Community Calendar of Events
Thursday July 24
Food Distribution Hazen
leaking for a while, and the county has received a grant to re-roof
Carlisle Council split on Plafcan for mayor decision
By Debbye Harrison
The Carlisle City Council met July 15 with the predominant issue being the appointment of Jon Plafcan as Mayor to fill the unexpired term of Ray Glover who resigned December 31, 2024. This was made possible by a recent change in State Law. The decision was not reached easily, however. A motion was made by Anne Anderson and seconded by Andrew Silverman to appoint Plafcan as mayor. However, Eddelman objected to the lack of discussion as well as terms that had been agreed to by the Council
The Hazen City Council met on Thursday, July 17, to pass two resolutions which gives Mayor David Hardke the permission to apply for two matching grants. The first is an Arkansas Community Assistance Grant that will help to pay for the paving of the parking lots at the cityowned ballpark. The city has raised $44,280 through community cash and in-kind donations which will be used as matching funds. An additional grant for $177,118 from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission will also be applied for the same project.
A second Arkansas Community Assistance Grant Program grant will also be applied for to renovate and remediate the water tank construction and the extension of its water services at Interstate 40. The additional water tank is needed for growth in the I-40 area. The city has already raised $357,844 in community cash and in-kind services for the project. The city is ask-
in a work session.
Then members of the community were allowed to voice their opinions when someone objected to not receiving the promised special election for mayor. Mike Stuart, City Attorney, gave a thorough explanation of the new State Law and the cost estimate the State had given him of $20,000 for a special election for a mayor who would be on the ballot for the November 2026 elections which, incidentally, will be free. Various thoughts were shared about the costs of special elections and others shared concerns about the city’s finances
ing for state grant funds in the amount of $1,500,000 for the water project.
Hardke also stated that he had sent a letter to Johnny Thomas requesting his presence at the meeting, but Thomas was unable to attend. Thomas owns the washateria building at 105 N. Livermore. Hardke said that the building leaks and is not secured from the public. The city has requested that the building be weatherproofed and locked to keep out people.
Hardke went over the audit of the city’s Gas Transmission and Distribution System for 2024. A weakness in the proper segregation of accounting functions within the department was determined, which is common in small systems. The state conceded that “this will likely be an ongoing issue due to its impracticality from a cost benefit standpoint.”
The audit also stated that incorrect billing rates were used to bill customers for gas usage.
Hardke said that correc-
and spending any money unnecessarily. Anderson withdrew her motion, and the Council went into a lengthy Executive Session.
Following that session, a motion was made again by Anderson to appoint Plafcan mayor until the term expired. Eddelman voted no, Swears voted present and the rest of the Council members voted yes. The motion carried.
A committee was formed to finalize a presentation to the Council about golf carts and what can be done about regulating their use on city streets.
Those volunteering for this committee were
tions to the problem have already been made. He also said that rates would need to be raised. Deposit fees for gas and water will also have to be raised, along with those building permits.
In departmental reports, Fire Chief Seth Skarda said that the Fire Department had eight runs, including four first-responder runs and two fires. Houses on
Chris Davidson, chairman; Mary Eddelman, Caleb Swears, Jon Plafcan and Mike Stuart.
A lengthy explanation was given about the Legislative Audit. No one had to appear before the committee since Carlisle is improving.
The city is, however, still under careful watch by the Legislative Audit Committee and will be until all audits are completed and approved. At present ‘20-‘21 is complete and ready to be reviewed.
The City is currently seeking a person to fill the Parks and Recreation Director’s position. The notice is
North Livermore and on North Hazen Ave. were burned as well.
Police Chief Bradley Taylor had nothing new to report, but he did say that his department was back on “On Patrol Live” again.
Utilities Manager Chad Swaim said that his department had been busy fixing water leaks and mowing. Three culverts had been put in for
being published in the newspaper, put on-line and available at City Hall for the next two weeks.
