Freeda Wiley, 80, of Jerseyville, IL passed away June 5, 2023 at Jerseyville Community Hospital. Mrs. Wiley was born May 8, 1943 in Pollard, AR. She was a homemaker who enjoyed crafting, flowers and spending time with her family. She was of the Pentecostal faith.
Saturday, July 1, 2023 10:00 AM Invocation Flag Ceremony - VFW National Anthem - Daniel Plemons 10:30 AM Political Speakers 11:00 AM Presentation of the “Clay Co. Sesquicentennial Essay” winners 11:30 AM JR Rogers and the All Stars 12:00 PM City Foster God Father Ceremony 1:00 PM The Band ”Jordan & Jett” 2:00 PM Little Miss Independence Pageant The Band “Jordan & Jett” 4:00 PM Jr Miss Independence Pageant The Band “Second Helping” 6:00 PM Miss Independence Pageant The Band “Second Helping” 8:00 PM Awarding of the Raffle winner .
Just as during the City of Corning’s centennial celebration in 1973, the city will again honor a member of the Corning clan from Albany, New York during its 150th anniversary. Erastus Corning, II, who was given the distinction of being named the Foster God Father (F.G.F.) of Corning in 1973. He served as the 72nd mayor of Albany from 1942 to 1983. His son, Erastus III, has agreed to follow in his late father’s footsteps and will also be named the Foster God Father of Corning during the July 1st picnic for the city’s sesquicentennial.
The Ervin and Hefner Reunion was held at the M.B. Ainley, Jr. Community Center on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Those attending from Paragould were Amy Williams, Gary Ervin, Floyd Ervin, Glen and Teresa Ervin, Lyndel Ervin, Kenneth Ervin, Bubba Spann, Renee Wallin, Breanna Blasett, Lawson Collins, Austin Collins, and Emma Collins. Katrina Span attended from Lafe, AR., Lee and Nadine Eaglin of Baxter Springs, KS., Donald and Anna Grissom, McDougal, AR., and Larry Hefner of Poplar Bluff, MO. Those present at the reunion from Corning were Alice Williams, Louise Barksdale, Mazie Raney, Rodney Hefner, Glen and Una Ervin and Cannon, Landry, Matt and Freda Adams and Levi. Those attending from various locations were: Jeremy Ervin, Pocahontas, AR., Joseph Mason, Rector, AR., Terry Morrell and Janet, Grayson, Gunner, Jacob from Cardwell, MO., Margot and Richard, Rohn, FL., Freda and John Haynes, MO., Jonathan and Marreta Kilbreath, Jason Kilbreath, Becky Lindsey, Eternite Lindsey, Sally, Dawn Kilbreath, Lesa Simpson, Rector, AR., Judy Hoggard, Piggott, AR., Robert Raney, Marion, AR., and Jay Ervin of Madison, KY.
Young anglers had a ‘reely’ good day last Saturday, June 10 as area families brought their fishing poles down to the fishing hole at William H. Donham State Fish Hatchery in Corning from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. for the annual fishing derby. The sounds of children’s laughter and excitement could be heard around the pond as they reeled in their catches. It was a joyful morning of angling and family time accompanied by beautiful weather. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission held their annual hatchery fishing derbies on Saturday, June 10 at all four of the agency’s warm water fish hatcheries. These derbies are for youth 18-years and younger and their families who would like to fish alongside them.
Residents have long wished for an updated city swimming pool for local children to enjoy during sweltering weather. The opening of the pool has been a highlight of every summer since it opened in 1975. The 48-year-old swimming pool has served the community for nearly 5 decades. The Corning City Council has been concerned about the condition of the pool for a few years with funding being the major impediment in repairing it.
Saturday morning, June 10 in Corning was the place to be with several activities for all age groups. Beginning at 7 a.m.
Mayor Greg Ahrent has announced the retirement of Corning Police Chief Jimmy Leach. Leach has been with the Corning Police Department since November 1997. His last day in his position will be June 30, 2023. Leach said his future plans include fishing and expanding his photography business.
Corning resident, Jessica Holcomb has been working tirelessly in order to incorporate a Farmer’s Market for Corning at Wynn Park on Saturdays. She has called a number of vendors and area Farmer’s Markets in order to bring products to town. Last Saturday was the first event. Present during the morning was Brock Kepner and his son, Jesse selling rabbits, chickens and eggs. Fisher Francis sold farm-fresh catfish and Daniel Lawrence from Lawrence Gardens was set up with various vegetables, jellies and products. Lawrence is returning on Saturday, June 17 Projected vendors for Saturday, June 17 at 7 a.m.: Lawrence Gardens Fresh produce, plants and more Francis Fish Farms Boneless catfish filets Noble Gryphon Homestead Farm - Micro- greens Sarah Garmrath - 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. - chicken and duck eggs Kade Pops and McK Cattle Co. - 7 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Beef Lucy Cline - Crafts Callie Danielle - Crafts Erica Masterson Photography Carolyn Putnam sewn items, soaps and lotions Dandelion Ridge Farm and SoapWorks Alhambra Orchard and Apiary 2 Smart Cookies: Janet Marie Boyd Neff - Baked goods Beeman’s Brew Farmer’s Market organizer, Jessica Holcomb stated, “We’ll have lots of fresh vegetables, jams, plants, fresh breads, eggs, catfish fillets, beef, goat soaps and lotions, honey, and so much more! We start at 7 a.m. and hope to be there as long as possible into the evening hours. Shoppers keep the vendors here and coming back.”
Melody Rainwater, Director at North Delta Community Foundation was the guest speaker at the June Chamber Luncheon held at El Acapulco on Monday, June 12 at 11:30 a.m. Rainwater appeared to discuss the foundation with chamber members, and in particular grants.