The Des Arc School Board met on June 23rd. This was the first time they met in the new administration building (old Home Economics building). Superintendent Marc Sherrill, High School Principal B.J. Paschal, Elementary Principal Stacy Childers, and board members Johnny Reidhar, Drew Widener, Billy Hinson, T.J. English, and Brent Calhoun were present. The board accepted the
resignation of assistant girl’s basketball coach/history teacher Trent Whiting. Jacob Adams was hired as assistant football coach and teacher. Brady Palmer was hired as head boys basketball coach, assistant football coach, and teacher. Natasha Richards was hired as custodian for the administration building on an hourly basis. A $750 bonus for all 2024-2025 employees was approved. The board also approved up
to $17,000 from the building fund for a parking lot between the new administration building and band building. A motion was approved to transfer any funds over $850,000 from the operating fund to the building fund. Recurring electronic transfer of funds for the 2025-2026 school year was approved. Paschal reported new high school courses will be added this year including Plant Science, Academic Bible Class, and Intro to Banking and Finance. Childers reported that the current enrollment for K-6 is 366. She said that she is working on the website to make it easier for teachers and par-
L ocal students on U of A Dean ’ s L ist
FAYETTEVILLE, AR
(06/26/2025)-- The University of Arkansas announced students who earned a spot on the Dean's List for the Spring 2025 semester. To qualify for the Dean's List, undergraduates must achieve a grade-point average of 3.75 (or higher) during the semester while completing at least 12 credit hours. School of Law students must earn a 3.0 grade-point average or higher during the semester to be included on the Law School Dean's List. Local students included on the Spring 2025
University of Arkansas
Dean's List include: Alexandria Smith of Des Arc, Food, Nutrition and Health
Holly Newkirk of
Devalls Bluff, Agricultural Business
Hannah Newkirk of DeValls Bluff, Apparel
Merchandising & Product Development
Lane Harper of Hazen, Computer Science
Lauren Lisko of Hazen, Communication Sciences & Disorders
"We are incredibly proud of the students who have earned a place on the Dean's List this semester," said Provost Terry Martin.
"Achieving this level of academic success is no small feat and is evidence of their dedication and perseverance in their academic pursuits. It is also a testament to the families, friends and mentors whose encouragement and support have been vital to their academic journey."
Des Arc School Board holds first meeting in newly refurbished Administration Building Day 3 at the Carlisle Animal Shelter...
This
and it always overpowers the heartache. Every dog has a story and we can only hope every story will end in love. That is why we do what we do.
Last year we set out to rebuild the Carlisle shelter and that we did. But we knew there was still more to be done. The dogs truly needed this new shelter as the current one has flooded multiple times. The animals are exposed to all of the elements and are without air conditioning in the hot, humid Arkansas heat. But before the dogs can be officially moved into their new home there were still multiple projects to be done.
Aside with helping with basic tasks like refilling water bowls, exercising dogs, and cleaning the kennels, we painted, put in Dig Defence and spread gravel and shale. It was so incredible to see this project over the past year from start to finish. I cannot wait for these amazing dogs to take their last walk from the old shelter to the new one…to be protected from the elements, to feel the new air conditioning system on those hot Arkansas Days. For the days they don’t have a home they will at least feel a bit safer and a bit more comfortable. Carlisle is a special place. (Thanks to Kate Kapusta and Ruth Corley for the story and picture.)
The new board room was ready for the June 23 school board meeting.
Hazel Eloise Swilley
Spectacled eider graces 2025-26 Federal Duck Stamp; shoveler shares stage for junior stamp
Hazel Eloise Swilley, 88 of Hazen, went home to be with the Lord on June 24, 2025. She had her immediate family by her side. She was born October 24, 1936 in Carlisle, Arkansas to Ingram and Eloise Snider Smith. Hazel attended school in Carlisle and after graduation went to Henderson State Teachers College where she obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education. She married B.W. Swilley on August 22,1959. They had two children; Bryanie W. Jr. and Douglas Maston.
Hazel was a member of GFWC, the Elsie McCain Club and a member of Calvary Baptist Church for 25 years where she served in the youth ministry preparing weekly meals and was on the hospitality team. Hazel was also a school teacher and enjoyed her students. Hazel enjoyed gardening, working crossword and jigsaw puzzles, fishing, and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was often found watching sports of just about any kind and keeping up with current events.
