Tuesday
Flu
a.m.-
Thursday September 29
Flu Shot Clinic Tom Roe Riverfront Park, Des Arc 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Friday September 30
Hornets
Prep 7:00 p.m.
Bison
Fred Hardke Field 7:00 p.m.
Eagles
p.m.
Saturday
The Hazen School Board approved the 2022-23 operating and federal budgets in its September 20 meeting held in the central office due to ongoing school parent/teachers conferences. The operating budget started with a balance of $1,043,599.94 and anticipates expenditures of $75,600. The preliminary federal and state budgets are expected to be $75,600 for Alternative Learning, $469,207.55 for the
ACSIP budget, $26,560.88 for professional development, $244,845.90 for Title I, and $15,938.83 for Title IV.
The board also approved business transactions with vendors in which school employees are directly interested. This is required by Arkansas law.
The district will enter into a five year agreement with K12itc, Albert, for IT infrastructure and IT support. The
9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Community
(255-4538)
At the September 20th City Council meeting, a motion was approved to change the city’s cell phone program to ATT’s FirstNet. The new program will give First Ressponders and emergency personnel first priority over all other cell phones and in case of a catastrophic event where towers may go down a mobile tower will be brought in. The city will purchase six new phones for emergency responders and employees may keep current phones and add the new program. The city’s current program is $725 per month and the FirstNet program will be $465 per month.
A resolution was passed to amend the 2022 budget to include a one time $5,000 stipend for full time Law Enforcement Officers, appropriated by The Arkansas General Assembly.
A motion was approved to accept sealed bids for the roof repair on the water plant building.
Specifications may be picked up at City Hall. Bids will be opened at the council meeting on October 18th.
Attending the meeting were Mayor Jim Garth, Recorder/Treasurer Janice Huffstickler and council members Jodie Mayher, Gail King, Gary Burnett and Anna Beth Fisher.
five year agreement will total $57,753.18 per year with a one time set-up fee of $14,171.50. This will be paid for with declining enrollment funds from the state. The district presently has only one technology person, and this company will assist in keeping the district technology up and running properly. “
I don’t know what else we can do,” Superintendent Donnie Boothe said. “It is difficult for us as a small district to afford to pay someone to do this.”
The board also voted to accept the legal transfer of a student from the
Lonoke School District. Boothe said that the student has already been attending the school for two years.
The Lexia Learning site license was upgraded to a building wide subscription for the district. The $11,250 cost will be paid with Title I/Literacy funds.
There were no principal reports due to the parent/teacher conferences.
Boothe told the board that he was meeting with city officials about the upcoming request for an increase in the district’s millage rate.
According to the law, this cannot be done dur-
ing school time, so he asked that school board members assist him in supporting the increase.
The resignations of HIPPY paraprofessional Desiree Turner and cafeteria worker Janice Davis were approved, and Gracie Derrick was hired as a HIPPY paraprofessional for the 202223 school year, effective September 20.
All board members were present, along with Chief Financial Officer Sarah Snider and Superintendent Assistant Cindy Ciganek.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, October 17 at 6:00 p.m.
Volume 121 Number 39 - USPS 225-680 Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Photos of the Prairie County Fair (See pages 4 and 5.)
Queen Kierston Taylor, daughter of Kreston and Jana Taylor, and the Carlisle Junior High School Homecoming Court.
This picture of rice being harvested on the Rick and Jake Holmes farm was taken on Hwy. 249 just north of Hazen.
Harry Mack King of Hazen passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at his home. He was 87 years old. He was born September 8, 1935, in Hazen, Arkansas.
He was preceded in death by his father Luke King, his mother Minnie King, and brother Everett King. He was the Manager of Section “F” at Riceland Foods in Stuttgart, Arkansas until he retired after 36 years of service. He was a born again Christian and attended First Baptist Church as actively as he could up until he passed away. He was married to his loving wife Mary Lou King for 57 years. He served in the National Guard for 13 years until he had to resign due to taking care of his mother and other family. He loved the outdoors and hated being inside. He was a tough, relentless worker and was always wanting to help people in need. He would always say “he believed we were put on earth to help others.” His grandson Luke was the pride of his life. He looked forward to watching him play football even
though it was hard on him physically to attend.
He is survived by his wife Mary Lou (Garrison) King of Hazen, one son, Gary (Holly) King of Hazen, one grandson Luke King of Hazen and his little dog Annie.
