75¢
GP quilters share their Easter projects. (See page 6.)
Volume 121 Number 16 - USPS 225-680
Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Community Calendar of Events Wednesday April 20
Carlisle Public Library Sow Bee It (adult program) 4:00 p.m.
Thursday April 21
Hazen Baseball @ McCrory 4:30 p.m. V/JV
Friday April 22
Daddy/Daughter Dance Hazen School Cafeteria 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Monday April 25 Last Day to Register to Vote for the Primary Election
Thursday April 28 Food Distribution Hazen Methodist Church 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Lunch With the Lions Riverfront Park at Des Arc Drive Through 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Saturday April 30 Master Gardener Plant Sale Hazen City Park Pavilions in front of Community Center 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
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.
Downs Road rerouting to be completed soon By Leigh VanHouten It took crews just six days to install 65 concrete box culverts at the Downs Road crossing in Prairie County. Crews with Capital Paving and Construction, of Jefferson City, Missouri, did the installation of the 10-foot by 10foot concrete box culverts. The first was delivered on Monday, April 4. The Downs Road crossing is located just north of Highway 70 near DeValls Bluff. This work was done in what White River Irrigation District (WRID) describes as the Canal
1000 portion of project. The project, once complete, will bring water to area farmers in portions of Prairie, Arkansas, Lonoke and Monroe Counties. The current work at Downs Road will tie into the Canal 1000 and reroute traffic over the canal portion of the project. There are five rows of the concrete culverts with 13 boxes per row. Forterra Pipe and Precast, LLC, of West Memphis, supplied the boxes. “Two more county road crossing designs are being completed by Michael
Baker International Engineers, and state Highway 63 and 70 crossings are being evaluated for box culverts rather than bridges. We believe changing from the current bridge concept to box culverts will be easier to maintain and save significant money,” WRID Director and Chief Engineer Dennis Carman said. Along with the box culvert designs by Michael Baker Engineers, NRCS has also delivered the design for the next canal segment. “We don’t know what the weather will be like for the next few months, but
Summer and Fall should be a busy time with the road crossings and canal work underway,” Carman added. The project is now fully funded for the first 12 miles of construction after a recent vote of approval from the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC). The ANRC commission members voted in favor of the $26 million loan through the Arkansas Natural Resources Division of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. “This funding is a loan and will be used to match $48 million of Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS) funding already approved. This means we are fully funded for the first 12 miles of canal started just west of DeValls Bluff and ending at the Hazen airport,” Carman explained. Prior work includes a pump station, 7,500 feet of twin 10-foot diameter pipelines and the regulating reservoir constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Continue to keep up with construction, public meetings and other information by following the White River Irrigation District on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/White RiverIrrigationDistrict.
Hazen Police Dept. in I-40 standoff On Monday, April 11, Officer Clayton Dillion of the Hazen Police Department was dispatched to the westbound rest area on Interstate 40 after a 911 call informed the department that a woman had her car hijacked. William Donald Rynes of Mississippi, age 52, showed a gun and demanded the keys to the car while the woman was sitting in the rest area parking lot. Trooper Williams with the Arkansas State Police arrived on the scene and along with Dillion, the two took up defensive positions behind Rynes, who was in the gray Ford Expedition that was hooked up to a camper trailer, until additional units arrived. Hazen Police Chief Bradley Taylor arrived
moments later with multiple other officers from multiple agencies. A perimeter was set up around the suspect, but he ignored commands to exit the vehicle for over 30 minutes and eventually left in the vehicle. Rynes drove under the White River overpass at the rest area before climbing up the muddy shoulder to get onto Interstate 40 eastbound. Dillion pursued in the lead vehicle which lasted about five miles when Rynes lost control of his vehicle near mile marker 204 and crashed into the cable barrier causing his vehicle to roll over. He was taken into custody to Sgt. Dillion, Asst. Police Chief Arlin VanHouten, and Chief Taylor without incident. Rynes was medically cleared at the Prairie County jail by an ambulance service.
