75¢
A magician visits Hazen Library. (See pictures on p. 6.)
Volume 120 Number 30 - USPS 225-680
Community Calendar of Events Tuesday July 27 Methodist Church food distribution 10:00 a.m.-Noon Drive Through Wednesday July 28 Making rose petal sugar scrub bars Carlisle Library 4:00 p.m. Thursday July 29 Creation Station Kits Available all day Flower Sun Catchers Carlisle Public Library Friday July 30 Family Film Friday Carlisle Public Library Tuesday August 10 Quorum Court Meeting 6:00 Annex Building in Des Arc Thursday August 12 DeValls Bluff City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m.-7:00p.m. City Hall Hazen School District Open House Starting at 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday August 16 Hazen School District starts back to school! Thursday August 19 Hazen City Council meeting 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Community Center
Community events brought to you by Hazen Chamber of
Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Hazen School District approves handbooks and 2021-22 budget The Hazen School Board met on Monday, July 19, to approve the elementary and high school handbooks and to take care of some beginning of the fiscal year business. Board Members Richie Ingle, Vicki Skarda, Roben Cohen, Darlene Connors, and Sandra Kay Penn were in attendance along with Superintendent Donnie Boothe, Principals Mark Price and Tiffany Glover, District Treasurer Sarah Snider, and Superintendent Secretary Cindy Ciganek. The first order of business was to approve Boothe as the ex-officio financial secretary and Snider as the district treasurer of the district for the 2021-2022 school year. The board also approved the proposed budget of expenditures and the 33.83 mils tax levy beginning July 1, 2022 to and including June 30, 2023 and the district audit report for the 2019-2020 school year. Booth’s recommendation to pay the Arkansas School Board Association $30,940.62 for property insurance this school year and $7,255.59 for vehicle and mobile equipment renewal. Glover told the board that most of the changes made to the elementary handbook were taken from the Arkansas School Board Association’s recommendations which included
New classroom furniture that allows for social distancing has been purchased for the high school classrooms with covid relief funds. This is Wendy Perry’s room. attendance requirements, home schooling, Smart Core curriculum and graduation requirements, and student behavioral intervention and restraint rules. One of the changes allows students to self-administer stress dose medication and albuterol with written authorization of the student’s parents, guardians, or an in loco parentis person (such as the school nurse) along with a doctor’s statement if the child is capable of self-administration of the drug. Changes were also made to the elementary tardy/early check out policy. After two tardies, the student will be given after-school detention, and after the 4th tardy the student will have to attend Saturday School. The district will purchase outdoor classroom furniture for $17,665.27 and equipment for out-
door Music and P.E. classes for $43,848.17 with ESSER II federal funds. Those same funds will be used to remove and replace the carpet in rooms with Advantage Planks in the elementary classrooms for $63,646.29. High school classroom furniture that will allow for social distancing for teachers and students will also be purchased for $33,501.64. The superintendent asked that the school be allowed to purchase a vehicle for transporting small school groups to events with operating funds. This was approved by the board. Easton Glover’s resignation as a summer worker, B. J. Harrison’s resignation as Jr. Girls and Jr. Boys basketball coach were accepted. Joe Besancon will be the high school head softball coach next school year.
Dylan Cass was hired for the Agriculture teacher/FFA coordinator position. “I’ve worked with him,” Connors said. “He’s an awesome kid.” Olivia White will be transferred to the K-12 In-School Suspension position as a paraprofessional. Aimee Kerr was hired as a K-12 Special Education paraprofessional. Glover said that Pearson Learning will be used for digital learning for the next three years. Price said that the ISS has been redesigned to have 12 cubicles, each with its own computer. The teacher will be able to monitor what the students are doing on those computers, and Google Classroom (which the students are already familiar with) will be used. “Having a smart ISS will help us a lot,” Price said.
