Last Week's Most Read Stories

Meeting General Petraeus (07/17/08)
Staff Sgt. Terry Burdin of Rector (right), an Arkansas National Guardsman stationed at Camp Taji north of Baghdad in Iraq, recently had the opportunity to meet Gen. David Petraeus, Commanding General of the Multi-National Force in Iraq. ...

Major concert drawing near (07/17/08)
Richie McDonald found fame as the lead singer for the award-winning country group Lonestar, but in a new solo career launched last year, he now is singing to share his love for Jesus Christ and to make a difference in the lives of those who come to hear him sing...

Marmaduke council debates police department residency (07/17/08)
A personnel issue was one of the main topics discussed by the Marmaduke City Council in a meeting Monday night, July 14. The concern surrounds the newest member of the city's police department, Matt McClung...

Young author has book in Rector library (07/17/08)
Abigail Dutka, six-year-old daughter of Adam and Bridgett Dutka of St. Francis, authored and illustrated the book, "Sparkles is Lonely." Abigail recently presented a copy of her book to Rector librarian Deana Mills at the Rector Public Library. The book also is in the Piggott and Corning libraries and soon will be in Delta State University Library in Mississippi...

Lightning strike causes power outage for Rector residents and businesses (07/17/08)
An early morning storm Sunday, July 13, resulted in a loss of power for Rector residents and businesses. A lightning strike at about 3:30 a.m. hit a utility pole located in front of the laundromat on Highway 49, blowing a transformer and knocking down a power line...

Tension high in annexation discussion (07/10/08)
Opposition was strong in comments to the Rector City Council on the topic of annexation during Monday night's meeting at city hall. The scope of the annexation proposal had been narrowed in recent weeks, to the point where it only included nearby residences which were already receiving certain city services, such as water and sewer...

Alberson joins Cougar staff as new head football coach (07/17/08)
The search for the new Cougar football coach officially concluded Monday night, as the Rector school board approved the hiring of Bob Alberson to the vacated position. Alberson, 32, is a 1994 graduate of Marion High School and 2006 graduate of Arkansas State University...

Mayor asks for careful thought in matter of proposed annexation (07/10/08)
In response to the proposed annexation of some homes near the Rector city limits, Mayor Ron Kemp prepared a statement Monday to address concerns of many in the proposed annexation area, as well as residents who already reside within the city. Kemp said he had intended to read the statement at Monday night's meeting, but instead gave highlights of the prepared remarks...

Member of 39th Brigade dies in Iraq (07/10/08)
The Department of Defense announced Monday the death of an Arkansas Army National Guard Soldier with the 39th Brigade Combat Team participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Lynn Woodham, 37, of Rogers died July 5 at Camp Adder, Tallil, Iraq, from non-combat related injuries resulting from contact with an electrified piece of metal in the vehicle maintenance area...