75¢
Sprucing up downtown Des Arc. (Pictures on p. 8)
Volume 117 Number 230 - USPS 225-680
Community Events Calendar Thursday July 12 De Valls Bluff City Council Meeting 6:00 pm City Hall Hazen Lodge Meeting 7:30 pm Lodge Hall Tuesday July 17 Master Gardeners Meeting Prairie County Museum in Des Arc 6:00pm-7:00pm Wednesday July 18 Friendship Luncheon DeValls Bluff Methodist Church 11:30am-2:00pm Thursday July 19 Hazen City Council Meeting 6:00pm-7:00pm City Hall Monday July 23 Hazen School Board Meeting 6:0pm-7:00pm High School Library Thursday July 26 Commodities Distribution Hazen First United Methodist Church 10:00am-12:00pm Hazen Class of 2019 Senior Pictures by Prestiage Portraits
Community events brought to you by Hazen Chamber of Commerce and the
Please call F&M Bank (255-3042) or The Grand Prairie Herald (255-4538) to list events.
Serving all of Prairie County, Arkansas
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
2018 school board election dates told Annual school board elections will be held on November 6th of this year. Those who wish to seek a position may get a petition at the Prairie County Clerk’s office in Des Arc or by calling the clerk’s office at (870) 2564434. The signed petitions must be filed with the county clerk between 12:00 noon on August 1st and 12:00 noon on August 8th. The positions whose terms are ending are: Des Arc School District Zone 3 – Jordan Smith Zone 3 covers the West side of the school district including the Hickory Plains area. If you live within the following description, you are in Zone 3: Beginning at Four Mile corner the area West of Hwy 11 South to Childers Corner; North of Roy Newton Road to County Road 609; West of County Road 609 to Lonoke County Line; North and East of the Lonoke County Line to the Des Arc Bayou; South of Des Arc Bayou to Bear Creek; West of Bear Creek to Hwy 38; South of Hwy 38 to Four Mile Corner. Hazen School District Zone 3 – David Strohl Zone 5 – David Williams Zone 3: boundary on West side in the Prairie County Line, and North to Zion (Co. Rd. #9)
Chlapecka, Hooks, & Hahn to Halls Crossing, and North to Toll Rd. and East to County Rd. #205, and South to Beckwith and East to Metcalf/Newsome, and South to Faupel-Taylor and East to County line and everything South covers everything in the Prairie County lines except those in the Clarendon School District. Zone 5: East boundary Prairie County Line and running South to Loomis Landing Rd. and West on State Hwy 302 to Beeler Rd., and North Beeler Rd to County Rd. 214 (Peppers Lake Rd.), and West to Bardin and North to Fricker and West State Hwy 33 going North to Parker and West to Craig and North to Main and East Ash, and North to Sycamore and West to Mason and North to Hazel and West to Greer and North to Prairie and West to Webb lake Rd. following old abandoned railroad going East to Waldron and North to Cooper and East to Bridges St., and Cedar St, and South to Pine, and East on Washington going Northeast to City limits and Southeast following abandoned railroad to Hwy 70 and East across river and North to old abandoned railroad to Red’s Camp and follows to Hwy 70 to Patterson Rd. following Railroad to Holloway Rd. and Prairie County Line.
Des Arc is putting on a new face
Des Arc citizens are sprucing up their neighborhood with art work, murals and new coats of paint. Redonna Hendry, owner of the Sawmill is heading up the projects. Hendry is asking all residents to join in the effort to make Des Arc a place that visitors will want to come and visit. “Prairie County has lots to offer,”
she said, “such as the White River, lakes and government wildlife areas for fishing and hunting, several great restaurants including Dondies on the River, the historical library that is amazing to see, and the Lower White River Museum.” The projects are for all residents, churches, schools. organizations to show their pride and get involved in. If any residents or businesses have items that they would like to remove from their yards and throw away , please contact Redonna Hendry at 601-433-4673 and she will get it removed. “It just takes a little from everyone to make our neighborhood and town clean and neat,” Hendry said. “Let us all do our part. Keep your eyes open to see all that is going on and share the excitement with others. We need everyone excited and to help where it is needed.” To see pictures of the work done so far, see p. 8.
Gaylon Hale, Prairie County Clerk, and Prairie County Judge Mike Skarda accept two checks for grants totaling $110,640.00 from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. These grants will be used for emergency repairs and for tuck-pointing mortar joints at the Prairie County Courthouse in Des Arc.
County receives AHPP grants LITTLE ROCK— Prairie County has received a $74,269 County Courthouse Restoration Grant for balustrade restoration at the 1913 courthouse in Des Arc. Prairie County also received a $36,371 Historic Preservation Restoration Grant for window restoration at the 1913 former First Presbyterian Church in Des Arc. The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, a division of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, has awarded $2,963,781 in grants for projects in 58 Arkansas counties—including Prairie County—through its County Courthouse Restoration Grant, Historic Preservation Restoration Grant and Main Street Downtown Revitalization Grant programs.
DAH Director Stacy Hurst said, “These grants help protect our state’s historic resources, encouraging community revitalization, civic pride and quality of life. We are proud to partner with these entities and protect the best of authentic Arkansas.” Twenty-four counties shared $1,755,986 in County Courthouse Restoration Grants, which are financed through Real Estate Transfer Tax funds distributed by the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council for rehabilitation of historic county courthouses across Arkansas. Funding requests totaled $6,912,992. Twenty-one Main Street Arkansas programs shared $315,000 in Downtown Revitalization Grants, which are funded
through the state Real Estate Transfer Tax and are available to accredited Main Street programs for building rehabilitations, parks, streetscape improvements and other design-related projects that will have major longterm impacts in the local Main Street area. For more information on the AHPP’s grant programs, write the agency at 1100 North Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, call the agency at (501) 324-9880, send e-mail to info@arkansaspreservation.org or visit www.arkansaspreservation.org. The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program is the division of the Department of Arkansas Heritage responsible for identifying, evaluating, registering and preserving the state’s cultural resources.
