May 8, 2024 edition

DAHS 2024 Senior Class

May 10, and the

Hazen and Des Arc senior

Des Arc High School hosts Opioid Abuse Roundtable

Des Arc High School hosted the Prairie County Opioid Overdose Prevention Community Roundtable on Wednesday, May 1, in the Eagle Gymnasium for the 9th and 10th grade classes and other interested community members. There were six speakers: Jamal Williams, Project Direct from the Arkansas Department of Human Services; Dr. Cheryl May, Director of the Criminal Justice Institute; Sydney Lewis, a statistician for the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care Program; Crystal Holland, Peer Support Specialist for the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office; Thomas Fisher, the Arkansas State Drug Director; and Jeffery Bokker, Chief Deputy of the Prairie County Sheriff’s Department. The speakers passed on information to the crowd about the dangers of various legal and illegal drugs that are available in Prairie County and warned of the ease of becoming addicted to them. Some of the drugs discussed were over-the-

counter pain medications, methamphetamines, ice, heroin, and fentanyl.

The speakers also talked about the number of opioid overdoses and deaths in the state and Prairie County and talked about the support and services that are available to anyone who has a drug problem. They reminded those there that if someone they are with has overdosed they should call 911 immediately with no fear of getting in trouble with the law.

Bokker told the students that there have been two overdoses in Prairie County in the past few years, a 15 year old and a 20 year old. He reminded them, “Don’t take anything besides what a pharmacist gives you.” They were also reminded that no one can know for sure what they are taking when someone gives it to them. Many drugs, including marijuana, are laced with fentanyl, and there has been an increase in overdose deaths the past two years.

speakers.

2024 Senior Class of Hazen High School participated in its graduation ceremonies this past weekend. The Des Arc Seniors will

Carlisle Seniors will graduate on May 19th. Pictured above are the composites of the

classes. The Herald will run the Carlisle senior composite as soon as it is available.

Superintendent Marc Sherrell speaks to the students and introduces the guest

Anna Faye (Harmon)

Connor

Anna Faye (Harmon) Connor, 92 of DeValls Bluff, Arkansas passed away Wednesday evening May 1, 2024, literally surrounded by her family. She was born Jan 13, 1932, to Jessie Matt and Roy Harmon of DeWitt, Arkansas. She is preceded in death by her husband Doug Connor; her son Harmon Connor; and her brother R.B. Harmon. She is survived by her two daughters; Roxanne Bray and Darlene Connor. One Granddaughter; Desha Thomas; Grandsons, Aaron Bray (Shannon), Joshua Bray, Kasey Robnett, Tucker Connor, Kerry Butcher (Darren). Great grandchildren; Jessika Raper, Garrett Strickland, Dominick Thomas, Connor Bray (Brooke), Kaden and Karson Bray, Christopher, Caison, Cael Robnett, Michael Connor, Jacob, and Brianna Butcher; and One great-great grandson, Maverick Bray. Anna Faye retired after years of service with the United States Postal Service and the DeValls Bluff Library System. She was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church in DeValls Bluff. Visitation will begin at 1:00PM until 2:00PM on Tuesday, May 7th with her funeral service to begin immediately following at 2:00 PM at

the First Baptist Church in DeValls Bluff, Arkansas. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery in DeValls Bluff.

Paul Uhiren, Jr.

Member 2023

(USPS) 225-680

The Grand Prairie Herald is an independent publication that has served Prairie County since December, 1901. It is published weekly by Herald Publishing Company

P.O. Box 370 111 Hwy 70 E Hazen, Arkansas 72064

Ph. 870-255-4538

Email: heraldpublishing@gmail.com

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of State$30.00/year Periodicals Postage paid at Hazen, Arkansas 72064

POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to: Grand Prairie Herald

P.O.Box 370 Hazen, Arkansas 72064

Managing

Editor/Publisher

Roxanne Bradow

Circulation/Accounts

Trudy Johnson

Sports Editor

Mark Buffalo

Correspondent

Lisa Mills

Correspondent

Debbye Harrison

Photographer

Ruth Corley

Paul Uhiren, Jr. passed on April 30, 2024 at Mississippi State Veteran’s Home in Oxford, Mississippi. He was born on December 14, 1935 in Hazen, Arkansas to the late Paul Uhiren, Sr. and Connie Simmons Uhiren. He attended Hazen Schools, and then went to work on the family farm. Paul served his country in the Marine Corps from 1954-1962. He married Joan Smith of Carlisle, Arkansas in 1958. They moved to Tupelo, Mississippi in 1959 and then settled in Houston in 1971. Paul became a partner in Trace Industries Inc. and worked there until his retirement in 2014. Paul was a faithful member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where he attended until moving to Veteran’s home in 2019. He was an avid duck hunter and served as Zone Chairman for Ducks Unlimited. He enjoyed golfing and helping Joan oversee the Country Club Pro Shop for many years. Survivors include his daughter, Phyllis Uhiren Dishongh (Gill), and his son, Tony Uhiren (Deanna). He was a proud grandfather of 4 grandchildren, Audrey Duke, Ben Uhiren, Charlie Uhiren, and Mary Grace Dishongh; 10 greatgrandchildren, Arrington Voyles, Lola Voyles, Jase Duke, Paslay Bell, Rhone Uhiren, Raylan Uhiren, Asher Uhiren, Vail Uhiren, Waverly Uhiren, and Lawson Miley; 8 siblings, Bill Uhiren (Joyce) of

ARTA

Carlisle, Arkansas, Michael Uhiren (Diane) of Houston, Mississippi, Mary Curci (John) of Apple Valley, California, Rosalee Boudreau (Rick) of Riverside, California, Sandra Poynter of Corbin, Kentucky, Sharon Murphy of Sheridan, Arkansas, Regina Staten of Lonoke, Arkansas, Pam Toland of Hazen, Arkansas. He is also survived by 2 sisters-inlaw, Nancy Uhiren of Stuttgart, Arkansas and Peggy Homes of Hazen, Arkansas and a brotherin-law Ray Smith of Carlisle, Arkansas.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Connie Uhiren, wife of 49 years, Joan Smith Uhiren; his son, Steven Paul Uhiren; one grandson, Joseph Uhiren; one sister, Barbra Ausbrook; and one brother, Steve Uhiren.

Visitation will be at Houston Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5 PM to 7 PM and the Funeral Service will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Houston, Mississippi at 2 PM on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Pallbearers will be Ben Uhiren, Charlie Uhiren, Rob Baird, Alex Rowland, Jack Pumphrey, and Thomas Howell.

Memorials may be made to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church at 818 North Jackson St. Houston, Mississippi or Mississippi State Veteran’s Home at 120 Veteran’s Drive in Oxford, Mississippi.

The Family of Paul Uhiren would like to thank the adminstraitin and staff at the Mississippi State Veteran’s Home in Oxford and Enhabit Hospice caregivers for their outstanding love and care for “Big Daddy” over the last 4+ years.

convention set for May 12th

By Chris Weems

The annual spring convention of Arkansas Retired Teachers Association will be Tuesday, May 12, beginning at 10:00 a.m., and it's usually over by 2:30. The meeting will be at the Benton Event Center. All retired school employees are invited. It's a time to learn about the organization. The first thing is morn-

State AGQBA winner...

Congratulations to Michael Bowman for earning FIRST PLACE at the Arkansas Governor’s Quiz Bowl Association’s (AGQBA) Junior High All Star Tournament! Michael is the son of Adam and

and attends Hazen High School.

Arkansas goes from 48th to 1st in teacher pay in nation

LITTLE ROCK, Ark –

TNTP, formerly The New Teacher Project, an education nonprofit that helps schools recruit and retain teachers, released its Moving Up report on Arkansas’ teacher landscape today and found that adjusted for cost-ofliving, Arkansas now has the highest starting teacher pay in the nation.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed the LEARNS Act last year which, among many other policy changes and teacher incentives, raised starting teacher pay from $36,000 a year to $50,000 a year and gave every teacher at least a $2,000 raise. Previously, Arkansas was ranked 48th in the nation for starting teacher pay, and in many districts,

there was not a single educator making more than $50,000 a year.

“Research shows that the number one indicator of student success is the teacher in the classroom,” Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva said.

