PC Quorum Court hears speaker, passes
The Prairie County Quorum Court listened to a presentation given by Jlynn Hood, a Patient Care Representative from Palliative Community Resources of Little Rock.
All of the justices were present at the meeting, along with Judge Lawrence Holloway, County Clerk Gaylon Hale, and County Attorney Abram Skarda.
Hood told the court that her company provides home medical care for people 60-65 and older. They also have nurses who answer phones 24/7. The service is paid for through insurance and Medicare.
“With these services we can offer hope,” Hood said. The company has offices in Little Rock, Searcy, Conway, and Pine Bluff.
Holloway reported that the Road Department had been patching roads and putting in pipes. He said that some of the roads in the county have pothole that the Arkansas Department of Transportation needs to fix.
There were no committee reports or old busi-
ness.
Deputy Sheriff Jeffery Bokker presented information about grant money that the Sheriff’s Department had received, some of which the department has decided to use to pay off two Durango. The approximately $30,000 will be taken from the Communication Fund. Bokker also told the court that the Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), which is designed to prevent traffic accidents, will now be fulltime, with $54,000 of overtime pay to be provided by the state. The County has received funds from the STEP Grant in the amount of $17,630.91 which will be used to reimburse the County Sheriff’s overtime account. See Ordinance 2025-15 printed in this
inmates program has been affected by the federal shutdown, but that he expects that the workers will get back pay.
An ordinance was also passed to appropriate funds to the Veterans Service Officer to cover additional payroll
expenses for the amount of $5,615.76. The Veterans Service Officer works out of the County Attorney’s Office. The officer is shared with another county, so Prairie County is only responsible for part of the salary.
Hale said that all county departments are still working on their budg-
ets. Justice Gary King asked if anything could be done to keep Hamrick road, which goes to the waste management company, from being so dusty. Several large trucks travel the road to and from the waste management daily, and the dust greatly reduces visibility making it dangerous. It was suggested that a speed limit be put on the road, but no action was taken.
Justice Hooks asked Holloway to invite the county’s insurance provider to come and talk to the court about insurance rates. With no other business, the meeting adjourned.
Jerry Lee Scott
October 12, 2025, at Woodruff County Health Center in McCrory, AR.
Jerry Lee Scott, 78, of Des Arc, Arkansas passed away peacefully, on October 16, 2025. He was born on June 25, 1947, in Danville, Arkansas and one of three sons to the family of Everett and Mary Greenwood Scott. He attended Little Rock Central High School and graduated with the class of 1966. Jerry would go on to serve in the United States Marine Corps with honors during the Vietnam War. Jerry's service as a Marine defined his legacy of courage and strength. Jerry served with K company, 3rd batallion, 5th Marines in Vietnam. Serving as Rifleman, Point Guide, and Squad Leader during 10 of the most dangerous combat operations of the war. Jerry was wounded four times in combat and received four Purple Hearts, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Navy achievement medal with combat "V" for heroism on the Ky Lam River. He was also awarded the honor of wearing the Marine Corps Dress Blues for exemplifying the Marine Corps' highest standard of honor, courage, and commitment.
In 1990, Jerry married Lisa Farley. They lived in Little Rock, Sparksman, and Wrightsville before settling in Des Arc. Near the end of his service, Jerry being an excellent marksman, was selected to be a rifle instructor
for the Marine Corps. Throughout his life, Jerry worked as a concrete finisher, welder,and roofer, and would later become well known for his skills as a Bladesmith. Jerry often felt most comfortable in the outdoors. He always enjoyed fishing, hunting, and raising animals both domestic and wild.
Jerry's life reflected devotion, humility, and strength. As a man of faith Jerry attended worship, preached, and taught sunday school at the 3rd Street Baptist Church located in Arkadelphia. His life was characterized by his commitment to his faith, friends, and family. A man who would rather bear the burden so his fellow man didn't have to. He left an unforgettable mark on everyone he encountered through kindness, generosity, and his zest for life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and a beloved granddaughter, Christine Jones.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Scott, his three daughters, Shannon Jones (Steve), Heather Scott, Jessica Green (Scott), and two sons, Alan Massengale (Jessie) and James Scott (Julie). He was a cherished grandfather to Rachel Scott, Holden Green, and Linden Green. Jerry is also survived by his brothers, Donald "Boots" Scott (Beulah) and Carl Scott, as well as his nieces, Elizabeth Scott, Jennifer Wilkerson, and nephew, John Scott (Shannon).
