It happened here, years ago

Wednesday, April 15 was officially "Mr. Holifield Day" at Piggott Elementary School as the longtime educator was recognized. A 1930 graduate of PHS, and member of the first-ever Mohawk football team of 1929, Holifield had been teaching since 1932, and had served as the principal at PES since 1958.

William R. Carr was promoted to county executive director of the ASCS, and will be moving from his post in Corning to the office in Piggott. Carr had been with the agency since May 1954. And it was announced that Gerald Morris would join his brother James in ownership of Morris Feed Mill of St. Francis. Morris had lived in Flint, Mich. the previous four years serving as a vice president and director of loans for Oliver Credit Corporation.

At the Carolyn Theater this week--Elvis in "The Trouble with Girls" and Barbara Streisand in "Funny Girl."

Boy Scout leaders C. Ray Miller and Paul Garrison recently accompanied 29 local Scouts to the annual Osage District Camporee northeast of Pocahontas. Meanwhile, donations continue to come in to help pay for the damage incurred by the fire at the Little League field.

Football players honored at the PHS sports banquet included Bill Threet, Jimmy Johnson, Rick Rodery, Gary Mann, Tim Huffman, Richard Robinson, Marvin Harris and Gary Wiley. And for the first time ever, members of the Mohawk basketball team were recognized for their performances. Top honors went to Robinson and Monty Bellers. Coach Zig Williams, who had announced he was leaving the school, was presented a golf cart and bag by the players.

1980

The Clay County Quorum Court continued to wrestle with their 1979 budget shortfall this week in time, and got advice from State Rep. Jim Holland to return merchandise if possible. And, a single vehicle crash along the Crockett hill road in the past week claimed the life of Timothy Dewayne Forrest, 16, of McDougal. He was a junior at Corning High School, and member of the football team. Two other passengers were treated and released at PCH.

The PHS junior senior prom is set for April 25, meanwhile more pellet gun damage was reported in the past week. McGuire Hollis reported three windshields shot out on cars at his lot on West Clay Street.

At the Carolyn Theater this week--"Love At First Bite."

Average gas prices April 1, 1980 across Arkansas ranged from $1.23 a gallon at Phillips 66 and Amoco to $1.29 a gallon at Mobil, Union 76 and Gulf stations. And PHS grad Susan Wallis has been elected as fraternity education chair for Zeta Tau Alpha in her first year at ASU.

The Memphis Press Scimitar reported that Billy Martin was ejected in the fourth game of the year as he managed the Oakland A's. Martin was thrown out by Piggott's Larry McCoy, who was working first base in the game with Seattle. Martin came out to pull his pitcher, but continued to argue an earlier call with McCoy--which earned him the hook.

The Mohawks played the third game in the history of the program against the Gosnell Pirates, and won 7-5. On Friday, April 18 they played their first-ever home game, losing a 7-11 decision to the Rector Blackcats. Kevin Morris earned both the win and the loss, while the winning pitcher for Rector was Lance Brown.

1985

Sen. Dale Bumpers appeared at the annual Piggott Chamber of Commerce banquet, speaking of the defense spending of the Reagan administration and its impact on the country's budget. Meanwhile, a tragic two vehicle crash near Rives, Mo. claimed the lives of Shelley McKenney, 15, of Piggott and Tammy Barker, 18, of Rector. A third occupant in the car, Tamra Wesley, 18, of Rector was hospitalized with moderate injuries.

Several PHS students have been honored for achievement, including Damon Cluck, Lee Holifield, Dane Coomer and Regina Thompson. Meanwhile, Chris Meriwether announced her retirement as the superintendent's secretary at the local district. She had served 10 years in Piggott, and 15 years more at Holcomb.

At the Carolyn Theater the feature is "Baby--Secret of the Lost Legend."

Piggott TMR class members Terry Bruff and Blake Lawson recently competed in the regional Special Olympics. Milestones to report include--a 100th birthday celebration for Ethel Davidson of Hargrave Corner and a 50th wedding anniversary for Edmond and Narine Bradberry of McDougal.

In sports, the baseball Mohawks dropped games to Oak Grove, Corning and Clay County Central in the past week.

1990

Workers poured the foundation for the new Clay County jail in the past week, and were scheduled to begin work on the walls in the coming days. Meanwhile, the Piggott City Council met recently and voted to table bids on asphalt. Aldermen also voted to hire David Moody as a summer trainee for the utility department.

Cox Lumber Company has planned a ribbon cutting for April 30 to mark the completion of their new expansion and improvement; David Copelin of Piggott was among those passing their bar exam in February, and is now licensed to practice law in the state and Sherri (Watson) Wright was recognized for her work at the Social Security office in Kennett.

In births to announce, it's a son for Leslie and Ponda Wood of Piggott. The new addition, Wesley Allen, was born April 6 at Doctor's Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Meanwhile, top cookie sellers among local Girl Scouts this year included--Karla Edwards, Dana Dudley, Kara Bedwell, Sabrina Williams and Karla Crowson.

At the Kennett Cinema this week the feature is "Joe Versus the Volcano."

In recognition of Earth Day, April 22, students from Debbie Dunlap's fourth grade class planted a white Dogwood on the grounds of the elementary school. It was also reported that Kevin Adams had joined Clay County Farm Bureau as an agent.

Despite rain, the Mohawks got in a baseball game in the past week--losing 1-4 to Marmaduke. Chris Morris singled, and was driven in on a Kelly Roach RBI double for the Tribe's only run. Kevin Blascoe went the distance and took the loss.