75¢
DAES celebrates G.U.I.D.E week. (See p. 6.)
Volume 120 Number 12 - USPS 225-680
Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
White River Irrigation District to move forward on construction
Community Calendar of Events Stop by your Prairie County Public Library for Free candy bag for Easter (4th grade & younger) while Supplies Last
Thursday March 25 Commodities at Hazen First United Methodist Church Drive Through 10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m. Hazen City Council public meeting regarding zoning 5:15 p.m. Hazen Community Center
Sunday March 28 Palm Sunday Thursday March 30 GFWC Elsie McCain Club Meeting 6:00 p.m. Nick’s Saturday April 10 Movie Night Faith Under Fire DVB Auditorium 6:00 p.m. Community events brought to you by Hazen Chamber of
Commerce and the
Please call F&M Bank (255-3042) or The Grand Prairie Herald (255-4538) to list events.
Construction is expected to start in Prairie County on the first two miles of canals for the White River Irrigation District (WRID) in midMarch, weather permitting. This information comes after the most recent WRID board meeting was held Thursday, March 7 at WRID President Dan Hooks’ farm shop. This will be the first dirt work for the canal construction. Prior work includes a pump station, 7,500 feet of twin 10-foot diameter pipelines and a 70-acre regulating reservoir near DeValls Bluff. This is a significant move to see the project gain momentum to its goal, which is supplying farmers in portions of Prairie, Monroe, Lonoke, and Arkansas counties with muchneeded water for crops from the White River. “We are doing good, for where we are,” Hooks told the group assembled. With the COVID-
White River Irrigation District (WRID) Board President Dan Hooks gives updates to board members and others present at the March meeting of WRID board. 19 restrictions the group has moved its monthly meetings outside with plenty of social distancing. The WRID office, located at 207 E. Front St., in Hazen is still open weekdays. The prime contractor
will be Garrett Excavating, of Hot Springs, with contractors John Neukam, of DeWitt, and Dale Shook, of Casscoe/Stuttgart, doing most of the dirt work. The bids for this work
ranged from $3.6 million to $5.2 million. Money was secured through a National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) grant along with loans from the Arkansas Agriculture Department.
“The first five bids were all very good for this work, very competitive. The bulk of the work was the 663,000 yards of earth fill in the levees,” Dennis Carman, WRID chief engineer and director, said. The unit cost for the low bid was $4.09 per cubic yard. That work will include excavating the borrow, moving it and placing it in the fill, which is similar work when area farmers build reservoirs. Nearly 40 percent of the dirt will be moved a mile. This work will start near DeValls Bluff. They predict that future dirt work will be lower as the cut and fill becomes more balanced with less haul distance. “These bids were excellent for the first contract,” Carman explained. The WRID will administer the contract and NRCS will share construction inspection duties.
Carlisle Council hears plans for summer food program By Debbye Harrison The Carlisle City Council met March 16 with all members present either in person or by Zoom. Special guest was Sherry Rollins, Librarian. Ms. Rollins announced the plans for the Summer Food Program sponsored by the Library. The program runs from June until the second week in August. This year the Library will provide hot meals for lunch and pack a breakfast for the next day. The First United Methodist Church is providing the kitchen for the food preparation, and then delivery will be made to satellite sites in different parts of town. These will be announced later.
