At the August 20, 2024 City Council meeting, the final decision was made to seek a 3% Advertising and Promotion Tax (“Hamburger Tax”). This tax will be solely devoted to the Parks and Recreation program. None of the money will be used for salary and will be overseen by a committee made up of four restaurant/hotel business members, two council members, and one community person. These provisions are outlined in the state law.
The City Council will have the final approval on all expenditures. Priority will be given to bringing the parks’ concession stands up to code by the time the baseball season begins. Several public meetings had been held previous to the Council meeting with vigorous discussions at each. As a result of these meetings, Andrew Silverman presented a new ordinance designed to lower the tax to 1 l/2% at the request of some of the restaurant owners.
City Attorney Mike Stuart advised the council that any changes to the ordinance would necessitate another council meeting within the next two days since the deadline for submitting and getting an
approval for a proposal on the November 5th ballot was due on Friday, August 23. Any ballot issues have to be submitted 70 days prior to the election to have time to meet the approval of the state. Despite this, Ashley Golleher moved to change the ordinance and lower the rate to l l/2%.
The discussion that followed was negative, so Silverman moved to change it to 2%.
Golleher withdrew her original motion and seconded Silverman’s.
Golleher suggested that
Baptist Health Stuttgart welcomes new OB-GYN
STUTTGART, Ark. –Ashton Porter, MD, recently joined the team at Baptist Health Stuttgart Campus Clinic-A Service of Baptist Health Medical Center-Stuttgart as an obstetrician- gynecologist.
Dr. Porter, a native of Oak Grove, Arkansas, received a Doctor of Medicine and residency training from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She specializes in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy and childbirth.
“As an OB-GYN provider, I am committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care for women’s health needs throughout their lives, from adolescence through menopause,”
Dr. Porter says. “I strive to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where patients feel comfortable discussing their health concerns openly.”
Baptist Health Stuttgart Campus Clinic connects patients from Stuttgart and surrounding communities with the quality care they need, for whatever stage of life they’re in. The clinic, at 1703 North Buerkle, Suites 2,3,4,C, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is conveniently located on the campus of Baptist Health Medical Center-Stuttgart.
For more information about Dr. Porter and the services she provides at Baptist Health Stuttgart Campus Clinic, visit Baptist-Health.com or call (870) 674-6600.
2% would be a good compromise since so much work had been done by Silverman and the people with whom he had worked. She also mentioned that there had been resistance from some people for the 3%.
The motion failed on a vote of 4 to 2 with only yeas were Silverman and Golleher. Finally, another vote was taken, and the original ordinance for 3% was passed.
A public meeting had been held prior to the Council meeting as a requirement for the Parks and Tourism grant that Anne Anderson is working on.
Tanya Childers, a representative from CAPDD, led the meeting and encouraged citizens to suggest ideas for park improvements. She encouraged people to
speak their dreams. Some suggestions were: a sail to cover the playground equipment, a pickle ball court, and seating and lighting for the field.
Questions were asked about the cost to rehabilitate the facilities. The architect has estimated that the cost will be approximately $208,000. The grant that Anderson is applying for is a 50/50 matching grant.
Leigh Ann Poole, another CAPDD representative, brought good news about the demolished buildings owned by the city on Main Street. There are funds available to assess and clean up such buildings that contain asbestos or other dangerous materials through a government program.
Hopefully, something can be done about these structures fairly quickly.
Larry Pasley announced that the Airport Commission is applying for a 90/10 grant to replace runway lights and other improvements. The City has to pass a resolution approving that, which they did.
The Christmas Ladies wanted to thank David Walters II and his crew for their hard work in preparing the City Park and old gym for Zip Code Day. The crew worked for two days weed-eating, mowing, and making the area look good in general. The ladies were very appreciative.
