This Week's Edition

75¢

Hazen hosts Fishing Derby.

(See pictures on p. 6.)

Volume 120 Number 26 - USPS 225-680

Community Calendar of Events Monday June 28-July 2 Center Point Missionary Baptist Church Vacation Bible School 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Wednesday June 30 Rock painting and crafts at Hazen City Park East across from Hazen Community Center 11:00 a.m. _______ End of Summer Reading Program party at Carlisle Library 2:00 p.m.

Thursday July 1 Birdfeeder and plant craft at the DeValls Bluff Public Library 11:00 a.m.

Sunday July 4 Happy Holiday!

Monday July 5 Prairie County Court House Offices Closed for Holiday Tuesday July 6 Toss Games Des Arc Public Library 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday July 7 Prairie County Master Gardeners meeting 6:00 p.m.

Hazen Methodist Church Friday July 9 Vacation Bible School Hazen Methodist Church 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Champions For Christ 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 and the Grand Prairie

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Arkansas Extension Homemakers honors locals

By Shea Wilson Extension Homemakers from Prairie County met with other members throughout the state June 8-10 for the annual Arkansas Extension Homemakers State Conference held at the Wyndham Hotel in North Little Rock.

In addition to holding the annual board meeting, attendees were able to select classes from the following four categories: Lead Through Example, Be a Better You, Enrich Your Life, and Creative Skills.

Marie Price received her 80-year milestone award.

Other local members receiving awards were Janice Bell (71 years), Irene Hampton (72 years), and Nola Hampton (72 years).

Local clubs who were recognized for their service projects included: Biscoe, Busy Hands, Couponistas, Idlewild, and Oak Prairie.

New AEHC District

Milestone members Janice Bell (right) and Marie Price (left) received Milestone Certificates at the recent AR EHC meeting. Bell was honored for 71 years of service, and Price was honored for 80 years of service.

Directors were elected for the coming two years. The new District Director for Ouachita is Aleese Oliver-Nichols, Saline County; Darla Watts, Pope County, is the new Ozark District Director. Dot Hart, Jefferson County, will lead Delta District.

On the final day, a memorial service was held for deceased members. Former Prairie

County EHC members Dorothy Clayton, Pauline Owen, and Helen Polk were remembered during the service.

For 109 years, the E x t e n s i o n Homemakers/Home Demonstration program has been ongoing in Arkansas, providing its members with education and leadership development and service to the

communities in which the clubs are located.

About Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council The Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council is a volunteer organization associated with the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

During fiscal 2019-2020,

the most recent period for which statistics are available, Extension Homemakers reported 284 clubs and 3,151 members, giving 572,194 hours of volunteer service to the state.

To learn more about Extension Homemakers, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit https://www.uada.edu/eh c.

Hazen School Board approves several purchases using ESSER II funds, makes new hires and approves teacher resignations The Hazen School Board approved the purchase of textbooks and furniture for both the elementary and high schools along with accepting resignations and approving staff hires at their regular meeting held on June 21.

School Board Members Roben Cohen, Freddie Rogers, Vicki Skarda, Mason sickel,

Ritchie Ingle, Sandra Penn, and Darlene Connors were present as were Superintendent Donnie Boothe, Principals Tiffany Glover and Mark Price, Secretary Cindy Ciganek and Financial Officer Sarah Snider.

The board approved the purchase of math textbooks for the high school and the elementary

Local students graduate from Arkansas State Arkansas State University has announced the list of students who have completed degree requirements to graduate at Spring Commencement, held May 8 in Centennial Bank Stadium.

The following local students were presented with diplomas at the ceremony: Carlisle: Austin Millie Malnar, Master of Science in Education, Reading Carlisle: Dorthey L. Woodall, Master of Arts in Teaching, Teaching Carlisle: Tristan Tait Bennett, Bachelor of Science, Multimedia Journalism, Summa Cum Laude/Honors Program Carlisle: Sadie Jo Brannon, Bachelor of Science in Education, Mid Level Education Carlisle: Carson W. Cunningham, Bachelor of Science in A g r i c u l t u r e , Agricultural Business Carlisle: Hayley Anne Hedrick, Bachelor of S c i e n c e , Interdisciplinary Studies Des Arc: Stacy Amber Childers, Master of Science in Education, Educational Leadership Prairie, Des Arc:

Sydney Elizabeth Beckwith, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy Des Arc: Colt B. Covington, Bachelor of Science, Management DeValls Bluff: Janan Lisko Sickel, Specialist in Education, Educational Leadership Hazen: Lauren McMullen King, Master of Science in Education, Special Education K-12.

