Community Calendar of Events
Hazen Senior Center opens daily from 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Lunch is served from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. All Seniors are welcome.
Tuesday August 15
Big Trash Pickup Day in Hazen
Wednesday August 16
Hazen School District starts back to school
Thursday August 17
Hazen city Council Meeting City Hall 6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 24 Food Distribution Hazen Methodist Church 10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.
Tailgate Party Hornet Field Jump House, Dunking Booth, Mikes Rolled Ice Cream
Sr. Hornets vs Marianna 7:00 p.m. Hornet Field
Sr. Bison vs PalestineWheatley 7:00 p.m. Bison Field Community events are brought to you by the Hazen Chamber of Commerce and the
Prairie County still struggling with budget
The Prairie County Quorum Court met for its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 8 in the Courthouse Annex. All of the justices were present along with Judge Lawrence Holloway, County Clerk
Gaylon Hale, County Attorney Abram Skarda, and Sheriff Rick Parsons.
Deputy Sheriff Jeffrey Bokker gave a report on a recent inventory of the Sheriff’s Department and requested that some items that the department no longer has be removed. Bokker said that close to $90,000 in equipment can be removed and that the auditors had caught the problem. The department will be selling four vehicles, and Sheriff Parsons said that he had cut his budget back as requested. An ordinance was passed to allow the Sheriff's Department to purchase two new 2023 Dodge Durangos from Steve Landers Chrysler
Dodge Jeep. The county will pay monthly payments totaling $2324.33 for thirty-six months exclusive of insurance. The $75,540 cost will be financed through Farmer’s and Merchant’s Bank.
Judge Holloway reported that there had been $140,000 in storm damage on April 11, 2023, including damage to the roof of the old jail. Some county records were
H a z en Council p asses ordinance f or re p airs
The Hazen City Council met in a special meeting on Tuesday, August 8, to consider an ordinance to deal with the funding of the repairs of Highway 70 at Leslie Street. Present were Mayor David Hardke, Recorder/Treasurer
David Hoover, and Council Members Larry Anthony, Bob Juola, Tim Juola, and Barbara Rogers.
The hole, located at Highway 70 and Leslie St., appeared about two weeks ago, but does not appear to have gotten worse. Requests to the Arkansas Highway Department for assistance in repairing the hole was denied since
the problem was due to utility work done by the city.
The city contacted Lynn Heller of the Heller Company, which has done similar work for the city in the past, and a bid of $73,000 was submitted for the repair.
The job is expected to take up to 14 days and will require permits, bonds, lane closures, and detours.
After a brief period of questions concerning traffic flow in the city, the council approved the ordinance to pay for the repair of the street.
A full copy of the ordinance can be found in this week’s Herald.
Rice Festival date set, vendors sought
The Hazen Chamber of Commerce met on Monday, August 1, at 5:00 p.m. in the Cadence Bank Community Room to discuss the upcoming Rice Festival, Trunk-orTreat, and the annual Christmas in the Park. The Rice Festival is scheduled for the last Saturday in October.
The group suggested various groups who could provide entertainment at the Rice Festival throughout the day, and David Hardke suggested that three food vendors be approached to provide food. The Hazen High School Family and Consumer Science teacher, Summer Greenwalt, said that her FCCLA group could sell cotton candy, dried candy, and funnel cakes at the festival. Chuck Seidenschwarz will emcee the daytime events. An emcee for the beauty pageant will be needed as well.
Applications for Rice Festival vendors will be available at the Hazen
City Hall during office hours. Those applications must be turned in by October 17.
It was decided that the annual Halloween Trunk-or-Treat be held downtown as it has been in the past. Churches and school groups will need to register with the city for this event as well.
The group voted to purchase a metal Santa’s sled for the Christmas in the Park event. The cost of the sled will be $399. Hardke said that the city will be painting the light poles along Highway 70 in anticipation of hanging banners on them during the Christmas season.
