Thursday June 26 Commodities at Hazen Methodist Church 9:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday
The Carlisle City Council met on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, with Council Members Mary Eddleman, Caleb Swears, Anne Anderson, and Chris Davidson in attendance. Also there were Attorney Mike Stuart and Mayor Jon Plafcan.
Chris Harris told the council that Arkansas Act 605 of 2021 requires the city to increase rates to provide for 5% of the collections to be put back into a separate account for emergencies. The sewer department also has to do this, and both departments are required to stay “in the black.” Board members also have to be trained according to the law. Cities that do not follow the law are not eligible for any state money.
city, and the meter company who were in charge of them can’t repair them. A lawsuit with the meter company is in the process of being filed.
6:00 p.m. Tuesday July 8 Quorum Court meeting 6:00 p.m. Carlisle School Board meeting 6:00 p.m.
Dementia Care Giver meeting 10:00 a.m. Hazen Senior Center 10:00 a.m.
Thursday July 10 DeValls Bluff City Council meeting 6:00 p.m
Tuesday July 15
Hazen Big Trash Pick-up Day
Thursday
The city has had a rate study done by Arkansas Rural Water to determine how much should be charged for water and sewer services. “It’s only going to go up,” Harris said. The city has until July 1 of this year to implement the law. Water rates have increased by 3% for the 842 residents and businesses. “You can plan for it to go up about 3% a year,” Harris added. Over 200 water meters are not working in the
After approving the May minutes and financial reports, the council discussed Ordinance 246 which notifies citizens who need to clean up their properties with a local citizen who was concerned about the notification procedure. Presently, the city places door hangers with the violation stated on the property doors. Before any action is taken, a second notice is put on the door. Citizens get two notices, and if nothing is done to alleviate the problem, then the court gets involved. The Carlisle resident who had been so notified, but whose child had removed the notices, was complaining about the notification process. Another resident asked how the city had made citizens aware of Ordinance 246. He was told that notification had been posted on the City of Carlisle website. The person said, “not everyone has a computer,” and asked if there might be some other place to post ordinances. No decision was
made on that request. The council discussed restricting golf carts within the city to drivers aged 16 and above with a driver’s license. Golf carts are restricted to city streets only with no driving on Hwy. 70 or the Bobby Glover Highway. The Arkansas Department of Transportation does not regulate golf carts as they do UTV’s and sideby-sides. No votes were taken, but Stuart will work on an ordinance and added that “the ordinance should be very restricted.”
Mayor Plafcan said that the bids for the airport terminal had been rejected. The city has a grant to build a terminal and to have LED lights installed on the runway.
The ball season is now over, and the city is
searching for a new Parks and Recreation Director. The city will need to sign a new agreement with the school before the fall sports season starts.
It was reported that Vector Mosquito Control had collected and identified 8 different species which determines what chemicals to use to alleviate them. The company will be treating the city 3 or 4 nights each week and will treat individual specific areas if asked to with no cost to the resident. Condemnation notifications have been served to owners of properties and condemnation resolutions for properties located at 215 East 2nd St., 714 North Court St., 310 North Greenwalt Ave., and 312 North Greenwalt Ave. were passed.
The Department of Emergency services now has five full-time employees. Courtney Kocourek is no longer employed by the city, and Steven Kelly, Gerald Smith, and Joe Mills have been hired. A $30,000 grant, with a 10% city match, has been received by the department. Swears said that The city is getting bids for a tanker, which should be finished by next week. The Animal Control Department would like to have the old facility removed, but no action was taken by the council. There was nothing discussed on the budget, and after an executive session for personnel, no action was taken. With no other business, the meeting adjourned.
Hazen Council hears about mosquito control, approves grant applications
The Hazen City Council met on Thursday, June 19, to hear an update on the mosquito control program, to discuss additional property condemnations, and to hear about various grant applications. Council Members Larry Anthony, Barbara Rogers, Tim Juola, and Bob Juola were present.
Tim Nelson of Vector Mosquito Control told the council that his company had hired and trained additional people to control the abundance of mosquitoes in the Hazen area. His team has been trapping mosquitoes to test species and applying larvicides along with spraying adult insects with chemicals specifically for those mosquito types. He said that his company rotates the chemicals to prevent mutations in the mosquito population.
