Piggott Times: Columns: Tim Blair

(Untitled) (09/01/10)
1970 Three races in the Democratic run-off Sept. 8, as Dale Bumpers faces Orval Faubus for governor, Jim Harrell and Dr. Bob Riley contend for Lt. Governor and it will be either Frank Carpenter or Doug Batey for Clay County Sheriff. The annual Clay County Fair is at hand, along with the Labor Day picnics in Rector and McDougal. Meanwhile, the annual Piggott Fourth of July Picnic grossed nearly $26,000 according to Kenneth Mowery. Expenses were around $16,500 with a net profit of $9,463...

It happened here, years ago (08/25/10)
1970 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...

It happened here, years ago (08/18/10)
1970 Construction is underway on the new H.W. Gossard plant on the east edge of Piggott, with the work being done by contractor Earl Kirk of Paragould. Also in the news, Ida Mills, 75, of Rector was killed in a crash in that city in the past week when the car driven by her husband, William, pulled into the path of a car driven by a Lafe man. The mishap occurred at the intersection of Fifth and Woodland Heights...

It happened (08/11/10)
1970 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...

It happened here, years ago (08/04/10)
1970 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...

It happened here, years ago (07/28/10)
1970 Groundbreaking for the new Gossard plant on Piggott's east side was held July 23 with an expected completion date of Dec. 1. Local civic leaders in the group photo included James L. Magee, Francis Knuckles, Bill Irby, Mayor Ernest "Buck" Thomas and Lloyd Russell. The area's mayors also posed for a photo, and that group included Buck Thomas of Piggott, Dave Pillow of St. Francis, Buck Millikin of Greenway and Leslie Dunlap of Pollard...

It happened here, years ago (07/14/10)
1970 This week in time young Holly Litzelfelner, 14, of Piggott was touted as having "True Grit" after she encountered a man attempting to steal the family car behind Roeder's Ben Franklin Saturday afternoon. Holly dissuaded the man from taking the vehicle by refusing; at a distance, to get in the car or run for help and allow him to escape--other than as he eventually did, on foot. ...

It happened here, years ago (07/07/10)
1970 In an outstanding show of community solidarity, Piggott citizens voted 707 to 5 to pass an Act 9 bond issue to fund the construction of the new Gossard plant (now Aerial Bouquets). Bids on the 72,000 square foot facility would be let and construction underway by late July with the job to be finished by early December...

It happened here, years ago (06/30/10)
1970 The program was set for the annual Fourth of July Picnic this week in time, with keynote speakers Gov. Win Rockefeller and former governor Orval Faubus. Meanwhile, the annual Crockett Picnic to benefit the Mars Hill Cemetery is scheduled for July 8. The Chamber of Commerce discussed obtaining federal funding to build a new community center at their recent meeting. Also discussed was the need for qualified laborers for the proposed Gossard factory...

It happened here, years ago (06/28/10)
1970 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. ...

It happened here, years ago (06/16/10)
1970 Plans continue for the Piggott Fourth of July Picnic, with entertainment scheduled by "The Collection" of Caruthersville, and "The Country Airs" featuring Brenda Palmer, from Bernie. Ernest Webster also was pictured with the 1970 Chevrolet Impala to be given away. And Dallas Johnson reminded everyone that the Pollard picnic would be held Wednesday, July 15...

It happened here, years ago (06/09/10)
1970 A total of 30 cars of a southbound Cotton Belt freight train derailed near Halliday June 7, 1970, though no one was injured. Also in the news, the special election to authorize the issuance of Act 9 bonds to finance construction of the new Gossard plant was explained to local voters...

It happened here, years ago (06/02/10)
1970 The Piggott Chamber of Commerce hosted a special meeting 40 years ago this week to promote passage of a bond issue in a special election July 7. If passed, the bonds would pay for construction of the new H.W. Gossard Company factory on the east side. Meanwhile, Gold Star Mother, Mrs. Alvin Hogard, laid the wreath for the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Piggott Cemetery. She was escorted by World War I veterans Bill Leonard and John Grigsby...

