8-27-25 edition

27, 2025

Community Calendar of Events

Thursday August 28

Commodities hand out at Hazen Methodist Church 10:00- noon

Monday September 1 Labor Day

Most local and county businesses will be closed.

Tuesday September 2 Master Gardeners’ meeting

Sunday September 7 Grandparents Day

Monday September 8 Hazen Chamber of Commerce meeting 6:00 pm.

Carlisle School Board meeting 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday September 9 Quorum Court meeting Annex Building 6:00 p.m.

Dementia Care Giver meeting 10:00 a.m. Hazen Senior Center

Thursday September 18

DeValls Bluff City Council meeting 6:00 p.m.

Thursday September 25 Hazen City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m.

Community events brought to you by

Please call The Grand Prairie Herald (255-4538) to list events.

puzzle is 8 feet tall and 29 feet wide. Aiden completed the puzzle in less

work.

Hazen Council inspects depot, discusses gas increase

The Hazen City Council met on Thursday, August 21, to pass two resolutions, and to discuss door-to-door soliciting and a possible gas rate increase. The council also got an update on the repairs done at the Hazen Depot and took a tour of the building after the meeting. Councilman Steve Chlapecka and Fire Chief Seth Skarda were not at the meeting.

The first resolution passed condemns the structure at 406 E. Madison St. just east of the Masonic Lodge. A letter has also been sent to the owners of the abandoned washateria building, but the city has received no response.

The second resolution passed allows the city to use federal aid money through the Arkansas Department of Transportation to replace the bridge over Little Hurricane Creek, just west of Hazen High School on Hazen Ave.The federal share of the project cost will cover 90% with the city paying for 10% of the cost.

The council continued the discussion of door-todoor solicitation in town. Presently, the city has no

code to regulate solicitation other than the requirement of registering with the city. The council agreed to set solicitation hours from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Mayor David Hardke was given permission to destroy 80 boxes of old records which are past time to be kept. The documents will be shredded on site.

Hardke also advised the council that the city is losing money on the sale of natural gas in the city. He suggested a modest gas rate increase, from 5.7% to 5.8%. He also said that deposits for water and gas hookups are too low. He is working on the numbers and will present a proposal at the next meeting.

Hardke gave the Fire Department report, saying that the firefighters had been very busy the past month. They had seven first responder runs and two rescues. The school walk-through has been completed.

Police Chief Bradley Taylor reported an 18wheeler wreck and fire in which one of the policemen, Officer Joey Foster, responded to the call and saved a man’s

life by applying a tourniquet to his leg. Taylor praised Foster for his quick thinking. The department also saved a life after an accidental shooting. Taylor also reported that some of his officers are presently going through state highway police training.

Utilities Department Manager Chad Swaim reported that his department has repaired 10 water leaks, and they are working on replacing valves at the water plant. They have also killed some services on condemned houses and put in a new meter register at the intersection of Highways 70 and 63. Swaim said that 3 culverts have been put in, including one by the football field, and an exposed gas line has been

repaired. Two old fire hydrants have been fixed, and one on Jackson St., which was installed in the 1960’s, needs to have its valve replaced. The cost for that will be $10,000 or more, but services won’t be shut down for the repair. “It’s money well spent,” Swaim said. Hardke said that 3000 to 3500 feet of concrete sewer lines need to be replaced. The system was camera checked to find the problems. The replacement project, which will cost approximately $1 million is in the planning stage presently. Hardke said that many things are coming to the end of their lives, and the city is working on identifying problems. The last major sewer work was done in

the 1980’s. School District Superintendent Andy Barrett spoke to the board, thanking them for their support of the school. “The city has always been helpful,” he said. He also advised them of the cafeteria remodel and an open house for the community to see the finished project in September. Hardke told the council that work on the depot has been completed. This includes painting and refinishing the floor. The total repair project will total $71,000 less money from an historical grant the city hopes to receive. After adjournment, the council members went to the depot to view the repairs. There are more pictures on p. 6.

