DeValls Bluff City Council meeting 6:00 p.m. City Hall
Tuesday August 19
Hazen Big Trash Pick-Up Carlisle City Council meeting 6:00 p.m. Des Arc City Council meeting 6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 21 Hazen City Council meeting 6:00 p.m.
August 25 Des Arc School Board meeting
August 28
Commodities hand out at Hazen Methodist Church 10:00- noon
Monday September 1 Labor Day
Most local and county businesses will be closed
Tuesday September 2 Master Gardeners meeting
Monday September 8 Hazen Chamber of Commerce meeting 6:00 pm.
Jon Plafcan sworn in as new Carlisle mayor
By Debbye Harrison
Carlisle City Council called a special meeting August 5 to swear in Jon Plafcan as the new mayor. Judge Teresa Smith gave the oath of office to Plafcan who will serve until the 2026 election results. The Council discussed the 2020-21 Water and Sewer Legislative Audit was reviewed. The Council voted to accept the Committee’s recommendations for corrections. Until these corrections are in place, the state turnback funds are being held for the month of August. Chief of these corrections is closer oversight in bookkeeping requirements such as bank reconciliation and record keeping in all accounts. These corrections are reflections based on work done by previous employees. A new staff and new computer program have been implemented to ensure that these discrepancies will be corrected. The 2024 Audit will reflect
State Senator Caldwell holds luncheon in Stuttgart
On Friday, August 1, State Senator Ronald Caldwell (R-Wynne) held a luncheon at the Stuttgart Country Club for his campaign re-election. As the senator representing District 10, Caldwell serves all or part of ten Arkansas counties, the largest Senate District in Arkansas. Over sixty supporters attended the lunch, which included a thirty-five member host committee of local business leaders. First elected in 2012, Senator Caldwell is running for his fourth term as State Senator. A native of Wynne, Caldwell is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Economic
Development. He also serves on Revenue and Tax Committee, and has passed legislation that has saved the agriculture community thousands of dollars in taxes as well as other bills which resulted in saving significant taxes for east Arkansas farmers, including a 40% decrease in personal income taxes. Senator Caldwell was also a strong advocate for the seventy-five county fairs and sponsored legislation to increase their funding along with the salaries of the Arkansas Division of Agriculture employees. He spoke about the importance of price increases for the crop
farmers and the challenges that Arkansas farm communities are facing this year. Senator Caldwell introduced legislation that provided alternatives in the ener-
of Liberty University, where he received a Master of Theology and Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership.
Pastor Sironen has a
Community events brought to you by Please call
The officers and members of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, Des Arc, AR, are pleased to announce that they have Voted for Pastor Rich J. Sironen as their new Pastor.
Pastor Sironen served as an associate minister at various churches and Military chapels around the world during a 30year career in the U.S.
Air Force. Upon retiring from the military in 2016, Rich, his wife Shawn, and their three children returned to Fellowship, where he has served as the fulltime Assistant Pastor for the past nine years.
Pastor Sironen was ordianed at Fellowship by the late Rev. Russell Penn, Jr. in February 2001. He is a graduate
heart for God’s people and a passion for advancing their spiritual growth through the preaching and teaching og God’s Word. “I am
excited to continue serving the members of Fellowship as we grow in faith and service to the Lord.”
gy sector and is an advocate for allowing land owners to profit from their land as they best see fit. November 4-11 are the filing dates for the 2026
election, and no candidate has announced
hosts retirees. ( See page 6.)
Judge Teressa Smith administers the oath of office for Carlisle’s new mayor, Jon Plafcan.
Sailer Rayleigh Tinkle
Sailer Rayleigh Tinkle
“Sai Sai” was born on March 17, 2025, and met the eyes of Jesus on August 6, 2025. Sailer is the daughter of James Ray “JR” Tinkle Jr. and Demi DeVore of Cotton Plant. She is also survived by six siblings, Caeden Buckner, Camryn Buckner, Cody Buckner, Conner Buckner, Braelyn Tinkle, and Tripp Tinkle.
Her paternal grand-
parents are James Ray Sr. of Cotton Plant and Ginger Tinkle of Brinkley. Great grandparents are the late Billy Ray and Nata Tinkle, and the late Dave and Judy Simmons.
