(Taken from the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr)
25 Years Ago — June 5, 2000
Leighton Township Clerk Mary Lou Nieuwenhuis has been ruled ineligible for the August primary election because she did not properly sign her affidavit of identity in filing for the office.
The Globe published a variety of photos of the previous week’s celebrations of Memorial Day, which included Civil War re-enactors, a man dressed in an original World War II uniform, and friendly waving from Miss Martin Lindsey Wykstra.
A murder mystery from 1993 has been unraveled by local authorities. Trooper David Gutierrez’s cold case work has resulted in murder charges filed against Ryan Thibodoux of Kalamazoo for the murder of Randy Sjoerdsma, whose body was found in the Thornapple River in Caledonia Township. His belongings were discovered on the side of the road at 143rd Avenue in Leighton Township.
Sports writer Scott Sullivan took a turn with the Soapbox to counsel members of the graduating Class of 2000, “Don’t let ads tell you you need phony fans, facelifts, overpriced name-brand underwear, rock hard abs or whatever else they’re trying sell.”
Don Dandrow of Moline penned a letter to the editor about local government, opining, “Many people either do not pay attention to what is happening or find our public meetings are an exercise in futility or a waste of their time.”
Leighton Township Supervisor Dar VanderArk took umbrage with the notion that the township has somehow ignored veterans of previous wars.
Mark Luxford of Dorr wrote a letter explaining the goals and objectives of the Million Man March for sensible gun control.
Dorr Township residents Mary and Jerry Werkema lost their bid for the third time for rezoning from rural agricultural to rural estates at 1921 138th Ave.
Robert Hennip of Hopkins has been elected to the board of directors of Michigan School Business Officials.
Martin High School junior Allison Talsma will join the Lions of Michigan All-State Band for its tour this simmer as a flautist. They will play in Sault Ste. Marie and Honolulu, Hawaii.
Martin school district voters will decide later this month on a $6.83 million bond proposal to upgrade, expand and renovate facilities.
Adeline C. Harnish, longtime Dorr resident, is celebrating her 100th birthday June 5 at the Laurels of Sandy Creek.
Holly Boyd of Martin set the school record in the 3200-meter run at 12:27 at the Division 4 state meet. Becky Justice was state champion in the 100-meter high hurdles.
Wayland’s Justin Stuive was Allegan County champion in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes.
The Wayland High School girls soccer team posted its best season record ever at 8-10-1. Rick Parker was the coach.
Kim Wierenga has opened a dollar store at 701 W. Superior St. Charles and Sandy Rivera have opened Java & Juice at 106 W. Superior.
50 Years Ago — June 3, 1975
Willis Zeinstra has purchased Andringa’s Appliance from Julius Andringa, who reopened his business on West Superior Street. Andringa first opened the store in the 1940s.
Sue Janowsky was selected Miss Martin at the annual pageant.
Bob Swainston, owner of S & S Distributing and WACO Sales, has open the “Sew What Shop” downtown. Ron Burpee has opened a repair shop in the Old Queen Bakeries site on South Main. Mike Hanacek, owner of City and County Coin Laundry, is having a new business constructed next to Wayland Television Sales.
Wayland School Bus Drivers have voted to form an employees’ union.
The Wayland Board of Education voted to invite the Central Michigan University Band to take part in the dedication Sept. 25 of the new Wayland High School football field.
Supt. James Thomas again published a column attempting too explain the need for voters’ approval of a two-and-a-half mill increase in next week’s annual school election.
Dorothy Lundeen wrote a letter to the editor announcing that she and Tom Zoerner have have spearheaded creation of a special Citizens Committee to communicate school activities with the public, which has been promoting the upcoming millage request.
Hopkins students and local organizations have combined efforts to create a 15-by-18 foot “oasis” in front of Hopkins Lumber downtown.
Martin and Hopkins school board races June 9 are expected to be lively. One of the Martin candidates is Marcia Walthers, wife of high school principal Ken Walthers.
A report of two people drowning when their sailboat tipped over at Green Lake turned out to be a false alarm, Michigan State Police troopers learned.
Mindee Larr, a sixth-grader at Hopkins Elementary, was winner of a Consumers Power poster contest to promote kite safety.
Two local youths, Fred Banks and Colleen Ewing, were presented with citations from VFW officials for saving the lives of Carol and Kathy Lussenden last winter in a fire at Hopkins.
The 69th annual alumni banquet for Wayland High School will be held June 7 at the high school cafeteria.
Michael Patterson and David Pease were photographed in a sewing class holding up finished products, promoting a “men’s liberation” course at Wayland High School.
The Wayland baseball team lost to Lowell 5-4 in the Class B district semifinals. The Wildcats softball season ended in districts with a 10-2 loss to Otsego.
Junior Daren Irwin was the winner of the Wayland High School decathlon competition.
Martin finished its baseball campaign with a 7-6 record, which included a 5-4 victory over neighborhood rival Hopkins.
John Lubberts and Diane Fisher were winners of the Senior Athlete Awards for Wayland High School.
Wyoming Lee ended the Hopkins softball season with a 5-1 verdict in the district tournament. The Vikings finished with a 10-3 record.
