January 2024

By PAM LOWE Clay County Courier It’s not often a town is fortunate to have someone who has lived and contributed to a community for 100 years. Corning can count among its centenarians, Osel Edington, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Friday, January 5 in the presence of loved ones. The highlight of her birthday was the nearly 100 birthday cards, gifts, and calls received and visits from family and friends.

Coach Bobby Harpole was honored along with five other northeast Arkansas coaches and referees for their contributions to the NEA Invitational Tournament. Those recognized during the tournament on Saturday evening, Dec. 28 were nominated by area coaches and the NEA Tournament committee. Harpole has been attending the Northeast Arkansas Tournament for approximately 50 years. He was presented with a Certificate of Recognition by David Daniel, NEA Tournament Chairman, for his contributions to the NEA Invitational Tournament through the years. Daniel recognized Harpole’s accomplishments during his career that covered 35 years of coaching and over 20 years of broadcasting. Coach Harpole was escorted onto the First National Bank Arena floor during the recognition of his contributions by his grandchildren, Harper and Hudson Rorex.

Heavenly Father, as the new year is upon us, we come before you with grateful hearts. As we embark on 2024, we pray for your divine presence to guide us during this time.

Many of the laws we passed in 2023 take effect on January 1, 2024. These new laws impact everything from taxes to criminal justice.

LITTLE ROCK – Numerous state laws will take effect in 2024, including tax reductions that will save Arkansas families and businesses about $250 million a year. During a September special session, the legislature approved tax cuts that will benefit Arkansans in two ways.

With a new year all laid out before us, it is time to make our resolutions for the goals we wish to achieve this year. Years ago, I was presented with a four step system to attaining your goals. It is quite simple and when I used it properly, it pretty nearly always worked. It came in the form of a book called, “If You Can Count to Four.” It was authored by a man named Jim Jones. Here is a synopsis of his system. First, you have to decide on the goal. Now, this isn’t just a simple desire, it requires concentrated effort. You should sit down and define that goal, if it is a tangible object like a home, or car, or whatever. Describe it in detail. Get pictures and put them in familiar places that you haunt, such as a refrigerator door or a bulletin board by your desk. Once you have done that, #2 is to assume that the goal is attained, that you have succeeded. If it is a car, pretend it is your goal car that you are driving. Admire your goal since it is already yours. In other words, develop a positive attitude about what you are attaining. Step #3 is a very important step, the one in which many people have difficulty. You must learn to say no to anything or anyone that interferes with attaining that goal. For instance, if it is something you are purchasing, you might want to avoid impulse spending that would deplete funds that you might need, same for anything you might have to purchase. You need to stay away from negative influences, like people that would say something like, “Why would you want that old thing?” or “Those are not any good, or why don’t you ..X.. instead?” Anything or anyone that might stand in the way of your attainment or satisfaction should be avoided. #4 is easy, but sometimes made difficult – Don’t Worry About the How - because we will try to make it happen by force. Instead, you just relax and follow the other 3 steps and the How will take care of itself. You have already decided what you want and have decided it is yours, jus