It happened here, years ago

Times News Staff

1970

Sad news out of the Greenway area 40 years ago this week, as it was reported that Carter Digsby, 72, was killed when he drove his 1960 Ford Falcon into the path of a northbound freight train at the Main Street crossing. A witness, C.E. "Nub" Jewell told investigators that he tried to alert Digsby by honking the horn on his car but the effort failed.

Big economic news for Piggott, as it was announced that the H. W. Gossard Company of Chicago was planning to build a factory in the city. The factory is expected to employ 200-300 local residents. At the time the company was one of the world's largest manufacturers of women's foundation garments and lingerie. In a related note, a job fair for prospective employees was set as the company advertised positions in a "new air conditioned factory." At this point the location of the facility had yet to be decided.

The Greenway High School honor students for 1970 were valedictorian Lynn Madison and salutatorian Judy Potts. Meanwhile, Eulale Lingle was set to retire from Piggott schools after a 41 year career as a teacher.

At the Carolyn Theater this week--"They Shoot Horses, Don't They?"

The annual Memorial Day ceremony was held at Piggott Cemetery, with Gold Star Mother Mrs. Alvin Hogard setting the wreath.

And winners of the Phillips 66 pitch, hit and throw contest were--Barry Broadway, Sherrill Hoggard, Steve Dalton, John Cole and Fain Dalton.

1980

Jimmy Carter carried Clay County in the 1980 primary election, while Bill Clinton was the local pick for governor. Rue Mack beat R. E. Pogue to retain the position of county judge and Lavon "Sonny" Smart beat Fred Williams for county clerk.

A single vehicle crash at the Trammellville curve over Memorial Day weekend claimed the life of James H. Hensley, 60, of Nimmons. He was killed when the car he was riding ran off the highway and came to rest in a yard. The driver, Robert H. Todd, 44, sustained serious injuries and was trapped under the vehicle.

At the Carolyn Theater this week, Bill Murray in "Meatballs."

Piggott Community Hospital conducted a disaster drill in the past week, with 65 PHS students serving as "victims." And the Greenway Cub Scouts played their annual basketball game, with the Red team beating the Yellow 14-10. Referees were clowns Jolly and Dolly (Jessie Midkiff and Linda Duncan).

The Piggott P.D. reports that $250 was taken during a break-in at City Cleaners over the holiday weekend, while an attempt to enter The Casual Shoppe was unsuccessful. And it was announced that Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus would visit the Mid-South Coliseum at Memphis in mid-June.

In sports, the Piggott Mohawk baseball team's first season drew to a close with a 3-0 loss to the Oak Grove Lions at Paragould. The state tournament game had been set to be played in Russellville, but had been rained out. The Tribe's only hit came from senior Todd Watson, who led the squad at the plate during the season with an average of .386.

1985

A total of 67 member of the PHS class of 1985 will take part in commencement exercises June 2 with valedictorian Dane Coomer and salutatorian Melissa Hardcastle. Also in the news, Gold Star Mother Edna Harris placed the ceremonial wreath at the Piggott Cemetery during the annual Memorial Day service. She was escorted by Boy Scouts Neil Parrish and David Stender.

Legal steps are being taken to transfer ownership of the Brown Shoe Company building form the Piggott Development Association to the city. The association was formed in 1947 to raise money to construct the building, and consisted of 189 stockholders and their heirs.

And sad news this week, as longtime resident Royal Brandon passed away May 24, he was 100 years old. Brandon had spent his entire life in Clay County, with the exception of a short time working the wheat harvest and working in defense plants during World War II.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature is Cher in "Mask."

Radio station KTEI hosted a fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation in which local residents were held hostage until they could raise money for their bail. Suzie Baldwin was pictured being taken into custody by Piggott Police Chief Kenny Parker.

The Piggott Student Council donated a new podium recently, and this year's officers were pictured. They included president Lisa Beaver, vice president Jenny Smith and secretary treasurer Teresa Howell.

And new Arkansas Razorback basketball coach Nolan Richardson was pictured calling the Hogs at the NEARK Razorback Club meeting in Paragould. He noted that his goal is to win a national championship.

1990

Incumbent sheriff Darvin Stow beat challenger Cloyce Pierce in the primary election of 1990, while challenger Travis Boyd unseated incumbent judge Harry Niewald. A mock election at PHS that week resulted in a win for Stow, but Niewald carried the unofficial ballot in the judge race.

The PHS class of 1990 is set to graduate June 1 with valedictorian Angie Turner and salutatorian Rebekah Parker. This week's paper also included a feature by Peggy Johnson as she interviewed Turner and fellow seniors Chris Lewis and Tory Smith on their feelings as they approached the big day.

Rain hampered the annual Memorial Day service at Piggott Cemetery, with the activities moved into the maintenance shed. Ida Glasglow placed the wreath, Rev. Leonard Nash brought the sermon and Erik Samples of the PHS band played Taps. The rain also wreaked havoc on the annual Arts and Crafts Fair on the downtown square.

A cornerstone has been placed at the PHS band room in honor of longtime band director Ed White. On hand for the dedication were his son, Steve White along with his granddaughter Sarah White and his wife Lourine. White passed away Jan. 18 at age 72. He had served as the Piggott band director from 1955 to 1979.

Construction continues on the new Clay County jail at Piggott, with the foundation work complete. And Scott Roofe of Piggott was named the outstanding junior at Arkansas State University involved in the Military Science program.