Stories from Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Up in Smoke (03/18/09)
A giant pile of debris, which has been collected along Rector streets since the late January ice storm, was burned last week by the City of Rector at a brush collection location south of town. The city continues to pick up brush around town, and Mayor Ron Kemp said it is likely a private contractor will be hired to assist until all of the debris is removed. (Democrat photo/Nancy Kemp)...

Seniors take part in challenge (03/18/09)
"Health results form a harmony between food and exercise." Although Hippocrates said this centuries ago, it still holds true today. The "Senior Challenge" is a 92-day program for seniors that focuses on increasing physical activity and intake of fruits and vegetables...

New sheriff sets goals (03/18/09)
Since taking the office of Clay County Sheriff at the start of the year, Gerald McClung has been hard at work making himself familiar with his new role and the responsibilities it carries...

Rector native returns to work on cleanup (03/18/09)
While the ice storm has required many local residents to do additional work at their homes, the fallen limbs and damaged trees also have brought a Rector native home through his work...

Court addresses numerous issues including debris (03/18/09)
Plans are underway to expand the current Black River Area Development (BRAD) Head Start facility in Piggott to include infant care. Rhonda Ahrent, a representative of BRAD, spoke to the Clay County Quorum Court about the benefits of such an expansion during its regular meeting Monday night at the Piggott courthouse...

Rabjohn teaching license revoked (03/18/09)
Matt Rabjohn of Rector was one of six Arkansas teachers penalized following recent investigations into reported violations of Standard 1 of the Code of Ethics for Arkansas Educators, adopted last year by the State Board of Education...

Lady Cougars top Bay through solid pitching (03/18/09)
The Lady Cougars picked up a pair of wins on the road at Bay Monday, topping the Lady Mustangs in both parts of a doubleheader. Rector cruised to a 10-0 start in the twinbill behind a strong outing from freshman Amanda Bradford. ...

Irish eyes are smiling (03/18/09)
The Irish part of my soul positively soared on listening to the great tenor, the late Frank Patterson, at this time of St. Patrick's Day. From his heavenly voice came the sung legends directly from the Auld Sod, bringing the sweetest memories of a grandfather who could send one's emotions to the level of the very celestial address of the great patron saint of Ireland, Patrick himself...

The phases of life (03/18/09)
We go through phases in life. Life is experienced as "four hills." There's childhood, youth, maturity and old age. The cycle of four phases, each roughly 20 years long, is associated with a season. Like the seasons, the four phases blend one into the other...

Charlotte Ann Smith (03/18/09)
Charlotte Ann Smith, 62, of Rector died Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was born June 4, 1946, to U.C. (Jettie) and Dovie (Rhynes) Brewer in Poplar Bluff, Mo...

Ellen D. Robinson (03/18/09)
Ellen D. Robinson, 81, of Rector, formerly of Jonesboro, died Sunday, March 15, 2009, at Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation in Rector. She was born June 29, 1927, to the late Franklin and Floy (Wimberley) Hill at Leonard. She was a professor of English at...

David Franklin (Frank) Howard (03/18/09)
David Franklin (Frank) Howard, 72, of Marmaduke died Saturday, March 14, 2009, at his home. He was born July 3, 1936, in Red Onion, Ark., to the late David and Dellar Howard. He was a provider and member of Oak Grove Church of Christ...

Estell Eula Graves (03/18/09)
Estell Eula Graves, 95, of Paragould, died Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould. Born Nov. 3, 1913, in Greene County to the late Robert and Sarah Williams Allen, she was a homemaker and a member of Providence Baptist Church...