It happened here, years ago

Pioneer architect and builder Eldridge Ellis (E.E.) Porterfield, 90, died March 27, 1970 at Piggott Hospital (one of the buildings he designed). Other buildings designed by Porterfield were the old First Baptist Church and the United Methodist Church. After the original First Baptist Church building burned in the 1960's the firm co-owned by his son designed its replacement.

Also in the news this week, PHS standout Jimmy Johnson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Johnson of Greenway, has been chosen to Who's Who in High School Athletics. Meanwhile, Holcomb's Pharmacy announced the arrival of the new wonder cure for dandruff--Selsun Blue shampoo.

At the Carolyn Theater this week--"The Thomas Crown Affair" along with "The Graduate" and "Justine."

The Clay County Spelling Bee will be held at PHS this year, and participating from Greenway will be Brenda Presson, Audrey Fielder and Tawanna Chilcutt. And National FHA week will be marked at area schools. Pictured from PHS were members Rhonda Wiley, Donetta Hughes and Martha Vaughn as they explained activities to new members Pam Wallis and Regina Langley.

Despite cold weather, there was a good turnout for the Jaycee's Easter egg hunt at the fairgrounds. Pictured handing out cash prizes was Jaycee member Rollen Burdin. Farmers were also warned this week to try to plant corn early this year in an attempt to avoid corn borers that have been causing problems.

1980

The filing deadline for the Democratic Primary has passed, and contested county races included--R.E. Pogue and Rue Mack for county judge and Fred Williams and Lavon "Sonny" Smart for county clerk. There are also seven contested races for JP. Meanwhile, the backlash from the county's 1979 budget shortfall continues, with lawsuits filed by Black Lumber Co. and A.C. Rowe for monies owed.

The Piggott School Board voted to re-hire all personnel at all three campuses at their meeting, as Charles Hinkle was elected president and Paul Garrison secretary. New hires included--Judy Gossett for fifth grade, Deanna Webster for sixth grade and Karen Johnson for Home Economics.

At the Carolyn Theater this week in time the feature was "The Jerk" while the late show was "Tangerine."

Frank Faulk, Jr. won a trip to Chicago recently to receive the award for top corn production in the state. Meanwhile, local residents were reminded that they could rent their tuxedos for prom or weddings at Knuckle's City Cleaners on South Front Street.

This week's paper also included a feature on Black River Vocational Technical School, and non-traditional students. Pictured was Ellen Freeney of Pollard, who was taking auto mechanics at the facility at the time.

And Old Blue, likely the most famous coon dog in Arkansas, died recently at the ripe old age of 16-and-a-half. He was famous for appearing in shows at the Arkansaw Traveler Folk Theater.

1985

Work has resumed on the Big Slough Watershed Improvement District, an effort that was began in the 1950, funded in the 1960's and all but abandoned in the 1970's. In a related note, improvements recently announced include a new bridge over Big Slough east of Piggott. The dangerous narrow span is to be replaced with a bridge 40 feet wide and 180 feet long.

In other news, the Piggott City Council voted to oppose pending federal regulations that would increase local utility rates. The council also discussed an ongoing dispute involving the piano in the community center, and a padlock that had been placed on the instrument.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature is "Friday the 13th Part V, A New Beginning."

Several births to report; a daughter was born to Barry and Vicky Johnson March 12 at Arkansas Methodist in Paragould. They've named their new arrival Amanda Lee Johnson. It's a new son for Mitzi and Steve Baker of Rector, as little Zachary Lance Baker was born March 14. And Robert and Vicki Benjamin of Piggott had a new son on March 18 at Arkansas Methodist, and they've named him Daniel Ridge Benjamin.

The second meeting of the newly-reorganized genealogy club drew 42 people to the gathering. Congrats to the Piggott Marching Mohawk bands. Both did well in competition at Paragould, with the senior band qualifying for the state marching event set for April at UCA in Conway.

Deron Pollard had a strong start, and Stacey Wade came on in relief, as the Mohawks notched their first win of the baseball season--a 5-3 decision over Marmaduke.

1990

Contested races in the Democratic Primary include--Harry Niewald, Oral Moore and Travis Boyd for judge; Cloyce Pierce and Darvin Stow for sheriff and Paul Hoggard and David Jelks for coroner. There are also three contested races for JP. Meanwhile, tickets are on sale for the Piggott Chamber of Commerce banquet in April featuring keynote speaker Hillary Clinton.

"Oliver" will be staged at PHS in the coming week. Pictured from rehearsal was a scene in which Mr. Bumble (Tim Mowery) discusses the future of Oliver (Craig Winberry) with Widow Corney (Opal Wyss). Meanwhile, David Gregory has joined the family business and is now with Gregory Insurance of Piggott after working for Hartford Specialty as a department manager in Dallas. And a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new Clay County jail.

This week included a feature on local native Johnny Bradford, who had worked as a Hollywood stuntman in the 1950's. Bradford doubled for Rory Calhoun on Treasures of Pancho Villa, for Robert Ryan in The Tall Men and toured with Marty Robbins for a time. He returned to Piggott in the late 1960's and drove the bus for The Joymasters until they broke-up. His brother Homer also had his moment of fame, appearing as a child in a TV ad for LAVA soap.

The Piggott pee wees finished their season at 24-7, coached by Larry Winberry and Terry Cox. Team members included--Michael Hollis, Chad Beck, Chad Speer, Adam Staples, Matt Peace, Adam Rodery, Jeremy Gearhart, Craig Winberry, Justin Gossett, Wesley Potts, Tate Fuwell, Rob Nichols, Mason Mack, Johnny Smith, Kyle Cox, Benji Myers, Jason Miller and Phillip Blascoe.