Hazen ACSIP finalized The 2021-2022 ACSIP plan was accepted at the April 11 meeting of the Hazen School Board held in the high school library at 6:00 p.m. The board also voted unanimously to hire all classified staff for the 2022-23 school year. The only board member missing was Freddie Rogers, who was out of town. The only changes in the ACSIP plan were the addition of a summer remediation program for high school students and a change in the elementary literacy benchmark curriculum which was required by the state Department of Education. The new program, which will be purchased from Benchmark
Education, will cost the district $66,034.50 this year and will be paid for with Title I and ESA funds. The other half of the expense will be paid with next year’s budget. In other business, the board approved the superintendent’s recommendation to approve the certified salary schedule for the 2022-23 school year, which will be the same as this year’s budget. The board also approved the supplemental salary schedule and stipends for staff members for various extra duties and for national board certification. The board committed to using the Arch Ford (Continued on p. 4)
Eddie Joe Williams was the first speaker at the recent Farm Bureau event.
Meet the candidates event Members of the Farm Bureau got together to meet with candidates of various Prairie County races on Wednesday, April 13, in the Farm Bureau building at 11:30 a.m. Attendees enjoyed a delicious barbeque lunch, then listened to the candidates as they gave short speeches. Mason Sickel was in charge of the meeting. The first person to speak was Eddie Joe
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Williams from Cabot who is running for Secretary of State against the incumbent, John Thurston. Williams started his career working for the railroad where he rose through the ranks to an executive position. He also worked for the Trump Administration. Williams stressed the importance of every election. “The future of America hinges on our vote,” he said.
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Running for State Representative in District 61 was Jeremiah Moore of Clarendon. District 61 includes the eastern third of Prairie County. He expressed concern over the loss of population in the Delta part of the state, and wants to work toward moving people back to that area. “I care about where we’re from,” he said. Moore is an inde(Continued on p. 3)
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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Arts Center offers adult art classes Mary Elizabeth Weems Kittler
Mary Elizabeth (Weems) Kittler, 94, of Carlisle passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2022 under the care of Arkansas Hospice at CHI St. Vincent’s. Mary was born December 23, 1927, in Hazen, Arkansas to Merlin and Jessie Weems. She was a Christian and a longtime member of Carlisle First United Methodist Church. She was a charter member of the Carlisle Altruistic Club, Which she remained an active member for many years. She married the love of her life, Chester Kittler, in 1947. She was a housewife and a loving mother of two children, Church & Shon. Her biggest joy was becoming “Nana” to her two grandsons, Burton & Clark, and later to 6 greatgrandchildren. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Chester Kittler; son, Charles “Chuck” Kittler, and brother, Charles Weems. Survivors are her daughter, Shon (Jack) Evans of Carlisle; grandson, Burton Evans of Lonoke and Clark (Sunny) of Carlisle; 6 great grandchildren, Kerigan, Jana, Jaxson, Westen, Jake and Wyatt; a sister-in-law, Chris Weems of Hazen, and a host of nieces and nephews and friends. Funeral services will be 1:30 P.M., Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at the Family Life Center in Carlisle, Arkansas. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.,
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
Tuesday evening at the Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen. Interment will be in the Carlisle Cemetery. The family requests memorials be made to Shelby’s Pantry at Carlisle First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 417, Carlisle, Arkansas 72024. The family would like to thank the staff at Chamber’s Nursing Home and Dr. Chris Morgan for their care while she was there, the doctors and nurses that took care of her at ICU, North at Baptist Springhill, as well as the ones that cared for her while at Arkansas Hospice, CHI St. Vincent’s, and Renee Ferguson for the help and care she provided.
James Troy Liska
James Troy Liska of the Raft Creek community of Griffithville passed away at his home on Saturday morning, April 9, 2 0 2 2 . James was the beloved husband of Betty (Smith) Liska for 57 years. During their marriage they lived in Mt. Grove, Mo, Camden, Des Arc and Griffithville, AR. James was a heavy equipment operator for Riggs Tractor Co, until retirement. Then relocating to the Des Arc community was hired by the Calhoun Brothers, Floyd and Raymond. James was an avid hunter and fisherman. James had one son, James Michael Liska and wife, Kim from Mt. Grove, MO and three daughters, Debbie Ray and husband, Roy of Junction City, Connie Hugh and husband Richard of Ozark, Mo and Tammy Moore and husband, Jerry of Mt. Grove MO. James had eight grandchildren and several great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother Kathyrn (Skelton) Liska, father, George Liska and brother, Pete Liska. James family stated this was very unexpected and he will be truly missed by all.
