December 6-10 Hazen invitational basketball tournment
Saturday
December 6 Carlisle Children’s Parade
4:00 p.m. followed by the Christmas Parade
6:00 p.m.
Monday December 8 Christmas in the Park Downtown Hazen 5:00 p.m.
Carlisle School Board meeting
Tuesday December 9 Hazen
(SCOTT, Ark.) – Make plans to take a step back in time at two parks that connect you to Arkansas’s past. On December 20, 2025, events will be held at both the Plantation Agriculture Museum and Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park to recognize and celebrate this special time of the year. Less than five miles separate these two parks just outside of North Little Rock, making this a great opportunity to visit two Arkansas State Parks in one trip.
Start your day at Plantation Agriculture Museum’s Merry Makers Craft Day from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. At this event, you can enjoy making charming crafts with your family
while sipping hot cocoa or wassail and nibbling on holiday treats. Create memories as well as keepsakes that you can carry with you when you leave. This year’s crafts will include a clothespin mule magnet or ornament, cotton burr poinsettias, ricefilled hand warmers, “tie-dye” handkerchiefs, and tree cookie coasters or magnets. This is a great chance for kids to make some holiday gifts for friends and families. While the museum will remain free to visit during the event, there is a charge of $5.00 per participant for those who wish to make crafts. For more information, please contact the Plantation Agriculture Museum at 501-961-1409 or PlantationAgriMuseum
PBS to livestream Capitol lighting
CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) — Arkansas PBS, as part of its Arkansas Live initiative, will livestream the 2025 Arkansas State Capitol Lighting Ceremony Saturday, Dec. 6, starting at 5:30 p.m. and Sounds of the Season Children’s Choir performances Dec. 8 through 19, starting at 9 a.m. each day, at myarpbs.org/arkansasliv e. This year marks the 87th Anniversary of the Arkansas State Capitol Lighting Ceremony – a beloved celebration that brings families, friends and communities together. Attendees and viewers share in the joy, generosity and spirit of the holiday season. Secretary of State Cole Jester will lead this year’s festivities, continuing a legacy that has brightened the Capitol grounds for nearly nine decades.
The tradition began humbly when former Secretary of State Crip Hall, with the help of a staff electrician, fashioned the first Capitol display using sheet metal, strips of lights and a sprayed silver fir tree illuminated with rotating lights. From these early efforts, the ceremony has grown into one of Arkansas’s most treasured holiday events, captivating generations with its warmth, spectacle and sense of community.
Beginning Dec. 8 through 19, Arkansas PBS will feature the Sounds of the Season Children’s Choir performances starting at 9 a.m. each day, showcasing students from across the state as part of the Capitol celebration.
For full livestream details, visit myarpbs.org/arkansasliv e.
@Arkansas.com. Thereafter, walk into the past with Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park’s Winter Solstice Celebration. Discover what archeologists have uncovered about the people who lived there over 1,000 years ago. We will unveil the story of the Plum Bayou people, illustrating the impor-
tance of sunsets in their culture. A guided tour of the site will begin at 3:30 p.m., which will conclude with watching the sun set over Mound S. Afterwards, everyone is invited to the picnic area to warm up at a fire with hot cocoa, cider, and s’mores.
As you enjoy the fire, you’ll have the opportunity to hear some American Indian sto-
ries. The fee for this event is $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for children ages 6–12, and free for children under 6 years old. This program may be altered due to weather conditions. For more information, please contact Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park at 501-9619442 or PlumBayou@Arkansas.c om.
Star of Life award for his “unwavering committment to our community.”
White River Irrigation District project continues...
Hawkins given service award...
The Herald neglected to print this picture of Hazen Mayor David Hardke presenting Southern Paramedic Service EMT Shelby Hawkins with the
Vincent James Petrus, Jr.
First Baptist Church in Des Arc, throughout her life.
Vincent James (Jim) Petrus, Jr. of Carlisle passed away on November 25, 2025. He was 71 years of age. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vince and Addie Petrus, a son Andrew (Andy) Petrus and life partner, Karla Watson. He is survived by son Ethan Petrus; sisters Anne Anderson, Janet Petrus, Susan Bransford (Rick) and brother Bobby Petrus (Shari); and grandchildren Tyler Petrus, Patrick Petrus and Andrea George.
