It happened, years ago

Sports topped the headlines 40 years ago this week, as the Mohawks dropped a 20-27 loss at Malden Friday, Sept. 26 1969. Rick Rodery had two touchdowns, with David Williams connecting with Richard Robinson for the third. Jimmy Johnson also had two interceptions for the Tribe. Up next is a bye week followed by a trip to Lepanto. Meanwhile, PHS and University of Arkansas standout Gary Adams was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this year and played in three pre-season contests. Adams was one of the last three men cut to meet the 45 man roster in September, and at last report was practicing with the team as a member of their four-man "Taxi" squad awaiting a chance to be called-up. (Adams former Razorback and Mohawk teammate Tommy Dixon was drafted by the Buffalo Bills, but also didn't make the final cut)

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features included "The Savage Seven", "The Wild Bunch" along with late show feature "Joanna."

In births to announce, a son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Cooper Sept. 26 at Piggott Hospital and they've named the new arrival Christopher Blaine. And Mr. and Mrs. Gary McDaniel of Rector had a new baby girl Sept. 23 and they've named her Cobi Ladonna.

Earl's Floor Service advertised Craig and Belair tape decks for sale, and tapes that include "everything from Broadway to Iron Butterfly."

And the Sugar Creek Country Club Ladies will host their second annual club tournament beginning Oct. 6.

1979

A train/truck accident at the Clay Street crossing in Piggott Saturday, Sept. 29 claimed the life of Claude Parker, 59, of Greenway and seriously injured Frank Cowgill, 57, also of Greenway. It also was reported that former Clay County judge, circuit clerk and area State Representative Frank Carpenter of Piggott died Oct. 1 at 70 years of age. He had served in office during the late 40's to mid 1960's.

A day-long open house is set for Oct. 12 to mark the grand opening of the new Cox Planning Mill and Lumber Company store on South Thornton. The company had been in business in Piggott for 31 years, and staff members boasted a combined 208 years of experience.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature is "Meatballs" with Bill Murray while the late show was "Incoming Freshmen."

In births to announce, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Rogers of Greenway welcomed a new son Sept. 22 at Dunklin County Memorial Hospital in Kennett. The new arrival has been named Ryan Franklin Rogers. And friends and family gathered at the Home for the Golden Years Sept. 30 as Miss Rosa Hughes celebrated her 103rd birthday.

In sports, the Mohawks beat the Salem Greyhounds 9-0 in the annual homecoming game at Parker Field. Next week they'll visit Lepanto.

Joe Greene was top fundraiser for the St. Jude bike-a-thon along with Tony Ruhl, Cary Bennett, Darrin Moore, Dena Lewis and Jimmy Whitehorn.

1984

Democrats held a political rally 25 years ago last week, featuring Senator Dale Bumpers, Congressman Bill Alexander, state auditor Julia Hughs-Jones and entertainment provided by the RPM Band. Also in the news, Melissa Hardcastle was crowned homecoming queen for 1984 and her court included--Christy Webster, Lana Slaton, Pam Flanigan, Valerie Kegley, Tracy Noles and Lorre Jorman along with attendants Erica Winberry and Brock Russell. This week also brought the sad news that Lambert "Doc" Miller had died Sept. 24 at the age of 70. Miller was the former Piggott street superintendent.

The Piggott Chamber of Commerce will host a Harvest Hoedown Friday, Oct. 12; Mary Roberts won the TV given away by Holcomb's Pharmacy as 17-month-old Kristin Hoggard drew his name and Melanie Donner won the bike given away by the Rebel Market.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Purple Rain" and coming next is "Ghostbusters." The late show feature was "The Stimulators."

PHS band member Julie Perry has been chosen to the McDonald's All-American High School band after being nominated by band director Tracy Meadows.

And in sports, three touchdowns from Stacy Wade, and a 95-yard kickoff return by Michael Lewis, propelled the Mohawks to a 28-7 homecoming win over Harrisburg. Up next will be a home game with Paragould.

1989

The city received the first payment on the new local sales tax that was passed in May 20 years ago last week. Also in the news, Pride Home Care Corp. of Dallas has purchased the Piggott Nursing Center and takes over effective Oct. 1. Meanwhile, Howard Winberry beat Jim Gearhart in the run-off for a seat on the Piggott school board by a vote of 148-141.

This week also included a feature by Anne Winchester on the Clay County jail, as the structure was set to be torn-down in the coming week. The life of the old jail began in Dec. 1913 with formation of a jail commission by Clay County Judge B. B. Holifield, and headed by future sheriff Polk Mobley. The estimated $10,000 contract was awarded to the Pauley Jail Co. of St. Louis, although F.M. McNeil and Sons was the contractor. The architect was E.E. Porterfield, while the architect for the new jail is his son Harold. James E. Matthews was sheriff during construction, while Sheriff George R. Crews and his family were the first occupants of the ground floor. The old jail was condemned, for at least the second time, in June of 1987 and the new facility should be complete by August of 1990.

In sports, the Mohawks notched their first win of the year over the Hayti Indians by a final of 21-6 with touchdowns by Brian Harmon and Rick Shaw and PAT'S by Joey Staples. They'll visit Highland next. Meanwhile, the junior Mohawks fell to Corning 0-46 and will take on Clay County Central next. And the Lady Mohawks took three of four games at the annual ASU Playday, with wins over Evangalist Christian of Tennesse, Blytheville and Valley View and a loss to Mountain Home. Up next will be matches with Westside and Walnut Ridge.