This Week's Issue

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HHS honors softball seniors.

(See p. 6.)

Volume 120 Number 16 - USPS 225-680

Community Calendar of Events Pre-K Registration packets for 2021-2022 can be picked up at the Pre-K room.

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.

Hazen Baseball vs McCrory Hazen Baseball field 4:30 p.m.

Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie

WRID signs notice to proceed with construction on first segment

By Leigh VanHouten The White River Irrigation District (WRID) officially signed a contract with Garrett Excavating and issued the notice to proceed on Tuesday, April 6. The signatures will allow work to begin on the first 2-mile segment of canals in Prairie County, near DeValls Bluff, within 10 days.

“We have been working on this piece for a little over a year,” Tony Stevenson, WRID engineer, told the group gathered. “We appreciate your bid. We had to have a lot of pieces come together. And hopefully we will have more of these contracts in the future.”

Area residents should not expect major construction equipment until June, according to engineers, due to recent weather. Pre-construction work will include mapping with drones and other land-marking equipment.

This will be the first dirt work for the canal construction. Prior work includes a pump station, 7,500 feet of twin 10-foot diameter pipelines and a 70-acre regulating reservoir. This is a significant move to see the project gain momentum

to its goal, which is supplying farmers in portions of Prairie, Monroe, Lonoke, and Arkansas counties with muchneeded water for crops.

“We ask that you always be conscious of farmers operations and their crops. Also, if it is wet, we ask that you stay off their farm roads,” Stevenson explained.

The prime contractor will be Garrett Excavating, of Hot Springs, with local contractors John Neukam, of DeWitt, and Dale Shook, of Casscoe/Stuttgart, doing most of the dirt work.

The bids for this work ranged from $3.6 million to $5.2 million. Money was secured through a National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) grant along with loans from the Arkansas Agriculture Department.

The WRID will administer the contract and NRCS will share construction inspection duties.

“We are glad you guys are on board,” Dan Hooks, WRID board president, told representatives from Garrett Excavating.

Gerald Gregory, chief operations officer with Garrett, said he expect-

Hazen Softball vs McCrory Hazen Ball Field 4:00 p.m.

Friday April 23 Auction and BBQ Dinner for Tim Van Houten 5:00 p.m.

Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen

Des Arc High School Prom Friday May 7 Hazen’s Senior Prom 6:00 p.m.

Hazen Community Center 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.

White River Irrigation District (WRID) Board President Dan Hooks signs the notice to proceed with Garrett Excavating to proceed with the two-mile area of canals Tuesday, April 6 at the WRID Hazen office. (Leigh VanHouten picture.) ed work to begin within two weeks with dirt work beginning in June and running through August.

“We will start getting

ready,” Gregory said, with a handshake.

Attending agencies at the meeting included WRID, Garrett Engineers, NRCS, Army

Corp of Engineers/Memphis office and representatives through the State of Arkansas.

Prairie County Quorum Court ok’s distruction of Hazen Court records

The restoration of the caboose in Hazen City Park West is set to begin soon.

Hazen City Council continues discussion about natural gas

By Lisa Mills

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

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Natural gas bills were discussed once again at the April 15th Hazen City Council meeting.

Mayor David Hardke told the council that he had received a “Civil I n v e s t i g a t i o n Questionnaire” from the Attorney General’s office and had sent back 101 pages of statements and information to be considered in the Attorney General’s investigation into the recent extreme gas bills received by many cities. Hardke said that the over-billed amount will not be paid while the investigation continues.

Present at the meeting were Mayor David H a r d k e , Treasurer/Recorder David Hoover, and Council Members Rick Wiggins, Steve Chlapecka, Larry Anthony, Barbara Rogers, Dallas Taylor and Tim Juola.

Mayor Hardke reported that the masonry work on the depot had been completed and that it looks great.

He said that the snow had created some issues with the gutters, and that is what they are currently working on. After that is repaired, work will the begin on windows.

As for restoration on the caboose, Hardke stated that it had taken a while to find someone to do the sandblasting work which must be done before it can be repainted.

