White river journal, jan 7, 2015 by charles walls

75¢

1 SECTION - 14 PAGES V OLUME /Y EAR 109, WEEK 22 (5,657 TOTAL WEEKS)

ACTIVITIES CALENDAR THURS., JAN. 7 Report Cards go out for Des Arc Schools

FRI,, JAN. 8, 6 PM Turkey Federation Banquet Hazen Armory

FRI., JAN. 8, 4:00 PM Senior Class Chili Supper for Sarah Jobe Memorial High School Cafeteria

SAT., JAN. 9, 3 & 6 PM Movie “War Room” Community Center DeValls Bluff

MON. JAN. 11, 3:30 PM PALS (Parent Advisory) Elem. Cafetorium

MON., JAN. 11, 6:30 P.M. Band Booster meeting High School Band Room

TUES., JAN. 12, 6 PM Quorum Court Meets Courthouse Annex In Des Arc

TUES., JAN 12, 12 NOON Lions Club Methodist Church

MON., JAN. 18 Des Arc Schools Dismissed for Martin Luther King Day

TUES., JAN. 19, 7 PM Des Arc City Council meets in Council Chambers at Des Arc City Hall

Commissioners meet Friday to pick poll workers The Prairie County Election Commission will meet at 12 noon on Friday, Jan. 8, at the AAM nuilding in Des Arc for the purpose of selecting poll workers for the March 1,2016 Presidental Primary Election, set a date for poll workers training session and other business. Members of the Election Commission and their contact phone number below: Rita Dobson, chairperson 501 516 7264 Stan Ferguson 501 516 6156 Harvey Joe Sanner 501 516 7000

Highway project to require I-40 lane closure Maintenance work on Interstate 40 will require closing a section of eastbound I-40 between mile markers 197 and 200. The inside eastbound lanes will be closed beginning Thursday, January 7 through Friday, January 8, from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., weather permitting.

Obituaries Pgs. 3 & 4

H. Myrl Caskey, 99, Texas Charles Davis, 80, Cotton Plant Kirk Files, 74, Brinkley Fannie Flynn, 91, Carlisle Elsie Hallum, 81, Little Rock Gerald Keel, 45, Arkadelphia Jerry McNeill, 74, Beebe Dena Peterson, 53, Springfield Marian Raney, 85, Beebe Patti Sims, 76, Hazen John Spurlock, 44, Tennessee Linda Stacks, 59, Searcy Brinda Weatherley, 63, DV Bluff H.W. Wofford, 64, Stuttgart

“A FREE P RESS

AND A

FREE P EOPLE - A N UNBEATABLE TEAM ”

D ES A RC , A RKANSAS (C OUNTY S EAT ) P RAIRIE C OUNTY

P U B LI S H E D E A C H T H U R S D A Y S I N C E 1 9 0 7 TH URSD AY, JANUAR Y 7, 2016

White River reaches 31.49 ft. Monday, 9th highest crest ever It has been less than five years since the record-breaking flood of May 2011, which damaged or destroyed over 200 homes in Des Arc and surrounding areas. And although 2016 came in with a short-lived inconvenience including some minor damage; it was only a scary deja vu of the earlier event ... and hardly comparable. However, for folks who rebuilt their homes on stilts or berms after 2011, it was certainly an affirmation of their having done a very worthwhile thing. After having been above the 24 ft flood stage for several weeks, the White River at Des Arc surprised many locals Saturday morning with its ominous encroachment over streets, into yards and around some mobile homes. The National Weather Service had forecast only 28.80’ for Jan. 3 (see ‘Weather/River’, WRJ Dec 31 issue). However, the river continued its rise until reaching a historical 9th highest level Monday morning, Jan 4, when it reached 31.49’ at 12:00 midnight and again at 2:00 am. By 7:00 am, at 31.48’, the river began a slow and steady fall. By 1:00 pm yesterday, Jan 6, it had dropped to 30.60’. To put this week’s crest into perspective, the ten previous historic crests at Des Arc are shown below. At about 8’ below the 39.43 crest of 2011, and 2.3’ below the two of 2008, this week’s crest will go on record as the 9th highest.

(1) 39.43 ft - May 7, 2011 (2) 37.35 ft - Feb. 2, 1949 (3) 35.60 ft - Apr. 3, 1945 Additional (4) 34.20 ft - Apr. 28, 1973 (5) 33.78 ft - Apr. 17, 2008 flood photos (6) 33.74 ft - Mar 26, 2008 Pgs 2, 9, 14 (7) 32.05 ft - Dec 10, 1982 (8) 31.60 ft - April 3, 1975 (9) 31.49 ft - Jan 4, 2016 (10) 30.34 ft - Feb 21, 1989 (11) 28.90 ft - Dec 28, 2009 (previously 10th highest)

Flooding closed 3rd St. adjacent to new County Jail - view north toward Walking Trail, Sunday afternoon

Phyllis Worley is candidate for District Court Judge Phyllis Worley, a resident of White County for more than 40 years, announces today her intention to run for District Court Judge, Division Two, in White and Prairie Counties. Beginning in 2017, White and Prairie Counties will be joined as District 23, and both counties will vote on the candidates to fill the District Court seats in both counties. The preferential primary for this non-partisan race will be March 1, 2016. District Court judges oversee misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, small claims and civil suits of less than $25,000.00. Worley has been engaged in the practice of law in Searcy for 25 years, as well as serving as Public Defender in White and Prairie Counties. “As judge, I will decide cases on the facts and evidence. I will listen to both sides and make a decision based on the law. I will treat everyone fairly and with respect. If I did not think I could make some positive changes to the Court, I would not be running. I believe sentencing should be consistent throughout the district courts in the county, and will work closely with Judge Pate to make sentencing more uniform throughout White County. In Prairie County, I will continue the legacy established by Judge Robert Abney of Des Arc and Judge Jim Rhodes of DeValls Bluff conducting their courts in a fair and

impartial manner and continuing their common sense approach to sentencing.” Phyllis and husband for 43 years, Tom, have two adult sons, Brad a Registered Nurse at the McClelland VA Hospital in Little Rock and Brent, a solution architect with Acxiom in Conway. Brad is married to Sara and has two sons, Brandon, 18 and Hudson, 4. Brent is married to April and has three daughters, Brooklyn, 10, Tori, 8, and Savannah 6. Phyllis holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration from UCA and JD from the University of Arkansas, Little Rock School of Law. She was licensed to practice in August, 1988. She worked in Little Rock until March, 1990, when she opened her law practice in Searcy. Phyllis Worley has served as the President of the White County Bar Association, President of the Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Worley was appointed to the Arkansas Sentencing Commission and currently serves on the Arkansas Professional Bail Bond Licensing Board. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches and Jacob’s Place. In 199697 she was named Who’s Who in American Law. The Worleys are active members of First Assembly of God Church in Searcy, where Phyllis serves as Sunday School Treasurer.

Home of Dennis & Brenda Sears located between Person Rd and Spring Lake - looking west

Jeff Treadwell’s camper on Hwy 323, just south of the new temporary bridge, was surrounded by water Sunday afternoon. Jeff tries to care for several outdoor cats, one of which managed to swim to the safety of the camper. In spite of his having had recent shoulder surgery, that arm in a sling, and scheduled for cancer evaluation today, Jan 7, Jeff had to wade thru water waste deep to get to the highway and assistance from his uncle, Leon Treadwell, Sunday morning.

Fraudulant land leasing for deer hunting results in one arrest Prairie County Sheriff Gary Burnett received a call on Saturday, January 2, from a citizen of Prairie County stating that someone was advertising the use of his farm land on social media for a deer hunting lease. These advertisements were found on local swap shop pages on

Facebook and other pages similar to it, according to the land owner.. “So far, there are 11 victims, that we know of, who paid money to lease Morton Farms land for deer hunting. We believe the use of this land was advertised as early as July, 2015 and went up until the last

week of December, 2015”, said Sheriff Burnett. Arrested was Hayden G. Newton, who was being held in the Woodruff County Jail on a Theft of Property charge. This is a Class D Felony and carries a $75,000.00 bond.

The Prairie County Sheriff’s office asks that you contact the office in Des Arc if you or someone you know has paid money to the suspect for a deer lease on Morton Farms located on Letchworth Road, south of Des Arc. Call the office at 870-256-4137.

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Mail: PO Box 1051, Des Arc, Ar 72040

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H I T E

I V E R

O U R N A L

H U R S D A Y

A N U A R Y

2016

“bumpers”

(USPS 682-800)

My trade put me in the passenger’s seat alongside Dale Bumpers, late a governor and U.S. Senator of Arkansas. A few memories from the journey: 1969: Winthrop Rockefeller, the first Republican governor since Reconstruction, had just been re-elected and dispirited Democrats were meeting at Little Rock’s Marion Hotel on what had gone wrong for them and what to do about it. A procession of Old Guard types recommended more of the same. Then this fellow nobody had heard of took his turn, urging an appreciation of changing values and demographics, an assessment of what Arkansas had signaled that it wanted: a break from the past. He was a breath of fresh air. “This guy’s good,” whispered Bob Shaw of the Associated Press. Scanning the afternoon’s agenda, I asked “What’s his name again?” 1970: The breath of fresh air, the guy whose name we had had to double-check, was standing a few blocks away in a different hotel, The Lafayette, and he said, “I accept the challenge.” He accepted it with demonstrable resolve, even if his voice seemed at moments to lose its timbre. Long-shot nervousness, I assumed, and understandable since, as even he acknowledged then and later, nobody knew his name. 1971: Everybody knew his name now. Rockefeller had bequeathed Bumpers a policy program, and the new governor seized it. The mandate awarded him at the ballot box did not immediately translate into votes in the General Assembly, and we watched in wonder as he stayed at it, demanding repeated votes until at last his tax increases and government reorganization bills cleared the hurdle. 1974: The speculation had begun years earlier: what next for Bumpers? Sen. J. William Fulbright already had announced he would seek a sixth term and was busy raising funds. Bumpers, playing Hamlet not for the last time, went back and forth: a third term as governor that was his for the asking, or a campaign against a Senate titan, a global figure, and a man with whom he was substantially in ideological tune? Finally, in the Conference Room at the State Capitol, more words on the nobility of public service, until the money quote: “I hope to continue that service to the state, and the nation, in the United States Senate.” We all scrambled for the phones. 1978: Washington, D.C. Having crushed Fulbright, Bumpers seemed at times determined to crush his own prospects. No sooner had he joined the Senate than a series of hot button issues confronted him, mostly amendments that were affronts to the Constitution and common sense but which had broad appeal in Arkansas: school prayer, busing, abortion. Bumpers had refused to climb aboard. Now, and with only two years until his next election, still another test loomed, concocted two years earlier by Ronald Reagan as the “giveaway” of the Panama Canal. “How are you going to vote?” I asked him in his Capitol office. “I don’t know,” he sighed, “but it wouldn’t do this country any harm to do the right thing.” It was a done deal, I reported, if a bit nervously, though a few weeks later Bumpers proved me right. And then won the next election handily. And the next, and the next. 1984: Sacramento, California. A cattle show of prospective Democratic presidential candidates. And darned if I didn’t hear Bumpers’ voice crack again on the podium. The national stage, after all, the Big Game. Soon enough he chose not to play. 1987: New York City. Testing the waters a second time; speeches at Columbia University and to a Jewish organization. Spotting me, “Why don’t you go home?” he grumped, then grinned. “In a while,” I replied. In a while both of us went home. 1997: The Lafayette Hotel, where it had begun a quarter-century earlier. A press conference to reveal his plans regarding re-election. I kept thinking of his comment, in 1974, that he did not envision a tenure as long as Fulbright’s 30 years. But who knew? Minutes later, we knew. And, yes, the voice wavered, with some tears: “Give me a minute,” he smiled through them, Betty Bumpers’ hand rubbing his back. Why not another campaign? I asked. “It’s not much fun being in the minority,” he answered. The Republicans, no matter that several were his close friends, had control of the Senate, and their priorities were not his. 2009: We became neighbors, gossiping at the grocery and service station and cleaners. I learned to leap for my life when his car approached. Nothing personal; he imperiled everybody when he was at the wheel. 2013: Chatting over lunch Bumpers’ intellect remained indisputably vibrant yet he groped at times for dates, names. I dismissed it as a man in his late ‘80s. 2014: Another meal, Bumpers seated at my right, asking the mutual friend who had chauffeured him, Who was sitting to his left? Then I understood. 2016: Alzheimer’s and a broken hip finished their grim work. I will attend Bumpers’ memorial service, provided there is room, to thank him for, among other things, the memories.

