The PEEKS AT THE PAST:

"What is past is prologue."

Posted 9/14/21

Since 1886, The Lusk Herald has recorded the story of Niobrara County. Following are bits of that story. (All misprints and typos in this section are in keeping with the original printing.)

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The PEEKS AT THE PAST:

"What is past is prologue."

Posted

100 YEARS AGO –September 16, 1921

  • In spite of the fact that last Saturday was rather cold, the Node community fair was a decided success. There was a large crowd and the program was especially good, a big dance in the evening winding up the celebration.
  • Yes sir! County Agent Hyde phoned us the good news this (Thursday) morning, that Niobrara County had won first prize for the best dry farm exhibits on display at the Wyoming State Fair. This is the third year that it has been awarded to this county. Mr. Hyde said that one reason why Niobrara county’s exhibits were making good was due to the help of Pres. A. L. Sparks, of the Potato Growers association, in arranging the displays. Not only the county but a great number of individuals prizes are being taken by people of this county. Mr. Crawford has on display 29 head of Poland China hogs which are attracting much attention, and Mr. Parks has one of the most wonderful displays of certified potatoes ever shown in Wyoming.

75 YEARS AGO – September 19, 1946

  • A. (Si) West took over the office as Niobrara County Agent Monday, and is busy getting acquainted with the people he is to serve, and with other details of his office. He arrived Friday in order to meet with the officers of the Central Hereford Association in planning the association bull sale scheduled for November 4.
  • Notices of assessment for the cost of the paving project now under way in Lusk were mailed to property owners this week with first installment due immediately and delinquent after October 15. A letter from the Town Council accompanying the notice expressed the hope that “everyone who possible can will pay up in full by October 15, or if they cannot pay in full, that they will pay all possible to reduce the total so that a minimum of bonds will have to be issued.”
  • Two 15-year-old youths are being held here for the FBI, after their apprehension yesterday by Police Chief Minis Smith. Knowing the boys had connections here, the Denver office of the FBI requested local authorities to keep a lookout for them. The boys are Robert Conn and Delbert Scharbrough. Both, the FBI said, had been in the State Training School at Woodburn, Oregon, for car theft, but escaped there and stole a car at LaGrande, Oregon, and left it at Cascade, Idaho. The pair is being held in the city jail here.

50 YEARS AGO – September 16, 1971

  • Tom Teague and Jim Roth with averages of 164.9 won the two-day, ten steer, jackpot roping sponsored by Ranchway Feeds held at the Niobrara Fairgrounds over the weekend. Forty-five teams entered providing much action and keen competition. Warm balmy weather was the ideal setting for audience participation as the action went on. Charlie Christian, Lusk, was announcer. Other placings in the over-all average were Joe Lissalo, buster Keeline, with 192.9; Billy O’Neal, Dale Armstrong, 201.4; Kevin Hahn, Ed Davis, 218.9; Joey Lissalo, Ron Rocklitz, 226.3; and Bud Reed, Bebe Reed, 234.8.
  • Robert J. (Bob) Huey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Archie Huey, Lusk, prior to his recent discharge from Department of the Army was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. He is now serving the Fifth Army as civilian entertainment director at Ft. Riley, Kan.
  • Women’s lib took a backseat for a while in Lusk last week as Roy Lohr, Lusk’s accomplished tailor, found himself fighting for men’s lib. By the first of this week the battle had been won when Roy was informed that he, a boy, could enter the Wyoming Make It With Wool Contest.

25 YEARS AGO – September 18, 1996

  • Construction is underway on the northeast corner of the Niobrara County Courthouse as Norb Olind Construction of Wheatland is installing the elevator additio.between the Justice Center and the existing structure. “We have gone out to some people’s cars to notarize a title or to register someone to vote, and now they have the freedom to come in,” said deputy county clerk Marlene Sides. “Where I think the addition will help the most is that we have a lot of people who have difficulty going up and down the stairs or can make it up one flight, but are not able to make it up the second stairs (to the courtroom) They are not in wheelchairs, but the stairs are hard for them. I think it will help them.”
  • Helpmate Crisis Center has served the Niobrara County community for 12 years. From its downtown location, Director Judy Phipps and eight trained volunteers respond to the needs of families in crisis, either from family violence or sexual assault. All services are free of charge. Though small communities often feel exempt from the violence associated with cities, the program was established because community members saw a local need. Meeting that need is what Phipps likes best about her job. Bev Haynes has recently been hired part-time as Prevention Education Coordinator; those wanting a presentation for a meeting or group setting can schedule an appointment. Eight trained advocates and seven board members volunteer to assist with the program.
  • “Memories light the corners of my mind,” wrote the song writer, and nothing brings laughter and tears to people like photographs, especially long after the voiced of those in the photographs have been stilled. Julie’ Gaukel’s new home business Creative Memories is designed to preserve those memories for the pleasure and posterity, which educates people about safe and unsafe ways to store photos in a hands-on workshop that enables people to complete a page of an album in a single sitting.

 

"If you don't see it in The Herald it didn't happen."