It happened here, years ago (05/26/10)
By TIM BLAIR 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...

It happened here, years ago (05/19/10)
1970 Negotiations are underway to bring a garment factory to the city and a local delegation traveled to Chicago in an attempt to seal the deal. The group included Lloyd Russell, Bill Irby, James L. Magee, Mayor Buck Thomas and chamber president Frank Knuckles. The company was expected to build a 71,000 square foot facility and employ 200-300 workers. Also topping the news, Linda Stidham was valedictorian and Jeanette Bedwell the salutatorian as the PHS class of 1970 was set for graduation...

It happened here, years ago (05/12/10)
1970 The Piggott school board advertised for bids on two pre-fabricated classrooms at their regular monthly meeting, the annual PHS band concert was set for May 17 and the Gladys Jones kindergarten at the First Baptist Church was set to begin May 19. Political announcements included Clarence Rodery for circuit clerk, Vaughn Webb for tax assessor and Liddell Jones for sheriff...

It happened here, years ago (05/05/10)
1970 The Piggott and Corning student councils voted to purchase a trophy to be awarded to the winner of the annual cross-county football game. Since the Mohawks prevailed in the last meeting, the trophy was presented to PHS student council president Joe Cole, vice president Rick Rodery and Bill Threet by Corning High student council president Randy Lillard and vice president Bobby Hester. ...

It happened here, years ago (04/22/10)
1970 Wednesday, April 15 was officially "Mr. Holifield Day" at Piggott Elementary School as the longtime educator was recognized. A 1930 graduate of PHS, and member of the first-ever Mohawk football team of 1929, Holifield had been teaching since 1932, and had served as the principal at PES since 1958...

It happened here, years ago (04/15/10)
1970 Congrats to R.C. Pounds of Pollard, as he was recipient of the Sportsmanship award at the state fox and wolf trials at Mayflower. Pounds is president of the Tri-County Fox and Wolf Assoc. and a longtime proponent of the sport along with his wife Fayeon...

It happened here, years ago (04/08/10)
1970 Funeral services for noted educator Dr. Ralph McNeil, Dean of Adelphia (N.Y.) College were held March 30 at the First United Methodist Church of Piggott. A native of Rector, McNeil moved to Piggott when his father George was elected sheriff. ...

It happened here, years ago (04/01/10)
1970 Pioneer architect and builder Eldridge Ellis (E.E.) Porterfield, 90, died March 27, 1970 at Piggott Hospital (one of the buildings he designed). Other buildings designed by Porterfield were the old First Baptist Church and the United Methodist Church. After the original First Baptist Church building burned in the 1960's the firm co-owned by his son designed its replacement...

It happened here, years ago (03/24/10)
1970 The Piggott Jaycees have begun a project to have at park built at the Civil War battle site at Chalk Bluff. Landowner Cecil Dalton is reportedly interested in selling the 40 acres adjacent to the site along the St. Francis River. In a related note, the annual Jaycees Easter egg hunt will be held March 29 at the fairgrounds...

It happened here, years ago (03/17/10)
1970 The derailment of a Cotton Belt freight train left 34 cars off the tracks in the Mary's Chapel community west of Greenway March 15. The crashing train cars also interrupted long distance service in Piggott and Rector as phone lines were destroyed. ...

It happened here, years ago (03/10/10)
Times News Staff 1970 Piggott school patrons approved a six-mill tax increase by a wide margin 40 years ago this week, as the measure passed 1,026 to 425. Hershel Toombs also was elected to the school board. Also in the news, the annual Lion's Club variety show is set for Friday, March 13 in the PHS gym...

It happened here, years ago (03/04/10)
1970 Local residents were warned 40 years ago, that there was no safe way to view the upcoming solar eclipse. The 85-mile wide eclipse was set for 1:30 p.m. March 7, and would last about three minutes. ...