He finally received a quote for $5,700 from McCormick Equipment in Little Rock and had made the agreement with them.

In other business, Mayor Hardke reported that the Aristotle Internet continues working on installations and so far some were working great while there have been issues with others which Aristotle is working on. Tracy Vail stated that she is waiting to get a price on having the fibers run directly to homes and that anyone within the city limits can request this.

Police Chief Bradley Taylor reported that the new police vehicles have been received and have been sent for equipment installation.

He also reported that collection of court fines is way up from last year.

The council approved a motion to destroy district court records for the last 7 years that have been audited as required by law. The records will be destroyed on June 3, 2021.

The Prairie County Quorum Court on Tuesday, April 13, with only a light agenda. The main business dealt with by the justices was to approve the destruction of old Hazen District Court records.

“I’m pleased that we can actually do this,” County Attorney Abram Skarda said. The records have to be audited before they can be destroyed, and the records in Hazen have been well maintained by Annette Felts, the city’s court clerk, Skarda said.

Skarda plans to check the records of the other courts in Biscoe, DeValls Bluff, and Des Arc. According to Skarda, if the records have not been maintained or audited, they cannot be destroyed.

Included in the documents slated for destruction are criminal records, fingerprints,

and checks from January 12, 1999 to 2013. The court unanimously voted to approve the destruction of the old court records. All justices were present at the meeting, along with Judge Mike Skarda, County Clerk Gaylon Hale, County Treasurer Tamara Dabney, and Sheriff Rick Hickman.

Judge Skarda reported that the road department had been working on gravel roads in the southern part of the county. Some of the roads had to have the centers dug out before gravelling because they were so deeply rutted.

He also told the justices that the road department had purchased a 2015 Kenilworth truck with CARES money from Brad Caviness for $34,000. A dump bed was also purchased for the truck. Skarda said that the department

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also intends to buy a front-end loader.

Dabney told the court that county sales tax receipts are up. Judge Skarda expressed excitement about the new Family Dollar/Dollar Tree store being built in Des Arc. Hickman said that the Sheriff’s Department is getting ready to sell off old equipment. He also reported that a seed buggy had been stolen in the county.

Justice Paul Hooks asked about a negative balance of $14,190 in the county match road construction account.

The judge explained that the funds in that account are part of a grant that is to be matched by the state.

Hale told the court that renovations on the Des Arc courthouse had begun. There were no committee reports, and the meeting adjourned.

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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Blurred Vision -

By Nathaniel Bradow

“Virtual Strains”

Sheila Lorraine Walker Sheila Lorraine Walker (née Black) was a deeply caring and powe r f u l w i f e , mother, grandmother, sister, a n d friend.

After a long, courageous battle with cancer, she left this world on March 29, 2021 at age 72.

Sheila came from a strong and fearless line of women. Sara Bradley, her mother, impactfully organized and protested against Chicago slumlords. Sallie and Annie Giles, her great grandmother and grandmother, were notable figures in the efforts of Black sharecroppers to organize a local chapter of the Progressive Farmers and Household Union of America in Elaine, Arkansas. Their community’s fight for basic labor rights was met with retaliation, in the form of the horrific Elaine Race Massacre of 1919, which Sallie and Annie survived.

Sheila was born on July 27, 1948 in Hot Springs, AR. She was raised on the South Side of Chicago amid the modern Civil Rights and Black Power Movements. She and her seven siblings grew up poor, however Sheila always lived with a rich, giving, and generous spirit. She carried her foremothers’ sense of activism and social justice throughout her life by remaining steadfastly devoted to the principles of Black liberation and justice.

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

After graduating from Hyde Park Academy High School, Sheila studied at Loyola University Chicago. In September 1969, Sheila met Ivor Walker, a Jamaican immigrant, the love of her life, and husband for 50 years.

They moved to the Bronx, NY and together had two children: Marcus and Apryl.