Officer Franks reported that there is a need for a dispatcher as well as an officer in the Police Department. Permission was given for police officers to take a patrol car home after their shifts as long as the car is not used for any personal use. They will be charged $50 a month. This is a common practice at other local police stations. There are three applicants for Parks and Rec Director. The committee will meet soon to interview and move forward to hire someone. At the beginning of the council meeting, Andrew Silverman was sworn in by Judge Teresa Smith. He is running for the Council in November for Todd Turner’s position. Since he is unopposed, he can begin serving now. All council members were present.
Hazen WWII veteran Joe Skarda honored. (See page 6.)
Judge Teresa Smith swears in Andrew Silverman who will take over the council position left vacant by Todd Turner.
JoAnn Ridout
By Mitzi Osborne
JoAnn Ridout passed away unexpectedly on August 20, 2024. JoAnn was born June 21, 1939, in Blackton Arkansas. Her father, Homer Ridout, had moved his family to Blackton to be near his sawmilling and logging business. She was preceded in death by her father, Homer Lindley Ridout, her mother, Melba Pearl Hogue Murray, and her brother, Wayne Edward Ridout. The family soon moved to Des Arc where JoAnn attended Des Arc Schools where she was a cheerleader, a member of the Beta Club, a member of the varsity basketball team and was the first Homecoming Queen at Des Arc High School in 1954.
JoAnn graduated from Des Arc High School in 1957. After graduation, she attended ASU Jonesboro where she received her teaching certificate and subsequently was awarded her Master's Degree from University of Central Arkansas. She returned to her Alma Mater, Des Arc, to teach in the business department until 1976.
JoAnn moved to Searcy in 1977 and joined her father and brother in the Ridout Lumber Company business where she remained until 2002 when she moved to Little Rock after retiring from the lumber business. She attended First Baptist Church in Searcy and
Arkansas Press Association
upon moving to Little Rock moved her membership to Pulaski Heights Baptist Church which she attended until her passing. She was also a member of the ''Flock of Ages'' Sunday School class to which she was devoted. She is survived by her children; Cynthia Carpenter of Little Rock and Marvin J. (Cindy) Moore, Jr, of Searcy. Also surviving are her dearly loved Grandchildren who affectionately referred to her as ''Grand''. They are Lindley (Nathan) Kinard of Little Rock; Will (Holly) Moore, John (Caitlyn) Moore, and Andrew (Kate) Moore of Searcy; Rian (Chris) Voyles of Hernando, MS; and Jake (Fariha) O'Bannon of Southhaven, MS. She is also survived by ten great grandchildren. She was dearly loved and recently celebrated her 85th birthday with all in attendance.
Others surviving are her sister in law, Robbye Ridout, of Searcy; one niece, Kristen Smith and one nephew, Ross Ridout of Searcy and one niece, Kari Rockwell of Fayetteville; and cousin Vicki Skarda of Hazen. Also left behind is a special friend, Don Blessing. Visitation was held at 1pm on Sunday, August 25, at Roller Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy, with service following at 2pm. Interment will be in White County Memorial Gardens next to her beloved father, Homer Ridout.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts in JoAnn's memory and/or Crews Allen Smith's memory be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital; 1 Children's Way, Slot 661; Little Rock, Arkansas 72202.
Edith Louise Weddle
Lester and Madge Miller. Louise was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen.
Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Weddle; her parents and two sisters, Carolyn Cook and Edith Thomas. She is survived by two sons, Jerry White and wife Kim, and Shane Weems and wife Krista, both of Hazen; two daughters, Debi White and Melanie Yielding, both of Hazen; grandsons, Zak White and wife Brooklynn, Blake Simmons and wife, Leata, and Andy Ingle; great-grandsons, Ross Ingle, Sterling and Vincent Simmons and legend McGee; five brothers, Herschel Miller, Pete Miller, Lester Miller, Cecil Miller and Chuckie Miller and one sister, Jenny Howard. Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen by Bro. Christian VanHouten. Visitation was held from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. in the church sanctuary prior to the service. Burial was held in the Hazen Cemetery. Pallbearers were Donnie Boothe, Phillip Boothe, Joe Mills, Ray Raper, Luke VanHouten, and Josh Simmons. Honorary Pallbearers are Josh VanHouten, David Hodges, Jr., Charles Stock, Lynn Mills, and Kevin Rounsavall.
