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Hazen gets ready for Christmas. (See page 6.)
Volume 122 Number 47 - USPS 225-680
Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Community Calendar of Events Hazen Senior Center opens daily from 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Lunch is served from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Tuesday November 21 Quorum Court Meeting 6:00 p.m. Annex Building Thursday November 23 Thanksgiving Friday November 24 Carlisle Bison vs EPC Fred Hardke Field 7:00 p.m. Monday November 27 Des Arc School Board Meeting 6:00 p.m. Hazen School District back to school Tuesday November 28 Des Arc City Council meeting 6:00 p.m. City Hall Thursday November 30 DAIDC meeting County Annex Building in Des Arc 10:00 a.m.
Community events are brought to you by the Hazen Chamber of Commerce and the
Please call F&M Bank (255-3042) or The Grand Prairie Herald (255-4538) to list events.
Hazen gets ready for the holidays... Members of the Hazen Chamber of Commerce spent a sunny Saturday last week decorating the city park downtown in anticipation of the Christmas in the Park luminary event scheduled for Saturday, December 9th from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The group plans to decorate the whole town with luminaries, and anyone can purchase them in honor of, or in memory of, a loved one for $2 each from Chamber members. There will be carriage rides, a live nativity, caroling, and Santa Claus will be there again this year.
Carlisle Council puts CD’s toward firetruck By Debbye Harrison Carlisle City voted to cash in all of the city’s certificates of deposit to pay on the new fire truck leaving no reserve funds for city emergencies. Ordinance #336 was unanimously passed by Council members Todd Turner, Anne Anderson, Jon Plafcan and Larry Flynn at the November 14, 2023, meeting. Council members Kevin Kegley and Mary Edelman were absent. The new fire truck which has been delivered costs $534,000. The old one was involved in a wreck on I-40 on the way to a call. Insurance paid $114,000. To finish
covering the cost, a loan had to be secured from Cadence Bank for $71,776.17 at an interest rate of 5.9%. These costs do not include insurance on the truck. Leaf and limb pick-up has stopped! What has been done in the past has been done illegally, and the Council voted to stop all pick-up until something else can be done. A proper disposal place is needed. This will have to be permitted by both the state and the EPA. Randy Phillips is willing to explore the possibility of setting up a properly permitted property if he can be assured that the city will give him the contract for the leaf and
limb disposal. At this time the cost cannot be determined. Ordinance #335 was passed which requires all pools above and inground to have a selfstanding 48” fence that completely surrounds the pool with a gate that is self-latching. The pool must be properly maintained and sanitary. Existing pool owners have 30 days after publication of the ordinance to comply. Those who plan to install a pool must have a plan submitted with their construction plans. This ordinance is designed to protect the homeowner from any accidents occurring from children outside the res-
idence who might be wandering through the neighborhood and accidentally fall into the pool. The fine for noncompliance is $25 per day. C. J. Rathbun, Executive Director of the 911 Board, spoke to the Council about the new configuration of the 911 system. He explained that an efficiency study was made after revenues for 911 fell due to a decrease in landlines. The new system will have a minimum of one in each county and more in the
heavily populated areas. There will be a total of 82 in the state. Cabot is housing the one for Lonoke County and Des Arc for Prairie County. Fees have increased and may continue to do so even though there have been efforts to offset some of the costs. The Christmas Ladies reported that 95% of the Christmas decorations are out, and they received high praises for all of their work. No more donations are needed for this year (but would be gladly accepted for next year!)
