Stories from Sunday, November 17, 2002

The air was fragrant with tearful goodbyes and fond farewells as the set closed on the production of "A Painted House" in Lepanto. It culminated a new experience for the small rural town with a population of 2000. Those who witnessed the events in Lepanto over the past week will view movies in an entirely different light, now that they have been a part of an authentic production. ...

Marked Tree students and staff showed their appreciation for veterans with a Veterans Day Program, Monday evening. Elementary and Junior High choirs, along with the Sr. High Ensemble and Melissa and Michelle Dabney performed for the full house at the Marked Tree High School Auditorium. There were approximately 50 veterans from all branches of military service in attendance...

In a short meeting Monday night, the East Poinsett County School Board voted to approve a contract and a personnel-related item. In the meeting, held on the Tyronza campus, directors voted 6-0 to approve the contract of Terri Boon, to serve as a teacher in the junior high computer lab, starting from Nov. ...

The local production of "A Painted House" has made area residents aware of the significant progress in cotton production in the last 50 years. On a set built by McGee Street Productions, south of Lepanto, movie characters spent long hot days picking cotton by hand. Many area residents can remember picking cotton by hand, then watching one-row, two-row and finally six-row cotton pickers take on that burden...

The Tri-City Tribune announces that nominations are now being accepted for the Tyronza and Lepanto Citizens of the Year Awards. These awards are given to people who have made significant contributions to their community during 2002 or through a lifetime of community service...

In a short meeting Tuesday night, the Tyronza City Council heard an update on the issue of a water system improvement project and its effect on the town. City Attorney Noyl Houston stated in the meeting that he has spoken to individuals involved in the work on the water tank, both in engineering and in funding. ...

The Crowley's Ridge Development Council (CRDC) Board of Directors will meet in regular session at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, at the CRDC Head Start Complex, 213 North Fisher Street in Jonesboro. Board members from the eight-county CRDC service area will gather at that time to act on matters affecting the numerous community service programs supported by the agency...

Claree Sanders, 83, of Luxora died Nov. 3, 2002, at her home. She was born Jan. 27, 1919 in Luxora and was a housewife. She is survived by two sons, Reader Current of Tarpon Springs, Fla. and Curtis Sanders of Luxora; two daughters, Clara Montgomery of Tarpon Springs and Mae Frances Hale of Largo, Fla.; one sister, Missionary Samantha Royster of Memphis; one brother, James Seals of Memphis; 39 grandchildren; 93 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren...