tornadoes, and we need additional volunteers who can help virtu-
ally or in person,” said Chris Harmon, Regional Disaster Officer. “Throughout the pandemic, our volunteers have continued supporting dis-
asters locally and nationally. Some traveled to serve states hit with hurricanes, wildfires or tornadoes, while many helped with the response from their home.” Volunteers are also needed to help support blood drives by being a greeter and helping blood donors check in at local blood drives or to drive Red Cross vans to transport life-saving blood to local hospitals. Blood drive greeter needs are greatest in the following areas: Missouri- St. Charles, Greater St. Louis, W a s h i n g t o n , Columbia/Jefferson City and Cape Girardeau Arkansas- Boone and Baxter Counties Drivers to transport blood in Red Cross vans are needed the most in the following areas (no special license required): Missouri- St. Charles, Greater St. Louis, Columbia/Jefferson City
and Cape Girardeau “Interested volunteers may join a virtual informational session to learn more before signing up,” said Kobi Gillespie, Regional Volunteer Services Officer. “These are held several times a month to help individuals learn about opportunities and how the Red Cross operates.” Volunteers make up at least 90-percent of the Red Cross workforce and hold positions at all levels throughout the organization including leadership roles. To sign up for an upcoming virtual informational session, go t o www.redcross.org/ARCVo lunteerFair. Upcoming virtual sessions: Thursday, March 18, 12 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, 4 p.m. Thursday, April 1, 12 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, 4 p.m. Thursday, April 15, 12 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, 4 p.m. Thursday, April 29, 12 p.m. Additional dates are available online. The Missouri and Arkansas Red Cross Region deployed 32 people to help Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Kentucky with recent winter storms and flooding, including both inperson and virtual support. Ten of the 32 individuals traveled to help with the responses. The remaining volunteers assisted virtually from their home. Red Cross teams have impacted thousands of lives in the hours after disasters struck, providing essential support to helping families through some of their most difficult days and ensuring donated blood is processed and on hospital shelves when patients need it. HOW TO HELP You can help ensure that families don’t face emergencies alone — especially during a pandemic: DONATE: Support our Disaster Relief efforts at redcross.org/GivingDay. A gift of any size makes a difference to provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance. Your donation will be part of our annual Giving Day on March 24 to aid families in need across the country. VOLUNTEER: Visit redcross.org/VolunteerTod ay for most-needed positions and local opportunities. GIVE BLOOD: If you’re healthy and feeling well, make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org. Your donation can make a lifesaving difference for a patient in need. As a thank you, those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma on March 15-26 will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.