75¢
Hazen community holds yard sale (See pictures on p. 8.)
Volume 120 Number 23 - USPS 225-680
Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Community Calendar of Events Wednesday June 9 Grand Prairie Quilt Society meeting First Christian Church 10th and Main Stuttgart 10:00 a.m. Thursday June 10 DeValls Bluff City Council meeting DVB City Hall 6:00 p.m. Creation Station Kits Available all day at the Carlisle Public Library Friday June 11 Family Film Friday 2:00 p.m. “Barnyard” Carlisle Public Library Saturday June 12 PC Republican “Party on the Prairie” Hazen Community Center Tuesday June 15 Bounce House at Des Arc Public Library 6th grade and under 11:00 a.m. Thursday June 17 UnBirthday Party DeValls Bluff Public Libary Making ice cream, eating cake, & playing toss games 11:00 a.m. Saturday June 26 18th Annual Mammoth Pond Fishing Derby 15 years and under Refreshments are provided 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. 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.
Des Arc High School graduated 36 seniors in a commencement ceremony held on Friday, May 21, in The Eagles’ Nest gymnasium. Among the honorees were twelve Honor Graduates.
studioDRIFT opens operations in downtown DeValls Bluff When studioDRIFT needed a new base of operation, Martin Smith and his team began to look for a location to begin building their vision. So, when a couple of buildings in downtown DeValls Bluff became available and were in danger of being torn down, he saw an opportunity. Working with the owner of the buildings, they have now taken possession of two of the anchor buildings on DeValls Bluff’s historic Main Street district that sits cater-cornered from the White River access area. “We want to bring these buildings back to a point where they can become a center of and for the community once again - a place for gathering, for events, and as a base for travelers to visit. Whether they are enjoying activities on the river, biking trails, or just passing through and stopping for a visit and sampling local food and taking in the town’s historic attributes and landmarks, we want to help
provide a place to do it.” The focus of studioDRIFT (Developing Rural Infrastructure for Tomorrow) is to harness the natural resources of communities, combined with cultural/historic assets, to reanimate these communities, highlight what makes them unique, and create connectivity. Smith and his partner, Tanner Weeks, are the principals of Ecological Design Group (EDG), a design firm that has been instrumental in the creation and design many of the now iconic outdoor spaces around the state. From the William E. Clark Wetlands in downtown Little Rock and the Hendrix Creek Preserve in Conway, to the Walton Arts Center and Coler Valley Park in Northwest AR, EDG been commissioned to design the grandest parks, trails, outdoor features, and experiences in the state. While their projects run the gamut from park and trail design to urban placemaking and water
Former Des Arc graduate announces publication
of his latest book R. Lloyd Black, former Des Arc High School graduate and English teacher, announces the publication and release of his newest book entitled God’s Directed Paths. The book is being offered by Amazon and is published by Trilogy Christian Publishers Inc. which is subsidiary of TBN. Rev. Black states that the book depicts the four common paths that many Christian workers travel during the course of their lives; namely the paths of Suffering, Searching, Serving, and Sifting. He further states that he made his discovery of these strategic paths while doing a fiveyear ancestry search. “It was sobering”, he said, “to view the pathway’s my ancestors had traveled before me. But what was more delightful”, he continued, “I discovered that I walked along similar paths during my six decades of church work.” The former Des Arc High School English and business teacher received his Masters of Education from Arkansas State University and an
R. Lloyd Black accredited Doctrate Degree from Luther Rice Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Black later taught college and seminary in Tennessee for several years. He is presently pastoring in Danville, Arkansas. Pastor Black stated that his teenage years were joyfully spent in a little brick-sided tarpaper house by the levy and beneath the old Des Arc swinging bridge. “It was during those formative and youthful days in Prairie County”, he recalled. “that I was able to develop my philosophy of life and to shape my theology of service for others”.
Martin management, their passion for design, community, and outdoor experiences, has brought about the creation of studioDRIFT, a nonprofit to bring their expertise and network of partners to work on projects in parts of the state that would otherwise be unable to afford their services. Martin and EDG's background working with the outdoors and outdoor recreation inspired a vision to re-imagine Arkansas’ greater-Delta and the connectivity of mostly untrafficked county roads, levees, etc. as an adventure tourist paradise, with miles of unspoiled landscape and cultural extras, like local food, and authentic Delta/Prairie experiences. Martin, Tanner, and the EDG team were instrumental in the effort to try to save the Clarendon Bridge for what would've been one of the world’s longest pedestrian and biking bridges in the country. The plan they developed around this idea, known as the Big Woods Project, was a vision for transforming a small town in the Delta into a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and eco-/adventure tourist that included an
Smith immersion in local culture. Unfortunately, this particular plan was illfated, after the battle to save the bridge was unsuccessful. But the idea has continued to bloom and pester the imagination of Martin and his allies. Martin Smith moved back to the family home in Birdeye, AR several years ago, after establishing his landscape architecture career in Austin, TX. Smith’s family were among the first families who moved to the Delta and took advantage of the Swamp Land Act of 1850 who cleared the land and began farming the seemingly impossible landscape. Naturally, place is very important and the ribbons of land and water that paint the landscape from Crowley’s Ridge south coarse through his
veins. Like many southerners who roam to begin their livelihoods elsewhere, the pull of the land brings them back home. As his ancestors who settled the land and built the home where Smith and his family now reside were the early architects of the Delta, Martin aspires to help design its future. “Building a future often starts with connecting to the past. The historic and cultural assets, combined with the natural resources in our communities, are what create the value of place and tells the story of who we are. That story is a magnet for others in search of story of their own. You can build a fantastic cluster of buildings and businesses in the middle of a field, but it’s the story telling and storymaking that creates a place people are drawn to. There are so many small rural communities in Arkansas that have so much to offer. But, too often, they lose focus of their own rare qualities and instead choose to tear down or ignore what makes them special.” studioDRIFT is just beginning and more information will be forthcoming through their w e b s i t e (www.deltadrift.org) and social media.
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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Blurred Vision By Nathaniel Bradow
“No Rest for the Weary” Genevieve Veronica Fischer Bednar
Genevieve Veronica Fischer Bednar, 82, of Maumelle passed away Wednesday, June 2, 2021. She was born December 12, 1938 in Stuttgart, Arkansas to George and Mathilda Siems Fischer. She graduated from Stuttgart High School and worked over 30 years with Simmons First National Bank. She was a member of the Altar Society, the Catholic Daughters of America, and served as Lector and Eucharistic Minister at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Pine Bluff. She also enjoyed her ladies group, The Buzzin’ Dozen. Genevieve is survived by her husband of 63 years, Alfred C. Bednar; son, Christopher A. Bednar (Laura); daughters, Cynthia Bednar Roberts (Jeff), Gwendolyn Bednar Moody (David) and
Gloria Bednar Rouly (Pierre); grandchildren, Madeline, Andrea, Emily, Joshua, Tony, Veronica, Fischer, Nash, Eli, Cole and Jake; greatgrandchildren, Koa and Rilee; and her siblings, Virginia Lisko and David Fischer. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Elizabeth Hatfield and Gregory Fischer. A Rosary service was at at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, June 6, 2021 followed by a visitation until 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 7th at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, North Little Rock. Burial will be at 12:30 p.m., Monday at Slovak Catholic Cemetery in Slovak, Arkansas. Arrangements by Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home. Guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares. com.
