Last week the temperatures were in the teens, and this week (as you can see below in the weather report box) the temperatures will be in the 60’s and 70’s. They say that we might get more snow in March. You gotta love Arkansas weather. (Photo courtesy of Ruth Corley.)
5:00 p.m.
Saturday March 1 Slovak Heritage Day
Sunday March 2 Sand Hill Cemetery Associates meeting
2:00 p.m. Sand Hill Baptist Church
Monday March 3 Hazen Chamber of Commerce meeting
5:30 p.m.
Wednesday March 5 Ash Wednesday
Saturday
Carlisle City Council to hold Town Hall meeting
By Debbye Harrison
The Carlisle City Council met at 4 p.m. on February 18, 2025, to avoid the incoming winter weather.
A City-Wide Town Hall Meeting will be held March 10 at City Hall in the Board Room at 6 p.m. This is to discuss the possibility of the closing of the jail.
The Council accepted the bid from Randy Phillips for Leaf and Limb pick-up effective the first week in March at the current monthly price provided the contract meets the Council approval. It will be a year-to-year contract. Citizens will not be charged for February pick-up and possibly another month’s charge since the service has not been provided for the last three months due to equipment failure.
Phillips will make his phone number available in case there is a missed
The Hazen City Council met on Thursday, February 20, 2025, to discuss dilapidated buildings within the city and to hear departmental reports. Only Councilman Bob Juola was missing from the meeting.
pick-up. He will pick up on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Citizens can burn leaves and grass only (not furniture or wood or garbage) before dark as long as the fire is monitored. Leaves can be taken to the City Dump on Highway 13. There is a fenced-in area where leaves and grass can be deposited, but no bags can be left. The old leaf and limb equipment will be repaired if possible and kept for a back-up in case of a storm or tornado which would cause extraordinary damage. City will continue to pick-up limbs.
Andrew Silverman and Chris Davidson gave a report on the Parks and Recreation program as well as an update on the Concession Stand. The Youth Program is underway with approximately 90 registered. There are a few gaps in some ages that will need to be filled.
have the sidewalk removed on the south side of W. Madison St. between S. Tilden St. and S. Hazen St. The council agreed to allow this.
Davidson reported that the school and the coaches have been exceedingly helpful with all areas of the programs. The school district will be in charge of the concession stand until May 2. Youth games will be scheduled as much as possible when the school’s games are out-of-town.
The T Ball field does not have lights at Rockefeller. The field at City Park has lights that are not efficient and go out quickly. There is a need for a thorough check to see if it is the bulbs or wiring or both.
Immediate needs are someone to be paid by the hour to drag the fields and line them as well. After May 2 concession stand volunteers will be needed to keep that running. Clean Up Day will be scheduled soon, and it is hoped that the community will step up to get every-
Development Commission
thing ready for Opening Day.
High School Ball begins the first week in March and Youth Ball, the first week in April.
Another problem brought before the Council was city flooding. Davidson presented a list of citizens who had lodged complaints with him along with addresses. Mayor Plafcan agreed to go with Davidson and Water Department Superintendent Walters to visit each site and determine the problem and needs. A history of the city’s flooding problems was discussed.
The primary concern is that residents must clean out their flumes. These are key to the city drainage system and are the responsibility of each resident. If a person is unable to clean out the drain, then person can call the city, and the workers will come. This must be
done regularly. It has to be done across the city on a regular basis or failure in one part of the city creates a problem in another area. When that has been done, then more serious internal problems can be evaluated.
Citizens are requested to put trash cans back in their yards within 24 hours of trash pick-up. Cars that are parked on streets directly across from someone’s driveway impede another driver’s ability to back out from that person’s house. Therefore, cars cannot be parked on the side of a street for more than 24 hours. The 2025 budget has been passed.
An anonymous donor has generously agreed to purchase parts (when they can be found) and repair the 1950 antique fire truck so that it can be driven in parades.