Sheila joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 1974 and she subsequently served as a U.S. Federal Police Officer for over a decade. In 1988, her family moved to Syracuse, NY where she worked as a county healthcare community outreach worker. In that role, she proudly facilitated projects such as a support group for Black women facing breast cancer. She eventually retired and settled near her daughter in Wilmington, DE. Sheila was an active member and leader in the Re-evaluation Counseling community for many years. Sheila dedicated much of her later years to promoting racial healing, justice, and reconciliation by traveling back to Elaine, AR, and continuing to speak out publicly on the legacy of the Elaine Massacre.

Sheila was fun-loving and lived life to its fullest. She loved everyone and would talk to anyone. She was an excellent cook and loved to talk about food. She was fiercely proud of her family. Sheila was a queen, in a crowded room she reigned and held court. She loved to play cards and “talk stuff.” She delighted in spending time with her grandchildren. Most significantly, Sheila was extraordinarily generous. Throughout her adult life, she and her husband Ivor took others into their home with caring love, including an uncle, siblings, and a niece. All who ever met Sheila felt her warmth, big heart, and joyful spirit, even when their time with her was brief.

Sheila is survived by her husband Ivor, son Marcus, daughter Apryl, a daughter-in-law and a son-in-law, three grandchildren, four siblings, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A virtual memorial service is scheduled for 7pm on April 22, 2021. To request memorial service details, please email slwmemorial@gmail.com . In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Re-evaluation Foundation Black Liberation and C o m m u n i t y Development Project, in memory of Sheila Walker. Donations made by check or money order, payable to “ReEvaluation Foundation” with “BLCD Project in Memory of Sheila Walker” in the memo, can be mailed to 19370 Firlands Way North, Shoreline, WA 981333925.

As many of you know, I am a teacher by trade. I am also inflicted with a genetic lung condition called Cystic Fibrosis.

You can feel free to look it up and see what the details are, but the main thing is over time it will become harder and harder for me to breathe. I mention these two things merely as a precursor to talk about this year’s new phenomenon known as virtual school.

Because of my condition, I have been assigned to teach all virtual classes this year. I have nearly 150 students and all of them come to me each day in the form of little black Zoom boxes with names or pictures centered in the middle. There is no real way to know if my students are there or if they’re paying attention.

It has been a struggle to be sure.

At first, I was all gungho and excited to get the school year started.

Despite what some of you believe, teachers (for the most part) really do enjoy their jobs and look forward to meeting and teaching the youth of America every Fall to Summer. I was happy to be back in a classroom even though my world was shrinking from a 600-square-foot room to an 8’ x 8’ corner of a computer lab with three monitors and a comfy chair. The ending to the 19-20 school year was rough, and I was hoping the new year would bring some sense of structure back to the world.

In a way it did bring some sense of normalcy back to my daily routine. I get up, get ready, and go to work each day. I do lesson plans

AR Blood Drive has 16 donors The Arkansas Blood Drive held at the Hazen First United Methodist Church on Monday, April 12. Sixteen people donated. They are: Dawanna Keys Shirley Evants Britt Stallings Sharon Cagle Sue Clayton

was left off High School for the 11th apologize for

Sharon Stallings Charles Schwede Nicole Lawman Gary Shelman Mary Van Houten Craig Brown Tracy Teer Nancy Chlapecka Cory Fisher Kenneth Alexander Janie Starr

Legal Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS NORTHERN DISTRICT - PROBATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PAULINE H. OWEN, DECEASED NO. PR-21-5 Last Known Address: 10882 Highway 11 North, Des Arc, AR 72040 Date of Death: February 4, 2021 An instrument dated March 17, 2995, was on the 24th day of March, 2021 admitted to probate as the last will of the above-named decedent and the undersigned has been appointed Executor thereunder.

Contest of the probate of the will can be effected only by filing a petition within the time provided by law.

All persons having

Correction Zoe Ford the Hazen honor roll grade. We

and schedule activities and lectures and projects, etc. I pose questions and practice reading and writing skills.

We tell jokes once a week as our intro activity, and so on and so on.

Overall it has been a good year.

However, it has been a long and difficult year as well. Now that we are getting down to the end of things, I am really starting to feel the strain this year has caused in both me and my students. Don’t get me wrong.

