Debbie Baker, extension specialist for family and consumer science, talks with members of the Clay County LEPC at their meeting Wednesday, Aug. 13. (Times photo/Tim Blair) [Click to enlarge]

How the agricultural community can help in times of disaster was the main topic of discussion at the regular meeting of the Clay County Local Emergency Planning Committee, or LEPC, Wednesday, Aug. 13, at Piggott City Hall. The group, meeting for the first time since March, also heard a report on the many services offered by the Cooperative Extension Service through their local offices.

OES coordinator Travis Boyd called the meeting to order, and took a moment to remember long-time 911 coordinator Jenny Hancock who passed away earlier this year. Hancock had been an instrumental member of the LEPC, and has been sorely missed since her death this spring. Boyd then welcomed the members of the LEPC in attendance, which included key personnel from throughout the county. He also thanked Sally Howell for providing the meal for the noontime gathering.

Committee members were told that grant applications are available for the area's fire departments, and State Rep. Mike Patterson encouraged all departments to make sure they apply. The body also agreed that their meetings, which rotate between Piggott, Rector, Corning and Knobel, would be held quarterly unless a special called meeting is required. The meeting for the fourth quarter of the year will be held in Knobel, though the date and time have yet to be determined.

Boyd then turned the program over to Debbie Baker and Andy Vangilder with the Cooperative Extension Service. Baker, extension specialist for family and consumer science, first gave a review of the many programs offered through the extension service. Among those offerings are the many informational services offered through the local office, four 4-H clubs, seven extension clubs and five "Strong Women" classes. The service also provides a Food Stamp education program and holds a diabetic support group meeting each month in Corning.

Next, Vangilder went over the many programs provided by the extension service to the farmers and producers of Clay County. He also reviewed past history of the county's crops and yields as they apply to today's farmer.

Vangilder also talked about the many assets that the farm community can provide during a time of crisis. "They've got tractors of all sizes, backhoes, four-wheel-drive pickups, ATV's and even airplanes," he said of the farm community. "They've also got water wagons, which could be very important -- and if the local water supply is interrupted there sure are a lot of two-inch wells out in the county that could provide water."

Other assets included a variety of tools, winches and such…along with a good knowledge of construction matters. Vangilder also noted that most farms have a supply of gasoline and fuel, though it may not be as big as it has been in years past. "They're also some pretty good cooks," he added.

In summing it up Vangilder assured that the farm community would be " a big resource, and very vital to the county" in time of emergency. He added that it's always been that way in the past.

Midway through the meeting, Rep. Patterson received a call informing him of the shooting of Democratic Party Chairman Bill Gwatney in Little Rock. He relayed the bad news to those in attendance and observed that it was the perfect example of being prepared for anything -- including the worst -- at all times. That is what the LEPC strives to do locally.

At the close of the meeting Boyd also introduced those in attendance to Darlene Tanner. She hss been hired to fill the job vacated by Hancock, and will be the county's new 911 coordinator. The group then adjourned until the next regular meeting.