It happened here, years ago

The Piggott Chamber of Commerce elected new officers 40 years ago last week, with Frank Knuckles elected president and Rex Watson vice president..meanwhile Randall Davis was elected to the board. Also in the news, Floyd "Pick" Gilbert, 44, died Oct. 23 at the VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff after suffering a heart attack the previous day. Gilbert, a local native, was dispatcher for the Piggott P.D.

The congregation of Westside Church of Christ is now in their new building, according to Pastor Charles E. Littrell. And the first-ever Lions Club TV auction will be held Nov. 22 at PHS.

In sports, the Mohawks won a thriller over Walnut Ridge 27-24 at Parker Field to keep their hopes of a district title alive. Jimmy Johnson had a blow-up game for the Tribe, scoring on a quarterback keeper and a 94 yard punt return. With the Tribe trailing he also intercepted a Bobcat pass with 26-seconds left, then set-up up a Rick Rodery TD with two completions to Monty Bellers in the come-from-behind win.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features included--"Once Upon a Time in the West" along with "The April Fools" and "Hard Contract."

The PHS majorettes did well in competition at Helena, and this year's squad includes--Kay Lingle, Sandy McElvoy, Barbara Batey, Pam Camp, Pelecia Graddy and drum majorette Melinda Hampton.

And Hamra's featured a sale on Tuff-Nut jeans at $4.99 for denim and $5.50 a pair for colors. (buy two pair and get a free pocketknife)

1979

Betty Crossfield retired after 24 years as a carrier for the Piggott Post Office in August of 1979. She had served as a sub for her husband Ermal from 1955-1977, and had carried Pollard route one and Piggott route three. Also in the news, an open house was held at the recently-remodeled parsonage of the First Baptist Church.

The open house at the Home for the Golden Years was a big success, with entertainment by Leland Dee's Bluegrass band. Meanwhile, over 60 kids took part in the annual Girl Scout Halloween parade and a spook house was set up at Sugar Creek Country Club.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature is "Hot Stuff."

In sports, the Mohawks fell to Hoxie 0-24 and will end their season at Corning in the coming week. Meanwhile, the junior Lady Mohawks hosted the district volleyball tournament and took second to Brookland while the senior volleyball squad took third in their district to Walnut Ridge and Paragould.

And ad for the Lakeview Roller Rink, which is now owned by Jim and Pat Davis, set the new hours as they were open Friday through Saturdays.

1984

The 1984 general election was at hand 25 years ago this week, with the majority of the discussion centering on the presidential race between Ronald Reagan and Walter Mondale. There were also several contested statewide races, and incumbent Tommy Hardcastle was facing challenger Jim McKenzie for a Piggott alderman position. Library patrons were also reminded that the library tax issue would appear on the ballot in Clay County.

Speaking of the library, the facility (which was in John Lingle's law office) will officially close to begin the move to the new building Nov. 5. The move is expected to take about four weeks before the new library will open to the public.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Red Dawn" while the late show was "Feel Like Silk."

In births to announce, a daughter was born to Steve and Darline Taylor of Nimmons Oct. 25 at Dunklin County Memorial at Kennett. The new arrival was named Shannon Danielle Taylor. This week's paper also included a feature on local State Trooper Danny Brown. The Leachville native had been with the ASP 15 years, and first came to Piggott in July 1969.

The Friday night lineup on KAIT- TV8 was advertised and included--"Webster" followed by "Hawaiian Heat" and "Matt Houston."

In sports, the Mohawks fell to Hoxie 6-16 to move to 3-6 on the year, and will wrap up the season at Corning. The junior Mohawks fell to Walnut Ridge 6-12 in a game that saw the Tribe penalized 52 times for 480 yards. Meanwhile the junior Bobcats saw 24 penalty flags for a total of 240 yards.

And the junior Lady Mohawk volleyball team took their district title, getting by Nettleton and Westside in the process.

1989

The Clay County Quorum Court discussed new EPA regulations on landfills at their regular meeting, and the impact the new laws will have on local operations. Meanwhile, the Chamber of Commerce Christmas celebration will be held Dec. 1 and 2 with celebrity judge Tony Brooks helping with the window decorating contest.

This week's paper also included a feature on teacher Ruth Brady of Pollard, and her 35 year career in the classroom. Brady (one of this reporter's sixth grade teachers) began her career at the Payne School near Greenway in 1944 then later attended Arkansas State University. It also was reported this week that the Nashville Now singers will perform at Greene County Tech. Among the members are Jana King, brother and sister Perry and Donna Rhodes and Piggott native Craig Morris. (Morris would later marry Donna Rhodes, and the couple now lives in the Paragould area)

DHS volunteers honored for their service in the past year were Dona Gurley, Minnie Watson and Jessica Greene. Meanwhile, the local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts will take part in the Scouting For Food program Nov. 11.

Spirit Week was marked at Piggott Middle School, and this year's queen was Angie Stewart. Eighth grade maid was Patrice Hargrave and seventh grade maid was Tara Olds while the beau was Jason Smith. Fifth grade attendant was Erica Winberry and sixth grade attendant was Melissa Harrell.

In sports, the Mohawks fell to Hoxie 0-26 as they take a 1-7 record into the finale with Corning. Meanwhile, the junior Mohawks fell to 1-5-2 after dropping a 0-12 decision to Walnut Ridge to end their season.