Tornado in Jonesboro

We seem to have dodged a bullet again Saturday evening when the tornado that did a great deal of damage in Jonesboro changed directions and veered toward the east before reaching us. It did, however, have an impact on Rector as several Rector residents were in Jonesboro and other towns in the path of the funnel. Fortunately, all were safe and able to put their loved ones’ fears to rest rather quickly. I know how frightening it is to be in the clutches of an active tornado. Something these people will remember for the rest of their lives. I can only imagine the terror of those parents who spent the long minutes before hearing from their children praying and holding their breath.

As you know, the parks in Rector are closed to activities, due to the virus. The walking trail in Memorial Park is open, if you want to get a little fresh air, but remember to keep your distance. Studies are showing that social distancing is working and is the best way to keep this nasty bug from spreading.

I have joined the latest craze and attended my first virtual cocktail party Friday evening. I can recommend Zoom.com for social networking. It is easy and fun to use and has a free version. I connected with two of the three ladies from our Army wives days and we shared a glass of wine and visited just like we were in a single room. It was really enjoyable. There is nothing to prevent us from using it locally to share a special evening with friends and family we aren’t able to visit now. And of course, it is great for virtual meetings as that is its original purpose. Try it.

In addition to the readings the library is showing on Facebook, the school is offering watch parties where you can interact with Mr. Manchester and Mr. Henderson. Check the RSD Facebook page for information. You can ask questions and talk to them.

Please continue to check the web site: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ for the latest information on the virus. Statistics change frequently and so does the virus itself. There is much misinformation circulating so don’t be fooled. Get the right info at this site and wash your hands. This is a dangerous and often deadly disease, so don’t take the warnings lightly. We are all in this together, so let’s work together to get the facts straight, stay at home if you can, practice social distancing. It will end someday. Until then, we are all at risk.

I hear daily about the people in this town taking care of each other, checking on neighbors, bringing a meal or picking up groceries. It isn’t the first time I have been impressed with the people around me. Kim Williams is going to be coordinating a project to supply her Home Health workers with the masks they need to be safe. As you know they are in short supply right now. She is going to be accepting donations for supplies to sew the masks. So, check her Facebook page.

An anonymous phantom has been sneaking around writing “Thank you” to those who are working in our public locations. In chalk of course. It brings a smile to everyone who reads it. These are the people who keep our town running while we stay at home. We do appreciate you. And I appreciate the anonymous chalk graffiti artist for letting them know.

Meals to go are available at the high school Pavilion each weekday from 7:30 - 8:30 and from 11:30 – 12:30 for all students, Pre-K through 12. Also, a food backpack distribution for Rector students on Thursday from 11:30 – 12:30. Thanks to all the volunteers who pack and distribute these meals.

Although the Library is closed, they have a lot going on. You can check out books for your Nook Reader or your Kindle, and they are recording story time. These readings can be viewed on the Facebook page of the library. It’s free so take a look. And you can play them anytime. Again and again and again.

I want to reiterate the city offices are closed to face-to-face business. City employees still report to work to keep things moving like they should You may contact the city offices for assistance by email or by phone:

• Rector Police Department: 870-595-2423
• Rector Fire Department: 870-595-3035
• Rector District Court: 870-595-9805. The Clerk will be in the office to take calls Monday-Wednesday, 9am – 2pm. To make a payment of court fines. You can send via USPS to Rector District Court 409 S Stewart St. Rector AR 72461 or make a payment online at myfinepayment.com.
• City Hall/Rector Water Department/Rector Street Department: 870-595-3035
• Payments will be accepted:
• Via the USPS: 409 S Stewart St. Rector AR 72461
• Drop box. Please put payments and the small side of your bill in a sealed envelope with your name and address or account number. We do not recommend paying in cash but if that is your only option, please use as exact change as possible. Any monies paid over your bill will be credited to your next month’s bill. The drop box will be emptied periodically throughout the day.
• Thru your banks online bill paying service. The banks mail checks to our office.

You will find more information about these closings on the website: www.rectorarkansas.com .

Other closings include the Rector Community Center which is closed to the public with the exception of the Revenue Office , and The Rector Community Museum.

Have you checked out Nadine’s Dash & Dine on Highway 49. She serves to-go meals only and is offering curbside service during this time of isolation. She has a Facebook page with her current selections. Check it out.

Did you complete your census? If you didn’t you will get another chance. Please fill it out. Our funding for the next ten years depends on you being counted today. You do want to be counted, don’t you?

That’s it for this week. I am always updating the Rector website. Please take a look at the web page and let me know if there are updates or changes that need to be made. I do take suggestions and criticism fairly well. www.rectorarkansas.com . It’s your page for your town, so give me your input.

What else is going on that you would like to see in this column? Give me a heads up and I will share it with everyone else. Email: porchswing@newwavecomm.net . Phone number (870) 595-4997.

God bless our troops.

Thank you to everyone who is making this quarantine a little bit easier.