Russell said that any kind of stagnant water source can be a breeding spot, including bird baths, and that if any citizen has a problem they should contact his company or the city and someone will personally come to their home or place of business and inspect.
Mayor David Hardke gave an update on the condemnation of the Donnie Forrester property on East Jefferson St. The city has only been able to contact one of the present owners, and the city has to wait 30 days now that the owner has received the condemnation notice. The council also passed a resolution to condemn another property in town located at 806 East Jackson. The con-
demned property on Madison St. has been removed.
Hardke reported that the city is applying for an Energy Efficiency and Conservation block grant to replace lights at the baseball complex. The amount of the grant, which has been applied for through CAPDD, will be $144,500 with no match and a possible rebate. The city also is applying for a Community Assistance Grant to pave the baseball parking lot on the west side of the fields and south of the practice building. The grant has a 20% match which can include in-kind work done by the city. The city is still waiting for approval for the bathroom grant. In addition to these grants, the city is applying for a Community Assistance Grant through AEDC to build a water tower at Interstate 40. The tank will hold 150,000 gallons and could cost as much as $1 million. The city has already set back the needed 20% match for the project, and the land on which the tank will be built has been donated by Phillip Booth. Hardke said that the Arkansas Department of
Transportation (ARDOT) sidewalk grant is still pending and that a consultant has been contacted for the job. Another ARDOT grant for local bridges will be applied for to repair the bridge just west of the high school on Hazen Ave. He added that 12 blocks of concrete pipe needs to be replaced in the city, and another grant will be looked for to do that work.
In departmental reports, Utility Manager Chad Swaim said that his crew is still finding water leaks, one of which is by the creek,
and has been kept busy with mowing. He said that two houses had been torn down with two more to go.
Fire Chief Seth Skarda reported three first responder calls, a call to a house with a wiring issue, and had overseen the burning of the condemned house on Madison St. Police Chief Bradley Taylor said that his team is undergoing annual training and that the Arkansas State Police have been using the Hazen shooting range for practice. He is looking for new rifles to purchase for his department, and wrecks along Interstate 40 have been keeping them busy. At the end of the meeting, Hardke brought up the subject of the train depot. There are needed repairs in the building, including refinishing the floors and interior and exterior painting. The Fraley company has agreed to do the necessary work for $20,000. There are no leaks in the building, but the
floor has dropped in places. The city has received a $28,422 grant with a $14,211 city match for the needed outside work and painting. He asked the council if they would be willing to rent out the building again to keep it occupied rather than sitting empty. There was some discussion over this, with mixed opinions. The city has been approached by an out-oftown group to rent it for $550 a month plus electrical and water costs for one year with an option to renew the lease. The council decided to get the repairs done first, then make a decision.
Bob Juola brought up the painting of a mural on the laundromat wall again, but it was decided that the laundromat building was too unstable at this time. The building may need to be condemned at some point. With no other discussion, the meeting adjourned.
Massachusetts group helps upgrade city pound. (See page 4.)
Chris Harris explains the need for the increases in Carlisle’s water and sewer rates.
Tim Nelson explains mosquito control procedures to the council.
David Lawence Murray
DA Council approves grant applications, hires supervisor
David Lawence Murray 81 passed away peacfully in is home in Hazen, Ar. on June 21, 2025. He was born August 12, 1943 in Joliet, Illinois to Raymond and Ruby (Hill) Murray who both preceded him in death.