Funeral Mass for Christian burial will be Wednesday, December 3, 2025 beginning at 12:00 PM at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Carlisle; Rosary will be prior to the funeral mass. Interment will follow in the Carlisle Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted with Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen, Arkansas.
Sandra Ingram Neely
Ramsey
Sandra Ingram Neely Ramsey, age 81, of Des Arc, Arkansas, passed away at UAMS in Little
Rock, Arkansas on Sunday, November 23, 2025. Born October 5, 1944, to Raymond and Mildred (Bunch) Ingram of Des Arc, Sandra was a beacon of love, compassion, and resilience throughout her life.
Sandra was a proud graduate of Des Arc High School, Class of 1965, and continued her education at Baptist Nursing in Little Rock, Arkansas. She dedicated her life to serving others in the medical field, first as an ER Nurse at Stuttgart Regional and later as a Surgical Nurse at White County Regional Hospital until her well-deserved retirement. Her dedication to her profession was driven by her deep-rooted empathy and her desire to ease the pain of others.
Sandra's accomplishments extended far beyond her professional endeavors. She was a constant source of love and support for her family and friends, consistently putting others before herself. She had a love for working, shopping, dining out, reading, and most notably, talking with family and friends on the phone. Her voice was a source of comfort for many, and her laughter was a melody that will be deeply missed. She was a member of
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charles Ramsey, and her brother Bobbie Ray Ingram. She is survived by her daughters, Dana DeAnne Neeley (Shane Holland) of Fayetteville and Keisha Barnum of Little Rock. She also leaves behind sisters Carolyn Kennedy, Jan York, and Faye Hughes, all of Des Arc, along with her dedicated caregivers, Tonya Richards and Angela Sims.
Sandra’s life was a living example of a quote by Maya Angelou, "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." Sandra not only survived, but thrived, and she did so with an abundance of compassion, a sense of humor that could lighten any moment, and an undeniable style that was uniquely her own. In this time of grief, we remember Sandra, not with sorrow, but with gratitude, for she lived a life full of purpose, love, and laughter. Her legacy will continue to shine through her family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Melvin RD White
Melvin RD White passed away on
Holiday Safety Tips
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. –
As soon as the last of the Thanksgiving leftovers are packed away, many families begin decorating for the holidays. While twinkling lights and festive displays bring joy to the season, Entergy Arkansas reminds customers that safety should always come first when decorating homes and trees. Following a few simple precautions can help ensure a safe and bright holiday season. Here are eight tips for safer holiday lighting displays:
Pick the right tree. If using a live tree, choose one with fresh, green needles that don’t fall off easily. Cut about two inches from the base of the trunk before placing it in the stand, and add water daily. Keep exits clear. Make sure your tree doesn’t block doorways or hallways in case of emergency.
For more tips on how to practice lighting and decoration safety during the holiday season, visit the National Fire Protection Association website.
2026 Prairie County Candidates
Constable
Jeffery Uhiren
Tanner White
Gary Carter
Jaylon Snow
Michael Corley
Michael McIntosh
Darren Covington
Timothy Huett
Mike Wallace
Billy Mason
Bruce Sutton
Charles Holmes
Coroner
J. Byrum Kelly
Prosecutor
Abram Skarda
Colbie Harrson
November 25, 2025, at Des Arc Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where he had been a resident for several weeks following a brief illness.
a resident at Des Arc Nursing and Rehab.
Melvin was 96 years young. He was born in Moro, Arkansas (Lee County) to George Allen White and Perry Pinkston White on August 8, 1929. He grew up on the east side of Des Arc during the great depression.
Melvin loved sharing stories about his youth and the great times he had in his younger years. He loved life and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Melvin was a very quiet, humble Christian man. He was a member of Family Worship Church in Des Arc and was loved by many. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife of 38 years Dorothy Thomas Graham; stepson, Elmer Graham and siblings: Pat White, Marie White Branham, Tobie White, Esther White O’dell and Millie McCall. He is survived by his beloved stepdaughter, of 41 years, Gail Graham Hill, step daughter Nicole Davis, sister-in-law Mary Hughes and several nieces and nephews. The family is very appreciative of the care he received while being
Ruby Maxine VanHouten Petrus
brother, Kenneth (Bumpin) VanHouten along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
Ruby Maxine VanHouten Petrus, “Mimi”, 90, of Stuttgart, whose loving, spunky spirit never stopped bringing joy to others, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. She was born on September 21, 1935. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard, of 43 years and joined him in paradise 26 years later on their wedding anniversary. She also follows in passing her parents, Commie and Viola VanHouten; brothers LeRoy, John, T.L. (Skinny), B.R., Ellis; sisters Gladys Vick, Charolette (Lippy)Ivy, and Bobbie Petty.
