4-16-25 edition by heraldpublishing

Community Calendar of Events

Des Arc Chamber sees Riverfront Park Masterplan

By Lisa Mills Correspondent

On April 7th , over 100 people attended the Des Arc Chamber Commerce meeting to welcome new Program Director Steve Powell and see the plan for Riverfront Park. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal of pizza and tacos as they anxiously awaited the reveal of the vision for the park area.

Chamber President Paul Guess welcomed everyone, then introduced Powell. Guess showed a slide presentation revealing information on Arkansas tourism and how Des Arc can cash in on it, community input from citizens and what they would like see, the plans for the area, and how to fund it.

He stated statistics showing that the number one industry in Arkansas is tourism and over $13 million was spent on tourism in Prairie County alone in 2023. “Just imagine

what that number can be when we make Des Arc The Gateway to Outdoor Recreation in the Arkansas Delta,” Guess said.

The top ten requests for additions to the park included an amphitheater, pickleball court, trails, floating dock, fishing pier, splash pad,

food truck court, zip line, swimming beach, and boat/kayak/canoe rental. The master vision plan does include all these, as well as some other recreational activities.

“So how will this plan be paid for?” 1. Private funding including park naming rights, financial

advisory boards, private foundations, and fundraising programs headed by Steve Powell. 2. Public funding including the $300,000 earmarked by the Des Arc City Council, and state and federal grants.

Guess said that the work will be done in phases as Powell, the

architect Martin Smith work together on the plan. Several agencies, such as Arkansas Game and Fish, Arkansas Natural Resource Commission, Army Corp of Engineers, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism will also be involved.

DeValls Bluff Council hears update on water project

By Lisa Mills

The DeValls Bluff City Council met on April 10th. Mayor Darlene Connor, Recorder/Treasurer Marcus Metcalf, and Council members Pam DelGiorno, Shirley Goff, Carol Griffin, Alice Metcalf, and Raymond Watson were present.

Engineer David Hilsdon presented the council with an updated report on the water project. He said that all funding has been approved and the state Health Department has approved the well at the old football field, and the water treatment plant. “All work has to be finished by December, 2026 and should begin soon, Hilsdon reported. He also said that once work begins, he will be here to the end to oversee everything.

Attorney Mike Stuart reported to the council what costs are involved with the sale of the

bank building. The council said that they want the buyer to pay all closing costs. Stuart said he would have the contract ready for the council to sign at the May meeting.

Mayor Connor announced that the Fire Department will be hosting a city wide Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday (April 20th) at 3:00 pm at the old football field. They are asking for monetary donations for prizes.

A building permit was approved for Mary Ann Shepker for a portable cabin at 115 E. Cypress St.

Police Chief Jeremy Murphy reported four arrests and eight traffic citations in March. He also reported that Jonathan Humbert has been sentenced to 75 years in prison for the 2023 murder for which he was found guilty.

The Fire Department reported two fires and

one medical assist in March.

Cayla Murphy announced that there will be a Spring Market held on May 24th from 9:00am to 1:00pm on East Sycamore Street (at the old school). She said that numerous vendors and food truck owners from all over the state have already signed up and she is getting calls everyday. Anyone interested in having a booth can contact her at 318-422-2348 or Kristen at 501-2498775. The event is to bring the community and visitors together for some fun and fellowship.

Volume 124 Number 15 - USPS 225-680 Serving all of Prairie County and the Grand Prairie Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Kocourek and Son building tour. (See page 6.)

David Hilsdon

Willie Ray Hambrick

Willie Ray Hambrick, Sr, a loving husband, son, father and grandfather, passed away on April 8, 2025, in Des Arc, Arkansas at the age of 64, after battling a very long illness. He was born on December 30, 1960, in Ojai, California. Willie was one of five children born to Raymond and Margaret Hambrick of Griffithville. Willie met Julia McVay, and their love story began in high school in 1978. In 1980,

they made the choice of a lifetime commitment and exchanged vows. They shared the joys of raising three sons and through the years experienced the love and laughter that grandchildren brought into their life.

As a skilled carpenter for the past 45 years, Willie took great pride in his craftsmanship and talent for building cabinets and woodworking. In his free time, he found solace in gardening, hunting, fishing, and camping. He also enjoyed occasional trips to the casino for some fun.

However, it was the moments spent with his family, particularly his

grandchildren, that brought him the greatest joy. He cherished watching his babies play ball and creating lasting memories with his nieces and nephews and leaves behind a legacy of love and joy.

