December 13, 2023 edition by heraldpublishing

75¢

Carlisle FCCLA attends Leadership Conf. (See page 6.)

Volume 122 Number 50 - USPS 225-680

Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie

Wednesday, December 13, 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 December 12 Caregiver Support Group Hazen Senior Center 10:00 a.m. Thursday December 14 DeValls Bluff City Council Meeting City Hall 6:00 p.m. HES & HHS Christmas Concert 6:00 p.m. Hornets Nest Sunday December 17 Hazen Methodist Church Christmas Program 6:00 p.m. Thursday December 21 Hazen City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. City Hall Food Distribution Hazen Methodist Church 10:00 a.m.-Noon Monday December 25 Christmas Day

Luminaries, anyone?... The Hazen Chamber of Commerce spent last week preparing for the Christmas in the Park luminary event that was held on Monday, December 9, in downtown Hazen. The date was moved from Saturday until Monday to avoid bad weather. These Hazen students helped the chamber members fill the 2000 luminary bags that were placed all around the center of town. Pictures of the events will be put in next week’s Herald for all to enjoy.

Des Arc’s Berry Insurance sold to Lennox A long time Des Arc business changed hands, Friday, December 1. After more than 60 years of insurance business and service to the citizens of Des Arc and surrounding communities, the A L Berry Insurance Agency, with Sarah Berry Ward as owner, sold to Lennox Insurance, a company owned by Holden Smith of Paragould, Arkansas. Sarah worked for her dad, A L Berry, since the 1980s, and became the full owner in the early 1990s. This company has spent its entire span serving its customers and being a part of the community. A L was the Des Arc Christmas parade grand Marshall one year, served the City Of Des Arc as city treasurer for

New owner, Holden Smith, with Sarah Berry Ward. more than 25 years, supported local sports groups, and in 2011, the

agency won “Business of the Year” for Des Arc. There was always an

open door policy with A L and Sarah to find ways to help others. The

A L Berry Insurance Agency was the oldest insurance agency in Des Arc, and was an icon of the community. Holden also purchased the Smith-Taylor Insurance Agency, owned by Brock & Jennifer Zimmerman. The new agency, Lennox Insurance, will be housed in the current A L Berry Insurance Agency location at 222 Main St., in Des Arc. Sarah would like to thank all of her customers for their years of trusting her to take care of their insurance needs and also thanks Rita Dobson, who had been with her for more than 20 years as they worked to serve the people of Des Arc. (Courtesy of Susan Haskins.)

Prairie County QC receives legislative audit The audit results for Prairie County (December 31, 2022) were released on December 7, 2023, by the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee of the Arkansas Legislature. The report states that “The prior report was not reviewed by the Quorum Court and documented in the

minutes, as required by Ark. Code Ann. § 10-4418. The audit committee found that Restricted Road Fund monies were used to purchase a vehicle for the Office of E m e r g e n c y Management totaling $17,000, in noncompliance with Ark. Code. Ann. §§ 26-79-105, 27-

70-207. The report states that, “The Quorum Court is required to approve by ordinance an annual budget for all operating funds, and county officials are required to operate within and manage the budget, in accordance with Ark. Code Ann. §§ 14-20-103, 14-14-1102. Although

the annual budget was approved as required, due to a lack of management oversight, the General Fund beginning budget balance and anticipated revenues were inflated, which resulted in inflated budgeted expenditures and overspending.” The report continues, “As of December 31, 2022, the

General Fund cash balance was $61,648, but due to continued overspending, had declined to a deficit cash balance of approximately $9,889 as of October 2, 2023.” The next Prairie County Quorum Court meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 12, in the courthouse annex in Des Arc.

Community events are brought to you by the Hazen Chamber of Commerce and the

Penn receives Masters Degree... Please call F&M Bank (255-3042) or The Grand Prairie Herald (255-4538) to list events.

Congratulations to Logan Penn, the son of Stephanie Jones of DeValls Bluff and Avery Penn (deceased) on receiving his Masters Degree in Physical Education from the University of Monticello Arkansas on Friday December 8, 2023.

