Stories from Thursday, September 6, 2012

A large collection of athletes, fans and family gathered in the school cafeteria Saturday to take part in the third annual Rector High School Sports Hall of Fame Luncheon. The event served to honor 2012 inductees Vicki Romine, Clifton "Cupie" Mack and Bobby McKeel, as well as all those who have been involved in Rector, Greenway and Clay County Central athletics...

It was a tough season opener for the Mohawks Friday night at Parker Field in Piggott. The Tribe battled the visiting Yellville-Summit Panthers, 3A-1 conference runners-up a year ago, in a defensive struggle, falling 13-7. The threat of storms wasn't enough to keep the Mohawk faithful away, as legions of fans turned out for the contest...

A back-and-forth contest turned sour for the Junior Cougars Thursday night at home, as Rector fell to the visiting Junior Red Devils of Augusta, 22-20. Augusta scored the go-ahead touchdown with just 40 seconds remaining in the contest. The Junior Cougars refused to give up, though. ...

The Lady Mohawk senior volleyball team took two conference matches in the past week, while the junior girls split the pair. Tuesday, Aug. 28 the Tribe hosted Cedar Ridge at Piggott High School and Thursday, Aug. 30 they were on the road at Crowley's Ridge Academy...

Celebrating Labor Day in Rector is a rich tradition which seems only to grow year after year. The 2012 picnic continued the trend with more events for current and former residents and first-time visitors. Saturday's storms seemingly altered their course to avoid any damage to Rector, allowing the weekend's events to continue relatively unimpeded. ...

The city of Piggott's battle with Delta Environmental over the quality of their service is over, as the company ceased operations Friday. The regional trash hauler had been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection since 2010, but was converted to Chapter 7 last week and closed their doors. Tuesday morning trash containers lined Piggott streets awaiting pickup, but local officials have been busy making other arrangements...

Tornado warnings weren't the only excitement to be found Saturday night, as Mother Nature was upstaged by a phenomenal performance by the cast of The Ultimate Oldies Show at the Rector Community Center. The only thunder heard during the special concert was the applause from a grateful crowd of over 400 enjoying a night of favorite songs from the 50s and 60s performed by the immensely talented artists who comprise The Ultimate Oldies Show...

The Matilda and Karl Pfeiffer Museum and Study Center will host the ninth annual Native American Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15. The event is held each year on the grounds of the museum, located at 1071 Heritage Park Drive in Piggott. ...

Charles Ray, 58, of Piggott, Ark., passed away September 3, 2012 at his home in Piggott. Visitation will be held beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, at Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home in Piggott. A private memorial service will be held at a later date...

Charles (Chuck) W. Haywood was born October 1, 1930 in Clay County, Ark. near the small town of Piggott where he grew up. He passed August 23, 2012. In 1948 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and began his career in the military. He was stationed in Kansas, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas and Washington, as well as in Canada and overseas in England and Thailand. His longest stay was at Fairchild AFB near Spokane, where he chose to retire in 1972...

David Lee Green, age 60 of Searcy, died Tuesday, August 28, 2012 in Searcy. He was born Friday, August 1, 1952 in Batesville, Ark., to Coy William Green and Clarine Virginia (Brewer) Green. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Searcy. David was a professional educator for many years, serving in teaching and administrative roles to the communities he served. ...

Martie Thompson, son of Edward and June Haywood Thompson, was born February 21, 1955, and passed away Aug 30, 2012, at his residence. Martie was born in Piggott, Arkansas, and attended Piggott Public Schools until 1964. In 1964 the family moved to Kansas City, Missouri and lived there until 1968. In 1968 the family moved to St. Charles, Missouri. Martie graduated from St. Charles High School in 1973. He joined the Navy that same year. After leaving the Navy, Martie became a truck driver...

I like sayings, especially old timey ones. Growing up in Southeast Missouri, I heard many sayings that have been handed down through the ages. One my mother-in-law was famous for saying was, "My head feels like a stump full of granddaddies." By that, she meant her hair badly needed washing...