March 27, 2024 edition

Community Calendar of Events

Thursday March 28

Commodities hand out at Hazen Methodist Church 10:00-12:00

Friday March 29

Prairie County Courthouses will be closed.

Local School Districts closed

Friday March 30

Prairie County Court Houses & Local school Districts closed for Good Friday

Sunday March 31

Easter Sunday

Tuesday April 2

Hazen Chamber of Commerce meeting

Master Gardeners Meeting Noon Fairgrounds

Friday April 5 Hazen High Junior/Senior Prom

Monday April 8

Carlisle School Board Meeting 6:00 p.m.

EHC Meeting

First Baptist Church Biscoe 10:30a.m.

arrests, seven misdemeanor drug arrests, 20 charges related to two church break ins, and two business break ins, warrants were served for probation violations, Failure to Appear, and Failure to Pay and 17 traffic citations were written. Mayher also introduced the new School Resource Officer Isaiah Schalchlin. Mayor Scott reported for Animal Control that there had been two serious dog bites (one was a resident and one was Animal Control Officer Karmen Sutton). Gail King said that neither dog had been vaccinated. Keith Knupp asked what was happening with the dogs and owners, to which King (Continued on p. 3) Volume

City of Hazen to raise water rates, repair sewer

Hazen Mayor David Hardke called an emergency special meeting of the Hazen City Council on Monday, March 18, to address the collapse of a wastewater line on South Prairie Street in the intersection with East Jefferson St. A 6 foot by 3 foot section of South Prairie Street collapsed a foot in the intersection on Thursday, March, and further investigation revealed that the concrete line from a point south of the intersection to the other side of East North Front Street is in danger of collapse.

The meeting was called to get permission from the council to hire Heller Co., Inc. to fix the problem. The city has worked with Heller before, and they are available to do the work almost immediately. A portion of this work was

Timothy Riley, Director of Community Service from Central Arkansas Planning and Development District spoke to the Des Arc City Council at their March 19 meeting.

Riley told the council that there is a federal grant of up to $150,000 available from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA).

The DRA is made up of eight states, including Arkansas. The funds are available for communities to implement a “Strategic Planning Program” and can be used for a variety of issues for economic growth and opportunities such as utility rate studies, workforce development plans, and broadband development.

Riley said it’s up to the council to decide what they want to focus on.

already budgeted for repairs this year at a cost of $145,000 that would be taken from sales tax revenues, but an additional $32,218.50 will need to be taken out of the City General Contingency Fund. The work is expected to take up to three weeks to complete. No disruption to the traffic on Highway 70 is expected. Ordinance No. 524 was passed by the council to allow for the waiving of bids and accepting the contract with Heller for the wastewater line repair.

Regular meeting

The Hazen City Council met in its regular meeting on Thursday, March 21, to make a final decision on raising the water rates in the city and to amend the 2023 city budget. All of the council mem-

Treadwell’s employment contract. His contract says he is paid hourly as a contract labor employee, but it may need to be changed to a fixed salary since he became a city employee in January. Judy Burnett said, “Half the town is talking about seeing him doing other personal things during city work hours, in his city uniform.” Mayor Roger Scott said that Treadwell works a flexible number of hours due to the fact that his duties sometimes require night, weekend and holiday hours or more than 40 hours per week. Then there are weeks that his duties may only require a few hours so a fixed salary makes more sense. “He does a lot that people don’t see,” Scott said.

bers were present, along with Mayor David Hardke, Mayoral Assistant Tracie Vail, and Recorder/Treasurer David Hoover. Hardke explained to the council that a water rate schedule has not been down for the city since 2019, and that a rate increase is needed. He suggested an 8% increase in the city water rates which would increase the cost from the present rate of $13.90 for the first 1,000 gallons to $15.00. Each additional 1,000 gallons will go up from $5.25 to $5.67. The city has been working to upgrade the water system within the city, working to find and repair leaks, keep the water plant in good working order, and improve the city’s water quality. He said that Ryan Booth has taken the lead on improving

the city’s water. The rate increase was passed unanimously.