Mark Mosby, the owner of the house at 308 W. Madison St. has asked the city to raze that structure. Mosby asked to be given time to remove whatever he wants before the house is razed, and the council agreed to give him 45 days. Mosby said that he may move a trailer onto the property after the removal, but Hardke assured the council that rules apply to what kind of trailer can be installed there. Mayor David Hardke said that there are also business buildings in town which need to be fixed or razed as well. The city code for commercial buildings was read, and any owner of a building declared to be a nuisance will be sent a letterand asked to attend a meeting to be held in March or April. In new business, Hardke said that a request was made to
Fire Chief Seth Skarda reported a wreck between Hazen and Carlisle that his team responded to. He also said that some of the firemen had taken a “Stop the Bleed” class.
Police Chief Bradley Taylor praised the city’s first responders for their actions after the wreck saying that the responders saved lots of lives.
“Those guys were excellent,” he said.
Utilities Department Director Chad Swaim reported that the number of water leaks across the city have increased. He also reported sewer problems in north Hazen. The city has been having problems with the main sewer pump, and Swaim said that he had budgeted for the $12,400 cost of the project and will probably start the replacement process within a week.
The council passed Resolution 593 authorizing the mayor to apply for an Arkansas Rural
$15,000 matching grant to renovate the baseball ball park restrooms and install fencing. The city’s part of the match will be taken from the Hotel/Motel tax revenues. The Hazen Baseball Association will also help with any extra cost.
The $44,865.92 that will be needed to replace valves at the pumping station will be taken from the City General
contingency fund, Hardke said. He also reported that the city had donated $1000 to the Margaret Fischer Literacy Challenge that funds the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Delta Kappa Gamma, a retired teachers’ group from Prairie and Woodruff Counties, sponsors the Literacy Challenge.
Councilman Larry Anthony announced that the historical markers for the
Kocourek building have arrived. Four signs were ordered.
Councilman Tim Juola asked about the small culverts on the south side of town. Hardke said that the city could blow some of the culverts out, but citizens would have to pay for any culvert, and the city would install it. Citizens who wish to buy a new culvert and have it installed should call city hall.
Bobbie
Charlene Petty
Bobbie Charlene Petty, age 80, of Hazen, Arkansas passed away February 15, 2025. Bobbie was born April 26, 1944 to the late Connie and Viola (Mathis) VanHouten. She was a homemaker and a staple of the Hazen community. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and loved her family deeply. Bobbie is preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Petty; her son, John “Bopper” Richardson; five brothers, Big John, Leroy, Rudy, BR and Skinny VanHouten; three sisters, Charlotte (Lippy), Ivy, and Gladys Vick. Bobbie is survived by her daughter, Stacey (Dee) Aaron; son, Dennis (Denise) Petty; sister, Ruby Petrus and brother, Kenneth (Bumpin) VanHouten; and a special niece, Jackie Wahley; Her grandchildren, Vickie (Ashley) Loudermilk, BJ (Megan) Denney, Clifton (Stevie) Denney, Taylor (Isaac) Cansler, Abby Richardson (Jacob), Micaela Wine, Megan Aaron (Courtney), Brian Aaron, Chris (Jennifer) Aaron; 11 great grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.
A visitation will be at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen on Thursday, February 27th beginning at 5:00PM until 7:00PM. Funeral services will be
Arkansas Press Association
Member 2025 The Grand Prairie Herald (USPS) 225-680
The Grand Prairie Herald is an independent publication that has served Prairie County since December, 1901. It is published weekly by Herald Publishing Company
P.O. Box 370 111 Hwy 70 E Hazen, Arkansas 72064
Ph. 870-255-4538
Email: heraldpublishing@gmail.com
Subscription Rates In Prairie County$25.00/year In Arkansas$30.00/year Out of State$35.00/year
Periodicals Postage paid at Hazen, Arkansas 72064
POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to:
Grand Prairie Herald
P.O.Box 370 Hazen, Arkansas 72064
Managing
Editor/Publisher
Roxanne Bradow
Circulation/Accounts
Trudy Johnson
Sports Editor
Mark Buffalo
Correspondent
Lisa Mills
Correspondent
Debbye Harrison
Photographer Ruth Corley
at Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen on Friday, February 28th beginning at 2:00 PM.
