Thursday September 25 Food Distribution Hazen Methodist Church 10:00 a.m.-Noon
Friday September 26 Hazen Hornets @ Bearden 7:00 p.m.
Earle @ Des Arc 7:00 p.m.
Carlisle Bison @ Baptist Prep 7:00 p.m.
Saturday October 4 De Valls Bluff Days games food truck and much more
Carlisle Alumni Homecoming Weekend October 3rd and 4th
Monday October 6
Biscoe City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 9 Hornet Community Homecoming Kickoff Hornet Practice Field
Thursday October 16
DeValls Bluff City Council meeting City Hall 6:00 p.m.
Community events brought to you by
City Council has a new member...
McClain sworn in as newest Carlisle Council member
By Debbye Harrison Farris McClain
was sworn in as the newest City Council member at the September 16 meeting of the City Council. Judge Ashley Parker performed the official duty while Shatonda McClain held the Bible where McClain placed his hand. McClain fills the position formerly held by Jon Plafcan which was vacated when Plafcan became Mayor. Golf cart permits will be available at City Office beginning September 22. Permits for use on city streets are $25 per year and must have a sticker applied to the driver’s side of the cart. Only Utility Task Vehicles (UTV) are legal on city streets. ATVs are not. A UTV driver must
be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license. By definition a UTV is a vehicle with a steering wheel, seat belts, roll-over bar, turn signals and brake lights. It must be insured and carry proof of insurance. It is a sideby-side, not a Gator. Austin Hayes has been hired as a part-time Parks and Recreation Director for $25,000 per year. The balance of the budgeted salary for that position will be used to hire extra help for jobs like field preparation, ticket takers and possibly concession workers during the busy season.
The Flag Football season is underway and being overseen by the school. The games will be played on Saturdays beginning this week. Some games have been
scheduled against Lonoke and may need to be played on Tuesday nights to meet their schedule.
Teams will play six weeks and then have play-offs.
Chris Davidson will chair a Council committee to brainstorm needed changes in Civic Center use and charges. Citizens are encouraged (admonished) to retrieve green trash bins from the city streets by sundown of the day of trash pick up!
Officer Frank announced the hiring of two new officers and for the first time in a long time, the police force is at capacity. A Resolution condemning the property at each of these locations within the City of Carlisle, Arkansas, pursuant to
Carlisle City Ordinance Number 246 and Arkansas Code Annotated 14-56-203 provide that cities of the first class shall have the power to order the removal or razing of, or to remove or raze, any buildings or houses that in the opinion of the Council have become dilapidated, unsightly, unsafe, unsanitary, obnoxious or detrimental to the public welfare; on September 16 Resolution No.. 371 condemned the property at 416 E. Main Street; Lonoke County Parcel #730-05507- 000, Lots 7 and West 35’ of Lot 8, Block 55, OT Carlisle Subdivision. Resolution 372 condemned the property at W. 5 th Street Lonoke County Parcel #730-01705-000, Lot 5 & S 30’ of 4, W 30’ W 32 l/2’ of 3 & W32 l/2’ of 6, Block 17, OT Carlisle Subdivision. Resolution No. 373 condemned the Property at ll5 E. Lilly; Lonoke County Parcel #73130204-000, Lots 4-7. Block 2, Perkins Subdivision. Resolution No. 374 condemned the Property at 208 N Court St; Lonoke County Parcel #73004407-000 N50’ Lots 7,8,9, Block 44, OT Carlisle Subdivision Resolution No. 375 condemned the Property at 622 S. Bobby L Glover Hwy.’ Lonoke County Parcel #731-90216-001, PT S1/2 SW NW SW SW, Carlisle City Area Subdivision. All Council members were present with Attorney Mike Stuart absent.
Hazen Council amends gas rates, condemns building
The Hazen City Council met on September 18, 2025, to pass an ordinance to amend the Hazen Municipal Code for gas rates. Present at the meeting were Council Members Larry Anthony, Barbara Rogers, Tim Juola, and Steve Chlapecka in addition to Mayor David Hardke and Recorder/Treasurer David Hoover. Ordinance 527 raises the gas price after the first 500 cubic feet used by a customer by fifty cents from $5.00 per 1000 cubic feet to $5.50 per 1000 cubic feet. The minimum charge will remain $15.00 per month for the first 500 cubic feet, and the minimum charge per month will remain $15.00. The wheeling charge for DeValls Bluff and Biscoe will remain at $1.20 per 1000 cubic feet. The new rate will increase charges for city customers by five to six percent.
Other old business included the passage of Condemnation Resolution No. 604. The building condemned is the old laundromat located at 105 North Livermore Street. The property is owned by Johnny and Casandra Thomas who were notified multiple times before the passage of the resolution. They will
have 30 days to raze, remove, or rehabilitate the structure after which the city will remove the building. According to Hardke, half of the building’s roof is missing and it is full of rubbish. A lock has been put on the door by the owners to block entry.
The old jail, adjacent to the laundromat, is being repaired by Rusty and Gary Rogers. Other owners of decrepit buildings around town have also been notified to clean up their properties.
