D es A rc council announces g rant a w ard for b allpar k

By Lisa Mills Correspondent

At the Des Arc City Council meeting on March 21st, Mayor Roger Scott and Council Member Gail King announced a grant has been received to upgrade facilities at the ball park. A 50/50 Outdoor Recreation grant was awarded from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism in the amount of $158,896.62. This grant is for Phase 1 to improve the ballpark complex. This phase will include a concession stand with a pavilion, handicapped restrooms, a coach’s room, a pantry, and handicapped walkways to this building and to field one. Work will begin at the end of the 2023 ball season. To meet the city’s matching obligation, donations of labor and items (concrete, blocks, commodes, sinks, etc.) are needed. Anyone interested in helping

M ar g aret F is h er L iteracy recei v es local donations

should call City Hall at 256-4316.

King also announced that work has begun to restore the American Legion Hut building. The work is being partially funded through grants received earlier this year. Phase 1 of the project includes repairing and replacing logs and bricks, replacing the roof and beginning the process of replacing the windows.

King asks that any organization or person who would like to make a monetary donation or offer labor or materials to assist with the city’s match for the grant they should contact City Hall at 256-4316.

Judy Burnett reported for the Wage and Salary committee that they have been looking at the budget to consider salary increases. Knupp stated that he had become aware that Mayor Scott has given some employees a raise.

Mayor Scott stated that he is meeting with each employee and watching their work to determine if a raise is deserved and has explained that meeting with each employee will take time. Doug Estes said to Mayor Scott “it sounds like you are talking about merit raises, but I thought we were looking at the budget to consider all employees receiving a cost of living raise approved by the council.” Knupp told Mayor Scott “I’m not saying that you are doing wrong, but are you saying that all employees are evaluated?” Mayor Scott replied, “Yes, we are going by the employee handbook.” Estes stated, “Are all of us abiding by the handbook or do we need to add “at the Mayor’s discretion” for raises?” Mayor Scott said they would be discussing changes to the handbook at the next work meeting.

King reported for the Community Awareness committee that letters are ready for Police Chief Mayher to deliver to citizens in violation of the city’s ordinance or state’s regulations regarding safe, sanitary, and clean properties. The letters give property owners 30 days to resolve the matter or be fined.

(Continued on p. 3.)

Carlisle City Council passes “Code of Conduct” for elected officials

By Debbye Harrison

This year’s big donors for the Margaret Fisher Literacy Challenge are GFL-Green for Life ($1,000), and the Knights of Columbus from Slovak, ($2,000), and Hazen Schools ($1,000). The Margaret Fisher Literacy Challenge is associated with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which gives a book a month to children between the ages of birth to 5 years.

Members Vicki Skarda and Monica Lisko send out letters each year to get individuals and businesses to donate money to the cause.

Mary Ann Williams heads up the program in Des Arc. “Our children are our future in this crazy world right now, and we want them to be able to read,” Skarda said.

The Margaret Fisher Literacy Challenge started collecting money to help parents. Mary Ann Williams has gotten every county in the state of Arkansas to collect money to get books into the hands of children all over the state.

“Thank you to all whohave contributed over the years. Twenty five dollars pays for one child anywhere in Prairie County,” Skarda said.

The group has collected $7,525 so far for 2023.

“Our children are our precious future, and learning to read is vital to saving them.

Everyone please read to your children daily,” Skarda said. Margaret Fisher was a retired teacher from Des Arc and was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma.

The present members of the organization consist of teachers invited to join from Hazen, Des Arc, Augusta, and McCrory. When Mrs. Fisher died, the teachers wanted to honor her and the Margaret Fisher Literacy Challenge was born. “This is going on our 20th year, and this was made possible with the help of all people in Prairie County,” Skarda said.

The Carlisle City Council met on March 21 with two council members absent, Kevin Kegley and Todd Turner. The Code of Conduct which had been tabled for two months was passed after final clarification. It was made clear that only elected officials are covered in the Code and that there are no consequences if the Code is broken. The Employee Handbook provides the regulations for city employees’ behavior and responsibilities.

Larry Flynn summed it up saying, “treat others as we want to be treated.”

Mayor Glover made tearing down the two buildings owned by the city a priority. A man from Des Arc has been contacted and after proper certification will be hired to evaluate the asbestos situation in these buildings. That will enable the dismantling to continue.

