It happened here, years ago

The Piggott School Board asked patrons to consider a six-mill increase 40 years ago this month. The additional funding was needed to address acute needs identified by the North Central Association, including--smaller classes, new classes such as speech and journalism and addressing the special education program at the high school. Also in the news, firefighters were called to the old county home twice in one day recently to put out fires of undetermined origin. Also noted was the danger to firemen that the dilapidated structure poses. Other fire calls in the past week included--a small blaze in Danny Miller's pump house; a call to Warner's Lion Station and a grass fire near the Effie Mayberry residence.

Vilas Elder, of Elder Oil Company of Piggott, was recently honored by Phillip's Petroleum for his community involvement. Meanwhile, the Lion's Club basketball independent team will take on a squad from Malden in the coming week. The evening also will include a pee wee game of boys ages 8 to 12, with the local team coached by Gerald Hoggard and Ed Lossing.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features include--"Where Eagles Dare" along with "Coogan's Bluff" while the upcoming kiddie show would be "Misty."

Morris and Fry Equipment announce that their parts department was now open, and invited everyone to stop by and see parts manager Carl Romines. And Hardcastle Chevrolet announced that the new 1970-and-a-half Camaro would debut Feb. 26.

This week also included a feature on the Payne School, which was located three miles northeast of Greenway in the early 1900's.

1980

Martin D. King, 36, of Jonesboro was arrested after trying to break into Holcomb's Pharmacy in the past week. King, and an accomplice who apparently got away, were spotted by Patrolman Tom Foster running from the scene of the crime. In a related story, Kathy Hoggard is now a registered pharmacist after completing her internship at Holcomb's.

Longtime local educator and conservationist Inez Hartsoe of Piggott was recognized in a publication honoring Arkansas women of achievement; also in the news--Michael Howell will be this year's local Easter Seal campaign chairman. Leading the statewide effort will be Razorback basketball coach Eddie Sutton.

Filing fees have been set by the Democratic Central Committee for the upcoming primary. Judge and sheriff candidates must pay $1,250; county clerk, circuit clerk, treasurer and assessor pay $950; the fee was $50 to file to run for a JP spot, and for constables the filing fee was $5.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "10."

Gary Loveless won the annual Greenway spelling bee, with second going to Jody Statler and third to Blaine Cooper.

In sports, the Mohawks fell to Rector 61-65 in the second round of the District Tournament with Todd Watson and Kenny Wright scoring 19 points each. Watson finished with 333 points to lead the team on the year, while Tim Wheat had 296 and Wright finished with 289.The Tribe ended the campaign at 13-13 overall and 6-6 in conference play.

1985

Rep. Jim Holland reported that the legislature had voted down a proposed change in the state's trespassing law as the General Assembly continues. Holland also sponsored a bill to ease some of the teacher testing laws recently passed--a measure Gov. Bill Clinton says he would veto if it gets to his desk. Also in the news, Rebekah Parker of Piggott Middle School took first place in the Clay County Spelling Bee Feb. 21, while second went to Phillip Ladyman of Corning and third went to Curtis Fuller, also of Piggott.

Kathy Potts of Piggott was chosen as the Employee of the Year for 1984 for the Pocahontas area office of General Telephone; meanwhile, Bill Williams has announced that he will open a branch office of Rector Real Estate in Piggott.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Micki and Maude" while the late show was "All American Girls."

Times publisher Ron Kemp editorialized this week in time on the new advertising campaign by KAIT that featured Jim Varney as Ernest P. Worrell (the P. stood for Powertool according to one release). The campaign had become what would now be referred to as "viral" with everyone mimicking "youknowwhatImean?" In a related note, Ginger Banning of Piggott was the winner of one of the Ernest P. Worrell t-shirts given away by the station.

The Mohawks fell to Paragould 50-70 in the District tournament at Walnut Ridge, with Dane Coomer leading the way with 24 points (20 of which came in the second half).

1990

As the severe weather season approaches, the efforts of Clay County Emergency Services were featured this week in time. Pictured were local SKYWARN weather watchers Tommy Haywood, Arnold Hogard and Bill Campbell. Also in the news, State Auditor Julia Hughes Jones visited Piggott and was guest speaker at the weekly Lion's Club meeting.

Over 30 resident of the Big Slough watershed met recently with soil conservation officials; meanwhile, Piggott Community Hospital has started a new diabetic support group headed-up by Judy Wells. And burglars broke into the Piggott Middle School cafeteria over the weekend, taking some cash and a few tools. The report indicated that entry through one door was gained by using "a butcher knife and pickle jar opener."

Valentine Royalty at the Piggott Nursing Center this year were Ruby Robinson and Hubert French, with alternates Dudley Woods, Edna Mangrum, Lela Thompson and Doyne Runyon. Meanwhile, Elleta Lovins retired from the Greenway Post Office after 19 years of service. She was pictured with Piggott Postmaster Bobby Hoskins, carrier Bretta Robertson and Postmistress Ayleene Nanney.

At the Kennett Cinema this week the feature was "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."

The Mohawks fell to Cave City 67-86 to end their season in the District Tournament at Hoxie--despite trailing by just two points in the third quarter. Mark Box had 20, Scott McCrillis 16 and Chris Morris 12 in the loss. An update also was provided on the Lady Mohawks recently completed season. Seniors being lost to graduation include Shelly Harris, Sheryl Harris, Tracy Donahoo and Debra Rodery.