11-19-25 edition

Tuesday

Thursday November 20 Hazen City Council meeting 6:00 p.m.

Hornet Basketball vs Scott Charter 4:30p.m. JG, JB,SG, SB Hornets Nest

Food Distribution Hazen United Methodist Church 10:00 a.m.

Monday November 2428

Thanksgiving Break for Local Schools

Des Arc School Board Meeting 6:00 p.m.

Thursday November 27

Thanksgiving Day

Most local businesses will be closed.

Monday December 1

Hazen Chamber Meeting

6:00 p.m.

Tuesday December 2

Hazen Master Gardeners Meeting

Community events brought to you by

Hazen School Board gets building update

The Hazen School Board met on Monday, November 10, to get an update from C. R. Crawford and Taggart Architects on the building projects in the district. Before the presentation, two public comments were heard by the board concerning student behavior and discipline.

After that, the board was told that the weight room drawings were done, but are over budget, so they will be redrawn. Those working on the projects were seeking permission to combine the four projects (the pre-k, field house, weight room, and agri building) to save money, and that permission was granted. They said that the construction is expected to begin in the spring with bids coming in February 1. They hope to pay no more than $350 per foot.

Drawings should be finished by this week, and

the board members reminded them to cover the needs stated and to emphasize quality.

Superintendent Andy Barrett told the board that a playground company would be coming to talk about the district signing a separate contract, and that the greenhouse is being shipped. He also announced that 2022 partnership money will help to provide HVAC for the old gym. The high school and fieldhouse schematic drawings are finished and need to be approved by the teachers. The state is expected to give an early review between December 15 and January 15. In September of 2026 applications for grants will be approved, and the legislature will vote on what projects will be funded. Any grants will go into the building fund.

The board also voted to

C arlisle School Board hears state report card

in f or m ation

By Debbye Harrison

The Carlisle School Board met November 10, 2025, with all members present. Members heard the report from the State Report Card with a grade of C. Superintendent Greene reminded members although this was an improvement, it was not where he wanted the District to be. The ATLAS test scores showed some drastic improvements. Mrs. Yvette Green’s 8th grade ELA class scored 10 points above the state average. Biology and 7 th grade Science equaled the state average. Students of the month for Elementary were Isla Spence in Kindergarten and Ava Aukes in 5th grade. Mrs. Whitney Kelly was selected Teacher of the Month.

The High School student of the month was Senior Gabe Wilson. On January 7 the State

will conduct a prescreening of the elementary facilities. This is a fist step in securing partnership funding for a new building.

Foundational funding has increased $23,000 due to a nine-student increase in enrollment. The amount of money spent at this time in 2025 is $1,523,002 compared to $l,551,642 in 2024. The Child Nutrition fund has done well. Enough money has been collected to meet food costs as well as fund salaries.

In personnel matters, the resignation/retirement of Mrs. Bonnie Herring as Dean of Students was accepted effective November 28. She has been a part of Carlisle Schools for a number of years and will be sorely missed. The Proposed Budget, prepared by Stephens, Inc., for 2027-28 was approved. The next meeting will be December 8.

approve the purchase of property south of Little Hurricane Creek just north of the elementary school for $5000 from Johnny Flippo and Tommy Flippo.

A change in the policy concerning personal electronic devices has been sent to the state for approval. The change will allow students enrolled in concurrent credit classes to use personal devices if needed.

The elementary school received a grant for $252,000 last year to purchase the Book Nook program for grades 3-6 and 2nd grade math.

Book Nook is an online tutoring program that is individualized for each student. The students use the program 30 minutes a day in groups of three, and so far 42% of the students who use the program have met or exceeded the goal in literacy and 52% have met or exceeded goals in math. The program is geared toward the Arkansas standards.

Elementary Principal Laura Saranie said that the math lab is open for parents so see, and the teachers will undergo training on the program. Saranie also reported

that 295 people attended the three Grand Parents’ Days, and 181 ate in the cafeteria. On October 31st, the elementary school celebrated Halloween with trick or treating in the building. High School Principal Amy Marek announced a Veterans Day program and a talent show. Seniors are getting updates to get ready for graduation, and teachers will receive virtual content professional development as well as special education inclusion professional development.

(Continued on p. 2.)

D e V alls Blu ff C ouncil appoints C

By Lisa Mills

The DeValls Bluff City Council met on November 13th. Mayor Darlene Connor, Recorder/Treasurer Marcus Metcalf, and council members Scott Troy, Alice Metcalf, Carol Griffin, Shirley Goff, and Raymond Watson were present. Mayor Connor suggested a Community Planning Committee be formed to organize community events like an upcoming Christmas event. The council approved committee members Darlene Connor, Marcus Metcalf, Carol Griffin, Raymond Watson, Leah Woodall, Dena Swanigan, Mary Sharp, Trisha Cook, Kayla Murphy, and

Allison Watson. Written offers to purchase city properties were considered. Hunter McMullen offered $500.00 for a vacant lot located at 54 Main Street and $25,000 for the old clinic building located at 297 Market Street.

