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Bison play in scrimmage game. (See story on p. 6.)
Volume 120 Number 34 - USPS 225-680
Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Community Calendar of Events Thursday August 26 Commodities Distribution Hazen First United Methodist Church 10:00 a.m. - noon Junior High Hornets vs Riverview Hornet Field 7:00 p.m. Friday August 27 Senior Hornets vs McCrory McCrory Field 7:00 p.m. Senior Des Arc Eagles vs Palestine-Wheatley Eagle Field 7:00 p.m. Senior High Carlisle Bison vs Lonoke Jackrabbits Fred Hardke Field 7:00 p.m. Monday September 6 Labor Day Local and County Offices and schools will be closed Thursday September 9 Devalls Bluff City Council Meeting City Hall 6:00 p.m. Tuesday September 14 Quorum Court Meeting 6:00 p.m. Thursday September 16 Hazen City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. City Hall Community events brought to you by Hazen Chamber of Commerce
and the Please call F&M Bank (255-3042) or The Grand Prairie Herald (255-4538) to list events.
First rice for 2021... Riceland Foods grain dryer reported receiving its first load of rice on August 13, 2021. The variety 7321 rice was harvested at Petter Farms and had a moisture count of 18.2. The rice was classified as Grade 1. (Mike Edge photo.)
Needed repairs to city water system is main subject at August Hazen City Council meeting The Hazen City Council held a lengthy discussion of the repairs that need to be done on the city’s water treatment plant and the water system as a whole at its August 19 meeting held in the Hazen City Hall. Mayor David Hardke went over an evaluation of the Hazen water system and the wastewater treatment plant developed by McClelland Consulting Engineers, Inc. in June. Several parts of the water system are in need of repair or replacement, including high service pump Number 4, a rotometer, a master meter, and iron and manganese testing equipment in the water treatment plant. The system also needs to replace the phone alert system which went down and was never fixed. The cost for the repairs range from $40,000 for a high service pump to $10,000 for the manganese and iron testing equipment. The seventeen recommendations for repair of the entire water treatment plant were estimated to cost over two million dollars which includes a
15% contingency of $256,335 and $136,712 for design, but Mayor Hardke said, “add 25 to 30% percent to it.” For the water treatment plant alone, the cost for repairs will be at least $1,318,400. The repairs have been prioritized from the most needed items to the least. Other problems include the need for sludge removal at the wastewater treatment plant and the replacement of ultraviolet lights in the last pond. A resolution to approve the funds to begin updating the water treatment plant, sewer treatment plant and water tank maintenance was approved. The council members will take home the report and study it. There may have to be a work session to discuss it in depth. Utilities Manager Chad Swaim reported that the two city water tanks are in the process of being drained, disinfected, and painted. He also said that thirteen leaks in the main water lines have been fixed, including one beside the new middle school building. The city intends to replace meters within
Phase 2 plans for Des Arc gas system finalized By Gail King On August 13, 2021, Donnie Nichols representing B & G Pipeline was in Des Arc to finalize plans for Phase 2 of the Des Arc Municipal Gas System. The area of Phase 2 will be North of Main Street and will include the Des Arc High School. Doug Granger, Gas Department Supervisor, and Colton White will be the two Des Arc city employees assisting B & G Pipeline. Phase 1 is in its final stage of completion, 34 residences from Erwin street to Barrier, from 1st street to Ambrose will be connected to the new services when line testing is completed.
Michael Lindsey is the City of Des Arc’s new Gas Consultant . Mr. Lindsey, gas consultant and Doug Granger, gas department supervisor has worked endlessly identifying items that needs correction with Des Arc’s Municipal Gas System. Des Arc has a five year plan in place and a goal that the Des Arc’s Municipal Gas System will be replaced and be completed by 2024 or before. The replacement of the Des Arc Municipal Gas System project should save in loss of revenue, excess labor( regular and overtime) unpleasant odor, as well as safety issues for employees and citizens.
the city as needed. He also said that a large tree was removed from in front of the elementary school, and its roots which were blocking a water line were taken out for a cost of $1500. Citizens are asked to notify the city if any standing water is found during dry times as they may be water line leaks. Bids were taken to repair the asphalt at the municipal airport. The
lowest bid was $265,000 from Redstone Construction. The city is required to pay 20% of the cost, which will be $61,692. “We have plenty of money to cover that,” Hardke said. A downed tree on Front Street has been taken down, and the city is dealing with the heirs of a house on that same street that needs to be taken down. “There’s a legal process that has to
be followed, and it’s not easy,” Hardke said. The HVAC unit in the courtroom of city hall was replaced for a cost of $12,987. The circuit must also be replaced in the courtroom. The HVAC in the weight room of the Community Center for $7921. Two treadmills will also be replaced for $2997. (See Hazen Council continued on page 4.)
