Dementia Care Giver meeting Senior Center Hazen 10:00 a.m.
Thursday June 12
DeValls Bluff City Council meeting City Hall
6:00 p.m.
Sunday June 15 Father’s Day
Community events brought to you by
Please call
The Grand Prairie Herald (255-4538) to list events.
Hazen School Board hears of high school activities
The Hazen High School Student Voice Team gave a presentation about their program to the Hazen School Board at its regular meeting held on Monday, May 12, in the high school library. The students, Hannah Linder, Addie Carroll, Bailey Sims, Weston Hare, Ja'Braylan Penn, and Dalton Jones told the board about meetings that they have had with the teachers to increase the understanding and expectations between and among students and teachers in the high school. The students have led teacher in-service meetings and other discussions throughout the year.
The announcement was also made that the Hazen High School Quiz Bowl Team were the winners of the 2A state tournament. A large banner was displayed by team sponsors Stacey Bowman and Susan Booth.
The board passed an updated 2024-25 classified salary schedule, and Superintendent Andy Barrett’s recommendation to remove certain items/property from the district’s fixed assets. The board also adopted the 2025-26 salary schedule, which added an assistant principal’s salary to the list. The district will contin-
By Lisa Mills
At the May 20th city council meeting, a motion was approved to fund an assessment, study, plans and drawings for Main Street. Chamber of Commerce Vice President, Janice Reidhar, explained to the council that having a professional master plan is vital to apply for many grants. The chamber asked Martin Smith of Ecological Design Group for a proposal to do the study. Smith is the architect for the Riverfront project so the two plans can be cohesive. EDG’s proposal is $10,000. The council approved hiring EDG to be paid from The American Rescue Funds account. Reidhar said that a Main Street committee has been formed for the project. Members include herself, Kirk Berry, Cindy Guess, Pam Prichard, Tammy Hughes. Karen York, and Steve Powell. Reidhar also reported for the chamber that
ue to contract with Clearly Speaking LLC for speech, occupational, and physical therapy services for the next school year. After a closed executive session, the board moved to personnel and hired Jennifer Smart as the assistant girls basketball coach and Stephanie VanHouten as a special education teacher for the next school year.
Elementary Principal Laura Saranie told the board that her building had finished testing and that several field trips have been planned. The Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten graduations will be held on June 3 at 9:00 a.m., followed by the 6th grade graduation at 9:45. The elementary awards ceremony will be held that afternoon at 1:00 p.m.
The kindergarten roundup will be held on June 5.
there were over 500 people at the “Boil on the Banks” event. Upcoming events sponsored by the chamber include a bass fishing tournament on June 7th, and a citywide July 4th event. She also reported that Steve Powell, recently hired, has been making a great impact promoting Des Arc. She said that he has been building strong relationships with business owners and citizens. Since he was hired over 79,700 people have viewed Chamber videos, and invited others to join. Powell has also prompted the Boil on the Banks event and has shown videos on KATV Channel 7 at no charge. Keith Knupp reported on the baseball field complex project. He said that he had talked to the contractor and informed him that the project needs to be completed immediately, since the project completion is holding up being
High School Principal Amy Marek reported that the high school awards assembly will be held on June 2 at 2:00 p.m. Reviews will begin on June 3 and semester tests will be given on June 4th and 5th.
a projected payment schedule for the engineers and architects, and he gave the board an update on the interest accrued by the district bonds. School board elections law has changed, according to
Barrett said that he has plans to redo the lighting in the old gym, installing LED lights as part of Entergy’s rebate program. He also plans to move the generator from behind the old gym to the cafeteria. He has
able to apply for other grants. He said that the contractor agreed to be finished within three weeks.
Citizen Delcie Sanders addressed the council concerning Kelly Sanner (contract laborer with the city) spraying her property with MSMA, killing her mus-
Barrett, changing the elections to every 6 years and only in March. More guidance will be coming from the state, he said.
Athletic Director Joe Besancon that Melody Slenker had come in
second in the state track meet in the triple jump and Remy Slenker won the 2A weightlifting tournament in his weight class and came in 3rd in the state tournament. He also announced that the Athletic Department made $11,400 at the crawfish fundraiser. The 900 pounds of crawfish was donated by William Saul, and City Market donated the sausage, potatoes, and corn. An additional 200 pounds of crawfish were purchased to meet the demand. At the end of the meeting Special Education Teacher Heather Fulmer introduced the board to her curriculum ideas which included crosscurricular projects and project-based assessments. With that, the meeting adjourned. The next board meeting will be held on June 9.
cadine vines, and other plants. Mayor Roger Scott said that he had told Sanner not to spray any chemicals. He asked Sanders if she owned that property, to which she replied yes. Scott told her that according to courthouse records, she does not own it. Sanders said that Sanner told her that Scott had told him to spray the property. Scott said that Sanner must have been spraying the levy and some accidentally got on her property. Sanders said that was not the case, that he directly sprayed hers, and nowhere else.