New Agri teacher at Hazen High School Colleen Burrus has been hired at Hazen High School as an Ag teacher for the 2018-2019 school year. Miss Burrus is from Farmington Arkansas and graduated from Southern Arkansas University with an BS in Agriculture Education.
She started showing lambs at the age of 10. She was a student teacher at Cossatot River High School in Cove, Arkansas. She spent last Summer in Woodword Oklahoma, working on a 5,000 acre ranch with 2,000 cow/calf pairs.
Blood drive donations
Burrus
By Sharon Cagle The Arkansas Blood Institute blood drive on Monday, June 25, 2018 at the Hazen United Methodist Church had 11 donations. Those who donated were: JamesGray Gary Shelman Rick Johnson Sharon Cagle Steve Chlapecka Mitzi Osborne
Stacey Bowman Roxanne Bradow Adam Alexander Debbie Mayher Kenneth Alexander Donors are eligible to give in 56 days. The next blood drive is tentative scheduled for Monday, August 25, 2018 from 2:15 pm to 6 pm at the Hazen United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.
ASHC approves bids for county roadways The Arkansas State Highway Commission has approved a bid for improvements to roadways in Prairie County, according to Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) officials. The purpose of this project is to reseal 9.9 miles of selected sections of various county roads to include: 29 and 36 near Des Arc; 601 (Samples Road) and 9 (Hooks Road) near Hazen; and 20
(Metcalf Newsome Road) near De Valls Bluff. Salt Creek Paving & Construction Co., Inc. of Benton was awarded the contract at $270,669.43. Construction is scheduled to begin in two to four weeks, weather permitting. Completion is expected in late 2018. Travel information can be found at IDriveArkansas.com or ArDOT.gov. You can also follow us on Twitter @myARDOT.
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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Clairelyn Rister Clairelyn Rister, 96, of Des Arc died Monday. She was born Aug. 16, 1921 in Rector, Ark., to Charles J. and Grace (Toler) Rister. Survivors include cousins, Bill and Kaye Burton, Richard Wynne Lenderman (Annamary), Paula Toler Linder (Drew), Steven Toler (Stacy), Jimmy Toler (Leslie), adopted daughter, Ann Rhoads, and many loving second cousins. Clairelyn graduated high school at Des Arc and attended Hendrix College and Arkansas State Teachers College. She worked as a telephone operator in Newport and later with her father at the AP&L office in Des Arc. She was preceded in death by her parents, special aunt and uncle, Polly Toler Lenderman and Jim Toler, also by her aunt and uncle, Juanita Toler Lisinger and Floyd Toler. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 9, 2018 at First United Methodist Church with burial in Lakeside Cemetery by Garth Funeral Home. Bro. Jaimie Alexander officiated. Pallbearers are Steven Toler, Jimmy Toler, Paula Toler, Wynne Burton Henderson, Mary Kay Burton Simmons, Susan Burton Bryant. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church in Des Arc.
Jason Carl Cook Jason Carl Cook, 32, died Sunday, July 1. He was preceeded in death by his father, Rickie Cook, and grandparents, Jimmey Prislovsky and Fannie Cook. Survivors are his mother, Barbara Cook; brothers, Aaron Meins and Byron Cook; grandparents, Floy Prislovsky, Robert and Sandy Cook, and special friends Jennifer and
Arkansas Press Association National Newspaper Association Member 2018
The
Grand Prairie Herald
(USPS) 225-680 The Grand Prairie Herald is an independent publication that has served Prairie County since December, 1901. It is published weekly by
Herald Publishing Company P.O. Box 370 111 Hwy 70 E Hazen, Arkansas 72064 Ph. 870-255-4538 Email: heraldpublishing@gmail.com
Subscription Rates In Prairie County $17.50/year In Arkansas $22.50/year Out of State $27.50/year Periodicals Postage paid at Hazen, Arkansas 72064 POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to: Grand Prairie Herald P.O.Box 370 Hazen, Arkansas 72064 Managing Editor/Publisher Roxanne Bradow Advertising RickJohnson Circulation/Accounts Trudy Johnson
David McKee. Visitation was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 7, at St. John's Lutheran Church with funeral at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Lone Tree Cemetery.
Jennifer Michelle Walls Derden Jennifer Michelle Walls Derden, 55 of England passed away July 5, 2018, following an extended illness surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 5, 1962, she was a member of the First Baptist Church of England and a lifelong lover of flip flops, Razorbacks, and TV marathons with her daughter. She will be greatly missed, especially by her grandchildren, whom she loved very much. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Lou Walls and her uncle, Carroll Walls. She is survived by her son, Jeff (Stormy) Derden; daughter, Jansen Derden; father, Luchen Walls, Sr. (LaVerne); brother, Luchen Walls Jr. (Lana); sister, Melissa Hatfield (Mike); aunt, Sue Walls; nephews, Chad and Mae and Luchen Walls, III; nieces, Kylie (Bart) Minton, Kagan and Austin, Elise and Dickey; uncle, Shanon (Mary Carolyn) Hovis; stepbrothers, Stan and Byrum Kelly and step-sister, Jennifer Kelly and special friends, Bessie May, Shannon Grimsley, and Jimmy Jones and an
extended family that loved her very much. A special thank you to Dr. Brad Baltz, Dr. Rhonda Gentry, and all the wonderful staff at CARTI. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Michelle’s memory may be made to the First Baptist Church in England at 201 East Haywood, England, Arkansas 72046 or CARTI Cancer Center, 8901 Carti Way, Little Rock, Ar. 72205. Funeral services wereheld at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, July 7, 2018 at the First Baptist Church in England with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M., prior to the service. Interment was in the Mulberry Cemetery in England. Arrangements were by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.
