75¢
Library summer programs. (See p. 6)
Volume 117 Number 26 - USPS 225-680
Community Events Calendar Thursday June 14 DeValls Bluff City Council Meeting 6:00pm City Hall Hazen Masonic Lodge Meeting 7:30pm Lodge Hall Sunday June 17 Fathers’ Day Tuesday June 19 Prairie County Retired Teachers Meeting 1:00pm Methodist Church in DeValls Bluff Lunch will be served by DeValls Bluff Retired Teachers Wednesday June 20 Friendship Luncheon DeValls Bluff Methodist Church 11:30am - 2:00pm Hazen Public Library Presents Natural History Education With Live Animals 11:00am Saturday June 23 City of Hazen’s Annual Mammoth Pond Fishing Derby 10:00am - 1:00pm Monday June 25 Hazen School Board Meeting High School Library 6:00pm Blood Drive First United Methodist Church 2:15pm- 6:00pm Community events brought to you by Hazen Chamber of Commerce and the
Please call F&M Bank (255-3042) or The Grand Prairie Herald (255-4538) to list events.
Serving all of Prairie County, Arkansas
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Mid-D D elta energy assistance begins Mid-Delta Community Services, Inc. will be accepting Applications for the 2018 REGULAR & CRISIS Home Energy Assistance Summer Program in Phillips, Monroe, Prairie and Lee Counties until funds are depleted. These funds will assist eligible residents with payment on their home cooling source only. Elderly and disabled households selected by the Department of Human Services in Little Rock will receive their applications by mail. Applications will be accepted until funds are depleted. The Regular & Crisis Home Energy Assistance Summer Program will assist low-income eligible households with home cooling related expenses. The benefit amount is a one-time payment based on household income and size and is sent directly to the energy supplier on behalf of the applicant. All applicants will receive notification, in writing, if application has been approved or denied. Regular assistance eligible applicants should allow 35 days for processing and payment to the utility company for Regular payments and may not cover an entire month's bill and will not stop shut-offs or disconnect service. Applicants must continue paying their cooling source in the usual manner to avoid a crisis situation. Crisis assistance payments may cover shut-off up to $500.00 dollars, anything above the $500.00 client will be required to pay the difference before a
pledge is made. To avoid delay in the application process, households that do not receive an application in the mail must provide proof of all the following which apply to them for the previous month: *Name, age, birthday and SSN of all household members. *Proof of income (check studs, SS Award Letter, SSI, utility allowance Child Support, TEA, or Alimony) for the previous month. *ID or any document which establishes identity. *driver's license, voter registration card, Medical ID, pay stubs, birth certificate * Please provide a copy of BOTH utility bills to verify account number and utility Company. Applications will be processed by first come first serve basis. Applicants are asked to come to the community center location (listed below) nearest to where they live. Monroe County Brinkley Community Services Center Cedar View Apartments 705 West 6th St Brinkley, AR (870) 734-1236 Clarendon Community Services Center 553 N 7th Street Clarendon, AR (870) 747-5610 Prairie County DeValls Bluff Community Center Sycamore & Ash Streets DeValls Bluff, AR (870) 998-2005
Fishing derby set The City of Hazen will be hosting its annual Mammoth Pond Fishing Derby Saturday, June 23, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Mammoth Pond Park. All children 15 years of age and under are invited to join in the fun. A fishing license is not required. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will be stocking the pond with fish to catch, and refreshments will be provided at the site. Prizes will be awarded throughout the day, and special prizes will be awarded to those children
who catch tagged fish. The City of Hazen and merchants from the surrounding area donate money to buy prizes and other items that help to make this event successful. All the young fishermen need to bring is their fishing pole and bait. Mammoth Pond Park is located south of I-40 and east of Hwy. 63. Turn east off of Hwy. 63 onto Mammoth Road. Parking for the derby is located behind the Travel Inn. For questions concerning the derby please contact Tracie Vail at the City of Hazen 870-2554521.
Students on UA Chancellor’s List Anna Lisko and Rachel Smith, both of Des Arc, and Samuel Harper of Hazen earned a 4.0 grade point average during the semester and were named to the 2018 Spring Chancellor’s list: Lisko is a senior accounting major in the Sam M. Walton College of
Business, Smith is a senior nursing major in the College of Education and Health Professions, and Harper, is a junior political science major in the J.W. Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. Students with a 4.0 GPA qualify for the Chancellor’s list.
Boys’ State participants from Hazen High School (pictured l to r): Jarrod Teer, Cade Perry, Ross Harper, Jackson Shelman, and Ethan Whitworth.
