Years Gone By

5 years ago:

     • Landon Felton wrapped up his historic MHS wrestling career with a fourth-place finish at 113 pounds during the State Class 2A wrestling tournament at the Wells Fargo Arena Feb. 16-18. Felton, a senior, set an all-time school career win record winning 3 of 5 matches. This was Felton’s third trip to State; his second time on the podium. (2/22/2012)

10 years ago:

     • The weekend’s winter storm, which began late Friday afternoon Feb. 23 with freezing rain and ice, resulted in power outages, icy roads, accidents, tree damage and falling limbs damaging vehicles. Power was off in some parts of town from 11 p.m. Saturday until noon on Sunday. Two vehicles at the Berndes Center were damaged by tree branches, shattering windows. A power line went down on Highway 151 south of Monticello. The Sheriff’s Department reported numerous power lines down throughout the county. Highline poles along County Road X-44 also went down, cutting off power to rural customers. Crews were still out restoring power on Monday. (2/28/2007)

     • The MHS girls basketball team, with victories over Cascade and Union of LaPorte City, help lead them to a 23-2 record and a trip to the state tournament for the first time in history. The Panthers upset eighth-ranked Cascade, 52-47, in the Class 2A, Region 7 semifinals. They were able to pull away from Union, 50-36, in the regional finals. (2/28/2007)

25 years ago:

     • Donations are being sought for a new barn at the fairgrounds to house dairy and beef animals and horses during the fair week. Robert Davis, Olin, and Donna Robinson, Mechanicsville, say the building committee is close on its fundraising, but have not quite reached their goal. Many of the 4-H clubs have worked on projects to help raise money, and have also made nice donations to the barn. (2/26/1992)

     • Chad Stiffler, Monticello’s 189-pound varsity wrestler, is headed for the state meet in Des Moines after finishing first at the 2A district meet Feb. 22. Stiffler will wrestle on Feb. 27.

     Monticello’s two other district qualifiers were heavyweight Trail Mull and 145-pound Jason Haag. Mull finished third and Haag did not place. (2/26/1992)

50 years ago:

     • Awards of achievement were presented buy the Monticello Jaycees at their annual banquet. Les Voss, manager of Bud’s Super Valu, was named “Boss of the Year.” The distinguished service award went to Tim Corporan, who was also chosen as the outstanding Jaycee of the year. The “Key Man” award was presented to Jim Kiburz, and the “Key Officer” award went to Marvin Ricklefs. (2/23/1967)

     • Francis May Appleby, Olin, stood helplessly nearby and watched a train smash her car stalled on the railroad track in Olin. She was driving through Olin and stopped on the track and killed the engine of the car. She tried unsuccessfully to start the car, tooting the horn in an effort to attract attention to obtain some help. When this failed, Appleby got out of the car and attempted to push it off the tracks. As she walked to a nearby home, she heard the train coming. Her 1961 Ford was hit full force by the train, smashing it to bits. (2/23/1967)

100 years ago:

     • Plate glass setters were busy putting new glass in the front of the post office building and the Hicks & Ricklefs store. The post office glass was broken by a severe wind some time ago. The glass at the store was accidentally cracked. (2/22/1917)

     • The new Virginia Café, owned by A.C. Ehrisman, was formally opened last Sunday afternoon. A special dinner was served on the day for 75 cents a plate to 130 people. The new restaurant is clean and light, and equipped with marble-topped tables and counters. Traveler on the trains will find the restaurant unusually handy for a quick lunch. (2/22/1917)