Tate Taylor enjoys the free small library near Red Taylor Ford. The library was provided by a grant awarded to Corning Schools through the Successful Outcomes for Arkansas Readers (SOAR) program.
There are three types of fun. Type 1 fun is great while it’s happening and enjoyable afterwards when you think back on it.
The Arkansas Department of Education is accepting feedback on rules governing the state’s new school voucher program that takes effect on August 1. The department will hold two public comment hearings at its offices on Friday, August 25—one at 9:00 AM and one at 5:30 PM.
The Clay County Junior Fair Board will be hosting a craft show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 12, at the commercial building on the Clay County Fairgrounds. Vendor fee is set at $35 with community entry fee being a small donation to the Clay County Junior Fair Board Scholarship Fund. Small concessions will be available. Those interested may contact Reagan at 870-324- 1415 or Erin at 870-324- 3363 to reserve a space.
Most of the laws passed during this year’s legislative session took effect, Tuesday, August 1. The 890 acts passed this year include: Act 131, which restricts adult-oriented performances Act 195, which repeals the parental-consent requirement for minors under 16 seeking employment Act 247, a ban on gender- affirming care for minors Act 286, the Seizure Safe Schools Act, which better prepares schools to address seizures Act 353, a ban on drop boxes for absentee ballots Act 392, the Liza Fletcher Act, which creates a rapid-DNA testing pilot program Act 514, the CROWN Act, which bans hair discrimination in public schools and higher ed institutions Act 542, a ban on using preferred pronouns in schools without parental consent Act 619, a “bathroom” bill targeting trans Arkansans Act 642, the Coach Safely Act, which improves safety for student athletes Act 687, which increases penalties for child-labor violations If you hate yourself, you can read through all 890 new laws here: https:// www.arkleg.state.ar.us/ Acts/SearchByRange (They’re not all bad.
Private Moscow by James Patterson (also available in large print) The Bourne Defiance by Robert Ludlum’s Break of Day by Colleen Coble Secrets In The Dark by Heather Graham Prom Mom by Laura Lippman After Death by Dean Koontz Peg and Rose Stir Up Trouble by Laurien Berenson Pink Lemonade Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke Western
Arkansas Heritage recognized recipients of Small Museum and Arkansas Heritage grants at its headquarters in Little Rock recently. These grant programs provide awards to Arkansas’s small history museums, historical societies, historic houses and sites, and military museums. For this grant cycle, Arkansas Heritage awarded $41,600 to 14 recipients from across the state which included Rector Community Museum, Inc. The amount of the grant awarded was $2500 to be used for utilities. “Twice a year, these grant programs provide funds to help promote education, awareness and enjoyment of Arkansas history,” said Shea Lewis, interim director of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “Our hope is that these funds will enrich current programs and provide inspiration for future activities, continuing to build momentum and energy.” The Small Museum Grant Program aims to increase the ability of community-based small museums/organizations to research, preserve, present and conserve Arkansas history. Eligible organizations must have an annual operating budget of $250,000 or less; must have a staff of at least one person, either paid or volunteer; and must be open to the public at least 90 days per year. Eligible activities include buildings and grounds maintenance, operating costs, equipment purchases up to $1,000, accessioning of artifact collections, educational programming, research, exhibits, and web site design and maintenance. The maximum grant award is $2,500.