Jackson Progress-Argus

News of 10 years ago

“Survivor: Africa” cast member Teresa Cooper was named Citizen of the Year at the annual Butts County Chamber of Commerce banquet. Sheri Hudson and the late Elizabeth Watkins were presented the Hall of Fame award. Bill Myles was welcomed as the incoming Chamber president, taking the reins from Martin Davis.

Being recognized at the annual STAR Student banquet, for their scholastic achievement, will be (alphabetically): Thomas Briscoe, Maggie Burford, Kate Carmichael, Elijah Carroll, Samantha Claborn, Angelica Davis, Brittany Elliott, Abby Fletcher, Amy Fletcher, Jennifer George, Katie Grant, Angela Hall, Katie Hemmann, Rhae Lindsey, Danielle McMullen, Brittany Moss, Jared Mullins, Susan Powell, LaChandra Pye, Mario Simmons, Amy Smith, Diana Stanfield, Andrea Taner and Devon Waits.

The teachers selected by students to be STAR Teachers are: Mark Alling, James Bagley, Cora Cheves, Hunter Cole, Karen Gardner, Melissa Griffin, Regina Head, Melanie Horne, Melba Joswiak, Linda Laird, Tammy Legg, Angelika Lindsey, Christa Miller, Mike Parris, Freda Reese, Alice Shavers, Forest Walker and Marsha Williams.

Deaths during the week: the Rev. Paul Corley, 75; John Foster, 71; Jayne H. Kleeb, 80; Reuben L. Marshall, Sr., 62; Ethel Stubbs, 80; Grace T. Tornay, 92.

News of 20 years ago

With more than 325 attendees, the first Black Heritage Festival in the county’s history was declared a massive success Saturday at the Henderson Middle School campus.

More than 6,300 voters are qualified to cast ballots March 3 on the retention of the 1 percent special purpose local option sales tax. The tax will either remain at 6 percent or drop to 5 percent.

In a non-beauty contest held Saturday at the Highway 36 Superette, “Mac” was chosen the ugliest dog in Butts County.

Casey Taylor and Celena McLaurin played last week with the district Middle School Honor Band.

Harry Rotter and Mark Cole, co-chairmen of the event, have announced that the annual Kiwanis Art and Talent Showcase will be held on March 31.

The Jackson High School Band has been invited to perform at Sea World in Orlando, Fla., April 3-6.

Deaths during the week: Ms. Kelly Leigh Folds, 23; Mrs. Louise Kimball Hinnant; Mrs. Theresa Renee French Johnson, 26.

News of 30 years ago

The formation of an Optimist Club for Butts County is being studied, Marvin McEwen advises.

Weather delays have slowed construction on both the kindergarten and gymnasium, but they should be ready by fall, Superintendent Hutcheson advises.

The Jackson High School chapter of VICA captured first place in the opening-closing competition at the Area Skills Olympics. Members are Randy Hutcheson, Yvonne Deraney, Gina Dooley, Scott Folsom, Cheryl Loftin, Tim Patterson and Wesley James.

The local Daughters of the American Revolution has awarded history medals to Kim Carter, Barry Hardy, Steve McMichael and Laura Mangham.

The filming of his last movie, “Six Pack,” brought Kenny Rogers to High Falls where he was greeted by fans.

The Magnolia Garden Club presented a Bradford pear tree to Sylvan Grove Hospital in honor of Mrs. Elena Carter, who helped organize the club in 1971.

Deaths during the week: Mrs. Mollie Head Padgett, 92.

News of 40 years ago

Glen Maddox has been named Jackson High School’s STAR Student; Mrs. Nancy Houghtaling, STAR Teacher; Stanley Maddox, Young Man of the Year; and Warren Smith, Outstanding Farmer of the Year.

Addison-Rudesal has opened a sash and door plant in Jackson and is expected to produce 100,000 units within the next six months.

James Floyd, Sylvan Grove Hospital administrator, has resigned to accept a position at Metropolitan Eye Hospital in Atlanta.

Poloron Homes has produced its first mobile home in the Jackson plant. Plans are to produce 10 units daily.

Luther Byars retired this week after 49 years with the local Avondale Mills plant and Flem Brooks with 30 years.

Deaths during the week: Mrs. Mary Lou Ingram O’Neal, 73; Thomas J. Jackson, 99; Mrs. Archye Spier Compton, 82; Mrs. Evye Irene Thaxton Cook, 73.

News of 50 years ago

R.F. Armstrong has been elected president of the Butts County Chamber of Commerce; J.T. Beckham, vice president; Richard Watkins, treasurer; and Elizabeth McMichael, secretary.

At the Jaycee awards banquet, Billy Leverette was named Young Man of the Year and Tommy Presley, Young Farmer of the Year.

Charles F. Coker has been appointed chairman of the Coffee County ASC Committee.

James M. Stewart, administrator of Sylvan Grove Hospital, announces that the 28-bed Hill-Burton Hospital will open June 1.

The home of Lizzie Pye on Benton Street was almost totally destroyed by fire Friday night.

The Jackson Loan Company owned by C.M. Dunn of Barnesville has been sold to R.C. Rutherford of Austin, Texas.

Deaths during the week: the Rev. William E. Burford, 78; James Oscar Pettigrew, 84.