Our Yesterdays

In January the temperature was quite warm in Richland, only in City Hall that is. That’s when the library controversy started.

The district governor made an official visit to the Ollie Lions.

In February, Boyd’s Bologna of Washington changed hands. Both the former owner and the new owner are former Brighton residents.

Two local farmers were honored for land improvement. Floyd and Margery Johnson of Brighton and Nancy Engwall of Fairfield were honored for implementing conservation practices on their land.

Dates for the area precinct caucuses were set.

Pekin and Hedrick school boards met to discuss school relations.

Local Ruritans attended the National Convention held in Louisville, Kentucky.

It was announced that Ron Roth would not be opening the locker in Richland.

Robert Wonderlich of Ollie was named as an officer of the Mid America Dairymen.

A meet in Brighton was held for rural families to study business alternatives.

A record attendance for Hendrickson Implement as they held an open house for Case IH.

Richland Alumni Committees were named in preparation for the May banquet.

In March, the Pekin school board approved a $2.1 million budget.

Theresa Cowen of Packwood was crowned Iowa Farmette for 1985-1986.

The Washington High School boys’ basketball team took the 2A state title with an undefeated season.

A new business opened in Ollie — Kitty Snakenberg started a barbershop.

In April, Raymond “Jim” Wonderlich of Ollie announced his candidacy for Keokuk County Board of Supervisors.

Gary Sterling of Hedrick won another award for his talent in photography.

The merchants of Brighton scheduled a meeting for goalsetting and organization.

Nola Kleemeyer designed and made a doll that was chosen as the official “Doll of Iowa’s Homecoming ’86.”

Bill Anderson was chosen to chair the St. Jude Wheels for Life Bike-a-thon in Richland.

In May, the Brighton Business Boosters formally organized with Clifford Elmore as president.

A change was made at a Brighton business — Don’s Tire and Service Center changed over to Texaco products.

More heated discussion on the Richland Library was heard.

A dream was taking shape in Ollie. The floor for the new Masonic Hall was being poured.

It was announced that Steve Coleman had joined the Farm Bureau Insurance team.

Pleasant Plain was celebrating their 150th anniversary.

In June, Richland held their Summer Festival.

A large group from Brighton attended the Washington school board meeting after learning that a proposal had been made by Supt. Engler to close the Brighton school building.

Pleasant Plain held a successful Pioneer Day.

Some Hedrick citizens were proposing the reorganization of Hedrick and Pekin Schools.

The fund drive for the Richland Lions Club was nearing their goal to install a new roof.

The sixth annual Gospel Sing was held in Richland.

Another successful Whoopee Days was held in Brighton.

In July, a plea by Brighton people to “Help save our school.”

Packwood held their annual horse show.

Brighton Business Boosters held their Appreciation Days.

Ollie was all set for their “Big Days.”

A public hearing was held at the Brighton School in regard to its closing.

In August the Southern Prairie AEA held a public hearing on the proposed merger of Hedrick and Pekin Schools.

A final vote was taken by the Washington School Board, 6-1, to close the Brighton School and reorganize the elementary schools in Washington.

There was lots of activity pertaining to local county fairs.

John Middlekoop of Packwood was awarded the top prize at the Iowa State Fair for his ear of corn.

In September, The People for Better Eduacation group was formed to fight the decision to close the Brighton school.

The Richland Library issue was taken to state by the mayor, without council approval.

Hedrick School District filed an appeal to stop the school merger with Pekin.

A report was given as to what happened in Des Moines on the Library issue.

Richland held their CROP walk.

In October, the Library controversy was finally settled.

Chris Davies was named as the new fire chief in Brighton.

Marsha Laux of Brighton earned her designation as Certified City Clerk.

In November, election results were posted. In the Keokuk County Supervisors race, Wonderlich was declared a winner but a tight race remained between Sasseen and Devine. A week later, Sasseen was declared the winner.

Richard Mullikin, Brighton, was named to the All-State Chorus.

Ollie placed second in the youth division of the Iowa Betterment Competition.

Clara Cox of Richland retired after 22 years of working of Hy-Vee in Fairfield.

Hawkeye Soil Inc. was sold to local Brighton people.

The cornerstone of the Justice Lodge 230 of Ollie was laid.

In December, prisoners from the Keokuk County jail escaped.

Dean Edwards of Brighton was honored for completing 20 years as chief executive officer of the Rubio Savings Bank of Brighton.

Dickey’s Prairie Home was purchased by Mike and Linna Ament. It will now be known as Mike’s Prairie Home.

A hearing was held in Des Moines on the appeal made by a group of Brighton and Washington people, to stop the closing of the Brighton School. The district is awaiting the decision.