p.m. Civic Center Des Arc City Council meeting 6:00 p.m.
Thursday April 20 Hazen City Council meeting 6:00 p.m.
Friday April 21 Hazen Senior Picnic
Tuesday April 25
Honor’s Banquet Murry’s 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 27 Spring Band Concert Hornets Nest 6:00 p.m.
Food Distribution Hazen Methodist Church 10:00 a.m. 12:00 noon.
Community events are brought to you by the Hazen Chamber of Commerce and the
H inson earns c om p lian c e c erti f i c ation Merchants & Planters Bank, Newport, AR is pleased to announce that Jane Hinson, Compliance/Deposit Operations, has successfully completed Community Banker University's Certified Community Bank Compliance Officer Program and has earned the professional designation Certified Community Bank Compliance OfficerCCBCO.
Community Banker University, the education division of the Community Bankers of America, offers nine certification programs,
which are accredited by the National Association of State Boards or Accountancy (NASBA).
To earn certification, Hinson, attended the recent ICBA Compliance Institute and successful-
ly completed five certification examinations covering the fundamental concepts of banking regulations and their applications.
"With this CCBCO certification Jane has demonstrated a mastery of key banking concepts for professional development and to contribute to helping the Merchants & Planters Bank achieve its business goals and objectives." said lCBA Group Executive Vice President Lindsay LaNore. "I commend Jane on reaching this milestone in pursuit of lifelong learning.”
Prairie County Extention has new employees...
The Prairie County Extention Service welcomes Madeline Bokker as their Administrative Specialist III and Andrew Sayger as their new Ag agent in Prairie County. Andrew and Madeline are both graduates of Hazen High School. Andrew says that he is very glad to be back in his home county.
Prairie County Quorum Court agrees to settle lawsuit
The Prairie County Quorum Court met for two hours to pass two ordinances and to hear from Attorney Mike Mosley about a lawsuit filed against the county by former Dispatcher Kayla Jackson. Only Justice Haynes was absent from the meeting.
The meeting began with a presentation by Mosley who has spent 21 years in government law, including working for the Arkansas Municipal League. He told the court that Jackson and three others had sued the county for overtime pay as required by the Federal Labor Standards Act. Overtime pay should be time and a half, and a settlement proposal has been made. “I think it’s fair,” Mosley said. He continued, “If I have to try this (case), it would be difficult.” Mosley suggested that even though all affected workers were notified of the class action suit, “I would do an accounting of everyone working since Ms. Jackson was hired and see who is owed overtime.” County Attorney Abram Skarda agreed, saying, “This is a good settlement. It is my strong advice that you do it.” “My job is to save taxpayer dollars,” he said. The total payments for the lawsuit would be $4756.56 plus $6500 in attorney fees.
The money to pay the extra salaries and fees will be taken out of general funds. The proposed payments were
unanimously on a voice vote with Justice Rick Stallings suggesting that the court look at others who might be affected.
Justice Paul Hooks asked what will happen with the premium pay that Sheriff’s Department workers have been getting when the American Rescue Plan (ARP) runs out.
“We’re not going to be able to keep anybody,” Sheriff Troy Geisler said. “We need to think about how we’re going to deal with that,” Hooks said. Presently, employees are getting two separate checks, one for their regular pay and one for the ARP bonus.
Hooks also asked about the county budget, noting that the general account was reported as being $513,000 in the red. County Treasurer Tamara Dabney told the court that the county has $2.169 million in Merchants and Planters Bank and Farmers and Merchants Bank in certificates of deposit, and that some other funds have been added to the county general account, including ARP money.
The county general fund now has a balance of $175,000 Dabney said.
In old business, the court revisited the purchase of a dump truck.
