Organizers of the annual Nimmons Old Timers Dinner are happy to announce the dinner will once again take place. This year’s dinner will be held beginning at noon on Sunday, Sept. 4, at the community center. Current, and former, residents of the Nimmons area are invited to attend, and bring a dish for the potluck meal. They’ll also be accepting donations at the door, with the proceeds going toward the continued upkeep of the Nimmons Cemetery.
A “Peach Topping Preserves” canning class will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25 at the Education Center of the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum. Class size is limited therefore interested parties should sign up soon. This will be a hands-on class. Attendees will receive a recipe and a jar of the peach preserves to keep. Price for the class is $15. For more information or to register for the class please call 870-598-3487.
Fifth and Pine Church of Christ in Rector will be hosting a back to school giveaway from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 7. Registered students in grades K-12 of Rector Public Schools who are in need of school supplies are invited to drive by the church building to receive a bag of free school supplies. Students must be accompanied by a parent.
Eligible residents can receive payment assistance for summer utilities. Officials with the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) have announced residents can begin submitting applications Monday, July 25 for help with the costs of summer cooling bills, including those from Entergy Arkansas and other utilities.
The Democratic Party of Clay County held its County Convention last week at Camilio’s Mexican Restaurant in Rector. Ryan Carter and Margie Niewald were re-elected as the county delegates to the Arkansas State Committee. They will be representing Clay County at the Democratic Party of Arkansas State Convention next month. Also on the agenda were the plans for the party platform for 2022. In addition plans were made for a meet and greet watermelon social on Aug. 12 at Southern Traditions in Piggott featuring the Democratic candidate for State Representative, Teresa Roofe. More information is available on the FaceBook page for the Democratic Party of Clay County. (Courtesy photo)
John J. Pershing VA Medical Center will host a Veteran Art Exhibit Sept. 12 through 16, featuring the works of local Veteran patients. Any patient of the medical center is eligible to participate in the local exhibit, which is open to 51 visual art categories. The exhibit will take place in the main lobby of the Poplar Bluff facility.
The Clay County Health Unit will be hosting a back to school bash immunization clinic from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 9. Walk-ins are welcome or an appointment may be made if desired. They will be offering vaccines that are required for school as well as having a drawing for door prizes. The health unit is located at 1009 South Garfield in Piggott. Anyone wanting additional information may call 870-598-3390 from the hours of 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.
RHS registration dates scheduled Rector High School will host student registration for the upcoming school year on Aug. 1, 2 and 3.
The annual Arkansas statewide mandatory “Beat the Heat” meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 28, in the Piggott High School cafeteria. “Beat the Heat” is a program designed to promote proper hydration and prevent heat illnesses and to explain the difference in heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Kaydee Taylor (center) was crowned Miss St. Francis 2022 at the annual picnic Saturday. She is the 16-year-old daughter of Johnny and Amanda Payne of Kennett. First alternate was Sophia Hill (second from right), the 16-year-old daughter of Corbin and Shannon Hill of Rector. Avery Smith (second from left) the 16-year-old daughter of Leah and Andy Smith of Gobler was second alternate. Third alternate was Bethany McNeely (far right), 16 of Rector. Her parents are Shane and Ginger McNeely. Fourth alternate was Abbey Beck (far left) the 17-year-old daughter of Angela Stokes and Jeff Beck of Rector. See story on page 2. PHOTO O BY GAYLA JOHNSON