Community Calendar of Events
White River Energetics expands facility
DES ARC, Ark. (September 6, 2024) –White River Energetics (WRE), an ammunition primer and energetics manufacturer, is expanding its facility in Des Arc, creating 100 new jobs. The company is investing approximately $10 million to expand its existing facility. Additionally, WRE will also make a $60 million dollar investment to build a single base smokeless propellant factory. There is a worldwide shortage of smokeless propellant that is affecting munitions availability globally.
The expansion and new smokeless propellant facility will create 100 total new jobs at the White River Energetics campus in Des Arc and represents an investment of more than $70 million.
“This smokeless propellant factory will enable us to supply propellant to the global shortage that is affecting munitions availability,” said Dan Powers, President and CEO of D&M Holding Company, Inc. “We are proud to have chosen Des Arc for this investment and look forward to adding the additional
jobs for the community.”
“We are proud of all the people and employees who have worked tirelessly to support WRE and make this happen,” said BJ Rogers, Vice President of Operations, D&M Holding Company, Inc.
“Having grown up in Des Arc, I’m personally proud to see the successes that have been made with primers and look forward to continued success in the future production of propellant.”
The expansion will enable WRE to scale its energetics and primer
manufacturing to meet customer demand as well as develop new products. WRE supports domestic and international clients through the manufacture and distribution of energetics for various ammunition types.
“I’m proud of the 100 new jobs and the $70 million investment we are announcing in a small town in Arkansas that I know will have a big impact,” said Governor Sanders.
White River Energetics currently has 125 employees at the Des Arc facility. In the past year, the com-
pany has added 73 new employees.
“Congratulations to White River Energetics and to the City of Des Arc on this successful economic development project,“ said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “This project hits the sweet spot in Arkansas: the growth of the firearms and ammunition industry led by innovative entrepreneurs, which is resulting new jobs and investment in a rural community.”
(Continued on page 3.)
PC Quorum Court hears solar presentation
The Prairie County Quorum Court heard a presentation from Silicon Ranch (SRC), a solar energy company based in Nashville, Tennessee, about a proposed solar project in Des Arc. All of the justices were present, along with Judge Lawrence Holloway, County Clerk Gaylon Hale, and County Attorney Abram Skarda.
Hanna Nordin, who is in charge of economic and community development for the company, told the justices that Silicon Ranch is one of the largest independent power producers in the country that operates solar farms in 17 states across the United States and in Canada. The company owns and operates every project which develops, designs, funds, and constructs. Nordin assured the court that the company is committed to the communities that they serve and will leave the land they use better than they found it.
Silicon Ranch acquired the company Clearloop in 2021. Clearloop helps to increase economic development capacity, provide the clean tech workforce, and help increase the community of Des Arc’s understanding of solar energy. Clearloop also partners with local secondary schools, providing them with projects, STEM tools, and other resources. Their “Energize Careers” pro-
gram trains skilled workers for the industry.
The project will be placed on a 78 acre site just off Main Street in Des Arc. Of those acres, 33.45 acres will be covered with solar panels. SRC will purchase and own the land, and they project a 234% increase in property taxes annually, and will require only minimal county services. They expect a capital investment of over $5 million. At the end of the 40 year project, SRC will be responsible for the removal of all project components and the restoration of any disturbed soil and re-vegetation of the site. The project will not produce much noise during the day, and none at night. The company says that the electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposure levels along the perimeter fencing of the project is far lower than that found inside a typical home.
The solar ordinance recently passed by the Quorum Court would
not allow for this project, and the speakers requested that the court change some of the ordinance requirements to allow the project to go forward. The court agreed to revisit the ordinance, which was written for much larger projects, and asked that the SRC turn in suggestions for change.
After passing a resolution declaring a vacancy in the county treasurer position, and going into executive session to interview the applicants for that position, the court hired Tabitha Gates to finish out the term of Tamara Dabney, the former treasurer. Gates was sworn in by County Clerk Gaylon Hale after the meeting.
In other business, the court passed two ordinances - one to purchase two Dodge Durangos for the Sheriff’s Department, and the second to equip those Durangos. Harvey Joe Sanner spoke at the end of the meeting about White River Energetics, a new company located just outside of Des Arc. He told the court that the governor and several other dignitaries had recently come to the facility. Sanner’s organization, “Moving Prairie
County Forward”, was instrumental in bringing the facility to the county. He also thanked the court for improving the road to the facility.
