It happened here, years ago

40 years ago this week it was announced that Arkansas and Missouri officials had decided on the location for re-routing Arkansas 90 and Missouri 84 between Holly Island and Kennett. A total of 1.3 miles was being relocated to accommodate construction of a new bridge over the St. Francis River. Also in the news, firefighters were summoned to a chicken house fire at the J.C. Burr residence this past Saturday night. The house was the property of A.C. Neel, Jr., and was a complete loss.

This week also included a feature on the Marching Mohawk band, which was first formed in 1948 according to the article. This year's band officers were President Ronnie Dixon, Secretary Donna Hughes, Representative Randy McCord, Marsha Haywood and Kaye Lingle were over uniforms and Barbara Batey and Angie Olds were librarians.

At the Carolyn Theater this week features included--"Hook, Line and Sinker", "Number One" and "Che."

Greenway observed National School Lunch Week recently, and their cafeteria cooks were pictured this week. They include supervisor Ruth Rogers along with Ila Hester, Imogene Copeland and Edith Green.

The Mohawks moved to 6-1 with a 14-6 win at Osceola and will host Walnut Ridge next. Jimmy Johnson intercepted a Seminole pass leading to a Rick Rodery score, and later a long Bob Gallegly punt led to a Steve Champ interception and runback for the other Piggott TD. Center Tim Huffman had both PAT's and Johnson sealed the deal with his second interception with just seconds to play.

1979

Quorum Court member W. G. Woolf, 71, died Oct. 21 at Piggott Community Hospital. Woolf had also served as county sheriff and circuit clerk in the 1940's and 1950's. Also in the news, Craig Morris was honored by the Memphis Song Writer's Association with this year's song of the year award.

The Greenway PTA fall festival generated $378 this year, and the kings and queens were--sixth graders Wanda Harris and Keith Bond for the elementary school and eighth graders Todd Cavaness and Margaret Florke for GHS. And there are 42 new members of the FHA at PHS, officers included--Sarah Johnson, Linda Daffron, Debbie Hughes, Sandy Williams, Vicki Winton, Lisa South, Lee Ann Reams, Jill Miller, Laura Duckworth and Kim Bellers.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature is "More American Graffiti."

In births to announce, a daughter was born to Tim and Becky Broadway Oct. 9 at Piggott Community Hospital. The couple named the new arrival Amy Christine.

In sports, the Mohawks fell to Walnut Ridge with the only two points scored by the Tribe on a Ray Stowe punt block that led to a safety. Up next will be a visit to Hoxie.

1984

Gubernatorial candidates, Bill Clinton and Woody Freeman of Jonesboro, visited Clay County in the past week on campaign swings. Clinton attended breakfast at Rector, visited Clay County Central and conducted a handshaking tour of Piggott before moving on to Marmaduke and then a Greene County Tech football game. Freeman was the guest of honor at a barbecue in Piggott. Meanwhile, the Piggott School District reviewed their six year improvement plan mandated by the Educational Planning Act of 1983.

Rain is continuing to slow harvest this year, with 74-percent of rice harvested; 18-percent of cotton, 20-percent of soybeans and 86-percent of the corn crop. Also in the news, the Zeta Tau sorority is offering two Cabbage Patch dolls for "adoption" this Christmas; and patrons were reminded that the drop box at the Piggott Library would be locked on Halloween for obvious reasons.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature is "River Rat" while the late show was "Amour."

Wiley's Jewelry announced that they've moved to 118 South Second Street, three doors north of their previous location. And it was announced that Larry's Apothecary was now open inside the Piggott Clinic, offering the same fine service that's available at Holcomb's Pharmacy on the square.

In sports, for the first time since 1970 the Piggott Mohawks beat the Walnut Ridge Bobcats in the past week. The final was 14-7 with Stacey Wade and Michael Lewis getting the TD's and Trent Holcomb providing the PAT's. Kirk Redman had two interceptions to lead the defense, along with Randy Lowe. David McNabb was singled out for his play on the O-line. Up next will be a home game with Hoxie. Meanwhile, the juniors fell to Hoxie 16-0 and the seventh graders beat the Mustangs 14-6 as they post their first win and finish the season at 1-3.

1989

The killer earthquake that struck Northern California in the past week has prompted local officials to revisit the idea of "the big one" along the New Madrid fault. This week's paper included a feature on the local OES, and reviewed emergency response plans. Also in the news, State Highway Commissioner Rodney Slater was the keynote speaker at the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet. Slater reported that work should begin soon on replacing the Big Slough bridge at Hargrave's Corner, and several narrow bridges in eastern Clay County.

Piggott Community Hospital Auxiliary members won first place at the state meeting for their meals on wheels service project. Pictured with hospital administrators Betty Reams and Debby Haywood were--Jo King, Leona Shride, Narene Simpson and Charlotte Vaughn.

A total of 27 members were on hand for the first-ever meeting of the Clay County Cattlemen's Association held Oct. 19 at Ken's Restaurant in Piggott.

Sonic Drive-In was celebrating their 10th anniversary in Piggott with a sale featuring prices from 1979. All burgers were a dollar, fries or tater tots were sixty cents while a shake would set you back eighty cents.

The PHS football homecoming queen for 1989 was Rebekah Parker, while the members of her court included--Shelley Houser, Tobey Stallings, Angie Turner, Melissa McAllister, Ashley Parker and Alisa Tate. Sadly though, the Mohawks fell to Walnut Ridge 0-30 in the annual game.

Also in sports, the junior Mohawks played to a 0-0 tie with Hoxie as they moved to 1-4-2 overall.