RECOLLECTIONS

40 Years Ago Dec. 23, 1971

Pea Ridge Graphic

All eyes were on Santa Claus when youngsters at the Pea Ridge kindergarten received a surprise visit from him, an inquiry as to what their behavior had been like this year and treats for all. Children and teachers that were there included: Micah Looney, Brandon Cothran, Jason Johnson, John Bone, Rusty Yates, Deena Jump, Misty Miller, Gail Dean, Vicky Ruddick, Denise Nickel, Shelly Wilkerson, Sandy Escue, Maria Gastineau, D.D. Dryden, Tina Sutherland, Christy Camp, Mrs.

Don King and Mrs. Jim Howell.

Christmas gifts for the less fortunate families of Pea Ridge were delivered by the EXACT Team and the Beta Alpha Chapter of ESA Sorority. Some of the gifts included: a turkey for each family, potatoes, bread, eggs, sausage and bacon, apples, and clothing that would be purchased with money contributions.

A total of eight families was being treated to the Christmas remembrances.

The gifts, food and clothing was delivered in person by Santa Claus’ Pea Ridge representative, Ronald Towle.

30 Years Ago Dec. 23, 1981

Pea Ridge Country Times

A calf belonging to Marvin Roller, Garfield, was found shot and with the back half taken in a pasture on the north side of the Twelve Corners/Gann Ridge Road near the bridge over Big Sugar Creek.

Benton County Sheriff’sDeputy Bill Kruse reported that the rear half of the calf was taken and the front half left in the field. It was not skinned in the field. The BCSO was still investigating.

A fire starting in the electric hot water heater area burned the mobile home of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Scott. Neighbors noticed the fire and called the Pea Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, but the fire was so far along before it was noticed the home could not be saved. Pea Ridge Fire Chief Sam Spivey reported that the department was on the scene for some two hours and that a collie dog and caged small animal were lost in the fire. Two pumpers and the tanker responded.

20 Years Ago Dec. 19, 1991 The TIMES of Northeast Benton County

Police continued to investigate the vandalism of at least six tombstones in the Pea Ridge Cemetery.

Pea Ridge Police Chief Sam Parker said, “We are investigating it. We possibly need a little help from the public in case they saw anybody driving around there.” They set four stones back up, but the other two were too large to stand-up by hand.

The Pea Ridge Cemetery Association had to rely on a monument company to set the remaining two stones up. It was the first vandalism at the cemetery in more than two years.

Winners of the Pea Ridge Elementary “ Reading is Fundamental” poster contest included Rachel Hignite, Jenny Robins and Morgan Miller.

10 Years Ago Dec. 19, 2001 The TIMES of Northeast Benton County

A local judge was arrested for illegally registering vehicles in Oregon to avoid paying sales taxes in Arkansas. District Court Judge Rodney P. Owens, of rural Bentonville, was released on felony citation after being arrested and charged with one count of evasion of taxes. It was punishable by 3 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. His arrest followed a lengthy and ongoing investigation by the Arkansas State Police and the Benton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.