DA Council holds Zoom meeting to discuss buying gas regulator By Lisa Mills The Des Arc City Council met August 19th via a Zoom meeting. Present for the meeting were Mayor Jim Garth, Recorder/Treasurer Chrisanna Knupp and council members Jodie Mayher, Gail King, Anna Beth Fisher, Gary Burnett and Nicole Fisher. An ordinance was approved to bypass the bidding process to refurbish a gas regulator station at Riceland. Tri State Meter and Regulator was approved to do the job at a cost of $10,614.20. The mayor reported that the city’s bush hog is not working. He said that Greenway estimated repairs would be $13,699 or a new one
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could be purchased for $11,220.84. A motion was approved to purchase a new 12 ft. Batwing from Greenway. Garth told the council that a decision about repairs on the gazebos needed to be made. Fisher Construction had submitted the only bid which was $29,400 for both gazebos. Since there was not enough money right now for both, Garth asked how much it would be for one and was told $14,700. The council approved the bid to repair one gazebo. Mayor Garth asked Gary Burnett and Gail King from the Parks and Recreation Committee to meet with Fisher to decide which gazebo was in worst shape and would be
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repaired. A motion was approved to give M Triple J a 7% increase for all customers. M Triple J reported that the landfill had been sold and the new owners had imposed a 7% increase which is beyond their control. Council member Gail King reported that the Softball Association had asked for approval to apply for a grant for new restrooms. The council gave King permission to apply for whatever grants were available, but she was to make it clear that the city had no obligation for any required matching funds. Mayor Garth reported that the 2020 Census reported a population increase from 1,717 to 1,905 in Des Arc.
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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Biscoe EHC meets Frances Marie Mosby Mother Frances Marie Mosby was born on January 19, 1932, in Carlisle, Arkansas to Judge Jones and Leola Polk. She graduated from Blakely High School in Carlisle, Arkansas. She married the love of her life, Jake Mosby, Jr., on February 24, 1952. She could often be heard describing their 69 years rogether as “Happy Years”! (One of their special moments was spending time together under their “Special Tree”!) To this marriage, she became the proud mother to 11 children. She gave birth to 5 of the 11 children and the other 6 children were younger siblings of Mr. Mosby that were added to the family in 1958 as a result of the passing of Mr. Mosby’s beloved Mother. Even though there were 26 feet under the dinner table at one time, she loved and nutured all 11 children equally. Mother Mosby, a great wife and homemaker, was renowned for her cooking desserts, and for her delicious wedding cakes. Her meals not only tasted good but were balanced and nutritious. Even while running her cosmetology business, she never failed to ,provide 3 daily meals for her family. Sunday meals were always the best, including entrees such as pork roast, ham, fried chicken, meat loaf, neck bones, smothered rabbit/squirrel, and fried fish. Mother Mosby
baked wedding cakes for happy couples throughout Central Arkansas. Mother Mosby was always and foremost a praise and worshiper, speaking in tongues as the “Spirit gave Utterance”. She loved to dance before the lord, praising him with every facet of her being. When she felt the spirit, she would dance around the house. Even while suffering with dimentia, she maintained a communication link with the Lord. Mother Mosby is preceded in death by her Father, Judge Jones, mother, Leola Polk, one son Jarvis, two sisters, Hazel Smith and Rachel Burress and one brother Harvey Jones. She leaves to charish precious memories of her, devoted husband Jack Mosby Jr, two sisters, Forestine Dupree and Dorothy Malloy, one brother-in-law Earnest Sims, one sister-in-law Mary Jones, supportive children, Marion Mosby, Roy Mosby (gladys), Ronnie Mosby (Bernadette), Jeffrey Mosby (Roshonda) and Delphia Mosby, Loving grandchildren, Jarvis Mosby the II (Cassandra), Miriam Mosby, Michael Mosby (Jennifer), Leola Evans (Larry) Ronald Mosby, Jeffrey Mosby Jr., (Mahquisha), Jordan Mosby, Eric Mosby, Anna Mosby, and a host of ggreat grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great niences and nephews, loving relatives and devoted friends. Graveside Services were Saturday August 21, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., at the Hazen Cemetery. Pastor Ronnie C. Mosby Eulogist.
Robert Benjamin Metcalf
Arkansas Press Association 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
Robert was born April 18, 1980 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Charles Larkin and E d i t h MetcalfLarkin. Robert was a lifelong member of Union Chapel Freewill Baptist Church in DeValls Bluff, where he was baptized by then pastor Reverend Jesse Scott. While growing up, he served as a junior usher, member of the junior choir and a longtime delegate of the yearly Freewill Baptist Youth Conference. Since moving to Conway, he and his wife have been attending Agape Community Temple of Servants for more than five years. Robert received his early education from the DeValls Bluff Public School System in DeValls Bluff. He graduate with the DeValls Bluff High School Class of 1998. After graduating high school, he went on to attend Arkansas State University-Beebe for a year. “Rob Dog” as Robert was affectionately known, was an employee of Ermco Manufacturing in Little Rock for more than 3 years, where he had advanced to the position of supervisor of his division. He was a former employee of Kimberly Clark in Conway for several years. He was also a former employee of Lennox Industries in Stuttgart in his earlier years.
