April 12, 2017

75¢

See Page 6 Volume 117 Number 15 - USPS 225-680

Community Events Calendar Thursday April 13 Adult Crafts Hazen Library 11:00am-12:00pm Friday April 14 Good Friday Hazen School District Out Sunday April 16 Easter Sunday Tuesday April 18 PC Retired Teachers Association Meeting 1:00 pm El Amigo Restaurant Hazen Tuesday April 18 PC Master Gardeners Meeting BancorpSouth 6:00 pm Wednesday April 19 Friendship Luncheon DeValls Bluff United Methodist Church 11:30am 2:00pmFriendship Thursday April 20 Recipe Swap & Book club Hazen Library 11:00am-1:00pm Hazen City Council Meeting City Hall 6:00pm - 7:00pm Monday April 24 Hazen School Board Meeting Hazen High Library 6:00pm - 7:00pm Tuesday April 25 Adult Bingo Hazen Public Library 11:00am - 12:00pm Thursday April 27 Commodities First United Methodist Church 11:00am - 2:00pm

Community events brought to you by Hazen Chamber of Commerce and the

Please call F&M Bank, 255-3042 to list events.

Hazen/DeValls Bluff, Prairie County, Arkansas

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Local 4-H H members visit Washington D.C. Five 4-H’ers packed their bags and headed to the National 4-H Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland, this week to share ideas and form recommendations in guiding future national 4-H youth development programs nationally and in their communities.

Jasmine B. of Hot Springs County; Kennedy B. Howard County; Alison C. of Benton County; Sara G. of Washington County and Sara T. of Prairie County, attended the annual National 4-H Conference.

Along with the 4-H members were county agents Addie Wilson, Ouachita County, and Robin Bridges, Union County.

Attendees were chosen based on an application process that factors in the member’s demonstration of leadership at the county and state levels.

While at the conference, the 4-H members split up into roundtable groups to

create a briefing on a social issue that was important to them. Some of the topics Arkansas 4H members worked on included substance abuse, social equity and healthy relationships.

They then presented their work to federal officials from organizations like the National Institute for Drug Awareness, the Federal Bureau of Investigations Office of Public Affairs and the Office of Adolescent Health.

“They're actually taking their leadership skills and implementing them in Washington on a topic they’re passionate about,” said Priscella ThomasScott, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture 4H Events Coordinator.

The 4-Her’s also got the opportunity to visit Capitol Hill and meet with their state legislators to talk about the important impact 4-H has on communities and the

state, as well as how they are working to meet social needs.

“They get to talk to our representatives in Washington about 4-H and why it’s important,” Thomas-Scott said.

It wasn’t all work during the six-day conference. The 4-H’ers toured Washington monuments and watched the Coyaba Dance Theater perform, a contemporary West African dance company.

The conference was held March 25 - 30 and attendees stayed at the National 4-H Center.

4-H is a youth development organization that helps members learn by doing. 4-H’ers learn about leadership, self-esteem and college readiness.

The program is conducted by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.

To learn more about 4-H in your area contact your local county extension

Jasmine B. of Hot Springs County; Kennedy B. Howard County; Alison C. of Benton County; Sara G. of Washington County and Sara T. of Prairie County, attended the annual National 4-H Conference. agent or visit, https://www.uaex.edu/4hyouth/.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex,

gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

HSD School Board discusses drug testing, hires principals The Hazen School Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 28 at the High School Library. Members present were President David Strohl, Vicki Skarda, David Williams, Richie Ingle, Sandra Penn.

Superintendent Nanette Belford, High Principal Roxanne Bradow, and PPC President Donna Felty.

The meeting began with the approval of the previous month’s minutes and the approval of District Treasurer Warrants #23407-23508 and #43128-43234, Activity and Athletic Checks #76152-76195, and Cafeteria Warrants #84531-84536.

The recommendation to pay Wilbur Mills

Educational Service $6,349 to provide Math Consultation and Professional Development Services by Dr. Linda Griffith for 2017-2018 School Year. The recommendation to use bids from Quill Corporation, John R. Greene, School Speciality, and and Staples to purchase school supplies was approved.

The superintendent’s recommendation to adopt Policy 4.62 was unanimously voted to reject the motion and then voted to table the matter until the next month's meeting.

The policy would call for the random drug testing of students involved in any school activity including athletics, and any students who drive to school.

High School Principal

Roxanne Bradow updated the board on the high school’s upcoming events.

Including cheer try-outs, the Honor’s Banquet on April 17, and the sports games.

Superintendent Nanette Belford informed the school board members on the State Fire Marshals visit. Fire-retardant paint for may be needed for some buildings to keep up with state standards, Roxanne Bradow was rehired as High School Principal for 2017-2018 year. Tiffany Glover was rehired as the Elementary Principal for the 2017-2018 year. Clint Williams was rehired as the Assistant Principal for the 2017-2018 school year.

