This Week's Edition

75¢

HHS students rewarded for testing scores. (See p. 6.)

Volume 120 Number 15 - USPS 225-680

Community Calendar of Events Wednesday April 14

Prairie County Quilt Club Meeting 10:00 a.m.

First Christian Church 10th & Main street Stuttgart

Thursday April 15

Hazen City Council Meeting Community Center 6:00 p.m.

GFWC Elsie McCain Club meeting 11:00 a.m.

Grumpy Rabbit Lonoke Friday April 16 Community Drive Thru BBQ Des Arc Nursing and Rehab Center 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic Hazen Community Center 9:00 a.m. until supplies are gone Johnson & Johnson 1-dose

Tuesday April 20 Master Gardener Meeting 6:00 p.m.

Hazen Methodist Church Thursday April 22 Commodity Distribution Hazen Methodist Church 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Friday April 30 Hazen Senior Class picnic 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Des Arc High School Prom Community events brought to you by Hazen Chamber of

Commerce and the

Please call F&M Bank (255-3042) or The Grand Prairie Herald (255-4538) to list events.

Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

GP Festival of Arts announces decorative arts award winners Best of Show Children/Youth Teegan Henry

The Grand Prairie Festival of the Arts has announced its award winners in the Decorative Arts. An Award Winner Artists Reception Open House was held on April 5th from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

The award winners are: Knitting/Crocheting First Place Teresa Lazenby Second Place Raeann Braithwaite Third Place Raeann Braithwaite Honorable Mention Teresa Lazenby Quilting Large First Place Stacie Ferguson Second Place Lorie Bernhardt Third Place Lorie Bernhardt Honorable Mention Lorie Bernhardt Quilting Small First Place Lorie Bernhardt Second Place Lorie Bernhardt Needlepoint/Crossstitch First Place Kay Sparks Second Place Charlotte Stauber Third Place Charlotte Stauber Children/Youth Misc.

First Place in Large Quilting and Best in Show: Posies Puzzle by Stacie Ferguson.

First Place in Knitting/Crocheting: Sophie by Teresa Lazenby.

First Place Teegan Henry Second Place Teegan Henry

The entire exhibit may be found on our website at www.grandprairiearts.com Small groups and individuals are welcome to the center to view the exhibit in person by emailing for an appointment arts001@centurytel.net The Arts Center of the Grand Prairie/Grand Prairie Arts Council is committed to safe practice following the guidelines as directed by the CDC. All health protocol will be enforced.

First Place in Needlepoint/Cross-stitch: Indian Pony by Kay Sparks.

Best of Show Adult Stacie Ferguson

Castleberry resigns as DVB mayor

By Lisa Mills At the April 8th City Council meeting, a letter of resignation was accepted from Mayor Brooks Castleberry effective April 1st. His letter stated that due to his declining health, he felt that he could no longer fulfill the obligations required of the position.

Attorney Mike Stuart informed the council that someone needed to be appointed as mayor to fulfill the current term. A motion was made by Alice Metcalf to appoint Council Member Richard Henry, but with a 3 yes/ 2 no vote the motion failed.

A motion was made by Marie Flanagan to a p p o i n t Treasurer/Recorder Darlene Connor but with a 2 yes/ 4 no vote the motion failed.

Attorney Stuart stated that the next step is that the Treasurer/Recorder automatically becomes the temporary mayor until the May council meeting where someone will have to be approved to fulfill the term.

Attending the meeting were Treasurer/Recorder Darlene Connor and council members Marie Flanagan, Raymond Watson, Richard Henry, Alice Metcalf, Marie Flanagan, Carol Griffin and Lalisa Wright.

Fire Chief Kelly Hutchinson addressed the council concerning the “Jaws of Life” equipment recently purchased by the Fire Department.

Hutchinson stated that the department was very embarrassed when the equipment company showed up to pick up the equipment and told him that when they

inquired with the city about payment that Mayor Castleberry told them that the Fire Department didn’t have any money. Hutchinson said that his understanding at the November council meeting was that the equipment purchase was approved, and the department intended to apply for a low interest loan with the Forestry Commission. But now he realizes that it makes more sense to purchase the equipment outright from the department’s account.

The department’s account will be built back up within a few months, so Hutchinson asked that the council approve the immediate purchase from the Fire Department account.

Alice Metcalf said that there was a misunderstanding, and what was approved was for the fire department to apply for the loan and get bids for the equipment, not purchase the equipment.

She also informed the chief that a $26,000 purchase cannot be approved without having at least two written bids. Hutchinson stated that because there is currently no usable equipment, he did not understand why he is required to get another bid.

Former Fire Chief Doyne Martin stated that there are only 2 or 3 companies that make the equipment and that this company is the best and has the lowest cost.

Attorney Stuart explained that it is required to present competitive written bids for any city purchases over $5,000. Metcalf assured Hutchinson that the

council understands the need and is behind the Fire Department, but they have to follow the law. As soon as he could get a second written bid, a special council meeting could be called to approve the purchase.