CLARIFICATION - The Herald reported that the Sheriff’s Department had requested that money from Jail Op and Maintenance fund be moved to County General account. The transfer provided funds to upgrade the software in the county treasurer’s office. It did not go to the county road fund.
Volume 123 Number 36 - USPS 225-680 Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Congressman Rick Crawford, Arkansas Economic Development Commission Executive Director Clint O’Neal, and Dare Saul spoke at the White River Energetics expansion announcement. (Harvey Joe Sanders photo.)
County Clerk Hale swears in new treasurer Tabitha Gates.
Silicon Ranch representatives speak to court.
Janice Marie
Davis
Janice Marie Davis, 63, of Hazen went to be with the Lord on September 9, 2024.
Guard. He was then an employee with Duncan Ford, retiring after 20 plus years.
Carlisle School Board hears district financial report
By Debbye Harrison
Janice came into this world on November 17, 1960 to Earnest Cooper, Sr. and Martha Odean Mills. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bobby Cooper, and sister, Sheila Walls. She is survived by her brother, Buddy Cooper (Vickie) of Hazen; sisters, Bonnie Heinmiller and Peggy Pullium (Rex), both of Hazen; brother, David Cooper (Sherry) of North Little Rock; daughter, Shonda Cupples and grandsons, Lonnie and Jacob Grable. Janice also had many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Janice enjoyed writing and spending time with her friends. She worked in various jobs over the years and met a lot of people that she came to love like family and Janice was loved by many.
Arrangements for her memorial will be made at a later date.
Ronald Clifton
Eans
Ronald (Ronnie) Clifton Eans was born December 31, 1944, to Wilma (Marsh) and Tollie Eans at Griffithville, Arkansas. Ronnie passed away September 2 at his home. As a child and teenager, he attended the Des Arc School system graduating 12th grade. After graduation, he joined and served with the National
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
Ronnie married the love of his life, LaNeil in 1971. Ronnie and LaNeil were blessed with raising three children: Tony, Darbin and Patty. After 40 years of marriage LaNeil passed away in 2011.
Ronald was an avid hunter and trainer of waterfowl retrievers, all around the United States. He enjoyed showing his prize possessions at the show fairs. Ronald was a member of the Coon Hunters Club of Prairie County and was an active part of the Arkansas Waterfowl Association.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and wife LaNeil. Ronnie is survived by children, Anthony (Connie) Vogelgesang of Little Rock, Darbin Moye of Kensett, Patty (Gerald) Wilson of Biscoe, eight grandchildren Dawson, Hannah, Jennifer, Robyn, Dallas, Gatlin, Clair, Dillion, seven great grandchildren and sister Greta (Gene) Seward of Batesville.
Dorthey Lorraine Woodall
she wouldn’t give the shirt off of her back if she knew they needed it. For 25 years, Dorthey served the community as the Hippy instructor for Carlisle Public School District. She loved her job and took on all of her HIPPY kids like they were her own. It wasn’t just a way to make money or a job for Dorthey; she knew the impact she had on the future of this community. She cherished her role and every child she had the honor of teaching. She absolutely loved her job and we know she left this earth fulfilling her calling from the Lord. If you knew Dorthey, her favorite places to be were at the lake or the beach. She loved to be in the sun and she was not a fair-weather Razorback fan. Rain or shine she was cheering on the Hogs.
The most important decision Dorthey ever made was to give her life over to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and accept the forgiveness that can only be provided through Him and His sacrifice on the cross. She loved the Lord and looked forward to standing in His presence at the end of her earthly life.
The Carlisle School Board met September 9, 2024, and focused on the school’s finances. Superintendent Greene gave special thanks to Mr. Fowler, Mr. Skaggs and Mr. Cotner for their extra hours of work getting ready for the first home ballgame and being there to handle all the crisis that followed.
Leigh Ann Biernat, representative of Stephens Inc., met with the Board to review the Municipal Advisor Agreement. Each year Stephens meets with the Administration and the Board to evaluate the school’s financial situation.
