H a z en S chool B oar d hears stu d ent p resentations
The Hazen School Board met on Monday, February 10, 2025, with only Board Member Chad Greenwalt missing. Gifted and Talented students from the high school gave presentations of the projects that they will use in state competitions on February 28. The two projects were Cam and Kate Custom Pens which are decorated for individuals and Safe Travels jewelry cases that are personalized by Jac Thomas and Bella Raper for taking on trips. The jewelry cases are made from repurposed retainer cases. Students also read portions of essays that will be presented at the competition. In addition, Michael Bowman was
second place in the state cheerleading competition.
Superintendent Andy Barrett told the board that the district has received an $86,000 grant to purchase a greenhouse for the high school agriculture department. The grant does not include the cost
Farmers and Merchants Bank with some of the money. The CDs will be renewed every three months in order to get competitive rates. The remainder of the bond funds will be held at Cadence Bank at an interest rate of 3.5%.
The district has also received an $18,268 pro-
honored for making a 34 on the ACT test. High School Principal Amy Marek said that all students who made a 19 or higher on the ACT were recognized and given a check for $100. Members of the HHS cheerleading squad, with their coach Kalyn Tenison, presented their trophy to the board for their recent
of construction, which will be built by the Hummert International of St. Louis. An additional cost of $84,500 will be paid to Hummert for the construction of the greenhouse.
Additional construction plans included the decision to purchase certificates of deposit that earn 4.35% from
fessional grant to improve instructional strategies. Forty to forty nine percent of the district’s students are in need of support. A safety grant was also received.
Barrett also presented a tentative plan for construction of the PreK building, the Agri building, the old gym remod-
el, the football fieldhouse, and the high school lower hallway.
The planning has begun for the PreK building, the Agri building, and the girls' weight room gym remodel, and Barrett expects construction on those to begin sometime in June.
The planning for the fieldhouse will begin in June with construction beginning after football season this year.
Planning and construction for the high school lower hallway will not take place until 2026.
Marek announced a junior high dance for the 7th, 8th, and 9th graders, the start of baseball season on March 4, an auction on February 27, and a barbeque dinner to fund the high school Honor Banquet sponsored by the Parent/Teachers Organization. She also said that an early release day will be led by students to aid in student/teacher communication, and the “Get Real, Here’s the Deal” presentation will take place again this year.
Elementary Principal Laura Saranie announced the NWEA testing for grades K-6,
ATLAS test interim makeups and faculty training for the ATLAS testing.
The board went into executive session to discuss personnel at 6:43 p.m. and returned at 7:09 p.m. with no action taken. The contracts of Marek and Saranie were renewed for the 2025-26 school year, and the hiring of Christa Nall for the position of HIPPY paraprofessional for the remainder of this school year. Briana Austin was also rehired as the K-12 Assistant Principal and Girls Basketball Coach with a 220 day contract. The resignation of Trudy Drye, the present HIPPY paraprofessional,
Jaycee Thomas and Bella Raper
was accepted.
The next school board meeting will be held on Monday, March 10, at 6:00 p.m. in the high school library.
Des Arc hears about available community grants
By Lisa Mills Correspondent
On February 11th, a public meeting was held at the courthouse annex before the Quorum Court Meeting. Leigh
Ann Pool from Central Arkansas Planning & Development District presented information on grants currently available that cities and counties can apply for and to identify and pri-
D VB gets ne w p olice
cameras
By Lisa Mills Correspondent
DeValls Bluff Police Department has received the first of two new vehicles purchased with grants. Dash cameras, and body cameras have also been received which were purchased with a grant. Chief Jeremy Murphy said he is very excited to start using everything.
The DeValls Bluff City Council met February 13th. Mayor Darlene Connor, Recorder/Treasurer Marcus Metcalf, and council members Scott Troy, Alice Metcalf, Carol Griffin, Shirley Goff, Pam DelGiorno, and Raymond Watson were present. The council passed a resolution for the mayor
to apply for an Arkansas Rural Community Grant. The grant is for the purchase and installation of a storm warning siren. The grant is for $15,000 and the city will pay $29,565.
