April 10, 2024

By Debbye Harrison

The Carlisle City Council met on March 12 with all members present. Mayor Ray Glover announced that Leo Orton is the new fire chief following the resignation of Derrick Burks. Burks and four other firefighters resigned recently.

One citizen said, “The talk around town is that we don’t have a fire department.” Glover responded, “We do have a fire department. We have 10 firefighters and we are looking for more.”

Marvin Reid, a retired assistant fire chief, explained that three volunteers is equal to one full-time fireman in the eyes of the insurance companies. It takes three full-time firemen for a pumper which means at the present time, Carlisle only has enough to legally man one pumper. Regardless, of how many fire trucks are available, it is manpower that makes a department legitimate. Without a complete cadre of volunteers, the fire rating is at risk putting fire insurance rates at risk.

In addition, it was noted that Burks emphasized safety, but he did not have the funds to keep the

By Patti Rye

The Hazen Chamber

meet Monday, April 1 at the Cadence Bank community meeting room to discuss several events on their 2024 calendar.

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, from 11am - 12 noon will be Hazen's annual dedication and acknowledgement of past Hazen military honorees that served in the United States Armed Services.

Everyone is invited, so bring a lawn chair and sit under the big trees next to the gazebo. Also, on that same day from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., the Chamber will host a "Party in the Park," a family event of food, fun, and fireworks downtown on Front Street. Music will be provided by

department outfitted with all of the necessary equipment. With that in mind, he encouraged the volunteers to take a pay cut and reduce the number of training meetings. As a result it cost the department valuable training time, which is a major component in the fire rating.

The Council agreed to re-instate the pay as it had been for the firefighters. However, the Council did not act on any of the other requests from the fire department for needs such as an electric jawsof-life to replace the aged hydraulic one that is not dependable. Many other pieces of equipment need to be updated or replaced for the safety of the firemen and the efficiency of their work.

The Council was told that $7,216 is owed to the Work Force Service as an additional cost for unemployment for Trudy Drye. She was allowed to apply and receive unemployment even after it was disputed. She was able to win her case due to her testimony of harassment.

The Concession Stand at the Rockefeller Park has been condemned by the Health Department. Kevin Kegley and Ronnie Ashmore researched the cost of

the Midnight South Band, so save the date!

The Chamber announced that 22 local businesses in Hazen have now joined the organization this year. If you would like to be a part of helping to make Hazen a great place to live, contact the president Daniel Martin at Maple Healthcare in Hazen.

Plans for a Summer Farmers’ Market on Front Street are underway. It will be held on one Saturday each month. If you are interested in selling your garden varieties, canning, breads or any non-perishable foods that are listed in the Arkansas Cottage rules, please visit the Hazen Chamber's Facebook page or call

just the equipment that would be required to bring it up to code to be able to sell bottled drinks and packaged foods only. The cost would be upwards of $33,000.

If the Council wanted to be able to do as much as plug in a crock pot, the facility would have to meet the requirements of a brick and mortar restaurant. Those improvements would increase to nearly $100,000. All of these figures are just estimates, they assured the Council and citizens in attendance.

The Health Department has rigid standards, and the inspections for re-fitting of a building are inflexible. Since there are no funds available for such a renovation, the only immediate solution is to allow a food truck or to have parents or clubs cook in the outdoors. As long as the City is not involved in any way, a private business or group can prepare and sell food.

Parents have been asking to raise money for these renovations and have been serving food for the baseball games. Having food and drink at these events is expected, and the parents are concerned and committed to making sure that Carlisle keeps

Chad

a good reputation for hospitality according to one player’s parent.

Anne Anderson brought up a familiar question from a constituent. “What about a hamburger tax?” Mike Stuart, the city attorney, reiterated that the tax is limited in what it can be used for such as to advertise your city or for parks and recreation. A council member responded that it doesn’t bring in much money and asked for the percentage charged. No one knew exactly.

Another council member commented that sometimes the city has to go collect it because the restaurant/food sellers are bound to pay directly to the city. In other words, it is not collected by the state and disbursed as other taxes are. There was no further action or discussion about this.

City Treasurer Sissy Drye reported that a property that the city doesn’t own was removed from the tax roll. Taxes had been paid on it for 10 years. Several vehicles were also removed from insurance and taxes.

Tim Nelson with DCI explained the mosquito control that the city will be using this summer. His company provides a total approach to the problem includ-

ing larvicide, species identification, drainage monitoring, spraying and individual assistance for special help or events. He will keep accurate records of the types of mosquito control used and frequency of application. Traps will be set out.