It happened here, years ago (02/25/10)
1970 The Piggott School Board asked patrons to consider a six-mill increase 40 years ago this month. The additional funding was needed to address acute needs identified by the North Central Association, including--smaller classes, new classes such as speech and journalism and addressing the special education program at the high school. ...

It happened here, years ago (02/17/10)
1970 Another piece of Piggott history bit the dust this week in time, as workers razed the old ice house on West Main (site of the current library). The ice house was added to W.F. Smith's soda bottling company in 1921. ...

It happened here, years ago (02/10/10)
1970 The Greenway City Council approved the 1970 budget at their recent meeting. In political announcements, L.D. "Doug" Batey announced that he was running for sheriff and collector after serving two terms as the county's circuit clerk and recorder...

It happened here, years ago (02/03/10)
1970 The annual Boy Scout Court of Honor was held Feb. 2 at the First United Methodist Church. Two members were named as Eagle Scouts, as both Robin Miller and Stephen Daffron earned the coveted distinction. They were joined by current Eagle Scouts Larry Martin and Jim Richardson. Others earning awards were Lewis Sells, John Payne, Joe Cox, Paul Hoggard and Bert Watson...

It happened here, years ago (01/27/10)
1970 Josie Brandon will be promoted to director of the Clay County Welfare Office effective Feb. 1. The current caseworker supervisor is 23 year veteran of the department. She and her husband James are lifelong residents of the area. ...

It happened here, years ago (01/21/10)
1970 Kindergarten Headstart graduation for the first session was held in the past week, with speaker Virginia Adkinson of Corning. Meanwhile, the Clay County Farm Bureau board of directors met with vice president Lloyd Vangilder presiding and secretary G.C. Flanigan presenting the budget...

It happened here, years ago (01/13/10)
1970 Snow extended Christmas vacation for Piggott students 40 years ago, as five snow days were added to the holiday break. Pictured with his sled on grade school hill was Boyce Cate, while Tom Janes, Howard Johnson and Otto Payne were pictured removing snow from sidewalks in front of businesses downtown. ...

It happened here, years ago (01/07/10)
1970 The first baby of the year, and the new decade, born at Piggott Hospital was little Tanya Ann Speer. She was the daughter of Garry and Mary Ann Speer of Route 2, Piggott, and was delivered Jan. ...

It happened here, years ago (12/30/09)
As we begin the fourth year of this feature column here are a few reminders. The news items are reported as they were presented at the time, and may include misspelled words or other mistakes. Importance of content is usually based on where the story appeared originally, or in light of any long term impact. ...

It happened here, years ago (12/24/09)
1969 With the Christmas mailing season in full swing, the staff of the Piggott Post Office was pictured on the front page this week in time. They included Jim Mowery, Jerry Sale, Junior Blake, John Ed Lingle, Lyman Sneed, Ed Causey, Bob Johnson, John Robert Brown, Frank Seal and D.H. ...

It happened here, years ago (12/17/09)
1969 With the arrival of the holiday season, the Piggott Jaycees announced their annual lighting contest 40 years ago this week. On a more somber note, Kenneth Rodery of Piggott sustained a serious head injury Dec. 12 when the tire from a big truck he was working on exploded. He was listed in satisfactory condition at Baptist Hospital in Memphis at last report...

It happened here, years ago (12/09/09)
1969 A special awards assembly was held at Piggott High School in the past week to recognize the 2-A district football champion Mohawks. Coach Carl "Zig" Williams showed off the championship trophy and recognized players singled-out for post-season honors. And PHS principal Leslie Steele presented the coaches with a commemorative plaque...

It happened here, years ago (12/02/09)
1969 First Lt. Alvin Royce Williams indicated that the Piggott National Guard Armory got a good report from their recent inspection. The armory is home to Company A (pt), 2nd battalion of the 153rd Infantry of the Arkansas Army National Guard. ...