Her maternal grandparents are Kyle and Lori DeVore of the Brown Grove Community. Her great grandparents are Donald and Mary Ellen DeVore of Des Arc and Joe and Diane Ray of Brown Grove. She also has a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Even though the time we had with her was short, she gave a lifetime of love to everyone around her. She had
N e w A rkansas la w s go
beautiful blue eyes that always had a sparkle in them, and she consistently had a smile on her face.
Sailer’s time on earth was spent by enjoying many fishing trips, riding around with Mom and Dad, and being held and cuddled by her parents, siblings, family, and friends. She was cherished by everyone who met her and will be loved and missed by all.
Services were held Tuesday, August 12, 10:00, at First Baptist Church, Des Arc. Graveside service were held at the Cotton Plant Cemetery immediately following the service.
into effect
Au g 5 p ertaining s p ecifically to A rkansas dri v ers
safer.
Parent/Teacher Organization treats Hazen Elementary teachers on their first day back
The Hazen Elementary PTO served the Hazen Elementary teachers with a coffee bar and donuts for the teachers’ first day back to school. The PTO members also brought snacks and drinks for the week during their staff meeting. (pictures courtesy of Hazen Elementary PTO.)
August 4, 2025 During the 2025 Arkansas Legislative Session, several laws passed that Arkansas travelers should know. These laws go into effect Tuesday, August 5.
Fines Double in Mobile Work Zones
House Bill (HB) 1596, now Act 327 of 2025, doubles fines for moving traffic violations in mobile work zones.
Previously, traffic fines were only doubled in static (or stationary) work zones.
This new law applies to all “construction personnel,” which includes ARDOT and its contractors as well as city and county road departments and their contractors.
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 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
A static “highway work zone” is defined as any area upon a highway or road in Arkansas where construction, maintenance, or any other type of work is begin performed or is in progress by employees of ARDOT, cities, counties, or contractors.
A “mobile work zone” is defined as any area upon a highway or road in Arkansas where construction, maintenance, or any other type of work is being performed for a limited period of time by employees of ARDOT, cities, counties, or contractors. Mobile work zones can include debris removal, road striping, pothole patching, etc. Mobile work zones must be marked by a sign, channelizing device, barrier, or work vehicle with lights.
To help drivers know when they are entering a mobile work zone, “mobile work zone/fines double” signs will be displayed on the back of ARDOT work trucks with lights. Both mobile and static work zones are required to notify drivers that they are in a work zone and that fines are doubledHB1596.
Green Lights on ARDOT vehicles HB1475, now Act 209 of 2025, authorizes the use of green lights on official roadway construction and maintenance vehicles used by ARDOT, cities, counties, or contractors. This came after a successful pilot program. Flashing green lights improve visibility on bright, sunny days, in fog, and during inclement weather, making road workers
Arkansas law specifies which types of vehicles may have flashing lights or rotating beacons and what colors are permissible. This new law permits roadway construction and maintenance vehicles to use amber, white, or green (or any combination of the three) oscillating, flashing, or rotating emergency or warning lights. (HB1475)
Work Zone Safety in the Arkansas Driver’s Manual Senate Bill (SB) 78, now Act 117 of 2025, amends the Arkansas driver’s manual and test to include information about driving safely through work zones.
The safe operation of a motor vehicle in a highway work zone is now required to be included in the written driver’s license test.
Additionally, the driver’s instruction manual will be amended to include information about highway work zone safety. This information will include:
The effects and hazards of unsafe driving through a highway work zone.
The penalties for violations for unsafe driving through a highway work zone.
Statistics concerning the dangers of committing a moving violation in a highway work zone.
Testimonials from highway construction workers and their families. Information on the importance of awareness and slowing down in a highway work zone.
A question-andanswer section concerning the safe operation of a motor vehicle in a highway work zone. (SB78)
MADISON MANOR APARTMENTS
Hazen, Arkansas
*One or two bedroom apartments for elderly, disabled or handicapped. *Central air and heating. *Super Insulated. *Has refrigerator, range and disposal. *Laundry facilities available. APPLY AT: Jones Holdings, LLC
1014 N. Center * P.O. Box 57 Lonoke, Arkansas 72086 Phone 501-676-5131
“This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”
13thAugust
First week of practice is busy for Eagles
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
First-year Des Arc
coach Nick Smith said the first week of practice is a busy time.
