Hazen Council condemns local property, bans ATV’s
The Hazen City Council met for its regular meeting on Thursday, May 15, to deal with the condemnation of the Don Forrester property on East Jefferson St. and to consider the cancellation of its lease with Arisa Health.
The council voted to condemn the Forrester property since the Forrester children want nothing to do with the property. Certified letters have been sent to the children, and the city must wait 30 days before dealing with the problem.
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Mayor David Hardke also said that a house in the Grady Addition may also be condemned if it is not repaired. He said that the owner has a month to show improvement in the property.
Old business concerned the new employee handbook, which had been sent home with the council members for comment last month. There were no questions or complaints about the employee policy as written so far, so Mayor David Hardke will continue to work on the handbook.
Arisa Health has asked to cancel their lease on the old dentist office. The council agreed to allow the company to get out of the lease. The building has been offered to the
Oasis Church, but until someone else is found to rent the building, it will remain empty. Hardke advised the council that there is a law against the use of ATV’s, four-wheelers and side by sides, on city streets, with a few exceptions. (The law is printed in this week’s edition.)
There was some discussion as to the use of golf carts within the city, but no decisions were made concerning them. Hardke also said that the water and gas audits had been completed, and that the results would be given to the council at its next meeting. He also announced that a hardware store had opened at the southwest corner of Hwy. 70 and Chester St. Hardke gave the Police Department report in the absence of Chief Bradley Taylor. He told the council about the theft of a mosquito truck owned by the city from the Utilities area behind the Community Center by a man wanted in a murder case. The perpetrator was chased by Officer Colton Felts down Old Hwy. 11, and was pitted, but the man escaped on foot. State Marshalls and the Arkansas State Police were still looking for the man as of this writing. In other departmental
reports, Fire Chief Seth Skarda reported that his department had one first responder run and had burned a trailer on Crowley St. and a house on Jackson St. Utilities Director Chad
Swaim told the council that the pipeline audit had been closed out and that all problems were fixed. A culvert on Adams St. was replaced, and five water leaks were repaired. Speed
bumps were installed at the Prairie View Apartments, and multiple asphalt repairs had been completed, including 300 feet on Washington St. A portion of the sidewalk on Madison St. has been taken up. All of the lights at Interstate 40 are now working, and lights that were downed earlier will have to be taken care of at a later time. At the end of the meeting, Council Member Larry Anthony asked the other
Jeffery Bokker announces his intention to run for Prairie County Sheriff in the 2026 election.
A thief drove through the fence at the Community Center Utilities Department stealing a Hazen mosquito truck. Then he stole another truck in Hazen. After a high-speed chase by Officer Colten Felts, who pitted the vehicle, the thief fled on foot He is still at large.
excellence in 1982.
Linda Dayle
Hinton Black
Linda Dayle Hinton Black of Pine Bluff passed away peacefully at home May 17, 2025. Linda was born on February 13, 1950 to Mary Alice and Herbert Hinton of Hazen. She was the third of seven children.
Linda was a 1968 graduate of Hazen High School and a 1982 graduate of the School of Nursing at the University of Arkansas Monticello. On May 14, 1982, Linda received the Academic Excellence Award in the 1982 graduating class of the Nursing Department at U.A.M. Linda was a Registered Nurse who spent her working career as a surgical nurse at Desha Memorial Hospital in Dumas, Arkansas and as a contract home health nurse with the State of Arkansas serving both Jefferson and Grant counties.
Linda delayed getting her college degree by working at Clark County Memorial Hospital in Arkadelphia in order to help her husband earn his college degree and eventually giving birth to their two daughters. Linda never lost sight of getting her college degree and she earned that degree with
If a friend was in need, Linda was always ready and willing to help out in any way possible. She really enjoyed playing bunco each month with her group at Grace Episcopal Church. She also enjoyed spending time at their home on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs.
Linda was a keen bird watcher and enjoyed feeding them. Seems like every year all the birds in the area would find their way to Linda's feeders and she had plenty of them!