Hazen Cemetery Donations In Memory of: Dink & Betty Kocourek By: Sharon Cagle In memory of: Lennie Holmes By; David & Lynn Bruner Geraldine Rhodes In memory of: Webb & Hale families By: Bill Webb In Memory of: Loved Ones By: Howard & Gail Wallace In Memory of: Loved Ones By: Mrs. Ruby Harper Donations are greatly appreciated and may be mailed to: Hazen Cemetery P.O. Box 92, Hazen, Ar. 72064
Filing for all county offices begins July 27 A municipal candidate seeking election in the November 6, 2018 General Election may pick up a petition for filing at the Prairie County
Clerk’s office in Des Arc or may call 870-256-4434 beginning on July 27th. Filing will begin on July 27th at noon and will end on August 17th at noon..
Two weeks ago we ran a story on Mrs. Tressie Rhodes who celebrated her 100th birthday. In preparation for the party, her family did a little research on all of the things that had occurred during that 100 years. Her son shared the list with me, and I thought that I would share it with you. What happened in 1918? This was the year in which WWI ended, and a massive flu epidemic began. The sickness killed more than 7,000 people in Arkansas between 1918 and 1919. Presidents during Mrs. Rhodes’ lifetime have been Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Regan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. Some inventions during the past 100 years include: 1919 - pop up toasters 1929 - car radios 1935 - radar 1940 - color tv’s 1941 - artificial hearts 1950 - alkaline batteries 1958 - pacemakers 1961 - Kodak instamatic cameras 1970 - digital thermometers 1975 - digital cameras 1978 - VHS video recorders 1981 - the first laptop computer 1988 - digital mobile phones 1989 - the world wide web 1994 - digital cordless
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS SOUTHERN DISTRICT PROBATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GERALD L. CARROLL, DECEASED CASE NO. 59S PR-18-14
NOTICE Last Known address of decedent: Gerald L. Carroll 506 West Cleveland Hazen, Arkansas 72064 Date of Death: December 25, 2016 On July 3, 2018, an Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate by Distributees was filed with respect to the estate of Gerald L. Carroll, deceased, with the clerk of the probate division of the Circuit Court of Prairie County, Arkansas, Southern District, under Ark. Code Ann. §28-41-101, which affidavit listed the following real property, situated in the Southern District of Prairie County, Arkansas, to wit: LOTS 9, 10, 11, AND 12, BLOCK 75, HUDSPETH'S ADDITION, CITY OF HAZEN, ARKANSAS. All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, duly verified, to the Affiant, his or her attorney, or to the Prairie County Circuit Clerk, Southern District, Probate Division, within three (3) months from the date of the first publication of this notice or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in the estate. This notice first published this 11th day of July, 2018. Joshua Stewart Carroll 506 West Cleveland Hazen,Arkansas, 72064 Affiant Randall L. Gammill Gammill & Gammill P. O. Box 532 Hazen, AR 72064 (870) 255-4583 ATTORNEY FOR ESTATE
phones 2007 - Iphones 2010 - Ipads Mrs. Tressie saw the stock market crash of 1929, the first Social Security benefit checks paid in 1940, the D-Day invasion of Normandy in 1944 and the establishment of the United Nations in 1945. She saw the devastation of the use of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945, the Korean War, the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961, and the statehoods of Alaska and Hawaii in 1959. In 1969 she watched Neil Armstrong walk on the moon, and in 2001 she saw the news reports about the bombing of the World Trade Center in New York. In 1918, 3 men’s shirts cost $1.70, bacon was 40 cents a pound, butter was 49 cents a pound, and coffie was 85 cents for 3 pounds. A stamp cost 3 cents, prime rib was 29 cents a pound, and a daily newspaper ran you 2 cents. My baby sister, Suzette, has a birthday today (Wednesday). If she makes it to 100, which I hope she does, think of all of the things that she will have seen since 1958. The pace of the changes this world has seen has been exponential since she was born. We now have artifical limbs and printers that can print body parts. We have miracle drugs for almost every illness, including antibiotics that have saved millions around the world. We have eradicated diseases and are coming close to providing food and clean water for the poorest of countries. It is amazing to me what can be done when people work together. Here’s to another 100 years of miracles! ____________
I got an email from Stan Kelly, Mrs. Laverne’s eldest child, this week. He brought to my attention that Murry’s Restaurant has been featured in Southern Living this month. Editor in Chief Sid Evans begins his column with the words, “As far as I’m concerned, the best catfish in America is served at a place called Murry’s Restaurant, just off U. S. 70 in Hazen, Arkansas.” Who can argue with that? Stanley, Becky, and the girls have been consistently putting out delicious catfish plates since, well, forever. Many of you will remember Mr. Olden Murry’s original restaurant in DeValls Bluff. You remember, the one in the trailers that were placed end to end. One of the best things about it (other than the food, of course) was that you got to meander through the place and visit with all of the folks that were there. When I took my “big city” husband there, he was amazed. Stan Kelly sent a letter to the Southern Living editor that shared his own appreciation of Murry’s in Hazen. In it, he said this (which I hope Stan doesn’t mind me repeating), “From time to time, people will ask if I have eaten at the French Laundry and The Inn at Little Washington: I answer yes, but my favorite three restaurants of all time will always be: Craig’s Bar-B-Que in DeValls Bluff, Arkansas; Doe’s in Greenville, Mississippi; and Murry’s Catfish in Hazen, Arkansas.” I would only add to that Dondie’s in Des Arc, and I’m pretty fond of El Amigo in Hazen, too. Boy, are we ever blessed!
