Stories from Wednesday, March 4, 2009

The lineup (03/04/09)
Goldfinches and purple finches line a fence at a local home as heavy snowfall Saturday, Feb. 28, sent the tiny creatures in search of food and a place to huddle against the wind and large falling flakes. Most of the area received six to eight inches of snow, with some areas recording eight to 10 inches. (Democrat photo/Nancy Kemp)

FFA event overcomes snow (03/04/09)
The winter weather wasn't enough to stop Rector High School's sixth annual FFA Fish Dinner and Auction, held Saturday night at the Rector Community Center. An estimated 125 to 150 people attended the event, which has become one of the organization's biggest yearly activities...

Rectorite wins Nurse of the Year honor (03/04/09)
There are few professions which have an impact on the lives of so many people as that of a nurse. Traditionally, nurses hold the position of being the first line in helping others overcome their medical challenges. People trust nurses with their very lives and those of their family...

Weather events now the norm (03/04/09)
Severe weather has been making its presence known in northeast Arkansas over the past several months. From strong winds and heavy rains brought by the remnants of tropical depression Ike in September to the disastrous ice storm at the end of January and the six to eight inches of snow which fell on the area in a matter of hours this past weekend, this region has known full well the fury of Mother Nature...

Disaster response reviewed (03/04/09)
Rector city officials and concerned citizens held a special meeting Thursday, Feb. 26, to discuss ways the entire community can work together to improve the city's level of preparedness in an emergency situation much like the recent ice storm. Mayor Ron Kemp, police chief Glenn Leach, recorder/treasurer Lowell McKenney and city council members David Freeman, Teresa Roofe and Cam Cate were joined by community members Nate Henderson, Kim Romine, Ken Roden, Ardell Polk, Betty Benson, Steven Sigsby, Judy Leach, Velda Bell and Joel Hayes.. ...

Lady Cougars battle in regional tourney (03/04/09)
Sarah Hester, scoring her only points of the night, hit a trey to open the 2A North Regional Tournament at Newark for Rector Thursday night as the Lady Cougars met the Lady Timber Wolves of Cedar Ridge. The score seemed to set the tone of the game as the two teams ran neck and neck for three quarters before the Lady Wolves took over for good with 6:43 going in the final period to push out to a 56-46 victory...

Mildred Elmyra Layer (03/04/09)
Mildred (Mills) Layer of Rector passed away February 26, 2009 at her residence. She was seventy-nine years old. Mildred was born to the late William and Ida (Kriegle) Mills in Clay County. She was a member of the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church for fifty plus years...

Jerry Ryan Vangilder (03/04/09)
Jerry Ryan Vangilder, 26, of Marmaduke died Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009, at his home. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mary Vangilder, and his great-grandparents. Survivors include his parents, Doyne and Charlotte (Watson) Vangilder of the home; a daughter, Kaylee Vangilder of Paragould; a brother and sister-in-law, Mitch and Amy Vangilder of Rector; a sister, Brittany McClung of Marmaduke and friend, Tony Parker; nephew and niece, Landon McClung and Mattie McClung; grandparents, James and Darla Watson of Rector, Jim Vangilder of Marmaduke and Ann Vangilder of Paragould; great-grandmother, Reba Clayton of Paragould; uncles and aunts, Cary and Jennifer Vangilder, Todd and Sandra Watson, Anthony and Cindy Buck, Mark and Jodie Watson and Donna Pinkerton; cousins,. ...