July 27, 2022 edition

75¢

Gospel Mission Church has Vacation Bible School. (See p. 6.)

Volume 121 Number 30 - USPS 225-680

Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Community Calendar of Events Prairie County Libraries continue Summer Reading Program through August 31 Hazen Senior Center is open from 9:00 a.m.1:00 p.m. daily.

Lunch is 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

All Seniors are welcome.

Covid shots available at Medskers in Carlisle every Thursday 2:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m and at the Prescription Shop in Hazen on Mondays.

Thursday July 28 Food Distribution Hazen Methodist Church Drive Through 10:00a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Wednesday August 3 American Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary meeting 6:00 p.m.

DVB Legion Hut Thursday August 11 Hazen Schools Open Houses High School 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Elementary 5:00-7:00 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.

Hornets win tourney...

Congratulations to the Hazen Hornets on winning the 7 on 7 shootout on Wednesday, July 20. Hazen went a perfect 6-0 on the day defeating Clinton twice, and Carlisle, DeWitt, England, and then Lonoke in the championship game. Great way to wrap up summer competition days!

Des Arc Council hears about new cell phone plan

By Lisa Mills At the July 19th city council meeting, Kelly Gottsponer from AT&T discussed the “FirstNet” cell phone plan for the city’s phones. FirstNet is the only nationwide wireless platform dedicated to first responders and public safety through federal, state and local governments.

FirstNet allows first responders to have priority access above everyone else.

The plan the city would have would be $39.99/mo per phone for totally unlimited service.

Gottsponer explained that the monthly fee, as well as equipment, is very competitive with other providers but allows the high priority service and a higher level of security. She also explained that FirstNet provides mobile rolling satellite trucks that can be deployed in case of natural disasters when

service might be disrupted.

Gail King asked if she knew what we are currently paying.

Gottsponer said she believed it was around $60 to $75 per month.

She said she would speak to the city’s Comp Controller Carlee Fisher to write up a comparison with current expense for the council to review.

Attending the meeting were Recorder/Treasurer Janice Huffstickler who presided in the absence of Mayor Garth and council members Jodie Mayher, Nicole Fisher, Gail King, Gary Burnett and Anna Beth Fisher.

King reported from the Gas Department that there was a 46% gas loss in July which is very concerning.

She said that Phase One of the new gas system is complete except for three residents. The city is being monitored by Pipeline Safety, who has submitted recommenda-

Kelly Gottsponer shares information about a new cell phone service for first responders. (Lisa Mills photo.)

tions for improvement.

Council members were given a written update on the Senior Citizen Center from Director Leona Travis.

Cory Tallent, who resides at 1211 Main Street, across from Chunky Munkey,

addressed the council concerning trash in his yard from the store’s trash dumpster.

He said that he has been dealing with this issue for three years and has done everything he knows to do but has reached his wit’s end.

Tallent said that at least once a week he has to pick up trash in his yard that has blown over from the dumpster.

Tallent said the lid is never closed and a lot of the trash bags are not closed. He said he has spoken to the owner to no avail.

Tallent said that he has spoken to the trash pickup service to see if the dumpster could be moved and was told it could be, as long as the truck can reach it for dumping, but it would have to be at the owner’s request.

City Attorney Ginger Stuart asked Tallent if he had called police. He said no. She told him that the city has a “Littering Ordinance” and police could issue a citation for $100 to $500.

Police Chief Dewayne Mayher told him that he would speak to the owner and if the problem continued he should call whenever trash is in his yard.

Hazen City Council discusses city changes The Hazen City Council passed two ordinances at its regular meeting held on July 21, 2022 in Hazen City Hall. Only Councilman Larry Anthony was missing.

The first ordinance waives bids and allows for the purchase of mosquito abatement chemicals.

Mayor David Hardke told the council that there are exclusive providers for the adulticide mosquito sprays which have been recommended and that other cities use. The chemicals, Trumpet EC, Fyfanon ULV, and Fyfanon EW, will be purchased from ADAPCO, LLC and are more expensive than the ones that the city has used in the past, but which are more effective and safe.

The chemical Duet HD will be purchased from Clarke Mosquito Control Products, Inc. The council agreed to the purchase unanimously with little discussion.

