From Our Early Files June 1, 2022
25 YEARS AGO
June 5, 1997
An Independence teenager this week Tuesday morning pleaded not guilty to fatally shooting his mother’s boyfriend. Ryan Bogdonovich entered the plea at his arraignment in Trempealeau County Circuit Court on one count of first-degree intentional homicide. Bogdonovich, 16, is charged with killing 31-year-old Gerald Bisek on May 17 during a domestic dispute at the home of Bogdonovich and his mother, Vicki Watenphul.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wants the village of Pigeon Falls to proceed with either fixing or removing the Pigeon Creek mill dam. Village President Kermit Hanvold reported to the village board at its monthly meeting Monday night that a DNR official had informed him last week that the village should hire an engineer to begin developing plans for one of those options.
Low enrollments in some courses are prompting the Whitehall district school board to review some of its class offerings. The board reviewed the proposed master schedule for middle and high school classes during the 1997-98 school year. And low numbers in some classes — in a school that is having some problems with high overall student numbers, and is hiring new teachers as a result — was a cause for concern.
Mike Shuda, who has been teaching math, computer science and study skills classes at Arcadia High School since 1974, was recently recognized for his commitment to the children within the school district and the community. He was named recipient of the Champions of Children Award from the Children’s Museum in La Crosse.
Orvin and Millie Angst, Arcadia, recently celebrated their love and a commitment they made to each other when they were married 75 years ago.
The Dodge Sportsman’s Club recently began a project to dredge their lake. The project is estimated to cost approximately $40,000.
A fight over a drug incident has left one Galesville man with a metal plate in his forehead and two other young men facing felony battery charges. Michael Peterson, 20, had surgery in November as a metal plate was placed in his forehead to repair an injury sustained in a fight on Nov. 10. The men accused of beating him with their fists are Derrick Sacia, 18, and Gary Roach, 22.
A survey among Ettrick residents shows backing for a community center, with interest in a youth center and senior citizens center ranked first and second in popularity. Results of the survey, which was conducted in the village several months ago were reported to the Ettrick village board Tuesday night.
Initial planning for a city-county museum at the old Gale College site has started with discussion of what exhibits and programs it will have and how it will be funded. Those and other aspects of a possible museum on the city-owned site were explored by a citizens “action committee” that held a potluck working session.
50 YEARS AGO
June 8, 1972
The Whitehall municipal swimming pool is near completion and should be open in another week to 10 days. Swimming will be free until charges are set by the city council.
The Home Dress Shop on Scranton Street was burglarized Saturday, with about $300 in cash, clothing and other items taken. In custody and charged with the break-in is 18-year-old Jeffrey Chudyk.
Gary Holen of Whitehall and Bill Thorpe of Blair took third place in the recent Plymouth Trouble Shooting Contest held at the Madison Area Technical College.
Mrs. Juanita Wendland, teacher at Waumandee Public School, ended a long career in education with her retirement last Thursday. “After a pleasant career of 46 years of teaching, I have decided to put my books on the shelf and do some other interesting things that I have neglected all these years.”
“There goes Tom Bill” is a phrase that is often heard and can be understood by everyone for miles around. The speakers are, of course, referring to Arcadia man Tom Suchla, known to his friends as Tom Bill. He can be seen going through town at almost any hour of the day or night. His name is synonymous with the word “help”, especially if one’s car stalls or one is involved in an automobile accident. He is a self-taught mechanic and little escapes his mechanical know-how. He has been a great public servant with his American Automobile Association (AAA) service. Many in the community have a place in their hearts for Tom.
Mrs. Fred Glowcheski, librarian, announced that the Galesville Public Library is organizing a summer reading club for area children.
75 YEARS AGO
June 15, 1972
Autos driven by Edward Rebarchek of the town of Lincoln and Harvey Hanson collided on the Maule curve east of Independence on Hwy. 121 Saturday evening, injuring the drivers and Mrs. Rebarchek. Hanson was driving a Chevrolet sedan owned by his uncle, Hjalmer Foss, for whom he operates a restaurant and tavern at Pigeon Falls.
Mrs. Roy Matson on Monday began working as deputy to her husband, County Clerk Roy Matson, succeeding Miss Gladys Sanrope, who has resigned to be married. Mrs. Matson has experience in the office, having served as acting clerk while her husband was in the Navy during World War II.
Twenty-six Whitehall High School students, accompanied by their agricultural teacher, W.C. Foth, and Abner Thompson, driver of the school bus in which they are traveling, set out Saturday on a 10-day trip which will take them to Washington, D.C. and other points east.
“Trempealeau County in Music and Song” will be presented Saturday, June 7, over WEAU, the NBC station in Eau Claire. This is the 10th year that Mrs. O.J. Eggum has arranged this musical treat. Among those who will perform are Hans Aleckson, Marie Rice and Mrs. T.O. Rice of Whitehall, and Rev. and Mrs. C.K. Malmin and Solveig Sletteland of Pigeon Falls.
The parochial school in Fuller Coulee started Monday, with Miss Melva Larson are teacher.
