May 10, 2017

75¢

See Page 4 Volume 117 Number 19 - USPS 225-680

Community Events Calendar

Hazen/DeValls Bluff, Prairie County, Arkansas

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Floodwaters continue to rise throughout PC

Thursday May 11 Hazen Lodge Meeting Masonic Lodge Hall 7:30pm- 8:30pm DeValls Bluff City Council Meeting City of DeValls Bluff 6:00pm- 7:00pm Tuesday May 16 Prairie County Master Gardeners Meeting Bancorp South Hazen 6:00pm Wednesday May 17 Friendship Luncheon DeValls Bluff Methodist Church 11:30- 2:00pm

Deja vu --- This is a picture of the White River Basin in DeValls Bluff taken on Sunday afternoon.

The last time the river was this high was in 2011. The river is expected to crest sometime Thursday.

Thursday May 18 Hazen City Council Meeting City Hall 6:00 P.M. Sunday May 21 Hazen High School Graduation High School Gymnasium The White River Dairy Bar was surrounded by sand bags on 3:00 P.M. Saturday afternoon.

Monday May 22 Hazen School Board Meeting HHS Library 6:00 P.M. Thursday May 25 Prairie County Democratic Women’s Meeting Murry’s Restaurant Hazen 6:00pm Commodities First United Methodist Church Hazen 10:30am - 12:30pm

Prairie County is once again bracing itself for high water, as the White River is expected to crest at 34.5 feet in Des Arc late Tuesday or early Wednesday. The river is expected to crest in DeValls Bluff Thursday afternoon or Friday morning.

Floodwaters have covered some roadways, making for dangerous driving. Motorists are warned to be wary of fast moving water covering highways, and if there is a doubt about the depth of the water, take an alternate route.

As of Monday after-

Ingle inducted into Alpha Chi

Monday May 29 Memorial Day Community events brought to you by Hazen Chamber of Commerce and the

Please call F&M Bank, 255-3042 to list events.

noon, the following Prairie County highways were closed: * State Highway 11 just south of Jasmine * Highway 33 in Des Arc * Highway 38 in Des Arc * State Highway 323 in Des Arc Further highway closings will probably occur as the river rises.

County Judge Mike Skarda is optimistic. He stated that the damages in the county may not be as bad as originally thought. “The Lord may have blessed us,” he said.

Hunter Ingle of Hazen, Ark., has been inducted into Alpha Chi, the national college honor scholarship society at Williams Baptist College.

The induction was held April 27 at WBC’s

Academic Awards Banquet.

Alpha Chi admits members from all academic disciplines who are in the top 10 percent of their junior and senior classes.

The honor society has local chapters at over 300 colleges and universities around the United States.

Ingle, a junior at Williams, is majoring in mid-level math and science education. He is the son of Richie and Sonia Ingle of Hazen.

Williams is a four-year, liberal arts college at Walnut Ridge.

Highway 33 in DeValls Bluff just south of Mrs. Lena’s Pie Shop was flooded Sunday afternoon.

Some of he Hazen School District school buses will be driving alternate routes until the flood waters recede.

Parents should expect some delays in the mornings and afternoons for a time.

Rainfall of two to three inches is expected on Thursday and Friday, but the extra precipitation should not cause a problem, according to Judge Skarda.

Residents can find the current county road closings on Idrivearkansas.com.

Some members of the Sr. High Hornets football team took a bus to Des Arc and DeValls Bluff to help fill sandbags and evacuate people from their homes.

5-D Day Weather Forecast For Hazen, AR Wednesday Thursday

85°

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Friday Saturday Sunday

77° 63° 50%

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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Obituaries Addie Case Addie Elizabeth Case, 97, of Hazen died Tuesday, May 3, 2017.

She was retired from the Hazen School District.

Addie was preceded in death by her husband, Wa l t e r and her son, Mike Case.

She is survived by one son, Doris Cunningham (Evelyn) of Morrilton; two daughters, Rachel Homes of Conway and Geneva Manson (Bob) of Hazen; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren.

Ma, as she was known by her family, was born to Luther and Alice Raper Phillips and was an only child, in a time where families tended to be large in number. She was born just after World War I, and lived through the Roaring Twenties, Ratification of the 19th amendment (women’s right to vote), World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and both Mideast Wars.

She was a witness to hard work and persistence her whole life, and her family, friends and neighbors could always count on her for support and assistance.Visitation was from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Friday, May 5, 2017 at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen.

Funeral services were 2:00 P.M., Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the Center Point Baptist Church by Bro. Billy Booth. Burial was in the Center Point Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Greg Addison, Doug Addison, Drew Manson, Jerrell Holmes, Matt Holmes, Elvin Cunningham, and Phil Addison.

Chloe Tarter Chloe Dean Tarter, 68 of Hazen passed away Thursday, May 4, 2017.

Chloe was a cook, a homemaker, and a member of the Center Point Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Charles Tarter; her son, Bobby Joe

Tarter; sisters, Lucille Vail and Donna Booth both of Hazen and one brother, Preston Edge of Hazen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Ruby Edge and her brother, Tommy Edge.

Visitation was from 5 to 7:00 P.M., Sunday, May 7, 2017 at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen.

Funeral services were 2:00 P.M., Monday, May 8, 2017 at the Center Point Baptist Church.