Hazel is survived by her husband B.W. Swilley, her two sons: Bryanie Swilley and wife Beverly of Franklin, TN, Doug Swilley and wife Angie of Wylie, TX. Three
grandchildren: Brooke, Cole and Clay Swilley; and her sister Jane Head of Keller, TX; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Elton and Maston Smith, her sister Callie V Baker, Ruth Woods, Christine Weems, granddaughter Bailey Swilley, nephew Billy Baker, great nieces Patti Carroll and Renee Mott. Services for Hazel were held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen, Arkansas, the visitation began at 1:00 PM; followed by the funeral service begain at 2:00 PM. Interment followed the funeral service in the Hazen Cemetery.
Arkansas State Senate Report
By Senator Ron Caldwell
LITTLE ROCK – More than 4,200 Arkansas teachers will receive merit bonuses averaging $3,325 as part of an incentive program created two years ago to retain the best teachers and recruit them in subject areas that are most in demand. The incentive program is part of the LEARNS Act, a sweeping series of education reforms that were proposed by the governor and enacted by the legislature. It raised starting salaries for teachers from $36,000 to $50,000.
Last year fewer than
Arkansas Press Association
3,000 teachers received bonuses, which averaged $3,299. Last year the state spent about $9.8 million on incentive bonuses and this year it will spend $14.2 million.
To be eligible, a teacher must have three years’ experience. One category is to show outstanding growth in student performance. Another is to teach in a subject that has a shortage of teachers. Those are foreign languages, secondary mathematics, secondary science, middle school mathematics, middle school science and special education. Teachers also can qualify for bonuses if they teach in areas with a shortage of teachers, and if they act as mentors to aspiring teachers. Teachers can receive up to $10,000 in bonuses if they qualify in more than one of the categories, and this year 76 teachers will receive the maximum amount.
Last year 47 teachers received $10,000.
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
This year the median bonus is $2,500, meaning the same number of teachers received more than that amount as received less than that amount. Last year the median bonus was $3,000.
This year 831 teachers received a bonus of more than $5,000, compared to 52 teachers receiving that much last year. The state will send money to school districts by June 30 for the incentive bonuses to be distributed to teachers. Arkansas has almost 33,000 certified classroom teachers. Retention has improved since the pandemic, but still remains a challenge for school districts.
According to a recent report by the Office of Education Policy at the University of Arkansas, last year 12.8 percent of teachers left their classroom. They either left the teaching profession, transferred to a different school district or switched to a non-teaching job within their district.
According to the university report, 77 percent of Arkansas teachers remained in their jobs, while 2.7 percent retired. The retiring teachers were part of the 9.2 percent who left the teaching profession entirely. The analysis showed that 3.6 percent switched to a non-teaching job within the district and 10.1 percent moved to a different teaching job. Of those, 4.7 percent moved to another job within their district and 5.4 percent took a teaching job at another district.
Retention rates for teachers this year were very similar to last year’s rates, and still not quite as good as before the COVID pandemic. For example, the retention rate in 20172018 was 79 percent, or two percentage points higher than this year’s rate.
Retention rates in southern and eastern Arkansas tend to be lower. Seven school districts in Arkansas had a teacher retention rate below 65 percent, and five of those districts are in southern and eastern parts of the state.
This year’s rate of teacher retirements is close to traditional rates.
STUTTGART — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Postal Service, Ducks Unlimited and Bass Pro Shops at Mack’s Prairie Wings to unveil the 2025-26 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp and begin sales of these conservation tools that have provided more than $1.2 billion for wetland and waterfowl habitat in the United States.
Adam Grimm of Wallace, South Dakota, won the 2024 Duck Stamp Art Contest, the only such art contest funded by the federal government. His work depicting a pair of spectacled eiders bested 238 other entries to be featured on this year’s official Federal Duck Stamp Grimm said he chose to paint spectacled eiders, a rarely seen waterfowl for most duck enthusiasts which is a large sea duck native to the Bering Sea and the Alaskan and Russian tundras, after visiting a friend who had two in a captive setting.
“While taking pictures of these birds, I just got this image in my head of these birds with evening golden light and if I can paint these in an Alaska wilderness with snowcapped mountains in the background, I just kind of thought this could win,” Grimm said.
