Hazen City Council approves 2024 budget resolution
By David Hoover
Recorder/Treasurer
Thursday April 24 Food Distribution Hazen Methodist Church
10:00 a.m.-Noon
Saturday April 26
Master Gardener Gardening on the Prairie Conference
9:00 -11:00 a.m. Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church Slovak
Thursday May 8 DeValls Bluff City Council meeting 6:00 p.m.
Sunday May 11 Mother’s Day
Monday May 12
Carlisle School Board meeting 6:00 p.m. Hazen School Board meeting 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 13
Dementia caregiver group meeting Hazen Community Center 10:00 a.m.
Quorum Court Annex Building Des Arc 6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 15 Hazen City Council meeting 6:00 p.m.
Community events brought to you by
Please call The Grand Prairie Herald (255-4538) to list events.
The City Council of Hazen, Arkansas met in regular session at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Hazen City Hall. Mayor David Hardke called the meeting to order and following council members were present: Larry Anthony, Steve Chlapecka, Bob Juola, Tim Juola and Barbara Rogers. Council Member Dallas Taylor was absent. Also in attendance were Fire Chief Seth Skarda, Utilities Manager Chad Swaim, Police Chief Bradley Taylor, Mayoral Assistant Tracie Vail, Recorder/Treasurer
David Hoover and two members of the public.
Copies of the minutes from the March 20, 2025 regular meeting were given to each Council Member prior to the meeting in their information packets. Recorder Hoover told the Council the February 2025 minutes were not approved.
Council Member Rogers moved and Council Member Tim Juola seconded the motion for approval of the minutes for both February 2025 and March 2025 as written. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried by a 5-0 margin.
The bank register for the Payroll Fund, the General Fund, the Natural Gas fund, and the Water & Sewer Fund including deposits and checks was included in the packet for review. The bank register for the Water & Sewer Fund including deposits and checks was included
in the packet for review. Income statements for the following departments were included in each Council Member’s packets:
General Fund –
Administrative Dept.
General Fund – City
Contingency
General Fund – Court
General Fund – Court
Automation
General Fund –
Criminal Justice
General Fund – Fire
Dept.
General Fund – Hazen
Airport General Fund –
Police Car
General Fund – Police
Dept. General Fund –
Prisoner Expense
General Fund – Public
Safety General Fund –
Fund Balances
Natural Gas Fund
Water & Sewer Fund
Mayor Hardke then called for departmental reports.
Police Chief Bradley Taylor reported: The crew was fitted for new vests, old ones are worn out. New ones have metal implants for increased protection. Grants are possible to reduce costs and funds in Asset Forfeiture account can be used to pay for them.
He and the Mayor had a conference call with Half Moon Pictures about extending the contract for the On Patrol Live TV show for another year. The production company had no issues with a reduced Hazen presence (6-8 week slot this year) with both parties retaining the right to cancel at any time with 45 days’ notice.
Council Member Rogers moved and Council Member Tim Juola sec-
onded the motion to approve the contract extension. A roll call vote was taken with only Bob Juola voting no.
Utilities Manager Chad Swim reported: Fixed several water leaks including one on a main line.
Got valve under the water tower repaired.
Valve replacement at water plant delayed due to contractor being injured.
Flow meter for controlling chemicals to water needs to be replaced. Estimated costs are $6,340, including labor. Project lead time is 15-20 weeks so adjustments will need to be made manually, for now.
Addressing issues cited by gas inspectors on uncovered gas lines along highway 249.
Have a contractor coming back to work on problems at the wastewater plant.
We sprayed for weeds and started moving around town. Trimmed pine trees in park.
Fire Chief Seth Skarda reported:
Worked three (3) first responder calls, including police chase on I-40.
Burned two (2) piles of debris and have five (5) more on the schedule.
Vail detailed those five structures that are on the schedule.