Biernat reported that although the district is paying the final payments of the balloon note (approximately $730,000 each year for the next six years) on the new high school, the loan is at a 2 l/2% interest rate and would not be a candidate at this time for re-financing.
ence. He also has experience in electrical and plumbing work which will be a substantial advantage in reducing reliance on outside contractors. Mr. Greene complimentd Mr. Cotner who has gone above and beyond over the past several months and will continue with the district. Mr. Cotner together with Mr. Hoover they will help the district greatly reduce maintenance costs.
ing fund. This was just a bookkeeping transfer which will help keep the school district in line with State Department guidelines for the required end-of-year balance.
The Annual Report to the Public was made by both Principals Rowland and Aukes and Mrs. Stivers who is the Special Education Director.
Rowland reported on Grandparents’ Day and K-3 screenings. He also reported that the teachers are working on a suitable way to have collaborative work time.
Aukes announced the installation of the EAST lab with all of its technology. She also reminded the Board members that Yearbooks are on sale and that FFA members are involved in the State Fair.
Managing
Roxanne Bradow
Circulation/Accounts
Trudy
Debbye Harrison
Photographer Ruth Corley
Dorthey Lorraine Woodall of Carlisle, Arkansas, born April 14th 1963, passed away on September 9th, 2024. Dorthey fought a long, hard battle with multiple health impairments, but her family now rejoices knowing that she had previously given her life to the Lord Jesus Christ and is now in pain-free and in the presence of her Savior.
Dorthey is preceded in death by her parents, Billy Gene and Susie Evelyn Nichols, and her two siblings, Alstin Howard Nichols and William Edward Nichols. She is survived by her husband, Keith Woodall of Carlisle, her son and his wife, Anthony and Ginger Woodall of New Orleans, her daughter, LeAnn Garren of Conway, and her brother Donnie Nichols and wife Carla of Hazen. She also leaves behind her four grandchildren, Walter and William Woodall of New Orleans and Brantley and Lillie Garren of Conway along with a host of extended family and friends.
Dorthey cherished first and foremost her family. She was her children’s and grandchildren’s biggest supporter and cheerleader. She never missed an opportunity to spend time with or be there to support them. When it came to grandchildren, she would say hers were “all that and a bag of folded chips.” If you knew Dorthey, those folded potato chips were superior. She was the most loyal friend. If you were one of her people, know that she loved you something fierce and would move any mountain for you. Her compassion for other people was unmatched. She never met a person that
Visitation was held at Westbrook Funeral Home from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM on Wednesday September 11th, 2024 in Hazen, Arkansas. The funeral service was held at Carlisle Methodist Church at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 12 in Carlisle, Arkansas. Graveside services immediately followed the funeral services and were held at Centerpoint Cemetery in Hazen, Arkansas.
She complimented the Board and Superintendent Greene for their thorough investigation of the school’s finances in order to make sure that all avenues have been investigated and that all that can be done is being done to keep the district in sound financial health. Part of the plan to make the best use of district finances is to hire Jason Hoover as the new Maintenance Director. Mr. Hoover is a licensed HVAC technician and contractor with over 25 years of experi-
In other cost cutting measures, Greene has asked the Executive Cleaning Service to consider reducing the custodial costs by at least $50,000. This will, of course, mean that they will be cutting some services, but it will be one way to help recover funds. Greene complimented their work and told the Board how pleased he was with their services and did not want to lose them.
The report on Child Nutrition expenditures and revenues showed an improvement over last year.
The COVID Policy was retracted.
A transfer of $481,000 from a CD designated for the operating fund was made to the build-
The Annual Report listed the major concerns for the facilities were the abatement and demolition of the old high school building, building a new elementary school, repairing/replacing the south HVAC unit at high school gym, roofing repairs for multiple buildings and ongoing HVAC units across the district.
The enrollment in PreK is 57, elementary 327 (+6) and high school 279 (-3) for a total of 663 (+3). This is a steady decrease from 686 in 2014-2015.
Board members present Whitbey Jones, Brandon Parker, Marvin Reid, Mandy Brewer, Adam Ellis and Jereme Carter. Shari Crouch was absent.
DeValls Bluff receives USDA rural grant to purchase police vehicle
By Lisa Mills
At the DeValls Bluff City Council meeting on September 12, a resolution was passed to accept a $44,000 USDA Rural Development Grant to purchase a new police vehicle and equipment for it. The vehicle is a 2023 Dodge Charger from Montrose Auto Group in Akron, OH for a total cost of $37,495. The equipment is from Dana Safety Supply in Greensboro, NC for $26,105.89. The total cost of $63,600.89 will be paid with $44,000 from the grant, $7,000 from the police equipment fund, $7,000 from the general fund, $3,000 from the criminal justice fund, and $2,600.89 from the Police Act 988 fund. Police Chief Jeremy Murphy reported 13 arrests and eight traffic citations in September.
