Happy New Year!!!
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Hippy celebrates “Grinchmas.” (See page 6.)
Volume 122 Number 52 - USPS 225-680
Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie
Wednesday, December 27, 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. Monday January 1 New Year’s Day Most local and County offices are closed. Friday January 5 Hornets vs McCrory Hornets Nest 4:30 p.m. 7B, JG, SB Monday January 8 Biscoe EHC meeting 10:30 Biscoe First Baptist Church Tuesday January 9 Caregiver Support Group Hazen Senior Center 10:00 a.m. Hornets @ Kipp 5:00 p.m. JB, SB Thursday January 11 DeValls Bluff City Council meeting 6:00 p.m. Community events are brought to you by the Hazen Chamber of Commerce and the
Please call F&M Bank (255-3042) or The Grand Prairie Herald (255-4538) to list events.
Wreaths Across America observed at Carlisle Cemetery ...
Wreaths Across America 2023 was observed at the Carlisle Cemetery on Saturday, Dec 16, at 11:00 AM. The event was held in 4200 locations nationwide this year and the Carlisle Cemetery was one of those locations. Bro. Bill Ricks, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Carlisle, led the opening prayer. Commander Michael McConaughy and members of the Rollie Crowder American Legion Post 133 assisted location coordinators Judi Tarter Jones and Jan Tarter Pasley in the ceremony. Grand Prairie DAR Vice-Regent Cheryl Vickers led in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Carlisle event, which is held each year to “remember the fallen, to honor those who serve and their families, and to teach the next generation the value of freedom,” has doubled the number of wreaths placed and participants attending since the 2022 ceremony last year. Forty veteran wreaths were placed on graves and eight military branch wreaths were placed around the flagpole to honor those who now serve and have served in the United States armed forces. Approximately 50 people attended and participated in the ceremony. The location coordinators hope that the numbers continue to grow in the coming years.
Carlisle council discusses finances, sewer problems By Debbye Harrison Mayor Ray Glover said, “The city is not broke and I’m tired of hearing it.” His focus for the Council meeting December 19 included city finances and the legality of executive meetings. He further announced that the General Operating Fund had $269,000 in it. The water and sewer has $165,000 and streets $80,000. When asked what was covered in the general fund, he listed a few things like mosquito control and the fire department. Other Council members added salaries, police, and everything but water and sewer and streets. Mayor Glover singled out Councilperson Anne Anderson and asked her if she had been spreading rumors that the city was broke and she said no. She added that she would if it were needed. Later in a discussion about a possible contract
for mosquito control with a new company Vector, Mayor Glover commented that the city always loses money on mosquito control. This led to comments about losing money in other areas such as leaf and limb. He said, “When have we gone in the hole?” Anderson replied, “You just said we lose money on mosquito control, leaf and limb and probably water!” Mayor Glover also announced that he had sought legal advice from the Municipal League about Executive Committee meetings. No Executive Committee meetings can be held without the mayor. Those meetings can only be held for six reasons: legal, personnel, contracts, member matters, litigation and payment. Last month when an Executive Meeting was called and he was asked to leave, it was an illegal meeting and should not have been held. The comment was made that
it was done to preserve feelings. Kevin Swaim addressed the Council about an ongoing sewer problem that the city has handled numerous times on south Greenlaw. However, since the last cleanout the problem has worsened. David Walters addressed the question and explained that the old concrete sewer pipes have apparently been broken and now gravel is leaking along with sewer when the jetter is used to unstop the pipe. This indicates that the only remedy will be total replacement of the sewer line with at least a 6 inch if not larger PVC pipe. Parker Construction will have to be called. Since this is an emergency and this company has done excellent work for the city before, it will not be necessary to take bids. Several citizens attended the meeting to address the problem of the lack of leaf and limb
pick-up. William Rountree suggested if the city does not reinstate the service, then the charge should be taken off the water bill. Eleanor Clyburn reminded the Council of the need for the service because so many elderly people are not able to physically handle the limbs or leaves and having a pretty yard is important to everyone. Randy Phillips withdrew his bid to provide the leaf and limb service due to lack of labor. He did suggest another person who might be contacted. The problem is getting a permit from the government for land that is not in the floodplain to be eligible for dumping. Then the equipment and labor will be needed. Others joined in the discussion. The Council then moved into old business. The city librarian, Mrs. Eaton, has resigned. Mayor Glover spoke highly of her time at her
job and how difficult it will be to find a replacement. The report about Animal Control included glowing reports about Melissa Williams for her work with the stray animals and the job she is doing at the pound. The recent visit from the cosponsors from Boston included more kennels and product and was very successful. Sissy Drye reported that she is meeting with FEMA every Wednesday to continue the settlement process for funds due the city from the recent storm. The scoreboard that was destroyed at the Rockefeller Ballpark during a storm will be shared by the school and the city, with each paying $16,225. Council Members attending the meeting were Todd Turner, Anne Anderson, Larry Flynn, Jon Plafcan and Mary Eddleman. Kevin Kegley was absent.
