It happened here, years ago

Arkansas' new implied consent law was explained on the front page of the newspaper 40 years ago this week, as the State Police sought to clarify the issue of submitting to a sobriety test and the consequences for refusing. Also in the news, Former Piggott resident Linda (Wheeler) Massie was profiled for her work with a firm that took care of communications, telemetry, computation, timing and measuring for NASA and the recent Apollo 11 moon shot. She and her husband Bob formerly lived at 318 North Third Street.

The Piggott Little League All-Stars brought home the sportsmanship trophy from the Paragould Invitational after team member Kim Eskew pointed-out a scoring mistake in the game against Walnut Ridge. The correction cost the Piggott team the win, but earned them the sportsmanship trophy and a good deal of respect from their competitors.

Also in the news, the West Side Church of Christ has begun dirt work for their new building on North 12th Street, and the work should be completed by November.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features included "Dracula Has Risen From the Grave" along with "Ice Station Zebra" and "Firecreek."

Births to report include--a son, Michael Joe, born to Mr. and Mrs. Bill Gookin of Piggott Aug. 9 at Piggott Hospital; and a son, William David, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Bill McNabb of Norfolk, Va. Aug. 14.

1979

Charles Hinkle reported a break-in at the Rebel Market in the past week, as thieves apparently entered the building by removing a screen from one of the motors in the back room. Also in the news, Southwestern Bell has received permission to begin charging customers for directory assistance although a representative for the firm said they have no intention to do so at this time.

The Clay County Fair wraps-up this week, with the inaugural demolition derby on Thursday and rodeo action Friday and Saturday. Featured at the rodeo will be The Flying Dillards from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Meanwhile, the facelift of the Holcomb Pharmacy building is complete after suffering several delays since work began in the winter. And Piggott Girl Scouts attended camp at Crossed Arrows in the past week.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature is "The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again" while the late show was "Soft Shoulders and Sharp Curves."

In sports, winners of the Piggott girl's slow pitch softball tournament were--the Rector Kitty Kats in the 10-12 age group and the team from Campbell took the 13-15 title. Bob Fry treated the members of the Fry International sponsored Little League team to a pizza party at Pasquales to recognize their first place finish as the team went 11-0; and Michael Fennell competed in the International Special Olympics in New York as he took fifth place in both the standing long jump and the softball throw.

1984

Fair Board president Burr Swann reports that the annual Clay County Fair will kick-off Thursday evening with the Little Miss pageant and a demolition derby. The fair will run through Saturday, and also will feature two nights of rodeo action featuring veteran rodeo clown James Griffin. Also in the news, the Larry Wiedeman family of Corning was chosen as the Clay County Farm Family of the Year for 1984.

The Clay County Quorum Court approved a resolution supported proposed amendment 62 at their regular meeting. If passed, the measure would allow cities and counties to initiate bond sales to fund economic development. Meanwhile, a Red Cross blood drive in Piggott netted 72 units.

This week's paper also included a feature on Nancy Hardcastle, and her work in the sign language ministry at the First Baptist Church of Piggott. It was also reported that one of the oldest remaining homes in Piggott, which had belonged to H.A. and Estella Hardesty, had been torn down to make way for the possible future construction of apartments at that location.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Gremlins" while the late show was "House of Love."

In sports, the Pollard team took first place in this year's Piggott Men's Slowpitch Softball League, posting a perfect record of 20-0. United Federal took second with a record of 13-7 and The A-Team from Corning was third with a record of 9-11. And the annual Mohawk soap and towel game is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 23 at Parker Field.

1989

The annual Clay County Fair is underway and this year's Miss Clay County is Peggy Ruhl. This year's first alternate was Stephanie Staples and second alternate was Angel Stueart. Meanwhile, Erica Winberry was Miss Pre-Teen, Patrice Hargrove was Miss Teen and Jennifer Book was Little Miss Clay County.

Also in the news, the Piggott school board voted to give non-certified personnel a three percent raise as they prepare for the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 28. In a related story, lunch prices will be going up for the coming year. High school lunches will be a $1, middle school will be .95 and elementary students will pay .85.

The quorum court discussed the county landfill at their recent meeting, and reviewed new federal mandates that regulate its operation. JP's also approved the purchase of an additional field breathalyzer for use by the ASP.

This week's paper included a feature on Lawnie Hill, 73, a veteran who had been living at the Piggott Nursing Center the past 20 years as he was honored with a special day at the local facility. It was also reported that Darling Store Fixtures would hold an open house and employee appreciation day on Aug. 26.

Jean and Roy Huffman marked their golden anniversary Aug. 13 with a celebration in the War Memorial Building in Piggott. Meanwhile, a photo that Kenneth Renshaw took of the lunar eclipse that occurred Monday, Aug. 16 was featured with the reminder that there would not be another until 1992. And the annual McDougal Picnic will be held Sept. 4 in that community.