The mayor also reported that the fuel dispenser at the municipal airport will be replaced for a cost of approximately $20,000. A new credit card system will also be installed. Hardke hopes to one day build another hangar at the airport. Hardke told the council that the city's insurance rate has been raised to $15,000 per year on all city-owned structures, and the deductible has gone up from $2500 to $5000.
Fire Chief Seth Skarda reported that his department had answered calls for two grass fires, an RV fire, and the burning of two houses on Prairie St. Chad Swaim, Utilities Manager, said that his workers were still repairing water and gas
leaks and mowing. They also replaced culverts and have done some asphalt work. He said that some water plant work has been done, with the replacement of seven valves, with seven more to go. Four of the valves are fully functioning. The sewer pond has been pumped out. Swaim also told the council that the city of Des Arc has asked Hazen to share some of its water while work is being done on their system. The two systems are joined just north of Hazen. He said that the city might be able to provide water for Des Arc for two or three days, but not the two or three weeks being
requested. There is not a meter on the pipe between the cities, so one may have to be installed. Hazen will get an engineer to help with the logistics. A special meeting will have to be held to approve the weather exchange, which will probably take place in October.
“We try to keep those relationships (between cities) strong,” Swaim said.
Police Chief Bradley Taylor said that his department had recovered 58 pounds of marijuana and had caught one of the three perpetrators. He also announced that Clayton Dillion and Dillon Cook will be leaving the department. Cook will take a job with the Arkansas State Police, and Dillion will leave the department to focus on his construction company. A third policeman may also leave to join the state police interdiction team. Taylor said that he will be looking for some part-time help. Taylor also said that he has spoken at two conferences, including the AR Professional Criminals conference and has also spoken at a “standing room only” event sponsored by the FBI. Taylor’s subject was mental health. He has also been asked to speak at the Arkansas Crime Information Center conference soon.
Carlisle
Farris McClain is the newest member of the Carlisle City Council. He was sworn in by Judge Ashley Parker, and Shatonda McClain held the Bible.
Louie Zane Huggins
Louie Zane Huggins, 88, of Cotton Plant Arkansas, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, in Searcy. He was born November 3, 1936, to the family of Tom C. and Nancy Gadberry Huggins.
Louie graduated from Cotton Plant High School in 1955 and soon after married the love of his life, Carolyn Veazey. They welcomed the birth of two children, Kimberly and Ritchie. Louie provided for his family through his work as a farmer and through the years cherished the simple joys of watching his family grow with the addition of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
An avid lover of the outdoors, Louie found solace and joy in activities such as fishing and hunting. Louie was a skilled gardener who took pride in sharing his harvest. Most might say he had the best homegrown tomatoes around.
A long-time member of the Cotton Plant Methodist Church, Louie was a man of strong faith. He found joy in learning and sharing with his family the values of their inheritance in Christ.
Louie's life was one of love, resilience, compassion and faith and his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him and in the world memories they shared.
Louie was preceded in death, by his parents, Tom C. and Nancy Gadberry Huggins; his devoted wife, Carolyn Veazey; and son, Ritchie Huggins along with his siblings, Adrain Huggins, Aaron Huggins, Tommy Huggins, Roy Lee Huggins, Darrell "Sonny Boy" Huggins, and Sue Ellen LaFevers. He is survived by his daughter Kimberly Clark and her husband Terry of Hammond, LA; grandchildren Lyndsi Thompson (Will) of Springfield, LA, Skylar Mullinax (Justin) of McCrory, Arkansas, Christopher Clark (Alicia) of Ponchatoula, La along with seven
Vickie Lee Kocourek Thomas, 76, of Exton, Pennsylvania, passed away on September 6, 2025. Vickie was born July 1949 in Hazen, Arkansas to Lee Kocourek and Syble Stanley Kocourek; she spent her early years in Hazen. Vickie is survived by her children, Tommy Smith, Kyle Gamble, and Kristina Gamble; 3 grandchildren, Ashley, Joshua, and Kali; her husband of 31 years, Brian Thomas; and a sister.
A graveside service was held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 beginning at 10:00 AM at the Hazen Cemetery located in Hazen, Arkansas where Vickie will be laid to rest beside her mother and grandmother as she wished. Arrangements are entrusted with Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen, Arkansas.
F&M Bank hires Kelly Davis as CTO
Farmers & Merchants Bank and The Bank of Fayetteville are pleased to announce the hiring of Kelly Davis as Chief Trust Officer. Davis, who joined the bank on July 28, will lead the Trust & Wealth Management department from the bank’s Morrilton location.
Davis brings nearly 15 years of financial services experience. He spent the last decade with the Arkansas State Bank
Department (ASBD), most recently serving as Certified Bank Examination ManagerTrust Supervisor, where he specialized in fiduciary oversight for both large and community banks. Earlier in his career, he worked in trust and brokerage operations at First Community Bank and was a licensed financial advisor.
“I’m honored to join a community bank that
puts trusted relationships first,” Davis said.
“Leading the Trust & Wealth Management team gives me a great opportunity to help Arkansas families and businesses safeguard and grow their legacies.”
A native of Batesville, Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Central Arkansas in 2010 and now lives in Conway.