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Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, July 11, 2018
DA school seeks millage increase by Lisa Mills The Des Arc school board is asking for a millage increase of 5.8 mills for the school district. A special election has been set for September 11th for citizens to vote on the millage increase. If passed, the new millage for the district will be 35.8%. Some details of the millage increase were discussed at the regular board meeting on June 25th. Attending the meeting were Superintendent Nick Hill, in coming Superintendent George Kennedy, High School Principal Bruce Guthrie and board members Eric Kennedy, Charlie Brown, Sylvester Holloway, John Reidhar, Billy Henson and Stewart Morton. Dan Lovelady from Beardsley First Security presented the board with detailed information about seeking a millage increase and how payments will work on the bond if the millage passes. Mr. Lovelady informed the board that Beardsley First Security will design & print information pamphlets for the public. The pamphlets will provide details about the millage including how much property taxes will increase. The board approved the resignations of elementary school janitor Jamie Bush, elementary secretary Billie Ford, Child Nutrition Director Joyce Major, high school teacher Faye Williams and high school counselor Chad Roberts. The board then approved the hiring of pre-school aide Ann Harrell, elementary janitor Holly Holloway, elementary secretary Rebecca Williams, elementary teachers Natalie Treadwell and Alarie Needham, high school teacher Christopher Johnson and high school counselor Mollie Calhoun. JoAnn Anderson will assume the duties of Child Nutrition Director with a $6,000/year stipend added to her current contract. A motion was approved to hire James Scott as a summer employee on an as needed basis. The board approved a motion to adopt the proposed budget for 20182019 and also approved the board meeting calendar for 2018-2019. A motion was made and approved to implement changes in the lunch & breakfast costs. The charge for breakfast will be $1.75 and the charge for lunch will be $2.45.
The board voted to transfer $600,000 in excess funds to the building fund, and the new ly hired superintendent, George Kennedy, was added as disbursing officer on district accounts. The board decided to advertise for a Facilities Project Manager in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, and voted to approve the flooring project to replace carpet with tile in two rooms at the elementary building and two rooms and the teacher’s lounge at the high school building. The bid, submitted by Double S will have a total cost of $13,000. A motion was also approved to re-roof the superintendent’s house. The district will change its phone service from CenturyTel, which presently charges the district $24,000/year, to White River Services and Solutions, which will only charge the district $13,641 for the first year including equipment, then $6,480/year after that. There will still be land lines in all the offices. Superintendent Hill stated that he had talked to several schools that have this service and they are all satisfied. At the end of the meeting, Superintendent Nick Hill told the board he had enjoyed his years at Des Arc and appreciated the opportunity to serve the Des Arc School District and thanked them for their support through the years. The board members thanked Mr. Hill for his service and wished him well.
Correction The board member who resigned at the May school board meeting was Kent Childers, not Stewart Morton as reported by the Herald. We apologize to both Mr. Childers and Mr. Morton for the mistake.
Junior High Squad: (front) Captain Mary Katherine Perry and Co-Captain Maci Bokker; (back) Bella Bilbruck, Kelsey Kinard, Layton Rogers, Natalie Robinson, and Laney Wilkerson with NCA Coach Dylan.
All-American Senior high: (back row l to r) Abby Richardson, Christin Young, Madelyn Bokker, Emily Foot, Rebecca Munnerlyn, and Tracie Strong. Junior high: (front row l to r) Kelsey Kinard, Layton Rogers, and Mary Katherine Perry. (Pictures courtesy of Wendy Perry.)
HHS cheerleading squads attend camp National Cheerleading Association (NCA) instructors, Syndey and Dylan, came for a three-day cheerleading home camp held June 19-21 in the Hazen High School gymnasium. All of the girls from the junior and senior squads received nominations, and 3 junior high and 6 senior high cheerleaders were awarded AA.
Prairie County crop report Senior High Squad: (front row) Co-Captain Christin Young and Captain Tracie Strong; (back row) Reighan McAdoo, Morgan Tosh, Madelyn Bokker, Lexi Nicholas, Abby Richardson, Emily Foot, Rebecca Munnerlyn, and Tana Griffin with NCA Coach Syndey.
PC Sheriff’s Report As of Tuesday, July 3, the Prairie County Sheriff's Department currently has 38 individuals in custody on both felony and/or misdemeanor charges at the Prairie County Detention Center, located in Des Arc. Recent additions include three males on felony charges. Recent arrests include: Felon Ray McVay was arrested for failing to comply as a sex offender rules and regulations; Felon Dominique was picked up for failing to comply to sex offender register rules and regula-
tions; and Mandrell Humbert, a felon, was arrested for not paying child support. For more information on current incarcerated inmates in Prairie County and other detention centers across the state visit www.vinelink.com. To report an incident or to give information on ongoing cases call (870) 256-4137, which is answered 24 hours a day, seven days of the week. Residents can also email the sheriff at rick.hickman@prairiecountysheriff.org.
