It happened here, years ago

Local residents were warned 40 years ago, that there was no safe way to view the upcoming solar eclipse. The 85-mile wide eclipse was set for 1:30 p.m. March 7, and would last about three minutes. The degree would vary across the country, with the local region expecting about 72-percent blockage. Also in the news, incumbent school board member Don Roeder is facing opposition from Hershel Toombs in the March 10 school election. In a related story, the Piggott Chamber of Commerce has endorsed passage of the school tax millage increase.

The Greenway Beta Club will present the play "A Rocket in your Pocket" March 6 at the high school; meanwhile, Peggy Statler will be offering ceramics classes three nights a week in her home near Nimmons and fire damaged Ashabranner's Gas Station at Holly Island March 3, with personnel from the Kennett Fire Department responding.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features included--"Young Billy Young" along with "The Battle of Britain" and "Goodbye Columbus."

This week also included a feature by Thelma Evan Romine on former World War I veteran, alderman and local activist Penny Scarborough. He had been a part of setting up Piggott Light and Water; was on the Piggott Cemetery Board 34 years and helped plan the first picnic. Scarborough also served as director of the board for Piggott Federal Savings and worked for P.M. Pfeiffer--all while suffering from injuries sustained as a young man in the war.

In sports, the Mohawks dropped a 47-66 game to Monette to end the regular season Feb. 20--then fell to Osceola 35-41 in the first round of the District 2A Tournament Feb. 23. Coach Malcolm Murphy was pleased with the seven win season, and looked forward to improvement in the next campaign.

1980

Searchers braved bitter cold, snow and ice to search the St. Francis River in the past week, after a car driven by George D. "Joe" Glasgow, 21, of Senath crashed through the bridge railing early Friday morning east of Holly Island. Over 24 hours later, around 3:30 p.m. Saturday, workers located the car with Glasgow's body still inside. Also in the news, Martin D. Keen of Jonesboro (who had mistakenly been identified as King) was charged with the attempted break-in of Holcomb's Pharmacy.

W.O. Copeland of Route One, Rector has announced for Clay County Quorum Court; meanwhile, Sam Woodruff has announced for the seat on the Piggott School board vacated by the resignation of Bill Dickerson.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature is "Mountain Family Robinson."

Sadie Vancil retired from Brown Shoe Company Feb. 1, after working 23 years for the company. She had been hired in 1957 into the packing department by supervisor Tommy Scott. This week also featured a story on Camilla Cox of Piggott, and the hobby of genealogy she had enjoyed the past 10-12 years.

State Auditor Julia Hughes Jones was the keynote speaker at the Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet--and papers of incorporation have been filed to establish Ross-McFarlin Ford dealership in Piggott.

1985

The Piggott City Council learned that new federal regulations could increase the cost of electric for local residents at their meeting. At issue was a law that forced customers in annexed areas to remain with their rural electric supplier--and a measure that could cause an 80-percent cost in local rates. No contested school board races this year as Harry Niewald, Jr. is the only candidate for a three year un-expired term he is currently serving and Dale Grimes is unopposed for a five year term.

Plans are stepping up for the annual Fourth of July Picnic, with the Chamber of Commerce planning "Hemingway Days" in conjunction with the annual celebration. Meanwhile, this week also included a feature on Una Pollard and her interest in genealogy and local history.

At the Carolyn Theater this week "The River" with Mel Gibson and Sissy Spacek.

Births to report this week includes a son to Keith and Janice Gill, born Feb. 24 at the Blytheville Air Force Base hospital. The couple has named the new arrival Christopher Kyle.

Linda Dixon has opened a new business in town, called Tots to Teens. She was pictured with Angel Steuart, 10, looking over the latest styles for kids. Meanwhile, Watson Furniture featured a waterbed extravaganza. Sherri Watson was pictured with The Amarillo ($399.95) while Brian Watson showed off the Riviera ($1,375).

1990

The Piggott City Council discussed the need for affordable housing at their regular meeting. Aldermen also voted to allow Aerial Bouquets to proceed with expansion, taking over three more acres of the industrial park in the process. This week also included a feature on the PHS journalism class by Anne Winchester, who came to The Piggott Times as a product of that particular effort.

The Clay County Extension Homemaker's Club has begun the effort to purchase and place road signs on all of the county's rural roadways. Pictured were some of the leaders in the project-- Gayla Taylor of Piggott, Judy Hancock of Knobel and Lee Hartley of Corning.

Tucker Myers and Jim Parks of Cox Lumber Co. were shown setting up shelves in the new 1,500 square foot expansion of their local showroom. Myers has been with the company for 11 years, while Parks was the newest staff member as he recently joined the family business.

Annual field trials were held at the R.C. Pounds farm north of Pollard, with 20 coyote and fox hunters and 75 dogs taking part. Pictured were Freddy Herren of Rector, Mr. Pounds and his grandson Ryan, the youngest of the hunters. On hand for the proclamation of Girl Scout week were--Autumn Dees, Cassie Bedwell, Dana Smart, Morgan Tanner and Jennifer Holifield.

Local pee wee teams did well at the Clay County Central tournament, bringing home two first place and one second place trophy. The fifth grade boys took first, while the sixth graders took second to Paragould. The champion girls team was coached by Theresa Book and included--Angie Beck, Stephanie Wellman, Brandy Galyean, Emily Potts, Heather Smith, Ruth Anne Green, Melissa Harrell, Crystal Belote, Shaunda Price and Nikki Morgan.