It happened, years ago

On a rainy Halloween night 40 years ago the Piggott Mohawks earned at least a tie for the conference championship and a trip to the playoffs, with an 18-6 win over the Marion Spartans. Jimmy Johnson had a 25 yard touchdown run, and a 30 yard interception for a TD called back, while Rick Rodery added an 87 yard touchdown run and Bill Threet recovered a fumble in the end zone for the third score. A win over Corning Nov. 14 would give the Tribe the outright conference title, but up next will be homecoming as the Paragould Bulldogs visit Parker Field.

In other news, Wanda Morris, 34, of St. Francis died Nov. 2 at Methodist Hospital in Memphis following a brief battle with leukemia. She was survived by her husband James and sons Stanley, 15, and Kevin, 7. Meanwhile, the annual Belle's and Beau's contest is now accepting contestants, and the first four entries this year were Barry Magee, Leean Magee, Kellie Jones and Tammy Duncan.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features include--"Those Daring Young Men in their Jaunty Jalopies" and "The Love Bug."

A Halloween party was held for members of Brownie Girl Scout Troop 218, with Miss Hazel Ivie judging the costumes. Mitzi Kelsey took first place. And in sports, the Greenway Tigers opened the basketball season with a sweep over the Grubbs Bluejays. The junior team was paced by Joe Ward, while Joe Wells was top man for the seniors.

The Marching Mohawk band has a big halftime show planned for homecoming, and will salute director Ed White by forming a large "E" while playing "Aquarius." The seniors also will be recognized as the band will form a large "70" as they play the PHS Alma Mater.

1979

A Piggott teen was seriously injured Halloween night, and underwent surgery at Memphis. Kimberly Garner, 13, was injured when she fell from the back of a pickup truck that was pulling into the A&W Root Beer stand. Also in the news, PHS grad Renae Landrum, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Landrum of Greenway, is playing on the Freed-Hardman College basketball team in Henderson, Tenn.

This year's Veteran's Day feature was the story of John Ed Lingle, who was held as a POW during World War II. Lingle, who retired from the Piggott Post Office in 1977, was captured shortly after re-enlisting for a second tour in 1943 and was liberated in May 1945 shortly before the armistice.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Breaking Away" while the late show was "The Melon Affair."

Regional members of the U of A band were pictured, including Julie Roeder and Tim Hogue of Piggott. Meanwhile, costume contest winners at H.W. Gossard this Halloween season were Pam Hickson, Barry Boren and Jim Bolton.

A fire damaged the Tom Chandler home on East Court Street in the past week, and police continue to investigate a break-in at The Bait Shop on Front Street. Taken were reels, knives, candy and cans of soda.

In sports, the Mohawks ended their season with a 0-35 loss to the conference champion Corning Bobcats.

1984

Ronald Reagan carried Clay County in the 1984 general election 3,764 to 3,279 votes over Walter Mondale. Meanwhile, Tommy Hardcastle beat Jim McKenzie 329-266 for city council and the library tax failed 3,185 to 2,855.

In other news, the annexation of area west of Wiley Drive was discussed at the Piggott City Council meeting and the school board heard a report on the new Gifted and Talented program. The school board also voted to hire U.L. Watson as a bus driver and Jerome Meade as custodian. Also in the past week, high winds caused damage to the L.A. Darling plant in Piggott.

This year's Veteran's Day feature was the story of local attorney Gus Camp, who was aboard the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese officially surrendered.

At the Carolyn Theater this week, "All of Me" while the late show was "The Max."

The Social Services Employee Association recognized Bea Gilbert of Piggott for 35 years of service at their state meeting, and Janie Johnson, Donny Morrison, Leslie Hardin and Michael Howell for 10 years. Employees of United Federal were also pictured in their Halloween costumes, and the group included--Julia Jones, Ella Jean Mack, Onesca Roberts, Janice Kegley, Judy Parker and Belinda Graddy.

In sports, the Mohawks fell to Corning 0-39 in the season finale, and finish with a record of 3-7.

And the Jack-O-Lantern contest winners at the Texaco Mini-Mart were Trent Holcomb, Terry Kamery and Matt Jackson. Judges were Beverly Faulk and Tim Blair.

1989

Piggott Community Hospital held a reception Nov. 5 and un-veiled the portraits of Dr's Hillard Duckworth, Jerry Muse and James Sheridan. Duckworth and wife Gwen were unable to attend, and were represented by his mother, Mrs. Zelma Mayo. Also in the news, vandals did between $500 and $1,000 dollars in damage to the newly built fences at the Piggott baseball complex (what is now Independence Park) that is currently under construction.

Winners in the Red Ribbon Week bumper sticker contest were Jaime Harmon, Kylie Howell and April George. Triax Cablevision's Jack-O-Lantern contest winners were Jennifer Jackson, Kristy Worthen and Nathan Mills. Also in the news, the 100,000 square foot expansion project at the L.A. Darling Company is underway. The company boasts 140 employees at the local facility, and over 1,400 nationwide.

It was announced that Miss America 1990, Debbye Turner of Jonesboro, will visit her hometown Nov. 16 for the first time since being chosen to wear the prestigious crown earlier this year.

The Mohawks fell to Corning 6-35, despite trailing just 7-0 at the half, as they end their season at a disappointing 1-8. Coach Ed Winberry singled-out the performances of John Howell, Joey Staples, John Cavaness, Larry Cloninger, Jason Lance, Matthew Self and Craig Beck for the Tribe. Beck accounted for the Mohawk's only touchdown of the game.