Brent Griffin CEA-Staff Chair Prairie Co. Coop. Extension Service University of Arkansas-Division of Agriculture Days of field work: 7 Top Soil Moisture: 75% Very Short, 25% Short Sub Soil Moisture: 50% Very Short, 50% Short Livestock: 2 Poor Main Activities: Farmers continue irrigation with surface water depletion nearing. Nonirrigated or untimely irrigate crops showing severe stress from heat and moisture. Rice was begin-
ning to head and corn is reaching dent stage. Pasture and hay are depleted with hay being fed. Worms are beginning to show up in soybean and pasture. Crop Progress: Corn: 75% Dough, 25% Dent Soybean: 95% Bloom, 70% Setting Pods Rice: 15% Headed Crop Condition: Corn: 25% Poor, 75% Fair Soybean: 25% Poor, 50% Fair, 25% Good Rice: 20% Poor, 80% Fair Pasture/Hay: 100% Very Poor
Come by Murry’s in Hazen on Thursday, July 12, at 6:00 p.m. to meet and greet Chintan Desai Candidate for First Congressional District Representative Paid for by the Chinton Desai for Congress
Legal Notice The following is a proposed budget for the Des Arc School District No. 5 of Prairie County, Arkansas. The proposed rate of tax will be voted on at a special election to be held on September 11, 2018. PROPOSED BUDGET OF EXPENDITURES WITH TAX LEVY FOR
FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2019 TO AND INCLUDING JUNE 30, 2020 The Board of Directors of Des Arc School District No. 5 of Prairie County, Arkansas, in compliance with the requirements of Amendments No. 40 and No. 74 to the Constitution of the State of Arkansas
and of Ark. Code Ann. § 6-13-622 has prepared, approved and hereby makes public the proposed budget of expenditures, together with the tax rate, as follows: 1.Salary Fund Expenditures $2,667,000 2.Instructional Expense 795,000 3.Maintenance &
GOT A LEAD ON SOME GRAND PRAIRIE NEWS???
Call 870-255-4538
Operation Expense 696,000 4.Dedicated Maintenance and Operation Expenditures 0 5.Pupil Transportation Expense 267,000 6.Other Operating Expense 383,000 7.Non-Bonded Debt Payment 14,850 8.Bonded Debt Payment 360,716 9.Building Fund Expense 5,345,000 To provide for the foregoing proposed budget of expenditures, the Board of Directors proposes a total school tax rate (state and local) of 35.8 mills on the dollar of the assessed value of taxable property located in this School District. The proposed tax includes the uniform rate of tax of 25.0 mills (the "Statewide Uniform Rate") to be collected on all taxable property in the State and remitted to the State Treasurer pursuant to Amendment No. 74 to the Arkansas Constitution to be used solely for maintenance and operation of schools in the State. As provided in Amendment No. 74, the Statewide Uniform Rate replaces a portion of the existing rate of tax levied by this School District and available for maintenance and operation of schools in this District. The total proposed school tax levy of 35.8 mills includes 25.0 mills specifically voted for general maintenance and operation, 5.0 mills voted for debt service previously voted as a continuing levy pledged for the retirement of existing bonded indebtedness, which bonded indebtedness will be retired from the proceeds of the pro-
posed bonds described below, and 5.8 new debt service mills. The 5.8 new debt service mills plus the 5.0 existing debt service mills now pledged for the retirement of existing bonded indebtedness, which debt service mills will continue after retirement of the bonds to which now pledged, will be a continuing debt service tax until the retirement of proposed bonds to be issued in the principal amount of $6,285,000, and which will mature over a period of 30 years and will be issued for the purpose of refunding the District’s outstanding bonded indebtedness; making electrical and safety upgrades to Elementary and High School buildings; replacing roof at High School, renovating High School gym; and constructing, refurbishing, remodeling and equipping other school facilities. The surplus revenues produced each year by the debt service millage may be used by the District for other school purposes. The total proposed school tax levy of 35.8 mills represents a 5.8 mill increase over the current tax rate. GIVEN this 25th day of June, 2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF DES ARC SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 5 OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS _/s/ Billy Hinson _________ President of Board _/s/ Johnny Reidhar____________ Secretary of Board
Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, July 11, 2018
New Books New Books How to Draw the Best of Nickelodeon- Walter Charles Foster Pup and Bear- Kate Banks The Snow Must Go OnMolly Wigand The Widow's ClubJoyce Livingston The Book ThiefMarkus Zusak The Forgotten Recipe-
Amy Clipston Stranger in the Moonlight- Jude Deveraux The Kitten's TaleDarrel & Sally Odgers Survival Skills Handbook- Bear Grylls Luna Loves Library Day- Joseph Coelho & Fiona Lumbers A Magical Adventure The High Season- Judy Blundel
New DVDs Where Secrets SleepMarta Perry Dreams of FallingKaren White Us Against YouFredrik Backman Sun Warrior- P.C. Cast The Bear Ate Your Sandwich- Julia SarconeRoach Rufus Goes to SeaKim T. Griswell Hotel Bruce- Ryan T. Higgins
Happy birthday, President Trump... Prairie County Republicans took time out on Thursday, June 14, to celebrate the birthday of Donald J. Trump at Riverfront Park.
Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, July 11, 2018
State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Jonathan Dismang
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, summer months are the most dangerous time of year to be on the road. There are more young people behind the wheel, more construction zones, and more cars on the road. In fact, during the July 4th holiday period, nationwide projections indicated the number of Americans who travelled fifty miles or more away from home topped 47-million travelers. Arkansas State Police are attempting to keep our roads safer in a number of ways. First, the agency is increasing saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints this week as part of its Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Statistics from the 2016 Fourth of July reporting
period reveal that 188 people were killed nationwide in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. Compared to 2015, this is a 28 percent increase. Second, the agency is also cracking down on drivers improperly using the left lane. In the past 12 months, troopers have stopped about 1,100 drivers cruising in the left lane. Driving in the left lane for anything other than passing can make other cars slow down and create a traffic backup. Safety officials point to studies showing driving 5 mph slower than surrounding traffic is just as likely to cause an accident as speeding. In 2013, the General Assembly addressed this by passing Act 965. It states:
“Motor vehicles shall not be operated continuously in the left lane of a multilane roadway whenever it impedes the flow of other traffic.” This not only help ease congestion, it also provides a clear path for emergency vehicles. And as a reminder, in 2017, the General Assembly voted to increase the penalty for texting and driving. The fine is $250 for the first offense. The legislation also clarifies that reading or posting on social media while driving is prohibited. If you’d like to learn more about traffic laws in our state, we encourage you to follow the Arkansas State Police Facebook page where they frequently post traffic tips and safety guidelines.
