White river journal special, 2014 year end review

75¢

1 S E C T I ON - 1 2 P A G E S V OLUME /Y EAR # 109 - W EEK # 21 ( 5604 T H C ONSECUTIVE W EEK )

L OOKING B ACK

AT

2014

“A FREE P RESS

AND A

F REE P EOPLE - A N U NBEATABLE T EAM ”

D ES A RC, A RKANSAS (C OUNTY S EAT ) P RAIRIE C OUNTY

P U B L I S H ED E A C H T H U R S D A Y S I N C E 1 9 0 7 TH UR SDAY, JANU ARY 1, 2015

(Some of the stories, and some of those who left us) . . . Pages 6 & 7

ACTIVITIES CALENDAR

County’s sales tax distribution for November

CLOSED NOTICE Courthouses Closed Thurs. & Fri., Jan. 1-2 City Hall, Some Businesses Closed Thursday, Jan. 1 MON., JAN. 5, 8 AM Classes Resume at Schools MON., JAN. 5, 2:30-6:30 PM Red Cross Blood Drive First Baptist Church TUES., JANUARY 6, 5:30 PM Eagles Basketball with Augusta Jr. & Sr. Boys and Sr. BGirls FRI., JAN. 9, 6 PM Grand Prairie Hunting Heritage Banquet Hazen Armory FRI., JAN. 23, 9 AM & 1PM No drivers Tests on Jan. 9 Next Testing Jan. 23

Obituaries P g. 3

Marvin Evans, 81, Washington

Prairie County Treasurer Judy Burnett advises that $105,121.17 from the county’s sales and use tax in November, 2014 was distributed to cities and county as of Dec. 23, 2014 as follows: City of Biscoe................. $ 2,919.03 City of DeValls Bluff....... 4,977.63 City of Des Arc................ 13,807.08 City of Hazen............... 11,804.77 City of Ulm.................... 1,367.03 Prairie County...0.125% 8,8760.10 Prairie County.. 0.375% 26,280.29

A 3% service fee is held by the state, with interest, etc., leaving a total of $105,121.17 returned to the county for distribution to the cities and county, according to population.

Distribution of City Sales Tax Revenue View of Prairie County Jail Addition under construction in Des Arc Tuesday afternoon. The floor slab has been poured, and J. P. Masonry, Inc (Jeremy Pascarella) of Texarkana has started work laying concrete block. Wall

heights will vary from 16’-0” on the exterior to 17’-4” in the center, providing support for a sloped roof. All masonry, including the interior walls, will be completely filled with concrete and reinforcng bars.

Annual swearing in scheduled for January 1

Harold Jones, 60, Hazen Mary Merritt, 86, Judsonia George Prince, 78, Griffithville Ruth Raper, 88, Hazen Nolie Ross, 89, Tennessee R.E. Rounsavall, 91, California Earl Williams, 75, Biscoe

A ceremony that takes place the first of every year is scheduled to take place at 9 a. m. Thursday, January 1, 2015, at the Courthouse Annex in Des Arc. This is the time for a swearing in ceremony for elected and re-elected county officials, according to Judge

This new two-story home for Stelina Buck was begun about a week ago by MD Construction (Mark Drennan of Beebe and David Spence of Des Arc. It is located at the NW corner of 1st and Pike, across the street from the much older 2-story house built by John Booth Sr. over a century ago (visable in background).

Mike Skarda. “This is a requirement regardless if you are just elected, reelected or how long you have been in office.”

Vanessa Peters, elected to the office of Prairie County Clerk in November will be sworn in by Judge Skarda followed by the swearing in of

all other officials with Clerk Peters administering the oath of office to all other officials.

Those to be sworn in will include all constitutional county officers and Prairie County Quorum Court members of which there are nine who represent the nine districts in the county.

The constitutional officials include Judge Skarda, Sheriff & Collector Gary Burnett, Treasurer Judy Burnett, Assessor Jeannie Lott, and the newly elected county clerk, Vanessa Peters.

Quorum Court members who will take the oath of office include Lawrence Holloway, Doyle Sullens, Buddy Sims, Eddie Ciganek, Ronnie Eans, Dennis Tipton, Bobby Willeford and two new members, Mary Sue Roe of Des Arc and Matt Sterling of DeValls Bluff.

According to Des Arc Mayor Jim Garth, the swearing in of city officials will be held at the first city council meeting on Tuesday, January 13. “There are no changes on the council, so we will wait until our January meeting for the traditional swearing in ceremony,” he said.

Anna Beth Fisher, the only council member with The first floor is approximately 2400 sf and includes a opposition in the November 2-car garage which will have a below-grade, 8-person election, was re-elected. storm cellar with two sliding doors, positioned horizontal Families and friends are and level with the garage floor slab. The contractors exwelome to attend the cerepect to complete the house in May. monies.

The municipal levy of sales and use in cities for December, 2014 reports to the state is as follows: Des Arc ....................$ 17,949.11 Augusta .........................28,542.73 Bald Knob .....................54,065.79 Beebe............................109,505.67 Brinkley...................96,440.43 Cabot............................657,872.99 Carlisle ...........................52,292.74 Clarendon ..................44,993.87 Cotton Plant ....................1,379.71 DeValls Bluff.................12,817.04 DeWitt..........................165,056.20 England..........................71,228.04 Gillett ...............................8,891.79 Hazen............................57,298.56 Holly Grove......................6,731.56 Lonoke .........................137,007.96 McCrory.........................17,069.61 North Little Rock.....1,373,612.56 Searcy...........................787,334.32 Stuttgart .......................538,946.97 Ward...............................20,564.14 Municipal sales and use tax is based on retail sales and local tax. It is reported to and compiled each month by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

The cities of DeValls Bluff and Hazen in Prairie County collect two cents on the dollar; Des Arc ‘s sales tax is one cent on each dollar you spend locally.

Sales Tax revenue was up in several cities from the month of November. The sales tax revenue as shown here reflects the buying volume from local merchants which is reflected in sales tax reports.

For the same period in 2013, Des Arc’s tax revenue was $18,855.72, DeValls Bluff, $12,116.03 and Hazen, $52,058.51.