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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Marilyn Parsley Floyd Marilyn Parsley Floyd, 82, departed this life on December 4, 2023. Marilyn was born September 17, 1941 to Ray and Ada Austin Parsley in Moro, Arkansas. She lived all her early life in the small farming community in eastern Arkansas, graduating from Marianna High School as Salutatorian of her class. She married Benny Floyd on December 12, 1959; she passed away just 9 days prior to their 64th wedding anniversary. Over the years Marilyn and Benny lived in Brinkley, Wheatley, Heber Springs and Cabot, where they eventually retired. She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Lois Stewart (T.J.), Carla Cole (Clifton) and Lucille Summar; and two brothers, Harold R. Parsley (Dean) and Robert L. Parsley. Marilyn leaves behind her husband, Benny; son, Terry (Ellen) Floyd; daughter, Felicia (Greg) Hogue; and one granddaughter, Emily Floyd; one niece; four nephews; one sister-in-law, Betty Parsley and one brotherin-law, John Summar. After her children, Terry and Felicia, finished college, Marilyn then went on to attend college herself at UCA majoring in accounting and graduated with honors in 1990 at the age of 49. Marilyn went on to open an accounting

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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

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practice eventually retiring. She and Benny had the opportunity to travel extensively all over the world, they explored Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Hawaii, Alaska and most of the continental United States, their favorite place of travel was New Zealand. In her younger years, she enjoyed working in the garden and canning vegetables and jellies. Marilyn also enjoyed quilting, needlepoint, baking and working puzzles. She worked on an extensive family genealogy research project for the Parsley, Austin and Eason families, this project led her to take a trip to the Family Search Library in Salt Lake City, Marilyn gave all of her research findings to family members. Marilyn hosted many cousins’ parties over the years where there were always great pies and a good game of horseshoes and dominos. A very special thank you goes to the angels at The Blake, Pam and Kayla. Their care and compassion for both Marilyn and Benny will be appreciated. Visitation was held on December 8, 2023 from 12:00PM – 1:00PM at CenterPoint Baptist Church in Hazen, Arkansas, Funeral service at 1:00PM with burial immediately following in CenterPoint Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the CenterPoint Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 273 Hazen, Arkansas 72064.

Rosalie Marie Golleher Rosalie Marie Golleher, 89, of Des Arc, a cherished member of her community, embraced life with grace and warmth. She was born on March 5, 1934, in Slovak, Arkansas, and peacefully passed away on December 4, 2023 at Springhill Baptist Hospital. Rosalie’s journey was marked by love and dedication to those around her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Oslica and Mike

Hooks, and her beloved husband, John F. Golleher, whom she married on December 30, 1966. Education shaped her early years, attending rural schools around the Slovak and Hazen areas before graduating from Hazen High School. Rosalie’s career as a beautician blossomed from her time in beauty school. She honed her craft in Hazen and concluded her career in Des Arc alongside her husband, Johnny. In her later years, Rosalie found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Her days were filled with blowing leaves from her driveway, visiting the post office, baking delightful German chocolate cakes for her neighbors, and hosing lively domino games. Her generosity extended to the neighborhood children, who eagerly awaited her house on Halloween for the best candy treats. Her devout faith as a Catholic was an integral part of her life, seldom missing a Saturday evening service. She was a woman of profound faith, guided by her reverence for God. Though Rosalie did not have children of her own, she touched the lives as many as a cousin, caregiver, and dear friend. Her adopted Des Arc family included, James Collins, Tommy Collins, Patrick Collins, Pat Hagar, Paula Coburn, Gene Peters, Sunny and Steward Morton (along with their children, Jackson, Luke, and Kyndal), and Teri and Michael Overton. They loved Rosie and cared for her in her last years. Her life was honored and celebrated at Sts Cyril & Methodius Church in Slovak, Arkansas on December 7, 2023. Visitation took place from 10:00 to 10:45 A.M., followed by her Rosary. A Holy Mass of Christian Burial followed at 11:00 A.M. at the church. Rosalie Marie Golleher’s legacy of love, faith, and kindness will forever resonate in the hearts of those knew her. Her absence leaves a void, yet her memory will continue to inspire and bring comfort to many.