Rickey Kloss
Rickey Kloss, 62, of Hazen, Arkansas passed away June 1, 2021 with his daughter by his side. Rick enjoyed playing the
guitar, being around his kids, family and friends, especially his grandchildren. Rick loved to tell jokes and never met a stranger. He could always put a smile on someone’s face. Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Givens; father, Richard Kloss; two brothers, Butch Kelly and Tony Kelly and his first love, the mother to his kids, Rhonda Faye Kloss. Rick is survived by his children, daughter, Christina Cole and husband, Paul and their children, Peyton and Colton Cole; his son, Chad Kloss and his children, Alley and Alania Kloss; his sister, Angela Kloss and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews that he held dear to his heart and one special friend, Michelle Loftis. Funeral services for Rickeywas on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at the Oasis Church in Hazen. Visitation was from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at 11:00 a.m. by Bro. Teddy Walker. Interment will be in the Hazen Cemetery.
Grand Prairie Quilt Society holds meeting By Marsha Heien The Grand Prairie Quilt Society met May 12, 2021, at the First Christian Church fellowship hall, Stuttgart, with eight members present. Glenda opened the meeting with the thought for the day, "My problem isn't that I buy too much fabric, my problem is I buy fabric faster than I sew." The April minutes and treasurer's report were given. Marsha reported that she and Maeola attended a quilt workshop at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg in April. The subject of the workshop was Susana Allen Hunter. She was a Gees Bend, Alabama native
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
and had made over 100 quilts in her lifetime. The museum as 5 of her quilts in their collection. The one on display was called "A Quilter's Housetop." It is in the pigpen design. Christina Verderosa, a former resident of DeWitt and DeWitt Era Enterprise publisher, also attended the workshop. We each made a miniature quilt block in the same design as the featured quilt. We caught Christina up on all the Arkansas County news and she told us about all she is doing that keeps her busy. Quilt camp report: We have 8 signed up and registration is still open for the June 10-13 quilt retreat at Cross Heirs in Humphrey. Show and Share: Glenda had 16 pillowcases she has made for Crestpark.Ann had 2 swirl table toppers. Maeola showed a rectangular Granny afghan in lovely Fall colors. Betty had several Christmas quilt blocks and flying geese blocks. Shelley showed a sunflower appliqued and pieced block. Marsha showed her miniature Quilter's Housetop quilt block. Glenda then challenged each member to relate when they started quilting: Shelley remembered sewing quilt blocks by hand with her grandmother. She would sew quilt pieces onto pages from a catalog and then cut them
apart. Lou Anna started quilting when she retired over 20 years ago and started out copying designs from magazines. Glenda pieced her first quilt from blocks left to her by her grandmother. Ann started quilting after retiring, and took her first beginner quilting class from Mary Frances Erstine, who was an early member of the quilt club. Ann's first quilt was a Rail Fence design. Ann and Betty also remembered making a mystery quilt. You receive clues each month and you don't know what it will look like until it is finished. The mystery quilt was taught by Laurie Eason. Joyce Dempsey came to those early meetings with her rotary cutter and mat, showing the new way to cut out blocks. Sherrye hand-quilted and handpieced everything when she first started quiltingwith her family. Maeola also hand-pieced and hand-quilted when she first started quilting. Betty related that she learned a new, easier way to make Flying Geese blocks. She showed the blocks to the members. She was then challenged to do a demo at the next Sit 'n Sew in July and show everyone how to make them. There was a treasure table full of fabric that everyone had a good time going through to find just the right piece that was needed. The next meeting will be June 9, at the church.
Thank You The family of Rick Johnson would like to thank everyone for your prayers, flowers, food, cards and memorials that was sent to our family during the loss of our loved one. We are so
Blessed to live in a loving and caring Community. Trudy Johnson Kimberly Huppert Kim Glaze Karmen Lawson
The title to this column is the modified version of an old biblical reference dating back to the days of the Puritans. The original phrase was first recorded in a sermon by the original Calvinist, John Calvin. His version was a bit darker (go figure) and had “wicked” in place of “weary.” Calvin was, as you can imagine, referring to the state of the sinner’s soul after death if he/she had not repented. I’ll let you be the judge of which of the two apply here, gentle readers. The summer has begun, and that means schools have officially been dismissed after one of the longest and strangest school years in generations. There are many teachers and parents who have more cause for being “weary” this school year than any other. Between virtual school, mask wearing, and trying to keep students/kids from ‘that which will not be named,’ teachers and parents have had to do more ‘monitoring and adjusting’ this year than in the last five years combined. That being said, a lot of people (especially Americans) assume that when that final bell rings on that May or June afternoon that teachers get three months off along with their students. After this year specifically, it would be great if getting that much needed rest were actually the case. Many young people get into the teaching profession expecting that to be the case. “What a great gig!” they think. “I work for 9 or so months each year and then can go on an extended vacation.” Little do they know how untrue that thought would prove to be. While it is true that teachers no longer have to deal with students, nor do they have to report to the school’s campus on a daily basis, they do have other responsibilities they are required to take care of. The first is called P r o f e s s i o n a l Development (PD). The state of Arkansas requires that each teacher receives 30 hours of PD each year to maintain their teaching license. Those hours cannot be acquired during school hours, so most of them have to be covered in the summer. On top of that, many districts have their own policies that require teachers to get up to twice that PD as a part of their PGP (Personal Growth Plan). That is another 30 hours taken out of each summer. I know it doesn’t sound
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like much, but it is basically 10 more work days most people don’t know about. Plus, due to the nature of the profession, teachers rarely get to take care of, let’s call it “selfmaintenance” - yearly chores during the school year. Teachers get a limited number of sick and/or personal days during the year. Ask any teacher and they will tell you that taking a sick day is three times more work than going to work. So, most teachers, after learning this, do everything they can to keep from taking a sick or personal day. As a result, all doctors, dentist, orthodontist (let’s not forget most teachers are parents too), chiropractor, therapeutic, eye, car maintenance, home maintenance, marriage-maintenance, and any other appointment you can think of is relegated to those six weeks a teacher has “off.” That’s right, gentle readers. All told, teachers really only get six weeks of their year to make up for the other 46 weeks of putting things off due to work during the year. And that is “if” you don’t also have to move classrooms, keep up with special certifications, or revamp your entire curriculum that summer. I don’t want you to think I am complaining. I most certainly am not! I love being a teacher. It is the most rewarding and frustrating career in the world. I have had many other “jobs”, and none of them has been quite as fulfilling as teaching. None of them has been more demoralizing, frustrating, isolating, disappointing, ulcer-inducing, unappreciated, dismissed, undervalued, or down right demonized as teaching either. There is a great line in
one of my favorite John Hughes movies ever, “The Breakfast Club.” In the movie, the worldwise janitor is talking to the overbearing, disgruntled principal who is conducting Saturday School for five very different kids. Essentially the janitor says something like this to the principal (and I’m paraphrasing here). “I see teachers like you walking this hallway everyday. You thought this would be a great gig. Yeah the pay is crap, but you get the summers off. Then you found out that the job was actually work, and that made you bitter. Then you became mean.” In a lot of ways, the janitor (sic John Hughes) was right. Teachers, even those who love the job, can become beaten down and bitter by the endless numbers of egogrinding things that are expected during and after the year. Some become bitter. Some find other lines of work. Some find comfort in teaching the same year for 20 straight years. My point is, gentle readers, that ‘real’ teachers might get a few weeks off during “Summer Break,” but most don’t. So, next time you feel like entertaining the notion, or saying something to a friend like, “Why do teachers complain? They get the summers off.” Remember that those teachers are revamping and revising to teach your children or grandchildren a little more and a little better than they did last year. Teaching is a labor of love, and that labor is never truly over. So, again, gentle readers, there is “no rest for the weary.” To comment, you can reach me at thatbradowguy@gmail.com
-NOTICEHurricane Baptist Church Anniversary Saturday June 19, 2021 Song Service 10:30 a.m. Preaching at 11:00 a.m. Potluck at 12:00 noon Preacher Van Saunders E ve r yo n e i s we l c o m e
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
Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Carlisle Public Library announces summer programs This summer the Carlisle Public Library will have many different programs going on. Their regularly scheduled programs include Kids’ Cooking Club, Tales for Tots, Creation Station, and Family Film Fridays. The library is also hosting a Summer Reading Program and a Summer Feeding Program in partnership with the Arkansas Food Bank. There are also free gardening, cooking, and nutrition programs provided in partnership with the Arkansas Food Bank. The library has scheduled programs for children on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Programs for adults are held on Wednesdays, and family programs are every Friday. This summer, the Summer Reading Program theme is “Tails and Tales.” The program runs from June 1st to June 30th, with a party taking place on June 30th. Patrons of all ages
are encouraged to register for the program using an app called READsquared and log how much they read throughout the month of June. The more patrons read, the more points they earn, and the more points they earn, the more prizes they can win. There will also be a few grand prize draw-
ings at the end of the program. The Summer Feeding Program is a community outreach program that the library is providing with the help of the Arkansas Food Bank and The Department of Human Services. The library will provide a breakfast and a hot lunch every Monday
through Friday for children aged 18 and under. There is no registration or income verification required. It is free to all children and will run through the middle of August. “Right now we are passing out food at three locations in town: Carlisle Public Library from 11:00 am - 11:30 am, Carlisle Pentecostal Church from 11:30 am 12:00 pm, and Immanuel Baptist Church from 12:05 pm 12:35 pm,” Librarian Autumn Strode said. “Those locations and times are subject to change,” she added. The Arkansas Food Bank is also hosting a free gardening, cooking, and nutrition program at the library for children ages 8-11. The program will be on Wednesdays from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm, and registration is required. “There are a limited number of spots, so interested children need to register soon,” Strode said. “They can come to the library to register for this program.”