The
By Mike Calvert
Carlisle
High SchoolAlumni Association is pleased to announce that Lew and Mary Eddleman have been named Honorary Alumni for the Class of 2025. Their children and grandchildren include Elizabeth Eason, CHS Class of 2003, Nicholas Staton, Devin Eason and Ruger Staton. Mary was raised as an Air Force brat, moving every 2 ½ years until she was in the 5 th grade. When her Dad retired, her family moved to Sylvan Hills and she graduated from Sylvan Hills High School. She moved to DeWitt and lived there for 15 years. She was transferred to Citizens Bank and Trust/First United Bank as a loan officer in 1996. After driving back and forth from DeWitt to Carlisle for one year, she made the move with her children in October, 1997. During these years in Carlisle, she was a cheerleader Mom, girls basketball Mom and track athlete Mom. She attended all of the games and events, cooked breakfast for the CHS football players and was a cheer driver to away games and events. In 2000, Mary began soliciting restaurants and organizations for the Carlisle Booster Club to feed the football team on Friday afternoon prior to their game. She continues that tradition today. Mary has served as President of the Carlisle Booster Club and was inducted into the Carlisle Booster Club Hall of Fame in 2010 along with Mitch Petrus and Bill Shoup, two
4 Year Contracted Reappraisal
Bids for a contracted countywide reappraisal of real property for Prairie County, Arkansas are now being accepted by the Prairie County Assessor's Office. The reappraisal will be for the time/period of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2029, to review, reappraise and revalue approximately 9,496 parcels of real property in Prairie County, Arkansas.
The Countywide Reappraisal is to be completed in accordance with all bid specifications for contracted reappraisals provided by the Assessment Coordination Division of the State of Arkansas. In addition, the reappraisal must be performed utilizing the Prairie County Assessor's Office existing software, which is provided by Arkansas CAMA Technology. As part of the reappraisal, the contractor must provide the items indicated in the Addendum to the plan.
More information may be obtained by contacting the Prairie County Assessor's Office at 200 Courthouse Sq, Suite 102, Des Arc, AR 72040, or phone 870-256-4692 and request that the specifications be mailed, emailed, or faxed. Sealed bids for reappraisal services must be mailed or hand delivered to the Prairie County Assessor's Office in a sealed envelope or container clearly labeled, "Bid Documents" by 10:00 a.m., on October 7, 2025. All sealed bids will be opened on October 7, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.
Paid for by: Prairie County Assessor Cost of Ad: $132
great Carlisle Alumni. Mary has supported Alumni Homecoming Weekend in the past, performing as a California Raisin and a Singing Nun! She was elected to the Carlisle City Council in November, 2022 and reelected in November 2024. She is currently serving as a part-time Secretary/Bookkeeper for the Carlisle First Methodist Church. Lew Eddleman grew up in a small town in Eastern Arkansas. After spending 30 years living in Little Rock, Memphis and Dallas, he is happy to be in a small town where you know each other and wave to other people. He jokes and tells people that Exit 183 is where his car broke down, but in actuality, he moved to Carlisle in 2002 to build a life with Mary Eddleman. They married in 2003 and have both been proud Bison supporters. In 2002, Lew began igniting the pre-game fireworks for the Senior Bison Football team. He continues that service today. With his work travels, he
was able to purchase the fireworks in Missouri at a much-reduced cost from what was previously being spent. Lew was inducted into the Bison Booster Club Hall of Fame in 2010. Lew said, “In my opinion, Carlisle is the perfect place to live – it is one hour from my duck hunting camp, one hour from excellent trout fishing and one hour from my high school best friend. Carlisle has become home and I attend many school/community events as well as most sporting events. I am an active member of the Carlisle First Methodist Church. Thank you for bestowing this honor upon me and my wife.” The Honorary Alumni program was established in 2001 to recognize individuals who have not attended Carlisle High School but have made a significant and lasting impact on our students, school, and community. Help us congratulate the Eddlemans as 2025 Honorary Alumni! They will both be honored during Alumni Homecoming activities October 3-4.
Hazen Senior and Junior homecoming courts...
Seniors: Bubba Barnhill, Remington Fegley, Eli Kitchens - Not pictured, Ethan Lisko, Jermaine Pinkney, Maddox Prine, Cameron Smith - Not pictured
Freshmen: Xachary George, Ryder Greenwalt, Gavin Ingle - Not pictured , Dalton Jones, Jordan Kelly
Ja’Braylen Penn, Peyton Lisko, Levi Turner
Senior High: Queen Sophie Raper, Abygail Davis - not pictured, London Smith, Gabrielle Morgan
Baylor Hauk had one of the best games ever for a Bison quarterback as the Bison beat Des Arc 45-22 in the final nonconference game Friday night at Fred C. Hardke Field.
Hauk completed 25 of 32 passes for 331 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 121 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries.
“It was pretty amazing,” Carlisle coach Gary Wilson said. “I think from the first offensive snap, he was in complete control of the entire offense. He looks like he’s been doing it forever. He may not be great at any one thing, but he’s a great competitor. It kind of blew my mind how good he was. He never panicked. He’s so calm in the pocket. It was impressive to watch.”