Allen Childers addressed the council concerning water and gas hookups at his property on Main Street (old Pizza Parlor). When the city tore down the building next door, some damage was caused to the utilities going to Childers’ building. The city has agreed to repair the damage caused, but Childers is concerned
about the erosion where the lines run from the back of the property to the building. After a lot of discussion between Childers and Utility Manager Eric Martin about different solutions, it was decided that Martin and Childers will meet at the property to decide on the best solution. The city gave Martin permission to help Childers get the utilities hooked back up.
The discussion also
brought up a discussion between the council members about the extreme erosion affecting the area and concern that the erosion will eventually cause damage to the street and the Highway 70. After confusion about if the city or the Corp of Engineers (COE) was responsible for the repairs, it was decided to check with the COE to find out for sure who is responsible and start working on a solution.
The council approved two building permits. Jump Start was approved for a 10 x 12 shed at 160 N. Main St., valued at $2,000. Grant Geisler was approved for a metal building at 8 Cedar St., valued at $1,250.
In the absence of Mayor Thelma Gray, Recorder/Treasurer Darlene Connor presided over the meeting. All council members, except Marie Flanagan, were present.
Leigh Ann Biernat
DA Chamber of Commerce discusses upcoming events
By Lisa Mills
The Des Arc Chamber of Commerce held a meeting on September 9th to get ideas from citizens to move forward with the Riverfront Project. Close to 60 people attended the meeting, including chamber members, business owners, school administrators, six DAHS Student Council members, and citizens.
Chamber President Paul Guess welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced Paul Dixon from Planters and Merchants Bank to explain the project and the first steps to moving forward. Dixon began by asking, “Where did this project come from?” His answer was, “the board of directors of your Chamber of Commerce.” He said that a group of directors and chamber members started asking, “What does Des Arc have to offer that no one else has?” Dixon said that Des Arc has been fortunate in the last few years to gain three new manufacturing businesses, one of which has just announced a huge
expansion, as well as the Christmas Warehouse, and D3 Auto sales, which both bring in people from all over, and Dondie’s, which has been bringing in people from all over for several years. “It’s great to have all that, but we’re not going to sit still. So what’s our next greatest asset? Our beautiful Riverfront Park.” Dixon said. He said that the riverfront is not being fully utilized and tonight’s meeting was to take everyone’s ideas and begin a project to start doing just that.The next question was, “How do we do it? Who do we contact?”
Dixon said that Guess started talking to people from all his contacts with different agencies around the state, asking who should we contact to start a project like this, and one name kept coming up. That name was Landscape Architect Martin Smith from Ecological Design Group.
Smith has worked and is currently working on several projects for several communities, like the Riverside Park in Batesville, a project over the river bridge off I430 in Little Rock, and a water park project in Greenbriar. Smith is on Governor Sanders’
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF WHITE COUNTY, ARKANSAS
CIVIL DIVISION 1 ST DIVISION
CADENCE BANK PLAINTIFF VS. CASE NO. 73CV-24-111
THAD ROBERT FINLEY; FSE, INC.; and THAD ROBERT FINLEY, TRUSTEE OF
THE THAD ROBERT FINLEY REVOCABLE TRUST DEFENDANTS
COMMISSIONER & SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that in pursuance of the authority and directions contained in the Amended Default Foreclosure Decree of the White County Circuit Court, 1 st Division, No. 73CV-24-111, in this action pending between Cadence Bank, Plaintiff, and Thad Robert Finley, FSE, Inc., and Thad Robert Finley, Trustee of The Thad Robert Finley Revocable Trust, Defendants, the undersigned, as Commissioner of said Court, will publicly offer for sale to the highest bidder, at the front entrance of the White County Courthouse, 300 North Spruce Street, Searcy, Arkansas, on the 4 th day of October, 2024, at 11:00 o’clock in the morning, the following described real estate, to-wit:
TRACT ONE: S 1/2 of NE 1/4 of Section 21, T5N, R7W, lying South of Bayou, Northern District of Prairie County, Arkansas.
