7:00 p.m. Hornet Field
Bison vs Poyen 7:00 p.m. Carlisle Eagles vs Izard County Eagle Field Homecoming
Tuesday October 21
Carlisle City Council meeting 6:00 p.m.
Des Arc City Council meeting 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 23 Food Distribution Hazen Methodist
were kind enough to send pictures of the event to the Herald, and the photos are printed on the back page of this edition of the paper.
By Lisa Mills Correspondent
The DeValls Bluff City Council met on October 8 th . Mayor Darlene Connor,Recorder/Treasurer Marcus Metcalf and Council Members Pam Delgiornio, Shirley Goff, and Raymond Watson were present. An ordinance was passed to amend the 2006 animal control ordinance on file. License fees will be $10 annually (replacement $5.00). For elderly (60+) fee will be $5.00 annually ($2.50 replacement). Impound fees will be $35.00 for first time for a licensed & vaccinated animal plus a daily assessment of $5.00 and $45.00 for second time. For an unlicensed and unvaccinated animal, the fee will be $45.00 plus $5.00/Day assessment fee. Fines for running at large: Licensed and vaccinated: $35.00 first offense, $45.00 second offense, $70.00 third offense, and $95,00 subsequent offenses. For unlicensed and unvaccinated animals, fines are: $45.00 first offense, $80.00 second offense, $160.00 third and subsequent offenses.
$5.00 daily assessment fee applies to all fines. Impound fees for nuisance animals: First offense: cost of damage, second offense $50.00 plus cost of damage, Third and subsequent offenses $100.00 plus cost of damage. $5.00 daily assessment applies to all fines. Adoption fee will be the costs of vaccinations and sterilization. For more information, contact City Hall. Mayor Connor reported that some suggestions had been made for animal control. The city has a pickup that a kennel could be added to and used. A part time animal control officer could be hired to pick up animals. They wouldn’t necessarily patrol, but take calls. For a shelter, two kennels could be purchased and possibly placed inside the old Fire Department building, which would provide heat and air, and an outdoor pen be put behind the building for exercise. Grand Prairie Veterinary Clinic would be contacted about discounted vaccination and sterilization fees. Amy Patterson would be contacted about placing dogs with rescue organizations. Grants could be
P lantation Ag riculture
h osts w reat h ma k in g w or k s h o p
(SCOTT, Ark.) –Wreaths have been used as holiday decorations for hundreds of years.
Plantation Agriculture Museum is offering the opportunity to learn about this tradition and how to craft a rustic wreath for your home at a wreath-making workshop on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is a fee of $25 to participate. All materials will be provided. Registration is required prior to Sunday, November 9, 2025. Class size is limited. For more information or to register, please contact the Plantation Agriculture Museum at 501-961-1409 or
PlantationAgriMuseum @Arkansas.com.
Located in Scott, Arkansas, the Plantation Agriculture Museum preserves Arkansas’ farming history. Exhibits and programs interpret the period from Arkansas’ statehood in 1836 through World War II when agricultural practices became mechanized.
Established in 1923, Arkansas State Parks preserve special places for future generations, provide quality recreation and education opportunities, enhance the state’s economy through tourism and provide leadership in resource conservation.
applied for. She said that more suggestions or decisions could be made at the November meeting when more council members were present. Goff presented an estimate to repair the roof at the Castleberry Hotel building. She said she doesn’t want to see it
fall down and lose that part of the city’s history. She feels like if the city started making some type of effort to preserve it, there would be a better chance of getting grants to restore it.
Mayor Connor said there were some people interested in purchasing it and that she would try to get in touch with them. But no buyers were found, the council could discuss the roof estimate in November. A building permit was issued to Keith Mooney for a $150,000 70x50 metal building at 145 W. Walnut.
Tiner selected for Arkansas 4-H video crew...
Prairie County 4-H is proud to announce that Alyssa Tiner has been selected as a member of the 2025–2026 Arkansas 4-H Video Crew!
The Arkansas 4-H Video Crew is entering an exciting new era with more members than ever before. This elite group of 4-H’ers will gain hands-on experience in professional video production—learning everything from lighting and livestreaming to documentary filmmaking.
Crew members play a vital role in livestreaming major 4-H events such as TLC and State O-Rama, operating professional-grade equipment, and helping produce high-quality video content that showcases Arkansas 4-H on a statewide and national level.