The new county tax approved by the voters in Prairie County went into effect in April, 2014. The new tax will add .5% to the current 8.5 % in the local area. The local tax rate is 9%. Des Arc collects 1 Percent; DeValls Bluff, 3 Percent, and Hazen collects 3 Percent.

Happy New Year

Larry Pryor, Little Rock, AR

Jan 16, 2016 TEST LINK:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_sSGr8z5VM

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S OME OF THE STORIES From January 2

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LOOKING BACK

From March 6

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From April 10

Three Des Arc lady professionals join 28 others in Mission to Mynamar (Burma)

Litter Crusader: Rodney Adams, with several bags of trash Clearing 2” ice from Main St Tues. afternoon, Mar. 4 (l-r) Keri McIntosh, her mother, Linda and Lisa Mullen

From May 8

From March 13

Lisa Mullen, Keri McIntosh and Linda McIntosh considered themselves honored to participate in a Medical, Dental and Optometry Mission to Myanmar (Burma) with the Joyce Meyer Hands of Hope of St. Louis from Dec. 5-15, 2013.

7.66” rain Fri & Sat, Dec. 20, 21, 2013 Most since Christmas Eve 1987

DaNerryen Spencer, a senior at Des Arc High School, signed a Letter of Intent to play basketball with the Central Baptist College Mustangs in Conway

From March 20 Rogers Chapel bridge, at right, washed off piers in heavy rains Saturday, December 21

Softball Lady Eagles win District!

From May 15 4 th An n u a l Ft . L i n c o ln Fr e e d om F e st , D e V a l l s B l u f f . . . M a y 9 - 10 , 2 01 4

Chamber will select award winners from these

Road washed out at Brown Acres, 1 mile north of Des Arc

From January 16

Quorum Court approves ordinance to use bond revenue for new jail facility

From May 22

New tax to go into effect April 1, 2014 From February 6

Main Street, looking west - DAHS at right, was closed Tuesday due to ice storm Monday and Tuesday, Feb 4, 5

From February 13

DAHS classmates and good friends, Mary Sue Roe and Herndon Barnes will give voters a choice in District 3 JP position, May 20

BALLOT COUNTING: Officials were busy Tuesday evening tabulating election results of the May 20 primary elec-

Des Arc citizens have nominated these candidates for consideration in five categories of service to the community. One will be selected in each category to be honored with awards at the Annual Chamber of Com-

From May 29

29th Annual Steamboat Days here next week

From March 27

Setting up stage at Courthouse for Steamboat Days

From May 1 Mary Sue Roe

Herndon Barnes

From February 20

Quorum Court room renamed Horne-Tipton Courtroom

Woodrow Tipton, left, and Gene Horne, stand holding a plaque to be permanently hung in the renamed Horne-Tipton Courtroom, dedicated to them Tuesday night, February 18, 2014. for their combined 76 years of service (Tipton - 44 yrs, 1967-2010; Horne - 32 yrs, 1977-2008)

Selected nominees honored at C of C Banquet The honored nominees included: Patterson Hardwoods, Business of Year; Judge Mike Skarda, Public Servant Award; Harvey Joe Sanner, Citizen of Year; Stewart Morton and Brandon Hinshaw shared Fireman of Year; and Judy Hendricks Bone, Teacher of Year.

Prairie County volunteers leave morning after to assist Sunday night’s (April 27) tornado victims in Vilonia and Mayflower areas

S D A Y

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J a n u a r y

MAY 2014

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Ruth McFarlin Johnson, 99, of Des Arc died Fri- Roy Edward Patton, day, Dec. 27, 2013 at Des 61, of Des Arc, passed Arc Nursing and Rehab.

She was born April 7, 1914 east of Des Arc, to S. T. and Linnie (Smith) McFarlin.

2 0 1 5

away on Sunday January 5, 2014 at White County Medical Center in Searcy.

He was born on December 5, 1952 to the late Lottie and Damon Patton in Elaine Arkansas.

And

SOME OF THOSE WHO LEFT US

7

William Roy Smith, 49, of Des Arc, died

William N. Hitt, 56, of Frank Price, 85, of Donald E. Holmes, 69, Ronnie Dale Goodman Searcy, was born Nov. 7, Des Arc joined his moth- Tuesday, January 21, Sr., 69, husband, father, 1928, at Hickory Plains, er in heaven Friday, Jan- 2014 at White County (Donnie), of Hazen,

passed away Mon., Jan. 6, 2014, in a Little Rock hospital of congestive failure. Donnie, a retired farmer, was a graduate of Hazen High School.

papa and friend to all, was taken by the Lord on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014.

He was born August 18, 1944.

to Frank and Tillie (Alverson) Price, and he departed this life Wed., January 15, 2014.

Virginia J ohnson Patterson, former local resident, 87,

Services here Wednesday for T. L. Winberry

of Powhatan, Virginia, died Wednesday, January 15, 2014 in Richmond, Virginia. She was born June 8, 1926, in Des Arc, Arkansas, daughter of the late Morris Abel Johnson and Gertrude Marsh Johnson.

Medical Center in uary 17, 2014 at his home. He was born July Searcy. Roy was born Aug. 25, 1964.

8, 1957.

Tommy Loyd Winberry, Sr, 64, of Des Arc died at his home Monday, February 10, 2014. He was born August 9, 1949.

Joy Morton Wray, 68, Frances Owens of Des Arc died Monday, VanHouten Fisher, February 10, 2014. Joy was born October 8, 1945 71, passed away at her home in Des Arc on Sat., in Beebe, Arkansas to Robert L. and Ada (Hay- Feb. 8, 2014. ley) Morton. She was a 1963 graduate of Des Arc High School.

Bobby Louis “Izzy” Isbell, 79, passed away at

Edythe Guess Bell, 95, of Des Arc, and most reArkansas Hospice, St. cently of Benton, went to Vincent Infirmary Med- Jeffery Dee Buck, 36, be with the Lord on her ical Center on Mon., Jan. of Des Arc, died Tuesday, 95th birthday, Monday, 20, 2014.