It happened here, years ago (11/26/09)
1969 The Piggott Mohawks fell to the Augusta Red Devils 8-49 in their playoff game Nov. 22 at Kays Stadium at ASU. The Tribe's only score came on a 10 yard touchdown pass from Jimmy Johnson to Gary Wiley, and Rick Rodery added the two-point conversion. ...

It happened here, years ago (11/18/09)
1969 The Piggott Mohawks won the 2-A football championship Friday, Nov. 14 as they visited the Corning Bobcats and shut out their cross-county rivals 28-0. Rick Rodery had the first touchdown of the game, and the following Bobcat drive ended as Kenny Payne recovered a fumble on the Mohawk 13. ...

It happened here, years ago (11/11/09)
1969 Sheila Jewell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Jewell, was crowned PHS Homecoming Queen for 1969, and her court included--maids Diana Hughes, Sheila Taylor, Donna Jo Cluck and Barbara Batey. ...

It happened, years ago (11/05/09)
1969 On a rainy Halloween night 40 years ago the Piggott Mohawks earned at least a tie for the conference championship and a trip to the playoffs, with an 18-6 win over the Marion Spartans. ...

It happened here, years ago (10/28/09)
1969 The Piggott Chamber of Commerce elected new officers 40 years ago last week, with Frank Knuckles elected president and Rex Watson vice president..meanwhile Randall Davis was elected to the board. ...

It happened here, years ago (10/21/09)
1969 40 years ago this week it was announced that Arkansas and Missouri officials had decided on the location for re-routing Arkansas 90 and Missouri 84 between Holly Island and Kennett. ...

It happened, years ago (10/14/09)
1969 The David Lawrence family was the Clay County Farm Family of the Year for 1969. The couple had farmed north of Pollard since 1931, and their operation had grown to 1,211 acres. The Lawrences have two children, daughter Martina Davis and son Gaylon. ...

It happened, years ago (10/08/09)
1969 The 1969 Clay County Fair was termed a "financial success" with good crowds enjoying mild weather. This year's fair boasted a total of 1,317 exhibits and 17 educational booths. Also in the news, 57 people were on hand for the annual Pollard reunion Oct. ...

It happened, years ago (09/30/09)
1969 Sports topped the headlines 40 years ago this week, as the Mohawks dropped a 20-27 loss at Malden Friday, Sept. 26 1969. Rick Rodery had two touchdowns, with David Williams connecting with Richard Robinson for the third. ...

It happened here, years ago (09/24/09)
1969 The annual Chamber of Commerce dinner was set for Sept. 25 at the War Memorial Building in Piggott, with speaker Jim Johnson of Jonesboro; executive director of Boy Scouts of America in Northeast Arkansas. ...

It happened here, years ago (09/17/09)
1969 Donna Vester of Corning was named Miss Clay County for 1969; local girls among the alternates were Rhonda Wiley, Jill Litzelfelner and Melinda Hampton. Meanwhile, the grand champion Angus heifer and bull were from Haley Angus Farm and Dick Haley and daughter Diana were pictured; while the Hereford grand champs were from the Aubrey Vangilder Ranch and he was pictured with his twin grandsons Keith and Calvin Evans.. ...

It happened, years ago (09/09/09)
1969 "Mohawks mangle Manila in season opener" was the headline 40 years ago this week, as the Tribe began the 1969 season with a 39-6 win over the Lions. Mackey Donner took the opening kickoff of the season, and four straight runs by Rick Rodery resulted in the first TD. ...

It happened, years ago (09/02/09)
1969 Featured at the 1969 Clay County Fair will be Yung Yu Rides and Concessions, and among the rodeo entrants will be local cowboys Gary Nichols, Barry Kilbreth, Darrell Galyean and Rick Haley. ...