The second ordinance

allowed for the waiving of bids and accepting the contract with Heller Company to repair a wastewater line along Leslie St. next to Highway 70. The city became aware of the problem when the tire of a piece of equipment being used by a city worker fell into the sewer line. Heller workers were working in Benton when the call went out, and quickly responded.

Utility Department Head Chad Swaim said that Highway 70 was, luckily, not affected, and that the work has been completed.

Hardke also approved a resolution authorizing quitclaim deeds for a portion of East Cleveland St. which the city recently abandoned.

The owners of the properties that are next to the abandoned right of way, Mitchell Michael B. Deshotel, Mitchell and Karmen Lawson, and G. W. McFadden Jr., will take possession

of the street that is located between Washington and Hoyle Sts. which the council recently closed. The house on the property will be destroyed.

A second resolution that authorized the city police to enter into a inter-local law enforce-

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ment agreement with the City of DeValls Bluff. The agreement will allow the police departments of Hazen and DeValls Bluff to assist each other when needed.

The Hazen policemen will still be under the direction of Police Chief Bradley

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Taylor, and they will still be paid by the City of Hazen.

In other business, the council agreed to provide additional funds to the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) for the partial (Continued on p. 4)

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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Arkansas Wataseka District Society DAR installs officers Inas Cleta Dixon Inas Cleta Dixon, 86 of Biscoe passed away Wednesday July 20, 2022 at Des Arc Nursing and Rehab Center in Des Arc. She was born on December 24, 1935 to Oscar and Syrena Bell Overturf.

She is survived by her sons Bryan Dixon, Keith

(Becky) Dixon, Leland (Angie) Dixon, and daughter Teresa (Tim) Doepel. Grandchildren Dustin (Julie) Dixon, Jason (Stacy) Dixon, Jacob: and Kaiden Dixon, Heather (Matt) Spoon, Derek (Carmen) Doepel, Michelle (Bradley) Taylor, Brooke (Justin) Davis, Hunter & Matt Dixon, Janelle (Dallas) Taylor,

Eleven great-grandchildren, Alexandria Dixon, Kreston and; Hudson Dixon, Lauren, Nathan and; Bailey Spoon, Harper Doepel, Makenzie and; Callan Taylor, Ayden Davis, and Cameron Taylor.

She is preceded in death by her husband Vernon Dixon and son Lyn Dixon.

Heat with a dash of rain

By Jarrod Hardke Much needed rain for eastern Arkansas finally arrived this week (Fig. 1).

This event brought tremendous help to most of our rice areas. Help it was; a solution it was not. It didn’t catch us up, which was evident by some pumps still not being turned off and others only turned off 24-48 hrs before resuming irrigation.

However, most importantly it bought us time – time to get to the next rainfall event which will hopefully arrive in the next week.

Continued heat, both day and night, is expected to continue until this time next week. At that time there are some rain chances and both daytime and nighttime temps are expected to drop some.

The highs aren’t quite as high this week as originally forecast, but overnight lows are remaining high so we’re not out of the woods yet.

Probably around 25% of rice is heading in the state at this point, but

Arkansas Press Association Member 2022

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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

the rest is coming is coming on fast with the crop racing as we accumulate maximum heat units every day. Keep the fingers and toes crossed that small break toward the end of next week brings the rice crop the relief it needs at just the right time.

Overall, the rice crop is really looking good at this stage. Grassy, but good. While there are exceptionally clean fields out there, they’re the exception. I joked to some this week there are two types of rice fields out there – those that have grass blown through and those that will soon have grass blown through. It’s not truly that bad, large tillered barnyardgrass always looks denser than it really is and much of what I’ve seen isn’t directly yield limiting but could still result in some rice lodging at harvest.

As mentioned last week, humidity and dew set have ticked up and so disease pressure seems on the rise a little more.

Calls about sheath blight and blast

Biscoe Cemetery Report Donations: Cheryl Blackwell Mary Ellen Wortham Bruce Wagner Debby Priest Patricia Hice Marlin Bryan Carolyn Martin Pamela Griffin Dallas Bunker Barbara Hutchens Memorials for Cheryl Bryan: Alta Oliver Steve Talley Georgia Woods Donations can be made to: Danese Clark 10702 Brasfield Rd. Biscoe, AR 72017

The Grand Prairie Herald Deadline for Submissions

is Monday at 10 a.m. of the week the paper goes to press.