Carlisle never trailed in the rivalry game against Des Arc.
Taking the opening kickoff, the Bison drove from their 31 to the Des Arc 9. That led to a 26yard field goal by Jimmy Cham with 7:27 left in the first quarter.
After picking up a first down, Des Arc fumbled the ball to the Bison at the Des Arc 37. Eight plays later, Remington Gisclair scored on a twoyard run with 3:21 left in the first quarter. Cham kicked the first of six extra points to give the Bison a 10-0 lead.
Des Arc cut the deficit to 10-6 after driving 52 yards in six plays with Jamie Collins scoring on a 12-yard run with 1:04 left in the first quarter.
The two teams traded possessions before the Bison pushed the lead to 17-6 on a five-yard run by Hauk with 3:57 left in the first half. Carlisle led 17-6 at halftime.
The Eagles had a chance to score late in the first half, getting the ball down to the Carlisle 14 with 26 seconds left.
Cane Childers scored the two-point conversion, making the score 17-14.
The Bison then scored three consecutive touchdowns to lead 38-14 with 11:52 left in the game. Hauk scored on a seven-yard run with 7:58 left in the third quarter. He then threw a 55-yard touchdown pass to Cajuan Pernell with 2:30 left in the third. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Hauk scored on nineyard run.
Des Arc tried to stay in it, cutting the deficit to 38-22 when Goodman scored on a two-yard run with 9:55 left in the game.
Kaibrein Buchanan scored the two-point conversion.
Carlisle’s last points came on a 42-yard run reception by Josh Elliott with 6:31 left.
On the next play, quarterback Hudson Goodman was called for intentional grounding, moving the ball back to the Carlisle 26. A procedure penalty moved it back to the 31. From there, Des Arc ran two more plays before the clock ran out.
Des Arc made it a onescore game on the opening possession of the second half, driving 66 yards in six plays with Gabe Berry scoring on a two-yard run with 9:56 left in the third quarter.
Hazen Hornets beat McCrory 38-36
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Hazen Hornets rallied from a 22-0 deficit to beat McCrory 38-36, earning their first win of the season.
McCrory led 22-0 midway through the second quarter when Hazen quarterback JJ Pinkney ran 68 yards for a touchdown. Hazen scored again in the second quarter to pull to within six at 22-16 at halftime. Hazen forced McCrory to punt to start the third quarter. A bad snap went over the McCrory punter’s head. He tried to kick it out of the back of the end zone for a Hazen safety, but Hazen’s Eli Kitchens recovered the ball for a touchdown, tying the game at 22-22.
McCrory then fumbled on its next play. That led to a touchdown go give Hazen the lead for good.
“I felt like they were tired,” Hazen coach Joe Besancon said of the Jaguars to start the second half. “It looked like
they got tired halfway through the second quarter. We were starting to push them around, and they couldn’t push us around like they were.”
Besancon said his team showed heart in coming back against McCrory.
“I was proud of them,” he said. “They were at the point that they were about to lay down. They were getting frustrated. Sometimes it just takes that big play to spark them a little bit. Things can change real quickly in football in a short amount of time. That’s what happened Friday night.”
Pinkney led Hazen with 179 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 18 carries. He also had 10 tackles on defense.
Bubba Barnhill scored a touchdown on a 10yard run. Noah Adkins scored on a five-yard run Adkins led the defense with 17 tackles. Hazen plays at Bearden on Friday night in the 2A-4 conference opener.
“Other than one or two plays where we kind of got our eyes wrong, and they made us pay for it, I felt like we were in the right spots the whole night and made the plays we needed to make. We made them earn everything.”
Jaden Elliott led the Bison with eight receptions for 88 yards. Pernell caught four passes for 90 yards.
Mason Boyle caught four passes for 56 yards.
Bentley Parker caught five passes for 28 yards.
The Bison held Des Arc to only 164 yards rushing. Goodman rushed for 73 yards on 11 carries.
Des Arc coach Nick Smith said his team didn’t execute the game plan very well.
“We didn’t tackle very well and didn’t execute the game plan,” he said.
“We had ball-security issues. When you’re playing a good team like Carlisle, you don’t have any room for any of those issues to come about. I felt like we had opportunities to take advantage of some of the things that were given us. I never really felt like we were out of the game until the last touchdown put it up three scores.”
Carlisle opens 2A-4 conference play Friday night at Baptist Prep in Little Rock.
Des Arc hosts Earle on Friday night in the 2A2 opener.
Hearn named CHS Class of 2025 alumna
The Carlisle High School Alumni Association is pleased to announce that Mrs. Lindy Hearn has been named Honorary Alumna in the Class of 2025. Lindy is married to Trey Hearn and has two children, Gabe Wilson, CHS Class of 2026 and Annabelle Hearn, CHS Class of 2033.