Road Department Manager Eddie Petty told the court that he had looked at the truck the county was buying, and that “This is the best truck that I could find.” Petty said that the truck, which costs
$27,000 is a single axle truck with a frame and was purchased from Brad Caviness. The money to pay for the truck will come out of Road Department funds. The county put a bed on it in March. A lease on a new truck would cost the county $8000 a month. “We needed a single axle truck,” Petty said. The ordinance to purchase was passed unanimously on the 2nd and 3rd readings after it was tabled after the first reading at last month’s meeting.
The second ordinance concerned the organization of the court itself. At last month’s meeting Justice Stallings suggested that an organizational ordinance be passed to outline how the court conducts business. County Clerk Gaylon Hale researched
the matter and found just such an ordinance that was revised during Butch Calhoun’s tenure as judge. That ordinance was presented to the court to re-approve.
Stallings wrote and submitted his own ordinance, which was also handed out to the justices. “We are supposed to meet and have an organizational meeting each year that we have new justices,” Stallings said.
Stallings was concerned about the procedure that allows justices to appoint someone to preside over meetings when the judge cannot attend. Presently, a quorum of justices can elect someone to preside. The ordinance was revised on the spot to align with the reading of the law about who presides. The County Clerk can
appoint someone to take her place if she is absent, and the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney can appoint someone to take his place if needed. The ordinance was passed unanimously. Stallings also questioned the hiring of the 4-H coordinator. “In the budget we approved in January, two new positions were added,” he said. “Newly created positions must be approved,” he said. He mentioned a 2005 hiring freeze implemented by the county. The question was dropped, however, because the positions that he was questioning are not county positions, but instead are University of Arkansas Extention Agency positions. The county only contributes to extention agent salaries.
Joseph
William Hestir
Joseph William Hestir passed away on March on March 28, 2023. He was born on March 25, 1967, in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Joe graduated from High School in Beebe and attended college at the University of Central Arkansas.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Evelyn Hestir, grandparents Mildred & Louis Novak and Mary and Orrie Hestir; aunts Frances Bower, Dorothy Bogard, and Ruby Sanders; and uncles Ronald and Bill Hestir. He is survived by his sisters Debbie Feagins of Texarkana and Donna Kroskey (James) of Maumelle; his nieces Sandy Cothran (Coy) of Cabot, Julie Johnson (Shane) of Texarkana, Robie Feagins of Texarkana; and nephew Nathan Feagins of Texarkana. He is also survived by his Aunt Carolyn Brakensiek of Hazen, and uncle Elvin Novak of DeValls Bluff; his great nieces Abbey Cothran and Katti Fouse; and his great nephew Cayden Johnson and countless cousins.
Joe was a member of the Beebe Methodist Church and Boy Scouts of America. He loved his family and friends, especially his furry campanion, Missy. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved camping, hiking, boating, kayaking, and swimming. He enjoyed attending gun and knife shows and had a nice
collection, He never met a stranger and was always willing to help others. He liked to grill a good steak and always enjoyed a good party.
Joe recently relocated from Beebe to Greer’s Ferry Lake area in his motor home to enjoy his Shangri-la at the lake. He will be missed by his friends and family.
A graveside service will be held at the Czech National Cemetery on Sunday April 30, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. The family requests that donations be made to the Beebe Humane Society in lieu of flowers.
Charles Henry Knox
Charles "Charlie"
Henry Knox, 72, passed away peacefully, at his home on April 6, 2023. He was born on July 31, 1950, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to William Henry and Oza Bell Knox, both of Lonoke, Arkansas.
Charlie was preceded in death by both his parents and his son Wade Hampton Knox. He is survived by his loving wife Karen Knox of 50 years; children, Brook (Michelle) Knox of Lonoke, Arkansas, and Andrea (Chad)
Walling of Salem, Arkansas; sister, Pamela Walls of Lonoke; five grandchildren, Brayden and Logan Knox of Lonoke, Arkansas and Rory, Katy and Elly Walling of Salem, Arkansas.
Charlie, in his early days, liked to hunt, fish, and run his dogs. He worked as a carpenter until 1973, when Knox Realty opened. He truly enjoyed real estate and retired in June 2018.