After sharing his idea with family and friends, most of whom did not find the eiders as appealing as his second choice of hooded mergansers, Grimm made the decision and stuck with it.
The stamp may be purchased at hunting and fishing license dealers, some post offices and national wildlife refuges, and AGFC regional offices and nature centers. Hunters who purchase online will have an e-stamp receipt to carry while hunting and will receive their stamp at the conclusion of the 2025-26 waterfowl hunting seasons. The Federal Duck Stamp costs $25 if purchased in person and $29 if purchased as an estamp.
Sales of duck stamps since 1934 have raised more than $1.2 billion to
conserve more than 6 million acres of wetland habitat on national wildlife refuges around the nation. The stamp is required for all migratory bird hunting except dove hunting. It also has a following of collectors among the ranks of birders and other outdoors enthusiasts who want to give back to conservation.
“Hunters are true conservationists, and the Duck Stamp is one of the many ways they contribute to conserving America’s waterfowl and wetlands throughout the country,” said USFWS Migratory Bird Program Assistant Director Jerome Ford. “Your purchase directly helps preserve millions of acres of beautiful American wetlands that are critical for waterfowl and other wildlife. Duck Stamps ensure future generations enjoy healthy bird populations.”
Texan Catheryn Liang also was celebrated at the ceremonial first day of sale as the winner of the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest. Her artwork captured the beauty of a drake northern shoveler, a species much more readily recognized by most Arkansas duck
enthusiasts. The Junior Duck Stamp is available at the same locations as the Federal Duck Stamp for $5. Although it is not required for any hunting privileges, the program raises funds for conservation education at the state and local levels. More than $1.4 million has been generated since 1993 through sales of this additional collector’s stamp.
AGFC Director Doug Schoenrock spoke about the lasting effects sales of duck stamps have had, not only to wildlife, but to entire communities and states through the conservation of wetland habitat.
“The many programs touched through the national duck stamp program at national wildlife refuges impact hunters, fishermen, hikers, boaters, birdwatchers, private landowners and local communities,” Schoenrock said. “What an ingenious idea in 1934 to enlist the talent of our best artists — a program that continues to make history today with folks like Adam and Catheryn. I encourage you to get outside, and get outside often.”
This was the scene on Friday morning, June 27, at Hazen’s Play Park/Splashpad. This mess was left by totally irresponsible patrons. Notice how close the trash can is. We take pride in our city and work hard every day to keep it clean and neat, but we need your cooperation. Thank you.
David Hardke
Artist Adam Grimm (left) and AGFC Director Doug Schoenrock pose with a mockup of the 202526 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.
Texas artist Catheryn Liang stands with her artwork of a northern shoveler, which is featured on the 2025-26 Junior Duck Stamp. AGFC photo by Mike Wintroath.
Former E agle coming home as assistant f oot b all , head trac k coach
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
One of Des Arc’s homegrown talents is coming home.
Jake Adams, who graduated from Des Arc in 2016, was recently hired as an assistant football coach and head track coach at his alma mater.
This will be Adams’ first coaching/teaching job.
“I”m super excited,” Adams said recently.
“Right now, it’s a dream come true, being that it’s my hometown, going back to my roots. I’m excited to get started. I just want to see where it goes.”
Adams will receive his bachelor’s degree in August.
“I’m kind of a late bloomer getting graduated,” he said. “They [Des Arc] have it set up in their system where I can still go and teach. They will call it a late cohort.”
During his last year at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Adams
said he got the “purpose to serve others.”
“Ironically, I left there and came home and went to work,” Adams said. “I worked on myself. Eventually, I had gotten a love for learning and a love for serving others. I became a youth pastor. I was teaching kids.”
Adams said his wife Alex is wanting to do the same thing with teaching.
“She went back to school and I thought I could go back to school too,” he said. “I wanted to keep bettering myself and improving my life with having a family, going on this journey, trying to show my kids that no matter your situation, you can do whatever you set your mind to.”
Adams said he’s excited to work with the coaching staff at Des Arc, including fellow Des Arc alumnus Trentt Whiting.
“Talking to Trentt, because I’m someone who really wants to dive
into all the schemes and coverages, really getting down into the details of coaching,” Adams said.
“Talking to Coach Whiting, Coach [Nick] Smith and Coach [BJ] Paschal, I’m excited to learn something from them. They [Smith and Paschal] are the gurus.”
