September 27, 2023 edition

H a z en Ci ty Council raises local gas ra t es

The Hazen City Council met in its regular meeting on Thursday, September 21, to discuss an ordinance to amend the natural gas rate and wheeling fee. Ordinance 521 the cost of gas for all users to $15.00 for the first 500 cubic feet per month and all additional gas used over that amount will be raised to $5 per 1000 cubic feet. The minimum charge will now be $15.00. The minimum charge has not been raised from the original $10.00 since 2001. The wheeling charge for DeValls Bluff and Biscoe will be $1.20 per 1000 cubic feet. This amount has been $1.20 per 1000 cubic feet. The council believes that these increases will produce a total revenue sufficient to pay for the total operation and maintenance expense of the gas transmission and distribution system.

The council also passed a resolution to change its gas provider to WoodRiver Energy of Denver, Colorado. WoodRiver has a Better Business Bureau rating of A plus, whereas the present company, Symmetry, has an F rating. The cost of the gas from WoodRiver will be 22% less.

The contract with Symmetry will expire

on November 1.

The council also discussed possible amendments to the city’s present dog ordinance. The council has been considering changes to the present ordinance, and will vote on that in the future. A draft ordinance was handed out for the council to read and discuss next month.

Representatives from a newly formed group

called “Friends of the Shelter” wanted the council to be aware of some needs at the animal shelter which is located behind the water plant off Highway 63. They asked that solar lights be installed at the facility, along with heat lamps for the winter months. They would like the city to enclose the east and west ends of the enclosure during the

winter months as well. The city has already decided to install a fence in which the dogs can exercise. “We’re committed to being fair to the animals,” Mayor David Hardke said. Members of the group are walking the dogs everyday, and spokespersons Tracy Teer and Cierra Little agreed to meet with the city to look at the facility and discuss improvements.

Hardke reported that the Town and Country Playpark in town is being upgraded thanks to a grant to make it handicapped accessible. The old merry-go-round is being replaced and will be painted and moved to the city park across from the Community Center. New toddler swings will be installed, and mulch has replaced the pea gravel. There will also be handicapped parking.

(Continued on p. 4)

Carlisle Council discusses lea f and li mb f ees

By Debbye Harrison

A raise in the price of leaf and limb pick-up dominated the Carlisle City Council meeting September 19. One bid of $12 a month which would be an increase of $8 was rejected by the Council. It was voted down by all members with Todd Turner absent.

Randy Phillips asked the Council to delay closing the bidding process since not everyone was made aware of the opportunity. He is making arrangements to add this business to his current enterprises

and would like the opportunity to enter a bid.

A motion was made to allow another month to seek bids for leaf and limb pick-up service. Advertising will be made for bids in the Arkansas DemocratGazette, Grand Prairie Herald, the city sign, on Facebook and posted in prominent places around town. Contractors who are interested must have their bids in by October 13 when bids will be opened. (Editor’s note: An ad requesting bidders is on the classified page of this edition.)

Residents in the city limits of Carlisle are being denied trash dumping at the Transfer Station. Members of the Council were asked to explain why. City Attorney Mike Stuart gave the history of the property and how the county acquired the land. However, he had no explanation as to why city residents were denied dumping privileges because they were “not living in the county.” He was asked to investigate.

Patricia Eaton, Carlisle librarian, thanked the city crew, for transporting freight from the

Nick’s parking lot to the library. The library is in the process of constructing a memorial outdoor library to be completed soon. She also thanked the city for the speed bumps in front of the library. These have been very helpful in making it more safe for the clients, especially children and the elderly. Eaton also brought another safety concern to the attention of the Council. Swimming pools, whether they are above or below ground, are a hazard to children if they are not fenced off. Sometimes residents

leave ladders to unattended pools and it is tempting for children to venture into someone’s yard and climb into a pool without being noticed.

Some cities have ordinances that regulate the safety of pools. Insurance companies usually require owners to keep pools fenced off to prevent accidental temptations. The Council is considering its options.

The Council approved the standard five mills taxation that is required by law yearly and them adjourned.

Des Arc Council approves changing gas provider

By Lisa Mills

The Des Arc City Council met on September 19th with Mayor Roger Scott, Treasurer/Recorder

Janice Huffstickler and Council Members Doug Estes, Keith Knupp, Judy Burnett, Gail King, and Jodie Mayher present.