A motion was passed to purchase lights for the Fire Department brush truck that was purchased last year. The lights and installation will be purchased from Arkansas Valley Communications for $6,526.66.
A building permit was approved for Roger Orman. The permit is for an addition to a mobile home at 402B Prairie Street.
Police Chief Murphy reported four arrests and eight traffic citations in January.
oritize community needs. Holding this public meeting is the first step in the application process. CAPDD is currently accepting grant applications for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). These grants can be used for a variety of things to improve communities. Some examples include libraries, senior citizen centers, community centers, economic development programs, and infrastructure such as drainage issues, sewer, water, and roads. She asked for input to identify some needs.
One person mentioned that it had been discussed that some culverts on county gravel roads need to be improved and made stronger. Another suggestion was road improvements, especially between Des Arc and
Hazen. Someone stated there is a big need for more housing throughout the county, especially in Des Arc which is continuing to grow. Pool stated that these particular grants won’t cover additional housing but there are programs through HUD that do and she could provide that information. Pool said that she is always available for suggestions and she would be posting further information on the Des Arc News facebook page and be in touch with the county judge, mayor and other city and county leaders.
Leigh Ann Pool
Steven Wayne Hanson
By Lisa Mills Correspondent
It is with great sadness that we are announcing the tragic passing of Steven Wayne Hanson of Carlisle AR, on Friday February 7.
Steve was born October 24, 1960 to Lorraine R and Donald Wayne Hanson in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Steve grew up in church and at a young age accepted Christ. His family moved to Olympia WA in 1968 and he graduated from Olympia High School in Olympia WA in 1979. He was a beloved member of the Hanson family and in 1986 joined the Cook family with his marriage to Wendy Cook Hanson. He was preceded in death by his sister, Donna Hanson and His father.
Steve was meticulous in everything he did from pencil drawing, to working on a home, to being a friend, to being a member of a family, or whatever job or task he was to do he wanted to do his best. He loved drawing, being with family, going to Disneyland, and after moving to Arkansas, Silver Dollar City became his new Disneyland. However, the most important things to him were his walk with Christ, church family, immediate family, foster chil-
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dren, and his friends he had the privilege of getting to know over the years. Steve and his wife Wendy were loved by their nieces and nephews for years before becoming parents of their own. In 2003 they adopted their first child and over the next 20 years they adopted 7 children and touched many children’s lives through foster care.
Steve also worked at Washington State Corrections Center in Shelton, WA for over 30 years and retired from there. After retiring, he and his family moved to Carlisle, AR and bought a fun home to remodel.
He spent many days taking his children places and seeing things, working on his retirement home, continuing to stay connected with foster children he had gotten to know, and his newest joy was his new granddaughter.
Anyone who knew Steve knew how much he loved and cared for those in his life. In 1986 he dedicated his life to Christ and it showed. He didn’t just say he was a Christian he showed it by his example. Everyone that knew him described him as a kind person and a good friend. Many of the foster children said he was like a father to them. He will be missed greatly by those who knew him. The memories and stories he left us with will be cherished by everyone who knew him and his example will leave a legacy through many people.
The service was held at Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Carlisle, AR Saturday, Feb 15 at 11:00 am. -
Larry Hillyard
ability to listen and offer wisdom and advice on any matter, always making those around him feel heard, valued, and understood. His love and generosity extended far beyond his immediate family—he was a father figure to so many.
A graduate of both the University of Central Arkansas and The School of Banking from SMU, Larry built a distinguished 44-year career with the Arkansas State Bank Department, where he earned the respect of colleagues and peers alike. His dedication and leadership continued after retirement as a valued member of the Board of Directors at Chambers Bank for the last 10 years. Larry was the 2014 SportsmanConservationist of the year awarded by the Yell County Wildlife Federation. An avid outdoorsman for 60 years, Larry found great joy in duck hunting from his teenage years. He made treasured lifelong friends from his hunting trips. His passion for the outdoors extended into conservation, serving for many years as the treasurer of The Yell County Wildlife Federation, and treasure at Arkansas Wildlife Federation for two years working to protect and preserve the land and wildlife he held so dearly.
