March 15, 2017

75¢

See Page 6 Volume 117 Number 11 - USPS 225-680

Community Events Calendar

Hazen/DeValls Bluff, Prairie County, Arkansas

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

HHS Senior High Quizbowl team places 2nd in Regional Tournament The HHS Senior High Quizbowl team hosted the Regional Tournament on Saturday, March 11th in the Hazen Middle School. Five schools competed in the tournament, after one dropped out the morning of.

Conway Christian Academy placed first in the tournament, with Hazen following in second, and Clarendon placing third. Hazen will advance to the State Tournament Sophomore Ross Harper was named a member of the All T o u r n a m e n t Team.alongside players from Clarendon, Conway Christian Academy, and Brinkley.

The State Tournament will be held on April 1, 2017 at UALR- Benton.

Wednesday March 15 Literacy Meeting 4:30 pm-5:30 pm Friendship Luncheon DeValls Bluff United Methodist Church 11:30 am- 2:00 pm Thursday March 16 GFWC District IV Spring Convention 5:30 pm Tollville Hazen City Council Meeting City Hall 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Friday March 17 Baseball, Softball JV, V Clarendon @ Hazen

Hazen High School Quizbowl team: Back Row (L-R) Ethan Whitworth, Drake Jones, Kade Perry, Ross Harper, Jackson Shelman. Front Row (L-R) Coach Tammie Lee, Aimee Lease, Morgan Carroll, Abbi Ross.

HHS raises $6345 for St. Jude’s hospital during Math-a a-T Thon

Monday March 20 First Day of Spring Hazen School District out for

Spring Break all week

Tuesday March 21 PC Master Gardeners 6:00 pm BancorpSouth DeValls Bluff Bingo 11:30am-12:30pm Thursday March 23 Adult Craft Day Hazen Library 11:00am -12:00pm

Ross Harper alongside the All Tournament team.

DVB resident recognized for years of service

Commodities at Hazen First Methodist Church 10:30am - 12:30pm Prairie County Democratic Women Meeting El Amigo Restaurant 6:00 pm Thursday March 30 Adult Bingo Hazen Public Library 11:00am - 12:00pm

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

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

Autumn Walker

DeValls Bluff resident Autumn Walker was among 139 employees who were recognized recently for their years of service at St. Bernards.

Honorees included employees whose employment anniversary dates came in the last half of 2016 and whose length of service fell into five-year increments. Those recognized account for more than 1,800 years of service to St. Bernards, with one having been on staff for 40 years.

Walker works in coding at St. Bernards and has been on staff for 10 years.

Hazen High senior makes UCA Band HHS Senior Aimee Lease made the University of Central Arkansas band on February 10, 2017.

Lease has been a member of the Pride of the Prairie Marching Band for five years, a Drum Major at HHS for two years, has played clarinet and saxophone, and she will be an HHS Honor Graduate

Thanks to Hazen High School for making the 15th year the best ever for the St. Jude Math A Thon, fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The students raised $6354.50 this year.

Top fundraiser was Logan Dulany, raising $1100.

Lexi Tenison came in 2nd with $868.50. Many of the students raised big amounts. Thank you students!

In years past, there were only 12-15 students invited.

This year so many students raised $100 plus, 23 students were invited for this trip.

The top 23 fundraisers

that have been invited to go on a St. Jude Tour are: Maverick Aycock, Logan Dulany, Lexi Tenison, Payton Fought, Reese Jones, Randa Mauk, Natalie Metcalf, Junior Minor, Amber Pirtle, Logan Putt, Jenna Ronquest, Abby Rounsavall, Grant Shelman, Madison Sickel, Garrett, Simpson, Morgan Stock, Whitney Strohl, Tracie Strong, Luke VanHouten, Hannah Walker, Jacob, Weems Christin Young, Faith Young.

There were 37 participants raising this amount. Great job!

ASHC approves roadway projects for Prairie County The Arkansas State Highway Commission has approved a bid for improvements to roadways in Prairie County.

The purpose of this project is to resurface 2.7 miles of various city

streets in Des Arc, to include: Mulberry St., Oak St., Hamilton St., Maple St., Hickory St., Wilson St., Willow St., W. Pike St., Lee St., Erwin St., W. Curran St., 15th St., and 14th St.

