It happened here, years ago

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. In other news, newly sworn-in municipal judge Gus Camp explained the workings of the new court to county officials.

The Sugar Creek Country Club hosted bridge and bingo parties in the past week, meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Tanner will celebrate their 50th anniversary April 20 at their home east of Piggott. And in births, a daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Burl Haley April 10 at Piggott Hospital. The new arrival was named Joy Lynn, and was welcomed home by brothers Mike, Brent and Brian.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features included Elvis as "Charro", "Our Mother's House", "Bonnie and Clyde" and "The Biggest Bundle of Them All."

Irby Ford in Piggott also invited everyone to a special reception April 17 to see the new Ford Maverick, which listed for just $1,995. (Bill Irby hid the car in his garage at home for several days prior to the unveiling, I know because I was his paperboy.)

It was also reported that Barry McKenzie of Piggott is now working at KTCB radio in Malden, after spending time at stations in Monette and Pocahontas. And there was an ad for Essary's Café, 505 North Monroe across from the shoe factory, for seven hamburgers for a dollar.

1979

Strong storms April 11 resulted in widespread wind damage across Clay County, with some of the worse reported north of Pollard. In other news, Gov. Bill Clinton will be the featured speaker at the Clay County Democratic Women's Club meeting April 27 at Rector H.S.

Over 300 kids took part in the Jaycettes annual Easter egg hunt at the fairgrounds. First place winners in the age divisions include--Brandi Galyean, Maralee Cray and Peggy Baber. Meanwhile, 38 Cub Scouts participated in the kite derby April 7. First place was John Rodery, second went to Todd Self and third was Bryan Allman.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature is "California Dreaming" while the late show is "At Last, At Last."

The Mohawk Booster Club has announced that they're hosting the first annual "Freedom Run" July 4. About 25-percent of the 5,000 meter run (or 3.1 miles) will be through the hills. Also in the news, KAIT in Jonesboro reports that they have the first color weather radar system in the state, and it was pictured with weatherman Terry Wood.

Hardcastle Chevrolet announced that they would roll-out the brand new 1979 Chevrolet Citation for the public on April 19. And it was noted in the want ads that Harp's would soon be opening a supermarket in Rector and they're in need of meat, produce and grocery managers.

1984

The Piggott School board voted to accept the bid for bond sales at their meeting 25 years ago this week as they look to re-build the burned out middle school. Meanwhile, the quorum court learned that four leased road graders would be delivered soon, and heard from the local Office of Emergency Services on disaster preparedness.

A recent Red Cross blood drive in Piggott netted 66 donors according to this week's paper, which also included a feature on Clay County deputy sheriff Jerry Williams. At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Where the Boys Are 84" and the late show was "Garters and Lace."

The Pollard baseball team of the early 1930's was pictured, they included--Marshall Baden, Candy Kilbreath, Daniel Pillow, Dee Book, Reginald Hogard, Roy Brady, Homer Book, Emil Johnson (who provided the photo) and Fred Brady. In a related note, the PHS baseball team now stands at 0-4 after losses to Gosnell, Holcomb, Twin Rivers and Rector.

The Piggott Community Hospital pink ladies hosted over 100 auxiliary members from across Northeast Arkansas April 16, with Pansye Black of Piggott presiding. Meanwhile, McMurry Office Supply has been named as an authorized dealer for IBM typewriters in the area.

The business formerly known as "Randy's" will re-open April 20 as Yates Clothing and Gifts, at 267 West Main in Piggott. And finally, a large group of Boy Scouts took part in the district camporee at the Cole Farm (now Howell) west of Piggott after bad weather forced it to be moved from the Bill Vandlandingham farm near Boydsville.

1989

Members of the quorum court discussed revenue, services and a possible sales tax with Jim Baker and David Morris of the Association of Arkansas Counties at their monthly meeting. In other news, Georgia Wilson is set to retire from United Federal after more than 30 years May 1. A reception in her honor has been scheduled for April 26.

This week's paper also included a feature on little Amanda Johnson's play house, which was built by her grandpa Donald Johnson for her birthday. Meanwhile, there was a good crowd for the annual Lions Club breakfast, with the proceeds benefiting the Piggott Girl's Softball program.

The Piggott Community Hospital volunteers were honored with a special luncheon and awards ceremony April 14 at the Sugar Creek Country Club; meanwhile U.S. Senator David Pryor will speak at the annual Rector Chamber of Commerce banquet in that city April 25 and a bike-a-thon for St. Jude's will be held May 6.

In births to announce, a daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Mullins of Piggott March 26 at Mississippi County Hospital in Blytheville. The new arrival was named Rachel Danielle Mullins. This week's paper also included an artist's rendering of the new ball diamond complex which will become Independence Park.

In sports, the PHS baseball team beat Clay County Central 10-6, then loss to Pocahontas 3-11 in the past week. And in service news, PV2 Steve Lance Holcomb, son of Steve and Charlene Holcomb of Piggott, graduated Army basic training recently at Ft. Benning, Ga.