The Arkansas Food Bank is partnering with the Library through the Summer Food Service Program. This is a federally-funded, stateadministered program to serve healthy meals to children and teens in low-income areas during the summer. There are 396 children who rely on free or reduced meals at school. This program helps to fill that gap in the summertime. Along with the prepared food, the children will have a Food-toTable fresh vegetable garden on the Library grounds. They are encouraged to learn how to plant, grow and harvest fresh vegetables by participating in this hands-on experience. Later they will be able
Delta Regional announces SEDAP program for 2021 The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) has announced the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP) 2021 application cycle for projects. Central Arkansas Planning and Development District (CAPDD) is the front-line project manager and administrator for DRA in the three (3) distressed and eligible counties in Central Arkansas: Lonoke, Monroe and Prairie, as well as any non-distressed DRA counties. While priority is given to distressed counties, all counties within the DRA’s footprint are eligible to apply for SEDAP funding. DRA counties are listed at dra.gov. CAPDD is charged with the responsibility of providing technical and application assistance for the DRA 2021 SEDAP applicants in the funding process. The States’ Economic Development Assistance Program may be used to fund projects for basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, business development including entrepreneurship, and workforce development and training. Projects must be located in the 252 coun-
ties and parishes served by the Delta Regional Authority. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate innovation and small business focus, a regional approach, multiple funding partners, and emergency need. Counties, cities and nonprofit agencies within Lonoke, Monroe, and Prairie Counties and applicants within nondistressed DRA counties interested in submitting an application to the Delta Regional Authority are encouraged to contact Conya Spencer regarding eligibility and grant assistance at 501-6762721 or conya.spencer@capdd.org The process for application submission is through a web-based electronic application that can be found at https://dra.gov/fundingprograms/investing-inthe-delta/. All applications must be submitted to CAPDD through this website by June 6, 2021. For more information, the DRA 2021 SEDAP Administrative Program Manual and Eligibility Clarification Notes are available at dra.gov/funding-programs.
Carlisle Public Library Librarian Sherry Rollins tells the Carlisle Council of the library’s plans to provide Farm-to-Table summer program. (Debby Harrison photo.) to take the fresh vegetables home with recipes and instructions on how to prepare them for the family. The supplies for this garden are being donated by the Arkansas Food Bank. Last year 652 lunches were prepared for children who came to the park. It is expected to
be a much larger group given the ability to deliver to satellite areas in town. Bowen Furnell has been hired for the summer with funds provided by the County Library. Councilman Mike Walker reported that the Water and Sewer Committee is recom-
mending an increase in water deposit and reconnect fees. There is a deficit of more than $71,000 in the Water Department collections due to people moving and not paying their water bills which the current $50 deposit doesn’t cover. The Council voted to amend Ordinance 331 and raise the deposit for water connection to $150. The deposit will be returned if the bill is paid in full at the time of disconnect. The reconnect fee will be $75 if the water department has to disconnect service for lack of pay. The Fire Department asked to use the Softball field at Rockefeller Park for a fund-raising softball game against Lonoke. The game will be played March 28 at 2:30. The teams will meet again in two weeks at Lonoke.
Des Arc City Council addresses gas bills At the City Council meeting held on March , the recent gas bill was discussed at length. The decision was made to use the city's portion of the county sales tax to pay for the near $200,000 beyond normal bill that is being charged to us. While the Attorney General's office and the Public Service
Commission are investigating, we may not receive any solution from them any time soon. Meanwhile, we and our customers, have this bill to pay now. After the city covers this overage, the charge to our customers will be considerably less. The water, sanitation, and sewer amounts will remain the same, but
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the gas and gas tax amount will reflect this change. New bills are already being issued. The majority of them should be going to the post office today. The due date has also been extended to the 29th. If you have any further questions or concerns, please call City Hall.
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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Dustin Mitchell Prince On March 13th, Dustin Mitchell Prince, of DeValls Bluff, Arkansas a n d Mobile, Alabama passed away and went to be with his Lord and Savior. Dustin was born on November 23rd, 1995, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas . He graduated from White Hall High School. He was a welder and electrician for the major portion of his young adult life. He will be remembered for his contagious joyful spirit and his warm and charming smile. Dustin is survived by his immediate family Lacci Ashcraft-Prince, two children Macci and Jackson Prince of Pine Bluff, his father Justin Mitchell Prince of White Hall Arkansas, his mother Carie Prince King and Step-father Jered King of Mobile, Alabama, his brother Austin Prince, two sisters Claire King and Atleigh Prince, paternal grandparents Robert and Jeanette English of DeValls Bluff , maternal grandmother Katie Woolridge. Aunts Uncles Russell Gay(Angelia) of League City Texas, Alexandria Prince and Ruby Gay of DeValls Bluff, Zachary English (Laura) of Dermontt and Mike Prince (Dana) of Biscoe. Cousins Johnathan Johnson of Garden Grove, California, Lynn Mills of Biscoe, Troy Chapman of White Hall, Trevor
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Kelly of Woodlawn, Gabriel Mayo of Hazen, Michaela and Hannah Gay of League City, Texas and Sterling Michelle Prince of Biscoe. Dustin’s life will be celebrated by numerous family members and friends, whose lives were touched by knowing him. The viewing was Friday March 19th at Calvary Baptist Church Hazen Arkansas from 5 pm to 7 pm. The funeral was at 2 pm on Saturday at Calvary Baptist with graveside memorial service following at the Biscoe Cemetery. Flowers can be sent to Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen Arkansas.