Chancellor Kelly Damphousse presented diplomas at the associate, bachelor, master, specialist and doctoral levels, along with various program certificates, as awarded through the various colleges: Agriculture, Neil Griffin College of Business, Education and Behavioral Science, Engineering and Computer Science, Liberal Arts and Communication, Nursing and Health Professions, Sciences and Mathematics, and University College.

Undergraduates with a 4.0 GPA are designated Summa Cum Laude.

Those with a GPA of 3.8-3.99 are Magna Cum Laude, and those with a GPA of 3.6-3.79 are Cum Laude.

The City of Des Arc will be conducting aerial spraying for mosquitoes on Saturday, July 3rd, beginning at 6:00 a.m.

school (K-6) from Educators Book Depository for $43,345.15 which will paid from the Elementary and Secondary Education Relief (ESSER) II federal funds received by the district. ESSER funds are allocated to school districts using the Title I funding formula found in the Every Student Succeeds Act. The funds, however, are notconsidered Title I funds, and do not have to follow Title I funding restrictions. On March 12, President Biden signed the American Rescue Act into law. This legislation includes three rounds of ESSER funding. The third round of ESSER funding, ESSER III, will provide $126,000,000,000 for K12 education across the country.

According to Snider, the district received approximately $700,000 in ESSER II funds and has spent about half of that amount so far.

Other purchases using ESSER II funds that were approved this month included $24,149.20 for high school Social Studies, History, and Civics textbooks; $88,885.09 for K6 student Social Studies, Science, and Literacy textbooks and materials.

Glover remarked on the purchase of the elementary textbooks saying,

“We’re getting textbooks because we haven’t had textbooks in years.”

Elementary classroom furniture and cafeteria tables and chairs that will allow for social distancing for students and teachers will be purchased for $123,676.22 from ESSER II funds as well. The old furniture will be disposed of according to state regulations.

Another round of ESSER funds is expected (ESSER III) by the district.

The Statement of Intent for the Title VIB Special Education application was approved as were two legal transfers of students to other school districts.

The board accepted the resignations of high school teacher and coach Beth Robinson, Elementary teacher Carmen Johnson, and high school Ag teacher Katelyn Thomas.

The board approved the hiring of Lucas Tenison as head Junior High basketball and Head High School Baseball coach; Morgan McMullen Henderson as the high school Special Education teacher; Dakota Aycock for Health, PE, and K-12 remediation; Angela Stephens for Elementary Librarian; and Aaron Cobb and Brady Delp for 6th grade teachers.

Susan Booth was re-

assigned to the high school from the elementary school, and the contract of High School Counselor Janan Sickel was extended by five days.

Superintendent Boothe reported that repairs and upgrades on the house that was used by former Superintendent William Crowder have been completed. He also said that two decommissioned busses had been sold for $4300.

Price said that work on the two lower hallway bathrooms in the high school is nearly completed. New camerals are being installed in the high school that allow the principal to log in to them with his phone.

Vape detectors are being installed in the high school bathrooms. He also said that a duty team schedule is being developed.

Glover said that her building is working o several projects. The carpet in several rooms is being replaced with laminate flooring, and the elementary computer lab will be turned into a Maker Space since all of the elementary students have their own computers.

The next school board meeting will be held on Monday, July 19, at 6:00 p.m. in the high school library. All meetings will once again be open to the public.

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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Biscoe Extension Homemakers Club learns about rain gardens and mullein

By Mitzi Osborne

William Carroll Denton William Carroll Denton, 80, of Des Arc died Monday June 21, 2021 at his home in Des Arc. Mr. Carroll was born March 17, 1941 in Brinkley, Arkansas to Raymond Edward and Ann Paulette (Watts) Denton.

He held several master’s degrees and was superintendent of Des Arc School District for 15 years.

