Stories from Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Foundation concert now a sellout (07/15/09)
It's official. The Rector High School Helping Hands Foundation's second annual benefit concert Aug. 4 is now a sellout. With more than 1,500 tickets sold and the concert date now just under three weeks away, both organizers and ticketholders are excited and looking forward to an unbelievable night of music at the new RHS gymnasium...

Rock with Dolly! (07/15/09)
Popular country music entertainer Dolly Parton has signed several of her Cracker Barrel limited-edition pink rocking chairs, and Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, based in Lebanon, Tenn., has donated one to the Rector High School Helping Hands Foundation, to be given away at the Foundation's second benefit concert here Tuesday, Aug. ...

HPMEC to celebrate 10th anniversary (07/15/09)
The Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center will celebrate its 10-year anniversary, July 1999 to July 2009, with a public reception from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Thursday, July 30, in the Hemingway Barn-Studio...

Council considers child safety, streets (07/15/09)
The Rector City Council heard a complaint Monday night from a local resident about the possible danger posed to young children at an active intersection in town. Robbie Edwards told the gathered council members and Mayor Ron Kemp that the intersection of First and Phillips, which is near Edwards' home, remains a dangerous area for the numerous small children who play in the area throughout the day and evening. ...

Local museum recieves meteorite specimens (07/15/09)
The Matilda and Karl Pfeiffer Museum at Piggott recently received, on permanent loan, specimens from NASA and outer space from the collection of Kenneth Renshaw, local astronomer and NASA Solar System Ambassador...

Birthday party planned to honor Jane Fennell (07/15/09)
Rector mail carrier Jane Fennell will be honored Saturday, July 18, with a party in celebration of her birthday. All of Jane's many friends are invited to share in the joy of the occasion, set from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Rector Community Center...

Players from Rector, Marmaduke adjusting to CRC baseball team (07/15/09)
Several of the newest members of the Crowley's Ridge College Pioneers baseball team took part in a workout held at the Paragould college this past Thursday. Rector signees Logan Buck and James Bradshaw joined the newest acquisition from Marmaduke, Jacob Mason, in a workout designed to not only test their abilities, but also that of some other potential teammates, as well...

Land of Peace (07/15/09)
Two wars, with casualty lists coming in every day from Afghanistan and Iraq. The solutions for these conflicts seem far off and a little too complex for the average Joe to understand, this writer included. More troops? A surge here and enduring diplomatic efforts over yonder? Sure...

Hot diggity dogs (07/15/09)
I have a hot topic this week. It's all about hot dogs. After all, this is National Hot Dog Month in America. All over America people are eating hot dogs and having hot dog eating contests. I understand that Piggott had a hot dog eating contest over the Independence Day weekend...

Bigger is better, but so is just better (07/15/09)
It goes without saying that the last several decades have been difficult for small towns in rural America. The agricultural revolution has led to bigger farms, bigger equipment and a significantly reduced need for farm labor...

Charles William Clatfelter (07/15/09)
Charles William Clatfelter, 83, of Marmaduke passed away July 11, 2009, at Evergreen Health Care in Rector. He was born April 11, 1926, in Marshall, Ill., to Paul and Nona Clatfleter. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was a World War II veteran...

Phillip Allan Gordon (07/15/09)
Phillip Allan Gordon, 61, of Rector died Sunday, July 12, 2009, at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was born April 29, 1948, to the late Allan and Ava (Cullen) Gordon. Survivors include his wife, Denise Gordon of the home; two step-daughters and sons-in-law, Krystal and Michael Polk of Jonesboro and Jodi and Shane Wood of Paragould, and five grandchildren, Lauren, Katy and Jackson Polk and Fisher and Ally Wood.. ...

Volunteers, supplies needed for shelter (07/15/09)
To the Editor: I cannot find adequate words to express in my heart the appreciation and gratitude for all the people who have given their service, time, gifts and money for the displaced children in The Children's Shelter in Walnut Ridge...

Dadbags group still needs support (07/15/09)
To the Editor: We, here in America, have been blessed with another Fourth of July to celebrate and enjoy our freedom. This comes with a cost from so many of our soldiers and their families. Are we beginning to get a little slack in remembering?...