Mrs.. Tenison would like to shout out a big thank you for EACH participant, and the teachers that gave such great incentives to the students for working on this fundraiser. To you that gave with an open heart, thank you and may you be blessed for your generosity.

Equinox

Celebration at Toltec The Native American mound builders that once lived at Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park placed mounds in certain spots to coincide with the setting of the sun to tell them what time of the year it was, like a huge calendar.

Starting at 4 p.m., March 18, visitors can participate in a Native American tools and weapons demonstration.

Following the presentation, park interpreters will talk about the spring equinox and give a guided tour of the mound site to observe the sunset over Mound A. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for kids ages 612, and under 6 are free.

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

49°

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Friday Saturday Sunday

68° 45° 20%

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Page 2 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Obituaries Irma Fitzjerrald Irma Beatrice Fitzjarrald, 93, of Carlisle, Ark., passed away Friday, March 10, 2017. She was born July 24, 1923 in Wisner, La., to Thomas and Mellie Hill.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Fred Staley Sr.; her second husband, Doyle Fitzjarrald; her parents; and her brothers, Lester Hill and Thomas Hill Jr. She is survived by her son, Fred (Carolyn) Staley; daughter, Mary Tilford; sisters, Claudeen Campbell, and Willie Mae Wells; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, friends and loved ones.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Bobby Glover, Rhonda Jo Moore, Denise Kenzel, Thelma Shook, and all the staff at Chambers Nursing Home in Carlisle, Ark. Memorials may be made to Lonoke County Animal Education and Rescue Team, P.O. Box 844, Carlisle, Ark. 72024.

A graveside service will be held 2 p.m., Monday at Edgewood Memorial Park. Arrangements by Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home.

Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.c om.

Prairie County Master Gardeners hear Janet Carson at district meeting

By Chris Weems Janet Carson, Horticulturist and Director of Master Gardeners, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, cooperative Extension service was the first speaker. She talked about Annuals and Perennials, underused or new.

She talked about selecting colors that you like and the ones you like to use together. She also talked about the plants that need full sun and those that need less direct sun. “Check the spot you plan to use several times a day to see how much sun you have there.”

Janet said be sure to test soil to see what it needs for the plants you want to use. “And when the plants are established, you will need to fertilize, fertilize, fertilize.”

The other speaker, Chris Cooper, Extension Agent, Shelby County, Tennessee talked about “Vegetables from the ground up.” Soil preparation and the fertilizer and

Prairie County Master Gardeners attending the District Dig-Ins at Forrest City Community College Monday, March 6 are (Standing) Sue Clayton, Chris Weems, Gail Norman, Debora Carpenter, (Seated) Rhonda Betzner, Janet Turnage, and Charles Oldham. water programs are important for these crops,” he said, and should be considered early in planning.

“Trying to plant extremely early may not be worth it, “he said. He said the seed catalogs tell which are the cool weather plants and which are the

plants for the rest of the Spring and Summer.

Chris talked about a community garden that was harvested by many who needed the vegetables and also harvested to take to the Soup Kitchens and those who were not able to harvest. He talked about using raised beds,

New New Books DVDs

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

March 14, the crape myrtle pruning workshop at Prairie County Fair Grounds, April 4, Planting your Bloomers, at Wyne, and the M.G. Conference in Little Rock, May 21-23, and MG Appreciation Day, South Arkansas Abordum, ElDorado.

Elsie McCain Club plans for spring

Member 2017

Arkansas Press Association National Newspaper Association

mulching and year round gardening.

Lunch was served.

Janet talked about the new plants that have been developed and the ones that have new colors and several colors.

Janet reminded the group of workshops and conferences nearby.

