July 19, 2023 edition

Thursday July 20 Hazen City Council Meeting City Hall 6:00 p.m.

Bison baseball team finishes as state runner-up

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor The

Carlisle Bison 15year-old baseball team lost to Sylvan Hills 9-2 in the finals of the 15year-old Babe Ruth state tournament Sunday at the Lonoke Ball Park. Carlisle ends its season at 42-9-1. In the loss to Sylvan

Hills, Carlisle scored single runs in the third and fourth innings. Sylvan Hills scored single runs in the first, third and fifth innings and six in the fourth. Gavin Davis and Mason Boyle each scored runs for the Bison. Carlisle had six hits.

Kolton Bartley led the Bison with two hits. Also getting hits were Davis, Tyler Thrift, Cole Averitt and Baylor Hauk.

Carlisle advanced to the finals with a 23-2 win over Benton on Sunday.

Carlisle scored three runs in the first, eight

in the third and 12 in the fourth. Bartley led the Bison with four runs scored. Lane Bowlan scored three runs. Scoring twice were Davis, Thrift, Daniel Ford, Boyle, Remington Gisclair and Hauk.

Michael Spingola, Averitt and Zayden Hale

each scored one time. Carlisle lost to Sylvan Hills 6-2 in the winner’s bracket on Saturday. Carlisle scored single runs in the first and fifth innings. Sylvan Hills scored once in the first, three in the third and two in the fourth. Davis and Ford each scored for the Bison.

Bu dg et still a ma j or issue for PC Q uorum C ourt

The Prairie County Quorum Court held a contentious July 11th meeting, continuing the discussion of the problems with the current budget. All of the justices were present, with Justice Payne arriving late. Also present were Judge Larence Holloway, County Clerk Gaylon Hale, Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca McCoy and County Attorney Abram Skarda, Sheriff Rick Parsons, County Treasurer Tamara Dabney, and several onlookers.

A resolution was passed, declaring a vacancy in the county assessor’s office, due to the recent passing of County Assessor Jeannie Lott. The county will now start the process of finding a replacement for the position. Applications for the position will be taken over a two week period. At present, Lori Kiner from the Arkansas State Assessor’s Office will help the county until a new assessor can be hired.

Hale reported that her office was flooded and that many records were damaged or destroyed. The insurance company has been contacted and a company was hired to come and help with the “drying out” process. Many records will need to be rewritten since the ink on several of them has run, washing out the original entries.

Hale also reported that two dispatchers didn’t receive the $3 premium pay that was voted on by the court, but that will be rectified. The premium pay period is now closed, Hale said. The predominant amount of time in the

minute meeting was spent on the ongoing

budget problems. Hale handed out copies of a preliminary state audit report covering the county budgets from 2017 through 2021. According to the report, county overspending began in 2017. In that year, the net revenue taken in by the county was $2,159,833, with total expenditures of $2,361,302. In 2018, the net revenues totalled $2,070,460 with total expenditures of $2,567,480. In 2019, net revenues totalled $2,425,751 with expenditures of $2,534,083. In 2020, the expenditures of $2,288,911 were less than the net revenues of $2,719,852, but the overspending trend returned in 2021 with net revenues of $2,272,277 and expenditures of $2,375,586.

Justice Paul Hooks stated that the budget summary that was also given to the justices still had seven lines that were incorrect according to the 2023 budget that was passed. “There are some inflated numbers on this summary,” Hooks said. Hale said that the county department heads were working on the problem, but Justice Rick Stallings reminded the court that “If we spend more than is appropriated, it’s against the law.” “Let me look at it,” Hale said. “That’s all I’m asking.” Holloway added, “We will attempt to get to the bottom of this problem.”

The county also has a problem concerning a delinquent phone bill that was never paid. McCoy said that a new attorney is working on the problem, and the company will be sent a letter concerning the bill. The phone company will have 45 days to respond to the letter

once it is received. The county has been paying to keep certain numbers that would have been changed when a new telephone company was hired.