Utilities Manager Chad Swaim told the council that his department plans to begin repair on the 420 feet collapsed sewer line on Monday, March 25, and that they have been replacing water meters, some of which are 25 years old. He said that he has been working with a chemist who is studying the city’s water and running tests to improve its quality. The White River Irrigation District has been helping his department with the mixer at the water plant which is being rebuilt and painted. “It (the water) is still not what we’d like it to be, but we’re working on it,” Swaim said. The utilities department has also been mowing at the baseball field.

Fire Chief Seth Skarda reported two first responder runs, one grass fire, and one house fire. He also said that his department had burned down a house trailer.

Mayor Hardke told the council that he contacted Derden Heating, Cooling, and Electrical to get a quote on cleaning the HVAC systems owned by the city. He also said that the Arkansas Department of Health is requiring cities to report lead service lines in the water system for both the city and customers. There will be no cost to the city, and the work will be done by Horner and Schifferen who are also being used by Carlisle and Lonoke. The city will be sending out letters to residents about the survey.

Community events brought to you by Hazen Chamber of Commerce and the Please call

Once a decision is made, the city can apply for the grant.

Mayor Roger Scott stated that with everything the city is working on right now, like the ballpark, water, gas, main street improvements, and so many other things, the city definitely needs to make a plan.

The council decided to have a work meeting and have Riley come to help them prioritize the city’s needs and decide on a plan.

The council held a discussion about Cemetery Caretaker Craig

Gail King said that Hazen’s cemetery caretaker is paid per grave, but Keith Knupp said, “No, Hazen’s is paid a flat salary.” Knupp said, “There needs to be a meeting with Treadwell to discuss his duties and pay whether his duties take 20 hours or 60 hours or whatever.” King suggested that the Cemetery Committee should meet with Treadwell. Mayor Scott said he would set up a meeting.

Police Chief Dewayne Mayher gave his first quarter report. There were 25 felony drug

Hippy celebrates St. Patrick’s Day. (See p. 6.)

The Hazen City Council decides on new water rates for residences and businesses in its regular meeting.

Arkansas State Senate Report

By Senator Ron Caldwell

LITTLE ROCK –

Arkansans who own a home or a business are becoming more aware that the cost of insurance coverage is going up significantly.

Legislators are looking for ways to bring the cost down again.

At a recent meeting of the Joint Senate and House Committees on Insurance and Commerce, industry representatives outlined the various factors causing the increase in rates. Legislators appeared less interested in casting blame and more interested in finding solutions.

Severe weather events are a factor. For example, a strong tornado last March devastated the city of Wynne and parts of Cross County, killing four people and destroying Wynne High school before moving into Tennessee. Insurance companies have paid more than $489 million in claims caused just by the storm that hit Wynne on March 31, 2023, the state Insurance Commissioner told lawmakers. An insurance company based in Arkansas and two companies from other states went into receivership, in large part because of the financial impact of that storm, he said.

An industry representative agreed that tornadoes and damaging winds are a factor.

However, “what keeps us up at night are the hail storms,” he said. Other speakers echoed those concerns. “Hail is an issue in Arkansasbig, large, destructive hail,” an Insurance Department official said. Homes and motor vehicles are more expensive than ever, so inflation and greater construction costs are as important as severe weather in driving up insurance premiums, industry spokesmen told the committee. For the past two years insurance companies in Arkansas paid more in claims than they collected in premiums, the commissioner said. Lawmakers and regulators cannot control the weather but they can approve policy changes that will soften the impact of higher prices. For example, the Insurance Department now allows companies to offer policies that have a separate deductible for wind and hail damage.

Last year the legislature approved Act 471 to protect consumers whose deductibles are based on a percentage of their property’s

Two other companies have stopped selling property insurance in Arkansas because “weather patterns are presenting more risk than they are willing to insure,” he told the committee. Insurance companies protect themselves by purchasing re-insurance, but the cost of re-insurance is increasing because of storm-related risks.

insured value. It requires insurance companies to notify customers of the monetary amount of the deductible.