First Place and Best of Show Children/Youth Misc.: Pillow Cases by Teegan Henry.

Community COVID-19 vaccination clinic planned at Hazen community center A community COVID19 vaccination clinic is planned Friday, April 16, 2021 at the Hazen Community Center The clinic begins at 9:00 a.m. and will continue while supplies last. Vaccinations will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

The Hazen Community Center is located at 906 E. Front Street in Hazen, AR. Additional ADH clinics will be held weekly in four select local health units. Information on additional clinics is posted on the ADH COVID-19 vaccine clinics webpage.

Doses will be available to those who are currently eligible to receive a vaccine in Arkansas, which includes Arkansans aged 16 and older. However, these clinics will administer only the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, so these clinics will only be able to provide vaccinations to those 18 years and older. Those who are 16-17 years old are advised to only receive the Pfizer vaccine at this time. To find out more information about vaccine availability in your area, visit the ADH website or call 1800-985-6030.

There is no out-of-pocket expense for the vaccine.

People should bring their insurance cards if they have one.

If they do not have insurance, the vaccine will still be available at no charge.

The three authorized COVID-19 vaccines have each undergone rigorous reviews that have proven them to be both safe and effective. You can learn more about the vaccines and ADH vaccination plan at healthy.arkansas.gov/pr o g r a m s services/topics/covid-19vaccination-plan.

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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Blurred Vision -

By Nathaniel Bradow

“Blacked Out” William A. Hosto

William A. Hosto, 89, of Roe went to his heavenly home on April 11, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born July 9, 1931, in south Prairie County, Ark., to the late Herman and Muriel Hosto. William was confirmed March 25, 1945, at Zion Lutheran Church in Ulm, Ark., where he was a faithful, active member until his failing health, holding many officers for many years, his favorite being Sunday school superintendent. He was the last of the six 1949 graduates of Ulm High School. William also served in the U.S. Army.

In addition to his parents, Williams was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Cindy Hosto Prislovsky; his first great-grandson, Fisher Prislovsky; his two sisters, Alberta Hosto Eubank and Deborah Hosto; and his brother, Eugene Hosto.

William is survived by his wife of 63 years (1124-57), Martha Hatfield Hosto; daughter, Nansi (Larry) Porter; grandsons, Hunter (Jackie) Prislovsky, Wade (Andrea) Prislovsky and Corey (Allyson) Porter; four great-grandsons, Trapper and Gunner Prislovsky and Larkin and Brody Jo Prislovsky; and one great-granddaughter, Huntley Kate Prislovsky; two nieces, Cathy Tolliver and Christy Thomas; brother, Jerry (Jean) Hosto; sister-in-law, Paula Hosto; son-in-law, Frank Prislovsky; and many wonderful nieces and nephews and all of the Hatfield family.

William and Martha farmed the family farm for many years. One of

Arkansas Press Association Member 2020

The

Grand Prairie Herald (USPS) 225-680 The Grand Prairie Herald is an independent publication that has served Prairie County since December, 1901. It is published weekly by

Herald Publishing Company P.O. Box 370 111 Hwy 70 E Hazen, Arkansas 72064 Ph. 870-255-4538 Email: heraldpublishing@gmail.com

Subscription Rates In Prairie County $20.00/year In Arkansas $25.00/year Out of State $30.00/year Periodicals Postage paid at Hazen, Arkansas 72064 POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to: Grand Prairie Herald P.O.Box 370 Hazen, Arkansas 72064 Managing Editor/Publisher Roxanne Bradow Circulation/Accounts Trudy Johnson Sports Editor Mark Buffalo Photographer Ruth Corley

his proudest moments was when the Secretary of Agriculture presented the William Hosto family as owners and operators of the Hosto family farm for over 100 years.

After retiring from farming in1986, William and Martha purchased the former McCollum Hardware Store in Stuttgart, Ark. They both worked in the store for 34 years and retired in March 2020 when they closed the store.

He was a charter member of the Ulm Civic Club, enjoyed camping with the Good Sam Mallard Club, traveling and most of all, going to the duck woods.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Ulm Civic Club Scholarship fund or the Zion Lutheran Cemetery Fund.

Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Thursday, April 15, at Zion Lutheran Church in Ulm. Funeral service will begin at 11:30 a.m. Thursday in the chapel at Zion Lutheran Cemetery.

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

Victor Lee Duncan

Victor Lee Duncan, 60 of Hazen passed away Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at his home. He was born August 12, 1960 in Pine Bluff to the late Albert Lee, Sr. and Ossie Fay Kentrell Duncan. Victor was a member of First Pentecostal Church at Hazen, was a veteran of the United States Army and was a farmer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, mowing the yard and gardening and he loved being a grandfather.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Viola Duncan; and a brother, Albert Lee Duncan, Jr. Survivors include a son, Jeffery (Stephanie) Duncan; daughter, Brandy Duncan, all of Hazen; 3 sisters, Annie Muckleroy and Mary (Tom) Duncan, all of Kansas and Cassie (Keith) Slavings of Woodson; and 4 grandchildren, Jesse Lee Duncan, Jacob Lee Duncan, Christina Duncan and Austin Carpenter.