The bathroom renovation in the high school is almost completed, and the renovations of the superintendent’s house are finished. Sarah Snider said that the district is still waiting on an approval allowing the district to purchase all school supplies for students in K12. “We think this will help families who have been affected by COVID,” she said. The ESSER I funds have been spent, according to Snider, and she handed out a chart showing where the ESSER II funds have been spent so far. The majority of the money (46%) has been spent addressing learning loss, including purchasing textbooks, purchasing ACT Aspire prep materials and science lab equipment and hiring personnel for student remediation and intervention. She added that the district has to have stakeholder input about how to spend the next round of money from the federal government to meet the regulations of the American Rescue Plan ESSER III funds. District stakeholders are asked to go to the district website and give their ideas concerning the spending of the money the district will receive in the future. (Editor’s note: In a release on the district’s website, Hazen Schools has announced that it will pay for some of its students’ supplies for the 2021-2022 school year.)
Dr. Lane Rolling and AR Urban League hold townhall in Hazen Dr. Lane Rolling spoke in a town hall meeting held in the Hazen Community Center on Tuesday, July 20, to discuss COVID-19. Several residents attended the event. Dr. Rolling, who has ties to Hazen, is a podiatrist with experience in dealing with infectious diseases. He also spent four years in the military and two years in the military reserve. He now works in Peru running a private educational organization that offers medical internships to undergraduate students. When talking about the present pandemic, Rolling said, “We have so much misinformation, disinformation. People think they’re so intelligent; people think they’re so smart. They don’t see it. Everybody has an opinion. And these opinions have killed millions of people.” “The cat is out of the bag,” he said. “You can’t put it back in. Wear a mask, wash your hands. Because I promise you, by January we’re going to be at a million Americans dying from SARS-CoV-2
pandemic infection.” “You have to have an antiseptic hand wash that kills viruses.” Rolling suggested that people wear anti-viral masks, which he sells on his website for $125 each. He also suggested that everyone should make an effort to decontaminate the food that you buy at the grocery store. But most experts agree that disinfecting and hand-washing every last item in your groceries is really not necessary. When it comes to the vaccines, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend getting the vaccine as soon as possible. These vaccines are safe and highly effective at preventing severe illness and death caused by COVID-19. According to the CDC, millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines since they were authorized for use by the FDA. These vaccines have undergone and will continue to undergo the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. his-
tory. While no data are available for individuals with autoimmune diseases, health officials recommend talking to your doctor about the vaccine. Rolling never said if he had taken the vaccine himself. “I’m not going to tell you to do a shot or not do a shot,” he said. “You have to make that decision yourself.” Doctors, public health officials and political leaders have all come out in support of the vaccine, including U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson. “Make sure you understand the information you need, your information based off the science, and not ...good conspiracy theory, because conspiracy theories will get you killed,” he said. “Wear a mask
or don’t wear a mask, it’s freedom of choice,” he said. “You know, people are talking about mandating, and I think it’s just good common sense that if I know I’m dealing with a viral respiratory disease that’s transmitted by the air, I will probably want to have a mask and have people make that decision for themselves.” “My responsibility is I need to make sure that we get kids back in school; my responsibility is to make sure that businesses stay open, because we cannot afford another shutdown. We can do that if people understand basic biosafety biosecurity protocol. I’m going to have a mask. I’m going to have air purification. I’ve got to make sure I’m cleaning that bus on a regular basis.” He ended the evening
stating, “What I’m saying is that this is your new norm; you’re gonna have to figure out how you want to live within this norm. You have the freedom and the free will not to wear a mask, the right not to get a vaccination. You have a right to do a lot of things. This is your reality. The problem that a lot of people have, because we have a psychological component of this pandemic, is that you’re not in control. The virus has control. We can’t shoot it, you can’t blow it up. It speaks all languages. And that’s where people are fearful. And you can die from this virus. That’s the reality that a lot of people are dealing with on a regular basis.” At the end of the meeting, Rolling offered free antibody testing for anyone who wanted it.