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WHITE RIVER JOURNAL

The White River Journal is published by White River Journal Inc. each week at 424 North Main Street in Des Arc, Arkansas. Founded in August, 1907, the White River Journal is an independent publication. It’s policy is to print truth and facts and it is dedicated to working and serving the best interests of the people. News and advertising are welcomed, but before being published are subject to verification. The White River Journal publisher reserves the right to edit all news copy and advertising, and if necessary, to reject same without recourse. Advertising rates are available upon request. The White River Journal welcomes responsible “Letters to the Editor”. No anonymous letters will be published. All letters must be signed and include phone number. This information will be withheld at the writer’s request. In such cases, the information is confidential. We reserve the right to limit the length of letters and to edit for spelling, punctuation and grammar. Letters to be published only at the discretion of the publisher. Yearly Subscription Rates (paid in advance): $15.00 - in Prairie county . . . . . . . . . . ($29 for 2 years) $25.00 - Out of county (in Arkansas) . . ($48 for 2 years) $30.00 - Out of state . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ($56 for 2 years)

For Change of Address, Postmaster: Please send changes to: WHITE RIVER JOURNAL, P. O. BOX 1051, DES ARC, AR 72040-1051 Cass Program Used for Post Office Audit Second Class Postage paid at Des Arc, Arkansas

DEAN L. WALLS, EDITOR/PUBLISHER/ADVERTISING MANAGER JOYCE TAYLOR, Mail Room Supervisor LIZ HAMPTON, Sports/Photography Becky Webb, Accounts

A meandering White River shown flooding Raft Creek bottoms area north of Des Arc this weekend

Aerial by Jim Hamric

A true statesman gone ... Dale L. Bumpers, former Governor and Senator from Arkansas, passed away on January 1 at his home in Little Rock, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 12, 1925 in Charleston, Arkansas to W.R. and Lattie (Jones) Bumpers. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty Flanagan Bumpers, his sons Brent Bumpers (Lea Ann), and Bill Bumpers (Heidi), his daughter Brooke Bumpers (Gordon Low), his grandchildren Braeden, Will and Linn Bumpers, Meg and Alex Bumpers, and Callan and Emily Low, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and by his brother, Carroll Bumpers, and his sister, Margaret Ware Kahliff. After graduating from Charleston High School in 1943, he enrolled at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville for summer school, knowing that he would soon be drafted to serve in World War II. He served in the Marine Corps and was in Hawaii, about to be shipped out to the Pacific Theater when the atomic bombs were dropped and World War II ended. After discharge from the Marines as a staff sergeant, he returned to the University of Arkansas and, upon completion of his studies there, moved to Chicago and began law school at Northwestern University. Both parents were killed by a drunk driver in a car accident during his second year of law school. Soon thereafter he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Flanagan. They returned together to Chicago while he completed law school. He and Betty returned to Charleston in 1951, at which time he purchased the Charleston Hardware and Furniture store from his deceased father’s partner and set up a law practice in the back office of the store. He later purchased a small building across the street, where he practiced law until running for governor in 1970. In addition to practicing law for 20 years he was an aspir-

ing entrepreneur during the ‘60’s, having built the only nursing home in town, in partnership with the local doctor, and also acquired a 360-acre cattle farm, where he raised registered angus cattle for about six years. He sold the hardware store and cattle shortly before running for governor in 1970. He was active in numerous church and civic leadership positions, and directed the choir at the First Church in Methodist Charleston. He continued to direct the choir on numerous occasions throughout his four years as governor. His proudest accomplishment prior to politics was his role in the peaceful integration of the Charleston schools in 1954, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education. The Charleston School District later received recognition as a National Commemorative Site as the first school district in the former Confederate states to fully integrate. His only political setback was a loss in 1962 for the state legislature. He lost to the county circuit clerk, who lived in the larger co-county seat of Ozark. He swore off elective politics, but later had a change of heart and decided to run for governor in 1970. In a crowded Democratic primary field of eight candidates, including former six-term governor, Orval E. Faubus, he joined the raced with only 1 percent name recognition. He and Betty and a host of friends and relatives hit the campaign trail with a vengeance. It was the waning age of retail politics and short campaigns and with only 90 days from entering the race until the Democratic primary he ultimately garnered enough votes to barely edge out Speaker of the House Hayes C. McClerkin and Attorney General Joe Purcell to get into a runoff with Orval Faubus, who led the ticket by a wide margin. Bumpers received virtually all the votes of the six other Democratic candidates and defeated Faubus handily in the runoff. He

went on to defeat Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller in the general election and was sworn in as governor in January 1971. He was re-elected governor in 1972. In 1974 he decided to run for the United States Senate. He defeated Sen. William Fulbright, and went on to serve in the United States Senate for 24 years, being reelected in 1980, 1986 and 1992. He served on the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Energy and National Resources Committee, and was chair of the Small Business Committee. He was a staunch defender of the Constitution and was particularly proud of having opposed numerous efforts to amend the Constitution. He grew weary of the increasing incivility of politics and decided not to run for reelection in 1998. After leaving the Senate he briefly served as the head of the Center for Defense Information and then joined the Washington law firm Arent Fox. Ironically, his most prominent speech in Congress came two months after retirement when he returned to the Senate Chamber to deliver the closing argument in President Bill Clinton’s Impeachment trial, a case he felt was most unjust. Many commentators credited that speech in support of the President as pivotal in the President’s case and just as many have called it perhaps the greatest political oration of the 20th century. His contribution to the full exoneration of President Clinton was perhaps his proudest moment in politics. He and Betty had always maintained a residence in Arkansas, and 10 years after retirement from the Senate they moved back home to Little Rock where he continued to enjoy speaking throughout the state, lunching with old friends and spending time with his grandchildren, not to mention one of his favorite pastimes, grocery shopping. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Every Child By Two at www.ECBT.org, or the

Dale L. Bumpers Arkansas Nature Conservancy at 601 N. University Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, or the charity of your choice. A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday January 10, at 2:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Little Rock. Note: Older citizens at Des Arc remember the charm this statesman had during his early campaigning here.

WEEK’S WEATHER, RAIN & RIVER

52°

E X T R E M ES 12/30 - 1/6

28°

HI LOW RAIN

DATE:

24-hr Temps: Midnight to Midnight

Wed, Dec. 30 Thrs, Dec. 31 Fri., Jan. 1 Sat., Jan. 2 Sun., Jan. 3 Mon.,Jan. 4 Tues, Jan. 5 Wed, Jan. 6

44 42 46 50 52 42 42 49

WEEK’S RAIN:

34 35 32 28 31 32 30 33

0.00” 0.00

WHITE RIVER 6 pm Depth Readings per National Weather Service

Dec 30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2

27.18’ 28.31’ 29.79’ 30.93’

Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 6

31.04’ 31.38’ 31.03’ 30.60’

NWS Forecast for JAN 3: 28.80’ NWS Forecast for JAN 11: 28.80’ WHITE RIVER REFERENCE DEPTHS

Six Ways to Start 2016 on the Right Financial Foot The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) and Merchants and Planters Bank encourage consumers to keep their financial goals front and center in 2016. “No matter what your financial aspirations are—it’s important everyone learns how to properly manage his or her finances and work towards a financial goal, and the New Year is a perfect time to start fresh,” said ICBA Chairman Jack Hartings, president and CEO of The Peoples Bank Co. in Coldwater, Ohio. “Just remember that it is never too late to take control of your finances. Community bankers across the nation are available to help customers succeed and thrive in their financial lives.” ICBA and Merchants and Planters Bank offer consumers six tips on how to manage their finances in 2016: Set up and follow a budget. Organize household income and monthly bills, and prioritize your family’s needs and wants. Use online tools, such as budget calculators or a simple spreadsheet, to track expenses against income. Pay bills on time—every time. If you’ve made large purchases over the holiday season, have a plan to pay off some or all of the balance as quickly as possible. Paying on time avoids late

fees and protects your credit score. Check your account balances. Keep in mind the amount of cash you can withdraw or how many purchases you can make. Avoid having an overdraft, and pay attention to fees and charges that can be avoided. Frequently checking your accounts will also help you detect and resolve any unauthorized transactions faster. Use credit cards wisely. Know what your limits are and when you are approaching them. Don’t think of credit cards as free money or unlimited funds. Pay yourself with automatic savings. An automatic transfer plan can pull from your checking account and deposit to your savings account as soon as you get paid. Setting aside a little money every payday is manageable and will help you achieve your financial goals. Protect your identity by providing credit card, debit card and checking account information selectively and by only using your cards on websites that you trust. Community banks will never ask for your account number over the phone so don’t release this information to people purporting to represent your bank. “Don’t forget to take advantage of financial planning staff at your local com-

munity bank,” Jim Gowen, Jr., President and CEO of Merchants and Planters Bank said. “Community bankers are a great resource available to you and your family. The nation’s community bankers can help you create a financial roadmap that meets you and your family’s needs.”

F LOOD S TAGE . . . . . . . . 24.00’ M AY 7, 2011 CREST . . 39.43’

SUNRISES / SUNSETS THURSDAYS Dec 31 Jan 7 Jan 14

SUNRISE SUNSET 7:14 am 5:04 pm 7:14 am 5:10 pm 7:14 am 5:16 pm

Latest Sunrise

Earliest Sunrise

Jan 15: 7:14 am

5:52 am 6/4/16

Latest Sunset

Earliest Sunset

8:24 pm 6/23/16

4:54 pm 12/1/16

Laugh-In Corner God Will Provide A young woman brings home her fiance to meet her parents. After dinner, her mother tells her father to find out about the young man. The father invites the fiance to his study for a drink. "So what are your plans?" the father asks the young man. "I am a Torah scholar," he replies. "A Torah scholar. Hmmm," the father says. "Admirable, but what will you do to provide a nice house for my daughter to live in, as she's accustomed to?" "I will study," the young man replies, "and God will provide for us." "And how will you buy her a beautiful engagement ring, such as she deserves?" asks the father."I will concentrate on my studies," the young man replies, "and God will provide for us." "And children?" asks the father. "How will you support children?" "Don't worry, sir. God will provide," replies the fiance. The conversation proceeds like this and each time the father questions, the young idealist insists that God will provide. Later, the mother asks, "How did it go, Honey?" The father answers, "He has no job and no plans, but the good news is he thinks I'm God.

H I T E

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“THE PAGES TURNED BACK”

O U R N A L

H U R S D A Y

A N U A R Y

2016

(Compiled from White River Journal files)

Jerry O. McNeill, former local resident, dies

Thursday, January 14, 1932

he $25.00 prize offered by the Cotton Belt Railroad to the Home Demonstration Club in Prairie County that sent in the best food preservation and year round garden report was won by the Tollville Club. The majority of the members followed the canning budget to meet their family needs and had at least three fresh vegetables from each garden. Mrs. Jess Scroggins of Biscoe Home Demonstration Club, started the New Year by canning 62 quarts of beef for her family winter supply and 12 quarts to be exhibited at the county fair. Her meat on the pantry shelf includes steak, roast, hamburger, chili, meat for pies. Mrs. Scroggins will be a garden demonstrator in 1932. From her hot bed in 1931, she sold plants valued at $10. Mrs. Hattie Caraway was elected U. S. Senator by an overwhelming majority in a special election Tuesday to fill the unexpired term of her late husband, Senator Thadeus A. Caraway. She was the Democratic nominee She had two opponents, both independents. Dr. John H. Gipson of this city not only enjoys a large practice in his profession, but he has built a reputation in other activities - as a wholesale and retail dealer in White River fish and a hog raiser. He slaughtered his “pet” pig one cold day last week which tipped the scales

at 600 pounds. This was just one of our “razorbacks” - who can beat it? In two fast basketball games played on the local court, the Des Arc juniors defeated Johnson Chapel juniors 16 to 1. The senior game was won by the boys 27 to 23. County Clerk B. R. Harrison, Circuit Clerk W. M. McQueen, Sheriff J. J. Holmes and County Treasurer McIver Reid members of the DeValls Bluff Lions Club, attended the banquet given for the 4-H winners in Prairie County at DeValls Bluff, Wednesday. The Oak Prairie School Report says, “We would have played ball with Johnson Chapel last Saturday if Mr. Bunch hadn’t went bird hunting. He said he would bring three of the players and the others could get a way, so it was his fault for us not playing. Mr. Albert Bell and Miss Elizabeth Livesay of Oak Prairie were married at the home of Esq. T. C. Ballowe in this city on Monday evening, Jan. 11, 1932. The Arkansas Theater advertises showing one week only starting January 16, FRANKENSTEIN, the man who made a monster, starring Colin Clive, Mae Clark and Boris Karloff. No other thriller can touch it. Mr. Henry Heavener, farmer friend of the East Side, was in town yesterday and paid us a pleasant call and cash on subscription.

Thursday, January 7, 1943 All Prairie County farmers are urged to attend Farm Mobilization Day at the Cozy Theater in Hazen, Tuesday, January 12, starting at 1 p. m. Kermit C. Ross, County Agricultural Agent, said that all topics which may affect the 1943 production of War Crops would be discussed. Members of the Prairie County War Board will be present. The Future Homemak-ers of Arkansas have adopted the “Living for Victory Program” which includes the following list: Members eat the right food and keep physically fit; Help with one War Project, work for Red Cross, Practice Thrift, Do your share to keep family happy, and find ways to have fun without spending money. The Red Cross Sewing Group meets Tuesday at 3:30 p. m. at the Home Economics Cottage on the school campus to make blouses. Ladies working this Tuesday were: Mrs. G. W. Sparks, Mrs. Guy Brown, Mrs. Henry Nichols, Mrs. Ira Dixon, Mrs. L. R. Brown, Mrs. W J. Caskey, Mrs. R H. Romunder, Miss Iva Lena Williams, and Mrs. Russell Murray. Mr. G. W Gardner, merchant and planter east of Des Arc, was in the city on business Tuesday afternoon. The State of Arkansas entered the new year with the greatest “free money” balance in its history - $31,172,074.68. Arkansas “wet” and “dry” forces lined up last week for the beginning of a drive by the Arkansas Anti-Saloon League to reduce the volume of legal liquor, beer and wine sales under the new local option law, which was adopted by the voters at the recent election. Anti-Saloon League Superintendent Clyde C. Coulter said he would go into several counties within the next few days to talk to leaders about starting the circulation of petitions. In the city’s financial statement, signed by N. R. Kirkwood, City Treasurer, for the period January 1, 1942 to January 1, 1943, the total receipts was $4,352.63; total disburse-

ments was $4,156.89, leaving a balance on deposit in Farmers & Merchants Bank: $195.74. The top highest payouts were: $440.00 salary for City Marshal; Street Lights, $612.00; Street Work, $544.89. Report of Condition of Farmers & Merchants Bank, at close of Business Dec. 31, 1942, shows Total Resources: $393,903.87. Mesdames E. O. Livesay, Coy Ingram, W. F. Bell and Joe Jones of the New Bethel neighborhood, were shopping in the city Saturday. Our old friend, W. B. Lunsford of Des Arc, who spent the holidays with his son, W. Bruce Lunsford and family in Westville, Okla., reports having a pleasant visit. (2005 Ed Note: W. Bruce Lunsford was father of Mrs. David (Barbara) Pryor). The rivers are all on a rampage and the White is overflowing in this vicinity. Many farmers are again moving from the bottom lands. Our young friend, Denny Loretz, who has been training with the Air Corps the past year, is home on short furlough. He is a Staff Sergeant and Aerial Gunner and will receive his wings on return to his post. Mr. Lemuel Felts, employee of the Caskey Undertakers, reports that Mr. Tom Hambrick and Mrs. Theodore Broadbent, who have been in the hospital, were returned home Sunday. G. P. Drown, who recently purchased the big home west of his business, more recently in known as the J. A. King home, has torn the building down and is using the lumber in the erection of two small houses on his property south of main street. Our old friend, Mr. A. P. Thomas of this city, who has been employed in the Ingalls shipbuilding yards at Pascagula, Miss., home on a visit, reports he is working on a large freighter, all steel, three stories. About 10,000 men and women workers , and congested conditions in a little town about the size of Des Arc.