Burial was in the Carlisle Cemetery.

Arrangements by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.

Dexter Houston Dexter Lemont Houston, 45, of Clarendon, died Tuesday, April 25 at Baptist Health Medical Center in North Little Rock.

Dexter was born June 11, 1971 in Chicago, Illinois to Susie Houston and Lawrence Vinson Sr. “Rude Dogg” or “Rudy” as Dexter was affectionately known, worked as a truck driver and was a former employee of Green Pro Ag in Humphrey, Arkansas and T&S Sawmill in Clarendon.

His father and paternal grandparents: Dan Vinson Sr. and Ginnie V. Vinson all preceded Dexter in death.

Survivors are: his mother Susie Houston-Kinnie of Clarendon, AR; his maternal grandmother Carrie Polk of Clarendon, AR; four brothers: Lawrence Vinson Jr., Bryan Vinson, and Lyndale T. Parker all of Chicago, Ill; and Ray Bernard Wiley of Holly Grove, AR; and a sister Kimberly Hodge of Chicago, Ill. Visitation was held Friday evening, May 5 from 6 until 8 PM at Branscumb Funeral Home Chapel,in Brinkley.

Funeral services were held Saturday, May 6 at 11 AM at Union Missionary in Clarendon with Reverend David Wilson officiating.

Pallbearers are: Lawrence Vinson Jr., Bryan Vinson, Lyndale Parker, Thomas Wiley, Dwight Houston, Otis Wiley, Curtis petty, Gary Henderson, Forest Parr, Jake Boston.

General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Arkansas hold State Meeting

By Chris Weems Brittany Barnard, Wilmar, AR. won the Eloise Levin Teacher Scholarship presented by General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Arkansas at the State Convention Saturday at Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock. Brittany was sponsored by GFWC Warren Women’s Club and Bryson was sponsored by GFWC Twentieth Century Club of Harrison. Each scholarship, to be used in Arkansas, was for $500.00. The presentations were by Judy Foot, a past State GFWC president and president of District IV, Eastern.

Neither recipient was able to attend the luncheon. Each sponsoring club president will present the scholarship to the stu-

dents.

Diane Fowler, Warren Women’s Club, state president, presided for the meeting attended by 40 women from over Arkansas, according to the first credential report.

The 40 members fill 79 positions of leadership through their local, district, regional, state and International affiliations.

Some members were prevented from attending because of roads closed by high water.

In the opening session the Honorable Joe Smith, Mayor of North Little Rock brought greetings.

He also distributed”goodies bags” to the attendees.

President Diane recognized five members as attending for the first time.Reports from the Executive Council meeting by Phyllis Benthon, Jane Jackson, Debbie Hall, Linda McCourt.

The special guest from I n t e r n a t i o n a l Headquarters was Wendy Carriker, international treasurer, from Mount Airy, NC. She brought greetings from the

MAY 15 - MAY 19, 2017

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 $17.50/year In Arkansas - $22.50/year Out of State - $27.50/year Periodicals Postage paid at Hazen, Arkansas 72064 POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to: Grand Prairie Herald P.O.Box 370 Hazen, Arkansas 72064 Editor Abbi Ross Advertising Rick & Trudy Johnson Publisher/Business ManagerRoxanne Woods Bradow

Elementary students do not have the sandwich line option. **Menus are subject to change without notice** Hot Line

Sandwich Line

Monday Cheeseburger French Fries Lettuce/Tomato/ Pickle Apple Crisp Milk Tuesday Chicken Strips Mashed Potatoes/Gravy Green Beans Tropical Fruit HGot Roll Milk

Monday Hot & Spicy Chicken Potato Wedges Lettuce/Tomato/ Pickle Apple Crisp Milk

Wednesday Scrambled Eggs Sausage/Biscuit/Jelly Hashbrowns Gravy Strawberries & Bananas Milk

Wednesday Bacon Cheeseburger French Fries Lettuce/Tomato/ Pickle Strawberries & Banana Milk

Thursday Chicken Spaghetti Tossed Salad/Ranch Corn Italian Bread Pineapple Milk

Thursday Baked Potato Toppers Tossed Salad Italian Bread Sticks Pineapple Milk

sFriday Burritos Chili Cheese Sticks Pinto Beans Lettuce/Tomato/ Salad Peach Cobbler Milk

(L to R) The president Diane Fowler, entertainer, Doug Scallion, South Central Region Board Member Mary Ann Arnold, and past GFWC President, JeNelle Lipton, after the meeting Saturday night.

Veterans Nursing Home, North Little Rock, was the speaker at lunch Saturday. He talked about the new concept in Nursing Homes. The Home is broken down to eight room unites with each unit having kitchen and dining facilities and a great room with open planning. Each unit has it’s own laundry facilities, that are family size rather than the larger commercial size.

Patients are encouraged to go to the kitchen and help with meals when they want to. They can come and go outside as they wish and each unit has a higher CNA-patient ration than the larger homes. He said they can use “Volunteers” for the same activities and encourage more visiting than patients are accustomed to. The Veterans’ Home is on part of what was Fort Roots in North Little Rock.

He had a power-point presentation of the units that are complete and the ones under construction.

The goal is to full occupancy by the time they have been there one year.