Des Arc Council approves liquor license application

By Lisa Mills Correspondent

At the Des Arc city council meeting on August 19th, an ordinance was passed to allow Tortuga’s Mexican Grill to apply for a liquor license with the state Alcoholic Beverage Control. The condition of passing the ordinance is that there will be a separate dining area for alcoholic drinks to be served.

Vice Police Chief Andy Childers reported to the council that the full price for body cameras and tasers for each officer is $124,346.10 with an annual payment of $24,869.12 with the first payment due October 1st. The money will be paid from the American Rescue Fund. Heath Vaughan from ClearWater Utility Management, who spoke

to the council last month about managing the water treatment plant and water system, brought a formal proposal to the council after touring the plant to see what is needed. As Council member Doug Estes tried to make a motion on the subject, Mayor Roger Scott stopped him. Scott insisted on waiting on something else to take place on January 1, 2026. A motion was passed to table the matter until next month.

Amy Patterson spoke to the council concerning the cost of spaying/neutering the feral cats being caught. A motion was passed to allow up to $500 per month to cover the cost.

Ambulance Director

Christy Rogers reported that a $25,000 private donation had been made to the Ambulance fund.

Gail King reported that a $200,000 EECBG grant from the Department of Entergy and Environment has been awarded to the city. The grant will be

used for Entergy improvements at City Hall.

Present at the meeting were Mayor Roger Scott, Recorderer/Treasurer Janice Huffstickler, and

council members Doug Estes, Keith

Nicole

Smith, and Joey York were present.

Moore was absent.

Arkansas State Senate Report

By Senator Ron Caldwell

LITTLE ROCK – The inmate population in Arkansas prisons will grow by an estimated two percent a year until 2035, according to an expert’s presentation at a conference of county officials, sheriffs, prison administrators and lawmakers. There is general agreement that Arkansas needs to add prison space in order to relieve overcrowding in county jails and provide a deterrent to violent offenders. Some elected officials want to build a large, new prison unit while others prefer to expand existing units.

The inmate population grew by 2.4 percent a year from 2010 through 2023, but since 2021 it has grown by an average of 5 percent a year, the expert said. There are now more than 19,400 inmates under state jurisdiction. Those estimates prompted one legislator to call the situation “very alarming.”

Counties have approved local taxes to build more jail space. Since 2021 county jails have added more than 3,000 beds. However, one sheriff told the group that jails were bursting at the seams because of a backlog of about 1,900 state inmates. Since 2023 the Correction Department has added about 1,400 beds to the state system, according to the head of the department. One reason the inmate population is growing is that tougher new laws require more serious offenders to serve at least 70 percent of their sentence. Another law passed in 2023 requires the most serious offenders to serve 100 percent of their sentence.

Criminals convicted of rape and capital murder serve 100 percent of their sentences, as do inmates convicted of aggravated robbery, human trafficking, Internet stalking of a child and more serious categories of aggravated residential burglary.

Inmates must serve 85 percent of their sentence after conviction for violent felonies such as second degree murder, negligent homicide, manslaughter, encouraging someone to com-

Sheriffs are in charge of county jails. Some are full because they house inmates waiting to be transferred to a state prison unit. This creates dangerous interactions if serious offenders are in the same facility with people who commit minor offenses. In some county jails an offender guilty of a misdemeanor may not have to serve time behind bars due to lack of safe space.

mit suicide, first degree battery, first degree sexual assault and sexual indecency with a child.

Other felonies on the list include permitting abuse of a minor, serious categories of arson, advocating overthrow of the government, treason, making a terrorist threat, arming a terrorist and exposing the public to toxic, chemical or radioactive substances. Thanks to the 2023 law, sentencing guidelines more closely mirror those in federal prisons, where inmates generally serve most of their original sentences.