Thursday, January 2, 1958 Coach Don Muse said the annual football banquet for both junior and senior teams and their Dads will be held Thursday night, Jan. 9, at 7 p. m. in the school lunchroom. Cliff Shaw, Ark. Intercollegiate Conference Commissioner, who refereed the Sugar Bowl game on New Year’s Day with Miss. U. and Texas U. in New Orleans, will be the guest speaker. Duck hunters have narrow escape: The story is that on Monday afternoon on Cache River a boat sank and left four good duck hunters thrashing for land in what was described as a very exciting adventure. Those involved were Willie B. Patterson, Willie Joe, Athen Fisher and James R. McCormick. Fisher swam out with Willie B.’s shotgun, but the other guns went to the bottom. McCormick said he was just glad to get out - to heck with the guns. The Town Council met last night at 8 p. m., January 1, and T. E. (Thomas Epps) Atkins was sworn in as the new mayor by Albert Erwin, Circuit and County Clerk. Earl C. Eoff, in turning the office over to the newly elected mayor, said he was proud of the accomplishments made the past two years. The elected aldermen are: Jason W. Hull and Raymond E. Ingram; re-elected were: Gene Horne, Emmett L. Hinson, and Willis Eddins; recorder, Alton L. Patterson. The council rehired A. L. Berry, city treasurer; Mrs. Delcie Bell, city collector; Ross Holmes,

water superintendent; Raymond Daugherty, gas superintendent. They voted to pay Porter G. Williams $25 a month for cemetery upkeep instead of the $15 paid him in the past. Everett Oates, Industrial Development Counselor with the Arkansas Power & Light Co., was a pleasant caller at the Journal office today. He was returning to Little Rock from Brinkley where he had been on business. As of January 1, Des Arc Cotton Gin reports 1,774 bales ginned. New cars in town: Lamar Harvey has a new 1958 Bel Air 4-door black hardtop Chevrolet purchased from Westerfield Chevrolet Co. at Hazen; Governor D. Bell purchased a new 1958 Chevrolet Monday from Westerfield; Raymond Calhoun is driving a new 1958 Oldsmobile 98; Paul Eans has a new 1958 Fairlane 500 black Ford; A. M. White is driving a new 1958 Buick Limited. The Health Department reports that polio cases are down from 365 in 1954 to 55 in 1957. Polio vaccine has been a major factor. Larry White, Martha Highfill, Billy White, Charlene Matlock, Betty Jones, Chuck Mayfield, Gary Mayfield and Beverly Jack-son are members from the Plainview Club attending the County 4-H Banquet Elvis Presley and his record-breaking “Jailhouse Rock” will be at the Rice Theater in Des Arc Jan. 5,6,7.

Mike and Mildred Caskey

Patti Fitzpatrick Sims

Services held Tuesday at Hazen for Patti F. Sims Patti Fitzpartick Sims, of Hazen, passed away Saturday, January 2, 2016 at the age of 76 following a long and courageous battle with cancer surrounded by her loving family. Patti was born June 3, 1939 in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of the late Morton and Ruth (Lyles) Fitzpatrick. She was preceded in death by her parents and two grandsons, Kyler and Brayden Sims. Patti was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir and was a youth leader for many years. She loved the children of Hazen and they loved her. “Miss Patti” ministered to many children through Vacation Bible School, Brownies, Cub Scouts, and Girl Scouts. Whether guiding young women through their first beauty pageant or delighting children with her fun portrayal of a witch at Halloween, Patti never missed an opportunity to be involved in her community. After her health declined, she still loved life and enjoyed reading, playing bridge and visiting with family and friends. Patti was a loving mother and friend and she will be greatly missed by all. Patti is survived by her husband, Burk Sims; her children, Kathy Carter and Joe B. Carter, Jr. of Fayetteville, Lori (Brad) Caviness and Luke (Amanda) Carter of Hazen; her step-children, Buck Sims of Hazen, Shane (Kristi) Sims of Benton and Scarlett (Chris) Goodwin of Colorado. She also leaves behind many beloved grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at the First United Methodist Church in Hazen at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 5. Interment followed in the Hazen Cemetery. Arrangements were by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen. The family requests memorials be made to the Hazen First United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.

Marian J. Raney services held Saturday at Hazen Marian Joan Raney, 75, of Stuttgart, passed away at her home on Tuesday, December 29, 2015, surrounded by her family. Marian was a homemaker and a member of Park Avenue Baptist Church in Stuttgart. She is survived by three sons, Steve Raney of Nashville, Ar., Donnie Raney of Texas, and Daniel Raney of Stuttgart; two daughters, Eva Kirkman and Donna Downey, both of Stuttgart; two brothers, Ronnie Crump of Hazen and Bill Crump of Oregon; one sister, Susan Donaldson of Pine Bluff; four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Marian was preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Eva Crump; one son, Samuel Raney; brother, Jack Crump and a sister, Connie Taylor. Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, January 2, at the Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel in Hazen. Burial followed in the Hazen Cemetery.

H. Myrl Caskey, Des Arc native, dies in Texas H. Myrl (Mike) Caskey passed away peacefully Friday, January 1, 2016 at the age of 99. Mike was born Hubert Myrl Caskey in Des Arc, Arkansas on November 18, 1916, the second of five children of William Joseph and Bess Rex Caskey. He grew up in Des Arc where his family owned the hardware store and funeral home. His fath er was also county judge. Mike gradu ated from high school and Arkansas Tech University. He then went to work for Belknap Hardware and Manufacturing as a traveling salesman. The day after Pearl Harbor, Mike who was already in the National Guard, signed up for officer candidate school where he became an artillery officer. He had extensive battle experience in WWII with the 552nd artillery battalion. His ship shelled the Germans at the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and then landed on Omaha beach. He also saw heavy action in the Battle of the Bulge and at the Remagan Bridge. After the war Mike was in the occupation force in Austria. He returned home on December 25, 1945, and shortly after Mike went back to work for Belknap and was transferred to Longview, Texas, where he met Mildred Adams, and they were married August 18, 1946. Shortly after Mike and Mildred moved to Austin and had two sons, Steve and Stan. They bought a home in a new neighborhood Tarrytown, which the family still owns today. They also found a church home at University Presbyterian Church, where Mike had several stints as both Elder and Deacon; he was a member for nearly seventy years. Mike and Mildred met many of their lifelong friends through the Church. Mike bought into Austin Lacquer Company in 1958 and operated it with his sons until its sale and his retirement in 1996. After retirement, Mike and Mildred traveled extensively, with trips to Europe with his old army battalion being a highlight. They also spent many wonderful times entertaining family and friends at their condo on South Padre Island. They were members of the Austin Club and Mike was a very active member in the University Kiwanis Club. Mike was a consummate gentleman who almost never raised his voice and his integrity as a businessman was beyond reproach. Mike was an accomplished woodworker who built many useful things that are still being used by friends and family today. His greatest loves were his Lord, his family, and his friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Bill, Joe, Bess, and Carolyn, and his wife, Mildred. He is survived by sons Steve and Kathy Caskey and Stan and Laura Caskey. Daddy Mike is also survived by grandsons Adams and wife Kendall Caskey, Campbell and wife Meghan Caskey and granddaughter Katie Caskey. A cherished memory will be Mike singing Christmas carols in full voice with Katie the last two Christmases. A private burial was held at Austin Memorial Park on Tuesday January 5.

Additional Obituaries on Page 8

Jerry Odon McNeill, 74, of Beebe died Thursday, December 31, 2015 at White County Medical Center in Searcy, Arkansas. It was his birthday. Jerry’s health deteriorated after he had a knee replacement. He was born December 31, 1941 in Hickory Plains, Arkansas to Norman and Ora Mae (Tippitt) McNeill. Jerry was a 1959 graduate of Des Arc High School. After nine years in the Navy, and four years as a contractor in Vietnam, he completed studies at a technical college and worked in cable TV. Survivors include his wife, Shirley (Thomas) McNeill; two sons, Tim (Tammy) McNeill and Jeff McNeill; one granddaughter, Lauren Ashley McNeill; two sisters, Lela Mae (Don) Rogers and Margaret Hansmann of Des Arc; two brothers, John L. ( Joyce) McNeil of Des Arc and Mike (Willie) McNeill. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Norma Faye McNeill and Mary Louise McNeill; one brother, Eugene McNeill; one brother-in-law, Phillip Hansmann; and one nephew, Gerald Keel. Memorial services, to be held at a later date, will be announced.

Dena Marie Peterson

Dena M. Peterson, Stuttgart native, dies at Springfield Dena Marie Peterson, age 53 of Springfield, passed away on Monday, December 28, 2015. Dena was born December 28, 1962, in Stuttgart, AR a daughter of Dennis Manion III and Mary Sullivan Manion. Dena worked many years at Nemo Vista Schools. She loved to cook, ride motorcycles or anything that was to be done outdoors she enjoyed it Dena is survived by her husband: Leo Peterson of Center Ridge, Daughter: Amber Antal and husband Jason of Conway; Son: Leo Peterson and wife Anna of Center Ridge; Parents: Dennis and Mary Manion III of Solgohachia; Sister: Teresa Vincent and husband Kirk Sr. of Solgohachia; Two grandchildren: Asher and Brooks Antal along with many other family and friends. Memorial services were held at 11:00 AM, Monday, January 4, at Bob Neal and Sons Funeral Home Chapel on Morrilton.

Elsie Hallum, died Wednesday at Madison Rehab Elsie Maxine Kirk Hallum, age 81, died Wednesday at the Madison Rehab and Nursing Home in Little Rock. She is survived by three daughters, Beverly Rhoads (Luther Shadle) of Malvern, Bobbi (Ricky) Novarese of Red Banks, MS, Jonnie (Robert) Short of Southaven, MS, brother, Jerry Kirk, sisters, Janie (Larry) Heavner of Little Rock, Vicky Kirk of Selma, TN, Patsy Kirk of Mitchie, TN, nine g randchildren, nune greatgrandchildren, one greatgreat-grandchild. Visitation was ftom 1:002:00 PM Saturday at Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home in Brinkley. Burial followed in Philadelphia Cemetery.

Gerald Norman Keel

Gerald N. Keel, son of local resident, dies Gerald Norman Keel, 45, of Arkadelphia, Arkansas died Monday, December 28, 2015, at the Baptist Hospital in Little Rock. He was born February 2, 1970. Gerald had a massive epileptic seizure on Dec. 6 and never did wake up. He was born with mental disabilities and had resided at the Arkadelphia Human Development Center since 1982. They taught him so many things about how to take care of himself and though he had perfect hearing, they taught him sign language. He loved trying to teach others how to sign. He had a smile on his face most of the time, and only acted inappropriately when he was unable to communicate verbally. He was preceded in death by his stepdad, Phillip Hansmann; his grandparents, Norman and Ora McNeill; aunts, Norrma Faye and Mary Louise McNeill; uncles, Gene McNeill and Jerry McNeill, who passed away three days after Gerald. Survivors include his mother, Margaret McNeill Hansmann of Des Arc, one sister, Jamie (Devin) Coleman, two aunts, Lela (Don) Rogers of Des Arc and Shirley McNeill of Beebe; two uncles, John ( Joyce) McNeil of Des Arc and Mike (Willie) McNeill, two nieces, Jazmine Coleman, Jessica Coleman, one nephew, Devin Coleman, Jr, two great nieces, Lydia Gibson and Shonsie Davis. He loved visiting in Des Arc with his Mama and others. He loved hearing Bro Eddie Addison’s sermons and the singing at Lakeside M. B. Church. He was a big fan of gospel music. He was also a fan of country music and attended concerts at Barton Coliseum. At one time, he was a member of the Joe Diffee and Brooks and Dunn Fan Clubs. Gerald had lots of cousins who will miss him. The king of all of them was Steve Rogers, who he called “Teve.” This was used as a password to get to see him at the hospital. He will also be missed by the family dog Gerald called “Baby”. A memorial service will be held at 2 p. m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at Lakeside Missionary Baptist Church in Des Arc with the pastor, Bro. Eddie Addison, officiating. Garth Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. .

