Now you see it - soon you won’t... Work on the new I-40 overpass in Carlisle is coming
Des Arc Council holds heated meeting
By Lisa Mills Correspondent
The Des Arc City Council met on August 27th. Mayor Roger Scott, Recorder/Treasurer
Biscoe
Thursday September 12 PC Master Gardeners meeting Fair Grounds
DeValls Bluff City Council meeting 6:00 p.m.
Friday September 13 Des Arc Eagles @ Hazen Hornets 7:00 p.m.
Janice Huffstickler, and council members Jodie Mayher, Nicole Fisher, Gail King, Judy Burnett, Keith Knupp and Doug Estes were present. The main discussion was about the baseball complex project. Knupp asked King where the negotiations for bids on the baseball complex stand. King stated that Schelle Architects have been negotiating with contractors for three or four weeks on their bids.. Bids received ranged from around $560,000 to $680,000. The original estimated cost to build the concession stand and bathrooms was $317,000 so Schelle has been negotiating for a lower price with the lowest bidder. They have dropped their price from $560,000 to $485,000 or $425,000 without the bathrooms.
King said that this bid does not have to be accepted if the council chooses to pass a resolution to reject it and accept bids themselves from other licensed and bonded contractors. Knupp presented copies of the original plans and the revised plans. King said she didn’t know there was a revised
plan. Knupp said that the revised plan had a lot added to the concession stand. He said he had talked to Mr. Schelle, who said, “the changes had been made due to what they wanted.” He said he asked who “they” were and Schelle replied that they had met with some people at the concession stand and asked what they needed. King said, “that would have been the concession stand workers.” She suggested having Schelle come to a meeting to explain the changes and added costs. Knupp said, “the new plan has a commercial kitchen which consists of three electric fryers, a commercial vent-a-hood, a makeup air system, a fire suppression system, and a 400 amp electrical system instead of a 200 amp”. He said that Schelle told him that the added cost, due to the commercial kitchen, is what is holding up the negotiations. King again said, “the best thing for us to do is have Schelle come talk to us”. Estes said “I don’t think it has anything to do with the architect, but the council voted on the plan that did not include any of this stuff.” King said, “but you don’t know that”, to which Estes replied, “I know exactly what the city voted on when we got the first
GP DA R p romotes Constitution W ee k
By Judi Tarter Jones
WASHINGTON, DC –The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution urges Americans to reflect on the United States Constitution during this month’s annual observance in honor of this foundational document of national governance. The DAR initiated the observance in 1955, when the service organization petitioned the U.S. Congress to dedicate September 17–23 of each year to the commemoration of Constitution Week. Congress adopted the resolution, and on August 2, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into Public Law #915. The celebration’s goals are threefold: to encour-
age the study of the historical events that led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787; to remind the public that the Constitution is the basis of America’s great heritage and the foundation for its way of life; and to emphasize U.S. citizens’ responsibility to protect, defend and preserve the U.S. Constitution.
Grand Prairie Chapter DAR will sponsor the signing of Constitution Week proclamations by mayors of towns across the Grand Prairie, school and public library programs and observances, and the ringing of church bells as part of the Bells Across America project…all to honor and celebrate the 237th anniversary of the drafting of our Constitution.
draft and it didn’t include that”. King said, “You weren’t here.” Estes replied, “I can read it, Gail, I’m not an idiot”.
Mayher stated that the whole project started because we needed new bathrooms, so negotiations without bathrooms doesn’t make sense. King said that the concession stand has barely passed the Health Department codes for the last two years so if we don’t do some of these things to update it we’re going to have to bring in food trucks or something like that. She asked Mayor Scott if he would call Schelle and ask them to come to the September meeting to explain it all, to which he replied he would. King said, “they have come and explained things numerous times before.” Knupp said, “but that was based on the original draft without kitchen equipment. I asked Schelle, “why would you not include kitchen equipment?” and he said “you were counting on it being donated.” He also said, “You don’t need heat and air in the bathrooms which is included in the new plan.” King said, “that was in the original plan”. Knupp replied, “no it was not”. King told Knupp she was not going to argue with him, and since neither one of them are architects she wants a professional to come explain it all. Knupp said, “I don’t think we need to pass that resolution until we do get an explanation”. King said, “So you don’t want to take bids?” Knupp replied, “no ma'am, not
until we determine what’s going to be in there”. Burnett said, “well for the sake of argument I want to add one more comment to all this. If there had not been so much controversy over it, then it would have been built last year and we wouldn’t be facing quite such a big problem because the cost of everything has gone up tremendously.” Knupp replied, “that is a true statement, but if it had been built last year, none of this stuff would be in it because it was not included in the original plan.” No action was taken, other than having Schelle come to either a work meeting or the September council meeting.