Virtual school is a great tool, and I have many kids who are thriving under the less peer-pressured and low-stakes environment that comes with more anonymity and separation provided by virtual classes. On the other hand, virtual school takes a lot of self discipline. There isn’t a parental figure in the room with you in 52minute increments reminding you to get things done or turned in. Virtual kids have to be self starters and more importantly self finishers, which takes a good level of motivation.

Procrastinators do not fare well in virtual classes.

My wife says I was made for virtual school, and in a lot of ways she is right. I am more technologically savvy than a lot of teachers. I don’t mind figuring out digital structures that will aid my kids in the learning process. And, since I have spent a great deal of my adult life talking to myself, the lack of responses in a virtual class doesn’t affect my psyche over much. That being said, I often tell my students that I don’t believe I

claims against the estate must exhibit them, duly verified, to the undersigned within six (6) 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.

This notice first published the day of , 2021.

JERRY L. OWEN, EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF PAULINE H. OWEN, DECEASED

would be a successful virtual student.

To be fair, the internet was a new thing when I was in high school, and in a lot of cases it was easier to go to the library and look things up than to try and find the same information online. But, the great thing about young people is that they are amazingly pliable. They can adjust to new situations well, or at least better than us oldies but goodies. I think I would have adjusted to the technology just fine, but there has always been a bit of the procrastinator in me. In many respects, I do a lot of my best work under a time crunch. Not all procrastinators are created equal however.

Most of my kids who struggle virtually are struggling because they put things off until they become monsters in their virtual closets. The work piles up from all seven classes and eventually the students become overwhelmed by the sheer size of it all.

Things that might have only taken five or ten minutes go undone because they are no longer individual assignments to the student. They are one huge coalesced mass of vile smelling, razor-toothed terror that is easier to ignore in hopes it will disappear rather than it is to confront and accomplish each item one at a time.

I keep trying to put myself into my students' proverbial shoes. As tough as it has been for me to sit in my own little corner in my own little room and teach, what would it be like to sit in my bedroom with all the daily distractions and learn? Would I be able to block out all of the TVs, cell phones,

gaming devices, stereos, and let’s not forget the warm and inviting allure of my comfy bed? I honestly don’t know.

Remembering how I was as a teenager, I really don’t think I would fare well in that environment. And I assure you, I would have been one of the kids who were forced to do so this year.

The problem for me as a teacher is where do I draw the hard line in the sand. At what point do I have to hold my students accountable for deadlines and assignments no matter the circumstances. Some of them have so much more than distractions to worry about. Some of them work to support their families. Some of them are the only ones who can work, and are the only source of income. Some are facing obstacles silently and stoicly that I dare not imagine. Where is the line between grace, mercy, and accountability? Until that line becomes clear either by experience or state mandate, I plan on erring on the side of mercy. In my estimation, this year my job is to stop kids from hemorrhaging as much learning loss as possible.

In my life, I have found that being merciful isn’t being weak. Being merciful, along with providing support, is a way to impart strength to others. We should all practice a little more mercy.

Parents of virtual kids old on just a little longer. This too shall pass.

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.

Home energy assistance program for winter 2021 2021 WINTER REGULAR AND CRISIS INTERVENTION Effective Friday April 30, 2021, Mid-Delta Community Services, Inc. will be closing the Home Energy Winter Regular and Crisis Assistance Programs in Phillips, Lee, Monroe, and Prairie Counties.

Applications will be processed on a first

come-first serve basis until the close of the program.

Applicants may contact their local Community Centers shown below with questions: PRAIRIE COUNTY DeValls Bluff Community Center Sycamore & Ash Streets DeValls Bluff, AR (870) 998-2005

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

JERRY KELLY KELLY LAW FIRM, P.A. Attorney for the Estate of Pauline H. Owen, Deceased P.O. Box 390 Highway 70 East Carlisle, Arkansas 72024-0390 (870) 552-7513 Arkansas Bar No. 84085

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

the omission and congratulate her for the hard work.