Brinda Weatherley, DeValls Bluff resident, dies Brinda Joyce Weatherly, 63, of DeValls Bluff died Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock after suffering a stroke. She was born July 18, 1952 in Stuttgart, Arkansas to Raymond and Elsie (Murry) Gentry. Survivors include her husband, Eugene Weatherly, former Des Arc resident; one son, Keith Stanley; one granddaughter, Carmin Stanley; one sister, Polly Crouch; one stepson, John Weatherly; and one stepdaughter, Jennifer Weatherly. Graveside services were held at 10:00 A M Monday, January 4, at Whippoorwill Cemetery south of Des Arc with Bro. Jim West, pastor of Faith Missionary Baptist Church at Des Arc, officiating. Eugene is the son of Jesse Weatherley and the late Frances Weatherley of Des Arc.

H I T E

OBITUARIES

I V E R

O U R N A L

(Cont ’d from Pg 3)

W. L. Robertson Linda Stacks, owned businesses Searcy resident, at Stuttgart, Beebe had relatives here Winburn Lee (W.L.) Robertson, 85, of Beebe, Arkansas, was born July 24, 1930, in Beebe, Arkansas, to Winburn and Rooney McAfee Robertson and passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2015. W.L. was a very successful businessman having and operated owned Stuttgart Livestock Auction, Beebe Real Estate, and along with his son, Warehouse Furniture, Inc. He worked up until the age of 83. He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Barbara Eagle Robertson, a sister, Wanda Robertson Hartley, and his parents. W.L. leaves behind one daughter, Deborah Robertson Scott Buzzell and husband, Tom, of Sherwood; one son, Michael G. Robertson and wife, Carol, of Beebe; four grandchildren, Leanne Johnson, and husband Mark, Dustin Scott and wife Kristen and Sean Robertson, and wife Cristen, and Trinity Robertson; five great grandchildren, Hayle Johnson, Ashley Johnson, Madelyn Scott, Sydney Scott, and Katelyn Scott; and one sister Patsy Weaver.

H. W. Wofford dies at Stuttgart Herbert Wiley Wofford of Stuttgart was born to the late Allen and Jewell Wofford on January 1, 1951 in Casscoe, Arkansas. He departed this earthly life on Tuesday, December 22, 2015. Hebert graduated in 1969 from Holman High School in Stuttgart, AR. Herbert profession was a Welder. He was member of a trucker’s club and he enjoyed listening to music and dancing. He was preceded in death by his parent; brothers, Robert Handcock, Arlanders ( Jewel) Wofford, James (MaryAnn) Wofford, Lennard Wofford and Ellsworth Wofford; sisters, Doris (Willie) WoffordThomas, Beverly Hill and Sheila (James) Phillips. He leaves to cherish memories; daughters, Tina Wright of Little Rock, and Roslyn Young of Maumelle; Sons, Kenji (Veronica) Wofford of North Little Rock and Wendell Roberts of Maumelle; Sister, Deborah Martin; brothers, Milton Wofford, Lennon Wofford and Thomas ( Josephine) Wofford all of Stuttgart and also his best friend, Milton Bones of Little Rock, AR; 11 grandchildren, two greatgrandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Visitation: Friday, November 13, 2015 4pm to 6pm at Integrity Funeral Home Chapel, 206 W. Washington, Stuttgart, AR Funeral Service: Saturday, November 14, 2015 at Allen Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 708 N. Buerkle St,, Stuttgart, AR @11am. Ms. Carolyn Allen will lie in state from 10am to 11am. Interment will be at Lonetree Cemetery in Stuttgart, Ar.Visitation: Friday, January 1, 2015 5pm to 7pm at Integrity Funeral Home. Funeral: Saturday, January 2, 2015 11am Liberty Baptist Church, 87 Hwy 33, Roe, AR.

Notes from Readers: I hope you are all doing OK. I Love you. Dortha Bone Griffithville, AR -----We enjoy reading your paper. Enclosed check for another year. Thanks. Cindy & James Murdock Hazen, AR -----Please renew my subsctiption for another year. Joyce Browning Mishawaka, IN -----THANK YOU to readers for cards, calls, and gifts of food, etc, during the holidays. We appreciate your thoughtfulness. -Journal Staff

Linda Joan Stacks, 59, of Searcy died Friday, January 1, 2016 at her home. Linda was born August 11, 1956 in Searcy, Arkansas to Shelby and Betty Jo (Hale) Beals. She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Buddy” Stacks, and grandson, Brayden Stacks. Linda and James were local residents for ten years when they ran the bait shop at Des Arc Lake. Survivors include three daughters, Jennifer Wiggs, Jamie (Bryan) Stallings, and Jackie Stacks; six grandchildren, JoAnna Wiggs, Noah Wiggs, Bailey Stallings, Emiley Stallings, Willow Winkler and Rivers Stacks; one brother, Steven Gassaway. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 9, at 11 a. m. at the Faith Assembly of God Church in Searcy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church.

Fannie Jo Flynn, Carlisle resident, burial Wednesday Fannie Jo Hackney Flynn, 91 of Carlisle, died January 3, 2016 at Chambers Nursing Home in Carlisle. She was born September 20, 1924 to Marshall and Della Blanche Hillyard. Jo was a graduate of Carlisle High School and Draughon School of Business in Little Rock. She worked as an office manager for Young’s Department Stores for over 40 years then at Citizen’s Bank and Trust until she retired. Survivors include a sister, Addie L. Petrus of Carlisle; one daughter, Jill Miller and husband, Doug of Traverse City, Michigan; four granddaughters; nine great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Earnest Hillyard and one sister, Cora Ellen Dabbs. Funeral services were Wednesday, January 6, at 2:00 P.M. at the Landmark Baptist Church in Carlisle. Arrangements are by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.

John A. Spurlock had relatives at Stuttgart John A. Spurlock Jr. was born on April 17, 1971 in Little Rock, Arkansas to John A. Spurlock Sr. and wife Barbara Hartsell White. He was best known as "Little" Johnny by family and friends. His success in his career of auto sales came from his dedication and outgoing personality leading him to become sales manager of Gossett Kia South. Those that knew "Little" Johnny will best remember that he valued his family and the Razorbacks more than most. At the age of 44, our beloved "Johnny" passed away on December 12, 2015 in Memphis, TN. John was preceded in death by his grandfather Waymon "Short" Spurlock, his father John A. Spurlock Sr., his step father Larry White, his aunt Susie Spurlock, three uncles Wayne Spurlock, Jerry and Kenneth Hartsell and cousin James Mayo Jr. Survivors are his wife Vicky Spurlock of Lakeland, Tn, his mother Barbara White of Hot Springs, grandparents Cora and Lloyd George of Marvell, Ar, three sons Trey and Karl White of Hot Springs, Tyler Edmonson of Stuttgart, one daughter Miranda Denton Costner of Lake City, Ar, two step daughters Courtney Adkins and Amber Lockhart, two step sons Jimbo Adkins, and Zachary Lockhart 5 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. Memorial services January 2nd 3pm First Lutheran Church Hot Springs, Ar. Interment Franks Cemetery, Holly Grove, Ar.

H U R S D A Y

A N U A R Y

2016

Words of Faith FAITH TRACKS By Rev. Dee Harper

Pastor, First United Methodist Church Des Arc, Ar

Work: 870-256-3757 - Cell: 501-593-8978 e-mail: cdharper1979@yahoo.com

Simplify - Streamline Your Schedule

Charles Davis

Charles L. Davis, former local resident, dies Charles Lester Davis, age 80, passed on Sunday in Cotton Plant. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Cotton Plant, past president of the Woodruff County Farm Bureau and 1966 Farm Family of the year. He is survived by, his wife, Peggy Young Davis of Cotton Plant; son, Rob Davis of Cotton Plant; daughter, Carol (Greg) Spears of Searcy; son-inlaw, Brent Roth of Frohna, MO; grandchildren, Greyson Spears, Mallory Spears, Kallee Roth, Lilly Roth; and brother, Billy (Anita) Davis of Bald Knob. Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday at First United Methodist Church in Cotton Plant Burial followed in the Cotton Plant Cemetery with Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home, Brinkley in charge of arrangements. The Davis family resided in Des Arc for several years and were active members in the local Methodist Church.

Services Friday for Kirk Files, Brinkley resident Kirk Files, 74 of Brinkley passed away Monday, January 4, 2016 at the UAMS in Little Rock. He was the son of the late James A. Files and the late Ruth Barnard File of Hunter. He attended Cotton Plant School and was a 1959 graduate of Wimauma High School. Kirk was a farmer, a member of the Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited and the Brinkley First Baptist Church. He is survived by his two sons Tim and Jim (Amber) Files both of Conway; 7 grandchildren, Taylor, Ashland Noel, Cally, Hannah, Nora and Alex Files and Mica Dikeman; one greatgrandchild, Gavin Brett Files; two sisters, Jimmie (Charlie) Berry of Tunica, MS, Diane (Wynne) Bush of Batesville, MS; special friend, Vicki Shepherd of Brinkley. Kirk was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Russell Kirk Files; three brothers, Buck, Jerry & Terry Files; two sisters, Shug Files Fletcher and Toodlum Trabert. Visitation will be Thursday, January 7 at Bob Neal & Sons Chapel in Brinkley from 6 until 8 PM. Funeral services will be Friday, January 8 at the First Baptist Church with Dr. Montgomery Berry and Rev. Jim McDaniel officiating.

Sunday School Church Attendance Sunday, January 3 IN DES ARC First Baptist Church 211/239 Gospel Mission.....................166 Lakeside Miss. Baptist....57/97 First United Methodist........57 Faith Missionary Baptist.62/80 Family Worship Center........48 First Assembly of God....29/41 Fellowship Miss. Baptist....... 45 Church of Christ..................14 Church of God of Prophecy.. 14 Living Waters Full Gospel.....NR AREA CHURCHES Hickory Plains Miss. Bap 60/97 Morris Chapel Miss. Baptist..34 Pleasant Ridge Miss. Baptist.17 Hickory Plains Methodist..... 30 Hickory Plains Nazarene...... 12 Judson Memorial Baptist...... 31 Sand Hill Miss. Baptist.......14 Reported by churches. To report Sunday School Attendance and other church news, call 870-256-4254. Also, if your church is not on this list and you wish it to be, call the number here to get it included.

Exodus 33:7-23 We are beginning a series aimed at helping us to Biblically examine our priorities and help us to renew our souls and hopefully simplify our lives. Why do we need a sermon series like this? If you asked the average person how they are feeling, I a mean how they are really feeling so many of us would say: “I am exhausted” “I am overwhelmed” “I am overscheduled” “I am stressed-out” We are drowning in a sea of busyness and so what this sermon series is truly about is for us to examine our priorities and help us make changes in order to re-claim our souls and our lives. Today we are beginning with how we use our time. There is a bit of wisdom that says, “Time is free, but it is priceless. You can’t own it but you can spend it. You can’t keep it, but you can use it. Once you’ve lost it, you can never get it back.” Since time is so precious and none of us know the length of our days how we use the time we have is important. So often we spend our time rushing from one thing to another. Our question before we go to bed or when we wake up in the morning is what do I have to get done today in order to make it through. When we get that caught up in stuff we are in danger of having it come back to bite us or others. Pastor Bill Hybels, who wrote the study which this sermon series is based, tells the story of a crisis he narrowly avoided many years ago, when his ministry was just getting off the ground. In those days, as is often the case with a new business or a new initiative, Bill lived each day as if his hair was on fire. He was constantly racing from obligation to obligation—meetings and planning sessions, kids’ sporting events, fund-raising dinners, and more. One evening, just as he pulled out of his driveway to head to an elders’ meeting at church, something—or Someone—told him to stop. He quickly moved his foot to the brake pedal and scanned his surroundings. Had he forgotten his paperwork? His Bible? His wife? Was she supposed to come with him tonight? Seeing that he had everything he needed for the meeting, he glanced absentmindedly in his rearview mirror. And that’s when he saw her: the young daughter of a neighbor, riding her pink tricycle right behind his car. This was before cars were equipped with backup cameras or other devices that automatically alerted you to any activity behind your vehicle. Bill exhaled as the reality sank in that, had he plowed ahead in his rush to get to church, he likely would have run over that little girl. I believe that the speed of our lives is killing us. Maybe not physically, but emotionally, relationally, financially, spiritually yes it is. Speed is not our friend. Quality time with spouses and children and friends can’t happen when you’re moving too fast. Sound business decisions don’t get made when you’re moving too fast. Wise money management strategies don’t happen when you blowing and going all the time. And most importantly meaningful, spiritually renewing connection with our creator God doesn’t happen. How can it when we are just looking for a spiritual pick me up rather than an ongoing deep relationship with God. One the worst times in my life of being overwhelmed and exhausted was ironically when I was working to start a new opportunity to worship God. I don’t believe that God wants our lives to descend into that maddening, fly by the seat of your pants chaos. In

