It happened here, years ago

In light of the failure of the proposed millage issue, teachers met with the Piggott school board 40 years ago last week prior to signing their new contracts. Discussed was a recommendation to split the classes among three elementary campuses, with first, second and sixth graders (total of 326 kids) going to Central in Piggott; third and fourth graders (195 students) going to Pollard and the fifth graders (116 of them) going to St. Francis.

In other news, six people escaped serious injury in a two vehicle accident three miles east of Piggott when a car, driven by Carolyn Morrisett, 19, collided with a truck being driven by Mary Moore that had stalled on the highway. And police are investigating a burglary at the Western Auto store in Piggott in which shotguns and rifles, valued at around $1,000, were taken.

Finalist in the Piggott spelling bee were Anita Johnson, Pam Pollard and Neal Smith as they qualify for the county bee at Greenway. Participants from the host school will be Jimmy Speer, Linda Kimbrell and Sherry Parker as they qualifed at their annual bee.

Among the features at the Carolyn Theater this week were, "Shalako" and "Cool Hand Luke." Meanwhile, Cheryl Haywood was chosen FFA sweetheart by the Piggott chapter for this year.

For sale, five room house near store, school and grocery with garden spot. $5,000 total, with $400 down and $35 a month at six percent interest..see Parrish Realty.

1979

Piggott Lodge #545 F&AM held a cornerstone ceremony March 15 hosted by Grand Master Eddie Gardner of Hoxie. The sealed copper container was placed in its niche behind the cornerstone of the new building on North Second Street by Grand Treasurer Claude Collie P.G.M. of Little Rock. Meanwhile, Piggott police cheif Leonard Bell hosted students Kole Conley, Rodney Peevey, Greg Engle and Farrell Edwards for career day at the PPD, and noted that he really enjoyed working with the young people.

In other news, Dawn Whitley of Rector won the county spelling bee, and it was announced that The Piggott Times is now available at Tabor's Grocery in Pollard after requests from the community. Winners of the Greenway Cub Scout's pinewood derby were, Britten Hardin in first, Richard Petty in second and Blaine Cooper in third. Hardin's car also won "Best of Show."

At the Carolyn this week; "Every Which Way But Loose" while the late show was "Secrets."

In births to announce, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Eason of Jackson, Tenn. were blessed with a new son. Joshua Adam Eason was born Feb. 24, at Jackson General Hospital. Meanwhile, in sports, the Piggott sixth grade peewee boy's basketball team recently took second in a tournament at Stanford; and this week's paper featured photos of all four of the girl's peewee teams.

Finally, an ad announced that Davis Brothers Furniture (on the southwest corner of the square) was holding a selling out sale, as Randall Davis had decided to retire after 44 years in business.

1984

Dr. Perry Hope tendered his resignation as Piggott school superintendent 25 years ago this week, citing the fire that destroyed the middle school and the near-loss of his son in a traffic accident as some of the factors in making the decision. In a related story, it was reported that the Piggott district had 1,055 students and ranked 97th out of 371 districts in the state. Corning boasted 1,387 students, Rector had 708, Knobel had 282 and Greenway had 167. The Pulaski County district was tops with 29,592 students while the Oakland district had 45.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Against All Odds" while the late show was "Sweetheart."

In births to announce, a daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Brock Swann of Piggott. Ashley Meagan Swann was born March 15, at Piggott Community Hospital. And in other news, career day was held recently at PHS. Visiting The Piggott Times for the day were Lynn Miller and Tammy Berry; while Piggott State Bank hosted Carol Box, Tami Mann, Chris Crafton and Terry Holt.

The Cub Scout blue and gold banquet was held recently, with special guests Rev. Clyde Spurgin and Archie. Several members were also honored for their performance in the Pinewood Derby at Paragould, including Eric Neeley, Chris Brawner, Wade Smart and Kyle Seal.

Production figures for 1983 had Clay County leading the state in grain sourgham with 2,598,000 bushels on 53,000 acres or 49 bushels per acre. Wheat was 36 bushels per acres, soybeans came in at 15 bushels per acre and corn was 93.

1989

Herschel Smith, a former PHS principal in the early 1970's was hired as the new superintendent of Piggott schools 20 years ago last week. He comes to the district from the same job at Biggers-Reyno. Meanwhile, plans for building a new jail dominated the quorum court meeting, with sheriff Darvin Stow noting that his funds are being depleted paying for prisoner lodging and transportation.

In other news, the community Easter egg hunt was a big success despite a muddy park and windy conditions; and rehearsals continue for the PHS production of "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers." Meanwhile, members of the PHS senior class planted a tree on the campus recently in memory of former classmate Tony Gilbee of Nimmons, who had died the previous year.

The Just Say No Club donated $50 toward the upkeep of "Frankie" the drug dog recently, making the presentation to sheriff Stow were Heather Holifield, Melinda Harlan and Adam Dutka. The club also purchased a 25-inch television and VCR for PES with funds from their book sale, and pictured with the new unit were club members Dustin Miller, Brock Russell and Eddie Wiltfang.

A total of 45 Cub Scouts took part in the regional Pinewood Derby at Piggott recently, with local scouts Adam Rodery and Brian Settlemoir placing in the top three. Winner was T. J. Rhea of Paragould

And the Piggott Times has a new staff member as Sharleena Staples recently came aboard in the sales department.