Survivors include his wife Judy (Mashburn) Denton, three sons, Shawn (Cindy) Denton, Jerrod (Rebecca) Denton, Joshua (Stephanie) Horton, one daughter, Sandi Horton, six grandchildren, Damian Denton, Drew Denton, Parker Denton, Sawyer Denton, Jacob Eubanks, Kyrstin Horton, one great grandchild, one sister, Mary Ann (Gary) Simpson, one brother, Donald Ray (Brenda) Denton. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Buddy, Charlie, Dennis, Ted, Talbert Denton, and two infant siblings.

Visitation was at 1:00 pm Thursday, June 24, 2021 at Gospel Mission Church in Des Arc with funeral services immediately following at 2:00. Bro. Pat Skarda officiating.

Pallbearers are Bo Lott, Clint Mason, Billy Hinson, Jacob Mason, Bradley Ward, and Cole Morton.

Carroll was loved and respected by family and friends and will be greatly missed. www.garthfuneralhome.com

James Douglas DeVorak James Douglas DeVorak, 71 of Judsonia was born October 21, 1949 to the late Dwight F. DeVorak and the late

Arkansas Press Association Member 2020

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 $20.00/year In Arkansas $25.00/year Out 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 Photographer Ruth Corley

Dorothy Sanders DeVorak.

He lived his childhood life growing up in Hazen, Arkansas.

After graduation from high school, he worked as a farmer in Carlisle for a number of years.

After a few years, he moved to Des Arc and started a fertilizer business.

That business was successful, and he gained a large number of friends in Prairie County.

After about twenty years, he moved to Cabot and sold cars for Ron Cambel Ford.

Doug moved to Judsonia about 17 years ago. He retired in his early 60’s and spent his time with his wife and children.

Doug is survived by his wife, Cynthia DeVorak and his children, Kevin, Mathew, LeAndra, Benjamin, Rebecca, and Jonathan. He is also survived by his brother, Larry and his sister, Beth; 15 grandchildren and 1 greatgranddaughter.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Andrea and his ex-wife, Royce Ann DeVorak.

Funeral services were 1:00 P.M., Saturday, June 26, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Hazen with visitation from 11:00 to 1:00 prior to the service. His brother, Larry was officiating and interment was in the Hazen Cemetery. Arrangements were by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.

Sandra Kay Crowly Tom Sandra Kay (Sandy) Crowly Tom, age 77 of Searcy, formerly of Hazen, went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 18, 2021 at 9:30 p.m..

Sandy graduated from Hazen High School and attended Texas Women’s University. Growing up she was very fond of horses, and was a talented singer and piano player.

Sandy was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hazen and also attended the Gospel Mission Church in Des Arc. For years, she had a Hazen Playschool and Kindergarten.

Her playschool and kindergarten children were the love of her life. Sandy later became a caregiver for years, which fit her love of people so perfectly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, C.W. (Bill) and Leona Crowly; the father of her children, Larry White; and her husband, Theodore (Ted) Tom; and her daughter, Jennifer.

Sandy is survived by two daughters, Melanie Morris of Searcy and Amanda Forest-Lam of Ashland, Virginia; grandchildren, Justin and Jordon Morris, Brittany White, Lindsey Gammill, Clover and Christopher Forest-Lam, Savannah, Ciara, and Serenity Barnett, A.J. Preiss and Josh and Tyler Barnett and several great-grandchildren and a host of friends.

Funeral services were 2:00 P.M., Friday, June 25, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Hazen.

Visitation was from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M., prior to the service at the Church.

Burial was in the Hazen Cemetery.

Arrangements were by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.

Daniel West Mallett Daniel West Mallett, age 67 of Carlisle, Arkansas, peacefully passed away Thursday, June 24, 2021.

He was born on September 30, 1953 to Morse and Lula Mallett in Emporia, Kansas. He graduated from Searcy High School and then Arkansas Tech University, where he lettered in baseball. He went on to get his Masters in Physical Education from Arkansas State University.

He began his football coaching career in Earle, Arkansas where he met the love of his life, Teresa.

They married on November 4, 1978. His coaching career then took his family across the state of Arkansas and a brief time in Texas. He had an enormous impact on so many young me.

When he wasn’t on the football field, he was with his family. He truly was a family man and loved time spent with his seven grandchildren.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents, Morse and Lula Mallett.