In 2006, Robert met Charity Marshall. They were married on May 17, 2012. His maternal grandfather Robert A. Woods; his paternal grandparents: Matthew Larkin and Willie Mae Larkin; his mother in law and bonus father in law Reverend Feaster Rideout and Lucille Rideout all preceded Robert in death. Survivors are: his wife Charity MarshallMetcalf of Conway, AR; his son Anthony Metcalf of Mesquite, TX; his daughter India Metcalf of Mesquite, TX; his parents: Charles Larkin and Edith MetcalfLarkin of DeValls Bluff, AR; his maternal grandmother Ruthie Mae Metcalf of DeValls Bluff, AR; His bonus grandmother/aunt Eula Ray Huff of DeValls Bluff, AR; His father in law Louiss Wayne Marshall of Fordyce, AR; three brothers: Charles Jones of Clarksville, AR; Mario Larkin of Chicago, Ill; and Allan Larkin of Sherwood, AR; a sister Leslie Wingo of Little Rock, AR; his bonus sister/cousin Karen Adkins of North Little Rock, AR; his goddaughter Ariyana Bre’shai Cohen of Conway, AR; four sisters in law: Stephanie Rogers and Andrea Marshall both of Fordyce, AR; Juniel Stewart of Conway, AR; La’Teesa Harris of Little Rock, AR; uncles: Larry (Linda) Adkins, Bobbie Dean Larkin, Bobby Jean Larkin, Harold Larkin, Lester Larkin and Ricky Larkin; aunts: Mattie Palton, Dorothy Larkin and Patricia Larkin; nephews and nieces: Joshua Wingo, Jamico Chenault, Jasmine (Jonathan) Summons and Michila Jones; and a host of other relatives and friends. A walk-through viewing was held on Friday evening August 20 from 5 until 6 PM at Branscumb Funeral Home Chapel, 911 North Main Street in Brinkley. An outdoors funeral service was held in Saturday morning, August 21 at 9 AM at Union Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, 5009 South Metcalf Newsome Road in DeValls Bluff with Reverend Michael Barnett officiating. Interment will take place at Oakland Cemetery in DeValls Bluff by Branscumb Johnson & Gilchrest Funeral Home of Brinkley (870) 734-2772 email: branscumbfuneralhome1928@yahoo.com & Facebook: Branscumb Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Marcus Smith, David Williams, Damien Payne Matthew Barnett, Bradley Hood, Keith Payne, Dewon Humbert and Deven Larkin.
James Louis Prince James Louis Prince was born in Brasfield on November 5, 1927 to Benjamin and Mary Prince, He shared in the memories of childhood, with eight younger siblings and received formal education at the local school. On December 3, 1950, he married Cynthia Lucille Williams in Biscoe. Through the years their home was blessed with the birth of three daughters. James served his country during the Korean Conflict. He entered active service in Little Rock on October, 28, 1950. After training at Camp Chaffee he served in the Btry A 560th FA Bn. with skills in the Extended Range Canon Unit. He was discharged at the rank of CPL on October 28, 1952 at Fort Polk Louisiana. James was honored with the UN Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars. For twenty years he worked Armstrong’s Mercantile store as the TV Repairman. Upon closing of the store, James began selling Electrolux Vacuum Cleaners. Once again many of his friends in the community came to him for a vacuum purchase or repair. James continued for twenty years before retiring. In the community James was a member at Brasfield United Methodist serving as Superintendent and teacher. He was also active in the American Legion. In leisure time James enjoyed reading, gardening, bird watching, painting and playing the guitar. On August 16, 2021 James passed away at his home in Lonoke at the age of 93. He was preceded in death by parents Benjamin and Mary (Mann) Prince; siblings, Jasper Prince, Billy Ray Prince, Geraldine Allsup, Betty Stringfellow and granddaughter Jolie Smith. Survivors: wife, Cynthia Lucille Williams Prince, daughters; Barbara Ann Cazer (Larry), Brenda Smith (Joey), Janice Minor (Barry), siblings William Prince (Patsy), Jack Prince (Carolyn), Virginia Holloway, Rosie White, grandchildren; Elizabeth Jackson, Joshua Cazer, Jeffrey Minor, Jordan Smith, great grandchildren; Emily Jackson, James Minor and Kennedy Minor. Graveside services were Thursday at Biscoe Cemetery. Arrangements by Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home in Brinkley.
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Janice Corpier and President Mitzi Osborne packing the Biscoe EHC box for the food bank which is the AEHC state "Food Insecurity project. Members bring donations to each club meeting. By Mitzi Osborne President Mitzi Osborne called the meeting of the Biscoe Extension Homemakers Club to order at 10:30 am on August 9 at the First Baptist Biscoe Fellowship Hall. Ten members were present: Rita Farris, Bernadette Mosby, Barbara Willams, Connie Smith, Juanita Hutchinson, Janice Corpier, Brenda Prince, Karen Golden, Gladys Tucker and Mitzi Osborne. Total volunteer hours reported were 149. Inspiration Leader Juanita Hutchinson shared the poem, ‘Why Worry?” by Helen Steiner Rice based on Philippians 4: 6-7. Secretary Janice Corpier read the minutes of the July meeting which were approved as read. As she called the roll, members were asked to name one thing you can commit to entering in the county fair in September, so members started making plans for entries. Then treasurer Juanita Hutchingson presented the financial report which was filed for edit. Business discussed including items for our Community Service Project, Sharing Our Blessings: Prairie County Fair September 19 – 26
Volunteers (Biscoe EHC has six volunteer workers for the fair.) entries, educational exhibit, fair exhibit building cleanup day (September 14 at 10:00 am). Name badge order 4 -H annual donation Board meeting Tuesday, August 17 at DVB courthouse 10:00 am Delta District Rally October 21 at U of A Monticello New Family and Consumer Science Prairie County agent Emilee Moody who is to begin September 1 For eye openers, Rita Farris showed a Kirigami (paper cutting craft) and an origami (paper folding) bird she brought from the Ozark Folk Center. Brenda Prince shared a large shadowbox picture of pandas and a pair of smaller shadowboxes of ducks…all made with feathers. There were no August birthdays to celebrate. There are three for September: 4 th Brenda Prince 11 th Rita Farris 17 Debby Priest. Meeting adjourned with the members reading in unison the Homemaker’s Prayer. Biscoe EHC meets the 2 nd Monday of each month at 10:30 am at the First Baptist Biscoe Fellowship Hall. You are welcome to come.