On August 12 at 10:30 am, eleven members and two children met at First Baptist Biscoe for the club’s monthly meeting. Members attending were Janice Corpier, Opal Flippo, Jackie Fogerty, Karen Golden, Juanita Hutchinson, Bernadette Mosby, Debby Priest, Janis Toll, Barbara Williams, Ardie Yates, and Mitzi Osborne. President Osborne called the meeting to order with the thought followed by the inspiration, ‘Yielding’ based on Romans 6:12-13 given by Juanita Hutchinson. Secretary Jackie Fogerty called the roll and read the minutes. Treasurer Bernadette Mosby presented the financial report. Members reported 356 volunteer hours.
As a community service project, members purchased items and collected donations from several local businesses to fill gift bags to give to those who attend the Hazen Senior center. Items included were scrubbers, jar openers, nail files and clippers, snacks, pens and pencils, lotion, notepads, and more useful items. Biscoe EHC volunteering shows we care.
Topics discussed: Storage of EHC purchased US/AR flags (Thanks to the Biscoe city workers for taking down our flags for storage).
Fair Cleanup Day— September 12 at 9:00 am
NOTICE
Parade– September 14 at Des Arc WeekSeptember 15 – 22 (Biscoe EHC has nine volunteer fair supervisors).
Our educational exhibit board and entries
For an eye opener, Janice Corpier shared the decorative cross she had made. Janis Toll showed her magnetic earrings, and Mitzi Osborne brought a collage of her family when she was a young girl to
share. There were no August birthdays to celebrate. There are three in September: Brenda Prince, Rita Farris, and Debby Priest. Opal Flippo won the door prize.
The meeting adjourned with the reading of the Homemakers Prayer. After the meeting, Jackie Fogerty delivered the gift bags to the Senior Center to be distributed.
Email: heraldpublishing@gmail.com
Edith Louise Weddle, “Nin”, age 81 of Hazen, entered heaven on August 21, 2024 at Chambers Nursing Home in Carlisle. She was born May 14, 1943 in Brasfield, Arkansas to
Hazen Cemetery
Donations
Hazen Cemetery Donations: In Memory of: Mark Gerety By: Candace Linn
In memory of: Marie
Price By: Candace Isbell
Linn Kenny Donna Alexander
In memory of: Herbert Scribner,by John Donahue Mr. Mrs. L.G. Donahue By: Jane McClenny
In Memory of: The Cunningham Family
By: Ed Cathy Hancock
In memory of: Porter
Clifton
By: Billy and Nona
Gail Booth
UpKeep: By: Charles and Sara
Proctor
Donations
Notice is hereby given by the City of Des Arc, Arkansas (the “City”) that the City proposes to issue its Water and Sewer Revenue Bonds (a) in the maximum principal amount of $1,567,600 for the purpose of financing all or a portion of the costs of acquiring, constructing and equipping improvements and renovations to the water facilities of the City & water and sewer system and (b) in the maximum principal amount of $1,474,200 for the purpose of financing all or a portion of the costs of acquiring, constructing and equipping renovations and improvements to the water treatment plant. A public hearing concerning the proposed issuance of the bonds will be held by the City Council at 6:00 o’clock p.m. on the 17th day of September, 2024, at the regular meeting place of the Council, 107 S 3rd Street, Des Arc, Arkansas. At the public hearing, all interested persons shall have an opportunity to be heard concerning the proposed issuance of the bonds and the improvements to be financed.
This 23rd day of August, 2024.
WoodmenLife makes donations...
Shelby’s Pantry at Carlisle Methodist Church was the recipient of Carlisle Chapter 621
WoodmenLife Common Bond Program.