Brenda Joyce (Hollis) Williams
Brenda Joyce (Hollis) Williams, age 71, of Des Arc, entered her eternal home in heaven on Friday, February 7, 2025. She was born on March 1, 1953, to J.W. and Gearldean Hollis of Des Arc. Brenda married the love of her life, Danny Williams on July 18, 1980, and they raised two children in a house full of love and devotion to Jesus Christ.
Brenda was a 1971 graduate of Des Arc High School. After being in the workforce for several years, Brenda decided to further her education at Harding University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors, and became National Board Certified Language Arts teacher. Brenda began her teaching career in the Cotton Plant School District where she taught for 3 years. She eventually received the opportunity to return home to Des Arc Elementary School where she taught full time for 22 years. After retirement in 2015, she enjoyed traveling, but her love for teaching young people brought her back to work at the school as a substitute teacher, even serving as a long term substitute all the way up to the day of leaving her earthly life. Brenda has touched and inspired thousands of children and families throughout her career and was known to go above and beyond to make sure that no child was left behind in their schoolwork.
Brenda's love and relationship with Jesus Christ always came first in her life. Her family and friends rejoice in knowing that with faith and salvation in Jesus Christ, we will get to see her again someday in Heaven. Brenda always saw the good in all people and all things. She consistently demonstrated her compassion and kindness to
everyone she met, embodying the values of her faith with grace and care. Brenda was the best daughter, sister, wife, mother, and nana to her family. Some of Brenda's greatest joys in life were spending time with her children and grandchildren. She could always be found in the bleachers cheering on Marley, Kanaan, Rowan and all her school children that she loved dearly at all the Des Arc Eagle ballgames and events. Traveling around the world with her family and friends was also some of the greatest times of her life. She especially loved traveling internationally with her son Joshua Neal and husband Danny. Brenda faithfully served the Lord at the Gospel Mission Church in Des Arc for over 35 years. She was at church every time the doors were open, and she could always be found playing the piano for the praise and worship team. Left to mourn her loss on this earth is her faithful and loving husband of 45 years, Danny Williams. Her two children that cherished her, Lindsey (Drew) Widener of Des Arc and Joshua Neal Williams of Beebe. Three of Brenda's greatest loves were her grandchildren, Marley, Kanaan, and Rowan Widener all of Des Arc. Also left to mourn her passing is Brenda's mother, Gearldean Hollis O'Dell, whom Brenda has cared for daily in the past years. She was the best sister to her two brothers Ray (Jan) Hollis of Oklahoma City and Lannie Hollis of Des Arc. She is also survived by Janice (Lynn) West of Pangburn, Joyce Williams of Jasmine, Delores (David) Winfrey of Romance, Tonya Tacker of Searcy, Doris Williams of Benton and Carlos (Debbie) Williams of Clinton, and a host of nieces and nephews that she always enjoyed spending time with throughout her life. Brenda was proceeded in death by her loving father, J.W. Hollis, her stepfather who she loved dearly, John O'Dell, her mother-in-law, Syble Williams, her father-inlaw, Arlie Williams and brother-in-law, Paul Williams.
Harding graduates local students
More than 300 students received diplomas and were recognized as Harding University graduates for Fall 2024 during a commencement ceremony on Dec. 14, 2024. Graduates include students from the College of Allied Health, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Bible and Ministry, Paul R. Carter College of Business Administration, Cannon-Clary College of Education, Carr College of Nursing, College of
10th annual Slovak Heritage Day will be held on Saturday March 1, at the Parish Hall
By Mary Ann Hill
The 10th annual Slovak Heritage Day will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The Parish Hall will open at 10:00 AM for everyone to enjoy the exhibits and visit. Please bring any Slovak memorabilia, family information and photos to share! Mass to honor Patron Saints, Cyril and Methodius will be at 11:00AM. All are welcome to the Mass, whether you are Catholic or not. At
12:15PM the Heritage Potluck Lunch will be served. Please bring your favorite Slovakian or other family dishes to share. A presentation by Radovan Javorcik, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the United States will be given at 1:15PM. Deah Partak and Uprooted Media will give an update on the documentary process and everyone can watch the Slovaktown Documentary Trailer beginning at 2:15PM.