Robert Donald Hindman Robert Donald "Don" Hindman, 85, of Sherwood, passed from this life on March 2, 2021, at his home. He was born June 6, 1935, in Jonesboro, Ark., to the late Louis and Imo Lunsford Hindman. Don was a graduate of Arkansas State University with a master's degree in education. He served as a teacher, coach, and administrator, holding the position of superintendent of two different school systems. Don went on to work for the City of Sherwood for twenty-five years, twenty of which were served as director of the Sherwood Senior Citizens Center. Don was a selfless and giving man. He continued to work at the senior center until he was eighty years of age. Don was always an athlete and athletic supporter. He ran track and once held the pole-vaulting record at Arkansas State University for the highest successful jump. He also coached his children on sports teams as the grew up. He also loved fishing, hunting,
and spending time with his family at his lake house on Greer's Ferry Lake. Robert was also a man of faith and an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Little Rock. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be dearly missed by all who were privileged to know him. In addition to his parents, a son, Robert D. "Robbie" Hindman II and brother, Larry Hindman preceded him in death. Left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife of twenty-six years, Bobbie Hamling Hindman; daughter, Lisa (Gary) Dickens of Sherwood; son, Randy (Shannon) Hindman of Sherwood; grandchildren, Britt (Dustin) Hall, Luke Hindman Savanna Hindman; great-grandchildren, Logan, and Sawyer Hall; siblings, Janice Huffstickler of Des Arc, and Ronnie (Lynn) Hindman of Furlow. Other survivors include stepson, Paul (Rhonda) Dussex of Sherwood; step-grandchildren, Matthew (Elizabeth) Dussex, Andrew Dussex, Katie (Ryan) Harding and step great-grandchild, Dallas Harding along with a host of other family and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father John Wakube as celebrant. Interment will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park. Visitation will be 5 p.m., until 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at the funeral home with Rosary service beginning at 7 p.m., officiated by Deacon Chuck Farrar. Arrangements entrusted to Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, Ark., 72214, (501) 758-1170. Sign Mr. Hindman's online guest register at: www.smithfamilycares.com
Angie King Beauty Shop for Men and Women Open Wednesday - Saturday Please Call for appointment. 870-998-2251 or 870-998-2414 305 West Hazel (by the courthouse) DeValls Bluff, AR
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
FFA voluteers to beautify Maple Healthcare... On Friday, March 19, the Hazen FFA donated their time to Maple Healthcare nursing home residents, making sure that they had a pretty yard to enjoy. Maple Healthcare would like to thank Mrs. Thomas and all the FFA members that came out! Also, a big thank you to Hornet Hardware for supplying the mulch and Rick's Wrecker service for providing the flowers and food for all our volunteers. We at Maple Healthcare take great pride in providing the best for residents! (Photo by Rachel Stivers.)
