Events
Wednesday
Saturday March 8 Slovak frog legs and chicken strip dinner
5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Sunday March 9
Daylight Saving Time begins
Monday March 10
Hazen School Board meeting 5:30 p.m.
Carlisle School Board meeting 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 11
Quorum Court Meeting 5:30 p.m. Annex Building
Thrsday March 13
DeValls Bluff City Council meeting
5:30 p.m. City Hall
Community events brought to you by Hazen Chamber of Commerce and
DA School District renews contract, hires
By Lisa Mills Correspondent
The Des Arc School Board met on February 24th. In executive session, board members considered the evaluation and contract of High School Principal B.J. Paschal and discussed hiring Stacy Childers as Elementary Principal for the 20242025 school year. The board approved a motion to renew Paschal’s contract and hire Childers and a motion to hire Childers. Stacy Childers was hired as the elementary principal for the 2025-2026 school year. Childers will be replacing Cheryl Holland who is retiring at the end of this school year. Childers has served as an elementary teacher and interim principal.
Superintendent Marc Sherrell announced that elementary teacher Courtney Skarda has been named Teacher of the Year by the Wilbur
By Lisa Mills
Correspondent
The Des Arc City Council met on February 25th. Mayor Roger Scott, Recorder/Treasurer Janice Huffstickler, and council members Joey York, Nicole Fisher, Russell Smith, Virgil Malone, and Keith Knupp were present.
The council discussed the possibility of increasing water rates.
D. Mills Co-op and high school history teacher Robin English was named Teacher of the Year by the Region 8 educational cooperative. Sherrell said that Des Arc is so fortunate to have so many great teachers and it’s wonderful when some are rewarded for their dedication. Sherrell reported that current enrollment for Pre-K through 12th grade is 660. He also provided board members with information about “Lifewise Academy”. This is a non denominational faith based program held at churches to promote character education. The schools would not be directly involved, due to “freedom of religion” laws, but would need to approve allowing a period of time for students to be picked up, then returned. He said that students wouldn’t be required to participate and parent approval
They will have a work meeting before the March meeting to compare rates with other cities and discuss what should be done. An ordinance for the increase will be prepared to be presented at the March meeting. A decision will be made at that time.
Mayor Scott reported that a lot of work is continuing on the city’s water system, plants,
would be required. He asked board members to look at the information and a decision could be made later.
High School Principal B.J. Paschal reported that high school juniors would be participating in the County Extension’s one day “Get Real” program again this year. Students are given a card showing the job
and towers. He said that when everything is complete, Des Arc should have an excellent water system to be proud of. He also reported that the gas system needs an overhaul and when funding can be obtained work will begin on that. A motion was passed to remove Judy Burnett from the city’s accounts at Farmers & Merchants bank and Keith Knupp be added. This is for a backup signer to be able to sign
they have and their salary, their family status, and housing situation. They then have to make a budget, and are given various situations that might affect their budget. They learn the difference in gross and net income, taxes, balancing a check register, and reading statements. Paschal presented a report from the 2024 program showing how much students learned. The report shows that when beginning 87% didn’t know the difference in gross and net income, but 93% understood afterwards. At the beginning 84% didn’t know how to balance income vs expenses or understand the importance, but 99% did afterwards. At the beginning 63% were not aware of the impact of financial decisions on a household budget, but 99% were afterwards. In the beginning 79% were not capable of balancing an account register, but
any necessary checks in the absence of the Mayor and Recorder/Treasurer. A motion was passed to close the North Prairie County credit card account, since there is no longer a need for a separate account.
Council members were given an ambulance report showing finances and 37 transports in January. A financial report was also given from the baseball association.
99% were afterwards. In the beginning 87% were not capable of interpreting a credit card statement, but at the end 96% were. Paschal said that participation in the program is required and it meets personal finance education standards.
The board approved hiring Dianne Tipton as a long term elementary substitute. A $1,228 stipend was approved for a Pre-K aide for a special needs student, which will be reimbursed by the Co-op. A $5,400 per year Facilities Consortium contract with Aliza Jones was approved for two years. Annual liability insurance was renewed for 2025-2026 at $7,397. The 2025-2026 school calendar was approved. Changes were approved to the Model Policy and Cheer Policy. School Choice applications were approved for two students from Brinkley.
Each year, one National History Day teacher from the state of Arkansas is awarded the FountainLandreth Award in recognition for outstanding work with NHD students. This year, the award was presented to Robin English from Des Arc High School at the Region 8 competition. The official presentation of the award will be made at the State Competition at UCA in Conway on April 5th. All of Des Arc's NHD students also placed at the Regional Competition
and will be moving forward to compete in the State Competition.