Harry’s funeral service was held graveside, Friday, September 23, 2022, began at 10:00 am at the Hazen Cemetery in Hazen, Arkansas. Services weree conducted by Hazen First Baptist Church Pastor Brother Andy Schalchlin, MD.
Janet Diane (Marsh) Morrison was born on December 21, 1949 to Delferd and Paulette Marsh. At the time of her birth the family home was in Des Arc, Arkansas, where she received education through the public schools. She became simply known as Jan and shared in childhood memories along with one sister, Carolyn DeGunion of Des Arc. Jan and Carolyn would quickly become best friends and remain close throughout life. Blessed to become a
wife, homemaker and mother, Jan took great pride in caring for her home and family. She became the mother of two sons, Jimmy (Sonia) Green of Searcy and Tim Green (Lori) Green of Des Arc, six grandchildren and one great grandchild. Outside the home Jan worked as a CNA, helping to care for those in need at Des Arc Nursing Home.
When involved in an auto accident, Jan met Michael Morrison. In 1989, they married and enjoyed thirty-one years of marriage, before Michael passed away in November of 2020.
Jan was known by many in the community as a sweet and kind person. She loved everybody and always enjoyed visiting and special family times were shared during the Christmas holidays in anticipation of Jan’s homemade candies. Jan also enjoyed spending time sewing, crocheting, collecting books and time with her beloved canine companion, Princess.
Jan was of the Christian faith and attended worship at the Harvest Praise Church in Cabot. She always enjoyed times of fellowship with her church family, sharing her love of gospel music. On September 19, 2022, Jan passed away at the age of 72.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the USA Rice – Ducks
Unlimited Rice Stewardship Partnership (RSP) will receive $80M in funding through its Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities program.
Through this new program, USDA finances innovative partnerships that create market opportunities for commodities produced using climate-smart practices.
“While DU is synonymous with creating better habitat for ducks, the truth is that, for 85 years, the wetlands we’ve restored have provided cleaner water for communities, protection from flooding, sequestration of carbon, countless opportunities for outdoor recreation and much more,” said Dr. Karen Waldrop, DU Chief Conservation Officer. “The support from this grant will help DU and USA Rice continue that work on a greater scale and magnify our conservation impact across a landscape that is vital to the
future of rice production and waterfowl habitat.”
In 2013, USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited forged a model of collaboration between a farm group and a conservation organization – the Rice Stewardship Partnership. For nearly a decade, this partnership has offered rice producers assistance to address water quantity, water quality and wildlife habitat on working ricelands. From 2020-2021, RSP impacted 728,021 rice acres in the U.S.
“The Climate Smart Commodities Grant marks a historic moment in the Rice Stewardship Partnership,” said DU CEO Adam Putnam. “Ducks Unlimited learned long ago that working together with landowners is the best way to optimize resources for the benefit of both waterfowl and people. If it’s good for rice, odds are it’s also good for ducks.”
By Mark Buffalo Sports EditorThe Carlisle Lady Bison golf team won the 2A-5 district tournament last week at the Malvern Country Club.
Carlisle finished at 344. Ouachita was second at 350. Poyen was third at 383. Magnet Cove was fourth at 392.
Laken Golden was the medalist for the tournament, shooting 103, which was her best score ever. Heather
Buffalo shot a personalbest 116. Bailey Dawson shot a personal-best of 125.
The Lady Bison played in the Class 2A state tournament Tuesday at the Glenwood Country Club.
Bison golfer Joseph Cook qualified for the Class 2A state boys tournament next week at Turkey Mountain Golf Course near Melbourne. Cook shot 99, a personal best, to qualify for state compe-
tition.
“All four of the golfers have worked hard and improved since started in June,” Carlisle coach Jonathan Buffalo said. “The girls wanted to qualify as a team and doing it as the conference champions is a great achievement. I’m proud of the girls and of Joseph Cook qualifying as an individual. Laken played her best round ever to be the medalist and deserves the honor.”
Constitution Week was observed and celebrated across the Grand Prairie Friday and Saturday. Mayor Kent Smith, signed the Constitution Week proclamation in Biscoe City Hall. Next, DeValls Bluff Interim
The Carlisle Lady Bison golf team won the 2A-5 district tournament. The team played in the Class 2A state tournament Tuesday at Glenwood Country Club. Team members include, from left, Coach Jonathan Buffalo, Heather Buffalo, Laken Golden and Bailey Dawson.
By Judi Jones
Mayor Darlene Connors signed the proclamation on Friday at DeValls Bluff City Hall.
Pictured above is Mayor Ray Glover of Carlisle.
