Complied by Johnathan WIlliams

In the 1980s – 30 Years Ago

The 1989 Batesville Art Mart attracted 210 artists and crafters, the June 28, 1989 edition reported. “Despite the high humidity and the general lack of a breeze in the grove, a steady stream of customers browsed the ‘aisles’ among the trees, stopping to visit with friends along the way.”

“In the children’s Clothesline Art contest, winners were: 6-8 age group — Rush Wilbanks, first; Lindsay Burkes, second; Crystal Coleman, third; 9-11 age group — Libby Monteith, first; Elizabeth Wolfe, second, Telena Hentz, third; 12-15 age group — Cris Wilbanks, first; Tracy Tigner, second; and Lindsey Dye, third.

In the 1970s – 40 Years Ago

“Governor Finch was scheduled to roll his 18-wheeler across the Texas Border early Tuesday en route to California in what he termed was a move to get a better handle on problems faced by independent truckers,” the June 28th, 1979 edition reported. “Moments before departure, the governor signed an executive order raising Mississippi’s truck load limit to 80,00 pounds for 60 days. The governor from Batesville’s truck trip across the U. S. was staged late during his administration as a trial balloon to gauge his possibilities as a candidate for president.

In the 1960s – 50 Years Ago

“Don Kilgore of Enid placed third in bronc riding and fourth in bull-riding in the Mississippi State High School Championship Rodeo held last weekend in Carthage,” according to the June 26, 1969 edition.

“Army Private First Class Alvin Fondren, 24, whose father, Walter Fondren, lives on Route 1, Batesville, was assigned May 24 to the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam,” according to another story published that week.

In the 1950s – 60 Years Ago

Candidates for state representative from Panola County in the 1959 elections were C. H Crawford, Charles C. “Cliff’ Finch, H. N. Finnie, F. O. “Preacher” Martin, W. Todd McCullough, Carl McCurdy, D.H. “Dave” Smith and C.C “Conner” Vick.

Seeking the post of Panola Chancery Clerk that year were P.D. McCarley, the incumbent, B.M. “Tootsie” Moss and Brooks Vance Junior. Vying to the Panola County Circuit Clerk’s post were Lynn C. Duke and Sam H. Frank. Unopposed in the Democractic primary that year and declared nominees were State Senator Dennis M. Baker, Panola Tax Assessor J.V. “Buck” Still and Beat 2 Supervisor Bill Knox.