Community Calendar of Events
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Des Arc City Council holds meeting with DA Chamber
By Lisa Mills Correspondent
The Des Arc City Council and Chamber of Commerce met on September 29th. The meeting was to discuss the city helping to pay for the “Christmas on the River” event. Mayor Roger Scott, Recorder/Treasurer
Janice Huffstickler, and council members Doug Estes, Keith Knupp, Virgil Moore, Nicole Fisher, Russell Smith, and Joey York were present.
Tuesday October 14 Quorum Court meeting 6:00 p.m.
Knupp asked chamber member Paul Guess how much money they are asking for and how it will be used. Guess replied that they are asking for $40,000 which covers $25,000 for the band, $5000 for the stage, and $10,000 for Program Director Steve Powell’s salary through the end of the year.
Estes stated that he was concerned about the legality of the city making a donation to an organization. He asked City Attorney Rufus Buie to explain the legal requirement, Buie stated that it is not legal for a city to make a donation to any organization, however they can make a contract with them to pay for specific services, like what the chamber is asking for.
York said that he wants to help the chamber but his concern is “Do we have the money, when you consider that we have over $2 million dollars in debt as well as other expenses.”
Knupp said, “I want to help too, but we do have to consider our budget and if the money is there.” He said that his recommendation is to look at the budget, then address a possible contract next month. Estes said, “If we see that we do have the money, then the city will fund what-
ever we can.” York said that he just doesn’t feel like the city has the money right now. He said that he knows you can’t please everyone but he doesn;t think a commitment needs to be made, and then later realize we can’t pay for necessities. Guess said that if the council is having this much trouble making a decision, then maybe they should decide to just not help at all.
York replied, “I wish we could just write a check, but we can’t.” Fisher said, “I want to see the council and the chamber work together on this event then move forward with how we can do that for future events.” Moore stated that $40,000 is a small amount in the grand scheme, but if the city can’t even afford that, it seems unreasonable to move forward.” He thanked Guess and the chamber for their hard work and all they do to promote Des Arc.
The question was asked, “Is there a legal way to take the $40,000 from the $300,000 the city had set aside in a CD for the purpose of matching money for a grant the chamber applied for to help with the river front project, contingent on receiving the grant?” Attorney Buie said he didn’t think it would be a problem to amend that original resolution to change the purpose of the funds. He said he would check with the Municipal League attorney to be sure that there wouldn’t be any issues.
After two hours of discussions, Estes made a motion to write a contract with the chamber stating what services would be paid for with the $40,000 and the money be taken from
the $300,000 CD. The motion passed with a vote of four yes, one no (York), and one abstain (Moore because he is on chamber board and didn’t want to be in a conflict of interest).
Alfred G. Eddins
Alfred G. Eddins, 92, went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, September 23, after a valiant and brave battle with cancer.
Born to Jack and Zelma Eddins, he was raised in Des Arc, Arkansas. He was an Army veteran who fought in the Korean war conflict.
Al began his career with the Coca Cola Company while living in Brinkley where he also met and married his first wife, Marie Rodgers. They were married for 35 years. He later moved to Little Rock working for the Little Rock Coca Cola company. He retired from Coca Cola where he was the Cooler Department Manager for many years. Because of his tall stature, he was affectionately known as Big Al. He had a vast knowledge of Coke machines and was a great common-sense leader.
"Papaw" has always told us that when he dies we must bury him with at least one dollar in his pocket. His reasoning is because he said he was blessed to have never been without money in his pocket. We teased him and said we would write him a check. He laughed but he was serious. It's ok, we made a promise and kept it. A whole dollar even though we know that he won't need it in heaven. Still, a promise kept. Just two days before he
passed away, we were in the living room and he was quietly resting in his recliner. He could no longer walk, could barely hear, he wasn't eating but a few bites of ice cream a day. He spent most of his time with his eyes closed when he wasn't reminding us of all we are going to need soon. He was reassured over and over that all was taken care of and was as he requested "Don't change a thing," he said. It was Sunday morning and I asked if he minded if I listened to Brother Paul preach at my church since I didn't attend. He opened his eyes and said, "yes and turn it up so I can hear it too." If you were at East Union church that morning you would know that the sermon was absolutely perfect for the time. He was reminded of everything that was important to see Jesus again. It was wonderful and such a blessing He is preceded in death not only by his parents and an infant brother, but by his second wife Louise Sledge. Al and Louise had a true love story. They married on Valentines Day 1995. They had a beautiful life traveling and enjoying each others company. They were both Christians and loved going to church together. The sweetest couple you ever met. Although, it was a shortened time when he lost her to cancer after only eleven years.
Al was a very strong and honorable man, father, grandfather, brother, father-in-law, uncle and friend, proud patriot until his very last breath. There was none better. We will miss him tremendously. Not only by us but also by the nurses and CNA's that have been taking care of him at the assisted living. So many said they fell in love with him. He is being buried with a sweet letter written to him by one of his CNA's. Renisha, if you are here - he loved you too, honey. Al is survived by his only child, son Dale (wife, Melissa), his two grandchildren Andrea Kirkwood (EG) and Dustin Eddins (Dominque) all of Little Rock. His great-grandsons, Guy and Aaron and another sweet soul
on the way. Also, a sister, Josie Long and her family of Cabot.
