2023
Friday May 12
Hazen
Athletic Banquet Hazen Community Center 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 16
Carlisle City Council meeting 6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 18
Hazen City Council meeting City Hall 6:00 p.m.
Friday May 19
HES Fun Day Hornet Field
Monday May 22
HES 6th Grade Award Ceremony 9:00 a.m. Hornets’ Nest
Mortar boards and tassels fly through the air after the members of the Hazen High School Class of 2023 were pronounced graduates at the graduation ceremony held at 2:00 p.m. in the Hornets’ Nest Gymnasium. A large crowd attended the event, and afterwards the class took its final walk through the Hazen High School hallway. Wendy Perry received the Teacher of the Year Award, and Vicki Skarda was given a plaque thanking her for years as the Hazen School Board President. (Wendy Perry photo.)
Hazen School Board votes on new LEARNS pay scale
The Hazen School Board met in a special meeting on Thursday, May 4, at 6:00 p.m. to approve Superintendent Donnie Boothe’s certified salary schedule and supplemental salary schedule for the 2023-24 school year. Present were Board President Mason Sickel and Members Sandra Penn, Freddie Rogers, Dave Hare, and Debbie Carlyle.
The certified pay scale for next year must meet the requirements of the recently passed LEARNS Act which reflects a base salary amount of $50,000 and at least a $2000 salary increase for all licensed employees. The contract base of 190 days will be prorated for extended days. The additional stipends, which will not change, will then be applied to the salary
amount. There will no longer be salaries based on an index amount.
The superintendent, both principals, the Agriculture teacher, the athletic director, the finance director, and the district literacy and math specialists will all have 240 day contracts. If the Arkansas LEARNS Act, which requires the salary increases, is not fully implemented and/or funded in the next school year, the district salary schedule will revert back to the 202223 salary schedule. An increase of $2000 will be applied to formerly indexed positions. New hires will be paid $50,000 for the year.
The new superintendent, Andy Barrett, will receive a salary of $100,000 next year. This salary is the same as the salaries paid to the
New Hazen Superintendent...
Carlisle and Des Arc superintendents according to Sickel.
In other business, the board approved the purchase of a John Deere 3035 compact utility tractor from Greenway Equipment, Inc. The total cost for the tractor
will be $32,313.52, which includes the additional equipment of a grooming mower, a standard duty box blade, and a pallet fork.
Des Arc Lions Club cookout...
and Elementary Teacher Stephanie Smith effective June 30. The school board will meet for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 15 at 6:00 p.m. in the high school library.
Lions Club members prepared hamburger bag lunches at the Pavilion in Riverfront Park on Thursday, May 4 for the residents of Des Arc. Each year the group has a good time grilling, packaging, and handing out sack lunches of delicious grilled burgers and all the trimmings. Volunteers preparing the meals were Bob and Martha Ann Childers, John and Vickie Stephens, Shelia Holland, Johnathan Bevil, Eddie Addiston, Paul Dickson, Donna Parchman, Mildred Alverson, and Butch Calhoun. The event started at 11:00 a.m. and continued until after noon. The hamburger crew was very busy with drive-thru customers, and they also made several dozen home deliveries. (Harvey Sanner photo.)
Please call F&M Bank (255-3042) or The Grand Prairie Herald (255-4538) to list events 87° 70° 83° 83° 86°
Andy Barrett has been named the new superintendent for the Hazen School District. He came to Hazen after being a principal in the Harrisburg School District. Barrett takes the place of Donnie Boothe who retired after three years in the position. Barrett begins his job on July 1.
Raymond
Harold Hambrick
Raymond Harold Hambrick began his life’s journey on January 12, 1935, on the King Place in Des Arc, Arkansas. He was one of seven children born to the family of Alta and Gladys Hambrick. Raymond attended public school through the seventh grade, before putting studies aside to work alongside his father in the lumber woods.