Des Arc approves rate increases for utilities By Lisa Mills
At the December 19th meeting of the Des Arc City Council, an ordinance was approved to increase the water and sewer rates for city customers and water rates for North Prairie County Water Extension (NPCWE) customers. The ordinance states that the increase is necessary due to the higher cost of production and maintenance. The new water rates will be $14.27 for the first thousand gallons and $6.43 after that. Sewer rates will be $9.37 for the first thousand gallons and $4.11 after that. The new water rate for NPCWE customers will be $17.36 for first thousand gallons and $6.68 after that. Mayor Roger Scott informed the council that the city would not be receiving the state street aid for which the city had applied. The letter from the street aid committee says that
99 out of the 146 applications were approved. It also states that applicants not chosen will remain active for next year and that there is no need to re-apply. Mayor Scott also presented the council with a notice from Cameron Mutual Insurance Company, the city’s employee insurance company, which states that they will no longer provide coverage for the city, effective January 1st. Scott said that the city was fortunate to be able to obtain coverage from the Municipal League, effective January 1st. The council passed a motion to accept the Municipal League coverage. Gail King reported for the grant committee that the GIS grant for digital mapping of the water department was received which saved the city $11,130.00, leaving only $1,000 of the cost for the city to pay. She also reported how thankful the city is
to have received the $3.2 million grant for the water treatment plant, and the grant for the baseball complex. King said that a drainage grant is currently in motion, and plans are to apply for a pipeline safety program grant, a sewer treatment grant, and a flood plain grant in 2024. Judy Burnett suggested
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the city also consider applying for another grant for more improvements to the park. An ordinance was approved to amend the 2023 budget, as required by the state. A motion was passed to have the city’s new logo painted on the water tanks. The council discussed making some changes to
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the city sales tax percentage distributions and decided to table making any changes until the January meeting. Mayor Roger Scott, Treasurer/Recorder Janice Huffstickler, and Council Members Keith Knupp, Judy Burnett, Nicole Fisher, Jodie Mayher, and Gail King were present.
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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Marilyn George Marilyn George, age 80, of DeValls Bluff, Arkansas, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 18, 2023 at Baptist Medical Center in Stuttgart. Marilyn was survived by her devoted son Jackie, daughter Angela, son Charles; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Marilyn was born in DeValls Bluff, Arkansas and attended DeValls Bluff High School. She remained a member of the local area throughout her life. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Conway George, who passed away on September 19, 2001. After her husband’s death Marilyn assumed the management role of the family farms and was very successful in that endeavor. Marilyn was an avid golfer who thoroughly enjoyed the competitive aspect of the sport and won many competitions in women’s and mixed couple tournaments. She always enjoyed golfing at the Grand Prairie Country Club in Hazen, Arkansas, and supported the club in several upgrades at the course. Marilyn was very involved in supporting the local community through donations and participations in community affairs. Marilyn was active in the DeValls Bluff First Baptist Church and provided support whenever
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it was needed. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and many members of the community. Funeral services for Marilyn were held on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 2:30 P.M. at the First Baptist Church in DeValls Bluff, Arkansas; Visitation was prior to the service from 1:30 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. . Interment was in the Oakland Cemetery in DeValls Bluff.