Born on July 1, 1968, to her mother, Syrena Jean (Kirkland) Stallings, and her late father, Wylie Lee Stallings, Carmen was a beacon of warmth and love.
Carmen attended Des Arc Schools and was a proud graduate of the class of 1986. After graduation, she began her career at the State of AR Vital Records, later transferring to the Prairie County Health Department in Des Arc, where she was a valued team member for many years.
She was happiest when spending time with her family and grandbabies. Nothing brought her greater joy than attending her children’s ballgames and tending to her garden.
The love story of Carmen and Jim Lee, her beloved husband, spanned over four decades, ten of which they spent dating before getting married on August 30, 1991, in Des Arc. Their love for each other was evident in the life they built and the family they raised together.
Carmen was a strong and resilient woman. Despite facing health issues at a young age, which led her to become a resident of the Des Arc Nursing and Rehab, she remained optimistic and resilient, teaching everyone around her the true meaning of strength and perseverance.
The Hazen School Board met on Monday, October 13, 2025, with Kay Penn and Chad Greenwalt absent. Before the meeting, three community members spoke to the board members about some concerns they have.
Elaina Sims, the mother of two students, said that she was uncomfortable with social studies and science being taught online. She questioned the expense of purchasing the online program when qualified teachers were available to teach in-person instruction. She also asked about what the current state letter grades were for the two schools, and why the public had not been made aware of them. She said that students were failing tests. She is also concerned about student enrollment and the state school report card results. Sims also asked if anyone had identified the factors contributing to the decline in student enrollment and if a plan for addressing the problem.
Barbara Rogers, a member of the Hazen City Council, asked if the town was close to losing its school. Apparently a rumor has been going around to that effect. She asked that the district reassure community members that “good things are going on in our school.” She also questioned the practice of students having multiple study halls during the day.
tects and construction company to keep the project within the budget. The board went into executive session and returned with no action taken.
Elementary Principal Laura Saranie told the board about dress up days for homecoming week and that the fourth grade class went to Five Oaks for a field trip. She also announced Grandparents’ Days lunches and that Parent/Teacher day was scheduled for October 21. The school plans to trick or treat on the day of Halloween in the school. The teachers charted the ATLAS scores on their early out day on October 8.
the resignation of the transportation/maintenance supervisor, Jeff Cass, effective October 22.
After the meeting adjourned, the annual “Report to the Public” was presented. Report to the Public Barrett reported a total enrollment as of October 10th to be 477 students, with 269 in the elementary school and 208 in the high school, with 78% receiving free or reduced lunch. There are 27 certified staff members in the elementary school with 16 classified staff, and 22 certified staff members and 6 classified in the high school. Both schools were accredited by the state for the 2024-25 school year. The overall accountability score for the high school is a D, with a graduation rate of 92.11 %.
Marek presented two main priorities - 1: strengthening Tier 1 instruction, and 2: building educator capacity. Student growth targets by May 2026 are an 80% improvement in performance level in grades 911, 85% improvement in comprehension and evidence use in grades 7 and 8, and a 75% growth in math in grades 7 and 8.
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Jerry's legacy will continue to live on, not just in the hearts and memories of his loved ones, but also in the community he served and the many lives he touched. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all those who have shown their support during this time.
Carmen Rene (Stallings) Lee
Carmen Rene (Stallings)
Lee, aged 57, of Des Arc, AR, went to be with the Lord on
Carmen is survived by her devoted husband, James (Jim) Lee II; her loving mother, Syrena Jean (Kirkland) Stallings; children, James (Trey) Lee III, and Samantha Walker (David); grandchildren, Emmett Lee, Annabella Walker, and Koby Walker; and her caring sister, Cindy Moore (Jay). She was preceded in death by her father, Wylie Lee Stallings.
Carmen's legacy of love, faith, and resilience will continue to live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever be part of those she left behind.