David is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years Leora (Norem) Murry, two sisters: Barbara (Richard) Conklen of Delmar, Iowa and Oamela Murry of Downers Grove Illinois, two children, Deanna (Steven) Elmendorf of Moore, Oklahoma and Larry (Cassandra) Murry of Catonsville, Maryland and five beloved grandchildren: Christopher Emendorf, Kimberly (Alex) Delaney, Colin Murry, Lindsay Murray and Declan Murry. David graduated from Joliet Township High School and has a B.S. iin industrial Arts from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. His career path showed he had a variety of talents. He was a decoraed police officer, adconat St. John’s LutheranChurch in Joliet, and a member of the Joliet Rambers motorcycle club. The family moved to Howe, Oklahoma where he was owner of Murry’a General Store and vol-
Arkansas Press Association
Member 2025
The Grand Prairie Herald (USPS) 225-680
The Grand Prairie Herald is an independent publication that has served Prairie County since December, 1901. It is published weekly by Herald Publishing Company
P.O. Box 370 111 Hwy 70 E Hazen, Arkansas 72064
Ph. 870-255-4538
Email: heraldpublishing@gmail.com
Subscription Rates In Prairie County$25.00/year In Arkansas$30.00/year Out of State$35.00/year
Periodicals Postage paid at Hazen, Arkansas 72064
POSTMASTER: Send
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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
unteered as Fire Chief, and assitant Scoutmaster. Hazen Arkansas has been home the past 35 years, where he worked in retail food before becoming regional Maintenance Supervisor for Kohl’s until his retirement.
An avid outdoorsman. he loved to fish. The Murry’s loved camping and were members of the Good Sam Mallards camping group, where Dave held a variety of offices and served as Park Hosts, But the monthly campoutsand good Sam Friedships and Rallies were the best times with warm friends. Dave had a green thumb, and enjoyed all kinds of rocks and minerals, as an officer of the Central Arkansas Gem , Mineral and Geology Society for over 25 years, he was president 5 years, show chairmen, auctioneer and MC at the clubs annual show every October. The Murry’s traveled to many statewide various clubs collecting mineral, and fossisls. His faceting skills and other lapidary skills turned plain old rocks into jewerly and museum quality display pieces. He enjoyed showing folks the excitement of opening a geode to discover the beauty inside. Although his health was failing, he still wanted friends to stop by to see his large collection of beautiful minerals in the home. David loved life, the outdoors and God;s beauty all around us. He will be sorely missed by many. The family would like to thank the members of the Springhill CCU team and especially the Baptist Hospice group with their kind care during his stay. A celebration of life will bw held on July 17at i on Luthern Church in Ulm, Ar. Details be announced later. In lieu of flowers, memories can be sent to Zion Luthern Memorial Fund or Baptist Health Hospice.
Glenda S. Sutton
Bivens (Henry); stepson, Jason Sutton; sister, Nancy Douglas; brothers; Jimmy Shelman (Ginger) and Gary Shelman; grandson, Dillon Lee; granddaughter, Meghan King; four great-grandchildren, Kierra Lee, Kasyn Weems, Keaton Weems, and Eden Weems; sisterin-law, Sarah Shelman and several nieces and nephews.
Services for Glenda were held on Monday, June 23, 2025 at Landmark Baptist Church in Carlisle beginning with a visitation from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.; Funeral service following beginning at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be in the Hazen Cemetery.
Earnest Leroy Lock
By Lisa Mills
The Des Arc City Council met on June 17th. Mayor Roger Scott, Recorder/Treasurer
Janice Huffstickler, and Council Members Doug Estes, Keith Knupp, Nicole Fisher, Russell Smith, Joseph York, and Virgil Moore.
A resolution was passed to apply for a Great Strides/Trails for Life grant. A motion
was approved to partner with the chamber of commerce to apply for grants for the Main Street Project and the Riverfront Project.
Mayor Scott stated that Craig Treadwell has been hired Gas Department Supervisor. There was some discussion about whether someone could be hired as an employee in two different departments. Scott said there wasn’t an issue.
A motion was passed to sell some city owned property. The particular property was not disclosed.
Donnell Holloway asked the council why he could not get water turned on in his son’s name at his property at 305 Gordon Street and why he had received a bill for $4,000. Mayor Scott said that he has worked something out to ease Holloway’s burden in the matter.
A-State announces 2025 spring commencement graduates
JONESBORO –
Photographer
Ruth Corley
Glenda S. Sutton, 82, of Carlisle went to be with the Lord June 19, 2025. She was born, September 14, 1942 in Hazen, Arkansas, to Wayne and Evelyn Shelman.
Glenda attended school in Hazen and after graduation she worked as a bank teller in the bank in DeValls Bluff for several years. She went on from there to work as a bookkeeper for 20 years at Westerfield Chevrolet in Hazen. She married Jay Sutton on October 27, 1990 and together they owned several restaurants and Glenda attended Home Interior School in New York which was her greatest passion.
