May 17, 2023 edition

Several citizens from across Prairie County were in attendance at the May 9, 2023, regular meeting of the Prairie County Quorum Court to hear County Treasurer Tamara Dabney report on the state of the 2023 county budget. Dabney’s report was requested by Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca D. Reed McCoy in a letter sent to Dabney on May 1, 2023. All of the justices were present at the meeting, along with McCoy, Attorney Abram Skarda, County Clerk Gaylon Hale, and Judge

Lawrence Holloway. McCoy’s letter contained eight questions concerning the county budget. In it, Dabney was asked:

1. What is the approximate amount of revenue the county will receive as back-payment for housing federal prisoners from 1/1/2023 to the present,

2. What is the approximate amount of reimbursement owed the county on our VOCA grant position,

3. What is the explanation of the dramatic decrease in revenue and/or increase in

expenditure in the general fund between the months of 12/31/2021 and 1/1/2023,

4. Why does the county general anticipated revenue bank balance line item reflect $750,000 but the actual bank balance is in the negative over $315,807.56,

5. Who prepares the financial report provided to the Quorum Court,

6. Where does the information used in the report come from,

7. What action do you, as the County Treasurer, propose to recommend to the Quorum Court to correct

the financial issues, and

8. Which version of the various budgets is the county operating under?

(The original budget totalled $3,615,397.39, but the budget provided on April 21, 2023, listed the budget total as $3,848,191.35.)

Dabney said that the reimbursement of federal funds for the housing of federal prisoners would be $23,850 for each of the months of March and April.

Dabney said that some of the county funds were in the negative last month, but that the federal money had been

rectified now.

In regards to the differences in revenue and the negative balance of over $315,000, Dabney said that the auditor included the Food Bank Fund, the amount of certificates of deposit (CD’s) in the bank, and other funds in the bank balance. Dabney said that with the CD’s and other funds, the county bank account had never been in the red. “When we saw that we weren’t coming out, we started making the court aware,” Dabney said.

(Continued on page 4.)

Questions arise about Des Arc ambulance service salaries

By Lisa Mills

The Des Arc City Council held an emergency meeting on May 8th to make decisions about the ambulance service. Mayor Roger Scott, Recorder/Treasurer Janice Huffstickler and Council Members Jodie Mayher, Nicole Fisher, Gail King, Judy Burnett, Doug Estes, and Keith Knupp were present. A very large crowd of citizens was also present to support Ambulance Service Director Christy Rogers.

Gail King provided everyone with a written report of meetings that had been held by the ambulance committee (Keith Knupp and Judy Burnett) where some issues were discovered concerning billing and employee wages. The report stated that former employee Ritchie Farrish was being paid to do the billing, while at the same time Director Christy Rogers was also being paid to do the billing. Rogers is also being paid for Director and EMT pay.

A meeting was set for the ambulance committee to meet with Rogers.

Knupp was unable to attend so King went in his place.

Burnett began by asking Rogers if she had any concerns about the department or her duties, to which Rogers said she didn’t know how to do some of the work. She didn’t specify what, but Burnett told her the city would be glad to get her some training. Rogers said she would contact Northstar about helping her. Burnett then asked Rogers about her and Farrish both being paid to do billing. Rogers said that Farrish wasn’t doing billing but was putting in data that she

was behind on. Rogers said that she guessed it could look like she was “double dipping” since she is paid separately as the ambulance director, as an EMT, and as billing clerk. Burnett said, “Yes, it could look that way.”

The meeting ended with Rogers planning to contact Northstar to help her. She said that she would provide the committee with the status of data input that Farrish had been doing, and the status of billing and collections. At a second meeting, Rogers had not contacted Northstar, nor did she provide the paperwork requested. A few days later, Farrish resigned.

At a council work meeting in April, Rogers had asked if her job was in jeopardy. She was told that was not an issue, but the paperwork that had been requested several times needed to be submitted. Another issue discussed was that individuals were being paid as volunteers but were actually working regular 12 hour shifts, which is illegal without a city ordinance according to the Municipal League.

Mayor Scott asked Police Chief DeWayne Mayher not to make any ambulance runs, except for absolute emergencies, since he is on call 24/7 to protect the city.