(Continued on p. 3)
Hazen Memorial Day service...
The Hazen Memorial Day service was held indoors this year at the First United Methodist Church due to rainy weather. Cody Snider led the program, which included the reciting of the 19 local veterans who lost their lives serving our country in various wars. The names of all of the local veterans who have passed away were also read by Snider, David Hoover, David Hardke, and Roxanne Bradow. Vicki Skarda was the guest speaker, and she related the story of a French family who saved the lives of Joe Skarda and his fellow American soldiers by hiding them from the occupying Nazis after those soldiers had to jump out of their plane that was shot down. Joe Skarda’s crew were honored in a special ceremony held in France which Vicki and Connie Skarda attended.
Dewey Lynn Raper
Dewey Lynn Raper, passed away to his eternal home Wednesday, May 21, 2025, with his loving wife and a host of family and friends by his side.
and Eldon; 3 Great Grandchildren, Kris and Jameson; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Dewey was born October 17, 1953 in Hazen, Arkansas to the late Carl and Ruth(Addison) Raper.
Dewey loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, first and foremost! He loved trucking and talking on that CB Radio. Dewey was definitely a comedian and was loved by everyone that ever met him.
Dewey is preceded in death by his parents, Carl D Raper and Ruth Addison Raper, of Hazen; his sister, Von Nelson of Moro; his Nephew, Mark Vaughn of Dallas, TX; and a great Grandson Sawyer Bisswanger of Stuttgart. Dewey is survived by his wife, Cathy Raper of Almyra; two sons, Kevin Raper (Heather) of Hot Springs, and Shannon Raper of Hazen; Two brothers, Russell Raper (Darlene) of Hazen, Tim Raper (Lisa) of Stuttgart, and a sister, Charlene Boddie (Earl) of Dallas, TX; step daughter, Crissy Buffkin (Glenn), and step son Cody Vickers (Amanda); also a special friend for many years, Shelly Parson. Dewey was blessed with, 11 Grandchildren, Mark, Krista, Hunter, Matt, Emma, Abby, Peyton, Savannah, Jax, Gunner
If you needed to know the directions anywhere, Dewey could tell you how to get there, be ready though, because your ears would be ringing before he got through talking all about every truck he had ever driven. His favorite saying was, “I am a man of few words.”
Now he is hauling those loads in Heaven along those Golden Highways! Service arrangements for Dewey will be Saturday, May 24, 2025 at the First Assembly of God Church in DeWitt, Arkansas with a visitation beginning at 1:00PM until 2:00PM, followed be a funeral service beginning at 2:00PM. A graveside service will immediately follow the funeral service at the Center Point Cemetery in Hazen, Arkansas at 4:00PM.
Roy Lee Rose
Roy Lee Rose, of Hazen, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, at the age of 83, with his family by his side.
Member 2025
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 Arkansas Press Association
Roy was born in Brummett, Arkansas on February 11, 1942 to the late Gene and Stella Rose. He had several hobbies in his lifetime including showing horses, fishing, and tinkering with anything that had an engine. The highlight of his life for several years was building race cars and watching his son Jamie run laps on dirt tracks. Most of Roy’s career was spent behind the wheel of an 18 wheeler, doing what he loved.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents Gene and Stella Rose; brothers Tommy, Marshall (Hoppy), and Glen; and his sister, Ruby King. Roy is survived by his wife of 50 years, Frances Rose; his 5 sons, Jeff, David, Danny, Donny and Jamie; stepchildren, Teddy Weems, Heath Simmons and Dana Simmons; 17 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild.
A celebration of Roy’s life was held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel in Hazen with a visitation beginning at 2:00PM until 3:00PM with the funeral service following at 3:00PM. Interment was at Peppers Lake Cemetery in DeValls Bluff, Arkansas.