Former County Judge Mike Skarda addressed the phone bill problem, which began in 2020 during his term, saying that the phone bill goes to the clerk’s office. Hale replied, “I can't

pay for a bill unless a judge approves it.”

Stallings asked Dabney how much money the county currently has in the two banks that the county uses. She said that there is presently $1.2 million in the checking account and that four Certificates of Deposit are equally divided between Farmers and Merchants Bank and Merchants

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and Planters bank. There was some concern expressed that the FDIC does not cover amounts over $250,000. When trying to address this issue with the justices, Former County Treasurer Judy Burnett was silenced. Stallings commented that according to the rules of the court, part of the agenda

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Baptist Health Therapy Center-Stuttgart was voted the "Best Therapy Practice" in the "Best of Southeast Arkansas" listeners' & readers' survey. From left to right are: Missy Wilson, office coordinator; Jade MalletPhysical Therapist; Micheal Creason-Physical Therapist and Clinic Manager; Karmen Lawson-Physical Therapist, Gay Counce-Physical Therapy Assistant. In front: Maly Jackson-Occupational Therapist. (Karmen Mitchell photo.)

The Carlisle Bison 15-year-old baseball team are the 2023 Babe Ruth 15-year-old state runners-up after falling to Sylvan Hills in the finals of the tournament at the Lonoke Ball Park.

Richard D. Bray

Richard D. “Rick” Bray, 73, of Carlisle went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 10, 2023. He was the son of Tommy and Ida Bray of Carlisle.

He retired from MRT Natural Gas pipeline. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and camping with family and friends. He was a long time member of the Shelby County Bowhunters Association, the Wattensaw Bowhunters Association, and the National Wild Turkey Federation. He was preceded in death by his father, Tommy, a sister, Wanda, a brother, Joe, and a nephew, Jeff Bray.

Rick is survived by Roxanne, his mother

Ida; sons Aaron (Shannon) Bray, Josh Bray; grandchildren

Connor (Brooke) Bray, Kaden Bray, Karson

Bray, and great-grandson Maverick Bray, sister-in-law Brenda, nephew Greg (Marilyn)

Bray, niece Lorie (Rick)

Bane, cousin Judy Swaim, and many more cousins, great nieces, and great nephews.

Visitation was held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at First Baptist Church in Carlisle with funeral services following at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be at Oakland Cemetery in DeValls Bluff, AR.

Robert Lee Curlett

As we trace the footprints of Deacon Robert Lee Curlett, we recall occasions where he enriched and left a positive impact on many of the people he encountered.

Robert was a helper and a servant at heart that never met a stranger but found a friend in everyone.

Robert was born March 11, 1934 to George Lee and Rachel Ann Curlett.

He accepted Christ at an early age. A graduate of Biscoe High School. Robert was a retired truck driver and a Master Mason.

Proceeded in death:

Parents, George and Rachel Curlett, Sisters Margaree Balenton, Georgetta Bizzell, Jennette Washington and Marie Crowder:

Brothers, Milton Curlett, Arthur Curlett, Oscar Curlett, James Curlett and Darrell

Penn: Sons, Robert Curlett Jr. and Jesse James Curlett:

Daughter, Janel Curlett.

Those left to celebrate his life: Sister Elizabeth (Leonard)

Gerren of Dayton OH,

Brothers: John (Norma)

Curlett of Conway AR, Cornelius Earl and Tony Earl both of Des Arc AR, Daughters: Sharon Lewis of Little Rock AR, Vivian Curlett of Hazen AR, Teresa Waits of Maumelle AR, Evelyn

Collins of Hazen AR, Betty Joyce Smith of Clarendon AR and Emma Mosby of Hazen AR. A host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Visitation was held at the Colonial Southern Services Grand Oak Chapel in Lonoke on Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. The funeral service was held at the Colonial Southern Services Grand Oak Chapel on Friday, July 14, 2023, at 11:00 AM.