“Everybody started back with professional development that first week,” he said, referring to the Des Arc faculty.
“We were trying to navigate that, when to be where, how to be where.
It’s kind of day by day.
You have a set plan, but with PD going, sometimes you have to navigate, cancel and move.
“For the most part, practice went great. My kids were locked in. We got a lot of good work in the two days with helmets and three days with helmets and shoul-
der pads. We got a lot of good work and preparation in.”
Smith said he’s got 33 going through fall camp.
“You’ll have one or two gone here and there,” he said. “For the most part, we’re right at 30 for the first week. Once school gets started, I fully anticipate that 33 number being strong every day.”
Des Arc starts school on Wednesday.
“The routine sets in then,” Smith said. “Our kids know. That last bell rings at 2:38. They know at 2:45 is when we’re hitting the field, and they are locked in until about 5:30 or so.”
Smith is the son of a coach. This is his first head-coaching position.
“It’s extremely exciting,” he said. “It’s something that I’ve known I wanted to do since I was about 8 years old, growing up in it. The reality is finally here for it to be put in place. There is not a better place that I would want to take this role at than Des Arc. It’s a great community with great support, great staff at the school and great administration. And at the top, we’ve got great kids.”
Des Arc will scrimmage at Lonoke on Aug. 21. The Eagles open the season Sept. 5 at home against Hazen.
School Board positions available in Hazen and Des Arc
School Board Positions can be picked up August 14th at the Clerk's Office. The Clerk's office may be contacted at 870-256-4434.
Hazen Zones are as follows... Zone 5 Bradley Taylor, Zone 3 Mason Sickel, Zone 2 At-Large positions Carl "Rusty" Rogers, Jr. Des Arc positions need to contact the Clerk's office.
Hornets coach says first week of practice went good
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
After a week of practice, Hazen coach Joe Besancon said things are going good.
“I thought we did a pretty good job,” he said. “We’ve got some new guys who are going to have to play a lot. We’re trying to get them as many reps as we can in practice. We’re trying to fix the things we’re doing wrong and get better at the things we’re doing right.”
The Hornets currently have 27 players going through practice, but many of them have never played football.
“That’s a lot of it,” Besancon said. “We’re going to be like a lot of 2A teams. We’re going to have about seven or eight kids that we truly, truly count on to do a
lot of things. You just got to hope those other guys kind of come along as the season goes along so that they can help the second half of the season.”
Besancon said the players he’s counting on at first will be playing offense, defense and special teams.
“They are not going to get to come off the field,” he said. “That’s just part of it. Most kids on most teams, a lot of them know that. They are an important part.
Most teams we play this year will have kids playing both ways.”
Hazen does not have a scrimmage game this year. That is not totally out of the norm for the Hornets.
“We’ll go in cold against Conway Christian,” Besancon said of the season open-
er Aug. 29 at Hazen. “I hunted around a little bit for a scrimmage. I didn’t hunt hard. There’s been a lot of years that I didn’t scrimmage. Last year we scrimmaged, and that was the first time in a long time. Sometimes, I feel like these non-conference games are really your scrimmage games. What gets you into the state playoffs are those conference games. We’ve got three really good nonconference games to get us ready for conference.” Hazen hosts defending Class 2A state champion Conway Christian on Aug. 29. The Hornets travel to Des Arc on Sept 5 and McCrory on Sept. 19 before opening 2A-4 conference play at Bearden on Sept. 26.
Bison progress goes well during first week of fall camp
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor Carlisle Bison football
coach Gary Wilson said his team progressed well throughout the first week of fall camp last week.
week was about reteaching the players.
“We’ll install stuff in the spring,” he said. “We install it all over again in the summer time.
We’re just picking up where we left off.”
The Bison currently have 31 players going through fall camp.