Nanette Cecile Newton
Nanette Cecile Newton age 55 of Des Arc died unexpectedly in her parent’s home on April 7, 2022 due to a heart attack in her sleep. Nanette's loss was completely unexpected and the family is deeply saddened. Nanette was born on August 10, 1967 to Cecil and Bettie Newton. She worked as a beautician for 20 plus years and worked with several homebound elderly women, providing them with free haircuts and styling. Nanette also had a passion for growing flowers and land-
scaping. Anyone who knew Nanette, knew that she was kind, witty, loving and warm at heart. Nanette is survived by her parents Cecil and Bettie Newton of Des Arc her son Justin Lynn Coots, two brothers Kim Dwight Newton and Leslie Bert Newton. Her loving companion Robert Johnson of 25 years, stepdaughter Nicole Morris, husband James Morris and three step grandsons Frank, Jesse and Wyatt Morris. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for her family and friends will be held Sunday, May 1 at Oak Prairie Fire Department on Highway 11 beginning at 2 PM.
Mary Louise Holmes Simmons
Mary Louise (Holmes) Simmons, 63, of Cabot, formerly of Hazen, went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 12, 2022. Louise was born to BR and Betty Holmes on August 1, 1958 at Hazen, Arkansas. Louise was a homemaker and mother of two. She is survived by her mother, Betty Jean (Matthews) Holmes of Cabot; her husband of forty-three years, Johnny Simmons of Cabot; a daughter, Jocelyn Marie (Simmons) Pannell of Cabot; a son, Patrick Allen Simmons of Beebe; two grandsons; Ryley Andrew Pannell and fiancée, Hannah Woodman of Beebe, and Emerson Lane Pannell of Cabot. Louise was preceded in death by her father, BR Holmes, Jr. of Hazen; a brother, David Allen Holmes of Hazen, and her grandparents, Bernard R. and Edna (Harrison) Holmes, and Herschel and Daisy (Mills) Matthews of Hazen. Louise was the valedictorian of her Hazen High School class of 1976, a faithful member of Faith Baptist Church of Cabot and an advocate of the ACC Book Ministry at the church. Louise will be dearly missed by her family and a host of friends. Funeral service were at 2:00 P.M., Friday, April 15, 2022 at the Center Point Missionary Baptist Church in Hazen with visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., prior to the service. Interment was in the Center Point Cemetery.
Claudie David Smith
Claudie David Smith, 71 of Hazen, formerly of Rock Island, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, April 3 at his home. Claudie was born January 23, 1951 in H a z e n , Arkansas to Phillip and Ruby
The City of Hazen will be doing another tire clean up event this year on Thursday April 28, 2022 and Friday April 29, 2022. Please place all tires by the curb that you wish to dispose of no earlier than Saturday April 23rd. Tires have to be removed from the rims to be accepted. Please be reminded that we will only be doing this for two days. Please help us clean up the town!!
Smith. Claudie received his education from the Hazen Public School System. He was a 1969 graduate of Hazen High School. In his earlier years, while growing up in Hazen, Claudie and his family attended church at Prairie Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Claudie relocated to Rock Island, Illinois in the 1970’s where he was self-employed as a mechanic. Claudie’s greatest passion was for his rhythm and blues music. He was an accomplished local recording artist. He traveled for many years with his band singing at local and statewide events and venues. He had several hit singles and a successful album “Kiss Your Lips.” He was the lead singer for the Claudie Smith Revue Band and later Elixer. His parents Phillip and Ruby Smith, three brothers: Perlis Smith, Edward Smith and Leotis Smith; two sisters: Sandra Smith and Edith Smith all preceded Claudie in death. Survivors are: six children - Phillip (Elizabeth) Smith of San Antonio, TX, Jasma Smith of Brooklyn Park MN, Shantell (Jevone) McDaniel of Rock Island, IL, Caryn McBride of Atlanta, GA, Jerrethan Smith, Sierra Smith and Ashley Combs all of Rock Island, IL; eleven grandchildren - Jenay, Jazavier, Jaz’amir, Ja’Nasia, Jevone Jr., Ja’Nez, Just’eus, Zy’Yonna, Zay’Vyonna, Aniyah, Khalia, and one great-grandchild Bryson. Also forever connected, he leaves behind four brothers - Lindsey (Gireta) Smith, Jerry (Carol) Smith both of Hazen, AR; Derrick (Marcia) Smith of Conway, AR; and Darryl (Leasa) Smith of DeWitt, AR; one sister - Ina (Joe) Harris of Little Rock, AR; and countless nephews, nieces other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 16 at 3 PM at Prairie Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 411 East Washington Street in Hazen with Minister Darrell Smith officiating. Interment took place at Green Grove Cemetery in Hazen by Branscumb Johnson & Gilchrest Funeral Home of Brinkley (870) 7342772 email: branscumbfuneralhome1928@yahoo. com. Pallbearers: Phillip Smith, Jasma Smith, Jerrathen Smith, Leonard Smith, Terry Loudermilk Jr. and Jeremy Smith.
