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Forty years ago, in 1979, gas prices were going up just as they are today. Every once in a while, we get a break, but not much.

Forty years ago the word was that gasoline prices had been steadily on the rise, and they were heading up again, just as they are today. I don’t know why it is happening now, except what I heard on television. Some of the ships carrying the oil had been attacked. That’s what happens when we help a country win their freedom; then they turn on us. Maybe we should leave them to take each other down, and maybe we should use our own oil and let them fend for themselves.

Well, I will get off my soap box and tell you what happened in 1979.

“The Fair,” a department store on North Main Street, held a grand opening selling things at a bargain.

The Atmore Beautification Board won first place in community improvement.

A couple driving in Baldwin County had a head-on-collision, losing their lives. Buford Conway (62) and his wife, Alma Lee Conway (58) were killed, but the driver of the other vehicle wasn’t hurt too badly.

John Evans was convicted and judged to die in the  electric chair. He gave a long speech, a warning others not to make the mistakes he did with his life.

Piggly Wiggly was selling eggs for 68 cents a dozen and a five pound bag of oranges for next to nothing.

Shoppers in the Atmore area were given the opportunity to see employees dressed how ever they wished.

The new gym at Earnest Ward School was well on its way to being finished.

A man was found dead in his car on an Atmore street. It was thought that he had a heart attack.

Ken Fore, of Atmore, was set to take part in the Space Shuttle Project. Fore, who was a graduate of Escambia County High School in 1963 and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama in aerospace engineering in 1968. 

Alison Nelson was named Miss Atmore. She was one of 25 contestants.

Scott Brooks signed a scholarship to play for Livingston University.

Mayfest was a big success with plenty of entertainment, food and fun for all ages.

Escambia Academy held an all-sports banquet.