Attorney Mike Stuart stated that several changes need to be made in McMullen’s written contract offer. Approval was tabled until more information is received. Goff asked the council to consider approving an estimate she received to repair the roof at the Castleberry Hotel. Metcalf asked if the estimate was made after going inside the building to which she

answered no, they had just walked around the outside. Connor said that the estimate could not be accurate if they had not gone inside because the inside is just too far gone without an enormous amount of repairs. Goff said she wanted to go inside and have the roofer come back and go inside. Griffin said she would also like to see inside. Goff said she also knew of a business that might be interested in renting the old clinic building before a sale was approved.

Police Chief Jeremy Murphy reported six traffic citations and four arrests in October. The Fire Department reported two meetings and zero runs.

Janice Eve Buffalo Gooch

Maple Healthcare celebrates Veterans Day, Bingo Bash

Janice Eve Buffalo Gooch, age 78, passed away on November 12, 2025 in Forrest City, Arkansas. Janice was born October 27, 1947 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and went home with her parents to Sherrill, Arkansas.  Janice was raised in Carlisle, Arkansas and graduated from Carlisle High School.  After graduation, she went to Ouachita Baptist University and received a B.S. in Home Economics.

Janice’s first job was teaching home economics at Bradley High School. She alter accepted a home economics position with the University of Arkansas Co-operative Extension Service and worked 21 years in several counties. She also taught elementary students at Lee Academy in Marianna for approximately 13 years, she especially enjoyed teaching reading to young children.

Janice married Jim Gooch at the First Baptist Church in Carlisle, Arkansas on June 29, 1974. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Jim; her brother, Richard F. Buffalo of Carlisle, Arkansas. She loved and cherished her many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Janice was preceded in death by both of her parents, Robert and Dorothy; her brother, Robert E. Buffalo; and her sister, Georgia Lee. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in her memory to CARTI or the First Baptist Church of Carlisle, Arkansas.

A graveside funeral service for Janice will be Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 beginning at 11:00 A.M. at the Carlisle Cemetery Pavilion.

Carl Monroe Slaughter

Carl Monroe Slaughter Jr. passed away Friday, November 14, 2025 at the age of 69 after battling cancer. He was always known by his family and friends as Carl Jr.

Carl was born on May

Email: heraldpublishing@gmail.com

10, 1956 to Carl Monroe Slaughter Sr. and Sally Ruth Knight Slaughter. He accepted the Lord at a young age and joined Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church where he was baptized. He worked for Stuttgart Softwater after graduating and then later became a truck driver, and later owned his own truck.

Carl is survived by two sisters, Joy neighbors of Stuttgart, and Beverly Gray of DeValls Bluff; two paternal aunts, Alene Saunders and Leda Greenwalt; one nephew, Bryce Gray; one niece, Ashley Gray. Services for Carl was held Monday, November 17, 2025 with a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral service beginning at 11:00AM at Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church located at 8384 Hurricane Rd, DeValls Bluff, Arkansas. Interment will be in Roe Cemetery. Arrangements by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.

Hazen School Board_____________

(Continued from p. 1)

Barrett said that sixteen elementary students have moved out of the district and five are leaving due to school choice. The high school is losing 14 students to virtual and home schooling and four to school choice. Eleven have moved out of the district.

Personal Policy Committee Chair Summer Greenwalt asked that the faculty receive their $1000 Christmas bonuses in December by the next

school board meeting. Kati Reynolds gave an update on the cafeteria,reporting that 513 students eat in the cafeteria. Seventy eight percent are on free and reduced breakfast and lunch prices, and that 13,233 meals were served meals last year. She also said that the cafeteria had received a $16,000 grant for snacks and that a share table had been set up for students to place food that they do not want.

After an executive ses-

sion, Shawanna Cessor’s resignation was accepted. The employment of Austin Prince, the maintenance supervisor, was fired due to the violation of district policy #8.20. The board also approved the list of stipends assigned to district employees and approved the assignment of Dakota Aycock as head baseball coach and Samuel Sturdivant as assistant baseball coach.

Legal Notice

November 25, 2025, the Prairie County Election Commission will meet at 12: noon at the Prairie County Courthouse in Des Arc. The Commission will hold a drawing for the candidates whose names will appear on March 3, 2026, Preferential Primary, Non-Partisan and School Election ballot. Candidates or their representatives are welcome to attend this meeting.

Prairie County Election Commission

Chairman Rita Dobson 501 516 7264

Stan Ferguson 501 516 6156

Bison pull away from Spring Hill in second half

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Carlisle Bison punched their ticket to the quarterfinal round of the Class 2A state playoffs with a 47-6 win over Spring Hill on Friday night at Fred C. Hardke Field. With the win, the Bison are now 10-1 and will play 10-1 Mount Ida on Friday night in the quarterfinal round of the Class 2A state playoffs.

