125 Years

July 12, 1892

Dr. J.S. Leedom, of Tawawa, is the oldest Mason in Shelby county, having been initiated into the order 46 years ago. Last evening a number of members of the order in Sidney and their wives paid a visit to the home of the doctor, presenting him with a cane. Mrs. Leedom was presented a fruit dish. There were 35 people in the party that made the trip. Presentation speeches were made by David Oldham and Mrs. J.F. Black.

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Robert Humphreys, the 16-year-old son of Mrs. Ida Humphreys, fell through the joist of the second floor of the buggy works yesterday afternoon. A number of the boys about the shop went to his help and carried him home. Although he suffered a number of cuts and bruises there were no bones broken.

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Prof. H.H. Johnston has gone to Lafayette, Ind., where he will have charge of a department in the Normal Musical Institute for the next four weeks.

100 Years

July 12, 1917

The bathing beach adjoining the Julia Lamb field is being put in order. A large force of men and teams are busy clearing away the growth of brush and weeds that have clogged the river channel on the east side the many years. It is hoped that this work will progress so the river can be used for swimming within a week or two. If enough money can be procured from the public-spirited citizens of Sidney, a commodious bath house will be built and equipped.

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A band concert will be held in Botkins this evening for the benefit of the Red Cross efforts in that community. The citizens of Botkins have shown great activity in enrolling members, with a report today of $265 raised thus far.

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All committees in connection with the Dry Federation in Sidney and Shelby County will meet at the Presbyterian church here tomorrow evening at which time plans for the campaign will be discussed.

75 Years

July 12, 1942

An order by the petroleum coordinator in Washington, restricting the use of asphaltic and tar products for the road work will just about stop maintenance on and repair of city streets, Service Director, George Gould declared today. He noted that the restrictive order, affecting 38 states will make it virtually impossible to do work on the streets except in emergency cases.

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The Transportation committee of the Shelby county defense council today urged workers, living outside Sidney and employed in local industries, to use special bus service provided wherever possible. The committee noted that the chances of getting replacement tires for private motor cars will be increasingly difficult in the future.

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The special committee on improvement of Graceland Cemetery announced today plans for a comprehensive sodding program this fall. The committee also authorized the purchase of 10 tons of patching material from the city to repair road in the cemetery, since it is impossible, because of governmental restrictions, to do a complete job on thoroughfares in the cemetery.

50 Years

July 12, 1967

JACKSON CENTER – Purchase by the Jackson Center Farm Bureau Exchange, Inc., from the Producers Livestock Cooperative Association of a tract of land to the north of its elevator and feed mill became known today. Definite plans for use of the added space have not been made known by the Farm Bureau. The Producers Livestock formerly used the lots in the handling of livestock but has not been active recently.

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The State Board of Education has unanimously approved a plan to form an Upper Miami Valley Joint Vocation School District which will serve most parts of Shelby, Darke and Miami counties. Action was taken at a state board meeting Monday in Columbus at which members praised the “diligent work” and “great progress” shown in drawing up the tri-county proposal. Shelby county schools which have joined thus far in the planning are Anna, Botkins, Fairlawn, Fort Loramie, Hardin-Houston, Jackson Center and Russia.

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Chief John Warner announced the appointment of Joseph Gorby, of 313 North Walnut avenue, to the police department. Gorby, 24, will report for his first duty tour July 17, in the morning, after qualifying on the basis of recent physical, oral, and agility tests and a written exam on June 30, 1966.

25 Years

July 12, 1992

The recent earthquake in California certainly had a local connection. Bob and Barb Cotner were staying in Las Vegas with four other local couples. The earthquake tremor hit Las Vegas at 5 a.m. and again at 8 a.m. They were staying at the Mirage hotel. Most of the guests of the hotel left due to the fact the walls were shaking. Bob Cotner reported “bad creaking” woke him up. Las Vegas is located about 150 to 175 miles from the epicenter of the earthquake in California.

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There is news out of Anna, Ohio. Plans are moving forward quickly to construct a new elementary school. It will be built along Co. Rd. 25A within the Village of Anna. A house will be torn down. The board is seeking eight separate bids for the construction of the school. This information was reported by Paul Hoying, board president. The bids are due on August 11, 1992.

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There is new news concerning the Wierwille murder investigation. Local folks will remember Harry and Wilamena Wierwille of New Knoxville were brutally murdered in 1991. They were stabbed to death. No suspect has ever been arrested. Recently, a person came forward with “credible” new evidence. As a result, divers from the Allen County Sheriff’s Department have commenced a search of the Bresler reservoir. They are searching for the murder weapon.