Edward Alan Hooks
Edward Alan Hooks (Eddie), of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at the Circle of Life Hospice Center in Bentonville, in the afternoon on Saturday, February 22, 2025. He was 69 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward D. and Rosemary Basler Hooks. Eddie attended Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic School, Hazen public school, Subiaco Academy and the University of Arkansas in Little Rock where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He was an outstanding athlete in high school and made All State Football with the invitation to go collegiate. He chose to pursue a career in business after college and was very successful.
Eddie was an HVACR Class “A” licensed contractor. He began his career with Draco Service in Houston, Texas. Clients there included NASA, Chevron and other large corporations. He settled in Northwest Arkansas upon his return to his home state.
Eddie established his own business, Absolute Air Solutions, Inc. in Pea Ridge and served Northwest Arkansas for the past 20+ years. He maintained his HVACR Class “A” license for the
City of Rogers and served the surrounding area until his illness last fall. His clients ranged from large corporations, medical facilities, local businesses, non-profit organizations, restaurants, grocery stores, military establishments etc. Because Eddie was a kind gentleman who was honest and trustworthy, most of his clients and customers were long term. “He was one of the good ones”. He recognized the beauty in nature and loved being outdoors. He enjoyed water skiing on Greers Ferry Lake and loved the view of Sugarloaf Mountain. He often walked the battlefield of Pea Ridge and enjoyed sharing its history with others. Eddie was an avid deer hunter and looked forward each Fall to climbing into his deer stand and waiting for the big buck! He shared the experience with some of his nephews and was there for tracking and finding their first prize as a hunter. Eddie had a kind and gentle spirit. He was generous and free in giving. He is survived by his son, Nicholas (Sharryll) of Houston, Texas and a grandson, Jaxon; siblings, Sarah Berryman, Janet (Bruce) McDaniel, Paul (Carol) Hooks, Sr. Susan Hooks OSB, Beth Lewis, and Dan (Paula) Hooks; nieces, nephews and numerous friends and relatives. Eddie was a loyal son and brother. Funeral Mass Was Monday, March 3 at 11:00AM conducted by Father Shaun Wesley at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Slovak, a visitation time was prior to the mass on Monday, March 3 beginning at 10:00AM. Interment will be in the Sts. Cyril and
Methodius parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, AR.
Richard
Aaron Jordan
Richard Aaron Jordan, known by family and friends as “Doughboy” of DeValls Bluff, Arkansas departed this life on February 26, 2025 at the age of 41. He was a native of Bogalusa, Louisiana, born on August 31, 1983. He enjoyed working with his hands, drawing, carpentry, and metal fabrication. He often went fishing, spending much of his time outdoors. He was a dedicated uncle who enjoyed spending time with his many nieces and nephews. He had a lifelong love for learning, and wanted to learn any new skill or experience.
Aaron is survived by his loving wife Trista Jordan, children Taylor Jordan, Timothy Walker, Landon McQuigg, and Jordan McQuigg, brother Jeremy (Ashley) Jordan, sisters Brandy (Mark) Breland, and Misty Adams, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and inlaws Lynn and Toni Wilson. He is proceeded in death by his cherished and devoted mother Connie Traylor Adams, father Richard Allred, and loving stepfather Edward Jordan.
A memorial service will be held for family and friends in Louisiana at a later date. Special thanks for the considerate care of our loved one by Westbrook Funeral Home.
During the 7th week of the 2025 Regular Session, the House approved HCR1006, extending the session until April 16, with adjournment Sine Die on May 5.
The House passed three bills this week focusing on initiatives and referendum petitions. SB207 requires canvassers to inform potential petitioners that petition fraud is a class A misdemeanor. SB208 requires canvassers to verify petitioners' photo IDs before collecting signatures, while SB211 mandates canvassers to submit an affidavit confirming their adherence to Arkansas laws concerning canvassing, perjury, forgery, and election fraud.
The House also passed two bills this week addressing human trafficking. HB1474 mandates the display of information about the National Human Trafficking Hotline at nail salons, massage businesses, and any privately owned facilities offering food, fuel, shower, or sanitary services, as well as overnight parking, within 1,320 feet of an interstate.
HB1440 requires massage therapy establishments to list all therapists working there with the Arkansas
Department of Health. Education legislation was also addressed with the passage of SB206 and HB1117. SB206 increases the maximum amount for literacy tutoring grants from $500 to $1,500, provided funding is available.
HB1117 states that all public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools must provide students with age-appropriate and grade-appropriate firearm safety instruction.