Shirrel Eugene Copeland Shirrel Eugene Copeland, 81, passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, in Mountain H o m e , Arkansas. Shirrel was born on April 18, 1942, in Rector, Arkansas, to Wilson and Imogene Moore Copeland. He graduated from Greenway High School in 1959. After high school Shirrel enrolled in the United States Air Force at the age of 17. He married Shirley Minton on January 30, 1970 in Hazen, Arkansas. He started his career working for the General Telephone Company in 1963 climbing poles, and he retired as head of Special Services for Texas and California in 1991 from San Angelo, Texas. After moving to Cotter in 1999, he worked for First National Bank & Trust for several years. They then moved to Mountain Home in 2019. Shirrel was best known for outgoing personality, humor and vast knowledge of many subjects. He enjoyed spending time with his family, being the grill master for cookouts, hunting or fishing in the outdoors, piddling on various projects, working on rental properties and watching Mountain Home Bomber and Lady Bomber Basketball. Shirrel is survived by his wife of 54 years, Shirley Copeland of Mountain Home, AR; son, Scott (Johnnie) Copeland; grandson, Colin Copeland all of Mountain Home, AR; sister, Phillis Brightwell of Winfield, MO; sister, Pansy (Glen) Dimick of Cotter, AR; brother, Edward Copeland of Mountain Home, AR; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his grandparents,
Singleton and Nora Copeland, and Tom and Ellie Moore; parents, Wilson and Imogene Copeland; and a sister, Nora Ella Copeland. Visitation will be Saturday, December 23, 2023, from 9:00 am until 10:00 am, at Kirby & Family Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 10:00 am at Kirby & Family Funeral Home, with Brother Hershel Conley officiating. Graveside Funeral Services will be 11;00 am, Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at Center Point Cemetery, Hazen, Arkansas, with Billy Booth officiating.
Joan Leoline Uhiren Woodruff Joan (Joanie) Leoline Uhiren Woodruff of Little Rock, Arkansas entered the glory of heaven on December 14, 2023, after her brief battle with cancer. She was born January 14, 1958 to Gloria (Bujarski) & William (Bill) Uhiren of Carlisle. The first part of her life was on the family farm and attending Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Slovak, Arkansas. At the early age of 4, the family moved to Carlisle, Arkansas and attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Joanie played basketball for and graduated from Carlisle High School. She loved animals and began her career as a veterinarian assistant. She obtained her LPN and then her RN license from Baptist School of Nursing. She worked as an LPN at an England nursing home. She began her RN career at Baptist Memorial Hospital in North Little Rock. Spent 30+ years at UAMS as a surgical nurse with one year working in apheresis. She retired in 2020 and her regret was that she did not get a retirement party due to COVID. Then, as many nurses do, she returned to work parttime, one day a week and finished her career in August 2023 at UAMS Orthopedics and Spine Institute. Once Katie entered her life and then Addison, they became the center of her existence. She loved traveling with them. Her joy was attending Addison’s per-
formances with Parkview High School Choir and Theater. Joanie was a true flower child of the 60s. She had a brilliant smile and wonderful personality. Many of her friends and UAMS associates came to see her during her hospitalizations and in her home. They shared many stories with Katie, Addison and Peggy about her kindness, her generosity, and her joy of life. The family would like to extend their thanks for Joanie’s wonderful care: to UAMS 7th Floor Oncology nurses & staff; UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, UAMS Health Radiation Oncology Center, Staffs and K o n s t a n t i n o s Arnaoutakis M.D. and Lisa Harrell, D.O. and UAMS Oncology Urgent Care. Her battle with cancer was made so much easier by Emily Newsome, D.O. and her staff at UAMS Palliative Care Clinic and her end life care by Arkansas Hospice. Addison expresses gratitude to her teachers and mentors. Words cannot express our appreciation to her friends who attended Joanie in her home to help Katie: Christopher Paladino, Ching Hearnsburger, Jeane Meek, Diane Kinsey McGee and Charlene Cunningham. May the Lord bless the kind, compassionate and caring medical teams and friends, including those who called, visited, contributed to her Go Fund Me account, and the countless that prayed for Joanie. Also, thank you to Pastor Shirlee of St. Mark Baptist Church of Little Rock and Crystal Reed, Brandy Burris, and Mary Walls for being there for Joanie, Katie, and Addison during this time. Thank you to Father Shaun Wesley also, Byrum Kelly and Barbara Rogers of Westbrook Funeral Home. Her funeral services will be held on December 30, 2023, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Carlisle, Arkansas as follows: Rosary at 10:00 followed by Visitation at 10:30 and Funeral at 11:00. Burial will be next to her mother and father at St. Cyril and Methodius Cemetery in Slovak, Arkansas. Memorials may be made to The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation by visiting netrf.org/givenow (http://netrf.org/givenow).
Garcia honored... The Des Arc Police Department recently recognized Officer Rafael Garcia as Officer of the Year for 2023.