He is survived by his wife, Teresa Mallett; oldest son, Beau Mallett and wife, Brittani from Jonesboro; daughter, Brooke Hauk and husband, Jay of Carlisle; youngest son, Blane Mallett and wife, Amy from Lake Village; seven grandchildren, Barrett and Brandt Mallett, Baylor, Gracen, and Greer Hauk and Mia and Molly Mallett; Siblings, Tent Mallett (Kay), Jeannine Jolly (Ronnie), Jim Mallett (Debbie), and Mark Mallett (Jean) as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

The family is forever grateful to Danny’s caregivers, Ms. Bea and Jodie Crepple. We would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Unity Health in Searcy and Baptist Hospice for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Carlisle First United Methodist Church Food Pantry, P.O. Box 417, Carlisle, Ar. 72024.

Funeral services was at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 27, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church in Carlisle. Visitation was from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Malletown Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.

Biscoe EHC President Mitzi Osborne called the meeting to order at 10:30 am on Monday, June 14 at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Five members answered roll call by sharing about their wedding.

Those attending were Mitzi Osborne, Janice Corpier, Juanita Hutchinson, Ardie Yates, Barbara Williams, and Rita Farris. Of these members one married in February, one in May, three in July and the other September.

Juanita read the poem

by Helen Steiner Rice, ‘God’s Plan for You’ based on Jeremiah 29:11 for the inspiration.

Members reported 152 volunteer hours. Fifteen pounds of food were collected for the Food Insecurity state project.

Secretary Janice Corpier read the minutes from May which were approved.

Treasurer Juanita Hutchinson presented the financial report which was filed for audit.

Mitzi Osborne reported on the AEHC state meeting she attended June 8 – 10 at the Wyndam Riverfront in North Little Rock.

Biscoe EHC’s Project Book received an award of excellence. Biscoe’s centerpiece/door prize was presented to one of the guest speakers.

Carlisle, AR 72024

Irene Hampton received her 72 years EHC Membership certificate and pin.

As there was no unfinished business, new business was discussed: *Community Service Project for the new club year *Program Leaders *Program for July: Recipe Swap *Program for August: One Day of Community Service June birthdays celebrated were Bernadette Mosby and June Cox. July birthdays are Karen Golden on the 30th and Janice Corpier’s on the 31st.

The door prize was won

by Rita Farris.

Program leader Rita Farris gave handouts on rain gardens. Then she shared information on a plant in her yard called a mullein. It has many medicinal uses.

Meeting adjourned with

the Homemaker’s prayer.

Next month’s meeting will be July 12th. Come join us and bring your favorite dish and the recipe for a swap.

What is EHC? Prairie County Extension Homemakers Clubs are a group of members who help extend the resources the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service into their communities through educational opportunities and community service projects.

Members belong their local club, county organization and state organization, The Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council.

By being a member of Extension Homemakers, you will the opportunity to learn with others, make new friends, ad contribute to your community, county and state.

Letter to the Editor To Everyone at the Grand Prairie Herald: As I am 94 years old I can still see. I plan to keep reading the Herald for at least 2 more years! I look forward to every publication every week.

In addition to the news I enjoy and look forward to Blurred Vision by Mr. Bradow. I would love to be in his class, I did have a great English teacher, Mrs. Leola McDonald class of 45. I

also enjoyed reading your father’s writings also!

Until your next publi-

cation!

Thank You, Katherine Rounsavell Seilheimer

Angie King Beauty Shop for Men and Women Open Wednesday Saturday Please Call for appointment.

870-998-2251 or 870-998-2414 305 West Hazel (by the courthouse) DeValls Bluff, AR

Subcribe to Grand Prairie Herald for all the news on the Grand Prairie.

Call 870-255-4538

INTERESTED in Selling Your Home or Property? Call today for a free market analysis. We advertise locally, also in ZILLOW, CARMLS, and EZ MLS.

207 S. Court

Rita Farris (far left) tells members about the health benefits of mullein.

Phone 501.454.2315

Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Blurred Vision -

By Nathaniel Bradow

“The Green Seats”

Biscoe EHC wins award...

The Biscoe Extension Homemakers Club was recognized for its service projects. President Mitzi Osborne was presented with an award for her club’s hard work. Other clubs that received EHC awards for service projects were Busy Hands, Couponistas, Idlewild, and Oak Prairie.