DAES 6th grade graduates... Des Arc Elementary School graduated its sixth grade class in May. These new graduates will begin their high school journey in the fall.
-Public NoticeBiscoe Waterworks is a public water system subject to regulation under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Those regulations require the notification of customers whenever a violation occurs. That is the basis for this notice. The violation occurred when the water system failed to retain a qualified, licensed operator for the period of March 2021. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets national standards for drinking water and has established a requirement that certain public water systems must be operated by a qualified operator. The Arkansas Department of Health defines a qualified operator as a person holding an appropriate valid Water Operator’s License based on the type of water system and population served. The system will remain in violation until the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Arkansas Department of Health’s Water Operator Licensing is
-NOTICE-
THE WEIGHT ROOM IN THE HAZEN COMMUNITY CENTER WILL BE OPEN AS OF MONDAY, JUNE 7. CERTAIN MACHINES ARE BLOCKED OFF IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT DISTANCE. DO NOT USE THE MACHINES THAT ARE TAPED OFF. PARTICIPANTS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN HEALTH AND SAFETY. DISINFECTANT WIPES ARE AVAILABLE IN THE ROOM OR PARTICIPANTS MAY WANT TO BRING THEIR OWN WIPES. IT IS PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO WIPE DOWN EACH MACHINE USED BEFORE AND AFTER USE. THE ROOM IS VIDEO MONITORED. IF THESE GUIDELINES ARE NOT FOLLOWED THE ROOM WILL BE CLOSED.
Carlisle's J.J. Sullivan carries the ball during the Bison's playoff win over Mineral Springs last season. Sullivan rushed for 23 touchdowns to lead the Bison as a sophomore.
Carlisle Bison have great spring practice By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor Fourth-year Carlisle Bison football coach Caleb Shock said his team did well during its spring practice this year. “We had good numbers,” Shock said. “We only had a couple of guys who were playing baseball. We got those guys back whenever they were done and were able to get through a whole spring. We had nine practices scheduled, and we got eight of them in. And we finished with a scrimmage. That’s the first time we’ve been able to do that since I’ve been here.” Shock said he thinks the Bison got in 90 percent of its offense installed and most of the defensive stuff in. “We got guys a lot of reps at positions,” he said. “We’ll have a lot of youth and inexperience. We were able to get those guys a lot of reps this spring.” The Bison will be depending upon several sophomores this year. The Junior Bison won the 2A-6 conference title in 2020. “We’ll play a lot of sophomores,” Shock said. “All of those sophomores played in ninth grade last year. A lot of them played when we moved them up to the high school team. The part where we’ve got to grow is experience.” Shock said the Bison return mosts of its starters. The main losses are quarterback Eli Moody, starting guard
Alec Foster, two-way starter Carson Kilgore and starting defensive linemen Zack Frank. Sophomore Holden Jones will start at quarterback this season. “He’s started in his grade every year through for us,” Shock said. “He does a good job and continues to get better. “There will be some sophomore growing pains, I’m sure. He’ll be ready and do a great job.” The Bison return leading rusher J.J. Sullivan, who rushed 1,581 yards on 221 carries for a 7.15 yard per rush average. He also scored a teamhigh 23 touchdowns. “He’s probably about the same size but his body composition is different,” Shock said of Sullivan. “He’s stronger. He’s faster. He’s in better shape. I’m excited about him.” During the June, the Bison players are requires to work out two times a week. This allows them to have jobs and earn money during the summer. They Bison are also hosting a 7-on-7 dates on Tuesdays during June. Carlisle will also host team camps on Wednesdays during July. This will allow teams to practice in full pads. Carlisle will scrimmage Bald Knob, coached by former Bison assistant Lonnie Roberson in August. The Bison open the 2021 season at home against the Lonoke Jackrabbits on Aug. 27.
met. Failure to meet this requirement does not necessarily mean that the water is unsafe or that alternate sources of water should be used. The water system currently has employees enrolled in the required training courses and will test for the required Water Operator License in March 2021 and the Water Treatment License in June 2021. Should you have any questions concerning this notice, contact the Biscoe Water Department at 870-998-2226 or the Engineering Section of the Department of Health at 501-6612623.
New business in Des Arc... Owner April Robinson stands beside her new food truck, JoBaby’s Kitchen, which is a new fixture in the Des Arc food scene. Jobaby’s Kitchen is located at 306 East Chester.
Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, June 9, 2021
GFWC Elsie McCain holds last meeting until fall By Chris Weems The GFWC Elsie McCain Club met in their last regularly scheduled meeting of the year at the Cottage Mall in Brinkley Thursday on May 27 for lunch. President Chris Weems presided with five members present. The meeting began with the roll call and current events. Meg Miller asked to resign as treasurer due to health problems. The club voted to accept her resignation, and elected Rosetta Van Houten to replace her. A motion carried to to elect the other officers to the same offices for the incoming year. The president stated that Rosetta will assume her duties at the beginning of the club year in the
fall. Nell Pich, Health and Wellness Department chairman, gave a short lesson on the topic “Eat more plant foods.” She gave statistics for each person just going to two servings of meat per week. “It would make a big difference in forming practices and benefits the enviroment,” she said. Pich distributed copies of sample diets to help a person lose weight and maintain a constant weight when the desired weight is attained. The club members will begin their summer activities on Thursday June 11, with a trip to Pulaski Heights. Members will meet at the church’s usual meeting place at 10:00 a.m. the president said.