Scott also discouraged any city employees from working for the ambulance service until a city ordinance can be passed, making it legal.

It was made clear at the emergency council meeting that at no time was Rogers’ EMT or Director status in question, nor was there ever any discussion about doing away with the city ambulance service. The

committee and work meetings were not to condemn Rogers but to gather information to solve problems.

Keith Knupp thanked the large crowd for coming to the meeting to show their concern about the ambulance service. He said that he has contacted several ambulance services in the area to compare what they pay EMT’s, Directors and Billing Clerks but most are contracted companies, not city owned. These services cost the cities more because they require being paid a minimum number of runs and if not reached the city has to pay the difference ($300,000-$500,000 per year), so an accurate comparison really can’t be made. Knupp said that it has been said by some that Rogers makes too much, but everyone knows that she earns it. Knupp said that when Rogers decided to resign, nine other employees were also going to resign to show how much she is respected, and the city cannot lose her or those

who work with her. “We have to make things right,” he said. Burnett said, “I don’t feel like I said anything negative to Rogers, and I don’t want her to quit, but I did tell her that I feel like she is being overpaid and others should be hired to do part of the work, so we don’t get in trouble with auditors for double dipping.” Burnett added that she wanted it made clear to everyone that neither she, nor anyone else asked Rogers to resign.

An audience member said, “Christy should be paid what she’s worth. She and the other EMT’s have saved hundred of lives, and we are fortunate to have someone who loves and supports our community and goes above and beyond her duties.” Another audience commented, “We pay a one cent sales tax for our ambulance service, and patients pay for use so there should be enough to keep Rogers and the others.”

Knupp replied, “with that sales tax we have

been able to purchase two new ambulances and build a new bay, as well as pay the employees a comparable wage to others.” Burnett said that she is passionate about taxpayers’ money not being misused and that was why she was concerned about how Rogers is paid. Knupp told Burnett that he appreciated her passion but in this case, there was no misuse.

Knupp’s proposal from the committee was that Rogers continue as Ambulance Director, EMT, and Billing Clerk but all 3 positions be paid as one instead of as separate positions. The pay would be set at $1,440 per week for 72 hours per week. A motion was passed with a vote of 4 yes, 1 no (Burnett), and 1 abstention (King). An ordinance was then passed permitting city employees to serve across departments and elected officials to hold positions on an “as needed” basis for the ambulance service. The vote was 5 yes and 1 no (Burnett).

Several county residents attended the latest Prairie County Quorum Court meeting to support county employees who were incorrectly given pay raises for 2023.

Aileen Muriel Ronner Brasko

Aileen Muriel Ronner

Brasko, 86, of Stuttgart, Arkansas, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at her home. She was born on November 3, 1936, in Rahway, New Jersey, to Edward Paul Ronner and Jane Cuthbert Ronner.

Aileen graduated from Ft. Lauderdale High School in 1955. In 1958 she married George J. Brasko, her husband of 65 years.

Aileen enjoyed horseback riding, gardening, volunteering at her church, and working for several years as a teacher's aide at a local elementary school. A talented artist, she actively participated in the local art community and passed on her love for drawing and painting to her daughters and granddaughter.

Aileen was also a dedicated member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Aileen is survived by her husband, George Brasko, daughters Linda Hall and Mary Anne (Bill) Morrow, son Eddie (Perryne) Brasko, granddaughter Maryrose Hall (David Lins), grandson Daniel Hall, and brother-inlaw William (Paula) Brasko.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Sandra Brasko, sister Janette Waldron, and other beloved family members.

The family expresses gratitude to Carolyn Amos, Carla Denton,

Michelle Jones, and Chaplin Shaw for their care and companionship during Aileen's final months.

Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Wednesday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Rosary following at 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. followed by burial in Holy Rosary Cemetery. All are welcome to attend. Please go to www.turpin-co.com to sign the online guestbook.