Des Arc to hold third annual cleanup event Join Des Arc in its 3rd annual cleanup campaign to improve our community. The Great Arkansas Cleanup event will take place September 11 through October 31, 2021. Thousands of Arkansans remove tons of trash from roadways, waterways, parks and public areas during this statewide community improvement campaign. Help clean up Des Arc by removing unused vehicles, maintaining overgrown property, removal of decaying buildings or by joining a
team such as a Clean Your Block with neighbors, church groups or friends. Free T-shirts, gloves, trash bags, banners and promotional materials are available when you sign up for the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Fall Clean Up at keeparkansasbeautiful.c om. Local contact for Des Arc is Teresa Conder at Des Arc City Hall (870256-4316) and Gail King (501-516-6711). LETS’S MAKE DES ARC BEAUTIFUL!
Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Prairie County census results released Below are the results for Prairie County’s 2020 CENSUS. Prairie County 2010 count 8715 2020 count 8282 (Down by 433.) Des Arc 2010 1717 2020 1905 Des Arc (by Wards) Ward 1 487 Ward 2 552 Ward 3 866
Northside Hickory Plains CenterPoint Calhoun Johnson Chapel
229 647 427 263 160
Hazen 2010 2020
1468 1481
Hazen Country DeValls Bluff Ulm. Ulm Country Biscoe
316 520 175 162 305
Lower Hill 217 Upper Hill 51 Brown Grove 84 Slovak 281 According to City Council Member Gail King, Des Arc City will need to redraw wards. Ward 3 is significantly higher than Ward 1 and 2. This is the final count according to the 2020 CENSUS website (unless challenged).
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over starts during Labor Day holiday Many Americans look to the Labor Day holiday weekend as the unofficial end of summertime. No matter how you plan to celebrate the end of the season this year, make sure you plan it safely. This Labor Day weekend, law enforcement in Des Arc are participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over impaired driving awareness campaign, which runs from August 20 through September 6, 2021. In support of the law enforcement community’s dedication to protecting the lives of residents in their communities, you’ll see officers working together during this holiday weekend to take drunk drivers off the roads. These expanded efforts to protect against impaired driving will be conducted in a fair and equitable way. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 10,142 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2019 that involved an alcoholimpaired driver. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2015 to 2019, and one person was killed in a drunkdriving crash every 52 minutes in 2019. This is why Des Arc Police Department is working together with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of
life and death. As you head out to the Labor Day festivities, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. “We want our community members to understand that it’s our first priority to keep people safe, so we’re asking everyone to plan ahead if they know they’ll be out drinking,” said Chief Mayher. “We need commitment from our community members that they’ll keep the streets free of drunk drivers so that everyone can have a safe holiday. This is a campaign to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and it takes lives. Let’s make this a partnership between law enforcement and drivers: Help us protect the community and put an end to this senseless behavior,” he said. During the 2019 Labor Day holiday period (6 p.m. August 30 – 5:59 a.m. September 3), there were 451 crash fatalities nationwide. Forty-five percent of those fatalities involved drivers who had been drinking (.01+ BAC). More than onethird (38%) of the fatalities involved drivers who were drunk (.08+ BAC), and nearly one-fourth (24%) involved drivers who were driving with a BAC almost twice the legal limit (.15+ BAC). Age is a particularly risky factor: Among drivers between the ages of 18 and 34 who were killed in crashes over the Labor Day holiday period in 2019, 46% of those
drivers were drunk, with BACs of .08 or higher. The Des Arc Police Department and the NHTSA are reminding citizens of the many resources available to get them home safely. “Drunk driving is not acceptable behavior, especially when there are so many safe alternatives to get you home safely,” said Chief Dewayne Mayher. Des Arc Police Department recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving: •Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely. •If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact Des Arc Police Department at 870-2563011 or Dial 911. •Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely. For more information on impaired driving, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/ris ky-driving/drunk-driving.
Just stopping for breakfast... Senator John Boozman, the senior U. S. senator from Arkansas, a seat he has held since 2011, had breakfast with Rita and Rick Dobson last Thursday morning at The Hurley House in Hazen. Boozman was on his way east to see a solar farm in Blytheville and to Marion to attend a fundraising event held to raise money to build a museum in honor of the Sultana, a Union boat that sunk in the Mississippi River near Marion. Remains of the Sultana were recently found.
Colclasure new director of ADA Natural Resources Division LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is pleased to announce that Governor Hutchinson has appointed Chris Colclasure as director of its Natural Resources Division. “Chris will make an outstanding addition to the Department of Agriculture. His experience with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission provides him with a beneficial skillset to lead the Natural Resources Division. I’m excited for him and the Department of Agriculture,” said Governor Hutchinson. Colclasure most recently served as Deputy Director at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission where he supervised nine of its
12 divisions at different times during his five years with the agency. Prior to joining the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, he served in several capacities at the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission for 14 years, including as director from 2013 to 2016. Colclasure began his more than 21 years of experience in Arkansas state government in the floodplain management section of the Natural Resources Division. “Chris has a broad range of experience and understands the importance of natural resources and conservation programs to the agriculture industry and the state of Arkansas,” said Wes Ward, Arkansas Secretary of
Agriculture. “His experience and leadership in working with a wide range of industry partners and stakeholders will serve the Natural Resources Division and our state well. We look forward to having him as part of the team at the Arkansas Department of Agriculture,” said Ward. “It is an absolute honor to be appointed to serve as the director of the Natural Resources Division. I have always appreciated and respected the role and services that this agency provides to our public. I am excited about the opportunity and look forward to working with the staff, commissioners, and partners on the many natural resource challenges in our state,” said Colclasure.
