This Week's Edition

75¢

Carlisle library hosts special events. (See page 6.)

Volume 121 Number 9 - USPS 225-680

Community Calendar of Events

Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Grand Prairie gets another cold weather February It can be beautiful, but it can also be dangerous.

The ice that covered the Grand Prairie last week closed schools, government offices, and businesses either because of blackouts due to no electricity or due to the danger of the roads. The schools in Hazen, Carlisle, and Des Arc dismissed early on Wednesday due to icy conditions and continued to be closed on Thursday and Friday, February 24th and 25th.

The ice weighed down trees and power lines causing them to fall and create power outages in Hazen and surrounding areas. Some homes were without power for 36 hours or more while workers scrambled to get electricity turned back on in the affected

Thursday March 3 Bingo Hazen Public Library 11:00 a.m.

10th Grade Auction Dinner 5:00 p.m.

Silent Action 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Live Auction 7:00 p.m.

areas.

The saturated ground and the weight of the ice felled many trees, leaving homeowners with lots to clear away in the coming days and months. At least one home was destroyed by a large tree falling upon it, and at least one home was destroyed by fire when those living there tried by other means to heat it. Convoys of Entergy and other electric company trucks traveled throughout the area looking for downed lines and repairing them as quickly as they could.

Here are some pictures from the Hazen and Des Arc areas that show the beauty and horror of ice.

Some were provided by Harvey Joe Sanner and Trudy Johnson.

4-H interest meeting Prairie County Fair Grounds 5:30 p.m.

Hornet Baseball vs Bauxite Hazen Field V/JV 4:30 p.m.

Sunday March 6 Sand Hill Cemetery Association meeting 2:00 p.m.

Sand Hill Missionary Baptist Church Tuesday March 8 Quorum Court Meeting Annex Building 6:00 p.m.

Thursday March 10 Public meeting on shortening the school week Hazen Gym 6:00 p.m.

Junior Miss Sweetheart...

Callie Baxter, a Sophmore at Des Arc High School, was crowned 2022 Junior Miss Sweetheart at Palestine on February 19th.

Community events brought to you by Hazen Chamber of Commerce

St. Alban’s to host World Day of Prayer and the Please call F&M Bank (255-3042) or The Grand Prairie Herald (255-4538) to list events.

Everyone is invited to World Day of Prayer to be held in Stuttgart on Friday, March 4, at noon.

St. Alban's Episcopal Church is hosting the program which will be prepared by the women of

England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

A luncheon will be held at 12:30 p.m. at Grand Avenue Methodist Church due to renovations in progress at St. Alban’s.

72° 42°

5%

71°

72°

5%

5%

47°

59°

75°

62° 24%

71° 55°

43%

Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Leslie Doris Cunningham Leslie “Les” Doris Cunningham was born on Christmas day, December 25, 1939 in Hazen, Arkansas.

He was called home with his family surrounding him on Friday, February 18, 2022 at the age of 83.

A celebration of Les’s life will be held privately by family at a later date.

Arrangements made with Bishop-Crites Funeral Home, 108 North Broadview Street, Greenbrier, Arkansas 72058, www.bishopcritesfuneralhome.co m

Chester “Dusty” Fitts A man of happiness, strength, wisdom, integrity and faith.

Chester “Dusty” Fitts passed away at B a p t i s t Hospital on 2-22-22. He was born to Mable and Vernon Fitts on January 30 1950. He grew up and attended school in Brinkley, AR. He spent many years working with both the Arkansas and Texas State Highway department heading up the survey for oil Derik’s and many other complicated road construction projects. He was a great leader and it showed in all aspects of his life as a father and a provider. He was an avid motorcyclist, fisher, duck hunter, bow hunter and car guy. He also loved boating. This love affair came from many years on the White River with his

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

many friends and family and it was something he was passionate about until his last days. He crossed paths one day with the Love of his life Karen Drotar Fitts and spent 30 wonderful years before losing her in 2021. They enjoyed taking cruises, camping and going to live shows.

He is proceeded in death by his wife Karen Drotar Fitts, Mother Mable Fitts, Father Vernon Fitts, Step son Shay Rymer and best friend Royce Duncan.

He is survived by his son Jarrett Fitts (wife Hilda Fitts) and grandson Adrian “AJ” Fitts, his sister Kathy Chisnall nieces Tiffany and Megan daughter Sadie, Brother Jerry Fitts (wife Nina)nephews Justin son Brayden and Brandon (wife Allison) daughter Alyssia son Maddux, Stepson Jason Rymer (wife Melody)and grandkids Andrew Rymer(wife Kendyl) and great grandsons Weston and Kolton, Ethan Rymer and Morgan Barcus. Dusty will be deeply missed by so many dear friends and family members. His legacy will be proudly carried on for many more generations. His life story’s will be shared and cherished forever. He was a great Husband, father, and Hero.