Five students from HHS attend Arkansas Boys’ State LITTLE ROCK Once a year, high school students who have completed the 11th grade get an incredible opportunity to see what it is like to be future leaders of our state. That opportunity took place this week as we greeted the participants of Boys State and Girls State in our Capitol. The National American Legion established the Boys State program in 1935. The American Legion Auxiliary established Girls State in 1937. Arkansas Boys State and Girls State is an immersive program in civics education designed for high school juniors across the state. More than 20 of our current members participated in Boys State or Girls State the summer before their senior year. Upon arrival, each par-
ticipant is assigned a mock political party, city, and county. Throughout the week, delegates administrate this mock government as if it were the real government. By week’s end, Boys State and Girls State have created their own state government including their own governor and staff of state officials. They establish their own Supreme Court and legislature. The mock legislative session is held in the Capitol with many of our members assisting the students through the bill presentation and voting process. The bills they present always give insight into the issues important to this generation. This year, Girls State presented bills aimed at combating opioid overdoses, preventing school shootings
through mental health training for teachers, and implementing toll roads. Participants of Boys State presented mock legislation to require law enforcement officers to complete sensitivity training and a bill to increase the legal age to purchase cigarettes from 18 to 21. Boys State and Girls State provides our students with an opportunity to learn how our government operates without using a text book. It teaches them through a real-life experience they will never forget. If you know a young man or woman interested in serving, encourage them to visit with their high school guidance counselor who can provide information on how to participate in next year’s program.
Prairie County residents graduate from ASU JONESBORO – Four residents of Prairie County graduated from Arkansas State University this spring. They are: Des Arc - Tori Lynn Bell, Bachelor of Science, Strategic Communication, Magna Cum Laude; Des Arc - Kimberly Ann McMullan, Master of Science in Education, Special Education Gifted, Talented and Creative Des Arc - Natalie Juanita Treadwell, Bachelor of Science in Education, Mid-Level Education, Cum Laude Hickory Plains - Sarah Ellen Bell, Associate of Science, A.S. En Route Arkansas State
University has released the list of students who were awarded diplomas on the undergraduate and graduate levels during the 2018 spring commencement ceremony May 12 in the First National Bank Arena on campus. Students representing six colleges and Undergraduate Studies received degrees including the Colleges of Education & Behavioral Science and Nursing & Health Professions in the morning while the afternoon event included the Colleges of Agriculture, Engineering & Technology; the Neil Griffin College of Business; Liberal Arts &
Communication; and Sciences & Mathematics. Chancellor Kelly Damphousse conferred a record number of over 2,100 diplomas during the morning and afternoon ceremonies. He also awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree to Neil Griffin, a 1948 alumnus and generous philanthropic supporter of A-State. Twenty-three students graduated summa cum laude and 132 magna cum laude. Additionally, 159 candidates graduated cum laude, and a record 185 graduating students in University Honors, Honors, and recipients of Honors Certificates received degrees.
Locals on ATU Dean’s List RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. Lexi Ashton Cook, Sarabeth Dian Devore, Bailey Nell Greenwood, and Courtney Rae Scott were named to Arkansas Tech University’s (Russellville campus) Dean's List for undergraduate students on the for the spring 2018 semester. A student must achieve a 3.5 grade point average or higher and complete at
least 12 hours of collegelevel coursework to be named to the Dean's List. Both Cook and Scott maintained a 4.0 grade point average for the semester. A total of 1,843 Arkansas Tech students achieved the Dean’s List distinction during spring 2018, and 692 students of those students ended the semester with a 4.0 grade point average.