Hazen Council hears city dog fostering proposal The Hazen City Council met in its regular meeting on Thursday, December 21 to hear departmental reports and to consider a dog fostering agreement. Council Members Larry Anthony and Bob Juola were missing from the meeting. Mayor David Hardke told the council that the city will probably spend around $226,000 in 2024 to continue repairs and upgrades of the utilities system. Two more concrete sewer lines need to be replaced at a cost of around $141,000, and more upgrades are needed to improve the efficiency of the water plant. Utilities Department Manager Chad Swaim echoed the mayor’s remarks saying, “The city hasn’t spent any money on this stuff (water and gas) in years.” New equipment has been installed at the water plant, and the city continues to upgrade the equipment. “It’s going to be a process,” Swaim said. Hardke agreed, saying, “We have a plan.” Swaim added that his department continues to check for gas and water leaks. A water main was broken at the Loves station, and a two inch gas main was also hit and had to be repaired. A meter will be replaced to make sure that no gas is being lost along the city’s gas line, and a gas valve leak at Madison and Jackson is being repaired. Chief of Police Bradley Taylor reported that he is working on his department’s budget. And that a jakebreak
Legal Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS PROBATE DIVISION THIRD DIVISION
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
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FRANCES IRENE WILSON, DECEASED CASE NO. 59SPR-23-40
Managing Editor/Publisher Roxanne Bradow Circulation/Accounts Trudy Johnson Sports Editor Mark Buffalo Correspondent Lisa Mills Correspondent Debbye Harrison Photographer Ruth Corley
Last known address of decedent: 9650 Scott Road, DeValls Bluff, AR 72041 Date of Death: September 1, 2023 The undersigned was appointed Administrator of the estate of the above-named decedent on December 11, 2023. All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, duly verified, to
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sign is now up on Highway 63, which should help with noise. He also announced that Dillon Cook had been awarded the Drug and Traffic Enforcement Award. Cook recovered 513 pounds of drugs in 2023. Colten Felts recovered 240 pounds of drugs during the year. Fire Chief Seth Skarda said that his department put out one car and one grass fire, and had burned two houses in town. Hardke told the council that two old power units at the city farm need to be upgraded. It will cost the city approximately $19,300 for one and $17,000 for the other to get them in shape. A preconstruction conference for the filter bed updates is scheduled for January 4, 2024. Mayoral Assistant Tracie Vail told the council that the city had received a $183,000 sidewalk grant to repair the sidewalks on Hazen and Livermore Streets leading up to the schools. It is an 80/20 grant, which will cost the city $66,000. The longest discussion that took place concerned a foster dog agreement which had been drawn up for consideration. After a back and forth between council members, the document was tabled, but then that was rescinded, and the document was passed with the proviso that the city’s lawyer look it over and ok it. The council will meet again on January 4, 2024 to finalize next year’s budget.
the undersigned within six (6) months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in the estate. This notice first published the 20th day of December, 2023. Jimmy Wilson Administrator of the Estate c/o Mike Munnerlyn Attorney for Estate Arkansas Bar No. 95003 10350 Riverview Corporate Drive North Little Rock, AR 72113 Telephone: (501) 6635620 Email: mike@mikemunnlaw.com
Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Hazen School Board hears FCCLA report, continues discussion of PPC request The Hazen School Board met on Monday, December 18, to approve the membership of Superintendent Andy Barrett to the Wilbur D. Mills Education Service Cooperative Board of Directors and to once again consider a Personnel Policies Committee (PPC) request to allow teachers to leave school an hour early when necessary without requiring the teachers to take off an entire half day. The PPC’s request to count eight one-hour absences as full personal day was tabled last month, and this month the PPC’s president, Susan Booth, proposed a compromise which would allow teachers to leave four times during the last period of the day for doctor’s appointments or emergencies. The four “early-leaves” would count as one half of a personal day. Teachers are allowed two personal days in their contracts. Superintendent Barrett had suggested last
month that the board approve an extra personal day instead, but the teachers would prefer to take the leave by single periods at the end of the day so that they would not have to take off a full half day and miss extra class time with their students. The administration and some of the board members expressed concern with having to keep up with what days teachers might miss a single period. Board Member Rusty Rogers asked, “Why don’t we work on it for three or four months?” But the request was originally presented by the teachers in October. Barrett said that teachers already get a lot of days off during holidays and the summer, but teachers are not paid for those days. Holidays and breaks are not included in the teachers’ 190 school year work days. Once again, the board tabled the request for another month. “We’ll get it ironed out,” Barrett said.