Andrew Silverman and Chris Davidson, who volunteered to do Parks and Rec last year, gave special thanks to all who helped with the program especially Gary Wilson, Sr, Gary Wilson, Jr., Jake Cotner, Angela Berryman Washington, and Weston Jinks.
“Without their help there would have been no youth baseball or softball programs this summer. They were invaluable,” said Silverman.
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citizens at their cost and a bridge across the creek had been paved with the help of B&G Pipeline Company. He has plans to work on the water plant this week, and the sewer lines are to be checked and documented. There are some fire hydrants that need to be fixed, one of which must be repaired before another condemned house can be burned down.
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Miss Firecracker Pageant winners announced. ( See page 6.)
Arc
in the process of being repaired. The courthouse’s flat roof has been
the building. (Photo by Rita Dobson.)
Carolyn Grace Clark
D e V a ll s B l uff C it y C ounci l discusses possib
Carolyn Grace Clark of Conway, Arkansas passed peacefully on July 12, 2025 at her daughter’s home in Morrilton. She was born on August 7, 1941 in DeValls Bluff, Arkansas to Raymond Mertens and Elsie Rogers Mertens.
She leaves behind 4 children, John Raymond Clark and his wife
Carrie Heflin Clark of Conway, Charles Kenneth Clark of Conway, Terri Elizabeth Johnson and her husband Earl Johnson of Morrilton, and Kris Clark of North Little Rock; one granddaughter Ashley Hampton of Chaparral, NM; one grandson Zachariah Massey of Chaparral, NM; two brothers Mike Mertens of Conway and James Garth of DesArc. She is preceded in death by her parents Raymond Mertens and Elsie Garth, her husband, Marlin Kenneth Clark, and one daughter-in-law Rebecca Clark. She was an active and independent woman who loved working outside and keeping her little farm, as she called it, well kept. She was crafty, artistic, loved flower arranging, decorating and did so with much joy for family and her church. She played the piano for over 50 yrs
Arkansas Press Association
for the churches she attended and most recently at New Hope Holiness Church, until physical ailments caused her to step down. She loved doing genealogy and compiled several books.
Her primary concern was the welfare of her children but she was also ready for the day she could go to her Heavenly Home and be with so many dear loved ones who had gone on before her, especially her husband and her mother.
A family-hosted memorial service will be held at New Hope Holiness Fellowship Church, 323 Hwy 36N, Conway, AR, on August 7th at 10:00 a.m.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.
Shirley J. Eller
Shirley J. Eller, departed this life on July 15, 2025, in Beaumont, Texas, at the age of 86. Born on December 27, 1938, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Shirley lived a life rich in purpose and devotion. Raised in Hazen, AR by her loving grandparents Stephen and Lennie Thompson, and mother Helen Whitehead. For an impressive twenty-one years, Shirley served as a liai-
son with Amoco Production, where her keen mind and commitment to her work made her a valued member of the team. Her dedication to her career was paralleled only by her love for her family and friends. She was a Master Gardener and loved all styles of dancing.
Shirley is survived by her loving daughter, Julie Weisse (Mike) of Winnie. She was a proud grandmother to Anthony Cortez (Houston), Stephen Lagrone (Sam), and Natalie Rose (Brandon). Her legacy continues through her greatgrandchildren: Emily Cortez, Anthony Cortez, Jr., Terry Lagrone, Morrigan Lagrone, Jacob West, Braylee Rose, and Andrew Lagrone, each of whom carry forward the warmth and spirit she imparted.
After living at home with her daughter, she now joins her parents, Herbert and Helen Whitehead, in eternal rest, leaving behind a family that holds dearly to the values she instilled in them.
A graveside service to celebrate Shirley’s life was held on July 19, 2025, at Hazen Cemetery from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Shirley’s presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her, and her memory shall forever remain a guiding light in their lives.
By Lisa Mills
The DeValls Bluff Council met on July 17th. Mayor Darlene Connor, Recorderer/Treasurerer Marcus Metcalf, and Council Members Alice Metcalf, Raymond Watson, Shirley Goff, Scott Troy, and Carol Griffin were present.
Rick and Chris Harrell, from Conway, and owners of the SBYL Hunting Club expressed their interest in purchasing the Castleberry Hotel, and the former Police/Fire station. Chris stated that they are still in the planning stage but their vision for the hotel is to restore the historic landmark
H
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
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Debbye Harrison
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and establish a restaurant and develop some lodging for visitors. For the other property, their vision is an indoor and outdoor facelift and use the property for storage for decoys, waders, and boats. Rick said that the benefit for the city would be the restoration and maintenance of two unused properties, as well as eliminating the city’s responsibility of ongoing maintenance and liability. The purchase would also allow them to improve the curb appeal of the town and help stimulate community economic activity. The council agreed to have a special meeting to discuss the presentation.
Tentative plans for a Fall Festival were presented by Le’Gusta Rhoden on behalf of a committee. Event dates would be October 3rd and 4th. Mayor Connor mentioned that the organizers of the Spring Market, which was cancelled due to weather, have been contacted about rescheduling their event to run in conjunction with the festival. The council agreed to approve the event if the dates and location can be secured.
Police Chief Jeremy Murphy reported nine arrests and 18 traffic citations in June. He also reported that the new vehicle has arrived and is fully operational.
a z en Ch amber of C ommerce p l ans for upcoming events
The Hazen Chamber of Commerce held their monthly meeting on Monday, July 14, in the Cadence Bank Community Room.
It was announced that the Hazen Friends & Farmers Market during the Summer will be held on Saturdays from 8-11 a.m. The Donut NV Food Truck will be there serving up donuts, iced coffee, lemonade and water.
Vendors wishing to participate selling their garden veggies, baked goods or crafts, please set up under the trees
Bokker graduates from Basic Training at Fort Jackson
Matthew Bokker, a dedicated and determined 17-year old from Hazen, Arkansas, took a bold step towards his future when he left home on May 20th to begin basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He is currently undergoing rigorous training and will officially graduate Basic Training on July 31, 2025.
Matthew is a proud member of the Arkansas Army National Guard, having enlisted as an 89B-Ammunition Specialist. In this critical rolw, he will be responsible for managing and handling ammunition, explosives, and related supplies, insuring that soliders
have the resources they need to accomplish their missions safely and effectively.
Following his graduation from basic training will return home to complete his senior year at Hazen High School, with graduation scheduled for May 2026. Shortley after completing High School, he will report for Advanced
individual training (AIT) in June 2026, where he will receive specialized instruction in his military occupational specialty.
Matthew’s decision to serve while still in high school reflects his strong sence of responsibility, discipline, and patriotism. Balancing military service with his education, he is not only prepariing for a successful civilian future but also contributing meanfully to the defense and security of his country.
His family, friends, and community are incredibly proud of his commitment and courage, and they look forward to celebrating his many accomplishments in the years to come.
next to the stop light. Cost per vendor is $10 and is payable on the day of the Farmers Market.
The Chamber voted to help with the cost of fixing or buying a new electronic sign for the Hazen downtown city park. Patti Rye will be in charge of getting estimates from Little Rock sign companies. Any local businesses that would like to help with the cost of this project, please contact Patti at 501-519-2148.
The Southern Central Wrestling event will be
held on Saturday, July 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hazen Community building. The event is sponsored by the Chamber. Ticket prices are: $10 general admission and $15 VIP, both available at the door. A concession stand at the event will sell popcorn, soft drinks and water.
Members of the Chamber voted to donate $500 to the Hazen Booster Club for signage and advertising of the Hazen Chamber of Commerce at the Hornet football field.
During the 2025 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed several new laws aimed at strengthening election procedures.
One significant change comes through Act 978.
This act requires county boards of election commissioners to provide early voting in every city with a population over 15,000 if the county clerk is not already doing so.
