RECOLLECTIONS

PEA RIDGE — 40 Years Ago May 27, 1971

Pea Ridge Graphic

Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Autry, of Pea Ridge, walked away without serious injury after a tornado touched down in the area. The tornadic winds picked up the family’s home and slammed it to the ground, upside down, 33 feet away from the foundation. The Keith Escue dairy farm lost three cows after being struck by lightening in the same storm.

Miss Nancy Roberts was a school teacher in Pea Ridge in the early 1900s. A tribute was paid to “Miss Nannie” by the dedication of the Nannie Roberts Memorial Library. Nannie’s father, Rev. Joseph Porter Roberts, was the first pastor of the Church of Christ in Pea Ridge.

30 Years Ago May 27, 1981 The Pea Ridge Country Times

A year subscription to the Pea Ridge Country Times was $8.50.

An investigation was continuing by the Benton County Prosecutor and Sheriff’s Office into questions of Pea Ridge Police’s actions and possible freedom of information violations regarding some members of the city council.

Pea Ridge city population came in at 1488, up from 1088. It was a 36.8 percent increase from the previous census.

Rules governing the Miss Pea Ridge contest for 1981 were as follows: Entries must be in no later than June 9; girls must be under the age of 19 and residents of the Pea Ridge area (not limited to Pea Ridge schools); contestants cannot be collegestudents, married or formerly married or have any children; and the winner must agree to return to the fair July 11 for a stage appearance and must attend all meetings listed.

20 Years Ago May 23, 1991 The TIMES of Northeast Benton County

Doyle Jeffery Nichols of Pea Ridge was named the 1991 senior scholar for the College of Agriculture and Home Economics at the University of Arkansas. Nichols is the son of Rev. Jerry Nichols and Nancy Patterson Nichols.

Constructing a new water tower and repairing the old one dominateddiscussion by the Pea Ridge City Council.

Pea Ridge School officials were elated with the results of the minimum performance test for third- and sixth-grade students. Ninety-seven percent of third graders passed the test and 95 percent of sixth graders passed the test.

Pea Ridge youths that participated in a bike-athon raised $365 for the Leukemia Society. The event was held on Pea Ridge School grounds and 18 riders participated. 10 Years Ago May 23, 2001 The TIMES of Northeast Benton County

The bridge on SugarCreek Road, which led to the Big Sugar Golf Club development, was getting ready to have some work done. The improvement was anticipated to cost more than $24,000.

The bridge would be widened from 24 feet to 30 feet. The bridge and the approach to the bridge would be elevated two feet. The elevation would make it a safer entry from Sugar Creek Road to Highway 94 in icy weather.

A professional women’s group was formed in Pea Ridge. The purpose of this organization was to network with other likeminded, goal-oriented women in and around Pea Ridge.