Community Calendar of Events
Friday March 21-28
Biscoe Fire Department and Fish Fry and Auction
5:00 p.m.
Monday April 7 Hazen Chamber of Commerce meeting 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday April 8
Dementia Caregivers Group Meeting 10:00 a.m. Hazen Community Center
Quorum Court meeting 6:00 p.m. Annex Office
Thursday April 10
De Valls Bluff City Council meeting City Hall
6:00 p.m.
Community events brought to you by Hazen Chamber of Commerce and
D e s Arc C ou n c i l d is cu ss e s wa ter r a
By Lisa Mills Correspondent
The Des Arc City Council met on March 18th with Mayor Roger Scott, Recorderer/Treasurer Janice Huffstickler, and Board Members Keith Knupp, Virgil Moore, Nicole Fisher, Joey York, and Rusell Smith present. The council has been discussing a water rate increase at work meetings. Mayor Scott recommended an increase of 5%. A motion was passed to increase water rates by 3%. An ordinance will be presented next month to increase the rates. Ambulance Director Christy Rogers asked the council to approve an Assistant Director to help her and to learn the responsibilities of her job. She said there is a need for someone knowledgeable to be available when she is off and eventually to take her place when she retires. She suggested that Mitchell Weaver be hired for the position. Rogers said that Weaver has experience, as well as a lot of resources, and is a Paramedic and Police Officer. Knupp asked how much the position would pay and if funds are available in
the Ambulance account. Rogers said it would pay $400 per month and funds are available. Police Chief Dewayne Mayher said hiring Weaver would be fine with him. A motion was passed to create the position and hire Weaver.
Tortuga’s Mexican Restaurant asked the council to once again consider approving a liquor license for the restaurant since they had previously voted not to approve. The request was approved by a vote of four yes and one abstain (Knupp).
After meeting with the Chamber of Commerce and seeing potential plans for Riverfront Park development, the council approved a $300,000 commitment to the plan. The funds will come from closing a $91,000 C.D. and the remaining from county sales tax funds. The funds will be put into a C.D. at Merchants and Planters Bank Chamber President Paul Guess thanked the council and said this was a giant leap toward the development of the park to become “The gateway to Outdoor Recreation in the Arkansas Delta”. A motion was passed for the city to purchase
1.5 acres of land by the old swinging bridge from the State Highway Department for $19,275.
Mayor Scott said that he begged the state to give the land to the city when discussing the property with them, but they insisted on the purchase amount. Knupp asked where the funds would come from.
Mayor Scott suggested sales tax and Knupp asked what about the American Rescue Relief fund and suggested that some of the unused properties the city owns
be sold. Moore suggested having a work meeting to discuss the properties, which was agreed. Paul Dixon from Merchants and Planters Bank presented a proposal of services that the city might be interested in considering. He recommended the Public Funds Interest Checking Account, C.D.’s, Remote Deposit Capture, and Check Fraud Protection.
Mayor Scott said he thought that the city should have some
accounts at both banks. Knupp suggested that Dixon meet with Comptroller Carlee Fisher about the city’s accounts, and then the council can decide how the split the accounts between both banks/ Police Chief Dewayne Mayher gave his quarterly report. There were ten felony arrests, five misdemeanor arrests, 54 traffic citations, and 77 warrants served. The February Ambulance report showed 46 calls, with 35 transports.
AHPP to hold Kocourek tour
The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP) will be holding a history tour of the Kocourek Building in Hazen on April 4 for history buffs inside and outside of the city. The tour will begin at noon. The Kocourek building, located at 110 E. Front St., was built by Bohemian immigrant John Kocourek, who settled in Hazen in 1890 and had “a huge impact in the development of the town and region” according to the historic program. Kocourek was a real estate land agent who promoted the Czech
and Slovak settlement of Prairie County and was considered one of Arkansas’ most successful businessmen. He also directed a local bank and promoted regional agricultural interest. He also helped to secure the route of J. S. Highway 70 through Hazen.
The 1906 Kocourek building is typical of twentieth century commercial style and is a landmark in Hazen that is now under renovation and will soon be turned into a museum.
The AHPP leads public tours of historic
Arkansas properties, and everyone is invited to take a tour with the group. The tours usually last about one hour. Everyone is invited to attend the Kocourek Building tour. Other tours sponsored by AHPP will include the Arkansas State Capitol on May 2 and the First Presbyterian Church of North Little Rock on November 7. If you can’t be part of the tours, they are recorded and shared afterwards on AHPP’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Clara Willis Brown
Clara Willis Brown, 90, of Stuttgart, passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Crestpark of Stuttgart. She was born on October 9, 1934, in Keo, Arkansas, to G.F. “Buck” and Maude Hill.
Clara was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband of 45 years, Morris H. “Jiggs” Willis; their infant daughter, Nancy Carol Willis; her second husband of 18 years, Mason D. Brown; her sisters, Ruby Olinghouse and Jeanie Tomastic; and her brother, George Hill. She is survived by her daughters, Gail Shrum Miller (Terry) of Oklahoma City and Donna Eddins (Gene) of Stuttgart; her granddaughter, Melissa Spence (Jeff) of Vilonia; and her beloved greatgrandson, Moss Spence of Vilonia.
