75¢
County Libraries host book signing. (See pictures on p. 6.)
Volume 120 Number 28 - USPS 225-680
Community Calendar of Events
Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
White River Irrigation District Canal 1000 work begins
Tuesday July 13 Prairie County Master Gardeners Meeting Hazen Methodist Church Fellowhip Hall 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Hazen Library Jonathan May the Magician 6:00 p.m. Thursday July 15 Hazen City Council Meeting Hazen Community Center 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Monday July 19 Des Arc City Council Meeting City Hall 6:00 p.m. Tuesday July 20 Covid-19 Vaccination Meeting Hazen Community Center 6:00 p.m. Thursday July 22 Commoditie Distribution Hazen Methodist Church 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Monday July 26 Calvary Baptist Vacation Bible School Family Life Center ages 4 years to 6th grade 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Tuesday July 27 Hazen Library Story Time Wacky Animals 10:00 a.m.
Community events brought to you by Hazen Chamber of
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Please call F&M Bank (255-3042) or The Grand Prairie Herald (255-4538) to list events.
Contractors begin work near DeValls Bluff for the two-mile section of Canal 1000 for the White River Irrigation District. By Leigh Van Houten Contractors have moved in near DeValls Bluff and dirt work has begun on White River Irrigation District’s (WRID) Canal 1000, which is a two-mile section in Prairie County. This is the first dirt work for the canal construction. The work is a significant move to see the project gain momentum to its goal, which is supplying affordable water to farmers in portions of Prairie, Monroe, Lonoke, and Arkansas counties with much-needed water for crops. “We’ve been focused on getting the canal construction started since the completion of the reservoir that will feed
this canal. It has been a long three years, but the next three years will show that the effort was all worth it,” WRID Board President Dan Hooks said. “We have a lot to do, but it will be an
exciting time when water is flowing to the farms through this canal.” Prior work includes a pump station, 7,500 feet of twin 10-foot diameter pipelines and a 70-acre
regulating reservoir constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The prime contractor for Canal 1000 is Garrett Excavating, of Hot Springs, with local con-
tractors John Neukam, of DeWitt, and Dale Shook, of Casscoe/Stuttgart, doing most of the dirt work. The bids for this work ranged from $3.6 million to $5.2 million. Money was secured through a National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) grant along with loans from the Arkansas Agriculture Department. The WRID will administer the contract and NRCS will share construction inspection duties. “We have been working on this piece for a little over a year,” Tony Stevenson, WRID engineer, said in April. The contractor plans on having most of the earthwork completed this fall.
Des Arc City Council approves building of cemetery pavilion The Des Arc City Council called a special meeting on July 6th to discuss the cemetery pavilion. Mayor Jim Garth stated that Alderperson Gail King had asked for the meeting. Attending the meeting were Mayor Jim G a r t h , Treasurer/Recorder Chrisanna Knupp and Council Members Gary Burnett, Anna Beth Fisher, Nicole Fisher, Jodie Mayher, Gail King and Ray McVay. Mayor Garth gave the floor to Alderperson King to share her concerns. King said that this was a follow up to the previous council meeting where the building of the cemetery pavilion was approved. She said that she felt strange approving bid when the full amount of the bid was not yet in the account even though committee member Butch Calhoun assured the council that there that enough people had promised enough donations to cover the balance. King said that she feels like the city needs to have the money in the account before they move forward. She then said that she had been told on Friday that the scope of what had been approved had changed because someone wanted to give a donation with the stipulation that a plaque be placed on the pavilion with Harvey Joe Sanner’s name on it in honor of his work with the American Agriculture Movement. King went on to say that the letters sent out asking for donations for
the pavilion in memory of Jim West. Alderperson Gary Burnett stated that the pavilion would still be named the Jim West Pavilion. He also said that the plan was to allow people to donate money to buy benches in honor or memory of someone so there would be many plaques in the pavilion. King said “But those plaques won’t be on the structure. Butch Calhoun said that at the last council meeting neither he nor any of the Pavilion Committee members knew that this new donation would be offered. He said that Will Feland, the owner of Pinnacle Structures, wanted to help with the project and offered to give $12,700. Since he had worked with Sanner in Washington, DC, Feland wanted to donate the building materials as long as there was something small in the building that said “Pinnacle Structures donated the building materials in honor of Harvey Joe Sanner for his years of service to American Farmers”. Calhoun said it was up to the council to decide if they wanted to accept the donation. Alderperson Anna Beth Fisher asked if this donation would be enough to finish the project. Calhoun said he wasn’t exactly sure where they were on expenses, but the thought was that if there was any extra money they might add brick to the back, columns or benches. Fisher stated, “We have committees to do their jobs then bring their recommendations to