Carolyn Sue Grady

Carolyn Sue Grady of Hazen, passed away on May 8, 2023. She was born in Newport, Arkansas on October 2, 1943 to Woodrow and Mabel Guffy. Sue was a graduate of Grubbs High School and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. She began her teaching career in Tuckerman, Arkansas and later moved to Hazen and taught social studies for several years. Sue later began working as a sales representative for Quality Foods and Ben E. Keith, where she received several awards. Sue was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Hazen. She is survived by her daughter Kim Smith (Joel Grimes) of Jonesboro; step-children, Jason (Renee) Grady, of Lonoke, Jody (Kerri) Grady of Washington state, and Julie (Joe) Serna of Florida; her sister, Bobbie Meiner of Hazen; her brother, Gerald Guffey of Cash, Arkansas; sister-inlaws, Lydia Guffey and Marilyn Sims; grandchildren, Brady and Weston Smith, Tyler (Katy) Grady, Jenna Grady, Aiden Grady, Rowen Grady, and Gavin Serna; bonus grandchildren, Reece and Lilly Grimes; four special nieces and nephews that were raised by Sue’s parents, Randy, Kenny, and Keith Guffey and Sue Anne Hazelwood and several other nieces and nephews.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Larry Grady; brothers, Levell Guffey, Danny Guffey and nephew, Doug Meiner.

Visitation was from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 11, 2023 at the First United Methodist Church in Hazen with

the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 712, Hazen, AR. 72064.

Patricia

Yvonne Prince

Patricia Yvonne Prince of Biscoe, was born on March 6, 1941 in Brasfield, Arkansas.

The daughter of L.A. Clark and Bonnie Pearl Smith Clark. She was the youngest of seven children. Patsy was preceded in death by all of her brothers and sisters: L.A. Clark, Johnny Clark, Juanita Kemp, Wanda Bigham, Daisy West and Rita Faye Golden. Patricia Prince met her heavenly father on the morning of May 12, 2023 at Springhill Baptist Medical Center in North Little Rock at the age of 82.

Patsy was also preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, William Oliver (W.O.) Prince and her son, Victor Ray Prince. She is survived by her daughter, Connie Mertens and her two grandchildren, Amy Mertens and Candace Geisler and many great grandchildren.

Patsy graduated high school at De Valls Bluff, where she loved playing basketball. She was a very busy lady, often found serving or cooking catfish or even cutting up fresh fish in the back at their Riverfront Restaurant on the Cache River. Patsy sewed, drove tractors, and was also an avid gardener. She loved showing off her flowers, but most of all she loved her church at Biscoe First Baptist and her Sunday School Class was her family. She would do anything for anyone. She will be greatly missed by many. Services will be 11:00

A.M., Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at the Biscoe First Baptist Church. Interment will be in the Biscoe Cemetery.

Nellie Elizabeth Schafer

Nellie Elizabeth Schafer, 84, of Carlisle passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 8, 2023. Nell

was born August 21, 1938 to Cooke and Lovie Shelton of Snake Island, Arkansas. Nell was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Elbert Schafer. She is survived by her children, John Schafer of Sherwood, Tammy Snider of Hot Springs, Brenda McCallie (Roger) and Kathy Byrd (Ronnie) of Carlisle; six grandchildren, Jessica Speight (Seth), Lana Ball (Tanner), Dylan Byrd (Rachel), Emily and Gracien Byrd and Colton Adams; two greatgrandchildren, Marlee and Myles Ball. She was preceded in death by her brother, Bob Shelton and a great-granddaughter, Sunni Ball. Nellie was born and raised in Snake Island, Arkansas where she spent her days working on the farm. She graduated from Carlisle High School. After graduation, Nell spent a lifetime as a homemaker, avid gardener, and bookkeeper for the family farm. In her later years, her passion was sewing and she became a skilled quilter; she was a member of various quilting guilds. The joy of her life was time spent with her children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, and many precious friends. Visitation was from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 11, 2023 at the Westbrook Funeral Home chapel in Hazen, Arkansas with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. following visitation. Interment was in the Carlisle Cemetery. Arrangements were by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.

Quilt Society meets

By Marsha Heien

The Grand Prairie Quilt Society met April 12, 2023 at the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall in Stuttgart with 6 members present. Shelley opened the meeting with the Thought for the Day, "Sometimes I think maybe I should do something else besides sewing....then I realize how silly I'm being and go back to my sewing." The March minutes and treasurer's report were given. April Birthday greeting were extended to Ann, Kay and Sherrye, Happy Birthday!!