Her legacy continues through her children, Lenny Petrus, Micki (Keith) Konecny, Jarrod (Sonya) Petrus; her grandchildren Cara and Jordan Petrus, Kelsi (Jeremy) Bednar, Nick (Ashley) Konecny, Charlsi Konecny (fiancé, Cameron Gilmore), Haley Cross and Damon Gentry; her great-grandchildren Oden Cross, Sloan and Ellie Konecny, and Brynn Bednar. She is survived by a
Mimi’s hardworking spirit, joyful disposition, and love of sharing laughter left a lasting impact on all who knew her. She spent her life serving in many capacities; homemaker, bookkeeper, retail manager, factory worker, dance teacher assistant, caregiver, and RSVP volunteer. Her greatest loves were her children and grandchildren. She was their number one fan, their biggest supporter, and their personal chauffeur to wherever life carried them.
Visitation was held on Friday, November 28, 2025 beginning at 5:00PM at Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel in Hazen, Rosary will follow beginning at 6:00PM. Funeral Mass was Saturday, November 29, 2025 beginning at 10:00AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Stuttgart, with a visitation prior to the Mass beginning at 9:00AM. Interment with be in the Hazen Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Stuttgart Senior Citizen Center and the Stuttgart Animal Shelter, honoring her love for her community and her pups. Arrangements are entrusted with Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen, Arkansas.
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are beginning to think about our shopping lists and where we’ll spend our hard-earned money. There’s no better time to support the small businesses that help make Arkansas such a vibrant place to live.
This year, Arkansas was ranked the 3rd best state in the nation to start a small business, according to Forbes. That recognition reflects what many of us already know Arkansas is a place where entrepreneurs can thrive, innovate, and build stronger communities.
Small businesses are at the heart of our state’s economy. With more than 280,000 small businesses representing 99.3% of all Arkansas businesses, their impact is hard to overstate. Nearly half of the state’s workforce — 47.5% — is employed by small businesses. When you choose to shop local, you’re not only supporting those owners and employees, you’re
strengthening the economic health of your own community.
Local retailers also bring something special to the holiday season. Many offer products made right here in Arkansas or sourced from independent artisans, giving you the chance to share unique, meaningful gifts with family and friends. Supporting these shops means investing directly in the creativity, craftsmanship, and talent of your neighbors. And the benefits go even further. Studies show that 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the local economy. That reinvestment helps create jobs, support local services, and boost overall economic well-being a ripple effect that becomes especially important during the holiday season.
Small businesses also fuel two-thirds of net new jobs nationwide and drive the kind of innovation and competition that ultimately benefits consumers. The Arkansas General Assembly has taken meaningful steps to support this critical sector. In recent sessions, lawmakers have passed measures to reduce tax burdens on small businesses, streamlined certain licensing and regulatory requirements, expanded grant and loan opportunities for entrepreneurs, and invested in workforce development programs that help businesses hire and retain skilled workers. These efforts are designed to strengthen Arkansas’ business climate and ensure that entrepreneurs have the tools they need to succeed.
This holiday season, let’s celebrate and support the local businesses that give Arkansas its character, its resilience, and its economic strength. By choosing to shop small, you’re helping keep our communities strong — not just in December, but all year long.
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
Eagles season ends with loss to Cross County
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
The Des Arc Eagles came up short of returning to the state title game with a 27-8 loss to Cross County in the Class 2A state semifinals Friday night in Cherry Valley.
With the loss, Des Arc ends its season at 8-5.
Cross County will play East Poinsett County for the Class 2A state title Friday at noon at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
Des Arc trailed 6-0 in the first quarter when Hudson Goodman scored on a 27-yard run with 42 seconds left. Jamie Collins added the twopoint conversion to give the Eagles an 8-6 lead.
The Thunderbirds reclaimed the lead for good at 12-8 with 8:55
left in the first half.
Cross County would go on to score two more touchdowns while holding the Eagles out of the end zone the remainder of the game.
Des Arc coach Nick Smith was proud of the way his team fought until the end.
