July 2025

Work resumes on Knobel Y upgrades

The Arkansas Department of Transportation has resumed their work on the Knobel Y safety improvement project. These upgrades, mirroring what was installed at the Corning Y last year, will add a concrete median to the north bound lane of Arkansas Highway 90 as it junctions north with Arkansas Highway 135. The angle at which Arkansas Highway 90 enters Arkansas Highway 135 is being adjusted as well. When completed, ARDOT will begin work on the Beach Grove Y in Greene County where Arkansas Highway 34 intersects with Arkansas Highway 135.

Read MoreWork resumes on Knobel Y upgrades

Community Center dining room receives facelift

The City of Corning hired Evan Luter’s MTG Enterprise, LLC to remodel the dining room at the M.B. Ainley, Jr. Community Center. The walls, which were previously a burnt orange color, are now grey with the brown baseboards and the brick fireplace now painted white. All light switches and wall outlets were replaced to match the room’s new white trim. They also fixed a dent in the wall underneath the window between the front desk and gymnasium. The company was previously contracted to repaint the interior of the facility (except for the dining room) back in Spring of 2020.

Read MoreCommunity Center dining room receives facelift

House of Representatives

This week, the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, and Legislative Affairs met jointly with the Senate Children and Youth Committee to review important reports focused on child safety and well-being in Arkansas. These committees are charged with addressing issues related to children, youth, adoption, custody, and the challenges facing our aging population. Regular updates and data help lawmakers shape policies that better serve Arkansas families.

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John Clayton County

Updated: This article exploring the claim that John Clayton is the namesake of Clay County was originally published in December, 2024, and has been updated based on new research and findings.

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First United Methodist Church receives $200 of “Jesus Bucks” for Corning School District’s Backpack Program

Upon returning home from the 2025 Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church of Arkansas, Fred and Doni Martin reported that they had received a surprise donation of $200 worth of “Jesus Bucks” from Dennis Young, a member of First United Methodist Church in Texarkana. At the Annual Conference in 2024, the Martins had told Young about a ministry they do at Corning First United Methodist Church where they collect “Jesus Bucks,” which are the $1 bills that have the letter “J” to the left of George Washington’s portrait, for a donation to the Corning School District’s Backpack Program. Young had thought that this was such a great ministry that he had spent the past year collecting “Jesus Bucks” to give as a donation when he met the Martins again this year.

Read MoreFirst United Methodist Church receives $200 of “Jesus Bucks” for Corning School District’s Backpack Program