The Art Center of the Grand Prairie is pleased to announce the beginning of classes for adults and Senior Citizens. Ceramics 101 will introduce basic ceramic techniques and participants will be making a variety of household friendly one-of-a-kind pieces to enjoy. This class will meet for two sessions and will involve glazing and finishing techniques. All materials are provided and the tuition is $30.00 Senior Art 65+ will involve a multitude of different art mediums presented by our profes-
sional artist teachers in addition to a lot of fun. All materials will be furnished and the tuition is $5.00. The dates are as follows: Senior Art 65+ April 14th Tuition is $5.00 3:00 - 5:00 Ceramics 101 April 21st & 28thTuition is $30.00 6:30 - 9:00 Those wishing to participate in either of our classes this month may sign up on our website at www.grandprairiearts.com and or by calling the Arts Center of the Grand Prairie at 673-1781.
New books at PC library CHILDREN Crossings- Kathy S Duffield JUVENILE When Stars are Scattered- Victoria Jameson Clap When You LandElizabeth Acevedo YOUNG ADULT This is my AmericaKim Johnson You should see me in a Crown- Leah Johnson The Inheritance Games- Jennifer Lynn Barnes These Violent DelightsChole Gong Legendborn- Tracy Deonn Long Way Down- Jason Reynolds What I Carry- Jennifer Longo ADULT What Happened to the Bennetts- Lisa Scottoline Fear Thy NeighborFern Michaels The Wedding VeilKristy Woodson Harvey A Relative MurderJude Deveraux Texas HomecomingCarolyn Brown The Match- Harlan Coban Quicksilver- Dean Koontz The Family- Naomi Krupitsky The Violent StormWilliam W Johnstone (Western) To the River's EndWilliam W Johnstone (Western) ASVAB For Dummies Blossom in Winter-
Melanie Martins Lured into LoveMelanie Martins Lured into LiesMelanie Martins Defying EternityMelanie Martins Somewhere Only We Know- Barbara Freethy The Missing PieceJohn Lescroart Stag Party- Pamela Fagan Primordial Earth Books 4-9- Baileigh Higgins United States Marshal Books 1-5- Wyatt Cochrane (Western) Frontier Justice- Mike Mackessy (Western) Acts of VengeanceMike Mackessy (Western) Lantern in the Lighthouse- Kathi Daley Poison in the PuddingKathi Daley A Magnolia Homecoming- AnneMarie Meyer A Magnolia Friendship- Anne-Marie Meyer Magnolia at MidnightAnne-Marie Meyer DVDs Dudley Do-Right Dr. Death A Tale of Two Guns House of Gucci Red Rocket Annabelle Creation Sing 2 Apex Predator Marry Me Young Rock season 1 Scream Death on the Nile
Blood donations The following people donated blood at the April 11th blood drive held at the Hazen Methodist Church: Gary Shelman Mary Van Houten Dewana Keys Chris Wright
Sydne Hamilton Mike Edge Dan Hooks Carl Berryhill Lance Larkin Janie Starr Nancy Chlapecka Cory Tennison Tonya Hughfill Sharon Stallings
Rentting Christo hristo opher Hom mes Inc. Inc
~ ~BRINKLEY Y & DEVAL LLS BLUFF F~
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HUD Subsidize ed Rent is 30% off Adjusted Monthly Income 1 Bedroom & Ef Efficiency y Garden Te errace Apartments p Units designed d for the Mobility Impaired age 18 years or older Service Coordinator (on site) Call for other Eligibility E Requirements Manager Brenda Long Brinkley
900 West 6th St Brinkley, AR72021 (870) 734-2201 bri@christopherhomesoffa arkans sas.org
DeValls Bluff 119 West Sycamore DeValls Blufff,, AR 72041 (870) 340-2272 dev@christopherhomesoffa arkansas.org
Christopher Homes Inc. does not discriminate e on the basis of disability status in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its federally assisted progr rams and activities. The Senior Site Coordinator, P.O. Box 7565, Little Rock, AR 72217, (501)664-1881 TTY-711, has been n designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination i t contained t i d iin th t t off Housi requirements the D Department H i ǯ ǯ 504(21 CFR, part 8 dated June, 1988)
Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Bison lose to Jaguars By Mark Buffalo In a battle for first place in the 2A-6 standings, the McCrory Jaguars got the best of the Carlisle Bison. McCrory jumped out to a 5-0 lead en route to a 16-2 win over Carlisle at Rockefeller Park on Thursday. With the loss, the Bison fall to 14-7 on the season. “It’s a tough one for sure,” Carlisle coach Steven Tew said. “I think we had a lot of hype surrounding the game and probably rightfully so. We had done a good job of setting ourselves up for the opportunity to win the conference, and that was one of our goals at the start of the season. “We know it was going to be tough. McCrory is a e very solid team who returned all nine starters from last year’s team, which made a run all the way to the semifinals.” Carlisle ace pitcher Dalton Ward struggled with control. He gave up six runs — only three earned — in four