He also said patients can have their spouse live with them. They have facilities for women veterans, also. One unit is now open with eight patients and applications are being taken for other units as they are completed.

Robyn Stayton gave the inspiration and expression of thanks for the evening meal. Marianne

(L to R) Wendy Carriker, guest at Spring Convention, Judy Foot, Diane Fowler, Chris Weems, GFWC/AR Adviser and president of Elsie McCain Club.

Hazen School Menu Arkansas Press Association National Newspaper Association

International Office, Saturday morning, and was guest speaker for the banquet Saturday night.

In the department award contest, Chris Weems had entered five photographs in the arts and crafts department and won a first place with photo in “Living Things” of a bunch of Monarch Butterfly larvae, second place for Scene, of “A Friends Home”, an third place for a Still Life, named “A Basket of Life”.

In the Ten Penny Art Contest, Madelyn Bokker, ninth grade, at Hazen School, won third place with her drawing with her “Tractor Grayscale.”

Mychayle Harris and Nick McKee also had entries in about 30 pieces of art in the Ten Penny Art Contest.

In the departments’ reports, Elsie McCain

Tuesday Hot Dog Sun Chips Lettuce/Tomato Salad Pickle Spear Tropical Fruit Milk

Friday Chicken Fajita Sandwich Pinto Beans Lettuce/Tomato/ Pickle Pickle Spears Peach Cobbler Milk

Sponsored by Herald Publishing Co., Inc.

Breakfast Monday Pancakes Chicken Biscuit Cereal & Toast Fruit Juice Milk Tuesday Sausage & Biscuit Cereal & Toast Fruit Juice Milk

Club won First Place in Junior Special Projects, Advocates for Children, in town under 5,000 population. The club also won first in International Outreach and third in Home Life. The Club received Honorable Mention in Leadership.

Scrapebooks and Yearbooks are judged state-wide with Warren Women’s Club winning first, Harrison 20th Century Club, second, and Century League of Morrilton, taking third Scrapebooks.The yearbook winners are North Little Rock Women’s Club, first 20th Century Club of Harrison, second, and Amici Club of Stuttgart, third.

Lindsey Clyburn, formerly of Carlisle, Administrator of AR

Maynard introduced the speaker Wendy Carriker, GFWC International Treasurer. She talked about some of the general work of GFWC and invited members who are going to be in Washington D.C. to call and come visit the Headquarters Building. She told them to “be sure to have time for a tour of the building and see all the pictures and history that’s on display.” She talked about Eleanor Roosevelt’s efforts and help in getting the house in the first place.

She thanked the Clubs for their help in upkeep of the house.

Doug Scallion provided the entertainment for the evening.

His wife, Virginia, assisted with the music and his granddaughter, Faith, sand one song. “Doug is truly an entertainer,” Judy Foot said. He did songs from Fats Domino, Elvis, Ray Stephens, to name a few.

He even had some gospel music in the program.

Robyn and Judy agreed that “the program had to end because of the time, but he had a captive audience.” Sunday morning’s session was the time for memorials and reports from District Presidents and other officers. Diane Parnell gave an update on Fundraising.

The Fall Board Meeting will be August 19, at North Little Rock Woman’s Club House.

South Central Regional meeting will be in Oklahoma City, October 13-15.

Celebrate

Mother’s Day Sunday May 14th

Your choice of ...

Open 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Roast Turkey & Dressing Fried Breast of Chicken Baked Ham

Served with ...

Whole Kernel Corn, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes & Dessert.

Now Taking Reservations!

Murry’s Restaurant Hwy 70 East Hazen, AR (870)-255-3266

Wednesday Ham & Cheese Biscuit Cereal & Toast Fruit Juice Milk Thursday Sausage & Biscuit Cereal & Toast Fruit Juice Milk Friday Biscuit & Gravy Cereal & Toast Fruit Juice Milk

Hazen Residents- Spring is here!

Ants, Spiders, Fleas, American Roaches and other seasonal pests are on their way.

Bug Masters is your team of local Pest Elimination professionals qualified to meet all your pest control needs.

If you call within the months of April and May using promo code, Hazen Hornets, we’ll knock $25.00 off the cost of your first service.

Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, May 10, 2017

HES 5th Graders’ Book and Movie Reviews

Book Review By:Jordyn Besancon Movie Title: A Dog's Purpose Genre: Adventure Time: Present Place: Mostly in the country Summary: This dog started out as a puppy and then grew up.

The dog’s name was Bailey. The dog’s owner that had him since he was a kid was going off to college. When the owner left, Bailey got really depressed and then he was old and he died.

Then, in the movie, he came back to life and he went through 4 lives in the move. He died 3 times and came back to life, then the last life he found his old owner.

My favorite character: My favorite character was the dog, he was funny and was always a cute dog. The dog’s voice in the movie was Josh Gadds. He made a great voice for the dog, and the movie was great.

Did I like the movie: Ye, I loved the movie, and it was one of the best movies ever made. I cried a lot in the movie.

Would I recommend this movie to anyone: Yes, if you love dog movies you would love this,and if you like sad dog movies you would love it to.

Rating: 5 stars

Book Review By:Karizma Sullivan Book Title: The Mighty Miss Malone Summary: Deza Malone is a young girl that loves school.

