LITTLE ROCK – Thanks to legislation passed last year, Arkansas businesses will save about $31 million in taxes paid for unemployment insurance in 2024. Legislative approval of Act 196 was a priority for the state’s business community, and it passed in the Senate by a vote of 29-to-3.
As the Preferential Primary Election and Nonpartisan General Election draw near in Arkansas, it’s crucial for every eligible citizen to recognize the power they hold within their vote. The upcoming election on March 5, 2024, serves as an opportunity for Arkansans to shape the future of their communities, the state, and the nation.
Black River Area Development Corporation (BRAD has announced the Winter Regular and Crisis Assistance program began accepting applications on Monday, January 8, 2024. Applications will be accepted until it appears funds will be depleted. Residents of Clay, Lawrence, and Randolph Counties must apply for energy assistance at the BRAD Agency in the county which they live. The three criteria necessary to determine eligibility for regular assistance and crisis assistance as determined by the State of Arkansas Department of Human Services include residency, the applicant must apply for assistance in the county where they live; income, a household’s income cannot exceed the income guideline established by the State of Arkansas, and resources which excluding their home or car, cannot exceed the guideline for household resources. All applicants must provide proof of income for everyone 18 years of age and older residing in the home. The proof of income must pertain to the month prior to the application. Persons employed must provide all check stubs for the month prior to application. Applicants must provide both electric and gas bills for the applicant’s household unless the home is all electric. Verification of identity for the person making application must be verified at the time of application. The identity of the head of household must be verified, such as driver’s license, birth certificate and or paychecks containing the name of the person. Applicants must provide social security numbers and birthdates for all household members. Eligibility cannot be established until all income documentation has been received. For residents in Clay, Randolph and Lawrence counties, the days of operation for accepting applications for the regular home energy assistance and crisis assistance are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. The applications will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, and from 1 to 3 p.m. until further notice. Applications for Clay are Mondays and Tuesdays at the
POCAHONTAS, AR — Black River Technical College (BRTC) will host the third annual First Horizon Lecture Series featuring true crime author and award-winning investigative journalist George Jared on Tuesday, March 12 in the Randolph County Development Center.
Terry Sears has been selected by the Corning Beautification Committee as the January Artist of the Month. He has always liked to draw using colored and graphite pencils. Retirement has given him the time to enjoy being creative. He finds choosing and blending colors and seeing his drawings come together very satisfying.
Community Foundation accepting online grant applications - Jan. 10 to Feb. 15 Pocahontas, Ark. – Nonprofits in Clay, Lawrence and Randolph counties can go to arcf.org/givingtree beginning January 10 to apply online for Giving Tree Grants through North Delta Community Foundation, an affiliate of Arkansas Community Foundation. Applications must be submitted online by February 15. “Since our affiliate was formed in 2020, we’ve awarded over $30,000 in grants to benefit the North Delta area,” said Melody Rainwater, executive director. “It’s a pleasure to be able to strengthen this community by supporting important causes like education, health and community development, among others.”
LITTLE ROCK, AR – Arkansas Foodbank, the largest food bank in the state, is celebrating its 40th year of service with a reinvigorated mission to tackle food insecurity and hunger stereotypes in Arkansas. As the state leads the nation in food insecurity, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Foodbank is intensifying its efforts to educate Arkansans about hunger and provide access to nutritious food for Arkansans in need.
The Clay County Detention Center was given the authority to reopen on Monday, May 22, 2023. Sheriff Ronnie Cole received word from the District 3 Criminal Detention Facilities Review Committee the jail was cleared to open. The facility has the capacity to house 16 females and approximately 46 male inmates.
A Community Easter Egg Hunt as held at the Victory Lake Ball Complex in Corning on Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Families enjoyed a day of egg hunts, games, vendors, giveaways, face painting, animal petting booths, Easter Bunny photos, and free food. In an effort to assist students in the Wynne School District, attendees had the option of bringing personal hygiene items for teachers to provide for their students in exchange for an extra door prize ticket at the egg hunt.
Clay County celebrated it’s 150th anniversary on Friday, March 24 with a proclamation read by County Judge Mike Patterson honoring the birthdate of Clay County, March 23, 1873 and declaring the year from March 24, 2023 through March 24, 2024 as the period for residents of Clay County to celebrate the sesquicentennial. After the courthouse ceremonies, the 10Box in Corning, and the Harps stores in Piggott and Rector served cake from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. to honor the occasion.