Hazen City Council votes to give employees bonuses The Hazen City Council met on Thursday, November 16 with all council members present along with Recorder/Treasurer David Hoover and Mayor David Hardke. After some discussion and with only one council member dissenting, the council voted to give a 3½ percent Christmas bonus to all of the fulltime city employees. There are 19 full-time employees, and the bonuses will cost the city $43,000 including payroll taxes. The employees will also receive a cost of living raise beginning in January. The council members and Mayor Hardke spoke highly of all the city’s employees, and added that there had been no turnover in employees for quite some time. The mayor gave the council members a proposed 2024 budget to study before the next meeting, and announced the notice of award to ETI Services of Malvern in the amount $106,391 to replace the filter media in filters 3 and 4 and the new underdrain in filter four at the water treatment plant. American Rescue Plans funds will pay for the
work. Hardke also said that the street overlay program in the city has been completed. Hardke said that he and Utilities Director Chad Swaim had a preconstruction conference regarding the installation of a new spiral screen at the wastewater treatment plant. “That’s your first line of defense,” Hardke said. Hardke hopes that these will be installed within 120 days, but he added that electronics are still delaying projects. The project will cost less than expected, Hardke said. The council members praised the improved quality of the Hazen water. In departmental reports, Swaim said that three more water leaks had been repaired along with two gas leaks. The dog pound light has been replaced and a drain there has been unstopped. Ray Raper has finished with the electrical installation in the city park downtown. The utilities department is in the process of fixing leaks at the water plant, and have replaced about 90% of the dials on meters within the city. There are plans to fix a hole in front of the high school while the stu-
dents are on Thanksgiving break. Hardke said that another sewer pipe located on Prairie Street will be replaced before it collapses. “We’re trying to keep pace,” Hardke said. Fire Chief Seth Skarda reported that his department responded to one grass fire and burned down two condemned houses. The department also had six first-responder runs last month. Hardke said that next year’s budget is still being tweaked and will be completed by next month’s meeting.
Auxiliary decorates towns... The Women’s Auxiliary of the American Legion decorated Prairie County with fall scarecrows placed in various places. The Auxiliary does several service projects throughout the year.
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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Horace Clinton Humble Horace Clinton “Clint” Humble, 76, of Lonoke, Arkansas, formerly of H a z e n , Arkansas p a s s e d a w a y November 14, 2023. Clint was born July 16, 1947 to James & Frances Humble. Clint was an avid Razorback fan. He loved all of his family and friends, especially his niece and nephew. Clint was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Hershell Cline Humble. Clint is survived by his nephew Mike and wife, Delena Wallace of Hazen, Arkansas; his niece, Wendy Barnes and husband, Randy of Dumas, Arkansas, and a host of great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the entire Barnes Healthcare Family for their exceptional care of Clint over
the last several years. Visitation was held from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M., Friday, November 17, 2023 at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen. A graveside service at Oakland Cemetery in DeValls Bluff, Arkansas was held immediately follow the visitation.
Kathleen Elaine Howell Wilson March 18th , 1955 – November 8th , 2023 A caring smile, a warm embrace, and an attentive ear. Kathleen E l a i n e H o w e l l Wilson, was all of t h e s e things and more. Ms. Wilson, 68, passed away on Thursday November 8th. Ms. Wilson was born in Wichita Falls, TX on March 18, 1955. She was the youngest of three sisters andwas the baby of the family. She is preceded in death by her parents William and
Elaine Howell of Stuttgart, AR. Ms. Wilson loved her sisters and family and always had a wry sense of humor. She was always ensuring her family knew how much they meant to her with her kind words and actions. She was blessed with two grandsons, Kaleb and Jude. Her role as Memaw was very special to her. She was always noticed in a room with her unique and often wellplaced style. She was known for giving others fashion expertise during her time with the Country Closet in Hazen, AR. Her style shone through even during her chemo treatments. Ms. Wilson is survived by her son Kelly (Ariel) Moore, her sisters Susie Howell and Laura (Tom) Bauman, her niece, Kimberlee Simmons, and her nephew, Dustin (Wendi) Bauman. A celebration of life took place on Monday November 20th at Redeemer Evangelical Church in Germantown, TN.
