Stories from Thursday, January 13, 2011

Jewell Hensley, 85, of Memphis, Tenn., passed away Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011, at the Methodist North Medical Center in Memphis. She was born on Jan. 26, 1925, in Nimmons, and was the daughter of the late Clarence and Ida Emmons Crews. On Jan. 26, 1943, she was united in marriage to Luther Hensley and to this union four children were born...

Freeda Louise Midkiff, 73, of Kennett, formerly of Rector, passed from this life on Monday, Jan. 10, 2011, at the St. Bernards Hospital in Jonesboro. She was born Nov. 2, 1937, to the late Raymond and Pearl (Davidson) Cavaness. In addition to her parents, Freeda was preceded in death by a daughter, Regena Medley, and two brothers, Donald Cavaness and Jerry Cavaness...

James Howard Cox, 82, died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011, at the Garden View Care Center, Valley Park, Mo. He was born Aug. 27, 1928, in Detroit, Mich., to Roy and Flossie Cox. A Navy veteran, Mr. Cox was a retired tool and die maker. He was of the Baptist faith and a Mason...

These are the wintry days to wrap up in a warm afghan, read a book you haven't had time to read or to write a personal letter. Write a letter? Yes, remember those days when you took pen and paper and wrote a handwritten letter, mailed in a stamped envelope?...

This past weekend has left us with a feeling of revulsion at the shooting of 20 citizens gathered in peaceable assembly there in Arizona. The perpetrator was a young man who had a history of mental and social problems who was somehow permitted to buy a gun. ...

This is the final installment of the Clay County Democrat's look back at events and people who made the news in our area during 2010. August Rector hosts some of gospel and bluegrass music's finest artists in a concert which raised almost $40,000 for the Rector High School Helping Hands Foundation. ...

After 33 years with the Rector School District, superintendent Rob Louder told School Board members Monday night he will retire at the end of the 2010-11 school year. Louder submitted his resignation to the board in the regular meeting, despite receiving an offer of a one year contract extension...

A passing cold front deposited a thin blanket of snow across the area Sunday night and early Monday morning, leaving approximately an inch of snow in its wake to start the week. Road conditions have been slick in areas, resulting in decreased travel for many. In fact, road conditions were considered dangerous enough for most area schools, including Rector, to cancel classes Monday...

Floyd Edward Wright Jr. of Kennett departed his earthly life on Dec. 2, 2010, at the age of 66. He began his journey on April 1, 1944, when he was born in Holcomb, Missouri, to parents Floyd (Doby) and Stella Reed Wright. He leaves his wife of 33 years, Mary Lynn Jones-Wright, and two daughters, Marifloyd Wright of Las Vegas, Nev., and Mariann Wright of Kennett...

Dolly Poole, 90, of Piggott passed away Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011, in Rector Nursing Home in Rector. She was born Aug. 8, 1920, in East Prairie, Missouri, and was the daughter of the late George and Minnie Carlson Fisher. She was united in marriage to Leonard Mack in 1943 and he preceded her in death on Feb. 5, 1964. On Dec. 23, 1965, she was united in marriage to Ralph Poole and he preceded her in death on June 10, 2005...

These are the wintry days to wrap up in a warm afghan, read a book you haven't had time to read or to write a personal letter. Write a letter? Yes, remember those days when you took pen and paper and wrote a handwritten letter, mailed in a stamped envelope?...

This is the final part of the Times' look back at 2010: September Dr. Angela Howell sells her eye clinic following nearly 20 years of operation in order to take a pediatric residency. The clinic was taken over by Dr. Jerry H. Ellis, O.D. ad Dr. Elizabeth Kilgore, O.D. ...

Following a discussion during executive session, the Piggott School Board approved Monday night the hiring of Staci Crommie as a high school math teacher. High school principal Barry DeHart gave his recommendation for the hire, having interviewed Crommie for the position...

A passing cold front deposited a thin blanket of snow across the area Sunday night and early Monday morning, leaving approximately an inch of snow in its wake to start the week. Road conditions have been slick in areas, resulting in decreased travel for many. In fact, road conditions were considered dangerous enough for most area schools, including Piggott, to cancel classes Monday...