January 2024

BRTC receives $4.7 million in funds

Black River Technical College (BRTC) recently received $4.7 million from the Arkansas State and Local Recovery funds allocated by the American Rescue Plan Act to help construct barracks to house BRTC’s Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA) recruits while attending classes. BRTC’s LETA is the primary trainer of law enforcement officers for Northeast Arkansas (NEA), training 100-120 officers for local police stations and sheriff’s offices, Arkansas Highway Police, Arkansas State Police, and other state and local agencies.

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HPMEC sets Papa’s Upland Bird Hunt

Once again this year, the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum of Piggott has joined forces with Liberty Hill Outfitters for a special fundraiser. Papa’s Upland Bird Hunt, planned to celebrate Ernest Hemingway’s Arkansas hunting legacy, will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27 at Liberty Hill (located northeast of Rector).

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The year in memories: Part two of looking back at 2023

July The second half of 2023 began with entertainment news as Joe Mansfield presented his Average Joe’s Magic Show at the Ford Room in Rector and The Kinders concluded the 2023 Summer Reading Program with large crowds at both the Piggott and Rector libraries. The Clay County Sheriff’s Department reported a 17year-old juvenile was injured while shooting fireworks under the St.

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Baine graduates from ACC Leadership Institute

Black River Technical College (BRTC) Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Brad Baine recently graduated from the 2023 class of the Arkansas Community College’s (ACC) Leadership Institute “Attending and participating in the Arkansas Community Colleges Leadership Institute was a very beneficial and rewarding experience. It allowed me the opportunity to connect with outstanding leaders from all across Arkansas,” said Baine. “The leadership program was filled with strategic sessions that allowed me to grow as a professional and become a better leader. I am grateful for the Arkansas Association of Community Colleges executive leadership team and the high-quality leadership program that they are offering professionals of higher education.“ According to arkansascc.org, the ACC Leadership Institute, established in 2008, has provided leadership, administration, and advocacy training to approximately 300 emerging community college leaders in Arkansas. Many of their graduates have gone on to become college presidents and chancellors, vice presidents and chancellors, and other key community college administrators. This event is open to ACC members who are nominated by their institution’s president or chancellor.Approximately 24 people attend this annual, multi-session event.

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