30 Years Ago: Teams play in Benton County Tourney
50 Years Ago From the Herald and Democrat in 1967 The John Brown University Cathedral Choir was selected to provide a portion of the music during the lighting of the Christmas lights at the State Capitol in Little Rock. The choir, under the direction of Dr. Mabel Oiesen presented Carol Noel and Carol of the Bells and then joined with choirs from Arkansas AM&N. and Philander Smith Colleges in a concert of Christmas music.
Donna Axum, former Miss America, and Sharon Ann Evans (Miss Arkansas) also took part in the program.
The Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies had been an annual event for many years, increasing in popularity each year. The 30 minute program was carried over five TV stations and 54 radio stations. Locally the program was heard on KUOA-FM and seen on Channel 5 from Fort Smith.
30 years Ago From the Herald-Democrat in 1987 Panthers, Lady Panthers open Benton County Basketball Tourney with victories.
Boys
After a sluggish first half, the Siloam Springs Panthers outscored Decatur 43-25 in the second half and went on to beat the Bulldogs 69-47 in the first round of the Benton County Tournament.
Senior guard Kirk Walters scored a game-high 22 points and had five steals to lead the Panthers. Sophomore wingman Shannon Clark added 16 points for Siloam Springs.
Siloam Springs was 4-1 on the season. The win put them in the semi-finals against the second-seeded Gentry Pioneers.
Girls
The Siloam Springs Lady Panthers used a big second half to subdue the Pea Ridge Lady Blackhawks 6047 in the opening round of the Benton County Basketball Tournament.
Seniors Tracie Nall and Connie Ketcher combined for 40 of the Lady Panthers’ 60 points. Nall finished with 22 points and Ketcher scored 18 points and had nine rebounds. Jami West scored all of her eight points in the second half and also dished out six assists. The remaining points were scored by Wilmoth, Trembly, Osbourn and Bynum.
The Lady Panthers remained unbeaten in four contests and advanced to the semi-finals against top-seeded Gentry.
10 Years Ago
From the Herald-Leader in 2007 In the spirit of Thanksgiving, CHESS (Christian Home Educators of Siloam Springs) high-schoolers helped serve lunch Nov. 14 at Hunger and Thirst Ministries of Siloam Springs. The 16 young people assisted in serving a Thanksgiving meal to more than 200 people. The students helped by serving the food and drinks and helping cut and serve dessert. Students carried plates and cups for customers and also cleared and cleaned tables.
Hunger and Thirst Ministry was founded by Bill Parsons in 2006, who began the ministry, “to make sure no one goes hungry.” At the beginning he had only seven customers. A year later, he served an average of 150 people per week. The ministry also assisted by providing clothing, canned foods, bread and Little Debbie snacks to those who needed them.
Hunger and Thirst Ministry, a nonprofit organization, survives through donations and volunteer help.