Councilwoman Anderson did express concern that the Mayor had mandated a freeze on all spending. However, no objection was made to spending the $800 required for the evaluation.

David Walters, Superintendent of City Water and Sewer, asked the Council to increase the cost of materials and installation of a new culvert 12” X 30’ to $1, 292.10. This will still include two loads of gravel that will be back dragged. For just a load of gravel, the cost will increase to $35 a load. The Council voted to increase these costs so that the current expense will be met, but they also worded the resolution in such a way that the prices may be increased as costs increase. In the past the city has lost money by not staying current with cost increases. The Council also approved a $600 a month charge to rent a commercial water meter for commercial water use. This cost will be for one day or for a full month. This is ordinary and customary in other cities.

Robert William Seidenschwarz Sr.

Robert William Seidenschwarz Sr., 96, of Stuttgart passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Baptist HealthStuttgart.

Mr. Seidenschwarz was born Jan. 3, 1927, in Slovak to Harry and Louise Seidenschwarz. He was a farmer and member of Emanuel Lutheran Church.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Lucille Mitchell and Dorothy Seidenschwarz.

Survivors are his wife of 68 years, Jean Seidenschwarz; son, Rob Seidenschwarz (Christina) of Stuttgart; daughters, Kathy Jackson (Troy) of Haskell, Ark., Laurie Pitonyak (Michael) of Conway and Cindy Neyland (John) of Lonoke; seven grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 25, at Emanuel Lutheran Church with funeral services, officiated by Pastor Mark Nabors, following at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery by Turpin Funeral Home of Stuttgart.

The family requests memorials be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Emanuel Lutheran

Church-Cemetery Fund. Please go to www.turpin-co.com to sign the online guestbook.

Alyssa Marie White

Alyssa Marie White, age 12, of Lonoke, Arkansas passed away March 18, 2023. She was born March 21, 2010, in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Alyssa was full of life. Kind, loving, witty, and always making everyone laugh. She loved the outdoors and all kinds of animals--truly a cowgirl at heart and who always had her boots on. Adventurous was the best way to describe her.

Alyssa loved hunting with her daddy and going to the beach with her momma. She had the biggest heart and loved everyone, always handing out the best hugs, which will truly be missed. She is preceded by her grandmother, Faye White, and great-grandmother, Marie White.

She is survived by her dad, Keith White; mom, Claudette Odell; grandparents, Darrah (Nancy) White and Pam Williams; along with an abundant amount of extended family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00PM on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at AWA with burial to follow at Lonoke Cemetery. A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 12:30PM at AWA.

Moton G. Young, Jr.

Moton G. Young, Jr., 88, of Carlisle, AR went to be with our Lord on March 26, 2023. He was born on July 27, 1934, to Josephine and Moton Young.

Gaines, the most loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sue; Son Greg (Michelle, Charl); Daughter Mary Charl Korita (Eric, Parker, Lawson, Caroline); and Sister, Janet Collier.

Gaines graduated from Carlisle High School in 1952, and attended Henderson State University for two years before he went to serve his country in Germany. While attending HSU, he met the love of his life, Sue Etchieson, of Arkadelphia. Immediately upon his return from Germany, Gaines and Sue were wed, and Gaines enrolled in the University of Arkansas where he graduated with a degree in General Business.

Gaines worked for twenty-five years in the retail business and for twenty-five years in banking. He retired from Bancorp South in Carlisle where he worked as a Trust Officer.

Throughout his life he enjoyed spending time on the farm and supporting his grandchildren in their many activities. He sang in the Carlisle United Methodist Church choir for 75 years. He served as an active member of the Lions Club, the Carlisle Airport Commission and was a past President of the Arkansas Furniture Association and the Boys Scouts Quapaw Council.

The visitation and funeral service will be held at the Carlisle United Methodist Church Family Life Center/Sanctuary on Wednesday, at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Carlisle United Methodist Church and the Carlisle Lions Club.

By Mitzi Osborne

Twelve of the fourteen members of the Biscoe Extension Homemakers club met Monday, March 13, at 10:30 am at the Biscoe First Baptist Church. Those answering roll call wer Juanita Hutchinson, Barbara Williams, Bernadette Mosby, Janice Corpier, Ardie Yates, Janis Skarda Toll, Mitzi Osborne, Connie Smith, Darline Sickle, Rita Farris, Golden and Debby Priest.