An Arkansas banker told the committee that homeowners are getting surprised that a new roof costs them $10,000 to $12,000 out of pocket, even with insurance. They often need a loan because they don’t have that amount, he said.

Other states offer consumers tax credits and grants to help pay for improvements that make houses stronger and safer. Examples are sturdy shingles that can withstand hail, and braces that hold rafters more tightly to prevent wind from lifting the roof.

Stricter building codes can require new homes to include those improvements, but they can also be encouraged by the open market.

Legislators were told about a program in Alabama, where the insurance industry provides grants to homeowners who install features making their houses stronger. Oklahoma and Kentucky are implementing similar programs.

Over the long term, the grants hold down rates because insurance companies don’t have to pay as many claims for damage to those homes.

CARD OF THANKS

Thank you for your visits, calls, text, food, arrangements, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Your support, love and kindness have been a tremendous comfort to our family.

Sincerely,

The

Family of James E. Fricker

PRESS RELEASE

Mid-Delta Community Services, Inc. Winter 2024 Regular Home Energy Assistance Program will close March 22, 2024. Therefore, no further applications will be accepted after this date for the Winter regular LIHEAP for the counties below:

Phillips County

Prairie County

Lee County

Monroe County

Hazen PTO barbeque fundraiser...

The Hazen Parent Teacher Organization, along with some helpers, handed out barbeque sandwich meals at their fund-raising event held on Tuesday, March 12, at the Hazen First United Methodist Church. The proceeds will help pay for the annual HHS Honors Banquet and student incentives. The delicious meat was smoked by Dylan Lisko.

Hope Has Risen

You’re invited to join us Easter Sunday Morning at Family Christian Fellowship as we celebrate the greatest event in human history.

Services begin at 10:00 a.m., but come between 9:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. for coffee and donuts.

603 W. Washington (East of Hwy. 249) Hazen, AR 72064

Bison go 1-2 in tournament

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Carlisle Bison baseball team went 1-2 in the Baptist Prep tournament in Little Rock.

Calisle lost to Southside Batesville 110 in the first game then beat Trinity Christian 16-1 before falling to Woodlawn 10-3.

In the loss to Southside, Carlisle had only three hits — two by Taylor thrift and one by Dalton Ward.

In the win over Trinity, Carlisle scored three runs in the first, four in the second and nine in the third. Trinity scored its only run in the bottom of the third and final inning.

Holden Jones scored three runs to lead the Bison. He was 3 for 3 at the plate.

Eli Roberts, Jonathan Pickard, Ward and Thrift each scored twice. Also scoring were Bentley Parker, Baylor

Hauk, Daniel Ford and Lane Bowlan.

Ward and Thrift combined to strike out six Trinity batters.

In the loss to Woodlawn, Carlisle led 3-2 after the top of the fifth inning. The Bears scored twice in the fifth and six times in the seventh to get the win.

Pickard, Thrift and Ford each scored a run. Ward and Thrift each had two hits to lead the Bison.

Lady Bison finish up tourney 2-4 in Alabama

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Carlisle Lady Bison went 2-4 in a Gulf Coast Classic in Gulf Shores, Ala., during spring break. With the finish, they are now 11-4 on the season. In the first game of the tournament, Carlisle fell to Hale County of Moundville, Ala., 8-5.

Carlisle scored once in the second, three times in the fourth and once in the fifth.

MaKinnley Cook led the Lady Bison with two runs scored. Also scoring were Kiersten Taylor, Anna Stovesand and Angie Petrus.

Carlisle lost to Liberty Creek of Tennessee 7-1 in its second game.

Carlisle’s lone run came in the bottom of the third. Laken Golden scored on a hit by Libby McIntyre.

Golden had two of Carlisle’s four hits.

The Lady Bison’s first victory of the tournament came against the Portland, Tenn.,

Panthers 3-1. Portland led 1-0 after the top of the first. Carlisle tied it in the bottom of the frame then scored twice in the third to lead for good.

McIntyre, Jess Wiles and Stovesand each scored for the Lady Bison. Kylie Childers had two hits. Carson Mealler and Tessa Sanders combined to throw a six-inning one hitter.