It happened, years ago (08/26/09)
1969 The Clay County Fair Board has announced that there will be no gate fee for admission to this year's fair, although it will cost $1 for adults and fifty-cents for kids to get into the rodeo. ...

It happened here, years ago (08/19/09)
1969 Arkansas' new implied consent law was explained on the front page of the newspaper 40 years ago this week, as the State Police sought to clarify the issue of submitting to a sobriety test and the consequences for refusing. Also in the news, Former Piggott resident Linda (Wheeler) Massie was profiled for her work with a firm that took care of communications, telemetry, computation, timing and measuring for NASA and the recent Apollo 11 moon shot. ...

It happened, years ago (08/12/09)
1969 Superintendent J.B. Swift reports that Piggott School will open Tuesday, Sept. 2 with first through fourth grades attending Central Elementary, fifth graders attending classes at St. Francis and the sixth graders attending at Pollard. Buses would pick up those students at Central Elementary and the old gym each morning, and drop them off there in the afternoons...

It happened, years ago (08/05/09)
1969 The Piggott area now has direct dial long distance service thanks to new technology installed by General Telephone. Mayor Ernest "Buck" Thomas was pictured making a call along with aldermen Charlie Bill Smith, Ernie Hampton and W.G. ...

It happened, years ago (07/29/09)
1969 Six people were injured in a two vehicle accident on Highway 90 west of Rector 40 years ago last week. The incident occurred as a pickup, driven by Love Cate of Rector, turned into the path of a station wagon driven by Jan Rockwell of Corning. The injured included several kids in the Rockwell car, though none of them were serious...

It happened, years ago (07/22/09)
1969 Residents of the Piggott area joined the remainder of the world Sunday, July 20 of 1969 as Neil Armstrong and "Buzz" Aldrin of Apollo 11 landed on the moon. Armstrong made his famous "first step" around 9:56 p.m. local time..with Aldrin joining him on the lunar surface around 10:30...

It happened, years ago (07/15/09)
1969 A total of 49 campers attended MOARK Youth Camp near St. Francis recently; camp director was Rev. Otto Freeman. Also in the news, Gerald Vaughn, Thelbert Holifield and Darrell Binkley attended the state FFA leadership conference from the Piggott chapter. ...

It happened, years ago (07/08/09)
1969 The 41st annual Piggott Fourth of July picnic was a record-setter, with a crowd estimated at 20-25 thousand people despite temperatures near 100 all day. Rhonda Wiley was crowned Miss Piggott, and her alternates were Cheryl Haywood and Donna Jo Cluck. ...

It happened here, years ago (06/24/09)
1969 Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller will be among the dignitaries at the annual Fourth of July Picnic, and Ernest Webster was pictured showing off the new Ford Galaxie 500 to be given away. Meanwhile, a big crowd is expected for the third annual Saddle Club rodeo, featuring rodeo clown and bullfighter Eugene "Tex" Roberts...

It happened, years ago (06/17/09)
1969 It was reported 40 years ago this week that 1,743 families in Clay County, or just over 30-percent, now live below the poverty level. This compares to 22.6-percent nationwide and 32.4-percent statewide, but is well below the 46.1-percent that was recorded back in 1960. The poverty level was set at $1,085 per year for a single person up to $5,090 for a non-farm family of seven people...

It happened here, years ago (06/11/09)
1969 Four members of the Piggott FFA received the State Farmer Degree at the 42nd annual state convention at Hot Springs, including--Gary Nichols, Steve Latta, Eddie Flanigan and Steve Champ. Larry Moody also attended as a voting delegate. Also in the news, 27 young ladies have registered so far for Miss Piggott 1969...

It happened, years ago (06/03/09)
1969 John Douglas Johnson, 37, of Flint, Mich. was killed 40 years ago last week when the airplane he was piloting crashed behind his sister's house at Lower Boydsville. Johnson had left his family at the Kennett airport and was flying over the house of his sister, Betty Lou Milburn, to signal their arrival from Michigan and secure a ride from the airport at the time. ...