Debbie Carlyle hands over her position on the Hazen School Board to Chad Greenwalt, who won the school board election in November. This was Carlyle’s last meeting, and she was honored with a pin and a cake. Hazen High students Maci Sickel and Ryleigh Cook reported on the STAR events competition that FCCLA students had participated in recently. Local students who score high enough in the state competition would go on to
the national competition. The board approved a resolution for the district to conduct business transactions with local vendors in which school employees may be “directly interested.” Those employees were
Rebecca Shelman, whose husband holds interest in Parts World of Hazen and Lucy Raper whose husband works for ORR Electric. Elementary Principal Laura Saranie thanked the board for the bonuses given to staff members. She also told the board that her building had received ESSA growth money for scores in 2022-23. The elementary school held an IStation celebration for student growth in math and reading. The amount of money received by the school was over $22,000 which can be used for anything that benefits students. High School Principal Amy Marek reported that her building’s attendance incentives were working. She also said that Tammy Lee had taken a group of students to the Dale Bumpers Rice Research Center in Stuttgart, and that there would be basketball games on January 5th beginning at 4:30 p.m. Barrett said that he is
still working on the building fund budget priorities. He is getting a lot of pressure to replace the football field lights, and he is looking at what that will cost. He also announced a staff appreciation steak dinner to be held on January 5th, 2024, and invited the board to attend. After a fifteen minute executive session, the board voted to hire Trudy Drye as a HIPPY paraprofessional for the remainder of the 202324 school year effective January 5, and Jamie Hopson as an Administrative Secretary/Clerk in the superintendent’s office for the remainder of this school year. The meeting ended with School Board Member Debbie Carlyle being presented a Certificate of Boardmanship. This was Carlyle’s final school board meeting. She will be replaced by Chad Greenwalt, who was elected to the board in November.
Prairie County Quorum Court continues to work on budget
Fowler wins gift card... Lori Fowler from Little Rock Arkansas ( formerly of DeValls Bluff) is the winner of the $500 gift card to the Guess Christmas Warehouse Sale. Sarah and Ronnie Ward donated the $500.00 gift card to raise matching funds for a grant the City of Des Arc has received from Arkansas Parks and Tourism. The grant is to build a new Baseball Complex for the City of Des Arc. The Wards donated the $500.00 gift card in honor of the individuals who have given endless hours to start the baseball program, and to families who have volunteered on many levels through out the years to make the program a success. Approximately $5000.00 was raised. A second fundraiser has begun for a $500.00 Visa Card to be given away on January 01, 2024. Donation for tickets is $10.00. These donations will also go toward the Baseball Complex Project. The $500.00 Visa card has been donated by Jeannie Myers Lindsey from Beebe, formerly of Des Arc. Ms. Lindsey's father was Captain Myers for whom the first baseball field in Des Arc was named.
ARDOT warns against left lane driving This week, the House Public Transportation Committee and the Senate Transportation, Technology, and Legislative Affairs Committee heard testimony from the Arkansas State Police and the Highway Police concerning the prevalent issue of driving in the left lane. In 2021, the Arkansas General Assembly passed legislation aimed at addressing the challenges posed by inappropriate use of the left lane on multilane highways. Act 1090 puts clear restrictions on driving in the left lane, permitting it only under specific circumstances: 1. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction. 2. When all other lanes traveling in the same direction are closed for construction or repair. 3. When all other lanes for traveling in the same direction are in disrepair or are in an otherwise undrivable or unsafe condition. 4. When a vehicle is preparing to exit the multilane highway on the left.
Since the enactment of this legislation, the Arkansas State Police have issued over 400 citations and delivered more than 3,600 warnings to drivers found impeding traffic in the left lane. The rationale behind this enforcement aims to address a significant safety concern. When drivers choose to block the left lane, whether intentionally or not, they compromise road safety and efficiency for everyone on the road. According to the National Motorist Association, refraining from obstructing other drivers not only reduces the likelihood of accidents but also brings additional benefits. Smoother traffic flow leads to less tailgating, reduced weaving in and out of lanes, and ultimately fewer accidents. Furthermore, the ripple effect of yielding to faster traffic results in faster overall travel times. Reduced congestion and a smoother traffic flow allow highway capacity to be utilized to its fullest extent, translating to quicker journeys for all drivers.