President Osborne called the meeting to order at 10:30 am with a thought. Inspiration leader Hutchinson shared a poem by Helen Steiner Rice titled “Perfect Peace” based on Isaiah 26: 3-4. Secretary Corpier read the minutes which were approved. Treasurer Mosby gave the financial statement which was filed for audit.

Rita and Bermadette reported on the AEHC state Spring Workshop in North Little Rock on March 8. Each showed the origami butterfly they had made there. Connie, Karen, and Barbara reported on the Fair judging School they attended at the State Extension Office on March 7. They are now certified to judge at county fairs.

During the business portion under unfinished business, plans for the club’s yard sale was further discussed. It will be held May 5-6 starting at 7:00 am at the home of Barbara Williams next to the Biscoe Post

Legal Notice

Office on Hwy 70.

Members are to bring donated items to her now to be priced. Assignments were made for the sale.

Also plans for the Prairie County Spring Council were updated. It will be held April 27 at the Biscoe First Baptist Fellowship Hall. Registration will be at 9:30 am with the meeting beginning at 10:00am. Morning refreshments will be served while lunch will potluck. The theme is “EHC is Spa-tacula!

The club chose as their outing for April to go for lunch at the Cozy Nook in Lonoke on April 11. Members are to gather there at 11:00am.

Barbara Williams March leader presented the program on Sassy

Seller, which was very informative and provided helpful tips for the upcoming yard sale.

Connie Smith led members in a creative skills craft activity. She prepared material needed for each member to make a cloth flower incorparting canning jar lids and rings.

March Birthday was Martha Chessor who has now moved to Rogers, Ar. There are two April Birthdays: Janis Skarda Toll the 13th and the 14th is Connie Smith. Connie won the door prize. The Meeting adjourned with members reciting the EHC Creed. Bisoce EHC meets the second Monday of each month at 10:30 at the Biscoe First Baptist Church, Guests are welcomed.

Legal Notice

THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS SOUTHERN CIRCUIT COURT DISCOVER BANK PLAINTIFF vs. CASE NO. 59NCV-22-34

KAYCI GREENWOOD DEFENDANT

WARNING ORDER

The Defendant, KAYCI GREENWOOD, is hereby warned to appear in this Court within thirty (30) days from the date of first publication of this Order – or sixty (60) days if you are incarcerated in any jail, penitentiary, or other correctional facility in Arkansas - and answer the Complaint filed against her by the Plaintiff. Failure to file a written answer within thirty (30) days – or sixty (60) days if you are incarcerated in any jail, penitentiary, or other correctional facility in Arkansas - may result in an entry of judgment by default against you or otherwise bar you from answering or asserting any defense you have.

WITNESS my hand and seal as Clerk of the CIRCUIT Court of PRAIRIE County, State of Arkansas, this 8th day of MARCH 2023.

GAYLON L HALE CIRCUIT CLERK

Stephen L. Bruce, Ark Bar #2009103

Jessalynn M. Born, Ark Bar #2011140

Leah K. Clark, Ark Bar #2021287

Attorney for Plaintiff

P.O. Box 808, Edmond OK 73083-0808

(405)330-4110 notice that died

Ark.

2022.

An Affidavit was filed on the 20th day of March 2023, for the collection of estate by the heirs at law of the Decedent. The real property owned by the Decedent at the time of his death is described as follows: The South Half of Lot 1 and the South Half of the East Half of Lot 2, Block 60, Watkins Survey to the Town of Des Arc, Northern District of Prairie County, Arkansas; Lot 1 and the East Half of Lot 2 of Block 40, Watkins Survey to the Town of Des Arc, Northern District of Prairie County, Arkansas. All persons having claims against the estate are notified to exhibit them, properly verified, within three months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in the estate.

ROBERT M. ABNEY, P. A. ATTORNEY FOR DISTRIBUTEES PO BOX 246 DES ARC, ARKANSAS 72040 870-256-4183 abneylaw4183@gmail.c om

This notice was first published March 29, 2023.

Madison Manor Apartments

Hazen, Arkansas

*One or two bedroom apartments for elderly, disabled or handicapped. *Central air and heating.

*Super Insulated.

*Has refrigerator, range and disposal. *Laundry facilities available.

