of Events
Hazen City Council continues
The Hazen City Council met in its regular meeting on Thursday, August 15, to pass two resolutions and one ordinance, and to continue the discussion on the dog ordinance.
In old business, Mayor David Hardke told the council that he had gone through the dog ordinance and narrowed it down to a final proposal for the council to read through and approve at the next meeting.
Hardke also told the council that the Chudy Company had been hired to appraise the land at the Hazen Airport.
Hardke said that he had contacted Phillip Booth who assured him that land would be available for the city to build another water tower and lift station on the west side of Highway 63 near I-40.
The water tower will need 150’ by 150’ of land, and the lift station will need 75’ by 75’. This will free up the land that the city owns just south of El Amigo for sale.
Resolution No. 589 was passed to waive bids for the water plant filter bed underdrain, and Resolution No. 590 authorizing the mayor, city recorder, and city attorney to execute an agreement between the city and the Arkansas Department of Transportation pertaining to sidewalks. The city has been approved for a federal grant to replace the sidewalks along Livermore and Hazen Streets leading up to the elementary and high school. The city will match the grant with $66,386 of city money, and the work is expected to
Carlisle school board talks about repairs
By Debbye Harrison
The Carlisle School Board met August 13 with Superintendent Greene giving his report. School began August 12 with three HVAC units needing repairs and one bus with a minor breakdown. Changing the bus schedule that first afternoon created some confusion, but all was settled by the second day. All in all, Greene reported a successful beginning to the year with a slight increase in enrollment.
However, the HVAC repairs will cost about $125,000-130,000 and there are 19 lights out at the football field. Costs such as these along with a severe deficit in the cafeteria fund are making it necessary to implement all possible money-saving measures.
Parents and guardians of Carlisle students are urged to fill out the Free and Reduced lunch form sent home with the students. After the deadline, a task force has been formed to make personal calls to any household who has not returned the form. If 70% of CHS students qualify for free/reduced lunches, the school receives a generous increase in general funding- from $538 to $1,076 per student. For this year it is critical.
Coach Rowland reported an exceptionally good turnout for Open House
in the Elementary School. The kindergarten class is larger by ten this year.
A Literacy Coach will be on campus two days a week to work with the K-3 Elementary teachers.
Mrs. Aukes reported that high school is allowing “Stanley-ish” cups with water and ice only to be used in the classrooms. Teachers will do random “smell” checks.
In personnel the resignation of Shelly Mills as a child nutrition staff member was accepted and Jennifer Smart was hired.
Transfers were approved for Jesse and Knox Weems from Hazen, Bailey Jo Dawson from Lonoke and Alexis Debord.
Jason Clark will have an office for HIPPY for two days a week in the old library. The rent is being paid by Wilbur Mills Co-op.
Anne Anderson, a member of the Carlisle City Council, spoke to the Board about her efforts to get a grant to improve the Rockefeller Park which the school uses for softball and baseball. She reminded the Board that there will be a Public Meeting at 5:30 before the City Council meeting Tuesday, August 20 to allow citizens to have input about their wants and needs to improve the park.
begin next year.
dog ordinance discussion
Ordinance No. 526 will raise the limit on the city administration credit card from $1500 to $2500 effective immediately.
Mayor Hardke also gave the council members an update on the cleaning and striping of the city streets, and handed out the city’s notification to citizens who have abandoned or inoperable motor vehicles, boats, and/or trailers on their property within the city. Police Chief Bradley Taylor said that property owners will be notified by the Police Department first before a warning is issued. After the warning is issued, the owner will have 90 days to remove the problem. Hardke said that local businesses would help owners move the cited equipment if necessary. He said that any citizens with complaints can call the city.
Hardke said that twelve blocks of striping has been completed and that city streets have been cleaned. He plans to have the streets cleaned every six months. He also acknowledged that there are places in the town which need to be paved, but even though the city applies for state assistance to do paving each year, “small jobs are hard to get people to do.” He added that $3000 had been transferred to the gas department to cover for the three pay periods last month.