We will have music and dancing to follow. Heritage Day is a big event for the small Slovak community. People travel from several states. We are very honored to have the Ambassador as our very special guest. The Slovak documentary is making great progress and everyone is excited to see the trailer. Come enjoy a fun-filled day in Slovak, Arkansas on Saturday, March 1, 2025!! Hope to see you there!!
During this legislative session, over 130 bills have been signed into law. This week, two significant bills aimed at supporting Arkansas students were signed by the Governor. Act 123 ensures that every student in Arkansas public schools receives one free breakfast every school day, regardless of their eligibility for federal meal programs. Act 122, also known as the Bell to Bell, No Cell Act, prohibits students from using cell phones and personal electronic devices during school hours, with a few exceptions.
The Governor also signed into law the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act. Act 124 is a $45.3 million investment to expand healthcare access for pregnant women.
In other legislative news, the House passed SB98, which allows third-party delivery services to transport alcoholic beverages from certain retailers. The bill includes guidelines for the permit process and the responsibilities of retailers. Additionally, SB97 was passed, allowing businesses to own up to three retail liquor
licenses, provided these licenses are in different counties, each with a population of 200,000 or more.
The House also advanced several bills focused on teacher retirement. HB1161 permits members to purchase partial years of service credit for gap years, a provision previously unavailable.
HB1156 shortens the waiting period for a new spouse to be eligible for survivor benefits from two years to one year following the member’s death.
Further, the House passed HB1258, which establishes the Community Health Worker Act and creates a statewide certification for community health workers. SB137, which was also approved, enables healthcare providers to store medical records electronical-
ly.
HB1131, passed by the House, grants advanced practice registered nurses the authority to delegate certain nursing tasks to qualified healthcare workers. The House passed HB1475, a bill that authorizes roadway construction or maintenance vehicles to use green lights.
SB214, also approved by the House, adds second-degree murder to the list of offenses that disqualify an individual from meritorious furlough.
Lastly, HB1437, which restricts level 3 and level 4 sex offenders from coming within 100 feet of water parks, swimming areas, children’s playgrounds, or public parks, was passed by the House. To watch all House meetings, visit arkansashouse.org.
Pharmacy and Honors College.
Kallie Alexander of Des Arc graduates from Harding University with a Master of Science in physician assistant studies.
Leigh Garth of Des Arc graduates from Harding University with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education.
Angela Kloss of Hazen graduates from Harding University with a Master of Education in special education.
17th
Gaylon Hale
Lady Bison upset
England, advance to finals against Barton
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Carlisle Lady Bison, the No. 3 seed in the 2A-6 district tournament, upset No. 2 England 49-46 in the semifinals Saturday night at Bison Arena.
Carlisle played Barton on Monday night in the finals at Bison Arena. Regardless of that outcome, the Lady Bison will be playing in the regional tournament in Helena-West Helena either on Wednesday or Thursday, It will be the 14th consecutive season and 29 out of 30 that the Lady Bison have qualified for postseason
play. In the win over England on Saturday, the Lady Bison led 1812 after one quarter and 29-20 at halftime.
The Lady Lions outscored the Lady Bison 12-10 in the third quarter and 14-10 in the fourth quarter. McKenna Ellis led the Lady Bison with 16 points. D’Shya Bunch had 14. Bailey Dawson scored seven. Presley Parker had six. Bliss Parker had two. First-year Carlisle coach Kylie Warren was proud of her team’s play. Carlisle had previously lost to England 71-49 on Dec. 16 and 77-
45 on Jan. 28.
“We’re a young team that’s been working hard all season,” Warren said. “Tonight’s win shows our growth.”
Carlisle qualified for the regional with a 6037 win over McCrory in the quarterfinal round.
Carlisle led 16-10 after one quarter and 34-17 at halftime.
Tyler Lee led the Lady Bison with 18 points. Bliss Parker had 15. Ellis had nine. Bunch scored five. Aniya Zarate and Presley Parker had four points each. Lindley Lenderman had three. Caroline Bokker had two.