Henry Charles Strohl
also farmed with his dad for a couple of years until his Dad’s retirement. Henry and Gloria farmed together for 45 years. At his retirement, he turned the farming over to his son and daughter-in-law, David and Cindy Strohl. Grandkids became Henry’s greatest passion. Dana brought him Amanda and Samantha; David and Cindy brought Taylor and Whitney, who have always claimed PawPaw as their best friend. He felt the same way about them. His smile always grew bigger when one of them entered the room. Henry looked like he was a tuffy, but when Taylor (Taylo as he called her) left for college, he cried more than any of us! Then came the great grandkids: Ross, Bryan and Jaylee. Henry loved them all, too! And now we have Colsen! Henry got to be with him a little bit, but we will keep Henry’s memory alive by telling Colsen stories about his great grandpa! Henry’s passion was flying. He loved to fly his SuperCub low and slow. His favorite passenger was Vickie Holmes. She took pictures while Henry flew. Henry and Gloria had a great time traveling after retirement. We told Henry he might be part gypsy! He liked to go over the next hill and around the next curve. Our traveling group was Sara and Dale Perry, Kenneth and JoAnn Hall, Richie and Stephanie Prine, Woody and Cindy Hill and Beverly and Ray Woods. We did road trips, train rides and cruises and had so much fun and made great memories! Another group of friends he held dear are the women sitting behind us at Calvary every Sunday: Cindy, Wanda, Bunni, Pat and Connie and the piano player: Donna Watson!
Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mary Strohl; his Sister, Margaret McVey; his brother Howard Strohl; and granddaughter, Amanda Ingle.
Henry is survived by his wife, Gloria; his children Dana (Mike) Prince of Biscoe, David (Cindy) Strohl of DeValls Bluff; grandchildren: Sam Harrison (Jessie) of DeValls Bluff, Taylor (Clark) Ferguson of Benton and Whitney (Luke) Skipper of Hazen; and great grandchildren; Ross, Bryan, Jaylee, Payten and Colsen; sister-in-law, Donna Hall; brothers-in-law, Paul Hall and Charles McVey; and many nieces and nephews.
Carlisle School Board makes changes in personnel
By Debbye Harrison
Personnel changes dominated the May 13, 2025, Carlisle School Board meeting. Three longtime employees were recognized for their years of service including Patsy Calvert, 33 ½; Judy Scroggins 41 with 27 in district and Dona Tanksley, 13. The resignation of Coach Jason Golden who will also be retiring to spend time with his family was accepted. Other resignations accepted included Taylor Prislovsky, Brook Bray, who has been hired by Des Arc, Alexis Skillern, and Coach Gage Cawthorn, who will coach in Pea Ridge, his high school alma mater.
come. Sunny Evans will be moved from the Elementary Office to a position of paraprofessional in the elementary school.
The Financial Report showed the Child Nutrition balance in the black at a plus $6,000. However, this could change when salaries are deducted. Total expenditures are down $77,000 over last year.
Overall the District expenditures are down $861,000 from last year. However, it will be necessary to cash in one of the three remaining CDs.
The Board approved.
Roxanne Bradow
Circulation/Accounts
Trudy
Debbye Harrison Photographer Ruth Corley
Henry Charles Strohl was born at Baptist Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas on December 29, 1944. His parents, Mary and Carl Strohl brought him home to Tollville, and Henry lived his entire life on the property his grandfather, Charlie Strohl, purchased when he moved here from Champaign, Illinois.
Henry married Gloria Hall Strohl on June 14, 1963; they were totally devoted to each other. They were blessed with two amazing children: Dana Carol, who became a Registered Nurse, and David Charles who followed in his Dad’s footsteps with both flying and farming.
Henry was a crop duster in the 1960’s for Farmer’s Aerial Seeders at Stuttgart Airport. He
Henry will be remembered for his spontaneous smile and his hugs! He has left an unfillable hole in our hearts that will never be filled, but we find comfort knowing that he is completely healthy and in the arms of Jesus. His quick wit, smile and laughter will always be treasured in our hearts. We would like to thank all of the medical staff and doctors at St. Vincent Hospital for taking such good care of our Henry. So many people went above and beyond caring for him.
Services for Henry will be Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen, Arkansas with visitation beginning at 1:00PM until 2:00PM and funeral services beginning at 2:00PM. Interment to follow in the Hazen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to St. Judes Children’s Hospital or Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Henry’s memory.
B. J. Harrison was hired to be Offensive Coordinator. He formerly coached at Sylvan Hills, Maumelle and Hazen. He is a resident of Carlisle and Superintendent Greene gave him a warm wel-
The major expense for the summer will be air conditioning. Some of the units in the gym are beyond repair and will have to be replaced. Those are being evaluated now.
The gym parking lot will be re-painted this summer so that traffic will flow smoothly past
the tennis court. The new tennis court will be built east ofthe existing one and will not interfere with the parking lot. A donation has been made to build the new court. Tuition rate for Pre-K was voted to be raised from $250 to $350 per month. This amount has not changed since the program began. Four school choice students will be coming to the Carlisle Pre-K. The program has seen much success and has helped to grow the student population. The Board voted to change the terms for School Board members to six years. A new state law has given Boards the option of going to either a four year or six year term and to be voted on even years. The Board will draw to see how their terms will be staggered. Brandon Parker was absent.
State Quiz Bowl Champs...