Saturday, Bells Across America is celebrated at Biscoe First Baptist Church with the ringing of church bells for one minute at 4 pm, followed by the reading of the Preamble to the Constitution. In addition, U.S. Congressman Rick Crawford sent this proclamation to Grand Prairie DAR members Saturday.
The family of Eugene Miller would like to express their heart felt thanks and gratitude to our friends during the loss of our husband and father. We appreciate all the food, cards, flowers, memorials, and visits. We are deeply thankful for your support during this difficult time.
Meg Miller Paul Miller Suzann Miller Welch
Rice
Partnership receives $80 million grant from USDA
While targeted strategies continue to move the needle on ending the HIV epidemic across the nation, there are still a significant number of newly diagnosed HIV cases each year. In a recent interview, the Arkansas Department of Health noted concern that the continued downward trend in HIV diagnoses within the state may have to do with a lack of testing rather than an actual decline in new cases (Arkansas HIV Numbers Continue Downward Trend, Concerns about Possible Lack in Testing, kark.com, published June 30, 2021).
In the Mid-Arkansas Delta region, there are substantial barriers to adequate HIV testing, prevention, and early intervention services, including but not limited to health inequities, social determinants of health factors, poor infrastructure, and lack of healthcare workforce.
Federally qualified health centers like MidDelta Health Systems play a critical role in expanding accessible and affordable HIV testing, PrEP medication, and linkage to care for individuals, regardless of the ability to pay. The role as a HIV prevention and early intervention services safety net provider is perhaps even more critical in regions with limited Ryan White Program availability (a federal program dedicated to providing care coordination and med-
ical treatment for people with HIV/AIDS).
There are few options for HIV testing in the area. Monica Lindley, Mid-Delta Health Systems’ CEO reinforced this fact, saying, “In our rural service area, there are very few organizations offering HIV testing. What’s more- HIV testing is off of people’s radar... It’s naive to think that there is no HIV in our poor, impoverished mid-Delta region. When there are no newly diagnosed HIV cases and you serve high-risk, hard-to-reach populations (known for higher rates of HIV), then the testing approach needs to change. As a community health center serving rural community members at risk of contracting HIV, we are excited to begin providing targeted HIV prevention services through PCHP funding.”
Similar to HIV testing, there is little access to PrEP within the service area (Lee, Arkansas, Monroe, Phillips, Prairie, Desha, and Jefferson Counties, Arkansas). Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) is clinically proven to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection in adults. According to the CDC, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and from injection drug use by at least 75% when taken as prescribed. According to a recent search on pleaseprepme.org, only 1
in 7 counties within the service area has a PrEP provider (Monroe County). The majority of PrEP providers are in the Little Rock area, approximately 150 miles from the service area.
For over thirty years, Mid-Delta Health Systems Inc. (MDHS) has provided primary healthcare, support, and enabling services to underserved residents of predominantly rural Mid-Delta Arkansas. New PCHP funds will support the health center to provide targeted efforts to eliminate HIV by accomplishing the following objectives: 1) increase HIV testing within clinic and outreach settings, 2) increase the number of individuals prescribed PrEP, and 3) link newly diagnosed HIV positive clients to treatment and care within 30 days. The health center will accomplish proposed project objectives by 1) enhancing existing health workforce infrastructure, training, and support related to HIV prevention and early intervention services, 2) increasing collaborative partnerships to meet unmet needs and fill existing gaps in HIV prevention and early intervention services throughout the region, and 3) integrating successful efforts into the health center service delivery model to ensure sustainability beyond the period of performance.
The Tyler and Meagan Gore family were honored as the 2022 Farm Family by the Farm Bureau at its annual meeting held on Monday, September 19, in the Parish Hall of St. Peter’s on the Prairie Episcopal Church. The Gore family was presented with a plaque given by the Grand Prairie Herald and the Farm Bureau by the Farm Bureau President Mason Sickel.
Jeremy Wilson, spoke in the place of Justin Reynolds, the Vice President of Farm Bureau and the organization’s member programs. Wilson has been with Farm Bureau for 22 years, and he
emphasized how important the county and local Farm Bureau members are. Among the things that Wilson felt were important were local scholarships and policies that affect rural areas and cities.
He spoke about Farm Bureau’s child seat program and various discounts.
Bobby Lott recognized the local Farm Bureau staff members saying, “We have a reputation of being a good county.”
President Mason Sickel read the 2022 resolutions, the first of which recommended that the current Arkansas Farm Bureau form a new PAC to support “likeminded candidates that
will be supportive of Farm Bureau Policy.”