Many county jails are not built to segregate all prisoners, so the presence of violent offenders is potentially dangerous to other inmates and to staff. Another challenge for local jails is the high percentage of people with mental illness who are incarcerated.

The legislature approved Act 733 earlier this year to streamline the process of ordering psychological evaluations for people who have been charged with crimes. It also allows jails to provide medications in a more timely manner, to prevent people from spiraling into a mental health crisis.

King appointed to Municipal League advisory council

Gail King of Des Arc has recently been appointed to the Arkansas Municipal League Advisory Council for Public Safety for 2025-26. The purpose of the council is to allow cities and public safety officials to get together and

Arkansas Press Association

Member 2025 The Grand Prairie Herald (USPS) 225-680

The Grand Prairie Herald is an independent publication that has served Prairie County since December, 1901. It is published weekly by Herald Publishing Company

P.O. Box 370 111 Hwy 70 E Hazen, Arkansas 72064

Ph. 870-255-4538

Email: heraldpublishing@gmail.com

Subscription Rates In Prairie County$25.00/year In Arkansas$30.00/year Out of State$35.00/year

Periodicals Postage paid at Hazen, Arkansas 72064

POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to: Grand Prairie Herald

P.O.Box 370 Hazen, Arkansas 72064

Managing Editor/Publisher

Roxanne Bradow

Circulation/Accounts

Trudy Johnson

Sports Editor

Mark Buffalo Correspondent

Lisa Mills

Correspondent

Debbye Harrison

Photographer Ruth Corley

A new school year means new opportunities with 4-H

By Jacob Holloway Prairie County 4-H

As we trade in swimsuits for backpacks and summer schedules for school bells, it’s the perfect time to think about after-school activities that help young people learn, grow, and explore. For many families in our community, the answer is 4-H!

Our local 4-H program is an excellent way for youth to develop life skills through hands-on projects and experiences. We're currently focused on building back our program. We are excited to offer projects that can ignite a child's interest in everything from gardening and cooking to public speaking and leadership. While we may not have every project available right now, your participation and ideas can help us expand our offerings in the future.

The life skills learned in 4-H go beyond a single project. Participants develop leadership by taking on roles within their club. They learn responsibility by caring for a plant or completing a project from start to finish. Through public presentations and demonstrations, they build communication skills and self-confidence. Most importantly, they gain a strong sense of community and citizenship by working with their peers and dedicated adult volunteers.

For Teachers: 4-H projects align directly with classroom learning and state standards, offering a practical, hands-on extension of your curriculum. We welcome partnerships with educators to bring these valuable experiences to more students. Whether you want to lead a club to engage with students

outside the classroom or incorporate a specific project into your lessons, we are here to support you.

Joining 4-H is easy! To sign up, please call our office at 870-998-2614. We also seek adult volunteers to help us restart and lead new clubs. If you are interested in a specific area—robotics, photography, or something else—we encourage you to reach out!

As your kids return to the classroom, please encourage them to enter a new adventure with 4H. It's a fun and rewarding way to make new friends, learn new things, and help us build a stronger program for our community.

If you would like more information, feel free to contact our office. We look forward to welcoming new members and volunteers!

High Cotton Festival to be held in Scott October 4

Come to the High Cotton on the Bayou Festival at Scott Settlement in Scott Arkansas, 10am to 3pm on Saturday October 4th, 2025 and step back into history! Enjoy a wonderful day full of turn-of-the-century family-style fun!

discuss important issues pertaining to public safety and advise the League staff and Executive Committee as to the types of services and policies they would like for the League to pursue.

Letter to the Public

This message is to just inform people in the city of Hazen that the Friends of Hazen shelter is not a 501-3C program. We are simply a volunteer group that takes time out to foster dogs that are placed in the Hazen shelter so they are not euthanized but placed in rescue.

