125 Years Ago
October 16, 1892
The report for the month and for the year of the Sidney schools has been spoiled by the diphtheria epidemic. In one room in the third ward, the D primary, only eight pupils succeeded in getting through the first month without being either absent or tardy. The board of education has decided to keep the schools closed for another week because of the diphtheria epidemic.
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While Samuel Maxwell was assisting in removing the wooden frame, preparatory to putting in an iron one near the mill about 3:30 this afternoon, the earth caved in on him. He was taken to his home in his delivery wagon. As of press time the extent of his injuries were not known.
100 Years Ago
October 16, 1917
Following a meeting of coal dealers with city officials this afternoon, Mayor Crozier issued a proclamation, ordering a halt to the stealing of coal from railroads and other places, a situation which has prevailed for the past several days. The mayor has received assurance from the governor that coal for Sidney will be forthcoming and arrangements have been completed to take care of those in need. Over the weekend at least 100 have been observed carrying away. Reportedly it has been hauled away in wagon and truck loads.
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The grand jury meeting today for its fall session was instructed by the court to investigate the reported theft of coal from freight trains and return indictments if the members felt they were warranted.(Ed note-If police Chief O’Leary caught you stealing coal, and it was for you family he generally turned a blind eye because of all the people in need. If you took it for re-sale you were going to jail.)
75 Years Ago
October 16, 1942
A war bond rally, featuring radio stars from station WHIO in Dayton and a wounded Canadian airman will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday on the west side of the court house. In making the announcement today, Joe Cook, war bond chairman for Shelby county, said a special program is being arranged, with a transcription to be broadcast at 9:45 p.m. that same day over the Dayton station.
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Secretary of War Stimson told the house military affairs committee today that the U.S. plans to have an army of 7,500,000 menby the end of 1943. (Eds. Note- Total in uniform for WWII would later swell to almost 14 million-Approximately 300,000 still survive-most of them are in their 90’s.)
50 Years Ago
October 16,1967
During the half-time ceremonies Friday evening at the Sidney-Piqua football game, Miss Marilyn Kiracofe was crowed as homecoming queen for 1967 for Sidney High School. Miss Debbie Rowell , the 1966 queen, presented a bouquet of roses to Miss Kiracofe while Marv Breece placed the crown on her head. Miss Kiracofe was escorted by Mr. Breece while Danny New was the escort for Miss Rowell.
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Work got under way this week for the new $650,000 Shelby County Home for the Aged. The site adjacent to the present 100 year old facility, was staked out by Henry Dorsten, Minster, the general contractor. Grading operations may be started next week. But before the work progresses too far, there will be a groundbreaking ceremony on a date yet to be set.
25 Years Ago
October 16, 1992
Tommy Lasorda, the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers for the past 16 years, will be the principal speaker at the Lehman High school Foundation Banquet scheduled for Jan 31 of next year. Lasorda just completed his 43rd year with the Dodger organization and has been involved in baseball most of his life. He was named manager of the Dodgers in 1976 when Ohio native Walter “Smokey” Alston announced his retirement after managing the Dodgers for 23 years. Lasorda has won 1,339 games while managing the Dodgers and that puts him second among all active managers behind only former Cincinnati Reds manager and now Detroit boss Sparky Anderson who has 1.921.
