It happened here, years ago

Local residents watched in horror the afternoon of Thursday, July 30 as a C-130 transport plane exploded in mid-air and crashed to the ground about a half mile west of Piggott. All six crewmen aboard the plane, which was on a training mission out of Little Rock Air Force Base, were killed leaving a grisly scene on the ground as hundreds rushed to the location. The crash site was just north of what is now West Clay Street, at the bottom of the hill southeast of Kilbreath's riding arena.

Also in the news, local beauties Cheryl Haywood, Carolyn Campbell and Melinda Hampton will represent Piggott in the Campbell Peach Festival Pageant. And 36 contestants are signed-up for the Miss and Little Miss Greenway Pageants at their picnic, Monday, Aug. 10.

At the Carolyn Theater this week--Glen Campbell and Joe Namath in "Norwood" along with "The Secret of Santa Vittorio."

The Alaska Queen reports that they will be open Wednesday, but closed Sundays, beginning Aug. 9. And support prices have been announced for Clay County crops, including $2.28 a bushel for soybeans and $1.32 a bushel for wheat.

The Piggott Little League All-Stars won a tournament at Leachville, and along the way Mark Mann got his second no-hitter of the year. Also on the roster for coaches Jim Bowman and Rex Cate were--Tony Conley, Reggie Metheney, Mark Tanner, Mark D. Tanner, Sherrill Hoggard, Eric "Moby Dick" Janes, Barry Broadway, Jeffrey Howell, Jeff Tanner, John Cole, Neal Cate, Steve Langley, Mike Haley and Randy McComb.

1980

Record high temperatures have persisted for five weeks, with only one day the final week of July below the 100 degree mark. The highs in Piggott for July 28 to 31 were 100, 101, 104 and 104. And, there was only one recorded rainfall during the month. Also in the news, jail escapee Steven Hayes, 18, was captured near Rector after being on the run for two days. He escaped from the jail at Piggott when he struck jailer Darvin Stow with a large bottle of Pine-Sol.

Tammy Henson was crowned Miss Greenway and her court included alternates Karen and Margaret Florke. Nicole Speer was Little Miss Greenway, and her alternates were Robbie Wells and Lealani Hardin. Meanwhile, Burr Swann is the new conservationist for Clay County as he takes over for Ray South, who was transferred to Batesville.

At the Carolyn Theater this week--Burt Reynolds in "Rough Cut."

Former Piggott resident Craig Morris was featured as he prepared to perform in a television program on a Little Rock station. In a related note, his parents--Irvin and Shelbye Morris, were set to mark their 25th wedding anniversary at their home in Paragould.

James Pryor McComb, 15 month old son of Gary and Cindy McComb, got his first haircut recently from Ronny Graddy. And "Elvis Week" is set for Aug. 9 to 17 at Libertyland in Memphis as the city prepares to mark the third anniversary of his death.

Attending basketball camp at ASU were--Joe Gregory, Joe Mowery, David Benson, Mike Book, Wade Baker, Jeff Benbrook, Greg Mallard and Scott Parton.

1985

The sale of the former Brown Shoe building to the city was discussed at the monthly city council meeting. Aldermen also discussed the annexation of 120 acres in the Wiley Addition that was recently approved. Also in the news, the state set guidelines for home schools--and the Clay County Central Regional Water Distribution District was approved for a $330,000 loan from the FmHA.

Holly Hayes of Rector was named Miss Greenway, and her court included Tammy Duncan, Regina Byrd, Tabby Reaves and Kristy Phares. Meanwhile, this year's St. Francis Picnic report indicates a profit of over $9,000.

At the Carolyn Theater this week "Silverado."

Births to report include a son to Brion and Brenda Baker of Piggott back on the Fourth of July at Arkansas Methodist in Paragould. They've named the new addition Brion Nicholas. And Brett and Cathy Haywood report the birth of their first child, a son, July 26 at Fort Walton Beach, Fla. They've named their new baby boy Judson Alan.

The John Deere girls softball team finished their season with a third place finish in the state in their age group. Meanwhile, the Piggott Little League All-Stars beat Rector in their first game. The squad included--Darrin Cluck, Todd Day, Scott McCrillis, Jack Dalton, Chris Morris, Mark Samples, Sean Martin, John Cooper, Mark Box and John Howell.

1990

An early morning abduction Aug. 6 in Pocahontas resulted in Clay County's second murder investigation in as many weeks. Apparently Jimmy Smart, 39, of Corning abducted and later killed Teresa Price, 30, at a cabin near Datto. He was arrested after a failed suicide attempt and confessed to the crime. Meanwhile, David Cannady, 36, a shift supervisor at Darling in Corning was arrested and charged in the murder of a co-worker, Mary Baker of Doniphan. Apparently Cannady killed Baker after being pressured about money he apparently owed her for drug purchases.

Congrats to Patrice Hargrave of Piggott, Miss Greenway for 1990. Her alternates were Emily Seal and Tina Piland, both of Piggott. Also in the news, a meeting will be held Aug. 9 at the courthouse in Piggott on being prepared for a major earthquake along the New Madrid Fault. The meeting was in response to a prediction that a large quake would strike the region Dec. 2.

Those earning nurses' aide certificates at the Piggott Nursing Center recently were Pat Lewis, Judy Parrish, Betty Mittes, Lillie Vierling, Howard Crews, Dana Warren, Gloria Hampton, Mary Cato, Belinda Owen, Georgia Risner, Pauline Harris, Alice Harmon, Wanda Parrish and Elaine Mobley.

John Robert Brown has retired from the Piggott Post Office after a 42 year career at the facility. He was first hired as a part-time carrier June 1, 1948. And Carol Tate is the new secretary at the Piggott Chamber of Commerce.

In sports, former Mohawk football standout Link Fuller, who had previously worked as a scout for the Dallas Cowboys, returned to the area recently to speak at a Christian youth crusade at the Moark Central Building.