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: Feb. 21, 2001

Under a measure the Kansas House approved last week, cellular telephone users would be charged a 75-cent fee. That’s good news, according to Chuck Magaha, Leavenworth County emergency coordinator. The proceeds from the tax, if it’s approved by the Kansas Senate, would be used to help pay for upgrades to the 911 system that Leavenworth County uses. Presently, when cellular phone customers dial 911, dispatchers have no idea where they are. “It doesn’t tell what the name is, what an address is,” Magaha said. “It’s a guessing game.” If a location is provided, it is the address of the cell tower that the phone call was transmitted from.

A fire last Wednesday night that destroyed four apartments has ignited a string of complaints by tenants of the Cedar Hills complex. The blaze broke out in a two-story apartment undergoing renovation. The dwelling was damaged in a fire last December that was attributed to a candle. The blaze, which spread to three other apartments in the building, caused an estimated $250,000 in damage, according to Tonganoxie fire chief Charlie Conrad. The cause has been narrowed to two possibilities: faulty electrical wiring or a water heater that was installed earlier that day.

Billie Aye has recovered from heart surgery to remove a tumor in her heart. Billie, who writes the Remember When column for The Mirror just learned in December that she needed the surgery. But she did not go home to take a nap. Instead, during six days prior to the surgery, she sat at her kitchen table and wrote eight Remember When columns so that her readers wouldn’t have to go without.

50 years ago: Feb. 25, 1976

Jean Cleavinger and David Smelser were united in marriage at the Jarbalo United Methodist Church by Rev. Allen Smelser, brother of the groom. The bride wore her mother’s wedding dress of 1948.

Funeral services for Mrs. Lelia May Grove were held at the Christian Church officiated by Ben Saathoff. Mrs. Grove, 90, had lived in Tonganoxie since 1952.

JJ Burns wrecks houses for a living. The old Jarrett house east of the elevators on Fourth is his present project.

Miss Dana Wray was given the annual La Sertoma International Youth Service Award by La Sertoma President Mrs. Dale Oakson. Miss Wray was selected by the local club because of her determination to complete her college education after being severely injured in an automobile accident almost two years ago. Miss Wray has completed her student teaching requirements here in our local grade school and will receive her teaching degree in May.

The Leavenworth County State Lake was originally built for fishing and the sport is still popular even at this early time of the year. Many fishermen have had no trouble braving February temperatures at the lake.

Shonee “Sam” Metcalf, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Metcalf, took runner up honors in the State Hoop Shoot Contest in the eight- and nine year old class. She took first in the Northeast Kansas District where she hit 14 of 25 free throws. At the state championship Shonee sank 18 of 25 for second place. She will be the Kansas alternate for the Elks National Hoop Shoot Championship to be held in Nebraska.

“Jimmy the Greek picks the Hare five to one over the Tortoise in ‘The Great Cross Country Race’. However, the Tortoise remains the sentimental favorite.” That was the announcement made at the Tonganoxie High School as the drama department readies their comedy presentation for “The Great Cross Country Race”. Mark Swezey, the play’s director, said, “This is our best all around production of the year. We’ve gone all out on set, costumes, makeup and other areas of the production.” It will be staged for grade school students before the public performances on Saturday.

75 years ago: Feb. 22, 1951

Two other rural schools have students attending our local grade school. The two, Smith and Mound are just the latest in the demise of the one room experience across our state. Others are considering the same move so the school board met to review. Rep. William Denholm was present at the meeting to discuss the implications.  Elmwood, Walnut, Mayginnis, Friendship Valley, Pleasant Prairie, Hazel Ridge, Honey Valley, Stanwood, Hawk Hollow, Coal Ridge, Pleasant Valley and Dafer sent representatives to the meeting. The situation for the city school is the lack of funding received for transportation of these students. Yes, the city receives state aid, but getting the students to school is a financial concern. The school board will need to consider improvements to the current city facility to handle an influx of students.

An intruder knocked Norval Atkinson to the ground at his place. His wife grabbed the family shotgun and went after him. Upon realizing that the weapon was not loaded, she simply cracked the guy on the head and laid him out in the barn. Nothing like having a wife to hold the line on criminals. Sheriff Hoey was called and the man, and an accomplice were taken to the county jail. They were fined $10 each and sentenced to 30 days in lock up. They were both drunk and looking to steal a car.

100 years ago: Feb. 18, 1926

Dale Dessery expects to go to Kansas City next Sunday to meet his wife and daughter, Evelyn, who visited at her parental home in Pittsburg, Pa., since the first of last November, and where Evelyn has attended school.

The Ladies Aid of the Congregational Church will meet on Thursday afternoon of next week, February 25, with Mrs. F. A. McRill and Mrs. V. A. Barber as hostesses at the country home of Mrs. McRill.

A new price-list for Ford passenger cars, including a material reduction in the prices of closed cars, was announced by Edsel B. Ford, president of the Ford Motor Company. The new prices become effective Thursday morning, February 11. The biggest reduction is made in the price of the Ford or Sedan which is dropped from $660 to $565, a reduction of $95. A reduction of $60 also is made in the Tudor Sedan which is cut from $580 to $520 and the price of the Coupe reduced from $520 to $500. In the open type cars the price of the Touring Car goes from $290 to $310 and the Runabout from $260 to $290.

Margaret Klinkenberg entertained the Sorisis Club Thursday, February 11th, with eight members present. The following were elected as officers for this year; President, Georgia Casteel; vice president, Louise Henry; secretary and treasurer, Margaret Klinkenbert; news reporter, Hattie Davis. Many games were played and Valentines distributed. Refreshments of Valentine wafers, Angel food cake and hot chocolate were served. A very enjoyable evening was spent. The next meeting will be at the home of Georgia Casteel.

Mrs. Will Olsen went to Kansas City Tuesday to spend a couple of days attending the Spirella School and visit with her husband while there.

The Tied Circle of the Christian church will give a George Washington dinner Saturday,

February the 20th in The American Legion Hall. Start serving at 5:30 p.m.

125 years ago: Feb. 28, 1901 

The ladies of the Tonganoxie Public Library Association extend thanks to our fellow townsman Lee M. Ramsey, of Washington, D.C., for the gift of two of the latest books for our library. 

As soon as the weather permits, work on the new Zoellner-Wark building will begin in earnest. The foundation has been started, and a lot of lumber is already on the ground. Mr. Zoellner will build but one story at present but will arrange it so that another story can easily be added later on. The new building will be 50×70. 

William Phenicie has torn down the warehouse east of the Tonganoxie Hardware Co. store- room and has moved the lumber to Reno. The building has been standing about 18 years and was originally used for a livery stable. For a longtime it was in use as an implement store. The demolition of the building makes the fire risk in that block much less.