It happened, years ago (05/27/09)
1969 Former Piggott Mayor John Wesley James died suddenly 40 years ago last week. James, a native of Ravenden Springs, was survived by wife Mary Francis, son Johnny Mack James and daughter Nancy Shanklin. In other news, three Piggott teachers will retire this year and take with them a wealth of experience. The include--Mr. H.O. Hawkins with 23 years, Mary Gambill with 39 years and Bertha Edwards with 46 years in the classroom...

It happened, years ago (05/20/09)
1969 Two men, arrested in the burglary of the Thomas Brothers Hardware store in Corning, escaped from the county jail 40 years ago last week. The two, Irvin Cato of Piggott and William Henry Hill of Delaplaine, removed sheet metal and brick, and slid down blankets to freedom. ...

It happened here, years ago (05/14/09)
1969 A feature on the new East-West Industries factory was in this week's paper written by Times Editor Danny Seal. Elsewhere in the edition Seal announced that he would be leaving the job to take a position with the Texarkana Gazette. ...

It happened here, years ago (05/07/09)
1969 The Piggott City Council passed a stray dog ordinance 40 years ago last week, setting the fine at $1.50 for letting dogs run loose. Aldermen also discussed the ban on pool halls, which doesn't pertain to the new private club recreation center on Front Street (now Master Marketing). ...

It happened here, years ago (04/30/09)
1969 George Gasbarre, president of East-West Industries, spoke to the local Chamber of Commerce meeting about the company's new factory in Piggott. (what is now Print City, next to the community center) The company makes small parts from powdered metals, and expects to make shock absorber parts for the new Monroe plant at Paragould when it's completed...

It happened here, years ago (04/22/09)
1969 Friday, April 25 was the first day to register for the first grade for the coming year..and all students from the Piggott District will register at Central Elementary since it's the only location where first graders will be attending thanks to the new busing plan. ...

It happened here, years ago (04/16/09)
1969 A local man and his son escaped serious injury when their pickup was struck by a Cotton Belt freight train 40 years ago last Friday at the Terminal Road crossing in Piggott. Vernon Dixon, 39, and his son John, 6, were okay despite the fact the train knocked their truck over 80 feet. ...

It happened here, years ago (04/08/09)
1969 Local attorney Gus Camp was sworn-in as Clay County's first municipal judge 40 years ago last week, and will hold court in Piggott, Rector and Corning. Camp, who has practiced law in Piggott for 16 years, became judge as a result of Act 332 of 1969 and was appointed by Gov. ...

It happened here, years ago (04/01/09)
1969 The Piggott school board approved the plan to bus elementary students to various campuses for the coming year. The board voted to send first through fourth grade students to Central Elementary in Piggott, with fifth and sixth graders going to Pollard and St. ...

It happened here, years ago (03/26/09)
1969 Over 70 local people attended a meeting 40 years ago last week with personnel from the Missouri Association of Migrant Opportunities Services of Kennett. The meeting concerned the possibility of starting an adult education program in the community. ...

It happened here, years ago (03/18/09)
1969 In light of the failure of the proposed millage issue, teachers met with the Piggott school board 40 years ago last week prior to signing their new contracts. Discussed was a recommendation to split the classes among three elementary campuses, with first, second and sixth graders (total of 326 kids) going to Central in Piggott; third and fourth graders (195 students) going to Pollard and the fifth graders (116 of them) going to St. ...

It happened here, years ago (03/11/09)
1969 The proposed millage increase for Piggott schools was defeated by 34 votes, 40 years ago this past week. Patrons within the city voted in favor of the increase, while voters in St. ...

It Happened Here, Years Ago (03/04/09)
1969 A tragic single-vehicle crash in Jonesboro 40 years ago last week claimed the lives of three ASU students, two of which were Clay County natives and one a local man. Killed in the accident were Floyd Alan (Sonny) Rodery, 19, of Greenway and Danny Watson, 23, of Corning along with Larry Davidson, 21, of Marvell...