Glenda was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Evelyn Shelman; her brother, Don Shelman; granddaughter, Kaylie Lee; her first husband, H.D. King and her second husband, Ray Weddle. She is survived by her husband, Vernon Jay Sutton; son, Dustin Weddle; daughter, Stacy
Earnest Leroy Lock, age 78, of Des Arc, AR, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, at the Des Arc Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on June 27, 1947, in Des Arc, AR, to William Lock and Dovie Nelson Lock. Leroy was a lifelong resident of Des Arc, where he attended local schools. He was united in marriage to Martha Lock on March 4, 1964, and together they raised a beautiful family. Martha preceded him in death in 2012.
Leroy spent his life working as a commercial fisherman. At times he worked for Calhoun Brothers bulldozing and Miller Patterson sawmilling operation. He was also a skillful craftsman, building fishing nets that were prized by his fellow fishermen.
An avid reader, Leroy relished the works of Louis L’Amour and dedicated time each day to reading his Bible. He was known for his love of crossword puzzles and taking in the beauty of his surroundings on sight-seeing excursions. A man of faith, Leroy was a devoted member of the Des Arc Pentecostal Church. He lived his beliefs and his love for his family, his community, and his faith were evident in all he did.
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, William and Dovie Lock, brother Willie Ray Lock, and sisters Earnestine Shaw, Louise Campbell, and Faye Smith. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Amanda Robinson (John) of Des Arc, Sherry Lock of Des Arc, Sharon Baxter (James) of Hazen, Dovie Baxter (Michael) of Searcy, Sarah Powell (Phillip) of Des Arc, grandchildren: Terry, Tanya, Dedra, Lindsey, Jordan, Matthew, Morgan, Raven, Janae, 15 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
Leroy’s life was marked by hard work, strong faith, and a deep love for his family. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Arkansas State University has announced the names of students who completed degree requirements to graduate during Spring Commencement at First National Bank Arena. The list includes graduates from 43 states and D.C., and 26 other countries.
Chancellor Todd Shields presented diplomas at the associate, bachelor's, master's, specialist and doctoral levels, along with various program certificates, as awarded through the various colleges: Agriculture, Neil Griffin College of Business, Education and Behavioral Science, Engineering and Computer Science, Liberal Arts and Communication, Nursing and Health Professions, Beck Sciences and Mathematics, and University College. Undergraduates with a 4.0 GPA are designated as graduating Summa Cum Laude. Those with a GPA of 3.8-3.99 grad-
uated Magna Cum Laude, and those with a GPA of 3.6-3.79 graduated Cum Laude. Lonoke County, Carlisle: Jacob Staton, Associate of Science, A.S. En Route; Tristen Chase Harrison, Bachelor of Science, Communication Disorders, Cum Laude; Carson Kilgore, Bachelor of ScienceAgriculture, Plant and Soil Science; and Gracien E. Byrd, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Nursing. Prairie County, Des Arc: Zoey Aerial Taylor, Associate of Arts, A.A. En Route; Gabrielle S. Berry, Associate of Science, A.S. En Route; Jenna H. Brown, Associate of Science, A.S. En Route; Cooper Hayes Childers, Associate of Science, A.S. En Route; Tyler C. Lewis, Bachelor of Arts, Economics; Kayla MaryElizabeth Craig, Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Magna Cum Laude; Caroline Marie Harris, Bachelor of Science, Communication
Disorders, Cum Laude; Meredith C. Reidhar, Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Cum Laude; Brittani Nicole Ripper, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Nursing; Zylar Alaris Taylor, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Nursing; Tyler C. Lewis, Certificate of Proficiency, Business Law and Compliance. Prairie County, Griffithville: Tristan Lynn Richards, Bachelor of Science, Health Studies, Cum Laude; and Zackery Eugene Holloway, Bachelor of ScienceAgriculture, Agricultural Business, Summa Cum Laude, University Honors. Prairie County, Hazen: Wesley Patrick Clayton, Bachelor of ScienceAgriculture, Plant and Soil Science; and Caleb Andrew Jobe, Bachelor of Science in Education, Mid-Level Education. Prairie County, Ulm: Alexis McCarley, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies.
