May 29, 2024 edition

Community Calendar of Events

Friday May 31

Last

9:30 a.m.-1:30

Wattensaw Retriever Pond and

Saturday June 8 City of Hazen Fishing Derby Mammoth Pond for kids 15 and under 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday June 11 Quorum Court meeting 6:00 p.m.

Thursday June 13

DeValls Bluff City Council meeting 6:00 p.m. City Hall

Tuesday June 18

Hazen Big

Hazen celebrates Memorial Day with two events...

The Hazen Chamber of Commerce sponsored morning and evening events on Monday, May 27, to celebrate the Memorial Day holiday. The first event was the annual memorial service held at 11:00 a.m. at the gazebo. The second event was a new addition to the day, a downtown concert with vendors and food trucks. The evening event began at 6:00 p.m. and ended at 9:00 p.m. with a fireworks display. Cody Snider organized the morning event, and Jennifer Kelly organized the evening. (Dave Hare photo.)

Hazen School Board expels students, hires personnel

The Hazen School Board started off its regular May 13 meeting with the expulsion of a student who had been suspended from high school, but came on to the campus with an Orbeez blaster and fired at two vehicles. An Orbeez blaster shoots gel pellets with water pressure. The school attorney was present, but neither the parents or the student was in attendance. The board voted to expel the student for the remainder of this school year, and all of the next school year. Ryder Greenwalt and his mother, Summer, informed the board that Ryder had won a silver medal at the recent Arkansas Star Events competition and would be attending the national competition. He is raising money for the trip, which will cost $3700, and his mother, who is also the school’s FCCLA sponsor, showed the board some of the craft products that they are selling to raise money for the trip.

In the action items, the board approved Superintendent Andy Barrett’s recommendation to accept fourteen students as School Choice transfers into the district. The board also approved the purchase of five electronic locks for exterior doors from Locksmith 24/7 Stuttgart for approximately $16,000. The district will use the money left in the School Safety Grant to purchase the locks and one swipe card entry for the elementary school.

The board also agreed to purchase services and equipment from Orr Electrical LLC to replace the existing light fixtures in the main gym with LED lighting. This upgrade is on a list of projects that Barrett has presented to the board.

The board took no action on a Verizon proposal to lease the property on which their tower sits in DeValls Bluff. The company would like to lock the district into a 99 year easement for $154,500

in immediately available funds, but after Barrett talked to other companies and a cell tower consultant, he recommended that the board take no action on the matter. The present rental amount paid to the district is $600 per month, with a 10 percent rent escalator every five years. The contract does not expire until 2030.

Susan Booth, president of the Personnel Policies Committee, had nothing to bring to the board, but she said that her committee is looking through the personnel policy book for possible changes.

High School Principal Amy Marek reported that 95% of the high school students had been tested and that the school was giving students who make over a 19 on the ACT a $100 bonus. She said that senior Austyn Booth had scored a 33 on the ACT, and freshman Michael Bowman had scored a 32. Her building is planning a “What’s Next Night” for

next year’s seventh graders. Elementary Principal Laura Saranie was not present to give a report. Barrett asked that the board change its bidding policy, raising the need for bids from the present $10,000 to $20,000, which is still below the $24,800 state threshold.

“I’d like to go ahead (with projects) without waiting a month,” he said. Board President Mason Sickel asked Barrett to “just send us an email.” Barrett said that he had updates on his projects list at his office, and that 11 of the 14 projects had already begun.

After an executive session after which no action was taken, the board hired Susan Booth to be the new high school counselor and Holly Calvert as a paraprofessional. The board also hired 10 students to work for the district over the summer. The board also agreed to raise the principals’ salaries by $5000. Sickel also told the board that five students

will be participating in the state trap shooting contest. salaries by $5000. Sickel also told the board that five students will be participating in the state trap shooting contest.

Special Meeting

The school board held a special meeting on Thursday, May 23, to hold an expulsion hearing and to approve personnel recommendations.

After an executive session, the student was expelled for threatening another student with verbal language and a weapon. The board then approved Superintendent Barrett’s recommendations to hire Cody Mashburn for the high school English teacher, and Donald McBride for the k-12 music teacher and band director. The board accepted the resignations of high school teacher Ashley Smith and elementary media specialist Angela Stephens.

