Methodist Church 3:00 p.m. Tuesday December 2 Hazen Master Gardeners Meeting Monday December 8 Christmas in the Park Downtown Hazen 5:00 p.m.
Carlisle School Board Meeting
Tuesday December 9
The honoring of Shelby Hawkins, an Advanced EMT with Southern Paramedic Service, was the highlight of the Hazen City Council meeting that was held on Thursday, November 20. Hawkins was presented the City of Hazen Star of Life by Mayor David Hardke at the beginning of the meeting. Hardke also went on to thank all of the EMS professionals for their tireless service and "unwavering commitment to our community.” The city council also thanked the EMS workers for their tireless work in Hazen.
In old business, the council passed Resolution Number 605A which approves a contract for the painting of murals on structures in the city. The city is partnering with the Hazen Chamber of Commerce to beautify the town.
In new business, the council reviewed the completed drinking water and wastewater rate study. The study was done to comply with Act 605 of 2021. The rate study showed that the City of Hazen was in a deficit with its current water rates. The findings recommended
that water rates be adjusted for all customers to a minimum of $15.35 with 1,000 gallons and $9.85 per thousand gallons for all remaining usage. The minimum rate for sewer could remain at $13.50 and the per thousand rate could remain at $5.10 per household. The report also recommended that the city should raise water and sewer charges 3% each year to cover the cost of services. The council tabled the resolution until the December meeting.
The council will also vote on the proposed personnel policy in December. Hardke told the members that some of the language in the document had been “cleaned up” concerning vacation and sick leave as well as other things.
The Arkansas Legislative Audit of Financial and Compliance was presented by Hardke with evaluated the city’s compliance with certain state laws concerning general and district court accounting, budgeting, purchasing, and investing and depositing of public funds. The report stated that “nothing came to our atten-
DA Sch oo l s to pro v ide free student l un ch es
By Lisa Mills Correspondent
At the Des Arc School Board meeting on November 17th, the board approved a motion to offer free lunches to all students beginning January 6, 2026. A la carte items and extra lunches will not be included in the free lunches. The estimated annual cost of $25,000 will be funded entirely by the school district, with no reimbursement from the state. Because of the financial responsibility, the program will be evaluated on a year-ro year basis. One issue that will help the program continue is having all parents fill out the free/reduced lunch application at the beginning of each year, even if they don’t qualify. Even though no state funds will be used to provide the free lunches, the applications will be important to
help the district retain its 70% rating which determines state money received per student.
Superintendent Sherrell said, “this initiative reflects the district’s continued commitment to supporting families and ensuring that every child has access to nutritious meals during the school day.”
The board approved a motion to hire Jimmy White as High School custodian, He has been a sub custodian for a month.
March 3, 2026 was set as the date for the 2026 school board election. Johnny Reidhar was appointed as the voting delegate for the ASBA conference in December.
Superintendent Sherrell reported the current enrollment for Pre-K-12th grade is 665. There will not be a board meeting in December unless an issue arises that needs board approval.
tion that would warrant disclosure” in the report.
Fire Chief Seth Skarda reported that his department had one first responder run, one grass fire at I-40, and one 18wheeler wreck. There was also an arson fire damaging two trailers at Rick’s Automotive. The firemen have also burned down four buildings, three on Crowley street and one on East Madison.
Police Chief Bradley Taylor told the council that Colton Felts and police dog Boscoe had completed their K9 training, and the pair had helped to find and confiscate 249 pounds of drugs in Lonoke. Taylor said that he was looking into installing license plate cameras in town and on I-40. The cameras can be set up to operate for up to 24 hours, and the cameras would connect to 122,000 other camera systems across the country. Some possible cam-
era placements would be the Love’s station, the Highway 63/70 interchange, and at Rick’s Automotive and Billy’s Wrecker Service. The cameras would give a live view and would be able to read license plates and have facial recognition.
Utilities Manager Chad Swaim said that his department had been busy with repairing gas and water leaks and killing fire ants. He also said that a new pipe had been installed on Whiskey Lane. The department also will be cleaning up and replacing street signs within the city.