Entergy gives easy tips to boost energy efficiency and lower bills
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. –
As summer approaches and temperatures continue to rise, air conditioners will start running full blast and lead to an increase in electricity usage. However, staying cool and comfortable does not have to come at the cost of high energy bills. By making a few simple changes around your home, you can improve its energy efficiency and beat the heat while keeping costs down.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, home heating and cooling costs can make up more than 52% of an average customer’s electric bill. In some cases, poor insulation, air leaks and inefficient HVAC systems can lead to even greater energy costs
Larry Tuner
Dawanna Keys
Katelyn Carrell
each year. To keep your home cool without significantly lowering the thermostat and save money on your bill at the same time, try these low-to-no-cost tips.
Improving energy efficiency with lowto-no-cost tips
Change air filters. Air filters on some air conditioning units require monthly cleaning or replacing.
Set your thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature. The smaller the difference between the inside and outside temperatures, the lower your energy usage and bill will be.
Buy a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat can help manage costs, is controllable, and can help monitor usage.
Use fans to cool off.
Ceiling fans, box fans and oscillating fans use very little electricity to circulate the air. Make sure ceiling fans are rotating in the right direction – counterclockwise during summer – to push cooler air down into the room. Be sure to turn all fans off in unused rooms. Close blinds, shades and curtains to keep the sun out and the cool air in. Also, close air conditioning vents in rooms that are not in use. Seal cracks and holes around doors, windows and ductwork. Weather stripping and caulk will help keep the cold air in and the hot air out. By following these simple steps, you can stay cool and comfortable all summer long while keeping your bills under control.
June Blood Donors
Mary Van Houten
Leigh Chlapecka
Steve Chlapecka
Bradley Taylor
Charles Schwede
Donna Mulherin
Gary King
Dan Walton
Seth Walton
Brandi Ball
David Strohl
Betty Juola
Nancy Chlapecka
Jon Lucus Moody
Chris Wright
Czech Cemetery Donations
Donations: William Roushall
Carolyn Brakensiek
Vicki Skarda
Mike and Susan
Orlicek
Rosetta Vanhouten
Wesley Skarda Trust
Fund
Vivian Leopold
Bill and Carolyn
Downs
Kay Marak
Triska Farm
Elvin and Vivian
Novak
Emma O. Carothers
Randall Luck
Estate of Virginia
Farrar
Aline Marak
Carol and Andy
Stallings
Memorials: Connie Skarda - in
Memory of Joe,
Ruby, Gary and Randy Skarda
Ronnie and Melva
Sabbatini - in Memory of Melvin and Margaret Hula and Hope Sabbatini
Bilbruck
Jack Orlicek and Georgene
Seidenschwarzin Memory of George and Kathryn Orlicek
Ha z en hires U C A S t u dent
A ssistant as ne w b o y s
Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
Sam Sturdivant is the new Hazen High School boys basketball coach.
Sturdivant, who graduated form the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, has been a student assistant under UCA Bears coaches Anthony Boone and John Shulman the previous four years.
“I spent countless years, months, weeks, days and hours learning from the coaching staff and assisting the team in any way possible,” Sturdivant said. “Those were very valuable years that taught me a lot about basketball and the lifestyle of a coach. It also gave me a lot of great connections with a lot of great people.”
The Hazen job is Sturdivant’s first of his career.
“I’m thrilled … this is a dream come true,” he said. “Only being 21 years old and having a school that believes I am a good first is such a great feeling. I’m forever grateful for this opportunity.”
Sturdivant is a gradu-
Sam Sturdivant has been hired as the new Hazen Hornets boys basketball coach.
ate of White County Central High School in Judsonia. He’s originally from Conway and attended Vilonia schools until the seventh grade. Sturdivant inherits a Hazen program that has lost 38 consecutive games. The Hornets’ last victory came Feb. 13, 2023 when they beat Des Arc 52-47 in the 2A-6 district tournament.
“I know the team has struggled in the past, but I’m excited for the potential this program has,” Sturdivant said. “I’m not looking for a
coach
certain number of wins at this time. I’m not going to judge the success of this team based on wins. At the end of the day, basketball is a game. I want these guys to have fun. Now, winning is fun, so I’m going to do everything I can to win some games. But I need the guys to want to be there and want to play. I’m not going to make unrealistic goals, like making the state tournament in year 1. But it’s going to take time.
