(Taken from the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr:
25 Years Ago — Jan. 1, 2001
The Globe published a special edition for the year’s end with the theme, “Who we are — where we’re going.”
Editor Nila Aamoth wrote a lengthy editorial supporting prospects for a Native American owned casino for the area, despite the development’s controversy: “Let’s face it, Native Americans are permitted to operate gaming facilities in Michigan. It is a legitimate business that, if Mt. Pleasant is a good example, can be a tasteful enhancement to the rest of the community.”
Local law enforcement’s “Click it or ticket” safety campaign resulted in an estimated 13,500 motorists issued summons for failing to be strapped in by their seat belts.
Allegan County Finance Director David VandeRoovart and Accounting Manager Tracey Moored were placed on administrative leave with pay while an investigation took place. Administrator Kim Higgs said the action had nothing to do with any criminality.
The Sandy Pines Wilderness Trails Resort has purchased the Lake Monterey Golf Course.
Mayor David Miller told the Globe he is optimistic about the future growth of the City of Wayland, “Our commercial and industrial business will continue to grow as we have zoned for.”
Meanwhile, Dorr Township is believed to be planning for the inevitable — the installation of sewers along 142nd Avenue and the widening of that road from the U.S.-131 expressway west to downtown.
Watson Township officials have decided not to join the appeal of Circuit Judge George Corsiglia’s decision to rescind a special use permit for Wyoming Asphalt. The business, however, has decided to continue legal action.
Though much of Leighton Township is zoned for agricultural use, Supervisor Dar VanderArk says he anticipates a lot of industrial activity in the future as the South Beltline continues to move into the area along Division.
Monterey Township Supervisor Chris Reinhart told the Globe he’d like the township to stay rural and quiet, but there are challenges that remain with the local roads.
Martin Township Supervisor Terry Sturgis said the biggest need there is to update an outdated master plan and prepare for any changes that may arise from the Martin Motorsports Park.
The Hopkins basketball team took out Hamilton in the semifinals of the Huntington Christmas Classic in Fennville, advancing the finals to take on an undefeated Covert squad.
The Hopkins volleyball team, coached by Terri Merren, earned its first victory of the season by beating Covenant Christian. The Lady Vikings earlier in the season once led Fennville 13-0, but then somehow allowed the Blackhawks to overtake them.
Renee Sevigny has purchased Airport Lanes from longtime owner Doug Flick. She has worked at the bowling alley since 1977.
William Tein, former deacon and treasurer for the Martin Reformed Church and World War II veteran, hadsdied. He was 79.
50 Years Ago — Jan. 6, 1976
The Wayland City Council made some decisions about the public ambulance service that will replace the service provided by funeral director George Hampel, who is retiring from the business in March. Wayland Area Ambulance Service will be a public corporation that serves local municipalities, Wayland City and the townships of Wayland, Leighton, Dorr and Hopkins with a full-time manager.
William McClintock has announced he will retire from Michigan Bankers Association. He is a member of the board of directors for Wayland State Bank.
City Manager Carl Fockler has reported homeowners aren’t taking advantage of low interest loans from the federal government. He admitted not one request has been made, a problem that also exists in many other local municipalities in Michigan.
Planning Commission Chairman Dennis Reno has announced there will be a public hearing Jan. 14 on the city’s second year application for Housing and Urban Development grants.
The Hopkins Community Players will have an organizational meeting Jan. 15. The group plans to present a production on the Bicentennial later this year.
The Red Cross bloodmobile will stop in Moline on Tuesday, Jan. 20, from noon to 6 p.m., with a goal of 200 pints, 25 more than what was collected the year before.
TheHopkins girls’ basketball team was runner-up in the first-ever state post-season tournament held at Kentwood High School. The Lady Vikings bowed to Gladwin, 58-33. Gladwin fans constantly chanted, “Hopkins, Hopkins, don’t be blue… in the state you’re number two.”
The Dorr American Legion post members have been informed the group now includes 72 members, four from World War I, 25 from World War II, 19 from the Korean Conflict and 24 from the Vietnam War.
The Globe published a story outlining the guests and local parties for New Year’s celebrations.
John Żuławski of Dorr, a lifetime local farmer, died at the Sandy Creek Nursing Center. He was 84.