HES Honor Roll announced 3rd Nine Weeks Honor Roll

2nd Grade: Dru Alberson, Kiona Anderson, *Jase Arnett, *Michael Bowman, Sidney Bragg, *Cayden Calvert, *Ryleigh Cook, Alyssa Dodge, Isabelle Gray, Rayna Hester, *Graylie Lawless, Hannah Linder, *Kylee McElroy, Kadence Phillips,*Izabella RiosThompson, Luke Snider, Brayden Swanigan, *Jalynn Thomas, *Alyssa Tiner, *Kadence Weems 3rd Grade: Peyton Anderson, Rikyan Anthony, Felicity Avalos, Kaitlyn Barbee, Atlantis Blancett, Matthew Bokker, River Brown, Maria Carrell, Sarah Dodge, Kyler Dubberly, Samareah Earl, Chase Heinmiller, Eli Kitchens, *Peyton Kocourek, *Ethan Lisko, *Emily Mills, Gabrielle Morgan, *Remington Phillips, *Sophie Raper, Taevionne Reed, Hayden Rogers, *Samuel Sabbatini, *Maci Sickel, *Dylan Skarda, Cameron Smith, London Smith, *Paris Smith, Brody Swaim, Charity Webb 4th Grade: Austin Allen, *Rileigh Barnhill, *Chloe Caldwell, Samuel Clayton, Koren Curlett, Alexis Dulany, Brayden Fulton, Lonnie Grable, Jaci Hackelton, Joseph Hurley Mattison

Jernigan, Carson Kee, Karly Kinard, Austin Kocourek, Kierra Lee, *Makayla McCray, Jillian Minnes, Aisea Rios-Thompson, *Chloe Rose, *Ethan Simmons, Owen Simmons, *Kendall Sisemore, Hunter Smith, Mya Smith, *Jameion Stigall, Eli Weems, *Brance Williams 5th Grade: *Brandon Addison, Braylan Anderson, *Nash Arnett, *Jordyn Besanacon, *Austyn Booth, *Savannah Glover, Taylor Griffin, Jordan Hill, *Colton Holloway, Abby Hopkins, *Faith Johnson, Jamiraca Jones, *Noah Lequieu, *Grayson Lott, *Christabelle Newton, *Mattie Perry, *Joshua Romero-Dawson, *Justin Schlenker, *Kaycie Seely, *Aydin Self, Hannah Sims, Zakery Skinner, Ethan Smith, *Karizma Sullivan, *Kolton Tosh, Brandon Vaughn, Katelin Wallace 6th Grade: *Grace Addison, Cameron Fought, Jessica Gerlach, *Lane Harper, *Starr Hodge, Christian Hoover, Presley Isbell, Brett Jordan, *Collin Kee, *Luke King, Holden Lawless, Tatiana Metcalf, *Natalie Robinson, Ivan Rodriguez, Lacey Rogers, Layton Rogers, Billy Simpson, Shakeva Washington, *Brooke Weems 7th Grade: Maci

Bokker, *Wes Clayton, Halley Cossey, Austin Duck, Zoe Ford, Trellby Gipson, Faithe Hussey, Cheney Ideker, Chloe Jackson, Lyndsey Lawman, Mary Katherine Perry, Yonatan Romero-Dawson, *Whitney Sayger, Hailey Smith, Cayden Stallings, Shedrick Ward, Delaney Wilkerson 8th Grade: Kristen Curlett, *Brayden Lock, Rebecca Munnerlyn *Denotes all A’s

Lonoke and Prairie Counties hold Vegetable Forum

By Chris Weems Brandon Chapam, Gleaning Project in Arkansas, Sherrie Smith, U of A Plant Diagnostician, Jenny Ross, Lonoke County Agri Agent, Amy Carroll, Prairie County Agri Agent, and Sherri Sanders, White County Agri Agent, were the planners and presenters for the Two County Vegetable Garden Forum.

The Forum was held at Lonoke County Agriculture Center.

Brandon talked about the Gleaning Project that goes in after Commericial Farmers have finished a field of peas, tomatoes or fresh corn, and gather what’s left to take it to food pantries where it is needed. The Project has grown and is expected to be even larger this year, he said. They also go to fruit areas.

The speakers, talked about soil fertility, gar-

dening practices, insects management, and tomato and plant diseases. “Crop rotation is important in the garden,” each one said as they talked about preparing the soil for the seed or transplanting plants.

“Getting the diseased or dead plant to the Extension office as quickly as possible can help in identifying the problem, “Sherrie Smith Plant Diagnostician, said.”