Funeral was at 3pm Monday, February 28th, at St Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church with visitation one hour prior to service. Interment in St Cyril and Methodius Catholic cemetery.

Larry Eugene McGee Larry Eugene McGee, 72 of Hazen, passed away on Monday evening, February 14 at the VA Medical Center in Little Rock.

Larry was born March 17, 1949 in Hickory Plains, Arkansas to Willie McGee and Eva Harshaw-McGee. In his early years, while being raised in Hickory Plains, Larry and his family attended church at Pleasant Ridge Missionary Baptist Church.

In recent years he would often attend church with his family at Holy Temple Church of God in Christ in Hazen.

Larry received his education from the Biscoe Public School system.

He graduated with the Biscoe High School Class of 1968.

One year after graduating high school, Larry was drafted into the United States Army and was deployed to Vietnam. After serving 2 years in the military, he returned to America he received an honorable discharge.

Larry was a former employee of Mid-Ark Auto Auctions in North Little Rock, where he retired; Riceland Foods in Stuttgart and HazenTech in Hazen.

His parents: Willie and Eva McGee; two grandchildren: Kelsey McGee and Christian McGee; a brother Charles McGee Sr.; five sisters: Lona Mae Gooden, Billie Fay Penn, Helen McGee, Linda McGee and Sherry Cegars all pre-

ceded Larry in death.

Survivors are: his wife of 35 years Sammie Lois McGee of Hazen, AR; four sons: Larry McGee of Hazen, AR; Willie McGee of Stuttgart, AR; Otis (Crystal) Langhorn of Stuttgart, AR and Eddie Smith of East Moline, Ill; two daughters: Tammy (William) McDonald of Hazen, AR; and Arquarius McGee of Hazen, AR; seventeen grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon February 27 at 2:30 PM at Prairie Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, North Hazen Avenue in Hazen with Elder Fred C. McFadden officiating.

Interment will take place at Green Grove Cemetery in Hazen by Branscumb Funeral Home of Brinkley (870) 734-2772 email: brans c u m b f u n e r a l home1928@yahoo.com and Facebook: Branscumb Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were: Thurman Penn, George Penn, Billy McGee, Tony Wallace, Howard Burks and Dexter Polite.

Nettie Dean Moody Nettie Dean Moody, of Carlisle, lovingly known as Mamaw, age 90 entered the heavenly gates on Fe b r u a r y 223, 2022 surrounded by her family. She was born in Prairie County on March 14, 1931 to Andrew and Ora (Guess) Spencer.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 49 years, Curtis Moody, Sr.; two brothers, Glynn and Johnnie Spencer; three sisters Betty (Spencer) Eichin, Louise (Spencer) Abbott and Mary Jean (Spencer) Roberts.

She attended Walter’s Chapel School. She was devoted full-time wife and mother. She was a member of Landmark Missionary Baptist Church of Carlisle, Arkansas for 73 years. She loved her Lord’s church and kept His building clean for nearly 27 years.

She was known for keeping a pristine yard and loved her flowers.

She also loved to fish and camp with her family. She enjoyed sitting outside on her swing watching the cardinals and her grandchildren play.

Nettie Dean is survived by her three children, Curtis Jr. (Peggy) Moody of Carlisle, Karen (Dennis) Ingle of DeWitt, and Mike (Bridgette) Moody of Carlisle; her grandchildren, William (Melissa) Moody, Drew (Tessa) Moody, Chad (Tiffany) Ingle, Amy (Vince) Greer, Micah Moody, and Eli Moody; greatgrandchildren, Madison Moody, JoAnna Moody, Hayden Ingle, Gracen Ingle, Blake Moody, and Brody Moody and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff of Baptist Health Medical Clinic, Lonoke, Baptist Health Medical Center in North Little Rock and Arkansas Hospice for their excellent care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Landmark Missionary Baptist Church of Carlisle.

Visitation was from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen.

Funeral services were 2:00 P.M., Sunday, February 27 at Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Carlisle. Burial was in Walter’s Chapel C e m e t e r y .

Arrangements were by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.

Getting ready...

The Hazen Baseball/Softball Association and the City of Hazen began work on a new practice building February 20. The Association still needs volunteers to help. They will post workdays on their Facebook page. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Jeff Dulany.)

Locals graduate from UALR in fall 2021 The University of Arkansas at Little Rock announces two local residents are included its fall 2021 graduates.

Michael Goldfarb, of Hazen, graduated with a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics.

Nicole Reid, of Des Arc, AR, graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.

UA Little Rock awarded more than 670 degrees for the fall 2021 semester.