Nelson also said that he will educate the people and go to the schools so that the children will be informed. He will use the city’s building to store his equipment and chemicals free of charge.

Nelson wants everyone to have his phone number and to contact him directly about any questions or concerns a person has. This will allow him to keep a close eye on the problem areas. In other business, it was told that any unusually high water bills should be reported to the Water Department so that

Deloris Everman Bone

riding motorcycles.

Arkansas State Senate Report

By Senator Ron Caldwell

ROCK –

LITTLE

Deloris Everman Bone, 83, of Conway, Arkansas passed away April 4, 2024. She was born on September 11, 1940 in DeValls Bluff, Arkansas the daughter of George and Hazel McGee Everman. Deloris was a retired hairdresser. She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Jerome, Mildred, Virgil and Richard and her husband, Robert Bone. She is survived by her children, Mark Bone (Cori) of Waukomis, Oklahoma, Paula Robertson of Conway, Arkansas, Steve Bone (Kim) of Ozark, Missouri, Alana Pennington (Chris) of Floyd’s Knobs, Indiana; and Alan Bone (Cassandra) of Conway, Arkansas nine grandchildren, three greatgrandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 12:00 p.m., Thursday, April 11, 2024 in Hazen, Arkansas at the Westbrook Funeral Home chapel with visitation from 11:00 to 12:00 prior to the service. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in De Valls Bluff, Arkansas.

Jowanna

Lynn Stacy

Jowanna Lynn Stacy, was 64 years old, born

in Fort Smith, AR to Floyd and Odene (Howton) Crabtree. Jo was educated in the Lawton, OK school system. On February 28, 1981, she married Ricky Stacy of Des Arc, AR and they began their family. After being a full-time stay-at-home mother for many years, she felt it was time to pursue an out of the home career. Jo was a dedicated wife and mother first and foremost. She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as a Tutu. Jo was employed with Pangburn, AR School System where she impacted the community for over 20 years before retiring. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow, working in the flower and vegetable gardens, watching baseball games, traveling, and cooking for her family. Jo was the loving and devoted mother of twin boys, James (Sami Jo) and Jason (Jamie) Stacy, and two daughters, Rikki Stacy and Raychel Wheeler, and Tutu of eight grandchildren: Dalton, Ryleigh, Kaylynn, Jaxon, Taylor, Colton, Logan, and Oliver. She was the sister of Johnny Crabtree and Steve Crane of Edmond, OK. Jo was preceded in death by her parents Floyd and Odene Crabtree, grandson James Stacy, brother Floyd Crabtree and sister Donna Faye Mae. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Carl Lee was a true outdoorsman and an avid hunter and fisherman. He especially loved fishing and spending time on the White River.

Carl Lee was a Mason and a past Master of the Carlisle Masonic Lodge.

Carl Lee was proceeded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Sandra; two sons, Joey (Tiffany) Pauschert, and Jason (Denise) Pauschert; two grandsons, Jackson and Jace Pauschert; one brother, Tommy Joe Pauschert, all of Carlisle.

Graveside service will be Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 2:00PM at the Carlisle Cemetery.

Donald L. Ferguson

Donald L. Ferguson, 87, of Meadow Bridge, West Virginia went to his eternal home Friday, March 22, 2024. Born July 29, 1936, and raised in Des Arc, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Sherman and Ola (Patterson) Ferguson.

Don was an electrician for U.S. Steel in Gary, West Virginia, until he retired in 1986. He then moved to Meadow Bridge, West Virginia, where his in-laws had a farm that he loved. Don was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed golfing. He was a member of the Highland Church of God, Rainelle.

Parents can now apply to the state Education Division for Education Freedom Accounts for next year. The application period began the first day of April. This school year about 5,000 students are benefitting from the accounts, and more children will be eligible next year. Eligible families may receive up to 90% of the amount of per student foundation funding for last year. In the 2024-25 school year, that amount will be about $6,856 per Education Freedom Account (EFA).

an account manager sends funding to the school.

This year eligible students include first-time kindergarteners, students coming from schools that last year got an “F” on school report cards and students from districts in Level 5 of the state’s accountability process for gauging academic distress.

Also eligible this year are students from the Succeed Scholarship Program, which existed before the LEARNS Act was created last year. Children of active duty military personnel also qualify this year.

