Time Machine Trip to March 1979

By Lyle Hansen

March 1, 1979

It has recently been announced that Outagamie is one of six counties in Wisconsin to receive a portion of the 6.2 million dollars in federal grant money to help poor and elderly cope with energy problems created by this year’s harsh winter.

Quinney 8^th grade basketball team took 1^st place in the grade school tournament. They finished the year 10-3. Row 1: Dave King, Randy Rausch, Matt Hupperts, Dave Allen, Mark Engman Mike Verkuilen, mgr. Row 2: Jeff Weyenberg, Dave Schuessler, John Vander Velden, Eric Kramer. Mike Binsfeld, Coach Pete Benson. Row 3: Chris Ebben, Chuck Van Asten, Cam Coffey, Paul Tewes, Joe Young, John Haessly mgr.

March 6, 1979

Kaukauna’s Carol Ebben was one of 13 players selected for the Fox Valley Association all-conference team. Ebben lead the Ghosts this year in scoring and rebounds.

Surviving a field of 650 participants, these seven youngsters were recent winners in the Kaukauna KC sponsored free throw shooting contest. Winners include Mary Verbeten, Michelle Reardon, Terry Fischer, David Hinkens, Frank Nytes, Paul Van Lanen and Lisa Rickert. 

The final score of 61-46 in favor of the Appleton East Patriots didn’t do justice to the kind of effort the Ghosts gave.  The Ghosts recent personnel problems were compounded with the suspension of two more players the day before the reginal. What the Ghosts lost in offensive punch, they compensated with hustle and determination.

The Kaukauna Community Hospital spent over $100,00 last year on building modifications to meet code requirements and patient equipment. The facility showed a small profit for the 1977-78 year, according to the financial report.

March 8, 1979

Availability of federal money for the construction of a new lift span to replace the present Wisconsin Ave. bridge may hinge on other municipalities either passing their share or returning unused funds. Inflation has resulted in the cost of the bridge to increase 40% from 2 million to 2.7 million since the estimated costs in 1975.

March 13, 1979

Margaret Jensen recently cracked her first national honor count with a 609 series, bowling on the Thursday Night Ladies League.

Kaukauna’s Greg Eiting, split end, is one of 80 gridders selected by Wisconsin High School coaches to play in the North and South football game at Titan Stadium in Oshkosh.   

Suspension of several basketball players by Coach Jim Meyers for disciplinary reasons was criticized by several parents in a letter to the Board of Education. Meyers has indicated that he saw no reason to alter his decision. The Board President Robert Klister said the Board supports the staff on the action they took. The letter received by the board was from parents of seven of the youths involved in what was described as a party at which beer was available.

March 15, 1979

Members of the Kaukauna Education Association received a proposal for contact negotiations on the 1979-1980 agreement. Sought is a base increase of 10.05 percent for teacher’s wages bringing the base salary to $11,500 per year.

March 27, 1979

Police Chief Gerald Lopas said that the department will start a crackdown this week on loud motorcycles. Loud bikes have been the source of complaints in the past.    

Three firefighters take over new positions. New Assistant Chief Ves Geurts, center, Fireman Robert Nack, left was promoted to driver-engineer, Fireman Carl Vanevenhoven, right, is the new captain.

Tom Berghuis, left, Commercial Building Representative for Keller Structures and Walter Keller, President, display the Design Award they received from the American Building Systems.

St. Al’s Girls basketball team Finished in first place in the Catholic Grade School league. Front row: Becky Van Treeck, Kim Penterman, Cheri Mau, Kris Krueger, Jill Frassetto, Back row: Julie Bloy, Bridget Stumpf, Sue VanDyke, Julie Ball, Anne Merbach and Coach Joe VanLinn.

Time Machine Trip to March 1949

By Lyle Hansen

March 2, 1949

The purchase of a new police squad car marked the agenda of the common council Tuesday evening.  The council recommended the purchase of a 1949 Tudor Ford from Coffey Motor Sales for the trade-in price of $491.

