News

Recent economic conditions have forced the Black River Area Development Corporation (BRAD) to reassess their senior meal program. The funding for this program comes through the East Arkansas Area on Aging, which has been returned to pre-pandemic levels. During the pandemic BRAD received more Federal and State funds to expand their nutrition programs, and now that the pandemic is over those funds are no longer available. Additionally, the current rate of inflation has significantly increased the cost of food, supplies, and operational expenses. BRAD Executive Director Rhonda Ahrent explained, “Despite our best efforts to absorb these costs, it has become unsustainable to maintain our meal program at its current capacity. After careful consideration and exhaustive evaluation of our budget for this program after the funding cuts, we see no option other than reducing staff and services until the funding is increased. This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the impact it may have on the individuals and families who rely on our services.”

Let the fun begin – Again! As Labor Day 2024 Grand Marshal Sherry Dills commented, “Rector’s Labor Day Picnic is the highlight of the year – always has been.” Rector’s annual Labor Day Picnic, homecoming events, and class reunions get underway Friday night with some reunion classes beginning to gather to share memories and food. Reunions throughout the weekend are traditionally held at local and neighboring restaurants or church facilities.

Three terrific songwriters shared the story behind the music on Thursday evening, Aug. 15, at the Ford Room in downtown Rector. Chad Garrett, Cory Jackson, and Jonathan Bevil entertained a responsive audience as they shared fun, compelling, entertaining stories about how they came to write the songs they shared. Songwriting to all three is a passion and is paramount to playing and singing, though each man is hugely talented vocally and on guitar.

The Piggott School Board met on Tuesday,Aug. 20 with board members Jacob Richardson, Rob Chandler, Fallon Winscott and Kristin Crittenden present with board member Jennifer Rahn absent. Richardson took on the duties of the president for the meeting.

Piggott City Council met for public meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug.

Prior to the August Quorum Court meeting on Monday, Aug. 19, the Clay County justices and county administration met at 5:30 p.m. at the Black River Trap and Skeet Club where Stewart Runsick and Christin Holmes presented the annual Clay County Extension Service interpretive event and fish fry. Attendees enjoyed a fish dinner with trimmings prepared by Jim Clifton and Todd Watson. The Extension agents highlighted some of the programs and provided training on the Overview of Clay County Revenues and Expenses & Role of County Government. Extension agent Ben Holcomb was also in attendance.

The August meeting of the Clay County Quorum Court consisted of a short agenda as justices met in Corning at the Western District Courthouse on Monday, August 19, 2024. Justices Brad Green and David Cagle were not in attendance. After the meeting began with its usual procedures, it advanced with the business slated for the monthly meeting.