Stories from Thursday, October 20, 2011

Mrs. Sadie Louise Allmon, 67, of Blytheville, Ark., died Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, at her home after a brave battle with cancer. Mrs. Allmon was born Nov. 19, 1943, in Lafe, Ark., to the late Rupert Barney and Hazel Lorene Lake Williams. Mrs. Allmon was of the Southern Baptist faith, 1962 graduating class of Lafe High School, an area resident for 47 years, enjoyed sewing, reading, and gardening...

Harry L. Bryan, Sr., born Oct. 17, 1928, passed this life on Oct. 12, 2011, at the age of 82 years. He retired from the U.S. Army as a Chief Warrant Officer W 4. He was married to Maggie Woolf Bryan and to this union a son was born. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Hattie Bryan; his beloved wife, Maggie; three brothers, Fred Spence, Horace Sweet and Howard Bryan, and a sister, Irtha Spence...

James Scott Howard, 55, passed away Monday, Oct. 10, 2011. Born in Albuquerque, N. Mex. on Nov. 22, 1955, Mr. Howard was a trade electrician. He is survived by his loving mother, Betty Sue Howard of Piggott and by his brothers and sisters, Frank Howard of Navajo Dam, N. Mex.; Jacquie Black (Butch) and Phil Howard of Elk City, Okla.; Suzi Howard of Decatur, Ga. and Micquie Howard of Albuquerque, N. Mex...

The Rector High School Marching Band took part in the annual Redskin Classic band competition Saturday in Pocahontas. Matching up with many of the most talented bands in not only Arkansas, but also Missouri and Tennessee, Rector did well in the competition. RHS finished just two points shy of an Excellent rating, a strong accomplishment for a band of its size. Individual awards for third place were presented to saxophonist Seth McAfee for his solo and color guard performer Neeley Sims...

The Piggott High School Marching Band is in the midst of a busy time of the year, taking part in several competitions. Most recently, the band took part in the Redskin Classic at Pocahontas on Saturday. Piggott racked up numerous awards at the event, including a Superior Band Rating, one of the top overall awards. ...

The Piggott Community Hospital Auxiliary served as host for the Northeast Arkansas Hospital Auxiliaries' fall district meeting held Monday at the Piggott Community Center. The event not only allowed the volunteers from throughout the region the opportunity to update their activities as part of the Arkansas Hospital Auxiliary Association (AHAA), but also gave them a chance to come together with other volunteers and enjoy a day of laughter and celebration...

Clay County is taking another hit in terms of industry presence. Wise Manufacturing announced last week it will be closing its plant in Piggott on or before May 31, 2012. The closure will eliminate 45 local jobs from an employer which has been a part of the community for nearly 30 years...

A crowd of more than 70 people gathered to show support for the continued operation of the Rector National Guard armory during a community meeting held Monday, Oct. 17, at the armory. Major General William Wofford, Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard, called the meeting to lead a community discussion regarding the possible closure of the Rector facility, which has been in existence since 1955 and is the last remaining Guard armory facility in Clay County...

Once upon a time at Halloween, children in disguise went from door to door carrying lanterns made of scooped out turnips. The turnip has traditionally been used in Ireland and Scotland at Halloween but immigrants to North America used the native pumpkin, which are both plentiful and much larger--making them easier to carve than turnips...

Bradley Stephens rambled 79 yards for a touchdown on Piggott's first play from scrimmage, and the Junior Mohawks never looked back en route to a 28-6 3A-3 conference victory Thursday night over the hosting Manila Junior Lions. Stephens took the handoff from quarterback Jon Morgan and ran untouched into the end zone for the game's first score. ...

A strong offensive display by the visiting Junior Bobcats of Walnut Ridge spelled trouble for the Junior Cougars Friday night in Rector, as the hosts fell, 40-6. The Junior Cougars would score on their final possession of the night thanks to a four yard keeper by eighth grade quarterback Lawson Ford with just nine seconds remaining in the contest...

Monday night marked the final home game for four Lady Mohawk seniors. Breanna Wright, Allison Gurley, Macy Buchanan and Paige Lockard were honored during a special Senior Night ceremony prior to the Senior A contest with Brookland. Each of the four seniors was cheered by teammates, family and fans during the special evening...

Friday night's road trip to Bald Knob was a long journey for the Mohawks, but the return to Piggott was even longer, as the Tribe fell to the hosting Bulldogs, 49-6. The hosts started off hot and never looked back. Bald Knob scored 36 points in the opening frame, leading 36-0 in the first eight minutes of the contest...

The Junior Lady Mohawks cruised through the competition in the 3A-3 District Tournament Saturday at Hoxie. Piggott went unbeaten in the event, claiming the district tournament championship after having wrapped up the regular season 3A-3 championship...