Des Arc School Board accepts school choice students

The Des Arc School Board met on May 20th. Superintendent Marc Sherrell reported to the board that 27 school choice applications were received. The board approved all the applications. There were 17 from Hazen, four from Cabot, two from Carlisle, one from Brinkley, one from Augusta, one from Stuttgart, and one from Riverview. Sherrell reported that the current enrollment for PK12th grade is 651 (368 DAES, 260 DAHS, 23

PK).

The board accepted the resignation (retirement) letter from High School Science teacher Judy Bone. Regina Lyles and Jamie Eans were hired as summer school teachers and will be paid $2,240. Caroline Brown was hired as a 5th grade teacher. Chrisanna Knupp and Judy Denton were rehired as parttime high school interventionists. The board approved the required 2024-2025 Assurance and GEPA (General Education

The Hazen Chamber of Commerce and the Hazen Historical Society have joined hands to plan a large mural on the wall left by the Reid Building.

The group has ordered four historical markers for downtown and have planned many future events. When the Kocourek building is finished, along with the depot and the caboose, people will want to come and see Hazen.

We are asking the people of Hazen to donate to this project which can start as soon as June.

Provisions Act) Statement. A motion was approved to accept the required 2024-2025 School Engagement Plans. The audit findings for FY 2022-2023 were approved. The

2024-2025 changes to the Certified Salary Schedule were approved. Superintendent Marc Sherrell, Treasurer Natasha Richards, High School Principal B>J> Paschal, Elementary

Principal Cheryl Holland, and

board members Drew Widener, Brent Calhoun, Johnny Reidhar, Jordan Smith, Billy Hinson, and T.J. English were present.

Hazen celebrates Memorial Day with two events. (See p. 6.)

Leah

"Cathy"

Baxter

Leah "Cathy" Baxter, 82, of Des Arc, AR passed away on May 18, 2024 in Little Rock, AR after a recurring battle with cancer.

Cathy was born in Des Arc, AR on April 15, 1942 to Lester and Josie (Ross) Childers. She resided in Des Arc for the majority of her life, living close to her family. She was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Des Arc.

Cathy enjoyed any time spent with her family, especially sharing stories of her past. She was also known for her love of dancing, The Price is Right, scratch tickets, and her pet cats.

Cathy is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Bubby Childers, and sister Martha Lock. Surviving to mourn her loss are sons Larry Holloway and wife Jackie and Robert Trouten, all of Des Arc; grandchildren Marcus and Maverick Trouten, Lukas, Justus, Caden, and Skylar Holloway; sister Becky Branham of Malvern, brothers Danny Childers and wife Larinda and Jeff Childers, all of Des Arc; special great aunt Dixie Smith of Memphis; and life partner Thomas Barnes. Visitation was held at the First Assembly of God in Des Arc on Friday, May 24, at 1pm, followed by funeral services at 2:00 pm. Pallbearers were Marcus Trouten, Lukas

Holloway, Justus Holloway, Caden Holloway, Andy Childers, and Chris Branham.

Mattie

Elizabeth Kerr

Mattie Elizabeth Kerr, of Des Arc, departed this life peacefully with her daughters at her side on Monday, May 20, 2024. Elizabeth was born in Halls, TN on September 24, 1931, to William Richard and Annie Jane Powell. She was preceded in death by her parents, her late husband Francis P. Kerr, her sisters Mildred and Martha, brother Billy, daughter-in-law Sherry Kerr and son-in-law Scott Speight. She is survived by one sister, Peggy Lyell of Ripley, TN, her children, Pamela Enloe of Cabot, Parker (Lindy) Kerr of Hazen, Dennis Kerr of Des Arc, Donna Speight of Hickory Plains, and Billy Kerr of Stuttgart. She is also survived by her grandchildren Robert (Danielle) Kerr, Jennifer (Lynn) Williams, Courtney (Loy) Kee, Joshua Enloe, Trey (Grace) Marable, Shawn (Rose) Kerr, Seth Speight, Lauren (Grant Ballard) Speight, and Michelle (Logan) McClelland. Also left to cherish her memory are fourteen great grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren. Elizabeth could be described with a host of words, but to those who

knew her the best, the three words that would describe her would be faith, love and resolve. She had an intense love for the Lord and was a faithful servant to him throughout her life. She could be found every Sunday in the same seat at First Baptist Church in Des Arc. She showed love to each and every person she encountered, whether it be her family, her many friends, fellow church members or members of the community where she worked as the local revenue agent for 24 years. She showed incredible resolve, as she became a widow at an early age and worked tirelessly to provide each of her children with a better path forward. Everyone knows that the first words she heard when she entered God’s kingdom were “Well done thy good and faithful servant.”