The Hazen High School Quiz Bowl team finished at the top of the state
2AA pack in the finals held recently. The team members are Bella Roberts, Kadence Fegley, Xachary George, Michael Bowman, and Alyssa Tiner. The team sponsors are Stacey Bowman and Susan Booth.
Local students nominated to attend Arkansas Boys State
More than 610 of the state's brightest young men, representing 207 high schools throughout the state, will attend Arkansas Boys State, an immersive leadership and civic engagement experience sponsored by the American Legion. This summer's 84th annual session runs May 25 through May 30 at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
The program's 2025 enrollment marks its largest class of young men in 10 years.
Local students attending Arkansas Boys State 2025 include: Cane Childers of Des Arc, Bryson Duerson of Des Arc, Braeden English of Des Arc, Cole Hunt of Des Arc, Dylan Skarda of Hazen, Will Spratt of Biscoe, Maddox Ward of Des Arc, Alex Sims of Des Arc, Lane Saul of DeValls Bluff, Peyton Kocourek of Hazen, and Remington Fegley of Hazen.
"This year's remarkable growth speaks to how
this program is playing a life-changing role in the lives of the young men who join us year after year," said Jackson. "We're thrilled that these local students are joining us and will experience this once-ina-lifetime leadership opportunity in just a few weeks."
While at Arkansas Boys State, these students will be guided through their experience by more than 75 volunteers who serve the program. The staff of volunteers includes college students and career professionals with interests and expertise in education, finance, industry, politics and government, journalism, and more. Arkansas Boys State is an immersive program in civics education designed for high school juniors. Since 1940, the week-long summer program has transformed the next generation of leaders throughout the state and beyond. These men have become state, national, and interna-
tional leaders, including Pres. Bill Clinton, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former White House Chiefs of Staff Mack McLarty and Jack Watson Jr., Sen. Tom Cotton, Sen. John Boozman and former Arkansas Chief Justice John Dan Kemp. Learn more at arboysstate.org. During their week at Arkansas Boys State, delegates are assigned a political party, city, and county. Throughout the week, delegates, from the ground up, administer this mock government as if it were real: they run for office, draft and pass legislation, solve municipal challenges, and engage constituents. By the week's end, the delegates have experienced civic responsibility and engagement firsthand while making life-long memories and friendsall with our guiding principle that "Democracy Depends on Me."
Eagles run away with 2A-6 district track title
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Des Arc Eagles track team scored 194.5 points to win the 2A-6 district meet last month at England High School’s Gaylon Gibbs Field.
Carlisle was the runner-up with 170.5 points. Hazen was seventh with 27 points. High jump: Isaiah Powell, Carlisle, 5-10; 7. Tylenn Miller, Des Arc, 5-6. Long jump: 3. Gavin Davis, Carlisle, 20-6; 4. Cade Davis, Carlisle, 1910; 7. Jamie Collins, Des Arc, 19-1; 8. Coryor Beasley, Des Arc, 19-0. Triple jump: 3. Ty Tanksley, Carlisle, 40-3; 6. Collins, Des Arc, 398; 8. Ty Tallent, Des Arc, 36-8.
800 relay: 1. Carlisle (Kaiden Clingmon, Pernell, Cade David, Gavin Davis), 1:35.99; 4. Des Arc (Brady Cain, Colins, Beasley, Knupp), 1:40.35. 1600: Braeden English, Des Arc, 5:23.08; 2. Owen Minnie, Carlisle, 5:25.51; 3. Josiah Skarda, Des Arc, 5:29.81; 4. Santiago Rodriguez, Hazen, 5:39.51; 5. Camp Skarda, Des Arc, 5:59.62; 7. Cam Cress, Carlisle, 6:12.44; 8. Riley Singleton, Des Arc, 6:15.10.
400 relay: 1. Carlisle (Clingmon, Powell, Cade Davis, Gavin Davis) 44.83; 5. Des Arc, (Chris Whiteside, Cain, Camp Skarda, Knupp), 51.09. 400: 1. Cane Childers, Des Arc, 54.21; 2. English, Des Arc, 55.64; 3. Tanksley, Carlisle, 55.88; 4. Tallent, Des Arc, 56.25; 5. Michael Spingola, Carlisle, 56.73; 6. Collins, Des
Hazen’s Melody Schlenker wins state long jump title
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
Hazen High School has a state champion this school year. Hazen sophomore Melody Schlenker won the long jump at the Class 2A state track meet, held at Gurdon High School. The meet was eventually finished at Quitman High School because of rainy weather.
800: Tallent, Des Arc, 2:24.90; 2. Josiah Skarda, Des Arc, 2:25.80; 4. Rodriguez, Hazen, 2:28.53; 5. English, Des Arc, 2:31.21; 7. Armando Reyes, Carlisle, 2:37.60; 8. Minnie, Carlisle, 2:41.75.