Feb. 4, 2014, in a one car Feb. 3, 2014. Edythe was accident near Lonoke. born on Feb. 3, 1919.

Jeffery was born Sept. 28, 1977 and was a 1996 graduate of Des Arc High School.

Thelma Louise (David) Willard, 91, of Des Arc

Ruby Gladys Petty, 85, of Des Arc died Sunday, February 9, 2014 at Des Arc Nursing and Rehab.

Mrs. Petty was born May 8, 1928.

Warren Doss, 89, of Hazen entered his eternal home on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014. Born Dec. 17, 1924, he had a tax Evelyn Mask (Jimmie) business at Hazen for White, 89, of the Plain- many years. view Community between Hickory Plains and Carlisle, died Monday, Feb. 10, 2014. She was born on Feb. 27, 1924.

died Saturday February 8, 2014. She was born Alice Joan Osborne May 1, 1922 in Des Arc to Seevers, 77, a well loved Curtis and Effie (Parker) wife and mother of four, Day. died on Feb. 21, 2014 at the age of 77. She was born on May 30, 1936 in Des Arc to Alvin and Lorraine Muse Osborne.

Loreta Pence Brown, 84, of Des Arc died FriDebra Jeane Gentry, 58, passed from this earth on Wed., March 12, 2014 after a hard fought, 6 month battle with cancer. Debbie was born May 23, 1955 and was a lifelong resident of Des Arc and a 1973 graduate Mary Katherine Rollins, of DAHS. 99, of Hickory Plains was born Feb. 22, 1915, and passed away March 2, 2014

William Kevin Mullen, 51, of Des Arc, died Sat., March 22, 2014. Kevin was born March 28, 1962 to Graham P. and Billie (B.F.) Mullen.

day, March 28, 2014 at Greystone Nursing and Rehab in Cabot. Mrs. Brown was born July 22, 1929 to Byron and Arizona (Rickett) Pence.

Edward Frank Patterson, 79, of Hot Springs Village, passed away on Friday, Feb. 21, 2014. He was born on June 14, 1934 to the late Edward Franklin and Addie Pearl Patterson.

He was a 1952 graduate of DAHS.

Preston Pete Howerton, 49, died unexpectedly of a heart attack Monday, March 17, 2014 at his home in Des Arc. Beverly Jayne Hall, 58, Pete was born Oct. 26, of Biscoe, left this earth 1964 on Wed., Feb. 19, 2014.

She was born Dec. 6, R. T. Keathley 1955, the fourth child to Jewell and Daisy Hall of was native of Biscoe.

Northside area Rowan T. "Barney" Keathley, age 90, of Sherwood, passed away Friday, March 28, 2014, in Little Rock. Born on Jan. 22, 1924 in Des Arc, he was the son of Cuby and Cecil Mae Keathley of the Northside community, and graduated from DAHS in 1943.

Marie Irene Clark, 84, of Des Arc died Sat., March 29, 2014 at Des Arc Nursing and Rehab.

She was born Oct. 12, 1929 in Griffithville to Floyd T. and Mary Jane (Cox) Godair.

Rosemary Hall, DelGiorno dies at SpringBrook Rosemary DelGiorno, 86, of DeValls Bluff passed away Thursday, March 27, 2014 at Springbrook Nursing Home in Hazen.

Van DeVore, 75 Van R. DeVore died Monday, April 14, 2014 at White County Hospital in Searcy. He was born in Des Arc on Oct. 23, 1938 to the late J. Rayford. and Lucy Eddins DeVore of the Oak Prairie Commu- Melva Dean Johnson, nity, and graduated from 72, of Des Arc died FriLawrence Allen Stine, DAHS in 1956 day, April 18, 2014 after a lengthy illness. She was 83, of the Oak Prairie born July 22, 1941, and Community passed away moved to Des Arc in 1975 after a lengthy illness at with her husband, Bob, his home on April 15, when he became police 2014. He was born April chief.

16, 1930.

Jerry Rosco Malone, Sr., 71, died Sunday, April 20, 2014 at his home in Des Arc. Jerry was born January 8, 1943 in Norton, Va., but had been a Des Arc resident for some 40 years. He worked for Garth Funeral Home and Garth Hardware until his retirement.

Margie Odean Martin, 76, of Hazen, went to be with the Lord on March 25, 2014. Born Jan. 22, 1938, in Hazen, she was preceded in death by her parents, Hershel and Daisy Matthews.

Hoyt Ledell “Dale” Madden, 78, of Des Arc, died Sunday, May 18,

Bobby Louis Chan2014, following a battle dler, 81, of Des Arc died with cancer. Madden, Friday, May 9, 2014 at St. Vincent Medical Center in Sherwood. Bob was born east of Des Arc on Oct. 15, 1932 to Earl and Elvia Mae (Wyatt) Chandler.

Lakeside Cemetery, Des Arc

Lois Claraessa Harrison, 80, of Sherwood passed away Sat., May 17, 2014, at her home.

She had been in the hosRayford L. Jenkins, 89, pital overnight on Wedof Des Arc died Sunday, nesday for tests and had May 18, 2014 at Baptist suffered heart problems.

Health Medical Center in She was born in Des Little Rock. He was born Arc to the late Lonnie and July 6, 1924 in Des Arc to Jewell Castleberry Harris, Lloyd and Eula Mae and attended Des Arc (Hobson) Jenkins.

Schools.

who served Prairie County as Sheriff and Collector for 12 years, was born June 27, 1935, in Danville, son of Ellie and Azlee (Taylor) Madden.

Clara Christine Evans of Little Rock went to be with her Lord on Saturday, May 17, 2014. She was born June 27, 1930 in Des Arc, to the late Emmitt and Kathleen McFarlin.

Franklin Eugene Cochran, 70, of Des Arc Ralph T. Pay, 82, of North Little Rock passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2014. Retired from State Plant Board, he was a native son of Des Arc and a 1950 graduate of DAHS.

died Sunday, May 4, 2014 at Des Arc Nursing and Rehab. Frank was born March 5, 1944 in Carlisle to William Herbert and Myrtle Mae (Coyle) Cochran.

