June happenings in Arkansas down through history

      First Electric Co-op’s current issue of Arkansas Living gets my kudos and bravos for providing, unbeknownst to them, this post. I always read the trivia, work the crossword, and look at the two-page spread pictures of members’ children or grandchildren and their antics.

      This month’s trivia, usually one column wide, covers an entire page. Selected items follow.

*June 18 is National Panic Day, National Picnic Day, International Sushi Day, and National Splurge Day.
*The highest June temperature recorded at Adams Field in Little Rock is 107 on June 27,2012. The lowest recorded June temperature at the site is 46 on June 3, 1969.

*Arkansas officially became a state on June 15, 1836, the 25^th in the Union.

*Arkansas’ public television network, AETN, turned 64 on June 4, 2018.

*Russellville was incorporated on June 7, 1870.

*A severe weather sister to tornados, derechos are wide-spread, long-lived storms with a straight path that can cause significant straight-line wind damage. The word “derecho” is derived from the Spanish word for “straight ahead.” In contrast, the word “tornado” is thought to be derived from the Spanish word “tornar,” meaning “to turn.” On June 9, 2009, much of Arkansas experienced a derecho, starting in northern Arkansas. The leading edge of the storm produced 60-to-80-mph winds, with some localized gusts surpassing hurricane force. The storm lasted four or five hours as it crossed into Mississippi. During that time, there were several tornado and funnel cloud reports and structural damage, including many downed power lines that left 70,000 Arkansans without power.

*Each year on June 14, the nation celebrates the birthday of the Stars and Stripes, which was authorized as the official U. S. flag on June 14, 1777. The American flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise.

*Since 1981, Malvern has celebrated Brickfest on the last full weekend in June to commemorate the town’s brick industry, a major part of its economy since 1887.

*On June 25, 1966, an at-the-time uncompleted, seven-story Christ of the Ozarks statue was dedicated in Eureka Springs.

*Juneteenth is a celebration on the third Saturday in June of slaves being freed by President Lincoln. Originating in Texas in 1865, it is held in June to mark the date when the news of the emancipation of slaves reached the state. Festivals and events are held throughout the U. S. and Arkansas, this year on June 16.

      Enjoy the remainder of June, folks. Stay inside while it’s hot, work outside when it’s not.

c 2018, PL d/b/a lovepat press, Benton AR USA