Stories from Wednesday, September 29, 2010

This past weekend we saw on the same vehicle a couple of bumper stickers that essentially sum up the current political scene. One of them said "Throw All Of Them Out". The second said "Elect John Boozman". We were severely tempted to ask the driver how one can throw John Boozman out while, at the same time, electing him. But we let it pass...

From here until a merciful November disposes of it early on, we'll be seeing and reading little but election, election and election! For a month of October Sundays, we will be treated to such hackneyed phrases as "I approve of this 'message'," and with all of the synonyms for corruption and fraud. ...

Pauline Crockett passed away Sept. 27 at the age of 100. Mary Pauline Crockett was born April 29, 1910, to Oscar and Esther Cox Holifield in Rogers and grew up in the Rector area. She attended Rector schools, South Park College in Beaumont, Texas, and graduated from Gallaway Women's College in Searcy...

Delicious, healthy snacks now are available to Rector elementary students thanks to a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Food service director Mary Williams applied for the grant with the purpose of providing fresh fruit snacks to the elementary students...

Maj. Gen. George Barker of New York, a graduate of Rector High School and co-founder of the Rector High School Helping Hands Foundation, is one of three individuals to be honored by Arkansas State University as Distinguished Alumni during the university's Centennial Homecoming activities Saturday, oct. 2...

The Rector community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved residents following the death Monday of Pauline Crockett at age 100. Crockett had long been battling various illnesses and health concerns. Crockett enriched the lives of many during her century of life. Her contributions to the community were many and of great value...

Recently I received an email saying that I had won a valuable prize. I believe it was $25,000. I was to contact another person, via email, to finalize arrangements. Then I noticed that the email had come from Nigeria. Nigeria? What would anyone in Nigeria have anything to do with me?...

By RYAN ROGERS Democrat Sports Staff The Seventh Grade Cougars got some valuable game experience Monday, as they played the young Tigers of Caruthersville in a five period game at Temerian Field in Rector. The Cougars came away from the meeting with a 24-16 loss, but managed to stack up pretty well against the talented, larger visitors...

Recently I received an email saying that I had won a valuable prize. I believe it was $25,000. I was to contact another person, via email, to finalize arrangements. Then I noticed that the email had come from Nigeria. Nigeria? What would anyone in Nigeria have anything to do with me?...

Bonnie Jean Risner, 71, of Paragould, formerly of Piggott, passed away Sept. 24, 2010, at her home. She was born Oct. 8, 1938, to the late John and Willie Randall in Piggott. She was the owner of BJ's Food Mart in Piggott and Rector. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Helen Randle...

Helen "Paulette" Turner, 61, of Holts Summit, Mo., passed away Tuesday, Sept. 21, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was born Feb. 28, 1949, in Piggott, the daughter of Floyd Wilburn and Mary Catherine (Speer) McCormick. She married Donnie R. Turner in Piggott in 1968. He preceded her in death on Jan. 6, 1993...

Donald Ray Lack, 83, of Desloge, Mo. passed away September 17. He was born February 17, 1927 in Piggott. Don proudly served his country as a PFC in the United States Army from April 3, 1946 to October 7, 1947. He retired as a pipe welder from the Barry Wehmiller Company in St. Louis in 1989. Don loved to hunt, fish and tend to his garden...

The ability to capture the imagination of others through art is one of mankind's most treasured gifts. Throughout history, talented artists have represented the ideals and passions shared by many, but only expressed by the capable few. Piggott artist David Sawyers is a quiet, unassuming man. His demeanor is such that he seldom draws attention to himself. However, his artistic ability has made definite impressions upon those fortunate enough to have seen his works...

Changes may be made to the enforced curfew in Piggott following a discussion held during Monday's city council meeting. At the request of the Piggott Police Department, the council has asked city attorney John Lingle to alter the current curfew ordinance to apply to residents up to age 18, following police department reports of older teenagers out and around town at "all times of night." The curfew will include allowances for those residents 18 and younger who are able to provide a valid reason for being in town later than 10 p.m. ...

Participation in the various livestock and animal judging competitions at the Clay County Fair has been improving over the past few years. This year the trend continued, as another generation of participants showcased a wide range of well-kept animals...

It was a tough night for the Junior Mohawks last Thursday, as they fell to the visiting Junior Colts of Rivercrest, 39-8 in Piggott. A powerful rushing attack served the guests well, as they were able to jump out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter...

The Lady Mohawk volleyball teams have been on a roll of late, with both senior and junior high squads turning heads. The Senior Lady Mohawks found their rhythm Saturday, going all the way to the finals of the Scarlet Division at the ASU Playday at the Arkansas State Convocation Center...

The Mohawk tennis team was victorious at home Monday, as both girls and boys squads were winners over Corning. In girls' action, Piggott came away with an 11-1 win over their county rival. In singles play Piggott was unblemished on the girls' side. Haley French topped Whitney Woodard, 6-2. ...