the council, and the council has already passed the Pavilion Committee’s recommendation to build the Jim West Pavilion.” Alderperson King said she didn’t feel like the council had all the information when they voted on it. Committee member Ann Guess said they had been working on this project for two years. Committee member Marilyn Burnett shared how the idea had started and how a group of people had formed a committee and opened a bank account for donations, so this was not an appointed committee. Alderperson King said “Just because we are asking questions doesn’t mean we are against it, but when this was approved it was going to be in Jim West’s name, and now it’s changing. Burnett asked “What has
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changed?” King said “Now another person’s name will be on the building as well as Jim West.” King suggested a flag pole or something else besides the building have Sanner’s name on it. Burnett said “There will be a big sign for Jim and a small sign for Harvey Joe. It’s such a small thing for such a large donation.” Alderperson Fisher said that if any other donors wanted a plaque placed in honor or memory of someone, they could. Mary Lou Brooks said “If someone wants to honor Harvey Joe why don’t they do it at the AG Building?” Alderperson Fisher said “The city doesn’t own it and the person wanting a place the plaque in honor of Harvey Joe didn’t donate money for the AG Building.” Brooks said
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the city doesn’t own the pavilion either and why wouldn’t her husband Bobby Joe be honored for being the 2011 Trucker of the year? Alderperson Fisher said if someone wanted to donate money to honor him they could. Terrell Sutton asked if the city could put a monument with all donor’s names on it. Mayor Garth said “There are a lot and someone’s name could be left off, and it has already been established that donors could buy benches in honor or memory of someone.” Alderperson Anna Beth Fisher made a motion to proceed as planned with the pavilion. Alderperson Jodie Mayher seconded the motion which was approved by a 6-0 vote with Alderperson King abstaining.
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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Taylor Cave honored with baby shower July 8th Steve Chlapecka, Jr.
Rice farmer, avid sportsman and local community leader Steve Chlapecka, Jr. whose smile and laughter was known throughout the Grand Prairie, died on July 6, 2021 in Hazen, Ark. He was 86. Steve was born on April 3, 1935, in Slovak, Ark., to Olga and Steve Chlapecka, Sr., who preceded him in death. He was also preceded by his sister, Marie. A 1954 graduate of Hazen High School and second generation rice farmer who had a lifelong passion for duck hunting, Steve cared deeply about his family and giving back to his community. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Reta; and three children, Donna (James Coleman), Steve (Allyson) and Nancy and two sisters, Dorthy Riddell and Angie Simpson. He relished his role as Papaw to three grandchildren, Steven Chlapecka, Caleb Coleman (Becca) and Jordan Chlapecka; and two great-grandchildren, Cailey and Livvy Coleman. Known to many as "Big Steve" both due to his stature and to his generosity to friends and neighbors. He was a beloved member of the Hazen community, so much so that Steve's school yearbook said: "What would London do without Big Ben? What would Hazen do without Big Steve?" When farming wasn't enough to keep him busy, he found plenty of time to give back to his community. Steve served
Arkansas Press Association Member 2020
The
on the Hazen School Board for 15 years, Hazen Fire Department for 30 years, the Riceland Foods, Inc. Board of Directors for 18 years, and Riceland Foods Hazen branch Board of Directors for 40 years. He also served as a member of Prairie County Sheriff Patrol Volunteer auxiliary and the Jaycees. Steve was a faithful, lifelong member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Stuttgart. Visitation was held at 1 p.m., and the funeral service at 2 p.m. at Hazen First Baptist Church on Friday, July 9, with interment immediately following at Slovak Lutheran Cemetery in Slovak, Ark. Arrangements by Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen. Memorials can be made to Slovak Lutheran Cemetery and Emanuel Lutheran Church in Stuttgart. Online obituary at www.westbrookfuneralhomehazen.com.