August 11, 1956, Raymond married the love of his life Margaret. The newlyweds chose to make their home in Ojai, CA until 1967 when they returned to Des Arc. Over the next sixtyseven years they shared in the memories of raising five children and watching their family grow with an amazing, thirteen grandchildren, thirty-three great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren.
Like most young men growing up in the southern Delta, Raymond had a love of the outdoors. He enjoyed the sport of hunting and fishing that put many meals on the family table along with fresh vegetables from their garden. He had a love of family that exceeded all and spending time with them, especially his grandchildren, brought
him his greatest joy.
On April 30, 2023, Raymond’s earthly journey ended at the age of 88, at his home, with his family in his presence.
Raymond leaves behind his beautiful wife, Margaret, one brother
Alta Loyd Hambrick, children: Marjorie (Bo)
Branham, Sandra (the late George) Billingsley, Sarah (Jim) Minor, Willie (Julia) Hambrick, Wesley (Rhonda) Hambrick, grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, brothers, W.T. Hambrick and Q.Z. Hambrick and sisters, Branne Fay Cronce and Emma Bess Butler. He leaves behind a legacy of memories, etched into the hearts of his family and friends, who were blessed to be a part of his life.
James Travis King, Jr.
James Travis King, Jr. (Jimmy), 89, of Hazen, met his Lord and Savior on May 3, 2023.
Jimmy was under the care of hospice at Baptist Health Medical Center in Stuttgart.
Jimmy, born October 2, 1933, was the only son of Jim and Allie (Glick) King. He grew up on the King family farm North of Hazen. Jimmy, and his loving wife Doris, later raised their family on the same farm.
He was a proud 1952 graduate of Hazen High School and a retired veteran of the Arkansas National Guard, 39th Infantry Division. He was a longtime member and usher of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. Jimmy and Doris were married on a snowy New Year’s Eve in 1960. They celebrated 62 years this past December.
Jimmy was employed for 34 years at Producers Rice Mill in Stuttgart and retired as
a respected manager of Dryer #4. Harvest was his favorite time of year. Jimmy loved visiting with all the farmers and teaching his workers how to do the best job they could. He had a strong work ethic and rarely missed a day of work.
Jimmy also kept the family farm operational and boasted he “grew the tallest soybeans in the county”. He raised beef cattle, pigs, chickens and was an avid gardener. He successfully propagated dozens of catalpa trees and harvested the worms for use and sale. Jimmy believed the worms were the best fish bait available. Jimmy and Doris worked together to make their farm a success. He greatly loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jimmy was a true outdoorsman. He and Doris loved fishing, from crappie to trout, and they passed on their love for fishing to their children and grandchildren. He was a constant hunter and believed that if it was killed, it was eaten. Whether a deer, rabbit, squirrel, duck or bullfrog, Jimmy knew how to hunt for his family. Doris would then create a delectable meal.
Jimmy is survived by his spouse, Doris Vanlandingham King of Hazen, son, Carl King (Elesha) of Russellville, daughter, Alisa Spellman (James) of Cabot, daughter, Sandi Carlock (Tony) of Stuttgart, seven grandchildren, Amanda Midkiff (Joseph), Sara Schafer (Lee), Christy Watson (Cody), Drake Levey (Lauren), Bryan King, Jared King and Bentley Carlock, four great-grandchildren, Vada, Clementine, Koen and Dawson, and two faithful and adoring dogs, Blu and Bo. Visitation and services were held at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Hazen on May 5, 2023. Visitation from 9:00 – 11:00 am,
funeral services at 11:00 am with family luncheon directly following services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Calvary Missionary Baptist Youth Group.
Mary Nell Wood
Mary Nell Wood, 87 of Hazen, entered into Eternal Life Wednesday, May 3, 2023. She was a homemaker and an avid gardener. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Arthur and Mauveline Raper Ingle of Hazen; her husband of 57 years, Kenneth Lymond Wood; a son, Kenneth Charles Wood; and one sister.