HAZEN METHODIST MEN’S ANNUAL SHRIMP SUPPER FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2022 HAZEN FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4:30 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. - DRIVE THROUGH ONLY -

CAJUN BOILED SHRIMP DINNER $20.00 CHICKEN STRIP DINNER $10.OO TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM THE METHODIST MEN. TICKETS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DRIVE-THRU, BUT IT IS HELPFUL IF TICKETS ARE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE.

FOR INFORMATION CALL

870-830-2404

Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Prairie County Sheriff’s Report As of Friday, February 25, 2022, the Prairie County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) has 48 individuals' felony and/or misdemeanor charges at the Prairie County Detention Center, located in Des Arc. Alec Huffstickler was arrested on Feb. 19 for

two counts of Breaking or Entering and two counts of Theft of Property.

Caleb Inman was arrested on Feb. 21 for H a r a s s i n g Communications, Eddie Varnell was arrested of Feb. 23 for two counts of Breaking or Entering and two

counts of Theft of Property, Thomas Ballard was arrested of Feb. 23 for Felony Failure to Appear, Theunis Fouche was arrested on Feb. 24 for Public Intoxication, Keith Robinson JR was arrested on Feb. 25 for Domestic Battery 3rd

Letters to the Editor It is a great honor to serve Carlisle, AR, as your new Postmaster. In my seven years with the United States Postal Service, I have seen firsthand the role the Postal Service plays connecting neighbors and our community to the nation.

Our Post Offices serve as a lifeline for our small businesses to reach customers no matter where they are.

Under Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s leadership and Delivering For America,

the Postal Service’s 10year plan, we are maintaining universal six-day mail delivery and expanded seven-day package delivery, stabilizing our workforce, and spurring innovation to meet the needs of our modern customers.

From an incredibly successful 2021 holiday mail and shipping season to our current role delivering COVID-19 tests, the Postal Service continues to provide a vital service for our nation and right here in Carlisle.

On behalf of the 650,000 women and men of the United States Postal Service, and specifically the employees of the Carlisle Post Office, allow me to thank the community for their continuing support of the Postal Service. Providing reliable mail delivery while strengthening the future of this treasured institution is our commitment to the American public.

Sincerely, Ross A. Sisson Postmaster Carlisle, AR

Recently a person asked me what I loved about the Democratic Party, I jotted down a few reasons. Some reasons may seem ancient to young whipper-snappers, but they are still producing a higher quality of life for millions, my reply to the question is below.

Since you asked me what I love about the Democratic Party, permit me to list a few reasons; For starters, the GI Bill, that transformed America and created a greatly expanded middle class, I like Rural Electric Service, Rural Telephone Service, Rural Water Systems, Social Security, FmHA homes and farm loans that turned sharecroppers into landowners and entrepreneurs.

I like Medicare, Medicaid, decent labor laws that created safer workplaces and a 40-hour work week with overtime pay.

I’m proud of the Affordable Care Act whose preventive measures saved my life twice and provided health care to millions of Americans who were denied coverage due to suffering preexisting conditions and its unaffordable cost.

I like Democrats because they stand against voter suppression efforts and their

sincere effort to conduct safe and secure elections. I like Democrats for the fact that every one of these great PUBLIC POLICY initiatives that improved the quality of life for society as a whole were created by the Democratic Party and fought against by the Republican Party.

I'm proud of the Civil Rights Act and the Voter Rights Act passed by Democrats with some honest Republicans support.

I like the Democratic Party because they have resisted the radical agenda that caters to white supremacists and other racist bigots. I like Democrats because they understand the danger of mixing church and state and they cherish the freedom to worship as one chooses.

I also like the fact that Democrats are around to repair the damage caused by trickle-down economics each time it rears its ugly head.

So, as you consider these reasons you may understand why I was, am and will continue to be a Democrat and I don't care how loud the radical right-wingers yell. The bottom line is this, there is much more right with the Democratic party than

what might be wrong.

One day the Old Confederacy/Bible Belt States will realize how Trickle Down Economics is keeping us behind the rest of the nation.

Following 4 years of no infrastructure bill from a Republican administration my reasons for being a Democrat should be very obvious even to partisans on the other side.

I also like Democrats because they are wise enough to keep partisan politics out of our churches, school systems as well as our city and county governments.

Injecting bitter political issues into local establishments is an activity that is both dangerous and counter-productive to community development.

Lastly, I like democrats because they don’t campaign for office by demonizing their friends and neighbors who may not agree with them with on every issue.

Over the top heated rhetoric defined as politics of personal destruction is best left to the other side.

These comments reflect my opinion gained from more than 40 years of hands-on political participation.

Harvey Joe Sanner, a proud Democrat.

