Hazen Council hears proposed millage plan
The Hazen City Council met on Thursday, September 19, with all members present.
School Superintendent Andy Barrett announced that there will be an informational meeting to discuss the proposed millage on Tuesday at the school.
Johnny Duke addressed the council about the house at 308 West Madison that is owned by Mark Mosby. The property recently was the scene of a drug bust, and Mosby had been given a time limit as to when the repairs to the house had to be completed. Mayor David Hardke said that a step was
missed and that Mosby was never served a certified letter. Mosby and his wife will meet with the mayor and the electrical and water utilities will be inspected. The city will have to con-
demn the house again in October.
The council members were given a copy of the revision of the city codes concerning dogs and “Pit Bulls and Vicious Dogs” last month. The
Chudy Appraisals at $60,000 an acre. Water and sewer will need to be brought to the property, which will cost approximately $20,000. “At this point, we’re too far apart,” Hardke said. Hardke announced a proclamation for Constitution Week. The council also passed an affidavit allowing for the destruction of old records
council made no changes.
The 2.97 acres close to I-40 will not be sold at this time. The property, which adjoins The Super 8 Motel on the south side was appraised by
Utilities Manager Chad Swaim reported 10 water leaders. He also said that work is being done on the wastewater plant. Fire Chief Seth Skarda reported 8 ambulance runs, and multiple vehicle wrecks.
Carlisle Council meets with Senator Caldwell
By Debbye Harrison
The Carlisle City Council met September 17, 2024, with State Senator Ron Caldwell as their special guest. Senator Caldwell was a former chairman of the Legislative Audit Committee. Mike Stuart, city attorney, gave the senator and the council the background on the problem with the delinquent water and sewer audits from 2020-21 and 202223. These audits along with two federal audits which are even more delinquent are due to come before the State Legislative Committee for review again as soon as October. At that time the Committee has the authority to withhold the city’s state turnback funds of $100,000 which are critical source of
income.
Carlisle has been before this Committee three times in the last three years to ask for leniency for more time. Given that the audits are six years behind and the maximum time allowed is 18 months, Senator Caldwell was skeptical that the Committee would be favorable in granting the City more time.
Stuart reported that he had investigated services from a reputable CPA firm that specializes in auditing city records. Sabrena Shipley, CPA and Senior Consultant for the Abacus! firm consulted with Stuart and offered a contract of $5,000 set-up fee and $18,000 for the 2020-21 audit and 20,000 for the 2022-23 audit. The federal audits would cost $5,000 each.
Senator Caldwell addressed the Council and emphasized how serious the situation is. He did say that he would accompany the mayor to the hearing and do all that he could to make a case for the city. If this firm is employed and a sincere effort is underway to rectify the problem as quickly as possible, it
will be helpful for the city’s case. However, there are no guarantees. The Legislative Committee has been patient for three years.
The Council agreed that the federal audits will be paid by the funds in the airport budget which is substantial. They voted unanimously to allow Stuart to send a letter of engagement to Sabrena Shipley to negotiate a contract that will be suitable to the city attorney’s approval Mike Stuart said, “The Mayor has health issues. Other people are going to have to step up.
If he is going to stay in office, the Council has got to start stepping up and handling some of the work load in their committees.”
The Council voted to make a one time excep-
tion to the employee policy and allow an employee to use vacation time accrued for maternity leave even though the employee has not yet been employed for a full year. If the employee were to quit under favorable circumstances, this employee would be paid for that vacation time anyway. Work has been done at the ballpark on the concession stand. The floors are ready, toilets are pulled, and plumbing will be finished soon. Extra mosquito spraying will be done for Homecoming.
The Leaf Vac truck is broken down. If it isn’t fixed soon, the city may have to go around with a trailer to pick up grass and leaves. Compliments to the trash pick-up people.
D es A rc Council hears solar pro j ect presentation
By Lisa Mills
The Des Arc City Council met on September 17th with Mayor Roger Scott, Recorder/Treasurer Janice Huffstickler and council members Dog Estes, Judy Burnett, Gail King, and Jodie Mayher present. Hanna Nordin and Austin Roach from Silicon Ranch Solar Energy Company addressed the council concerning a proposed solar project in Des Arc.