Exotic Asian longhorned tick found in Arkansas LITTLE ROCK, ARK. – On Tuesday, June 5, 2018, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) confirmed the presence of the Longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) in Arkansas. The confirmed Longhorned tick came from a dog in Benton County and was submitted through a research project at Oklahoma State University. The Longhorned tick is an exotic East Asian tick associated with bacterial and viral tickborne diseases of animals and humans in other parts of the world. This tick is considered by USDA to be a serious threat to livestock because heavy tick infestations may cause stunted growth, decreased production and animal deaths. In other countries, the Longhorned tick has been implicated in causing disease in humans, including severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome. Like deerticks, the nymphs of the Longhorned tick are very small (resembling tiny spiders) and can easily go unnoticed on animals and people. This tick is known to infest a wide range of species and has the potential to infect multiple North American wildlife species, humans, dogs, cats, and livestock. “Livestock producers, animal owners and veterinarians should notify the Arkansas Agriculture Department or USDA APHIS if they notice any unusual ticks, or ticks that occur in large num-
bers on an individual animal,” says State Veterinarian Dr. Brandon Doss.People can protect themselves, their children, and pets from ticks by using standard preven-
tion methods such as wearing Environmental Protection Agency approved repellents, performing tick checks, and tucking in clothing.
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas School Safety Commission presented its initial list of recommendations to the governor. The first recommendation in the executive summary is that “No campus should ever be without armed presence when staff and children are present.” How best to provide an armed presence should be a local decision by school boards, administrators, parents and teachers. The commission outlined several options. One is to follow the example of the Clarksville School District, which has Commission School Security Officers (CSSOs), who are staff with access to firearms in case of emergency. The School Safety Commission singled out the Emergency Response Team of Clarksville schools as the best practice use of CSSOs, and recommended that other school districts that use CSSOs should adopt policies similar to those adopted by Clarksville. They include psychological exams of armed staff, random drug screening and training with local law enforcement. The commission recommended, and the governor specifically endorsed, the improvement of mental health counseling for students.
The commission and the governor pointed out that school counselors should become more available for actual counseling, which means that they must decrease the time they spend on administrative duties such as giving tests and paperwork. Freeing up school counselors will mean changes in state law. The governor directed the state Education Commissioner to review the status of the Public School Student Services Act, which passed in 1991. It requires school counselors to spend at least 75 percent of their time in direct counseling and no more than 25 percent of their time on administrative duties. The governor said at a press conference that counselors spend too much time on paperwork and not enough time on the needs of students. Each school district should form a behavioral threat assessment team. Its duty would be to investigate and respond to potential threats, such as when a student posts on social media that he intends to commit a violent act. Schools should set up a communication system that connects parents, teachers, school administrators and law enforcement. The system would allow all parties to know what plans are in place,
how emergencies will be handled, whether public threats are credible and how parents and family will be notified as soon as possible during emergencies. The commission recommended that districts consider changes to the physical layout of schools that would improve security, such as limiting public access to a single entry and installing bullet proof glass. When the legislature considers school safety improvements next session, the cost of recommendations will be a political issue. The question will be how to allocate costs among local schools, law enforcement agencies and the state. Revenue Report The state’s fiscal year ended on June 30 with total net revenue of $5.5 billion. That is $146.2 million, or 2.7 percent, above last year. Sales taxes and individual income taxes contributed to revenue growth. Sales taxes increased 3.4 percent over the previous year and individual income taxes increased 4.5 percent. The growth in state revenue is a reliable indicator of the state’s overall economic condition.
Delta Caucus praises farm bill that preserves programs The Delta Caucus praised Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (RKan.), and a bipartisan coalition in the Senate for passing a Farm Bill that preserves vital SNAP nutrition programs as well as agriculture and conservation programs. The margin was an overwhelming 86-11. Caucus Director Lee Powell, a senior USDA official as a Presidential appointee in the Clinton administration, said "Sen. Boozman as an Ag Committee member and co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, and Sen. Roberts, Ag Committee chair, worked with many Democrats to preserve the basic SNAP nutrition program that is the vital safety net against hunger in America, as well as vital agriculture provisions that are crucial for our farmers across the east Arkansas Delta." Harvey Joe Sanner, senior Ag adviser to the Delta Caucus and a leader of the Tractorcade farm protests in the 1970s, said "The House Bill is totally unacceptable on many levels. The SNAP program is a great program that consumes a good portion of the farm products grown in the U.S. It also supports fam-
ilies and children who deserve our compassion and support." Sanner said "On the political side, a coalition of producers, exporters, processors, conservationists and those focused on the nutrition programs are necessary to pass farm legislation. The Senate Bill does a far better job of addressing all of these diverse, vital views and concerns." The Senate version of the Farm Bill protects Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit levels and eligibility for children, seniors, people with disabilities, lower income working families, veterans and those seeking work. In addition to the SNAP provision, the bill renews vital farm programs for crop insurance and land conservation at a time when farmers are facing low prices and the possibility of a trade war that
could depress commodity prices even more. "The Senate version of the bill is vastly superior to the House version, which cuts SNAP benefits, eligibility, and would cause many children in SNAP households to lose their direct connection to free school meals. We also commend the 68 senators who defeated a detrimental amendment that would have made hunger worse by inflicting harsh work rules on struggling families and would require food retailers to check photo identification for SNAP EBT (electronic benefit transfer) card customers," Powell said. "We would like to thank Joel Berg of Hunger Free America, all our colleagues at the Food Research and Action Center, Feeding America, the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, and the many partners who made calls and other contacts to
their Members of Congress across the country and in the eight-state Greater Delta region in supporting passage of the Senate version of this legislation. This is one of the most, if not the most important bill for the Delta region," Powell said. "The Delta Caucus urges all our partners to work for the Senate version of the bill to prevail as the House and Senate work to reconcile the two versions," Sanner said. Arkansas is in fact one of the bread baskets of the world, as indicated in this data from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture for 2015, showing that Arkansas ranked in the top 10 nationally in the exports of seven major commodities: For 2015, Arkansas ranked 16th in total agricultural exports with a
value of $3.1 billion (USDA ERS, 2017c), No. 1 in rice (valued at $859 million) No. 4 in broilers (valued at $346 million) No. 6 in cotton (valued at $166 million) No. 7 in other poultry (valued at $104 million) No. 10 in soybeans (valued at $790 million) No. 10 in soymeal (valued at $201 million) No. 10 in vegetable oil (valued at $123 million) The USDA Food Insecurity Data for the Delta region listed five of the six worst food insecurity levels in America in the USDA 2016 data as Mississippi (18.7%,), Louisiana (18.3%) and Alabama (18.1%) as the top three, with Arkansas (17.5%) and Kentucky (17.3%) respectively fourth and fifth. The only state outside of our region in the worst six states was New Mexico.
Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Hazen Calvary Baptist Church holds carwash fundraiser On Saturday, July 7th, it seemed like every vehicle in Prairie County was washed and everyone had sweets to eat due to the outpour of the love of the residents of Hazen.. There was a fundraising carwash and bake sale in front of the Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen for Wyatt McMullen and his parents, Matthew and Whitney McMullen. The proceeds from the carwash and bake sale will go to pay for service dog training for Wyatt’s dog, Gus. Everyone who participated said that the event was a hugh success. (Photos courtesy of Wendy Perry.)
C o u n t y P l e a D a y r e s u l t s Staying hydrated during the hot summertime months
The Plea Day results for Prairie County are as follows: 59SCR-12-8-BLAKLEY M AY - P R O B A T I O N REVOCATION-RESET FOR AUGUST 20, 2018 59SCR-13-29-DEMARIO LINDSEY-PROBATION REVOCATION-FAILURE TO APPEAR, WARRANT ISSUED 59SCR-14-54-JUSTIN DAVID HILLHOUSEPROBATION REVOCATION-RESET FOR AUG 20, 2018 59SCR-17-9-PRISCILLA GARCIA-THEFT OF PROPERTY-RESET FOR AUG 20, 2018 59SCR-17-20-BLAKLEY MAY-FIANICAL IDENITY FRAUD-RESET FOR AUG 20, 2018 59SCR-17-25-MICHAEL SCROGGINS-PROBATION REVOCATIONRESET FOR JULY 16, 2018 59scr-17-50-GEORGE MILLER-POSSESSION OF FIREARMS BY CERTAIN PERSONS, REFUSING TO SUBMIT TO ARREST-36 MONTHS PROBATION, PLUS COURT COSTS AND FINES 59SCR-17-68-MICHAEL SCROGGINS-POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCERESET FOR JULY 16, 2018 59SCR-17-70-EDDIE DANE MARTIN-POSSESSION OF METH OR COCAINE WITH PURPOSE TO DELIVERRESET 59SCR-17-79-JOEL
BENAVIDES-TRAFFICKING A CONTROLLED S U B S T A N C E , COCAINE-RESET FOR JULY 16, 2018 59SCR-17-93-SETH MOSENTHIN-TERRORISTIC THREATING IN THE FIRST DEGREE-48 MONTHS PROBATION 59SCR-17-104-EDDIE DANE MARTIN-DOMESTIC BATTERY IN THE THIRD DEGREE-RESET 59SCR-17-109-TERRANCE BRADY-POSSESSION OF FIREARMS BY CERTAIN PERSONS-RESET FOR JULY 17, 2018 59SCR-18-5-JOEL BENAVIDES-FAILURE TO APPEAR-RESET FOR JULY 16, 2018 59SCR-18-9-KEVIN CECIL-FLEEING-RESET FOR JULY 16, 2018 59SCR-18-11-MADISON WALKER-POSSESSION OF FIREARMS BY CERTAIN PERSONS-RESET FOR JULY 16, 2018 5 9 S C R - 1 8 - 1 2 LAWRENCE ADKINS JR-POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE OR COCAINE WITH THE PURPOSE TO DELIVER-RESER FOR JULY 16, 218 59SCR-18-17-CEDRIC R JACKSON-POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCERESET FOR JULY 16, 2018 59SCR-18-18-DALTON DAMPIER-THEFT OF
PROPERTY, FLEEINGRESET FOR JULY 16, 2018 59SCR-18-21-DYLAN MASSEY-POSSESSION OF FIREARMS BY CERTAIN PERSONS, RESISTING ARREST, OBSTRUCTING GOVERMENTAL OPERATIONSRESET FOR JULY 16, 2018 59SCR-18-22-CHRISTOPHER MURRAY-POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, METHAMPHETAMINE, POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, THEFT BY RECEIVINGRESET FOR JUNE 19, 2018 DES ARC 59SCR-18-23-DEBRA WOODCOCK-POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED S U B S T A N C E , METHAMPHETAMINE, POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, DOMESTIC BATTERY 3RD DEGREE-FAILURE TO APPEAR 59SCR-18-24-MELISSA ANN BARBEE-POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 59SCR-18-33-CRYSTAL SWIFT-POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALLIA -RESET FOR JULY 16, 2018
By Dr. Karen Cassidy, chief medical officer, UnitedHealthcare of Arkansas
With summertime temperatures on the rise in Arkansas, it's important to stay hydrated. According to the National Hydration Council, dehydration is defined as "a lack of water in the body resulting from inadequate intake of fluids or excessive loss." Hydration is particularly important for children, as they have higher water requirements in relation to their body weight than adults do. Kids don't always recognize the early stages of thirst, which can make them particularly vulnerable to becoming dehydrated, especially during times that can drive up their body fluid losses, like when they are playing sports or during warm weather. During the hot weather months, it can be challenging to maintain outdoor exercise regimens or playing in the great outdoors. To help maximize open-air fun, here are some safety tips for both adults and children for staying cool when exercising and playing in the summer heat: *Exercise in the early
morning or late evening. The temperature is coolest at this time. Avoid exercising midday when it's the hottest part of the day. *Drink up. Do not wait until you are thirsty to start hydrating. Drink two to four glasses of water each hour. If you are on diuretics, or a lowsalt or fluid-restricted diet, talk to your doctor first about your specific fluid needs. *Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Consider dressing in clothes made with moisture-wicking fabric. *Protect yourself from the sun. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15 or higher. Try to exercise in the shade. Play tennis on a court shaded by trees or take a walk in a wooded park. *Rest early and often. Take breaks in shady areas. *Gradually get used to the heat. It takes seven to 10 days for your body to adapt to the change in temperature. Start by exercising for a short time at a low intensity. Save long, hard workouts until you are acclimated to the summer air. *Mind the weather. Do not exercise on the