In department reports, Fire Chief Seth Skarda said that the fire department had six first responder calls, a wreck on the interstate, and two fires. Taylor said that the police department had worked accidents on the interstate and that four officers from his department had assisted with the
had been delivered. Utilities Department Manager Chad
reported that there are some problems at the water plant, but that the city does not need to worry about the supply of water. He said that a 45 to 50 year old part that failed can’t be replaced and that his department is working to fix the problem. Swaim also said that three culverts had been put in and 500 feet of gas line to a new construction in town had been installed. At the end of the meeting, Hardke showed the council pictures of repairs that had been done on the depot roof. The cost for the repair was $6875. Hardke said that the inside of the building needs some repair as well, and he plans to paint the inside.
recent shooting in DeValls Bluff. He also said that the new police car
Swaim
Carlisle golfers do well in DeWitt tourney. (See page 6.)
William Doyle Burnett
William Doyle Burnett of Des Arc, passed away on Friday, August 16th at the age of 74, with all his family by his side. Doyle was born in Des Arc on September 4, 1949. He was one of five children born to Emmett and Gertrude (Bacon) Burnett. Doyle attended the Des Arc Schools and became a 1967 graduate of Des Arc.
Darren Burnett (Kimberly), grandchildren, sisters Freida Evans (Steve), and Deloris Tulp.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bobby Jack Burnett, Ted Burnett, Forrest Eddins, and Carroll Eddins.
Gregory Lee Johnson
In May 1969, Doyle married his wife of 55 years, Judy (Walters) Burnett. Together they made their home in the farming community of Des Arc. During the early years of marriage, the young couple was blessed with one son, Darren.
For a short period, Doyle was manager of the U.S. Steel Chemical and Fertilizer Company of Des Arc, then he returned to farming.
As Darren grew, he and his dad, Doyle, farmed row crops together, rice, beans and wheat for 50 plus years, until recently when Doyle retired.
The most important treasures of his life were Judy, his son, his granddaughter, Macy, and his three great grandchildren, Everleigh, Beckham and Reece. After retirement you could always find him watching old western movies, mostly Gunsmoke and NFL Cowboys.
Doyle is survived by his wife, Judy, son
Arkansas Press Association
Member 2023 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
Trudy
gist and staff at CARTIStuttgart, his family physician, Dr. Dennis Yelvington, Dr. Christopher Morgan and staff of Maple Healthcare Nursing Home, Hazen Ar. and Arkansas Hospice for all the care Greg received.
All of whom she loved and touched with her life.
Editor
Mark Buffalo
Correspondent
Lisa Mills
Correspondent
Debbye Harrison
Photographer
Ruth Corley
Gregory Lee Johnson, 56, of Stuttgart departed this life on August 11, 2024 at Maple Healthcare in Hazen, Arkansas after a 16 year battle with an astrocytoma brain tumor.
Greg was born on June 26, 1968 at Stuttgart Memorial Hospital in Stuttgart, Arkansas to Evers Lee Johnson, Jr., (Sonny) and Jeanette Kocourek Stephens. He attended Stuttgart Public Schools and later obtained his GED in 1987. In 1990, he completed Heating and Air courses at SEARK College in Pine Bluff. He also received a diploma in marine repair at Quapaw Technical Institute in Hot Springs in 2000. He loved to hunt, fish, and visit with friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Evers Lee Johnson Sr. and Tommie McFatridge Johnson, and Edward (Bud) and Peggy Kocourek, his aunts Carolyn Johnson Bryant and Dolores Johnson Reed, his uncle Hollis L. Reed, and aunt Peggy Kocourek Wallace.
Greg is survived by his Dad, Sonny Johnson and Becky (step-mom) of Slovak, and Jeanette Stephens (mother) of Heber Springs, his stepson Daniel Pore (Crystal) of Greenbrier, brother Terry Sells (Laduska) and niece Addy of Almyra, His aunt Betsy Barricklow of Houston Texas, Stepsiblings Sarah Hatfield and Rick Hatfield of Slovak, nephew Sebastian Hatfield of Conway and step-sister Katherine Hatfield Neblett (Leo) and nephew Xavier all of Little Rock and many cousins. He also leaves behind his best girl and companion of 7 years, Ginger, a red fox Labrador.
We would like to thank Dr. Ali Krisht of St. Vincent’s North and staff for all the continued care and compassion throughout the years, Dr. Ryan Hall, oncolo-
Memorial service officiated by Reverend Joseph Spangler, will be Saturday August 17, 2024 at 11 am. at The Church of Christ in Stuttgart 1806 North Buerkle Street. Burial of cremains will be at a later date.
