News

Rector School District held a special meeting on Tuesday, June 25, for the purpose of hiring teachers and others to fill district vacancies. In earlier board meetings, Colby Barham was hired as band director, Hannah Burk was hired as elementary physical education with Robert Dorman moving to high school ALE teacher. Landon Mason was hired as high school math teacher and assistant basketball coach. Hunter Smith was hired as a social studies teacher and assistant coach. Gracie Huff, interim for Madison May who will return to her position in elementary school, was hired to fill the position vacated by Sherry Cate who retired after many exemplary years in the elementary classroom.

Defendants Rhonda Michelle Parks and Anita Joyce Parks, both of Piggott, appeared in Clay County Circuit Court Thursday, June 27, at which time attorneys for the defendants asked for a continuance. The new court date has been set for Oct. 4.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Department reports that on Monday, June 24, 2024, at approximately 7:20 a.m., they responded to a head on collision just north of Greenway on Hwy. 49. When the Sheriff’s Dept. arrived, the deputy came in contact with both drivers. One driver was still in his vehicle, and seemed disoriented and confused. After the arrival of the ambulance, both drivers refused medical treatment. The deputy had concerns about the impairment of the driver who had remained in his vehicle upon his arrival at the scene of the accident. The deputy conducted a search of the vehicle and placed the driver, 69-year-old Charles Robinson Camp of Piggott under arrest. Camp was transported to the Clay County Detention Center and charged with Possession of Meth or Cocaine LT 2GM, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, DWI-Drugs (Unlawful Act), and driving left of center.

TheArkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center atArkansas State University will offer several opportunities for small business owners to learn about growing their business in July. ASBTDC provides oneto- one confidential guidance to business owners and entrepreneurs.

Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas are reminding Arkansans that financial assistance for their electricity bills will soon be available. Starting July 8, on a firstcome first served basis, residential households can apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through the network community- based action agencies that serve the county in which they live in.

Black River Area Development Corporation (BRAD) announces Summer Energy Assistance will begin accepting applications on Monday July 8, 2024. Applications will be accepted until it appears funds will be depleted.