John10:10 Jesus says, “"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” He also says in Matthew 11:28-29, “"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS…” In our scripture this morning Moses is facing one of the greatest times of challenge in his ministry. He has just come down from the mountain with instructions for the building of the tabernacle and the ten commandments. When he comes down from the mountain bringing with him the stone tablets with the commandments he sees the people enveloped in darkness, paganism, immorality, and the worship of a Golden Calf. After all that God has done, all the miracles God has wraught and they are plundging full force into debauchery and the worship of idols. It is not wonder that God and Moses or so upset. God is about ready to remove his presence from the midst of the people. Moses pleads with God to not remove his presence. Moses pleads with God to remember the covenant and to remember the special relationship that he Moses has had with God. Moses has not walked perfectly but faithfully with God and he ask God to still be in his presence. God does continue to keep his presence with his people. The key verse for us today is verse 13 where Moses tells God, “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you.” Moses has walked with God for a long time but he still wants God not to leave him and even more he wants to know God better. The first application of this is in the midst of our everyday life we need to remember that God has promised as he promised Moses to Go with us. So often in the midst of the chaos we forget or lose sight of that. God is with us. Not only that but God’s Spirit dwells on us and God has chosen and loved us. We have favor with God. Don’t let your identity come from all of those things your doing , but who you are in God’s sight. Second takeaway is that we need to go with God. Just as Moses asked God to teach him his ways because he knew in order to do what God wanted he needed to know more of God and God’s will so if we are to be all that God wants us to be we need to know more of Him. That means we need to be intentional about how we are living our lives. It is not enough for us to go from one fire putting it out to another. It’s not enough for us to ask what is the least I need to get done today. We need to be more intentional than that. What if you tried this for a week? Tonight before you go to bed you asked what type of person is God calling to be and then ordering your life based on that priority. God might be asking you to be the type of person that is a more attentive parent, or a more thoughtful friend, or a more Godly business person, a more loving spouse, or a more faithful disciple. Write down what those things are then fill in your calendar accordingly. It’s okay if we have to say no to some good things in order to choose the best things. The Lord wants us to use all the gifts that He gives us the best way that we can. The one that we can never get more of is our times. Let’s begin to use the time that we have to be the type of people that God and that we want to be. May God bless you this week. Brother Dee

This Week’s Special Sub Sub Subl1

Chunky Munky Large Pizza

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Club Announcements and Local News

Santa’s Helpers: These Hazen Study Club members donned their Santa hats GIFTS GALORE! Pictured above is the banquet table at the Hazen Study Club’s during their Christmas Party held at BancorpSouth on Thursday, December 17. Christmas party held at BancropSouth’s Community room in Hazen. Gifts galore L-r: Gloria Strohl, Carolyn Marek, Louise Mangrum, Marilyn Burroughs and Bevfor each member in attendance adorn the table. erly Wood

Hazen Study Club Christmas party declared a “masterpiece” The Hazen Study Club Christmas Party was a masterpiece! This meeting was held December 17 in the BanCorp South Community Room. The banquet table was the focal point of the room. A foundation covering of green was topped with a green pine centerpiece featuring red poinsettias, glitzy lime green and red balls, pine cones and an assortment of berries surrounding three flameless pillars contained in crystal globes. Club members placed their overflowing gifts to each other at each place setting. These gifts in-

cluded Steve’s Divinity, Carolyn’s candied pecans, Donna’s Snowman nite lite (a Pinterest project), hand crafted ornaments, Chocolate covered cherries, a miniature chalk board, Beverly’s fabric cross wall hanging (another Pinterest project), Marshmallow Candy Snowman, Candy Cane, Gingerbread Antibacterial Hand gel, a Snowman Coffee Mug stuffed with a dishtowel and a Santa Hat. Red appointments completed the tablescape. The buffet table was also decked with Christmas decor. The table was covered with white with a center section of red. Red

feathery miniature trees were set at each end. Large crystal goblets holding blue and red balls were placed at the back of the table. Accents of blue were a gift at one end and a snowman with a blue toboggan standing by a blue wire sleigh, holding the napkins, at the other. Hanging above the center was a pine cone wreath featuring red poinsettias. The pot luck meal featured chicken and dressing, sweet freen beans, corn casserole, Reta’s Signature Lime Jello Salad, hot rolls and dessert. The pot luck desserts were a fudgy pecan

pie and three cherry cream cheese pies. Three members that had volunteered for desserts all chose to make the same thing without any of them knowing what the others were bringing! President Louise Man-gum, read a poem and gave the invocation. The only business conducted was “The Pledge of Allegiance”. Entertainment consisted of Bingo games, Christmas lyrics Identification, a game of Chance, Guess the number of Candies and Musical Ball. The winner of the last game was Connie Swaim. Dirty Santa was relatively calm

this year. The only item that was stolen and declared “dead” was a beautiful “Old World Santa”. The final project of the year was bagging the accumulation of angel tree items. These were then loaded into Virginia’s car and she delivered them the next morning to the DeValls Bluff DHS office. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m. with members wishing each other a “Merry Christmas”! lGloria Strohl, Reporting

PCRTA members meet at Hickory Plains Methodist Church for Christmas luncheon The Prairie County Retired Teachers unit met at the First United Methodist Church in Hickory Plains for their Christmas luncheon on Tuesday, December 15 with 18 members and one visitor attending. The group brought canned foods for the Prairie County Food Pantry. Those attending were Kathy Ewing, Helen Holloway, Bonnie Reid, Debora Carpenter, June Whiteside, Chris Weems, James Bradford, Bill and Sharon Arnold, Lenora Murray, Vi Gresham, Vivan Novak, Carolyn Brakensiek, MaryAnne Williams, Sadie Foster, Debbye Harrison and Emma Curlett. Carolyn Foster, visitor, took the photo. Debora gave the Welcome to Hickory Plains and to the church. She also introduced two new mem-

Personally Speaking Mary Ann Cobb who was recovering from bladder issues returned to Unity Health Hospital on Wednesday. Her children are tending her care. --------Prayers are sent to Kevin Robinson and family. Kevin recently underwent another surgery to remove a portion of his leg. Reports are he is in serious condition. --------It has been reported that Bro. Russell (Sis. Neldia) Penn, pastor of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, has been under the weather lately. Get well soon. --------Glenda Churchwell is doing some better after a hospital stay. Get well soon, Glenda! --------It was noted that several Des Arcians traveled to Memphis, TN to watch the Razorbacks at the Liberty Bowl over the weekend. ---------Olene Colclasure Curry of Rose City in a call says she did not even put out a door wreath this year - too much theft in her area. Also, no one had decorations up because of it. She is wife of late Leonard Curry and native of local area. (So much for city life!)

bers, her mother, Charlotte Wrigley and the Pastor, Debbye Harrison. Charlotte retired from Des Arc Schools and Debbye retired from Carlisle Schools. She also taught at Des Arc. Emma Curlett was also welcomed as a new member. The Invocation was given by Bill Arnold. After lunch, Helen Holloway gave the Devotional, “We All Get Gifts,” of which some are just taken for granted and others are prized possessions for a while or a lifetime.” MaryAnne sang, “Mary Did You Know?” Mr. Bradford sang, “White Christmas”, and had the group join him for the second verse. The group sang one group song. Kathy Ewing presided for a short business meeting, approving the minutes

and receiving the financial report. MaryAnne reported that she hopes the Dolly Parton Imagination Library will be in all counties in Arkansas in two more years. Annoncement was made that if members know of single parents who were in college and have not applied for a Single Parent Scholarship, to have them contact Prairie County Single Parent Scholarship Fund members. “Scholarships are available,” according to Chris Weems and Helen Holloway. The next meeting of the Prairie County Retired Teachers Association will be Tuesday, February 16 at the Prairie County Historical Museum in DeValls Bluff at 1:00 p.m. Reported

PCRTA Christmas Party Those in attendance at the Prairie County Retired Teachers Christmas Party held at the Hickory Plains Methodist Church were: Seated front, l-r: Kathy Ewing, Helen Holloway, Bonnie Reid, Debora Carpenter and June Whiteside. Standing, l-r: Chris Weems, James Bradford, Bill Arnold, Lenora Murray, Vi Gresham, Vivian Novak, Carolyn Brakensiek, MaryAnne Williams, Sharon Arnold, Sadie Foster, Debbye Harrison and Emma Curlett. Photo by Carolyn Foster, visitor

Community Calendar by Chris Weems

Thurs., Jan. 7, 6:00 pm: GFWC Elsie McCain Club, Murry’s Nell Pich, hostess Tues., Jan. 11, 6:15 pm: Hazen Chapter No. 5 meeting, Hazen Lodge Hall Thus., Jan. 14, 7:30 pm: Masonic Lodge Meeting, Lodge Hall, Hazen Sat., Jan. 16, 9:30 am: District 10 Proficiency School, OES, Cabot Lodge Hall Tues., Jan. 19, 6:00 pm: Master Gardeners, BancorpSouth, Hazen

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H U R S D A Y From the Kitchen of Rev. Jaimie Alexander, Minister at Bella Vista United Methodist Church

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Quick & Easy Recipes From Rev. Jaimie Alexander

In the office recently, I was responsible for hosting a meeting with very short notice. I quickly put together a brunch menu the consisted of a Country Breakfast Casserole, Mushroom Cream Cheese Bread, Pecan Meringue Cookies, and Orange Dream Drink to serve. So the next time you need something easy to prepare tie on your apron and try these recipes.

Country Breakfast Casserole

The Movies at DANRC Brother Paul Fowler, pastor of the Des Arc Assembly of God Church showed an ‘inspirational’ movie, “The War Room”, to DANRC residents and staff on the big screen TV this past week. He said, “ This movie is not about war - it’s about prayer and a woman who called her prayer closet her war room.” Bro. Fowler also holds a weekly Bible Study at DANRC. And one Saturday a month, he and members of the church come to play games, visit and have snacks with the residents.

De S ArC n urSing & reh AbilitAt ion Cen ter by Activity Director, teresa henley

Happ New Year to everyone in the community! Were you able to stay up and usher the old year out and bring the New Year in? The Disciples were here on New Years Day bringing everyone their wonderful music. On Saturday, we listened to music, played Dominoes and listened to the local news channel. Sunday, the Des Arc United Methodist Church and Faith Missionary Baptist Church brought us a wonderful message and fellowship. We have enjoyed playing games, watching TV, Snowball paid us a visit, Pretty Nails, Excercises, Bingo, and making our New Year Resolutions.

Some said they don’t make them because they never keep them. I think it is good to make one. At least it is a start to the new year with a goal in mind. Thursday, January 7, we will enjoy Elvis’ favorite sandwich, Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich. Sounds delicious. The Disciples will be here this Friday. We look forward to their music. We will be shopping for the residents on Tuesday next week. Upcoming events in January are our Resident Council meets, Resident Fundraiser, our Pancake Breakfast and our Resident Birthday Party. The Des Arc United Methodist Church, Faith

Missionary and Lakeside Missionary Baptist Churches will be bringing us the Gospel and fellowship this month. It looks like winter is finally here. The weatherman is predicting some snow in the next couple of weeks. Also, more rain is in the forecast. We send prayers to those locally that are affected by the high waters. Our own Teresa Hanson is fighting floodwater. We are praying this does not turn out like 2011. From all of us at DANRC, please have a safe weekend. Please check on the elderly and animals to see they are fed and warm. Until next week. Teresa Henley Activitiy Director

Senior CitizenS Center DES ARC, ARK By Barbara Williams, Site Director

9 eggs, lightly beaten 3/4 cup milk 1/4 cup butter melted 1 pound sausage, browned and drained 4 1/2 cups frozen hash browns 1 cup grated cheddar cheese Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In bowl, with a wire whisk, mix eggs, milk, and butter. Layer sausage on bottom of a greased 9x13 baking dish. Ad has browns on top of sausage, and pour egg mixture over layers. Sprinkle cheese over the top. Bake 1 hour 350 degrees

Mushroom Cream Cheese Bread 2 (8ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 3 (4ounce) cans mushroom stems and pieces, drained and chopped 1 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning 1 egg 1 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated Unroll crescent roll dough into 2 long rectangles; seal seams and perforations to create one large piece. Combine cream cheese, mushrooms, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning. Spread over dough to within 1 inch of edges. Roll up jelly roll style. Seal edges and place seam side down on greased baking sheet. In a bowl, beat together egg and water; brush over roll, and sprinkle roll whit cheese. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into slices.

Pecan Meringue Cookies ( makes 24 cookies) 2 egg whites 1/2 cup sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon vinegar 1 cup finely chopped pecans Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and salt; continue beating 3 to 4 minutes until meringue is very stiff and sugar has dissolved. beat in vanilla and vinegar. Fold in pecans. Drop by spoonfuls in small mounds ( about 11/2 inches) on prepared cookie sheets. Bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes or until light brown. Turn off heat. Leave in the oven overnight without opening the door to thoroughly dry. Lift off paper.

Orange Dream Drink 6 1 1 1

cups orange juice, divided teaspoon vanilla extract (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding envelope whipped topping mix

In a large mixing bowl or pitcher, combine 3 cups orange juice, vanilla, pudding mix, and whipped topping mix. Beat until smooth; then mix in remaining juice. chill thoroughly. Yield 6 to 8 servings.

Test your Social Security knowledge By Phylis Dills Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Little Rock, Ark.

Leverne Barnes with her Razorback Birthday cake We hope everyone had a wonderful start to the New Year! Monday we played dominoes and worked on the new quilt. Tuesday we had Bean Bag Baseball practice. Wednesday we enjoyed our homemade Breakfast and Bingo.

Thursday we worked on new puzzles and had a surprise birthday cake for Levern Barnes from her husband Herndon with a Razorback piggy on top. We were closed Friday. We will have our yard sale room open Thursday, January 14th from 9 am -2 pm. Clothes and shoes are

$0.50, children’s clothes and purses are $0.25, other items are priced as marked. God Bless and have a great weekend! Barbara Williams, Site Director Olivia Holcomb Osborn, Meals on WheelsHolcomb Osborn, Meals on Wheels

New Medicaid enrollees urged to attend trainingfree sessions explain how to use coverage New Medicaid and ARKids First beneficiaries in Arkansas will now receive help on how to best use their benefits. AFMC, through a contract with Arkansas Medicaid, is providing no-cost monthly training sessions in every county. The one-hour training covers topics such as choosing a primary care physician, co-pays, non-emergency transportation and when to go to the emergency room. The goal of the program is to help enrollees understand the basics of using health insurance responsibly and to promote greater use of primary care and preventive health services. The workshop is open to all new Medicaid and ARKids First enrollees. Those who attend the training will be registered for a chance to win a $25 gift card. To find out when and where the sessions will be held and to register, visit afmc.org/ARBeneEd or call 1-855-275-5948. For more than 40 years, the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care has worked to improve the health of Arkansans through utilization review, quality improvement projects, and public education. Our mission statement: To promote excellence in health and health care through evaluation and education.

