January 24, 2024 edition

75¢

Snow covers the Grand Prairie.

(See pictures on p. 6.)

Volume 123 Number 3 - USPS 225-680

Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Community Calendar of Events NOTICE Due to the inclement weather last week, the Grand Prairie Herald was not published on Wednesday, January 17. We apologize for any inconvenience that this might have caused.

Tuesday January 23 Carlisle School Board meeting 6:00 p.m.

Thursday January 25 Hazen City Council meeting 6:00 p.m.

Hazen City Hall Food Distribution Hazen Methodist Church Drive through 10:00 a.m.-Noon Republican Party Meet & Greet Candidates Snow White Dairy Bar in Des Arc 6:30 p.m.

Friday January 26 Hornets @ Marianna 4:30 p.m.

JB , SB Monday February 5 Hazen Chamber of Commerce meeting 6:00 p.m.

Winter weather causes multiple wrecks on I-40...

The police were out in force working wrecks on Interstate 40 this past week. According to Hazen Police Chief Bradley Taylor, there were 15 wrecks at one time in a single area on the east bound side of the interstate, a few miles from Hazen.

DeValls Bluff to hire part-time police officer

By Lisa Mills The DeValls Bluff City Council held their first meeting of 2024 on January 11th.

A motion was approved to hire a part-time Police Officer. The 2024 city budget allows for up to $14.00 per hour for up to 40 hours per month for a part-time officer.

A resolution was approved to adopt the proposed 2024 budget.

A resolution was

approved to adopt the 2023 amended budget.

Mayor Thelma Gray announced that she had vetoed the motion approved in December to accept an offer of $20,000 each to purchase the bank building and clinic building because a formal written offer was not received, as required.

Recorder/Treasurer Darlene Connor stated that there was someone interested in the build-

ings. The city will continue to offer the buildings for sale, requiring written offers.

Attorney Mike Stuart reported that engineer David Hilsdon told him that there is some conflict between the state and federal rules to hire contractors for the water/sewer project and he has spoken to the Municipal League about which rules need to be followed. Stuart said that as soon as the

issue is resolved, Hilsdon will prepare an advertisement for the city to use to begin hiring contractors.

A motion was passed to renew the city’s lease with Billy Cook.

The lease is for a church using a building at the old school for $1.00 per year, with Cook responsible for insurance and maintenance Police Chief Jeremy Murphy reported eight

arrests and eight traffic citations in December.

The Fire Department reported one vehicle fire, one brush fire, two public assist calls, and one EMS call.

Mayor Thelma Gray, Recorder/Treasurer Darlene Connor, and council members Shirley Goff, Pam Del Giorno, Marie Flanagan, and Jackie Adcock were present.

Rountree resigns as Carlisle superintendent

By Debbye Harrison B. J. Greene was hired as Superintendent for the 2024-25 school year at the January 8 Carlisle School Board meeting.

William Rountree’s resignation was accepted by the Board effective June 30.

Rountree will retire after 33 years as an educator. He has been with Carlisle for 12 years as both a coach

and superintendent.

Rountree thanked the Board and the people of Carlisle for his opportunity to be involved with both the school and the community. He assured the Board that he will continue to be active in his role as administrator until June 30. He also gave high praise to Coach Greene as his replacement and assured the Board that

their choice was an excellent one.

The Board was in Executive Session from 6:12 to 7:22. Other personnel matters included the resignation of Ronnie Thrift as maintenance director due to health issues and family needs. Sherry Rollins also resigned as paraprofessional effective immediately and William French

resigned effective May 24. Carly Bokker was hired to replace Ronnie Thrift as bus driver.

Carlisle will host the Junior High District Basketball Tournament February 5-9.

Parent Teacher Conferences will be held February 27 and March 5.

An ACT Prep Course is being offered beginning January 18 for five sessions 6 to 8 p.m. at a

cost of $200.

Zach King is troubleshooting the lighting outside the Bison Arena.

Correction from last month’s report: The cost of the scoreboard for the baseball field is a total of $16,000 which will be shared by the school and the City of Carlisle–not $16,000 each as reported by mistake.

Mandy Brewer was absent.

Hazen Chamber pleased with event The Hazen Chamber of Commerce met on Monday, January 8 to discuss the recent “Christmas in the Park” event and to plan for future events. The group was pleased with the turnout at the Christmas event, and talked about things that could be done to make it even better next year.

Members said that they had gotten a lot of positive feedback.

Megan Anderson told the members that Steve Martin is allowing the Chamber to use three of

his storage units for free.