What began as a hobby became a lifelong passion when Larry became a farmer, pouring his heart into the land. He had a strong work ethic and deep love for nature. He loved nothing more than riding around on his tractor.
The Des Arc City Council held their first meeting of 2025 on January 21st. New council members present were Joey York, and Russell Smith. Virgil Moore was absent. Also present were Mayor Roger Scott, Recorder/Treasurer Janice Huffstickler, and council members Doug Estes, Keith Knpp, and Nicole Fisher.
An ordinance was passed approving the 2025 city budget. Balance forward is $2,022,429.47. Expected income is $6,894,850.00. Expected expenses are $6,743,997.00.
The council approved a 5% cost of living increase for city employees. They also approved an increase for the Recorder/Treasurer from $300 to $400 per month. This was the first R/T increase since 2007.
An ordinance was passed permitting qualified Police Department employees and elected officials to serve on an as-needed basis as paid volunteer ambulance drivers and EMTs. This will only happen when Ambulance employees or other qualified volunteers are not available and will be at the Ambulance Director’s discretion.
A resolution was approved for the mayor
to enter into an independent contractor agreement with Craig Treadwell for Cemetery Sexton services at Lakeside Cemetery. Treadwell will be paid $650 per week ($20 more than last year). Knupp asked who is responsible for paying extra help that Treadwell hires. Treadwell answered that he does.
Kade Parnell with the Baseball Association addressed the council concerning the construction of the new concession stand/bathroom complex. He said that the first game of the season is March 5th for the High School softball team and there are several concerns that need to be addressed before then. He said that the immediate concern is that there is no electricity right now because the contractor cut it off and he has not been able to reach him to find out when it will be back on.
Mayor Scott called the contractor and asked him about it. The contractor said he will take care of it right away. Scott also asked him when he thought the complex might be finished. He said he would have to check on everything but he thought about two months or so.
Roxanne Bradow
Circulation/Accounts
Trudy Johnson
Sports Editor
Mark Buffalo
Correspondent
Lisa Mills
Correspondent
Debbye Harrison
Photographer
Ruth Corley
In loving memory of Larry Hillyard, a devoted husband, cherished father, and pillar of his community, who passed away peacefully at the age of 76 on February 11, 2025. For 55 years, Larry was the beloved husband of Margaret Cotton, his unwavering partner and soulmate. Together, they raised two daughters, Hannah Hillyard (Anna Maria, Florida) and Hallie Hillyard (Hot Springs, AR), whom he adored beyond measure. Larry is also survived by his loving sister, Pam Tipton (Terry), and brother and sister-inlaw Len and Avis Cotton as well as his niece and four nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his parents, Juanita and Earnest Hillyard. Larry had a biggerthan-life personality, filling every room with warmth laughter, and an undeniable presence. He had a remarkable
Larry had a deep appreciation for the art of the deal, finding immense joy in buying land and real estate. His passion for investing in real estate was a testament to his keen business sense and love for growth and progress.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Yell County Wildlife Federation in honor of Larry’s lifelong dedication to conservation and community. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his wisdom, generosity, sharp business mind, larger-than-life spirit, and enduring love. His unwavering commitment to his family and friends left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle, where friends and family were invited to gather and celebrate Larry’s life on Sunday, February 16, 2025, visitation was at 1pm followed by the service at 2:00 pm.
Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle. Online Guest Book and Condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com
A severe blood shortage is impacting the community, and Our Blood Institute needs your help. Recent illness outbreaks have removed the ill and their caregivers from the donor pool. Preemptive school closures and corporate and institutional drive cancellations are piling up due to impending severe weather. Work from home precautions have removed donors from their routine habits of giving blood. The net result is thousands of lost blood donation appointments. As a result, OBI’s ability to maintain a stable blood supply is critically strained. With a storm approaching, we are suffering disruptions at a time when the blood
Gary King
Dewanna Keys
Charles Schwede
George Toll
Steve Chapecka
Leah Chapecka
Erna E. Tosh
Betty Juola
Brandon Tipton
James Gray
Mary Van Houten
safety net is already weakened. Immediate community support is essential to support vital medical care.