Marvin Dell Thaxton, Jr.
Marvin “Mart” Dell Thaxton, Jr., age 66, of Carlisle, passed away Saturday, July 10, 2021. Mart was born June 29, 1955 to Marvin and Carolyn Thaxton in Newport, Arkansas. He grew up there where he graduated from Newport High School. Mart moved to Carlisle in 1977, where he met the love of his life, Cindy. They were married November 18, 1978. Mart began farming his family farm that year as well. He spent the next 41 years farming and enjoyed the last 16 years working beside both his sons, Keaton and Clayton. Mart was known for his mischievous wit and storytelling. He never met a stranger and treated everyone the same. Mart was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish, especially with his grandchildren. Mart was known for his generosity and integrity. He was always willing to give his time to a good cause. He served on the Farm Bureau board for
Grand Prairie Herald
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
Kadena Lasha CampbellBurton
Kadena Lasha Campbell-Burton, 38 of Alexander, formerly of B i s c o e , passed away on Monday morning, June 28 at U A M S Medical Center in Little Rock. Kadena was born September 27, 1982 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Melvin Campbell and Gail Jones-Campbell. She was the eldest of three children born to his union. Kadena was a lifelong member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Biscoe. Kadena received her early education from the DeValls Bluff School sys-
tem. She was a 2001 graduate of DeValls Bluff High School. She went on to attend Phillips Community CollegeStuttgart in Stuttgart for 2 years. “Dena” as Kadena was lovingly known, was employed with the Remington Arms Ammunition plant in Lonoke for more than 8 years. She had formerly been employed as a home health care aide for Arkansas Home Health Care of Des Arc for more than 9 years. Her maternal grandparents: Melvin Jones Sr. and Daisy Lee Chambers-Jones; and her paternal grandparents: James Campbell, Thelma Fultz-Campbell and her father in law Edward Dunlap Sr. all preceded Kadena in death. Survivors are: her husband of 10 years Damon Burton of Alexander, AR; a daughter Brooklyn Lashai Burton of Alexander, AR; her parents: Melvin Campbell and Gail Jones-Campbell of Hazen, AR; her brother Rashard Campbell of Hazen, AR; one sister Shontel (Khalid Walton) Campbell of Little Rock, AR; her niece Khamya Walton of Little Rock, AR; her mother in law Christine Dunlap of Biscoe, AR; Her father and mother in law Gregory Metcalf and Wyoma Geans-Metcalf of DeValls Bluff, AR; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Visitation was held on Friday afternoon July 9 from 5 until 7 PM at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 15 Broad Street in Biscoe. Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 10 at 10 AM at the DeValls Bluff High School Auditorium, 710 East Sycamore Street in DeValls Bluff with Reverend Willie Brown officiating. Interment took place at Harrison Cemetery in Biscoe by Branscumb Funeral Home of Brinkley (870) 734-2772 email: branscumbfuneralhome1928@yahoo.com and Facebook: Branscumb Funeral Home. Pallbearers were: Bryant jones, Curtis Mayo, Stevie Geans, Latrell Watson, Henry Geans and James “JB” Campbell.