Sarah Snider, who has two children in the school district, said that she is concerned about the declining student enrollment. Every student who is lost takes funding away from the school. One of the reasons parents say that they are taking their students out of Hazen has been bullying. Snider reminded the board that dealing with bullying is a state law. She said that the district has a communication and transparency problem. “The district needs a marketing plan,” she said. “I will help in any way I can,” Snider said. After the community comments, the board meeting began. The board approved the minutes of the September regular meeting and the minutes of the September 23 special meeting. The board also approved the district financial reports for September 2024.
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Sports Editor
Mark Buffalo
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Ruth Corley
Des Arc Ark. – The Prairie County Republican Committee announced today that filing for county and township offices will begin at noon on Nov 3 and end noon on Nov 11. Candidates will file at 805 Main St. Des Arc. Ar. from 9-10 am on Nov. 8, 2025. A member of the local Republican Party will be present to accept candidate filing fees and provide appropriate forms.
County wide Candidates $250.00 Justice of the Peace Filing Fee: $75.00 Justice of Peace, Constable. $25.00 County Committee. $250.00 Candidates wishing to file should contact John Dobson at 501 516 6062 or Rick Dobson at 501 516 6061 or rickdobson@hotmail.com The preferential primary is March 3, 2026.
Superintendent Andy Barrett recommended that the board approve a $500 retention stipend for all classified employees who returned to the district retroactive to the beginning of this school year. The recommendation passed.
The board also approved changes to the supplemental salary schedule, raising the Saturday School salary to $25.00 per hour, raising the SPED morning driver salary to $13.50 per hour, and paying for lunch detention, per 30 minutes, $13.00.
The board approved the purchase of the property at 206 E. Crowly St. ( the Haygood home) for $95,000.
The Superintendent told the board that the prebudget numbers for the girls’ weight room were way over the budget. The plan had things in it that it didn’t need. The numbers will be reworked by the archi-
High School Principal Amy Marek said that her teachers also looked at the low scores on their early-out days. The high school had a spelling bee for 7th and 8th graders and plan to have one for the 9th and 10th graders this week. On October 20th, a panel will come to the school to speak to students about employment possibilities, and teacher training on inclusion training will occur on the 20th. Marek said that the high school had gotten a grant for a new green house. The board was asked to consider allowing the Hazen FFA students to travel to the National Convention in Indianapolis this year, but no action was taken. Marek said that there is an 11th grade teachers group led by Stacey Bowman that focuses on reading. They intend to move on to math. Angie Hambrick also announced a literacy initiative with the 9th and 10th graders reading “Lord of the Flies”. Her reading club has 20 students reading books together along with 8 teachers. She also reported that her library circulation numbers are up. “It’s going to make a difference,” she said. Ashley Green, an upper level math teacher, is working with advisory teachers to practice the highest need areas in math. “We’re just changing what we do in advisory,” she said. She said that all students showed a weakness in statistics and probability on the state test. She said that this is because these math areas are not taught until later in the year. The teachers will be teaching mini-lessons focusing on 1 or 2 concepts at a time. Green helps advisory teachers to practice the highest need areas. “We are just changing what we do in advisory,” she said. The teachers will also be offering tutoring also.
The board also accepted
Saranie presented the elementary report. The elementary school had an accountability score of C after an appeal to the state. Her priorities are to strengthen Tier 1 instruction in literacy and to strengthen Tier 1 math instruction. She intends to implement Science-of-Reading aligned literacy instruction in grades K-6 and to provide transition supports for students moving to a higher grade. Her goals include raising literacy achievement levels in math and science and literacy and to decrease Level 1 students by 25%.
Barrett reported that federal funds were decreasing annually. The millage and taxes will increase next year. A new roof has been put on the HIPPY house, and the property for the Pre-K building has been purchased. The Agriculture Science building budget number came in 20% over budget. The district is waiting on the site selection to finish and readjust plans. The football facility will have indoor storage to provide outside storage to cut cost and square footage. The high school addition is still in the planning stages. Barrett said that the Pre-K, Ag building, and weight room will be bid together, but each has to go to the state for approval of plans.