The Chamber bought over $2000 in decorations this year for the park, which have been taken down and put away for next year.

The group discussed the need for written policies and greater organizational structure such as the duties of officers, their authority, and the length of their terms. The bylaws will be looked for and revisited. The bylaws of other Chambers of Commerce will be consulted and used as tem-

plates. Two year terms for officers was suggested. It was also suggested that each event have an event director who would be the “go to” person for questions and decisions during event planning.

The group would like to be more active, sposoring more events throughout the year. He suggested that the chamber could do something special for St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and the Fourth of July.

Cleaning up after Christmas...

The Des Arc High School Agricultural, Business, and EAST classes took time to volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce to pack up Christmas decorations on January 11th to get them stored for next year.

These DAHS organizations do several community service projects throughout the year.

Meet the Candidates event Community events brought to you by Hazen Chamber of Commerce and the

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

By Rita Dobson On Thursday January 25, 2024 the Prairie County Republican Party will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Sno-White Dairybar in Des Arc. The candidates for district judge have been invited to attend.

This will be an opportunity for all voters to get to know the candidates and what they stand for.

There are two positions for district judge that will be on the non-partisan ballot.

Currently those positions are held

by Judge Eric Kennedy

and Judge Mark Derrick, both of whom are running for re-election. The candidates also running are Chris O’Neal and Justin Mercer.

Judicial positions are non-partisan which means that there are no party affiliations. The Republican Party is not endorsing any of the candidates.

Please join us, and take advantage of this opportunity to meet all the candidates. Everyone is invited to attend.

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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Thelma Mae Tiner Thelma Mae Tiner, 95, of DeValls Bluff, passed away Thursday, January 11, 2023 at Baptist Medical Center in North Little Rock. She was born August 18, 1928 in Caro, Oklahoma to Preston and Hettie Woods Martin. Thelma worked for Van Heusen Shirt Factory for over 40 years before her retirement, and she was a member of the First Baptist Church in DeValls Bluff.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Herman Ray Tiner; her siblings, Bobby, Preston, Gladys, Christine, Jean and Helen; daughter-in-law, Sharon Kay Tiner and son-in-law, Oscar Dawes.

She is survived by her children, James Ray Tiner of Cocoa Beach, Florida, Barbara Hutchins and husband, Jimmy of DeValls Bluff, Mark Tiner (Tiffany) and Cathy Tiner of DeValls Bluff; sisters; Shirley Matlock of Texas and Faye Boykin of California; 7 grandchildren, Kim, Jaime, Cindy, Michael, Carrie, Dustin, Mollie and Hunter; 11 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and a special friend, Ruthie Metcalf.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M., Saturday, January 13, 2024 at the First Baptist Church in DeValls Bluff with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. prior to the service.

Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in De Valls Bluff.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Maple Healthcare and Springhill Baptist

Arkansas Press Association Member 2023

The

Grand Prairie Herald (USPS) 225-680 The Grand Prairie Herald is an independent publication that has served Prairie County since December, 1901. It is published weekly by

Herald Publishing Company P.O. Box 370 111 Hwy 70 E Hazen, Arkansas 72064 Ph. 870-255-4538 Email: heraldpublishing@gmail.com

Subscription Rates In Prairie County $20.00/year In Arkansas $25.00/year Out of State $30.00/year Periodicals Postage paid at Hazen, Arkansas 72064 POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to: Grand Prairie Herald P.O.Box 370 Hazen, Arkansas 72064

Managing Editor/Publisher Roxanne Bradow Circulation/Accounts Trudy Johnson Sports Editor Mark Buffalo Correspondent Lisa Mills Correspondent Debbye Harrison Photographer Ruth Corley

Hospital for the wonderful care given to our mother and grandmother.

Howard Wayne Evans Howard Wayne Evans began his life's journey on September 19, 1936. The family of Virgil and Virginia Evans made their home in Des Arc at the time of his birth.

He was the sixth born of nine children and became simply known as Wayne.

He would remain a lifetime resident of Des Arc. Proud to do his part in service to his country, Wayne served in the United States Army. In civilian life he became a welder and boiler maker by trade and member of the Union #253.

He was blessed in life to become a husband, father and grandfather. He married Marie Doolin and they were blessed with the birth of three children, Michael, Debbie and Judy.

Wayne loved being outdoors and enjoyed living along the banks of the White River. There were plenty of place to enjoy fishing and hunting and opportunities to see the scenery on a motorcycle ride. Wayne also enjoyed collecting coins.