The committee would be made up of an equal numbe from each congressional district with a state board member as chairperson.
The local Farm Bureau also addressed the current problem of moving farm equipment on state highways, requesting that the Arkansas Highway Commission activate a change in liability and responsibility for this type of equipment. The officers will stay the same for the next year.
The meal for the event was provided by the ladies of St. Peter’s Church.
The annual Prairie County Master Gardeners' Pumpkin Sale will be held on Saturday, October 1, in
Hazen City Park East in the pavilion across the street from community center. The members will meet Thursday and Friday evenings to pre-
pare for the sale. They will meet at Pat Clayton's home on Hwy 249 for the preparations.
Gail Norman brought the dessert for the sack lunch regular meeting.
The program was a discussion of the PNG meeting at the 4-H center in Little Rock last weekend. Sue Clayton led the discussion.
The Arkansas County Master Gardeners announced a virtual training program for October 5, 19, Nov. 2, 9, and 16, 2022. More information is available from the president of the Arkansas County Master Gardeners.
The awards banquet will be held on November 1, at Hazen Methodist Church Fellowship Hall at 6:00 p.m. Debora Carpenter, Sue Clayton, and Amanda Stark will be in charge of the banquet.
The EHC Fall Council will meet at the County Fair Grounds on September 18 for final preparation for the fair. PCMG Members are to meet to help them.
The "Gardening on the Prairie” newsletter was distributed with the marigold as the flower of the month. The Pest Control article has many helpful hints.
The Rice Festival date is set for October 22 in Hazen City Park East. Linda Price won the door prize. The meeting was adjourned until the next regular meeting Tuesday, October 4, at noon at the Fair Grounds.
The Tyler and Meagan Gore family receives the 2022 Prairie County Farm Family of the Year plaque.Prairie County had its fair this past week, September 19-24. The Prairie County Master Gardeners cleaned up and decorated the outside of the building with welcoming fall displays with the help of Hazen High School students and their teacher Summer Greenwalt and her husband Chad.
Exhibits of crafts, canned goods, art, photography, quilts, and various farm animals and crops were open to the public. Check in for the the entries in the various judged categories was held on the Sunday prior to the fair’s opening day. Informational displays were also created by various county groups and were placed on tables in the hall on that day as well.
Colorful lap quilts that were created for a special project by the Prairie Piecemakers decorated the exhibit building, and one of Prairie County’s most famous EHC member was honored with a 100th birthday banner.
The Des Arc Pre-K students came to tour the building and to eat sack lunches on Thursday.
A demolition derby was held on Saturday evening.
Here are some highlights of the activities and pictures of the various winners.
First place booth
Second place booth
Third place booth
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 21st 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 $25 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.
Phone:
3. Benton @ MarionThe Des Arc School District is seeking cafeteria and custodial substitutes for the 20222023 school year.
Applicants should be able to stand on their feet for the duration of the day, as well as lift
up to 50 lbs as needed. Positions could potentially transition to fulltime employment. If interested, applications can be picked up in the Superintendent's office or accessed on the school website. (9-28-22 2tc)
Clothes, toys,decor, tupperware,household items, CB radios, tent, bowling balls, wheel covers, and more misc.
1110 East 5th street in Carlisle. September 30, and October 1st. Starts at 7:30 a.m.
The Class 2A No. 1
Hazen Hornets continued their early-season run through the schedule with a 46-0 win over Hampton on Friday night.
With the win, Hazen is now 4-0 on the season.
The Hornets are averaging 46 points per game while giving up only 20 points for the entire season.
In the win over Hampton, the Hornets led 34-0 at halftime.
Justin Schlenker got the scoring going with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Luke King in the first quarter. He scored the next Hazen touchdown on a 33-yard pass from King.
Braylan Anderson got in on the fun on the next two scores.
Anderson scored on a 45-yard run and caught
a 50-yard touchdown pass from King.
Also scoring touchdowns were Kolton Tosh on a 2-yard run, Schlender on a 21-yard run and Cameron Johnson on a 62-yard pass from Josh Dawson.
King completed 12 of 17 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns.
Anderson rushed for 108 yards on only five carries. Schlenker caught four passes for 112 yards. Dawson completed 3 of 3 passes for 85 yards and a score.
Tosh led the Hazen defense with 11 tackles.
King and Hunter Smith had nine tackles each.
Hazen’s defense allowed minus-19 yards rushing in the first half. The Bulldogs finished with 26 yards rushing and 46 yards passing for the game.