Charlie was a Christian and a member of Lonoke Baptist Church.
A visitation for family and friends was held at 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, Monday, April 10, 2023, with a memorial service following, beginning at 2:00 PM at Lonoke Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wade Knox Advocacy Center.
Carl Dean Madar
Carl Dean Madar, age 76, from Carlisle, Arkansas, passed away April 6, 2023. He was born March 27, 1947, in Carlisle, Arkansas, to the late Joe and Cora Madar.
From an early age, Carl knew he wanted to be a farmer. He began farming during his senior year of high school and continued until he retired in 2006. He served as an elder at the Palm Street Church of Christ for over 30 years.
Traveling was a passion, especially any trip that involved going out west.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Peggy Madar, and his daughter, Carla Davenport. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Linda Madar; daughters, Cindy (Eric) Judy and Cyndi (Chris) Matthews; sons, Clay (Emily) Madar and Greg (Tammy) Downum; sisters, Eva Jo (Bill) Glover and Ruth James;
grandchildren, Molly, Carly, and Micah Madar, Allen and Brenna Judy, Ethan Davenport, Zach and Alexis Downum, Madison (Jonathan) Carter, and Molly Matthews, and nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held from 6:00-8:00PM Thursday, April 13, 2023, at the Palm Street Church of Christ, 1115 West Palm Street in Lonoke, Arkansas. The funeral service was held at 10:00AM on Friday, April 14, 2023, at the church building with burial to follow at Carlisle Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Palm Street Church of Christ, PO Box 588, Lonoke, Arkansas, 72086, or Morrilton Southern Christian Children’s Home, 100 W Harding Street, Morrilton, Arkansas, 72110.
James Roger Moore
James Roger Moore, age 64, of Hensley, Arkansas died at his home on April 13, 2023. He was a dentist and had practiced in Little Rock, a military base in Colorado, and had worked for the State Department of Corrections.
James was preceded in death by his father, James Paul Moore. He is survived by his mother, Carmen Coleman Moore and several cousins, family, and friends. Visitation was held from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M., Monday, April 17, 2023 at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen followed by a graveside service at 11:00 A.M. in Biscoe Cemetery in Biscoe, Arkansas. Arrangements were by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.
Marie E. Richards
Marie E. Richards 87, of Des Arc, Arkansas passed peacefully from this life on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. She was born October 31, 1935 to Alfred and Carrie Belle Babb. In 1950, Marie married the love of her life, James V. Richards and they remained married until his death in 2006.
Family was the most important thing to Marie. She was never happier, than when all her children and their families gathered in her home, especially during the holidays. To say that she was a good cook is a huge understatement.
Survivors include her 5 children, Joyce Hartline of Elgin, Oklahoma, Frances Richards of Hazen, Eddie (Melinda) Richards of Des Arc, Carol (Robert) Stein of Lake Village, and Ricky (Mildred) Richards of Des Arc, three siblings, JD (Diana) Babb of Des Arc, Charles (Barbara) Babb of Jones, Louisiana and Kay (Charles) Sims of Bastrop, Louisiana. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Jimmy Babb and Leon Martin, 4 sisters, Lorene Harlan, Linda Crymes, Thelma Griffith and Belle Wentworth. Marie was blessed to have 14 grandchildren,
who will cherish her memory, along with a long line of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Visitation will was held on Friday, April 14, at 1:00 pm at Garth Funeral Home in Des Arc, followed by a memorial service at 2:00.
Pallbearers are Kenny, Chase, and Brody Emerson, Caleb and Blake Richards, and Brody Swaim.
