December 2023

The Corning Police Department recently appointed Pastor Bart Baker as the new chaplain for the Corning Police Department. Baker is the pastor at the First Baptist Church in Corning. Police Chief Blaine McClung stated the newest member of the department will be a great asset and officers look forward to working with Pastor Bart as they serve God and the community.

On December 18, 2023, The Clay County Sheriff’s Department was investigating a shooting of an individual north of Corning in the area of Hwy 328, County Road 143 and 148. The Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call at 7:25 p.m. from a motorist that an individual was standing in the middle of Hwy 328 at the bridge construction. They said the individual stated he had been shot. The Sheriff’s Department, Corning Police Department and EMS responded. Upon arrival the Sheriff’s Department located the individual who had an apparent gunshot wound above the knee in the upper leg, first aid was administered by Officers until EMS arrived. The individual identified himself as 31-year-old William Clay Lester, apparently of Corning. He gave officers a statement before he was transported to Poplar Bluff Regional Hospital. The Sheriff’s Department has reason to doubt the individual’s statement. The Sheriff’s Department believes the incident started on County Road 148 close to Hwy 328. They also know another individual was involved. The Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone with information that could help in this investigation, to call the Clay County Sheriff’s Department at 870-598-2270.

The Arkansas State Aid Street Committee has announced the approval of a project submitted by the city of Corning to overlay 1.66 miles of 2nd Street, Harb Street and Lucien Street. The project has been approved for $300,000 of State Aid City Street funds.