It happened here, years ago

Nicky Moody was named "Outstanding Jaycee of the Year" 40 years ago this past week. In other news, the Mohawk majorette line did well in state competition, garnering 10 blue ribbons and two red. Members were--Teresa Edwards, Melinda Hampton, Paula Ballard, Sandy McElvoy, Pam Camp and Pelicia Graddy.

Over 1,000 people attended the circus performance at the fairgrounds, and this week's paper featured a photo of members of the sixth grade classes from PES as they had the chance to watch set-up and see the animals. Students pictured included this reporter, who was standing next to Wesley Davenport in the photo. (see 1983 this column)

It was reported that the dining room of The Alaska Queen would be closed for three days to have a new floor installed. Meanwhile, at the Carolyn Theater this week the features included "The Thomas Crown Affair" and "The Secret Life of an American Housewife"..up next "In Enemy Country" and "The Sound of Music".

In births to announce, a son, Sammy Earl, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Sam Williams of Berkley, Mo. at Piggott Hospital on Oct. 9. He was welcomed home by one-year-old big sister Candy Renae.

The Mohawks pounded Osceola 41-0 before a crowd of 1,500 at Parker Field. Richard Robinson, Teddy Bellers, Rick Rodery and Steve Rogers all scored touchdowns in the first half. During the intermission the combined Piggott-Osceola bands performed a program that took the crowd "on a musical "trip" to the land of Hippies and Flower Power". Early in the third quarter Van Winton blocked a punt and Steve Winton ran it in for another TD..late in the game Ronnie Payne had the final touchdown, with the two point conversion by David Varvell. Up next will be a trip to Walnut Ridge, the first time the two teams will have met since last year's controversial win at Piggott.

1978

Formal political announcements 30 years ago this week included--Oral J. Moore for county judge, C.W. Knauts for city attorney and Pagene Cook and Lester Edwards Jr. for city council. Meanwhile, the annual Lions Club auction is underway and Daylight Savings Time is scheduled to end this weekend.

General Telephone announced that "touch call" service will be available sometime after Nov. 1 in Piggott..and that the new phones are available in a variety of styles and colors. At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature is "Jaws II" while the late show was "Escort Girls".

In sports, the Mohawks fell to Walnut Ridge 14-23 in the past week, with Bob Lack leading the team in tackles. Dad's Night is coming up Friday as the Tribe hosts Hoxie. The junior Mohawks dropped their game to Corning 6-28 and will play their final game of the year at Steele as they take on the South Pemiscot Bulldogs. And congrats to the seventh grade squad on their 5-0 season, which concluded with a 26-20 win over Greene County Tech. The coaches credited backs Mark Self and Benny Fry for their contributions, but noted they got tremendous blocking from the offensive line.

1983

A two vehicle crash on Highway 90 at the St. Francis River bridge claimed the lives of Wesley Davenport, 26, of Piggott and his one-year-old daughter 25 years ago this week. The crash, which occurred when a truck lost control on wet pavement and struck their car, also resulted in critical injuries to Donna Davenport. The fatal crash did prompt highway department officials to survey the dangerous curve, and would eventually lead to it being completely re-built.

In births to announce this week, a daughter, Andrea Dawn, was born to Kurt and Lana Slaton Oct. 9, at Doctor's Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. And at the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Easy Money" with Rodney Dangerfield while the late show was "The Seduction of Cindy".

This week's paper featured a lengthy interview with Otto "Toby" Bruce, formerly of Piggott, as he reminisced on his 33 year friendship with Ernest Hemingway..and how he was instrumental in bringing "A Face in the Crowd" to Piggott. Toby had worked for Hemingway as a boy in Piggott, and later traveled with him to Florida and Cuba. His friendship with "Face" writer Budd Schulberg also led to a bit part as a rum-runner in the movie "Winds Across the Everglades".

In sports, the Mohawks loss to Walnut Ridge 6-19 and will visit Hoxie next…while the junior Mohawks fell to the Mustangs 24-36, despite Todd Self passing for over 180 yards..including three completions to James Carmen. Meanwhile, the Lady Mohawk volleyball team fell to Walnut Ridge at their district tournament and end the season at 8-5…while the junior girls finished second to Westside as district runner-ups. All-District picks included Susan Davis, Tonya Swann and Marty Wallis.

1988

Gov. Bill Clinton made two appearances in Piggott 20 years ago this week..speaking at a public forum and the city's Industrial Appreciation banquet. Industries recognized at the event included Darling, Magee, Woodhall, MRL, Wise, Featherlite Oak, Magna Tech and Aerial Bouquets.

This week also marked the first-ever "Red Ribbon Week" rally at PES, which included a visit from Sheriff Darvin Stow and a performance by Bro. Clyde Spurgin and his puppet Archie. Meanwhile, the sixth grade class at PMS was filmed by KAIT giving the "Good morning America" greeting for possible future use on the ABC program.

In sports, the Mohawks fell to Walnut Ridge 8-38 and will host Hoxie for Dad's Night next..meanwhile the junior Mohawks are still undefeated as they beat the Mustangs 33-12 as Craig Beck rushed for 144 yards on five carries. With Joey Staples back from his injury the junior Tribe will look to complete their undefeated season at Walnut Ridge.

The senior volleyball team finished third in the district tournament at Trumann, losing to the eventual champs from Westside. Coach Phyllis Morgan singled-out the play of Mia Crowson and Tory Smith for the Tribe.

And finally, three PHS grads who are now members of the ASU band posed together for a picture..the group included Candice Sue Poole, Kelly Williams and Angela Wright.