Graveside services were at 2:00 PM Friday, April 9, 2021 at Oak Grove Cemetery in Yorktown with Bro. Joseph Adams officiating.

Visitation was 12:00-1:30 PM Friday at Griffin Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online guestbook at www.griffinfuneralservice.net.

I am not in a good mood, gentle readers.

Have you ever been on hold with your cell phone provider or cable company or insurance agent, and you keep getting transferred around from one “representative” to another and wind up talking to the same people five or six times before you ever get a very simple answer to a very simple question. Well, what I have gone through since April 1 is nothing like that. Being stuck on hold would be a blessing in comparison.

No, gentle readers, I have been in the “Black Out” zone since April 1 (MLB’s Opening Day).

For those of you who don’t know or have never experienced the “Black Out” zone, let me explain to you what it is. No, it is not drinking to excess and waking up in the morning with no recollection of what happened after cracking that first cold one the night before. I haven’t been that stupid in years. This “Black Out” is a wonderful phrase used by TV and Cable providers that directly apply to sports viewing.

If you are in the “Black Out” zone, it means that you are in the “local area” of a team you are trying to watch play. In this case, I have been trying to find a way to watch my beloved St. Louis Cardinals baseball team for two solid weeks.

Here is how it works. If you are in the team’s “local area” those broadcasts are subject to “Black Outs,” meaning the local station carrying the game is literally “Blacked Out” in your area. Last year I got around this problem by signing up for Hulu Live (which cost a pretty penny) because Hulu had a contract with Fox Sports Midwest to carry the games. This year the cable channel has been renamed Bally Sports which only has a contract with AT&T TV. AT&T TV is another of the many streaming services that have been popping up like mushrooms in a damp flower bed since the pandemic started. So, I looked into signing up for AT&T TV. It is basically a cable TV service that costs even more than Hulu Live costs.

Is this not extortion of some sort? I can watch any baseball team in America unless they are playing the Cardinals.

Then I’m freaking “Blacked Out.” I don’t want to watch the Tigers play the Rangers.

I want to watch the flipping Cardinals play the Brewers!

I understand that it has to do with advertising rights and television contracts and all that madness. I mean Blah, Blah, Bladdy, Flippin Blah!! If I lived in Florida, California, or Alaska, I could watch every game the Cards

play no problem. But, OH NOOO!!! The people who are actually fans who might want to watch their favorite team play, have to pay an arm and a leg extra.

This makes no sense to me. I am primarily a baseball fan, but I am sure if I wanted to watch the Memphis Grizzlies play (because, ya know they are literally right down the street). I would be blacked out then too.

Shouldn’t you want the local people in your local area to watch the advertising paid for by the businesses in that local area? Wouldn’t the businesses want that too? I mean just in case I need a whatsit from the whosit down the street, it might be good to know the local whosit has the whatsit I need?

I don’t want to watch the Canucks play the Red Wings or Manchester United play Chelsea. I can watch soccer from Honduras if I wanted to but not the Cardinals!

I have been a Cardinals fan from the cradle.

Every year I do everything I can to watch them play even during the down years. I was at Game 5 in 2006 when the Cards won the World Series. I am a diehard fan even if I spend most of the game yelling at this pitcher or that one as he throws another can of gasoline on the opponent’s offensive flame.

T h i s year I might have to resort to shady activities that are on par with buying a Rolex from a suspicious guy in a trench coat during the dead of night at the end of a dark alley with money I pilfered from the local Brownie Troops piggy bank that was meant to fund cleftpalate surgery for an orphan in the Congo just to watch the Cardinals play!!

Honest, tax-paying sports fans should not have to resort to such things, gentle readers.

Am I asking too much?

Am I in the wrong here?

I am willing to pay for a service, but I shouldn’t have to change my entire TV service provider every year to watch Yadier Molina and the rest of the Cardinal crew play in the greatest show on dirt. The Cardinals shouldn’t be held hostage from me just so some cable company can make $100 more a month off of me.

Oh well, hide your piggy banks, gentle readers. I’m in the midst of looking for a work around. Wish me luck.

And please… turn off your security systems.

Until next week.

If you want to comment on this column or any of my other musings, you can reach me at thatbradowguy@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

First Electric members fund donates to nonprofits Phillips Community College Foundation, Stuttgart Council, and the Lonoke County 4-H Foundation have both received $1,000 donations from First Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round-Up

program.

First Electric Cooperative’s membersupported Operation Round-Up program awarded $23,250 to 23 local organizations in April.

Members who enroll

in Operation Round-Up volunteer to have their electric bill rounded up to the next even dollar amount each month.

They have donated more than $1.28 million for local service organizations and

scholarships for high school seniors since 1998.

Members may enroll by calling 800-4897405 or go to the website at www.firstelectric.coop/operationround-up.

Megan Anderson honored with baby shower

By Chris Weems Mrs. Megan Anderson of Hazen was honored with a baby shower Sunday afternoon at Calvary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Sunday afternoon.