innings of work. He allowed only three hits but walked six. He struck out seven. “Dalton really didn’t have his best stuff that day early on,” Tew said. “He struggled to locate his fastball and everything with spin that works off that was hard to induce swings because of the lack of control of his fastball. At times, his four-seamer worked, and then, at times, the two-seamer worked but we just couldn’t get them to work consistently to set up their hitters.” Offensively, the Bison had only five hits — one each by Zach Busic, Jonathan Pickard, Noah Seidenschwarz, David Hayes and Ward. Busick scored both runs — one each in the third and fifth innings. As a team, the Bison struck out 11 times. McCrory scored three times in the first, twice int he second, once in the fourth, twice in the fifth and eight times in the sixth. Defensively, the Bison
made four errors. “On offense, it was hard to get the stuff going to get back into the game once we fell behind so much early on,” Tew said. “When you’re down that much early, you can’t really give away outs with any small-ball tactics. “Moving forward, I’ll be interested to see how our guys respond to the loss as the postseason is right around the corner. We know what we have to do to compete and be better. We have to work ahead in counts, play better defense and get more production out of the bottom of the lineup.” The Bison played White County Central on Monday and Lisa Academy on Wednesday before traveling to Little Rock to play the Parkview Patriots on Friday. “This week will be a good opportunity to make sure several other guys get innings on the mound to help us make a push for a long postseason run,” Tew said.
Quorum Court finalizes budget The Prairie County Quorum Court met on Tuesday, April 12, at 6:00 p.m. to pass an ordinance to amend and finalize the 2021 county budget. All of the Justices of the Peace were in attendance, including newly seated Justice Ronald Eans. Eans, a former justice, was recently chosen by the State of Arkansas to fill the court position left vacant by the death of Lynn Hatcher. Court Clerk Gaylon Hale and County Attorney Abram Skarda were
also in attendance. Justice Lawrence Holloway was elected to preside over the meeting. The passage of the abridged 2021 budget was needed to verify the true expenditures of each county department during the year. This is a necessity of all governmental bodies because, as County Attorney Skarda told the justices, “You can never budget down to the penny.” The ordinance passed with three readings.
Holloway reported that almost all of the roads in the north part of the county had been graded despite an abundance of rain. County Sheriff Rick Hickman told the justices that nine skylights at the jail and five Sheriff’s Department vehicles had been damaged by the April 11th hailstorm that occurred in Des Arc. Holloway said that the roof on the county courthouse annex had also been damaged and is leaking.
Mayor Brian Dodson congratulates new Police Chief Jeremy Murphy.
DVB hires police chief By Lisa Mills At the April 14th City Council meeting, Mayor Brian Dodson introduced new Police Chief Jeremy Murphy. Attending the meeting were Mayor Brian Dodson, Recorder/Treasurer Darlene Connor and council members Richard Henry, Marie Flanagan, Raymond Watson, Lalisa Wright, Alice Metcalf and Carol Griffin. Mayor Dodson reported that the new tractor is waiting for attachments
to be installed and will hopefully be delivered by the end of April. He also reported that a new gas line detector was purchased for $1,231. Sheriff Rick Hickman gave his final monthly report. There were 124 patrols, 2 arrests, 3 accidents and 5 general complaints. Mayor Dodson and the council thanked Sheriff Hickman for all the good work his department has done. Council member Raymond Watson asked Mayor Dodson when let-
ters would be sent to property owners about cleaning up properties. Dodson said he would find previous letters and prepare new ones to go out. The council accepted a letter from Shawna Swanigan relinquishing her rights to the old medical building where she had the Little Scrappers Community Center. Swanigan thanked the council and all the volunteers who made this program possible.