The Greenland Airport located on the Leonard Van Zeeland farm will open classes in night flying in about two weeks. At present there are 15 students taking instruction in flying at the field. Of the group is the first woman who is about to make her first solo flight. She is Mrs. Evelyn Nelson of Wisconsin Ave.

March 4, 1949

Recruits, David Kilgas and Edward Belongea, who have been stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, are spending a short furlough with their parents.

Indications of advance ticket sales point to a sell-out house for the Appleton’s South Side Athletic club’s first attempt in promoting a boxing card. The feature event will be Kaukauna’s Phil Zwick against Stan Hartman of Dayton, Ohio. Boxing fans will get their first look at another Kaukauna pugilist when Gene Munes enter the professional ring for the first time.

March 9, 1949

Donald Wenzel was elected commander of Electric City post No. 3319, Veterans of Foreign Wars Tuesday evening. He succeeds George Giesbers to the position.

March 11, 1949

The new 3-cent Minnesota Territorial Centennial stamp may now be secured at the Kaukauna post office, Robert Grogan, postmaster has announced.

Phil Zwick, Kaukauna’s veteran featherweight champion of hundreds of boxing wars throughout the world, once more lived up to his greatness in a 10-round decision over Stan Hartman of Dayton, Ohio before a jam-packed crowd in Appleton.

March 16, 1949

Principal Paul Little, Athletic Director Guy Krumm, Asher Shorey, head basketball coach, Walter Rennebohm, track mentor and Walter Schmidt, forensic coach, will leave for Green Bay today where they will attend the annual NE Wisconsin conference sessions.

Dale Andrews, of the Andrews Oil company Kaukauna, was recently elected president of the Wisconsin Petroleum association at its meeting in Milwaukee.

March 18, 1949

Elwood J. Kobussen, Route 3, yesterday was granted permission from the public service commission to operate a bus service in Kaukauna and to the village of Combined Locks.

The rapidly growing percentage of old folks in our population indicates people are healthy to live so long. In 1900 only 4.1 percent of people were over 65 years of age, in 1940 the percentage had climbed to 6.8 percent and by 1980 it is estimated that 13.1 percent of Americans will be over 65.

Cliff Hinkens, top scorer in the NE Wisconsin conference 1948-49, was chosen to the berth on the All-Conference mythical five for the second year in a row at the coaches met in Green Bay. Hinkens, a senior and co-captain of the Galloping Ghosts, registered 122 points this year. 

March 23, 1949

The Kaukauna High Galloping Ghost cagers recently concluded the 1948-49 season winning 8 and losing 11 tilts. Front row; Coach Shorey, Duane Gast, Neil Kalupa, Dick Myrhum, John Kobussen, Tom Gustman and Jerry Lizon, manager. Top row; Cliff Hinkens, Russ Hacker, Bob Roloff, Roy Vandenberg, Pat Lehman and Jerry Klarer.

Northland Engineering and Manufacturing Company has completed moving its office and plant equipment from Appleton to its new location in Kaukauna. Announcement of the final transactions came from Earl Ritchie, Northland chief executive and general manager, early this week.

March 25, 1949

The future plans for Kaukauna’s recreation area which will be located near the old pageant hill site are currently progressing with the beautification of twelve acres of land behind the city ball park. The program calls for the building of a swimming pool on pageant hill and putting up a cyclone fence around the ball park. Known as the “Thousand Islands,” the recreational area is being cleared of dead underbrush and rustic bridges are currently being built. 

Casey Jansen, president of the village of Little Chute tried to steal the show and perhaps did at the hearing on anti-pollution bills held in Madison. He strode up to the microphone wearing a streamer on his lapel “Fish or Factories”. He said to “get tough” legislation passed on the anti-pollution. If fishing would not attract the million-dollar tourist crowd “then put in slot machines and they all will come”. H. F. Weckwerth, Kaukauna utility manager and C. J. Hansen of the local newspaper appeared against the bills as they would likely close some of the state’s industries if passed in its present form.