Entergy Arkansas provides summer efficiency tips Summertime in the South brings sunshine, warm temperatures and humid days, which can lead to an increase in energy consumption to help offset the uncomfortable weather. Entergy Arkansas offers some simple steps that can make your home’s cooling unit more efficient and help keep bills lower through the hottest months of the year. ·Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or the highest comfortable temperature. Each degree lower than 78 can raise your bill as much as 3 percent. If you set the air-conditioning to a cooler 72 degrees, you’ve already increased your bill by 18 percent. ·Buy a programmable thermostat, which can adjust the temperature for the hours you’re home and when you’re out. ·Use fans to cool off, but remember – fans cool people, not rooms. Ceiling fans, box fans and oscillating fans use very little electricity to circulate the air, which helps you feel several degrees cooler. To save more energy, be sure to turn them off when you leave the room. ·Close blinds, shades and draperies to keep the sun out and the cool air in. Also, close air conditioning vents in rooms that are not in use. ·Seal cracks and holes
around doors, windows and ductwork. Weather stripping and caulk will help keep the cold air in and the hot air out. ·Make sure air coming into your home is clean and healthy. Some air conditioning units require monthly cleaning or filter replacement to filter the air and keep the unit running efficiently. An inspection by an HVAC professional could also help address any issues. ·Entergy Solutions programs available in Arkansas can help make your home energy efficient at little or no-cost to you at entergysolutionsar.com. ·Access entergy.com/savemoney for energy-saving tips and calculators that will help determine the best cost-cutting scenarios to suit your needs. Implementing these behaviors can help you save energy and money during the time of year when most energy bills are at their highest due to increased usage. Entergy Arkansas has also developed several resources, such as choosing your billing date, levelized billing and more, for customers experiencing financial hardship. Customers can enroll in programs online at www.EntergyArkansas.co m/bill-help/ or call 1-800ENTERGY to set up a payment plan.
Grand Prairie DAR shows appreciation to medical workers... For the spring Service to America Committee Project, Grand Prairie Daughters of the American Revolution members have been writing cards of appreciation and thanks to the staffs of area medical facilities. Above, Sarah Snider, left, of GPDAR presents medical staff appreciation cards to Chelsey Raney Harrison, APRN at Baptist Health Family Clinic in Hazen on Monday, May 24. Above right, Sarah Snider presents LPN Karen Howell and LPN Debra Butler cards of appreciation for the staff at ARCare in Hazen on Monday, May 24. Below right, medical appreciation cards are presented to the staff at Maple Healthcare in Hazen. From left are Rushell Barker, Administrator; Michelle Weems, Business Office manager; Laura Crabtrey, Director of Nursing; Judi Tarter Jones, GPDAR ViceRegent; and Sarah Hartsfield Snider, GPDAR member.
New books and DVD’s at Prairie County Libraries Books Psychic For HireMolly Fitz Vampire For HireMolly Fitz The Omega ProjectSteve Alten Vinegar: The King of all Cures- Jerry Baker Drift- L T Ryan The Final TwistJeffery Deaver Marrying Mr. WrongClaire Kingsley Brutal Prince- Sophie Lark Stolen Heir- Sophie Lark Bloody Heart- Sophie Lark Broken Vow- Sophie Lark Heavy Crown- Sophie Lark Savage Lover- Sophie Lark Not One of Us- Debbie Herbert Runaway Fate-
Elizabeth Hunter Fate ActuallyElizabeth Hunter Black Magic KittenSara Bourgeois DVD’s Body Brokers
Crisis Breach The Little Things Shadow in the Cloud Some Kind of Heaven Willy's Wonderland Army of One
55 Steps The Virtuoso Horizon Line The Reckoning Raya and the Last Dragon
This is a celebration, not a dinner, so come and go or stay as long as you want. CASUAL ATTIRE ONLY. NO TIES ALLOWED! Proceeds will go toward a First Responder Event in the Fall.
Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, June 9, 2021
It’s my tongue, I’ll wag it if I want to... by Dr. James L. Snyder
"Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” (James 3:5). Calvary Baptist Church West North Front Street, Hazen, AR Phone: (870) 255 - 4038 Christian VanHouten, pastor Sunday School: 9:50 AM Worship: 10:45 AM BTC: 6 PM Evening Worship 6:45 PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7 PM First Baptist Church 224 N. Hazen Ave. Hazen, AR 72064 Phone: (870) 255 - 4464 Sunday Service Sunday School: 10:00 AM Morning Worship: 11:00 AM
Like everybody else, I have my share of trouble. It’s not that I want to get into trouble, but trouble always seems to be somewhere near where I am at the time. I regret that time when I was first introduced to trouble. Some trouble I can't prevent. It just happens, and no matter what I do, trouble is in the room. I don't think there's anything I can do about that, but I hope the trouble will not be that bad. I know some people in my family get into trouble on purpose. The grand goal of their life is to get into trouble on a variety of levels. Back in the day, when we had family reunions, this person, which will remain anonymous, did everything he possibly could to make trouble. Most of the family just ignored him and forgot what he was doing. He wanted to be remembered as the family troublemaker. Actually, he was remembered as the family Goofball. Another form of trouble is what people bring on intentionally. For some reason, they want to get into trouble, and get a lot of pleasure out of bullying. I could never understand
this bullying mentality. What does anybody get from bullying somebody else? I remember in school, several guys got a lot of fun out of bullying other kids. That went on until Miss Ammon, the fifth-grade teacher, showed up. She had her way of unbullifying anybody that crossed her path. If she caught you, you were in more trouble than you could handle. Also, there is the trouble I get in by making a mistake. I didn't mean to do it, but for some reason, I did it, and as everybody knows, there are always consequences. Usually, the consequences aren't worth the trouble. I've had experience in just about all levels of trouble in one form or another. The steps on the ladder of progress and growth are trouble. If you can handle trouble, you then are progressing in your maturity. As terrible as all of these things are, one source of trouble outweighs all others. It has taken me a long time to understand the dimensions of this kind of trouble. What I’m thinking about at this point is my “tongue.”
This tongue of mine has been the most significant source of trouble and problems through out my life. As I get older, it seems to get worse. A preacher friend of mine would talk about one of the older women in his church, and he said, "I often wondered if this woman ever had an unexpressed thought in her life." I know what he means because I often wondered that about myself. I have not yet learned that because I'm thinking about something, I do not need to speak it. Thinking doesn't get me in trouble; speaking gets me into deep trouble.