James Virgil

Huey

J.V. Huey, age 94, of the Hamilton Community in Carlisle, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 12, 2023. J.V. was born February 12, 1929 and was preceded in death by his parents, Carey and Lottie Huey, his sister Nellie Fay Tosh, and his beloved wife of 67 years, Bonita. He is survived by his daughter, Bonnie (Ron) Brooks, his son Ray, three grandchildren, Ashley (Eric) Dalton, Kristin (David) Lynch and Daniel (Lindsey) Huey, five great-grandchildren, Erin, Jack, Britton, Brinlee and Owen. J.V. graduated from Carlisle High School in 1947. He married Bonita (Daniels), also from the Hamilton community. J.V. was a Korean war veteran and served overseas in the United States Army. After returning home,

he began farming and Bonita and J.V. raised their family in the Hamilton Community. They were both active members of the Hamilton Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. Visitation was held Monday, July 17 at 1:00pm at Hamilton Missionary Baptist Church with funeral services followed at 2:00pm. Burial will be at the Hamilton Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Hamilton Cemetery or the Hamilton Missionary Baptist Church.

Alan Clark Sickel

Alan Clark Sickel, 64, passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family and friends.

Alan was born august 24, 1958. He was the second son of Horace “Pete” and Faye Word Sickel of the Tollville community. Alan lived in Tollville all his life. The family farm he was born into would become his life’s work. Alan would plant his first crop at age 12 which was 30 acres of soybeans. Alan along with his brother, Lindy and family would be recognized as a Century Farm Family in 2019.

Alan was one of the first in Prairie County to obtain a Commercial Applicators license to be able to spray crops for himself and others. He also surveyed crop land for the family farm as well as others.

Alan was among the founding members of the TollvilleVolunteer Fire Department and he had served as Fire Chief for over 40 years. He was serving as a Governor Appointee on the Board of Selective Service Committee being appointed by Governor Mike Huckabee and was a member of the TollvilleTillers, which is the men’s group of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

As a young man, Alan worked a construction job in Texarkana for a short time. It was there he met the love of his life, a young Texas lady, Mable “Mamie” Elaine Williams. They would go on to marry and have two children and raise their family on the farm. They celebrated 45 years of marriage on April 22, of this year.

Alan was a lifetime member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in

Tollville, serving as Senior Warden, Jr. Warden, and on the vestry. Alan, along with Mamie served as Youth Director for 2 terms.

Alan was a great friend in the community and was always willing to help where he could, be it a neighboring farmer needing help getting their crop harvested or just a friend in need. He thoroughly enjoyed duck hunting in his younger years and enjoyed spending time at the lake house in Hot Springs. He will be sorely missed by many.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, Adolph and Blanche Sickel and Bill and Sarah Word; father and mother-in-law, Harold and Joy Williams and a brother-in-law, Harold “Skeeter” Williams. He is survived by his wife, Mamie; son, Christopher Sickel; daughter, Kayla Sickel; brother, Lynn Sickel and wife, Marilyn; nephews, Mason Sickel and wife, Janan, and Andrew Sickel, and wife, Brittney all of Tollville; brother-in-law, Rodney Williams and wife, Lisa of New Boston, Texas; sister-inlaw, Babb Williams of Tollville and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by two ladies that should have been his sisters and have been there through the many years and through this difficult journey, Lisa Grady Harpole and Carol Jene Vail and his devoted caregiver, Heather Owens, who made this journey survivable.

Pallbearers are Austin Foot, Jimbo Guenther, Larry Stackhouse, Andrew Sickel, Mason Sickel and Bryce Sims. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Adams, Danny Rieke, Robert Seidenstricker, Ricky Strohl, Terry Joe Vail, and Rodney Williams. Visitation was held Friday, July 14, 2023 from 9:45 to 10:45 A.M. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall in Tollville. Funeral service officiated by Father Mark Nabors followed at 11:00 A.M. in the church. Burial will follow at the Hazen Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the community and St. Peter’s Church for their love, prayers, and support during this difficult time. Thank you to everyone who cooked meals, visited and just offered support and prayers. Thank you especially to Carol Jene and Terry Joe Vail for the many trips to Little Rock and the extra care

they gave to their god son, Christopher. Much gratitude is extended to the staff of UAMS. Their care and compassion was much appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 1432 Hwy 86 East, De Valls Bluff, Ar. 72041.