Megan was assisted in opening and displaying her gifts by her aunt, Christi Rounsaval, her cousin, Haley Burkhammer, her sister, Morgan Stock, and other hostesses,. Gifts were displayed on round tables covered with white floorlength tablecloths.

Special guests were Megan's mother and mother-in-law, Wendi Stock, Hazen, and Tracy Anderson of Jonesboro.

Other special guests were Megan's grandmother, Paula Hackelton, of Hazen; and aunts, Nancy Kittler, Carlisle, and Janet Boothe,aunt, and cousin, Kalyn Tenison, both of Hazen.

More than fifty guests were served cake and punch, nuts and candies.

The serving table was covered with a white floor-length white cloth with a pink cloth and a white lace overlay, The centerpiece was a large white stork carrying a sign stating: "It's a Girl."

Other out-of-town guests included Sheri Daniels and Brooklynn, Carlisle, Scarlett and Lilly Burks, Little Rock, Janie Blevins Bradford, Payton Sledge, Warren, Amber Schafer, DeValls Bluff, Kevin and Carol Johnson, Alexander, Kerrigan Emmons, Kennett, MO, Holly and Hattie Gottlieb and Katie Shepard, Benton, and Hope Wiles, Austin.

Hostesses were: Carla

Nichols, Monica Lisko, Trilby Shelman, Nanette Belford, Amy Van Houten, Cindy Strohl, Donna Felty, Pat Parker, Carly Bokker, Angie Cagle, Stephanie Van Houten, Haley Burkhammer, Christi Rounsaval, Alex Vail, Tiffany Ingle, Sara Perry, Lucy Raper, Betty Greenwalt, Sharron Stallings, Chris Weems, Joie McCarty, Sonja Owens, Tracie Vail, Susan

Anthony, Whitney McMullen, Kim White, Freida Isbell, Robin McMullen, Emily Smith, Cindy Hill, Carolyn Benafield, Julie Benafield, Holly Boothe, Amber Edge, Jimmye Marek, Wanda Young, Alison Kee, Emily White, Donna Watson, Sherry Walters, Sherry Bullock, Brittany Owens, Hazel Swilley, and Wendy Perry.

Angie King Beauty Shop for Men and Women Open Wednesday - Saturday Please Call for appointment.

870-998-2251 or 870-998-2414 305 West Hazel (by the courthouse) DeValls Bluff, AR

Legal Notice IN THE PROBATE COURT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Jeana Kay Blankenship, deceased NO. 59PR-21-4 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 3805 Hwy 302

Hazen, Arkansas 72064 DATE OF DEATH: January 12th, 2021 The undersigned is the administrator of the estate of the above decedent. All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, duly verified, to the undersigned within three (3) 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. Any prior notices are hereby declared null and void.

This notice first published the 7th day of April, 2021.

Norma Foster Personal Representative of the Estate 105 Jones Rd Beebe, Arkansas 72012 Barrett T. Rogers Attorney at Law P.O. Box 878 Beebe, AR 72012

INTERESTED in Selling Your Home or Property? Call today for a free market analysis. We advertise locally, also in ZILLOW, CARMLS, and EZ MLS.

207 S. Court

Carlisle, AR 72024

Phone 501.454.2315

Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Second Bayou Meto Watershed Plan meeting set for April 28th The Arkansas Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Division has scheduled its second of four Bayou Meto Watershed Management Plan public meetings for April 28.

The meeting is free and will be held virtually using Zoom, or audio connection via telephone for those without internet access. Because of the size of the watershed and differing issues between the upper and lower portions, there will be two different Zoom meetings.

The meeting for the upper watershed (Faulkner, Pulaski, Lonoke, and Prairie Counties) will be held on April 28th from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. To register for upper watershed meeting go to https://us02web.zoom.us/ webinar/register/WN_G VXCEVaZT4eVErG2nB LrWw. The meeting for lower watershed (Arkansas and Jefferson Counties) will be held on April 28th from 1:30 pm until 2:30 pm. To register for lower watershed meeting go to https://us02web.zoom.us/ webinar/register/WN_U 4 M Q j U 4 SWGO332RaqUclw.

Individuals who do not have internet access may listen to the meeting by calling (346) 2487799 at the start of the meeting and entering the webinar ID number 863 3036 9031 for the upper watershed meeting or 859 8106 4037 for the lower watershed meeting.

During the meetings, three primary issues will be covered: Summary of issues brought up in the first public meeting January 19th; management practices to address those issues; and how it is proposed to initiate implementation of the watershed management plan.

The objective of watershed-based management plans is to protect and improve water quality in streams and other waterbodies by addressing non-regulatory issues through voluntary activities or practices only. There are no requirements for stakeholder participation, but there are potentially significant benefits through voluntary participation.

For additional information, contact Terry Horton at (501) 8311135 or Allen Brown at (501) 682-1611.

