It happened, years ago

American League umpire Larry McCoy of Piggott was profiled 20 years ago this week. (file photo)

[Click to enlarge]

The Pobst family of Piggott (Roy, Mary and Connie Sue) were named Clay County Farm Family of the year 40 years ago this past week. In other news, several Piggott teachers addressed the school board concerning salaries, noting that they were the lowest paid when compared to personnel at Corning, Rector and Campbell…they also encouraged passage of a millage issue.

An ad in this week's paper announced that both Seal's and Holcomb's Pharmacies would be closing at 6 p.m. on Saturday, beginning Nov. 16. Meanwhile, the 60th anniversary at Union Home Church is set for this coming Sunday according to Rev. Vic Chapman.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features included--"Rosemary's Baby", "When Bullets Fly" and "The Devil's Brigade". This week's paper also included a feature on the Frank Lingle and Luther McLeskey families..who had lived across from each other on North Main Street for more than 25 years.

The Mohawks remained undefeated with a 7-6 win over the Walnut Ridge Bobcats, with the difference in the ballgame a Tim Huffman PAT. The lone touchdown for the Tribe was set up by a Kent Greene run and came on a 14 yard pass to Teddy Bellers. Link Fuller and Eddie Winberry also had big games on defense for the Mohawks. Up next will be the Hayti Indians.

1978

Congressman Bill Alexander reported that a $235,000 loan has been secured from the FMHA to help complete the new Piggott Community Hospital. In a related story, Nov. 1-7 has been named Piggott Hospital Week as work continues on the new 20-room, 35-bed facility. It was also noted that it cost $1,500 to furnish a private room, and $3,000 for a semi-private, and donations are still be sought. In yet another related story, the Catfish CB club hosted a Bike-A-Thon to raise money for the furnishings..those taking part included--Billie Martin, Beth Wolff, Neil Burdin, Terry Davis, John Rodery, Maxine Book, Lowell Book, Dwayne Foster, Jean Doty and Todd Doty.

Touch-Tone phone service is now available from General Telephone in Piggott, and the first customer to be set-up with the new service (and phones) was the B.B. Layl family. Meanwhile, local students attending school at Arkansas Tech this year include--David Bell and Gary Garrison of Piggott; Phillip Daffron of St. Francis and Johnny Lambert of Pollard.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "The Buddy Holly Story" while the late show was "Afternoon Delight."

In sports, the Mohawks notched a 24-6 win over Hoxie in the first-ever Dad's Night on the new Parker Field. Donnie Morrison had the first touchdown, and scored the two-point conversion..followed by scores from Brent Simpson, Scott Gower and Chris Camp. Simpson also had a two-point conversion as did Roger Stokes. Up next will be the season finale at Corning.

1983

In light of the recent fatal crash, Highway Department officials met with local leaders concerning the safety of the Highway 90 curve at the St. Francis river bridge. It was agreed there were problems, and short-term solutions were discussed. Engineers will also be evaluating the situation as they seek a long term remedy. Meanwhile, the annual Chamber of Commerce dinner meeting will be held Nov. 8, at the PMS cafeteria.

It was announced that due to budget cuts the Piggott, Rector and Corning libraries would be closed on Saturdays beginning Nov. 12. In other news, over 100 took part in the annual Girl Scout Halloween parade.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Wavelength" while the late show was "American Pie." (obviously an earlier version) Meanwhile, Thelma and Louie Crouch celebrated their 50th anniversary Oct. 6. The couple was married in 1933 by JP Melt Webster.

In sports, the Mohawks fell 0-27 at Hoxie, as two of their four fumbles led to Mustang touchdowns.. up next will be the season finale against Corning. Meanwhile, the junior Mohawks fell 0-24 to Walnut Ridge despite 16.5 tackles by Stacy Bradshaw as they dropped to 0-7-1. On the season Bradshaw led the team in tackles with 69..while Sam Williams, Allen Wylie, David McNabb and Tim Muse were also singled out for their defensive play.

1988

Sports dominated the headlines 20 years ago this week. A front-page feature told the story of local American League umpire Larry McCoy, and his visit to the White House with the Los Angeles Dodgers as World Series champions. McCoy, who had been an umpire for 23 years, was working the right field foul line in game one when Kirk Gibson hit one of the most historic home runs in series history. McCoy had also worked the 1977 World Series between the Dodgers and Yankees; the ALCS in 73, 76, 80 and 86 and the All Star game in 1978 and 1985. His wife Joan accompanied him to the White House, and he brought home a baseball signed by Ronald Reagan for daughter April.

In births to announce: a son, Lance Ryan, was born to Steve and Faith Conley on Sept. 29 at Lucy Lee Hospital in Poplar Bluff. He was welcomed home by big brother Christopher.

The Mohawks beat the Hoxie Mustangs 16-14 to notch their second win of the year behind Ricky Shaw's 131 yards and two touchdowns. Shaw also teamed with Mark Samples to record a safety, which turned out to be the difference in the ballgame. The Tribe will finish their season as they visit the 1-8 Corning Bobcats.

And the junior Mohawks completed their unbeaten "Dream Season" with a 20-8 win at Walnut Ridge as they moved to 8-0. Craig Beck scored the first three times he touched the ball, from 40, 40 and 39 yards. Meanwhile the defense held the Bobcats to three yards in the first half, and 55 overall.

On the season the team outscored their opponents 235-88, with the starting defense allowing just 38 points. Total rushing yards were 2,086, or 10.5 yards per play..Beck had 1,129 of those yards on 73 carries for an average of 15.4 yards a carry and 22 touchdowns. The defensive numbers were just as impressive, as the Mohawks held their opponents to an average of 76 yards and three first downs per game.