February 2023

Fine Free February being observed at local libraries

Throughout the remainder of the month, the Piggott and Rector Public Libraries will be observing “Fine Free February.” During the month of February library patrons may return late items without a fine, whether the item is just a few days late or more than a year. The only fines not included in the forgiveness are those currently on account which had already been accrued. Those wanting additional information may call the Piggott Public Library at 870-598-3666 or the Rector Public Library at 870-595-2410 during regular business hours.

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Local students graduate during fall commencement at ASU

Arkansas State University has announced the list of students who completed degree requirements to graduate at Fall Commencement, held Dec. 17 in First National Bank Arena Chancellor Todd Shields presented diplomas at the associate, bachelor, master, specialist and doctoral levels, along with various program certificates, as awarded through the various colleges: Agriculture, Neil Griffin College of Business, Education and Behavioral Science, Engineering and Computer Science, Liberal Arts and Communication, Nursing and Health Professions, Sciences and Mathematics, and University College.

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Loyd Don McNeely

Loyd Don McNeely of Piggott, Ark., born April 4, 1953, to James and Faye McNeely, passed away February 17, 2023, peacefully at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Ark. He is preceded in death by his wife, Debby Harrell McNeely, of 48 years, his parents, and his sister, Janet Kriner.

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Clay County Sheriff ’s Department makes drug arrests

On Sunday, Feb. 19, at 9:40 a.m. a Clay County Deputy was traveling westbound on Highway 328 north of Corning. He observed a red Ford Mustang on his side of the roadway headed toward him. The vehicle crossed back into his lane and then back into the deputy’s lane almost hitting him. The deputy turned around on the vehicle and then initiated a traffic stop. As he approached the vehicle, the Mustang spun out throwing rocks all over the deputy and his vehicle. The deputy initiated the pursuit on County Road 139 noting the speed of the vehicle was 100 mph. They crossed Highway 67 still on County Road 139 southbound, they traveled about one mile then the subject lost control of his vehicle crossed into a road embankment came back on the road rolling the vehicle. The female subject, 31 year old Amanda Smith, was thrown from the vehicle into a field. The male subject, 22 year old Jacob Woods, jumped out and tried to run and flee. The deputy apprehended him and called for first responders and EMS.

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Filing period underway for school board election

The filing period for candidates in the upcoming school board election for Piggott, Rector and Corning begins today, Wednesday, Feb. 22, and runs through noon next Wednesday, March 1. During this time candidates may submit the proper paperwork to be included on the ballot for the annual school election, set for Tuesday, May 9. Those wanting additional information may call the Clay County Clerk’s office at 870-598-2813.

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