For the Week in Clark County History, we combed through bound copies of the Daily Siftings Herald to choose some front-page news from editions dating 10, 20 and 30 years ago.

10 years ago in Clark County

Feb. 6, 2013
The City of Arkadelphia was recognized as an Arkansas Business City of Distinction for preservation efforts in the aftermath of the 1997 tornado. Among the reasons for the recognition was the opening of the Arkadelphia Arts Center, the painting of the downtown mural and its inception into the Arkansas Downtown Network.

Feb. 8, 2013
In response to the student body’s request, Henderson State University launched its “Reddies Rides” program that used two golf carts to escort students around campus during the night hours.

Feb. 11, 2013
Enrollment at Henderson State University was reported at 3,438 students, a 1% decrease from the previous year. At that same meeting the Board of Trustees was told by Bobby Jones, vice president for finance and administration, that “all is well” with the university’s finances.

20 years ago in Clark County

Feb. 6, 2003
Arkansas State Police launched an investigation into the disappearance of $24,000 that had been raised by a Glenwood-based travel agency for a Centerpoint Schools student trip to Washington, D.C. The travel agent and his teenage son, who was among the students to take the trip, fled the area.

Feb. 7, 2003
Construction of the Arkadelphia Aquatic Park was wrapping up in time for it to open its doors to the public on Memorial Day.

Feb. 10, 2003

30 years ago in Clark County

Feb. 5, 1993
Female students housed at Henderson State University’s since-demolished Turrentine Hall complained to the newspaper of a bat infestation and wanted the flying mammals gone. Maintenance workers set traps to catch the bats, and university administrators denounced the students’ complaints, saying the school was making “appropriate response.” The article noted that an Arkadelphia man died in 1991 as a result of catching rabies from a bat bite.

Feb. 8, 1993
Students at Central Primary School spent their recess time using new playground equipment that included three separate “units” and a soft mat to prevent injuries.

Group Living Inc. client and locally renowned artist Sammy Landers was featured for his “hundreds” of works.

Feb. 10, 1993
County Judge Jim Fisher said he planned to veto a proposed ordinance banning smoking inside county buildings. The measure had been approved in a 8-3 vote by the quorum court. A nonsmoker who allowed smoking in his office, Fisher said he favored delegating the authority to individual office holders.

150 years ago in Clark County

As a bonus and with credit to the Clark County Historical Association, we’re including newspaper writings from 150 years ago:

February 1, 1873
We understand that a number of the hands engaged to work on the railroad bridge at this place arrived in town yesterday and will commence operations in a few days. A portion of the hands employed on the Little Missouri bridge passed here on Thursday. Wednesday and Thursday were the coldest days we ever experienced. On Wednesday morning the thermometer stood at eight degrees above, and Thursday morning at two degrees below zero. The weather yesterday moderated considerably, though it is still cold enough for all practical purposes.

February 8, 1873
Cotton in fair demand, but owing to late decline in other markets, rather down in price. Prices range from fourteen to sixteen cents according to quality. The steamer Garry Owen, Capt. T.R. Tennison, left for Camden on Wednesday last with about 650 bales of cotton and a goodly number of passengers. She will return on the first water.