Mary is survived by a daughter, Kathy Marie (Greg) Wynn of Star City; 4 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 4 sisters; and 2 brothers. Funeral services were held at 11:00AM on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Pleasant Ridge Missionary Baptist Church in Hazen. Visitation was from 10:30AM until funeral time. Burial at Center Point Cemetery near Hazen. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online guestbook at www.griffinfuneralservice.net.
Michael Lynn Parker
Michael Lynn Parker, 66 of Carlisle, Arkansas died on Friday, April 28, 2023 from injuries sustained in a work accident.
Mike was born January 12, 1957 in Little Rock, Arkansas and was a lifelong resident of Carlisle, Arkansas. He is the son of Bernie and Marilyn Parker. Mike was the owner and operator of Parker Tree Service. He started his business with a rope,
ladder and a chainsaw when a tornado struck Carlisle several years ago. Mike loved his job and was happiest when he was working. He never met a stranger and would do anything for those he came into contact with.
Mike loved his family, especially his sons and grandchildren, with all his heart. Mike’s classmates from Castle Heights Military School were loved like brothers. Not a day went by that he didn’t talk to at least one of his many friends.
He is survived by his wife, Jenny Parker; three sons, John Parker, Michael C Parker and William Parker; two grandchildren, Jillian Parker and Gavin Parker; two nephews, Bernie Parker and Stephen Parker; one niece, Tiffany Parker and numerous cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernie and Marilyn Parker; brothers, Steve Parker and Cliff Parker; and nephew, Drew Parker. The family received friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen, Arkansas.
Services were be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Hamilton Missionary Baptist Church, 4362 Hamilton Loop Road in Carlisle, Arkansas.
Burial was in the Hebron Cemetery following the service.
Pallbearers were Bernie Parker Jr, Stephen Parker, Ray Huey, Randall Amaden, Gil Plant and Ray Hardy.
Honorary pallbearers include Bill Snyder, Fred Noe, Terry Crout, Vite Hidrogo and Roberto Franceschi.
Contributions in memory of Mike may be made to Hamilton Missionary Baptist Church.
Mary Katherine Petrus
Mary Katherine Petrus, age 75 of
Hazen, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, April 30, 2023. She was born in Stuttgart, Arkansas and preceded in death by her mother, Ottilia Petrus and her father, Joseph J. Petrus of Hazen. Mary Katherine never married and is survived by her aunt, Evelyn Petrus of Houston, Texas; cousins, Phil and Sue Petrus of Carlisle, Arkansas and their son, Trey Petrus of Destin, Florida, Marilyn and Mark Rice of Houston, Texas and their son, Zachary Rice of California and their daughter, Kaitlyn Rice of Houston, Texas, Joe Wieronski of Memphis, Tennessee, Sharon Wieronski of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Gene and Donna Wieronski of Southhaven, Mississippi, Walter and Sherry Wieronski of Colorado, Angela Williams of California, Lori Carpenter of Benton, Arkansas, Katie and Gary Simmons of Paris, Arkansas, Pat Williems of Subiaco, Arkansas and a host of other family and friends.
Mary Katherine was a special person with a very tender heart. She loved her family and her little dog, Patches very much. Not a complainer and saw life as a blessing with a big smile for everyone. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her. God was very merciful when she passed, she simply closed her eyes and was gone. We are so thankful to God. Thank you Lord for ALL you do for each of us. John 14:1-3. Visitation and Funeral Mass will be May 13, 2023. Visitation at 9:00 a.m. with funeral mass immediately following at 10:00 a.m. at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Slovak, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Trey Petrus, Stuart Seidenstricker, Roger Lisko, Eric Stovesand, Luke Hooks, and Tim Bednar.
Carlisle bands win awards...
Carlisle
1st division
students did an amazing job at
After
B i scoe EHC en j oys s pri n g out i n g
Eleven members of the Biscoe EHC carpooled to Lonoke for their spring outing on Tuesday, April 11. Those enjoying lunch at the Cozy Nook Gallery & Cafe were Rita Farris, Janice Corpier, Karen Golden, Juanita Hutchinson, Bernadette Mosby, Mitzi Osborne, Debby Priest, Brenda Prince, Connie Smith, Barbara Williams, and Janis Skarda Toll.
