It happened here, years ago

The recent primary election results were certified by 24 committeemen at the Piggott courthouse 40 years ago this week, with county clerk Boyce McLeskey overseeing the effort. Meanwhile, a tragic story out of the Chicago-area as it was reported that six members of a former Piggott family were killed in a car crash involving a man being chased by police. Albert Eubanks, his wife Alma and their four children, all of Pea Ridge, died in the crash near Joliet as they were traveling to Michigan for a reunion.

A total of 66 golfers took part in a mixed scramble at the Sugar Creek Country club, which came down to a playoff between two teams. In the playoff the team of Jim Winton, H.C. Robbins, Betty Russell and Chuck Hartwell beat a team comprised of Rex Cate, Charles B. Smith, Dr. G.S. Dehls and Charles L. Smith.

At the Carolyn Theater this week, the feature is Academy Award winner "The Graduate" while the late show was "The Penthouse". Meanwhile, Cox Lumber Company and Planning Mill will mark their anniversary by giving away a $670 GE color console TV.

Also among the ads this week, Silas Barber Shop reminded patrons that they have three barbers on duty, including--Dossie Metheney, "Dude" Adami and A.C. Silas. And down the street at Herb's Café he offered a breakfast special of eggs, choice of ham, bacon or sausage, toast, jelly, butter and coffee for just .70…hamburgers were twenty cents each and a bowl of chili would set you back thirty cents.

1978

Cindy Bullock was chosen Miss Greenway 30 years ago this past week, Karen Bridgeman was the first alternate and Lesa Featherston was second. Named as Little Miss Greenway was Joline Statler, Lora Lynn Midkiff was first alternate and Regina Alexander was second. In other news, Virgina Easterwood retired after working 19 years in the Clay County Social Services office.

New teachers at Piggott schools this fall includes--Coach Rex Montgomery, Patricia Brawner, Doyle Jones, Coach Phyllis Morgan, Glenda Carter, Carolyn Johnson, Kay Stow and Freeman Mahan. And the Mohawk football schedule has been released. The junior Mohawks will open the new Parker Field on Thursday, Aug. 30 as they host Gosnell. The senior Mohawks will open at Luxora Sept. 8 and will play their first home game on the new field Sept. 15 against Greene County Tech. Also in sports, girls interested in playing volleyball or basketball were asked to meet in the PHS gym Aug. 14.

At the Carolyn Theater this week, "Convoy" was the feature while the late show was "The Happy Hooker Goes to Washington".

Cub Scouts held a day camp at the Piggott Park (picnic grounds) the last week of July with 30 boys from Piggott, eight from Corning, seven from Greenway and two from Rector. And from the ads, Roeder's Ben Franklin had back-to-school specials including--Flair Papermate pens at two for a dollar..and Thermos brand lunch box kits were $3.67. Styles included Snoopy, Fonzie, Benji and the Muppets.

1983

Lisa Bond was chosen Miss Greenway 20 years ago this past week, Phyllis Bridgeman was first alternate and Marilyn Wells was second. Little Miss Greenway was Shelley White, with Melissa Settlemoir and Paula Wells taking first and second alternate. In other news, a public hearing has been set on expanding the Central Clay water district to include all the area from the Black River to the St. Louis Southwestern railroad tracks…and the quorum court has voted to apply for a quarter of a million dollar grant to try to help Piggott attract a new industry. And the Martin Ahrent family of Corning was the Clay County Farm Family of the Year.

Also in the news, Betty Payne of Trumann is the new principal at Piggott Elementary…and Lealani Hardin of Greenway High School has received a U.S. National award in science.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature is "Return of the Jedi" while the late show was "October Silk". And it was noted that work was underway on the new tennis courts adjacent to the Piggott pool.

In births to announce, daughter Andrea Faye was born to Gary and Sandy Scheffler of Piggott on August 2, at Doctor's Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff.. a son, Michael Carl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Steve Rogers of Phoenix on July 29…and a daughter, Krystle Dawn, was born to Mike and Merri Beth Lane of Piggott August 11 at Methodist Hospital in Paragould.

1988

Kee Estraca was crowned Miss Greenway 20 years ago this past week, Peggy Ruhl was first alternate and Becky Pruett was second.. meanwhile, Junior Miss Greenway was Angie Stewart of Piggott, first alternate was Leslie Morrisett and second alternate was Heather Flanigan. (yes, that Heather Flanigan) In other news, local voters approved a sewer bond issue 440-107, the Piggott school board passed a $2.63 million budget and the Gary O'Dell family of Pollard was chosen as the Clay County Farm Family of the year.

Three candidates have filed for a four-year unexpired term on the Piggott school board, Lora Wagster, Barbara Harmon and Carl Toombs…meanwhile only Darrell McCrillis has filed for a five year term that will be voted-on as well by school patrons.

A study by UALR indicated that Clay County lost 6.1-percent of its population between 1980 and 1986, down from 20,616 to 19,400. The study further indicated that the county lost over 27-percent between 1940 and 1980..when the population fell from 28,386 to 20,616. The study also showed that the county was 56th out of 75 in personnel income at $6,223 per year compared to the state average of $7465. Pulaski had the highest income average at just over $9,500..and the lowest counties in the state were Izard, Stone, Newton, Lincoln and Chicot.

The recent St. Francis picnic was a success..and netted some $8,477 for the upkeep of the Hall and Gravel Hill cemeteries.. and in sports, the Mohawks have begun two-a-day practices in preparation for their coming season. Coach Ed Winberry and assistants Jim McGrew and Fred Crawford have 28 players out this year…and McGrew reported that over 30 showed up for the first junior high practice of the year.