Memorials may be made to The Church of Christ, American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.
Billie Loretta
McArthur
Curtis
Billie Loretta McArthur Curtis passed peacefully from her earthly home early
Monday morning, August 11, 2024, with her loving family by her side. She was born to Dora (Stell) and Everett McArthur on April 20, 1948, in Des Arc, Arkansas, as one of eight children. Billie attended Des Arc Schools. In January of 1966 she married the one and only love of her life, Wayne Curtis. They made their home in the Des Arc area until August of this year. Billie attended the Hickory Plains Missionary Baptist Church in her younger years. After marriage she and her family attended Faith Missionary Baptist Church of Des Arc, until her health began to fail. Billie loved to participate in everything going on at the church. She was a stay-at-home mom and wife caring for any and everything her family needed, she also loved spending time in her flower beds, traveling, hunting, fishing and exercising. Her life was an example of Ephesians 4:32 –” And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” She is survived by her husband Wayne, sons Larry Curtis (Latica), Timothy Curtis (Tonya), sisters Willie Sutton (Terrell), Peggy Retig (James), Bobbie Campbell (late Morgan), Kathy McArthur plus six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Billie was preceded by her mother and father, brother Everett (Bud) McArthur, Jr, sisters Phyllis Bush and Patsy Burlington. A memorial service has not been scheduled at this time.
Elizabeth Ann Schwede
The Prairie County Quorum Court met on Tuesday, August 13, to amend the budget to move money from the Jail Ops and Maintenance fund to the County General office to cover expenditures, and to hear a presentation from the Prairie County Conservation District.
Elizabeth Ann Schwede (Liz), 67, of Biscoe, Arkansas went to her heavenly home on Friday, August 16, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Liz was born on November 21, 1956 at Dewitt Clinic to Harold and Syble Schwede. She graduated DeValls Bluff High School in 1976. Liz worked as a dispatcher and driver’s license examiner at Arkansas State Police from January 11, 1988 until her retirement in August 2009. She was presently employed with the LCCA Hazen senior health & wellness center since April of 2019. Liz was a member of the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, she knew her Lord and Savior, she loved to sing and had an amazing voice. She was proceeded in death by her father and mother, Harold and Syble Schwede; two sisters, Sue Schwede Holmes Wilson, and Virginia Schwede Ingle; two brothers, Jimmy(Jimbo) Schwede and Bobby Schwede.
Liz is survived by three brothers, Charles (Peggy) Schwede of Hazen, Rick (Barbara) Schwede of Ulm, and Tommy (Linda) Schwede of Biscoe. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins that she loved dearly.
On August 26, 2013 Liz had written…… “I have been so blessed by God” she is now in the arms of God and He is carrying her. Services for Liz were held on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at the First Baptist Church in DeValls Bluff with visitation beginning at 2:00 PM and funeral service beginning at 3:00 PM. Interment to followed in the Oakland Cemetery in DeValls Bluff, Arkansas. Arrangements were entrusted with Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen, Arkansas
The following people donated blood on August 12 at the Hazen First United Methodist Church.
Dewanna Keys
Nancy Chalpecka
Brandon Tipton
Stacey Bowman
Jennifer Mannis
Gary King
Lance Larkan
Lucus Moody
Candy Weems
15 signed in and only 9 could give.
paid for in advance. Phone: 870-255-4538 Email:heraldpublishing@gmail.com
The county is still struggling with its budget, which cut appropriations to many departments in 2024. In the judge’s report, Judge Lawrence Holloway read a statement to ask for more money for the Road Department to repair roads within the county. The Road Department ended 2023 with a surplus, but much of that was cut to cover other departments that ended the year in the red. The department needed to purchase two new tractor trucks to haul rock for the roads, but those purchases were delayed because no trucks were available. The judge said that the county had to hire someone else to haul rock for the county to stay up with demand, but that was stopped in July. As a result, the county has quit selling rock and is stockpiling it.
Holloway said that the 800 miles of gravel roads cost more to keep up this year due to the weather. The higher traffic roads fell apart after continued rainfall, he said, and soft spots were common everywhere.