“A quote that I’ve shared with the guys at our first week of practice is ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day,’ meaning that great things take time. We aren’t going to flip this program around in one day, one week, one month or even one year. This is going to take a lot of time, and I just hope that these guys believe in me and hope that they are all in. So, to get this turned around is just having consistency, showing up everyday, putting in the work, but most importantly, having fun.”
Carlisle S chools have ne w hires
The Carlisle School District Board of Directors met in the Board Room on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. with the following members present: Jereme Carter, Shari Crouch, Mandy Brewer, Whitney Jones, Megan Perkins, Brandon Parker, Adam Ellis and Superintendent BJ Greene. Coach Greene provided the district report, Coach Rowland provided the elementary update, and Coach Greene provided the high school update. After an executive session, Adam Ellis made a motion to approve an offer of acceptance to Alisha (Star) Isbell as a high school teacher effective for the 20252026 school year. Whitney Jones made a motion to approve an offer of acceptance to Collin Hines as a high school teacher effective for the 2025-26 school year. Shari Crouch made a motion to
approve an offer of acceptance to Taylor Sledd Holt as the head high school softball coach with an extended day contract of 205 days effective for the 2025-26 school year. Whitney Jones made a motion to approve an offer of acceptance to Gary Wilson as the Carlisle School District Athletic Director effective for the 2025-2026 school year. Megan Perkins made a motion to approve the lowering of Counselor Emily Shaw’s contracted days from 205 down to 200 effective for the 2025-26 school year. vi. Jereme Carter made a motion to approve the Board to Board transfer of a kindergarten student from the Lonoke School District to the Carlisle School District. ii. High School Handbook
Whitney Jones made a motion to approve the 2025-26 high school handbook as presented by Mrs. Megan Aukes. Shari Crouch seconded
and the motion passed 6-1. Adam Ellis made a motion to approve the 2025-26 district salary schedules. Megan Perkins seconded and the motion passed 7-0. Jereme Carter made a motion to approve the 2025-26 high school improvement plans as presented by Mrs. Megan Aukes. Adam Ellis seconded and the motion passed 7-0.
Megan Perkins made a motion to approve the Carlisle School District Security Standards. Whitney Jones seconded and the motion passed 7-0. Shari Crouch made a motion to approve the Carlisle School District Security Procedures.
Whitney Jones seconded and the motion passed 7-0.
Also discussed were the board member terms and the gym HVAC system.
Jereme Carter made a motion to adjourn at 7:53.
Former Hornet assistant hired at Carlisle
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
A former Hazen Hornet assistant football coach will be calling plays for the Carlisle Bison this fall.
BJ Harrison was hired as the new offensive coordinator last month. Harrison was an assistant when the Hornets won the 2022 Class 2A state title. He is also a 2009 graduate of Hazen High School.
Harrison was working at Sylvan Hills High School the previous school year.
“First, I’d like to say that I have nothing but respect for Sylvan Hills’ staff and players,” Harrison said. “But, ultimately, this opportunity felt like the right fit for me and my family. The support from the administration, the vision of the program and Carlisle’s community support has always stood out to me.”
Carlisle head coach Gary Wilson said he’s excited to have Harrison on his staff.
“That was a huge hire,” Wilson said. “He’s an
extremely sharp offensive mind. He’s a really good teacher as far as teaching the guys the scheme in ways to pick it up faster. I think you’d be hard pressed to find someone at our level that is better at calling plays or in-game adjustments than him.
“He knows what he’s doing, and it’s a relief for me. He knows what he’s doing. He doesn’t need me standing over his shoulder. He knows what is going on.”
Harrison and his wife Chelsey have two children — daughter Maeve, who will be starting kindergarten, and son Bishop, who will be in pre-kindergarten.
Harrison’s father-inlaw was former longtime Hazen football, girls basketball and baseball coach Wayne Raney, who died March 27, 2023.