Legal Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ISSUANCE OF BONDS IN AN AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $26,084,076 BY THE WHITE RIVER REGIONAL IRRIGATION WATER DISTRIBUTION DISTRICT. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of a public hearing to be held on the 9th day of March, 2022,

by The White River Regional Irrigation Water Distribution District (the “District”), at 9:30 a.m. at the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce, 507 South Main, Stuttgart, Arkansas 72160 with respect to the bonds to be issued by the District in one or more denominations and series in an original principal amount not to exceed an aggregate of $26,084,076 (the “Bonds”).

The Bonds will be issued pursuant to Arkansas Code Annotated §§ 14-116101 et seq., as amended, and for the purposes described below.

The District is a sponsor of the Grand Prairie Area Demonstration

Project (the “Project”).

The Project is designed to protect aquifers, which includes the area’s drinking water supplies, to sustain irrigated agricultural practices, and to provide additional habitat for waterfowl.

It will accomplish this by increased water conservation measures, as well as utilizing surface water resources for agricultural purposes.

Proceeds from the Bonds will be utilized to fund the non-federal share of the Project costs including, but not limited to, local match for federal funding, costs associated with project design and construction, bridges or culvert construction, land acquisition, utility relocation, surveys, appraisals, reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to issuance of the Bonds, and paying costs associated with the issuance of the Bonds. .

All interested parties are invited to attend the public hearing to express their views in respect to the issuance of the Bonds. Questions or requests for additional information may be directed to the District

at the address set forth below.

Any interested persons unable to attend the hearing may submit their view in writing to Mr. Dennis Carman, Director, at the address of the District set forth below, prior to the date scheduled for the hearing.

The Bonds will be issued pursuant to a Resolution adopted by the District and will be secured by revenues of the District, real property of the District and certain federal funds and grants. This notice is published and the above-described hearing is to be held in satisfaction of the requirements of Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and Arkansas Code Annotated §19-9-601 et seq., as amended, with respect to the requirement for a public hearing conducted by the District.

THE WHITE RIVER REGIONAL IRRIGATION WATER DISTRIBUTION DISTRICT 207 East Front Street Post Office Box 348 Hazen, AR 72064 By:/s/ Dan Hooks, President

Brenda Prince presented a program on gratitude to the EHC.

Biscoe EHC celebrates Valentines

By Mitzi Osborne On Monday, February 14, the Biscoe Extension Homemakers Club met at First Baptist Biscoe Fellowship Hall with ten members and a guest, Rhonda Betzner attending.

Members present were Mitzi Osborne, Bernadette Mosby, Debby Priest, Rita Farris, Barbara Williams, Brenda Prince, Ardie Yates, Janice Corpier, Connie Smith, and Juanita Hutchinson.

President Mitzi Osborne called the meeting to order at 10:30 am and read the Thought. For the inspiration Juanita Hutchinson read ‘Climb the Stairs’ by Helen Steiner Rice based on 1 Kings 8:28-29. Secretary Janice Corpier called roll with the question, ‘What’s your favorite self-care treat? How do you make time for yourself?’ Members reported 279 hours. She then

read the minutes which were approved as read.

Treasurer Juanita Hutchinson presented the financial statement which was filed for audit.

As there was no unfinished business, new business was discussed.

Our Community Service Project, ‘Sharing Our Blessings’ was discussed…Donations of food and money were given to the local food bank.

For the eye opener Mitzi Osborne showed the microwaveable back and chest warmers her sister made her for Christmas. She shared that she had put them to beneficial use during a recent sinus infection!

The program on Personal Development and Family Life was ‘Strengthen Your Brain with Gratitude Practice.’

Leader Brenda Prince discussed having an attitude of gratitude.

She gave handouts of gratitude prompts to

keep a gratitude journal.

Four examples were: *Something that made you smile today. *An act of kindness someone showed me. *My favorite person to spend time with. *Someone who made a positive difference in my life.

President Osborne decorated in the Valentine motif as this meeting was on Valentine's Day. Members celebrated with a scrumptious potluck lunch.

We appreciated Juanita’s husband Danny for preparing jambalaya as our main dish. Four members found a heart sticker on the bottom of their plate and received prizes. Debby Priest won the regular door prize.

The only February birthday we had to celebrate was Gladys Tucker’s…the 24th. She received many lovely cards.

The meeting adjourned with the Homemakers Prayer.

The House will begin the 3rd week of the 2022 Fiscal Session on Monday. The second week was an abbreviated one due to the federal holiday and winter weather across the state.

In addition to several appropriation bills, the House also passed the following pieces of legislation this week: SB87-This bill establishes coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of morbid obesity under the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program.

SB86-This bill establishes a funding mechanism to ensure the solvency of the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program by directing the

Employee Benefits Division to aim for a reserve balance of 14% of expenses.

SB85-This bill clarifies the definition of “eligible inactive retiree” to participate in the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program.

SB88-This bill modifies the state contribution to the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program.

