Stories from Thursday, October 30, 2008

To the Editor: What are the qualifications to be President? The editorial dated oct. 22 in the Clay County Democrat questioning Sarah Palin's qualifications for the vice-presidency is an excellent example of irresponsible journalism. I did not detect one positive statement regarding Sarah Palin. The entire editorial was so negative that I decided to provide some balance...

Dana Harmon has brought her sense of style to Rector, having recently opened her All About You salon at 501 Main Street, next to Rector Realty. Opening her own shop is the realization of a lifelong ambition for Harmon...

The students and staff of Rector Elementary took part Friday in a mock presidential election. The event was put together by elementary Gifted and Talented coordinator Candy Williams and her students...

When Clay County voters go to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 4, they not only will be helping decide the next president of the United States, they'll also determine the fate of several proposed amendments to the state constitution. In an election year that features no big statewide races, it is the issues that have moved to the forefront of the world of politics...

The Marmaduke School Board decided to change part of its purchasing policy in a special meeting Monday night at the high school library. Superintendent Tim Gardner and assistant superintendent Kelly Smith presented a proposal for the district to join The Computer Purchasing Network (TCPN)...

The final score of Rector's 20-8 loss to Walnut Ridge is somewhat misleading. The game was much closer throughout the entire contest. Walnut Ridge took the early advantage. A 54 yard drive consisting of 12 plays was concluded with a four-yard scoring run by Justin Cagle, giving the Bobcats a 6-0 lead with 5:25 left in the first quarter...

As we go to press, we'll have less than a week before we can select our leaders in government for the next years. (Doesn't it seem an eternity since the long, long campaign trail started in the mists of early last year?) We met some stellar candidates, and there have been others who would not fit any bill we could imagine, including dog-catcher. ...

Where in the world did all this stuff come from? This week I've been sorting through 25 years of accumulation. It's overwhelming. First off, where do I put all the things I've uncovered? My cup runneth over and there's no room for more...

Bonnie Faye Sutherland, 81, of Rector died Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008, at Belle Meade Nursing Home in Paragould, where she had been a resident for the last year. She was born Aug. 17, 1927, to the late Dempsey and Stella (Little) Evans. She was a homemaker and a member of the Church of Christ...

Edna Mills, 85, of Kennett, Mo., a native of Rector, died Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, at Twin Rivers Medical Center in Kennett. She was born Aug. 5, 1923, in Rector to the late Earnest McDonald and Lessie Bell (Carpenter) McDonald and was married to Carl M. Mills on Sept. 23, 1939. He preceded her in death on July 9, 2001. She was a member of the Pentecostal church...

Students, staff and support personnel gathered at Piggott Elementary School last week to show their support in the fight against breast cancer. The effort, for breast cancer awareness month, was in honor of library aide Kaye Clifton (front with sign) a cancer survivor; and longtime teacher Kristi Fuller, who is currently battling the disease. (Times photo/Tim Blair)...

"Hats off to Piggott" was the theme for the 2008 Piggott Area Chamber of Commerce banquet and dinner meeting. The event, which was held last Tuesday, Oct.21, at the Piggott Community Center, drew a good crowd, many of whom wore their own special hats in honor of the occasion...

When Clay County voters go to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 4, they not only will be helping decide the next president of the United States, they'll also determine the fate of several proposed amendments to the state constitution. In an election year that features no big statewide races, it is the issues that have moved to the forefront of the world of politics...

All local residents are encouraged to attend a public meeting on economic development beginning at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, at the Piggott Community Center. The meeting, which should last about half an hour, is being hosted by the Piggott Economic Development Corporation...

Joyce Tanner, 66, of Piggott, died Friday, Oct. 24, 2008, at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was born March 10, 1942, in Piggott, and was the daughter of Boyce and Alma Mae (Sherraden) Blake...

Joseph L. Bolton Jr., 45, of Piggott died Monday, Oct. 27, 2008, at Piggott Community Hospital. He was born Nov. 21, 1962, in Rector to Joe Bolton Sr. and Lola Allison Brown. He was married March 27, 2004, to Jana Broadway...

Donald Gene Woolbright, 67, of Campbell, Mo., died Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008, at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was born Feb. 2, 1941, at Rives, Mo., and was the son Everett and Lossie (Nunnery) Woolbright. He was formerly married to Peggy Thompson. He was a retired foreman for a peach orchard and peddled fruits and vegetables...

Where in the world did all this stuff come from? This week I've been sorting through 25 years of accumulation. It's overwhelming. First off, where do I put all the things I've uncovered? My cup runneth over and there's no room for more...

1968 The Pobst family of Piggott (Roy, Mary and Connie Sue) were named Clay County Farm Family of the year 40 years ago this past week. In other news, several Piggott teachers addressed the school board concerning salaries, noting that they were the lowest paid when compared to personnel at Corning, Rector and Campbell…they also encouraged passage of a millage issue...

The Piggott Mohawk boys and girls tennis squads made appearances at the state 3A tournament at Burn's Park in North Little Rock last week, with players taking part in both singles and doubles competition. ...

Last Friday night's loss to the Rivercrest Colts at Parker Field will be remembered as "the one that got away," as the Mohawks dropped a 19-21 conference decision. With the loss the Tribe also found themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff situation in 3A-3. ...