It happened here, years ago

Mayor Thomas proclaimed Feb. 28 as "Gary Adams and Tommy Dixon Day" in Piggott, as the two former Mohawk stars, and current Arkansas Razorbacks, were to appear at the annual sports banquet that evening. In other news, M.C. Runnells, with the FBI office in Paragould, was the guest speaker at the Lions Club meeting.

Congrats to Steve White, PHS class of '65, as he was one of only two students on the ASU Dean's list from the chemistry department. Meanwhile, Marcia Birmingham and Rickie Smart were chosen as royalty at the annual sweetheart banquet at the Christian Church Feb. 13.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features included "Blow Up", "A Lovely Way to Die", "The Bliss of Miss Blossom" and "Hot Millions." And an ad for H&R Block (as seem in Life magazine) offered tax preparation starting at five bucks.

Girl Scout Cadette Troop 180 was pictured, led by Barbara Harris and Bettye Basham. Members included--Susan Wells, Donna Brown, Joyce Newton, Beverly Harris, Denise Benson, Anette Mowery, Bethany Basham, Regina Mayo, Jonell Crowson, Janice Bedwell and Pam Haley.

And in sports, Corning beat Rosenwald for the championship of the Piggott junior basketball tournament. Jim Brown paced the losers, while Steve Kegley led the Bobcats in scoring.

And at the new U-Save-Mart they had Bayer aspirin for .67, Crest toothpaste for .47 while Brylcreem was just .56..and yes, a little dab will do you.

1979

A total eclipse of the sun occurred Feb. 26 of 1979, the last one visible from the continental U.S. for the 20th century. This week's paper included an article on safely viewing the eclipse, as residents were warned to protect their sight. In other news, Tim Gribble and Ray Stow served as pages Feb.12 and 13 for State Senator Tom Watson.

Three members of the Piggott Mohawk football team were chosen to the All-District squad for their play last fall. The trio included Bob Lack, Roger Stokes and Donnie Morrison. And plans are underway for a demolition derby to be held at this year's Clay County Fair.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature is "Stingray" while the late show was "School Girls in Chains."

The annual Piggott-Corning Lions Club dinner was scheduled to be held at the "new" PHS cafeteria 30 years ago this week...and a feature on Louis Holifield of Pollard told of his huge matchbook collection that had been gathered over 25 years from 27 different states.

In sports, the Blue Jays beat the Wildcats in girls pee wee action with Sabrina Tate and Melissa Hardcastle leading their squads in scoring. Meanwhile, the Green Hornets downed the Red Devils with Kim Stewart and Tina Magee top scorers. Tate was also featured on KAIT by sports anchor Dick Clay in the past week, after scoring 51 points in an earlier game.

And winners in the Cub Scout's rocket competition were Tony Baker, David Wylie and Kelly McKenney.

1984

The quorum court approved the 1984 budget at their meeting, but voted down proposed raises for elected officials. Meanwhile, the details of the proposed millage increase for the Piggott district were presented to the AARP at their meeting...and in a related story; Sam Woodruff of St. Francis suddenly resigned from the school board, but did not give a specific reason. This week's paper also included a feature on Kenneth and Rita Mowery and the past 21 years they're spent running the Dixie Donut and Cake Shop.

The fundraising drive to build a new library continues, and little Melinda Harlan, age 5, was shown donating $7.17 in pennies that had been given to her by her Pa Harlan to librarian Gay Johnson. Meanwhile, a 90th birthday party was held at the VFW building for Crockett native Dolly Toombs.

Greenway homecoming queen for this year is Phyllis Bridgeman, and her court includes--Lisa Bond, Tina Greene, Pam Loveless, Monia Reagan, Carmie Mikel and Lora Midkiff. And at the Carolyn Theater this week the feature is "Uncommon Valor" while the late show was "Joy."

In births to announce, a daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Harold Dunlap at Arkansas Methodist in Paragould Feb. 9.. they've named the new addition Megan Nicole.

The junior Lady Mohawks beat Walnut Ridge 40-36 to take the district champsionship in the past week with Marty Wallis leading the way with 16 points. Meanwhile, the junior boys ended their season with a loss to Paragould in the same tournament.

The senior girls fell to Paragould in their first round district tournament game, despite 10 points each from Sabrina Tate and Judy Smith. And the senior boys lost to Gosnell in their first round game after guard Jeff Benbrook went down with an ankle injury, and Chuck Hope injured his back.

1989

Heavy rains 20 years ago last week left much of the region flooded, with river levels their highest in 50 years. Meanwhile, the quorum court voted to levy a $10 fee to each fine assessed in Clay County with the money going toward the construction of a new jail.

25 units of blood were donated at the recent Red Cross bloodmobile at PHS, with both students and staff making donations. And members of V'Ora Cooper's second grade class ate Chinese food with chopsticks as they concluded studies on the Chinese New Year.

Linda and Johnny Porter of Malden are the new owners of Jones Family Restaurant in Piggott, a business that had been operated the previous 23 years by Mr. and Mrs. Claude Jones.

In sports, the Mohawks fell to Clay County Central in the first round of the district tournament at Highland, and say goodbye to seniors Tim Mills, Bryan Allman and David Stender. The Lady Mohawks also dropped their first round game, but lose only Sherry Estes to graduation.

The junior boys lost to Clay County Central in OT, and Coach Ted Box noted, "we'll have better numbers next year, we'll be much more competitive in practice, which will help a lot."