This completes our work on a package of bills we elected to take up during this Fiscal Session to ensure the health insurance plan for state and public school employees and retirees remains financially stable without reducing benefits.

On Tuesday, the House approved an amendment to HB1034, an appropri action for the Department of Corrections. The amendment adds $4.5 million to be used for employees overtime pay.

The House also approved an amendment to HB1067, an appropriation for the Division of Career and Technical Education. The amendment adds approximately $1.4 million for vocational training.

The Joint Budget Committee is working to complete the review and votes of the remaining budget bills in the upcoming week. The bill filing deadline for the 2022 Fiscal Session is February 28.

Legal Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ISSUANCE OF BONDS IN AN AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $26,084,076 BY THE WHITE RIVER REGIONAL IRRIGATION WATER DISTRIBUTION DISTRICT. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of a public hearing to be held on the 10th day of March, 2022, by The White River Regional Irrigation Water Distribution District (the “District”), at 9:30 a.m. at the District’s office in the Train Depot, 207 East Front Street, Hazen, Arkansas 72064 with respect to the bonds to be issued by the District in one or more denominations and series in an original principal amount not to exceed an aggregate of $26,084,076 (the “Bonds”).

The Bonds will be issued pursuant to Arkansas Code Annotated §§ 14-116101 et seq., as amended, and for the purposes described below.

The District is a sponsor of the Grand Prairie Area Demonstration

Project (the “Project”).

The Project is designed to protect aquifers, which includes the area’s drinking water supplies, to sustain irrigated agricultural practices, and to provide additional habitat for waterfowl.

It will accomplish this by increased water conservation measures, as well as utilizing surface water resources for agricultural purposes.

Proceeds from the Bonds will be utilized to fund the non-federal share of the Project costs including, but not limited to, local match for federal funding, costs associated with project design and construction, bridges or culvert construction, land acquisition, utility relocation, surveys, appraisals, reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to issuance of the Bonds, and paying costs associated with the issuance of the Bonds.

All interested parties are invited to attend the public hearing to express their views in respect to the issuance of the Bonds. Questions or requests for additional information may be directed to the District

at the address set forth below.

Any interested persons unable to attend the hearing may submit their view in writing to Mr. Dennis Carman, Director, at the address of the District set forth below, prior to the date scheduled for the hearing.

The Bonds will be issued pursuant to a Resolution adopted by the District and will be secured by revenues of the District, real property of the District and certain federal funds and grants. This notice is published and the above-described hearing is to be held in satisfaction of the requirements of Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and Arkansas Code Annotated §19-9-601 et seq., as amended, with respect to the requirement for a public hearing conducted by the District.

THE WHITE RIVER REGIONAL IRRIGATION WATER DISTRIBUTION DISTRICT 207 East Front Street Post Office Box 348 Hazen, AR 72064 By:/s/ Dan Hooks, President

Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, March 2, 2022

What a crazy world we live in . . .

by Dr. James L. Snyder

“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Calvary Baptist Church West North Front Street, Hazen, AR Phone: (870) 255 - 4038 Christian VanHouten, pastor Sunday School: 9:50 AM Worship: 10:45 AM BTC: 6 PM Evening Worship 6:45 PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7 PM First Baptist Church 224 N. Hazen Ave. Hazen, AR 72064 Phone: (870) 255 - 4464 Sunday Service Sunday School: 10:00 AM Morning Worship: 11:00 AM

It seems to me that each generation has its own definition of crazy. Each generation gets crazier with their definition probably to out-crazy the former generation.

Of course, as The Gracious Mistress of the

Parsonage reminds me, nobody could handle me if there were not so many crazy people out there to compare. So, I think by that “nobody,” she was referring to herself.

I admit that in certain areas, I am crazy. But, of course, some think I’m crazy all the way through, which may be entirely accurate.

Someone told me, “One’s crazy is another person’s laughter.” The crazy people out there in the world cause so much laughter.

I’m not sure how you would define crazy. Each person has a different strain of craziness. The best way to define crazy is something that looks and sounds odd to the person watching and listening.

Someone may be looking at me, thinking I’m crazy. But, of course, to a certain degree, they are correct. Everybody is crazy in their own right.

So we have a right to be crazy.

As long as my crazy doesn’t adversely affect someone else, what’s the harm?

I learned a long time ago not to be offended when someone refers to me as crazy. Most of my relatives refer to me as crazy, but I’m never

offended.

Just the other day, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage suggested that crazy was inherited.

Therefore, it’s not my fault that I’m crazy. I can think of several uncles and cousins that are as crazy as crazy can be.

Growing up with these relatives around me, I did not know or understand that their craziness would rub off on me. I just laughed at them and walked away, thinking I was okay.

As I studied my family heritage, I realized that although crazy is inherited through family links, I have an opportunity to choose my crazy. I never thought about that before. But, I am as crazy as I choose to be.

