It happened here, years ago

1970

Piggott school patrons approved a six-mill tax increase by a wide margin 40 years ago this week, as the measure passed 1,026 to 425. Hershel Toombs also was elected to the school board. Also in the news, the annual Lion's Club variety show is set for Friday, March 13 in the PHS gym.

Blackbirds have become a problem around town, and in an effort to help the Piggott Police Department will be using their sirens in the coming evenings according to Mayor Buck Thomas. The mayor also signed a proclamation that named March 15 to 21 as Poison Prevention Week.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features included Elvis Presley and Mary Tyler Moore in "A Change of Habit" along with "Madigan" and "Stiletto."

The Piggott High FFA parliamentary procedure team took third place in a competition at Greene County Tech recently. Team members are--Larry Moody, James Bedwell, Mike Hobgood, Ricky Key, Niel Palmer, Chuck Minton, Randy Jackson and Ben Rogers. Meanwhile, PFC George E. "Skippy" Britton of Piggott left for Vietnam Jan. 9 to begin a 12-month tour of duty.

The Clay County Recreation Association held their election of officers for 1970 at a meeting in February. President would be Ernest "Buck" Thomas, while the vice president was John Watson and Col. William Sissel was elected secretary-treasurer.

Players are needed for the new lady's softball league for the coming summer. And Mr. and Mrs. Ben Joiner will mark their 50th wedding anniversary March 15 at the Church of Christ on South Thornton Street.

1980

An investigator from Little Rock has been sent to Piggott to look into the vandalism and fire at Pasquale's Restaurant. Prior to the blaze someone apparently broke-into a pinball machine and the juke box according to reports. Also in the past week, fire heavily damaged Barber Market-Grocery in downtown Rector--with firefighters from Piggott, Kennett and Marmaduke providing mutual aid.

Members of the Piggott City Council handled several matters at their regular meeting, including the hiring of J.C. Miller to the street department and the appointment of Lloyd Russell to serve out the un-expired term of Hugh Gatewood on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Meanwhile, sportsmen were encouraged to contact State Rep. Jim Holland if they were interested in seeing a new boat ramp built on the St. Francis River at St. Francis.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature is "Star Trek-The Motion Picture."

The local Girl Scouts held their annual banquet recently, honoring leaders Sharon Baber, Helen Hardin, Rose Crafton, Jane Whaley, Sharon Lingle, Sharon Rice and Jane Culp. And in observance of National Beta Week, the PHS chapter held a talent show. The individual winner was Michelle Oakley, while Northstar took the group competition. Members included Robbie Johnson, Larry Harmon, Tammy Duncan, Kevin Morris and Ricky Reagan.

In political announcements, Gary Magee has announced a re-election campaign for Clay County Circuit Clerk.

1985

A 35 year old Leachville man was arrested 25 years ago this week in connection with the shooting death of Eddie Brown, 74 of that city. Brown, father of Piggott-area State Trooper Danny Brown, was found shot to death at his home setting off a manhunt in that area. At last report, Jerry Pemberton was being held on capital murder charges after being arrested on a levy near Schugtown. Also in the news, the Piggott school board failed to re-new the contract of Mohawk football coach Jim Berryhill at their regular meeting.

Chalk Bluff Girl Scout Council held their annual banquet at Rector recently. Pictured with their Cabbage Patch dolls were Brownies Jaime Gloe, Gina Lewis, Summer Howell, Amanda Cook and Rexanna Smart. This week also included a feature on Charles Hinkle of Piggott, and his love for raising pigeons.

At the Carolyn Theater this week was the special viewing of "The Prodigal."

The Arkansas Highway Department is estimating that some $30-million in damage was sustained to the state's roads, highways and bridges from the recent winter weather. Also in state news, the Arkansas Senate defeated a measure that would have repealed the state's teacher testing law as the General Assembly begins to wind-down.

PHS grads Allison Shanklin and Joe Gregory were elected to the student senate of the Student Government Association of ASU. Joe was selected as an at-large member, while Allison will represent the Business College.

And the annual Austin School Reunion will be held June 30 at the Piggott Community Center.

1990

County officials opened bids on construction of the new jail March 7, with the low bid from Ramson's Inc. of Jonesboro at $679,900--a little over the $600,000 approved by voters for the project. Also in the news, after a lengthy meeting the Piggott School Board renewed the contracts for football coach Ed Winberry and basketball coach Ted Box--against the recommendation of Superintendent Leon Christenberry. Over 75 patrons were on hand, along with Box, while Winberry chose not to attend. Most of the contention did surround the basketball program, with parents calling for Box's resignation. It was also noted that many of the basketball players also attended, and showed their support for the embattled coach. The two were retained on a vote of 3-2.

The Pollard Fire Department has announced that they're holding a fundraising auction and street dance on March 17. Entertainment will be provided by the Tim Roberts Band. And rehearsals continue for the upcoming production of "Oliver" at Piggott High School. Choreographer Cathy Norred and musical director Millie Swift were pictured going through a portion of the production with cast members. The musical will be staged in early April at PHS.

Births to announce this week include a daughter to Capt. David and Vickie (Winton) Brown. She was delivered Feb. 24 at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis and the couple has named the new addition Natalie Ruth Brown.

The Catfish C.B. Club of Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri has called a meeting for April 12 for the purpose of re-organizing the club. And officials report that winter wheat planting is up three percent from last year, to some 57-million acres--largest since 1985.