Carlisle fell to Jo Byrns of Tennessee 6-3 in its next game. Carlisle scored single runs in the first, second and sixth innings. Jo Byrns scored five in the first and once in the fifth.

Laken Golden, Stovesand and Adisun Golden each scored a run. Laken Golden was 2 for 4 with a triple. Wiles was 2 for 3.

Carlisle then beat Walnut Ridge 4-1 in for its second win. Calrisle scored all four of its runs in the bottom of the third. Scoring were Laken Golden,

McIntyre, Taylor and Aniya Zarate scored. McIntyre had two hits. Adisun Golden had two RBIs.

Mealller and Sanders combined to throw a sixhitter. Sanders had the only strikeout of the game. Carlisle’s last game was a 10-0 loss to the Central Red Devils of Phenix City, Tenn.

Carlisle had four hits in the game — one each by Taylor, Cook, Stovesand and Petrus.

Lady Bison finish tourney 2-4 in Alabama

McIntyre had two hits. Adisun Golden had two RBIs.

Mealller and Sanders combined to throw a sixhitter. Sanders had the only strikeout of the game.

Carlisle’s last game was a 10-0 loss to the Central Red Devils of Phenix City, Tenn.

Carlisle had four hits in the game — one each by Taylor, Cook, Stovesand and Petrus.

Lady Eagles get three wins improving season to 7-3

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

After losing to Carlisle 9-0 on March 12, the Des Arc Lady Eagles have gone 3-2 to improve to 7-3 on the season.

Des Arc beat England 1-0 on March 14.

Lady Eagles’ pitcher Kaylee McDonald gave up one hit while striking out 16 England batters.

Makenzie Williams scored the game’s only run in the sixth inning. She reached on an error and scored on a steal of home.

Emma Buckner had

replied the dogs had to be held for 10 days to watch for rabies, the laws were being enforced, and owners had been fined.

Knupp reported for the Fire Department that two new firemen had joined the Fire Department. He said that they have been looking at plumbing access and possible space for the washing machine and dryer that is required to be installed and that Chief Don Harvey will start getting quotes for the machines and installation.

King reported for Community Awareness that Arkansas’ Spring Cleanup” is from March

two of Des Arc’s four hits. Reagan Kittler and Layla Gardner had one hit each.

Des Arc then fell to Mayflower 2-1 on March 16.

Des Arc led 1-0 after three innings. Mayflower scored single runs in the sixth and seventh innings. Emma Buckner scored the only runs for Des Arc.

Des Arc did not record a hit in the loss.

Des Arc beat DeWitt 13-0 on March 16.

Des Arc scored eight in the first and five in the second.

through May. Anyone who wants to participate in a cleanup project should contact Arkansas Parks and Tourism.

The written ambulance report showed a total of 41 runs. Thirty nine people were transported.

Mayor Scott reported that the 2023 State Legislative Audit was complete and that Des Arc received a very good report.

Paul Guess and Rita Dobson gave a report for the Chamber of Commerce. Guess said that they had a great recent meeting with 62 people present and a lot of good ideas were discussed. Dobson said that 12 individual and seven corporate mem-

Buckner led the way with three runs scored.

McDonald pitched a two-hit shutout, striking out eight in three innings of work

On Tuesday, the Lady Eagles fell to Harding Academy 3-1. Des Arc’s lone run came in the top of the first inning. Harding Academy scored twice in their dand once in the sixth. McDonald struck out 14 Harding Academy batters in the loss. All three runs were unearned. Williams scored the only run.

berships were added. For anyone who wishes to become a Chamber member, annual memberships cost $150 for financial institutions, $100 for businesses, and $25 for individuals. Guess said that upcoming events include one on July 4th, Labor Day, and the 2nd annual Christmas event. Three resolutions were passed: one regarding funds for the Water Treatment Project, one regarding funds for the Water Distribution Project, and one authorizing the mayor to execute documents for funding by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission for the projects.

