It happened, years ago

Residents of the Piggott area joined the remainder of the world Sunday, July 20 of 1969 as Neil Armstrong and "Buzz" Aldrin of Apollo 11 landed on the moon. Armstrong made his famous "first step" around 9:56 p.m. local time..with Aldrin joining him on the lunar surface around 10:30.

Also in the news, Becky Roberts was crowned Miss Pollard 1969, with alternates Diane Hughes and Barbara Batey. Meanwhile, winners of the baby contest were Tracy Magee, Kim Cashion and Angela Wright and Sheila Elkins won the bubble gum blowing contest.

PHS grad Link Fuller will be playing in the 14th annual Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star game Aug. 9 in War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. Fuller, a standout for the Tribe, has also accepted a four year scholarship to the University of Arkansas.

Also in sports, the Piggott Connie Mack team beat the local "Ole Timers" in their annual contest by a final of 17-7. Steve Rogers and Teddy Bellers combined for the win, while the losers sent a handful of pitchers to the mound, including--Guy Brandon, Ed Lossing, Joe Litz, Rex Magee, Langdon Hunter and Don Scales.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features include--"Support Your Local Sheriff", "House of Cards", "The Big Cube" and "The Illustrated Man."

And the Piggott Library reports that they now have a variety of 8-mm films to lend, and have acquired 75 new records. They're also working on a lending program for framed art.

1979

Amy Pace was crowned Little Miss St. Francis at their annual picnic, alternates were Stacy Whitson and Mia Crowson. Melinda Lee Harlan won the baby contest, with alternates Gavin Thompson and Joe David Green. The bubble gum blowing contest went to Taniya Gill, second was Kim Grimes and third went to Travis Lipsey.

Also in the news, PHS grad Donnie Morrison will play in the Arkansas High School Coaches Association "Game of the Stars" at War Memorial Stadium Aug. 4. Also taking part will be Mohawk cheerleaders Claire Roeder and Mitzi Kelsey. The former Tribe standout will be playing for the ASU Indians in the fall.

The PHS Majorette line took first at a clinic at the U of A recently, members are--Kim Bellers, Jill Miller, Kelli Jones, Laura Duckworth, Rhonda McBride, Lisa Moore and Tamara Rigdon. Meanwhile, Lady Mohawks Debbie Hughes and Sherri Watson attended basketball camp at Arkansas Tech University.

The Greenway High School class of 1964 held their reunion in the home economics building recently with 11 in attendance (10 men and one woman). Edward Copeland was least changed, Jerry Rogers was most changed and Ronnie Niederkorn traveled the farthest and had the most kids (3).

At the Carolyn Theater this week "Rocky II" was held over and the late show was "Malibu High."

And it was reported that at least 12 Arkansans suffered eye injuries while incorrectly viewing the recent solar eclipse. In the words of a Conway eye surgeon, "it happens every time."

1984

Cooper Construction of Jonesboro submitted low bid on building the new Piggott Middle School, and work was expected to begin soon. The total cost of the project, with changes, was $446,944 and should be completed in 190 working days. Meanwhile, five arrests were made in connection with the recent break-ins at Discount Foods and Veal City Cleaners.

It was also reported that the new Central Clay Water District is in need of more customers, and if more cannot be found some areas may be deleted from the plan. This week's paper also included a feature by Harold Jinks on his participation in the Democratic National Convention that nominated Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro.

Little Miss St. Francis for 1984 was Rachel McKenney, and her alternates were Shana Scott and Tina Piland. Meanwhile, Sara Akins, Brian Schulte and Sara Elizabeth England were the top three in the baby contest and Stephanie Staples won the bubble gum blowing contest.

Larry Flanigan of Pollard escaped serious injury, but was treated and released, after his crop duster crashed in a rice field north of Pollard July 19. He was first transported to PCH by his wife Sharon, and was later checked-out at a Poplar Bluff hospital for an eye injury and cuts and bruises.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" while the late show was "Oriental Blue."

And the Piggott Florist 13-15 girl's softball team took eighth place in their state tournament in Ft. Smith.

1989

Former Clay County Treasurer S. B. "Sid" Haley died July 23, 1989 at St. Vincent's in Little Rock..he was 80. This week's paper also included a feature on the Piggott Nursing Center and changes in the laws regulating the home. The local facility was founded Aug. 3, 1963 and now boasts 98 residents and 69 employees.

The annual reunion of former Gossard Co. employees was held recently at Memorial Park in Rector, and a total of 45 kids were on hand for the final session of the summer reading program at the Piggott Library July 24.

In births to announce, a son was born to Tony and Rhonda Neeley of Piggott June 25 at Lucy Lee Hospital in Poplar Bluff. The new arrival was named Andrew Ray Neeley. Also in the news, the Piggott Police are now using their new radar units, and drivers were warned to slow down.

Ray Carr, of the local ASCS office, reports that 4,143 acres of Clay County land have now been earmarked for the CRP program...and will be set-aside for the next 10 years. Meanwhile, work is near complete as volunteers and members of the Clay County Saddle Club have been re-building the rodeo arena at the fairgrounds in Piggott.

In sports, the Tri-County Babe Ruth All-Stars finished fourth in the state at their tournament in Ft. Smith, as they were eliminated by Hot Springs County. Meanwhile, the American Legion AAA team was ousted by Wynne in their district after dropping an earlier game to Blytheville.