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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Willie Cohen Willie Cohen, 91, of DeValls Bluff, formerly of Biscoe, died Saturday June 2 at Barnes Healthcare Center in Lonoke. Willie was born April 16, 1927 in Biscoe (Beulah Community), Arkansas to Ferry Cohen and Nora Lee Johnson. Willie was raised in and attended school in the Beulah Community (Biscoe). Willie was r a i s e d attending church at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Biscoe. Willie was a homemaker. She also did some babysitting for some of her niece’s children over the years, while they were growing up. Her son Azell Cohen, daughter in law Janet Metcalf-Cohen, six brothers: Elijah Cohen, Sampson Cohen, John Cohen, Woody Cohen, Booker Cohen and James Cohen; two sisters: Rosie Cohen and Mary Cohen all preceded Willie in death. Survivors are: her son Odis Cohen of DeValls Bluff, AR; two granddaughters: Stacey CohenHumbert of Biscoe, AR; and Whitney Gray of Hazen, AR; six great grandchildren; her sister Beulah Cohen-Barnett of Carlisle, AR; a sister in law Emma Cohen of Little Rock, AR; and a host of other nephews, nieces, cousin and friends. Funeral services will held Saturday, June 9 at 10 AM at Union Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, 5009 Metcalf Newsome Road in DeValls Bluff with Bishop Sylvester Swanigan officiating. Internment will take place at Oakland Cemetery in DeValls Bluff by Branscumb Funeral Home of Brinkley (870) 734-2772 email: branscumbfuneralhome1928@yahoo.com and Facebook: Branscumb Funeral Home
Arkansas Press Association National Newspaper Association Member 2018
The
Grand Prairie Herald
(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
Subscription Rates In Prairie County $17.50/year In Arkansas $22.50/year Out of State $27.50/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 Advertising RickJohnson Circulation/Accounts Trudy Johnson
Destiny Grace Fort Bishop Destiny Grace Fort Bishop, 42, of Beebe, passed away on Monday, M a y 2 8 , 2018. S h e w a s b o r n October 2 5 , 1975, to Doyle & Rachel Daniels Fort. Destiny was preceded in death by her first grandchild, Abigail Grace, her maternal grandparents, Louie & Louiese Daniels & her paternal grandparents, Raymond & Omelia Fort. She is survived by her husband Gary Bishop of Beebe; one daughter Emily Rolett of Hill AFB, UT; two sons, Jimmy Rolett of Romance and Eli Rolett of Benton; and her parents Doyle & Rachel Fort of Romance. Visitation was held on Wednesday, May 30, 2018, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Boyd Funeral Home Chapel in Lonoke. Funeral service were held on Thursday, May 31, 2108 at 2:00 P.M. at Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Beebe. Online guestbook, www.boydfuneralhome.ne t.
Larry Wayne Kee Larry Wayne Kee, 70, of Hazen (Center Point Community) went to be with his heavenly father on Friday, June 8, 2018. Larry was born on March 27, 1948 to Harvey and Ruth Kee. He married his loving wife, Edith Weems Kee on February 28, 1969. They have been happily married for 49 years. They were blessed with four wonderful children, Shelley (Mike) Mills, Cindy (James) Murdock, James Kee, Jamie (Eric) Evans all of Hazen and a special friend Greg Horton. He has a precious granddaughter, Madison Sickel and two handsome grandsons, Luke and Matthew Mills. Larry served in the Army stationed in Germany for two years. Larry was a hard working man, loved to farm and take care of his cows. He was employed with Caviness Farms for 36 years. He is preceded in death by his father, Harvey Kee. Larry is survived by his mother, Ruth Kee; brother, Charles (Joyce) Kee; sister, Shirley Mills; brother, Loy (Debbie) Kee; brother, Stevie (Barbara) Kee, and sister, Becky (Tony) Sayger; a very special mother-inlaw, Pearlene Weems and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends and his fur babies Boogie and Fletcher. Visitation was held on Sunday, June 10, 2018 from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., at the Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen. Funeral services were held Monday, June 11, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. at the Center Point Missionary Baptist Church.
William “Bill” Tenison William “Bill” Tenison (aka Junior), 79, of Vilonia, AR (originally from Carlisle, AR) passed away peacefully at his home on June 3, 2 0 1 8 after a long battle with heart and lung disease. Bill is survived by his devoted and caring wife of 45 years, Linda. Children are Wes Sowerbrower (Amanda) of Springdale, AR, Tammy Tenison of Carlisle, AR, David Collier-Tenison (Shannon) of Little Rock, AR and special daughters Robin Hall (John) of Conway, AR, and Bonnie Wetzel (Rob) of Rolesville, NC. Bill has nine grandchildren who were his pride and joy, including Kirsten, Conner, Casey, Sam, Jacob, Evan, Will, Rachel and Ryan. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Custer William and Marie Tenison. He is also preceded in death by a sister, Patsy. Bill is survived by one brother, Danny Tenison (Earlene), two nieces, a nephew, and many other extended family. Bill was born in Osceola, AR on January 7, 1939. He attended Carlisle High School where he played football and participated in track. Bill served in the Air Force from 1957-1961, flying on B-52s and representing his base in football against other bases in Europe. Bill worked for ArkLa Gas Company for many years before retiring to run an excavating company with his brother in Hazen, AR. Bill also proudly served on the Vilonia City Council for several years. Bill loved to fly, was an avid NASCAR fan, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Services were held Thursday, June 7 at 11:00 at Hamilton Missionary Baptist Church in Carlisle with burial immediately following at Hamilton Cemetery. Visitation was at 10:00 at the church. Online guestbook, www.boydfuneralhome.ne t. A special thank you to longtime friend Jon Crawford and the ladies with Arkansas Hospice.
Perlis A. Smith The sun rose on the life of Perlis A. Smith on January 7, 1955 to parents, Phillip and Ruby Smith of Hazen, Arkansas. Perlis spent his childhood and most of his adult life in Hazen, Arkansas. However, early in his adult life for a few y e a r s , Perlis lived a n d worked in East Moline, IL. Perlis (affectionately known as “Pete”) later returned to Hazen where
You are invited! Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church
Anniversary Saturday, June 16, 2018 Singing starts at 10:30 a.m. Preaching starts at 11:00 a.m. Potluck at noon More singing at 2:00 p.m.