“Our effort and physicality was right on par with how we had been playing the last four weeks,” Smith said. “I was really proud of their effort. But when you have three turnovers, it’s really hard to win. We felt like we moved the ball well. We just had timely moments in the game where we’d have a really costly turnover. But you’ve got to give credit to Cross County. They are a really good football team. I
think it just shows the strength of our conference with EPC winning the other side, and Cross County beating us.”
Smith said he was proud of how his team played the last month of the season after the twogame stretch with losses to Cross County and EPC before reeling off three in a row before losing to Cross County in the playoffs.
“I’m just proud of our kids and how they finished the season,” Smith said. “We were in a winor-go-home situation, starting in Week 10. Our guys put together three really good weeks of football with McCrory, Hector and Mineral Springs. It makes you really proud.”
Lady Bison get first season win
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
After starting the season with two losses, the Carlisle Lady Bison bounced back with a 6939 win over Brinkley on Nov. 18.
Carlisle lost to Riverview 59-39 in the season opener Nov. 11 then lost to Bigelow 4924 two days later.
The Lady Bison then had their way with the Lady Tigers to notch the first win of the season.
Carlisle had an outstanding first quarter, jumping out to a 17-5
lead. McKenna Ellis scored nine of the 17 points. Bliss Parker had four while Tyler Lee and Presley Parker had two points each. Brinkley stayed in the game, outscoring Carlisle 17-16 in the second quarter as the Lady Bison led 33-22 at halftime.
Ellis scored nine ore points in the second quarter while Adisun Golden had three. Bliss Parker added two.
Bliss Parker scored seven in the third quarter while Angie Petrus had five. Ellis scored
two as both teams scored 14 points.
The Lady Bison put the game away in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Lady Tigers 16-14. Caroline Bokker had five. Gracie Campbell hit a three-pointer while Bliss Parker, Golden and Presley Parker had two points each. Ellis led Carlisle with 20 points. Bliss Parker had 15. Petrus and Bokker had five each. Presley Parker had four. Campbell had three. Scoring two each were Charly Cook and Lee.
Arkansas State Senate Report
By Senator Ron Caldwell
Arkansas’ lithium fields are not anticipated to produce until 2028. Plans are underway to process bromine deposits found in the Smackover Formation in southern Arkansas.
Currently, the United States produces about 1 percent of the world’s lithium, which is used in advanced weapons systems, drones and as energy storage for electric vehicle batteries. Lithium production in the United States will help prevent our reliance on foreign suppliers and ensure we have our own steady supply of lithium for both military and domestic uses. To date, there is only one commercial lithium operation in the United States located in Silver Peak, Nevada.
Act 1012 was signed into law this year by the governor to foster the development of a new industry to produce lithium and its byproducts in south Arkansas.
Currently, Standard Lithium plant is set to start operations in 2028 in Lafayette County and is expected to produce 22,500 tons of lithium in Phase One. ExxonMobil has been drilling exploration wells to better understand the resource
and claims Arkansas’ supply has the potential to be a “world-class resource”. Also, the rights to 125,000 acres in eastern Texas and southwestern Arkansas are owned by Chevron, but the company has yet to set a royalty rate with Arkansas regulators.
According to industry leaders there is a lot of growth potential in the region. The possibility of more industries expanding is very favorable because it is not just the extraction, but the need to process and manufacture nearby. Arkansas leaders are calling for the state to become a lithium production hub. There is still plenty of infrastructure work that needs to take place to keep pace with foreign competitors and other domestic production in several states.
In October, the second Arkansas Lithium Innovation Summit, a two-day conference was held in Little Rock to discuss industry challenges such as building infrastructure and development of the workforce. Standard Lithium, which has partnered with Equinor, is building a $1.5 billion plant in southern
Arkansas to include rail lines, roads, and water and sewer improvements. A 2.5 percent payment rate was approved by the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission for brine extracted by Standard Lithium. Southern Arkansas University (SAU) in Magnolia is teaming with lithium producers on joint ventures to train workers. The University was awarded $2.75 million through a workforce grant by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education HIRED program, using funding that was established by the Workforce Initiative Act of 2015. Some of the money will go towards training high school students for technical training on equipment used in the industries and creation of a mobile stem lab. SAU has developed a Bachelor of Applied Science degree and there are many education opportunities available through retraining, adult education, or apprenticeships for oil field workers. This will put Arkansas in a good position to create a supply chain centered on lithium.