Continued next week

S OME OF THE STORIES - PAGE 6 .L. . L O O K I N G B A C K J U N EE-D - DE C 2 0 1 4 went to his heavenly home on Saturday, May 31, 2014. He was born to Henry and Hazel King Isbell on June 18, 1941 in Hazen. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Becky Newsom Isbell.

First Presbyterian Church occupied December 4, 1884, destroyed by fire July 17, 1908

Concrete being poured at new DAHS circular driveway Thurs., Oct. 9

Rash of local business burglaries investigated

S OMES OF

THOSE WHO LEFT US

Tommy Isbe ll, Hazen native, 72

Construction of new county jail addition underway

29th Annual Steamboat Days this weekend

...

Republicans feast in mid-term election 1740± water, 530 gas meters included

75¢

- P AGE 7

Be rni e Sim mon s

Tommie “Tip” Tippitt, 58, of Hickory Augustine Bednar Melkovitz, 96, of Edmund Lucyan Plains was born July Little Rock, widow Buczkowski, 87, of 23, 1956, at Beebe,

Bernie (Louise Bernice) Gaskin Simmons, 81, of Lonoke finished her life’s journey September 16, 2014. Bernie was born in the McClelland community east of Des Arc,, but lived most of her life in DeValls Bluff. She Leta Pearl Fisher was preceded in Perry, 86, of Hazen, death by her parents was born Aug. 12, and her loving hus1928 and went to her eternal home in band of 55 years, Heaven on Aug. 29, Alonzo (AL) Sim2014. Leta was born mons. Bernie leaves behind her beloved to Harrison and cat “Elvis”.

Mary Goacher Fisher. She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Rev. Charlie Perry, to whom she had been married for 62 years prior to his passing in 2009.

Gerald Guy Irwin

Florence Opal

Roberts, 90, of Dallas, Texas, formerly of DeValls Bluff of Anthony S. Little Rock passed passed away Oct. 6, and went to be with Melkovitz, died Auaway June 25, 2014. the Lord Aug. 1, 2014. She was born gust 4, 2014, at HosHe was born Dec. December 30, 1923.

2014. pice Home Health 29, 1926, in GosMrs. Roberts served in Little Rock.

She poda, a Polish comas Mayor of DeValls was born April 24, munity seven miles Bluff following her 1918, in Slovak to southwest of Des husband, who had John and Mary Arc. Gospoda was also served as Medlick Bednar. founded by his parMayor of that city She and her husents who immifor several years. band operated grated from Poland She was also a reMelkovitz Grocery in the early 1900s. tired postal emin Slovak for nearly He retired as vice ployee. During her 30 years.

Jimmy Dale Simpresident of comtenure, Mayor mons, 70, of Oak mercial loans from Roberts was very acPrairie Community, First Commercial tive in securing a died Thursday, June Bank in Little Rock. new bridge at De5, 2014, at ChamValls Bluff, supportbers Nursing Home ing the Fort Lincoln Leroy King, 93, of Sarah Betzner of in Carlisle. He was development, and Mishawaka, Ind., born with Cerebral obtaining the Social passed away August Hazen passed away Palsy in Des Arc Jan August 16, 2014.

Service building.

1, 2014, He was 6, 1944 to James Willard Don Among family born Feb. 8, 1921 to Sarah was raised in (Jim) and Viola (SulCarter, 87, of Little members preceding the late Homer and De Valls Bluff and livan) Simmons; Rock passed away lived most of her life her in death was her Dolly (Webb) King but never conceded September 29, 2014. husband, George of Des Arc. As a in Hazen. She reto being disabled.

He was born August “Buddy” Roberts. young man he tired from the State 29, 1927 in the played baseball for of Arkansas Social Crossroads Commany years for Des Services Division. munity to the late Arc and later for the Robert Lee Carter Ball Band team. He Charles Franklin and Sadie Catherine retired in 1985 ater Stallings, 60, of Preston Lee Bradley Carter.

On August 9, L a q u i t a J o y c e 35 years as an inof Des Arc passed Hazen died , Sep58, of Hickory Plains Eads, 81, of Des Arc spector at Uniroyal. away June 5, 2014. tember 6, 2014 at his 1946, he married the died Oct. 2, 2014. love of his life, Norma She was preceded in died Sat July 5, 2014 home following an He was a 1975 gradJean Rogers. They at White County death by her husillness of several uate of Des Arc High Medical Center in band, Cary Miles months. Frank was were married 68 School. Survivors years. Don graduSearcy. Laquita was born May 23, 1954 include his loving ated from Beebe born May 21, 1933 in Des Arc to Troy “Chuck” Warren of High School in 1945. wife, Hattie Mae in Nocona, Tx. While Lynn and Charles Des Arc died unexworking at a small Canady-Bradley.

(Calhoun) Stallings. He taught high pectefdly at home school and coached diner, she met her Frank was owner basketball for 11 Tuesday, August 5, future husband, /operator of the years at Brown Robert Lenville 2014. He was a 1973 John Andrew Hazen Glass Co., a Grove, Ulm, DeValls Eads. graduate of Hazen Makovec, 83, of member of the Bluff and Des Arc. Stuttgart passed High School Hazen Masonic In 1957 he went to away Aug. 13, 2014, Lodge, and a 1972 in his home. He was graduate of Des Arc work at Arkansas born Nov. 26, 1930, High School. Among Rehabilitation Service, where he bein Slovak Town and survivors are his of Griffithville came Personnel passed from this life was a graduate of wife, Ruth Ann Drector until his reSubiaco Academy.

(Floyd) Stallings.

July 29, 2014 at his tirement in 1986. residence.

Sarah We lty Betzner, 90

DeValls Bluff Library to close if 1-mill increase not approved Library group explains financial situation to Quorum Court

Steamboat Days 2014 Grand Finale Rained out Saturday night concerts, Fireworks, additional activities rescheduled for July 26

Major fire damage at Keith Fisher residence Sunday afternoon, Dec 7

Je w e l e n e M i l e s , 83

Pre st on Bra dle y

III, 31, of Des Arc died , November 12, at Baptist Health Center in Little Rock. Gerald was born July 30, 1983 in Jackson, Miss. to Gerald Guy Irwin, Jr and Betty (Stewart) Irwin. He was a tool pusher in the oil fields. Survivors include his wife, Amber (Pate) Irwin and two daughters, Bailey and Kenzi Irwin and one son, Hunter Irwin.