TRACT TWO: All of the E 3/4 of Section 21, Township 5 North, Range 7 West, lying North of and on the left bank of Cypress Creek, White County, Arkansas.
TERMS OF SALE: On a credit of three (3) months, the purchaser being required to execute a bond as required by law and the decree of said Court in said cause, with approved surety bearing interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from date of sale until paid, and a lien being retained on the premises sold to secure the payment of the purchase money. Given under my hand this 10 th day of September, 2024.
/s/ Sara Brown-Carlton Sara Brown-Carlton, Commissioner
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS PROBATE DIVISION
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ELLA CHARLENE HOLMES, DECEASED CASE NO.: 9SPR-24-21
NOTICE Last known address of decedent: 604 West Crowly Street Hazen, Arkansas 72064
Date of Death: June 10, 2024
An Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate was filed on the 12th day of August, 2024. The estate to be collected contains real property in Prairie County, Arkansas, legally described as follows:
A Part of the North Half of Lot 3 of the Northwest Quarter of Section Nineteen, Township Two North, Range Five West, City of Hazen, Southern District of Prairie County, Arkansas, being more particularly described as follows: Commencing at a point 48.00 feet North and 30.00 feet East of the Southwest Corner of the North Half of Lot Three of the Northwest Quarter of Section 19, T2N, R5W, thence East parallel with the South line of the said North half of Lot 3 a distance of 247.10 feet to the point of beginning; thence South 89 deg. 43 min. East a distance of 100.00 feet to a point; thence North 00 deg. 21 min. East a distance of 150.00 feet to a point; thence North 89 deg. 43 min. West a distance of 100.42 feet to a point; thence South 00 deg. 11 min. 30 sec. West a distance of 150.00 feet, returning to the point of beginning, containing 0.35 acre. Legal description taken from Trust Deed, Book 80 at Page 447, Prairie County Southern District Land Records.
All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, duly verified, to the undersigned within three (3) months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in the estate.
This notice first published the 11th day of September, 2024.
Respectfully Submitted, Jackie Carroll Holmes 6674 Kelly Road Carlisle, Arkansas72024 (501) 516-6745
Natural State Initiative Committee that promotes tourism and works to grow Arkansas’ outdoor economy. Dixon said that the chamber set up a local meeting with Smith, which was attended by chamber members, DAIDC (Des Arc Industrial Development Commission) members, the mayor, and city council members. Everyone agreed that Smith was the man to get the project started. “Of course services from a professional like Smith don’t come cheap. It will cost $15,000 for him to help us develop a plan to move forward. That cost will be paid by $5,000 from the chamber, $5,000 from the city, and $5,000 from the DAIDC.” Dixon said. He said that this will not be an overnight project, it will be in phases, but the group told Smith that “we want some immediate return on our investment. We are ready to build Des Arc up. We don't want a 30-year plan.” Dixon ended by saying that, “Paul will be leading everyone here tonight through the next steps to analyze what we want in this project.” Guess asked everyone to think broadly and ask yourselves, “When it comes to the riverfront project, wouldn’t it be great to have a blank? “ Which description represents the direction you would like for planners to go: community gatherings, performance space, festivals, local markets, food truck space, active games or sports areas, trails, ecosystems, fishing peers, water features. Everybody from 16 to 90
has to have a voice.”
Guess asked everyone to write down what they wanted to see, then the ideas would be written on paper and hung on the walls, then everyone would have five sticky notes to place on their favorite ideas. “Right now, for the initial planning phase money is not an issue, and as you brainstorm remember that Smith is on the governor’s Natural State Initiative, he is the on call Landscape Architect for the Game and Fish Commission, and all the waterfront projects he has helped develop across the state so any idea you might have could be achieved by Smith.”