A thank you note was read from Lorie thanking the group for their entries and interest in the Arts Festival. She said it was very success-

ful with many more entries than in past years. The tribute to Joyce Dempsey was also well received. A report was given on the upcoming Summer Quilt Day Camp to be held at the church on June 22-24, 2023. The only fee to register will be 10 bags of 1 lb. dry beans for the ICCM Food Bank for each day attended. Everyone will bring their own sack lunch. We will have more information on this at the next meeting.

Show and Share:

Marsha is finishing up a lap robe for Crestpark. Ann showed several blocks she is making for baby rag quilt. Lou Anna had several pieces of fabric for a give-away. They quickly found a new home.

Chris Weems

said as members were putting the containers in the greenhouse for the week until the sale.

In addition to the president, other members, there were Roxanne Bradow, Sue Clayton, Jay Bednar, Chris Weems, Janis Toll, Debora Carpenter, and Dee Black.

The phone rings. It’s the call. “Yes.”

Twenty minutes later the interstate rolls below the tires of our Jeep as completely different calls are made to a variety of family members, friends, colleagues, and others that need to be in the know. There was a plan in place, and now it is a go. The Jeep has been packed for months. The dogs (children) alternate windows, tails wagging. Fur dances as the road wind creates a snow storm thanks to the never ending shed monsters on the way to Nana’s.

It is all process now.

No processing. One foot in front of the other. A mile by mile, minute by minute application of steps contemplated long before. The destination is the point of the plan, but the plan is the thing set in motion to keep anxiety and overactive imaginations at bay.

As the miles and items are checked off, things go smoothly. Almost too smoothly. What did we forget? What’s the snag going to be? When will the other shoe, boot, flip-flop, wingtip, or clown foot covering drop? We wait. We breathe (as best we can). Then it happens.

Nothing.

Everything that was planned came to fruition. No hiccups. No speed bumps, hidden traps, invasions by blood-thirsty butterflies, or abductions by nudist-colony enthusiasts. How in the heck did that happen?

The answer is simple. My wife is a listmaking savant. Laura has been blessed with a particular set of skills. And when she has her sights set on something, she will plan it, she will re-plan it, look at it from a thousand different angles, develop a cohesive strategy, and execute said prearranged-list-laden-eyecrossing-simple-yet-elegant-methodically-systematic scheme with a singleness of mind that would make Machiavelli grin from beyond the grave.

If I had been left to my own devices throughout the process of transplant listing, packing planning, and implementation, I would probably have ended up in Albuquerque,

dressed in a robe consisting of stitchedtogether socks, with a quarter in my ear, and an orange slice up my nose. It’s happened before. I’m not a planner. And based on that visual, I’m obviously not very pragmatic when under pressure either.

Laura has been my rock through this entire ordeal. That is not to say that both she and I haven’t had a supporting cast of caring and generous individuals in the wings who have helped keep us from going insane along the way. Also, I have been astounded at the munificence of many of you, gentle readers. Between thoughts and prayers, donators and do-gooders, and cards and encouragement, I have been truly humbled and overwhelmed that so many of you are not only willing but are actively working to make my ordeal as stress free as possible. I can’t list you all here, but I want you to know that Laura and I are forever grateful for each and all of you. I have always been lucky when it comes to support systems. Between my obscene luck in being born into the family I am blessed to have, the friends and colleagues I have been careful enough to cultivate throughout most of my adult life, and the good people in the many communities of which I have been a part; I really have been undeservingly fortunate with the amount of support I have received these past six weeks despite how abhorrent my personality and nature are to most wholesome people. (Thank God people like my wife.)