NOTICE Commerce and the
Please call F&M Bank (255-3042) or The Grand Prairie Herald (255-4538) to list events.
Due to the COVID-19 issue, the memorial service for Larry Gershner which was to take place on August 7th has been cancelled. The service will take place on January 8, 2022 at the United Methodist Church of DeValls Bluff at 11:00 a.m. if conditions are favorable.
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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Lucille PinkneyWilliams
Lucille PinkneyWilliams, 90 of Little Rock, formerly of Biscoe, passed away on Tuesday evening, July 13 at her home. Lucille was b o r n January 24, 1931 in Biscoe (Beulah Community), Arkansas to George Frank Pinkney and Helen Williams. She was raised by her parents Helen and Edward Conner in the Beulah (Upper Hill) Community of Biscoe. “Baby Mae” Lucille was affectionately known, received her education from the Biscoe Public School System. She attended Akins Elementary School in the Beulah Community of Biscoe and Biscoe High School where she played basketball. She also attended one year of high school in Detroit, Michigan before returning to Arkansas. Lucille was a lifelong member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Biscoe. For more than 40 plus years, Lucille worked as a Household Te c h n i c i a n / H o u s e Keeper for several Little Rock families and businesses before retiring in the 1990’s. Lucille was formerly married to the Elorchy Williams. To this union three children were born. Her parents and stepfather Edward Conner, and her son Lavernal Williams, her favorite cousin Timberlee Humphrey all preceded Lucille in death. Survivors are: her son George David (Mamie) Williams of Little Rock, AR; and her daughter Mae Etta Williams-
Brown of Little Rock, AR; seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, a dear cousin W.H. Pinkney of Los Angeles, CA; A dear friend Pauline Evans of Chicago, Ill; her beloved dog Stripe Williams of Little Rock, AR; and a host of other relatives and friends. Graveside services were be held on Saturday, July 24 at 10 AM at St. Paul Upper Hill Cemetery, Pendergrass and Saxton Roads in Biscoe with Reverend Jerry Saxton officiating. Services provided by Branscumb Johnson & Gilchrest Funeral Home of Brinkley (870) 7342772 email: branscumbfuneralhome1928@yahoo .com and Facebook: Branscumb Funeral Home. Pallbearers are: Edward Dunlap, Oliver Wright, Eric Shaw, Eddie B. Cohen, Shawn Williams, Antwan Robinson, Gaston Flowers and Michael Williams.
Sheila Diane Walls
Sheila Diane Walls, 64, of Des Arc, Ar went to her forever home on Monday, July 12, 2021 at 4:30am. She was born on September 26, 1956 in Elmhurst, Illinois to Ernest and Martha (Addison) Cooper. She is survived by her mother Martha (Addison Cooper) Mills of Hazen, 2 daughters Susan (Matt) McCoy of Des Arc, Wanda (Marvin) Gurley of Brasfield, 2 sons Jimmie (Jennifer) Walls of Des Arc, Johnnie Walls Jr of DeValls Bluff, 2 stepdaughters Paula Walls of Redfield, April Abston of
Lonoke, 3 sisters Bonnie Heinmiller of Hazen, Janice Davis of Hazen, Peggy (Rex) Pullium of Hazen, 2 brothers David (Sherry) Cooper of Little Rock, Buddy (Vickie) Cooper of Hazen, 8 granddaughters Chelsa, Morgan, Brittany, Desaray, Lyric, Brittney, Kiara, Bethany, 8 grandsons Michael, Tyler, JC, Dylan, Keyran, Dakota, Colton, Dante, 16 great grandchildren, along with a host of family and friends. Sheila was preceded in death by her husband, the love of her life, Johnnie Joe Walls Sr and her Father. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 11:00am at the Lakeside Missionary Baptist Church with her Uncle, Brother Eddie Addison officiating.