Services will be held at First Baptist Church in Des Arc on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 2 p.m. with Dr. Melvin York officiating. Visitation will precede the service at 1 p.m. in the sanctuary. The family would also like to offer their sincerest gratitude to Ms. Pam Prichard for her loyal friendship and loving presence during her final days. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to may honor her memorials to the First Baptist Church Mother’s Day program. This outreach program and children were especially dear to her heart.

Davenport elected at Arkansas Boys State

Oakley Davenport of Des Arc from Des Arc High School was elected as Justice of the Peace for Rooks County at Arkansas Boys State 2024, a summer leadership and civic engagement experience sponsored by the American Legion.

Davenport was elected by his peers during county elections on Monday, May 27, as part of the 83rd annual session of Arkansas Boys State, where students build a mock government structure, including eight different mock counties each with their own county judge, vice county judge, county sheriff, and justices of the peace.

"Counties are the primary municipal structures at Arkansas Boys State - and they're what students identify with and rally around at the program - and will inevitably share with fellow alumni in years to

Residents attended the Carlisle City Council meeting to express support for a “hamburger tax” to provide funds for the Parks and Recreation Department for facilities upgrades.

Carlisle Council votes for “hamburger tax”

By Debbye Harrison

At the May 21, 2024 Carlisle Council meeting, the City Council voted unanimously to put the “Hamburger Tax” on the ballot in November to provide funds for the Parks and Recreation Department. A crowded Council room supported Chris Davidson, a youth coach and resident of Carlisle for 12 years, who gave detailed statistics in support of the tax.

come," said David Saterfield, director of instruction for Arkansas Boys State. "From here, Oakley will represent the citizens in his county as they develop, navigate and advocate solutions to complex simulations and county problems throughout the week."

During their week at Arkansas Boys State, delegates are assigned a political party, city, and county. Throughout the week, delegates, from the ground up, administer this mock government as if it were real: they run for office, draft and pass legislation, solve municipal challenges, and engage constituents. By the week's end, the delegates have experienced civic responsibility and engagement firsthand while making life-long memories and friendsall with our guiding principle that "Democracy Depends on Me."

Among Davidson’s data was the need for staff to help prepare the fields, man the gate and repair and maintain all of the facilities that the Parks and Recreation Department provides. He reminded the Council that there is a dire need for more facilities for youth basketball practice courts. Sharing courts has made it necessary to involve partnering with the high school in order to have a place to play some games. The city gym dates from the 1930s. With a possible income of around $10,000 a month based on what Hazen receives, there is a possibility that in the future there might be a hope of expansion since these funds are dedicated to Parks and Recreation alone.

He also reminded the Council that there is an urgency in voting on it

now. This proposed vote has to be approved by July 31 so that it can be on the November ballot. The proposal did meet with some disapproval from those in attendance. One citizen suggested that the Parks and Rec director position be eliminated and that his salary be used to repair the concession stand. Kevin Kegley told those in attendance that the concession stand had been voluntarily shut down to protect the city from a law suit. If someone had eaten tainted food, the city would have been liable, and that would have been an expense far greater than the repairs necessary.

Another remarked that if it had been a football facility that it would have been repaired before and never gotten in this shape. Someone else wanted to know where the $30,000 was that had been stolen from Parks and Rec. Mayor Glover told them that money was immediately restored by the city from the General Fund. The General Fund was then re-imbursed by the bond company. He then cut off the discussion and said, “move on with this meeting.”

Nathan Campbell will install an air-conditioning unit at the city house rented by Billy Bennett.

A motion was made to rescind the motion that raised the gate fee at baseball games to $5.00. The motion passed. Kevin Kegley assured the crowd that the concession stand will be ready by spring! He also expressed gratitude to Tommy and Matt Thrift for their considerable help in getting the concession ready.

Tim Nelson, the person in charge of mosquito control, reported that he cannot find anyone who wants a job to help with mosquito control in Carlisle. He will have to bring in outside help. He is presently setting out traps and distributing larvecide.