Master Gardeners plan May plant sale The Prairie County Master Gardeners met to discuss their May 1 plant sale on Tuesday, March 16, at the Hazen United Methodist Church. Ten members, including new member Lou Chamblee, and two guests attended. President Sue Clayton said that the plant sale will take place that Saturday at the Hazen City Park East from 9:00 a.m. until noon, or until the there are still plants available. The annuals and perennials will be purchased from Kyzers Plant Nursery in Jacksonville for $1500, according to Dee Black, and will be picked up by the members the week of the sale. The agri students at Hazen High School will assist the members with the sale, and they will sell vegetable plants as well. Newly designed Master Gardener t-shirts were
Carlisle, AR 72024
introduced the new Extension Service secretary, Amanda Stark, who was in attendance. Tallent said that the Prairie County Fairgrounds needs some clean up work done and asked for volunteers. She also told the group that Sally Walder is opening the Garden Gate garden store in Des Arc, and reminded members that the White County Master Gardeners have an online workshop every Wednesday at noon. Tallent sends out a newsletter to members that has timely gardening information each month. The next meeting will be held at the Hazen First United Methodist Church on Tuesday, April 20, to finalize the preparations for the May 1 plant sale.
GP Festival of Arts requesting entries By Marsha Heien The Grand Prairie Arts Council is pleased to announce The Grand Prairie Festival of the Arts will be accepting entries in Decorative Arts. Entry information and guidelines may be found on line at www.grandprairiearts.co m. DECORATIVE ARTS Adults / Youth & Children
Receive Entries March 26th — 12:00pm – 5:00pm March 27th — 10:00am – 2:00pm Exhibit April 5th – 30th Artists Reception Open House Tuesday April 6th — 5:00 – 6:30 pm Entry Pick Up April 30th — 10:00am – 4:00pm May 1st — 10:00am – 4:00pm www.grandprairiearts.c
om Please visit our website to enter your works at www.grandprairiearts.co m. Email any questions to : arts001@centurytel.net The Arts Center of the Grand Prairie/Grand Prairie Arts Council is committed to safe practice following the guidelines as directed by the Governor, Arkansas Department of Health and the CDC.
GFWC Elsie McCain Club meets at Nick’s By Chris Weems Six members of GFWC Elsie McCain Club met in regular session Thursday night at Nick's Restaurant in Carlisle. Chris Weems, president, presided. The current events were about March Madness, the NCAA Tournament. The president distributed a revised page of the calendar for the year. Nell Pich, hostess for the meeting reported that each hostess should check about the place of the meeting and notify members each time. The president will be hostess for the next meeting to be Tuesday night, March 30, at Nick's in Carlisle. She will present part of the work the committee has done on revising the Club Constitution. She will also have a lesson on Advocates for Children. The president reminded members that the State GFWC Convention is scheduled for May 14-15,
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handed out to members, along with Master Gardeners masks. The group will not be able to have the annual “Gardening on the Grand Prairie” event this year due to covid restrictions, but Clayton said that there may be at least one speaker at the pumpkin sale that will take place in the fall. Scholarship forms have been sent to the Des Arc and Hazen schools. Extension Agent Amy Tallent told the members that some of the plants in the various Master Gardeners’ community projects may have to be topped off due to damage incurred during the recent snow and cold weather. She suggested that members wait 30 more days to plant in project areas. Tallent also told members that she has a new email address, and she
Phone 501.454.2315
at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Little Rock. The Club voted to have a pot-luck supper at the end of the year, at the Swilley Lodge, before the summer activities begin The president reminded members that the State GFWC Convention is scheduled for May 14-15,
at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Little Rock. Registration notices will tell of any restrictions members will have to make. The meeting was adjourned to meet Tuesday night, March 30, at 6:00, at Nick's in Carlisle.
Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, March 24, 2021
DA Council honors service of retirees At the March 16th Des Arc City Council meeting, Mayor Jim Garth presented service recognition plaques to retiring employees Rick Parson, Carolyn DeGunion, Sue Ann Calhoun, Paul Berry and Tammy Rogers. He also introduced new Police Chief Dewayne Mayher. Attending the meeting were Mayor Jim Garth; Acting Recorder Carlee Fisher; and Council Members Ray McVay, Gary Burnett, Jodie Mayher, Nicole Fisher, Gail King, Ray McVay and Anna Beth Fisher. Bids for mowing were opened and accepted. One bid was submitted for mowing Riverfront Park and the walking trail. Richard’s Lawnmowing and Preservation Services’ bid for $300 per mowing was approved. This is $50 more than last year. One bid was submitted for mowing around the water tanks and sewer pumping stations. Jessie Tackett Mowing’s bid for $450 per month was accepted. This is the same price as last year. Most of the discussion at the meeting was regarding the expensive gas bill. (See separate article for decision made to pay the bill and re-do city customers’ bills.) Leona Travis submitted a written update to the council on the Senior Citizen Center. She stated that it has been a year since the doors have been open, and
Blurred Vision -
By Nathaniel Bradow
“March Madness”
Rick Parson retires after 20 years service.
Garth welcomes Police Chief Dewayne Maher. she, as well as many others, are ready to open again. She hopes it will be soon. Travis said that her staff are working hard to stay in touch with everyone through various events and handouts. They are
Carolyn Degunion retires after 18 years.
SueAnn Calhoun retires after 16 years.
Lonoke County Council on Aging 2021
BUTTS FOR BOOMERS
$35 Fully Cooked Pork Butt/Pre-Pay Only
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
Paul Berry retires after 20 years of service. currently serving 86 clients in Prairie County and the need continues to grow. Travis also said that she is very thankful for her staff which is always willing to go the extra mile. Plans are being made to cover the flower bed with rock to keep from having to re-mulch it so often. Travis stated that she has met with Mayor Garth, Kenny Burroughs and Ray McVay about some needed repairs and maintenance. She asked that the city council members come by the center to observe the preparation that goes into providing meals to the senior citizens. Travis also announced the annual fund raiser for the Lonoke County Council on Aging which serves Prairie and Lonoke Counties. Fully cooked pork butts may be purchased for $35 by calling 870-256-3751. Orders must be placed and paid for by March 26th and may be picked up at the center on March 31st.
The return of NCAA March Madness has brought some much needed excitement back to the sports world. Honestly, I truly love watching the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, and not having it last year was a blow to any sports fan. It also seems it was a blow to a lot of powerhouse college basketball programs as well. The tournament is without Kentucky, Duke, Memphis, and several other perennial favorites who routinely fight for the prize each March. That has left the field open for one of the most exciting tournaments I have seen in quite a while. There is always a “Cinderella” team that rises from a low seed to make some noise in the tournament, but this year it is hard to pick out which teams can fit in and lace up that metaphorical sneaker. This year the Hogs have not only made the tournament, but (at this writing) have made the Sweet 16 for the first time in 25 years. They have done a great job with an amazingly young team. The Razorbacks have been able to mix a group of college transfers and homegrown freshmen to make a powerful combination of outside shooters and interior players who dominate the paint. In their last tournament game against Texas Tech (a team that made it to the finals in 2019), the Razorbacks had outstanding showings from transfers Justin Smith and Jalen Tate. Smith was dominant on the boards and made several cuts to the basket that led to statement-making slam
dunks. Tate controlled the floor well and knocked down several key shots in performance as well. The truly amazing thing, however, was the play of the freshman class. Moses Moody, Davonte Davis, and Jaylin Williams each added significant offense and rebounding to the Hogs win. Davis and Williams are each Arkansas natives; Davis hailing from Jacksonville and Williams from Fort Smith Northside. I was actually lucky enough to watch Jaylin Williams play in the Class 6A Arkansas B a s k e t b a l l Championship game in 2019 against the Bryant Hornets. He was the main force offensively for the Grizzlies in their championship win. The Bryant Hornets were not able to find an answer to Williams’ 6’-10” stature in the paint, and their outside shooters couldn’t find the mark in that contest. The combination of experience and youth has made the Razorbacks a team to be reckoned with during this tournament. Their next challenge comes in the closest team to be able to finish tying Cinderella’s sneaker, the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles. The Eagles entered the tournament as a 15 seed and won a stunning overtime victory in the first round against the 2 seeded Ohio State. They are heavily reliant on perimeter shooters but have enough of an interior threat to be able to rebound with the more seasoned programs. In round two the Eagles took down the 7 seeded Florida Gators in come-
f r o m b e h i n d fashion to set up this match up. As we Arkansans know, with the exception of the Razorback Baseball team, the Razorbacks have had a number of lackluster years in men’s major sports. So, the excitement surrounding this NCAA Tournament run is a ray of hope that came out of nowhere to reinvigorate the Razorback faithful. Ordinarily, I would be rooting for the underdogs during March Madness. But this year, with the cloud of Covid hanging over the tournament, there is no true “Cinderella” if they aren’t all able to use the label. So, I will be wearing my Razorback gear and calling the Hogs on Saturday night. Whether you are a fan of upsets or powerhouses, March Madness is one of the greatest tournaments put on in the world each year, and this year has been better than most. If you are a sports fan, you should be feeling your pulse picking up just a little bit during these next few weeks. May the Madness continue and bring each sports fan out there a short break from the world of the day-to-day. Enjoy it and appreciate it while you can, gentle readers, because if this past year has taught us anything, it is that the small joys in life are not as permanent as we would like them to be. 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.