I have been to the mountaintop, gentle readers. I have stood on the summit and looked down on the greatness of God’s creation in all its color, pomp, and splendor, and lo it was good. I have seen the way the more fortunate among us live. I must admit the green-eyed monster inside me was drooling with envy even as I sat amongst a crowd of them.

I mentioned in an earlier column that I have the most wonderful wife in the world, Laura.

Well, the experience of epic proportions I am about to relate was all her doing, and I’m afraid she won’t be able to out-do herself after this. I turned the big 40 during the summer of Covid-19. We were set to go to a Cardinals’ game and sit in the Commissioner’s Box Seats. My wife spoils me sometimes. Well, you all know what happened.

Covid raged. The season was cancelled, uncancelled, and then played in a shortened schedule without fans in the stands. So, we couldn’t go.

This year my wife went big in an attempt to celebrate my 40th and 41st birthday in one fell swoop. She did so by sitting on her phone and computer for all of her lunch break one day back in May waiting on the Cardinals organization to start selling tickets for the middle of June. As soon as they became available, Laura snatched up tickets in the infamous Green Seats, Section 3, Row B. That’s right!

Row FREAKING B! My wife bought me tickets to a Cardinal game, and we were going to sit close enough to smell Yadier Molina’s aftershave! I’m pretty sure he wears “Ode de Pine-Tar,” but

don’t quote me on that.

The day was bright and warm bordering on hot.

The grass was freshly shorn. The clay was neatly leveled, watered, and raked. White lines newly laid. The sun shone down like a knowing smile from the Creator as he settled down in his cumulus cloud armchair to watch his favorite sport, baseball.

The first pitch was scheduled for 12:15 pm, but the stadium opened two hours early for those in the Green Seats. My wife and I, and another couple we were attending the game with, arrived just before 10 am. We walked around the stadium and visited the Cardinals’ team shop before the gates opened.

Our party was one of the first in the stadium.

We were led to the special underground area for special ticket holders. There we were, treated to a full buffet complete with salads (lettuce, potato, fruit and walnut, and olive), artichokes, mushroom rice, grilled chicken, and flank steak sliced upon request. There was also a full complement of desserts (both heaped with sugar and sugar and gluten free). To go along with all the culinary delights was a full bar. All of these things were included in the price of the tickets.

Not only could we have eaten until bursting, we had a pretty good excuse to start day-drinking early as well. A younger version of me would have taken advantage of that, but I have mellowed in my old age. We ate modestly in anticipation for the game. The waitstaff was polite and eager to take care of their “guests.” As we left the buffet bunker, the regular crowd began

to pour in for midmorning Mimosas and Bloody Marys.

We walked around the park and took in the sights the new Busch Stadium affords including the St. Louis Arch and the skyline of downtown St. Louis.

With 45 minutes before game time, we found our seats, and they were better than I could have imagined. We were seated right behind the ondeck circle staring straight down the thirdbase line.

Every Cardinal player was going to have to parade past us one at a time as they awaited their turns at bat less than five feet away from us. We watched the final warmups of both teams and readied for the greatest show on dirt to begin.

The final feather in the Green Seat bonnet was full food service during the game. We ordered ballpark food via QR code until “last call” at the end of the 7th inning. No waiting in line or missing any of the action. All we had to do was sit there and they brought us whatever we ordered, and, again, this was all included in the price of the tickets.

I was in heaven, or at least what I would like heaven to be like. Food, friends, and baseball.

Who could ask for more!?

There was only one hitch in this perfect day of Green-Seat bliss. The game was a pitchers’ duel. For those of you who don’t know what that is, it basically means that the pitchers were throwing so well that neither team threatened to score at all. Johan Oviedo for the Cards and Sandy Alcantara for the Miami Marlins pitched nearly flawlessly. The result

was t h e game went by in a blink. It was a great game, but it was probably the shortest game of the season.

So, we didn’t get to take full advantage of our Green Seat experience.

The day was capped off with a walk-off base hit to left in the ninth inning by future Hallof-Famer Yadier Molina, and the Cardinals took the win in dramatic fashion. It would have been nice to settle in for a four-and-a-half-hour barn burner of a game ending with a Cardinals victory, but a 1-0 win in two hours and thirty five minutes was great as well.

