It happened, years ago

The 41st annual Piggott Fourth of July picnic was a record-setter, with a crowd estimated at 20-25 thousand people despite temperatures near 100 all day. Rhonda Wiley was crowned Miss Piggott, and her alternates were Cheryl Haywood and Donna Jo Cluck. Meanwhile, Hettie Gross of Pollard won the new 1969 Ford Galaxie, and was joined in accepting the keys by daughters Ruth Girtman and Mrs. Earnest Webster.

Meanwhile, the annual Pollard picnic will be held Wednesday, July 16 and will feature entertainment by members of the Bootheel Jamboree.

Major Jim Akers of Piggott will begin a tour of duty in Viet Nam on July 9. Meanwhile, Boy Scouts Neal Mayberry, David Mowery and Keith Morris were joined by leader C. Ray Miller in a presentation to the Piggott kindergarten students. The Scouts conducted a flag raising, and led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Music teacher Sandra Byrd also sang two patriotic songs.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features included "Romeo and Juliet" along with "Ghost in the Invisible Bikini" and "Bedazzled." In births to announce, a son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Larry Holifield June 21 at Lucy Lee Hospital. The new arrival was named Larry Shane, and is welcomed by sisters Sheila, Sharry and Shelly.

The Piggott Connie Mack team tied Paragould 3-3 in six innings July 4th, with Steve Rogers handling the pitching chores. The Piggott squad also pounded Marmaduke 27-0 behind Ricky Batey's pitching and Rogers going three for three.

1979

America's dependence on foreign oil dominated political speeches at this year's Fourth of July picnic. Meanwhile, Miss Piggott for 1979 was Tammy Winberry and her alternates were Tammy Eads and Liz Statler. In related notes; Naomi Fuller Williams of Bell City, Mo. won the 1979 Ford LTD given away, and Charles Haywood presented retired PHS band director Ed White with a plaque for leading the Marching Mohawks in 25 previous parades.

Don't forget, the annual Pollard picnic will be held July 14 in that community. Also in the news, Ray Stow and Mike Gurley attended Boy's State this year at Conway..and at the Carolyn Theater the feature was "C.H.O.M.P.S."

This week's paper also included a feature on the New Madrid Fault Zone, and the chance of a large earthquake based on research from Memphis State University. Meanwhile, a total of 73 "jogging enthusiast" participated in the first ever Freedom Run.

This week's paper also included a letter of thanks from Vaval Eskew, noting all the support he had received during his recovery from a near-fatal electrical shock that cost him both hands. Eskew added that he had received notes from Piggott along with 16 states and three other counties in Arkansas.

From the ads, it was noted that Piggott State Bank would be closing at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays through the end of September. And Davis Brothers Furniture offered a Litton microwave oven cooking school..and everyone was welcome whether they owned one of the new devices or not.

1984

Angela Wright was crowned Miss Piggott 25 years ago last week, with Valerie Kegley and Deborah Hommel serving as alternates. Meanwhile, Candice Poole took Miss Pollard for 1984 and her alternates were Gina Blume and Tracy Noles.

Also in the news, the low bid was accepted on construction of the new Piggott Library in the amount of $144,850 and a groundbreaking ceremony was set for July 12. The construction was expected to be complete by October. Meanwhile, new Chamber of Commerce officers for the coming year are president Larry Holcomb, vice president Joe Cole and secretary-treasurer Debby Haywood.

In births to announce, a son was born to Benny and Janice Fry on July 3, at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center. The new arrival was named James Jacob Fry. And at the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Cannonball Run II" while the late show featured "Blondes in Black Stockings."

This week's edition also included a feature story on local taxidermist Barry Johnson, and his award-winning work. In a related story, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission reports a record deer harvest for 1983-84, with a total of 60,428 killed. That was up from 45,000 in 1980-81. The totals included over 15,000 taken with muzzleloaders and 2,469 with archery.

And the Piggott Junior Babe Ruth team wrapped up their season with a 7-4 win over Corning to end the year at 10-3. Nicky Burns hit .448 and went 5-1 on the mound while striking out 82. James Carmen hit .333 and Todd Self hit .300.

1989

The quorum court has set Aug. 15 as the date for the countywide sales tax vote to fund a new jail. Meanwhile, the Piggott school board discussed new salary mandates that requires that all teachers make at least $16,000 per year..and those with a Master's Degree make at least $18,400. Meanwhile, it was announced that Mildred Jones of Pontiac Mich. (formerly of the Gravel Hill community) accepted the new truck given away at the Piggott Fourth of July picnic.

Michelle Brooks of Campbell was crowned Miss Pollard, with alternates Melanie Settlemoir, Ashley Taylor, Kee Estraca and Angel Steuart. Winner of the baby contest was Leandra Elkins and the alternates were Trae Sutfin and Tallah Shelton. Bill Gribble was oldest man at 95 and Mrs. Roxie Brent was oldest woman at 94.

Also in the news, Piggott Postmaster Bobby Hoskins was pictured with the new Ernest Hemingway commemorative stamp; Ed and Doris Causey of Piggott were honored at the United Square Dancers of America meeting in Oklahoma City for their efforts; and little Joshua Poe got his first haircut from Ronny Graddy with proud grandpa's Richard Tippitt and Harold Poe looking on. The annual St. Francis picnic will be held July 15, and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The first picnic was held Aug. 12, 1940 on the grounds of the Hall Church (at the current site of the Lodge Hall) west of St. Francis.

In sports, Phyllis Morgan will host a meeting of prospective Lady Mohawk volleyball players July 13 at the PHS gym.