“Sometimes the problem can be solved from your description of the systom,” she siad.

They stressed the importance of soing regular soil testing.

Amy Carroll, Gail Norman and Chris Weems, members of Prairie County Master Gardeners were among about 20 persons attending the Forum.

The discussion was followed by lunch by “Two Sisters Catering.”

5-D Day Weather Forecast For Hazen, AR Wednesday Thursday

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Friday Saturday Sunday

82° 61° 20%

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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Obituaries Homer Ingle Homer “Butch” Earl Ingle, Jr., of Hazen, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 3, 2017.

He was born May 24, 1948, to Homer Earl Sr., and Peggy Ingle.

Homer was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Rick. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Belinda Ingle; his mother, Peggy Ingle; his mother-in-love, Billie Stephens; three daughters, Kristie Ingle; his mother, Peggy Ingle; his mother-in-love, Billie Stephens; three daughters, Kristie (Bobby) D’Angelo, Tiffany (Gary) Eldridge, and Stacey (Adam) Bowman, all of Hazen; ten grandchildren, John (Emily) D’Angelo, Morgan D’Angelo (fiance, Jacob), Faith Plummer, Cole Plummer, Chance Eldridge, Cami Eldridge, Cole Eldridge, Michael Bowman, and Liam Bowman; two greatgrandchildren, Marcy Morris and Kendall Neil; one brother, Jeff (Theresa) Ingle; eight sisters, Carol (Steve) Hoevelman, Cathey Ingle, and Joyce Ingle, five sisters-in-love, Judy Moy, Debbie Stephens, Cindy (Jimmy) Hamilton, Susan Ramos, Kathy Stephens, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Member 2017

Arkansas Press Association National Newspaper Association

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 $17.50/year In Arkansas - $22.50/year Out of State - $27.50/year Periodicals Postage paid at Hazen, Arkansas 72064 POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to: Grand Prairie Herald P.O.Box 370 Hazen, Arkansas 72064 Editor Abbi Ross Advertising Rick & Trudy Johnson Publisher/Business ManagerRoxanne Woods Bradow

The family would like to thank everyone for the prayers, love, and generosity shown over the past several months. No better care nor a more loving community exists than the one in which we reside. Throughout his journey, Butch, Belinda, and family clung to Proverbs 3:5-6, 8, which states, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding, In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct they paths, It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” Holding this verse and God’s promises in our hearts, we take great comfort in knowing that Butch is now healed and in the arms of Jesus and that we will see him again someday.

Visitation was from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen. Funeral services were 10:00 A.M., Thursday, April 6, at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. Burial was in the Center Point Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to cancer research.

Arrangements were by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.

Jimmy Musick Jimmy Gerald Musick, 81, of Sulphur Rock, Arkansas passed away April 4, 2017 in Hazen, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Inez Musick; four brothers, his twin, Jerry Musick, Bill Musick, G.W. Musick and Mickey Musick and one sister, Barbara Ratliff.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Patsy Musick of Sulphur Rock, Akransas; two children, Jerry D. Musick of Cherokee Village, Arkansas and Glenda K. Musick of Mt. Home, Arkansas; two step-children, Todd Bates and Tina Patterson both of Sulphur Rock and one brother, Earl Musick.

A memorial service will be held Friday, April 7, 2017 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Cave City Church of Christ in Cave City, Arkansas. A graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Childress Cemetery in De Valls Bluff.

Arrangements by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.

Fun, festive ideas to sweeten Easter (StatePoint) Spring is here, which means it’s time for throwing memorable celebrations for friends and family.

Whether you are hosting an Easter brunch or attending a spring picnic, you can make these occasions unforgettable with a few fun and festive additions.

Egg Hunt No Easter celebration is complete without an egg decorating station for children and the young at heart. Stock up on a variety of paints, glitter, dye, stencils, and textured fabric, and let imaginations run wild.

Plan for your Easter egg hunt to take place outdoors, but have an indoor

back-up in case the weather does not cooperate. Make sure to take all the ages of participants into account when deciding where to hide eggs!

Sweet Treats Anyone with a sweet tooth knows that Easter and delicious treats go hand in hand, so pay extra attention to this essential element of your party. A candy buffet invites guests to try an assortment of treats. To satisfy everyone’s taste buds, offer milk and dark chocolates, lollypops, springtime truffles and sour bunnies.

Stick with go-to candy makers like See’s Candies, which uses highquality ingredients and is

sweet treats on tables for a special touch.

Easter Basket Whether crafting Easter baskets or looking for a gift to take to your host, candy is always a great choice. No matter what your basket or gift budget is, treats can be found in a variety of sizes and price ranges -- from handdecorated Rocky Road Eggs to chocolate bunnies and Strawberry Cream Lollypops.