District FCCLA attendees... Des Arc High students Callie Baxter and Mallory Baxter attended the FCCLA District IV meeting in Pine Bluff on Friday, March 12. Mallory is District VicePresident and Callie is District Vice-President of Membership.
Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Hazen City Council approves contracts with Double D Air and Baseball Assoc. The Easter Bunny made an appearance this past Saturday at the Prairie Marketplace Spring Fling to hand out goodies to young and old alike. Shoppers were also given treats prepared by LaNan Lisko using mixes available at the store.
Hazen School Board adds two new policies and begins wellness group The Hazen School Board added an addendum to the Bullying and/or Cyber-bullying rule at their regular meeting held on Monday, March 15. The addition will be put in the high school student handbook, and it will prohibit “the use of cameras, videotape, photooptical, photoelectric, or any other image recording device for the purpose of filming, photographing, or videotaping during the school day, on a school bus or vehicle, or at school functions attended by students without the prior consent of all persons and the p r i n c i p a l . ” Superintendent Donnie Boothe said that filming used to post online via the internet was in violation of Arkansas state law. High School Principal Mark Price said, “Filming of the fights...may as well be on the news.” “When you do that, people see it over the weekend, and families get mad,” Boothe said. “The only problem is catching them,” Price said. After some discussion regarding concern over student filming of games, Boothe’s recommendation was approved. Price also said that he wants to put a fence up between the high school buildings due to problems that have occurred there. He said that the students had been warned to stay out of the areas, and more teachers
have been put on duty. Those attending the meeting were Boardmembers Davy Williams, Vicki Skarda, Freddie Rogers, Darlene Connor, Sandra Penn, Ritchie Ingle, and Mason Sickel. Also at the meeting were Financial Officer Sara Snider and Superintendent’s Secretary Cindy Ciganek. The board also passed a new Wellness Policy as recommended by the Arkansas School Board Association which establishes a Wellness Committee to develop, implement, and periodically review the district’s wellness policy. The Personnel Policy Committee’s proposed calendar for the 2021-22 school year was approved. Boothe said that the district has asked for a waiver for the first of school to begin on a Wednesday instead of Monday, but he has not gotten a reply from the state yet. Price told the board that scores on the interim tests had improved by over 50 percent. “Considering everything we’ve gone through this year, this is great,” he said. “I’m just hoping this holds.” Students who have improved on the tests will be given a rewards day. Elementary scores have also been rising, according to Boothe. Boothe reported that windows had been put in the house previously used for elementary spe-
cial student classes. The school maintenance department is also in the process of fixing pipes that burst during the cold weather. Insurance will pay for replacement of the flooring and for the walls “up to a certain point,” he said. Boothe hopes to get the house ready to rent to someone. The board went into executive session for an hour with Boothe and Snider to discuss personnel with no action taken when they returned. The board approved the recommendation to pay Special Education Teacher Shirley Pfleger $1206.72 for working during her prep period during the first semester. She had to work the overtime to compensate for a high student/teacher ratio in her classes. The board also voted to hire the certified staff for the 2021-22 school year. The recommendation to hire Haley Meek for the Family and Consumer Science teacher failed for the lack of a second. Board President Williams presented his resignation to the board, effective March 31. The board will have 30 days from that date to appoint someone to take his spot on the board. Williams provided a tped list of the people residing within his district. At the end of the meeting, Sickel said that a search was on for an architect for the new agri building.