Riceland Foods reports 1.3 billion in revenue STUTTGART, Ark. – Riceland Foods reported $1.3 billion in revenue to its members, staff, and guests attending the cooperative’s Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday, November 9, at the Embassy Suites in Jonesboro, AR. Riceland’s Chairman of the Board of Directors,
Arkansas Press Association Member 2023
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 $20.00/year In Arkansas $25.00/year Out of State $30.00/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
Roger Pohlner, welcomed those in attendance and shared the latest news from the Board of Directors. Chairman Pohlner said, "To make our cooperative better serve the needs of its farmers, the board of directors has directed management to concentrate their efforts for improvement in five primary areas: pool settlements, member and customer relations, employee relations, grain procurement, and working capital." He also welcomed member input. "We are all One Riceland, working together to accomplish the goals and objectives necessary for us to succeed." Riceland President and CEO Jason Brancel shared his experience after spending one full fiscal year at Riceland. He described Riceland as the connective tissue between the farmers who own the cooperative and customers in diverse domestic and export market channels. He described Riceland's three-horizon strategic view and concluded his report with an in-depth look at Riceland’s strategic pillars, which focus on strengthening the entire operation's foundation. “We owe it to our members to challenge the status quo and to create a culture of continuous improvement at Riceland…being better today than we were yesterday, and better tomorrow than we are today.” Chief Financial Officer Craig Parr gave the financial results from fiscal year ending July 31, 2023, reporting revenue of $1.3 billion and distribution to members of $788 million. Parr reported the long grain
Corrections We have two corrections to make this week. In the November 15th edition, we printed that Cache Skarda is in the 3rd grade. He’s a 5th grader at Hazen Elementary School. Our apologies, Cache. We also wrote that four citations were written by the DeValls Bluff Police Department, but the actual number of citations was 14.
seasonal pool paid $7.33 per bushel. The soybean seasonal pool paid $15.93 per bushel, a $1.73 premium to the United States Department of Agriculture’s season average price. Parr reported that Riceland's working capital improved 22% compared to the prior year, and income before taxes was $11.1 million compared to $9 million the prior year. Speaking on a New Age of Agriculture, the meeting’s keynote address came from Ryan Raguse, Bushel’s president and co-founder. Bushel is an independently owned software company and leading software technology provider for farmers and grain buyers. Raguse discussed three trends he anticipates impacting the agriculture industry in the future. The meeting concluded with celebration and recognition for its supporters and employees. Kevin McGilton, chief of staff and vice president of government affairs, presented Riceland’s Friend of the Farmer award to Congressman Bruce Westerman. The 2023 Grow Good Employee of the Year was Twyla Robert, representing IT, and the 2023 Grow Good Manager of the Year was Sarah Murry, Chief Accounting Officer. Roberts has been on the Riceland team for 43 years, and Murry has been with Riceland for over 20 years.
Grand Prairie Arts Center holds Melvin Rice reception and art exhibition The Arts Center of the Grand Prairie is pleased to announce a reception for Artist Melvin Rice Tuesday, November 28th from 5:30 – 6:30 at the Art Center of the Grand Prairie. Mr. Rice is the featured artist in our main gallery currently thru midDecember. The exhibit features the artists use of acrylics and other art mediums in a variety of landscape, portrait and inspired works. Artist Melvin Rice Melvin Rice was born in Pine Bluff, AR. After graduating from Watson Chapel High School, he served in the Army National Guard and received an honorable discharge. He received his licensed in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in 1982. In 2001 he became an ordained elder in Full Gospel. He is the proud father of four children and has one grandson. Melvin Rice is a 2012 graduate of the Art Instruction School, Minneapolis, MN. His work has been published in the Art IllustratorMinneapolis, MN. He won 2nd place in the Art Instruction School
