30 Years Ago: Panthers skunk Ozark Hillbillies

50 Years Ago From the Herald and Democrat in 1968

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1968, Citation Manufacturing Co., of Siloam Springs, generated an audited net income of $724,491 on sales of $5,834,452. This represented a gain of 45 percent in net income and 9 percent in sales over the corresponding 12 month period in fiscal 1967. Thus, 1968 earnings amounted to 29 cents per share on an average 2,526,500 shares outstanding.

At the special meeting of the Board of Directors held on June 14, 1968, the quarterly cash dividend rate on the common stock was increased from 1 3/4 cents to 2 cents per share. This dividend paid on July 15, 1968, represented the ninth consecutive cash dividend paid by Citation to its shareholders. Accordingly, the annual cash dividend rate was 8 cents per share.

30 Years Ago

From the Herald-Democrat in 1988

It was a one-sided nail biter. Siloam Springs dominated the football game offensively and defensively, but until Panther safety Jeremy Pitts intercepted a Shawn Spencer pass at the three-yard line with just under seven minutes left to play, the outcome was very much in doubt.

But after Spencer’s first down pass fell incomplete, Pitts intercepted his second down offering at the three-yard line and returned it 30 yards to the 33.

The Panthers added a late touchdown and improved to 2-1 with the 12-0 victory that avenged the 27-17 loss at Ozark.

The Panthers dominated everything but the scoreboard. They held the Ozark Hillbillies to just 49 yards rushing on 26 carries and allowed just seven first downs.

Meanwhile the Panthers, led by quarterback David Kittle and halfback Gary Dunlap, rushed for 194 yards and amassed 251 yards of total offense. Dunlap, a 5’9, 150 pound senior rushed for 135 yards on 22 carries and scored on a 1-yard run, capping a 34yard drive that sealed the win with 17 seconds left.

Kittle ran the Panther option game to perfection, six times picking up first down yardage on the option keeper. His 14-yard scoring strike to tight end Chris Spence capped a 12play, 53 yard scoring drive that gave the Panthers a 6-0 lead with 450 remaining in the first half. “David (Kittle) played real well. I was proud of him,” said Coach Gary Orr.

10 Years Ago

From the Herald-Leader in 2008 The first Miss Siloam Springs High School was crowned after a night of competition. Sierra Swanda was crowned Miss SSHS 2008; Madison Alexander was 1st Runner-up; Jessica Mitchell was 2nd Runnerup and Miss Congeniality; Angelique Jaggers won the talent competition; and Caley Lambert was the Crowd Favorite.