Information can be emailed to: heraldpublishing@gmail.com

or mailed to the Grand Prairie Herald P. O. Box 370, Hazen, AR 72064

have increased (no dramatic crazy calls, just getting more of them).

Stink bugs have their hot spots, but most are still reporting numbers relatively low for this point in the season.

While we need to scout for disease and insects and respond accordingly, avoid unnecessary applications. Just “throwing in” foliar products or fungicides because we’re making a trip across the field isn’t spending money wisely.

Fungicide applications alone do not improve milling unless they’re controlling something (i.e. smuts). Foliar fertilizers may flash some green-up but do not contribute significant units of nutrients to appreciably change anything.

Also, if making a justifiable fungicide application prior to heading, don’t throw in an insecticide as this can lead to worse problems with stink bugs later.

Taking the oath of office are officers (from left to right) Nonnie Carroll, District Director (from Grand Prairie Chapter), Candance Carrie, Director-Elect (Tate’s Bluff Chapter), Cheryl Vickers, Secretary (Grand Prairie), and Barbara Drye, Parliamentarian by appointment (Chicot Trace Chapter). Not pictured is Melanie Berry, Treasurer (Pine Bluff John McAlmont Chapter).

By Judi Jones State Regent Gayle (Grand Prairie), and Markley, pictured Barbara Drye, The Wataseka District behind the podium, Parliamentarian by Arkansas Society presided over the instal- appointment (Chicot Daughters of the lation.

Trace Chapter).

Not American Revolution From left to right, tak- pictured is Melanie meeting was held in ing the oath of office, Berry, Treasurer (Pine Camden on Saturday, are: Nonnie Carroll, Bluff John McAlmont July 16. The meeting, District Director (from Chapter). Grand Prairie during which new dis- Grand Prairie Chapter), DAR will begin meettrict officers were Candance Carrie, ings in September for installed, was hosted by Director-Elect 2022-23 year.

(Tate’s the Tate’s Bluff Chapter Bluff Chapter), Cheryl (Submitted by Judi DAR. Newly-elected Vickers, Secretary Jones)

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PUBLIC RELEASE – SY 2022-2023 FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS The Des Arc and Hazen School districts have announced their policy for providing free and reduced price meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program, and School Breakfast Program. The school district’s Central Office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party. The price charged for a paid student breakfast is: Des Arc $1.75; Hazen $1.25; the price charged for a paid student lunch is: Des Arc $2.45; Hazen $2.25.

HOUSEHOLD APPLICATIONS The household size and income criteria identified below will be used to determine eligibility for free and reduced price benefits for SY 2022-2023. Children from households whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced price meals.

Household application forms are being distributed by the school with a letter informing households of the availability of free and reduced price meals for their children. Only one application should be submitted for each household. Applications are also available at the principal’s office in each school.

To apply for free or reduced price meals, households must complete the application and return it to the school. Applications cannot be approved unless it contains complete information as described in the instructions provided with the application.

Applications may be submitted at any time during the school year as circumstances change. The information households provide on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and verification of data.

Applications may be subject to verification at any time during the school year by school officials.

CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY Children who are members of a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly food stamps, households are categorically eligible for free meals. School officials will determine eligibility for free meals based on documentation obtained directly from the SNAP office. School officials will notify households of their eligibility.

Households who are notified of their eligibility but who do not want their children to receive free meals must contact the school. SNAP households should complete an application if they are not notified of their eligibility by September 26, 2022 for Des Arc and August 24, 2022 for Hazen School District.

Households with children who are members of currently approved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly food stamps, may submit an application with abbreviated information as described in the application instructions.

Children who are enrolled in Head Start / Even Start programs are categorically eligible for free meals.

Contact Ann Burroughs 870-255-1222 for Hazen with questions regarding Head Start/Even Start meal benefits. Not applicable for Des Arc. Children certified as migrant, homeless or runaway by the district are categorically eligible for free meals.

Contact Rachel Ladner 870-256-4128 for Des Arc and Cindy Ciganek 870-255-4549 for Hazen District with questions regarding migrant, homeless or runaway meal benefits.