We transport animals to the veterinary offices anywhere from Stuttgart to Maumelle, and we pay for the gas and time ourselves. We buy all the food for the foster dogs and provide

shelter. The rescue we volunteer for requires their dogs be inside the home so all of their rescues go through our homes at one point in time.

We do not pick up strays or take surrenders. That is the city of Hazen and Tony Sayger’s job. We try to help with a small program that helps get dogs spayed and neutered, and this money comes from fund raisers or private donors.

Herald Deadline for Submissions is Monday at 10 a.m. on the week the paper goes to press. Information can be emailed to: heraldpublishing@gmail.com or mailed to the Grand Prairie Herald P. O. Box 370, Hazen, AR 72064 You can also come by our office at 111 Hwy. 70 East in Hazen, AR. If you have news, call us at 870-255-4538.

Tour authentic plantation buildings that compose the Scott Settlement. Watch demonstrations of heritage skills such as grinding and cooking sorghum, blacksmithing, spinning yarn, needlework, wood fired oven cooking, and butter making. Children will enjoy playing heritage games such as hopscotch, jumping rope, sack races, and walking on stilts. Listen to live music while you stroll and explore vender booths, historical buildings, and heritage activities. Ride on an antique school

bus and hay wagon within the settlement compound. Food, brunch, and lunch available at the wood fired oven/cast iron cookstove and a food truck. Visit The Sweet Shop located in the original Scott Train Depot. Purchase homemade goodies and coffee from start to finish. Admission is $5 per person. Children age 6 and under admitted free.

High Cotton on the Bayou Festival is on the first Saturday each October regardless current weather conditions. Become a Vendor at the High Cotton on the Bayou Festival.

Authors, artists, photographers, craftsmen, cooks and farmers sell your homemade goodies and items, self-created art and home grown produce suitable for a

family-style enjoyment. Vendor booth fee is $15 ($25 if electricity is needed) payable by check to Scott Connections. Mail checks to Scott Connections, P.O. Box 214, Scott, AR 72142 by September 25, 2022. Vendor keeps all earnings. Vendor is responsible for providing table, tent and chairs for booths. Vendor is responsible for booth set-up an clean-up of booth area. Vendors setup between 9;00 and 9;30 a.m.. Vendors takedown booths between 3:15 and 3:45 p.m. To reserve a booth space contact Brooke Setzer 501-773-6889 lyndzibrooke@gmail.com or Laura Addie 501-4256124 l.addie@att.net Festival Volunteers needed. Contact Brooke, Laura, or Ed Williams, 501-944-0736, ed_laurine@juno.com

for out of City General Funds paid by the City of Hazen.

Hornets host defending champs in opening game

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Hazen Hornets have battled the injury bug during fall camp.

Hazen may have only five healthy linemen when it hosts defending Class 2A state champion Conway Christian on Friday night at Dorris and Betty Greenwalt Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

“We’re trying to get ready,” Hazen coach Joe Besancon said. “They are the defending state champs. We’re slowly getting there. It’s a work in progress at times. My big issue right now is linemen. We’re down to give offensive linemen, and

the back up is a skill guy. We’re kind of in a bind there. We hope to get two back this week if they go to the doctor and get cleared. We’ll just have to wait and see.

“We’re battling bumps and bruises already. We’re trying to finalize where people are going to help us the most.”

The Hazen offense will continue to run through senior quarterback JJ Pinkney.

“He’s our difference maker,” Besancon said.

“We’re going to lean on him a lot. He’s going to have to make a lot of plays for us. I think he’s up for the challenge. I just hope we can hold up. We’ve just got to

make sure we get through these three non-conference games not too banged up, because conference is what gets you into the playoffs.”

A year ago, Hazen played twice at Conway Christian. This time, the Hornets play at home.

“It’s big for us,” Besancon said. “It’s always nice to start at home because, after that, we go on the road for three straight games. But it will be big for us. They are the defending state champs coming in. Knocking them off would be a great way to start your season.”