Farm Bureau event_________ (continued from p. 1) pendent contractor. He would like to see the state depreciation schedule to be changed to allow businesses to depreciate assets in one year, rather than the seven years the state of Arkansas requires. Changing to one year would bring the depreciation time in line with that of the federal government. He would also like to see literacy education emphasized more in Arkansas schools. “We’ve got to focus on the science of reading,” he said. Two candidates for Prairie County Sheriff spoke to the group. The first to speak was Rick Hickman, the present county sheriff. Hickman has served the county in that position for almost six years, and during that time he said that there has been a decreased crime rate. Arlin VanHouten was the second candidate for sheriff to speak. He is a graduate of DeValls Bluff High School and has worked for the Hazen Police Department, where he is presently the assistant police chief, since 2011. He expressed the need to go after drugs and rural theft. “I have my
own ideas,” he said. The four candidates running for Prairie County Judge spoke last. The first was Rick Dobson who grew up in Craighead County and is active in Republican state and county politics. Dobson would like to see uniform county bidding for materials such as rocks and fuel. He also proposed that the county government become more transparent by keeping an updated web page with records being posted online. He also said that the county needed a road committee. “ We’re losing, and we’ve got to make a turn,” he said. He suggested that one way to do this is through farm tourism. The second candidate to speak, Brad DeVore is the son of a former county judge. He stated that a lot of the roads in Prairie County need attention. He said that there are ways to do this and stay within the county budget. “I will do my best to fulfill the duties of county judge,” DeVore said. Dwayne Chappell, another candidate for County Judge, is from Des Arc and is retired from farming, which he
started in 1978. He was on the Arkansas Board of Directors for one year and is former president of the East Prairie Water System. He served on that board for 14 years. Chappell said that he has experience in budgeting and finances, and that he was asked to run for county judge by the present judge, Mike Skarda, and local politician, Butch Calhoun. The last to speak was Lawrence Holloway of Des Arc who has spent 20 years in banking and 30 years in the insurance business. He is presently a county justice of the peace and has served as the Budget Committee Chairman since 2005. At that time, the county was running a deficit of $30,000, and Holloway said that he took on the responsibility of going through all of the county’s departmental budgets and cutting expenses. “All of the budgets since 2006 have worked,” he said, crediting the department heads. He ended by saying, “All of you are taxpayers, and it's your money. Working together, we can keep the county moving forward.”
Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, April 20, 2022
State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Jonathan Dismang
An important deadline is approaching if you plan on voting in the May 24 Preferential Primary Election and Nonpartisan General Election. If you have not already registered to vote, you have until April 25 to file your voter registration application with your county clerk. If you submit your application close to an election registration deadline, you are strongly advised to follow up with your county clerk before Election Day. You can check your voter registration status and find your polling location at www.voterview.org. On the website, you can also find a list of who will appear on the ballot. If you do not see that information listed by May, call your
County Clerk’s office. Due to redistricting changes, we encourage you to review your ballot before heading to the polls. The boundaries of voting districts for state legislators shifted to reflect population changes in the 2020 Census. Districts were also renumbered. You may have the same lawmaker listed on your ballot but your House or Senate number may be different than what you’re used to. Early voting for the primary and nonpartisan general election will begin on May 9. Early voting is available between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, ending at 5 p.m. on the Monday before the election. Off-site early voting hours may vary by county.
At the voting site, an election official will ask you to state your name, address, and date of birth. The election official will request you provide an approved form of I.D. In a primary election, you must state the party primary in which you wish to vote. If you don’t wish to cast a party ballot, you may choose to vote in the nonpartisan races only (which may include judicial and prosecuting attorney races, and other local issues such as tax increases). The General Election and Nonpartisan Runoff Election will be held on November 8. You can find more information about voting in Arkansas at www.sos.arkansas.gov.
