(Taken from the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr)
25 Years Ago — Feb. 14, 2000
The Globe published a front page photo of students in the classes of teachers Lydia Licari and Linda Rupert at Moline Elementary, which won the school’s Winter Olympics competition.
Longtime Allegan County Intermediate School District Superintendent James Pavelka is retiring and moving to Traverse City.
The Wayland Township Board has decided to postpone debate on its proposed gatherings limit ordinance.
The Wayland volleyball team leads the O-K Gold Conference standings and the Lady Wildcats have a good chance to capture the league title. Their dual match record is 8-0 in league play thus far and they’re ranked No. 7 in the state.
The Martin wrestling team, sporting a 31-4 dual meet record, dominated the Hopkins Invitational.
The Yankee Springs Township Board has voted to reject a contract with the YMCA and its more than $1,000 price tag serving only 80 local kids.
Kurt Rizley netted 24 points as the Wildcat basketball squad captured a victory over upset-minded Cedar Springs.
Mary M. Kookier wrote letter to the editor criticizing Wayland Township Supervisor Jose Blanco for not reappointing a couple of Planning Commission members because they had opposed him in the past.
Letter writer Robert Beck suggested a watershed balance would be an excellent addition to Hopkins Township.
The Leighton Township Board approved the eight-phase Green Lake Ridge Estates project at146th and 108th Avenues.
Sabrina Bird and Brad Kerber were crowned king and queen for the Winter Carnival festivities at Hopkins High School.
Hopkins High School sophomore Carrie Shelley was named winner of a VFW patriotic art competition statewide.
Jack Klunder, Matt Miller and Kevin Glupker led Hopkins to a split of two league contests in basketball during the week.
The 2000 presidential primary was scheduled for Feb. 22.
50 Years Ago — Feb. 11, 1975
About 50 to 60 people showed up at the Hopkins Village and Township Hall to discuss the possibility of establishing a community action group. The sponsor of the idea is the Hopkins Ladies Literary Club.
Wayland Union Schools Supt. James Thomas has announced a plan for students living on impassible roads to find a way to be transported to school.
James Shoemaker, 19, of Wayland, died in a truck crash near the 44th Street exit along the U.S.-131 expressway. He was a passenger in the vehicle that swerved and left the road covered with snow and ice.
The annual benefit dance for Precious Acres netted more than $1,000, according to co-chairs Delores DeWeerd and Mrs. Richard Adamczyk.
Wayne Ritz of Moline was chosen vice chairman of the Allegan County Board of Public Works.
The Hopkins FFA chapter won six gold medals at the district contest at Bangor. Individual winners included Phil Hall, Mark Miller and Mark Watson.
Peggy Rose Arnsman has been selected girls’ volleyball coach for Hopkins this winter.
Kim Niemczyk and Scott Pavlak had the leading roles in Hopkins High School’s presentation of “The Roaring 20s.”
Eileen M. Walker has been named Wayland High School’s Betty Crocker Family Leader of Tomorrow.
The Wayland Rangerettes have been organized to provide additional color and action to the Wayland High School marching band and pep band performances. They are under the direction of Mrs. Steve Working and Mrs. William Mooney.
Bernie Smith scored 21 points and Tim Pawloski 14 as Hopkins beat Saugatuck 78-51 to set up a showdown with Fennville for the A-O Conference basketball title.
Hamilton earned revenge over Wayland after the latter team’s one-point victory by burning the Wildcats 74-54. Russ McCarren had 17 points, Jim Bechttel 11 and Rod Mauchmar 10.
O-K Blue Conference powerhouse Comstock Park defeated Wayland on the wrestling mats to show everybody who is the league champ.
Butch Schmidt was pictured with 34 bluegills he caught ice fishing on Huckleberry Lake near Moline.
The Wayland volleyball tam is preparing for its first MHSAA dual match vs. Hopkins Feb. 13 under the guidance of coach Pat Rowley.
Columnist-Correspondent Rosemary Hitt reported that among the first Hopkins Township settlers were Esek Baker and sons, Harvey and Jason. His daughter, Emily, 6, was lost in the forest, but was found still alive near Bear Swamp.
Donald Gilbert of Gun Lake died of a heart attack at Pipp Hospital at age 74. A veteran of World War I, he had been caretaker Pretty Lake Vacation Camp.
Linda Ronstadt had the nation’s No. 1 song with “You’re No Good.”
75 Years Ago — Feb. 17, 1950
The ceremony honoring the new St. Stanislaus School in Hilliards included a lot of pomp and circumstance, according to Msg. Albert Radowski, administrator. The dedication began at 3 p.m. on a Sunday. The Globe published a history of the parish, which has been operating for more than 70 years.
