June 2024

POCAHONTAS, AR — As part of its Strengthening Institutions Grant activities, Black River Technical College (BRTC) presented NEA Regional Intermodal Authority a check for $12,000. The funds are to defray expenses that NEA Regional Intermodal Authority will incur during its work in helping guide BRTC in conducting a needs assessment, identifying the Durable Skills workforce employers statewide seek, and assisting in curriculum development and employability assessments.

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 Twice the same day last week, I saw people who don’t even reside here, do nice things for Corning… that gave me a real satisfied feeling.

The following Lowe Down column was published a little over a year ago on Friday, June 9, 2023 in the Clay County Courier and in various CherryRoad Media newspapers within that week. Here it is again with minimal editing.

A little rain didn’t stop families from coming out to the William H. Donham State Fish Hatchery on Hwy. 67 West in Corning on Saturday, June 8 to enjoy the annual Fishing Derby hosted by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The event began at 8 a.m. and lasted through noon. A few downpours didn’t hamper spirits as 288 anglers baited and cast their hooks hoping for a big catch. Robert Zimmer with AGFC reported that in all there were 295 fish caught that morning.

During water rescues and recoveries, it’s not just the victims that are at risk. The lives of first responders, firefighters, and divers are at risk as well. Providing an emergency response team with the technology to support faster and safer rescues saves lives and can save money normally spent on resources. This is a topic that is important to Jim Clifton, President of the Clay County Emergency Task Force. Clifton spoke to the Corning Lions Club on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, about the value and need in Clay County for an advanced underwater scanner called AQUAEYE that uses sonar technology as well as artificial intelligence to identify human bodies underwater. The technology improves the time and overall accommodation in better locating bodies and or evidence.

In just two weeks, the annual July 4th Homecoming Picnic and Parade will take place in Corning. This year the city will celebrate the Homecoming picnic and parade on Thursday, July 4th, 2024.

A city is only as good as the civic minded residents living within it that reflect its core values and the 2024 Grand Marshal of the July 4th parade has been a loyal servant to the city. He has lived his entire life in Corning and has served it and its residents in many capacities throughout his lifetime. D.J. Herzog, Parade Chairman for the Corning 4th of July Homecoming Parade has announced J.H. Ermert will be the 2024 Grand Marshal.