Mayor Hardke reported that the preliminary city budget will be very similar to the 2025 budget. The budget will be approved at the December meeting. He presented a recommendation for a $1000 employee bonus for city employees, which will cost the city approxi-
mately $33,092, and the council agreed. He also said that the city had gotten no response to the condemnation letter for the washateria building. He also praised Rusty Rogers for the cleanup around the old jail building. He said that a house in the Grady Addition may have to be condemned at the January meeting. He also reported that the big sewage pond needs to be drained and cleaned out. He said that the city might be able to get a grant to cover the $1 million cost. A new clarifier will cost the city $2 million. Councilmember Tim Juola told the mayor that a culvert on the south side of town along Chester St. is a drainage problem. He was told that Swaim will look into it. The next meeting of the city council will be held on Thursday, December 18th.
Prairie County Quorum Court notified of road repair grants
The Prairie County Quorum Court met on Tuesday, November 18, with Justices Williford, Stallings, King, Payne, and Calhoun present and Justice Hooks on the phone. Also attending were County Clerk Gaylon Hale, Attorney Abram Skarda, and Judge Lawrence Holloway.
Arin Boothe from the Office of Emergency Management told the court that two grants had been received by
the county. One grant for $58,000 will go toward repairing Robinhood Road, and a $67,000 grant will go toward the Brown Acre road repairs. These grants are from federal disaster aid. The funds can only be used for county roads.
In old business, Hale said that county departments are finalizing their budgets for 2026, and a special budget committee meeting will be held soon. Holloway
said that the county is still looking for a solution to the dust problem on the road to the landfill. The water truck is still broken down. It has been suggested that the speed limit on the road should be set at 20 mph, with speed limit signs put up.
Tax collection during the month of October was $3.7 million which is very good. With no other business, the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
picture
City of H
William Daniel Joseph Parker
William Daniel Joseph Parker, a loving son, brother and grandson sadly passed away at the age of 41. William was born on September 24, 1984 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Donna and Mike Parker.
He is survived by his mother; his brothers, John and Michael Parker; one niece Jillian Parker; one nephew, Gavin Parker; and Grandmother Frances Henry. William was preceded in death by his father, Mike Parker; his grandparents, Marilyn and Bernie Parker Sr.; and William Dunlap.
William loved music and gardening and his dog, Daniel. He loved sharing his faith in God with others. In the final days of his life, he cherished writing, composing music, and enjoying precious moments with his family. Funeral Services for William will be announced shortly.
City of Des Arc to increase funding for 911 dispatch service
By Lisa Mills Correspondent
Prairie County Sheriff
Rick Parson addressed the City Council on November 18th requesting additional funding for the 911 Dispatch service. He said that each city in the county is being asked for additional funding. Council member Keith Knupp asked Parson why the additional funds are needed, Parson replied that there is currently a $310,000 deficit in the 911 fund. He said that the county can no longer afford to pay what they were paying, so it falls to the cities. “All the expenses to run the system have increased, while state funding has decreased, and we had a required $70,000 update.”, Parson said. Des Arc and Hazen currently pay $2,600 per month, and needs to be increased to $3,932.22 which is the entry level pay and benefits for a dispatcher. Knupp asked if the dispatchers are properly trained, since there seems to be issues. Parso replied, “The issue is not the dispatchers, but firemen not properly using the radios’ correct channel and too many talking at one time. I have met with Fire Chief Don Harvey and we are setting up a training session with the OEM Director. I am also suggesting to the OEM that we have updated radios because the actual system belongs to them, not the county.”
Arkansas Press Association
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
Subscription Rate
$40.00/year
Periodicals Postage paid at Hazen, Arkansas 72064
POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to: Grand Prairie Herald
P.O.Box 370 Hazen, Arkansas 72064
Managing
Editor/Publisher
Roxanne Bradow
Circulation/Accounts
Trudy Johnson
Sports Editor
Mark Buffalo
Correspondent
Lisa Mills
Correspondent
Debbye Harrison
Photographer Ruth Corley
organize and host the “Christmas on the River” event that was held in November. The city will pay $40,000 to fund entertainment and other services for the event.
