By: Paige Cline

It is interesting to look at a certain segment or year of our history to ponder the events that are typical of the time. They are the day-to-day happenings that are going on while larger historical events are being played out in the world.
1984 was a typical, and interesting, year. 
In January, the U.S. Corps of Engineers rejected a plan to re-channel the Guyandotte River just below the Bailey-Murphy Addition to create space for a shopping plaza. Although the area was without adequate space to accommodate fast food restaurants or other businesses, the project appeared to be doomed from the start. Such names as ” Fantasy Island” were used to deride the possibility of it ever happening. 
Russel Reed, John Pizzino, Jr., Betty Mullins and Gary L. Cline were arrested in a murder plot in which Roger Mullins was wounded. 
Likeable Glen Hickman died in a house fire on the Kentucky Side. 
Brian Mckinney scored 71 points in a basketball game in which Pineville defeated Liberty. Then Herbie Brooks of Mullens tallied 60 against Independence. Then Darren Whitten scored 74 against poor old Liberty.
Vickie Lynn Browning was named to the 1984 edition of Outstanding Young Women of America. 
Darren Whitten of Oceana High accepted a football scholarship to WVU. 
In March, funeral services were held for Claude Phillips. Mr. Phillips was a teacher, principal, director of the Vocational school, president of the Board of Education and President of Robinson-Phillips Coal Co.
After a recount, Clayton Hale was declared the winner over Jim England by four votes for the House of Delegates seat. Ray Woolsey won the other.
The Bank of Oceana opened a new branch in Pineville. First community opened a new branch in Oceana. and dedicated a satellite bank in East Pineville. 
In May, Junior Laxton was elected mayor of Oceana.
Mullens won their third straight Single A basketball title by beating Lenore 78-54. John Campbell, Herbie brooks and Jeff Mullins led the Rebels.
The Town of Pineville fired police chief Hubert Leslie and did not re-hire Frances Helmuth. Leslie claimed he was fired because he sided with Helmuth who ticketed a potential customer of Mayor Gene Taylor’s garage. Jim Bolt was named as the new chief. 
John Lambert, long time circuit clerk and prominent citizen, died. Former Pineville mayor Vaughan Stewart was named to replace him for the balance of the term. 
The Independent Herald won seven (7) first-place awards in state competition.
The old Island Creek store in Oceana was torn down to make room for Arby’s restaurant.
Goodson’s of Oceana opened its doors for the first time. Buddy’s of Pineville re-opened after remodeling following a fire.
And, at the end of the year, some good news. U.S.Steel recalled 400 workers. 
Life in the 80’s in Wyoming County.