Eagles play Lonoke tough in scrimmage game

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Des Arc Eagles gave Lonoke fits in a 13-8 outcome in half played at James B. Abraham Stadium on Thursday in Lonoke. Lonoke scored a touchdown with the backups in the “second half.”

“It was a really good scrimmage matchup for us,” Des Arc coach Nick Smith said. “Lonoke has a really good team this year. Their coach does a

really good job with them. It was a very physical matchup.”

Smith said he saw some good things and things his team needs to work on.

“Overall, it was good, the film that we put together,” he said. “We did some good things and saw some things we need to work on, but, overall, coming into the season, some of the things we felt like needed to be better this year,

we feel like they are trending in that matter.

“So, coming out of the scrimmage, we feel pretty good about it.”

Des Arc quarterback Hudson Goodman scored the touchdown and twopoint conversion in the first portion of the game.

Des Arc is idle to start the season this Friday. The Eagles open the season Sept. 5 at home against the Hazen Hornets.

Bison beat Fountain Lake in scrimmage game, 28-14

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

The Carlisle Bison came out on top of the Fountain Lake 28-14 in a scrimmage game last Tuesday at Fountain Lake.

Carlisle coach Gary Wilson was very encouraged by his team’s performance.

“Fountain Lake is a pretty talented team,” Wilson said. “They had two kids who went over 1,000 yards receiving last year as 10th graders in probably the toughest conference in the state. Their quarterback threw over 30 touchdown passes as a 10th grader. So, they’ve got some talent. They are a 4A school, so I was proud of the way we played.”

Carlisle’s Bentley Parker scored two touch-

downs — one on the ground and one in the are. Jaden Elliott had a rushing touchdown.

Quarterback Baylor Hauk ran for a score and threw for a score to Parker. Jimmy Cham kicked four extra points.

“I thought we looked pretty good for the most part,” Wilson said.

“We’ve got plenty of things to work on. I thought Baylor was super comfortable at quarterback. He completed balls to seven different receivers. Nine different guys on offense touched the ball. It was pretty encouraging.”

The Bison did not give up any sacks.

“Baylor has been a running back for us his whole life,” Wilson said.

“He’s able to work the pocket and make things

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happen with his legs, which I think is going to be huge down the road.”

Defensively, Wilson said his team played well. They did give up one long touchdown pass where the defensive back fell down.

“We covered things up pretty well,” he said.

“Other than the big play, we were pretty tight on coverage. We did a good job against the run. Our defensive line, particularly Cajuan Pernell and Zayden Hale, did a really good job of making their quarterback uncomfortable.”

Mason Boyle also had two interceptions in the scrimmage.

The Bison open the season this Friday at Lakeside High School in Lake Village.

GPCC Championship winners

Grand Prairie Country Club held its Club Championship this past weekend where Grant Shelman ran away with it for his third consecutive win and his sixth title overall. Like the sizzling heat, both of his

rounds were under par and the field was playing for second after day one. Britt Stallings found himself in the familiar position of second place followed by a three way tie for third between Lane Petty, JT

Garrich, and Beau Lott. Josh Cunningham took home the Senior Division and Eddie McMullen won the Super Seniors. 17 and under winner was Pete Sickel and 13 and under winner was Lane Petty.

This week, members of the ALC Hospital, Medicaid, and Developmental Disabilities Study Subcommittee received a presentation on a new approach that could reshape how Arkansas delivers both workforce and social services.

During the 2025 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed Act 145, which directs the subcommittee to examine reforms to the state’s workforce and social service systems and to recommend legislation addressing any identified gaps.