Lady Eagles qualify for regional by beating P-W
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Des Arc Lady Eagles qualified for the regional tournament with a 35-20 win over Palestine-Wheatley on Friday night at Bison Arena in the quarterfinal round of the 2A-6 district tournament.
Des Arc followed up that victory with a 7510 loss to Barton in the semifinals Saturday night. In the loss to Barton, Des Arc trailed 25-0 after one quarter and 47-6 at halftime. Eden Huffstickler led Des Arc with five points. Allison Collins and Marley Widner had two points each. Kaylee McDonald had one. Des Arc advanced in the tournament by beating Hazen 40-38 last Monday.
Des Arc led 10-1 after one quarter and 20-13
at halftime.
‘The Lady Eagles outscored the Lady Hornets 17-9 in the third quarter then held off a furious Hazen rally in the fourth quarter to win. Hazen missed 22 free throws in the loss, including 15 in the fourth quarter. Kymber Buckner led Des Arc with 11 points. Kaylee McDonald had nine. Emma Buckner had seven. Elajah Reeves had four. Scoring three each were Collins, Huffstickler and Widner. Melody Schlenker led Hazen with 17 points. Jaylynn Thomas had 12. Kianna Anderson had four. Hannah Linder scored three. Emilee Sexton had two. In boys action, Carlisle’s season came to an end with a 50-39 loss to PalestineWheatley in the quar-
terfinal round Friday night. The Patriots led 18-7 after one quarter and 27-16 at halftime.
Kaiden Clingmon led the Bison with 22 points. Isaiah Powell and 10. Cajuan Pernell had four. Lawson Petrus had three. Carlisle beat Des Arc 58-45 in its first game of the tournament.
Carlisle led 13-9 after one quarter and 26-18 at halftime. Powell led the Bison with 19 points. Pernell had 13. Clingmon had 11. Petrus had eight. Bentley Parker scored seven.
Brody Swaim led Des Arc with 13 points. Dylan Skarda had 10. Hudson Goodman had nine. Brayden Knupp had five. CJ Beasley and Miles Hogue had three points each. Camp Skarda had two.
Three Bison athletes win state indoor track titles
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
or $50.00 for
Several Carlisle High School track athletes had great days in the Arkansas State Indoor Track Championships this past weekend at the University of Arkansas’ Randal Tyson Track Center.
Lady Bison Kiersten Taylor ran the 60-meter dash in 8.44 seconds, placing second in the 1A-2A classification. She sent a new personal record. Taylor was second in the 400-meter dash with a time of 1:07. She was second in the 200-meter dash with a time of 29.05 seconds. She won
the state championship in the high jump with a height of 4 feet. On the boys side, Gavin Davis on the 1A-2A state title in the 60meter dash with a time of 7.26 seconds. He also won the 200-meter dash with a time of 23.47 seconds. He won the long jumper with a leap of 20 feet. Evan Webb won the 60meter hurdles with a time of 9.56 seconds. He was second in the 400meter dash with a time of 56.89 seconds.
Mason Boyle finished fourth in the 400-meter dash with a time of 57.47 seconds. He was fourth in the long jump
with a personal best of 19 feet, 1 inch.
Carlisle track coach
Gage Johnson said it was a great day for his athletes.
“I am extremely proud of how these kids came out and competed today,” he said. “They could have stayed home, but they chose to make the trip and compete against some of the best competition in the state while also never backing down from who they were up against.
“Now, we look forward to getting both full teams geothermal and build upon these marks during the outdoor season.
State champion Kiersten Taylor
State champion Evan Webb
State champion Gavin Davis
Agriculture chief outlines farm issues at Arkansas State conference
By George Jared (gjared@talkbusi-
ness.net)
The farming community is facing a multitude of problems from weak commodity prices, higher input costs, potential trade wars, and other problems as the planting season creeps nearer.
Arkansas Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward told attendees at the Arkansas State University Agribusiness Conference on Wednesday (Feb. 12) that his department is working with state and federal officials to bring relief to the beleaguered farming community.