Hazen City Council ___________________ (continued from page 1.) Fire Chief Ashley Loudermilk wanted to thank Lynn and Marion Mack for a donation of $2500 that the Fire Department received from the Bayer Company that the Macks requested. He also reported that his department had received nine first-responder calls and had burned down two houses on Adams Street. They have two more to burn down, he said. Administrative Assistant Tracie Vail reported that Aristotle
had been contacted about problems with their internet system in Hazen. The company faulted the Motorola equipment that they are using. They also said that the towers need to be higher to get over trees in the city. The fiber delivery has been delayed and nothing has been done yet. The tower on Hwy. 70 hasn’t been hooked up yet, due to Entergy delays. Prairie County Library Manager April Highfill told the council that the library numbers are up
and that they have issued mre cords. The librairies will be putting a hold on children’s programs for now due to the COVID virus. “I think more people are trying to stay home,” Highfill said. Hardke said that after a study of the compensation of employees, the cost to the city will be $8000. He also reported that the city now has the deed for Dr. Rays building and that there will be four more aerial applications for mosquitos in the city. The Hazen census count was reported as 1481 by Vail, which is up from 2019. “Traci (Vail) deserves the credit for that,” Hardke said. He also reported that Police Chief Bradley Taylor said that the Police Department is working toward handling citations electronically. The council looked at a proposal regarding solar power for the city of Hazen. Scenic Hill Solar would build a 420 kW DC fixed tilt solar power plant that would provide electric energy for the entire city under an Energy Services Agreement. The agreement would be for 28
years with an initial price of the electricity set at 6.3 cents per kilowatt hour with a three percent annual escalation of the price. The city would have to provide suitable land for the project or the company will purchase the land and sell it to the city. The city would save $13,780 over the first year and $600,000 over the 30 year period. The council told Hardke to look into the project, and Hardke said that he would have attorney Randy Bynum look over the contract. Hardke will also speak with other places that have solar contracts with Scenic Hill Solar, including the City of Searcy and the Batesville School District. The meeting ended with a report about feral cats loose within the city. The city has no laws against cats running loose other than a requirement that they be vaccinated against rabies. Attorney Keith Rhodes has been contacted about the problem, and he is going to try to put constraints on a cat problem if it is a health issue.
Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Blurred Vision -
By Nathaniel Bradow
From Senator Jonathan Dismang
“Epidemic of the Young” Last week marked the start of a new school year in Arkansas. Normally, parents use half of the morning of the first day of school either crying that they will miss their poor little babies who are going off to school for the first time or cheering that they no longer have to come home at lunch to find the leftover Chinese food they’ve been craving all day has been devoured, not by their kids (because their kids were too busy cutting down their wifes’ favorite rose bush; the bush that they expressly told them NOT to cut down when they asked them to “give the hedges a little trim”), no, but by their goodfor-nothing friend, who has spent at least half the summer at your house eating YOUR food while sitting on YOUR lawn and slurping down YOUR shrimp lo mein with his garlic-saucecovered lips and pimplecovered nose to the effect that not only are you terribly Hangry, but the people who were in the former group at the beginning of this sentence are now in the latter group by the end of it or will be at least by the start of next school year. But I digress… This school year is beginning pretty much the way last school year did. Masks are being mandated. Covid cases are spiking. And no one knows just what to expect come day one much less midweek or midyear. Unfortunately, this year comes with a new variant of Covid-19 that spreads more easily and affects kids more profoundly. Add to that Arkansas’s incredibly low vaccination rate, and you are talking about sending a generation of children back into classrooms across the state where the only protection they have, against a virus that has claimed the lives of at least 2 children and put 12 more in the hospital in the state of Arkansas, will be a cloth mask and luck. I know that is a grim thought, gentle readers. But these could come to be grim times. This pandemic has shifted some over the past 18 months. With new variants mutating here and there across
the globe, it is hard to see where the end may be. It might be that Covid is now the new normal. This latest strain, however, is decidedly an epidemic of the unvaccinated. Numbers don’t lie. Yes, there have been breakthrough infections, but the vast majority of those (which are rare to begin with) are mild or asymptomatic. The vast majority of hospitalizations and deaths that are happening now are happening to those who are still unvaccinated. I know that is hard to hear for some people. I know there are lots of people who question anything that they don’t directly see or have first-hand experience with. I also know that if you are still on the fence about vaccines, my humble opinion probably won’t sway you. However, it is my job to try. I have been vaccinated since February of this year, and I have yet to grow a second head or third eye. My mental acuity hasn’t slowed and no one has come around to track if I have any firearms in my home. What I do know is what the numbers say. And the numbers say, vaccinated people have better health outcomes if they contract Covid-19 than those who aren’t vaccinated. I may be a simple English teacher from the rice fields of Arkansas, but I know how smart researchers in the medical field are. I am fine with letting them take the wheel for a while until we can get out of this societal nightmare. My wife and I, all of our teaching colleagues, along with most of the parents out there are trying to look on the bright side. We are ready to sanitize, distance, and mask-up for the good of the kids who have already had to struggle through one year of this mess. We are entering year two of a pandemic that we were told would last only a few weeks or even days. But that isn’t important now because it is here, and we have to be prepared. We want to be back. Trust me. Last year I taught all virtual classes. That means I spent eight hours a day talking into the great blacked-out-