The committee began its most recent discussion with a sobering overview of the state’s current challenges. In the 2023–24 school year, 32,689 Arkansas students earned high school diplomas. At the

same time, the state reported 52,681 unemployed workers and an estimated 41,000 underemployed. Employers, meanwhile, struggled to fill positions, with 86,000 job openings in February 2025 and a peak of more than 102,000 in September 2024—one of the highest job-opening rates in the nation. While Arkansas’s unemployment rate stands at a relatively low 3.7%, the state’s labor force participation rate of 58.4% ranks 43rd nationally. To address these concerns, the subcommittee heard from WorkED Consulting, a firm that specializes in helping states align workforce development with public assistance programs. The firm highlighted Utah’s “one-door” model, which integrates work-

force training and social services into a unified system. Testimony noted that this approach streamlines access to federal and state resources, strategically invests in upskilling workers for in-demand industries, and creates cost efficiencies by focusing on the needs of both employers and job seekers. The subcommittee will reconvene on September 22 to continue its work. The challenges facing Arkansas are significant, but so is the opportunity. By examining innovative solutions, legislators hope to connect more Arkansans with meaningful employment, strengthen families, and build a stronger foundation for the state’s economy.

State on track for 100% broadband coverage

The Arkansas State Broadband Office today released the state’s final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, officially opening the plan for public review and comment. This proposal reinforces Arkansas’ path to achieve universal broadband coverage, ensuring every home and business in the state will have access to reliable, high-speed internet.

“The BEAD Program is about more than faster internet—it’s about opportunity,” said Governor Sanders. “By connecting every community with high-speed access, we’re giving students the tools to succeed, entrepreneurs the ability to grow their businesses, and families access to better healthcare close to home. Arkansas is showing the nation how smart, efficient investment can strengthen communities, expand upward mobility, and drive lasting economic growth.”

The $1 billion BEAD Program represents the largest public broadband investment in Arkansas history. Interest in the program was strong, with the Arkansas State Broadband Office receiving 730 applications by 33 internet service

providers (ISPs), and 23 providers selected for preliminary awards. This highly competitive process not only secured coverage for more than 79,000 homes and businesses, but also delivered results at one of the lowest average costs in the country, $3,891 per location, highlighting Arkansas’ efficiency and competitiveness in the broadband market.

“During the initial application process, 99.9% of all eligible locations in the State received at least one bid, and 99% received bids from two or more internet service providers,” said Glen Howie, Director of the Arkansas State Broadband Office. “Following negotiations for the remaining 0.1% of locations, Arkansas has achieved coverage for every single location. This incredible outcome demonstrates the strength of our marketdriven approach and the commitment of providers to serving Arkansans.”

l proposal also reflects adjustments required by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice. With those refinements, Arkansas’ total BEAD

Grant Outlay stands at $308.3 million, a $275 million reduction from prior estimates, further demonstrating the state’s responsible management of taxpayer dollars.

Once implemented, the program will provide Arkansans with a range of technologies: 76% of locations will be connected with fiber, 16% with low-Earth-orbit satellite service, 7% with licensed fixed wireless, and 1% with hybrid technologies.

The final proposal is open for public comment through Friday, August 29. Arkansans are encouraged to review the plan and share feedback before it is submitted to NTIA by September 4. Supporting documents, an online visualization dashboard, and a public comment form are available on the Arkansas BEAD Webpage.

Pending NTIA approval by December 4 and final authorization by the Arkansas General Assembly, construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2026.

For more information about the Arkansas State Broadband Office, visit Broadband.Arkansas.go v.

Arkansas corn h arvest starting up, rice finding its stride

By Mary Hightower

U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

JONESBORO, Ark. — Harvest has begun in Arkansas and corn growers are moving ahead of last year’s pace, while rice growers are starting to find their stride, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Corn harvest has started in Arkansas. Here, harvest is happening in Faulkner County. Taken Aug. 14, 2025. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo by Kevin Lawson)

This week’s report showed corn was 17 percent harvested compared to 15 percent at this time last year and the 7 percent five-year average.

“Corn harvest has really picked up over the last 10 days, spurred by warm temperatures and overall lack of rainfall,” said Jason Kelley, extension agronomistwheat and feed grains for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

“The greatest harvested acres are in the southern half of the state, but harvest has started statewide.