Sherry Dian Treadwell
Sherry Dian Treadwell, age 72, departed this life on April 7, 2023, at 5:11 p.m. She was at her home surrounded by her family and loved ones. Sherry will be laid to rest next to the love of her life, James Treadwell, where they will lay in peace waiting for the resurrection on that glorious day. She was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years; James Treadwell, father John Griffin; stepmother Shirley Griffin; mother Irene Clark and sister Mary Tallent. Sherry is survived by her daughter; Rebecca (Billy) Cook, two granddaughters Kayla and Claudia Cook; three grandsons Cole, Keith and Casen Cook; one brother Andrew Griffin; two sisters Anna Jones and Wanda Swaim; as well as, her uncle and Pastor that she loved dearly, Lawrence Godair. Sherry was born January 24th, 1951 in Des Arc, Arkansas. She enjoyed going out to eat, shopping and traveling to Hawaii, her favorite destination. Church was a major part of her life. She attended The Apostolic Church of Des Arc faithfully for forty five years, being a charter member. The family would like to thank Debra Fritts, Virgilene Welch and all of the RN’s and CNA’s of AR Hospice Care for their outstanding love, care and kindness they shared with her to the end.
At the DeValls Bluff city council meeting held on April 13th, an ordinance was passed to increase water and sewer rates.
Per the Arkansas Rural Water Association rate study, the city is required to set the new rates as follows: Water will be $23.24 for the first 1000 gallons plus 6.57% per 1000 gallons after the first 1000 gallons. Sewer will be $12.60 for the first 1000 gallons plus $7.98 per 1000 gallons after the first 1000 gallons. These rates will be effective May 1st. The ARWA also requires that all rates must be increased by 3% each year, effective January 1st. The city must deposit a portion of the money collected into an account for the purpose of maintaining and updating equipment and facilities as necessary.
Engineer David Hilsdon informed the council that there is one more item to be completed to receive the grant funds for the first phase of the water/sewer project. City Attorney Mike Stuart then explained that because there is no way to know when the money will be received, the city needs to consider a $73,000 loan to pay for the purchase and installation of the two filters, which are already in use. Stuart stated that if the loan is obtained, the grant money could then be used to pay off the loan. He provided the council with proposed loan documents from Farmer’s and Merchant’s Bank. The loan amount is $73,000 at an interest rate of 6.25%. The monthly payment will be $1,420.11. An ordinance was passed authorizing the Mayor and Recorder/ Treasurer to execute all documents required to obtain necessary financing. A resolution was
also adopted authorizing the Mayor and dvb council Recorder/Treasurer to enter into an agreement with the lender.
Police Chief Jeremy Murphy reported five traffic citations and five arrests. One arrest was Evan Steingrubey charged with aggravated residential burglary, theft of two firearms, possession of drug paraphernalia, and 1st-degree terroristic threatening. The arrest was made after Chief Murphy, the Hazen PD, and State Police answered a call from a resident, stating that a male inside his house had pointed a gun and threatened to kill him. Steingrubey was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Prairie County Jail on a $50,000 bond. Murphy also reported that he had received word that the Police Department has been awarded a $3,000 block grant from the Department of Finance Administration to purchase needed equipment.
Assistant Fire Chief Eddie Martin reported one brush fire, six First Responder calls, two public assists, and five meetings. Martin also reported that they are searching for grants for a new tornado alarm and to build an emergency shelter at the Fire Department. The shelter would be open during severe weather and would also serve as a command center. It would also be available for displaced residents to stay should there be a disaster.
Attending the meeting were Mayor Thelma Gray, Recorder/Treasurer Darlene Connor, and Council members Shirley Goff, Jackie Adcock, Carol Griffin, Marie Flanagan, and Pam Del Giorno.
The Carlisle Bison baseball team ran its current winning streak to eight games by winning four times last week, including an 8-2 win over McCrory on Thursday.
With the wins, the Bison are 15-6 overall and 9-0 in the 2A-6 conference.
Against McCrory, Carlisle scored four runs in the first, three in the second and one in the fourth. The Jaguars scored their two runs in the second.