A resolution was passed to set a public hearing date to consider a petition from Michael Stukey to close part of an alley. The hearing date was set for December 8th, after a notice has been published in the newspaper for two weeks.
Carlisle City Council hears about city’s new website and app
By Debbye Harrison Carlisle Correspondent
The City Council met November 18 with all members present and Mary Eddelman on a conference call. A representative from APPTEGY explained all the features of that company’s website and app design that would enhance the city’s ability to inform the public in all matters. After a lengthy discussion a vote was taken. All ayes and one nay Mary Eddelman. The vote passed to hire them for an initial cost of $19,000 and a yearly fee of $5,900. This will allow the city to post upcoming events, minutes of the meetings, past minutes, ordinances, resolutions and features about the city.
Austin Hayes, the Parks and Rec Director, reported 90 sign-ups for basketball Pre-k-6th grades. One hundred yards of mulch has been spread on the City Park to help ensure insulation for the playground. He thanked all who helped with this huge
job. Work on the concession stands made possible by the grant money has begun. Future plans are to have a movie night in the gym. “Parks aren’t just concerned with balls.” He would also like to have a Town Hall meeting to meet the public and talk about the future of the Park System for the next l, 3, 5 years. His number is 870-552-5290.
The Christmas decorations are already up thanks to the Christmas ladies and generous help from David Walters and crew. A special thank you to Sharon and John Hillman for the Hillman Family Christmas decorations which have been added to the city this year. These are the ones Bob always put up for his family.
The Christmas Parade activities are December 6. They begin with the Children’s Parade at 4 p.m. Chamber of Commerce Chili Supper at 4:30 with Vendors at the Fire Department. The City Parade begins at 6 p.m. Be sure to look
at Medsker’s window and find Santa waving from a two-story store nearby.
Five properties that have been notified to be cleaned up have not been so now they will be put on the condemned list and owners will be given a 30 day notice. The Council approved an amendment to the annual budget of $60,000 to purchase two used police cars.
Resolution #376 A resolution authorizing the allocation of funds from the city’s general fund for contracting with APPTEGY to design a new city website, and for other purposes. The website with serve as the official communication platform for the city for announcements and public notices, meeting agendas and minutes, contact information for city departments and officials, permits, forms and applications, community events and emergency events and updates, ordinances, resolutions and City Council minutes.
World’s championship Duck Contest and Wings Over the Prairie Festival this weekend
Parson also said that with the dispatchers being responsible for the Sheriff’s Department, the Police Departments, Fire Departments, and OEM, it is difficult to hire and train dispatchers due to the below average pay. Council member Doug Estes asked if they are fully staffed, to which Parson replied. “Yes, we have six dispatchers at this time.” A motion was approved to increase the 911 funding to $3,932.22 per month.
A resolution was passed to enter into a contract with the Chamber of Commerce to provide services to
Code Enforcement
Officer Donna McIntosh reported that several properties have been torn down and people cleaning up properties, and calling to ask for help cleaning up by paying the city. The ambulance report showed 40 runs in October. Gail King gave an update on several grants that have been applied for.
Mayor Roger Scott, Recorder/Treasurer
Janice Huffstickler and council members Doug Estes, Keith Knupp, Virgil Moore, Nicole Fisher, Russell Smith, and Joey York were present.
NOTICE
The Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 90 th Annual World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest and Wings Over the Prairie Festival will be held on November 28 th -29 th in Downtown Stuttgart. The event is presented by Mack’s Prairie Wings, Winchester Ammunition, Benelli, Drake Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited, Mossy Oak, Penelopen Bourbon, Sitka, Saracen Casino Resort and Tito’s Vodka. The event kicks off at 10:00 a.m. on November 28 th with the Children’s Duck Calling Classes and the opening of all exhibitor tents, including the Sutherlands Arts and Crafts Tent, Riceland Commercial Exhibits, Walmart Sporting Collectibles Tent and the Outdoor Exhibits.