This year’s team will expand to include a running crew, a technical crew, and a new documentary crew—offering members like Alyssa even more opportunities to learn, lead, and grow.
The Arkansas 4-H Video Crew focuses on training youth in the skills and discipline needed to produce professional media. With dedication and teamwork, members develop valuable experience in communication, technology, and production—skills that can open doors in college, careers, and beyond.
Vivian Grace Humphries
Vivian Grace Humphries, age 97, of Carlisle, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, October 9, 2025. She was born in Des Arc, Arkansas to the late Samuel and Mable Humphries. Vivian enjoyed attending the activities at the Senior Citizen Center in Carlisle for many years.
Vivian was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Laverne and Evelyn. She is survived by her sister, Priscilla Kirkpatrick of Paris, Arkansas; her nieces, Dereice McClard and Robin Heitland; and nephews, Mark, Steve, and Roger Pollock. Services for Vivian were held on Monday, October 13, 2025 with Visitation beginning at 10:00AM until 11:00AM and funeral service beginning at 11:00AM at the Hazen Cemetery in Hazen, Arkansas. Arrangements are entrusted with Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen, Arkansas.
Ryan Palsa
Barrett Ryan Palsa, a great man, one many cannot begin to live up to. Barrett was wrapped in the arms of Jesus late Saturday night, September 27th, 2025; to go do something beyond the good that he could do
Member 2025 The Grand Prairie Herald (USPS) 225-680
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Circulation/Accounts
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Lisa Mills
Correspondent
Debbye Harrison
Photographer
Ruth Corley
here on Earth. He was born on January 5th, 1975 and graduated high school with the class of 1993, where he made his best friends Todd Miles and Traci Ward. He is preceded in death by his father, George Samuel Palsa; his brother, Brent Matthew Palsa. He is survived by his daughter, Abby Palsa, a love of his life, Michelle Strickland; his stepdaughter’s, whom he considered his own, Haley Campbell (Josh Campbell), Heather Alexander (Bryan Alexander), and Holly Pierce (Timothy Pierce); his grandson, his light, as he called him his “son” (sun), Bryght Barrett Lee Bookout; his grandson, Kaleb Boyle; his granddaughters, Brooke Boyle, Calee Fuller, Saygan Ashcraft, Hadley Fuller, Teagan Pierce, Birkley Alexander; his greatgrandson, Maverick Blalock; his nephew, Trenten Palsa; his mother Betty; and loved ones, P.J. Bookout & Zach Reed. He worked hard, for 30+ years for Bigham Ag, where he was a machinist and a prominent welder. While working here Barrett met some of his best friends, George, James, Bobbi, Mark, LaTonya, Sheila, and many more could be listed. He worked hard and he put his all into everything he did. This includes family, which was a second job, seemingly being he was the glue that held it all together. The thing about Barrett is he never had a complaint. Materialistic things did not make him happy, making others happy made him happy, providing for others made him happy. As well as playing with his grandson, family, fishing, car races and thinking his jokes he’d tell were funny (they were… and honest). He was the sun shining down that could not be turned into night, if ever he were flickering, he’d stand tall, putting a smile on his face, never acting as if he was in pain. Hard Headed, he was. He is
and was an exceptional father, a sunbeam of a grandfather, and a better half and friend that was hard to find. An honest man. When he loved, he meant to.
A visitation was held on Thursday, October 2, 2025 beginning at 1:00PM until 2:30PM at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen. Funeral services followed beginning at 3:00PM at the Carlisle Cemetery Pavilion in Carlisle.
David Wayne Lee, age 61, of Searcy, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025. He was born in Brinkley, Arkansas on November 5, 1963, to the late James and Joyce Avery.
David attended Des Arc High School and was a faithful member of the West Point Baptist Church for thirteen years. His dedication to his faith was evident in the relationships he cultivated throughout his life.
Known for his work ethic and expertise, David devoted his professional life to the fields of painting and drywall. Although a workaholic by nature, David also nurtured a range of hobbies and interests. His love for the outdoors was reflected in his passion for fishing and hunting. He also had a soft spot for the thrill and freedom of riding motorcycles. David's greatest joy, however, was his family. He was a loving father and grandfather, always looking forward to spending time with his grandchildren.
