It happened, years ago

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. During the search for the fugitives Ernest L. McDonald escaped by way of the same route but was caught a short time later. In other news, three local girls will be attending Girl's State including--Teresa Featherston, Lynn Madison and Pam Camp.

An organizational meeting has been set for May 29 at the Piggott Library, with the purpose of exploring the possibility of forming a Clay County Genealogy Club. And at the Carolyn Theater this week the features included--"American Safari", "The Extraordinary Seaman" and "The Subject was Roses" which was Patricia Neal's first role since winning the Academy Award for "Hud".

High game honors for the Friday night ladies bowling league went to Patsy Bass with a 204, while Una Graddy rolled a 177 and JoAnn Shroyer and Aileen Vaughn bowled 171's.

Brownie Troop #218 held a hamburger banquet at Corene's with the following girls in attendance--Vicky Vaughn, Clara Roeder, Lisa Hinkle, Debbie Haywood, Lesa Pollard, Lisa Threet, Susan Wallis, Pam Hughes, Sherry Burris, Liz Dehls, Angela Allman, Mitzi Kelsey, Barbara Gilbert, Jewanna Speer and Kim Williams.

And plans are currently underway for the annual Piggott Fourth of July Picnic.

1979

The Piggott City Council approved the annexation of the Hillcrest Subdivision at their meeting 30 years ago this week. Aldermen also voted to name Bert Watson as Street Foreman, as he replaces Stub Crossfield who has asked to step down. Meanwhile, the quorum court voted to advertise for bids for the purchase of three heavy duty dump trucks.

Good news out of Memphis, as James Flanigan continues to recover from injuries he sustained when his crop duster crashed near Pollard. And the Piggott Lions Club will host a visit from ASU head football coach Larry Lacewell at their May 24 meeting.

Memorial Day services will be held at the Piggott Cemetery, with Danny Self preaching the sermon and Mrs. Clifford McLeskey placing the ceremonial wreath. Meanwhile the local Girl Scouts held their awards dinner, and saw a number of girls "Fly-Up" to the next level. Moving up to Juniors were--Jill Donner, Angela Burns, Candice Poole, Renee Duckworth and Peggy Baber. Moving up to Cadettes were--Anne Winchester, Teresa St. Cin, Jackie Matheney and Michele McLeskey.

At the Carolyn this week the feature was Burt Reynolds as "Hooper" while the late show was "Secrets of Sweet 16." Meanwhile, an ad for Ace Hardware in Paragould featured 3"x8" hydraulic cylinders for $49.97.

The Piggott Middle School girls softball intramural champs were pictured, the team was made up of--Debora Myers, Melanie Pogue, Shawna Tate, Sherri Watson, Janice Harris, Laurie Davis, Kim Parton, Allison Shanklin, Brenda Jorman and Lisa Grimes. (Shanklin was absent for the picture and Christy Jones sat in)

1984

The city of Piggott received a check for $600,000 from a lawsuit with the SWPA 25 years ago this week, and according to Mayor George Cook the funds would lend stability to the municipal utility department for years to come. In other news, the State Representative race between Jim Holland and Joe Cole was featured as the Democratic Primary approached.

Kenneth W. Burton, from the South Thornton Street Church of Christ, was set to preach the annual Memorial Day service at the Piggott Cemetery, with Gold Star Mother Edna Harris laying the ceremonial wreath. And readers were reminded of the Arts and Craft Fair that was approaching, and Kylie Howell was pictured with several quilts made by her grandmother. It was also noted that "Uncle Jake", also known as T.J. Box, would be performing at the event.

Piggott Community Hospital had a new computerized EKG machine, which was pictured with x-ray techs Robert Dement, Jerry Ross and Rick Smith. The new machine had the capability of being read from Little Rock by way of phone lines.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Splash" while the late show was "Angel on Fire."

Finally, Piggott Cable TV girl's softball team took third at the Dr. Pepper Classic in Paragould, and the team members included--Elaine Warbritton, Lisa Morrison, Bridget McComb, Jennifer Howell, Lori Berry, Patty Stevens, Brande Chronister, Kim Henson, Micah Ebert, Laura Ort, Jennifer Parker, Valerie Turner and Nikki Pounds.

1989

Commencement for the PHS class of 1989 was set for May 28 with Brock Coomer and Leigh Ann Clements as honor students. The annual Memorial Day service was set for that same afternoon, with Rev. Lavon Smart preaching the sermon and World War I veteran Everett Threlkeld placing the wreath.

Also, Congressman Bill Alexander announced that the city of Pollard would receive an $85,000 loan to pay for sewer improvements..and the Piggott Public Pool will open June 2.

Ray Carr was honored by the ASCS for 40 years of service at a special luncheon, while Vera Mowery was recognized for 20 years and Danny Dortch for 15. Carr first came to the local office in 1970 when Walter Schaller was transferred. Meanwhile, the USDA CCC set the crop loan and purchase price for wheat, based on the national average price support rates, at $2.06.

With school ending a lot of activities were reported. Miss Mary Gordon's second grade class had a luau, and pictured with Miss Gordon were Anthony Settlemoir, Dana Smart, Joseph Crittenden and Jennifer Tabor. Meanwhile, Laura French's kindergarten students built a cardboard airplane, and pictured with the craft were--Lauren Cole, Ashley Poole and Jennifer Champ.

Veal Oil has announced that their gas stations in Piggott, and other local towns, will change from Shell Oil to Unocal 76..including the Piggott Shell Station.

And the dirt work on the new Piggott baseball field complex, that will later become known as Independence Park, is now underway.