“The situation is dire,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Our Blood Institute. “ We must act now to replenish the supply before things become a lot worse than a missed lunch or dinner.”
The urgency is further intensified by one of the most severe flu seasons in 15 years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "one indicator of flu activity is the percentage of doctor’s office visits driven by flu-like symptoms. Two weeks ago, that number was clearly
February blood donors
Chris Wright
Charla Gibbs
Nancy Chlapecka
Laurie Black
Candy Weems
Ross Skarda
Steve Black
Averie Atkinson
Seth Skarda
Lauren Lisko
Treadwell told the council that Mrs. Cox’s EAST class has been cleaning headstones at the cemetery. He asked if the city could buy the chemicals they are using. Mayor Scott told Cox to turn in her receipts for any expenses involved and the city will reimburse her.
Mayor Scott announced that he received a letter from the Arkansas State Aid Street Committee stating that Des Arc’s request for funding for street overlay was not approved THe letter states that 37 requests were approved out of the 147 received. It also states that a new request for next year will not be necessary, as all requests will remain active. Scott made it clear that he was very angry about it, but nothing could be done, so the city will have to pay for any necessary overlay projects. The Ambulance Service provided a report for 2024. There were 474 total runs. Total revenue was $197,094.66.
Parnell said the other concerns are for usable bathrooms and a concession stand until the complex is complete. Keith asked Mayor Scott if water could be re-routed to the old bathrooms, to which Scott replied, “yes”. As for a concession stand, Mayor Scott told Parnell they need to look into a portable building or food truck. They plan to meet to find the best solution.
higher than the peak of any winter flu season since 2009-2010, when a swine flu epidemic hit the nation." Right now, demand is high while donations are declining, leaving hospitals with dangerously low supplies. Every donation can mean the difference between life and death. We urge all eligible donors to make an appointment today. Your donation is a direct lifeline for those in need. Visit www.obi.org/appeal to schedule your lifesaving donation now.
Gaylon
Prairie County Quorum continues solar discussion
The Prairie County Quorum Court met on Tuesday, February 11. Judge Lawrence Holloway was absent from the meeting, and Justice Rick Stallings was chosen to run the meeting. All of the justices were present, along with County Clerk Gaylon Hale and County Attorney Abram Skarda. The court continued the ongoing discussion of the placement of solar panels in the county. In the November meeting, the court limited the output of solar projects to five megawatts. Stephen Morgason, the Land Manager for the Samsung Renewable Energy Team, and a representative of Adamas Solar, LLC and Hazen Solar, LLC, was at the meeting to ask the court to rethink the limit so that the county can participate in a pilot solar program that will pay counties an upfront payment based on the assessment of the hardware value of the projects. His company submitted a variance on the wattage amount which was accepted by the court. The tax calculation would be evaluated by the county assessor, and the money can only be spent for community development projects. The bulk of the money would come in the first 10 years of the solar
project, and the equipment would be depreciated over the next 20 years provided that state regulations allow pilot agreements to be drawn over 20 years. The depreciation schedule of the project will be based on the state of Arkansas guidelines. For example - if the project equipment is $210,000,000, then the amount received by the county would be .5% of that amount divided by the first ten years, or $105,000. The court will divide the payments with the county receiving 70% and the remaining 30% will be divided among the cities based upon population.
Other counties have participated in this program and have had very positive results. The companies would still pay property taxes on the land at the farm rate. Justice Paul Hooks and County Attorney Abram Skarda researched the project and reported that the plan sounded good.
Justice Rick Stallings agreed saying, “This county is hurting for money.”
Leah Pool of CAPDD announced to the court that Prairie County had conducted a public hearing and has an active Citizen Participation Plan/Community Development Plan as part of an application
process for grant funds. As a result of the meeting, the county has identified and prioritized community development and housing needs. The court agreed to allow the submission of an application to the State of Arkansas for grant funds.
Deborah Carpenter of the Prairie County Master Gardeners told the court that azaleas had been planted at the Des Arc Courthouse, and requested that the court pay for mulch and a drip irrigation system to maintain them. She also announced the availability of County 76 applications for students.