State Capitol Week in Review
boxesof-Zoom void and hoping that I was helping at least one or two students understand the importance of connecting the symbolism in Of Mice and Men to their own lives, I know from experience how horrible the ‘virtual teaching’ experience can be. That being said, few districts are offering an online option this year. I can’t blame them. My failure rate skyrocketed last year due to the pull of too many other things kids have to distract them while sitting at home when they are supposed to be listening in class. All we can do is cross our fingers and do our best to fight the good fight and be there for the kids whose only refuge or place of safety and security is the school. No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, the facts are what they are. People die from Covid and not just the old and the infirm. I know we are all tired of wearing masks. I hate my mask. It’s hot. It’s uncomfortable. It makes my face sweat. I am not a fan of masks. But, on days like these, where the rules change every day or week, it is hard to know what the right thing to do is. Wearing a mask is something I know I can do to help save lives and comfort those who are at risk of serious health problems due to Covid. The only way we get out of this is through vaccination. The longer the virus is allowed to mutate and stay extant in the world, the more likely it will become a version that can’t be suppressed by a vaccine. If that happens, this pandemic may never end. So, if you haven’t yet, do your part and get vaccinated. The life you save may be your own or your child’s. To comment, you can reach me at thatbradowguy@gmail.com
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LITTLE ROCK – The number of people who live in Arkansas increased by about 95,600 over the past 10 years, a growth rate of 3.3 percent that brought the state’s population to more than three million people. The population of the entire United States grew by 7.4 percent, to more than 332 million people. After months of delay, the U.S. Census Bureau finally released a preliminary version of its new census report last week. The Bureau conducts a census every 10 years. The new population count is important because it will be the basis for distributing almost $10 billion in federal funding, through 55 U.S. government programs. For example, five years ago almost $500 million in Medicaid funding went to Arkansas based on the previous census from 2010. Federal matching funds are distributed to the 50 states through a formula that takes into account population and per capita income, as derived from census data. Census data is a factor in federal funding for highway construction, public housing, foster care, assistance with utility bills, school lunch programs, senior citizens centers, grants for vocational rehabilitation and welfare. That’s why local elected officials worked so hard last year to make sure everyone responded to
census surveys. Undercounts are worse in isolated, rural areas and in low-income neighborhoods. The financial impact of population loss is one the reason that some local elected officials are trying to generate support for a recount in areas where population declines have been the most dramatic. However, the odds are strongly against a recount by the Census Bureau. In Arkansas, cities gained population and rural areas lost population. Of the state’s 75 counties, 53 lost population. The largest gains were in Benton County, whose population grew by 28.5 percent, and Washington County, which grew by 21.1 percent. Both counties are in northwest Arkansas, where the local economy has consistently thrived over the past few decades. In central Arkansas, Pulaski County grew by 4.3 percent, Saline County by 15.2 percent, Faulkner County by 11.3 percent and Lonoke County by 7.2 percent. In northeast Arkansas, Craighead County grew by 14.4 and Greene County by 7.7 percent. Census data affects more than a region’s government funding, but also its political
influence. The legislature will use the new data to draw new maps of the state’s four Congressional Districts. The total population of Arkansas remained relatively stable over the past 10 years, therefore we continue to be represented in Washington by four members of Congress. Texas grew in population so much that it will gain two Congressional seats. Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, Oregon and Montana will add one Congressional seat. New York, California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and West Virginia will each lose one Congressional seat, which means those states will lose some political influence in Washington. The state Board of Apportionment, consisting of the governor, the attorney general and the secretary of state, will use the new census data to draw new maps of legislative districts. There are 35 Senate districts. There are 100 districts in the state House of Representatives. When the redistricting process is complete, probably by the end of the year, all House and Senate districts will have roughly the same number of voters.
