News

WELCOME CENTER REPORT

Hello Clay County Courier readers, We are getting closer and closer to summer vacation season! To bring in the season, the Arkansas Welcome Centers always celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, an annual event that spotlights the essential role that travel plays in driving economic growth and innovation. This year we have partnered again with the Hemingway- Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center to sponsor a coloring contest with the third-grade class at Park Elementary School. Last year, each student colored a picture of the Hemingway- Pfeiffer House. This year, to celebrate Corning and Clay County’s Sesquicentennial, each student has colored a drawing of the old Romanesque Revival courthouse buildings that used to be in Corning and Piggott. The students’ art is on display in the Welcome Center and visitors can vote on their favorite, with the winner receiving a prize at the end of the week.

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Drug arrest at Hargraves Corner

On May 7, 2023 at 2:06 a.m. a Clay County deputy observed a Yukon on the side of the road on Highway 49 at Hargraves Corner. As the deputy approached the vehicle he observed a male subject in the vehicle with a burnt glass pipe with a white powdery residue. When he came into contact with the subject he identified as 68-year-old Charles R. Camp of Piggott. After a search of the vehicle, a small container with a white crystal-like substance, and a Smith & Wesson automatic pistol were found. Mr. Camp was arrested on following charges: Felony possession of drug paraphernalia, Felony possession of a controlled substance and simultaneous Possession of drugs and firearm and was transported to Greene County Sheriff’s Department.

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City approves plan to move PD

Corning Mayor, Greg Ahrent confirmed that during the public meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 8, prior to the regular council meeting, the city council voted to move the Corning Police Department to the former Doni Martin Center building at 2300 W. Main Street in Corning.

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Clay Co. Jail Training Course underway

The Clay County Sheriff’s Department is pleased to announce the jail training course that is required for new jailers began on Monday, May 8 at 8 a.m. The training consists of 56 hours and will last the entire week. Senator Blake Johnson, Rep. Jeremy Wooldridge and Public Safety Director Mike Hager were instrumental in getting the training class scheduled quickly. Sheriff Ronnie Cole states, “This is another obstacle out of the way to opening the jail.” In addition to Johnson, Wooldridge and Hager, the Sheriff’s Department also appreciates the City of Piggott for the use of City Hall to conduct the training course.

Read MoreClay Co. Jail Training Course underway

Clay Co. Jail hosts Open House

By GAYLA JOHNSON Times-Democrat News The Clay County Detention Center hosted an open house on Sunday, May 7, invited the public to view the renovations made to get the jail reopened. A large number of people throughout the county flocked in to see the newly redone facility.

Read MoreClay Co. Jail hosts Open House

Pursuit through cemetery ends in charges

On May 8th, 2023, at 4:53 a.m. a Clay County Sheriff Deputy observed a white Dodge pickup with a tail light out at the stoplight in Corning. The deputy tried to make a traffic stop and the vehicle took off. A pursuit began that went down several city streets running numerous stop signs. The speeds reaching 60 to 70 MPH. The vehicle went north on West 1st Street and went through Corning Cemetery hitting a concrete pole at the end of the street. The subject then tried to cut through the cemetery and got stuck. The driver then surrendered to the deputy at gunpoint. Driver of the vehicle was 40-yearold Miguel Angel Davis of Corning. A loaded AR15 and .45 caliber pistol with body armor were found in the front seat of the vehicle. It was found he had a misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear out of Clay County. He was charged with felony fleeing, felony criminal mischief 1st degree, no proof of insurance, failure to stop at a stop sign three times, driving on suspended driver’s license, defective vehicle equipment and driving left of center. The deputy was assisted by the Corning Police Department. Mr. Davis was transported to the Greene County Sheriff’s Department.

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Chamber luncheon features Arkansas Workforce presentation

The Corning Area Chamber of Commerce held their Monthly Luncheon on May 8, 2023 at El Acapulco Restaurant. There were 14 people in attendance. After guests were welcomed and a prayer was offered by Tonya Tucker, President, Amanda Wiedeman introduced guest speaker, Kelly Aaron with Arkansas Workforce Centers. Aaron explained to the audience the services the Center can provide, stating there is a shortage of workers in most places. Arkansas Workforce asks that anyone searching for a job or a business that is looking to increase their workforce, to call 870-2368512. Aaron handed out literature and answered several questions during her presentation. She announced the Mobile Bus Unit will be in the 10Box parking lot on the first Wednesday of every month. The month of May was an exception as the unit was needed in Wynne to assist tornado victims. It will return to its regular schedule in June and will be in Corning at 10Box on June 7. Aaron suggested that people stop by at that time if they have questions or need more information on what services they provide.

Read MoreChamber luncheon features Arkansas Workforce presentation

Conyers graduates A-State with honors

Arkansas State University held its 2023 spring Commencement on May 6 in the First National Bank Arena. Among those graduating was Chandler D. Conyers, formerly of Corning. Chandler graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Magna Cum Laude recognizes the academic achievement of graduating students who have a 3.80-3.99 overall grade point average.

Read MoreConyers graduates A-State with honors