It happened here, years ago

Over 4,800 Clay County residents cast ballots in the Democratic Primary Election, Aug. 25 while just over 200 took part in the Republican Primary. Boyce McLeskey was re-elected county clerk, Vaughn Webb was elected assessor and Guy Brinkley, Jr. was tabbed to be municipal judge. Meanwhile, Frank Carpenter and Doug Batey will be in a run-off for sheriff. Also in the news, the annual McDougal Picnic is at hand with the proceeds to benefit the Post Oak Cemetery.

George Roope of Pollard brought in the first open boll of cotton this year to the Time's office. Meanwhile, a big gospel concert has been scheduled in the "new" American Legion Building at Kennett. Performers include "The Songsmen" from Paragould and "Jack Campbell and the Ambassadors."

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features included "The Kremlin Letters" and "The Hawaiian."

A total of 12 new staff members have been hired at Piggott schools--two principals, a guidance counselor, three coaches and six elementary teachers. Also in the news, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Langley are set to mark their 50th wedding anniversary--and Angie Olds has been elected state 4-H secretary.

Clay County Implement Co. (in the Haywood Motors building) advertised that Joe Peace had joined them in the shop. They also advertised disc blades for $4.85 each and Hytran at $1.75 a gallon. Their new competition, Morris and Fry Equipment, noted they had the new International 815-915 combine series which featured a 150 bushel capacity and up to 144 horsepower engine.

1980

The Piggott school board voted to cut pay for certified and non-certified personnel at their regular meeting, citing a downturn in revenue as the cause. In a related note, Karen Johnson has been hired as the new home economics teacher at PHS. A Piggott grad, she was an honors student at UCA. Meanwhile, Kellie Jones of Piggott was crowned Miss Clay County at the annual fair. Her court included first and second alternates Karen Williams and Melissa Vaughn. Meanwhile, Heidi Jones of Rector was crowned Little Miss Clay County and her court included Heather Burns, Michelle Melton, Amy Pace and Nicole Speer.

Profit reports are in on area picnics. The Piggott Picnic grossed $49,754 with expenses of $40,368 for a net profit of $9,368. The Greenway picnic grossed $13,368 with expenses of $5,038 and showed a net profit of $8,329.

At the Carolyn Theater this week--"The Last Flight of Noah's Ark."

Some of the featured acts at this year's Mid-South Fair at Memphis will be Loretta Lynn and Eddie Rabbit.

In sports, Betty Russell and Ora Dean Sale of Piggott shot a 72 to take the women's 18 hole scramble at Sugar Creek Country Club in Piggott. And the Brown Shoe men's slow pitch softball team took third in their district, as they finished with a record of 17-3. Team members for coach/manager Rex Smart were--Rick Payne, Pat Mouton, Kenny Payne, Freddie Herren, Randy Jackson, Tony Conley, Gary Pollard, Billy Seal, Mark Tanner, Robert Shaw, Leon Malone, Robert England, Van Taylor and Mark Cate.

1985

Authorities have tentatively identified the body of a woman found northeast of Rector in the past week as that of Gena McFadden, 20, of Kennett. The investigation into the discovery continues. Also in the news, Angela Rockwell of Corning was crowned Miss Clay County and her court included--Tammy Donner, Melissa Grimes, Paula Blume, Shannon White, Johnna Bradshaw and Candy Williams.

With school set to get underway, parents were reminded to update their children's immunizations. Pictured getting her booster shot from health nurse Barbara Jones was little Natalie Johnson, daughter of Joe and Barbie.

At the Carolyn Theater this week--"E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial."

Four members of the Chalk Bluff Muzzleloaders brought home trophies from an event at Poplar Bluff. Steve White had two first, a second and a third in rifle shooting. Darrell Brown of Malden placed in rifle shooting, as did Wayne Mowery. Meanwhile, Clark Glass brought home a trophy in rifle shooting, and first place honors in both the tomahawk and knife throw.

Ralph Poole's 260 pound pumpkin was a big hit at the fair, although he noted that he had a bigger one at home in his garden near St. Francis.

In sports, the John Deere fast pitch girls softball team took second in a tournament at Poplar Bluff. Team members for coaches Scot Sale and Dale Chronister were--Robin Herren, Tory Smith, Elizabeth Sale, Sara White, Tammy Belote, Julie Davis, Mechelle Conley, Brande Chronister, Kim Henson, Lori Berry and Valerie Turner.

1990

Numbers from the 1990 Census indicated a 2,540 person drop in Clay County's population, or about 12.3 percent. The population in the county fell from 20,616 in 1980 to 18,076 this year. Cities fared a bit better, with Piggott growing from 3,762 to 3,775 while Corning fell from 3,650 to 3,312 and Rector fell from 2,336 to 2,268 over the ten year period.

Four new teachers are on staff at Piggott Schools this year. Gosnell native Robbie Mosley will coach football and Brian Hamm from Poplar Bluff takes over for longtime head basketball coach Ted Box. Former kindergarten teacher Francine Howell returns as a fourth grade teacher and the other addition is Tami Shaw of Pollard. Meanwhile, the new St. Francis Post Office is now open--offering 24 hour lobby service. The new post office also has keys, as opposed to the old combination lock boxes.

Mr. and Mrs. Taff Galyean will be treated to a 50th anniversary celebration Sept. 1 in Piggott. The couple was married Sept. 25, 1940 in Hickoria. And this year's first open cotton boll was brought in by little Disnee Parks, with help from mom Tammy. It was grown on grandpa Eugene Park's farm near Greenway.

A total of 2,111 exhibits were entered in the annual Clay County Fair, submitted from a total of 560 exhibitors. Winners in the youth division of the annual talent show were Ashley Hall of Peach Orchard, Leslie Morrisett of Pollard and Serena Williams of Rector.

In sports, the Mohawks will open the football season at Westside--and the Lady Mohawk volleyball team will begin their campaign against non-conference Crowley's Ridge Academy.