Yes, gentle readers, I have seen how the corporate tycoons, trustfund twerps, and captains of industry are treated when they show up (fashionably late jerks) for a ballgame. I have tasted the sweet nectar of lemonade and ice cream brought to you on a 93 degree day while you watch the best baseball players on the planet from a vantage point close enough to count the hairs on Paul Goldschmidt’s and Nolan Arenado’s chins.

It was definitely a Bucket List item. I may never be able to experience the Green Seats again. But, I still have the sunburn, and when that fades, I will be able to look back on the pictures I took and the memories my wife and I made.

If you are a baseball fan, you need to treat yourself to at least one game in the Green Seats. It is expensive. I won’t sugar coat that.

However, in my view, it was worth every penny.

To comment, you can reach me at thatbradowguy@gmail.com

Bates and Cash to represent Arkansas in US statuary hall

By Gov. Asa Hutchison First, the Arkansas General Assembly had the tough task of choosing the two people who would represent Arkansas in Statuary Hall in our nation’s capital, and then we had a nationwide search for the artists who would sculpt the statues.

Today I’m happy to report we now have selected the artists for the statues of civil rights icon Daisy Bates and music legend Johnny Cash.

This discussion began in 2018 with the consensus

that we needed a historical update in who represents Arkansas in Statuary Hall. The Arkansans who have been standing in for the state for nearly a hundred years are U.M. Rose, a lawyer who served as president of the American Bar Association, and James Paul Clarke, a governor of Arkansas and a U.S. senator.

The legislature authorized the update in 2019, and since Arkansas is well-known for its civil rights leaders and musi-

cians, Daisy Bates and Johnny Cash are fitting replacements for Mr. Rose and Mr. Clarke.

Once we had settled that matter, the Secretary of State’s office put out a call for artists. The U.S. Statuary Hall Steering Committee and the Arkansas Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission narrowed the list of applicants to three for each statue.

The artists wheeled in their clay prototypes of Daisy Bates and Johnny Cash to the Capitol last

month, and members of the committees spent June 14 hearing from each of them. Ultimately, they chose Benjamin Victor to sculpt Daisy Bates and Little Rock artist Kevin Kresse to sculpt Johnny Cash.

The artists’s attention to details such as the way they stood and the expressions on their face capture not only the likeness of Mrs. Bates and Mr. Cash but a sense of their character at pivotal moments in their remarkable lives.

Under Mr. Victor’s hand, Daisy Bates stands with a newspaper tucked under her left arm and a spiralbound notepad in her right hand. She is stepping out with her left foot, striding ahead with the resolve and fortitude that Mr. Victor discovered as he studied her life, including the year of the desegregation crisis in 1957 when she mentored the Little Rock Nine.

Mr. Kresse’s statue of Johnny Cash will enhance his reputation as a sculptor of Arkansas musicians.

In Mr. Kresse’s depiction of the Man in Black, you see in Mr. Cash’s face a hint of the hard life he lived. Mr. Kresse has slung Johnny’s guitar across his back, and the strap of the guitar crosses beneath the Bible he carries in his right hand, testimony to the faith that delivered Johnny from his hard living.

As the artists go to work, we must raise the final $300,000 of the amount needed to pay the artists and for the delivery and installations of the new statues as well as the return of the other statues to Arkansas.

Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Farm Service Agency now accepting nominations for county committee members LITTLE ROCK, AR, June 23, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) began accepting nominations for county committee members on June 15. Elections will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2021 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 2, 2021.

“We need enthusiastic, diverse leaders to serve other agricultural producers locally on FSA County Committees,” said Danny Hoots, Acting State Executive Director for FSA in Arkansas. “Now’s your time to step up and truly make an impact on how federal programs are administered at the local level to reach all producers fairly and equitably.”

Hoots said agricultural producers who participate or cooperate in a USDA program, and reside in the LAA that is up for election this year, may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee. A cooperating producer is someone who has provided information about their farming or ranching operation to FSA, even if they have not applied or received program benefits.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others and qualifying organizations may also nominate candidates.

USDA encourages minority producers, women and beginning farmers or ranchers to nominate, vote, and hold office.

Nationwide, more than 7,700 dedicated members of the agricultural community serving on FSA county committees.

The committees are made up of three to 11 members who serve three-year terms.

Producers serving on FSA county committees play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of the agency.

Committee members are vital to how FSA carries out disaster pro-

grams, as well as conservation, commodity and price support programs, county office employment and other agricultural issues.