President Osborne conducted a brief business meeting. Members finalized plans for their yard sale for Friday and Saturday, May 5-6. It will be held at 554 W
Sportsman Drive (Hwy 70 next to the Biscoe Post Office). It will begin at 7:00 am both days.
213 volunteer hours were reported. For example, those hours included volunteering at churches, schools, 4-H events, bereavement lunch, taking people to the doctor, and shopping for disaster relief supplies. The club also donated $150 for disaster relief supplies for the Wynne tornado victims.
Reminders:
*Prairie County Spring Council ‘EHC is SPAtacular!’ April 27
*State EHC Conference
GFW C E ls i e Mc C a
Judy Foot, past GFWC State President, was the guest speaker for the Elsie McCain Club Friday night at Murry's restaurant, Hazen.
Chris Weems, President, presided for the meeting with five members and two visitors., Lydia Duke, Rita Farris' daughter, Brinkley, and Judy Foot of Hazen. Also, in the paragraph where it says I introduced the speaker as a "former student and past State GFWC President, Judy Foot."
The president intro-
June 6 – 8 at the Wyndham Hotel in North Little Rock
April birthdays celebrated were for Janis Skarda Toll and Connie Smith. After leaving the Cozy Nook, some went to Walmart to shop, and others dropped by the Prairie Marketplace in Hazen to browse. It was a beautiful day-great food, fun, and fellowship! Join EHC! Contact Biscoe/Prairie County president Mitzi Osborne at 870 734 7010 or the Prairie County Extension Office at 870 998 2614.
meets at Mu rr y’s
duced the speaker as a former student and past State GFWC President. She talked about the department, Civic Engagement and Outreach. She told of program ideas and projects the Club might do in the community. Judy also talked about the State Convention that will be May 5-7 at the Delta Hotel, formally the Crown Plaza in Little Rock West.
Due to the time, the Club only talked about current things,. The items for Operation
Taylo r Aycock hono r ed w i th showe r
By Chris WeemsMiss Taylor Aycock of Dallas, Texas, brideelect of Jordan Taulton, also of Dallas, was honored with a bridal shower brunch Saturday morning, April 15, at Calvary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, Hazen. The hall was decorated with multi-colored spring flowers on the serving table and miniature matching bouquets on the guest tables. Guests signed the pages of the bridal book on a tall table covered with a white floor length cloth attached with a large pink bow. The honoree , assisted by her sister-in-law, Brittany Aycock and some hostesses, opened and displayed her gifts
on round tables covered with white floor length cloths.
Special guests were Taylor's mother and grandmother, Nanette Belford and Cindy Hill, both of Hazen, her sister, Candy Straus, and niece, Kit Straus, Stuttgart, step-mother Cindy Aycock, Hazen, sisters-in law, Brittany Aycock, Stuttgart, and Ashleigh Aycock and nephew, Knox, Hazen, cousins, Carolyn Van Houten, Monica Lisko, and aunt, Stephanie Van Houten, all of Hazen, and a cousin, Vickie Stephens, Des Arc.
After the honoree opened her gifts, the guests were served miniature pan cakes
and syrup, assorted fresh fruit, assorted toasts, and a wedding cake with the message, "Congratulations", punch, coffee nuts and mints.
Hostesses were: Amy Van Houten, Carla Nichols, Stephanie Van Houten, Freida Isbell, Carolyn Van Houten, Trilby Shelman, Sherry Bullock, Angie Cagle, Susan Anthony, Sara Perry, Monica Lisko, Lucille Vail, Sharron Stallings, Gloria Strohl, Paige Hawkins, Pat Parker, Donna Felty, Cheryl Jenkins, Donna Watson, Tracie Vail, Robin McMullen, Terri Chapman, Chris Weems, Sandy Felty, Christy Rounsavall, and Wanda Young.
