The Clay County Quorum Court was called into a special session on Friday, July 25 at 10:30 a.m. due to an Aug. 1 deadline for local governments to have the authority to regulate noise caused by the mining of digital assets. Justices present for the meeting were David Hatcher, Patrick Patterson, Randy Kingston, George Lowe, Jody Henderson and Neal “Poppy” Smith.
Organizers with the Fifth and Pine Church of Christ in Rector will host their annual “Back to School With Love Day” from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
In the past five years, there has been much discussion among citizens and the County concerning what to do about the declining state of the Clay County Detention Center. Opinions varied within the county as to the best option or path to the formation of an operational jail, that would meet the Facilities Review Committee’s requirements and standards. The closing of the jail on Oct. 1, 2021, created an added expense to the County’s budget due to the necessity of transporting inmates housed in surrounding counties back and forth to court dates.
The 2023 Arkansas Rural Education Association’s Teachers of the Year are Lauren Dorman of the Rector School District and Christy Owen of the Magnolia School District. Dorman and Owen were each presented with a crystal apple gift and a check for $1,000 from the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas.
Living, working, serving in Rector for two years, Aaron Bell and his wife Shayla Bell are a couple whose collective smiles and outgoing ways make people believe the acquaintance has been for a much longer time period. The truth is, since the Bells have been in Rector, pastoring the Fifth and Pine Street Church of Christ, people in Rector may recognize the Bells, but few really know their story.
In the terminology of the MLB season, the Rector Community Museum Ford Room hit a home run with Gary Prince and Sugar Creek which took the stage Thursday, July 20, for the customary Third Thursday concert series. Prince and the band connected immediately with the audience, the front section being filled with fans and family of the band. Those new fans who heard the group for the first time came away wanting to hear more of the traditional country sound of mellow harmonies and magic guitars, keyboard, and drums.
From opening until closing time on Saturday, July 22, the Vendor’s Market at Our Happy Place (OHP) filled with customers, vendors, and well-wishers, many walking away with vendor-gifted door prizes. Excitement was kindled by Kendra Street’s permanent jewelry booth set up from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday.
The Delta Symphony Orchestra will kick off its 50th concert season with its annual fundraising gala at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Gardens at Harmony in Jonesboro. This year’s theme is Stars of the World Stage and the event will feature a live jazz ensemble, musical guest, Genevieve Fulks, Master of Ceremonies, Mitch Mahan, live and silent auctions with auctioneer Charles Harris, and catering by Bistro on the Ridge. Individual tickets are $125 and tables (eight-person) are $900. Tickets can be purc hased atwww.deltasymphonyorchestra.org/ tickets or by calling 870.761.8254.
The Clay County Fair is set for Sept. 13 to 16, and commercial booths are now available for rental. The booths are indoor, air conditioned and include electrical hook-ups. Rental rates are just $50, which covers the full run of the fair. Those wanting additional information, or to reserve a booth, may contact Barbara Collier at 870 5987311.
The inaugural Sunken Lands Songwriting Circle concert event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 12, starting at 5 p.m. The event will be held in Riceland Hall at Arkansas State University’s Fowler Center, located at 201 Olympic Dr.