Wayne William Clayton
Wayne William Clayton, 68, of Tollville, passed away July 24, 2021. He was born on March 5, 1953. He is the son of the late Stanley and Dorothy Clayton of Tollville. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Limon Clayton. He is survived by his sister, Tammy Clayton. Wayne worked for Riceland Foods in Stuttgart for 27 years before retiring in 2004. He was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and the Tollville Fire Department. A graveside service will be held at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 28. 2021 at the Hazen Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Peters Episcopal Church. Arrangements are by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.
Member 2020
The
Grand Prairie Herald (USPS) 225-680 The Grand Prairie Herald is an independent publication that has served Prairie County since December, 1901. It is published weekly by
Herald Publishing Company P.O. Box 370 111 Hwy 70 E Hazen, Arkansas 72064 Ph. 870-255-4538 Email: heraldpublishing@gmail.com
Subscription Rates In Prairie County $20.00/year In Arkansas $25.00/year Out of State $30.00/year Periodicals Postage paid at Hazen, Arkansas 72064 POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to: Grand Prairie Herald P.O.Box 370 Hazen, Arkansas 72064 Managing Editor/Publisher Roxanne Bradow Circulation/Accounts Trudy Johnson Sports Editor Mark Buffalo Photographer Ruth Corley
Friends of Ashton Weems held a barbecue benefit on Friday, July 23, at the Hazen City Park East for the Weems family. The group also raffled off a rifle. The barbeque was furnished by Nick’s in Carlisle.
Wilson given farewell party By Mitzi Osborne On her last day on the job, Wednesday, June 30, Biscoe EHC hosted a surprise lunch at the White River Dairy Bar for Shea Wilson, Prairie County’s Extension Agent for the past 15 years. She resigned to accept a teaching position at Carlise High School. Six members Mitzi Osborne, Darline Sickle, Juanita Hutchinson, Ardie Yates, Connie Smith, Rita Farris and Janice Corpier plus Amanda Stark, Extension secretary joined in thanking Shea for all her years with us and to wish her well in the new position. Members presented her with a money tree.
Angie King Beauty Shop for Men and Women Please Call for appointment. 870-998-2251 or 870-998-2414 305 West Hazel (by the courthouse) DeValls Bluff, AR
PASTA & MEATBALL SUPPER SLOVAK BAKE SALE & RAFFLE FRIDAY AUGUST 6 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church Hall $15 – adults $6 – kids Dine in or drive through. Tickets available from church members or at the door.
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Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Zack Holloway is on a mission to promote Arkansas Rice This last semester, my counselor brought an interesting opportunity to my attention. It was to receive a scholarship as an Arkansas Rice Rep. I read the description of the scholarship and thought, “This will be the easiest money I have ever made. I already live on a rice farm, so all I need to do is write an essay to win this scholarship.” So I applied expecting to easily win the scholarship. However, when I was accepted into the program, I was told that this was no ordinary “write an essay and win money” scholarship. As I have found out, this scholarship would mean a lot more, not only to me since I live on a rice farm, but to all Arkansans. In May, I attended an orientation where I learned what being a Rice Rep was all
about. Ms. Becky Barns and Ms. Laura Waldrip introduced me and the other Rice Reps to our assignments for the summer and what the goal of this program was. The goal was not to give students a chance to win money but to promote rice, the most popular crop in Arkansas. On the way home, I questioned why rice should be promoted in a state where rice is the number one crop grown by farmers. However, when the weather cleared and my family started to plant our very own rice crop, I remembered just how hard growing rice was. I suddenly realized that many Arkansans might not know how much hard labor goes into the rice industry. As a Rice Rep, it is my job to share the story of Arkansas rice and how important