Old Business: House at 308 W. Madison is ready to be demolished. Mark Mosby has stated he has salvaged all the parts he
wants to keep.
New Business: The mayor directed attention to Resolution 594 in the Council Members’ packets and explained that this is meant to assign real end-of-the year figures to the previous year’s budget. He went on to list the differences between the projected/budgeted amount and the final actual amount for each account. The mayor then read RESOLUTION #594 which reconciles the budget. The resolution passed unanimously.
Mayor Hardke told the group that work on the Employee Handbook was finished and ready for the Council’s approval. Copies were distributed in members’ packets but several had not seen them until very recently, and did not have time to read them. He said he had met with department managers and employees to discuss items and he felt the final version was understood and acceptable. The Council decided to wait until the next meeting before deciding to accept the document.
Mayor’s Report:
Three of the four historical markers have been delivered. The mayor recognized Council Member Anthony’s hard work in obtaining them. They will be mounted on poles close to the sites recognized by each plaque.
Some asphalt at the airport is being replaced with concrete next week.
Vail reported on vandalism at the Community Center. The door to the gym was not working properly and considerable damage was done inside the center and the video camera system was also damaged.
The mayor distributed copies of the Hazen Library 1 st Quarter Report. The number of programs and participants, for both children and adults, is impressive for a small town.
He offered copies of the City’s 1st Quarter Budget Report for Council Members to view, if they wanted them.
The mayor stated that our current mosquito control vendor would like to terminate the contract. As such, he has visited with surrounding communities to discuss their programs and has spent some time talking to a vendor, Vector Disease Control. That company manages Carlisle’s mosquito control and the mayor there is happy with the results. They do not apply insecticides with airplanes, only via truck.
The Council agreed to a Planning Meeting to discuss the specifics of their program with that vendor on Monday, April 21 st at City Hall at 5:00 p.m. Council Member Tim Juola described dead trees overhanging power/telephone lines. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Asphalt repairs will also be made to the bridge on North Tilden next week.
Des Arc Council approves water rate increase
By Lisa Mills
The Des Arc City Council met on April 15th with Mayor Roger Scott,Recorderer/Treasurer Janice Huffstickler, and all council members present. An ordinance was passed to fix city and North Prairie County water rates due to higher cost of production and maintenance. The city rate increase is as follows: $14.98 minimum for first 1000 gallons plus $6.76 for each additional 1000 gallons. Sewer rates will remain the same. The NPCW rate increase is as follows: $18.23 minimum for first 1000 gallons plus $7.01 for each additional 1000 gallons.
Sealed bids were opened for mowing at the water towers and pump stations during April through October. Jessie Tackett bid $500 per month. Jackie Holmes bid $495 per mowing. Craig Treadwell bid $300 per mowing. Robinson Tree Service bid $125 (unclear if per mowing or monthly). POW Mowing and Landscape bid $245 per month with two mowings per month). The council accepted the bid from POW.
Mayor Scott presented the council members with a letter from the Arkansas Department of Transportation. The let-
ter states that the final plans and federal funding have been accepted for the downtown sidewalk project. ARDOT has authorized the city to advertise for construction bids and move forward with the project. There was some discussion about the proposed privilege tax increase for mobile vendors such as food trucks. Doug Estes reported that Hazen and Beebe charge a $25 per year privilege tax.
He said that he feels like Des Arc’s fee should be more than that and suggested $100 per year.
Joey York said that restaurants are complaining. Estes said
that it is understandable because they are paying the annual fee plus property tax and sales tax. The matter was tabled until a work meeting can be held to discuss the matter further.
Paul Guess reported to the council that he and Mayor Scott had met with Martin Smith, architect for the Riverfront Project. The project has to have a project owner, which will be the City of Des Arc. He said that in order to apply for certain grants, there also has to be a project coalition. The coalition should consist of two city council members,
two Chamber of Commerce members, and two citizens. Guess said that as soon as the coalition is in place, grant writing will begin.