The Prairie County Quorum Court Budget Committee met at noon on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 to discuss the budgets of the various county departments and find ways to cut them in 2024. Rick Stallings, the committee chair, Judge Lawrence Holloway, and Justices Zack Payne, Bill Calhoun, Paul Hooks, and Bobby Willeford were on hand to ask questions of Treasurer Tamara Dabney, County Clerk Gaylon Hale, Assessor Karan Skarda, and Sheriff Rick Parson, and Deputy Sheriff Jeffery Bokker. Dabney was asked how she determined what the anticipated revenue for 2024 would be. Dabney said that she expected $271,000 in state grants next year. State grants received by the county in 2023 was $203,000 as of the meeting date and $175,000 in 2022. She said that projections are done in October. Stallings asked, “Would it make sense to lower that number?” Dabney replied, “After all these years, I know how to project the numbers.” She added that she had a formula that she went by to get the budget projections. The projected bank balance, when taking numbers from November 1, was $648,838.55, but after reducing that amount by $189,000 from a CD that had been cashed in and $50,000 in American Rescue Plan funding that will no longer be available, the total anticipated revenue for 2024 came to $2,015,838.55. The committee also lowered the numbers for anticipated state grants,
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state land sales, and took out $100,000 from an assistance fund for tribal entities (LATC) and $800,000 in transfers to the county general account which had already been included in the previous bank balance. They also removed $42,000 in other state aid, and lowered state grants from $271,000 to $200,000. The Assessor and Collector funds were raised as was the amount budgeted for election reimbursement. After changing the numbers, the total anticipated revenue for 2024 came to $3,432,819.70, about one million dollars less than the original prediction. The county can only budget 90% of its expected revenues. Next, the committee went to work on reducing the 2024 budget requests from the various departments. The county library budget was agreed to as well as the Christmas bonuses that had been requested by County Librarian April Highfill for her staff. The Road Department Fund was adjusted downward. Skarda told the committee that she wants to hire part-time help in her office. The LATC budget was reduced by
$50,000. Line items for postage, advertising and publications, dues and membership fees and meals and lodging were reduced in the judge’s budget. Hale told the court that the county is now purchasing health insurance from Blue Cross/Blue Shield, which will save about $7500. Her office has budgeted in the possible purchase of two or three needed computers. Courthouse maintenance amounts were lowered to $3000 for each of the Des Arc and DeValls Bluff courthouses. Salaries in Hale’s office will be kept to 2023 amounts. The treasurer’s requests for extra help, general supplies, and Des Arc Courthouse maintenance will be cut by approximately $7400. The assessor’s request was lowered by about $14,000. The various accounts overseen by the sheriff’s department were the most difficult for the justices. Parson has several accounts, some of which he would like to combine in 2024. In 2023 the deputy sheriffs were given raises using the ARPA funding. The deputies’ salaries were increased from $15 an hour to $19 an hour,
which is commensurate with salaries in counties of similar size. Since the increases were never passed by the court, the court could reduce the salaries back tso 2023 levels, but Parson said that he was afraid that he would lose deputies if that happened. So, Parson left a deputy position unfilled and reduced another parttime job salary to cut the sheriff’s budgeted salaries by approximately $12,000. He also cut $2500 from general supplies, $5000 from parts and repairs, and $10,000 from a miscellaneous law enforcement account. The jail operation and maintenance fund budget went up, but that account will be rolling over about $25,500 into next year’s balance. Ultimately, after a meeting that lasted almost eight hours, the budget committee reduced the 2024 requests by $209,839.72, not including the sheriff’s cuts. However, according to Stallings, the jailers and the 911 funding had to be added to the request. The committee will meet again this week to finalize the 2024 budget prior to the first full quorum court meeting in January.
Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, December 27, 2023
CHS cheer squad is state runner-up By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor For the second consecutive year, the Carlisle High School cheerleading squad is the Class 1A-2A state runner-up. Carlisle finished second to Junction City in the Arkansas Activities Association cheer competition for all-girls teams at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs. The competition was held Dec. 15. East Poinsett County was third, followed by Murfreesboro and Greenland. Junction City won the championship by 2.8 points over Carlisle. Team members include: Grace Tustison, Abi Tustison, Morgan Jones, Taylor Lenderman, Heather Buffalo, Hailey Sullivan, Kiersten Taylor, Tessa Sanders, Angie Claire Petrus, Amya Jones, Bliss Parker, Emma Kate Clark, Cadie Junkerman, Maggie Crotty, Alyssa mills and McKinley Simmons. The squad is coached by Lindsay Thaxton. Heather Buffalo “My favorite part about
competition was competition day. We all knew what we had to do, and we executed our performance with no error. I’ve never been more proud of a group of girls in my life. All of the hours, sweat and blood that we put into that performance had paid off. Of course, the best part was our biggest supporter, Ms. Lindsey. She walked us through every step and believed in us when we couldn’t.” Alyssa Mills “My favorite part about competition this year was working with the girls having an amazing, supportive cheer coach. I couldn’t have used for a better team to compete with. We all supported each other throughout the the cheer practices every single day after school. We worked hard and did amazing on the state. I couldn’t have asked us to do it any better.” Cadie Junkerman “My favorite thing about competition was when we would practice in the indoor facility and Ms. Linsey would yell at us and call us
boring so we would work harder, but I also loved that it brought all of us girls together, and we got to work as a family, not just as a team.” Morgan Jones “My proudest moment was just hitting everything at state.” Amya Jones “One think I love about competition is how it brings all of us together to strive for the best. I will always remember the support I had and the dedication we put into our routine.” “My proudest moment was after we ht our routine at state.” Taylor Lenderman “My favorite part was probably being able to get close with everyone on the team and competing with some amazing people for the last time.” “One think I love about competition is how it brings all of us together to strive for the best. I will always remember the support I had and the dedication we put into our routine.” Angie Claire Petrus “My proudest moment was after we hit our routine at state.”