� Steve & Tammie Nelson
� Young Adult Bible Study Class from Carlisle First Methodist Church
� Lonoke County Co-op
� Cadence Bank
� Tullos Insurance
Our athletes’ success is a team effort, and that includes our local business community.
We encourage you to thank our sponsors personally and support their businesses whenever you can.
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).
Calvary Baptist Church
West North Front Street, Hazen, AR
Phone: (870) 255 - 4038
Christian VanHouten, pastor
Sunday School: 9:50 AM
Worship: 10:45 AM
BTC: 6 PM
Evening Worship 6:45 PM
Wednesday Bible Study: 7 PM
First Baptist Church
224 N. Hazen Ave.
Hazen, AR 72064
255 - 4464
Phone: (870)
Sunday Service
Sunday School: 10:00
AM Morning Worship: 11:00 AM
Evening Worship: 6:00
PM Wednesday Service
Adult Bible Study and Prayer 7:00 PM
Children's Program and "HYPE" Youth 7:00 p.m.
Center Point
Missionary Baptist Church
2997, Center Point Road, Hazen, AR
Bro. Brad Crumby
Pastor
Sunday School: 10 AM
Worship: 10:50 AM
BTC: 5 PM
Worship: 5:50 PM
The Turkey Is My Gobble, Gobble Wish List. . .
By Dr. James L. Snyder
What I enjoy the most about holidays is the “eating frenzy.” It gives me opportunity to get away with a lot behind The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage’s back, which is a great challenge. I’m not always successful, but I try and I have my family to thank for that. In the last few years, I have had some health issues, beginning with a heart attack, which was not that bad because I survived without any issues. Other issues concerning my health have developed over the years, requiring me to be on health pills. Nobody knows more about that than The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. She oversees my medical pills daily. When I wake up in the morning, my medications are ready for me to take. Maybe I’ve become a drug addict! I can handle all of these pills as long as they keep me healthy. What I have a hard time handling is my diet. The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage has me on a very strict diet that eliminates sugar in every category. I’m not allowed to have sugar or any foods that contain it. I really didn’t know how many foods
Wednesday - Youth Night - 6:30 PM
Hazen First United Methodist Church 211 North Hazen Avenue, Hazen, AR
Phone (870) 255 - 4657
Pastor Chris Todd Sunday School: 9:45
AM Worship Service: 10:55 AM
Hazen Church of Christ 204 Adams Street, Hazen, AR.
Phone (870) 255 - 3633
Sunday - Bible Study: 10
AM Worship Service: 11 AM Sunday Night: 6 PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7 PM
St. Peters Episcopal Church Highway 86, Tollville, AR. Worship Service: 9 AM
Sunday School: 10:30AM
Family Christian Fellowship 603 W WashingtonHazen, AR.
Pastor Scott Skarda 501-516-5971
Sunday: 10 AM, Wed, 6:30 PM
New Bethel MB Church 8525 New Bethel Road P.O. Box 87 Hazen, AR.
had sugar. She is quite overseeing in this regard for me. I have no idea what pills I am taking, but I leave that in the very qualified hands of The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. She knows medicine better than the doctors I know. She goes with me on every doctor’s visit and communicates with the doctor regarding my medicines. Although my diet is very strict in this regard, the holiday season enables me to compromise it just a little behind the back of you know who.. When we have a family gathering around the dinner table with that big Turkey in the middle, there are all kinds of sugar-saturated foods there, much to the chagrin of The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. Being a family holiday gathering there is little she can do about it. They all bring their favorite food and much of it has sugar in it. Usually, we have around 12 family members at these dinners, including several infants full of energy, which is a distraction and makes my sneaky plan more possible and easier to pull off. If I eat something with
Pastor Bro. Freddie McCann Sunday School 10 am
Sunday Service 11 am
Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church
Pastor Dyrek Foshee 7474 Highway 86 North, Hazen, AR
Sunday School: 10 AMService: 11 AM
Sunday Night: 5 PM
Prairie Chapel MB Church Center of North Washington & Woodlawn, Hazen, AR.
Rev. Maurice WilliamsPastor Sunday School: 9:30AM Worship: 11AM
Wednesday 7 PM Bible Study
Carlisle Pentecostal
Church of God
Scott & McDonald Sts., Carlisle, AR.