Visitation will be Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 11:30am at Smith NLR Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR. Funeral will follow. Burial will be in the Veteran's section at Pinecrest Cemetery in Alexander.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Alfred Gene Eddins, please visit our flower store.
James
Marshall Petty
James Marshall Petty (Bo), age 70, of Des Arc, AR, passed away on October 2nd, 2025 at Woodruff County Nursing Home.
James was born on May 30th, 1955 in Compton, CA to the late Hershel and Katie Petty. He graduated from Des Arc High School in 1973. James enjoyed fishing, hunting, and always had a story to tell.
James is survived by his two daughters , Kim Glaze (Brian) of Benton and Karmen Lawson (Mitchell) of Hazen. He is also survived by his siblings, Tony Petty (Martha), Ray Petty, Gwen Flemming, Russell Petty (Cheryl), Coy Petty (Lori), Kathy Street (Rick), and Velda Rogers (Bentley), four grandchildren, Addison, Beckett, Henry, and Miles, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.
James is preceded in death by his parents and brother Jerry Petty. A graveside memorial is planned for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Woodruff County Nursing Home.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Woodruff County Nursing Home for the exceptional care, love, and compassion they showed during James’ stay.
Logan Wayne Vincent
Logan Wayne Vincent, age 80, of Cotton Plant, AR, passed away peace-
Arkansas State Senate Report By Senator Ron Caldwell
fully at home on Sunday, September 28, 2025 while surrounded by his family. Logan was born in Heber Springs, AR on May 14, 1945, to his mother and father Lucy (Ramsey) and Lloyd Vincent. After graduating from Cotton Plant High School, Logan furthered his education at ASU Jonesboro, where he pursued his passion for agriculture.
A lifetime farmer, he dedicated his career to the cultivation and stewardship of the land and was a respected member of the farming community. His commitment to the earth was matched only by his dedication to his family. He cherished his time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren, always putting them first in his life.
Logan was a proud member of the Colony Masonic Lodge #190 in McCrory, AR. His fellow Masons admired his commitment to the lodge and its values. His love for farming was not only his livelihood but also his greatest hobby, and he often joked that he was happiest with dirt under his fingernails.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucy (Ramsey) and Lloyd Vincent. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years and 3 months, Ellen (Whittaker) Vincent; his son Wayne Vincent (wife Tanya) of Des Arc; his daughter Shannon Douglas (husband Hoss) of Cotton Plant; his grandchildren Monica Ingle (Hunter)and Alan Vincent; and his greatgrandchildren Rylee Ingle and Ashlee Ingle. Logan was a man of strength and compassion. He leaves behind a legacy of love for his family, dedication to his work, and a deep connection to the earth. His spirit will live on in the hearts of those he loved and the land he cared for.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received during this difficult time. A special thanks to Unity Hospital Staff as well as the staff of Legacy Hospice for their care and guidance.
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Biosciences Institute (ABI) has secured more than a billion dollars in research funding since it was created about 25 years ago, its directors announced at a recent meeting.
They emphasized that the billion dollars did not come from a government appropriation or a large grant that designated a portion to every state. The total amount was secured through competitive applications made by Arkansas researchers to the national organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, or grants from the United States Department of Agriculture.
Arkansas had been one of 46 states that sued the country’s four major tobacco companies, seeking compensation for the costs of treating people whose health was harmed by smoking. In 1998 a settlement was announced that restricted cigarette advertising, marketing and sponsorships. Also, the tobacco companies agreed to pay the states $206 billion over 25 years.
Arkansas received about $62 million a year at the beginning of the settlement. Last year Arkansas received $47 million, bringing the state’s total proceeds of settling the lawsuit to more than $1.4 billion.
ABI receives from $10 million to $12 million a year from the settlement, which was not counted toward the billion dollars in total research grants.
Officials calculate that for every dollar invested in ABI, the institute generates a return of about five dollars. For example, in fiscal 2024 the institute had a budget of $11.5 million and it brought in $61 million in research funding from out of state.
Arkansas citizens approved the creation of ABI when they passed a referendum in 2000 by a vote of 64 percent in favor of the Tobacco
Settlement Proceeds Act. Of all the states that received settlement money from the tobacco companies, Arkansas was unique in how it chose to spend the funds in that we voted to dedicate all the proceeds to health-related programs. In 2001 the legislature appropriated money from the tobacco settlement for seven healthrelated programs, including for operations of the newly-created ABI. In addition to the research institute, other programs benefit minority, elderly and underserved populations. Revenue went to an expansion of Medicaid. The goal of ABI is to promote public health through biomedical and agricultural research. Five campuses have a role. They are Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute.
ABI conducts agricultural research with medical implications, as well as bioengineering research that expands genetic knowledge in medical fields. Some research is tobaccorelated with applications in behavioral, diagnostic and therapeutic fields. Other research focuses on nutrition, and other projects are aimed at preventing and treating cancer. At the annual meeting the institute’s director remarked on the importance of surpassing a billion dollars in research funding, saying “this milestone is about honoring the vision of Arkansas voters who overwhelmingly supported this initiative.” He said the milestone indicated that the institute was committed to being good stewards of the trust shown by Arkansas voters in 2000 when they approved funding of biomedical research.
The Grand Prairie Herald is happy to publish a picture and the first 350 words of an obituary for free as a service and as a courtesy to the families of our community. Beginning with the 351st word, the rate will be 10 cents per word to publish.