Guess also asked the council to authorize him to apply for a $10,000 grant for his Guess and Company business. This grant application requires the city council’s authorization for local businesses to apply. He said the grant will be used for advertising, which of course, also benefits the city. The council approved the request. The ambulance department reported 40 runs in March.
Carlisle City Council to allow beer and wine at City Civic Center
By Debbye Harrison
Carlisle City Council held a lengthy meeting April 15, 2025, concerning ordinances and resolutions. Resolution #363 passed unanimously which will allow beer and wine to be served at events at the Civic Center.
Those who rent the room will have to sign a contract that will ensure that a security officer that meets the Carlisle Police Department recommendation will be on site and paid 10 days before the event. The Cash Bar will have to close one hour before the event has ended, and all Alcohol Beverage Control Regulations must be met.
City-wide Clean-up will be May 19, 20, 21 and 22. There will be no leaf and limb pickup at this time. Anything that needs to be disposed of should be set on the edge of the property. Only one trip will be made by the residence. There are maps and routes printed on flyers at the post office and City Market or on the Carlisle City Facebook page. Other restrictions are enforced.
The rate study evaluating the cost for water and sewer service has been finished.
The Arkansas Rural Water Association made the study and recommended anincrease in the rate now in order to
head off any unforeseen major expenses in the future.
Ordinance #343 will increase the sewer charge for 1,000 gallons per month to $8.14 and above that it will be an additional $3.24 per 1,000 gallons.
Ordinance #344 will increase the rate for water to $20.82 for the first 1,000 gallons and above an additional $9.61 will be added per 1,000 gallons. These rates are set to increase at 3% each year. The increase will begin the next billing cycle. A reminder that swimming pools whether being used or not must be fenced in with a fence of 48 inches and a gate that self-closes and locks. Citations will start next month. Citizens are also reminded that tall grass has to be mowed. Yards, ditches and alleyways are the owners/residents’ responsibility. Please do not blow grass clippings across the street. These will eventually end up in the neighbor’s yard or ditch. Resolution #362 was required by the Legislative Audit Committee. The City must be able to make ACH payments electronically. (which has been being done). The Resolution was necessary to satisfy one of the “hits” on the audit. In addition, the auditors are beginning to
work on 2024 water and sewer audit.
David Perkins, owner of The Shed, asked for permission to apply for a license tosell beer and wine at his restaurant. In order for his application process to proceed, the City had to give a written statement of approval. The Council voted to approve. Andrew Silverman and Chris Davidson reported on spring sports. Many good things were said about the help from so many volunteers. The concession stand at Rockefeller is workable, but the grant will ensure that both parks will be able to have first class facilities. Special thanks were given to Jake Cotner, Gary Sr and Gary Wilson Jr. for the excellent condition of the baseball field. The day after 14 inches of rain, the teams were able to play ball. Volunteers are needed to man the gate and can be used in other areas. Please notify the coaches if you can help. Concern was voiced over someone to water the flowers in the planters along the city streets. There is no money in the city budget to pay anyone so volunteers are needed. It is a twice a day job and requires a vehicle to pull the water trailer. Please let David Walters or Debbie Madar know if you can help.
The 2025 Regular Session wrapped up its final week of official business, marking several major legislative achievements.
The House adopted two proposed constitutional amendments: SJR15, allowing the General Assembly to establish economic development districts, and SJR11, affirming the fundamental right to keep and bear arms, including the use of ammunition and firearm accessories for lawful purposes. These will appear on the November 2026 ballot alongside HJR1018, the Citizens Only Voting Amendment.
Lawmakers also passed HB2003, the Revenue Stabilization Law, which sets the Fiscal Year 2026 budget with a 2.9% increase in state spending. Key allocations include $1 million for foster care, $4.3 million for juvenile facilities, $13 million for maternal health, and $90 million for Educational Freedom Accounts.