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207 S. Court

Carlisle, AR 72024

Phone 501.454.2315

Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, April 21, 2021

USDA reopens signup for Food Program The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that signup has reopened for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) as part of the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. The initial CFAP 2 signup ended on Dec. 11, 2020, but USDA has reopened sign-up for CFAP 2 for at least 60 days beginning April 5, 2021, for producers to apply or make modifications to existing CFAP 2 applications.

CFAP 2 program provides direct financial relief to producers due to market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19.

“Most of the crops and livestock raised in Arkansas, including many of them raised in our area, are eligible commodities for this program,” said Reba Eakley, county executive director for FSA in Prairie County. “If you missed getting an application in last fall, you now have the opportunity to apply for assistance. Our staff will help you through the application process, or if you need to make any modifications to your existing application.”

Row crops, livestock, dairy, specialty crops, aquaculture and more all are eligible for the CFAP 2, including the recent addition of pullets and turfgrass sod. Producers are encouraged to visit farmers.gov/cfap to review eligible commodities and learn about the payment structure for each. CFAP 2 is a separate program from the first iteration of the program (CFAP 1) and interested producers must complete a new application to be eligible for payment for CFAP 2.

Eakley said producers are encouraged to call the Prairie County FSA office at 870-255-3573m ext. 2 for guidance on the process

to complete an application.

Producers also have the option to visit farmers.gov/cfap and access the online application portal or learn about other application options.

A call center is available for producers who would like additional one-on-one support with the CFAP 2 application process. Please call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance.

Additional CFAP Payments for Beef and Row-Crop Producers The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, authorizes an increase in CFAP 1 payment rates for cattle. Cattle producers with approved CFAP 1 application’s will automatically receive these payments and do not need to submit a new application since payments are based on previously approved CFAP 1 applications.

Producers may be asked for additional information depending on how they filed the original application. Information on the additional payment rates for cattle can be found on farmers.gov/cfap.

This act also authorized additional CFAP assistance of $20 per acre for producers of eligible CFAP 2 flat-rate or price trigger commodities. FSA will automatically issue payments to eligible producers based on the eligible acres included on their CFAP 2 applications. Eligible producers do not need to submit a new CFAP 2 application.

Additional CFAP Actions FSA has also begun payment processing applications filed as part of the CFAP Additional Assistance program in the following categories: •Applications filed for pullets and turfgrass sod; •A formula correction for row-crop producer applications to allow producers

Public Notice Biscoe Waterworks is a public water system subject to regulation under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Those regulations require the notification of customers whenever a violation occurs. That is the basis for this notice.

The violation occurred when the water system failed to retain a qualified, licensed operator for the period of February 2021.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets national standards for drinking water and has established a requirement that certain public water systems must be operated by a qualified operator. The Arkansas Department of Health defines a qualified operator as a person holding an appropriate valid Water Operator’s License based on the type of water system and population served.

The system will remain in violation until the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Arkansas Department of Health’s Water Operator Licensing is met.

Failure to meet this requirement does not necessarily mean that the water is unsafe or that alternate sources of water should be used.

The water system currently has employees enrolled in the required training courses and will test for the required Water Operator License in March 2021 and the Water Treatment License in June 2021.

Should you have any questions concerning this notice, contact the Biscoe Water Department at 870-998-2226 or the Engineering Section of the Department of Health at 501-661-2623.

with a non-Actual Production History (APH) insurance policy to use 100% of the 2019 Agriculture Risk Coverage-County Option (ARC-CO) benchmark yield in the calculation; and •Sales commodity applications revised to include insurance indemnities, Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program payments, and Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus payments.

Additional payments for swine producers and contract growers under CFAP Additional Assistance remain on hold and are likely to require modifications to the regulation as part of the broader evaluation and future assistance; however, FSA will continue to accept applications from interested producers.

Service Center staff continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, email, and other digital tools. Because of the pandemic, some USDA Service Centers are open to limited visitors. Contact your Service Center to set up an in-person or phone appointment. Additionally, more information related to USDA’s response and relief for producers can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

Hallie Fleck, left, teacher at Des Arc High School, accepts a donation for the Farm to School project from Paul Dickson, Market President at Merchants and Planters Bank.