The only challenge I see, at least for me, is the ability to control me and my crazy. I don’t want my crazy to control me and get me into trouble I can’t handle. But I want to understand my crazy and then use it for profitable purposes.

There is somebody out there in the world who needs to experience me and my crazy to feel good about themselves. They can look at me and think, “I may be crazy, but at least I’m not that crazy.”

If I can do that each day, I’m doing an incredible amount of work for the human population.

So, the last few years, I’ve been trying to hone my crazy to have at least some positive results with the people around me.

Thinking about this and looking back over the last few years some of my encouragement has come from people who I first thought were just being crazy. Sometimes crazy does have a purpose.

I thought about a special versus Scripture that addresses this.

“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

I don’t have to know who I’m encouraging but sometimes my crazy activities do in fact encourage somebody along the way. Only in heaven will I realize how many people I have encouraged this way.

Dr. James L. Snyder lives in Ocala, FL 34483 with the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. Telephone 1352-216-3025, e-mail jamessnyder51@gmail.co m.

Website is www.jamessnyderministries.com.

First United Methodist Church 211 North Hazen Avenue, Hazen, AR Phone (870) 255 - 4657 Pastor Chris Wright Sunday School: 9:45 AM Worship Service: 10:55 AM

Phone (870) 673 - 2858 Rev. Andrew Toopes, Pastor Worship: 8:00 am-10:15 am Sunday School & Bible Class: 9:15 AM Radio - KWAK 10:15 AM Sundays www.stuttgartlutheran.com

Wed. Serv. 7 PM

Sunday morning -11:00 a.m.

Sunday Evening-5:00 p.m.

Wednesday Night-7:00 p.m.

Hazen Church of Christ 204 Adams Street, Hazen, AR. Phone (870) 255 - 3633 Sunday - Bible Study: 10 AM Worship Service: 11 AM Sunday Night: 6 PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7 PM

First United Methodist Church 215 East Third St., Carlisle, AR Phone (870) 552 - 7789 Rev. Michael Daniel, Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 AM Worship: 10:45 AM

St. Peters Episcopal Church Highway 86, Tollville, AR. Worship Service: 9 AM Sunday School: 10:30AM

Immanuel Baptist Church Pastor Bill Ricks Highway 13 North Carlisle, AR. Phone (870) 552 - 3100 Sunday School: 9:45 AM Worship:11 AM Sunday Evening: 6 PM Wednesday Evening: 7 PM

Driving home from an appointment across town, my wife and I encountered some crazy driver weaving in and out on the road in front of us.

The fact that there was not an accident was somewhat surprising.

“What,” The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage exclaimed, “is wrong with people?”

Looking at her and laughing, I said, “People today are crazy!”

Together we laughed, knowing it was true. If there ever has been a time that people were crazy, it is today.

What a crazy world we live in these days. Just when you think it can’t get any crazier, it does.

We went shopping at the grocery store one day, and when we came out and got into our vehicle, I was laughing. My wife looked at me and said, “What are you laughing about?”

“That lady in there,” I said, still laughing, “was wearing the craziest dress that I’ve ever seen.

She sure was crazy.” And I laughed some more.

She looked at me, smiled and said, “You do know that was not a woman, don’t you?”

The smile disappeared from my face, and I just

stared at her and said, “You got to be kidding?”

I agree that people aren’t what they seem to be in real life. There appears to be a crazy virus, and it comes out just a little different for each individual.

It’s hard to comprehend the level of craziness that is in our world today. A mask cannot control this crazy virus, but it’s a start to cover up that crazy face.

There was some Hollywood celebrity; I don’t know who, but when they had their baby said that they would wait until the baby was old enough to make its own decision as to its gender.

When I first heard that, I thought they were making a joke, but then I found out they were very serious about it.

When I heard that, I felt sorry for the baby that had to grow up in such a crazy family. If they are crazy about this, what else are they crazy about?

Evening Worship: 6:00 PM Wednesday Service Adult Bible Study and Prayer 7:00 PM Children's Program 7:00 PM "HYPE" Youth 7:00 PM Center Point Missionary Baptist Church 2997, Center Point Road, Hazen, AR Bro. Billy Booth Pastor Sunday School: 10 AM Worship: 10:50 AM BTC: 5 PM Worship: 5:50 PM Wednesday - Youth Night 6:30 PM

