May 15, 2024 edition

Carlisle High 2024 Senior Class

B ethlehem Church p lans homecoming for May 2 6 th

Bethlehem Methodist Church Homecoming, or Fourth Sunday as it is lovingly called, will be held May 26, 2024. Bethlehem Church is located at 2540 Bethlehem Road Lonoke, AR. Church services will be at 11:00 am followed by a catered lunch by King Cat in the fellowship hall. There will be singing and a program in the church following lunch. The yearly collection of donations for the upkeep of Salem Cemetery will be taken up at this time. However, if you can not make it to the church in

person, donations can be made out to The Salem Cemetery Fund and mailed to 2178 Clayhill RD. Lonoke, AR 72086.

The Cemetery is being cleaned, therefore, if there are any items that you have placed on a gravesite, other than flowers that you would like to keep, please make sure you get them by Friday, May 17 so the Cemetery can be properly cleaned. Thank you for your help in this matter. If you have any questions please contact Joann Abshure at 501438-2272.

Hazen School

B oard holds

s p ecial meeting, hires new staff

The Hazen School Board met in a special meeting on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, with President Mason Sickel, Sandra Penn, Rusty Rogers, Dave Hare, Bradley Taylor, Freddie Rogers, and Chad Greenwalt present. The board voted unanimously to approve the proposed classified salary schedules for the 2023-2024 and 20242025 school years. The board then went into executive session to discuss personnel for an hour with no action taken. After the executive session, the board approved

Superintendent Andy Barrett’s recommendation to accept the resignation of Elementary Teacher Jade Fleming, and voted to hire Heather Fulmer as a high school Special Education teacher, Kristen Wilson as an elementary Special Education teacher, Katie Gaspard as a Second Grade teacher, Sarah Smith as a Kindergarten teacher, Amy Davis as a Band/Music teacher, and Brittany Cruthis as a paraprofessional. The board then adjourned.

City of Hazen to celebrate Memorial Day with events

Monday, May 27 will be the Hazen Chamber of Commerce's first annual Memorial Day Celebration in the Park. Starting at 11 a.m., residents are invited to bring their lawn chairs to the downtown gazebo park area for a time of remembrance of fallen American soldiers as well as active duty soldiers. It will be conducted by Cody Snider. At 3 p.m., all vendors, food trucks and musicians participating in

Midnight South Band

the night event will begin setting up on Front Street. Jennifer Kelly will be heading the placement of everything, and the Chamber members will be setting up tables. The party starts at 6 p.m. for the public. It will be a 3hour exciting evening of food, street dance and fireworks! Music will be provided by Midnight South, an American country band, that utilizes shades of rock and roll, pop, and

old-time music. Formed organically in Central Arkansas, Midnight South is proud to bring their listeners the sounds of the Natural State. All ages are invited, as two bouncy houses will be on the premises. Local artisans will be selling their wares. Join the fun and show your patriotism by wearing your red, white and blue!

Bowden photography

The Carlisle High School Class will graduate on Sunday, May 19. (Composite by Bowden Photography.)

dren.

Chris Weems

Chris Weems, age 93, of Hazen, Arkansas, passed away May 8, 2024 at Springhill Baptist Hospital in North Little Rock. She was born November 27, 1930, to Ingram and Eloise Snider Smith of Hamilton, Arkansas.

Chris graduated from Carlisle High School and then attended Henderson State Teachers College where she obtained a degree in Home Economics and later went on to get her Masters Degree.

Chris was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Charles Weems; her parents; brothers, Elton and Maston Smith; sisters, Callie V. Baker and Ruth Woods; nephew, Billy Baker; great nieces, Patti Carroll, Bailey Swilley, and Renee Mott and greatgreat nephew, Miller Wayne Silverman. Chris is survived by her sisters, Jane Head of Keller, Texas and Hazel Swilley of Hazen and a host of nieces and nephews.