New Books The Crown- Keira Cass The NewcomerSuzanne Woods Fisher First YearRachel Carter Apprentice-Rachel Carter CandidateRachel Carter Last Stand- Rachel Carter Banana Cream MurderJoanne Fluke Bone BoxFaye Kellerman Humans, Bow DownJames Patterson Most Dangerous- James Grippando On Second ThoughtKristan Higgs Seven Days to HellWilliam W. Johnstone

Valley of Bones- Dusty Richards Texas John SlaughterWilliam w. Johnstone A Sister’s Wish- Shelley Shepard Gray Death of a Ghost- M.C. Beaton Cooking that CountsCooking Light Into the Fire- Jeaniene Frost A Million Little ThingsSusan Mallery Law and DisorderHeather Graham Hot Combat- Elle James Gold in the Sun- Dusty Richards A New Breed- Edd Voss Someone to Hold- Mary Balogh Devil in Spring- Lisa Kleypas The Width of the World-

David Baldacci Outrage at Blanco- Bill Crider Addicted- S. Nelson Shattered- S. Nelson Wanted- S. Nelson New DVD’s Loving Almost Christmas 12 Monkeys Season 1 Blackway The Edge of Seventeen The Great Gilly Hopkins Masterminds Greater Manchester by the Sea Hacksaw Ridge Doctor Strange Shut In The Monster Nocturnal Animals Moonlight Allied

Just a Pinch Recipes Southern Style Pecan Poundcake

by Sandra Lee If there is one classic dessert recipe that I go back to time and time again, it’s pound cake. It has stood the test of time for a reason. Every southern cook has a favorite pound cake recipe. You can put so many little twists on the basic recipe and it also makes a great base for other desserts.

One of my favorite ways to serve pound cake is with fresh strawberries and whipped cream on top Ingredients: 1 cup chopped pecans 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened to room temperature 1 1/3 cups sugar 5 large Eggland’s Best eggs 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 cup sour cream

topping: 1/4 cup chopped pecans 1 tbsp. sugar Directions: Preheat oven to 325F degrees. Spray a 12-cup Angel Food Cake Pan with nonstick cooking spray. I like to use the nonstick spray that has flour in it. This is made especially for baking and really makes it a breeze to pop the cake out after it is done cooling. It’s super important that you spray the entire inside of the cake pan. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup chopped pecans with 1 tbsp. flour. Stir well then set aside. In a medium bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp. baking powder. Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy. If you are using a stand mixer, be sure to occasionally scrape down the sides of

your mixing bowl. Slowly add in Eggland’s Best eggs (one at a time) mixing after each addition.

Then stir in two teaspoons of vanilla extract.

Once combined, slowly add in flour mixture. You want to add it in slowly so that it incorporates fully and also so that it doesn’t fly everywhere when you turn on your mixer. Then stir in sour cream. Finally, stir in (by hand) floured pecans.

Batter will be thick. Pour batter into prepared angel food cake pan.

Using the back of a spoon, spread out batter as evenly as possible. Top batter with 1/4 cup chopped pecans and sprinkle with 1 tbsp. sugar.

Bake for about 55-65 minutes (until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.) Allow to cool for an hour, then turn out onto a serving dish. Slice and serve!

By Chris Weems GFWC Elsie McCain club met Thursday night, March 9, at Murry’s Restaurant. Carolyn Jo Brakensiek was hostess and gave the lesson on Home Life Community Service Program. She said that all women should have regular check-ups, especially mammograms, a “Fact that she said our group is 100% with that test again this year.”

The meeting began with the current events discussion. Rita Farris read the minutes and Meg Miller gave the financial report.

April 6 will be the last regularly states meeting, the president, Chris Weems announced. The topic will be the Signature Project Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention and as well the topic “Public

Relations.

Thursday, March 16, the District IV Spring Convention will be at Tollville Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall at 5:30. State President, Diane Fowler, will be the guest speaker.

The Ten Penny Art contest will be judged and on display.

Other dates of interest are the State Spring Convention will be May 5-7, at Wyndham Hotel in North Little Rock.

The Club will have their first Summer outing, May 27.

April 22 is Arbor Day or Earth Day and the club plans to have an activity with the fifth grade students.

Other articles were brought for the Operation Smile box that the president said will be mailed in a week or so.

Legal Notice LEGAL NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF PRAIRIE COUNTY, ARKANSAS PROBATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF THOMAS AZAL MARTIN, JR., DECEASED

All persons having claims against the estate must exhibit them, duly verified, to the undersigned within six (6) months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or they shall be forever barred and precluded from any benefit in the estate.

59SPR-2017-1 Last Known Address: 2107 Highway 11 N., Hazen, AR 72064 Date of Death: November 5, 2016

This notice first Published the 15th day of March, 2017.

