100 YEARS AGO Jan. 24, 1914

The blowing of the noon whistles of the Iron Mountain shops yesterday was marked by the throwing open of the doors of every saloon in Argenta, and the rush of the crowds of thirsty men toward the open doors as the bartenders yelled, “Come in, boys; we’re in business again.” Groups of men began to form early in the morning and rapidly increased in volume as the noon hour approached, when it was believed the fate of the saloons would be known. Many in the waiting throngs became nervous as the psychological moment approached, and voiced fears that the saloon licenses would not be granted.Others, more optimistically inclined, counseled their neighbors not to suffer an “attack of nerves.” Cheers came huskily from a hundred dry throats as the bartenders appeared, for this was the signal for everyone to prepare for a rush to the bar.

50 YEARS AGO Jan. 24, 1964 WEST MEMPHIS - Mildred Thomas, 18, and her 14-year-old brother, Eugene, were walking along the Mississippi River, looking for stove wood Thursday when they heard an animal scream. “Eugene ran over to a log and jumped right on that thing’s back,” said Mildred. “Then he yelled for me to come quick because he had caught a coon.” When the sister got there, she grabbed the animal by the back leg and beat it to death with a stick. It was a bobcat the size of a large dog.

25 YEARS AGO Jan. 24, 1989 PEA RIDGE - Plans are being made for a Memorial Day reopening of the touring road at Pea Ridge National Military park, which has been closed since November 1988, Billy Stout, chief park ranger, said Monday. To mark the reopening of the touring road - 2 ½ miles of which is currently undergoing reconstruction - a Civil War encampment at the Benton County park has been tentatively scheduled. The 43,000-acre park, established in 1957, is the largest Civil War park in the state.

10 YEARS AGO Jan. 24, 2004

Builders of the planned Summit Mall asked Little Rock on Friday to extend the time limit for building the west Little Rock megamall, puzzling many who thought plans for the development died long ago. The extension request increases chances that voters will decide the fate of the mall, which has been stalled in a three-year court battle. “I suspect I have a $60,000 election staring me in the face,” City Attorney Tom Carpenter said.

Arkansas, Pages 14 on 01/24/2014