Fire Chief Leo Orton reported that the new fire truck is ready for service. The Fire Department got permission to use the funds from Act 33 to buy the Jaws of Life for $27,000. The Department will also get two estimates to sell the green fire truck. The Council voted to give the new trash pickup contract to the Green Trash Company of Beebe (not GFL which is the current contractor). Trash collection rates will increase to $16.50 per month and will be added to the water bill. Commercial rates will be $22.00. The new service will begin in July. Green is also used by Lonoke and Beebe and is a local company.

Jackson of Ulm named to SNHU President’s List

Kathryn Jackson of Ulm has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) Winter 2024 President's List. The winter terms run from January to May.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall,

winter/spring, and summer. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private,

Maple Healthcare celebrates National Nursing Home Week

Teacher of the Year...

Congratulations to the 2023/24 Des Arc Elementary Teacher of the Year, Stacy Childers.

The pictures above are some photos from Nursing Home Week featuring visits from County Judge Holloway, State Representative Roger Lynch, and Hazen Mayor David Hardke who came to the facility to help the Maple staff and residents celebrate. Events that took place included Casino Day, a Sock Hop, inflatable races, and a cookout with games.

Clark excited to cheer at all-star game

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

Emma Kate Clark will wear a Carlisle Bison cheerleading uniform one more time.

Clark will be a member of the East cheerleading squad during the Arkansas High School Coaches Association AllStar football and basketball games June 22 at the Farris Center and Estes Stadium on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.

The basketball games will be played at 1 p.m. and the football game will be played at 6 p.m.

Clark, who has been a Bison cheerleader for six years, is excited about the all-star opportunity.

“I’m so honored to have been chosen to cheer at the all-star games,” Clark said. “I’m excited to get another chance to

cheer for Carlisle players and their coach.” Clark said cheerleading

has been important to her over the years.

“Cheerleading has been

important to me because it brought me lifelong relationships and memories that I’ll always remember,” she said. “I had the best time being a cheerleader, and it’s something that I’ll always cherish.”

One of Clark’s best memories was the CHS squad finishing as state runners-up two years in a row.

“It was so exciting,” she said. “I had so much fun with all the girls and was so excited and proud for us.”

Clark did not participate in any other sports while in high school.

“Cheer was my main focus and what I loved to do,” she said.

Clark will be attending the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville this fall. She is planning on pursuing a degree in marketing.

WRID gearing up for another successful season of work

By Leigh VanHouten As White River Irrigation District

(WRID) moves into the summer months several areas of work can be completed once weather conditions become more favorable.

“We have the pump station fully funded,” Dennis Carman, WRID director and chief engineer, explained of the partnership between WRID and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. “(The Corp) is in the process of starting the pump station contract which is a critical step as we move to meeting our goal of delivering water.”

The pump station is located just off the White River near DeValls Bluff. Once completed the pump station will need electricity from a substation.

“We have Entergy completing the substation required to supply power. Entergy is fully funded, and they are on site constructing,” Carman said. “Entergy has aggressively moved on the power and we can see the activities.”

The work is a significant move to see the project gain momentum to its goal, which is supplying affordable water

to farmers in portions of Prairie, Monroe, Lonoke, and Arkansas counties with muchneeded water for crops.

While the Corp and Entergy work on bringing the pump station up to working order WRID will continue its dirt work and building the canal.

“We have the canal fully funded to take us about four miles West, then four miles south of the Hazen airport,” Carman said. “The WRID crew is geared up to move out as we watch the rain. We won’t complete all of this work in the 2024 construction period, but we will make a lot of progress.”

“We have the canal completed from the regulating reservoir to Highway 63 just south of Hazen, about six miles. We still have some grading, seeding and road crossings to complete when the weather clears,” says John Neukam, WRID construction manager. “An additional six miles of canal is currently at 40 percent complete which we expect to be wrapped up by this Fall.”

“We have a loan request into ANRC, and if approved we will have road crossings and right-of-way fully funded,” Carman explained. “That’s a lot of work to complete and results in the infrastructure that covers 60,000 acres of irrigated cropland.”