“We didn’t have a real good day on Monday,” he said. “I don’t think the kids were really happy about it either. We tell them all the time that good teams don’t back up a bad practice with another bad practice. They didn’t do that, so we just got better throughout the week, so I was happy with how the week went.”
Wilson said the first
The $52.50 cost of this notice will be paid by the City of Hazen out of City General funds
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS
DES ARC DISTRICT CIVIL DIVISION
THE MICHAEL AND MELISSA BARRE LIVING TRUST PLAINTIFF V. CASE NO. 59NCV-25-43
BERRY EDDIE VALDEZ a single person or anyone having claim in the following Real Property:
A plot of ground located in the Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) Southwest Quarter (SW1/4). Section Thirty-six (36), Township Two (2) North Range Four (4) West, Prairie County, Arkansas, and described as beginning 350’ North of the Southwest corner, Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) Southwest Quarter (SW1/4), Section 36; thence East 855’ to a twin overcup tree; thence East 81 feet, thence north 34 feet for point of beginning; thence East 240 feet; thence North 40 feet; thence West 240 feet; thence South 40 feet to point of beginning. Thence Grantor further grants a perpetual easement available for the use of the Grantee to a strip of ground twelve feet wide on the South, East and West sides and a six (6) foot strip easement on the North side.
DEFENDANT
WARNING ORDER
TO: Berry Eddie Valdez or Anyone having claim in the above property. You are hereby notified that The Micheal and Melissa Barre Living Trust Plaintiff, whose attorney is Christopher D. Brockett, Robertson, Beasley, Shipley & Robinson, has filed a Petition to Quiet Title against Berry Eddie Valdez and their Heirs, a copy of which Petition to Quiet Title shall be delivered to you or to your attorney upon request.
You are also notified that you must appear and defend by filing your Answer or other responsive pleading within thirty (30) days of the date of the first publication of this Warning Order; and in the event of your failure to do so, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint as circumscribed by the laws of this State.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal as Clerk of the Court on this, the __ day of July, 2025
[SEAL]
By:_______________________________
CIRCUIT COURT DEPUTY CLERK
Prepared by: Christopher D. Brockett, ABA #2005192 Robertson, Beasley, Shipley & Robinson 101 E. Commercial St. Ozark, Arkansas 72949 (479) 667-3000
“That’s the most we’ve had, by quite a bit, in the six years I’ve been here,” Wilson said.
“We’ve got seven really experienced guys, and the four that will be moving into those starting roles played for us last year,” he said. “But they didn’t have to play immediately. It helps us to be able to bring those new guys along.
“It’s the same way on the offensive side. We’ve got six guys coming back that played a lot of football for us.”
The Bison will scrimmage at Fountain Lake on Aug. 21 before opening the season at Lake Village on Aug. 29.
“That’s more than any team I played on in the 2000s. Anybody who can play, we want them out. I think we’ve got most of the male athletes out. If there’s any left, we’re going to find them this week and try to get them out.” Wilson said his team is lucky to have seven starters back on defense.
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As the new school year begins, thousands of school buses will once again be on the roads across Arkansas, transporting more than 350,000 children safely to and from school each day. That’s more than 350,000 reasons for all of us to stay alert and follow the law.
Each stop a bus makes, whether in a neighborhood, on a highway, or outside a school, is an opportunity for a child to safely start or end their school day. But that safety depends on all of us.
We want to remind Arkansans: it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus in our state. And for good reason.
In 2005, the Arkansas General Assembly passed Isaac’s Law after the tragic death of Isaac Brian, a young student in the Bryant School
District who was killed when a driver illegally passed a stopped school bus. This law significantly increased penalties for drivers who violate bus safety laws. It also serves as a solemn reminder of what’s at stake.
Here’s what you need to know:
On both 2-lane and 4lane roads, even those with center turn lanes, drivers must stop in both directions when a school bus is loading or unloading children.
Act 264 of 2021 clarified that vehicles must stop at least 30 feet away from the bus. This applies to public streets, school parking lots, and even private driveways that are open to the public.
When the bus is stopped with flashing red lights and its stop arm extended, you must
stop and remain stopped until the bus begins moving again.
And don’t forget: using a handheld phone in a school zone is not just dangerous, it’s also illegal in Arkansas, thanks to legislation passed in 2019.