200: 1. Gavin Davis, Carlisle, 22.87; 3. Beasley, Des Arc, 23.69; 4. Knupp, Des Arc, 23.73; 5. Elliott, Carlisle, 23.75; 6. Cade Davis, Carlisle, 24.45; 7. Pernell, Carlisle, 24.51. 3200: 1. Elijah Cleary, Des Arc, 14:36.52; 2. Brayden Baxter, Des Arc, 15:05.01; 3. Jacob Rogers, Des ARc, 15:12.38; 4. Singleton, Des Arc, 16:33.68. 1600 relay: 1. Des Arc (Childers, Tallent, Collins, English), 3:47.42; 3. Carlisle (Boyle, Singola, Tanksley, Powell), 3:51.55.
Des Arc City Council__________
(Continued from p. 1.)
Virgil Moore asked Sanders, “Am I hearing you say that you feel like you were targeted?” Sanders said that her sister, Dixie Lauderdale, felt like she was. Lauderdale said the properties in her name. Moore asked her why she felt like she was targeted. She said that she feels like her family is being targeted by the city because she is against the Riverfront project and some other issues between her family and people on the council, and people working on the Riverfront project. She said that this property has never been sprayed before, accidentally or intentionally. Knupp asked them what they wanted the city to do. Sanders said, “for one, I want a public apology, and I want Roger to stop telling people to spray property that does-
n’t belong to the city and whatever you can do about the dead vines.” Scott told them to send a letter to the city attorney stating the complaint and request and he would let them know what the city could do. Citizen Ellie Vincent told the council that she wanted it to be known that her father’s houses and property are for sale. She said that the city had mowed it and she didn’t want to be billed for it. She said that she had received a letter that the non working vehicles had to be removed or she would be billed for removing them. She said that they have been removed. Scott told her that he had Robert Abney look up the owners of the property so a clean up letter could be sent but he found that the records show the owner is deceased and
the courthouse records do not show a current owner. Vincent said that she is doing her best but that her husband has had a stroke so she is caring for him and dealing with her own health issues and just can’t keep up with it, so she is going to sell it. Knupp told Vincent that if she would have called the city and explained the situation, they would have found people to help her out. Scott told Vincent to leave her information and the city might consider buying it and if not would try to help her sale it because people are always checking with City Hall looking for property to buy.
Mayor Scott ended the meeting by telling everyone that the city will continue to send “clean up” letters to property owners and the ordinance will be enforced!
Schlenker won the event with a leap of 16 feet, 11 inches, which came on her fifth and final attempt. She passed on her sixth attempt.
Murfreesboro freshman Ma’Shaylia Morris was second with a distance
of 15 feet, 9 inches, which was 1 feet, 2 inches shorter than Schlenker’s winning
mark. Three of Schlenker’s attempts were longer than Morris’ best jump. Schlenker had jumps of 15 feet, 2.5 inches; 16 feet, 3.5 inches (twice),
Carlisle’s
Schlenker
Bentonville’s Morgan Langley won the Meet of Champs with a leap of 18 feet, 2 inches.
Des Arc OC promoted to head football coach
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Des Arc Eagles have a new football coach.
Nick Smith, the offensive coordinator for the Eagles the previous five seasons, was promoted to replace Brandon Barbaree, who is getting out of coaching. Smith was hired as an assistant by BJ Paschal, who served as football coach for three years before Barbaree was hired.
“It’s definitely a blessing,” Smith said. “Coming to Des Arc five years ago, I knew it was an extremely special place — the people, the community, the atmosphere on Friday nights.
I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of in a head coaching role. I was just waiting for the right opportunity and for the right time for that to open.
“It coming open and going through the process with the school board and Dr. Sherrell and them making the decision to go with me, it was a blessing, and I’m extremely humbled to be in this position.”
During Smith’s tenure at Des Arc, the Eagles have gone 47-15, making the playoffs every season and finishing as state runners-up in 2020.
Smith, 33, a graduate of Prescott High School, previously coached at Lonoke for four years and one year at Spring Hill, working with his father Greg, who is the head coach at Spring Hill.
“I knew from an extremely early age that I wanted to be a coach and a teacher,” Nick Smith said. “My mom has been a teacher for 27 years. It’s something I knew I wanted to do and be a part of. Seeing my dad do it for a long time and at a high level at a couple of stops, it gives me a lot of confidence. I’ve seen him go
through many situations to know that there’s not much out there that I haven’t seen, or talked to him and have him tell me, but It’s very honoring to be able to do this.
“He is my hero. To be able to almost walk the same footsteps as him, it’s very humbling. I almost wake up sometimes and think it’s not real, but it’s awesome to be able to do this for a living.”