When fully installed this will serve about 60,000 acres of irrigated cropland, which is most of the area North and East of LaGrue Bayou

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDot) crossings at Highway 70 and Highway 63 are 100 percent designed. The real estate has been cleared and utility relocations for natural gas, fiber, phones and power are in progress.

“We expect crossing work to begin this Fall,” Carman said. In addition to the canal work the district is fully funded for 40 miles of irrigation pipelines.

Prairie County announces jury pool for June-August

The following people have been selected for jury duty in Prairie County for the months of June through August.

Des Arc Jury Pool

June – August 2024

Glenda J Atkins

Courtney D Ausbrooks

Manday Barnes

Jonathan W Bell

Rebecca L Bell

Marvin E Burgess, III

Lamanda A Calhoun

Justin C Carnathan

Gary A Carter

Emily D Chappell

Jerry Cobb

James C Collins

Melissa M Cook

Bradley W Covington

Daren R Covington

Wyatt Covington

Jeri L DeVore

Joseph G Dear

Marcus D DeVorak

Timothy J DeVore

Zachary D DeVore

Jacob A Eans

Jennifer L Edwards

Gary L Eldridge, Jr

John Ellis

James L English

T J English

John A Ferguson

Robert S Ferguson

Marilyn A Files

Cameron S Fisher

Rafael A Garcia

Rachel A Gierth

Ronnie D Goodman

Benny R Goodwin

Malik L Griffin

Nancy J Hambrick

Wesley K Hambrick

Sarah L Hamilton

Curtis E Hamric

Eric W Harbin

Caleb M Hitt

Jimmy F Holland

Cole Hollis

Stephanie J Holloway

Kelcie E Huffstickler

Johnnie L Huggins

Natasha I Jackson

Bradley C Jenkins

Jennifer L Jennings

Joshua S Jobe

Rebecca C Johnson

Katelyn R Jones

Silas I Jones

Kourtney B Joshlin

Charles A Keel

Helen A Ketring

Mary K Kirk

Nina P Kittler

Elvis K Knupp

Earnestine Larkin

Malcolm V Long

Betty L Markel

Emily R McAnally

George A McBryde

Chris L McDonald

Richard O McFarlin

Linda C McIntosh

Steven M McIntosh

Danny W Miller

Katie M Minton

Cheryl A Moran

Sunny L Morton

Denice R Mosby

Rebecca A Nelson

Raymond H Parker

Elton L Parker, Jr.

