Glance Back

(From The Washington Evening Journal, Friday, March 18, 2005)

10 YEARS AGO

Washington, Highland and Columbus community school districts were awarded $621,000 in federal fire safety and construction grants, yesterday.

Columbus was the area?s biggest winner, as it was one of just 13 school districts in the state to be awarded a $500,000 construction grant.

RIVERSIDE ? When the Washington County group led by Catfish Bend Casino executives takes its case to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission later this month, some Riverside residents will be in attendance to lend what support they can.

?I hope to have some people from the city there,? said Riverside Mayor Bill Poch. ?While we cannot say anything, we can be a presence. I think it also says something if no one is there.?

20 YEARS AGO

Mike Tschantz, son of Dwaine and Virginia Tschantz, Washington, finished as first runner-up in the women?s Master Cutter division of the Midwest Beauty Show in Chicago, Ill., on March 5.

Airman Hal Dietrich Luers, USAF of Wilford Hal Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, was the fourth-quarter ?94 administration board winner, ?Airman of the Quarter,? in the field of health services management. Those selected demonstrate exceptional career developmental skills, leadership and sharp appearance. Luers is the executive support/protocol specialist for the hospital commander and vice commander. He is the son of Jane and Lloyd Luers.

30 YEARS AGO

Dr. James M. Leary, a dentist who has been in private practice in Washington since 1971, has accepted a full-time post with the University of Iowa?s College of Dentistry in Iowa City. The Leary family, which includes wife Karolyn and children Kecia and J.P., will continue to reside in Washington. Leary, 43, said his UI job will include didactic and clinical teaching, research and private practice.

Nearly 8,000 persons, including several Washington County pork producers, contributed to the success of American Pork Congress March 5-7 in Indianapolis, Ind. Washington County Porkettes Karen McCreedy, Barb Riggan, Clarabell Vittetoe, Barb Shalla and Margaret Ledger served as voting delegates. At the annual business meeting of the organization, state delegates voted to change the name from National Porkettes to National Pork Council Women.

40 YEARS AGO

Kalona Elementary School pupils taking a course in crocheted head jewelry have learned ?getting a bead on a subject? can be a lot of fun, even though it presents some knotty problems. The mini-course is but one of many being offered at the Kalona School. Principal Richard Van Hooser sees the program beneficial since it has ?improved our pupils? attitudes toward studying? and has consequently ?created a good teacher-pupil relationship.? The courses will continue throughout the year, twice a week during a period of the day otherwise free.

50 YEARS AGO

Washington High School vocal music department?s presentation of ?Finian?s Rainbow? is a complete sellout, according to word from the high school this morning.

Mrs. David Livingston presented an interesting program about her recent visit in Korea before a large group of Circle VII members of the Marion Avenue United Presbyterian Women at the church.