C har les S win t Charles William Swint, 67, of Lonoke passed away Nov. 4, 2014. Born March 17, 1947, in Des Arc to William and Lola Swint, he’s preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Richard and Shirley.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Felecia Swint.

C har les L ero y Warren Jr. , 59

M ilt on Ca pps ,85

PCSO divers James Medlin and Dwayne Mayher recover cash register from Beine Creek yesterday.

Hazen High School band marches in Prairie County Fair Parade down Des Arc’s Main street

Ground-breaking ceremony for

Susan Denise Graham, 42, died on

L a r r y C h a s e , 6 4 R ay m o n d D u c h ,

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Gilbert Franklin Smith, Sr., 80, (Coach Smith) of Houston, Tx., passed away November 14. He was born June 7, 1934 in Arkadelphia. Prior t

on

1 SECTION - 1 4 PAGE S V OLUME /Y EAR # 109 - W EEK # 22 ( 5605 T H C ONSECUTIVE W EEK )

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“A FREE P RESS AND A FREE P EOPLE - AJN U NBEATABLE TEAM ” D ES A RC , A RKANSAS (C OUNTY S EAT ) P RAIRIE C OUNTY

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P U B L I S H ED E A C H T H U R S D A Y S I SurNCE 1907 in Des Arc v THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 A m

ACTIVITIES CALENDAR THURS., JAN. 8 Report Cards Sent Home THURS., JAN. 8, 6:30 PM Called Meeting School Board Supt’s Office FRI., JAN. 9, 6 PM Grand Prairie Hunting 4 Heritage Banquet Hazen Armory FRI. JAN. 9, 5 PM All Basketball Teams At Hazen Gym SAT., JAN. 10, 7 PM “Flywheel” Showing Community Center DeValls Bluff MON., JAN. 12, 6 PM Regular Meeting Des Arc Zoning Board City Hall Chambers TUES., JAN. 13, 8 AM Crop Production Meet Fair Grounds TUES., JAN. 13, 12 NOON Des Arc Lions Club Methodist Church TUES., JAN. 13, 7 PM Des Arc City Council City Hall Chambers

16 county officials sworn in New Year’s Day morning 24,

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The first local political event of 2015, a bi-annual one occurring each New Year’s Day following a general election year, is the required swearing-in of all county officials.

Sixteen Prairie County officials were sworn in a little extra early New Year’s Day, shortly after 9:00 am, to accommodate attending out-of-state family members who had planes to catch following the ceremony.

Judge Mike Skarda began by first swearing in newlyelected County/Circuit Clerk Vanessa Peters, who in turn swore in as a group the other 15 other county officials present, including Judge Skarda. Unable to be present, and absent from photo below, was JP from Hazen, Buddy Sims.

Immediately following that, Judge Skarda called a meeting of the new Quorum Court, the official January meeting - with a primary purpose of passing the following two ordinances: D Ordinance #2015-1, which repeals Ordinance #2014-11 (2015-1 was requested by BancorpSouth, Hazen to correct an incorrect amount stated in the 2014-11 ordinance for the county’s leasing of two gravel-hauling dump trucks).

Appropriation Ordinance No. 1, Amendment #5, establishes the annual operating budget for calendar year 2015.

Both ordinances appear on Pg 13 of this Journal issue.

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Judge Mike Skarda swearing in Vanessa Peters, County/Circuit Clerk

TUESDAY JAN. 13

Insurance Sign-up Health Department For info, 870-256-4430 SAT., JAN. 17, 5 - 8

“Lil Des Arc Eagles Deer Steak Supper At Ag Bldg.

MON., JAN. 19, NOON Chamber meeting F & M Bank MON., JAN. 19 Martin Luther King day Schools, Bank, Post Office closed FRI., JAN. 23, 9AM & 1PM No Drivers Tests Jan. 9 Next Testing Jan. 23

Left: l-r front row: l-r back row:

Vanessa Peters, County/Circuit Clerk, leading the swearing in Ford Briggs, Hickory Plains constable; Lawrence Holloway, Des Arc JP; Judge Mike Skarda, Eddie Ciganek, Hazen JP; Mary Sue Roe, Des Arc JP; Assessor Jeannie Lott, Bobby Willeford, Biscoe JP Dennis Tipton, Brown Grove JP; Ronnie Eans, Northside JP; Ronald Eans, Des Arc constable; Doyle Sullins, Ulm JP; County Sheriff Gary Burnett, Treasurer Judy Burnett, Matt Sterling, DeValls Bluff JP; Mike McIntosh, Northside constable Above photo was posed, immedately following actual swearing in

. . . to include Clerk Peters in photo (the happy smiles were not present during the seconds-earlier solemn swearing in ceremony)

Brown is appointed Des Arc postmaster Nancy (Weems) Brown of Hazen is the new Postmaster at the Des Arc Post Office effective December 13, 2014.

Nancy, a Hazen High School graduate, is married to Buddy Brown and they have two sons, Anthony and Aaron and one grandson, Gabriel. She has been with the Postal Service 26 years with 11 of those years as postmaster at DeValls Bluff.

Postmaster Brown has served as OIC at the office here since August 22, 2014, She also has jurisdiction over the Hickory Plains Post Office where Tammy Bruce is PMRelief. She said, “I am enjoying being at Des Arc and have a great staff, Dee McMillen, Millie Horn, Kirk Berry, and Diana Raper, to work with.”

She is the daughter of Rita Weems of Hazen and the late James Weems. Her husband, Buddy, is son of the late O. J. and Frances Brown of Des Arc. Nancy

Des Arc Elementary School one of two chosen to attend National Title 1 Conference

Nancy Brown enjoys scrapbooking, reading and spending time with family, her grandson especially.

The local post office has been served by OIC’s since the last postmaster, Dan Davis, left for special details two years ago.