APPLY AT: Jones Holdings, LLC 1014 N. Center * P.O. Box 57 Lonoke, Arkansas 72086 Phone 501-676-5131

“This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

In the 8th week of the 2023 Regular Session, the House passed SB294. This bill creates the LEARNS Act and outlines several educational reforms. SB294 raises the minimum teacher salary to $50,000 a year and raises current teacher salaries by $2,000.

It requires that students be reading at a 3rd-grade level before advancing to the 4th grade. It also calls for 120 reading coaches to be deployed statewide and supplemental educational services for students struggling to read.

The bill creates the Education Freedom Account. In a three-year phased-in approach, the account would offer universal school choice to all parents by the 20252026 school year.

It also offers high school students the option of a career-ready diploma and requires high school students to complete 75 hours of community service before graduation.

This bill now goes back to the Senate to concur in a House amendment.

The House also passed HB1458. This bill creates the Vincent Parks Law. Vincent Parks was a Jonesboro police officer who died last summer during law enforcement training. HB1458 would require instructors to complete training on the recognition and management of certain health conditions and establish procedures in the event a cadet or officer has symptoms of cardiac arrest while receiving training.

On Wednesday, the House passed HB1486. This bill amends the law concerning distracted driving. It states if a distracted driver causes an accident that results in serious physical injury or death of another person, the driver upon conviction is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and could face a fine of up to $2,500 and imprisonment for up to one year.

The House also passed HB1365 and SB265.

HB1365 classifies the theft of a catalytic converter as a Class C felony. It states a person commits unauthorized possession of a catalytic converter if the person knowingly possesses a catalytic converter that has been removed from a motor vehicle and is not permanently marked.

SB265 allows a hospital pharmacy to dispense up to a 31-day supply of medication to emergency room patients or patients who are being discharged from the hospital. Currently, hospitals can dispense a 2day supply.

You can watch all House committee meetings and House floor sessions at arkansashouse.org.

B a p ti s t H ealt h C o mmun it y

STUTTGART, Ark. –

Baptist Health Community Outreach invites the community to a free “Cooking Matters at Home” course focused on sharing healthy eating tips and tools for families.

It is designed to promote good health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Classes will be on Thursdays from April 6 to May 11 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Stuttgart Public

Cla Ss E S

Library, 2002 S. Buerkle St. in Stuttgart.

This is a drop-in series of family-friendly cooking classes. Registration is not required.

You can come to one, some, or all of the classes. Participants will leave each class with a bag of take-home groceries, a new recipe and tips. In each one-hour class, we’ll prepare a kid-friendly meal, share ideas for healthier eating and talk about simple ways to incorporate more delicious and nourishing foods into our family’s meals. Topics include meal planning, getting kids involved in the kitchen, reducing food waste, and sharing delicious and nourishing recipes the whole family will enjoy.

For questions, please contact Samantha Stadter with Baptist Health Community Outreach at Samantha.Stadter@baptist-health.org or (501) 202-1540.

Proposed Zoning Change Public Hearing

A public hearing to receive comments and concerns on a proposed zoning change, initiated by the Des Arc Planning Commission, will be held at 6:00 p.m. on April 3, 2023 in the city council meeting room in the Des Arc Administration Building.

The Commission is proposing changing Lots 7, 8, 9, Block 3 of the Erwin Addition from R-4 Manufactured Home Park to R-3 Multi-Family Zone. When the zoning ordinance was adopted in 2003, the lots were used for manufactured home park which no longer exists.

The R-3 designation will not conflict with adjoining property which is currently zoned R-3 Multi Family Zone.

The owner, Living Waters Full Gospel Church, does not object to the zoning changes.

LITTLE ROCK – In every regular session the legislature can refer up to three proposed constitutional amendments to voters.

The measures referred during the 2023 session will be on Arkansas general election ballots of November, 2024. If a majority of voters approve, the amendments will become part of the state Constitution. Individual lawmakers have introduced 33 proposed amendments. Of those, 20 have been filed by senators and 13 by House members. The proposals are in the form of joint resolutions. Senate Joint Resolutions 1 through 20 are proposed amendments, as are HJR 1001 through HJR 1013.

The legislature has not chosen the three amendments it will refer. The first step is for the Senate and House Committees on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs to narrow the list of proposals.

It is not mandatory for the legislature to refer any proposed amendments. Legislators could refer just one or two resolutions to next year’s ballot. SJR 10 would establish the rights of crime victims, such as being notified in a timely manner of all public proceedings arising from the crime. For example, any time the offender is due for sentencing or a parole hearing.