Zack Holloway rice is to the Natural State. Being in a rice farming family, I already knew that Arkansas was the number one state in rice pro-
duction; however, I took that information for granted. I then realized that rice is not only the way of life for Arkansas farmers but all
Arkansans whether it be eating rice received from an Arkansas food pantry, working at a local Riceland Foods, or even growing rice on a farm. According to the Arkansas Farm Bureau, the rice industry employs approximately 25,000 Arkansans. The Arkansas Farm Bureau also states that the rice industry contributes 6 billion dollars to the economy of the state of Arkansas. Furthermore, Rice positively impacts the health of Arkansans because it is high in vitamin B and carbohydrates giving our cells the energy they need to function. All in all, rice is very important not only to rice farmers but to all Arkansans everywhere. Everyone can benefit from buying and consuming more rice; buying more rice supports the farmers who
grow it and the economy around it. Rice production is a very difficult and grueling process demanding a lot of labor and resources, so the Arkansas rice industry must “really put in the work” to be the number one rice-producing state in the United States of America. Please, show our farmers how thankful you are for their hard work and determination. Choose to cook more rice for your family, or even buy an Arkansas Rice license plate. Anything and everything you can do to help support Arkansas Rice is a huge leap forward in teaching fine people like you about how important rice is to Arkansas. As a Rice Rep, a rice farmer, and an Arkansan I ask you, what will you do to support Arkansas Rice? Zackery Holloway
Des Arc City Council hears presentation on solar energy By Lisa Mills At the July 19th the city council heard a presentation on possible solar energy for the city. Nick Plastiras, Director of Business Development at Scenic Hill Solar, began his presentation with facts on past and current solar projects managed by Scenic Hill Solar. Plastiras went on to speak specifically about how Scenic Hill Solar
could save Des Arc money on their energy bill and help them become a “Green” city. He said he has reviewed the city’s energy bills to show how much could be saved using solar energy at no cost to the city. He stated that 2-3 acres would be needed to install the solar equipment. Mayor Garth stated that he was thinking the area by the sewer ponds would be a
good location. Plastiras said he believed the city could save $8,700 in the first year and the savings would continue to increase each year, as well as tremendously reducing carbon emissions. He said that the process begins with the city entering an agreement with Scenic Hill Solar, then either providing or selling the needed land, then the company starts ordering needed materials and equipment, preparing the land and installing the equipment. He said the process should take about six months from beginning to a working solar system. Mayor Garth and the council seemed very interested in pursuing the project. Garth told Plastiras that they would discuss the matter at their next work meeting and possibly make a decision at the next council meeting. Attending the meeting were Mayor Jim Garth, Treasurer/Recorder Chrisanna Knupp and council members Jodie Mayher, Nicole Fisher, Gail King, Gary Burnett and Anna Beth Fisher. Ann Harrell addressed the council concerning handicap access on the city sidewalks. She said that since her husband has been using a power wheelchair to get around town they have noticed the horrible conditionof the sidewalks and so many areas that
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(870) 256-3311 - Des Arc, Arkansas