Willie is survived by his mother Margaret Hambrick, his loving wife, Julia Hambrick, and their three sons, Willie Jr., Joshua, and Seth (Morgan), siblings – Wesley, Margie, Sandra, and Sarah –who meant the world to him. Willie's grandchildren, Jackie, Jazmine, Riley, Kyla, Cayden, Mason, Brena, Lawson, Juliana, and Sidnie, who brought immense happiness to his life.

The Prairie County Quorum Court met on Tuesday, April 8, with all justices, Judge Lawrence Holloway, County Clerk Gaylon Hale, and Attorney Abram Skarda present.

Members of the Prairie County Extension Service, Emily Moody, Amanda Stark Sinkey, Jacob Holloway, and Josh Hambrick presented gifts

Arkansas Press Association

to the court and introduced themselves. The Extension Service agents then gave a brief overview of their functions within the county, and thanked the court for its continued support.

cheap,” Holloway said. Records are being kept, including Sheriff’s Department overtime, to get a total of money spent. The state will also inspect what has been done to get their own estimate.

“B att l e of t h e A lu mni ” games ne x t on Ha z en C h am b er ’ s

up coming acti v ities

The Hazen Chamber of Commerce met on Monday, April 7, to discuss upcoming events that they will sponsor. The two discussed were the Battle of the Alumni Basketball Games and the Memorial Day celebration.

Hazen Hornets will participate in the games. Admission for the games will be $5:00. There will be two DeValls Bluff vs. Hazen games and two games of mixed players from both towns.

(USPS)

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P.O. Box 370 111 Hwy 70 E Hazen, Arkansas 72064

Ph. 870-255-4538

Email: heraldpublishing@gmail.com

Judge Holloway reported that the White River at Des Arc is expected to crest at 31 feet. The county declared a disaster during the rain through the Office of Emergency Management. He said that several roads had been washed out and 26 roads had been closed and at the time of the meeting, 15 had been opened and 11 were still closed. Road crews were continuing their work on the washouts. The Army Corps of Engineers had offered the county 12,000 sandbags to prevent flooding from the river, but it was decided that there was no imminent need, they were taken elsewhere. (Editor’s note: Prairie County Emergency Management posted that sandbags are now available for residents needing flood protection. Bags and shovels are provided, but you will need to fill the bags yourself. Be prepared to load and transport your filled sandbags. Location: 605 Hwy 38 E Des Arc, Courthouse Annex/Road Department.)

The county has applied for state disaster money. “It’s not going to be

Justice Paul Hooks inquired about $25,000 worth of gravel that had been bought from the county but not paid for as yet. Holloway said that he was working on the problem.

An ordinance to amend the 2025 budget to adjust the Department of the Collector’s appropriation from the General Fund, raising the office’s budget by $1229.70, effective immediately.

Sheriff Rick Parsons told the court that the servers went down for multiple days during the rain and that the county may want to look into Starlink for the county court annex and the sheriff’s office. He said that the cost would be less to the county. He also wants to move the internet router from the County Courthouse to the Sheriff’s Department. He also suggested that the county offices get one phone number with extensions.

Justice Hooks also asked about the county plan to end its contract with Telogic. He was told that the county is still working on that.

With no other business, the meeting adjourned.

The alumni basketball games will be held on Saturday, April 26, in the Hazen Hornets’ Nest beginning at 5:00 p.m. The DeValls Bluff Scrappers and the

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Address Changes to:

Grand Prairie Herald

P.O.Box 370 Hazen, Arkansas 72064

Managing Editor/Publisher

Roxanne Bradow

Circulation/Accounts

Trudy Johnson

Sports Editor

Mark Buffalo

Correspondent

Lisa Mills

Correspondent

Debbye Harrison

Photographer

Ruth Corley

Vernard Metcalf and Jimmy Hart will coach the games, and the Hazen coaches will referee. Hamburgers will be sold for $5 at the concession stand. The Memorial Day Celebration will be held

from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Monday, May 26, in downtown Hazen. The Midnight South band will provide the musical entertainment, and Hog Wild Pyrotechnics Fireworks will provide the fireworks display. There will be food trucks and craft vendors that evening, and bouncy houses will be available for children’s entertainment. There will be no admission fee.