Unfortunately, not everybody has the support systems in place that I have. Not many are lucky enough to have families, friends, and acquaintances who are able and willing to help. There are many people who have to weather such personal storms from the banks of their own deserted islands. Regardless of the circumstances, bad choices, or cosmic snafus that have led to these poor souls being/feeling so isolated and alone, we as a soci-

ety and loose alliance of homosapiens should always strive to recognize and comfort those experiencing their darkest and most trying times. No one should be left out in the cold as the ominous fog rolls over the hills clinging to the valleys of shadow and despair. Even if we cannot relate to the adversity life has thrown in the way of some of our less fortunate community members, we should always attempt to help where and when we can. Empathy is a form of love after all. Without the myriad means of support I have received at different points in my life, I could have easily become a desert dweller myself. I try my best to remember that and not to take it for granted. It is easy to convince ourselves that we are exceptionally deserving of the time, care, and attention of others. Some of us might believe we are owed such attention and that the world would not dare treat us any differently. Both the island dwellers and exceptionally arrogant are wrong of course. The simple yet complicated truth lies somewhere in the middle. None of us deserve either extreme. Deserve has nothing to do with it. It all comes down to what kind of society we want to be. Are we Good Samaritans at heart, gentle readers? I choose to believe that we are. I hope no matter how different from one another we seem to be, we each see a piece of ourselves in each other. Charity is not a four-letter word. It is the way the soul expresses fellowship for those we love and the world at large.

It is not easy to be supportive all the time. But if we each do what we can when we can, no one will be truly alone when they turn to confront the darkness.

If you would like to comment or talk to me about anything, please email me at thatbradowguy@gmail.com. Please consider becoming an organ donor. It’s simple. It’s easy. It might be the last gift you can give to the world.

Prairie County has new sheriff..

At the end of the Quorum Court meeting last Tuesday, the vacancy of the elected position of Sheriff and Collector held by Troy Geisler was announced. Geisler resigned effective Wednesday, May 10. Geisler was said to have resigned due to the losses in the Sheriff’s Department salaries. The court went into executive session to interview five applicants for the position. After interviewing the applicants for the sheriff/collector position, the board reconvened in regular session and voted unanimously to choose Rick Parson to complete the term of Geisler. The sheriff’s term expires in 2026.

Memorial Day Celebration at Hickory Plains Cemetery

By Debbye Harrison

Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, there will be an authentic celebration of that holiday at the Hickory Plains Cemetery. Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, Maj. General John A. Logan, head of the Grand Army of the Republic, declared a day to decorate the graves of the war dead. It was called Decoration Day at first, and May was chosen because that’s when flowers are blooming across the country.

Twenty-four unknown Civil War soldiers will have their graves decorated for the first time in nearly 160 years. A monument will be dedicated to their memories and last rites will be given. Re-enactment soldiers will deliver military honors fitting their

time of service.

Also, authentic to the day, Bobby Burns and his Blue Grass Gospel Band will be performing music. Many hymns that are familiar today were also sung at that time. When families came to the cemeteries for Decoration Day, it was an outing of remembrance as well as fellowship and family reunions. Music, food and visiting were the highlights of the day. Food will also help set the stage. King Kat Inc. will be on hand to prepare catfish/chicken and all the trimmings. While it might be cooked in a modern way, it wouldn’t be too removed from a menu a century or more ago.

Finally, there will be some public speaking. Audiences a sesquicen-

tennial ago looked forward to hearing speakers. While there won’t be any hour long oratories such as those in the days of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, there will be a time for some important words of dedication.

All in all, it will be a day much like that of 125 or more years ago accompanied by a few modern conveniences like running water and an air conditioned Hickory Plains United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall to eat lunch in.

Everyone is invited to attend the Dedication of the Memorial to the Unknown Civil War Soldiers at the Hickory Plains Cemetery, May 29. Lunch will be from 11 to 1 p.m. and the Ceremony will be at 1:30 p.m.

Prairie County Quorum Court___________

(Continued from page 1)

Two ordinances were passed at the Quorum Court meeting. The first ordinance defines how salary changes are done in the county. The second ordinance defines personnel additional hirings in the county. All requests to the Quorum Court for salary changes will from now on be

decided at the September meeting each year. To determine salary amounts, the court will look at similar position salaries and other data compiled by the Arkansas Association of Counties.

The second ordinance was put on its second

and third reading after being tabled last month. Requests to hire any additional personnel must be submitted to the court at the September meeting each year by an elected county official. Written support for the additional personnel must be submitted in writing. The judge will select a personnel committee. When asked by the Prosecuting Attorney when the committee will be appointed, Judge Holloway said, “I’ll get to it when I get it.”