/s/ Roger Scott Mayor
WoodmenLife members, Vernon and Linda Mitchell, Lois Raborn and Barbara Phillips helped the many volunteers from the church bag 190 bags of food and made a $400.00 donation to the pantry.
Bison look sharp in scrimmage game, win
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Carlisle Bison struggled early on in their scrimmage with Yellville-Summit last week at Fred C. Hardke Field. But those struggles didn’t last too long.
The Bison beat the Panthers 47-6. Carlisle led 35-0 at halftime. “We got the ball down
inside the red zone two times and turned it over,” Carlisle coach Gary Wilson said. “After that, we clicked really well. I think we threw for 280 yards and five touchdowns in the first half.”
The two teams played a regulation half of football with plays being dead on special teams. The second half consisted of reserves playing two 10-play
series. Carlisle’s Kaidon Clingmon caught two touchdown passes from Ty Tanksley. Also catching touchdown passes were Isaiah Powell, Gabe Boyle and Cajuan Pernell. Jimmy Cham was 5 for 5 on extra points. He also connected on a 51-yard field goal attempt in pregame warmups.
In the second half, Baylor Hauk scored a touchdown on a run while Mason Boyle caught a touchdown pass. Wilson said Tanksley, who is starting as a freshman, looked good at quarterback.
“Kind of like he did during 7-on-7, he threw a pick on his first series,” Wilson said. “I think he was kind of nervous. But
after that, he looked really sharp.”
Wilson was pleased with the defense.
“They had negative 13 total yards,” Wilson said. “I was really happy with what we did defensively.”
The Bison travel to Monticello on Friday to play Drew Central.
“We’ve got their scrimmage film,” Wilson said of the Pirates. “They’ve
got a quarterback who is really athletic. They’ve got a good running back. We just don’t know a whole lot about them. The big thing is going to be keeping our guys focused on Drew Central because everyone knows Junction City is next week. There’s been a lot of talk about that one for a long time now.”
D es Arc pla y s 4A Lonoke in scrimmage
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
Des Arc coach Brandon
Barbaree was pleased with his team’s effort against Lonoke in its scrimmage Thursday night at James B. Abraham Stadium in Lonoke.
The Jackrabbits rallied for a 21-20 win in the scrimmage.
“I was pleased … we really controlled about the first 17 minutes,”
Barbaree said. “We were up 20-6. They made a big play offensively. They ended up getting us in the first half. I thought they were really athletic and big up front.
“I thought our kids played really well. Obviously, there are things we need to correct. We’re working on it every day.”
The Eagles did not keep any stats from the game, but Dayvion Bell scored
two touchdowns, Hudson Goodman scored the third one. Walker Harris scored the lone two-point conversion.
Des Arc is idle Friday night before opening the season at Hazen on Sept. 6. The Hornets play at Conway Christian this Friday.
“Everybody knows that’s a huge game for us,” Barbaree said. “We ultimately have about 11 days to get ready for
them. We’re just going to kind of focus on us this week, correcting the mistakes we had, as far as protecting the football, being better tacklers, really knowing our assignments. But our kids had been really good on Friday, came in ready to work.
“As far as our season, we have a long way that we can go if our kids do right.”
Hornets beat Episcopal 28-0
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Hazen Hornets played Little Rock Episcopal in a scrimmage game last week in preparation for the upcoming season.
Hazen beat Episcopal 28-0 in a half of football.
“Episcopal has a long way to go as do we,” Hazen coach Joe Besancon said. “There
were a few kids who haven’t played football in a couple of years. The main thing I was looking to see how aggressive they were. They showed themselves to be pretty aggressive at times. That was a good sign for us. We’ve got some young guys on the offensive line. I wanted to see how much they would get after it. They’ve definitely got some improvement to
do. At least getting after somebody, they did do that.” Hazen’s JJ Pinkney scored three touchdowns for the Hornets. Hunter Pardin scored the fourth touchdown. Hazen now travels to Conway Christian for the season opener Friday night. The Eagles advances to the state quarterfinals a year ago in Class 2A and return most every
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
starter from a year ago. “They are good … they are senior loaded,” Besancon said of the Eagles. “Any time at the 2A level you can be senior loaded … that’s going to make a big difference. Their quarterback [Jeryn Thomas] is really good. He’s definitely a threat to run. We’ve got to put in a really good game plan to keep him from scrambling as best we can.”
Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Act 626 of 1983, as amended, the Commissioner of State Lands will hold a public auction to dispose of the tax delinquent parcels which are listed below, all located in Prairie County, Arkansas. The auction will be held at the Lonoke Community Center located at 1355 Front St. SW in Lonoke, Arkansas, at 10:00 a.m. on September 24 2024. Bidder registration will commence at 9:00 a.m.
The parcels will be sold to the highest bidder, provided that such bid is equal to at least the total amount of taxes, penalty, interest, and costs due as certified to the Commissioner of State Lands. The full purchase price must be paid immediately following the sale. Payment can be made with a personal or business check, cashier’s check, money order, or credit/debit card. No cash payments will be accepted. The owner of record has until 4:00 p.m. CT on the last business day prior to the auction to redeem the property. All sales are final. The purchaser will receive a Limited Warranty Deed for the property from the Commissioner of State Lands. The title conveyed by the Commissioner of State Lands is not clear title nor a fully warranted title. The Commissioner of State Lands does not guarantee or warrant clear or merchantable title to the property sold. The original owner, assigns, or heirs have a ninety (90) day period during which the validity of the sale may be contested in court.
The Commissioner of State Lands strongly suggests that potential bidders perform their own research on the property listed below to determine its suitability for their uses, the status of the title, the existence of liens, and other tax assessments that may be due, but not collected by the Commissioner of State Lands. The sale of the parcel does not extinguish any lien for delinquent improvement district assessments or relieve the purchaser of liability for delinquent improvement district assessments.
Copies of the complete rules and regulations for the sale of tax delinquent parcels are available from the Commissioner of State Lands Office, 500 Woodlane Street, Suite 109, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 or www.cosl.org.
TOMMY LAND COMMISSIONER OF STATE LANDS Prairie County September 24, 2024, 10:00 a.m.
PARCEL #71100035000 CODE: 311 2019 TAX DUE $1,730.00
6137. DICKINSON, TRAVIS %DARRELL DICKINSON W1/2 LOT 7 BLOCK 4
6143. GIPSON, CAROLYN ALL BLOCK 9 WILLIAMS ADDITION DEVALLS BLUFF 19 2N 4W 0.744 ACRES PARCEL #71100561000 CODE: 45 2019 TAX DUE $903.23
6144. HAMILTON, DONALD, BENETIA HAMILTON, BRENDA HAMILTON, & BETTIE HAMILTON ALL BLOCK 7 SANDERS ADDITION DEVALLS BLUFF
6146. HAMILTON,
WIN $50
ARMCHAIR
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1. The contest is open to anyone except employees of the Herald Publishing Company and their immediate families. YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 16 YEARS OF AGE TO ENTER.
2. Contest entries must be turned in to the Herald office, 111 Highway 70 East in Hazen,The deadline will be Friday at noon. Entries may be mailed to “Armchair Quarterback, P.O. Box 370, Hazen, AR 72064.” Or you may email your answers to heraldpublishing@gmail.com before 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.
3. To enter, clip out the entry blank and pick the team you think will win from the games listed in each ad. Write the name of the team in the appropriate blank. If you think the game will end in a tie, write “tie” in the blank. For the 20th game, pick a winner and predict a total number of points scored in the game. Total point predictions will be used as a tie-breaker if two or more entries correctly guess the same number of winners. The entry with the most correct game winner predictions wins the $50 cash prize. If a tie still exists after the total point predictions are judged, the prize money will be divided.
4. Each entry must be filled out completely and legibly to be eligible.
5. Contestants who win will not be eligible for the following week’s contest.
6. Only the person whose name appears on the winning entry may claim the prize unless other arrangements have been made and agreed to by the Herald Publishing Company.
