Looking Back
What Was Going On 14 Years Ago
With spring in the air and the weather warming, local children were looking for a fun place to visit and play with their friends. This dream was about to become a reality for the children of Stockton. After receiving a donation from the City of Stockton, the Stockton P.A.R.K. Committee was excited to announce that construction was underway in the lower city park. Ground was broken at the park on March 15 for the new play area, which had been in the planning stages for over a year. Very excited P.A.R.K. committee members and their families, as well as other Stockton citizens present for the ceremony were: Kim Thomas, Mike Heenan, Char Heenan, Willardene Purdum, Harry Purdum, Michelle Storz, Diane Keirns, Virginia Bice, Darrell Sammons, MaryEllen Beck, Lujeana Howell, Doug Howell, Jessica Billinger, Dale Winklepleck, Jana Weidenhaft, Karen Reed, Dave Reed, Conniee Conyac and Chuck Williams. Children pictured were: MaKenzie Storz, Dillon Halton, Isaac Reed, Madalyn Billinger, Trenton Howell, Nate Billinger, Garrett Billinger, Shaelyn Griffin, Lexi Winklepleck, Logan Winklepleck, Cecelia Beck and MaKayla Reed.
A Beatles Tribute band, The Liverpool Legends— Paul, George, Ringo and John—performed for a sold-out crowd at the Nova Theatre on March 12. Davey Justice was the perfect Paul McCartney, right down to his puppy-dog eyes; Kevin Mantegna captured the intensity and radical personality of John Lennon; Marty Scott portrayed George Harrison; and Greg George, must be the most sought-after Ringo impersonator/lookalike in the entire world. What an awesome night of music and fun, singing along with all the familiar Beetles’ songs.
Construction of the new Rooks County Health Center at Plainville was moving ahead. The concrete curbs were nearing completion, but parking lot grading was on hold due to weather. Window installation throughout the building was nearing completion.
After special meetings held Feb. 12, 13, 14 and 18, and a series of executive sessions at each meeting for the purpose of interviewing candidates, a motion was made to offer Todd Berry the Elementary Principal position.
High school track season was underway. Head coach Lonnie Weiser, along with his assistants Grant Smith and Joe Weidenhaft, have 31 on their roster (20 boys and 11 girls) with 12 of those returning letter winners.
And So They Say — Gina Deutscher: “You guys need to get some lawn chairs and sit outside. It’s lovely!”
Showing at the Nova Theatre was “Juno,” starring Jennifer Garner and Justin Bateman.
Obituaries were published for Patsy Jo Estes (1931); Hugh E. Meade (1909); and Hallie O. Townley (1913).
Looking Back 14 Years Ago, Spotlighting the Year... 1994 — Two-year old Tara Rempe, granddaughter of Bob and Elenore LeFort, fell from an upstairs window at her home, but was not injured. Delores and Gale Odle celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. The historic Big Barn northeast of Woodston was set to get its first coat of paint since it was new in 1912. Waller Motors had a 1983 Olds 98 two-door for $1,895 and a 1984 Celebrity for $2,695.
56 Years Ago, Spotlighting the Year... 1952 — The PTA-sponsored band univorm drive had counted off a total of 57 uniforms on the scoreboard displayed in the window of the Rooks County Bakery. Much of the credit for the accelerated pace of the drive went to Miss June Arnold, who assumed the task of soliciting the downtown district of Stockton. Everyone was invited to attend the monthly get-together at the Ash Rock School to listen to the speaker who was the construction engineer for the Kirwin Dam project.
What Stocktonites Were Doing 98 Years Ago, Spotlighting the Year... 1910 — On Monday night while the Masons were in session some waggish fellows fastened the doors of the Opera House stairway on the outside, using wire to lock the fraternity securely. When they tried to get out there was no method of egress but to break down the doors. Mr. Maris has removed the doors entirely. Some hoodlums broke into Riseley& Dryden’s Garage on Wednesday and stole Dennis Sanders’ car. They had a joy ride around town for a couple of hours and then ditched the car west of town near the Krautch place. This is a penitentiary offense and every effort will be made to apprehend the offenders. J. A. Maris is about to construct a public drinking fountain in front of his store. It will be of the newest sanitary design with no drinking cups. The thirsty pedestrian can get a drink by applying his mouth to the stream that is flowing all the time. Parties who travel a good deal are surprised at the large number of buildings going up in Stockton and say there is more activity in these lines in Stockton than in any other town in the western half of Kansas.