Phone 501-438-1643
Pastor Daniel Strength Sunday School: 10 AM
Sunday Worship Service: 11 AM
Sunday Evening Service: 6 PM
Wednesday Evening Service: 7 PM
Mt Zion MB Church Rt 2 Carlisle, AR
Rev. Cruthfield, Pastor Sun. School 9:45 A.M.
Worship 11 A.M.
Wed Prayer & Bible
Class 7 P.M.
Fellowship M. B. Church
209 E. Claire St.
Des Arc, AR 72040 (870) – 256-3622
Sunday School – 9:45 am
Worship Service – 11:00 am
First Pentecostal
Church of Prairie County
3201 Hwy. 70 E., Hazen, AR (870) 255-9177
Pastor J N Holmes
Sunday 10 A.M.
Wednesday 7 P.M.
First Baptist Church
319 Court St., P. O. Box 25, Carlisle, AR
Phone (870) 552 - 7732
David Lee - Pastor Sun School: 9:45 AM
Worship: 11 AM Awana: 5 PMWorship: 7 PM
Holy Temple COGIC
Elder McFadden, Pastor
St. John's Lutheran Church
Fifth and College Streets, Stuttgart, AR
Phone (870) 673 - 2858
Rev. Andrew Toopes, Pastor Worship: 8:00 am10:15 am
Sunday School & Bible
Class: 9:15 AM
Radio - KWAK 10:15 AM
Sundays
www.stuttgartlutheran.com
Carlisle First
Methodist Church
215 East Third St., Carlisle, AR
Pastor - Joe Lowe
Phone (870) 552 - 7789
Sunday School: 9:45 AM
Worship: 10:45 AM
Immanuel Baptist Church
Pastor Bill Ricks
Highway 13 North
sugar in it, and The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage doesn’t see me eat it, I’m off free and that sugar is at my most gracious disposal. During the last 10 years following my heart attack, I have worked on this to perfect it. I’m not there yet but I’m working on it.. Throughout this family Thanksgiving celebration, I keep boasting about the turkey and how delicious it is, and I get others around the table to talk about it in order to divert attention from my plan. Now, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage is actively involved in the serving of this meal.
My plan is to sneak a sugar-laden cookie or two from the table when she is distracted. With doughnuts, cookies, and pies all around, I couldn’t be in a better place. When I want to pick up a cookie, I will cause a little distraction and talk about how delicious that turkey was, and whoever made that turkey is a genius. Everybody will laugh and point to the person who baked that turkey, none other than The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. Everybody will be laughing
Carlisle, AR.
Phone (870) 552 - 3100
Sunday School: 9:45
AM Worship:11 AM
Sunday Evening: 6 PM
Wednesday Evening: 7 PM
Landmark Baptist Church 517 East Third, Carlisle, AR.
Phone (870) 552 - 3568
Pastor Albert Young Sunday School: 9:45 AM
Worship: 10:45 AM
BTC 6 PM - Worship 7
PM Wed. Evening: 7:30 PM
St. Rose Catholic Church Highway 70, Carlisle,AR.
Phone (870) 552 - 3601
Sunday Mass
10:30AM English
12:00PM Spanish
Tuesday Mass 6:00 PM
Wednesday Mass in Spanish 5:30 PM Holy Hour & Confessions 6:05 PM Friday (except First Friday) Mass 8:30AM Saturday Mass in English 5:00 PM
First Baptist Church of DeValls Bluff
Pastor Bobby Powers
P. O. Box 358 Highway 70 West, DeValls Bluff, AR.
Phone (870) 998 - 7118
Sunday School: 9:45
AM Morning Worship: 11 AM
Evening Worship: 5 PM
Wednesday Evening: 7 PM
Mount Olive MB Church Highway 70, DeValls Bluff, AR. Rev. Tony Haskins
Sunday School: 9:30AM Worship Service: 11 AM
Peppers Lake
Church of Christ Hwy 302, SE of DeValls Bluff, AR.
Sunday-Bible Study: 10 AM Worship: 11 AM
Evening Service: 6 PM
Wednesday - Bible Study: 7 PM
Union Chapel FreeWill Baptist Church Metcalf Road, Rt.1, DeValls Bluff, AR
Pastor Darrell Foster
Sunday School: 9:30
AM Worship Service: 11 AM
Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church Highway 86, Slovak, AR. School: 9:45 AM Mass: 8:30 AM
Thursday Holy Hours 5:00 pm and Mass at 6:00pm Biscoe Baptist Church Biscoe, AR.