Legal Notice
(USPS) 225-680 The Grand Prairie Herald is an independent publication that has served Prairie County since December, 1901. It is published weekly by
over 30 years and served one two year term as President. Mart also gave his time to the Bayou Meto Board for over 30 years and the Farm Service Agency Board for 9 years. He was currently serving on the Board of Directors for First State Bank where he had given over 26 years of service. Mart was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Carolyn Thaxton. He is survived by his loving wife, Cindy, and two sons, Keaton (Lindsey) and Clayton (Elizabeth). Mart is also survived by his five grandchildren, Fisher, Collin, Cash, Steele and Bentley and his two sisters, Becky (Mike) Henderson and Gail (Frank) Fogleman as well as many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held at Carlisle First United Methodist Church on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 11 a.m. A visitation preceding the service will be held at 10 a.m. and burial at Carlisle Cemetery will immediately follow the service. The family has requested memorial contributions be directed to the Wade Knox Child Advocacy Center,1835 SW Front Street, Lonoke, AR 72086 and the Carlisle First United Methodist Senior Food Pantry, P.O. Box 417, Carlisle, AR 72024.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PRIARIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS PROBATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RONALD WAYNE BEARDEN, JR., DECEASED 59SPR-21-17 Last Known address of Decedent: 328 E. Walnut St., DeValls Bluff, AR 72041 Date of Death: December 28, 2020 On July 2, 2021, an Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate by Distributee was filed with respect to the estate of Ronald Wayne Bearden, Jr., deceased, with the clerk of the probate division of the Circuit Court of Prairie
County, Arkansas, under Ark. Code Ann. § 28-41-101. All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, properly verified, to the distributee or his or her attorney 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 of the estate. The name, mailing address and telephone number of the distributee’s attorney is J. Michael Stuart Stuart Law Firm, P.A. P.O. Box 206 Lonoke, AR 72086 (501) 676-5500 This notice first published on the 7th day of July, 2021.
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
INTERESTED in Selling Your Home or Property? Call today for a free market analysis. We advertise locally, also in ZILLOW, CARMLS, and EZ MLS.
By Chris Weems Taylor Chapman Cave of Beebe was honored with a baby shower, Thursday night at Calvary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Little Miss Maggie Jane Cave waited to attend the party in person, she was born June 18 to Mr. and Mrs. Jon Cave in time to attend the party as a beautiful six pound baby girl with a head full of black hair and bright dark eyes. She was a nice guest as she slrpt most of the time. Taylor opened her gifts, assisted by some of the hostesses. Gifts were displayed on round tables covered with white cloths. The guest signed in on a tablebwith a floorlengthtable cloth with a pink lace and net overlay. Guests were served cupcakes and punch, nuts and mints on a table with a white and pink cloth. The center-
piece was a display of the cupcakes in a wrought iron container. Special guests were Taylor’s mom, Terry Chapman and sister Towny of Beebe, Jane Smith her aunt and cousins Lucy and Bella Raper, her great aunt Marhta Hosto, of Roe and cousin, Nansie Porter of Roe,and cousin Tori Buffington.Out of town guest qwew Jennifer Letture and Julie Henry of Beebe. Hostesses were Nanette Belfar, Amy Van Houten, Trilby Shelman, Carla Nichols, Sharon Stallings, Christy Rounsavall, Paula Hackleton, Chris Weems, Donna Watson, Stephanie Van Houten, Connie Swaim, Monica Lisko, Sara Perry, Sherry Bullock, Hazel Swillwy, Carolyn Benafield, Julie Benafield, Robin McMullen, Angie Cagle, Wendi Stock, Jane Smith, Lucy Raper and Emily Smith.