Smith is the new head coach while Paschal is the former head coach and current Des Arc High School principal.
“We are thrilled to have Coach Adams join our staff,” Smith said.
“Being from Des Arc and graduating as an Eagle, Coach Adams has lived the tradition that this coaching staff and players display for Des Arc. Coach Adams will bring a great work ethic, not only with our players but in the history classroom as well.”
While in high school, Adams ran the 4x800 meter relay and did the triple, long and high jumps.
Adams and his wife have two sons — Obadiah and Asher.
Des Arc program receives 2-A sportsmanship award
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Des Arc Eagles athletic program received a prestigious honor from the Arkansas Activities Association last week. Des Arc is the recipient of the 2024-25 Class 2A sportsmanship award. According to a social media post from the AAA, the “award recognizes exemplary behavior and efforts as they relate to the criteria stated in the AAA Sportsmanship Manual.”
The awards were voted on by the schools across the state.
The Class 6A recipient was Fort Smith Southside. Harrison is the Class 5A winner. Pulaski Academy is the Class 4A winner. Harrisburg is the Class 3A winner while Shirley is the Class 1A winner.
Des Arc superintendent of schools Marc Sherrell was proud of his school, coaches and athletes.
“At Des Arc, we try to stress character as much as winning,” Sherrell
said. “When you’re coaching 16- and 17year-old boys and girls, it is important to teach them how to properly handle losing as well as how to act when you are winning.
“I am proud of our coaches, who teach and live good sportsmanship to our student-athletes. I would also like to give credit to our parents, who have the latest role in how their children act on the public stage.”
Bison player wins gold medal in France
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
Carlisle Bison
had a successful trip to Europe as part of Team USA.
Powell’s team won the 2025 Pyrenees Cup in La Cerdanya, France, in June.
The United States finished 3-1 in their four games, which led to a gold medal.
“First, I want to say that I’m grateful that God gave me this ability to even go play overseas,” Powell said. “This was definitely a one-in-
a-lifetime experience. They have a very beautiful country with lots of wonderful scenery there.
It’s also very crazy to think they are a whole seven hours ahead of Arkansas, but overall, it was one of the best things I’ve gotten to experience.”
Powell said they didn’t keep any stats during the tournament.
“Personally, I did pretty well,” he said. “I was very consistent on rebounding as well as getting in the paint and getting easy buckets.
“It was a very fast
tempo and the refs don’t call many calls over there. It was far more physical than playing ball in the United States.”
Powell plans to continue his playing career at Jefferson Community College in Watertown, N.Y.
Powell was also appreciative of everyone who helped him make it to Europe. “I want to thank everyone for donating and supporting this trip,” he said. “It means a lot to me.”
Grand Prairie CC has Gol f Camp
The Grand Prairie Country Club sponsored a golf camp on Tuesday-Friday of last week. The camp was open to kids ages 8-13. They learned some important golf etiquette, and most importantly, they had a ton of fun.
Former
basketball player Isaiah Powell
Former Bison basketball player Isaiah Powell was a member of Team USA, which won the 2025 Pyrenees Cup in France in June.
4 - The Grand Prairie
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing”
(James 1:2-4).
Calvary Baptist Church
West North Front Street, Hazen, AR
Phone: (870) 255 - 4038
Christian VanHouten, pastor
Sunday School: 9:50 AM
Worship: 10:45 AM
BTC: 6 PM
Evening Worship 6:45 PM
Wednesday Bible Study: 7 PM
First Baptist Church
224 N. Hazen Ave.
Hazen, AR 72064
255 - 4464
Phone: (870)
Sunday Service
Sunday School: 10:00
AM Morning Worship: 11:00 AM
Evening Worship: 6:00
PM Wednesday Service
Adult Bible Study and Prayer 7:00 PM
Children's Program and "HYPE" Youth 7:00 p.m.
Center Point
Missionary Baptist Church
2997, Center Point Road, Hazen, AR
Bro. Brad Crumby
Pastor
Sunday School: 10 AM
Worship: 10:50 AM
BTC: 5 PM
Worship: 5:50 PM
by Dr. James L. Snyder
Lately, the temperature in Florida has topped 100° I saw on the news that the Northeast is also hitting 100° It's easy to see why everyone wants to come to Florida. If they can't, they wish for some of our heat. Well, good luck with that. We’ll send you all you can handle The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage and I have lived in Florida for over thirty years. We've thoroughly enjoyed every single day, and we've no plans to leave. At first the heat was more than we expected, but within a short time we got used to it. Now we enjoy it.