Prairie County 4-H
Program Assistant Amanda Sinkey and Prairie County FCS/4-H Agent Emilee Moody not only attended but also presented at the Volunteer Conference of the Southern States, held at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Georgia. The 4-H Volunteer Conference welcomes volunteers and staff from across the globe to share, learn, and grow together. Each year, a team of 4-H volunteers and professionals organize the event, which features both in-person sessions and virtual components, including a library of recorded workshops.
Amanda Sinkey pre-
sented “Canva for Beginners: Click, Drag, Wow!”—a hands-on session showcasing the ease and benefits of using Canva for 4-H projects, promotions, and educational activities.
Together, Amanda and Emilee co-led a Healthy Living session, highlighting Prairie County’s creative Luau Camp and demonstrating how healthy living can be both educational and fun. Participants enjoyed an energetic fruit kabob relay, blended fresh smoothies, and even created “fire art” as part of the interactive experience. In addition to presenting, both Amanda and
Emilee attended several sessions they are excited to bring back to Prairie County, including AI in Agriculture, Bread Making, Rules for AI, Glass Etching, and many more. They are eager to share new ideas and activities with local 4-H clubs and volunteers to keep programs fresh, engaging, and forward-thinking. Prairie County 4-H is proud to see local staff sharing innovative ideas and learning from others across the country. The 4-H Volunteer Conference team encourages everyone to continue thriving and connecting through 4-H in 2025 and beyond.
B lood donations for O cto b er 6t h
The following people donated blood at the October 6th blood drive held at the First United Methodist Church in Hazen. Thank you to all who came to the event.
Erna E. Tosh
Glenn Wilkins
Sunny Wilkins
Dawanna Keys
Charla Gibbs
Brandi Ball
Gary King
Jeff Rousavall
Bradley Taylor
Mary Van Houten
Betty Juola
Rhonda Hill
Dan Walton
Seth Walton
Lance Larkan
Tonya Gignac
Nancy Chalpecka
Nina Holloway
Chip Blalock
Shane Weems
There were 22 Donors (5 unable to donate)
Donna Mulherin
Brandon Tipton
Arkansas Press Association Subscribe to the Grand Prairie Herald for all of the local news! Call 870255-4538.
David was preceded in death by a daughter Kaylie Lee and his cherished parents. He leaves behind a legacy of love and commitment, and is survived by the mother of his children, Stacy Bivens; son, Dillon Lee; daughter, Meghan Doles; brother, Barry Lee (Tammy); sister, Sherrie Robertson (Alan), and his treasured grandchildren Kierra Lee, Kasyn Weems, Keaton Weems and Eden Weems.
England City Councilwoman Quendy Gibbins Medlin officially launched her candidacy for Arkansas House of Representatives, District 60 as an Independent candidate.
The announcement was made on October 10 in front of a group of family and friends gathered around the gazebo in Bill Foster Memorial Park in downtown England.
Medlin is dedicated to bringing a new voice to the people of District 60, the seat currently held by State Representative Roger Lynch, Republican of Lonoke.
“I’m running to ensure that our rural school districts receive the investment they need to survive and thrive, our farmers and the businesses that depend on them get fair markets and beneficial trade deals, and that our healthcare system is protected and strengthened,” she said. Serving on the England City Council for the past
7 years, Medlin has also held various leadership positions in public school organizations both as a parent and a teacher. She is the England Elementary School Librarian. She also currently serves as Treasurer for the England Church of Christ and Secretary of the newly formed England Friends of the Public Library. Medlin's decision to run for office is driven by her desire to work with both sides of the aisle to address the pressing issues facing District 60 and the state of Arkansas. "I’m tired of partisan politics, and I believe that others are too. I firmly believe that we have more in common than we have differences!”
"I'm running to ensure that our rural school districts receive the investment they need to survive and thrive, our farmers and the businesses that depend on them get fair markets and beneficial trade
deals, and that our healthcare system is protected and strengthened."
"I care about people, not politics, I try to always listen more than I speak, and I believe integrity matters.”
As an Independent candidate, Medlin offers voters a fresh perspective, unencumbered by party affiliations. “I am asking for support from every type of voter including Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and especially those voters who think that their voice doesn’t matter. It matters to me and it matters to our district.”