Beginning March 3, the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee will begin hearing proposed constitutional amendments after House adjournment on Mondays. There are 20 proposals filed in the House, and the committee will hear testimony on all of the proposals before taking any votes. Pursuant to the Arkansas Constitution, the General Assembly can place up to three constitutional amendments on the November 2026 General Election Ballot.
For more details, you can access proposed amendments, and recently filed bills, and watch all House meetings at arkansashouse.org.
New DVDs New Books
Christmas at HomeCarolyn Brown On the Way to Us-
Carolyn Brown
The Hudson CollectionJocelyn Green
The Metropolitan Affair- Jocelyn Green
Evergreen- Buck
Turner
Promises PromisesBuck Turner
Between Your Heart and Mine- Buck Turner
The Hearts We Leave Behind- Buck Turner
The Southern KillerPeter O’Mahoney
The Southern TrialPeter O’Mahoney
The Southern Criminal- Peter O’Mahoney
The Southern Vineyard- Peter O’Mahoney
The Southern FraudPeter O’Mahoney
Woman in the WaterElle Gray
I See You- Elle Gray
A Wife’s Secret- Elle Gray
Her Last Call- Elle Gray
The Secrets We BuryElle Gray
Killer Plot- Mary Stone
Killer Setup- Mary Stone
Killer Deal- Mary Stone
Keller Blast- Mary Stone
A Trail UntamedLacy Williams (Christian)
Wild Hearts HavenLacy Williams (Christian) Trail of Secrets- Lacy Williams (Christian)
A Trail So LonesomeLacy Williams (Christian)
Open Season- Jonathan Kellerman Remember WhenMary Balogh
Frozen River- Ariel Lawhon
Code Name HeleneAriel Lawhon
Lily’s Promise- Lily Evert
Beyond the TracksMichael Reil Tracks to FreedomMichael Reil
The Botantist’s TracksMichael Reil
Fatal Witness- Patricia Bradley Counter AttackPatricia Bradley
Cold Trail- Taylor
Moore
The Note- Alafair
Burke Count the Night by Stars- Michelle Shocklee (Christian)
The Colorada KidStephen King
The Ghost Goes to the Dogs- Cleo Coyle
The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait- Cleo Coyle
The Ghost and the Stolen Tears- Cleo Coyle
The Inn at Holiday Bay Evidence in the Espresso- Kathi Daley
The Inn at Holiday Bay V in the ValentineKathi Daley
The Inn at Holiday Bay Christmas in the Country- Kathi Daley
The Bookstore at Holiday Bay Once Upon a Snowy Night- Kathi
Daley
Emi’s Hero- Elle
James Stone of LoveMargaret Izard Stone of HopeMargaret Izard
White Little Lies- Sara C Roethle
Rekindled- Paige Tyler
Ablaze- Paige Tyler
The Seal Who Kissed Me- Paige Tyler
The Fates Hands
Trilogy The Spare- Lori Ameling A Witch for Mr Garland- Deanna Chase
Playing with Fire- A J Rivers
Murder in Twilight Cove- A J Rivers
Under the Mask- A J Rivers
The Woman in the Attic- A J Rivers
The Thirty-Foot Elvis-
Jane F Hankins Dark Hope- Christine Feehan
Bonded in Death- J D Robb Order of Swans- Jude Deveraux Lone Oaks CrossingJanet Dailey Fake It Till You Bake It- Jamie Wesley Prophet Song- Paul Lynch Ripple Effect- L T Ryan With This Ring- Amy Clipston (Christian)
Mysterious Island: Sanctuary- Greig Beck Falling Out of TimeMargaret Peterson Haddix (Juvenile)
Follow Me- K R
Alexander (Juvenile)
Haunt Me- K R Alexander (Juvenile)
Possess Me- K R Alexander (Juvenile)
Bury Me- K R
ALexander (Juvenile)
Speak for Me- K R Alexander (Juvenile)
Scare Me- K R
Alexander (Juvenile) Wink- Rob Harrell (Juvenile)
Onyx Storm- Rebecca Yarros (Young Adult) LARGE PRINT
Deadly RevengePatricia Bradley A Rugged BeautyLacy Williams (Christian) Before I’m Gone- Heidi McLaughlin Cold Vengeance- Nancy Mehl Fool Me Once- Ashley Winstead The Fastest Way to Fall- Denise Williams All the White SpacesAlly Wikes Lights Out- Natalie Walters The Last Wagon TrainWilliam W Johnstone (Western) Danger Valley- Lee E Wells Bushwack- Richard S Wheeler