Pallbearers were Bart Bednar, Jamie Collins, Justin Collins, Patrick Collins, Michael Overton, and Stewart Morton. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Bednar, Tommy Collins, Paul Hooks, and Gene Peters.

Travis Simmons Travis Simmons, 90, of Stuttgart passed away Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, in L i t t l e Rock. M r . Simmons was born July 16, 1933, in Warren, Ark., to Joseph and Lillie Simmons. He attended Warren School and was in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955, where he played in the Drum and Bugle Corp. After moving to Stuttgart in 1955, he met the love of his life, Nadine Shumate Simmons and they were married in 1957, enjoying 66 wonderful years together. Travis was an active member of First Baptist Church in Stuttgart. He was the owner of Simmons Auto Supply in Stuttgart. He loved life and was an active tennis player in his younger years. He was also a drummer and absolutely loved music of all kinds. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Charlene Andrews. Survivors are his loving wife, Nadine Simmons; one daughter, Sandy Felty (Bryan) of Hazen; his only granddaughter (and anyone who knew him knows how he was going to brag on his pride and joy), Alex (Cameron) Vail of Hazen; and two great-grandsons, Lane and Whitman Vail who he loved so much; and two bonus grandchildren, Gracen (Zachary) Dale of Lonoke and Taylor Felty of Hazen. Funeral services, officiated by Pastor Grant Medford, were held at 2 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church by Turpin Funeral Home of Stuttgart. The family requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church, 2115 S. Prairie St., Stuttgart, Ark. 72160.

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

Glenda Sue Taylor of Hazen, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord, on December 6, 2023, after a brief, but painful battle with cancer. Glenda Sue was born to Buddy L. Taylor and Joyce Odell (Greenwalt) Taylor of Hazen, Arkansas on December 21, 1945. Glenda Sue lived with parents until August of 2023 when she became a resident of Chambers Rehab Center in Carlisle. Glenda Sue was a member of new Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of Carlisle. She loved watching T.V. and going to church. Glenda Sue was preceded in death by her father, Buddy L. Taylor and is survived by her mother, Joyce (Greenwalt) Taylor of Hazen and one brother, Terry Taylor and wife, Sabrina of Hazen. The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the caregivers of Chambers Rehab Center in Carlisle and Baptist Hospice for their kindness and care given to Glenda Sue during her battle with cancer. Visitation was held on Monday from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M., December 11, 2023, at Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen with services to follow at 2:00 P.M. at Calvary Baptist Church. Interment will be in the Center Point Cemetery.

Marian “Sue” Plafcan Marian “Sue” Plafcan of Slovak, Arkansas, was called home by The Lord on December 6, 2023. Sue was born near Roe and Aberdeen o n February 1, 1933 to Lloyd and Ottilie (Sug) Ideker Cruthis. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, George J. Plafcan of Slovak, sister Dorothy (Dot) Dempsey of Jacksonville, brothers Richard, George, Troy of Cave City, and Wayne Cruthis of Montgomery, Texas, son-in-law Ed Todt of Oran, Missouri, and her granddaughter, Hannah Pfaff of Cabot. Sue is survived by her six children: Dennis Plafcan (Therese Hoss) of Germantown, Tennessee, Gerald