Charles Greenwalt, Administrator P.O. Box 703 Carlisle, AR. 72024

The undersigned was named Administrator of the estate of the abovenamed decedent on January 18, 2017.

Stuart Law Firm, P.A. Attorney for Estate P.O. Box 206 Lonoke, AR. 72086

Hazen Masonic Lodge 361

Chili Supper Saturday, March 18th 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. $5.00 Donation at the Door

Page 3 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Grand Prairie Quilt Society holds When should you start monthly meeting on March 8th receiving Social Security?

The Grand Prairie Quilt Society met March 8, 2017 for their Sit 'n Sew at the Stuttgart Public Library with 11 members present.

Glenda opened the meeting with the thought the day, "Quilting never solves any problems, but neither does housework."

Old Business: There are currently 13 registered for the Country Quilt Camp III at Crossheirs Retreat Center on June 1-4, 2017. There are still openings available. To register or for more information, call Marsha at 870-673-1430.

New Business: Glenda gave the program on the Hope Resource center for crisis pregnancies. This is an organization that assists women in crisis to carry their babies to term instead of getting abortions. They attend parenting classes to help them become successful parents and also receive baby layettes and other items from the center.

Show and Share: Marsha, Maeola, Sherrye, and Shelley showed their microwave bowls they made at the Plantation stitching circle on Feb 25.

The next Plantation stitching circle will be March 25 where Nola will show us how to make tote bags.

Lou Anna had an 8patch scrappy quilt and also a Log Cabin quilt top. There were many oohs and ahhs at the beautiful handiwork displayed by both quilts.

Glenda had made several small bags for the Samaritan's Purse Xmas box project.

She also showed a baby panel that she will quilt for her first great-great grandchild.

Jean brought the exchange quilt blocks made by the society members in 2009.

Many memories were shared of the members no longer with us.

Michele had several "binky bibs" and a receiving blanket she made for her new great-grandson.

Microwave bowls made at Plantation Museum state park.

Lou Anna's lovely Log Cabin quilt top she presented.

A motion was made and carried for the society to purchase another table for the library's meeting room.

Everyone was reminded that the April 12th meeting will be at the First Christian Church fellowship hall due to a schedule conflict at the library.

After the meeting, everyone got busy with their individual projects.

Sewing machines whirred and scissors clipped as the members visited and admired each other's creations.

Michele and Cindy joined the group for lunch and much visiting and quilting stories were enjoyed by all.

After lunch, Sherrye and Shelley showed Winnie, Lee, Jean, and Cindy how to put together the microwave bowls.

They all thought it was a neat project.

Lee and Betty worked on quilts for the Gillett quilting group. Jean finished a braided ribbon lanyard. Glenda worked on her Rebecca-Amy quilt top. Shelley assembled several mug rugs from p a p e r - p i e c e d Grandmother's Flower Garden patterned blocks.

Ann worked on her disappearing 4-patch quilt top.

Marsha cut out blocks from her remnant stash.

Lou Anna asked for help in assembling a new block pattern she copied from a floor tile pattern.

Glenda and Betty were successful in cutting and sewing a sample block.

The April meeting will be at The First Christian Church fellowship hall on April 12 at 10:00a.m.

Come join us!

By Phylis Dills Enjoying a comfortable retirement is everyone’s dream. For over 80 years, Social Security has been helping people realize those dreams, assisting people through life’s journey with a variety of benefits. It’s up to you as to when you can start retirement benefits. You could start them a little earlier or wait until your “full retirement age.” There are benefits to either decision, pun intended.

Full retirement age refers to the age when a person can receive their Social Security benefits without any reduction, even if they are still working part or full time.

In other words, you don’t actually need to stop working to get your full benefits.

For people who attain age 62 in 2017, full retirement age is 66 and two months. Full retirement age was age 65 for many years. However, due to a law passed by Congress in 1983, it has been gradually increasing, beginning with people born in 1938 or later, until it reaches 67 for people born after 1959.

You can learn more about the full retirement age and find out how to look up your own at www.socialsecurity.gov/pl anners/retire/retirechart.h tml.

Hazen City Council votes on ordinances during regular February 16th meeting The Hazen City Council held their regular monthly meeting for the month of February on February 16, 2017 at 6:00 P.M. at the City Hall.