Hazen Elementary 3rd nine weeks Honor Roll The 3rd Nine Weeks Honor Roll for Hazen Elementary has been announced. The students are: 2nd Grade: Beckett Adams, Storm Antilley*, Madox Beatty, Mason Beatty, Kinlee Boothe, Dierks Calvert, Joshua Cooper, Jaicee Dolphin*, Olivia Edge*, Bentley Hodges, Vince King*, Lily Lisko*, Cooper McElroy, Jayli Penn, Lane Petty, Bella Raper*, Kennedy Raper, Cameron Seely*, Eden Sims, Cache Skarda*, Jaycee Thomas*, Levi Tipton 3rd Grade: Harper Cook*, Braydon Davies, Jacob Geisler*, Twylla Harsson*, Pierce Henderson*, Austin Kee, JaCoby King, Wyatt McMullen, Abigail Owens, Lillian Sayger, Jacob Swink*, Makenzie Taylor*, Keaton Weems, Lydia Zeferjohn 4th Grade: Gavin Boland, Addie Carroll*,

Xachary George, Calle Gray, Ryder Greenwalt, Kami Perry* 5th Grade: Kiera Anderson, Zoey Barnhill*, Reece Cash*, Jaxon Craig*, Madison Graham*, Makaela Guenther*, Weston Hare*, Chloe Hinshaw*, Khloe Isbell, Jacob Kitchens, Kaden Loudermilk*, Avion Maxwell-Mertens, MaKenzi May, McKenzi Owens*, Jeremy Paris*, Taylor Reynolds, Bella Roberts*, Paycen Seely*, Kennedy Self, John Simmons*, Chloe Smith*, Justis Smith 6th Grade: Noah Adkins, Jase Arnett, Michael Bowman*, Cayden Calvert, Ryleigh Cook*, Isabelle Gray*, Destiny Martin, Kylee McElroy*, Elijah Powers, Cael Robnett, Jase Simmons, Bailey Sims, Luke Snider, Jalynn Thomas*, Alyssa Tiner, Kadence Weems *Denotes all A’s

NOTICE FOR SECOND PUBLIC HEARING A second required public hearing concerning the implementation of an Arkansas Community and Economic and Development Program (ACEDP) grant for City of Des Arc Turn Out Suit Grant will be held at Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at Des Arc City Hall, 107 S. 3rd St., Des, Arc, AR 72040 at 5:30p.m.

The purpose of this hearing is to inform citizens of the current scope and progress of the ACEDP project; discuss any changes or impacts involving financing sources, user fees or beneficiaries that have occurred since the first public hearing conducted on July 21, 2020; accept oral and written comments regarding the project; and, discuss any potential impacts upon citizens that may/will result during the course of the project.

All residents of Des Arc are encouraged to attend this hearing and participate in the community development process.

Individuals requiring physical or sensory accommodations including interpreter service, Braille, large print, or recorded materials, please contact Jim Garth at Des Arc City Hall, 107 S. 3rd St., Des Arc, AR 72040, (870) 256-4316 no later than April 16, 2021. Accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking individuals provided that 3 day notice is received by the City of Des Arc. Jim Garth Mayor

Elephants on parade...

Randy Skarda of Hazen won first place in The Grand Prairie Festival of the Arts Photography Artists' Contest recently. He won in the category of “Life on the Prairie.”

Many of those driving down Jackson Avenue could see these grain carts lined up on the levy of his reservoir.

(Vicki Skarda picture.)

Hazen High School 3rd nine weeks Honor Roll The Honor Roll students for Hazen High School have been released. The students on this nine weeks honor roll list are: 7th Grade: Peyton Anderson, Alantis Blancett, Remington Fegley, Eli Kitchens, Peyton Kocourek, Ethan Lisko*, Graci Lockridge, Allyson Mooney, Maddox Prine*, Sophie Raper*, Maci Sickel, Dylan Skarda*, Brody Swaim

8th Grade Mattison Alberson, Rileigh Barnhill, Chloe Caldwell, Samuel Clayton, Faith Duell, Alexis Dulany, Pheonix Ervin, Jaci Hackelton*, Joseph Hurley, Carson Kee*, Karly Kinard*, Austin Kocourek, Makayla McCray, Chloe Rose, Laila Schultz, Ethan Simmons*, Owen Simmons, Kendall Sisemore*, Shelby Trevino, Lora Beth Webb, Brance Williams* 9th Grade

Nash Arnett, Austyn Booth*, Savannah Glover, Faith Johnson, Mattie Perry, Allison Prine, Shanerika Roland, Kaycie Seely 10th Grade Lane Harper*, Cora Hodge, Collin Kee, Luke King*, Natalie Robinson*, Ivan Rodriguez, Brooke Weems 11th Grade Maci Bokker, Wesley Clayton*, Halley Cossey, Mason D’Angelo, Austin Duck,

Emma Hyatt*, Kelsey Kinard*, Beyonc’e Pargo, Mary Katherine Perry, Gabe Pfleger, Whitney Sayger*, Laney Shultz, Hailey Smith*, Cayden Stallings, Sidnee Steeland* 12th Grade Cayli Crosby, Kristen Curlett, Emily Foot*, Jaida Hollingshead, Nicole Holmes, Trevor Jones*, Rebecca Munnerlyn, Davion Penn.