Some ideas mentioned were: Kayak/Canoe rentals, pickleball court, volleyball court, fishing pier, lawn game area, swim beach/picnic area, bike/walking/nature trails, splash pad/water park, parking area, amphitheater/permanent performance stage, RV park, lodging, Restrooms/showers/bait shop/fuel stop, Food truck/food court area with tables, Farmers market/retail area, inside game room, community center, drive-in theater. After everyone voted on their favorite ideas, Guess placed the top ten in order. They were: 1. amphitheater/permanent stage 2. splash pad/water park 3. Parking area 4. Pickleball court 5. Community center 6. Swim beach/sandbar 5. kayak/canoe area/rentals 6.Game Room 7. Fishing pier 8. Food truck/food court area 9. Trails 10. RV park After the votes, Guess
said that Smith and his team would develop all the plans in phases and everyone would have the opportunity to see the plans and give feedback at the next chamber meeting. He said that Smith said he would have the plans completed by Thanksgiving. Guess said, “After that we will meet with the city and DAIDC and discuss financing, then start implementing the plan. It’s important that the people of Des cArc see action from our group.” Guess encouraged everyone to attend the mayor’s Town Hall meeting on October 22nd @ 6:00pm at the Elementary School cafeteria. After the chamber meeting, Guess met with those working on the “Christmas on the River” project, which will be on November 16th. He told everyone that he and others had been working hard to raise money for all the events and right now two events can’t happen if we don’t get the money. One is the “Kids Brunch with Santa and friends” that will cost $7,500. The other is the “Duck Calling Contest” that will cost $15,000. Guess asked everyone to work hard to raise funds. A decision was made to meet again in two weeks to see where things stand with funding. The chamber’s website (desarcchamber.org) is now up and running. Forms are available for prospective vendors for the Merry on Main Marketplace, food trucks, and parade participants. A schedule of events is also available.
White River Energetics____
(Continued from p. 1)
The Des Arc facility has 14,000 square-feet of manufacturing space, and the expansion will add 90,000 square feet for White River Energetics’ operations. Construction on the expansion is underway and expected to be completed Q1 2026.
“I’m grateful that WRE chose Des Arc as their facility site and extremely excited about this expansion phase that will create approximately 100 new jobs in this area,” said Roger Scott, Mayor of Des Arc.
“WRE is a remarkable asset to this community. They are very supportive of Des Arc and are
involved in the community activities. In this economy, it’s important to have local jobs available so our citizens aren’t forced to go out of town for employment.”
WRE will be hiring for a range of positions in Des Arc. Applications are now open, and indi-
viduals can apply for positions by visiting www.whiteriverenergetics.com/careers. About White River Energetics White River Energetics, LLC (WRE) is a newly formed and wholly owned subsidiary of D&M Holding Company, Inc. WRE has built a new facility in Des Arc, AR with the objective of manufacturing energetics for the ammunition industry. WRE operates on a foundation of proven processes and is regularly evaluating and implementing new processes and automation to make higher quality and safer energetics.
DAES students greeted by Entergy...
Employees of Entergy Arkansas welcomed Des Arc Elementary students to their first day of school. Crews brought bucket trucks with signs to welcome the kids and help get the new school year started off with energy and enthusiasm. Throughout the last several weeks, students from least a dozen different school campuses across the state were greeted by Entergy Arkansas line workers and other employee volunteers during their first days of school.
Youth Empowered to Succeed Program of PC
To our community, The Y.E.S. (Youth Empowered to Succeed) Program has served the schools of Prairie County since 2011. As part of the nonprofit, Prevention Education Programs, we go into both Hazen and Des Arc schools and educate teens on the health advantages of delayed sexual activity. Our programs empower teens to make the healthiest choices to reduce unplanned pregnancies and STDs, improving life outcomes for them and their families. Over the years, we have been blessed to receive donations from many local businesses and churches who believe in our mission to build a community of
healthy young people. However, our Title V grant funding has been the bulk of our budget and what allowed us to operate at full capacity. We recently learned that our grant funding is in jeopardy and most likely will not continue. This creates an urgent situation for our organization. Our school districts depend on our programs to provide students with needed information and education. Principal Billy Paschal called the Y.E.S. Program “a vital part of the educational experience at Des Arc High School” and said it “would be a major disservice to many students” if it were discontinued.
At this critical moment
in the life of our organization, we are reaching out to local businesses, churches, organizations, and individuals to ask that you stand with us by supporting us with a one-time or monthly financial gift. Without some type of compensation, our programs could soon be forced to close. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Checks can be mailed to Prevention Education Programs, P.O. Box 524, Stuttgart, AR 72160. For the kids, Y.E.S. Program Staff Beth Prine, RN, Founder and Director, 870-344-1195 Kelcie Huffstickler, Prairie County Program Presenter, 501-5166020
Grandparents’ Day is huge success...