“Through the LEARNS Act, the state’s largest investment ever in teachers and students, Arkansas now ranks first in the nation for starting teacher salaries. With this boost, we are confident our classrooms will be filled with high-quality educators, student learning will thrive, and the teacher pipeline will grow. Our students deserve the best, and our best deserve a salary that is commensurate with the influ-

ence they have on learning."

Beyond pay increases, TNTP commended several other strategies included in the LEARNS Act that help attract and retain Arkansas teachers. Those include student loan repayment for educators in areas with a teacher shortage, scholarships for aspiring teachers, the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund, which offers as much as $10,000 in bonuses for high-performing teachers, and up to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave for public school teachers. More than 70% of Arkansas teachers are women, and Arkansas is now one of only four states in the nation to offer up to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave.

ing refreshments.

There is a silent auction. Lunch is included in your registration fee which needs to be paid by March 30. Registration forms are available from Monica Lisko or Chris Weems, or you can call a member who might have one. The ones going can meet by 8:30 at Calvary Baptist Church parking lot to carpool for the trip.

Gaylon Hale

Stacey Bowman,

PC Master Gardeners have annual plant sale...

The Prairie County Master Gardeners held their 2024 plant sale on Saturday, May 4, at the pavilions across from the Community Center in Hazen. The group offered a large assortment of annual and perrenial flowers and herbs in three and four inch pots and colorful hanging baskets just in time for Mother’s Day. The proceeds from the sale go toward scholarships for Hazen and Des Arc High School seniors.

DAHS students to attend Arkansas Boys State 2024

LITTLE ROCK, AR

(04/30/2024)-- More than 565 of the state's brightest young men will attend Arkansas Boys State, an immersive leadership and civic engagement experience sponsored by the American Legion. This summer's 83rd annual session runs May 26 through May 31 at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.

During their week at Arkansas Boys State, these students, known as "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.

Local students attending Arkansas Boys State 2024 include: Oakley Davenport, Walker Harris, Ben Kearby, and Zachary Zachary all of Des arc and from Des Arc High School.

At Arkansas Boys State, these students will be guided through their experience by more than 70 volunteers who serve the program. The staff of volunteers includes college students and career professionals with interests and expertise in education, finance, industry, politics and government, journalism,

and more.

By the week's end, the delegates have experienced civic responsibility and engagement firsthand while making lifelong memories and friends - all with our guiding principle that "Democracy Depends on Me."

The week's activities, including keynote speakers, general assemblies, and election speeches, will be streamed live by Arkansas PBS on their Arkansas Citizens Access Network: https://www.myarkansas pbs.org/arcan.

Arkansas Boys State is an immersive program in civics education designed for high school juniors.

Des Arc bands hold spring concert...

The Des Arc Bands held their 10th annual Spring Spectacular concert on May 6th at the High School gym. Band Director David Yarbrough recognized the 7th grade band and Senior Band members who have earned awards in solo/ensemble contests, All Region Band, and State Honor Band this year. The 7th grade band played four selections including “Rock this Band”, “The Sound and the Fury”, “Midnight Sky”, and “Bohemian Rhapsody”. The Senior Band also played four selections which included “Armory”, “Rights of our Nation”, “Prelude and Allegro”, and Dominion”. 7th Grade Band

Senior High Band

L ad y Bison g ive Riverside f its , f all in re g

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Carlisle Lady Bison stood toe to toe with one of the top teams in Class 2A, falling to Riverside 4-2 in the finals of the Class 2A North Region Tournament on Saturday at Buffalo Island Central.

Carlisle will be the second seed from the regional in the Class 2A state tournament and play Mt. Vernon-Enola in the first

round Thursday at 12:30 p.m. at PalestineWheatley.

In the loss to Riverside, Carlisle led 1-0 after the first inning. Laken Golden was hit by a pitch and scored on a double by Anna Stovesand. Riverside scored two runs in the top of the fourth to lead 2-1. The Lady Bison tied it at 2-2 in the bottom of the fifth. Jessa Wiles led off with a double and eventually

scored on a sacrifice bunt by Stovesand.

Riverside scored two runs in the top of the seventh. Carlisle had the tying runs on base in the bottom of the seventh, but Angie Petrus and Golden were stranded on base to end the game.

The Lady Bison had four hits — one each by Golden, Wiles, Stovesand and Tessa Sanders.