It happened here, years ago (02/25/09)
1969 The proposed millage increase will be decided by Piggott school patrons in the coming weeks, and the effort to educate voters on the need continues. Members of the Piggott Lions Club toured the PES campus in the past week, and were pictured visiting the sixth grade class of Delores Bellers. ...

It happened here, years ago (02/18/09)
1969 Mayor Thomas proclaimed Feb. 28 as "Gary Adams and Tommy Dixon Day" in Piggott, as the two former Mohawk stars, and current Arkansas Razorbacks, were to appear at the annual sports banquet that evening. In other news, M.C. Runnells, with the FBI office in Paragould, was the guest speaker at the Lions Club meeting...

It happened here, years ago (02/11/09)
1969 It was reported 40 years ago this week that Earl James Glover, 62, who served as sexton of the Piggott Cemetery for nearly 18 years, had died on Feb. 6. Also in the news, Norman Morrisett, 48, of Pollard was killed Feb. 11 at Clovis Moore's Service Station in McDougal when an air tank exploded...

It happened here, years ago (02/06/09)
1969 Late January brought heavy rains 40 years ago last week, forcing families from their homes and causing over $150,000 in damage to Clay County's roads and bridges. In other news, the Piggott City Council voted to accept a report from the city planning commission that calls for the extension of 8th Avenue north to U.S. ...

It happened here, years ago (01/15/09)
1969 In the news 40 years ago this week; the staff of The Piggott Times was pictured as they attended the 97th annual Arkansas Press Association meeting in Hot Springs. Also in the news, former Piggott resident Terry Max Meade was severely burned in an accident in Illinois; and Marvin Grissom, 21, of McDougal was sentenced to five years in prison for assaulting his 20 month old son.. ...

It happened here, years ago (01/07/09)
1969 The Piggott City Council held their first meeting of the year 40 years ago last week, and friction is already developing between several new members and Mayor Buck Thomas. In other news, Stephen Crowson of Greenway, a member of the Piggott FFA, was one of only 17 members of the organization to be given the coveted American Farmer Degree in the state. ...

It happened here, years ago (12/31/08)
This week's edition is a "cusp" report, featuring the news from the last week of some years and the first few days of others� 1968 The Piggott school board voted to ask patrons for a 10-mil tax increase 40 years ago last week. ...

It happened here, years ago (12/24/08)
1968 Piggott voters defeated proposed ordinance #239 by a vote of 574-129 this week in 1968, voting down a measure that would have set-up a utilities commission to oversee the city's light, water and sewer department. ...

It happened here, years ago (12/18/08)
1968 A traffic accident on Highway 139 south of Rector 40 years ago last week claimed the lives of a Piggott couple. Ivan and Hattie Ida Langley, both 74, were killed in the mishap. Meanwhile, Piggott Chapter 316 of the Eastern Star held installation of officers, while Piggott Lodge #545 will hold their installation Dec. 27...

It happened here, years ago (12/11/08)
1968 Members of the Piggott school board, local Chamber of Commerce and PTA hosted a meeting of parents from Piggott, Pollard and St. Francis 40 years ago last week. At issue were rumors that the outlying schools would be closed. ...

It happened here, years ago (12/04/08)
1968 Juanita Lee was crowned Little Miss Christmas Belle 1968, 40 years ago this past week. First alternate was Beth Hardcastle and second was Jania Whitehorn. Meanwhile, Piggott State Bank president T. W. Leggett has announced that three employees have been promoted to assistant cashier, including--Paula Gossett, Jimmy Poole and Evanell Beaver...

It happened here, years ago (11/27/08)
1968 Pfc. Jim Metz, son of Audine Lane of Piggott, was seriously injured in a freak accident in Vietnam 40 years ago last week. Metz was injured when two grenades accidently exploded killing three and wounding seven. ...