Hazen Cemetery Donations Hazen Cemetery Donations: In Memory of: Lynn & Miller Donahue By: John Donahue In Memory of: Herbert L. Scribner By: Jane Donahue Scribner McClenny In memory of: Kerr Family By: Elizabeth Kerr In Memory of: Humphries Family By: Vivian Humphries In Memory of: Tammy Edge By: Donald & Dorothy Holmes Billy & Nona Gail Booth
In Memory of: Ricky Kloss By: Billy & Nona Gail Booth In Memory of: Webb & Hale Families By: Charlene Hale & Bill Webb In Memory of: Sandy Crowly Tom By: Billy & Nona Gail Booth In Memory of: Doug DeVorak By: Billy & Nona Gail Booth Donations are greatly appreciated and may be mailed to: Hazen Cemetery P.O. Box 92 Hazen, Ar. 72064
Thank You To our beloved community—we are grateful for the outpouring of your support and kindness after the loss of our loved one, “Big Steve”. Thank you for the prayers, food, flowers,
cards, and memorials that you have given. We are truly touched by your thoughtfulness and generosity during this time. The Steve Chlapecka Jr Family
HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2021 SUMMER REGULAR & CRISIS ASSISTANCE Starting on Monday July 26, 2021, Mid-Delta Community Services, Inc. will be accepting Applications for the 2021 Summer Regular and Crisis Home Energy Assistance Programs in Phillips, Lee, Monroe, and Prairie Counties until funds are depleted. These funds will provide a one-time assistance to low-income eligible households with Electricity ONLY. Applicants must provide the following that apply to the Previous Month: •Name, Age, Birthdate, SSN of ALL Household Members. •A printed copy of both their Natural Gas and Electric Bill. •Proof of Income from Prior Month: Examples are Check Stubs (showing PAY DATE & not pay period), SSI, SSA Award Letter, Unemployment Statement, Retirement, VA Pension, TEA, Alimony, and Utility Allowance. •ID or document which establishes identity such as an Arkansas Driver’s License, Medical ID, Birth Certificate. Applications will be processed on a first comefirst serve basis. Applicants may contact their local Community Centers shown below with questions: PRAIRIE COUNTY DeValls Bluff Community Center Sycamore & Ash Streets DeValls Bluff, AR (870) 998-2005
207 S. Court
Carlisle, AR 72024
Phone 501.454.2315
Applications will be accepted Mondays through Thursday starting at 9:00 a.m.
Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Blurred Vision -
By Nathaniel Bradow
“Return to Floodwood”
USSSA 10U champions.. Chloe Smith (#47) of Biscoe along with her team, Arkansas Thunder 2010, earned the USSSA 10U Open Class State Championship on June 27 at Maumelle. Thirteen teams from all over Arkansas vied for the title in the threeday tournament. Thunder finished their season with a 94-26-2 record, including finishing in the top 5 of the PGF Super Select Southern Championship in Hoover, AL against teams from throughout the United States. Of eighteen tournaments played in six states, Thunder played in fifteen championship games and won eight titles. Smith pitches and plays right field for Thunder. Chloe was also selected to play in the USSSA All-State Showcase this summer in Central Arkansas. She is the daughter Ashli and Jerrell Smith of Biscoe. (Danielle Brown photo.)
Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands announces Prairie County tax auction (July 12, 2021) LITTLE ROCK, Ark – Commissioner of State Lands Tommy Land announced that his office will auction taxdelinquent land in Prairie County on Thursday, July 29, at 10 a.m. The auction will be held at the Prairie County Courthouse in Des Arc, with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. “Since we were unable to hold public auctions in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, we are auctioning properties that were scheduled for sale last year,” Land said. “These are properties whose taxes have been delinquent since 2015.” Next year, during the 2022 auction season, the COSL office will auction two years’ worth of properties. “That will catch us up so that we’re current on all sales,” Land said. Prospective bidders can find an online Public Auction Catalog, includ-
ing a buyer’s guide; statutes governing sales; auction date, time and location; and a complete listing of parcels offered. This resource is on the Commissioner’s website, www.cosl.org, and is regularly updated. The website also includes an instructional video demonstrating how to research information about each parcel available for sale. “We open the bidding at the amount of taxes, penalties and interest due,” Land said. “Anyone who has delinquent property going up for auction should be aware they only have 10 business days after the auction to redeem property sold there.” Bidders must register for the auction, but the registration is free. The first $100 of any parcel’s purchase price must be paid in cash, while the remainder may be paid by cash, check or credit card. “Property taxes help fund schools, roads,
libraries and public services including ambulances,” Land said. “Everyone benefits from paying those taxes — and the property owner benefits from paying on time, by avoiding interest and penalties on delinquent taxes.” Properties that do not sell at auction will appear on the COSL’s post-auction sales list 30 days after the auction date. From there, they can be purchased through an online auction system. Another instructional video on the COSL website demonstrates that process to bidders. Owners of delinquent parcels may redeem those delinquent taxes online at www.cosl.org using a credit or debit card. Those who prefer to pay by check or money order can print a Petition to Redeem from the website or call the office at 501-324-9422 to request the petition, which must accompany their payment.