Foster children who are the legal responsibility of a welfare agency or court are also eligible for benefits regardless of the income of the household with whom they reside. Eligibility for the foster child is based on the child being the legal responsibility of a welfare agency or court. An application for a household that includes both foster children and non-foster must be completed for eligibility to be determined for the non-foster children. Contact Rachel Ladner 870-256-4128 for Des Arc and Amber Edge 870-255-4547 for Hazen with questions regarding foster children.

Children in households that receive WIC may be eligible for benefits. An application must be completed for determination of eligibility.

If a household member becomes unemployed during the school year, the household may be eligible for free or reduced price meals PROVIDED that the loss of income causes the household income to be within the eligibility criteria. An application should be completed for determination of eligibility benefits.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced price meal policy, the listed official will review applications and determine eligibility at: Des Arc-Lana Leggett 870-256-4164 and Hazen- Ann Burroughs 870-255-1222.

Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the determining official may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request to Lana Leggett 870-256-4164 for Des Arc and Ann Burroughs 870-255-1222 for Hazen. A household may SUBMIT an application ANYTIME DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR. Nondiscrimination Statement: In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002508 11-2817Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: 1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or 2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or 3. email: program.intake@usda.gov This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Gov. Hutchinson issues statement in response to Legislative Council LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson issued the following statement in regards to the Arkansas Legislative Council's decision on the use of money from the American Rescue Plan.

"While I am pleased the Arkansas Legislative Council supports funding bonus pay for teachers, their action to rescind $500 million in spending authority for the Arkansas Department of Education is contrary to the Council’s statutory authority and contrary to the principles of separation of powers underlying the Arkansas Revenue Stabilization Act. "I am disappointed by the Legislative Council’s vote to rescind its approval to give the Arkansas Department of Education authority to spend $500 million in American Rescue Plan’s Elementary and

Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Fund.

Just as the General Assembly could not recall a bill from my desk that had already been signed into law, ALC may not undo the lawful appropriations under Act 199 through a parliamentary maneuver.

"Under the appropriation passed last month the schools could use the funds for teacher bonuses and incentives. The big change now is that the schools must submit plans which must go back to the legislature for additional review.

"In other words, the local school district priorities may not be approved.

I am concerned that teachers in some districts will get a bonus, but others may not.

The creative approach by the committee today while wellintentioned is not the best approach to helping our teachers."

Blurred Vision - By Nathaniel Bradow “Dog days of summer” Let us all take a moment to draw in a deep breath, check our pulses, down another sip of sweet tea, and try to think about being in a place that doesn’t feel like the burner side of a skillet. I don’t think I’m being controversial by saying it has been hot as the exhaust end of a jet engine lately, and we haven’t even made it to August yet!

I used to be able to withstand these dog days of summer a lot easier when I was a kid.

Between the ages of eight and eighteen I could play outside all day in 100 degree weather, and as long as someone proffered an occasional sports drink and snack every few hours, I was good to go.

– Double-header from noon to six? No problem.

– sixty-four consecutive holes of golf? I gotcha, buddy! – Fishing trip from sunrise to sunset?

Absolutely!

Now, I just caught a finger cramp typing out those activities. I guess this is what happens as you stare down the barrel of middle-age burnout. Luckily, I have

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four fur babies who feel it is their job to keep their parents on a regular schedule.

As school teachers, my better half and I do our best to get the kids on a meal and potty schedule during the school year.

Normally they seem pleased with the arrangement. I feed them, they don’t tear things up in the house while we’re at work. I think that’s fair. I mean they meet me tails wagging when I get home and haven’t ripped holes in the sofa or walls yet. *knock on wood.* But, something tells me I have passive-aggressive dogs. All of the boredom or bladder holding they do during the year, they pay us back for every summer day. Here is their (and because of their lack of opposable thumbs, our) schedule every day.

12:00 am (midnight): Gracie (Cattle Dog Mix) and Argos (Siberian Husky) bark and whine at the back door as Gracie has seen a woodland creature of some sort invading her sacred backyard and awakened the husky for back up. I let them out.

1:00 am: The two chipmunk chasers scratch at the door to be let back in. I let them back in.

