By JOEL PHELPS | The Arkadelphian

For the Week in Clark County History, we combed through bound copies of the Daily Siftings Herald, housed in the archives of Riley-Hickingbotham Library at Ouachita Baptist University. We choose some front-page news from editions dating back 10, 15 and 20 years ago.

10 years ago in Clark County

Oct. 2, 2012
Felony charges were filed against Gurdon Water Department employee Stephanie Coplen after an audit prompted an investigation by the Arkansas State Police. Coplen would later plead guilty and receive 10 years probation.

Oct. 5, 2012
Arkadelphia police officer Malissa Crawford was found guilty of a misdemeanor domestic battery charge following an arrest the previous month at her residence by Arkansas State Police.

A woodpecker was to blame for a power outage during a Henderson State University Board of Trustees meeting about maintaining student enrollment, which was down 5.5% from the previous year.

Oct. 8, 2012
Matthew Turner, a 32-year-old KTHV anchor and Arkadelphia native, died in a vehicle accident on Interstate 30.

A disturbance outside a West Pine Street gas station ended when the aggressor fired gunshots into the air. The suspect and another male were reportedly upset over the complainant’s sagging pants, and an altercation ensued. The suspects were not apprehended.

15 years ago in Clark County

Oct. 2, 2007
The Gurdon School District appealed the state Department of Education’s decision to cut nearly $300,000 the state promised to construct a new high school auditorium complex.

Oct. 3, 2007

Oct. 4, 2007
In discussing an ordinance restricting the ownership of pit bulls in the city, the final reading hit a snag when Ward 3 Director Joe Phelps (not to be confused with Joel Phelps of the Siftings or The Arkadelphian) sided with Ward 5 Director Anthony Owen to vote against it. Phelps argued that restricting ownership of the breed targeted low-income residents.

Oct. 8, 2007
In an effort to help keep the city looking clean, Arkadelphia Ward 2 Director Don Hager adopted a portion of 10th Street between Clinton and Walnut streets. Hager cited how prospective businesses and industries scrutinize an area as a reason to adopt the street.

20 years ago in Clark County

Oct. 3, 2002
Vickie Jennings was featured on the front page for donating stuffed animals to the Baptist Health ambulance service to give to children.

Oct. 4, 2002
Caddo Valley motels were filling with residents from Louisiana and Texas seeking shelter and safety from Hurricane Lili.

Arkadelphia’s city board had rejected bids from two local banks to finance the city’s new police station.

Oct. 7, 2002
Pastor Rodolfo “Rudy” Gutierrez was featured in the newspaper for his call to minister to the area’s quickly growing Spanish-speaking population, having started services two months prior at Main Street’s Primera Iglesia Bautista.