The county also had to purchase pipes this year, and several big pipes had to be purchased at a cost of $7000 each. Their replacement could be postponed, the judge said. Costs for other department needs are also higher, Holloway said. Parts and vehicles are much higher, and the county mowers have problems that need to be fixed but
those repairs have been postponed for now. The reason for the department shortfall, which gets funding from the sales tax, was the transfer of $252,377 in 2023 and $118,499 in 2024 to the County General fund at the suggestion of auditors. Holloway has asked that the Road Department’s half of the sales tax be given back to help overcome the $188,788 deficit which the department now has. In that case, the only thing that the county can do to fund County General would be to use the Certificates of Deposit that are in savings. The court has been against cashing in the county CD’s, but according to Holloway this might have to be done. Justice Rick Stallings, who is the Budget Committee Chair, said, “There are ways to save the taxpayers money,” but no suggestions were made. The resignation of Tamara Dabney was accepted, effective August 31st. The county will now begin looking for a new treasurer beginning on August 26. Whoever is hired will hold the office until the end of Dabney’s term in 2026. The person hired will not be able to run for the county treasurer’s position. At the end of the meeting, Cathy Seidenstricker, the Prairie County Conservation District (PCCD) Chair and the Assistant Chair William Anderson spoke to the court about the work that their committee has been doing for the county. Anderson said that $3 million of the $153 million allotted to the state of Arkansas went to Prairie County for beaver eradication and seven other projects this year. The PCCD also fed the court members a barbeque supper before their meeting.
T J And e rson joins F a rm e rs & M e rc ha n t s B a nk a s C FO
Farmers & Merchants Bank and The Bank of Fayetteville have announced the appointment of T.J. Anderson as its new Chief Financial Officer. Anderson, who officially joined the bank on July 29, brings more than 20 years of executive experience in banking, corporate finance and investments to his new role.
As CFO, Anderson will focus on the bank’s strategic initiatives and oversee financial management. He will work at the bank’s Jonesboro office at 400 E. Highland Drive. Anderson’s career spans various roles in the financial industry, including positions at the Arkansas State Bank Department, Microsoft Corp., Premier Bank of Arkansas and Southern Bancorp Bank. He was most recently Executive Vice President of Banking Operations at Southern Bancorp.
“I am excited to join
Farmers and Merchants Bank and contribute to its legacy of financial excellence and community service,” Anderson said.
A Paragould native, Anderson’s educational background includes an undergraduate degree in finance from Arkansas State University and a graduate degree in banking from Louisiana State University. He is also a Certified Fraud Examiner. Beyond his professional achievements, Anderson is deeply involved in community service. He attends Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro, volunteers with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, provides personal and business financial counseling, and is active in various community initiatives. His commitment to giving back aligns well with Farmers and Merchants Bank’s communityfocused approach.
Grand Prairie Quilt Society shares creations
By Marsha Heien
The Grand Prairie Quilt Society met August 14, 2024, at the First Chrisitan Church Fellowship Hall, Stuttgart, with 6 members present. Shelley opened the meeting with the "Thought for the Day, "Whoever said "Less is More" never had a desert and she certainly never bought fabric!" ....Carrie Nelson, author. The July minutes and treasurer's report were given. August Happy Birthday greetings were extended to Jean and Vivian, Happy Birthday, Jean and Vivian.
Old Business: The Child's Comfort Quilt finished by Glenda and designed and sewn by several members was delivered to the young lady who is undergoing treatment. Maeola and Lou Anna
Hazen School Board sets millage building priorities
The Hazen School Board met on Monday, August 12, to finalize and prioritize the plans for the money raised by the proposed millage increase. Only Board Member Bradley Taylor was missing from the meeting. After some discussion, the board decided that the first priority was to construct a building for the agriculture program just to the north of the high school. The second project will be the construction of a pre-school building on the north side of the elementary/middle school buildings, and the third project would be the renovation of the high school lower hallway, the football fieldhouse, and the back of the old gymnasium to create a weightlifting area for the female athletes. The board also hopes to be able to renovate the old cafeteria to repurpose it for use as an auditorium. The architects working on the various projects will begin to make visual mockups of each of the prioritized projects to present to the board and the community.