The Des Arc teams have been run heavy on offense the last five years with Smith as offensive coordinator. He said that won’t change much this coming season with him as head coach.
“Offensively, we’ll be the same,” Smith said.
“For the most part, I’d say that 95 percent of the play calls were my decision. Coach Paschal and Coach Barbaree would chime in every once in a while. You may see the ball in the air a tad more.
“We’ve been so good at running the ball the past five years. There
would be times that I would suggest that we take a shot. Both BJ and Brandon would say we’re running the ball at such a great clip, let’s just keep this thing rolling. They had a really conservative mindset. I may look to take a more shots this year and in the future.”
Des Arc superintendent Marc Sherrell said he’s known Smith for a long time.
“I hired Nick for his first teaching/coaching job at Lonoke,” said Sherrell, who was Lonoke High School principal. “Now, 10 years later, it’s a pleasure to hire him for his first football head coaching position. He has worked hard and paid his dues. It’s his time to shine.” Smith and his wife Trisha, a pharmacist and co-owner of Lyons Drug in Lonoke, have two daughters — Sutton Grace, 6, and Olivia Blake,3.
Des Arc opens the 2025 season Sept. 5 against the Hazen Hornets at home.
Des Arc Schools retirees...
Congratulations to Jaime Eans, Cindy Stallings, and Cheryl Holland as they retire from the world of education.
15 feet, 5 inches and the winning leap of 16 feet, 11 inches.
Kiersten Taylor was sixth with a leap of 15 feet, 3.5 inches.
competed in the Meet of Champs at Harding University. She finished seventh with a distance of 16 feet, 6 inches.
It’s HIPPY enrollment time...
These lovely ladies were registering students for the HIPPY program. The program is open to children ages 2-5, and it includes free children’s books and supplies and free weekly lessons for 30 weeks to help parents guide their child’s learning. You can also register on the HazenHIPPY Facebook page.
Britt Stallings
Dawanna Keys
Charles Schwede Gary King
April Blood Donors
Mike Moody Seth Walton Dan Walton
Roxanne Bradow
Mary Van Houten
Charles Gibbs
Christa Tiner
Julius Blalack
Des Arc School Board May meeting
By Lisa Mills
The Des Arc School board held their May meeting on May 19th. Superintendent Marc Sherrell, High School Principal B.J. Paschal, Elementary Principal Cheryl Holland, and board members TJ English, Brent Calhoun, Jordan Smith, Drew
Widener, Billy Hinson, and Johnny Reidhar were present. Charlie Brown joined by phone. The board approved hiring Brooke Prislovsky as a first grade teacher. Superintendent Sherrell reported current enrollment for Pre-K - 12th grade is 670.
A motion was approved to purchase the IXL Learning system for the 2025-2026 school year. This is a yearly purchase for student use. A motion was approved to continue use of the AR app for 20252026. The 2025-2026 Parental Engagement Plan was approved.
Busy H ands EH C meets
The Busy Hands Extension Homemakers Club meets the first Thursday of each month at the Hickory Plains Community Church starting at 12:30
pm. Our community service project this year has been providing children friendly snacks to the Des Arc Library. The library then distributes the snacks to the chil-
dren who attend reading time at the library. All Prairie County libraries are included in this venture and we’re happy to help in this worthwhile activity.
Prairie County Budget Committee hears county office reports
The Prairie County Budget Committee met on May 15, 2025, at 2:00pm in the Prairie County Annex. Present for the meeting were: Justice Rick Stallings, Justice Paul Hooks, Justice Bill Calhoun, Clerk Gaylon Hale, Treasurer Tabitha Gates, Deputy Treasurer Brittany Kocourek, Sheriff Rick Parson, Judge Lawrence Holloway, and Deputy Assessor Joni Gates.
The first item review was the county revenue. The committee received several reports from the treasurer's office.
Mrs. Kocourek started by going over a report that looked similar to the county sales tax report the justices received monthly. She prepared a comparison of 2024 and 2025. She did this for both County General and County Road. She mentioned there is a substantial difference in County General between the two years. One item shown was the Current Tax can be requested early. In 2024, the Treasurer requested the funds from the Tax Collector early in March but normally the Treasurer's office should receive it in April. The report is currently to the end of March 2025 and they are waiting until the correct time to request the funds.
Also, Local Sales Tax shows a difference. In 2024, County General received sales tax that was supposed to go to County Road. They could not provide the funds for a full year but the months provided are reflected in this report.
The Miscellaneous line item was due to the flood in the clerk's office. That shows the reimbursement.
