Citing its poor condition, a grand jury called for the replacement of the aged Clay County Jail 40 years ago this past week. The jurors referred to several problems with the facility, which was built in 1914. Meanwhile, the Piggott City Council voted to sell two acres of city property for approximately $1,000 each. One lot was sold to James Bedwell for construction of a cabinetry shop, the other to John Watson for construction of a warehouse. The two parcels were just west of South Browning behind Piggott Tractor and Equipment.

Piggott Hospital ran a public plea in the newspaper asking for help in containing the current flu outbreak that was sweeping the region. The problem has become so severe that patients were occupying the hallway of the hospital.

In sports, the Greenway Tigers were swept by the Tyronza Chiefs with the junior boys losing 37-42 and the senior boys falling 49-72.

Smith's Shoe Store announced a sale featuring over 1,000 pairs of shoes. Women's shoes that were regularly $2.99 to $14.95 and men's shoes that were $7.99 to $18.95 were half price. There were also 200 pairs of women's shoes for a dollar a pair.

1978

A political announcement, made 30 years ago this past week, reported that S.B. "Sid" Haley was running for Clay County Judge in the upcoming democratic primary. Homecoming was held at PHS in the past week with Julie Roeder named homecoming queen. Her court included maids Raye Lynn Johnson, Mitzi Kelsey and Sandy Williams.

In a related note, the boys split with Walnut Ridge with the junior boys losing and the senior boys winning in the homecoming games. Meanwhile the Lady Mohawks lost to Corning and beat Rector, while the senior "B" team lost to the Twin Rivers Royals in a tournament at Quiln.

Congratulations to Ed and Dove Helton of Piggott as they celebrated 64 years of marriage, while Mr. and Mrs. John Grigsby of Nimmons marked their 58th wedding anniversary.

Bob Fry has announced that he has bought-out James Morris' share in their tractor dealership effective Jan. 3 1978 the business will be known as Fry International Inc. Staff members include Carl Romines as head of the parts department, Linda Poole bookkeeper, Jim Crowson and Bob Fry Jr. in sales, along with Dosy Deckard, Carl Corder, Dick Fisher and Milburn Masterson in service.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Hollywood High" and the late show feature was "Naughty Rouge".

1983

A large crowd was on hand for the annual PHS Fall Sports Banquet 25 years ago this past week. The featured speakers were former PHS and ASU standout Donnie Morrison and University of Arkansas (and future NFL) linebacker Billy Ray Smith. Mark Self was named season MVP and best offensive player, Neil Morgan was top defensive player and Brian Haley got the Mr. Hustle award. Best lineman was Travis Cashion, best back was Sean Graddy and Brock Swann took home the special teams award.

In volleyball Sherri Watson was MVP and honored for most points and as best spiker. Sabrina Tate was most improved, Kim Parton was top defender and Chris Crafton won the offensive award.

In basketball the girls beat Paragould and Rector with Melissa Berry scoring 31 against the Lady Bulldogs and 25 against the Black Cats. The junior girls split with Lori Carstens leading the way in a loss to Paragould and Delona Wade pacing the squad in the win over Rector. The boys beat Salem and Cave City with Joe Smith and Mike Book leading the way with 18 and 19 respectively, while the senior "B" team fell to Rector after Brock Swann fouled out late in the game.

The first baby born at Piggott Community Hospital this year was Alex David Wyatt of Rector, born to Mr. and Mrs. Terry Wyatt with the assistance of Dr. Hillard Duckworth.

At the Carolyn Theater it was "Airplane II, The Sequel" and the late show feature was "Blond Ambition".

1988

Snow blanketed the region 20 years ago this past week, and in some parts of Arkansas up to 15 inches fell as some referred to it as "The Snowfall of the Century". Meanwhile, United Federal Savings and Loan has a new manager for their Piggott office as Marshall Wheeler was named to the position after 22 years with the company.

Freddie Hartsfield has announced that he's running for Clay County Judge in the upcoming primary election. And the first baby born at Piggott Community Hospital this year was Aaron Leslie Beaver, who was born to parents Diane and Leslie Beaver with a little help from Dr. Jerry Muse.

Despite the cold weather Jason Self, Bryon James and Sean Martin killed a four-foot cotton mouth while dove hunting Dec. 29.

In sports, the Clay County Tournament is set for PHS in the coming week. The Biggers-Reyno senior boys are the top seeds, while all three of the other seeds go to the Cougars of Clay County Central. The field is rounded out by Corning and Crowley's Ridge Academy.

At the theater, the folks at the Kennett Cinema would like to remind you that all seats are one dollar, all the time, and that this week's feature is "Dirty Dancing".