RECOLLECTIONS
50 Years Ago Pea Ridge Graphic Vol. 4 No. 43 Thursday, Oct. 23, 1969
Once again Homecoming Day has come and gone. The students at Pea Ridge High spent a great deal of time getting ready for this special. The parade took perhaps 30 minutes to pass through the business section of Pea Ridge, but the students had put in many hours of hard work in order to provide the townspeople with only a few minutes of enjoyment and relaxation. Yes, time was precious, but each class from the seventh to the 12th made it for the parade with their floats. Laurie Vanzandt, daughter of Dean Vanzandt and Mrs. Phyllis Foster of Pea Ridge, was picked by the football team and proclaimed Queen at an assembly Friday. Queen Laurie made her first royal appearance in the parade Friday.
The week of preparing for Homecoming and over confidence nearly cost the Blackhawks their game last Friday night. The Blackhawks still hold the 1-B district lead with their record of 4-0-1 compared to Farmington’s 4-1-0.
40 Years Ago Pea Ridge Graphic Scene Vol. 14 No. 43 Wednesday, Oct. 24, 1979
If a new doctor comes on the Pea Ridge scene before long, we’ll have Dr. Homer Russell and his wife, Gloria, to thank, in large part. In the latest example of concern and commitment to his adopted community, characteristic of Russell in the more than two years he’s been in Pea Ridge, the doctor set up and manned a Pea Ridge booth at the Physicians’ Opportunity Fair in Little Rock Oct. 11.
Construction on Gann Ridge Road, a county project, is progressing, according to Benton County Judge Al Norwood. He said he had visited with the contractor last week and discussed the progress. He noted that the contractor is presently laying the base of the road and, weather permitting, will aid to complete the job in the contract time.
Constructions of a wastewater treatment plant, collector, sewers, interceptor sewers, lift stations and force mains for Pea Ridge could be started in February, 1980, members of the City Council were told Tuesday evening by representatives of the city’s engineering firm. “We’re shooting for Feb. 1, 1980, to get the construction bids in,” said Joe Tarver of McGoodwin, Williams and Yates.
30 Years Ago The TIMES of Northeast Benton County Vol. 24 No. 43 Thursday, Oct. 26, 1989
Donna Womack of Pea Ridge is obviously proud to have been selected by her peers as Pea Ridge Elementary School teacher of the year. She’s proud of that, but her focus is still on her students, past, present and future. All of the teachers in the Elementary School voted for a teacher of the year.
The Pea Ridge Marching Band attended a marching contest Saturday, at Seneca, Mo. They were awarded the third place trophy for their division. David Dickey, director, said that he felt the band performed well in spite of all of the hard work and homecoming activities prior to the contest.
Mayor Mary Rogers and Police Chief Sam Holcomb announced a Halloween coloring contest. Coloring books were purchased by the Police Department and the city to be distributed to elementary students. The Halloween safety coloring books were purchased with proceeds left over from the bean supper the police department held in September, Holcomb said.
20 Years Ago The TIMES of Northeast Benton County Vol. 34 No. 43 Wednesday, Oct. 27, 1999
Pea Ridge water and sewer users will be seeing higher rates on their January bills. The Pea Ridge City Council passed two ordinances on their second and third readings to raise rates at it meeting Oct.
19. No one showed up to protest the higher rates at a public hearing before the meeting.
Approximately 80,000 pounds of walnuts await transport on Fred McKinney’s farm in Pea Ridge. McKinney, owner of Webb’s Feed and Seed, has been buying and husking walnuts since Sept. 29 for Hammons Products Company in Stockton, Mo. Approximately 48,000 pounds were shipped last week and he expects to keeping buying walnuts through the first week in November.
10 Years Ago The TIMES of Northeast Benton County Vol. 44 No. 43 Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009
The Race of Faith cowboy challenge filled the valley north of downtown this weekend. Hosted by the River of Faith Church, the event began with excitement Friday night as around 70 people gathered around a bonfire for a hot dog roast. Saturday morning, as the sun began to break, the fields at the McKinney farm were full of activity. Last minute challenge courses were set up and horse trailers were everywhere. The day ended with a hayride to Snow’s Red Barn for a night of dancing and country music featuring Billy Snow Jr. Sunday morning rain discouraged a few from starting the day at 9 a.m. with cowboy church in the field.
Halloween is Saturday.
There are several businesses and churches in town handing out treats for children. Pea Ridge Police recommend parents be especially cautious and always stay with younger children. If trick or treating at dusk or after dark, children should wear something reflective or carry a flashlight. “Be wary of traffic,” Police Chief Tim Ledbetter said.
As the end of the year draws near and the new year looms, Pea Ridge city officials are evaluating budgets. City Council members will meet as a committee of the whole Monday, Nov. 2, at City Hall to ask questions of department heads. “The budgets are ready,” Sandy Button, city recorder/treasurer, said.