It happened here, years ago

With the arrival of the holiday season, the Piggott Jaycees announced their annual lighting contest 40 years ago this week. On a more somber note, Kenneth Rodery of Piggott sustained a serious head injury Dec. 12 when the tire from a big truck he was working on exploded. He was listed in satisfactory condition at Baptist Hospital in Memphis at last report.

Also in the news, Don Newton of the Clay County Farm Bureau Insurance office in Piggott was recognized as a top agent for the company for life insurance sales, Piggott High School held Beta induction and the Arkansas State Police has began a program to try to prevent the theft of Christmas gifts from vehicles in the state.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features include a Clint Eastwood double-feature--"The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" and "Hang Em' High" along with "Ski Fever" and "Last Summer."

The annual 4-H banquet was held at PHS on Dec. 11. The evening featured a report by Angie Olds of the Gravel Hill club on her trip to Chicago, and from Darrell Binkley of the Chalk Bluff club on his visit to Urbana, Ill. and the national conference.

Fourth graders from PES sang Christmas songs at the PTA meeting Dec. 15 under the direction of music instructor Sandra Byrd and teachers Evalean Featherston, Betty Howell, Juanita Litz and Vonna Spinks.

And Donetta Hughes of PHS FHA chapter was pictured presenting a bracelet to Jimmy Hanna, this year's FHA Beau.

1979

The region was coated by freezing rain Dec. 12 of 1979, as the first winter storm of the season rolled through NEARK. Also in the news, the soon-to-be-completed PHS agriculture building was dedicated and named in honor of longtime instructor Donald R. "Doc" Johnson in a ceremony Dec. 13. Johnson was in his 25th year as an educator at the time.

Chief Leonard Bell reported that someone left a new Piggott Mohawk athletic bag on the front seat of his police cruiser Dec. 17. Noting that the bag contained 10 ounces of marijuana and a set of small scales, Bell reported that it could be claimed at the police department if the owner chose to explain the contents.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh."

Births to announce include a son to Sammy and Carolyn Landrum on Dec. 15. The couple has named the new arrival Samuel Adam. And SN David Finley, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Finley of Piggott, is home on leave after completing basic camp with the U.S. Navy and is currently assisting the regional recruiter from Kennett.

From the Letters to Santa section;

Dear Santa, I want a race set and pear of cars. Also a real monkey. I want a bik. My brothers want a mad game and tatty bears.

Chris Roberts

And in sports, the Piggott Mohawks will take on Monette in the first round of the NEA Invitational at Jonesboro.

1984

Circuit Clerk Gary Magee told the Clay County Quorum Court that the new federally mandated child support laws could cost the county in the coming year. The JP's also approved the purchase of a new car and SUV at their regular meeting. In a related story, Judge Harry Niewald also was pictured signing a proclamation that named December as Child Support Month in the county.

Also in the news, Damon Cluck, son of Mr. and Mrs. Neil Cluck, was presented with the coveted Eagle Scout award at a special ceremony Dec. 10. Meanwhile, installation of officers is scheduled for New Piggott Chapter #623 OES, Rector Chapter #51 OES and for the local AARP.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature is "Supergirl."

The Mohawks fell to Gosnell and GCT in the past week, as did the junior boys. Leading the way for the junior squad in those games were Delane Burns, Shawn Parker and John Rodery while Dane Coomer and Jeff Benbrook continued to pace the senior team in scoring.

Letters to Santa this week includes;

Dear Santa, I want a cabig kid, dipr bag, I loeve you santa. I want a baby sistr. My dog rold away, I wat him bak.

Gina Lewis

I want a new bic, my sister wants a cer bear, mom wants a fur coat.

Rob Nichols

I want a boat, Jason wants a hat, mom wants Nakis.

Jeremy Gearhart

1989

GTE held an open house 20 years ago this week to mark the installation of their new digital switching. The change allows local customers to utilize call waiting, forwarding, three-way calling and speed dialing. Also in the news, David Morgan, 53, of Piggott was killed in a freak accident at the Monroe Auto Equipment warehouse in Paragould when he was crushed by a falling pallet.

The JP's discussed rising landfill fees at their regular meeting, meanwhile authorities are investigating burglaries at the Phillips 66 station in St. Francis and a farm shop near Nimmons. Also in the news, a 50th wedding anniversary celebration is scheduled for New Year's Eve for J.B. and Narene Simpson of Piggott at the First Baptist Church.

PHS students took second in the VFW essay contest, the group included Tory Smith, Rebekah Parker, Kim Gower and Kim Conaway. Meanwhile, Landon Coomer won a t-shirt design contest at PES in conjunction with Columbus Day and top candy sellers from that recent fundraiser were Trista Fry, Julia Morrisett, Valerie Yarbrough, Angela Beck and Kari Keller.

Letters to Santa from this week include;

Dear Sanaty,

I love you, I want a sled, I want a car, I want a robot, I want a pup, I want a bat.

Emily Gatewood

I want a good Christmas.

Jack Smith

I want it all!

James Harlan

Chris Tarno of Maynard was pictured with his first deer. He's the grandson of S.C. "Red" Haley of Piggott. And in sports, the Mohawk senior boys will take on Valley View in the first round of the NEA tournament at Jonesboro on Dec. 22.