The new Hazen School District Superintendent Andy Barrett introduced himself to the Chamber and said that his administration will support city events when needed.
The next Chamber of Commerce meeting will be held on Monday, September 11, at 5:00 p.m. at Cadence Bank.
rain-damaged, which has slowed down work in the County Clerk’s office. The clerk’s office also needs to be repainted.
County Attorney Abram Skarda announced that the county had received a grant to purchase ankle monitors for juveniles. The monitors will cost approximately $30,000. The court went into executive session to interview applicants for
the County Assessor position. After the court reconvened, a resolution was passed hiring Karan Skarda to the vacassessor’s position. She will be taking over the department until December, 2026, which is the end of the elected term.
The general ledger balance for county general for the month of July, 2023, was in the red by $555,045.09. The ending balance for June was
$654,196.94. When the court was asked how it is addressing the deficit during public comments, those in attendance were told that county departments will be cutting their budgets. Holloway also said that money is coming into the county. It was reported that the amount of sales tax taken in by the county for this year is more than that taken in this time last year.
Prairie County has new assessor...
Karan Skarda was sworn in as the new Prairie County Assessor after the Quorum Court meeting on Tuesday, August 8. She will fill the position until December of 2026, when the term of the former assessor Jeannie Lott would have ended. Swearing Skarda in is County Court/Circuit Clerk Gaylon Hale.
F & M has new Chie f T rust Off icer
Farmers & Merchants Bank, a leading regional bank renowned for its commitment to personalized financial solutions, is delighted to announce the appointment of Charlene Julian as the newest addition to its executive leadership team. As the new Chief Trust Officer, Julian will play a crucial role in advancing trust and wealth management services and providing exceptional financial solutions to local Arkansas communities. With more than 26 years of extensive experi-
ence in the legal and financial services industries, Julian brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Farmers and Merchants Bank. As CTO, Julian will spearhead the bank's efforts to further develop and expand its comprehensive range of trust and wealth management services. These offerings include estate planning, investment management, retirement planning, and fiduciary solutions, all designed to cater to the unique needs of Farmers and Merchants clients.
"I am honored to join
the Farmers and Merchants Bank family," remarked Julian. "I have long admired the bank’s commitment to excellence and personalized approach to financial services. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team to deliver top-tier trust and wealth management solutions that empower our clients to achieve their financial objectives." Julian will be based at Farmers and Merchants’ headquarters in Stuttgart, Arkansas, and began her new role on May 30, 2023.
PC Master Gardeners travel to Hot Springs for PNG conference
Christopher
Paul Hambrick
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Christopher
Paul Hambrick, known affectionately to family and friends as Chris. Born on May 9, 1970, in Stuttgart, AR, Chris spent 53 years of his life in Des Arc, Arkansas, a place he fondly called home. He passed away on August 8, 2023, at Unity Health in Searcy, AR. A man always ready to lend a helping hand. His professional journey took him to Land of Frost from 2000 to 2007, and later to the City of Des Arc from 2015 to 2020. Despite his humble nature, his dedication and hard work stood out. In the words of Albert Einstein, "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile," and Chris truly embodied this spirit. Christopher is survived by his loving mother, Carolyn Hambrick, and his devoted brother, Jeff Hambrick. He has two special nephews, Marc and Jonathan Hambrick and sister in law Daphne Hambrick. They, along with countless friends and relatives, will forever remember Chris as a beacon of strength, love, and generosity. He now joins his father, Alvin Hambrick and brother Greg Hambrick, who preceded him in death. Despite our grief, we celebrate Christopher's life, cherishing the love he gave, the joy he brought, and the memories he left. His story is not only about the end of his earthly
journey but also about a life well-lived that touched many. There is no service scheduled at this time.