The project would be located at 2507 Main Street. Most of the project would be located outside the city limits in the county, and under the county’s jurisdiction. The airstrip located on the property will be maintained and used by the company. Nordin said that the project will generate significant economic benefits for both the county and the city. She said that the property currently creates $83,97 in annual property tax and the solar project will increase the annual property taxes to an estimated $19,620.73.
Scott asked about any health effects from the project and Nordin said that the World Health Organization and others have done a lot of research that show there are no adverse health effects from these solar projects. Information about the
project was recently presented to the county Quorum Court. Estes said that the county is working with Solar Ranch on an updated ordinance that is needed for the project to move forward. Mayor Scott asked what they needed from the city, to which Roach replied, “just cooperation with the county.”
King’s report for the Gas Department showed that this month’s gas loss was only 5.1%. The last 2 months have shown a 64% and 67% loss so this is a great improvement. She stated that some corrections have been made at Riceland, including batteries and a new meter. King said that this is the first time in a very long time that more gas was sold than purchased. Mayor Scott stated that old meters are being flagged for replacement and any leaks found are being repaired.
Fire Chief Leon Moon reported that the flushing and repair of fire hydrants is way behind. He said that the Fire Department began this process on September 19th and it will take several months. This is necessary to maintain a good rating which affects insurance rates.
Mayor Scott reported that a lot of work is being done on the river-
front. Currently the area from the north end of the park to the bridge is being cleaned up to
make an area that people can enjoy fishing and other activities.
King reported that the
Arkansas Game and Fish, Parks and Tourism Department, and other agencies will be meeting with an architect to discuss the Lake Des Arc project and everyone is welcome to attend. The meeting will be October 23rd or 4th and a place has not been established. More details will be announced later. Mayher reported that the Senior Citizens will be hosting a Senior Fun Day on October 4th at the Hazen Community Center. She said that there will be food and merchant vendors, information booths, games and other activities. Everyone age 55+ from anywhere is invited.
Hazen School Superintendent Andy Barrett speaks to the Hazen City Council about the district’s millage request.
Hanna Nordin and Austin Roach of Silicon Ranch Solar.
Senator Caldwell
Thelma M Gray
will be in Oakland Cemetery in DeValls Bluff, Arkansas.
Raborn, Reid named CHS
2024 Honorary Alumni
Thelma M Gray, 90, of DeValls Bluff, Arkansas passed away to eternity on September 14, 2024. Thelma was born on January 28, 1934 in Morrilton, Arkansas to John and Mary Eunice (Lee) Shaw. She was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband, William O Gray; two sons, Kenneth Earl Holmes, Jr., David Lee Holmes. Thelma is survived by her two daughters, Patty Howe of DeValls Bluff; Tammy Fleetwood of Woodlawn; nine grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Thelma was a faithful member of First Assembly of God Church in Biscoe. She was elected to the position of Mayor of DeValls Bluff in 2023 and served 1 year and 9 months until her death. Before becoming Mayor, Thelma dedicated her time and services to the City of DeValls Bluff for 29 years, she truly loved her community. Thelma also worked in the administration office of the Eudora, Dumas and Grady school systems for a combined 25 years. Services for Thelma will be Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at the First Assembly of God Church in Biscoe, Arkansas with visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and funeral services beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment
Ph. 870-255-4538 Email: heraldpublishing@gmail.com Arkansas Press Association
72064
James
Rudolph Whiteside
James Rudolph Whiteside was born on April 18th, 1936, in Shannon Mississippi to Gerald and Virginia Whiteside.
At the age of eight years, he and his parents relocated to Wilson, Arkansas where his dad became a master mechanic and his mom a US Postal worker.
Rudy grew up in Wilson doing the usual boy things such as getting in trouble at school, riding that motorcycle in the wrong places, and taking that favorite girl to the Peabody Hotel to dance away the night. He was blessed to have a sister Ann born when he was twelve. Many wonderful times were spent as she grew, and they could go swimming down on the banks of that big Mississippi River.