Gail King reported that a decision must be made about the gas provider because a letter has to be sent to the chosen company by October 1st, and a contract signed by November 1st. She stated that the current provider, Symmetry, has an “F” rating and the city has had issues with them in the past. King said that she had met with a representative from WoodRiver Energy, who presented a much better plan, and they have an “A+” rating.

Estes asked, “So you feel like, after researching both companies, that WoodRiver is the best and cheapest?” King replied yes. A motion was passed to change to Woodriver Energy and get the necessary letter to them as soon as possible.

Mayor Scott reported that the “Feds” are coming down hard about paperwork for the gas

department. He said that the city is probably going to have to hire someone to keep up with the paperwork.

Keith Knupp reported for the ambulance committee that Director Christy Rogers is requesting approval to purchase a battery powered stair chair for use in loading patients where there are stairs. Knupp presented a quote and information on a chair from “Stryker”, which makes most of the ambulance equipment currently being used. The cost of the chair is $18,306.82.

King asked if Rogers had received other quotes, and he said that she only checked with “Stryker” because it will be compatible with other “Stryker” equipment being used and because they are the best company for ambulance equipment. A motion was approved to purchase the chair. Rogers’ report showed that the ambulance had 40 transports in August.

Keith Knupp reported for the Fire Department that fire hydrants need to be tested. He said that the last time they were tested the Water Department and Arkansas Rural Water

did it, so they need to know if the Water Department or Fire Department is responsible for the testing.

Bobby Skinner from the Water Department stated that they had not been tested since 2018 and that they need to start now and rotate the ones that are tested and test them more often. The Fire Department and Water Department should work together to do the testing. Mayor Scott asked Skinner how many hydrants are not working to which he replied, “two in the city and two in the county.” Knupp asked when

those four would be replaced, to which Mayor Scott replied, “we have city employees being trained to replace them, and it will cost about $7,000 each.”

Gail King reported for the water/sewer committee that after the state required rate study was completed. It was recommended that rates be raised 3-5%. It was also recommended that an ordinance be passed to make this a recurring increase each year in January. Knupp said he didn’t agree with the annual ordinance recommendation. Knupp also said that he would

like to see a report of some actual bills showing the dollar amount of increases at 3%, 4%, and 5%. He asked Utilities Clerk Teresa Conder, who was present, if that was something she could do, since a decision didn’t have to be made right now. Conder said she could. A motion was passed to purchase a 2016 John Deere 310 backhoe from Greenway. The cost of the equipment is $78,475 and will be taken from the county sales tax fund.

Mayor Scott introduced the new city attorney, Rufus Buie.

Hazen city workers have been replacing old playground equipment at the Town and Country Playpark behind the post office to make it handicapped accessible.

Ben Thomas Feltman

Ben Thomas Feltman, age 86, of Hazen, passed away Monday, September 18, 2023 at Springhill Baptist Medical Center in North Little Rock. He was born August 18, 1937 in Fayette, Alabama.

Ben was a farmer all his life, a member of Landmark Baptist Church, and loved spending time with his special friend, his dog, Charley Brown.

Ben is survived by his wife, Maxine; son, Brian Feltman (Terry); daughter, Karen Ring (Johnny); brothers, James (Red) Feltman of Forrest City and David Feltman of Hughes; sister, Frances Goreman of Forrest City; granddaughter, Nicole Tincher (Michael); one greatchild expected in April; three special cousins, Lori Cain, Bobbie Feltman, and Kered Mancone and his special friend, Charley Brown. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Monroe and Lucille Cook Feltman; two brothers, Spencer and Jimmy Feltman and one sister, Lillie Mae Pipkin. Visitation was held on Friday, September 22, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen. Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at Landmark Baptist Church in Carlisle. Burial will be in the Hazen Cemetery.

Joe David Gunn

Joe “Joey” David Gunn, passed away unexpected-

ly on September 23rd, 2023 at his home in Carlisle. His family is deeply saddened by his sudden passing.

Joey was born

November 8th, 1960 in Carlisle, AR. Joey is survived by his mother Sara Gunn, son Taylor Gunn, daughter Kelsea Gunn, 4 granddaughters Addison Gunn, Emersyn Flanagan, Charles Rachel Parsons and Nora Parsons, sister Kathy Parker, niece Danielle Hart, nephew Dustin Hart, and other aunts, uncles, cousins and other assorted family and many caring friends.

