Rector, Arkansas

For the first time ever, the city of Rector will host an Arkansas Activities Association state tournament.

The Class 2A State Softball Tournament begins here Friday at Jeremy McDaniel Memorial Sports Complex.

Sixteen teams from across the state will be in Rector for the tournament.

Eight games will be played on two fields starting at noon Friday. Four more games start at noon Saturday. The semifinals will be played at 4 p.m. Monday. The championship game is the following Saturday at Fayetteville.

Mark Manchester, athletic director at Rector High School, is the tournament director.

The tournament is an opportunity to showcase the city's sports complex and to show hospitality to visitors from all over the state.

When you come to the Mayfest celebration this Saturday, May 3rd, you will see donation canisters for the Veteran's Memorial Monument, in the park at the Rector Lions Club concession stand, at Rector City Hall, and in local businesses.  Designed for installment in the Downtown Park,  this monument is dedicated to all of the men and women who have ever served in the U.S. Armed Services, in any war or peace time efforts, honoring all of the branches of service.  This effort toward helping to fund the project with local donations will be kicked-off during the Mayfest.  The City of Rector also has a grant application for this funding, filed with General Mills and its Help My Hometown grant program, which will be announced May 15th.

The photo, a composite of the monument design, insignias of all of the military branches, and a serviceman saluting the American flag, has been designed to appeal for everyone's help.  The image will be on the canisters to display the design and intent of the monument, and citizens of the community are urged to drop their loose change, or any amount, toward realizing our goal of erecting this beautiful monument, to"Remember Those Who Served".

The City of Rector received a letter from the Main Street Arkansas program, Arkansas Downtown Network, stating that we have been accepted into the network upon successful completion of the Downtown Institute training, which will be held in North Little Rock on May 6th & 7th. Once the initial training is completed, their "staff will then schedule organizational and technical, (interior and exterior design and small business consultation), assistance visits" in our community. This is a wonderful opportunity for Rector and her citizens with economic development and historic renovation, crucial for the town's survival. A hearty "thank you" goes out to everyone who worked on this initital project, and much support for the work ahead. _____________________________________________________