INTRODUCTION TO "LEPANTO" BY ~~ SUE CHAMBERS
	Lepanto is a town of great history.  People began to come in the 1870's but it wasn't until 1894 that the name "Lepanto" was submitted.  It's the only town in the United States to bear that name.  It was named after the seaport Lepanto in Greece located to the entrance to the Gulf of Corinth, the lst battle in the Mediterrean Sea was "The Battle of Lepanto." In the early 1900's people began to move in and stores were being built.  It was incorporated in 1909.  Early Lepanto was in the middle of a cotton field, that is when cotton was King. Bonnie Beth Byler, of Lepanto, Ar. was one of the first in the Mid-South elected Maid of Cotton and traveled the country telling about cotton. Today we are proud of the progress that has been made.  We have a good City Goverment: a Fire Department (including three tankers) with 25 volunteer firemen, a well-organized Police Department and an Ambulance Service fully-equipped. There are seven active Churches: a Clinic with a Doctor, Dentist and Nurses on staff.  There is a sound and substantial Bank, still owned and operated by the Portis family, one of the first families.  There are six different places to eat and "catch a cup of coffee" several novelty shops including three Antique shops. Saturday night is still a "biggie." People come from far and near.  The town is overflowing with people.  Why? A big, big Auction, it's overwhelming. Now we want to paint with pride to our School System. It is outstanding and has infludenced many families to move here.  We have a well equipped High School with an enrollment of 400.  There were 63 graduates this year with 24 receiving scholarships.  There is an Elementary enrollment of 430.  The Junior High has a Home-Ec Department: complete Agri program, a Great Gymnasium, a well staffed Cafeteria and a Band room.  There are 65 certified personnel. Most have been here several years.  The School Principal, Mickey Pierce, is rounding out 21 years.  The Superintendent, Gerald Jennings, has been on the faculty many years. LEPANTO IS A TOWN WITH A BIG HEART AND 2000 FRIENDLY PEOPLE.  YOU ARE ALWAYS "WELCOME"
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