St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated each year on March 17. The day honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, but it’s also a celebration of Irish culture. Although St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world by people who can trace their lineage to the Emerald Isle, millions more with no such heritage join in the festivities each year. That means anyone who is Irish or just Irish in spirit can take part in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Clay County Electric Cooperative and its Board of Directors are pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Miiller as the cooperative’s new general manager, effective March 1.
Scrolling through Facebook recently, I came across a post shared by Rex Nelson, a columnist I deeply admire and consider a legend in Arkansas journalism. His post struck a chord with me—it was about the essence of volunteerism, what it should be and what it should truly mean.
The annual Arkansas Roots Music Festival will be held at the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 12.
From the office of
The Senate has approved a package of bills with tougher regulations for the signature-gathering process by which citizens can place issues on statewide ballots.
One of the greatest strengths of a small community is how we support one another. Whether it’s cheering on our local sports teams, lending a helping hand to a neighbor, or choosing to shop local, we all play a role in keeping our town thriving. That’s why I’m excited to introduce our Community Spotlight, a new weekly feature in our newspaper dedicated to highlighting the businesses that make our area unique.
The Corning Community will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 12 at the Victory Lake Sports Complex. The event will be open to the public with fun activities for children that include an egg hunt, pictures with the Easter Bunny, games, face painting, free food and giveaways. There are sponsorship opportunities available. All donations will help with purchasing food, drinks, Easter eggs, candy and giveaways. Make checks payable to Corning Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 93, Corning, AR, 72422. Or contact Molly Jett at (901) 490-8051 or mjett@ccecc. coop.
The Corning Beautification Committee proudly announces artisan Sam Hancock as Artist of the Month for March.
Brian Scott Gower, born on March 12, 1963, in Lansing, Michigan, was sent to his eternal home on February 28, 2025, in Rowlett, Texas, after a series of short illnesses. Scott was the son of Thomas Ray Gower and Judy Roberts Gower. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Piggott, Arkansas. Scott married the love of his life, Kimberly Ann Smithey Davis on January 4, 1986. They recently celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his wife Kim and daughter Nikki Gower Clark (Justin) and grandchildren Kymber Nicole and Austin Reid; and their daughter Morgan Taylor Gower and grandchildren Camille Ann and Lynkon Scott. Scott was a loving, doting “Paw” who truly cherished his time with his girls and grandchildren. In 1981, Scott graduated from Piggott High School, where he enjoyed shop and agriculture classes as well as playing varsity football for the Piggott Mohawks. With Razorback Red running through his veins, he then attended the University of Arkansas, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Business in 1985. As a University of Arkansas Alumnus, Scott was a lifetime supporter of the university and his beloved Hogs. Scott began his lifelong career with Riceland Foods in August of 1985. He learned the business from the ground up, eventually culminating in a position of Vice President of Commodity Operations. Special mentors in his life were Mr. Richard E. Bell, Mr. David Bickerstaff, Mr. Leon Foster, and Mr. Martin Ahrent. His greatest achievement as a drier manager was being awarded the Exceptional Service Award during the fall of 1993. During his early years as Vice President, Scott formed lifelong friendships with Terry Richardson, Jerry Delatte, Harry Loftis, Ben Lackey, and several more along the way. He retired after serving 35 years with Riceland Foods. Upon his retirement, he still had many enjoyable outings with The Retired Riceland Executive Group, also known as “The Old Man’s Luncheon.” Scott was well known for his quick wit, business acumen, and devotion to his family. He was active in many clubs and organizations. During his career with Riceland, he served as President of the Corning Chamber of Commerce and Corning Pride Committee. He also served as Chairman of the annual Fourth of July Picnic in Corning. As a member of the Arkansas Drier and Warehouseman Association, he served as a board member and president. He was also a member of GEAPS, the Grain Elevator and Processing Society, as well as a member and later board member of the National Grain and Feed Association. Scott enjoyed boating, fishing, and traveling as lifetime hobbies; shared with his wife, family, and friends. He particularly enjoyed his time on Greers’ Ferry Lake, where he dreamed of owning a house on the lake one day. After buying, renovating, and selling three condos, his dream came true. He, his family, and friends created countless lifelong memories together while fishing, skiing, tubing, or simply cruising around the lake. Lake Ray Hubbard was the deciding factor in Scott and Kim’s move to Rowlett, Texas in 2022. There, with a lakeside home, they could continue to enjoy the pleasures of lake living. Of utmost importance was to be near his daughters and grandchildren, sharing the lake life to carry on the tradition. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, March 6th, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, West 3rd Street, in Corning, Arkansas. Arrangements have been made at Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home in Piggott, Arkansas, as follows: Visitation from 1:00-3:00 p.m., Funeral at 3:00. Brother Danny Self, who baptized Scott, will be officiating the service. Interment will be held at New Hope Cemetery in Pollard, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Blake Ahrent, Chris Bauschlicher, David Bauschlicher, Will Bauschlicher, Eddie Brooks, Justin Clark, Tim Gribble, D.J. Herzog, and Jim Mann. Honorary pallbearers will be Ben Lackey, Harry Loftis, and Terry Richardson.