For more Easter inspiration, visit Sees.com or their Instagram page.

With a few sweet twists, you can spring into Easter with flair this year.

Hazen Cemetery Donations

GFWC Elsie McCain Club holds last meeting of the club year on April 6th

By Chris Weems Chris Weems, president of GFWC Elsie McCain Club gave the lesson at the regular meeting Thursday night at Murry’s Restaurant. She talked about the GFWC’s Signature Project, Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention.

Weems talked about some of the recent new items of Domestic Violence involving the elderly. “These cases sometimes involve women,” and she said that “sometimes that women was the caregiver.” In such cases, the care-giver may have felt

she needed more money or was just overwhelmed with the situation.

“Either way,” she said, “it’s too bad it went to violence before she got help from someone.

Weems said she has learned another “statistic that has Arkansas is #1”.

It is that Arkansas is #1 in for food insecurity for the elderly. “This may be partly because Arkansas has such a large population of elderly in the population to begin with,” she said, and “a large number live alone.”

The meeting began with current events, and the minutes read by Rita Farris. Weems said that

Ebony Events

By Clevella Mosby Ms.Willie Nell Metcalf’s home burned recently, please help her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Rufus Owens is home and reported to be doing well following a recent hospital visit and return home.

Mr. Lee Sims is reported to be feeling better and is able to attend worship.

Rev. Russell Penn of DesArc was as of last week a hospital patient, hope by this writing he;s home and doing better.

Mr. Luther Walker is reported to be feeling better, he;s now home.

Palm Sunday was a day of regular Worship at our area Churches.

Mrs. Andrea Williams

was keeping a medical appointment recently.

Ms. Jeri Penn of Maumelle, visited her mother, Ms. Georgetta Penn recently.

Hat’s Off! to Master K.D. Curlett, a fourth grader here at Hazen Elementary; who reports that he’s an honor roll student. We’re so very proud of you; aren’t we Gran.

Please keep all our sick and shut-in, in your thoughts and prayers.

Happy Birthday wishes to all born in April.

Condolences extended to Ms. Mae Cooney and family of Carlisle, at the recent loss of their loved one.

USDA announces conservation program WASHINGTON, March 30, 2017 – Acting Deputy Agriculture Secretary Michael Young today announced that a contract renewal sign-up is underway for the C o n s e r v a t i o n Stewardship Program (CSP), USDA’s largest working lands conservation program with more than 80 million acres enrolled.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) made several updates to the popular program last fall. These changes help producers better evaluate conservation options that benefit their operations while improving the health and productivity of private and Tribal working lands.

“The changes made to CSP are providing even greater opportunities for stewardship-minded producers across the country to participate and bring their conservation efforts

one of the few remaining candy makers that ages its chocolate -- a process that imparts a smoother, mellower flavor and elevates the overall taste experience, making it a great option for Easter entertaining.

Spruce Up Take an opportunity to spring clean your home before your gathering. A new season and knowing guests will be coming over can be great motivators for sprucing up your home.

For decor, gather flowers to create colorful centerpieces, including tulips and Easter lilies. Use brightly colored tablecloths and runners, scattering confetti and small

to a higher level,” said Young. “The new tools and methods for evaluating operations, expanded options to address the producer’s conservation and business objectives, and the focus on local resource priorities have resulted in a 30 percent increase in applications for this widely popular program.”Participants with existing CSP contracts that will expire on Dec. 31 can access the benefits of the recent program changes through an option to renew their contracts for an additional five years if they agree to adopt additional activities to achieve higher levels of conservation on their lands.

Applications to renew expiring contracts are due by May 5.

Through CSP, agricultural producers and forest landowners earn payments for actively managing, maintaining, and expanding conservation

activities like cover crops, buffer strips, pollinator and beneficial insect habitat, and soil health building activities – all while maintaining active agricultural production on their land. Benefits to producers can include: Improved cattle gains per acre; Increased crop yields;Decreased inputs; Wildlife population improvements; and Better resilience to weather extremes. “CSP is for working lands,” said Young. “Thousands of people have made the choice to voluntarily enroll in the program because it helps them enhance natural resources and improve their business operation.”

Producers interested in contract renewals or applying for CSP for the first time should visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/csp or contact their local USDA service center to learn more.

the items to be sent to Operation Smile are ready to be mailed as soon as a box is secured to mail them in. The total amounts to more than $70.00, and includes blankets, drawstring bags, combs, hand mirrors, tooth brushes, and tooth paste, and colors and coloring books.

This is the meeting of the Club year. State convention is May 5-7, at Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock.

The Summer outings will be decided on later.