Records show this is the hottest June our country has seen. This heat has serious consequences. The human body can't handle such heat for long.
Just the other day, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage complained about how hot it was. “Oh, my,” she said, “where does all this heat come from?”
For a moment, I almost answered. But after 54 years of blissful marriage, I’ve learned when to speak and when to stay quiet. Of course, I’m still learning
Wednesday - Youth Night - 6:30 PM
Hazen First United Methodist Church 211 North Hazen Avenue, Hazen, AR
Phone (870) 255 - 4657
Pastor Chris Todd Sunday School: 9:45
AM Worship Service: 10:55 AM
Hazen Church of Christ 204 Adams Street, Hazen, AR.
Phone (870) 255 - 3633
Sunday - Bible Study: 10
AM Worship Service: 11 AM Sunday Night: 6 PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7 PM
St. Peters Episcopal Church Highway 86, Tollville, AR. Worship Service: 9 AM
Sunday School: 10:30AM
Family Christian Fellowship 603 W WashingtonHazen, AR.
Pastor Scott Skarda 501-516-5971
Sunday: 10 AM, Wed, 6:30 PM
New Bethel MB Church 8525 New Bethel Road P.O. Box 87 Hazen, AR.
when to speak. That’s one of my biggest challenges.
I could have said, "It's summer, the sun is out, and the heat comes from the sun." But I knew that wasn't the answer she wanted, so I held back.
I remember my father saying that life isn't about numbers but attitude. I'm starting to understand what he meant.
When I was young I had two female dogs at home, male dogs in the neighborhood would gather in our backyard when the females were “in heat.” It was something beyond my control even though I tried.
But that's not the attitude I mean here.
At my stage in life, when I step out into the hot sun, I start sweating. That sweat drives me crazy. The sweat runs from the top of my head all the way to the bottom of my feet. Everything about me is soaked. Believe me, it’s not my favorite attitude.
I walked into the house and The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage looked up and asked, “Did you take a shower with your clothes on?" Then she laughs. I did not respond.
Pastor Bro. Freddie McCann Sunday School 10 am
Sunday Service 11 am
Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church
Pastor Dyrek Foshee 7474 Highway 86 North, Hazen, AR
Sunday School: 10 AMService: 11 AM
Sunday Night: 5 PM
Prairie Chapel MB Church Center of North Washington & Woodlawn, Hazen, AR.
Rev. Maurice WilliamsPastor Sunday School: 9:30AM Worship: 11AM
Wednesday 7 PM Bible Study
Carlisle Pentecostal
Church of God
Scott & McDonald Sts., Carlisle, AR.
Phone 501-438-1643
Pastor Daniel Strength Sunday School: 10 AM
Sunday Worship Service: 11 AM
Sunday Evening Service: 6 PM
Wednesday Evening Service: 7 PM
Mt Zion MB Church Rt 2 Carlisle, AR
Rev. Cruthfield, Pastor Sun. School 9:45 A.M.
Worship 11 A.M.
Wed Prayer & Bible
Class 7 P.M.
Fellowship M. B. Church
209 E. Claire St.
Des Arc, AR 72040 (870) – 256-3622
Sunday School – 9:45 am
Worship Service – 11:00 am
First Pentecostal
Church of Prairie County
3201 Hwy. 70 E., Hazen, AR (870) 255-9177
Pastor J N Holmes
Sunday 10 A.M.
Wednesday 7 P.M.
First Baptist Church
319 Court St., P. O. Box 25, Carlisle, AR
Phone (870) 552 - 7732
David Lee - Pastor Sun School: 9:45 AM
Worship: 11 AM Awana: 5 PMWorship: 7 PM
Holy Temple COGIC
Elder McFadden, Pastor
St. John's Lutheran Church
Fifth and College Streets, Stuttgart, AR
Phone (870) 673 - 2858
Rev. Andrew Toopes, Pastor Worship: 8:00 am10:15 am
Sunday School & Bible
Class: 9:15 AM
Radio - KWAK 10:15 AM
Sundays
www.stuttgartlutheran.com
Carlisle First
Methodist Church
215 East Third St., Carlisle, AR
Pastor - Joe Lowe
Phone (870) 552 - 7789
Sunday School: 9:45 AM
Worship: 10:45 AM
Immanuel Baptist Church
Pastor Bill Ricks
Highway 13 North
My recliner is next to our big glass door. I can see the sun shining and feel the heat. I sigh deeply because I'm glad to be on the cool side. I enjoy the heat outside while I stay cool indoors.
