Peekin’ into the past

Five Years Ago
July 11, 2013
    With over 122 cars checking in at Phillips County Raceway in Holyoke on July 4, a new record was set. Additionally, the number of fans in the grandstands set a new record. NASCAR star Kenny Schrader added to the excitement of the day as he was on hand to meet fans and sign autographs.
    Taeryn Trumper, who will be a sixth-grader at Holyoke Elementary School this fall, placed second in the long jump and fifth in the 400 meter dash at the USA Track and Field Junior Olympics Championships June 22-23 at Sports Authority Stadium in Parker.
    Interested citizens are invited to informational meetings about the 51st state initiative July 18. Phillips County will hold the meetings at Haxtun Community Center and SunSet View.
    
Ten Years Ago
July 10, 2008
    Judy Sudmeier is a new family nurse practitioner at Melissa Memorial Hospital. She recently moved to Holyoke from the Denver area and began working at MMH on June 23.
    Following the July Fourth races at Phillips County Raceway and Holyoke Volunteer Fire Department’s fireworks display, monster trucks King Krunch and El Matador crushed cars, flew through the air and sped across the track in a crowd-pleasing freestyle exhibition.
    In an effort to promote renewable energy in the community, Highline Electric Association has partnered with the Governor’s Energy Office to offer incentives to start using wind and solar power in local residences.
    
Twenty-Five Years Ago
July 15, 1993
    A Century Dance incorporating dances of many years and cultures, a songfest, Mass and reception will highlight St. Patrick Catholic Church’s 100-year celebration July 17-18.
    Obstacle Course, Parade of the Lambs, Hooked on Teamwork and The Last Round-Up are the four Farm Team Olympics events scheduled as a new attraction at this year’s Phillips County Fair.
    The goose population at the Holyoke sewer pond east of town is now 40 geese smaller, thanks to a roundup held Friday morning, July 9. Led by District Wildlife Manager Jack Wieland, the roundup was conducted at the request of the City of Holyoke, and the geese were moved to Red Lion Reservoir, just south of Jumbo Reservoir near Julesburg.
    Kristol Bradley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bill L. Bradley of Holyoke, will be among the candidates competing for the title of Miss Teen of Colorado, which will be held in Denver July 16-18.
    Concern over a recent surge of young people roaming the streets of Holyoke late at night was expressed during the July 6 meeting of the Holyoke City Council, and the possibility of a curfew was discussed.
    
Fifty Years Ago
July 11, 1968
    Several boxes of rifle shells were stolen in a break-in Saturday night at Gene’s Standard service station here, according to Phillips County Sheriff Fred Thietje. Gene Harmon, lessee of the station, said the shells were the only items that were definitely missing but it is possible that some candy or other small items may have been stolen.
    To promote interest in the tractor pulling contest at the Phillips County Fair — a new event at the fair this year — a traveling trophy will be co-sponsored by the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and the Haxtun Commercial Club.
    A mobile unit of the Colorado Department of Employment has been located just inside the entrance to the Phillips County Fairgrounds for the past week or 10 days. Purpose of the unit is to help wheat farmers in this area make contact with custom harvesters and vice versa.
    
Seventy-Five Years Ago
July 15, 1943
    A 16-year-old boy and an AWOL soldier occupied spaces in the county jail this week as the result of an attempted car theft by each on Wednesday and Saturday of last week, respectively.
    Wm. G. Spaeth Jr., alias Jimmy (Kayo) Davis, is not now a U.S. soldier, he has never been overseas anywhere, and he has never received a wound in the service of his country, declares Sheriff H.M. Clements, following an investigation made Tuesday. Spaeth was contacted Wednesday and attributed the misleading information to a publicity stunt on the part of his ring manager, who he claims has “ruined” him in several towns previously. Throughout the conversation, he persistently maintained that he is a professional fighter and holds victories over some well-known pugilists.