there is no access to cross streets. She asked the council what could be done. Council member AnnaBeth Fisher said “We kow they are bad and need a lot of work but we don’t have the money to fix them.” Mayor Garth stated that a grant had been applied for but not received and they would apply for it again next year. Council member Gail King said that another grant has been applied for and they are waiting to hear about it. King said she would check with Central Arkansas Planning Development to see what they might know about getting money for the project. Harrell stated that she might know someone who could help. Mayor Garth told her to get back with him and the council could discuss the matter at the next work meeting. Council member Gail King presented information on repairing the roof at the American Legion Building. She stated that when the council had discussed repairing the roof in 2019, Mayor Garth had stated that County Judge Mike Skarda had offered $10,000 for the repair and that the city could also apply for grants. King said that after waiting nearly two years , she asked Mayor Garth if she could speak to Judge Skarda about his offer and he told her yes. King stated that
when she spoke to Skarda she learned that there had been a misunderstanding and that instead of Skarda offering the $10,000 he said the county had applied for a grant and if they received it a contribution would be made for the American Legion Building but they did not receive the grant. King said she then moved forward with getting an estimate for the roof from Aaron Stuckey who is also working on another historical structure in Des Arc. An estimate was provided from “Top Notch Roofing and Remodeling” in the amount of $10,427.98. King said “We also need to meet with the Historical Preservation Commission for guidelines what improvements can be made and how and should check with Central Arkansas Planning Development about possible grants as soon as possible because damage will continue to increase.” Mayor Garth said this is something we need to discuss at our next work meeting. Council Member AnnaBeth Fisher reported that the Street Committee had looked into placing speed bumps at Pike and 2nd Street per the request of a resident in that area. Fisher said that the committee didn’t feel like the speed bumps were worth the cost since there is a 4way stop there. Mayor Garth opened
the one bid received for repairs on the gazebos at Riverfront Park. The bid was from Fisher Construction for $29,400. After discussing that there were not funds available at this time, a motion was approved to table the matter and discuss what could be done at the next work meeting. Mayor Garth reported that the ice machine at the city shop is not working and the company who always repairs it said they can no longer get parts for it and provided an estimate for a new machine at $2,610. A motion was approved to purchase the new machine. Mayor Garth asked that retired employees Carolyn Hambrick and Carolyn DeGunion be removed from all bank accounts. A motion was approved to remove them. Garth also stated that Teresa Conder had been appointed as Office Manager and Carlee Fisher had been appointed as Comptroller and both had received a raise. A motion was approved to accept the appointments and raises. The final business discussed was Mayor Garth reporting that Cemetery Director Jeff Richards has resigned an the city would advertise for a replacement. He said that Richards would continue to help until someone is hired and that Jeff Treadwell will also help.
Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Hazen Baseball Association hosts 8 and under softball tournament July 10
The Pink Titans The Pink Panthers The Hazen Baseball Association hosted an 8 and Under softball tournament on July 10, 2021. The tournament hosted 6 teams which included Swarm (Hazen), Delta Krush (Des Arc), Flare (Sheridan), Southside Sluggers (Pottsville), Pink Panthers (Vilonia), and Pink Titans (Mt. Vernon). The tournament brought fans from over
all the state and we had a great day of softball. We had a lot of compliments on our complex and how much fun the girls had playing softball. Pink Titans were the tournament champs. Swarm, which is coached by Gary Raper, Michael Raper, and Ray Raper, placed second in the tournament and were sponsored by Matt Hancock.
Pink Panthers placed third. We would like to thank all the fans that came out and enjoyed the day. We would also like to thank two local businesses that help support the tournament, Grand Prairie Vet and Farmers Express, Bradley Taylor for cooking , and everyone else that worked to make our complex host a successful tournament.
Legal Notice
The Swarm with coaches Gary Raper, Michael Raper, and Ray Raper.