Knupp said that the Chamber of Commerce had Landscape Architect Martin Smith from Ecological Design Group walk around the riverfront to get an idea of possible projects to draw people to Des Arc and capitalize on our river, which is our greatest asset, then develop a master plan. “Smith has connections with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Corp of Engineers and has done master proposals for numerous projects in water areas,” Knupp said. He said that the cost of the master plan is $15,000, and the Chamber is asking the city to pay $5,000, the Des Arc Industrial Development Corporation to pay $5000, and the Chamber to pay $5000. Burnett said, “I understand what voting for this means, but I don't want to throw out another $5000 for a plan, then it get
set aside and nothing ever happen”. Burnett left, saying, “my nerves just can't take this right now”. King left shortly afterward. Knupp said, “we have to spend money to move forward”. Mayor Scott said, “we do have a lot of money not being used and we need to have a meeting and ya’ll need to listen to me. We’re embarrassing ourselves up here!” Estes said, “well there’s no reason we can't ask questions”. Scott said, “the motion is dead”. Estes said, “no it is not dead”. Scott exclaimed, “you let me run this meeting!” Estes replied, “that’s not how it works”, to which Scott replied, “there was no second, and ya’ll started discussing before the second was made so the motion died!” You can make a new motion, second, discuss it, then vote!” Estes replied, “don't holler at me Roger! I’m a grown man.” Scott said, “ then don't yell at me”. Knupp said to Scott, “you sit here and talk about all the stuff you've done around here but a little respect goes a long way”. Estes said, “Don't sit here questioning me like a little kid.” Scott said, “ya’ll started talking before a second was made.” Estes said to Scott, “I apologize”. A motion eventually passed to spend the $5000 out of the county sales tax.
Mayor Scott reported that he and city workers have been doing a lot of clean-up work around the city, such as around the riverfront and around the practice field, but the city needs (Continued on page 3.)
Wanda
Janette Rosel Wanda Janette Rosel was born to Loran and Villa Effie Parks on August 2, 1934, in Hickory Plains, Arkansas. She passed from her earthly home in Searcy, Arkansas on August 28, 2024. As Wanda grew, she attended Hickory Plains and Beebe School systems graduating 12th grade from Beebe High School.
and Effie, one brother Harold Parks, one sister Geraldine Speight and eight stepbrothers and sisters.
She is survived by son Randy Rosel (Carol) of Griffithville, daughter Renee Faucett (John) of Searcy, six grandchildren Jonathan Faucett (Nikki), Brittney Long (Michael), Ashton Blake (Whitney), Ravyn Rosel, Ryan Rosel and Jason Faucett, great grandchildren Jolee Long, Harper Blake and Grant Long, two stepbrothers Russell and Doug Lenderman and stepsister Earnestine Craver.
She married Raymond Rosel on December 24, 1955, in Des Arc, Arkansas where they made their home, most of their married life. Wanda and Raymond were blessed with two children, Randy and Renee. She was a stayat-home mom while her children were growing. She loved spending time with her family, working in her yard and cooking. Wanda attended the First Baptist Church of Des Arc. After her children were older, she chose to work outside the home, part time. She retired from Des Arc IGA, where she made many friends. Wanda was a lady that had a very sweet spirit, if you ever spoke with her, you became friends for life. As she grew into those Golden Years Wanda moved to Searcy, Arkansas to be closer to her daughter, Renee.
Wanda was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, infant son Ricky, parents Loran
Joy Strohl
Joy Strohl, age 86, of DeValls Bluff, entered the gates of heaven on September 1, 2024.
Joy was born on June 16, 1938 to George W. and Ollie M. Scott. Joy was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of DeValls Bluff.
Joy was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Howard Strohl, her parents, three sisters, Delores Luebeke, Patricia Tyson, Billie Jo Scott; one brother, George Kelly Scott.