Joey is preceded in death by his father Billy Joe Gunn, cousins Larry Joe Gunn and Kenneth Gunn, paternal grandparents Velma and Smythe Gunn, and maternal grandparents Rueben and Ethel Colclasure.

Joey was an intelligent, quick witted man with a talent to turn anything into a joke and have everyone laughing. His independence and strong will was unmatched, and his kids gratefully carry on his positive attributes. His family hopes he is driving a dump truck through the gates of heaven while listening to his favorite, Elvis Presley. Joey, everyone you left in this world hates that you are gone but we are happy that you are home free and painless. We will always love and miss you until we can meet again. Visitation was held on on September 25th, 2023 at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen, AR from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and his graveside funeral service will be on September 26th, 2023 at 2:00pm at Old Carlisle Cemetery in Carlisle, AR.

Marla Tull Rogers

Marla Tull Rogers was born on November 6, 1965 to Carl and Martha Tull. She experienced her spiritual birth at age eleven when she yielded to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. She graduated from Mills High School in Little Rock, AR and the University of AR at Little Rock.

She taught English at J. A. Fair High School for a short time before feeling a call to ministry. She attended Seminary where she met her future husband, David Henry Rogers. Together they began their ministry to a church in Zapata, Texas. Marla became the editor of the local county newspaper there. In 2001 David & Marla were called to First Baptist Church in Biscoe, AR. She also worked in the counseling correspondence department of Family Life Ministry in Little Rock. Health issues developed to a point where she became home-

bound. She utilized her time of illness as a prayer warrior, telephone outreach, and spiritual counseling to those she encountered. Marla loved cats and enjoyed many pets during her life. She was called into the direct presence of the Lord during the early hours of September 18, 2023. She was preceded in death by parents Carl and Martha Tull, brother Mike Tull, and Robin Rogers, also her baby who was lost during the early months of pregnancy. She is survived by many family and friends. Any memorials can be made to the Gideons in honor of Marla. Services were held at the First Baptist Church of Biscoe with visitation on Friday, September 22, at 10:00 am and funeral services at 11:00 am. Burial was held at McPherson Cemetery, south of Mabelvale at 2:00 pm.

Larry Joe Hill

Larry Joe Hill, age 78, of Sherwood, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, September 17th, 2023. He was born April 2, 1945 in Sikeston, Missouri to Henry and Gladys Hill. Larry Joe grew up in Carlisle, Arkansas working with his family on the farm. He attended Carlisle High School where he played football, basketball and ran track. He went on to marry his high school sweetheart, Kay. They raised their four children in Sherwood.

Larry Joe worked and dedicated his life to the glass business which he owned and operated for over 57 years. He loved music and was a huge Johnny Cash fan. He had a loving heart, generous nature, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was so loved by his four children and his 10 grandchildren who knew him as “Pop”.

Among those left to cherish his memory are his brothers, Ronnie Hill (Gayle), Jerry Hill (Dorothy); sister-in-laws

Joyce Hill, Kathy Daniels, Roberta Daniels; his children, Larie Scallon (Steve), Timmy Hill (Ericka), Kimberly Kelley, and Dori Kramer; and 10 grandchildren that adored him, Madison Hill, Haydn Scallon (Holly), Dorianna Pan, Kayleb Scallon, Zayd Kelley, Mackenzie Pan, Avenley Kelley, Xander Cash Hill, Brinkley Hill, and Ansley Kelley.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Gladys Hill; brother, Sonny Hill; sisters, Mary Rhodes (Dallas), Otha Gardner, and his beautiful wife of 52 years Kay Daniels Hill.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 2:00PM at the Hamilton Baptist Church. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 1:00PM. Burial will be in the Hamilton Cemetery.