Des Arc High School announces new Farm to School initiative Des Arc School District is proud to announce that they are joining the nationwide Farm to School initiative by starting their first school garden. The garden will be part of the junior grade Community Service Learning class for the next five years.

The students are currently planting three beds of various species of flowers and three beds that will contain produce such as pumpkins, corn, watermelons, and tomatoes.

Other beds and crops will be added as the project becomes more self-sustainable and feasible.

Teacher Hallie Fleck is spearheading the project and is excited about its incredible potential. Farm to school programs

encourage students and communities to think more deeply about what they are eating and where it originated, while empowering them make educated, nutritious choices.

“Students are able to understand the labor and time it takes to sustain large amounts of produce,” says Fleck.

“This project also builds collaborative skills that students will use throughout their lives and allows them a truly hands-on experience outside of the classroom."

Merchants and Planters Bank has gladly offered funding and assistance to get the project going.

“We’re thrilled to be involved,” says Paul Dickson, Market President of Merchants and Planters Bank.

“This program will not only educate, but hopefully get young people excited about planting, caring for, and producing their own food. It’s a great opportunity for students to learn about the agriculture industry, which is vital to Arkansas and adds around sixteen billion dollars to our state’s economy every year.

Plus, it gets them outside, requires some manual labor, and entrusts them with a responsibility to nurture something that’s very important to everyone – food.”

The school welcomes and encourages the community to be involved with the project in any way they can – through donations, volunteering, or helpful advice.

Aerial applicators committed to flying safe and providing abundant food during COVID-19 Now that another farming season is here, if you haven’t already, you may begin to hear the hum of an aircraft’s engine or see the fluid movement of an ag aircraft flying over the horizon.

Agricultural pilots such as the aerial applicators in Arkansas perform a variety of services that help farmers increase productivity and protect their crops.

Ag pilots (also known as crop dusters) collectively will rack up thousands of hours of flight time over the course of the summer, the peak period for aerial application services. For ag pilots, this period of increased activity can be intense, but it is also perfectly normal.

“Helping farmers provide a safe, affordable and abundant supply of food and fiber for the world’s growing population is extremely important, especially during the ongoing situation with COVID-19. Aerial applicators are committed to continuing to do our work safely and efficiently,” said David Strohl, President of the Arkansas Agricultural Aviation and owner of Strohl Aviation in Hazen, AR. “The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) and the Arkansas Agricultural Aviation Association (AAAA) constantly reinforce best practices to the pilots in this industry to ensure safety and enhance stewardship.”

Ag pilots are welltrained professionals who take their responsibility to protect the safety of their neighbors,

employees, the public and the environment seriously. Agricultural aviation is a critical component of high-yield agriculture and is often the fastest, most efficient and economical way to get the job done.

Safety, however, is an aerial applicator’s top priority. This is best accomplished by using cutting-edge drift reduction technologies such as GPS units, flow control equipment, more effective nozzles and shortened booms and/or boom lowering systems that position nozzles in less disturbed air for improved droplet production. Aerial applicators also employ onboard meteorological systems and/or smokers, which enable the pilot to determine the wind direction and an estimate of wind speed necessary for more targeted and efficient applications of pesticides.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates all aspects of pesticide registration and use, with product registrations undergoing hundreds of different human and environmental safety tests and taking up to 10 years to complete.

All crop protection products are reviewed every 15 years to ensure they cause no unreasonable adverse effects to the environment and human health.

Through their sister organization, the National Agricultural Research and Education Foundation, the NAAA and AAAA educates member and non-member aerial applicators

year-round about safety issues in the Professional Aerial Applicators’ Support System (PAASS) program.