One thing about this heat season that I have learned is, I avoid driving when it’s this hot—not because my A/C doesn’t work, but because other drivers have attitudes I can’t relate to. The other day, I was driving across town. I saw cars go by with drivers shaking their fists out the window. It’s like they thought that would fix anything! If I shook my fist, it would only create more problems. I don’t think those drivers realized that shaking their fists out the window didn't make the heat go away.
I don’t want to drive among those people. After all, I love living.
One great perk of being retired is that I can choose not to drive if I don’t want to. I am increasingly appreciating that.
My body isn’t as strong as it used to be, so I avoid the 100° heat whenever possible. I respect my body, even if I’m not sure it
Carlisle, AR.
Phone (870) 552 - 3100
Sunday School: 9:45
AM Worship:11 AM
Sunday Evening: 6 PM
Wednesday Evening: 7 PM
Landmark Baptist Church 517 East Third, Carlisle, AR.
Phone (870) 552 - 3568
Pastor Albert Young Sunday School: 9:45 AM
Worship: 10:45 AM
BTC 6 PM - Worship 7
PM Wed. Evening: 7:30 PM
St. Rose Catholic Church Highway 70, Carlisle,AR.
Phone (870) 552 - 3601
Sunday Mass
10:30AM English
12:00PM Spanish
Tuesday Mass 6:00 PM
Wednesday Mass in Spanish 5:30 PM Holy Hour & Confessions 6:05 PM Friday (except First Friday) Mass 8:30AM Saturday Mass in English 5:00 PM
First Baptist Church of DeValls Bluff
Pastor Bobby Powers
P. O. Box 358 Highway 70 West, DeValls Bluff, AR.
Phone (870) 998 - 7118
Sunday School: 9:45
AM Morning Worship: 11 AM
Evening Worship: 5 PM
Wednesday Evening: 7 PM
Mount Olive MB Church Highway 70, DeValls Bluff, AR. Rev. Tony Haskins
Sunday School: 9:30AM Worship Service: 11 AM
Peppers Lake
Church of Christ Hwy 302, SE of DeValls Bluff, AR.
Sunday-Bible Study: 10 AM Worship: 11 AM
Evening Service: 6 PM
Wednesday - Bible Study: 7 PM
Union Chapel FreeWill Baptist Church Metcalf Road, Rt.1, DeValls Bluff, AR
Pastor Darrell Foster
Sunday School: 9:30
AM Worship Service: 11 AM
Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church Highway 86, Slovak, AR.
School: 9:45 AM Mass: 8:30 AM
Thursday Holy Hours 5:00 pm and Mass at 6:00pm Biscoe Baptist Church Biscoe, AR.
Pastor David Rogers
Sunday School: 10 AM Worship Service: 11 AM & 7 PM
Training 6 PMWed. Service 7 PM First Assembly of God Hwy 33 and U.S. 70 Biscoe, Arkansas Sunday Services: 10:30 A.M., 6 P.M.
respects me. That’s a different issue.
In the late afternoon, the sun had been blazing all day and showed no signs of letting up. I was in my recliner drinking some ice tea when The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage sat down in the rocking chair and asked, “When will this heat go away?” I chuckled to myself, remembering about a month ago a cloudy day with rain. Back then, she looked out the window and asked, “Where in the world is the sun?” I wanted to respond, “My dear, the sun is in the sky, just above the clouds.”
You have no idea how much I wanted to say that, but being a seasoned and successful husband, I kept it to myself.
The heat is not about numbers; it’s about attitude. Some people’s attitudes make me uncomfortable. Shaking fists and yelling at the sky show an attitude not rooted in sanity.
One of the best things about a hot, sunny afternoon is, I can sit down and enjoy it in a cool atmosphere. I remember those days far, far away when I
Wednesdays WNYG, Kids Club, Bible Study 7 P.M.
