
News

Rector Council addresses multiple issues at meeting
Rector City Council met Sept, 14 at the Rector Community Center at 6 p.m. and addressed multiple issues that have been developing and under revision for several months. The first issue that the Council addressed was the City Annexation Ordinance that has been delayed for months in an effort to be accommodating for property owner Farren Young. The issue involves property that is adjacent to 9th Street near the city shop. For the City benefit, the Mayor and Council were advised to annex the area since all parcels are owned by the city except for one which created an “enclave” which is not permissible by law. Young agreed to the annexation but wished to add stipulations which modified the annexation. After discussion with him and with Council members over the past two months, Council reached the third reading of the ordinance. Council member Mark Manchester noted to Young that the City is not creating a hardship for him and does not expect the area to be- come a “garden.”Acknowledging that the area contains a sizeable amount of unused and disposable items, the City required that the area come into compliance with City regulations. “The area should look respectable,” said Council members Manchester and Noah May. City Attorney Kimberly Dale read the Ordinance and Council member Manchester made the motion to place the Ordinance into effect on this the third reading. Council member May gave the second and all voted affirmative. Council member Jamie Diddle was in El Dorado on Downtown Central business.
Act 605, how it affects Rector and its citizens
City of Rector Water and Sewer rates have come into compliance with Arkansas Act 605 which requires a review and update of these rates once every three years to make certain that cities can meet the water and sewer needs of the public. City of Rector has grappled with the issue for several years and the construction of a new sewer pond stalled because of finances. Neither grants nor loans may be approved if the city is not being responsible for meeting city needs with appropriate water rates.

Clay County Quorum Court approves ordinances
The Clay County Quorum Court met in regular session on Monday, Sept. 15 at the Clay County Courthouse in Piggott with justices Dennis Haines, David Hatcher, Patrick Patterson, Brad Greene, Randy Kingston, Neal Smith and Jody Henderson present. Justices George Lowe and David Cagle were absent. Reading of the previous month’s meeting was suspended.
Noah Smith named to SNHU President’s List
Noah Smith of Piggott has been named to Southern New Hampshire University’s (SNHU) Summer 2025 President’s List. The summer terms run from May to August.

Chandler announces candidacy for Clay County Judge
I would like to announce my intent to run for the office of Clay County Judge. I take pride in being a life-long Clay County resident and having ties to all three districts. I believe, as we are at a pivotal time for the county, that under the right leadership - we can look ahead to a bright future. Please join me in fighting for the future of our great county. If you feel lead to help with the campaign, please reach out. Thanks, in advance.
Five banks in Northeast Arkansas, Southeast Missouri unite as one to become FM Bank & Trust
Blytheville, AR – September 2025 – Five community banks with common ownership and a shared legacy in Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri have announced plans to operate under one charter and one new brand: FM Bank & Trust.
Clay County Sheriff’s Department makes multiple arrests
APOSTOLIC APOSTOLIC FELLOWSHIP McDougal - Herb Eillis, Pastor


Scenes from the Clay County Fair Parade
Scenes from the Clay County Fair Parade