Denotes All A’s

Tax filing time is a good time to look ahead to next year

By Jim Braun With tax time upon us, one message we keep hearing is that you should file as early as possible.

You may recall that last year there were numerous delays in getting tax refunds after the pandemic caught everyone, including the IRS, off guard. If you have a refund coming, the sooner you file, the sooner that refund will make its way into your bank account.

If you’re like most Americans, you also want to do everything you can to reduce your overall tax bill. We all understand that taxes are needed to run the government, but there’s no need for you as an individual to pay more than you owe.

Let’s face it, though.

It’s a little late in the game to put into play most steps that can help you reduce your 2020 tax bill. You really need to have done whatever you were going to do before the end of the tax year.

But now is definitely a good time to start thinking about ways you can improve your tax situation for next year. Here are a few areas to consider or understand as you do so: Funding tax-preferenced accounts. One way to save on taxes is by putting money in a variety of tax-preferenced savings accounts such as an IRA, a 401(k), and others.

Depending on the account, you can deduct your contribution each year, defer paying taxes on growth, or take withdrawals tax free. In at least one case – health savings accounts – you can do all three. Since an HSA gives you that triple whammy of tax avoidance, it’s definitely something you want to consider. although there are eligibility requirements you need to meet.

Also, unlike retirement accounts, an HSA can only be used for medical expenses. With a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA, you don’t get that triple whammy that comes with an HSA, but there are still significant tax advantages.

With a traditional IRA, you don’t pay taxes on your contributions, and you defer taxes on the account’s growth. You do pay taxes on withdrawals you make in retirement. A Roth IRA has different advantages. You can’t deduct your contributions now, but your money grows tax free and you aren’t taxed when you make withdrawals.

Using a 529 for K-12 private education. Many people are familiar with 529 plans, but often they think of these solely as a way to save for a child’s college education.

But a 529 can also be used to pay for private school in elementary and high school if you so desire. The big tax advantage with a 529 is that you don’t pay feder-

al income taxes on the account’s growth, but you must spend the money on qualified educational expenses and nothing else. That last point is important to remember and understand because if you use the money for other reasons, you will pay taxes on that withdrawal and you will also pay a penalty. A 529 account is definitely something to consider if you have children or grandchildren and want a taxefficient way to save either for K-12 or college educations.

Making charitable contributions. Charitable contributions are a powerful tool for reducing your tax bill, and they come with the added bonus of allowing you to make a positive impact in your community or the world. What could be better?

Through charitable contributions, you can reduce your income tax, your capital gains tax, and your estate tax. Some people view this in the most straightforward way – you choose a worthy cause that qualifies under the tax rules, and you write a check. But there are other taxadvantaged ways to approach charitable giving. Here’s just one of many examples: You can establish a donoradvised fund, which is a personal charitable account opened in the name of one or more donors and held in custody by a nonprofit

organization. How does that work? Let’s say you sell a stock and, instead of paying the capital gains tax, you place the proceeds in a donoradvised fund. You can claim the full amount as a charitable deduction, but you don’t have to donate the money all at once.

The money remains in the fund and can be donated in small amounts over a period of years. All the while it is drawing interest.

These are just a few examples of strategies you can consider as you seek ways to reduce that tax bill. Certainly, all of this is complicated, but your financial professional should be able to help you work your way through the IRS weeds and find what works best for you and your personal situation.

Your future tax-filing self will thank you.

Jim Braun is president of Tri-State Retirement (www.tristateretirement.c om). Over the course of his career, he has been involved in more than 14,000 retirement meetings, helping to make life and retirement better for clients. Braun got his start in the financial services industry in 2006 as a college student who enjoyed helping others with their financial strategies. Today, he helps clients optimize Social Security, reduce Medicare costs, and create retirement income strategies that will last the rest of their lives.

Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, April 14, 2021

State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Jonathan Dismang

The legislature has approved a broad reform of the laws governing water providers, a measure that sponsors have been working on for the past four years.

Many of the provisions in Senate Bill 386 are the result of a task force that looked into the financial status of water systems in Arkansas, as well as the condition of their infrastructure.

The task force’s findings were surprising. For example, a majority of the systems are “upside down” financially. In 2017 a national organization of civil engineers rated the system of Arkansas water providers with a D plus, in part because of the deteriorating state of pipes and distribution lines.

In addition to the safety factor, lack of reliable water service is a potential barrier to economic development.

The need to upgrade our water systems was highlighted recently when

hundreds of thousands of Texas residents went without water due to freezing temperatures.

SB 386 designates the state Natural Resources Commission and the Health Departments as the leading state agencies with oversight over the entire state’s water distribution.

Local control is important, but in many cases water systems are too small to act effectively, because they have relatively few ratepayers and the cost of a major project would be unaffordable.

