It happened here, years ago

Longtime local businessman Arnna L. Patterson, 71, died June 22, 1970 at Piggott Hospital. A two term alderman and community activist, Patterson had moved to the city in 1918 and married the former Stella Taylor in 1921. After working at the Famous Store and Hamilton Hardware he opened Patterson's Grocery in 1946 with son Dallas. Also in the news, Robin Miller received the God and Country award at the recent Boy Scout banquet. Also recognized with awards were scouts Jeff Howell, Neal Cate and Paul Catterton.

Political announces this week includes Fred Williams for tax assessor, as he joins Vaughn Webb in that race.

The Jaycees will hold their annual auction July 3 on the square, with the proceeds to pay for repairs to the Piggott Swimming Pool. And new employees at The Piggott Times include Linda Poole and PHS senior Mark Kelso.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features included "The Good Guys vs the Bad Guys" along with "The Cockeyed Cowboys of Calico County" and "Oliver!"

Local workers at the Girl Scout day camp at the Ed Holifield farm north of Boydsville included--Dorothy Dehls, Janet Roeder, Millicent Hinkle, Gwen Duckworth, Beverly Irby, Carol Holifield, Betty Pollard, Marie Pitts and Lottie Gookin. Those that helped for just a day included Lulu Brandon, Julie Pollard, Charlene Reagan, Evon Crow, Jon Lea Mann and Polly Ozbun.

And it was noted that Cathy Jane Jones, Miss Rector 1969, will take part in the Miss Arkansas Pageant in Hot Springs in July.

1980

Friday, June 20, 1980 proved to be one of the darkest days in Clay County history with the discovery of a triple murder near Greenway. The bodies of Margaret Ann Mack, 47, Melissa Ann Mack, 7, and David Williams, 59, were discovered in the burning home of Blanche Cluck by passing motorists. Later Williams' son, David, 22, would be arrested and charged in the deaths.

Kay Stow of Piggott has been chosen as the First Congressional District delegate for the upcoming Democratic National Convention in New York. And, with the Fourth of July picnic at hand everyone was reminded that pies were still needed for the kitchen, contestants were needed for the pageants and entries were needed for the parade.

At the Carolyn Theater this week "Coal Miner's Daughter."

Miss Piggott 1979, Tammy Winberry, cut the ribbon to officially open the new Piggott Swimming Pool just after noon, Saturday, June 21. According to pool manager Cindy Camp, a total of 182 people passed through the gate that day, 176 on Sunday and 150 on Monday.

Mrs. T.A. Gilkison was pictured trading-in her 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air on a new Impala at Hardcastle Chevrolet. Charles Hardcastle, who sold her husband the Bel Air on July 3, 1953 for $2,346, posed with her and her daughter Eunice Elliott and both vehicles. She noted that she would drive the old Bel Air in the parade for the final time, adding that in the 58,000 miles they had put on the car they'd had very little trouble--and it always started in cold weather.

1985

Plans are complete for the upcoming Fourth of July Picnic and the first annual Hemingway Days, sponsored by the Piggott Chamber of Commerce. Meanwhile, a dinner was held for Ivan "Pop" Meade as he retired from the Piggott Municipal Light, Water and Sewer Department. Meade had been with the city since 1949.

There was a close call for Major Alan Cox, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dorris Cox of Piggott recently in Germany. Cox had left the Frankfurt Airport just two hours prior to an explosion that killed three, and injured over 40 others, in an apparent terrorist attack. He's currently stationed in Bossier City, La. And it was reported that the Montgomery Ward Catalog store. located at 129 South Third Street, would be closing June 29. Currently a closeout sale is in progress.

At the Carolyn Theater this week, "Rambo, First Blood, Part II."

Births to report include a son to Kim and Melinda Eskew of Van Buren on June 13. They've named the new arrival Chad Byron. And Mr. and Mrs. Roger Cale of Piggott report the birth of their daughter, Mandy Jo, May 15 at Doctor's Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff.

Local residents were reminded that fireworks were now on sale at Boyd's Fruit Stand, located on Highway 62 a half-mile east of Pollard.

And Piggott Community Hospital conducted a disaster drill recently, caring for 12 "victims" in various businesses around the court square.

1990

The annual Fourth of July Picnic was set, with Gov. Bill Clinton scheduled as Grand Marshall of the parade. This week also included a history of the picnic, and cemetery, from Anne Winchester--and Willard Hughes and Ed Thompson were pictured repairing a stand. Meanwhile the schedule of events, and list of workers, was released for the Pollard Picnic set for July 7.

Safe driving awards at the Piggott Post Office went to Anthony Pace, Johnny Hickson, Vince Wilhite, Brion Baker and Ricky Smart. Meanwhile, a "School's Out" concert at the fairgrounds featured "the largest sound system between St. Louis and Memphis" (gee, that sounds familiar)

Five juveniles were arrested following a crime spree recently, which began with the theft a car belonging to Keith and Karen Crittenden from their home on 12th Street. Also in the news, Kenneth Renshaw is now an official weather watcher with KAIT-TV and McGruff the Crime Dog visited Piggott Library and was pictured with little Taylor Gregory. Congratulations are in order for Ethel Mohler. She earned her MA in curriculum and teaching from Michigan State University June 9. Keynote speaker at the commencement was Chrysler Corp. CEO Lee Iacocca.

In sports, the Junior Babe Ruth district is set in Piggott. The roster of the local team includes--Joe Dalton, Kris Pollard, Brian Howrey, Blaine Howell, Billy Joe Seal, Richie Culver, Jonny Smith, Michael Lemmons, Jeremy Blascoe, Tate Fuwell, Mason Mack, Shannon Smart, Kerry Champ and Kevin Blascoe.