On October, Tuesday the 3rd, the Prairie County Health Unit/Department of Health (ADH), will offer flu vaccinations at no charge from 8 am to 5:30 pm at the Des Arc Health Dept. as a drive thru clinic on the east side of the health unit. Also, on Thursday, October 5th, the Health Dept. will be at Hazen First Methodist Church (211 N. Hazen Ave.) for a drive thru clinic from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. People should bring their insurance cards with them to the flu vaccine clinic. If they do not have insurance, or the insurance does not cover flu shots, the vaccine will still be available at no charge. “We want Prairie County residents to stay healthy this flu season, and getting a yearly flu vaccination is the best line of defense,” Erika Lott, RN County Health Unit Administrator, said. “We encourage everyone to come to the community clinic or the local health unit to get their flu shot.”

Annual flu vaccination is

By Sandy Moody

The DeValls Bluff Scrapper Alumni Reunion is October 7, 2023. It will be a to renew friendships and share memories. Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the DVB Gym. Dues are $5.00 for alumni. A meal of King Kat catfish and Craig’s BBQ

recommended for most adults and children six months and older. The flu virus changes from year to year, and this year’s vaccine protects against the flu viruses that are expected to cause the most illness this flu season.

People of all ages can get the flu. Certain people are more likely to have serious health problems if they get the flu. This includes older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), people who smoke, and people who live in nursing homes. Therefore, ADH strongly recommends that people in these groups get a flu vaccine. It is also recommended that friends, family members and people who provide care to people in these groups also get a vaccine—not only to protect themselves but also to decrease the possibility that they might expose the people they love and

with all the trimmings will be served at noon. The cost of the meal is $25.00 per person, for the ones that choose to eat.

Mr. Alan Childress graciously allows us to use the gym for our reunion. He has done a wonderful job maintaining the gym. He uses it in his work with children and many community activi-

care for to the flu.

The flu vaccine is safe and does not cause the flu.

Some people may have mild soreness and redness near the site of the shot and a low fever or slight headache. There are very few medical reasons to skip the flu vaccine. These include life-threatening allergic reactions to a previous dose of the flu vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine. People with allergies to vaccine ingredients can often receive the vaccine safely, if it is given in a doctor’s office where they can be monitored.

The flu is easily spread through coughing or sneezing and by touching something, such as a door knob, with the virus on it, and then touching their nose or mouth. Good hand washing habits are important in preventing the flu; however, the best way to prevent the flu is to get the vaccine. For more information, go to www.healthy.arkansas.go v or www.flu.gov.

ties. Donations are appreciated to help him continue these works. Everyone who has attended the DeValls Bluff school, all faculty and staff are welcome. You may reach out on Facebook “DeValls Bluff Scrappers Alumni” attention to Kelly Mertens Gilmore or Sandy Overturf Moody for any questions.

Mid-Delta Community Services, Inc, Summer Regular and Crisis Home Energy Assistance Program will Close Friday, September 29, 2023. Therefore, no further applications will be accepted after this date for the Summer Regular and Crisis LIHEAP for the Counties listed below:

Phillips County: Springdale Community Center

Monday & Wednesday & Friday (September 29th)

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM,1:00 PM, 3:00 PM

Lee County: Marianna Community Center

Tuesday & Thursday & Friday (September 29th)

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Monroe County: Clarendon Community Center

Monday & Wednesday & Friday (September 29th)

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Brinkley Community Center

Wednesday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Prairie County: DeValls Bluff Community Center

Tuesday & Thursday & Friday (September 29th)

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

The Prairie County Burn Ban has been lifted.

Father was a good man; he will be missed...

By Mark Buffalo

Please indulge me a little bit.

H ornets rout H ampton in c onferen c e opener

By Mark Buffalo

Sports Editor

The Hazen Hornets

cruised to a 65-8 win over Hampton on Friday night.

The Hornets are now 41 overall and 1-0 in the 2A-4 conference.

“It’s good to get a road win,” Hazen coach Joe Besancon said. “I felt like we came out and executed and did the things we’re supposed to do. I don’t like scoring that many points, but it’s hard to tell a ninth grader not to score when he scoops it up. It’s hard to keep some of those guys from scoring who have never scored a touchdown.

“I was real pleased with our effort. I

thought we flew around on defense real well. I saw some kids finally start making some plays that they hadn’t been making, so they are making some improvement.”

Besancon said he’s had to play some players in different spots than normal.

“We had a couple of starters on play Friday night,” he said. “We’re trying to get those guys healthy. We’re kinda snakebit. We get one back and we lose two to injury. It’s kind of been a roller-coaster for us. We’ve got the next man up attitude.”