hottest days. Keep an eye on the heat index. The heat index is a calculation of the temperature and humidity. It measures "how hot it really feels" outside: a. Heat index 80 to 90 degrees: fatigue during exercise is possible. Heat exhaustion is a possibility even at these temperatures. b. Heat index of 90 to 105 degrees: heat cramps and heat exhaustion or heat stroke are possible. c. Heat index of 105 or higher: heat exhaustion is likely and heat stroke is possible. **Be cautious when the heat index gets above 80 degrees. Consider working out indoors. Walk around a shopping mall or do a workout DVD in your air-conditioned home. *Stop if you don't feel well: If you have any of the warning signs of heatrelated illness, such as dizziness, headache or nausea, stop your workout right away. Dehydration is one of those things many people don't think about and something that can sneak up on you. It's important to learn the facts on how to stay healthy and happy while enjoying summertime.
- Coming Soon Prairie County’s 2018 Farm Family of the Year Section featuring the Casey Skarda Family
Help us celebrate this family by putting a congratulatory ad in the
Grand Prairie Herald Call 870-255-4538
Page 7 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, July 11, 2018
For Rent: 3BR, 2 bath house in Hazen available for rent September 1 . Large yard. Call 870255-3820.
Tim VanHouten Cultured marble, flooring, custom showers, and countertops
Free Estimates 20 Years Experience
INMAN DENTAL CLINIC Thomas G. Inman DDS IDC
PO Box N 513 N. Williams Street Carlisle, AR 72024 Ph: 870-552-3500
Bowman Plumbing Adam Bowman, MP 6142 Repair - Remodel - New Construction Free Estimates Dependable Service Family Owned and Operated (870) 256-5230
Billy’s Body Shop & Wrecker Service. P. O. Box 696, Hazen Ark 72064. To Whom It May Concern: A 1995 Oldsmobile 98 VIN#1G3CX52K5s43229 90 located at 1203 Hwy 70 East, Hazen Arkansas 72064. The vehicle is stored at 1203 Hwy 70 East, Hazen Ar.. phone: 870-255-4922, and is accruing storage as a legal liability of the
owner. The wrecker company claims first priority possession lien on the vehicle and its contents for all charges. Unless the vehicle is claimed within 45 days the owner and/or lien holder waives all rights, title, and interest in the vehicle and its contents and consents to the sale of the vehicle. The vehicle will then be sold for towing and storage fees. 2tc (7-11-18)
DeWitt Hospital and Nursing Home is seeking compassionate, caring individuals to fill the following positions
RN shift 7p-7a (HOSPITAL) and RN shift 3p-11p (NURSING HOME) SIGN ON BONUSES AND SHIFT DIFF!!!!!!
We are also looking for Paramedics All shifts available full time/part time. Applications can be picked up in the business office or human resources. Please call the following for any questions HUMAN RESOURCES 870-233-2227 LISA BENNETT (DON HOSPITAL) 870-233-2204 TRISHA MCELROY (EMS DIRECTOR) 870-233-2096 DANA ADAMS (DON NURSING HOME) 870-233-2290
Free Ads for Free Stuff If you’re giving it away, we’ll give you
an ad for
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- Residents of Prairie County Summer is upon us and seasonal pests such as ants, spiders, fleas, and American roaches are at their peak. For over 30 years Bug Masters has established a reputation for responding quickly when you need us and eliminating pest issues when others haven’t.
Call Bug Masters today at 800-770-4888
Private sitter with over 20 years experience. Can provide references. Please contact 870-6598319, if you are looking for someone to care for your love. (6-27-18 4tp)
- HELP WANTED Drivers-OTR: Sign-on Bonus! Health/Life ins. Paid Vacation, Birthdays off! Great Equip. Qtrly Safety Bonus. CDL-A, 2yrs exp. 866-305-3611 x115
IT’S TIME TO CLEAN OUT THOSE STORAGE BUILDINGS! Sell what you don’t need
IN THE HERALD
Page 8 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Des Arc community members paint the town
Hendry Hardwoods, LLC Buying hardwood logs in Des Arc since 1962. We buy standing timber, timberland, and delivered logs.
Billy Weems Cell 601-527-9988
Office 870-256-4123 Manufacturer of Cross Ties and Lumber P. O. Box 250 - 1402 Main Street, Des Arc, Arkansas 72040
Chambers Nursing and Rehab Center * Private Rooms with Baths * 24 Hour Nursing Service * Rehab-Therapy
* On-Site Beauty Salon * Daily Activity Program * Church Service Regularly
Medicaid - Medicare - VA - Private Pay
(870) 552-7150 Hwy 70 - Carlisle, Arkansas
“Since 1945”
“We offer extremely reasonable and affordable private pay rates”
Bobby Glover, President & CEO