Act 282 further clarifies how early voting locations are established. It confirms that county election boards may designate additional early voting locations for each election, while the county clerk maintains the authority to designate the early voting site located within the county seat. These updates provide clarity and consistency across counties.
ence of a canvasser.
Act 218 requires canvassers to inform potential petitioners that petition fraud is classified as a class A misdemeanor. Act 115 aligns the rules for paid canvassers in local option elections with those for statewide elections.
Act 240 requires canvassers to view a copy of a potential petitioner's photo identification before collecting a signature.
Act 272 requires the Secretary of State to post all approved ballot titles and the full text of proposed measures on their website.
Cemetery Donations: In Memory of: Hazel
Swilley
By: Dale & Sara Perry
Donna Watson & Cheryl Jenkins
In Memory of: Etta Martin
By: Curtis Martin
In Memory of: Henry
Strohl
By: Donna Watson & Cheryl Jenkins
In Memory of: Wanda Tiner
BY: Billy & Nona Gail Booth
Upkeep: Jay Sutton
All donations are greatly appreciated and may be mailed to: Hazen
Cemetery P.O.
Box 92 Hazen, Ar. 72064
Jo h nson graduates from UALR
Certificate in Teaching
The Gifted/Talented. More than 1,040 degrees were awarded for the Spring 2025 semester May 17 at the UA Little Rock Jack Stephens Center. H a z en C emeter y D onations
Carmen Johnson of Hazen, AR, graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock during the Spring 2025 semester. Johnson graduated with a Graduate
In addition to voting procedures, the legislature addressed the petition process. Act 274 mandates that a signer must read the petition ballot title in the pres-
Finally, Act 991 simplifies and aligns procedures for municipal elections. It repeals the old runoff process for municipal offices and ensures that runoff elections are now conducted in the same manner as those for county offices. This change streamlines the process and reduces confusion among voters and election officials alike.
3
Grand Prairie teams featured in statewide football magazine
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Carlisle Bison, Des Arc Eagles and Hazen Hornets are among the more than 200 high school football teams featured in the 2025 Hooten’s Arkansas Football magazine, which hit store shelves earlier this month.
In the Class 2A Top 20 rankings, Carlisle is ranked seventh. Des Arc is 11th while Hazen is 15th. East Poinsett County, last year’s Class 2A state runner-up, is ranked No. 1. Defending state champion Conway Christian is ranked 10th.
Several area players are members of the 2025
Super Teams. Carlisle’s Cajuan Pernell is listed at defensive line while his teammate, Bentley Parker, is listed at defensive back. Des Arc’s Chandler Dobbins is listed at defensive line. Hazen’s Noah Adkins is listed at linebacker.
In the Class 2A Farm Bureau Insurance Awards Preseason Watchlist are several area players. On offense, they are Des Arc’s Cane Childers, Carlisle’s Jaden Elliott and Pernell and Hazen’s JJ Pinkney and Bubba Barnhill. Listed on defense are Des Arc’s Dobbins and Tylenn Miller, Carlisle’s
Luke Caviness and Kolton Bartley and Hazen’s Maddox Prine.
In a poll of the coaches from the 2A-2 conference, Des Arc is picked to finish third behind EPC and Cross County. The Eagles are followed by 4. Marked Tree, 5. Earle, 6. McCrory, 7. Izard County Consolidated and 8. Marianna. In a poll of coaches from the 2A-4 conference, Carlisle is picked to win the league for the third consecutive season. The Bison are followed by 2. Poyen, 3. Bearden, 4. Hazen, 5. England, 6. Baptist Prep, 7. Hampton and 8. Clarendon.
H ornets looking good this summer , according to coach
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Hazen Hornets have been working hard this summer in preparation for the 2025 season.
“It’s gone good,” Hazen coach Joe Besancon said. “Our biggest concern right now is we’ve got to develop some young guys and get them ready to play across the front. That is our most glaring weakness. We’ve got to replace three seniors across the front on the offensive and defensive lines. We’ve been working a lot on trying to get those guys ready.”