Annual Art Competition 2013, 2012, and 2011. In 2010 he was a finalist for the annual competition. Also, while attending the Art Instruction School, he was awarded the Blue Ribbons Art Award 2010 and 2012. In 2012 he won the Grand Prize at the Art Instruction School annual completion. He also received the 2010 O u t s t a n d i n g Achievement Art Award from the Art Instruction School. Melvin Rice has exhibited his work at various art centers and galleries throughout Arkansas as well as Denver, Chicago and Detroit. The 2014 Grand Prairie Arts FestivalStuttgart, AR 1st place and 3rd place. Also, 2013 Grand Prairie Arts Festival- Stuttgart, AR, 2nd place and Honorable Mention, 2013 Southeast AR Fair Art Show- Pine Bluff, AR, 4 First places, 1Best of Show in oils. Guachoya Cultural Art Center- Lake Village, AR, University of AR Pine Bluff- Benefits of the Arts- Pine Bluff, AR, Donald W. Reynolds Center- Artists of the Quarter- Pine Bluff, AR, Pine Bluff Arts &
Science Center- Best of Show 2006, 2007 Agency ArtistsSoutheast Arkansas Behavioral Healthcare System, Founder of Davis Geriatric Local Artist Instructor, Founder of Whispering Knolls assisted living faculties School of Art and Design. He was awarded the Artist Instructor of Excellency for Appreciation 2007 at the assisted living facilities and nursing home, Dianne Roberts Art Studio & GalleryBenton, AR, Southeast Arkansas CollegeFounders Hall- Pine Bluff, AR. In 2018 and 2023 he won First Place at the Grand Prairie Arts Festival- Stuttgart, AR. What inspires him to keep painting, “To inspire people with the beauty that surrounds them in painting charcoal, mixed media, pencil, pen & ink, brush & ink, pastel, watercolors and any other medium.” To visit the center, please contact the Arts Center at artscenter001@gmail.com and or by calling 870-6731781.
PC Master Gardeners holds November meeting By Chris Weems Prairie County Master Gardeners held their regular monthly meeting Tuesday, November 7, at noon at the Fair Grounds. Rhonda Betzner, president, presided with 8 members present. The newsletter, "Gardening on the Prairie" was distributed by Amanda Stark. Jacob Holloway was introduced as an agent replacing Amy Tallent. Sue Clayton gave the financial report, showing that all bills have been paid. Sue also reported that the pumpkin project at the Rice Festival had been a success for the children, even though it had to be moved inside the Community Center because of the rain. The Christmas party and Awards Banquet are being combined this year because of a conflict in time. It will be at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5 at the Fellowship Hall of the First Methodist Church. Carolyn Marek is chairman for the menu. Members will exchange gifts as usual. Amanda is chairman of enter-
tainment. Jay Bedbar provided
the dessert for the November meeting.
First place winner... Gunner Moore, a 6th grade student at Carlisle elementary School, recently placed first at the Fall Regional Chess Tournament held recently at Wilbur D. Mills Co-op in Beebe.
Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Eagles season ends with loss to Bigelow By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor The Des Arc Eagles’ football season came to an end with a 34-14 loss to undefeated Bigelow in the quarterfinal round of the Class 2A state playoffs on Friday night in Bigelow. With the loss, Des Arc ends its season at 8-4. Des Arc’s points came on a 103-yard interception return by Daviyon
Carlisle running back Kayleb Elliott pulls away from a Hector defender during the Bison’s win over the Wildcats on Friday night. (Elizabeth Fisher photo)
Bison rally to beat Hector, advance to state semifinals By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor The top-ranked Carlisle Bison are one step away from the state championship game for the second consecutive season. Carlisle overcame a 10point deficit in the third quarter to beat the Hector Wildcats 27-20 on Friday night at Fred C. Hardke Field. With the win, Carlisle will play East Poinsett County in the Class 2A state semifinals this coming Friday in Lepanto. Hector led 10-0 with 7:27 left in the third quarter following a 27yard field goal by Jackson Taylor. The Bison got on the board less than a minute later when Holden Jones threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Gavin Davis. Jimmy Cham kicked the extra point to make the score 10-7.