Betty Lou

Todd

Betty Lou Todd, 84, of Bald Knob, Arkansas went to be with her Savior on Monday, July 10, 2023. She was born March 27, 1939 in Allen County, Kentucky to the late Thomas and Jessie Graves. She met her late husband, Leonard Ray Todd, through a pen pall program in a Braille magazine. They had written each other for about a year, when he asked her to come to Arkansas to visit. A short time later, they were married on September 7, 1963. Together they raised three girls and were members of the Church of Christ. Betty was strong-willed. Even as a child, when she put her mind to something, if at all possible, she accomplished it. Although her formal education did not begin until age 10 or 11, she was a good student and an exceptional speller. She was so happy when she learned to read, because she could read the Bible for herself. She would say, “If you can learn to read, you can learn about anything.” As long as she was able, she enjoyed reading her Braille Bible and daily devotionals. She had a love for cats and had many over the years. She would say that she liked dogs, but she had a special place in her heart for cats. She loved to tell stories, especially ones that caused laughter. She loved to laught and kept her sense of humor well into her later years. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Raymond and Robert Crossfield, Spencer, Ralph, Gordon,

and Douglas Graves; sisters, Pauline Dinkins, Vee Patterson, Virgie Stevens, and Margaret Graves. She is survived by her daughters, Bonnie Todd Cummuso (Kent), Rachel Todd Mees, Amey Todd Bowlan (Jason); 13 grandchildren, Darrien Reed (Trisha), Derrick Reed (Jessica), Laura Cox (Aaron), Sarah Mees, Britney Box (Matt), Jacob Hale, Derion Coleman (Tyra), Caleb Hale (Morgan), Hanna Hale (Cecil), Jesse Mees, Emmah Hale (Hunter), Jubal Hale, and Josh Cummuso; 9 greatgrandchildren; Timarah Sullens, Josie Neal, Isabella Hale, Brynleigh Friskey, Owen Box, Dallas Cox, Ila May Hale, Cecil Allen Hale, and Everliegh Reed. We are thankful for the love and respect shown to our Mom and Grandma by the personnel of Elite Hospice, as well as her loving caregiver, Denise Zumwalt, who took excellent care of her the last several months of her life. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Bonnie Todd Commuso, Rachel Todd Mees, Amey Todd Bowlan, Darrien Reed, Jason Bowlan and Kent Cummuso. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at the Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel in Hazen at 2:00 P.M. with Joe Brumfield officiating. Visitation preceded the service from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M.. Interment followed at Oakland Cemetery in De Valls Bluff, Arkansas. Arrangements are by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.

Former DVB fire chief arrested

DeValls Bluff Police

Chief Jeremy Murphy reported that on 8/8/2022, former Fire Chief Kelly Hutchison came into the DeValls Bluff City Hall to turn in money that the Fire Department had raised from selling fireworks through the Kaboom Firework Company.

Hutchison turned in a total of $689 to Leah Woodall for the total sales of the fireworks.

On 10/18/2022, Murphy was contacted by Jason Harrison II who stated that Kelly had taken approximately $4,000 that had been raised from sell-

ing of fireworks and did not turn the money in to the city. Harrison stated that Hutchinson gave him $200 in cash from the firework money that was raised and told him that if he told anyone he would be kicked off the fire department and that he would go down with him. Murphy talked to Shawn and Anna Beth Fisher who are the owners of the Kaboom Firework Company. He was provided with the exact numbers that the DeValls Bluff Fire Department had sold in 2022. The total sales

were $20,479.56. Shawn advised Murphy that the Fire Department was allowed to keep 20% of the total sales. A picture of their written records showing they had paid the Fire Department $4,100 for the sales in 2022 was provided. Only $689 was turned into the city for that fundraiser. The total amount of money that was not turned in was $3,411. Hutchinson was arrested and charged with Theft $5,000 or Less but Greater Than $1,000.