St. John's Baptist Church Biscoe, AR 870-998-2777 Sunday School 10 A.M. Worship 11 A.M. Rev. William Brownpastor
Holy Temple Church of God in Christ Elder James Clark, Pastor Sunday School: 9:30 AM Worship Service: 11 AM
Jehovah Community Temple Church 710 Sycamore St, DeValls Bluff, AR Elder Ronnie Mosby Sunday 10:30 AM Monday Bible School 7 PM
Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church
lived up north and had to look out the window and see white fluffy stuff fill up our yard and driveway. Maybe if I would’ve stood there and shook my fist at the snow it would have gone away. If only I knew that back then. Now that I have experienced both of these weathers, the hot and the cold, I have chosen the hot weather. And I am unanimous in that decision. While contemplating on this I thought of some scripture.
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2-4). My attitude should not be based on what’s going on around me. The heat and the cold comes and goes, but my relationship with God is firmly rooted in God’s Word.
Dr. James L. Snyder lives in Ocala, FL with the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. Telephone 1352-216-3025, e-mail jamessnyder51@gmail.com,
Pastor Adam Bowman Hwy. 70 West of DeValls Bluff Sunday School-10:00 a.m. Sunday morning11:00 a.m. Sunday Evening-5:00 p.m. Wednesday Night-7:00 p.m Zion Lutheran Church Hwy 79 PO Box 158 Ulm,
Prairie County 4-H packs July with learning and fun
By Amanda Sinkey
Prairie County 4-H is making the most of summer with a full calendar of engaging events for youth of all ages. The season kicked off with an exciting trip to the Delta Rivers Nature Center in Pine Bluff on June 24. The center, part of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, offers interactive exhibits, walking trails, aquariums, and a simulated wildlife observation area that highlights the unique ecosystems of the Arkansas Delta.
During their visit, 4Hers participated in a hands-on workshop about fishing in the Natural State, designed their own fishing lures, and had the opportunity to feed the fish in the center’s aquariums. After a picnic lunch, the group explored the center’s exhibits and trails, making plans to return again soon. It was an educational and engaging start to what promises to be a busy summer.
The month of July is packed with even more fun and learning opportunities for 4-H members.
The excitement begins on July 7 with Teen Tech Day at the Prairie
County Fairgrounds. Youth ages 12 to 18 will spend the day exploring technology through fun and interactive workshops from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Younger members will enjoy two back-to-back themed camps. The Cloverbud Luau Camp for ages 5 to 8 will take place on July 8, followed by the Junior Luau Camp for ages 9 to 12 on July 9. Both camps promise tropical fun, learning, and creative activities.
On July 10, Prairie County 4-H will host the 4-H Luau Bash, Awards, and Family Night — a special evening of celebration and community at the Prairie County Fairgrounds. Everyone is encouraged to attend and learn more about what 4-H has to offer.
The evening will include a festive luau theme, a recognition ceremony, and a slime fight that promises lots of laughs — don’t forget to bring extra clothes! Dinner will be provided, and families are kindly asked to RSVP by July 7.
The fun continues on July 11 with the monthly Jurassic Kids meeting at 6:00 p.m. at the Prairie County Fairgrounds. This club
is tailored for younger 4H members who enjoy science, animals, and hands-on discovery.
Prairie County 4-H will also present two special library programs in mid-July. On July 15, the group will be at the DeValls Bluff Library at 3:00 p.m., followed by a program at the Des Arc Library on July 16, also at 3:00 p.m. These programs will feature interactive, hands-on educational activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
On July 17, 4-Hers will take a special day trip exploring Arkansas history and agriculture. Stops include the Rice Research Center, the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum, and Johnny Cash’s Boyhood Home. Participants will need to bring money for lunch, as they’ll be dining out during the trip. It’s sure to be a day full of learning and discovery!
With so many opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun, Prairie County 4-H is making this a summer to remember.
�� For more information or to RSVP for the Luau Bash, contact Mrs. Amanda at 501-2881499.
The Chicken Store holds Customer Appreciation Grand Opening
The Chicken Store held their Grand Opening on Sunday, June 29, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., showing their appreciation for all their customers by providing grilled hot dogs, chips, and drinks. There was also an appearance by the Big Chicken herself.