Easter baskets delivered...
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 194 delivered Easter baskets to veterans in the Hazen and Des Arc nursing homes on Saturday, April 8. Nineteen baskets were given in Des Arc and one in Hazen.
Smile should be given to the president soon.
Members can either call her or drop off the items to her or the treasurer, Rosetta Van Houten.
The new officers will be elected at the September 7th meeting at the Weems' home.
Also, the president named Rita Farris, Libby Hutson and Nell Pich to the summer outings committee. The first outing may be a movie, which some members have heard about and they really want to see it.
This was the last regular meeting of the Club year, but the Club will be working on projects for next year during the summer.
HES has testing reward day for students..
On Wednesday, May 3, the students of Hazen Elementary School who had high scores on the state online exams enjoyed some play time at the park across the street from the Hazen Community Center. This was a reward day for the previous year’s testing. Blake Beckwith of Farm Bureau (above) cooked hotdogs for the kids. (Kim Anderson photo.)
Local students to attend Boys State
Local students were nominated to represent their community and school at Arkansas Boys State 2023, an immersive leadership and civic engagement experience sponsored by the American Legion. The following local stu-
dents will join more than 500 young men attending the program's 82nd session at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway from May 28 to June 2.
Jonah Winkowski of Des Arc from Des Arc High School
Dalton Parson of Des Arc from Des Arc High School
Jacob Mullet of Des Arc from Des Arc High School Colton Holloway of Biscoe from Hazen High School
During their week at Arkansas Boys State, students will be assigned a political
party, city, and county. Throughout the week, they will administer, from the ground up, a mock government as if it were real: run for office, draft and pass legislation, solve municipal challenges, and engage constituents.
"We like to say that Arkansas Boys State is a week that shapes a lifetime, and our tens of thousands of alumni can attest to that," said Lloyd Jackson, executive director of Arkansas Boys State.
"We're thrilled that these outstanding students are joining us.”
i n
H a z en H ornets w in C lass 2A state w eig h tlifting title Saturday
By Mark Buffalo Sports EditorThe Hazen Hornets added another state title to their resume for the 2022-23 school year.
Hazen won the Class 2A state weightlifting championship Saturday at Benton High School.
Hazen won the Class 2A state football title back in December, beating Carlisle.
The Hornets won the 2A weightlifting title with 4,400 pounds.
Carlisle was runner-up with 4,350.
Benton won the overall championship with 5,245.
123 pound: 17. Bentley Parker, Carlisle, 250;
22. Layton Rogers, Hazen, 200.
132 pound: 14. Preson Parker, Carlisle, 320;
21. Bubba Barnhill, Hazen, 270.
148 pound: 2. Braylan Anderson, Hazen, 490;
19. Lawson Petrus, Carlisle, 360.
165 pound: 13. Justin Schlenker, Hazen, 430;
18. Jaden Elliott, Carlisle, 410.
181 pound: 11. Collin Kee, Hazen, 480; 22. Dylan White, Carlisle, 430.
198 pound: 15. Kayleb Elliott, Carlisle, 470; 26. Lonnie Jones, Hazen, 410.
220 pound. 1 Luke King, Hazen, 630; 22. Jackson Cunningham, Carlisle, 440.
242 pound: 6. Ben Smith, Carlisle, 540; 24. Tyreek Kendrick, Hazen, 370.
Lady Eagles forfeit regional game after qualifying for State Tourney
By Mark Buffalo
Sports Editor
The Des Arc Lady Eagles were forced to forfeit their third-place game of the Class 2A North Region softball tournament Saturday because of the lack of players.Only eight players attended the game. They include: Jyllian Smith, Harleigh Holloway, Kaylee McDonald, Grace Knight, Alaina Fields, Kymber Buckner, Makenzie Williams and Karly Woodall.
According to a text message from Des Arc superintendent Marc Sherrell, “didn’t have required number of players to start the game. Three players missed the game due to scheduling conflicts, leaving us with only eight players.”