Evening Worship: 6:00 PM Wednesday Service Adult Bible Study and Prayer 7:00 PM Children's Program 7:00 PM "HYPE" Youth 7:00 PM
First United Methodist Church 211 North Hazen Avenue, Hazen, AR Phone (870) 255 - 4657 Pastor Chris Wright Sunday School: 9:45 AM Worship Service: 10:55 AM
St. John's Lutheran Church Fifth and College Streets, Stuttgart, AR Phone (870) 673 - 2858 Rev. Andrew Toopes, Pastor Worship: 8:00 am-10:15 am Sunday School & Bible Class: 9:15 AM Radio - KWAK 10:15 AM Sundays www.stuttgartlutheran.com
Center Point Missionary Baptist Church 2997, Center Point Road, Hazen, AR Bro. Billy Booth Pastor Sunday School: 10 AM Worship: 10:50 AM BTC: 5 PM Worship: 5:50 PM Wednesday - Youth Night 6:30 PM
Hazen Church of Christ 204 Adams Street, Hazen, AR. Phone (870) 255 - 3633 Sunday - Bible Study: 10 AM Worship Service: 11 AM Sunday Night: 6 PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7 PM St. Peters Episcopal Church Highway 86, Tollville, AR. Worship Service: 9 AM Sunday School: 10:30AM Family Christian Fellowship 603 W Washington Hazen, AR. Pastor Scott Skarda 501-516-5971 Sunday: 10 AM, Wed, 7 PM New Bethel MB Church RR1, New Bethel Road, Hazen, AR. Pastor Bro. Freddie McCann Sunday School 10am / Choir Prac. 4:30 / BTC 5pm / Worship Svc 6pm / Wed Night Youth Mtng 6pm / Men's Bible Study 2nd Tues 6:30 / Ladies' Bible Study 3rd Tues 6:30 Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Pastor Joe Mills 7474 Highway 86 North, Hazen, AR Sunday School:10 AMService:11 AM BTC: 5 PM Sunday Night: 6 PM Wed. A.C.E. at 6:30 PM & Bible Study: 7:00 PM Prairie Chapel MB Church Center of North Washington & Woodlawn, Hazen, AR. Rev. Donald Strong - Pastor Sunday School: 9:30AM Worship: 11AM Wednesday 7 PM Bible Study Carlisle Pentecostal Church of God Scott & McDonald Sts., Carlisle, AR. Phone 501-438-1643 Pastor Daniel Strength Sunday School: 10 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11 AM Sunday Evening Service: 6 PM Wednesday Evening Service: 7 PM Mt Zion MB Church Rt 2 Carlisle, AR Rev. Rev. Cruthfield, Pastor Sun. School 9:45 A.M. Worship 11 A.M. Wed Prayer & Bible Class 7 P.M. Fellowship Baptist Church Des Arc, AR Elder Lee Russel Penn, Pastor First Pentecostal Church of Prairie County 3201 Hwy. 70 E., Hazen, AR (870) 255-9177 Pastor J N Holmes Sunday 10 A.M. Wednesday 7 P.M. First Baptist Church 319 Court St., P. O. Box 25, Carlisle, AR Phone (870) 552 - 7732 David Lee - Pastor Sun School: 9:45 AM Worship: 11 AM Awana: 5 PM Worship: 7 PM Holy Temple COGIC Elder McFadden, Pastor
“Catholic Action” with the Third Order of St. Francis
Sometimes when the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage is speaking to me, I speak out loud without realizing it. Then comes the infamous, "What did you say?" Whenever I hear this, I know I'm in some kind of trouble. Either I didn't hear it right, or I did hear it right, and I responded. As a veteran husband, I should understand that she does not expect an answer whenever she asks a question. All she wants from her husband is a positive shaking of the head
First United Methodist Church 215 East Third St., Carlisle, AR Phone (870) 552 - 7789 Rev. Michael Daniel, Pastor Sunday School: 9:45 AM Worship: 10:45 AM Immanuel Baptist Church Pastor Bill Ricks Highway 13 North Carlisle, AR. Phone (870) 552 - 3100 Sunday School: 9:45 AM Worship:11 AM Sunday Evening: 6 PM Wednesday Evening: 7 PM Landmark Baptist Church 517 East Third, Carlisle, AR. Phone (870) 552 - 3568 Pastor Albert Young Sunday School: 9:45 AM Worship: 10:45 AM BTC 6 PM - Worship 7 PM Wed. Evening: 7:30 PM St. Rose Catholic Church Highway 70, Carlisle, AR. Phone (870) 552 - 3601 Father Shaun Wesley Sunday Mass 10:30AM English 12:00PM Spanish Tuesday Mass 6:00 PM Wednesday Mass in Spanish 5:30 PM Holy Hour & Confessions 6:05PM Friday (except First Friday) Mass 8:30AM Saturday Mass in Spanish 7:00 PM
and a greasy smile. I know this, but sometimes I forget. If only I could train my tongue when to speak and when not to speak. There are times when that old tongue of mine will wag and wag, getting me into deep trouble. One morning right after breakfast, I was getting ready to leave when my wife said, “When will you be ready to do that job?” I looked at her quizzically and said, "What job?" She stared at me for a moment and then said, “You know. What we were talking about last night as we were watching TV.” I had no idea what she was talking about. I could remember watching TV the night before, but I had no idea what the conversation was about. “You don’t mean to tell me you’ve forgotten already?” Last night while watching TV, she talked about some projects she had in mind, and I wag my tongue in affirmative action. She assumed I knew what she was talking about and that I had agreed to that plan. If only my tongue had ears, I might not get into so much trouble. Now, I need my tongue to
wag in a way to get me out of the trouble it got me into while it was wagging the night before. How many right wags does it take to correct one wrong wag? It would be wonderful if my tongue were attached somehow to my ears. Or maybe, better yet, to my brain. As I get older this seems to be more of a problem. In my dilemma, I thought of a verse of Scripture. "Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” (James 3:5). Once you say something, it is impossible to unsay it. My tongue has got me into more trouble than all the other things in my life. But there's one thing about my tongue that can compensate for this. I can use my tongue to praise the God who created me. Dr. James L. Snyder is pastor of the Family of God Fellowship, 1471 Pine Road, Ocala, FL 34472. He lives with his wife in Silver Springs Shores. Call him at 352-216-3025 or e-mail jamessnyder2@att.net. The church web site is www.whatafellowship.com .
Pastor David Rogers Sunday School: 10 AM Worship Service: 11 AM & 7 PM Training 6 PM Wed. Serv. 7 PM
Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Alan Minton Hwy. 70 West of DeValls Bluff Sunday School-10:00 a.m. Sunday morning -11:00 a.m. Sunday Evening-5:00 p.m. Wednesday Night-7:00 p.m.
First Assembly of God Hwy 33 and U.S. 70 Biscoe, Arkansas Sunday Services: 10:30 A.M., 6 P.M. Wednesdays WNYG, Kids Club, Bible Study 7 P.M. St. John's Baptist Church Biscoe, AR 870-998-2777 Sunday School 10 A.M. Worship 11 A.M. Rev. William Brown - pastor Holy Temple Church of God in Christ Elder James Clark, Pastor Sunday School: 9:30 AM Worship Service: 11 AM Jehovah Community Temple Church 710 Sycamore St, DeValls Bluff, AR Elder Ronnie Mosby Sunday 10:30 AM Monday Bible School 7 PM
Zion Lutheran Church Hwy 79 PO Box 158 Ulm, AR 72170 Phone: 870-241-3778 email: zionlutheran@hotmail.com Sunday School at 10 am Worship at 11am Bible study: Wed at 5:30 The Apostolic Church of Des Arc 712 Calhoun Street Services Sunday at 10:30 and Wednesday at 7:30 Pastor Russell Penn St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church of Biscoe Pastor Jerry Saxton Sunday School 10:00-11:00 Service 11:00-12:00 Hickory Plains United Methodist Church Rev. Debbye Harrison Intersection of Highways 13 and 38 Service starts at 9:45 a.m.
102 West Front Street 870-255-3954
United Methodist Church of DeValls Bluff Highway 70 West, DeValls Bluff AR. Pastor Chris Wright Sunday Morning Worship: 9 AM Friendship Lunch: 3rd Wed. of Month, 11:30 AM First Baptist Church of DeValls Bluff Pastor Bobby Powers P. O. Box 358 Highway 70 West, DeValls Bluff, AR. Phone (870) 998 - 7118 Sunday School: 9:45 AM Morning Worship: 11 AM Evening Worship: 5 PM Wednesday Evening: 7 PM Mount Olive MB Church Highway 70, DeValls Bluff, AR. Rev. Joe L. Pumphrey Sunday School: 9:30AM Worship Service: 11 AM Peppers Lake Church of Christ Hwy 302, SE of DeValls Bluff, AR. Sunday - Bible Study: 10 AM Worship: 11 AM Evening Service: 6 PM Wednesday - Bible Study: 7 PM Union Chapel FreeWill Baptist Church Metcalf Road, Rt.1, DeValls Bluff, AR Elder Sylvester Swanigan Sunday School: 9:30 AM Worship Service: 11 AM Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church Highway 86, Slovak, AR. Fr. Shaun Wesley, School: 9:45 AM Mass: 8:30 AM Thursday Holy Hours 5:00 pm and Mass at 6:00pm Biscoe Baptist Church Biscoe, AR.