The victim would have a right to full and timely restitution, and would have the right to reasonable protection from the accused and from anyone acting on behalf of the accused.

SJR 8 would establish the taxpayers’ bill of rights. It is a shell, meaning that it consists only of a title and a brief description. In addition to creating a taxpayers’ bill of rights, it would set limits on government spending.

SJR 6 would allow lawsuits against the state in state courts.

Currently, there is language in the state Constitution that the state may never be sued in any of its courts. SJR 6 would allow a lawsuit alleging the state had violated the U.S. or state Constitutions, and seeking injunctive, declaratory or monetary relief.

SJR 7 would provide that the Highway Commission should be governed in the same manner as all other state agencies. In 1952 Arkansas voters approved Amendment 42, also known as the Mack-Blackwell amendment, and it grants the Highway Commission a degree of constitutional autonomy that other state agencies do not have.

D e s Ar c co un cil m eeti n g

(Continued from page 1.)

Judy Burnett added that to help residents with clean-up, the city has made arrangements with Regional Recycle to have a trailer brought in for tire pickup. She said that notice will be given for dates and location for the trailer.

Keith Knupp reported for the Fire Department that they have received a generator from the Forest Service. The generator can be used at a community command post during a major emergency and also for households requiring electrical health devices when electricity might be off for a long period.

Knupp reported that the ambulance committee is still looking at options to consider changing to a life-saving service.

SJR 3 would provide that no individual would be denied the right to conduct a transaction because of his or her personal opinions or beliefs. Transactions would include purchases and sales of goods and services, either in cash, electronically or by a method normally used by households.

SJR 14 would provide for additional methods of financing firefighting equipment. SJR 17 is also a shell. It would set ethical requirements for elected officials. SJR 13 would legalize the growing of marijuana at home. It is a shell, and would be amended to add details later. One of the lengthiest proposals is HJR 1002, to authorize the legislature to reduce or eliminate property taxes, both real and personal. HJR 1003 would create procedures for recalling elected officials, after they have taken office. A House proposal would allow the General Assembly to set its own salaries. Now, an independent commission sets legislative salaries. Another House resolution would allow lottery scholarship revenue to pay for scholarships at vo-tech schools and technical institutes.

Gail King reported for Animal Control that the dog catcher is picking up a lot of dogs and working to get the word out that city tags are required for all dogs, and fines will be enforced. King also said the committee is working on updating the city’s ordinance.

Jodie Mayher reported for the Senior Citizen’s Center that they have a lot of exciting activities planned in April and they are working on meeting the requirements to become a Health and Wellness Senior Center.

Mayher also reported that the soft facia at the center needs to be power washed. Keith Knupp asked Police Chief

Mayher if that is something that people doing community service could do to which he replied “Yes, and we do have a power washer.”

Motions were approved to accept bids for summer mowing. Jessie Tackett’s bid to mow at the water towers and pumping stations was $470 per month. Eddie Richards’ bid to mow and weed eat at the city park and walking trail was $300 per month. Eddie Richards’ bid to mow at the ambulance bay was $60 per mowing.

A motion was approved to add Shelly Easley to the Meter Deposit accounts. A motion was approved to appoint Donna McIntosh to a 5 year term on the Housing Authority board. Present for the meeting were Mayor Roger Scott, Recorder/Treasurer Janice Huffstickler and council members Jodie Mayher, Nicole Fisher, Gail King, Judy Burnett, Keith Knupp and Doug Estes.

Legal Notice

District of Prairie County, Arkansas, died on February 18, 2021.

An Affidavit was filed on the 20th day of March 2023, for the collection of estate by the heirs at law of the Decedent. The real property owned by the Decedent at the time of her death is described as follows: exhibit them, properly verified, within three months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in the estate.

Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann.

28-41-101, notice is hereby given that Marjorie Lou West, who resided at 901 Erwin St., Des Arc, Northern

A one-half undivided interest in Lots 1 and 2 of Block 7, Walt’s Addition to the City of Des Arc, Northern District of Prairie County, Arkansas. All persons having claims against the estate are notified to

ROBERT M. ABNEY, P. A. ATTORNEY FOR DISTRIBUTEES PO BOX 246 DES ARC, ARKANSAS 72040 870-256-4183 abneylaw4183@gmail.c om

This notice was first published on March 29, 2023.