Hazen High School Honor Roll Hazen High School’s 3rd Nine Weeks Honor Roll is as follows: 7th Grade Michael Bowman*, Ryleigh Cook, Isabelle Gray, Kylee McElroy, Bailey Sims, Jalynn Thomas, Alyssa Tiner, Kadence Weems 8th Grade Peyton Anderson, Alantis Blancett, Chase Heinmiller, Ethan Lisko, Shelbi Melcher, Allyson Mooney, Maddox Prine*, Sophie Raper*, Maci Sickel*, Dylan Skarda*, London Smith 9th Grade Rileigh Barnhill, Samuel Clayton, Faith Duell, Alexis Dulany,
Madison Humbert, Joseph Hurley, Carson Kee, Austin Kocourek, Chloe Rose, Laila Schultz, Hope Seeber, Ethan Simmons, Kendall Sisemore*, Kaiden Tipton, Brance Williams 10th Grade Nash Arnett, Austyn Booth*, Shelby Brown*, Savannah Glover*, Gage H e i n m i l l e r , Faith Johnson, Grayson Lott, Arianna Pabon, Allison Prine, Joshua Romero-Dawson, Kaycie Seely, Brooke Wooten 11th Grade Kelcie Dorathy, Lane Harper*, Cora Hodge, Remi Kajiyama*, Luke
King*, Ece Maral*, Sakura Onozaki*, Ivan Rodriguez*, Lacey Rogers, Ran Seike*, Griffin Shultz, Greenlee Simmons 12th Grade Maci Bokker*, Wesley Clayton, Halley Cossey*, Larry Craig*, Mason D’Angelo, Trelby Gipson, Faithe Hussey, Emma Hyatt*, McKynzie Jones, Kelsey K i n a r d * , Lyndsey Lawman*, Gabe Pfleger*, Whitney Sayger*, Rosalie Shuck*, Laney Shultz, Hailey Smith*, Cayden Stallings, Sidnee Steeland, Braiden Tosh*, Shedrick Ward* Denotes All A’s *
Mother-Daughter photo contest Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund announces a MotherDaughter Fun Photo
Contest to fund scholarships across the state of Arkansas. Entries are being accepted now.
Anyone can enter for free. Votes will be $1 each with a $5 minimum, and all proceeds will fund scholarships for single parents who are pursuing a better life through the pursuit of post-secondary education or skilled trade certification. Voting will end on May 6, 2022. For contest rules, to enter, and to vote, go to https://www.gogophotocontest.com/aspsf. The photo with the most votes will be awarded a $250 Amazon gift card. There are also prizes for second and third place. For information about the photo contest, scholarships, volunteer opportunities, and ways to give, visit aspsf.org or contact Wendy Stotts at wstotts@aspsf.org or by phone at 870/273-2059.
CHS students take tour... Carlisle High School Food Safety and Nutrition students had a great time touring UA - Pulaski Tech Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute and participating in a hands on lab.
Hazen school board_________ (Continued from p. 1) Consortium ALE program for next year. The location of the ALE will be in Carlisle, and the cost of $75,600 will be paid with ALE funds. Fraley Roofing was chosen to re-roof the cafeteria building and the Neel building. The cafeteria roof will be torn off and replaced sometime after July 1, 2022, and included in the 2023 budget. The Neel Building will have a membrane barrier installed on its roof. In addition, Little Rock Tent and Awning Co. will build a walkway canopy over the handicap parking in the south elementary parking lot for $12,262.50, which will also come out of the 2023 budget. LSCI Help counseling has entered into an agreement with the district to provide counseling services for the remainder of the 202122 school year. The district lost its present counselor, and Superintendent Donnie Boothe told the board that, “We have a lot of kids who need counseling.” A stipend for football field clean up for $100 per week during football season as approved, along with the superintendent’s recommendation to pay a stipend of $1500 for security during home sports games and at board meetings when requested beginning July 1 of the 2023 school year. This amount does not include the cost of security at away games, the prom, or graduation. LaLisa Wright was
hired as an elementary paraprofessional through the last student attendance day, May 31, of this year effective March 17. The board also accepted the resignation of Vernon Owens effective June 30, 2022. Owens has worked for the district since 1988. Elementary Principal Tiffany Glover announced that an antibullying assembly would be presented to students in kindergarten through 6th grade on Tuesday, April 12, and that a special pep rally will be held for students who do well on state testing. The tests begin on April 26. Field trips are planned in May. High School Principal Mark Price reported that the ACT has been taken and that the prom, which was held in the school cafeteria, was a success. The ACT Aspire tests in reading, math, and science will be taken the week of April 26, and the band concert will be held on
May 3. Testing reward day is planned for May 5, and May 6th is Senior Day. The 2022 high school graduation will be held on Sunday, May 15th. Price also said that the agriculture students have taken charge of greenhouse maintenance, the rabbit sheds behind the school will be removed, and the Ag Department’s spring planting has been completed. Board Mason Sickel said that the junior trap shooting team will compete on May 13, and the senior team will compete on May 14. Boothe reported that the FACS Department sewing machines have been repaired and returned, that the baseball and softball teams are doing well, and that there is a plan to take water off of the sidewalk at the elementary drop off area. The next meeting will be held on Monday, May 16, at 6:00 p.m.
