THE READERS AND PRESENTERS straight out of the Wild West at the 1997 4-H Public Style Revue were (from left): Tina Lowry, Doug Bigge, Deanna Soll, Angela Sell and Holly Bigge..

COUNTRY MUSIC SUPERSTAR MARTINA MCBRIDE wowed the crowd at the Rooks County Free Fair in August of 1994. After the concert she graciously signed autographs until nearly midnight, and then she and her band enjoyed some food and relaxation at 183 Lanes.

A tense situation and much excitement prevailed in Phillipsburg on Saturday night when 100 armed I.W.W. men attempted to liberate three of their comrades from the county jail. The invading I.W.W.s had barely reached the jail when several score of citizen deputies under Sheriff McKenzie sprang up and demanded their surrender at the point of guns. The leader of the mob commanded his men to surrender and give up their weapons. Eighteen of them were put into jail and the balance were marched by pairs in different directions into the country and ordered never to return.

A summer tradition was being revived on Saturday, July 28, in Woodston when their Summer Picnic would again be held on Main Street. The special event was sponsored by Woodston Coop, Stockton National Bank, Kiser Ag, Dino Discount, Bar D Ranch LLC, Leo Walker, Peterson Hay and Taylor’s Supply.

RUTH PHELPS was the Stockton Area Chamber of Commerce’s July Volunteer of the Month in 1997. Pictured are Chamber president Chris Kollman and Ruth Phelps. She received a certificate of recognition, a Chamber gift certificate, a Heartland SHARE box and a meal at Gambinos.

* And So They Say: C. R. Scott: “Did my wife tell you I washed all the dishes after her party the other night?” Vernie Degenhardt: “We were just unlucky on our Colorado trip. We got home just before the big rain that washed out some of the highways so we had no excuse to stay longer.” Leonard Dix,” I would have enjoyed the 105-degree day during harvest—but it came a little late.”

Another change in business firms—this time Fred (Swede) Colson buying a half interest in C. A. Wilson’s suitatorium. The deal was made the later part of last week. Swede is an old hand at his business serving eleven years and during that time he got the business down pat. Since disposing of his interest in the store some weeks ago, he has been itching to get back into business and he returned to his old love. Mr. Wilson’s business has grown to the point of either employing a workman or taking a partner and the latter was more acceptable with him. Both are splendid fellows and they will profit in the change. Their firm name will read Colson & Wilson.

VOLUNTEERS FOR THE STOCKTON PUBLIC LIBRARY’S SUMMER READING PROGRAM held in 1994 were (front row, from left): Jessica Rogers, Hannah Moll, Hannah Casad, Danielle Beougher, Gabriel Dix, Stephen Bigge; (middle row) Katrina Kriley, Alisa Jones, Andy Clifford; (back row) Heidi Hunter, Brent McNulty Sarah Moll, Sandra LeFort and Jason Jackson. Not pictured, but also volunteers were Nicole Thayer, Lindsey Muir, Nicole Bellerive, Kayla Cook and Heather Cook.

* And So They Say: Kerry McCue: “You guessed wrong. You said in the paper I’m nine years old and I’m seven.” Virgil Olson: “We flew from Los Angeles to Denver in one hour and forty minutes. Doesn’t seem possible.” Mrs. Ruth Marshall: “I’m going on all six this week, and I only have four cylinders.”

Jake Brooke was the new Webster State Park Ranger, taking over for Zach Kesler who had been named the park’s manager. Jake’s duties out at the lake included maintenance, checking permits and law enforcement.