Present were Mayor David Duch, Recorder David Hardke, Council Members Steve Chlapecka, Tim Juola, Clevella Mosby, Rick Wiggins, and Barbara Rogers.

The minutes from the January meeting were approved before moving on to new business.

Department Reports Fire Chief Ashley Loudermilk informed the council members of the departments recent tour of the Riceland Foods grain storage facility, inspection of the school, and seven first responder runs and four grass fires.

After discussing the diffi-

culty of reaching one of the grass fires, Loudermilk suggested the purchase of a UTV (utility task vehicle) and its benefits. The UTV would carry four fireman and equipment to areas that are not accessible to the trucks.

The Mayor requested that Loudermilk obtain price quotes.

Police CHief Bradley Taylor reported that the department relieved a $3,500 Block Grant that will purchase a thermal imaging system that will assist in nighttime foot pursuits. He also told the Council about the departments attending meetings with the drug task force and investigation of the H & N Exxon Station burglary.

Utility Department Supervisor Philip Foot

updated the City Council on the continued work on the street pot hole list , the $4,000 of bond construction fund that will be used to purchase equipment for the installation of the new sewer pipe, and his work on getting grant funding for assessing the current fluoride system.

Foot informed the council members that he has been able to negotiate the original cost down from $46,700 to $36,868. The City must make th improvements and be reimbursed by some amount, which id yet undetermined by the grant.

County Librarian, April Highfill, presented the quarterly Hazen Public Library financial report and also updated the board on the current cir-

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culation (29,974), computer usage (2,346), number of new library cards issued (115), number of programs (86), and total number of attendance for the programs (1,146). The library is now preparing for the upcoming summer reading programs.

David Campbell was sworn in as the new Hazen City Council member for Ward 1 after the arrival of Prairie County Circuit Clerk Gaylon Hale.

The Mayor presented the proposed Ordinance #477, an ordinance to amend the 2016 Budget

Ordinance for the City of Hazen, Ordinance No. 471. Council members moved and seconded to suspend the rules requiring the ordinance to be read in full on three sperate days. The Mayor put the question on the adoption of the said motion, which was then duly passed. Council Member Juola moved that the ordinance go into immediate operation and become effective without delay, which was then seconded and adopted.

The meeting was adjourned with no further business.

You can start receiving Social Security benefits as early as age 62 or any time after that. The longer you wait, the higher your monthly benefit will be, although it stops increasing at age 70. Your monthly benefits will be reduced permanently if you start them any time before your full retirement age. For example, if you start receiving benefits in 2017 at age 62, your monthly benefit amount will be reduced permanently by about 26 percent.

On the other hand, if you wait to start receiving your benefits until after your full retirement age, then your monthly benefit will be higher.

The amount of this increase is two-thirds of one percent for each month –– or eight percent for each year –– that you delay receiving them until you reach age 70.

The choices you make may affect any benefit your spouse or children can receive on your record, too. If you receive benefits early, it may reduce their potential benefit, as well as yours.

If you decide to receive benefits before you reach full retirement age, you should also understand how continuing to work can affect your benefits.

Social Security may withhold or reduce your benefits if your annual earnings exceed a certain amount. However, for every month benefits are withheld, it increases your future benefits.

That’s because at your full retirement age Social Security will recalculate your benefit amount to give you credit for the months in which benefits were reduced or withheld due to your excess earnings. In effect, it’s as if you hadn’t filed for those months. You can learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/whi leworking.html.

Social Security’s mission is to secure your today and tomorrow. Helping you make the right retirement decisions is vital.

You can learn more by visiting our Retirement Planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire.

Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday,March 15, 2017

State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Jonathan Dismang The General Assembly gave final approval to legislation that will give law enforcement authorities effective new tools to deal with people going through mental health crises.

Act 423 of 2017 will establish three regional Mental Health Crisis Stabilization Centers, each with 16 beds. When people need mental health treatment and are causing trouble, the police can take them to a center rather than to jail, where they will not get any treatment at all.

Act 423 also sets up courses to train police officers to recognize and respond to people going through a mental health crisis and whose behavior could be harmful to others and to themselves.

