25 years ago: April 15, 1998

The Bichelmeyers have been specializing in meats for many, many years. Now, the same ingenuity that have had in selling their meats has spilled over into selling products that will make meat processing easier. Gary Bichelmeyer, who is the manager of the store in Basehor, recently received a patent for his earlier invention – a sausage forming reel. The wheel is used to make sausage for slim-jims, a popular snack food similar to beef jerky. The wheel keeps the sausage uniform, so it is easy to package ad easy to make. Matt Bichelmeyer said the old way of making sausage was with a hand crank. Their invention uses a foot press. “It allows the worker to be hands free,” said Matt. [Matt and Gary are pictured on the front page.]

Don Pelzl opened his True Value Hardware store in Tonganoxie nearly two decades ago. In that period of time, he has watched the area grow and grow. Now, he is preparing for the next wave of growth by remodeling his store.

50 years ago: April 12, 1973

Two young men from Tonganoxie were charged with the murder of Mrs. Violet Frank. Richard Lee Roush, 19 and Richard D. Henry, 18 were arraigned in Magistrate Court on charges of first-degree murder and burglary. Both were arrested without incident at their homes Tuesday afternoon. The arrests ended the investigation that had continued since Sunday when the body of Mrs. Frank was discovered at her home on East Second Street, by her niece, Mrs. M.F. Black, Jr. Henry and Roush were both living at the home of their parents at the time of their arrests. Henry’s home is next door to the home of Mrs. Frank. Judge Robert Davis refused to set bond for the two men.

The Tonganoxie High School Concert Band, under the direction of Mr. Paul Kurtz, was one of only three schools awarded a first-place rating at the State Music Festival held in Emporia, Kansas. The clinicians commented that Tonganoxie, smallest of the 3A participating bands, was extremely well-rehearsed and presented a performance that was accomplished, balanced, and dynamic.

Tonganoxie’s new City Council was sworn in at its first regular meeting and was briefed by Mayor Lee Mark on some problems facing the city. New council members are William McGee, Darrell Pearce, Laurent Stoner, and Mrs. Harold Putthoff. Incumbent Wayne Finch was elected president. The problems discussed were the state requirement that the city’s open dump must be closed by July 1975, the near capacity use of the city sewage plant, and the need for stiffer dog control ordinances.

Birthday wishes for Mrs. Bessie Schenck who will be 87 and Mrs. Mae Stephenson who will celebrate her 91st birthday.

75 years ago: April 12, 1948

Tonganoxie High School had some great representation this last week at the Kansas University Music Festival. The girl’s trio received the highest ranking possible – that of “highly superior” and are eligible to enter the state contest. The three songbirds were Fairy June Seymour, Patti Lappin, and Joan Verhage. Congratulations to these young ladies.

Miss Colene Slawson teacher at Elmwood school and her pupils will present a program of songs, recitations and readings. Wonderful way to welcome the arrival of Spring.

Ernie Gambrill, Sinclair station owner, passed away this week. Ernie came to Tonganoxie ten years ago and fit right into the community. He liked to joke and talked about a customer who would frequent the station on West Fourth Street. This customer liked to clean his pipe with the tire air hose. He said that using this powerful shot of wind would blow nicotine to the roof of the station. Ernie took it all in stride every time. Ernie leaves behind two sons, Jerry and Jimmy, his wife, and a son in California. A younger child predeceased him. We know he is up on the road fixing people’s cars for long, long journeys.

Lots of talk on both sides of the aisle about drafting Ike for president. He has consistently refused but might be leaning into the administration.

100 years ago: April 12, 1923

Last Monday evening the Mayor and Councilmen were sworn into office to act for the next two years. They are William Heynen, Mayor and W.C. Allan Sechrest and Geo. Seufert, Councilmen. Mr. Seufert was absent.

Mayor Heynen explained the financial condition of the city to the new councilmen, and made the following committee appointments:

Fire Department – Foster Laming, chairman,. C.H. Cain and W.C. Allan.

Waterworks – George Seufert, chairman, Foster Laming and C.H. Cain.

Ways and Means – George Seufert, chairman, C.H.Cain and Ivan Sechrest.

Ordinances – Foster Laming, chairman, George Seufert and W.C. Allan.

Sewer – C.H. Cain, chairman, and Foster Laming.

Claims – W.C. Allan, chairman, Foster Laming and Ivan Sechrest.

John Christensen and E.H. Skaggs are the retiring members of the old council. Mr. Christensen has completed eight years of continuous service on the council, and in that time have given a lot of time and hard work to the city. He has surely done his share of service for the city.

E.H. Skaggs completed two terms and has in the past four years been of great value to the city in his technical knowledge of pumps and of plumbing.

AS THE EDITOR SEES IT – Is this a good country in which to live and prosper?

Millions of people in other countries think so, whether you do or not. They want to break through our immigration barriers and become citizens with us. And are making use of every known device to attain that end.

American consuls abroad are literally deluged with requests for passports, with every conceivable pressure backing up these requests.

Fortunately, however, the number that can be admitted to our shores is limited by law, otherwise they would become a pest surpassing the seven-year locusts.

Think a little before you thoughtlessly condemn a country that appeals so strongly to other people.

125 years ago: April 14, 1898

Linwood Lines – Philo D. Jewett reports something over 100 lambs on the “Linwood Farm,” all doing nicely. Only about eight have been lost.

S.D. Harlow has opened a real estate office in back of Mrs. Harlow’s millinery.

In passing up the street, we chanced to hear a conversation between two young ladies. One said, “Oh what lovely trimmed hats at Mrs. Harlow’s. They give grace, beauty, modesty and irresistible attractions to the wearer and she has new goods arriving every day.”

A man with nine trained dogs gave a street performance Monday evening with his canines. He did not get rich when the hat was passed for contribution.