To Whom it May Concern. A 2009 Toyota Camry VIN# 4T4BE46K79R103546

The above mentioned vehicle was towed to our lot on March 7. 2024 per request of AAA ,and was towed to storage lot of 1111 Highway 70 West in Hazen. The initial fee due is $250.00, and additionally The storage fee due is $50.00 per day and continues to accumulate daily. The administrative fees due are $150.00 for the processing of the lien, the processing of a stolen vehicle report by our Police Department and the processing of certified letters sent to the owner and lien holder (if any) via mail. Also Recovery Fee $150.00 The above amounts do not reflect the 11% tax that is due upon releasing the vehicle. Tower storage & administrative costs are accuring daily as legal

the lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, and provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges. Please contact us immediately at 870-255-3305 if you wish to pick up the above-mentioned vehicle. Rick Wiggins, Owner Rick’s Automotive and Wrecker Service.

liability of the owner, Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first priority lien on the said vehicle and its contents 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 the lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle.

To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, and provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges. Please contact us immediately at 870-255-3305 if you wish to pick up the above-mentioned vehicle.

Rick Wiggins, Owner Rick’s Automotive and Wrecker Service.

Hazen HIPPY group traps an elusive leprechaun

By Trudy Drye

The Hazen HIPPY Program (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) gathered for their monthly group meeting at the Hazen Public Library on March 11th at 10:00 a.m.

The children and their families were welcomed by Home Based Educators Linda Strohl and Trudy Drye and HBE Coordinator Sam McDonnel.

The children in attendance were: Zander Moore, Claire King, Bryson Penn, Joy Gladish, Kennedy Nall, Lillian Potts, Remington Orman, Roland Stallings, Innosence Jimmerson and Joseph Castleberry.

Each child present made a trap to catch a leprechaun and then placed their trap around the library that was so nicely decorated for St. Patrick’s Day.

The next HIPPY Group Meeting will be held on April 15th. The HIPPY staff would like to thank the Hazen Public Library and staff for the use of the room. We would like to remind everyone that the Library has Storytime every Wednesday at 10:00 am with programs geared for children five and under, and at 3:30 pm Kids Club for children five and older. You may find more information on their facebook page.

HIPPY is now enrolling for the 2024-2025 school year. Contact us at 870.255.1234 or on our Hazen HIPPY Facebook page.

Mrs. Sam McDonnel read “How to Catch a Leprechaun”, by Adam Wallace. The children then made their Lucky Leprechaun Finder Binoculars. After they completed their binocular craft, they were allowed to check their leprechaun traps left through-out the library. Each child was filled with joy and excitement when they found their traps had caught not only a leprechaun, but also gold and other goodies.

Working on the baseball field...

The City of Hazen has been mowing the baseball field and dirt work is being done in the out field last week to get the boys’ field in shape. (Wendy Perry provided this photograph.)

Colorectal cancer stands as one of the leading causes of cancerrelated deaths in the United States. However, the stark reality is that it doesn't have to be.

The month of March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

In 2021, our General Assembly took a significant step forward in the fight against colorectal cancer by passing Act 779. This legislation lowered the age range for covered colorectal cancer preventive screenings from 50 to 45 and above. Additionally, it mandates health

insurance companies cover any follow-up examinations or lab tests related to colorectal cancer screening. This means that accessing these life-saving screenings is more accessible and affordable than ever before.

Colorectal cancer screening has consistently proven to save lives. Detecting this cancer early significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Studies show that about nine out of every 10 people whose colorectal cancers are found early and treated appropriately

are still alive five years later.

Here in Arkansas, colon cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer. Equally concerning, it ranks as the fourth deadliest form of cancer in our state. These statistics underscore the urgency of early detection and preventive measures.

The most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is by undergoing regular colorectal cancer screening tests, starting at age 45. By taking proactive steps to prioritize your health and well-being, you not only safeguard yourself but also contribute to the overall health of our community. Schedule a screening appointment with your healthcare provider, and encourage your loved ones to do the same. For more information, visit healthy.arkansas.gov.

Drawing winner...

Darla Thompson of DeValls Bluff was the winner of the Friends of the Shelter tree stand drawing. Shown with the stand is Shelter Friend Tracy Teer. (Ruth Corley photo.)