February 2023
Pearl Button Exhibit comes to community center
The history of Corning is steeped in the early industries of timber, blacksmithing and button manufacturing. At one time mussels from the Black River were integral in creating pearl buttons. The mussels were dragged up from the river and then holes would be cut into the shells turning out mother- of-pearl buttons that would be finished up and sold across the country.
Arkansas Delta Byways announces Delta Awards Winners
The 21st Annual Arkansas Delta Byways Banquet was held Friday, January 27 in Helena- West Helena to recognize the 2022 Delta Awards Winners for outstanding tourism achievements in its 15-county region. Gretchen Sacotnik, Northern Vice President and chair of this year’s banquet committee, said that it was exciting to see the Corning nominations this year. “There was a great turnout with 161 people registered to attend the banquet”, she said. “There’s three finalists in each category with one winner, and the other two nominations receive a plaque being recognized. It’s special to be nominated and we had a lot of nominations. There is a lot of neat stuff going on in eastern Arkansas.” Sacotnik said that after they receive the nominations in each category they go through them and choose three to be recognized. One is recognized as the winner.
Bobcats winning streak ended by Trumann
Corning’s boys basketball team had its seven-game winning streak snapped in a 45-40 loss at Trumann last Friday night, despite an 18-point, 12-rebound performance by junior guard Jayce Couch. The Bobcats (148 overall) faced an even bigger task against host Manila on Tuesday night, as they looked to avenge a 60-33 home loss to the Lions on Jan.
2022 School, District, and State Report Cards Released
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education released the 2022 Report Cards for schools, districts, and the state in December. The reports reflect available school performance data for the 20212022 school year.
Clay/Greene County Corn and Cotton Production Meeting
The annual Clay and Greene County Corn and Cotton Production meeting was held Friday, January 27th, 2023, at the Rector Community Center. A nice crowd of over 60 produces, crop consultants, and industry representatives were in attendance. Participants gained valuable information on corn and cotton variety performance, insect and weed control options, and economic outlooks for corn and cotton markets. Allison Howell, Clay County Extension Agent, gave an update on the Big Block Cotton Variety Trial conducted on Eric and David Scott’s farm. Many producers were interested in this as it is local, onfarm data that takes into account not only the yield, but also the quality and price of the ten cotton varieties in the test. Dr. Hunter Biram, Extension Economist, gave a market outlook for both corn and cotton. Other speakers included Dr. Bill Robertson, Extension Cotton Agronomist; Joe McAlee, Cotton Research Verification Program Coordinator; Dr. Jason Kelly, Extension Corn Agronomist; and Dr. Ben Thrash, Extension Entomologist. The Hen House restaurant in Piggott catered a delicious meal which was provided by the meeting sponsors. The sponsors were Piggott State Bank, Corteva, FBN, Nichino America, Rabo Agri-Finance, MFA, Helena Chemical Company, Graves Gin, Gurley’s Ag Repair, Simplot Grower Solutions, Americot, Greenpoint Ag, Bayer, BASF, Nutrien, Legacy Equipment, and Progeny.
Full Circle
Well, here we are, square on the steps before stepping over into February. February, for some, is a dismal dark month, sometimes even colder than December, though it stands just on the edge of spring. I just came across a story that relates to February.
Grants Available for Charitable Programs in Clay, Lawrence and Randolph Counties
Community Foundation Accepting Online Grant Applications January 10 – February 15 Pocahontas, Ark. – Nonprofits in Clay, Lawrence and Randolph counties can go to arcf.org/givingtree to apply online for Giving Tree Grants through North Delta Community Foundation, an affiliate of Arkansas Community Foundation. Applications must be submitted online by February 15.
News in the new city of Corning from 1873
The County Sheriff, Wm. G.
ARLEG UPDATE
Democrats pitch big investments in public school teachers, classified staff In her inaugural address to a joint session of the 94th General Assembly, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, “If you send me a bill that rewards our teachers with higher pay, I will sign it.”