In memory of: Rudy VanHouten By: Rook and Connie Chudy Ronnie and Kathy Simmons Elsie VanHouten B.R. VanHouten In Memory of: Toll, Jeffcoat, Shoop, and Camm families By: Rita Grumbles In memory of: Sean VanHouten By: Elsie VanHouten Upkeep: B.R. VanHouten Geraldine Booe Donations are greatly appreciated and may be mailed to: Hazen Cemetery P.O. Box 92 Hazen, Ar. 72064

Juror list released for southern district SOUTHERN DISTRICT MAY – AUGUST 2017 BARBARA D ANDERSON BOBBIE ANDERSON KENNETH ANDERSON BLAKE BECKWITH JACOB BOKKER STACEY BOWMAN SERENA M BRAWLEY CHRISTINA J BREWER JOY BRIGGS BLAKE BRINKER DELILAH M BURTON DESTINY BURTON CYNTHIA C CAMPBELL RITA CARROLL PATRICIA CHOATE CHERYL CLARK LINDA COFFMAN CRYSTAL COOK DOROTHY COOK

GWEDOLYN COOPER TANYA COULTER JAMES DAUGHERTY AUDREY DAVIS MICKEY DENSON LINDA DILLINGHAM DENNIS DOEPEL JOHNNY DUKES ALICE DUNLAP EVELYN DUNN CODY EDGE JAMES FARMER JR STEVEN FOSTER BLAKE FRANKS JONI GATES KAREN GOLDEN BEVERLY GRAY TINA GRIFFIN JAMES HANCOCK TODD HAVLIK PAMELAHOLLING SHEAD NINA HOLLOWAY CARROLL HOLMES JAKE HOLMES ROBERT HOLMES VICKIE HOLMES

Hazen School Menu APRIL 17- APRIL 21, 2017

Elementary students do not have the sandwich line option. **Menus are subject to change without notice** Hot Line

Sandwich Line

Breakfast

Monday Cheeseburger French Fries Lettuce/Tomato/ Pickle Apple Crisp Milk

Monday Hot & Spicy Chicken Potato Wedges Lettuce/Tomato/ Pickle Apple Crisp Milk

Tuesday Chicken Strips Mashed Potatoes/ Gravy Green Beans Tropical Fruit Hot Roll Milk

Tuesday Hot Dogs Sun Chips Lettuce/Tomato/ Salad Pickle Spear Tropical Fruit Milk

Monday Pancakes Chicken Biscuit Cereal & Toast Fruit Juice Milk Tuesday Sausage & Biscuit Cereal & Toast Fruit Juice Milk

Wednesday Scrambled Eggs Sausage/Biscuit/ Jelly Hashbrown Strawberries & Bananas Milk

Wednesday Bacon Cheeseburger French Fries Lettuce/Tomato/ Pickle Strawberries & Bananas Milk

Wednesday Ham & Cheese Biscuit Cereal & Toast Fruit Juice Milk

Thursday Chicken Spaghetti Tossed Salad/Ranch Corn Italian Bread Sticks Pineapple Millk

Thursday Baked Potato Toppers Tossed Salad Italian Bread Sticks Pineapple Milk

Friday Burritos Chilli Cheese Sauce Pinto Beans Lettuce/Tomato/ Salad Peach Cobbler Milk

Friday Chicken Fajita Sandwich Pinto Beans Lettuce/Tomato/ Pickle Pickle Spears Peach Cobbler Milk

Thursday Sausage & Biscuit Cereal & Toast Fruit Juice Milk

Sponsored by Herald Publishing Co., Inc.

sFriday Biscuit & Gravy Cereal & Toast Fruit Juice Milk

Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, April 12, 2017

3 Financial must-d do’s for college- Top tips for understanding and bound high school families paying back student loans (StatePoint) One challenge looms large for many American families as students approach high school graduation: how to pay for college.

Financial planning should ideally begin several years before college applications are even due.

But no matter what financial preparation your family has done, everyone planning to attend college should take these concrete measures during senior year of high school.

•Seek Federal Aid. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. The FAFSA is your first step to securing financial aid for college, including federal student loans, and most state and institutional aid. Unfortunately, many students don’t realize they are eligible for such aid, leaving tons of money (and potential educational opportunities) on the table. To complete the FAFSA, visit fafsa.ed.gov.

•Search for Scholarships.

Because scholarship money typically does not have to be repaid, it’s important to secure as much of it as possible. Begin your search using online scholarship databases, such as TuitionFundingSources.co m, and meet with your school counselor to discuss other available scholarship opportunities.

Micro-scholarships are another option to consid-

er. Check out sites like raise.me to learn more about how you can earn scholarship money for your high school achievements.

•Understand Family Finances. Now is the time to have some important family discussions.

