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. Meanwhile, Cindy Little was crowned Little Miss McDougal at their annual Homecoming, first alternate was Elizabeth Janes of Pollard and second was Penny Rogers of Piggott. Gayla Garver won the baby contest. It was also announced that Teresa Edwards will be one of three to represent NEARK in the Arkansas Junior Miss Pageant in Little Rock this December.

On the somber side, it was reported that Linda Smith, 5, of St. Francis died Aug. 28, at LeBonheur's Children's Hospital from Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a disease she contracted from a tick bite. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie Smith. And Paul Thomas Lack, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Lack of Piggott, was killed in a plane crash in Florida. He had been a professional flight instructor.

In the service; PN3 Larry Dunlap, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ryle Dunlap of Pollard, has left Vietnam after two tours and will next be stationed in Japan. And J.B. Thomas, son of Mr. and Mrs. Burnice Thomas of Pollard, has been promoted to Master Sergeant in the USAF.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features were "In Cold Blood" and "Will Penny" while the late show was "The Cat".

And finally, an ad by Art Holifield reported that he had leased his Lion Oil Station to Warner Hardin, and it would henceforth be known as Warner's Lion Station.

1978

The annual Clay County Fair underway 30 years ago this week, and on Thursday there would be a concert by "The Southern Gentleman" Sonny James. In other news, Charles Smart has been named the new manager of the local White River PCA office following the recent retirement of Sam Blackshare.

Beginning Sept. 11 Piggott Video Cable customers will be treated to a seven day free trial of HBO, as the new movie service is added to the cable line-up. The cable channel is being piped-in to the local area by way of a 350-foot tower at Malden.

Total enrollment in Piggott schools reached the 1,200 mark Tuesday, Sept. 5..enrollment numbers according to Superintendent R. E. Pogue were--Kindergarten through fourth grade 448, middle school or fifth through eighth 350 and high school or ninth through twelfth was 402. In other school news, an open house has been set for Sept. 17 at the new PHS building (now the elementary)..and the Lion's Club reports that the press box is complete and was ready in time for the junior high opener on the new Parker Field.

At the Carolyn Theater this week, "The Other Side of the Mountain" while the late show feature was "Reefer Madness".

In the service; Airman Granville L. Cate Jr. graduated a 37-week Russian language course recently…while Pvt. Norris C. Cate of the local National Guard completed basic and advanced training in Georgia.

At the grocery, Taylor's had corn on the cob at four ears for .49… a 32-ounce jug of Wisk liquid detergent was $1.09 and Pet Ritz Blackberry cobblers were $1.09 each.

1983

It was reported 25 years ago this week that Miss Ruth Gwin, longtime Piggott Librarian, died Aug. 30 at the age of 85. She had taken the job as librarian March 14, 1940 and retired on March 7, 1965. In other news, Alan D. Cox, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dorris Cox of Piggott, was promoted to the rank of Major in the USAF. He's currently trains navigators for B-52 crews at the airbase at Blytheville.

Brown Shoe Company marked the retirement of two longtime employees in the past weeks. Ruby Harris was hired April 2, 1948 and spent the last 26 years as the final inspector in packing. Sam Jewell was hired April 8, 1952 and was a last puller for the past 31 years.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Private School" with Phoebe Cates and the late show was "Fire Down Below".

In sports, the Mohawk football team beat Westside 27-15 to kickoff the season. Benny Fry had the first touchdown of the year, the first of two on the game, and led the team with 10 tackles. Coy Mauldin had 101 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown that was set-up by a Stacy Wade interception.. Mauldin also added another interception of his own and Mark Lewis had a TD on a fumble recovery. Mark Self was five of 10 passing for 75 yards and had three PAT's.. up next will be Pocahontas. Meanwhile the junior Mohawks are set to open their season at Highland.

1988

A lawsuit filed in connection with plans to build the new sewage treatment plant dominated the recent city council meeting in Piggott. Meanwhile, Gladys Watson beat Jerry Shipman in a run-off for the District five State Senate seat vacated with the death of her husband Tom Watson.

Little Mr. and Miss Labor Day at this year's picnic at Rector were Tyler Crittenden of Piggott and Devin Shelton of Rector.. first alternates were Jared Odom of Campbell and Meagan Dunlap of Piggott; second alternates were Jake Jones of Piggott and Cassie Palmer of Rector.

A total of 78 students are enrolled in kindergarten this year at Piggott, the teachers are Laura Duckworth, Julia Winberry, Cassy Murray and Barbara Johnson.

In sports, the Mohawks fell to Westside 26-0 to start their season as the Warrior's Scotty Jones had 162 yards on the ground and four TD's. Sophomore running back Ricky Shaw led the Tribe with 36 yards on 12 carries, Ronnie Cote had 29 yards but was lost to a season-ending knee injury and had surgery the following day. QB Brian Harmon had 19 yards and Gary Swift added 11 more. Up next the Mohawks will host EPC.

This week's paper also had a feature on little Tyler Fraysher, and his appearance as Baby George in the movie "In Country" (although it was called Inn Country in the story) The movie was filmed in Kentucky and starred Bruce Willis of TV's "Moonlighting" fame. Tyler (PHS class of 2006) was born Sept. 8, 1987 at Piggott Community Hospital and was delivered by Dr. Jerry Muse. His parents are Cheryl and Dennis Fraysher, who at the time lived in Paducah.