David Hayes hit a grand slam in the first inning. Scoring on the play were Eli Roberts, Jonathan Pickard and Zach Busick.
Roberts scored three runs for the Bison. Busick scored twice. Also scoring were Pickard, Hayes and Joseph Cook.
“We knew it was a big game for us as we continue our quest for a conference title,” Carlisle coach Steven Tew said. “I was a little nervous heading in just because it was such a close game the last time we played.
“Luckily, the players didn’t show any nervousness, which probably helped with mine. David got us a huge lift in the first with the grand
slam. He did a good job getting himself in a count he wanted where he had the advantage, and he was able to sit on one pitch and got it. As soon as it hit the ball, we all knew the Park wasn’t going to hold it.”
Busick got the win, striking out 12 in four innings of work. Holden Jones struck out eight in three innings of work. That was 20 of the 21 outs in the victory. “On the mound, I’m not
Hornets, L a d y Hornets win two games l ast week
sure if I’ve ever seen anything like it,” Tew said. “Against such a quality team to have two guys combine for 20 strikeouts out of the 21 outs is just amazing. Hats off to Zach and Holden for going right at those guys.”
Carlisle also beat Barton 23-0 last week.
Hayden Ingle led the Bison with four runs scored. Roberts scored three times.
In a 15-0 win over Forrest City, Carlisle’s Gabe Boyle, Pickard, Busick, Hayes, Jones and Ingle all scored two runs apiece.
In Monday’s 6-2 win over Des Arc, Carlisle trailed 2-1 after two innings. The Bison then scored once in the third, three times in the fourth and once in the sixth. Roberts and Pickard each hit home runs.
By Mark Buffalo Sports EditorThe Hazen Hornets picked up two baseball wins last week. They beat England 11-1 on Tuesday and Augusta 13-3 on Thursday. In the win over England, the Hornets scored five runs in both the third and third innings then added a single run in the fourth. Josh Dawson was 3 for 3 with four RBIs. Kolton Tosh, Brance Williams, Collin Kee and Bubba Barnhill scored two runs each. Also scoring were Nash Arnett, Dawson and Hunter Pardin. Pardin struck out 10 in five innings of work. He allowed only four hits in the victory. In the win over Augusta, the Hornets scored four runs in the first, second and fourth
innings and a single run in the fifth.
Tosh scored four runs in the victory. Eli Weems was 2 for 4 with two runs scored. His hits were a double and a triple. Arnett and Dawon each scored two runs. Also scoring were Williams, Kee and Barnhill.
Kee struck out 12 Augusta batters in five innings of work.
Lady Hornets
The Hazen Lady Hornets won a pair of games from England last week. Hazen won 11-1 at home on Tuesday then beat the Lady Lions 8-0 on Thursday.
In the first game, Hazen scored four runs in the first, five in the fifth and two in the sixth.
Jordyn Besancon hit a home run for the Lady Hornets.
Layton Rogers scored three runs. Lexi Dulany, Savannah Glover and Allie Mooney each scored two runs. Besancon and London Smith each scored once. Dulany struck out nine England batters to get the win.
Dulany then struck out nine more in the Lady Hornets’ second win against England.
She gave up only three hits in seven innings of work.
Hazen scored two in the first, one in the second and fourth, three in the sixth and one more in the seventh.
Rogers was 3 for 5 with three runs scored. Dunaly, Austyn Booth, Glover and Taylor Griffin each scored a run.
Car l is l e L a d y Bison win o v er Barton
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Carlisle Lady Bison softball team picked up a 16-1 win over Barton last week. The Lady Bison scored
five runs in the first, nine in the second and two in the third.
MaKinnley Cook hit a home run for the Lady Bison. She was 2 for 2 with two RBIs.
Kiersten Taylor led
Carlisle with three runs scored. Golden and Jessa Wiles scored two runs each. Also scoring were Cook, Kylie Chiders, Angie Petrus, Madison Goodman and Bella White.
By Amanda Stark