DVB appproves land sale

By Lisa Mills

The DeValls Bluff City Council met on July 13th with Mayor

Thelma Gray and Council Members

Shirley Goff, Jackie Adcock, Carol Griffin, Alice Metcalf, Marie Flanagan, and Pam Del Giorno in attendance.

The council approved a motion to sell .43 acres to MFA Oil for $10,000 with the buyer paying all closing costs.

Shirley Goff voted against the motion stating that she didn’t feel like the city should sell any streets and she thought that an ordinance had been approved stating that the city would not sell any city streets.

Attorney Mike Stuart said that this property did not include any streets.

Police Chief Jeremy Murphy reported that there were three arrests, three criminal citations, and seven traffic citations in June. He said that one of the arrests was for former DVB Fire Chief Kelly Hutchinson for felony theft.

Fire Chief Glenn Gladish reported that there were no fires, three medical assists, two public assists, and two drills in June.

Gladish also presented the council with information on “Lexipol Grant Services”, a grant writing service. He

asked the council to look at the information and consider hiring them to find and apply for grants. He said that there are grants available that Central Arkansas Planning and Development can’t help with.

Jackie Adcock told the council that something needed to be done about the old “Hope Chest”. He said that the items inside and outside need to be removed, the property cleaned up, and a new lock put on the door. He asked who is responsible for the contents. Leah Woodall stated that the “Hope Chest” organization had disbanded, and people are just dumping items illegally. No action was taken for a solution.

Adcock also mentioned that there is a tree at the West side of the old elementary school building that needs to be trimmed because limbs are hanging over the building that could cause major damage if they fell, and there is also a cedar tree growing through and over the fence that needs to be removed.

Alice Metcalf stated that the mayor has the authority to direct city employees to take care of it. Goff volunteered to take care of it.

Adcock said the city workers are paid to take care of things like that.

Goff said, “I am volunteering to do something for my community like more people should do.”

Pam DelGiorno said, “But you could get hurt.” Adcock said, “It’s between you and the mayor if you do it. It just needs to be done.”

DelGiorno reminded the council that there had still not been anything done about more lighting outside the city hall building. Mayor Gray said she had put in a work order. DelGiorno asked, “Don’t we need an electrician?” Metcalf said that she knew someone who could install the lights at no cost to the city, and she would contact him. DelGiorno also stated, “We really need to update our dog ordinance and hire a dog catcher. Police Chief Murphy said that there was no need to hire a dog catcher without having a shelter.

Metcalf said that new grants would start being available in the fall so they should look for grants to help fund a shelter.

The council approved three building permits: Roger Orman III for a mobile home at 402B Prairie Street, Gerald Castleberry for a mobile home at 111 No. Cedar Street, and Jonathan Nagg for a mobile home at 953 E. Cypress Street.

Pacen Seely of Hazen wins national softball championship

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

Paycen Seely of Hazen won a national championship in softball with the Elite Sluggers, based out of Cabot.

Seely’s team won the FASA 12-and-under Swamp Tour National Championship in Youngsville, La.

The Sluggers went undefeated in bracket play and won the championship game 3-2 in extra innings.

Seely batted higher than .500 during the national tournament and had a .583 on base percentage during the tournament.

The Elite Sluggers is one of about handful of open teams in the state, forcing them to play up in the 14-and-under age group most of the season. The Sluggers were 2612 in 12 open and 18-10 when playing in 14-and under.

“This accomplishment by my team is something I will never forget,

PC Library System gives away free books and supplies

The DeValls Bluff Public Library hosted a free book fair on Friday, July 14, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. for children of all ages.