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The Hazen City Council finalized its negotiation with the Hazen Baseball Association (HBA) to lease the building on the Larkin property next to the baseball field by passing Resolution 557, which will allow the HBA to lease the building for five years for $1.00 a year. This resolution is separate from the regular agreement which has already been signed, according to Mayor David Hardke. The city will make needed repairs, like replacing the metal siding and fixing the wiring on the building using grant money, and the HBA will take care of the building and be responsible for the utilities used. The HBA intends to put down astroturf flooring. The building can only be used for the baseball and softball programs and cannot be sublet. If the HBA should make any additions to the building that cannot be removed, the city will reimburse the organization for the expense at a rate of 10 percent per year over 10 years. The HBA is required to have liability insurance and be responsible for taking care of any trash. The city has no plans to reroof the building at this time. Present at the meeting were Council Members Larryy Anthony, Barbara Rogers, Steve
Chlapecka, Tim Juola, and Rick Wiggins; Secretary/Recorder David Hoover; and Mayor’s Assistant Tracie Vail. The council also passed a resolution to contract with Double D Air for aerial mosquito abatement this year. It is the same contract that was passed last year, paying the company $1400 per application for up to 40 applications. Double D has already filed paperwork with the Federal Aeronautics Association and has gotten insurance. A bid on the flying was not necessary, Hardke said. Utilities Department Assistant Manager Chad Swaim told the council that his department has been spraying grass in the city, and 80% of the work is completed. He also said that the water plant is now running at capacity after some leaks were found and repaired. He also said that they had repaired the baseball field bathrooms after some damage was done by the February snows, and they have plans to fix potholes this week. Fire Chief Ashley Loudermilk reported five calls. One person in the department has been sent to first responder class. Loudermilk said that he has 17 men on his staff presently, which is three short of a full staff. Police Chief Bradley
Taylor told the council members that his department was down two cars. One was damaged when an officer hit a deer while on a run. The other one is being repaired. He said that none of his department has worked for the bridge company yet because of the weather. Vail said that Aristotle has begun installing the internet in homes and has been working in town. She said that the Planning Commission will meet on March 25th to discuss the placement of a daycare center in a residential neighborhood. The owner of the daycare has already turned in information about the business to the city and collected letters from neighbors. Vail and Taylor the city had received multiple complements for the council’s decision to cover part of the March gas bills. “Ya’ll stepped up and did the right thing,” Hardke said. The city is still unsure of what the final bill from Symmetry will be. Hardke said that the company had sent a copy of the city’s original contract, and it had been sent to the Attorney General’s office. The meeting ended with the councilmembers complementing the city departments for their work during the recent snows.