Wayne attended the Gospel Mission Church in Des Arc during times of worship and fellowship.

On Monday January 9, 2024 Wayne passed away peacefully at Unity Baptist Hospital in Searcy, Arkansas at the age of 87. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward Virgil and Edith Virginia (Hedtrick) Evans, wife Marie, daughters, Debbie Evans, Judy Evans and son Michael Evans, sisters Geraldine Miller, Margaret Folts, Sue Crider and Patsy Landtrip.

Howard is survived by brothers Bob Evans of Beebe, Alton Evans of Des Arc and Jerry (Linda) Evans of Millington, TN, sister Florence Burling of Cabot and grandson Jeremy (Somer) Bokker , greatgranddaughters Madelyn (Logan) Dulany, Maci Bokker, Leila Bokker and Elaina Bokker.

Charles Curtis Adams Charles Curtis Adams finally got to see his heavenly home on Monday, January 15, 2024.

He was born at home on May 16, 1937 to Elder O.W. a n d Verlinda Adams, the 11th of 13 children and the seventh son. He was named after the first Native American Vice President. In 2018, he lost his wife, Nelda Martin Adams. What started as high school sweethearts, he often said that even 61 years of marriage was not enough time with her.

Like his parents, Curt’s five brothers Jesse, Marvin, Winford, James, and Bob, as well as three sisters, Opal Moody, Lottie Mills, and Mamie Guess were gathered to their Father. He is survived by four children, Judy Taylor and her husband Paul of Conway, Gary Adams of Manila, Nancy Branscum and her husband Mike of Jonesboro, and Linda Ashbrook and her husband Floyd of Hazen. He was blessed with seven grandchildren, Brian Goines, Drew Branscum, Katie Haydar, Rachel Poole, Paula Stephens, Andrew Taylor, and Mary Elisabeth “M.E.” Taylor,

who loved his magic tricks. He also added three from his heart: Jessica Halbrook, Amanda Carreiro, and Xi Ai Diaz. Great grandchildren, Lilli Goines, Xander Goines, Eli Goines, Clara Stephens, Connor Stephens, Izzy Haydar, Ella Haydar, and Brant Poole will miss growing up without their Grandpa Curt. Curt is survived by one brother, Joe Adams of Sherwood, and three sisters, Dorothy Folts of Hazen, Evelyn Gentry of Hazen, and Carolyn Ferrell of Hermitage, and dozens and dozens of nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Curt, and he loved them back.

Curt worked for Arkansas Rice Growers, the predecessor of Riceland Foods, in Stuttgart, and helped construct several dryers.

Later, he ran Stuttgart Dryer #2 before moving into management over the Stuttgart dryers. A graduate of Hazen High School, he learned countless skills in the agri class. Curt later received an Honorary State Farmer degree from the FFA organization. After retirement, he moved back to Hazen where he became a regular at the “table of liars” at the Hurley House, with friendly banter over coffee about everything under the sun because women gossip but men discuss.

Curt became an election poll worker and enjoyed his title of Sheriff, even if it was only for twelve hours at a time. But Curt will forever be remembered for his uncanny memory and ability to explain how two people are somehow related.

Though small in stature, Curt had a huge heart and personality that engaged everyone he met and since he never met a stranger, he made friends everywhere, his favorite waitresses included. After several years of failing eyesight due to macular degeneration, how exciting that the first face He saw clearly was the face of Jesus.

Services were held at 2pm on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Center Point Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Billy Booth and Bro. Joe Ryan Mills officiating.

Visitation began at 1pm prior to the service.

Burial was held at Center Point Cemetery, where he was a member and served on the Cemetery Committee.

Patricia Yvonne Kittler Patricia Yvonne Kittler, age 86, of Carlisle, Arkansas passed away Saturday, January 14, 2 0 2 4 .

Pa t r i c i a was born in Carlisle, Arkansas o n February 23, 1936, to Irvy King and Sara Edna King. She was a graduate of Carlisle High School where she was president of her class.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry Kittler; two sons, Larry Joe Gunn, and Kenneth Gunn; sister, Ferel Coats; and two brothers, Sammy King, and Robert King.

Patricia loved going to flea markets and spending time at the casino.

She is survived by several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

The funeral service was held on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 11:00AM at Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel in Hazen, Arkansas. Burial was in the Carlisle Cemetery.

Hazen Council passes foster dog ordinance The Hazen City Council met on Thursday, January 18, to pass a foster dog agreement and ordinance.

Only Councilmember Larry Anthony was missing.

