February 2023

The first Lunch and Learn Educational Program was held February 17 at the M.B. Ainley, Jr. Community Center. Nine people came for a light lunch and educational program on vegetable gardening. Stewart Runsick, County Extension Agent-Staff Chair presented the program focusing on issues distinctively pertaining to producing a garden in Corning, such as soil fertility, composting, insect and disease control, site selection, sunlight and watering. Runsick presented the gardening web page and resources available to the public through the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. The group chose future topics that were important to them. The next presentation will be the third Friday in March with the focus on controlling the Eastern Mole and lawn weed control. Runsick stated, “Hopefully people will continue to participate, and the series can be done each month on a different topic. Everyone is welcome to participate. I hope the participation increases as we go along.”

In a news release from the Clay County Sheriff’s Department, it was stated that on Feb. 20, 2023 at 3:45 p.m., a Clay County Deputy received a call about some individuals having photographs of some individuals trespassing on their property. The caller’s residence is approximately 3 miles west of St. Francis and 4 miles north of Piggott. A deputy was on his way to the call and met the vehicle that was photographed at the location. The deputy turned around and stopped the vehicle traveling southbound on 4th Street in Piggott. The deputy made contact with the driver Kathy Newman, 57, of Paragould and the passenger John K. Holmes, 65, of Paragould. The deputy noticed the vehicle was loaded down with numerous items. Newman and Holmes were placed under arrest. After being detained the department received another call from an individual from the Nimmons area. They reported two individuals were trespassing on the property early that day. After reviewing the pictures, it was determined that it was Newman and Holmes. The Sheriff’s Department was assisted by the Piggott Police Department.