The Piggott Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the 2024 solar eclipse on Monday, April 8 as they expect hundreds of tourists to fill the town. Numerous happenings are being planned to make sure the weekend ahead of totality is full of fun events.
With Clay County positioned in the path of totality for the Apr. 8 eclipse, one certainty emerges: People will come. Grabbing this momentous occasion by the reigns involves not only capitalizing on potential revenue streams such as merchandise sales and parking spots but also strategizing to maximize the community’s engagement and educational outreach.
Acclaim Press, who is publishing the Clay County History books, is still accepting family and church history stories. The release date has been pushed back to fall of 2025. Those wanting to submit articles may do so at the Piggott Chamber office at 100 W. Main or by calling 870-598-3167. There is no cost to submit a story. Those interested in purchasing a book at $59.95 may do so by directly contacting Acclaim Press at Acclaimpress.com.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Department reports that on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 4:35 p.m. a traffic stop was made in McDougal. The report stated that the deputy had tried to stop the vehicle west of McDougal on Highway 62, but the driver refused t pull over for over a mile. Upon coming in contact with the driver, 43-year-old Justin Keith Lane of Pocahontas, the deputy asked for his driver’s license. Lane at first did not want to provide the deputy with his license, but finally handed them to the deputy. Lane was shown to be on parole. A search was conducted on his vehicle where a glass pipe was located that checked positive for meth. Lane was transported to the Clay County Detention Center and was booked in on felony possession of drug paraphernalia charge.
After several years of pause on paying federal student loan payments, borrowers were required to resume payments with interest accrual in October 2023. If you or family members who owe student loans haven’t already done so, be sure to check if student loan forgiveness might be a good fit for your situation. No matter where you are in the student loan repayment process, reevaluating your options at least once a year is the best financial practice.
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) at Arkansas State University will offer several opportunities in March for small business owners to learn about growing a business.
The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center and Three Rivers College are teaming up to host a series of Veteran Coffee Social gatherings in February and March.
The Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View will host nine music events at the park’s 1,000-seat indoor music venue, Ozark Highlands Theater, during their upcoming season April 2 October 26. Evening concerts, music contests and festivals will feature top talent from the Ozarks and beyond, including award-winning songwriters, bands and dancers.
Early voting for the 2024 Preferential Primary is underway at the Piggott and Corning Community Centers. Voting hours will be 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, March 2 voting hours will be 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Early voting ends at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 4.
Volunteers across Northeast Arkansas came out in full force for the 26th annual Make-A-Wish Foundation as the 2024 Have-A-Heart, Wish-A-Thon was held Friday, Feb. 16.