Editor’s Note: The author of this report is Lisa Mills.

Hazen Fire Chief Seth Skarda is urging the community to be cautious as a burn ban remains in effect for Prairie County. His comments came during a meeting of the city council on Thursday, Aug. 20.

Sixty-nine Arkansas counties, including Prairie and Monroe, have prohibited outdoor burning due to dangerously dry conditions, as of Sunday, Aug. 23. The Arkansas Forestry Commission has both counties ranked as being at a moderate risk of wildfires. Twenty-five counties, primarily in South Arkansas, were at high risk.

Speaking to the council, Skarda said his department has been busy responding to fires in recent weeks, including four truck fires on Interstate 40 and a motel fire.

He said 11 firefighters, including some from neighboring communities, helped battle the fire at Travel Inn. City Clerk Tracy Vail said the motel’s owner said he was certain it would be a complete loss.

Police Chief Bradley Taylor thanked Skarda and his crew for their work responding to the truck fires on the interstate. Taylor said cooperation between the fire and police departments in managing traffic during fires has improved significantly, allowing drivers to continue moving rather than having to be completely stopped.

Utilities Director Chad Swaim reported that nine water leaks have been repaired in the city. Crews have also been laying asphalt and repaired a large hole in the street near the school.

Swaim said the department has also been working with the school on its building projects.

The council passed a resolution declaring property at 105 N. Livemore St. to be a nuisance requiring removal or rehabilitation. A resolution had previously been passed concerning the property, but it has since come under new ownership.

Donald Hudson, the new owner, told council members he is working on the property, including clearing out what remains inside. He also plans to install a new roof, which the city had required of the previous owners. Hudson said he plans to use the building for the storage of equipment for his handyman business.

Mayor David Hardke said he believes Hudson will complete the required work within 30 days. He said the council still needed to approve the resolution because action had already been initiated before Hudson acquired the property.

The Hazen Baseball Association presented the council with a budget outlining income and expenses, and requested $40,635 from the city.

After discussion, council members decided to consider the full request at a later date. They want to review the budget and determine which expenses should be paid by the city and which should be the responsibility of the association.

The council did approve providing $5,000 immediately for repairs and improvements to the sprinkler system on field 1 and to cover the cost of other equipment and improvements that are needed.

Hardke also reported that work to recoat the airport runway is expected to begin within the next couple of weeks.