Flashing red lights mean children are nearby. Children who may not see you. Children who may not hear you. Children whose lives depend on you making the right decision.
Let’s all do our part this school year to protect our students by staying focused, driving carefully, and always stopping for school buses.
Because nothing is more important than getting Arkansas’s children to school and back home safely.
Change SNAP PINs now to protect accounts, DHS warns
(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.)
— Families who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Arkansas should change their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card PINs immediately to best protect their accounts from scammers, the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) warned today. SNAP recipients can change their PINs by calling the EBT Customer Service line at 1-800-997-9999 and following the prompts to reset their PIN, or online by visiting the Arkansas Electronic Benefit Transfer portal. To ensure beneficiaries are accessing the authentic portal, they can find the link posted at ar.gov/SNAPfraud.
Once a beneficiary has created an online account through the website, they can also change their PIN by downloading the ConnectEBT app by Conduent. Screenshots of the app and direct links to the Apple and Google Play store are also posted on the ar.gov/SNAPfraud website, and beneficiaries should ensure they are downloading the authentic app.
There are continuing reports of electronic scams that aim to steal beneficiaries’ funds around the country, and Arkansas saw an increase in these crimes after July benefits were loaded onto cards. To date, more than 700 individuals have report-
ed through an online form that DHS launched earlier this month that their benefits were taken.
“DHS is not authorized to replace stolen benefits, so we are strongly encouraging everyone who receives SNAP to take just a couple minutes and change their PIN to a new combination that only they know,” said Mary Franklin, Director of the Division of County Operations. “This simple step is the best protection to ensure that if a card number has been compromised, the thief cannot remove the funds. We urge all beneficiaries to protect their accounts ahead of August benefits being loaded onto cards on Aug. 4, and to continue to change their PINs each month to stay a step ahead of would-be thieves.”
Additional tips for protecting SNAP accounts include:
• Set a PIN that is only known to them and not commonly used. Avoid using easy-toguess PINs such as 1-23-4 or all the same digit, like 0-0-0-0 or 1-1-1-1. Beneficiaries should also avoid PINs that reference information that may be publicly available, like birth dates or street addresses.
• Keep the PIN a secret. Do not share the PIN with anyone outside the household. Cover the keypad when they enter the PIN on a machine.
• Check EBT accounts regularly for unautho-
rized charges. If there are any unauthorized charges, the SNAP recipient should change the PIN immediately to stop the thief from making any new purchases.
• Check card reading machines to make sure there’s nothing suspicious overlayed or attached to the card swiper or keypad. The overlays can be difficult to detect but are often bigger than the original machine and may hide parts of the machine.
• Never reveal the PIN to anyone. DHS will not reach out via email, social media message, or text to ask for a PIN.
• Avoid saving an EBT card as a payment method for online shopping.
Arkansas State Senate Report
By Senator Ron Caldwell
LITTLE ROCK –
Earlier this year the legislature approved Act 302 to allow executions by nitrogen hypoxia. The act took effect on August 5, the same day 10 inmates on death row filed suit to challenge its constitutionality. Execution by nitrogen hypoxia occurs when the inmate is forced to breathe nitrogen and therefore is deprived of the oxygen required to live. Alabama has executed five men using the method, but its law is being challenged in federal court. Louisiana has executed one inmate. Oklahoma and Mississippi, like Arkansas, have passed laws allowing executions by nitrogen hypoxia but have not used it. The new Arkansas law is being challenged in a Pulaski County Circuit Court. The Arkansas attorney general said he would vigorously defend Act 302.
There are 23 men on death row. Seven were convicted and sentenced in the 1990s. Two of the inmates who filed the lawsuit to strike Act 302 were convicted in 1992 and 1993, and two other inmates listed in the suit were convicted and sentenced in 1994.
Arkansas has used lethal injection since 1990, which was the last year an inmate was executed in an electric chair. Lethal injection requires three separate drugs that are difficult to obtain. The most recent executions in Arkansas were in 2017, when four men were killed by lethal injection before the Correction Department’s supply of drugs was due to expire.
