(Taken from the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library)
25 Years Ago — July 5, 1995
Robert Tilson, 28, pleaded no contest in Barry County Circuit Court to a charge of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of liquor, causing death. He had been arrested a year before his motorboat struck and killed 14-year-old jet skier Kalen Reahm.
Scott Sullivan penned a feature story about the Dorr Township Library and Director Mary Johnson preparing for expansion to the facility, which in years gone by had housed the township offices on 142nd Avenue near 18th Street. The library is asking local voters Sept. 12 to approve a tax increase of 0.85 mill to defray some of the costs for the expansion project, which has been estimated at $200,000.
Some 85 German students are staying overnight in Hopkins so they can perform in a special concert of pop and jazz music July 12 at the village park. The youths are taking part in the Blue Lake Music International Exchange.
The Globe published a story and photo about the progress of construction of the new Wayland Junior High on Wildcat Drive.
The Fontana Music Festival in downtown Shelbyville has announced its summer schedule of concerts on Wednesdays and Sundays between July 16 and Aug. 27.
Pat Staley wrote a feature story with photos about Lee Anne Rookus, daughter of Mark Rookus and Sue Wenger, who has been successfully battling a rare blood disorder.
The Globe’s July 5 issue was a holiday-fueled combination with the Orbit, featuring attractions for summer fun and promotions for Hopkins businesses. Editor Nila Aamoth, in her Soapbox entry, commented, “This edition is chock-full of ideas for spending leisure time — from the quick and casual to the frankly elegant.”
50 Years Ago — July 1, 1970
Editor-Publisher Irvin P. Helmey and Wes Warren signed their names at the bottom of two full page advertisements attempting to alert local citizens to dangerous propaganda being issued by communists. One example of such un-American propaganda was, “The police are used to repress the struggles of black Americans against racism and oppression.”
Theresa Harnish, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Harnish of Wayland, has been awarded a scholarship to study six weeks this summer in Spain. She is a student at Western Michigan University.
Scott Hilbert, a 1965 Wayland High School graduate, escaped serious injuries at Gun Lake when the sailboar he was riding suddenly overturned and he had to swim to shore.
Guest writer Bernadette Nicolai penned a feature with photos about Tony Rakowski and his back door antique tour that will take place during the Dorr annua;l Fourth of July celebration.
Representatives from the Wayland Board of Education and faculty have reached early agreement on an employment contract for the next academic year, with entry-level teachers getting $7,200 annually. Negotiators were Joe LaValley, Bob Hendrixson, Dorothy DeWeerd and Wally Wakeman for the board and Linden Anderson, Dick Miller, Donald Jackson, Mrs. Fred Green and John Rookus for the teachers.
Sister Mary Elise, principal at St. Therese School, has earned her master’s degree in education from Wayne State University.
Herb Chevrolet has won an undisclosed cash settlement with what is now known as Gulf Oli Co. in connection with the 1965 fire that destroyed the car dealership on North Main Street.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre: “Puffnstuff.”
The Globe published a huge photo of the migrant students taking classes in Wayland over the summer. The kids stopped in at the Globe to get a first-hand look at how weekly newspapers are published.
Jerry Pattok, foreman at Pet Incorporated in Wayland, was drowned in Payne Lake. A Pet employee for 34 years, he was 56.
Barry Brower, in his weekly “Vietnam Diary” column, explained how the Armed Forces Vietnam Network brought news and entertainment to the troops overseas.
Richard Chapple is the new superintendent of public works for the City of Wayland.
Mrs. Albert DeHaan took best in show honors at the annual Southwest Michigan Iris Society show in Kalamazoo.
Clyde Long Jr., 22, was drowned in Big Lake near Martin while fishing.
“The Love You Save,” by the Jackson Five, took over the No. 1 slot among the nation’s tunes.
75 Years Ago — July 6, 1945
This year’s school election July 9 promises to be a lively affair with five candidates seeking two seats. They include incumbents Harry Elenbaas and Clifford Pike, Ed Alflen, Howard Clack and Al Palenick.
Edward C, Nicolai, 75, a lifelong local farmer, died at his Monterey Township farm home.
Bob and Jim Delvin were reunited at the home of their mother, Winnie Delvin, in Wayland. Bob served in the Philippines and Jim in Italy, North Africa and Austria.
Cpl. Robert Smith, 22, a medical technician, was killed in battle in Okinawa. A 1940 graduate of Hopkins High School, he was a gifted artist and had been been offered a job with Disney Studios as soon as the war was over.
Pvt. Fred Ritsema, who took part in the invasions of France and Belgium and pushed east into Germany, was granted honorable discharge after receiving many awards.
Bernie Belka has been named streets commissioner for the Village of Wayland.
Grant Heydenberk purchased a threshing tractor and he and Ray Timmer made the 600-mile trek to Central Illinois to pick up the vehicle.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:
- Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Gabby Hayes and the Sons of the Pioneers in “Utah.”
- Richard Arlen and Cheryl Walker in “Identity Unknown.”
- Dennis Morgan and Raymond Massey in “God Is My Co-Pilot.”
- Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn and Lucille Ball in “Without Love.”
100 Years Ago — July 2, 1920
Though July Fourth falls on a Sunday, many local businesses have announced they will be closed Saturday for the holiday.
A special meeting is being arranged for residents of District No. 2 of the Wayland school system to discuss pros and cons of a proposal to consolidate the village with rural districts. Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher wrote, “Many of the parents do not seem to relish the idea of their children being forced to attend school in the business district.” He maintained, however, that the move would be an opportunity for better quality education. An election will be July 20.
The Wayland Grange has announced it is supporting the candidacy of John C. Ketchum of Hastings for the Fourth Congressional District seat.
The Commercial Club has set Aug. 13 as the date for a chautauqua. New member W. H. Schuh is urging the establishment of a state park in the Village of Wayland south along Dixie Highway.
Now showing at the Regent, formerly the Opera House: Viola Dana in “Please Get Married,” Jack Dempsey in “Daredevil Jack,” William Russell in “Shod with Fire,” and May Allison in “Fair and Warmer.”
“Housework for Colored Girls: Training girls to supply nation-wide demand for domestic service,” read a headline.
Little Eva Trautman of Moline fell from the porch at her house and had to be treated by a Grand Rapids physician for a broken arm.
Dr. E.O. Hanlon’s health condition has taken a more serious turn and he is confined to his bed.
The pastor of the local Methodist Church plans to deliver a sermon on “Politics and Religion” on Sunday evening, July 4.
The Christian Church’s Sunday evening services that include films has been canceled for the months of July and August.