Plafcan (Jo Nell) of Conway, Angela Todt of Cabot, Maria Plafcan of Boulder, Colorado, George J. “Joey” Plafcan, Jr. (Dru) of Stuttgart, and Stephen Plafcan of Sherwood; five grandchildren: Matthew Plafcan of Austin, Texas, Joshua Plafcan (Allison) of Helena, Montana, Lauren Dobson (Cody) of Stuttgart, Emma Plafcan of Conway, and Lindsey Jo Plafcan of Stuttgart; four greatgrandchildren: Lane and Cayce Dobson, Amelia Pfaff, and Elise Plafcan; and many nieces and nephews. Sue worked as a telephone operator at the Stuttgart Central Office in the early 1950s when she met George. They were married in 1954 at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Slovak. She was a loving wife and mother and loved gardening and baking. She was an expert quilt maker and made many beautiful quilts for members of her family. Sue also worked at the Stuttgart Hospital for 19 years before retiring in 1998. Sue was active in parish life at Sts. Cyril and Methodius as a member of the Altar Society and the ministry to the sick with George to visit nursing homes in the area. She and other members of the parish gathered several times a year to bake cinnamon rolls, kolaches, and other baked goods to raise money for the parish. She and George took a number of trips together mostly around the US, but the one they enjoyed most was the pilgrimage to Israel and Rome in 1994. Visitation was held at Turpin Funeral Home in Stuttgart, Arkansas, on Monday, December 11, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. A rosary service was held immediately after visitation. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Slovak, Arkansas. Interment will be in the Slovak Catholic Cemetery immediately following Mass. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Marian Sue Plafcan be made to the following charitable organizations: Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Slovak or to the charity of one's choice.

Hazen Cemetery donations Recent Hazen Cemetery Donations are:

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

Glenda Sue Taylor

DAR fills gift bags for shelter By Judi Jones Grand Prairie Daughters of the American Revolution members met on Saturday, Dec 2, to fill gift bags for children at the Restoration of Hope Women/Children Shelter in Stuttgart for the Christmas season and beyond. Members

packed approximately 250 items--coloring books, crayons, plastic toy animals, stuffed animals, puzzles, games, books, dolls, school supplies--into bags for the children. Afterwards, members met at Open Season in Stuttgart for their Christmas luncheon

where they gathered veteran shoeboxes to be distributed to veterans in nursing facilities in Stuttgart, Brinkley, and Carlisle, as well as to the VA in Little Rock for the Christmas season. (Above right) Seventyfour veteran shoeboxes packed with gifts were prepared in total and

In Memory of: Jimmy Price By: Barbara Rogers Billy and Nona Gail Booth The James Saul Family UpKeep: Beverly Wood

Reta Chlapecka Jacqueline Roach Everett Loyde (Buddy) Hall, Jr. Donations are greatly appreciated and may be mailed to: Hazen Cemetery, P.O. Box 92, Hazen, Ar. 72064

Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Entergy Arkansas shares holiday lighting reminders LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Decorating your home with festive lights is a great way to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you’re a pro or a novice when it comes to putting up decorations, it’s important to understand the risks of hanging lights. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Christmas lights alarmingly cause 40% of Christmas tree fires. NFPA also reports that each year, U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 790 home structure fires caused by seasonal decorations. Without proper preparation and installation, a fun, holiday activity can turn tragic. Keep your holiday season merry and free of injuries by following these safety tips from Entergy Arkansas. Inside lighting:  If your family plans to have a live Christmas tree this holiday season, make sure it is fresh with needles that are hard to pull from the branches.  Place the live tree in a stand with water

away from heaters or the fireplace. Be sure to check on the water daily.  Examine all lights before putting them on the tree or using them for other holiday displays. Do not use lights with frayed wiring or loose sockets, and make sure they have been tested for safety by an independent testing laboratory.  Save energy and money on your bill by using smaller, coolburning LED lights.  Make sure all light sockets have bulbs in them and keep bulbs from touching tree branches.  Never burn candles on or near the tree and never use flammable decorations.  Never use lights on a metallic tree. If the lights become faulty, the entire tree could be electrified.  Be careful not to overload extension cords, outlets or even whole circuits in the house.  Turn off decorative lighting when you leave the room.  Place wires where

they cannot trip anyone, and do not run wires under rugs. Outside lighting:  Make sure the lights being used are designated for outdoor use.  Use a non-conducting fiberglass or wooden ladder when working with strings of lights. Be sure to stay clear of all overhead wires.  Do not replace bulbs when the electricity is on.  Never let light bulbs touch flammable materials such as plastic or dry grass and leaves.  For outside use, work only with threewire grounded extension cords.  Use rubber gaskets in light sockets or hang sockets downward to keep water out.  Keep connections and lights off the ground by hanging them over wooden stakes. Turn outside holiday lights off when away from home or asleep. For more tips on how to practice lighting and decoration safety during the holiday season, visit the National Fire Protection Association website.