Letter to the Editor Dear Editor -Dr. Lane Rolling has let the residents of Hazen and the whole state of Arkansas down. At a July 20 town hall geared to answer questions about COVID-19 and the vaccines, Rolling undermined science, years of medical research and public health guidance by spreading half truths and hygiene theater. For more than a year we’ve been outmatched by COVID-19. But now we have an incredible tool that’s saving thousands of lives every day: vaccines. As Dr. Tom Frieden, former director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recently noted, “the choice isn't between getting vaccinated or not getting vaccinated. It's between getting vaccinated or continuing to face the risk you'll be infected with a disease that could threaten your life and lives of those around you.” Cases are rising again in Prairie County and across Arkansas and the United States due to the new Delta variant. That should worry us all. And 99% of those currently hospitalized are unvaccinated. Vaccines have saved so many lives already and will many more, but they're not 100% effective. No vaccine is. These vaccines drastically reduce risk of hospitalization and death from Covid--even against Delta variant. People who are vaccinated are also less likely to spread the virus, so people around them are safer, although they aren't protected completely. It's normal to have questions or concerns about any medical decision or treatment, including taking a vaccine. But here are five facts that you should consider: 1. The risks of infection are vastly higher than the risk of vaccination. Even healthy people can become severely ill, die or suffer from long-term harm from Covid infection. 2. Covid vaccines don't stay in your body. The vaccines prime your system to fight the virus and then disap-
pear. However, if you get Covid, the virus will spread throughout your entire body, make billions of copies and stay there for at least a week and likely cause long term symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, headaches, loss of taste and smell, shortness of breath, joint or muscle pain, and depression and anxiety. 3. Nearly every doctor who has been offered a Covid vaccine has got it as soon they could. 4. The more of us who get vaccinated, the faster we can get back to our lives. Places with less vaccine coverage, like Arkansas, face a higher risk of more disruptions. 5. Vaccinations have saved thousands of lives. We've tragically lost so many people already, including 6,000 deaths in Arkansas and more than 610,000 in the United States -- more than both World Wars and Vietnam combined. On average, 200-300 people are dying every day from Covid. If that rate continues for the next 12 months, that would total 100,000 deaths. That’s more than occur each year
from diabetes or Alzheimer’s. And the more cases there are, the more uncontrolled spread there will be, and the higher the risk that even more dangerous variants can emerge. With Arkansas' vaccination rate one of the lowest in the country, I cannot stand idle and allow Rolling to spread such misinformation to our community. I’ve spent the last 18 months in the fight against COVID-19, working tirelessly with Dr. Tom Frieden and his global public health initiative, Resolve to Save Lives, to get factbased and scientifically sound messaging out to families, friends, teachers and communities just like Hazen. The vaccine is our way to defeat the virus and put an end to this devastating pandemic. Don’t wait until it’s too late and you find yourself in the hospital fighting to breathe. Get vaccinated as soon as possible--it will save your life. Steven Chlapecka Washington, DC
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PRIARIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS PROBATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES M. G A M M O N S , DECEASED 59SPR-2120 Last Known address of Decedent: 306 E. Front St., Hazen, AR 72064 Date of Death: June 25, 2020 On July 23, 2021, an Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate by
Distributee was filed with respect to the estate of James M. Gammons, 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 28th day of July 2021.
Public Notice Biscoe Waterworks is a public water system subject to regulation under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Those regulations require the notification of customers whenever a violation occurs. That is the basis for this notice. The violation occurred when the water system failed to retain a qualified, licensed operator for the period of May 2021. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets national standards for drinking water and has established a requirement that certain public water systems must be operated by a qualified operator. The Arkansas Department of Health defines a qualified operator as a person holding an appropriate valid Water Operator’s License based on the type of water system and population served. The system will remain in violation until the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Arkansas Department of Health’s Water Operator Licensing is met. Failure to meet this requirement does not necessarily mean that the water is unsafe or that alternate sources of water should be used. The water system currently has employees enrolled in the required training courses and will test for the required Water Treatment License in July or August 2021. Should you have any questions concerning this notice, contact the Biscoe Water Department at 870-998-2226 or the Engineering Section of the Department of Health at 501-661-2623.
SCHOOL MEALS The Des Arc & Hazen School Districts are pleased to announce that breakfasts and lunches will be served to all students at NO CHARGE during the 20212022 school year. It is not necessary to complete a meal application for free or reduced priced meals as the United States Department of Agriculture has extended free meal benefits to all students at this time. For households who wish to complete a meal application, they are available at the principal’s office or on the school’s website. These meal benefits do not include a la carte items sold in the cafeteria. If students wish to purchase items a la carte, they will need to have money for those purchases. All adults, e.g., visitors, teachers, support staff members, and administrators of the district must assume the full cost of the breakfast and/or lunch meal. Please check with the school district if they will be serving after school snacks. Each school district’s Central Office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party. Nondiscrimination Statement: This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter 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; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Come see Charlie Gerren at
Gwatney GMC Buick
in Sherwood by Sam’s. Contact 501-681-9121 or the office at 501-945-4444. We sell New and Used vehicles.