Between Linda and her son-in-law Tom Burnett, they knew every song and wild bird known to man-kind!
Family gatherings were not complete without Linda's (better known as "Nana" to her grandchildren), homemade chocolate chip cookies. Orders for those chocolate cookies were placed by her grandchildren long before the family gathering took place!
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Karon Hinton and Robin Renee Hinton Raper.
Linda is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 55 years Dickie Black. Linda and Dickie were married May 30, 1969 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Tollville, Arkansas. Together they are proud parents of two daughters, Jennifer
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Des Arc Lady Eagles won the 2A-6 district track meet last month at England High School.
Des Arc scored 172 points. Barton was second at 157 points. Carlisle was third at 152.5 points. Hazen was seventh with 20 points. High jump: 2. Kiersten Taylor, Carlisle, 4-10; 6. Angie Petrus, Carlisle, 4-0. Long jump: 1. Melody Schlenker, Hazen, 17-6; 2. Taylor, Carlisle, 16-4; 5. Charleigh Patterson, Des Arc, 15-4; 7. Bliss Parker, Carlisle, 14-5.
Triple jump: 1. Schlenker, Hazen, 35-5; 3. Eden Huffstickler, Des Arc, 30-3; 4. Tyler Lee, Carlisle, 29-1; 6.
(Tom) Michelle Burnett of Little Rock and Lauren (Marvin Hence) Denise Black of White Hall. Linda is also survived by her grandchildren Haley Anne Burnett of Little Rock, Kevin Compton, Jr. of Fayetteville, Hope Kathleen Burnett of Little Rock, Brette
Marie Burnett of Little Rock and Blaze Easton Hence of White Hall. Linda is also survived by sisters Nyna (Tom) Oshel of Hot Springs Village, Vickey (Mike) Mccallister of Houston, Texas, Theresa (Kevin) Garland of Little Rock and brother Butch Hinton of Texarkana, Texas.
A Memorial Service for Linda will be Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Tollville(DeValls Bluff) south of Hazen. Arrangements have been entrusted with Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen, Arkansas. Memorials can be made to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 1432 AR-86, DeValls Bluff, AR 72041, Grace Episcopal Church, 4101 S. Hazel St., Pine Bluff, AR 71603, or First Methodist Church, 200 West 6th Avenue, Pine Bluff, AR 71601.
John ''Wayne'' Kocourek
John ''Wayne'' Kocourek, 70, entered
Petrus, Carlisle, 29-1.
Shot put: 1. Grace Knight, Des Arc, 30-3; 3. Aniya Zarate, Carlisle, 24-9; 4. Presley Parker, Carlisle, 24-7; 8. Tessa Sanders, Carlisle, 21-10.5.
Discus: 3. Zarate, Carlisle, 65-5; 4. Knight, Des Arc, 61-8; 6. Caroline Bokker, Carlisle, 57-5; Patterson, Des Arc, 53-0; 8. Presley Parker, Carlisle, 50-8.
Pole vault: 1. Bliss Parker, Carlisle, 6-6.
3200 relay: 1. Carlisle (Bliss Parker, Morgan Jones, Petrus, Lee), 12:06.92; 2. Des Arc (MaryKate Kearby, Callie Prince, Greenleigh Sterling, Brietyn Burgess), 12:23.12.
100 hurdles: 3. Jessa Wiles, Carlisle, 19.50; 4.
into the presence of the Lord on Friday, May 16th, 2025, in Conway, Arkansas. He was the beloved husband to Kerri Kocourek. They shared 37 years of marriage together. He always said that it was love at first sight with Kerri and that he knew she was the woman God had for him.
He was born in Carlisle, Arkansas to John and Sylvia Kocourek on September 30, 1954. He grew up farming in Prairie County and was an avid hunter.