At the end of the meeting, the court passed three ordinances to amend Ordinance 20251, the budget ordinance, to transfer $1423 from the Sheriff’s Bond Fund to be used for Sea Air Land Technologies training class for the drone aerial system; to transfer $3000 from the Dispatch Fund to the County General Fund for workman’s comp, overtime, and unemployment; and to transfer $1628.89 to the Prosecutor’s Office for salaries, Social Security, Retirement, and postage. The ordinances can be read in their entirety in this week’s paper.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS PROBATE DIVISION
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HARVEY JOE SANNER, DECEASED 59NPR-25-3 NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Last Known Address of Decedent: PO Box 908, Des Arc, AR 72040
Date of Death: November 13, 2024
All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, duly verified, to the undersigned within six (6) 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 this 12th day of February, 2025.
KELLY DALE SANNER 7349 HIGHWAY 38 E DES ARC, ARKANSAS 72040
MATT WADE SANNER 2218 DANIEL DR SEARCY, ARKANSAS 72143
ROBERT M. ABNEY, P.A. ATTORNEY FOR THE ESTATE P O BOX 246 DES ARC AR 72040 870.256.4183
City of Carlisle 215 South Court Street Carlisle, AR 72024
INVITATION TO BID
Yard Waste Removal & Disposal
Issue Date: January 29, 2025
Contact: Mr. David Walters, Director of Public Works (870) 552-5909
Submissions Must Be Received by: 1:00 P.M. (local time) on February 17, 2025
The City of Carlisle (City) is requesting formal bids for an annual contract to remove and dispose of residential yard debris (limbs, leaves, grass clippings, etc.) throughout the City. The selected vendor will agree to enter into a 3-year contract to provide this service, with the option to renew. Bid packages are available at no charge by contacting the Carlisle City Clerks Office at (870) 552-9420.
Bids are to be addressed to Acting Mayor Jon Plafcan, City of Carlisle, AR, 215 South Court Street, PO Box 49, Carlisle, AR 72024. Bids will be received until 1:00 P.M. on February 17, 2025, at which time they will be publicly opened and read. Late bids will not be accepted, and it is the responsibility of the bidders to ensure that bids arrive in the City’s office by the date and time listed above.
The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to waive irregularities and/or informalities and to disregard all non-conforming, nonresponsive, unbalanced, or conditional bids. The City complies with all Equal Opportunity requirements. All qualified bidders will receive consideration without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, religion, ancestry, mental or physical handicap or age.
From Senator Ronald Caldwell
LITTLE ROCK – The Senate approved legislation to improve maternal health care in Arkansas, especially in areas where existing medical services are lacking.
Also, a bill to provide a free breakfast every day to all students continued to breeze through the legislature and should soon be sent to the governor for her signature. It is part of her legislative agenda.
Senate Bill 213, known as the “Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act,” changes Medicaid regulations to make prenatal care much more accessible in areas of the state that have been designated as maternal care deserts, because of a lack of obstetricians.
It establishes presumptive eligibility for pregnant women who apply for Medicaid. This allows them to get immediate prenatal care, while they’re waiting for a full application to be processed.
Also, SB 213 authorizes Medicaid to reimburse doulas and community health workers, including for visits to the pregnant woman’s home if the visit is related to prenatal or postpartum care.
Medicaid coverage will include office visits, lab-
oratory fees, tests ordered by a physician, blood work, remote monitoring, fetal nonstress tests and glucose monitoring to detect possible gestational diabetes.
Self measurement blood pressure devices will be covered also.
The House passed an identical bill. Improving maternal health care is part of the governor’s legislative agenda.
The Senate also approved a package of bills intended to prevent deceptive practices when canvassers collect signatures from registered voters, in order to place an issue on the ballot.
SB 207 would require canvassers to inform people, before collecting their signatures, that petition fraud is a Class A misdemeanor. The disclosure could be verbal, or in a separate written document that would be shown to people before they sign.