Carl Lee Pauschert, Jr.

Carl Lee Pauschert, Jr., 74 of Carlisle, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Carl Lee was born March 12, 1950 to Carl and Vivienne Schafer Pauschert of Carlisle. He was a 1968 graduate of Carlisle High School and went on to attend college at ASU Beebe where he met his beloved wife of 53 years, Sandra.

Carl Lee loved being involved with his family, some of his pastimes included camping, horseback riding and

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three brothers Houston, Jim and Bill Ferguson; and his special dog, Sally. Those left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 65 years, Lvonne (Dillon) Ferguson; his loving daughter Donna Chapman (Bryan) of Hilton Head, South Carolina; three grandchildren, Justin Chapman of Columbus, Ohio, Jordan Chapman of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Jenna Chapman of Arlington, Virginia; two brothers Ralph Ferguson (Susan) of El Paso, Arkansas and Raymond Ferguson of Hazen, Arkansas; two special friends Darrell "Cobb" Bennett of Meadow Bridge and Wayne Church of Dawson; a sister-in-law Mary Ellison of Dawson;

An education official estimated that 14,000 students would take advantage of EFAs next school year. Families can apply online at efas.ade.arkansas.gov Expect to be notified of approvals in June. The governor and the legislature created the accounts last year in Act 237, also known as the LEARNS Act. The families of students who qualify receive financial help paying for schools of their choice. This year about 100 private schools have been approved to participate. The schools send invoices to the families, then the family uploads it to the student’s Education Freedom Account and

For the 2024-2025 school year, the criteria will be expanded to include students from a school that got a “D” on school report cards. The children of military veterans and the children of emergency responders.

This year homeschooling expenses are not allowable under the Education Freedom Accounts program. However they will become allowable beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, when instructional and curriculum materials can be paid for through EFAs.

In the third year of the LEARNS Act, the 20252026 school year, all Arkansas students are eligible to apply for Education Freedom Accounts.

Revenue Report Legislators return to the Capitol April 10 for the fiscal session. They will approve a state government budget for Fiscal Year 2025, which begins on July 1, 2024.

The state is in healthy financial shape, according to the most recent revenue report for March. Net general revenues were 17.5 percent above forecast. The solid performance was in all three of the major sources of tax revenue for state government –individual income taxes, corporate income taxes and sales taxes.

The governor has proposed a state general revenue budget of $6.31 billion, with most of the increases in spending dedicated to education.

Forecasters predict that the state will end Fiscal Year 2024 with a budget surplus of $240.5 million and that Fiscal Year 2025 will end with a surplus of $376.6 million.

Homeschooled students will have to take the same national standardized tests that private school students take, and the results must be reported to the state Education Division. The expenses of taking the tests can be paid for through EFAs.

The 2024 Fiscal Session of the General Assembly will commence on April 10, 2024, at noon. Following the House's initial convening, there will be a brief recess before a Joint Session with the Senate to hear the Governor's address. Amendment 86 stipulates that the General Assembly will focus solely on the budget, with any discussion on legislation beyond the budget requiring a 2/3 majority agreement in both chambers.

The most recent revenue report showed March Net Available revenue at $34.4 million or 8.2 percent greater than last year and $67.2 million or 17.5 percent above forecast. Net Available revenue results last month were above forecast in Individual Income Tax, Corporate Income Tax, and Sales Tax.

Year-to-date net available revenue is below last year's levels but exceeds the forecast by 1.6%.

The Department of

the window period for applicant filing and school districts accepting school choice applications for the 2024- 2025 school year begins on January 1, 2024, and runs through May 1, 2024.

For questions regarding school choice, please contact the superintendent’s office at the school of your choice.

Finance and Administration presented the Governor's balanced budget proposal during Pre-Fiscal Session hearings. The proposed budget calls for a 1.76% spending increase. The budget prioritizes education, with increases proposed for the public school fund, career and technical education, and Educational Freedom Accounts. Additional funding is allocated for the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Arkansas State Police trooper school. More than 70 appropriation bills have already been filed in preparation for the session. Fiscal Sessions cannot extend beyond 30 days without a ¾ vote from both chambers, with a maximum extension of 15 days. We will continue to update you as the session continues. Legislative proceedings, including the Governor's address, can be viewed at arkansashouse.org.