It happened here, years ago (11/20/08)
1968 Jimmie Davis and The Oak Ridge Boys will headline a fundraiser at the PHS gym Nov. 22, to benefit the Pollard Fire Department. The Pollard department was formed in March of 1967, and now boasts 20 members. ...

It happened, years ago (11/12/08)
1968 A strong earthquake shook Piggott, and portions of 22 states around 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8. The quake, centered 130 miles northwest of New Madrid, Mo., registered 5.5 on the Richter scale. Damage was minor and the only injury was a boy hit on the head by a falling brick in St. Louis...

It happened, years ago (11/06/08)
1968 Richard Nixon carried Clay County in the presidential election 40 years ago last week, narrowly edging out George Wallace. Countywide totals were Nixon 2,410, Wallace 2,258 and Hubert Humphrey with 1,663. In the local alderman races Charles Haywood was un-opposed, while W.C. Woolf beat Jim McKenzie; C.W. (Bill) Smith got by Joseph Adams and Ernie Hampton beat Frank Doty...

It happened, years ago (10/30/08)
1968 The Pobst family of Piggott (Roy, Mary and Connie Sue) were named Clay County Farm Family of the year 40 years ago this past week. In other news, several Piggott teachers addressed the school board concerning salaries, noting that they were the lowest paid when compared to personnel at Corning, Rector and Campbell�they also encouraged passage of a millage issue...

It happened here, years ago (10/23/08)
1968 Nicky Moody was named "Outstanding Jaycee of the Year" 40 years ago this past week. In other news, the Mohawk majorette line did well in state competition, garnering 10 blue ribbons and two red. Members were--Teresa Edwards, Melinda Hampton, Paula Ballard, Sandy McElvoy, Pam Camp and Pelicia Graddy...

It happened here, years ago (10/15/08)
1968 Due to requests for more specialized offerings the Clay County Cooperative Extension Service announced that they would be supplementing their services with more specialists in the near future. In other news 40 years ago this week, there was a "get out the vote" effort for the upcoming general election...

It happened here, years ago (10/09/08)
1968 Voters were reminded that a bond issue would appear on the Nov. 5 ballot, 40 years ago this week. If approved the issue would fund the construction of new jails in both Piggott and Corning at a cost of $92,500 each. ...

It happened here, years ago (10/01/08)
1968 Pocahontas Mayor Adrian White was the speaker at the monthly Piggott Chamber of Commerce meeting 40 years ago this past week. In other news, former teacher Marshall Eugene Hoggard has filed suit against the Piggott district after his contract was not renewed for the current term...

It happened here, years ago (09/24/08)
1968 Minnie Strickler day was observed at the First United Presbyterian Church in Piggott 40 years ago this past weekend, as the long-time choir director was honored for her many years of work. In other news, Carolyn Theater owner John Staples was recovering from heart attack he suffered Sept. 25, but is showing improvement...

It happened here, years ago (09/18/08)
1968 Teresa Simpson was crowned Miss Clay County from among 48 contestants 40 years ago this week, her court included--Pam Stacy, Barbara Featherston, Donajo Cluck, Julia Pollard, Angie Olds and Sara Santa Maria. Meanwhile, a picnic for World War I veterans was held at Crowley's Ridge State Park recently with around 200 vets and their families on hand...

It happened here, years ago (09/11/08)
1968 The Clay County Fair was set to begin 40 years ago this week, and would be held Sept. 12-14. The annual rodeo was set for Friday and Saturday nights, and 48 girls would compete for the title of Miss Clay County 1968...

It happened here, years ago (09/04/08)
1968 Last minute plans for the Clay County Fair were underway 40 years ago this coming week as the annual event would be held Sept. 12-14. This year's edition would include two big nights of rodeo action. ...

Tim Blair
It happened here, years ago