Gracen Dale honored with shower By Chris Weems Mrs. Gracen Felty Dale was honored with a baby shower Sunday afternoon December 10th at Calvary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Hazen. Guests signed sheets for her Baby Book on a tall table covered with a white lace cloth with a pink cloth underlay held in place by a large pink bow. A large pink and white stork held a sign announcing "It's A Girl." Gracen, assisted by a friend, Haley Burkhammer, opened

and displayed her gifts on round tables along the wall. The tables were covered with white tablecloths. The serving table was covered with a floor length pink cloth with a white lace overlay. The centerpiece was a pink poinsettia. The punch bowl and cups and the cake were on opposite ends of the table. Guests were served cake and punch, nuts and mints. Special guests were Gracen's mother, Donna Felty, of Hazen, and her maternal grandmother,

Doris Bonds, Morrilton, her mother-in-law, Sherry Dale, DeValls Bluff, and Zach's grandmother, Hazel Holloway, and his aunt, Nina Holloway, both of Biscoe, and his great aunt, Kathy Morrison, Hazen, and cousin, Charlotte Potts, Roland. Out of town guests included Tanya Biggers, Bono, Taylor Ferguson, Benton, Rita Grable, Bryant, and Shirley Geater, Linda Griffin, Sharon Moore and Brenda Nicholson, all of Cabot.

PC Master Gardeners have end of year awards ceremony/party

Mark Tenison of Hickory Plains and a student at Des Arc High School, was named the “Friend of the Master Gardeners”. He is pictured with his sponsor Deb Carpenter and club president Rhonda Betzner. By Chris Weems Rhonda Betzner, president of Prairie County Master Gardeners, presided at the Banquet and Christmas party Tuesday night. It was the regular meeting for the Club. Routine business was replaced by the program for the Awards Banquet. The meeting began with the meal which was provided by the Club and supplemented by pot-luck from the members. Roxanne Bradow gave the invocation. Officers were introduced by the president, Rhonda Betzner. Others are: Amanda Stark, vice president, Roxanne Bradow, secretary, Sue Clayton, treasurer and Chris Weems, reporter. Prairie County Extension Agents, Jacob

Holloway and Emily Moody were introduced. The president announced the Lifetime Members: Larry Anthony, Dee Black, Sherry Bullock, Idena Greenwalt, Carolyn Marek, Patsy McMullen, Gail Norman, Linda Price, Lonna Rhodes and Chris Weems. Other awards were: Worker Bees, 70 or more hours this year, as Roxanne Bradow, Debora Carpenter, and Sue Clayton; Busy Bees, Rhonda Betzner, and Janis Toll. Janis Toll also won the Sunshine Award for the person who is always smiling and willing to help out and keeps smiling. The Golden Shovel Award went to the person who always has the tool you need. That

winner was Sue Clayton. The Business or Organization "Friend of Master Gardeners" Award went to The Lily Pad Boutique in Des Arc. The Project of the Year was the Hazen Welcome sign. Amanda Stark was named the Master Gardener of the Year. After the meal, Amanda was in charge of the games. The "Saran Wrap Ball" gave almost everyone extra gifts. Then several won gifts by bouncing a ping pong ball into a muffin tin. The final game was the Master Gardeners' version of "Dirty Santa". The next meeting will be the first Tuesday in February at noon at the Prairie County Fair Grounds.

