(Taken from the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr)
25 Years Ago — July 13, 1994
Wayland High School freshman Kalene Ann Reahm, 14, was killed on Gun Lake July 4 when the personal watercraft she was rising was struck by a speed boat. The 27-year-old driver of the boat is expected to be charged and authorities suspect alcohol was a factor in the incident.
Four children were injured when a 12-year-old Middleville boy was driving a boat at open throttle and struck a sea wall near Barrett’s Cove on Gun Lake. The Gun Lake Protective Association, as a result, is calling for more strict safety regulations on the lake.
Martin Village President Robert Brandon told local residents at a Village Council meeting that the cost for sewer service from the Plainwell treatment plant, now at $23.88 per household per month, will have to be increased.
A temporary housing request from John Gates and Jan Streigle was approved by the Wayland Township Board. The two planned to build a temporary housing unit for their mother on Gates’ property.
The Hopkins Township Planning Commission is up dating the local master plan for the first time since 1977. Supervisor Kevin Cronin reported that the emphasis again is on preserving agriculture and accommodating growth.
Scott Sullivan wrote a feature story about the Gun Lake chapter of the Toastmasters, a club that attempts to improve members’ public speaking skills. Don Black is the club’s president.
The Kelli Miller Circus is expected to come to Dorr Township this coming Saturday.
Butch Cleveringa and comrades are making preparations for the annual Summerfest celebration in downtown Wayland, featuring the Second Street Blues Band.
Michigan State University graduate Heather Ludlam is the newest veterinarian to set up shop in the area, at the Monterey Veterinary Center.
Former Wayland City Manager, 68, of Gun Lake, has died. A former engineer for the City of Grand Rapids, he served as city manager from 1974 to 1987 and was chairman of the Wayland Area Emergency Services Board.
50 Years Ago — July 9, 1969
The Moline State Bank was observing its 50th anniversary with a special dinner at the Christian Reformed Church. The Globe published a photo of Bank President Joe Haveman and eight original shareholders, Edward Gletzen, Conrad and Jim Haveman, Glenn and Anna Gilbert, Mary Gletzen and Dora Weaver.
Richard Sevigny has been selected commander of the Wayland post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Mrs. Bevra Kramer was elected president of the auxiliary.
An engineers’ report recommends an eight-inch test well and the quality of local water is expected to be good.
Michigan State Police report that traffic deaths in the state for June hit an all-time annual high with 217 losing their lives on the highways.
Mr. and Mrs. Taan Sein were involved in a traffic crash at the Dorr-Moline exit on U.S.-131. The driver of the other vehicle, Carl Loveland, 72, of Otsego, was killed.
The Dorr centennial celebration over the Fourth of July holiday was praised as a huge success, according to Mrs. Jack Rewa, one of the organizers.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre: “Play Dirty,” starring Michael Caine.
The Rev. Fr. B.J. Schafer is organizing a new church, Holy Family Catholic, in Caledonia. He most recently has been pastor at Sts. Cyril & Methodius, Gun Lake. The Rev. Father Bill Kobza will succeed him at Sts. Cyril.
Aunt Bertha and the Children’s Bible Hour will be special guests at the Green Lake Drive-In Church this Sunday evening.
Word has been received that David Taylor, won of Mrs. Marjorie Fuss of Hopkins, is improving in a hospital after being wounded in Vietnam.
Wayland High School graduate Ray Spencer has been assigned to the 178th Aviator Co. in Vietnam. He is serving as a helicopter mechanic.
Cpl. Kenneth Dietz of Dorr is a squadron leader in Vietnam after receiving a Presidential Unit citation ribbon.
Damage control fireman Ronald Miller of Hopkins is stationed in Da Nang in Vietnam.
Joseph Bravata, a member of the Gun Lake area pioneer business family, died at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was 46.
The Rev. Fay C. Wing, a huge local figure in the Village of Wayland after the turn of the century, died in Woodland at age 92. He was a pastor, operator of furniture sales business and an undertaker. While at the Christian Church on West Superior Street, he oversaw the installation of a movie screen and projector for use in Sunday evening services.
Zager & Evans took over the No. 1 slot on the nation’s music charts with “In the Year 2525.”
75 Years Ago — July 14, 1944
Pvt. Rodney Cole was the first Wayland area soldier reported as a casualty in the D-Day invasion of June 6. He is recovering in a hospital in England after being struck by schrapnel.
Dick Hines, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hines of Wayland and a 1941 Wayland High School graduate, was promoted to staff sergeant and has been chosen for a secret mission traveling alone to the Mexican border.
Vincent Snell and Eldon Calkins were elected to the two open seats on the Wayland Rural District School Board. There were only 53 ballots cast. Calkins succeeds the late Guert Fales, who died in June.
Staff Sgt. Joseph Panyrek now is serving in France, which he described in a letter as having less rain than in England.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dyer of Hopkins said their sons Jule and Noel ran into each other in Hawaii while in the service recently.
Staff Sgt. Milton Ross, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ross of Bradley, received the Good Conduct Medal while serving in Northern Island.
Ray Clack is recovering at home after undergoing surgery at Butterworth Hospital as a result of an accident on his farm south of Wayland.
It was reported that only 42 showed up at the polls in the recent primary election in Green Lake.
Staff Sgt. Edward Hilaski of Hilliards has returned from nearly two years of duty as a gunner in the Army Air Bomber squadron in China.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre:
• Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette and Ann Rutherford in “Melody Trail.”
• Arthur Lake, Jane Lawrence and Bob Haymes in “Sailors’ Holiday.”
• Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine in “Jane Eyre.”
• Betty Grable and Charlie Spivak and his orchestra in “Pin Up Girl.”
100 Years Ago — July 11, 1919
An application has been received in Allegan County for the widening, deepening and straightening of the Hilbert Drain, also known as Mineral Springs, in Hopkins Township.
The Allegan County Fair this year is scheduled Aug. 26 through Aug. 29.
Harold Meredith has regained his old job with the G R & I Railroad after he served nearly two years in the military overseas.
The local Hope Rebekah Lodge will have installation of officers at its next meeting July 18.
The local chapter of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union met with Mrs. Mina Deuel. Mae Smith was acting president of the day. Ten minutes of the meeting was devoted to the parliamentary drill.
Howard Clack fell from the roof on the side of the house owned by A.D. Hughes. He escaped serious harm despite falling 19 feet.
The Wayland Grange was to have a joint meeting with Allegan County Pomona Grange July 17.
George W. Barnes died at his home July 8. His service was to be conducted the Rev. Fay C. Wing at the Christian Church.
Jess Willard and Anline Pretty were featured in the film “The Challenge of Chance,” a western thriller in seven reels at Frank’s Opera House.
The Chicago Chief of Police has confirmed that the car owned by T.A. Norris has been recovered after it was stolen from the front of Grand Rapids City Hall.
A barn fire at the farm of William Haywood south of the village destroyed the building and is contents, including hay, an auto and grain.
Miss Inez Sias was visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chase Sias. She is secretary to the Jackson County Road Commission.
The Wayland chapter of the Order of Eastern Star has issued an official Resolution of Respect for Alice Coel, a recently deceased member.
COVER PHOTO:
East Superior Street in downtown Wayland, looking east. The Wayland State Bank building had not yet been erected.