Wisdom joins Farm Credit as AgHeritage Lending officer

Gus Wisdom has joined AgHeritage Farm Credit Services as an Ag Lending Officer at the company’s Searcy branch office. The AgHeritage Searcy branch services customers in White, Cleburne and northern Prairie Counties. Wisdom, a native of Beebe, brings valuable experience to the role. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business and Management from the University of Arkansas. Before joining

AgHeritage, he served as a Foodservice Poultry Pricing Manager for Tyson Foods in Springdale.

“Gus will be a great addition to our team in Searcy,” said Bert Leder, VP of Lending and Branch Manager.

“He has a strong background in business management, and we’re thrilled to welcome him and his family back to White County.”

AgHeritage Farm Credit Services is a customer-owned rural and agriculture lender with

owned and managed assets of approximately $2.80 billion as of December 31, 2024. The company provides credit and related services to approximately 6,700 farmers, ranchers, rural residents and the agribusiness industry in 24 Arkansas counties, with branch offices located in Batesville, Brinkley, Lonoke, McGehee, Newport, Pine Bluff, Pocahontas, Searcy and Stuttgart. Learn more at agheritagefcs.com.

City Wide Tire Cleanup

The City of Hazen will be conducting a citywide cleanup for unwanted tires on Thursday, April 24th and April 25th only! Please put your unwanted tires by the curb by Thursday, April 24th for pick up. Rims must be removed from the tires to be picked up. Your efforts to help us clean up this town are appreciated.

Public Hearing and Legal Meeting Notice

There will be a meeting with the Stuttgart Planning Department on April 22, 2025 at Stuttgart City Hall commencing at 5:30 pm. We will be presenting our proposal to take Block L of the Crescent Hill addition in Stuttgart from the current 24 lots to a total of 10 lots. This hearing is open to the public.

Hazen High holds Junior/Senior prom...

Sam Clayton and Carson Kee were named King and Queen of the Hazen High School Junior/Senior prom which was held at Grandview on Friday, April 12.

P C Qu or u m co u rt h ears re p ort from Co u nt y Ex tension

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

Carlisle pitcher Tessa Sanders threw a threeinning perfect game as the Lady Bison beat England 18-0 in their only game last week. With the win, the Lady Bison improve to 15-6 on the season.

Sanders threw 36 pitches — 21 of them for strikes. She struck out five of the nine batters she faced.

Makinnley Cook was 2 for 3 with four RBIs in the win. She hit two doubles. Her courtesy runner, Lindley Lenderman scored twice. Chloe Smith and Maecee Motton each scored three runs. Jessa Wiles, Allie Mooney, Kiersten Taylor and Kylie Childers each scored twice. Also scoring were Aniya Zarate, and Angie Petrus, who also had a double in the victory.

Childers, Taylor and Motton each had a

stolen base. Smith’s lone hit was a triple. England committed eight errors in Carlisle’s win.

In baseball, the Bison had a perfect week, going 4-0.

Carlisle beat Hazen 125, England 19-2 then swept a doubleheader from Barton 15-6 and 16-0.

In the first game of the Barton doubleheader,

Carlisle trailed 5-4 after two innings.

The Bison trailed 5-4 after two innings. They scored two in the third, one in the fourth and eight in the fifth to end the game.

Ty Tanksley, Jonathan Pickard and Baylor Hauk each scored three runs. Bentley Parker scored twice.

Eli Roberts got the win in relief of Zayden Hale. Roberts pitched 3 1/3 innings, giving up only one hit while striking out 10.

In the nightcap, Carlisle scored 14 runs in the first and two in the second.

Kolton Bartley and Tyler Thrift each scored three times to lead the Bison.

Daniel Ford pitched two innings, giving up one hit and two walks while striking out five. Hauk pitched a perfect third inning, striking out all three batters he faced. Page 3 - The Grand

Hornets drop two games

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Hazen Hornets baseball team dropped two games last week.

Hazen lost to Carlisle 12-5 on April 7 and Baptist Prep 10-2 on Thursday. In the loss to Carlisle, Hazen trailed 5-0 when it scored three runs in the top of the third. The Bison got one run back in the bottom of the inning.

Hazen scored two in the top of the fourth while Carlisle scored three. Carlisle then scored

twice in the fifth and once in the sixth.

Hurter Pardon, Sam Clayton, Jase Arnott, Ethan Simmons and Eli Weems each scored a run for the Hornets. Pardon, Clayton, Arnett, Noah Adkins and Weems each had hits. Clayton also drove in two runs. Jonathan Pilchard hit a home run for the Bison. He also had a double. Bentley Parker and Lane Bowlan each had doubles.