Ordinance 522 added a section to the Hazen Municipal Code, and lays out the Hazen Animal Shelter Foster Dog Program plan and procedures.

Monica Cruthis, one of the members of the Friends of the Hazen Shelter, reported to the council that her organization is working with rescue programs like Rescue Road to help the city with its overcrowded shelter problem. The group members have been walking the dogs at the shelter and working to provide things that the animals might need, especially during the bitterly cold weather the city has had lately.

Citizens have donated blankets for the dogs, and the city has installed kerosene heaters and heat lamps at the shelter.

The group has also been collecting donations to pay for spaying and neutering the dogs, which the city does not do, so that

they can be adopted.

“We’ve never had dogs for an extended length of time,” Mayor David Hardke said. The city plans to expand the fencing at the shelter.

“We’re working out the wrinkles,” Hardke told the council members.

The entire ordinance and foster dog agreement is printed in this week’s Herald.

Cruthis said that one dog had been adopted and that two others will be going up north to be adopted. Two pit mix dogs will be fostered until they no longer are positive for heartworms.

This can take several months, and after that the dogs will be turned over to a rescue program.

The departmental reports revolved around the recent cold weather.

Police Chief Bradley Taylor told the council that his department had worked several accidents on Interstate 40.

He also said that charges will be filed against the person who delivered fentanyl to a home where a juvenile who took it died recently.

Hardke gave the Utilities Department

report for Utilities Manager Chad Swaim who was working along with his team to fix three major water main breaks in the city. The three breaks were located behind city hall, on South Hazen Street, and next to the Church of Christ building. The breaks caused the city water to be turned off on Wednesday night for an extended length of time and a boil order to be given after the water was turned back on.

Swaim announced toward the end of the meeting that the water had been turned back on. As of this weekend, the boil order was no longer in effect.

The Utilities Department has also been working on other water leaks, including one at the football field house, a leak on the highway, which requires 260 feet of a special boring pipe, and a meter at the Loves station.

Fire Chief Seth Skarda said his department had six first responder calls, and had also helped with a house fire in Carlisle. In speaking of his group, Skarda said, “I was really proud of them.”

LIHEAP applications open for utility bill assistance LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Entergy Arkansas customers who need help paying their winter utility bills can apply now for up to $475 in assistance through the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program’s application period runs Jan. 8 through March 22, officials said, or until funds are expended.

LIHEAP is designed to lower the energy burden by paying benefits for home energy bills for low-income households, who pay a higher proportion of their income for home energy costs.

The program is available during summer and winter, as heating and air units work harder and use more energy during extreme temperatures.

An online application is available for most Entergy Arkansas customers at www.getliheap.com, but applications can also be made in person at local community-based organizations.

“Customers can quickly and easily complete the LIHEAP application and upload the required documents from a computer, tablet or smart phone,” said Brandi Hinkle with Entergy Arkansas Corporate Social Responsibility,

“and we encourage family and friends to help those who might not be as tech-savvy.

“Entergy Arkansas seeks way to help our customers stay connected, and the LIHEAP program is an excellent resource to help during financial difficulty,” Hinkle said. “The online application makes the process faster to ensure your power stays on or reconnected if necessary, which is especially important when the temperatures are low.”

The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment manages the LIHEAP program for electricity, natural gas and water, but applications for assistance must be made through a communitybased organization.

Customers can find their local agency online at www.adeq.state.ar.us/, along with a complete list of eligibility and required documentation to complete the applica-

tion.

Eligibility is determined by household size and income. For example, a single individual with a maximum monthly countable income of $2,054 and a family of four with $3,949 would both be eligible. Required documentation includes digital copies of a photo ID for the utility account holder, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income, proof of residency and copies of the most recent utility bills.

Once approved for LIHEAP funding, agencies make a pledge on a customer’s account for reconnection or to prevent disconnection.

For additional ways to help with managing your Entergy Arkansas bill, such as Level Billing or Pick A Date, visit https://www.entergy-arkansas.com/residential/, where energy efficiency tips can also be found.