Ward, a Lake City native and A-State alum, said one of the major problems facing agriculture in the state is water – too much in some instances and not enough in others. There are currently $13 billion in identified water and wastewater projects that need to be completed in the state, he said. So far, the state has been able to secure $2.8 billion toward those projects.
In 2019, massive floods along the Arkansas River caused billions of dollars in damage. Gov. Sarah Sanders asked Ward what was being done to fix the water-
related problems along the river and in other parts of the state, including a lack of ground water in some farm areas.
State officials worked out a comprehensive short-term and longterm water project plan, Ward said. The governor signed an executive order last year that updated the plan, and now they are working towards implementing it.
The department will work on a wide range of issues this year, such as getting the Farm Bill passed, crop burning, food insecurity, drones, egg prices, and others.
A Farm Bill hasn’t passed since 2018, and there is hope among the Arkansas congressional delegation that an updated bill will be passed before the extension on the current bill runs out in September, said Ward. Crop burning has been a controversial issue in the state for years, and it’s likely to be a hotbutton topic again as profit margins on farms are projected to tighten this year. The goal is to make sure producers are adhering to crop burning protocols to ensure the process remains mandatory and that mandates are not passed
by the state to control what farmers can and can’t do, Ward said. Egg prices have been high for a long time, and it might be a while before those prices come down. Bird flu has decimated flocks around the country and it has limited the capacity for producing eggs. Arkansas’ poultry sector hasn’t been hit as hard with the flu, and it has fared better than many states, said Ward. Drones are being used on farms more and more, and it creates unique challenges, he said. How they are used and how they are regulated will be topics
broached later this year. The Arkansas Legislature is in full session now, and Ward said the department will be involved in several pieces of legislation involving food insecurity and efficiency in processes of government among others. One goal Sanders said she has for all parts of the government is to find more efficient ways to operate, and Ward said his department has been working toward that goal. The conference was organized by Hazen farmer and ASU agri instructor Bert Greenwalt.
Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled, Inc. (AEDD) will hold a press conference to announce construction plans for a $4.2 million state-ofthe-art workforce training center for adults with developmental disabilities to be located in Cabot / Lonoke County.
The press conference will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the City of Cabot Justice Center, 805 W. Main St., Cabot, AR.
Keynote speakers include Lonoke County Judge Doug Erwin, Speaker of the House Brian Evans, and Cabot Mayor Ken Kincade who have supported the efforts of AEDD to offer services in Lonoke and surrounding counties within a 60-mile radius.
The project is funded through the Delta Regional Authority Grant, Community Block Development Grant, AG settlement funds, State of Arkansas Restricted Reserve funds, and ARDOT Recreational Trails Program Grant.
The total investment for the workforce training center and two noncongregate shelter housing projects in Lonoke County is $9.4
million.
The Jobs 4 You-Cabot workforce training center will be the first newly constructed facility in the state to provide a continuum of education, supported employment opportunities, and daily life skills training. Services and programs provide opportunities for those with disabilities who want to gain meaningful community employment. The campus will also include a park (Erwin Evans Recreational Park) open to the public 7 days a week with a half-mile, lighted pedestrian/biking trail and pavilion, which will be open to the public 7 days a week. Annually, up to sixty adults will receive workforce training in the new Cabot facility with the creation of thirty-eight new jobs to support the center’s training programs and activities.
Founded in 1971, Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled is one of the largest providers of services for disabled adults in the State of Arkansas. AEDD serves approximately 500 individuals each year, employs over 325, and offers community-
based services and programs in seventeen counties in Arkansas. AEDD’s mission is to empower individuals with disabilities to improve the quality of their lives to live as independently as possible. Existing facilities include the Lacy Landers Adult Skills Training Center in Little Rock, two Jobs 4 You Workforce Training Centers in North Little Rock and Ward, Longterm Care FacilityCommunity Life Services, four residential properties for lowincome, elderly, or physically disabled individuals, and Residential and Community-based Waiver Services. AEDD owns and manages twenty-six homes in Central Arkansas that provide residences for adults with disabilities.