After a 34-yard field by Taylor made the score 13-7, the Bison tied it at 13-13 on a 41-yard pass from Jones to Davis with 22 seconds left in the third quarter. The extra point was no good. Carlisle forced a Hector fumble on the ensuing kickoff. That led to the Bison taking the lead. Jones hit Devin Cooney with a 29-yard pass to the Hector 1. Jones scored a touchdown on the next play. Cham’s extra point gave the Bison a 20-13 lead with 10:53 left in the game. After a Hector punt, the Bison scored again on a five-yard run by Jones with 4:50 left. Cham’s extra point made the score 27-13. Hector did not go away easily. Taylor scored on a six-yard run with 3:43 left. He also kicked the extra point to make the score 27-20. However, that would be
the last time the Wildcats would have the ball as the Bison were able to burn off the final 3:40 of the game to secure the victory. “Our guys do not panic at all,” Carlisle coach Gary Wilson said of his team being down 10-0. “We know what they are made of. They know what they are made of. They’ve been in that situation before. They trusted us [coaches] to figure out what was going on. I don’t think they had any doubt that they would be able to take care of business in the second half.” Wilson was complimentary of Hector. “They are very well coached,” he said. “Their kids play very, very hard. They were all a class act, from the coaches to the players to the fans.” Jones completed 6 of 12 passes for 147 yards. Davis caught four passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Kayleb Elliott rushed for 109 yards on 17 carries. Jones had 62 yards on 17 carries. East Poinsett County beat Conway Christian 34-20 in its quarterfinal game last Friday. “We’re excited,” Wilson said. “We know it will be a challenge because you’re not playing in the semifinals if you’re not a good football team. We know it won’t be easy. But it’s been our goal to get back there and win it this whole time. We’re just one step closer. I think our kids are pretty pumped up.”
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS NORTHERN DISTRICT PROBATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LOU ILA BRUCE CARPENTER, DECEASED 59N-PR-22-40 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Last Known Address of Decedent: 801 Benton St., Apt. 4200, Searcy, AR 72149 Date of Death: April 27, 2022 The undersigned was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of the above-named Decedent on August 23, 2022. All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, duly verified, to the undersigned within six (6) months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in the estate. This notice first published this 22nd day of November, 2023. DEBBIE WILLIAMS 7110 BURNT RIDGE ROAD SHIRLEY, ARKANSAS 72153 ROBERT M. ABNEY, P.A. ATTORNEY FOR THE ESTATE P O BOX 246 DES ARC AR 72040 870.256.4183
Bell. Quarterback Cache Flanagan scored on a 42-yard run. Walker Harris scored the Eagles’ two-point conversion. Des Arc’s season was up and down at times. The Eagles opened the season with a win over rival Hazen but lost to rival Carlisle. The highlight of the season was beating Marked Tree in double overtime 66-64.
After a win over Clarendon, the Eagles dropped consecutive games to Cross County and East Poinsett County before beating McCrory in the regularseason finale to secure the second spot in the conference standings. Des Arc beat England 40-14 in the first round of the playoffs before falling to Bigelow last Friday.
Hazen School Board looks over possible improvements The Hazen School District Superintendent Andy Barrett presented the Hazen School Board members with a list of facilities upgrades and improvements to consider at their November 13, 2023, meeting held in the high school library. All members were present except for Board President Mason Sickel. Rusty Rogers led the meeting. Barrett told the board that the district has $1,186,728.29 in the ACT 1105 Net Legal Balance account, $477,567.18 in its Refunded Bond Savings account, and $1,477,601.29 in its Building Fund (marked as Other) for a total of $3,141,896.76. The refunded bond dividends, which formerly were designated by law to go into the building fund, are now unrestricted. Barrett has been advised to use that money and close the account. “We have a little pot of money that we can use safely,” Barrett said, and his list for improvements includes upgrading the football field lights, which he estimates will cost somewhere between $250,000 and $350,00. Other projects include upgrading the bathrooms and front lobby of the old gym and possibly adding better seating, improving the new gym’s sound system, clearing the trees and stumps that have been damaging the elementary school fence, making improvements in the cafeteria (including more inviting seating and installing new heating units), remodeling the high school library, painting the football field bleachers, fixing Americans with Disabilities compliance issues, new exterior doors in various loca-
