Recollections

50 Years Ago

Pea Ridge Graphic

Vol. 2 No. 7

Thursday, Feb. 16, 1967

It was a grand night for the Grand Old Party in Bentonville Saturday, when 451 constituents of U.S. Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt packed the Thomas Jefferson School auditorium to hear the freshman Republican Representative from Arkansas' Third District make his first report in person to the folks back home. Newsmen came from as far away as Springfield, Mo. There were so many dignitaries present that it took the presiding officer, Republican State Representative Jim Sheets of Siloam Springs, some time just to recognize each briefly.

A widely-known evangelist from Fort Smith, Dr. J. Harold Smith, will be in Pea Ridge this week for two speaking engagements. He will first be at the First Baptist Church Thursday and Friday nights, Feb. 16-17, at 7:30 p.m., it is announced by the pastor, the Rev. Jack Porter. The public is cordially invited to attend.

At White's Auto in Pea Ridge, 750-14 Blackwall tires were on sale for $6 (regularly $8.95).

40 Years Ago

Pea Ridge Graphic-Scene

Vol. 12 No. 7

Wednesday, Feb. 16, 1977

The Arkansas Razorback football coach agreed to speak at the annual Blackhawk Booster Club Athletic Banquet, according to Pea Ridge Mayor Carl J. (Cotton) Carter, who was assigned by the Booster Club to secure a speaker for the banquet.

Recent scores on nationally-standardized tests by Pea Ridge juniors and seniors indicates local students are comparing favorable with other students across the nation, according to Mrs. Wanda Roe, guidance counselor, who said scores have risen slightly since the guidance department was set up. Twelve members of the senior class took the ACT or SAT test necessary for placement at their chosen college. Five of the group scored in the upper half of the nation's college-bound students.

The Little Flock Bicentennial Committee held its final meeting Thursday evening, Feb. 10, at the home of J.C. McLeod and voted to spend the balance in the committee treasury for furthering the beautification of the Little Flock Park by building a park pavilion.

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Morrison of Pea Ridge announce the engagement of their daughter, Sherrie Morrison, to David Ragland, son of Mrs. Virginia Ragland of Pea Ridge. Miss Morrison will be a spring graduate of Pea Ridge High School is employed at Harps Pharmacy. Mr. Ragland is a 1974 graduate of Pea Ridge High School and is employed at Diversified Builders. The wedding is planned for 2 p.m. June 18 at the First Baptist Church of Pea Ridge.

30 Years Ago

The TIMES of Northeast Benton County

Vol. 22 No. 7

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 1987

Mike Yarberry, 39, new Pea Ridge alderman for Ward 1, Position 2, was appointed Feb. 12 to fill the vacancy left when Clint Schooley did not seek re-election. Yarberry, employed by Contel for the past 10 years, spent the last two years in Dumas. He was assigned to Pea Ridge in April, 1986, as telephone services supervisor, and bought a home here in June.

International TV and recording star Lowell Mason will appear at the Pea Ridge Assembly of God at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 22. Known as "Little Lowell," the singer, only 46 inches tall, nevertheless has a big voice, and has sung spirituals and gospel songs for many years, 10 of them with the Christian Evangelizers Associations weekly TV series called "Revival Fires."

Last Tuesday night, the 'Hawks travelled to Elkins for three games. The Junior Lady 'Hawks showed little mercy as they jumped on the Elks 17-0 by the end of the first quarter and 23-6 by halftime. The score going into the final quarter was 24-10. The Jr. Ladies coasted to a conference win, 31-13.

The Blackhawk Basketball Salute went to Players of the Week Kern Sorrell and Stacie Collins. Kern was the player of the hour Friday night as he scored the tying field goal with 9 seconds to go and proceeded to sink the winning free throw. Stacie's quick hands continue to harass opposing players and her outside shooting forces the opponents' defense to pay their respect to her.

20 Years Ago

The TIMES of Northeast Benton County

Vol. 32 No. 7

Thursday, Feb. 6, 1997

The organizer of a program to provide free meals to area residents in need said the first meal will be served on Saturday, March 1, at the Pea Ridge Church of the Nazarene. Organizer Debbie Anderson, Pea Ridge postmaster, said, "Pea Ridge Samaritans will provide a free meal to anyone who needs it."

A graduating Pea Ridge High School senior will be among team members representing Arkansas in the ninth annual Down Under Bowl, hosted by Australia and New Zealand. He is Matt Easterling of Pea Ridge, son of Randy and Pam Easterling. Easterling was named to the All-State Football Team last fall. Football teams representing 24 states will compete in the bowl. The bowl will be held in Sydney, Australia, in June.

A joint meeting of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary was held Feb. 10 at the home of Chuck and Virgie Hazleton. A 50-year charter was presented to the Pea Ridge Post 8109 by commander Roy Hance. He gave a brief history of the post which was organized in the fall of 1946 with Max Walker the first commander.

Karen Light Skeets and Mac Skeets of Branch announced the birth of a son, Tyler Lee Skeets, born Jan. 18, 1997 and weighing 9 pounds. Tyler Lee is the grandson Fayerene Biffany and great-grandchild of Wendell and Virginia Jones, all of Pea Ridge.

10 Years Ago

The TIMES of Northeast Benton County

Vol. 42 No. 7

Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2007

Taking the first step toward obtaining a traffic light for the four-way stop at Lee Town Road, Slack Street and Curtis Avenue (Arkansas Highways 94/72), councilmen will consider a resolution to apply for federal-aid project funds, according to Mayor Jackie Crabtree.

Growth in the community translates to school growth. Although more homes mean more revenue, they also mean more students. With 12 percent growth in student population overall and 23 percent in lower elementary, School Board members face the need to build a new school.

The Pea Ridge Junior Boys basketball team capped their undefeated run through the conference schedule and district tournament by outlasting West Fork 43-38 in the finals of the 3A-1 West Tournament in Springdale Saturday night.

Kendra Lee Ann London, Miss Pea Ridge 2004-05, is vying for the title of Miss Northwest Arkansas at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24, at the Springdale Performing Arts Center.

Britnee Hicks and John Reeves of Pea Ridge are pleased to announce their engagement and approaching marriage. The couple plan to marry at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, 2007, at the Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church.