Ralph Imler, who took the petrified animal skull, which was recently found on Sand Creek, to Hays for identification by Professor Sternberg, reports that it has been identified as a prehistoric buffalo belonging to the species Bison Latifrons. Scientists believe these animals became extinct several thousand years ago, at the earliest. The animal was larger than the buffalo we know, but not as large as the head would indicate. When the skull was found, it was believed the object had a tusk, but when it was examined in relation to the skull's bones, it was clear it was a horn. The diameter of the broken-off horn indicates a spread of 7.5 feet, which was above average for this animal. There are six or eight other skulls of this buffalo variety in museums across the country, the largest being in California. One was found near Hoxie in 1903, the only other known to have been found in this area. The specimen found in Sand Creek is currently on display at the college museum in Hays.

*AndSoTheySay:Chuck Hageman: “I am really glad that 1969 is over as maybe 1970 won’t be quite so hectic.” Lee Phelps: “The town certainly seems awfully empty this week with the kids all gone back to college and the population has shrunk considerably.” Eddie Hageman: “The food at the Air Force Academy is really good if you get a chance to eat it.” Lester Maddy: “I don’t know anything and people are beginning to catch on.” Ernest Trible: “It costs too much to live and you can’t afford to die.” Maxine Bates: “Brad came home from his SCUBA diving trip sunburned and broke.” Betty Harding: “David got a real thrill when Bob Hope performed for his outfit in Vietnam.”

Loren Newell of Damar caught the trout of a lifetime at the Webster Stilling Basin on January 4th, with the fish measuring 28 inches in length. He planned to have it mounted so that it would always remain fresh in his memory.

* Last Friday evening, a lucky auto collision occurred in which a Ford driven by Reverend Morton Miller of the Methodist Church crashed into a large Cadillac driven by George Moore. Mrs.

.

* Dana Marie, as the first baby born in Rooks County in 1976 to parents, Mr. and Mrs.

The Girl Scouts decked the halls of Redbud Village with Christmas carols on December 7th to kick off their annual Christmas party. They also delivered Christmas cards to the residents before going to the elementary school cafeteria for a visit with Santa. Girl Scouts included Michel Smith, Taylor Rogers, Stella Reese, Taylor McDermott, Jami Morain, Jenna Morain, Rhianna Higdon, Rebeca Landon, Lilly Lemarr, Josie Stahl, Rebecca Bebb, Vanessa Mitchell, Mary Smith, Hope Smith, Molly Hunziker, Jlynn Easterberg, Amber Paramore, Tayven Meyer, Lexi Bice, Shalby Paramore, Pearl Birdsall, Jordyn White, Kristen Vandecoevering, Cheyenne Rogers, and Abby Reif.

Thirty more men and six women went to work on Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects in Rooks County this week. Twenty additional laborers were assigned to the fairgrounds project here, and ten to the auditorium in Plainville. The women are employed at Palco, where a sewing room has been opened. On the lake project, more than 50 men are still employed quarrying rock. About 55 men are at work on the fairgrounds project, quarrying rock and tearing down the old buildings. In Stockton, the sewing rooms project, which has been carried on in the Old Fellows Hall, has been moved to the Mrs. Mattie Griffin building just west of Case's Radio Shop.

What Was Going On 14 Years Ago Rooks County Sheriff Randy Axelson was arrested on December 30th, 2011, by agents of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation on a probable cause warrant in connection with the alleged distribution of methamphetamine, according to a statement issued by the special prosecutor appointed in the case, Thomas J. Drees of Hays.

SPOTLIGHTING THE YEAR…1969 * And So They Say: Frank Hrabe: “I have worked for John Russ for ten years and we’ve never had a word. So I’d say we get along real good.” Don Unruh (Saturday): “This snow is a little late for Christmas and a little early for New Year’s Day.” Jean Atwill: “How am I? Well, how is anyone after Christmas— broke.” Mrs.