The Hazen Elementary School held its annual Grandparent’s Day on Friday, September 6. There were over 730 students and grandparents in attendance, requiring the use of both the cafeteria and old gym to serve everyone donuts.
Hazen School Board considers new fieldhouse, sped bonuses
The Hazen School Board met on September 9 with Bradley Taylor and Chad Greenwalt absent. The meeting opened with a walkthrough of the football fieldhouse at 5:30 p.m., and a presentation by Athletic Booster Club President, Cody Snider, who gave an update on the football field improvements. Snider also made a case for building a new fieldhouse, which was discussed, but no decisions were made. The board then adjourned to the high school library to continue the meeting.
The meeting reopened with a presentation by Heather Fulmer who told the board about a math program that focuses on getting 7th and 8th graders ready for their freshman year. The program includes a student learning inventory to find out how students learn, the alignment of the curriculum with goals, and practicing the graphing and charting of various data.
“I think it’s important that students are heard,” Fulmer said.
High School Principal Amy Marek told the board that September is “Suicide Awareness Month,” and that cards were made for the students that provides resources 24/7 for those students who might need help with things like mental health, bullying, grief, and stress management.
High School Counselor Susan Booth will also be providing counseling in the classrooms.
In other business, the board approved the acceptance of two legal transfer students from Clarendon, and
approved the purchase of a 2021 Ford Expedition Max for $39,226 from D3 Auto. Personnel Policy Committee Chair, Jessica Mulherin, presented a proposal from the teachers for a $500 retention stipend that would be retroactive, and a $5000 one-time signing bonus for special education teachers hired by the district. The teachers must be certified and would go to the teachers who returned this year and are hired next year. Special Ed teachers are in high demand across the state, and small schools have difficulty finding ones to hire. Superintendent Andy Barrett said that he had found $26,000 in the budget to do this. He also said that some neighboring schools do this. The district has five special education teachers on staff presently, but needs another. LEA Lauren King added that the paperwork necessary for special education requires those teachers to work after the school year has ended. The board agreed to the proposal.
Elementary Principal Laura Saranie reported that representatives of Entergy greeted students on August 27 during the morning drop off time. She also said that 725 students and grandparents attended Grandparents’ Day. Football players and cheerleaders served all of those who attended. She added that K-3 screening had begun, and that the school had received a grant for a virtual tutoring program. The tutoring will be individualized and
take place during Response to Intervention time. Students in the 1st through the 8th grades will be included in the program.
Marek said that high school students will be participating in Career and College Day, and will be helping to clean up the fairgrounds prior to the county fair. She added that a Junior High peprally will take place on September 19, and that the National Honor Society students would be inducted last week.
Barrett said that the new buses are here. He also reported that the partnership grant for the agriculture department was rejected because the school has too much square footage for the number of students who attend at the district. There is empty classroom space in the elementary building. The grant would have helped to pay for the new agri building that the school plans to build. He also said that the preliminary ending budget is on track for the district. In personnel, the district hired Cloe Powers as an elementary paraprofessional, Randi Leann Brazeal for an elementary special education teacher, Kimberly Vail as a temporary custodian, and Casondra Sims for the position of District Test Coordinator.
Barrett also presented a new stipend schedule that reflects the new special education stipends.
The next regular school board meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 15, at 6:00 p.m.
Carlisle FFA competes...
The Carlisle FFA members had a weekend full of horse activities recently. Caydn M. and Fisher T. attended and competed at the National Chuck Wagon Races in Clinton and Darby C., Ella P. and Gracen H. rode and competed at the State Horse Show at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds in Little Rock.
Fair
WIN $50
ARMCHAIR QUARTERBACK
Rules of the Game
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
9. All decisions of the judges will be final.
10. Only two entries per household will be judged.
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.
After open week Bison get ready for showdown with Eagles
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
After two tough games to start the season, including a victory over then-No. 1 Junction City, the Carlisle Bison were idle last week. And it came at a good time. Carlisle will travel to Des Arc to play the undefeated Eagles in the final non-conference game of the season. It will be a big test for both teams as it gets ready to start their respective conference games next week.
“We had some guys who were a little banged up,” Carlisle coach Gary Wilson said.
“We kind of expected to be after last Friday
night because it was a pretty physical game. We gave some guys some time to heal up and still get started on trying to get stuff installed for Des Arc. It was a lighter week, but it wasn’t a complete week off for the guys. But I think we used it well. We’re probably as close to healthy as we can get.”