“It’s always important to get started well in
the conference,” Hazen coach Joe Besancon said. “It was a good win for us. The defense is playing really well for us. We had 15 plays that were negative yards for them. I’m really proud of how our defense is locked in in getting to the football.”
Hazen plays at Baptist Prep this Friday. The Eagles are 0-5 on the season. They lost to England 42-21 last Friday. The 21 points were a season high. They are averaging 9.8 points per game while giving up 36.6 points per game.
“They are a spread team so it will be a little different than what we saw with Hampton,” Besancon said. “They’ve got a few athletes out there that can hurt you if you overlook them.”
Kickoff in Little Rock is 7 p.m.
The Des Arc Eagles rallied from a 16-6 halftime deficit to beat Earle 28-24 on Friday night at Earle.
With the win, the Eagles are now 1-2 overall but 1-0 in conference play. Des Arc’s first two losses were to former conference foes and rivals Hazen and Carlisle.
“We needed it,” firstyear Des Arc coach Brandon Barbaree said. “We saw some of this coming. We had to move up two ninth graders to start both offensively and defensively. And we’re playing a bunch of sophomores.
“Early in the season,
when you are 15 years old playing against 18 year olds, you can see the struggle, mentally and physically. But, we had a great week of practice and a great week of preparation with our coaches. I think our kids really overcame adversity at Earle and found a way to win.”
Cache Flanagan led the Eagles with 118 yards rushing on 27 carries. He scored two touchdowns. Daviyon Bell had 59 yards and a touchdown rushing.
Jack Kearby also scored a touchdown.
Barbaree said Earle is a tough place to play.
“I’m not an official griper but there were
some calls … I just knew we had to fight adversity that wasn’t coming from ourselves,” Barbaree said. “Our kids really found a way to win. It was good to see us grow during this week.
“We’ve got plenty of young kids, but they are getting better each week. Hazen and Carlisle are good football teams. Earle wasn’t as good as either one of those, but you could see growth in our team.”
Des Arc travels to Marianna to take on Trojans this Friday.
Marianna is 0-3, having given up 155 points in three games while scoring only 14.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
The Carlisle Bison improved to 4-0 on the season for the first time since 2012 with a 42-0 win over Bearden I the 2A-4 conference opener Friday night at Bearden.
The Bison took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.
Jason Sullivan scored on a seven-yard run. Sophomore Peyton Huggins kicked the first of six extra points, the most by a Bison kicker in at least 10 years.
The Bison scored 21 points in the second quarter. Sullivan scored on a runs of 11 and 37 yards. Kayleb Elliott scored on a one-yard run.
Sullivan scored on a 37-yard run in the third quarter. Gabe Boyle caught a one-yard touchdown pass from Lawson Petrust in the fourth quarter to account for the scoring.
Sullivan rushed for 146
yards on 12 carries. Holden Jones had 71 yards on seven carries. Elliott had 48 yards on nine carries.
“I thought we played really well,” Carlisle coach Caleb Shock said. “The environment at Bearden was different from the environment at Des Arc. We challenged the players to bring their own energy. And they did. I didn’t think we started off sluggish. We played hard from the very get-go.”
Shock said Huggins was a transfer from Mississippi and has made an impact with his kicking.
“I think he kicked a little bit at the school he was at,” Shock said. “He got here, and we just had him work on it. He’s a backup receiver and defensive back. But he knows his first contribution is kicking. He stays after practice. He gets out there early and puts in a lot of work.
“David Faucett gets it
all started as the long snapper. It’s been a good role for him. The operation has been good, and Peyton has been kicking them.”
The Bison host Little Rock Episcopal this Friday at Fred C. Hardke Field. The Wildcats are 3-1 in their return to 11-man football after playing 8-man football for four years.
The Wildcats are averaged 32 points per game. They have beaten Decatur 47-0, Murfreesboro 33-6 and Perryville 41-12.
“They are pretty young, but their junior high group was successful last year,” Shock said of Episcopal. “They play a lot of sophomores, but they are very talented. Their skill kids are real fast. They’ve got two receivers who are really talented. Their quarterback is good. Their running back can go. They are going to try to spread it out and play it fast.”
Hornet blockers clear the way for Number 10 to sweep around the end of the line. (Ruth Corley photo.) Carlisle kicker Peyton Huggins kicks an extra point against Bearden on Friday night. Also pictured is holder Preston Parker. Huggins was 6 for 6 against Bearden.