It happened here, years ago

Controversy continued 40 years ago this week over the electric rates in the city of Piggott. A study by Laws Cargill has prompted the Chamber of Commerce to adopt a resolution in support of lower rates, and has led to a public meeting on the subject Feb. 29.

With the school bond issue election coming up soon the former Piggott Elementary School cafeteria (the big pink lunchroom) was pictured on the front page of the paper with a group of students. The caption noted that if the bond issue was passed that the old lunchroom would be replaced with a cafetorium. Estimated cost of the new facility was set at $175,000.

The annual Cub Scout Blue and Gold banquet was held Feb. 22 in the social hall of the Methodist Church. Cubmaster Jim Richardson and the den chiefs presented a ceremony on the meaning of Cub Scouting. The den chiefs were Robby Camp, Robin Miller, Paul Wayne Hoggard and Randy Jackson.

One of the groups providing entertainment at the recent variety show at PHS was "The Fifth Amendments" featuring Johnny Bratcher and Joe Gordon on guitar, Gary McComb on bass, Johnny Johnson on drums and Freddie Mack on the piano.

The USDA has reported that the 1968 soybean crop will be supported at a national average of $2.50 per bushel. And from the want ads, you could rent a Blue Luster electric shampooer from J&J Hardware for just a dollar.

1978

The Piggott FFA celebrated the organization's 50th anniversary 30 years ago this past week with a feature on the club. The story also outlined the career of instructor Donald Johnson, who had been teaching shop class since 1956.

The Greenway Cub Scouts hosted their annual Blue and Gold banquet recently with over 60 people in attendance. Cubmaster Donald Hardin presided over the gathering.

In sports, the Mohawks lost to Walnut Ridge at the district tournament with Joel Kelsey leading the way with 17 points. Also scoring for the Tribe were Kevin Knauts with 13, Todd Watson with 10, Kevin Morris with six and Greg Bomar with four.

Meanwhile, the junior boys lost to Corning in their district tournament at Hoxie. Scoring for the junior boys were Lane Vaughn, Kenny Wright, Jamie Wallis, Matt Sutfin, Bill Lewis and Jimmy Ellis.

Dixon's Radio and TV had a special deal on a new 19-inch RCA XL-100 color television for just $369.95 (plus trade-in), while Greene's Market had beef chuck roast for .79 a pound, and two pounds of Reelfoot lard was just .79.

At the Carolyn Theater this week's feature was "Grayeagle" while the late show was "High School Girl".

And readers of The Times were reminded that the newspapers were available at Herb's Café, Cate's Store, Roeder's Big Star, Fred's, Rebel Market and the Junior Food Mart. (not the one on West Jackson, that was empty and available for rent or lease at this point)

1983

The legal work was underway, 25 years ago this week, on the formation of the Eastern Clay County Regional Water District. This followed an organizational meeting on Feb. 25. In other news, Pollard-native Kathy Coyle of Pocahontas was named as an "Outstanding Young Woman in America". The 1972 PHS grad was a teacher at Maynard at the time.

Charles Smart recently retired from White River PCA, he'd been with the company since 1955. And the annual Cub Scout Blue and Gold banquet was held in the past week, hosted by Cubmaster Jim Duty.

In sports, for the first time in 18 years a Piggott team has advanced to the state basketball tournament after the Mohawks won the district crown at Highland. The Tribe beat Rector 64-39, Corning 55-44, Cave City 61-51 and Highland 49-47 to take the title. The team now stands at 18-11 overall and will take on Gosnell in the northeast regional at Westside on March 2. Other teams in the bracket include Brookland, Luxora, Highland and Manila.

Meanwhile the girls lost to Westside to end their season at 11-13, while the junior girls beat Hoxie in the first round of their district then lost to Walnut Ridge by four.

At the Carolyn Theater this week, "Spring Fever", while the late show feature was "Swedish Sorority Girl".

1988

The primary election was set for March 8 of 1988 and numerous county races were contested. Meanwhile, Kerry Champ of Piggott won the Clay County Spelling Bee, Thomas Mize of Corning was second and Tracy Midkiff of Clay County Central was third.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Lester Grider, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Jan. 30 at the New Hope Baptist Church. And congrats to Joe Cole of Piggott as he was awarded the Silver Beaver award from the Boy Scouts of America. The Silver Beaver is the highest honor a volunteer scout can receive.

In a related note, the annual Cub Scout Blue and Gold banquet was held recently and Cubmaster Jim Duty handed out several awards.

In sports, the Mohawks lost to Cave City in the first round of the district tournament at Cave City. The Tribe was hampered after guard John Rodery got sick at halftime and missed the third quarter. Shawn Parker finished with 11 to lead the scoring as the team finished with just one victory on the year.

Meanwhile the Lady Mohawks fell to Hoxie by two points in their first round district tournament game, after Deanna Conley got into foul trouble. The girls were paced by 25 points from Kim Grimes, 15 from Tina Jones and Conley finished with 11.

And finally, advance tickets for the PHS production of "South Pacific" will go on sale March 5 at several locations.