The Ladies Library Club held its 57th anniversary celebration in the music room at the high school. After the dinner, Wayland High School alum Donna Jean Blue Palmer presented a violin recital. Guest speaker was Prof. Paul Bagwell.
A fire that destroyed a barn and hen house at the farm of William Mahr in Watson Township. Also destroyed were a tractor, pickup truck, grain and hay. Defective wiring was blamed for the catastrophe.
A sudden fire in the packing quilts for a refrigerator was quickly extinguished by Doc Murdock and Harold Austin of Van’s Gas & Electric.
Arlyn Sooy and Herbert Moore captured first place at the FFA district contest, assisted by their “talking cow.” Henry Modreske finished second the speaking contest.
Vernon Bellows and Leon Glascott were nominated for president at the Hopkins Village Caucus. Lena Martin and Royal Pease were nominated for clerk.
The Spring Hill Pedro Club held a surprise party and potluck for Mr. and Mrs. John Wicks.
Mrs. Earl Calkins, formerly of Hopkins, died at her home in San Diego, Calif. She was the former Anne Schroeder.
Congressman Clare Hoffman of Allegan has initiated a libel lawsuit, asking for $50,000 against two union members.
Wayland scored two more basketball victories in the Bark-Ken-All Conference, beating Hopkins 35-30 and Middleville 32-9. Jim Christensen scored 13 points to lead Wayland and Jim Newell 10 for Hopkins.
The Wayland Roller Rink, now under the new management of Billy Niemchick and Wayne Johnson, is open weekends Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.
The farm of Frank Gigowski west of Hilliards burned to the ground despite the best efforts of Dorr and Hopkins firefighters.
Wheaton Speer has sued Eric Schelling in Hopkins for $250 after the latter shot and killed his sow. A jury awarded Speer $75 and assessed costs of $35 against Schelling. Schelling insisted Speer’s pig invaded his property and attacked his dog.
Icy road conditions delayed the Wayland Congregational Church’s annual winter picnic.
The adult sewing class will be presented with a demonstration of how to put in zipper pockets.
Dorothy Hilaski, Connie Fifelski and Mary Ann Mroz, all of Dorr, won silver dollars in the WFUR Radio contest, singing “Cruising Down the River.”
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:
- Steven Dunne and Louis Maxwell in “Kazan.”
- Gene Autry and Nan Leslie in “Rim of the Canyon.”
- William Powell, Mark Stevens and Betsy Drake in “Dancing in the Dark.”
- Tyrone Power, Orson Welles and Wanda Hendrix in “Prince of Foxes.”
100 Years Ago — Feb. 13, 1925
WKAR, the radio station of Michigan State College, has begun regular broadcasting for Michigan, northern United States and Canada.
The body of Joseph Johnson, 84, of Hamilton, has been found in a ravine along the side of the road with a sack of groceries. It was determined he died of a heart attack.
A huge gathering appeared at the funeral of Mrs. A.E. Weaver, who had died surprisingly after a long series of illnesses.
A new yellow celery cold storage plant is being constructed at Byron Center.
Mrs. Wayne Parmalee is substitute teaching in District No. 4 in the absence of Mrs. Munger.
Now showing at the Regent Theatre downtown: Thomas Meighan in the comedy “Woman Proof.” Next week: Cullen Landis and Ernest Torrence in “The Fighting Coward.”
The Globe published letters from former local residents Metta Sooy and W. S. Ablett, now living out of state.
Miss Russ and her sixth-graders entertained members of the Ladies Library Club with musical selections.
A Young Peoples’ Service was conducted at the Bradley Church of the Nazarene, featuring 18 teen visitors from Grand Rapids.
A Washington and Lincoln party was held at the County Line School. Included was a special Valentine Box.
The regular monthly program was given by grade pupils Friday afternoon at the Wayland schoolhouse. This is one way for parents to get in touch with the schools.
The Libby Company, owners of the local pickle salting station, are expecting large acreage this year south of the village.
Eleven tables were filled at the American Legion Auxiliary for the 500 party.
Mr. And Mrs. Alvin Pierce of Hopkinsburg have five children at home with measles, but all are doing as well as could be hoped for.
Harry Allegro is on a trip to the west coast in the interest of the Kulp Theftproof Lamp Co.
The band concert at the Regent Theatre downtown was well attended and the young musicians were praised for their progress.
“It appears that this year there will be only one ticket (Republican) in the field for the village caucus… It behooves all voters to turn out and put up a ticket of good capable men.”