The Hornets will be led by senior quarterback JJ Pinkney, who led the Hornets to the playoffs. He was injured against Carlisle in the regularseason finale a year ago
then missed the playoff game against Conway Christian.
“JJ has looked real good,” Besancon said. “He’s gotten a whole lot stronger compared to where he was last year. He will have to carry the load for us. There will be even more pressure on him this year. He’s not only going to have to be a leader for us, but he’s going to have to do a little bit more this year, and he did a lot last year.”
Besancon said his team should have around 2426 players when practice starts in a couple of weeks.
“If they make it through August when things get a lot tougher, we’ll be in the mid 20s,” he said. “That’s more than we thought we’d
have. We’ve got a few kids out who have never played before, so that makes the numbers look a little bit more. We’ll take anybody who wants to give it a shot.”
The Hornets have participated in one team camp — a few weeks back at Clarendon with Clarendon and Barton.
“We didn’t look bad,” Besancon said. “We were staying away from that, then I decided we’d go to one. We did a lot better than I expected us to do. That was a little bit to build on. We may try to catch a 7-on-7 before August gets here.”
The Hornets do not have a scrimmage game as of yet. They open the season at home Aug. 29 against defending state champion Conway Christian.
H azen Council ________________
(Continued from page 1)
Swaim also said that the street leading to Mammoth Pond would have to be shut down for at least two hours between 10:00 a.m. and noon to repair the entrance to El Amigo restaurant and the motel. The owners of the two businesses have already been notified.
City Councilman Bob Juola asked about the repairs being done on the train depot. Hardke said that new piers had been laid, and paint had been picked out. The caboose needs new floors and painting. The paint inside the caboose is
probably lead/asbestos based, Councilman Larry Anthony said. Councilman Steve Chlapecka asked the mayor to check into how late salespeople can come to citizens’ homes in the evening. The mayor said that he would.
Aunt Dianne will be missed by many ...
I know as I get older, we’re going to lose people we know and love. It’s part of life — one that I, and a lot of other people, aren’t very fond of.
On July 11, I was driving when I got a call from my sister Carole about 8:30 a.m. When she calls that early, I always wonder what has happened. And I was right to think that. She called to tell me that our Aunt Dianne Buffalo had died unexpectedly. Aunt Dianne was 75. She wasn’t my aunt by blood. She is married to my Uncle Dicky, my dad’s brother. Aunt Dianne was a special person to me. She always made me feel important when I was growing up in Carlisle. Aunt Dianne was a fifth and sixth grade reading teacher at Carlisle Elementary School. When I was in fourth grade, she bought me a Dallas Cowboys duffle bag and brought it to me in class. That made me feel special. The next year, in fifth grade, we started changing classes, but because she was my aunt, Aunt Dianne could not be my homeroom teacher. But I did have her for reading. Aunt Dianne was a wonderful reading teacher. She taught me and three of her four children, Elizabeth (two years older than me), Suzanne (two years younger) and Richard (five years younger). Aunt Dianne was harder on me than any other student in my class. She expected me to do well. And I’m pretty sure she
By Mark Buffalo
did the same thing to Elizabeth, Suzanne and Richard. In fact, Richard said she did the same thing, telling me in a text on Tuesday, the same day as Aunt Dianne’s funeral.
Aunt Dianne and Uncle Dicky were the only set of aunts and uncles that lived in Carlisle, so, naturally, we were closer to them. Elizabeth and Suzanne were so close in age to me, that we saw each other a lot outside of family functions.
But family functions were amazing. Every Christmas night, we’d go to Nana and Papa’s house on the farm or in town after they moved. I never missed a single one. Nana died in 2016. It was always fun to play with my cousins growing up. Aunt Dianne and Uncle Dicky were always so much fun. I think back fondly to those times. I sure miss them, even the ones after my brother Jonathan (10 years younger) was born and Aunt Dianne and Uncle Dicky’s youngest, Alexandria (17 years younger) was born.