“When the final settlement was done, it didn’t adjust.” At that point, Assistant County Treasurer Brittany Kocourek asked to be recognized and said, “We ebb and flow.” She said that her office began taking funds from other accounts which were $632,000 to the good. These funds were included in the county general account. “Our account has never been in the negative,” she said. She added that the county has $2.1 million in the bank despite the approximately $422,000 in the red that was shown at the first of May. Dabney is the only person in the county who can see or access the account, according to Herald sources. Of the 77 funds within the county budget, only five or six can be counted toward the county general account, one of which is the American Rescue Plan money which will eventually be gone. According to sources, a $100,000 CD was cashed in and added to the county general account without the authorization of past Judge Mike Skarda or the present judge. “We have to take it day by day,” Dabney said. Justice Paul Hooks asked if some of the accounts are over budgeted, but got no response. If the county general account is out of money, no checks,

including salaries, can be written. “It’s a mess,” McCoy said. Auditors will be looking into the county budget soon to see what has happened. “When the audit comes in, we can look at making changes,” McCoy said. Kocourek said that the Treasurer’s Office is looking forward to the audit, but the process will take time. The revenue for 2022 was less than expected and the expenses were higher, and the budget figures don’t work.

Dabney said that she took over the budget this year. Prior to that, former Judge Mike Skarda and his secretary handled the budget. Major changes were in the last budget as compared to the 2022 budget, according to Dabney.

“Something doesn’t add up,” Justice Gary King said. Changes have to be made through the Quorum Court. Raises given in 2023 were never voted on by the court and were therefore illegal. Judge Holloway, who was asked several times who approved the raises, finally admitted that he had approved them, but added that he was never told that the county was in the red. He said that he had gone over the budget with department heads. The treasurer’s office was told by Holloway to raise the salaries of county office workers by $2500 each.

The total sum of all of the raises came to over

$80,000 in two months. The budget committee was not told of the raises until February. Holloway was the chair of the budget committee at the time and changed the salaries in January of 2023. County employees are fearful that they might have to repay the money that they were given in raises.

It was suggested by one of the attendants that the Arkansas Department of Inspector General be asked to look at the problem. It was also suggested that the auditors looking at the 2022 budget also look into the 2023 budget.

The justices agreed that the budget needs to be reduced as soon as possible, and would like to start making cuts now.

The court has been under five different budgets presented at five different times, and none of the budget numbers match. No one could answer where the numbers came from, who should have access to the budget, or who has the authority to change it. “We need to all work together to solve it,” Kocourek said. There has been no budget committee as of the first of this year. The budget committee must come from the members of the court.

“These raises have put us in a mess,” King said. He added that the toxic work environment in the county government needs to stop. “We need answers,” he said.

The City of Hazen Water Department will be flushing water lines during the week of May 22-25, 2023.

(This $56 ad was paid for out of the Hazen Water Department account.)

Lady Hornets season ends with loss

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Hazen Lady Hornets lost to East Poinsett County 10-4 in the first round of the regional tournament May 4 at Riverside High School in Lake City. With the loss, Hazen ended its season at 13-8.

Hazen out-hit EPC 11-9 but committed three errors in the loss.

EPC took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first.

Hazen tied it at 2-2 with two runs in the top of the second. The Lady Warriors reclaimed the lead with three runs in the bottom of the third. Both teams scored once

in the fourth. EPC scored four more times in the bottom of the sixth to lead 10-3.

Hazen’s final run came in the top of the seventh.

Lexi Dulany, Layton Rogers, Jaci Hackleton and London Smith had two hits each. Savannah Glover had one hit. Hackleton scored two runs. Also scoring were Dulany and Taylor Griffin.

Dulany had two RBIs.

Jordyn Besancon and Griffin had one RBI apiece. Griffin had a double. Rogers had a triple.

Dulany struck out three in six innings of

work. Five of her 10 runs were unearned.

Hazen’s last victory was a 3-1 win over Carlisle on April 28.

Carlisle led 1-0 after the first inning. Hazen scored three runs in the top of the fifth.

Hazen out-hit Carlisle 4-2. Both teams committed three errors.

Besancon, Griffin and Smith each scored runs for the Lady Hornets.

Laken Golden scored Carlisle’s lone run.