Family Christian Fellowship 603 W Washington Hazen, AR. Pastor Scott Skarda 501-516-5971 Sunday: 10 AM, Wed, 7 PM New Bethel MB Church 8525 New Bethel Road P.O. Box 87 Hazen, AR. Pastor Bro. Freddie McCann Sunday School 10 am Sunday Service 11 am Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Pastor Joe Mills 7474 Highway 86 North, Hazen, AR Sunday School:10 AMService:11 AM BTC: 5 PM Sunday Night: 6 PM Wed. A.C.E. at 6:30 PM & Bible Study: 7:00 PM Prairie Chapel MB Church Center of North Washington & Woodlawn, Hazen, AR. Rev. Maurice Williams Pastor Sunday School: 9:30AM Worship: 11AM Wednesday 7 PM Bible Study Carlisle Pentecostal Church of God Scott & McDonald Sts., Carlisle, AR. Phone 501-438-1643 Pastor Daniel Strength Sunday School: 10 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11 AM Sunday Evening Service: 6 PM Wednesday Evening Service: 7 PM Mt Zion MB Church Rt 2 Carlisle, AR Rev. Rev. Cruthfield, Pastor Sun. School 9:45 A.M. Worship 11 A.M. Wed Prayer & Bible Class 7 P.M. Fellowship Baptist Church Des Arc, AR Elder Lee Russel Penn, Pastor First Pentecostal Church of Prairie County 3201 Hwy. 70 E., Hazen, AR (870) 255-9177 Pastor J N Holmes Sunday 10 A.M. Wednesday 7 P.M. First Baptist Church 319 Court St., P. O. Box 25, Carlisle, AR Phone (870) 552 - 7732 David Lee - Pastor Sun School: 9:45 AM Worship: 11 AM Awana: 5 PM Worship: 7 PM Holy Temple COGIC Elder McFadden, Pastor

“Catholic Action” with the Third Order of St. Francis

St. John's Lutheran Church Fifth and College Streets, Stuttgart, AR

Landmark Baptist Church 517 East Third, Carlisle, AR. Phone (870) 552 - 3568 Pastor Albert Young Sunday School: 9:45 AM Worship: 10:45 AM BTC 6 PM - Worship 7 PM Wed. Evening: 7:30 PM

First Assembly of God Hwy 33 and U.S. 70 Biscoe, Arkansas Sunday Services: 10:30 A.M., 6 P.M. Wednesdays WNYG, Kids Club, Bible Study 7 P.M. St. John's Baptist Church Biscoe, AR 870-998-2777 Sunday School 10 A.M. Worship 11 A.M. Rev. William Brown - pastor Holy Temple Church of God in Christ Elder James Clark, Pastor Sunday School: 9:30 AM Worship Service: 11 AM

Zion Lutheran Church Hwy 79 PO Box 158 Ulm, AR 72170 Phone: 870-241-3778 email: zionlutheran@hotmail.com Sunday School at 10 am Worship at 11am Bible study: Wed at 5:30 The Apostolic Church of Des Arc 712 Calhoun Street Services Sunday at 10:30 and Wednesday at 7:30 Pastor Russell Penn

Jehovah Community Temple Church 710 Sycamore St, DeValls Bluff, AR Elder Ronnie Mosby Sunday 10:30 AM Monday Bible School 7 PM

St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church of Biscoe Pastor Jerry Saxton Sunday School 10:00-11:00 Service 11:00-12:00

Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Alan Minton Hwy. 70 West of DeValls Bluff Sunday School-10:00 a.m.

Hickory Plains United Methodist Church Rev. Debbye Harrison Intersection of Highways 13 and 38 Service starts at 9:45 a.m.

St. Rose Catholic Church Highway 70, Carlisle, AR. Phone (870) 552 - 3601 Father Shaun Wesley Sunday Mass 10:30AM English 12:00PM Spanish Tuesday Mass 6:00 PM Wednesday Mass in Spanish 5:30 PM Holy Hour & Confessions 6:05PM Friday (except First Friday) Mass 8:30AM Saturday Mass in Spanish 7:00 PM United Methodist Church of DeValls Bluff Highway 70 West, DeValls Bluff AR. Pastor Chris Wright Sunday Morning Worship: 9 AM Friendship Lunch: 3rd Wed. of Month, 11:30 AM First Baptist Church of DeValls Bluff Pastor Bobby Powers P. O. Box 358 Highway 70 West, DeValls Bluff, AR. Phone (870) 998 - 7118 Sunday School: 9:45 AM Morning Worship: 11 AM Evening Worship: 5 PM Wednesday Evening: 7 PM

102 West Front Street 870-255-3954

Mount Olive MB Church Highway 70, DeValls Bluff, AR. Rev. Joe L. Pumphrey Sunday School: 9:30AM Worship Service: 11 AM Peppers Lake Church of Christ Hwy 302, SE of DeValls Bluff, AR. Sunday - Bible Study: 10 AM Worship: 11 AM Evening Service: 6 PM Wednesday - Bible Study: 7 PM Union Chapel FreeWill Baptist Church Metcalf Road, Rt.1, DeValls Bluff, AR Elder Sylvester Swanigan Sunday School: 9:30 AM Worship Service: 11 AM Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church Highway 86, Slovak, AR. Fr. Shaun Wesley, School: 9:45 AM Mass: 8:30 AM Thursday Holy Hours 5:00 pm and Mass at 6:00pm Biscoe Baptist Church Biscoe, AR. Pastor David Rogers Sunday School: 10 AM Worship Service: 11 AM & 7 PM Training 6 PM -

