RECOLLECTIONS

— 40 years ago

A genuine threat appeared to be facing a Pea Ridge industry in the form of shortage of help. The Pea Ridge Canning Company was in desperate need of about 10 peelers willing to help the local tomato cannery complete the current canning season.

A traffic accident in Pea Ridge that year sparked a suit for more than $139,000, filed by Vivian Jones and her son, Harold Jones, against Frank B. Follett of Wichita, Kan. The accident injured Jones’ husband and ultimately caused his death.

The Pea Ridge Little League held a cookout in the Lost Bridge Recreation Area to discuss acquiring five acres of land to add more room for their playing fields.

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30 years ago

According to a report to the board of directors of the Northeast Benton County Fire Association, the barbecue held had netted $3,000 after expenses.

The funds were to go toward the building of a new fire station in Garfield in 1981.

Fires in the Pea Ridge area included the home of Kenneth Chambers, better known as the old Joe Lasater house. Flames started around 1:30 a.m. and by 4:30 the fire was extinguished, but the home was a total loss.

Pea Ridge football coach Ray Hoback disagreed with onlookers thinking the Blackhawks looked like a good team that year so far, he said “In no way are we a contender for the title of first place this year.”

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20 years ago

Police Chief Sam Holcomb said the Pea Ridge Police Department willassist Benton County Sheriff’s Office in emergency situation only outside of Pea Ridge city limits, after saying two weeks before they would not. This was related to insurance reasons as officers would not be covered outside city limits.

Mayor Mary Rogers put up a yellow ribbon at City Hall with 11 streamers to list the name of each serviceman from Pea Ridge known to be serving in the Persian Gulf.

Pea Ridge schools classes were canceled Thursday and Friday as a result of a water main burst beneath Pea Ridge Elementary School, affecting the water for the cafeteria.

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10 years ago

The school board candidates for the 2000 election were Billy Clark, Lonnie Barnett and Terry Anderson.

Two meetings were set up with the developers of Big Sugar Golf Course and Development, the Pea Ridge Planning Commission and the Pea Ridge City Council to discuss acceptance of the preliminary plat.

Nolan Richardson, University of Arkansas basketball coach, delivered a motivational message to students of Pea Ridge High School. High School principal Gary Wayman was close friends with Richardson when they held two summer basketball camps years ago together.

Church, Pages 2 on 09/01/2010