Paid for by Rick Dobson.
Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, April 20, 2022
CDL DRIVERS NEEDED
Local hauling. Home every night. Weekly pay. Call T J Pauschert Trucking at 870552-9400.
$1200 SIGN ON BONUS Recruiter seeking the following: Experienced Batch Plant Operator, Tuckerbuilt Operator, and Team Lead for Patching. The Precast Company I am representing is the leader in the industry. They will hire direct for full time, competitive pay and benefits. May be moving allowance for the right person, this established company is located in TX. Call for more information 254-266-3363
Billy’s Body Shop & Wrecker Service. P. O. Box 696, Hazen Ark 72064. To whom it may concern: A 2016 Kia Sorento Vin #5XYPH4A10GG001563 is located at 1203 Hwy 70 East, Hazen Arkansas 72064. The vehicle is 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 a first priority possession lien on the vehicle and its contents for all charges. Unless the 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. The vehicle will then be sold for towing and storage fees.
Bowman Plumbing
The Prairie County Judge’s office is looking for a secretary. To apply bring your resume and work record to the judge’s office in the County Courthouse Annex in Des Arc by April 28, 2022. The Hazen School District is seeking a Facilities/Transportation Director. Must have a high school diploma or GED. Must have a CDL Class C with passenger/school bus endorsement. Experience in diesel engine repair and maintenance, tire inspection, and basic knowledge of electrical, plumbing, and structural repair is preferred. This is a supervisory position. Applications can be found on the district website under Employment Opportunities. Please send completed applications to Donnie Boothe at dboothe@hazen.k12.ar.us.
CALL FOR BIDS
Serving the Entire Grand Prairie
The Des Arc School District will receive bids until 9:00 a.m. on May 6th, 2022 at the Administration Building, 600 Main St. Des Arc, AR for replacing carpet and tile in 33 rooms at DHS and DES. All interested parties must complete a walkthrough of the classrooms before submitting a bid. This can be
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
Free Ads for Free Stuff If you’re giving it away, we’ll give you an ad for
free Call 2554538
scheduled at the administration office by calling Dr. Marc Sherrell at 870-256-4164. Bid packets can be picked up at the administration building. All bidders will be required to have a notarized statement of assurance, performance bond and meet the Davis-Bacon act.
Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Grand Prairie Quilt share Easter projects By Marsha Heien Grand Prairie Quilt Society met April 13, 2022 at the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall, Stuttgart with seven members present. Glenda opened the meeting with the thought for the day, "The best anti-depressant is a sewing machine and a room full of fabric." Happy Birthday greetings were extended to Ann, Kay, and Sherrye, Happy Birthday!! The March minutes and treasurer's report were given. Under Old Business, we still have eight signed up for Country Quilt Camp VIII on
June 2-5, 2022. Registration is still open. Shelley and Marsha are making favors for those attending quilt camp: pin cushions and ribbon lanyards. The club project for 2022 is to make pillows and pillowcases for Arkansas Childrens' Hospital and also baby items for Hope of the Delta. Members were reminded to bring beans for the ICCM Food Bank. Under New Business, members were asked to consider helping with the Creative Arts division of the Arts Festival in 2023. Show and Share: Glenda had several pillows and a pillow case
Sherrye and Shelley look at Sherrye's sampler quilt/comforter. she made for ACH. Shelley had three baby quilts for Hope of the Delta Maeola showed the Easter dresses and bunnies she made for her granddaughters in Georgia.
Sherrye showed her finished Sampler Quilt. Everyone enjoyed sampling Jim's delicious soda bread. The treasure table was again full of fabric, magazines and books. A good time was had by all trying to find
just the right piece to finish that special project. The next meeting will be a Sit 'n Sew on May 11, 2022 at the church. Bring your project and lunch and join us.
Shelley's baby quilts for Hope of the Delta.
HES holds anti-bullying assembly... Hazen Elementary School had an anti-bullying assembly for students in kindergarten through 6th grade on Tuesday, April 12, in the Hornets’ Nest gymnasium. According to reports, the kids had a great time.