Dulany struck out 16 Carlisle batters. Carlisle pitcher Maddie Castleberry struck out four.

Lady B ison f all to R i v erside in 2A N orth re g ional to u rna m ent

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Carlisle Lady

Bison lost to Riverside 10-0 in the first round of the Class 2A North Region Tournament on May 4 at Riverside High School in Lake City.

The Lady Bison end the season at 11-10. Carlisle managed only one hit in the loss.

MaKinnley Cook led off the second inning with a single. Anna Stovesand, running for Cook, was thrown at trying to steal second base.

For the game, the Lady

Bison had four hitters walk, including Laken Golden, Jessa Wiles, Madison Goodman and Morgan Jones. Maddie Castleberry was also hit by a pitch. Riverside scored once in the first, three times in the third, twice in the fourth and four times in the fifth to end the game by the 10-run rule.

Castleberry struck out two in 4 ⅓ innings of work. She gave up seven earned runs while walking four.

DAHS students place at state...

The Des Arc FFA Chapter attended the 96th annual FFA State Convention recently. Maddox Ward placed 4th in the FFA Creed Speaking contest, and Brady Holder received her State FFA Degree.

Lady ea g les dis qu ali f ied f ro m S tate to u rna m ent a f ter f or f eit in re g ional

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

Carlisle’s last victory was 6-4 over England on April 24.

Carlisle scored three in the third, two in the fifth and once in the sixth.

All four of England’s runs came in the fifth. Golden and Bella White each scored two runs. Also scoring were Wiles and Kylie Childers.

Wiles and Golden also had two hits apiece. Castleberry struck out six while giving up only one earned run.

Des Arc junior trap team headed to state...

Congratulations to the Des Arc Junior Trap Team, the “Smokin’ Guns.” They are headed to the state trap tournament which will be held on June 2nd.

The Des Arc Lady Eagles, which finished the season at 13-7, and qualified for the Class 2A state softball tournament, were disqualified from competing in the tournament, which was held last week at Lincoln High School. Des Arc forfeited its third-place regional tournament game to McCrory on May 6 when only eight players attended the game. The team was missing three players from the roster,

who did not attend the regional game, which was being played at Riverside High School in Lake City.

The Arkansas Activities Association met with the Des Arc school officials on May 8. According to a text message from AAA assistant executive director Bobby Swofford, Des Arc would not be allowed to participate in the remainder of the postseason.

“They did not have just cause for the forfeit and will forfeit their post in the state tournament,”

Swofford wrote in a text message to the Grand Prairie Herald. Swofford referred to the AAA Handbook, Rule 4B under Section 6: Athletic Conferences.

“Any school refusing to play in a regional tournament without just cause shall forfeit the contest and will not be allowed to advance to the next round of championship play.”

Because of Des Arc forfeit, Woodlawn was given a first-round bye in the first round of the Class 2A state tournament.

Bringing home the bling...

Bringing the Bling home Saturday, May 13, from the ten and under Softball tournment in Stuttgart were (l to r): (back row) Coach Pat Penn, Coach Matt Penn, Cody Snider, and Stevie Kee. The middle row (l to r) is Mattie Penn, Harmony Humbert, JaLeah Sullivan, Ja’Miah Penn, and Sloan Petty. The front row is (l to r) Lelia Booker, Garland Cortez, Scarlett Snider and Aubrey Kee.

Hazen 10U baseball team wins it all

Saturday, May 13th, the Hazen 10U Boys played in a baseball tournament in Stuttgart for 13 hours and brought home the winning rings. These boys played awesome!

Pictured Left to Right are: Front Row- Cameron Taylor, Archer Skarda, Vince King, Asher Rogers, Layne Cooper. Middle Row- Wyatt Tiner, Kaleb Moore, Cache Skarda, Gabe Cortez, Lane Petty. Back Row- Coach Daniel Tiner, Coach Gary Prislovsky, Coach Josh Cooper. Not Pictured-Coach Dallas Taylor. (Jaime Skarda photo.)

Members of the Prairie County Master Gardeners took a field trip to Treadway Gardens recently to learn about the different varieties of irises grown there. The garden is located just north of Carlisle. Those attending were Janis Toll, Linda Price, Chris Weems, and Jay Bednar.