From the files of the Polk County News ...

In 1938, it was expected that the Democratic ticket would have no opposition in the August election. The Republicans qualified less than 300 voters ... On the Democrat ticket: Broughton Biggs, Sheriff; R.E. McClary, Trustee; G.L. Gilliland, Circuit Court clerk; L.H. Park, County Court clerk; John A. Harbison, Register ... The farm to market road from Benton to Parksville was being resurfaced and oiled ...

In 1948, the Campbell Rock and Lime Company was opened in Benton ... UT graduates were Ralph W. Higgins, Lynn R. Campbell, Frank Singleton, Mrs. Edith Nichols Smith, Bertha C. Mason ...

In 1958, the Good Government League announced a full slate of candidates: Bud Payne, Sheriff; N.J. Wilson, trustee; J. Haskell Lillard, county court clerk; John Cassada, circuit court clerk; Quinn Quintrell, register of deeds. J.H. (Newt) Shoemaker, GOP chairman, said the group nominated under the Republican banner do not have the endorsement of the Republicans and that the Regular Republican Organization did not have a ticket ... Democrat candidates were Broughton Campbell, sheriff; Bob Firestone, trustee; Ralph Graves, county court clerk; Roy Stillwell, Circuit Court Clerk; Cy Culpepper, Register.

In 1978, District Attorney General Richard Fisher asked that the Grand Jury looking into alleged voter fraud be dismissed for misconduct. He vowed to appoint another one ... Winners in Benton’s election were Amos Bates, Homer Garren and Shorty Waters ... Audrey Presswood Daugherty was named Tennessee Secretary of the Year ... Doug Hughes was appointed to the School Board ... Kimberly Panther was inducted into the UT Honor Society.

In 1988, the Election Commission suggested the county go to a punch ballot voting system ... School Superintendent Danny Rogers told the commission the school system needs $732,000 more than it received the previous year ... Computers installed in the Sheriff’s Department allowed access to NCIC information ... Hopes were dimming for a sewage treatment system for the industrial park in Benton.

In 1998, the school system received grants for a Family Resource Center, math/science enhancements, gender equity, and veggies … Safety concerns were raised about plans for a giant star with an image of Jesus planned for Cemetery Hill in Copperhill … Copperhill was to begin enforcing its curfew of 11 p.m. – 5 am. For those under 18 … Copperhill approved Bed & Breakfast zoning … Construction began on a Sonic in Benton and one was also planned for McCaysville … Mr. And Mrs. Paul Coburn celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.