Lindy is a 2004 graduate of England High School. She officially became a citizen of Carlisle in 2009, but had been acquainted with Bison country five years prior as she attended many football games cheering with the rest of the fans watching both of her sisters cheer on the Bison and eventually receive their diplomas from Carlisle High School. Lindy’s father served on the Carlisle school board for 15 years and her mother was a Library Media specialist serving many children in the elementary library. Lindy has followed in her mother’s footsteps, earning a Master’s degree in Library Media and is currently the Media Specialist at Carlisle High School. In addition to her current position, Lindy has taught Kindergarten and fifth and sixth grade science and history. For the last six years, she has had the privilege of serving as Carlisle High School’s Dance Team coach. Last November, she led her team to the State Dance competition, competed for the second time in
many years, and came home to Carlisle with a State Runner Up trophy – the highest achievement for the dance program in its 20 year history.
Lindy has recounted that one of the darkest times of her life was simultaneously one of the brightest because of the people of Carlisle. After her three year old daughter was given a cancer diagnosis and all of the hospital stays and treatments that brings, Lindy remembers how the people of Carlisle rallied around her family. After coming home from a hospital stay, she found their yard mowed, her house spotlessly clean, and she didn’t cook for months. The people of Carlisle became her second family. She said, “the people of Carlisle took such great care of my family and me in our darkest hour. When I tell you I am deeply moved and humbled to join the ranks of such a group by receiving this honor, I mean it.”
The Honorary Alumni program was established in 2001 to recognize individuals who have not attended Carlisle High School but have made a significant and lasting impact on our students, school, and community. Help us congratulate Mrs. Lindy Hearn as the 2025 Honorary Alumna! Lindy will be honored during Alumni Homecoming activities October 3-4.
Bison QB has big night as Bison beat Des Arc
Carlisle quarterback Baylor Hauk makes a move on Des Arc’s Brayden Knupp during the Bison’s win over the Eagles on Friday night. (Emmy Buffalo photo)
HJH Hornets beat Carlisle...
The Hazen Junior High School Hornets beat the Carlisle Junior High Bison last Thursday, September 18. (Photo by Ruth Corley.)
By Mike Calvert Alumni Weekend
October 3 & 4
Your Museum of Carlisle, Arkansas History is ready for visitors! The Museum Committee has been working overtime to present incredible history and memorabilia displays. In addition to the 50-year display from the Class of 1975, you will find memorabilia from other classes celebrating special reunions, exhibits featuring WWI and WWII, Fred C. Hardke Memorial Field, 100+ years of Bison Football, a Homecoming Queen Gown Gallery, and much, much more. Friday, October 3rd
Lineup
Visit the Museum
The museum opens at 12:30 PM. Come by to see the displays.
Homecoming Royalty Luncheon – New Format!
The homecoming royalty luncheon is from 10 AM – 12:30 PM at the Museum. The format has changed from a luncheon and will include charcuterie trays and finger foods. This will not be a sit down luncheon as it has in the past. There will be a program at 11 AM to recognize the 50 year royalty. There is a $10 donation per person to cover the cost of the food. More details to come!
Homecoming Parade
The homecoming parade will immediately
follow the afternoon coronation ceremony. The parade will line up in the same location in front of the elementary school. Many alumni are planning to participate in the parade. To register your entry in the parade, contact Kari Jo Sayger via email ksayger@carlisle.k12.ar. us at Carlisle High School or call 870-5523931.
Bison Football!!
The football game will start at 7:00 p.m. We’ll expect to see you at Fred C. Hardke Field for another exciting Bison victory. Show up early!! Seats will go fast. Saturday, October 4th Lineup
Set-Up at the Park
Vendor and class tent set up will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. All tents and booths should be set up no later than 10:30 a.m. Please contact Melissa Martin or Mike Calvert at the park on Saturday morning if you have questions.
Lunch
Bring your lawn chair and spend the day in the park with your alumni friends! Starting at 10:30 a.m., our wonderful vendors will return this year with something for everyone! Bring your lawn chair and enjoy browsing all of the vendors and then grab lunch to enjoy with your friends and classmates.
Program & Entertainment
The Saturday afternoon program will kick off at 1:15 p.m. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy a great afternoon as we celebrate another year, recognize some special people, and enjoy great Carlisle talent. Let’s have an overflowing crowd to help us make this a great afternoon for everyone!
Nametags & Gear
Booth
Nametags are great! Help everyone out by wearing one. Pick up your nametag at the alumni tent. Don’t forget to check out our gear booth! Your purchases help fund the activities of the alumni association and give us an opportunity to continue to sponsor Alumni Homecoming Weekend. Cash, checks and cards accepted.
Are You a Member of Your Alumni Association?
Are you a member of your Alumni Association? We've been very blessed with great membership turnout from the older classes. From about 1995 on, not so much. It would be GREAT if younger alumni would consider joining and become active in our association. Joining is Super Simple. You can fill out a form on our website and pay securely online. Or, you can print out a form and mail it in. Why not consider joining today!