SB 208 would require canvassers to view a photo ID of each person signing the petition. If canvassers are unable to verify someone’s identity, they may not collect a signature.
SB 210 would require people to read the ballot title of a ballot issue before signing the petition. The ballot title is a summary of all the provisions in the proposed constitutional amendment or initiated act. The bill allows for the ballot title to be read to the person signing, in the presence of the canvasser.
SB 211 would require canvassers to submit a sworn statement that he or she has complied with all state laws governing the collection of signatures, and with the Constitution. Unless the canvasser submits the sworn statement, any signatures he or she turns in will not be counted by the Secretary of State.
SB 59 would provide a free breakfast to all public school students, regardless of their family income, beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. It has been passed by the Senate and cleared a Senate committee.
SB 209 directs the Secretary of State to not count signatures on a petition if a preponderance of evidence indicates that the canvasser has violated state laws or provisions in the state Constitution regarding canvassing, perjury, forgery or fraudulent practices in getting signatures.
Extension expert offers spring pruning tips
By Rebekah Hall U of A System Division of Agriculture
LITTLE ROCK —
Timing is key when it comes to pruning flowering and fruiting plants.
Randy Forst, extension educator for consumer horticulture for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said late February is an optimal time to prune plants that bloom in the summer.
“In general, plants that bloom in the spring should be pruned immediately following blooming, and plants that bloom in the summer should be pruned before growth begins in late February,” Forst said.
“Pruning encourages new wood growth and more flower buds, and roses and cane-producing plants especially benefit from pruning.”
Some plants, including big leaf hydrangeas, oak leaf hydrangeas and gardenias don’t follow this rule.
“These plants all bloom in the summer, but they
set their flower buds at the end of the summer into early fall,” Forst said. “If you prune them before growth begins, you will not have flowers this summer. The time to prune them is when the flowers begin to fade.”
Forst, who also coordinates the extension Master Gardener program, said gardeners should research specific information about the plant they want to prune, as some plants do not need pruning at all.
“Some of the most common mistakes people make is pruning too intensely, especially when it comes to crape myrtles,” Forst said.
“Instead of dehorning — or entirely removing the top branches of a crape myrtle — gardeners should instead selectively remove branches so that the tree maintains its height.”
Forst said the following plants need to be pruned at the end of February and in early March:
· Ornamental grasses · Roses
· Fruit trees · Blueberries · Blackberries, by removing old dead canes · Buddleia, also known as butterfly bush
· Summer blooming spiraeas
In addition to timely pruning, Forst said pruning with the correct tool is important to a plant’s success.
“The size of material to be pruned reflects the best tool for the job,” he said. “Most of the time, it would be a bypass blade hand pruning shear. On larger branches, it might take lopping shears. On tree branches, it might require a bow saw. On any pruning device, it is very important that the blades are sharp, and you are getting a clean cut.”
Visit Arkansas Yard and Garden Pruning Resources, Spring Pruning Tips and Crape Myrtle Pruning for more information, or contact Randy Forst at rforst@uada.edu.
Conservation District Election Notice
Notice of Availability
To all landowners within the boundaries of the Prairie County Conservation District, notice is hereby given that petitions for securing a ballot position for the election of conservation district directors are available at the Prairie County Conservation District office located at: 1600 Industrial Street Hazen, AR 72064
Address Phone: 870 255-3573
donna.felty@ar.nacdnet.net
Carlisle Board h ears problems
By Debbye Harrison Correspondent
The Carlisle School Board met February 6, 2025 with all members present. Superintendent Greene reported on maintenance issues which included problems with HVAC systems in the 5th and 6th and 3rd and 4th grade buildings.as well as one unit in high school. Gym lights have been replaced for the District Tournament.
Several classrooms have lighting issues that are being addressed.The indoor facility is being rekeyed, and doors are being fixed to prevent unauthorized access MaintenanceCost Savings: From July to January, maintenance spending dropped from $250,753 (2023-24) to $73,937 (2024-25)—a savings of $176,816.In December/January, after hiring our new maintenance director Jason Hoover and continuing to have Charles Cotner assist, spending dropped from $37,057 (2023-24) to $8,499 (2024-25)—a savings of $28,558.