Arkansas State Senate Report By Senator Ron Caldwell LITTLE ROCK – Over a 12-month period there were 130 reported cyberattacks against Arkansas government at the state and local levels. That was more than twice the number reported in the previous year. The Legislative Audit Committee compiles reports of cyberattacks against government entities in Arkansas, ranging from potentially serious security breaches to relatively trivial attempts to hack into a government web site. These days, government agencies invest a lot of resources in setting up and maintaining data bases. You can renew your car tags or driver’s license on line. Your tax information is stored on a government computer, as are employees’ personnel files. In 2021 the legislature required the reporting of cyber threats against public entities, so that security officials can better evaluate the incidents and plan against them. The type of threats constantly evolves, and the total number of threats is growing, an auditor told members of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee. That means preparation is more important than ever, in order to prevent major disruptions in government services caused by a cyberattack.

Two of the most serious cyberattacks occurred about a year ago. A vendor that provides computer services to 72 Arkansas counties was the victim of a ransomware attack that shut down online services for many days. Some counties lost services for weeks or months. It affected the filing of deeds, collecting taxes, registration of vehicles and issuing of marriage licenses. Responses among counties and state agencies, such as setting up new security measures, entailed substantial costs to government. The other major cyberattack was against the Little Rock School District, which reportedly paid a $250,000 “ransom” to hackers who penetrated the school’s computers. Before cybersecurity experts were able to restore operations, the district could not use its accounting functions or access student files. Of the 130 incidents report last fiscal year, 73 have been resolved and the rest are still under investigation. The legislature passed two measures this year to strengthen its response to cyber threats. Act 846 formed the Arkansas Cyber Response Board, which will oversee a self-funded insurance program that protects counties, cities and schools from

damages caused by cyberattacks. To participate, government entities will have to upgrade their computer systems to meet security standards. Act 504 of 2023 requires local governments to set policies governing their use of technology and their approach to cybersecurity. In 2019 the legislature passed Act 1085 to authorize the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to create the Cyber Initiative, to support private sector businesses with shared research and cooperation with government security systems. According to the AEDC, eight years ago a typical cyberattack cost a small company about $38,000, and within six months of the data breach about half of small companies had gone out of business. Arkansas colleges and universities now offer multiple degrees and certificates in cybersecurity. For example, Southern Arkansas University offers a Master of Science degree in Computer and Information Science with a cybersecurity and privacy option. Similar degrees are available at numerous campuses within the University of Arkansas system and the Arkansas State University system.

USDA now accepting online farm loan applications WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched an online application for Direct Loan customers. More than 26,000 customers who submit a Direct Loan application each year can now use an online, interactive, guided application that is paperless and provides helpful features including an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns, complete a balance sheet and build a farm operating plan. This tool is part of a broader effort by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to streamline its processes, improve customer service, and expand credit access. “The Biden-Harris Administration is working hard to make it easier for farmers and ranchers to get the loans they need to keep growing food, fiber, and

fuel for our country,” said Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small. “Online services are commonplace in commercial lending, and with USDA Farm Service Agency's new online loan application feature, it is now easier for producers to get the financing they need to start, expand, or maintain their farming and ranching operations.” The online farm loan application replicates the support an applicant would receive when completing a loan application in person with an FSA Farm Loan Officer, while continuing to provide customers with one-on-one assistance as needed. Through a personalized dashboard, borrowers can track the progress of their loan application. It can be accessed on farmers.gov or by completing FSA’s Loan Assistance Tool at farmers.gov/loan-assistance-tool. To use the online loan application

tool, producers must establish a USDA customer account and a USDA Level 2 eAuthentication (“eAuth”) account or a Login.gov account. For the initial stage, the online application tool is only available for producers who will be, or are currently, operating their farm as an individual. FSA is expanding the tools availability to married couples applying jointly and other legal entities in 2024. Farm Loan Improvement Efforts A simplified direct loan paper application, reduced from 29 pages to 13 pages. The Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov that provides customers with an interactive online, step-by-step guide to identifying the Direct Loan products that may be a fit for their business needs and to understanding the application process.

Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Bison, Lady Bison get wins By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor Lady Bison The Carlisle Bison and Lady Bison each won two games last week. The Lady Bison improved to 4-6 overall and 3-0 in league play with wins over McCrory and KIPP Delta. In the 63-19 win over McCrory, Carlisle junior Heather Buffalo scored a career-high 32 points. She hit seven threepointers in the victory. She scored 10 points in the first quarter, hitting three from long distance. Carlisle led 18-10 after one quarter and 34-14 at halftime. Bailey Dawson added 12 points. Atlantis Blancett had seven. Hailee Cooney scored six. Scoring two each

were Angie Petrus, Wisdom Owens and Paige Lee. On Friday, Carlisle beat KIPP 57-17. The Lady Bison led 123 after one quarter and 32-6 at halftime. Buffalo led the Lady Bison with 16 points. Paige Chadwick had 13. Cooney scored eight. Petrus had six. Owens and Lee had five each. Madison Jones scored four. Carlisle has now won three in a row after starting the season 0-5. “Our motto has been to get better every day,” Carlisle coach Jonathan Buffalo said. “We are working hard and finally starting to see results we have been waiting on. We just have to keep the mindset of not being complacent.”

Carlisle Boys The Bison improved to 3-2 overall and 2-1 in league play with wins over McCrory and KIPP. In the 53-35 win over McCrory, Kaidon Clingmon led the Bison with 14 points. Isaiah Powell had 11. Lawson Petrus and Bentley Parker had 10 points each. Cajuan Pernell had four. Scoring two each were Trace Hyde and Cam Cress. In the Bison’s 53-47 win over KIPP, Carlisle outscored KIPP 14-4 in the fourth quarter to rally for the win. Powell led the Bison with 15 points. Pernell had 11. Clingmon and Parker had nine apiece. Devin Cooney scored five. Scoring two each were Caleb Croucher and Petrus.

Lady Eagles rout Marianna

Hazen boys fall to Des Arc By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor The Des Arc Eagles handed Hazen its fourth consecutive loss to start the season while picking up their first victory by a score of 59-29 on Friday night. Des Arc led 13-7 after

one quarter and 33-19 at halftime. The Eagles put the game away in the third quarter, outscoring the Hornets 24-6 to lead 5723 heading into the final eight minutes with a running clock. Jonah Winkowski led the Eagles with 30

points. Josh Dawson and Brodey Swaim led Hazen with seven points each. Sam Clayton had five.. Scoring four each were Hurley and Dylan Skarda. Scoring one each were Bokker and Remi Fegley. (Ruth Corley photo.)

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor The Des Arc Lady Eagles improved to 3-5 on the season and 2-0 in league play with a 69-14 win over Marianna last Tuesday. Des Arc played Hazen in boys action on Friday, but Hazen High School is not fielding a senior high girls team for the second consecutive season. The win over Marianna was Des Arc’s second consultive win after a five-game losing streak against Stuttgart, Rison, Joe T. Robinson,

Southside Batesville and Bradford. Calleigh Skarda led Des Arc with 17 points and a steal and a rebound against Marianna. Makenzie Williams had 15 points, five steals and four boards. Kaylee McDonald has 12 points, nine rebounds, a steal and an assist. Grace Knight had eight points and eight rebounds. Jada Jones had eight points, a steal and an assist. “I’m really excited for our kids,” first-year Des Arc coach Chris Brown

said. “Calleigh Skarda and Kaylee McDonald had career scoring nights for us. The girls are starting to come together and understate the level of intensity we are looking for.” Des Arc has games against Barton on Tuesday and at home against Calrisle on Thursday. “It’s a big week for us,” Brown said. The Lady Bears are 102 overall and 2-0 in league play. The Lady Bison are 4-6 overall and 3-0 in the conference.

Carlisle FFA competes in Mississippi expo Carlisle FFA students had a great showing at the Mississippi Youth Expo in Jackson this weekend! In market lambs: Caroline Bokker, 7th place class finish In market goats: Hayden Parker, 7th in class 2; Presley Parker, 7th in class 3; Caroline Bokker, 6th in class 4 and 3rd in class 6; Lexie Eaton, 4th in class 6 Goat Showmanship: Caroline Bokker, 3rd place Intermediate Showmanship Sponsor Carly Bokker said, “Super proud of these ladies for pushing thru to the final show of our season.” Now they are getting ready for 2024.