On Monday, the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Advisory Council met to release its 2025 findings, fulfilling the requirements set forth by Act 391 of 2021. The report serves as both an update on where Arkansas stands in addressing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and a call to action for where the state must go next. The numbers are sobering. Today, more than 60,000 Arkansans over the age of 65 are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, accounting for over 11 percent of the state’s
senior population. The impact is not confined to those diagnosed. More than 173,000 Arkansans provide unpaid care for loved ones, contributing an estimated 265 million hours of care each year. Economists value that work at more than $5.4 billion annually, a figure that underscores just how much families shoulder in the absence of formal systems of support. Despite these challenges, the Council’s report highlights important progress. Public health data collection is
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expanding, with new survey modules set to capture more accurate information about cognitive decline and caregiving in the coming years. Caregiver education and referral programs are growing, support groups are more widely available, and respite grant programs are helping to provide relief to families who give so much of their time and energy to loved ones. Training for health care providers, first responders, and memory-care professionals is improving as well, ensuring more Arkansans interact with people who understand the realities of this disease.
At the same time, the report makes clear that significant work remains. Rural communities continue to face barriers in accessing screenings and specialized treatment. Funding for programs is often limited or uncertain, creating challenges in building sustainable, long-term solutions. And stigma still surrounds dementia, discouraging families from seeking help or talking openly about symptoms until the disease has progressed.
By Senator Ron Caldwell
LITTLE ROCK – Earlier this year the legislature enacted broad measures to improve maternal health care in Arkansas, and progress is already being made.
Act 140 of 2025, also known as the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act, makes maternal care more available for women of all ages and socio-economic categories.
Act 140 has an important provision known as “presumptive eligibility,” which means that whenever a woman is pregnant she automatically becomes eligible for Medicaid. That provision provides immediate prenatal care for women during an important period of their pregnancy, especially considering that it takes about 45 days for an ordinary Medicaid application to be processed.
The provision took effect on June 1 and since then more than 2,230 women have been classified as presumable eligible for Medicaid.
Another provision in Act 140 is called “global unbundling.” It reverses a Medicaid regulation that reimbursed physicians, clinics, hospitals and other medical providers under a socalled “global payment” system. The state
Medicaid program would reimburse providers with a large check for a bundle of services provided.
Now, thanks to Act 140, Medicaid reimburses physicians with separate payments for prenatal care, postnatal visits and other services related to the healthy delivery of newborn babies. Pregnant women are covered for up to 14 prenatal and postnatal visits.
Global unbundling began July1, according to a report by the state Human Services Department presented to the Joint Senate and House Committees on Public Health.
Another change increases reimbursements by 70 percent to physicians who deliver babies and provide prenatal and postnatal care.
The increase is significant, considering that in some years, almost half of the births in Arkansas are covered by Medicaid.
The rule change means that Arkansas Medicaid will spend an additional $38 million on maternal health care.
Act 140 will allow midwives, doulas and community health workers to be reimbursed by Medicaid, but those changes will not take effect until 2027.
Elected officials knew
that changes were necessary, because Arkansas was consistently near the bottom in numerous rankings of maternal health and infant mortality. It was proposed by the governor and originally introduced as Senate Bill 213. Its two Senate cosponsors were the chair of the Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor and the chair of the Senate Rules Committee. The governor and both Senate co-sponsors are women, although three of the five House cosponsors are men. Arkansas is also improving maternal health care through a program called the Maternal Life360 Home Program, in which the state contracts with hospitals to care for pregnant women with high medical risks. So far, four hospitals have signed up. Since the first of August 114 women have received maternal health services through the Maternal Life360 program.
Arkansas is promoting a smart phone app, called Pregnancy +, for expectant mothers. It’s free and it has links to local health care sources, hundreds of articles with advice on motherhood and tools for keeping track of doctor appointments.
THE LUKE AND DREW
This year’s Farm Family is Drew and Luke Mitchell of Mitchell Brothers Farms.
Drew’s wife is Audrey, and his children’s names are Baylor (11), Anniston (8), Rivia (3) and Laken (7 months). Luke’s wife is Elise, and they have one child, Lyndon (2). Their farm, which they rent, is on Roy Newton Road between Hazen and Des Arc, seven miles north of I-40.
The total acres currently farmed by the brothers is 3,950 acres, and they have been farming for 10 years.
Rice is farmed on 813 acres, and the total of acreage for corn is 1,079 acres, and soybeans are planted on 2,058 acres.
Soybeans have been sold straight out of the field to Oakley Grain. They use a marketing consultant to help get a profitable price. Half of their rice is sold right out of the field to Riviana Foods. The other half is stored in their grain bins and marketed in the winter and spring. All of the corn is stored in the grain bins and, with the help of their marketing consultant, it is sold throughout the year. Their children raise and sell a small amount of sweet corn. This is a fun summer hobby, and it helps teach them hard work. Goals that the Mitchells have for their farm are to provide a living for their families, preserve the farm for our children and generations to come, improve yields and crop quality, and work towards better soil management. The brothers have increased yield with earlier planting dates. They are enrolled in the CSP program to help with soil health, and minimize tillage on corn and bean ground for fuel savings and soil health.
Drew writes, “The biggest issues we have faced since we started farming is the major increase in the cost of production.
Production costs are up almost 30% while grain prices have remained almost the same.” To
offset some of these costs, the brothers have gone to a minimum tillage approach on their corn and bean fields. They have also enrolled in CSP and Equip programs to help level fields and build reservoirs and tail water recovery ditches. They are also enrolled in Riviana’s “sustainable ag” program. Plans of development for future expansion and/or for improvements or changes in their farming operation include using their marketing consultant and grain bins for crop marketing. They also plan to integrate technology to use all of the available tech to increase efficiency. They will continue to reduce tillage and use this method where possible for efficiency and soil health. In addition to their minimum tillage program, the Mitchells plant some cover crops to help with erosion and weed control. They prioritize crop rotation for soil health and weed control.