Rudy attended ASU in Jonesboro from 1955 to 1959 where he obtained a degree in Agriculture science and met and married his wife June. They moved on to a community called Pleasant Plains, Arkansas and taught Agri and science for nine years. This was also the place where those two wonderful sons came to them, Jim and Terry. In 1968,
Rudy had finished his master’s degree as a Counselor and the family moved to DeValls Bluff where Rudy was a Counselor in the school for twenty one years. Later, Rudy decided to study further getting the 30 hours above a masters. He then went on to Lonoke School system for nine years as an Educational Examiner, retiring in 1998. Rudolph has been a devoted Methodist since he joined the Church when he was twelve years old. He has done many jobs within the church such as teacher, choir member, lay leader and janitor. Rudy was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.
Rudy is preceded in death by grandparents Mullens and Whitesides; Gerold and Virginia Whiteside and many aunts and uncles. Rudy leaves to love his memory, his wife June; sister Victory Ann; Son, Jimmy, (Tammy), Son, Terry, (Bridget); special cousin Sis and two grandsons Tyler and Cody.
The family wishes to give special thanks to those Angels that work at Chambers Nursing Home who listened to the same travel stories over and over. Service were held Thursday, September 19th, at the DeValls Bluff Methodist Church with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM and funeral services beginning at 2:00 PM. Interment was held at the Oakland Cemetery in DeValls Bluff, Arkansas.
Des Arc receives donation from marijuana dispensary
Mayor Roger Scott is excited to announce that the city has received a large unexpected donation. Sean Clarkson and Casey Flippo from Dark Horse Medicinals presented Scott with a $10,000 check on September 17th. Scott said the money will be used for the baseball field complex.
Flippo is the owner of Speakeasy Dispensary, a marijuana dispensary
currently located in Pine Bluff. He is planning to move the dispensary to the Prairie/Lonoke County line on Newberry Road. The dispensary would be on the Prairie County side, so taxes would go to Prairie County.
Flippo told Scott that if the move is approved, he plans to be involved in the community and this donation is just the beginning.
Hazen Cemetery Donations
Hazen Cemetery donations: In memory of: Bill and Betty Woods
By: Suzette Parker
Elmore In Memory of: Louise
Weddle
BY: Billy & Nona Gail
Booth In Memory of: Joy
Strohl
By: Billy & Nona Gail
Booth
Kathy Simmons and
The Carlisle High School Alumni Association is pleased to announce that Mrs. Lois Raborn has been named the Class of 2024 Honorary Alumna. Mrs. Lois moved to Carlisle with her family in 1956, which was her junior year at Hazen High School. She commuted back and forth between work in Carlisle and school in Hazen. She was working at the White Castle Café in Carlisle. This is where she met the love of her life, Clifford Raborn. She graduated from Hazen High School in 1957 and married in 1958 at Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, where she is still a member.
Lois and Clifford started their family in 1961 with the birth of their daughter Veronica (class of 1979) followed in 1962 with Rhonda (class of 1980). Mrs. Lois was a stay at home mom during this time, but did work briefly at City Variety Store in downtown Carlisle. Later, she opened a day care in her home and cared for children for 40 years until her eventual retirement. In addition to her two daughters, Mrs. Lois has two grandchildren, Josh
and Trey Moore, six great grandchildren, Natalie, Joshua, Gunner, Tessa, Liam and Ally, and two greatgreat grandchildren, Mia Rose and Harley Sky. Mrs. Lois has lived in Carlisle for 68 years and has stated that she has enjoyed every day and each new adventure that she has encountered.
Mr. Marvin Reid has been chosen as the first member of the Honorary Alumni Class of 2024.
Marvin graduated from Hazen High School in 1973, but has always had strong ties to Carlisle, including his family owning a furniture store here and his mother, Mrs. Bonnie Reid, teaching choir at Carlisle High School.
Marvin began managing Reid Furniture & Appliance in Carlisle in 1974. He met the love of his life, Debbie Hester and they were married in 1982. They began their married life living in Hazen, but she persuaded him to make the move to Carlisle in 1989. They operated the furniture store, where he became famous as “Starvin’ Marvin” (he was almost as famous as Hal and Wendel!).
