Stories from Wednesday, January 3, 2007

Democrat Sports Staff The Marmaduke Lady Greyhounds reached the semifinals of the NEA Tournament for the second year in a row. Unfortunately, Marmaduke was also defeated in the semis for the second year in a row, falling to top-seed and undefeated East Poinsett County, 59-35...

The Lady Cougars saw a seven-point third quarter lead evaporate, as they were eliminated from the NEA Tournament last Tuesday by eventual tournament champ, the Buffalo Island Central (BIC) Lady Mustangs, 56-49. Rector held a 23-20 advantage to start the second half, but BIC's Sammi Fowler showed her range by first connecting on an 18-footer and then going down low for two more points in the post to give the number one seeded Lady Mustangs a momentary 24-23 lead with just over two minutes gone by in the third stanza.. ...

Dedicated community volunteer and former Rector business owner Evelyn Rust Mays died Monday, Jan. 1, 2007, at age 92. She and her late husband, Fonzy, were for many years co-owners of McNeil Auto and Home Supply on Main Street in Rector until it burned in 1973. ...

An April 2 tornado which ripped through Marmaduke leaving massive destruction was the lead story for 2006 in this area. Hundreds of homes and businesses were destroyed or heavily damaged, as well as much of the school, but, miraculously, no one was killed. The cleanup of tons of debris continued over several weeks after the huge storm, and the town still is slowly recovering...

Traditionally, the holidays are a time when families are able to step away from their busy schedules and join together. With America in the grip of war, many families are unable to unite under one roof, as a large number of soldiers are spending this time overseas...

He was born Aug. 17, 1930, in Missouri, the son of the late Willie R. and Ruthie Jane (Seets) Farmer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Mae Farmer; two brothers, Bill and Frank Farmer, and one grandson, Braxton Stokes. Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Robert Stokes of Rector; four grandchildren, Cheyenne, Robert Jr., Schylar and Richard; three brothers, Charles Farmer of Marmaduke, Donald Farmer of Viola, and John Farmer of Salem; two sisters, Mildred Giddings of Bloomington, Ill., and Margie Parton of Salem, and many other relatives and friends.. ...

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Flora Mae (Buckner) Bennett; two brothers, Carl and Joe Bennett, and three grandchildren, Michael Bennett, Heather Bennett and Mindy Wolfenbarger. He was a riverboat captain, a member of Marmaduke First Baptist Church, Grand Master Mason, Scottish Rites, volunteer fireman, Most Illustrious Grand Master of York Rites of Arkansas, Past Worthy Patron of the Order of Eastern Star, Past Patron of Grand Royal Order of Aramanth of Arkansas and past President of Shriners Club of Northeast Arkansas.. ...

She was born July 23, 1935, in Rector to the late George and Eva Johnson Mitchell. She also was preceded in death by the father of her children, James E. Burdin; two sons, Bobby James Burdin and Dallas George Burdin; two brothers, Otho Mitchell and Bobby Joe Mitchell, and one sister, Mary Frances Wells...

The Marmaduke Greyhounds fell just short in their effort to claim the AAA NEA Tournament Championship at the ASU Convocation Center in Jonesboro Saturday night, falling to the Cavemen of Cave City, 80-60. In the early going, forcing turnovers was so easy, a Caveman could do it, as Cave City forced six Marmaduke miscues in the first quarter. The 'Hounds fell behind early, as the Cavemen used those quick changes of possession to spark their up-tempo playing style...

As the so called "second half" of the high school basketball season gets underway, the two Piggott squads face big conference games in the coming days. Tuesday night the boys, coming off a loss to Cave City in the semi finals of the NEA, hosted the Corning Bobcats. Friday night the Marmaduke Greyhounds visit PHS...

Following their performances at the recent NEA Invitational Basketball Tournament four Piggott Mohawks were named to the all-tournament team for class 3-A. Chosen for the honor were seniors Erica Rickman and Trey Sutfin, junior Dana Emerson and sophomore Daniel Baldwin...

Wednesday afternoon the top-seeded Piggott Mohawks took on the Cave City Cavemen in the semi-finals of the 60th annual NEA Invitational Basketball Tournament in Jonesboro. Despite leading by as much as ten early in the second-half, the Tribe fell by a final of 74-63...

Howard Eugene Huffman, 79, of the General Baptist Nursing Home at Campbell, Mo., and formerly of Piggott, died on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006, at the Piggott Community Hospital after a long illness. He was born in Greenway on March 28, 1927 to the late Clarence Matthew and Erma (Bell) Huffman...

Floy E. Stewart, 88, of Piggott, died Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006, at Pine Lane Healthcare in Mountain Home, Arkansas. She was born Sept. 3, 1918, in Piggott, and was the daughter of the late Charles and Dovie (Johnson) Elder. She was united to marriage to Everette "Shorty" Stewart on Sept. 7, 1934...

Richard "Rick" Bricker, Sr., 55, of Piggott, formerly of Alton, Ill., died after long illness, Monday, Dec. 25, 2006, at the St. Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro. Rick joined the Army as a volunteer on Oct. 30, 1969 when he was only 17. He was honorably discharged on April 17, 1972 as an E4. He is a Vietnam Veteran and served in the Republic of Vietnam as a helicopter mechanic and repairman from June 15, 1970 to April 17, 1972, which includes hospitalization in conus...

Richard Leonard Farmer, 76, of Rector, died Friday, Dec. 29, 2007, in St. Louis, Mo. He was born Aug. 17, 1930, in Missouri and was the son of the late Willie R. and Ruthie Jane (Seets) Farmer. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Mae Farmer; two brothers: Bill and Frank Farmer; and one grandson, Braxton Stokes...

Times News Staff Area horse enthusiasts have found a way to combine their love for riding with the holiday spirit. For the last three years, Gene Small has organized a trail ride event which gathers toys for area children in need. "I had a trail ride to celebrate my birthday for years," Small said. ...

Michael Scott Allman started his military career at 17 with 2nd Battalion of the 153 infantry Arkansas National Guard based in Piggott. He served seven and a half years in the infantry both on active duty and in the National Guard. Allman was born and raised in Piggott. A member of the class of 1987, Allman started college at 16. He...

This will be an educational column, so pay close attention! As the holidays slowly move away and we get back into the daily grind of school and work, we can reflect back on the fun times we had. Those fun times often involve family get-togethers and parties...

Dedicated community volunteer and former Rector business owner Evelyn Rust Mays died Monday, Jan. 1, 2007, at age 92. She and her late husband, Fonzy, were for many years co-owners of McNeil Auto and Home Supply on Main Street in Rector until it burned in 1973. ...

The year 2006 represented 50 years of preaching for Jerry Max Morgan. Retirement would be on the mind of most folks who'd done anything for 50 years. Not Jerry Morgan. Morgan, who was born and raised in the Piggott area--Nimmons to be more specific--has preached in Kentucky, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, and, of course, Arkansas...