Beginning at 11:00 a.m. the Intermediate World’s contest will be held. At 12 Noon the Senior World’s Contest will be held, open to contestants over 55. The Novice Regional will be held at 1:00 followed by the Last Chance Regional Contest at 3:00 p.m. The winner of both contests will punch their ticket to the World’s Championship. All calling contests will be held on the Stuttgart Stage. The Beer Garden sponsored by Lost Forty and Ludwig Distributing
Notice is hereby given that a hearing will be held at the special meeting of the Des Arc City Council at the Des Arc City Hall, 107 S 3rd St., Des Arc, Arkansas, on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 5:30 o’clock p.m., on a Petition signed and filed by Aaron Stuckey requesting that the Des Arc City Council abandon and close the following designated portions of alleys in the City of Des Arc, Arkansas:
All of that part of the alley in Block 4 of Watkins Survey in the City of Des Arc, Arkansas, which is abutted on the North side by Lots 5 and 6 of said Block 4 and on the South side by Lots 7 and 8 of said Block 4. All persons are hereby notified that at said meeting the Des Arc City Council will hear and determine whether the above portions of alleys in Des Arc shall be closed and vacated.
This Notice dated the 18th day of November, 2025.
Date of first publication: November 26, 2025
Roger Scott, Mayor Des Arc, Arkansas
Company opens at 11:00 a.m. The Carnival and Midway presented opens at 12 Noon with armbands available from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Party in the Park presented by Express Employment Professionals will be held at 6:00 p.m. in the Rotary Centennial Pocket Park.
Saturday’s activities kick off with the Great Duck Race 10K/5K sponsored by Baptist Health, beginning at 8:00 a.m. The race is open to all ages with awards given in numerous categories.
Finisher medals are also given for the 10k. Registration is now open.All vendor tents open at 9:00 a.m. along with the start of the Butch Richenback Memorial Junior World’s Duck Calling Contest at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Women’s World at 10:30 a.m.
The Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest will begin at 12 Noon. This contest is a scholarship contest open to all students ages 16-20.
The Beer Garden sponsored by Lost Forty Brewing and Ludwig Distributing Company which will be located downtown in the
Pavilion and opens at 10:30 a.m. The 44th Annual World’s Championship Duck Gumbo Cook-off, sponsored by Michelob Ultra and Ludwig Distributing Company kicks off at 11:00 a.m. on the Producers Rice Mill lot. 56 teams will be competing for the title of World Champion! Attendees must be 21 to enter.
The Carnival and Midway opens at 12 Noon with armbands being available from 12 Noon – 4:00 p.m. and 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The 90th Annual World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest begins at 2:00 p.m. with 62 contestants from across the country competing for the title. The 90th Annual World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest and Wings Over the Prairie Festival is also sponsored in part by YETI, Gilliland Jeter Wealth Management, War Eagle Boats, Invenergy, Progressive, Purina Pet Care, Turtlebox, Deadshot Polymers, Wilkerson Jewelers and Stuttgart A& Commission. For more information on the 90th Annual World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest and Wings over the Prairie.
Eagles rout Mineral Springs advance to semifinals
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Des Arc Eagles are one game away from playing for a state championship.
Des Arc beat Mineral Springs 48-18 in the quarterfinal round of the Class 2A state playoffs at Hinson Rollins Field. Des Arc (8-4) will play Cross County in the semifinals Friday night in Cherry Valley. In the win over Mineral Springs, Des Arc jumped out to a 240 lead before the Hornets got on the board. Des Arc led 38-6 at halftime.
Jamie Collins led Des Arc in rushing with 203 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. Cane Childers had 79
yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. Kaibrein Buchanan had 73 yards and a touchdown on six carries. Hudson Goodman also scored two rushing touchdowns.
“The kids were really motivated and really focused this week,” Des Arc coach Nick Smith said. “We’ve been in a win or go home mentality the last couple of weeks since the EPC game. They’ve kept their minds focused. They are focused on one game at a time, one day at a time, one practice at a time. We are really focused on being the most physical team. That’s been our focus the last four weeks.”