Drew says that he has been involved with farming his entire life. He is a 4th generation farmer and grew up on a farm in Lonoke. His great grandparents, Evelyn and Lawrence Hauk, purchased the farm in
Lonoke in the 1930’s. His grandparents, Guy and Virginia Mitchell, purchased the farm in Prairie County in the 1950’s. His parents, Scott and Rita Mitchess, started farming in Des Arc in 1984. In 1992 the family moved to Lonoke and started farming the family farm in both locations.
Drew graduated from Lonoke High School and attended Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. After college he had a brief stint selling insurance for Farm Bureau. In 2014, he went back to farming and rented his own ground in 2016. “Farming is what I know and love. I couldn’t imagine not being part of it,”
Drew says.
Luke Mitchell started working on the farm during the summers as a young teenager, gaining hands-on experience early on. He graduated from UCA in 2012 and decided to come back to what he knew and loved, the farm. Luke says, “I wanted to continue the family tradition and build on the knowledge passed down through generations.”
Elise grew up in Piggott, AR, and met Luke at UCA in 2012.
She was an early childhood education teacher for 10 years and was named the Teacher of the Year in 2018-19 at the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District. Elise says that she enjoys staying at home and raising Lyndon, and spending time with friends and family.
Luke enjoys spending time with his family, being a dad, fishing, duck and deer hunting, and metal detecting at Civil War camps and old home places around the farm.
Luke and Elise are members of the Lonoke Baptist Church, the Lonoke Century League, and the Prairie County Farm Bureau.
Drew and Audrey’s daughter Baylor is eleven years old and entered the 6th grade at Des Arc Elementary School this fall. She has danced at Lana’s Dance Studio in Lonoke for six years. She enjoys deer hunting and
riding the ranger on the farm.
Daughter Anniston is eight years old and is going into the 3rd grade at Des Arc Elementary School. She enjoys tumbling at Lana’s and is playing basketball, but her passion is animals. She also loves being outdoors and on the farm.
Daughter number 3, Rivia is 3 years old and attends Mother’s Da;y Out at the First Baptist Church in Des Arc. She enjoys going to the farm and riding the Ranger and tractors. She also loves playing outside with Anniston. Laken is a happy 8 month old girl. Drew says that he enjoys being with his family, travelling, deer and duck hunting, and farming. He also loves going fishing with the girls and watching the Razorbacks with them. His family attends Family Christian Fellowship Church in Hazen, and they are Farm Bureau
Harvest is here, so is Financial Planning
By Jacob Hollaway
The unmistakable rumble of combines fills the air, and for many of you in Prairie County, the harvest season is in full swing. This is the culmination of a year's hard work, and while your focus is on the fields, it's also a critical time to start making wise financial decisions. At the University of Arkansas Prairie County Extension Service, we aim to provide unbiased, researchbased information to help you succeed. Being proactive about your finances now, even with the long days, can significantly affect your farm's profitability.
Agricultural economics research from institutions like the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture consistently shows that proactive financial management is a key factor in farm resiliency. As we navigate the current economic climate, this practice is more important than ever.
Three Financial Steps to Take During Harvest
Here are three actionable steps you can take right now to set your farm up for a strong finish to the year.
1. Track Your Yields in Real-Time Your combines and grain carts are likely equipped with technology that provides realtime yield data. You can use this information to your advantage if you like. Are your yields meeting, exceeding, or falling short of your initial projections? This knowledge is invaluable. If your yields are higher than expected, you have
a larger crop to market. If they're lower, you can adjust your budget and find ways to manage costs.
Agricultural economists highly recommend the practice of real-time data analysis. It allows you to move from reacting to problems to proactively managing your farm's performance based on accurate information.
2. Make Strategic Marketing Decisions
As you harvest, you're faced with a significant decision: sell your grain now or store it? It's a choice with no single correct answer and considerable risk, especially in today's challenging markets. While grain prices sometimes rise after harvest, research shows that storage costs and the risk of a price drop can offset potential gains. A balanced marketing plan is your best defense against this uncertainty. You first need a clear picture of your finances to make the most intelligent decision for your operation. If you haven't already, take a moment to calculate your breakeven price per bushel for each crop. We know this number may be higher than current market prices, but knowing it isn't about reaching a specific goal—it's about giving you a critical tool. This number is your compass; it helps you recognize opportunities to minimize loss or secure any available profit when the market moves. With this number in mind, you can explore tools like hedging or forward contracts. These allow you to lock
in a favorable price for a future date, protecting you from a price drop while you store your grain. Don't leave your entire crop to chance; an innovative, balanced approach will help you manage your risk more effectively.
