sesquicentennial snapshot
Celebrating 150 Years of the City of Corning & Clay County in 2023 .
August 2023
Read Moresesquicentennial snapshot
The Lowe Down
I’ve heard it said that there comes a point when you no longer care if there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, you’re just sick of the tunnel. I think we’ve reached that point with our city’s situation.
Always a crowd…
As a matter of curiosity, early this week The Courier visited the swimming pool to see how attendance was holding up in the 100 degree-plus weather. It was learned that people are willing to “take a cool dip” even though it many not be so cool.
Clay County Fair booths available
The Clay County Fair is set for Sept. 13 - 16, and commercial booths are now available for rental. The booths are indoor, air conditioned and include electrical hook-ups. Rental rates are $50, which covers the full run of the fair. Those wanting additional information, or to reserve a booth, may contact Barbara Collier at 870 598-7311.
Chamber hosts public meeting to address picnic & community role
The Corning 4th of July picnic has been a topic of interest among residents, in particular among users of social media since the picnic celebrating the 150th anniversary of Corning and Clay County was met with the lowest attendance in recent history. In an effort to correct misinformation, provide facts, and enlist residents’ support; Amanda Wiedeman, President of the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce fielded questions from citizens at a public meeting held on Thursday, July 27. The goal of the meeting was twofold; to inform residents about the Chamber and its role in the community, as well as to garner ideas about ways to improve the annual 4th of July picnic. The meeting began at 6 p.m. in the M.B. Ainley, Jr. Community Center with approximately 50 people present.
Alice Jean Ermert
Alice Jean Ermert, 97, of Paragould, formerly of Corning, passed away July 30, 2023 at Belle Meade Nursing Home in Paragould. Mrs.
Eula Banks
Eula Banks, 96 of Hensley, formerly of Corning, passed away July 26, 2023 at home. Mrs.
Audra Rigdon
Audra Rigdon, 52, of Corning passed away July 26, 2023 at home. Mrs.
Rector Museum receives grant
Arkansas Heritage recognized recipients of Small Museum and Arkansas Heritage grants at its headquarters in Little Rock recently. These grant programs provide awards to Arkansas’s small history museums, historical societies, historic houses and sites, and military museums. For this grant cycle, Arkansas Heritage awarded $41,600 to 14 recipients from across the state which included Rector Community Museum, Inc. The amount of the grant awarded was $2500 to be used for utilities. “Twice a year, these grant programs provide funds to help promote education, awareness and enjoyment of Arkansas history,” said Shea Lewis, interim director of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “Our hope is that these funds will enrich current programs and provide inspiration for future activities, continuing to build momentum and energy.” The Small Museum Grant Program aims to increase the ability of community-based small museums/organizations to research, preserve, present and conserve Arkansas history. Eligible organizations must have an annual operating budget of $250,000 or less; must have a staff of at least one person, either paid or volunteer; and must be open to the public at least 90 days per year. Eligible activities include buildings and grounds maintenance, operating costs, equipment purchases up to $1,000, accessioning of artifact collections, educational programming, research, exhibits, and web site design and maintenance. The maximum grant award is $2,500.