- Everyone is Welcome -
he worked a number of jobs and started his family. At the time of his death, Perlis was a member and faithful attendee of the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in DeValls Bluff, Arkansas where the Reverend Joe Pumphrey is the Pastor. In June 1986, Perlis married Odessa Elaine Mills and to this union one daughter was born. They began their lives as husband and wife together and continued to reside in Hazen. Perlis was an avid sports fan and team supporter of the Hazen Hornets, Arkansas Razorbacks Dallas Cowboys, and many oth-
ers. Perlis was a hard worker and a friend to many. He will surely be missed. Perlis was preceded in death by his grandparents; his father, Phillip Smith; and brother, Leodis Smith. He will be fondly and lovingly remembered by his wife of 31 years, O. Elaine Smith of Hazen, AR; mother, Mrs. Ruby Smith-Mosby of Hazen, AR; one daughter, Vanessa L. Smith of North Little Rock, AR; six brothers, Lindsey (Giretta) Smith, Rev. Edward Smith, Claudie Smith, Jerry (Carol) Smith all of Hazen, AR; Rev. Derrick W. (Marsha)
Smith of Conway, AR and Rev. Darrell (Lisa) Smith of DeWitt, AR; two sisters, Ina (Joe) Harris and Sandra D. Smith of Hazen, AR. Also, a special son, Vernon Penn, of DeValls Bluff, AR. He also leaves many, many nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones and friends to share memories of “Pistol Pete.” Funeral Services will be on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Hazen Community Center. Viewing will be at 10 am and services at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at the Green Grove Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home.
Dixie Band Camp attendees... Dixie Band Camp was held on June 3-9 at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. The Hazen High School senior high band students who participated were: (l to r) Angela Hoover- trumpet- 1st Chair - 6th Band; Nik Owens- alto sax- 9th chair- 6th band; and Jocelyn RomeroDawson- flute - 10th chair, 6th band. Angela and Nik went on Service Points Scholarships funded by Dr. Jeff Dulany and Cherie Dulany. Jocelyn went on the Directors Scholarship funded by the band. The band concert was held on Saturday, June 9th.
Come Celebrate with Us! Prairie County Republicans are celebrating
President Trump’s birthday Thursday, June 14th at 6 p.m. in Riverfront Park at the Woodmen of the World Pavilion Free food and drinks
Everyone is invited to attend THE DISTRICT COURT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS DISCOVER BANK, PLAINTIFF CASE NO. C-2018-5011 vs. JULIE A HOLLIS, DEFENDANT WARNING ORDER The Defendant, JULIE A HOLLIS, is hereby warned to appear in this Court within thirty (30) days from the date of first publication of this Order and answer the Complaint filed against her by the Plaintiff. Failure to file a written answer within thirty (30) days may result in an entry of judgment by default against you or otherwise bar you from answering or asserting any defense you have. WITNESS my hand and seal as Clerk of the DISTRICT Court of PRAIRIE County, State of Arkansas, this ______ day of _____________, 20____. DISTRICT CLERK Stephen L. Bruce, Ark. Bar #2009103 Jessalynn M. Born, Ark Bar #2011140 Attorney for Plaintiff P.O. Box 808 Edmond, Oklahoma 73083-0808 (405) 330-4110
Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, June 13, 2018
4 -H H offers free summer STEM day camps for kids by Shea Wilson The Prairie County 4-H program is gearing up for another fun summer by offering opportunities for youth to participate in a variety of educational experiences, such as 4-H day camps. Our free 4-H day camp program will kick off with Junior Camp (ages 9-13) on Friday, June 29 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Cloverbud Day Camp will be offered Friday, July 6 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 p.m. for youth ages 5-8.
Both events will be held at the Prairie County Fairgrounds in Hazen, and lunch will be provided. This year's theme is "Mad Scientist," and youth will have the opportunity to engage in hands on experiments such as rocketry, circuits, coding, chemical reactions, engineering and more! Online pre-registration is required, so visit www.uaex.edu/prairie, News and Events, for the registration link and
details. You can also contact the Prairie County Extension Office by calling 870-998-2614 or email smwilson@uaex.edu. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact our office as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
Summer activities at museum Lower White River Museum State Park in Des Arc is celebrating camping and the outdoors all month, and you’re invited! In celebration of national Great Outdoors Month, we’re offering weekly programs for kids and families every Thursday at 2 p.m. Programs will include historic games, making a birdhouse,
wash day, and pioneer school. Contact the park for detailed information. We’re also participating in the Great American Campout, created by the National Wildlife Federation, on Saturday, June 23 at 2 p.m. Join park staff to build your outdoor living skills and learn to make natural insect repellent from American beautyberry, a
plant native to Arkansas. For more information, contact the museum at: (870) 256-3711 or lowerwhiterivermuseum@arka nsas.com. The Lower White River Museum State Park is one of 52 state parks administered by the State Parks Division of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.
