It happened here, years ago

With the Christmas mailing season in full swing, the staff of the Piggott Post Office was pictured on the front page this week in time. They included Jim Mowery, Jerry Sale, Junior Blake, John Ed Lingle, Lyman Sneed, Ed Causey, Bob Johnson, John Robert Brown, Frank Seal and D.H. Bratcher. Also in the news, it was reported that Ayleene Spence would retire from the Clay County Welfare Department after working in the office since 1933.

Naval Lt. Gordon F. Gilbert, son of Mary Gilbert of Piggott, received two bronze stars, one with a V insignia for his service along the rivers and shores of Vietnam in the past weeks. On a sad note, former Piggott resident Marshall "Mart" Warbritton, 68, was killed when struck by a train near his home in Wellston, Mo.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features included "Swiss Family Robinson" and "Hellfighters" with John Wayne. The theater also announced a special "kiddie show" Saturday, Dec. 27 with admission of just 35-cents.

The PHS class of 1925 announced that they're planning a reunion for 1970. And the stops for the NEARK bookmobile were listed, they included--Carmon's Grocery in St. Francis, Ernie's Drive-In at Pollard, Cluck's Store at Greenway, Roger's Grocery at Hargrave's Corner, Davis' Grocery at Mounds and Waddle's Grocery at McDougal.

In sports, the Mohawk A and B basketball teams dropped games to the Campbell Camels and South Pemiscot Bulldogs in the past week.

1979

Students at Piggott Elementary held a special open-air assembly 30 years ago this month to remember the hostages being held in Iran. Students from PES and PMS also received awards for the Reading Olympics.

It was also reported that the libraries in Clay, Greene and Randolph counties will begin the process of levying fines for material turned in late. The fines were set at five cents a day for books, tapes and such and two cents a day for magazines and pamphlets. From the Lifestyle page this week, Bill and Lottie Gookin celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary Dec. 9 with a reception at the First Baptist Church.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature is "When a Stranger Calls."

The annual Christmas party was held at the Home for the Golden years in the past week. Accompanying the story were several photos, including one of housekeeper Joann Book with a new stereo that had been purchased in memory of her mother, Effie Blair. The stereo had been acquired through the activity fund and donations from the Blair family. Blair (grandmother of this reporter) had been a resident of the facility for several years prior to her death the previous month.

The Piggott Ministerial Alliance will host the annual community watch service New Year's Eve at the community center with keynote speaker, Bro. John Hedrick of the First Christian Church.

Arkansas farmers report a record 900,000 acres of winter wheat planted this year, a big increase over the 530,000 acres planted the previous year and the former record of 825,000 acres. The acreage is forecast to generate some 27.9 million bushels.

1984

This week included a feature on the expansion at the L.A. Darling plant in Piggott. The facility currently employs 150 to 175 and that's expected to increase to around 200 in the near future. Meanwhile, Piggott State Bank held its annual Christmas open house. Among those pictured were chairman of the board Gaylon Lawrence as he visited with Jerry Sale, board member John Staples and Elmer Johnson.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Places in the Heart" and coming soon--"The Terminator" and "Beverly Hills Cop."

Ed Wells of Greenway retired from the local Soil Conversation Service office following 26 years of service to the area. And a 50th anniversary celebration is set for Dec. 28 for Mr. and Mrs. Roy L Benson.

Gravel Hill 4-H members and leaders decorated a Christmas tree at the courthouse in Piggott, they included--Chris Lewis, Jack Dalton, Laura Dalton, Valerie Turner, Cindy, Te Juana and Glenda Armitage, Julie Davis, Julie Niewald, Lori Berry, Deanna Conley, Patty Ort, Kelly and Shelley McKenney, Elizabeth Sale, Heather Luff and Ellen Dalton.

In sports, the Mohawks got their first win of the year 46-41 over Highland as they move to 1-10. The Tribe then fell to Oak Grove and their star guard Scott Miller in the NEA Tournament. And Frank Staples and the marathon team from the Arkansas National Guard took part in the Honolulu Marathon Dec. 7.

1989

Health insurance issues dominated the city council meeting, as aldermen discussed increasing the deductable for city employees from $100 to $500. This week also included a feature on Crowley's Ridge by Dr. Milton Rafferty of Southeast Missouri State University.

There was also a feature on German-born Inga Eubanks of Piggott, and her return to her native land for the first time since 1977, and since the Berlin wall came down.

Willie Rascoe of Piggott Nursing Center celebrated her 101st birthday Dec. 4. She was born in 1888 at Hickory Plains, Ark. and had been a resident of the center since January. Meanwhile, Edward and Imogene (Stewart) Ort will celebrate their 50th anniversary Dec. 30. And in births to announce, a daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Pike Dec. 23 at Arkansas Methodist Hospital in Paragould. They've named the new arrival Colby LeeAnn Pike.

The National Guard has reported promotions, including--Jason C. Burkman of the 875th Eng. at Rector to PFC. Meanwhile, the 153rd Inf. At Piggott reports the promotions of Steve C. Holcomb to SPEC. and Sammy E. Williams to PFC.

Jackie Lynn McKenzie Johnson, PHS class of 1975, graduated nursing school in Pennsylvania. She's the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jim McKenzie. Five year service awards at MRL went to Theresa Besserman, Donna Owen Thomas and Angela Mauldin. And it was announced that Dr. Phil Daffron will open a veterinary office next to Cole Oil Company in Piggott. Dr. Phil was pictured with his two pets, Amy and Penny.

In sports, the Mohawks fell to Valley View 63-73 in the first round of the NEA Tournament at Jonesboro.