Deza Malone lives with her mom, dad, and older brother. Deza has a bestfriend named Clarice. In the story, Deza’s dad went missing. You have to read more on how he went missing (I don’t want to give anything away).

Deza ends up moving towns away from her best friend.

Reviewer Critique: The things I liked about the book were when Deza found her brother and he took her to go get her teeth fixed. Deza’s dad said that he had to turn his head when Deza come around because her breath smelled so bad(Ah!).

I also liked when Deza and her mom bought them a new house.

The thing that I didn’t like about the book was when Dolly Peaches started to beat up Jimmy. I also didn't like it when the realtor moved all of their stuff on the side of the road.

Rating: I give this book 5 stars!!!

Film Review By: Abby Hopkins Movie Title: Sing Genre: comedy/musicals Setting:present Summary of movie: The characters sing a lot, and it is funny. The people hope to sing in the contest, they do a lot of stuff and some are mothers and teenagers.They all are good at singing and do not stop no matter what. They love each other like their family and that is good. You will have to find out the rest when you watch the movie.

Who is my favorite character and why: My favorite characters are the 2 pigs. I like them because they are the funniest ones. I like it because 1 pig talks weird and the other can not stand it. Then the other does not like to dance and the other one does like to dance. Then they become friends again, and that was good.

Did I like the movie why or why not: I love this movie because it is so funny.

Who would I recommend this movie to: I would recommend it to people that like funny movies and like musicals.

Rating: 5 stars

Book Review By: Hannah Sims Movie Title: Twilight Author: Stephanie Myer Genre:Fantasy Time:Present Place: Forks, Washington Summary: This book is about a vampire, Edward, who falls in love with a human, Bella. They have their ups and downs, back and forths on whether or not they should be together. To find out what happens, read this book.

Who is your favorite character and whyMy favorite character is Bella because she is strong and brave.

Did you like this movie? Why or why not: I liked this movie because it kept you guessing what would happen the whole time.

Who would you recommend this movie to and why: I would recommend this movie to anyone that enjoys fantasy books.

Rating: I rate this Book 5 stars

Arkansas Rice Update_____ Dr. Jarrod Hardke U of A Division of Agriculture Crop Report If it wasn’t for bad luck I guess we’d have no luck at all. Initial estimates of rice lost due to flooding in northern Arkansas now exceed 150,000 acres.

Additional “acres affected” pushes the economic hit to extreme levels As we approach 7+ days of submerged rice the conversation turns increasingly toward the ability of rice to survive.

Every day more acres are going under as water moves south; some acres are coming out of the flooding but not many.

More water is being released out of Missouri that will likely worsen the situation.

With Arkansas only projected to plant 1.2 million acres of rice (USDANASS), we’re now in an interesting position. I felt we would be in the 1.1 million acre range this year. Either way take 150,000 acres off lost to flood, and subtract another 120,000 that haven’t been planted yet.

Simple math says that puts us in the range of the lowest acres since 1987 or we might fall below 1 million acres for the first time since 1983 (see table).Maybe the planting acreage estimate was too low from mine and USDA estimates and we’ll have more acres than we think.

Maybe more acres lost or not yet planted will be planted/replanted than we think. It’s too early to know, but as of today it looks like a very low number of acres – possibly a 30-year low.

Rice futures prices have been doing some interest-

Year

Acres (1,000)

Yield (bu/A)

Year

Acres (1,000)

Yield (bu/A)

1979 1020 96.0 1980 1280 91.3 1981 1540 100.4 1982 1330 95.3 1983 915 95.1 1984 1150 102.2 1985 1050 115.6 1986 1020 117.8 1987 1010 116.7 1988 1210 118.9 1989 1140 124.4 1990 1200 111.1 1991 1260 117.8 1992 1380 122.2 1993 1230 112.2 1994 1420 126.7 1995 1340 121.1 1996 1170 136.7 1997 1390 ing things this week.

That’s been a little surprising as we still know so little about the extent of the damage and lost acreage. We’ll know in a few weeks and how the market responds is anyone’s guess.

Survival of Submerged Rice There have been tons of questions about whether any of the previous numbers thrown out about rice survival mean anything. In a word, yes. I’ve seen too many acres of rice up and down the state submerged at every stage imaginable for a wide range of time lengths.

Aside from the extremes there are some pretty consistent expected outcomes. The key is that there are wide ranges of response based on environmental factors. It goes back to the golden rule of farming: it all depends.

Observations tell us that 10 days is generally about the 50/50 point. I’ve seen rice die after being under for 4 days and I’ve seen rice live after being under for over 21 days.

Plan based on the average, not the extreme. If you’ve got rice under for

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

1485 1625 1410 1621 1503 1455 1555 1635 1400 1325 1395 1470 1785 1154 1285 1070 1480 1291

128.9 130.0 135.8 141.1 143.1 146.9 155.1 147.8 153.3 160.7 148.0 151.1 144.0 150.4 166.2 168.0 168.0 163.1

10 days, act like it’s not going to be there when the flood comes off.

Please keep in mind that this figure is not based on data – it is based on a large number of observations over time.

Putting it into a figure of this type is meant only to provide a visual aid about what to expect. All the previously mentioned variables still come into play.

If We Get to Replant, What Will Be Available to Replant?

