It happened

School was set to start Aug. 31 for local students, with an open house scheduled for the day before. Also on tap, a meeting will be held at the courthouse for merchants, and their wives, concerning the new food stamp program. Also in the news, Jim Seal has been accepted to pharmacy school at Little Rock and 1970 grad William (Bill) Maurice Threet has received an athletic scholarship to play football at Arkansas Tech at Russellville.

In a sharp contrast to the news of the previous week, a single engine plane occupied by a California man and his son crash landed near Crockett, and the two escaped injury. The pilot tried to make an emergency landing on the road south of Crockett, toward Mars Hill Church, but ran into the cotton field belonging to Hershell Branson.

Meanwhile, Sheila Gardener was crowned Miss Greenway, with alternates Linda Brown and Bonnie Smith. Meanwhile, Polly Vaughn was Little Miss Greenway; her alternates were her little sister Melissa and Angie Potts.

At the Carolyn Theater this week--"The Lawyer" was featured along with "Two Mules for Sister Sara" and "Paint Your Wagon."

Births to report include a son to Sp/5 and Mrs. Steve Holcomb of Colorado Springs, Colo. They've named their new arrival Steve Lance Holcomb.

The Seal's Pharmacy team took first in Pony League action this year under coaches Alvin Butler and Junior Luff. The roster included Gary Luff, Mike Morgan, Billy Jewell, Mark Butler, Jerry Broadway, Kim Eskew, Alan Bell and Gary Harris.

1980

School for Piggott students was scheduled to begin Aug. 18 this year, while Greenway students will convene Aug. 22. Also in the news, the 49th annual Clay County Fair was scheduled for Aug. 19 to 23 at the fairgrounds in Piggott. Local educators attending the Arkansas Education Association state conference recently were Kay Stow, Barbara Carrens, Sue Smith and Frank Smith.

The Neeley Stinebrook mobile home was destroyed by fire in the past week, and investigators believe the blaze broke out in the water heater. Meanwhile, it was announced that Larry's Apothecary was now open in the Piggott Medical Clinic building.

At the Carolyn Theater this week, "The Shining" prompting many to mimic the phrase "here's Johnny!"

On HBO this week the featured programs included the movies "The Main Event" and "Goldfinger" along with a live concert by Linda Rondstadt.

In sports, the team of Paula Blackwell and Shirley Magee of Piggott took first place in the KMAL-KTCB Tennis Tournament doubles competition at Malden. Blackwell also garnered "Best Dressed" honors. Meanwhile, a local men's softball tournament is set with 32 teams playing seven games per night.

It was also announced that unity would be the theme, as Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton was scheduled to address the Democratic National Convention. The speech would be made Thursday, Aug. 14 prior to the acceptance speeches of nominees Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale. The speech would also serve to introduce the up-and-coming Clinton to a larger political world, and helped pave is way to the White House.

1985

Three area residents were killed 25 years ago this week, when their truck was struck by a freight train near Mary's Chapel. Killed were the driver, Cecil Clifford Cunningham, 71, along with his passengers, Audra Eliza Cunningham, 68, and Wayne Turner, 68, all area residents. Meanwhile, the Piggott School Board approved average raises of $1,100 a year for teachers. The increase would raise the base salaries into a range of $13,900 to $18,226 per year.

It was also reported that Piggott students fared well in basic skills testing from the previous year, posting the highest marks in Clay County.

Congrats to the Don Kirklin family of Rector, they've been chosen the Clay County Farm Family of the Year for 1985. Meanwhile, the annual Clay County Fair will be held Aug. 22 to the 24 and will wrap-up with a demolition derby Saturday night.

At the Carolyn Theater this week, "A View to a Kill" was the feature while the late show was "Glitter."

Ethridge and Sulvanda Dover will mark their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 25 at the Piggott Community Center, and the new preacher at the Emmanuel Baptist Church is Rev. Bill Hutchings who comes to the job after serving at Success.

Mohawk football practice is underway, with 32 players on the roster for Coach Ed Winberry. Two new assistants also join the program this year, Fred Crawford and Jim McGrew. Crawford brings a wealth of experience, having coached at Dyersburg and Paragould among others. For McGrew, the position with the Tribe would be his first coaching job.

1990

Work is progressing on the new Clay County Jail, with the structure expected to be under roof by early September. Expected completion date is Christmas Eve. A meeting was held at the courthouse in Piggott recently, emphasizing earthquake awareness and preparedness. The meeting was prompted by predictions of a "big one" in early December.

For the first time, tobacco will be banned from Piggott school campuses when classes convene this year, although the punishment is still being decided for those caught. And, the annual Clay County Fair will be held Aug. 18 to 25 with a talent show, parade, and mud races on the schedule.

Lt. Gov. Winston Bryant was honored with a luncheon recently at the Sugar Creek Country Club in Piggott. He took a moment to pose for a picture with Harold Jinks, Charles Pollard, Eunice Hamilton and Al Hamilton. Meanwhile, the Rod and Gun Club will hold a skeet shoot Aug. 26, and the youth group of the St. Francis Baptist Church visited Eureka Springs and the Passion Play.

Several traffic accidents were investigated in Clay County during the month of July, and according to the Arkansas State Police the number one cause was driving too fast for conditions. Also in the news, Betty Birmingham has announced her candidacy for city clerk/treasurer and Sonny Hommell has joined Glen Sain Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Geo in Kennett as sales manager.

In sports, after nine years as head basketball coach at Piggott High School, Ted Box has announced that he has taken the same position at Batesville High and is leaving the local district.