‘Years Ago’ is a compilation of newsy tidbits as published in the Crawford County Independent & Kickapoo Scout on this week ten, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty or sixty years ago.
TEN YEARS AGO
DECEMBER 16, 2010 – Wisconsin State Senator Dan Kapanke (R-LaCrosse) was appointed Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Higher Education by incoming Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald for the 2011-2012 season… The Gays Mills flood recovery project will expend over $10 million in grants this year constructing four buildings, more housing and more infrastructure. Two of the biggest parts of the project will be the Gays Mills Community Commerce Center, budgeted at $2.7 million and the Gays Mills Mercantile Center, budgeted at $2.8 million.
TWENTY YEARS AGO
DECEMBER 14, 2000 – Lyndor Fauske of rural Viroqua, age 85, bagged three deer at the recent hunt, bringing his lifetime total to 83 since he began hunting 61 years ago… Two North Crawford High School students were honored at the Whitewater Creative Writing Festival. Amy Oppriecht received third place in the song lyrics category for her work, ‘Not Knowing.’ Ashley Applebee received honorable mention in the short fiction category for her short story, ‘The Trial of Prince Charming’… Bob McCann, Soldiers Grove, was the winner of the Soldiers Grove Big Buck Contest this year. McCann shot a 16-point buck with a 23-and-1/8-inch spread.
THIRTY YEARS AGO
DECEMBER 20, 1990 – Roger Martin, 37, Eastman, was driving his 1979 IHC truck on Highway 179 in the Village of Eastman at 10 a.m. when a fire started under the cab of the driver’s side. The cab was completely gutted by the blaze… Cross Country skiing is a new course in the physical education department of North Crawford High School and Junior High. The students ski across the football field, around the swimming pool area and through the Pioneer Village.
FORTY YEARS AGO
DECEMBER 15, 1980 – Rodney and Sydney Wright are pictured with their newly published book, ‘Hawkweed Book on Passive Solar Buildings.’ The Wrights are to be featured on NBC’s Today show December 18… Steven Inge, 22, Soldiers Grove, had his car end up in four-and-a-half feet of water in an accident on County C at River Road Sunday. Inge lost control on a corner and went 410 feet down over an embankment, through a pasture and into the water. The car was submerged with only its top showing, and Inge swam to shore and walked to Soldiers Grove…The North Crawford Singers sang ‘Carol of the Bells’ and ‘We’re Getting Ready for Christmas’ accompanied by Sarah Gibbs at the concert Monday night… The Old Kickapoo Valley Medical Clinic is being moved from its location in the floodway in Soldiers Grove. The building served for nine years as a clinic, where National Health Service Corps assignee provided primary care to area residents.
FIFTY YEARS AGO
DECEMBER 16, 1970 – With the arrival of a foot of snow in the area the Gays Mills Sno-Bowl was the scene of much activity Sunday with 90 skiers making use of the added facilities and making it the biggest day since the ski area was developed… U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Burtell L. Everson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl F. Everson, Rt. 2, De Soto, was presented with the Bronze Star Medal by Col. Karl F. Eickemeyer at a recent ceremony at Keesler AFB, Miss. The sergeant was cited for meritorious service against Viet Cong forces. He distinguished himself as a radio operator with the 19thTactical Air Support Squadron at Bien Hoa AB, Vietnam. Sgt. Everson is a 1955 graduate of De Soto High School.
SIXTY YEARS AGO
DECEMBER 15, 1960 – Deer hunters who borrowed American Legion rifles from McCormick-Rose Post 308 at Gays Mills are requested to return the guns immediately, announces John Whiteaker, adjutant.
