50 Years Ago
From the Heraldand Democrat in 1968
A local resident sent in nominations for the "Big Tree" contest. Two sassafras trees growing right in town on his property at "Sassafras Heights" on West Benton Street. One measured 7 feet, 1 inch in circumference at 2 feet from the ground and was 50 to 55 feet high. Another was 6 feet, 9 inches in circumference at 2 feet from the ground and was 45 to 50 feet high.
All sorts of different varieties had been sent in so far, but no sassafras. In fact it is unusual for them to grow to such sizes.
30 Years Ago
From the Herald-Democrat in 1988
While the crowd wasn't very large at the Community Awareness Board meeting on May 19, several pertinent questions and ideas were brought up for discussion among those present.
The American Legion Community Hall on Mount Olive was the major point of discussion, with board members and visitors bandying around suggestions on what would make the building more useful to Siloam Springs and its residents.
The community building was constructed in 1934 and used to be the center of the community's public activities. It houses a small stage at the west end of the structure and offices at the east end, and most recently had been used as a basketball and volleyball court.
The building was also available for rental to groups and organizations. Several annual events and craft fairs were held in the community building throughout the year.
The Community Awareness Board had recently begun a project to upgrade the building and were reviewing possible improvements.
• One suggestion taken into consideration was installing a kitchenette in a room located on the left side of the stage. Kappi Elrod, co-chairman of Awareness Board, noted that the electrical system would have to be updated before the community hall could meet building code standards. She explained that having a kitchenette would require stricter building codes.
• General agreement was that the electrical system should come up to par, but no solid decision was made on the matter.
• Putting parking meters in the parking lot on the north side of the building was another suggestion heard, and
• An idea of using the building to host movie sessions for children.
10 Years Ago
From the Herald-Leader in 2008
Seven months after guiding the Lady Panthers to its fourth-straight Conference 5A state volleyball championship, Siloam Springs Lady Panther head volleyball coach, Rose Cheek, was selected by Prep Illustrated magazine as the 2007 National Coach of the Year.
Cheek said she was shocked when interviewed by the magazine for the award. She was interviewed on the premise that he wanted to do an article to recognize the team and its accomplishments.
Under Cheek's guidance the past season, the Lady Panthers set a school record for most wins in a season (36) and the second most season wins in the Arkansas Athletic Association record book for all classifications.
The Lady Panthers also won 21 straight home matches, including a perfect 3-0 record at the 2007 state volleyball tournament which was held at the Panther Pit.
Community on 05/23/2018