National Trivia Day reminds us that knowledge about Social Security empowers you and prepares you for retirement. Remember, the more you know about Social Security, the more control you have over your bright future. 1. What is the average number of years someone has paid into Social Security once they start collecting disability benefits? A) 2 B) 7 C) 13 D) 22 Because the Social Security Act sets out a strict definition of disability, our beneficiaries are among the most severely disabled people in the country. We provide modest benefit payments to workers who contributed into the Social Security trust fund before becoming disabled. The average disability beneficiary today paid into the disability trust fund for 22 years before they began receiving Social Security disability benefits. 2. At what age can I begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits? A) 62 B) 65 C) 67 D) 70 The answer to this question is not the same for everyone. Depending on when you were born, your full retirement age will be between 65 and 67. You can draw benefits as early as 62, but you will receive a lesser benefit. For more details and a handy chart, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/retirechart.html. The best time for you to retire will depend on several factors, including when you were born, how long you contributed to Social Security, and how long you expect to live. The longer you work, and the more money you earn at Social Security-qualifying jobs, the more Social Security retirement benefits you stand to receive. The longer you wait to draw Social Security benefits, the larger your monthly payout will be. Past age 70, there is no longer any advantage to waiting. 3. How much money can I earn and still receive Social Security disability benefits? A) $500 per month B) $750 per month C) $1,090 per month D) None A worker who is disabled can earn up to $1,130 per month and still receive benefits. If the worker is blind or has work expenses, this amount is higher. More information about working while disabled is available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10095.pdf. 4. Who receives the largest annual share of Social Security benefits? A) Survivors of deceased workers B) Disabled workers and their families C) Retired workers and their families The answer is C. About 39.5. Of the nearly 60 million people who receive retirement, dependent, disability, and survivors benefits in 2015, the largest share went to retirees and their families, totaling $53 billion each month. We also paid $6.7 billion dollars in survivors benefits each month, and $10.5 billion dollars in disability benefits each month in 2015.

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FARM/HOME

Farmers gather for annual row crop production meeting Brent Griffin CEA-Staff Chair Prairie Co. Cooperative Extension Service UA System- Division of Agriculture

The Prairie County Extension service conducted the annual Row Crops Production meeting on Monday, January 4, at Big K’s Fish Barn north of Hazen. A large group of farmers, agriculture industry representatives, crop consultants and UA Extension personal attended. Shea Wilson, 4-H/FCS agent Prairie Co., welcomed meeting attendees at the registration table handing out 2015 Extension crop variety testing results. Brent Griffin, CEA-Staff Chair, made opening comments for upcoming Extension trainings. Scott Stiles, UA Extension economist, presented information concerning the potential Farm Bill payments for the 2015 crop year. Current market year price projections were used in tabulating potential ARC/PLC payments. Should the current price environment continue through the marketing year, individual payment limits would be met. Stiles discussed current production cost and expected production. Corn and sorghum appear on paper the most likely to produce a negative return or loss. Soybean appears to be a crop that will be breakeven to a slight profit. Rice may be the most likely to show a profit, but if planted acres increase as expected, the profit potential will erode. Dr. Travis Faske, UA Plant Pathologist, discussed the increasing presents of fungicide resistant Frog Eye Leaf Spot for soybean. Faske informed participants of new seed treatments to control Sudden Death Syndrome in soybean, but variety resistance is preferred to fight SDS. Dr. Bob Scott, UA Weed Scientist, discussed pigweed herbicide resistance and the confirmation of class 14 PPO inhibitors (ex.Valor, Flexstar, Blazer) resistance. The potential for full labeling of new technology is still unknown to control pigweed. The only labeled post program for PPO/glyphosate resistant pigweed control is the use of glufosinate technology. The Liberty Link system should be used in a program approach with a pre-emerge herbicide such as metolachlor or pyroxasulfone plus metribuzin. This multi-mode

program approach yields the best chance of a clean field. Scott commented on rice weed control and the increase in ALS nutsedge resistance and multi-mode barnyard grass resistance. New products for controlling herbicide weeds in rice are in the pipe line but are still a few years from reaching the market. Dr. Jason Kelley, UA Feed Grain Specialist, discussed the increased acreage during 2015 to grain sorghum, but a shift away from sorghum will occur in 2016. This comes from a combination of decreased crop price and the sugar cane aphid. Kelley related the importance of timely planting of corn to maintain a high yield potential. 2015 weather events slowed early season plant development and limited yield. Dr. Jeremy Ross, UA Soybean Specialist, spoke about current research work being done to maximize soybean yield by using a variety of high input recommendations. Results showed a 4 bushel per acre increase in yield over Extension recommendations but at a cost of an additional $130 per acre. Other new research indicated that the use of a soybean seed inoculum for mid-June to July planted soybean may give a yield bump. Ross outlined results from multi-year studies of the effect of row width and plant population. Narrow row soybean (15”) yields were better than those of 30 or 38” rows. Plant population did not vary in yield response when plant stands were uniform. Dr. Jarrod Hardke, UA Rice Specialist, discussed 2015 rice crop results and effects of planting dates on yield. Thirty years of planting date studies indicate that early rice is the best rice, but then 2015 came along and May plantings yielded better. Rice that had reached the reproductive stage was negatively affected by June weather. Hardke outlined results from pre-flood Nitrogen work. Dry soil applications are still the most efficient for plant uptake. The second best is wet soil if farmers are forced to do so. The most inefficient is applications of pre flood N into standing water. The study indicated that farmers need to wait at least three weeks between pre flood N application and mid-season.

Bees are important to the environment One of every three bites of food we eat is there because of pollination by bees. For nearly 10 years the phenomenon known as Colonie Collapse Disorder has devastated bee populations globally. Small scale beekeepers are a key to addressing this issue. Individuals putting up just one or two hives can have a great impact on local bee populations. The more people who join in these efforts, the greater the impact. Farms, orchards, vineyards, and greenhouses need bees to thrive. States are already setting up grants to assist independent beekeepers in

getting started. The startup costs range from $200 to $500 per hive. Education, a key to creating a healthy colonie, can increase this cost. By setting up grants for beekeepers, New York can add itself to the list of states taking a proactive approach to rebuilding the bee population before the devastation reaches an insurmountable level. The cost of food, the survival of the New York agricultural community, and so much more rest on the backs of these small, yet important creatures. Support beekeepers willing to take on the fight against CCD.

BLOOD CLOT FILTER PATIENTS

WARNING!

If you or a loved one had a filter placed and have suffered from a HEART ATTACK, STROKE, OR A FAILURE IN THE FILTER, you may have a right to compensation.

CONTACT ARKANSAS MEDICAL DEVICE ATTORNEY SEAN T. KEITH. (479) 621-0006 or 1-800-698-3644 www.dangerous-medicines.com

Send News, Photographs, and Letters to the White River Journal PO Box 1051 Des Arc, AR 72040 wrjnews1@centurytel.net

Photos by Prairie County Extension Service

Grow for the Green Soybean yield winners announced The Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board and the Arkansas Soybean Association recently announced the winners of the 2015 Grow for the Green Soybean Yield Contest. The contest divided state soybean producers into eight groups, seven geographic regions and one all state conventional (non-GMO) category. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three in each division achieving a minimum of 60 Bu/A at the annual meeting of the Arkansas Soybean Association on January 26, 2016. The meeting will be held at the Grand Prairie Center in Stuttgart, Ark. Northeast Delta: Mike Hook, Craighead County, Asgrow 4632 RR, 95.318 bushels per acre. Casey Hook, Craighead County, Pioneer 46T21 RR, 94.036 bushels per acre. Kenny/Garrett Qualls, Craighead County, Pioneer 46T21 RR, 86.021 bushels per acre. Northeast: Karl Garner, Cross County, Asgrow 4632 RR, 90.126 bushels per acre. White River Basin: Perry Galloway, Craighead County, Pioneer 46T21 RR, 108.759 bushels per acre. Charles Galloway, Craighead County, Asgrow 4232 RR, 100.935 bushels per acre. Kyle Fuller, Monroe County, Pioneer 47T36 RR, 93.508 bushels per acre. Grand Prairie: Brandon Rogers, Arkansas County, Asgrow 4632 RR, 96.844 bushels per acre. Lynn Marshall, Lonoke County, CZ HBK 4953 LL, 95.045 bushels per acre. Reagan Counce, Arkansas County, Asgrow 4632 RR, 93.095 bushels per acre. East Central Delta: Gere/Bill Carnathan, Phillips County, Asgrow 4934RR, 96.029 bushels per acre. Michael Taylor, Jr., Phillips County, Asgrow 4632 RR, 89.687 bushels per acre. Southeast: Matt Miles, Desha County, Pioneer 47T36 RR, 108.717 bushels per acre. Sherrie Miles, Ashley County, Pioneer 48T53RR, 97.689 bushels per acre. David Bennett, Chicot County, Asgrow 4632 RR, 95.25 bushels per acre. Western: Eddie Tackett, Pope County, Pioneer 47T36 RR, 79.087 bushels per acre. Cameron Southard, Pope County, Pioneer 47T36 RR, 75.393 bushels per acre. Lucas Moore, Conway County, Pioneer 94Y70 RR, 72.026 bushels per acre. Conventional: Nelson Crow, Drew County, UA5612, 82.359 bushels per acre. Mark Nix, Cross County, Emerge, 81.424 bushels per acre. Jason Smith, Desha County, GoSoy 483, 75.607 bushels per acre. This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2015 at 5:56 pm and is filed under Action Alerts, Membership Information. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

On the road again

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Flooding forces change of venue for Jefferson County crop production meeting By Mary Hightower U of A System Division of Agriculture Flooding has prompted a change of venue for the Jan. 11 rice and soybean production meeting in Jefferson County. The meeting had been set for the Waterfront Building at the county’s Regional Park in Pine Bluff, however, flooding prompted organizers to move the meeting to the Donald W. Reynolds Center at 300 W. 2nd Avenue, Anthony Whittington, Jefferson County extension agent for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said Monday. Heavy rains between Christmas and New Year’s generated major flooding along the Arkansas River at Pine Bluff. The river was expected to slip below the “major” flooding designation later this week. To see the latest schedule of winter

county crop production meetings, visit http://bit.ly/2016CropMeetings. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact the Jefferson County Extension Office as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Home on Hwy 11 N, just west of Bayou Des Arc Bridge, placed on stilts after 2011 flood

WHITE RIVER JOURNAL

Area Community News GrEGory GLEaNiNGS By Rosetta Lockhart Here is wishing all of you AND me to have a wonderful year in 2016 and every year after. The way the world is in such turmoil, it will be a miracle—but!!! I told you last week that I was going to corner Lola Osier to see who all she invited and left me out. Well, I got her list but didn’t fuss at her. Tommy and Sheila Sherman and boys came from Wynne, Brandon and Brittiany Brown and children of Bella Vista, Jimmy and Debbie South, Katie and Ryland of Heber Springs, April Wood of Batesville, Doug Osier, Paul and Sharon Lewis all of Augusta. Rowland and Karla Clark and Peyton spent Wednesday till Monday at St. Joe with Mr. and Mrs. Brent McKnight. Weekend visitors at the Donny and Michelle

Brown home were grandsons, Carter and Tucker of Cabot. On Wednesday of last week Pam Sanchez of Pleasanton, Calif. and James Underwood of Searcy visited the Browns. Lee Willis of McCrory came over and watched the Liberty Bowl game with “Pa” Holder. Matt and Kyle Brown traveled to Memphis for the real deal. Jena Pfeffer spent Sunday afternoon at Searcy with Lynn and Carrie Tranum, Kristen and Avery and John McNeill. The grandgirls called for her to come and stop by Popeye’s!!! Helen Fields “ suffered “ another birthday Sunday—no, she was very happy about getting to have another one. Jena visited with her Saturday afternoon as she had to be the bearer of Popeye’s chicken on Sunday. SO---

Fannie Peters and I went and we lucked out, I called and Helen said ‘come on down’ not saying it was a PARTY! There with cake and ice cream were Steve and Dawanna Fields, their offspring, Greg and Amber Fields, Alysa and Ella and Christie Bell, Tori and Brent. All of the Des Arc area. Virginia Davis of Caldwell visited her Mom, Fannie Peters, New Year’s Day. Troy and Darlene Tims have been on several trips to Searcy since Friday due to Darlene’s Mom being in the hospital with pneumonia. Rosetta says she built her first fire in her wood stove Monday, the 4th. Most years that happens in Nov. or Dec. It is just plain COLD!!!! now. Rosetta

Donna Kelly, Correspondent

sorrow for those that have lost love ones and those were affected by the flooding. Charles Ingle called Saturday evening and said his mother had some pain in her chest and arms and was quite upset. She was feeling better. She was afraid it was her heart. We have a nurse coming on Monday. Then we have an appointment with the doctor in the Wound Center on Wednesday. We went to the heart doctor last week. He took John off a couple of his prescriptions. He went to church with me today.

CROSS ROADS/

HICKORY PL A INS Opal Crider, Correspondent

NEW BETHEL NEWS We have had some bad weather and so much flooding. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims. We hope everyone was able to enjoy the Holidays with their families. Our kids and grand kids came over for dinner on New Years day. We enjoyed the day. I had a phone call from Charlene Highfill on Sunday evening. Her daughter, Jan has been very ill. She is undergoing treatments that are very tough and weaken her. There has been a lot of

Please report your news to the Correspondent in your local Community

We had a nice crowd out for services Sunday morning and a nice service. Another good service Sunday evening. Denise Greenwalt said her dad, Tommy Martin was doing quite well. He remains in the Nursing Home for therapy. We wish everyone a Prosperous New Year with Good Health and many other Blessings. Charles Ingle asks prayer for a friend. Margaret McNeill Hansmann of Des Arc who lost her son and brother the past week.