“PAASS is a one-of-akind program in commercial aviation that educates pilots on aviation safety, environmental professionalism and security issues. It is highly regarded by the FAA, EPA, USDA and state agencies, and we encourage every ag pilot to attend the PAASS Program,” said Andrew D. Moore, NAAA’s CEO and the executive director of NAAREF. Each year approximately 1,800 pilots representing 1,560 ag aviation businesses in the United States participate in PAASS. The program benefits pilots by improving their understanding of human factors, enhancing critical aeronautical decisionmaking skills and emphasizing best practices. The aerial application industry’s proactive approach has resulted in ag aviation accidents falling more than 20% per 100,000 hours flown and a 26% drop in drift incidents since the PAASS Program was introduced after the 1998 season.

NAAA’s Fly Safe Campaign reiterates key safety messages articulated during the PAASS Program. Agricultural pilots receive regular safety alerts and reminders throughout the flying season.

There are approximately 3,400 working ag pilots in the U.S. According to FAA data, ag pilots flew 3,120 ag

aircraft for a combined total of 873,552 hours in 2019.

Based on a 2019 NAAA survey, the agricultural aviation industry treats 127 million acres of cropland aerially each year. According to the 2017 USDA Census of Agriculture, 347 million acres of cropland are used for crop production in the United States.

Considering some crops are treated more than once during a season, NAAA estimates agricultural pilots treat an estimated 28% of this cropland. The agricultural aviation industry also makes nearly 100% of the forest protection applications in the U.S. As commercial pilots, aerial applicators must receive medical clearance before they can fly.

Moreover, all ag pilots must obtain a pesticide license from each state they fly in, demonstrating their knowledge in the handling and application of crop protection products.

“Aerial applicators are highly trained professionals who are committed to performing their job in a responsible manner,” NAAA’s Moore said.

“Their livelihood is dependent upon their good stewardship of the land. The aerial application industry uses the latest technology to ensure the safe and judicious application of crop protection products — providing an essential service to not only help feed and clothe the world but also to preserve our natural resources and protect public health.”

Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, April 21, 2021

NOTICE OF LANDS DELINQUENT FOR NONPAYMENT OF TAXES TO BE FORFEITED TO THE STATE: The lands and lots and parts of lots that are delinquent in Prairie County, Arkansas for the year 2018 are contained and described in the following list. Amount listed includes taxes along with penalties and interest. Also, if there are any existing Delinquent Personal Taxes, this must be paid in advance of Delinquent Real Estate Taxes. If not paid by close of business May 21, 2021, they will be certified to the State Lands of the Commissioner.

Get the news from Hazen, Des Arc, DeValls Bluff, Biscoe, and Carlisle in THE GRAND PRAIRIE HERALD The only paper in print on the Grand Prairie For a subscription Call 870-255-4538 or email heraldpublishing@gmail.com

Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, April 21, 2021

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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.

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(4-14-21 2tc)

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

Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Senior Day...

The seniors on the Hazen High School softball team were honored at last Friday’s softball game against the Lady Eagles. They are (l to r): Rebecca Munnerlyn, Jaida Hollingshead, Emily Foot, and Kaitlyn Tosh. The HHS team is pictured top left, and a picture from the softball game is bottom left. (Ruth Corley pictures.)

GFWC Elsie McCain Club attends Zoom meeting

By Chris Weems The GFWC Elsie McCain Club received an invitation to a scheduled Zoom meeting at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday May 15. The state president, Connie Cloinger stated all members are invited prior to the Convention.

The zoom session will include greetings from the state president, the presentations of awards, and the International speker besides the busi-

ness meeting.

This was the main business at the regular meeting of the club on April 15. Libby Hutson was the hostess for the meeting at the Grunpy Rabbit Restaurant in Lonoke. Chris Weems, president presided. The meeting began with current events and the minutes of the previous meeting.

Libby, chairman of education and libraries department gave a book

review on the book, “Wins, Losses and Lessons,” by Lou Holtz, former Arkansas Razorback football coach.

He said he always wanted to be a football coach as a child, he taught himself to read so he could read and analyze sports reports.

He went to Penn State because it was close enough to his home to hitch-hike back and forth to home and school

so he could live at home.

“Don’t give up on yourself,” was a motto he followed. Another motto for life was, “Do it to the best of your ability.”