Aunt Dianne’s response was, “more Elizabeths the better” or something along those lines. I was privileged to be asked to be a pallbearer for Aunt Dianne. After the funeral, I was going back through text messages I had received from Aunt Dianne. And there was a series of texts that really stood out from last October. I was having a difficult time after my car had seen its better days, and I purchased a used car, but before I could get the new car on full insurance coverage, I hit a deer. The day I bought it. Aunt Dianne could sense something was wrong by watching some of my online posts. She reached out to me to check on me and my well being. Being the incredible aunt she was, she made me feel so much better. I’ll share a little of what Aunt Dianne wrote.
“You are a good person, Mark. We do go through trying times. Sometimes, it seems like they pile on us. I will keep you in my prayers. God has been to you with giving you your precious daughter. Love you bunches!!!!” Aunt Dianne, I love you bunches too. Thank you for teaching me how to read better and being like a second mom to me.
Aunt Dianne and Uncle Dicky had a devastating loss in 2002 when Elizabeth died. When my late wife and I were adopting and wanted to pick a name, I went to Aunt Dianne and asked if we could name our daughter Mary Elisabeth, after my mom Rose Mary and my dear cousin Elizabeth. She already had a granddaughter with the middle name of Elizabeth. She was Elizabeth’s oldest daughter Lauren. Suzanne’s oldest daughter is Vivian Elizabeth, having been born five years after her aunt died.
Des Arc hires new boys basketball coach
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Des Arc Eagles have a new boys basketball coach.
Brady Palmer, who coached the last three years as a junior high
coach at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, succeeds Trentt Whiting as the coach of the Eagles.
“I loved my time at PA and am thankful for all the experiences, relationships built and growth that took place during my time there,” Palmer said. “However, it has always been my goal to be a head coach at the varsity level. When I saw the job at Des Arc posted, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue. In my interview, it was quickly confirmed that this would be a great place to be. The kids, school and community have a pride and love for the Eagles that I wanted to be a part of. Our athletes work hard, and it truly means something to them to represent Des Arc.”
Palmer is a 2017 graduate of Harding Academy in Searcy. He played two years of basketball at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. He transferred to Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Ga., and played for three years before earning a degree in sports management in 2022.
“We’re really excited to bring Coach Palmer on board,” Des Arc athletic director Nick Smith said. “He brings a lot of excitement and knowledge with him to the program. Coach Palmer will also help the foot-
ball program. Although he does not have any football experience, he has the type of work ethic that will greatly benefit our kids and football program.”
Palmer said his players are excited and eager to learn.
“While it’s only been a couple of weeks with these guys, it is clear that they are hungry to be better and truly want to do what it takes to be a great basketball team,” he said. “I believe that will be evident when we take the court. The Eagles are going to be a team that gives relentless effort, has a fire to win and clear love for the guy next to them.
“We have a responsibility to represent our incredibly hard-working and supportive community out on that court, and we will do that every night.” Palmer said he is blessed to be in Des Arc.
“I am excited to invest and truly become a member of the community,” he said. “The immediate support and trust from everyone I’ve gotten to know so far means the world to me. I am excited to build this program and continue to help our student-athletes grow into well-rounded young men on and off the court.”
Palmer’s family includes his dog Saedee.
Hazen School sees plans for new Pre-Kindergarten building
Katie Bruhl of Taggart Architects gave the Hazen School Board an update at their July 14, 2025 board meeting. She reviewed the new pre-k building plans, saying that the contractor’s price has not been received, and that the plans to purchase the Haygood house which will be demolished to make room for the building will now include a dropoff canopy. The title work has been done on the property, and the district is just waiting on the owner to complete the transaction.
A generator will be purchased for the safe room in the building to provide electricity during an outage. Each classroom will have two child-sized toilets and hand washing areas. There will also be public and teacher bathrooms, a laundry, a break room, and an office. There will also be a double entry system for safety.