Those who attended could choose books to take home, and they also got to take home free school supplies as well, including crayons, coloring books, pencils, comic books, markers, and folders. Candy was also available for the taking.

Librarians April Highfill, Janie Starr, Janae Thompson, and Karen Tipton welcomed those who attended. (Janae Thompson photos.)

Brown hired as new DA coach

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

Des Arc High School has a new girls basketball coach.

Chris Brown, the girls basketball coach the previous four years at Lonoke HIgh School, was hired to replace Ryan Smith last week. Smith resigned to become assistant coach at Vilonia High School.

“The opportunity is great,” Brown said.

“When we [Lady Jackrabbits] went over there and played, the atmosphere was great. They had a lot of community support. It looked like the kids really enjoyed basketball.

“When the Des Arc position came open, I got a call from Marc Sherrell [Des Arc superintendent] just to see if I was even interested.

Then, a few days after talking, it came around that this might be a spot where I want to be. It’s a small school and a small community that really supports their people. It just felt like a good opportunity at the time.”

Sherrell said the school is excited to have Brown as its new girls basketball coach.

“He has met with the players and parents to discuss expectations,” Sherrell said of Brown.

“We are very impressed with his plans for the future of the team, and feel that the Lady Eagles will continue to compete at a high level.” Brown said things have gone well for him so far at Des Arc.

“We had a parent meeting and probably had 30 people show up,” he said. “It was a really good turnout. The community seems really excited. When they announced that I got the job, I can’t tell you how many community mem-

PC Q uorum Court

(Continued from p. 1)

coming home from open nationals a champion is a great feeling,” Seely said.

Seely wants to thank all the local people that have supported her along the way.

Seely will be moving up to 14-and-under this

fall while staring her seventh year of travel softball. She will also be starting her fourth and final year for the Hazen Stingers 14-and-under team before moving up to play for the Hazen Lady Hornets high school softball team.

includes public comment, although this is never on the court’s agenda. “This bickering and fighting is helping no one,” one person said. “It’s not going to work unless you work together.”

Other attendants also addressed the court concerning the county budget

and the stress that questions over it is causing, especially for those justices on the budget committee.

The meeting ended with Hooks asking why the courthouse maintenance account was overspent by $77,000. Hale explained that the county has to

bers reached out, sent me Facebook messages. The community support has been great. The people are really energized. People are excited. They are ready to see where the program go on from where Ryan left it.

“Ryan left it in a really good spot. He did a great job.”

Brown is a native of Charles. He attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, earning his degree in 2013. He coached one year at Brinkley then three years at Fayetteville before getting the job at Lonoke.

pay the bills first, but then the county will be reimbursed. Several side conversations continued after the meeting was adjourned both inside and outside the annex, with local people asking questions and giving advice.

Paycen Seely of Hazen, a member of the Elite Sluggers of Cabot, won the FASA 12-and-under Swamp Tour National Championship in Youngsville, La. (Submitted)

Proverbs 17:22.

Have giggle will laugh ...

by Dr. James L. Snyder

I have many problems in my life. I have yet to recognize all of my problems, but I'm sure I will soon.

That's why it's so great to be married to someone like The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. There is no problem she cannot fix, and I have many examples to prove it. There is one problem she hasn't been able to fix. That is, I laugh too much. At least, according to her.

If something happens or someone says something, I will start to giggle, and I know that in a short time, I will be laughing. I know how to laugh better than anybody I know.

Just ask The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. Through the years, I have tried to moderate it.

I don't want to laugh at everything even though there is a giggle inside of me. Most people don't think everything is funny, while I, on the other side, can’t think of anything that isn’t funny.

Someone may tell me something or say something unwittingly, and I begin to giggle. I know when that starts I have no control over my gig-

gle-itis. The only cure I have found for giggle-itis is laughter. Someone may be telling a very serious story about their life, and I hear it wrong and think they are saying something altogether different, and it kicks in my giggle-itis.