City of Hazen Public Hearing There will be a public hearing on January 25, 2024 at 6:00 p.m at Hazen City Hall. The Hazen Planning Commission will meet to consider changing a parcel of land located at 708 S. Chester Street belonging to Russell and Sherry Seeber from R-2 to R-3 Classification. R-3 zones allow for single and double wide manufactured homes. The property is legally described as follows: Beginning at a point 22.93 (7) chains East of the Corner of Section Nineteen (19) and Thirty (30), where the centerline of the Central Arkansas and Eastern Railroad intersected the Section line between Sections Nineteen (19) and Thirty (30), Township Two (2) North, Range Five (5) West, thence West Between Sections Nineteen (19) and Thirty (30), a distance of 200 feeet (3.03 chains), thence South 640 feet (9.69 (6) chains) to an Iron rail stake (existing), thence Sections Nineteen (19) and Thirty (30) the point of beginning. This plot of land is in Section Thirty (30) Township Two (2) North, Range Five (5) West.

Interested parties are encouraged to attend this meeting. After the public hearing, The Hazen city Council will meet and hear the recommendation of the Planning commission and make a determination.

Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Bison win one, lose one

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor The Carlisle Bison split two games last week to move their conference record to 5-3.

The Bison beat Palestine-Wheatley 6356 on Tuesday then gave league-leader

Marianna fits for four quarters before falling 67-54.

In the win over the Patriots, Isaiah Powell led the Bison with 17 points. Cajuan Pernell had 13.

Kaidon Clingmon had 12. Devin Cooney had eight.

Bentley Parker scored

six. Lawson Petrus had five. Preston Parker had two.

In the loss to Marianna, Clingmon led the way with 17 points.

Powell had 11. Cooney had 10. Pernell added eight. Parker scored seven. Luke Caviness scored one.

Lady Bison win two

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor The Carlisle Lady Bison went 1-1 in action last week.

They beat Marianna 55-11 on Friday night but lost to Palestine-Wheatley 33-27 on Tuesday.

In the win over Marianna, Atlantis Blancett led Carlisle with 14 points. Heather Buffalo had 11. Bailey Dawson had five. Angie Petrus and Hailee Cooney had three points each. Scoring two each were Wisdom Owens,

Paige Lee and Morgan Jones.

In the loss to PalestineWheatley, Paige Chadwick led Carlisle with nine points. Petrus and Buffalo had seven points each. Dawson had four.

The Des Arc Lady Eagles picked up two wins last week to improve to 10-7 on the season.

Des Arc beat McCrory 27-20 on Tuesday and KIPP Delta 62-13 on Thursday.

In the win over McCrory, Calleigh Skarda led Des Arc with

15 points, three steals.

Makenzie Williams had 15 points, four steals and two rebounds.

Kaylee McDonald 10 points and five boards.

Emma Buckner had seven points and five boards. Kyrstin Horton had six points and two steals.

In the win over KIPP, Williams had 13 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Grace Knight

had 12 points, nine rebounds. McDonals 10 points, eight rebounds and three steals. Jada Jones had nine points, three assists. Skarda had eight points. Bucker had four.

Rachel Reidhar had two points, five rebounds and four steals. Kymber Buckner had two points and three boards. Horton had two points and two boards.

Arkansas State Senate Report

By Senator Ron Caldwell LITTLE ROCK – The Senate Education Committee has begun its review of the adequacy and equity of Arkansas public school funding.

Lawmakers conduct the thorough review every two years, with the help of legislative staff. They use the results to determine how much to increase education funding, and whether or not to tighten curriculum standards and financial accountability measures.

The study is due on November 1, 2024, in advance of the next regular session of the legislature in 2025.

Under the Arkansas Constitution the state must provide funding for an adequate and equitable education for every child. The legislature has the constitutional duty of appropriating tax revenue for state government operations, therefore it is the legislature’s responsibility to approve adequate funding of schools.

The Education Committee will meet regularly throughout the year to address the many aspects of school funding.

The categories include teacher salaries, facilities and equipment, transportation costs and uniform curriculum standards. The new adequacy study will update how the state responds to the needs of small and isolated school districts, fastgrowing districts and

schools in fiscal or academic distress.

If necessary legislators can update the matrix, a chart that serves as a tool to determine whether or not the state is funding an adequate school system, under the mandates of the constitution, Supreme Court rulings and state laws. Staff reiterated to members of the Education Committee that the matrix is a tool to measure how the legislature funds schools, not how much schools actually spend.

In addition to keeping track of funding and spending, writing a new adequacy report includes evaluating how effectively current programs are achieving their goals.

One method is a thorough analysis of student test scores, taking into account the different social situations in schools.

Generally, students in poor, isolated districts don’t score as well on standardized tests as students in prosperous neighborhoods. Similarly, students whose parents are college graduates generally score better than students whose parents never got a degree.

After taking those factors into account, education officials can predict test scores.

A successful school is one in which students’ actual scores are better than the predicted scores.