SB 386 defines when a local system is in fiscal distress. It requires all systems to conduct a fiscal audit every five years to accurately determine the true cost of operating the system, including the cost of long-term maintenance and debt service.

Systems must set rates high enough to meet those costs.

Local providers in fiscal distress shall submit improvement plans to

Legal Notice Notice of Public Auction on May 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. with registration from 9:30 am to 10:00 am.

Location: Prairie County Courthouse, 208 Court House Square, Des Arc, Arkansas 72040 (front entrance).

Property Description: Physical Address: 508 West Highway 38, Hickory Plains, AR 72176 (also uses address of 11351 Highway 38 West, Ward, AR 72176). 12.25 acres of unimproved land located in Prairie County, Arkansas, Parcel 001-06743-000.

Complete legal description found at www.irsauctions.gov.

Minimum bid: $ 9,036.00; Mail-in bids due by 05/06/2021.

Property Inspection: Drive by Only. Under the authority in IRC section 6331, the property described herein has been seized for nonpayment of internal revenue taxes due from Michelle Harris and will be sold at public auction. The property will be sold at public auction as provided by IRC section 6335 and related regulations. Only the right, title and interest of Michelle Harris in and to the property will be offered for sale. If requested the IRS will furnish information about possible encumbrances. All property is offered subject to any prior valid outstanding liens in favor of third parties against the taxpayer which are superior to the lien of the U.S. All property is offered for sale “where is” and “as is” and without recourse against the United States. No guarantee or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the validity of the title, quality, quantity, weight, size or condition of the property or its fitness for any use or purpose. No claim will be considered for allowance or adjustment or for rescission of the sale based on failure of the property to conform with any expressed or implied representation.

The rights of redemption, as specified In Internal Revenue Code section 6337, Redemption of Property, are quoted as follows: Sec. 6337(b) Redemption of Real Estate After

Sale: The owners of any real property sold as provided in section 6335, their heirs, executors, or administrators, or any person having any interest therein, or a lien thereon, or any person in their behalf, shall be permitted to redeem the property sold, or any particular tract of such property at any time within 180 days after the sale thereof. Such property or tract of property shall be permitted to be redeemed upon payment to the purchaser, or in case he cannot be found in the county in which the property to be redeemed is situated, then to the Secretary, for the use of the purchaser, his heirs, or assigns, the amount paid by such purchaser and interest thereon at the rate of 20 percent per annum, compounded daily.

Terms of Payment: 20% due at time of auction, remainder to be paid on or before June 10, 2021.

Notice of sale has been given in accordance with all legal requirements. All payments must be by cash, a certified, cashier's or treasurer's check drawn on any bank or trust company incorporated under the laws of the United States or under the laws of any State, Territory, or possession of the United States, or by a United States postal, bank, express money order. Make check or money order payable to the United States Treasury.

COVID-19 Statement See Attachment at www.irsauctions.gov.

Members of the public attending the auction are prohibited from carrying/possessing a firearm(s) at the auction, even if carrying/possessing a firearm(s) is otherwise permitted under state or local law. The term “firearm” means any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designated to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive. For more info: www.irsauctions.gov or contact PALS Deborah Whitfield, 417-353-9232, deborah.j.whitfield@irs.g ov.

the Natural Resources Commission, which can modify the plan if necessary.

The bill sets out the procedures for a city to provide water outside its current boundaries, and takes into account the fact that some cities do not wish to do so without annexation.

SB 386 requires a majority of the board members of a water provider to take at least eight hours of training. If they don’t do so the system would face penalties.

Lottery Scholarships The Senate approved a major reform of the lottery scholarship system, in SB 584. Its goal is to ensure the long-term financial stability of lottery scholarships, so that families can budget for higher education with greater certainty.

It prioritizes which scholarship programs will be funded. It also

sets a deadline for t h e introduction of any future legislation that would add scholarship programs.

They would have to be filed during the first month of the legislative session, in order to give lawmakers sufficient time to gauge their fiscal impact.

Bills that would change eligibility requirements also would have to be filed by the deadline, because they would change the number of students who qualify for a scholarship and thus those bills have a fiscal impact on the lottery scholarship program.

For the first six months of the current fiscal year, the state lottery has generated about $46.7 million for college scholarships. In a typical year, about 30,000 students receive a scholarship.

Planting trees...

The City of Hazen is planting willow oak trees along Highway 70 from Highway 249 to Highway 63 to replace the Bradford pear trees that are near the end of their lives. The city received the 100 trees from the Arkansas Forestry Commission.

Shown planting one of the trees is City Utility worker Ryan Booth.

Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Come see Charlie Gerren at

Gwatney GMC Buick

in Sherwood by Sam’s.

Contact 501-681-9121 or the office at 501-945-4444.

We sell New and Used vehicles.

Bowman Plumbing Serving the Entire Grand Prairie Adam Bowman, MP 6142 Repair - Remodel New Construction Dependable Service Free Estimates Family Owned and Operated Call: (870) 256-5230

Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical Keith Knupp 501.516.8285 knuppinc@hotmail.com

The Grand Prairie Herald is striving to cover all of the Grand Prairie news in our newspaper each week.

