Stories from Thursday, December 24, 2009

Visiting with Santa (12/24/09)
The annual HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) program held their annual Christmas party for Clay County students last week at the Piggott Community Center with special guest Santa Claus. ...

At 93, Whitaker reflects on holidays of the past (12/24/09)
The holidays tend to be the most magical time of the year, bringing together families, friends and even entire communities. At 93 years old, Bernie Whitaker has been a part of many holiday celebrations. Proving that one is never too old to enjoy this season, Whitaker not only retains many fond memories of holidays past, he looks forward to adding more each year...

Furry friends now a focus of art by Rector's Gail Ford (12/24/09)
A talented local artist is sharing her gift with appreciative Rector fans. Gail Ford has taken her love of art to new heights, expanding her interest in painting into a thriving new direction. Ford's style and sensibility has found a welcoming niche in the hearts of animal lovers through her popular "pet portraits" series of paintings based on the beloved furry members of families who request her work.. ...

No plans now for armory to close (12/24/09)
Speculation continues to surround the outlook for the Rector Armory following reports of the site's inclusion on a list of potential closings and reassignments. There is, however, no concrete evidence the armory will be closing. ...

What Christmas means to me (12/24/09)
Daniel White RHS Freshman What does Christmas mean to me? Well there are a few things that I can think of off the top of my head! The definition of Christmas for me is: Families being together all having a huge birthday party for Jesus! Jesus who is the Lord and Savior of the entire world -- who came down to Earth and lived a perfect life for 33 years and -- who died on the cross of Calvary for all the people living then and for all of the ones who have been born since and for all who are yet to be born!. ...

Court recommends new JP (12/24/09)
For the second time in 2009, the Clay County Quorum Court has had to recommend a successor to perform the duties of a deceased justice of the peace. During Monday night's meeting at the Clay County Road Department shop in Corning, the court approved a recommendation in support of appointing Mike Hill of Greenway to the district 3 position vacated by the passing of long-serving justice James Jeffress.. ...

Lady Cougars blast Marked Tree to advance in NEA Tournament (12/24/09)
As expected, Rector's Lady Cougars came through with a solid performance to dispatch Marked Tree, 61-39, in first round action Monday night in the annual NEA Invitational Tournament at Jonesboro. After a somewhat sluggish start, Rector rolled off 17 straight points to move ahead 20-4 late in the first quarter. ...

Horton's big shot elevates Cougars in thrilling NEA win over Riverside (12/24/09)
Kirk Horton's driving layup with 1.5 seconds left proved to be the game-winner for the Rector Cougars in a 47-45 victory Monday afternoon over Riverside in the first round of the annual NEA Invitational Tournament at Jonesboro...

Girls' big lead turns into struggle (12/24/09)
The Lady Cougars hung on for a 64-61 win over the Lady Rockets of Turrell last Thursday night in Rector. The Lady Cougars looked to be in command early, rattling off 14 unanswered to close out the first quarter with a strong 20-6 lead. Chelsea Drope spurred the charge in the frame, connecting on back-to-back-to-back three-pointers...

Tough conference games yield two Rector losses (12/24/09)
For three quarters, the Cougars hung right with 2A-3 powerhouse Turrell Thursday night in Rector. Unfortunately, it was a difficult fourth quarter in which the 70-41 loss was determined. The Cougars began the night by giving the visiting Rockets, the number two ranked team in the conference, all they wanted in the opening frame. ...

What is Christmas? (12/24/09)
Christmas is a mix. It's a wondrous celebration of the birth of the Christ Child. Luke, Chapter 2, is the greatest story ever told. Yet for some. the Christmas season brings sadness; a meloncholy. It's a reflective time.as we remember Christmases past and loved ones who are no longer with us...

Charles Woodrow Jackson (12/24/09)
Charles Woodrow Jackson of Paragould died December 18,2009. Born October 28, 1928, in Marmaduke, he was a retired diesel mechanic and was of the Baptist faith. He is survived by Debra Reed, of the home; five sons, Gary Jackson of Holland, Michigan, Roy Jackson of St. ...