Des Arc lost to Cross County 24-14 on Oct.
24. “It’s just about limiting the amount of mistakes that we have,” Smith said. “It’s the semifinals and there four elite teams left in 2A. Once you get into that realm, it’s who can make the least amount of mistakes. Some are the obvious ones of turnovers and penalties. Some of them are execution within our own scheme — missed tackles, making sure that we’re staying gap sound on our defense. It’s the little tings that are the game within the game that we, as coaches, notice what the average fan sees in the stands.
“The most physical team and makes the fewest mistakes will win the game.”
Bison can’t keep up with Lions in 49-21 loss
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Carlisle Bison fell behind early and could never catch up in a 4921 loss to Mount Ida in the quarterfinal round of the Class 2A state playoffs at Mount Ida on Friday night. The Bison end their season at 10-2. Carlisle trailed 21-0 before cutting the deficit to 28-14.
Bison quarterback Baylor Hauk scored two rushing touchdowns.
Cajuan Pernell returned a fumble for another
touchdown. Jimmy Cham kicked three extra points.
“They are a really good football team,” Carlisle coach Gary Wilson said of Mount Ida. “I’ll say this. Our kids fought really hard for four quarters. We were able to get it cut down to 2814 at one point in the third quarter. There were a couple of mistakes from us and not being able to capitalize on some other things … it just got away from us at the end. “I was really proud of
AR W aterfowler
their effort.” Wilson said he wanted the season to end in Little Rock and not before.
“Ten wins and the kids went undefeated at home again and they got a share of the conference championship for the third year in a row,” he said. “There is a lot to be proud of. We had a whole lot of injuries. We had to overcome a lot of adversity. I’m proud of the season that we had and really proud of how our guys played this year, too.”
H all of F ame announces 2 0 2 5 inductees
Stuttgart, Ark. - The Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie hosted a reception on Thursday, November 20th to announce the inductees into this year’s Arkansas Waterfowler Hall of Fame: Brent Birch, The Honorable Dale Bumpers, Frank Lyon, Jr., David Snowden and David Snowden, Jr. An official induction ceremony will honor these individuals on May 21, 2026 at The Country Club of Little Rock.
Event proceeds will benefit the Museum of
the Arkansas Grand Prairie in Stuttgart, which houses the Arkansas Waterfowler Hall of Fame. The event is organized by committee members including Chairman Jim Ronquest, Brent Birch, Greg Churan, Jeff Churan, Anne Marie Doramus, George Dunklin, Lee Ann Blackwell-Hoskyn, Gar Lile, Jenna Ronquest, and Fara Foster.
“The Arkansas Waterfowler Hall of Fame allows us to honor the people whose passion, stewardship, and
P rairie C ount y ’s E x tension Staff b ring 5 2 y ears of 4- H e x perience
The Prairie County Extension Office is proud to highlight the dedicated team leading the county’s 4-H program, combining 52 years of 4-H experience with fresh ideas and strong leadership to help local youth grow, learn, and lead.
Jacob Holloway, Agriculture/4-H Agent and Staff Chair, has been with Extension for a little over two years. In that time, he has worked closely with 4-H members and volunteers, helping to strengthen agricultural education and youth development opportunities across Prairie County.
Josh Hambrick, Agriculture/4-H Agent, has worked with Extension and Prairie County 4-H for a little over a year and has recently been appointed to the lead position for
the county’s 4-H program. His enthusiasm and innovative approach are already making an impact as he helps guide the program into a new era of growth. Emilee Moody, Family and Consumer Science/4-H Agent, has worked for Extension for seven years and was a 4-H member for 10 years. In addition to her time as a member, Emilee spent three years as a 4-H volunteer before joining the Extension team. Her background as both a former member and volunteer gives her a unique perspective on the value of 4-H and the opportunities it provides to today’s youth. Amanda Sinkey, 4-H Program Assistant, has been with Extension for five years and has served as the 4-H Program Assistant for the past three. She
brings a lifetime of 4-H experience, including 13 years as a 4-H member, 10 years as a 4-H mom, eight years as a volunteer, and five years as a club leader. Her passion for 4-H and commitment to community youth development are at the heart of the county’s success. With the experience and dedication that Emilee and Amanda bring to Prairie County 4-H combined with Josh and Jacob’s fresh perspective and leadership, the Prairie County 4-H program is positioned for continued growth and success in the years to come.