Michael Spingola, Pickard and Tyler Thrift

each scored twice for Carlisle.

In the loss Baptist Prep, Hazen trailed 8-0 before scoring two runs in the top of the sixth. The Eagles scored twice in the bottom of the frame to set the final score.

Pardon and Clayton scored runs. Pardon, Clayton, Brance Williams and Simmons each had a hit for the Hornets.

Pardon pitched 5 1/3 innings. He gave up eight hits and six earned runs. He also struck out seven.

Lady Eagles pick up three wins

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Des Arc Lady Eagles went 3-0 in softball action last week. Des Arc beat PalestineWheatley 1-0 on April 7 then beat Bigelow 3-1 on April 8 and McCrory 11-1 on Friday. In the win over Palestine-Wheatley, Des Arc pitcher Kaylee McDonald threw a onehitter. She struck out 16 while walking no one. She threw 79 pitches — 61 for strikes. She faced two over the minimum.

The lone run came in the top of the first. Emma Buckner led off the game by reaching on an error. She scored on a two-out single by Grace Knight. In the win over Bigelow, Des Arc scored two in the first and one in the third. Biglow’s lone run came in the top of the seventh.

Emma Buckner led the Lady Eagles, going 2 for 2 with a home run and two runs scored.

McDonald gave up one unearned run and one hit in seven innings of

work. She struck out 18 of a possible 21 outs. In the 11-1 win over McCrory, Des Arc scored four in the first, four in the fourth and three in the seventh.

Buckner gave up two hits and no earned runs while striking out another 18. For the week, she struck out 52 in 21 iinnings pitched. Buckner was 2 for 3 at the plate. Kymber Buckner was 2 for 4 with three runs scored. Knight also scored three runs.

Carlisle FCCLA students attend STAR Events

The State FCCLA Leadership Conference and STAR Events was held on April 9-10 in Hot Springs, AR.

These are the State FCCLA Star Events results for Carlisle High School. The group’s sponsor is Shea Wilson.

Jena Murray - Career Investigations Level 3 - Silver

Ariana Farrell, Daisy Duke, Abi Tustison - Chapter and Review Portfolio Level 3 - Silver

Brody Martin and Christian Parker - Repurpose and Redesign Level 2 - Gold

Shaley Davis - Job Interview Level 3 - Gold

The following students placed in the TOP 2 in their competitive event which qualifies them to compete at nationals this summer in Orlando:

Maddox Gray - Chapter in Review Portfolio Level 1 - Silver

Maddux Moran and Christian Burton - Repurpose and Redesign Level 1Silver

By Senator Ron Caldwell

LITTLE ROCK –Arkansas is at the center of a national battle between local pharmacies on the one hand, and on the other hand a giant industry known as Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). It is a battle of economic life and death.

Local pharmacies accuse PBMs of anticompetitive practices and multiple violations of state law. More than 60 local drug stores have gone out of business since 2016. They support legislative approval of House Bill 1150 to prohibit PBMs from operating retail pharmacies in Arkansas.

A spokesman for a PBM said that if HB 1150 is passed, the corporation will close its 23 pharmacies in Arkansas. In emotional testimony, employees appeared at the Senate Insurance and Commerce Committee and said they would lose their jobs if the bill passed.

A Senate co-sponsor said he is sympathetic with employees’ concerns about losing their jobs, but he also feels sympathy for the many people who have already lost their jobs because PBMs forced the closing of local pharmacies.

The Senate approved the bill by a vote of 26-

to-9 and the House approved it by a vote of 89-to-4. It’s on its way to the governor. HB 1150 also would prohibit PBMs from using mail-order pharmacies to distribute prescription drugs in Arkansas.

A spokesman for local Arkansas pharmacies said that if the legislature approves HB 1150, it would create a domino effect and numerous other states would enact similar laws. For that reason local pharmacists, corporate drug companies, elected officials and policy makers throughout the United States are watching Arkansas closely.

PBMs are middlemen between drug manufacturers and the hundreds of millions of Americans who purchase prescription drugs. PBMs negotiate with health insurance companies, pharmacy retail stores and companies that have self insurance for employees’ health coverage.

Opponents of HB 1150 say the government should not pass laws that interfere in the free market. Supporters of HB 1150 say that PBMs use anti-competitive practices toward creating a monopoly and don’t comply with existing laws.