Justin Schlenker led the Hornets with eight carries for 66 yards and

two touchdowns. He also returned an interception 60 yards for a score.

Kolton Tosh rushed for 81 yards and two touchdowns on three carries. He also caught a 61yard touchdown pass.

Josh Dawson completed 4 of 6 passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns.

JJ Pinkney caught a 35-yard touchdown pass.

Noah Adkins led the defense with 11 tackles and two fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He also scored on a 40-yard run.

Tosh added seven tackles.

Hazen hosts Baptist Prep this Friday for homecoming.

Early Saturday morning, September 16th, my father, Robert Buffalo of Carlisle, died peacefully in his sleep at age 81. For the first time in my 51-plus years on this earth, I no longer have a grandparent or parent and it’s tough. Really tough. This is the second time I’ve written a column about a parent dying. My mother, Rose Mary, died in July 2008 at the age of 61. She and I worked together at the Carlisle Independent newspaper. She and I were really close, closer than my dad and I were, but Dad and I share something no one else in our family does.

I was born on my dad’s 30th birthday — Nov. 2, 1971. I gave him a hard time forever that I was his best birthday gift. In fact, that day was chosen because Mom’s labor was induced so my doctor could go watch the Razorbacks play SMU in Dallas over a week later. I’ve always loved that story.

My dad was a hard worker. He worked on our family farm his entire life. Whether it was with his grandfather George Raborn or

Bison steamroll Bearden in 2-A opener

By Mark Buffalo

Sports Editor

Coming off a big win over the Des Arc Eagles, the Carlisle Bison had no let down in a 42-0 win over Bearden in the

2A-4 conference opener

Friday night at Fred C. Hardke Field.

With the win, the Bison improve to 4-1 on the season.

“We told our kids that that was the most important game of the year up to this point because it was the first game in conference

play,” Carlisle coach Gary Wilson said. “They came out and did what they needed to do. I’m proud of them. We’ve just got to keep it going now.”

Carlisle quarterback

Holden Jones had one of the best games in recent history throwing the football. He completed 12 of 21 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns. Kaiden Clingmon caught two passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. Gabe Boyle also caught a touchdown pass.

Kayleb Elliott rushed for 152 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. Jones rushed for 55 yards on eight carries. He also scored a touchdown.

Carlisle kicker Caleb Croucher made 4 of 5 extra point attempts.

The Bison will try to improve to 2-0 in league play when they play at Episcopal Collegiate School in Little Rock.

his father, Robert Milton Buffalo, Dad was always working on the farm. We didn’t have any hired hands as they call them. We didn’t have a single tractor with a cab on it. But looking back on it now, working with him and my Papa after school and during the summer gave me the incentive to work hard in whatever it is I chose to do.

Granted, I decided to go to college because I didn’t want to work on the farm. But I can remember still helping out during college or driving a tractor after I worked in newspapers on the weekends as he was working ground or trying to drive the combine to harvest either the rice or soybeans that we produced on the farm. There are still times that I’d do anything to ride in the back of the end gate seeder with Papa driving as we sowed levees. Or just driving a tractor, working ground or following Dad some with a grain cart or even helping make hay for Papa’s cattle. Fun times. A quick story. When I was about 13 or 14, I

was helping Dad as we were cutting rice. I didn’t realize he loaded the big truck from the back end to the front. So I wanted to open the rear door and look at the grain inside the trailer. Big mistake. We lost a bunch of rice out of the back onto the ground. Needless to say, I was scared to death of both him and Papa. Dad did blurt out a few fourletter words. But he really didn’t get on my butt too badly. We borrowed an auger and a generator from a neighboring farm and were able to get up most of the rice that fell onto the ground. He didn’t let me forget that for a while.

So, if you are the praying type, my sister, brother and I, and Dad’s four grandchildren, could use those prayers, or at least good thoughts and vibes. And now, I know my father is at peace. He is with my momma in Heaven and with Nana and Papa and my late wife Linda. And through my relationship with Jesus Christ, I know I will see him again one day.

Eagles pull away from Bulldogs

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Des Arc Eagles opened conference play with a 48-20 win over the Earle Bulldogs on Friday night.

With the win, the Eagles improve to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in league play. Des Arc led 28-12 at halftime before the Bulldogs cut the deficit to 28-20. Des Arc then scored three second-half touchdowns to pull away for the win.