The Des Arc Elementary School has been recognized by the Arkansas Department of Education as a National Title 1 Distinguished School for the state of Arkansas. Des Arc and one other school was selected for this honor.

Arkansas selection was done by schools submitting an applicaton and it being reviewed. Applications were viewed from two categories: Category One: A school that has exceeded Annual Measurable Objectives (AMO’s) for two or more years with ESEA flexibility state standards set under Title 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA).

Category Two: A school that has significantly closed the achievement gap between subgroups of students with ESEA flexibility state standards set under Title 1 of the ESEA. Des Arc Elementary received the award based on Category 1. Applications included Demographic Information, School Curriculum and Instruction and information on School and Community Leadership and support.

Principal Cheryl Holland and Title 1 Coordinator Judy Denton will attend the National Title 1 Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah February 5-8.

The Conference will

begin with a parade of Distinguished School recipients from each state.

Exhibits, workshops, receptions, panel discussions and presentations will be the agenda for the Conference which has been titled “Leading with Wonder.”

Mrs. Holland and Mrs. Denton will present information, slide show, materials, etc., about successful strategies and programs that have helped to bring about high achievement levels for the students at Des Arc Elementary.

“We are so proud of our students and are so grateful for the dedication and hard work of the faculty,

staff and administration at Des Arc Elementary School,” said Des Arc School Superintendent Rick Burns.

Obituaries Pg. 3

Dovie Childress, 66, Alexander John Dunar, 79, Tollville Rose Heien, 87, Stuttgart Joan Holloway, 78, Mississippi Betty Robertson Jenkins, 83, Cabot Judy Johnson, 72, North Little Rock Gerald Meiner, 87, Hazen Ruby Perkins, Carlisle Bertha Smoot, 92, Beebe

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W H I T E R I V E R J O U R N A L , T H U R S D AY, J A N U A RY 8, 2 0 1 5

S OME OF THE STORIES From June 5 issue

From July 10 issue

D-Day, June 6, 1944

...

LOOKING BACK JUN From Oct 16 issue

From Aug 28 issue

Construction of new county jail addition underway

First Presbyterian Church occupied December 4, 1884, destroyed by fire July 17, 1908

29th Annual Steamboat Days this weekend

From July 17 issue

Rash of local business burglaries investigated

Concrete being poured at new DAHS circular driveway Thurs., Oct. 9

Cable TV leaving Des Arc From Sept 4 issue

Installation started this week on Des Arc’s new radio transmission utililty meters;

From Nov 6 issue

Republicans feast in mid-term election Library millage increase rejected, Sheriff Burnett re-elected

1740± water, 530 gas meters included From Dec 11 issue

DeValls Bluff Library to close if 1-mill increase not approved Library group explains financial situation to Quorum Court

From June 12 issue

Steamboat Days 2014 Grand Finale

From July 24 issue

Six recent buglaries solved

Rained out Saturday night concerts, Fireworks, New dive team assists in investigation additional activities rescheduled for July 26

Major fire damage at Keith Fisher residence Sunday afternoon, Dec 7 From Sept 18 issue

Tony Smith selected for Officials Hall of Fame

PCSO divers James Medlin and Dwayne Mayher recover cash register from Beine Creek yesterday.

Hazen High School band marches in Prairie County Fair Parade down Des Arc’s Main street

From Aug 7 issue

Ground-breaking ceremony for new Prairie County Jail July 31

From Oct 23 issue

From June 19 issue

City processing order for $480,000 meter readers for city’s utilities

10x faster speed internet for Des Arc School students New City Market Grocery opens Oct. 22 John Biscoe’s and William Bland’s mercantile store is in near foreground of this c.1900 photo

From Dec 4 issue

From June 19 issue

Main Street Grocery closing Saturday, June 28 Opened Jan. 26, 2011, “lack of town support” forces closure

First Baptist volunteers prepare to deliver Thanksgiving dinners to Des Arc citizens

Happier Times: Owners, Phillip Mapps, left and son, Stephen Mapps, were ready to greet customers Wednesday morning [Jan 26, 2011] as they opened the doors to their Main Street Grocery in Des Arc.

From Aug 21 issue

From June 26 issue

4.75”-10.36” deluge befalls Des Arc, Little

Dixie, Cotton Plant areas early Sunday morning

E ntry n try P ortico to H otE l M arion , l ittl ittlEE r ock - 1908

DAHA Class of 1969 holds 45-year Reunion

Sunday’s storm destroys large trees, property; 966 Entergy customers lose power Des Arc buffeted by 60+ mph winds Vicki Covington, with son Wyatt on THV 11 Monday evening

Joyce Taylor being interviewed by THV 11 reporter Phil Buck

Damage at home of Patti Gillioun on Main St

Des Arc High School Class of 1959 holds 55-year Reunion

W H I T E RI V E R J O U R N A L , T H U R S D AY, J A N U A RY 8 , 2 0 1 5

E -D E C

201 4 20 14

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S OME

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OF THOSE WHO LEFT US

Tommy Isbell, Hazen native, 72

Bernie Simmons

went to his heavenly home on Saturday, May 31, 2014. He was born to Henry and Hazel King Isbell on June 18, 1941 in Hazen. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Becky Newsom Isbell.

Tommie “Tip” Tippitt, 58, of Hickory

Augustine Bednar Melkovitz, 96, of Plains was born July

Edmund Lucyan Buczkowski, 87, of 23, 1956, at Beebe,

Bernie (Louise Bernice) Gaskin Simmons, 81, of Lonoke finished her life’s journey September 16, 2014. Bernie was born in the McClelland community east of Des Arc,, but lived most of her life in DeValls Bluff. She Leta Pearl Fisher was preceded in Perry, 86, of Hazen, death by her parents was born Aug. 12, and her loving hus1928 and went to her eternal home in band of 55 years, Heaven on Aug. 29, Alonzo (AL) Sim2014. Leta was born mons. Bernie leaves behind her beloved to Harrison and cat “Elvis”.

Mary Goacher Fisher. She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Rev. Charlie Perry, to whom she had been married for 62 years prior to his passing in 2009.