Joshua D. Jacobs & Yvonne J. Petrus Partners

Tax & Accounting Services 101 Highway 70 East, Hazen, AR 72064 Phone: (870) 255-4175 Fax:(870) 255-4176

Herald Publishing Co, Inc. The Grand Prairie Herald Prairie County’s Newspaper Publisher/Editor - Roxanne Bradow Accounts - Trudy Johnson Phone: 870-2554538 P.O. Box 370 Hazen, AR 72064 E-mail us at heraldpublishing@gmail.com Visit us at www.herald-publishing.com

Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, March 2, 2022

THE CITY OF DES ARC IS CURRENTLY TAKING BIDS FOR MOWING. THE FIRST IS FOR RIVERSIDE PARK, THE PLAYGROUND, AND THE WALKING TRAIL. THE SECOND IS FOR THE PUMPING STATIONS AND WATER TOWERS. SPECS CAN BE PICKED UP AT CITY HALL AT 107 S 3RD STREET IN DES ARC. SEALED BIDS MUST BE TURNED IN TO CITY HALL NO LATER THAN 12:00 PM ON MARCH 15, 2022.

BIDS WILL BE OPENED DURING THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:00 PM. FOR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL CITY HALL AT (870) 256-4316.

SERVICES 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

Sell what you don’t need in the GRAND PRAIRIE HERALD

Free Ads for Free Stuff

The Grand

Prairie Herald

If you’re is striving to cover all of the giving it Grand Prairie news away, in our newspaper we’ll each week. have been covering news give you We about the Grand Prairie for an ad for

free

over 119 years, which includes Hazen, Des Arc, Carlisle, DeValls Bluff, Stuttgart, and the surrounding areas.

So, if you have news to tell, a picture that you would like to share, or some information that needs to get out, call us at 870-255-4538 Monday, Tuesday, or Friday mornings, or email us at heraldpublishing@gmail.com.

Call 255We want to 4538 hear from you!

Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Carlisle Public Library holds events for seniors and students This month The Carlisle Public Library had some really fun programs for adults and children. Adults decorated flower pots and planted seeds. The children participated in an escape room program, and they were awesome at it! Here are a few pictures from each of those programs. (Photos by Autumn Strode.)

AR Severe Weather Awareness Week The severe storm season of 2021 brought with it 35 tornadoes, 25 instances of hurricane force winds produced by thunderstorms, and several reports of reports of flash flooding.

Thankfully there were no fatalities associated with tornadoes or damaging wind events across the state of Arkansas in 2021; however, there was one unfortunate casualty due to flash flooding last year. With all of our attention focused on the recent storms, it’s time to start looking ahead to severe weather season which traditionally starts to occur more frequently after the first week in March.

With the 2022 spring severe weather season fast approaching, the National Weather Service (NWS), in cooperation with the Arkansas Division of E m e r g e n c y Management, has designated the week of February 27th as Severe Weather Aware ness Week (SWAW). This is a safety campaign designed to help Arkansans prepare for the spring storm season.

For Arkansas’ 2022

SUBSCRIBE TO THE

GRAND PRAIRIE HERALD

CALL 870-255-4538

Severe Weather Awareness Week, the following safety topics will be highlighted: Sunday: Introduction to SWAW in Arkansas.

Monday: Flooding - The difference between floods and flash floods, along with some examples.

Tuesday: Lightning Where and when lightning tends to strike, and how often. We will also discuss the importance of postponing of outdoor activities until the storm has passed.

Wednesday: Tornadoes The frequency of weak versus devastating and long lived tornadoes, how many tornadoes tend to occur each year, and a word about tornado sirens.

Thursday: Severe Thunderstorms - In addition to tornadoes, the size of hail and the strength of thunderstorm wind gusts to be considered severe are discussed. There is also a new classification system for the strength of thunderstorms that technically went into effect last year, but hasn’t been used yet in Arkansas, so we thought it important to revisit this change.

Friday: Watches & Warnings Understanding the meaning of watches and warnings, how long they are in effect, and where they originate. We will discuss how a watch means that Arkansans should PREPARE for

severe weather, and how a warning means severe weather is headed your way, and you must TAKE ACTION to ensure your safety.

Saturday: Storm Reports - We will focus on how the NWS needs and uses storm reports to improve the warning system.

We will talk about ways to get reports to the NWS during and after severe weather.

V i s i t : https://www.weather.gov /lzk/svrbro1.htm for more information.