An additional $61,000 has been given for the Safety Grant and will be used for an intercom system in the 5th and 6th grade building. This system will link all of the buildings on both campuses and allow emergency announcements to be made in a timely fashion.
Key concerns at the State Legislative Session include Senate Bill 90 concerning granting any patron of the school district who wishes to speak to the School Board can have an unlimited amount of time to do so.
Senate Bill 142 is the proposed “Bell to Bell -No Cell Phone” which will require the school to take up and secure all cell phones at the beginning of the day either in a locker or a locked bag. This was proposed last year, but it may become a law this year. House Bill 1192 would dictate a $100 fine for any tobacco use or product found on a student. The second offense would be $500 and third is $1,000. At the current time, the money would be collected and given to the
police department.
Senate Bill 59 is designed to give free breakfast to all students and paid for through the medical marijuana tax receipts. This will, hopefully, translate to free lunches for all students in the future.
Also decided is a bill to make May 15 the cut-off date to allow teachers out of their contracts.
Principal Rowland reported growth in elementary scores over the last four years. He attributed this success to the RTI program where students in Tier 2 and 3 received special help each day. The Elementary Leadership team is responsible for the placement of these students. Teachers assess their needs and focus on their weaknesses in order to bring their test scores up.
The Constitutions for Cheer and Dance were approved after being presented by Lindy Hearn, the Dance Sponsor. The traditional school Calendar for 2025-26 was adopted.
L ady Bison beat Clarendon in regular season finale
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Carlisle Lady Bison concluded the regular season with a loss to Cross County then a win over Clarendon.
The Lady Bison enter the 2A-6 district tournament at 17-12.
In the win over Clarendon, Carlisle led 24-17 after one quarter.
Bison drop final two games before district tourney
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Carlisle Bison ended their regular season with losses to Cross County and Clarendon last week.
The Bison are the fifth seed in the 2A-6 district tournament at Bison Arena this week. They played Des Ac on Monday night. If they win, they are scheduled to play PalestineWheatley in the quarterfinal round Tuesday night, weather permitting.
Clarendon beat Carlisle 69-55 on Friday night. The Bison led 18-15 after one quarter but trailed 28-25 at halftime. The Lions outscored the Bison 4130 in the second half to get the win.
Cajuan Pernell led Carlisle with 15 points. Kaidon Clingmon had 14. Lawson Petrus had 10. Luke Caviness and Tyler Thrifts scored six points each. Bentley Parker had five. Ty Tanksley had two. The Bison lost to Cross
County 65-63 earlier in the week. Cross County led 17-16 after one quarter. The Bison led 35-30 at halftime. The Thunderbirds then outscored the Bison 21-12 in the third quarter while both teams scored 14 points each in the fourth quarter. Pernell led the Bison with 16 points. Clingmon had 15. Isaiah Powell had 14. Parker had nine. Zaden Hall had three. Petrus and Thrift had two points each.
E agles , L ady H ornets win first - round games
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The 2A-6 district tournament kicked off Saturday at Bison Arena in Carlisle.
The Lady Bison came alive in the second half.
They outscored the Lady Lions 16-7 in the third quarter and 19-8 in the fourth quarter to get the win.
McKenna Ellis led Carlisle with 17 points.
Bliss Parker and Tyler Lee had 11 points each.
D’Shya Bunch and Presley Parker had six
The Lady Bison were held to three points in the second quarter while Clarendon scored 13 to lead 30-26 at halftime.
points each. Caroline Bokker had three.
The Lady Bison are the third seed in the district tournament. They were scheduled to play Tuesday night against the winner of McCrory and KIPP Delta. If they win that game, they will play England in the semifinals and be qualified for the regional tournament for the 14th consecutive season and 29th time in 30 years.