It was over 13 years ago that I first wrote about my experience in the far away land known as Floodwood, Minnesota. It was my first trip to the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and upon my arrival back home, I vowed to return. Well gentle readers, a couple of weeks ago I actually made my third trek up to Floodwood. This time the cold and snow were replaced with lush greens and mild temperatures (for Arkansas). My friend, who is a native Minnesotan, and I loaded up and started our 16 hour trek in the mid-morning hours. The drive has improved immensely, and is mostly interstate until the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Many hours and energy drinks later, we reached our destination just after midnight. My friend and I stayed at a cabin his family owns just outside the reaches of civilization. The cabin was actually built by his grandfather and his grandfather’s nephew. It is rustic and peaceful, even if there is no indoor plumbing. In the morning I was greeted by a peaceful scene of a dew-tented hayfield entirely surrounded by a mixture of birch and pine trees. The world was easing into the weekend with birds lazily chirping and a trio of deer meandering this way and that as they lapped the fresh moisture from the kneehigh grass. I was a cup of coffee away from being in the middle of a Foldgers commercial. After making the rounds between family members, which sadly has gotten a lot shorter over the past 13 years. My friend and I set out for the thriving metropolis of Duluth, MN. We went to the touristy part of downtown Duluth (as I am a tourist). We ate at a local landmark called Grandma’s just inland from Lake Superior. We sat outside and enjoyed a few midwestern staples including fried cheese curds,
Third Bayou Meto Watershed Management Plan public virtual meetings planned for July 22 The Arkansas Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Division has scheduled its third of four Bayou Meto Watershed Management Plan virtual public meetings for July 22. The meetings are free and will be held virtually using Zoom, or audio connection via telephone for those without internet access. Because of the size of the watershed and differing issues between the upper and lower portions, there will be two different Zoom Meetings. Register below to attend either or both meetings: Meeting for upper watershed (Faulkner, Pulaski, Lonoke, and Prairie Counties) July 22nd from 10:00 am until 11:00 am Meeting for lower
watershed (Arkansas and Jefferson Counties) July 22nd from 1:30 pm until 2:30 pm Individuals who do not have internet access may listen to the meeting by calling (346) 2487799 at the start of the meeting and entering the webinar ID number 863 7869 2769 for the upper watershed meeting or 838 1689 7494 for the lower watershed meeting. The purposes of this meeting include: *Present the rationale for the reductions proposed for nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment in selected Bayou Meto subwatersheds; *Discuss the Best Management Practices (BMPs) proposed to achieve proposed reductions in the selected subwatersheds;
*Hear why two Bayou Meto landowners decided to implement some of these BMPs, the effects they have seen, and obstacles they encountered and overcame; and *Describe the next steps in developing the watershed management plan. The objective of watershed-based management plans is to protect and improve water quality in streams and other waterbodies by addressing non-regulatory
issues through voluntary activities or practices only. There are no requirements for stakeholder participation, but there are potentially significant benefits through voluntary participation. For information, contact the Natural Resources Division's Allen Brown at (501) 682-1611, or FTN Associates, Terry Horton, (501) 831-1135.
which I must say were wonderful. The shores of Lake Superior are littered with colonies of gulls that prey on the kindness of the tourists by begging for scraps of bread or any other edible substance. The birds are so used to people that they can be rather rude about the way they acquire their daily fair. We saw a gull land on the table of a gentleman and his wife (she had excused herself to go to the restroom), pluck up a beak full of her fries, and swoop away so quickly all the husband could do was gape in half indignation, half amazement. I was fully resolved to punch a gull in the jaw should one try to take liberties toward my cheese curds. Luckily, the fiendish fowls did not tempt fate and accost my friend or me. We made our way to the shops, and I spent a few dollars on souvenirs. But, the best thing I learned in the shops was that Duluth has its own collegiate summer baseball team called the Huskies. The Huskies play in the Northwoods League and play against such colorfully named opponents as the Mankato Moondogs, the Rochester Honkers, the La Crosse Loggers, the Wisconsin Woodchucks, the Traverse City Pit Spitters, the Lakeshore Chinooks, and the Green Bay Booyahs (whose mascot is apparently a rooster on sterroids). Needless to say I had to order a Huskies hat. If we had had time, we would have tried to catch a game but alas. We Southerners like to think that we corner the market of charm and graciousness. We call it Southern Hospitality. However, I would like to say there is a certain allure to the Midwestern version. Minnesotans are more direct with their politeness. We Southerners beat around the bush with platitudes and idioms. Minnesotans are
direct to the point of bluntness but with an oldworld gregariousness that softens discord into a compassionate but time-saving cadence. We spent most of the rest of our time up North with my friend’s family, his grandmother on his mom’s side and her sister, and his grandfather on his dad’s side. We even got a chance to hang out and break bread with his cousins. It was 76 degrees and overcast most of the time we were there. The locals thought it was hot which we found amusing. To be fair, I have no intention of finding out what -40 degrees feels like in the depth of winter up there. In many ways rural farming communities share similar characteristics no matter what part of the country. However, there is a companionable flow to the daily life of dairy farming communities. They rise before the sun to ply their trade, spend the next few hours sparking their nervous systems with coffee, before returning to their labors. They are a quieter breed for the most part, with Finnish and German links to the “old-country” shining through in their accents, Minnesotans are just as kind, courteous, and polite as those of us below the Mason/Dixon line. My friend and I spent a total of five days on our journey, including two days of driving. I am always a bit sad to see the northern skyline fade into the humid horizons of home. But, like the girl from Kansas said, “There’s no place like home.” To all my Minnesotan family, thank you for your gracious acceptance of this bull-headed southern boy. Until we meet again, go with God. To comment, you can reach me at thatbradowguy@gmail.com
Find news from Hazen, Carlisle and Des Arc in the
Grand Prairie Herald! Call our office at
870-255-4538
Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Riceland Foods CEO announces retirement after 21 years STUTTGART, Ark. (July 9, 2021): Danny Kennedy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Riceland Foods, notified the board of directors of his retirement. Kennedy joined Riceland Foods in 2000 as the Chief Operating Officer and took over as CEO in 2007 with the retirement of Richard Bell. “I would like to thank Danny for his service to Riceland and his many years of leading the management team to achieve better service and higher returns for our membership,” Chairman of the Board of Directors Roger Pohlner said. The board plans to con-
duct a national search for Kennedy’s replacement, while also considering internal candidates for the position. “I am very confident in the current leadership team and staff we have in place at Riceland Foods,” said Pohlner. “We have chosen Andrew Dallas to serve as Interim CEO effective immediately.” Dallas is originally from McCrory, Arkansas where his family has been involved in agriculture for generations. He has served as Vice President and General Counsel for Riceland Foods since 2013. Prior to coming to Riceland, Dallas practiced law for
ten years in Jonesboro. He completed his B.S. at Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas and received his J.D. from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 2003. “I look forward to leading our team and working with the board during this transition period,” Dallas said. “Growing up in farm country I have seen the hard work and dedication our farmers put in every day. It is my honor to step into this leadership role and work for the membership of Riceland Foods.” Dallas, his wife Cherry and son Clark live in Jonesboro.