Legislative staff will

GPQS has January meeting

By Marsha Heien

Lady Eagles get two wins

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

Maeola's sampler quilt

schedule visits to those schools to learn what makes them effective. Staff also conducts surveys of superintendents, principals and teachers.

Throughout 2024 superintendents and school boards will closely follow the work of the Education Committee on adequacy, because the final product will be the basis for state funding of local school districts next year.

In Arkansas the major source of school revenue is state aid. Local property taxes are the second largest source of school revenue, and federal aid is third.

The legislature’s duty to provide equitable funding is challenging, due to disparities in local wealth and local property tax rates. The same tax rate in a city with manufacturing plants will generate much more revenue for schools than it will in an isolated region with no industries.

The state Supreme Court has ruled that under the Arkansas Constitution, the legislature must prioritize education funding. The legislature must rely on evidence to fund schools adequately and equitably, and legislators cannot simply appropriate to schools what is available in the state budget.

The Grand Prairie Quilt Society met January 10, 2024 at the First Christian Church, Stuttgart, Fellowship Hall with 7 members present. Shelley opened the meeting with The Thought for the Day, "Why the push for quilters to use up their stash?

Nobody asks stamp collectors to mail letters! The December minutes and treasurer's reports were given.

Dues for 2024 were col-

lected.

Several ideas were presented by the members for a 2024 group project.

Arkansas Children's Hospital, quilts for Veterans, Hope of the Delta, Easter Seals, Crestpark and Rescue quilts for children in distress were some of the projects discussed.

Members were asked to bring several 12 1/2" blocks to the next meeting to be put together into a quilt.

They should be made up of bright colors and prints.

Several members brought fabric remnants and quilt magazines and books for the treasure table. After a delicious pizza lunch, several members tackled the treasures to find that special something to finish a project....others settled down to work on their latest project along with much visiting and catching up on the latest news.

The next meeting will be February 14 at the church, come join us.

Center for AR Farms begins beginning farmer trainings FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food will begin its 2024 session of Beginning Farmer classes on Jan. 18 online via Zoom while a series of two-day Small Farm Short Courses will be held in person.

The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food will start its 2024 Beginning Farmer classes on Jan. 18 and conduct Small Farm Short Courses three times this year. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo) The online Beginning Farmer classes are held virtually 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through the end of February and focus on building a successful, sustainable market farm. Farmers share their experiences and knowledge as part of the classes.

The online classes are $10 each and incorporate learning activities with other local service providers.

“You can expect new knowledge and insights even if you’ve taken the course before,” said Heather Friedrich, Center for Arkansas Farms and Food program manager.

Recordings of the online classes will remain available to reg-

istrants through Oct. 31.

There will be 13 classes in the 2024 session covering a wide variety of topics that include growing produce, marketing, transitioning to organic, agritourism, and consumer supported agriculture, also known as CSA. To pay the $10 access fee per course, visit the registration page at www.farmandfoodsystems.uada.edu/classes/.

An email will be sent to registrants the day before each class and a follow up email will provide links to resources and a recording of the class Friedrich noted the benefit of attending the classes virtually, rather than watching the recordings, is having the opportunity to ask questions during the class.

Small Farm Short Courses New in 2024, CAFF is offering three intensive two-day in-person workshops called Small Farm Short Courses. The twoday, in-person workshops will be offered with seasonally relevant content at the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food, 1005 Meade, in Fayetteville.

The first workshop is Feb. 2-3 and addresses transplant production, markets, soil health,

setting up systems for success, cultivating community in your food system and a spotlight on CSAs. The second workshop will be May 3-4 with topics including field preparation and building beds, equipment demonstrations, record keeping and messaging, and marketing.

The third and final workshop will be held Oct. 18-19 and will focus on developing skills for crop planning, equipment maintenance, understanding costs of production, cover cropping and building farm management skills.

The courses will offer classroom and field instruction 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday.

Presenters will include CAFF staff, local farmers and representatives from local organizations that work with farmers and small businesses.

Lunch, refreshments and snacks will be provided.

Registration fees are $200 for each two-day workshop. Scholarships are available for those with limited resources, and historically underserved people.

For more information on the online classes and short courses, please email Friedrich at heatherf@uark.edu.

Time for Grand Prairie photo entries The 68th Grand Prairie Festival of the Arts will be accepting entries in Photography for adults and children at the Arts Center of the Grand Prairie.