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR. WEAR A MASK, WASH YOUR HANDS, KEEP YOUR DISTANCE. ORDINANCE NO. 331 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 211 REGARDING DEPOSITS AND CONNECT AND RECONNECT CHARGES; PRESCRIBING OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY WHEREAS, it is necessary to amend Ordinance No. 211 to establish deposit rates and connect and reconnect charges; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Carlisle, Arkansas: Section 1. Subsection (C) of Section 1 of Ordinance No. 211 is hereby amended to read as follows: (C) Meter Deposits: Each customer who hereafter connects with the water facilities of the System shall pay a meter deposit in the amount of $150.00 for each meter installed. The meter deposit shall be retained to assure prompt payment of monthly water bills. Should the customer move from the City without any charges owed to the City the deposit will be refunded to the customer. Should a customer be delinquent in the payment of a water bill more than 2 times in a one year period, the customer will pay an additional deposit of $75.00. Subsection (F) of Section 1 of Ordinance No. 211 is hereby amended to read as follows: (F) Disconnection/Reconnection Charge: In the event any premises are disconnected/reconnected from the water facilities of the System, the customer concerned prior to reconnection, shall pay all delinquent charges, together with a disconnection/reconnection charge. For each disconnection/reconnection of the premises to the water facilities of the system, the customer concerned shall pay a reconnection charge: $30.00 if disconnection/reconnection takes place during normal working day hours or $40.00 if disconnection/reconnection takes place after normal working day hours. Charges are for each disconnection and each reconnection. Subsection (G) has been added as follows: (G) If the meter is turned on or tampered with after disconnection, the meter will be pulled, and there will be an additional $75.00 charged; and criminal charges will be imposed. Section 2: All portions of Ordinance No. 211 not specifically amended herein by Ordinance No. 312 and 313 shall remain in full force and effect. Section 3: That the provisions of this Ordinance are separable and if a section, phrase or provision shall be declared invalid, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the Ordinance. Section 4: The City Council has declared that some customers have moved away without paying their municipal bill and that the rate for meter deposits have been found not sufficient to cover the costs of services provided and it is therefore declared that an emergency exists and immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and publication. PASSED: March 16th, 2021 APPROVED: Ray Glover RAY GLOVER, MAYOR ATTEST: Angelia James ANGELIA JAMES, CITY CLERK
Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Come see Charlie Gerren at
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in Sherwood by Sam’s. Contact 501-681-9121 or the office at 501-945-4444. We sell New and Used vehicles.
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
Architect statements needed Stuttgart Branch Office Customer Specialist Are you looking for a company that: •Provides a great team work environment •Is passionate about the agriculture industry •Provides work flexibility •Has great benefits •Allows you educational opportunities to help you grow Then we have a great job opportunity for you at AgHeritage Farm Credit Services! We are looking for bright, personable and passionate people ready to roll up their sleeves and put their skills to work. AgHeritage Farm Credit Services is a financial cooperative with owned and managed assets of approximately $1.81 billion as of December 31, 2020, that provides credit and related services to more than 6,033 farmers, ranchers and producers or harvesters of aquatic products in 24 Arkansas counties. Branch offices are located in Batesville, Brinkley, McGehee, Lonoke, Newport, Pine Bluff, Pocahontas, Searcy and Stuttgart. The ideal candidate will serve as the initial customer contact in our Stuttgart Branch. Providing customer service, loan and administrative support. Critical competencies include: Excellent customer service skills Strong verbal and interpersonal skills Organization skills with preference for detailed work with high accuracy Loan processing a plus REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: Requires high school diploma and ability to be licensed for related services sales required. Prefer five + years progressive experience in agriculture related business, financial, or related office environment. SEND RESUME TO: Attn: Anna Rankin – Customer Specialist Stuttgart AgHeritage FCS 119 East Third St. Suite 200 Little Rock, AR 72201 E-mail: HRAgHeritage@agfcs.com EEO/AA/M/F/V/D – No Agencies Please
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The Hazen School District is requesting Qualification Statements from proposers who can adequately demonstrate they have the resources, experience and qualifications to provide ARCHITECT service for any future renovation and/or construction at the Hazen School District. The RFQ is available online at the Hazen School District
Web site (Hazen.k12.us), or upon request from the administration office at 305 North Hazen Avenue, Hazen, AR. 72064 Submittal deadline is 1:30 P.M. on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. (Posted March 23, 2021) Donnie Boothe Superintendent of the Hazen School District 870-255-4549
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 F-150 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, MonFri, 8am-5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.
Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Des Arc Elementary School celebrates G.U.I.D.E week Des Arc Elementary School Marched into spring break with their G.U.I.D.E. for life week. Here are some pictures (thanks to Elementary Principal Cheryl Holland) of the event.