HB 1150 is one of sev-

eral laws enacted by the legislatures to level the playing field between PBMs and local pharmacies. An Arkansas law regulating PBMs has been upheld by the United States Supreme Court.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, the three largest PBMs set prices for 80 percent of the prescriptions filled in the United States. As one Arkansas pharmacist said, PBMs are his competitor and they have the authority to set his prices.

PBMs are vertically integrated, meaning that they own or have a financial arrangement with other sectors of the health care industry, such as health insurance companies, hospitals and pharmacy retail franchises.

In related news, the Senate passed HB 1531 to prohibit drug manufacturers from restricting medications to a limited network of outof-state pharmacies. Cosponsors of HB 1531 say that if manufacturers restrict the availability of prescriptions to outof-state mail-order companies, it would shut down access at local pharmacies, hospitals and clinics in Arkansas. That could harm patients, they say.

By Marsha Heien

Grand Prairie Quilt Society met 4/9/2025 at First Christian Church fellowship hall with 7 members present. Shelley opened the meeting with the Thought for the Day, "Quilting is painting with needles." The March minutes and treasurer's reports were given. April Happy Birthday greetings were extended to Ann, Kay and Sherrye, Happy Birthday!! The club welcomed a new member, Daphne, to the group, Welcome, Daphne!

As we approach the final days of the 2025 Regular Session, the Arkansas House of Representatives remains focused on passing legislation that will have a lasting impact on the lives of Arkansans. We anticipate adjourning on April 16, and several key bills have advanced as we wrap up our work. This week, the House passed HB1685, a bill that proposes eliminating the state’s 0.125% sales tax on groceries, effective January 1, 2026. This effort continues our work to reduce the tax burden on Arkansas families.

The House passed HB1312, amending public school funding to provide an increase of 5% in per pupil funding, raising it to $8,162 for the 2025-

2026 school year. This amount includes the cost of health insurance. For the 2026-2027 school year, the per pupil amount is set at $8,037, with the $333 for insurance costs being paid directly to the Employee Benefits Division. We also adopted HJR1018, a proposed constitutional amendment titled "The Citizens Only Voting Amendment." This proposed amendment, if approved by the Senate, will appear on the November 2026 ballot. It proposes that only U.S. citizens who meet voter qualifications may vote in state and local elections. A number of additional measures also passed the House: HB1732, which increases

the income tax deduction for teachers purchasing classroom supplies from $500 to $1,000. HB1485, which creates a sales and use tax exemption for organizations supporting veterans' facilities.

HB1922, which establishes an income tax credit for companies that relocate their corporate headquarters to Arkansas, further enhancing our state’s economic competitiveness. Finally, the proposed Revenue Stabilization Act (RSA) for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year was distributed to members on Friday. This document outlines our state spending priorities. You can view the proposed RSA at arkansashouse.org.

A donor has generously provided funds to assist in establishing a low-cost spay and neuter program for the residents of Hazen who are unable to afford the full cost of the service. The average cost of obtaining a pet spay or neuter is approximately $110.00, but the cost can vary depending on the age of the pet and the number of litters the animal has had. This program is distinct from the funds that are utilized for the homeless shelter pets.

**Program Offerings:**

* Spay and neuter voucher - $50.00 per pet. Owners pay what they can afford to pay, the program covers the remaining cost.

* Rabies vaccine available for an additional $10.00 (owners’ cost).

**Contact Information:**

For assistance in securing the voucher and scheduling an appointment, please contact Ruth Corley at 501-830-9946 or the Friends of The Hazen Shelter. We are committed to working with you to effectively manage the unwanted pet population.

**Contributions:**

Individuals wishing to support this program can make a direct donation to the Grand Prairie Veterinarian Clinic or by mail to the Friends of the Hazen Shelter Fund, 319 W. Madison St. Hazen, AR 72064. Any donation, regardless of its size, will be greatly appreciated. Together, we can effectively address the issue of unexpected litters.

Old Business: Shelley contacted the lady from the American Study Quilt Guild about presenting a program to the group but received no reply. Plans were discussed for a field trip in May to the Little Rock fabric shops. If you are interested in going please contact Shelley. Show and Share: Sherrye had two satin

pillowcases she made from fabric Glenda gave her.

Marsha showed her blue and green afghan she is making for her church retreat.

Maeola is finishing up a Log Cabin quilt in fall colors. She is donating it to the Plantation

showed a rag quilt they are making for their First Christian high school graduate.

After the business session, several members stayed and made crepe paper flowers for May baskets that will be given to the residents of Crest Park and Forest