“It’s definitely a unique situation, and I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t crossed my mind,” Harrison said. “Carlisle and Hazen’s rivalry is something both Coach
Raney and I have been involved in. Coach loved playing Carlisle in any sport because of the rivalry, But, at the end of the day for both of us, coaching is about building relationships. My wife made a joke that Coach might strike me with a lighting bolt on game week, but she also gave me a Bison figurine that he kept in his room at Chambers Nursing Home. That was given to him by a special friend, Mrs. Peggy.” Harrison said Mrs. Peggy would decorate his door in black and gold on game week, and Coach Raney would wear his 28-23 Hazen win over Carlisle shirt. “They would meet up for their checkers game,” Harrison said. “I think as long as we keep the rivalry going with good, heartfelt games and focus on what really matters that he would be proud no matter what colors I’m wearing,” Harrison said.
Wiles selected as all-star
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
Even though the Arkansas High School Coaches Association is not holding all-star games this year, teams were still selected for 2025.
Carlisle Lady Bison softball player Jesse Wiles was one of the players selected for the East squad.
Wiles, who played shortstop for the Lady Bison, helped her team to a 22-9 record and an appearance in the regional tournament.
“Being selected as an all-star softball player is a huge honor and shows that all my hard work and long hours have
paid off,” Wiles said. “I thank God everyday for giving me the ability to play the game that I love.”
Wiles has played softball for 14 years.
“Softball teams the world to me,” she said. “It has brought me so many lifelong relationships, taught me endless lessons and has made me into the person I am today.”
During her time at Carlisle, Wiles ran track and played tennis. She also played travel softball for the Arkansas Blast.
Wiles will continue her playing career at the collegiate level at Arkansas State
University-Newport. She plans to major in business. Wiles said she couldn’t wait to play for the Lady Bison.
“Growing up, I couldn’t wait to play for and wear Lady Bison across my chest,” she said.
“Needless to say, the last four years have been everything I dreamed of and more.
Getting to represent Carlisle has been one of the most rewarding experiences and biggest honors of my life. This town, school and community mean everything to me and always will.
“I will forever and always be at Bison.”
New Carlisle assistant football coach BJ Harrison is pictured with his wife Chelsey and children Maeve and Bishop following Hazen’s win over Carlisle in the 2022 Class 2A state title game at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
Last Hope K9 Rescue makes improvements at Hazen shelter
By Ruth Corley
Recently a large group of volunteers with Last Hope K9 Rescue in Massachusetts spent the day in Hazen making improvements to our animal shelter. Last Hope K9 (LHK9) is a volunteer rescue organization dedicated to saving dogs from high kill shelters in Central Arkansas and beyond regardless of age, breed, or pre-existing medical conditions.
Each year a team of volunteers comes to Arkansas to make improvements to the shelters they work with, and this year the Hazen shelter was once again chosen to get some attention. LHK9 was last here in 2017 when they put the roof over the pens, built the shed, extended the covered area and the fenced area.
This year the projects were to cover the roof with a membrane to stop the leaks, seal up the shed and add steps and an awning over the door. They provided custom built dog houses for each pen, shelves for the shed, cleaned and sani-
tized everything in the shelter, bathed the dogs that are there now and many other little improvements. They also left us a ton of treats and other items for the dogs.
Most of the dogs from our shelter go to LHK9 through Rescue Road, a southern partner of LH K9. The dogs from our shelter are fostered by Rescue Road volunteers who give them a home while they are completely vetted and once the animals are spayed/neutered, up to date on all vaccines, are heartworm negative, and any other medical needs taken care of, they are transported to Massachusetts where they are fostered by volunteers of Last Hope K9 until they are adopted into their forever homes.
From Massachusetts they can be adopted to families in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Connecticut.
Last Hope K9 is completely run by volunteers, and since 2012 they have saved over 12,000 dogs from Arkansas! Last year
close to 50 dogs from the Hazen shelter became LHK9 dogs and found their forever homes in New England. We are truly blessed to have this relationship with them. They work tirelessly to raise funds to help our dogs. LHK9 pays for medical treatments and this year the group raised $70,000.00 for this years’ service trip where they are working on Carlisle, Stuttgart, Pine Bluff, and Kensett shelters in addition to ours here in Hazen. It was a pleasure to work with them and get to know them.