Title: Construction improvements at 202 North 7th St. Des Arc, AR. The Des Arc School District will receive bids until 12:00 p.m. on August 3rd, 2021 at Administration Building, 600 Main St. Des Arc, AR for remodeling of property. Plans and specifications can be picked up from the administration office or by emailing the District at sherrellm@desarcschools.org or call 870256-4164.
Title: Construction Improvements at 204 North 5th St. Des Arc, AR. The Des Arc School District will receive bids until 12:00 p.m. on August 3rd, 2021 at Administration Building, 600 Main St. Des Arc, AR. for property improvements including siding. Plans and specifications can be picked up from the administration office or by emailing the District at sherrellm@desarcschools.org or call 870256-4164.
THE CITY OF DES ARC IS HIRING FOR A CEMETERY SEXTON. THIS IS A FULL TIME POSITION WITH BENEFITS. JOB DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: LOCATING AND KEEPING RECORDS ON GRAVE SPACES, KEEPING CEMETERY CLEAN AND MOWED, DIGGING GRAVES, SUPERVISING MONUMENT PLACEMENT OR OTHER WORK ON PROPERTY. SOME KNOWLEDGE OF
COMPUTERS IS REQUIRED AND MUST BE ABLE TO MEET AND DEAL WITH THE PUBLIC. MUST ALSO BE ABLE TO OPERATE LOADER/BACKHOE/TR ACTOR EQUIPMENT. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 870-256-4316 OR STOP BY CITY HALL AT 107 S 3RD ST IN DES ARC. APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE UTILITY OFFICE IN DES ARC.
FREE FIREWOOD Bowman Plumbing
Free Red Oak Firewood located in
Hazen 5446.
Billy’s Body Shop & Wrecker Service. P. O. Box 696, Hazen Ark 72064. To whom it may concern: A 2001 GMC Panel Van VIN# 1GDG6H1B9YJ907858 located at 1203 Hwy 70 East, Hazen Arkansas 72064. The vehicle is stored at P.O. Box 696 Hazen Ar. Phone 870255-4922 and is accruing storage as a legal liability
of the owner. The wrecker company claims a 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.
call
501-590-
Serving the Entire Grand Prairie Adam Bowman, MP 6142 Repair - Remodel New Construction Dependable Service Free Estimates Family Owned and Operated Call: (870) 256-5230
Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical Keith Knupp 501.516.8285 knuppinc@hotmail.com
Free Ads for Free Stuff If you’re giving it away, we’ll give you an ad for
free Call 2554538
Estate Sale By Dan & Wanda Loudermilk 10882 Hwy. 63 North Des Arc, AR July 29-31 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Partial list: New electric lift/recliner chair, leather sectional sofa with recliners, Lazy Boy Chippendale recliner, sofa, Oak coffee table/display case, Amish fire place with oak surround, 2 King oak bedroom sets, 1 mahogany king bedroom set, oak dining table with chairs, pr. oak bar stools, microwave, countertop appliances, sm. oak display case, pr. Eclipse speakers, computer, computer desk, handicap equipment, new wheelchair, Seiko Melodies wall clock, custom draperies, mirrors, prints, lamps, American flag pole set, cast iron skillets, costume jewelry, dolls, cookware, flatware, Corning ware, excellent clothing selection, dishes, spoon collection, open flea market display cases, Treadmill, rugs, tools, fans, heaters, luggage, blankets, pillows, yarn, Christmas, CD’s videos, cleaning supplies, floral arrangements, linens, cookbooks, storage shed to be moved.
All are sales final. Cash or check with proper identification.
Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Magician Aaron Acosta entertains at Hazen Public Library Magician Aaron Acosta entertained a crowd of children and their accompanying adults at the Hazen Public Library on Wednesday, July 21. Everyone had a great time. (Janae Thompson pictures.)