The Jobs 4 You Cabot Workforce Training Center will be a newly constructed facility for adults with developmental disabilities. The Center will be located on 3.79 acres at 3544 Hwy 367 South, near Cabot in Lonoke County. When the complex opens, 38 new jobs will be created, and the workforce program has the capacity to train up
By Judi Tarter Jones
Grand Prairie
Daughters of the American Revolution held the monthly meeting on Saturday, Feb 22, at the First Christian Church in Stuttgart. The program was introduced by Regent-Elect Cheryl Vickers who presented the student winners of the NSDAR American History Essay Contest. Fifth and sixth grade students from area schools participated and four winners were named. The stu-
dents were tasked with writing an essay on “A Different Kind of Tea Party” as if they had lived during the time of the American Revolution and had attended the event. Each read his/her essay before their parents and GPDAR mchapter members and each essay was excellent. All students were presented with a certificate, a pin, and a $25 check. Thanks to the teachers, Hazen Gifted and Talented teacher Pam Chandler and Des Arc teacher
Kimberly Smith, for encouraging their students to compose and enter their essays. Shown below are, from left, GPDAR Regent-Elect Cheryl Vickers; Olivia Edge, 6 th grade student from Hazen Elementary; Bella Raper, also 6 th grade, Hazen; Lyla Saul, 6 th grade student from Des Arc Elementary; Wyatt Flatness, 5 th grade, Hazen; and Pam Chandler, Hazen Gifted and Talented teacher.
to 60 adults each year who have the opportunity to be placed in meaningful community employment. In addition, an ADA-compliant park will be constructed that includes a ½ mile walking trail, benches, and fitness equipment designed for those with disabilities, including seniors, those with handicaps, and those needing rehabilitation. The park will be open to the public year-round and maintained by Lonoke County. Pinnacle Structure Company in Cabot agreed to donate the metal outdoor pavilion for the park.
Specialists will train those attending the Jobs 4 You center to identify their best skill set and match them to local employers in the community. Jobs 4 You Cabot will serve North Pulaski, Faulkner, Lonoke, Prairie, and White Counties. Transportation is billed through Medicaid and will be offered daily at no cost to and from the homes of those attending the workforce instruction.
All adults with disabilities will receive instruction at no cost to
them or their families.
In addition, a community room in the facility will be available to the community for events, meetings, and civic purposes. The room will accommodate up to 100 people and includes a catering kitchen, seating, and A/V equipment.
The cost of the 10,000 sq. ft. workforce center is $3.7 million and is designed by Taggart Architects. To date, $1.5 million has been raised from the Delta Regional Authority, Community Development Block Grant, and Attorney General Settlement Funds. Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled, Inc. (AEDD) purchased the land for $571,000 and will fund all costs above the lowest construction bid.
DHS estimated that there are over 3,000 adults, ages 18 through 60, who could be eligible to attend the Jobs 4 You program, along with 475 high school seniors representing fifteen public high schools in this five-county region. The workforce center would be the first of its kind in Arkansas and could
serve as a pilot project for other regions of the state with a desire to move their population of citizens with developmental disabilities into the workforce. This model for Arkansas is moving adults away from institutions, away from sheltered workshops, and into local communities. Providing workforce-ready employees contributes to the local economy and lessens dependency on state and federal subsidies for those with developmental disabilities. With the State providing the $2 million requested by AEDD, construction work can begin in 2025, with the Jobs 4 You Cabot Workforce Center opening in 2026. In addition, two new transitional homes will be constructed in Cabot, which will accommodate 16 adults who are at risk of homelessness. AEDD employees 300 people, serves seventeen counties in Arkansas, and partners with over fifty employers who hire adults graduating from their workforce program.
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
Prairie Chapel MBC hosts Black History Day and 50th State Choir Rally
Notice
A donor has generously provided funds to assist in establishing a low-cost spay and neuter program for the residents of Hazen who are unable to afford the full cost of the service. The average cost of obtaining a pet spay or neuter is approximately $110.00, but the cost can vary depending on the age of the pet and the number of litters the animal has had. This program is distinct from the funds that are utilized for the homeless shelter pets.
**Program Offerings:**
* Spay and neuter voucher - $50.00 per pet. Owners pay what they can afford to pay, the program covers the remaining cost.