We seem to have dodged a bullet again Saturday evening when the tornado that did a great deal of damage in Jonesboro changed directions and veered toward the east before reaching us. It did, however, have an impact on Rector as several Rector residents were in Jonesboro and other towns in the path of the funnel. Fortunately, all were safe and able to put their loved ones’ fears to rest rather quickly. I know how frightening it is to be in the clutches of an active tornado. Something these people will remember for the rest of their lives. I can only imagine the terror of those parents who spent the long minutes before hearing from their children praying and holding their breath.

As you know, the parks in Rector are closed to activities, due to the virus. The walking trail in Memorial Park is open, if you want to get a little fresh air, but remember to keep your distance. Studies are showing that social distancing is working and is the best way to keep this nasty bug from spreading.

I have joined the latest craze and attended my first virtual cocktail party Friday evening. I can recommend Zoom.com for social networking. It is easy and fun to use and has a free version. I connected with two of the three ladies from our Army wives days and we shared a glass of wine and visited just like we were in a single room. It was really enjoyable. There is nothing to prevent us from using it locally to share a special evening with friends and family we aren’t able to visit now. And of course, it is great for virtual meetings as that is its original purpose. Try it.

In addition to the readings the library is showing on Facebook, the school is offering watch parties where you can interact with Mr. Manchester and Mr. Henderson. Check the RSD Facebook page for information. You can ask questions and talk to them.

Please continue to check the web site: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ for the latest information on the virus. Statistics change frequently and so does the virus itself. There is much misinformation circulating so don’t be fooled. Get the right info at this site and wash your hands. This is a dangerous and often deadly disease, so don’t take the warnings lightly. We are all in this together, so let’s work together to get the facts straight, stay at home if you can, practice social distancing. It will end someday. Until then, we are all at risk.

I hear daily about the people in this town taking care of each other, checking on neighbors, bringing a meal or picking up groceries. It isn’t the first time I have been impressed with the people around me. Kim Williams is going to be coordinating a project to supply her Home Health workers with the masks they need to be safe. As you know they are in short supply right now. She is going to be accepting donations for supplies to sew the masks. So, check her Facebook page.

An anonymous phantom has been sneaking around writing “Thank you” to those who are working in our public locations. In chalk of course. It brings a smile to everyone who reads it. These are the people who keep our town running while we stay at home. We do appreciate you. And I appreciate the anonymous chalk graffiti artist for letting them know.

Meals to go are available at the high school Pavilion each weekday from 7:30 - 8:30 and from 11:30 – 12:30 for all students, Pre-K through 12. Also, a food backpack distribution for Rector students on Thursday from 11:30 – 12:30. Thanks to all the volunteers who pack and distribute these meals.

Although the Library is closed, they have a lot going on. You can check out books for your Nook Reader or your Kindle, and they are recording story time. These readings can be viewed on the Facebook page of the library. It’s free so take a look. And you can play them anytime. Again and again and again.

I want to reiterate the city offices are closed to face-to-face business. City employees still report to work to keep things moving like they should You may contact the city offices for assistance by email or by phone:

• Rector Police Department: 870-595-2423
• Rector Fire Department: 870-595-3035
• Rector District Court: 870-595-9805. The Clerk will be in the office to take calls Monday-Wednesday, 9am – 2pm. To make a payment of court fines. You can send via USPS to Rector District Court 409 S Stewart St. Rector AR 72461 or make a payment online at myfinepayment.com.
• City Hall/Rector Water Department/Rector Street Department: 870-595-3035
• Payments will be accepted:
• Via the USPS: 409 S Stewart St. Rector AR 72461
• Drop box. Please put payments and the small side of your bill in a sealed envelope with your name and address or account number. We do not recommend paying in cash but if that is your only option, please use as exact change as possible. Any monies paid over your bill will be credited to your next month’s bill. The drop box will be emptied periodically throughout the day.
• Thru your banks online bill paying service. The banks mail checks to our office.

You will find more information about these closings on the website: www.rectorarkansas.com .

Other closings include the Rector Community Center which is closed to the public with the exception of the Revenue Office , and The Rector Community Museum.

Have you checked out Nadine’s Dash & Dine on Highway 49. She serves to-go meals only and is offering curbside service during this time of isolation. She has a Facebook page with her current selections. Check it out.

Did you complete your census? If you didn’t you will get another chance. Please fill it out. Our funding for the next ten years depends on you being counted today. You do want to be counted, don’t you?

That’s it for this week. I am always updating the Rector website. Please take a look at the web page and let me know if there are updates or changes that need to be made. I do take suggestions and criticism fairly well. www.rectorarkansas.com . It’s your page for your town, so give me your input.

What else is going on that you would like to see in this column? Give me a heads up and I will share it with everyone else. Email: porchswing@newwavecomm.net . Phone number (870) 595-4997.

God bless our troops.

Thank you to everyone who is making this quarantine a little bit easier.