A reminder on comments made earlier in the week – the final planting date for rice in Arkansas is May 25, 2017. “The late planting period begins the day after the final planting date for the insured crop and ends 15 days after the final planting date.” This reads to me that June 9 is the final day of the late planting period and June 10 is the first day past – consult with your crop insurance agent.

But remember the final planting date for soybeans is June 15, 2017.

That should make things interesting in the coming weeks of deciding what to do as many acres may not

be accessible until June.

Despite the lower rice acreage expected this year, seed supplies are extremely tight and there are few available options for additional acres of replanting. Of what is available, there is little of it. There will be some hard decisions made.

Assuming you can switch over to soybeans – finding seed there may also be extremely difficult. The increase in soybean acres expected to start the year was going to strain seed supplies and finding seed for another 200,000 acres may be asking too much.

I wish there were more answers to provide, but we’re still in ‘wait and see’ mode with our flooding problems. The best advice is to start making tentative plans and arrangements now to increase our odds of making it through 2017 as best we can. What seemed like such a good start to the year looks like anything but.

Herbicide Plant-Back Intervals One thing to begin considering as we make plans for what to do next is what our options are – this is where herbicide plant-back restrictions are of serious concern.

Regardless of what has happened in fields, these intervals are there for a reason and we must stick with them (it’s the law).

Also don’t forget your season maximum application rates still apply. Not included below but should be noted are Newpath and Beyond – both of these have lengthy plantbacks to any crop other than Clearfield rice or soybean. Consult MP519 for more information.

Movie Review By: Cole Plummer Movie: Transformers 1 Time: 2004-Past Place: New York Summary of movie: Robots are cars that transform into superhero fighters to save the earth from destruction.

Who is your favorite Character and why?

Sam, he is so funny.

Did you like this movie? Why or Why not?

Yes, it is awesome, action-packed, and adventurous.

Who would you recommend this Movie to and Why? Yes, I would recommend this movie because it is cool, especially for boys. It will keep you on your toes, too.

Rating: I give this movie 5 stars!!

Movie Review By: Chris McDaniel Title:Transformers 2 Time: Past-2004 Setting: New York Genre: Fiction What’s this movie about?

Alien robots that fight each other to save the world.

Who’s your favorite character and why?

Iron Hight because he’s a black pickup truck.

Did you like this movie? Why? I thought this movie was cool and awesome because the characters try to find a way to save the world and have fun doing it.

Rating: I give this movie 5 stars!!

New Books at Hazen Library New Books All the Missing Girls Megan Miranda Hard Justice - Lori Foster Under Pressure - Lori Foster Finding Our Forever Brenda Novak A Lady in Disguise Sandra Byrd Bride of a Distant Isle Sandra Byrd The Ebb Ride - Beverly Lewis One Perfect Lie - Lisa Scottoline Miss Julia Weathers the Storm - Ann B. Ross Two from the Heart James Patterson All by Myself Alone Mary Higgins Clark The Lost Order - Steve Berry The Burial Hour Jeffery Deaver The Chosen - J.R. Ward A Man Called Ove Fredrik Backman

Bound Together Christine Feehan Dragon Watch - Brandon Mull The Dry - Jane Harper The Sleepwalker - Chris Bohjalian The Fix David Baldacci The Night the Lights Went Out - Karen White

Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, May 10, 2017

State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Jonathan Dismang The legislature completed a three-day special session after approving the governor’s proposal to limit eligibility in the Arkansas Works health coverage program.

The state must gain approval for the plan from federal officials. It would reduce income limits for eligibility in Arkansas Works, which now provides health coverage to about 320,000 Arkansas residents whose incomes are beneath 138 percent of the federal poverty level.

The governor said that he was confident that federal officials would approve the lower income threshold, which would reduce eligibility to people with incomes less than 100 percent of the poverty level.

That would remove about 60,000 Arkansans from Arkansas Works.

They could still qualify for help in paying for their health insurance through the federal exchange set up under the national Affordable Care Act. Another new provision would set up a work requirement for recipients of Arkansas Works, similar to those now required of people who get food stamps and welfare. To qualify for benefits, able bodied recipients would have to get a job or enroll in job training.

Recipients pay 2 percent of the cost of premiums provided by Arkansas Works, which can be up to $19 a month. This payment is an incentive for recipients to accept more responsibility for their lifestyle choices and health care decisions.

For a family of four, 138 percent of the federal poverty level means their total income is $33,948 a year. For the same family of four, 100 percent of the poverty level is $24,600 a year.

The legislation also directs the state Human Services Department to apply to federal officials to designate Arkansas as an “assessment” state.

The designation means that state officials, rather than federal officials, would determine people’s eligibility for Medicaid services.

Also during the special session the legislature transferred about $105 million from a trust fund to a reserve account with the intent of improving the state’s credit rating.

Money in the trust fund came from a legal settlement with tobacco companies and is spent on health-related programs.

Putting the money in the reserve fund shores up the state’s financial status because it could be spent for an emergency or to continue state government operations in case of

a severe economic downturn.

The governor and state budget officials told lawmakers that they have no intention of spending the money.

The legislature also enacted a bill to incorporate 23 medical marijuana bills into the state Constitution in a coherent and legally cohesive method. During the 2017 regular session the legislature considered dozens of bills to implement the medical marijuana amendment to the state Constitution that was passed by voters last November.