DA Eagle Eyes in tournament... By Francine Dickson The Des Arc Eagle Eye Archery Team participated in the Reindeer Classic Tournament in Bryant on Saturday, December 9th. This was the team's first tournament of the year. The Eagle Eyes did an outstanding job and achieved their best score to date. The team will be traveling to Brookland this Saturday, Dec.16th to participate in the Brookland Bulls-eye Bash. Pictured: 1st row kneeling L to R: Andi Tallent, Phoebe Branham, Canon Bell, Zachary Payne, Harper Meek, Sara Brown, Ashlynn Collins 2nd row standing L to R: Coach Francine Dickson, Lily Edwards, Emersyn Estes, Olivia Bogy, Lilly Bethell, Ruby Kearby, Mollee McDonald, Rossie Buckner, Noah Hudson, Coach Paul Dickson 3rd row standing L to R: Max Severns, Talyn Johnston, Knox Eans, Case Bell, Chloe Nichols, Annaston Pate, Jett Walicki, Brayden Sanderson
Hazen holds music concert
The K-Grade 2 Choir
Lady Bison drop two while Lady Eagles get two wins By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor The Carlisle Lady Bison dropped two games last week to Abundant Life and Haskell Harmony Grove. Harmony Grove won 62-25. Bailey Dawson led Carlisle with 11 points. Heather Buffalo had five. Atlantis Blancett had four Paige Chadwick had three. Morgan Jones had two. Calrisle lost to Abundant Life 43-42. The Lady Owls outscored the Lady Bison 17-12 in the
fourth quarter to get the win. Buffalo and Chadwick led the Lady Bison with 12 points. Dawson added 11. Hailee Cooney scored three. Blancett and Paige Lee had two points each.
Des Arc girls The Des Arc Lady Eagles went 2-0 last week, beating Augusta 68-59 and Harrisburg 63-59. In the win over Augusta, Makenzie Williams led Des Arc with 22 points, five steaks, five assists and six rebounds. Kaylee
McDonald and Jada Jones had eight points each. Rachel Reidhar had seven points. Grace Knight, Calleigh Skarda and Kymber Buckner had six points each. Emma Buckner had three. Kyrstin Horton scored two. In the win over Harrisburg, Williams had 30 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block. Skarda had nine points, six rebounds. Jones had nine points, two assists and two rebounds. Kymber Bucker had seven points and two boards.
The Grades 3-6 Choir The Hazen Elementary School and Hazen High School held its band and choir concerts on Thursday, December 14, in the Hornets’ Nest Gym. The director is Johnna Creasey.
Des Arc bands hold holiday concert
Junior Band
Senior Band
Des Arc Senior Band
Senior Choir
Des Arc Junior Band The Des Arc Music Department, under the direction of David Yarbrough, presented their 10th annual Christmas concert on December 18th at the Des Arc High School
gym. The beginner band (7th grade) played “Jolly Old St. Nick” and “Up on the Housetop”. The senior band played “A Winter Celebration” and “All is Well”. Then
entertained the crowd with “Buckets Full of Christmas Joy”, a jazzy tune which highlighted the percussion section playing trash can lids, buckets and other nontraditional instruments.
The concert ended with the senior band playing their traditional, and always requested by the students, “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer”.
Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, December 27, 2023
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To Whom it May C o n c e r n . A 2005 Ford F-150 VIN#IFTPW12545FA42512 The above mentioned vehicle was towed to our lot on December 10, 2023 per request of the Arkansas State Police and was towed to storage lot of 801 Highway 70 West in Hazen. The initial fee due is $125.00. 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 870-255-3305 if you wish to pick up the above-mentioned vehicle. Rick Wiggins, Owner Rick’s Automotive and Wrecker Service.