As an Independent, Medlin will not have to run in either party primary. She will qualify for the general election, which will be held Nov. 3, 2026.
Contact information: email quendy@quendy.org or reach her by phone at 501-951-5587.
Wrigley Farm’s Raw, Local Wildflower Honey Will Be Available At The Hazen Rice Festival! Saturday, October 25 City Park East
By Marsha Heien
The Grand Prairie Quilt Society met October 8, 2025 at the First Christian Church, Stuttgart with 6 members present. Shelley opened the meeting with the Thought for the Day, "The body uses more than 12 muscles to thread a sewing machine. Fitness is my passion." The September minutes and treasurer's report were given. October Happy Birthday greetings were extended to Laurie and Eunice, Happy Birthday....we miss you!
The previously scheduled October meeting at Jackie's Deli in Roe was
cancelled and we met at the church as usual.
The group decided not to travel to Perryville to see the Quilt Trail.
New Business: Members were advised about the Fall Fest to be at the church on October 31-November 1. Everyone was invited to attend.
Show and Share:
Daphne showed her lovely tote bag made from carpet samples. Maeola had a Razorback quilt top. Glenda showed several vintage quilt blocks that were given to her. Several members took some home to make into a quilt. We are looking
forward to seeing the finished project.
Glenda showed some vintage autograph quilt blocks in the Dresden Plate pattern. If anyone recognizes any of these names and would like to have the block, let us know.
Dorothy Ross
Mrs. W. L. Cotton
Mrs. Perry Harris
Mrs. J. N. Ross
Mrs. Hattie B. Harris
Mrs. R. O. Ross
Mrs. O. J. Miller
Mrs. Claude C. Bovay
The next meeting will be a Sit 'n Sew on November 12 at the church....bring your project and a sack lunch and come join us.
The Des Arc Library had more than 75 patrons visit last week. They had a Christmas card workshop as well as Diamond Art.
The library also has a variety of Halloween costumes ready for check out as you enter the library in addition to free books and various free items in their lobby.
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Des Arc Eagles improved to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in league play with a 52-20 win over Marked Tree on Friday night.
Des Arc led 16-0 with 5:22 left in the first quarter. Quarterback Hudson Goodman scored on runs of 38 and seven yards. Goodman and Kaibrein Buchanan each scored two-point conversions.
After a Marked Tree score, Goodman scored again on a one-yard run with 17 seconds left in the quarter to give the Eagles a 24-8 lead.
Buchanan then scored on runs of 64 and 34 yards in the second quarter as the Eagles led 38-8 at halftime.
Brayden Knupp and Goodman each scored touchdowns in the second half. Knupp’s came on an 18-ayrd pass while Goodman scored on a five-yard run.
Buchanan led the Eagles with 1`42 yards rushing on only eight carries. Goodman had 80 yards on 13 carries. Cane Childers had 80 yards on 13 carries.
Des Arc coach Nick Smith said his team played its best game since beating Hazen 523 on Sept. 5. “It was the best week of practice that we’ve had,” he said. “So, the kids put in a complete week. It was the most focus and most energy that the kids have put into a game. It was the most
physicality. That is what we preached all week.”
Smith said his team isn’t thinking about postseason play at the moment.
“We’re just taking it one game at a time,” he said. “Marked Tree week always seems to be a rallying point in our season. We get to Marked Tree, and we seem to play really well against them every year. We continue week by week after this point. That is what we’re going to preach to our guys — taking it week by week.”
The Eagles host Izard County on Friday. The Cougars are 1-5 on the season, coming off a 4812 loss to McCrory.
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Hazen Hornets and Poyen Indians basically played no defense but Poyen made a play when it needed to late in the game.
Poyen beat Hazen 5453 when the Hornets came up short on a twopoint conversion attempt with 10 seconds left at Poyen on Friday night.
“On the road, you try to win it right then,” Hazen coach Joe Besancon said. “We hadn’t stopped them all night long. I felt like they may have had a better chance of stopping us versus us stopping them. We don’t do a good job of getting pressure on the quarterback. He [Colt Barrett] just picks you apart. I felt like we could win it right there.”
Besancon said he had a play call but didn’t like
Poyen’s defensive alignment. He did not take his remaining timeout, and the Indians stopped the Hornets in the backfield to win the game.