Democratic Women to meet By Chris Weems Prairie County Democratic Women will meet at El Amigo Restaurant in Hazen Tuesday, June 26, at 6:00
p.m., as announced by the president, Chris Weems. “We will have a special speaker and want all our members and interested persons present,” she
said. She also said she has information about the Clinton Dinner in August, and the State Democratic Women’s State Convention.
WWI centenniel events in Arkansas this month LITTLE ROCK— Exhibits and WWI Memorial Tree dedications across the state are among the June 2018 activities the Arkansas WWI Centennial Commemoration Committee has sanctioned. WWI Centennial Commemoration events during June include: * “The Great War: Arkansas in World War I,” the Arkansas State Archives traveling exhibit on WWI, will be displayed at Mercy Outreach Center in Fort Smith June 13-July 5; contact (479) 769-4813 or mocoutreach95@gmail.co m for more information. * Polk County Memorial Tree Dedication, featuring the planting of a WWI Memorial Tree provided by the Arkansas Forestry Commission and the Arkansas WWI C e n t e n n i a l Commemoration Committee, will be held at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, at Hatfield Municipal Park in Hatfield; contact (479) 968-6049 or townofhatfield@yahoo.com for information. * U.S.S. Arkansas Exhibit will continue during June at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, 120 Riverfront
Park Drive, North Little Rock; contact (501) 3718320 or info@aimmuseum.org for more information. * Lonoke County and the Great War Exhibit will continue during June at the Museum of American History at 114 South First Street in Cabot; call (501) 286-9665 or email mike.polston@cps.k12.ar.u s for more information. * William Grant Still and WWI Exhibit, focusing on the renowned African American composer from Arkansas’s WWI naval service, will continue during June at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, 120 Riverfront Park Drive, North Little Rock; contact (501) 371-8320 or info@aimmuseum.org for more information. * “Over Here and There: The Sons and Daughters of Arkansas’s Delta at War,” will continue during June at the Delta Cultural Center in Helena; contact (870) 3384350 or drew.ulrich@arkansas.gov for information. * “On the Fields and in the Trenches: Relics of the First World War” Exhibit will continue during June at the Arkansas State Archives at One Capitol Mall in Little
Rock; call (501) 682-6900 for more information. * Camp Pike Exhibit will continue at the Arkansas National Guard Museum at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock during June; contact (501) 212-5215 or raymond.d.screws.nfg@mail. mil for more information. For more information on Arkansas’s commemoration of World War I, visit http://www.wwiarkansas.c om/ or e-mail info@arkansaspreservation.org. The Arkansas World War I Centennial Commemoration Committee is part of the Department of Arkansas Heritage. Other DAH divisions are the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, Arkansas Arts Council, the Delta Cultural Center in Helena, the Old State House Museum, the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, the Historic Arkansas Museum and the Arkansas State Archives. A complete listing of scheduled WWI centennial activities, as well as additional information on the activities listed below, can be found at http://www.wwiarkansas.c om/calendar-events.
Prairie County Sheriff’s Report As of Wednesday, June 6, the Prairie County Sheriff's Department currently has 43 individuals in custody on both felony and/or misdemeanor charges at the Prairie County Detention Center, located in Des Arc. Recent additions include -- one female for misdemeanor, zero female on a felony, one male on felony and zero male for misdemeanor -- charges. Recent arrests include:
Kristian Cotton was a arrested on two counts of failure to appear, which are misdemeanor charges. Ashley Swint was arrested on a third-degree domestic battery charge. For more information on current incarcerated inmates in Prairie County and other detention centers across the state visit www.vinelink.com. To report an incident or
to give information on ongoing cases call (870) 256-4137, which is answered 24 hours a day, seven days of the week. Residents can also email the sheriff at rick.hickman@prairiecountysheriff.org. Keep up to date with the Prairie County Sheriff's Department by following the department on Facebook: www.facebook.com/prairiecountysheriffdept.
If you have pictures of your church’s Vacation Bible School we would love to publish them email them to: heraldpublishing@gmail.com be sure to put VBS in the subject line.