LAAs are elective areas for FSA committees in a single county or multi-county jurisdiction. This may include LAAs that are focused on an urban or suburban area.

Contact: Rhonda O’Guinn Urban and Suburban County Committees 700 West Capitol, Rm 3416 Little Rock, AR 72201 rhonda.oguinn@usda.go v Farm Service Agency The 2018 Farm Bill directed USDA to form urban county committees as well as make other advancements related to urban agriculture, including the establishment of the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production.

FSA established county committees specifically focused on urban agriculture.

The urban county committees will work to encourage and promote urban, indoor and other emerging agricultural production practices. Additionally, the new county committees may address areas such as food access, community engagement, support of local activities to promote and encourage community compost and food waste reduction.

Urban committee members are nominated and elected to serve by local urban producers in the same jurisdiction. These members are a vital link in the effective administration of USDA programs and are responsible for carrying out programs in full accordance with the regulations, national and state policies, procedures, and instructions. Urban county committee members will provide outreach to ensure urban producers understand USDA programs and serve as the voice of other urban producers and assist in program implementation that support the needs of the growing urban community.

Urban county committees must see that coun-

ty office operations are supportive and that they receive timely and quality service by carrying out responsibilities effectively, efficiently, and impartially.

Learn more at farmers.gov/urban.

More Information Producers should contact their local FSA office today to register and find out how to get involved in their county’s election.

They should check with their local USDA Service Center to see if their LAA is up for election this year. To be considered, a producer must be registered and sign an FSA669A nomination form or an FSA669-A-3 for urban county committees. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at fsa.usda.gov/elections.

Election ballots will be mailed to eligible voters beginning Nov. 1, 2021.

To find your local USDA Service Center, visit farmers.gov/servicelocator.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the BidenHarris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Jonathan Dismang

LITTLE ROCK – State Medicaid officials are asking the federal government for approval of ARHOME, the newest version of Medicaid expansion.

They anticipate a decision in November or December.

ARHOME will replace the current version of Medicaid expansion called Arkansas Works, which expires December 31.

ARHOME stands for Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me. It was created by Act 530, which the legislature enacted earlier this year during the regular session.

Medicaid expansion is a government health program for about 250,000 Arkansans, although there was an increase to about 274,000 people last year due to the economic impact of the pandemic.

The Arkansas version of Medicaid expansion is different from that in other states, because the Arkansas version relies on private insurance companies to provide the bulk of the coverage.

Typically, 84 percent of the people enrolled in Medicaid expansion are in private insurance plans. The remaining 16 percent have more extensive medical needs and are covered in the more traditional Medicaid program.

When Congress enacted the national Affordable Care Act in 2010, the states had the option of creating their own versions of Medicaid expansion to cover more people.

Traditionally, Medicaid was for lowincome families and the Affordable Care Act made more people eligible by raising the income thresholds.

Arkansas created its unique version of Medicaid expansion in 2013. Now, it’s common for public health officials and legislators to distinguish between “traditional Medicaid” and “Medicaid expansion.”

Under Medicaid expansion the state helps individuals pay for private health insurance.

The traditional Medicaid program uses a “fee for service” model, which means that enrollees visit their doctors, who then file a claim with the state for reimbursement.

In the last quarter of 2020 Medicaid paid for health care for 912,738 Arkansans. Of those, 380,364 were children and 129,399 were people with disabilities, 52,664 were senior citizens and 76,309 were adults in the traditional Medicaid program. The remaining 274,002 were people in Arkansas Works, the Medicaid expansion program created in 2013.

State officials need approval from the federal government for changes in Medicaid because the federal government provides the vast majority of the funding. For example, the federal government funds 90 percent of Medicaid expansion and the state funds 10 percent. For traditional Medicaid, the federal government pays about 77 percent of Medicaid costs, although that percentage fluctuates from year to year.

The federal match is expected to drop closer to 70 percent when the pandemic is past and current public health emergency declarations are called off.

The federal Medicaid matching rate depends on the per capita income in each state, so relatively prosperous states pay a higher percentage. Federal funds pay for 44 percent in New Jersey and New York.

The health care community in Arkansas reported significant health and financial benefits from Medicaid expansion in 2013. The number of people without health insurance went down from about 27 percent to about 15 percent between 2013 and 2015, according to

surveys conducted by hospitals and health insurance providers.