We have been covering news about the Grand Prairie for over 119 years, which includes Hazen, Des Arc, Carlisle, DeValls Bluff, Stuttgart, and the surrounding areas. So, if you have news to tell, a picture that you would like to share, or some information that needs to get out, call us at 870-255-4538 Monday, Tuesday, or Friday, or email us at heraldpublishing@gmail.com

We want to hear from you!

Free Ads for Free Stuff If you’re giving it away, we’ll give you an ad for

free Call 2554538

Billy’s Body Shop & Wrecker Service. P. O. Box 696, Hazen Ark 72064.

To whom it may concern: 1996 GMC Sierra C1500 Vin # 1GTEC19ROTE522266 located at 1203 Hwy 70 East, Hazen Arkansas 72064. Vehicle stored at P.O. Box 696 Hazen Ar. Phone 870-255-4922 and is accruing storage as a legal liability of the

owner. The wrecker company claims fist priority possession lien on the vehicle and it’s contents for all charges.

Unless vehicle is claimed within 45 days the owner and/or lien holder waives all rights, title, and interest in the vehicle and its contents and consents to the sale of the vehicle. Vehicle will then be sold for towing and storage fees.

To Whom It May Concern: A 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix Vin# 2G2WP552561198301 was picked up on 2-142021 at the 198 WB I-40 Hwy 11 Hazen, AR at the request of the owner. This vehicle is in the possession of Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service 1111 Hwy 70 W, Hazen Ar. 72064, (870)255-3305.

Towing, storage, & administrative costs are accruing as legal liability of the owner. Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first priority possessory lien on the

said vehicle and its content for all such charges.

The vehicle and its contents will be dismantled, destroyed, or sold at public sale to the highest bidder if not claimed within 45 days and constitutes a waiver by the owner and lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, MonFri, 8am-5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.

(4-14-21 2tc)

Sell what you don’t need in the GRAND PRAIRIE HERALD

CLASSIFIED ADS! Call 870-255-4538

Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Hazen High School students earn rewards day for interim testing scores

By Jaime Skarda On Thursday, April 1, 2021, the Hazen High School students in grades 7-10 were rewarded for their proficiency and growth on the ACT Interim Assessments.

The students took the Interim I in December and the Interim II in March. Students that were proficient, or showed growth from Interim I to Interim II, were rewarded with a fun filled day at the park uptown. Students and teachers left Hazen High School at 10:30 a.m. and enjoyed a very pretty walk to the park.

We were so thankful to Mr. Troy Young and Mr.

Seth Skarda for volunteering to grill hamburgers and hotdogs for all of the students and teachers to enjoy.

Johnny Freeze was also a huge hit! Each student received a large icy, and there were over 10 choices donated.

Over the course of the day, students and teachers played baggo, horseshoes, baseball, football, roller-blading, skating, and lots of fun music.

Students and teachers alike commented throughout the day that this reward was so much fun.

We are so proud of our Hazen High School students that earned the Interim Rewards Day!

Ross and U of A students recognized for series Abbi Ross, a student of the University of Arkansas School of Journalism and Strategic Media, was

one of several students who have been recognized by The Investigative Reporters and Editors for their work on #NowhereToGo, a national investigation of homelessness.

Ross’ story, titled “Many homeless college students are hiding in plain sight,” was published on July 13, 2020.

The UofA students, along with students from six other colleges, were honored by the Investigative Reporters

and Editors group (IRE), a nonprofit that trains journalists.

The #NowhereToGo series of stories was chosen as a finalist in the Student (Large) category in its annual awards competition, which involves journalists worldwide.

The project was led by the Howard Center for I n v e s t i g a t i v e Journalism, which spearheaded the largest collaboration of university journalism programs on a single inves-

tigative project.

In addition to the University of Arkansas, the coalition included the University of Maryland, Arizona State University, Univrsity of Oregon, Stanford University, Boston University, and University of Florida.

The UofA students working on the project were Abbi Ross, Michael Adkison, Mary Ellis, Mary Hennigan, Whitney King, Matthew Moore, Katy Seiter, Brooke Tomlin, and Abby Zimmardi. The students were in an Advanced Reporting course or an independent study taught by Rob Wells, associate Professor of journalism.

The IRE Awards judges said of the #NowhereToGo series: “These stories illustrate why collaborations can lead to groudbreaking investigative work.

These stories laid out how cities around the ountry were responding to homelessness, including criminalizing the people that need the most help.”

To read the stories published by the Arkansas students, go to https://bit.ly/2OuJUSg.

Chambers Nursing and Rehab Center * Private Rooms with Baths * 24 Hour Nursing Service * Rehab-Therapy

* On-Site Beauty Salon * Daily Activity Program * Church Service Regularly

Medicaid - Medicare - VA - Private Pay

(870) 552-7150 “Since 1945”

Hwy 70 - Carlisle, Arkansas “We offer extremely reasonable and affordable private pay rates”

Bobby Glover, President & CEO