Headquarter for motorists for the past 25 years. That’s Mayer’s Service Station at 229 E. 2nd. street. By adding the most modern machinery, Mayer’s are now offering a far-reaching service. You’ll find happy motoring.

Time Machine Trip to March 1969

March 5, 1969

“We were getting good shots in the first half, but they weren’t going through.” This was Kaukauna Coach Ken Vander Velden’s observation of the state tournament district contest with Kimberly Saturday night. Kimberly notched its 19^th win of the season and the first in the tourney over the Ghosts by a final of 61-32.

An Award “for patriotic service in support of the United States Savings Bond program” was presented by Ralph E. Puchner of the Wisconsin saving bond program, to Glenn Hansen of the Times.   

March 7, 1969

Junior 127-pound wrestler Mike Pomeroy was named “most valuable” by the mat squad this week. Pomeroy who wound up the season with a 24-1-1 record. He was the only Ghost matmen to get as far as the sectional meet at state where he won his first bout then lost his second.

March 12, 1969

Sophomore Leon Franzke has been named “Most Valuable” player by his teammates for the Kaukauna varsity cagers this week. Franzke along with senior forward Dave LaBorde were accorded all-conference honorable mention last week.

The Kaukauna common council approved a contract with the employee’s union which calls for a 15 cent per hour across the board pay increase. The base pay was raised from $2.17 to $2.32 per hour as result of the new contract.

March 19, 1969

The Kimberly Papermakers become the champs of the Green Bay sectionals tournament for the second straight year last Saturday with a 70-46 win over Green Bay East.

Quinn Vanden Heuvel, former Kaukauna High School basketball standout, has been selected on the Wisconsin State University All-Conference team. The sophomore guard came on strong and sparked the Stevens Point team to a tie for the conference championship with a 14-2 mark and 19-5 mark overall.

March 21, 1969

The open house for Golden Venture Apartments, Kaukauna's recently completed housing project for the elderly, will be this Sunday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. acting as hostesses for the event will be members of the Kaukauna chapter of the Grace Circle of the Kings Daughters. There will be two model units 'available for viewing Sunday. The units will be furnished by Fargo's and Hartjes Electric of Kaukauna.

March 28, 1969

The stockholders of Thilmany Pulp & Paper Company voted by a large majority to merge with the Hammermill Paper Co., was announced by J. T. Thomas, President of Thilmany following the stockholder meeting.

Representatives of the Kaukauna Girl Scouts participated as a color guard at Sunday mass at St. Aloysius. Standing front row, Susan Vander Bosch, Meagan McCarty. Back row; Mary Roberts, Linda Vander Wyst, Mrs. Walter Rosenthal, Karen Munes and Patti Gerow. 

  

Boy Scouts of Troop 27 of Kaukauna are preparing for the annual “First Aid-O-Ree” to be held at Kaukauna high school. Left to right, Eric Kilgas, Patrol Leader Dan Van Der Steen, Jim Kraft, Steve Turk and the victim is Mike Onkels.

Boy Scouts of Troop 31 are preparing for the “First Aid-O-Ree” to be held Saturday. Pictured left to right are; Rick Vandenberg, Dave Schreiter, David Vandenberg, and Neil DeBruin, while Jeff Jaeckels is the patient.    

Time Machine Trip to March 1919

By Lyle Hansen

March 6, 1919

The signature by President Wilson allowing soldiers, sailor and marines to keep their uniforms enables the boys to retain valued souvenirs from the great war. To many a young man these visible evidences of youthful valor and sacrifice will serve as a powerful inspiration in later life.