The training includes how to deal with people under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Under Act 423 the Arkansas Crime Information Center, which keeps criminal records, will include in those records people’s history of mental health screenings when they are admitted to jail or a mental health crisis center.

The Legislative Criminal Justice Task Force worked on the bill for two years, which also changes how parole violators are treated.

In other news the governor announced his plan to hold down Medicaid costs.

There are four main provisions in the plan, and the state must get approval from federal officials to put them in place.

One is a work requirement. Another encourages workers to sign up for employee-sponsored health insurance, rather than for Medicaid. A third provision would allow state officials, rather than federal officials, to determine eligibility. Finally, eligibility would be for people earning 100 percent of the poverty level, rather than the current 138 percent.

Initial estimates are that lowering the income threshold would remove about 60,000 people from the list who qualify for Medicaid expansion, which now has about 311,000 people enrolled.

Although they would no longer qualify for Medicaid they could buy health insurance under the federal Affordable Care Act, under which they could get tax credits to help them pay the premiums.

The Senate gave final approval to a proposed constitutional amendment that would require voters to present a photo ID in order to cast a ballot. If passed by voters it would authorize the legislature to determine the acceptable forms of ID. The measure will be on the general election ballot in November of 2018, as will a second proposed

amendment referred to the ballot earlier this session that would limit attorneys’ fees and punitive damages in civil lawsuits.

The Senate passed an amended version HB 1249, which has been labeled the “campus carry” bill. Originally it would have allowed faculty and staff with concealed carry permits to carry a firearm on college campuses. After seven amendments, it is a much different bill. It would allow anyone over 21 with a concealed carry permit to carry on campus, but only after they complete eight hours of additional training.

The State Police may waive up to four hours of training for people who got their permit within the past 10 years.

For permit holders who take the additional training, the new bill expands the number of places they can carry. However, they still will not be able to carry a firearm into prisons, courtrooms or school facilities for kindergarten through grade 12. The new version of the bill would expand the number of states that recognize our concealed carry laws, and which will allow Arkansas permit holders to carry in those states under reciprocal agreements.

This week, the House passed the Criminal Justice Efficiency and Safety Act. Days later it was signed into law by the Governor.

We expect this bill to have a tremendous impact not only in our prison overcrowding situation, but also in the way we treat mental health for Arkansans in a crises.

Arkansas currently has the number one incarceration growth rate in the country. This is what prompted two legislative task forces to take action two years ago.

After months of research and testimony, legislators drafted SB136 (now Act 423).

This bill reforms the probation and parole system in the state and provides more access to mental health treatment in the criminal justice system.

Currently, an average of 1,600 people are incarcerated because their parole or probation was revoked for a non-violent misdemeanor.

This bill would allow for those who violate conditions of their parole by committing a minor violations (such as missing a

Consumer Alert SCAMMERS POSE AS VETERAN ADVOCATES From Attorney General Leslie Rutledge In conjunction with National Consumer Protection Week, March 5-11, Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge today announced the top 10 most common complaints the Attorney General’s office received in 2016.

National Consumer Protection Week is a partnership with attorneys general from across the country, along with many national organizations, including the Better Business Bureau, Federal Trade Commission and AARP, to encourage consumers to understand their rights and make educated consumer decisions.

“The Consumer Protection Division includes attorneys, investigators and phone counselors working each and every day to fight for Arkansans,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “They mediate

all types of complaints, including those filed in response to deceptive business practices, and regularly reach positive outcomes on behalf of Arkansas consumers. I am proud my staff recovered more than $2 million through settlements and mediation last year.”

The 10 most common compliant categories from 2016 were: Automobile sales, service, financing and repair Sales of goods and services Health care Landlord/tenant Home repair, construction and maintenance Satellite, cable and internet service providers Wireless and landline telephone services Credit service, credit repair and other financial services Utilities Travel and timeshares For the fifth consecutive year, automobile-related

transactions have been the most common type of complaint reports to the Attorney General’s office.

Purchasing a vehicle can be one of the most significant purchases a consumer makes, and because the process is complicated, a consumer may not even be aware that a problem exists.

These types of complaints often involve consumers reporting financing errors; high-pressure tactics to buy add-on services at the time of purchase, such as gap insurance, service contracts or life or extended warranties; and sales misrepresentations.