SB636 allocates surplus funds with $136 million for state property insurance, $100 million for Medicaid sustainability, $90 million for the
Des Arc Pre-K has Easter egg hunt...
A great big 'thank you" goes to these special people who made the PK Easter Egg Hunt a huge success. Thanks to Mr. Paschal for giving permission to use the high school front campus. Resource Officer Bill Duerson who was the best "candy" rabbit ever! Thank you Bryson Duerson, Lilly Morris, and Ella Fields for hiding over 1000 eggs! Thank you to Mrs. Brandi Long and the FACS class for playing games with us! Happy Easter!
Carlisle School Board told costsaving has put district on track
By Debbye Harrison
Education Funding Act, and $45 million for discretionary needs.
SB290 introduces a process for future watershed moratoriums while protecting current ones for the Buffalo River and Lake Maumelle.
SB612 allows parents to sue social media companies if the platform design harms their child’s mental health.
Throughout the session, the 95th General Assembly prioritized maternal health, education, and child safety.
Lawmakers passed measures to safeguard children from social media harms, banned cell phones in schools to reduce distractions, and reformed higher education. A landmark step was taken by funding free school breakfasts for every Arkansas student.
Finally, families will see relief at the checkout line with the elimination of the state grocery tax.
The House will formally adjourn the 2025 Regular Session on May 5, ending a session focused on health, safety, and opportunity for all Arkansans.
The Carlisle School Board met April 14 with all members present. Good news was given by Superintendent Greene concerning the finances following a meeting with the financial overseers at State Department. Due to the strict cuts in the budget and cost-saving measures implemented, the school district has done an excellent job of overcoming its deficit and is on the right track to a successful year in 202526. Part of those cost-saving measures include reducing staff whenever
possible. Patsy Calvert, a 331/2 year veteran paraprofessional, will retire. Other retirements include Judy Scroggins and Debbye Harrison. The total years of experience for all three is 1061/2 years. Shawna Harper, a veteran teacher from Jacksonville, was hired for the high school science department. No official “grade” for the schools will be issued for the 2023-24 school year; however, superintendents were given simulated scores. Carlisle scores were improved especially in elementary. ATLAS
tests will be given the last two weeks of April, and these scores will weigh heavily on the score due to be reported in August. Contracts for classified and certified personnel were approved.
The State mandated Cyber Security School Policy was passed by the Board effective immediately. E-Rate was also approved. Phone charges have been cut due to a change in carrier to Tele-cloud.
The next meeting will be May 14.
School Choice Advertisement Prairie & Lonoke County Schools
The following Public School Districts in Prairie & Lonoke County (Carlisle, Des Arc & Hazen) would like to inform parents that public school choice is available to your children in accordance with applicable Arkansas law and the rules and regulations approved by the Arkansas State Board of Education. Applications for a public school choice may be obtained and returned to the non-resident district or mailed postmarked by May 1st , 2025 to the non-resident superintendent’s office.
Public Hearing and Legal Meeting Notice
There will be a meeting with the Stuttgart Planning Department on April 22, 2025 at Stuttgart City Hall commencing at 5:30 pm. We will be presenting our proposal to take Block L of the Crescent Hill addition in Stuttgart from the current 24 lots to a total of 10 lots. This hearing is open to the public.
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
Des Arc pitcher Kaylee
McDonald continued her domination of the competition as the Lady Eagles beat Carlisle 3-0 last week. With that win, along with a rout of Barton, Des Arc is 12-5 on the season. McDonald struck out 11 Carlisle batters. She gave up only two hits — both to Adrianna Motton.
Des Arc scored single runs in the first and
second innings and one in the fifth.
Emma Buckner scored two runs. Des Arc had six hits. Emma Buckner had two. Kymber Buckner had two. McDonald and Reagan Kittler had one hit each.
The Lady Eagles now hold the tiebreaker over the Lady Bison, having swept the season series.