Receive Entries January 19th – 12:00 -

5:00 / January 20th– 10:00 - 2:00 Exhibit Dates January 31st - February 29th Reception Date January 30th – 5:30 6:30 Pick-Up Dates March 1st – 10:00 - 4:00 /

March 2nd – 10:00 4:00 To Register please go to www.grandprairiearts.co m For further information please contact us at artscenter001@gmail.com

USDA reopens applications WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications for the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (Continuous CRP) signup on Jan. 12, 2024. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA)

encourages agricultural producers and landowners interested in conservation opportunities for their land in exchange for yearly rental payments to consider the enrollment options available through Continuous CRP, which also includes the

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) offered by FSA partners. Additionally, producers participating in CRP can apply to reenroll beginning Jan. 12, 2024 if their contracts will expire this year.

Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, January 24, 2024

As the Preferential Primary Election and Nonpartisan General Election draw near in Arkansas, it's crucial for every eligible citizen to recognize the power they hold within their vote. The upcoming election on March 5, 2024, serves as an opportunity for Arkansans to shape the future of their communities, the state, and the nation. The deadline to register to vote for this significant event is Monday, February 5.

Arkansas is home to 1,738,711 registered voters. Each of these individuals carries the potential to influence the trajectory of local and state policies.

However, the unfortunate reality is that voter turnout during primary elections has not always reflected the significance of this responsibility.

In the 2022 Preferential Primary

Election and Nonpartisan General Election, Arkansas experienced a voter turnout of just 25.98%.

The turnout in the 2020 Preferential Primary Election and Nonpartisan General Election was 28%.

The first step in exercising your right to vote is ensuring that you are registered. The deadline for registration is fast approaching on Monday, February 5. Don't miss this chance to be part of the democratic process.

To register in Arkansas you must fill out a paper Voter Registration Application.

You can pick up an application at the following locations: Your local county clerk.

The Arkansas Secretary of State Elections Division: 1800-482-1127.

Local revenue or DMV office.

Public library.

Disability agency.

Military recruitment office.

You can print a form to mail or request an application to be mailed to you at sos.arkansas.gov.

Once your local county clerk has processed your Voter Registration Application, he/she will send you a personalized voter registration card.

This could take up to several weeks. You may also check your voter registration status online by visiting www.voterview.org It's essential to recognize that the decisions made at the ballot box extend beyond partisan politics; they directly impact education, healthcare, infrastructure, and various other facets of our daily lives.

The future of Arkansas is in the hands of its citizens, and voting is the most direct way to shape that future.

ATU announces Dean’s List Local students have been named to the Arkansas Tech announces fall 2023 Dean’s List Sierra Faynell Gordin, Benjamin J. Smith, and Isabella Renee White (4.0) of Carlisle have been named to the

Arkansas Tech University Dean’s List for undergraduate students on its Russellville campus for the fall 2023 semester.

A student must achieve a 3.5 grade point average or higher and complete at least 12 hours

of college-level coursework to be named to the Dean’s List.

A total of 1,811 Arkansas Tech students achieved that distinction during fall 2023, an increase of 6 percent as compared to fall 2022.

Included in the fall 2023

HHS 2nd nine weeks Honor Rolls 2nd Nine Weeks Honor Roll 7th Grade Addie Carroll * Xachary George * Kami Perry * Addyson Elliott Mathew Essex Matthew Gladish Calle Gray Kayleigh Linder Peyton Lisko Nevaeh Metcalf Elan Moore Ja'Braylen Penn Levi Turner 8th Grade Weston Hare * Reece Cash Jaxon Craig Jeremy Paris Taylor Reynolds Bella Roberts Santiago Rodriguez Paycen Seely Kenedy Self John Simmons Tesla Van Houten Paityn Watson 9th Grade Michael Bowman * Ryleigh Cook * Alyssa Douglas-Dodge * Isabelle Gray * Rayna Hester * Destiny Martin * Jalynn Thomas * Kadence Weems * Makynlee Anderson Jaelynne Barnhill Kadence Fegley Hannah Linder Kylee McElroy Kiersten Shatzer Bailey Sims Luke Snider 10th Grade Maddox Prine * Maci Sickel * Dylan Skarda * Peyton Anderson Wesley Clifton Abygail Davis Sarah Douglas Remington Fegley Chase Heinmiller Ethan Lisko Allyson Mooney Gabrielle Morgan Sophie Raper Hayden Rogers London Smith 11th Grade Jaci Hackelton * Karly Kinard * Makayla McCray * Owen Simmons * Kendall Sisemore * Mattie Alberson Rileigh Barnhill Faith Duell Pol Gerard Lonnie Grable William Hurley Carson Kee Austin Kocourek