Mary Sue Gipson Roe
Mary Sue Gipson Roe, age 88, of Des Arc passed away on August 6th at the Des Arc Nursing Home due to natural causes. She is survived by two sons, Charles Craig and Jeffrey Norman Roe, two sisters, Sylvia Morgan Of Star City and Kay Furo of Hot Springs, one brother and sister-in-law, John and Marjorie Gipson of Des Arc, and two grandchildren Danny Roe and Natalie Roe. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary Sue is proceeded in death by her infant daughter, Dana Susan Roe, her parents, John and Katherine Gipson and her husband of 55 years, Charles “Bud” Roe. She was born in Des Arc on July 29, 1935. She was a 1953 graduate of Des Arc High School graduating as salutatorian of her class. Mary Sue began her career after high school with the Arkansas Highway Department for three years before marrying Charles R. “Bud” Roe on October 8th, 1956. She spent one year, 1958, in Baumholder, Germany while Bud served in the 68th Armored Division.
From 1959 to 1979, she was mother and housekeeper for the family.
After the boys went to college, Mary Sue worked 11 years with Central Arkansas Mental Services in both the Des Arc and Cabot offices and also served the public for two terms as Justice of the Peace for District 3 in Des Arc. She has been a resident at Des Arc Nursing and Rehabilitation since June 1, 2021.
Mary Sue was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church of Des Arc where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and was pianist, organist and choir director. She was also pianist for Sunday morning services at the Des Arc nursing home, served on building committees for the church, treasurer for five years and worked with the United Methodist Women on several church mission teams. Including the guiding leadership of her grandmother, Mary Anna Hazen Bacon, and her mother, Katherine Bacon Gipson, her family has spent over 150 years serving this church. She was also an active member of the Prairie County Democratic Committee, the Prairie County Piecemakers Quilt Club and the Des Arc High School Alumni Association. She wrote a series of history articles on Des Arc Citizens for the White River Journal entitled “Getting to know you…” She enjoyed gardening, cooking, traveling, reading, crafts and spending times at the Des Arc Senior Citizens Center. She will be missed by both family and friends. Memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church in Des Arc.
James Simon Bednar
We are saddened to announce the death of our father James Simon Bednar who died August 10, 2023 of a broken heart. In November he
lost the love of his life, Clara June, his wife of 63 years. His purpose and zeal for life was lost with her passing. He was broken and inconsolable.
Our father was born, July 24, 1935 in Slovak, Arkansas. His parents Frank and Agnes Bednar, Sr. were farmers on the Grand Prairie. They were children of hard working immigrants who came to this country to live a dream of freedom and prosperity. They worked the land to provide food on the table, plowing the crop rows with mules and oxen. This was the hard life our father was born into but hard times are not dark times, especially when you are one of 10 children.
The mischief and antics the brothers and sisters got into made up for the tough times. All the brothers and sisters still reminisce about those days with the exception of Frank, Jr. who just passed away. Still living are Alfred, Bernice, Larry, Gerald, Vivian, Marilyn, Carolyn and Donald.
Our father worked the farm and graduated from high school at Stuttgart High School.
It was in the late 50’s that he met his true love, Clara June Isbell and they married August 16, 1959. We suspect that was the happiest day of his life. It wasn’t long and they started their own family with the birth of their sons, James and Randal.
Our father went to work for Riceland Foods and became a Maintenance Supervisor. He served as a staff sergeant in the National Guard and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was an avid hunter and duck guide and loved sporting. If he would have ever entered the World Duck Calling Championship, I can assure you that he would have won.
Our parents raised us kindly with love, teaching us to respect others, and be honest and true to our word. The raised us in the church as members of Sts.
Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Slovak, Arkansas.
James Simon Bednar, Jr. is survived by his sons, James Kennon Bednar (Doug Mitchell) and Randal Kevin Bednar (Christy); grandson, Alex Bednar (Hannah) and two great-granddaughters, Abby and Ava.