Athletic Director Joe Besancon reported that
the football and softball students had been working throughout the summer to get ready for the 2024-25 school year competitions. Football season begins with a junior high game on August 29. Coaches Briana Austin and Taylor Morphis were recognized.
Cheerleader Sponsor Kalyn Tenison told the board that the senior high cheerleaders had won their camp competition this summer and that two junior high girls and four senior high girls were chosen as All-Americans.
Tenison also said that 36 girls had attended the elementary cheerleading camp, which raised funds for the cheerleading squads.
Superintendent Andy Barrett told the board that the district had hired a new substitute teacher recruitment company this year, ESS, which had already found more subs for the district. Barrett said that the fencing around the bleachers had been completed, and that the new football scoreboard had been delivered but has not yet been wired. He also hoped to have the lights on the football
field this week. He plans to give the old light poles to the Baseball Association to be used at the city baseball field. The old gym now has a new floor and paint, and the new lobby floor has been installed. “Bringing that thing back to life has been a big deal,” he said.
High School Principal Amy Marek announced that the annual “Pantry Pileup” competition between Hazen and Des Arc will be held in September, which is early this year. The board voted to allow early release days on the first Wednesday of each month during the school year except for the months of December, January, and May. The time will be used by the teachers for curriculum planning, intervention groups, and the study of student performance throughout the year. The board went into executive session but took no action when they returned. Chambliss Newkirk was hired as a special education parapro, and Sunday Anderson was hired as a temporary custodian.
On the Treasure table Maeola brought several sturdy storage boxes for the members. The next meeting will be September 11, 2024 at the church, come join us.
delivered 8 Children's Comfort quilts to DHS.
New Business: Members expressed a desire for a field trip to a quilt shop in Little Rock. Shelley will explore possibilities. Show and Share: Ann showed her Charm Pack wall hanging made from the squares she had at the last meeting. Maeola had a Sewing Ladies themed quilt and
Recently, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) issued a reminder for parents to remain vigilant in recognizing and preventing online predators from targeting children. This summer alone, ASP has issued several Missing/Endangered Advisories for missing children and teens, including five Amber Alerts since May.
Disturbingly, multiple Arkansas teens have been lured away by predators they encountered through online messaging apps.
In our increasingly digital world, it's more important than ever for parents to monitor their children's online activity and educate them on the dangers of the internet.
General Assembly passed Act 689, which prohibits social media companies from allowing minors in Arkansas to create new accounts without the explicit consent of a parent or legal guardian. The act requires age verification through a third-party vendor, establishes liability for failing to perform this verification, and outlines penalties for violations. However, enforcement of the act has been delayed due to a legal challenge, which is still pending in the judicial system.
Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THELOST (1-800-843-5678).
Every day during the school year, more than 350,000 Arkansas children depend on school buses to transport them safely to and from school. These buses make multiple stops in every community.
a Sewing themed tote bag....also a lovely Duck quilt she has donated for the silent auction to defray expenses for the ladies of the church to attend retreat.
Major Stacie Rhoads, Commander of the ASP Criminal Investigation Division, warns that online predators often attempt to engage children and teens in inappropriate sexual conversations, arrange in-person meetings, or even send explicit materials while requesting images in return.
During the 2023 Regular Session, the
Recently, the governor sent a letter to Arkansas legislators, urging us to continue our efforts to implement meaningful restrictions on children’s use of social media platforms.
For resources to help parents protect their children from online predators and technology-facilitated exploitation, visit aricac.org.
Schools, civic groups, and other organizations can also request online safety presentations through this site. To report suspicious online activity, contact the National Center for
School Bus Rules As a new school year approaches, we want to remind you that it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus in Arkansas. The fines, penalties, and punishment for anyone found guilty of illegally passing a stopped school bus were increased dramatically by Act 2128 of 2005, also known as Isaac’s Law. The legislation was named in memory of Isaac Brian, an elementary school student in the Bryant School District who was struck and killed when a driver illegally passed his school bus while students were exiting the vehicle.
The law requires drivers to stop on 2-lane and 4-lane highways in both directions, even those with a middle lane. Drivers cannot attempt to pass in any direction until the school bus vehicle has finished receiving or discharging its passengers and is in motion again. In the 2021 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed Act 264 to clarify the distance and areas where drivers must stop. It states drivers must come to a complete stop no less than 30 feet from the bus when it stops to load or unload passengers. This 30-foot perimeter would apply to public roads, private or public property open to the general public, and any driveway or parking lot belonging to a public school.