The Lady Bison advanced to the regional final with a 4-3 win over

East Poinsett County. Carlisle trailed 3-0 after three innings. The Lady Bison scored two runs in the bottom of the fourth and once in the sixth to tie the game at 3-3.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Lady Bison won the game when MaKinnley cook drove in Golden with the gamewinning run.

Golden, Wiles, Kiersten Taylor, Stovesand and Kylie Childers each scored a run.

L ad y E a g les f inish 3 rd , qu ali fy f or S tate

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Des Arc Lady Eagles made a good run in the Class 2A North Region Tournament, going 2-1 and qualifying for the Class 2A state tournament.

Des Arc finished third in the regional and will play Magnet Cove on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Palestine-Wheatley. In the regional tournament, Des Arc pitcher Kaylee McDonald struck out 38 batters in 20 2/3

innings pitched. Des Arc qualified for the state tournament with a 1-0 win over Buffalo Island Central. Des Arc scored the game’s lone run in the bottom of the third. Emma Buckner scored on a single by Kymber Buckner. McDonald struck out 14 in the victory. Allowing only three hits, walking one. Emma Buckner was 3 for 3. Kymber Buckner was 2 for 3.

In a 1-0 loss to Riverside in the semifinals, the Lady Rebels scored a run in the bottom of the seventh to get the win with two outs. Des Arc had only one hit, a single by Reagan Kittler in the top of the fifth inning. The Lady Eagles had four other base runners.

Marley Widener walked twice while Emma Buckner and McDonald each walked once. McDonald struck out

13 while Riverside pitcher Klaire Womack struck out 17 Des Arc batters.

Des Arc beat East Poinsett County 6-4 in the third-place game. EPC led 2-0 after the second inning. The Lady Eagles scored three times in the top of the third. They added one in the fifth and two in the seventh.

Makenzie Williams was 2 for 5 with two runs scored.

The Lady Bison had 10 hits. Golden, Stovesand and Childers had two hits apiece. Wiles, Cook, Taylor and Petrus had one hit each. Sanders got the win, giving up no runs in five innings of work. She struck out two.

The Lady Bison quali-

Carson Mealler got the win, throwing a no-hitter. She struck out five.

Bison season ends with loss to Riverside

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Carlisle Bison baseball season came to an end with a 6-3 loss to Riverside in the first round of the Class 2A North Region tournament Thursday at Buffalo Island Central.

Carlisle was the fourth seed from the 2A-6 and gave the conference champion Rebels fits the entire game.

Riverside scored singe runs in the first and fourth innings to lead 20.

The Bison scored all three of their runs in the top of the fifth.

Bentley Parker led off with a walk. Daniel Ford followed with a bunt but Parker was out at second. After a Bison strikeout, Eli Roberts

singled, moving Ford to second base. Holden Jones doubled, driving in Ford and Parker with the first two runs. Jonathan Pickard followed with a single to drive in Jones with the go-ahead run. Riverside scored once in the bottom of the fifth to tie the game at 3-3. The Rebels then scored three runs in bottom of the sixth to take a 6-3 lead.

The Bison were retired in order in both the sixth and seventh innings.

Dalton Ward gave up eight hits and five earned runs in six innings of work. He struck out five.

The Bison had six hits — one each by Roberts, Jones, Pickard, Parker, Ford and Baylor Hauk.

The City of

Hazen Water Department will be flushing water lines during the week of May 13 - 17, 2024.

fied for the Class 2A state tournament with a 7-0 win over Rector. Golden, Wiles and Libby McIntyre scored two runs each. Childers scored the other run.

2024 Hazen High School Seniors at celebrate at graduation

The Hazen High School Senior Class of 2024 graduation ceremony was held on Sunday, May 5, in the Hornets’ Nest Gymnasium at 2:00 p.m. Families and guests were greeted by Superintendent Andy Barrett, and Valedictorian Austyn Booth gave the invocation and valedictory address. Faith Johnson gave the salutatory address, and Tamesha Larkin read the class information. The class song, “2024 Class” was performed by senior Justin Schlenker, who also gave the benediction. The special awards and recognitions were given by Principal Amy Marek. (Photos by

and Wendy Perry.)

Karly Kinard