The most common scam reported to the Attorney General’s office in 2016 was the IRS imposter scam. Scam artists are

still posing as the I R S demanding payment immediately and threatening arrest if payment is not received. Arkansans need to remember that the IRS will never call and demand payment, require taxes be paid in a certain way, ask for credit or debit card numbers or threaten to bring police or other agencies to make an arrest for unpaid taxes.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutl edge.

meeting) to serve a 45 day program with the Department of Community Correction.

Those who violate conditions by committing a non-violent misdemeanor would serve a 90 day program with the Department of Community Correction.

States that have implemented a similar program have seen lower recidivism rates.

The second part to this legislation is the mental health component.

Law enforcement will receive training in mental health crises intervention. This type of specialized training has shown officers are more equipped to identify a person having a mental health crises and give them the tools to deal with that person.

Experience has shown that officers with this type of training are able to de-escalate a situation on site 52% of the time.

For those situations that cannot be de-escalated on site and where no serious crime has occurred, this bill establishes three crises stabilization units in the state. The centers will provide another place to take individuals have a crises other than the county jail. The governor has committed $5 million to support these facilities, which will provide evaluation and treatment.

The House is now entering the 10th week of the Regular Session. As a reminder you can watch all House committee meetings held in the Capitol and all House floor proceedings at www.arkansashouse.org .

Page 5 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, March 15, 2017

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NAME _________________________________________ Mailing Address __________________________________ City ___________________ State_________ Zip _______

P.O. Box 370•Hazen, AR•72064

Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, March 15, 2017

HHS Sophomore auction raises $14,275 The HHS Sophomore Class held the much anticipated 10th Grade Auction on Tuesday, March 10th, 2017 at the Hazen Community Center.

The class raised $14,275 from the live auction, silent auction, raffle tickets sold, and tickets to the barbeque dinner.

The funds raised from the auction will be used to pay for the class’s jun-

ior prom, and will help defray the costs of their graduation, including student caps and gowns and their senior t-shirts.

The dinner that the class served was barbeque, slaw, beans, and dessert for dinner. The meal and silent auction began at 5:00 P.M. The auctioneer for the live auction, which began at 6:30 P.M., was Chuck Seidenschwarz.

Sophomores Marketta Larkin, Calaysia James, and Deyouna Williams took a break from serving just long enough for a picture.

Auctioneer for the night was Chuck Seidenschwarz, who threw the camera a wink before the evening’s festivities began. Class sponsors are Angie Hambrick, Wendy Perry, Tony Astin, and Lori Caviness worked hard to plan the event.

The sophomore class helped serve the guests

throughout the night. They helped with fixing plates, serving desserts, and assisted wherever they were needed to make the night a success.

Lady Hornets roll over C.A.C, Fountain Lake; Fall to Poyen Sophomores Ross Seidenschwarz, Jacinda Smith, Corbin Moore, and helped serve the barbeque.

Hazen Schools receive Outstanding Educational Performance awards Both Hazen Elementary School (HES) and Hazen High School (HHS) were named “High Achieving Schools” in the 2016 Outstanding Educational Performance report released by the University of Arkansas’ Office for Education Policy.

The report, dated March 8, 2017, listed both schools in the top five schools in the Southeast Region of Arkansas for their scores on the ACT Aspire exam given for the first time during the 2016-17 school year.

Hazen High School received four awards in the report. HHS was

named one of the top five schools in the region for its composite student performance in all three areas tested by the ACT Aspire - Math, Science, and English Language Arts. Other top five schools in this category for the Southeast were Des Arc, Rison, Woodlawn, and Stuttgart.

HHS also made the top five lists in the individual categories for Math, Science, and English Language Arts. Other schools in the top five in English Language Arts were Des Arc, Rison, Woodlawn, and Drew Central in Monticello.

The top five schools in the

region in Science were also Hazen, Des Arc, Rison, Woodlawn, and Drew Central in Monticello. In Math, the other top five schools named were Des Arc, Rison, Woodlawn, and McGehee.

All of these schools primarily serve students in grades 9 - 12.

Hazen Elementary School received one OEP award. HES was named to the top five schools in the Southeast Region of Arkansas in English Language Arts, along with Gillett, Des Arc, Portland, and Noble/Albritton in Hamburg.

