April 2023

Last week Park Elementary announced the first winner of the Book Blast Treasure Chest stuffed with cash winner, Parker Stroud. Pictures are the remaining four winners.

Students in KC are learning about embryology with Clay County Extension Agent/ Chair, Stewart Runsick. The class received eggs in their classroom on Tuesday, April 4 and have the opportunity to hatch the chicks. Runsick will return to their classroom next week to candle the eggs. The hatching process will take about 21 days.

Clay County Sheriff’s Department were recently the recipients of a donation of eight shotguns for the department’s deputies in order to protect the citizens of the county. The donation was made by Rob and Laura Chandler - Ridge Country Essentials (Pollard), Neal Smith and Pat Bannerman - Clay County Republican Committee; Daniel and Amy Steen - Steen’s Auto and Farm in Piggott; and David Hughes and Ralph Cole - NEA Rod and Gun Club.

The Corning Community Garden is underway for residents to enjoy this growing season. In the last week the garden has been tilled and onions, carrots and green beans have been planted, along with a few varieties of flowers for pollination purposes as well as for beautification. On Monday, April 3 gardeners, JoAnn Chavez, Bill and Opal Lackey, Michael Dowdy, Glen Counts and Ryan Carter planted 18 rows of corn and 12 jalapeno plants in the garden.

The northeast Arkansas city of Wynne was devastated by an EF3 tornado, one of several spawned across the south on Friday, March 31. Four people perished and at least 26 people were admitted to the Cross Ridge Community Hospital with injuries. Some of the injured were transferred to nearby hospitals. The tornado leveled homes, businesses and ravaged the Wynne High School.

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When the House reconvenes on Monday, members will likely be entering the last week of the 2023 Regular Session. Currently, the General Assembly is expected to adjourn on April 7.

LITTLE ROCK – The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved legislation that lengthens prison sentences for violent offenders and requires prison inmates to work harder to qualify for parole. The legislation is Senate Bill 495.