The Hazen Lady Hornets beat Marianna in the first round while the Des Arc Eagles beat the Hazen Hornets in their first-round boys game. Hazen beat Marianna 47-18 to advance to the second round. Hazen led 8-0 after one quarter and 23-6 at halftime. Hazen outscored Marianna 107 in the third quarter
and 14-5 in the fourth quarter to get the victory. Melody Schlenker led Hazen with 13 points. Kionna Anderson had 10 points, all in the fourth quarter. Jalynn Thomas had nine. Emily Sexton had eight. Kiera Anderson scored three. Hannah Linder and Isabell Gray had two points each.
The Eagles beat the Hornets 60-34 in their first-round game.
Des Arc led 5-3 after one quarter then erupted for 20 points in the second quarter while holding the Hornets to only 10, leading 25-13 at halftime. Des Arc outscored Hazen 21-12 in the third quarter and 14-9 in the fourth quarter. Brayden Knupp and Brody Swaim led Des Arc with 18 points apiece. Dylan Skarda had nine. Hudson Goodman had six. Miles Hogue scored four. Camp Skarda had three. Jaxon Craig had two. Jase Arnett led Hazen with 11 points. Brance Williams had seven. Bubba Barnhill had five. Maverik Snider and Sam Clayton had four points each. Remi Fegley had three.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS SOUTHERN DISTRICT, 3rd DIVISION PARCEL STRATEGIES, LLC., PLAINTIFF VS. CASE NUMBER 59SCV-25-1 ESTATE OF ANTHONY ATKINS, ET AL., DEFENDANTS NOTICE OF CONFIRMATION OF TAX SALE AND QUIET TITLE ACTION
Notice is hereby given that a Complaint has been filed in the office of the Circuit Clerk of Prairie County, Arkansas, to confirm the tax sale(s) and quiet title in and to the following described property/properties in Prairie County, Arkansas: LOTS 1 & 2, BLOCK 20, WILLIAMS SUBDIVISION, DEVALLS BLUFF, PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS, PARCEL # 711-00581-000
The properties described herein were conveyed to PARCEL STRATEGIES, LLC, via Limited Warranty Deed(s), and/or Correction Warranty Deed(s), if any, issued pursuant to a tax sale conducted by the Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands, after the properties remained unredeemed and the time period for redemption having expired. The last person, firm or corporation assessed to pay taxes on the above described real property was: Anthony Atkins.
All persons, firms, corporations, or improvement districts that can establish any right to the real property conveyed and forfeited is hereby notified to appear herein, asserting his/her/its title or interest in said property/properties and to show cause why the tax sale(s) of the real property/properties should not be confirmed, and title(s) quieted in the name of Plaintiff, in fee simple.
WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court this 6th day of January, 2025, PRAIRIE COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERK BY: Gaylon Hale
Stephen E. Whitwell AR Bar Number: 78-166 HURLEY & WHITWELL, PLLC 2900 Percy Machin Drive North Little Rock, AR 72114 (501) 801-1111 – Office (501) 801-8888 – Facsimile
GP Quilt Society meeting held on February 12th
By Marsha Heien
The Grand Prairie Quilt Society met 2/12/25 in the Fellowship hall of First Christian Church, Stuttgart, with 6 members present. Shelley opened the meeting with the Thought for the Day, "Whoever said Disney is the happiest place on earth has never been to a fabric store." January minutes and treasurer's report were given. Dues were recorded for 7 members for 2025.
Old Business: plans were discussed for future outings to fabric
stores and the Arkansas quilt trail.
New Business: Sandra brought one of Miss Audrey's quilt tops to show to the members. It will be donated to charity after it is finished. Members will work on it at the next
Sit n' Sew in March.
Shelley read a note from a member of the Arkansas Quilt Study Guild. She would like to come and give a presentation to the group. Shelley will contact her and find out more about it.
Show and Share:
Glenda had several items she made for the
Xmas Shoe Boxes....also
a Nursery Rhyme quilt she made for her greatgreat-nephew, Rowan. Sherrye showed many Half-Square Triangle blocks she made in lovely batik fabrics. The members are looking forward to seeing the finished quilt.
Maeola had a Teddy Bear Picnic quilt. After the meeting adjourned, the members perused a table full of lovely fabrics that Toni brought to share with the group.
The next meeting will be a Sit 'n Sew on March 12, 2025. Come join us.