Marvin and Debbie raised their three children, Andrea, Alex and Ashley here. All three attended Carlisle Public Schools. Marvin was very active in community service as a member of the Carlisle Volunteer Fire Department. He served as Fire Chief from 1994 until 2013 when he retired. He was also a member of the Carlisle Chamber of Commerce and held positions as Vice President and President. The furniture business was tragically lost to fire in 2004 and Marvin began his next career at Loreal USA where he remained until retiring in 2021. He is currently a part-time babysitter to his grandkids Vince, Asa and Addie with number four on the way. He enjoys making videos which are very popular on Facebook and YouTube.
The Honorary Alumni program was established in 2001 to recognize individuals who have not attended CHS but have made a significant and lasting impact on our students, school, and community. Mrs. Lois will be honored during Alumni Homecoming activities September 2728.
Debbye
Family In memory of : John & Marion Simmons and Vernon & Garnez
Simmons By: Kathy Simmons and Family
Donations are greatly appreciated and may be mailed to: Hazen Cemetery P.O. Box 92 Hazen, Ar. 72064.
Carlisle FFA teams place first...
The Carlisle FFA show team did very well at the Market Goat show held on September 18. Caroline Bokker and Lexi Eaton both placed first in their class. Caroline also won Grand Champioon Market Goat with her tie Reese.
Former Bison doing well at Hendrix College
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
Former Carlisle Bison football player Jason Sullivan is in his second season as a running back for the Hendrix College Warriors.
Sullivan, who is the state’s all-time leader in touchdowns scored in a season with 45 during the 2022 season, has helped the Warriors to a 2-1 start after their 35-
20 win over Southwestern on Saturday at Young-Wise Memorial Stadium in Conway.
A year ago, as a true freshman, Sullivan led the Warriors in rushing with 356 yards on 67 attempts in 10 games. He scored three rushing touchdowns. He also had a long run of 80 yards. He also caught 9 passes for 149 yards and two
more touchdowns.
This season, Sullivan is second on the team in rushing with 80 yards on 28 carries. He has scored two rushing touchdowns. He’s also caught three passes for 24 yards.
The Warriors will play at home this Saturday against Huntingdon College. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
Bison tro u n c e E agles 30-8 in ri v alr y game
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
In a battle of unbeatens, the Carlisle Bison came out with a decisive victory over rival Des Arc, 30-8.
The Bison improved to 3-0 with the win while Des Arc falls to 2-1.
Carlisle led 6-0 after one quarter. Lawson Petrus scored on a twoyard run.
The Bison scored three touchdowns in the second quarter to lead 27-0 at halftime. Jaden Ellison scored on a 3yard run. Jimmy Cham kicked the extra point. Isaiah Powell then returned an interception
Hornets hang to u gh b u t fall to M c Cror y Jag u ars,
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Hazen Hornets played their best game of the season Friday night but came up short against McCrory 22-14. With the loss, Hazen starts the season 0-3 for the first time in this century.
Hazen never led in the game. McCrory started the scoring then were answered by a JJ Pinkney three-yard touchdown run.
The Jaguars went up another touchdown before Hazen tied it on a 36-yard run by Pinkney.
McCrory took the lead for good with 35 seconds left in the game.
75 yards for a touchdown. Kaidon Clingmon
ing.
“They played as hard as they’ve played all year, especially on the defensive side,” Hazen coach Joe Besancon said. “I was really pleased. We had a couple of mental letdowns, and it cost us. The effort was there all night. If we had played like that the previous two games, we wouldn’t have given up as many points as we did.”
Phoenix Ervin led Hazen with 24 tackles. Pinkney led the Hornets with 94 yards on 15 carries.
caught a 22-yard touchdown pass form Ty Tanksley.
Cham kicked a 31-yard field goal for the only Carlisle points of the second half.
Des Arc’s only points came on a nine-yard run by Dayvion Bell in the fourth quarter. He also scored the two-point conversion.
