Looking Back
What Was Going On 14 Years Ago
Rooks Countians were treated to a first look at the new Rooks County Health Center when two different views on a quarter-page artist’s drawing were published in the March 9, 2006 paper.
The Rooks County Commissioners became owners of the Ochampaugh Apartments.
Carlos Gallaway, Diego Gallaway and Derek Spires wrestled their way to medals at the MCEL Tournament in Norton. Carlos claimed the championship in the 100 lb. class; Diego placed third at 68 lbs., and Derek placed fourth at 80 lbs.
The sixth annual Parade of Quilts was scheduled for March 18. The Stockton Recreation Commission and the Webster Dam Babes Red Hat Society of Stockton were co-sponsoring the trip to Yoder, and anyone interested in going on a charter bus could reserve their spot for $25.
The 2005-2006 Mid-Continent League All-League Basketball Teams had been announced, and Stockton juniors Leneal Weiser and Luke Kriley were named to the Honorable Mention list.
Showing at the Nova Theatre was “Eight Below.”
Obituaries were published for Warren Roscoe Southard (1925-2006), Howard F. Marsh (1931-2006), Rosalee Reeves (1939-2006), Vera Arlene Schindler (1913-2006), and Oscar M. Pyle (1914-2006).
Looking Back 14 Years Ago, Spotlighting the year... 1992 — Due to low water conditions, the Rooks State Lake was opened to public fish salvage. The Maris Store had 20% off a selection of new spring merchandise. Chesney’s Turn-Around was advertised as the “Home of the 10¢ Ice Cream Cone.” (Can we please bring this back??)
56 Years Ago, Spotlighting the Year... 1950 — County officers released Clifford Herbert Oakley, alias Morrison, alias Morson, alias Holmes, alias Horner, with the understanding that he stay away from Rooks County. He had been picked up several weeks prior, charged with possession of a forged instrument.
What Stocktonites Were Doing 98 Years Ago, Spotlighting the Year... 1908 — On Friday at noon occurred the most thrilling runaway that ever happened on the Main Street of Stockton. E. D. Hansen had tied his team to a post in the front of the B. O. King drug store, leaving his wife and baby on the rear seat of the spring wagon and his little boy of five on the front seat. The team got frightened at something, broke away from the post and started west at a furious pace. The lines were across the dashboard and the mother was left helpless with her little ones. As the last hope of assistance was passed as they sped by John Adams’ store, the little woman with rare presence of mind proceeded to save her children. The baby was on a pillow. Wrapping a quilt around it, she dropped it out onto the road beyond the wheel. Then she caught the boy, threw a shawl around him and swung him out as far as she could, while the team dashed furiously along to the hill by the power house. Then she climbed over the front seat, gathered up the reins and exerted her whole strength to keep the team on the road. About a mile out of town, Fred Lawson, who was on a horse, rode out and intercepted them, as did Charley Woodrum, who had followed all the way from town on a horse. At the same time the Hansen team broke loose in town, Mrs. Mead’s team also started to run and followed close behind, and when the baby was dropped out of the Hansen wagon, the Mead buggy passed over it. After finally getting both wagons stopped, the mother’s first anxiety was for her children. Men who were following picked up the children. Both were badly frightened, but beyond a few slight bruises neither were hurt much. The brave little mother’s concern for the safety of her children in the face of an approaching catastrophe, and her indifference for her own safety after they were out of the way, excited unbounded admiration from the terrified onlookers who were unable to render her any assistance.