Maeola and her Sewing Ladies themed quilt.
Ann's Charm Pack Wall Hanging.
Maeola's sewing themed tote bag.
Maeola's Duck quilt given for the silent auction.
Arkansas State Senate Report
LITTLE ROCK – More than 3,000 families applied for Education Freedom Accounts during the first week of August, bringing the total number of applicants statewide to 15,365.
The Internet portal for applications had been closed over the summer and re-opened on July 29, when about 12,000 applications had been approved.
There is no scheduled deadline, as long as funding is available under the Arkansas LEARNS Act. The accounts expand school choice options by helping families pay tuition at private or parochial schools.
Last year the governor proposed and the legislature approved Act 237 of 2023, also known as the LEARNS Act. The 20242025 school year is the second year it has been in effect. It is being phased in over three years.
Last year students were eligible if they were first-time kindergarten-
By Senator Ron Caldwell
ers, or if they attended schools that got an “F” on school report cards or were enrolled in districts ranked at Level 5 for academic distress. Also eligible were children of active duty military members, as well as children with disabilities and children enrolled in kindergarten for the first time.
For the upcoming school year, eligibility is expanded to include students from a school that got a “D” on school report cards, children of military veterans and the children of emergency responders. Current or former foster children are eligible.
Also eligible are students from the Succeed Scholarship Program, which existed before the LEARNS Act was created.
Next year, the third year of the phase-in of the Education Freedom Accounts, all children are eligible.
Another way the LEARNS Act expands school choice is by repealing previous limits
on the number of charter schools in Arkansas. The LEARNS Act also provides bonuses of up to $10,000 for teachers as merit incentives. In June, the state announced that 3,000 teachers qualified for the bonuses because their students showed remarkable academic improvement or they acted as inspiring mentors to new teachers. Also, they qualified if they taught in a part of the state, or in a subject matter, with a critical teacher shortage. The state Education Department has listed those subjects in which there is a critical shortage of teachers. They are computer science, foreign language, secondary math, secondary science and special education.
The act raised the minimum salary for teachers from $36,000 to $50,000, which benefited more than 15,240 teachers. Also benefitting were teachers who already earned $50,000 or more, because they received
raises of $2,000. Also, the LEARNS Act provides teachers 12 weeks of paid maternity leave.
Other provisions in the LEARNS Act expanded opportunities for high school students to enroll in college-level concurrent courses and receive college credits for passing them. Surveys indicate that students who take concurrent courses are more likely to obtain a college degree or certificate.
Under the LEARNS Act, Arkansas schools will recruit an additional 120 literacy specialists. The act provides $500 for families of students struggling to learn how to read in kindergarten through third grade, so they can hire a tutor.
The LEARNS Act requires high schools to develop a career-ready pathway towards a diploma, to prepare students for well-paying jobs if they choose not to go to college.
HHS 2025 Senior Class...
The final high school year has begun for the senior classes of 2024-2025. This is a picture of this year’s Hazen High School Senior Class. (Picture courtesy of Wendy Perry.)
Hazen storm damage...
A heavy rain storm passed through Hazen on Suanday afternoon that cause these large trees to blow over at the Armory.
Prairie County is declaring an open position. We will be accepting resumes for the position of County Treasurer. beginning August 26th and ending September 6th, 2024. All resumes must be submitted to the County/Circuit Clerk, Gaylon Hale. (The $8.30 cost for this ad will be taken out of the County General account.)
Job Opportunity
The Prairie County District Court in Hazen is accepting applications for a full-time position of a Deputy District Court Clerk. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED with 12 to 18 months related experience in professional skills using structured practices. Decision making in varied situations is essential. Extensive contact with various sectors of the public environment requires tact in discussing problems and presenting data. Applications can be picked up at the City of Hazen’s Mayor’s Office at 111 North Hazen Avenue, Hazen, AR 72064. All resumes must be accompanied withan application and returned to the City of Hazen Mayor’s Office before Friday, September 6, 2024. (The $49.00 cost of this publication will be paid for out of City General Funds).