The bills regulate the cultivation facilities and retail stores that will sell medical marijuana. They imposed a tax to generate revenue to pay for the enforcement of regulations and security measures required by the medical marijuana amendment. They prohibit marketing to children and they set applications fees for people who want to grow or sell it.

After a review of the 23 new acts governing medical marijuana, state attorneys determined that some formatting changes were necessary so that language in one bill doesn’t overlap or repeat language in a separate bill.

Biscoe EHC holds Spring Council meeting The Prairie County EHC Spring Council meeting was held Thursday, April 20, 2017 at the Prairie County Historical Museum with Mitzi Osborne, Council President presiding. The theme of the meeting was “Hog Wild for EHC.” Hostess clubs, Biscoe and Idlewild provided coffee, juice, cookies, muffins, sausage balls and other snacks before the meeting began.

Registration began at 9:30 a.m. by Idlewild Club members. The meeting opened with a welcome by Janice Corpier from Biscoe Club and was followed by a response by Faye Carlisle from Busy Hands Club. Members were then led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Janice Bell, Council VicePresident. We were led in the reading of the Homemakers Creed by Mitzi Osborne. Mitzi then read the thought of the day.

Instead of a guest speaker, members had the opportunity to participate in several tailgating games and/or tour the newest exhibits the museum had to offer.

Following game time we reconvened for a business meeting. The meeting was called to order by Mitzi Osborne. The minutes from Fall Council were distributed and approved. Roll call was answered by Busy Hands - 4, Idlewild – 5, Oak Prairie -9, Biscoe -9, Couponista’s – 1, Prairie Piecemakers -1, guests -2, and Shea Wilson CEAFCS/4-H. The treasurer’s report was presented by Council Treasurer Thelma Gray.

Business included: reminding clubs to elect new officers during their May meeting and to collect dues, and complete secretary books and financial reports during May/June meetings.

Members were also reminded of the state AEHC meeting June 6-8 in Hot Springs. The cultural arts project for this year’s state meeting is table runners – any size, style, purchased or made.

Club members can contribute as many table runners as they want to for the service project. All proceeds will go toward helping AEHC host the 2019 NVON meeting.

Other reminders included dates for upcoming board meetings and leader trainings.

With no other business to discuss, Shea Wilson then installed the 20172019 Council Officers using a football themed installation ceremony: President – Mitzi Osborne, Vice-President – Janice Bell, Secretary – Darline Finch, and Treasurer – Thelma Gray. Door prizes were distributed by Oak Prairie.

The meeting concluded with the Homemakers Prayer and a delicious BBQ lunch catered by Craig’s BBQ. After lunch, members moved to the auditorium to enjoy a free showing of the movie “Woodlawn.”

The Governor has now signed into law several pieces of legislation passed by the General Assembly during the 1st Extraordinary Session of 2017.

The session was called to address health care, the state’s long term reserve fund, and to make technical corrections.

Act 3 directs the Department of Human Services to request a federal waiver to make changes to Arkansas Works. Arkansas Works uses Medicaid funding to provide health insurance to low-income Arkansans.

One of the changes is to lower the income eligibility from 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to 100% FPL. Those making an amount in between 100% and 138% FPL who do not have affordable employer sponsored insurance available would be directed to the health insurance marketplace. There they are eligible for federal subsidies.

Premiums would be capped at 2% of the individual’s income.

Arkansas is currently paying 5% of the cost for

Arkansas Works. Our share gradually increases to 10% by 2020.

The Department of Human Services estimates these changes will save the state between $67 and $93 million over the next 5 years.

Act 3 establishes a work requirement for those enrolled in Arkansas Works. This requirement is identical to the work requirement for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

An exception can be made for those receiving work training or enrolled in classes to obtain their GED. This legislation also directs DHS and the Department of Workforce Services to study and analyze small employer health insurance coverage in this state. The purpose of the study is to determine how to strengthen employer-sponsored insurance and help small business employers offer more affordable coverage for their employees.

They are to submit their findings to Arkansas Legislative Council and to the Governor before

October 1, 2018.

Act 4 provides more legislative oversight to the health insurance marketplace and calls for a study the future of the marketplace.

The other item we addressed was the creation of a long term reserve fund. Act 7 transfers $105 million from Healthy Century Trust Fund (funded by tobacco settlement proceeds) to a reserve fund.

This was done in an effort to improve the state’s bond rating and therefore lower interest rates and reducing cost for projects. The legislation approved requires 2/3 of a vote of either the Arkansas Legislative Council or the Joint Budget Committee before funds can be spent.

Members also approved two technical correction bills during the special session.

Interim committees begin meeting later this month. You can view the calendar and the agendas a t www.arkleg.state.ar.us.

U of A puts crop damage at preliminary $64.5 million

By Mary Hightower U of A System Division of Agriculture STUTTGART, Ark. – With flooding and other storm effects battering some 937,000 acres of Arkansas cropland, losses to farmers could hit $64.5 million, according to a preliminary estimate released Thursday by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Damage estimate for Arkanas crops May 2017 Estimate of acres impacted and dollar losses associated with storms in late April. (U of A System Division of Agriculture graphic) “If those numbers scare you, you should be terrified,” said Jarrod Hardke, extension rice agronomist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

“I’m being conservative.