Hope everyone had a good 2015 and a better 2016. I pray for healings, spiritual, physical and emotional and families binding together. Please call me (870-8543703 or 870-256-5127) if you are interested in renting a 2 bedroom trailer in Hickory Plains area. Sympathy and Prayers to Margaret(McNeil) Hannsman and family in the loss of her son, Gerald Keel of Arkadelphia, AR He was on life support in LR Baptist for 3 weeks. His Memorial is Saturday at Lakeside Missionary Baptist Church in Des Arc. (Obit in this edition) Sympathy and Prayers to Shirley McNeill and family. Jerry McNeill passed away on his birthday Dec. 31st. He has been bad for a long time, more this year. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. (Obit in this edition) The Carter Harrison Family extended their Christmas celebrations into the new year. After Christmas, Carter and Debbye visited their daughter, Shana in Dallas. Arriving one day after the tornadoes that hit Garland and Rowlett, the destruction was very evident from I-30. While there, Debbye had dinner with three friends from high school, Gloria Scott Adams, Patsy Whittenburg Knight and Rachel Doyle. While their son, Chris and family Dina, Maddie and Christian enjoyed a cruise to the Bahamas, Bryce and Heather Harri-

Lonoke/Prairie Master Gardeners holding training classes-deadline to register is Feb. 5 Do you like to dig in the dirt? Or maybe you’ve always wanted to grow a garden or a flower bed but really don’t know where to start: maybe you’ve had a garden and weren’t happy with your results. Or perhaps you have horticultural expertise to share, would like to make new friends and provide volunteer service in your community. The Master Gardener program may be just what you need! Master Gardeners is a volunteer organization directed by the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Lonoke and Prairie Counties each have an active Master Gardener organization. These groups are responsible for beautification projects in Cabot,

Lonoke, Scott, Des Arc, Hazen and DeValls Bluff. With all the projects, there is always room for one more pair of willing hands--but you have to be trained to be an official Master Gardener! To become a Master Gardener, you must complete a forty (40) hour training session. The Spring training will be held at the Cooperative Extension Service office in Lonoke on Saturday, March 19; Thursday, March 24, Saturday, March 26, Saturday, April 2; Thursday, April 7 and Saturday, April 9. Saturday sessions will run from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and Thursday sessions will run from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Applications for the training session are being

taken at this time. Enrollment will be limited to twenty participants, who, following training and receipt of the Master Gardener certification, are committed to donating 40 working hours and pursuing 20 additional learning hours in the county Master Gardener program. Training begins with instruction on basic botany, principles of horticulture, soils and fertilizers, irrigation, pest control and pesticide use. Other training sessions include: vegetable production, home fruit production, landscaping and lawn care. Cooperative Extension Service professionals, horticulture professionals and other specialists in their field will conduct the train-

ing. A fee of $85.00 covers books, other training materials and lunch or supper. The deadline for applying is Friday, February 5, 2016. For details contact the Lonoke County Extension office at 501-676-3124 or the Prairie County office at 870-998-2614. Janet Turnage is president of the Prairie County Master Gardeners and Bonnie Moody is president of the Lonoke County Master Gardeners. The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected class.

son of Hampton, Shana Harrison of Dallas and Dan and Anna Armendariz of Ft. Worth accompanied Carter and Debbye to the Liberty Bowl in Memphis. The game was made more exciting since their tickets were among the Kansas State fan area. Dan is a graduate of KSU and his son is a member of the wonderful KSU Marching Band. Mickey and Vanessa Graham and James &andPeggy Rettig had New Years supper at Hibachi Grill in Cabot. They came back to Grahams, visited a while and called it a night early. Didn’t stay up to see the New Year in. We had a great New Year, all of our kids came New Years Eve for a slumber party, Weavers, Cochrans and TN Criders. We had twenty two here. Carl Weaver had a friend, Chelsea. They all played games and had a good time together. Even our 4 year old twins, Casey & Madie Cochran saw the ball drop at midnight and Annie Grace had all 22 of us a Sparkly drink poured. We had plenty of food, great sweet homemade snacks. I laid down later, but little too noisy. Learned all stayed up. Rick, Robbie and Christian Weaver went home at 2:30 AM. The rest went to sleep here. Chad and Tracy cooked a big country breakfast. Robbie and Rick came back over. Rick Weaver cleaned the kitchen. Randy and Celeste cooked hamburgers for a late lunch Saturday. The Crider grandkids enjoyed riding four wheelers. Later Bob and Randy went to Weaver’s to watch the Liberty Bowl. So glad Arkansas won! Celeste Crider cooked a big supper, pork loin and etc. Aunt Clara Clark came over to visit the TN Criders and had supper with us. Evan Crider helped her walk over here and helped her back home after dark. First time she has been in our home since Oct., before her last surgery. Clara Clark drove herself to Church Sunday. She’s not suppose to drive, but I wasn’t going cause Criders were still here. First time she has been since October I told her God would protect her. Randy was determined for he, his Dad and I to play a game of Pinochle. We haven’t played in few years. I almost won. Bob won very last hand. Celeste and kids were sitting on go.

Kennedy wanted to get home for Church. They left at noon and made it in time and had a safe trip. I went to a baby shower Sunday afternoon at Church and came back by to visit with family at Bud McArthur’s. They could use your Prayers. I was so sick last week, but was no better. I went back to clinic Monday morning and it was bronchitis. So two more shots and more antibiotic. My cough is so bad sometimes I almost choke, but God will see me through. I took Clara Clark to PT in Cabot Monday and on to her Doctor in Jacksonville. She has been taking B-12 shots. Now her potassium is too low, so she will take that for 30 days. Please keep in your Prayers. She is always cold and longs for the day when she can get out and about on her on. The next “Ladies Drop By” will be Jan. 12, 2016 and will be at the Hickory Plains Methodist Church. Put it on your calendars! Come join us, just fun, food and fellowship! (REMINDER) For people to call 870-854-3703 or email me () their News. Please call or send!!! If you want birthdays in my column and you know I don’t put them in, please let me know! I know people do things that we would all enjoy reading about. Not many let me know , so that’s why many weeks is about Me & Mine! HPOS wants to let everyone know that Tracy will serve breakfast on Sunday mornings. She will also have a Sunday lunch special for $4 .99. Dinner SPECIALS on TUESDAYS and FRIDAYS! Come out & enjoy! Please support Hickory Plains Post Office by purchasing stamps, mailing packages, etc. there.. Support our OWN local Postmaster, Tammy Bruce. The Hickory Plains Post Office hours are Mon.-Fri. 12:30 PM- 2:30PM, Sat.10AM1:30PM. Have a Good Week In The Lord! Happy Birthday Jan. 10th to Ernestine Bradley! Happy Birthday Jan. 14th to Barbara Ingle! Happy Birthday Jan. 15th to Donnie Covington! Happy Birthday Jan. 16th to Carmen Sutton! In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16, NLT 20

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. . . Continued from Page 1 (more photos Pg 2 & 14)

Hwy 11 N at Lake Des Arc intersection - looking north Sunday afternoon Recently completed temporary bridge across Biene Creek on Hwy 323, Sunday afternoon

8th Street, looking south from levee

Newby Campground at Bayou Des Arc - view northwest from Hwy 11 N, Sunday afternoon

Vehicles parked at entrance to Ridout Camp off Hwy 11 N Sunday afternoon (boating in required)

Where road ends, and water begins - Ridout Camp, 2 miles north of Des Arc, off Hwy 11 N

Raft Creek Road

Mobile home of Chuck & Teresa Hanson, south of Des Arc off Hwy 323 near Robinwood area

Riverfront Park and Elmer J. Berry Gazebo at left - looking north toward Courthouse and 2nd gazebo, Saturday morning

This floor slab of a destroyed home at Spring Lake Circle is a reminder of the flood of 2011 - looking southwest Sunday afternoon

Raft Creek Road, looking east Sunday (photo by April Branham)

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Condensed from White River Journal Files February 26 Sleet, freezing rain and snow coupled with the below freezing temperatures the past two weeks, schools have been closed a total of seven days so far in February. Three Stuttgart residents and a minor child were killed in two separate accidents in the last week. Glenna M. Wright and Aundrey Wright and one of their two children were killed following a two-vehicle accident. Christy Mack of Stuttgart was killed in a head-on collision. Aundrey was a step-son of Veronica McCoy of Des Arc, employed at the Des Arc Head Start. Some 400 men and boys attended the Wild Game Supper held at the First Bapist Church in Des Arc on Saturday evening, February 21. Special guest speaker at the Wild Game Dinner was Rob Smets, a 2006 Pro-Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee and ninetime PBR World Championship Bullrider.

March 5 The Chamber of Commerce has selected the nominees for Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Public Servant of the Year, Educator of the Year and Volunteer Fireman of the Year. The Banquet will be held Saturday, March 28. The 2014 General Election effected a change in the deputy prosecutors’ office in Prairie County. The office is located in the courthouse in Des Arc and is now occupied by Tim Isaac. Isaac fills the office vacated by retiring Deputy Prosecutor Keith Rhodes. A photo taken just after midnight, captured the eastwardly view of Des Arc’s business disrict of the moderate to heavy snow falling.

March 12 Last Thursday morning, March 5, the community of Des Arc and surrounding area woke up to 6+ inches of snow which fell on top of already nearly 2” of sleet. The heavy snow brought down part of the roof of the 60+ year old skating rink last Wednesday night. The building was originally owned by Robert Edwards, then sold to Urchie Walls and sons, Jim and John. They operated the rink for several years and sold the building to Leroy and Glenda Gales, who turned the building into a furniture store. Treyson Burgess bought the furniture business from the Gales. Joshua Kessler, a Physical Science teacher at Hope High School, has been hired by the Des Arc School Board for the high school principals position for the 2015-16 term. He replaces current principal, Nick Hill, who will be moving into the Superintendent’s office at the end of the school term. A one-year old child was hospitalized at Children’s Hospital on Wednesday suffering with burns sustained in a mobile home fire near Griffithville. Rosie Duncan, daughter of Summer and Heath Duncan was burned when the Duncan’s mobile home was destroyed by fire Wednesday, March 11. The Duncan family lost everything in the fire. Summer is the granddaughter of Linnie West of Des Arc. Bro. Jim (Darlene) West, pastor of the Faith Missionary Baptist Church is Rosie’s grandfather. A photo features a vehicle involved in a rollover accident. Emergency crews were rushed to the accident scene about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 11. The driver of the Nissan pickup, Ricky Hollis, was transported to the emergecy room in Searcy where he was treated for a cut on his forehead.

March 19 At the Tuesday night city council meeting, Mayor Jim Garth recommended that Sgt. Rick Parson, a veteran officer with the police department, succeed Darrell Turner as police chief. Chief Parson is starting his 15th year with the DAPD.

A photo in this week’s Journal is of Richard Davis of Mena holding up his chainsaw in triumph (another ceiling joist has just been cut and lowered to the ground floor). With warmer weather, the dismantling of the landmark Plunkett/Nichols building at Second and Main restarted in earnest this week A fundraiser Spaghetti Supper was being given for Baby Rose (Duncan) and her family at the Northside Community Building on Friday, March 20. The proceeds will go to the Duncan family for medical expenses and household replacement . Baby Rose was severely burned in a fire on March 11. State Health Department Director Nathaniel (Nate) Smith, MD, MPH made his initial visit to the Prairie County Health Unit Friday, March 13. He was joined by Southeast Arkansas Regional Director Dena Poteat, supervisor of 17 health units in 14 counties.

March 26 Prairie County was fortunate to be able to host some international visitors to the area on Wednesday, March 25. Kentaro Nishimura and Sun Jing, at the invitation of Paul Guess and Company. Nishimura is president of Nishimura Shoji Shoten, Co., LTD.. and Miss Jing is Production Manager for the firm that is headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. Guess is announcing the launch of a women’s sachet division, which is a natural extension of the Lux Fragrance products. About 8 p.m., Friday, March 20, a jury of six men and six women returned a verdict in the murder trial of Edgar Wilson, former owner of Happy Times Liquor in DeValls Bluff. The jury, drawn from the Southern District of Prairie County, found Wilson guilty of Second Degree Murder. The Jury sentenced Wilson to 15 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections. A photo on the front page of the Journal this week showcases the front (North) wall exterior and interior Second Floor of the Plunkett-Nichols building at Second and Main.

April 2 The Prairie County Sheriff’s department in Des Arc was dispatched to the 201 Club in Biscoe on Saturday, March 28 in reference to a stabbing. The victim was transported to Stuttgart Baptist Medical Center for treatment. Arrested in connection with the stabbing was Calvin Burnett, Jr. of Brinkley. Burnett was formally charged with Battery in the First Degree. Jerry Greenwood, Des Arc Utility Manager and Bill Butler of Ozark Demolition of Fayetteville, discuss closure of Main Street after heavy winds caused the front wall, which was already leaning, to collapse Thursday morning on the Plunkett-Nichols building. Barricades were erected by the State Highway Department to replace those the City already had in place. The front entry doors of the old First Presbyterian Church at 5th and Main have been recently restored and reinstalled by Arrow Construction Co. of Benton. The church is being converted to the Des Arc Library. The Des Arc Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet to honor citizens and local businesses for their contribution to the Community of Des Arc on Saturday, March 28 at the First United Methodist Church Christian Life Center. Special Guest Speaker was April Smith, who lost her two sons and home in the deadly Vilonia tornado of April 27, 2014. Business of the Year was Des Arc Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; Public Servant of the Year-Rick Burns; Educator of the Year-Stacy Childers; Citizen of the

Year-Ronnie Ward and Volunteer Firefighter of the Year were fire chiefs from the local area Keith KnuppDes Arc FD, Kenneth Brannon-Cross Roads FD, Scott Barnes-Sand Hill FD, Davis Bell-Oak Prairie FD and Bill Calhoun-Northside FD.

