September 19, 2012

1972

Danny Brown was named Arkansas State Trooper of the Year recently. The Leachville native had been credited with saving two lives in the past year, including the victim of a traffic crash south of Greenway and a Piggott man who had a heart attack in his yard. A former Blytheville patrolman, he had been a member of the ASP since Aug. 1969 and had spent his entire career in Piggott. Also in the news, Virginia Glasgow, 45, of Rector was killed in a two-vehicle crash west of Kennett.

C.C. “Corky” Edwards is the new Piggott Fire Chief, taking over for the retiring Don Harlan. He had been a member of the department since 1952. With the promotion Norman Cox moves up to assistant chief and Ed Causey replaces him as named captain.

Winners of the Cystic Fibrosis benefit talent show at the Christian Church was “The Countrymen” who now qualify for the contest at the Mid-South Fair. Members of the group were Mike Dickerson, Craig Morris and Marty Felts.

At the Carolyn Theater this week—“Fuzz” with Burt Reynolds and Raquel Welch.

Pfeiffer Gin reported their first load of cotton came from the Eugene “Bud” French farm at Pollard, and weighed-in at 5,500 pounds. Gin employees pictured with the load were Don Poole, Jack Creek, Bill Vaughn, J.W. Milburn and Larry Massey.

The Mohawks fell to Gosnell 27-8, after trailing 27-0 at the half. Paul Hoggard had the only score for the Tribe from three yards out, with Billy Jewell notching the two-point conversion. Hoggard, Ricky Wyss and Alan Bell also recovered fumbles.

1982

Members of the quorum court discussed the county landfill, and ambulance service, but took no action at their monthly meeting. Also in the news, seven year old Jonathan Bradshaw of McDougal remained in a coma after being struck by a car the previous Saturday. And, Jennie Irwin, 101, died Sept. 15 at Piggott Community Hospital. A native of Malden, Mo., she had come to Piggott at age 19. She and her husband Tom had operated a store at Pollard for many years.

A gospel concert in memory of Bro. Frank Bowlby has been scheduled. Bowlby, was minister of a local church and served as part-time sportswriter for The Piggott Times. He died in 1981 and was only 38.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature is “Annie.”

New Lions Club members include Dr. Dent Burks, Fred Williams, Jr., John Lingle, Jim Walker, Dr. Charles Schwartz and Fred Ort. Also in the news, Charlie Hollis brought in a three-and-three-quarter pound sweet potato from his garden. He reported the potato was so big it stalled his Ford tractor when he found it.

Loveless Department store offered Levi “Saddleman” jeans and jackets at $17 for the jeans and $25 for the jacket. And Hardcastle Chevrolet will roll out the new 1983 line-up Sept. 23, with free coffee and donuts!

In sports, the Mohawks fell to Gosnell 21-12 with Troy Jenkins and Coy Mauldin scoring the Tribe’s two TD’s. Meanwhile, the junior Mohawks beat Salem 6-0.

1987

The quorum court split on accepting the new jail plans, with the three Western District JP’s casting the dissenting votes following a one-hour discussion. Meanwhile, the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution was marked with a ceremony at PES, and members of the eighth grade class planted a commemorative pear tree on the campus of Piggott Middle School.

It was an interesting weekend for 16 local Boy Scouts and their leaders, as they were stranded five miles from camp and forced to spend the night along the Buffalo River without supplies or provisions. The group continued the following day, and earned their 50-mile float patch in the process.

At the Carolyn Theater this week—The Fat Boys are “Disorderlies.”

The history of the Piggott Electric Department was reviewed in an article by Ted Bellers, noting that the first service was started in 1911. The city became involved in 1922, and bought their first generator in 1929. The former power plant was built in the early 1950’s. The city contracted to purchase power from the SWPA in 1965, relegating the power plant to back-up status.

Members of the ASU band from Clay County this fall include Kelly Ann Williams, Angela Wright, Paula Blume, Steven Tate and Walter McGee of Piggott along with Mike Breece of Datto.

In sports, the Mohawks won their district opener over Pocahontas 20-0. Up next is a conference showdown with Clay County Central, who upset Walnut Ridge in the past week. Keys for a Tribe win according to the coaches, was containing fullback Richard Petty and quarterback Kirk Scobey.

1992

The quorum court discussed the sales tax issue for county roads at their meeting, and reviewed the issue of solid waste disposal. Meanwhile, two Rector men were seriously injured in a crash at the Trammelville Curve. Both James K. Graves and Mike Faries were transported from the scene.

PHS is offering a 10-week course on word processing, and spreadsheets, and no prior computer knowledge is necessary. Meanwhile, local Democrats will hold a fish fry in sport of the Clinton-Gore ticket with entertainment by The Bluegrass Band and Leslie Morrisett.

At the Kennett Cinema this week “Universal Soldier.”

Proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot this year include one on personnel property tax, one to place a 25-cent per pack tax on cigarettes and the measure that will eventually lead to term limits for state elected officials.

Jack Campbell and the Ambassadors are set to perform in Piggott. The group began in 1970 with Brother Jack and five kids ranging from 9-12 years old. The current group includes Jack, Stacey Mitchell on drums, Gary Andrews on bass and vocalists Bobette Fox and Mindy Smith.

The Ridgecrest Rams spoiled the Mohawks home opener by beating the Tribe 20-6. The only Mohawk touchdown came on the opening kick-off as Michael Harrell returned it 75 yards to paydirt. Meanwhile, the junior Mohawks fell to Pocahontas 12-6, with their only score coming on a 73 yard fumble recovery by Mason Mack.