Ashby Terry joins AgHeritage Farm Credit services in Stuttgart Kyle Stovesand, AgHeritage Vice President of Lending and Branch Manager, Stuttgart, has announced the hire of Ashby Terry as a Customer Specialist. “We are excited to welcome Ashby to our team, and we know her skillset will be a great asset for our customers,” said Stovesand. Terry joins the Stuttgart branch staff of Stovesand, Kevin Wingfield, Alexx Ivey and Tammy McPherson. She recently graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi, with a Bachelor of Arts Communication degree. She resides in Carlisle. AgHeritage Farm Credit Services is a financial cooperative with owned and managed assets of approximately $1.82 billion as of December 31, 2020. The company provides credit and related services to more than 6,030 farmers, ranchers and producers or harvesters of aquatic products in 24 Arkansas counties. Branch offices are located in Batesville, Brinkley, Lonoke, McGehee, Newport, Pine Bluff, Pocahontas, Searcy and Stuttgart.
State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Jonathan Dismang
The state Department of Human Services has installed a new system for filling out applications for social services. It is designed to be more user friendly, both for people applying for services and for staff at DHS county offices. DHS officials told legislators on the Senate and House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committees that the new system should hold down costs, and make it easier for applicants to find the benefits for which they are eligible. For example, in filling out the application digitally, they can click a button that refers them to services for veterans. They can also access other resources such as child care, transportation and housing. Previously, an applicant for social services could fill out as many as eight applications. The new system eliminates the need for separate applications. Also, one application is good for an entire household. Lawmakers specifically asked if the new system was linked to agencies that could help applicants find a job or sign up for adult education classes. There is a link to those resources, DHS officials told the legislative committee. All the department’s medical services, includ-
ing Medicaid, have been set up in the new system since April. Just last week the system began a pilot project in five Arkansas counties to take applications for food stamps and welfare. The five counties represent six percent of the department’s total caseload. They are Carroll, Hot Spring, Independence, Lafayette and Pope Counties. In November, DHS county offices in about half the state will install the system. They’re roughly in southern and eastern Arkansas. In December the remaining half of the state, in eastern and northern Arkansas, will get the new system. The technology will allow applications 24 hours a day, on numerous types of devices. People who wish to can still visit a county office in person to fill out a paper application, and they can still telephone their county office. DHS officials hope the new system will cut down on the number of in-person visits and phone calls to county offices. Staff will no longer have to enter as much data manually. Applicants will be able to download documents digitally, which will eliminate the need to mail documents or bring them in person to a county office and wait
in line. It is the Arkansas Integrated Eligibility System, and officials are calling it ARIES for short. A DHS official told legislators that it would make a “huge” difference in how people apply for Medicaid, food stamps, welfare and other services. Also, the state will have more accurate and timely access to demographic data about social programs, she said. ARIES will provide translations into Spanish and Marshallese. The language of the English original has been simplified, compared to previous application forms. It is written to be understandable at the fifth to seventh grade level. One legislator thanked the DHS officials for staying within their budget when they installed ARIES. That doesn’t always occur when state agencies implement new information technology, he said. The department spent $111.1 million in Fiscal Year 2020 on ARIES, and $88.3 million in Fiscal Year 2021. During Fiscal Year 2022, which started on July 1, the department estimates it will spend $68.3 million on the system.
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THE CITY OF DES ARC IS ACCEPTING BIDS FOR REPAIRS TO THE GAZEBOS AT ROE RIVERFRONT PARK. SEALED BIDS MUST BE TURNED IN TO CITY HALL BY NOON ON MONDAY, JULY 19, 2021. THEY WILL BE OPENED
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Hazen First United Methodist Church holds Bible School The First United Methodist Church in Hazen held its summer Bible School on Friday, July 9, from 9:00 a.m. until everyone got tired enough to go home. The director for the day was Vicki Skarda who had lots of help from church members and youth. The day ended with play on the two blow up water slides.
Prairie County Libraries continue summertime fun days
The Prairie County Libraries have been having a good time this summer, hosting lots of activities for local children. On Thursday, July 8,
Author Leah Brewer (pictured above at far left with Tammy Gaddy (third from the left) held a book signing event at all three libraries starting at
11:00 a.m. at DeValls Bluff, going to Hazen at 1:30 p.m., and ending up at the Des Arc Library at 3:30 p.m. July 6th was Game Day at the Des Arc Library with lots of games and prizes for those attending. Some of the children participating are pictured at right. (April Highfill photos.)
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