It happened, years ago

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. In other news, there was a "fairly large" crowd at the annual Memorial Day service, and Vilas Elder was elected to a term on the cemetery board.

The local Boy Scouts handed out awards at the annual Court of Honor, including "Life Awards" to Stephen Daffron, Joe Cox and Robin Miller. Meanwhile, local attorney Guy Brinkley received his Jurist Doctor degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Top students in this year's eighth grade class at Piggott Junior High were Alan Halter, Anita Johnson and Shelley Elkins. And the Jaycees report that the pool is now open, with single passes for $7.50 and family passes for $10 plus four bucks for each kid..up to a maximum of $30.

The Carolyn Theater ad featured an Eskimo and penguin, and encouraged patrons to "Cool off at the Carolyn" with features--The Monkees in "Head", Peter Sellers in "The Party" and "The Charge of the Light Brigade."

On June 12 interested parties were to meet at the Piggott Library to organize a genealogy club, and everyone was encouraged to bring their family trees.

1979

Program chairman Kenneth Mowery reports that the 54th annual Fourth of July picnic schedule features 14 hours of a wide variety of offerings. In a related story, his father, O.L. Mowery announced his retirement after serving 31 years on the cemetery board and a total of 45 years as a volunteer at the picnic.

Speaking of retirements, the Piggott School Board made Ed White's official at their regular June meeting as they accepted his resignation as band director. In other action, Coach Joe Black and "Mrs. Black" also tendered their resignations from the local district, and Penny Veal was hired as a math teacher at the Middle School.

The staff of the Home for the Golden Years held a surprise potluck appreciation dinner for administrator Gayle Wiley, tricking her into coming to the facility after regular working hours. Also in the news, a good crowd was on hand for Vacation Bible School at Shady Grove...and the Hopewell General Baptist Church has been hosting an ongoing horseshoe and washer-tossing tournament the past seven weeks.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Superman" while the late show was "Hardcore." Meanwhile and ad for Jones Furniture offered La-Z-y Boy recliners for $229.95 and Serta queen size mattress and box spring sets for $169.95.

An ad by Hardcastle Chevrolet offered a fully-loaded 1979 Chevrolet Caprice for just $7,078 (regularly $8,280), and from the want ads; For Sale, 50x200 lot on F&F Lake, $250, see Clovis Redman on South Taylor.

1984

The Piggott City Council heard from a group, 25 years ago last week, that offered to make a film or slideshow to promote the city. Slideshow costs were $400-$500 a minute, while a "motion picture" about Piggott would run $1,200 to $1,500 a minute. No action was taken. Meanwhile, Ken Renshaw photographed the spectacular solar eclipse that occurred May 30 and it appeared on this week's front page.

New Chamber of Commerce board members include--Bill Odom, Bill Irby, Jr., Debbie Haywood and Marshall Wheeler. And 31 kids were on hand for the puppet show at the Piggott Community Center presented through the Northeast Arkansas Regional Library.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Greystoke, The Legend of Tarzan" while the late show was "Champagne for Breakfast."

SSG Thomas Holifield retired from the local National Guard after serving as head cook for the unit for many years. Holifield had served with the Guard from 1957 to 1969, then re-upped and served from 1971 to 1984. And in births to announce, a son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Stacy Wade of Pollard. The new arrival, Stacy Darren Wade, Jr., was born June 2 at Piggott Community Hospital.

An ad for Dollar General, 107 South Third (now a vacant lot after the building burned) offered ladies knit pants for $5, a 50-foot garden hose for $6 and a 42-ounce box of Trend laundry detergent for a buck. And from the want ads: For Sale, 1971 VW, blue, $700.

1989

The Piggott City Council voted to purchase two radar guns at their meeting 20 years ago this week. Council also heard that Mike Book would manage the Piggott Pool, assisted by his wife Theresa, Brenda McGrew, Sam Williams, Jr. and Sarah White. Also in the news, teacher C.O. Evans was profiled as he completed a 27 year career as an educator.

A small tornado touched down in the Trailer's Chapel community, North of Pollard, in the past week resulting in damage to buildings and equipment on the Don McNeely farm and more on the Langley farm. And it was reported that Cable System USA is now affiliated with Triax Communications of Denver.

Cub Scout Pack 46 camped-out recently, and spent the day at Dogpatch U.S.A. near Harrison. Meanwhile, the fourth grade "Just Say No" Club at PES held a program and recognized several individual for their work with the group and their efforts. Gifts went to Sandra Routszong and Barbara Carrens; while certificates went to Cathy Norred, Betty Payne, Laura McKenney, Joyce Crossfield, Debbie Dunlap and Piggott Times Editor Ron Kemp.

The Clay County AA and AAA American Legion baseball teams have been playing well, and singled out by Coach Jim McGrew for their performances were Kevin Blascoe, Bryan Allman and Brian Harmon of Piggott among others.

From the ads: Piggott Tractor and Equipment offered Dura-Cut chrome knife sections for John Deere combine cutter bars for .69 each, while double point knife guards for combines were marked down to $4.69 each.