Des Arc leads the 2A-6. Des Arc is 7-0 in league play. Carlisle is 7-2. McCrory is third at 5-3. Palestine-Wheathley is
fourth at 4-3.
On Friday, Des Arc beat Barton 15-0.
The Lady Eagles scored 10 runs in the first, one in the second and four in the third.
Emma Buckner scored three runs and hit a homer. Kymber Buckner also scored three times. Grace Knight scored twice.
McDonald allowed one hit over three innings. She struck out nine — all nine outs for the game.
Lady Hornets get third win, rout England 16-1
By Mark Buffalo Sports Edito
r
The Hazen Lady Hornets went 1-2 last week. They beat England 161 before falling to McCrory 18-3 and Carlisle 15-0. In the win over England, Hazen’s third of the season, the Lady Hornets scored 11 runs in the bottom of the first. They scored two in the second and three in
the third. England’s lone run came in the top of the third.
Hazen pitcher Paycen Seely gave up one unearned run and one hit. She didn’t allow a base on balls while striking out four.
Caden Calvert and Hannah Linder each scored three runs. Bella Roberts, Jaci Hackelton, Isabelle Gray and Khloe Isbell each scored twice.
Subscribe to the printed paper for only $25.00 per year if mailed to an address served by a Prairie County post office. Other subscription rates are: $30.00 per year in Arkansas outside of Prairie County and $35.00 per year in the U.S. outside of Arkansas
Online subscriptions are $20.00 yearly or you can get a combo rate of $45.00 for in-county plus online, or $50.00 for out-of-county plus online, or $55.00 out-of-state.
London Smith and Jalynn Thomas each scored twice.
Roberts, Hackelton and Seely each had doubles for the Lady Hornets.
In the loss to McCrory, Hazen scored single runs in the first, third and fourth innings.
Scoring were Hackelton, Calvert and Gray.
Shackleton and Smith each had a double.
Former Bison pitcher has big week for LR Trojans
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
Former Carlisle Bison pitcher Zach Busick helped the Little Rock Trojans in their biggest victory in years last week.
Busick, a sophomore who has seen limited action this year, pitched three innings against No. 11 Ole Miss on Tuesday, April 15, as Little Rock beat the Rebels 7-3 in Oxford, Miss. Busick started the Trojans, giving up one earned run on four hits. He walked two and struck out three. He faced 14 batters while throwing 61 pitches.
At the time Busick left the game, the Trojans led the Rebels 3-1.
Three days later, Busick got his first victory of the season in relief against Western Illinois.
He pitched 2 2/3
innings, giving up only two hits while striking out three. He threw a game-high 49 pitches as the Trojans won 11-7.
For the season, Busick has pitched 18 2/3 innings in 12 appearances. He’s giving up 16 runs and 21 hits. He has struck out 16 batters. His ERA is 6.75.
“We are all excited for Zach and everything he is accomplishing,” Carlisle baseball coach Steven Tew said. “We love keeping up with our alumni who play at the next level, including Zach. Regardless of how he pitches, we are always really proud of him.”
Tew said he and Busick talk often.
“He texted me the night before to tell me he was starting against my team, knowing I’m such a big Ole Miss fan,” Tew said. “I told him congrats, and for the first time in my life,
I was gonna pull against the Rebs.”
Tew said he was able to watch the game via streaming.
“It was exciting to see him pitch so well against a highly-ranked team on the road,” Tew said. “It think on every strikeout and on the inning-ended double play they turned, I was as excited as anyone. At one point, I yelled something from my classroom, so hopefully, we didn’t disturb another class.
“I think he is going to continue to improve and find success though. He still has a tremendous work ethic and talent, so the sky's the limit still for him.”
