Looking Back
LOOKING BACK
1963
Mary Ford, elementary teacher for 24 years at Park and West schools in Fairbury, retired. Previously she had taught 14 years in rural and other town’s schools. According to workers who had been sandblasting the courthouse exterior, it “would stand another 71 years” because the outer walls were in good condition. Completed in 1892, the building had its flagpole added in 1900, and its clock in 1910 at a cost of $1442.50. Its 1,000-pound bell is said to be audible for two miles.
Mrs. J.M. Baker quietly observed her 103rd birthday with a family dinner at her home in Fairbury.
Michael Schwegman received a special four year University of Nebraska-Lincoln regents scholarship at FHS commencement. Fifteen other class members of the class of 97 qualified as alternates for regents scholarships. Schwegman and Kristen Acker were co-valedictorians; William Hans-mire was salutatorian. Six of the class accepted scholarships at Nebraska Wesleyan: Randall Churchill, Kent Davenport, Gay Gallanmore, William Lynch, Steve Moore and Sandra Peck.
1973
Kim Austen and Greg Blackwell were FHS co-valedictorians.
It was the second year at which a special plot in the Fairbury Cemetery honored servicemen who did not return from the nation’s wars. Originally prepared by the late Charles Vestal in honor of his sons, it had been re-established in 1982 by the Lewis Baleses.
Sandra Jarchow became the third daughter of the Wendell Jarchows of Daykin to graduate from the University of Nebraska Medical Center with a degree in nursing. Other local graduates from the Med Center were Jeffrey Lewis, Sid Mosiman and Kay Wienke.
The county commissioners turned over administration of Ambulance Service No. 33 to the sheriff’s department.
The Unicameral added Lancaster, Nemaha, Otoe and Richardson counties to those originally placed in the Southeast Community College district.
The Omaha World-Herald named Bob Siegel of Fairbury as its athlete of the year. 1983
Mobil Oil informed dealers in Western and Fairbury it intended to phase out 215 stations in Iowa and Nebraska.
The new community center building at Diller was dedicated.
Doug Lottman was mayor.
The ox team of “Red” and “Speck” made their public debut at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park. They’d been trained by Wayne Brandt, park superintendent, and Roy Kappel, wrangler and tour guide.
Lisa Bartles of Meridian won three medals in Class D at the state high school track and field meet.
Dana Altman resigned as SCC-Fairbury basketball coach to become coach at Moberly, Missouri.
1990
Orland Wahl was presented with a life membership in the Fairbury Men’s Bowling Association as well as a special City League recognition.
1993
The Fairbury City Council gave unanimous approval on allowing the city to file an application for grant money to be used in replacing the aging lighting system at the athletic complex.
Continuing rainfall, daily except one day through May 13th, made planting an iffy proposition. Even though the total had been only 2 1/2 inches, it was just enough to delay getting the seed into the soil.
2003
Deb McAllister was selected as the local winner of the eighth annual Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year program. She was awarded with a honorary greeter’s vest, certificate, and $1000 check to be used for her classroom.
Jonathan Fletcher was winner of a new Huffy bike that was given away at the Jefferson County Speedway.
New Jefferson County Sheriff Department deputy, Jason Bristor, was sworn in by Judge Patrick McArdle on June 2 at the Jefferson County Courthouse.
