RECOLLECTIONS

PEA RIDGE — 40 Years Ago

The Pea Ridge City Council decided to enforce a section of the city ordinance that establishes and regulates rates for the Water Department. Mayor Jack Musteen asked city Water Department superintendent Charles Hardy how many incidents there were in Pea Ridge, in which one water meter was serving two separate housing units. Hardy said that there were about four. Musteen ordered him to notify citizens involved that such a practice must be ended at once. Hardy had to install a separate meter at every separate housing unit in town.

30 Years Ago

An explosion in downtown Pea Ridge brought an immediate police alert and search of the city.

City Marshal Loyd Pifer, awakened by the explosion, as were others in the downtown area, respondedwith a search of the city to discover what had happened and where it had occurred.

Pieces of the explosive casing (cardboard) were found scattered in the street in front of City Hall. Pifer was told that his description fit a military artillery simulator.

Military officials confirmed the identification and explained that the “bombs” are very destructive. Pea Ridge police reported they had some leads and suspects.

20 Years Ago

The Pea Ridge fair had a patriotic flair this year, which wasn’t surprising because, it was the 42nd annual Pea Ridge Fair, the 142nd year of the city of Pea Ridge and the 142nd Artillery that had recently returned from duty in theMiddle East. Fair general chairman Virgie Hazelton said, “We’re going to make it kind of a homecoming, especially with the homecoming of our boys.”

Family members of local servicemen and women who served in the Gulf area during Desert Shield and Desert Storm were planned to be honored guests at the annual Pea Ridge Chamber of Commerce dinner.

Chamber president Joyce Hale said, “Chamber members agreed that the annual event presents the ideal opportunity to accord special recognition to the many local service personnel and to express at the same time our appreciation for the sacrifices made by their families here at home.”10 Years Ago

Cattlemen attended JAC’s Ranch 11th annual Performance-Tested Angus Bull and Female Sale. They were treated to a rib-eye steak sandwich and fixings before the bidding began. The first bull sold for $5,000. Other bulls sold ranged in price from $1,000 to $5,000.

Pea Ridge National Military Park superintendent John Scott said that the $300,000 visitor center renovations would provide, the heavily visited center, twice the space it had and repair a leaky roof.

Pea Ridge Elementary School counselor and Safe and Drug-Free Schools coordinator Denise Waters put together a panel of experts to discuss safe and drug-free schools.