3. Plan for Cash Flow and Taxes
With harvest revenues coming in, you have a clearer picture of your cash flow for the next few months. You can use this time to get ahead of your financial obligations. Schedule loan payments and consider any significant equipment purchases you might need. This is also a great time to begin your tax planning. While you should always consult a tax professional, knowing your preliminary income numbers can help you make a plan. Harvest is a physically demanding time, but it's also a window of opportunity to strengthen your farm's financial health. By taking a few moments to track your progress, make informed marketing choices, and plan for your financial future, you can ensure that this year's hard work pays off in the long run. The Prairie County Extension Service is here to provide the resources and expertise to help you make these decisions. Please contact our office at 870-998-2614 for copies of our latest financial management guides or to discuss your needs. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution.
G ran d Prairie Qu ilt S ociet y
hol d s S e p te mb
er m eeting
By Marsha Heien
The Grand Prairie Quilt Society met September 10, 2025 at the First Christian Church fellowship hall, Stuttgart, for their Sit 'n Sew with 6 members present. Shelley opened the meeting with the Thought for the Day, "Listen, the amount of sewing "stuff" I have is NOTHING compared to the amount that I don't have. This is what we call "gaining perspective." The August minutes and treasurer's report were given. SeptemberHappy Birthday greetings were extended to Glenda, Happy Birthday, Glenda!
Old Business: Several ideas for projects were discussed: Hope of the
Delta needs diapers and burp pads; we are still making the teaching dolls for Arkansas Children's Hospital; Breast cancer pillows are still needed at UAMS. Other ideas are always welcome. New Business: Plans are being finalized for a field trip to see the Quilt Trail in Perryville.
Show and Share: Glenda had a Baby quilt for Hope of the Delta Maeola showed a bolster pillow to go with her Ladies' Quilt Lou Anna had a lovely Log Cabin quilt top. Remember we are to meet at the church at 10:00 on October 8th to carpool to Roe for our October meeting at Jackie's Deli to view her mother's lovely quilts.
We will eat lunch there after our meeting. After the business session, everyone enjoyed their sack lunch. After lunch members were busy with various projects. Glenda and Lou Anna stuffed a dozen breast cancer pillows. Marsha crocheted on her afghan for the silent auction for the Fall Fest on October 31 at the church. Shelley sewed on a seat belt strap. Kay made fabric crosses. Daphne sewed on her pillows also for the craft fair at the Fall Fest at the church on October 31 and November 1.
The October meeting will be October 8, 2025 at Jackie's Deli in Roe. Come join us.
By Judi Tarter Jones
Grand Prairie
Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Week CoChair Judi Jones met with students in Hazen, mayors in Hazen and DeValls Bluff, and took part in Bells Across America in Biscoe on Wednesday, Sept 17 in observance of Constitution Week 2025. In the first photo are Mr. Brady Delp and some of this 6th grade SS students. From left are Maddie Lindsey,
Scarlett Snider, and Kagan Swift with the Preamble pencils and American flags they were presented by GPDAR, and Judi. In the second photo, students and Jones read/recite the Preamble to the Constitution together. Middle, Hazen Mayor David Hardke is seen with the Constitution Week proclamation he had just signed in his office at Hazen City Hall. In the next photo is DeValls Bluff Mayor
with the proclamation
Fred
Baptist
Lastly,
of
Biscoe and Judi Jones lead in the Bells Across America ceremony to mark the 238th anniversary of the signing of our US Constitution. The church bell rang for one minute in honor of the historic event which took place in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787.
Darlene Connor
she signed at the DVB City Hall.
Pastor
Dollar
First
Church
WIN $50
ARMCHAIR QUARTERBACK
Rules of the Game
1. The contest is open to anyone except employees of the Herald Publishing Company and their immediate families. YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 16 YEARS OF AGE TO ENTER.
2. Contest entries must be turned in to the Herald office, 111 Highway 70 East in Hazen,The deadline will be Friday at noon. Entries may be mailed to “Armchair Quarterback, P.O. Box 370, Hazen, AR 72064.” Or you may email your answers to heraldpublishing@gmail.com before 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.
3. To enter, clip out the entry blank and pick the team you think will win from the games listed in each ad. Write the name of the team in the appropriate blank. If you think the game will end in a tie, write “tie” in the blank. For the 20th game, pick a winner and predict a total number of points scored in the game. Total point predictions will be used as a tie-breaker if two or more entries correctly guess the same number of winners. The entry with the most correct game winner predictions wins the $50 cash prize. If a tie still exists after the total point predictions are judged, the prize money will be divided.
4. Each entry must be filled out completely and legibly to be eligible.
5. Contestants who win will not be eligible for the following week’s contest.
6. Only the person whose name appears on the winning entry may claim the prize unless other arrangements have been made and agreed to by the Herald Publishing Company.
7. All entries become the property of the Herald Publishing Company and will not be returned.
8. The name of the winner of each week’s contest will be announced in the following week’s edition of The Grand Prairie Herald
9. All decisions of the judges will be final.
10. Only two entries per household will be judged.
11. Occasionally, game schedules are changed after the contest games have been selected. If this week’s line-up does not correspond to the games being played, the game or games in question will be voided and the contest will be judged on the basis of the remaining games.
Congratulations to the Mitchell Brothers Farm Prairie County’s 2025 Farm Family of the Year