With the forfeit loss to McCrory in the third-
place game, Des Arc is scheduled to play in the first round of the Class 2A state tournament Thursday at 10 a.m. at Greenland High School.
Des Arc qualified for the state tournament with a 5-1 win over Buffalo Island Central in the first round of the regional Thursday.
Des Arc scored two runs in the first and third innings. BIC scored a run in the top of the sixth. Des Arc got that run back in the bottom of the frame.
McDonald scored two runs to lead the Lady Eagles. Knight’s lone run came on a homer. Also scoring were Woodall and Bella Flanagan. McDonald got the win. She struck out eight in seven innings of work.
Des Arc lost to host Riverside 3-0 in the semifinals Friday.
Riverside scored two in
the first and one in the second. Des Arc had only one hit — a single by Williams in the sixth inning.
McDonald pitched well, giving up only three hits while striking out eight.
Only eight Des Arc Lady Eagles softball players attended the third-place game of the Class 2A North Region tournament Saturday at Riverside High School. Des Arc was forced to forfeit after not being able to start the game with eight players.
Team members who attended were: Jyllian Smith, Harleigh Holloway, Kaylee McDonald, Grace Knight, Alaina Fields, Kymber Buckner, Makenzie Williams and Karly Woodall.
(Courtesy of Des Arc Lady Eagles)
Bison upset by Bay in regional tourney
The Carlisle Bison baseball season came to a disappointing end with a 4-3 extra inning loss to Bay in the first round of the Class 2A North Region Tournament on Thursday at Riverside High School.
Carlisle, which won the 2A-6 conference title with an undefeated record, finished the season at 19-7.Carlisle led 1-0 after the second inning. Jason Sullivan singled and scored in the bottom of the second.
Bay tied the score at 11 in the top of the third. Bay took a 2-1 in the top of the seventh. The Bison tied it at 2-2 in the bottom of the seventh, forcing extra innings. Eli Roberts was hit by a pitch and scored. Carlisle had the potential winning run left at third base.
After three scoreless
DAHS Teacher of the Year...
innings, Bay scored twice in the top of the 11th. In the bottom of the frame, Zach Busic scored. Carlisle’s Holden Jones was stranded at second base to end the game. Busick pitched well for six innings. He struck out 14 batters and gave up two unearned runs. Carlisle finished with four hits. Jones had two. Gabe Boyle and Sullivan each had one hit.
Luke 11th day of April, 2023.
Petrus, Carlisle, 550. 260 pound and over: 16. Levi Powers, Hazen, 520; 24. Drake Burks, Carlisle, 480.
THE DES ARC AMBULANCE SERVICE IS CURRENTLY LOOKING TO HIRE FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIANS AND DRIVERS. FULL-TIME POSITIONS OFFER RETIREMENT AND BENEFITS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL CITY HALL AT 870-256-4316. APPLICATIONS CAN BE PICKED UP AT 107 S 3RD STREET IN DES ARC, ARKANSAS. (5-10-2tc)
The City of Carlisle is now accepting applications for a seasonal position with the Mosquito Department. Duties include mixing chemicals, maintaining equipment and driving/spraying for mosquito control. Applicant must have a valid Arkansas driver’s license. Applications may be picked up at the Mayor’s Office at 215 S. Court or printed from our website at www.carlislear.org. Deadline for applications is May 9, 2013. City of Carlisle is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (5-3-2tc)
City of Carlisle Public Works Department
The City of Carlisle is accepting applications for the Public Works Department. High school diploma or GED preferred. Duties include general water/sewer/street maintenance and equipment operation. Prefer experience with heavy machinery and backhoe. Applications may be picked up at the City of Carlisle Water Department, 215 South Court, or downloaded from www.carlislear.org. Applications will be accepted through April 28, 2023 and may be mailed to the City of Carlisle, P.O. Box 49, Carlisle, AR 72024. The City of Carlisle is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (5-3-2tc)