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ORDINANCE NO. 2021-08 “AN ORDINANCE TO WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR REFURBISHING A GAS REGULATOR STATION.” WHEREAS, Act 28 of 1959 of the Acts of Arkansas of the General Assembly provides for competitive bidding by municipal governments of the State of Arkansas; and WHEREAS, said Act also provides for a method to waive the requirements of competitive bidding in exceptional situations where such procedure is deemed not feasible or practical; and WHEREAS, the City has further determined competitive bidding, if necessary, is not presently feasible or practical and could unnecessarily harm the City’s functional capability to perform its stated goals of providing a safe, wellequipped City capable of providing the best services to its citizens if the gas regulator station by Riceland is not fixed soon. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Des Arc, Arkansas: 1. The City of Des Arc does hereby declare that refurbishing the gas regulator station is not feasible or practical under the law of competitive bidding, due to the fact that emergency repairs are needed immediately due to the minimal amount of time before harvest season (when Riceland will be using the most amount of natural gas); and 2. The requirement of competitive bidding is hereby waived in accordance with Act 28 of 1959 of the Act of Arkansas of the Arkansas General Assembly and the Mayor and City Council of this City are hereby authorized to hire Tri-State Meter and Regulator to refurbish the regulator station, which is estimated to cost $10,614.20, and 3. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof. 4. That, therefore, any requirement of competitive bidding for these repairs are hereby waived. 5. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed. 6. EMERGENCY CLAUSE – That, because maintaining a safe City is necessary for the City to provide its functional capabilities and for the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City and because the repairs to the regulator station must be completed soon to continue its duties of providing a safe environment to its citizens, an emergency is declared to exist and this ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval. PASSED THIS 17TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2021. ATTEST: Chrisana Knupp, Recorder-Treasurer APPROVED: James B. Garth, Mayor
Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, August 25, 2021
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The Grand Prairie Herald is striving to cover all of the Grand Prairie news in our newspaper each week. We have been covering news about the Grand Prairie for over 119 years, which includes Hazen, Des Arc, Carlisle, DeValls Bluff, Stuttgart, and the surrounding areas. So, if you have news to tell, a picture that you would like to share, or some information that needs to get out, call us at 870-255-4538 Monday, Tuesday, or Friday, or email us at heraldpublishing@gmail.com
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To Whom It May Concern: A 2008 Nissan Altima Vin# 1N4AL21EX8C169797 was picked up on 7-20-21 at the White River bridge EB I-40 at the request of the Arkansas State Police. This vehicle is in the possession of Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service 1111 Hwy 70 W, Hazen Ar. 72064, (870)255-3305. Towing, storage, & administrative costs are accruing as legal liability of the owner. Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first priority possessory
lien on the said vehicle and its content for all such charges. The vehicle and its contents will be dismantled, destroyed, or sold at public sale to the highest bidder if not claimed within 45 days and constitutes a waiver by the owner and lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.
To Whom It May Concern: A 2010 Chrysler 300 Vin# 2C3CA5CV0AH176224 was picked up on 3-25-21 at the 201 WB I-40 at the request of the Prairie County Sheriff’s Office. This vehicle is in the possession of Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service 1111 Hwy 70 W, Hazen Ar. 72064, (870)255-3305. Towing, storage, & administrative costs are accruing as legal liability of the owner. Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first priority possessory
lien on the said vehicle and its content for all such charges. The vehicle and its contents will be dismantled, destroyed, or sold at public sale to the highest bidder if not claimed within 45 days and constitutes a waiver by the owner and lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.
To Whom It May Concern: A 2009 Ford Fusion Vin# 3FAHP07149R140987 was picked up on 6-8-21 at the Travel Inn Hwy 63 Hazen, AR at the request of the owner of the Travvel Inn. This vehicle is in the possession of Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service 1111 Hwy 70 W, Hazen Ar. 72064, (870)255-3305. Towing, storage, & administrative costs are accruing as legal liability of the owner. Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first prior-
ity possessory lien on the said vehicle and its content for all such charges. The vehicle and its contents will be dismantled, destroyed, or sold at public sale to the highest bidder if not claimed within 45 days and constitutes a waiver by the owner and lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, MonFri, 8am-5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.
To Whom It May Concern: A 2005 Chevy Cavalier Vin# 1G1JC52F757112327 was picked up on 7-15-21 on Hwy 63 near Loves at the request of the Hazen Police Department. This vehicle is in the possession of Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service 1111 Hwy 70 W, Hazen Ar. 72064, (870)255-3305. Towing, storage, & administrative costs are accruing as legal liability of the owner. Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first priority possessory
lien on the said vehicle and its content for all such charges. The vehicle and its contents will be dismantled, destroyed, or sold at public sale to the highest bidder if not claimed within 45 days and constitutes a waiver by the owner and lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.
To Whom It May Concern: A 2005 Nissan Maxima Vin# 1N4BA41E15C816783 was picked up on 6-5-21 at theTravel Inn Hwy 63 Hazen, AR at the request of the Prairie County Sheriff’s Office. This vehicle is in the possession of Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service 1111 Hwy 70 W, Hazen Ar. 72064, (870)255-3305. Towing, storage, & administrative costs are accruing as legal liability of the owner. Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first prior-
ity possessory lien on the said vehicle and its content for all such charges. The vehicle and its contents will be dismantled, destroyed, or sold at public sale to the highest bidder if not claimed within 45 days and constitutes a waiver by the owner and lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, MonFri, 8am-5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.
To Whom It May Concern: A 2008 Mazda Tribute Vin# 4F2CZ02Z18KM22048 was picked up on 6-29-21 at the 183 WB I-40 at the request of the Prairie County Sheriff’s Office. This vehicle is in the possession of Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service 1111 Hwy 70 W, Hazen Ar. 72064, (870)255-3305. Towing, storage, & administrative costs are accruing as legal liability of the owner. Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first priority pos-
sessory lien on the said vehicle and its content for all such charges. The vehicle and its contents will be dismantled, destroyed, or sold at public sale to the highest bidder if not claimed within 45 days and constitutes a waiver by the owner and lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, Mon-Fri, 8am5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.
Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, August 25, 2021
New Agent at Prairie County Extension Danielle Dickson has been added to the Prairie County Extension Office Team. Danielle will be the new Agriculture Agent. Dickson comes to Prairie County from Drew County, but she grew up in Lonoke and now resides there with her husband Cole. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Plant and Soil Science from UAM in Monticello and is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Agriculture and Extension Education through the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
Carlisle quarterback Holden Jones hands the ball to running back J.J. Sullivan on the first play of Thursday's scrimmage at Bald Knob. (Mark Buffalo photo)
Danielle Dickson
McFadden joins AgHeritage Mike McFadden has been hired as an Ag Loan Officer with AgHeritage Farm Credit Services in the Lonoke Branch office. "Mike is a great addition to our team, and we're thrilled to have him on board. Our association and our customer-owners will benefit from his significant
expertise and knowledge,” said Griffin Golleher, Vice President of Lending and Branch Manager, Lonoke. McFadden will work alongside Josh Cunningham, JoSara Walker and Brandyn Frizzell in Lonoke. McFadden was previously employed as a Loan Officer at First
State Bank in Lonoke. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Branch offices are located in Batesville, Brinkley, Lonoke, McGehee, Newport, Pine Bluff, Pocahontas, Searcy and Stuttgart.
Arts festival accepts entries The Grand Prairie Arts Council is pleased to announce The Grand Prairie Festival of the Arts will be accepting entries in Visual Arts for adult and children at the Arts Center of the Grand Prairie. This professional juried competition will celebrate it’s sixty seventh year this fall. Artists may register their works online and see guidelines and other information at
www.grandprairiearts.co m. Visual Art Competition Adults / Youth & Children Registration and Entry Guideline Information can be found at www.grandprairiearts.co m Receive Entries September 24th 10:00pm – 5:00pm September 25st 10:00am – 4:00pm
Exhibit October 1st – October 28th Artists Reception / Open House October 5th 5:00 – 6:30 Entry Pick Up October 29th – 10:00am – 4:00pm October 30th – 10:00am – 4:00pm LOCATION The Arts Center of the Grand Prairie 108 West 12th Stuttgart, Arkansas 72160
New
New Books Books Circle of BonesChristine Kling Dragon's TriangleChristine Kling Baptism of FireAndrzej Sapkowski Blood of Elves- Andrzej Sapkowski The Time of ContemptAndrzej Sapkowski The RestaurantPamela Kelley Love Blooms at the Apple Blossom InnTracy Fredrychowski (Christian) The Cellist- Daniel Silva The Amish Quiltmaker's Unexpected BabyJennifer Beckstrand (Christian) Doll House- John Hunt The Maidens- Alex Michaelides It's Better this WayDebbie Macomber The Downstairs GirlStacey Lee Wood's Relic- Steven Becker Wood's Reef- Steven Becker Bossy Grump- Nicole Snow Dr. Stanton- T L Swan Mr. Garcia- T L Swan Lost Key- Chris Niles Lost Relics- Chris Niles The One You're WithLauren K Denton Gathering DarkCandice Fox Dark Roads- Chevy Stevens The Strawberry Hearts Diner- Carolyn Brown Such a Quiet PlaceMegan Miranda Aftermath- Terri Blackstock (Christian) Redemption PointCandice Fox Say Goodbye- Karen Rose
Trespasser- Paul Doiron Hex on the BeachKelley Armstrong Magic UncorkedAnnabel Chase Sympathetic MagicSara Bourgeois Criss Cross- C C Warrens (Christian) Crossed Off- C C Warrens (Christian) Cross Fire- C C Warrens (Christian) The Perfect RuinShanora Williams It's a Wonderful WoofSpencer Quinn First Date- Sue
DVDs Watson The ForbiddenHeather Graham Fate InterruptedElizabeth Hunter DVD’s V C Andrews Landrey Familiy 4 movie series American Gods season 3 The God Committee Separation Walking Dead: World Beyond season 1 No Man's Land Midnight in the Switchgrass The White King Shameless season 1
Bison coach sees good things in scrimmage By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor Carlisle coach Caleb Shock was pleased with the Bison played in a 24-8 loss in a two-quarter scrimmage Thursday against Bald Knob. “I was impressed with a lot of things,” Shock said. “I felt like we were further along at this point this year than we were at this point last year. I thought we moved the ball well at times and played defense well at times. We’ve just got to be better in more critical situations. “We get the ball all the way down to the goal line on the first play of the game and don’t score. Two times, we had them in fourth and long then gave up a conversion. We’ve got to clean up a few things,
and we’ll be okay.” On the first play of the game, Carlisle’s J.J. Sullivan ran 74 yards to the Bald Knob 6. However, the Bison were not able to score, turning the ball over at the Bald Knob 2. The Bison forced a punt and took over at the Bald Knob 30. Four plays later, Sullivan scored on a 16-yard run with 5:16 left in the first quarter. Devin Cooney added the twopoint conversion to give the Bison an 8-0 lead. Carlisle’s next drive ended in an interception by Bald Knob’s Elijah Bradley. Bald Knob took a 16-8 lead when Pierce threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Lindsey with 1:50 left in the second quarter. Pierce scored the two-point conversion.
With the Bison trying to tie the score, Bradley intercepted another pass and returned it 47 yards for a touchdown with 46.2 seconds left. Lindsey scored the twopoint conversion. Sullivan led the Bison with 115 yards rushing on 9 carries. Cooney had 40 yards on six carries. The Bison host the Lonoke Jackrabbits on Friday night at Fred C. Hardke Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. “We won’t be doing a whole lot different than what we’ve been doing to get ready,” Shock said. “We’re going to have to try to eliminate big plays. They are very explosive on offense. Offensively, we’re going to have to try and eat up a lot of clock and help our defense by keeping their offense off the field.”