Joshua D. Jacobs & Yvonne J. Petrus Partners
Tax & Accounting Services 101 Highway 70 East, Hazen, AR 72064 Phone: (870) 255-4175 Fax:(870) 255-4176
Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, June 9, 2021
NOTICE OF CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THIS NOTICE AND OTHER INFORMATION INCLUDING CUSTOMER LISTS AND MAPS OF THE AFFECTED AREAS MAY BE VIEWED AT: DES ARC COURT HOUSE DEVALLS BLUFF COURT HOUSE BISCOE CITY HALL AND THE WEB SITE: www.BiscoeWaterClassAction .com The Circuit Court of Prairie County approved this Notice. This is not a solicitation from a lawyer. This notice is given pursuant to Rule 23 of the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure and pursuant to an Order of Honorable Bynum Gibson, Judge of the Circuit Court of Prairie County, Arkansas. A lawsuit is pending titled, Paul Betzner & Rhonda Betzner, The Calvin Fred Betzner Revocable Trust, James Alberson and Tiffani Alberson, Tiffani Alberson as Parent and Next Friend of M.J., a Minor, Kelly Kelley, Tony Patterson, City of Fredonia a/k/a City of Biscoe, on behalf of all others similarly situated v. C. J. Mahan Construction Company, LLC, ParsonsMahan Joint Venture, Parsons Construction Group, Inc., Anthony Cruz, Scott Richardson, Chris Gentry and Bryan Hoffman, In the Circuit Court of Prairie County, Arkansas, No. 2017-38. Plaintiffs contend that between September 1, 2017 and September 6, 2017, raw sewage totally infiltrated the City of Biscoe Water System and parts of the East Prairie County Water Distribution Systems In turn, raw sewage passed through the water meters and into the homes and businesses that received their water from these two public water systems. The Defendants are contractors that are working on the replacement of the Interstate 40 bridges over the White River. The infiltration was caused by the cross connection of damaged water and sewer lines at the tourist information centers on Interstate 40 near the White River. The Defendants have admitted they cross connected the water and sewer lines but deny the raw sewage totally infiltrated the City of Biscoe and East Prairie County Water distribution systems and deny they caused any damages. Plaintiffs are seeking property damages and damages for personal injury due to the exposure to the sewage in their homes and businesses. A trial will be held in the Circuit Court of Prairie County, Arkansas, at the Des Arc Courthouse. No money has been collected and there is no guarantee there will be funds available for class members. However, your rights are affected and you have a choice to make now. YOUR RIGHTS AND OPTIONS IN THIS LAWSUIT DO NOTHING You do not need to do anything at this time if you are choosing to stay in the lawsuit. You will keep your right to share in any possible money or benefits that may come from the trial or settlement. But, you are giving up your right to sue the Defendants in a different lawsuit about the same legal claims are that asserted in this lawsuit. If you remain in the lawsuit, you will be unable to subsequently sue the Defendants about the same claims in this case regardless of the outcome. ASK TO BE EXCLUDED If you ask to be excluded from this lawsuit, you will not be eligible to share in any money or benefits which may be awarded by a jury or by settlement. You will keep the right to sue Defendant in a different lawsuit about the same legal claims asserted in this lawsuit. You must act by July 2, 2021 to be excluded in the manner set forth in this notice. Questions? Call 501-315-7491 or 501-404-2333 or visit www.BiscoeWaterClassAction. com DO NOT CALL THE COURT WITH QUESTIONS. WHAT THIS NOTICE CONTAINS BASIC INFORMATION...........3 1. Why is there a notice? 2. Why is this lawsuit a class action? MEMBERS OF THE CLASS....................................3 3. Who is a potential class member? THE CLAIMS IN THE LAWSUIT........................................4 4. What is this lawsuit about? 5. What happened so far in the case? 6. What are Plaintiffs asking for on behalf of the class? 7. Is there money available now? THE LAWYERS APPOINTED TO REPRESENT THE CLASS....................................6 8. Do I have a lawyer in the case? 9. Should I get my own lawyer? 10. How will the Class Counsel be paid?
THE TRIAL......................................7 11. How and when will the court decide the case? 12. Do I have to come to trial? 13. Will I get money after the trial or settlement? YOUR RIGHTS AND OPTIONS................................7 14. What happens if I do nothing at all? 15. What happens if I exclude myself? 16. How do I ask to be excluded? GETTING MORE INFORMATION......................9 17. Is more information about the lawsuit available? APPENDIX......................11-14 Exhibit 1Biscoe Water System Customer List Exhibit 2East Prairie County Water System Customer List Exhibit 3Biscoe Water System Map of Affected Areas Exhibit 4East Prairie County Water System Map of Affected Areas. Questions? Call 501-3157491 or 501-404-2333 or visit www.BiscoeWaterClassAction.c om DO NOT CALL THE COURT WITH QUESTIONS.
2017, as shown by the records of the Recorded for Prairie County and which were serviced by the 329 accounts listed in Plaintiffs’ Exhibit 1 and 2. Plaintiffs’ Exhibits 3 and 4 are maps showing the real property locations. The exhibits referenced in the class definitions are attached to this Notice as an appendix. Those exhibits are the following: Exhibit 1Biscoe Water System Customer List Exhibit 2East Prairie County Water System Customer List Exhibit 3Biscoe Water System Map of Affected Areas Exhibit 4East Prairie County Water System Map of Affected Areas. You should read the class definitions carefully and then consult Exhibits 1-4 to see if your name appears on the customer list. If it does, you are likely a Class Member. If you have questions, you may call, write or inquire of Class Counsel. THE CLAIMS IN THE LAWSUIT 4. WHAT IS THIS LAWSUIT ABOUT?