The County Road report, Local Sales tax was given to the County General in 2024 which will show zero. Four Road is a temporary collection, the state quit providing as much and we will not receive that much this year into that fund. Also, the budget is prepared for that loss. The other reports are for year to date for County General 1000, County Road 2000, and Jail Operations and Maintenance 3017. This will provide an up to date balance. Mrs. Kocourek advised that there is nothing that stands out. County General is in the negative by $122,971.41 but we get our major collections in October. She advised the Sheriff will have a good report on the Jail Operations and
Maintenance 3017 which directly affects County General. She advised that she is seeing an increase in the collection of revenues as opposed to previous years, although it is hard to see on the reports. It will take time to get in a place where the county has a positive balance at the end of the month but it will not be this year. She commended Sheriff Parson on his efforts with the jail. His actions and changes have helped tremendously with strain on County General.
Clerk Hale mentioned that the server for her office and the Treasurer's office is on its last leg. She has not signed a contract with Apprentice for the replacement but will soon. Mrs. Kocourek advised Mrs. Gates has signed their contract for the replacement. The replacement for both offices will be cloud based. Mrs. Kocourek advised this was in the budget for the upgrade.
Clerk Hale advised she has to replace two computers. She has applied for a grant which is up to $40,000. She is going to wait to see if her office receives the grant before replacing them. The committee member did not have questions on the County General or County Road budget reports. The committee moved to the report on Jail Operations and Maintenance fund 3017.
Sheriff Parson reported the fund has a $72,381.81 balance and will end May in the positive. They are also waiting on about $12,000 in sales tax to arrive for the month. Mrs. Kocourek advised the fund ended in the positive last month. She reported this is a very big deal due to the fact the more money this fund, the less County General has to provide them for expenses.
Last year, County General had to give 3017, $182,000. Sheriff Parson reported $200,000 was budgeted from County General for Jail Operations and Maintenance for 2025, if the fund ends the year in the black County General will be able to keep the $200,000.
Mrs. Kocourek advised the Assessor Fund and the Collectors Fund also show a zero balance for 2025. They are going to request the funds from the collector during the appropriate time frame.
Sheriff Parson advised his team had to go back and invoice the state for prisoners. They received
over $30,000 from the state. Both Kocourek and Parson were extremely pleased with the direction the fund was heading. Justice Stallings commented that the report showed the county had received over $290,000 for holding federal inmates. They advised that was correct and the report just goes to March 31, 2025.
The Justices did not have questions on the report.
The committee moved to review items proved by Mrs. Hale. The first item the committee looked at was the invoice from Risk Management Services. Justice Stallings informed the committee the bill was for $108,283.89 which will need to be paid by September 2025. The amount budgeted for 2025 was $99,600 across the different departments. The county will have to make up $9,283.00.
Mrs. Hale provided another handout that provided more information on the use and need for the Risk Management. This is General Liability, Election Commission, Auto Protection, and Property Premium. Justice Stallings advised this will assist with figure for planning 2026 budget. In the review of the documents for Risk Management, there was a question on the insurance coverage for 3 vehicles for Center Point VFD, 2 vehicles for Oak Prairie VFD, and 1 vehicle from Tollville. Justice Hooks advised that Oak Prairie VFD and Tollville VFD have a tanker truck belonging to the county and should be covered. Justice Stallings questioned why these VFD are covered and not the other VFD. Justice Calhoun advised Northside covers insurance for their trucks and other department do as well. The committee asked if Center Point VFD, Oak Prairie VFD, and Tollville VFD are carrying their own insurance. We don’t need to double pay with tax payer funds. Mrs. Hale asked if she needs to call and ask if the VFD are carrying insurance on the vehicles covered by the county. Justice Calhoun advised that is worth a call and a chance to save the county money. The committee agreed the county will not drop coverage if the VFD is not paying for insurance. The county should
definitely be paying for the county owned truck. Justice Stallings moved to the Worker Compensation report provided by Mrs. Hale. The invoice and report shows that we over budgeted in this category by $42,540.96. The bill is $23,504. These numbers will assist with future budgeting.
In review of the Sheriff’s Department, Justice Stallings asked about the Farmer’s & Merchants list of vehicles. Sheriff Parson reviewed the listing and found a vehicle he did not have any longer. He will review the list. Justice Stallings advised if the county does not have it, we don't need to be paying for insurance on it. Sheriff Parson advised he would review the list and get the changes to Mrs. Hale. There were questions about the old SWAT trailer/vehicle.
Judge Holloway advised it is used for storage. If it is not needed, it needs to be sold and removed from insurance. Justice Hooks asked if there were any vehicles on the county road list that needed to be removed. Morgan advised she reviews that list and removes as needed. Her list is up to date.