If you would like to make a difference and save some lives, please consider fostering! Everything is paid for. All you have to do is provide a space for the animals, provide food and love while they get healthy and go to their forever homes! For more information visit the Rescue Road and Last Hope K9 websites or message us on the Friends of the Hazen Shelter Facebook page! We would love to have you on our team!
Hazen S chool B oar d looks at a g ri b uil d in g plans , hires 3
The Hazen School Board met in a special meeting on Monday, June 17, 2025. Board Members present were Mason Sickel, Sandra Penn, Rusty Rogers, Dave Hare, Bradley Taylor, Stevie Kee, and Chad Greenwalt.
The board members and Superintendent discussed areas for the placement of the new Agriculture building.
The board is considering three different plans.
Nicky Neil, District IT, was on hand to help Board members set up their school email accounts. The Board went into executive session for personnel. When the board returned, Erica Reeves was hired for 4th grade literacy and social studies teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. Lainey Wallace was hired as an elementary paraprofessional for the 2025-2026 school year, and Maria Bogy was hired as High School Administrative Assistant for the 20252026 school year. With no further business, the board meeting was adjourned at 6:45 pm.
Prairie County 4-H members attend Tech Changemaker training
By Amanda Sinkey Prairie County 4-H Program Assistant
Three Prairie County 4-H members recently attended a Tech Changemaker Training held at the C.A. Vines 4-H Center in Ferndale from June 16th to 18th.
Alyssa Tiner, Wyatt Tiner, and Keaton Weems represented Prairie County at this hands-on, technologyfocused leadership event.
During the three-day training, participants were introduced to a wide range of valuable skills including social media etiquette, resume building, and interview techniques. In addition to career readiness, the training also emphasized digital literacy and
STEM education. Youth had the opportunity to work with cutting-edge tools such as OzoBots, engage in basic coding activities, and explore drone technology.
Participants also enjoyed creative tech sessions, including night photography and stop motion animation, where they learned how to capture stunning long-exposure shots and bring still images to life through motion. These activities allowed youth to combine technology with artistic expression, further enhancing their digital skillset.
On the last night, the bonfire gave everyone a chance to relax, reflect, and celebrate new friendships and accomplishments. The training was concluded with
an exciting round of drone races where participants tested their piloting skills.
The Tech Changemakers initiative empowers youth to be leaders in bridging the digital divide in their communities by equipping them with the skills necessary to teach others about technology and digital responsibility. These Prairie County 4-H members are now better prepared to return home and help others in their schools, clubs, and neighborhoods become more confident in today’s digital world.
For more information on how to get involved with Prairie County Tech Changemakers, contact Mrs. Amanda at 501-288-1499.
DAHS Cheerleaders excel at camp...
Congratulations to the Des Arc High School Senior High Cheerleaders. At cheer camp they
(Cheers), and Most Improved. They also received the coveted
This week, lawmakers continued work to strengthen Arkansas's public institutions, improve access to education, and support our state employees and communities. The Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) approved a new step pay plan for Arkansas State Police officers. At a projected cost of $3.5 million, the step system will provide a more predictable and transparent approach to compensation, while helping retain institutional knowledge and ensuring equity across
similar roles.
The ALC also approved a $90 million request from the state’s Restricted Reserve Fund to support the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program. More than 44,000 applications for the program have been submitted by parents and guardians for the 2025-2026 school year. In addition, $35 million from the Restricted Reserve Fund will be allocated to the Arkansas School for the Deaf. This funding will be utilized for costs associated with a new facility that will house class-
rooms for students who are hearing or visually impaired.
Earlier in the week, the House and Senate Education Committees met to discuss the first phase of the biennial Adequacy Study, which helps determine the state’s future K-12 public school funding needs. Committee chairs also shared plans to visit schools across Arkansas in the coming months to gather firsthand insight.
In addition, members reviewed a recent report highlighting the return on investment in higher education and its long-
term benefits for students and the economy.
Finally, on Wednesday, the House and Senate City, County, and Local Affairs Committees convened at the Statehouse Convention Center during the Arkansas Municipal League’s 91st Convention. Members received a detailed presentation on housing affordability, planning, and land use—critical issues affecting cities and towns across the state.
We have posted presentations reviewed by the committees on our website, arkansashouse.org.
won 1st place in the Camp Routine (Dance), 2nd in Spirit Routine