The board is considering two different placements for the agri building, the first has the building on Cleveland St. south of the high school. The other would have the building placed just north of the elementary school, and plans have been made to purchase the land north of there to provide enough space. The weight/locker room in the old gym would be wrapped up in two weeks. The ceiling has been raised, and the district will get an Entergy rebate for installing energy-saving lights.
The field house plan is being revised to mimic that of the Bryant Junior High School field house. It will have two locker rooms with a bathroom between. There will also be a meeting room and a visitor locker room with its own bathrooms. The plan is to have the building level with the track.
The Palmer Hamilton cafeteria design proposal purchased on the Sourcewell contract was accepted. The project will cost the district
$125,000 to $150,000 at first, with the cost going up to $200,000 to $250,000 when the cost
of the tables is included. The cafeteria upgrade will be paid for with interest on the millage money that the district will receive. The board also voted to raise the cost for school lunches from $2.25 to $2.50 for the next school year. The district has 71% of its students on free and reduced lunches.
High School Teacher Wendy Perry announced that four students scored a 3 and received Comp I college credit. They are Ethan Lisko, Maddox Prine, Maci Sickel, and Sophie Raper. The board voted to use Sysco as the food service supplier and Hiland Dairy Foods for milk. They also voted to use C&S Cleaning Supply Co. for cleaning supplies for the cafeteria. The board voted to table the school calendar changes, which added full days on semester test days, and also table discussion on the new student handbook. They approved the Recruitment and Retention Plan presented by Superintendent Andy Barrett that will seek to have the staff mirror the diversity of the community. They also approved the Electronic Device Policy which was mandated by the state. The plan will require students to turn in their phones to a designated area and can only be used for pictures of special events like homecoming, which the principal chooses.
Elementary Principal Laura Saranie reported that all certified positions in her building have been filed, but two paraprofessionals are still needed. The first day for teachers will be held on July 31st, or August 1st if all of their professional development has been completed. Two legal transfers were accepted, one into the district and one out. Chelsie Weir was hired for high school math. Weir is from Texas and has 15 years of teaching experience. Clifton Burrell’s resignation as music teacher was accepted. Barrett said that he had two applications for the position.
To Whom It May
Concern: a 2011 Cheverolet HHR LS 4 dr Wagon VIN# 3GNBAAFWXBS5169 12 was picked up at the request of the Prairie County Sheriff Department This vehicle is in the possession of Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service 1111 Hwy 70 W, Hazen Ar. 72064, (870)255-3305. Towing, storage, & administrative costs are accruing as legal liability of the owner. Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first priority possessory lien on the
said vehicle and its content for all such charges. The vehicle and its contents will be dismantled, destroyed, or sold at public sale to the highest bidder if not claimed within 45 days and constitutes a waiver by the owner and lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, MonFri, 8am-5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges. FREE
Miss Firecracker Pageant held in DVB Community Center
The Miss Firecracker Pageant was held on July 12th at the DeValls Bluff Community Center. Proceeds from the pageant will benefit students at Carla's Dance Studio in Des Arc. (Pictures courtesy of Lisa Mills.)
Mrs. Queen & photogenic winner Shawna Parnell and alternate Stelina Fisher.
Miss Queen Kooper Neal and Alternate and photogenic winner Kaitlyn Barbee.
Teen Miss: Supreme Queen Peyton Abbot; Queen, fun fashion & photogenic winner Brylee McIntosh; 2nd alternate Kalli Jo Willeford; 3rd alternate Makala Anderson
Young miss: Queen & photogenic winner Jessica Orr, Alternate Alexis Glover.
Petite Miss: Supreme Queen & photogenic winner Lamry Hooks, Queen Atarah Geisler. Alternate Caroline Tiner.
Little Miss: Queen & Photogenic Winner McKenna Greenwalt, 2nd Place Kennedy Hearington.
(Above) Toddler Miss: Queen & fun fashion winner Riverlyn Luye, Second place and photogenic winner Carlee Elliott, Third place Presley Cook.
Baby Miss: Queen Merritt Jackson; Alternate, photogenic & People's Choice winner Espen Saygar.