Wayne started working in ministry in 1988. He pastored various churches in Arkansas for over 20 years and reached hundreds of lives. He ministered as a chaplain in McPherson Women's prison for 12 years. Through teaching God's word, he led many women to the Lord. He was a true example of a godly man. He was a member of Summit Church in Vilonia. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his dedication to preaching God's word, his love for the outdoors, and for being the best husband, Daddy, and Pa. He was a fierce protector of his three girls and was always there when they needed him.
He is survived by his
Presslee Brown, Des Arc, 20.20. 100: 4. Taylor, Carlisle, 13.48; 5. Patterson, Des Arc, 13.59; 8. Lindley Lenderman, Carlisle, 14.39.
800 relay: 2. Des Arc (Lilly Gibson, Eden Huffstickler, Hattie Burton, Patterson), 2:00.03; 3. Carlisle (Addison Golden, Petrus, Lee, Lenderman), 2:03.37.
1600: 1. Kearby, Des Arc, 7:19.84; 2. Callie Prince, Des Arc, 7:43.49; 3. Sterling, Des Arc, 8:11.22; 4. Alayna Payne, Des Arc, 9:09.08.
400 relay: 3. Carlisle (Wiles, Lenderman, Golden, Taylor), 55.35; 4. Des Arc (Alayanna Johnson, Knight, Prince, Brown), 1:00.13. 400: 1. Bliss Parker,
wife, Kerri, his daughters, Hannah Anderson (Pat), Jessie Yaebeang (Jo), and Johnna Harmon (Justin), his nine grandchildren, Cohen, Titus, Hayden, Noah, John Ellis, Emma, Ellie, Sadie, and Roman and his motherin-law, Nancy Barentine. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Sylvia Kocourek, his brother, Warren Kocourek, his grandparents, and his father-in-law, Gene Barentine.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 21st at 11:00am at Roller-McNutt Funeral home in Conway, Arkansas. Burial will be at Peppers Lake Cemetery.
The visitation will be held at 10:00am prior to the service.
Laura Gean
Conder North
Coop, before securing a position with the North American Aviation Company, where her role as a Supply Coordinator showcased her impeccable work ethic and dedication. In 1959 at the age of 20, Laura became the bride of Willard F “Bill” North. She took great pride in her role as a wife and home maker. Beyond her professional achievements, Laura found joy in various hobbies such as golfing and participating in bowling leagues. Her competitive spirit and enthusiasm for these activities brought joy to those around her and created lasting memories
Attending Judson Memorial Church during her childhood, Laura found solace in her beliefs. She was saved and baptized in the backwater, as a testament of commitment and spirituality.
Laura Gean Conder North, a devoted wife, and beloved member of her community, peacefully passed away on May 15, 2025, in Searcy, Arkansas. She was 85 years of age.
After graduating from Des Arc High School in 1957, Laura pursued higher education in Tulsa, earning her BA and embarking on a successful career. She worked diligently for companies such as Rocketdyne, the Welches
Carlisle, 1:03.37; 3. Huffstickler, Des Arc, 1:10.27; 4. Burton, Des Arc, 1:10.28; 5. Gibson, Des Arc, 1:11.21; 6. Lee, Carlisle, 1:12.12; 8. Bella Vaughn, Des Arc, 1:15.95.
Laura was preceded in death by her loving parents, Reuben and Marjorie Emogene Conder, her dear husband Willard F. "Bill" North, and sister Margie.
Laura leaves behind her two brothers, Leslie and Leland, who will remember her legacy of kindness. May her spirit continue to guide and inspire us to live each day with the same compassion and grace that she exemplified throughout her life.