* Rabies vaccine available for an additional $10.00 (owners’ cost).
**Contact Information:**
For assistance in securing the voucher and scheduling an appointment, please contact Ruth Corley at 501-830-9946 or the Friends of The Hazen Shelter. We are committed to working with you to effectively manage the unwanted pet population.
**Contributions:**
Individuals wishing to support this program can make a direct donation to the Grand Prairie Veterinarian Clinic or by mail to the Friends of the Hazen Shelter Fund, 319 W. Madison St. Hazen, AR 72064. Any donation, regardless of its size, will be greatly appreciated. Together, we can effectively address the issue of unexpected litters.
Social Sec u rity Matters
by Russell Cloor
National Social Security Advisor
Social Security Matters by Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens �Ask Rusty –Clarification of Medicare IRMAA and MAGI
Dear Rusty: I am confused by an article in my local newspaper which said that “MAGI” (modified adjusted gross income), on which my Medicare Part B premium is based, is my Adjusted Gross Income, plus any non-taxable interest, plus 50% of the social security I received. The part that is confusing is the 50% part. When I look at my tax return my Adjusted Gross Income includes the taxable portion of my Social Security benefit which, in my case, is 85% of my total benefits. Why must 50% of benefits be added to my AGI if it is already included in my total AGI? Signed: Confused Dear Confused: The article you refer to was misleading for stating that the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) used to determine your Medicare premiums includes your normal Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from your income tax return, plus any non-taxable interest you may have had, plus
50% of the SS benefits you received during the tax year. What the article should have said was that the MAGI which determines your IncomeRelated Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) to your Medicare premiums consists of your normal AGI from your tax return (which includes the taxable portion of your Social Security benefits), plus any non-taxable interest you may have had.
For additional clarity, the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is a supplemental amount added to the standard Medicare premium for those with higher incomes. The thresholds at which the IRMAA supplements apply depend on your IRS filing status, and your MAGI determines the amount of supplement which will be added to the standard Medicare premium. Single filers with MAGI over $103,000, or married filers with MAGI over $206,000 will see an IRMAA supplement added to their Medicare premium. Those whose MAGI is under the first IRMAA threshold pay the standard Medicare premium, but those whose MAGI exceeds the first IRMAA threshold above will pay more. How much more
depends on how much their MAGI exceeds the first IRMAA threshold by. The IRMAA supplement (the additional premium amount) could be anywhere from $69.90 to $419.30 per month for Medicare Part B (coverage for outpatient services), or an additional $12.90 to $81.00 per month to the Medicare Part D (prescription drug plan) premium - again dependent on how much over the initial MAGI threshold the person is for their IRS filing status. You can see the MAGI levels and corresponding IRMAA supplements at this Medicare website: www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2024medicare-parts-b-premiums-and-deductibles IRMAA and MAGI can be confusing. If you have questions about your Medicare premiums, help is available at SSadvisor@amacfoundation.org, or at 1.888.750.2622.
This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by
the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/pro grams/social-securityadvisory) or email us at ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org.
About AMAC
The 2.4 million member Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC] www.amac.us is a vibrant, vital senior advocacy organization that takes its marching orders from its members. AMAC Action is a non-profit, non-partisan organization representing the membership in our nation’s capital and in local Congressional Districts throughout the country. And the AMAC Foundation (www.AmacFoundation. org) is the Association’s non-profit organization, dedicated to supporting and educating America’s Seniors. Together, we act and speak on the Association members’ behalf, protecting their interests and offering a practical insight on how to best solve the problems they face today. Live long and make a difference by joining us today at www.amac.us/join-amac. AMAC | Washington DC | 917-846-8485 | Email | Website
Prairie Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Hazen hosted a Black History and 50th State Choir Rally on Sunday, February 23, at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Maurice Williams presided over the event. Members of the churches dressed in African attire, and the theme for the day was “Dreams, Unity, and Respect Psalms 133:1. Sister Alma Washington gave the welcome, and Sister Catherine Sims gave highlights of Black History.
Pictured in all their finery are Florence Nance, Catherine Sims, and Alma Washington. (Pictures courtesy of Vivian Curlett.)