Body Shop & Wrecker Service. P. O. Box 696, Hazen Ark 72064. To whom it may concern: A 2013 a Van Guard dry van Vin #5V8VC5326EM403940 is 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
Bison, Lady Bison shoot well in DeWitt tournament
Drive sober or get pulled over this Labor Day
From August 16 through September 2, which includes the Labor Day holiday weekend, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 7, which includes Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, will be working alongside local law enforcement for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement campaign. The goal is to deter impaired driving, arrest impaired drivers detected on the roads, and prevent the tragedies seen in previous Labor Day weekends from happening again. NHTSA
wants to remind drivers that in all 50 states that it is illegal to drive while impaired by any substance, including drugs.
During the 2022 Labor Day holiday (6 p.m. September 2-5:59 a.m. September 6), there were 490 crash fatalities nationwide. Of these 490 traffic crash fatalities, 39% (190) involved a drunk driver, and a quarter (25%) involved drivers who were driving with a BAC almost twice the legal limit (.15+ BAC). Among drivers between the ages of 18 and 34 who were killed in crashes over the Labor Day holiday in 2022, 47% of those drivers were drunk, with BACs of .08 or higher.
Many people believe that being high doesn’t affect driving abilities, but they are wrong. It has been proven that marijuana, like other drugs, can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane.
“We want our community members to understand that it’s our first priority to keep people safe, so we’re asking everyone to plan for a sober ride if they know they’ll be out drinking,” said NHTSA Regional Administrator Susan DeCourcy. “The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is an awareness effort to help drivers understand that impaired driving is illegal, and it takes lives. This partnership between law enforcement and drivers has an important purpose: Helping us protect the community and putting an end to this senseless behavior.”
Drivers can ensure safety for themselves and passengers during this Labor Day holiday by planning for a sober driver if they intend to drink. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get home. Impairment clouds a person’s judgment.
Drivers should secure a designated sober driver, call a taxi, or use a rideshare app for a sober ride home.
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Carlisle Bison and Lady Bison golf teams played in a tournament at DeWitt last week.
The Bison finished third, shooting 353. Fisher Thaxton led the Bison, shooting 99. Lane Bowlan shot 120. Graham Clark shot 143. Hayden Huffmaster shot 134. DeWitt won the match, showing 270. Des Arc was second, shooting 307.
The Lady Bison finished second at 367. DeWitt won the match, shooting 292.
Charley Cook finished first for the Lady Bison, shooting 115. Bailey Jo Dawson shot 117. Bliss Parker shot 135. Ariana Ferrell shot 138. “Fisher Thaxton played his first-ever match and was able to break 100,” Carlisle coach Jason Stewart said. “I was very proud of both teams with the effort and attitude they displayed. They walked 18 holes on a hot day on a difficult course. Each player did their best that day.”
Carlisle played in tournaments Monday and Tuesday this week.
Hazen hires coach to resurrect girls’ basketball program
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
Hazen High School has resurrected its girls basketball program.
The school hired Briana Austin to be the head girls basketball coach. Hazen has not fielded a senior girls team since the 2021-22 season.
Austin is a native of Little Rock. She has been coaching since 2016 at Maumelle then Little Rock Southwest.
“I’m not head coach of the Lady Hornets,” said Austin, who will also be serving at assistant principal for both Hazen High and Elementary schools.
“I think it’s a great opportunity,” Austin
said. “From everyone I’ve talked to so far in Hazen, they love girls basketball and have been waiting for the program to come back. I think it’s an exciting opportunity for me to get a chance to help bring the program back.”
Two years ago, the Hazen junior girls basketball team won the district tournament. However, they did not field a senior high team last year.
“I have two girls who were a part of that junior high team,” Austin said. “They are looking promising for this upcoming season. Then I have all the junior high
girls from last season as well. It’s looking promising for us.”
Austin said she currently has eight players on the senior high roster. “I have a solid eight right now with the potential of some freshmen to move up,” she said. “I’m hoping I don’t have to do that because I know a lot of them want to finish out their junior high careers with their friends. But, if I do, it will be a conversation with them and parents to see if they want to move up. I don’t want to put too much pressure on a freshman early on in their high school careers.”
The Carlisle High School golf teams pose for a photo before their match at DeWitt last week. (Randi Bowlan photo)