There’s no sugar-coating it.”

The weather has struck Arkansas agriculture with some heavy blows in the last decade; row crop farmers suffering an estimated $40-$50 million loss last year due to heavy rain; beef cattle producers endured a $128 million loss from drought in 2012; and farmers were hit with an estimated $335 million in losses in 2011 from flooding that mirrored this year’s.

Last Thursday’s estimate was compiled by Hardke from a survey of extension agents and agronomists this week.

Among the factors taken into account: the costs of seed and herbicides already applied, equip-

ment and labor. It does not include the impact of the flooding and high winds to poultry facilities in the northeastern part of the state or farm structures, grain or feed storage or other structures.

Glimmer of hope There was a glimmer of hope: of the 937,000 affected acres, the crops on 641,300 acres were expected to survive – if no more rain falls. Of the crops affected, rice was the hardest hit. Eightynine percent of the state’s anticipated 1.2-millionacre crop had been planted, according to Monday’s National Agricultural Statistics Service report.

Seventy-one percent of planted rice had emerged.

“I’m estimating 156,000 acres of rice were lost,” Hardke said. “I don’t mean prevented planting, I mean acres lost that have already been planted.”

Soybean losses were pegged at 83,200 acres, corn at 47,900 acres and cotton at 9,300 acres.

Soybeans were projected at 3.5 million acres this year and were 45 percent planted and 32 percent emerged. Ninety-seven percent of a projected 600,000 acres of corn was planted and 89 percent emerged. Cotton, projected to total 500,000 acres, was 15 percent planted and 5 percent emerged.

‘10-day window’ Sunday marks a week since the deadly storm system raked the state.

“We’re knocking on a 10-day window,” Hardke said. “Anything that’s still covered in water at the end of next week is a loss, and farmers need to

make preparations for it to be gone and be ready to take action whenever it dries.

“If it’s still wet at the end of next week, it’ll be June before it will be dry enough to replant,” he said. Hardke said some producers who weathered the 2011 floods were lucky enough to have a good survival rate in their rice.

“Those are the exceptions,” he said. “It depends on the temperature of the air, the water temperature, whether the water is muddy or clear, or moving or stagnant.”

If there’s one helpful quality, it’s that this week’s temperatures were relatively cool.

“Being cool, it’s good,” Hardke aid. “If the water gets warm and stagnant, you’re going to see that crop go out a lot faster.”

The April 28-30 storms spawned tornadoes in Boone, Drew, White, Woodruff and Lonoke counties. Some areas in Arkansas saw more than 10 inches of rain during the weekend, prompting flash flood warnings across the state. Flood warnings were still in place Thursday along the Black, White, Arkansas, Ouachita and Mississippi Rivers. Major flooding was reported along the Black and White Rivers in northeastern Arkansas where the majority of the crop damage has occurred.

For more information on crop production, contact your county extension office or visit http://arkansascrops.com.

Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Classified Ads

THE RATE FOR CLASSIFIED READER ADVERTISING IS $7 FOR 25 WORDS OR LESS, PLUS 10 CENTS PER WORD FOR EACH WORD OVER 25. THE RATE FOR CLASSIFIED DISPLAY ADS IS $5.50 PER COLUMN INCH (NON-COMMISSIONABLE) FOR AREA BUSINESSES. THE DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING IS NOON ON MONDAY OF THE WEEK OF PUBLICATION. THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL $2 SERVICE CHARGE FOR ALL CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NOT PAID IN ADVANCE.

CLASSIFIED Billy’s Body Shop & Wrecker Service. P. O. Box 696, Hazen Ark 72064.

To whom it may concern: 2016 Kia Elantra # 5NPDH4AEXGH788181 located at 1203 Hwy 70 East, Hazen Arkansas 72064. Vehicle stored at P.O. Box 696 Hazen Ar. Phone 870-255-4922 and is accruing storage as a legal liability of the owner. The wrecker company claims fist priority possession lien on the vehicle and it’s contents for all charges.

Unless vehicle is claimed within 45 days the owner and/or lien holder waives all rights, title, and interest in the vehicle and its contents and consents to the sale of the vehicle. Vehicle will then be sold for towing and storage fees. __________________

MOVING SALE 306 W. Crowly St., Hazen, Saturday May 20, 2017 Furniture, toys, dishes, cookware, linens, Christmas decorations, decor for the home, and lots of other things!

Inside and outside- No prior sales please.

8:00 A.M..-? __________________

YARD SALE Yard Sale! 601 South Grove Street, Hazen, Saturday May 13th from 6 until 2

Chambers Nursing & Rehab Center

Billy’s Body Shop & Wrecker Service. P. O. Box 696, Hazen Ark 72064.

To whom it may concern: A 2005 Pontiac Fire vin # 3G2JB12E45S137128 located at 1203 Hwy 70 East, Hazen Arkansas 72064. Vehicle stored at P.O. Box 696 Hazen Ar. Phone 870-255-4922 and is accruing storage as a legal liability of the owner. The wrecker company claims fist priority possession lien on the vehicle and it’s contents for all charges.