Hazen High School Baseball and Softball Date Opponent Team Who Location Time 3-16 3-17 3-27 3-27 3-28

Mayflower Clarendon Clarendon DeWitt Palestine

SB BB,SB BB SB BB,SB

JV,V JV,V JV,V JV,V JV,V

Away Home Home Home Away

4:00 4:00 4:00 4:30 4:00

LADY HORNETS ROLL OVER C.A.C., FOUNTAIN LAKE; FALL TO POYEN AGAIN Rain washed out a couple of early week games, but the Lady Hornets didn’t let the layoff bother them as they took class 4A C.A.C. to the wood shed in a 13-4 romp on Mustang Mountain.

Hazen pounded out ten hits in the game and Allie Burroughs threw a seven-inning no-hitter.

Both teams struggled in the field with a combined 13 errors in the game.

C.A.C. took advantage first scoring two runs on no hits in the bottom of the first inning due to three Hazen errors.

Hazen quickly tied the score in the second with a two-out rally on a couple of walks, a dropped third strike and two Mustang errors.

Two more Mustang errors put runners on ahead of the Hornets’ first base hit, a Payton Fought single in the third, to give Hazen a 3-2 lead. Fourth inning singles by Morgan Stock and Elizabeth Foot preceded a wild pitch by the C.A.C. pitcher to make it a 4-2 game heading to the bottom of the fourth. The Mustangs got that run back right away despite not getting the ball out of the infield and Burroughs striking out the side. A hit batter, an error and a wild pitch scored a run to close the gap to 4-3.

The Lady Hornets batted around in the fifth inning, scoring four runs to stretch the lead to 8-3.

Burroughs led off with a walk, followed by a single to left by Faith Young, a ground ball out, walks to Chase Wiggins and Stock, and a pop out scored one run and left the bases loaded with two outs.

Foot drove a double to left center scoring two runs and another run scored moments later on a wild pitch. C.A.C. continued to

struggle to hit the ball but scored another run in the sixth on a walk, a stolen base and a couple of Hornet errors. In the top of the seventh, Hazen sent eleven batters to the plate, scoring five runs on five hits.

Abby Rounsavall, Foot, Burroughs, Young and Stock each had a single in the inning. Burroughs struck out the side in the bottom of the inning to end the game. She finished with 15 strikeouts, including seven of the last nine batters she faced. Foot led all hitters with three hits followed

by Young and Stock with two each.

Friday night, the Poyen Eagles smashed the Lady Hornets in a sportsmanship-shortened game at a tournament in Poyen by a score of 10-0. Hazen couldn’t manage any base hits and could only get three base runners for the entire game, one walk and two batters who reached base on errors.

Poyen took advantage of five first-inning Hornet errors to score seven runs on just three hits, all doubles. A double play in the second inning prevented any further damage but the Hornet bats remained silent throughout the game. The Eagles ended the misery plating three runs in the third inning on yet another Hornet fielding error, an RBI double and a two-run home run. It was Hazen’s third consecutive loss to the Eagles.

Hazen bounced back after the loss to Poyen

with a solid game against class 4A Fountain Lake, beating the Cobras 8-0 in four innings at the Poyen tourney. After a scoreless first inning, the Cobras mounted a two-out threat in the second on a couple of walks. But Burroughs ended the inning with her fourth strike out of the game and then led off the bottom of the second with a double. It looked like the Hornets were going to waste that hit when the next two batters went down.

But Wiggins walked to keep the inning alive and Christin Young singled to score both runners. Fountain Lake managed a harmless single in the third but Burroughs sandwiched two more strike outs around a caught stealing to keep the score at 2-0.

The suddenly hot Hornet bats continued to roll. Morgan Stock led off the third inning with a single and scored moments later on Burroughs’ home run. A walk, a wild pitch and a Cobra error made the score 5-0 at the end of the inning. The Cobras used a single and a Hornet error to get their first base runner to third base but couldn’t score. In the fourth, Rounsavall singled and Burroughs walked ahead of two-run single by Faith Young, who later scored on a wild pitch. Hazen finished the week with a 3-5 record, 11 against class 2A competition. Their next games are a conference doubleheader at Brinkley on Tuesday. Go Hornets!

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