She is survived by her children, Rickey Strohl and wife Linda, Cherie Hutchens and husband Charles, all of DeValls Bluff, John Strohl of Hot Springs; grandchildren, Matthew Strohl and wife Meredith of DeValls Bluff, Williams Hutchens and wife
Montana of Bald Knob, Lucas Strohl and friend Heather Horn of DeValls Bluff, Tiffany Teater and husband Brent of Sheridan, Kristen Ficut and husband Ionel of Cabot; Great grandchildren, Layne Strohl, Brandon Harvey, Barrett Harvey, Kate Ficut and Harrison Ficut; two brothers, Tom Scott and wife Wanda, and Ken Scott and wife Billie all of Little Rock; along with a host of nieces and nephews that she loved as her own children.
Joy loved to garden and was well known for her green thumb. She was also an avid bird watcher, she especially loved to see the cardinals, finches, doves and woodpeckers that came to the feeders she kept full for them, but her favorites were the hummingbirds. Joy was also famous for her homemade cinnamon rolls…if you know, you know how good they were! She loved to cook for all the farm hands over the years, it was the highlight of her day when they would gather at her table and talk about what all was happening on the farm, she loved them all. Services for Joy will be Thursday, September 5, 2024 with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM with the funeral following at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Devalls Bluff, officiated by Bro. Bobby Powers. Interment will follow where she will be laid to rest next to her husband in the Hazen Cemetery.
2ND ANNUAL LCCA (DES ARC) SENIOR FUN GAME DAY!
OCTOBER 4, 2024
HAZEN COMMUNITY CENTER
986 E. FRONT ST. IN HAZEN SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
8 a.m. - Check in 8:30 a.m. - Opening ceremonies 9:00 a.m. - Archery Compound Bow Baggo* Skip-Bo Spin Casting*
10:00 a.m. - Daisy Air Gun Dominos Nail Pounding*
11:00 a.m. - Softball Throw* Ring Toss* Track and Field
9:00 a.m. - 200 Meter Walk
9:30 a.m. - 200 Meter Run
10:00 a.m. - 100 Meter Relay
NO EVENTS WILL BE DELAYED DUE TO SCHEDULING CONFLICTS.
ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
* Indicates a drop by event. All drop by events will remain open. Coffee, water, and morning snacks will be provided. Lunch will also be provided ($7.50 suggested donation.)
ALL GAMES WILL END AT 1:30 P.M.
Registration forms can be picked up at The Des Arc Senior Center and The Hazen Senior Center
The entry fee is $15.00 before September 6, or $20 after that, and is non-refundable. Send the entry fee and a registration form to: Des Arc Senior Center 1103 Main St. Des Arc, AR 72040
(For more information call 870-256-3751.)
Time for a carwash...
The youth of the First Pentecostal Church of Prairie County held a fund raising carwash on Saturday, August 24. Everyone got soaked, soaped, and had a great time. The church’s pastor is Luke Newman.
Hazen Chamber meets
The Hazen Chamber of Commerce met on Monday, August 26, to discuss the upcoming Rice Festival, Trunk or Treat, and Christmas in the Park. The group also heard information about the beauty pageant that will be held on October 12 at 1:00 p.m. in the Hazen High School gymnasium. Admission for the pageant will be $3 per person this year. The Rice Festival will be held on the last Saturday in October, the 26th, on the east end of Hazen City Park. David Hardke reported that
four booths have signed up so far, and suggestions for the entertainment were discussed. Hardke said that the bounce houses for keds will be at the event again this year. Chad Greenwalt is in charge of the antique farm equipment display. Trunk or Treat will be held on Halloween which falls on a Thursday this year. It will begin at 5:00 p.m. and end at 7:00 p.m. The event will be held on Front Street from Hazen Avenue to Chester Street. Set up will begin at 4:00 p.m.
Those who wish to sign up for Trunk or Treat need to go to City Hall. Dee Hare will be in charge.
Christmas in the Park will be held on Monday, December 2 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. with a parade at 7:00 p.m. Local choirs will be asked to sing during the event, and carriage rides will be available for those who attend. The Chamber hopes to have cookies provided by Kayla Murphy of DeValls Bluff along with hot chocolate in the Hazen Depot.
RENTING
Christopher Homes
Sarah Meek, Manager BRINKLEY 870-734-2201 Brenda Long, Manager
CLARENDON 870-277-0621
By Lisa Mills
The DA School Board met on August 26th with Superintendent Marc Sherrell, High School
Principal B.J. Paschal, Elementary Principal Cheryl Holland, and all board members except
Brent Calhoun were present. Both principals gave reports on the new state accountability measures according to the LEARNS act.
