It happened here, years ago

It was reported 40 years ago this week that Earl James Glover, 62, who served as sexton of the Piggott Cemetery for nearly 18 years, had died on Feb. 6. Also in the news, Norman Morrisett, 48, of Pollard was killed Feb. 11 at Clovis Moore's Service Station in McDougal when an air tank exploded.

Sports news also dominiated the headlines this week in time. It was reported that PHS tackle Link Fuller, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tim Fuller, had signed a letter of intent to play ball at the University of Arkansas. This coincided with the annual PHS Athletic Banquet, set for Feb. 28, which would feature visits from former Mohawks, and current Razorbacks, Gary Adams and Tommy Dixon. Speaker for the event would be U of A defensive backs coach Hootie Ingram, and tickets for the banquet were $1.50.

Also in sports, the PJHS Papooses were slated to host a junior high basketball tournament with teams from across the region, including Walnut Ridge, Hoxie, Rosenwald, Mt. View, Manila, Rector, Highland, Gosnell, Corning, Egypt, Osceola, Lepanto, Salem, Monette and Marion.

This week's paper also included a feature on Piggott assistant librarian Thelma (Evans) Romine. Meanwhile, at the Carolyn Theater the features included-- Jane Fonda in "Barbarella", "The Pink Jungle", "Pretty Poison" and "The Green Berets."

A Valentine's Day special at Cargill and Son's Furniture (over 23 years at the Hotpoint sign) was your choice of a washer or dryer for $159. Meanwhile, at Otasco they had specials for the car.. AC spark plugs were .47 each, GE headlights were .83 and a quart of transmission fluid was .27.. all available at your Oklahoma Tire and Supply Company store.

And don't forget that donkey basketball will be featured at the old gym on Garfield Feb. 17.

1979

Congressman Bill Alexander brought the news 30 years ago last week that the city of Piggott had been approved for a $112,066 matching grant from the Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service to build a new swimming pool complex, lighted tennis courts and a parking lot in the city's industrial park.

In other news, GTE reported that the city now has the new A&I service, meaning that longdistance calls may be placed without ever talking to an operator through their new automated equipment. And Piggott school superintendent J.E. Pogue offered a letter to patrons of the district noting that students have already missed 16 days due to snow since the first of the year.

Vaval Eskew, still recovering from his near-fatal accident, wrote a letter to update the local folks as he continues to undergo treatment at Methodist Central Hospital in Memphis. And there was a thank-you to all the city workers who had been putting in long hours removing snow from the recent storms.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "King of the Gypsies" while the late show was "The Erotic Adventures of Pinnochio." On Valentines Day Dessie and Ben Joiner were slated to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. The couple was married in 1919 in Lilbourn, Mo. but had lived at 190 North Taylor in Piggott since 1935. Mrs. Joiner, the former Dessie Newton, had worked at the Piggott Hospital for 20 years.

This week's paper also included a feature on 1st Sgt. Willard Hughes as he was recognized for 25 years of service to the National Guard as an administrative supply technician. Hughes had been a member of the guard for over 30 years at that point of his career.

1984

A formal ceremony was held 25 years ago last week as the cornerstone was placed at the new Piggott Mortuary building on Terminal Road. In other news, the Piggott School board voted to extend the contracts of principals Betty Payne, Lendell Vannada and Don Taylor..although they chose to switch Vannada and Taylor's responsibilities. Vannada would move from high school to middle school, with Taylor taking over at the high school campus.

In business news, MRL is now accepting applications for workers at their new Piggott plant...and the former Ben Franklin store at 107 South Third Street will soon be a Dollar General. The company boasts over 1,200 stores in 22 states.

This week's paper also included a feature on Mr. and Mrs. Dink Hitt, and their 40 year musical marriage...and Piggott Community Hospital reported that they were sponsoring a month-long "Slimathon" competition.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Two of a Kind" while the late show was "Big Abner." Winners of the Greenway spelling bee were Bradley Linam, Nathan Hoggard and Brenda Lovett..and there was a meeting to hear complaints from citizens about the service from Piggott Video Cable.

Finally, this past week marked the first anniversary of the fire that destroyed the former PHS, known as the Leah Williams building, which was built in 1938.

1989

In their regular meeting 20 years ago last week the Piggott School board voted to extend the contracts of principals Lendell Vannada and Don Taylor..but tabled the contract of Betty Payne until the next meeting. Winners of the Piggott spelling bee were--Kristy Brown, Becky Rahn, Kerry Champ and the alternate was Jennifer Little.

In other news, the PHS drama group staged "Our Town" in the past week to great reviews..and Piggott freshman Julie Niewald served as a page for State Senator Gladys Watson and State Rep. Jim Holland the week of Jan. 23-26 in Little Rock. She's the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Niewald Jr.

In births to announce..a daughter, Samantha Leanne Vaughn was born to Mr. and Mrs. Brian Vaughn Jan. 18 at Doctor's Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff.

In sports, the junior girls fell to Hoxie in the district tournament at PHS, while the junior boys were slated to take on Clay County Central in their first round game. Meanwhile the senior boys dropped games to CRA and Walnut Ridge as they tune-up for their district tournament at Highland.

And the feature this week at the Kennett Cinema was "Rain Man" and all seats were $1.50 all the time.