BASIC INFORMATION 1. WHY DID I GET THIS NOTICE? This Notice was issued because the Court has “certified” this case as a class action lawsuit and your rights may be affected. If you owned a home, business, church or other structure that received water from the City of Biscoe or parts of the East Prairie County Water Distribution System during September 1, through September 6, 2017, or resided in a home, business, church or other structure during that time, you may have legal rights and options in this case before the Court decides whether the claims being made on your behalf are correct. This notice explains all these things. The Honorable Bynum Gibson, Special Circuit Judge of the Circuit Court of Prairie County, Arkansas (the “Court”) is overseeing this class action. The case is known as Betzner, et al, v. C.J. Mahan, et al, In the Circuit Court of Prairie County, Arkansas, No. 2017-38. 2. WHY IS THIS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT? In a class action, one or more persons called class representatives sue on behalf of people who have similar claims. All persons, businesses, trusts, corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies or other entities who have similar claims collectively make up the “Class” and are called “Class Members.” One lawsuit before one judge resolves the issues and claims for all Class Members together. The Court decided that this lawsuit constituted a class action under the requirements of the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 23. More information about why this is a class action can be found in the Court’s Class Certification Order which is available at www.BiscoeWaterClassAction. com. The Court has authorized this Notice, but it is not an expression of an opinion by the Court as to the merits of any of the claims or defenses asserted by either side in the case. MEMBERS OF THE CLASS 3. WHO IS A POTENTIAL CLASS MEMBER? Generally, if you or an entity which you control owned a home, business, church or other structure that was connected to the City of Biscoe Water System or parts of the East Prairie County Water Association during the time period from September 1, 2017 through September 6, 2017, you, or the entity you control, is a potential class member. Additionally, if you lived or resided in a home that was connected to the City of Biscoe Water Distribution System, or parts of the East Prairie County Water Association at anytime during the time period from September 1, 2017 through September 6, 2017, you, and all members of your household, are potential members of the Class. The Court has defined the class as follows: 1) The Biscoe Water System (BWS) and the East Prairie County Water System (EPCWS). Questions? Call 501-315-7491 or 501-404-2333 or visit www.BiscoeWaterClassAction.c om DO NOT CALL THE COURT WITH QUESTIONS. 2) the BWS and EPCWS customers, per exhibit 1 and 2, and those natural persons residing in dwellings or structures that those accounts service. 3) the property owners during September 1-September 6,
Plaintiffs own or reside in homes that received their water from either the City of Biscoe or parts of the East Prairie County Water Distribution systems during September 1, 2017 through September 6, 2017. Defendants have admitted they cross connected the water and sewer lines at the State of Arkansas Tourist Information Centers located west of the White River on Interstate 40 after the lines were damaged by excavation equipment. Plaintiffs allege the cross connection occurred because licensed plumbers were not called upon the make the necessary repairs. Plaintiffs allege that when the State of Arkansas opened the Tourist Information Centers for the Labor Day holiday in 2017, raw sewage from the Tourist Information Centers was pumped into the City of Biscoe Water Distribution system and parts of the East Prairie County Water Distribution system that was connected to the City of Biscoe System. Plaintiffs claim that the sewage then passed through the water meters and into every structure that receives water from these distribution systems. Plaintiffs make the following claims: 1) that the Defendants recklessly and unlawfully cross connected the water and sewer lines causing systemwide contamination; and 2) that the City of Biscoe is a third party beneficiary of the bridge construction contract between the Arkansas Highway Department and Defendants that expressly requires the Defendants to perform the bridge construction in compliance with all laws and regulations for the public and the public’s protection. Plaintiffs claim both property and personal injury damages as a result of the sewage entering their homes, churches, businesses and other structures that received water from these water distribution systems. Plaintiffs claim that all private water systems inside their homes, businesses, churches and other structures now violate Section 608.10 of the Arkansas Plumbing Code which states: 608.10. Reuse of Piping. Piping that has been utilized for any purpose other than conveying potable water shall not be utilized for conveying potable water. Questions? Call 501-3157491 or 501-404-2333 or visit www.BiscoeWaterClassAction.c om DO NOT CALL THE COURT WITH QUESTIONS. Plaintiffs claim that the value of every structure that received water from either the City of Biscoe or parts of East Prairie County Water system is diminished because of the alleged violations of the Arkansas State Plumbing Code. Plaintiffs also claim that the entire plumbing systems in these structures must be replaced as well as ice makers, hot water tanks, dishwashers, washing machines and other appliances that use water. Plaintiffs claim that if the repairs are not made, and the structures are ever listed for sale with a realtor, that the sewage infiltration must be disclosed on a Property Disclosure Statement or its owner/seller would be guilty of defrauding his or her purchaser. 5. WHAT HAS HAPPENED SO FAR IN THE CASE? The action was filed on September 18, 2017, in the Circuit Court of Prairie County, Arkansas. The Defendants answered the lawsuit and then removed it to federal court. The
federal court then sent the case back to the Circuit Court of Prairie County Arkansas for adjudication. On April 8, 2020, the Circuit Court of Prairie County, Arkansas, granted the Plaintiffs’ Motion to Certify the Class. The Defendants appealed the decision to the Arkansas Supreme Court which, on March 4, 2021, upheld the ruling of the Prairie County Circuit Court. The Supreme Court did not consider the merits of the case but only whether it was appropriate for the case to be brought as a class action. Plaintiffs and Defendants have taken many depositions (sworn statements) of many fact and expert witnesses. Experts who will testify on behalf of both parties have been disclosed. Written exchange of documents that are relevant to the case have been exchanged. The case is ready for trial. The Defendants have admitted as a matter of law that they were negligent when they cross connected the water and sewer lines. They deny that Plaintiffs have been damaged in any way or that the infiltration was systemwide. The first trial is set to begin in August 2021. 6. WHAT ARE PLAINTIFFS ASKING FOR ON BEHALF OF CLASS MEMBERS? Plaintiffs are seeking judgment against the Defendants in favor of Plaintiffs and the Class. A favorable judgment could include an award of some or all of the following monetary damages: a) Actual, compensatory, consequential and general damages to replace the public and private potable water plumbing systems and appliances that were connected to water systems inside of any home or structure that received water from the City of Biscoe and parts of the East Prairie CountyWater Association for the time period of September 1, 2017 through September 6, 2017; b) Actual, compensatory, consequential and general damages for bodily exposure to the sewage that entered the homes and other structures during the time period of September 1, 2017 through September 6, 2017; c) Actual, compensatory and general damages for medical treatment because of the bodily exposure to the sewage that entered the homes and other structures; d) Punitive Damages for reckless conduct in making the cross connection; e) Pre and Post judgment interest; Questions? Call 501-3157491 or 501-404-2333 or visit www.BiscoeWaterClassAction. com DO NOT CALL THE COURT WITH QUESTIONS . f) Reasonable attorneys’ fees; g) Costs and Reimbursement of this lawsuit; and h) Any and all other relief that the Court deems proper. 7. IS THERE ANY MONEY AVAILABLE NOW? There is no money available now. The lawyers for the Plaintiffs will present their claims and the lawyers for the Defendants will present their defenses at trial. If Plaintiffs win, there may be money awarded against the Defendants. The Court would then determine how to distribute these funds. However, there is no guarantee that any money will ever be awarded or obtained. If Defendants prevail, there will be no recovery and you will not be able to make any further claim for damages alleged in this lawsuit if you do not exclude your claim as provided for in this Notice. THE LAWYERS APPOINTED TO REPRESENT THE CLASS 8. DO I HAVE A LAWYER IN THIS CASE? The Court appointed the following attorneys to serve as Class Counsel to represent you and other Class Members. They are experienced in handling similar cases. Hall and Taylor Law Partners, PLLC 415 North McKinley Suite 100 Little Rock AR 72205 501-404-2333 email: Randy@littlerocktrIallawyers.com Mattie@littlerocktriallawyers.com Lovell, Nalley and Nalley 501 North Main Street Benton AR 72015 501-315-7491 email: johndoylenalley@hotmail.com email: cwnalley1@gmail.com 9. SHOULD I GET MY OWN LAWYER? You do not need to hire your own lawyer because Class Counsel has been appointed
