It happened here, years ago

The proposed millage increase for Piggott schools was defeated by 34 votes, 40 years ago this past week. Patrons within the city voted in favor of the increase, while voters in St. Francis, Carryville and Pollard swung the tally the other way. In the meantime, Bill Morgan of Carryville was elected to a five-year term after running unopposed. Meanwhile, the Greenway school board held an appreciation supper for member Dudley Mack, who is leaving after 16 years of service.

This week's paper also brought the sad news that Penny Scarborough, 72, died March 8, at Piggott Hospital. Scarborough was one of Gen. Pershing's "Doughboys" and served during World War I.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features include, "Villa Ride," along with "Brute and the Beast" and "The Fearless Vampire Killers" (or Pardon Me But Your Teeth Are In My Neck). Coming soon, "The Boston Strangler." And an ad for Hulett Laundry and Cleaners on South Front Street noted that their new modern dry cleaning equipment had arrived.

The PHS band hosted a variety show at the gym with Mark Pillow serving as MC for the matinee and "Mister Rudy" Pylant of KBOA radio hosting the evening show. Among the performers pictured was a trio made up of Mark Kelso on the drums, Larry Norred on the piano and Eddie Turner on the guitar.

Speaking of entertainment, Mr. and Mrs. Don Newton have returned from a three-day, all expense paid, trip to Las Vegas, where they stayed at the Stardust Hotel. Mr. Newton noted that he is now "well versed on the evils of gambling and topless dancing girls, and will report to the local Lions Club soon."

1979

Gov. Bill Clinton has promised emergency funds and manpower for road repair in Clay County, which have been heavily damaged by weather. In a related story, N.O. Gray and Junior Hurst were shown using a tractor to navigate the roads near their homes north of Nimmons. Hurst's tractor was pictured a few days later mired deep in mud and waiting for a tow.

In other news, Carl Pollard has been elected to a term on the Piggott school board, and the Clay County quorum court has approved $35,000 toward the formation of a county-wide ambulance service. Meanwhile, members of the local National Guard worked a roadblock at the Piggott four-way-stop to raise money for Easter Seals.

Good news for the city of St. Francis, as they will be seeking federal grant money to help build a six acre city park that has been in the planning stages for years. In other news, the Air Force released low-level flight routes that the C-130 transports have been using over the region. The flights, which have been going on for several years over the Piggott area, are run from 500 to 7,000 feet, are made at 200 to 270 mph by the "Hercules" transports.

2AA-North All-District basketball players have been announced, including Lady Mohawks Renea Landrum and Susan Wallis while Marquetta Tinsley got an honorable mention. For the Tribe honors go to Todd Watson, Kevin Morris and Mike Dickerson. For the Greenway Tigers, Allen Gardner was named All-District in 3-B.

1984

Piggott school patrons went to the polls 25 years ago this week and passed a millage increase 1031-531. Meanwhile Greenway patrons voted to consolidate with Rector by a vote of 840-141. Speaking of education, this week's paper also included a feature on former teacher and biologist, Inez Hartsoe. She was shown at her home on Court Street, where her family had lived since 1920.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Terms of Endearment" while the late show was "Hot Wives." And a crowd of 228 were on hand in the past week as Morris Farm Center hosted a rib supper. In other business news, this week marked the 10th anniversary of Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home's move into their current location.

This week included a feature on the Piggott Library, as the fundraising effort continues to build a new facility. The first library was in a room in the Lura Hubbard Brown home, which was located where Dr. Angela Howell's office is now situated. The facility moved to what is currently John Lingle's law office in 1938. Also pictured was the row of sassafrass trees that formerly stood down the middle of Third Avenue (between Dr. Howell's office and Rhonda Harlan's shop) which earned the block between there and West Orr Street the nickname "The Boulevard."

In sports, Coach Ted Box has 17 players out for Mohawk baseball and 13 games on the schedule this year.

1989

Following a two-hour executive session, the Piggott school board voted to extend the contract of PES principal Betty Payne on a split vote, 20 years ago this week. The board also discussed the 24 applications they've received for the soon-to-be-vacant superintendent job.

Congrats to local State Trooper Danny Brown on his promotion to sergeant. Brown has been serving the Piggott area since July, 1969. In other news, the play "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" will be staged March 31 and April 1 at PHS...and the dates for this year's Clay County Fair are Aug. 24-26.

The annual community Easter egg hunt is coming up at the picnic grounds in Piggott and is sponsored by the Gravel Hill 4-H club. And in births to announce, a daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Brent Coomer of Greenway Feb. 9 at Arkansas Methodist in Paragould. The new addition was named Jordan Kelsey Coomer.

Aerial Bouquets continues to grow, as they've now completed their second year in business. The company now boasts 53 employees, 31 of which work in the new warehouse in the industrial park. The company's sales manager is John Carlton of Paragould, who is expected to relocate to Piggott soon.

And in sports, Coach Ted Box has 19 players out for Mohawk baseball with the season set to begin April 3 at Senath.