Chris was a retired Home Ec teacher of nearly four decades. She also sponsored the Future Homemakers of America and school’s yearbook. Chris earned recognition from Cambridge Who’s Who. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church for 72 years. Bro. Christian said he that he never knew the church without Ms. Chris. Chris was the

Arkansas Press Association

Member 2023 The Grand Prairie Herald (USPS) 225-680

The Grand Prairie Herald

longest living member and served as church clerk, choir member and director and teacher in the Discovery Program. She was also a big influence in Vacation Bible School and taught many songs to the kids. Chris was a member of GFWC Elsie McCain Club and 50 year member of the Eastern Star and a Master Gardener and could still be seen mowing and puttering around in the yard.

Anyone lucky enough to take Home Ec from her learned to cook starting with the delicious bean (Presbyterian) sandwiches and snickerdoodles.

Chris received so many awards and was so proud of all her accomplishments. She was always late, and when someone would tease her about being late for her own funeral, she would laugh and say everyone else was just early.

She leaves several nieces and nephews that she loved telling stories about, usually to their embarrassment. She will be dearly missed by so many, and so many things will go undone because she’s not there to do them. Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen. Burial was in the Carlisle Cemetery. Arrangements were by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.

Gracie Evelyn King

Grace is preceded in death by her husband, Bill King; her parents, Arlie and Viola Cox; and siblings, Evelyn, Junior, and Shirley. She is survived by her husband, Jerry Tallent of Butlerville, AR; her daughter Karen (Brian) Patterson; four grandchildren, Tyler (Meagan) Gore, Abby Patterson, Emma Patterson, and Ethan Patterson; three greatgrandchildren, Allie, Gracelyn, and Samuel Gore, all of Hickory Plains, AR; her sister Sienna Hance of Jacksonville, AR; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 6:008:00 p.m. Tuesday at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. Dewitt Henry Dr., Beebe, Arkansas. Funeral will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2024, at Hickory Plains Community Church, Hickory Plains, Arkansas, with burial in Hickory Plains Cemetery. www.smithfamilycares.com

Sanna Grantham

of the Carlisle Shelter for several years. They work with the City to re-locate abandoned animals and place them in good homes in the Boston area.

GFWC attends state convention

By Chris Weems

(She will be greatly missed)

The GFWC Elsie McCain Club won two awards and two members received certificates at the State Convention Friday and Saturday in Little Rock at the Delta Hotel. Chris Weems, Elsie McCain club president, and Judy Foot, a past State President, attended from Hazen. The club received second place in Leadership and honorable place for

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

participation in the Environment department. Elizabeth Hutson received a "Member" certificate and Chris Weems received a "Pledge" certificate in the ESO reading program. Judy Frankfurth, second vice president of GFWC International was the special guest from International. She brought greetings from GFWC in the opening session Saturday. She has served as treasurer, secretary and Directors of Junior Clubs and a member of the Strategic Planning committee for eight years. She lives in Tampa, Fla., when she is not working at GFWC Headquarters. Jane Jackson, Stuttgart, president of GFWC-AR , presided for the meeting. Judy Ramer, Little Rock, gave the welcome. Debbie Hall, state treasurer gave the financial report and Lori Burton gave the budget and finance committee report.

able to make teams defend the whole field.

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Photographer Ruth Corley

Gracie Evelyn King, born February 11, 1946, passed away from this life to her eternal life on May 3, 2024. She was raised in the “Crossroads” area of Hickory Plains, Arkansas. She met the love of her life, Bill King, when she was 13 years old, and married on July 21, 1962. They were married for 59 years and had one daughter.

During her early working years, she was a waitress, she worked at a local shelter, and ran her own general store for many years. When she was able to stay home full time, you could usually find her in the kitchen cooking one of her delicious meals and desserts. She loved to sing and dance and played the mandolin and most Sunday mornings were spent singing in church. She also loved to spend time outdoors in her garden or many flower beds. On Saturdays she looked forward to shopping for great deals at flea markets or antique stores. Her family was her number one pride and joy, and she dedicated the largest amount of her life to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchil-

Sanna Grantham passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024 in Durham, North Carolina. She was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was predeceased by her parents, Sarah Neil Marshall and Paul Grantham; grandparents, Vera Livesay and Owen D. Marshall and she was the greatgranddaughter of Mattie Wray and Edward Oscar Livesay, who were lifelong residents of Des Arc.

