In 1971, 45 years ago, the weather was typical for this time of the year. Everyone tried to stay in where it was, at least, a little cooler. The corn crop was not doing too well, but extension services said that it was not a corn blight. Maybe that also had something to do with the weather and heat.

It was not a good time for those on the highways. Two women, aged 20 and 21 from McDavid, were killed when their car was struck by a 18-wheeler at the intersection of U.S. 29 and Bluff Springs Road. Apparently the stop sign that should have been in place at the intersection was missing. An investigation of the accident was to be made.

In Century, Fla., an eight year-old girl was accidentally shot and killed by her seven year-old cousin while they were playing with a rifle.

It is so sad to hear of things like this happening. It’s bad enough when they can’t be prevented, but to know that it could have been prevented is even worse.

Two students, were to have a two-man show of their art work on display at The Bank of Atmore. Eddie Bartley, 14, eighth grade student of Ernest Ward High School and Mike Stanley, 13, seventh grade student at Escambia Academy were chosen to put their artwork on display at the bank.

There were no photographs of the work, but it must have been pretty good to be shown.

Due the the budget cuts, there was some concern as to whether the National Guard unit would have to be cut back. This would have been disturbing to those members of the 711th Signal Battalion which had a payroll of $116,000.

I remember those years when my husband was in the national guard. I don’t think we could have made it without his salary from the military. Although, as soon as he finished a tour when his unit was activated, he turned his equipment in and resigned. Somehow we were able to make it, but what he had received monthly surely did help out.

In entertainment, “Love Story” was being shown at The Strand. It stared Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw. It was what we used to call a real tear-jerker. The movie ticket cost $2 for an adult. Do you remember the catch phrase, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry?” It came from this movie.

There was a story in The Atmore Advance telling of the new crop of blueberries and how it was an up and coming industry.