Stories from Thursday, August 25, 2011

If you have been to any community functions or sporting events in the past few years, you have no doubt seen Frank Staples behind the lens of his camera recording important moments. Frank became interested in photography in the late 1970's. His brother-in-law, Johnny Hanna, gave him his first 35mm camera, which was a Pentax SP 1000...

A moderate Republican? Surely not. Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman made waves this week when he actually injected a bit of moderation and intelligence into the Republican Presidential nomination campaign. Huntsman directed his initial remarks at leading candidates Michelle Bachman and Rick Perry, indicating their positions on key issues may endear them to the right-wing fringe among GOP primary voters while hurting the party in the general election and in the long haul...

The Piggott Fire Department has been a large part of Chuck Minton's life for the past 28 years. Regularly giving his time to the group in an effort to protect the safety of the community, Minton has risked his life for the well-being of others on numerous occasions...

Rector seniors have responded in growing numbers after learning last week that the Bert E. Sigsby Senior Wellness Center is in danger of closing if participation at the center does not significantly increase. Jim Jansen, executive director of Black River Area Development (BRAD), said in a meeting Tuesday, Aug. ...

Teens from all three Clay County school districts are featured in an ongoing effort to promote healthy drug and alcohol-free lifestyle choices. Students from Piggott, Rector and Corning High Schools are the stars of a new series of posters which will be utilized locally to encourage other students and residents to make healthy choices when it comes to drug and alcohol use...

ny translation of the title might range from "ruler of the roost" to "big Daddy" or even "godfather." The ancient Romans were traditionally strong -- even fervent -- about family and the emphasis they placed on the role of a strong father. This caused or resulted from the idea of exerting control over politics by a related group overseeing the Roman senate. ...

I found a bargain the other day. I was so proud. It was a nice pantsuit. The original price was $79 but, of course, I didn't pay that. It had been marked down twice and I was prepared to pay the markdown price of $20. Then as I walked toward the checkout, a lady heading for the door handed me a 30 percent off coupon good for that shopping day only...

A.J. McDaniel, 74, of Rector died Friday, Aug. 19, at his home in Rector. Mr. McDaniel was born Jan. 1, 1937, in Vilonia, Ark. He was retired from Maxwell Coffee in New Jersey and was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Theresa McDaniel, and two sisters, Bobby Crum and Barbara Smith...

Glenda Sue Harris, 63, of Rector passed away Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011, at her residence in Rector. She was born March 12, 1948, to the late Leon and Frankie (Smith) Greenway in Steele, Mo. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Wilburn Greenway, Donnie Greenway and Jim Greenway...

Glynn Dale Yount, 77, of Pollard, Ark., passed away Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011, at the General Baptist Nursing Home in Campbell, Mo. He was born on April 28, 1934, in Floral, Ark., and was the son of the late O.D. and Lola Dossett Yount. He was united in marriage to Gloria Faye Nicholas and to this union three sons were born. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gloria Faye Yount; infant son, Timothy D. Yount, and brother, David Yount...

Gary McClure played just two years of basketball at Rector High School. McClure required medical clearance due to a health issue, but teammates, coaches and especially opponents likely were unable to determine this based upon his effort on the court. Lettering in basketball as a junior and senior in 1957 and 1958, McClure is remembered to this day as one of the most dominant big men in the state...

The Mohawk tennis team returns a lot of experience in 2011, putting the squad in position for another strong season. For the girls' team, which finished last year as the number two team in the state, All-State selections Emily Graddy, Alex Scheffler and Haley French are back for another round. ...

The Lady Mohawks opened the 2011 volleyball season Monday night at Jonesboro, squaring off with the hosting Lady Warriors of Westside. Piggott had difficulties with the large 4A school, falling in three straight matches, 25-15, 29-27 and 25-14 in senior high action...