For more information about 4-H programs and opportunities in Prairie County, contact the Prairie County Extension Office at 870998-2614 or email jhambrick@uada.edu.
State to b egin farms to students A rkansas P late I nitiative
Little Rock – A new program to serve more locally produced foods grown by Arkansas farmers is set to begin in select schools this January.
commitment have shaped Arkansas into the nation’s premier waterfowling destination,” said Chairman Jim Ronquest. “This year’s inductees represent the very best of that tradition. Their contributions—whether in conservation, community leadership, or the advancement of our waterfowl heritage— have left a lasting impact that will benefit generations to come. We’re proud to recognize their remarkable legacies.”
The May 21st "southern comfortable" induction ceremony will include a pre-dinner reception from 6:00 pm7:00 pm, live music, and a live auction as we pay tribute to this deserving class. Additional information and sponsorship opportunities will be available soon at waterfowlerhof.com.
The Arkansas Plate Initiative is a state-wide effort to connect Arkansas producers with state schools to provide students with nutritious, locally sourced meals made from Arkansasgrown products.
According to Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture
Wes Ward, “by helping schools’ source more products from Arkansas farmers and producers, we’re supporting our state’s largest industry, improving access to healthy meals for students, and strengthening local communities”.
Beginning in January 2026, participating school districts will serve one Arkansas Plate meal per month. Participating cafeterias will serve meals featuring locally grown ingredients like rice, beef, poultry, catfish, edamame, and assorted seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables.
During the pilot year, the state will collect feedback and purchasing data to evaluate the program for future growth. The goal is to expand the
initiative into additional schools across the state in the 2026-2027 school year. Educational materials will also be made available to the participating schools with promotional signs and “Meet the Farmer” profiles to teach students about where their food comes from and about the importance of supporting local agriculture.
The objective is to create a long-term strategy to institutionalize local food purchasing in Arkansas schools and ensure that Arkansasgrown products are an integral part of school and community food systems. To learn more about the Arkansas Plate Initiative visit the website at: https://arfarmtoschool.org/.
In 2019 The Arkansas Legislature approved Act 506, to create a full-time farm to school coordinator with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. The purpose of the program was to help schools establish and maintain gardens, provide resources for classroom education and activities related to food, farms, nutrition, and health and creating connections that allow local foods to be purchased and
promoted in cafeterias. The program concentrates on gardening in schools. The Farm to School Coordinator is encouraged the program has been a success, but it takes a “circle of support” that includes school administration, teachers, and the community. Student outcomes from hands-on experiences in the garden have deepened their understanding of agriculture, responsibility and teamwork. Farm to school empowers children and their families to make informed food choices while strengthening the local economy. This past legislative session, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed SB59 requiring all Arkansas public schools to provide one free breakfast to students per school day, regardless of their federal eligibility for free meals, and previously signed legislation providing free school lunches for eligible students who qualified for reduced price meals. The Governor announced the state will also continue its Summer EBT program, ensuring Arkansas’ students have access to food in the summer months.
Girls basketball starts its season...
The Hazen High School Lady Hornets basketball team (top) and the Des Arc Lady Eagles basketball team (bottom) have begun their 2025-26 season with games this past week. (Ruth Corley photos.)
HIPPY hosts “Harvest Helpers”
By
Christa Nall, Hazen HIPPY Home Visitor
The Hazen HIPPY program held its November group meeting, Hazen Harvest Helpers, on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the Hazen Community Building.
Families enjoyed an afternoon filled with learning, laughter, and hands-on exploration focused on agriculture and food production.
Home visitors Linda Strohl and Christa Nall, along with coordinator Wendy Spann, welcomed families as they signed in and began the afternoon with fun farmthemed activities, including a sticker page and tractor coloring sheets. To kick off the event, Jacob Holloway read the children a story titled “My Family’s Corn Farm” by Katie Olthoff, followed by a tasty Rice Krispy treat.