Parents should set expectations about money with their students, letting them know what, if any, portion of college expenses they plan to pay.

Students should find out if any funds have been set aside for their education, as well as what their responsibilities will entail -- whether that involves holding down a part-time job or maintaining a particular grade point average.

•Consider Private Loans. After exhausting grants, scholarships and other aid options that don’t require paying interest, private loans may be worth some consideration and can, in some cases expand your educational opportunities

as a college-bound student.

“It’s important to keep in mind that there are often many unanticipated expenses associated with the college years -- from taking an extra course to paying for materials and technology to spending a term studying abroad,” says John Rasmussen, head of Wells Fargo’s private student lending business, who cautions against a cavalier attitude where loans are concerned. “Whether you take out a private student loan or leverage other financial products to pay for miscellaneous expenses, it’s important to understand the terms of repayment.”

More tips, as well as free college planning resources, can be found at blogs.wf.com/collegeplanning.

Don’t leave the future uncertain. If you are college-bound, plan ahead to ensure that you can meet the costs of your education.

(StatePoint) With an estimated $1.3 trillion in student loans outstanding, it’s safe to say student loan debt is a reality for millions of Americans.

While this figure may sound daunting, experts say that greater financial literacy can help students and graduates better understand their loans and pay them back.

“The reality is, people out there are hungry for information. They want to understand the facts when it comes to paying back student loans and the best way to do it,” says the educator turned hip hop artist Dee-1, who celebrated paying off his student loans by writing the song “Sallie Mae Back.

To help students get on the right track, Dee-1 has teamed up with Sallie Mae to educate students on financing college, paying back loans, and managing finances. They are offering the following tips from the top of Dee-1’s paying back student loans playlist: • Know who you owe and how much.

Understand if your loan is from the federal government—about 93 percent of all loans are— or a private lender like Sallie Mae. If you are

unsure, call your lender or check your credit report. Be responsible.

Know your monthly payment amounts and due dates.

• Separate wants from needs. Managing your money means managing your lifestyle. Prioritize payments you must make every month, and make sure your student loan is one of them.

• Exceed your own expectations. Pay more than the minimum amount due each month.

If you get a raise or tax refund, use part or all of it to increase your monthly loan payment. The faster you pay off your loan, the less you’ll spend in the long run.

• Confront reality. If you run into trouble, don’t hide from it, don’t be embarrassed by it, and don’t give up. Stay positive, focused, and look for solutions.

Call your lender or touch base with your cosigner, if you have one.

• Get excited about your future! Be passionate about managing your money wisely and effectively. You can’t make your student loans disappear magically overnight, but you can make a plan for paying them back.

“The exhilaration Dee-1

expresses in paying off his student loans is contagious,” says Martha Holler, senior vice president, Sallie Mae. “We hope his excitement and his direct, doable tips help newly minted graduates get into the rhythm of repayment.”

For more information, visit SallieMae.com, a one-stop resource that includes monthly budget worksheets, loan repayment calculators, and information about payment options -- including the company’s Graduated Repayment Period, which allows graduates in good standing to make 12 months of interest-only payments before transitioning into full principal and interest payments.

New tech tools also are making managing loans easier than ever. For example, Sallie Mae recently unveiled a new mobile app — available for Apple and Android — to help customers manage their accounts, access loan information, and make payments from smartphones.

Don’t let the prospect of paying back student loans overwhelm you. Financial literacy is a game changer and can position you to move up in the workforce on good financial footing.

The First Pentecostal Church of Prairie County to open YOUcenter of Hazen April 15 The First Pentecostal Church of Prairie County, located at the "Y" of HWY-70 and HWY-63, will be opening the youth center for everyone in the community beginning April 15, the night before Easter.

The center is open for anyone 13 through unmarried. Our mission is to provide a safe place where all young people

can hangout and have a great time on Saturday nights.

Food, drinks, and lattes will be served every Saturday.

The center is equipped with pool tables, Nintendo gaming centers, Wii-U Mario Cart, WiiSports, air hockey, ping pong, foosball, dart board, and many board games.

Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, April 12, 2017

State Capitol Week in Review

Legal Notice

From Senator Jonathan Dismang On the last full day of the 2017 legislative session, the Senate narrowly defeated a bill that would have required that a majority interest in medical marijuana facilities be owned by people who have been Arkansas residents for the past seven years.

The legislature voted on numerous bills to implement the constitutional amendment approved by voters last November, which legalized the sale and cultivation of medical marijuana.

Voter approval of the amendment required the legislature to create, from scratch, a new agency with regulatory authority. A guiding principle was making sure that medical marijuana be treated strictly as a medicinal product, and to not allow it to become a gateway for recreational use.