WWI Memorial Tree Dedication... A two-year-old willow oak tree was planted in Hazen City Park behind the war memorial wall by Robert Floyd of the Arkansas Forestry Commission on June 5 to commemorate those who died in WWI. One hundred years ago the world was engaged in a great combat, a “fiery trial” as President Wilson called it. This war, Wilson said, was “distressing and oppressive duty” but it was a war worth fighting, a war “for democracy, for the right of those who submit to authority to have a voice in their own governments, for the rights and liberties of small nations...for peace and safety to all nations and [to] make the world itself at last free.” Civilization itself, he said, hung in the balance. The United States sent nearly 2 milion men in the American Expeditionary Force, forming nearly 50 combat divisions. More than 200,000 American Doughboys were wounded in combat, and some 53,000 died of their wounds, including more than 2,000 Arkansans who fought on the land, at sea, and in the skies to defend the people of France and Belgium. Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines from Arkansas were involved in some of the fiercest fighting of the war, including the first fight between American and German troops. When the war came to a close, nearly 72,000 Arkansans had been brought into service and served in some capacity. Along with the tree, a small amount of French soil was placed in the hole as a symbol to remind everyone of the connection between France and the state of Arkansas. The tree was provided by a grant from the Arkansas Forestry Commission and the Arkansas WWI Centennial Commemoration Committee.
Prairie County Crop Report Brent Griffin CEA-Staff Chair Prairie Co. Coop. Extension Service Days of field work: 5 Top Soil Moisture: 50% adequate, 50% short Sub Soil Moisture: 50% adequate, 50% short Livestock Condition: 3 Fair
Crop Condition: Corn: 50% Good, 50% Fair Soybean: 50% Good, 25%
adequate, 25% Poor Rice: 50% Good, 50% adequate Hay/Pasture: 100% Good
ATTENTION! Everyone is invited to join us for this year’s VBS
Main Activities: Farmers were finalizing soybean plantings and replantings. Corn and rice were being irrigated. Herbicides were being applied to all crops. Crop Progress: Corn: 100% emerged Soybean: 95% planted, 85% emerged, 30% blooming Rice: 100% emerged
READ ALL ABOUT IT
in the
June 18-22, 2018 Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church DeValls Bluff, AR
Grand Prairie Herald!
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Subcribe today.
501-516-7123
Bro. Allen Minton For more information call:
CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT CLASSES STARTING IN JUNE! Young Adults, ages 18-24, give us a call to see if you qualify for this special funding to have your CNA class paid for! Must have one of the following: * Been in Foster Care or are Homeless * Young Adult with Disability * Pregnant woman or parenting man/woman (custodial or non-custodial parent) * Young Adults looking to advance in their educational or career path
(Other eligibility requirements may apply) EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE UPON COMPLETION OF CLASS! LET US HELP YOU CREATE OPPORTUNITIES IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT For more information call:
MedLinc CNA School at 501-492-7200
Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, June 13, 2018
State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Jonathan Dismang
It’s been almost a year since I stopped working for the Hazen School district. It hardly seems possible. I spent 24 of my 28 years as an educator in the Arkansas public school system there. My first year of teaching was as the music teacher in DeValls Bluff High School, and I taught 3 years in the Lonoke School district. Fourteen of those 28 years I spent as a high school principal. When I tell people I meet that fact, they seem amazed. I guess that’s because most high school principals are male excoaches. Or it could be that because I am a five foot tall woman who was a music teacher, people think that I would be a wimp. The list of those who disagreed with my decisions over the years will tell you that nothing could be farther from the truth. I made mistakes along the way because mistakes are unavoidable, but I always used my best judgement and experience as my guide. As Shakespeare said in “A Midsummer’s Night Dream”, “Oh, when she's angry, she is keen and shrewd! She was a vixen when she went to school. And though she be but little, she is fierce.” I like to think of myself that way. There weren’t many women high school principals in those days, but Danny Hazelwood and the Hazen School Board took a chance on me, and for that I am forever
grateful. Never underestimate the determination of a short woman with a vision. With the help of those courageous teachers who listened to my crazy ideas and were willing to try them, I will be forever grateful. We did some awesome things during those 14 years. We started concurrent credit classes so that our students could get college credit in high school. We applied for a grant for a computer lab so that our students could take online classes. We sent students to Phillips Community College to take nursing and technical classes. We added agricultural classes when we joined with the DeValls Bluff School District to become one school. Some scheduling machinations and a willing ag teacher allowed us to offer classes that were needed for students who live in a rural agricultural area - welding, woodworking, metalworking. My staff did great work. They deserve all of the credit. So now I’m back home at the newspaper - the place where I started the place where, at the age of 8 (or maybe younger), I began my writing career at the desk of Mr. Clyde Bowman (for those of you who remember him). I like being at the Herald I only work parttime (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays), and I get to visit with people that I haven’t been able to keep
up with. (Or is that “with whom I have been unable to keep up”?) Mondays are my only stressful days, unlike the school where there always seemed to be a fire to put out. Since I own the paper and edit it, I can pretty well put whatever I want to in it. Having that kind of freedom is a luxury that you don’t have when you work for someone else or for a public entity. But I still have an obligation to print the news in a truthful, conscientious manner. I always try to include things of local interest and/or need. It has been said that all news is local. I say that only local news will keep small town newspapers alive. That and the support of local business people, organizations, and government agencies. And what this newspaper considers “local” has changed this year. You’ve probably noticed that the Herald is now in Des Arc. My staff and I have been trying to fill the void that was left by the closing of the legendary White River Journal. This is a responsibility that we take very seriously, knowing full well that those are big shoes to fill. Who knew I would be starting a new career this late? But I know that, no matter how old you are, you either grow or die. I have no intention of dying anytime soon, and, as they say, “Variety is the spice of life.”