De Haviland Aeroplane

Falling three hundred feet through the air, as his aeroplane plunged to earth, landing in a tree top and left hanging 15 feet below by a back strap until he was rescued was but one of the thrilling adventures of a young Kaukauna aviator. Oscar Steffen related his stories at The Times office. Steffen was assigned to the 50^th Aero Squadron as a forward observer. 

Theodore Molberg who was recently mustered out of the army, has returned to his old position at The Times and is once more engaged in “sticking type” just as though he had never left the composing room. He had worked here for 11 years before entering army life. 

March 13, 1919

The Kaukauna Buick Sales rooms were opened for business Tuesday afternoon. A handsome display of the Buick automobiles in the building adjoining the Grand View hotel on Second street. Manager John Coppes says the machines shown are tempting enough to sell themselves.

March 20, 1919

An auto passenger bus line will be established April 1st to operate between Kaukauna and Appleton. Buses will run every hour between the two cities and a fare of 15c charged. Passengers will be carried from Little Chute to Appleton for 10c.

Charles Remmel, of Kaukauna, who has been paroled from the state prison and living here. This week he received an absolute pardon from the governor. He received a life sentence for the murder of his father together with his step mother about thirty years ago. She went insane and eventually died in the asylum. Remmel remained in prison until nine years ago when a new investigation turned up evidence that he and his step mother were not guilty of the crime. 

March 27, 1919

The recent wrestling match here when Louis Vistour of Kaukauna defeated Young Krampein of Fernwood drew no spectators from Appleton. This was one of the classiest events pulled off in the Fox River Valley in many years. Fortunately, the financial success of the match was not dependent upon Appleton fans. 

Robert McNaughton of Kaukauna received his discharge from the army and arrived home. He was somewhat disgusted with camp life as the work in peace time seemed like “just putter” around.

Ty Cobb

For years our fellow baseball fan, “Stormy” Kromer had devoured the newspaper reports of the great Ty Cobb and his one great aim in life was to see him on the diamond. At long last the Detroit Tigers, with Ty Cobb were scheduled to play an exhibition game in Milwaukee. When the day of the game rolled ‘round Killian Zink and I boarded his early “rattler” and beat it for the city of breweries and for the middle of the grandstands where 7000 were gathered. When Ty came through the gate at the park, we clapped our hands as he was stopped by each player who wanted to shake hands with him. When the Brewers took the field, Ty played first base for them.

KAUKAUNA SOLDIERS

Time Machine Trip to March 1959

By Lyle Hansen

March 4, 1959

Kaukauna High School's big center, Leroy Weyenberg, is making Kaukauna basketball history with his outstanding point producing abilities. In the final game of the 1958-59 season, the lanky Ghost center poured in 41 points, leading the Kaukaunans to a 77-52 win. The spectacular output gave Weyenberg the Mid-Eastern conference scoring title for the season, totaling 268 points. Weyenberg is a junior and will suit up in the orange and black again next season.

Lee Jo Jacob has been chosen for the Safe Driver Award in the month of March. The award is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce each month.

Awards were presented to eight boys and girls with the top averages at the teenage bowling league at Verbeten’s rathskeller. Boys awards: Lee Wachel, 166; Roger Leick, 144; Ken VandeHey, 139; and Carl Hermans, 135. Girls awards: Dolores Ebben, 129; Carol Artz, 106 and Judy Jacobson, 105.

Kaukauna policemen investigated 24 accidents in February, while firemen made 10 runs according to reports the two departments show. Seven accidents in the past six days have been reported to the Kaukauna police.

March 6, 1959

Arthur H. Mongin longtime Packer football fan and director of the team’s ticket outlet at Look Drug stores here was re-elected to the board of directors of the Green Bay Packers Corporation at the annual stockholders meeting Monday. This is his fourth three-year term. The corporation reported a profit of $37,303.61 after taxes last year. About 150 of the 1600 stockholders attended the session in Green Bay. 