“We came out early, going up 22-0,” Des Arc coach Brandon Barbaree said. “We kind of relaxed a little bit. They came back in the game, and it was 28-20 in the third quarter. Then our kids came on in the end and finished it off.”

Barbaree said the Bulldogs were “super athletic.”

“I can’t say that I’m super excited about the game because we didn’t finish the way we need-

ed to,” he said. “I thought our kids let up a little bit. I know we played hard. We just didn’t finish. To do what you want to do, you’ve got to be able to finish games. I know we’re going to get better as we go along. We’re young, but we still need to learn how to do that.”

Cache Flanagan led the Eagles with 179 yards rushing on 18 carries. He also scored two touchdowns. Dayvian Bell had 97 yards on seven carries. He also scored a touchdown and a two-point conversion. Cole Eldridge had 43 yards on 13 carries. He scored three touchdowns and two two-point conversion. Walker Harris had 26 yards and a touchdown on four carries. Gabe Berry also rushed for 68 yards on seven carries. As a team, the Eagles ran for 385 yards. Des Arc hosts Marianna this Friday for homecoming.

The Hornet defense swarms a Hampton Bulldog player. (Ruth Corley photo.)

Getting ready for homecoming...

Hazen High School has chosen the homecoming court for the 2023 homecoming. This year’s royalty are:

Senior High Court

Sophomore Maids Sophie Raper and London Smith, Junior Maids Kendall Sisemore, Karly Kinard, and Emma Cantwell, Senior Maids Taylor Griffin, Jordyn Besancon, Mattie Perry, and Senior High Homecoming Queen Austyn Booth with her attendants Baylor Moon and Noah Essex.

Senior Hornets: Brandon Vaughn, Nathan Neil, Kolton Tosh, Justin Schlenker, Kendrick Hune, and Queen Austyn's escort, Braylan Anderson.

Junior High Court

Junior High Homecoming Princess Jalynn Thomas, Ninth Grade Maids Makynlee Anderson and Ryleigh Cook, Eighth Grade Maids Tesla VanHouten and Paycen Seely, Seventh Grade Maids Kami Perry and Addie Carroll.

Freshmen Hornets: Princess Jalynn's escort, Luke Snider; Jase Arnett, Maverik Snider, Christian Hune, Jamel Paris, Elijah Powers, and Cortlin Chase.

Not pictured: Brayden Swanigan. (Wendy Perry photo.)

Hazen City Council

(Continued from page 1)

Bids for a new spiral screen at the sewer plant were opened on September 14, and KG Parker of Palestine was the low bidder. The company will be paid with ARPA funds. McClelland Engineering is working to replace the clarifier at the water plant. They think that a unit that will fit has been found. Hardke also said that Heller Company, Inc. has completed the sewer line replacement on Highway

70 for less than expected. They also poured a missing section of sidewalk there.

The Cabot Small Town Amateur Radio Service, a ham radio group, has requested to place an antenna on one of the city’s water towers. The antenna will provide communication when other communication is down. There is presently no such antenna in Prairie County. The council agreed to the placement

as long as the tower utility company has no problems with it.

The overlaying of city streets will begin at the end of October or the first of November. Utilities Manager Chad Swaim said that two water mains had broken and were repaired. He added that the wastewater plant UV lights that were ordered two years ago will finally be hooked up.

Add itional g a s pr icin g in f o rm ation

Regarding the Grand Prairie Herald article of September 20, 2023

“Hazen Council discusses gas pricing in meeting”

The September 14 council meeting was a “work session” where discussion is held but no action is taken.

The existing $4.00 adder: $4.00 is added to our gas cost per thousand cubic feet. For instance, if the gas costs the city $7.99 per thousand cubic feet, $4.00 is added to make the cost to customers $11.99 per thousand cubic feet or $.0119 per cubic foot.

Customers are billed per cubic foot.

$110,000.00 is budgeted for 2023 to supplement the gas company budget. This is more than the past few years due to placing an emphasis on updating meters to direct reading of

numbers rather than dials, replacing meters that have exceeded normal life span and increased routine maintenance on major valves and other equipment. This is also due to our pricing structure not changing for many years. The $10.00 minimum charge was set on October 18, 2001. The $4.00 adder was set July 27, 2016.

