This week marked the 8th consecutive year of a heartwarming Christmas celebration at the Capitol. Legislators, Capitol staff, state agencies, and lobbyists gathered to spread holiday cheer by bringing gifts for children in foster care.
We stand humbly watching the elderly 2023 hobble to the gate, to await his departure in the pages of history. He sprung into view, a robust young child, not quite a year ago. He was ready to convert mankind into a thriving, caring, enduring, robust, successful free people. It is sad to see him now, his eyes water with the burns from the flames of war, his skin is burned by the intense rays of the sun, and he goes away breaking the record for the hottest year on record. He has his head wrapped and his ears covered, after listening to the hate screamed by members of our population toward each other. He looks sadly at us, and turns way, steps aboard the small craft that will take him to his final resting place among the archives of the records of his life. And as we watch 2023 vanish in the distance, we turn and look, as we hear the childish giggle of a small child, and see there, toddling to us, a fresh young child wearing a tall hat with 2024 emblazoned across the front. We smile as we gaze upon the freshness of the innocence of expression. We grin at the confidence of those unsteady first steps. But we thrill as we realize the new opportunities that this youngster will open to us. What will he bring for the next 365 ¼ days? Will he bring great breakthroughs in medicine? Will he bring discoveries that will help feed the world, and abolish hunger? Can there be peace and security under his rule? Will he bring great wisdom and understanding to the world? We all wish for these things, but are we deceiving ourselves. Is this a thing of time, or is it only wishful thinking? We need to think back, and reflect on poor old 2023. The downcast countenance , the exhausted body, the look of dejection. Maybe, just maybe, we are too tough on our years. Perhaps we should work harder on ourselves, and take a load of the time that passes us by. In the last year we have had a lot of media attention of the possibilities of UFO’s and alien presence. Some hope they might come offer us
On December 16, 2023, an officer with the Corning Police Department attempted to make contact with Bobby Ogden. Mr. Ogden, then fled on foot from the officer and was caught several blocks away. As the officer again attempted to make contact with him, Mr. Ogden threw something on the officer. He was then placed into custody, and the officer recovered a small baggie, containing a crystal substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. Mr. Ogden was then transported to the Corning Police Department and then to the Clay County Detention Center. Mr. Ogden was charged with possession of a Schedule 1 controlled substance less than 2 grams and fleeing on foot. Mr. Ogden is currently awaiting a bond hearing.
10/01/2023: Emiliana M Morefield of Murphysboro, IL was cited for Hazardous Driving. 10/02/2023: Edgar D Chilcutt of Ellsinore, MO was cited for Fictitious Tags, No Insurance.
The 150th Anniversary Book Committee of the Clay County Genealogy & Historical Society and Acclaim Press have announced that the final deadline for church, school, business and organizations histories for the Clay County, Arkansas – History & Families 150th Anniversary book has been extended to January 31, 2024.
For your reading enjoyment, we continue to publish Rambling Vines by the late Marylea Vines as she recalls events and names of Corning folks from many years ago. We are currently in the year 1990 Last Tuesday it turned off so warm that I decided to get my heaviest coat cleaned… ready for the next blast of cold air.
Pam, I just read your amazing commentary on the significance of wonder in the Richfield Reaper. I really enjoyed it and completely agree with you! This is why I enjoy being around small children-- Everything is new and so wonderful and even just smiling at them sometimes makes them just beam! It is also one of the reasons I love taking my mother for rides in the mountains or other beautiful places.
Celebrating 150 Years of the City of Corning & Clay County in 2023 From Courier files December 27, 2012 .
As the pages of 2024 lay blank before us with uncharted adventures and experiences, there are a few things I wish for all of us in the upcoming year. I wish that creativity will be our sidekick in the coming year in order to sharpen our existing talents and allow new ways of thinking to lead us to new aptitudes.
The Corning School Board met on Monday, December 18, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the boardroom with all members present. Todd Welch, from Brackett Krennerich Architects, and John Hampton, CHS Principal were also present at the meeting. The board approved the minutes and financial reports followed by the acceptance of the resignation of Bob Smith, District Technology Coordinator. Next the board approved a legal student transfer to Pocahontas School District. The final order of business included discussion with Todd Welch from Brackett Krennerich Architects concerning the plans for the new high school project. There being no further business, President Scobey adjourned the meeting.