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.

In a sad note, it was reported that retired businessman Richard Keith died in the past week at the age of 70. He had been a part-owner in the Piggott Nursery, was an alderman and had been retired for the past five years.

In service news this week, Ermal Crossfield has completed reserve officer training at Ft. Sill, Okla…and PFC Darrell Gene Latta left for Germany on Aug. 14. Meanwhile, at the Carolyn Theater this week the features were "Yours Mine and Ours" and "Grand Slam" while the late show was "The Detective" with Frank Sinatra. Coming soon; "No Way to Treat a Lady" and "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner".

At the grocery this week: Greene's Market had beef roast at .45 a pound.. Bush's spinach was two cans for a quarter and Miss Liberty oleo margarine was .19 a pound.

In sports, the Mohawks thumped Manila 31-0 Friday, Sept. 6, to begin this year's season at 1-0. Jimmy Johnson ran for the first TD, and hit Teddy Bellers with a pass for another.. Richard Robinson and Ronnie Payne were singled-out for their defensive play. Up next will be a home contest against Pocahontas. Last week the Redskins were thumped by Walnut Ridge 61-0.

1978

Dana Carroll of Greenway was crowned Miss Clay County 30 years ago this past week. Alternates were Suzy Winchester, Judy Leake, Lee Ann Reams, Vickie Winton, Angela Phillips and Debby Leake. Meanwhile, Carol Crowson of Piggott was named Little Miss Clay County; the alternates were Elizabeth Tippitt, Jenny Turner, Candice Poole and Shawna White.

In a related note, the Sonny James show was a big hit.

Members of the Piggott City Council heard from the contractor of the new hospital building at their recent meeting, and got an apology for delays on the project due to trouble keeping help on the jobsite. The council also approved setting aside five acres in the northeast corner of the industrial park for a new swimming pool complex.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Hot Lead and Cold Feet" while the late show was "Cherry Hill High".

In news notes: the CocaCola hot air balloon visited Roeder's Big Star on Labor Day, and several local kids got a chance to take a ride. And young Chad Hogard, 15 months, got his first haircut on Sept. 15 from Troy Howell at Benson's Barbershop.

In sports, the Piggott Pee Wee football team is set to begin play after coming off a 10-0 season. The coaches were looking to running back Thad Hinkle, fullback Brian Haley, quarterback Brian Griffith and along with Jeff Pollard and Steve Slayton on offense. On defense they returned Paul Stow at linebacker, Stacey Wade at defensive end, Lee Black and Brian Tate at the tackles, Tommy Tinsley at nose guard and Jeff Benbrook at corner back. The team is coached by Billy Seal, Randy Jackson and Mark Tanner.

1983

A county-wide meeting on this summer's drought was held 25 years ago this week at the Piggott courthouse. It was reported that about 44-percent of the county's crops were affected. Rainfall amounts at the Dink Hitt farm north of Piggott for the summer were: June 1.93 inches… July .05 inches..August 1.32 inches and there had been no rain in September. That equated to a total of 3.3 inches of rain in four months.

In other news, Susan Davis of Piggott was named Miss McDougal; first alternate was Paula Blume and second was Dana Gossett. And new employees at The Piggott Times this week included Donna (Holt) Whaley and Cindy Malone.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "War Games" and the late show was "Indian Ladies". Meanwhile, it was reported that work is complete on the new tennis courts adjacent to the Piggott Public Pool.

In births to announce: a son, Robert Dillon, was born to Robert and Tammy Causey of St. Francis Aug. 7 at St. Bernard's in Jonesboro; a daughter, Kara Elizabeth, was born to Barbara and Johnny Bedwell of Piggott Aug. 28 at Dunklin County hospital in Kennett; a son, Kerry Daniel, was born to Dale and Tammy Johnson of Pollard Sept. 2 at Community Methodist Hospital in Paragould; and a daughter, Tabitha Nicole, was born to Mike and Teresa Gurley of Piggott Sept. 9, also at Methodist hospital in Paragould.

In sports, the Mohawks fell to Pocahontas 14-26 and will visit Gosnell next..while the junior team fell 0-20 to Highland in their opener.

1988

The need for a five-mil tax increase was discussed at the monthly school board meeting 20 years ago this week, and the matter will be decided by patrons Sept. 20. The voters will also choose from among Barbara Harmon, Carl Toombs and Lora Wagster to fill an unexpired term on the board.

In other news, Julie Moore of Corning was crowned Miss McDougal at their annual picnic, alternates were Peggy Ruhl and Stephanie Staples. Junior Miss McDougal was Selena Myers of Piggott and her alternates were Julia Morrisett and Kim Pogue. And Yvonne Taylor of Piggott has been named manager of the Social Security office in Kennett. She's worked there since 1974.

Five members of the PHS majorette line will be traveling to Florida Jan. 2, to perform at the Hall of Fame Bowl (to be seen on NBC)..they were Erica Nichols, Carrie Moffitt, Tabby Reaves, Rebekah Parker and Stephanie Staples.

In births to announce.. a daughter, Leandra Mia Elkins, was born to James and Lynn Elkins of Piggott Aug. 22, at Doctor's Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff.

In sports, a seven-yard touchdown by Gary Swift with 6:47 left in the ballgame gave the Mohawks an 18-13 win over EPC. The Tribe rushed for 297 yards and were led by Ricky Shaw..though Bryan Allman had a good game at fullback after taking over for the injured Ronnie Cote. Up next will be a road game at Pocahontas. Meanwhile, the junior Mohawks beat Highland 47-20 in their season opener. Joey Staples scored the first TD of the year on a 27 yard run, then kicked the extra point. They'll also face Pocahontas next.