tions, doing a small landscaping project at the elementary school, and putting up new signage district-wide. He would also like to install a permanent sound system in the cafeteria for use at meetings and other events. When speaking of the various upgrades to the district, Barrett said of the district, “We want to be proud of it.” Barrett estimates that the total cost for all of the improvements would come to approximately $464,000, which would be covered by the refunded bonds account. The board will likely vote on Barrett’s proposal at their next meeting. Personnel Policy Committee (PPC) President Susan Booth presented the board with a compromise proposal concerning the district requirement that those who need to leave school during the last period of the day take half a personal day. The PPC has asked that the board pass a policy that would allow for staff members to count only the period missed. This would allow staff members to leave early for doctor’s or other appointments scheduled in the middle of the afternoon without missing a full half-day of teaching time. In the PPC proposal, four missed periods would equal one-half of a personal day. The original proposal presented at the last meeting, which was tabled then voted down at this meeting, asked for eight missed periods throughout the year equaling one full personal day. The main concern voiced by board members was that staff members would take advantage of the new policy and that learning time would be lost. But Booth assured them that
teachers would have pertinent materials and lessons would be provided for the period that they were gone. Barrett was concerned with the ability of the district to keep up with who had missed and when they had missed. The board tabled the compromise proposal until next month. In other business, Barrett asked that the board enter into an attorney contract with Streett Law Offices, which the district has used before, for special education issues. “We need her (Sharon Streett’s) expertise. The board approved the proposal which will cost the district $150 a month and $200 an hour. The contract is only for the 2023-24 school year. The board also approved a resolution for local support of the 2024 facilities master plan and partnership project applications for the 2025-27 biennium. If the district’s plan is approved by the state’s Academic Facilities Division, then the district would be able to receive matching money from the state for approved new construction projects. The district plans to seek matching funds to build a Career Technology building on the campus. Barrett said that the district will find out in 2024 if the partnership project application is approved and will have two years to come up with the matching funds needed. Any project money can be rejected by the district if it so chooses. The board also approved the extension of the district’s three year action plan for recruiting a diverse and representative educator (Continued on p. 4)
Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Carlisle School Board hears district financial report By Debbye Harrison Before the Carlisle School Board meeting began November 13, a financial workshop was held. Carol Plant, financial secretary, explained each of the state income sources and all of the different expenditures for the school. She also answered questions about which monies were used to employ certain people and which monies were used to fund certain projects. This opened the floor for inquiries about the balloon payment for the high school building and about the possibility of financing a new elementary school. Once the meeting was
called to order, Superintendent Rountree gave positive reports about the Dance Team winning Third Place in State Competition which allowed schools from 2A to 4A to compete. He also complimented the Veterans’ Day program planned by Mrs. Mills and Mrs. Sayger. The students who participated did an excellent job with special recognition to Dalton Still who played Taps flawlessly at the program as well as at the football game later that day. He also complimented the student body for their exemplary behavior at the program and the games. Principal Greene report-
ed that the new computer service has been installed and is in the process of making the necessary changes. One big change that teachers will have to get used to is to call the Help Desk instead of seeking out an on- campus person for computer problems. This will be a big change and one that will take time to get used to. The Board approved a new air conditioner for the gym and furnace repair for the ALE building for a total of more than $13,000. A Home School form was approved along with two board to board student transfers.
Hazen school board meeting ________________ (Continued from page 3) workforce to meet student needs. Barrett introduced the new district financial officer, Lisa Prince, to the board. In the elementary school report, Principal Saranie introduced Aimee Kerr, Booke Prislovsky, and Holly
Calvert, three paraprofessionals who have taken over the teaching of a class due to the resignation of an elementary teacher. The three were commended for their work with the class which showed the most growth in math and reading in recent test-
ing. Their class outperformed all other classes in growth. Saranie also said that 57 students who had perfect attendance were treated to a special meal of hot dogs, and that her building had participated in the recent “Trunk or Treat” event. High School Principal Amy Marek reported 56 students with perfect attendance and another 56 students with only one tardy or absence. The students with perfect attendance will be treated to a Chick-fil-a lunch and receive incentive coupons. The other 56 students will miss the meal, but still received the coupons. After a 26 minute executive session which ended with no action taken, Judy Foot was hired to teach special education in the elementary school. The board ended the evening by transferring $150,000 into the staff salary account in order to give all staff members a $1000 dollar Christmas bonus.