It is estimated that for every dollar you spend at the grocery store, only 11 cents goes to a farmer. More than 30 cents of every dollar goes to pay for processing, packing, and transporting. This summer, Arkansans have an opportunity to give our farmers a larger share of the profit all while accessing fresh locally grown produce. There are more than 100 farmers’ markets across the state. While some operate year round, you will never have trouble finding one near you in the summer months. The markets provide a low-barrier entry point for beginning farmers, allowing them to start small, test the market, and grow their businesses. Arkansas Farm Bureau estimates that 13 jobs are created for every $1 mil-
lion of revenue from a market. Farmers’ markets aren’t just an opportunity to buy food. They provide a family friendly opportunity to interact with your neighbors and community. Additionally, the social connections that are facilitated by farmers' markets allow producers and consumers to build relationships. Farmers’ market vendors educate their shoppers. In fact, four out of five farmers selling at markets discuss farming practices with their customers, and three in five discuss nutrition and how to prepare food. Farmers’ markets have fruits and vegetables at the peak of the growing season. This means produce is at its freshest and tastes the best. The food is typically grown near where you live, not thou-
sands of miles away or another country. In the summer, Arkansans can find locally grown strawberries, blackberries, peaches, and watermelons just to name a few. Because of the nutrition and affordability, many vendors have now started accepting EBT cards from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. In some cases, SNAP recipients can double their purchasing power at a participating market. Arkansas is home to more than 43,000 farms. 97% of those farms are family owned. Take the time this year to support our state’s number one industry. You can find a farmers’ market near you by visiting www.arkansasfarmersmarketassociation.com.
LITTLE ROCK – Legislators and business leaders have made it a priority to encourage more Arkansas students to graduate from college with a degree or a certificate proving that they have learned a core set of job skills. The overall prosperity of a state depends in large part on the educational level of its citizens. That was one of the reasons the legislature changed the funding formula for state colleges and universities last year. State aid to higher education will no longer rely so much on enrollment, and instead will be based more on the number of graduates who successfully complete their studies. After changing the method of funding colleges and universities, the legislature then added $10 million to state aid during the fiscal session earlier this year. The hope is that additional state aid will allow institutions to hold down tuition increases. In a letter to presidents and chancellors of Arkansas universities, the governor noted that tuition at their institutions had gone up from 3 percent to more than 6 percent a year over the past 10 years. He challenged universities to
freeze tuition next year, and he challenged two-year colleges to hold any increase to the level of inflation. According to a report by the Southern Regional Education Board on the affordability of higher education in Arkansas, “Tuition and fees at both public four-year and public two-year institutions in Arkansas have been growing much more rapidly than either inflation or family income.” That report described tuition increases from 2006 through 2014. Research indicates that one of the important reasons that students don’t finish college is that they have problems paying for it. Even for students with financial aid, tuition and fees eat up a high percentage of their family’s income. In the past few weeks, the boards of trustees of higher education institutions have been meeting to set tuition and fees for the 2018 fall semester. The universities have accepted the challenge and held tuition to this year’s levels, but they have increased mandatory fees. Tuition will remain unchanged at the five fouryear campuses in the University of Arkansas system. They are in Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Little Rock, Monticello and
Pine Bluff. However, fees will go up at all the campuses. Tuition for the system’s seven two-year colleges will go up, but by less than 2.1 percent. Arkansas State University in Jonesboro will also hold tuition to current levels, although fees will go up. The ASU system has four two-year colleges, and fees will go up slightly at three of them. ASU Mid South in West Memphis will not raise either tuition or fees. Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Arkansas Tech in Russellville and the University of Central Arkansas in Conway will do the same. State Revenue Report The state fiscal year ends on June 30. The May report from the Department of Finance and Administration indicates that for the first 11 months of the fiscal year, revenue collections are on a pace to generate a budget surplus of $44 million. Net general revenue for the year-to-date is about $4.9 billion, or 3.3 percent more than last year.
