Peekin’ into the past

Five Years Ago
Feb. 19, 2015

A century-old legacy will live on with future generations after the installation of a bell at First Baptist Church in Holyoke on Feb. 10. The large bell, approximately 36 inches in diameter, first made its home in the belfry of First Baptist Church at 343 S. Baxter Ave. in 1898. Now in 2015, it has joined the church’s new location at 1000 E. Johnson St. A special bell tower was recently constructed next to the church sign, which gives a sense of completion to the new church that was dedicated in March 2013.

With over 115 Holyoke youth participating in soccer in Sterling and Julesburg last year, a Holyoke soccer program has been created and is ready to roll for the 2015 season.

Peggy Rafert is the new manager at Colorado BW Insurance Agency, located in the northwest corner of Bank of the West at 125 S. Baxter Ave. in Holyoke. She assumed her new role Jan. 1 after manager Paula Carper retired.

Ten Years Ago
Feb. 18, 2010

The Holyoke Enterprise is adding a new element to their internet features: e-editions. This electronic version of the paper will allow readers to browse the entire paper — all from their computers.

Sub-zero temperatures during the second week of December are believed to be the culprit in the flooding of the Pleasant Valley Community Center building southeast of Holyoke. Members of the board discovered a moldy, wet mess in the building sometime around mid-January. Board member Garry Kramer said they have estimated repairs will be in the $5,000-$6,000 range after everything is gutted. Since they haven’t had insurance on the building for a while, funding will need to be sought.

Gage and Alec Sprague, age 6 and 7, sons of Alan and Emma Sprague of Holyoke, recently spent a day in Denver auditioning for a Kravers Corn Puff commercial in front of Disney talent scouts. Both boys were chosen for a spot at the Disney talent show in July at the Swan Lake Resort at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Twenty-Five Years Ago
Feb. 23, 1995

The town of Holyoke is one of many in Colorado to receive funding for a new police officer. The money was presented through the Department of Justice’s COPS Funding Accelerated for Smaller Towns program. The Holyoke Police Department has been told it will receive $52,632, according to Police Chief Barry Winckler. That money will fund a fourth full-time officer.

The teachers and staff of Holyoke Grade School braved cold winds and the cold nose of a Holstein calf last Wednesday, Feb. 15, to raise money for a sixth grade camping trip. The leading money-earner was Harvey Eurich, followed by runners-up Claudia Koberstein, Kimberlee Bennett and John Baumgartner.

HHS junior Kristol Bradley was recently elected to serve as FBLA state vice president representing District IV for 1995-96. She will be installed at the April 23-25 state conference in Vail.

Fifty Years Ago
Feb. 19, 1970

Helen’s Beauty Shop, now Helen’s Doll-up Salon, is now in its new quarters, which are very pleasing and modern to the eye.

Re-1J school board, at its regular meeting Tuesday night, appointed Boyce Wernet to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Willard Clayton the first of the year.

Father Edward Leonard is the new pastor at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Holyoke. He is also the pastor for Christ the King Church in Haxtun and St. Andrew’s Church in Wray.

Seventy-Five Years Ago
Feb. 22, 1945

In order to conserve on electricity, the Town of Holyoke will discontinue the free service of 8 kwh for porch lights during brownout; customers are urged to conserve on porch lights but are entitled to use same as a safety measure for their homes.

The Pleasant Valley school started Thursday after being closed for a week on account of scarlet fever.

The Colorado Game and Fish Department join with federal authorities in saying that there are too many ducks. Five years ago there was a shortage of the game bird. A movement was started that caused them to be protected, and shortage of ammunition has helped to increase the number. Federal and State authorities are considering the lengthening of the hunting season as one means of stopping the increase.