Florence Opal Roberts, 90, of Dal-

las, Texas, formerly of DeValls Bluff Little Rock passed passed away Oct. 6, and went to be with away June 25, 2014. the Lord Aug. 1, 2014. She was born He was born Dec. December 30, 1923.

2014.

29, 1926, in GosMrs. Roberts served poda, a Polish comas Mayor of DeValls munity seven miles Bluff following her southwest of Des husband, who had Arc. Gospoda was also served as founded by his parMayor of that city ents who immifor several years. grated from Poland She was also a rein the early 1900s. tired postal emHe retired as vice ployee. During her Jimmy Dale Simpresident of comtenure, Mayor mons, 70, of Oak mercial loans from Roberts was very acPrairie Community, First Commercial tive in securing a died Thursday, June Bank in Little Rock. new bridge at De5, 2014, at ChamValls Bluff, supportbers Nursing Home ing the Fort Lincoln Leroy King, 93, of Sarah Betzner of in Carlisle. He was development, and Mishawaka, Ind., born with Cerebral Hazen passed away obtaining the Social passed away August Palsy in Des Arc Jan August 16, 2014.

Service building.

1, 2014, He was 6, 1944 to James Willard Don Among family born Feb. 8, 1921 to Sarah was raised in (Jim) and Viola (SulCarter, 87, of Little members preceding the late Homer and De Valls Bluff and livan) Simmons; Rock passed away lived most of her life her in death was her Dolly (Webb) King but never conceded September 29, 2014. husband, George of Des Arc. As a in Hazen. She reto being disabled.

He was born August “Buddy” Roberts. young man he tired from the State 29, 1927 in the played baseball for of Arkansas Social Crossroads Commany years for Des Services Division. munity to the late Arc and later for the Robert Lee Carter Ball Band team. He Charles Franklin and Sadie Catherine retired in 1985 ater Stallings, 60, of Preston Lee Bradley Carter. On August 9, Laquita Joyce 35 years as an inof Des Arc passed Hazen died , Sep58, of Hickory Plains Eads, 81, of Des Arc spector at Uniroyal. away June 5, 2014. tember 6, 2014 at his 1946, he married the died Oct. 2, 2014. love of his life, Norma She was preceded in died Sat July 5, 2014 home following an He was a 1975 gradRogers. They Jean at White County death by her husillness of several uate of Des Arc High were married 68 Medical Center in band, Cary Miles months. Frank was School. Survivors years.

Don graduSearcy. Laquita was born May 23, 1954 include his loving ated from Beebe born May 21, 1933 in Des Arc to Troy High School in 1945. wife, Hattie Mae in Nocona, Tx. While “Chuck” Warren of Lynn and Charles Des Arc died unexworking at a small Canady-Bradley.

(Calhoun) Stallings. He taught high pectefdly at home school and coached diner, she met her Frank was owner basketball for 11 Tuesday, August 5, future husband, /operator of the years at Brown Robert Lenville 2014. He was a 1973 John Andrew Hazen Glass Co., a Grove, Ulm, DeValls Eads. graduate of Hazen Makovec, 83, of member of the Bluff and Des Arc. Stuttgart passed High School Hazen Masonic In 1957 he went to away Aug. 13, 2014, Lodge, and a 1972 in his home. He was graduate of Des Arc work at Arkansas born Nov. 26, 1930, High School. Among Rehabilitation Service, where he bein Slovak Town and survivors are his of Griffithville came Personnel passed from this life was a graduate of wife, Ruth Ann Drector until his reSubiaco Academy.

(Floyd) Stallings.

July 29, 2014 at his tirement in 1986. residence.

Little Rock, widow of Anthony S. Melkovitz, died August 4, 2014, at Hospice Home Health in Little Rock. She was born April 24, 1918, in Slovak to John and Mary Medlick Bednar.

She and her husband operated Melkovitz Grocery in Slovak for nearly 30 years.

Sarah Welty Betzner, 90

Jewelene Miles, 83

Preston Bradley

Gerald Guy Irwin III, 31, of Des Arc died , November 12, at Baptist Health Center in Little Rock. Gerald was born July 30, 1983 in Jackson, Miss. to Gerald Guy Irwin, Jr and Betty (Stewart) Irwin. He was a tool pusher in the oil fields. Survivors include his wife, Amber (Pate) Irwin and two daughters, Bailey and Kenzi Irwin and one son, Hunter Irwin.

Charles Swint Charles William Swint, 67, of Lonoke passed away Nov. 4, 2014. Born March 17, 1947, in Des Arc to William and Lola Swint, he’s preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Richard and Shirley.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Felecia Swint.

Charles Leroy Warren Jr., 59

Milton Capps,85

Friday, June 13, 2014. He was born here Dec 12, 1932 to the late Albert and Elizabeth (Livesay) Bell. former Oak Prairie residents.

He was a lifelong resident of the local community where he engaged in farming.

Jerry Bell, 71, of Hickory Plains was born Feb 10, 1943 and passed away Aug 5, 2014. Jerry was a beloved member of the Hickory Plains community where he had spent his entire life as a resident and community leader. For many years, he was in partnership with his brother, Bobby, in farming and stock raising.

White County Medical Center, Searcy.

Larry was born April 1, 1950, in Des Arc to Jim and Odessa McClure Chase.

Michael Shawn Hudson, 24, of Des Arc died August 11, 2014. He was born November 13, 1989 in Little Rock to David and Thresea (Schafer) Berry.

Survivors include his wife, Cassie (Evans) Hudson.

Joe K. Caskey, former Des Arc mayor dies

Garry Morris Elam, “Papa T”, 70, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, June 22, 2014. He was born Jan 30, 1944 in the small community of Bulltown, Ark. Garry grew up in Cotton Plant and Brinkley, graduating from Brinkley HS in 1961.

In 1964, Garry married the love of his life and best friend, Johnnie

(Coach Smith) of Houston, Tx., passed away November 14. He was Susan Denise Gra- born June 7, 1934 in ham, 42, died on Arkadelphia. Prior October 8, 2014. to moving to Texas, She was born in he taught and Killeen, Texas on coached at DAHS June 18, 1972 to for three years.