Correction In the Des Arc City Council story last week, the county sheriff’s name was printed as Rick Hickman. It should have said Sheriff Rick Parson. The Herald apologizes for the mistake.

Legal Notice NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS SOUTHERN DISTRICT PROBATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES SIMON BEDNAR NO. 59SPR23-38 Last known address of decedent: 2245 Highway 86 West, Stuttgart, AR 72160 Date of death: August

10, 2023 An affidavit for collection of small estate was filed herein on the 28 th day of November, 2023, which listed the following described real property located in the Southern District of Prairie County, Arkansas, to wit Lot Two (2), Block Seventeen (17), Slovaktown, Prairie County, Arkansas; Lots 11 and 12, Block 17, Town of Slovac, Prairie County, Arkansas; Lots 7 and 8, Town of Slovac, Prairie County,

Arkansas; Lot Three (3), Block Seventeen (17), in the town of Slovaktown, Prairie County, Arkansas; Lot Four (4) in Block 17, in the town of Slovactown, Prairie County, Arkansas; Lot Nine (9) Block Seventeen (17) Slovaktown, Prairie County, Arkansas; and, Lot Ten (10), Block Seventeen (17), of the town of Slovac, Prairie County, Arkansas. All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit the claim, duly verified, to

the undersigned within three (3) 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 6 th day of December, 2023. MICHELLE L. JACOBS Attorney for Estate P. O. Box 851 Stuttgart, AR 72160 870-672-4771 michelle@mjacobslawfirm.com

Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, December 13, 2023

***Christmas Special*** Registered Labradoodle puppies are available for the bargain price of $300, just in time for Christmas. The puppies (six males and one female) are ten weeks old. Pictures of the puppies and their parents are available. Call 870-468-7530.

Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical Keith Knupp 501.516.8285 knuppinc@hotmail.com

To Whom it May C o n c e r n . A 2015 Silver Dodge Journey Crossroad VIN#3C4PDCGB3FT6792 19 The above mentioned vehicle was towed to our lot on June 20, 2023 per request of the Hazen Police Department and was towed to storage lot of 801 Highway 70 West in Hazen. The initial fee due is $250.00. 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 mounts 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 8am5pm, and provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges. Please contact us immediately at 870-2553305 if you wish to pick up the above-mentioned vehicle. Rick Wiggins, Owner Rick’s Automotive and Wrecker Service.

To Whom It May Concern: A Green 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 was picked up on November 14, 2023 at the Super 8 Motel at the request of the Manager of Super 8. This vehicle is in the possession of Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service 801 Hwy 70 W, Hazen Ar. 72064, (870)255-3305. Towing, storage, & administrative costs are accruing as legal liability of the owner. Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first priority possessory

lien on the said vehicle and its content 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 lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.

Free Ads for Free Stuff If you’re giving it away, we’ll give you an ad for

free Call 2554538

Sell what you don’t need in the

GRAND PRAIRIE HERALD !!!

Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Carlisle FCCLA members attend Leadership Conference

Maggie Brown, President Kirstin Moran, and President-Elect Daisy Duke.

Carlisle FCCLA officers traveled to the U of A at Hope for the Southern Fall Leadership Conference. They networked with other members and experienced breakout sessions, a college tour, and regional

elections. Kirstin Moran, current Region IV President, along with other regional and state officers led the conference. Congratulations to the newly elected 2024-2025 FCCLA Region IV

President Daisy Duke and Vice President of Community Service Maggie Brown. They will be officially installed during the state conference in April. President Kirstin Moran hands over the gavel President-Elect Daisy Duke.

Maple Health donates turkeys... Maple Health Care in Hazen passed out turkeys to the Hazen Senior Health and Wellness Center and Des Arc Senior Center.