The next report provided by Mrs. Hale was the Health Insurance. In the review of the report and invoice, the committee under budgeted by $75,194.28. The bill total is $501,520.28 with the budgeted amount of $426,326.00. Justice Hooks advised this would have been good to know when we were doing the budget. Mrs. Kocourek advised the LATC funds are available if needed. Also, we have $13,000 remaining in ARP funds that could be used.
Justice Stallings advised that we need to reappropriate the funds not used for Workers Compensation to support the Health Insurance shortage. Mrs. Hale advised she would work on splitting out the amounts as needed for an ordinance and supply it for review. Justice Stallings advised the county will still find need $41,936.32 for the remaining Health Insurance and Risk Management Shortage. Justice Stallings moved to the department reports provided by Mrs. Hale. He commented that it doesn’t appear like there is overspending. Justice Hooks agreed. Justice Calhoun asked about the FEMA
funds. Aaron Booth joined the meeting and advised FEMA and State did their assessments 2 weeks ago to do their assessments. Each site has to meet their own threshold.
Prairie County’s threshold is $39,000. They reviewed the sites in the county and each site has to meet at least a $4,000 total. They took them to 7 roads and only 3 roads met the $4,000 dollar minimum. Currently, the county is guaranteed 39% reimbursement from the state. If it does go federal, we will get 75%. We may know if the federal government approves possibly next month. They get to turn in labor, equipment rates, etc. if they meet the threshold. Judge Holloway advised the two remaining wooden bridges have been repaired and were inspected today. They passed inspection and are open to the public.
Justice Stallings went back to the reports and had a question on the overtime in the Sheriff’s Department. He said the report showed 21% remaining in the budgeted amount for overtime and if the STEP grant is covering that for reimbursement.
Sheriff Parson advised that almost all that overtime is reimbursed. For the funds to reflect on the report, the funds would have to be reappropriated to continue to use those funds advised Justice Stallings. Mrs. Hale advised she would do an ordinance to reappropriate the funds.
Justice Stallings asked about the fuel for the vehicles and how the departments keep up with the fuel used.
Sheriff Parson advised the Sheriff's office to keep a fuel log. They record the gas and mileage at the time of refueling. Judge Holloway advised the County Road Department does not keep up with the mileage and fuel usage.
Justice Stallings advised the County Judge the department needs to keep a log track of the fuel usage by vehicle, who is getting fuel and the mileage to account for the use of county funds.
Justice Hooks advised the Judge is low on his overtime. Judge Holloway advised that it was due to the storms and flooding. Some of that money will be reimbursed from the state and possibly FEMA.
Justice Hooks asked if
Mrs. Hale had found a cheaper trash company to save taxpayer funds. Mrs. Hale advised she is still researching possible vendors.
Justice Stallings asked the Sheriff about the leased items in the 911 budget. Sheriff Parson advised that is for the color copier and items they have to print out in color. He could technically move that to the jail in the future.
Justice Stallings asked about the service contracts. Sheriff Parson advised he just paid for a service contract on the recording system and nothing else should come out of that line item.
Sheriff Parson advised the line item on telephone and fax may need to be adjusted by the end of the year. It could be really close on that line item but it may go over. There should be a reimbursement that will help that line item.
Justice Stallings asked each office if they had anything to report or how things were going in their offices. Mrs. Kocourek advised that she is comfortable with the Treasurers office. She is not seeing anything that is raising any red flags. Assessor's office was good. Judge Holloway said he was surprised the county is doing as well as it is. Justice Calhoun and Hooks commented that we still have to watch spending and not let our guard down.
Justice Stallings asked Judge Holloway how the gravel situation was looking compared to last year. In review of the report there is still 70% of that line item remaining. Mrs. Kocourek advised the collections are up on the sale of gravel.
Justice Hooks asked about the CDL drivers for the Road Department needs. Judge Holloway advised they have some that are interested in taking the course for certification. Justice Hooks advised the county needs the person to sign a contract to stay until the county is reimbursed but if the person leave they will need to reimburse the county for the class. Mrs. Hale advised her office is good. Just waiting to hear about the grant. Morgan Mason, Judge Holloway’s secretary, advised that all invoices for gravel and culverts are paid. There are no unpaid invoices that are outstanding. With no other business to cover the meeting was adjourned.
To Whom It May Concern: A 2006 Chevy Malibu,VIN#1G1ZT5 1886F190273 was picked up at the request of Arkansas State Police. This vehicle is in the possession of Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service 1111 Hwy 70 W, Hazen Ar. 72064, (870)255-3305. Towing, storage, & administrative costs are accruing as legal liability of the owner. Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first priority possessory lien on
the said vehicle and its content for all such charges. The vehicle and its contents will be dismantled, destroyed, or sold at public sale to the highest bidder if not claimed within 45 days and constitutes a waiver by the owner and lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, Mon-Fri, 8am5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.