HB 1371, to limit ownership of growing facilities and dispensaries, failed twice in the Senate, receiving 18 votes on one attempt and 17 votes on a second attempt. It needed at least 24 votes in favor.

The bill would have amended the medical marijuana constitutional amendment approved by Arkansas voters last year, and thus required a two-thirds majority for

passage. Two thirds of the 35-member Senate is 24.

Generally, the arguments against the bill were that it would unfairly restrict free trade.

Many other bills implementing the medical marijuana amendment were approved. For example, Act 641 will limit the licensing of dispensaries and growing facilities to “natural persons,” rather than corporations. The Senate passed it 33-to-1.

It also allows a growing or retail license to be transferred to another individual, subject to the approval of the newly-created Medical Marijuana Commission.

At least 17 bills have been enacted that implement the medical marijuana amendment, and more are on their way to the governor’s desk. Some were very common sense proposals that generated little if any controversy, such as a law to require growers to undergo a criminal background check.

One bill passed late in the session that is on its way to the governor is HB 2190, which requires dispensaries to hire a pharmacy consultant, who must be a licensed pharmacist. The pharmacist will develop educational materials for people who buy marijuana,

including material on the risks and benefits of using medical marijuana.

The pharmacist will develop guidelines for recognizing substance abuse in customers, and guidelines for refusing to sell to people who show signs of being impaired or of abuse of medical marijuana.

HB 2190 requires dispensaries to make available vaporizers, for consumers who do not want to smoke medical marijuana. It also prohibits them from selling pipes, papers and paraphernalia associated with recreational smoking of marijuana.

The Senate passed HB 2190 by a 34-to-0 vote.

House Bill 1580 will impose a 4 percent tax on sales of medical marijuana, with the revenue to pay for inspections and regulation of the new industry. It has passed in both chambers of the legislature and is ready for the governor to sign.

Another law, Act 640, prohibits advertising or artwork that would appeal to children.

Medical marijuana cannot be packaged in flavors that appeal to children, such as candy animals. It must be packaged in child-proof containers.

On Monday, the House considered the final pieces of legislation for the 2017 Regular Session. We will reconvene on May 1 for Sine Die adjournment.

On that day, we will consider any vetoes from the Governor and address any final orders of business.

This session lasted 85 days. More than 800 bills made their way to the Governor’s desk.

We passed an income tax reduction for families making less than $21,000.

We also passed legislation to exempt military retirement pay from state income tax.

When it comes to economic development, the House passed a number of bills aimed at creating jobs and ensuring our workforce is ready.

Act 166 creates a state matching grant for small businesses that have received a federal Small Business Innovation Research grant.

Act 165, the Arkansas Business and Technology Accelerator Act, creates a $2 million accelerator grant program for startup companies.

We also lowered the

sales tax for replacement parts for manufacturing businesses.

We restructured the way we will fund higher education from this point forward.

And with the Arkansas Future Grant program, we created a way for any Arkansas student who pursues a STEM field of study to obtain their associate’s degree tuition free.

This General Assembly considered two years of research on prison population to pass a comprehensive criminal justice reform bill. The Criminal Justice Efficiency and Safety address our prison overcrowding and the way we treat mental health for Arkansans in a crises. This legislation reforms the probation and parole system in the state and provides more access to mental health treatment.

Just weeks before we convened for this session, Arkansas voters approved the use of medical marijuana. We passed 15 pieces of legislation to help facilitate the implementation and regulation.

The legislation passed, concerning medical mari-

juana, addresses everything from taxation to background checks.

In this session, we strengthened our domestic violence laws, increased funding for education, and provided more resources for foster children and the families who care for them.

The Governor has indicated we are likely to return for an Extraordinary Session in May to address health care. We will continue to update you during the interim.

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Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Classified Ads

THE RATE FOR CLASSIFIED READER ADVERTISING IS $7 FOR 25 WORDS OR LESS, PLUS 10 CENTS PER WORD FOR EACH WORD OVER 25. THE RATE FOR CLASSIFIED DISPLAY ADS IS $5.50 PER COLUMN INCH (NON-COMMISSIONABLE) FOR AREA BUSINESSES. THE DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING IS NOON ON MONDAY OF THE WEEK OF PUBLICATION. THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL $2 SERVICE CHARGE FOR ALL CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NOT PAID IN ADVANCE.

HELP WANTED GreenPoint Ag is looking for a truck driver.

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HELP WANTED The City of Hazen is taking applications for a part time employee. Job includes, but not limited to, mowing, weed-eating and litter control. The City of Hazen is a drug free company. Salary is negotiable. Contact Beth at City Hall, 111 N. Hazen Ave.or 870-2554521.