After story time, Josh Hambrick and Jacob Holloway from the Prairie County Extension Service led the children outside to explore a real tractor and grain cart up close.
The excitement continued indoors with interactive learning stations that helped children discover where food comes from and the work it takes to grow it.
The children enjoyed sensory play with bins filled with soil, soybeans, and rice while Josh and Jacob explained how each plays an important role in growing crops.
Families ended the afternoon by receiving take-home goodies— including a 1 lb bag of rice and a copy of Pete the Cat: Old MacDonald Had a Farm.
HIPPY children in attendance included John Hunter, Jacey Tipton, June Derden,
The Hazen HIPPY team would like to extend a special thankyou to Josh Hambrick and Jacob Holloway with the Prairie County Extension Office, the City of Hazen for use of the community center, Sam Nall for helping decorate and clean up, and the anonymous donor who generously donated 1 lb bags of rice for families to take home.
The next HIPPY group meeting will be held on December 9, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. at the Hazen Community Center.
For more information about the HIPPY program, contact Wendy Spann at wspann@wdmesc.org or visit our Facebook page, Hazen HIPPY.
Des Arc students pack food bags...
Mrs. Kimberly Smith and her GT students packed 150 food bags to send home with students over Thanksgiving Break! A huge THANK YOU to these students and Mrs. Kimberly and their community service.
Sharing a meal with family...
Des Arc software team competes...
Des Arc High School’s Level 2 Software Development students participated in the Capture the Flag event in Beebe recently. They snagged 4th place out of 17 teams!
2026 Prairie County Candidates
County Judge
Lawrence Holloway, incumbent
Johnny Reidhar
County Sheriff & Collector
Jeffrey Bokker
Joe Mills
Rob Higgs
Circuit & County Clerk
Gaylon Hale, Incumbent
County Treasurer
Brittney Kocourek
County Assessor
Tabitha Gates
Justice of the Peace
William H Calhoun, incumbent
Zach Payne, incumbent
Ronald Eans, Incumbent
Jordan Smith, incumbent
Gary King, incumbent
Rick Stallings, incumbent
Levi Childress, Incumbent
Bobby Willeford, incumbent
Paul Hooks, Incumbent
Constable
Jeffery Uhiren, incumbent
Tanner White
Gary Carter, incumbent
Jaylon Snow
Michael Corley, incumbent
Michael McIntosh, incumbent
Darren Covington
Timothy Huett
Mike Wallace
Billy Mason
Bruce Sutton, incumbent
Carlisle Elementary School students recently ate a meal with family members, sharing thanks for the season.
I, Rick Parson, Tax Collector of Prairie County do hereby certify that the tax books of Prairie County reflect the foregoing list of Personal Property and Real Estate taxes to be delinquent for the nonpayment of said taxes for the year 2024. (The amount shown may not include all penalties and interest and special improvement assessments that may be due at the time of payment).
This publication was paid for by the Prairie County Collector's office. The amount of this publication is $2856.25.
Arkansas State Senate Report
By Senator Ron Caldwell
Little Rock – In July, the federal government’s passage of HR1, the Big Beautiful Bill, established the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. The program established $50 billion to be allocated to the States over a ten-year period to alleviate concerns over the cuts to Medicaid in the bill. Half of the funding will be divided equally among the 50 states and the remaining funds will be made available to states through grants distributed by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
In October, Arkansas applied for a portion of the federal funding in the amount of $1 billion that would be paid out in installments over five years. The RHT Program seeks to address the major challenges faced by rural Arkansas. Statistics from the Arkansas Department of Health found that about 45% of Arkansas live in rural areas, making it one of the most rural states in the country. Almost half of our rural hospitals are considered vulnerable to closure.
The state’s proposal is divided into four subsections: Promoting Access, Coordination, and Transformation (PACT), Healthy Eating, Active Recreation, and Transformation (HEART), Recruitment, Innovation, Skills, and Education for Arkansas (RISE AR) and Telehealth, Health-monitoring, and Response Innovation for Vital Expansion (THRIVE).