Bison get on track with wins over Hazen, Quitman

In the win over Hazen, Carlisle led 4-0 after two innings. They added two more runs in the fifth. Hazen scored single runs in the fourth and sixth innings. Taylor Thrift, Holden Jones, Jonathan Pickard, Dalton Ward, Baylor Hauk and Lane Bowlan each scored for the Bison. Thrift and Eli Roberts had two hits apiece. Eli Weems and Sam Clayton scored two runs apiece. Jones got the win for the Bison. He struck out 10 in six innings of work. Both runs he gave up were unearned. Carlisle then beat Valley Springs at Bear Stadium in Conway. Thrift and Pickard led the Bison with two runs scored. Also scoring were Jones, Ward, Bentley Parker, Daniel Ford, Hauk and Bowlan. In Friday’s win over Quitman, Thrift, Roberts, Ward and Cole Averitt each scored two runs. Also scoring were Jones, Pickard and Ford. Ward, Thrift and Pickard combined to strike out 13 Quitman batters.

Lady Eagles get two big wins over P-W, McCrory

Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Des Arc Lady Eagles improved to 10-4 with two wins last week.

The Lady Eagles beat Palestine-Wheatley 10-0 on Monday.

Des Arc scored three in the first, one in the second, four in the fifth and two in the sixth to end the game.

Emma Buckner, Makenzie Williams and Kymber Buckner led Des Arc with two runs each.

Kymber Buckner had two hits to lead Des Arc.

Emma Buckner, Reagan Kittler and Makayla Fowler each had one hit. Kylie McDonald did not allow a run or hit in six innings of work. She struck out 14 PalestineWheatley batters.

In the win over McCrory, Des Arc led 30 after two innings. The Lady Eagles pushed the lead to 4-0 with a run in the bottom of the fifth. McCrory got on the board with a single run in the top of the sixth.

Des Arc came back with two in the bottom of the frame. The Lady Jaguars tried to get back into the game, scoring three runs in the top of the seventh. Emma Buckner led Des Arc with two runs scored. She was 3 for 4 with two RBIs and a triple.

McDonald also had three hits, including a triple.

McDonald struck out 17 in 6 2/3 innings of work. Emma Buckner got the save.

The Carlisle Lady Bison improve to 16-4

Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

Carlisle beat Hazen 100 on Monday, Bismarck 25-14 on Tuesday and Southside Batesville 171 on Wednesday.

In the win over Hazen, Carlisle scored two in the first, four in the third, one in the fourth and fifth and two in the sixth to end the game.

Libby McIntyre and Jessa Wiles each scored three runs. Wiles was 4 for 4 with an RBI.

Adisun Golden scored twice. Also scoring were

Laken Golden and Anna Stovesand. Carson Mealler allowed only two hits in six innings of work. She struck out five. In the win over Bismarck, the Lady Bison had 25 runs on 24 hits.

Laken Golden scored five runs. McIntyre, Kiersten Taylor, Makinnley Cook and Adisun Golden scored three runs each. Scoring twice were Stovesand and Kylie Childers. Laken Golden was 4 for

5. McIntosh was 3 for 6 with a homer and six RBIs. Cook also hit a homer.

In the win over Southside, Cook hit two homers. She was 3 for 3 with six RBIS. She scored two runs. Taylor led Carlisle with three runs. Also scoring twice were Laken Golden, McIntyre, Wiles and Angie Petrus. Mealler gave up three hits in three innings of work. She struck out three.

Hazen T-Ball team...

Herald Publishing is sponsoring the Hazen Hornet T-Ball Team this year, so we just had to put in a plug for them and their coach Jennifer Smart who provided us with this picture.

2024 AR Century Farm applications now open

LITTLE ROCK, AR –The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 2024 Arkansas Century Farm Program. This program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. The program is voluntary and there is no cost to apply.

“Since it began in 2012, the Arkansas Century Farm Program has inducted 604 farm families,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture

Wes Ward. “It is an honor

original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income. Qualifying Arkansas farms will receive a personalized Arkansas Century Farm certificate and metal sign listing the farm name and year established. Online and printable applications are available at agriculture.arkansas.go v/arkansas-departmentof-agricultureservices/arkansas-century-farm-program/. Applications must be received via email at beth.moore@agriculture.arkansas.gov or postmarked on or before May 31, 2024, to be eligible for designation as a 2024 inductee. Please contact Beth Moore at (501) 539-4027 with questions.

History Matters

A feature courtesy of The Grateful American Book Prize Showing our children that their past is a prelude to their future.