by the Court to represent you and all other members of the Class. If you desire individual representation, you can hire your own lawyer at your own expense. Class Counsel will represent the Class and not individual Class Members. 10. HOW WILL CLASS COUNSEL BE PAID? You will not be responsible to pay any of the fees or expenses no matter what the outcome of the lawsuit. If Class Counsel obtains money for the Class, they will ask the Court for fees and expenses. If the Court grants the request, the fees and expenses will be either deducted from the money obtained for the Class or paid separately by the Defendants. Questions? Call 501-315-7491 or 501-404-2333 or visit www.BiscoeWaterClassAction.com DO NOT CALL THE COURT WITH QUESTIONS. THE TRIAL 11. HOW AND WHEN WILL THE COURT DECIDE THE CASE? The case will be decided at the trial which will be held at the Prairie County Courthouse in Des Arc, Arkansas. The first trial is set for August 2, 2021. 12. DO I HAVE TO COME TO THE TRIAL? It is not yet certain whether your attendance will be required or not. The case involves individual property damages to both your home, business or structures and personal injury damages because you were personally exposed to sewage in your home. Your presence to identify your individual damages may be required. You will receive an additional notice if your attendance is necessary at trial. 13. WILL I GET MONEY AFTER THE TRIAL OR SETTLEMENT? If Class Counsel obtains a monetary recovery for the Class as a result of a trial or settlement, you will be notified about how to participate in the recovery. Updated information about the case may be posted on www. BiscoeWaterClassAction.com. YOUR RIGHTS AND OPTIONS 14. WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOTHING AT ALL? If you do nothing right now, you are choosing to stay in the Class. If the Plaintiffs win or lose at trial, you will be legally bound by all orders and judgments of the Court. You will not be able to sue Defendants, in a different case, over the legal claims that are or could have been included in this action. If there is a recovery, you may be entitled to share in the proceeds, less such costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees that the Court may allow out of such recovery. If Defendant wins this litigation, there will be no recovery and you will not be able to make any further claim for damages based in the lawsuit. Do not request exclusion if you wish to participate in this lawsuit as a Class Member. 15. WHAT HAPPENS IF I EXCLUDE MYSELF? If you exclude yourself from the Class, you will not be bound by any judgment in this lawsuit, nor will you be entitled to share in any recovery in this lawsuit. You may individually pursue any legal rights you may have against the Defendants at your own expense. If you do exclude yourself so you can start or continue your own lawsuit against Defendant, you should talk to your own personal lawyer immediately because your claims may have a statute of limitations. 16. HOW DO I ASK TO BE EXCLUDED? You must send a valid “Exclusion Request” in the form of a written letter sent by mail, stating that you want to be excluded from Betzner, et al. v. C.J. Mahan Construction Company, LLC, Case NO. 2017-38. To be valid, your Exclusion Request must timely received and include the following: For Property Owners Excluding From Property Damage Claims: (1) state the legal owner’s name, address and telephone number; (2) state your title (if owned by a corporation, you are president; if owned by a trust, you are the trustee, etc.) or other authority upon which you are completing the Exclusion Request; (3) be signed by you and include your printed name; (4) Include a notarized statement that you are choosing to opt out and exclude your property from damage claims. Please Note: (A) If your real estate is owned by two or more people, both/all owners must opt out using the
above procedures to exclude your property from damage claims. If one of the owners fails to properly opt out, the property will not be excluded and will be included in this class action. (B) If your real estate is owned by a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, estate, trust or other entity, you must include documents that indicate you are authorized to make the opt out or Exclusion Request. Examples of Documents that verify your authority are the following: Corporation: Board Resolution, or other documents that verify you are an officer of the corporation; Limited Liability Company: Operating Agreement, Resolution of Members or other documents that verify you are a manger of the LLC; Trust: Trust Agreement, Trust Memorandum or other documents that verify you are the trustee; Estate: Letters of Administration issued by a probate court. For Natural Persons Excluding From Exposure Claims: (1) State your full name, age, address and telephone number; (2) State the full name, age and telephone number of all persons who resided in your home during September 1, 2017 through September 6, 2017. (3) be signed by you and include your printed name; (4) Include a notarized statement that you are choosing to opt out and exclude yourself from personal injury claims. Please Note: (A) Any and all persons who resided in your home during September 1, 2017 through September 6, 2017 must complete and sign their own Exclusion Form to opt out of the personal injury claims. (B)If you are making an exclusion for a person under the age of 18 years, or a person that is mentally incapacitated for any reason, you must state your relationship to the person, and include a notarized statement that you are the natural or adoptive parent of the minor or have guardianship over the person who is incapacitated. If you are making the exclusion because you are a court appointed guardian, include a copy of your Letters of Guardianship issued by the probate court. Questions? Call 501-3157491 or 501-404-2333 or visit www.BiscoeWaterClassAction. com DO NOT CALL THE COURT WITH QUESTIONS. All Exclusion Requests must be postmarked by July 2. 2021 and mailed to the following address: John Doyle Nalley and Randy Hall P.O. Box 606 Benton Arkansas 72018 If your exclusion request is not postmarked by July 2, 2021, you will be considered a Class Member and you will be bound by any final judgment in this lawsuit. Please Note: (A) Emails or phone calls requesting exclusion will NOT be accepted. (B) All Exclusion Requests must be submitted as originals. Copies will NOT be accepted. GETTING MORE INFORMATION 17. IS THERE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE LAWSUIT AVAILABLE? This Notice gives only a summary of the lawsuit and the claims and defenses asserted by the parties. More information about the lawsuit is available by visiting www. BiscoeWaterClassAction.com, calling 501-315-7491 or 501404-2333 or writing to any of the following: Hall and Taylor Law Partners, PLLC 415 North McKinley Suite 100 Little Rock AR 72205 501-404-2333 email: Randy@littlerocktrIallawyers.com Mattie@littlerocktriallawyers.com Lovell, Nalley and Nalley 501 North Main Street Benton AR 72015 501-315-7491 email: johndoylenalley@hotmail.com email: cwnalley1@gmail.com DATE: May 10, 2021 By ORDER OF THE CIRCUIT COURT PRAIRIE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT CIVIL DIVISION Questions? Call 501-315-7491 or 501-404-2333 or visit www.BiscoeWaterClassAction. com DO NOT CALL THE COURT WITH QUESTIONS.
Page 7 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, June 9, 2021
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THE CITY OF DES ARC IS ACCEPTING BIDS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE LAKESIDE CEMETERY PAVILION. ALL BIDS SHOULD BE SEALED AND TURNED IN TO CITY HALL NO LATER THAN NOON ON JUNE 15TH, 2021. BIDS WILL BE OPENED DURING THE COUNCIL MEET-
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ING JUNE 15TH, 2021, AT 6 PM. SPEC SHEETS ARE AVAILABLE AT CITY HALL AND CAN BE PICKED UP ANY TIME MONDAY-FRIDAY FROM 8 AM-4:30 PM. PLEASE CONTACT CITY HALL AT 107 S 3RD ST IN DES ARC FOR ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. (870) 2564316.
Page 8 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Hazen indoor fund raising yard sale is great success The Ca l v a r y Baptist Church’s F a m i l y Ce n t e r i n Hazen was the site of a communitywide yard sale held on Saturday, June 5. “The fundraiser exceeded all of our expectations and goals due to the outpouring of love from our amazing community,” Jenny Simmons said. People came from all over Arkansas to shop at what was supposed to be a yard sale but turned into a huge shopping center. Thousands of items, including housewares, dishes, clothes, holiday decorations, furniture, linens, electronics, toys, games, and glassware were available for people to rummage through and p u r c h a s e fo r v e r y low prices. On Friday, June 11, shoppers can go in and purchase the
remaining items in a “Stuff a Bag for $10” sale. A huge thank you goes out to Bro. C h r i s t i a n V a n H o u t e n , S t e p h a n i e VanHouten, Nanette Belford and all the members of Calvary Baptist Church for allowing the event to be held at their church. A special thank you to Brittany Sickel, who spent countless hours working to get this sale going, and to volunteers Carla Nichols, Nicci Lawman, Judy Foot, Amy Schultz, Kathy Hula, Ca r m e n Johnson, Dee Black, Kathy Simmons, Jason Simmons, and Jake Holmes. An extra special thank you goes out to Ashley Parchman, owner of T h e L i l y Pa d i n DesArc, fo r the donation of the shopping bags and staff shirts.
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