Act 302 had 20 Senate co-sponsors and was passed by a vote of 26to-9. It passed in the House by a vote of 67to-23.
Attorneys for the 10 inmates argue that their death sentences were originally supposed to be by lethal injection and cannot be changed retroactively. At the date of their sentencing for capital murder the only legal sentences were death by lethal injection and serving life behind bars without parole.
The lawsuit asks for a judicial declaration that Act 302 should apply only to offenders who are convicted and sentenced after August 5, the date the law took effect. Also, attorneys for the inmates argue that Act 302 is unconsti-
tutional because it amounts to legislative overreach into functions of the executive branch and the judicial branch. 10 Commandments in Classrooms Act 573, another new law that was scheduled to take effect on August 5, would require public school classrooms to display a copy of the Ten Commandments. However, it has been challenged in federal court and the judge called it “plainly unconstitutional.”
He issued a preliminary injunction that prevented it from going into effect, based on his conclusion that plaintiffs were likely to win their challenge. The attorney general, who is defending the act, said he is reviewing the state’s legal options. The judge wrote that about 45 years ago the United States Supreme Court struck down a law that was very similar to Act 573.
The act would require the display to be at least 16 by 20 inches in size, with large enough lettering so that a person with average vision can read it from any place in the classroom.
AR PBS to livestream Arkansas
Women’s Hall of Fame Aug. 21
CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) — As part of its Arkansas Live initiative, Arkansas PBS will livestream the ninth annual Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony Thursday, Aug. 21, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at myarpbs.org/arkansasliv e. The Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame honors women whose contributions have influenced
the direction of Arkansas in their community or the state. The Hall of Fame inducts contemporary (living) or historical (deceased) women who have made significant and enduring contributions to their field of endeavor, professional or otherwise; impacted the social, cultural, economic or political well-being of the community, state or nation; elevated the status of women and positively impacted women
and girls; helped open new frontiers for women and for society in general; and inspired others by their example.
2025 Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame inductees include: Contemporary: Margaret L. Bogle, PhD – Dietitian. Bettina E. Brownstein – Activist and attorney. Paula J. Casey –Attorney and professor, dean and vice provost for UA Little Rock Bowen School of Law.
To Whom It May
Concern: A 1987 Chevrolet Blazer VIN# 1GNEV18KXHF118494 was picked up at the request of the owner of the property on July 21, 2025.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.
Carlisle First Global Methodist Church hosts Retired Ministers
By Debbye Harrison
The Carlisle First Global Methodist Church hosted the 26th Annual Retired Ministers’ Appreciation Day August 4. Retired ministers of all faiths from around Arkansas and surrounding states attended. The Swamp Angel Ministries were the program hosts.
(Swamp Angel was the name given to early circuit riding preachers).
Rev. Joe Lowe, pastor of the Carlisle church, welcomed the group, and Dr. David W. Bush, President of the Swamp Angel Ministries, served as moderator of the program.
The program included Rev. Dr. Sieg Johnson, who gave the invocation and blessing, Mr. Wilson Borosvskis, who
performed handbells singlehandedly accompanied by Troy Neeley on the piano, and Rev. Aubrietta Jones, who read the scripture.
Following a plated lunch of grilled chicken breast, rice casserole, green beans and salad prepared by the kitchen crew of the Carlisle church, Dr. Rev. Dan Ford, the supply pastor at the Old Washington Global Methodist Church, gave the keynote address “Uniting Vocation and Avocation in Christ.”
The meeting closed with an informational presentation about BRG Bibles and awards for outstanding Swamp Angels for the year.
Rev. Dr. Sam Roberts gave the benediction.
Hazen Methodist Church hosts teachers...
The members of the First United Methodist Church fed the teachers
week. The church had also collected school supplies for the teachers and
out at the end of the
Rev. Joe Lowe
Bryan Diffee
Wilson Borosvskis
Dan Ford
Ladies in kitchen (left to right): Sarah Mertens, Nancy Moery, Jo McCallie, Debbie Madar, Jan Pasley, Mary Eddelman, and (bending in front) LaQuita Bennett and Tina Hillman.
Men in the kitchen; John Tullos, Collin Torian, and Clayton Thaxton.
