Yesterdays

Last year at this time people in this area were battling some of the worst weather in a long time. Major snowstorms hit the area and caused the cancelation of school for several days, mail service was halted and farmers were airlifting hay to their stranded livestock. The weather this winter has been a pleasant change from the blizzards of last year.

Ron Greeson resigned as mayor last January and the Richland City Council was faced with the job of appointing a new Richland mayor.

The Packwood Lions held a soup supper with a turnout of over 10 on January 18. The Pekin Ruritan Club sponsored a cornbread and bean supper Jan. 31 at the Ollie Methodist Church. Donations were taken and applied toward a wheel chair for Jim Williams, who was the southeast Iowa Easter Seal Child.

February

Richland City Council members selected Harlan VanVoorst as Richland’s new mayor at their February council meeting. The Richland City Council members not only had the problem of selecting a mayor, they were also faced with a $600,000 lawsuit against the City of Richland by Scheesley Plumbing and Heating, Co. Contractor for the sewer system put in Richland. The suit was filed claiming cost over runs on the sewer project. The council indicated that they believe the city owes no money. Richland City attorney, Dan Morrison said it would probably be two years before everything is settled on the case.

Tom Hoskins of Richland was recognized as Master Pork Producer. The Iowa Pork Producers Association, in cooperation with the Iowa State University Extension Service, select the Master Pork Producers.

The Pekin wrestlers had three matmen go to state: Jeff Peden at 112, Jim Sterling at 145, and Alvin Baker at 155.

March

John Henry Mayer, 20, of Keota was killed and Kenneth David Jaeger, 20, of Keota was seriously injured in a one car accident five miles north of Richland on Highway 77 the first of March.

The Pekin School Board was faced with the problem of pieces of cement falling from a crack in the recently completed middle/elementary building. The problem was discussed and plans were made for correcting the problem.

Bill Wolf of Richland was selected to attend the Hearst Youth Senate Program in Washington D.C.

The Richland City Council discussed the need for street repair and bids were to be presented.

The Richland Commercial Club held their March meeting and started planning for Richland’s Homecoming celebration to be held in the summer.

Hendrickson Implement, Richland, celebrated its 50th year of business in Richland. Over 500 people attended an open house held March 15th.

The Pekin Middle School held their annual science fair with 158 students in grades 6th, 7th, and 8th grade participating.

A ground breaking ceremony for the new site of South Oaks, senior citizen housing in Ollie, was held with Norman Gott, President of the Betterment Committee doing the honors.

Terry Smith of Hedrick and Charles Sloan of Ollie were killed about 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 23 when the two-door Cadillac they were riding in collided head-on with a semi-trailer truck. The accident occurred about six miles north of Richland on Iowa Highway 77, north of the Skunk River bridge.

April

The Stage Coach Inn, owned and operated by Harriet Rodich, opened its doors to the public this month. The Stage Coach Inn is located where the Richland Café was.

The Pekin Athletic Boosters Club sponsored the Golden Oldies Basketball games which were held at Pekin. The games helped to raise money for lights for the Pekin track.

The Packwood Lions held a sausage and pancake supper with over 250 people attending.

Kim T. Emery, 24, a Hedrick truck driver, was killed on I-80 after he had left his disabled vehicle and was struck by a passing car. His wife was Candis Watson, a former Richland resident.

Mary Joan Wilhite, of Richland, was named one of 45 recipients of a $500 scholarship, awarded by the Masonic Grand Lodge of Iowa.