April 9 Last Thursday, about 3:30 p.m., Rick and Diane Brumley had the misfortune of having their trailer loaded with nursery stock overturn within less than six blocks from their “Garden Gate” business at 5th and Main. Ironically, their truck landed in the south ditch facing east and directly across the street from the Des Arc Ambulance Service. Both Rick and Diane were taken to White County Hospital for treatment of their injuries. Diane had back surgery on Tuesday to repair crushed vertebrae in her back. Rick had injuries to his neck and back and both are very sore. The State Review Board of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program nominated 16 Arkansas properties in nine counties including the Kocourek and Son Hardware building at Hazen. Kocourek and Son Hardware at 110 East Front Street was built in 1906. A public auction for the sale of tax delinquent land in Prairie County will be held at the Prairie County Courthouse in Des Arc on Tuesday, April 28 at 10 a.m. according to John Thurston, Arkansas Commission of State Lands.

April 30 On Friday, April 24, the Prairie County Sheriff’s Department responded to a burglary in progress on Hwy. 38 west of Des Arc. Upon arriving at the scene. Prairie County Deputies found that the suspects had left but had gained entrance into a residence. A neighbor witness advised that two black males in a white Ford Crown Victoria had been backed into the driveway. Upon first contact, the suspects fled the vehicle and pursuit followed. The pursuit ended at the westbound I-40 on ramp at Carlisle where the suspect vehicle wrecked. The driver of the vehicle, who was apprehended at the accident scene, was identified as Reginald McCarter of Little Rock. A passenger, Cody Edwards, also of Little Rock , fled on foot. The Arkansas Department of Corrections track dog unit was dispatched and Edwards was apprehended in a neighborhood on the east side of Carlisle. Officers reported several pieces of family heirloom jewelry along with a few watches was taken from the residence. The suspects were spooked by the alarm system that had been installed at the residence. An advertisement in this weeks Journal lists the events that will be taking place on Saturday, May 2 at the Fifth Annual Fort Lincoln Freedom Fest in DeValls Bluff. The event is sponsored by the Arnold Family Foundation.

April 16

May 7

Ag Pilot Robert Ferguson crashed his plane as he was preparing to spray a field near the Bob Norman air strip just west of Des Arc. Robert, a third season pilot for Southern Aire of Cotton Plant and Des Arc, said a strong tail wind threw him off course. The plane was badly damaged. Robert was shaken up but suffered no injuries. The Lane Oliver Family have been selected as the 2015 Prairie County Farm Family of the Year. The announcement was made by Brent Griffin, Prairie County Cooperative Extension Service staff chairman. The Des Arc Lions Club honored founding member Gene Horne with a plaque for his dedication and work for the Des Arc Lions Club. Cody Snider of Carlisle Lions District Governor was a guest at the meeting on Tuesday, April 14 at the Des Arc United Methodist Fellowship hall and assisted in presentation ceremonies. Also honored were Vicki Stephens, Deronda Tucker and Donna Parchman-Ten Year members and Alysa Fields, Winner of the Des Arc Lions Peace Poster Contest. The Des Arc High School Band earned a Superior Rating in Sight Reading at the Region Four Concert Assessment held at Cabot High School on Thursday, April 9, A superior rating had not been achieved since 1986.

The recent auction of tax-delinquent properties in Prairie County collected over $9,000.00 for county and state government, the Commissioner of State Lands announced. The Des Arc High School Senior Lady Eagles Track team, coached by J.D. Babb, wins State Title Meet at Gurdon on Wednesday, May 6. The Junior Lady Eagles won District at Heber Springs on Friday, April 30. Prairie County Judge Mike Skarda and Hazen Mayor David Duch were among 118 officials in 62 counties who have declared May as Historic Preservation Month and Arkansas Heritage Month, AHPP Director Frances Swaim announced. Local fire departments and emergency officials were dispatched to the scene of a burning RV pulling a car at the Shell Superstore located on the south side of I-40 at Hazen shortly before 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30. No one was hurt in the incident and the fire was quickly extinguished. Everything in the Shell Station was destroyed. Scenes from the 5th Annual Fort Lincoln Freedom Fest in DeValls Bluff are published this week in the Journal.

April 23 Des Arc Schools was among eight high scorers statewide who received an “A” in the State’s grading scale for schools. Des Arc Elementary and Des Arc High School both received the “A” An “A” is 270-300 points. The grade represents how well students are performing in math and literacy on statewide tests such as the Benchmark and End of Course exams along with other criteria. A photo on the front page of the Journal is of an exposed wall on the west side of the PlunkettNichols building, that was recently demolished, was a painted sign of candidate for U.S. Senator John L. McClellan. Photos of the PlunkettNichols building is featured on pages eight and nine of this weeks Journal. Also a timeline is published of the history of the building.

May 14 Fifty-three graduates will be graduating as the Class of 2015 in commencement excercises on Friday, May 15. Valedictorian is Kirby Michelle Smith and Salutatorian is Abigal Leighanne York. Former teacher, Susan DeVorak, now teaching at Vilonia is Commencement Speaker. Dr. Melvin York is Baccalaureate Speaker. In its regular monthly meeting, the Prairie County Quorum Court unanimously approved Resolution #2015-1 which states that “the duly constituted Prairie County Library Board has determined that the current level of funding is inadequate to provide the facilities and perform the services to maintain and grow the public library system.” Special election will be held July 14, 2015 to increase the library tax from one to two mills. In other business, Judge Skarda announced that only one bid of $45,000 was received for the purchase of the existing Des Arc Library on Curran Street from the First Baptist Church of Des Arc.

New tornado sirens were being installed to replace three existing ones by a crew from Sentry Siren of Oklahoma. The cost of the two new sirens was $41,000.00 The new sirens will produce twice the volume of the old sirens. Chief Deputy Bill Duerson explained to members and guests at the Quorum Court meeting the newly received body cameras that officers will be wearing on all future calls, including traffic stops. Seven cameras and two terabyte hard drive were purchased pursuant to the April 8 approval by the court for a total of $3,313.

May 21 Todd Angelo and his wife, Christy and daughters, Nickki and Jacey Berry, were asleep when a fire broke out in the living room area of their mobile home on Sunday, May 17 about 5:30 a.m. The Angeloes got out but Todd’s dog, Smash, who perished in the fire, alerted Todd. Fire Chief Don Harvey said the fire cause was probably electrical. On April 18, Officer Scott Barnes along with Officer Mitchell Weaver, conducted a traffic stop and arrested Jerrod Felkins, 22,, who is being held on a $75,000.00 Bond on rape charges pending in two counties. Two other occupants in the vehicle were ages 16 and 14. Forty-two sixth grade students will graduate this evening at the elementary cafetorium. Meredith Reidhar is Valedictorian and Luke Morton is Salutatorian.

May 28 A photo on the front page of the Journal is a view north of a flooded Riverfront Park. The White River has been staying very near flood stage of 24’ for the past two weeks. The Des Arc School Board voted unanimously to change the name of the school’s football field from Eagle Field to HinsonRollins Field. A reception was held at the Des Arc Elementary School on Wednesday afternoon, May 27 honoring eight retiring teachers, staff and administrators. Those honored were Kathy Burns, Rick Burns, Cheryl Holland, Diane Tate Brumley, Brenda Williams, Martha Ann Childers, Retha Allred and Angela Dohm.

June 4 Featured on the front page of the Journal this week are photos of a few rides that the new bigger and better carnival will have at the 30th Annual Steamboat Days Festival in Des Arc. A schedule of events is also published in this issue. Jim White owner of the White & Son Fish Market in Des Arc has been sold to David LaDue of Vilonia. After 22 years, June 6 will be White’s last day. Mr. Jim purchased the business from the late Bill and Wilma Hayley in 1993. The

fish market has been in the same location since the early 1950’s when Hayley and his father-in-law Clarence Johnson ran it. Bruce DeVore and Daphna (DeVore) Gwin, brother and sister, gifted their stock in Walmart to endow the Earl and Bruce DeVore Scholarship Endowment at Arkansas State University for agriculture scholarships for Prairie County Students.

June 11 Garry Kirk, a Des Arc High School graduate and former Des Arc resident, was honored as “Teacher of the Year” at Benton Jr. High. Garry was nominated by Phelan Orthodontics in Little Rock during Teachers Appreciation Week. Bailey Greenwwod, daughter of Jerry and Amy Greenwood was crowned 2015 Miss Steamboat Days Queen at the Steamboat Days Pageant on June 5. Featured this week in the Journal are photos of the 2015 Steamboat Days Festival activities. Harvey’s Exxon Pony League takes second place at the Lonoke Tournament held on June 5 and 6.

June 18 Mayor Jim Garth told city council members at Tuesday evenings meeting that, “The new tornado sirens are up but not as loud as expected”. The Council approved an expenditure of $12,600 to have the old sirens rebuilt and re-installed at different locations. The Council also approved $6,000 to help cover the out of budget costs ($8500) on the new Prairie County Jail’s water and sewer budget. Several churches were holding Vacation Bible School this week. Photos are featured in this issue. Dondie’s White River Princess has cleared the way for additional parking at the local business Owner, Mike Skarda purchased property at the SE corner of Marion and Curran Sts. from Leon (Honest Leon) Treadwell. Treadwell has been given a lifetime of space for his mobile home

June 25 The Skating Rink/Burgess Furniture landmark finally came down this week after strong northerly winds on the night of March 4-5 caused the front portion of the old skating rink roof to collapse. The Prairie County Sheriff’s Department and the DeValls Bluff Police Department joined forces on June 23 and arrested eight individuals for related drug offenses after a year long investigation of narcotic sales. Prairie County has received a $23,512 County Courthouse Restoration Subgrant for porch and plaster restoration at the 1912 courthouse at Des Arc. The award was received from the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

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Meet the Des Arc Eagle Eye Archery team

Des Arc Eagle Eye Archery Team Mrs. Francine Dickson, Physical Education teacher at Des Arc Elementary far left, has received new archery equipment that is being used in competition by the Des Arc Eagle Eye Archery Team. Standing l-r: Mrs. Dickson, Maggie Lantrip, Jake Reidhar, Halle Cox, Seth Lisko, Jenna Brown, Tristan Ingle, Kirsten Wiggins, Dalton Sears, Luke Hagar, Nicolas Cashin, Mason Sherman, Cooper Childers, Zachary Holloway,Matt Kearby, Andrew Madar Kneeling l-r: Kyndal Morton, Taniya Chappel, and Amber Norman. Archery is a sport that dates back years and years before the modern day version that we have today with all sorts of high-tech equipment and different techniques of shooting and competing with other archers. In approximately 2800 B.C., the first composite bow was produced by the Egyptians. The arrows used were extremely light and could be shot 400 yards. The bow had almost been abandoned as a weapon but peoples of the

Far East employed archers in warfare and as recently as the 19th century, the use of the bow and arrow in hunting and intertribal fighting continues in central Africa and South America up to the present day. The oldest Archery tournament still extant is known as the Ancient Scroton Arrow. Archery has etched and will continue to etch an imprint on the world’s mind-even if only in history, legends and stories. At Des Arc Elementary,

this will be the first year for the Des Arc Eagles to have a competitive archery team called Des Arc Eagle Eye Archery Team. Mrs. Francine Dickson, Physical Education teacher at DAES and her husband, Paul, attended a NASP Archery Training program where they became trained and certified to teach Archery in the classroom. Mrs. Dickson received a grant from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation

to purchase bows, arrows, targets and other supplies at no cost to the school. Mrs. Dickson teaches archery to her Fifth and Sixth grade students. “So many students began to love the sport and wanted to know more”, Dickson said. The students decided to form a competitive archery team. The archers practice twice a week and during some recesses. Dickson stresses the importance of academic rigor and integrity and the athletes are

revered as role models. Exemplary behavior and attitude is expected. The Des Arc Eagle Eye Archery team will participate in local competitions and will travel to Maumelle on Saturday, February 27, 2016 to compete in a Regional tournament. If the team scores in the top three schools, they will qualify to go to the State Tournament April 1-2 in Hot Springs. “Paul and I enjoy working with the kids in this new activity. Archery can

build self-esteem and confidence and provides a positive atmosphere which builds success in and out of the classroom,” Mrs. Dickson said. “If just one child is positively affected, then the program has been a huge success for us. Hopefully, archery will become a sport that these students will enjoy for a long time and be passed on to future generations.”

Keep’n it Real The Des Arc High School Pep Band keeps the players and crowd pumped with their music during timeouts and half time at DA Eagle home games.

Lady Eagles Kallie Roberts #10 center for the Sr. Lady Eagles, beats the double-team in the Lady Eagles game against the Lady Patriots. The Sr. Lady Eagles were at Augusta on Tues., Jan. 5 and will play the Hazen Lady Hornets on Friday, Jan. 8.

Alley-oop Cooper Roberts, #12 far left for the Jr. Eagles, laid the basketball up and in against Palestine-Wheatley in December. The Jr. Eagles traveled to Augusta on Tuesday, Jan. 5 being idle over the Christmas break. They will take on the Jr. Hazen Hornets at Eagle Fieldhouse on Friday, Jan. 8.

(All games in Des Arc High School Gymnasium) Girls Boys Girls Boys