James retired from Riceland Foods and continued a quiet life loving and taking care of our Mother. We miss our parents deeply, but we must wipe away the tears from our cheeks, because we know they are together again; no broken hearts and they are in the Glory of Christ’s Love. If only we could all be so fortunate to live a love story as theirs. God Bless you all.
By Amanda StarkFour Members of the Prairie County Master Gardeners traveled to Hot Springs for the annual Plant Nurture Grow Leadership Conference. Plant Nurture Grow (PNG) is an annual leadership training conference open to all Master Gardeners across the state. It is designed to inspire, educate, and provide necessary skill sets that will equip Master Gardeners for managing all aspects of Master organizational service. The training includes such skills as handling local projects, working with other volunteers, officer and chairmanship positions within our organization, as well as service to and interaction with our community. Two of the members presented at the conference. Amand a Stark presented on Newsletters, Creating Flyers, and Digital
Documents and Debora Carpenter on Non-physical Sanctioned Project Ideas.
The conference was a great opportunity for all who attended.
To join Master Gardeners, contact Amy Tallent at agtallent@uada.edu or 870-998-2614.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
To the Hazen Community, and surrounding friends and family, your outpouring of love has shined a special light on our family! Thank you for all the love you have shown each one of us. The gifts, calls, flowers, food, plants, kind words, and visits will never be forgotten. We extend our deepest thanks to you for your thoughfulness during our greatest sadness! We appreciate it more than words can express, and it will always be remembered.
Thank you again.
The Family of Randy Joe Skarda
D e V alls B lu ff C ouncil a pp ro v es esta b lishing au x iliar y p olice f orce
By Lisa MillsThe DeValls Bluff City Council adopted an ordinance authorizing the establishment of Auxiliary Police Officers at their August 10th meeting. Officers will be appointed by Police Chief Jeremy Murphy, pending approval by the council and will serve without pay or benefits. Any officers appointed must meet Arkansas State Police standards. The city is approved to appoint up to two auxiliary officers.
Police Chief Murphy reported that he is on track to get an ACIC/ECITE system installed in the city’s police vehicle. The system will allow officers to run checks on people and vehicles directly, as well as print out citations. Murphy said a pre-installation audit is scheduled for August 24th. Murphy reported that there had been
more calls than usual in July, three traffic citations were issued, and six arrests were made for outstanding warrants.
The council approved a resolution to hire Engineer David Hilsdon and Attorney Mike Stuart to provide their services for the two water improvement grants approved from the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. Both will be paid from the grant funds.
Three building permits were approved: David and Jamie Taylor for a mobile home at 66 West Prairie Street, Jan Du Plessis for a shed, and Johnny Eagle for a roof at 510 Rumbaugh. Mayor Thelma Gray, Recorder/Treasurer
Darlene Conner, and Council Members Shirley Goff, Carol Griffin, Alice Metcalf, Marie Flanagan were present for the meeting.
Guenther’s hold annual reunion
By Barbara DePriestThe Guenther Family
Reunion was held at St.
Peter’s Parish Hall in Tolliville on Saturday July 22, 2023. We had 53 in attendance at this year’s Reunion. Those who attended were:
Betty Ann and John Curthis from Hunter, Todd and Miranda Guenther, Linda Strohl, Samantha Duell, Linda and David Phillips, John Tackett, Timmy and Jamie Guenther and Brayden, Janet and Keith King, and Desting, Osias Roberts, Lillian and Logan Potts all from DeValls Bluff. Chris and Melissa Weatherly, and Eliora
Moore, Maria Salena, Eliza Carrell all from Center Ridge. Lisa and Dale Duell, Stacy Weatherly, Michael and Barbara DePriest, Cherilyn Guenther all from Hazen. Annabelle and Ryan Duell from Fort Lee, Virginia. Scott, Allison Guenther and Lisa Lehmann and Jacob Bennett all from England. Forrest and Karen Guenther and Andrea Woods, Haleigh Mower, Kaitlyn Hamilton, Ripley Guenther all from Pine Bluff. Paige and Sloan Storri Culpepper all from Stuttgart. James
Slovak Catholic Church holds spaghetti fundraiser...
Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Slovak put on a spaghetti fundraiser on Friday, August 4 in the parish hall of the church. Spaghetti and meatballs, chicken alfredo, salad, and drinks were served to the hungry crowd. Father Shaun Wesley was in charge of the cooking, and the ladies of the church provided tables full of baked Slovakian sweets for sale.
By Chris WeemsMrs. Blake (Sydney)
and Penny Castilaw from Greenbrier and Troy and Kim Weatherley from Row. Glynn and Freda Guenther from Hot Springs. Ken and Sandra Murphy are from Jacksonville. We all hope that the family members that couldn’t make if this year are doing fine and are in good health. We are sad since 2021 we have lost 4 family members. They are Joseph Reisz Sr. (6-222022), Stephen D. Robert D (11-16-2022), Cpra Marie Burneette (3-30-2023), Robert E. Guenther (5-28-2023) Our love and prayers are with them.
The Guenther’s would like to thank the members of St. Peters Church for the use of their facilities once again.
The door prizes were donated by Betty Ann Cruthis, Barbara DePriest, Janet King, and Cherilyn Guenther.
The door prizes is to raise money for the use of the church and for Grave Markers for the family members with no Head Stones. I would like to thank Cherilyn, Linda, Lisa, Dale, Samantha, Michael, Janet for helping setting up and cleaning up.
Vail of Madison, Mississippi, was honored with a Stork Shower Saturday morning at Calvary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.
Sydney was assisted in opening and displaying her gifts by her sisterin-law, Alex Vail, and some hostesses. The gifts were displayed on round tables covered with white floor length table cloths.
The serving table was covered with a white floor length white tablecloth with a blue underlay. The centerpiece was the Stork dressed in blue with a sign announcing, "It's A Boy". The cake with blue and white icing, also said "It's A Boy. The centerpiece was a
Methodists to hold weekly bingo games
By June WhitesideThe Methodist Church in DeValls Bluff begins a weekly bingo game starting on September 6th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to winners and refreshments will be served to everyone. All are welcome.
tall crystal vase with multi-colored summer flowers. Guests were served cake and punch and nuts and mints.
Special guests were Tracie Vail, the grandmother, Lucille Vail, the great-grandmother, and the baby's aunt, Alex Vail, Carlisle. Out-oftown guests included Heather and Morgan Neel, Arkadelphia,
Terry Whitley Conway and Paige Hawkins and Christi Rounsavall, Carlisle.
Hostess were Carolyn
Van Houten, Nanette Belford, Wendi Stock, Robin McMullen, Christi rounsavall, Donna Watson, Sandy
Felty, Paige Hawkins, Whitney McMullen, Freida Isbell, Sonja
Owens, Carla Bokker,
Celebrates 101st birthday...
Amy Van Houten, Paige Hawkins, Whitney McMullen, Freida Isbell, Sonja Owens, Carla Nichols, Trilby Shelman, Angie Cagle, Sharron Stallings, Lucy Raper, Monica Lisko, Carly Bokker, Sherry Bullock, Stephanie Van Houten, Chris Weems, Connie Swaim, Pat Parker, Cindy Hill, and Wanda Young.
Legal Notice
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS PROBATE DIVISION
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Arlene Burks, DECEASED 59PR-23--29
Last Known address of Decedent: 5610 Hwy 86 North, Hazen, AR 72064
Date of Death: May 7, 2022
On July 31, 2022, an
Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate by Distributees was filed with respect to the estate of Arlene Burks, 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/s 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 distribute/s are:
Eddie Raper 1863 Hwy 306C Colt, AR 72736
Jo Zimmerman 30 Circle Drive Carlisle, AR 72024
This notice first published on the 9th day of August, 2023.
ails honored with b a by shower
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
By Marsha Heien