Tanksley completed 10 of 15 passes for 155 yards. Elliott rushed for 63 yards on 15 carries.
Clingmon caught seven passes for 138 yards.
Gabe Berry led Des Arc with 93 yards rushing on 17 carries.
Carlisle coach Gary Wilson said he was “super proud” of his team.
“To be honest with you, we had a terrible practice on Monday,” he said. “Tuesday, they came back and do what they tend to do. They didn’t back up a bad practice with another
bad practice. Wednesday, we had an excellent practice. We just carried it all over the field on Friday. Our kids played physical and fast. They did it for four quarters. I was super proud to be their coach.” Des Arc coach Brandon Barbaree said he was disappointed with the outcome.
“Well, the truth is I would love a do-over, but there are no such things as do-overs in sports,” he said. “So we will use this game to get better and refocus us for conference play. Carlisle does a lot of good things, but we know we gave them a lot of things.”
Carlisle hosts Baptist Prep in the 2A-4 opener on Friday night at Fred C. Hardke Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Des Arc will open conference play Friday night at Earle. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Snider grad u ates with MS E D
Sarah Snider of Hazen, AR, received the MSED degree in Education at Wilkes University's summer commencement ceremony. Wilkes University awarded more than 300 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees during its summer commencement ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 8. The event was held at the McHale Athletic Center in the Simms Center on Main, 169 South Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Patel grad u ates from UCA
Hazen was able to move the ball some but had no timeouts remain-
Hazen will host the Bearden Bears on Friday night at Hornet Field. Bearden is 1-2, coming off a 37-6 loss to Mount Ida on Friday night.
“They are young and fast and have a lot of speed,” Besancon said.
“They played us tough last year. If we can carry our defensive effort that we had Friday night and get a little bit better offen-
Mayank Patel of Hazen recently graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA).
UCA held its August commencement on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in the Farris Center on campus. The university conferred approximately
460 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Business; College of Education; College of Health and Behavioral Sciences; College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; and the Graduate School.
Carlisle coach Gary Wilson talks to his team during Friday’s win over the Des Arc Eagles (Krystal Boyle photo)
Former Carlisle Bison running back Jason Sullivan carries the ball after catching a pass against Southwestern on Saturday in Conway. Sullivan is a sophomore for this year’s Warriors football team, which is 2-1 on the sea-
Golf winner..
Josh Cunningham won the Senior Division Club Championship in a playoff over Bo Miller at the Grand Prairie Country Club last week.
WIN $50
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The CITY OF DES ARC is hiring for the position of Water Treatment Plant Operator. The Water Operator is under the direction of the Superintendent and the mayor. Plays a crucial role in operating, managing and maintaining the water treatment plant. Must possess water treatment licenses (Grade 3 preferrable), excellent work ethic, strong leadership skills, and have a deep understanding of water operations and practices. Must be able to commute well and send in reports required by various agencies to maintain the city compliance with all required standards set forth by these entities. Will be expected to repair water lines, stop leaks, pull meters, install meters, and make taps for new services. This is an hourly position and includes full benefits. For more information, please call City Hall at (870) 256-4316. Applications may be picked up at City Hall at 107 S 3rd Street in Des Arc, AR.
The CITY OF DES ARC is hiring general labor positions among public works departments. These are hourly, full-time positions with full benefits. Must possess excellent work ethic, take direction well, operate heavy machinery, and work in all weather conditions. Must be 18 years or older and have a valid driver’s license. For more information, please call City Hall at (870) 256-4316. Applications may be picked up at City Hall at 107 S 3rd Street in Des Arc, AR.
Sell what you don’t need in the
2024 Prairie County Fair is a huge success
The Prairie County Fair featured a wide array of exhibits and activities this year. The events included a talent show and beauty pageant, the annual fair parade in Des Arc, a gospel night with a fish fry, a family fun day, a school day where kids learned about our local farm products and how they are used, an antique tractor and car show, and a demolition derby. Lots of farm animals, many of which were raised by county 4-H members, were on display as well. Arts and crafts exhibits were on display all week. There will also be a bingo day at the fairgrounds this Wednesday beginning at 10:00 a.m.
