The public school term began Monday with the following teachers: J.L. McClurkin, Supt.; Vergie Redwine, assistant; Wm. Caton, Sixth grade; Mrs. D.B. Renfro, fifth; Mrs. J.F. Fowlkes, fourth; Miss Rhea Crutchfield, third; Miss Mazie Barnhill, second; Mrs. Estelle Westbrook, first. The Iron Mountain has
I’ve had a Red Cross life saving course...and passed, but the other night was the first time I ever tried to apply my life-saving skills. I failed the test...I’m not worth a toot! If the instructor could have seen me in action, he would call-in my certificate of achievement. It was that bad.
Jimmie Lou Fisher, age 80, of Paragould, Arkansas, passed away on July 12, 2022 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. Jimmie Lou served the people of Arkansas in many capacities as a public servant, first as Greene County Treasurer from 1971 to 1978. She was appointed by President Bill Clinton as state auditor from February 1, 1979 to January 13, 1981. According to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas, she served twenty-four years in a statewide office as first State Auditor appointed by President Bill Clinton from February 1, 1979 to January 13, 1981 and then as State Treasurer from 1981 to 2002. She helped run Clinton’s successful race for governor in 1978.
The Corning School Board met July 7, 2022 with three members present. Kirk Scobey and Kenny Francis were unable to attend. The board approved the June meeting minutes and financial report as presented. Next, the board approved Superintendent Woolard as the Ex-Officio Officer followed by the renewal of Arkansas School Board Association membership. The milk bid from SGC Foodservice was approved as well as the purchase of supplemental math curriculum for grades K-4 from Sadlier for a total of $10,310.54. The board approved several state required plans, including the updated District Support Plan, the updated Ready for Learning Plan, and the new Teacher and Administrator Recruitment and Retention Plan. These plans will be posted on the CSD website before August 1. The board then approved updates and changes to the student handbook. Next, the resignation of Mickey Hollis as bus driver was approved and the employment of John Hampton, CHS Principal, as CSD Athletic Director was also approved. Finally, Superintendent Woolard provided the board with several updates including the accreditation of all three campuses the 21-22 school year and that Corning Schools will once again provide all K-12 students with basic school supplies for this year. After a discussion about campus security, Mrs. Woolard shared that the district will have an open “yard” sale at Central Elementary Cafeteria on Thursday, July 21 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Items for sale are no longer being used by the district and include a variety of tables, chairs, desks, file cabinets, etc. The CSD Administration will hold a Parent and Community Meet and Greet on Thursday evening, July 28 at 5:00 pm to share with patrons updates and plans for the school year. The location will be determined at a later time. Mrs. Woolard also shared that the American Rescue Plan’s free lunches for all students that was in effect for the past two years has ended. Students will be required to pay for their lunches for the 22-23 school year unless they qualify for free/reduced lunches. This makes completing and returning the lunch forms extremely important. There being no further business, President Turner adjourned the meeting.
Mayor Greg Ahrent called the July city council meeting to order on Thursday, July 7 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting was moved from its regular second Monday of the month date to accommodate the planned absence of the city clerk on Monday, July 11. Councilman Ray Vannoy was not in attendance. An Item discussed under old business was the air conditioning at the community center. Ahrent said it looked to be working by the end of the next week, perhaps by the time a dance is to be held on July 22.
Miss Independence Court Queen/Prettiest Smile and Winner of $500- Lauren Anderson, 1st Alternate/Best Personality and Winner of $300- Hailey Brown, 2nd Alternate and Winner of $200- Carissa Hollowell, 3rd Alternate/Best Dressed and Winner of $100- Madelynn Coleman, 4th Alternate and Winner of $50- Cadence Janes. Photo/Nikki Stadler Jr.
A couple of years ago I watched the late Robert Osborne interview the actress and singer, Liza Minnelli on Turner Classic Movies. Liza’s parents, as many know, were Judy Garland and the director, Vincent Minnelli.
Lauren Anderson of Pocahontas was crowned Miss Independence at the Corning 4th of July Picnic. Anderson received $500 in prize money. For more photos of pageant winners see page 6. Photo Courtesy/ Nikki Stadler
Brian Herren, 43 of Jonesboro, formerly of Corning, passed away July 4, 2022 at home under hospice care after losing his battle with congestive heart failure. Brian was born February 3, 1979 in Pocahontas.
Mike Eaton of Berryville, Arkansas was born January 3, 1955, in Corning, Arkansas, the son of Claude and Mazene (Murray) Eaton. Mike passed away Friday, July 1, 2022, in Berryville, at the age of 67.