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

Nov. 13, 2012
Clark County justices of the peace voted 8-3 in favor of a millage increase. District 4 JP Albert Neal, who still serves on the quorum court, was among the three casting a dissenting vote.

Nov. 14, 2012
The Caddo Valley City Council amended a 2005 city ordinance that requires residents to keep their lawns tidy. The amendment added language that allowed punishment, a $100 fine, for disobeying the ordinance.

Nov. 16, 2012
An 18-wheeler carrying 4,200 chickens turned on its side on state Highway 182 near Amity. Dispatchers encouraged deputies to put the pedal to the metal after reports there were “chickens running all over the place.” In the meantime, the uninjured truck driver set up a makeshift pen to keep the fowl from escaping. The article headline, A ‘fowl’ situation, was worthy of an Arkansas Press Association award for editor Wendy Ledbetter.

15 years ago in Clark County

Nov. 14, 2007
Clark County sheriff’s deputies underwent training on the use of a new non-lethal way to stop criminals: the Taser. 

Nov. 16, 2007
U.S. Congressman Mike Ross “declared war” on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers following its decision to close some 400 campsites at DeGray Lake over a reported lack of funding. Ross pointed out in a newspaper interview that Congress had actually increased funding by $3 million compared to the previous year.

Nov. 19, 2007
Listed last in an alphabetical register of names, Dr. Charles Welch, chancellor of the University of Arkansas Community College in Hope, was among 14 semi-finalists named for selection as next president of Henderson State University.

20 years ago in Clark County

Nov. 13, 2002
Juanita’s Peanut Brittle and Andrew’s Candy Co. were featured in an article about their busiest time of the year.

Nov. 14, 2002
The City of Amity was in danger of losing half its police force of two officers if the city couldn’t raise about $30,000. Amity Mayor Chester Clark unsuccessfully asked the Clark County Quorum Court for the funds.

Nov. 15, 2002
Local developers Billy and Kathy Bunn were planning to erect a strip mall on the 2400 block of Pine Street. One national chain store was reported to serve as the “anchor” for the mall.