Stories from Thursday, June 16, 2011

Martin R. Johnson, 48, of Festus, Mo., passed away Monday, June 6, 2011, at his home. Martin was born Nov. 26, 1962, to Mitchell and Mary Kay Johnson in Piggott. He was a chef and owned Majestic Culinary in the Festus area. He was a member of the NRA and enjoyed hunting and spending time outdoors. He was also an excellent ice carver...

James "Jim" Gilbert Grider went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, May 9, 2011, at his home in Kentwood, Mich. He was born in Pollard on Sept. 15, 1927, to Albert F. Grider and Grace Holifield Grider, both from pioneer families of Clay County. His parents preceded him to heaven, as did his brother, Cecil Grider, of Ocala, Fla...

Sometimes I feel sorry for dads. It takes a real man to be a daddy. They have so much to live up to. When they first hold their newborn in their arms, they have no idea what's in store. So there's much expected of them. First off, they must be a provider...

For Charlotte Potts, teaching was never just a career, but rather a passion she lovingly shared with her students, fellow educators and many parents during her 35 years in the classroom, the past 30 having been with the Piggott School District. "There's a reason God gave children two hands," Potts said. "One is for the parents to hold and the other is for teachers to hold. If either of us lets go, the child can stumble and fall."...

Flag the Technology is a new voluntary program for Clay County farmers in which colored flags are placed in fields to prevent misapplication of pesticides and warn of technology that is sensitive to potential off-target chemical drift. Colored bicycle-type flags that represent a particular herbicide technology are placed at the field entrance or in a conspicuous location in the field visible from ground and air...

The Piggott Fire Department responded recently to two fires, occurring within a week of each other. The more devastating of the blazes occurred at the Marlon Wright residence at 3232 Heritage Park Road. The fire department was called at approximately 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, in response to large amounts of smoke coming from the home. By the time firefighters were contacted, flames had emerged through the roof of the home and the fire had become fully involved...

Rector drama students from the last four decades came from near and far to share memories, revisit favorite performances, and express appreciation in a Clay County Arts Council special event Saturday night, June 11, at the Rector Community Center celebrating the career of retiring RHS speech and drama teacher Gail Burns...