We seem to have dodged a bullet again Saturday evening when the tornado that did a great deal of damage in Jonesboro changed directions and veered toward the east before reaching us. It did, however, have an impact on Rector as several Rector residents were in Jonesboro and other towns in the path of the funnel. Fortunately, all were safe and able to put their loved ones’ fears to rest rather quickly. I know how frightening it is to be in the clutches of an active tornado. Something these people will remember for the rest of their lives. I can only imagine the terror of those parents who spent the long minutes before hearing from their children praying and holding their breath.

As you know, the parks in Rector are closed to activities, due to the virus. The walking trail in Memorial Park is open, if you want to get a little fresh air, but remember to keep your distance. Studies are showing that social distancing is working and is the best way to keep this nasty bug from spreading.

I have joined the latest craze and attended my first virtual cocktail party Friday evening. I can recommend Zoom.com for social networking. It is easy and fun to use and has a free version. I connected with two of the three ladies from our Army wives days and we shared a glass of wine and visited just like we were in a single room. It was really enjoyable. There is nothing to prevent us from using it locally to share a special evening with friends and family we aren’t able to visit now. And of course, it is great for virtual meetings as that is its original purpose. Try it.

In addition to the readings the library is showing on Facebook, the school is offering watch parties where you can interact with Mr. Manchester and Mr. Henderson. Check the RSD Facebook page for information. You can ask questions and talk to them.

Please continue to check the web site: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ for the latest information on the virus. Statistics change frequently and so does the virus itself. There is much misinformation circulating so don’t be fooled. Get the right info at this site and wash your hands. This is a dangerous and often deadly disease, so don’t take the warnings lightly. We are all in this together, so let’s work together to get the facts straight, stay at home if you can, practice social distancing. It will end someday. Until then, we are all at risk.

I hear daily about the people in this town taking care of each other, checking on neighbors, bringing a meal or picking up groceries. It isn’t the first time I have been impressed with the people around me. Kim Williams is going to be coordinating a project to supply her Home Health workers with the masks they need to be safe. As you know they are in short supply right now. She is going to be accepting donations for supplies to sew the masks. So, check her Facebook page.

An anonymous phantom has been sneaking around writing “Thank you” to those who are working in our public locations. In chalk of course. It brings a smile to everyone who reads it. These are the people who keep our town running while we stay at home. We do appreciate you. And I appreciate the anonymous chalk graffiti artist for letting them know.

Meals to go are available at the high school Pavilion each weekday from 7:30 - 8:30 and from 11:30 – 12:30 for all students, Pre-K through 12. Also, a food backpack distribution for Rector students on Thursday from 11:30 – 12:30. Thanks to all the volunteers who pack and distribute these meals.

Although the Library is closed, they have a lot going on. You can check out books for your Nook Reader or your Kindle, and they are recording story time. These readings can be viewed on the Facebook page of the library. It’s free so take a look. And you can play them anytime. Again and again and again.

I want to reiterate the city offices are closed to face-to-face business. City employees still report to work to keep things moving like they should You may contact the city offices for assistance by email or by phone:

• Rector Police Department: 870-595-2423
• Rector Fire Department: 870-595-3035
• Rector District Court: 870-595-9805. The Clerk will be in the office to take calls Monday-Wednesday, 9am – 2pm. To make a payment of court fines. You can send via USPS to Rector District Court 409 S Stewart St. Rector AR 72461 or make a payment online at myfinepayment.com.
• City Hall/Rector Water Department/Rector Street Department: 870-595-3035
• Payments will be accepted:
• Via the USPS: 409 S Stewart St. Rector AR 72461
• Drop box. Please put payments and the small side of your bill in a sealed envelope with your name and address or account number. We do not recommend paying in cash but if that is your only option, please use as exact change as possible. Any monies paid over your bill will be credited to your next month’s bill. The drop box will be emptied periodically throughout the day.
• Thru your banks online bill paying service. The banks mail checks to our office.

You will find more information about these closings on the website: www.rectorarkansas.com .

Other closings include the Rector Community Center which is closed to the public with the exception of the Revenue Office , and The Rector Community Museum.

Have you checked out Nadine’s Dash & Dine on Highway 49. She serves to-go meals only and is offering curbside service during this time of isolation. She has a Facebook page with her current selections. Check it out.

Did you complete your census? If you didn’t you will get another chance. Please fill it out. Our funding for the next ten years depends on you being counted today. You do want to be counted, don’t you?

That’s it for this week. I am always updating the Rector website. Please take a look at the web page and let me know if there are updates or changes that need to be made. I do take suggestions and criticism fairly well. www.rectorarkansas.com . It’s your page for your town, so give me your input.

What else is going on that you would like to see in this column? Give me a heads up and I will share it with everyone else. Email: porchswing@newwavecomm.net . Phone number (870) 595-4997.

God bless our troops.

Thank you to everyone who is making this quarantine a little bit easier.