The Clay County Quorum Court met in regular session on Monday, Aug. 18 at the courthouse in Corning with Justices Dennis Haines, Patrick Patterson, David Hatcher, Brad Green, Randy Kingston, Jody Henderson, David Cagle, George Lowe and Neal Smith present.
Represented in parade by widows
On Aug. 11, 2025, teachers and administrators opened the doors to the 2025-26 school year for the Rector School System. According to both building principals Mark Manchester and Nate Henderson along with Superintendent Johnny Fowler, the opening day was a good one. Enrollment at the elementary school was approximately 330 students to include several new enrollments. The high school total enrollment was a tentative 240 students which is about what was expected.
The Piggott School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, Aug. 12 with all board members present. School board president Jacob Richardson announced that the board meetings would now be starting with prayer.
Rector City Council met at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14, at the Rector Community Center. In old business, Council heard from City Superintendent that both 211 S. Main and 204 S. Main have been demolished and are in the clearing stage of debris removal. The third reading for the City Annexation Ordinance was tabled until Sept. 11 so that all parties could be present for discussion and the vote.
Rector is buzzing with talk about the festivities for the upcoming Labor Day picnic. “The t-shirts are so cool. We like the bold design,” said several citizens. Parents and their kids are excited about the carnival beginning on Friday evening and running through Monday evening. “We’ve talked and talked about wanting the carnival to be available for the kids more than one day. I’m excited for the kids,” said Deana Mills.
Black River Area Development Corporation has announced the Summer Entergy Assistance Program will close Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. Program coordinators report applications for Summer Energy Assistance will be accepted from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for Clay County residents at the BRAD Senior Center, 1403 Main Street in Corning. Residents may also apply online by emailing liheap@bradcorp.org or visiting bradcorp.org/utility-assistance/. In turn, the applications will be processed until Sept. 30, or until funds are depleted.