Attorney General Leslie Rutledge Vacationers beware of travel scams LITTLE ROCK – Arkansans should be aware of common scams when planning or taking a vacation this summer. “Countless Arkansans look to summer vacation as a chance to get away and relax, but con artists become creative and recognize this as another opportunity to steal from honest people,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “Arkansans should not let their guard down, even on vacation. Whether it’s at home, on the beach or by the lake, we all need to remain diligent in protecting our money and personal information.” All vacationers should exercise caution when booking travel accommodations. Some scammers will take to the internet or phone lines to pitch free or deeply discounted travel deals, trying to convince unknowing vacationers that the only requirement is a “small” processing fee or credit card number verification. Others will post stolen photos and listing information for properties they do not own, take the cash from reservations and leave vacationers without a place to stay. Arkansans should not only keep their guard up during the booking process, but also throughout the vacation itself. Vacationers should be weary of high-pressure tactics and seemingly legitimate but unverified offers while on their trips. Attorney General Rutledge also released the below list of common scams consumers could encounter on vacation. Gasoline Scam: Someone approaches with a convincing story that they ran out of gas and money.
They only need $40 to fill up the tank and may even offer to mail a check to repay you. The likelihood that the repayment will be received is slim. Either refuse to give the person money or pay for the fuel if the person is at the service station to ensure the money is spent as intended. Ride Service Scam: A “driver” approaches and mentions he is off duty but trying to make some extra money and offers a ride, but he ends up taking the scenic route traveling miles out of the way to boost the fare. To avoid this scam, ensure the driver is on duty, licensed and metered. Fake Front Desk Phone Call Scam: Scam artists call hotel rooms directly, often in the middle of the night while guests are disoriented by being woken up. They say there has been a computer glitch and they need to verify your credit card informa-
tion. Hang up and go directly to the front desk to verify the call. Wi-Fi Hot Spot Scam: Crooks can create their own Wi-Fi spot and give it a similar name to an actual hotspot. Then these scammers can spy on everything the user does, from accessing bank accounts to making online purchases. Be sure to ask the hotel or restaurant what their Wi-Fi name is before logging on. It is possible to find a good travel deal or even win a vacation. However, Arkansans should do their homework when booking and remember that if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. For more information about consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@ArkansasAG.g ov.
Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, June 13, 2018
- ACCEPTING BIDS Hazen School District is taking applications for School Bus Driver Full time and/or Part time. Contact Superintendent's office for application. 870-255-4549 (6-6-18 2tc) NOW HIRING: FULL and PART TIME OTR TRUCK DRIVERS. Looking for single and team. Requires Class A CDL license and clean driving record. TOP PAY & HOME ON WEEKENDS! Take home more and stay home more!! 870-830-4942 (6-13-18 3tp)
INMAN DENTAL CLINIC Thomas G. Inman DDS IDC
PO Box N 513 N. Williams Street Carlisle, AR 72024 Ph: 870-552-3500
The City of Des Arc is accepting bids for real property located at the Intersection of W. Claire St. and 2nd St. in the City of Des Arc, Prairie Co., Arkansas. Property has approximately 1.0 acre of real property with two commercial structures totaling approximately 13,250 sq. ft. Sealed bids should be brought by the Mayor's office at City Hall, 107 So. 3rd St., Des Arc, AR 72040 or mailed to City of Des Arc, P. O. Box 389, Des Arc, AR 72040. Bids must be received by 12:00 Noon on June 19, 2018. Bids will be opened at the regular council meeting, June 19, 2018 at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. If you would like more information, please call Mayor James Garth at 870-256-4316. The City of Des Arc reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
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The Grand Prairie Herald would like to include more regional news in our newspaper. We have been covering news about the Grand Prairie for over 117 years, which includes Hazen, Des Arc, Carlisle, Stuttgart, and the surrounding areas. So, if you have news to tell, a picture that you would like to share, or some information that needs to get out, call us at 870-255-4538 Monday, Tuesday, or Friday, or email us at heraldpublishing@gmail. com
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Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, June 13, 2018
County libraries kick off the summer with reading, painting, and magic
Kim Konecny Mullins of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission reads a book to children at the DeValls Bluff library on Thursday, June 7. Then after learning some facts about owls in Arkansas, the participants painted their own owls to take home.
Magician Aaron Acosta entertained children at the Hazen library on Tuesday, June 5. Fifty attendees enjoyed participating in some of the magic tricks and there was lots of laughter.
City of Hazen Mammoth Pond Fishing Derby SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2018 10:00 A.M.- 1:00 P.M. Mammoth Pond Park
for children 15 years of age and under.
NO FISHING LICENSE REQUIRED.
Prizes will be awarded throughout the day and special prizes given for those catching tagged fish. Refreshments will be served. Bring your own fishing pole and bait. Mammoth Pond Park is located south of I-40 and east of Hwy. 63 behind the Motel.
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