August 1, 2012

1972

Larry Flanigan of Pollard was injured July 31 when his airplane crashed while crop dusting Carlus Welty’s soybean field. Flanigan’s leg was broken in two places, and he suffered scratches and bruises, as the plane came to a rest in David Lawrence’s field near the state line. Also in the news, Judge Vernon Call reports that the right-of-ways have been secured for the improvements to Highway 139 between Holly Island and U.S. 62.

A total of 24 young ladies will compete for the title of Miss Greenway at their picnic, with 16 contestants for Little Miss. It was also reported that the Otasco store in Piggott has been sold to Don Causey, Carl Duckworth and J. Gardner Long, II.

At the Carolyn Theater this week—“The Last Escape” and “Puppet on a Chain.”

Piggott Schools is implementing a free and reduced lunch program. Current charges are thirty five cents for elementary students and forty cents for junior high and high school. A family of four could qualify for the program with an income of $4,110.00

Jill Litzelfelner of Piggott has taken a job in the chorus at Dogpatch USA, near Harrison. The reigning Miss ASU, she recently competed in the Miss Arkansas Pageant at Hot Springs.

An ad for Taylor Motor Company on East Main (now the flea market across from USDA offices) had several new 1973’s in stock, including a Plymouth Fury III, two Dusters and two Dodge Polaras…plus a low-mileage 1971 Charger.

1982

Congrats to Joe Mowery of Piggott, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Mowery, on another outstanding performance on the golf course. Mowery fought off a challenge from Mark Jones of Pocahontas to take the state match play tournament. He’s the first player in four years to win both of the state’s major junior championships. And, don’t forget that the Greenway Picnic is Sat. Aug. 7, with Jerry Carroll as MC.

Kenneth Mowery was recognized Aug. 2 for donating his 16th unit of blood, earning him a two-gallon pin. Meanwhile, Betty Parker of Piggott, wife of Henry Parker, retired as a “fancy stitcher” after 30 years at Brown Shoe. She first started at the factory Feb. 26, 1952.

At the Carolyn Theater this week “Rocky III” is held over, and the late show was “Chopstix.”

The Cotton Bowl Restaurant is open under the ownership of Kenneth and Doris Garver, and featured a Sunday smorgasbord at $3.50 for adults and $2.50 for kids. And General Telephone announced that effective Aug. 4 they would begin adding a late charge to overdue accounts.

Law enforcement officials are investigating break-ins at the Pollard Gin and the Whitt residence near Greenway…plus several vandalism incidents and gas thefts in the Piggott area. And, this year’s local delegate to the Silver Haired Legislature is Freda Underwood, and the alternate is Orville Schultz.

In sports, PHS volleyball coach Phyllis Morgan reports practice will begin Aug. 10.

1987

The Piggott City Council voted to look into a possible sales tax issue at their recent meeting. If passed, the monies would be used to pay for the proposed $1.4 million sewage treatment facility. Meanwhile, Mayor George Cook reports that Sen. David Pryor will attend the dedication of the new HUD apartments on West Main Street Aug. 21.

The 56th annual Clay County Fair continues, and earlier this week Shawna White of Rector was crowned Miss Clay County. Just two days prior she had also been crowned Miss Greenway at their annual picnic. She’s the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Barry Boren. This year’s Piggott Picnic grossed nearly $39,000.00 and netted a profit of $14,206.69 for the cemetery association.

At the Carolyn Theater this week “Predator” was held over, and at the Kennett Cinema “Harry and the Hendersons.”

Congrats to the Robert Welty family of McDougal, this year’s Clay County Farm Family of the Year. And, at the recent meeting of East Arkansas Planning and Development Clay County Judge Harry Niewald was elected vice president for the coming year.

The fledgling Clay County American Legion team ended their first season with an 11-10 loss to Forrest City in the district at Blytheville. After a shaky start, Todd Self came on in relief and pitched a strong game. Kirk Scobey went three-for-six, Jeff Stewart was three-for-four with a homerun and a double and Kenneth Fry went two-for-four at the plate with a homerun and a double. He also ended the season as the team MVP, with a batting average of .355, while Michael Horton was “Most Improved.” Coach Jim McGrew, and assistant Kelly Scobey, expect all but John Harmon back next year, and to increase their schedule from 25 to 50 games.

1992

The Piggott City Council voted to initiate a curfew for those under 16 at their recent meeting, requiring they be off the streets by 10 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends unless accompanied by an adult. Also in the news, both First District Congressional candidates, Blanche Lambert of Helena and Terry Hayes of Heber Springs, say they support the proposed Boydsville Lake Project.

Congrats to the Mike Morgan family of Nimmons, the Clay County Farm Family of the Year..and to Stephanie Staples of Piggott, Miss Greenway 1992. Her court included Lara Featherston, Camista Coyle, Tara Olds and Holly Hartwell. Speaking of Greenway, the paving of U.S. 49 from that town to the Greene County line is currently underway.

At the Kennett Cinema this week, “Honey I Blew Up the Kid.”

Capt. Teddy L. Bellers, HHC-2-153rd Inf. commander reports that Lt. Col. Alvin R. Williams and Command Sgt. Maj. John W. Hogue of Piggott were recently awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by the National Guard.

U of A signee Corliss Williamson was top scorer in the 37th annual coach’s all star game at Conway. The east team was coached by former Manila resident, and Stuttgart coach, Randy Deaton. His assistants included Gaylon Taylor of BIC and Bill Cossey of Bradford, and formerly of Clay County Central. Subs on the east included Tony Pace of BIC and Marty Dicus of Marmaduke.