Between 2:30 - 4:30 am: Atticus (Heeler/Lab mix) decides he needs to potty and convinces Gracie and Argos they do too. Either the wife or I oblige them rather than risk the stenchfilled present one of them might leave if we don’t. If Argos’s eyes start floating, he will jump onto the bed, pounce on my chest, and bark directly at the spot

above my nose and between my eyes at a pitch that would shatter glass.

5:30 am: The Beast Awakens! Our smallest and oldest dog, Phoebe ( D a c h s h u n d / Pa p i l l o n mix), must be fed and go potty promptly at this time. There is no negotiation. She is the queen and will enlist the other three to do her dirty work if either the wife or I (normally the wife if I’m being honest) don’t awaken when she starts tapping her nails on the wood floors.

7:00 am: Husky Madness: Argos has decided that mom and dad don’t need to be well rested in order to feed or pet him. So, he demands to be let out in the front yard using the before mentioned barking technique.

8:00 am: My wife and I have errands to run and things to do around the house, so we get our day started. All four of the K9s are passed out on various pieces of furniture that I could swear the humans in the house paid for.

11:00 am. - 5:00 pm.: The dogs drift between naps, treats, chasing squirrels, and getting petted by the neighborhood children. We, of course, must accommodate each whim as requested via whine, bark, or paw on the leg.

5:00 pm: Queen Phoebe must be fed or it is off with your head! She sees us as peasants and as long as there are two of us one of us is expendable.

8:00 - 9:00 pm.: The fight for the bed begins (even if we aren’t ready for bed). The three big dogs do a version of hot

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potato a s they push, pull, and lay on each other trying to solidify their places in mommy and daddy’s bed before the other two can.

10:00 pm.: With all three big dogs having sprawled out on our bed, we must now elbow our way onto enough of the mattress to teeter our way to sleep as quickly as possible before the whole cycle begins again at midnight.

I’m pretty sure they planned all of this while we were at work.

The only thing that breaks up this cycle of human sleep deprivation is if we take a couple of hours out each day to make sure they run their little furry feet off.

That means hikes or dog parks or power walks or anything else that keeps them from wanting to look out the windows between the hours of 10 pm. and 5:30 am. There is no changing the Queen’s feeding schedule.

So, here I am, gentle readers. I have given up my misspent youth to be bossed around by an Island of Misfit Toys dog quartet. I guess we all have people and things we have to answer to on a daily basis.

Keep yourself, your loved ones, and your furry friends safe during this excruciating heat.

Keep hydrated and check on the ones you love as often as you can.

Together with open hearts and wagging tails, we will make it through this.

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

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS, 1ST DIVISION Joshua Cazer Petitioners v. CASE NO. 59SCV-22-22.

Heirs of John Allen Barnett & ET AL, Ronald Wayne Barnett, Jerry Dwayne Barnett, Wilberta Jalean Burchfield, & Nancy Dickerson, Respondents.

NOTICE OF QUIET TITLE ACTION: Notice is hereby given that a Petition has been filed in the office of the Circuit Clerk of Prairie County, Arkansas, to quiet and confirm title in and to the following described property in Prairie County, Arkansas: NW 1/4 CORNER NW 1/4 NW 1/4. Section: 20 – Township: 2N – Range: 4W. Any person claiming any title or interest of any kind to such property is hereby notified to appear herein is hereby notified to appear herein on or before September 13, 2022, to assert his title or interest in such property and to demonstrate why title to this property should not be quieted and confirmed in Joshua Cazer, Petitioners herein.

This publication was paid for by the City of Hazen and was paid out of the Sales Tax Fund. The cost was $225.00.

WITNESS my hand and seal of the Court this 21st day of July, Gaylon Hale, Clerk.

Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, July 27, 2022

State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Jonathan Dismang

LITTLE ROCK – Every year the sales tax holiday is the first weekend in August. This year it will be Saturday, August 6, and Sunday, August 7.

Consumers will not have to pay sales tax on any articles of clothing that cost less than $100.

The exempted items include not only ordinary clothing such as pants, shirts, dresses and shoes. Also free from sales tax are bathing suits, baby blankets, underwear, raincoats, uniforms, hats and caps, aprons, neckties, scarves and steel-toes boots.

Diapers, even disposal diapers, are included on the list of exempt items.

