(Taken from the archives at the Then & Now Historical Library in downtown Dorr)
25 Years Ago — Jan. 11, 1999
Two snowmobilers survived an icy plunge into Gun Lake. They were in the water for about 30 minutes before being rescued and the snowmobile was lost.
The Globe published photos and information about what was billed as “The Blizzard of ’99.” Many sporting events had to be canceled and rescheduled because of inclement weather in which an estimated 22 inches of snow was dumped on Wayland. The 911 emergency phone system was extremely busy throughout Allegan and Barry counties.
Hopes remain for obtaining state government grants to aid funding for the Watson Township tire cleanup.
The Wayland High School volleyball team enjoyed an impressive victory over O-K Gold Conference rival Cedar Springs.
Globe reporter Jean Gallup added a Soapbox entry about the scandal involving President Bill Clinton, suggesting, “Either we’re going to have to try to clean up as a society, encourage some basic guidelines for the majority or turn a blind eye when our leaders act like they have a starring role in the latest movie.”
Carl N. Swartz of Wayland weighed in on the issue in a letter to the editor,” If I had anything to say about it, those 71-plus House Republicans who voted against impeachment would not be re-elected.”
The Globe published a photo of Police Chief Dan Miller operating a “Moonwalker” to clear snow from sidewalks.
Christopher McColl, 25, of Watson Township, has been charged with murder in the death of his girlfriend’s 17-month-old child. Police suspect the cause of death was shaken baby syndrome.
Twelve cows somehow got loose and roamed Dorr Township in frigid temperatures.
Margaret Wila of Dorr is retiring after 21 years as a postal carrier.
50 Years Ago — Jan. 8, 1974
The City of Wayland has adopted an ordinance regulating hours for operating snowmobiles from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Weekend snowmobilers could go until 1 a.m.
A group of Allegan County citizens has filed suit against the Board of Commissioners to require the new county services building within the Allegan city limits rather than at Dumont Lake.
Hopkins High School senior Delores Koenig won the Hopkins VFW Voice of Democracy essay contest.
Former Wayland State Police trooper Larry Olmstead has been promoted to lieutenant and commander of the Michigan State Police post at Newaygo.
The weather was cold and snowy in the area to start 1974, including a wind chill of negative 15 degrees.
Joan Simmons penned a letter to the editor suggesting girls’ athletic programs in the schools now are in transition and time will tell in its effects.
Caledonia area dairy farmer Elton R. Smith has been re-elected president of the Michigan Farm Bureau.
A story with the headline “Ring out the old, ring in the new!” outlined the many New Year’s parties held in Wayland, Hopkins and Martin.
Steve Button and Rob Brenner were champions in their weight divisions in the Wayland Junior High School wrestling tournament.
The Wayland boys’ basketball team owns a 4-3 overall record after cming from behnd to beat Wyoming Lee. Alan Lettinga scored 17 points.
Kelly McEwen, Steve Pawloski and Bernie Smith scored a dozen points apiece to lead Hopkins in a win over Saugatuck, the Vikings’ fourth straight.
The Wayland wrestling team defeated Caledonia, but later lost 145-pounder Brian McBride to a collarbone injury in a loss to Jenison.
Michael “Mad Dog” Burton and his wife Mary Ellen have moved into a new home on the east side of Grand Rapids, “I have to change my image,” the notorious Ogre exclaimed.
A retired pastor, the Rev. Charles Collier of Wayland, died at the Grand Valley Nursing Home. He was 66.
Charles A. Baughman of Wayland earned his master’s degree at Western Michigan University.
The Steve Miller Band took over the No. 1 slot among the nation’s tunes with “The Joker.”
75 Years Ago — Jan. 14, 1949
Mack Short was elected president and Fred Yeakey vice president of the Board of Directors at Wayland State Bank.
Buzz (LaFayett) Stuch has purchased the interest of partner William Vahue in Buzz and Bill’s Soda Bar and Grill in Wayland. The two had bought the business two years previous from Mr. and Mrs. Merle Peffley.
Gene Weber pumped in 16 points and Ted Johnson nine as the Wayland High School basketball team claimed its eighth straight victory, 57-25, over Caledonia. The Detroit Free Press has ranked Wayland seventh among Class C schools in Michigan.
Thieves broke into the Wayland school, rifled desks in classrooms and stole money.
Hopkins and Wayland both won their opening round games in the Barkenall Leagiue basketball tournament.
Mrs. Eva Williamson, a lifelong resident of Wayland, died at her home of a heart attack. She was 55.
Allegan County Prosecuting Attorney Chester Ray will be the guest speaker at the next meeting of the Wayland Parent-Teachers Association at the high school.
Ruth and Helen Stehouwer gave a presentation to the Party Line Extension Club on ways to protect clothing from damage from moths.
Colored pictures from the Firestone offices in Liberia plantation.
Verle Sheldon of Bradley was injured seriously when he fell backward while helping load a trailer. He needs X-rays.
Now showing at the Wayland Theatre downtown:
• Richard Denning and Trudy Marshall in “Disaster.”
• Allan “Rocky” Lane in “Marshal of Amarillo.”
• Greer Garson, Elizabeth Taylor, Peter Lawford and Walter Pidgeon in “Julia Misbehaves.”
• Danny Kaye, Virginia Mayo and a host of jazz musicians in “A Song Is Born.”
100 Years Ago — Jan. 11, 1924
Brother I.L Slater installed officers at the International Order of Odd Fellows in Wayland, with a dinner afterward.
The East Wayland Community Club will meet Jan. 18 to hear a presentation from County Agent O.I. Gregg.
Sociology students have been studying the subject, “Resolved: That the newspaper is the stronger moral force in the community than the pulpit.” Ollie Tooker was judged the most persuasive speaker in the local debate on the issue.
A celebration of the 50th wedding anniversary of the Rev. and Mrs. George Weidman was held at a residence on Elm Street.
Now showing at the Regent Theatre downtown: “The Man from Glengary,” “Fun from the Press” and “The Mysterious Witness.”
Clifford Bryant, oldest child of Arthur and Mary Bryant of Shelbyville “departed this life” Jan. 5 at age 10.
Miss Bertha Fox entertained friends at her home in Bradley New Year’s Eve with an indoor fireplace “weenie roast.”
The second of the feeds for the business men of at the Wayland House will be tonight and there are indications of a large attendance.
George Ryno, who had his teeth extracted in Kalamazoo, said he has 200 pounds of pork in the cellar, but no teeth to eat it with.
The Willing Workers class met for a social gathering and potluck dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Robinson.
In the wake of an unusually successful community meeting called by the Wayland schools, another is planned for Jan. 18 at the school house. Chief order of business will be election of officers.
Library Director Fanny Hoyt has reported an increased interest in the study of psychology and announced the arrival of the book “Take the Brakes Off Your Brain.”
Nettie Baker presented a program to the Ladies Library Club on the Federation of Women’s Clubs resolution to do away with big headlines on crime.
Frank S. Holley, a native of England, died Jan. 9 at the age of 79. A “great sufferer,” e had been confined to his bed for his last two years. He was a veteran of the Civila War.