Walter Rasmussen, formerly of Whitehall, has been transferred by the Atomic Energy Commission from Oak Ridge, Tenn., to its headquarters in Washington, D.C.
A frantic search was made in Whitehall Monday afternoon for Frederick, the five-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. R.H. Matson, when he could not be found around the home premises. Anxiety was relieved when he was found at home, peacefully sleeping under a bed.
Miss Gladys Sanrope, deputy county clerk for the past 11 years, resigned her position as of May 31 and will be married on June 7. The bridegroom is Thorvalt Tweet, county board member from the town of Albion.
William McBride, 56, died Saturday morning. His funeral has been postponed in hopes that his son, Raymond, will arrive from Guam where he is employed. Another son, Roland, was killed in action in Germany in November of 1944.
Volunteers for work in Pine Cliff Cemetery in Galesville are to report for work on Thursday.
Glen Boullian opens the Green Lantern in Galesville Sunday, May 25, serving all your favorite dishes.
The Martin roller skating rink opens in Galesville’s Reception Park. Free practice every Tuesday at 6 p.m.
100 YEARS AGO
June 8, 1922
The Whitehall school board labored for several days with the bids received for the new school building, before awarding the general contract to Hoeppner-Bartlett Construction Co. for $62,133. Including the contracts for heating, plumbing and electrical wiring, the total cost of the new school will be $78,665. The general contractors are to wreck the old building, which is now in progress, and the new school is to be completed by Dec. 1. School will commence at the regular time, barracks being planned to accommodate the various departments until the new building is ready for occupancy.
W.T. Harvall’s original “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” company will give one performance in Whitehall on June 16, in their big tent, which seats over 2,000 people. The company numbers nearly 50 people. The big military band and concert orchestra require a special train of motor cars, trucks and trailers to transport it from town to town.
The Auto Sales Co. received a carload of seven Fords last week, and another car this week. All the first shipment are sold, and some of the latter.
Hilman Erickson of this village has decided to enter the race for sheriff. Everybody about here knows Hilman, and that he would make a good officer goes without saying.
L.M. Quackenbush has completed his new shop in Whitehall, front room of the former building, and with new tonsorial equipment has one of the neatest two-chair shops in the county. Either Lute or Sever will be on hand at all times to serve you with the best.
Commencement exercises were held for 25 members of the Arcadia High School senior class. Ella Dewey was valedictorian and Gladys Danuser, salutatorian.
A public barn dance was held at the Frank Klimek barn in American Valley with music furnished by the May Flower Orchestra.
A novel program and a carnival was in the Galesville city hall. One hundred beauties starting follies while hundreds of people enjoyed the number. Another 100 enjoyed the band concert at the square, not realizing the biggest show of the year was being held at the city hall. A boxing exhibition was held at the fire station. In the boxing ring under the supervision of Dr. Senty were Kid Quinn, Jack Dempsey Lien, Georges Carpantier Benrud, Jim Corbett Lien, Bob Fitzsimmons Quinn and Bantan Herberg, all juveniles from the Galesville grade school.
125 YEARS AGO
June 3, 1897
Decoration Day was appropriately observed here last Saturday, May 29, and the usual program of exercises carried out. The procession formed at the depot, headed by the Whitehall coronet band, and marched to the cemetery. H.A. Anderson delivered the address, which was eloquent. Two more comrades have been laid to rest in the Lincoln cemetery within the past year, namely A.C. Knight and George Kurth, bring to 12 the number buried there.
Bricklayers from La Crosse arrived this week and are engaged in making chimneys for W.J. Webb, and in putting up solid brick walls for Adams and Taylor’s new business block.
The Whitehall graded school closes its year’s work tomorrow, and the graduating exercises will take place at Opera Hall next Monday evening, when three young ladies, Ruth Dissmore, Ruby Parsons and Ruth Becker, are to receive their diplomas.
One of the heaviest frosts that ever visited us in June occurred Tuesday morning last. Ice froze a quarter of an inch thick and all tender garden truck was nipped off close to the earth, while small fruit was impaired beyond estimate. Fruit growers and gardeners are much put out over the coldness of the season and the unreliability of the weather.
The incorporation of the Great Central Photo and Copying Co. will not take Mr. Rogan from Whitehall, even temporarily. The business will be conducted here as heretofore, only on a larger scale, while branch houses will be run in neighboring villages.
S.E. Alexander has improved the appearance of his new residence by putting on a new kitchen and painting the whole exterior, George Scott doing the work.
“The merry month of May” has gone, leaving behind few reminders of the warmth of her affections.
Sheriff Jensen has purchased a Shetland pony for his son. The animal is quite a trickster. At the command of Mr. Jensen, the pony will lie down, and go through several other performances.
Glen Alexander, who is a student at a business college in St. Paul, came down Saturday to spend a couple of weeks with his parents.
Blair — Ole Herried, one of the prominent farmers of Ettrick, was on our streets with a load of oats Saturday. By the way, oats are being marketed here in large quantities. Blair pays a cent more per bushel than Galesville.