To Whom it May C o n c e r n : A 2023 Ford F-150 VIN#IFTEWIEP9PKE125 28 The above mentioned vehicle was towed to our lot on October 13, 2023 per request of the Arkansas State Police 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 $130.00 for the processing of the lien, the processing of a stolen vehicle report by our Police Department and the processing of certified letters sent to the owner and lien holder (if any) via mail. The above mounts do not reflect the 11% tax that is due upon releasing the vehicle. Tower storage & administrative costs are 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 870255-3305 if you wish to pick up the above-mentioned vehicle. Rick Wiggins, Owner Rick’s Automotive and Wrecker Service.
Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, December 27, 2023
HIPPPY celebrates a Grinchmas Christmas By Linda Strohl The Hazen HIPPY [Home instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters] had their December group meeting at the Hazen Community Center on Monday, December 18, 2023, at 10:00 in the morning. Linda Strohl welcomed the families to the group meeting as they came in. Each child received a Grinch Ornament Craft Kit and a sheet of paper so that they could write a wish list to Santa when they arrived. After all families had signed in, Home Based Educator Linda Strohl welcomed everyone to the group meeting and the events of the night were underway. Some children were making their ornaments and some were playing games. The games were, Ring the Grinch, Feed Santa, and Toss the Grinch some Christmas Cheer. When playing “Ring the Grinch,” the child would throw a ring
around one of the six cones shaped like the Grinch. To “Feed Santa” the children would throw cookie beanbags into the mouth of Santa. Finally and importantly, “Toss the Grinch some Christmas Cheer” was when a child would throw a red beanbag at the Grinch board game. All these games worked on gross motor and hand/eye coronation
skills. Then a special visitor from the North Pole arrived, Yes, it was Santa Claus! Most of the children were so happy to see Santa that they ran to him and gave him a hug. Santa Claus sat on a bench, and one by one each child came and sat on Santa Claus’ lap and told him what they wanted for Christmas Then, Santa gave each
child a candy cane. The Santa Wish List Letters went in the lighted mailbox, so he would have them in case he forgot something on a child’s list. Then unexpectedly we had a visit from the GRINCH. Some of the children gave the Grinch a hug, and others were scared of him. After Santa had finished talking with all the children, Santa
went on his way back to the North Pole to get ready for Christmas. The Grinch seemed to be happy; so I hope this event helped his heart grow so big that he will have a Merry Grinchmas too. The children who attended the group meeting were; Rye-Lyn Chapple, Tyler Chapple, Joseph Castleberry, Norah Franks, Joy
Gladish, Innosence Jimmerson, Claire King, Zander Moore, Kennedy Nall, Bryson Penn, Lillian Potts, Waylon Sooter, Roland Stallings, Roman Tarry, Jacey Tipton, and Joseph Vail. The HIPPY staff would like to Wish Everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. HIPPY also would like to thank the City of Hazen for letting us use the Hazen Community Center, to Santa Claus for taking time out of his busy time of the year to talk to the children, and to the GRINCH who paid us a visit. HIPPY would also like to extend a special thank you to all the parents and children in the HIPPY Program. THANKS TO YOU ALL. HIPPY is still enrolling for the 2023 – 2024 school year. Contact us at Facebook.com/Hazen Hippy or 501-743-9247 to enroll. Children who will be three before December 31, 2017 are eligible to enroll.
Hazen Elementary students participate in Service Day Hazen Elementary fifth grade Gifted and Talented students went to the Wilbur Mills Co-op in Beebe on December 11th for a Community Service Day. Students created watercolor pictures for nursing homes and shut-ins, made craft kits for Arkansas Children's Hospital, created blessing bags for Ozark Mission Project, wrote letters to recovering soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and packaged thank you packets for Mamie's Poppy Plates. Students also participated in Reader Theater plays in the afternoon that day.
Lily Lisko and Cam Seely working together to send out community thank you notes.
5th grade GT students who went to Community Service Day on December 11th were (Left to right): Cam Seely, Bella Raper, Lily Lisko, Eden Sims, Olivia Edge, and Cache Skarda.
First deer was a one in a million shot!... Eden Sims and Olivia Edge are working on putting together craft kits for Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
Abigail Owens, age 11, recently harvested her first deer, a 7 point buck in DeValls Bluff, Arkansas. It was an even more exciting hunt because she fired one bullet, and killed 2 bucks! She was hunting with her dad, Josh Owens.