It happened, years ago

It was reported 40 years ago this week that 1,743 families in Clay County, or just over 30-percent, now live below the poverty level. This compares to 22.6-percent nationwide and 32.4-percent statewide, but is well below the 46.1-percent that was recorded back in 1960. The poverty level was set at $1,085 per year for a single person up to $5,090 for a non-farm family of seven people.

In other news, Clay County Judge Vernon Call received a check for $7,797 in federal aid for road and bridge repair from this February's flooding. And the Piggott National Guard unit has returned from two weeks at Ft. Chaffee..and according to unit correspondent James Magee--"the usual abundant supply of ticks and chiggers were very active."

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features included-- "Smith" with Glenn Ford, "The Night They Raided Minsky's" and Dean Martin is Matt Helm in "The Wrecking Crew." Meanwhile, the Clay County Saddle Club is preparing for their annual rodeo in late June, and will be giving away a pony at the event.

Cong. Bill Alexander reports that he is hopeful that funding for the Cache River-Bayou DeView Drainage Project will be approved soon. Meanwhile, the newly formed Genealogy Club is selling a book which catalogs 669 names from 60 cemeteries in Clay County. The project was headed by County Home Extension Economist Lola H. Lehman

1979

Dedication for the new Piggott Community Hospital was held June 17, with the facility slated to open by the first of July. Taking part in the ribbon cutting ceremony were Dr. Jerry Muse, former mayor George Cook, Mayor James Morris, Dr. Hillard Duckworth and hospital board chair Sheldon Settlemoir. Also in the news, longtime local resident John W. Harris died June 14 at age 84. He had worked at Piggott State Bank for over 23 years, and was involved in a local farming operation.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "The Champ" while the late show was "Gums." And there were several births announced. A son, William Brock, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Bill Russell June 7, at Kennett; a daughter, Erica Anne was born to Mr. and Mrs. Ed Winberry May 30 at Piggott Hospital; a son, Jason Shawn, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Jack Tillman of Glencoe, Mo., May 3; a son, Bradley Scott, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Brad Hartwell of Fagus June 6, at Lucy Lee in Poplar Bluff and a daughter, April Christine, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Odis Gilbee June 9 at Kennett.

The Women's Auxiliary of the Piggott Little League donated $2,000 to the baseball and softball programs from proceeds generated by their operation of the concession stand. On hand for the check presentation were Anita Allman, Nancy Benson, Jerry Webster, Clyde Lampp and Carl Pollard. Meanwhile, a free pressure cooker gauge testing clinic will be held at the courthouse in Piggott.

And from the ads, Judy Gower's Hair Salon will open June 19, two miles north of Pollard on Highway 139.

1984

Plans are underway for the Piggott Fourth of July Picnic, according to cemetery board president John Harlan. The day will conclude with the fireworks at 11 p.m., followed by drawings for a total of $1,500 in cash prizes. In other news, the construction of the new Piggott Library will have to be re-bid, after it was noted that the low bidder didn't follow the correct procedure. Meanwhile, a fund has been set-up in the name of L.D. and Mildred Robinson to finance the ongoing operations of the new library.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature is "The Natural" while the late show was "For the Love of Pleasure."

The First United Methodist Church of Piggott has a new minister, as they welcome Carroll Jackson and family to the congregation. Also in the news, Jon Wellman and Jeff Pollard of PHS recently attended Boys State on the campus of UCA at Conway.

A ladies scramble was held recently at Sugar Creek Country Club in Piggott with a good turnout. Top local golfers were Ora Dean Sale and Betty Russell, who took third in the championship flight. The "C" flight winners were Sue Cole and Charlotte Hampton of Piggott.

And Melba Foster, Worthy Matron of the new Piggott Chapter of OES, presented a check to James A. Vaughn, Jr., Worshipful Master of Piggott Lodge #545, to pay off the remaining balance on the note for the new lodge hall on North Second Street.

1989

A proposed county sales tax, and funding of construction of the new jail, topped discussion at the quorum court meeting. Members of the citizen's committee on the jail issue included--Jim Holland of Knobel, Jim Poole of Piggott and Dave Young of Rector. Meanwhile, collection of the new local sales tax will begin July 1 in Piggott, and will push the total sales tax on items to four percent.

The Clay County 4-H hosted the county-o-rama at PHS on June 9, and a 99th birthday celebration was held June 13 for Aunt Sadie Thomas.

Births to announce included a son, Logan Hudson, born to Glen and Sherry Moore of Piggott May 3, at Arkansas Methodist Hospital in Paragould; and a daughter, Heather Elizabeth, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Tim Roberts May 29 at Doctor's Regional in Poplar Bluff.

Brian James and Kim Conaway of PHS received state farmer awards at the annual FFA convention this spring, and at Qulin little Katie Smart of Piggott was crowned Tiny Miss Summerfest for 1989. Meanwhile, Rev. Carroll Jackson and family have left the First United Methodist Church for a church in North Little Rock and have been replaced by Rev. and Mrs. Leonard Nash.

In sports, the Piggott Prep-League team took second in the Tri-County Tournament, losing to Rector 5-8 in the championship game. Team members included--Shannon Bellers, Shane Wood, Anthony Heskett, Erik Simpson, Chad Parks, David Box, Vance Turner, Brian Watson and Jason Gearhart. Coaches were Jim Watson and Ted Bellers.