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If you want to give something away or return a lost item you’ve found you can run a classified line ad in The Grand Prairie Herald 3333333333333 Bring the ad to 77 Hwy 70 East in Hazen before noon on Monday or mail it to P.O. Box 370 Hazen, AR 72064 3333333333333

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Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Master Gardeners host annual “Gardening on the Prairie” event at the First United Methodist Church The Prairie County Master Gardeners hosted their annual “Gardening on the Prairie” event on Saturday, April 8, in the fellowship hall of the Hazen First United Methodist Church.

Guest speakers for the day were Robert Treadway, president of the Society for Louisiana Irises, and Jackie Johnson, the owner of Lauren’s Garden in DeWitt and Stuttgart.

Treadway, who is also the past President of the Central Arkansas Iris Society, the past director of Region 22 of the American Iris Society, and an award-winning

floral designer, has built an iris nursery on his farm off Highway 13 just northwest of Hazen. He grows a large variety of irises on his property, but he specializes in Louisiana irises.

Treadway spoke to the group about the different varieties of irises that he grows on his farm. In his PowerPoint presentation, he showed those in attendance different varieties and colors of irises and pointed out which ones grow well on the Grand Prairie and which ones don’t. He also told them about his journey creating the iris beds that he uses to grow his flowers.

Ms. Lonna Rhodes’ yard.

After a luncheon of finger foods and sandwiches, Jackie Johnson took the stage and spoke to the gardeners about what not to do when growing plants. She gave several suggestions on what soil amendments were good for plants, such as fish emulsion and Epsom salts. “The more a plant blooms,” she said, “the more fertilizer it needs.

She also warned against the use of Roundup in the yard. She recommended the use of fusilade instead. She stated that fusilade can be applied as a directed spray without damaging valuable ornamental plants and shrubs, and without danger to children or pets.

She also told the group to be careful of using chlorinated water on houseplants, which can cause the foliage to turn yellow. Instead, she suggested that everyone get a rainbarrel to collect water for watering plants.

After questions, she showed the group some of her favorite indoor and outdoor plants, pointing out which varieties do well in the hot Arkansas weather and which ones grow well together in pots.

After several door prizes

were given away, many of the attendees left to tour the garden and home of Lonna Rhodes. Rhodes pointed out the myriad of plants that she has nurtured through the years at her home in DeValls Bluff. Guests wandered through her garden, asking questions and mentally making out “want lists” of plants to place in their own yards.

The Master Gardeners meet regularly and are always looking for new members who love to grow and decorate with plants. They have donated their time and efforts to create many community garden projects in Prairie County.

Robert Treadway speaking to the attendees.

HHS Art Club visits Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville

8th Annual Memorial Day Celebration Service

By Cody Snider It is time for the Hazen Chamber of Commerce to start organizing the 8th Annual Memorial Day Celebration Service. The Chamber feels this has become an important event for our little town & it grows a little bit every year. It is a service to honor 17 brave men from the Hazen area who gave their lives fighting to protect what this Country stands for, FREEDOM. During the service we have patriotic singing, color guard, reading the names of our fallen soldiers as well as the Veterans who have passed away from Hazen, & a speaker. However, this year we hope to do something a little different.

Since this day is to honor those that have died fighting for our country we want to begin telling the story of our brave 17.

The chamber would like to obtain any information

possible (such as Date of birth, parents & family, branch of military, rank, battle they died in, etc.) on the men listed below as to help honor them and tell their story, so to never forget what they did for us.

If you have any information or would possibly like to speak about one of these men during the service or a few minutes please contact myself or any chamber of commerce member. If you would like to send in information by mail please mail it to the address below.

Also, if you know any Military Veterans who have passed away this past year please let us know, so we can be sure to have their names for the service. Thank you and we hope to see all of you on May 29th at 10:00 for the Memorial Day Service.

Thanks Cody Snider Chamber Member

Daytime PH# (870) 5527571 Hazen Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 907 Hazen, AR. 72064 Listed below are the names of 17 Heroes that Hazen will always remember.

World War I LUKE BOX World War II JAMES R. ADAMS WILLIAM F. CAMM STEVE J. CESKOWSKI CHARLES D. FISCHER JOHN H. HENDRICHOVSKY PARHAM S. JOHNS CHARLES E. MILLER JOHN M. PODUSKA ERVINE W. PRINE ELMO F. ROUNSAVALL EDWARD RICKS RALPH D. SIMS HARRY GAY SIMS HARLAN C. SMITH Operation Iraqi Freedom STACY BRANDON BILLY ORTON

The HHS Art Club visited the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville over the weekend. This is the second yeart the Art Club has visited the museum. Fundraisers are held throughout the year to raise the money for the trip. The Art Club would like to thank everyone in the Hazen and surrounding communities for their support and generosity which allowed the students to take the trip.