Although Sanna had more than her share of disadvantages and struggles, she was always supported and loved by many. Sanna had a tender spot for cats, horses, dogs, and Elvis. She loved to dance, shop, and paint. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now in the loving embrace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Sanna is survived by her sisters, Mandy Goodman and husband, John of Durham, North Carolina and Tammy Boggus and husband, Jon of Live Oak, Florida; numerous nieces and nephews and a dear life-long friend, Rachel Shaffer of Hazen, Arkansas.

Graveside services were held 11:00 A.M., Monday, May 13, 2024 at the Hazen Cemetery. Arrangements were by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.

The Carlisle Bison completed their first week of spring football practice on Friday with 32 players on the roster, according to second-year head coach Gary Wilson.

“It’s pretty nice,” Wilson said of the large roster. “A couple of years ago, we had 17 to start a season. So having 32, it feels like we have a small army out there right now.”

A year ago, the Bison won the conference title and were a stop away from making it to the state-title game for the second consecutive season.

“I don’t know if has gotten kids out who haven’t played before, but may have made the kids take football more seriously,” Wilson said. “I don’t ever remember having this much excitement in the spring. It has definitely helped us on that end.”

The Bison have two big needs this coming season. They must replace three-year, record-setting quarterback Holden Jones and several offensive linemen as the Bison return only two starters.

A year ago, Jones passed for 1,760 yards and 19 touchdowns. He completed 53 percent of his passes.

Coming in to replace Jones will be freshman Ty Tanksley, who led the Junior Bison a year ago.

“We’ve got a lot of confidence in Ty,” Wilson said. “We’re going to be

We’re going to miss Holden’s leadership. He was a great player for us. We feel good about it.”

As far as the offensive line, the two returning starters are Caleb Croucher and Mitch Crouch.

“We’ve got to settle in on an offensive line,” Wilson said. “We’ve got two guys who are seniors and have started a lot of games for us. We’ve got five who we

feel really good about right now. It’s 2A football, so everybody wants more depth, but we’d like to have seven guys we feel good about playing.”

The Bison will open the season Aug. 30 at Drew Central in Monticello. The Bison host Junction City in the home opener Sept. 6 at Fred C. Hardke Field. The Bison will play at rival Des Arc on Sept. 20 before opening conference play Sept. 27 at home vs. Baptist Prep.

Page 3 - The Grand Prairie

Hazen Booster Club holds 2024 Athletic Awards Banquet

The Hazen Athletic Boosters Club of Hazen held its 2024 Hazen High School Athletic Banquet on Friday, May 10, in the Hazen Community Center. Cody Snider served as the Master of Ceremony, and Athletic Director Joe Besancon announced the athletic teams and award winners.

Special guests were this year’s inductees into the Hazen Hornet Hall of Fame: Coach Lonnie Sutton, Troy Young, Jimmy Lisko, Rusty Rogers, and the 1982 Champion Cheerleader Squad. Sutton coached the 1982 Hornet football team to runner up status in the state Class A Championship. Lisko played football for Arkansas State University and was later drafted into pro-football by the Denver Broncos. Rusty Rogers played baseball for the University of Central Arkansas and is a member of the UCA All-time Baseball Roster for his performance during those years. He was also drafted by the Kansas City Royals. Young was inducted for his long hours of contributing to multiple Hazen Athletic programs throughout the years.

SPECIAL AWARDS: Osborne Coyle Award - BRAYLON ANDERSON, Scotty

Aycock Award - DYLAN SKARDA, Pete Newsome Award - HUNTER PARDON, Bill Bradow Award - JORDYN BESANCON, Doug Meiner Award and Mr. Hustle Award - JOSH DAWSON, Brandon Burlsworth Award - KOLTON TOSH, Mr. Hornet - JUSTIN SCHLENKER, and Logan Beckwith Football Award - NOAH ADKINS.

Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Des Arc High School athletes honored at 2024 banquet

A very large crowd gathered at the Des Arc Elementary cafeteria on May 6th for the annual High School athletic banquet. Awards were presented to Junior and Senior High athletes for softball, baseball, football, archery, trap shooting, and the cheerleaders. Dare Saul introduced the evening’s guest speaker, Southern Arkansas University’s baseball coach, Allen Gum. Gum was Saul's baseball coach in college. Gum was head baseball coach at Southern Arkansas University from 2006 to 2011. He then became head baseball coach at University of Central Arkansas where he became the most winning coach in UCA history with a record of 310 wins. He retired from UCA in 2021. In February of this year Gum accepted the position of head baseball coach at Shiloh Christian High School where he will begin coaching on June 1st.

Gum captured the

attention of the audience and especially the high school athletes by giving his advice of the five most important words in life, foremost important words in life, three most important words in life, two most important words in life, and the one most important word in Life. He first said that one of the most important things to live by is the words in Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

He said the five most important words are "surround yourself with good people." The four most important words are "take care of yourself." (Body, mind, and spirit). The three most important words are "class, character, and concern" (for others). The two most important words are "thank you." The one most important word is "WE". (Team, cooperation).

Gum encouraged the athletes to keep these words in mind and they will go far in athletics, academics, and life.

Lady Eagles fall to Lady Panthers in extra innings

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Des Arc Lady Eagles were one strike away from advancing to the second round of the Class 2A state softball tournament, However, Magnet Cove had other ideas.

Magnet Cove scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh then scored in the bottom of the eighth to beat the Lady Eagles.

Des Arc pitcher Kaylee McDonald had two strikes and two outs when she hit a Magnet

Cove player to put two runners on base. After a wild pitch had the runners move into scoring position, the next Lady Panther hitter knocked in tying runs.

In the top of the eighth, Des Arc’s Kymber Buckner was placed at second base. She went to third on a sacrifice bunt by Reagan Kittler. The next batter struck out when Buckner was picked off third base to end the inning. In the bottom of the eighth, the Magnet Cove runner placed at second base went to third on a

sacrifice bunt then scored on a wild pitch to end the game.

Des Arc led 1-0 after the first inning. The Lady Eagles plated another run in the top of the seventh. Scoring were Emma Buckner and Makenzie Williams.

Des Arc out-hit Magnet Cove 7-3. McDonald and Grace Knight had two hits each.

McDonald struck out 16 in 7 1/3 innings of work. Both runs were earned. She did not allow a base on balls.

Lady Bison forfeit season after use of ineligible player

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

After a stellar season on the field, the Carlisle Lady Bison were forced out of the Class 2A state softball tournament hours before the team was set to play Mt. Vernon-Enola in the first round.

According to a Facebook post by Carlisle High School principal and athletic director B.J. Greene, the Lady Bison were forfeiting their 23 wins and withdrawing from the playoffs.

According to the Arkansas Activities Association released Thursday morning, Carlisle self-reported

the use of an ineligible player on its softball team and forfeited all 23 of its victories, including the 2A-6 conference championship it shared with Des Arc. According to a statement issued by Greene, the school district was notified by the AAA of the possible use of an ineligible player.

“Upon further investigation by the district, it was found to be true,” Greene wrote. “Please know that this is not the fault of our coaches or our players. However, I, as athletic director, failed to get the Changing School/Athletic Participation form filled out on the player. The

student came to our district through school choice, has not been previously coached by our softball head coach (Jason Golden), and I was unaware that the form had to be filled out based on those circumstances.

“It is with a heavy heart and a devastated soul [that I] announce that the Carlisle High School Softball team will be forfeiting all games for the 2023-24 season and will be withdrawing from the state tournament.”

Carlisle will be placed on warning for 365 days by the Arkansas Activities Association for the infraction.

and its contents for all charges. Unless the 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. The vehicle will then be sold for towing and storage fees.

