Stories from Thursday, February 2, 2012

Marion R. Sanders, 91, of Judsonia, Ark., formerly of Greenway, departed this life Jan. 23, 2012, at the White County Medical Center in Searcy, Ark. Marion was born Sept. 9, 1920, to the late Ira Thomas and Lille Ethel "Lynn" Sanders. He was a mechanic by trade and was of the Baptist faith...

Joey Michael Riddle, 60, of St. Francis, Ark., passed away Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012, at the Piggott Community Hospital. He was born on Sept. 23, 1951, in Piggott, Ark., and was the son of the late Walter and Madeline Trout Riddle. Joey started his truck driving career at a young age at Rogers Produce in Piggott, Ark. He has been driving for WW Wood Products in Dudley, Mo., for 11 years...

Kenneth Paul Iberg, 60, of Collierville, Tenn., passed away Jan. 25, 2012, at his home, surrounded by close family members after bravely fighting cancer for the past 15 years. Ken served four years in the U.S. Navy during the war in Vietnam and retired as a procurement specialist for the United States Postal Service after 36 years. Ken participated in the Piggott Relay for Life and sponsored his own team of "Ken's Kickers" in Tennessee...

Mary Catheline McCormick, 84, of Campbell, Mo., formerly of Piggott, Ark., passed away Friday, Jan. 27, 2012, at her home. She was born on Jan. 12, 1928, in Humboldt, Tenn., and was the daughter of the late Albert and Flora Holt Speer. She was united in marriage to Floyd "Tuck" McCormick on March 9, 1946, and to this union seven children were born...

Mary Pauline Dodd, 95, of Rector passed away Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at the Rector Nursing & Rehab. She was born Nov. 27, 1916, to the late James and Sophie (Oliver) Milburn. Preceding Pauline in death were her parents; her husband, Wayne Dodd; a son, Gerald Dodd; a daughter, Ruth Ann Dodd; seven brothers, Carl Milburn, Robert Milburn, Bill Milburn, Talbert Milburn, James Milburn, Albert Milburn and Luther Milburn, and three sisters, Lillie Bolen, Gladys Stephens and Vera Groning...

Brian Keith Waugh, 51, of Rector passed away Jan. 30, 2012, at his residence. He was born April 26, 1960, to Doyle and Nelma (Rhea) Waugh. Preceding Keith in death was his mother, Nelma Waugh. Surviving Keith is his father, Doyle Waugh of Rector; a special...

About one in 10 Americans is left-handed. Years ago being a lefty was considered a disadvantage, almost a curse. I have three siblings and none of them is left-handed. But two members of my family have tendencies. I learned this week that my dad could wield a hammer equally well with either hand. ...

Arkansas State University interim chancellor Dr. Dan Howard told a large group attending a luncheon Monday in Rector that ASU "is a huge magnet that draws business to our region." Howard's talk was the highlight of the noon event, sponsored by the Rector High School Helping Hands Foundation, which has awarded numerous scholarships to students, including many attending ASU...

Clay County Judge Gary Howell has announced his intention to seek re-election, subject to the May 22 Democratic Primary. "I have lived all my life in Clay County and was raised in the Pollard community," Howell noted. "I've been married to Sally Howell for 45 years and we have three children, Jason Howell, Jenifer Cook and Julie Howell. We also have five grandsons, Jackson Howell, Garrett and Levi Cook and Wesley and Wyatt Childers," he added...

In two previous visits to Rector, Darrin Vincent and Jamie Dailey, of the immensely popular and successful bluegrass group Dailey & Vincent, have brought many smiles to the faces of those fortunate enough to see and hear the talented musicians. While performing before a packed house and a cheering crowd is something the duo always enjoys, making a difference in the lives of others holds a truly special place in their hearts...

It's not exactly a memory most folks around here look back on fondly, but the ice storm of 2009, which hit this area on Jan. 27 three years ago, did help us to discover much about ourselves and our neighbors -- that we are tougher than we might have thought, more tenacious, able to endure adversity -- and that there are many many kind and selfless people out there willing to sacrifice for others -- for us, and for those we care about...

The Cougars had a hard time Friday night in Lepanto, falling to conference leader East Poinsett County, 76-43. The Cougars entered the night without junior standout Mitchell Weber, who is currently sidelined with a stress fracture in his foot. It is unknown when, or if, he will return this season...

The Mohawks were downed on the road Friday night in Hoxie, falling to the hosting Mustangs, 86-69. The game featured a whopping 50 fouls, with Piggott being called for 29 team fouls and Hoxie receiving 21. The constant whistle blowing hindered the flow of the game, with five Mohawks fouling out during the contest...

The Lady Mohawks were downed on the road in action at Harrisburg Thursday night, 53-16. Stingy Harrisburg defense hindered the girls from Piggott in the early going, as the ladies managed just four points in each of the first two frames. The Lady Hornets led throughout: 14-4; 29-8 and 45-15...

The tradition of highly-contested, well-played games in the ongoing basketball rivalry between Rector and Marmaduke continued with the Lady Cougars and Lady Greyhounds Monday night in Rector. The visitors from Marmaduke were able to pull out the win, 53-51, after Rector led for most of the night...

Piggott senior Breanna Wright has been selected to the Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star Volleyball Game. Wright helped lead the Lady Mohawks to the state volleyball tournament the past two seasons. Wright joins the East volleyball squad, which is coached by Margie McGee of Valley View with assistance by Ashley Kennon of Wynne and Randal Foshee of CRA. ...