A retired dental assistant, Clara never met a stranger and truly cherished the company of others. She was a devoted member of the First
Christian Church of Stuttgart, joining by confession of faith on October 4, 1949. Over the years, she served on numerous church committees and played an active role in the Christian Women’s Fellowship at both the local and state levels. She was among the first women in her congregation to serve as a deaconess and elder. Clara also had a deep appreciation for those who served in the military. With both of her husbands having military backgrounds, she dedicated herself to the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, holding various leadership roles. Whether she was distributing poppies on Veterans Day, placing flags on veterans' graves for Memorial Day, or securing sponsorships for Girls State, Clara was always eager to serve. In 2009, she was honored with the Distinguished Woman of the Year Award for her numerous contributions to the community. She was also an active member of the Stuttgart Amici Club, Eastern Star, and the Stuttgart Business and Professional Women’s organization. Clara found joy in read-
ing, watching movies, and mastering the game of Mexican Train dominoes. However, one of her greatest passions was hosting gatherings and making people feel welcome. If you were lucky enough to be invited to her home, you knew you wouldn’t leave hungry - Clara loved to prepare a feast and took great pride in her hospitality.
Of all the titles she held in life, “MeMe” was her favorite. Her greatgrandson, Moss, was the light of her life. The three years they spent together were filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished traditions. Whether they were shopping, sharing snacks, or simply enjoying each other’s company, their bond was truly special.
A celebration of Clara’s life will was heldd on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. at First Christian Church in Stuttgart, with burial at Lone Tree Cemetery. Visitation was one hour prior to her service. Memorial contributions may be made to: First Christian Church P.O. Box 1314, Stuttgart, AR 72160 or Stuttgart Animal Shelter, 304 S. Maple St., Stuttgart, AR 72160.
As the 2025 Regular Session of the Arkansas General Assembly enters its 11th week, the House has been advancing legislation designed to address infrastructure, election processes, and public health.
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P.O. Box 370 111 Hwy 70 E Hazen, Arkansas 72064
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mproving Water and Sewer Infrastructure
One of the bills to pass this week was HB1681, which establishes the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program. This initiative creates a $50 million matching grant system aimed at improving water and sewer infrastructure across the state. With 80% of the funding allocated to "shovel-ready" projects, and the remaining 20% directed towards small towns and rural systems serving fewer than 1,200 customers, the program seeks to ensure that communities have the resources needed to address critical water and sewer needs. The grants will be funded by interest earnings from state funds.
Addressing Electricity Demand
Another piece of legislation approved was SB307. This bill allows utility companies to implement incremental rate adjustments as they begin construction on investments aimed at increasing the state’s generation capacity.
Election Legislation
The House also passed several bills regarding the state's election processes. Among them was HB1574, which
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Med Health Day at Hazen Library...
Riceland reinforces need for Farm Bill reauthorization to Senate Ag Committee
WASHINGTON, DC –
Yesterday, Ben Noble, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Riceland Foods and a USA Rice Board member, testified before the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee hearing on the state of the farm economy alongside a Georgia farmer, agricultural lenders, and a crop insurance company executive.
Witnesses and lawmakers agreed that the swift passing of a new Farm Bill is crucial not only for the current generation of farmers but the next.
requires paid canvassers for statewide initiative or referendum petitions to be residents of Arkansas.
HB1693 directs the State Board of Election Commissioners to establish rules for duplicating damaged or defective ballots. Additionally, SB304 passed, allowing voters to cast a ballot after changing their county of residence— provided their updated registration is received by the county clerk before polls close on election day.
HB1713 mandates that the Attorney General cannot certify a proposed ballot title if its reading level exceeds eighth grade, according to the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level formula.
Protecting Children Online In response to growing concerns about the impact of social media on minors, HB1726 creates the Arkansas Kids Online Safety Act. This bill requires technology platforms to take reasonable measures to protect minors from harmful content that could contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
Looking Ahead As the House adjourns for an extended recess this week, lawmakers are set to return on Monday, March 31, to continue their work.
In his opening remarks, Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) said, “If we expect current and future generations of producers to not only survive, but thrive, we need to pass a strong five-year Farm Bill this year that strengthens the farm safety net and revitalizes rural communities, many of which are struggling to retain an adequate workforce to feed, fuel, and clothe the next generation of Americans.”
In his testimony, Noble urged lawmakers to act on a new Farm Bill with an enhanced farm safety net.
“We must take serious and substantial action that results in updated
P C M aster gardeners p lan conference
Prairie County Master Gardeners met on Wednesday, March 5. The main topic of discussion was the Gardening on the Grand Prairie seminar which will be held on on Saturday, April 26th at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church in Slovak from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.. Registrations for the event must be in by April 12, and the cost for the day is $25. To register, call 870-9982614.
The menu will consist of Chicken and Rice, Arkansas Green Beans, Spinach, strawberry salad, rolls and dessert.
The AR Natural Heritage Commission will speak, along with Jackie Johnson.
reference prices that secure a strong safety net for rice farmers,” Noble said. “This means a substantial increase in the PLC reference price and the assurance that payment limitations are increased to reflect modern-day farming.”
Noble shared key insights into Riceland’s business model and how the need for a new fiveyear Farm Bill reaches beyond farmers and throughout rural economies as a whole.
“When our farmers suffer, we suffer,” Noble told lawmakers. “Ultimately, this impacts the entire region. It’s not overstating to say that if Riceland Foods doesn’t operate in many of these small towns, the towns no longer exist.”
Chairman Boozman said, “I truly believe there is no greater tool for rural development in many agriculture com-
munities than strong risk management tools.” He recognized that “Riceland is an anchor for the community in eastern Arkansas” and asked Noble to illustrate the impact a strong farm safety net has on rural communities. Noble acknowledged that the perception of the farm safety net “sometimes gets lost as just a transaction between the government and the farmer.” He explained the larger impacts of these programs: “When you think about how many times that dollar turns over economically in a rural community, whether it’s at the grocery store, rural health facilities, machinery repairs, countless other small businesses – rural America ultimately depends on the farmer as the backbone and really the heart of the entire community.”
(Taken from USARice.)