“I should have burned it because I didn’t like the way they were lined up,” he said. “It’s one of those things you reflect on. They had a kid come down on the edge and blow it up in the backfield. We had been successful with that play all night. You just never know.”
Hazen played the first quarter and half of the fourth quarter without quarterback JJ Pinkney, who got hurt midway through the fourth quarter. He, along with Noah Adkins, were suspended for the first quarter for missing practice last week.
“I feel like if those guys are there the whole time, we would have won that football game,” Besancon said. “They’ve got to learn.”
Besancon said his team did a good job of working the clock. Hazen also had two costly turnovers in the game that led to Poyen points.
“We were up nine points at one time,” Besancon said. “We stopped ourselves with the mistakes.”
Pinkney led Hazen with 161 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 13 carries. Adkins had 130 yards rushing and three touchdowns. He also had 14 tackles.
Shane Gillioun caught a 39-yard touchdown pass. Hazen kicker Luis Dubon kicked a 32-yard field goal and made two extra points.
Hazen (1-5) hosts Baptist Prep on Friday night. The Eagles are coming off a 28-19 win over England last Friday.
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Carlisle Bison lost their first conference game since the 2022 season when they fell to undefeated Hampton 3527 on Friday night in Hampton.
With the loss, Carlisle falls to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in 2A-4 play. The Bulldogs are 6-0 and lead the league at 3-0.
Carlisle quarterback Baylor Hauk threw three touchdown passes — one each to Mason Boyle, Cajuan Pernell and Tyler Thrift. Remi Gisclair scored a rushing touchdown. Bison kicker Jimmy Cham was 3 for 4 on extra points.
One of Hampton’s
biggest plays came with some controversy.
The Bulldogs threw a forward screen pass, which appeared to have bounced. The receiver picked it up on the bounce and ran 61 yards for a touchdown. After the two-point conversion, the Bulldogs led 22-14 with 19 seconds left in the first half.
“Hats off to Hampton,” Carlisle coach Gary Wilson said. “They played well. They executed better than we did. We just didn’t execute well enough defensively or offensively when it mattered. We’ve got to put it behind us. We can’t let a loss beat us the next week, too. We’ve got to get the small things corrected.”
Carlisle hosts Poyen on Friday night. The Indians are coming off a 54-53 win over Hazen.
“They’ve got a quarterback with a really good arm,” Wilson said. “It will be a tough game for us. We’ll have to play well. If we don’t do the small things well, we’ll come out on the wrong end of it.” Carlisle hosts Poyen on Friday night. The Indians are coming off a 54-53 win over Hazen.
“They’ve got a quarterback with a really good arm,” Wilson said. “It will be a tough game for us. We’ll have to play well. If we don’t do the small things well, we’ll come out on the wrong end of it.”
1. The contest is open to anyone except employees of the Herald Publishing Company and their immediate families. YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 16 YEARS OF AGE TO ENTER.
2. Contest entries must be turned in to the Herald office, 111 Highway 70 East in Hazen,The deadline will be Friday at noon. Entries may be mailed to “Armchair Quarterback, P.O. Box 370, Hazen, AR 72064.” Or you may email your answers to heraldpublishing@gmail.com before 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.
3. To enter, clip out the entry blank and pick the team you think will win from the games listed in each ad. Write the name of the team in the appropriate blank. If you think the game will end in a tie, write “tie” in the blank. For the 20th game, pick a winner and predict a total number of points scored in the game. Total point predictions will be used as a tie-breaker if two or more entries correctly guess the same number of winners. The entry with the most correct game winner predictions wins the $50 cash prize. If a tie still exists after the total point predictions are judged, the prize money will be divided.
4. Each entry must be filled out completely and legibly to be eligible.
5. Contestants who win will not be eligible for the following week’s contest.
6. Only the person whose name appears on the winning entry may claim the prize unless other arrangements have been made and agreed to by the Herald Publishing Company.
7. All entries become the property of the Herald Publishing Company and will not be returned.
8. The name of the winner of each week’s contest will be announced in the following week’s edition of The Grand Prairie Herald
9. All decisions of the judges will be final.
10. Only two entries per household will be judged.
11. Occasionally, game schedules are changed after the contest games have been selected. If this week’s line-up does not correspond to the games being played, the game or games in question will be voided and the contest will be judged on the basis of the remaining games.