Daniel Graham and Among those surCarolyn Pettit. Sur- viving him is the vivors include her love of his life for 57 grandmother of Des years, Mary HamilArc, Naomi Vance. A ton Smith. memorial service was held Oct. 10 at Garth Funeral Chapel in Des Arc.

Larry Chase, 64 Raymond Duch, of Des Arc died , Au- 90, of Hazen gust 18, 2014, at

Walter Albert Bell, 81, of Des Arc died

Donald Eugene Bailey, 85, of Griffithville passed away Wed, July 30, 2014 at his residence. He was born April 27, 1929 to the late James and Elsie Bailey.

Jerry Robert Duch 85, of Hazen died on Mon., Aug. 4, 2014. Jerry was Lena Viola Britt, born in Slovak to 88, of Des Arc died Julius and Mary Tuesday, July 1, 2014 Duch on Nov 15, at White County 1928. He spent his Medical Center in entire career workSearcy. She was ing as a farmer and born May 12, 1926 married the love of in Des Arc to Walter his life, Linda, on and Mandy (MorMar 2, 1973. He was gan) Dale. She was a member of St Cyril preceded in death & Methodius by her husband, Catholic Church in William “Bill” Britt Slovak.

Raymond Andrew Duch went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 7, 2014, while at the Stuttgart Baptist hospital with his family and loved ones by his side. He was born October 23, 1923, the son of Julius and Mary Potkan Duch.

Ronnie Lee “Sonny” Morris, 51, of Hazen was born to Ronnie and Mary Hill Morris in Des Arc February 2, 1963 and passed away September 27, 2014.

Sadie Chase Robinson, 98, of

Arthur “Bubba” Williams, 85, of

Des Arc passed away November 15.

She was born in Des Betty Charlene Ed- Arc Nov. 17, 1915 to Orlin Patrick Mcwards Love, 81, of the late Lige (Bear) Govern, 92, of Des Des Arc died peace- and Amanda Govan Arc died September fully at her home on Chase. Sadie married Walter Robin11, 2014 at White October 18, 2014 son Jr. in August County Medical surrounded by her 1934 and to their Center, Searcy. He loving family. Betty was born May 17, was born in Des Arc union eleven children were born.

1922 in Bowdler, on August 21, 1933 South Dakota and to Robert and Geormoved to Des Arc gia (Holcombe) EdGwen Walters several years ago wards. She was a Minton, 92, of Des 1951 graduate of from Washington Arc passed away State where he had DAHS. She particiSeptember 29, 2014 worked in a paper pated for several at Baptist Hospital mill for 25 years. years in the popular in Little Rock with Survivors include Des Arc Lip Sync her family by her his wife, Bernice performers. A li(Matthews) McGov- side. Gwen was censed dietitian, born December 11, ern.

Betty was dietary 1921 in Des Arc to supervisor during the late Earl and the early years of Elva Chandler. She Des Arc Nursing & was preceded in Rehab Center.

Delcie M. Bell death by her husAmong family Rollosson, 89, of band, Alvin Louis members preceding Des Arc passed (Dump) Walters. her in death was her away November 28 husband, J. C. Love. at the Des Arc Nursof DAHS. Her father ing and Rehab Cenoperated the Ice ter where she had House at Des Arc for been a resident in James William Pipof North Little Rock recent weeks. Delseveral years. kin, 87, of Grifpassed away Oct. 20, cie was born Janufithville died Charles Lynn King, October 1, 2014. He 2014. Rodger was ary 29, 1925 in Des 74, a lifelong DeArc to S. T. and Lynborn in Searcy to was born November nie (Smith) McFarof Des Arc died Au- Valls Bluff resident, 14, 1926 in GrifAlta and Gladis lin. After WWII she was born there May gust 18, 2014 at Hambrick of Des fithville to the late married J. C. Bell White County Med- 8, 1940 and passed Arc where Rodger away Sept. 17, 2014. Brady and Minnie ical Center, Searcy. was raised. Rodger and they had two sons, J. D. and Tony He was born April 1, Among survivors are (Knapp) Pipkin. was a 1963 graduate Bell. Mrs. Delcie his wife of 56 years, James retired from 1950 in Des Arc to of DAHS, and in was a nurse who Jeannette King. He the United States Jim and Odessa had worked for Dr. started his minnow Navy. He is survived later years was the (McClure) Chase owner and operator Bobby Bethell and business, which and was adopted by one sister, of the Rice Movie Dr. Gerald M. Schucontinues today, in later by Eddie and Blondell Vaughn of Theater in Des Arc. mann.

1958.

Emma Berry.

Griffithville.

Biscoe (Beulah Community) died , August 14, 2014 at Joe Keith Caskey, 95, the Des Arc Nursing died August 1, 2014, and Rehab Center. in Oklahoma City.

“Bubba”, as Arthur He was born in Des was affectionately Arc in 1919 to Wm. J. known, was born July 2, 1929. He was and Bess Caskey. a farmer for 55+ Wm J. Caskey was years and worked as founder of the a bus driver for the Caskey Hardware Des Arc School Disand Caskey Burial trict for a few years.

Association, forerunner of Garth Hardware and Garth Funeral Home. Joe was a 1936 graduate of DAHS and UofA departed this life Law School graduAugust 13, 2014 at ate. After WWII he Baptist Medical returned to Des Arc Center in Little where he had a law Rock. She was born practice and also in Prairie County on served as mayor of October 3, 1930 to the city 1949-51.

Homer and Mildred Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Akins of Des Arc and was a 1948 graduate Sara Hurt Caskey.

Kathleen Akins Hall, 83, Hazen

Mack Williams, 80, DeValls Bluff passed away on August 7, 2014 after a long 40 year battle with cancer. He was born on January 14, 1934, in De Valls Bluff to Clarence and Bessie Brooks Williams. Mack graduated from De Valls Bluff High School in 1952.

Gilbert Franklin Smith, Sr., 80,

James Pippin, 87 Rodger Hambrick

Larry L. Chase, 64