Accessories are also on the list of exempted items, as long as they cost less than $50. The list of articles is extensive, and includes handbags and purses, sunglasses, jewelry, hair notions, wallets, watches and wigs.

More than 65 categories of cosmetics are exempt from the sales tax, such as mascara, many types of hair products, fingernail polish and fingernail remover, bath salts, artificial eyelashes, perfume and

stretch mark cream.

School supplies will be exempt from the sales tax. Officially the first weekend of August is called the sales tax holiday, but many people refer to it as the “Back to School” sales tax holiday. That’s because the legislature intentionally scheduled it for early August, to benefit families with children going to school.

School supplies include pens, pencils and paper as well as art supplies.

Thanks to Act 944 of 2021, approved by the legislature earlier this year, certain electronic and computer equipment was added to the list of tax exempt items.

Laptops, desktops, tablets, printers, keyboards, calculators, cell phones, e-readers and monitors are exempt from the sales tax.

However, video games, stereos and televisions are not included.

Arkansas families will save an estimated $2.6 million on purchases of electronic and computer equipment.

The sales tax exemption applies to single articles, and is not based on the overall cost of everything you buy.

For example, you can

buy three shirts $25 each and a pair of pants for $50 and you will not be charged the sales tax, even though the total is $125.

Because each item is less than $100, the exemption is applied.

However, if you buy a pair of shoes for $120, you will have to pay the sales tax on the full amount of the purchase.

Essentially, there is no limit on the number of exempt items you can purchase, as long as each item costs less than $100 for clothes or $50 for accessories.

There is no price limit on electronics and computer equipment, nor is there one on school supplies.

The exemption applies to all sales taxes, not just state sales taxes.

That means exempt items are free of all city, county and local sales taxes.

All retailers have to participate.

Articles cannot be separated in order to lower their price under the $100 and $50 thresholds.

Men’s suits and pairs of shoes, which normally are sold as one unit, cannot be split into separate purchases.

It is estimated that the average family will spend more than $600 per child on back-toschool shopping this year. This time of year can bring a financial burden to many families across Arkansas. That is why we want to remind you about the upcoming Arkansas Sales Tax holiday.

This year, the event will begin at 12:01 am on Saturday, August 6th, and will continue until 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 7th.

Act 757 of 2011 provides for a sales tax holiday in Arkansas during the first weekend of August each year. A sales tax holiday is a temporary period when state and local sales

taxes are not collected or paid on the purchase of certain products.

Clothing less than $100 per item is exempt during the weekend, as well as clothing accessories less than $50 per item.

Clothing accessories include handbags, cosmetics, jewelry, umbrellas, and more. Most school supplies, including book bags, binders, paper, crayons, pencils, and rulers, are also exempt.

In the 2021 Regular Session, we passed Act 944, which amended the sales tax holiday to include electronics.

Examples include a calculator, desktop computer, cell phone, e-reader, computer mouse, laptop, monitor, printer, key-

board, and tablets. It does not include video game systems or televisions. Statewide, Act 944 is estimated to save Arkansans an additional $650,000 in taxes a year.

Online purchases for the specified items will be tax-free as long as the transaction processes between 12:01 a.m. on the 6th and 11:59 p.m. on the 7th and the items are shipped to an Arkansas address.

The sales tax holiday was created to help Arkansas families. We hope you take advantage of this opportunity.

We have posted the entire list of tax-exempt items and answers to frequently asked questions at

AR state fiddle and banjo championships at Folk Center

“The Ozark Highballers will perform at Ozark Folk Center State Park on August 6 during a double-header evening concert following the Arkansas State Fiddle & Banjo Championships.

(MOUNTAIN VIEW, Ark.) – The Arkansas State Fiddle and Banjo Championships return to the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View on Saturday, August 6. The event features two state championships in one day – banjo players will compete in the morning and fiddle players will compete in the afternoon. A double-header evening concert will feature performances by The Ozark Highballers and Fiddlin’ Banjo Billy Matthews & the Old Time Players.

During this all-day celebration, talented musicians of all ages compete for the highly soughtafter championship titles.

“This event attracts fiddlers and banjo players from across the regions to compete and it’s one of our signature events,”

said Ozark Folk Center Music Director Daren Dortin. “To be an Arkansas State Fiddle or Banjo Champion still means something today and we’re glad to be a part of this great tradition.”

Audience admission to the Ozark Highlands Theater for the competitions is free from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Contestants must register at the door the day of the event and pay a $10 registration fee.

A dinner buffet will be served at the Skillet Restaurant following the competitions from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets for the evening concert can be purchased online at OzarkFolkCenter.Ticketl eap.com for $10 (adults), $5 (children) and $27 (family pass). Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door.

The Craft Village will

be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the music championships.

The Craft Village is home to dozens of master artisans who make, sell and demonstrate a variety of modern and traditional crafts. The Village also offers a variety of educational opportunities including living history at the historic Shannon Cabin and one-room schoolhouse.

During their visit, guests can walk through the nationally recognized Heritage Herb Garden or make their trip a weekend stay at the park’s Cabins at Dry Creek.

For lodging reservations call 1-800264-3655 or book online a t OzarkFolkCenter.com.

The Ozark Folk Center State Park, located in Mountain View, Arkansas.

Hazen City Council__________ (Continued from page 1) paving of several streets in Hazen. The street overlay will be done in 2023 or 2024 and may cost over $30,000.

They also agreed to rent Dr. Ray’s Dental building to the White River Irrigation District for office space for the Natural Resources Conservation Service people who will be working on the WRID project for $450 a month.

Hardke said that the city is still waiting for the seed plant on Chester St. Randy Phillips, who planned to do the project, will need to rent a crane to get it down. Hardke will get quotes from Phillips and from a Heber Springs company.

There was discussion of changing utility billing to the first of each month. The council agreed to the change, but this will not go into effect immediately.

Hardke also reported that the city is working on a TAP grant through the highway department to repair some sidewalks used by students to get to the school. He also said that the city received the Arkansas Legislative Audit Report, and it showed no findings.

The ARDOT traffic

camera report regarding the I-40 interchange by the Loves station said that the signing and striping presently installed are acceptable at this time. The cameras saw no problems.

Swaim that a storm drain had burst by the school, and the water line was replaced. Gas operator certifications have been completed for his staff, and work at the sewer plant has been done. His department has been repairing water leaks and potholes. “I’ve got a good crew,” Swaim said.

Fire Chief Seth Skarda

said that his department had responded to a gas spill at the Exxon Station, had six first responder calls, and worked eight to nine fires scattered along the interstate.

Chief of Police Bradley Taylor said that a person had been charged for breaking into cars in the city.

He said that several people were involved in the break-ins and that presently the investigation is being investigated by multiple agencies.

No other business was discussed, and the meeting adjourned.

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Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, July 27, 2022

CDL DRIVERS NEEDED Local hauling. Home every night. Weekly pay.

Call T J Pauschert Trucking at 870-552-9400.

Des Arc Housing Authority is seeking a maintenance technician.

This job requires the ability to do some plumbing, carpentry and general small jobs, to take care of any and all maintenance needed to maintain the apartments... The Des Arc

Hazen School District will have a yard sale on Friday, July 29, 2022 from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm in the old Hazen School cafeteria. The sale will include student desks, tables, storage cabinets, file cabinets, cafeteria tables, bookshelves, etc. Too many items to list everything. The sale will be at the corner of N. Prairie and E. Cleveland St. CASH ONLY. Cash and Carry.

Housing Authority will be accepting resumes till August 4, 2022. You may mail your resume to DAHA, P O Box 309, Des Arc AR 72040 or drop it at the main office at 505 S. 2nd Street, Des Arc AR 72040.

(7-27-22 2tc)

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

The City of Biscoe will begin accepting bids for the replacement of multiple sewer pumps.

Interested parties are invited to request more

detailed information by emailing: biscoewater@gmail.com.

All bids will be due no later than 2:00 p.m. on August 15, 2022.

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Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Gospel Mission Church holds Vacation Bible School Here are some pictures from the Gospel Mission Church Vacation Bible School held last week. They hosted over 100 children. The church is located in Des Arc. (Photos courtesy of Kourtney McIntosh.)

