Stories from Thursday, December 18, 2008

Some of the most valued gifts don't cost a lot of money. My daughter and I were talking about that this week. In times past, there were gifts exchanged in our family that were somehow more special than others...

Santa was still the star of the show, but lots of huge inflatable bouncing toys took the Rector Lions Club's annual Breakfast with Santa to a new level of fun Saturday morning. The inflatable toys were courtesy of Cary Clayton and Delta Cotton Co-op at Marmaduke, which held its annual Christmas party at the Community Center Friday night and arranged to leave the toys behind for the children to enjoy during their special time with Santa.. ...

They are finally home! Rector area soldiers with the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team were on a plane that touched down at 8:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Mississippi. The men are being processed out and soon should be back in their hometown, where all will receive a warm heroes' welcome...

Students in Rector have come together to show their concern for others during the holiday season by making the annual Student Council food drive a success. "I think the food drive is a great program," organization president Cole Thomas said. "A lot of people think teenagers can't do anything, but we can take part in helping feed families during Christmastime and the recession."...

They may be young, but Rector Elementary gifted and talented students proved Saturday night they are loaded with a wide range of talents in the school's annual GT Christmas, Talent, Art and Project Show, held at the RES multi-purpose room...

The memory of one of Clay County's most dedicated employees and volunteers will be forever remembered as part of a special ceremony this week. Jenny Hancock is remembered by many in the county for her tireless efforts to bring an emergency 911 system to the area...

There is great news this holiday season on Rector postal worker Mary Jane Fennell, who emerged from a coma last year and has been gaining strength over the last few months. According to friends, Jane is making remarkable progress at the General Baptist Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Campbell, Mo., and would enjoy hearing from the many local residents who have kept her in their thoughts and prayers.. ...

As shameful counterpoint to the euphoria we all knew when the new presidential team started its work, has the scandal of local politics brought us a disquieting sense of gloom from Chicago. Introducing the Chief Executive of Illinois to the public arena has disclosed the drama of a governor's arrest at his home, and the recitation of his corrupt actions while in office, as given by a United States Attorney last week. ...

Some of the most valued gifts don't cost a lot of money. My daughter and I were talking about that this week. In times past, there were gifts exchanged in our family that were somehow more special than others...

Mark Randall Lockard, 46, of Piggott died Monday, Dec. 1, 2008. He was born Sept. 28, 1962 in Lincoln Park, Mich., and was the son of Ronald and Frances (Raney) Lockard. He was affiliated with the Emmanuel Baptist Church and was a mechanic and carpenter by trade...

Glenda Faye Shipley, 66, of Rector, died Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, at White County Medical Center in Searcy. Born Aug. 2, 1942, in Clay County to the late Albert and Opal Bullinger, she was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith...

Funeral services for 71-year-old Leon Jones of Marmaduke will be at 12 noon Friday, Dec. 19, at the Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Rector. Visitation will be from 10 that morning until funeral time. Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his parents, Euvene and Zeffie Jones; one brother, Clifford Jones, and one sister, Wilma Lane...

A late fall ice storm pushed across Northeast Arkansas Monday, coating the region in sleet, freezing rain and snow. The storm system prompted school closings, a few power outages and a variety of minor traffic accidents as it moved through the region. According...

They are finally home! Rector area soldiers with the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team were on a plane that touched down at 8:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Mississippi. The men are being processed out and soon should be back in their hometown, where all will receive a warm heroes' welcome...

The Pollard Fire Department and Auxiliary hosted "Christmas in the Park" Saturday, Dec. 13, at the community center in that town. A good crowd of residents both young and old turned out for the event, and all donations went to help several local families during the holiday season...

The memory of one of Clay County's most dedicated employees and volunteers will be forever remembered as part of a special ceremony this week. Jenny Hancock is remembered by many in the county for her tireless efforts to bring an emergency 911 system to the area...

Welburn L. Gettings, 85, of Piggott died Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, in the Piggott Community Hospital. He was born June 19, 1923, in Piggott the son of the late John and Claire (Vaughn) Gettings. He was united in marriage to Martha Bankston on Dec. 30, 1978...

Pauline Looney, 87, formerly of Piggott, died Sunday Dec. 7, 2008, at the home of her nephew in Michigan. She was a member of the South Thornton Street Church of Christ, was loved by many and will be greatly missed...

Mark Randall Lockard, 46, of Piggott died Monday, Dec. 1, 2008. He was born Sept. 28, 1962 in Lincoln Park, Mich., and was the son of Ronald and Frances (Raney) Lockard. He was affiliated with the Emmanuel Baptist Church and was a mechanic and carpenter by trade...

Garland "Bud" Hurst, 83, of Piggott, died Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, in the Piggott Community Hospital. He was born March 12, 1925, in St. Louis to Edmond Garland and Leona Hurst. He was united in marriage to Joline Holcomb on July 7, 1947, and the couple had five children...

Rev. Edwin Runyon, 85, of Poplar Bluff died Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, at his residence. He was a World War II veteran of the Army Air Force, was a member of the South Poplar Bluff General Baptist Church and was the teacher of the Joint Heirs Sunday School class...

Glenda Faye Shipley, 66, of Rector, died Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, at White County Medical Center in Searcy. Born Aug. 2, 1942, in Clay County to the late Albert and Opal Bullinger, she was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith...

1968 A traffic accident on Highway 139 south of Rector 40 years ago last week claimed the lives of a Piggott couple. Ivan and Hattie Ida Langley, both 74, were killed in the mishap. Meanwhile, Piggott Chapter 316 of the Eastern Star held installation of officers, while Piggott Lodge #545 will hold their installation Dec. 27...

This week's winter weather has caused the postponement of two of the Piggott Mohawk's basketball games, as both Monday and Tuesday's contests fell victim to the weather. As a result the Tribe will have to make-up Monday's games with the Hoxie Mustangs (which had been postponed from November due to the football playoffs) and Tuesday's visit to Brookland...