Pastor Fred Dollar
Sunday School: 10 AM Worship Service: 11 AM & 7 PM
Training 6 PMWed. Service 7 PM First Assembly of God Hwy 33 and U.S. 70 Biscoe, Arkansas Sunday Services: 10:30 A.M., 6 P.M.
while behind the laughing I sneak a few cookies and slide them onto my plate.
After all, how can I get caught eating something somebody in our family baked? It would be very rude for me not to eat something that someone in our family brought to the meal. That is, everything but broccoli. Those Thanksgiving dinners are some of the most wonderful times of the year. Yes, I love and enjoy the turkey. But if I can use the turkey to create a shield to sneak several cookies, it is that much more delicious. After the meal when everybody has gone, I usually go and sit down in my easy chair and relax a bit and reflect on our time around the Thanksgiving table.
It is then that The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage will come and say, “I know you didn’t eat any cookies during the meal so I thought I would bring you one in appreciation of your faithful abstinence.”
Nothing feels more wonderful than when a plan comes together. I’m not sure who is tricking whom here. Did I tricked her, or
Wednesdays WNYG, Kids Club, Bible Study 7 P.M.
St. John's Baptist Church Biscoe, AR 870-998-2777 Sunday School 10 A.M. Worship 11 A.M. Rev. William Brownpastor
Holy Temple Church of God in Christ Elder James Clark, Pastor Sunday School: 9:30 AM Worship Service: 11 AM
Jehovah Community Temple Church 710 Sycamore St, DeValls Bluff, AR Elder Ronnie Mosby Sunday 10:30 AM Monday Bible School 7 PM
Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church
is she tricking me into believing that she didn’t see me take some cookies off the table?
I look at her and say very cheerfully, “You know those pies on the table today looked so delicious and I was so tempted when looking at them.”
“Well,” she said, “maybe I will let you have a small piece of pumpkin pie tonight for supper.”
Refusing her offer would be stupid; I munched her cookie, dreaming of the pumpkin pie I'd enjoy later-life's perfect moment. As I was thinking of our family celebration I was reminded of a Bible verse, Psalm 127:3, “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
Thinking about my family at our Thanksgiving celebration caused me to remember how blessed I am. My goal is not to take this blessing for granted but thank God each day for it.
Dr. James L. Snyder lives in Ocala, FL with the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. Telephone 1352-216-3025, e-mail jamessnyder51@gmail.com, website www.jamessnyderministries.com.
Pastor Adam Bowman Hwy. 70 West of DeValls Bluff Sunday School-10:00 a.m. Sunday morning11:00 a.m. Sunday Evening-5:00 p.m. Wednesday Night-7:00 p.m Zion Lutheran Church Hwy 79 PO Box 158 Ulm,
Lucas Moody, DVM
Construction programs continue for WRID project
By LeighVan Houten
It has been a productive season for White River Irrigation District (WRID) meeting its goal to deliver water in 2026.
Entergy’s completion of the Grand Prairie Electrical Substation was a major milestone. Work continues refurbishing pump station motors, contracts were awarded by ARDot to complete Highways 70 and 63 crossings, pipeline installation has started, and county road crossings with earthwork to close the levees at those locations are progressing.
In June, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers joined the Arkansas Department of
Agriculture and WRID, to celebrate the completion of the Grand Prairie Electrical Substation.
“This day has been coming for a long time,”
Billy Grantham, chief of groundwater for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Memphis District, said. “We set the completion date for February 2026, but in the middle of things we found a way to accelerate things a little bit.”
The Grand Prairie Electrical Substation sits on a two-acre pad just South of the Grand Prairie Pumping Station in DeVall’s Bluff, above the 100-year flood plain. The station has two 33 MBA transformers, which are fed from a
115 KV transmission line.
“We have the pump station re-procurement going on out there and that project will be finished early next year. We are one huge step closer to delivering water. This is a tremendous milestone for this project,” Grantham said.
The contract has a 19month performance time. That will mean an expected water pumping date of Spring 2026. The pumps have been cleaned up where needed, and alignments have been checked and adjusted where necessary. The motors have been shipped to the manufacturer in Ohio for complete tear down and refurbishing. Rust repairs were completed on the two 1,500-horsepower motors in Indianapolis and should be heading back to the manufacturing facility to start refurbishing this week. Work on the four 5,600 horsepower will follow. C. J. Mahan is the prime contractor. Additional earthwork on the inlet canal and pump station surroundings will start shortly.