The Wayland High School basketball team absorbed its sixth loss without a victory this season in an 80-56 drubbing at the hands of Hudsonville. Rod Mauchmar scored eight points in the first eight minutes, but he and his teammates cooled down offensively the rest of the way.
David T. Young, in his weekly column wondered aloud why anyone would want to be an athletic coach.
Ed Matusak and the Frankfort Flounders have been making waves lately in the Ogre Hockey League, defeating front runners Omena Inn and the Maple City Seed Pods. A highlight of the Ogres’ New Year’s Party was a beer tasting demonstration by a blindfolded David T. Young.
Marvin Heft, Allegan County Extension Agent, will be in Martin to present a program on sheep from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Jan. 12 and 19.
Maddie Demarest, former longtime resident, died in St. Petersburg, Fla. She was 82.
Edna Zumbrink of Martin, longtime member of the Martin United Methodist Church, died in Kalamazoo at the age of 94.
Ralph Kreuzer of Hopkins died at Allegan General Hospital. He was 90.
The Bay City Rollers captured the No. 1 slot among the nation’s popular songs with “Saturday Night.”
75 Years Ago — Jan. 5, 1951
Marine Corps Pfc. Gordon Ray Pinup, 18, is recovering in a hospital in Japan after suffering severe frostbite in the Korean Conflict.
Editor-Publisher Rollo G. Mosher, in his weekly “Observations Here and There” column, waxed eloquent about how the Christmas card industry evolved into big business.
The first adult homemaking class of the new year will be held at 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, at the high school.
The Leighton Grange will have its annual oyster supper Friday, Jan. 12.
Winter agricultural classes for Wayland area farmers will start Monday, Jan. 8. Edwin St. John will be the instructor. New farm practices will be discussed.
The Jacob EdingCompany was offering a free special windshield ice and snow scraper with the purchase of Firestone tires for the winter.
A “Family Party” was being planned for Wednesday, Jan. 10, at the Wayland High School auditorium. On stage artists will be ventriloquist, accordionist Konnie Walker Eddie Collins and musical novelties and Grok and Marianne with comedy, juggling, magic and puppets. Also scheduled will be colored movies.
A fire caused by an overheated range summoned the Wayland Fire Department to the farm home of Mr. And Mrs. George Sheldon.
Mrs. Edna Lapham, her daughter and family, Mr. and Mrs. Newell Burt of Wyoming Park were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Darwin Lapham and they all dropped in on Dean Lapham at Gun Lake to enjoy an evening of watching television.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:
- Forrest Tucker, Adele Mara and Adrian Booth in “Rock Island Trail.”
- James Stewart, Barbara Hale and James Gleason in “The Jackpot.”
- James Whitmore and Nancy Davis in “The Next Voice You Hear.”
100 Years Ago — Jan. 1, 1926
The Wing & Metcalf furniture store has been purchased by A. B. Fisher of Sturgis, “ an enterprising young businessman who has had considerable experience in the undertaking and furniture businesses.” He and his family will move into the apartment over the store, formerly occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Wing.
Russell Birchard left Sunday night to resume his studies at Olivet Nazarene College in Illinois.
Now showing at the Regent Theatre downtown: Hoot Gibson in “The Hurricane Kid.” Airplane stunt man Al Wilson in “The Air Hawk.”
Ward Dean is seriously ill in Bronson Hospital, Kalamazoo, with peritonitis.
Miss Dora Heazlit is home for the holidays from the Michigan Female Seminary in Kalamazoo.
Mrs. Harry Wine has been dangerously ill and was taken to a hospital in Grand Rapids.
Miss Marie Tolhurst, who is attending high school in Grand Rapids has returned from her holiday visit with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Tolhurst.
The campaign for eradication of bovine tuberculosis is well under way and a state tester will be in Wayland Township Jan. 5.
Alanson Tanner celebrated his 94th birthday Dec. 28 by treating his friends to ice cream at Short’s Hardware Store. “Those who failed to be present must wait for their treat another year.”
Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Shellhorn were snow bound at Constantine. They reported that about 40 to 50 cars were stalled on the road near Schoolcraft.
‘The Globe is minus the inside pages of this issue of the paper on account of the shipment of paper being on a boat that is icebound near St. Joseph.
County road crews were very busy trying to remove heavy snowfall. Side roads are filled with about 18 inches of snow, but main trunk lines are open.