By David Bruce Smith

April 1 to April 15, 2024

A year after Woodrow Wilson’s presidency opened in 1913, World War I ramped up in Sarajevo; four years later he requested con-

gressional authorization to dispatch troops to Germany. “Wilson went on to lead what was at the time the largest war-mobilization effort in the country’s history,” according to History.com. “At first, Wilson asked only for volunteer soldiers, but soon realized voluntary enlistment would not raise a sufficient number of troops and signed the Selective Service Act in May 1917. The

Selective Service Act required men between 21 and 35 years of age to register for the draft, increasing the size of the army from 200,000 troops to 4 million by the end of the war. One of the infantrymen who volunteered for active duty was future President Harry S. Truman.”

The Grateful American Book Prize recommends Nico Mendina’s What Was World War I?

Hazen Elementary honor roll for 3rd nine weeks

3rd Nine Weeks

Honor Roll

2nd Grade: Sadie Avalos, Emma Bogy, Kanon Fegley, Max Henderson*, Duke Hollingshead, Jack Howard, Aubrey Kee,

or $50.00 for out-of-county plus online, or $55.00 out-of-state.

Beckett Lawson, Tucker

Lisko, Mason McIntosh, Jonah McLernon, Caleb

McLernon, Beckett

Moon, Ja’Miah Penn, Sloan Petty, Larkin Prislovsky, Osias Roberts, Jordan Sullivan JR, Jason Wright

3rd Grade: Leila

Bokker, Garlyn Cortez*, Adrienne Douglas*, David Duval*, Wes

King*, Brady Lisko, Dayton May, Gannon

Murphy*, Trapper Prislovsky, Dawson Smith*, Ma’Kenleigh Swanigan*

4th Grade: Cameron Beck, Liam Bowman*, Austin Carpenter*, Ella

Carroll, Christopher

Essex, Wyatt Flatness, Noah Hare*, Harmoni Humbert, James McDaniel*, Kaleb Moore, Aaryn Owens, London Raper, Archer Skarda, Sawyer Smith, Scarlett Snider*, Jaleah

Sullivan*, Kagan Swift, Cameron Taylor*, Abbygail Vick*

5th Grade: Beckett

Adams, Madox Beatty*,

Mason Beatty, Layne

Cooper, Gabe Cortez, Ava Crosby, Jaicee

Dolphin*, Ella Duval, Olivia Edge*, Sage

Harris, Vince King, Lily

Lisko, Jayli Penn*, Lane Petty*, Bella Raper*, Kennedy Raper, Cameron Seely*, Eden Sims*, Cache Skarda*, Piper Smith, Jaycee

Thomas, Wyatt Tiner

6th Grade: Jordan Barnhill, Jaxson Barrett, Harper Cook, Braydon Davies, Jacob Geisler*, Bayleigh Gerety, Twylla Harsson*, Pierce Henderson*, Luna Horton*, Gabriella Jenkins, Austin Kee*, JaCoby King, Trace Martin*, Wyatt McMullen*, Abigail Owens, Lillian Sayger*, Jacob Swink, Makenzie Taylor*, Keaton Weems*, Lydia Zeferjohn *Denotes

Des Arc students win awards at “Battle of the Books”

“Building Bridges” filling gaps for residents who need help

Building Bridges

Developmental and Community Services, Inc. began as Lonoke County Exceptional School, Inc. on September 5, 1972. The beginning of the program originated from the concern of local community members and families who recognized a need for a program to serve children with developmental disabilities who were not served in the public school system and were not able to obtain the educational opportunities that they legally deserved. As the service area grew outside Lonoke County to include other counties such as Prairie County, the County was dropped from the name.

Individuals diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities began being included in public school throughout the 1980s. The program changed its focus to preschool and adult services. In 2017, the name changed to Building Bridges Developmental and Community Services, Inc. to better reflect the wide array of services now being offered in a multi-county area in central Arkansas.

Today, Building Bridges Developmental and Community Services, Inc. offers a unique continuum of care for those diagnosed with a developmental or intellectual disability of any age and throughout the lifespan.