“Harvest should steadily increase over the next two weeks as grain moisture drops to levels that grain can be directly shipped to grain terminals or stored in bins without drying,” Kelley said. “Overall yields have been good so far, with some variability from field to field, based

Guided walking tour and fall equinox sunset at Plum Bayou

Scott, Ark. – Join us at Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park on Sept. 20 for a unique guided walking tour of the historic mound site, culminating in the observation of the fall equinox sunset. The tour is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.

Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 6.

Imagine a village over a thousand years ago, during the height of the Plum Bayou culture.

The mounds at this site were aligned with the equinox and solstice sunsets, likely serving as gathering points for the community.

Picture a congregation of American Indians coming together for a ceremony: men returning from a successful hunt, children listening intently to the stories of their elders, and everyone engaging in games, dances and feasts. This fall, you have the chance to experience the equinox sunset from

Mound H, just as the Plum Bayou people did over a millennium ago. Bring your family and friends to experience this fascinating blend of history and natural beauty. For more information, contact Robin Gabe, Park Interpreter, Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park, 490 Toltec Mounds Rd., AR 72142; phone: 501-961-9442; e-mail: robin.gabe@arkansas.go v.

UAPB Lonoke Farm Agriculture Field Day set for Sept. 19

Pine Bluff, AR — Save the date now for the 2025 Agriculture Farm Field Day. The event is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 19, at the Pearlie S. Reed/Robert L. Cole Small Farm Outreach Wetlands and Water Management Center (SFO-WWMC) on the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Farm in Lonoke, Arkansas. The field day begins with registration at 7 a.m. and welcoming remarks at 8 a.m. Tours begin at 8:30 a.m. with the last tour leaving at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow at 11:30 a.m. The event will conclude with presentations, networking and visiting vendors until the 1:30

p.m. adjournment.

Tractor-pulled trailers will transport participants to different learning stations, which will feature scientists, researchers and faculty reporting on a variety of agricultural projects.

The SFO-WWMC was created on the 871-acre UAPB farm to address critical groundwater issues facing Arkansas and the economic plight of small-scale, limited resource farmers. Research and demonstration projects are underway at the center, headed by a multiagency group of scientists, engineers, professors and community organizations. Their primary focus is the efficient and effective use of

surface and underground water on production of a variety of crops.

The SFO-WWMC is located at 246 West OCain Road, off Hwy 31, about 2.8 miles from the I-40 Lonoke Exit 175. For more information on the field day or if you have special needs, contact Julius Handcock, resident director of UAPB’s Lonoke and Marianna Farms, at (501)676-1534 handcockj@uapb.edu, Dr. Obadiah Njue, assistant dean for Extension and outreach, at (870) 5758152 or njueo@uapb.edu, or Karen Lee, Small Farm Program Extension program specialist, at (870) 575-7225 or leek@uapb.edu.

E xtension opens applications for 2 0

26 Sc h olars Program

By Rebekah Hall U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — For undergraduate juniors and seniors pursuing careers in water and soil conservation, health and nutrition or community and economic development, the Experiential Scholars Program offers an opportunity for valuable mentorship and hands-on learning in a paid, nine-week summer internship.

ESP 2025 COHORT — Applications are now open for the 2026 Experiential Scholars Program, conducted by the Cooperative Extension Service.

Pictured is the 2025 ESP class, left to right: Aidan Russell, Mason Mabry, Kennedy Chapman, Jacob Easley, Anaiya Smith, Myah Hudson, Grayce Nelson and Gwen Keith-Powell. (Division of Agriculture photo.)

on the timeliness of inputs and overall field drainage during the wet spring.”

Rice was 4 percent harvested compared to 8 percent last year, but ahead of the 3 percent five-year average.

