It happened here, years ago

Congrats to R.C. Pounds of Pollard, as he was recipient of the Sportsmanship award at the state fox and wolf trials at Mayflower. Pounds is president of the Tri-County Fox and Wolf Assoc. and a longtime proponent of the sport along with his wife Fayeon.

Phillips 66 will sponsor a pitch, hit and throw competition for boys age's nine to 12, co-sponsored by Rodery's 66 and Elder Oil Company of Piggott. The winner could represent the state at the Major League All Star game in July. And the PHS athletic banquet is scheduled for April 20 with keynote speaker Richard Trial, offensive line coach for Memphis State University.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features include "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" along with "They Came to Rob Las Vegas."

The former Brown home, at 318 North Third Street in Piggott, was torn down in recent days. The structure had housed the first Piggott library, and was razed to make room for construction of a new office for local optometrist Dr. B.B. Layl. And pictured sharing a barber chair and haircut were Larky Reeves of Piggott and his buddy Robert Samples of Nimmons. They were photographed in Silas' barber shop as they were given a trim by Dossie Metheney.

And a fire at the Little League field caused heavy damage to the speaker stand and equipment room. League president Eugene Mann reported that all the Little League equipment was destroyed, and would have to be replaced for the coming season. The damage was estimated at $3,000.

1980

A freak and tragic accident near the two-mile-turn Tuesday, April 15 claimed the life of Allen David Rucker, 13, of Piggott. Rucker was killed when the tractor he was driving flipped near his home along U.S. Highway 62. Also in the news, extension agent Jim Clements presented a program on gasohol--a 9:1 mix of gasoline and ethanol, which can be produced from farm products and municipal waste.

The Sugar Creek Country Club planned to host a March of Dimes golf tournament in late April, meanwhile the Catfish C.B. Club will work a roadblock for Cystic Fibrosis May 3. Eb Mallard was pictured donating the first five dollars.

At the Carolyn Theater this week--"The Electric Horseman" with Robert Redford.

Elmer Sowell retired from Brown Shoe Company following 30 years of service recently. He was originally hired in March of 1950 by foreman Joe Ring. Sowell had served as watchman since October of 1966.

The first-ever Mohawk baseball game was played April 1, 1980 as the Tribe dropped a 1-2 road loss in nine innings to the Hayti Indians. Later the Mohawks recorded their first ever win, as they posted a 10-3 victory over the North Pemiscot Mustangs at Wardell. Kerry Vannada had four hits, Todd Watson and Ricky Payne had two each and Watson got the win on the mound. Other team members are Andy Seal, Mark Lee, Doug Cates, Kevin Sutfin, Jerry Clemons, Michael Greene, Stan Piland, David Moody and Sean Graddy.

1985

Clay County officials celebrated the final $25,000 payment on the Chalk Bluff Recreational Area this week in 1985. The effort also benefited from $29,000 earmarked for the job by Gov. Bill Clinton. Also in the news, longtime Piggott businessman Norris L. Cate, 79, died April 10. A former alderman and activist with the Chamber of Commerce, Cate had owned and operated a grocery store on the east side of the city from 1948 until the late 1970's.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "The Breakfast Club."

This week's paper also included a feature on Greenway's Mike Hill, and his five catfish ponds. Local residents also were reminded that Sen. Dale Bumpers would be the speaker at the annual Piggott Chamber of Commerce banquet April 19.

Births to announce include a daughter to Gary and Janet Watson of Piggott on April 4. The new arrival was named Lauren Lynae and was delivered at Piggott Community Hospital. Meanwhile, employees of Brown Shoe recognized for over 25 years of service included--Rollen Burdin, Paul and Shirley Garrison, Helen McCrillis, Betty Thompson, Joella Pollard, Francis Gibson and Leon Williams.

Local residents were reminded that the Gossard Outlet Store (at the rear of what is now Piggott Auto and Farm Supply) was going out of business and everything was 40-percent off. And the Mohawks split games in the past week, beating Corning 9-5 then losing to Gosnell 2-12.

1990

Arkansas first lady Hillary Clinton spoke to around 175 at the annual Piggott Chamber of Commerce banquet April 17, 1990. Clinton noted that this "is an exciting time in our state, and in our country." The chamber also took time to honor Doris Causey and Walter Mallard for the community activism. It was also noted that the chamber would host an arts and crafts festival may 26.

Meanwhile, the Clay County Quorum Court got an update on the efforts to place road signs on all the county roadways. So far the Extension Homemakers had raised over $4,100 toward the project. Meanwhile, Josie Duckworth Brandon was chosen woman of the year for 1990 by Zeta Tau and Xi Gamma Eta sororities.

Piggott Lodge #545, F&AM honored members Marshall Wheeler, Cecil Crews, Ernie Hampton and Bob Gower at their recent meeting. And Buckley Waters retired from Darling after 16 years of service, and was recognized by plant manager Ed Perdue. Anniversaries this month included Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Morris of West Cherry Street, married 70 years; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Farmer, married 50 years and Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Cashion, married 25 years.

The Mohawks fell to BIC 1-7 in the past week, with Kevin Blascoe pitching the complete game and driving in the Tribe's only run. Meanwhile, the Mohawk track teams continue to compete this spring. members included--Jason Lane, Michael Harrell, Larry Cloninger, Shannon Buchannon, Andy Haywood, David Box, Clay Winberry, Billy Lovett, Chad Taylor, Barry Whaley, Erik Simpson, Brian Watson, Jon Huffman, Jason Smith, Tonya Simpson, Lisa Swift, Michelle Smart, Valerie Turner, Liz Sale, Crystal Smith, Tammy Smith, Ashleigh Williams, Deanna Rodery and Rebecca West.