Mount Ida beat McCrory last Friday.

In Carlisle’s win over Spring Hill, quarterback Baylor Hauk threw one touchdown pass to Cajuan Pernell.

Zayden Hale rushed for three touchdowns and returned an interception for a fourth score.

Jaden Elliot rushed for a touchdown.

Jimmy Cham kicked two field goals. As has happened much of the season, the Bison got off to another slow start against Spring Hill then picked up the pace in the second half.

“We haven’t been able to figure out why,” Carlisle coach Gary Wilson said. “It’s happened more times than not. We’ve got to start fast this Friday.

“I’m real proud of our guys for getting the win. We bounced back from another slow start. I was not super happy with how we played for 2 1/2 quarters. It wasn’t real pretty football, but we finished the last quarter and a half really strong. We’ve got to carry that over into the first quarter against Mount Ida.”

Wilson said his team will have to get stops on defense against the Lions.

“It’s a really unique challenge playing them,” he said. “They run the veer. I don’t know of anybody else in 2A that runs it. I don’t think there is anybody that runs it better than they do. They can formation you to death.

“We’ve got to get lined up right and we’re going to have to make plays and tackle. Offensively, we’ve got to find a way to get it started before the third quarter, because if we go down there to Mount Ida and we don’t play well in the first half, we won’t be in position to make the fourth quarter matter.”

Eagles score upset on the road, rout Hector

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Des Arc Eagles jumped out to a 22-0 lead en route to a 58-36 win over Hector in the first round of the Class 2A state playoffs Friday night at Hector.

With their win and Mineral Springs upsetting Hampton, the Eagles will host the Hornets in the quarterfinal round this Friday in Des Arc.

In the win over Hector, Jamie Collins rushed for 197 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries. He also caught a touchdown pass of 45 yards.

Cane Childers rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns on six carries. Hudson Goodman rushed for 116 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries. He also completed 1 of 2 passes

for a touchdown.

“It was something that we’ve preached all year, but the emphasis has been on the last two weeks — being that the most physical team is going to win,” Des Arc coach Nick Smith said.

“It’s a mentality that we had to believe in both offensively and defensively. I attribute it to the kids really buying into that theory and really focusing on being the most physical team. We also kind of showcased our speed in the game.”

Defensively, Smith said his team pressured the quarterback and played the run well.

“We just had one bust that was a big play for them,” he said. “Other than that, our offensive line and defensive line really controlled the game with run blocking

and rushing the quarterback.”

Smith said it’s good for his team to be playing at home in the playoffs in the second round. It happened a few years ago with this same setup.

Smith said Mineral Springs moved up a freshman who gave the Hornets a “big-time spark.”

“You could tell, by the score in the Hampton game, they are really athletic,” Smith said. “They try to get the ball to the edge and push the ball down the field. They have some really athletic kids.

“It’s not something that we’re not used to seeing in the conference that we’re in. It’s just something that we’ve got to be ready for defensively.”

Grand Prairie Quilt Society holds November meeting

By Marsha Heien

The Grand Prairie Quilt Society met Wednesday, Nov 12, 2025 at the First Christian Church, Stuttgart for their Sit n' Sew with 7 members present. Shelley opened the meeting with the Thought for the Day, "Whenever I see fabric, I hear two voices in my head. One of them says, "Buy the fabric" and the other one says, "You heard her....Buy the fabric."

The October minutes and treasurer's report were given. November Birthday greetings were extended to Maeola, and She was serenaded with

a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday."

New Business:

Plans were finalized for the December/Christmas Party and Potluck on December 10. We will play the Right/Left game. Everyone was reminded to bring 5 small things to participate in the game. And also bring a favorite dish to share.New Business:

Plans were finalized for the December/Christmas Party and Potluck on December 10. We will play the Right/Left game. Everyone was reminded to bring 5 small things to participate in the game. And

to

also bring a favorite dish to share.After the business session, everyone enjoyed a pizza lunch with lots of visiting. During the afternoon everyone worked on their projects: Kay worked on her tiny paintings; Daphne made some of her Christmas coasters using the transfer method; Maeola cut out an interesting pink Razorback block pattern; Shelley finished attaching an eyelet ruf-

Page 4 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Hazen businesses hold open houses on Saturday, Nov 15

M&W, Hazen Florist and Gifts, and the Cozy Corner were all open last Saturday in anticipation of the holiday season.

Page 6 - The Grand Prairie Herald - Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Des Arc chamber of commers held, the 2025 Christmas on the river on November 15th. A large crowd enjoyed various vendors, food trucks and events throughout the day including the Art

Memorial Duck Calling Contest, parade, lighting the Christmas lights at the courthouse, a concert including

and a fireworks fireworks display.