eType Editor

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.

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.

On July 1, the Corning Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence located on Highway 67/West Main Street in Corning, resulting in the seizure of illegal narcotics, firearms and drug paraphernalia.

The annual Pollard Picnic, to benefit the New Hope Cemetery, will be held Saturday, July 12, in Pollard. As usual, this year’s picnic will include a full schedule of beauty pageants for contestants of all ages.

On June 29, at approximately 5:45 p.m., a Clay County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a green Dodge Charger traveling at a high rate of speed on Highway 135 east of Corning. The driver refused to stop and fled the area, initiating a multi-jurisdictional pursuit.

On June 27, at approximately 9:20 p.m., a Rector Police Department officer contacted the Clay County Sheriff’s Office regarding a subject with an active felony warrant for absconding from parole supervision.