Ryan Martin Dakota Randleas Laila Schultz Ethan Simmons Jameion Stigall Charles Weems Brance Williams 12th Grade Austyn Booth * Taylor Griffin * Colton Holloway * Abby Hopkins * Lilly Schulze * Kaycie Seely * Aydin Self * Kolton Tosh * Nash Arnett Kamryn Blackard Faith Johnson Tamesha Larkin Hershel Minor Allison Prine Katelin Wallace Brooke Wooten Denotes All A’s * Semester Honor Roll 7th Grade Addyson Elliott Mathew Essex Matthew Gladish Calle Gray Kayleigh Linder Nevaeh Metcalf Elan Moore Ja'Braylen Penn Levi Turner 8th Grade Kiera Anderson Payten Bacon Daniya Calahan Reece Cash Jaxon Craig Madison Graham Chloe Hinshaw Avion Maxwell-Mertens Jacob Mills-Dixon McKenzi Owens Jeremy Paris Taylor Reynolds Bella Roberts Santiago Rodriguez Paycen Seely Kenedy Self Tesla Van Houten 9th Grade Makynlee Anderson Jaelynne Barnhill Sidney Bragg Cayden Calvert Graylie Lawless Hannah Linder Kylee McElroy Kiersten Shatzer Bailey Sims Luke Snider Alyssa Tiner 10th Grade Peyton Anderson Wesley Clifton Abygail Davis Remington Fegley Chase Heinmiller Tyreke Kendrick Peyton Kocourek Ethan Lisko

Allyson Mooney Gabrielle Morgan Sophie Raper Hayden Rogers London Smith 11th Grade Mattison Alberson Emma Cantwell Faith Duell Pol Gerard Lonnie Grable Jaci Hackelton William Hurley Carson Kee Austin Kocourek Ryan Martin Chelsea Orman Dakota Randleas Laila Schultz Ethan Simmons Jameion Stigall Charles Weems Brance Williams 12th Grade Nash Arnett Gage Heinmiller Faith Johnson Tamesha Larkin Grayson Lott Allison Prine Kaycie Seely Kolton Tosh Brandon Vaughn Katelin Wallace Brooke Wooten All A Semester Honor Roll 7th Grade Addie Carroll Xachary George Kami Perry 8th Grade Weston Hare John Simmons 9th Grade Michael Bowman Ryleigh Cook Alyssa Douglas-Dodge Isabelle Gray Rayna Hester Destiny Martin Jalynn Thomas Kadence Weems 10th Grade Sarah Douglas Maddox Prine Maci Sickel Dylan Skarda 11th Grade Rileigh Barnhill Karly Kinard Makayla McCray Owen Simmons Kendall Sisemore 12th Grade Kamryn Blackard Austyn Booth Taylor Griffin Colton Holloway Abby Hopkins Hershel Minor Lilly Schulze Aydin Self

The $400 cost for this notice will be paid by the City of Hazen out of the City General Funds.

Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, January 24, 2024

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

To Whom it May C o n c e r n .

A White 2014 Ford E s c a p e V I N # IFMCU0GX4EU1327558 The above mentioned vehicle was towed to our lot on July 15, 2023 per request of the Hazen Police Department, and was towed to storage lot off 1111 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, MondayFriday 8am-5pm, 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.

FREE PUPPY Healthy Gorgeous English bulldog pup available for a new home. Free to a caring family. The dog is registered and has had all of its shots. Email me for more information: washingtonriley18@gmail.com.

DeValls Bluff Police Department is accepting applications for a part time officer. Pick up application at the DeValls Bluff City Hall.

I am looking for a woman to help take care of a disabled elderly man. Light house cleaning and cooking is required. Some driving is required if a valid D.L. is legal. Only serious inquiries only. Call 501-2885006.

3 bedroom, 2 bath brick home with fireplace in Des Arc near the elementary school. One car garage with storm cellar, backyard shop building, and large fenced in backyard. Kitchen appliances, washer and dryer included. Call 501-858-7407 or 870-256-5758.

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, January 24, 2024

Snow, ice, freezing temperatures cover the Grand Prairie The Grand Prairie, along with the rest of Arkansas, was covered in snow that started on Sunday, January 14, and continued for two days, leaving three to five inches or more of snow. The temperatures remained below freezing throughout the week, causing broken water mains, wrecks, and the closing of schools, restaurants, and offices. These pictures were taken by Ruth Corley, Debbye Harrison, and the Hazen Police Department.