Unless vehicle is claimed within 45 days the owner and/or lien holder waives all rights, title, and interest in the vehicle and its contents and consents to the sale of the vehicle. Vehicle will then be sold for towing and storage fees .

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Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Hazen Special Olympics Team goes for the gold The Hazen Special Olympics Team competed in Seacry at the harding Campus on April 29.

These students will participate in State at Harding on May 25-27.

Brayden Lock placed 1st in both the softball throw and the 100M dash in his division. Cora Marie

Edward Brooks, Brayden Lock, Lexi Tenison, and Cora Marie Coker with their ribbons after competing.

Brayden Lock racing towards the finish line during the 100 meter dash.

Coker placed 1st in the softball throw and 2nd in the 50M walk in her division. Lexi Tenison placed 1st in the softball throw and 2nd in the 50M dash in her division. Edward Brooks placed 2nd in the 100M dash and 3rd in the shot put throw in his division.

Cora Marie Coker, Edward Brooks, Brayden Lock, and Lexi Tenison met up with 2015 HHS Graduate Brenon Williams who was volunteering at the event.

Lexi Tenison preparing to pitch for victory in the softball throw.

Lady Hornets advance to 2A State Tournament beginning May 11th

By David Hoover With a week off before their first round regional tournament game, Hazen scheduled a game against 4A neighbor Stuttgart last Monday and lost 14-0 at home. The Ricebirds, trying to avenge a 9-7 loss earlier this season to the Hornets, jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the first inning on three straight one-out singles, a Hornet error and a double. Hazen managed to get a couple of runners on with a single and a Ricebird error but couldn’t score. Stuttgart blew the game open in the second when they sent eleven batters to the plate and scored seven times to take a 10-0 lead, all after getting the first two batters out. The Ricebirds combined a double, two singles, a walk, a hit batter and three Hornet errors to inflict the damage. Hazen managed only a one-out walk in their half of the second inning.

Stuttgart pushed four more across in the third

on a grand slam home run and the Hornets could get only a one-out double in the bottom of the inning to leave the final score at 14-0.

Bad weather played havoc on the regional tournament at East Poinsett County and the Hornets opening game was delayed by more than 24 hours. But, on Friday, Hazen scored early and often to complement Allie Burroughs’ one-hit pitching performance on the way to a 100 win over Cotter and a slot in the state tournament. Burroughs retired the side in order in the top of the first and the first three Hazen batters all reached base and scored in the bottom of the inning. Elizabeth Foot doubled to lead off the inning, went to third on Abby Rounsavall’s single and Foot scored when Morgan Stock reached base on an error.

Rounsavall scored on a deep fly ball from Burroughs and Stock

The Lady Hornets won their game against Salem with a score of 2-1. They are now the #3 seed for the State Tournament

moved up to third, scoring moments later on a ground ball out.

Burroughs hit two batters and gave up a bunt single to load the bases with only one out for Cotter but kept the Lady Warriors off the scoreboard with two strike outs. Brayden Williams singled with one out, went to second on a wild pitch and scored on a single by Rounsavall. After Stock was hit by a pitch and Burroughs walked to load the bases, Faith Young doubled to center clearing the bases and giving Hazen a 7-0 lead.

Burroughs set the Warriors down 1-2-3 and Hazen went back to work at the plate. Chase Wiggins singled and wound up on third base via two wild pitches ahead of a walk to Christin Young. Wiggins was thrown out at home on a wild pitch just before Williams walked. Foot followed with a home run to left and the game was quickly a 10-0 affair.

Burroughs retired Cotter in order in both the fourth and fifth innings to seal the game and send the Hornets into the regional semi-finals on Saturday. The win also secured a berth in the state tournament.

Saturday’s game was against the Marmaduke Greyhounds, the team that knocked Hazen out of the 2016 state tournament, and this game was no different with the Greyhounds earning a 7-0

win over the Hornets.

The game was scoreless after five innings with each team managing to get only one base runner through the first three innings. Both teams then managed to get two singles apiece in the fourth but left all runners stranded and each went down in order in the fifth inning. With the score still 0-0 Marmaduke drew a walk from Burroughs.

That’s when the wheels started to fall off for Hazen. Then next six Greyhound batters reached base, five with hits and one on a Hornet error. When the dust had settled, it was suddenly a 6-0 game. The Hornets got two runners on base in the sixth but, again, couldn’t score.

Marmaduke added another run on three more hits in the seventh to make the final score 7-0. Hazen was outhit in the contest by an 11-4 margin and snapped the Lady Hornets’ 11-game winning streak.

Hazen (21-10), one of twelve schools qualified for the state class 2A tournament, played Salem (23-3) on Monday, and gained their spot as the #3 seed with a 2-1 win against Salem. The Hornets will play in state tournament beginning Thursday, May 11th at East Poinsett County.

Go Hornets!!!

HHS freshman Edward Brooks stood as a champion after placing second in the 100 meter dash for his category.

We at the Grand Prairie Herald would like to recognize the 2017 Graduates of Hazen High School for their many accomplishments.

We wish each and every one of you luck in your future endeavors and hope you each apply your many talents to the best of your ability. Got somebody special graduating this May? Let everyone know how proud you are with a congratulatory ad in your hometown newspaper.

Contact the Herald before May 14th to place your ad at 870-255-4538 or heraldpublishing@gmail.com