It happened here, years ago

This week's edition is a "cusp" report, featuring the news from the last week of some years and the first few days of others…

1968

The Piggott school board voted to ask patrons for a 10-mil tax increase 40 years ago last week. If approved, the money will be used to build a new cafetorium and classroom complex at central elementary. Cost of the project was estimated at $200-240 thousand. In other news, Jim Blair, 41, of Jonesboro (no relation to this reporter) was killed when the crop duster he was piloting crashed southwest of Kennett in the past week. Meanwhile, James Blair of Piggott (father of this reporter) was installed as the Worshipful Master of Piggott Lodge #545 as they held installation of officers.

Mr. and Mrs. David Lawrence of Pollard hosted the annual Extension Homemaker's Christmas party for that community at their home back on Dec. 19. Meanwhile, Mr. and Mr. Howard Winberry hosted the young adult class Christmas party from Piggott General Baptist Church.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features included, "Bride of Dracula" and "How Sweet It Is!" And in births to announce, a daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Berl Petty of Greenway on Dec. 24 at Piggott Hospital. The new arrival, Rebecca Lynn, was welcomed by big sister Pam, who is two.

Winner in the Lake View Skating Rink skating contest was Ronnie Davis of Piggott, while second went to Betty Ann Downs of Campbell.

1978

The surviving member of one of Piggott's piorneering families died 30 years ago this past week. E.A. Parrish died Dec. 28, at his home on North Fourth Street, he was 89. He was the son of Piggott's first mayor, J. H. Parrish. In other news, there was a close call for three Piggott teens, as their can ran off an ice-slickened highway at the St. Francis bridge west of Kennett. The three, Hannah Crews, Pam Rogers and Brenda Poe, escaped injury but were forced to free themselves from the upside down car in about three feet of water.

Fire destroyed the Nick Fraysher home on North Second Street in the past week, though luckily there were no injuries. And a fund drive has begun to help pay for a new agri building for the PHS campus. In other news, Piggott Lodge #545 held installation of officers, and Jack Vaughn is the new Worshipful Master.

Webelo II's were recognized at the recent Cub Scout meeting, and included--James Myers, Jackie Myers, Phillip Edwards, Jimmy Brawner, Chet Trout, Steve Tate and Tony Baker. Meanwhile, the members of Boy Scout Troop #46 took part in Winter Clondike recently.

Mr. and Mrs. Orville Schultz marked their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 23 with a party at Campbell, while Mr. and Mrs. S.B. (Sid) Haley celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 24 at the Piggott Community Center.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was held-over as "Up In Smoke" continued its run…and everyonme was reminded that night classes would begin Jan. 8 at Black River Vo-Tech.

1983

The big holiday freeze was over 25 years ago this week, as the region finally thawed out of the recent ice storms. Meanwhile, the quorum court delayed action on the 1984 budget at their meeting; the Piggott City Council approved the purchase of the old Gossard Building with a $750,000 grant..and the school board discussed the re-building of the Middle School; which had been nearly destroyed by fire earlier in the year.

In other news, a joint meeting of the Greenway and Rector school boards has been set for Jan. 5, as the two districts proceed with consolidation plans. The two boards voted to go ahead with the plan after talks with the Piggott district broke-down.

Members of the First Baptist Church have welcomed a new pastor, as Rev. and Mrs. Clyde Spurgin have been busy moving into the parsonage. This week's paper also included a profile of the farm family of Harry Niewald Jr. of St. Francis.

Piggott Lodge #545 held installation of officers on Dec. 26 with Jack Vaughn as Worhsipful Master, meanwhile, the Order of the Eastern Star also held installation of officers with Donald Foster as Worthy Patron and Melba Foster as Worthy Matron.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Class" while the late show was "Inside Seka."

In sports the Mohawks lost to Gosnell 51-85 to end the Christmas break, while the junior boys fell 25-26. Meanwhile the Lady Mohawks lost to Gosnell 41-42 in OT, while the junior girls won 32-18.

1988

The new year brings with it the swearing-in of elected officials for the coming year, and the end of 1988 brought history to Clay County. Sworn in were JP Triply Muse and treasurerer Betty Haley, who became the first women to be elected to county-wide office. Retiring county officials being honored included assessor Berlynn Holifield, treasurer Buster Griggs and county clerk Irbadell Smart (who had been appointed to the job when her late husband Lavon "Sonny" Smart died suddenly).

City officials sworn-in included aldermen Garland Holcomb, Jim Poole, Ronny Dixon, Norman Muse and city attorney Guy Brinkley.

In other news, the Jaycees toy drive benefited 100 local children this past Christmas, and the AARP will hold a concert Jan. 22 featuring Kenneth Renshaw and Larry Norred. The event is being held to raise money to buy a new piano for the community center.

The Piggott Police Department reported that a car, which had been stolen from a residence in Ballard Heights back on Aug. 2, had been recovered. The vehicle was impounded following a traffic stop in McCrory and two men were arrested.

December Super Kids at PES included, Michelle Seegraves, Alex Baldwin, Marc Yount, Joel Coomer, Chad Lovins, Brandi Mauldin, Brian Collier, Robin Wimmer, Jody Broadway, Julia Morrisett, Fallon Robers, Travis Scott, Felicia Gatewood, Leisha Lykins, Justin Hooten, Heather Haley, Jeffrey Tate, April George and Brooke Coyle.

This week's newspaper also included the annual "Look Back" at 1988, and it featured a photo of the 1940 Nimmons baseball team.