What has been charged for natural gas has not kept up with the increased costs of running and maintaining the system. It is projected that changing the minimum charge/first 500 cubic feet charge to $15.00 and changing the “adder” from $4.00 to $5.00 per thousand cubic feet of use will increase the natural gas company income $63,764.00 based on the last four-year average of

cubic feet billed of 36,464,961 cubic feet. It is anticipated that these changes combined with an improved pricing structure negotiated with our supplier and improved efficiencies implemented in the system that future support from the city will be eventually eliminated. There are additional improvements needed to make the system more efficient and we are dedicated to seeing that these will have as little impact on our natural gas customers as possible.

It is projected that based on the last four years’ figures, the average natural gas bill may increase 16%. Naturally, due to actual individual household usage, some may be over that and some below that.

David Hardke, Mayor

Prairie County Fair Day features fun, prizes, and animals

Prairie County Fair Day was held on Saturday, September 23, at the fairgrounds between Hazen and Des Arc. There were archery and BB gun competitions, the announcement of fair winners, and farm animal judgings going on throughout the day, and a demolition derby was the featured entertainment on Saturday evening.

In addition to the arts, crafts, and farm animals for all to enjoy, autographed quilts from the surrounding communities on display for visitors to see.

HAZEN HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1983

40 YEAR CLASS REUNION!!!

Saturday, September 30th 5:00 p.m. ‘til ?

Hazen Community Center

All classmates and former teachers invited.

Meal and drinks provided.

YA’LL PLEASE COME AND VISIT!

Contact Yvonne (501-351-3569) or Angie (501-516-6900)

if you have any questions.

WIN $50

WEEKLY FOOTBALL CONTEST

Rules of the Game

1. The contest is open to anyone except employees of the Herald Publishing Company and their immediate families. YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 16 YEARS OF AGE TO ENTER.

2. Contest entries must be turned in to the Herald office, 111 Highway 70 East in Hazen,The deadline will be Friday at noon. Entries may be mailed to “Armchair Quarterback, P.O. Box 370, Hazen, AR 72064.” Or you may email your answers to heraldpublishing@gmail.com before 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.

3. To enter, clip out the entry blank and pick the team you think will win from the games listed in each ad. Write the name of the team in the appropriate blank. If you think the game will end in a tie, write “tie” in the blank. For the 21st game, pick a winner and predict a total number of points scored in the game. Total point predictions will be used as a tie-breaker if two or more entries correctly guess the same number of winners. The entry with the most correct game winner predictions wins the $50 cash prize. If a tie still exists after the total point predictions are judged, the prize money will be divided.

4. Each entry must be filled out completely and legibly to be eligible.

5. Contestants who win will not be eligible for the following week’s contest.

6. Only the person whose name appears on the winning entry may claim the prize unless other arrangements have been made and agreed to by the Herald Publishing Company.

7. All entries become the property of the Herald Publishing Company and will not be returned.

8. The name of the winner of each week’s contest will be announced in the following week’s edition of The Grand Prairie Herald

9. All decisions of the judges will be final.

10. Only two entries per household will be judged.

11. Occasionally, game schedules are changed after the contest games have been selected. If this week’s line-up does not correspond to the games being played, the game or games in question will be voided and the contest will be judged on the basis of the remaining games.

3. Pocahontas vs Gosnell

and it is the responsibility of the bidders to ensure that bids arrive in the City's office by the date and time listed above. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to waive irregularities and/or informalities and to disregard all non-conforming, nonresponsive, un-balanced or conditional bids. The City complies with all Equal Opportunity requirements. All qualified bidders will receive consideration without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, religion, ancestry, mental or physical handicap or age.

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

To whom it may concern: A 2021 Chevrolet Denali Vin #1GC4YNE76NF198763 is located at 1203 Hwy 70 East, Hazen Arkansas 72064. The vehicle is stored at P.O. Box 696 Hazen Ar. Phone 870255-4922 and is accruing storage as a legal liability

of the owner. The wrecker company claims a first priority possession lien on the vehicle and its contents for all charges. Unless the vehicle is claimed within 45 days the owner and/or lien holder waives all rights, title, and interest in the vehicle and its contents and consents to the sale of the vehicle. The vehicle will then be sold for towing and storage fees.