Editor’s note: To capture time accurately, language from the past generally is left unchanged. This may result in some antiquated or out-of-use language from time to time. We try to maintain the exact wording when possible, but edits are occasionally made for the sake of brevity or because such wording isn’t acceptable today.

25 years ago: Nov. 8, 2000

Leavenworth County election workers toiled late into the night Tuesday grappling with ballots that sheets of paper made up one ballot in the general election last week. That posed problems for scanners that tabulated votes Tuesday night. “We have the counting machines set so it stops for blank ballots and overvotes,” said Sheer. “Those go to the resolution board and they look at the ballots to determine the intent of the voter. The reason we’re running late is that we have two ballots, so we’ve doubled our number. We haven’t had two ballots since we got this scanner.”

Planned improvements at the intersection of U.S. Highway 24-40 and Kansas Highway 16 in Tonganoxie will include widening of pavement and shoulders, as well as new traffic signals.

Lights, camera, action … at the Sunset Motel during the filming of scenes from “The Painting.” Pictured were crews setting up lights, screens and cameras outside the motel for filming. The car is the one that a special effects crew later blew up. About three weeks ago, producers and directors approved the Sunset Motel, owned by Pat and Martha Ragan, Lawrence, as a location for the shooting of a motion picture, “The Painting.” Linda Baska, Lenexa, a free-lance agent who locates people places, and things for advertising agencies and commercials, brought them to Tonganoxie.

50 years ago: Nov 5, 1975

At long last Tonganoxie has received its bicentennial grant from the State of Kansas. The check, in the amount of $1,500, was deposited at the First State Bank. Bicentennial Memorial Site Committee Chairman, Russ Kimberlin, presented the check to Jim Watson who served as liaison between the Bicentennial Committee and an anonymous donor who through Watson, made a $1,000 contribution for use in the construction of the Chief Tonganoxie Memorial Site south of town.

The Tonganoxie Chieftains football team will compete in post season playoffs in an effort to become the number one team in the state. They are Pioneer League Champions. Congratulations Coach Mattingly and your football team.

The Kiwanis Club hosted an estimated 150 ghosts, goblins and assorted creatures. The youngsters paraded down Main Street and then received refreshments at the grade school while the winners were being announced. The grand prize winners were Pauline Folsom, Kimberly Allen and Starla Evans.

The new owners of Korb Electric are Bill and Betty Bunce. Not only do they like the business, but the Bunces like the people they do business with as well.

Raymond Knox, Kansas City, Kansas, was visiting here this week. He is related to the early day Knox family that lived on the Haigwood farm west of town, and has in his possession an old diary dated in 1868 belonging to Hiram Wesley Knox, a millwright and builder. The diary has been kept in the possession of the family for more than 100 years.

75 years ago: Nov. 9, 1950

It’s officially colder weather with the arrival of snow two nights this week. It may have been small amounts, but it definitely hints at a cold month.

Tonganoxie Homecoming dance is this weekend with four young ladies as candidates for queen. They include Barbara Quisenberry, Joan Wiley, Rita Slawson and Marilyn Roberts. The winner will be crowned at the dance on Saturday.

A British men’s magazine has disclosed what they believe is the reason for confident American women. “It is quite simple. They wear shoes that don’t hurt their feet.” 

Herb Nye has been elected sheriff of the county This was an especially hectic race and the results show how close it was with Nye receiving 5,657 votes and Arden Rhyne receiving 5,556 votes, a difference of just 101 votes. 

Popcorn from this area is about 50% harvested and looks to be a great yield. The quality of the corn is great and companies are buying up substantial amounts to ship to Iowa. The price is higher now than when the farmers contracted back in the spring.

100 years ago: Nov., 1925

Every boy and girl should have at least two apples a day, one to eat at recess, and another to give to some child who is less fortunate.

“The United States is fairly blanketed with radio service so that the farmer, anywhere and everywhere, merely has to choose and tune in on what he likes best. With Superpower stations this will be increasingly true. “After the day’s work, when the supper dishes are cleared away, the farmer and his family can gather around the open fire in winter and listen to the music of Grand Opera, conscious the while that the voice of the prima donna reaches them by radio before it is heard in the Diamond Horseshoe, or in the back row of the orchestra circle, for such is the speed of radio as compared with the speed of sound waves.

The Schools, Churches and all Civic Organizations of Tonganoxie are arranging for a “Peace Pageant” on Armistice Day, November 11th, beginning at two o’clock. All Organizations and all Citizens will assemble on the lawn of the Friends Church. These will follow the schools four abreast, after the schools have reached the pavement. The line of march will be east as far as Pleasant Street and then back to the intersection of Fourth and Bury where a short program will be given consisting of songs and short talks on the following subjects: The Locarno Security Pact Rev. Nellis Extracts from Pres. Coolidge’s address to the American Legion at Omaha — Rev. McKenzie The World Court — Rev. Schofield. Everyone in our town and community is cordially invited to participate in this beautiful; peace demonstration. The Commercial Club will present each one taking part in this march with a flag. Business houses will be closed from 2 to 4 o’clock.

125 years ago: Nov. 8, 1900 

The elections Tuesday have resulted in sweeping victories for the Republicans. Bryan is worse beaten than four years ago, and McKinley has more electoral votes this time than before. Kansas has cast its vote for McKinley and the Republican state ticket. The legislature is also Republican. 

Cyrus H. Hawkins is making quite an improvement on his house. He has torn down the old fireplace chimney, has built a new brick stone flue and is joining the two houses together. He is doing his own mason and carpenter work. 

The Woodmen had a well-attended social in Laming’s Hall last night. The young ladies in the sunbonnet drill were sold at auction for the privilege of escorting them to supper. There was as big a range of prices as at a basket social. 

The Reading Circle will meet with Mrs. Frank Fairchild tomorrow afternoon. 

There will be an elocutionary entertainment at the Christian Church, the date to be announced later.  

Chicken thieves are operating in the southeast part of town. Some guns have been loaded with fine shot. 

The Leavenworth County Teachers’ Association will meet at the Tonganoxie public school next Saturday forenoon at 10:30 and will have an afternoon session at 1:30.