With help of federal grants, Wayland will have a new ambulance, radio transmitter, receiver and fire truck by the end of the summer.
Wayland Township Constable Reuben Fox died at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was 64.
Mrs. Ruth B. Cooper of Hopkinsburg died at age 83 at the Sandy Creek Nursing Center. She had been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and American Legion Auxiliary.
Ralph Crisman died at age 51 at Zealand Hospital. He was owner of Pork’s Grocery in Burnips.
Minnie Riperton, who had an exceptionally high voice, took over No. 1 honors with “Loving You.”
75 Years Ago — June 9, 1950
Wayland merchants are gearing up for another summer series of public programs Wednesday evenings downtown. A three-day carnival kicked off the summer programs. Merchants had pails full of gifts for winners of drawings.
C.E. Johnson, former manager at Pet Milk in Reed City, has been named first assistant manager at Pet in Wayland. He has 25 years of experience in the industry.
Mrs. Art Thede has been elected president of the local chapter of the Women’s Society of Christian Service. Mrs. Ed St. John is vice president. Mrs. Dan Kern was elected president of the Hopkins chapter.
Catherine Milheim was elected president of the VFW Auxiliary #7581 in Wayland.
Mrs. Francis Fales and Mrs. Charlie Baldock presented a lesson on freezing fruits and vegetables to the East Bradley Extension Club.
Charles Andringa has been selected chairman of the Pack Committee of the local Cub Scout troop.
Fred Clinton, co-owner of the Bee Hive, is not improving at home and his wife has closed the restaurant for a couple of days to care for him.
The local post of the American Legion will have its annual fish fry at the Lakeview Tavern, West Gun Lake. Members are asked to bring their fish dressed and ready to cook as early as possible.
There were 89 members who attended the potluck reunion dinner for Hopkins High School at the school’s auditorium. Bob Nash was elected president and Leland Buck is secretary.
Jesse Cottril had the misfortune of getting his hand caught in an electrical motor while he was working on an oil pump.
Mrs. Ralph Sytsma endured an attack of appendicitis and was taken to the Allegan Health Center. She has been recovering since.
Judy Peffley is recovering from a leg infection she suffered when she was stricken by a stray ball at a ballgame.
Mrs. John Steeby is undergoing a series of blood transfusions at Allegan Health Center, suffering from anemia.
Haven Tarnutzer and Clayton Blue are on a trout fishing expedition at the Goulais River in Canada.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:
- Willard Parker and Lola Albright in “Bodyhold.”
- Gene Autry in “Riders of the Whistling Pines.”
- Ginger Rogers, Dennis Morgan and Thelma Ritter in “Perfect Strangers.”
- Frederic March and Florence Eldridge in “Christopher Columbus.”
- Dennis O’Keefe, Gale Storm and Jeff Chandler in “Abandoned.”
100 Years Ago — June 5, 1925
Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher opined that it is not necessary for Wayland to search outside of town to find quality orators for patriotic events such as Memorial Day. He sang high praises for speeches delivered by Rev. A.A. Buege and Rev. Walter Ellis.
Clarence Marsh, 17, son of Mrs. Fred Burleson of Wayland, was literally roasted alive in a horrible death while unloading a carload of cinders at the G, R. & I. siding. The cinders were to be used to surface the driveway on the school grounds. It was indicated they were so hot they had to be hosed down with water.
Genevieve Baker delivered the valedictory address for Wayland High School commencement. Edwin Baker gave the salutatory address and Myron Wilde the class history. Louis Baker and Alden Ryno gave the class prophecy. Peter Couch presented the address on “Right Living.”
Now showing at the Regent Theatre downtown: Dorothy MacKail in “the Painted Lady.” Fred Thompson and Silver King in “The Dangerous Coward.”
The Michigan Agricultural College senior class and Prof. O.E. Reed visited the Hopkins area farm of M. E. Parmalee June 5. Prof. Reed regards Parmalee’s dairy farm as one of the very best managed in Michigan.
Wayland High School student Ellis Bassett wrote the second installment of compositions on “How to Make Wayland a Better Town.” He insisted that “The children of today make the citizens of tomorrow” and proper education of youth is essential. He argued a new and more roomy high school is needed.
The Rev. F.E. Kunsman, president of the Michigan Conference, will conduct the fourth quarterly meeting at Gun Lake June 6 and 7, followed by a meeting Sunday night union service in Bradley.
A final reorganizational meeting for scouts will take place Tuesday evening, June 9. All former scouts who wish to stay in the troop must be present so the troop can make plans for this summer’s activities. Dues are 50 cents per year.
The Hamilton rural school had its annual year-end picnic and nine pupils received their diplomas.
“The Devil’s Boomerang” will be the topic of the sermon at the Church of Christ Sunday evening.
Wayland Schools Supt. G.W. Pettis presented letters at commencement to deserving students for scholarship, leadership and athletics.
F. Rose Wiggins, born in Gaines Township in 1858, died May 28 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was 67. She was taken ill in the winter and never recovered.
Florence, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Ira Slater, underwent a serious operation for infected tonsils and adenoids in Grand Rapids. She was taken to the Battle Creek Sanitarium, where every effort is being made to save her life. Authorities are reporting her condition is improving.