It wouldn't be so bad if I could control it when it happens, but as history has proven, I cannot.

I do try to keep some things serious. I must confess, however, that changes from day to day. What is serious today may not be serious tomorrow, and I am the last one to know how to control that.

I've often discussed this with The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage, and she has tried to counsel me in this area on how to control my laughter.

I try to explain to her that it is not so much the laughter as it is the giggle. If I could control my giggles, I wouldn't have any problem with laughter. She doesn't get it and laughs at me. You must agree, there are many things in this world that are funny. And I do not believe we should overlook or ignore those situations.

Last week I was standing in line at the post office, and at the counter was a very nice older lady. She was paying for some postage and gave the cashier a $50 bill. Then the cashier, preparing to give her money back, said something strange. He said, "Mam, what denomination would you like?"

I hadn't heard that in a long time and was anxious to hear how the lady would respond. She looked at the cashier with a very serious look and said, "Sir, I’m a Baptist, so give it to me in Baptist denomination."

Little did I know she was not joking, but I laughed at her, trying to conceal it. The cashier stared at her, not knowing what to do. I'm not sure what money he gave her because I was laughing too much on the inside. It's so hard for me to laugh on the inside and keep it from getting on the outside. What is inside eventually comes outside. I was laughing about that for the rest of the day. And still, when I think of it, I chuckle on the inside. Just the other day, The Gracious Mistress of the

Parsonage came and informed me that she would be gone for the day, thrift store shopping with her daughters. Looking at me, she seriously said, "Can you get your own lunch today while I'm gone?" That tripped the giggle button inside for some reason, and my giggleitis had kicked in. Looking at her while giggling, I said, "Don't worry. I'll clean the refrigerator out by the time you get home."

Then I started laughing almost uncontrollably. She, on the other hand, looked at me with her infamous scowl and said, without laughing, "I don’t think so." I could not stop laughing as she walked out the front door. Several hours later, I was still laughing, and went and looked in the refrigerator to see how much work I had on hand. When I opened the refrigerator door, I immediately stopped laughing. There at the front was a bowl of broccoli. I know she did that on purpose, and it cured my giggle-itis for a moment. I had to devise a plan for that broccoli to make me laugh and her scowl. Now the giggle-

St. John's Baptist Church Biscoe, AR 870-998-2777

Sunday School 10 A.M.

Worship 11 A.M. Rev. William Brown - pastor

Holy Temple Church of God in Christ

Elder James Clark, Pastor

Sunday School: 9:30 AM Worship Service: 11 AM

Jehovah Community Temple Church 710 Sycamore St, DeValls Bluff, AR

Elder Ronnie Mosby

Sunday 10:30 AM

Monday Bible School 7 PM

Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church

Pastor Alan Minton Hwy.

70 West of DeValls Bluff

Sunday School-10:00 a.m.

Sunday morning -11:00 a.m.

Sunday Evening-5:00 p.m.

Wednesday Night-7:00 p.m.

Zion Lutheran Church Hwy 79 PO Box 158 Ulm, AR 72170

Phone: 870-241-3778 email: zionlutheran@hotmail.com

itis is beginning to turn on.

I think a bowl of Apple Fritters would be an excellent replacement. This is one of the few items that will make the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage scowl. To see that scowl will be worth all I can offer at this time.

Just the thought of that began a giggle inside of me. Thinking more of this it developed into laughter. I just can’t wait to get even.

While I was laughing, I thought of one my favorite Bible verses. “All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15.

When I think of broccoli I have evil feelings, but the Apple Fritter thought brings a lot of merriment to me.

Then I remembered Proverbs 17:22. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

Dr. James L. Snyder lives in Ocala, FL with the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. Telephone 1-352-216-3025, e-mail jamessnyder51@gmail.co m, website www.jamessnyderministries.com.