Teresa L Prestwood

Kourtney C Reed

Jonathan R Ripper

Faleshia A Robinson

Sandy F Robinson

Richard D Roe

Steven M Rogers

Ethan K Schlechte

Joan M Scott

Justin R Smith

Christopher G Standridge

Cory W Tallent

William Turner, II

Robert D Voiles

Kelvin J Wagner

Andrew K Wallace

Carrie A Weatherley

John W Whiting

Thomas W Whittaker

Brandy M Williams

DeValls Bluff Jury

Pool June – August 2024

Dustin Abel

Bobby L Anderson

Christopher T Andrews

Diella D Andrews

Paticia A Bishop

Shana N Blagg

Daija L Bonds

Janet L Boothe

Adam S Bowman

Clinton E Brown

Tekira D Burks

David M Campbell

Rashard R Campbell

Sarah R Castleberry

Allen D Childress

Aaron D Cobb

Damaya T Coleman

Rogers L Cook

Earnest D Cooper

Chris W Curlett

John O Dangelo

Anna P Davis

Lori L DeVore

Ben R Dierks

Glenda M Edge

Maliah M Elms

James A Fricker

Donavan R Gilmore

Tiffany J Glover

Leon A Goacher

Megan A Gray

Lana P Guess

Charles G Harden

Tracie A Harrison

Shirley J Hayes

Joyce M Holloway

Luke D Hooks

Crystal G Howard

Letitia A Hune

Cherie S Hutchens

Lois G Ideker

Robert D Jackson

Bradley R Jones

Lionel L Jones

David A Jones, Jr

David L Kee

Ginger S King

Alex M Larkin

Latonya D Larkin

Jeffery W Linam

Michael R Longnecker

Jeanette L Mack

Vickie Marek

Margaret C McCommon

Kaleb E McMullen

Felicia A Minor

Sandra O Moody

Makaylah D Mosby

Michael D Mosby

Karen L Nugent

Melissa J Overturf

Allison B Paschal

Shirley M Pfleger

Jermaine L Pinkney

Bliss Anne Prine

Taylor E Prislovsky

Wallace

Marilyn F Putt

Joel S Ritsema

Yonatan M Romero-

Dawson

Gary R Sartin

Michael Sayger

Karen L Schmidt

Kevin W Sears

Joan Shannahan

Charles H Shuck

Don D Shuck

Janan L Sickel

Lindsey T Smith

Mark S Smith

Marty W Smith

Vince E Smith

Sarah E Snider

Wayne L Snider

Alexis N Streetman

Connie J Swaim

Todd W Thompson

Dora J Tolleson

Michael S Tosh

Jeramy J Travis

Katherine M Turner

Dodie L Valerio

Ty B Vaughn

Sarah C Wadkins

Larry J Watson

Nancy C Watson

Christine S Wauford

Katelynn N Whitcomb

Carrell

Alexas L Whiteside

Jacob M Williams

Samuel L Williams

Anthony B Wilson

James B Wilson

“We have the right-ofway either signed or agreed to at this time,” Carman said. “We have the canal, pipelines, Entergy substation for power, and the Corps pump station underway with right-of-way clearances and funding. It’s going to be a busy Summer and Fall.”

“This is a big project and will eventually serve 250,000 acres of heavily irrigated cropland. This project will provide water for our region that has experienced groundwater

decline as significant as any of the western state declines you read about,” Lynn Sickel, WRID board member, said.

“This project has been a long time coming with a lot of hard work by a lot of people and agencies,” Dan Hooks, WRID board president, explained.

The Corps of Engineers helped fund the pump station, large pipelines, and regulating reservoir to lift the water out of the White River. NRCS is providing cost-share for the canal, pipelines, and a lot of prior onfarm work. The Corps and ANRC tax credits funded, and NRCS constructed, many of the

reservoirs and tail water systems built across the region between 2001 and 2005. Lastly, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Division has provided the district with the loan authority to match the federal funding.

“It’s good to see NRCS, the Corps, ANRC, and WRID pulling on the same rope, at the same time. Some of our costs have gone up, but we are still good with our cost as we move toward meeting our stated goal of delivering affordable irrigation water to Grand Prairie farmers,” Carman said.

Arkansas State Senate Report

By Senator Ron Caldwell

LITTLE ROCK –Limiting children’s access to social media is still a priority for Arkansas policy makers.

Last week the governor sent a letter to the governors of all 50 states, and to all Arkansas legislators, urging them to continue working for meaningful restrictions on children’s use of social media platforms.

With the letter she includes a copy of a book titled “The Anxious Generation,” written by Jonathan Haidt. He is a social psychologist at New York University. The book recommends strategies to fight the recent, dramatic increases in mental health issues among young people, such as depression, anxiety and suicide.

Last year the legislature passed Act 689, the Social Media Safety Act. It would have made Arkansas the first state to enact laws requiring juveniles to obtain parental consent before they could open a social media account.

However, enforcement of Act 689 was delayed by a federal judge last year after a group of social media companies filed a legal challenge. That lawsuit is still winding its way through the judicial sys-

tem.

Other states have enacted similar laws designed to limit the accessibility of social media by young people, including Utah, Louisiana, Texas and California. Lawsuits seeking to strike them as unconstitutional have been filed by an industry group called NetChoice.

The industry has cited First Amendment rights in its challenge of laws that limit the use of social media. Tech industry lawyers argue that social media is different than a casino or a liquor store because it is a platform for communication, and not a location of privileged activity for adults.

Act 689 generated controversy as it progressed through the legislature during the 2023 regular session. It was opposed by legislators of both parties. One concern was the act’s requirement that social media companies hire a third party vendor to verify the ages of account holders.

Even though Act 689 prohibits vendors from keeping any identifying information about account holders. Opponents of the law are skeptical and argue that because it requires a user to submit an ID, it magnifies the risk of identity theft.

The governor has been outspoken in her criticism of the tech industry that operates social media sites. Last year, when a federal judge halted enforcement of Act 689, she wrote on social media that “big Tech companies put our kids’ lives at risk. They push an addictive product that is shown to increase depression, loneliness, and anxiety and puts our kids in human traffickers’ crosshairs.” In her recent letter to legislators and the nation’s governors, she wrote that “millions of American kids have fallen into the dark sewer of social media and screen addiction.” In his book, Haidt lists four guidelines for helping young people avoid mental health issues created by an addiction to cell phones. The first is not to allow smartphones before high school. The second is for parents not to allow children access to social media before they turn 16. The third is to have phone-free schools and the fourth is to encourage more outdoor play and childhood independence.