300 hurdles: 1. Wiles, Carlisle, 59.04; 3. Brown, Des Arc, 1:01.64. 800: 1. Bliss Parker, Carlisle, 2:49.82; 2. Brietyn Burgess, Des Arc, 2:52.68; 3. Lee, Carlisle, 3:05.24; 4. Burton, Des Arc, 3:24.77; 5. Johnson, Des Arc, 3:27.26; 6. Vaughn, Des Arc, 3:30.36; 7. Jones, Carlisle, 3:34.07. 200: 3. Taylor, Carlisle, 28.01; 4. Patterson, Des Arc, 28.79. 7. Knight, Des Arc, 30.05; 8. Lenderman, Carlisle, 30.12. 3200: 1. Kearby, Des Arc, 16:37.75; 2. Burton, Des Arc, 18:21.13; 3. Burgess, Des Arc, 19:09.00; 4. Vaughn, Des Arc, 20:18.71. 1600 relay: 1. Carlisle (Wiles, Petrus, Bliss Parker, Taylor), 4:48.45; 2. Des Arc (Gibson, Huffstickler, Brown, Patterson), 4:49.63.
Hazen High School Athletic Department announces 2025 awards
The Hazen High School Athletic Department held its annual banquet on Friday, May 16, at 6:00 p.m. Cody Snider was the emcee for the evening, and King Kat provided the meal. The awards handed out were as follows: The Hazen Hornet Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Class of 2025
are: 1981 Hazen Hornet Baseball Team – Team members were: Rusty Rogers, Rodney VanHouten, Travis Vanhouten, Joe Vanhouten, Lee Larkan, Jamie Felts, Stevie Chlapecka, Donnie Guenther, Tony Colclasure, and John Warren. The Hornets were coached by Sam Johnston Nancy Chlapecka –Sports Contributor Nancy plays a very important behind the scenes role in the Hazen Hornet Football program and that is the role of videographer.
Allie Burroughs Hagar – Softball
Allie played softball for the Hazen Lady hornets from 2014-2017. She was a four-year starter for the Lady Hornets and had 102 career starts with 68 wins and 34 losses. She was named All State and made the All Arkansas Team for all 4 years she played. She had 288 at bats and comprised a .417 batting average with a 517 on base percentage. She had a total of 120 hits with 10 RBI’s.
Matt Tenison – Football Matt was a member of
the 2009 undefeated conference Champions who only lost 1 game that year in the semifinal round of the playoffs. He would rush for exactly 4,100 with 61 touchdowns. Matt would also win a State Weightlifting Championship his senior year. He went on to have a successful college career playing fullback for Harding University where he would go on to rush for 792 yards on 131 carries, and score 12 touchdowns for the Bison.
Wayne Raney - Coach In Hazen he served as a football, basketball, and baseball coach as well as Athletic Director. Coach Raney was head football coach from 2001 to 2006 and had 39 wins and 23 losses. Out of those 6 years he led the Hornets to the State Playoffs 3 times.
Student Awards
2024 All Conf Football 2A-4
Hunter Pardon Pheonix Ervin
Brance Williams Shelton Kitchens Noah Adkins J.J Pinkney
2024 All-State Football J.J Pinkney Brance Williams Noah Adkins
2024-2025 All Conf Basketball 2A-6
Sam Clayton
2024-2025 All Conf Basketball 2A-6
Melody Schlenker
2025 All-Conf Baseball 2A-6
Brance Williams Hunter Pardon
2025 All-Conference
Softball
Jaci Hackelton Paycen Seely
2024 All-Dist. Golf
Sam Clayton
2025 Class 2A State Champion Weightlifting 123 Weight Class Remington Fegley
2025 Long Jump Class 2A State Champion
Melody Schlenker
Special Awards
Osborne Coyle Football Award- Pheonix Ervin
Scotty Aycock
Basketball Award- Sam Clayton
Logan Beckwith Football Award- Reece Cash
Logan Beckwith Football Award- Noah Adkins
Pete Newsom (H.E.A.T) Award- Eli Weems
Don Phifer Girls
Basketball AwardJalynn Thomas
Bill Bradow AwardJaci Hackelton
Doug Miner AwardSam Clayton
Mr. Hornet- Brance Williams
Lady Hornet- Melody Schlenker (Wendy Perry photos.)