The PACT initiative is the costliest, with $400 million for initiatives including primary care, specialty care, preventive screenings, and telehealth services in underserved communities.
The plan would focus on Clinically Integrated Networks (CIN) to improve efficiency, data sharing and regional collaboration. PACT ensures that rural residents can access timely,
coordinated care close to home. The HEART initiative would cost approximately $150 million to create a community-driven approach to nutrition, physical activity and chronic disease management. HEART would strengthen rural health systems by integrating school programs, community-based initiatives, faith organizations, and healthcare education. In addition, it would provide $10 million for schoolbased clinics and mobile care units.
With approximately $161 million, the RISE AR initiative would focus on recruitment and training programs, increasing medical school rotation slots and new workplace retention methods.
The strategy for THRIVE would be funded at approximately $267 million to upgrade EMS and emergency response systems. The initiative would also be invested in telehealth infrastructure, including cybersecurity and network upgrades, with nearly $92 million to be used for launching remote pilot programs for chronic diseases.
CMS is currently in the review process of the RHT grants that will be awarded by the end of this year. According to the National Rural Health Association, each state is given a score dependent on rural facilities and population estimates based on factors outlined by the CMS.
The Rural Health Transformation Program presents an opportunity to invest in promoting an innovative and sustainable healthcare system in rural Arkansas. Through proper funding and implementation, the program has the potential to improve the long-term financial viability of Arkansas’ rural healthcare. The application for the grant can be found at: https://governor.arkansas. gov/arkansas-ruralhealth-transformationprogram-application/.
The Arkansas Legislative Council convened this week to review key updates affecting state revenues, public assistance programs, healthcare initiatives, and workforce development.
State fiscal officials reported that general revenue continues to remain steady.
Arkansas has collected about $2.65 billion in Gross General Revenues so far this fiscal year, slightly above the same point last year by about $14 million. Net General Revenue available for state use now totals roughly $2.27 billion, reflecting an increase of nearly $41 million compared to October 2024. Council members also examined proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program prompted by the federal One Big Beautiful Act. The new federal requirements would expand the age range of able-bodied adults without dependents who must meet work requirements, raising the upper limit from 54 to 64. The exemption for parents is also being narrowed. Under the updated rules, only parents with children
younger than 14 would qualify for an exemption, whereas previously parents of minors under 18 were exempt. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences received approval for $2.9 million from the state’s restricted reserve fund. The funding will support the High Risk Pregnancy Program, which connects rural healthcare providers to specialists through obstetrical telemedicine; the Stroke Program, which offers around-the-clock virtual access to neurologists for rural emergency departments; and the Following Baby Back Home Program, which provides guidance and support to families caring for premature infants. In other business, the Game and Fish/State Police Subcommittee discussed upcoming duck season regulations and heard clarification from the Attorney General’s Office regarding firearm carry laws. The Attorney General confirmed that Arkansans may carry handguns openly or concealed in state parks except for areas that fall under federal jurisdiction.
“A Night of Thanksgiving Banquet Dinner” held at Grandview
“A Night of Thanksgiving Banquet Dinner” was held on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at the Grandview on the Prairie Event Center. The guest
speaker was Tennessee Republican Chairman Scott Golden from Jackson, Tennessee. Golden talked about the upcoming special election for a vacant
Tennessee congressional seat and his perspective on national issues that affect both Tennessee and Arkansas. State Senator Ron Caldwell presented Chairman
Golden with an Arkansas Traveler Certificate. Awards were presented to citizens of Prairie County and a special award was given to Steve Powell
for his great work for the Des Arc Chamber of Commerce. Prairie County Ambassador Awards show a positive light for Prairie County, in the areas of retail,
auto, manufacturing and hospitality. The recipients were B. J. Rogers, Paul Guess, Steve Powell, Dare Saul, Rita Dobson, and Stanley Young.
Thank you to all of the sponsors of the “Night of Thanksgiving Banquet Dinner”