More snow was dumped on the area Thursday. Many events had to be cancelled. The police report most roads are slippery and urged motorist to use caution while driving. The removal of snow this year has cost the city $9,560.

March 11, 1959

Approximately 100 students will take part in a forensics festival at the high school next Wednesday night, according to Miss Barbara Little, chairman. 

March 13, 1959

Court of Honor for Explorer Post 51, Little Chute, was held at Lamers’ Tearoom. At the event an eagle award was given to Patrick McCormick by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Lewis McCormick.

One of Kaukauna’s four patrol women is Mrs. Daniel Van Linn, pictured at the corner of Crooks and Eight street. The children are from St. Mary’s and Nicolet schools.

March 18, 1959

Dennis Priebe, captain-elect of the Ghosts’ junior varsity quintet, was leading scorer during the past season, according to Coach Harold Kobin. Priebe scored 154 points on 52 field goals and 50 free throws.

Another winter storm dumped snow, snow and more snow on the ground leaving another 8 ½ inches behind.

Timothy Eiting was chosen from seven boys nominated to represent the junior class as their Prom King for the 1959 Prom.

The Kau-Hi-News high school newspaper has received a first place rating from Columbia Scholastic Press, New York City according to Francis Corry student advisor.

Kaukauna’s Galloping Ghosts finished the basketball season tied for fourth place in the Mid-eastern conference. LeRoy Weyenberg, the top scorer in the conference, led the Kaukauna scoring by a wide margin. He scored 389 points in the season averaging 19.2 points per game.

A Kindergarten Class at park school put on a puppet show. Puppeteers are Margaret Renn and David Roloff.  Emcee are George Behnke, Pamela Kerry and Russell Senso.

March 20, 1959

The recession of 1958 saw demand for new telephones drop 35 per cent according to the Wisconsin Telephone Company. Kaukauna has a record 3,581 phones at the end of the year 1958, an increase of 115 instruments.

The Green Bay Packers professional team will train at St. Norbert College, De Pere next summer. The announcement was made by Packer Coach Vince Lombardi.

March 27, 1959

The Kaukauna High School volleyball squad whizzed through the W.I.A.A. district tournament Tuesday night at Chilton to qualify for the state sectionals to be played next week.  Coach David Hash said that Kaukauna won six straight matches at the tournament. 

A car was hit by the Chicago & Northwestern Railway streamliner Monday morning at Gertrude street. The car was a total loss, but the driver James Erickson, of Kaukauna, jumped to safety. The car had become stuck in the snow on the tracks.

March 30, 1959

Most Sportsmanlike team in the tourney was Trinity Lutheran. Pictured with the trophy are Ricky Nagel and Eddie Lutzow.

Kimberly took first in the Holy Cross Invitational grade school tournament with Holy Cross placed second. Robert Promer is shown presenting the second-place trophy to Father Quella pastor of Holy Cross.

The third-place trophy went to St. Mary’s of Kaukauna. Ron and Don Straus accept the award from Father Quella.

The Kaukauna Ghosts basketball team coached by Jerry Hopfensperger, compiled a 7-7 record in the Mid-Eastern conference. Members of the team left to right, seated: Dan Lamers, Tom Frank, Myron Zachowski, Leroy Weyenberg, Mike Landreman and Cyril Vander Horst. Standing are: Coach Hopfensperger, Harry Gast, Ron Busse, Ken Kavanaugh, Jim Steger, Bill Borcherdt, Gary Vanevenhoven and DeLyle Bowers, Manager. 

40^th Anniversary of the American Legion was observed by Kaukauna Post 41 and its auxiliary Saturday. Cutting the birthday cake is Mrs. Arthur Kromer, Jr., with her Mrs. Harold Scholl, Hortonville, district president Arthur Gandt, Karl Freier, Post 41 commander, and Olin G. Dryer, former Kaukauna High School principal and retired reserve officer.

 1959 Chevrolet Impala