Sunday School at 10 am Worship at 11am Bible study: Wed at 5:30

The Apostolic Church of Des Arc

712 Calhoun Street Services Sunday at 10:30 and Wednesday at 7:30

Pastor Russell Penn St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church of Biscoe

Pastor Jerry Saxton

Sunday School 10:00-11:00 Service 11:00-12:00

Oasis Church of Hazen

113 North Hazen Ave.

Sunday Service 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday Night Service 7:00 p.m.

Pastor Teddy Walker 870-255-5640

Family Worship Center

9th & Main St. Des Arc, AR 72040

Sunday School 10 am

Sunday Service 11 am & 6 pm

Wednesday Bible Study 7 pm

Pastors Mike Edwards and Patrick “Woody” Lantrip

PM

Wednesday Mass in Spanish 5:30 PM

Holy Hour & Confessions 6:05PM

Friday (except First Friday) Mass 8:30AM

Saturday Mass in Spanish 7:00 PM

United Methodist Church of DeValls Bluff Highway 70 West, DeValls Bluff AR.

Pastor Chris Wright

Sunday Morning Worship: 9 AM

Friendship Lunch: 3rd Wed. of Month, 11:30 AM

First Baptist Church of DeValls Bluff

Pastor Bobby Powers P. O. Box 358 Highway 70 West, DeValls Bluff, AR.

Phone (870) 998 - 7118

Sunday School: 9:45 AM

Morning Worship: 11 AM

Evening Worship: 5 PM

Wednesday Evening: 7 PM

Mount Olive MB Church Highway 70, DeValls Bluff, AR.

Rev. Tony Haskins

Sunday School: 9:30AM

Worship Service: 11 AM

Peppers Lake Church of Christ Hwy 302, SE of DeValls Bluff, AR.

Sunday - Bible Study: 10 AM

Worship: 11 AM Evening Service: 6 PM

AR

Elder Lee Russel Penn, Pastor

First Pentecostal Church of Prairie County 3201 Hwy. 70 E., Hazen, AR (870) 255-9177

Pastor J N Holmes

Sunday 10 A.M. Wednesday 7 P.M.

First Baptist Church 319 Court St., P. O. Box 25, Carlisle, AR

Phone (870) 552 - 7732

David Lee - Pastor Sun School: 9:45 AM Worship: 11 AM Awana: 5 PMWorship: 7 PM

Holy Temple COGIC

Elder McFadden, Pastor

St. John's Lutheran Church

Fifth and College

Wednesday - Bible Study: 7 PM

Union Chapel FreeWill Baptist Church Metcalf Road, Rt.1, DeValls Bluff, AR

Pastor Darrell Foster

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Worship Service: 11 AM

Sts. Cyril & Methodius

Catholic Church Highway 86, Slovak, AR.

Fr. Shaun Wesley, School: 9:45 AM Mass: 8:30 AM

Thursday Holy Hours 5:00 pm and Mass at 6:00pm

Biscoe Baptist Church Biscoe, AR.

Pastor David Rogers

Joshua D. Jacobs & Yvonne J. Petrus

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

Prairie County is now accepting applications for Prairie County Assessor. Applications and resumes can be turned in at the Des Arc County Courthouse Annex in Des Arc for the next two weeks. For more information about the position and its requirements, call 870-256-3741 .

Anderson Striping, Inc is hiring! 2 full time positions! We are a small and family-owned company. Starting ASAP!

You can call, email or apply in person at 2888 Hwy 70 East, Lonoke, Arkansas 72086 or call 501-676-0148, or email la@andersonstripingimc.com

Starting at $17.00 per hour. Sign on bonus, if you stay to the end of the year. Paid Holidays. Limited sick leave. Some Bonuses and over time. Must pass a drug test and be able to lift 60 pounds. Work hours are Monday thru Friday, some weekends, and over night. Must be able to travel. Must have a valid drivers license not a CDL and be able to operate a truck, pulling a loaded 16 ft trailer. Must be able to insure. Must have a good attitude, follow directions and be willing to learn.