Time Machine: Time Machine Trip to November 1975

Kaukauna Times

By Lyle Hansen

November 4, 1975

Deadline extensions on the completion of the Thilmany Mill’s air pollution reduction projects have been officially extended by the state department of natural resources. The extensions will allow the mill more time to complete the construction and testing of the new apparatus and the conversion of existing equipment, mill managers said.

November 6, 1975

Bill Biekkola, first year Kaukauna head football coach was recently named Fox Valley Association "Coach of the Year" by a panel of sportswriters. Roloff resigned after seven years as head mentor. Biekkola's Ghosts claimed a tie for the conference championship with Menasha, with a 6-1 record on the year, bringing Kaukauna its first title in 14years.

Walter Roloff, chairman of the board of Farmers and Merchants Bank since 1971, resigned that position as of October 22, the bank announced Wednesday. He will continue to serve as a member of the board of directors. Named to proceed him as chairman of the board is

Gail E. Janssen, president and general manager of Badger Northland Inc. here. Jansen had been a director of the bank since January 1974.

Dan De Koch, wildlife artist, will give a presentation on his interest in the ancient art of Falconry on Sunday November 9 at the Fall Family Nite at Immanuel United Church in Kaukauna.

November 11, 1975

11 persons including two from Kaukauna and one from Kimberly, remain hospitalized at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton following a Saturday two vehicle crash north of Little Chute which killed a passenger in one of the vehicles.

November 18, 1975

For the second consecutive year, quarterback Reed Giordana of Kaukauna has been voted the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point’s most valuable football player of the season as well as the most valuable offensive back. This past season Giordana broke 28 school conference and nationwide records and now holds all 5 individual National Association of intercollegiate athletic records the Pointers have set. Giordana holds conference game records for the most offensive plays, most passing attempts and completions and most interceptions thrown.

Miss Peggy Pomeroy has been selected as Kaukauna’s Bicentennial Queen for 1976 by the city’s Bicentennial Commission. Miss Pomeroy’s selection came after a two-month contest.

November 20, 1975

Mrs. Alice Poppleton of Sarasota, Florida, returned to Kaukauna for a two week visit after a 48-year absence. She was amazed to see the changes as she toured the city, stating “I'm happy to see that so many of the old landmarks have been retained.” Now a retired nurse, Mrs. Poppleton reminisce about the “good times” when Kaukauna was her home.

The Hollandtown Golden Raiders compiled an unbeaten 19-0 record this season.

November 25, 1975

The official opening of the Little Lake Butte Des Morts Bridge and interchange on December 1st marks culmination of long efforts and brings to mind the history of the previous bridge. In November 1860 bids were requested for the original bridge to be constructed of wood. Six months later in May 1861 contracts were awarded and pilings were placed in July of that year.

November 27, 1975

Outagamie county’s 1976 budget will include $500,000 for the acquisition of properties along the proposed Hwy. 55 freeway corridor west of the city of Kaukauna. Land will be purchased initially will be the “hardship” cases land on which no development of any kind has been undertaken.

Kenneth Schoenike, Kaukauna’s new city engineer, has a background in municipal improvement projects, but his engineering experience also includes a stint with an aerospace contractor working on manned spacecraft safety projects. Such diverse jobs are part of obtaining experience for a young engineer. Not only is Schoenike young, but at 29 he's also the youngest city official at city hall. Schoenike started in Kaukauna on November 17th.

As foreign oil prices soar and domestic fuel supplies become critical, the search goes on for alternative methods of doing the jobs that conventionally powered machines have now been done for us. One often advanced suggestion is the electric vehicle. But a rapid switch over to electric implements seems unlikely for farmers. The electric vehicle is gaining popularity and on Wisconsin farms. But there is no rush by farmers to convert to all electric operations until initial costs come down, and gasoline prices go even higher.

The Kaukauna high school volleyball squad won the FVA championship for the sixth time in eight years.

Private Gary Vandenberg, Little Chute, graduated from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at San Diego.

Airman Christopher J. Weiler, Kaukauna, has completed Air Force basic training at Lackland AFB, Tex.

Airman Michael P. Binish, Greenleaf, completed basic training at Lackland AFB, Tex.

Marine Private First-Class Mark W. Vandenberg, Little Chute, has been meritoriously promoted to his present rank upon graduation from recruit training at San Diego, Cal. He received the early promotion for his superior performance in all phases of the training.