Principal Paschal presented everyone with a packet explaining the new
measurements that will be used to grade Arkansas high schools. The state’s goals are to simplify the school rating formula to reflect Arkansas’ priorities. The new formula will continue to maintain an emphasis on literacy and math, and will elevate an emphasis on science. The formula includes a revised readiness indicator to reward middle and high schools in preparing students for life after graduation. Reporting of the school's grades will be made easier for educators and families to understand the rating.
A new incentive for high school seniors is to earn a diploma with merit or a diploma with distinction. The merit diploma will include postsecondary credit, credential in a high-wage, high-demand career field, and a seal of literacy. The distinction diploma will include an associate’s degree, ,AICE
and IB diploma, AP scholar with distinction, and a youth apprenticeship leading to a registered apprenticeship. In order to be able to obtain an associate’s degree by graduation, juniors will now be able to obtain credit for college courses. Paschal said he believes that DAHS is in good shape to meet or exceed the new accountability standards.
Principal Holland presented a packet explaining the new standards for grading elementary and middle schools. The purpose of school letter grades is to ensure that all children have access to opportunities for high quality education and make progress in closing achievement gaps. Expectations include identifying underperforming schools and to provide support to achieve
improvement, implement evidence-based strategies to address areas of need, and to inform educators of student success and progress and outcomes of the school’s improvement efforts. The new school report cards will be based on 35% achievement in ELA, math and science, and 60% growth in the three areas. A major focus will be on K-3 reading skills (all students should be reading on their grade level by 3rd grade). Holland said that all the elementary teachers have been working hard to learn what will be expected and are preparing to help students meet the new standards.
Rebecca Dixon and Kenisha Jordan were hired as substitute cafeteria and custodian workers, and Cynthia Taylor was hired as the HIPPY
Des Arc council__
(Continued from p. 1.)
Parapro (all subject to background checks). The board approved $14,500 for merit payments to qualified teachers. A change was approved to Chrisanna Knupp’s contract to add a $500 stipend to be the assistant girls’ basketball coach. Tuition of $12,400 per student per semester was approved for The Sunshine School. There will be five students attending The Sunshine School. The board approved up to $25,000 for repairs and improvements to the Title 1 building. Superintendent Sherrell reported the current enrollment for Pre-K through 12th grade is 663, and he was very happy with how well the first two weeks of school have gone. He also reported that the school resource officer will be paid $75 to attend all home games and $100 to attend away games deemed necessary. The SRO previously received comp time instead of pay. The board chose to reject all construction bids that were submitted to the engineer for the new concession stand at the football field. The date for the Annual Report to the Public was set for October 28th at 6:00pm. all that lined out like we talked about before we start spending money so we can see where it needs to come from and get some other things covered”. Scott replied, “we have nearly $700,000 of county sales tax money not being spent and people complain about not seeing their sales tax being used”. Mayher said. “I don't mind putting money into cleanup but it seems like we talk about things at work meetings then nothing is done”. Scott said, “the city has been slacking off for 30 years and it’s time to step up working for the town.” Knupp suggested approving money from the county sales tax for cleanup now because it needs to be done while it’s dry and the weather is right. A motion was approved to transfer $25,000 from the county sales tax fund into a cleanup fund.
A resolution was passed approving an agreement with Environmental Process Systems, Inc. to construct a water booster pump station for the sum of $755,000. A resolution was passed approving an agreement with Maguire Iron, Inc. to repaint and make repairs to the elevated water tanks for the sum of $635,750. These will be paid from the grant received from the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. Police Chief Dewayne Mayher presented his report for the third quarter. There were 30 felony arrests which included felony drug arrests. Seven misdemeanor drug arrests were made for marijuana and paraphernalia. 55 traffic citations were written. Numerous warrants were served for probation violations, Failure to Appear, and Failure to Pay. The ambulance Department reported 29 total transports in July.
The cost of $63 for this notice will be paid out of the County General account.
WIN $50
ARMCHAIR
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.
Bison beat Drew Central, No. 1 Dragons are next
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Carlisle Bison shook off a shaky start to beat Drew Central 38-6 in the season opener Friday night. However, the big focus is on this week as the No. 1 Junction City Dragons come to Carlisle to play the No. 2 Bison.
“People have asked me about this game all summer,” Carlisle coach Gary Wilson said. “From the time I was in school playing here until now, I’ve never been involved in one like this. It’s really exciting.”
Wilson said for his team to have a chance to win, it must tackle well in space.
“They’ve got a kid in Grimes who had a big game against us last year,” he said. “He’s lightning in a bottle. Offensively, we’re not gonna be able to shoot ourselves in the foot because they are good defensively. They aren’t going to need any help. We’ve got to be sharp on offense and not turn the ball over.”
