It happened here, years ago

The Piggott Chamber of Commerce held their annual meeting 40 years ago this past week, and okayed the group's by-laws. The local chamber now has 77 members, with a goal of 100.

Thanks to the efforts of the local Jaycees, the Piggott Air Park is now listed on the official Arkansas Aeronautical map according to a letter sent to Dr. B. B. Layl. Construction of the airport was a major project of the Jaycees in the early 1960's.

At PHS, Shirley Hooks of Crossett has been hired as a home economics teacher to replace Mrs. Lilly Sowell. The high school will also be the site of a gospel singing in the coming week. The event, which will benefit the Pollard Fire Department, will feature The Oak Ridge Boys from Nashville. (the old Oak Ridge boys, not the new ones)

Beginning Feb. 1 most Arkansas vehicles will have to be inspected before they are licensed, as the new vehicle inspection law goes into effect. There will be three inspection stations in Clay County, including Evans and Evans Conoco at 783 East Main in Piggott, Powell Tire Service at 407 North Main in Corning and Bill's Conoco at 215 East Ninth in Rector.

Finally, it was announced that the Dixie Donut Shop is now closed on Sundays. But, luckily, the Mowerys promised hot and fresh donuts would be available from 4-7 p.m. on Saturdays.

1978

Snow and ice-covered roads, 30 years ago this past week, kept schools across northeast Arkansas closed. Students in Piggott have been out since Jan. 12. The bad weather also closed several county roads, forcing some farmers to have to rescue their neighbors. Workers have also been stranded, and the mail service has been hampered as well.

Political announcements include Gary Magee seeking re-election as circuit clerk, Berlyss Holifield as tax assessor and State Senator Tom Watson seeking re-election.

Appointed to the Piggott Planning Commission by Mayor George Cook were Hugh Gatewood, Art Holifield, Gerald Hoggard, Royce Williams and Lendall Vannada.

In sports the Mohawks split at Hoxie, with the junior boys losing by two and the senior boys winning by eight. Kevin Knauts, Greg Bomar and Todd Watson paced the Tribe.

Meanwhile, the girls beat Knobel 63-26 in the semi-final of the Clay County Tournament and then lost to Corning 26-70 in the finals. Liz Dehls had 13, Susan Wallis 10 and Marquetta Tinsley had three in the championship game. (this will still half-court basketball at the time)

At the Carolyn Theater this week, "The Other Side of Midnight" while the late show feature was "Ping Pong".

And finally, seven-year-old Joyce Holifield was pictured with her Grandmother Marie Green. Joyce had acted heroically when Green burned herself lighting a water heater, providing first-aid and calling her parents; who came and transported her to the emergency room. Joyce said she learned about first-aid in her kindergarten class at PES.

1983

The annual meeting of the members of Sugar Creek Country Club was held 25 years ago this past week. Named to the board of directors were Sam Jones, Loren Wallace and Brauton Seal. A week later the group met and elected Jones as president, Wallace as vice president and J. B. Swift as secretary/treasurer.

Estelle Vincent was honored on her retirement from Brown Shoe Company after 30 years of service. Estelle started in the fitting department in Sept. of 1952 and worked her last day Jan. 26 in the lasting department. She was honored by her foreman Randy Johnson and assistant foreman Mark Tanner.

Several meetings and events are coming up in the next week. The Democratic Women will meet at the courthouse, the Boys Scouts will host a chili and stew supper at the First United Methodist Church and the Piggott Baseball-Softball Association will meet at the Piggott Community Center.

First Lt. Teddy Bellers of Detachment One, Company A 2-153rd infantry at the Piggott Arkansas Army National Guard has announced several promotions. Gary L. Massey has been promoted to Spc4, while Marvin Mills, Rodney A.W. Rice and Michael S. Sims have been promoted to PFC.

At the Carolyn Theater this week, "First Blood" with Sylvester Stallone, while the late show feature was "Pleasure Palace".

1988

Following input from a citizen's committee, sewer rates will soon be adjusted. The new rates had one industrial customer going from $16.50 to $667.00 a month in charges. The monthly city council meeting also featured a re-newed debate on the controversy over the pay scale for city employees.

Clay County got a new deputy sheriff 20 years ago this week. Myron Low announced he had taken a job with the Arkansas Highway Police, and Don Poole has been appointed to replace him. Poole was appointed by Sheriff Darvin Stow effective Feb. 1.

Benson's Barbershop in Piggott has sold, and Troy Howell has purchased the fixtures for his new shop on Second Street. Howell and several helpers moved the barber's chair into the new location earlier this week.

The Movie House featured a special with movie rentals for a dollar, and VCR rental for three bucks. They also announced that "Nintendo" was coming soon.

Meanwhile, new books at the Piggott Public Library included "Patriot Games" by Tom Clancy, "Kaleidoscope" by Danielle Steele and "The Tommyknockers" by Stephen King.