Hazen School Board hears proposal for agri building Architect Robert M. Schelle brought a team to the July 19th meeting of the Hazen School Board to present his company’s suggestions for a new agriculture building for Hazen High School. Board VicePresident Mason Sickel was in charge of the meeting in the absence of Board President Vicki Skarda. Board Member Roben Cohen was also absent.

Schelle’s assistant, went through the plans for the new agri building with the board members, and answered questions.

She told the board that costs are much higher now than they were when the construction of the building was first proposed by the district when the previous millage was passed under former superintendent Matt Donahy. The cost of materials is now 1530 percent higher than they were eight years ago.

According to Schelle, the cost of construction will be $1,000,000 overall.

The proposed building would be approximately 7000 square feet, and the cost will be $120-

$140 per square foot.

The Schelle architectural firm would be paid seven percent of the total cost with sixty percent paid before the building begins. Sight and topographical surveys will have to be done, and fill dirt will have to be brought to the site to make sure that the foundation is above the floodplain. It is estimated that the site will have to be raised at least a foot.

Sickel said that local farmers and the county will help with the dirt work.

Because the district does not have the funds to construct the new building, Superintendent Donnie Boothe said that he would contact Stephens, Inc. to inquire how the district might raise it. Boothe raised the possibility of raising the millage, which would require a vote of the residents.

Schelle said that if the board wished, the company could work on the project at an hourly rate for the drawing of the plans. Boothe told the board that, “We need to decide tonight if we want to go with Schelle.”

But the board decided to table the vote until the August meeting.

The second speaker of the night was School Resource Officer Teddy Walker. He presented a plan to improve the security at the school

Walker has done an assessment, and suggested seven steps to put in place in the fall. They include: changing the room numbers on the high school, with 100’s in the upper hallway and 200’s in the lower hallway; bar former students, spouses, and parens from the buildings when school is in session; require that everyone be buzzed in all of the buildings, including the superintendent’s office; require contractors to wear hall pass badges; keeping the teacher’s doors locked while teaching is underway; prevent students and staff from propping doors open; taking the coverings off of classroom doors unless there is a lockdown, at which time they would be covered; a installing a buzzer on the elementary door and installing a camera on it so that visitors can be monitored. “We’re in a different time,” Walker said.

Board Member Debbie Carlyle suggested that the district look into replacing some of the high school doors, and Boothe said that he would look into that.

Boothe also said that pep rallies would still be open to the public. “You can’t shut yourself off,” he said. Walker added that the district has metal detectors that can be used. A fence has been installed around

the elementary school, and Sickel asked about putting a fence in back of the high school. The cost of that would be $7000 or more, according to Boothe. The board approved a proposal for security system installation for the elementary and high school buildings from United Fence and Construction Co. for a total of $19,121.

Boothe reported that roofs on the cafeteria and Neel building are 90% done. An awning in front of the elementary for handicapped children is also in the works. He also presented the elementary and high school handbooks for the 202223 school year, which were approved. The board also approved the payment of $32,451.21 to the Arkansas School Board Association for property insurance renewal and $6,100.79 for vehicle and mobile equipment insurance renewal.

Marcia A. Harding, will provide consultant services pertaining to the district’s Special Education program and services on an “as needed” basis effective July 1 through June 30, 2022.

The board approved the purchase of 100 Lenovo Chromebooks with management licenses for both the high school and elementary school from White River Services and Solutions for a total of $57,764 to be paid out

of American Rescue Plan ESSER funds.

They also approved the purchase of the school app, Apptegy, to improve communication with families for $14,805 to be paid with Parental Involvement/Technology funds. This cost includes a $7000 set up fee and a $6200 plus $3 per student yearly fee. The service will provide a custom website and a free app feature for parents, stakeholders, and staff members. The app will give instant updates and have a notification system.

In other business, accepted the legal transfer of a student from the Stuttgart School District, approved the hiring of Kati Reynolds to take the place of Anne Burroughs as the cafeteria supervisor for the coming school year.

The resignation of Paraprofessional Cheryl Wyatt was accepted, and Debbie Anderson was hired as a Title I paraprofessional at the elementary school. Diana Huckaba was hired to be the art teacher for the elementary school.

New High School Principal Amy Marek reported that some of the class composites will be hung in the high school hallway. She said that absences are an issue, and she is working on an intervention plan.