To Whom it May Concern. A 2001 Audi S4 VIN# WAURD68D41A100892

The above mentioned vehicle was towed to our lot on April 16, 2024 per request of Hazen Police Department, and was towed to storage lot of 1111 Highway 70 West in Hazen. The initial fee due is $125.00, and additionally The storage fee due is $50.00 per day and continues to accumulate daily. The administrative fees due are $150.00 for the processing of the lien, the processing of a stolen vehicle report by our Police Department and the processing of certified letters sent to the owner and lien holder (if any) via mail. The above amounts do not reflect the 11% tax that is due upon releasing the vehicle. Tower storage & administrative costs are accuring daily as legal

To Whom it May Concern. A 2006 Toyota Camry VIN# 4T1BE32K76U680437

The above mentioned vehicle was towed to our lot on April 27, 2024 per request of Prairie County Sheriff Department towed to storage lot of 1111 Highway 70 West in Hazen. The initial fee due is $250.00, and additionally The storage fee due is $50.00 per day and continues to accumulate daily. The administrative fees due are $150.00 for the processing of the lien, the processing of a stolen vehicle report by our Police Department and the processing of certified letters sent to the owner and lien holder (if any) via mail. The above amounts do not reflect the 11% tax that is due upon releasing the vehicle. Tower storage & administrative costs are accuring daily as legal

To Whom it May

Concern. A 2017 Nissan Versa VIN# 3N1CN7AP3HL903313

The above mentioned vehicle was towed to our lot on April 16, 2024 per request of Hazen Police Department, and was towed to storage lot of 1111 Highway 70 West in Hazen. The initial fee due is $250.00, and additionally The storage fee due is $50.00 per day and continues to accumulate daily. The administrative fees due are $150.00 for the processing of the lien, the processing of a stolen vehicle report by our Police Department and the processing of certified letters sent to the owner and lien holder (if any) via mail. The above amounts do not reflect the 11% tax that is due upon releasing the vehicle. Tower storage & administrative costs are accuring daily as legal

liability of the owner, Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first priority lien on the said vehicle and its contents for all such charges. The vehicle and its contents will be dismantled, destroyed, or sold at public sale to the highest bidder if not claimed within 45 days and constitutes a waiver by the owner and the lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, and provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges. Please contact us immediately at 870-255-3305 if you wish to pick up the above-mentioned vehicle. Rick Wiggins, Owner Rick’s Automotive and Wrecker Service.

liability of the owner, Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first priority lien on the said vehicle and its contents for all such charges. The vehicle and its contents will be dismantled, destroyed, or sold at public sale to the highest bidder if not claimed within 45 days and constitutes a waiver by the owner and the lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, and provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges. Please contact us immediately at 870-255-3305 if you wish to pick up the above-mentioned vehicle. Rick Wiggins, Owner Rick’s Automotive and Wrecker Service.

liability of the owner, Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first priority lien on the said vehicle and its contents for all such charges. The vehicle and its contents will be dismantled, destroyed, or sold at public sale to the highest bidder if not claimed within 45 days and constitutes a waiver by the owner and the lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, and provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges. Please contact us immediately at 870-255-3305 if you wish to pick up the above-mentioned vehicle. Rick Wiggins, Owner Rick’s Automotive and Wrecker Service.

Des Arc 2024 Senior Class graduation ceremony May 10th

The Des Arc High School Class of 2024 graduated on Friday, May 10, in the Des Arc High School Gym at 6:00 p.m. The commencement address was given by Joey York.

Adysen Johnston gave the Valedictory Address, and Emilee Huggins gave the Salutatory Address. Brother Pat Skarda gave the Baccalaureate Address. Jonathan Keith gave the invocation, and Lily Tacker gave the benediction. Cache Flanagan gave the class welcome.

High School Principal Billy Paschal presentated the diplomas to the seniors, and Superintendent Marc Sherrell presented the class to the audience.

photography.)

Eagle Band holds annual awards banquet

By Lisa Mills

The Des Eagle Band held its annual award banquet on May 7th.

Band President Lizzie Elam welcomed everyone to the banquet. In the absence of a band director, Band Booster Secretary/Treasurer Julie Spratt and Vice

President Jennifer Ward presented the band awards and Majorette Coach DeAnna Williams introduced the 20242025 majorettes, drum majors, and flagline members.

DeAnna also shared a few embarrassing stories about 23-24 Majorette Captain/Feature Twirler

Callie Baxter and how much she will miss all her crazy drama next year (all in good humor). Williams talked about how hard all the girls worked at summer camp last year and how much they learned. She said she is excited to start working with the 2024-25 majorettes.

(Photos by Silver Smith