“Harvest continues to pick up speed south of I40, while north of I-40 is at the very beginning,” said Jarrod Hardke, extension rice agronomist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

“Next week we'll begin to see a larger jump in progress with much more rice ready for harvest.

“Results so far are variable, matching the overall appearance of the crop throughout the year,” he said.

“If you want to strengthen your resume, explore career options and make a difference in Arkansas communities, this program is for you,” said Kayla Machen, extension Arkansas leadership program technician for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The Experiential Scholars Program, or ESP, is conducted by the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the Division of Agriculture. The program is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture. ESP began in 2024. Interns for the 2026 class will receive $4,500 for the nine-week program, during which they will shadow extension professionals, lead their own project and gain leader-

ship and technical training. Applications are now open, and the deadline to apply is Jan. 31, 2026. Visit bit.ly/applyesp-2026 to apply.

The program will begin May 18, 2026, with a three-day orientation at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center in Little Rock. The program will culminate on July 17, 2026.

Machen said ESP gives juniors and seniors “the chance to turn their classroom knowledge into meaningful, realworld impact.”

“The program’s structured professional development — including leadership seminars, program development training and evaluation practice — ensures students leave with practical job readiness,” Machen said.

Machen said scholars will be placed at extension locations across the state in one of three focus areas: agriculture and natural resources, nutrition, health and food safety or rural community development.

Housing may be available to help with summer living costs, and placement and housing needs will be discussed during the onboarding process.

As part of ESP, students will also participate in the Arkansas Future Ag Leaders tour, a five-day professional development experience that provides insight into employment opportunities in the Arkansas agriculture industry. Meaningful mentorship

ESP participants receive mentorship in their focus area from extension faculty, specialists and county agents. Machen said these mentors are a vital part of the program.

“Each scholar is matched with a mentor

who helps them set goals, guides them through daily extension work and supports the design and delivery of their independent project,” Machen said.

“Mentors also introduce students to stakeholders, model professional leadership and provide ongoing feedback. Past graduates of ESP have pursued graduate school or extension-related careers directly following their participation in the program. Machen said one goal of ESP is for 10 percent of scholars to accept extension positions within a few years of completing the program.

“Mentors are essential because they bridge theory and practice, ensuring students both succeed in their internship and carry those skills into their future careers,” Machen said. Apply by Jan. 31, 2026, at bit.ly/apply-esp-2026. Visit the Experiential Scholars Program webpage on the Cooperative Extension Service website to learn more or contact Kayla Machen at kmachen@uada.edu. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.

the owner and lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, MonFri, 8am-5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.

To Whom It May Concern: A 2015 Freightliner Cascadia 125 VIN# 3AKJGEDV7FSGA2013 was picked up on July 22, 2025 at the request of Arkansas State Police. This vehicle is in the possession of Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service 1111 Hwy 70 W, Hazen Ar. 72064, (870)255-3305. Towing, storage, & administrative costs are accruing as legal liability of the owner. Rick’s Automotive & Wrecker Service claims first priority possessory lien on

the said vehicle and its content for all such charges. The vehicle and its contents will be dismantled, destroyed, or sold at public sale to the highest bidder if not claimed within 45 days and constitutes a waiver by the owner and lien holder of all right, title, and interest in the vehicle. To take possession of this vehicle, you must appear during normal business hours, MonFri, 8am-5pm, provide proof of ownership and pay all associated charges.

Free fun-filled programs available at local public libraries

The DeValls Bluff and Hazen Public Libraries are continuing their activities for children and adults. Pictured above are Kaden Fogerty, a Summer Reading Bingo winner who won great prizes by covering his whole card, and another gorgeous piece of art completed by Cindy Price, one of our expert diamond dotters.. The DVB Library has fun, free programs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Below are participants in bingo games at the Hazen library.

Work on Hazen depot completed...

The Hazen railroad depot has been undergoing renovations, which have recently been completed. The structure has been painted inside and out, and the floors have been refinished. Here are some pictures of the finished project.