Des Arc is 2-0 after beating Hazen and Bald Knob in consecutive weeks after being open for Week 0. They run the ball 99 percent of the time.
“These games are fun,” Wilson said of rivalry games. “We don’t have to say much to our kids at all. They kind of
police things among themselves. They are usually really focused in practice. We usually don’t have any distractions. These are the weeks that are really fun to be a coach and a player too.”
Wilson said playing Des Arc will be a challenge because of its power running game.
“There is nobody else on our schedule that runs the flexbone,” Wilson said. “They don’t just run it; they do a really good job of it. The coaches do a great job calling it. We’ll have to stop the run.”
Kickoff at Hinson
Rollins Field in Des Arc is set for 7 p.m.
Eagles b eat 4 A B u lldogs , to host Bison this week
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Des Arc Eagles improved to 2-0 with a 34-12 win over Class 4A Bald Knob on Friday night.
Daviyon Bell rushed for 111 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries. He also returned a kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown. Gabe Berry rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Hudson Goodman threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Brayden Knupp. Walker Harris scored
two two-point conversions in the victory.
“The Bald Knob game was a mess as far as weather goes and have torn up our field for the year,” Des Arc coach Brandon Barbaree said.
“But we started off great, going up 22-0. They (Bald Knob) never quit and made it a game, But our kids came back together. Even though it was sloppy, they ended up taking care of business.”
Des Arc will host the top-ranked Carlisle Bison this Friday. Carlisle was idle last week after start-
ing the season 2-0 with wins over Drew Central and then-No. 1 Junction City.
“They present a challenge because they are the most athletic team we have seen and fly around defensively,” Barbaree said. “We are going to do what we do and be who we are.
“We will have to play a clean game and make tackles in space. It should be a heck of a game.”
Kickoff at Hinson Rollins Field is set for 7 p.m.
Grand Prairie Q u ilt So c iety meets
By Marsha Heien
The Grand Prairie Quilt Society met September 11, 2024 at the First Christian Church fellowship hall, Stuttgart, for their Sit n' Sew with 5 members present.
Shelley opened the meeting with the Thought for the Day, "I never make the same mistake twice. I make it like five or six times, you know, just to be sure." The August minutes and treasurer's
Eagles win 2024 Pantry Pileup...
For the past several years, the two schools of Prairie County have had a friendly competition in which the schools collect donations for the Prairie County Food Pantry. This year's winner of the Pantry-Pile Up competition was Des Arc High School, which collected a total of 11,055 items. With Hazen’s 3,769 items, the total number of donations headed to the Prairie County food pantry to help our own residents comes to 14,824, plus an additional $1,842 donation raised in memory of Cache Flanagan. In the picture above, HHS Student Council Senior Representative Kendall Sisemore delivers the Pantry Pile Up plaque to Des Arc's Student Council President Brooklyn Smith. Below are some newly filled pantry shelves.
H a z en getting ready for McC rory after open week
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
report were given. September Happy Birthday greetings were extended to Glenda, Happy Birthday, Glenda.
New Business: The group will meet at the church next Wednesday, 9-18, at 9:00am to carpool to Little Rock to visit the Stitching Post for a shopping trip.
For the Hazen Hornets, the open week last Friday came at the perfect time.
Hazen is 0-2 after blowout losses to Conway Christian and Des Arc in the first two weeks of the season. The Hornets were open last week before hosting undefeated McCrory this
week.
“There are some things we’ve been trying to work on and get better at,” Hazen coach Joe Besancon said. “We kind of did it in steps this week, but a couple of the days, we really got after it and got pretty physical. We’re trying to get a little bit of physicality back in us. I thought those days went really well.”
In their first two games, Hazen quarterback JJ Pinkney has scored two touchdowns and thrown for another as the Hornets have only scored three touchdowns in two games.
McCrory enters the game with a 38-6 win over Clarendon last week.
Besancon said McCrory presents a lot of challenges.
“We’re going to have to stop the run,” he said. “That’s been tough on us the last couple of weeks. We’re just not real big up front. We’re inexperienced in a lot of spots. McCrory is going to have the same idea as everyone else does. They are going to line up and run right at us and make us try to stop it. If we can’t stop it, we’ll be in a for a long night.”
