125 years ago

March 20, 1896

Frank Gutman, of Botkins, had a narrow escape from a serious accident this afternoon. He was crossing the railroad tracks near the station at Botkins with a basket of eggs to be delivered to the expressman on the one o’clock train. Attempting to cross in front of the train, he was struck by it and hurled a short distance. The train was not running fast and he was not dangerously hurt. The eggs were all broken.

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The entertainment given by the Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor in the Presbyterian Church last night was well attended. The feature of the entertainment was an art gallery in which a large number of pictures were represented in burlesque. A musical program was presented by Mrs. Charles Benjamin, Miss Edna Betts, C.B. Orbison and Smith Betts. The Society made about $15 on the entertainment.

100 years ago

March 20, 1921

The city of Sidney was visited by one of the most disastrous fires in recent years at an early hour Monday morning, when the northwest corner of the public square was heavily damaged by flames. The loss has been estimated between $175,000 and $200,000. The building, one of the oldest in the city, was occupied by Christians Drug Store and Kraft Shoe store on the first floor, the Sidney Telephone company on the second floor, and Red Men’s hall on the third floor. Greatest loss was experienced by the telephone company with prospects it will be three to six weeks before service can be restored.

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Following the investigation made by representatives of the State Enforcement League of the alleged sale of hard cider in the city, several local dealers were informally before Mayor Forsythe this afternoon. No charger were preferred as there were no violations of the law cited.

75 years ago

March 20, 1946

Canners from seven counties in this vicinity joined representatives of the regional, state and district United States Employment service here yesterday to discuss labor, market conditions and trends in the upcoming canning season.

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The largest company of state guardsmen in the state – Sidney’s Company K – was federally inspected last night at the local armory, with the inspection made by Capt. Ira D. Travis of the U.S. Army and his staff. With enlistment strength at 85, the local company is the largest in the state at the present time. Clyde Millhoff is captain; Arthur Tremain, first lieutenant; Merton Maxwell, second lieutenant.

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“Sidney – Your City and My City” was the title of the talk given by Mayor W.W. Wheeler when he spoke at the meeting of the Sidney Kiwanis club yesterday noon. Among various projects in the planning stage according to the mayor are: water softener plant; incinerator and sewage disposal plant.

50 years ago

March 20, 1971

Linda K. Counts has been named the outstanding senior of Botkins High School, and teenager of the month for March, by the Sidney Optimist Club.

Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward V. Counts, 307 East South street, Botkins, Linda has the highest possible scholastic average, a 4. And is considered a superior student.

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Mrs. Earl Jacoby gave the devotions for the March meeting of the Shelby County Extension Homemakers Council.

New officers for the 1971-72 years are Mrs. James Mescher, president; Mrs. Lowell Watkins, vice president; Mrs. Noel Lattimer, secretary-treasurer; Mrs. Earle Staley, assistant secretary-treasurer; Mrs. Tom Voress, news reporter; and Mrs. Raymond Putnam, advisory council.

25 years ago

March 20, 1996

Coach Maggie Williams has shared more details about the thrilling win over Cincinnati McAuley by her Lady Jackets. The score was 49-47. Her girls are district champions. The McAuley team was led by 6’2” Amanda Welter. The Jackets made it a full-court game, tiring out Weller and her teammates. The strategy worked.

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The family members of Wilma Arnett are relived over the charges in filed in the death of their family member recently. Her body was found along the side of Dingman-Slagle Road in May 1994. Her brother Luther Hensley was in court during the arraignments. “There are a lot of people still pretty hurt by this,” he stated. Wilma’s mother, Hazel Cornett, was unable to attend the court hearing but she indicated “I always had my suspicions about them.” Ms Arnett was a drug informant at the time she was killed.