The governor reiterated the four points in her letter to lawmakers and governors.

Mid-Delta Community Services, Inc. is accepting applications for permanent and relief Driver positions to transport passengers who reside in Phillips, Monroe, and Prairie Counties to scheduled destinations.

Applicants must be 21 years or older,possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license with a “P” endorsement and a clean driving record, CDL license is a plus. High School Diploma or equivalent preferred, good interpersonal skills, pass a drug test and vackground checks and complete a physical.Salary and benefits are accordiiiing to qualification and hire status as relief or permanent. Permanent position benefits include optional health insurance, annual and sick leave (based on years of service), holiday pay for regular holidays, and after one year vested pension and life insurance.

Drivers are responsible for following designated routes and schedules to pick up and return passengers to designated locations. Drivers must always operate the passenger van/bus in a safe manner following all traffic laws. Perform vehicle pre-trip insepections, record keeping, and providing safe and courteous service.

Applications can be picked up at any Mid-Delta Community Centers or by visiting our website: www.middeltacommunityservices.org

Brick farmhouse 3/2 w/1584 sf on 1.33 Acres, workshop and barn, circle drive for easy trailer parking. New metal roof, garage is 18x18, metal workshop is 24x14 $139,900. Stan McLellan, Principal Broker, 501-580-3649.

New Listing!

Spacious 3 br/2ba 2587 sq’ immaculate brick home on 3 lots w/mature shade tree. Updated den w/fp, hardwoods, dining room, playroom, office. Oversized screen porch. Private backyard w/deck. New above ground pool perfect for relaxing. HVAC 2023. Hazen Avenue, Hazen. Quita Bennett Bennett Realty quita@bennettrealtyco.com Cell 501-454-2314

Sell what you don’t need in the GRAND PRAIRIE

Estate Sale by Dan and Wanda

Residential and Cottage Shop Combined 3243 Hwy. 70 E – Hazen, AR May 30 – Jun 1, 2024 9 am until 3 pm (Just beyond the Hwy. 63 South “Y”)

Two dozen storage and bake racks, bookcases, mirrors, lamps, prints, rugs, mid-century bedroom set, brass vanity set, upholstery fabric, sofa table, Mikasa place settings, mid-century china cabinet and buffet, lead crystal, Dept. 56, Snowbabies, figurines, wall sconces, Italian tureen/underplate, art easel, Howard Miller grandfather clock, flat screen t.v. plaster columns, end tables, 3 pc. Dropleaf tables and two chairs, records, Ultra suede twin size sleeper settee, Mossoud sofa, wall décor, Dysons, 3 pc.wicker settee and chairs, gold leaf oriental divider. Pedestal sink, gift wrapping paper and ribbon, Bistro table and chairs, porch swing, cookbooks, corning ware, chicken cookie jar, aluminum bake ware, pyrex, kitchen aid counter top mixer, costume jewelry, sewing machine, desk, vintage chifferobe, ELNA press electronic, florist vases, linens, novels, encyclopedia set, exerciser, lots of misc.

� All sales final. Cash or check with proper i.d. No credit cards.

Hazen Chamber of Commerce sponsors two Memorial Day events

The Hazen Chamber of Commerce sponsored Memorial Day in the Park on Monday, May 27th with two events, the morning 16th Annual Memorial Day Service at 11:00 a.m. where the names of the fallen soldiers from the Hazen area were read to a crowd of approximately 60 people. The names of 270 veterans who came home safely but have since passed on were also read. The speaker for the morning was veteran Leonard Washington. Cody Snider was the emcee. That evening, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., the Chamber held a Memorial Day celebration downtown. The event featured local vendors, bouncy houses for the kids, food trucks, and music provided by the Midnight South band. The evening ended with a fireworks display. The pictures directly below are from the morning service. The flag that was raised from half-mast at noon was originally flown during the Iraqi Freedom operation and was given to the city by Britt Stallings after his grandmother Betty Stallings passed.

The City of Hazen