Arkansas State Senate Report By Senator Ron Caldwell LITTLE ROCK – Law enforcement is predominately a duty of local governments, and the overwhelming majority of police officers in Arkansas work for cities and counties. However, state government does have 1,299 employees in the Department of Public Safety. There are 897 people working for the State Police. The Division of Emergency Management has 88 employees. The state Crime Lab has a staff of 140, the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training has 38 employees and the Arkansas Crime Information Center has 43 employees. There are 93 employees whose work is shared by the other divisions. Their duties are administrative, for example, they work in information technology, human resources and writing grant applications. The Crime Information Center (ACIC) is one of the most important agencies in law enforcement, although many people are unfamiliar with it. Its primary duty is to operate a massive data system for 250 law enforcement agencies in Arkansas. When local officers take the fingerprints of a criminal suspect, they look for a match in a massive data base with prints submitted by the FBI, the National Crime Information Center and the other 49 states. ACIC is responsible for the entry of all Arkansas criminal files to the national system. The files contain much more than fingerprints. They have lists of stolen vehicles and metals of value for resale or recycling. They have logbooks of the sales of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which are essential ingredients for making illegal drugs.
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However, sex offender information is public. Also, ACIC compiles crime statistics that are available to the public. For example, every month in Arkansas between 500 and 700 guns are reported stolen. The cumulative impact of that number may surprise people - at the end of 2022, more than 58,000 guns had been reported stolen in Arkansas. For comparison, at the end of 2022 there were a total of 11,821 motor vehicles and 308 boats reported stolen in Arkansas. One file maintained by ACIC is of extreme value to law enforcement. It’s the file of 263 people who are not only prone to violence, but specifically prone to violence against police officers. The legislature created ACIC in 1971 and has updated its authority, and many times since then has modernized its equipment and technology.
New arrivals... These little guys are new arrivals at the Hazen Animal Shelter and are available for adoption. If you’re looking for a special present for someone this Christmas, call Friends of the Shelter at 870674-7759 for more information about them.
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Ray Glover
Sissy Drye
Criminal history records include pardons by the governor, orders to seal, mental health commitments and juvenile records. The records include results of background checks that are used for handgun permits, and certain records of domestic violence. ACIC manages the sex offender registry. The names are submitted by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. However, ACIC is responsible for documentation, record retention and tracking of registered sex offenders. Some of the hardware used at ACIC is almost 14 years old and in need of replacement. The agency is working with the Division of Information Systems to upgrade its technology. The database of people’s criminal histories is available to local law enforcement officers, but not to the public because it is exempt from the open records requirements in the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
NOVEMBER
Ray Glover
Sissy Drye
Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Lookin for a live in Caretaker for disabled elderly man in Carlisle. Must be able to provide Cooking, Cleaning and can drive to doctor’s appointments. Room and board provided. Only interested people apply. Call 501-288-5006. Jimmy Carroll Fowlkes.
VIN#2GCEC19W3212003 55 To Whom it May Concern. A Chevy 1500 Extended Cab 2002 The above mentioned vehicle was towed to our lot on October 21, 2023 per request of the Hazen Police Department and was towed to storage lot of 1111 Highway 70 West in Hazen. The initial fee due is $150.00. The storage fee due is $50.00 per day and continues to accumulate daily. The administrative fees due are $130.00 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 mounts do not reflect the 11% tax that is due upon releasing the vehicle. Tower storage & administrative costs are
Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical Keith Knupp 501.516.8285 knuppinc@hotmail.com
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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.
Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Hazen businesses hold open houses and Chamber decorates The Hazen Chamber of Commerce started the holiday season by decorating the city park downtown while True Value, Prairie Marketplace, and Cozy Corner Nutrition held open houses for customers from near and far. The decorations were done in anticipation of “Christmas in the Park” which will be held on December 9. Dolores Tosh has been busily painting storefront windows to add to the holiday spirit.