Former Carlisle Bison pitcher Zach Busick, throwing for the Little Rock Trojans, helped his team beat No. 11 Ole Miss on Tuesday, April. 15, in Oxford, Miss. (Mark Wagner photo)
Zach Busick
Hazen HIPPY learns about seed planting from Extension Service
By Christa Nall
On April 14th, 2025, the Hazen HIPPY program held its monthly group meeting at the Hazen Community Center, starting at 3:30 PM. This month, we had the pleasure of hosting the Prairie County Extension Service for an engaging hands-on presentation titled “Sensory Seed Planting.
Families were delighted to choose from a dis-
play of three different seeds to plant, allowing both children and parents to participate in the enjoyable experience of planting, watering, and learning how to nurture their “future plant.” The excitement didn't stop there! The children had a fantastic time decorating their plant containers and engaging in a variety of arts and crafts activities throughout the meeting.
We would like to recognize the following children who attended: Bryson Penn, Roland Stallings, Sloan Stallings, Gatlin McCurley, Joseph Vail, Kennedy Nall, Jaivon White, Presley Cook, Novah McCoy, and Averi Pinkney.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Josh Hambrick and Jocob Holloway at the Prairie County Extension
Service for providing such a fun and interactive presentation and the city of Hazen for the use of the community building. We also extend our gratitude to all the parents for bringing their children to participate in this enriching
experience! Additionally, we are currently pre-registering for the 2025-2026 school year. If you’re interested, please reach out to us through Hazen HIPPY's Facebook page or contact Linda at (501) 516-6224 or Christa at (870) 830-3358. We encourage parents with children ages 2-4 to sign up! Thank you, and save the date for HIPPY graduation! May 6th, 2025 at 3:30 PM.
Wreath making at the library...
The Hazen Public Library sponsored a craft day for everyone interested in decorating their homes. Peggy Foster said that everyone had a great time making Spring/Easter wreaths for their CRAFT DAY last Thursday.
PC 4-H hosts Farm Safety Day for Hazen Second Graders
Amanda Stark Sinkey Prairie County 4-H
Program Assistant Prairie County 4-H, in partnership with the Prairie County Extension Office, hosted a hands-on Farm Safety Day for Hazen Elementary School’s second grade class. The event, held at the Prairie County Fairgrounds, aimed to teach students the importance of safety in rural environments through a series of engaging, age-appropriate educational stations.
Students rotated through eight safety stations covering topics critical to rural living, including tractor, fire, grain bin, chemical, livestock, sun, online, and water safety. Each station was led by knowledgeable volunteers and professionals who helped make safety education both informative and fun.
Farm Safety Day was coordinated by Amanda Stark, Prairie County 4H Program Assistant, and Josh Hambrick,
Prairie County Agriculture Agent.
“This event is a great opportunity to teach kids the real-life skills they need to stay safe in farm and rural settings,” said Stark.
“We’re grateful for the support of our community in making it such a success.”
The following individuals and organizations were instrumental in the day’s success:
Prairie County Fair Board – Provided the use of the fairgrounds
Mr. Eric Greenwalt
– Brought a tractor for the demonstration
Flying Pig Farm –
Provided goats for the livestock safety station
SRO Griffen – Led the online safety session
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Fogerty – Presented on sun safety and assisted with lunch
Hazen Fire Department (Seth Skarda and Avery) –
Brought the fire truck and led the fire safety session
Teen Leaders Alyssa and Wyatt Tiner –Assisted throughout the
This educational initiative is part of the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® (PAF Safety Day) program, the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America. Since its launch in 1995, PAF Safety Day has reached
over two million children and adults in 45 states, two U.S. territories, and nine Canadian provinces.
The program’s mission is clear: to ensure that no child becomes ill, injured, or dies as a result of farm, ranch, or rural activities.
Through education, training, and community support, events like Farm Safety Day continue to create safer environments for rural youth and their families.
For more information about Prairie County 4H or upcoming events, contact the Extension Office at 870-998-2614.
The Hazen First United Methodist Church held an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 19. As you can see, all the children were ready to go!