In Friday’s season opener, Carlisle freshman quarterback Ty Tanksley had a successful debut, completing 15 of 27 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns against only one interception. Jaden Elliott rushed for 76 yards on 15 carries. Lawson Petrus rushed for 52 yards and two
touchdowns on six carries.
Kaidon Clingmon caught five passes for 26 yards and a touchdown.
Gavin Davis caught four passes for 66 yards and a score. Gabe Boyle caught three passes for 32 yards.
Bentley Parker led the Bison with 10 tackles. Kolton Bartley had nine. Petrus had seven.
Carlisle kicker Jimmy Cham was 5 for 5 on extra points and also kicked a field goal.
“It was rainy but that’s no excuse,” Wilson said. “We shot ourselves in the foot with penalties. We didn’t really panic.
Once we started clicking, we really started rolling.”
Hazen to host Des Arc in trophy game Friday night
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Battle of the Prairie is set for Friday night at Hornet Field.
Hazen, which enters the game at 0-1, will host rival Des Arc, which was idle last week. Kickoff is set for 7
p.m. Hazen fell to Conway Christian 42-14 in its season opener last Friday. Hazen coach Joe Besancon knows his
team will have its hands full with the Eagles.
“Out of all the teams I’ve seen so far, Des Arc is the best-looking team I’ve seen,” Besancon said. “They have a front that may be bigger than anybody in 2A and maybe bigger than Junction City, size wise. They are huge and have depth. That’s going to be a task for us.
“We’re so young and so small. Some of those
kids we’re throwing out there aren’t ready for that yet.”
Des Arc played well in its scrimmage game at Class 4A Lonoke two weeks ago.
Eagles coach Brandon Barbaree said his team will have to play well against Hazen.
“They will be up for us,” he said. “Our guys will have to run the ball well to have a chance to win.”
Hornets wear down in second half against Eagles
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
CONWAY — The Hazen Hornets got off to a great start but couldn’t sustain it in a 42-14 loss to Conway Christian on Friday night in the season opener at Mission Field. The score was tied 1414 at halftime, but Hazen led 8-0 following a two-yard run by quarterback JJ Pinkney. He also scored the two-point conversion. The touchdown was set up by a 53-yard pass from Pinkney to Hunter Pardin to the Conway Christian 8. Conway Christian tied it at 8-8 early in the
second quarter. The Eagles went up 14-8 before the Hornets tied it at 14-14 right before halftime. Pinkey threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Noah Adkins. The two-point conversion failed. The Eagles took the lead for good early in the second half to lead 20-14.
Conway Christian scored three more touchdowns to account for the final score.
The Hornets finished with 137 yards passing and 118 yards rushing. Pinkney completed 6 of 13 passes for 137 yards. He also rushed for 82 yards.
Hazen coach Joe
Besancon said Conway Christian is a good team.
“We just wore down,” he said. “We started three kids on defense who haven’t played football in three years. Their bodies aren’t used to that. The cramping issues took over. We don’t have much depth, period.
“They are a good football team. They’ve got like 18 seniors. That experience shows. We’re going to be one of those teams that hopefully gets a little bit better each week with those young guys and the guys who haven’t played a lot of football.”
Grand Prairie Country Club announces golf champions
Grand Prairie Country Club held their annual member Club Championship on August 17-18. Britt Stallings led by 2 strokes after a pedestri-
an even par round after day 1. Grant Shelman was able to hold off the young whippersnapper
Lane Petty and the rest of the field after 2 rain delays and restarts on
Sunday. Grant’s eaglebirdie two hole span gave him the separation he needed, making this his 5th Championship.
Lane Petty won the 13 and under youth divi-
sion but played with the men for all 36 holes of the tournament. He will continue to be a force for years to come at GPCC!
Hudson Goodman won the 17 and under division.
Eddie McMullen won the Super Senior division. The Senior division
had a tie between Bo Miller and Josh Cunningham and they have not concluded their playoff at this time.
Hazen quarterback JJ Pinkney brings the offense to the line for a two-point conversion attempt against Conway Christian on Friday night. (Mark Buffalo photo)
Junior Hornets win over Hampton ...
The Hazen Junior Hornets defeated Hampton 2-0 in a game played on Hornet Field on Thursday, August 29. (Ruth Corley photo.)
Grant Shelman
Hudson Goodman Lane Petty