7. All entries become the property of the Herald Publishing Company and will not be returned.
8. The name of the winner of each week’s contest will be announced in the following week’s edition of The Grand Prairie Herald
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11. Occasionally, game schedules are changed after the contest games have been selected. If this week’s line-up does not correspond to the games being played, the game or games in question will be voided and the contest will be judged on the basis of the remaining games.
1111 Hwy. 70 West Hazen, AR
American aviators honored at service in France
A ceremony was held on August 13, 2024, in Lammerville, France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the saving of a plane full of American soldiers who were hidden from Nazi soldiers by local villagers. One of the aviators honored was Joseph Skarda of Hazen.
On August 13, 1944, Mr. Joseph (Joe) W. Skarda parachuted out of a burning B17 aircraft during World War II. He landed in Lammerville, France on a wheat shock and miraculously only injured his tail bone.
Along with two other American soldiers, he was hidden in the barn by Frenchman Robert Beaudoin, with another hidden in the house. Mr. Joe and the others were hidden for around 20 days and finally became liberated on September 2, 1944.
There would never be a way to truly thank Robert Beaudoin for saving his life, but Mr.
Joe promised him he would name his first born son after Robert’s son Alan. Keeping true to his word, on November 13, 1947, Mr. Joe named his first born child and son Gary Alan Skarda.
Ivan Beaudoin and his sister Annick Beaudoin Margoelle were young children during this time, but they still remember it. Years ago, Ivan reached out to Connie Skarda and Vicki Skarda on
On August 13, 1944, my father, T-Sgt Joseph W. Skarda, flight engineer and turret gunner, and 7 other crew members took off from the Nuthampstead, England Airbase in the B-17 called the Bronx Bomber II. Their 20th mission was to bomb the Le Manoir railroad bridge to prevent the withdrawal of 19 German troop divisions from the Normandy front. The were hit by enemy flak and were
forced to parachute from the burning plane. My father landed on a wheat shock and was injured. The French Marquis got to him before the Germans did, and took him to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Beaudoin. He was one of four Allied Airman harbored by this courageous family. The Beaudoins called a doctor who treated Dad’s injuries. Canadian forces liberated the area on September 2. 1944.
I have sincere gratitude to the Beaudoin Family for risking their lives to protect and share their food with Dad and the 3 other aviators. I’d also like to thank the citizens of Lammerville for erecting this beautiful monument honoring these brave soliders, and the citizens of France who made this commemorative 80th anniversary possible.
Sincerely, Connie Skarda
Facebook and the three became friends.
In 2015 Connie (Joe’s daughter) and Dotsy Skarda went to France to meet up with Ivan and hear the stories of Mr. Joe first hand. Ivan and his wife Martine do
not speak any English but through Google Translate they were able to share this amazing.
Ivan told Connie and Vicki about the ceremony he was planning for the 80th anniversary
and invited them to come to Lammerville to join the festivities.
Connie and Vicki made plans in early 2024 to attend the ceremony in person. So, in August 2024, Connie and Vicki made the pilgrimage to France. “It was so wonderful to see these French men honoring our American soldiers. The ceremony was a beautiful tribute,” Vicki said. The tribute included honoring families of the fallen soldiers, many champagne toasts, delicious food, and the town mayor made a speech retelling the amazing stories. Each family who attended was able to share their personal story.
“If it had not been for Mr. Robert Beaudoin, Gary, Randy, and Connie would not be here today - none of the Skarda Family would be. Thank you so much Beaudoin Family!”
Written by Vicki Skarda, daughter-in-law of Mr. Joe Skarda.
Robert Beaudoin
Joe Skarda is on the far left in the picture above. Skarda’s French identity card was displayed.
Connie and Vicki Skarda with Mr. Robert Beaudoin’s son, Ivan Beaudoin, in front of the memorial monument that was dedicated to the American soldiers.