The work meets significant milestones necessary for WRID to meet its goal, which is supplying affordable water to farmers in portions of Prairie, Monroe, Lonoke, and Arkansas Counties that have seriously stressed ground
water conditions.
While the Corp works on bringing the pump station up to working order WRID will continue its dirt work, building the canal, installing pipelines, and installing state and county road crossings.
“Natural Resources Conservation ServiceArkansas has the designs completed to Highway 86 which is just west of the Hazen Airport,” WRID Director and Chief Engineer Dennis Carman, said.
“We have the canal portion completed from the regulating reservoir to Highway 63 just south of Hazen, about six miles. We still have some seeding and road crossings to complete, which are what we call gaps,” John Neukam, WRID construction manager, said. “An additional six miles of canal is currently at 90 percent complete that goes to the Hazen Airport.”
“That’s a lot of work to complete and results in the infrastructure covering 60,000 acres of irrigated cropland. We expect to be able to deliver water to 25,000 acres in 2026 and 40,000 acres will be served in 2027,” Carman explained.
WRID has funded the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDot) crossings at Highway 70 and Highway 63, which are 100 percent designed. The real estate has been cleared, and utility relocations were completed.
RedStone Construction Group, of Little Rock, was awarded the contract and started work on Highway 63 first. All 120 box culverts have been set. A bypass was completed first at the Highway 63 location and work has begun on Highway 70 bypass.
This contract is expected to take a year; work began in July.
A county road crossing at Old Highway 70 Road crossing was completed earlier this Fall.
Concrete work is completed on the South Woodlawn Avenue crossing with dirt work to connect the canal being the next step. Concrete is currently being poured at the Chudy Road crossing. The final crossing scheduled will be at Old Highway 11 just south of Hazen but depending on weather conditions it may not proceed until Spring.
In addition to the canal work the district is completely funded for 40 miles of irrigation pipelines. When fully installed, this will serve about 60,000 acres of irrigated cropland, which is most of the area North and East of LaGrue Bayou.
“We do not anticipate 100 percent of the acres will request water, at least initially,” Carman said.
“We currently have 23,400 feet of pipe in the ground,” Neukam said.
“Once we get the pipeline road crossings done, we will have 4.375 miles of pipe laid that will be fully functioning to deliver water.”
WRID will start boring under state Highway 70 and 86 next week to facilitate pipeline installation under these roads. Laying pipe isn’t quite as finicky about winter weather if temperatures stay at or above 40-degrees work is expected to continue.
“This is a big project and will eventually serve 250,000 acres of heavily irrigated cropland. This project will provide water for our region that has experienced groundwater decline as significant as any of the western state
declines you read about,” Lynn Sickel, WRID board member, said.
The Corps of Engineers helped fund the pump station, and large pipelines from the river to the regulating reservoir at Webb Lake Road to lift the water out of the White River for temporary storage and release to the canal system. NRCS provides cost-share for the canal, pipelines to deliver water to the farms, and a lot of prior on-farm work. The Corps and ANRC tax credits funded, and NRCS constructed, many of the reservoirs and tail water systems built across the region between 2001 and 2005. Lastly, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Division has provided the district with the loan authority to match the federal funding, used primarily for road crossings and real estate.
“It’s good to see NRCS, the Corps, ANRC, and WRID pulling on the same rope, at the same time. Our costs have gone up like everyone else’s over the past two years, but we are still good on our commitment to deliver affordable water to our farmers,” Carman explained.
“This project has been a long time coming with a lot of hard work by a lot of people and agencies,” Dan Hooks, WRID board president, explained. “I appreciate that work, but we are not nearly complete. We can’t let up. We, along with our federal, state and local partners, need to stay focused on our mission. I am challenging the Corps and our construction and water delivery team to meet the 2026 irrigation season water delivery goal, finish Phase 1 work totally, and find innovative ways to get the canal built to Slovak, Stuttgart, and Ulm, which is an area equivalent in size to Phase 1. I am also asking our team to work with the Bayou Meto District to develop a plan to present to NRCS and ANRC for an on-farm component to facilitate improvements needed for farms to connect to the district infrastructure and efficiently distribute and utilize the water on the farms. Not only do I believe we can get this done, but we can do it in a cost-effective manner.”