When more people are insured and see a physician regularly, it results in fewer visits to emergency rooms.

The state is on pace to have a record surplus of more than $1 billion, which is a strong indicator that the Arkansas economy is recovering from the negative effects of the pandemic.

The monthly revenue report for May shows that all categories of state taxes improved significantly over the same period last year.

With one more month remaining in the state’s fiscal year, the surplus is a record $980 million.

The enormous surplus is attributable to several factors: a rebound in business activity in Arkansas and conservative budgeting by the legislature.

Also, federal relief funding helped Arkansas families maintain household spending levels, and helped Arkansas companies remain in business.

More people went back to work.

At the height of the pandemic last year, the legislature and the governor reduced spending by state agencies.

The size of the surplus is impressive when compared to the overall size of the state’s general revenue fund. In the 2021 regular session, which ended in late April, the legislature approved a budget for state government that calls for spending $5.8 billion in Fiscal 2022, which will begin on July 1.

The record surplus will be a strong argument for legislators who want to reduce state income taxes. The governor has announced that he intends to call a special session in the fall to lower the top state income tax rate.

Did you hear the Grand Prairie Herald is covering the news of all Arkansas’ prairie folks?

Now that’s something to quack about!

Birds of a feather flock together, so let’s unite.

Your news is of interest to the grand prairie.

Lonoke | Carlisle | Hazen | Des Arc | DeValls Bluff | Biscoe Email news and photos to: heraldpublishing@gmail.com Deadline: Friday for the next weekly edition Call to submit upcoming events, news, public information, subscriptions, display advertising or classifieds: 870-255-4538

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Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Come see Charlie Gerren at

Multi-family yard sale

Gwatney GMC Buick

in Sherwood by Sam’s.

Contact 501-681-9121 or the office at 501-945-4444.

We sell New and Used vehicles.

Bowman Plumbing

Multi- family yard sale, 401 South Livermore in Hazen.

8:00a.m.-? Rain or Shine. Saturday July 3.

To Whom It May Concern: A 2014 Ford Taurus SEL Vin# 1FAHP2E83EG130643 was picked up on 2-122021 at 202 EB I-40 off ramp, at the request of the Arkansas State Police. This vehicle is in the possession of Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service 1111 Hwy 70 W, Hazen Ar. 72064, (870)255-3305.

Towing, storage, & administrative costs are accruing as legal liability of the owner. Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first prior-

ity possessory lien on the said vehicle and its content for all such charges.

The vehicle and its contents will be dismantled, destroyed, or sold at public sale to the highest bidder if not claimed within 45 days and constitutes a waiver by the owner and lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, MonFri, 8am-5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.

To Whom It May Concern: A 2004 Mercury Mountaineer Vin# 4M2DU86W94ZJ06619 was picked up on 9-012019 on I-40 EXIT 202 at the request of the Prairie County Sheriff’s Dept.

This vehicle is in the possession of Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service 1111 Hwy 70 W, Hazen Ar. 72064, (870)255-3305.

Towing, storage, & administrative costs are accruing as legal liability of the owner. Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first prior-

ity possessory lien on the said vehicle and its content for all such charges.

The vehicle and its contents will be dismantled, destroyed, or sold at public sale to the highest bidder if not claimed within 45 days and constitutes a waiver by the owner and lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, MonFri, 8am-5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.

Serving the Entire Grand Prairie Adam Bowman, MP 6142 Repair - Remodel New Construction Dependable Service Free Estimates Family Owned and Operated Call: (870) 256-5230

Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical Keith Knupp 501.516.8285 knuppinc@hotmail.com

Free Ads for Free Stuff If you’re giving it away, we’ll give you an ad for

free Call 2554538

Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Annual Mammoth Pond Fishing Derby is big success The City of Hazen held its 18th Annual Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 26, at Mammoth Pond Park just south of Interstate 40 and east of Hwy. 63 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The event was for children 15 years and younger and did not require a fishing license. Hazen Police cooked the lunch.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission stocked the pond with catfish, and the city provided hot dogs and chips along with large prizes for the kids who caught tagged fish. Throughout the day, gifts were given out to all of the young fishermen who attended. Three of the prize winners are below.

The top pictures at right are the tagged fish winners. (Traci Vail photos.)