Building Bridges Developmental and Community Services, Inc. is a non-profit organization (501c3) licensed by Arkansas Developmental Disability Services. The program is governed by a volunteer local board of directors with 14 members that reside in the counties served. Direct supervision of program operation is provided by the Executive Director, Janie Sexton. Building Bridges Developmental and Community Services, Inc. is designed for service. The programs offered are designed to provide skills and opportunities for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities to increase their ability to make choices that will lead to a useful, purposeful, and self-sufficient life. Our goal is to continually provide the best and most current services to each person regardless of their disability or their needs. Building Bridges Developmental and Community Services, Inc. is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Building Bridges Developmental and Community Services, Inc. primarily serves 4 counties (Lonoke, Prairie, Pulaski, and White) in 3 locations. BBDCS provides transportation from Prairie, Pulaski, and White Counties to the 3 facilities housed in Lonoke County. Our Lonoke facility has the capacity to serve 50 preschoolers and 65 adults. Trained staff provide services for both age groups. Supervision for the preschool consists of teachers certi-

fied as Early Childhood Developmental Specialists. Occupational, speech, and physical therapy are provided to both adult and preschool participants as recommended by licensed therapists. Transportation to and from the center is provided daily for those that are enrolled.

Hot meals are served in our fully staffed cafeteria. Nursing services are available also.

Participants enrolled in our adult program enjoy sheltered work opportunities provided by MKT. As part of their work activity program, our adult unit also operates a greenhouse which is open to the public yearround.

Our Cabot Preschool facility has the capacity to serve 84 children. The supervision and services including therapy offered are the same as the Lonoke location. Transportation to and from the center is provided daily for the children. Nursing services are also provided. Hot meals are prepared each day. Our Adult Services facility in Cabot has the capacity to serve 30 adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities that live in the Cabot area. The adult program operates in a similar fashion to our

program in Lonoke.

We operate our Outreach Early intervention (EI) program through the Cabot center. The outreach program offers services to children and their parents in the home or in typical daycares. The Outreach Department offers in-home evaluations, occupational, physical, and speech therapies, as well as developmental therapy. We are excited to be able to offer the option of center-based or homebased services in this program.

Autism Waiver is based in an office suite in Cabot, AR. Autism Waiver Services is a Medicaid waiver program that provides intensive, evidencebased intervention 20-30 hours per week in the homes and in the community of young children diagnosed with autism.  Our Home and Community Services Department is responsible for implementation of the Community and Employment Supports Waiver. Administration for CES Waiver is housed in a suite of offices across the street from the adult services building in Cabot. CES Waiver provides an alternative to institutionalization placement

so that individuals with developmental disabilities can live and work in the community as independently as possible. Offered through this program are as follows: supportive living, adaptive equipment, environmental modification, specialized medical supplies, consultation, respite, crisis intervention, supported employment, supplemental supports, and community living.

Employment Services are offered at our Ready to Work program in Cabot. Adult Day Services, Supported Employment and Preemployment Transition Services are housed at the Ready to Work program.

Supported Employment services help individuals with disabilities get and keep jobs in the community.  This program is funded through Arkansas Rehabilitation Services for individuals that because of their disability have not been able to find or keep employment and need ongoing support services to perform work.

Support services are always based on the person’s specific needs and provide help with job development, job match, job-site training, and extended Services (follow-along support).

Enrollment in supported employment begins with referral to Arkansas Rehabilitation Services.  Ready to Work Adult Day Services has the capacity to serve 40 individuals in pre-vocational services, teaching life skills, and providing opportunities for socialization. Many of our participants are dually enrolled in the day program as well as supported employment.

Pre-employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) are offered to high school students. The purpose of preemployment transition services is to ensure to the greatest extent possible that students with disabilities that are transitioning from high school to postsecondary life have opportunities to receive exposure to work readiness skills and work experiences allowing students to engage in an integrated setting fostering success in vocational training or other services resulting in competitive integrated employment. Typically, these services are provided at the local high school with work experience in the home community.

“Bridging the Gap” Resale Shop opened in September 2014 in Lonoke. The resale shop is an avenue for perpetual fund-raising to support the supported employment and community living program.

The community living program provides housing opportunities for the consumers that we serve that can live semi-independently with minimal support in the community. BBDCS owns 1 apartment complex with 2 apartments available for rental, 1 house, and a duplex with 3 bedrooms per unit to provide housing for those in need of this service. For more information about our services, you may call 501-676-2786 or visit our website at www.buildingbridgesar.org.

A feature story by Janie Sexton

Last week Des Arc Elementary School students battled against surrounding districts for the Co-Op's Battle of the Books. The Bookcaneers (5th/6th) came home with 3rd place and the Tampa Bay Bookcaneers (3rd/5th) came in 5th place.