After graduation from college and because of his association with R.O.T.C., after his Mom signed him up, he had wanted to work for Woody Hayes. He got a job without even giving his resume, because he was the only applicant that had clothes that

had been ironed. He credited that to his R.O.T.C. training.

He came to Arkansas in 1977. His association with Frank Broyles had a lifelong impact on his life.

When he had three main players out of the Orange Bowl game because of breaking rules, and the team won anyway, he was more determined about sticking to the rules.

Then he went to Notre

Dome, a place where he had wanted to coach, took all his experience to get him there.

The club members agreed that Lou Holtz will be remembered as a good coach, good friend to his players, and good example of a coach and mentor.

Entertainment prizes were won by Rita Farris, Nell Pich and Chris Weems.

The next meeting will be April 27, with Meg

Grand Prairie Quilt Society shares latest work at meeting on April 14

By Marsha Heien The Grand Prairie Quilt Society met April 14, 2021 in the fellowship hall of First Christian Church, Stuttgart, with 8 members present and 2 guests. Glenda opened the meeting with the Thought for the Day: My Wife, the Quilter She learned to quilt on Monday, her stitches were very fine, She forgot to thaw out dinner, so we went out to dine.

She quilted miniatures on Tuesday, she says they are a must, They really are quite lovely, but she forgot to dust.

On Wednesday, it was a sampler, she says the stipplin's fun, What highlights, Oh, what shadows! But the laundry wasn't done.

Her charm quilt was on Thursday, green patches, blue and red, I guess she really was engrossed, she never made the bed.

It was wall hangings on Friday, in colors

Beth’s baby quilts for the Hope Center.

Glenda's Center.

baby

quilt

she adores, But she never seemed to notice the crumbs on all the floors.

I found a maid on Saturday. My week is now complete, My wife can quilt the hours away, the house will still be neat.

Well, it's already Sunday. I think I'm about to wilt,

tops

for

the

Hope

I cursed, I raved, I ranted--the maid has learned to quilt.

April birthday greetings were extended to Ann and Sherrye, Happy Birthday, Ann and Sherrye! Glenda also showed the members three pens that her brother-in-law made from one of the pecan trees in her

yard.....and a lovely plate with a quilt design given to her by a good friend.

The March minutes and treasurer's report were given.

Everyone is glad to be back meeting at the church, and we were all reminded to bring dry beans for the ICCM Food Bank.

Under New Business, Glenda suggested that we make colorful and cheerful pillow cases for the nursing home.

The new Hope in the Delta center will also be needing baby items when they open in July in Stuttgart. One of the members mentioned that she took baby blankets to her local food bank and that they were much appreciated. She also asked for ideas from the members.

The members were reminded to go see the quilt exhibit that is part of the Arts Festival at the Arts Center in Stuttgart. It will be up until April 30th.

Quilt Camp news: We have eight signed up.

Registration is still open.

The Country Quilt Camp will be June 10-13, 2021 at the Crossheirs Retreat Center at Humphrey.

Call Marsha at 6731430 for more information or to register.

Show and Share Beth had many baby

Betty’s star quilt top.

Cherry’s Dresden fan quilt top.

Winnie’s disappearing 9 patch quilt. comforters, quilts, bibs, and burp pads that she has made for the new Hope in the Delta center here in Stuttgart.

Winnie made a disappearing 9-patch quilt.

Cherry brought an antique Dresden fan quilt top. She asked for suggestion on quilting designs and finish-

ing.

Glenda had several baby quilt tops for the Hope Center.

Betty showed several different quilt blocks After the business session, everyone got busy on their projects.

Shelley and Glenda put together the tote bags for the quilt camp in June. Betty worked on piecing her quilt blocks.

Marsha crocheted on a baby blanket.

During the boisterous lunch session, everyone enjoyed catching up on all the news. We sat around the table longer than usual, as we have all missed the camaraderie of being together.

After sampling all the cookies, we got back to work.

Sewing machines whirred, scissors snipped and the iron was hot as the different projects came together.

The next meeting will be May 12, 2021 at the church.

Come join us!